Anyone can find love in Hell
I'm Back! and i've got for you some flirting and some Mugman cameos!
The cityâs neon pulse throbbed behind them, a kaleidoscope of electric blues and synthetic reds bleeding into the inky blackness of the alley. Cupheadâs hand remained clasped within the demonâs, a small anchor in the swirling chaos of his thoughts. His steps, usually brisk and full of cheer, now lagged, led more by Bendyâs gentle tug rather than his own. The anger still simmered, but a new, now familiar warmth bloomed in his chest, radiating from the point where their fingers intertwined.
âHe just doesnât get it, you know?â Cupheadâs voice sliced through the quiet hum of the distant city. His eyes, usually sharp and filled with life, are fixed on the cracked pavement ahead, refusing to meet Bendyâs gaze. âAlways on my case, always asking questions. Like Iâm some kind of⌠incapable child who canât make his own friends.â
Bendyâs thumb stroked the back of Cupheadâs hand, a silent comfort. A low growl rumbled in his chest, a sound of understanding, not anger. He kept his silence, allowing Cuphead to rant all he wanted, for him to untangle the knots of his frustration.
âAnd the hypocrisy! Oh, the absolute, unmitigated hypocrisy!â Cupheadâs grip tightened, his knuckles whitening. âHe goes off with that professor, Gabriel, for his âresearch.â Spends days, sometimes weeks, holed up in that library, looking into⌠I donât even know what. And Iâm supposed to just nod and smile, no questions asked? âItâs for knowledge, Cuphead,â he says. âImportant work.â But I make a friend, I spend a few hours out, and suddenly itâs an interrogation!â
A huff of air escaped Cupheadâs nose, a frustrated snort. He yanked his hand free, gesticulating wildly. âHe acts like Iâm falling into some kind of trap. Like every single person who talks to me has some kind of ulterior motive. What, am I that much of a mark? Am I just walking around with a sign on my back that says âsuckerâ?â
Bendy stopped, turning to face Cuphead fully. His tail, usually a playful whip, now wrapped around his leg. His eyes, pools of liquid ink, softened, devoid of their usual mischievous glint.
âNo one thinks youâre a mark, darlinâ,â Bendyâs voice, a low purr, wrapped around Cupheadâs nerves. âThey think youâre⌠precious. And sometimes, when someoneâs precious, others get a little⌠overprotective.â
Cuphead scoffed, kicking at nothing. âPrecious? Iâm a grown-up! I can handle myself. Iâve faced tougher than a few nosy questions.â
âOh, I have no doubt you have,â Bendy chuckled, a sound that vibrated through the alley. âBut family, they see things differently. They see the little one they remember, not the sharp-witted waiter who charms the pants off anyone he chooses.â
Cupheadâs face flushed, a sudden, hot blush creeping up his neck. He averted his gaze, mumbling. âI donât charm the pants of anyoneâŚ.â
âOh, you donât?â Bendy leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. âBecause I seem to recall a certain waiter who had me utterly captivated from the first moment we met. And I assure you, my dear, it wasnât because of a lack of options.â
The blush deepened, spreading across Cupheadâs cheeks and the liquid in his head started bubbling and steaming . He shoved his hands into his pockets, trying to appear nonchalant, but the heat in his face betrayed him. âThatâs different. Youâre⌠you.â
âAnd you are you,â Bendy countered, a soft smile playing on his lips. âAnd the âyouâ is quite captivating, even when âyouâ is ranting about your brotherâs overzealous concern.â
Cupheadâs shoulders slumped, the fight draining out of him, replaced by a weary resignation. âHe just makes me feel like⌠like Iâm not trusted enough. Like Iâm not capable of having a normal day without me fucking something up.â
âNo one should make you feel that way,â Bendy said, his voice now devoid of humor, to a low, serious tone. His hand reached out, gently cupping Cupheadâs face, tilting his head up until their eyes met. âYou are more than good enough, Cuphead. You are extraordinary.â
The sincerity in Bendyâs gaze, the conviction in his words, hit Cuphead with the force similar to one of The Devilâs attacks. He swallowed hard, his throat suddenly tight. He hadnât realized how much he needed to hear that, to feel seen, truly seen, beyond the sarcastic quips and the troublemaker facade.
