I'm back! Hello everyone, I can't express how happy I am to be on this site again. For those of you who have been sending me messages asking if I am dead. Yes, I did die. Dog sled accident. Very common. It was terrible. Fortunately, though, the dogs did survive with minimal injuries. That was, until the aliens came. But that's a story for another time, I'm afraid. On a serious note, I haven't had internet for the past six months. The withdrawal has been overwhelming but I pulled through. I moved into a new place and lost my job. Could barely afford my own rent, let alone internet. I've got it sorted now, though. Apologies for those who have been waiting. I don't intend this story to end here, however, so here I present to you chapter three. Quite a bit longer than the others which is something I intend to continue doing. Hope you all enjoy!
"Cmon, dude! We're gonna be late for work"
Rigby awoke from his deep sleep to Mordecai's annoyed facial expression. The small raccoon groaned and turned his back to the avian. Suddenly he felt the covers get yanked off of him. He quickly sat up on the trampoline. "What the hell, man?"
Mordecai dropped the cover onto the floor. "C'mon, Rigs. Benson's going to fire us for sure if we don't get out there!"
Rigby would usually give small tantrums facing the threat of work, today was no different. Only this time, he had a valid excuse. His entire body ached and his throat felt like it was on fire. He was definitely sick. Undoubtedly from sitting in the rain for hours. Rigby suddenly began coughing out of control which made his sore throat even worse. "Dude, I don't think I'm going to be able to work today. I'm sick."
Mordecai sighed, "Not a surprise considering how you were last night. Alright, I'll cover for you, dude. Don't expect Benson to be happy about it, though."
Rigby scoffed, "Benson? Happy? Yeah, I'm not that stupid, dude."
Mordecai grabbed something off of a shelf and walked over to the raccoon. "Here, let me take your temperature." he said as he stuck a thermometer in Rigby's mouth.
As the blue jay kneeled down in front of the raccoon, waiting for the thermometer to finish, Rigby breathed in his scent. God he smelled so good. He had this constant urge for physical contact with the avian. In response to this, Rigby had decided long ago to hide that urge by denying even a simple hug from Mordecai. It wasn't that he didn't like hugging, it was because he was afraid Mordecai would see the real him if he did. He wanted nothing more than for Mordecai to wrap his arms around him. The strength of the avian's arms making Rigby even weaker. Just the feeling of body heat and the avian's breath on his neck. It was all enough to make him...
No!
Rigby scrambled backward away from the other male. He took the thermometer out of his mouth and handed it to Mordecai. "There, I have a fever! I'm going to sleep."
The raccoon buried himself under the pile of clothes atop his trampoline and remained still.
Mordecai remained in the same position, contemplating what had just happened. "O-kay?"
Rigby heard the bird get up. "Um, I hope you feel better, man."
The raccoon said nothing as Mordecai closed the door.
Mordecai had no idea what had just happened. Everything seemed relatively normal between the two until Rigby randomly jumped out of his skin. It's like he's scared of something.The tall male dismissed that thought with a shake of his head. No, he's just sick. He'll be fine.
He made his way downstairs to prepare himself some waffles. He emerged into the kitchen where sunlight spilled through the windows and onto the walls and floor. He despised walking into a bright kitchen upon waking up. It gave him a headache every time. He once asked Pops if they could put up some curtains. However, the large headed man disagreed, stating it added "spectacular liveliness" to the room.
Mordecai couldn't help but wonder why the others weren't present yet. He shrugged as he walked over to the cabinet to grab the pancake mix. More time for me to eat. He began mixing the milk pancake mix into a bowl. I wonder if Rigby wants one?He paused and quickly made his way upstairs. He quietly cracked open the door to check on the raccoon. When he seen Rigby's small frame curled into a ball with his back to him, he couldn't help but let slip a small smile as he gently closed the door. At least he's resting. Though that shouldn't be hard for him to do. Mordecai thought with a soft chuckle.
By the time he had made it back downstairs, the front door opened to reveal Benson. The gumball machine stepped into the house, a frown on his face as usual. His eyes locked with Mordecai's as he grumbled, "Hey, Mordecai. Where's Rigby? Sleeping I suppose."
"Hey, Benson." The blue jay greeted, "Yeah, he's asleep upstairs. He's sick today, so I said I'd cover for him."
The gumball machine rolled his eyes and sighed. "Yeah...I'm sure he is."
