Chapter Text
"And that's why I believe I would be fit for the job!"
The scriptorian begrudgingly took a look at the papers placed on his desk. The man before him had already summarized a few sections of what he was reading, but the past experiences were a nice touch as well as a handful of basic skills. It all looked perfectly sound.
Then he got a look at him, a dish head, one of them. All of a sudden, the paper didn't look too promising.
Bluntly, the scriptorian decided, "No."
The man before him paused a bit, confused, "I…b…no?"
"No," the scriptorian assured, putting the page aside to make the rejection more clear.
The dish man blanked for a moment, but quickly brought himself up to press on, "I…c-can I have an explanation? Was there anything that bothered you?"
The scriptorian did not want to entertain him any further, "I did read it. I just didn't see anything that could be of help."
"P…Pardon? I…" the man stopped himself, not wanting to sound desperate. He instead went for confidence "I have hundreds of books at home that I've read, and have them sorted in proper order! I can assure you that could be of some-"
"No."
"But-"
"Get out."
The scriptorian was brief, he got up to go back to his previous task of putting books away. The dish man tensed up and after a while of silence he took his skill sheets with him as he left.
Upon leaving, he was habitually avoided by the passing townsfolk, he tried to ignore the occasional stare or the expected whisper he knew concerned him. He walked into the square, towards the ink fountain where he came after his daily rejections. It was the perfect spot too, most people steered clear of it, so he had made it a habit to sit on its steps, feeling some sort of kinship with the spout.
Same old, same superstition... With crossed arms, he just buried his nose to hide away. He really thought he tried his best with that one.
It didn't take long, but he was soon found. Another just like him saw him looking glum by the fountain, knowing this to be his favorite spot to sulk.
"I find you here again, Mugs?" he assumed, "Didja get rejected again?"
Mugs didn't even look up, "Hey, Cuphead...didja cause trouble again…?"
Cuphead had his hands on his hips, “You tell me first…”
His brother sighed deeply, "The library…claimed they didn’t see anything useful..."
"The library? Ya read enough already, why there?" Cuphead questioned, sitting down next to him.
“I like learning, I figured I’d like the work if I got tasked for it,” Mugman lamented.
“Yea, well the reason they gave sounds like hogwash…I say he saved yerself the trouble…”
"I..I'm sure they had their reasons..." Mugs mused, "Could be they hired enough, or don't even need workers...they got everything alright, and to hire me would be redundant."
Cuphead narrowed his eyes, "Ya really believe that?"
Mugs sighed deeply, he wanted to. At least, he wanted to give some benefit of the doubt to the townsfolk, that it wasn't just him.
"I could have a chat with him if ya like-"
"No- Cuphead, I don't need you gettin' into another fight. Not for my sake...nobody would ever hire me willingly!"
"Nobody is doing that anyway, if you want work, ya gotta play dirty," Cuphead gave a chuckle that soon turned into a nervous one, "Besides...probably too late to say that."
His brother blanked, before his face became ridden with shock, "Cuphead!"
"Whaat? A guy looked at me funny-" he chuckled weakly, trying to lighten the mood. Mugman did not find it amusing, "That is hardly the reason to start a fight! I...I can't...do you want to be considered a nuisance?"
Cuphead could only shrug, seeming to not give a hoot. Mugman didn’t appreciate his carelessness, “Please stay outta trouble…Ugh…it’s already bad enough we’re considered magic freaks.” Cuphead frowned at that, “Least we’re known?”
Mugman grumbled, “The townspeople know us as freaks…”
“Mm…I wouldn’t call us freaks, more so, good-meaning trouble-makers,” Cuphead shrugged, trying to cheer him up. Mugman could only pout, “Too bad “troublemakers” is in the name…”
“I mean, it isn’t too bad of a title. We’re already rebels of the town, aren’t we?” Cuphead put his hand to his chin, grinning at the thought. Mugman could only hold his head in despair, "I just want to stay outta trouble…I don't want to be seen as that…"
Cuphead looked to the side, “I mean…besides pops, we got Porkrind's pity-"
"He hates yer guts."
"There's Hilda! She's always got somethin for us."
"Yea, a beatin 'to get off her plot…"
"Aw come on, we're known by a few people!" Cuphead scoffed, "Ya can't tell me they all hate us?"
