Chapter Text
The bar was buzzing this late Saturday evening, in 1932. Workers coming in to have fun on their days off. Women enjoying their youth while they could or looking to feel young again. Men hiding from their families and trying to forget their responsibilities. People from far away towns stopping by for a small break on their road trip.
The night brought all types of people. People, cuphead didn't mind talking to here and now but ultimately wished they would find some place else to bombard. Though, this small little country town only had two illegal bars. Not many options. Who was he to complain? At least he had a job here.
It'd taken him months to even land this spot. So, as much as he hated these busy nights, he didn't dare complain. He stayed at the front spot and played bartender. Even if his actual job was waiting. His boss was too cheap to hire someone else for the job. It was an extra few cents in his pocket he supposed. Even if it was nowhere close to what he should be getting paid for working two jobs in one.
He ignored everything around him and poured a quick beer. He swiftly handed the drunken man who had way too many drinks his glass and turned to the two men in front of him. Both looked fancy, yet only one acted fancy. A small demon leaned forward on the counter with a charismatic smile while a long, awkward wolf slouched in his seat.
“I'll get a margarita!” The demon quickly exclaimed. Cuphead nodded in acknowledgement before glancing over for the wolf.
“Anything for you?” Cuphead asked as he started to grab a slice of lime out of the garnish tray.
“Just a beer.” The wolf grunted back. Cuphead nodded as he rubbed the lime against the rim of a cup. He quickly dipped the cup in salt with one hand as he grabbed another. As he prepped their drinks he heard the both begin to talk. It was noise he usually drowned out, but they had interesting things to say that caught his attention.
“So, what did the ol’ pipes tell you?” The demon’s chipper voice asked.
“Nothing much, just some grinding and grunts. Wouldn’t hurt too much to…give them a bit of work.” The broody one responded as he rested his elbow against the counter. The small one gave a thoughtful hum.
“How much are we talking about?” The usually hyper voice calmed as it asked.
“I’m looking at about ten bucks. Possibly a fifty if it turns out 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺’𝘳𝘦 talking more than I thought.” The deeper voice huffed back. Silence enveloped the two. Cuphead started to ponder what they were discussing. Was he hearing a crime being discussed? The thought made his mind race a little. Were they shutting someone up? The two looked like they were a part of something shady. One was in a fancy yellow vest, red tie, black dress up shirt, and dress pants with yellow stripes. The other in a white dress up shirt and patterned trousers. Plus, who the hell has that type of money? Now, finding someone that dressed up that nicely was practically impossible. No one could afford stuff like that unless it was in their dreams. Not many had big time money unless they were a part of something not so legal. It wasn't like he had any right to judge. He was working in an illegal bar, illegal stuff would come around.
“Here ya guys go.” Cuphead spoke up as he gently pushed the drinks over to them.
“Thanks.” The wolf acknowledged before turning back to the demon who grabbed his drink and went back to the conversation.
“So, I’m paying possibly fifty bucks to shut up some creaking!” The demon groaned.
“Well, you want to be paying seventy if we don’t get this handled now!” The wolf snapped back. The demon quieted and got this pensive look. “I’m telling you bendy, you’re going to need to get this under control fast before it all blows up in your face.” The Wolf scolded as he took a huge gulp of his beer. The supposed bendy hadn’t even touched his, just idly tapping at it as he thought.
Cuphead looked at the two in disbelief. Yeah, they were in an illegal place but to be so open about their business, was concerning to say the least. He even knew the guy's name now.
“Alright, I’ll discuss it with Alice later.” Bendy finally relented. “Just get in touch with Tom and send me the list for what you guys need.” he exasperated before finally taking a sip of his drink. Cuphead couldn't help but grow slightly envious. He got paid well for this job, he did better than most poor folks out there, but fifty was such an out of this world number. Lucky assholes must be living the dream.
Of course, he didn’t speak on this. He sat silently as he watched the two talk. His imagination started to wander, thinking about all the possibilities for their occupations. Maybe they were mob gangsters?…No, they didn’t sound Italian. Cartel?- not that either. There ain’t a lick of hispanic in them. Perhaps they were just a rag tag of gangsters. Too fancy. Family business. That’d fit, it’s how most wealthy people had their money nowadays. Some already established business handed to them on a silver platter.
