~Pairing: Myth!Mugman x GN!Bat!Reader ~Prompt: Reader has two jobs, uhh for an organisation and at a café.. They have trust issues, and has trouble trusting Mugman. They slowly warm up to him and started to get clingy towards him. ~Type: Fluff ~Word Count: 10k ish.. ~Warnings: You might get trypophobia by reading this.. Cause dear lord this oneshot has a huge plothole. Also pls feel free to point it out where there's a female pronouns, and 'Reader' cause i didn't proofreadd. And and grammatical errorss:D! Ohmagawd</3
requested by: @nyangrimalkin I HOPE THIS IS TO UR LIKING TWIN🙏
The forest stretched out thick and dark, trees towering high enough to block out most of the evening light, turning the air into a cool, damp blanket that clung to everything it touched. It was the kind of place where shadows felt heavier, and every rustle of leaves sounded like something watching from the dark. For [N], this was just another part of the job.
"Ugh, seriously!?" [N] huffed, adjusting the leather strap of their sword on their hips. Their bat wings, folded tight against their torso, twitched slightly as a cool breeze swept through the trees.
The edges of their ears were pointed, their eyes large and sensitive, perfect for navigating the dark, but also made every small sound feel a little too loud. "The Department of Defense is supposed to handle clearing out Searchers, right!? Why am I stuck doing this just because our office is close to the woods?!"
A faint static-like voice crackled in [N]'s ear, soft but teasing. "C'mon! it's not that bad. Plus, you get to be out in the open air instead of staring at reports all day~"
[N] rolled their eyes, speaking quietly into the comms. "Easy for you to say. You're back at the café, eating whatever you found in the pantry. I'm out here fighting ink monsters in the middle of nowhere."
"Someone's gotta do it. And hey if you do good, I'll bring you back some of that sweet berry pie you like, okay?"
That was their superior. He wasn't the strict, by-the-book type. He's more like an older brother who liked to joke around even when things were supposed to be serious.
A few of them, they'd both moved to Toon Town to gather information, and Reader had been assigned to this outlying area while their boss handled other parts of the operation.
With a small sigh, [N] withdrew their sword. It was a simple but well-crafted blade, balanced perfectly in their hand. They'd trained for years with it, and moving through the trees felt like second nature. Searchers.
They been wandering the area near the café more often lately, and it was [N]'s job to make sure they didn't wander any closer to the settlement.
For hours, it was just them and the forest. They moved quietly, their wings staying folded, and their steps light. Whenever they sensed movement or heard the squelch of ink, they'd act fast with swift strikes, and precise blocks.
It was their routine, boring, but [N] kept alert. Their bat senses were sharp, picking up every vibration in the ground, every shift in the wind.
By the time evening turned into early night, the sky was a deep purple fading into black, and the air had grown colder. [N] wiped a small smudge of ink from the edge of their blade and sheathed it back at their hip. "Finally! All clear for tonight." They muttered. "Just need to head back before it gets too dark."
That was when they felt it.
A faint, unfamiliar vibration in the air, something not from the Searchers, not from the trees, not even from the machines scattered around the area. It was light, fast, and distinct. Two presences, moving quickly but carefully through the woods.
[N] froze, ears twitching. Toons, they thought. Not Searchers. But who else would be out here this late?
They didn't move yet, staying low behind a thick oak trunk. They could hear soft voices, faint but clear enough to pick up. One was louder, energetic and a bit impatient, the other quieter and more careful.
Then came the sound of something cutting swiftly through the air. Something small and fast zipped right past [N], barely missing them and close enough that they felt a sudden rush of wind against their face.
Immediately after, another came flying in from the same direction, slamming directly into [N] and they both tumbled together in the cold damp, mossy ground.
"Oof-!"
[N] stumbled backward, their feet catching on a root, and tumbled hard into the soft, mossy ground. Their wings flared out instinctively to keep from hitting their head, but they still landed with a heavy thud, dirt and dry leaves sticking to their clothes.
For a second, everything went quiet.
Then the one who had bumped into them stood up right in front of them, adjusting themselves quickly. Their expression was full of worry and apology.
"I am so sorry! I didn't see you there at all!" they said, voice soft and sincere. "I wasn't looking where I was going, that was my mistake! Are you hurt at all?"
[N] was still lying there, their heart beating a little faster than usual. Not from the fall, but from who they were seeing. They'd heard stories, warnings, rumors.
The Collectors.
And right now, one was standing there, looking concerned and harmless.
Before [N] could find their words, the other voice called out from further back in the trees, sharp and urgent.
"Mugs! Hurry up would ya!? We don't have time to stop!"
And his brother.
Mugman looked back at him, then down at [N], hesitating. "But... what about them..?"
"Leave them! They're just in the way, we have to go now!" The brother's voice was getting further away as he started running.
Mugman glanced at [N] again, gave a small, awkward nod of apology, then quickly turned and ran after his brother, his footsteps fading fast into the distance.
[N] sat there for a few more seconds, their mind still racing. The silence of the forest returned, but it felt heavier now. Slowly, they pushed themselves up, dusting off their clothes and straightening their wings.
Their chest still felt tight, not just from the bump, but from the feeling of meeting someone they'd only ever feared or heard about.
Collectors, Right here. Just now.
That was when they picked up another sound.
It wasn't the brothers anymore. It was the steady crunch of boots on leaves, and low voices calling out as they searched the area.
The police were looking for them. They were close, and they weren't stopping until they found what, or who they were looking for.
[N] didn't hesitate and their instincts kicked in instantly. They spread their wings and took off quickly, gliding up the tree trunk and settling safely on a thick branch high above.
They stayed perfectly still, hidden from view, and looked down carefully to watch what was happening below.
Soon, two officers walked into the clearing, shining bright lanterns and scanning every corner of the woods. They talked to each other as they searched.
"They definitely went this way!" one said, shining his light into the bushes.
"We're not going to lose them this time. Keep looking."
"We need to check every path and tree line. They can't have gotten far."
[N] held their breath, pressing back against the trunk of the tree. From up here, they could see everything clearly. They watched the police move through the area, checking behind rocks and under low branches, calling out for the brothers to come out.
But no matter how closely they searched, they didn't look up. They never thought to check above.
