Chapter Text
“We’re dead. We are absolutely going to die. Why is it that we’re about to die and you’re the only one who got to have his first kiss Cuphead?!”
“That one is all on you Mugsy, don’t be mad at me for beating you at the dating game! Maybe our deaths will be quick and painless though?”
Mickey and Minnie both walked into Mickey’s personal study with Oswald after the prince came to get them, telling them the news about how the commander of the demon hunting knights was coming to see Cuphead and Mugman along with the boys’ former ruler and their elderly caretaker. The two brothers were already there and pacing around nervously as Felix, Bendy, Boris, and Alice watched them silently.
Concerned from what he heard, Mickey tried to speak up and get Cuphead and Mugman’s attention in hopes of helping them be more at ease. “Boys please calm down, we won’t let your former commander hurt you.”
Sitting with his three children on a couch in the room, Felix winced a little. “Ooooh that’s not what they’re worried about.”
Mugman grabbed at his head, fear was clear on his face. “He was furious at us for wrecking the fence when we were supposed to be painting it! What do you think Elder Kettle will do to us for being TRAITORS TO THE DEMON HUNTING KNIGHTS?!”
Cuphead, sweating buckets out of nerves, tugged at the collar of his shirt. “I think he’ll react worse when he finds out about my love life… No offense Bendy.”
Standing up from his seat on the couch, Bendy shrugged as he walked over to Cuphead and took his hand to get him to stop pacing around. Honestly it was making him feel high strung just from watching. “None taken. Frankly, I'm just glad I got Mugman’s approval.”
A bit amused that the boys were panicking over how angry their caretaker would be instead of their former commander, Oswald approached Mugman to get him to stop pacing as well and gave his shoulder a comforting pat. “We get that this feels like a lot for you two, but rest assured, you’re not handling this all by yourself. We’re all here to help you.”
Bendy nodded in agreement with what Oswald said and squeezed Cuphead’s hand, as well as smiled a bit playfully to help his boyfriend and friend feel a bit more at ease. “Not to mention you two got yourselves stuck with my family after everything we’ve all been through. We’ll have your backs.”
He got a small smile out of Cuphead when he said that, but the ink demon could tell it was forced. He also noticed in the corner of his eye how Mugman was frowning at his brother, almost looking irritated, with a touch of disappointment. Though tempted to ask, Bendy decided now wasn’t the best time since there were more important matters at hand.
Crossing his arms, Felix spoke next. “As true as that is, we also need to keep in mind the COMMANDER of the Demon Hunting Knights will be here too. This situation is risky not just for Cuphead and Mugman, but for you, your brother and sister as well Bendy. This man could be extremely dangerous, and I don’t want anyone getting hurt because of him.”
With Felix having a good point, Minnie put her attention on Cuphead and Mugman. “What can you tell us about your former Commander and the leaders of Inkwell?”
The two brothers stared at each other for a moment, looking as if they were holding a silent debate with each other, before Mugman decided he’d explain first. “Well, in Inkwell Isles, each island has a ruler in charge of everything that happens on that specific island, and all of them work together when it comes down to situations that affect all islands. Island 1 is ruled by Hilda Berg, Island 2 is ruled by Baroness Von Bon Bon, Island 3 is ruled by Rumor Honeybottom, Island 4 is ruled by King of Games… and Inkwell Hell is ruled by King Dice.”
Oswald raised an eyebrow at that last part. “I’m sorry, did you say Inkwell Isles has its own HELL?”
Doing a “so-so” hand gesture, Cuphead took over. “Eeeeeeh, sorta. See, a long time ago it was considered part of Island 3 since it was a small piece of land and only a small number of people lived there. Until one day somehow a stairway to hell appeared. King Dice’s bloodline was put in charge of guarding the stairway and to do their best to protect the citizens on that small island, and eventually they were put in charge of ruling the island. Though unfortunately, demons from hell manage to sneak their way up the stairway and cause the Inkwell Isles a lot of problems for centuries. That part of Inwell Isles is called Inkwell Hell because it’s the most dangerous place on the Isles.”
