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Holly still wasn’t sure about this ‘Alex’ fellow.
He seemed nice enough. He really made Cuphead happy. Like, genuinely happy. Not his normal snarky self, or that smug grin he got when hanging her up in the tree. No. He had this weird borderline sappy smile.
No tension in his shoulders. Always this light smile around the bear. Leaning around him, on him. The two laughing and drinking together. It was almost like Cuphead was a whole new toon. Almost. He still was playing pranks, still sassy and sarcastic as ever. It was just like he had a new lease on life with Alex around.
She was grateful the bear destressing Cuphead. Honestly, she’d never seen him so…light. He hadn’t even had one of his ‘brooding’ nights about Fanny. Not even one clipped comment about Mugs and Cala. Jerry even insulted him, and he laughed. Laughed! Saying the mook was getting some better banter.
Alex had been nothing but a positive influence…but Holly didn’t trust him. He was mob ergo, he was trouble. She had to make sure he wasn’t going to backstab Cuphead. He could do whatever, as long as he didn’t mess with her friends.
So, naturally, she began stalking him. As one did when concerned for family.
Alex and Cuphead went out…and Holly followed them discreetly. Cup was showing Alex around Toon Town. Having him try some American cuisine and showing off his own culture she guessed. It was hard to tell between them switching back and forth between Russian and English. The crude laughter didn’t help either.
They had lunch together. Walked around the block, chatting in Russian. Stars, she really needed to pick up that language. All in all, everything was going fine until they dipped down an alleyway. Holly thought Cup might be in danger. Alex dragged him around the corner! She activated her fade rune, heading around the corner to save him and- Holly nearly fell flat on her face.
They were kissing.
Alex. Cuphead. Alex and Cuphead. Kissing. In the alley. Them. Both. Together.
She felt her face turn beet red. It only deepening when they started giggling. Cup hadn’t been showing Alex around town. Not really. That was an excuse. It was a date! Feeling for once in her life like she was invading on a private moment, she ran back to the house. She forgot to deactivate her rune until Granny nearly sat on her on the couch.
Suddenly…Alex made so much more sense. They weren’t just friends…they were…stars, what were they? The blush still hadn’t left her cheeks. She needed to tell someone. But who? Her eyes scanned the room, locating Mugman chatting with Boris by the tele. Mind made up, she got to her feet.
“Umm, Mugs…can we talk?” Holly asked him, trying to get some of the flushing in her cheeks to go away. The younger dish perked up and bid Boris farewell, following her into the other room.
“Sure Holly.” He grinned goofily as ever. “What’s up?” She hardly knew where to start. Well, that was a lie. The kissing would be a good start.
“I, uh, I needed to tell you something about Cuphead…and Alex.” She swallowed thickly, having some second guesses by Mugman’s confusion.
“Oh stars, what did those two do now?” He huffed, shaking his head. “They already made Jerry a blonde this morning. What did they do to you?”
“Well, it’s not what they did to me, more like what they did to each other…” She mumbled under her breath. Mugman laughed good naturedly.
“Pranks, I take it.” He hummed merrily. “Those two. What now?”
“Pranks? More like spin the bottle.” No sooner had she said ‘bottle’, had Mugman picked her clean up off the floor and teleported. Once, twice, thrice up into his and Cuphead’s room. He dropped her on the floor unceremoniously. “Ow!” She yelped. “What the cu-“ Her voice died in her throat seeing the eerily blank expression on Mugman’s face. She gulped.
Maybe she shouldn’t have told him.
“What did you just say?” His voice was oddly emotionless.
“Um.”
“No, what did you say.” Holly shivered. She’d never seen the typically chipper dish so voided or cold. It was unnerving and downright terrifying. “About Cuphead and Alex.” Holly put on a weak smile.
“That they were just goofing off. T-That was all.” She laughed nervously until Mugs joined in. “Causing trouble, you know?” And kissing. In an alley way. When his façade finally broke, she felt more at ease until he pinned her against the wall. A deathly glare on his face.
