Kitten: Hiya~

Kitten: So, these next few, especially this chapter, is based on popular demand by readers, fellow writers and friends.

'Hey, can you have Cuphead have a nightmare?'

'Cuphead nightmare, and maybe one where he's sick, too? Thanks!'

'I was wondering, Cuphead definitely has guilt for what he did, right? So, can he please have a nightmare or two, to which Mugs eventually finds out? Thank you!'

Kitten: So yes, Cuphead honestly obviously does feel deep guilt for what he did in the casino. You guys are in luck, cause I was planning on writing those anyway!

Kitten: The chapters all take place in different timelines, as you can tell, so this one will be about a few weeks after the final battle.

Kitten: I was actually reading some sibling fluff from some of my other fandoms, I loved 'em, and I just couldn't resist!

Plus I love these boys so much…

Oh, one more thing before you read the chapter!

Some have asked, and the answer is yes, I do take requests for my stories, including Cuphead Drabbles. So if you want me to do any brotherly fluff, and have requests, I'd prefer if you guys PM me and ask, and I will be sure to write it as soon as I can. Only conditions are you give a little bit of detail so I know exactly what you want. ^-^

Also, yes Cuphead Drabbles involves other characters besides my boys, I'm just starting off with Cuphead & Mugman for a bit until I get into the roll of things.

So…yeah! Feel free to send requests through PM, leave details so I know exactly what you want…and that's it! I am also going to credit those who request in that chapter, if that's alright with everyone.

Anyways, enjoy this chapter guys! ^-^

~Chapter 9-Nightly Terrors~

Cuphead shot up, gasping for air, breaths coming out short and ragged as sweat trickled down the sides of his face as he panted, chest heaving, heart pounding. He was drenched in a cold sweat, his shirt sticking to his back, gloved hands clenching the sheets as he slouched over, crimson orbs wide in terror.

"M-Mugs…" he gasped quietly, eyes frantically searching the room for his younger brother, to which they finally landed on the blue clad boy, who was still fast asleep, peacefully dreaming compared to the older, lying on his right side facing Cuphead, a relaxed and calm expression on his face as he slept away.

Cuphead stared for a few moments, before his tense shoulders finally slumped, that wild look of fear and anxiety in his eyes disappeared, and he let out a big, heavy sigh, closing his eyes as he wiped the warm sweat from his head, attempting to slow his harsh breathing and racing heart.

He felt feverish, but he knew that was because he had been stressing out these past few days and nights. The boy couldn't help but feel jealous of his brother, he got to go to bed each night and sleep peacefully, without any worries. At least he didn't have to worry and be scared that Cup was gone when he woke up in the late night or early morning.

Feeling his breathing and heart rate return to normal, the red clad shook his head as he wiped a little more sweat away from his head, yawning tiredly. God, he was exhausted.

Ignoring the need to get some more sleep, and how his soft pillow was calling out to him, with a small and quiet grunt, he jumped down from bed, landing on the floor and quietly walking out of the room, he shut the door behind him.

He went to the bathroom and rinsed off his face so he wouldn't look like a total zombie who had just crawled out of his grave. His eyes still looked bloodshot from lack of sleep, but he shrugged it off and figured nobody would notice.

'Hopefully…' Cuphead thought with a anxious gulp as he exited the bathroom.

Not even Elder Kettle was up yet, so the most the devious boy could do was climb up on one of the chairs and rest his head tiredly on the counter.

'Damn it…' Cup thought with a scowl and gritted teeth. He hated not being able to have a good night's sleep. He hated the dreams. Hated having to shoot up each time…and being scared if his brother…was really gone.

He shook his head again, refusing to close his eyes and sat up, merely staring at the wall as he awaited his brother and grandpa to get up.

"...Cuphead?"

Said boy jumped in his seat, turning to see his brother standing there and gazing at him, shocked. Most likely because he was up earlier than usual.

"Mugs…" Cup swallowed quietly, barely being able to meet his eyes. He didn't know what to say. He couldn't think, he was too tired for this, it was too early.

"How long have you been up?" Mug asked, cocking his head to the side in confusion.

