“Hi welcome to-“ The barista gaped as a violet eyed skeleton entered his coffee shop. He was entranced by how elegant the skeleton maneuvered himself inside the shop. There was something familiar about this violet skeleton, but the barista couldn’t quite place his finger on it.
The other’s posture was tall, straight, and proud. Not a single limb out of place, no wasted energy in unnecessary actions. His eyes slightly narrowed, refusing to make eye contact with others. At first glance many may view him as arrogant, but not to Ccino. He noticed the slight clenching of his fist and his once graceful strides became rigid with every step he took. As if expecting someone to lash out and attack.
The proud skeleton sat at a table distanced from the rest. From his mannerisms it was obvious he disliked socializing with others. Even when sitting he didn’t slouch, his back remained upright, and his hands delicately placed on the table. How peculiar.. Ccino only ever recalled seeing just one other being who sat in a similar position. It was-
*Ding*
Ccino was pulled from his thoughts upon hearing the door open once more. This time a skeleton with no eyelights appeared. He wore a blue fluffed hoodie, with a strange black stain, and white shorts with a black strips on the sides. One of his sockets was half closed while the other fully open. He had a smile on his face which grew to a smirk upon laying eyes on the violet eyed skeleton. But his most notable feature was a bright red soul that was displayed for the world to see. Ccino hadn’t realized he was staring, he only noticed when the other raised a brow in amusement. He placed his hands in the pockets of his hoodie before making his way to Ccino’s direction. The barista gulped, unsure if he’d somehow offended the eyeless skeleton.
“Heya sweetheart, mind preparing us a couple of drinks?” The eyeless skeleton smiled as he placed his elbow on the table while resting his head in his hand.
“O-of course! What w-would you like?” The other responded trying his hardest to stay calm. His soul pounding violently against his chest as his nerves threatened to overtake him.
“I’d like an mochaccino with an extra shot of espresso” he turned to face the violet skeleton. “What do you want, boss?”
“Just get me a black coffee.” Ccino tensed for a brief second. That voice... it sounded way to familiar. As quick as the thought entered his head, Ccino was just as quick to dismiss it. He was working, he didn’t have time to think about non-work related things right now. However, the violet skeleton made eye contact with Ccino. In that brief moment, his stern features wavered for a fragment of a second, that the barista questioned if he imagined it.
The skeleton on the countertop chuckled and turned to face Ccino once more. “Alright, there you have it. One mochaccino with an extra shot of expresso and one black coffee.” The barista nodded and rang up his total. Ccino had told the skeleton he was more than welcome to sit and wait, but the other refused stating that “The view is better from here.” A wave of heat rose to his cheeks. He couldn’t tell if this skeleton was flirting with him, but it sure felt like it. The problem is... he was quite attractive... and charming too. Curse his amorous heart and falling for those who would never return his feelings. Especially for a certain black goopy skeleton.
At some point when Ccino was preparing the drinks the eyeless skeleton had to step out for a minute. The barista had forgotten to ask for a name to call out once the order was ready. He opted to just take the drinks to the violet skeleton’s table. It would probably be better than yelling across the shop trying to get his attention.
“Uhm... I’m sorry. I forgot to ask for a name, but here are your drinks.” Ccino gently set the drinks on the table and carefully ensured not to spill the hot beverages. “C-careful.. it’s really hot.”
Being in such close proximity Ccino noticed a few things he hadn’t before. It appeared that this violet eyed skeleton only had a single functioning eyelight. The other socket was a pitch black, with various cracks surrounding it. Actually, his hands and several visible bones appeared to be fractured. What could’ve happened to such a beautiful skeleton to have so many injuries throughout his body? It wasn’t a question he dared ask. It had to be something personal, and frankly none of Ccino’s business or concern. The violet skeleton nodded to Ccino’s warning but didn’t say a word.
