Surprise, It's Anxiety

Bracing himself he barged through the kitchen door, taking a moment as his eyes darted around, trying desperately to locate an exit. It seemed he’d managed to end up in some high end club, as he could only stare up in awe at the high ceilings, covered in ornate lights and art deco paintings. He’d never been in a place like this before, hell the bouncers wouldn’t even let someone like him get within 10 feet of the place. Which meant he needed to get out of here soon or cheeseleggers wouldn’t be his only issue and frankly he didn’t know if he’d prefer them over an angry bouncer. Taking off again he slipped amongst the staff, trying to do his best to blend in as he scampered between them. Alas the sound of the door slamming open only made his heart jump out of his chest as another yell of expletives was enough to get him to bolt again, running aimlessly as he risked a look over his shoulder. Yeah the mice had seen him and were soon barreling towards him as staff members and patrons turned to investigate the sudden commotion. Damn it this might be the end of the road for him! Alas he should have been watching where he was going as suddenly he slammed into something, bringing him to an abrupt halt. No wait, it wasn't something, it was someone.

Bozo found himself yelping in surprise as he bounced off whoever he’d run face first into, the other also making a noise of surprise as they reached out, grabbing the mouse to stop him falling on his ass. What on earth had he run into, it felt like a damn brick house? Looking up, Bozo could only swallow nervously as the mouse stared at him, still cradling him in his arm as if he weighed nothing. But given the height and build difference between the two, he probably really didn’t. Bozo hadn’t seen a mouse like this before, a rat maybe, but the height on him really was striking. 

“Are you okay?” The mouse snapped back, realising he’d been staring as the other mouse just frowned at him, a look of concern plastering his features. Bozo tried to speak but he was cut off as he heard another yell, both mice looking up as the cheeseleggers finally caught up to him. 

“There you are, you damn rat! Now come with us before you start a damn scene.”

Scrambling to his feet, Cameron could only shrink back as he flashed an apologetic smile.

“B-Boys can’t w-we just talk about this? W-we’re civilised mice aren’t we?” The leggers just growled as they rounded on him, ready to take him back to the dock and do who knows what.

Covering his eyes Bozo waited to be dragged away instead he felt an arm slip around his shoulder pulling him in close as he could only let out a small squeak as he found himself buried against the taller mouse’s chest.

“Is there a problem gentlemen?” His voice was clear, cutting through the music of the bar as he glared the cheeseleggers down. Bozo could only glance up at his apparent saviour, perplexed. But he wasn’t one to stare a gift horse in the mouth as he clung to his suit jacket, nuzzling against the fine fabric.

“No sir, just need to have a little word with our mate here is all. Nothing to get yourself involved with, so just let us be on our way before things have to get messy...” Bozo felt the grip on his shoulder tighten as the other mouse tutted before clinking his fingers. From the dark of the bar two burly mice appeared at their side, hands already slipping into their jackets to the obvious concealed heat they were packing. Where the hell had these guys been hiding?! Bozo could only look nervously between them before looking up at his saviour, their gaze still locked on the cheeseleggers who seemed to be a lot less confident now. And with such muscle at the ready they didn’t like their chances as they suddenly began to back down.

“I don’t think he wants to go with you so I’ll just keep him here with me while my associates see you out. I do suggest you go quietly, or else they might just need to have a little word with you too.” That was more than enough of a threat as the cheeseleggers quickly turned on their heel, scampering off the way they’d come, finally leaving Cameron alone. The mouse could only let out a long sigh as he tried to get his racing heart under control, however as he tried to pull away he felt the grip on his shoulder tighten.

“Now where are you going, little mouse? Like I said, I’m keeping you here.”

“Huh?” Bozo could only blink, a dumb look of confusion on his face as he tried to process what was happening as he was dragged away towards a private booth at the back of the bar. Bozo didn’t even try to put up a fight as he suddenly found himself plopped down in a plush chair as the mouse slipped in beside him, his muscle slipping back as they shot Bozo a disapproving look. Okay so maybe he should have just taken the cheeseleggers as it seemed he was out of the frying pan and into the fire as he felt the other mouse looking him over. 

“So do you have a name, little mouse?” Bozo could only shiver as he heard the mouse practically purr the nickname he’d be given, his face heating up for some reason. 

“C-Cameron. Cameron Bozo. Sir.” That earned him a snort which only made the mouse curl into himself as he suddenly felt very shy. Was it fear that was making him act like this or just the fact a handsome, rich, tall mouse was giving him attention? 

“Bozo? Not the most flattering of names, but cute regardless.” The word cute made his tail twitch as he felt his ear droop as he nervously glanced up, quickly snapping his eyes back to his lap as the other mouse met his eye and smirked. Motioning to a waiter, two drinks were placed in front of them as Bozo’s saviour and apparent admirer sipped on his.