"Just got up," Cups responded, "What's your excuse? You're the late guy between us." he smirked weakly, trying to make the atmosphere light-hearted so his brother wouldn't notice his exhaustion.

Luckily, Mugs took the bait without any question. He rolled his blue eyes, "Yeah, Yeah, say what you want." he snorted, walking over and climbing up on the chair closest to his brother.

"You up to helping Cala out today and visiting Hilda?" he asked.

Cup nodded with a small shrug, "Yeah, sure." he lied quietly. Truth was, he didn't want anyone to see him in his condition. Despite how well he hid it, he just got the feeling that someone would catch on sooner or later. Mugs was the last person he wanted to do so.

"Alright," Mug huffed, jumping down from his chair. "They want us right away, so we may as well eat first. Gramps isn't getting up until noon today. I'll make food. What you want?"

"I don't care," Cuphead shrugged again. "Anything's fine." he uttered as he buried his face in his arms.

"Thanks for helping us out again, Cups, Mug," Hilda uttered with a grateful smile, gazing down at the boys, along with Cala.

"No problem," Mugs riposted with a grin.

Cups smiled weakly, "It's nothin'…." he riposted, before yawning softly. "…So…whaddya need help with?"

"Well….let us think for a minute…" Cala hummed and turned to Hilda.

"Someone's a little tired, eh?" Mugs teased his older brother, elbowing him in his ribs with a smirk.

Cups snorted with a glare, rolling his crimson eyes. "Don't be stupid, Mugs. I'm…" he paused and yawned again, "…Fine. Just fine."

"I told you not to stay up so late," Mugs went on in amusement. "But did you listen? No."

"...Shut the hell up…" Cups yawned again, causing Mugs to snicker.

"Just saying." he uttered, "If you're so tired, you should've stayed home."

"I'm fine," Cuphead repeated stubbornly, folding his arms across his chest, looking away.

Mug shrugged, "If you say so, bro."

"Alright, we've got it." Cala uttered as they turned back to the duo. "We've got the perfect thing for you two boys to help us with!"

Mugs grinned, while Cups grinned as well, yet it was more of a fatigued grin compared to his brother.

"Let's hear it." The red clad said softly.

Cup sighed as he fell against the tree, pulling his knees up to his chest, face hidden in his arms as he waited for his brother to finish up chatting with Cala and Hilda so they could go home. He hated the idea of doing so. That meant he would have to go to sleep, which he was certain wouldn't happen easily or at all. It was sunset outside, getting close to his and Mug's curfew. At least they wouldn't be late.

"You okay?"

Cups looked up at the sound of his brother's voice. Mugman's expression was one of concern, leaning over his brother a little, two small brown heavy bags in each hand.

The older boy looked away, "'m fine," he mumbled quietly. "Whatcha got there?"

Mugs grinned sheepishly, "I tried to tell them it wasn't necessary, but they wouldn't listen and paid us some anyway. Guess that's girls for you. They still feel like they owe us for rescuing them not too long ago." he paused, "Think fast!" he said as he threw one at Cups, and the red clad snapped his head over, catching it.

"They want us to help out again tomorrow," Mug uttered, "To which I agreed to. So, do us a favor, and get some more sleep tonight, alright bro?" he said, narrowing his eyes slightly.

"...Whatever," Cup murmured softly, looking away again.

'Easier said than done.' Cuphead thought scornfully.

As Cups had predicted, he wasn't able to sleep well that night. He again shot up drenched in an ice cold sweat, except this time he was crying. Tears streaked his face as he looked over to his right to see if his brother was still there.

'Of course he's still there,' Cup told himself mentally. 'Why wouldn't he be? Grow up, Cuphead.'

With a small whimper, the boy sniffled and wiped the tears from his face frantically, only for more to flood his face as he gazed at his sleeping brother.

'I'm sorry Mugs,' he thought as he choked out a small sob. ''m sorry I'm such an idiot. 'm sorry I'm a horrible brother. 'm sorry for what I did. For betting our souls. I don't deserve to be related to you. All I do is cause you trouble. First with pranks, and then with nearly getting you killed multiple times. 'm so sorry…'

Cups sniffled and fell forward, burying his face in his pillow as he continued to sob throughout the rest of the night, until he eventually fell into the cold hands of sleep once again.