Mugman sighed, "It seems so..."
"Oh come on, there's a few that can bear us, like…Betty and G! They're always nice ta us," Cuphead held a smile, before it twisted into a smirk towards his brother, "and then there's Alex."
Mugman felt his cheeks flush, Cuphead chuckled while teasing him, "Having you under his angelic spell, kissin' ya behind the bar counter." He puckered his lips all lovey like and made a heart with his hands.
"Shut–up!" his brother socked his brother in the arm, his red nosed brother could only snicker. Mugman humphed, looking red, “Ya don’t…know anythin…”
Cuphead rolled his eyes, "Aw come on, is sweet. He and his sister are practically extended family at this point. Isn't that enough for ya?" Mugman looked at him sadly, his eyes drifted to the ground, "Yes…but being in the same sinkin' boat doesn't really help. We're all just outcasts together."
"At least we're goin down together," Cuphead again tried to spin it as a good thing. Mugman stared at the sky with a distant stare, “Not really…”
Cuphead’s smile faded, his brother just continued his silent gaze. Cuphead had almost forgotten, "He still writes to ya…?" Mugman’s face could be read as melancholic and worried, “I think he ran out of supplies a while ago…wherever he is.”
Cuphead pursed his lips a bit. Mugman breathed sadly, “I miss him…”
Cuphead peered up at the sky with him, trying to be hopeful, "I'm sure he's just busy with somethin' else. When he can, he'll write about how many things he's seen or found, I betcha'll like that. Maybe even draw ya a sketch! That'd be something, no?"
His brother nodded, he looked at his bro, "With this war goin on? Ya think he could do that…"
"Lotsa people write to their families during wars…they gotta right?"
Mugman furrowed his brow, "How can ya be so sure he aint swept up in it…"
Cuphead frowned, Mugman sighed deeply. His red nosed brother peered away from the topic, clearing his throat, “Anyway…I got some extra cash. Ya wanna head to The Black Cat?"
Mugman immediately raised a brow, "Cash? From where?" His brother's sheepish shrug made him suspicious, "How much trouble did you cause? I was only away from you for a few minutes!"
"Is it really important? Come on, we can talk ta Betty and G, maybe get a drink?" Cuphead gave an endearing grin. His brother wasn’t too sure, “I don’t know…”
“Come on, it’ll be fun. Ya can order somethin fancy, it’ll be great,” Cuphead smiled, pulling his brother along as they headed towards the tavern. Mugman could only let doubts and uncertainty plague his mind.
The Black Cat bustled with a few, only catering to those also looked down upon by the town. Occasionally though, newcomers would spend the night in the inn upstairs and come down for a quick bite.
Cuphead and Mugman entered the bar, a few regulars shot them some looks as expected and to be ignored. Mugman kept his reserve, not wanting to be bothered. “Pay no mind, they’re just jealous,” Cuphead assured. Mugman wasn't soothed by the advice.
The server was a black cat, rightfully so, and the tavern's only employee. He had tufts of white fur here and there and over his eyes, but it wasn’t as if he had any use for them.
As he had finished taking a bard’s order, he heard Cuphead calling his name, a deep sigh left his mouth. He sauntered over, "Ah the brothers…life getting you down again?"
"Not me, just my brother. He's going to need something strong," Cuphead winked at the formal feline. Mugman nudged his shoulder, before countering, "I don't need anything strong…just something for the blues…"
"Gin or moonshine, then?"
"That is the opposite of what I want, G!" Mugman exclaimed.
The cat, G, just shrugged his shoulders and waved his tail in a sort of indifferent manner, "It helps you forget the day…"
"Just…I'll drink some wine, no need for me to pass out," he took a seat at the bar with his brother. G took his order into account, he then awaited Cuphead’s request. The red brother put his arms behind his head, "Mmm, I'm feelin some smoked cod today."
Mugman scoffed, "You order that every time."
"Well there’s a reason for it, Mugsy," Cuphead chuckled, his brother angry at the nickname which only brought him more joy.
G rolled his eyes and mentally noted their orders, he then called for the barkeep, "Betty! Yer friends are here!"