âI just⌠I donât want to fight with him, againâŚâ Cuphead whispered, the anger replaced by vulnerability. âHeâs my brother. My only family left.â
âAnd family is important,â Bendy agrees, his thumb stroking Cupheadâs cheekbone. âBut so is your own happiness. Your own choices.â His eyes flickered to the alley around them, the brick walls grungier, the air thicker with the scent of damp concrete, something distinctly⌠inky. âSpeaking of choices, darlinâ, weâre here.â
Cuphead blinked, pulling back slightly from Bendyâs touch. He glanced around, his surroundings slowly registering. The neon glow of the Devilâs Casino district had faded into something different, replaced by the muted, grimy hues of the Ink Syndicate Quarter. The cobblestone street beneath their feet felt different, rougher, and the air, once filled with the distant strains of jazz, now carried the faint thrumps of machinery and the occasional, sharp crack of a distant bottle breaking. He hadnât even noticed the transition. The conversation, Bendyâs gentle presence, had completely absorbed him.
âHere?â Cupheadâs voice came out a little too high, a little too surprised. He looked at Bendy, then back at the shadowy alley, a sudden, awkward flush rising to his cheeks. âOh. Right. I⌠I guess I wasnât paying attention.â He coughed, trying to cover his embarrassment. âSo, this is⌠your turf, huh? Less glitter, more grime.â
Bendyâs grin widened, a flash of white against his dark face. âPrecisely. We prefer our charm a little more⌠authentic. Come on, darlinâ. Moon Manâs bar awaits.â He extended a hand, palm up, an invitation.
Cuphead hesitated for a fraction of a second, then slid his hand into Bendyâs. The demonâs fingers wrapped around his, warm and strong. Bendy led him down a narrow, winding street, the sounds of their footsteps echoing faintly against the brick. A few more turns, and a splash of warm, amber light spilled onto the path from a half-open door. A faint, earthy aroma, a mix of stale beer drifted out.
Bendy pushed the door open, a small bell jingling softly above them. The interior of Moon Manâs bar was a comforting contrast to the grimy exterior. Dark wood paneling lined the walls, worn smooth by decades of leaning patrons. A long, polished bar dominated one side, its surface gleaming under the soft glow of suspended Edison bulbs. Behind it, an array of bottles, amber and emerald and ruby, caught the light, refracting it into tiny, dancing stars. The air, though still carrying that faint, earthy scent, was now infused with the comforting aroma of old leather and something sweet, like burnt sugar.
The bar was mostly empty, as Bendy had predicted. A lone figure, his face round and hair neatly pulled back into a low bun, wiped down a row of crystal glasses, his movements careful and deliberate. He had a gentle presence about him, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he worked.
âMoon Man, my dear friend!â Bendyâs voice boomed, a jovial sound that filled the quiet space. He tugged Cuphead closer, guiding him towards a pair of stools near the front of the bar. âLook what the wolf dragged in, eh?â
Moon Man looked up, his movements unhurried. A smile spread across his face, he set down the glass he was polishing, his gaze shifting from Bendy to Cuphead, a flicker of genuine curiosity in his eyes.
âBendy. And I see you have a guest,â Moon Manâs voice was soft, calm and steady. He nodded a greeting, a slow, deliberate gesture. âDidnât think youâd be back in my establishment so soon. Though Iâd have more time to relax before you come back.â He cackles before looking at Cuphead. âAnd who might this be?â
Bendy wrapped an arm around Cupheadâs shoulders, pulling him into a side-hug. Cuphead stiffened for a moment, aware of the demonâs warmth, then relaxed, the faint blush returning.
