Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

     Espresso Cookie's eyes opened to the ceiling. He was confused about his surroundings, but then he remembered that he had moved out of the Creme Republic. He was so tired from moving the previous day, that he went to bed without anyone telling him to. He got out of bed, knowing he had work to do. He went to Strawberry Crepe's room, ready to collaborate with them. Espresso opened Strawberry Crepe's door, only to find them still asleep. He sighed and left the room. He left the building and went to the Cafe. At the door, he saw a sign. Upon closer inspection, it said "closed." Espresso Cookie turned around in a rage and kicked a rock as far as he could, causing a rock to land on a flower bed. He rolled his eyes, however, his gaze shifted upwards and he laid eyes on a statue of Pure Vanilla Cookie. He knew exactly where to go.

     Espresso Cookie walked up a sheet of steps and entered the castle. He knocked on Pure Vanilla Cookie's door but didn't get an answer. He knocked on the door again but to no avail. He was about to knock again but was stopped by some sort of humming. He followed the melody until he was in front of the White Lily Greenhouse. Inside, he saw Pure Vanilla Cookie. "Of course," Espresso thought to himself. "Of course, Pure Vanilla Cookie would be in here!" Espresso opened the door and went inside.

     "Ah, Espresso Cookie! I did not expect anyone to be awake this early!" Pure Vanilla greeted.

     "You may as well get used to it, as I'm not much of a sleeper," Espresso replied.

     "Hm, I see. Well, what brings you here? I've heard you're not much of a talker." Pure Vanilla asked.

     "Wh? Well, you see, I... Hm..." Espresso paused. Why was he here? Pure Vanilla was right, he wasn't much of a talker. "W-well... I..." He paused again.

     "No matter, since you're here, why don't you sit with me, since no one else is awake," Pure Vanilla suggested.

     Espresso hesitated, realizing that he should have started to prepare for the project he and Strawberry Crepe were doing. He looked at Pure Vanilla. Espresso decided to stay with Pure Vanilla. After all, he didn't want to wake up Strawberry Crepe. Espresso sat down.

     "So... you seem to... really... like... gardening..." Espresso said in an attempt to start a conversation. He realized how awkward he sounded, and wished he had just stayed quiet.

     "I do! The flowers are so pretty! It's almost like..." Pure Vanilla continued talking. Espresso immediately realized that Pure Vanilla didn't realize how awkward he was. Or maybe he did. Perhaps he just ignored it to make him feel welcome. "Don't the flowers make you feel like that too?" Pure Vanilla finished.

     "Er... could you say that again?" Espresso asked. Pure Vanilla laughed.

     "Oh, I do tend to ramble on. What I said was... don't the flowers make you feel reminiscent of something... maybe someone...?" Pure Vanilla stated. Espresso was quite... surprised by what Pure Vanilla said...

     "Uh... no...?" Espresso responded. Pure Vanilla's expression dropped.

     "Oh... just... just me then..." Pure Vanilla said. Espresso realized that something was bothering Pure Vanilla Cookie. He looked at Pure Vanilla and then back at the flowers.

     "These are... white lily flowers... right?" Espresso asked.

     "Yes, they are!" Pure Vanilla responded happily. It was almost like his sadness disappeared into thin air.

     "Is this about Whi- Dark Enchantress Cookie..." Espresso asked. Pure Vanilla's face changed back into sorrow. He looked down.

     "Yes... I guess it was obvious... However, you were the first one to ask..." Pure Vanilla solemnly whispered. The greenhouse door opened.

     "There you are Espresso Cookie! You're late!" Strawberry Crepe lectured. "What are you even doing here- oh..." Strawberry Crepe saw Pure Vanilla's somber mood. "You know, I was going to talk to you... about the flowers... and Dark Enchantress Cookie..." Strawberry Crepe said to Pure Vanilla.

     "No, no, it's okay!" Pure Vanilla insisted.

