Disclaimer: So... the sequel to my Cuphead story has not been forgotten, okay? Don't forget that. I just have tons of homework, midterms, and revisions on other stories to get done. At the latest, it will begin next year in... spring, maybe? I plan on revising the chapters too; adding more detail, changing a few things, all before it actually begins.

While you wait, I had this stupid idea floating around in my head for a while. It's not canon, except for one thing...

Nicky... has an odd interest in old music.

Enjoy the show, and I don't own It's Not Unusual!

"Speaking"

Thinking

Cuphead and Mugman pressed their heads against the door of the room, listening to the sounds on the other side. It was harder than it looked, since their heads weren't exactly meant to do that, but it was still a good effort. They could have opened the door too, but wouldn't that be rude?

"What are you two finks up too?"

They looked away from the door, staring up at the manager of the casino. The Devil himself was walking their way at the end of the hall, just as annoyed and confused as King Dice was at the fact they had appeared in the building. Again.

It wasn't too uncommon. Whenever the sarcastic and blunt young woman made an appearance in Inkwell, she'd spend her nights in the guest room given to her on her first trip. Even with the obvious hatred between the boss and her, King ended up playing a mediator. Harder than it seemed, since he had punched the demon in the face to the point he was out like a light. The only reason he still survived that mess after failing to stop them was because of his dedication to his work. She'd be allowed to stay too, if she occasionally helped out with serving drinks. No contract required, and it was all her idea. As for Nicky herself, it just so happened to be her door they were now all gathered in front of.

"Listening," Cuphead replied, as if that answered everything. Well... it sort of was. He had no idea what she was doing, but whatever it was, it sounded... loud. With... a trumpet. King Dice raised a brow, unimpressed with the answer, and put his head against the wood. True to the older brother's word, he could hear noise on the other side. What it was coming from though, it was hard to tell. Last time he saw her, she didn't have any record player.

The Devil rolled his eyes, and reached for the doorknob. "Well, whatever the girl's doin', there's nothin' in this casino that gets past me." Mugman, the only one who seemed to not want to see what was going on, went to pull the demon's hand away, only for Cuphead to snatch at his wrist to pull him back. Bad idea there, for his little brother. They were already testing the men's patience just by being there.

The door cracked open just enough for them all to see inside, and what they did see was, um... how were they supposed to react to this?

A fast-paced song, nothing like they would hear on the island greeted them from a small device laying on a pillow. However, the familiar sound of trumpet was there to show a faint trace to their era. But what really caught their attention was the frizzy raven haired girl in the middle of the room, back turned to the door, with a candlestick in her hand... lip syncing into it.

"But when I see you hanging about with anyone. It's not unusual to see me cry... I wanna die." She mimicked jazz hands at the end line, before throwing the object to the bed where her bag was. As fast as the switch happened, her arms began to swing behind her to the beat with her hands, snapping her fingers with each rapid movement. Her hips also followed suit, while occasionally, she slid to the left and right. "It's not unusual to go out at any time. But when I see you out and about, it's such a crime."

No one really knew how to react to that. Seriously, for the second time since he met her, King was... confused. "... what?"

"I am not sure what to make of this," Mugman stated, earning a small nod from Cuphead. The elder brother's face was slightly red, watching perhaps a little too closely. Was that weird? Too weird? Look away, Cups. Stop starting! Each of the four stared, with his mouth hanging open a little, the Devil's face twisted in confusion at how this was what was happening without his knowledge, while King and Mugman had the common sense to actually still speak.

However, either the song was coming to its peak, or she sensed eyes on her, Nicky twirled around with a small drop in the beat. Her brown eyes widened in embarrassed horror, locking onto the sight of her unexpected audience. "Aah! What are you-you shouldn't-out!" She snatched the candle off the bed, throwing it at them. The wax stick bounced off Cuphead's straw, earning an indignant and startled shout as the red and white object spun around the brim.

"Hey! What was that f-?" He didn't have time to finish, and neither was any of the others able to speak up. The teen had already managed to shove them the few inches back to close the door as fast as she could.

"Never interrupt me during my music!" Her voice rang out on the other side, followed by a loud thump against the door. No doubt, it was a pillow or her bag being thrown at it. "You never saw anything, you hear me!"

There was silence after that, and the man, demon, and boys stared at the closed room. "... we should have just listened," Mugman said.

"I'm goin' back to count today's expenses." The Devil trudged off back to his side of the casino, while King looked down at Cuphead. Well, that tune's gonna be stuck in my head.

"Did you know she did that?"

The red brother, blinked for a moment, and slowly turned to look up. His face was slack, and he had to wonder; was the man being serious right now? Really? After what just happened? "Gee, what do you think?"

No clue where this idea came from, but I found it too good to pass up.

I won't forget this fandom. Keep an eye on my profile, as there's a list of how my stories will be dished out. The Cuphead sequel is somewhat high on that list, and it can start sooner if possible. Also, I had an idea for a second chapter too, if anyone's interested.

Until next time!

Angel