As they moved further along the path, continuing their search deeper into the woods, [N] stayed right where they were. The sound of their footsteps and voices faded slowly, but [N] didn't move until it was completely quiet again.
The moon rose higher, casting pale light through the branches. [N] stayed perched there for a long time, thinking.
They thought about their boss's voice, teasing and lighthearted back at base. They thought about the Searchers they'd fought tonight. And they thought about Mugman.... how he'd bumped into them, how he'd apologized, how he'd hesitated before running away.
[N]'s wings twitched slightly, pulling them closer. The fear didn't go away. If anything, it felt stronger now. They had just run into one of the very people they were told to avoid.
They knew they had to get back, to report who they've met.
Weeks had passed since that night in the forest, and the memory still lingered in the back of [N]'s mind like a soft but persistent echo. They'd settled into a steady rhythm now. Patrolling the forest on alternating shifts with their co-workers, clearing out Searchers before they could get too close to the area around the small, cozy cafe that served as their base of operations.
Mornings in the cafe was warm and loud, filled with the hum of toons chatting, the clatter of plates, and the sweet smell of fresh and warm pastries, food and coffee.
It wasn't just a place to work, though for [N] and their group, it was also a quiet hub where they could gather small bits of information without drawing too much attention.
As part of their mission to gather intel for their organization, [N] would casually ask customers questions, comment on local events, or listen closely to whatever was being said around them, all while pretending to just be a regular employee.
Their days were split between serving drinks and meals, checking the perimeter, and reporting back to their superior, who was more like a friendly older brother than a strict boss.
Then there's Philip! One of [N]'s co-workers. He was the type who loved to tease, always making light of serious situations and poking fun at [N] whenever he got the chance. But underneath all the jokes, they got along pretty well. it was just how they interacted, and [N] had long since learned to either roll their eyes or ignore him completely when his jokes went too far.
One bright, quiet morning, the sun was streaming through the large windows of the cafe, making the wooden floors glow warm and golden. [N] was wiping down the counter when Philip called over from across the room, grinning mischievously.
"Hey, Bat-brain!" he called out, waving a cloth in the air. "Table four just called for their order. Wanna take it? I've got my hands full with these drinks."
[N] paused, folding the cloth neatly and tucking it into their apron. They gave him a flat look.
"Ooh, scary!" Philip laughed.
[N] just shook their head and walked toward table four. As they approached, their steps slowed down naturally, then stopped completely.
Their eyes widened, and for a split second, they almost forgot how to breathe.
Sitting at said table four were two toons they would have recognized anywhere, even if they hadn't met them in the dark forest weeks ago.
Cuphead, rose a brow, amused with a small grin. Next to him was Mugman, his blue calm eyes looked outside the window pane glass, a soft expression on his face.
[N] glanced around quickly. The cafe was busy, bustling with all kinds of toons, some laughing, some reading newspapers, others just eating their breakfast.
No one seemed to notice anything out of the ordinary. Everyone was just going about their day, completely oblivious to the fact that two figures widely spoken about in fear.
They felt their shoulders tighten, their wings twitching slightly. The old feeling of intimidation came rushing back, stronger than before now that they were in broad daylight, in a place full of people. But they knew they couldn't just stand there staring.
They took a deep breath, straightened their posture, and walked up to the table with as calm a face as they could manage.
"Good morning!" [N] said with practiced, welcoming smile, keeping their voice steady. "Are you ready to order, or would you like a moment?" They held a pen and a small paper in hand.
Cuphead, tilting his head a little. He looked at [N] for a second, then shrugged. "Yeah, sure! We're ready. Uh... two pancakes..!! And two black coffees. What was it again Mugs..? Oh! And two egg sandwiches!"
Then Mugman looked up, his eyes meeting [N]'s, eyes widened with a sense of familiarity. Then, a polite smile touched his lips. "That sounds good to us, thank you. Just that, please."
[N] nodded, trying not to let their gaze linger too long, writing their orders. "Got it. Pancakes, two black coffees, and two egg sandwiches. Anything else you'd like? Extra syrup? More milk? A side of fruit?"
"No, that's all," Cuphead said, grinning. "Thanks!"
"Alright, I'll get that right to you then," Reader said, and turned away.
As they walked back toward the kitchen, they could feel their nerves settling down a little, but not by much.
Once they handed the order to the cook and made sure it would be ready soon, they didn't go back to the counter. Instead, they headed straight for the small office, that was where their boss usually was.
They pushed the door open gently, and their boss looked up from his papers, raising an eyebrow. "Everything okay? You look like you've seen a ghost."
[N] closed the door behind them and leaned against it, letting out a slow, shaky breath. "I-.. I saw them. The Collectors are here!."
The boss paused, setting down his pen. His expression didn't change to one of panic or fear. Instead, it was calm, almost unconcerned. "Oh. Them, huh?"
"They're here. In the cafe. Everyone else is too busy to notice, b-but maybe they know and they'd rather stay silent about it!" They said, their voice a little hurried, a little worried. "W-What do we do!? Should we call the police!?"
The boss stood up and walked over, resting a hand lightly on [N]'s shoulder. He didn't seem alarmed at all, which somehow made [N] feel even more on edge. "Relax, okay? Take a breath. Listen to me."
He spoke slowly, in that easy, brotherly way he always did. "They haven't done anything wrong here. They're just sitting, eating, like anyone else. As long as they don't cause trouble, as long as they don't draw attention that would bring the police or anyone else down on this place... We don't need to do anything. We just keep doing our job. We're here to gather information, not hunt people down." His voice soothing, rubbingh his thumb in attempt to comfort them.
[N] blinked, still not completely convinced. "But, we're not safe having them here. What if someone recognizes them? What if something happens?"
"Then we'll deal with it if it comes," the boss said firmly but gently. "For now, just serve them, take your orders, and keep your eyes open. That's all. Don't go looking for trouble, and don't go making a scene. We'll be fine."He said taking a few steps back.
"Plus, I know we'll be safe anyways since all of you, my dear 'employees'! Are pretty skilled fighters! Trained by me of course! Just let me know alright if they're bugging you or the others, okay?"
[N] stayed quiet for a moment, letting his words sink in. The boss' expression softened as his playful words didn't work.
"Okay." [N] said finally, nodding slowly. "I understand. I'll just do my job like normal."
"Great!" the boss smiled, giving their shoulder a light pat.