âMoon Man, allow me to introduce the incomparable, the utterly captivating, Cuphead,â Bendy announced, a theatrical flourish in his tone. âCuphead, this is Moon Man, the most patient bartender in all the city, someone who does not take shit from others, and a dear friend of mine.â
Moon Manâs smile deepened. He extended a hand across the bar, his fingers surprisingly cool and smooth. âA pleasure to finally meet you, Cuphead. Bendy talks about you too much by now.â
Cuphead's eyes widened. He shook Moon Manâs hand, the touch feeling strangely grounding. âHe does?â
âOh, yes,â Moon Man affirmed, his gaze twinkling. âOften. And with⌠immense enthusiasm.â He turned his attention back to Bendy, a playful glint in his eye. âSo, you finally managed to lure your âdarlinâ over to the right side of town, did you, Bendy? Took you long enough.â
Cupheadâs face, already flushed, turned a deep, alarming maroon. His jaw dropped, and he felt his brain just⌠stop. His Darlinâ? Had Moon Man just called him⌠Bendyâs Darlinâ? And Bendy just⌠let it happen? A wave of heat washed over him, a dizzying mix of embarrassment and something else, something akin to a thrill. He opened his mouth to protest, to stammer out some kind of denial, but no words came. His mind had truly blue-screened.
Bendy, oblivious to Cupheadâs internal meltdown, merely chuckled. âHeâs a busy one, Moon. Takes a lot to tear him away from his work. But I assure you, it was worth the effort.â He patted Cupheadâs back, a gesture that jolted the cup back to a semblance of awareness.
Moon Man, sensing Cupheadâs sudden paralysis, shifted his focus. âWell, busy or not, you both look like you could use a drink. What can I get for you, gentlemen?â
Cuphead, still reeling from the âdarlinââ comment, managed to stammer. âUh⌠a⌠a Whiskey Old Fashioned, please.â He needed something strong, something to cut through the haze of mortification and unexpected warmth.
âAnd for me, my usual, Moon Man,â Bendy announced, settling onto his stool with a contented sigh. âA Sloe Gin Fizz. You know the drill.â
Moon Man nodded, his smile unwavering. âComing right up.â He turned, his movements fluid and calm, disappearing through a swinging door at the back of the bar, presumably to fetch ingredients. Just before the door swung shut, his voice drifted back. âMake yourselves comfortable and enjoy the quiet. oh, and try not to cause too much trouble, you two.â
The door clicked shut, leaving Cuphead and Bendy in a sudden, comfortable silence. Cuphead took a deep, shaky breath, trying to regain his composure. The blush, though still present, had receded slightly. He risked a glance at Bendy, who was now idly tracing patterns on the polished bar top with a long, slender finger.
âYour⌠your usual, huh?â Cuphead finally managed, the words feeling clumsy on his tongue. âSloe Gin Fizz. Sounds⌠old school.â
Bendy snorted, a low, amused sound. He turned his head, his eyes glinting. âOld school? Is that your way of saying I'm too old for ya, darlinâ?â
Cuphead quickly shook his head. âNo, no! Just⌠It's a classic. Most people, they go for the flashy stuff. The fancy named ones.â
âAnd whatâs wrong with a classic?â Bendy challenged, a playful glint in his eyes. âSome things are timeless for a reason. They have a certain elegance, a certain⌠taste. Besides, itâs my regular here, Moon Man makes them perfectly.â
âFair enough,â Cuphead conceded, a small smile finally touching his lips. âI guess I just figured you for more of a⌠new things kind of guy.â
âOh, I have my moments with the recent things, believe me,â Bendy said, a dark chuckle rumbling in his chest. âBut a man needs balance, Cuphead. Keeps things interesting.â He leaned closer, his voice dropping. âSpeaking of interesting things, tell me more about this professor of your brotherâs. What kind of âresearchâ keeps him away for weeks?â
And just like that, the conversation flowed, easy and natural. Cuphead found himself talking, truly talking, about Mugmanâs eccentricities, his boundless enthusiasm for obscure useless pursuits and his notes. Bendy listened, his attention unmoved, occasionally interjecting with a witty comment or a thoughtful question that demonstrated he wasnât just hearing the words, but truly understanding the underlying frustrations.
He described the professorâs habit of speaking in complex old jargon, forcing Mugman to carry a small, dog-eared dictionary to translate. He even admitted, with a reluctant grin, that despite all things, he admired his brotherâs passion.