“Good.” His tone was dead. “Because I’d really hate for something unfortunate to happen to you, Holly.” Mugman smiled but it never came close to his eyes. It felt like a threat.
“Are you…threatening me?” She asked weakly. He narrowed his eyes.
“No.” A dark gleam settled into his expression. “I’m promising. Cuppy may do a lot to watch my back and cover me, but I cover him right back. He doesn’t care, but I do. And this stardust could get him in serious trouble with our…group. We aren’t in Russia anymore. Things aren’t so tolerant here.” Holly went to talk but Mugman pressed on. “Running your mouth could get him beat, or worse, killed. I don’t tolerate anyone putting his livelihood or happiness at stake. Not even you.”
“I-I would never do anything to get him killed!” Holly sputtered in horror. The mob would kill him over that stardust!? Surely, he was kidding. Then again, she was pinned against the wall by someone wearing a look she thought only Cuphead was capable of wearing. She could see the hitman in Mugs now.
Mugman eased up, leaning away from her with a sigh. “Sorry if I scared you, but I’m serious. One word Holly. She couldn’t see his face. “That’s all it takes.”
“I had no idea…I just came to you because I didn’t know what to do.” She mumbled, rubbing her arm. Mugman let out another long sigh.
“He…he’s just happy. Let him have that.” Holly snorted, rolling her eyes.
“It’s clear he’s happy. I’m not going to ruin that for him. He hasn’t been upset over Fanny in ages now.” She hesitated. “I just didn’t know if you knew or, well, what to do.” She shrugged. Mugman finally looked back, and she knew why he turned. He looked scared. Scared she might get his brother hurt. That he might lose him.
“Just, don’t do anything.” He stated simply. “Let them be. Alex is smarter than you know. He knows that kinda stuff just doesn’t fly around here.”
“It does in Russia?” Mugman shrugged.
“Mob doesn’t kill over it there. They don’t really care so long as you have the family’s blessing.”
“Umm,” Holly shifted, then settled on sitting on the end of one of their beds, “can I ask you another question?”
“You just did.” She glared at him. “But sure, I guess.” He settled on the opposite bed, tensely looking at her. Like a wound spring ready to burst. Stars, he really was freaked out.
“How did they meet? Like, in Russia.”
“Mob.” Mugman replied quickly. “Alex is the only son of a mob family. One of the largest ones. We did a couple jobs for them and one thing led to another.” Holly crossed her arms.
“There’s more to it than that.” She huffed. Mugman let out a light, and genuine, chuckle.
“Ain’t that the truth.” He warily eyed the door, then her. “This doesn’t leave this cussin’ room, got it?” She nodded firmly.
“I want him to be okay. I swear. I’m not out to get anyone. He, you,” She rubbed the back of her neck sheepishly, “you guys are the closest thing I’ve had to family in a long time. Ever since I lost my dad, things sucked. You guys are like the brothers I never had. I’m always worried I’m going to come back and hear you’re dead or worse.” She didn’t know what she was worse, or why felt like the option existed so strongly, but it was there.
“If he likes Alex, so what? As long as the guy treats him right and makes him happy, I’m happy for him.” She smiled. “And that is a Holly Ester May guarantee. I love you guys, and that’s not going to change based on who you two love.” Mugman studied her, the tension bleeding out as he slouched a bit.
“Okay…” He sounded really quiet. “I’m sorry for getting so rough.”
“It’s oka-“
“It’s not.” He cut in. “You’re our friend, and I should know better by now but-“ He grimaced. “Not all the ‘friends’ we’ve had over the years have watched out for us. Some old habits die hard.”
“Mugs…”
“Whatever.” He chuckled, sounding too much like his brother after too many drinks on a bad day. Bitter. “I’m sorry Holly, I really am. Me and Cuppy are just used to watching each other’s backs. No matter what.” She wanted to ask ‘how many’. How many times had they been lied to and back stabbed to warrant such fear?