"No really," Mordecai pushed. "I took his temperature. He's got a fever. He uh..." Mordecai didn't want to explain to Benson how they had gotten into a fight which resulted in Rigby sitting outside in the cold rain for hours. "He uh...got locked out of the house when I left yesterday, so he was stuck outside for a while when it was raining. I bet that's what got him sick."
Benson stared at Mordecai for a few moments, searching for any signs of dishonestly. When he found none, he nodded in understanding. "Alright, I'll let it slide. Come on in, the others should be arriving soon."
Eventually, everyone else began drowsily making their way inside the blue house. They each took a seat and waited for Benson to assign everyone their daily duties. The gumball machine cleared his throat, "Alright. Good morning everyone." He then lowered his voice to where the next words came out as a grumble. "Glad to see everyone is eager." He glanced at his trusty clipboard and began assigning chores. "Muscleman, Fives, you two have trash. Mordecai, I'll go easy on you today being as Rigby is sick. I'll have you run the snack bar."
Mordecai silently thanked his boss for understanding. The bird took note that Benson was in a somewhat good mood today, unlike his usual days. Most of the time, the gumball machine would not even stop to think in Mordecai and Rigby's favor. He wondered why today was different. He didn't say anything, however, he just nodded his head in acknowledgment.
The snack bar was unusually slow. Mordecai could practically leave for an hour or so, and get away with it. As tempting as that option sounded, Mordecai decided to be responsible and just bear the boredom. He propped his head on his hand as he absent mindedly stared out at the luscious green that seemed to consume the park. A few people walked around in the distance, admiring the scenery. It was hard to believe how the park was even still open after everything that has happened to it since Mordecai and Rigby began working there. He couldn't sustain smiling as he thought about all the times he and Rigby had put themselves and the park in jeopardy. Yeah, it had almost cost them their jobs and their lives a good number of times, but they always turned out okay in the end. In some ways, it made them all grow closer.
Mordecai and Rigby had been through a lot since they first met, and the avian was proud to call the little raccoon his friend. Sure, Rigby was a pain in the ass most of the time, and they did bicker quite a bit, but that was the dynamic of their relationship. That was why most of the time when they fought, Mordecai wouldn't be too worried about it. They would always make up for it and things go back to normal. However, these past few days seemed different. Rigby seemed different. The fun loving, care-free raccoon seemed like something was really disturbing him. Mordecai was used to Rigby's mood swings, but they seemed more constant, now. It was like he was either sad, or angry. The fire inside the raccoon that always made him so likable seemed to be dying out, and it really worried Mordecai.
What is wrong with him? Why has he been so distant recently?
He frowned as he tried to think of reasons why Rigby would be so depressed. He had already thought it could be because he was lonely, but Rigby was always like that. He didn't know why it would bother the raccoon so much now. Maybe he was jealous of Mordecai's date with Margaret. Maybe the fact that his friend had actually gotten someone opened Rigby's eyes a bit. He couldn't think of any other reason for the way Rigby has been acting.
I'm going to find him a date. Mordecai decided.
But who?
Suddenly, Mordecai saw a flash of red about fifty feet in front of him. He directed his attention toward the figures and quickly recognized Margaret and Eileen, and they were walking right towards him.
"Oh shit." he exclaimed. He went to leave, but realized it would be useless as the robin had already seen him. All he could do was sit there and wait for the drama to ensue.
Margaret and Eileen approached the snack bar. The robin had an unreadable expression on her face, and it seemed Eileen was oblivious to it all. Either that, or she didn't care. Margaret gave a wave, "Hey, Mordecai."
The blue jay gave a fake smile followed with a quiet groan. "Hey, Margaret."
She plopped her arms on the snack bar, "Look, I'm sorry about what happened, last night. I don't know what got into me, and I shouldn't have been so rude towards you and Rigby."
Mordecai sighed. At least she was apologizing for it. "I forgive you, Margaret."
She smiled, "Thanks, Mordecai." She relaxed a bit before she continued. "So, does this mean we're..."
"No." Mordecai replied bluntly. "We're not dating. I'm sorry, Margaret. While, I do forgive you, it doesn't change the fact that you are a different person than I thought you were."
The red robin slumped her shoulders and let out an exhale. "I understand. Can we at least be friends, though?"
"That, I'm okay with." Mordecai smiled.
