Chapter Text
✥✥✥
If only one could restart.
The clock’s arms shifted every second. Each tick resonating through the classroom and piercing back into the students' ears. The room was silent otherwise, as everyone concentrated on their in-class assignment. A quick and easy way to shut students up and give the teacher some time to relax, maybe catch up on some grading from other classes. Whatever the reason, it kept the kids occupied.
Lee sat at his desk without much of a care for the work in front of him. Marshall had started the assignment when it was given but as he continued to work on it, his mind drifted more and more. It lead him up to this point where he couldn’t get himself to focus. Doing math when your mind loses its train of focus was damn near impossible.
Barnaby’s rejection from earlier today played on a loop in his mind, and he just couldn’t stop it. Of course, he knew that asking Gumball to come to his little gig was going to fail, especially since he knew how badly the other hated him but he was still hopeful. They were starting to patch things together, or at least, it seemed like they were.
Hope can be a very dangerous thing. Especially for someone who has nothing but bad luck.
Sighing to himself, Lee grabbed a tuft of his hair and rested his head on the palm of the same hand, his elbow resting on his desk to further support himself. Tapping a pen on the table with his left hand, he looked over the math questions before him and sighed once again. Trying to focus, Lee started to answer the questions to the best of his abilities but, alas, got distracted by his semi-chipped nail polish.
Checking both of his hand’s nails, he stretched his arms before him and noticed how his right hand’s nail polish was almost completely chipped off in comparison to his left. Deciding it looked gross, he started to chip away the remaining paint on his left hand, brushing the chipped paint off his desk occasionally.
Once finished, he snapped back to the other task at hand - the assignment. He went about solving the equations rather easily which was a little surprising. It was honestly easier than expected and it wasn’t like the questions were different than the ones he used to struggle with. Lee just knew what was going on for once.
With a simple look around, Marshall could see that many of his fellow classmates were struggling with the questions, so his sudden spike in intelligence really did strike him as odd. He barely came to class as is. And he was aware that he wasn’t dumb, but even a genius couldn’t know what was happening in the class without showing up.
And then it hit him.
Gumball’s tuition classes.
Lee covered his face with his hands and internally screamed as he fought back a blush. This nerd really helped him get his shit together. Even if a little bit. He might just pass his classes now, and it’s all thanks to that boy.
But all he’s done in return is piss him off. He hated the way he treated Barnaby, but it was just how Marshall had chosen to interact with the newcomer, and there was no changing it.
Speaking of, Lee realized that he hadn't gone to one of the sessions for a while now. Even before the winter break, he missed a week because of Ashley.
Could he possibly go now?
Flame hasn’t really bothered with Gumball ever since Lee started spending more time with him. Even if he had, it’s not like lee was around to stop him.
Would their deal still be on if Barnaby doesn’t need a fake bodyguard?
It’s not like Lee was keeping his end of the bargain for Gumball to reconsider their deal.
Deciding he shouldn’t bother with another tutor for a while, he got back to finishing his work. There was no point in thinking about stupid boys anyways. He’s got more important things to focus on now. Like the little gig that’s to come near the end of the week.
Yeah.
The gig was something Marshall had been trying to bag far before he even started working at the cafe. He had performed songs at people’s parties or pretended to do a gig with his makeshift gang in their garages, but none of those experiences was genuine exposure. People at parties were too drunk to remember his name, and his band was too uncoordinated to work together.
None of that mattered now. This could be Marshall’s new beginning! Not a big break but a start of something new.
[Yo!
U here?]
The sudden ring of Marshall’s phone startled both him and the teacher. While the teacher shushed in the general direction of the sound, Lee pushed his hand into his stuffy jeans pocket and pulled out his phone, cursing under his breath for not silencing his phone. With the phone now on vibrate, he checked who had texted.
[You up?]
It’s Philip! Marshall looked up at his teacher real quick to make sure he can sneak a few texts. Once he was safe, he replied;
[yo!! im up!]
[believe it or not im in
class rn]
[i'm happy for you!
But now I have nothing to do :/]
[get to class loser]
[I DON'T HAVE CLASS!!
YOU KNOW THAT!]
[you do after 3rd period!]
[ugh. Whatever.
Focus on class, idiot.]
✥✥✥
“You’re not studying at the library right now?” Fionna spoke up, sucking the tips of her fingers and enjoying the remnants of her mid-class snack.
Barnaby looked up from the book he had previously occupied himself with, taking a few seconds to catch his thoughts before realizing what Fionna had said. “No.” He closed his book, it wasn’t like he was registering what he was reading anyway. Stuck on the same page for who knows how long.
