The door shut, and Mugman removed his coat. Gabriel gently took it from him and hung it up on a coat rack
Gabriel: Make yourself at home, I need to check on my housemate!
Mugman: You have a housemate?
Gabriel: He's my friend!
He answered as he walked down a hall. Mugs glanced around before entering the kitchen. He flinched when he saw someone standing in there
Mugman: A-Are you Gabriel's friend?
He asked timidly. The dark figure didn't answer. They slowly turned around, holding a pint of ice cream
Mugman: Umm, hi..
Again, they didn't say anything. But they walked past Mugman, tossing the empty ice cream container into the trash
Gabriel: There you are!
Azrael: Who's that?
Gabriel: Mugman, why?
Azrael: Why is he here? Again?
Gabriel: Mind your business, Az!
Azrael: Since when have you?
Gabriel: Touche
He placed a hand on Mugman's shoulder and led him into the living room. Then he turned back to his friend
Gabriel: He's just here to spend the night
Azrael: Fine. But if I hear anything, I'm kicking him out!
Gabriel: Do you take me as some kind of senseless whore?!
Azrael: Why shouldn't I?
They briefly smiled at Gabe before heading down the hall. Gabriel scoffed before heading into the kitchen and opening the freezer
Gabriel: For Heaven's sake, he ate all the ice cream again!
Mugman: Are you sure he's not your brother? You two act like it, hah
Gabriel: I'm glad he isn't!
He said as he tossed two empty pints of ice cream into the trash
Mugman: He leaves them in the freezer? He threw away the last one I saw him eating
Gabriel: He only tosses them when it's convenient
He walked into the living room again and sat on the couch. Mugs sat next to him
Mugman: What's his name?
Gabriel: Azrael
Mugman: Cuphead would think that's the coolest name ever
He said with a chuckle. Gabe smiled at him before relaxing against the couch cushions
Mugman: What now?
Gabriel: Would you like to study?
Mugman: No, I'd rather relax with you!
He leaned against Gabriel, closing his eyes briefly with a content smile. Gabe blushed lightly before putting his arm around Mug's shoulder
Gabriel: What do you want to do, then?
Mugman: Maybe just talk or something..
Gabriel: What about?
Mugman: Well, what're your brothers like?
Gabriel: Complete opposites! One's strict, uptight, and an absolute buzzkill! Another's kind, understanding, and very caring!
Mugman: What about their names?
Gabriel: Michael and Raphael
Mugman: Gabriel, Michael, and Raphael? Aren't those the names of archangels?
Gabriel: Yes, our parents named us after them!
His casual loe caused Mugman to smile, a little intrigued by the claim
Mugman: Oh, nice! I wish I knew where my name came from.. How my parents came up with it and all
Gabriel: Can you not ask them?
Mugman: I never knew them
He shrugged nonchalantly, and Gabriel froze in place. He felt like a fool for asking such a stupid question
Gabriel: Ah, okay.. I'm sorry, Mugman..
Mugman: It's fine..
He crossed his arms and stared at the floor blankly. Gabriel moved his hand to grip Mugman's shoulder
Gabriel: Would you like to talk about it?
Mugman: No, it's okay!
A kind smile reassured Gabriel, and he felt a little relieved that Mugs felt fine. He glanced down the hall before speaking again
Gabriel: Did you know I grew up with Azrael?
Mugman: Really?
Gabriel: Yes! He's like a brother to me! And I know I am, too!
Mugman: Well, you two argue like you're brothers
They both laughed before leaning closer together. They were silent again, both of them trying to think of what to say
Mugman: What are your parents like?
Gabriel: They're very nice! They raised my brothers and I quite well!
Mugman: Must be nice..
Gabriel: It is..
Mugman: Cuphead and I were raised by a guardian of ours instead. He.. passed a long time ago..
Gabriel: I'm sorry for your loss..
Mugman: It's okay. We called him "Elder Kettle." Never bothered to ask for his real name, now that I think about it..
Gabriel: When did he pass?
Mugman: When Cups and I were 17
Gabriel: How old are you now?
Mugman: 20
Gabriel: Only 2 years ago? Do you still get upset at the topic?
Mugman: No, no, don't worry! But for my brother, the wound's still fresh.. so don't mention it to him..
He told Gabriel, and he nodded. He placed his left hand on Mugman's cheek and stared at him
Mugman: What is it..?
Gabriel: I'm very sorry, Mugman.. I know how hard it is to lose someone..
Mugman: I said it's okay! I've moved on! I understand that these things happen!
Gabriel: Are you sure?
Mugman: Yes, don't worry..
His eyes glistened, and Gabriel continued to stare at him. The angel hugged Mugman unexpectedly
Gabriel: I love you, Mugman..
Mugman: I.. I love you too..
He smiled and hugged back. He felt Gabriel move his hands to his lower back, and his face flushed
Mugman: Your hands are warm..
Gabriel: I know
Mugman: A-And you smell heavenly..
He knew better than to ruin the moment, so Gabriel restrained himself from laughing. Instead, he hugged Mugs even tighter
Gabriel: Mugman, can I kiss you?
Mugman: Huh..?
Gabriel: Hurry, answer, please! Azrael might've heard that and will try to kick you out..
Azrael: You're damn right I did, Gabriel!
They heard his voice call from down the hall. Mugman stood up on the couch, pulled Gabriel by the tie, and pressed their mouths together
Azrael: I swear, I -
He stopped in his tracks when he saw both Gabriel and Mugman in a deep kiss. After only a moment, Mugs pulled away and stared at Gabriel
Azrael: For fuck's sake, I did not need to see that, Gabriel!
He took a step back with a disgusted look on his face. Gabriel ignored Azrael and kissed Mugman again passionately
Azrael: Gabriel! I'm going to kill you and the- ugh, Mugman, myself!
Gabriel: Almost had a slip-up there..
He slowly turned his head to Azrael with a snarky smile as he pulled away from Mugs. Said mug seemed to be in a slight daze
Azrael: Get out! Tell him to get out!
Gabriel: Mugman? Mugman, are you okay?
Mugman: Uhm, y-yeah..
Suddenly, the phone rang. Azrael went to answer and put it up to his ear
Azrael: Who is this?
A faint voice was heard, and Azrael raised a brow, glancing at Mugman
Azrael: It's for you, Mugman
Mugman: Uhh, okay..
He got off the couch and took the phone from Azrael
Mugman: Um, hello..?
King Dice: Hello Mugman
Mugs flinched at the sound of Dice's voice. He was silent, and his breathing hitched. But he calmed down and responded
Mugman: Hey.. D-Did you.. need anything?
King Dice: The boss does. He wants to meet your boyfriend
Mugman: How do you know I -
King Dice: Cuphead's told us about him. He gave us this number
Mugman: Oh, okay..
He muttered through gritted teeth. He couldn't believe his brother would do this to him
King Dice: At the casino. Tomorrow morning. Don't be late
He hung up, and Mugman slowly put the phone back. He looked anxious but also dreadful
Gabriel: What's wrong?
Porcelain eyes lingered on the floor before slowly shifting to stare at Gabriel. He was worried
End.