[N] left the office feeling a little calmer than when they'd gone in, but the thought of Cuphead and Mugman sitting out there was still there in the back of their mind.
Zane, their co-worker almost passed by them carrying a supply told them to bring the tray to table four, which [N] obliged.
They went back to the dining area, and when they approached the table again with their tray of food and drinks, they tried to act as naturally as possible.
"Here you go!" they said, setting everything down carefully. "Pancakes, coffee, and sandwiches. Enjoy!"
"Thanks you.." Mugman said, picking up his fork gently. He glanced up again, his eyes meeting [N]'s once more, and this time he gave a small, friendly nod. "We appreciate it."
Cuphead was already digging into his food, talking with his mouth full like usual, but he paused long enough to flash a quick grin. "Yeah, thanks! Looks great!"
[N] just gave a small nod in return and stepped back, moving away to the next table. As they walked, they felt that familiar mix of unease and curiosity.
They knew they had to keep their guard up, they knew who these two were supposed to be... but sitting there, eating peacefully, they didn't look like the monsters or threats everyone described. They just looked like two brothers having a normal morning meal.
Philip passed by a moment later, with a stack of dirty plates in a cart, glanced over at Cuphead and Mugman before leaning over to [N] quietly. "These two are familliar..? Heard they're some kind of troublemakers."
[N] kept their eyes forward, pretending to be wiping an empty table. "Just customers. Don't worry about it."
Philip chuckled. "Alright, alright. Just saying. Keep your eyes open, yeah?"
They only hummed in reply.
The morning went on slowly. they'd glance over at the table by the window. They saw Mugman laughing quietly at something Cuphead said, saw them sharing a little bit of syrup, looking comfortable and relaxed.
By the time they finished their meal and paid, thanking on another co-worker, Carmilla and left.
[N] stood by the counter and watched them walk out the door.
Philip came over again, leaning against the counter. "They're gone?"
"Yeah." They said, turning back to restocking the napkins.
"Good," Philip said, grinning. "Now we can get back to normal. Though... I gotta admit, I didn't think they'd actually come here. Funny, right?" It seems Philip now knew who those customers actually are.
The toon smiled faintly, but didn't say anything. They still had a lot of questions, a lot of thoughts running around in their head.
Weeks turned into a month, and a pattern began to form that [N] couldn't ignore. Cuphead and Mugman didn't just visit the cafe once or twice anymore. They became regulars.
Every single morning, right around the same time, they'd walk through the door, and head straight to the same corner table by the window, Table 4.
[N] noticed it first, then their co-workers too. It was hard not to. They were easy to spot. But the bat toon never let their guard down.
Even though they came every day, even though they were polite and calm, the warnings they'd heard still lingered in the back of their mind.
Collectors. They are hitmen for hire.
And naturally, [N] started paying attention to what the brothers said, trying to pick up anything that might seem suspicious or out of place.
But nothing ever was.
Every time the bat approached their table, [N] listen closely, trying to catch bits of their conversation without being obvious. Most of the time it was just...ordinary things...?
For example..
"Ugh! I'm so tired today!" The older twin groaned, leaning back in his chair and stretching his arms over his head. "We walked so early all the way from the other side of town and my feet are killing me! Can a coffee to go? I need something to wake me upp for laterrrr!"
Cuphead whined, then Mugman would roll his eyes, yet a small fond smile, evident and just laugh softly. Adjusting his gloves, he flipped through the pages of a small book he always carried.
"You always complain, complain about everything." The younger twin sighed. "Hey, listen to this part I read right now. Shaun was the first to discover about the......."
Or he'd say things like, "I think the author is being a little too optimistic about how things used to work. It sounds nice, but I wonder if it was really that simple back then."
Then Cuphead would sometimes reply like this along the line with..
"Mugs, I wish I can read and relate to what you're reading about, but allll I'm hearing is bla bla bla bla blaa!"
That was it. That was all they ever talked about. No secret plans, no hidden agendas, no suspicious remarks. Just two brothers talking about work, books, food, and the weather.
[N] would lean close enough while taking their order or clearing the table, trying to catch every word, every tone, looking for something that could prove what they'd been told was true. But there was nothing. It- It was all just.. normal!
Have they found out? [N] would wonder every time they walked away from the table. Do they know we're not just a regular employees? Do they suspect anything?
They hoped with all their heart that they didn't. The last thing they wanted was to be caught, or to make things awkward. But the more time passed, the more it felt like everyone else knew something they didn't.
Then there was the way their co-workers started acting.
One morning, as [N] was wiping down the counter, Philip walked up to them, grinning like he had a secret. "Hey Bat-brain!. Table 4 is waiting. Go take their order, yeah? They've been sitting there forever!"
The bat toon blinked, looking over toward the window. Sure enough, Cuphead and Mugman were already looking over, waiting. "Seriously? Why me? Carmilla or Zane can go, they're free."
"Nah, nah" Philip waved his hand dismissively, giggling like a high school girl. "You're good at it! Just go on, won't take long!"
The next day, Zane did the same thing. "Hey [N], I got a lot of drinks to make. Mind taking Table 4? They always order the same thing anyway."
Even Carmilla, who was usually quiet and kept to herself, nodded when [N] glanced her way. "Yeah.. it's okay...! You can handle it.."
[N] couldn't help but let out a small, frustrated sigh once they were walking toward the table. What is going on here? they thought internally. Do they know something I don't? Are they trying to push me to talk to them on purpose? Or is it just a coincidence?
They shook their head, trying to focus on the job. It wasn't like they could refuse, anyway.
But then there was Mugman. That was the part that made everything confusing.
When they reached the table, Cuphead looked up immediately, his eyes lighting up a little. "Oh, hey! Took you long enough. We were about to send out a search party!"
Mugman looked up too, and that was when [N] noticed the change.
It was subtle at first, but it was there. Before, Mugman had been calm, polite, a little reserved but easy to talk to. But now? When he looked at them, his gentle, steady gaze had shifted into something... softer, shy.. a little more nervous.
He'd fidget with the edge of his book, or his fingers, eyes darting at the window, Cuphead and meeting [N]'s eyes, as if mentally preparing himself before he even spoke.
He'd blush faintly, a light pink tint appearing on his porcelain cheeks whenever their eyes met for even a second longer than necessary.
