Several days later, once full cast rehearsals were underway, Macavity found himself lording over the lunch table, as usual, even with their more recent additions. Coricopat shook his head, suppressing a smile at Macavity going on. "And don't you remember that time, when we used to play superheroes?" Macavity was saying.

"Vividly," Tugger drawled. "I was always the damsel in distress, remember?"

"Of course Mac insisted on wearing a cape," Coricopat added.

There was a pause as the table realized Coricopat was entering the conversation, and Macavity turned to him. "You loved the cape and you know it. It was dashing. As I recall, you were into costumes back then too. You helped with the sewing."

Cori grinned at that, "I do remember sewing a couple of those things, and making sure you didn't wear lime green with crimson."

"Hey, those colors would have certainly grabbed attention, which was the point," Macavity replied.

"Blue and red is classic. Always go with the classics."

"But they've been done before," Macavity rolled his eyes. "Have to be unique."

"Or an eyesore. Besides, we all know the clothes make the man," Coricopat replied, grinning.

"Oh no, those were my heroic deeds," Macavity huffed, Mistoffelees munching on a cookie and looking far too amused by the entire thing.

"You make it sound like you were the best superhero there."

"Uh, that's because I was," Macavity replied, leaning back in his chair.

"Oh, hardly," Coricopat shook his head, "I only ever lost because I ended up playing the villain."

"Oh please. I was such a better superhero than you."

Coricopat grinned, "That entirely depends on perspective."

"Like hell," Macavity muttered. "First of all, I am so much more dashing than you."

"Again, a matter of perspective. Next point?"

"I always won?" Macavity offered.

"That could have been your over bearing personality," Mistoffelees pointed out.

"Oh hush, pip squeak. Just because you're a big star now..."

"I've always been that actually," Mistoffelees replied sweetly.

"And the way the coin landed," Coricopat contributed. "Besides, I liked playing the villain, they're always the most interesting."

Macavity arched a brow at that and Mistoffelees glanced at his boyfriend as he sipped his soda. "Really?"

"Of course. Go down the list of villains, alright maybe not comic villains so much, but even there you have some winners. Classical villains though: Macbeth, Shylock, Tybalt-alright not Tybalt, Prospero, Moriarty, they're all fascinating characters. Whereas their counterparts, Moriarty is exempt here, are usually flat, or dead."

"You know, I'm sure you'd made a very dashing villain," Mistoffelees murmured.

"Just so long as I'm the hero!" Macavity piped in.

"My goal is to play one of the aforementioned ones at some point," Cori admitted, glancing at Macavity. "You are rather dashing in a heroic sort of way, but probably sans cape I think."

"I can live with that," Macavity nodded firmly and Tugger laughed.

Mistoffelees ducked his head slightly. "Oh boy."

Coricopat couldn't resist a chuckle, "Alright, so you get to keep the hero label then."

"Good," he said, returning to his food contently.

Mistoffelees glanced back over at Coricopat. "I'm a little disturbed by you playing the villain though. I don't think I'm supposed to find the bad guys attractive."

His boyfriend offered him a smirk, "That entirely depends on the villain. And the actor of course."

"Yeah, but if you were, we could have some problems," Mistoffelees teased.

"Could we indeed?" Coricopat inquired, arching a brow gracefully.

"Uh-huh," Mistoffelees grinned. "Major problems."

Coricopat rested his chin on his hand, "Like what?"

"Well, like unnatural attractive to the villain? They're not supposed to be attractive right?"

"You obviously have not been watching the same movies and plays I have," the taller teen informed him.

"Do I want to?" Mistoffelees asked, laughing.

"I will certainly suggest them to you. They're quite good, and the villains are fabulous."

"Oh dear," Mistoffelees laughed. "I'm sure my world view will change."

Coricopat grinned, "I do believe so."

"Scary," Mistoffelees shook his head. "I look forward to it. Especially if there are any other inducements..."

"Bunnies," Macavity said, shaking his head. "You're worse than bunnies..."

"Rabbits procreate," Coricopat retorted before turning his attention back to Mistoffelees. "I was thinking films first."

Macavity looked shocked for a moment, before bursting out laughing, Mistoffelees blushing and unsure whether to laugh or hide. "Films first would be good..."

"I was thinking a particular version of Macbeth, perhaps," the choreographer ignored Macavity's laughter for the most part.

"Okay," Mistoffelees said. "Just so long as it's before Tuesday."

"Tomorrow night then?"

"Can do tomorrow after rehearsal," Mistoffelees agreed, sipping serenely on his soda.

"Perfect."

o.o.o.o

It was a week before prom when Tugger showed up on Tumble's doorstep, beaming like an idiot.

Tumble opened the door, blinking at him for a moment before smiling, "What's got you so excited?"

"Ta-da!" Tugger declared, holding a letter up. "University of California."

"Really?" The smaller teen's eyes lit up and he reached for the letter.

Tugger handed it over eagerly. "Accepted and everything. Look, even a decent scholarship for basketball."

"This is great! Tugger, this...congrats!"

Scooping Tumble up, Tugger spun him around a couple times. "Thanks, love."

