The Crew (Work In Progress from 2017)

Chapter 2- Bathtub

~One year later~

Dusk rises and Aunt Jade is already awake telling the cooks what is going to be made for breakfast. Around eight o'clock, Princess Mangle awakens to the sun wrapping her in warmth. She yawns and sits up and thinks for a moment. She looks up, and unexpectedly sees Captain Foxy sitting on one of her chests that hold her formal gowns. She startles and puts her hand on her chest, "Oh good heavens, have you been watching me sleep?" She says with a small blast of adrenaline.

"No, I actually just came in here, saw you were still asleep, so I'd thought I'd just wait for ye." Foxy replies shamelessly, "Sorry for startling, lass." He says with a small chuckle. Mangle chuckles too.

"I forgive you." She says with a slight smile.

"I think it be time for ye to get dressed or your Auntie Jade going to be nagging." Foxy says. Mangle nods and pulls herself out of the fluffiness of her bedding.

"I agree." She responds. Foxy smiles.

"I'll head out to give you privacy." Foxy announces and walks to the door and steps out shutting it with him. Mangle just lets out a quiet giggle.

Aunt Jane storms down the hall like thunder, she opens Mangle's door, "Mangle darling, your bath is ready." She says. Mangle shakes her head confused.

"But I didn't request to bathe." Mangle says still confused.

"I did. You haven't bathed since the other night. You're filthy, and guests will think you were raised with swine." Aunt Jade insults and grabs Mangle and drags her down to the washroom, "I'll have your wardrobe ready for when you're finished with your bath." Aunt Jade says and walks away.

"Guests?" Mangle questions quietly. One of the maids grabs Mangle's nightgown and helps Mangle pull it off. Once Mangle has finished unclothing herself the maid tells her to slowly set into the water because it is merely scolding. But Mangle doesn't listen and sets down quickly to cover up her nudity. She doesn't mind the hot water. She'd rather have it scolding than frigid.

The maid taps away in her shoes to a different room. Mangle settles in the water observing the bubbles. The bubbles smell of a mix of rose hips, lemon grass, oranges, and lavender. They must be pulverized into powder before they can be put into a bath. That's why they are dehydrated many times.

Mangle's hair is dripping and the water droplet falls into the water making a quiet tap sound. Mangle is by herself, but then Foxy peeks in through the door on the right. His secret entrance. Foxy has found ways to maneuver around the castle. He's found hidden passages too.

Foxy smiles at Mangle and kneels beside the tub, "Bath time in the morning?" He questions and Mangle blushes and crosses her arms over her chest.

"Yes. I was forced into it, but it is quite relaxing. I'm enjoying it despite my embarrassment." Mangle responds. Foxy chuckles.

"I haven't bathed in a month." Foxy announces and Mangle looks at him slightly disgusted.

"You need this bath more than I." She says and Foxy laughs.

"No, I was only kidding." He says, "But I must say I haven't bathed in a few days." Foxy smirks. Mangle shrugs.

"Well, maybe one of the maids can prepare a bath for you. I'll alert them immediately once I'm out." Mangle insists.

"No need." Foxy replies, "Let's not waste water." He says throwing his shirt on the floor. After two seconds, Foxy is nude and steps into the bath, Mangle has her eyes covered and he only laughs as her face flushes.

"Don't hide your eyes, love, there's nothing to see." Foxy says with a small smirk and Mangle looks at him.

"This is against the rules Captain!" Mangle scolds quietly.