'Betty' peered around the bar corner. She was a short-statured, black demon with a round head that seemed to have had a bite taken out of it at the top where her horns curved inward. Her pale face was framed with two black curls, and two extra horns curved outward from the sides of her cheeks.
When she saw the boys, her black, pie-cut eyes lit up with delight and an excitable grin spread across her face. She made her way over, her arrow-tipped tail carrying a few empty mugs and glasses. The demon gave her friends a big hug. "Aw, shucks, Bets, nice to see ya too," Mugman smiled softly.
"Yea, how ya doin Betsy? Yer lookin fierce…" Cuphead swooned, which earned him a rag to the face. Mugman waved dismissively, "Excuse him…"
She humphed, but still smiled at the compliment as G relayed to her their orders. With that said, she put a glass before them and grabbed a bottle off the wall. With one free hand, she signed, 'You wanted a drink, Cups?'
"Nah I'm good, just wanted a bite to eat, and to visit some old friends cuz why not?" he winked at her, Betty rolled her eyes but wore a sarcastic smile.
Mugman had his wine poured, he took a long sip and breathed at the taste, "Amazin' as always." Betty nodded proudly and went to prepare dishes to serve. The red brother patted her waitress' arm, "Ya hard at work ya ol' puss?"
G pretended to not care, "I do not need to be doted on, I am a professional." Cuphead gave a well-meaning chuckle, G humphed, trying to stay aloof. It didn't take long before he took note of Mugman's disheartened sighing, "What's eatin' you?"
Before Mugman could deny anything, his brother answered for him, "He got rejected again…"
"Cups-"
"What? Ya gonna deny it? It's become expected at this point," Cuphead stated. Mugman looked at him sternly before whispering, "Not here…"
"Psh…" Cuphead rested his head in his palm. G frowned, "Yer still having issues with that? Ya know our offer here is still open?"
"And I have told you before, thank you…but no thanks," Mugman relayed, "I've already caused enough trouble for you guys…"
"Nonsense. Betty considers you both welcome anytime, and so do I. Despite yer brother's shortcomings," G could then hear Cuphead mutter something under his breath, "Ya got somethin ta say, Cups...”
"N...No, ya heard nothing!" the red brother pouted. Mugman rolled his eyes, "Then don't make it obvious..." G could only chuckle, Cuphead turning the shade of his nose. The feline just smiled, continuing with his offer, “Come on, I betcha you’d make a fine server.”
Mugman smiled at the gesture but again couldn't accept it. He would still be stuck in a similar place. He wanted to be useful, but also attempt to strengthen his rep with the town at least. Hanging around here has only caused problems.
"I appreciate all you do for us…" Mugman admitted, "I just wish things were better for you two…"
"Don't sweat it, Mugs, we're doing just fine. People may call us heathens and avoid the place but it's not unusual," G mused, “We all keep each other company at least…”
Mugman just swirled his glass in silence, G sensed a deeper meaning. His ears lowered, "Does this have anything to do…with Alex…?"
Mugman sulked, trying to avoid the subject. G could sense he had struck a nerve, "S…Sorry…”
The blue cup just leaned his head on his palm, he felt awful. Cuphead's brows slanted up, sensing the bitter feeling in him too, "Bro ya don't have to worry ‘bout it…is not like it’s yer fault…"
Mugman scowled, the feeling was strong, “Can we talk about something else please…”
Cuphead and G seemed to share the same thought. G spoke first, "Of course…uhm...I figure I should go, though. The customer’s orders won’t take themselves, won’t they?”
“I mean if they could I won't be serviced by my favorite kitty,” Cuphead gave the cat a jovial grin. G shook his head, giving them a well-meaning pat on the shoulder before taking orders again. Mugman swirled his drink nonchalantly, before Cuphead turned towards him to ask, "You good?"
His brother simply huffed in response. The red cup frowned, glancing at the counter with slanted eyes, “Ya care too much, sometimes, Mugs…”
Mugman scoffed at him, “Someone has to. Ya drive pops and the authorities up the wall with your stunts…what good does that do us?”
