The Rise Of CuteGuy

Missing you

Scat pov

The movie on my computer screen was a blur as I sat there in my office, arms wrapped tightly around my legs. The dim light of the room only seemed to amplify the emptiness. I wasn’t sure what I was even doing anymore. The buzz of the city outside, the occasional noise from the street below, felt so distant. There was a hollow feeling in my chest that I couldn’t quite shake off.

I had spent months convincing myself that CG would find his own path, that he would move on, and that I had to do the same. But every passing day, every patrol I went on alone, it became harder to ignore how much I missed him. His unpredictable energy, the way he would just show up and drag me into something ridiculous. His chaotic, but comforting presence. I couldn’t deny it anymore—I missed him more than I cared to admit.

It wasn’t just the lack of him on patrols. He hadn’t even shown up to visit Mumbo in his workshop. That was the real kicker for me. Mumbo told me once that CG had been spending most of his time back at the cafe again, just doing his usual thing, just like before. That thought made something twist in my chest.

I never thought I’d get this attached to a partnership, to someone I worked alongside. But when it was just me, it felt... off. Like something was missing.

I let out a long sigh and rubbed my face with my hands, trying to push the thoughts away. I can’t let this affect me. I can’t keep sitting here, stuck in the past. But even as I tried to convince myself, it was hard not to think about CG.

Had he really decided he was done with this life? With being a hero? Or was there something else? The questions swirled in my mind, unanswered, and the more I thought about it, the more I realized how much I missed our time together.

I didn’t want to admit it, but I still hoped—just a little—that one day, he'd show up at my door, grinning like he hadn’t missed a beat, ready to dive into whatever crazy thing we’d get up to next.

But for now, it was just me. And that thought alone felt heavier than I expected.

I leaned back in my chair, staring at the empty spot in the corner of my office where CG would normally sit, his chaotic energy always filling the space. The absence felt suffocating. It was almost as if the room had lost its color without him here—no more banter, no more random conversations in the middle of a shift, no more loud and unpredictable bursts of energy that seemed to always make things more interesting. It was just... silence now. And I hated it.

I tried distracting myself with work, but it never worked for long. The weight of his absence hung over me, no matter how hard I tried to shake it. I reached for my phone, hesitating for a moment before scrolling through messages. I’d spoken to Starvoid about it before. It was clear to me that I wasn’t the only one who missed him, but Starvoid had always been hesitant to push CG to come back. Every time I tried to ask if he’d spoken to him, the answer was the same—“He doesn’t want to be pestered, doesn’t want to force it.”

I understood that. CG was like that—he needed space, he needed freedom. But part of me wanted to push through it, wanted to ask if he was okay, wanted to pull him back into this life somehow. But I always stopped myself. I didn't want to be the one to intrude on his choices, even if it meant I was left in this quiet, empty office every night.

I rubbed my temples, trying to push the frustration away. The idea of not going on patrol tonight was a little strange. It felt like I was breaking my routine—like something was missing from the night. The streets felt too still without CG, without that constant energy and chaotic unpredictability that always seemed to make everything just a little bit more exciting.

I knew the answer was to let him go, to accept that he had moved on, but it still didn’t sit right with me. A part of me didn’t want to give up, didn’t want to believe that he wouldn’t come back, at least not for the occasional patrol, or even just a visit.

But as the hours passed and the quiet stretched on, I knew I couldn’t force it. He had his own path to follow, even if that path didn’t lead back to me. And it hurt, more than I ever thought it would.

I stepped out of my office and into the cool night air, the weight of the quiet following me. I knew where I had to go—Cub’s café. It had become a place of comfort for me, a little refuge from the quiet moments that haunted me when I was alone. I wasn’t going as Hot Guy, wasn’t going as some superhero. I was just me. The me who missed his chaotic partner, the me who couldn’t shake the feeling that something was still unfinished.

The soft chime of the café door greeted me as I walked in. The smell of fresh coffee and baked goods filled the air, comforting and familiar. It wasn’t as lively as it used to be, the place always buzzing with CG’s unpredictable energy. The patrons, mostly regulars, sat in quiet corners, sipping their drinks and chatting softly. I could almost hear the absence of CG in the silence.

I spotted Cub behind the counter, his back to me as he worked on something in the kitchen. It was strange, seeing him here without CG. Usually, CG would be right next to him, either making a mess in the kitchen or making some loud remark about the day’s events. But now, it was just Cub, moving with quiet focus.

I took a deep breath, adjusting myself before walking up to the counter. Cub glanced up when he heard me approach, a faint smile pulling at the corners of his lips. "Hey, what’s up?" he asked, wiping his hands on his apron.

"Hey, just wanted to drop by," I said casually, keeping my tone light. "How’s everything?"

Cub shrugged, clearly distracted. "Same as usual. Busy. But you know how it is. What about you? How’s work?"

I hesitated, my gaze drifting toward the back of the café, where I knew CG would normally be. It was strange not seeing him there. "It’s fine," I replied, forcing a smile. "Just... quiet, you know?"

Cub’s smile faltered for a second, his eyes narrowing slightly as if he knew exactly what I meant. "Yeah, I get it," he said quietly. "It’s been different without him around."

I nodded, feeling the ache in my chest again. "Yeah. I was hoping maybe... I could talk to him, just... see how he’s doing."

Cub’s expression softened, but there was a hint of something else in his eyes—concern, maybe, or something deeper that I couldn’t quite place. He sighed, a little reluctantly. "He’s been keeping to himself. Not sure if he’s ready for company right now."

I swallowed, nodding. I knew he was right. CG always needed space when he was like this. But I couldn’t help the feeling of wanting to push, to see if there was any chance he’d come back, even just for a little while.

"Okay," I said quietly, "I understand. Just... let him know I’m here, okay?"

Cub gave me a sympathetic look before nodding. "I’ll let him know. But... maybe just give him some time. He’s been through a lot, y’know?"

I smiled softly, appreciating his words, even if it didn’t make the ache go away. "I know. Thanks, Cub."

With one last glance toward the back, I turned to leave, the door chiming softly behind me. As much as I wanted to stay, as much as I wanted to see CG again, I knew pushing him wouldn’t help. I’d just have to wait—wait until he was ready to come back.

But damn, it was harder than I thought.