     "No! It's not!" Replied Strawberry Crepe. "I'm going to do something about it! Maybe you should... talk to your friends... or... hmm..."

     "But you guys are my friends!" Pure Vanilla replied with confusion.

     "No, no, no! Dark Cacao and Hollyberry!" Strawberry Crepe replied.

     "Yeah... I'd like that... wait... what if we had a party?" Pure Vanilla Asked.

     "What?" Espresso and Strawberry Crepe asked.

     "I promised Dark Cacao and Hollyberry that if I needed something, I should talk to them. And... why don't we do just that! With all of our friends!" Pure Vanilla seemed much happier. "I did want to meet Hollyberry's granddaughter, and I also wanted to meet this, 'Caramel Arrow Cookie,' Dark Cacao always speaks of! And we could invite all of you guys' friends too!"

     "That... is actually a good idea! I'll do the guest list!" Strawberry Crepe exclaimed.

     "Wh-what!?" Espresso yelled.

     "Of course, if that's okay with you, Espresso." Pure Vanilla stated. Pure Vanilla and Strawberry Crepe both looked at Espresso.

     Espresso sighed. "Fine..." Little did he know, this was going to be one of the most chaotic three weeks of his life.

     "Thank you so much, Espresso! I'll make sure everyone you like will be on the guest list!" Strawberry Crepe said.

     "And we all know how many that is..." Espresso said.

     "Yep... totally..." Strawberry Crepe replied with a devious smile.

Chapter Text

     “So… Strawberry Crepe and Pure Vanilla are planning a party?” Black Raisin Cookie asked. Her crows didn’t seem too happy about the news, even though they were in a comfy bed of flowers below the statue of Pure Vanilla.

     “Yes…” Espresso Cookie responded. “Exactly…”

     “Hmm…” Black Raisin started to pace in circles. Her crows copied her by flying in circles. “And who’s invited?”

     “I don’t know…” Espresso answered.

     “Great… perfect… what are we going to do?” Black Raisin groaned. Both she and her crows didn’t seem enthusiastic about the news. “It was nice having all the cookies here during the Council of Heroes… But… We don’t even know how many are going to be invited… and even then… everyone was arguing… and…” Black Raisin paused. “Sure things got better in the end but… ugh!” Espresso just watched Black Raisin… he didn’t know what to say. “But… maybe I’m overreacting… but again… doesn’t not knowing who will attend just… put an uneasy feeling in you?”

     “Now that you mention it… it does make me feel a bit odd…” Espresso joined Black Raisin in pacing. “Hmmm…” They said in unison… Espresso came to a halt. “A-ha!” Espresso exclaimed, loud enough to stop Black Raisin from pacing. “No one said we had to attend the party… maybe we should just help plan!”

     “Oh, no. I’m attending the party…” Black Raisin clarified. Espresso looked a bit shocked at the statement. “Bad things could come out of it… but good things can too… and we could help with the negatives…”

     Espresso Cookie thought in silence for a moment. “True… I guess I will attend.”

     “Black Raisin!” Strawberry Crepe Cookie hollered. Espresso Cookie and Black Raisin Cookie couldn’t help but jump from the sudden noise. “Come over here! I need help with the guest list!”

     “Well then, I guess that’s my cue to leave,” Black Raisin smiled. “However… No matter what… just be prepared for anything at the party. Okay?”

     “Okay,” Said Espresso. Black Raisin waved and ran to the castle, her crows following close behind. Espresso Cookie decided it was time to plan for his and Crepe’s collaboration. He went into the wafflebot hangar and went into his room. He saw a blueprint, and next to it was a note from Strawberry Crepe. “Here’s the project I wanted to collaborate with you for! Open the blueprint!” Espresso opened the blueprint that revealed schematics for a wafflebot arm. He was confused for a second, but then he saw a note inside the once-curled-up blueprint. “As you can probably tell, this is a wafflebot arm! For who? Black Raisin Cookie! I thought it’d be a cool gift for her! Well, why are you still reading this? Get to work!” Espresso smiled at Strawberry Crepe’s enthusiasm. Espresso Cookie created a checklist of the needed materials and went on his way.