Margaret gave a giggle in return as Eileen piped up. "So where's Rigby? You guys are usually together all the time."
"Oh, he's sick today." The blue jay replied politely. "He's back at the house sleeping."
"Oh, poor Rigby!" she whined.
Mordecai didn't respond right away. An idea had popped into his head. What about Eileen? He asked himself. Sure the mole was kind of obnoxious and Rigby acted like he wasn't interested. He did say she looked hot without her glasses before. Hey it was worth a shot. "Hey, guys, what do you say we go out to Cheezers tomorrow night?"
They both perked up at this request. "Yeah, sure!" They both said enthusiastically.
"Okay, I'll meet you guys there around seven?"
Margaret nodded her head. "Yeah, sure. That sounds great!"
"Alright, I'll see you guys then." Mordecai smiled.
They both walked off. Mordecai grinned as he began wiping off the bar. Good. He thought. If I can set Rigby up with Eileen, maybe he won't be so sad all the time.
Rigby opened his eyes and coughed. He sat up on his old trampoline and rubbed his throat. He hated being sick. Sure, it got him a day off work, but he still hated it nonetheless. Not to mention, Mordecai was out there doing all of his work for him. Rigby would always wear a facade to make it look like he didn't really care that Mordecai would do most of the work. Deep inside, however, it always made him guilty. If there was one thing the raccoon was good at, it was acting. He'd done it for years now.
If I'm so experienced at it, why am I failing so horribly at it now?
He didn't understand it. The only thing that changed was that Mordecai actually got a date with Margaret. From what the avian told him last night, that is officially over. While that uplifted Rigby greatly, it also saddened him to know that Mordecai just had his heart broken. The blue jay didn't seem to want to show it whatsoever, but Rigby knew that Margaret had hurt him. All he wanted to do was to hug and comfort the blue jay. He wanted to take away all of his pain.
Damn it. I need to stop with all of these thoughts before I have another breakdown.
Sure, he had these thoughts dwelling in his head since he first realized he was in love with Mordecai. Now they were coming in such a force that the raccoon had never experienced before. Perhaps it was because he was running out of strength to hold in all of these feelings.
If that's the case, then I'm in trouble.
The last thing he needed to do was to blurt out all of his emotions and lose his best friend. Then who would he have? His parents? No, they disowned him a long time ago when he mentioned he wasn't interested in girls. The only person he had to turn to was his little brother Don, and he really didn't want to do that. It wasn't that Rigby disliked Don. It was that the raccoon was always a bit jealous of his brother. With him being the perfect son to his parents. It's how it always was. Over the years, Rigby had learned to distance himself from his brother. It was better that way. Though, that didn't stop Don from attempting to barge into the raccoon's life every now and again.
The point was, he didn't really have anywhere else to go. If he lost Mordecai, he lost everything. The avian was all that Rigby had in this world. That's why he was so afraid of admitting his feelings to him. So the choice was to either suffer in silence but keep Mordecai in his life, or tell him he is in love with him and risk losing everything. Rigby decided to choose the first one.
The raccoon began running possible solutions in his head alleviate some of these feelings, he came up with nothing. Maybe I should just tell him.Rigby shook his head at the preposterous thought. And what? He accepts my unnatural feelings and we live happily ever after? Were it so easy.
Throughout his argument with himself, he couldn't help but note that even though these feelings are deemed "unnatural", they feel perfectly natural. Rigby pushed away the thoughts as he slowly swung his legs over the side of the trampoline. He felt his feet hit the floor as he groggily made his way out of the bedroom and downstairs into the kitchen. He scooted a kitchen chair up to the cabinet so he could reach the glasses. He grabbed a small one and filled it with water. As he quickly drank the water, he noticed it was soothing his sore throat. Feeling relieved, he decided he should go back upstairs and try to get some more sleep. Maybe I'll feel better later. He thought as he began to walk up the stairs.
He paused when he heard the front door swing open. He looked through the railing to see Mordecai enter the house. The bird instantly saw Rigby peeking at him and half jogged to the staircase. "Dude, guess what?" he asked excitedly.
"What?" Rigby muttered.
"We're gonna go to Cheezers to hang out with the girls tomorrow night!"
Rigby clenched his fist around the railing. What made Mordecai think he wanted anything to do with either of them? "By girls you mean Margaret and Eileen?" He asked with annoyance in his tone. "I thought you were done with Margaret?"
