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Chapter Text

 It is 4:03 p.m., starting yet another evening of Grian hastily putting on the vigilante, Cuteguy's outfit, and rummaging through his classroom's desk's cabinet for his weapon. He knows it is "dangerous" to leave in the reach of kids. But, technically, the cabinet has a lock on it, and it feels safer for it to always be in his view. Plus, he would want it in case of protecting his students. He would never forgive himself if he failed to save them, being their teacher.

 Yup, that was the famous vigilante's day job. Being a highschool teacher funnily enough. He loved it though. Sure the kids had attitude sometimes, and said their very strong opinions about Cuteguy, including: hate, love, obsession, suspicion... the list goes on.
He tried shutting down the conversations when they arise because "they're inapporopriate and do not pretain to the learning environment." It was mainly from him not wanting to hear another child call him "attractive" though.

 With the bell having rung at 2:30, he was since catching up on grading. It was faster to stay at the school and do it, since he was already set up, and that way he didn't need to bring his student's papers all the way back home.
 Unfortunately, other teachers also weren't keen on going home so fast. Grian only figured that out by the delightful knocking on his door. Grian sighed before backing out of his desk on his wheely chair and approaching the door begrudgingly, with heavy steps.

 "Hey Grian, long time no see!" Lit up Mumbo standing millimeters from the door's ajar opening.
 "Oh Mumbo, hey! I didn't even realize you were back. I thought Skizz was at my door."
 "Awww I knew you missed me G!" Bursts out Skizz, pushing past Mumbo.
 The sigh and eyeroll returned ever so quick. "Ugh. Hey Skizz." Skizz made a very fake, crying face, and Grian chuckled, "I'm kidding, I'm kidding. Come inside guys."

 The two fellow teachers walk in and let the door close behind them.
 "So, what brings you guys to my door?" Grian asked the two as he focused on his messy desk to organize the papers into baskets. He knew he wasn't going to get work done with these two in here.Mumbo and Skizz looked between each other, like they were expecting the other to speak first. Mumbo nods at him before starting, "Well, I heard paper shuffling, so I knew you were here. I also have an invite to extend."

Grian looks back to them, raising an eyebrow to signal for Mumbo to continue. "I'm having a get together tonight, since I'm feeling better."
Skizz had a devilish grin, peaking more of Grian's curiousity but he didn't even get to ask before Skizz opened his mouth, "Plus, his friend has a cat that got very pregnant then gave birth so they need adopting. He wants to trick everyone to fall in love with these cats while they're already at the party so they take them home!"

 "Awh, Mumbo why didn't you start with that. That's more appealing than a party."
  Skizz threw his hands up, as if he had been trying to convince Mumbo of that.
 Grian however, had to burst the excitement bubble for Mumbo's friend, "I don't think I can adopt, since i have barely enough time for Maui and Pearl, but I would still love to cuddle with the cats, and talk with you, especially after this hectic week."

 "Great! I sent out an email this morning and got plenty of responses but not yours, that's why I came to check on you here."
 "Huh?" He slowly opens up his mail on his phone and sees the message, "Oh jeez, sorry Mumbo. I've had just the craziest day, I would have replied had I known about it!"
 "Grian, it's okay," Mumbo chuckles, causing the ends of his mustache to jump.
 Skizz looked all gleefully and grabbed Mumbo by the arm to drag him out, "we'll give you some time to ready up, G. See you at 6:30!"
 This friday night was going to be a busy one for Grian...

 He checks his clock to see it's already 4 on the dot. Thus, he's locking the doors, and getting dressed as Cuteguy. He should try doing some earlier patrol tonight since he doesn't know when the party will end, but he can always come late if needed. He was never on time to parties he didn't throw, he always let everyone get settled in before bringing his crazy ideas to spice it all up.
After all, he's always in charge of bringing the games, so everyone knows they have time to eat before Grian arrives with his game plans.
He was planning the same for tonight. Go out as Cuteguy, hopefully banter with Hotguy over game ideas or find some inspiration from the world, and bring a cat-themed game to the event.
Somehow, he feared that wouldn't be so simply done, when was anything simple for him to achieve? He always either made it hard for himself or got surrounded by people who intentionally and unintentionally sabotaged his plans.

Cuteguy was now on the prowl. Jumping onto the nearest building to get a look around, he sees the most blinding light of the contrasting orange and blue hues... Hotguy.
Well if Hotguy wasn't doing anything, maybe tonight was a calm night in Hermit Town.
Of course not though, he spoke too soon.

"Heyyy Hotguy." Recieving a jump from the much taller, and stronger man.
Hotguy immediately shushed him, and Cuteguy looked around worried. Now whispering, "what are we sneaking around for?"
"I saw a suspicious guy carry a duffle bag into the building. I think he's planning to snipe. I want to check it out."
"You're no better... Hawkeye wanna be."
A death glare stares back at him before a smile cracks open. Then he slides down the power line to get further inspection.
Cuteguy is shocked to see the intiative but follows close behind, very curious to see what Hotguy really discovers. He hopes it's a bag of kittens or something else harmless. He loves seeing Hotguy mess up and pathetically heroic over nothing.