"Mugman, is your brother doing alright?" Cala asked with a concerned frown.

"What do you mean, Cala?" Mugs asked softly, yet he had an idea of where she was coming from.

"I mean…he's been acting…off lately. Haven't you noticed that?"

Mug sighed gently, "If by off, you mean not his usual cocky, charming, reckless, idiotic, stupid yet lovable self, then yeah, I've noticed. It's freaking me out to be honest. Don't know what's up with him. I'd approach him on it, but knowing Cuphead, he'd be all stubborn and say it's nothing. Which is obviously a lie."

"Well…has he had trouble sleeping lately?" Cala asked.

"Uhh…yeah, actually," Mug admitted, "Pretty sure every night. Why?"

"I knew it," Cala Maria uttered, shaking her head gently. "Must be night terrors."

"Night Terrors?" Mugs repeated, blinking in confusion. He shook his head. "I mean, I've had those before, but Cuphead?"

"It appears to be so." Cala sighed, watching his brother and Hilda chat, Cups looking far worse and more exhausted than yesterday, yet he managed to keep up the facade, grinning and nodding despite the clear tiredness that shone in his eyes.

Mugs followed her gaze. "Cup's…Cup's always been the tough guy between us," he admitted. "Every since we were kids, he's always been the rough and tough type of brother. Always stood up for me, always protected me. Refused to show any pain, physically or emotionally. Guess that's why I've always admired him, ya know?"

He abruptly paused, "..But…night terrors? Does that mean Cup's…scared? But he's Cups! What the heck could scare that guy?!"

"Perhaps more scares him than what you're aware of," Cala stated solemnly. "Considering his persona, I'm not surprised it took us this long to realize what's going on. He does a very impressive job of hiding it."

"Yup," Mug mumbled, "That's Cup for ya."

"Mugman," Cala said, gazing down at the young boy.

He met her gaze, "Yeah?"

"If what we're saying is true, then that's not good. Cuphead needs sleep. But for some reason, there's this…fear if you will, holding him back from doing so. I think he's scared to sleep. I can tell it's really biting at him. If I were you, I'd take care of this quickly. This is starting to become unhealthy and dangerous."

"Yeah," Mugs swallowed gingerly. "I know." he looked up at her, smiling. "Thanks for your help, Cala. I'll take care of it. I'll see what's up with the idiot."

Like Mugs had said to Cala herself earlier, he definitely planned on finding out what was wrong with Cuphead. He knew it was night terrors, but again, what could possibly scare Cuphead?

Nevertheless, here the young blue clad boy was, lying on his back on his bed, arms crossed behind his head, staring at the ceiling as his brother slept. He was already certain that his brother was going to have another night terror soon. Mugs was determined to wait for him to do so, so he could help him and take care of this mess.

Hours passed, and the boy was close to falling asleep when it happened.

A loud scream broke Mugman out of his daze, and in a minute he was rushing over and climbing onto his older brother's bed, shaking the thrashing boy.

"Cups! Cuphead, wake up!" Mugs exclaimed desperately. The red clad didn't answer or comply; Mug shook him harder. "Cup, hey, it's okay, it's okay Cups! It's just a dream! Wake up, bro!"

Cup's gloved hand shot out and grabbed his shirt as his eyes snapped open, startling the younger, but he didn't flinch or move. However, he did freeze at that wild look in his brother's eyes; it was unfortunately familiar to him. He had only seen it on his brother once, twice, maybe three times in his life. He had never expected to see it on him again over a nightmare.

"Cuphead, hey, look over here," Mug murmured softly, "Cups, it's me. Look at me, bro."

Cup's eyes finally landed on him; he froze. "M-Mug…?" he croaked, heart pounding.

Mugs gave a weak, but reassuring grin, "Hey bro."

Cup swallowed again, and once he realized he was clenching Mug's shirt unintentionally, his eyes dilated and he pulled his hand away, scrambling to sit up.

