Twisted-Wonderland: Our Precious Treasure (Part 2)

(109) TTotSS: Noisy Nostalgia!

"WHAT?! WHY YOU NEVER TELL ME?"

Jonah winched, waving his hand, trying to make a point. "Technically, you've never asked," Jonah mumbled. Crowley put his hands on his hips, tapping his foot like a nagging mother and raising an eyebrow. Jonah ducked his head as he added, "I never actually thought that you would take me on a holiday."

"And leave you alone in the cold winter?" Crowley gasped, hand on his chest like he just got shot. Taking a quick stride to the child, Crowley put his hands on Jonah's shoulders. "I won't do that at you, my boy."

In the background, Grim, who sat on the bed, cupped his paws around his mouth. "I don't know about that, chief," he mouthed but managed to pull a smile from Jonah.

Crowley patted his shoulder, gaining the boy's attention again. The headmaster sighed, going down to his knee so they could see each other straight in the eyes. "I know I haven't been the best headmaster," he said. "And I know this won't make up the various times you got hurt. But, I am trying to make up for every burden I've given to you. Starting small: giving you a well-deserved break."

"Headmaster..." Jonah stared at the man in front of him, feeling his fingers drumming his shoulder once in a while. Anxiety, maybe? Why would the headmaster feel nervous? Was he really feel guilty? Was he really worried about him? Maybe... If not, he wouldn't be gone this far as for taking him on a vacation.

The boy let out a sigh. "Alright. I might have a compromise."

Crowley nodded. "Go on."

"Scarabia Training Camp only lasts until next Wednesday. Once it's done, I'll just join you and Senior Schoenheit. So, both of us get what we want. How about it?"

Crowley hummed, thinking, before laughing out loud. "Excellent thinking~" He patted the boy's shoulder. "I'll pick both of you up personally! Just contact me before the last day."

Jonah nodded. "Will do."

"And." Crowley picked up Jonah's prosthetic arm. With a quick tap and swipe, a new number was saved in the contact. "If there's even an emergency, don't be afraid to call." He turned it off, patting it gently. "This time, I'll be there."

Jonah couldn't help but smile. "Thank you so much."

"Good boy." Crowley ruffled his hair, earning a laugh from the boy before standing up again. He turned to the empty suitcase on the bed. "Now, which one of these you want to bring to your sleepover?"

-----

Putting two fingers in his mouth, Jonah let out a whistle. "Ramshackle Ghosts!" he shouted. "Fall in!"

Giggles were heard from the ceiling before transparent children in Halloween costumes flew down from the ceiling and formed a line.

"Lou!"

"Soo!"

"Barret!"

"Reporting for duties!" The three children ghost saluted, to which Jonah and Grim saluted back.

"You actually listen to him?" Crowley stared at the children in awe. "Since when you can do that?"

The children exchanged glances, before looking at the man. "Improvisation," they said in unison. They turned at each other and grinned. Jonah then stepped back. "Headmaster." He nodded.

"Thank you, Grim, Mister Argentum." Crowley stepped forward before kneeling in front of the ghosts. "Hello there."

"Hey, Old Man Crowley!" Barret waved his hand.