The Illusion of Danger

Chapter 35

(note: this chapter contains a small spicy bit with Rocky. It does not last long and not much is described, but I did want to warn readers.)

Rocky parked his vehicle a block or two away from Mordecai's apartment just in case. He was running early, so he had plenty of time to walk to the building and get ready with Mordecai. Not wanting to put the new suit on just yet, in case his breakfast got a little messy. It was a few minutes until he approached the building, he looked around to make sure he wasn't followed by any suspicious characters. All looked clear.

When he got to his lover's door, he knocked a few times and waited for the man to answer. He was on pins and needles, waiting to see Mordecai again after a few days of not running into him at all.

At the sound of the knocks, Mordecai pulled the watch from his pocket and finished the sentence he was reading before looking at the time.
He placed the book to the side and stood from where he sat on the couch. He was honestly impressed that Rocky was still punctual, assuming that really was him knocking on the door.

The tuxedo silently strode to the door and unlocked it. As he opened the door, he made sure to keep his guard up just to be safe; but once he saw that it really was just his partner, his shoulders relaxed a bit.
"Come in."
He nodded, stepping aside so the tabby could enter.

"Thanks!"
Rocky stepped inside and waited for the older man to close the door. Once he did, the tabby swiftly kissed Mordecai's cheek.
"I missed you."
He gave the other man a big, toothy smile.
"Got my new suit!"
He said excitedly, waving the garment in his hand on the hanger.

Mordecai's brows shot up at the sudden kiss. He should have expected it, but he was less ready than he thought.

"Oh, good. You've made sure it fits?"
He proceeded to ask, locking the door as he watched the frantic movements of the tabby.

"I tried it on at the tailors yesterday! Everything is good to go!"
The tabby was vibrating with excitement. He knew it would take days to receive the finished photographs but he was still giddy. His mood would be at an all-time high for days.

Rocky hugged Mordecai with one arm, the other full with the suit.
"Is this what you're wearing? You already look very dapper."
The younger man complimented while wiggling his eyebrows at his lover, looking him up and down with the intensity of a hormonal teenager.

The tuxedo pursed his lips together and looked down at himself.
"This is my normal attire... I'll be changing shortly. I wanted to wait and see if you would come before preparing."
He explained as he turned his attention to the suit Rocky held.
"I'm looking forward to seeing what you've chosen."

"You still look so handsome."
He kissed him on the cheek again with a wink.
"I brought the navy one... the color my sweetheart picked out."
A coy smile spread across the tabby's face.

Mordecai pulled his pocket watch out again and hummed.
"Well, we're right on schedule."
He said as he put the watch back in his pocket and held his arm out in a gesture for Rocky to head down the hallway.
"Let's get ready and once the appointment concludes, we can return here for an early dinner if you'd like."

"Sounds great!"
Rocky walked down the hallway to Mordecai's bedroom. He couldn't wait to see what the man would wear for the photograph. The tabby set his suit out on the bed, unbuttoning the coat to slip the pants off the hanger and set them out flat on the bed.

The tuxedo followed close behind but stopped in the parlor to put his book away, then joined Rocky in the bedroom.
"Would you mind checking my progress while we're here?"
He asked as he started to remove his vest, gesturing to his back.
"I've done what I can to keep it clean and in order while you were away."