[N] felt a twist of confusion and unease in their chest. Is he acting like this because he suspects something..? Or.. is there another reason!?
"Good morning," [N] said, keeping their usual, practiced and welcoming smile, as they pulled out their notepad. "Ready to order?"
"Yep!" Cuphead said quickly, before Mugman could even open his mouth. "Same as usual. Two pancakes, extra syrup. Two black coffees. And two egg sandwiches. Oh, and maybe add a side of berries this time, yeah?"
Mugman glanced at his brother, then looked back at [N], a small, shy smile forming on his face. "Y-Yeah, that's all for now.."
[N] wrote it down, trying not to notice how Mugman kept glancing up at them every few seconds, like he was gathering the courage to say something else. "Got it. I'll bring it right over."
"Thank you.." Mugman said and you both held a mini staring contest. And this time, he didn't look away. He just sat there, looking at [N] with those adorable, warm eyes, until the bat toon had to look down at their notepad to break the tension.
As [N] walked back to the kitchen, they couldn't stop thinking about it.
'He's acting weird. Really weird'
The thought made their stomach twist with worry.
'What if he knew? What if he was just pretending to be normal while figuring out who we really were?'
But then, a few days later, it happened again.
[N] was just done delivering a tray of food to another table when they heard Mugman speak up from Table 4, his voice loud enough for [N] to hear "Hey, Mx. [N]..! how are things going here in the afternoons? Is it usually this busy like in the mornings?"
They paused for a split second, then turned back to him, keeping their expression calm. "Yes." They only gave him a short answer.
Mugman nodded, his fingers tapping lightly on the table. "I see.."
Cuphead snickered from beside him, nudging his brother's arm with his elbow. "Quit being so polite, Mugs. Ya gonna make em' think you're a robot or something."
Mugman's face turned a little pinker, and he looked away for a moment before turning back again, his smile a little sheepish. "I'm just asking! M-Maybe we can make time to go here in the afternoons! Y-you know.. This café is my favourite..! We always look forward to eat here!"
Cuphead snickered and leaned his arms to the table towards Mugman, and whispered. "More like looking forward to see your 'favourite server."
But with the [N]'s sharp senses, they wonder who's this Mugman's 'favourite server'. Huh..
[N] continued walks towards the counter while Philip was restocking some food displays, but inside they were still questioning everything.
Is this really just small talk? Or is he trying to pry? They couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to it than just small talks.
And Philip never missed a chance to point it out when [N] leaned on the counter.
"Look at him!" Philip would whisper one day, watching Mugman. "He's practically glowing when you're around. You've got him all flustered!"
[N] rolled their eyes, wiping down the counter. "Don't be ridiculous. He's just being polite."
"Polite doesn't make him stutter!" Philip laughed. "Come on, admit it. You notice it too, right?"
They didn't answer. They just turned away, but they couldn't deny it. They noticed it every single time.
There were days when it felt almost funny. They'd walk up to Table 4, And every single time, Mugman would look at them with those soft, dorky eyes, fidgeting slightly, and sometimes trying to ask a small question or make a comment just to keep the conversation going.
He never asked anything too personal, never tried to dig into anything that felt secret or dangerous. He just... seemed to enjoy talking to them.
That one time, when [N] was just done giving them their orders, Mugman said suddenly. "You have really pretty wings, you know. I've always thought they were really interesting and cool..!"
[N] froze for a second, their ears twitching slightly. "Oh... thanks."
Mugman noticed the small quirk, and screamed internally how cute it was. He smiled, a little flustered but sincere. "N-No! Really! I-I mean it!"
Cuphead snickered again from across the table. "Quit starin' at them like that, Mugsy! Ya gonna weird them out."
"I-I'm not!" Mugman said, turning even redder, and [N] could see how much he was trying to hide how he felt. "I'm just saying it nicely!"
[N] just smiled politely and walked away.
Sometimes, when they were alone during their breaks, [N] would overthink every interaction. 'How stupid am I! They're wanted criminals, everyone says they're dangerous, and here I am worrying about whether they're being friendly or trying to trick me..'
Still, they kept going. They served their meals, they listened to their small talks, they watched Mugman get flustered every time their eyes met.
And every time [N] walked over, they'd catch Mugman looking at them with those soft, shy eyes, and Cuphead snickering quietly in the background.
Their boss was right about one thing, at least! They weren't causing trouble. They were just two brothers enjoying a morning meal.. Well. Every morning.
They're talking about books, the weather, chores, wanting to go back home, and everything in between.
One afternoon, after the cafe had quieted down and the brothers had left, [N] was cleaning up Table 4. They noticed a small, piece of napkin under the edge of an empty mug. They picked it up, and saw that it had a few simple words written in neat handwriting.
Hope you have a good day Mx.[N]:)!
[N] held the paper in their hand, feeling a strange mix of nervousness and warmth. They folded it carefully and put it in their pocket. They didn't know if they should feel scared, or happy, or confused. All they knew was that things were changing. And they had a feeling that nothing would ever be quite the same again.
The morning shift had been long but smooth, as it usually was. [N] stacked the clean mugs on a rack, when they felt someone tap their shoulder. They tilt their head head to see Carmilla.
"You should go and rest now. You deserve the break." She gave them a warm smile, and you suddenly feel something rubbed against your leg, and saw your strawberry- uhh.. cat..? [N] found them near the garbage bins outside the café weeks ago. He purred and rubbed his face, attempting to embed his scent on you.
"See? Even Casein agrees." Carmilla giggled and you sighed.
"Hey! I thought no pets allowed in the café! No fair!" Philip yelled from the kitchen. You held your adoptive son in your arms and he purred more, like an engine and he tried to rub his face on yours, and you just let him be. "Casey is an exception since he's such a big help to this café!" Boss chuckled and tried to give Casein chin scratches but the kitty swats his hand away and hissed.
"Oh yeah boss! He helps us by trying to eat the ingredients and getting in the pantry by acting cute!" Philip groaned.
"Lil' buddy also helps us recharging our mental, physical and social batteries." Zane chimed in with a cheeky grin.
"And being our emotional support."
"Therapy kitty.."
[N]'s boss ushered them to go now, and they waved their co-workers, heading outside, at the back of the café.
