Chapter Text
Gramble sat alone on the floor at the back of the airship. The hardwood offered little comfort as his mind raced along. His light pink fur waved as the wind whipped around the cabin. He had pulled off his knit Strabby beanie and stared solemnly at its black, embroidered eyes with his own cerulean ones. Where those cool, watery eyes once held a feeling of serene coastal shallows, now a turbulent and stormy ocean current was all that remained.
As the breeze coiled around his face to cool the sodden fur around his bloodshot, and still leaking eyes, his paws still trembled as he thumbed the weave of the cap. The once treasured garment of his, the first of his many knitting projects from the expedition, now brought nothing but pain as he looked into the eyes attached to the brim.
Everyone was passing the time in their own way as the twelve grumpuses sailed through the air toward New Grump City. Each one of them was in shock, and each one was processing the events that had just unfolded in their own way.
Normally, he would have been one to offer some comfort to the others, but after losing all his adopted kin to… to whatever just happened on the island? There was no way he could be anything other than still.
When he looked up, all he felt was loss and heartache. At least he had some comfort in the form of his new friends, like Beffica, and his new partner, Wiggle. She had promised to always be there for him, and his time on the island has taught him that he can trust grumps again. At least a few of them.
Right?
“Hey, Gramble! There are some supplies back here that need to be stocked. Quit daydreaming and get to it!” A harsh, rattly voice shouted.
He jumped a bit from where he was standing, staring out the window at the soon-to-be setting sun. The sudden noise caused his fur to puff out a bit in shock.
“Sorry, I’ll get to that right away, sir.” He called back as he smoothed himself down.
It seemed like recently, his thoughts had been drifting to the events of the island more and more. He knew, of course, that that sort of thing doesn’t just leave your mind after a few weeks or maybe even months. But it had almost been a year since they all returned to the mainland, and his mind still kept going back to Snaktooth. To his lost kin.
He found solace in the fact that he wasn’t alone, at least. Although these days the phrase is becoming more in the emotional sense instead of the physical.
Ever since Wiggle got back in touch with her friend at the record label, she had been spending more time at the studio. Which Gramble understood, of course. They all had jobs to do now that they were back in grumpus society.
Triffany and Floofty were working at the university that Chandlo had begun studying at, New Grump University. Wambus was busy tending to his new sauce farm, and Buddy was working hard to get Filbo’s campaign for mayor ready. Cromdo was just sealing the deal on buying a venue for his karaoke bar. Shelda, now Shellsy once more, was about to go to a bunch of book signing events, and Snorpy was working as a contract engineer for various companies. Gramble wasn’t too sure what Beffica was up to, but it was probably something that suited her skillset.
Gramble, on the other paw, was happily working with animals at a shelter in the city. Well, almost happily. He enjoyed the work, but interacting with so many different people after being essentially isolated from grumpuskind for a year was still a bit overwhelming.
He wasn’t afraid to say he missed the freedom to do what he wanted, whenever he wanted, but at least he still could care for animals like he loved to do. Even if he never liked seeing them go.
Gramble worked the closing shift in the evenings because he liked to be the last one the animals saw. That way, no one could see him spend time with all the animals before locking up. He wasn’t a store manager, but he earned the trust of the animals, and so the real store manager let him stay while he sat in his office doing paperwork before closing.
It was a little later than usual this evening when Gramble finished his rounds of quality time with the animals. Once the two of them left the building, he made his way toward the bus stop. He likely could’ve asked one of the other grumpuses from the island for help getting a car, but he liked to be self-sufficient. He also preferred public transportation anyway, since it was better for the environment. He was also just a fair bit stubborn.
As he mindlessly passed the various little shops and stalls that lined the street, he heard something he wasn’t expecting.
“OMG! Gramble, is that you?” A familiar voice called out.
It took him a moment to place the voice as he turned and his eyes scanned the patio of the cafe in front of him. He smiled when he locked onto the magenta form and warm caramel eyes of his best friend from the island. She was wearing a simple coffee colored cardigan that ended at her waist. Her hair was a bit longer in her ponytail, and the fur around her neck looked so soft.
“Hey, Beffica! What are you doing over here?” He asked.
“Well, I’ve been wanting to try this place for a bit now, since I live right down the street from it, and I got the urge to do it today.” She explained. “What are you doing over here? Don’t you live, like, 40 minutes away?”
“Well, I just got off work, and I was heading toward the bus stop. Speaking of, I’d love to stay and chat, but I might miss the bus if I do!” He started turning to leave when Beffica called to him again.
“Oh, Gramble, don’t be silly! Come over here and sit with me! I can just, like, drive you home, bestie.” She finished with a wink.
He started fidgeting with his paws. “Oh, I couldn’t trouble you for all that. I’m fine with the bus, honest.”
She didn’t bother replying and just stood up to walk toward the patio gate. She opened it and grabbed his paw as she started pulling him to where she was sitting.