“Hey now, yer a trouble-maker at heart too…in a different way,” Cuphead pointed his finger, his brother put his hand down quickly, “Not- willingly! I just wanna help…”
“Eh, I doubt getting a job would help things…”
Mugman let out a huff of frustration, his brother putting a hand to his shoulder, “So what if the town thinks we’re magical freaks? That doesn’t change us one bit! Doesn’t make us any lesser than them…you do what ya keep doin best and I’m sure some good’ll come from it.”
“Ya believe that…?” Mugman lifted his head a bit. Cuphead gave him a confident nod, “I mean, pops believes in us…even if we bring him a bad name, he cares. Our friends here care–thas all that matters. Who cares if the people in this town think we’re cursed…?”
“Ya saw what happened with Alex…” Mugman recalled. Cuphead looked at him with a nervous, but certain grin, “That won’t happen to us…”
“Sure, I believe you…” Mugman spoke sarcastically, his brother frowned. Mugman could only finish his wine and lock away the doubt and stress for now. Cuphead saw Betty approach with his cod, so he settled for the distraction.
'Going to be here long? Kind of want to blab about customers for a bit,' Betty signed with a disgruntled look. Cuphead tried to answer with his mouth full, Mugman shushed him, looking to the side, “I’d love to, Bets…but pops kinda limited our time out here in town…he thinks it’s best.”
Betty gave a quizzical look, 'How much trouble can you two cause?'
“Wanna bet,” Cuphead swallowed a chunk of his meal, ready to challenge the question. Mugman quickly pulled on his handle, grunting, “You’d be surprised…apparently…”
The demon could only sigh, disheartened. Mugman gave her a well-meaning shrug, “Whatever keeps us outta trouble I guess?”
Betty eyed them with annoyance, putting a hand to her hip as she motioned, 'Quit skippin out here, I miss ya and yer still in town! Whas wrong with you…'
Before Mugman could answer, he took a glance behind her. There were pinned up sketches on the wall, no doubt from her brother. They were all variations of places, animals, and interesting people.
He frowned, “Sorry Bets…”
Betty looked at Mugs, her eyes stung with anger but also sorrow. She knew what must be going through his head and released her closed off stance. With her hands she relayed, 'Give yer old man a hello for me, wouldja? Haven’t been able to visit myself…'
“Hypocrite,” Cuphead snickered, earning a look from Betty. He quickly put his hands up, “Ok, sorry. We miss ya too, ya know.”
Mugman gave a soft nod, “For sure. I could show ya what I’ve been workin on.” He seemed to be excited to share. Betty raised a brow, 'New magic trick…?'
Mugman scratched the back of his mug, “Well…I guess ya could say that…” Betty smiled, her eyes lit up with intrigue and her hands moved quickly, 'I’ll definitely try and come tonight then.'
Mugman smiled, taking her word for it.
Betty’s grin was bright towards the two of them. 'Don’t be strangers. You two are always welcome here,' she made It clear with her palms and her eyes.
“We know, we love yer company,” Cups flirted, Betty smacking him with a rag again as Mugman couldn’t help but chuckle.
They paid and before Betty could question where they got the money they left the tavern. Mugman felt a bit better about everything, more adamant on getting home. Cuphead rubbed his face a bit, taking notice as they walked down the main road, “Ya seem cheerful now.”
“Well let’s just say we should get home so we can clean,” Mugman smiled.
“Yer excited for chores…?” Cuphead narrowed his eyes. Mugman shrugged, “I kinda wanna perfect a spell and...do some light reading…”
“A sp- really? You and I both know you don’t do any light reading,” the red brother crossed his arms, Mugman could only give him a cheeky grin.
They walked to one side of the road, people keeping to themselves as they passed. The brothers took their usual route to reach the outskirts, chatting nonchalantly. They didn’t notice someone go out of their way to brush by, a black cat shoved themselves into Cuphead, “Hey, watch where yer goin!”
Mugman pulled him along, the cat barely paid them any mind, “Come on…don’t fuss…”
“Ugh…” Cuphead glared at the feline before he begrudgingly followed.
They finally reached the outskirts of town, to which was one of the many ways into the bordering forest. The gates were kept by the guard, but they only cared for strangers getting in than a couple of trouble-making brothers going home. It didn’t help their reputation much, but living in an old cottage in the woods was peaceful at least.