The day passed like any other. Uneventful, and yet again the goopy skeleton had failed to visit. How long had it been since their last reunion? Months? Perhaps even years by now? He knew that Nightmare had used him. He was evil, a manipulator, ruthless, and unforgiving. But, he wasn’t a liar. From their very first encounter he was honest about the basis of their relationship. Ccino was good source to replenish his negativity, and in turn he wouldn’t harm him or his au. At least not in any physical way. The barista new he was being used, knew that the other didn’t see him as anything else but as a charging port. And yet, his silly little heart grew fond of the other’s presence. Perhaps it was because Nightmare was the first person he spent continuous time with. He became illusioned that for as long as he was alive he would have a companion of sorts.
Yet, one day he stopped showing. Sure Nightmare had the tendency to go weeks or months without visiting. However, this time it had been longer than usual. Ccino waited and waited until he slowly began losing hope. Perhaps, the other found a more suitable companion? Maybe realized the Ccino wasn’t worth being around? Decided it was no longer worth his effort to visit his pathetic AU just to see him? Tears burned the lining of his sockets. He shook his head and wiped his eyes. No, now isn’t the time for this. He still had to close up his shop- Ccino paused. Wait, those two why are they still here? He was referring to the eyeless and violet skeleton of course.
Strange, well they were newcomers and most likely didn’t know the shop hours. The barista removed his apron and gently placed it on the countertop, before making his way towards the two strange skeletons. “E-Excuse me.. I’m so glad you decided to support my shop today. But, uhm, it’s time for me to close for the day. You’re more than welcome to come back again tomorrow. I-If you’d like to of course.”
The two didn’t answer. It appeared as if they were contemplating what their response should be. A sinking feeling began to form in Ccino’s non-existent stomach. Were they going to rob him? He didn’t have much to offer just the money in the register! He could defend himself if needed but- he was outnumbered. Maybe he could manage to escape and call for help-
“Actually, we were hoping to talk to you in private.” The eyeless skeleton stated, his soul wavering for a brief second before shifting to an upside down heart. It was so beautiful and captivating. That Ccino had to resist the urge to be lost in its marvelous glow.
“P-pardon? You w-want to talk to me? About what exactly?” The barista was rather confused. He’d never seen these two in his entire life! How did they know about him? Were they maybe some of those ‘special’ people that Nightmare talked about? How they could travel to different universes? But what would they want with him?
“Well, being honest he,” the eyeless skeleton pointed to his companion. “Was hoping to have a conversation with you.”
The skeleton in mention tensed and averted his gaze from Ccino’s. It was clearer now that he was up close. The violet skeleton exhibited signs of slight anguish and remorse in his delicate facial features. But they were quickly concealed once again. No sign of pain, guilt, anxiety, or any other emotion were visible in the single eyelight.
The violet skeleton sighed before returning Ccino’s gaze. “Ccino.. it’s been a while hasn’t it? How have you been these past months.. perhaps even a year or years now? Hard to keep track of time in the void” The barista froze upon hearing his name slip past the violet skeletons mouth. How did he know his name? Did he introduce himself earlier? No, he didn’t think so... maybe his apron? No. He took that off. Then.... how? “You appear to be surprised. Well.. that is to be expected I suppose. How would you ever recognize me without my black attire.”
Ccino drew in a quick breathe. His body already having processed who exactly this skeleton was. Hot tears filled the lining of his sockets and spilled down his cheeks. His body trembled as his mind finally realized his identity. “N-Nightmare...?”
Nightmare tilted his head in acknowledgement. Smiling as if he were praising Ccino. “I’m impressed.. but you were always smarter than you looked.” A pause. Nightmare once again averted his eyes, a flicker of doubt flashed in that violet orb of his. “I didn’t come here to waste your time. So I’ll cut to the chase. As you can see, many things have changed since we last met. Clearly I’ve changed... and more than physically.... But.... I’ve done terrible- unforgivable things and I’m not some naive fool expecting mercy or to be saved. Yet, I do believe that you.. at the very least deserve an apology.”
Nightmare rose from his chair his eye never breaking contact with Ccino’s. “I sincerely apologize for my actions, and for using you to my own benefit. As I said, I’m not looking for forgiveness. I’m far beyond that. Don’t worry, you’ll never see my face again and you may live your life as you please. You are no longer shackled to me... you are free.... and this is my final goodbye.” The violet skeleton turned to face his partner. “Let’s go, Killer. We have overstayed our visit.”