     Espresso used a newly built teleporter to travel to the ground and began to gather the materials. It was quite relaxing. Seconds turned into minutes. Minutes turned into hours. A task most would find tedious, he found fun. He hadn’t even realized how late it had gotten. When he had checked off the last needed material. He used the teleporter and went back to the Vanilla kingdom.

     Espresso put the materials in the wafflebot hangar and went to go get his signature drink in the cafe. However, at the door, again, read “closed.” Once again, in a fit of rage, he kicked a rock as far as he could, and again, landed in the flower bed. “Oh, sweet divines,” Espresso muttered under his breath. “I may as well get to work on that arm.” Espresso Cookie went back into the wafflebot hangar. He sat down at a table and reached for his journal, and instead felt the smooth surface of well… the table. His heart sank. He slowly looked to the left where his journal was supposed to be and saw… nothing.

     Espresso got up and looked everywhere, under his bed, on top of his bed, in all of his drawers, but found nothing. It wasn’t like Espresso to lose anything, especially something… important like this. Not only was it for jotting down scientific things that if someone was reading they probably wouldn’t understand, but it also functioned as a diary. A… personal… diary. Thinking about what was in it only made him panic more. He stopped to wonder what could have happened… unless… someone had stolen it. Just the thought made him panic more. He looked in even more places, double-checked and even triple-checked everywhere, but to no avail. Someone had definitely stolen it.

Chapter Text

Log date: 525.600

SC: Strawberry Crepe Cookie here! I have successfully... borrowed... Espresso Cookie's journal! "Why," you ask? Because Espresso Cookie is so secretive! There's no way Espresso has no friends! And Espresso seems to be that type of cookie to write down his thoughts in a stupid journal... Okay... so... let's take a lookie here...

*Pages rustling*  

SC: Yada-yada-yada... aha! Here we go!

SC: "My brother is so annoying... why must he always make such a scene when he doesn't get what he wants," Wait, what brother? Uhh...

*Pages rustling*

SC: Here! "I haven't told you about my brother and sister 'Affogato Cookie,' and 'Latte Cookie!' Well, one thing's for sure... Both of them are so annoying! Latte Cookie is fascinated with… MILK! And Affogato Cookie… I don’t even know what is wrong with him… just… ugh!” Yikes… looks like he has some problems with these two cookies… Whatever! I’m going to invite them! Totally not because I think it’d be funny to see them argue… heh…

*Door opens*

*Book closing*

E: Ah, Strawberry Crepe Cookie! Something… dire… has happened…

SC: O-oh! Heheh… Espresso Cookie… wh-what happened…!?

E: I have lost something of great importance…

SC: Oh no. Very sad. Anyways-

E: Strawberry Crepe, this is important to me, can you please help me find it?

SC: I’m… kind of in the middle of something…

E: *Sighs* Okay… but… if you see a journal with my name on it… be sure to tell me… okay?

SC: …okAy

*Door closes*

SC: Whew! That was close… umm… Anyway… Still… surprised… that… Espresso… didn’t realize… an-

*Door opens*

E: Oh, by the way, do you know where Black Raisin Cookie is?

SC: thE dIniNG hAll.

E: Thank you!

*Door closes*

SC: … Umm… Let’s… continue…

*Book opens*

SC: … I lost my spot…

*Pages rustling*

SC: … I guess… that’s all that was interesting… whatever!

*Pages rustling*

SC: “My siblings and I are parting ways… Affogato Cookie is going to the Dark Cacao Kingdom, and Latte Cookie and I are going to study at the Parfaedia Institute… Although I find Affogato Cookie incredibly annoying… he… does mean a lot to me… I am not sure if I will ever see him again… But… I guess everything changes…” Gosh… that’s sad… I have to invite Affogato Cookie now!

