I don't own beyblade, courage the cowardly dog or any of the brands mentioned in this story.

Chapter 04
Cookie Monster Pajamas

There are two types of people when it comes to watching horror movies. The first type will scream or gasp nearly at every scene, no matter how trivial it is. They would become startled at every noise procured in the film. They would be holding their breaths most of the time without realizing it. By the end of the film, they will be left with lasting impressions of fear and shock, nerves still trembling, the hair of their arms and legs rising in dread.

The second type will watch the movie quietly. They will not get scared at that moment. Sure their eyes may get widened at unexpected turns and twists in the story. They might even wince in disgust if a grotesque scene is being depicted in the screen, but that's about it.
It certainly doesn't mean that the movie failed to scare them.

They will get scared alright, but later, when they are done watching the movie.

Kai was the second type. A truth he himself wasn't aware of, until last night.

The doorknob rattled loudly, before turning clockwise, the door swinging forward. Kai stepped in, one hand still on the keys. When he pulled the keys from the lock, they didn't budge. They were jammed.

Kai sighed in frustration. He tried again, but the keys were struck like glue. It was only after putting down his gym bag and using the force of both of his hands, did they wrench apart.

"We really need to call the carpenter don't we?" Hiromi asked, appearing in the hallway, brochure in one hand while a receiver in another. Ever since it rained, the wood expanded due to moisture and now everything became rigid. Unlocking doors became such a menace.

"No kidding" Kai grunted, dropping the keys in the bowl propped in the low table and slipping out of his trainers.

"I will call them tomorrow" Hiromi promised. She then glanced down at the brochure she was holding "I was thinking of ordering for dinner tonight. Is Chinese good for you Kai?"

"I don't mind" Kai answered, sauntering toward their shared room with sock-clad feet. Kai was never a fussy eater to begin with. As long it was piping hot, he would eat it, no matter what cuisine it belonged to.

The annoyance caused by stiff door knobs quickly dissipated as soon Kai stepped in the shower. The warm water untangled his nerves, washing away the day stress and sweat.

Kai was pawing through his clothes drawer when the doorbell rang. Spring have arrived but nights were still cold; sleeping in boxers only wasn't an option, at least for now. There were a couple of sweatshirts along with thick cotton trousers. Kai picked one sweatshirt before closing the drawer and opening another one.

"Where are those light cotton pants?" Kai muttered to himself. He then suddenly remembered that all the pairs he owned were in the laundry basket.

Laundry day was on Thursday. Today was Tuesday.

Kai groaned. Darn it! He shouldn't have been that reckless when throwing away his clothes like that.

All now he was left with were a dozen pair of thick pants and one pajama pant.

Hesitant, Kai pulled out the said pajama pant in question and held it out. It was made of light cotton and was in color black. It was of right size. It even had pockets!
The only problem with it though was the print on it; a pattern of cookie monster faces from the show sesame street on it.

Kai had never watched the said cartoon before and only stumbled upon it when Hiromi did black Friday shopping. She was beaming when she entered the sitting room, arms laden with numerous shopping bags. That smile could only mean one thing; Hiromi scored a whole package.

"Kai! Guess what?!" Hiromi asked excitedly "H&M just opened its stores for black Friday and I got such amazing things at affordable rates!"
"Uh-huh"

Kai kept his phone aside while Hiromi proudly showed her wardrobe. He nodded at every piece being displayed.

"I got something for you too Kai!"
"Oh?" Kai paused, hand hovering over the mobile phone. He didn't have to wait long.

"Ta-da!" the brunette sang, holding the pyjama pant from the edges.

At first Kai thought that it was a pattern of blue blobs. Upon closer inspection, he discerned a pair of eyes and void like mouth on those furry shaped blue spots.

"It's cookie monster from sesame street. I used to watch that show when I was little!" Hiromi explained fondly.

"Aren't these just cute?!"
"Uh…" That was a matter of opinion. Cats and dogs were cute. Furry monsters with no noses or ears weren't at all.

Luckily Kai didn't have to answer because Hiromi started digging in her bag once more.
"I brought myself one too!"

Hiromi's one was just like Kai's, except smaller in size. And instead of blue blobs, red ones were stamped on it. At least this one had a nose.
"Elmo was always my favorite hence I picked this one!" Hiromi crooned, rubbing the fabric against her cheek.

Ah, that explains it.

Despite the pajama being super comfortable, Kai wore it rarely. He only donned it when there was a need.

Today seemed to be that day. Kai sighed, pulling the fabric over his legs.

"Kai, Dinner is here!"
"Coming!"

The food was already laid out on the coffee table. Hiromi was flicking through channels, a bento box balanced in her lap.

"I think it's about time we should subscribe to Netflix" Hiromi uttered.

"And why's that?" Kai asked, parting away a pair of chopsticks and reaching for the bento box.

"Because all cable have been streaming lately is shit"

"But I thought you weren't in favor of paying specifically for entertainment"

"I was. Sure Netflix is shit too, but at least we can get to choose what to watch in it" Hiromi answered, still pressing the button until she suddenly stopped "Oh!"

