Author's notes: Hello!
This is my first ever submission to FF. I've just recently gotten back into writing fanfiction with the release of Cuphead.
This was intended to be a one-shot, however by the time I'd gotten to the second half, I'd written 3 thousand words. So... this may or may not have extra chapters.

This fanfiction was written for the Flower Tea ship, also known as Mugney. It's just Cagney Carnation and Mugman paired together. I was heavily inspired by the adorable fanart on Tumblr.

Even if I do not continue this, I do have more Flower Tea planned for the future.

Please enjoy.

Cagney was antisocial. He could count all the friends he had on one hand. He was far from keen on social events - the last one he had attended was the celebration threw for the Cup brothers once they'd put the devil back in his place... That was well over a year ago by that point...

But, he had his reasons. Cagney liked his own company. He had his meadow of flower children that needed tending to. Most social events never interested him. Being alone was just easier. Yes, he didn't have to worry about anything but himself and his kin if he never left the forest, his home. But truthfully, above all else, he was more shy than introverted. He'd never admit it though, as much as he knew it was the truth. He kept himself to himself as much as he did because he was actually rather timid.

"Sometimes, I wonder, what scares you so much about leaving this forest?" Rumor Honeybottoms inquired. She was a good friend- very pushy, however, which was a blessing and a curse. Moreso a curse as she was always trying to push him out of his comfort zone - something he could never get used to.

"I'm not scared of anything," Cagney replied with an audible scoff, running a hand over one of his petals. He turned his head away before adding; "I just prefer being alone. You know that."

Rumor let out a short sigh, frustrated. "That grumpy facade doesn't work on me, dear. You know that," she shot right back, one leg folded over the other, "and I know you know that everyone thinks you're just one, big, grumpy flower. But I can read you like a book, honey. It doesn't fly with me."

Cagney only glanced back, holding eye contact for only a few seconds, before looking away again. This earned him another sigh, confirming her previous statement. There was a moment of silence before she continued.

"All I'm saying is… it wouldn't do you any harm to go out once in a while. I know you have friends you can visit. Why don't you go and visit the Root Pack? They're not too far away-" She paused when Cagney looked back at her again, glaring at her. That was a very clear "no".

"I'm not interested in those rotten vegetables, Rumor," The petals on his head sprung up a little, some of his thorns seemed to bristle out further. "They tried to dig out some of the little ones - they were just playing near the garden. And they called them weeds. I hate them!"

The "little ones" referred to Cagney's family of tiny flowers- or atleast what she has assumed were his kin. They'd already left the clearing when Rumor had arrived- she assumed they'd all hopped off deeper into the forest, up to their usual business. She reached out to pat Cagney's shoulder, hoping to relax him a little bit, as he was obviously agitated from the memory. That was one thing he wouldn't hide- he always held a grudge, especially when it involved his children. No one would ever expect Cagney to be a family man, but he really was protective of what he had.

Cagney leant into the contact slightly, reassuring himself that Rumor was only trying to help. She smiled warmly when he noticeably relaxed. "We'll avoid the Root Pack then." She said, tone soft as ever, and he nodded. "How about Hilda? She's sweet. Or Goopy, perhaps."

"I hardly ever see Hilda around. She's always off doing something else. And Goopy," He groaned, before giving a huff, "he is the most obnoxious slime I've ever met. I hate his stupid puns and smug face…"

"I'm sure you're making this more difficult than it needs to be on purpose..." she was getting impatient, but her worried tone remained. The only response was a shrug.

There was a pause. About two minutes of quiet passed. Cagney was convinced he had upset her before she piped up again.

"I think you just need a girlfriend to pull you out of the ground. That would be the best solution."

"Wh-what?! don't need a girlfriend!"

"Or a boyfriend, whatever your preference is. You know I won't judge, dear-"

"I- I don't need a boyfriend! I don't need anyone!" He cried, his face flushed. He looked about ready to burst. Honestly, Rumor found his ridiculously flustered expression quite funny. She held back a chuckle and replaced it with a smirk instead. "I don't- I don't do romance."