Hotguy hops off the pole with an angelic, soundless tap of his toes, man whoever made his prosthetics made them enchanted with that level of agility. Cuteguy on the other hand, descended slowly with his wings.
Hotguy eyed him up and down before beckoning him forward. They enter the building ever so quietly and begin to look around. Cuteguy went left, and the other went right. Hotguy must have spotted something on the other side, because when Cuteguy turns to signal "clear", Hotguy is pulling out his bow and arrows.

 The suspect must have dropped something which makes him turn around and notice the guys, and damn he's fast because he flees behind a wall, out of sight.
 Hotguy sprints behind him, and following him is Cuteguy, slightly regretting staying up late last night- his legs are begging for rest.
On the other side of the wall was a staircase, all three pairs of the men's feet are heard clattering behind each other in a rhythm.
However, once Hotguy is up there, he's hesitant. He lost the suspect and pulls his bow into position again. Cuteguy is just as cautious, back to back with Hotguy. Their shoulder blades rub against each other at any small sound. Their heat eminates off of another, making them feel slightly safer.
 "There!" Hotguy turns his head over his shoulder and yells in a whisper against Cuteguy's ear.

They start to chase the guy into the nearby hallway where he disappears again. Just then a sound rattles in the door to the right of them. They approach slowly, weapons in hand, searching both sides of the hall before approaching. They get to the edge of the door when a yelp escapes Grian's mouth. He was shoved full force into Hotguy's back, causing them both to tumble down.

 The door was slammed and they could hear things being shoved in the door's way, barricading them inside.
 Hotguy was faceplanted into the ground, but Cuteguy, he was planted in Hotguy's back. His nose pushed against Hotguy's warm, and sweaty neck. It wasn't as gross as he would have assumed. It felt nice to bury his head in the crook of Hotguy's neck. It reminded him a lot of Scar's hugs. He felt safe here. His heart beated ever so quickly against Hotguy's muscles. Hotguy's face went red from hearing the lighter man's heart pound. Meanwhile, Cuteguy's arms, in trying to save his fall, grabbed onto Hotguy's biceps, being the closest thing in reach. He could feel Hotguy's muscles tightening as he saved his own fall, it made him feel.. wrong to caress Hotguy's arms, not only do they barely know each other, but it filled Grian's head with unwanted thoughts about Hotguy's strength and how Hotguy could totally pick him up, carry him, even tussle around with him playfully-

 "What did you do that for!" Accused Hotguy, wrestling his way out from under Cuteguy and letting Cuteguy roll off his back.
 "Me? I didn't do that!" Cuteguy retaliated back, dusting himself off from the impact of rolling onto this dirty, closet floor. He snatched his legs up to his chest, embarrassed by the brief closeness they just had.
A loud groan escapes Hotguy's mouth before the other man could explain.
 

 "I was pushed," Cuteguy flails his arms at the ignorant man, "maybe he had an invisibility potion because I was very careful in checking both directions!" He was re-enacting in place, as if that would help Hotguy believe him.
 "If he has an invisibility potion that means we're dealing with a much more dangerous man than I assumed." Hotguy started contemplating more rationally now.

 "Well this was your guy, not mine and now I'm in this issue, so can you stop talking and try to break that door down already?"
 "I didn't ask you to come with me smartass, you just followed!" He took the rage he was channeling through his voice, and aimed it towards the door instead. He kicked with all his might... no budge. Just a quiet ow, and a wince from Scar. He pulled down his sock from his lower thigh and examined the pinkish tone of the skin, irritated from the force against the prosthetic.
 

 "Why would you use your leg and not your arm, knowing about your prosthetic?!" Cuteguy didn't wait for an answer, and instead tried on his own now, slamming his arm against the door. A rattle could be heard, but it didn't unlock the door. Cuteguy grunted and turned away from the door like it was a person who insulted him. "Great. We are stuck. I am stuck in here, with YOU of all people." He dragged out the word "all" with utter disbelief.

 Hotguy's hands were firm on his face in annoyance of the situation. He was breathing in and out through his mouth to calm down and think about this helpfully, not angrily. Cuteguy just ignored him, pressing his hand against the shelves in here, searching for any possible way out, or insight on the suspect. He even tried climbing the shelves to check for vents, as there was no way his wing would be able to expand and fly within this closet. There was one vent, but it was way too small for either of them to get out. He instead gave a shout for help. No one responded back through the vent, which is sadly what he expected.
 

 They were most definitely stuck here. And there was no way of telling how long their imprisonment would last.

Chapter Text

 Hotguy looked around the room. It was dawning on him the more he searched, the more tight this room was.

 "I am so sick of this tiny room. I'm just going to shoot the door until I can pry it open." He pats around his body, tensing up when he feels nothing on his hips, or in his pockets. "Did you see my gun anywhere?" He vigorously searches the floors of the closet. Hotguy joins him in searching.
 Hotguy starts looking under his side of the shelves, "No... maybe it fell when you were pushed and the guy took it?"
 Cuteguy slammed his hands against the door, "of course, of course that would happen to me." He slumped down on the wall, head on his knees.

