#and she also accepts beak-boops and kisses | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

glottia-arts · 6 years ago

Text

New family members?

Oh, a text post? A FANFIC TEXT POST? On my art blog? Yeah. Was gonna put it on my main, but decided against it. I haven’t written anything since high school (aka 5 years ago) so let’s see how this goes-

This was inspired by @konan720 and her cute idea of seeing her Rough Patch, Blueberry, being adopted by my own Rough Patch’s, Neo and Celest. This was going to be posted on Father’s Day, but obviously, I didn’t finish it in time. Unfortunately, it didn’t turn out to how I would have liked, but I might write up another story as this is out of the way. Figured I’d share anyways. Fair warning, the A Hat in Time characters in this story were written in an attempt of being a mix between how they’re portrayed in konan720′s and my own universes. There’s also some sadness, but some cuteness as well in the story.

Word Count: 6,534 _____

“Neo! We’re heading out!”

At the call of his name, the weathered Rough Patch’s ears perked up and he rushed around the corner of his home as fast as he could. His kids were taking off for the day and he didn’t want to miss saying goodbye.

Positioned near the door to the apartment, still adjusting their coats and boots, was his three girls. Hat Kid, Bow Kid, and Mustache Girl. Neo sat down and patiently waited for them to notice him, trying his best not to wag his multicolored tail.

Hat Kid was the first to finish with her outdoor wear and immediately caught sight of the bush cat, smiling widely at seeing him fail to resist wagging his tail. “There you are!”

The second Hat Kid opened her arms for him, Neo jumped straight into them, nearly toppling her to the floor. Bow Kid finished next and looked up to discover Hat Kid laughing almost maniacally while being attacked with love by the family cat. Their loving antics caused her to join in on the laughter. Mustache Girl was still tightening her own jacket, but paused at the noise. Angling her head she saw the cause and smiled to herself, shaking her head then going back to fixing her summer coat.

Neo let up on his snuggling and gently nuzzled against Hat Kid’s cheek, his own version of a goodbye kiss. Laughter dying down to soft giggles, the young alien patted the cat's head.

“All right, you be good now. Mom already left and depending on what’s happening at the studio, this could be an all-day event. She says she’ll try to finish things up fast given who has to come to take care of you today.”

Neo’s smile faltered, trying not to let who was coming over to look after him put him in the dumps. True, they get along a lot better now, but sometimes Neo still worries over his master and kids.

“Hey, hey, hey, I saw that.” The blond done with her own preparations said, joining into the conversation. “Look, I know you didn’t like him at first and truly, I don’t blame you. If it makes you feel better, Mom also has a surpri-“

“Peyton!” Hat Kid yelled indignantly, somewhat appalled her sister would spill something that needed to be kept a secret from the cat.

“What!? It’s not like he can talk! Besides, it might make him feel better! You know how he is when he’s alone with that jerk!”

“Yes, but your mom puts a lot of trust into you, so don’t you think it’s unfair to go against that.” The bow loving child paused, looking from the hooded girl to the Rough Patch then back again. “Even for his own comfort. It is a special secret...”

“Yeah, I guess..” Mustache Girl pouted and crossed her arms, looking off to the side to avoid seeing at her siblings of sorts. She continued on in a harsh whisper. “It’s not like I would tell him exactly what it was.”

Neo tilted his head in confusion. Is a special event happening later? What was the surprise? Overlooking this, for now, Neo nuzzled Hat Kid’s cheek again before jumping to Bow Kid and offering her the same goodbye. Bow Kid smiled, happily accepting it. Navigating her path, with no help from the pale foliage, she made her way to Mustache Girl.

At Bow Kid’s approach, Mustache Girl turned and met with dual glowing eyes. Pout melting to a smirk, she carefully took the Bush Cat from Bow Kid. Getting the same treatment with an added content purr, the girl placed the cat back down onto the floor.

Inspecting over Neo, with Mustache Girl adjusting Neo’s his socks; The girls gave him their last goodbyes and departed to Dead Bird Studios for the day.