"You don't do anything, that's the problem here, mister!" She quickly replied, giving his arm a nudge. "Inkwell Festival is in a couple of weeks. Are you going to go? I'll be going with Cala and Grim to help set up."

"...I mean, I wasn't planning to." He sounded hesitant, and the look of disappointment on Rumor's face made him feel bad. "Okay okay! ...Maybe. I'll think about it. I'll go if someone goes with me."

She looked a bit more hopeful at this. "I know Cuphead is definitely going, and Elder Kettle. Tag along with them!"

Cagney went a bit quiet in thought, before shaking his head. "...Cuphead is a bit annoying-"

"Mugman, then!" She chirped, interrupting him, taking Cagney by surprise. "Mugman is sweet. I know you like him."

Another pause.

"...I…Okay. I'll go with Mugman."

Rumor smiled brightly, clasping her hands together. "Good!" She beamed, her wings buzzing to life as she began to take off. "I'll tell him he has someone to go with, then. But for now, I must go. The hive gets chaotic if I leave for too long."

Cagney crossed his arms as she gave him a pat on his petals before she finally flew off.

A couple of days had passed. He had heard nothing from Rumor, or Mugman. He was secretly relieved. Maybe they'd just forget… And maybe he wouldn't have to go.

Then again, Rumor coming down and pulling him up out of the ground to come with her wasn't completely out of the question either. 'God gave you legs so you could walk!' He could imagine her yelling, and he softly sighed.

He waited a little while longer… nothing.

It was already late noon. And in the midst of Autumn, he knew it would be getting dark relatively soon. He figured no one would want to trek through the forest to come see him in the darkness (besides maybe the aforementioned queen bee).

Naptime, Cagney thought to himself- he always found himself feeling more sleepy in the cooler months. Some of the flowers below him were already dozing off, a couple of tulips had begun nuzzling themselves up to his roots, their beady black eyes beginning to close sleepily. He smiled down at them, before curling up his long body around the little gathering of plants, head resting on the ground next to them, arms wrapping around the group of tiny flowers. A content sigh escaped him, his eyes shutting, quietly drifting off into a slumber...

He didn't know how long it had been since he had fallen asleep, but feeling something gently tingle across the top of his petals, whatever is was (a gust of wind maybe?), wasn't about to wake him up. He grumbled quietly, nuzzling closer to the ground, sighing through his nose. Not too long after, he felt it again, followed by a muffled sound…

"Mister… Mister Carnation…? Are you okay?"

His eyes didn't even open. His petals only twitched. Cagney was still half asleep, but he could detect that that it was a hand that was feeling his petals. Not wind like he thought it was. His eyes lazily cracked open, his vision blurred whilst his orange pupils adjusted to the sudden light, looking up in the direction of where the hand was petting from… it was something… blue…

"I can go, if you want me to, Cagney, sir…"

Cagney blinked a couple of times. That soft-spoken and kind voice was really drawing him out of his weary state, not to mention that petting, unconsciously leaning towards the hand…

"Mugman…" He mumbled, before blinking that last bit of sleep out of his eyes. And suddenly his eyes shot wide.

Oh God it was Mugman. Oh God he had actually turned up. Oh God why was he letting himself just be pet like this.

Cagney abruptly jolted upright, thorns bristling out of his body again. Mugman seemed taken aback by the sudden movement, arm still outstretched before withdrawing. Some of the little flowers had scattered out of fear at the movement.

"M-Mister Carnation! I-I'm sorry!" Mugman seemed just as shocked as he was, fumbling a little bit. "I didn't mean to scare ya at all, I'm sorry!"

"Mugman! I-" Oh, now what was he going to say?! He sighed shortly, obviously very flustered. "I…whatever, er, it's alright. I- I didn't think you'd show…I don't get visitors often."

This was already embarrassing. He could practically feel his ego get stabbed as he quickly tried to adjust himself, his face all heated up now. Too late to ham up the innocent act, as well.