Mordecai's shoulders slumped. "Dude, I said I don't want to date her anymore. It doesn't mean we can't be friends. Plus, Eileen wants to see you."
The raccoon rolled his eyes. "Well, sorry, but I don't really want to see either of them right now." Rigby started to walk upstairs again before Mordecai's voice stopped him.
"Rigby, come on. Eileen really likes you, dude. She's a nice girl. I think you should give her a chance. It'll get you out of the house more. Plus, you said she looks hot without her glasses."
Rigby did say this, and he still admits she does look good without her glasses, but that didn't mean he was, in any way, interested in her. Anybody can admit someone looks attractive. Doesn't mean they want anything to do with them. "Well she wears her glasses all the time. Plus it doesn't mean I want to date her. She's annoying, Mordecai. We have nothing in common!"
"Dude, just give her a chance. I'm not asking you to make out with her. Just hang out for one night. Who knows, you guys could hit it off. Even as friends. If you still don't like her afterward, I won't force you to do anything with her again. Just do me this solid, man. It'd be nice to get out of this house for a while."
Rigby wanted to just tell the avian no and go back upstairs. He didn't want to even look at Margaret after what she did to Mordecai. Not to mention, deal with Eileen's annoying conversations. He did not want to go; but the look Mordecai had on his face made him cave. The raccoon sighed and looked down. "Fine. I'll go."
Mordecai fist pumped the air. "Heck yeah, dude! Tomorrow night's going to be epic! Ooooooooooooh!"
Rigby reluctantly joined in with Mordecai which caused him to go into a coughing fit. Mordecai stopped cheering and immediately went to Rigby's side. The raccoon felt Mordecai's feathered hand on his back. He suppressed a shiver. "Hey dude, you alright?" Mordecai asked with concern in his voice.
"Yeah, dude. Sorry, just not over this throat thing yet." Rigby replied in a raspy voice.
"Here, let me get you some water." Mordecai quickly walked into the kitchen and fetched a glass of water. He rushed back over to Rigby and handed the glass to him. "Here."
Rigby grabbed the glass and quickly downed the water. Once the glass was depleted, he looked up at the avian with a blush on his face. "Thanks."
"No problem dude. You should probably get some sleep. You don't look so good."
The raccoon gave a small smile. "Yeah, I'll do that."
"Alright, Rigs. If you need anything, I'll be down here." The bird turned around and began making his way to the couch.
Rigby blushed some more as he made his way upstairs. What was that? He wondered as he entered their bedroom and collapsed on his trampoline. He usually isn't so...caring."
Usually, Mordecai would just ask him if he was alright, then go on to do something else. Maybe the raccoon was just over-examining everything. He doesn't like me...there's no way he likes me...is there?
Rigby sat quietly in the passenger seat of the golf cart. Mordecai's eyes were concentrated on the road. The day had went by quite fast, surprisingly. Rigby had gotten over his cold and actually participated in working, much to the surprise of Mordecai and Benson. They were now on their way to Cheezers to meet the girls. Rigby dreaded what was to come.
Rigby noticed out of the corner of eye that Mordecai was glancing over at him. Suddenly he heard the avian speak, "Hey dude. You alright?"
Rigby looked over at his friend like there was nothing wrong. "Yeah, I'm fine, why?"
"You've barely said a word, man. It's not like you."
Rigby gave a playful glare at the bird, "That supposed to be a joke."
"It's whatever you want, dude." The blue-jay chucked. "But seriously, is anything bugging you?"
The raccoon's smile faltered as he looked away. "No, I'm fine. Just tired, I guess."
Mordecai shrugged. "Alright man."
The golf cart pulled up in front of the restaurant. Mordecai shut off the ignition and hopped out of the cart. Rigby slowly followed.
As they entered Cheezers Rigby instantly noticed Margaret and Eileen sitting toward the middle of the room. The both seen the two guys and waved. Mordecai and Rigby waved in return and made their way to their table.
Just put on a fake smile and suffer through it. You can do this, Rigby.
The raccoon forced a smile as they approached the girls and took a seat. He lost his smile as he sat down and began inspecting Margaret. She was wearing a lime green dress, her breasts about ready to pop out. Full jewelry, and her hair was done nicely. It was obvious that was was desperately trying to get Mordecai back. Noticing the look on Mordecai's face looked like proof that it was working. Rigby stomach was tied in knots as he sat there wondering if Mordecai would get back with her after all.