After a few minutes of waiting to make sure they weren’t returning for a forgotten item, Neo made his way to the living room, contemplating why they didn’t require his help. It’s very rare when he’s left home alone. Even rarer when he needs a sitter. Usually, when he wasn’t on set with his master, he’d have free roam of her office or even worked up front with the Receptionist. He was a great guard for trouble makers and apparently an excellent ‘complaint box’. Whatever that was. Any time someone complained, the Receptionist would refer them to him. The birds who gripping would shut their beaks and swiftly back out of the room.

Arriving at the couch, what looked to be a pool of darkness appeared in the middle of the floor, interrupting his thoughts. On guard he watched as a figure popped out of the blackness, manifesting into the living room.

“Knock knock, I’m he-“ The newcomer glanced around the living area before his glowing eyes finally locked onto the neon glowing cat. “I just missed them, didn’t I?”

Neo gave the specter a deadpan look yet nodded. It seems today would be an odd day, especially if Snatcher was late. Another rare thing. Glancing to the digital clock, the cat tapped his paw against the couch five times.

“By five minutes!?” Surprise painted the ghost’s features before melting into a scowl. “Looks like I need to remind the minions to not let this mistake happen again.” Pinching where the bridge of his nose would be, Snatcher sighed. “How worried was she? Or was she disappointed?”

Neo didn’t understand what the elder ghost meant. It instantly dawned on him and he meowed to get his fellow ghosts attention. Snatcher slowly looked to him, somewhat appearing to dread the answer. Once in viewing position, he saw the cat shaking his head.

“She left early then?” A nod. “Ah.. so it was just the young brats I missed. All right, I can deal with that. No apologies or anything for later!” Snatcher’s signature smile returned full force, pleased that he was in the clear. “I guess you perhaps deserve one. Too bad! I’m not one for apologies, but I brought you something kiddo!”

It confused Neo as Snatcher pulled around a satchel, reaching into it. He’s never seen the shadow with a bag, he always just... summons something with his magic.

After a little careful rummaging, Snatcher let out a quiet ‘found you’ before carefully grabbing his find, lifting it out of the bag. Neo didn’t expect Snatcher would actually bring him something. Once in sight, it wasn’t a something, but someone. Someone he knew well. The curious cat stood on the tips of his paws, trying to get a better look and confirm who he believed it to be.

In Snatcher’s hand was Neo’s little Rough Patch friend, Blueberry. She was observing her new surroundings with her tongue stuck out, wondering where the forest went. Inspecting her over, Snatcher sighed and pulled out rags that were stored in with her. Even when carefully settled into a roomy pack, the youthful cat still managed to squish some of her berries and make a mess of herself. Thankfully, the bag was dark and the stains on the inside wouldn’t be too noticeable.

Finally clean, Snatcher went to set the bush cat down but was stopped by a loud meow. Looking at the elder cat, Snatcher wondered what the problem was. With neon eyes glared at him, he got the message and narrowed his eyes right back.

“For the love of.. SHE’S CLEAN! I washed her before bringing her. You’re as bad as the brats, threatening to beat me with umbrellas and bats if I don’t live by the hygienic code when stepping into your mother’s home. I’m aware of her allergies and OCD habits, so don’t you dare pretend I’m not.” Snatcher jabbed the hand holding onto Blueberry out toward Neo. “Smell her if you don’t believe me.”

Glancing between the young Rough Patch struggling to reach him and boop his face, to the similarly faced ghost, Neo relented and didn’t bother to sniff Blueberry. He gestured for Snatcher to lay her down.

“Glad we understand each other.”

Blueberry was placed onto the floor unceremoniously. The different surface was weird, so she began tapping her paws to get a feel for it. Everything here was odd, but she didn’t mind. Once adjusted to the carpeted floor, she made her way to Neo and attempted to boop his face. She was taller a minute ago and could have got him! Why can’t she now? Neo smiled at her antics and leaned down within range, giving his friend the satisfaction she wanted. Neo gently booped her back and looked to Snatcher, meowing out an apology.

Snatcher waved the cat off while seeking something else in his bag. “Eh forget about it light bright. It’s annoying being threatened by kids with weapons and a cat who can turn anything into a popsicle. I hope you appreciate me bringing that one here for you to chatter with. It was hard to get her away from the other Rough Patch and her own caretakers. Not without tipping them off at least.” He glanced to Neo and narrowed his eyes. “Not a word of this to them.”