Bendy, in turn, shared anecdotes about Moon Man, about his uncanny ability to read people, his quiet wisdom, and the surprisingly potent advice he offered over a perfectly mixed drink. He spoke of the barâs history, of the types of people who frequented it, and the rules of the Ink Syndicate Quarter, all delivered with a casual charm that made the dangerous world outside feel almost cozy.
Their drinks arrived, Moon Man returning with a tray bearing a heavy, cut-glass tumbler for Cuphead, its contents a rich amber, garnished with an orange peel and a single, perfect cherry. For Bendy, a tall, slender glass held a vibrant, ruby-red liquid, effervescent and topped with a frothy white head, a lemon twist perched on the rim.
âHere we are,â Moon Man announced, placing them gently on the bar. âEnjoy.â He then retreated to the other end of the bar. (To let the lovers have their moment)
Cuphead took a sip of his Old Fashioned. The smooth burn of whiskey, sweet and smoky, spread through him, a comforting warmth. He leaned back, a sigh escaping him. âThis is good. like really good.â
âMoon Man never disappoints,â Bendy agreed, taking a long, slow sip of his fizz, his eyes closing in contentment. âPerfection in a glass.â
The hours melted away, punctuated by the clink of glasses, the murmur of their voices, and the occasional, soft clatter from Moon Man. Cuphead found himself laughing more freely than he had in a long time, the tension in his shoulders easing with each passing moment. He told Bendy about his most outrageous casino patrons, the ones who tried to cheat, the ones who flirted shamelessly, the ones who lost their life savings, sometimes literally, with a desperate, hollow laugh. Bendy, in turn, recounted tales of the Ink Syndicate, of daring heists that went wrong in hilarious ways, of rival gang leaders, and the surprisingly interesting goings-on of the Ink Quarter .
Cupheadâs initial two Whiskey Old Fashioneds quickly turned into three, then four. The edges of the room began to soften, the lights to blur. His words, initially sharp and precise, grew a little slurred, his gestures a little grander. The anger at Mugman, which had been a burning ember, now felt like a distant memory, a faint wisp of smoke.
âHe just⌠he doesnât listen,â Cuphead slurred, gesturing emphatically with his fifth, or maybe sixth, glass. The ice clinked merrily as he waved it. âHe thinks he always knows best. Always. âOh, Cuphead, you should do this. Oh, Cuphead, you shouldnât do that.â As if we havenât been taking care of ourselves since⌠since forever! Who helps him in his nightly outings, huh? Who made sure he ate something other than leftovers when he was holed up in the living room at night? ME! Thatâs who!â
Bendy, his own Sloe Gin Fizz barely touched, leaned forward, his chin propped on his hand, his eyes fixed on Cuphead. He hadnât interrupted once, merely offering a soft hum of agreement, a subtle nod, a gentle, encouraging smile. His attention was a warm, unwavering spotlight, making Cuphead feel like every word, every slurred syllable, was the most profound truth ever uttered.
âAnd then he says⌠he says I donât have any friends!â Cupheadâs voice rose, a wounded wail. He slammed his glass down, the liquid sloshing precariously close to the rim. âMe! The life of the party! The most charming waiter in the whole damn casino! Of course I have friends! I have⌠I have⌠you!â He pointed a wobbly finger at Bendy, his eyes, though a little unfocused, shining with a fierce, drunken loyalty. âYouâre my friend, Bendy. RIGHT?!â
Bendyâs smile softened, a genuine, tender curve of his lips. He reached out, his hand gently covering Cupheadâs where it rested on the bar. âIndeed, darlinâ. Indeed I am.â
âHe just doesnât understand,â Cuphead continued, leaning closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. âHe thinks⌠he thinks youâre going to hurt me. Can you believe that? *You*! Youâre the nicest demon I know! And youâre so⌠so handsome!â He punctuated the last word with a loud, hiccuping sigh, his head lolling to the side.
