In the room sat a 12 year old wolf, keeled over the toilet bowl as he threw up waves of ink. His name was Boris, and he has been infected with the ink illness since he was eight years old. He can't remember much about the first episode, nothing except the immense pain that only seemed to get worse as he got older.
His unsuspecting older brother came up the stairs, his voice reflecting a happy mood though Boris couldn't hear what he was saying. The sound of regurgitation caught the older boy's attention and he slammed the door open, calling for their father, Felix, and running into their shared room to retrieve the pain relievers. When he arrived back to the bathroom, his father was sitting next to Boris, muttering words of consoling as the child trembled in pain.
A pill slipped from the bottle and passed down to him, he took it dry as he didnt want to wait for his brother to get water. The medication quickly took effect, with his trembling and fever going down. The pain lessened as well, though he could still feel the acidic puke in his throat. Felix gave his son's shoulder a squeeze before standing to fetch a towel from the closet outside the bathroom and began to clean up. The older brother tried to help as much as he could in the small space, but realized he was getting in the way more than he was being of assistance.
He kneeled next to Boris instead,
Boris looked up at him and nodded wearily. He whimpered like a puppy in pain. Bendy's face was ridden with worry as he wiped some ink away from his brother's eyes.
Boris, breathlessly: *I'm sorry*
Bendy: Don't be, baby bro… it's okay, you're going to be okay…
Felix sat down next to his sons, petting Boris between the ears while wiping his face with a damp washcloth.
Felix: You have nothing to apologize for, Boris. We're more than happy to take care of you, kiddo. Why don't we get you to bed now, okay?
Boris nodded again as his brother scooped him up. He always found it funny that he was so much taller than Bendy, yet the demon could still lift him as though he was no heavier than a baby.
It wasn't a long walk to their room, just down the hallway. Bendy placed the wolf on his bed then went to the closet to deliver him a clean set of pajamas so he wouldn't have to sleep in his sick stained attire. Boris's usual happy demeanor was already returning as his ears perked up slightly and his tail started to wag as Felix entered the room to say goodnight. Once they'd all said their good nights, Felix made his way downstairs to put the rest of the kids to bed. Bendy planted one more kiss on his little brother's forehead before following his father, his tail flicked nervously behind him.
The low murmur of the vacuum could be heard from the living room as Bendy neared closer to the rooms downstairs. Oswald was cleaning up the living room after the kids went to bed, placing toys where they belong, vacuuming the carpet, sweeping the hardwood. Bendy hopped on board, wiping down the glass covering of the book cases which held Felix's stories and cleaning the fingerprints from the TV screen. Just as Oswald opened his mouth to express his thanks, Cuphead kicked in the front door.
Both Oswald and Bendy slumped in irritation.
Cuphead: C'MON, MIDGET BOY!
Bendy came out of the living room, an irritated look on his face: Oi, keep it down, would ya? The kids are sleeping.
Cuphead: Whoops- Oh! Hey Ozzy!
Oswald had come out of the living room too, resting against one of the bookshelves with his arms crossed against his chest.
Bendy: What the hell do you want, Cuphead?
Cuphead: We're taking you to the bar so you can finally get a girlfriend!
Bendy scoffed: You say that is if *you* have a girlfriend
Cuphead: How dare! I *totally* have a girlfriend!
Bendy: Sure, whatever you say buddy
Felix protruded from the dark hallway, he looked exhausted as he made his way over to Oswald and tested his head against his husband's shoulder. Groggily he said,
Cuphead: Woah- you look…
Bendy shot him a threatening look that warned him not to comment on his father's appearance. Felix was never an excessively aggressive person-- unless, of course he was on adventures or the situation called for it-- but his appearance was something he took great pride in. To be told he didn't look amazing, well… the other person wouldn't look so great either after he was done with them. Part of that feline instinct, always had to look his best!
Felix raised an eyebrow: "I look"...?
Cuphead: Very fatherly! Anyway- I'm taking Bendy to the bar so he can be not single anymore!
Felix laughed: Good luck-
Cuphead and Oswald were laughing now too
Felix: I'm just saying, Bendy. You, bars, and girlfriends don't really mix well.
Oswald: Let's be honest, it's just Bendy and bars that don't mix well.
Bendy: Don't encourage him!!
Cuphead: Guess we should go to prove them wrong then, huh?
Bendy: Oh please, you just want to go to the bar.
Cuphead: That and Mugs is waiting for us in the car-
Oswald: Since when do you boys have a car?
Cuphead: Since Mugs got his permit!
Bendy: If only you could drive too.
Cuphead: I'm learning! He's just better at these things than me-
Oswald: Well you better not keep him waiting anymore. Have fun boys!
