Chapter Text
Juice bar regulars. They were the main consumers at Sparklings bar (hence the name). Mint choco came after a long performance, Herb came whenever he felt like trying some tea, and Vampire came in almost every day. Sparkling had been cleaning the same glass for the past 15 minutes, waiting for time to pass. Mint choco was already seated at the bar, taking minuscule sips of the newest juice– mango grape. "It's like cannibalism," Sparkling described to him. "Except it's cookie-free– and it tastes delicious!"
That was probably the worst way to advertise your drink.
The door's bell jingled. A customer!
Herb walked in, holding a small plant in a cardboard cup. He smiled as he saw Sparkling bartending as usual.
"Hi Sparkling!" His soft-spoken voice was like music to Sparkling's ears. "Can I get the regular?"
"Mint tea with a dash of sugar? Of course!" Sparkling grabbed a pot of tea and poured it for Herb as he sat down. Mint choco stared at the cup, terrified that his brethren were being consumed by one of his closest friends.
"What's that cha got there?" Sparkling pointed to Herb's plant.
"Some peas. They're growing pretty fast, I wanted you to have one."
Sparkling chuckled. "You sure they aren't cookievorous plants? Like last time?"
While Sparkling and Herb laughed the joke off, Mint choco was horrified.
The door's bell went off again. Another customer!
Vampire cookie walked in. His footing was unusually normal, especially for someone who drinks a little more than they should.
"He-ey! Vampire! Want the usual?"
“No– no, I’m just here to talk.”
That was out of character for Vampire. Not only was the author of this book-writing Vampire out of character for his introduction, but it was also strange that Vampire even wanted to talk to other people sober.
“Oh, hi!” Herb spoke up in his chipper voice. Vampire took an immediate liking to him and sat down right beside him. Now, this was normal for Vampire. He usually sat down next to Herb and flirted with him whilst drunk, but while he was sober? Never.
“Ey Sparky,” Vampire slid a coin down. “I’ll have what Herb’s having.”
“Mint tea with sugar? Coming right up!” With that, Sparkling gave Vampire his cup of tea.
Vampire turned to Herb. “You’ve got beautiful eyes, do you know that?”
Woah.
That was out of pocket.
“Thanks! My mother had brown eyes; she got complimented all the time.”
“Your hair is pretty soft too–” Vampire’s hand grazed Herb’s soft leaves.
“It’s shampooed by the finest shampoo on Earthbread. Want some?”
“Hey, Herb–” whispered Mint Choco. “I think he’s flirting with you–”
“Flirting? No, he can’t be!” Herb whispered back to Mint. “I think now that he’s sober he’s getting to know me!” Oh, you sweet summer child. If only you knew what ao3 tags were.
Vampire took a sip of his mint tea and instantly spat it out. “What is this?” He looked down into the reflectionless tea.
“...It’s mint tea; just as you asked. Is there something wrong, Vamps?” Sparkling observed his cup. Did he make the wrong tea? Did he not add a dash of sugar? What did he do wrong?
“Na, I just wanted to see your pretty reflection.”
Oh, you smooth motherfucker.
Sparkling felt his face turn hot. What had gotten into Vampire cookie?
“Well, that’s all from me today! See you two around.” Turning into a bat, he flew out of the bar. Don’t question how he was able to get through the door, proofreader. I’ll kill you.
“What’s gotten into him?”
“I… have no idea.”