Snatcher almost conjured up electricity to shoot at Neo. Seeing that smug expression that Hat Kid gives him on the cat’s own face was irritating, to say the least.

“... I’m having a nice little conversation with that brat when she gets back.”

Returning to his search, Snatcher found the object he was looking for. Plucking a novel out, he noticed stains and marks were littered over the cover. Eyes thinned, he peered to see Blueberry stare right at him with that ridiculous face of hers. Leaning close, tone half-heartedly threatening and claw pointed right in her face.

“You owe me a new book.”

Blueberry stared at him, not even registering his sentence. Seeing a clawed hand close to her face, she did what any reasonable cat would do. She licked it. Snatcher jumped in surprise at this, quickly pulling his hand back to inspect it. What was akin to laughter could be heard coming from Neo, as he patted Blueberry’s head on a job well done.

“I swear you’re all just trouble makers in this family.” Snatcher grumbled, wiping his fist on a rag, then attempted to clean up his book.

If Neo could talk, he’d have a very ‘mature’ conversation with Subcon’s King. His initial thoughts of a response being “you’re a part of this family as well, so that makes you one too” and “thanks, we have something in common now.'' Funny how being stuck in ice for a long time with the deranged former Queen to being taken in by his new family changed his banter and personality.

Blueberry drew him out of his thoughts by shuffling close to the ragged cat, nuzzling him and trying to do something. Oh! She’s trying to crawl into his foliage. Sadly, with being frozen, he lost most of his leafy disguise to the ice and could barely hide in the essentially deceased camouflage himself. Celest may have some blame for the little one’s action, as she lets the almost baby sized Rough Patch often crawl inside her leafs to hide or play.

Neo tried to deter her, but she was just not having it! Today the young one is very determined and the elder Rough Patch didn’t know why. Sighing, he rested his head atop of hers as she continued on her mission. Blueberry briefly paused at feeling his head connect with hers, but resumed her actions just as quickly as she stopped.

Unfortunately, she could not crawl into his foliage like with the dazzling celestial cat. But at least Blueberry was close enough to Neo where his leafs were no longer a barrier. Soft purring emitted from her as she continued nuzzling him.

Neo wondered why she wanted to be so close to him. He didn’t mind, warmth is always nice and helps with his damaged nerves. It’s just... odd to him. He’s not a typical Rough Patch, or at least he thinks he’s not. He’s not sure what would be normal for his kind. If he was normal, it would probably have been while alive. No magic, no permanently dead leaves, normally colored skin… and who knows what else. Why did she desire to be near a weird cat that should have perished in ice? All the others had...

Flashbacks ran through his mind, combining with his negative thoughts about himself. His rational thought process started shutting down, and he never noticed his shaking nor the tears that trailed down his face.

Blueberry bared no mind to the shaking, yet felt something warm and cold hit her foliage. Shifting from Neo’s side, she glanced to the object that touched her. Glowing yellow and blue liquid on her leafs made her confused. Her berries are a darker shade of blue and she’s never had yellow berries. Shaking her body to rid them of her leafs, tiny ice cubes fell as well. Ice? The last time she saw ice was when the crazy lady everyone talked about was still present in the forest. Maybe Neo was freezing things again? Looking up to him to confirm her thoughts, she was met with a silently crying cat. Never seeing Neo this way before worried her.

Quiet literally jumping to action, Blueberry managed to bounce high enough to lay her front paws on Neo’s face. She sought to stop the flow, but they just kept falling. The action caused Neo to register something had occurred. He wasn’t wholly conscious of what was going on in the real world, but he at least recognized that Blueberry was there and touching his face. With no exact response and the liquid still seeping from his face, Blueberry yelled.

Snatcher stopped his reading to glance up from his new position on a reclining chair, curious about the commotion. Panic shot through him, seeing the undead cat crying both familiar yet unfamiliar tears. To top it all off, the young one was touching him while making loud cries.