“Hey, you hearing me?” The wolf spoke up, making Cuphead snap out of his stupor.
“Sorry, pal! Guess I totally spaced.” The dish sheepishly answered with a small fit of chuckles. “What can I do for you?” Cuphead asked with a chipper grin.
”I was asking for another beer.” The wolf repeated as he tapped at his empty glass.
”Alright, another beer coming up for the big guy!” Cuphead exclaimed as he reached towards the barrel and grabbed another glass. He poured the man another drink and slid it over. The two men gave him a weird, slightly annoyed look before going back to their conversation. If they had something to say, they should say it to his face. He’d knock those words right back in…
He watched the two with a slight glare now. The wolf had a more potent scent to him than the demon. Smelled like dirt and mint. A weird combination but far better than the other hideous smells he's had to endure during this job. Bendy, on the other hand, had this strong scent of cedar wood and cumin. The scents weren’t awful, nor were they overly powerful. Which was a lot to say since he could tell they were alphas.
”Hey, doll, do you know anything about the chewing company?” Bendy turned on him abruptly with a small grin. “My bud Boris over here and me are in desperate need of a quick talk.” He continued as he straightened his neck tie. Cuphead quickly tried to fix his face and force a smile.
“Yeah, I’ve heard of the place. Pretty sure I passed by it a couple of times!” Cuphead answered as he started to make a woman’s drink. “They are down by the town’s center. Head down past the pig’s shop, a little further into the woods and you’ll find them!” The cup explained.
”Hm…” Bendy went silent with a strained smile. “Well, me and Boris ain’t familiar with this town. So, we need to be a bit more clear.” The demon clarified.
”Oh. Uhm, well, from here you’ll ignore the main road and follow the dirt paths. Keep on them and you’ll eventually find something.” Cuphead replied as he went over to another customer.
“Thanks.” Bendy grumbled with a roll of his eyes. The dish didn’t speak to them afterwards, but he did watch them. He didn’t know how long he fixated on the two, but eventually, they did leave. Cuphead immediately went over to inspect another guy. He totally reeked of cigarettes and looked like he was down on his luck. Well, most were in the same boat. Hell, he was barely staying on land.
The night went on as he made conversation with drunken, lonely people. The bar got smaller and smaller as the hours passed until there was nothing left but a few passed out on the ground and tables.
“Cuphead, wrap it up!” Mr. Walkins yelled out from his office. “And push those drunken fools out! Cuphead, you here me? Get them out I say! Out, all of the-“
”I hear ya, I hear ya!” Cuphead bemoaned before walking over to the tables and shaking the drunken man laying there up. “Get to stepping, stores closing.” He ordered before going over to the cat sprawled out on the ground. He nudged him and walked to each and every customer. Some obliged, others he personally had to throw out himself.
By the end of it all he found himself walking out in the cold. The freezing air sliced at his porcelain skin and left him curling in on himself. The stroll was annoying, and lasted way longer than he ever liked. The dish ended up eventually making it home but by that time the sun was already rising. He quietly stepped inside, making sure he didn’t wake his grandpa or brother.
Cuphead crept up his stairs and into his room. He just needed sleep. So, ignoring the fact he was still in uniform he crawled into bed and passed out. The dish was then woken a few hours later by his brother barging in his room.
”You ever heard of knocking.” Cuphead groaned before sitting up.
”Granpa needs his medicine, and I have to go meet my publisher. So, I really need you to go for me.” Mugman hurriedly explained as he sloppily pulled his coat on.
”Can a man get some rest in this house?” The red cup complained as he started to force himself out of bed.
“I’m sorry, but he really needs it.” Mugman apologized while he was already running down the stairs. Cuphead didn’t respond and just went to his dresser.
Now, at 3pm he found himself in a pharmacy waiting in a long line. The place was full of stressed, overworked, exhausted people. Time stretched on for an eternity before he was finally next in line. He’d answer the basic questions about his information with a bored drawl. The lady up front after getting her information would ask for the six dollar payment. Just hearing the price made him wince in pain. Money would be tight as per usual. Then, after grabbing the medicine he thought, might as well go grocery shopping. So, at 4pm he was in the store inspecting prices on the meat. God, why did a bit of pork cost an arm and a leg? Greedy ass companies.
