Grian hates running. Sprinting, jogging, even a mild power walk, he believes, is an astronomical waste of time.

But, if he really wants to, he can be fast. When he takes off, no one can catch him.

"GRIAN! GET BACK HERE WITH MY LAPTOP OR SO HELP ME!"

Pesky Bird Boy cackled gleefully and continued to book it down the hallway, his boyfriend's laptop case (it wasn't empty, he checked) tucked safely under his arm. He knew Mumbo was somewhere behind him, trying to shove his way through the bustling crowd in Grian's wake. That didn't stop him- he continued through the cafeteria, where the sophomores were having lunch.

He spotted his friends, Scar and Cub, from halfway across the cafeteria. They were sitting comfortably close and trading things in their lunches with unspoken communication. Their table was also occupied by Beef, Etho, Bdubs, Ren, Doc, and BadTimes. Grian realized with disdain that some of the band kids were at the next table over, but he elected to ignore them and plopped down right between Beef and Ren with his back to the door.

"Hey there," Beef mused, scooting a bit closer to Etho. He loved Grian, of course he did, but he was very unpredictable.

"Hide me," Grian whispered right as Mumbo came stumbling into the room as if he'd been pushed, already scanning the array of tables. Grian ducked his head a bit lower and shifted the laptop case further into his lap.

     Scar sighed, set down his yogurt, and gave Grian his signature smirk. "Grian, what did you steal?" he asked, leaning forward curiously.

     "You don't know I stole something," he argued, trying not to let any amusement into his voice or expression.

     Everyone stared at him disbelievingly.

     "Okay, I yoinked Mumbo's laptop," he admitted, flashing the edge of the case over the edge of the table so they could see.

     A stunned silence.

     "You are INSANE!" Bdubs yelped at the same time BadTimes and Ren lost their shit laughing.

     "Shhh!" Grian half shushed, half giggled. "He's gonna-"

     All at once, Grian was yanked out of his seat by the back of his shirt and the laptop was pulled from his arms. And there was Mumbo, staring down at him with an (endearingly, Grian insisted) irritated expression on his face.

     "Explain," he deadpanned simply.

     Grian smiled nervously. "You work too much. Plus, you wouldn't pay attention to me."

     "Really?" Doc's voice went from behind them, before he was shushed by multiple others. This was entertaining.

     "I give you way too much attention! I almost turned in my English paper late yesterday because you made me watch a movie with you instead of doing homework!" Mumbo cried. He glared at his small, redclad... adorable... fine, okay, fine. "Just... don't steal my stuff in the future," he gave up, pinching the bridge of his nose.

     "If you guys are done, did anyone ask X when to go to the orchestra room?" Scar piped up. There were various disagreement sounds from the Hermits.

     "Oh, I did," Mumbo said, putting an arm around Grian's shoulders. "He said to go during the seniors' lunch period. It was also on the announcements this morning."

     "Mumbo, you're the only one who actually pays attention to the morning announcements," said Bdubs.