Snatcher did his best on quietly shutting his book and placing it down, but with fear present, it sounded like he slammed 20 other books shut while throwing them across an echo chamber. Floating off the armchair towards the cats, he glanced between the two panicking on what to do. In a split second decision, he grabbed Blueberry and hauled her away from Neo. Snatcher did not need to be on the receiving end of several girls chewing him out for letting the small cat become frozen. True Neo didn’t initially react negatively to the howling or touching, but he didn’t want to take his chances.

Blueberry was not fond of being in Snatcher’s grasp, attempting to reach Neo. Her friend is in trouble and she demanded to be there for him. He attempted to silence her, but she continued struggling and producing the same high-pitched noises.

It wasn’t immediate, but Neo soon registered the loud sounds coming from the young cat. Glancing up to see her struggle somewhat pulled him out of his negative musings. Tears dying down, he hissed at the ghost in warning. Blueberry stopped her movements and shouts at seeing Neo somewhat come back to the world. Snatcher huffed, but continued holding her in his palm.

“Look, I was just doing you a favor. You don’t have to get violent over it. I’m unclear over what you were crying about, but you didn’t seem all there. Could have been a terrible situation, with your… emotions.. and powers. You could have easily frozen your little buddy here.”

Crying? Neo didn’t understand, he had been crying? Now that he was settling down and gaining his senses back, his face felt funnier than usual. Looking to the floor, he noticed the glistening tears and the glittering ice. Snatcher was right, he had been weeping. He could have frozen Blueberry in a different situation. Ears drooping and head hung low, he looked like he would go into another depressive state.

“Hey stop that. Ugh, come here.” Snatcher drew close and picked up the disheartened boy. He tried to be comforting, pulling the elder Rough Patch against his body. Neo didn’t struggle as Snatcher thought he would, which was good. Floating back to the recliner, Snatcher retook his seat and placed both cats on his ‘lap’. Blueberry moved close to Neo and inspected his face, observing for the weird liquid to reappear. Neo wanted to turn from her prying eyes, but remained still as his body demanded he stays put.

Snatcher moved to pet the miserable cat, yet hesitated given the cat’s emotional state. Much like his master, Neo preferred to be asked before being touched. At least in certain ways and by specific individuals. Petting was one of those ways and Snatcher, sadly, fell under the category of those that need to ask. Given the situation, Snatcher sucked up his pride and went on.

“Can I… pet you?” Silence. For a few moments, nothing happened. Snatcher thought he might have offended the cat, but almost sighed in relief to see Neo nod. Moving his hand slowly, as to not startle him or his companion, Snatcher placed it on the elder cat's head. With great care, he ran his clawed fingers through the formerly vibrant leafs.

Closing his eyes, Neo accepted the affection from the ghost. Snatcher was surprisingly gentle. Another thing Neo did not predict from him today. Soft purring surfaced from him, nearly causing the feared king of Subcon Forest to giggle in delight. He held back though, cause this was certainly not cute. He did not adore this Rough Patch, or any of the others. No matter what everyone said. All it was, was progress on Neo bonding with him. But gosh if he didn’t wish he owned a phone so he could call and brag about this to the cats caretaker and Moonjumper-

Adding to the situation that already made Snatcher glow with delight, Blueberry snuggled against Neo, including her own purring into the mix. Internally, Snatcher screamed. Darn these cats, if he weren’t already dead he certainly would be now. Free hand doing nothing, he moved it to pet Blueberry’s head. Her purring grew louder and was melting his nonexistent heart. Maybe he should ask to watch Neo next time. He could deal with catnapping Blueberry for this type of situation again. Maybe bring in another friendly Rough Patch or two.

After what seemed like a few seconds later, Snatcher reluctantly stopped petting the duo. Neo’s purring ceased to exist while Blueberry’s died down.

“Now I realize it’s none of my business, but care to share why you were upset?”

Neo isn’t keen on interpreting this, but he’s been informed it’s better just to express something than keeping it to himself. He wasn’t certain how he’d communicate this to the specter. He struggles with gesturing, compared to Celest. After mulling it over and hoping he had a simple yet understandable communication method, he reopened his glowing eyes to begin gesturing.

