Title: *Episode 129: A Gentleman's Effort*
[Scene: A sunny afternoon at the Dream Café, where all the Dream Friends and the Dream Squad are gathered.]
[Cuphead, wearing a bow tie and looking slightly uncomfortable, approaches Susie who is seated at a table, tinkering with a gadget.*
Cuphead* (clears throat nervously) Uh, good day, m'lady Susie! May I have the, um, extreme honor of maybe joining you at this fine table?
Susie: *(looks up, a bit surprised) Oh, Cuphead! Sure, have a seat. (smiles slightly) And please, just call me Susie.
[Cuphead awkwardly pulls a chair and sits down, almost tripping over.*
Cuphead* Right, Susie. (pauses, trying to recall etiquette) So, um, how art thou on this fine day? Is the weather to your liking?
Susie* (raises an eyebrow, amused) I'm doing great, thanks for asking. The weather is... as usual. But really, you don't need to talk like that. Just be yourself!
[Meanwhile, Mugman and Ms. Chalice watch from a nearby table, whispering to each other.*
Mugman* I didn't know Cuphead had a thing for Susie.
Ms. Chalice* He's trying too hard. It's kind of sweet though.
[Back at Cuphead and Susie's table, Cuphead attempts to pour some tea, but in his nervousness, he spills it on the table.*
Cuphead* Oh, flasks and beakers! I'm terribly sorry, Susie! I... I'm not usually this clumsy!
Susie* (giggles) It's okay, Cuphead. I find it endearing that you're trying, but you really don't need to put on a show for me.
[Tuff, hanging out with Tiff and Kirby nearby, notices the mishap and brings over some napkins.*
Tuff* Looks like you could use some help here!
Tiff* Don't worry, Cuphead. Everyone has a little spill now and then!
Kirby* Poyo poyo! (cheerfully encouraging)
[Cuphead, slightly embarrassed but grateful, cleans up the mess.*
Cuphead* Thanks, guys. Susie, I... I guess I wanted to make a good impression. But everything's going haywire!
Susie* (placing her hand reassuringly on his) Cuphead, you don't have to be perfect. It's enough that you're kind and brave. I like you just the way you are, no need for extra polish.
[Cuphead beams, relieved and happy.*
Cuphead* Thanks, Susie! That means a lot. How about we start anew, just as ourselves?
Susie* (nodding) Sounds perfect to me.
[Scene fades out as they begin chatting comfortably, just as themselves, laughing and discussing robotic inventions and daring adventures.*
[Mugman and Ms. Chalice give each other a knowing look, relieved that Cuphead has finally relaxed.*
Ms. Chalice* That's our Cuphead.
[As the sun sets, the cheerful chatter and laughter continue, signaling a successful day at the Dream Café, where everyone is appreciated for just being themselves.*
[END SCENE*