As if summoned by his hatred for the wealthy people he heard two familiar voices. He glanced up and spotted the two men from the night before. Bendy and Boris both looked beyond pissed as they were grabbing sodas from the refrigerators. It wasn’t uncommon to run into people from the bar, so he didn’t think too much about it. As he was about to go back to shopping, of course, with his luck he and the wolf locked eyes.
The wolf’s face lit up with small excitement. His whole body straightened as he stopped looking at the selection of beverages.
”I don't know what we’re doing in this washed-up town! Lost, and without anything to do! There is absolutely nothing in this place. Boris, are you even listening to me!?” Bendy whined and whined as he looked for what soda he wanted. Finally, he picked a root beer and turned to Boris with a scowl, only to see the other fixated on something. “What, are you ignoring me over?” The demon barked out before he glanced over and also saw the cup. The dish nervously smiled as he set the meat he was looking at back down.
“Uhm, we couldn’t find the-“ Boris had begun before he was cut off.
“Hey, so ‘just following the dirt paths until we find something’ didn’t really work!” Bendy shouted out at him with clear anger.
”Well, you found this store didn’t you?” Cuphead sassed back. Bendy scoffed with disbelief before shaking his head.
“If we pay for your groceries could you show us to the chewing company.” Bendy reluctantly offered as he crossed his arms.
”Well, we got us a deal!” Cuphead beamed, his once soured mood immediately disappeared. It was awkward silence at the register, but the cup was radiating with joy. Seems like those rich folk could be useful. The pork that was once given up on ran up with the rest of the groceries to five dollars. The demon grimaced but paid nonetheless. The dish could hardly contain his excitement. Money wouldn’t be so tight after all. He hurriedly grabbed his bags of groceries and followed the two men outside, where Boris would take out his car keys and stroll over to a nice red duesenberg.
Lucky, lucky bastards.
Boris got in and started his vehicle, a beautiful rumble brought the doozy to life. As Bendy sat in the passenger seat Cuphead couldn’t help but stare at it in pure amazement. What caught his attention was a pop of a trunk and the wolf telling him to set his groceries inside. Once he finished loading his food and sat inside the car immediately began to move. They started their journey through Isle one as the dish gave directions. After a few minute drive they ended up in front of the small building. Bendy stepped out and checked himself head to toe. Making sure he looked as sharp as possible. Cuphead hopped out himself and ran out to the trunk.
”Thanks for the deal!” The red cup happily yelled out only to be met with confused looks.
”I ain’t gonna make you walk.” Boris called back from the car.
”Oh! Well, thanks.” Cuphead nervously answered before he went back into the duesenberg.
”Make sure to discuss the pipes!” Boris called out to Bendy as he started to set the car in reverse. Oh right, he had almost forgotten these people were up to no good. Who would have thought the chewing company was a shady business. Especially a small town like this. The most crime that went on was the petty purse snatchers. Then again, the literal devil lived here, so it wasn’t that surprising.
After the demon disappeared into the building Boris began to drive out.
“Where do you live?” Boris asked as he leaned forward to watch for any signs.
”Pretty far into the woods myself. I’ll point out where to go.” Cuphead answered as he watched the road ahead. Boris nodded before going silent. They didn’t bother with conversation, only words exchanged were Cuphead showing where to go. Eventually they did end up at the small little house his family called home.
“That’s the place!” The dish announced. Boris pulled in close to the fence and put the car in park. Cuphead jumped out and grabbed the grocery bags before running back to Boris’s window. He leaned onto the frame, catching the other’s eyes. “I really appreciate it!” Cuphead expressed.
“No problem.” The wolf softly responded before giving a small nod. The cup waved goodbye and jogged the groceries back into the house. He set them all down in the kitchen before heading upstairs and knocking on Elder Kettle’s door.
”Grandpa, I have your medicine.” Cuphead mentioned as he opened the door and peaked his head in.
”Okay!” Elder Kettle replied before breaking out into a fit of coughs.