*Pages rustling*

SC: Oh! Espresso’s school days… hmm… “Today marks the 2nd month I’ve been in the Parfaedia Institute! I have been at the top of every single one of my classes! And believe it or not… same with Latte Cookie!” Oh… that’s… great! Boring, but great!

*Door opens*

*Book closes*

BR: Strawberry Crepe Cookie!

SC: oH hEY bLaCk RAisiN cOoKie! wHaT briNGs YoU heRE?

BR: Watch your tone. Espresso Cookie told me that someone stole his journal. And you, Mx. Crepe, seem like the top suspect for me.

SC: I would deny it, but I’m not going to even try with you. But come on Black Raisin! It was for the guest list!

BR: I… your heart was in the right place… but you’re violating Espresso Cookie’s privacy… and that’s not right…

SC: But-

BR: No buts about it! Give the journal back!

SC: Okay… *Sighs*

*Gives the journal to Black Raisin*

BR: Thank you… I’m proud of you-ooh! Latte Cookie? Who’s Latte Cookie?

*Flipping pages*

BR: Oh my gosh, Espresso Cookie has two siblings… woah…

SC: Wh-

BR: Strawberry Crepe Cookie, I am so happy that you didn’t steal this but ethically borrow this!

SC: …

BR: I don’t know what I’m saying. But… maybe… this journal could be a little helpful…

SC: Oh! Well… So I can keep the journal?

BR: Yes… as long as you promise to return it after… and let me read it too sometimes.

SC: Deal! Looks like you aren’t such a party-pooper after all!

BR: What?

SC: Nothing~

Chapter Text

Log date: 525.601

BR: Okay, there’s no way that you have done 525,600 log dates.

SC: What did you think I’ve been doing all alone?

BR: … Breaking people’s arms off…

SC: I’M SORRY!

BR: Hmph.

SC: ANYWAY, as I was saying-

BR: You weren’t saying anything-

SC: OH BE QUIET.

BR: You’re the one who is yelling!

SC: True, true. Whatever. Let’s go forward a few pages… *pages rustling* What?

BR: What?

SC: Read this.

BR: “Madeleine Cookie Madeleine Cookie Madeleine Cookie Madeleine Cookie, he is so dang annoying, Madeleine Cookie Madeleine Cookie Madeleine Cookie Madeleine Cookie Madeleine Cookie Madeleine Cookie Madeleine Cookie Madeleine Cookie,” I get the idea.

SC: WHY DOES THIS CONTINUE FOR LIKE, 3 PAGES!? BWAHAHAHA!

BR: Shush!

SC: Sorry. “Madeleine Cookie Madeleine Cookie Madeleine Cookie Madeleine Cookie Madeleine Cookie Madeleine Cookie Madeleine Cookie Madeleine Cookie stop writing my hands hurt he is so annoying is he annoying he’s really nice though Madeleine Cookie Madeleine Cookie Madeleine Cookie what am I writing its 4 am in the morning Madeleine Cookie okay I’m done.” Why did he write that?

BR: Yeah… let’s uh…

SC: *pages rustling* wow… just… ranting about politics… taxes… politics… taxes… uh…

BR: Maybe we should just stop reading it now-

SC: Another Madeleine Cookie page… wait… “Dear Madeleine Cookie, I have made it clear that I find you annoying, yet for some reason, you still persist in being around me. I find it quite flattering. I was wondering if” and then it stops there.

BR: … Okay…

SC: Er…

BR: Is this the same Espresso Cookie we know?

SC: Honestly… I don’t even know anymore… Umm… Should we invite Madeleine Cookie?

BR: To the party???

SC: Well, duh.

BR: I’ll see… I really think we should… umm… return it…

SC: Awww! Why!?

BR: I feel like I’ve read something I wasn’t supposed to read…

SC: Ughhh! You are such a party pooper! Black Raisin, come onn!

BR: Can I choose what page to read?

SC: Fine… WAIT, WHERE ARE YOU-

*Steps*

*Door closes*

SC: Bro she took the journal.