It wasn't big, just a few simple wooden tables and chairs set up against the wall, shaded by a tree that grew nearby. It was quiet. They let Casein wander around the area, til' he went on his merry way to the woods. [N] didn't think too much of it cause he will always come back.
[N] pulled out one of the chairs and sat down, letting out a soft sigh of relief. They leaned back, closing their eyes for just a moment, letting their shoulders drop.
The weight of from last night, when they fly around the area clearing away any trouble and making sure everything was safe, was still a little present in their bones, even after a few hours of rest.
Mornings were for serving, but nights were when they really feel the need to keep going.
They didn't notice that they were alone, though.
Somewhere a little way off, Mugman was standing just around the corner, his hands tucked behind his back, muttering and rehearsing something under his breath.
It had been a few months. He'd come in with Cuphead, sitting at the corner table, and while [N] was taking their order, they'd fallen into a casual little chat. He remembered [N] mentioned how much they love [favourite/flowers].
That small comment had stuck with him, more than he wanted to admit. Mugman wasn't the best with words or with showing how he felt easily, but he remembered things. He remembered the little things people said.
He secretly bought flowers from the market on his way over(from the prying eyes from his brother), carefully putting them together into a simple, neat bouquet by the flower shop keeper.
He'd been practicing in his head what he'd say, over and over. 'H-here..! these are for you..!' Or ' remembered you said you liked these..!' But every time he thought about saying it, his head would steam. He was always like this around you..shy, a little clumsy, and full of nervous energy that he couldn't quite control.
When he finally spotted you sitting there, resting, he froze for a second. His heart gave a big, sudden thump against his chest, and he had to take a deep breath to calm himself down.
'Okay...... Just go..! It's okay! You can do this!'
He took one step forward, then another, his hands gripping the bouquet a little tighter. The flowers were still fresh, their petals soft and smooth.
Mugman felt like he was walking on clouds, but also like his legs might give out any second. He'd never felt this way about anyone before.
You were so kind to everyone at the café, you worked hard, and you had this quiet strength about you. You were always gentle, always polite, and you made everyone feel welcome.
When he was finally close enough, he cleared his throat softly. It came out a little squeakier than he intended, and he immediately felt his face get even redder.
"U-Uhm... excuse me..!"
[N]'s ears were twitching as they fully turned their head to look at him. When they saw Mugman standing there, holding something behind his back, they blinked in surprise. "Oh, Mugman! I didn't expect to see you here. Did you forget something?"
That was when he really panicked.
'No! I didn't forget anything! I brought this for you!'
But he couldn't say it right away. Instead, he just stood there, his eyes looking everywhere but at [N] . But then, his eyes kept darting to the ground, up at the tree, then back to theirs again, all while his head was steaming.
"N-No! I didn't forget anything!" he said, his voice a little shaky but getting stronger as he went on. "I... I actually came looking for you.."
I sat up a little straighter, curious. "For me? Is everything okay?" [N] asked, suspicious.
"Y-Yes! Everything is fine! Perfect, actually!" Mugman said quickly, then paused, realizing he was talking a little too fast. He took another deep breath, trying to slow his heart down. He slowly brought his hands out from behind his back, holding out the bouquet towards you. [N]'s [f/f] looked beautiful in the sunlight, soft and pure.
"I-..I remembered you mentioned a while ago.." he started, his voice getting softer, almost a whisper. "That you really like [f/f]. So... I bought these for you.."
He waited, his whole body feeling tense. He was so scared that they wouldn't like it, or that they'd think it was weird, or that they'd just say 'thank you' and nothing else.
He was already preparing himself for the disappointment, even though he didn't want to. He also cared so much about what [N] thought of him. Every little thing they did made his day, and every time they smiled at him, he felt like he could float away.
[N] stared at the flowers for a moment, then looked up at Mugman. They could see how nervous he was, his hands were still a little shaky, how his face was bright pink, how he kept glancing at them then looking away again.
It was so obvious how much thought he'd put into this. Their chest felt warm, a soft, happy feeling spreading through [N] that made their wings twitch gently behind their back. They thought of him of him differently.. slowly believing that maybe.. He's not what the the other toons talked about..
"Mugman... these are beautiful.." They said softly, reaching out to take the bouquet. The flowers were still fresh, and they had a sweet, light scent that filled the air around us. "You remembered..?"
Mugman let out a breath he didn't know he was holding, and a small, shy wobbly smile appeared on his face. It was the kind of smile that made his eyes light up. "Y-Yeah. I just... I wanted to give them to you. Because you said they were your favorite."
He stood there for a moment, watching as they held the flowers carefully, smelling them gently. He felt like he was standing in the middle of a warm, sunny day, even though he'd been nervous just seconds before. All the worrying, all the practicing, it all melted away the second he saw the look on their face.
"I really appreciate this.." [N] told him, looking up at him with a genuine smile. "Thank you so much, Mugman. This means a lot to me."
Hearing those words made Mugman feel like he was walking on air. He scratched the back of his neck, chuckling nervously but the nervousness was fading a little. "I'm glad... I'm really glad you like them."
[N] gestured for him to take a seat across them. They talked. Long conversations about any topic they come up with. It wasn't just small talks anymore. And that made Mugman even more happier to get to know you more like this.
It wasn't anything important. Just small, easy things. He asked how their shifts were going, and [N] asked how he and Cuphead were doing, and they talked about how busy the café had been lately.
But even though the conversation was simple, every word felt special to Mugman. He listened closely to everything they said, remembering every little detail. He liked the sound of their voice, he liked the way they moved when they spoke, and he liked that they were just as kind and friendly as they always were.
Every time they laughed at something he said, Mugman felt a warm glow spread through him. He found himself making little jokes, trying to make them smile, because seeing them happy made him happier than anything else.
Even when he got flustered again, like when [N] complimented how gentle he was with the flowers, he just smiled and looked down, unable to hide how happy he felt inside.
"I should probably go now" Mugman said after a while, checking his watch. "My brother will be wondering where I went, and we still have some errands to run later."
[N] nodded, holding the bouquet close to their chest. "Of course! Thank you again, Mugman. I'll take really good care of these."
"O-Okay!" he said, his smile getting a little bigger. "Take care of yourself too, alright?"
"You too!"
Mugman turned to leave, but he stopped for a second, looking back at them one more time. He gave a small wave, and [N] waved back.
