Surprise, It's Anxiety

Sighing, Vivian headed towards Betty’s old dressing room once more, hoping that this time she might be able to find some sort of clue that could point her in the right direction of who she should direct all her anger towards. As she reached the room she went to open the door but her hand stalled, floating inches from the wood as her ears perked up. It sounded like someone was already in there. A sudden wave of fresh anger swept over her, how dare someone be in there right now! If it was one of the directors she’d give them a right piece of her mind and send them scampering with their tails between their legs! Huffing she pushed open the door but her voice caught in her throat as she recognised who was in the room already. The magician sat by Betty’s vanity, his head buried in his arms as he sobbed, completely unaware of her presence as he wallowed in his own grief.

Betty used to talk about the little magician she’d caught herself all the time they were together. Originally Vivian had thought she was only with him for his money. Someone like Betty could do so much better than being a stage hand for some half baked magician of all things. But as time went on Vivian began to realise that maybe Betty really did see something else in the mouse. She would gush over him every chance she got, going on and on about all the things he’d done, what they had planned for their next show, all the little stupid things he’d do that only someone complete head over heels would even notice. She was completely smitten and with how Vivian had seen them interact the few times she’d actually seen them together it was fair to say he felt the same way. He looked at her like the brightest star in the night sky, damn he looked at her like she was the sun with how much love and devotion he showered her with each and every moment he saw her. Not really the man Vivian would pursue but it was still good to have seen Betty so happy.

Snapping back from her own thoughts she looked down at the sobbing mouse once more, a knot forming in her chest. Slowly she made her way into the small room, shutting the door behind her which finally caught his attention. 

“I-I’m sorry, b-but could you p-please leave me a-alone. I… I just want to be a-alone with w-what’s left o-of her…” His voice was barely above a whisper, never turning to look at her as he just curled more into himself. Hesitating, Vivian took a moment to consider before she made her way over. Silently she wrapped her arms around the other mouse’s shoulders, bringing him into a hug as she just lay her head against the back of his. The mouse tensed up at the sudden contact but after a moment Vivian heard him sniffle before he reached out a shaking hand to tightly grip onto hers like she would be ripped away from him like his love was. Vivian was never the best at comforting anyone, it wasn’t in her character to really think of others, bar those she actually cared about. That was just the nature of working in an industry as cut throat as film, this business didn’t favour the kind hearted. But at this moment, she was probably with the only other person in the world who could understand her grief to the degree it deserved. Pulling in the other mouse closer, she felt herself beginning to well up as she tried to fight back her own tears.

“I miss her too. Every damn day. I know what you’re going through, Steve. I… I am so sorry for your loss. Both our losses.”

Cursing to himself softly the mouse was suddenly snapped away from his little pity party as he heard a soft chuckle from behind. Jack was leaning against the door frame, a warm smile on his face as he’d probably been there for a while now, just watching the magician fuss over himself. Wonderful, Steve felt his cheeks turning pink as he just sighed as the other mouse made his way over.

“You shouldn’t be here, Jack. You know what they say, it’s bad luck for a groom to see his bride before the big day.” Jack just huffed as he wrapped his arms around Steve’s waist, bringing him in close so they could gently nuzzle one another.

“Oh so I’m the bride in this? I ain’t weaning a wedding dress so I think that little superstition doesn’t apply right now so we should be fine. Besides, you look like you could use a little encouragement. Wedding day jitters?” Steve let out a soft sigh as he nodded sheepishly.

“Not about the wedding ceremony itself, just more so there’s so much going on and so much that could go wrong, it's all just…”

“Just a lot, overwhelming even. I know the feeling, I’m terrified I’ll forget my damn lines and all I have to do is repeat what Corny says!” That got a giggle out of the magician, his nerves melting away as Jack cuddled him. 

“I’m just worried Millie is going to yell something out during the objections after Bozo told her about it. Remind me why we hired him as her babysitter?”

“He’s fantastic with kids and Millie loves him. Plus he’s cheap.” 

That earned another round of giggles but it was cut short as speaking of the devil, their little moment alone was cut short as a familiar high pitched yell was heard quickly approaching them. Millie soon barged into the room, Tammy hot on her tail as she tried to grab her.

“Dad, why are you hiding in here with Pa! You said you’d help me practise my entrance!” Jack just sighed as he rolled his eyes, a smile of endearment sneaking onto his lips as he pried himself away from his fiancee to deal with their daughter.

“I know Millie, but can’t me and your Pa have a moment alone for a second? It’s kind of a big day to day after all.” The little half shrew shook her head, her little cheeks turning red as she huffed, adamant that she was going to get her way.

“Nuh-uh! Tammy says it’s bad luck and I don’t want that! So you better come and help me practise now cos you’ve jinxed us! A-and I don’t want anything bad to happen, not to you and Pa…” She trailed off as she fiddled with the hem of her dress, her eyes drifting to the floor. It was clear what she was implying. The mice just looked at one another before bending down so they could pull her into a tight hug.

“Hey kiddo, nothing is going to happen to me, your Dad or you. It’s going to be a great day, you’re going to be the highlight when everyone sees you as the flower girl and how cute you look in your new dress. So you have nothing to worry about at all, plus we got your favourite flavour of cake as one of the tiers on the wedding cake~” Steve always knew what to say to cheer the little girl up as her eyes suddenly brightened as her ears perked up at the sound of cake.

“I told you a chocolate cake was the best one to go for. And I do look very cute, it would be a shame if no one got to see it.” Jack could only chuckle at that as he pulled her in close, placing a little kiss on her head before ruffling her hair.

“That’s my girl. Now come on, let’s go practice with Tammy so we can let your Pa go check on the preparations.” Getting to his feet, Jack went to follow after the girls before he suddenly stumbled, his balance going suddenly. Thankfully Steve was quick on his feet as he scooped the other mouse in close, supporting him until the dizziness passed.

“Easy Jackie I got you. Take it slow, remember.”