My Crazy Years

Bonus Chapter

   Wasn't feeling ok so I wrote this. It has nothing to do with the actual story. I guess you could call it a spin-off? Just something to laugh at and sorry Grimm.

The sound of rain falling, water drops crashing against the pavement, umbrellas and glass was like a much welcome lullaby. The streets were crowded with bugs, all hurrying to reach their destinations, some enjoying the eternal wet weathers, taking a break from their rush now and then to look up from the safety of their umbrellas and inhale the fresh scent floating in the air, some, newcomers from the looks of it, were still had to get used to being poured on every day, clumsily walking straight into the pools of crystalline water, slashing themselves and those passing by. Guards were romancing around, stopping to help someone cross the street or to offer directions. Lumaflies lanterns were spreading their silver glow, tiny lights in the darkness of the massive cavern, like stars in the night sky.

Temptation was demanding, trying to drown the voice of common sense, and it did such a good job. Just for a minute, you wanted to toss the umbrella away and dance under the rain, let it soak your clothes, feel its cold touch on your skin, a small reward after a hard day at work. But the road was filled with bugs who just like you, just managed to get out from the hell called a job and were now hurrying to get back home, back to their places, to the families they so loved. An audience wouldn't do. You sighed, trying to keep yourself under control and thinking about the cod apartment you were living in. Another night spent stuffing your face with cheap already made meals brought from the grocery store and watching TV, just to start it all over again. No. You were in the mood for something else. You stopped from your tracks and turned around, setting destination in the complete opposite direction of your apartment. It's been a while since you saw them and today you got your pay too so what the heck?! You might as well indulge yourself a bit.

The building was...definitely something, with the screaming white face painted on the door, and the façade painted crimson. You peered inside through the large window in the front on which the letter "WELCOME ONE AND ALL TO THE GRIMM BAR" were written in black ink, in curly letters, a work only a certain someone could pull off...when he wasn't drunk, but that was the charm of this place, wasn't it? Back when you had time, you used to come here every night only to see what trouble he got himself into and hear about his reaction the next day. A delight like no other. Did you ever thank them for showing you the café? You thought so. Hm...maybe tomorrow you could visit them too. Yeah, that...oh! it doesn't seem like you had too.

"Welcome to the...oh! It's been a while since you've been here." Brumm said, watching you enter the door and set your umbrella in the support next to the coat hanger.

You smiled and headed to the bar, giving him and Ghost a warm greeting, as you too a sit next to the pale creature.

"It's been a while, hasn't it?" you said, looking at the prince and then over the menu.

You ordered and your favorite drink and while Brumm was preparing it, you and Ghost chatted about what was going on in your lives. They were working with their sister and sibling at another café closer to where you lived as pretty much a jack-of-all-trades. You listened to them, eyes falling on the long horns, the slender figure and the way they were moving their hands to gesture each word and sound, the blue sweater, black pants and black coat they were wearing. They were so different from the child they used to be, so cute and curious, always running around and getting themselves into trouble. You recalled all the punishments you two were subjected to because of the things they did, and you helped in despite knowing the consequences because...well...you were dumb.

"Here's your order." Brumm said, placing the drink in front of you.

"Thank you. Hey, where's Grimm?" you asked, looking around.

As if on cue, two arms wrapped around your and Ghost's neck, Grimm's head popping in between the two of you. You needed only one look at him to know what was going on. Dear Wyrm! He was already hammered. Time for the show and the lively song in the background fit the mood perfectly.

"Hello, my sweet darlings!" he cooed, cheeks blushing red. "(Y/N), you finally decided to drop by! And Ghost..." he paused examining the outfit of the prince. He whistled, a Cheshire smile on his lips. "Oh! Trying to swoop this lovely lady of her feet, are we?"

Ghost blushed and shook their head, but Grimm wasn't listening. He let go of you two and began to dance around the tables, luckily, the place wasn't full that day, and only regulars were there, bugs already used to the eccentric owner and just like you, enjoyed watching his theatrics every time he came out drunk. You followed Grimm's dancing moves, feeling the desire from earlier returning to you in full force.

You got up and pulled Ghost after you, your intentions clear. They resisted at first, but gave in after you insisted, and joined you on the dance floor where Grimm was having the time of his life, the alcohol dictating his every move, making them clumsy, completely unlike his normal, sober persona, always classy and elegant. Still, you'd rather watch him dancing drunk like he was now. For once, he was laughing much more, smiling from ear to ear, his happiness a virus which spread to everyone. You and Ghost danced for half an hour, letting them spin you around and generally having a good time, months of not seeing each other melting away in only one night. Suddenly, you both heard a loud buff and turned to see Grimm face-first on the floor, a table fallen by near him, snoring. Yep. Another night ended. Not bad...maybe.

"Mrm...master..." you heard Brumm murmur as he passed by you to help the knocked-out bug.

You guessed that was your cue to go home and you haven't even touched your drink. Well, there was always another time. You paid for the drink when Brumm returned after outing Grimm to sleep in the rooms upstairs, and Ghost offered to take you home, for old time's sake. You accepted, eager to hear more about what the others were doing, and to spend more time with your childhood friend.

You walked in silence for a while, holding Ghost's arm, your umbrella in their other hand, holding it so the rain wouldn't touch you, but leaving their shoulder exposed to the small tears, his coat drenched in a matter of seconds. You told them several times to stop worrying about you and cover themselves better, but in vain. They refused to listen, still as stubborn as ever. You sighed, looking ahead, and then an idea popped into your mind. You let go of their arm and began to run, not giving them the chance to catch you and pull you back, under the pouring rain, letting it soak you in its cold embrace. As expected, Ghost was running after you, but you didn't want to stop, adrenaline beginning to rush in your veins. This was too funny, at least for you. You ran from them, slipping through their fingers every time they were about to catch you. In the end, you reached your apartment building, water dripping of both your faces, the cold entering your bones, despite your cheeks burning from the effort, gasping for air. Ghost was staring at you, visibly mad about your latest stunt, their clothes now completely wet.

"Oh! Come on! It was fun!" you cooed, smiling as the water was flowing down your face.

They looked at you, dumbfounded. They recalled you being more responsible than this, but apparently, you changed in these months of not seeing each other. They sighed.

"Will you come to the café tomorrow?" they signed.

"Sure. Why not?" you answered.

You missed Pure, and it's been a while since you saw Hornet too. There was no one waiting for you at home when you got out from work, no need to rush, no problems to solve. You could use that time to catch up with old friends. You both parted ways, after managing to convince Ghost to take the umbrella and use it. You had a few spares at home so no loses on your part. You watched them go, the euphoria fading away along with their silhouette, leaving nothing behind. You sighed and opened the main door of the building, climbing the stairs leaving to your home. For the first time, tomorrow couldn't come fast enough.