"S-Sorry," Cups apologized in a hasty mumble as he scooted away from him until his back hit the wall, hugging his knees to his chest. "Didn't mean ta…well ya know.." he trailed off quietly.

Mug's frown deepened, deciding that he was going to jump right into the water without hesitation. He sighed, "Cups," he started. "I know what's been going on with you."

Cups froze, meeting his eyes. "Whaddya mean, Mugs?" he asked apprehensively, before looking away.

Mugs merely shook his head softly, "How many times do I have to tell you not to play dumb with me, huh idiot? It doesn't work. I know what's wrong with you. But I don't know what's bugging ya."

He leaned forward, gazing at his brother. "I wanna help you, Cups, but I can't if you don't let me."

Cup chewed his lip, still not meeting his younger brother's eyes.

"What's going on with you, Cups, huh?" Mugs questioned with a concerned frown. "You're freaking me out here. What's up with you?"

Cuphead blushed profusely in embarrassment. He gulped before hiding his face from his brother, face in his arms, and he turned away from him.

"You'll think it's stupid, Mug." He murmured shakily, struggling to sound strong and even.

Mug blinked, perplexed. "What do you mean, Cup?"

"...You'll laugh at me. Won't take it serious if I tell ya."

Mugs narrowed his eyes in determination. "Try me." He challenged.

Mug scooted close to the red clad boy. He frowned when he didn't answer. "Cup?"

He reached over and squeezed his shoulder tightly. "Cuphead…?"

Said boy flinched violently at his touch, and he swallowed, gradually looking up at the younger. Mugman gaped; Cup had dark rings under his eyes, and silver tears shone in his eyes.

Cuphead shook his head, putting his face back down as sobs roughly pulled at his shoulders.

"I-I…" He hiccuped, "I-It's…I just…y-ya r-remember w-when I-I t-t-told ya t-ta g-get o-outta t-the w-w-way d-d-during t-t-that o-one b-b-battle?"

Mugman froze. "Y-Yeah…I didn't listen to you…but I was fine."

"E-Except y-you w-weren't."

Mugs gazed at him, confused. "What're you-"

"Y-Ya d-didn't l-listen to m-me," Cups went on, choking, "I-I should've st-stopped you…b-but I d-didn't…y-y-you g-got hit…a-and I c-couldn't r-reach ya i-in t-t-time…y-you w-were g-gone…i-it w-was m-m-my fault…I-I d-d-didn't admit i-it b-b-back then…b-but w-when y-ya d-didn't l-listen to m-me a-and y-ya a-a-almost g-got hit…I g-got really…*Hic* sc-scared…"

Cuphead sniffled, refusing to stop his speech, tears flowing freely now, dripping off and hitting his pajamas, but his pride was the one thing he was least concerned about at the minute.

"W-W-When I-I a-attempted t-to m-make y-ya g-g-go home…I-I wasn't t-tryin' t-ta be mean…o-o-or a j-jackass….I-I j-just…I d-didn't w-want y-ya t-ta s-s-suffer 'cause o-of m-my d-dumb, s-selfish m-mistake…I-I k-knew I-I w-was g-gonna g-get hurt…b-but I-I knew I-I'd s-survive…b-but you…" he choked out another sob, "A-All I-I c-could s-see w-was t-them h-hurting y-ya…a-and th-that a-alone f-freaked me o-out…s-so I d-didn't w-w-wanna t-take a-any chances…I-I d-didn't w-wanna s-see a-anything h-happen t-ta ya…"

He cried harder, pulling his porcelain legs impossibly closer to his chest.

"A-All I-I w-was t-tryin' t-ta do…w-was p-protect ya…I-I'm s-s-sorry i-if y-ya g-got p-pissed b-but…I j-just w-wanted ta protect ya…I-I m-mean i-it w-w-was m-my f-fault i-in t-the f-first p-p-place…y-you h-had a r-right t-ta b-be angry a-at m-m-me…I-I f-fricking b-bet y-your s-soul a-after a-all…"

He gritted his teeth angrily as a tremor shook his body.