Felix: Don't do anything stupid!!
Bendy, pushing Cuphead out the door: No promises, love you, g'night!
The boys arrived at a bar which was in full swing. The band was playing, there were people dancing, and karaoke could be heard from another room. Much to Mugman's disappointment, Cuphead and Bendy had spent many nights losing their minds on that karaoke stage. Both of the boys usually had fairly decent singing voices-- Bendy especially-- but when paired together with God knows how much alcohol those angelic voices go right down the drain.
Behind the counter of the bar stood a small woman, maybe a few inches taller than Bendy. She waved at the boys as they walked in and shouted "welcome" to them over the music. Bendy dusted off his shirt and smiled slyly.
Bendy: Hey boys, why don't you go get us a table! I think I just found a little someone~
Cuphead followed the demon's gaze to the woman behind the bar, she was serving someone.
Cuphead: …Was that a short joke?
Bendy: Wha- NO! I just mean that I- nevermind. Shut up.
Cuphead laughed as Bendy stormed off. Mugman's eyes were glued to the patron the woman was serving. She was seemingly a German Shepard as evidenced by her brown fur and black markings around her muzzle and ears. She was much, *much* larger than any normal dog he'd ever seen before though. Her height was closer to that of a wolf-- perhaps she was a crossbreed between the two. No matter what species she was, her beauty was undeniable. Her amber eyes flickered up from the beer she was drinking to meet Mugman's red ones. He began to blush slightly.
Mugman, patting Cuphead's arm dismissively: Yeah… why don't you go find a table, bro…
Cuphead: You've been quiet this whole time and the first time you open your mouth is to leave me for a girl-
Mugman, teasingly: Isn't that what we came here to do?
Cuphead: To get *Bendy* a girl!!
Mugman rolled his eyes playfully and parted from his brother to meet the mystery woman. She seemed to grow in size as he got closer, certainly no shy of six or seven feet tall. He realized her face was riddled with scars, some larger than others. He wasn't about to pretend like she didn't intimidate him just a little bit, but that wasn't about to scare him away. Mugman began to smile warmly at her as he approached, a skeptical smile spread across her face.
Mugman, bowing ~~because he's a lil gentleman~~: Hello there, ma'am
He was still bent at the waist, but he turned his head up to look into those piercing amber eyes of hers,
Mugman: Mind if I buy you a drink?
Mystery Woman: Oh, how bold of you,
Her voice was just as magnificent as the rest of her with a thick Russian accent making Mugman cling to every word she spoke. He felt his face heat more as she spoke again,
Mystery Woman: to offer a drink before asking my name…
Mugman, smiling sheepishly and standing: Does beauty need a name?
Mystery Woman, smiling: I like you, little mug…
Mugman: Does beauty *have* a name?
The Mystery Woman chuckled and gestured for him to sit on the empty stool next to her. He did and rested his elbow on the table, having to look up to see her face now that he was sitting.
Mystery Woman: Marilyn. But *you* can call me Mari~
Mugman smiled and blushed deeper. She could definitely see it now. Mari lifted her chin as she smiled down at him,
Mari: Do you have a name?
Mugman: You won't believe it,
Mugman, sarcastically: I know… Now about that drink?
He flagged down the bartender, the girl Bendy had come over to the bar for. The nametag on her uniform revealed her name to be Valli, supposedly short for "Valliescent," the name of the bar, which would make *her* the owner. He ordered another beer for Mari and something for himself.
Mugman: So what is a lady like you doing here alone tonight, Mari?
Mari, looking over her glass at him: Who are you calling a lady, Little Mug?
Mugman dipped his head: My apologies,
Mari chuckled again and sipped from her glass: I've just come to let off steam. Long day at the police station, y'know how it is..
Mugman: You're an officer? *Fascinating.*
Mari: It certainly has its perks, yes… what about you, what are you doing here?
Mugman shot Bendy a look across the bar then nodded his head in the demons direction as he took a swig of his drink, Mari looked over at him
Mugman: I'm chaperoning him and my brother
Mari: Ooh, so you're a responsible type?
Mari laughed. Actually laughed, not a chuckle like she'd been doing the rest of their conversation. She quickly finished the rest of her drink and took a notepad and pen out of the pocket of her dress-- He didn't even realize she had pockets. The notepad was clearly for work related reasons as he recognized the symbol of their local police station along the border of the paper along with their contact information, and Mugman watched as Mari wrote another number down. Her handwriting was very professional, neat cursive. Mugman admired the lettering before she tore the note from the rest of the pad and slid it to him.
