Author's Notes: Yeah, yeah, I have another story I should be working on. Truth is, I can't remember what happened so far and who's dating who and all that. So, until I re-read it, I'll work on this little story. Hope everyone enjoys!

This takes place before Rigby and Eileen were dating, but after CJ ran out on Mordecai. If that makes sense. Characters may be a little OOC, and some OC's will appear. I'm not sure how people feel about OC's yet, so I try to keep them on the down-low. But, if you guys don't mind them, I might have them play a bigger role.

"Damn Mordecai, he just happened to be 'sick'." Rigby sighed as he trimmed the bush. He looked at the time on his watch. 2:38. I'm almost done, and it's early. For me, early? This is some kind of record... Rigby finished trimming the last branch and wiped his forehead. He started back for the house, looking around for Benson. He spotted Pops by an oak tree.

"Why, hello Rigby. Beautiful day, is it not?"

"It's pretty nice, a little on the warm side though."

"Oh, posh. It's perfect." Pops giggled happily. "You better not complain when the cold sets in."

"Oh, I bet I will." Rigby laughed. He said goodbye to Pops and found his way back the house. He put the hedge clippers back into the shed and went inside. "Mordecai," he called. No answer. Rigby walked upstairs and knocked on their door. "Hey, I'm coming in." He slowly opened the door and looked inside. The room was dark, the blinds and curtains shut, the lamp off, and Mordecai laying on the floor and staring at the ceiling. Rigby walked over and sat on his trampoline. He remained quiet for a few minutes. Just when he was thinking of something to say, Mordecai spoke softly.

"She's really gone."

"Yeah."

Mordecai sighed and sat up, looking at his phone. There were many texts and calls from his mother, some from Margaret, and one from Eileen. Mordecai knew they meant well, but it didn't help any. "Is Margaret coming over?"

Rigby nodded slowly. "She wants to talk it over with you. Said she'd bring lunch and you could sit outside where it's peaceful. And she's sorry."

Mordecai stood up and walked to the door. "I guess I should at least make myself presentable for her, since she's going through the trouble of coming here to talk to Mordecry." The bird walked out, leaving Rigby in the dark.

The Coffee Shop

"Are you sure this is a good idea? It's only been three days." Eileen dried a glass while Margaret looked at her phone, leaning against a wall.

"Not really. I just can't forgive myself, knowing he's still in pain. I'm the reason he's been so down lately." Margaret closed her eyes and leaned her head back against the wall. "I wish I could go back and do things differently. I loved him, Eileen. I thought I could picture myself being able to grow old with him, but I think that time has come and passed. I.. I want to make things right.."

"Yeah, I know."

The two stood in silence as Eileen continued to wash and dry the dishes. The Coffee Shop's new employees were out on the floor taking orders. The radio sang.

I always thought we'd be together, someday. There was nothing that could keep me away.

Could've worked it out somehow, but it's over now.

Thought you'd be coming 'round, but it's over now...

Margaret slammed her fist against the wall just as Eileen turned the radio off.

"I-I'm sorry, Margaret. I was just getting-"

"It's okay. I think I'm gonna go."

"Stay safe."

They hugged and Margaret left. Eileen called Rigby, hoping he would pick up. "Hey, Rigby. She just left."

"Mordecai is.. getting there." Rigby answered.

"I hope this works. Has he been okay?"

"He's started to eat a little more, but no progress in talking about it."

"Mmm."

Silence. They both hated it, so Eileen broke it. "Will you stop by at all today?"

"I can swing by. I finished early and Mordecai would probably want me gone." Rigby chuckled. Eileen smiled.

"I close up tonight, so you can come anytime and I'll be here." Her cheeks started to blush as she imagined being alone with Rigby.

"Alright, see ya later." Click.

Eileen put her phone back into her pocket and walked out to the register. She sighed contently, losing her mind in the busyness of the shop.

"Mordecai, the red bird is waiting for you." Pops told Mordecai. "She's in the backyard setting up a picnic. Good show!"

"Thanks, Pops." Mordecai walked past him and out the back door. He sucked in a deep breath and walked towards Margaret. He sat down on the blanket, looking down. "Hey." He mumbled.

"Hey Mordecai. Hungry?" She held up sandwich.

Mordecai nodded, knowing she can't cook to save her life. He nibbled on a corner and let the breeze ruffle his feathers.

"Are you okay? I just thought I'd stop by to see if everything was going okay, since she left and it was my fault and-"

Mordecai pressed his beak against hers. She blushed, but returned his kiss. His arms wrapped around her and held her close as their kiss broke.

"W-what was th-that for?"

"I don't know. It felt right." He scooted back and continued to eat his sandwich, leaving Margaret dumbfounded. Why the hell did he have to kiss me?

"Mordecai.."

"Margaret, I don't care anymore. If my heart is going to keep getting broken, I might as well make myself feel a little happy. Why don't I take you on a date? If you'd like, I'll drag Rigby along and Eileen can come. We can go back to how things used to be. I'll be fine... With that."

