Mixed Up Birthday (Gummi Bears - Gusto x Gruffi)

Mixed Up Birthday

Gruffi snarled into the gag as the ogres tied him to a tree. Across from him, Duke Igthorn smirked and chuckled, wearing Gruffi's body like it was natural to him.

"It's a pity that you bears are so ridiculous looking. All this mangy fur. Oh well," the former human sighed, turning away from the group. "Keep him tied up, and don't release him unless I order you to. I'm off to find the rest of the gummi bears!"

Some birthday this was turning out to be, Gruffi thought to himself. He just hoped that someone, anyone, would figure out the duke's ruse before it was too late.

***

His original plan had involved roaming the forest, pretending he'd forgotten how to get back to the gummi lair. Then he remembered that the bear he'd managed to capture was the grouchy one. That suited his character much better than one of the perky, upbeat gummi bears – yuck!

"Hey, I need help! Someone take me back to the... um, house?" Igthorn winced. What did the gummies call their home, anyway?

"Hey there, handsome. What are you doing out here?"

"What?" Igthorn spun around, only to find his little arms full when a blue-furred bear rushed to hug him tightly. "Uh, hello... new gummi?"

The blue bear laughed, bopping him lightly on the nose. "Someone's in a funny mood today. Must be birthday jitters. Anyway, I have the day all planned out. Just you and me until dinner time."

"But I have to get back. I have... lots of work to do," Igthorn lied, attempting to escape the slightly taller bear's embrace.

"No can do, Gruffamundo. You're not working on your birthday. Grammi and the others agreed, although I think they're hoping I manage to sweeten your mood before dinner time." The blue bear batted his eyelashes at him, and nuzzled their cheeks together.

These two bears are very cuddly with each other, it seems, Igthorn thought to himself, moments before the bear in the yellow hat pressed a soft kiss to his cheek. His face began to heat up, and he quickly realized that his heart was starting to beat rapidly in his chest, as well. There are gay gummi bears, Igthorn realized. Who knew?

"You okay there, Gruff?" The blue bear took a step back, rubbing his own arm awkwardly. "I'm not being too clingy, am I? I told you I was stuck on an island for twelve years, alone except for my bird friend, Artie. My art kept me busy, but I guess I just miss being close to other gummies, you know? What am I saying? Now I'm babbling. You must think I'm the weirdest gummi in the world," the bear groaned, throwing an arm over his eyes.

"Twelve years? You must have been lonely, my dear," Igthorn declared, drawing the vibrantly-furred bear closer. He plucked at the bear's red scarf, and put on his best impression of a caring lover. "I'm not upset with you. I just want to spend this special day with all of you. So, if you'll just lead the way back to the..."

"Oh, Gruffi! You're such a peach!" the blue bear said, throwing his arms around him again. "We're not going back to Gummi Glen until dinner time, because I have a surprise for you. Come on!"

The next thing Igthorn knew, he was being dragged through the forest by the enthusiastic bear, only stopping when a colorful bird landed on a nearby branch to say hi to 'Gusto.' He assumed that was the bear's name. It was easier to trick someone if you knew their name, and it wouldn't be difficult to pretend to have feelings for another male – Igthorn knew he had an interest in both genders. Still, pretending to have feelings for a short, bouncing, bubbly bear was definitely going to be on the list of the strangest things he'd ever done.

"Blindfold on, Gruffamundo."

A piece of cloth covered Igthorn's eyes, blocking out his sight as he was dragged forward, and then pushed into what felt like a cave. He fell with a yelp, and landed in a strange, wooden contraption. "What's the big idea!"