Mugman frowned over the somber memories of home. “Everyone back home had to be careful over everything they did because anything could be a trap. Trading for rare goods, enjoying a performance, buying food, playing GAMES, and so much more would be a trap set up by a demon so a mortal would be tricked into losing their soul and be left as an empty husk. Everyone was terrified to get anything like food or supplies from anywhere except from a vendor named Porkrind since he sold items to help protect everyone.”
Everyone went silent as they all processed that information.
That was, a lot to take in…
Shocked by everything they learned about where Cuphead and Mugman grew up, Boris looked at Cuphead with a bewildered expression. “And you, decided to date a demon? After growing up in an environment like that???”
Looking at Bendy, who was staring at him with wide eyes after hearing all of that, Cuphead gave a nod. “Yeah, I did, because those demons in Inkwell are working for the Devil specifically to collect souls. Over the years as part of the Demon Hunting Knights, Mugman and I saw demons doing different things then just stealing souls. Some things were pretty bad, like destroying entire villages or enslaving citizens to live in luxury and power…. Other times, now that I look back at it, some demons didn’t even do anything and were just running for their lives from the Knights.”
Both Cuphead and Mugman clearly felt guilty over admitting this. Mugman wrapped his arms around himself and refused to make eye contact with anyone, while Cuphead held Bendy’s hand a little tighter.
Letting out a breath, the red cup brother continued. “Bendy taught me that everything isn’t black and white. Some demons want to just live their lives. Because of him, I didn’t want to be a knight that blindly attacked every demon on sight. I want to be someone that helps defend anyone who needs help… Someone who deserves a person as amazing as Bendy.”
It occurred to Cuphead that what he said was probably the most emotional thing he’s said in front of a large number of people, with how both Alice and the Queen went “Aaaaaaw!”, as well as Mickey trying his best to hide a grin behind his hand, Oswald whispering to Felix over how cute young love was, and Boris rolling his eyes.
Touched over hearing how Cuphead’s world changed for the better because of him, Bendy couldn’t stop himself from hugging his partner. “You don’t have to earn the right to be with me you knucklehead… For a guy who isn’t into mushy romance stuff you sure say super mushy stuff.”
Chuckling a little from how Cuphead blushed over what Bendy said as he hugged him back, Mugman unfortunately had to cut the cute moment short. “Too bad I don’t think our former commander will agree with your point of view.”
With how Cuphead cringed at the mention of him but didn’t object, the blue mug brother continued. “The commander of the Demon Hunting Knights is an, interesting man. He started off as a humble baker, but when he decided to become a knight, he climbed up the ranks in an incredibly short period of time. You probably wouldn’t even be able to tell he was the leader of the Knights just by looking at him because he’s such a nice guy that brings cookies he baked himself to meetings.”
Remembering the day they met their former Commander, Cuphead frowned as he and Bendy slowly let go from their hug. “Don’t let that fool you guys though. As nice as he is to his Knights and citizens he helps, he’s also very powerful. We watched him take down a demon ten times his size, with a kitchen knife he had made into a holy weapon… and he enjoyed it.”
That, made the room go a bit tense. Bendy looked at his siblings nervously, watching as Alice held onto Boris’ arm and Boris shuddered.
Now with this information, Mickey thought over their options and made a decision. “Okay, this is what we’re going to do. Bendy, Boris, and Alice, you three are going to stay with the bunnies at all times while Ms. Beakley guards and protects you. The commander sounds like a bit of a wild card and I don’t want him to try pulling any stunts while he’s here. Felix, I want you with us to meet this man to help keep an eye on him. Oswald, Minnie and I will handle talking things out with the ruler of the boys’ old home as well as the Demon Hunting Knights. That way Cuphead and Mugman can focus on their Elderly Caretaker and explain everything to him.”