"What?" Kai asked, voice muffled due to the noodles stuffed in his mouth.

"You are kidding me!" Hiromi exclaimed astonishingly "I thought cartoon network was long done with classics! I didn't know they were streaming their old cartoons at this hour!"

Kai didn't know what his girlfriend was talking about. All that time he spent in training wouldn't allow him to indulge in simple privileges. Watching cartoons was the last thing on his mind when he was aiming to become the best beyblader in the world.

"Kai have you seen this show?" Hiromi asked, putting down the remote and finally snapping open her bento box "It's Courage the cowardly dog! It's super scary but funny at the same time"

The funny part Kai did got, but what was so scary in it? The pink dog screamed at the sight of everything, including his own reflection. Still Kai watched the show. He just wanted to eat his dinner in peace.

Kai was now close to dozing. All that food he consumed was making him sleepy. Inwardly he was glad that they wouldn't have to wash the dishes. He was sure sort of this that he would pass out any minute now.

"Return the slab! Or suffer my curse!"

Kai's eyes snapped open at once. On the screen, a desert plain was being displayed where a lone man was standing. It didn't look anything like a man though. It had a skull for its head from which thin red strands were growing. It had spindly set of arms and legs and had donned a long dull green robe.

The ghost was swaying now and then and was saying only one thing; Return the slab or suffer my curse in chilling tones.

Kai was nerved. Wasn't this supposed to be kids cartoon?! Just what the hell directors were thinking when adding something like this?

"Oh! I was always scared of this episode!" Hiromi fessed, clutching Kai's arm for protection and cuddling into him.

Kai didn't reply. He was trying his best to look at anything except the T.V. It didn't work because the sounds were still coming.

'When will this get over?!' Kai wondered uncomfortably as the characters continued their wailing.

The show finally ended, much to Kai immense relief. Besides him, Hiromi stretched, her back letting out a series of cricking sounds.

"Well that certainly was a good trip to nostalgia" Hiromi chuckled "Don't you agree Kai?"
"Hn"
"Let's clean this up, I am bummed!"

Kai stood up, opening the shopper bag to drop the empty bento boxes in it while Hiromi kept the unused chopsticks back in the casing. Tying the knot of the bag, Kai made his way toward the kitchen. Just when he was about to flip the switch, he froze.

Someone was standing, right across the wall. It had a bulbous head and slanted like body. No arms, no legs, no neck. It appeared to be floating.

Kai gulped, taking a step back only to be bumped by Hiromi.
"Oww!"

Kai turned around. Hiromi was cradling unfinished bento boxes in her arms.
"Why you stopped?" Not waiting for an answer, Hiromi sidestepped Kai and flipped on the light switch. Immediately the kitchen was bathed with warm light.

The creepy silhouette turned out to be a checkered apron and a couple of dishcloths hanging from a wooden peg.
Kai felt like smacking himself. He was getting paranoid over nothing!

'Was it because of the cartoon he just watched?'

Kai shook his head. That was just silly. Sure the episode was creepy but it wasn't that scary. Besides it was just a cartoon, it wasn't anyway real.

Kai told himself that as he washed his hands. Thankfully Hiromi noticed nothing. She was busy lamenting about her unfinished university assignments and how she didn't have the strength to do it.

Kai got a fright once again, when going towards their bedroom. Moonlight came in through the window, casting shadows here and there of the furniture in the lounge. The shadow of the chair was casted across the hallway, making it look like someone without an upper body was standing there.

This time Kai didn't bother switching on the lights to clear his dilemma and choose to skid to his bedroom.

It would be okay. Soon Hiromi would cuddle to him by wrapping her arms around his waist, laying one leg over his thigh, the blanket covering both of them, they against the world. Everything would be just fine.

Kai was going to sleep peacefully after all.

Or so he thought.

The ex-blader was puzzled as Hiromi brought a medium sized linen sheet, spreading it on her side of the bed. Oh no, it could only mean one thing.

"No snuggles tonight?" Kai asked casually.
"Yeah…..no snuggles" Hiromi confirmed sadly, straightening the sheet and smoothing its edges "I got periods this afternoon and the last thing I want is to ruin the covers and your pajamas"

Quickly Kai glanced down, the numerous cookie monsters grinning toothlessly back at him.

"They look so good on you!" Hiromi cooed lovingly.

It was past one already and yet Kai was wide awake. A warm glass of milk and a sedative didn't even make a difference. Kai eyes were wide open as ever. That didn't happen even after he took a complete night rest. It was a rare occurrence indeed.

It's not like Kai didn't tried sleeping. He did, but every time he closed his eyes, an image of that stupid zombie would come floating in his head, his gloomy chant echoing in his ears.

'Return the slab or suffer my curse'

Kai inwardly made up his mind that he was going to sue the production company for making such hideous things at the first place.

Kai then glanced around his surroundings. The shadows of the branches were being reflected on the ceiling, making it appear as if a dozen writher and gnarled hands were reaching out for them, waiting to snag their souls unguarded. Somewhere an owl hooted occasionally.

