Okay so due to depression and stress being a huge pain, I haven't been able to stay focused on Cornered. However, I've written a few short one shots. So I hope these makeup for me being so inactive!

Disclaimer: Chestnut, Hazel, Toni, Scoop, and Peanut all belong to unflavoredskelly from tumblr. Match and Sizzle are mine. If I write about any others, I'll include who their creators are.

Stormy Lullabies

Boom!

Chestnut held his babybones closer to him, rocking gently. Hazel sniffed, scrunching up his face as he let out another loud cry. Chestnut mentally cursed for allowing himself to stray so far from the village. He still wasn't used to the surroundings, so why did he ever think going for a walk would be a good idea?

"It's okay, little one. The storm will pass soon." the new mother comforted, kissing Hazel's forehead, only to get another scream in response. The small skeleton kicked at the blanket he was wrapped in as another thunderclap shook the area. Chestnut bounced his son, looking out from under the leaf where they had taken shelter. It bounced as each raindrop hit it, blocking what little he could see though the rain.

"Hello? Is anyone out here?" a kind, yet powerful voice called. Chestnut perked up. He regonized that voice, it was one of the scavengers from the village. What was she doing out here all by herself?

"Over here!" He called, peering out into the rain. A dark figure shuffled toward them, shaking as though the wind would blow her over at any moment. After a few moments, a large monster joined them under the leaf. Her white fur was drenched, and the flowers that were tied in it had been either knocked loose or blown away completely. She pushed some of the white fur from her red eyes, smiling kindly.

"Excuse me, but may I seek refuge with you?" the scavenger inquired.

"Of course," Chestnut replied, scooting closer to the tree so there would be enough room for the three of them. Hazel let out another cry, pressing close to his mother.

"Poor little one, he's not used to the storms yet, is he?"

"No, he's only a few weeks old." the skeleton rubbed small circle on the babybones' cheek, trying to calm him.

"May I try? I have cared for quite a few children in my day, perhaps I can calm him down a bit." the scavenger pushed her large ears behind her shoulders before holding out her arms.

"Please, I've tried nearly everything." Chestnut handed his son to the larger monster, who cradled him gently. Hazel let out a fresh wail, kicking against the large monster.

"Hush little monster, don't you cry, Mother will keep you safe and dry. Hush little monster, don't say a word, Mother will make sure you don't get hurt," the scavrnger sang, gently brushing Hazel's head. The child sniffed, slowly calming down as he listened to the monster's slow, even breathing.

"What's your name?" Chestnut whispered the question as he took the now calm child back, making a note to use the lullaby on the next restless night.

"I am Toni. What is your name?"

"Chestnut, and this here is Hazel."

"You are rather far from the village. Are you a scavenger as well?" Toni questioned, braiding the remaining flowers back into her fur.

"No, I was going for a walk to try and get used to the area. I'm new." Chestnut answered, trying to avoid the stranger's eyes.

"Ah, yes, I remember you. It was the first time we had made a new house in a long time," Toni recalled, looking at the young mother. He didn't look at all like he had that first night. He had looked so fragile that night, even refusing to take food from them. "May I ask what happened that caused to come all the way out here?"

"It's in the past." Chestnut replied after a moment of silence, gently rubbing his babybones' cheek. He offend used that phrase in order to avoid any conversations about his previous village. The scars from the place were still healing, and he knew it was unwise to open healing wounds.

"I see," the two sat in silence as the storm faded to a drizzle. As soon as it did, Toni stood up, pushing the leaf aside. "Come, I will guide you back to the village."

"Thank you," Chestnut whispered, following the scavenger. Hazel cooed, looking around at the new world. As they neared their village, Toni turned to the young skeleton, breaking the silence.

"If you ever need help, feel free to call on me. I live in the center, on the west side of the Oak." she smiled, holding out her paw. Chestnut gratefully returned the smile.

"Thank you, I shall see you soon."