Ccino couldn’t believe what he just heard. Was nightmare apologizing to him? Did that actually just happen? The once feared and powerful being in the multiverse had just apologized to him. I guess there really was a first time for everything. He blinked a few times resulting in fresh tears to stream down his face. Wait.. goodbye? Did that mean.. as in forever? No... No! No! No! No, he couldnt! He just got back! He just came back and now he’s leaving again? Now that was just cruel... how cruel and yet Ccino still couldn’t bring himself to hate Nightmare. His presence only succeeded in confirming what Ccino already knew. That he was in love with Nightmare.
Killer jumped to his feet and placed his hands in his hoodie. “Awe, you sure you want to leave so soon, boss? I don’t know, I’m sure there’s plenty to do here. Besides, how could you leave that cutie behind-“
“NIGHTMARE!” Ccino called out his voice cracking from the his sobs he continuously failed to hold back. Nightmare turned around to face the skeleton when- SLAP! The noise of Ccino’s hand making contact with Nightmare’s cheek echoed in the near empty shop. Nightmare and Killer were frozen on the spot. Killer wasn’t sure how to react. He was caught off guard and didn’t see it coming. He was half expecting Nightmare to crumble on the spot from his various fractures.
“T-that’s for everything that you’ve done to me! For using me! For leaving! For having the nerve t-to come back, apologize, and only to leave again! Y-you just want me to pretend like none of this ever happened don’t you!? To forget about you!!! Well guess what!? Screw you!” Ccino furiously rubbed his eyes trying wipe the tears away but to no avail. All his bottled emotions had erupted to the surface and there was no way to seal them away again. “How dare you?! Who d-do you think you are?! To just waltz in and out like you please!”
Nightmare turned to face the crying skeleton. He was more than confused. He was certain that Ccino would have been delighted to know he had been liberated from the chains of negativity. Free from him. He hurt him so many times, used him for his own personal gain, and never cared for his well being. So, why was he so upset now that he offered him freedom? He opened his mouth to respond but was interrupted when the small barista wrapped his arms around the violet skeleton.
“P-please... please stay! Please don’t leave me!” Ccino wailed as he clung to the skeleton before him. He dug his phalanges into Nightmare’s top refusing to let go, because if he didn’t hold on tight.... surely he’d disappear again. “I-I don’t want you to go! I don’t want to forget! Please! Please! Please! I’m begging.... Don’t a-abandon me.... n-not again.....” The white eyed skeleton trembled as he pleaded for Nightmare to stay. He knew it was hopeless he was begging for the impossible. All his cries and efforts for him to stay would be in vain. But, what else could he do? He had to try because maybe, just maybe the outcome may be different.
Nightmare was frozen, hands stuck in midair as he heard Ccino’s heartbroken cries. Ccino didn’t want him to leave...? Why? Why would he want him to stay? The very being that tormented him for his own amusement? Nightmare was at a loss. What should he do? Ignore the crying skeleton and leave once more? Or should he stay? Either way he wouldn’t be able to permanently stay in this AU. He’s made many enemies who would stop at nothing, until they saw him and those around him perish. He knew this, yet he couldn’t bring himself to leave right now. How could he just leave this fragile skeleton? Ccino always made things more difficult then they should be. It would’ve so much easier if he resented him and despised him. He should’ve screamed for him to leave- to never come back. But no, he was begging him to stay.
Something warm and wet trickled down Nightmare’s cheek. Panic settled in for a brief moment. Was he bleeding? How? He didn’t have any injuries! He quickly touched the liquid with his phalanges and was confused to see a clear substance with a tint of violet. It wasn’t marrow/ blood. Then he realized the liquid came from his sockets... was he crying? His eyes widen slightly. He was. Post his corruption he hardly ever shed any tears. Just once with his twin brother when that forsaken curse had finally been broken. The emotions he thought he’d locked deep in his mind had resurfaced with immense intensity.