 "...I'm getting hungry, I won't lie." Scar pitched in to break the awkward silence between them.
 "Really? That's what you're thinking about right now?" Hotguy's head dropped, obviously it wasn't his only thought. But nothing else was a pleasant thought either. Cuteguy continued on his rant, ignoring how Hotguy reacted, "Not the fact we could be stuck in this room forever, with each other. Not the idea that the suspect could be killing someone, or come back and kill us? Not about us maybe being demolished inside the building when they decide to replace it with a mall? Not even the thought of how to get out of here?!" Throughout the many questions, he stood and paced back and forth in front of Hotguy, listing the things on his fingers.

 Hotguy didn't know what to say. Honestly, he assumed Cuteguy would yell at anything he would say from now on. He still wanted to defend himself though, "I do have other thoughts, even wonderful friends I'm thinking of, but I'm trying to distract myself. I promised one of them.. that I would see them tonight. Now I messed it all up. I mess everything up."

 "Oh... Hotguy, I- I'm sorry. Ok? I didn't mean to make you actually feel bad. You aren't the one messing everything up, I made mistakes too. I'm upset because I also had plans tonight. They made a whole big deal about it, and I was actually going to ask you for ideas for a game. I normally bring games or event ideas to my friends to spice up our boring lives. Being a vigilante has made it far from boring now though, huh? This mission has been awfully eventful, and it's nice to spend time with someone, even you."

 Hotguy chuckles, a single tear escaping his eye but he wipes it away quickly, to avoid Cuteguy from noticing how weak he can be. He did truly appreciate his words though. It feels nice for his presence to be enjoyed, Cuteguy was even going to come to him for advice! "What were your plans?" Hotguy leans into the shelf, and spreads his legs out straight into a half up-half laying down position. Cuteguy sat on the shelf on the opposite wall, so that he could face the other as they talked. Hotguy's legs were pressed against Cuteguy's thighs, as the space wasn't long enough for Hotguy's tall stature. Cuteguy looks him up and down, "If I tell you that, you may crash my party." "If we get out of here."
 "When we get out. We'll figure it out, you're a hero after all." He gives a small smile to hopefully make Hotguy feel better, having seen the tear earlier. "Well then, I promise you I will not, by any means, crash your party... unless things are dangerous and you need me." He winks and flexes his muscles, earning adorable laughter from Cuteguy.
 "Fine, you're a great persuader. My friend, also colleague, invited me out for an event, specifically a kitten adoption.."

 "Kittens? Awh I maybe will interrupt it! I love cats! I have a cat named Finnigan! Did you want help with a game about cats?" Cuteguy pondered... sounded familiar, didn't he know someone who had a cat named Finnigan? "Someone who's going there tonight also has a cat named Finnigan... but I guess you guys have the same taste in weird names. Regardless, I do need game help."
 Hotguy's eyes lit up, like he was going to meet his soulmate. "I must meet that guy! And I'm sorry Cutie but only games I can think of when I hear cats are cat toys and I don't think your colleagues would love that very much.. might be the wrong age range."
 "Thanks for the thought anyways, well it's your turn now Hot Stuff, don't think I'm the only one spilling my life story!"
 "Alright, alright Cutie Pie, chill." Cuteguy glared like his eyes could kill him for that nickname, but Hotguy just laughed at the hypocrisy. "My friend also invited me to hang out. He was sick and really missed all of his friends."

 Odd. Very odd. Cuteguy just assumed he was thinking into it too much, this is much too general information. Right? It must be. This man could not be a co-worker, let alone a friend of his. He would've noticed. He had to have noticed. He starts rubbing his hands against his thigh, trying not to overthink how much worse these every day patrols would be if he knew who Hotguy was behind those beautiful glasses and pinned hair, and tight... enticing outfit.
 "Are you okay Cuteguy?" He asks, seeing Cuteguy's nervous hands progressively rub faster and deeper against his own legs.
 He snaps out of his thoughts and stops moving his hands. Instead he picks himself back up, "yes, perfectly fine. I just find it ironic... a little scary... about how similar our evenings would have been. Anyway, can we try to push this open together?"
 Hotguy stood up, and approached the door with Cuteguy, "Why are you nervous about our coincidental situation.." His eyes sparkle and he gives a devilish grin, which makes Grian feel overwhelming sweat bead up on his back, where his costume is cut out for his wings' safety.

 Cuteguy shakes off the sweat and braces the door. "Ready?"
 Hotguy counts down at a steady pace, but Grian barely listens, all he thinks of is the closeness of them again. Looking Hotguy in the eye, as they face each other while leaning one arm on the door. His very defined muscles inches away from Grian's face. He could feel the wings on his ear fluttering, but hopes Hotguy assumes it's nervousness. He wants to just reach out and drag his hand down Hotguy's warm, defined, toned, tanner than his own, beautiful body. Every mole, and traces of facial hair could be seen. He wanted no better than to- "1, now!" Hotguy chanted.
 