'Ahooooo!'

Kai perked up. A wolf cry? But how could that be? They lived in the middle of a city for Christ sake!

The wind started blowing all of a sudden, swaying the leaves and twigs of the trees planted in the sidewalk. The shadows on the ceiling started rippling, as if their being standstill wasn't horrifying enough already.
The silver tubes of the red and black wind chime hanging from the balcony started clinking from the breeze. Kai could have sworn that they weren't tinkling randomly. Someone was trying to make a tune.

'We should have thrown away that wind chime while we had a chance' Hiwatari couldn't help thinking grimly.

That wind chime was gifted by Mathilda on Hiromi's birthday. Hiromi was awed over it. She couldn't help running her fingers on the delicate bells. Meanwhile Kai raised his eyebrow over the gift. What century were they living in? 18th? Who puts up chimes and charms in their house?
He voiced out the wind chime's uselessness and how it was nothing but a mere added burden. To which he received an icy glare from brunette. Before Kai could stop her, Hiromi marched toward the balcony and tied it above the door ledge, muttering furiously that one shouldn't treat presents like that from their loved ones.

And now it was scaring the living shit out of phoenix wielder.

A pattern was now being formed; dancing shadows on the wall, cries comprising of wolves, owls and now ravens ricocheting off in cold dark night, chimes of silver bells, tapping on the glass windows, dripping of water from a kitchen tap, creaking of doors….then again the howls. It was an endless cycle of rinse and repeat.

Kai could feel it. His heart was beating too loudly. There was ringing in his ears. His breathes were coming out fast.
A panic attack was coming on its way.

Think happy thoughts! His instincts yelled at him.

Such a vague suggestion! Nothing came to Kai. What happy thoughts he could think of when he was terrified like there was no tomorrow?!

He roved his gaze around desperately once more, anything that would calm his nerves. They finally stopped at Hiromi.

Unlike him, Hiromi was sleeping soundly, the soft snores indicating that she was lost in a world of dreams.
It worked. The panic which a moment ago was threatening to spill from him was now slowly retreating at the sight of his girlfriend's angelic face.

If only she had hugged him while sleeping, that would have been wonderful. But no! Hiromi cared more about keeping his pajamas clean than making him feel safe!

Cursed cookie monster pajamas! Kai was never going to wear them again. He was going to get rid of this and that dreaded wind chime first thing in the morning.

'If I make it through the night, that is' Kai thought warily.

He looked at Hiromi once more, envious of her unconsciousness. She was sleeping so peacefully and wait?! What is that?!

Hiromi one hand wasn't tucked in. It was resting on the top of their shared blanket, the blue nail polish glimmering faintly.
Kai eyed it, as if it was a Beyblade put on a shop display; untainted and impeccable.

Hiwatari bit his lip, contemplating. Should he? But what if she wakes up?

Quickly Kai glimpsed at Hiromi. Tachibana slept like a log. If a feather were to land on her nose, she wouldn't even notice it.

Slowly and deliberately, Kai reached for her hand, laying his hand on her and interlacing his fingers. So far, so good.

But before Kai could take a sigh of relief, Hiromi shifted on her side. She now faced him. It didn't stop there. Gently she interlocked her fingers with his, tucking his arm under her chin.

Kai thought she was doing this in a dream state. It looked like that though. Until;

"It's okay Kai. I am here. You are safe" she murmured drowsily.

Kai froze. Wait a second. Wasn't she sleeping a minute ago? Or was she awake this whole time, knowing well enough that her boyfriend was restless, that he was frightened and that he needed to be comforted.

If there's anything Kai hated more than anything, it was his vulnerability.

Kai tugged on his arm, trying to get it back. It was fruitless. Hiromi had wrapped her hands around it securely.

"Stop it already"

"No" Kai gritted out, still pulling his arm.

"For once let me be your knight in shining armor" Hiromi insisted.

"You are infuriating" That was an opinion.

"And yet you love me" That was an undeniable truth.

Eyes still closed, Hiromi then placed a soft kiss on Kai's back of the hand "Night night Kai"

Kai sighed, greatly flustered but he stopped his struggle. All that sleep that took flight was now returning back to him and the phoenix wielder welcomed it with his open arms. Well one arm, for another was still in the clasp of Hiromi.

Kai didn't throw away the cookie monster pajamas or wind chime for that matter.

The end

So which scared type are you? :D The first one or second? or both?! Let me know xD

And if you are reading this, then yes Misty aka Droplets of blue rain my darling this oneshot is dedicated to you. It was supposed to be your birthday gift, but posting this on December was impossible so I settled for January because it's the Capricorn season :'D But my semester didn't got over before mid of Feb. And when it did, Life happened. It has been wild lately.
So yeah sorry T_T
P.S. Thank you for being my best friend, my little sister and my constant support despite me being terrible for not keeping much in contact. I can't thank you enough :') 3 :*

I hope you guys are well and doing okie. And if not then I just want to let you know that you are loved, you are enough and that you matter ^_^
I purple you 3

Much love
~Noni