“Take it easy.” Cuphead soothed as he walked over to the old man and rubbed at his back.
”Don’t worry about me.” The old man wheezed out between coughs. “H-how is work?” He asked once he caught his breath.
”It’s been fine. I met these two weirdos, they were lost. They paid for this week's food and even gave me a ride home!” Cuphead excitedly told him. “We won’t have to worry about money too much!” The young man couldn’t help but cry out with relief while he opened the medicine.
”I- What do they want!” Elder Kettle spluttered.
”They just wanted directions. So, it was a fair deal.” Cuphead quietly answered. The man was still wary after the cup’s stupid decision back in the casino. As much as he understood why, he couldn’t help but feel hurt every time his grandpa showed he still didn’t trust him.
“Be careful with things like that! Stop being so trusting.” Elder Kettle reprimanded. The two stopped speaking so the kettle could take his meds, but after he swallowed them he got this contemplative look. “I really wish you would quit that job.” The old man began.
“No, grandpa, I already told you I wasn’t-“
”No, 𝘊𝘶𝘱𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥, you listen to me boy. We’ll be fine. It’s okay if you can’t afford my medicine, I’ve lived my life.-“
”Stop talking like that! I’m keeping my-“
”Quit interrupting me.” Elder kettle spoke over him angrily.
”You’re interrupting me!” Cuphead whinged.
”I won’t repeat myself! I will not make you miss your guy's youth taking care of some old man who already had his fun. I want you guys to live! Not just barely surviving day by day. I’ll be damned if my grandson is imprisoned just to pay for my medicine.” Elder kettle chided.
”There isn’t a single job out there, I tried! The ones out there will hardly pay for our electricity. Don’t get me started on food, clothes, and all of the above. We’re doing fine how we are now. Don’t worry about it. Just focus on getting better.” Cuphead argued before standing up and walking out the door. “Now, get some rest, will ya?” He huffed out as he turned back to check on him. He was only met with a disappointed look.
“When will you ever listen to me?” Elder kettle sighed as he leaned back against his bed frame. Cuphead didn’t answer and shut his door. He heard clicking from downstairs and then footsteps. Followed by irritated grumbles so he immediately knew the tender atmosphere.
“How’d that meeting go?” Cuphead questioned as he started to walk down the stairs.
”Same as usual! We’re gonna have to push the release date back again, ain’t got the funds to release enough copies.” Mugman groaned out as he set his bag down on the table.
”Don’t worry Mugsy, it’ll get out there. Next thing ya know you‘ll be a star!” Cuphead motivated him as followed the blue mug into the kitchen.
”Ya think?” Mugman sheepishly asked as he glanced over at the groceries and started to put them away.
“I know! just make sure you don’t forget about me.” Cuphead affirmed while he began to help with the food.
”With how loud and obnoxious you are, how could I?” The blue dish joked.
”Hm, well just know once you get all big I want two cars and a mansion.” The cup listed.
”I don’t know about all that.” Mugman laughed. They finished putting the food up and said their goodbyes. One went to his room to write. The other went to his room to sleep.
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Cuphead softly grunted as he felt himself slowly start to wake. He pried his eyes open and was met with the same dark room he always did. He turned onto his back and stared at the ceiling, procrastinating getting ready for work. He watched the plain tan walls, somehow finding them more amusing than life.
Was that a crack? Lovely, he was going to have to start eventually worrying about the house’s state.
Another one? How had he never noticed them before?
He grimaced as he squinted to find any more cracks. Two cracks…three cracks…four cracks…five cracks…six cracks…This wasn’t right. He felt his breath quicken and muscles tense as his anger grew. Why couldn’t he just catch a damn break?
As he angrily watched the ceiling he started to hear a low rumbling. He curiously glanced over at the rest of the room to find it, but when a piece of rubble smacked him in the face and the rumbling turned into tearing from above he quickly gave his attention to the ceiling again. The concrete started to break and fall down. Cuphead quickly shot up and scrambled to get out of bed but before he made it out a voice stopped him in his tracks.