Holly couldn’t bring herself to do so.
He didn’t hurt her. She didn’t hurt him. They cleared it up. All was well that ended well.
“Water under the bridge.” She smiled at the dish. Mugs looked lost. “Consider us even for me stalking you and Cala on your last date…and slipping her the pictures of you in a dre-“
“That was you!?” He sputtered. “I shoulda known.” She giggled.
“She said you looked good.” He flushed, coughing into his hand.
“Anyways, Cups and Alex.” Holly leaned forward, paying attention. “Just so ya know, they ain’t like an official item yet.” Yet. She could always work a little matchmaker magic should push come to shove. She’d have to get a better feel for the bear first, but alas. Storytime.
“So, we we’re in Russian for a while. They fought a lot, but nothing serious. Then Cups…ex came around. She wasn’t his ex, yet, mind ya. They hooked up and things went well until she stole some priceless artifacts and pinned it on me and Cuppy. Alex’s family were the only ones to vouch for us and keep us safe. Or, safe as they could.” Mugman grimaced.
“What happened?”
“We got corned.” He began twiddling his fingers. “Cuppy got me out, but they caught him. I though he was a goner. I couldn’t find him. The others said to give up. If the secret police had him, he was as good as dead. I couldn’t give up. Alex couldn’t either. He and his sister helped me, and we eventually found him.” Mugman swallowed, caught up in the memory.
“It…he was bad, Holly. Real bad. It was all her fault.” Mugman got the terrifying look back for a second before deflating. “But it didn’t matter. Cuppy was pretty much bed written for a while. He had so many injuries…he kept waking up screaming and begging…but cuss. We didn’t know what to do. I couldn’t even touch him without him freaking out.”
“But Alex figured it out?” Mugman nodded.
“Yeah, he did.” Mugs smiled gently. “He started small, like staying up with him or helping him eat. Even just talking. One evening after dinner, Cups just fell asleep against him. Alex didn’t move a muscle until he woke back up because ‘he needed his sleep’. It didn’t click for me at first that there was something there. I thought they were just good friends.”
“Friendship can evolve, Mugs.” Holly pointed out. “And for them it clearly did.”
“That it did.” Mugman agreed. “They were just getting close to actual dating territory when our boss called us back to the states. We couldn’t stay and Alex couldn’t go. They decided to stay as friends and keep in contact. After the labyrinth…Alex got worried and came looking.”
“And here we are?”
“And here we are.” He confirmed.
“Huh.”
“What?” Holly grinned wickedly.
“I guess absence really does make the heart grow fonder.” Mugman sputtered. “Certainly, worked between you and Cala.” She smirked in a sing-song tone.
“Holly!” Poof guy was literally steaming in embarrassment.
“He came halfway across the world for him.” She threw up her arms. “Friend or more, he clearly cares a lot.” She jabbed a finger in his flushed face sternly. “I was a little suspicious of that bear, and honestly I still am, but it’s good to know that even if he is a mobster, he has a good heart.”
“That’s real sweet ta hear, Hol-“
“And your brother’s.” She cut in with a smirk. Mugman facepalmed. After dragging his hand down his face, he stared hard at her.
“You’re really okay with this?” He asked hesitantly. “It doesn’t bother you or anything?”
“Absolutely not.” Holly shook her head. “I just wasn’t sure if you knew, or if he was being forced into something or what have you. Again, mob. I worry too, you know.” He nodded in understanding. She waved a hand, moving on. “Besides, I’m still waiting on Felix to ask out Oswald.” She added with a huff, leaning back. “The pining is so obvious it’s painful.”
“Tell me about it.” Mugman mumbled. “I mean, that rabbit has to have eyes, right?”
“If he hasn’t noticed, then no. He doesn’t.” Mugman snorted.
“Blind it is.” They enjoyed a good laugh before the awkward silence came back in. Holly decided to break it first.