*Tapping on desk*

SC: Why did I not expect that? …

*Tapping on desk intensifies*

SC: 1 bottle of pop… 2 bottles of pop… 3 bottles of pop… why am I talking to myself? This is stupid. Bored… Bored… Waiit… oohhh yeahhh! The arm! I have something to do!

Chapter Text

     Great. Now Black Raisin Cookie felt even worse… Not only did I steal Espresso Cookie’s journal-diary, but I also tricked Strawberry Crepe Cookie… Sure, they weren’t supposed to have it in the first place… but… She sighed. A crow flew into her and nuzzled her face.

     “Awww… thank you…” Black Raisin Cookie held her hand out, watching the petite raisin crow land on it. The bird snuggled, and she could feel its fluffy feathers. “Thank you… hey… can you help me with something?” The crow stared at her with its adorable eyes and nodded “I’ll take that as a yes! Follow me.” The black bird perched on Black Raisin Cookie’s head, as she walked to the edge of the Vanilla Kingdom.

     “We’re here.” The raisin crow hopped off of her head and onto her hand. “Okay,” Black Raisin Cookie paused. “I was wondering if you could help me return Espresso Cookie’s diary?” 

     The raisin crow looked surprised. It pointed its wing at Black Raisin Cookie as if it was saying, ‘You stole it?’ 

     “No, I didn’t, but I knew Strawberry Crepe Cookie had it, and I didn’t return it earlier.” She paused. “I even read it.” The crow looked even more shocked. After a few seconds, the feathery ball turned away and crossed its wings. Black Raisin Cookie frowned. “Don’t do that…” She sighed. “I’m returning it now… that’s why I’m asking you for help…” The crow turned and faced Black Raisin Cookie. “So… you’ll help me?” The raisin crow nodded again. “Thank you!”

     The crow started flying and gestured in a certain direction, as if it was saying, ‘Follow me!’ Black Raisin Cookie did as such. Before she knew it, she was at the fountain.

     “So…” Black Raisin started, “Why did you bring me here-”

     “CAWW!” Black Raisin Cookie jumped back. “CAWWWWWW!”

     “WHAT ARE YOU-” Black Raisin started again, of course, getting interrupted before she could even finish.

     “CAWWW!” The raisin crow called again. Suddenly, Espresso Cookie was in view, running toward the fountain. The raisin crow looked happy.

     “Did you find the diary?” Espresso Cookie said, looking at the raisin crow. It nodded and pointed its wing at Black Raisin Cookie. Espresso Cookie looked at Black Raisin Cookie with hopeful eyes. “Thank you so much! You have no idea how much that meant to me! When I realized it was gone…” Espresso Cookie went on and on. Black Raisin had never seen him talk so much, but the guilt of knowing that she had it for a while crashed on her. With every single word, she felt even worse. “Say… where did you find it?” Espresso asked.

     That snapped Black Raisin Cookie back to reality. “Strawberry Crepe on the ground,” she scrambled. What was that? What did she just say? “Strawberry Crepe on the ground!” Great. Espresso Cookie was looking at her with the weirdest look, while the crow was disappointedly looking at her. Black Raisin felt like such an idiot. She took a deep breath. I tried to say, “Strawberry Crepe Cookie stole it,” and “I found it on the ground,” at the same time. I can’t bring myself to put Strawberry Crepe Cookie under the bus… Especially when I worked with them… And… I… I can’t say that I stole it… I… I couldn’t… “I found it on the ground.” She finally said. The crow looked even more disappointed.

     “... Really?” Asked Espresso Cookie, with a suspicious look. Black Raisin swore she could feel his eyes.

     “Yeah… it was… on the ground… near… a bush…” If Strawberry Crepe Cookie heard that, they would ‘Sure Jam’ me. My goodness.

     “Yeah… uh… thanks…” Espresso Cookie smiled, holding his journal close to his chest. Espresso Cookie speed-walked away, and Black Raisin swore his face was red. The raisin crow glared at Black Raisin Cookie.