Nightmare’s body moved on its own accord enveloping the weeping skeleton into his arms. He gripped his sweater tightly trying to ground himself, fearing he’d lose himself in his own overwhelming emotions. The two skeletons wept in silence as the eyeless one watched with a solemn expression. His soul flickered and wavered as he attempted to suppress his feelings. It was painful. Watching the one he cared for hurt, knowing he wasn’t the cause but another, and seeing for the first time another skeleton suffer because of their feelings for the violet skeleton. It was.. heart wrenching.
The two skeletons cried for hours until they could no longer produce tears. The smallest skeleton ridden with exhaustion lost that battle against his heavy eyelids. He rested his head against Nightmare’s shoulders, feeling a sense a protection and safety in his firm arms. “Don’t.... go.....” the barista pleaded one last time before succumbing to fatigue and drifting to sleep.
Nightmare held the small skeleton firmly in his arms. He glanced at Killer, who had faint black tear streaks on his cheeks. Then back to Ccino who, still in his sleep, clung to him desperately. For the first time, he was at a loss on what his next course of action should be.
Wooooo! What a way to start fluffynight killer week don’t you think? I know it ends on an angsty note but I thought it was fitting! This has actually been one of my few favorite stories to write! Hope you all enjoy it as much as I did!
This story was inspired by some incredible headcanons and by Zu’s comic lodestar! Wouldn’t have been inspired to write this story if it weren’t for them <3
I'm not in the mood to do this with the original characters. That's why I'm doing this with their versions of my AU: MargeantAU. So each work won't be just a art, but a plot part. Although this ship is not canon.
Day 1: "There’s a first time for everything"[FNK week(MG edit)]
Credit:
challenge by @help-im-a-gay-fish
Nightmare by jokublog
Ccino by black-nyanko
Killer by rahafwabas
MargeantAU by me
Fluffynightkiller is not a canon, but it's cute.
Once... I'll write a fanfic about how they met. It will be such angsty blood angst, and I have already thought out its plot uwu
And for today's prompt, I have not only art, but a story to it.
(I want to warn you that I am not responsible in any way for what is written below. So read, don't read, I don't care. There may also be some mistakes here, because I wrote this right now.)
This is the story of how Nightmare and Killer decided to have a picnic for the shitty Ccino, who hasn't slept for a whole week. They should have kicked his ass for treating himself so badly, but his health is already bad, so they decided to scold him later. Now it was important to help him get some rest, maybe even he would get some sleep.
Interesting, but this will be their first time together after entering a relationship. Despite the fact that Killer and Nightmare were already in a relationship between each other, this didn't interfere with them. They were both madly in love with Ccino, he sunk into their souls. However, this wasn't so surprising considering who he is. Although his abilities didn't affect this. It was just love. Delicate and strong. Able to make them do anything for a fragile miracle.
Now they were just passing near the hometown of their beloved. They decided to have a picnic in here because it would be difficult and suspicious to do near Sunapple. Having found a suitable field and a place near the tree(so that there was a shade if it gets hotter), they began to unfold. Nightmare, who carried a purple velvet carpet with yellow fringes all the way, laid it out here. And Killer, waiting for him to finish, then put the basket on it.
You ask: why a carpet? It's just that nothing else was found in the castle. And Nightmare didn't want to ask Dream to help in this.
"Do you think he will like the food?" Killer asked, sitting down next to the basket.
"Hmm... maybe he'll eat the cheese and ham sandwiches." Nightmare said thoughtfully, leaning his elbows on a tree trunk. "As for souls, I don’t know. He rarely talks about this, as well as about his preferences, trying to avoid difficult topics."
"And that's true. But... we took different variations." Killer nodded. "I hope Horror won't be offended that we robbed him like that."
"He won't dare." Nightmare said seriously. "I am your 'patron' and you have no right to contradict me. So if he is unhappy, he will not be able to do anything."
Without answering, Killer only directed his gaze towards the forest. They have already informed their loved one that they will come. And oddly enough, he agreed to a meeting. Therefore, all that remained was to wait.