“Oh?” Fionna pushed, wanting more than a single word answer from the latter. She sat down in her usual spot on the bench and placed the wrapper of the previously mentioned snack on the table and her cellphone.
They hadn't had a decent conversation for a while now. A while being an understatement. The last time Gumball could recall having a decent talk with Fionna was before he went to go see his parents -- before Christmas. They texted a little bit during Christmas, but it was just exchanging wishes. Awkward.
Taking the hint from Fionna, he explained, “They’re doing some early exam prep or something, so they aren’t letting anyone sit and study there since it’s booked out by other classes so I thought I could sit here again. If that’s ok, of course.” Gumball spoke, half ready to pack his things up and go study in the hallway instead.
“What- yeah! Of course, you can sit here dude! It’s your OG seat anyway!” Fionna spoke with a hint of surprise, reaching over and smacking the boys’ shoulder. “I was just surprised to see you here.”
“Oh…” Gumball avoided eye contact briefly, debating if he should bring up the lack of his presence in Fionna's life recently, but he wasn’t sure if he was ready for that conversation. It didn’t take him long to conclude that it would probably be much better to deal with this now than sit in silence in the awkward air he’s created. “Hey,” he started, looking at Fionna’s snack wrapper instead of her. “I’m really sorry for not talking to you much over the break or… or ever since I came back from my parents’ place. I’ve just-” honestly, he doesn’t know why he didn’t simply think about catching up again. He took a deep breath. “Been really distracted…” that’s the best way he could put it. His head seems like it’s not in the right place anymore; all he wants to do is escape from everything. If only for a few seconds, would be more than perfect.
Fionna just nods understandingly. “I totally get that, man! It’s exactly what Marshall does sometimes! And he and I have been friends for way longer! He just disappears sometimes, what’s the word-...” Fionna snaps her fingers a few times, “isotrope! He isotropes himself and he says it’s what he needs, a little him time. So if that’s your thing then just let me know! I’m here for you!”
Gumball made a face at Fionna in response to being compared to someone as notorious as Marshall Lee. How can someone like being alone anyway? “Thank you, but no. Isolation” emphasis on the correction, “is not a good thing, if anything, it’ll make him spiral down even further.” Fionna looked at the other, a little confused by GB’s expression but more so concerned with this newfound knowledge. Gumball took a deep breath and continued on. “I was just readjusting to being back here and alone, is all. I’d love to hang out again and speaking of, how was your Christmas?”
Fionna took mental note of bringing that up to Marshall, growing worried for her friend, but that quickly changed when she remembered that Gumball totally hated Marshall! That totally explains the face he made! She internally smacked her head and spilled out a really quick apology. “Oh! oh, I’m so sorry about bringing Marshall up! I total-”
“It’s ok.” He interrupted. End this as fast as possible. “Don’t worry about it.” He turned to open his book up again.
Fionna gave a swift nod. “So, yeah. My Christmas was good. We did what we usually do during Christmas. I went to Flame’s place and celebrated it with his family and Min and Cake got their own alone time to spend together. It was good. And you?”
“It was good,” he responded plainly. “Got to see my mother and sister so that was very fun! We exchanged our gifts and had fun just… being together!” Fionna didn’t fail to miss a hint of genuine excitement.
“That’s really nice! I’m so glad to hear that! Oh-!” Fionna looked past Gumball and gleamed with joy, suddenly waving her arm to catch someone’s attention. “Remind me to give you your christmas gift later before you go home,” Fionna quickly whispered before returning her attention behind Gumball. Gumball mentally noted before looking at who had caught Fionna’s attention.
The person in question made their way next to their lunch table, revealing himself to be the latters other half, Philip.
“Hey, baby!” Flame and Fionna briefly shared a kiss, a bright smile on both their lips.
Gumball watched only briefly, not wanting to interrupt the two love birds. As the two talked, GB stuffed his nose back in his book and started to wonder if a relationship such as theirs could be something Barnaby could ever achieve. Based on history and past events, it seemed impossible, but after getting a little flirty with Larry, he's started to be hopeful.
Gumball, previously, had accepted that he'd just get married for business purposes if his dad ever asked him, and he'd continue to live his life all monotonously like he always had.
Or he wouldn't even get married. It seemed like a hassle anyways.