“Hey! What are you doing?” He blurted out.
“I want to speak to my friend, and some dusty old bus isn’t going to stop me! I’ll even buy you a drink. Before you ask, yes, they do have vegan options for everything here.” She cut in.
He wanted to object, but chatting with her and having a nice vegan drink did sound nice after the stressful shift today. He glanced down at her paw holding his and noticed the beaded bracelet she had on. It was one she made toward the end of their time on the Snaktooth. It had all the fur colors of the other grumpuses on it. He smiled at the thought she put into showing how much she still thought and cared for everyone.
“Alright, alright, no need to keep dragging me, Beff. I reckon I can join you for a bit.” He said with a smile.
“You’re gonna love this place, trust me~” She emphasized with a firm squeeze of her paw.
She didn’t let go of his paw, but he didn’t mind too much. Gramble was always an affectionate grump, so he was always happy when he got physical affection from the ones he cared about. He gripped her paw back and his smile widened.
Maybe I should knit her something as a gift, too… he thought.
Once the two of them got seated, Beffica immediately began asking questions.
“Okay, so like, what’s with the uniform? It’s so… plain.” She said with a shudder.
He quirked an eyebrow, “Well, it ain’t like I got to choose the uniform-”
“No no no, I meant, like, why haven’t you personalized it yet? You know, with pins or whatever?” She cut in.
“Oh! Uh… Ain’t really sure myself, to be honest. I dress a lot more like myself outside work.” He said with a shrug.
“Well, I guess we’ll just have to hang out more often, then!” She said boisterously.
“Here, take a look at the menu before I keep talking.” She said as she handed over the simple menu.
There was a brief lull in the conversation as Gramble looked over the various options available. They all looked delicious, and there were so many vegan options! He was about to comment on just that when he glanced up and saw Beffica looking at him. The undivided attention made him blush a little.
Evidently, Beffica wasn’t expecting him to look up so quickly, so she busied herself and began to fix her hair.
“Your fur looks amazing in this light. Have you been using that conditioner I told you about?” She asked.
“Aw, thanks Beff! And yeah, I’ve been loving how my fur feels now, so thanks for that! I’ve been feeling much more like myself. Especially now that I’ve started to put back on the weight I lost from being starved on the island.” He commented while idly burying his fingers in his silky soft neck fur.
“Yeah, you're looking really good…” She sighed with just the faintest hint of red on her cheeks that Gramble wasn’t able to catch before she cleared her throat.
Their server came by, a younger grumpus with light green fur and a small auburn nose, and began to question them about their orders, and Beffica mentally breathed a sigh of relief at the break in the conversation. They gave their orders, handed the menus to the young server, and they were once again alone together. Beffica decided to pick up where they left off.
“So, like, how are you and Wiggle doing? She must have been super busy since she got back, right?” She asked.
His face fell a bit at her wording. “O-Oh, yeah, we, uh… We haven’t really had much time alone together since she’s been back in the studio…”
“Oh my grump, I didn’t mean to bring up anythi-,” she began to apologize before being cut off by Gramble holding his paw up to stop her.
“No, no, it's… It’s alright, Beff. I’m just glad she’s able to do what makes her happy again. Though I have been a might lonely recently.” His eyes fell to the table under his paws as he said this.
She could tell that something was bothering him, but also knew that pushing for an answer right now would make him close up more. Besides, they had all the time in the world to talk and catch up. Which she knew Gramble would like as well. Beffica didn’t spend all those years digging up dirt on people to not be able to spot an unspoken question. So she took the initiative.
“Well, we should hang out more often! Your job is, like, right down the street from my apartment. I could pick you up after you get off work and we could just chat. How does that sound?” She proposed as she sipped her water.
Before they could continue, the food arrived along with their drinks. The server asked their questions with a cheery demeanor that only slightly clashed with the mood of the conversation.
“Well, it would be nice to have a friend to talk to after work. By the time I get home, my cousin is already asleep, so I ain’t really got anyone to talk to in person.” He starts as he grabs his sandwich.
“You live with your cousin?” She asked.
After chewing for a moment, he swallows and then replies.
“Yeah, his name's Kastin. I don't make nearly enough to live alone and finding a place here in the city would be dang near impossible! I didn’t really have any savings either, so I knew I couldn't really go anywhere. So when we landed on the beach, I knew that I really only had one option. Plus, he's… kinda the only person I kept in contact with before the expedition.” He admits as he fiddles with his button-up work shirt.
Beffica had always been curious about Gramble’s family history. Her near compulsion for discovering people's secrets would've driven her to great lengths before getting back to the mainland. However, she has learned to temper her desire just a bit and so she refrained from asking too prying a question.
“That must be nice though, right? At least you're with someone you can trust and not, like, some rando grumpus from the internet. Right?”
“Yeah, he's always been there for me…” He wears a soft, sad smile as he says this. A distant, pained look flashes in his eyes.