“Thanks.” He glanced nervously up at her. “For trusting me with this. I’m not going to let you or him down, I promise. That’s what friends are for.” Mugs smiled easily.
“And family.” He tacked on. “Like I said, old habits die hard.”
“Then make some new ones.” She hopped up off the bed, smoothing her skirt out. “It’s never too late for an old dog to learn new tricks.” The young woman pushed the door open, walking out the room. One last smile gracing her face before she was out of ear shot.
“Wait…did you just call me a dog?”
And like that, she was barreling down the stairs.
-
Ever since Holly had her ‘stalking adventure’ and chat with Mugman things with Alex seemed so much cleared. Not to mention she felt silly of overlooking Cuphead’s change in behavior. It wasn’t that his friend was around. He was just in love. She couldn’t help but smile when seeing the two getting along or chatting.
Stars, the warm fuzzies were nearly contagious.
However, if Mugman though the rest of the house was a blind as Oswald, he was sorely mistaken. Cuphead didn’t exactly do ‘subtle’. He was what he was, and did what he did, and people could just deal with that. It was just how the guy carried himself. At least Alex could be subtle…
Cala was well aware, as Mugman filled her in. Which to be fair, she was his girlfriend…in all ways but the word, for some reason. Alice was as well. The angel kept bringing up the shifts in their emotions at the apartment, but Holly knew she respected people’s privacy. Alice wouldn’t let out a peep.
Bendy was…denser. If anything, he was jealous. Jealous his ‘best friend’ wasn’t spending as much time with him. But also, happy Cup seemed to be in a better state than he was. So, yeah, Bendy was torn but behaving and hadn’t been rude. Just missing his best pal.
Boris seemed to pick up on something but held his tongue. The pup walked on eggshells most days. Considering all he done, Holly couldn’t blame him for his silence. Not could she excuse his actions. He made his bed and now he had to lie in it…but at least he was taking it in stride.
Felix simply seemed happy Cuphead was getting into less trouble and appeared to have a positive influence. Similar feelings among Red and Oddswell. Granny seemed to know something was up. She kept handling Alex sweets, telling him which ones Cup liked in certain moods and with what. She was either giving him dating advice or friendly advice. Prior more likely knowing that wise old gopher.
All seemed well, until Jerry took notice.
Holly had a hunch that nothing good would come of Jerry knowing about the duo. No matter how discrete Alex was, there was always Cuphead who didn’t have an ounce of it. It was only a matter of time before Jerry saw or noticed something. He may have been annoying, but he wasn’t an idiot.
If he saw something, he’d say something. That’s just how Jerry was. The only thing Holly was worried about is if he did something. That could put them in danger, like Mugs said. So, the young woman kept an eye open and ear out, just in case.
But of course, he noticed.
One night, during dinner, Cuphead and Alex were chatting away merrily when Jerry let out a dramatic sputter at them. They chuckled, ignoring the man until he shook his head loudly plopping down next to Oddswell.
“Are you really doing this?” Jerry asked loudly. “At the table? In front of all of us? At least have some decency.” He huffed. “Folks won’t cover for you forever.” He sneered from behind narrowed eyes. Cuphead frowned, arching a brow at the older man.
“Is there something wrong, Jerry?” Cup asked drily. Holly felt her heart skip a beat in panic. Her and Mugman both locked eyes. It was time to change the subject. Now. She opened her mouth, but Jerry was faster.
“Yes, there is!” He threw up his arms. “You two mooks are acting like schoolgirls with crushes. You’re both men, aren’t you? Why don’t you act like it? Own up to your actions!” Cup clenched his jaw, while Alex leaned forward in genuine curiosity.
“I not understand.” Alex said plainly, tilting his head to the side. “Are friends not allowed to be close or have discussion in Americas?” Cuphead snorted.
“Apparently.” He laughed good naturedly. Jerry turned red.