“Can’t wait to be in my own bed…away from peering eyes and whispers,” Mugman muttered as they passed the gate, shuffling close to his brother. Cuphead could only oppose the notion, letting out a huff, “The house is boring…I want to go out and do somethin fun…”
“You always do and it just gets you into more problems," Mugman peered up at the sky, his hands in his pockets, smiling as he took a few steps off the road, "Besides...Betty might be comin over, we could finally have some fun at home." Cuphead nodded, grinning, "Yea we definitely could..." He then lamented, "Ugh...then pops' is gonna make us do chores for sure..."
Mugman simply chuckled, caring not as he caught up with his brother on the path towards home. However, just as they reached the forest's entrance, the brother’s noticed something. They stopped for a moment and wondered if their eyes were playing tricks on them.
There were two legs sticking out of a bush.
“Oh,” Mugman uttered, “What is that…?”
Cuphead approached, his brother tensed and followed for his sake. They huddled around the bush, wondering about the legs. "It's...definitely someone, those don't like an animal's legs..." Mugman scratched his chin, confused.
The red brother made the first move, he kicked one of them with his foot-no reaction. “Hmm…might be dead,” he claimed.
“Ugh…you’d be a terrible doctor…” Mugman knelt down, pulling on the legs. Out from the bush they found was a man of sorts? They were laying on their stomach, still and motionless. They also had a very thin tail but the hood over their head didn’t tell them much else.
Mugman flipped their hood–the brothers were surprised to find two large, rounded ears. “How did that fit under there?” Cuphead was stumped.
The blue brother could see their back heave, “They’re still breathing…not dead.” Upon further inspection, he could also tell this person had been knocked out cold from the bump on their head, “Jeez what happened…?”
“Never seen this guy around, looks weirdly dressed if ya ask me..." Cuphead tapped his chin, eying the guys questionable wardrobe: a baggy tunic, some red pants and big yellow shoes. Cuphead squinted in thought, "Tunic has a wizardy look about it..."
"That's not a word and...well I have to admit he's definitely a stranger," Mugman pondered.
"Do we take him to the doctor?” Cuphead questioned. Mugman wasn’t so sure, whatever caused this person grief, he wasn’t sure bringing him to town would be of any help. Who would even give them aid? Mugman then pondered their second option, should they leave this guy? His brain couldn’t help but feel some sort of way about it.
“I think…we should let pops look over him…maybe cook somethin up? If he let's us...” Mugman decided. Cuphead hummed in thought, narrowing his eyes at them, "Well...guy doesn't look too dangerous. Pops would for sure."
"Don't judge a book by its cover, yknow?" the blue brother smiled nervously, "Guy could be full of surprises, he's just...unconscious and unable to demonstrate."
"Ooh! That'd be really something no?" Cuphead grinned, intrigued. Mugman could only ponder further, "I mean...if he was some, powerful mage...if we helped we might be safe from the smiting. Might even, get actual thanks for something..."
Cuphead's eyes glinted with the thought of a reward, "Yea...maybe..."
Mugman could see the look on his face, a hand on his forehead as he watched his brother approach the stranger, "It's not about the money, Cuphead..."
"Sure, sure...hey help me with him will ya? Guy ain't gonna thank us in this state," he made an attempt to lift them, only to find it surprisingly easy, "Oh...huh."
Cuphead straightened himself out, holding the round-eared stranger in his arms, "Onward!" Mugman chuckled, following him further into the woods, "Now who's eager to get home?"
Cuphead could only scoff, "I don't know what yer talking about Mugs, I just want to offer help to this person in need. Is that such a bad thing?" Mugman could only shake his head, but he wore a small grin, "No, but I do know that's not why you're doing this."
"Whatever, we can help this dude and reap the rewards, if any! Besides, someone's gotta help at least?" Cuphead looked at him, begging the question. His brother sighed, but he agreed-in some sense. For whatever reason the stranger found himself here, in this state, the town wasn't going to give help, let alone let him in. Mugman could only recall the words of his brother, to just do your best and that it would come with benefit. What he wanted to do best, was to help, and it seems as if he had an opportunity to prove himself useful, at least to someone.
"Yea, we can," Mugman smiled softly, his brother grinning as he walked by his side.
The two brothers headed home with the new guy, hoping nothing too bad came of it.