 Hotguy himself wasn't any better. As he counted, he contemplated slowing down to enjoy the moment they were in. Cuteguy was certainly very cute, and he was the luckiest man ever to be this close to him. He could smell a distinct, semi-floral scent on him. It reminded him of Grian, he always felt comfortable around Grian, this smell now made him feel secure. He wanted to hold Cuteguy and bury his face in his chest. His clothing looked so soft. And he dreamed to touch the intricately layered, long, gorgeous feathers emerging from Cuteguy's back. To feel the scar where his back separates for the wings. To feel his skin anywhere, everywhere. He had such nice, pale, smooth skin. Every wrinkle made when he smiled encapsulated Scar. He couldn't stop thinking of Cuteguy, even when he wasn't in costume. But he needed to stay focused, and did not want Cuteguy to get suspicious of his crush, or uncomfortable by the prolonged counting.
 

 They thud against the door in harmony, and hear a crack, they try looking to see if the door cracked open but it gave no help. This door would not budge, unless they pounded their force into it a hundred more times. Which Grian did NOT have in him to do. Plus, Hotguy's bow was useless as there wasn't enough room to properly shoot an arrow in here.

 Hotguy stared intently at Cuteguy's arms until Cuteguy noticed, "is your arm okay?" He reached out to hold his shoulder.
 Cuteguy flinched, "yeah, don't worry about me Hotguy." Cuteguy frantically looks around again, and even tried to yell through the vent a second time, "Hello? Anyone there? We're stuck in a closet!"
 Hotguy continues with his previous thoughts before the countdown, "earlier, you seemed nervous about our similarities in life. Are you afraid to meet the real Hotguy because you're just so in love with me already?"
 "Oh funny mister.." He says looking back at Hotguy before leaning into the vent, hoping for a response.
 "What? I'm amazing at everything, no shock that you'd-"

 "Shush." Hotguy looked offended but quickly saw how intent Cuteguy was focusing on the vent, he figured there must have been a response.
 "Yes! In the abandoned looking building, second floor, you should see a door buried by objects!" Relief waved over them both, they weren't sentenced here for eternity... maybe.
 "They're coming for us?"
 "Yes Hotguy, someone finally is!" They cheered and Hotguy pounced at him, and lifted Cuteguy into a hug. Cuteguy reciprocated instinctually, wrapping his arms tight around Hotguy's neck, and they chuckle as they spinned. Almost immediately after, they both realized that this was their first actual time intentionally making physical contact.
 They separated in a flash after that thought and chuckled more, but awkwardly now.

 "So... want to talk more until our savior arrives?" "Depends. If I don't give away my identity to the egotistical man, I'm sure banter won't hurt. Let's stay back from the door though, for our sake." "Right. Well how about a question, are you seeing anyone romantically?" Hotguy asks seeing it was relevant to his past remark about Cuteguy loving him, even though he doubted it, it's still interesting to know.
 "If you want a date, just ask." He rolled his eyes, but couldn't keep serious for long, he broke out in giggles, "sorry, sorry. No I am not seeing anyone."

 Hotguy very badly hid his smile, showing the sliver of hope he had.

 "I am, however, interested in someone very dear to me." Cuteguy shrugged, feeling the overwhelming burden to get it all off his chest, "I can't talk to my friends or colleagues as everyone knows him. So I hope you don't mind me talking about it. Do you?" 

 "Of course not!" His chest stung, but if he wanted to at least be friends with his rival, he shouldn't be selfish now.
 "He is amazing truly. So kind, and always gentle. I will admit he's an airhead. He doesn't always consider his health or the success of things before he does them, but he always follows his heart. Man, he is dedicated to something when he starts it. I don't see us going anywhere further with our relationship. Generally, I don't see him having romantic feelings towards me though; he treats me the same as all of our friends."
 "Sorry to hear about that man." 

 "It's alright, I'm content as long as I have him in my life at all. Sure, my heart might skip a beat when he gives me a valentines gift, even though I know he gave everyone one, but... it's the thought that counts." Hotguy made him feel nervous, and excited too, but with Scar it was much more intense. Around Hotguy, all he could think about was Scar anyways, they have very similar bodies, in which were Grian's type, but Scar had the personality Grian truly knew, adored, and felt safe around. He misses Scar. He wishes he was hanging out with him at the party already... "Enough about me, I'm sure you want to hear no more. Anything romantic in your life?"
 Hotguy was severely debating on answering or not, knowing the only man he thought about with intense passion was the one sitting before him. He fantasized of holding Cuteguy against him as Cuteguy's wings shileded them from the world. He thought of Cuteguy's beautiful dirty blonde, almost brunette hair. His eyes sparkled at photos of Cuteguy. He dreamt of the day Cuteguy would plant kisses on his face. He knew that even if Cuteguy found him attractive, it would never be to the level of this guy he ranted about. So why bother mentioning it.
 Luckily he was saved by the noises outside the door. Grunting of a person, and crashes of falling objects. They both focused intensely on the door, with anticipation boiling inside them. 