“Oh, why don’t you two tell it to Sweeney!” He sputtered, face blotchy. Cuphead looked to amused for his own good, while Alex still looked very lost. Muttering ‘Sweeney? Like barber?’ which got Cup rolling again. “You’re not fooling anyone.” Jerry accused sharply as confusion waved through the table. “Certainly not me!” He snapped. Oddswell let out a long sigh, rubbing under his eyes.
“Mr. Verrim, there is nothing wrong with two young men having a strong relationship.” The lizard sounded tired. “Instead of picking apart others with good relationships, perhaps you could develop your own? I understand the misses isn’t pleased but that’s no reason to take it out on the children.” Jerry only looked redder as laugher exploded across the table. Holly joined in but she caught Mugman’s eyes again.
He knew.
Jerry knew.
And that was very bad for them.
-
Time came and went without incident. That was a lie, much incident. Jerry kept trying to ruffle the boys up which just kept ending with him frustrated. Usually getting a lecture from whoever caught and stopped him.
Only problem was, Holly knew their luck wouldn’t last forever. One slip up was all Jerry needed. Holly could tell it was really starting to stress Mugman out. To the point where he was losing his cool at the house over it. So, he needed a break.
She and Cala were ‘supervising’ Cup and Alex to give the younger dish said break.
Cuphead and Alex were having a little park date. Eating lunch together on a bench, speaking in Russian, per usual. She really needed to get back to learning Russian…for reasons. Definitely not to stalk. No sire. Not Holly Ester May, upstanding citizen who definitely didn’t violate privacy laws. Yep!
“They look really cute together, don’t they?” Cala commented lightly. Holly shrugged. She didn’t really care as long as they were in a healthy and happy relationship. But yeah, they were a little cute. Not that she’d ever tell Cuphead. His ego might crush himself if she did. “I think a date like this with Mugsy would be fun.” The mer gushed.
“I think so too…” Holly frowned. A date, huh. She hadn’t honestly been on one since Finley. Stars, she missed him. He always made everything better. Finding the bright side, no matter what. They had been truly blessed to have him. Then just like that, he was gone. You never knew how long you had…which is why she wasn’t letting her idiot brother get caught.
“Aww, their kissing.” Cala squealed. “How sweet. Oh! And he’s brushing Cup’s hair back…Mugsy does that with Paul’s tentacles.” Holly snorted, shaking her head until Cala’s gushing stopped.
“What’s up?” Cala narrowed her deadly gaze.
“I just saw a flash from the trees.” Holly grimaced. Camera. Had to be. She hopped to her feet.
“Keep watch, I’ll be back.” Holly activated her fade rune and went on the move. Making a bee-line to the tree Cala pointed out. Sure enough, in the brush above, was Jerry Verrim fiddling with a camera. Holly felt gobsmaked. He was spying on them to get them in trouble!? What the actual cuss?
He looked pleased, which told her everything she needed to know. Too bad for him he was dealing with Tree Princess. Holly carefully climbed the tree and hesitated. As Jerry began to inch down, she snagged the wretched device and bolted.
“Hey!” He shouted to thin air as she moved. He tried to follow but fumbled and fell in the bushes. Holly felt more relived hearing the boys laugh at Jerry, who was yelling nonsense at them. Holly snickered, taking her prize to Cala.
“What shall we do with this?” Holly asked, feigning innocence. Cala mockingly covered her mouth.
“Oooh, I have no idea…” Cala suddenly tripped, a wicked gleam on her features, “Oopsie.” She beamed the camera into a puddle, then stomped on it. “Oh noooo,” Cala held her cheeks in mock terror, “Holly, I dropped it, how could I be so clumsy?”
Holly was laughing so hard, her sides hurt. “I-I have no, no idea, Cala.” She managed between laughs. She gasped for air, dying on the pavement. Both women paused when two shadows covered their alley. Alex and Cuphead watching them blankly.
“Are all your friends so strange, золотце?” Cuphead snorted, shaking his head.