“Hmm… the ridiculous birds at the studio?” No. “That one TV program you watch with the kids?” Nada. A TV show would be nice to watch right now. “... time constraints on the industry that are leading to the downfall of this-” Snatcher never completed his sentence as Neo, to the best of his abilities, gripped the closest hand of the ghost and shook it. Intangible noises following suit. Backing up to make more room, Blueberry observed the scene unfold. How Snatcher’s hand was being shaken looked like fun, so she began swaying her head from side to side, mimicking it.

“Ok, OK! I get it, that’s not it, quit shaking my arm.” Neo stopped but not before butting his head against Snatcher’s hand, slightly frustrated. Releasing the appendage, Neo smacked his paws against the spectral beings lap, trying to come up with a better way. His family easily understood his gesturing, but for Snatcher he’s at square one.

As he stared at his paws, he figured out something that could help. Looking to the shadow man, making sure he had his attention, Neo gestured to his own face. Snatcher frowned, wondering where the deceased cat was running with this. Still seeing the confusion, Neo gradually moved his paw from one side of his face to the other. Trying to point out the parts of his skin that were still the original color versus the skin damaged by Vanessa’s magic. Seems the ghost understood this action.

“The contrast of your face? Specifically, your skin and your frostbitten skin?” Nodding in confirmation, Neo continued forward.

Neo now gestured and patted his gray mane a few times. Seeing the ghost nod, Neo shifted so his left side was visible to Snatcher. Given the position of the leafs, he tried his best to gesture at the specific orange and green leafs with his tail.

“Ok more contrast… this time, with your body foliage?” Neo nodded and wondered if Snatcher understood. Unfortunately, the ghost was still confused. Neo frowned, wondering how to better convey this.

Padding over to him, Blueberry remained in his field of vision. The confused Bush Cat didn’t understand the situation, but she wanted Neo to know she was still present. Neo glanced at her and realized something, letting out a soft meow. Looking back to Snatcher, he gestured one final time, this time between Blueberry and himself. Blueberry thought this was a game and tried to pat Neo’s paw with her own.

Snatcher followed Neo’s paw, glancing between both Rough Patch’s. Why were contrasts so important? He tried to recall another clue, even in a past conversation. Was there ever any odd behavior like this mentioned prior? Conversations hardly spoke of Neo singularly, only in context with others. After mulling it over, he did manage to recall something. The mention of the cat possibly being self-conscious of his appearance. Snatcher found that odd given Neo’s personality, but using himself and the cat’s caretaker as other relevant examples, he supposes the concept isn’t too far-fetched.

Neo stopped gesturing, seeing Snatcher’s facial features soften. Neo very rarely sees that look. This is only the second time he’s seen it directed towards him though, and he does not like it for some reason. Snatcher carefully grabbed both Rough Patch’s, bringing them into a hug. Neo stiffened at first, but relaxed once he got used to the contact from the ghoul. Snatcher quietly spoke to him.

“It seems the issue was simple. You’re uneasy about your new appearance. Especially being surrounded by others like you, who are as colorful as you used to be. Unfortunately for us, death has taken many things. You were lucky though, you kept your body and didn’t have to go through what the others and I had. It is a shame we cannot quite look as we used too, but we adapt. There will be those that may not like your appearance, but” Snatcher pushed Blueberry closer to Neo. “There are still those who care about you, regardless of said appearance. You’re lucky in that regard Neo.”

Neo’s eyes widened in response to Snatcher’s reply. The ghost can be quite thoughtful when he wants to be. Coming down from the shock, he thought of the actual words the former lawyer uttered. True, he wasn’t vibrant with living color as he used to be, nor will he ever walk the same, but his family loved him. Those outside his family cared for him. Multicolored undead mess and all. He might not quite understand why they do, but at the moment he supposes he doesn’t care. Negative thoughts did try to worm their way through, but he just kept on thinking of what Snatcher said. Remembering all the love and affection he’s received from everyone.

His past life was nice, but this current one? No better people could have found him. The Dweller’s of the past will forever remain in his heart, but this new place? This new family? The love here feels just right. He doubts his insecurities will go away right off the bat, but for the ones he cares about? He’ll try to be better. One step at a time.

