Grumbo Shenanigans

Studying (oneshot)

Before you start reading, I have to clear up some things. This is an AU where all of the hermits are in middle school and very very close to high school. Most of them are 14-15. About my age to be precise. Also, the drawing above is something for the AU. Anyway, enjoy some adorable middle school fluff!
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Mumbo's P.O.V

I leaned back in my seat and sighed. Why did I think this would be a good idea? My friends were over at my house to get some studying in before the coming exam and it didn't go as I thought it would. It started with Iskall putting on music, then looking at relatable memes on social media, and a strange game of truth or dare. To put things simply, we didn't get anything done.

I was taking notes off of my phone when Iskall decided to sit next to me. I could hardly concentrate on writing the words because Grian and Stress were dancing and singing badly to the lyrics of the loud music blaring out of the speakers. We were all in the movie room equipped with a large projector, two high-quality speakers, etc. I honestly don't like talking about the 'luxury' I have in my house but I think it's necessary to the setting.

"So, when are you going to tell him?" I turned towards Iskall with a confused face. It took me a second to realize what they were talking about.

"What? No, Iskall. I'm waiting until high school. We're still young." Iskall rolled their eyes and sat back in his chair.

"Sure. That's you're reason."

My stupid crush on Grian was getting worse by every passing day. At this point, Iskall was annoyed by the fact. I can't help it. Being a young teen is confusing. I was snapped out of my thoughts when the music faded away. Grian wrapped Stress in a hug and squealed? I wasn't sure what to describe it as better no matter how obnoxious it was, it was adorable. Everything about him was adorable.

Grian looked over at me and smiled. "Mumbo! Come over here and join us! I'll put on your favourite song if you do."

As much as I needed to study, how could I say no to him? I set my phone and pencil down and walked over to them. The bright smile on Grian's face made me blush a little. A few seconds after, music sounded in the speakers again. Grian unhanded Stress and took my hands into his own.

He started singing awfully to the music, waving our arms around. I could hear Stress giggling in the background. I turned to Iskall and all he did was wink. Thanks for being a good friend, Iskall. At this point, I could feel the blush on my face.

I turned back to Grian and he was still singing. He's so confident and bubbly, why can't I be like him? I finally broke into song with him. Stress and Iskall stared at me in surprise, and to mine, I didn't care.

The music soon faded away once again. Grian and I busted out laughing after the song ended. "Holy shit dude. I had no idea you would do that!" Grian said while trying to catch his breath. I smiled and resumed with gaining my own breath.
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When we were all settled down for once we decided to just sit and relax for the time being. Iskall was sitting (or should I say sleeping) in their chair still, Stress was on the floor covered in piles of blankets (also probably asleep) and Grian was sitting on a bean bag with me.

"Hey, Mumbo?" I looked over at Grian. He looked nervous and I couldn't help but I feel it too. Even so, I answered.

"Yeah?"

"I've been doing some reminiscing lately. Since we're going to high school pretty soon I can't help but remember what good times we had." Thank goodness he didn't ask what I thought he was.

But we all did have a lot of great times. Most of them were stupid in my opinion, but they sure had their own special charms to them.

"Oh yeah. Remember when you exploded the science lab?" I asked. I couldn't help but giggle at the memory. Grian turned a little red.

"Not one of my proudest moments, but yes. Do you remember when you yelled 'fuck' in the middle of class?" Oh my word, I'd rather forget everything about that day.

"Unfortunately, yes," I replied. Grian burst out laughing and I joined in not long after. The laughter died down after a while. It was quiet, but not awkward quiet like you would think, more comfortable actually.

"Mumby?"

"Yeah?"

"This may seem a bit out of the blue, but do you like anyone?" I froze. This was what I dreading earlier. What am I supposed to say!? I can't just say 'oh I've been crushing on you since we were like,
twelve' No, I had to be smart with this.

"Um, yeah. I like someone." Sure Mumbo, really nailed the whole 'smart' approach.

"Can you tell me who? Sorry, um. You don't have to if you don't want too." Great. I'm in way too deep now. How am I supposed to get out of this rabbit hole?? I took in a deep breath. I have to accept that there's only one way out of this. Oh my word, I'm actually doing this.

"No no, I'll tell you. It's you.." I mumbled the last part.

"Um. I didn't hear you there Mumbo."

"It's you!"

Then there was silence. The awkward silence.

All I could do was stare at Grian. His face was red and he was fiddling with his necklace. I tried to say something but all of the words turned to gibberish.

"I'm sorry- maybe I- we- I thought-"

"Mumbo." I stopped trying to talk once I heard his voice.

He started to wrap his arms around my neck. What is he doing?? A second later I realized he was hugging me. It took me a moment to calm down from my stutter filled gay panic, but I eventually accepted the hug.

"I like you too, Mumbo." He said, though muffled by my shirt. I could feel my heartbeat as it was now in sync with his. My eyes were wet with tears and my cheeks hurt from smiling, but I was alright.

I was more than alright

Bonus:

Iskall and Stress said goodbye to the others and made their way back to their homes. They all lived in the same neighborhood thankfully, so it was as easy as walking back home. Iskall turned to Stress with a smug grin on their face.

"You own me twenty, Stressy." Iskall began. Stress turned to Iskall after realization. She groaned and dove into her sweater pocket. Stress handed the money to Iskall before saying anything. Yes, they had a bet on whether or not Grian and Mumbo would confess to each other, and Iskall had that sweet twenty bucks.