 The door knob was turning now... The moon, oh the beautiful moonlight. Not much more lit up then the closet's dim light, but it was representative of freedom. A woman gleefully welcomed them out, with a camera set on the floor behind her. Pearl. Cuteguy recognizes her from a past interview she tried doing, asking if the two men were dating. He of course denied it, and thought he'd avoid her from then on, but man he was overjoyed to see her right now.

 "Thank you so much, I can never make it up to you!" Hotguy started shaking her hands, fighting back tears.

 "Well! You could give an interview!" She proposed.

 "Could it wait a day? I have places to be tonight, I'm so sorry."

 "I suppose. Same for you Cuteguy." She snarled. He shrugged smugly and exited the closet,

 Cuteguy figures he won't be able to escape her now, "Not too keen on interviewing, but I really appreciate the help. What time is it by the way?"

 She smiles warmly, "It is 8:19. Now boys, I will be on my way as you guys will be too, I assume. Don't get locked in another room alright?" They nod, as they readjust to the free, stretch-allowing space. 

 Cuteguy goes off to look for his gun amongst the items and feels his heart float as he finds it underneath a giant desk that was shoved in the door's way. "I found my gun-" Hotguy was long gone, he must've really been late to his event. Speaking of, he also needed to scram before people think too hard about his absense. He dived out the window, soaring through the air, and back to the school parking lot. He grabs his keys from his pocket, and gets in his car. Inside his car was his bag on the passenger seat. He digs through for his phone and sees many missed calls from Jimmy.

Tim

> g where are u?

> griannnnn

> omg grian answer! did you fall asleep at your desk?

> dont bail on mumbo bro, not cool

> there are cats here. get here asap

Then there was Mumbo, who thankfully only sent one text, "Are you still coming tonight? No problem if you can't!" He figured this was easier to respond to. "Yes Mumbo, on my way now. Got caught up with something." With that, he threw his phone back down on the seat and drove home to change. He could change here but he only had his clothes from earlier, and he didn't want to change back into them in a car. He was not in the mood for more cramped struggling after all of today’s havoc.

Chapter Text

 Struggling to take the tight, chest constricting, mesh shirt off, Scar falls on his bed in defeat. His shirt was at least half off him, but it got stuck right above his chest, the fabric bunching up at his shoulders, cutting off circulation. That stuffy closet made his shirt stick to his sweaty body. His arms were already tired and weak but he had to get to the party. Better yet, before anything he needs to let his legs rest from the metal prosthetics jabbing into his thighs after that terrible attempt to kick in the door.

 As nice as staying home sounded, Mumbo was really struggling with that flu. Anytime someone called him about his class or where certain papers were, he sounded like a zombie on the other side. His voice was hoarse, and strained. He kept sniffling, and sneezing. It was a very concerning thing to hear.

 Mumbo was always a help to anyone who asked, and Scar had great laughs around him. Like the one day Mumbo was challenged by the other teachers to prevent Scar from getting hurt. Somehow, the peaceful teaching job did not make him less of a hazard to himself. He hit his arm on his desk when he was moving his chair, stabbed himself on accident with the pointy side of the pencil when he thought he was pointing the eraser side, and slammed his pinky in his file cabinet. He was a recipe for disaster always, but Mumbo didn't even judge. He just accepted it, and got him ice for the bruises before giving up hope on the dare.

 Regardless of all of that, it was a party with all of his friends. Of course it would be fun. Plus, it was too late to call and say he felt unwell now, because then he'd still get bombarded with questions on why it took him so long to let them know. So he might as well face the curiosities in person and hope to hide the truth of what happened.

 Scar rolled over in his bed and grabbed a shirt off of the bed's end that he tossed there this morning. He was picky about his shirts. Being a teacher meant he obviously couldn't be shirtless, as easy as that was. Yet, it didn't mean he had to dress like trash either. Most times he would wear a tight-fitted, v-shaped neckline or polo without buttoning up the top two buttons, to give him breathability. His figure always looked best in those shirts, making him feel confident to face the world.

 He gripped the bedsheets in front of him, pulling himself to the edge of the bed. From there he pushed himself off the bed and managed to get situated into his wheelchair. He changed into looser, cargo shorts compared to Hotguy's outfit. He stared at himself beautifully wrapped in his tight t-shirt and cargo shorts, he felt ready.

 He tucked all of his Hotguy attire away to be washed when he got home, but for now- hidden.

 Before he could leave, a cat hopped on his thigh, gentle not to have his claws out to scratch. "Hi sweetie!" Scar cheered up more than ever, his cat Finnigan had awoken from the peaceful nap with Katy. Scar avoided them earlier, not wanting to wake the two when they were cuddling so cutely. He petted Finnigan some before Finn stretched and jumped off to go eat.

 With his freed thigh, he connected his prosthetics again, and got out the house. After getting his wheelchair in the trunk, he drove over to Mumbo's house.

 Meanwhile, Grian was stretching in his spacious room. The rest of his place may be cluttered, but his room was peaceful. Well, as peaceful as can be without cats jumping on his bed, very excited to see him.