They didn't wait long: a familiar face appeared from the trunk. Although the face was familiar, this face only wished for the best. The huge gray spots didn't adorn this skeleton much. But the guys didn't know how to make him stop torturing himself like that, but they could only help to heal. Even so.
They went to meet Ccino, who decided to please them with his smile. Although with "something" under his eye sockets, this smile could hardly please them. But Nightmare and Killer weren't angry, they just took him and led him to their picnic area. When he was just grabbed and dragged to the tree, Ccino became a little embarrassed and covered with a faint blush.
"Here, Cсino, we brought sandwiches and some fruit." Nightmare said, pointing to a basket containing said foods. "Only... we didn't know what kind of soul you wanted..."
"S-soul?!" He roused himself, displaying horror on his face. Ccino didn’t like it, even though he was also a demon, but he didn’t like to feed on souls. After that, he always feels bad. Well, as if he didn't use them either. Such a tangled loop constantly comes out. "I...I...I..."
Cсino began to breathe quickly and covered his face with his hands, hiding the tears flowing from his eye sockets. And Nightmare, very frightened, just froze in place like a statue, not knowing what to do. Just not that - to upset him. He didn't expect that this is such... a deep and painful topic for him.
However, there was still a way out in this situation. And Killer found him. While Nightmare stood like an idol, he walked a little further into a field where many flowers grew. He collected a couple of flowers and weaved three wonderful wreaths. Yes, he could do it, and there was nothing surprising in it. After all, he learned this from his mother, whom he loved very much.
When he returned, Killer tried to bring the guys to his senses. First, he lifted Ccino, who didn't resist at all, but still was not fine. He brought Night out of his stupor by patting him on the shoulder.
"Wear." In a commanding tone, Killer turned to his Lord, holding out a flower decoration.
"A-are you... kidding me?!" Such insolence pissed off Nightmare. Forgetting about what was happening, he was ready to commit a rash act, but...
"For Ccino's sake."
Only this made the Lord of Dark senses, startled, to stop raging. He turned his gaze to Ccino, who was nearby, and gritting his teeth agreed.
"Okay." He took a cute little wreath and decorated his skull with it, blushing like a tomato, and then, pouting, sat down on the carpet. Oh, it was even cutier than the wreath itself! Was Nightmare so embarrassed by such simple gifts, Killer thought. But now is not about that. Ccino should have been reassured.
"Ccino, look at Nightmare." Killer shook him and looked into almost empty eyes. Still, Ccino paid attention and looked in the direction in which he was indicated. "Isn't he handsome? Especially in this wreath! Do you want the same? Do you like flowers?"
"The w-wreath?" He quietly raised his voice. "I love flowers, collecting them, they're beautiful. And, unfortunately, I don't know how to weave wreaths, and-"
"O! Then I can teach you later. Now... would you mind sitting next to that glowing mean bean, and I will reward you with the most beautiful crown in the world?"
"Umm... O-okay." Ccino staggered a little to the indicated place and settled down next to another skeleton.
Killer jumped up to him like a bunny, and he was already holding a wreath prepared especially for Ccino. He put it on a cute skeleton that blushed very hard in the process. It was amusing.
Killer didn't deprive himself either. Now all three were in flowers. Together. They will have something to remember. But the main thing was that Ccino liked it.
Это история о том, как Найтмер и Киллер решили устроить пикник для чертова Чино, который не спал уже целую неделю. Им бы следовало надрать ему задницу за такое плохое отношение к себе, но его здоровье и так плохое, поэтому они решили отругать его позже. Сейчас было важно помочь ему немного отдохнуть, может даже он и поспит хоть чуть-чуть.
Интересно, но это будет их первое времяпровождение вместе после вступления в отношения. Несмотря на то, что Киллер и Найтмер и так были в отношениях между друг другом, это не мешало им. Они оба безумно любили Чино, он запал им в душу. Однако это было не так удивительно, учитывая, кем он является. Хотя его способности на это и не влияли. Это была просто любовь. Нежная и крепкая. Способная заставить их сделать все ради хрупкого чуда.