Mugman smiled up at him, letting out a little chuckle at the display, then folded his hands behind his back, rocking back and forth on his heels. Though he was a little older now, he still looked so sweet… Sweet enough to make honey look bitter.

"Well, actually, Rumor told me to come down," he began, pausing briefly to look around momentarily, "she said you didn't have anyone to go with to the Inkwell Festival. She said you wanted me to go with ya? Well, either way, I jus' wanted to come down after running some errands for pops- it's been a while, hasn't it?"

"Erm… yeah, heh." Cagney managed. It had been so long that Mugman looked… Visibly older. He still looked youthful in the face, the tinge of baby face would stick around for a while longer, but some of his features were broader. And he was definitely taller, as Cagney recalled him being quite stumpy, but now he was starting to fill out into a young man. Not to mention, that voice. He still had the same strong accent most residents this side of the island had, but his voice wasn't so squeaky anymore.

...Had it… really been that long?

Mugman tugged on his scarf that was tucked up between his face and royal blue coat, jeans tucked into his boots which had the tiniest of heels. Cagney secretly admired his fashion sense- he could probably pull off just about any outfit and look great.

"Yeah, last time I saw you was Christmas a few years back, don'cha remember? I gave you that big knitted sweater," Mugman chimed, followed by a little giggle, "and it was way too big for ya! It was like, like a dress, or something. D' ya still have it?"

Cagney shook his head. "It got caught on one of my thorns and tore. I tried fixing it, but…" he shrugged, "I couldn't save it. It just got worse everytime I fiddled with it."

"Aw, shucks… that's such a shame," Mugman looked disappointed, a hand reaching up to scratch the side of his porcelain head, "well, there's always this year! It's Christmas real soon, I can just make another one. It's no biggie. I'm better at knitting now, too, so it'll be even better than the last one!"

"You don't have to." He replied, smoothing down his petals. He remembered the day when Mugman came down on Christmas day. It was probably the most bitter cold winter Inkwell had ever had, and every morning Cagney woke up with frost all over his petals and stem, snow coming up to the chins of his flower family & friends. Mugman came running into the clearing holding his sweater for him… It was such a kind thought, even though Cagney had accidentally torn it not long after.

"Ah, but I want to. That's the thing!" Mugman grinned back, expression practically beaming. "And, y'know, you don't have to feel bad or nothin', it'll be Christmas after all!"

"Mm. I suppose." Cagney really did feel like the Grinch compared to Mugman. Eager to change the subject, he asked; "so what have you been up to recently?"

"Oh, I've mainly been helping out with my pops! Y'know, he's getting kinda old now so he can't do as much as he used to," Mugman answered, "so I just run loads of errands for him everyday. Cuphead is out a lot more now so I usually have to do everything- but that's alright! Cos' I don't mind."

"Cuphead? What's up with him?" Cagney pulled a bit of a face, nose scrunching up slightly. He was still a little sour about Cuphead… his smug attitude didn't settle with him well. Thankfully, Mugman didn't pick up on his distaste for his older brother, and continued.

"He's working with mister Porkrind now," Mugman replied, stuffing his hands into his pockets, "he started helping out with his shop a few months ago. He says it's just so he can get outta the house but I think is cos' he wants to go gambling with Ribby an' Croaks… Don't tell anyone I said that though!" He winked cheekily, and a smile twitched at Cagney's lips.

"Clearly he didn't learn his lesson from last time," Cagney remarked with a sneer, "let's hope he doesn't fall into the Devil's trap again, eh?"

Mugman pulled an expression of worry at Cagney's comment, and he felt a pang of guilt. That probably pulled up some bad memories. "...I think those frog brothers will keep him outta trouble, though. Just make sure he doesn't blow his money in the wrong casino, and no betting souls."

As if Cagney was one to talk about betting souls.

"Y-Yeah! Of course!" Mugman was clearly concerned for his brother, though he tried to hide it behind that signature smile. Momentarily he put his feelings aside for the red-clad cup- if Cuphead made the same mistake as last time, Mugman would obviously be devastated. Maybe next time the Devil wouldn't treat him with the same mercy, either…

There was a short silence before Cagney extended a hand to pat his shoulder, attempting to offer some comfort.