As he walked away, he kept looking back until he couldn't see them anymore, his heart still full of that warm, happy feeling.
Once he was gone, They leaned on the chair, still holding the small bouquet of [f/f].
They took a deep breath of the sweet scent, and they couldn't help but smile. It was such a small thing, but it meant so much. Mugman had put so much thought and care into it, and it showed in every little detail.
As they looked at the flowers, their mind wandered back to the time we'd talked about them before. They remembered how Mugman had listened so carefully, how he'd remembered even the smallest thing they said. It made them realize just how observant and kind he really was. He might seem a little shy and dorky sometimes, but he had such a big heart.
[N] sat there for a long time, enjoying the quiet, the warmth of the sun, and the beautiful flowers in their hands. Every now and then, they would glance towards the direction Mugman had gone.
It was just a small moment, but it was one they would remember for a very long time.
As Mugman walked back towards the street, he couldn't stop thinking about what had happened. He kept replaying it in his head over and over, like a favorite song he wanted to listen to again and again.
He felt a warm feeling spread all through his body, starting from his chest and going all the way down to his toes. It was the same feeling he got every time he was around you, but this time it was stronger, brighter, and happier.
'I was so scared I'd mess it up! I kept practicing what to say-..! But... when the moment came, I still got all flustered. It was soooo worth it..'
He thought about how you'd looked when you saw the flowers. How your eyes had lit up, how you'd smiled that gentle, kind smile that made everything feel better. He thought about how you'd thanked him, and how your voice had sounded so soft and sincere.
Mugman thought about how much he liked being around you. It was that you made him feel safe, and happy, and like he could just be himself, even if he was a little shy and clumsy sometimes. You never made him feel like he was being silly or awkward. You just made him feel welcome.
He thought about the way you moved, the way you spoke, the way you cared about everyone around you. And he realized, with a sudden clarity that made his heart race a little faster, that he cared about you more than just as a friend.
But he didn't feel nervous about that anymore. Not really. Not when he knew that you'd accepted the flowers, that you'd accepted the little gesture he'd made with so much care.
When he finally got back to where Cuphead was waiting, his brother looked at him with a knowing grin.
"You look pretty happy." Cuphead teased, raising an eyebrow.
Mugman felt his face turn pink again, just like it had earlier. "I... I just had a nice talk, that's all."
"Sure ya did!" Cuphead laughed, but he didn't push it further. He knew his brother well enough to see when something had made him feel good, and he was happy for him.
[N]'s POV
Another few months later, almost every day, right around noon, when I'd drag myself out to that same table under the big tree at the back, Mugman would show up. Sometimes he'd bring a book over and we would gush over our favourite characters, their dynamics, and scenes. Turns out, we have so much in common when it comes to books. Such as genres! I didn't expect him to like romance novels.
We'd read them together when he brings one. And he even offered me to let me borrow some of his books to read at home!
I'd always say yes. But I never let my guard slip all the way though.
It wasn't anything he'd done-.. I-I don't know.. He's an infamous criminal. But it's hard to see him that way because- well.. Mugman is soft-spoken, kind, and nothing like the toon town described him.
However, I doubt Mugman didn’t notice how I was on edge sometimes. Of course he noticed. He's not dumb.
Though, he never called me out on it, never made some big deal about how I didn't lean in too close, or how I never turned my back fully to him, or how I always deflected personal questions with something silly or turned the conversation back to him.
He just.. adjusted..? He'd sit on the opposite side of the table so I didn't feel crowded. He'd keep his hands flat where I could see them, or rest them on his lap.
When he asked things, he never pried... just said 'if you don't mind me asking' or 'you don't have to tell me if you don't wanna.'
One afternoon we were sitting there eating the little honey cookies he'd brought, and.. I finally said it.
"You know I'm careful around you."
Mugman paused mid-bite, swallowed, and nodded slowly. He didn't look offended. Just... understanding.
"I do.." he said quietly, picking crumbs off his knee. "And it's okay. I figured you already.. know me.. I'd also be cautious around me if I was in your shoes. And... and I'm just some guy who keeps showing up where you rest. That'd make anyone wary. Or creeped out..." He hung his head low, almost whispering the last sentence.
I blinked. I'd expected him to be hurt, or confused, or try to convince me he was harmless. Not this.
"You're not what I expected. You're different.." I said, before I could stop myself.
He looked up, and his eyes went wide. "R-Really? Good different or bad different?"
"Good..!" I said, and for the first time I meant it fully, no hesitation.
He stared at me confused. "You're not afraid of me?" You shooked your head no. "Well.. I was at first." You laughed sheepishly. Mugman sighed not out of disappointment. "I don't blame you. Considering my work.."
We kept talking after that, and things felt lighter. I still didn't tell him everything. I couldn't, not yet.. I still don't trust him..
The days went by fast, and before I knew it, it was another noon, and I was wiping crumbs off my apron while Mugman was tucking his book back into his bag.
"Cuphead's probably waiting for me." he said.
I stood up and stretched my wings out a little. "See you tomorrow, Mugman!"
I turned to grab my bag, but his voice stopped me all high and tight, like he was holding his breath.
"W-Wait!...Please?"
I turned back. Mugman was standing there, gloved hands clenched tight at his sides, shaking just a little. His face was so red I thought he might overheat, and he was shifting his weight back and forth like he couldn't decide if he wanted to run away or stay right there.
"Everything okay..?" I asked softly, stepping closer but keeping my distance, just in case.
"I... I gotta ask you something!" he blurted out, then winced like he'd said it too loud. He took a shaky breath, rubbed the back of his neck, and finally looked up at me. His eyes were bright, nervous, but so sincere it made my chest ache. "And it's totally fine if you say no! I won't be weird about it, I promise! We can just pretend I never said anything and everything stays exactly the same, I swear-"
"Mugman.." I said gently. "Just ask me. I'm listening."
He nodded slowly, took another deep breath, and blurted it all out in one big rush.
"D'you wanna go on a date with me? Like a proper date? Not just hanging out here on your break? There's that little café by the river that serves those fancy berry tarts you said you liked, and they've got tables outside with fairy lights, and I could meet you there... whenever you're free! W-Whenever feels safe for you..! I don't mind waiting. I just... I really like you. A lot..!! You're more than just someone to talk to at lunch. And I wanted you to know that!...."