Marriage is still an iffy topic to think about, considering he’s still really young, but having a partner he could live with didn't sound bad. Wake up entangled in each other's arms, wake each other up and fight over who gets to use the bathroom first, lose on purpose only to use the bathroom together. Make breakfast together and talk about the plans for the day. Get ready to leave, knowing that you won't be coming to an empty house.
It all really sounded too good to be true.
"What?" Interrupted Fionna's voice "the mall? Right now?"
Gumball watched Flame shrug back a response. "It's better than just sitting around. Plus, it'll be fun."
Gumball tried to pretend like he didn’t just hear that and decided to keep his eyes on his book. He had work to finish and didn't want to be a third wheel on their date.
"Hmm." Fionna contemplated before glancing quickly at Gumball. She did want to invite Gumball but didn’t want to bother him. However, it had been a long time since they had hung out together, and this could be a great way to get her boyfriend and best friend to bond.
Using her eyes, Fionna gestured over to Gumball as if to ask Flame whether he was allowed to come or not.
Flame pursed his lips, debating the request but gave in to his girlfriend's cute and very friendly nature. “Fine, fine. But It’s your problem to deal with.”
Fionna tried to keep her excitement as tame as possible, but her huge smile was infectious. “Hey, jeebs!” Gumball looked up with a displeased look. “So… Flame and I are going to the mall and I wanted you to join us!”
This was less of a request and more like a demand. “And be the third wheel to your date? I think I’m good studying here.”
“But you're always studying!” Fionna groaned. “And we’re not going on a date, we’re hanging out as friends!”
“Hey man, if you don't wanna come, it’s all good. Don’t mind Fi.” Flame earned a glare from Fionna for his remark. “Come on, babe, he is right y’know. It’s not like we’re just going to stop being in a relationship.”
Fionna made a face, trying to think this through. Flame had a point, but she also really wanted to hang out with her best mate. “Whatever! You’re right!” Fionna huffed. “But,” she turned back to Gumball, “I still want you to come with us. I’m going to go refill my water bottle and by the time I’m back, you better have your stuff packed.” She grabbed her water bottle and stood up. Paused a second. “Please? Just think about it; it’ll be fun.” A quick pair of puppy eyes, and she was on her way.
Barnaby sighed heavily. He didn’t even get to protest again. He’d just have to see how persistent Fionna is when she returns, but until then, he’ll have to be content with reading his book again. It’s not like Fionna’s boyfriend was gonna talk to him.
Flame had watched as Fionna left to fill her bottle, passing her a quick wave as she looked back. Once he was sure she was a fair away, he turned to look at G, shifting a bit, so he was right in front of him. He watched the other for a bit, mustering the courage to talk to the nerd. He didn’t want to, but he had something on his mind he needed to get off. Clearing his throat, he caught the latters attention. “Look,” he looked away briefly, “we got off on the wrong foot.” Second person today to say that to Gumball. “I may have been a little… Scary…” Flame tried looking for the right words to say. G raised a brow in disbelief. “Ok I was really aggressive, but I didn’t mean anything bad, I think?” Really reassuring. “Look, what i'm trying to say is that… that I’m a bit of a hot head, Ok? My nickname’s Flame for a reason. I just thought you were trying to get in between me and my girl so I, well, tried to make sure that wouldn’t happen. My friends agreed to help me. But…” he sighed heavily, rubbing the back of his neck. “I was gonna… y’know… make sure you wouldn’t get in the way when Marshall-”
“Lee?”
“Yeah.. He explained your situation and like stopped me from doing anything drastic.”
“My situation?”
“That you’re… y’know… not straight… Like you’re… gay….”
Aah, that situation. Gumball sighed and sighed again. He didn't know how this situation could get any worse. He rubbed his forehead and tried not to scream out loud like he was internally. How many other people know? Would Flame tell his friends, and did his friends tell even more people?
“So… you don’t have to worry about me anymore. Of course, this doesn’t mean we’re friends or anything. You still rub me the wrong way-”
Flame continued to talk, but Gumball was too busy spiralling down in his thoughts. He had just assumed that Flame had been told by Fionna, but this was different. He had just recently come to terms with liking guys, and even then, he wasn’t sure if that was for certain. There was a part of him that nagged him that he liked men because he was told he was by everyone at his old school and even taunted by his father. He always had college to experiment if Larry couldn’t answer any.
He closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead with both of his hands.
He wasn’t ready. He’s not good with these things. He definitely has a crush on LSP, and that crush was confidence enough to maybe accept his attraction to men. A controlled small circle of people would know; Fi, Flame and Larry. Maybe even Marshall, but not by choice.