"A-And b-b-because o-of w-what I-I d-did…I c-can't st-stop s-seeing it! I k-keep seeing y-you d-die, and t-there's nothing I can do! A-All I c-can d-do i-is stand t-there a-and watch! I-It's all my fault! I hate myself!"

Cups lunged forward on his knees, punching the bed angrily while biting out a curse. He kept punching with each sob, until he felt his hands being roughly yanked and held.

"Alright Cups, that's enough!"

Cuphead flinched, still quaking. Mugs gazed sternly at him, holding his hands in a firm grip and apart from each other.

Mugs sighed softly, "It's my turn now, and don't you dare look down, or interrupt, you got it?"

Cuphead hiccuped and sobbed, but nodded with a small sniffle.

Mug swallowed, "First of all, I'm the one who should be sorry, not you. When you were trying to send me home, and telling me things in battle, my first thoughts were that you were kinda being mean and bossy. But that's my own fault because I was so ignorant. You were only trying to protect me, and keep me safe, and it's my own fault for not realizing that. It was immature and childish. So, I'm really sorry for that. Second, Cups, you are being way, way too hard on yourself. Yes, I admit, I was a little disappointed in you when you first bet our souls, but never made a mistake, does it, ya know. Not just you. And I thought you knew this already, but clearly you don't, so I may as well just say it now; I forgave you a long time ago. That's what brothers do, Cup. We forgive each other no matter the mistake."

"Perhaps more scares him than what you're aware of." Cala's words echoed in Mug's mind. After Cup's speech, he finally understood what she was referring to. Cuphead was more scared, no, terrified of losing him than what the younger was even aware of. He couldn't help but feel a little bad. Now he understood why Cup constantly checked on him in battle. He was barely concerned about himself, he was worried, scared even, of Mugs getting hurt. The boy knew Cuphead had always felt it was his responsibility to keep him safe. He just forgot sometimes how much him staying safe and unharmed meant to the older.

Mugs lowered Cup's hands, rubbing his thumb over the older's exposed knuckle. "Don't hate yourself, Cuphead. Don't put so much pressure on yourself either. You're just suffocating yourself if you do that. I sure as heck don't hate you, neither does Gramps or anyone else. We all love ya. I know that you know that much. I love you, alright bro? So please, just..no more hurtin' yourself like this okay?"

Cups sniffled softly, and nodded. Mugs sighed and released his hands. The minute he did, Cuphead threw himself at him in a rough but gentle and tight embrace, circling his arms around his neck.

"'m sorry…" He sobbed softly, shaking, voice muffled by the crook of the younger's warm neck. "sorry…"

"It's okay Cup," Mug murmured softly, pressing his brother against his chest. "I ain't mad at ya…it's okay."

Cups merely shook his head, "No…'m sorry I didn't come ta ya…I wanted to so bad…" he admitted through a choked sob.

"Why didn't you?" Mugs uttered.

Cups sniffled as his sobs finally came to a stop, and he worked on slowing his ragged breathing.

"Embarrassed…" he breathed as a sheepish confession. "'Sides, didn't want ta bother ya with my troubles."

Mugs snorted with a small smirk, shaking his head mutely in amusement. 'That's my brother for me…'

After a while longer, Cup's breathing was at it's normal pace, and he could feel his pounding heart slow down as well.

"You alright?" Mugman asked.

Cuphead inhaled and exhaled one more time before gradually nodding. "….Yeah. Thanks Mug." he muttered softly, wiping drying tears from his face. He didn't want his brother to leave, but he was also too embarrassed to ask him to stay.

Luckily, Mugs literally read his mind. "I'm gonna sleep with you for the rest of the night," he stated. "Ya know, just in case."

Cups didn't act stubborn or protest in embarrassment. He merely nodded, leaning his full weight into his twin.

"It's okay Cup," Mugs whispered, sensing his twin's hesitance to sleep. He smirked softly. "I'll still be here when you wake up. Twin's promise." he swore.

"Thanks," Cups yawned, burying his face in his brother's shoulder, hugging him tighter as he finally fell asleep.