"Cuphead will be okay," Cagney spoke softly to break the silence, his large hand running up and down Mugman's arm. His eyes might have been betraying him, but he could've sworn he saw a faint blush on his cheeks at the gesture. He wasn't all too sure what to follow up with, so there was a small pause before he added; "He looks up to you, Mugman. Anyone can see that."

Mugman reached to clasp his hands around Cagney's, gently nuzzling his face into his palm. Cagney didn't expect it, but he allowed it to happen. "I… I know if anything happened to my family, I'd be worried sick." He added, and Mugman looked up.

"Family?" He let go of his hand, and Cagney withdrew. "You have a family?"

Cagney nodded in response. A lot of the flowers that had taken a nap with him had already scurried off earlier. However, a couple of his own brood had remained. He plucked one pink carnation off of the ground where they had once nestled up to his roots, lifting them into the palm of his hands. He petted its head before holding out his palm to Mugman.

The pink carnations black eyes looked up curiously at Mugman. "Aww…" Mugman smiled, before reaching out and petting its head as gently as possible. Cagney allowed the little flower to hop into Mugman's hands. "Such a cutie…!"

"There's a lot more where that came from," Cagney said, tilting his head a little as the tiny flower curiously looked around, "the rest of them have already scarpered, though."

"I had no idea you were a dad, mister Carnation," Mugman said, his tone was teasing and he gave another one of those cheeky winks, "didn't realise someone like you was so good with the ladies…"

"That's- that's not-!"

"I'm kidding, I'm kidding!" Mugman giggled as Cagney became flustered again, using one finger to pet the pink flower in his hands. "I don't doubt you'd get a lot of nooky though."

Cagney grit his teeth at the teasing, reaching up to pull on one petal out of embarrassment with a loud huff and roll of his eyes. His face was just as pink as the flower child Mugman held in his palms. The little one looked a bit confused at the display, it seemed a bit worried. They had never seen their father so worked up, looking up at Mugman as if to ask 'what's wrong?'.

"I'll tell you when you're older," He whispered sneakily, followed by another giggle. The pink carnation seemed to get a bit excited at this, and Cagney promptly lifted them out of his hands.

"That's quite enough of that." He grumbled, lips curled down as he put the child back onto the grass.

Mugman's laughter faded with a sigh, looking across to see the sun had almost set, the last of its light ambiently illuminating the sea and the surrounding area. "Oh, golly! I'd better get going! Pops will have a heart attack if I don't get back soon," Mugman exclaimed, "I'll have to get going- but I can come back tomorrow if you'd like?"

"T-Tomorrow?" He spoke as if he had any plans, a pause for thought, before giving a quick nod. "Of course, if you want to…"

"Okay, great!" Mugman beamed, carefully stepping over some of the flowers between them, giving Cagney a hug, not seeking too worried as Cagney hurriedly retracted his thorns. "I'll bring a picnic or something, maybe, I dunno." He thought outloud, nuzzling against his stem.

Cagney was taken aback by the gesture, before carefully returning it. His arms and hands were really too big to hug Mugman, even if he were taller now. "...That sounds good." He mumbled, frowning at the affection. He was far from used to this kind of attention.

"And we're definitely going to the festival together, right?"

Mugman was looking up at him expectantly, eyes wide. "Of course." Cagney replied, meekly smiling back at Mugman's grin.

"Good!" Mugman finally pulled away, carefully stepping over the flowers on the ground again. A lot of Cagney's family had returned now, for it was late. Mugman couldn't help but smile down at the little flowers. "I'll see you tomorrow then, mister Carnation-"

"Please, just Cagney will be alright."

"Ah, okay. Goodnight, Cagney!" As he turned, he waved at Cagney and his carnations, dashing into the forest for home.

Cagney let out a sigh. He pet back his petals, finding himself actually looking forward to tomorrow. Mugman meant well, after all… he was a good soul.

Maybe having some company wasn't so bad after all...