Bendyâs chuckle was a low, rumbling sound, a quiet tremor against Cupheadâs hand. He squeezed gently. âHandsome, am I? Well, I do try to look my best for you, darling.â
âAnd your laugh!â Cuphead giggled, a surprisingly bright sound. âItâs like⌠like music. And your eyes, theyâre so⌠inky. Like a deep, dark pool I could just⌠swim in. And your tail! Itâs so cute! I bet it feels really soft.â He reached out a hesitant, wavering hand, as if to test the theory, but his aim was off, his fingers brushing Bendyâs cheek instead.
Bendy leaned into the touch, his eyes half-lidded, a warmth spreading through him. He allowed Cupheadâs fumbling fingers to explore for a moment, the soft cheeks of his face..
âAnd your⌠your hands,â Cuphead mumbled, his voice growing drowsy. âTheyâre so warm. And strong. I feel safe with you, Bendy. Really safe.â His head, heavy and full of whiskey-induced thoughts, slowly slumped forward, coming to rest against Bendyâs shoulder. A soft snore escaped him, punctuated by a faint, contented sigh.
Bendy froze, a slow smile spreading across his face. He carefully shifted, settling Cupheadâs head more comfortably against him, his arm wrapping around the smaller figure. The scent of whiskey and something uniquely Cuphead, a faint metallic tang mixed with a hint of sweet tea, filled his senses. He looked down at the sleeping form, a profound tenderness welling up in his chest. Precious, Moon Man had said. And he was, truly, utterly precious.
A soft cough broke the spell. Bendy looked up, his eyes meeting Moon Manâs across the dimly lit bar. Moon Man, who had been quietly wiping glasses, now pointed a gentle finger at the clock near the entrance. Its hands pointed to a quarter past midnight.
âBendy,â Moon Manâs voice rumbled, soft but firm. âWhile I hate to interrupt⌠your time together, itâs nearing closing. And this man needs his rest.â He gestured to Cuphead. âLooks like your friendâ has had enough for one night.â
Bendy chuckled softly, a low, affectionate sound. He looked down at Cuphead, whose chest rose and fell in a steady, peaceful rhythm. âYeah, Moon Man. He certainly has.â He carefully disengaged his arm, then, with a practiced ease, scooped Cuphead up into his arms. Cuphead was surprisingly light, a compact bundle of warm, whiskey-scented comfort. A soft "wheeeeeee" escaped Cuphead's lips, a sleepy, slurred giggle, before his head slumped back onto Bendy's shoulder, a contented sigh following.
Bendy grinned, a genuine, unburdened smile. âMy darlinâ enjoys his flights, it seems.â He turned to Moon Man, already heading for the door. âPut it all on my tab. And thank you, as always.â
Moon Man merely nodded, a knowing smile playing on his lips. âSleep well, Bendy. And you too, Cuphead.â He watched as Bendy, cradling the sleeping cup, pushed open the bar door, the small bell jingling a final, soft chime into the quiet night.
The cool night air, sharp and bracing, was a welcome contrast to the warm, whiskey-laced atmosphere of the bar. Bendy cradled Cuphead close, his steps light and sure as he navigated the shadowed alleys. Cupheadâs head was heavy against his shoulder, his breath warm against Bendyâs neck. The demon found himself humming a soft, wordless tune, a melody of contentment.
He reached the main thoroughfare, a wider street that, even at this hour, saw the occasional taxi or delivery truck rumble by. He raised a hand, hailing a passing cab. The yellow vehicle screeched to a halt beside them, its headlights casting long, distorted shadows.
âTo xxx-xxx-xxx, please,â Bendy instructed the driver, his voice smooth and authoritative, as he carefully maneuvered Cuphead and himself into the back seat. Cuphead stirred slightly, a soft moan escaping him, but remained lost in slumber.
The ride was short, punctuated by the rhythmic hum of the engine and the soft jostling of the cab. Bendy paid the driver, adding a generous tip, then once again lifted Cuphead into his arms. The cab sped away, leaving them standing on the quiet street in front of Cupheadâs apartment building.
Bendy gazed up at the building, a tall, unassuming structure of weathered brick. He knew which apartment was theirs, of course. He made it his business to know such things about his darlinâ. He made his way to the main entrance, pushing open the heavy glass door, and began the climb up the stairs. Each step was careful, making sure not to jostle Cuphead too much. The building was silent, save for the soft creak of the stairs and the gentle rustle of Cupheadâs clothes against his own.