“Also you don’t have to call me sir, silly. Riccardo is fine, Cameron.” Bozo just squeaked at the sound of his own name earning another chuckle as Riccardo gently pushed the glass towards him, encouraging him to drink.

Bozo hesitated for a moment before taking it, giving it a small sniff before he took a sip. Oh, oh it was good! Much better than that stuff he got at John’s bar but maybe it was because this was something high end. He quickly downed the rest, happily humming to himself afterwards, only to look over at his companion who looked a little surprised before a smile spread over their lips as he giggled. The smile seemed different this time, obviously Bozo couldn’t put his finger on why but just that it was different. He preferred it.

“I will take it is to your liking then, Cameron?” 

“Y-yeah, yeah it’s much nicer than what I usually get si- I mean um Riccardo.” Another giggle and the same smile. Maybe it was because of the booze now pooling in his stomach but Bozo risked looking up, meeting the other mouse’s eyes as he just cocked his head, watching Bozo.

“Why’d you help me? I mean I’m grateful but guys like you don’t tend to help guys like me?” That seemed to catch Riccardo off guard as the smile faltered, changing back to the smirk he was wearing before as he leaned over the smaller mouse, showing off the difference in height once more as Bozo flopped back into his chair.

“”Guys like me?””

“N-no I just meant like you know all rich and fancy and stuff!” Riccardo regarded him for a moment before huffing, the smile returning as he pulled back.

“I know what you meant and do not worry about it. I understand. And I guess you just looked like you needed help, you practically threw yourself at me anyway so how was I not going to help?” He spoke nonchalantly as he finished off his own drink, glancing at the crowds as they drank and danced their way through the night. Bozo followed his gaze before turning to study the other mouse, looking him over. He looked like every other rich fat cat around town Bozo had seen, the ones who would turn their noses up at anyone who wasn’t in the same tax bracket as them. However when he looked at Riccardo he didn’t see that, there was something else there. Something almost… sad. Apparently Riccardo could feel the mouse’s eyes on him as turned back to face him, a cheeky grin on his face. 

“Plus you were cute and just my type so what better way than to score a drinking partner for the night than to save them.” The wink he was flashed was enough to have all the ink pooling in Bozo’s cheeks as he just pointed dumbly at himself.

“You think I’m cute?”

“Extremely. I like mice like you. A little pathetic, very cute, highly amusing.”

Bozo couldn’t help but pout at that, his tail flicking in defiance as he huffed but given how hot his face was it was evident it was just to try and maintain what little dignity he had left. Which wasn’t a lot as he felt himself going shy again as he began to fiddle with his tail, twirling it between his fingers as he felt himself turning shy as he kept repeating the cute comment in his head. He couldn’t help himself and he must look like a right idiot but the reaction seemed to have charmed his companion as Riccardo just beamed.

“See so cute~”

“S-shut up. I ain’t that cute. Besides, you're one to talk, looking like that.” That seemed to perk the mouse’s interest as his eyes narrowed as he hummed.

“And what do I look like?” It seemed like he was expecting a specific answer given how his posture shifted, an almost tired look flashing on his features for a moment. Probably one he’d heard countless times.

“O-oh you know… pretty.”

“Pretty?” Now that caught him off guard as Riccardo straightened up, his eyes going wide as that really didn’t seem to be what he expected. Damn it had Bozo put his foot in his mouth after just getting any mouse to think he was cute?!

“I-I mean yes- b-but also gorgeous! Yeah and handsome and cute as a button and you know, things like that!” Bozo knew he was rambling as he awkwardly tried to back peddle. He was half expecting for the muscle to be called to show him out but was surprised to find that now Riccardo was acting shy. The taller mouse fiddled with his glass as he tried to shy his face away as ink began to pool in his cheeks, obviously not used to the type of compliments Bozo had accidentally showered him with. 

“People do not typically use that type of language to describe me. It is always something about my size or body. I certainly would not use the word cute to describe myself.” Their eyes met as they both shared a look, both certainly not expecting this type of outcome. Feeling a sudden surge of confidence, Bozo puffed out his chest as he lay on the charm. Well whatever he considered charming.

“Well I think you're pretty cute. As cute as a bug in a rug~” Typically that would have earned him a groan or a punch on the nose but this time he found that it was a lot more effective as Riccardo began to giggle shyly, a small snort slipping out as he tried to shoo Bozo away.

“Hush, you are just teasing me now!”

“Well buy me another drink and I’ll stop. Maybe.” Bozo was pushing his luck now and after getting a coy look Riccardo seemed to give in as he ordered them another round, that softer, more genuine smile plastered on his lips as he turned his attention back to Bozo.

“You are a very cheeky little mouse, Cameron and here I was just planning on wine and dining you. But you certainly have caught my attention and have charmed me. Also while we are being all flirtatious and getting to know one another you can just call me Ricky. Consider it an honour.”