Gumball's breathing picked up.
The whole school could be talking about this right now. Oh god, how many people in the cafeteria know? Is he being stared at? No, he can’t look around and check. The punch across the face at the beginning of the year from Lee was a spectacle enough, but that only lasted a few days. This was different; this rumour was much more than Gumball could handle. He couldn’t handle it in the last school.
Was there less air in the room? Why is it so hard to breathe?
Maybe if he does right by his dad, he could transfer again? And maybe even keep his mouth shut. He just needs to focus on his grades. What good is it having a crush or making friends?
Just breathe in, hold, let out.
Breathe in, hold, let out.
Breathe in, hold, let out.
Fuck.
✥✥✥
A fresh breeze combed through Gumball’s hair, jostling its trained direction about. He could breathe better now, the fresh air filling his lungs with ease. Barnaby was standing outside the school, his hands holding his arms in a failed attempt to keep warm. He wasn’t sure when he had accepted to go to the mall or put his stuff away in his locker, but he was now outside waiting for the two love birds to bring the car over.
What a pain.
He saw a car pull up in front of him, and the driver's window rolled down. “Hey!” someone called from inside, catching Barnaby’s attention. “Hey, where’s fi?” It was Marshall
Gumball shrugged. “They’ll be out in a bit.” Finding a pebble on the ground, he kicked it. “Just getting some fresh air, so I came out First.” He looked back up, putting a hand on his forehead to block the now unclouded sun. “why?”
“Uh…” Marshall gripped the steering wheel. “Well Flame told me we’re going out for his lunch so i'm just waiting for him. Assumed Fi’s coming too since they’re a package deal.”
Barnaby sighed. Of course, Marshall would be joining them. “Have fun.” He simply said before turning and making his way back inside. He only got a few steps inside the school when Fionna and Flame caught sight of him.
“Geebs! Where are you going??” Fionna asked, catching up to him. “Did you forget something.”
“No… I uh…” He sighed again. “Marshall’s coming?” He asked with a hint of annoyance.
Fionna looked confused at him, unaware herself if the latter was coming. “Yeah, I invited him so you wouldn’t be a third wheel.” Flame answered simply. “Why? What’s up?”
G and Fi exchanged a glance. “They don’t really get along, babe….” Fionna responded. “I get it, man, I had no idea he was gonna come, so we can hang out some other time.” Gumball gave a slight nod in response.
Flame looked displeased for a second, he didn’t get what problem this nerd had with his best friend, but he didn't appreciate it. “Why don’t you go on and sit in the care, Fi. I just need to grab something.” Gumball stepped aside, getting ready to go his way as Fionna started walking to the exit. A hand blocked Gumball's path. “Wait.” Flame watched Fionna leave the building, ensuring she couldn’t hear or see them anymore before returning his attention to the other. “What’s your deal?”
Gumball looked a little surprised. This was the most he’s ever talked to Flame, but he still had never spoken to the latter alone. The whole atmosphere seemed to shift and started to feel suffocating again. “Wh-... What do you mean?”
Flame squinted his eyes before looking away. He seemed to take a deep breath to calm his nerves before returning his gaze toward Gumball. “Sorry, sorry.” He cleared his throat. “We’re not supposed to be fighting.” He gave a smile. “You remember the conversation we had?” he pointed his thumb back as if to gesture the past. “Yeah, i’ll take that all back if you start beefing with my best friend.”
Gumball furrowed his brows, slightly annoyed. “Maybe your friend shouldn’t be a massive dick-”
“Hey-!” Flame caught himself, calming his sudden spike in anger. “Watch your mouth. He’s the only reason why I’m not beating the fuck out of you at this point right now. He may not be that pleasant, but he’s really tried with your nerd ass. I don’t know what Fionna or Marshall sees in you, but I swear to God, if you end up hurting either of them with your stubborn and prissy-ass attitude, I won’t listen to what anyone else says to stop me from making the rest of your life a living hell. Because Marshall had to convince me with a lot more than just convincing me you might be gay.” Flame emphasized the “might.” “You. owe. Him.”
Gumball swallowed, taking a small step back. He didn’t realize marshall had actually done more than just out him. When Flame had told him about this earlier, he just assumed Marshall said a phrase or two, and that was it. But this seemed more complicated. Just how hot-headed was Flame, and how long did he need to be convinced…?
Flame fixed his posture and cooled himself down. “I think you get the point.” he then turned to take his leave. After a step, Flame turned around again. “Oh, and we’ll be waiting for you in the car.”