Everyone seemed to agree to that, though Bendy, looking worried, had an objection. “But what if they try hurting Cuphead and Mugman for being traitors?”
Walking over, Felix wrapped an arm around the ink demon’s shoulders to give comfort to his kid. “I won’t let that happen. Like you said, they’re stuck with our family now. I plan on protecting them just like how I protect you three.”
Facing the two brothers, Felix gave a smile of reassurance. “I have both of your backs. Don’t worry.”
Both brothers thanked the cat man, and although Bendy still didn’t like the idea of not being there to help protect them too, he trusted and respected Felix enough to know he’d keep his word. With everyone agreeing on Mickey’s plan, they all left to prepare before their, guests, arrive in a few days.
Noticing his boyfriend still seeming worried though as they exited Mickey’s study, Cuphead took hold of his hand and pulled him over to steal a quick kiss on the lips. When they pulled apart, the red cup brother cupped Bendy’s face with his free hand. “Hey, I ain’t too worried about this, okay? You and your siblings will be safe, and my brother and I will be fine.”
Scoffing, Bendy raised a brow at Cuphead. “Says the guy that was panicking over what his caretaker will do to him.”
“That’s different, you’d panic too if you thought Felix would be furious at you over something you did.”
Finding that as fair, Bendy leaned into Cuphead’s touch a little and sighed. “I hope Elder Kettle goes easy on you. I don’t want to be the reason why you and Mugman develop problems with him.”
Cuphead shrugged a little at that. “If he loves us as much as Mugsy and I think he does, then he’ll come around eventually. Like I said, I ain’t too worried about it.”
Stealing one more kiss from each other, the young couple eventually went their separate ways for now with their own siblings. At first, Mugman stayed quiet as he walked beside his brother, at least until they reached a closet in the hall.
Looking over his shoulder to make sure no one was watching, Mugman grabbed Cuphead by the handle, and yanked him inside.
Yelping in alarm, Cuphead stumbled and caught himself on the wall of the closet as Mugman let him go and slammed the door shut. “HEY! WHAT GIVES?!”
Glaring, Mugman poked Cuphead in the chest with his finger. “What GIVES, is that you need to tell the truth, NOW!! Our COMMANDER, and ELDER KETTLE are going to be here! Do you have any idea how much trouble you’ll be in when King Mickey finds out you’re cursed through someone other than you?! How upset Bendy will be that you’ve been LYING to him?!”
Scowling, Cuphead smacked his brother’s hand away. “I’m not lying! I’m just not telling him everything right now!”
“THAT, DOESN’T, HELP. Cuphead we’ve been here for MONTHS. We’re lucky nothing has happened to you yet! You NEED to tell everyone!”
…Cuphead hated it, but Mugman had a point.
He was VERY lucky his curse hasn’t caused problems yet, but he knew his luck would eventually run out, and it was doing a number on his nerves. Every other night he was waking up from a nightmare and Mugman would have to help him calm down. Now the only two people who knew about the curse other than Mugman were coming to the Disney Kingdom, and everyone was going to find out sooner or later.
Seeing how uneasy Cuphead was feeling, the blue mug brother sighed as he rubbed his temple. “Look, I’m not saying this because I want to scare you. I don’t want anything to happen to you, and I know for a fact that Bendy doesn’t want anything to happen to you either. As upset as everyone will be, they’ll also be understanding and want to keep you safe.”
“I know… I’ll tell Bendy tomorrow morning.”
Thankful that Cuphead was listening to reason, Mugman pulled his brother into a tight hug. “Good… I love you Cuphead.”
The red cup brother hugged back. “Love you too…”
By the end of the day, when it was time to get ready for bed, when Mugman left to go wash up, Cuphead stood in front of the mirror in their room, shirtless, and staring at his curse mark.
God what was Bendy going to say when he found out about this?
