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It was a smooth transition from noon to night. The sun sinking into the cold embrace to allow the moon to rise, allowing the quaint lives of those resident in Blackrock to take rest for the next bellow freezing day. The castle of their king followed the sleepy town’s trail, knights dead asleep like the candles they blow out to do so. Though seemingly not all candles were unlit.
Inside the royal kitchen the lights were still lit, dimmed but still glowing brightly; contrasting the space past its door. A chef, too known as, Kitchen Wizard, sat lazily upon a stool. Their back hunched as they focused upon a certain personal job of their own. One they were quite embarrassed of.
You did not know that. Especially as you shuttered around the empty halls, defeated by insomnia and left bored—seeking out refuge for your poor mind. At least worry didn’t sink in all too much with. You could probably toss a simple “night duty” excuse if any fellow knights caught you in the act. Interrupting your intuition, a quiet rumble of your stomach welled up. The cook probably won’t notice a cracker or two missing, maybe four—or five, maybe the whole box? Whatever, your stomach was too busy taking over your senses to realize the light that cracked underneath the kitchen door.
Peeking in, you were met with a unique sight. Seeing as the chef you’ve grown accustomed to seeing during lunch breaks bending over a counter. A small tune left them as they sat unaware of your presence. You couldn’t help but let curiosity kill your cat.
“I didn’t know I wasn’t the only one struggling with slumber.” You chirped, making the chef whip their head near instantly.
They yelped as if caught with murder, hands shooting to shove something down into their apron’s pocket.
“Why are YOU here? I thought knights took their job seriously!” They grumbled, shooting an accusing pointer finger at you. Your hands shot up in defense, waving off their suspicion.
“Nothing, nothing, I swear. Just getting a midnight bite.” You let your arms settle back down. “Actually, why aren’t you in bed? I gave you my alibi and all.”
“I–er…” The chef went silent for a moment. Their fingers fondled with a loose string from their uniform. “Well—that is none of your concern!” They scoffed, crossing their arms and tossing their head towards another direction. “This is my workplace, I should be allowed here without reason.”
You quite blatantly just stared at them, making said chef begin to sweat as you processed their excuse.
“Okay but it’s like, nearly one am..” You coughed, raising a brow at them. In the process, you got quite the dagger-like stare from the cook.
“urghh… Fine! i’ll.. Tell you why I am so secretive of this.” Soon after, they shoveled into the pocket of their apron, and out appeared a… mouse in their hand?? “This is, Pepper. I uh, found her one night and I felt too bad to take her out.” They mumbled, holding the little critter close to their chest.
They glanced up. Their face was rid of that stern and judgmental gaze, now softened like dough. “… Please don’t tell anyone.” They pleaded.
Their body shuttered for a frame as you walked over, getting a more proper sight of ‘Pepper’.
“Well, i’d be an ass if I did ‘rat’ you out!” You chimed, patting the cook’s shoulder. They instantly deadpanned, brows bunched and lips flat. “Uh… Anyways you got any leftovers?”
“Oh, yeah I do.” They hummed, raising up from the seat and plopping Pepper back into the pocket. The mouse happily curled up into her spot, letting out a squeak. You’d follow them over to the barely hanging in there fridge, looking like it was seconds away from coughing smoke into your face. As you watched, you couldn’t help but ask;
“Heya, you got a name or something…? I kinda only knew you as the ‘guy who made the food for break’..” The cook glanced behind to look at you as you spoke, carrying a pot filled with soup.
“Seriously?! I, THE royal chef, appointed and applauded by the king himself, and you have not even a CLUE what my name could be??” They snapped, soup nearly spilling as they pointed to their own self. In that short period, you two sat in awkward silence not even a teen experiencing puberty could beat. “… Never mind that. Just call me, KW. I barely can care right now.” A long sigh left KW as they dragged the pot to the stovetop.
As you peered over, they’d carry over a ladle, bowl, and spoon. The switches clicking as they lit the stove on.
“… Y’know, er—I uhm… Thhh-…”
They’d stumble over their next words, acting as if their next line of speech would curse their bloodline so horribly it’d leech onto your own. “… Thhank you.. again. Keeping that secret means a lot. More than you’ll think.” They murmured. You nearly couldn’t even distinguish what they said.
“Of course, not much of a tightrope anyways to keep.” You shrugged off the gratitude, waving your hand along. “Pepper’s cute anyways. Let me visit once in a while, yeah?”
KW couldn’t resist lettng out a small chuckle. “Yeah, I bet she’d like that.” They’d continue to stir the soup, the mixture bubbling as temperatures rose. You two sat in each others presence that was different from the former silence. A soothing moment of connection you two grew like basil in a garden.
You’re definitely going to take habit of getting midnight snacks now.