Eileen was dressed the same way, but her sights were directed on Rigby. The raccoon suppressed a groan as the mole smiled at him from across the table. As much as he did hate to be mean to her, he felt it was needed to show her he wasn't interested. The only thing was, it didn't seem to phase her. So now, here she was, obviously thinking she was on a date with him, and Rigby had to be nice. The raccoon wanted to leave. He wanted to get as far away from that place as he could; but he knew how upset Mordecai would be if he did that. I suppose I'll just have to endure it. He thought.
Mordecai and Margaret began talking instantly. Surprisingly, Mordecai was able to keep up on her conversations and not, what the guys call it, "pulling a Mordecai", which was start stuttering and sweating so bad, he can't get a single sentence out. This worried Rigby.
God they're getting along great, for once. C'mon, Mordo, don't do this to me.
As the two Avians began to laugh at a joke Mordecai said, Rigby's eyes formed into a glare. It was becoming very clear that Mordecai was still interested in her. The raccoon's paw curled into a fist as he gritted his teeth. This was torture. He wanted to jump on top of Margaret and beat that fake smile right off her face. You don't deserve him.
"So, Rigby."
Rigby's face snapped over to Eileen's direction.
"How are you."
Rigby propped an elbow onto the table and laid his head into it. "Fan-fucking-tastic."
The mole obviously didn't catch the sour tone in his voice as she began giggling. Just then, the waiter appeared at their table. The four quickly informed him what they wanted to eat and the man was off.
Eileen continued to make small glances at Rigby from across the table. The raccoon just ignored it and pretended he didn't notice. Mordecai was still chatting with Margaret, acting like Rigby wasn't even there. So the raccoon had to sit there awkwardly silent with Eileen.
The mole was beginning to look uncomfortable by the fact she was squirming in her seat. Rigby started twirling his fork around in his hand and sighed. I guess I should try talking to her. Maybe it'll make this night go by easier.
He looked up from the fork at Eileen, "So, Eileen. How have things been at the coffee shop?"
Eileen looked up and smiled. He thought he saw relief flash across her eyes as she replied, "Oh, things have been great. Margaret has been working for her manager promotion and guests haven't been quite as rude lately, so that's good." She then, began rambling on about Margaret spilling coffee on a customer or something. The only thing that momentarily caught Rigby's attention is the fact the customer apparently called her about every foul name in the book. Silently, Rigby wished he would have been there. Then she began talking about some other story with the occasional flirt mixed in with it. Rigby was hating every moment of it.
The waiter returned and served their food. Rigby was relieved to have something else to do rather than listen to her incessant talking. He instantly focused his attention on eating his food. Eileen began eating too, but still managed to pry Rigby with questions about his personal interests and what not. He would answer with one or two words and resume eating. All of a sudden he noticed Mordecai turn around, he glanced over to see the blue-jay giving him a thumbs up and a wink. Rigby couldn't take anymore.
He quickly stood up. "I need some air. I'm going to step outside for a minute."
Mordecai looked confused. "You alright? Need me to come with?"
"No, I'm fine. I'll be back." Rigby quickly slid away from the table and hurriedly walked toward the entrance.
He emerged outside. The light from the restaurant beamed down onto the dimly lit sidewalk. He leaned on the brick wall beside the door and pulled out a pack of cigarettes. He had picked them up earlier that day. He usually didn't smoke, but he felt he would need them before the night was over. Turns out he was right.
He lit up a cigarette and inhaled deeply. The feeling of nicotine entering his lungs washed over him and his muscles began to relax. "I should start smoking these things regularly," he thought as he took another long drag. He heard the door open and turned to see Eileen stepping out of the building. He let out a long sigh as she walked over to lean beside him. As if this night couldn't get any worse. He thought.
A look of concern was on her face. "Is there anything wrong, Rigby?"
He shook his head as he took another drag. "Nope."
"You know you can talk to me right?"
Anger spiked in the raccoon. "Why would I talk to you? I hardly know you."
Her eyes broke contact momentarily before she flashed them back at him. "Maybe you should get to know me then."
He rolled his eyes as he continued to smoke. She just didn't know how to take a hint!
Eileen pursed her lips as he watched him with the cigarette. "You know, smoking can kill you."
He slowly turned his head toward her with mock surprise. "No. Really?"