Сейчас они как раз проходили около родного города их возлюбленного. Они решили устроить пикник в здесь, потому что это было бы сложно и подозрительно делать возле Санапли. Найдя подходящую полянку и место возле дерева(чтобы был тенёк, если станет печь), они стали раскладываться. Найтмер, который всю дорогу нес фиолетовый бархатный ковер с желтой бахромой, разложил его здесь. А Киллер, ожидающий того, как тот закончит, потом положил на него корзинку.
Вы вот спросите: почему ковер? Просто в замке ничего более не нашлось. А просить Дрима в этом помочь Найтмер не желал.
- Как ты думаешь, а ему понравится еда? - спросил Киллер, усаживаясь рядом с корзиной.
- Хм... может сэндвичи с сыром и колбаcкой он съест - задумчиво проговорил Найтмер, облокотившись на ствол дерева. - А по поводу душ - не знаю. Он редко говорит об этом, как и о своих предпочтениях, пытаясь избежать тяжелых тем.
- И то верно. Но... мы же разные взяли - кивнул Киллер. - Надеюсь Хоррор не обидится, что мы его так обокрали.
- А он не посмеет - серьезно сказал Найтмер. - Я ваш "покровитель" и вы не имеете право перечить мне. Так что будь он недоволен - сделать ничего не сможет.
Не ответив, Киллер лишь направил свой взор в сторону леса. Они уже сообщили их любимому, что придут. И как ни странно, тот согласился на встречу. Поэтому оставалось лишь ждать.
Ждали они не долго: из ствола показалось знакомое личико. Хоть личико и было знакомым, но вид у этого личика желал лишь лучшего. Огромные такие серые следы не слишком украшали этого скелета. Но ребята не знали, как заставить того прекратить себя так истязать, но могли лишь помочь исцелиться. Хотя бы так.
Они пошли на встречу Чино, который решил их обрадовать своей улыбкой. Хотя с "кое-чем" под его глазницами эта улыбка вряд ли могла их обрадовать. Но Найтмер и Киллер не сердились, они просто взяли и повели его к их обустроенному для пикника месту. Когда того схватили просто так и потащили к дереву, Чино немного засмущался и покрылся слабым румянцем.
- Вот, Чино, мы принесли сэндвичи и некоторые фрукты - сказал Найтмер, указывая на корзинку, в которой хранятся указанные продукты. - Только... мы не знали, какие бы ты души хотел...
- Д-души?! - встрепенулся тот, отобразив на лице ужас. Чино не любил это, хоть он тоже был демоном, но он не любил питаться душами. Ему поcле этого всегда плохо. Как и если бы он не употреблял их. Постоянно выходит такая запутанная петля. - Я... я... я...
Чино начал часто дышать и закрывать лицо руками, скрывая выступающие из глазниц слезы. А Найтмер, сильно перепугавшись, лишь застыл на месте как статуя, не зная, что и делать. Только этого не хватало - расстроить его. Это он совсем не ожидал, что это настолько... глубокая и больная тема для него.
Однако все же нашелся выход в этой ситуации. И нашел его Киллер. Пока Найтмер стоял как истукан, тот отошел чуть дальше на полянку где росло множество цветов. Насобирал парочку и сплел три чудесных венка. Да, он это умел, и в этом не было ничего удивительного. Ведь научился этому он от своей мама, которую очень любил.
Вернувшись, Киллер попытался привести ребят в себя. Сначала он поднял Чино, который совсем не сопротивлялся, но все ещё был не в порядке. Вывел из ступора Найта, похлопав того по плечу.
- Надень - приказным тоном Киллер обратился к своему повелителю, протягивая цветочное украшение.
- Т-ты что... издеваешься?! - такая дерзость вывела Найтмера из себя. Забывшись о происходящим, он был готов совершить опрометчивый поступок, но...
- Ради Чино.
Только это заставило Повелителя темных чувств, вздрогнув, прекратить бесится. Он перевел взгляд на Чино, который находился рядом, и, скрепя зубами, согласился.
