A King in Distress (A Gumlee fanfic) COMPLETED

Bubba Gumball, King of Vampires

Warning: This chapter includes self harm. Please read at your own risk.

Marshall sat against the tub, rubbing the soapy water down Gumball's chest. Gumball sat against Marshall, his back pressed tightly against the vampire's torso. Gumball had mentioned wanting to take a bath and of course the pesky vampire wasn't letting him inside that tub without him. So here they were, sitting in the bubbly water pressed against each other.

Gumball stroked Marshall's arms. His eyes glued to the scars embedded onto his skin. Some looked hundreds of years old, others looked like they happened recently not getting enough time to heal yet. Gumball pressed his finger tightly on the scars, rubbing the damaged skin.

"Why do you do this?" Gumball knew he probably shouldn't ask. He knew it was a sensitive subject, yet he wanted to feel closer. He wanted to connect with every level of the vampire. Even the hard and lonely ones that the man had to face alone.

"Sometimes it's good to feel pain." Marshall pressed his lips against the prince's shoulder. "Anything is better then feeling numb. Also, when you hurt so much mentally, physical pain is nice. It makes me feel real. Like the pain in my head is escaping. I look at my arms and I see evidence. I see something that is real and not in my head."

Gumball rubbed soap across Marshall's arms. "I couldn't imagine feeling that way." Gumball couldn't help but find beauty in Marshall's arms. He didn't know if that was an awful thing to say, but it was like his scars showed how strong he was. He had so many chances to give up, but he never did.

"I think you're brave." He whispered, tracing the lines on the vampire's skin.

Marshall sighed, his chin still pressed up against Gumball's wet skin. He always thought as himself as weak. He thought since he couldn't deal with his emotions without cutting himself he was nothing. Brave was the last thing he would use to discribe his actions.

"Cutting yourself isn't brave Gumball." Marshall stared in the distance. Listening as the sound of water echoed through the bathroom. He heard the water shift as Gumball turned to face him. He wrapped his legs around Marshall's torso, pressing his head to his. Marshall grabbed onto his butt, pulling him closer onto his lap and resting his head against Gumball's shoulder.

"I think it is. I mean you didn't give up. You found a way to survive. It might not be a healthy way, but its a way. I think it's brave because you kept fighting, and now you don't have to fight alone anymore. I can help you survive, I'll be your new blade."

Marshall lifted his head to look into Gumball's eyes. So many emotions filled those beautiful eyes he thought he could drown in them. He cupped his face gently, watching as Gumball pressed his face into his palm and smiled at him. Marshall couldn't help but notice how beautiful he was. He kissed the prince gently, his lips barely sliding against his. He pulled back, resting his forehead against Gumball's.

"I love you Bubba." Marshall breathed out, hoping this was the last time he'd fear losing himself. He couldn't fight back his emotions.

"I love you too." Bubba smiled as he took a handful of bubbles and pressed them to Marshall's face, changing the mood instantly.

Marshall squinted at the prince. Gumball gave up and died in laughter. "You look cute with a beard, Marshie."

Marshall took bubbles into his hands and pressed them onto Gumball's chest. "You look rather fine with boobs too, Gummy." Gumball splashed him jokingly and soon enough they were in a bubble fight.

After twenty minutes of war Gumball gave up and fell back into Marshall. The vampire wrapped his arms around the prince, kissing his wet bubbly neck. The water was freezing by now, but he didn't mind as cuddled into the prince.

"Gumball?" Marshall asked, his fingers toying with the bath water.

"Yes love?" Gumball had his eyes closed, his head leaned back onto Marshall's shoulders.

"What are you going to do about us?" Marshall was afraid to ask, but knew the question was boiling inside of him.

"What do you mean?" The prince still didn't open his eyes.

"What are you going to do about your kingdom? About me?" The prince opened his eyes now. He stared blankly at the ceiling.

"I will be King as soon as I marry. This kingdom must trust me to make the right desicions, if they didn't it wouldn't be a good enough kingdom. If they don't trust me to do what's right, then I shouldn't lead them in the first place. I hope they respect me enough to trust my choices." Marshall nodded, stroking Gumball's torso.

"But, I don't see why it's important for them to know about it until we're formally engaged. Then they would have to know, because you'd soon be their king. As long as I'm still doing my duties it should be quite alright." Gumball looked over and smiled at the vampire.

"How does it feel?" Gumball asked.

Marshall looked down confused, "How does what feel?"

"Knowing you're soon going to be the King of Vampires and the King of the Candy Kingdom." Marshall blushed, kissing his lover's cheek.

"You tell me your highness, how does it feel knowing you're going to be the king of the Candy Kingdom and the King of Vampires?" Marshall snaked his arms around Gumball's waist, pulling the prince closer.

"Honestly, kind of badass." Marshall choked out laughing.

"Why, what mature language you have there." Marshall continued his laughter as Gumball turned to face him.

"You cannot tell me Bubba Gumball King of Vampires isn't badass." He watched as Marshall's laughter eased.

"No, but it's incredibly sexy knowing you're going to be my king." Marshall pulled the prince closer, crashing his lips to his. The prince moaned as Marshall deepend their kiss.

"Show me what it takes to be the King of Vampires." Gumball laughed.

"Gladly." Marshall growled and devoured him.