“Nah, not strange.” He smirked and winked at them before the pair walked off. “Caring…in their own weird way.” He deadpanned as they went back home.
“Ah, good then.”
“Berries.”
-
Next came the ‘call’. One evening, during dinner, Holly caught Jerry sneaking off to make a phone call. Holly froze hearing the Toon Town Police Department on the line. She panicked. How did she stop this one? She didn’t know!?
No sooner did Jerry open his mouth, the power cut out…and so did the line. He cursed as she let out a sigh of relief.
“Cussin’ stars.” Bendy snarled. “Can’t a man cook his bacon in peace? Is this what the worlds coming to!?” A light sigh echoed in the dark.
“Bendy, relax.” Felix said calmly.
“Relax? Relax!?” The demon yelped. “I’m losing my precious!”
“Aren’t you a mechanic?” Red’s voice said flatly. “Can’t you, oh I don’t know, fix it?”
“Holy cuss, you’re right!” Bendy said in awe. “Boris, come on!”
“B-But I can’t see.” The pup whined as thumps came from the kitchen.
“I can. Come on!” Bendy called. The back door opened and shut. Red let out a long sigh. Holly hummed, thanking whoever cut the light off. She turned and came face to face with a glowing blue light. Her arms flailed, moving back from a stone faced Mugman.
“We gotta end this. Schmuck’s getting bolder and bolder.” Holly nodded. He grimaced. “Who knows how far he’ll go.”
“But what can we do?” Holly murmured, wracking her brain. How could they stop Jerry? Mugman perked up. “Were not killing him.” Mugman deflated. “Stars, you’re as bad as Cup…” They just need some way to stop Jerry before things got out of control.
-
Things were out of control.
How did they get this bad?
Jerry was screaming at Cuphead at Alex in the living room when he walked in and they were speaking Russian. Again. Red was trying to get Jerry to calm down, before he aggravated himself. Cuphead actually looked as confused as Alex, for a change.
“Have you no starfallen shame!?” Jerry roared. “C-Calling this place home only to deceive and lie to us? Huh? Huh!?” He demanded.
“What he talk of, золотце?” Alex asked. Cuphead shrugged, looking slightly annoyed.
“I have no cussing idea, but his little games are getting one my starfallen nerves.” His eye twitched. “Verrim, spill the tea.” Cuphead hissed. Now Jerry’s eye twitched.
“Spill? Spill!?” He screeched. “Oh, about what? The hidden language? The closeness? The hidden movements? Lights going out? Camera’s stolen? Honey and fire in my coffee!?” Holly blinked. Oh dear, it seemed Jerry was snapping. And…honey with fire? What? Alex pouted.
“He took coffee I made for you, золотце.”
“Codeword!” Jerry yelped. Holly felt lost. She was starting to think that maybe, just maybe, this wasn’t about…them. Cuphead arched a brow, smirking mischievously.
“золотце.” He said slowly, in a mocking tone. Jerry hid behind Red, who looked done with everything. “That’s what’s bothering you?” Cup chuckled.
“Hidden language.” Jerry insisted as Oddswell stepped in. “Doctor, their spies! They can’t stay here.” Holly felt like suddenly everything fell into place. Spies. The rude words, for a traitor. The photos of ‘evidence’. Spiked drinks frightening him. Use of a foreign language.
He didn’t think they were in love. He thought Alex was a spy and Cuphead was selling them out.
And they only added to the paranoia ‘helping’. Well cuss.
“Spies.” Oddswell said drily. “Cuphead, are you a spy?” He rolled his eyes.
“Yeah, no.”
“Alex, are you?”
“No, scaly doctor.” The bear swore. “They think I spy for mother land? What I steal? Babushka’s cookie recipe? Is good but who steal from sweet old woman? No honor in harming sweet old woman. Shame for actions.” Cuphead looked like he was barely holding in his laughter. Alex was fuming a bit at the thought of anyone harming Granny. How sweet.