- Ладно - он взял миленький веночек и украсил им свой череп, краснея при этом, как помидорка, а потом, надувшись, сел на ковер. О, да это было даже милее, чем сам венок! Неужели Найтмера так смущали такие простые подарки, подумал Киллер. Но сейчас не об этом. Надо было успокоить Чино.
- Чино, смотри на Найтмера - Киллер потряс того и заглянул в почти что пустые глаза. Но все же Чино обратил внимание и посмотрел в ту сторону, в которую ему указали. - Правда он красивый? Особенно в этом венке! Хочешь такой же? Тебе нравятся цветы?
- В-венок? - тихо подал голос тот. - Я люблю цветы, собирать их, они красивые. А венки я не умею, к сожалению, плести, и-
- О! Тогда я могу тебя по-позже научить. А сейчас... ты не против сесть рядом с вон той светящейся букой, и я тебя награжу красивейшей на свете короной?
- Аамм... л-ладно - Чино немного шатающиеся поплелся в указанное место и расположился рядом с другим скелетом.
Киллер прискакал за ним, как зайчик, и уже держал приготовленный специально для Чино венок. Он надел это на милого скелета, который очень сильно заливался румянцем в процессе. Это забавляло.
Киллер не обделил и себя. Теперь все трое были в цветах. Вместе. У них будет, что вспомнить. Но главное, что Чино понравилось.
The black cat is back. Same place same time as always. Ccino figured out why.
Ever since this fluffy black cat appeared at his quaint shop at the boardwalk, he's noticed it avoiding all the cat treats he has offered to it, only giving it a tiny sniff and turning away. Trying to figure out why it refuses to eat was quite a challenge considering he has to run his coffee shop and follow the stray cat. His luck did turn for the better later.
Ever since realising that cats liked to bask in his shop when the weather gets too hot, he replaced the front screen door to have a pet door. It was small enough that during one evening, the little fuzzball came dashing through it, covered in scratches and its fur matted. On the other side through the pet door were a pair of sharp canine jaws snapping uncontrollably to try grab the injured kitty behind boxes. Ccino realised the situation, chasing the dog away before tending to his new visitor.
They were feral at first, not surprising since one of their eye was scratched up and closed to reduce pain. After several minutes of coaxing, sweet words and promises, the teal eyed kitty gave him a chance to tend to his wounds (it was a boy, Ccino found out).
For the next few days, during a visit to the vet, Ccino named the kitty "Night" because of his beautiful black fur. The vet insisted on calling him 'Nightmare' due to his feral nature and resistance against the doctor. Albeit being a stray, his only injuries were his body and right eye now permanently blind. No problems with emaciation or parasites in his luscious fur. It put Ccino on edge but he shrugged it off later.
He then decided to adopt the fuzzy kitty, even going as far as to getting him toys of his own liking and an adorable belled-collar that even Night loved.
Nightmare (Ah-he meant Night. Guess the nickname stuck) didn't usually show affection much, only the occasional twisting around his legs (though it could be mistaken for scenting Ccino as his) and purring whenever Ccino pets him and gives him wet food. Although it came to a halt when Night decided to stop eating again, going out more often than staying indoors at night.
Ccino, with nothing to do at night and having no idea on Night's history, followed him one day without the kitty's knowledge. Night only stopped his journey when he figured out Ccino was following him, returning to the Café only to repeat the next day.
Being extra careful this time, Ccino followed him and surprisingly, he stopped at the empty docks. Thinking he might've been caught again, Ccino decided to walk away. Until sounds of something emerging from the water stole his attention.
A skull, connected to a strong skeletal frame and glowing sanguine tail, looked up at his pet cat. A skeleton mermaid! His cat is friends with a mermaid!
The mermaid's gentle male voice was soothing as it spoke to Night.
"Hello there, beautiful. Been a while, where've you been? What's this? A collar? That's wonderful news! You found an owner!" A soft mewl from Night as he headbutted the outstretched hand of the mer. "Haha. Alright, you've been forgiven. Why are you closing one eye though? Did a bad dog hurt you?" A grumbling purr "That's not good. At least you got an owner. They'll keep you safe. You can come here whenever you want too!"
