Chapter Text
-Kiki-
Life, messy and sweet and oh-so sticky. I skipped through the crowd of barely-awake people, ears flapping in the air. The air tasted like burnt sugar and asphalt, like it couldn’t decide if it was a bakery or a tragic storm. I could feel people’s eyes turning to me, both caught by the oddly happy mood and my ears and cottontail. I didn’t mind it all that much. Why be shy when you’ve got ears like this?
I grinned at the sight of my bakery and pushed open the glass door, the sound of the bell ringing above me very familiar. My legs immediately took me to the kitchen, the smell of the still-baking cinnamon buns causing me to sigh. The blend between the warm spices and baked dough overcame me with fond memories. My very own baking never failed to impress me, did it? It was the best feeling ever, being able to bring a smile to your own face, and many others. Slipping my hands into the oven mitts, I gently brought out the metal pan filled with huge cinnamon buns. This was the best part, I thought, my mouth already watering. I then grabbed for a bowl, peeking inside. The icing. I scooped big chunks of the cream cheese frosting and slowly spread it onto each cinnamon bun, watching with delight as it melts.
I smoothed out my apron, my ears flicking up as I hear the bell ring.
”Ah, Caiden!” I greeted warmly, licking frosting off my fingers. “Always here earlier than the rest.”
“Yeah, well, you know me. I’m committed.” He flashed a grin, tightening the apron tied already tied around his waist. I hummed thoughtfully, my eyes crinkling. I really appreciated what he brought to the table, but that wasn’t the best part. He was genuinely a super nice person to be around, and he made some of my lonely shifts just a bit brighter. I liked Caiden.
“Need any last minute things before the bakery opens?” He asked. Tapping my finger to my chin, I go through my imaginary check list.
I eventually nod, turning to him. “I do! Do you mind icing the red velvet cupcakes over there? The customer might come earlier.”
Caiden jokingly saluted me before heading to the kitchen.
——
The bakery isn’t exactly the funnest place to write about, especially not today. But I guess then that means I’m a terrible writer… even if that’s only my diary. Maybe I’ll be famous one day.
Well, it was very slow today. It’s usually like that. But having less customers meant I could talk a bit more. I don’t really like being quiet if it’s for too long. So I had talked to Caiden and a fiery person with pink hair. They didn’t really show up for work much. I didn’t know their name until then.
“Xena.” She’d said gruffly, shaking her head. I don’t think she likes me very much, because they talked a lot to Caiden. Maybe they have a hard time opening up, for some reason.
Xena had become a better baker since the time she’d applied for the job. The first time I’d seen her, she was overcooking several desserts and messily spreading frosting. I’d still hired her mostly out of pity since she seemed so desperate, kind of kicking herself over those ‘silly mistakes’.
Today they were more jumpy, like something had frightened them a bit on the way here. Caiden noticed the moment they’d walked in, staring at them with concern. She’d played it off really well, but he knew better.
This is when everything got a little bit weird—so just trust me, okay?
One of my cupcakes turned burnt.
I’d completely freaked out once I pulled it out of the oven.
“Oh, God!” I cried out. Xena was the first to whip her head around. “Oh, God, oh, God, oh, God!” Her face hardened immediately as soon as she saw the reason why I was so distressed. I mean, I probably looked dramatic.
Okay, maybe I definitely looked dramatic.
Caiden, knowing that this usually isn’t like me, was a little more compassionate. “Hey, it’s fine, right? Just one cupcake. It’s like it’s hardly there, yeah?” He tried poking the burnt spot, attempting to pick it off, then froze.
I was confused. “What..?”
He hesitated, but soon responded, “That’s… that’s not a charred bit of cake. It’s ink…” Caiden showed the black substance on his gloved finger. He was right. That didn’t look solid.
Xena’s eyes widened, and she curled her lips, trying to keep her voice leveled: “Caiden, it’s fucking moving… hell.”
This is making me scared. Really, really scared.
Because there’s only one person that I know out of this entire city that would know about moving inky stuff.
Him.
Of course he’d be back. I should’ve known he wouldn’t stop that night.
“Kiki, is something wrong?”
“Hello? You’re fine, right?—Shit, she’s swaying.”
I think I’d went unconscious. I don’t remember anything else that day.