Mari: In case you ever need a break from all that responsibility~
She winked at him as she stood and walked away, her tail swaying behind her as she made her way toward the exit of the bar. Mugman felt as his face became the same red hue as his brother's straw and he furiously chugged his drink before ordering another.
Another bartender had to serve him as Valli was busy with Bendy.
Bendy: So what do you recommend?
Valli and Bendy had been talking for quite a bit, though their conversation was interrupted a few times since her attention was needed by other patrons. Since she'd returned, he was trying to get her to help him order something. If they did end up together like he hoped, he could use this as an opportunity to figure out what her favorite drink was… maybe surprise her with it on a date?
Valli: Alexander makes his own specialty, you interested?
Valli, smiling: I think so
Bendy: Well you seem like you've got good taste. Sure, I'll take it!
Valli nodded and turned around to grab a glass and a bottle. She poured Bendy a glass but didn't have time to put it away before he asked,
Bendy: Why don't you enjoy a drink with me?
Valli, putting the lid back on the bottle and returning it to its spot: Are you trying to get me drunk on the job?
Valli laughed and shook her head before looking back at Bendy. He smiled slightly, but his face seemed serious.
Valli: Oh, you're not kidding-
Bendy: Nope! You're a pretty little lady, Valli. Let me get you a drink
Valli cringed a bit, Bendy noticed and felt his heart race in embarrassment. She had a partner, didn't she? Of course she did, she's beautiful, why wouldn't she?
Valli: I'm sorry, you're a sweet guy but-
Bendy: Just get me whatevers strongest…
Bendy: Put me out of my misery, get me whatevers strongest
The demon downed the drink he had been given, and proceeded to gulp down each drink Valli gave him afterwards.
Across the bar stood Cuphead, resting against a wall with his head down turned and his eyes closed. *Maybe if I wait long enough, the ladies will come to me… cool guy approach-* His thoughts were interrupted by a sudden commotion behind him which caused his head to whip around in curiosity. His eyes were met with an interesting scene; a redheaded girl with demons horns and an anxiously flickering tail was on the floor picking up a fallen tray while a man, who she was supposedly serving, sat at the booth looking down at her with an enraged face-- his face, Cuphead realized, was that of a bird, though he didn't know what breed.
Bird: WHAT IF THAT HAD FALLEN ON ME, DUMB GIRL!?
Waitress: I- I'm sorry sir! It was an accident, I swear!
Cuphead turned around to help the girl when another man walked over. He was some sort of reptilian, a lizard or maybe a snake, with yellow eyes that radiated mal intent. He rested his elbow on the table, standing in front of the Bird man and winking at the girl who was still on the floor.
Reptilian: Is he bothering you, lovely?
Bird: AY! Mind your own business, a-hole!
Reptilian: Not if you're slandering a woman as beautiful as she!!
In the chaos, the demon waitress has returned to cleaning the floor, picking up spilled ice cubes and placing them back into the broken glass. Cuphead walked over, finger gun at the ready in case it was needed.
Cuphead, sternly: Why don't both of you back off now…
Bird: Oh, you think you're so tough, do you?
Reptilian: And I saw the poor damsel first, so if you'll kindly *fuck off.*
Cuphead, raising his glowing blue fingertip for both the boys to see: Real poetic words for someone who's about to get their face blown off.
The offender's faces turned from cocky and angry to pure fear, but it was obvious neither of them wanted to back down.
Cuphead, sighing: Listen, if you think *you're* so tough, then prove it. Because all I see is a sad, single man who has nothing better to do than terrorize defenseless bartenders.
The bird scoffed, looking for some kind of snarky remark or comeback to throw at Cuphead. When he turned up without a retort, he smacked the money when owed onto the table and stormed away, muttering indecencies under his breath.
The reptile crossed his arms and allowed his vibrant red tongue to slither out of his mouth in an act of defiance. His chin was upturned so that he could look down at Cuphead in a snooty sort of way. The girl had stopped cleaning, looking at the moment between the reptile and Cuphead from behind her defender with both concern and surprise on her face.
Cuphead, addressing the reptile: And you,
Reptile: What about me? You think you can play hero and get the girl?
He laughed dryly, fueling the agitation in Cuphead's soul. His blue fingertip grew brighter, but he refrained from shooting even as every bone in his body urged him to shoot a hole through the reptile's dirty mouth.
Cuphead: This isn't about getting into her pants, it's about protecting her from dirtbags like you.
The reptile scowled, lowering his chin finally and looking at Cuphead straight on.
Cuphead, directing his finger at the man's chest: **Or I shoot.**
They were locked in a silent staring contest for a few moments before the reptile shoved his scaly claws into his pockets and walked away, uttering curses no different than the bird's swears.