“Glad you’ve seen the light rough boy, now. How about I read you some of this story? Stories tend to help your caretaker relax after she’s been in similar moods.” Much to Snatcher’s surprise, Neo pounced onto his fluffy collar, excited to listen about a story.

__________

The rest of the day flew by for the trio. Much to Snatcher’s prediction, the cats fell asleep during his storytelling. Some odd hours later they both awoke, Blueberry full of energy and ready to play.

Neo couldn’t take part very long in the playful actions, but made sure Blueberry at least had fun. Crawling all over him seemed to be her favorite activity. She even brought him a few household objects to mess with. Snatcher immediately replaced those as soon as she was done presenting them to Neo, attempting to keep the apartment in the same condition as when he appeared.

When snack time fell, Blueberry often disappeared. Snatcher never knew where she ran off to, just that she always appeared shortly after he laid her snack out. The final time is where he vowed he would always keep an eye on that cat as long as she remained on this mortal plain. This was the time he finally decided to pay attention to where she would wander in from. Setting her meal down, he scurried off to his seat, opening his book and pretending to read.

Time ticked by slowly, waiting for her arrival. Where was she? It took her no less than five minutes to arrive at her dish prior. Closing the neglected book and placing it down once more, Snatcher slid off the chair, searching for the Rough Patch.

Not in the living room. Nor the kitchen. Heck, not even the bathroom. He doubted that she wound up in any of the bedrooms. Where could she be? Asking Neo was out of the question. Said cat was wedged between some couch cushions making sure recordings of kids shows went uninterrupted. Patch boy had dedication to the family; there was no doubt about that.

Drifting over to the food bowl he tried to figure out where she disappeared to. If he had been paying attention, he could have picked up sounds not coming from the TV.

Giving up on speculating, he concentrated on her soul. Unfortunately, the second he pinpointed her it was too late. Falling from the air-conditioning vent was not what he expected in the slightest. Thankfully, she landed safely on his head, squishing some of her namesake on him in the process. Blueberry ever determined, began running on the top of his head. Reaching for her added another mistake to the list, as she didn’t wish to be captured. Next thing he knew, she had jumped down into his fluff. Somehow the cat managed to wriggle around in there. Trying to and with no avail catch her, Snatcher gave up and sat down by the Neo.

New TV episode finally finished, Neo pressed a button on the remote to end the recording. Finally acknowledging Snatcher, Neo saw that Snatcher just looked done. Stains littered his head and his fluffy collar was a mess. But also, moving…? Safe to assume, this is what Blueberry had done after he took his eyes off her. Snatcher wouldn’t hurt the excited cat, so Neo left him be.

A few minutes passed before someone entered the residence. Neo’s ears twitched, struggling to determine who arrived, but no sound came. Pushing his way out of the couch cushions, he maneuvered to glance over the furniture, ready to pounce on whoever just arrived. Snatcher noticed how alert Neo was, narrowing his eyes and glancing to the same location. Fire in hand, he was bracing for trouble.

“Knock knock!” A voice sang out. Floating into the duo’s view, Moonjumper revealed himself.

Hearing his voice, Blueberry stopped her antics and peaked out of the fluffy maze. Annoyed by his appearance, Snatcher extinguished his flame.

“Well well, if it isn’t everyone’s favorite ghost.”

“Good to see you as well Snatcher.” Ignoring the sarcasm, Moonjumper approached the couch. Beaming brightly at the two forest creatures. “Even greater to see you both~”

Tail wagging, Neo meowed happily in response. In her excitement, Blueberry jumped out of Snatcher’s collar. She would have face planted on the couch if not for the orange strings that caught her.

“Careful now. Don’t need to hurt yourself or stain the couch.” Strings lifting the girl up and placing her into his open palms. Visibly squashed berries shown, he began crafting a makeshift handkerchief with his strings. “Don’t need your mother to worry about you more than what she is.”

Cat now out of his hair, Snatcher did his best to fix it back up. “Darn troublemaker has had worse falls than that. Trust me.”

Moonjumper didn’t know what to make of that comment. Frankly, he was a little afraid to ask. So he chose to ignore it for now, cleaning Blueberry up with the now finished handkerchief.