… What was he going to do if the curse finally got to Cuphead?
He already struggled over not trying to think about how Mugman will handle losing him, but Bendy? He and his family have been through enough. Cuphead didn’t want to even humor the thought of how Bendy would handle losing him.
Forcing himself to look away, Cuphead changed into his night clothes and laid down in bed, muttering under his breath. “I ain’t too worried about it, I ain’t too worried about it, I ain’t too worried about it.”
___________________
Safe to say everyone didn’t sleep well from how nervous they were. Cuphead and Mugman looked like they didn’t sleep at all when they arrived for breakfast, Felix was holding a cup of tea he made to help him wake up, and the ink trio would give off an occasional yawn every few minutes.
As they were waiting for Mickey, Minnie, Oswald, and the kids to join them for breakfast, Bendy watched his boyfriend, and noticed how he and Mugman seemed the most tired and tense out of all of them. Which was fair, since this whole situation was about them and wasn’t going to be very pleasant at all. Not only would they have a really dramatic family reunion with their caretaker that’ll be pretty mad at them, but they’ll also be dealing with their commander and former ruler, who are most likely NOT going to be thrilled over the two being traitors.
These next couple of days of waiting are probably going to feel like hell to them.
Getting up from his seat, Bendy walked over to where his boyfriend was and planted a kiss on the side of his head. “How about I ask the chef to make pancakes? I know you two love pancakes, and the chef might be willing to make them if I ask since I don’t steal sweets.”
Huffing a bit at the jab, Cuphead nodded and thanked Bendy before he left to go make the request.
Taking a sip of his cup of orange juice, Boris gave the two brothers a curious look. “So what’s Elder Kettle like? We haven’t heard you two talk about him much until recently.”
Speaking up first, Mugman explained. “Elder Kettle’s a nice guy. He adopted us when we were really little, and raised us the best he could. He’s pretty patient with the antics we got into growing up, but also short tempered when it came to us messing with his favorite things like his garden, or disobeying his most important rules. He taught us everything we know though on how to use our magic bullets and abilities that are unique to us. He always made sure to warn us of any dangers we might come across as well, he wanted us to stay away from it, and did his best to keep us safe.”
A question coming to mind, Felix asked. “Then why did you two join the Knights at such a young age? I understand your home situation might be part of the reason, but you two would have to go into battles and put your life on the line often once your training would have been completed.”
Mugman looked at Cuphead, and gave his brother a deadpanned look seeing how tense he got and started sweating. Clearing his throat, the blue mug brother then nodded his head towards the direction Bendy went, all while keeping eye contact with Cuphead.
Groaning a bit, Cuphead got up from his seat. “It’s better if we wait for Mickey to join us before we discuss that… I also need to talk to Bendy first.”
Though confused, no one objected as the red cup brother left the dining room and went to go find Bendy.
Uuuuugh, Cuphead didn’t look forward to this.
But he REALLY had to talk about this now before things got worse.
Reaching the kitchen, before he pushed the door open, Cuphead paused when he heard Bendy talking, taking notice of how the tone of his voice sounded off.
He sounded, scared?
“-Who the hell are you really? It was one thing to meet you at that sweet shop, but now you’re in the castle kitchen? Where’s the chef?”
“The chef is enjoying a morning off, and I’m just here on business. Cookie?”
The moment Cuphead recognized that voice, panic surged through his very being.
Throwing the kitchen door open, Cuphead quickly pulled Bendy behind him and did his best to keep him out of view as he glared at the man before them.
Pulling out a tray of freshly baked cookies, Saltbaker grinned as he moved the cookies to the cooling rack. “Cuphead! Good to see you’re doing well. I was beginning to worry about you.”
Clenching his fists to stop himself from letting magic build up in his fingers, not wanting to make the situation worse by acting out of impulse, Cuphead did his best to speak calmly as he addressed the man.
“Commander Saltbaker.”