 "Hi Maui!" Grian bent down to rub behind her ear and lay a kiss on his beloved cat's forehead before she ran off into the living room. He let out an offended gasp, beckoning for Maui to come back, but he was long gone. Of course when he wants to give him attention, Maui is energetic. However, when he's working, he's all over Grian's stuff. Laying on his student's work, and kicking his pens off the coffee table. The cutest cats are always a little mischievous.

 Grian walked over to the safe behind his dresser, unlocked it and gently placed his gun in. Checking that the safety was in place first. Then he shut and locked it. It was safe, he was safe. No one, not even a cat would see the gun.

 After that, he worried about his attire. Untying the bow on the shirt, he peeled off his shirt. Then his shorts. He unclasped the heart buckle, then unzipped his shorts. He jumped into some straight jeans and slipped on the bottom of the hems, falling backwards onto his bed. By crashing on his wings, he remembered that he had to tuck those away before visiting his friends. He retracted his wings into his back, letting out a grunt from the pressure on his feathers, but it was over in no time. He got back to his pants, buttoning, then zipping. Now he could look for the shirt. Pushing hangers to the left, he scanned for a nice, non-wrinkly t-shirt. Casual but doesn't look low effort.

 He pulled it over his head then stuck his face in the mirror. Tucking away the wings on his ears, and finding his glasses, he was now ready as well. He folded his Cuteguy outfit on his dresser and threw his bag's strap over his shoulder. Time to drive again, yay... Even as fatigued as he was, he was alive enough to drive, so no excuse.

 Just as he pulled into Mumbo's driveway, and parked, a familiar face pulled in behind him. Scar! Scar flashed a sincere smile to Grian as he exited his car.

 "Did you just get here too?" Scar suggested with excitement in his tone despite tardiness being a frowned upon thing. “I was late because I was getting help to construct a new shelf in my room and we got stuck with the project, I was practically stuck in my bedroom you could say.
 "Oh, I thought you went out to get supplies or something else, I didn't realize you only just got here as well." Grian chuckled and bunched up his shirt in his fist, maybe now his tardiness wouldn't be so noticeable?
Scar didn't notice his nervousness, and just tugged on Grian's arm to urge him forward towards the door. As he wheeled closer to the door he turned to Grian, "Why were you late? You are normally early scheming things before anyone arrives.”
 "Oh.. well you know..." what could he say that made sense for Grian as a person and for a Friday evening. Plus whatever he said now he'd have to stick with all party. "Maui was puking when I got home and I wanted to make sure he was okay before I left him unattended.." Scar seemed genuinely moved, even saddened by that excuse.
With his pouty face and big, glistening eyes, Scar sniffled as if holding back tears. "Poor Maui, is that sweet baby okay?"
 "Yes Scar, he is now, vet said he must have eaten something inedible, knowing him it was one of my scrap papers or a bit of an eraser."
Relief washed over both of them. Scar was happy to hear about Maui doing well, meanwhile Grian's relief came from the lie being convincing. Scar remarks, "Pearl would never though, I'm sure."
Laughter was shared amongst them both as Grian nods in agreement. Even though Maui didn't actually get sick, it would be typical of him seeing as he's always running away from Grian when he can give Maui his undivided attention. Overall, Pearl is his well-behaved cat.

 "Finally you two!" Jimmy leapt out the front door with his arms flailing and open for a hug.
 "Hey Tim" Grian choked out as Jimmy suffocated him in a tight hug.
Jimmy let him go and bends slightly to give Scar an equally tight hug in his wheelchair, "Jimmy! Sorry that I'm late, glad you guys are still partying!"
Jim's eyes widen and he straightens out with his arms pin straight to his torso, "why were you two so late? It's been two hours! And Grian over here loves making me think he's dead because he'll ignore me yet not ignore Mumbo!" His arm moves to point an accusing, threatening finger inches away from Grian's nose.
 Grian chuckled at the blonde's face going red with frustration, and took a step back away from the aggressive pointing. "It's his party, and if I spent time explaining it to you then, it would have taken me hours to get here."

Scar giggles but Jimmy's mouth widened and his brows furrowed. Luckily for the late arrivers, Jimmy was interrupted by a warm presence creeping on his neck, and landing a hand on his shoulder.
 "Jim, can't you let them come inside before you jump on their backs?" Tango, the Chemistry teacher, was dressed in a sleeveless black turtle neck, and fully red, baggy cargo pants. His hair and tail illuminated him like a candle's light, yet somehow his smile was even brighter. He tipped his glasses down the bridge of his nose as he eyed Jimmy waiting for a response. Maybe an apology to the two boys? Or he just wanted Jim to get inside?
Jimmy huffed and crossed his arms, "Did Mumbo send you to babysit me? Because I'll have you know I am very capable of being safe and nice, I was not pestering-" Jimmy's rant became quieter until inaudible as Tango pulled him inside the house by the collar of his shirt.
With an eyeroll, Tango mouthed "sorry" to Scar and Grian. They decide it's best to follow them in, before Jimmy gets out from Tango's grasp.

