BABTQFTIM - The Quest for her Heart [DISCONTINUED]

[EDITED] Chapter Three - An Offer

"(Y-Y/N)?!" the oh so familiar man exclaimed, peeking at the ink-filled bucket in front of me. I knew I shouldn't have knocked over that lamp, nevertheless slam the door closed.

I wondered how Cuphead woke up, since he's in the room downstairs. If anything, why didn't Felix wake up? "Cup?" I said, using his nickname in a slightly shocked but awkward tone. 

"Sorry, I woke you up. I had no intentions to, you can go back to sleep now." I nervously added. After all, Cuphead did just catch me stuffing my face in a bucket with ink pouring from my mouth. Talk about awkward and embarrassing.

"I-I didn't know you had the ink illness!" shock clouded his red pupils as we made strong eye contact with each other, both surprised. I was surprised he caught me at my worst and he was probably traumatized by what beheld him.

"I know, in fact, many people don't know. Not even some close friends, I'm afraid. I sincerely apologize for interrupting your slumber, I didn't mean to. I'll, uh, clean up this horrific mess myself." I said as I reached for the washcloth on my sink.

A hand grabbed it before me. "Please don't, I. . . Let me to this for you. You can go back to sleep, take it as a thank you; for letting us eat and stay at your place and all. I don't know much about the illness and I'm no doctor but it's probably best if you went back to sleep while I clean up the mess.

Baffled by his sudden kindness, I couldn't find the words to say anything. He was right about everything, wasn't he? I was just too careless and managed to catch this illness. "I am so sorry that you have to do this. . . I promise if you come to my restaurant one day I can offer you a free meal."

"That will be greatly appreciated, thanks! You can go back to sleep now." he said as he continued to wipe the inky mess splattered across the tiled flooring. "Again, thank you for this, and good night." I said with a warm smile, before returning to the couch. 

Cuphead was a nice guy after all.

-

"Breakfast is ready!" I said, using my spatula to scrape the pancakes onto their plates.  I hurried to grab the maple syrup and set it on the table. All my actions had to be quick, the restaurant would open soon but I still had to satisfy my guests.

 "Here's the syrup if you guys want any." I added. They looked at me with thankful grins. "We really appreciate your help, (Y/N). Are you sure there's no way we could pay you back?" Felix asked. I shook my head. "Really, you don't have to pay me back, but there is one thing." I implied, "I unintentionally overheard your conversation at dinner yesterday, something about a quest, I believe?" 

"Oh, that. We're on a quest to find the ink machine pieces according to the map that was given to Bendy and Boris from an angel. It's strange, I know. But it's true I promise!" He said. I stood dumbfounded at his unbelievable statement, as it meant those rumours were true.

Apparently, two brothers were travelling with a blank piece of paper which seemed to be a map which others couldn't see. People said it was empty, yet the 'brothers' claimed there was a print on it. 

It was true, then. Bendy and Boris must be those ink brothers on their way to cure the ink illness.

"I thought that was just a silly child's rumour which spread from the neighbouring towns!" I said. 

"You. . . you actually believe me?" asked Felix. I nodded. "There's no other scenario, really. I just hope you get that ink machine fixed. . . So many innocent lives lost in the inky grasps of death. It's saddening, I do wish you luck on your journey." I said, flashbacks of the inky messes crossing my mind.

 Cuphead seemed to be slightly bothered by something, too. Did he have the ink illness as well? I sure hoped not. "We will, I promise. Did the illness take away someone you loved? If you don't mind me a-asking, of course!" Felix nervously queried, hoping to get a reason of why I seemed so desperate. 

"My father was the first known toon to catch the disease as it soon spread to all of my family, killing them one by one. It slowly spread around town as more began to die. Please, could we drop the subject?" I said, cutting a slice of pancake and devouring it to avoid any awkward tension. 

Felix nodded. "I am, speechless. I am so sorry for your loss."

We all ate in awkward silence until Bendy suddenly spoke up. "Hey, (Y/N)? I know this might not be the best of times to ask you, but we could use your help." Bendy asked nervously. "It's just that, well, you would be a great asset to the team with a chef to help us along this adventure. I understand if you have a job, so a 'no' is fully expected." He added. 

Everyone at the table seemed slightly shocked by his question, including me. I felt so, excited. I wanted to say yes, but I had a restaurant to take care of. Although, with no such motivation pushing me to continue with an illness, dismissing this opportunity would be disgraceful.

It wouldn't take too long, would it? "I would love to, thank you!"