Chapter Text
It was a rainy downright stormy day in inkwell isle, but the children were still out playing despite the heavy rain. Two of those children being Cuphead and Mugman.
The two cups ran around in their raincoats, giggling as they played a game of tag. Their coats were dirty with mud since both of them had slipped countless times as they ran around. Elder Kettle would have to hose them off at home with how messy the two were.
“Cmere Mugs! I just wanna hug!” Cuphead laughed as he ran at his brother. Mugman ran down the small hill they were on into the trees below. “You never just want a hug!” Mugman shot back.
As the two ran more into the trees the heavy water droplets were mostly blocked by the trees, and in the distance what looked to be a makeshift fort, though not one the brothers had once built.
Mugman slowed down a bit as they got closer to the makeshift fort. Though Cuphead didn’t realize and fully smashed into Mugman, making them both tumble to the ground.
“Ow! What the heck knucklehead! Why’d ya stop?” Cuphead asked as he rubbed his now slightly chipped handle.
“Knucklehead?! You didn’t pay attention!” Mugman huffed as he stood up, knocking Cuphead down again. Though now he was interested in the fort in front of them.
Inside the small fort sat a kid around their age, or they assumed as much. He had a croissant shaped head and a black and white coloring. Not super unusual as some cartoons still hadn’t gone to color.
The little demon looking boy had his knees to his chest and looked to be crying, trying to huddle under the only dry spot in the fort.
“Cuphead, look.” Mugman whispered and pointed at the kid. “I think he needs help.”
Cuphead looked at the kid, he stood there thinking for a minute before shrugging. “I’m sure he’s fine mugs, maybe he’s just scared of the rain or somethin’.” Cuphead said, already trying to turn around and leave.
“Cuphead! We can’t leave this poor fella out here like this, I’m gonna talk to him.” Mugman huffed, he started walking toward the fort despite Cuphead trying to stop him.
The little devil didn’t look up, he could barely hear anything over his own misery, he was in a strange place, Boris or even Alice wasn’t here and he didn’t know how to get back home. And it was raining! His ink would get all messed up with actual water raining down.
“Uhm, excuse me? Are you alright pal?” Mugman said, standing right in the entrance of the fort. The little devil looked up at him, narrowing his eyes.
“I’m perfectly fine, just waiting for this stupid rain to stop.” The little devil said. Sighing as he put his face back in his knees.
Mugman didn’t get any closer but started swaying on his feet. “Well, if you need to get somewhere you can wear my coat and me and my brother can escort you.” Mugman said.
The little devil considered it for a moment, that would actually help, though he was still worried about his face and feet. He looked back up at the mug.
“…okay… I need to get to whatever city is closest.” The demon said. Standing up carefully trying to avoid the leaks in the stick roof. Mugman took off his muddy coat and handed it to the inky guy.
“That’ll take a while kid, and the storms supposed to get real bad for the next few days.” Mugman said. “Are you serious?! A few days?” The little devil groaned, reaching up to pull his horns.
“Ugh! Fine! Is there anywhere I can stay til the storms over?” He asked, looking to the Mug. Mugman nodded with a smile. “Yeah! You can stay with me, my brother and our Elder Kettle, we have a neat radio and it gets all the shows from the city!” Mugman said excitedly, it had only ever really been him and his brother, and Chalice whenever she dropped by.
The devil didn’t have too many options, or any options at all, he didn’t know where he was, didn’t have any money and wouldn’t survive a bad storm in that little fort. So he just sighed. “Alright… that’s mighty nice, thank you.” He said, putting the hood up of the raincoat.
“Don’t mention it! By the way what’s your name kid?” Mugman asked as he started walking next to the kid.
“Bendy, I’m also know as the little devil darlin from my neck of the woods.” He said, giving a little pose as he said “devil darlin” though Mugman and Cuphead got a slight fright.
“Devil? You ain’t workin with the devil are ya? Cause we beat him and we’ll beat ya too!” Cuphead said, poking Bendy right below his bow tie.
“What? No! I don’t work for no one. And watch who yer pokin, Cup.” Bendy said, giving a mean glare to Cuphead. He didn’t appreciate the poking, but he didn’t want to get into a fight with him. He needed to stay at their place otherwise he’d just be a little ink and water puddle by next morning.
Cuphead crossed his arms, unhappy they were bringing this guy back to their house, he better not expect him or Mugman to give up their beds for him. He’d sleep on the floor if he had any say.
“Cuphead! Be nice.” Mugman said, narrowing his eyes and furrowing his brow at Cuphead as they started walking home.
“What’s your name blue?” Bendy asked, trying to steer the conversation away from the aggressive red brother. Mugman turned his attention back to Bendy.
“My names Mugman, and as you probably caught already that’s my twin brother Cuphead. Don’t worry he’s nicer when you get to know him… just don’t go to a casino with him.” Mugman whispered the last part to Bendy.
“Hey! That was like a year ago! And we saved everyone so it doesn’t even matter.” Cuphead sulked behind the two as they walked. He already didn’t like Bendy.
The walk back was mostly Bendy and Mugman talking while Cuphead pouted behind them. When they got home they opened the cottage door, Elder Kettle sat in his chair listening to some music and reading. He looked up at the boys.
“Take your shoes off before comin in here! And hang up your coats. Make sure you go wash up before touching anything too.” He said, Cuphead was quick to get his coat off and hung up as well as taking off his rain boots and putting on his usual brown shoes.
“Elder Kettle, this is Bendy, can he stay with us til the storm ends? He’s got no where ta go.” Mugman said, turning Bendy to Elder Kettle. Bendy panicked slightly, giving his cute expression, giving a sparkle to his pie cut eyes.
Elder Kettle looked Bendy in the eye, squinting slightly before smiling and shrugging. “Sure, we have enough food and plenty of firewood. And I can set up the couch for him.”
Cuphead groaned, getting up and walking to his and Mugmans room, he was kinda hoping Elder Kettle would say no.
“What’s your name son?” Kettle asked Bendy. Bendy gave a smile. “I’m Bendy, the little devil darlin. That’s what they call me back home.” He said, reaching out his hand to Elder Kettle.
The older man shook the boys hand. Nodding. “We know a little darlin, you got lotsa charm don’t you, if you have a name like that.” Elder Kettle chuckled. Patting Bendy's head as he stood up slowly, his old joints creaking.
“I’m gonna make dinner, why don’t you show Bendy around the house?” Elder Kettle turned to Mugman. Mugman smiled and nodded. “Yeah! I can show you our piano, I’ve been taking lessons, and we can play a game of chess.” Mugman said, taking Bendy's hand and walking to the piano.
Bendy sighed internally, it was gonna be a long day but at least he was gonna be safe… but he just really wanted to go home, he missed Boris and… ugh, Alice too. Along with the others.
But it’d be fine, it would just take him a little bit before he could get home, he’d surely find answers in the city, he just had to get through the next couple of days.
There's no way it could be that hard…
Right?