Eileen sighed. "Okay, Rigby. I get it. You don't like me."
About time, now go away!
"But I was hoping to change your mind at some point."
He could tell she was about to continue so he rudely held up his hand. "Look, sorry, but I don't want to date you. Ever. I was hoping you'd get that by the way I've acted towards you. So don't waste your time on trying to change my mind. It's never going to happen."
He could tell he had struck a nerve from the crestfallen look on her face. "I was afraid of that." She mumbled. "I guess I should have known. I'm sorry I bothered you, I just was hoping you'd come around to it eventually if I really tried." Her eyes lowered towards the sidewalk. "Can we at least be friends then? I promise, I won't hit on you at all. You just seem like such a good friend to Mordecai and honestly, Margret's okay, but she's not what you call a "good" friend sometimes. I could use one of those."
Rigby suddenly felt bad for how hard he was on her. He was also quite taken aback by how kind she was still being despite his outbursts. He snuffed out the cigarette and threw it. "Look, I'm sorry I was rude to you. I understand what it's like to want someone who doesn't want you." All too well.
Eileen gave a small smile. "It's okay. And thank you. So we can be friends?"
"I see no problem with that."
Her smile widened. "Would you mind if I asked you a question?"
"Shoot"
"Not trying anything with you, but I'm just curious as to the reason you're not interested."
Rigby sighed as his eyes broke contact. "I-I like someone else."
She quickly snapped to attention. "Oh Really? Who?" She asked excitedly.
Now Rigby was extremely uncomfortable. He should have thought of a better answer than that. He just couldn't think of anything else to say at the time. He didn't even know how to reply to the question. He didn't want to tell her it wasn't any of her business because he didn't want to hurt her feelings again. As he hesitated, Eileen must have noticed a look of fear on his face because her eyes widened with knowing. "I knew it. You don't have to tell me, Rigby. I've seen the way you look at him."
Alarm shot though Rigby has he heard her say the word "Him". He began panicking as words began spluttering out of his mouth. "Him? Did you just say him? I-I don't know what you're talking about. I- who? I'm-I'm not even into guys! Why would you think that? Who-who are you talking about?"
She grabbed his arms in an attempt to calm him down. "Rigby, it's okay. I'm not judging you for liking Mordecai. People have different feelings and it's not a bad thing."
Rigby's defenses kicked in as he slapped her hands away. "You don't know anything! Stop trying to assume how I feel! You have no idea what I think! I-I'm not gay, okay? I'm not in love with Mordecai!"
"I never said you were in love with him, Rigby."
His eyes widened as he realized she had caught his mistake. The mole tried to rest her hand on his shoulder, but he dodged away from it. "Don't touch me. Just leave me alone, okay. I'm so tired of people sympathizing for me when they have no clue what's going on in my life." He felt himself getting to the point of tears again. "You think you have it bad? Try walking for ten minutes in my shoes. Try experiencing the amount of pain I feel on a daily basis! Try living in the same room as someone you love and know that you will never be with him! Try imagining spending the rest of your life being a shadow. Watching him date girls and eventually getting a family; and just leaving you behind like a broken fucking toy! Then not want to ever leave him because you'd rather have a friend you're in love with, rather than have no friends at all!"
The shock on Eileen's face was obvious as he continued. "You don't know what I have to deal with, Eileen. So don't assume so!" He realized during his breakdown that he had admitted to loving Mordecai, though he was past the point where it even mattered.
He broke down crying and slid down the wall until he was sitting with his head in his arms on the concrete. Eileen crouched down beside him. "Look, Rigby, I'm sorry I offended you. I didn't mean to. And I'm sorry you feel like this. But you're right, I don't know your pain. All I'm trying to do is be here for you. It's fine if you like him, though. I think it's pretty cute, actually. Also, now that I know, you can come and talk to me anytime whenever you're feeling bad."
Rigby slightly raised his head. "You won't tell anyone, will you?" he sniffed.
The mole shook her head. "I promise I won't tell anyone. It's your business, Rigby. No one else needs to know." She paused a moment. "In fact, if you want. I could try and help you get with him. You guys would be a really good couple and it beats him being with Margaret. Mordecai is a really nice guy and she would just use him like all the other guys she's dated. I'd hate to see that happen to him."
Rigby wiped his eyes. "Nothing's going to change his mind, Eileen. He's not gay."
"How do you know?"