 "Oh lads, there you are," Joel says with two cups of tea, "I heard Jim was bothering you guys so I thought this might ease the spirits around here." The herbal scent invaded their noses, Grian covered his nose before he could adjust to the new boiling floral sea in a cup.
He takes the tea though, admittedly at a much slower pace than Scar. He had snatched up the cup like he had been living in the dry Sahara desert for the past 10 years.

 Most of the party guests find themselves in a circle. Some sitting on the floor, some standing, some in chairs. But they're all focused on one particular thing. Or well, things. Well, not things but living, breathing, adorable cats!
Scar gasps and rushes into any gap in the circle. Mumbo notices him and holds up a kitten for him to grab. Scar immediately melts, rubbing his thumb behind the cat's ear and rocking the feline like a human baby.

 Grian notices a sprawl of cat toys, and a very dedicated Mumbo trying to make a path or bridge-like structure of tube tunnels for the kittens. Skizz is on the opposite side adding feathers and bells to the monstrosity to lure the kittens. Grian dives right between the two and fills in the middle bits, making sure every part is structurally sound.
Mumbo ruffles Grian's hair, acknowledging that he's here but waiting to ask why he's late after everyone has had their fun. After all it's not too often that everyone is gathered after work and having fun.

 Joel is in the kitchen cleaning the cups he had used to serve drinks in, and his beautiful mix of calico and human wife nudges his arm. "What's up Lizzie?" He doesn't have to look up to recognize the unique twitching, furry ears against his upper arms.
 "Nothing, just seeing what you're up to." She brushed her claws through his beard before pulling his face down to give him a kiss on the cheek. Lizzie was about a whole foot shorter than Joel. He himself wasn't even very tall, so together, he often had to lift her up for them to get any of the ingredients needed for the drinks and pastries at their personal café. That's how Jimmy met them. He saw the new café pop up near the school and tried plenty of their menu out. He quickly became a reoccuring customer, even dragged many of his coworkers there with him before or after school hours. Lizzie and Joel talked with him every day at one point and they were integrated in one another's lives. He even installed shelves shorter and easier to reach. Since Mumbo had ventured to the cafe plenty as well, following the other teachers' recommendations, he also found the couple endearing thus their presence. Plus, with Lizzie being part calico, it was only natural that she would want to support an event about fostering kittens.

 Although Mumbo insisted they were guests here, but Joel felt awkward nonetheless. And what does he do when he's nervous? He makes drinks!

 Tango walks up to the kitchen island with a Jimmy begrudgingly being dragged behind him. This time by the wrist, whether that was better or worse was debatable.
 Jimmy groans, "Can you tell this fool to let go of me now?" Tango grips tighter and glares into his eyes. "If he grabs any harder he's gonna burn my hand crisp off!"
 Tango rolled his eyes and sat down at the island, still holding Jim as if he was leashed. "What are we doing over here folks?"
 Lizzie's pink hair swayed as she turned to face them, crumbs left on her furry paws and her cheeks plump, "we are not eating their snacks... that's for sure!"
 Joel chuckled, patting her on the head, "sorry you have to deal with the bad boy Tango, I'll keep better watch next shift."
 Jim fumes at the remark, bad boy was their endearing duo name, not something for Joel to use against him for one, and for two he is not a child! "You are a traitor to the bad boy alliance Joel- and you, well you are so blumming- I don’t even know what to say to you!"
 "I love you too Jim." Joel remarks.

 Etho and B. Dubs make their way in the kitchen after being sat, chatting on the couch for at least 30 minutes. Etho tapped Joel's shoulder, "Hey Joel, you lovely man, can I get a drink?"
 "Of course Etho, anything for you." Etho and Joel met online years ago and their nerdy rants matched each other's energy perfectly. They have a 'platonic soulmate bond' one could say.
 "Oh me too man, I'm parched." B. Dubs complains out loud.
 "When you grow tall enough to look me in the eye, B." Joel replied smugly.
 "You are not much taller than me Joel, don't make me climb over this counter and prove it."

 "I'd like to see you try, maybe we can give an explanation for that black eye." He was being playful, of course not actually threatening his friend. After all B's black eye was from an accident while gaming and the remote getting out of his grasp.

 B. Dubs did as promised, launched himself over the counter which Joel luckily cleared of glass, and puffing out his chest to Joel.
Joel points a finger on to his forehead and pushes him back, Dubs scratches at Joel's arm. Everyone around them watched with laughter.
Jimmy takes his eyes off the fight and locks on to Tango, "I am glad you brought me over here Tango, I didn't expect so much action at Mumbo's house." Tango's cheeks went red from the shiny eyes Jimmy was graced with. His beautiful brown eyes were so full of mischievous yet joy. His voice when he talked sometimes squeaked and it made Tango's heart skip a beat. But Jimmy had turned his attention back too quickly that he didn't notice a thing.

 Mumbo dusted off his button-up shirt and stared at the conflict from the living room. "Boys not in my kitchen, i'd like to not clean up blood tonight..."
Grian noticed and pitched in, "can't believe you two didn't invite me in on the chaos!"
Mumbo shook his head to Grian but still sat back down next to him, letting the men in there figure out their resolution.

