Midnight Snacks (ManiBu oneshot)

Midnight Snacks

Manila rubbed his eyes raising his glasses in the process as he desperately tried to stay awake. It was already twelve midnight yet here he was, crouching behind the sofa and guarding the kitchen door.

The reason for his "midnight duty" started when he bought a liter of ice cream as his midnight snack. On the first night, when he was about to eat his creamy treat, he was horrified to discover that a crater had been deposited. Thinking that it was just one of the cities, he let the situation slide. The next week, he bought another one and placed a label that said, "MANILA'S PROPERTY. STARE BUT DO NOT EAT." Surely anyone who'd want to have a bite would have to ask permission. 

But no, this was not the case. 

On one calm and silent night, the dark haired city was awakened to answer the call of nature, as he exited the bathroom, he saw a light emanating from the kitchen. Curiosity got the best of him so he tiptoed and took a peek. The only light present was from the fridge so it was really hard to see despite wearing his glasses. But what he can tell was it was a "creature" hunching and it looked it was eating something. To him, it was like a human sized Sasquatch. Is it an intruder, Manila asked himself.

Afraid that the "creature" would attack him, he slowly backed up but hit one of Luzon's big jars, alarming the "creature." The latter turned its head to face him and he could see a dark liquid around its mouth. Poor Manila was too frightened to move that he fainted. When he woke up, it seemed as if nothing happened. Ha dashed towards the fridge to check on his snack, only to discover that it was now nearly empty. On that day forward, Manila swore to capture the culprit and let it pay for what it has done to his beloved ice cream.

Maybe the culprit won't come, the capital thought as he supported his head with his hand since sleep was overcoming his senses. Later that night, his slumber was interrupted when he heard the refrigerator door open. Hoping to see the culprit in the act he scrambled towards the kitchen but saw no one. Nothing seems to be out of the ordinary, Manila thought. Scanning the area, he took note of the slightly opened cupboard as he walked towards the fridge. Opening the freezer area , he saw that his ice cream was missing. A knowing smile formed on his lips as he eyed the slightly opened cupboard.

"You can run, but you can't hide," Manila said in a singsong tone. "I know you have my ice cream and you're gonna pay for what you've done." He cautiously reached for the cupboards handle. Careful , careful, you don't know what's in there -

"Manila!"

His momentum was interrupted and jumped at the sound of his name. Looking at the doorway, Manila spotted the person who interrupted him, Davao.

Davao was leaning on the doorway, with his usual smile plastered on his face. "What are you doing here this late at night?" the city asked, concern was evident in his voice.

"Midnight snacks," Manila said in a rush as he was itching to see who was behind that cupboard. Davao chuckled upon hearing his answer while helping himself to a glass of water. "You and Cebu are really alike sometimes, even though you always bicker with each other. It makes me think whether you both have a thing going on or something," Davao said with a smile.

"WHAT?" Manila asked as if it was the most absurd thing he's ever heard. "Me and that old hag have a thing? Nooooo. Why? You jealous? Well, how do you see that old hag Davao? Can you see her as someone of romantic interest?" Manila teased as he wiggled his eyebrows at Davao. This Lola's gonna owe me big time once I tell her that Davao -

"She's like a sister to me, and a very good friend," Davao said calmly not bothering to look at Manila.

Manila had mixed feelings when he heard Davao's answer. Was it sadness? Pity? Did he feel sad for his frenemy? "Oh, of course, right. Ok," Manila said in an awkward laugh. Davao bid good night and went ahead. Manila was still processing what Davao said when he heard a sniff from the cupboard. Remembering his purpose for staying up late, he threw the cupboards open and did not expect to see a trembling Cebu hugging his half eaten ice cream close to her chest. 

Chocolate icecream spread messily around her mouth causing some of hair to stick on her face. Her eyes were brimming with tears and continued to flow down her cheeks as she struggled to stop crying.

"You old hag! You're responsible for my ice cream! That's not cheap you know," Manila said with a disgusted face. Cebu could only responded with grunts and incoherent sounds as she tried to stop her crying but failed miserably. "Hey, your snot's gonna reach my ice cream and your tears' gonna make it salty," Manila said as a matter of fact while crossing his arms. When Cebu didn't seem to hear him, his expression softened. "So you heard?" the male asked, sadness lacing his voice. Cebu finally faced him, eyes still wet and responded weakly, "Unfortunately."

Manila sighed as he gently touched the female by her arm and pulled her out of the cupboard. He grabbed the ice cream, covered it and returned it to the freezer. Manila took Cebu's hand and dragged her to the living room. The capital guided Cebu to the sofa and asked her to sit, the latter obeying without question. Despite the quiet night, Cebu's mind was buzzing with questions. She was too preoccupied to notice Manila sitting an appreciable distance from her and had actually been studying her.

I haven't seen her cry this much. She must've really liked him that much, huh? Well, duh,, she HAS been admiring the guy for centuries now! I can't just ignore this old hag. It's like leaving a chubby puppy to fend for herself. She's like a lifeless doll. An ugly lifeless chubby puppy doll at that. Look at how her snot's racing with her tears. Though that's beside the point. What do you do in these situations anyway? By the way, she stole my ice cream, Manila pouted at the thought. Ice cream thief or not, she's still Cebu. Manila wouldn't admit it, but he didn't like Cebu in this situation. She looked so.... vulnerable. Different from the bullheaded girl he came to know.

Scooting closer to the other occupant in the room, he wrapped his arm around her shoulder, pulling her close to him so his head rested atop hers. Cebu was shocked by the gesture and tried to wiggle free but Manila remained firm. They sat there in awkward silence until Manila spoke, "Look, obviously I'm not good with his comfort stuff. This was the only thing I could think of. I was suppose to give you food but you already ate most of it. So yeah." Manila tried to hide his blush, all the while pulling her closer. A smile began to form on Cebu's lips which eventually led to a giggle. She actually appreciated his effort and found this side of him kinda cute. "Who are you and what have you done with Manila," Cebu retorted.

Upon hearing this,Manila began pinching her sides,"Hey, I'm doing my best here so a little thank you would be nice." Cebu struggled to stop Manila's hands. When she finally caught them, she looked up to him and smiled, "Thank you Manila and I'm sorry about your ice cream. You actually caught me that night.. But really, I must've been a total wreck tonight and tomorrow if it weren't for you," Cebu said with a light chuckle.

Manila replied with a fake gasp," I should've recorded this," earning him a jab to his chubby stomach. After their banter, Cebu rested her head on Manila's shoulder, startling the male but eventually adjusting himself to a more comfortable position wrapping his arm around her waist this time.

"Not gonna fight me today?" Manila asked looking at Cebu.

"No, just for today," Cebu replied with a small smile.

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MANILA AND CEBU ARE OUT OF CHARACTER ! GOMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEN!!!! XDDD