“So, why the heck are you here? No one else is home. Pretty rude to enter a home uninvited, don’t ya think?”

“For your information, I was granted permission to enter. I tend to ask or call ahead of time, unlike a certain character.”

“You want to go mask boy?”

“Perhaps another time. Plans have been established and I don’t intend to miss them.” Clean once more, Blueberry received some affection before being settled down by Neo.

“Oh? You finally get a date?” Snatcher smirked, draping his arm over the couch to face the other ghost better.

“I suppose, but not in the way you’re assuming. As for your other question...” Moonjumper turned to face the entrance hallway. “All right miss starflower, you can present yourself now.”

Another person was here? None of them recognized the nickname. They could hear soft and slow thuds along with bell chiming.

The sight of seafoam green surprised Neo. With all these weird events taking place, today seemed like a dream. Fully in view was his very first Rough Patch friend, Celest.

A high-pitched squeak escaped from Blueberry at the sight of the celestial Rough Patch. Moving as quickly as she could, she hopped down from the couch and ran to greet the large Rough Patch. Celest was barely halfway to Moonjumper before the tiny Rough Patch ran and jumped into her foliage. Reaction time to this was slow, Celest stopping a few moments after feeling the little one worm her way into her leafs. Neo joined the two on the floor, sniffing the surprisingly well-cleaned cat.

Snatcher’s hair flared up in annoyance at seeing the enormous Rough Patch. “You really know how to agitate me you darn forgotten doll maker. Constantly having to one-up me!”

“Well, this wasn’t my plan. I’m just the delivery boy today. So if you need to take your ire out on anyone, why not our mutual friend?” Moonjumper slyly glanced over his shoulder to his irritated counterpart.

That got the purple ghost to shut his trap, but he nevertheless glared daggers at the puppeteer.

“Besides, I had no idea you had brought little bramble berry here with you. I had heard all about how you ‘stole her’ from her mother. She was thoroughly upset about that. If today were any other day, I’d have it in my right mind to settle the score for upsetting her so. At least I can inform her you only brought the little bush here instead of who knows where else.”

“Figures she’d cry to you about it.”

Moonjumper narrowed his eyes, irritation finally showing. “She had every right to be concerned, provided how you were prior. Still somewhat are I should say. As we were with the children and the young miss of this home nearly the whole day, they likewise heard this.” A barely visible flinch. “I anticipate a lecture in your future.”

Running a clawed hand down his face, Snatcher groaned. “Just great... wait… you were all together for nearly the whole day? They were supposed to be helping those annoying birds at the studio. How’d they have the time to fetch the Alpine Rough Patch?”

“Yes, they were helping the directors, just for the morning. I gathered my own party then met up with them around noon, transporting us to the mountain range. From there we continued to the Twilight Bell and commenced our search. It was quite the hassle trying to locate the sacred bell’s guardian, but you probably don’t want to hear about it. And yes, all the girls are ok.”

“I don’t care what happens to them!”

“Right… well, the delivery is completed, now on to my next query. I’ve been requested to fetch you for the evening.”

“Really? What about the Rough Patch’s?”

“They’ll be fine. Neo and Celest know how to take care of themselves, adding in the young one to their watch won’t be troublesome for them.”

Snatcher doubted that, given how much trouble the young one caused him in the end.

Both glancing to the group, the elder bush cats were laying down side by side. Blueberry squished between both of them. Neo was talking to Celest about something; she in turn sitting as still as a statue listening. Blueberry was relishing being wedged between both of her seniors, snuggling against them for warmth.

“See like I said, just fine. Now come along, the girls are expecting us.”

Grumbling, Snatcher stood. “Fine, I’m coming. So where are you dragging me?”

“That’s a secret, my friend.”

“Of course it is.”

“Nothing bad will happen, if anything it’ll be a nice night for you and I both.”

“What’s going to be happening exactly?”

“I’m not at liberty to say.”

Eye twitching, Snatcher huffed and threw his arms into the air. “FINE! DON’T TELL ME! Just take us to where we’re needed!”

“Of course, just give me a moment.”

