Chapter Text
“Of course I run out of snacks mid season. This is a terrible miscalculation on my part.” Idia walked through the campus during the middle of the slightly chilly night wrapped up in his custom made Premo blanket. The pathway to Sam's shop was illuminated by the street lamps. Anything off the path was barely visible, not that there was much to see besides trees and bushes. He continued to mumble to himself when a soft popping noise seemed to echo through the almost empty night. He froze and was suddenly stricken by deja vu.
“Oh please, not again.” Idia quickened his pace. He squeezed his eyes shut and gripped his blanket for dear life while memories of a certain ghost flooded his brain as he tried to get away from what had appeared.
“And where are you going so late, nya?” a voice spoke in front of Idia, and before he could stop himself, he ran into the person and knocked himself back. The other seemed unfazed by the collision.
This is it. Game over. GG. He gave up as he fell, waiting for the moment he collided with the ground. However, that moment never came. A hand seemed to be wrapped around his waist keeping him in a dipped position, but safe from any injury. He peaked open his eyes and was met with a playful smile and purple-ish hair in his face.
“Coming on to me, are ya? Normally people put themselves in the prince position. Never seen someone purposefully play the role of the princess. Though, you do make quite a good one.” The stranger chuckled to himself and straightened Idia, his hand lingering on his waist. Idia’s mind was racing, and he didn’t actually know what his heart was doing, but it wasn’t normal. Who was this man? He seems extroverted. Was that flirting? Why is his arm still wrapped around me? Why do I like that it’s still around me?!
“You’re not much of a talker, are ya, Princess? Don’t worry, I can talk for both of us. I’m Artemiy Artemiyevich Pinker. No need to even try saying it. Just call me Chenya.” The stranger removed his arm from Idia’s waist and struck a pose imitating a cat.
“Idia,” he spoke quietly, the faintest of pinks creeping up the tips of his hair. Which Chenya somehow managed to see immediately.
“That’s cute. We match.” And further up the pink spreads. “Anyways~ You never answered my question. Why are you out so late?” Chenya tilted his head slightly. It was so little that Idia could tell it was subconscious. He also had to refrain himself from calling Chenya cute for it.
“I was, um, getting snacks,” he replied, having to look down to avoid the yellow eyes staring into his soul.
“That’s a splendid idea, Princess. Do lead the way.” Chenya stepped to the side to allow Idia to go first. Idia hesitated but after some internal screaming and burying his face in his blanket, he began walking.
To Idia’s surprise, and gratefulness, the walk to Sam’s shop was relatively quiet. Chenya’s boots jingled a little when he walked from all the charms, but that was about it. Idia had dropped the blanket from his face and occasionally glanced back at Chenya. He seemed to walk with a small sway, like he had equipped some whimsy walk cycle but didn’t turn all of it on.
The slight purple glow of Sam’s shop lights came into view. Idia was deciding on whether he should go inside or find some plot convenient vending machine as they approached. Once he came to terms with the fact that no matter how magical Twisted Wonderland was, a vending machine randomly spawning out of nowhere at like one in the morning was still unlikely, he went inside.
The store was cluttered yet spacious as always, and Sam was still yet to be seen. Idia had gotten used to the man never being there until you needed help, but it still spooked him whenever the man would appear out of nowhere and seemingly read his mind. Chenya followed Idia to the snack section, staying next to him.
“So Chenya?” Idia spoke up as he stared at what was now the most interesting candy bar ever.
“Nyes?”
“Why were you out so late, anyways?” He gave a glance of eye contact before looking back at the chocolate.
“Well you see, us cats are nocturnal by nature.” He smiled a little and slid himself in front of Idia, forcing the boy to at least see his silhouette. “That’s when we hunt our prey. Boop.” Chenya poked Idia’s nose playfully. The blush Idia had just gotten rid of crept back up his hair and onto his face. Chenya gave him a delighted smile as Idia pushed him away with the candy bar.
“Finding everything okay, little imps?” And with that, Idia was curled up on the floor.
After finishing his snack run and getting completely jumpscared by Sam, Idia could finally go back to his dorm. What limited social battery he had prepared for this abrupt outing had long been drained, and he was ready to curl up in bed and finish his anime. Chenya followed behind, once again quiet, except this time he was munching on a candy bar.
The two arrived at the Mirror Hall, and Idia reluctantly turned around to face whatever goodbye Chenya had in store.
“Ignihyde suits you.” Chenya was smiling at him as he pointed at the mirror behind Idia. Idia nodded. “I guess this is farewell then.” Chenya began walking over, and Idia panicked. This is gonna be a hug isn’t it. He totally seems like a hug guy. What should I do? However, there was no hug. Idia watched as Chenya took his hand and placed a kiss on his knuckles.
“Goodnight Princess.” And with that, ribbons wrapped around Chenya and he disappeared. Idia was shocked. He thought he might faint, but his thoughts raced around his mind so much it kept him conscious. His heart felt really weird, and the skin on his hand tingled. Completely spaced out, he walked through the mirror into his dorm. Perhaps he wouldn’t mind seeing Chenya again…Wait what?!