Silence stretched out between us. I just stood there, staring at him, completely speechless.
I'd thought... well, I didn't know what I'd thought. That he liked my company, sure. That we were friends, eh-... definitely!
But I'd never even considered this. Not really. Not when I spent so much time waiting for the other shoe to drop, waiting for the catch, waiting to find out what he actually wanted from me.
But there was no catch. Not here. Not in the way his voice shook, not in the way he was ready to accept no without a fight, not in how he'd said 'whenever feels safe for you.' He knew. He knew I was still holding back, and he didn't mind. He was willing to wait as long as I needed.
All the old caution was still there, lingering in the back of my head.. but for the first time in longer than I could remember, it didn't feel like fear. It felt like... okay. Maybe this was okay..!
Mugman's shoulders slumped a little when I didn't answer right away, and he started fidgeting. "I... I know that's a lot. I'm sorry if I caught you off guard-"
"No!" I cut in, and my voice came out loud than I meant it to. "Don't be sorry. I'm just... surprised. Really surprised."
I took a slow breath, thinking it through. Thinking about how he remembered the things I said, how he never pushed me, how he looked at me like I was someone worth being careful with. Thinking about how safe I felt with him, even when I was still too stubborn to admit it.
"I'd like that.." I said, and my heart did a funny little flip when his eyes went huge. "A lot, actually."
"R-Really?" He sounded like he couldn't believe it. "You mean it? You're not just saying that to be nice..?"
"I mean it.." I smiled, and it felt like the first real, unguarded smile I'd given anyone in ages. "How about... this..Friday? My morning shift ends early that day, Does four sound good..?"
"Four is perfect!" He beamed, and he looked so happy I almost laughed. "Perfect, yeah! I'll save us the best table-" He stopped himself, cleared his throat, and tried to look cool, which didn't work at all because he was still bright red. He's so adorable..
"Yeah! I mean- great! I'll be there! You don't have to rush. Take all the time you need."
"And thank you.. Mugman. For being... patient. With me.." His gaze softened at that.
We said our goodbyes after that'd. I watched him go, still holding my bag tight to my chest, still feeling a little dazed-but warm, too. So warm it felt like it was seeping all the way down to my bones.
Mugman didn't start actually running until he was sure you couldn't see him anymore.
He didn't run fast..just a bouncy, giddy little jog, like his legs were too full of happiness to walk properly. He hopped over a small puddle, spun around once, and then clapped both hands over his mouth to muffle the squeal he'd been holding in this whole time.
'They said yes!! They said yes!!! We're going on a date this Friday!'
The thought bounced around his head on repeat, like the catchiest song he'd ever heard. He'd spent three whole nights lying awake replaying every possible way that could've gone wrong..
What if they'd laughed? What if they say they only saw him as a friend? What if they've gotten weirded out and never wanted to talk to him again? But none of that happened.
He leaned against a lamppost for a second, pressing a hand to his chest where his heart was hammering so hard. His face still felt hot. But he didn't care. He didn't think he'd ever felt this happy in his whole life.
'They're careful.. And they still said yes! That means they trust me. A little. That's enough. That's more than enough.'
He thought about how they'd looked at him.. how that guarded, distant look had softened, just for a second, like a curtain being pulled back just enough to let the light through. He'd waited so long to see that, and it was better than anything he'd imagined.
He straightened his posture, smoothed out his clothes, and started walking again, practically floating. He was already making a list in his head.
'Get there early! Make sure the table is in the shade, maybe bring them [f/f].. nothing too big, nothing too much, just something simple. Oh! I also need to look presentable as much as possible!'
"Mugsy!"
He looked up to see Cuphead walking in long strides with his usual grin. "There you are! I just saw where our target usually stays at during this hour-... Hey!, why do you look like you just won the lottery..?"
"It's nothing!" Mugman already walked away with a dreamy sigh, leaving the older twin confused. "Mugs! Where are you going! We still have work to do! He isn't that way, ya dolt!"
And as Cuphead hurried to catch up to his brother, Mugman was already planning things you two would do together, things that you might enjoy.
Mugman's POV
I still catch myself sometimes, sitting on my bed at night, staring up at the ceiling, wondering if I'm gonna wake up any second.
If all of this is just some really nice, really detailed dream my brain made up to mess with me. Because... well.. Because you're here. You're here, and you're mine- S-Sort of! Hehe....
I remember how it was at first when we hanged out at the back of the café. You'd lean in to hear what I was saying, then lean right back again. You'd keep your hands folded in your lap, or tucked into your sleeves, or fidget with your fingers like it was the only thing keeping you steady.
I never pushed it. I was just happy you let me sit with you at all. I knew trust wasn't something you gave away easy.. You probably spent so long having to guard yourself, having to watch every shadow, every stranger, every little thing that could turn sharp or mean. I told myself I'd wait as long as it took. Even if it took years. I didn't mind.
But somewhere between the first date to the sixth... and so on, until now... somewhere between sharing tarts by the river and walking home together under the streetlights... you started to melt.
And I noticed every single little thing. Every single one.
I remembered the time we went into town that Saturday just to look around. You said you needed some new hand warmers. Something thick enough to keep your hands warm during evenings.
We wandered into that clothing shop down the lane, You were looking at a rack of coats, and I was just standing there off to the side, flipping through a book of sewing patterns they had by the counter, when all of a sudden I felt it.
You hooked your arm around mine, tight, and tucked yourself right up next to my side like it was the most natural thing in the world.
My brain just completely stopped working for a whole ten seconds! The book almost slipped right out of my hands. My face went so hot I swear I could feel steam coming off from my head!.. I just stood there, staring straight ahead at a stack of hats I wasn't even looking at, my heart hammering so hard I thought you'd be able to feel it through my shirt.
"Mugman?" you said, and you sounded a little amused. "You okay? You went all stiff on me."
"I-uh-I-yes!" I squeaked, and my voice cracked so bad I wanted to crawl under the counter and hide. "I'm fine! Totally fine! Just.. surprised! That's all! You-you just-"
You laughed a little, and squeezed my arm tighter. "Sorry. Am I too close? I can move if you want."