Finally, he reached the correct floor, the number etched onto the polished brass plate beside the door. He shifted Cuphead slightly in his arms, freeing a hand, and knocked gently. Once. Twice.
A moment of silence, then the sound of shuffling feet from within. The door creaked open, revealing a figure silhouetted against the dim light of the apartment. It was Mugman, his usually neat shirt rumpled and his eyes, though sharp, held a weary, disheveled look. He appeared to have been roused from sleep, his hair is amess.
âLook, Iâm not in the mood for this, Barbara,â Mugman began, his voice flat, edged with irritation. âWhatever fight you think weâre having, you can wait until morning to ask again. Iâve had a long day, and honestly, your dramatics can be a little much sometimesâŚâ His voice trailed off, his eyes widening, the last vestiges of sleep quickly vanishing as he registered the sight before him.
A five-foot-two demon, clad in a sharp black suit, stood on his doorstep. And in that demonâs arms, bridal style, was his brother, Cuphead, utterly unconscious, his head lolling against the demonâs shoulder, a faint, contented smile on his lips.
Mugmanâs jaw dropped. His eyes, usually a calm, steady blue, now flared with alarm. His entire body stiffened, every muscle tensing.
âWho⌠the fuck are you?!â Mugmanâs voice, initially a shocked whisper, quickly escalated into a loud, incredulous shout that echoed in the quiet hallway. âAnd why are you holding my brother?!â
Bendy offered a smile, a wide, dazzling display of white teeth that was so obviously, painstakingly fake, Mugman was pretty sure it could rival King Diceâs most practiced customer service grin. It didn't reach his eyes, which remained a dark, unreadable depth.
âAh, Mugman, I presume?â Bendyâs voice was smooth, unruffled, a stark contrast to Mugmanâs near-hysteria. âA pleasure to finally meet you. I am Bendy Drew. And I was merely escorting my darlinâ home. He had a rather⌠spirited evening.â As he spoke, his eyes subtly flickered down to Cupheadâs face, a soft, almost imperceptible caress in his gaze, a possessive tenderness that Mugman, despite his shock, did not miss.
Mugmanâs eye began to twitch. The fake smile, the casual possessiveness in Bendyâs tone, the way his eyes lingered on Cupheadâs sleeping face â it all coalesced into a pool of suspicion and protective fury. He stared at the demon, his mind trying to process this conundrum. This bastard Was the âfriendâ? The one Cuphead had been so secretive about? The one they had argued about?
Without another word, Mugman lunged forward, his movements surprisingly swift. He snatched Cuphead from Bendyâs arms, a furious grunt escaping him as he struggled with his brotherâs dead weight. Cuphead, disturbed by the sudden movement, mumbled something incoherent, his face scrunching up in confusion, before settling back into a deep sleep against Mugmanâs chest.
âHe probably wants his own bed,â Mugman stated, his voice flat, devoid of any warmth, his eyes narrowed. âInstead of your⌠probably tired arms now.â He clutched Cuphead tightly, as if afraid Bendy would try to repossess him.
Then, without waiting for a reply, Mugman took a step back, pulling Cuphead fully into the apartment. His gaze, cold and unwavering, met Bendyâs for one last, defiant second. Then, with a decisive click, he slammed the door shut in Bendyâs face, the sound echoing with finality in the silent hallway.
Bendy stood there for a moment, the faint scent of whiskey and Cuphead still clinging to the empty space in his arms. He blinked, a flicker of surprise in his inky eyes. Then, a slow, low chuckle rumbled in his chest, growing in intensity until it became a full, unrestrained cackle. He threw his head back, the sound echoing down the deserted hallway, a dark, delighted symphony.
âOh, my darlinâs brother has claws, does he?â Bendy whispered to himself, a wide, predatory grin spreading across his face. He turned, beginning his descent down the stairs, the sound of his laughter fading into a soft, satisfied hum. âWell, then. Two can certainly play that game, Mugs. We can certainly play.â