Floating over to the bush cat trio, Moonjumper leaned down to pet each of their heads. “Now all of you be good. I’ll bring everyone back later. As for you Neo.” He leaned in close to whisper to the curious cat “Alles gute zum Vatertag.” Leaning back to examine the cat, he was quite shocked. Moonjumper covered his mouth to keep from chuckling at the adorable expression. “I see you recognize that. Good. I hope you know for the rest of your existence; along with your current family, the little one and your companion here really love you.” Emphasizing that, Blueberry squealed and rubbed her head against Neo. Celest made a soft confirmation sound of her own, startling both ghosts.

“.. she does sound like a little whistle.”

Moonjumper stared in awe at the large cat, but came back to his senses. Right, the girls.��

Coughing, he rose back up and glided to Snatcher. Looking backward to the cats one final time he waved, grabbing Snatcher’s arm with his other hand then teleported them away.

Neo was still rather shocked from what the big man in orange just told him. Was that today? That explains why all the girls have been excited this past week. His own master even thought of bringing Celest here to visit him. He supposes this was his gift. Not that he minded, Celest’s companionship was great! If he was being honest with himself, he missed her quite a lot.

Snatcher even brought Blueberry. Another he had missed. Neo would think this would be Snatcher’s gift, but the shadow was not aware of these celebration days. Neo still remembers when his master or girls would have to explain one of the days to him.

Before he got too much further into his thoughts, a voice caught his awareness. Twisting his head, he saw Blueberry crawled her way near his face, still squealing and bobbing her head back and forth. Celest was looking at him oddly, it was an expression he was uncertain of. Something about it caused his insides to feel warm. Embarrassed for what seemed to be no apparent reason, Neo turned away struggling to cover the yellow and blue blush painting his face.

Blueberry pushed her way out from in between the two, pawing her way to stand before Neo. Observing him, she wondered what he was doing. Hiding? This wasn’t hide and seek; they played that earlier. He didn’t even bother saying anything back after big puff and her supported Moonman’s statement. Maybe he didn’t understand? That was possibly it. Staring at his socks, an idea came to her head. Tapping at Neo’s left paw, she attempted to get him to lower it. After a few moments he did to question her, but she was already in motion. Once in range, she bit down onto the sock and started tugging it off.

Meowing in turmoil he attempted to make her stop. This even surprised Celest, causing her to move and try to stop her. Once it was evident she would not give up, Neo stopped struggling against her so he didn’t ruin the clothing item.

Sock torn off, Blueberry spat the offending cloth out of her mouth. Locating the heart shape on his paw, she started tapping on it. Seeing it puzzled him, she stopped. Remembering something, she pushed his paw inward towards himself. It was a bit of a process, he’s so much bigger than her. Once his paw was touching his chest, she meowed and pat his paw once again.

It didn’t take long for Neo to get what she meant. He was astounded that she learned of this fact about him. Normally when he put his left paw against someone’s chest, it was his way to tell someone he loved them. He only ever did it with his master and the children. Now that it was thrown back on him, especially by a Rough Patch he cares about, he choked up.

Celest saw tears develop in the undead cat’s eyes and shuffled as close as she could to her companion. She knew of his insecurities with their kind and this seemed to be another step in the ideal direction. She’s proud of his progress and pleased that Blueberry is helping him as well. Leaning down she nuzzled the top of his head before resting her cheek against it.

Neo was shuddering at this point, but unlike the tears from earlier, the ones that fell now were happy. Damaged arm moving away from himself, he reached around Blueberry and tugged her towards him. Doing his best, he tried to avoid getting tears on her, but failed miserably.

This time she didn’t seem to care about the tears, just glad that the hurting Rough Patch got the message. Blueberry closed her eyes and curled up against Neo, relaxing in his hold.

Neo might struggle over his insecurities and may never truly get over them. But for now, he’s happy his family is with him. All of his humans, a friend, and another little girl for him to love.

#A Hat in Time #Rough Patch #Neo #Blueberry #Celest #A Hat in Time OC #original character #Hat Kid #Bow Kid #Mustache Girl #Snatcher #Moonjumper #glottia writes

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