"Mordecai, I don't want you to be forced to do something you don't want to do. I know we had a bad past, but I only want to make it okay again. You don't have to pretend like you're alright. I know you, Mordecai. And stop pretending like nobody cares about you." Margaret was getting angry now. She'd kept this bottled in for so long. She stood up, clenching her fists. "You know damn well Rigby will support you and be there for you. He's doing work all by himself because you decide to spend all day sulking about a girl who you've fought with more times than I can count on one hand! He misses you, Mordecai. Why in the hell can't you work? It'll get your mind off cloud girl! I came here today to try and make things right with you. But if you wanna give me these bullshit lies, I'll just take my things and go." Her breathing picked up, and she looked down to the blue jay.

Mordecai stared up at her. Margaret was never this angry about anything. "Margaret.. I... I..." His put his face in his hands, letting out a sob. "It's hard to want to live when you fuck everything up. Benson threatens Rigby and I every day to fire us because we're horrible workers. I can't keep a relationship to save my life. I'm going to lose my friends because of how terrible I've been treating them." He lifted his head to look at Margaret, tears running slowly down his face. He whispered, "Please, Margaret. Help me."

Margaret looked down to her feet, closing her eyes. "I... I don't know Mordecai. I don't want to hurt you anymore. How can I help you if I'm the reason you're not alright?"

Mordecai stood up and hugged her close to him. She slowly wrapped her arms around him and squeezed. "Margaret." He breathed. "You're the only one I know who can help me. Rigby's 'help' only goes so far. And I know you can do it."

Margaret sniffled. "I'll help you."

Mordecai broke the embrace, smiling. "Any ideas?"

"Perhaps we should start by eliminating your stress. Get some time off work-"

"Good luck with that." Mordecai snorted.

"I'll get Benson to comply." Margaret grinned. "We can head upstate to my sister's cabin. There's two bedrooms, two bathrooms, four acres of land, and a beautiful scenery. There's even a waterfall and woods, just like when we went camping. Maybe we can bring Rigby and Eileen. I'm sure Rigby would be thrilled to get time off work. And Eileen has been busy with the shop lately. I think it'll help, for support. Is that okay? Do you think it'll work."

Mordecai nodded. "Come with me to ask Benson."

Rigby opened the shop door and breathed in the wonderful scent of coffee and doughnuts. He began walking down the stairs when someone's voice startled him.

"Sorry, sir. We're closed," The voice squeaked. Rigby looked at the girl. She was nervously running her hands through her curly dark brown hair.

"It's okay, Emily." Eileen chuckled. "He's with me."

Emily sighed, relived. She went back to cleaning a table, whispering apologetically, "I'm sorry..."

"You can go home, I'll finish up." Emily turned around and Eileen gave her a soft smile. Emily returned a smile and walked out. "She's new. Started today, poor shy little thing. She's only sixteen."

"Hope she doesn't take your place." Rigby laughed as he took a seat at his usual table."That would be terrible."

"You'd miss me, I know." Eileen smiled and blushed lightly as she counted the money in the register. Rigby tapped his fingers on the table, not knowing what else to say. When Eileen finished, she asked, "Do you think it went well?"

Rigby sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. "I hope so. It's tough to do his work, my work, and the work we needed to catch up on. I miss Mordecai. He just can't catch a break with his relationships. I want him to be happy, Eileen. I really do. I just feel so helpless, I'm not good with this type of stuff."

Eileen nodded softly and sat across from Rigby. "They're great friends, despite their past. I think Mordecai just needs to realize he should be happy with his life so far. He's got a long road ahead of him."

"Yeah. I'm just worried he'll turn into the male version of a crazy cat lady!" Rigby laughed nervously.

Eileen giggled. "Maybe he'll have ducks instead."

They both laughed and smiled at each other. Eileen looked at the time. "Shoot, it's getting late. People might get a wrong idea if the lights are still on." Eileen walked back to the back room to grab her things. When she returned, Rigby was checking his phone. "Any luck?"

Rigby shook his head. "Nothing yet." They walked outside and Eileen locked the door. "So.. Since I haven't heard from him.. do you think I... could come over?"

Eileen blushed. Luckily, the darkness prevented them from seeing very well. "I'd love to have you over Rigby."

He smiled and the walked together to her house. It wasn't far, but enough time for Rigby to reach for Eileen's hand and hold it gently. Her cheeks flushed, and she gave him a reassuring squeeze. When they reached her house, Eileen dropped his hand to look for the right key. He already missed her soft hand. They walked inside, and Eileen turned on the light. It looked exactly as Rigby remembered it.

"I'll be back, I wanna change out of these work clothes. Help yourself to some snacks." Eileen walked back the hall to her room. Rigby went to the kitchen and grabbed a soda. He went back to the living room and flopped on the couch. He took a sip of his root beer and flipped through channels. This flat screen is nice, way better than Eileen's laptop. He stopped on some cartoon, resting back against the couch. His phone buzzed, and he quickly got it out to look at the message.

Mords: hey dude, u should come back to the house and pack up. Margaret and i planned something you'll love

What the hell is Mordecai talking about? Rigby shook his head and thought about what to text back. "Hey, Rigby. Did Mordecai text you about packing?" Eileen stood in the archway.

"Yeah, I better get home. Sorry I didn't get to talk to you much."

"It's okay Rigby." She smiled. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Eileen." He walked over and hugged her. She hugged back and he left.

"Oh, Rigby..." Eileen sighed and went to her bedroom to pack.