Cuphead took a deep breath to relax while he lowered his hand and the blue flame extinguished. Once he was less tense, he turned to the girl who was still on the floor. That's when he finally got a good look at her. Across the bar stood Cuphead, resting against a wall with his head down turned and his eyes closed. *Maybe if I wait long enough, the ladies will come to me… cool guy approach-* His thoughts were interrupted by a sudden commotion behind him which caused his head to whip around in curiosity. His eyes were met with an interesting scene; a redheaded girl with demons horns and an anxiously flickering tail was on the floor picking up a fallen tray while a man, who she was supposedly serving, sat at the booth looking down at her with an enraged face-- his face, Cuphead realized, was that of a bird, though he didn't know what breed.
Her hair, which he realized was more of a coral color than true red, was pulled back into buns behind her horns, which curled in opposite directions at the top. Her bangs had a single darker streak which ran up her hair and stopped just before meeting the center of her head. Her eyes were bright yellow like the sun, and almost seemed to glow like it too. For that matter, everything about her seemed as radiant as the sun, all the way down to her tail which was no longer swaying in fear as it had been earlier.
Cuphead cleared his throat and extended a hand to help her stand. She looked at it for a moment, uncertain of whether she should take it or not.
Cuphead, smiling: It's okay. I'm not going to hurt you..
She smiled as well then, and took his hand. Once she was standing, she dusted off her lilac uniform which had bits of the birdman's order still stuck to it. While she tidied herself up, Cuphead kneeled down to pick off the tray and set it on the table.
Waitress: Oh! Y- you don't have to do that-
Cuphead: Hey, don't worry. I don't mind!
Waitress, blushing: Thank you, sir.. A- and thank you for helping me with those customers!
Cuphead: No worries! And call me Cuphead, no need for formalities.
The waitress smiled slightly and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, not knowing what to say next. Cuphead continued,
Cuphead: Can I have *your* name?
Waitress: Right- I'm Piper!
Cuphead: "Piper…" what a pretty name
Piper: Thank you- again..
He chuckled and she smiled at him before glancing at the table and remembering she was still working. She apologized to him before producing a cloth from her uniform's pocket and wiping down the table, collecting the dirt onto the already tarnished serving tray. Cuphead watched her clean, hands behind his back but still ready to punch anyone if they tried anything with her again.
He grabbed a napkin out of the dispenser on the table and a pen-- presumably left by the bird-- and wrote down his number. Piper curiously watched as he did.
Cuphead: Don't take this the wrong way, but- Here's my number,
She hesitantly took the napkin, looking at his… less than neat handwriting.
Cuphead: Just in case you find yourself in trouble again
Piper's face turned red and she glanced up from the napkin to see his brilliant blue eyes and the speckling of silvery freckles under them.
Piper: Th- thank you, sir- er- Cuphead! I really appreciate it!!
Cuphead: Yeah! No problem!
They stared at each other for just a moment before Piper was called by her boss, the short girl at the bar.
She grabbed the tray and walked off just as Mugman was walking toward his brother, a huge goofy smile on his face.
Mugman: Guess who got a number?
Mugman: Her names Mari and she has the *hottest* voice I've *ever* heard
Cuphead, patting Mugman on the back: That's great, bud
Mugman side eyed his brother and the giddy look he had on his face. He followed his brother's gaze to the pretty little waitress who was talking to Valli at the bar.
Mugman: Ohoooo, I know that looook~
Cuphead playfully pushed his brother away
Mugman: C'mon, what's their name?
Cuphead: Hey, where's Bendy?
Mugman pointed at the wasted little demon walking toward them. He was stumbling over his feet and nearly tripped over his own tail before finally making it to Cuphead and Mugman, the former of which had to pick bendy up to prevent him from face planting.
Bendy: So- so she's dating this guy, right?
Mugman: Did he beat you up?
Cuphead: Wow, you have zero belief in him, huh?
Bendy: Uh, *rude!* And, *no.* He did- he did NOT beat me up…
Cuphead: I'll have you know Mugs and I were both successful in-
Bendy: Yeah, yeah, whatever
He went limp in Cuphead's arms, causing the taller man to sling the demon over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes
Bendy: Yessss, carry me hoooome. I can't waaaalk
Mugman: Oh my stars, Bendy..
Bendy: Mugman- I will fite you
Cuphead: Let's go before he thinks about getting more alcohol
Bendy: That's not a bad idea-
Cuphead rolled his eyes as he headed for the door, his brother following close behind with equal disappointment-- and also seemingly finding humor-- in Bendy's drunken state
This was writen by a friend of mine of discord,they are amazing at writing and gald to have on my team
This is part one of the story
