#chalmug

Mugman ran the brush across the wooden panel, gently painting some green along the bottom half. Next, he took out another paintbrush and carefully dabbed splotches of white along the top, followed by a tiny little golden circle in the top right. He smiled, satisfied as he washed the brush in a little mason jar of water.

Just then, he heard a voice call, "Mugsy!", from the little cottage he shared with his wife, Ms. Chalice. It had been passed down to himself and his brother Cuphead after Elder Kettle passed away, and since Cuphead moved out, both he and Ms. Chalice settled in after getting married.

Hurrying inside, he flung the door open and asked, "Yes, yes! Is everything OK? You're alright?"

Chalice stood there a bit stunned, holding a set of cutlery in her hand. Ever since she and Mugman learned that they had a baby on the way, her poor husband has been on high alert, making sure that both herself and their unborn child weren't in harm's way.

"It's OK, we're both fine, I was calling you in because dinner is almost ready," she assured him as she set down the cutlery.

"O-oh, right. OK, just making sure, hehe."

"Well, maybe you could get out the roast for me so I can cut it," she laughed.

Mugman eagerly walked to the oven, responding, "Yep, no problem! Can't have you bending over in your condition."

"No, we can't! I just hope you weren't bending over too much in that shed out there while working on your little project."

"I'm not, sweetie, relax!" he answered, opening the oven door.

Mugman carefully took out the roast and set it on the table, the warm, succulent smell emanating through the room. The aroma grew strong as Ms. Chalice started cutting it.

"So, when can I see this secret project of yours? I'm dying to see it!" she asked excitedly.

"Just needs a few finishing touches, and THEN you can see it," he replied proudly.

"Brilliant! Oof, I think the little one is looking forward to it as well!" she chuckled, pausing to rub her bump.

Mugman tenderly placed his hand on hers, both of them quietly feeling each stubborn little kick from their unborn baby. The two parents held each other close as they marvelled at the fact that they would meet their child in another two months.

That night, Chalice stirred awake as the baby began moving around again. She winced as she felt either a foot or a hand press against her left lung, leaving her out of breath. As she slowly sat up, she laid her hand on the right side of the bed where Mugman slept - except he wasn't there.

Strange, she thought, it's a bit late for a walk.

She got up out of bed and put on her dressing gown as she decided to see where her husband went. Besides, she felt that a little stroll would get the little one to calm down.

Looking around the cottage, he wasn't anywhere to be seen. Not in the bathroom, the kitchen, sitting room, or nursery, which was still far from completion. Both of them decided to use the bedroom that Mugman used to share with Cuphead as kids for their child's nursery since it had lots of room.

Ms. Chalice looked around, puzzled, thinking to herself, "If he's not in the house, then where'd he go?"

Then it hit her - the shed.

After putting on her boots and coat (since it rained earlier), she walked up to the shed, which had the light on. Upon opening the door, she found Mugman sitting at the small workbench, resting his head in his arms. There were wooden flakes scattered over almost the entire floor, with dunes of sawdust nestled under a big object covered by a tarp.

She could just quietly walk over there and take a peek under that tarp, but no, Mugman put a lot of work into it, and it would be rude to spoil the surprise. She gently shook his shoulder, and he woke up, blinking sleepily to find her smiling sweetly at him.

"Working late tonight, are we?" she joked.

"Maybe, just remembered in bed that I needed to add a few finishing touches before I forgot," he mumbled with a goofy smile.

"Hehe, well, maybe just remember to give yourself a break, OK? I know that our baby isn't here yet, but just know that I think you're doing great."

Mugman lifted his drowsy head and replied with a content, dazed expression, "Thanks, darling. So are you."

The two of them kissed before Mugman shut off the lights and locked the shed. He held his loving wife close as they walked back to the cottage.

Two weeks later...

"OK, Chalice, open your eyes!" Mugman exclaimed.

Upon opening her eyes, Ms. Chalice gasped in amazement at her husband's project. It was a crib painted sky blue, with hills and a sunny sky painted on the lower end, as well as a small flock of birds on the top end. She couldn't help but tear up as she looked at it, tracing her hand across the wooden railings as Mugman walked closer to her.

"It's beautiful..." she whispered.

"Glad you love it, sweetheart. I really wanted it to look as lovely as possible for this nursery and --"

Mugman was suddenly cut off by Ms. Chalice suddenly turning around and giving him a big kiss, tears of happiness flowing down her cheeks. Needless to say, he couldn't help but blush.

"I do, I really do! It's just perfect for our baby!" she replied, half laughing and half crying.

Mugman beamed proudly and pulled his wife closer gently for a hug, telling her, "Guess I made an amazing job then."

The End