Laughing. Who could possibly be laughing right now? He looked into the now empty space where his ceiling once was and there stood a red demon. He scowled at the sight, watching as the creature leaned against the walls of his room and dipped it’s face in. His heart raced and sweat began to pull in his palms. Almost instinctively he raised his hands to shoot it but nothing came out his finger. Cuphead let out a small curse before choosing to just run out the room.
He quickly hopped out of bed and tried to bolt to his door but each step started to feel a little lighter than he should. He looked down to see his feet were no longer on the ground, then he looked up to see the demon’s hand pinching his shirt and pulling him up. It held the small dish close to it’s face and continued laughing at him. Cuphead squirmed around, trying to fight out of the hold but he went nowhere real fast. It finally stopped laughing at him, instead just quietly grinning before raising him up high and opening it’s mouth.
Next he knew he was falling down a mouth while screaming. Then…he was in his room again, waking up. The dish quickly flipped over onto his back and saw his perfect, uncracked ceiling staring at him.
”Hey, it’s time to get- Oh, you’re already up?” Mugman called out before he walked into the room and saw Cuphead wheezing. “You okay?’” He gently asked. He was given a small nod, followed by a few ‘I’m up, I’m up’. The mug didn’t press into it and shut the door with a goodnight.
Cuphead sat up in bed and frowned. He needed to get ready.
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Still slightly shaken by his nightmare he was at the bar serving people their food and drinks. It was nothing new, he always had nightmares. He just ignored his distress and tried to stay in high spirits. As he finished serving one table he heard the entrance bell and strode over to greet the guests. There, he saw those same two faces accompanied by a few new faces.
”Some small town we live in, huh!” Cuphead laughed out.
”Yes, small indeed.” Bendy answered with a toothy grin. Boris and him looked ecstatic. Including whoever they had brought. A slim, pretty lady wore a wide smile. She looked like an angel, that smooth skin for sure made her look out of this world. A beta? he couldn’t really tell with her vanilla and cardamom scent. To put it simply, she was just heavenly. Then the other man, who…also had a very familiar face. He absolutely had to be Boris’s twin. Though, a very angrier looking one. His cloves and saffron smell reeked of alpha. “We’ll love a booth please.” The demon requested.
”I can do that for ya!” Cuphead chimed as he grabbed four menus and guided them to an empty spot. The happy coterie sat in their seats and accepted the menus. “I’ll get back to you guys after you decide what you’ll like.” The dish told them as he paced back to the kitchen.
”Hey, hurry up and get these plates out before they get cold!” Richie roared from the stove.
“Yeah, I’m doing it!” Cuphead angrily shouted back. He set a platter on his head and grabbed the other two with his hands. He rushed out with the food and drinks and found each table they belonged to. Once he finished he went back to the table where the cheerful group was chuckling. “Have we decided what we wanted?” Cuphead asked as he held out his small notepad.
”Yes, I’ll get the spaghetti, but may I ask, how do you know these two?” The lady ordered first and tried to make a small conversation.
“oh, they were here last night, and we ran into each other at the store today.” Cuphead entertained the question as he started to write.
”My, it must be fate!” She exclaimed.
”Yeah?” Cuphead laughed before looking at the others for their orders.
”I’ll get the bacon soup, and bring out four beers while you’re at it.” Bendy said as he leaned against the table.
“I’ll get the chicken soup, please.” Boris requested secondly.
”I would like the meatloaf.” The second wolf spoke up before they all handed back their menus. Cuphead took them all after he finished writing and bid them farewell. He continued serving the rest of the place until the group’s food was ready and brought their plates back to them.
”Say, what’s a pretty omega like yourself working in a place like this?!” The angel asked as she grabbed her plate from his hand.
“You know how work is during these times.” Cuphead stated as he set the rest of the plates down.
“You got a lovely personality.” The lady continued with a sly grin. He didn’t understand her much, she was definitely weird.
“Uhm, thank you ma’am. I’ll go get your drinks.” Cuphead finally finished the conversation before trying to get as far away from them as possible.
”Alice, you look like a creep.” He heard the demon begin as he created distance. “If you want new-“ Then he was out of hearing range. He ended up in front where the person he shared the bartender role with was at. Bowlboy…Why did this place always have to be full of wackos?
”Hey, cuphead~ I got the drinks pal.” Bowlboy notified with a sing-song voice.