Tumble yelped slightly at that, his hands going to rest on the other's shoulders to keep himself balanced. He grinned, "So we're both headed to California then?"

"Looks like. Beaches, here we come," Tugger grinned.

"And schoolwork," Tumble reminded.

"Well, yeah," Tugger said with a laugh, gently setting Tumble back down. "I mean, I showed dad already too. He got a little grumpy about me being so far away and not taking the U of A scholarship, but he's cool with it. We'll see how my cousin's handle it, but I think they've seen it coming."

"I'm sure they'll deal with it, after all your dad did," Tumble reasoned.

"They really don't get much of a choice," Tugger grinned. "California it is."

Tumble hesitated a moment before he stretched up to kiss the other lightly. Leaning down into the kiss, Tugger wrapped his arms lightly around Tumble, only pulling back slightly when he thought about tuxedo shopping the other day.

Tumble blinked up at him quizzically, "What is it?"

"Huh? Oh, nothing. Just thinking. You excited for prom and all of that?"

"Yeah, I'm looking forward to it. Are you?"

"Oh yeah," he said with a quick nod. "I mean, a night of dressing up and dancing. It really shouldn't be too bad. And I must say I have quite the dashing tux."

"I can't wait to see it. I think mine's pretty nice too."

"I'm sure you'll look handsome and stunning," Tugger said, laughing and hugging Tumble a little tighter.

Tumble returned the embrace, grinning, "As will you. Hard to believe it's senior prom..."

"It's about freaking time, honestly."

"I suppose that's true," Tumble replied.

Tugger laughed again at that. "Come you. You like school. Me? I'm honestly a little happy to be out of high school, or almost. I mean, especially now that I have this beauty in my hands and the chance to continue playing basketball."

Tumble smiled at that, "Keep in mind basketball comes along with four more years of school."

"But it'll be a different school," Tugger replied. "Different is good." He sat down on Tumble's couch, a slight frown on his face. "Though, Misto's talking about ending up on the other side of the country. That's just... odd."

Tumble settled next to him, "So he's seriously considering that?"

"Even if he doesn't get this scholarship, he's ending up there it looks like," Tugger nodded. "And Mac and Munku are sounding like they'll stay at the U of A. It's just... we're scattering. I know it's normal but it sorta sucks to think about, you know?"

"Well, everyone's' families are going to still be here, right? I mean...mostly. I think mom's getting a transfer to somewhere in Cali."

"Really? Huh, cool. And yeah, we'll still have breaks and e-mail and stuff but it's still weird. I'm used to pestering these kids every day and now I won't have the same chance."

"It'll take adjustment, but it'll pan out."

"Yeah, and we still have prom, and the play, and the summer," Tugger nodded, spreading out on the couch somewhat. "Speaking of which, you ready for our swan song at East Side?"

Tumble curled up next to him, cuddling up a bit as he nodded, "I think so."

"Good," Tugger said, smoothing a hand over his boyfriend's hair. "I think it's going to be an amazing show. Interesting if nothing else."

"I hope someone thinks to tape it."

"Oh, I'm sure Orion will if nothing else and I'm sure Misto has the tech to make plenty of copies."

"Very good."

Tugger nodded. "Oh yeah, I'm not worried about that. I think our school can pull this off and all that."

Tumble nodded, "I think so. And prom should be good too."

"Oh, prom will be deeply entertaining if nothing else," Tugger laughed.

"Entertaining? Not usually the first descriptive word to leap to mind."

Tugger chuckled. "No, but considering how many performers we're going to have there? It's going to be quite the show I'm sure."

That earned a grin, "I suppose that's true. Guess we'll have to see."

Ruffling Tumble's hair, Tugger offered him a smile. "It's going to be a good few months."

o.o.o.o

Serafine looked up from where she was putting the finishing touches on the table as there was a knock at the door, "Misto, can you get that?"

Mistoffelees nodded, motions a little jerky, as he took a few calming breaths on his way over. For the last hour he'd been changing out shirts, pestering his dad as he cooked, and trying to tame his hair. Now, he finally opened the door, offering Coricopat a smile and inclining his head. "Mr. Zimmerman. Mrs. Zimmerman. Cori, it's good to see all you."

Coricopat offered him a nervous smile in response as Gus nodded slightly, "Good to see you as well, Mistoffelees."

"Would you like to come in then? I can take your coats," he said.

They stepped inside, Coricopat shrugging out of his coat and glancing at his mother as Serafine emerged from the dining room. Sera was all bright social smiles, "Mr. and Mrs. Zimmerman, welcome. Cori, it's good to see you again."

"Mom, this is the Zimmermans, sir, madam, my mother, Seraphine Dranias," Mistoffelees said, voice firm though he nearly dropped the coats in nervousness.

Gus offered her his hand, "A pleasure Mrs. Dranias."

"And you, sir," she replied, shaking his hand.

There was a brief scuffling sound and Orion finally emerged from the kitchen, beaming for the most part but he'd missed some flour on his elbow. "And this is my father, Orion Dranias. Dad, the Zimmerman's."

