The Illusion of Danger

Chapter 41

As much as Mordecai didn't want to think about it, the six hours he was at work seemed to crawl by; feeling like he'd been running numbers for twice what he had been.
He made sure to mail their letters on the way so that only added to the weight of time. He needed to know what was going on with his mother and the answer couldn't come soon enough.

As the tuxedo climbed the stairs of the apartment building that afternoon, he felt a wave of relief wash over him; not only to be able to come home and make dinner for himself and his lover but also to know that the building itself was still standing without a waterfall running down the stairs or the wallpaper curling over flames.

Pulling his key from his pocket, Mordecai unlocked the door to his living quarters, removed his shoes, and set the umbrella in its place.

Rocky spent the day napping and listening to the radio. Not much to do when you're supposed to be fairly quiet throughout the day. Next time he thought to himself, he should bring his violin inside. Maybe that would be okay with the neighbor. Half the time he was listening to the radio, he was doodling on some random sheets of scratch paper he had found in Mordecai's office.

It had been close to the same time that Mordecai was home the previous day when the tabby heard footsteps come up the stairs. He swished his tail excitedly like a dog whose master was approaching the house. When the door was opened and Mordecai stepped through, Rocky lept up from the floor he was lying on and ran to his lover after it was closed. The tabby had spent the day lazing about in his underwear, so he didn't want to show up at the front door with practically nothing on.

"Welcome home, Mordecai!"
Rocky attacked the older man with a hug.

Mordecai heard the running of feet toward him and despite knowing exactly who it was, it made his fur stand on end and whip around as if ready to strike. Before he could do anything though, he was embraced and welcomed.

It took the tuxedo a few seconds to let himself relax and slowly return the hug.
"Thank you, dearest."
He replied softly with a light purr.
"Haven't you gotten dressed yet today?"
He asked as soon as he noticed that Rocky was in his underwear.

The tabby nuzzled his cheek into the man's shoulder and purred.
"Why would I need to get dressed if I'm just lounging about? It's more comfortable this way."
He wiggled his tush, letting his underwear wave about. The tip of his tail twitched happily.

"As long as you didn't go outside..."
The tuxedo sighed in response with a pat on Rocky's back.
"You said you had to leave at five, correct? I should prepare dinner if that's the case."

"I promise I didn't go outside like this."
The tabby chuckled.
"And yes! Freckle and I have a run tonight. Miss M has a new connection we are going to get some hooch from. Dinner beforehand sounds lovely."
He kissed Mordecai on the cheek.

With one more nod, Mordecai attempted to walk but was stopped when Rocky didn't let go. With a raised brow, he brought his arms around the tabby again for another hug, thinking that was what he wanted.
"Are you alright? Did something happen while I was gone?"

"Something did happen... I missed you."
He purred and squeezed tighter. Laughing at his silly little joke, he then let go so that Mordecai could make his way into the apartment whilst not having a full-grown man-child clinging to him.

The tuxedo pecked his lover's forehead before continuing through to the bedroom to remove his coat.
"Surely it wasn't as bad as you're claiming it was."
He commented, hanging the garment up before rolling up his sleeves and moved toward the kitchen.

"I'll admit I was rather bored, but I did find myself honing my art skills and listening to some interesting radio programs. Other than that it was a fairly uneventful day." Rocky stretched and yawned.