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"Cmon Mugsy! Hurry up!" Two children, not much taller than a shrub, ventured through the thick onslaught of trees. Thistle and gorse not seeming to slow their stride.
They didn't seem to have any real direction of where they may be heading. One lead, the other followed. It was this way, and it would be forevermore.
The trail grew thin the longer the boys wandered. The mug slowing to a sudden hault and grabbing the handle upon his brothers head.
"Isn't this far enough?" The boy queries. Eyes grazing upon the never ending sea of forest.
This question hardly haults the young cup, who briskly removes his brother from his person. Looking out and into the shadows surrounding them.
It was getting dark, to continue and roam the open forest was surely a grueling task, so Cuphead reluctantly allows them to shelter away for the night.
...
"Hey Mugsy." Mugman opens his eyes. Being stirred away from his bothersome night terrors. The dream he was having was one he knew familar.
The day Cuphead had sold their souls to the devil. They had to escape. Hiding away in fear that the devil may find them and reap what he was owed.
"Mugs?" He blinks. Realizing Cuphead was attempting to get his attention. He sits up, Bones snapping and popping back into place as he adjusts.
His eyes met Cupheads. His brother looks like he hadn't been granted a lick of sleep. He swayed where he kneeled. Looking anywhere but his brother.
"What's wrong?" His voice is gruff as he rubs the sleep from his eyes. Unsure if he should be preparing to run, or go back to bed and ignore what was surely one of Cupheads many pranks.
"Can I rest with you?" That was... a new one. He examines cuphead, but cupheads eyeing the floor like it might be the most interesting thing on the planet. Mugman grits his teeth.
He couldnt tell if his brother was being serious, or just trying to bother him. Either way? The request was childish. They hadn't snuggled since, well...
They still lived with Elder kettle. They were young then. The day they ran away was the last time they had snuggled. Infact cuphead was the one to call HIM childish for insisting that they stay close for warmth.
He pretended he didn't remember the way cuphead would shiver and cry. Hes almost sure the tears are the reason Cuphead tried to avoid him at night.
He had made a mistake. He told his brother he'd forgiven him, but it was a bit hard to mean such words when he'd done something so reckless.
"Fine." Mugman huffs. Lifting his blanket slightly. The bed he had wasnt too small. They usually never stayed in one place for long, but that doesnt mean mugman wouldn't do the most to ensure wherever they would be temporarily resting was up to his comfort standards.
Cuphead on the other hand usually slept on the ground. He only slept for an hour at a time. Insisting on keeping watch out. He said he OWED it to Mugman to watch over their shelters. They weren't kids anymore, yet cuphead definitely took the burden to heart.
Even now, as Mugman allowed him to bunk in his bed he sat like a deer in headlights. Unmoving and wide eyed.
Mugman didnt expect anything less. Grabbing Cupheads handle and dragging him besides him. It was a little akward. Mugman shifting his weight around to give his brother room.
Cuphead limply laying there like a corpse. Unsure of if he should say anything or remain silent. Mugman doesnt give him such options. Turning onto his side that faced away from cuphead and relaxing back into his bed.
"Night cups." Cuphead blinked. What was he doing? This was childish. He flips onto his back and stares up at the ceiling of their makeshift shelter.
Mugman had built it. He never requested help, he just.. did. Where was Cuphead? He wasnt helping. He was sulking. It was all he ever did. No matter how much of a bravado he put up? He was just that sad kid.
He wanted to protect mugman. Betting his own soul was one thing, but his brothers? They shouldnt have to go down together.
Tears well up in his eyes and he clutches the blankets. Breath uneven as he tries to focus on concealing his tears.
A broken sob escapes him and he crumbles. The tears he hid from Mugman flowing down his cheeks as he curls up into a small ball.
He put them in danger. Selfish danger he could've so easily avoided. He deserved the nightmares, the fear, to sleep on the floor cold and alone.
Mugman stares at the wall. Hearing Cuphead cry was... new. He didnt like it. His brother never cried. Atleast not infront of him. He glances over. His brother is facing away from him. Holding a pillow over his mouth as a last ditch effort to shush himself.
Mugman groans. Great. He turns, grabbing cupheads arm and pulling him closer. He quietly holds him. Rubbing his shoulder to try and calm his brother.
Its not quite a hug as he would've wanted, hes sure cuphead needed a hug right now, but it'll do. Shushing his brother in hopes its at all soothing.
"Uh.. remember that song elder kettle use to sing to us cuppy?" The shaking settles a bit as he can feel Cuphead slightly nod. It's not much but he supposes its a start.
"Hm.. you are my sunshine, my only sunshine" cuphead relaxes a bit in his arms. Slowly flipping himself and snuggling into Mugmans chest. It felt nice. It reminded him of home.
"You make me happy when skies are grey." Mugman soothes a knot in his back gently. Pulling the blanket over the two of them. Cuphead looked calmer. Plus! He was no longer crying, which was definitely a positive.
"You'll never know dear how much I love you" Cuphead chimed in silently. His eyes beginning to shut as the sweet melody of his brothers voice lulls him into the calming river of rest.
"Please don't take my sunshine away." Mugmans own eyes grow weary. He hugs his brother close. Glad to finally have him back. Even if it were only temporary.
He missed this.