"Eileen. Look at him. He's into girls, it's pretty obvious. I've never seen any sign he could be gay, and believe me. I've looked."
Eileen rolled her eyes in amusement. "Rigby, think about it. Do you know if he's ever seen any signs that you are gay?"
The raccoon hesitated. "No...not that I know of."
"Exactly. People can be very good at hiding their sexuality. I'm not saying I'm going to get you to ask him out or anything. Just see if we can get him into you. He won't even know what we're doing."
Rigby pondered her words. What would the harm be, if they did try to see if Mordecai was into him without him knowing about it? Eileen may get annoying, but she was no idiot. She could probably do it. He sighed as he stood up. "Alright. We'll give it a try. But if he gets mad or proves he's not interested, we stop. Okay?"
Eileen nodded. "Okay. You ready to come back inside?"
"As ready as I'll ever be, I suppose." he replied
Eileen smiled as she led the way back inside. As they approached the table, Rigby noticed that Mordecai and Margaret were beginning to stand up. Mordecai noticed Rigby and Eileen approach and waved. As they reached the table, Margaret grabbed her jacket and began putting it on.
"Hey, we tried waiting on you guys. Where'd you go?" Mordecai asked.
Rigby was about to reply, but Eileen spoke first. "Rigby went outside to smoke a cigarette and I just went out there to keep him company."
Mordecai turned his head to Rigby. "You smoke? I didn't know you smoke. When did this start?"
Rigby shrugged. "Tonight."
Eileen realized she had said too much and whispered "Sorry." to Rigby. He didn't care. It was a good excuse.
Margaret had finished putting on her jacket and was standing beside Mordecai. "Well we're ready to leave if you guys are."
Eileen and Rigby exchanged a glance and both nodded.
Mordecai and Margaret both ended up saying their goodbyes to each other and Mordecai decided to walk her to her car. Rigby and Eileen both paused near the entrance. Rigby sighed and gave Eileen a hug. The first hug he had ever given her. Honestly it felt weird due to the fact he had never thought he would ever do this. However, he felt it was necessary.
"Thank you for understanding." he told he quietly.
"What are friends for?" She replied gently.
They both walked outside and separated to their own vehicles. Rigby jumped into the golf cart where Mordecai was waiting.
"So..." Mordecai ventured as he started up the cart. "How'd it go?"
Rigby shrugged. "I told her I didn't want to date her."
Mordecai's face showed surprise. "Really? It seemed like you guys were hitting it off."
I could say the same for you and that slut.
"Quite the opposite, actually. But she took it well and I guess we're friends now."
Mordecai turned his gaze back to the road. "Well, I'm glad you weren't a dick about it. Sorry it didn't work out, though, Rigs. You'll get someone someday."
I hope so. Rigby thought. "So what about you and Margaret?"
Mordecai tilted his head slightly. "Honestly, I think I can forgive her. She apologized and she asked if we could be friends again."
Rigby began seething again. "What did you say?" he asked through gritted teeth.
"I said yeah. Not like we were, but I can be friends." Mordecai replied. Rigby noticed a tone in Mordecai's voice but couldn't tell what.
"Oh. Well good for you man." Rigby answered half-enthusiastically.
"Look, you don't have to like her, Rigby. Honestly, I don't really blame you. So from now on, I won't make you hang out with her if you don't want to. Just because I'm friends with her, doesn't mean you have to be."
Rigby was actually a little taken aback by Mordecai's sudden change of heart. "Th-thanks for understanding."
"No problem, dude. I'm just glad everything worked out." Mordecai replied with a smile.
Rigby didn't reply. Not everything.
The raccoon noticed that smile never left the avian's face. This only worsened Rigby's fears that Mordecai was feeling something more than what he was admitting. At least I have someone to talk to now. He thought. Though the thought failed to comfort him as he continued to notice Mordecai's grin. Rigby clenched his fists. I bet I can guess who's on his mind. Oh Mordecai, why does it have to be this way.
So now Eileen knows Rigby's secret. I guess you can't keep a secret forever. God this chapter was so hard for me to write for some reason. Longest writers block I've ever experienced in my entire life. Well, what do you think is going to happen next? Also, if you would all be so kind as to leave me a review on how you enjoyed this chapter and the story so far. I would greatly appreciate it. It helps me write. Anyways, hope you liked it. Until chapter four!
~Dawn