“Thanks.” Cuphead deadpanned as he snatched the drinks from his hands and carried them back to the table. “Here, you guys go! Is there anything else I can do for you?” The dish immediately beamed in his customer service personality.
”No, that will be all for now.” Alice answered as she took a sip of her beer.
“By the way, the meeting went over nicely.” Boris added abruptly with a cheerful smile. “It’s why we’re all here celebrating!” He cheered.
𝘸𝘩𝘺𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴,𝘐𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘵𝘰𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘨𝘶𝘺𝘴𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘴𝘸𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘺𝘰𝘶.
“Oh, greaaat.” Cuphead tittered.
“The workers handled it quite cleanly, I say, Not a single drop in sight.” The second wolf joined in.
”I do hope they keep that up. Amazing leadership Tom.” Alice complimented.
This had to be the sloppiest crime family to exist and now he was made a part of it.
“Well I’m more than happy for you guys! I’ll be leaving now, enjoy your guys night!” Cuphead hurriedly said before he once again darted away from them.
“Hello, Cuphead!~” Bowlboy greeted, He just wanted to go home already. The night had stretched on longer than ever, and when his shift finally came to an end it was the same old. Get shouted at and kick people out. He was used to this, everything would be fine.
“Cuphead, clean the dishes and I’ll pay you two dollars extra this week!” His boss shouted from his office. The dish took a deep inhale. As much as he wanted to complain he was tired and frustrated he knew he’d do it anyways. He’d be getting home far later than usual. Far more tired. He’d slump through the door with sunken eyes and shaky hands. Drag himself up the stairs and crawl into bed in dirty uniform once again.
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His life repeated the same way like it always did. Get up, go to work, walk home, sleep, wake up, check in on grandpa, and go back to bed. Well, that’s how it was supposed to be. Instead every time he checked in on grandpa his health just seemed to grow worse and worse. Chores started to be left forgotten as he stayed by his side with Mugman and kept close eyes on him. Elder Kettle’s cough got worse, was always dizzy. Body shaked uncontrollably. The twins would try to discuss what could be happening, but the only conclusion was something they didn’t like much. Refused to even mention it.
Cuphead lost sleep, nervously checking in on the old man through the night. A couple times he and Mugman ran into each other while they were heading to his room. Some nights they would just stay there, sleeping in his room with him. Silence started to grow terrifying, the only relief being the kettle's tired coughs.
“Grandpa, how are you feeling?” Cuphead softly asked as he set the tea he had brought him down on the lamp table.
“Fine, no need to worry about me. Don’t you have things to do?” Elder Kettle quipped as he sat up.
“Not really, I mainly just sleep through the day.” The cup conceded while checking the tea’s temperature before handing it to the other.
“Go get yourself a hobby or something!” Elder Kettle scolded angrily. “Thank you, for the tea.” He added before taking a small sip.
”I’m too tired for that right now grandpa.” Cuphead responded.
“Have you at least tried looking for a mate yet?” The old man curiously asked with a cheeky smile.
”No.” Cuphead shyly admitted.
“You’re twenty four! You’ve only dated two girls and I hardly consider those little flings relationships!” The older man guffawed.
”Grandpa!” The dish chided with shock.
”Seriously, you ought to start making a family. You need time to find the perfect one and you're wasting it. Want to be an old lonely man like me, hm?” Elder Kettle joshed while elbowing the other. His grandson didn’t say anything to him, but the rosy blush painting his cheeks said enough.
Later that afternoon he decided to go fishing. It had been years since the last time he did that. Besides, this was one of his days off. He had forgotten how easy it was to lose track of time. It only seemed like a few minutes but before he knew it he had gotten a bucket full of crawfish and the sun was setting. He brought the food home and the three had it as a small snack before they went to sleep.
Cuphead lay in his bed later. He couldn’t fall asleep, the sound of coughing keeping him up. It wasn’t fair. He works himself to the bone every damn day for that medicine and it wasn’t even making him better. Each small cough made his face scrunch more and more until he threw his covers off and stomped out of bed. He angrily rummaged through his dresser until he found a thick coat and put it over his pajamas. He stepped into a pair of slippers and stormed off outside. He didn’t know where he was going. Just anywhere else but that house.
