Chapter Text
Chaos landed with a soft thud on the stone floor of Bug's castle, her wings folding neatly behind her. Bug, seated cross-legged on his bed. Midnight, who was sorting Bug’s chests, turned toward Chaos as well.
Both of them froze for a moment before breaking into hearty laughter. Chaos blinked, confused, until Bug pointed at her hair—a wild tangle of sculk-blue strands sticking out in every direction.
"Did you get into a fight with a tornado, or is this a new look?" Bug teased good naturedly.
Chaos groaned and tried to flatten her hair with her hands, but it only made the situation worse. Midnight hopped down gracefully, brushing a stray lock of dark brown hair out of her face. "Come here, Chaos," she said, motioning to one of the chests nearby. "Let Auntie Midnight fix this mess."
Chaos hesitated but sat down with a dramatic huff, her feet swinging slightly above the floor. Midnight pulled a brush out and began working through the tangles with practiced ease, humming a soft, lilting tune as she went.
Bug smirked. "Careful, Midnight. She might bite you."
"I do not bite!" Chaos retorted, crossing her arms, though the effect was undermined by a grin tugging at the corner of her mouth.
"You did bite me last week," Bug pointed out, holding up his arm to display an exaggerated memory of a mark. "What was it you said? ‘I was proving a point?’"
"Your point was dumb," Chaos shot back, sticking out her tongue.
Midnight laughed, weaving three small braids into Chaos's hair. "You two are hopeless. Hold still, Chaos."
Bug chuckled and leaned back, watching the two. "So, what brings you here, squirt?"
Chaos reached into her pouch, pulling out a piece of metal and a few small tools. "I’m making you something," she said, her voice casual, though a spark of mischief danced in her eyes.
"Oh?" Bug asked, intrigued. Midnight tilted her head to watch as Chaos began bending the metal into shape.
"It's for your horns," Chaos explained, focusing on her work. "A ring.”
Chaos held the horn ring up for inspection. "Not done yet, but it's gonna be cool."
Midnight tied off the last braid in Chaos's hair and stepped back to admire her handiwork. "There," she said with a smile. “You look beautiful dear.”
"Thanks," Chaos said, touching the braids lightly. Her cheeks flushed slightly, though she quickly masked it by returning to her crafting.
She finished the final twist of the ring, holding it up for Bug to inspect. “Done.”
Bug took the ring, carefully inspecting it with a nod of approval. “That looks great kid.” He slipped it onto one of his horns.
Midnight clapped her hands together. “It’s perfect. You did a wonderful job, Chaos.”
Chaos felt a warmth in her chest at the praise, flushing slightly below her black mask.
Bug leaned in, placing a hand on her shoulder with a grin. “Thanks for the ring. You know, maybe I should let you make more things for me. Keep you out of trouble.”
Chaos snorted. “I don’t need help staying out of trouble.”
“Sure you don’t.” Bug’s smile widened, and Midnight chuckled softly, the sound of her amusement filling the room.