✥✥✥
When gumball had caved in and gotten into the car, Marshall had a truly shocked expression. Neither of them said anything even when they sat next to each other - Fionna and Flame sitting together in the back seat. Barnaby was very appreciative of the silence, the radio making it significantly less awkward, and the swift passing of buildings and people being a great distraction. However, he couldn’t help but catch a glimpse of the latter driving, noting little nothings. Once, even catching Lee looking back.
✥✥✥
Cold air blew onto the group as they entered the mall, pop music mixed with the chatter of hundreds of people accompanying the fresh wind. Fionna had wrapped herself around one of Flames' arms and walked in front of the remaining two. Marshall stood next to Gumball with his hands in his pants, staying just as silent as he was when they were in the car.
You owe him.
The words rang through his head, louder every time he saw Marshall. He needed to talk to the other and clear things up, but he also knew that none of their conversations were ever productive.
“Let's go get some bubble tea first before we explore!” Fionna suggested, flame chimed in agreement, and for the first time today, he saw Marshall relax a bit and give a soft smile as he pointed out where the bubble tea shop was.
Gumball had no idea what that was, but he agreed regardless, not wanting to be left out.
The four of them got to the tea shop, and Fionna got in line right away, knowing exactly what she wanted. Flame was pretty sure what he wanted but viewed the menu beside Fionna in line. Marshall stood in front of the counter, away from the love birds, deciding what he wanted. Not really knowing what to get either, Gumball stood next to Lee and looked at the menu alongside him.
Marshall side-eyed gumball for a second, surprised that Gumball had not only come with them but was also comfortable standing close enough to him still. He liked it. It gave hope again. “What flavour do you usually get?” Lee asked.
Gumball was surprised, not expecting conversation. “Uh…” He looked at the menu again with slight confusion. “Uhm…” He looked at marshall for a brief second before looking at the counter. “I've never had bubble tea before…”
It was Marshall’s turn to be surprised now, expecting the other to be an expert tea drinker. “It's really good.” He looked back at the menu “your safest bet is the brown sugar milk tea.” Marshall pointed out on the menu. Gumball looked at where the other was pointing and hummed in acknowledgment. It did sound yummy.
“Ok… I’ll get that.” he looked around the menu a bit, interested in the coffee milk as well, before turning to Marshall. “Which one do you get though?” He had some idea of what Marshall liked to drink, so he was guessing it would be something sweet.
“Oh, I usually try a new one every time I come,” Marshall stated plainly, crossing his arms on his chest as he continued to look. “But I think I’m craving some strawberry milk tea today. Maybe add some strawberry boba or red beans along with tapioca but I think you should stick to just tapioca as your topping for the first time.” Strawberry. Cute.
Gumball smiled slightly at Marshall's predictability.
Marshall helped Gumball order. After getting their drinks, Marshall informed the group of Gumball's bubble tea virginity, and they all excitedly cheered for Gumball to drink. He awkwardly took a sip, feeling a bit intimidated. At first, it tasted good, but he almost instantly spat it back into his straw. “What the fuck was that?!” The unknown texture of tapioca making his mouth react negatively to the liquid in his mouth. Gumball stuck his tongue out and stared at the balls at the bottom of his drink to try and desipher what he just ate.
Marshall couldn’t stop laughing, the other two joining in as Barnaby stood confused and disgusted. “It’s tapioca, the bubble part of bubble tea,” Fionna spoke through giggles.
“Homies scared of balls in his mouth.” Lee struggled to say through his laughter. Barnaby couldn't help but roll his eyes, a soft smile forming on his lips.
The feeling in both their chests were back but neither of them had the courage to acknowledge it yet and barnabys case, ever again.
✥✥✥
It took a few tapioca pieces for Barnaby to get used to the texture, but the taste was definitely really good. A bit too sweet for his liking but something he’d have again. Maybe even try making it at home with whatever flavours hes able to get his hands on
The group had decided to go to every store that came as they made their way through the mall. The majority of the stores were clothing based and Gumball wasn’t in need of clothes so he focused on busying himself with observing his surroundings.
Fionna and Flame had naturally grouped together and Lee was hovering around them, a soft smile painted on his lips. “Maybe you need an upgrade in your wardrobe you hobo looking dick” Lee chimed in on whatever the trio were talking about, they all stood a few steps away, not meaning to make the nerd an outlier but it was clear he didn’t really fit in this group of friends. He was only here for Fionna and if it wasn’t for her invite, he would’ve never dared say yes.