Mumbo tugged on his fancy mask, adjusting the two white feathers on the side of his masquerade mask. Red glitter and golden lacing decorated Mumbo's mask, the cherry red color standing out from Mumbo's bland, black suit. Normally, Mumbo would wear a black tie, but Stress thought he would look better with a red tie, to match his handmade mask. Stress insisted on having Mumbo try to 'stick out' at the party. Obviously, Mumbo hated the idea. He would much rather curl up in bed, watch a movie or something. But, Iskall and Stress weren't having it. They dragged Mumbo out of bed, helping the mustached man get ready for the midnight masquerade ball.

Mumbo tugged on his tie, complaining about how tight it was. His normally black tie was much nicer on his neck, though Mumbo did admit, it's was an old and weary tie. He just needed to get used to this new tie, at least for the night. Stress wore a glittery pink dress, her mask matching the hot pink color. Her mask had a sort of design that reminded Mumbo of a butterfly, small jewels decorated on the butterfly's 'wings'. Iskall was wearing a lime suit, perfectly matching the Swede's eyes. Their mask was much simpler, it was lime, with a golden outline, and slight golden swirls, barely noticeable. Mumbo sat in the back of Iskall's car, hunched over, as he was too tall for the Swede's car.

"Trust me Mumbo, by the end of this, you're going to be happy you came!"
"I doubt it. I prefer to be alone on New Year's Eve..."

Iskall just rolled their eyes, parking the car and opening his door. The three exited the car, walking up the large stairs to the ballroom. So far, Mumbo hated this. Drunk party participants laughed as they struggled trying to make their way down the stairs. Mumbo stayed close to Iskall, feeling more like a third wheel than ever before. Mumbo was dumped by a girl a couple of years ago, on New Year's Eve no less. He normally spent today thinking about her, after all, he thought that they were perfect for each other. Iskall told Mumbo that he should try and move on, but Mumbo couldn't, he was still heartbroken.

The large ballroom doors opened, revealing a beautifully decorated ballroom, filled with all sorts of masked figures. Mumbo hated this even more now, at least 7 people looked exactly like Iskall and Stress, how was he supposed to find them if he gets lost..? Mumbo opened his mouth, about to ask Iskall if he could go home, but the Swede had grabbed Stress's hands, tugging her into the large crowd of people, disappearing right before Mumbo's eyes.

"I-is-sk-..."

Panic and anxiety filled Mumbo's head, he couldn't breath. He felt so overwhelmed, he could barely process what was happening. Mumbo slammed into someone, sending the mustached man tumbling into the marble flooring. Mumbo's vision was blurry, but he could faintly see a masked figure, bending over to make sure he was okay.

"You alright?" The figure called, extending their hand to Mumbo. He took it, letting the man help him stand. Mumbo stifled giggles when he realized how small the man was, they could easy pass as a teenager, but it was clear that they were around Mumbo's age.

"Yeah, I know I'm short, no need to rub it in."
"I-...o-oh..s-Sorry."

The man flipped his golden hair, which dazzled Mumbo. The mustached man was entranced by the man's cool blue eyes, which stuck out, due to his black, feathery mask. He wore a Red suit with a green tie, so it didn't make sense why he was wearing such a dark mask, compared to his bright clothes. But Mumbo didn't care, he loved the mask, it made the man's soft facial features stand out.

"Uhh....? Hello? Are you going to say something or-?"

Mumbo realized he had been staring for quite some time, the mustached man quickly snapping back to reality and apologizing. Mumbo was about to run off, trying to find Iskall, but the man grabbed Mumbo's arm, tugging him back. Mumbo didn't fight it, he just didn't want to embarrass himself in front of such a stunning man.

"Who are you here with?" The man asked, studying Mumbo's attire.
"My two friends..they're dating, so I really didn't want to come along with them.."

"Hm. Have you ever been to one of these dances?"
"N-no.."
"Come with me."

The man grabbed Mumbo's wrist, tugging Mumbo up the large staircases, until they reached the top floor, which was only filled with a couple drunk people. The small man walked right past them, before he stopped, turning to a large window. They unlocked the window, sliding it open before climbing out onto the roof of the building. Mumbo was a bit hesitant, before the man extended his hand, inviting Mumbo to join him on the roof. The mustached man couldn't resist, taking the small man's hand and letting him pull Mumbo onto the roof.

The two sat, overlooking the entire city. Fireworks began going off in the sky, signaling the beginning of the year. Faint cheers could be heard from the ballroom, but Mumbo didn't care for them. He relaxed as the small man leaned his head onto Mumbo's arm, the mustached man's heart skipping a beat. The small man used two fingers to move Mumbo's face, the two men touching noses.

"It's midnight, you know what that means."

Before Mumbo could respond, the small man kissed him, right on the lips. Mumbo's anxieties melted away, as he wrapped his arms around the small man's torso. Mumbo had just met the small man, but he felt like he knew the man forever. The man brushed his hand against Mumbo's cheek, before moving his hand up, and ripping the mask off his face. Mumbo just let him, continuing to kiss with no ounce of regret.

The two parted lips for a couple seconds, both heavily breathing. Mumbo took the mask off the small man's face, just like he had. Mumbo was stunned by his beautiful and soft face, he could barely react. The man grabbed Mumbo by his shoulders, resuming the kiss that Mumbo enjoyed up until the last second.

After a couple minutes, the man pulled away once more, standing up and putting Mumbo's red mask on his face. Mumbo did the same, putting on the small, feathery black mask. The man turned to leave, but Mumbo grabbed their arm, not wanting him to go.

"W-wait!"
"Hm?"
"C-c-can I-...h-have your-"

The man rolled his eyes, pulling a marker from out of his pocket and rolling up Mumbo's sleeve. He scribbled his phone number onto Mumbo's arm before planting another kiss on the mustached man's cheek. He turned away to leave once more, but Mumbo stopped him one last time, the small man watching as Mumbo stood up, taking his hands.

"What's your name..?"

"Grian. My name is Grian."

Mumbo bent down, planting a long kiss on Grian's cheek. Both of their faces heated up, but neither of them said anything, Mumbo only speaking when he pulled away, flashing a small smile at Grian.

"Let's go on a date. You and me. Let's get to know each other."

"I would like that."

~~~~~~~

Mumbo walked through the empty parking lot, walking over to Stress, who was waiting by Iskall's car. She unlocked the car and the two entered the vehicle. Before Mumbo could ask where Iskall was, his answer came to him. Iskall was asleep in the passenger seat of the car.

"What happened to him?"
"He drank a little too much. Don't worry Luv, I'll take him home."

Stress looked back at Mumbo, her mask was off and you could clearly see her confusion as she studied Mumbo.

"I thought I gave you a red mask?"
"I-...o-oh w-w-well..y-you see I-"

Mumbo took a deep breath, calming his nerves, and his hot pink face. Mumbo rolled up his sleeve, glancing down at Grian's number on his arm. A half smile grew on the mustached man's face, as he let out a light breath, looking back up at Stress.

"It was a gift from someone I love.."