Orion smiled at both of them, inclining his head and nodding to Coricopat. "Great to meet you I'm sure."

Mr. Zimmerman's brow rose slightly, but he inclined his head, offering his hand again, "And you." Coricopat drew a deep breath, glancing at his mother again.

Jelly smiled at both of them broadly, as Orion accepted and shook Gus' hand. "You two have a lovely home. However, Mrs. Dranias, I can't help but think I've met you before..."

Sera couldn't help a bit of an amused smile at that, "Well, that depends on how far back you think that may have been. I had a bit of a fight with my brother at the talent show this last summer. Beyond that, I do event planning."

"Oh, much further back," Jelly said with a faint smile. "Your brother? Was he at the club over the summer then?"

"For a week or so," she replied, though there was an edge to her smile. "I grew up in the New York area. My maiden name's Jones."

"Oh!" Jelly smiled and nodded. "Of course. You're Bustopher's sister. I remember seeing you at different events when we were teenagers." She paused, as she actually absorbed what she was saying, glancing at Mistoffelees again, Orion and the house before nodding, apparently pleased by it.

Sera's expression almost immediately grew more hospitable as she saw the mark of approval. She considered for a moment, "Jelly...Jelly...Oh my goodness, it really has been a long time!"

"Jelly Wood, remember?" Jelly said, with a smile. "Ages. Since you went and ran away with your cook."

"We hardly ran away," Orion said, though he was smiling. Mistoffelees visibly started to relax slightly.

"We had my parents' blessing," Sera agreed. "Well, Father's anyhow." She offered another smile, "Shall we head into the dining room rather than stand in the entry?"

Orion nodded, leading the way and Mistoffelees and Coricopat taking up the rear, Mistoffelees reaching out to squeeze Coricopat's hand briefly.

Coricopat offered him a smile in response, starting to relax as well.

After dessert, Sera glanced around the table, offering Jelly a bit of a smile, "Would you mind helping me do some clean up?"

For a moment Jelly blinked, before glancing over at their sons who were talking animatedly about something that sounded like chorography and nodded, taking some of the plates of the table. "Of course, dearie."

Orion looked slightly unsure about someone else in his kitchen, but he finally gave a small nod and a somewhat wary glance back at Gus.

Sera gathered some of the dishes, leading the way to the kitchen. She set them down on the counter once in there. Jelly followed suit, leaving her dishes where Sera had put hers.

Serafine leaned against the counter, "What do you think of them?"

"Of them? Our children you mean?" Jelly asked, leaning against the opposite counter.

Sera nodded, "Yes, those two."

Jelly considered for a moment. "I'm not sure what you're going to say, but I for one am pretty happy in general about the relationship. My husband might still be slightly unsure about the matter, but he shall learn to deal. The first time I ever met your son, he was yelling at once of his best friends of years for insulting my own son. I think he's good for Cori. I only hope Cori's good for him too."

Sera smiled faintly at that, "That sounds like Misto. I think your son can be good for Misto, when he's checking in on what he's doing regarding my son's life."

That got an arched brow. "Oh? Oh dear. What did my son do?"

"Applied to Julliard for Mistoffelees. And signed him up for play auditions."

Jelly choked. "Oh, I can't even say that doesn't sound like my son. They seem to have worked things out though..."

"They did. It took a bit of time, but...to say Misto was irate when he got home was probably an understatement."

"Oh, I am more than sure of that," Jelly nodded and sighed. "Cori, he may have a bit of an inclination to make sure people are going to do what he thinks they should. I can have a word with him about that though."

Sera shook her head, "I don't think it's necessary. They talked, and seem to be doing better now."

"Still," Jelly sighed softly. "I'm glad they're otherwise doing well."

"As am I. You have a fine son."

"Thank you," Jelly smiled. "So, not to sound entirely old fashioned, but you approve of the match?"

Serafine smiled in response, "It's the place we grew up. But yes, I do approve of it. Do you?"

The other woman nodded. "I believe my initial reaction to your son was to ask mine if he was dating anyone."

That earned a laugh, "Good to know."

Jelly smiled. "I'm glad he is now. You know, he's the first boyfriend that I've ever seen introduced to my husband."

Sera blinked at that, "Really?"

Jelly nodded. "Yes. I believe that if nothing else bodes quite well."

"Has he dated much before?"

Jelly paused. "Now, I'm not even sure I met all the boyfriends. But, there's been at least one relationship that basically crashed and burned in the past."

Sera nodded, "I see, well here's to new hope for both of them."

"Has your son?" Jelly asked, arching a brow at that phrasing.

"...Sort of. Once. It..." she shook her head, "We'll just say I was surprised when he was even considering New York schools."

Absorbing that, Jelly nodded. "Then here's to new hope in both of them indeed."

"Well, shall we rejoin the group, or settle in here for while?"

Jelly laughed. "I think we should go save our husbands from each other."

Sera grinned, "Oh, God yes."

"Shall we then, my dear?"

"After you, ma'am," Sera motioned to the door into the dining room. Grinning, Jelly swept her way back into the room after the other woman.