Ccino wanted to go there, but he didn't want to risk ruining this adorable reunion. He should leave. If Night decides not to return, that'll be alright. Its not like Ccino didn't know how to live without an amazing pet, or emotional support, or-
"Hey! I found your favourite type of fish! The one from that shiny box you gave me! Hang on." A quick dive and an equally speedy return from the red mer scared his kitty. "Pffft, you got scared," a growl emitted from Night. The half skeleton put up his hands defensively, "alright you egotistic and proud cat, you weren't. Don't scratch attack me or no minnow- or whatever the box said this was." He handed out a pile of fresh Minnow to Nightmare before resting his head on his hands on the dock, watching Nightmare eat.
Minnow... That was the flavour of wet food Nightmare preferred. It was funny to think Night brought a can of wet food to the mermaid monster to get more. The cheeky bastard. No wonder he's not slimming down. Though Ccino learned one fact about Night's secret friend. This mermaid knows how to read.
He sighed as Night nudged one back to him "As much as I love to share with you, I already ate. Plus, I prefer Salmon that tiny fry." Night gave him another guttural growl as he scarfed down the fish. "Jeez, fine. I think I should call you Proudy for your demanding nature and anger towards insults." He picked up one fish and swallowed it.
Looking behind at the sea as Night finished the last of the fish, he sighed, "time you go back to your new home, kitten. Your owner must be worried" the red mermaid reminded Night. With a small drop of his tiny head, the mer chuckled lightly, petting Night and taking a look at his belled collar. "Well Night, I'll be waiting as always. Goodbye." And the handsome mer dove back in the ocean.
-*-
The next night was the same as the day (or should he say night) before yesterday. Night didn't return. Killer figured that would happen. He guessed he grew too attached with the once stray cat which didn't fear him like the rest, his bravery and pride is one he looks up to greatly.
He shouldn't stay. After all, Night didn't return- maybe might never... Pushing himself off the edge of the docks, he began to leap into the waters.
That is until he heard a little familiar growl.
Turning back, there he was. Little Night. The little adorable kitty cat with an equally adorable backpack. That was new.
"What's this about, little Night?" He chuckled, letting his hand wander and open the little clasp holding the bag close as Night Nuzzled his phalanges. Inside was a rolled up paper, likely a message.
Being a nosey and curious mer, Killer opened it. As he read it, he was surprised the message was for him!
Dear Mermaid,
My name is Ccino (si-seeno? Keeno? Cheeno? Killer didn't know how to pronounce it). I'm Night's owner. Please do not fret. I promise not to tattle of your existence. It is between Night and me and you. I only want to thank you for keeping this kitty safe. I shall leave a special something every night for you under the docks. Please accept my gratitude.
Ccino.
Looking around, he only saw Night standing with a puffed chest like the proud creature he is. No sign of any human or monster in sight. Deciding to humour the message, he dove under the docks. There was a small crevice where rocks resided, on top of them was a platter with circular white balls.
Picking one up, it was kinda squishy. Giving it a sniff proved it was edible from a fresh fish scent. Killer popped it into his mouth and bit into its chewy surface. The burst of flavour was an instant flood of fresh Salmon. He scarfed down the others, loving them just as equally. He made sure to leave one before reuniting at the docks with the pretty black cat. He pushed the white chewy fish ball to his friend, only to be surprised when he nudged it back.
It became a small back and forth game until Night gave his signature growl, stopping the game as Killer took the fish ball and downed it making the kitty relax in satisfaction.
He laughed. "I guess not all landwalkers are bad. I mean you don't look like you lost your spunk at all!" Petting his friend, glad he wasn't abused and became fearful like the rest. No. Night was brave. Tilting his tiny head upwards like a king on his throne to show he isn't and will never be hurt "a proud creature indeed".
°°°°°°°°°
Day 2 of Fluffynightkiller week
Did this all mid class and during day 1 so the ending looks very rushed. I apologise if it isn't that nice...
Although since its still mermay, I added a smol story with kitty nm and fishy friend killer! No drawing tho. This was a last second idea. Sorry. ^^"