The dish walked down the dirt paths and streets until he was in front of a small shop. He couldn’t be more thankful for ice houses. He was seated outside sitting on the sidewalk, eating a sandwich. He didn’t care for how bummish he looked right now. So, Cuphead ignored all the odd stares he got.
“Hey, I saw you in the store.” A voice said behind him. He turned around to see the same old wolf behind him, holding a few chocolate bars.
”Can I ever get away from you.” Cuphead scoffed in disbelief. Running into this guy again was really pissing him off. Boris laughed as he came over and sat beside him.
“ouch.” He commented while opening his chocolate bars and shoving a few into his mouth. “What has you out so late all stressed.” Boris asked with his mouth full of food. The cup grimaced but didn’t bother commenting on it.
“My…My grandpa is sick.” Cuphead simply said before taking another bite of his sandwich.
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. Were you and him close?” Boris asked as his voice became more tender.
”He raised me, how could we not be?” The dish sighed as he stopped eating and just stared at the street lamp..
“I see. It must be hard.” The wolf awkwardly remarked as he continued shoving his mouth with chocolate. Cuphead didn’t say anything. He just stared at the light, wanting to forget the annoying stalker on the side of him and the frustrating life he was living. “Do you want to talk about it?” Boris curiously asked as he glanced over to the young man on the side of him.
”What is there to talk about? He’s sick.” Cuphead grumbled as he gave him a mean side eye.
”I mean-I don’t know. How this all makes you feel.” The wolf nervously said as he finished one of his chocolate bars.
“I’m angry. Who wouldn’t be?” Cuphead snapped back. The wolf nodded and didn’t say anything else. “Why did you even come out here to talk with me?” Cuphead fumed.
“You seemed upset so I wanted to make sure you were okay.” Boris told as he started to eat again.
”I’m a complete stranger. You have no eason to bother me.” The dish quipped. The wolf simply shrugged as he licked at his fingers. “Aren’t dogs allergic to chocolate or something!?” Cuphead shouted in shock.
”Normal, on all four dogs, yeah. Us who stand on two legs just get really sick from them.” The wolf answered. The cup just shook his head and started to watch the light again. As the silence passed he felt his lips start to quiver and his eyes begin to sting.
A few sobs broke out into the night. Cuphead frantically wiped at his tears as he gasped for air. Could the night get any worse? crying in front of someone he didn’t even know. He cried and cried until his eyes burned. The dish felt a hand start to rub circles into his back. This was so weird. These last few days since those guys came have been weird. He wished they would leave already.
It’d been five-no, ten, maybe…A good amount of time had passed as he sat there and bawled his eyes out. Once he finally started to calm down the wolf hesitantly spoke.
”I can drive you home.” Boris offered as he stood up and jingled his keys.
”Yeah?” Cuphead spoke while he wiped his remaining tears. The wolf helped him up before he guided him to his car. The drive was silent, and he couldn’t be more thankful for the guy letting him be. The only sound to be heard was his ragged breathing and hiccups he got from balling more than breathing. When he ended up in front of his house he found himself hopping out and thanking the man once again.
“Anytime. I hope your grandpa gets better.” The wolf responded.
”You and your little group are so weird. You’ve helped me so much this week and we’ve only spoken a few times.” Cuphead huffed as he watched the other like he was this strange enigma.
”My family? I suppose we just don’t mind helping folks out.” Boris mused with a wide grin.
”Family?” The dish repeated in small surprise. Turns out he got it right on the head. “Yeah, but you treat me like I’m some friend.” Cuphead continued.
”Everyone can be a friend.” The wolf answered. “You don’t seem like such a bad friend.” He spoke thoughtfully. “Looks like we’re friends then. Huh?” Boris finalized.
”I guess.” Cuphead chuckled with a roll of his eyes. What an odd, odd dog that man was. “Well, I’m going to bed to get what sleep I can.” The dish joked before he started to walk to his fence.
”Your name?” Boris piped up.
”Cuphead.” The dish responded.
”Goodnight, Cuphead.” Boris softly said.
”Goodnight, Boris.” Cuphead replied.