"NO!" I said it way too loud, and a little old lady over by the scarves turned to look at us. I lowered my voice right down to a mumble, and stared at my shoes so I wouldn't have to look at you. "No....Don't move. Please. It's... it's... It's nice..."
You didn't say anything after that, but you leaned your head just a little against my shoulder, and we stayed like that for ages. I could feel your wings brushing against my arm every time you shifted.
I walked around the rest of that shop like I was floating. I barely even looked at anything. I couldn't have told you what colour the walls were. All I could feel was your arm looped through mine, and all I could think was you trust me. You feels safe enough to hold onto me like this.
Later, when we were walking down the busy main street, people everywhere pushing past, you didn't let go.
With a bag with your clothes(which I insisted I'll pay hehe) You held on a little tighter, steered me around. And I didn't mind one bit. I'd let you drag me anywhere, as long as you kept holding on.
Then there was the market. You wanted to order ingredients to restock for the café.
There were so many people it was hard to even see where you were stepping.
Cuphead had darted off the second we got there to chase a cart selling meat pies- He insisted to come along.. and before I knew it we'd gotten separated from him entirely.
People were rushing past, bumping my shoulders, yelling over each other, and I was just about to say maybe we should head somewhere quieter, when your hand found mine.
You just reached down and laced your fingers right through mine, firm and sure, and tugged me a little closer so we were walking side by side, your grip strong enough that I didn't have to worry about getting swept away.
I think my heart actually skipped a beat-
My first instinct was to pull away..! N-not because I didn't want to hold your hand, but because mine were all clammy and I was scared I'd feel gross or I'd mess it up somehow. I didn't wear my gloves this time..
But you didn't let go. You just squeezed my fingers.
I swallowed hard, and squeezed back. Careful at first, like I was holding something fragile, then firmer when I realized you weren't going anywhere.
I kept my eyes mostly on the back of your head, but I was so aware of every little thing. How your hand was so smaller and so soft than mine. How your thumb brushed back and forth over my knuckles every now and then.
I've never been good with crowds. Too loud, too many people, too much chance of getting knocked over or lost. But that day? I didn't care. I didn't even notice the noise or the pushing. All I felt was your hand in mine, and all I thought was you're holding onto me. You want me right here with you.
When we finally got through, and went to that place we planned to go together(plus my brother) You still didn't let go of my hand. I just looked at you, and my face was burning, and I think I was grinning like an idiot.
"You okay..?" you asked, and your fingers were still tangled up with mine.
"Y-Yeah! I-I'm fine..!"
Those are the ones that really get me, though. The hugs from behind. You do it all the time now, whenever you think I'm not paying attention.
Like when you offered to have a date at your house, I was washing up the dishes we used, minding my own business, when suddenly there were arms wrapping tight around my waist, and your face pressed right between my shoulder blades.
I yelped so loud I almost dropped the mug in the sink.. and I stood there completely frozen for a second before I realized it was you.
And then I just... melted. All the tension went right out of my shoulders. I dried my hands on my apron as best I could, then reached down and rested mine over yours where they were locked across my stomach.
"You scared the life out of me.." I mumbled, but I was smiling so hard my cheeks hurt. I leaned back a little, just enough so I could feel you better. "You're so quiet. How do you walk so quiet?"
You hummed playfully, and it vibrated right through my back. "I wanna practice on you first, and mainly see your reaction!"
"Practice all you want. But you're going to give me a heart attack one day" I said, scolding you in a joking way.
Or that time when we were at the park. I was sitting on the bench, going through some books in a bag, that I bought thought you might like.
Then suddenly, you were there, your chin resting on the top of my head, your arms looping over my shoulders, your hands dangling down in front of my chest. "Watcha got there, Mugs?"
Or the time we were saying goodbye by your door, and just as I turned to leave you pulled me back, wrapped both arms around me tight, and buried your face in the crook of my neck. I stood there for minutes, just holding your arms, my heart doing flip-flops, too happy to even speak.
Every single time it happens, I get flustered. I stutter. I forget how to make sentences. But underneath all that fluster? Underneath all the panicking. I feel so honoured. So incredibly, unbelievably honoured.
Because I know what this means. I know how long it took you to be able to do this. I know how many years you spent keeping people at arm's length, how many times you had to remind yourself not to let anyone get too close, how scary it must be to let your guard down after you've built it up so high for so long.
And you're choosing to lower it for me. You're choosing to hold onto me, to lean on me, to let me see this soft side of you that no one else gets to see.
That's the best gift you could ever give me. Better than flowers, better than books, better than anything in the whole world.
I sit and think about it a lot. About us. About what comes next.
We don't need big things. We don't need fancy trips or expensive dinners or grand gestures. The best times we've ever had are the quiet ones. Picnics, watching the clouds go by, walking home slow just so we can talk a little longer, falling asleep on the couch together while it rains outside.
Those are the moments that stick with me. Those are the moments I replay in my head over and over.
All that matters is you. Just you. Being there with you.
And lately... I've been thinking about forever.
I think about waking up next to you in the morning. About making you coffee before you go to work. Holding you when you're tired or sore or the world feels too heavy. About growing old together- however old toons get. About always being the person you can cling to, the person you can run to, the person who never, ever makes you feel like you have to be strong all the time.
I want to be your safe place. The way you're mine... Not yet though- But I've always hoped so!
But I get so nervous just thinking about asking you to be mine. What if I mess it up? What if I'm not good enough? What if you decide you don't want that kind of life with me?
But then I remember how you hold my hand when we walk, how you lean on my shoulder when you're sleepy, how you look at me like I'm something special even when I'm just being a dorky, clumsy, overthinking mess. And I think... maybe. Maybe you want that too.
I'm gonna do it. One day soon. I'm gonna get the courage up. I don't know exactly how yet. Maybe I'll bring you those [f/f] you love so much again. Maybe I'll take you to that spot by the river where we had our first date. Maybe I'll just blurt it out like I did the first time I asked you out, stammering and hoping for the best.
But whatever way I do it... I'm gonna ask you. To be mine. Properly. Always. To stay by your side, for all the quiet days and all the hard ones, for everything.
And until then? I'm going to and always will love every single little clingy, wonderful thing you do. I'm gonna keep them all safe in my heart.
Because you trust me. And I trust you. And that's more than enough for me. And for always.
ouhhh iz finally dun! Tiem to dizapir agen to writey anoda requests!!