An idea comes to Beffica’s mind, but she pins it to her mental bulletin board for later. It’s way too soon to be thinking about that and it would be a little awkward to ask right now. By this time, they were done eating and waiting for the server to come back with the bill.
“Did you wanna split the bill? I haven't got paid yet, so I ordered something light to make it a bit cheaper, but I can still help.” He admits.
“Gramble! You should've ordered more if you wanted something else! I was gonna cover this anyway since I, like, totally dragged you in here.”
“You don't have to do all that for me, Beff! I can help pay-”
He begins to reach for his wallet, but is stopped by Beffica grabbing his paws. Not hard enough to be anything but surprising, yet enough to emphasize the point she was about to make.
“Gramble Gigglefunny, as your bestie, I am paying for this meal! This was a treat for our reunion and our continued hangouts!” She exclaimed with a stern look that quickly broke into a wide smile.
He lets out a defeated sigh, “Well, I guess it ain't worth arguing with you over, is it? I'll just have to repay you some other way.”
“I'm glad you agree. Now, like, send me your work schedule already.” She asks as she pulls out her phone.
With a face decorated in confusion and a tilt of his head, he asks, “Huh? Why do you need my work schedule?”
She rolls her eyes with a smile, “So I know when to pick you up, Gram! Wouldn’t wanna keep my bestie waiting too long.” She finishes with a playful wink.
“Oh, you don't need to do all that! That'd be way too much for me to ask of you!”
“Well, then it's a good thing you're not asking, huh?” She says with a sly smirk.
She begins to move to grab his paws when she realizes they never actually let go of each other. She lets go with an awkward chuckle and steps out from her seat at the patio table. She looked up to see the sun had long since set and the moon was shining brightly in it’s place.
“Come on, let's get you home, Gram,” Beffica says as she holds the patio gate open for him.
“Wow, they're already closing? Time sure flew by while we were talking! I’d better message Kastin in case he wakes up and wonders where I am.” He says as he unlocks his phone and walks onto the sidewalk.
They walk in comfortable silence as they go towards the back of the building where Beffica parked. All the while, a million thoughts and feelings raced through Gramble’s mind.
Why is she doing all this for me? I know we became friends on Snaktooth, but I never expected this! Oh well, Beff always gets her way, he smiles inwardly. Now I just gotta pay her back.
As they round the corner, her car comes into view. Gramble didn't know what to expect with Beffica's car choice, but somehow it fit her perfectly. It was a simple pink sedan with a golden sticker on the rear bumper that matched her heart locket. The front of the car gave it a sporty look.
“This is a really nice car, Beff!” He said as he admired how clean the interior was. It smelled faintly of what you would imagine a sunrise might smell of. Bright, yet rich and warm. Not quite floral and not quite woody, but an in-between that just lifts your mood if you smell it. It made him smile that the smell fit her perfectly, as well.
“Thanks! I, like, just got it last month! Cromdo helped me get it for a great price. Now, what's the address?”
She put in the address to her car's digital console to start the navigation and began the drive. Gramble was sitting in the passenger seat, hugging his bag lightly while he admired the view from his window. Beffica would glance over occasionally and smile at this before looking back to the road. In their desire to get moving, they hadn't selected any music to play, but neither seemed to notice or mind too much. Just basking in the pleasant ambiance that had been crafted.
Once they were a few minutes away, Beffica spoke up.
“So, I was thinking, since you work closing shifts, why not have a sleepover next time? That way we wouldn't have to worry about a restaurant closing or, like, spending money on food.” She asks with a glance toward Gramble.
It takes him a moment to respond, seemingly enthralled by the movement of the landscape.
“Oh, uh, sure! Sounds like it could be fun.” He says lightly.
“Well duh! I would never subject you to a boring time when you're with me!” She proclaims.
“I always enjoy our time together, Beff. It don't gotta be anything special for me to have a good time.” He hugs his bag a little tighter as he smiles.
The response Gramble gave was entirely unexpected for Beffica, so she was thrown off on how to respond for a moment.
“Well, uh, thanks Gramble… I'm… I'm glad you think so…” She finally got out.
As she pulled into the driveway, Beffica caught herself and turned to face Gramble. His cyan eyes caught her caramel ones in the fading light of the console and made them both glow as they gazed at one another. They sat there for longer than either of them realized before Gramble broke the silence.
“It might’ve been short, but I really enjoyed talking with ya, Beff. Thanks for driving me home, too.” He said as he did his best to keep eye contact but let it drift briefly down her face to her lips before snapping back.
Gramble suddenly got very flustered and blurted out a string of words and threw them towards Beffica. Most of them seemed to get lost in translation, but she knew she distinctly heard him say, “See ya tomorrow!” That brought a warm smile to her face as she watched his little pink form recede into the darkened house; she decided to put on one of her happier playlists for the drive home.
As she backed out of the driveway, she offered one last glance to the quiet house.
“See you tomorrow, Gramble.”