 B. Dubs sat back down and allowed Joel to serve him without complaints from either. In the silence, there was constant buzzing from Etho's pocket.
A large sigh escaped his mouth and he dropped his head down on the counter.
 "Are you okay Etho buddy?" Joel asked as he wiped the counter. B. Dubs tried seeing his face but it was buried beneath Etho's arms as he brushed his hair through his fingers as a calming method.
 "Pearl will not stop talking about how she saved our city, because she apparently saved Cuteguy and Hotguy locked in a closet. I love that she's passionate, but I don't understand the obsession."
 "Why don't you silence your phone?" B. Dubs asked.
 "I'm worried she'll call me needing help because she's gotten stuck somewhere. She loves chasing leads into abandoned areas."

 Jimmy listened intently and peaked up, "she saved them today? Maybe Scar and Grian got stuck in a closet together like them and that's why they were late."
 Grian's ears perked up to listen to the following responses to Jim. Was this stupid incident seriously going to get him caught? Scar had the same fear, he twindled with his fingers and darted his eyes between everyone in the room.

 Joel was the first to pop in, "Jim, you're ridiculous if you think they would survive two hours in a closet together and not try to kill each other."

 Tango added to that with flames sparking in his eyes, “I know just how I would assassinate someone in a closet!” Everyone looked very concerned by that statement but they all already knew Tango had a fighting spirit in him.

 Lizzie giggled and hopped up on a chair near Tango, “I have great small area trap ideas, can I share them?”

 Jimmy’s eyes grew big in worry and his eyebrows raised into his hairline, “remind me to stay on your good sides..”

 Scar smiled, the conversation wasn’t about him anymore. He moved his hair away from his face that was more or less hiding his existence, and got back to petting the adorable variety of kittens. Grian sighed and relaxed his stance, curling into a shrimp-like pose over the monstrosity of toy bridges they made.

 "So spanner Grian, you took your sweet time getting here, even Scar too. What took you so long?" Skizz innocently asked as he organized cat treats into containers.
Apparently he was not free yet. That conversation over there reminded the guys over here that Grian was absent for a long while. Sweat built up in Grian’s palms and he kept his eyes down, not daring to let Skizz see into his lying pupils, in case Skizz magically got the power of intuition. "I lost track of time. Maui had puked and I thought the vet would be quick, and ended up not checking my phone."
Mumbo furrowed his brows in a downwards, concerned manner, "If you need to take care of Maui, I would understand you leaving. You don't need to be here G."
"Oh no, she's okay, it was a minor, one time thing the vet thinks." Grian assured.
Skizz and Mumbo shared looks but didn't press him further.

 Another 15 minutes go by before people start to leave. It's officially 9:30, and people were hoping to get home no later than 10. It may be the start of the weekend but all were exhausted from teaching all week.
Scar went to the bathroom as people started fleeing, just to make sure he was all awake before he left. He washed his face in cold water and took deep breaths. Today was crazy but it was good. When he gets home he’d have to clean plenty, the Hotguy outfit and this outfit that’s covered in other cats’ scent so that his cats at home don’t get.. territorial or jealous.
 He headed out and ran into Grian on the way out, a warm smile flashed his face, “You heading out Scar?”
 “Yeah, I’m heading in for the night.” He straightened his shirt and rubbed his eyes.
 Grian brushed back his hair and cleaned his glasses while Scar responded, then continued, “Well Mumbo was delighted that you loved the cats so much. I’m glad you came despite your troubles keeping you from coming earlier. But, don’t make it a habit, I better see you on time Monday!”
Scar rolled his eyes and smirk, “You’re one to talk, Jimmy says you’re late to anything he’s involved with!”
 “Hey! That’s Jimmy, it’s different.” Grian ends in a chuckle before they exchange goodnights and head separate ways. Grian goes to see Mumbo before leaving.

 He spots Mumbo putting the cats into crates to send to a nice shelter that will warm them until they are officially adopted. “Hey Mumbo,” Grian slouches on the couch next to the cages, “I’m going to head out soon, just wanted to say goodbye first.”
 “Oh G you didn’t have to.”
 “But I did,” he dangles Mumbo’s keys in front of the mustached man, his eyes widen.
 “How did you- Grian when did you even?” Mumbo asked absolutely baffled.
 “I’m a master at thieving, but of course, you can have them back” he drops them into Mumbo’s pockets and stands. “Now, goodnight.” He collects his bag and turns back to his jolly friend, “I’m glad you’re back Mumbo, I always respect the breaks but I always miss you just a little more.”

 Mumbo pulls him in for a hug and Grian accepts it, and then finally leaves for the night. He severely wondered what he was going to do about tomorrow. If he sees Hotguy again, would he get into another stupid trap with him? Or will the mysterious guy from tonight find a way to trap and actually kill them this time? If he even cares about them being witnesses. After all, they never got to see his face well, just the duffle bag.

 That’s tomorrow Grian’s problem though. Tonight Grian just has to worry about getting home to his comfortable bed.