You Make Me Feel Alive , Again .

Chapter Twenty Two : My Baby , You .

Marshall's Point of View

Fionna told me , last night , that I could finally have a chance to redeem myself ; I could finally show and prove that I'm a good person , and a good parent . I know I haven't made the best decisions in the past , and I'm finally trying to let go of that and move on .

Also , Fionna warned me that she doesn't want me to perform any bad habits before going to visit them . She agreed to let me see Ariel whenever I wanted to , the only condition she put was that I can't kill or hunt anything or anyone before I visit them , and that I will have to let them know before .

The reason why I can't kill before I see them is because , you can immediately notice the smell of fresh blood ; and , she doesn't want Ariel to notice or know that I do stuff like that . Even though Ariel is half vampire , she's not dumb and her abilities are becoming stronger . Even though she's young , her sense of smell is intense due to the fact that she's a vampire .

Despite that , I'm really excited to be spending more time with my daughter . God knows I've spent too many sleepless nights , thinking about her and Fionna . Anyone with eyes and common sense should know what a mess I've been the last couple of years , even though all of it was my fault . I hope Fionna and Gumball don't regret this , I'm really trying to become a new person with a new purpose , new opportunities and new views on life .

Actually , I've been sober for about two months . What I mean by that is , I've been sober from drinking fresh blood from a human or animal . I have been trying my hardest to quit completely but sometimes , I get these weird urges and desires and I can get aggressive .. and well , lets say .. it's not the prettiest sight ever . But I'm really trying to control that , believe me .

" Mornin' , Marshall " Gumball greets me from the kitchen , as soon as I walk into the castle . The guards don't really question my presence anymore , they let me in because I've spent a lot of time here , even though I haven't been in the castle for almost six years . I do feel extremely awkward to be here , it's been so long . I quietly step into the kitchen and pat Gumball's back , looking down at the breakfast he's making . " Ariel and Fionna should be out in a second , they're getting ready for the day " It's Saturday morning , Ariel doesn't have school today ; so , I guess we're just going to chill for the day ? I don't know what they're planning , honestly .

" Thanks . Hey , do you need any help with anything ? " I slowly look around the kitchen , and notice that it's pretty messy . Gumball softly sighs and nods , so I start to clean while he finishes making and setting up breakfast for everyone . Using my vampire abilities , I get done cleaning the entire kitchen in less than five minutes . I look over to Gumball and he looks impressed . " You should hire me to become your maid , Gumball " I playfully wink at him , gaining a laugh . It's crazy how we used to argue and fight all the time over Fionna before , but now .. we can joke around and be care-free around each other .

" Marshall ? " Ariel comes out of her room , Fionna right behind her . Her black and soft hair is down to her shoulder , she's wearing a cute pair of overalls over a red long sleeve with red shoes . It looks like she likes the color red , just like me .. but , that could also be a coincidence . She giggles softly as she runs up to me , hugging my legs . Immediately , my heart starts to beat faster because I'm not used to physical affection anymore .. especially , not from my daughter .

" Hey , kiddo " I kneel down to her eye-level , and rub her head a few times . She smiles at me , I can tell that she likes it . " How have you been ? " I smile at her , as she rushes to the table . She pulls the seat next to her , and tells me to sit . I giggle at her as I sit down , looking at her eating her breakfast .

" I've been great , Marshy " She chews her breakfast quietly and politely . I start to tear up at the nickname she just called me .. Fionna used to call me that all the time whenever she wanted some cuddles , while she was pregnant with Ariel ; I loved giving her cuddles , and I loved giving her everything she needed when she wanted and needed it . Also , It impresses me how good Fionna and Gumball have raised her . She's five years old and she's acting like an adult , which makes me feel proud to have such an amazing and respectful daughter . " I really wanna go skating today , can we go ? " She looks up at me with sparkling eyes , which melt my entire non-existent soul . I look up at Fionna , and she looks at Gumball for approval on her request .

" Sounds like fun ! " Gumball speaks from the kitchen , he's still trying to make himself breakfast ; I really want to help him again , it looks like he's struggling but I also don't want to leave my little girl's side . " You three go ahead , I have some unfinished business with Lady Lemongrabs . I'll see you all later , though " He kisses Fionna's cheek , and I can see her cheeks blush a light shade of pink . Then , he kisses Ariel and pats my back before leaving . I don't know if Fionna and Gumball are official or anything , but that kind of .. hurt ? .. But , today is not about my feelings for Fionna .. it's about me spending time with my daughter , which is long overdue .

I know it's going to be awkward for Fionna and I to spend time together with our daughter , it's probably going to seem like we're a perfect little family , again .. which is not the case this time .

Even though , I really want it to be ..

- A Few Hours Later -

Actually , spending a couple of hours with Fionna wasn't that awkward . She treated me like a normal creature , but I think she was only doing it because Ariel was there . I'm not complaining , though . It's been a long time since I've went out and actually had fun ; I really needed it , too . All those years spent in the darkness really affected me in a lot of ways . But , I'm glad I'm finally getting out of that phase .

It's about nine at night , which means it's Ariel's bedtime . Vampires really don't need sleep to survive but keep in mind , she's still half human . And I'm sure , she's really tired after skating for so long ; she's pretty good at it , too . I think she's amazing at anything and everything she does , which also makes me proud and glad to have her as a daughter .

She's currently in bed , waiting for Fionna to read her a bedtime story . I'm just leaning on the doorway , looking at her from a distance . I could honestly see the happiness in her eyes and tone of voice today , I'm really glad that the connection between us is getting stronger .

" Can you tuck me in before you go , Marshy ? " She pleads with puppy eyes . I sigh as I give in , those puppy eyes are just too cute ; they remind me of Fionna's puppy eyes , whenever she gave them to me before . Even though Ariel looks almost exactly like me , she reminds me a lot of Fionna . I sit on her bed , tuck her in and start to play with her hair . Before I notice , she's asleep ; she didn't even need a bedtime story , she fell asleep on her own .

I sigh as I look down at her peaceful sleeping self , she really is a beautiful girl . " My baby , you .. You don't know how long I've waited for this moment with you . " I slowly reach down and kiss her forehead . I didn't realize what an amazing daughter I had , and all I want to do is spend time with her .. We've both needed it .

Don't worry , princess . Daddy will take care of you from now on , I promise ..