Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Marshall Lee grumbled as he rummaged around his room, checking his closet, laundry and clothes covered chair for his hoodie, sighing in defeat and pulling on a black t-shirt and his usual flannel.

Floating off into the night, Marshall wracked his brain for anywhere he’d have seen his hoodie, getting closer and closer to The Candy Castle with each thought. Flying into Gumball’s window, he stopped suddenly, seeing the prince asleep at his desk, wearing a pair of shorts and a familiar old band hoodie.

“Guess I left it with you last time, Gum.” He said softly, gently scooping the pink prince into his arms. Gumball stirred softly but didn’t wake from his sleep.

Marshall gently placed the prince into his bed, pulling his blanket over him so he was comfortable, turning to leave when the other grabbed his wrist and mumbled "don't leave.”

Marshall Lee smiled and climbed under the covers with Gumball, pulling him closer to whisper “Why do you have my hoodie Gummy?”

The prince blushed softly and burrowed his face into Marshall’s shirt.

“You haven’t been back for a while and it still smelt like you. It helps me sleep, and I missed you.” Gumball mumbled, his face brighter pink than usual. Marshall Lee smiled and wrapped his arms tightly around the other, feeling Gumball grab at his shirt tightly.

Nuzzling his nose into the pink of his lovers hair, the older drifting to sleep thinking of anything else he might have unintentionally left behind. Knowing the list was likely longer than expected, he still drifted to sleep knowing that whatever the other boy held, was safe. Pulling the blankets higher, the warmth was a bit suffocating but knowing he could watch his favorite person sleep in his favorite hoodie, it felt worth it.

Chapter Text

Marshall silently walked around looking for Gumball, a confused look on his face when he passed the empty kitchen with the tart, sweet smell wafting around the house. There was a plate of steaming strudel on the table but there was another sound coming from the lab, Marshall’s interest piqued as he continued on.

In the lab, Gumball stood with his back to the door, long gloves adoring his hands up to his elbows and safety goggles over his eyes.

“Boo!” Marshall yelled, spooking the prince. The sound of glass shattering startled the boy right back, smiling nervously as Gumball turned with a deep frown.

“Marshall, you jerk! You could have blown us both to candy pieces!” Gumball yelled as he stepped closer to the other.

“Sorry, sorry. What were you working on anyways?”

“I’m working to see how different Alkali metals work and react with different substances-“

Gumball stopped himself when he noticed the confused look on the other’s face. “I’m working with different elements” He simplified and Marshall nodded in simplistic understanding.

“Oh, that’s cool. How about taking a break and getting lunch with me?”

“I would but now I’ve gotta clean up this mess and finish my experiment. I’m almost done though, so we can go after. Give me 30 minutes.”

“Alright, can I help?”

“No, it’s probably better if you don't."

“Well, what can I do?’

“Nap, watch TV, play a game, there’s plenty to do Marshall. You practically live here yet you ask what to do every time.”

“I do practically live here huh? Well, why don't I move in?”

The sound of glass breaking startled Marshal once again, but the small booming sound accompanied by it started him even more. Gumball extinguished the flames and turned back to his boyfriend.

“Marshall, you know I love you, but don't you think it's too early for that?”

“You said it yourself bubba, I practically live here, so why not? It’s not like anyone else is here with you.”

The pink boy was silent for a long moment before he turned back to his work, placing his goggles back over his eyes before stating, “We can talk about it over lunch, for now I'll finish this and you can go roam around like always.”

Marshall’s face contorted into a frown and he responded with a sad “okay” before leaving.

Gumball felt a weight settle into his chest but he continued his work diligently. The sad look on Marshall’s face had reflected in Gumball’s goggles, and added to the weight, but he continued his work. He didn’t enjoy making anyone sad, especially not the boy he loved, but he felt the truth, no matter how hurtful, was necessary. No matter how much it hurt.

After a long moment, he let out a deep sigh and cleared his head, continuing on with his work. 20 minutes later, he was pulling of his gloves, taking off his goggles and wiping his face clean of sweat, smoke and dust.

Walking out of the room, he called out for the other boy with no response.

“Marshall Lee!” He called out again, frowning at the lack of response. Walking around, checking the first floor, second, grumbling as he made his way back down the stairs. His eyes were moving around the living room, his attention turned away as he almost sat down on the couch, stopping himself when he’d heard a particularly loud snore from under him. Standing straight, he looked down at the black haired boy lying on the couch sound asleep.

“Sleep well Marshall Lee.” Gumball whispered only, draping a blanket over the boy, placing a soft kiss on his forehead.