Catch and Release: Mugman X Cala Maria

Just beneath the surface

The clouds were a little dreary, but that didn't stop Cala Maria from feeling so wonderful. She almost couldn't believe that she actually scored a date with the most handsome, sweet, heroic person she has ever met on dry land. Even in the ocean, no merman, mermaid, or soul, has ever made her feel the way he does. When she thought about it, she acted very peculiar when she first met him.

Normally, she would take down anyone that tried to take what was hers and would sink them without a second thought. Cala even wanted to be known as a great monster of the sea at one point: becoming so infamous for her ability to destroy ships and the frightening appearance. She couldn't count how many times that blasted Brineybeard tried to steal her treasure, or had his crew try to take her head as a trophy for his ship: even tried to woo her and gain her love.

But she was defending her life in those instances. With Mugman, it felt so different, like she had hit a totally defenseless creature. But how did she even know that Mugman meant no harm? Cuphead and his brother were launching bullets and bombs non-stop until half-way through her first form. What made the mug so much different than every other oppressor that came and tried to take something of hers?

While thinking about this, she became so worried, and scared. Cala adored Mugman, even though they just met, she didn't want to make a bad impression. But, when she thought about the fact that Mugman nor Cuphead, has ever seen her gorgon, medusa-like form, it frightened her. She was so afraid of scaring Mugman away if he ever saw her like that.

She almost panicked about it, thinking to herself that Mugman would abhor her and hate her for the rest of his days because of her hideous, monstrous look. But she didn't cry about it- she had a date with a wonderful mug, and she didn't want to make a bad impression on him. She had to prepare herself, for the time would come soon when they would meet.

-----

The clouds were dark, and they looked dreary- but that didn't stop Mugman from feeling his best, so ecstatic for the day ahead of him. Even though it seems so cold outside, Mugman feels as warm as the month of may. He got himself ready for the day, and Cuphead gave the mug some trouble as per the usual morning routine- though it's always in good, brotherly fun.

Elder kettle gave Mugman a little talk, one-on-one, before he went on his very first date. The wise kettle wanted to impart his wisdom and knowledge to his son. Elder kettle put his hand on Mugman's shoulder, and knelt to his eye level.

"My boy Mugman, oh how you boys grow up so fast! Just let me give you 3 pieces of advice, from experience my son. One, never reveal too much about yourself or your personal life on a first date. Secondly, don't try to be extra and end up emberassing yourself, just be yourself Mugman. And last, make sure SHE has fun! You don't want to have a blast being out with her and realize later on it was a drag for your date. Now, are you ready?"

Mugman was silently rolling his eyes, as he knew all of this, he knew to prioritize her above anything else. After all, he wasn't just a youth: Mugman and Cuphead were almost completely grown up. Mugman, agreed to everything his elder said, before he was allowed to be released into the world: ready to go on his date.

Mugman wanted to stop by Cagney Carnations, to see if he would allow Mugman to take some flowers for a bouquet. Seeing as how he and his brother saved his soul after all. Though, when Mugman saw Goopy La Grande watering the flowers and Cagney taking great care that none of them are hurt or squished, Mugman changed his mind and decided on another gift. After all, what is a mermaid going to do with flowers anyway?

Mugman went through his list of people whom he could reasonably ask for something without getting a negative or frusturated response. He could ask The Baroness for some chocolate or sweets, but she was waaay too crazy and dangerous to ask. He could ask Djimmi for a wish or something that would please the mermaid, but Mugman didn't want to risk something happening with his wish- you know how genies can be.