“T-Then explain everything!?” Jerry sputtered.
“Alex is Russian and speaks Russian with Cuphead.” Felix deadpanned, not looking up from his writing.
“They speak in Russian because it makes Alex feel more at home.” Granny added on sweetly. Alex beamed at her, nodding. “Now, I’m going to whip up a batch of cookies to help this all blow over.” She shuffled into the kitchen.
“I stole your camera because you were spying on them.” Holly confessed. Jerry looked aghast.
“That was you?” She nodded sheepishly. “Wait, how did you know if you were their? Doesn’t that mean you were spying to-“
“Friends spend a lot of time together.” Bendy cut in, like he hadn’t heard Jerry at all. “I know Cuphead and I used to, but it give me more time with Boris. I get it.” He shot a wink to Cup who chuckled.
“Drink was for золотце.” Alex said simply. “Not sad man. Apologies drink mix up.”
“Not to mention, ya’ll comin’ on our dates is freakin’ creepy. Seriously, stop.” Cuphead said nonchalantly, leaning back against Alex. The bear smiled, wrapping an arm around him as Cup threw up an arm in exasperation. “It’s gettin’ ridiculous.” The room was so silent a pin could drop. The unspoken secret, was spoken. “And золотце is a nickname, ya mook.” Cup hissed as Alex gently pushed him back to the couch.
Jerry blinked. “Dates?” Oh no. “Not secret meetings?”
“No, just dates.” Mugman looked ready to faint. Rest in pieces Mugsy.
“Oh….” Jerry blinked again. “You and him?” Both men nodded. “Oh…so, no spies?” They shook their heads. “Just dates?” They nodded. “Oh…okay then.” Jerry looked a little lost, numbly heading out the room. “Their just dating? No Russian magic spies…maybe Martha’s right…maybe I should get some more sleep. Lay off the conspiracy column…stars…”
“Is he…gonna be okay?” Boris asked slowly.
“I have no idea.” Holly mused. “But I think we broke him…” She glanced to Mugman who was still frozen in horror. “Mugs too, for that matter.” Cala poked Mugman in the face and he didn’t so much as twitch.
“I think Mugsy’s broken…” She kept poking him. “Oh dear.” Cuphead waved a hand dismissively.
“He’s fine. Just rebooting.” Cala stared at him. “Just pick him up and carry him off somewhere.” She shrugged, picking Mugman clean up and walking to another room. “Right, so we all good? Everyone on the same page?” He waved his hand expectantly. “With us?” A series of nods went through the room.
“золотце, calm down.” Alex pat his shoulder. “All well. Sad man not broken, everyone alive.”
“I’m just sick a third wheels on our outin’s.” Cup grouched. Alex laughed merrily, shaking his head. “Is no one stalkin’ us to much ta ask?”
“B-But what about the mob?” Holly asked. She didn’t get it. What was all her spying and secrecy for if they weren’t hiding it?
“What about ‘em?” Cuphead snorted condescendingly. “They gotta problem, my boss’ll six ‘em.” He smirked. “He doesn’t take kindly ta folks hurtin’ what’s his.” He hesitated. “Or what he says is his. They lay a hand on me and they’ll end up in the sea.”
“So…you’re not in any danger?”
“We in mob. Always danger.” Alex said wisely. Cup nodded along. Holly let out a held breath.
“Okay then.” She smiled. “Well, then I’m happy for the two of you.”
“Thanks, Tree Princess.”
It was nice, everything was alright. The boys were happy. No one was in trouble. Just a big misunderstanding and them looking like fools. So, nothing new. Holly chuckled to herself, taking a seat on the couch. It was then, that they all heard the voice from upstairs.
“You told everyone!?” Mugman’s voice sputter distantly. “And it was okay the whole time!?” Cuphead snorted rolling his eyes and him and Alex sat together.
“He cares.” Alex said gently. “Just not sharp knife.”