A Cup Of Desire (Cuphead x Reader)

Chapter II - A Cosy Cabin

Standing in front of me is what looks like a kettle figure in his old age (in this universe, it's not uncommon to see quirky characters here and there, so it's nothing out of the ordinary for me).

'Excuse me, sir, can you help me please?' I beg, feeling as if my legs were about to give in any second. I know I don't look like a proper, suitable young lady should, but I just want to get home.

'My dear, who are you? What happened?' He questions me with a rather caring tone. His face had a look of worry as he ventured his eyes up and down me, processing all the filth and scars I had on me.

'My name is (Y/N). I lost my way home through the forest.' I explain to him, grabbing my arms and squeezing them. 'I'm sorry to disturb you, but could you please help give me directions?'

'My dear, don't be sorry.' He frowned, reaching down a little on his cane to look level with me. 'I can help you get home no fuss, but please come in. you look like you've been through a lot. I'll make you some hot tea and fix up those cuts.' I hesitated, looking down I saw three pairs of shoes, all different colours and sizes. Huh, maybe this guy has children. The thought of that calmed me down a little, easing my thoughts of him being dangerous, but I'm still careful not to fully trust him. I take a chance and walk inside slowly, having the kettle close the door behind me.

As I enter, I notice the cottage is a lot bigger on the inside than it looks on the outside. In fact, I don't even think it's a cottage, but rather a house. It even had a stairway leading to a second floor. I quickly took in all the little knick knacks this house had and I admired the cosy feel to it.

'Please, make yourself at home.' He comforted, walking me over to the couch. Walking over to the brown sofa, I slouched myself down on it. It was only after a few seconds I noticed how slouched back I really was and decided to straighten up my posture. 'My name is Robert James John Kettle. But you can call me Elder Kettle for short. Folks around here call me by that because, you know, since I'm elderly and, well, a kettle!' I laughed as he made his little joke.

I'd started to get more comfortable around this guy, relaxing around him once he'd cleaned my wounds and bandaged them. We started to get along and I became a little more opened up to him. He reminded me of my great grandfather a little with how nurturing and humorous he is. He told me a few stories of himself and the folks around here in 'Inkwell Isle'. He seemed very friendly and I began to slowly trust him. I also got to find out that he lives with his adopted grandchildren, both of them are brothers close to my age, one older and one younger. Out of curiosity and care, he questioned my about what happened and how I got here. So, I told him. Not everything, but I told him about my parents and how I felt the need to run away. Thankfully, Elder Kettle was really supportive of me and he was more than happy to do anything just to make me feel safe and okay, which put a delighted smile on my face. He started to tell me about what his grandchildren were like and how they would love to meet me once they'd come home. It gave me some anxiety hearing that, but I had learned to listen to my head and trust this man.

'Where are they now?' I asked, sitting at the kitten table upstairs with him while sipping the warm cup of tea he made me.

'Oh they're out on their morning walk.' He responded, looking over at the clock behind me. I decided to turn around and have a look as well; 9.57. 'They should be home soon.' That made me worry, hearing him say that. I sighed, resting my head on the table. 'My dear, what's the matter?'

'It's just that... I get nervous meeting new people.' I responded, fear flowing out of my voice.

'You have nothing to worry about dear. They are lovely boys. They won't hurt you, I promise.' He reassured me, giving me a warm smile. It wasn't enough to calm my nerves, but it did raise a light smile on my face. A few minutes had passed and I'd just finished what was left of my tea, until I hear a sudden loud knock on the door.

'That must be them!' Elder Kettle stated as he got up to grab his cane and went to walk downstairs. Before he did that, he'd noticed that I had coward down in my chair, keeping my head low and raising my knees up to my chest. He faced me for a second before speaking. 'My dear, it's alright. There's nothing to be worried about.' He gave me a warm smile before turning around and proceeding to walk downstairs. I stayed sitting at the end of the table, not yet ready to meet these boys. Thankfully, the upstairs wall blocked me off completely, so nobody was able to see me unless I stand at the top of the staircase. I continued to remain in my chair and keep my ears open for any sound that might enter the house.