     “Don’t look at me like that!” She protested. “If you were put on the spot like that, you would’ve said the same thing!” She frowned. “Or at least something like that!”

     The crow’s gaze turned into an empathetic look. The crow flew onto her shoulder and nuzzled her cheek. ‘It’s okay, we’ll get through this together!’

     Black Raisin Cookie smiled. “Thanks…” The realization hit her. “The invitations! I must help Pure Vanilla Cookie!” She ran towards the healer’s quarters, with the crow flying behind.

Chapter Text

     Black Raisin Cookie stopped at the white lily garden, where Pure Vanilla Cookie normally resides these days. She glanced at her raisin crow, who motioned its wing to the entrance as if it was saying, ‘Well, go ahead!’. Black Raisin walked through the overhang leading into the dome-shaped greenhouse.

     Pure Vanilla facing the other direction while down on his knees. “Hey, Pure Vanilla Cookie…” she started, “I’m here to help you with the invitations…”. Silence.

     …

     Black Raisin walked closer to the yellow-haired cookie. “Pure Vanilla Cookie?” Even more silence. She walked in front of Pure Vanilla Cookie and kneeled down. “Pure Vanilla Cookie…?” Pure Vanilla Cookie was staring into the distance… without blinking. Yep. He’s zoning out. Black Raisin Cookie waved her hand rapidly in front of Pure Vanilla Cookie. Still nothing. She lightly tapped Pure Vanilla Cookie’s shoulder.

     Pure Vanilla Cookie blinked twice, then looked forward, his eyes meeting with Black Raisin Cookie. They were awkwardly staring at each other in silence for a few moments. All of a sudden - “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!” Pure Vanilla screamed.

    “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!” Black Raisin Cookie involuntarily responded, and the raisin crow screeched. “CAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWW!”

     Pure Vanilla Cookie covered his mouth and stopped screaming, the raisin crow covered its own mouth with its wing, and Black Raisin Cookie just stopped screaming.

     Pure Vanilla Cookie nervously laughed. “Sorry… My apologies.”

     “It’s okay…” Black Raisin Cookie assured, nervously chuckling. “Soo… Um.” She cleared her throat. “The… invitations.”

     Pure Vanilla Cookie’s eyes widened. “Oh! Is the guest list prepared?”

     Black Raisin Cookie paused, “No… Strawberry Crepe Cookie got distracted while they were trying to find who to invite, sadly. However, we do have an idea of who to invite.”

     “Good! Say the names, and I’ll write them down.” Pure Vanilla Cookie stated.

     “Got it. Hmm…” Black Raisin Cookie paused. “Also, I was wondering if the guests could take as many friends as they want.”

     “Hmm…” Pure Vanilla Cookie thought for a moment. “I guess that’d be fine.” Pure Vanilla Cookie said.

     “Good to hear!” Black Raisin’s voice trailed off. Maybe I should tell Pure Vanilla Cookie about what Strawberry Crepe Cookie and I did… I do feel pretty guilty about it…

     “Is something wrong, Black Raisin Cookie?” Pure Vanilla Cookie questioned. “You’ve gotten quiet all of a sudden.”

     “My apologies. I… need to tell you something. I…” She took a deep breath. “I…” Another breath. Witches, help me. The raisin crow seemed to have a bit of a… smile? “I…- Crepe - I” 10/10 interaction right now. “I…”

     “You stole Espresso Cookie’s diary, didn’t you?” The raisin crow almost sounded as if it was giggling.

     Black Raisin Cookie’s eyes quickly opened. “WHAT!? HOW DID YOU- Yes. I mean, I didn’t steal it-”

     “Strawberry Crepe Cookie stole it?” Pure Vanilla Cookie questioned.

     “Yes, but both of us read it, and I didn’t stop them.” Black Raisin Cookie sighed.

     “Well, that solves that. Espresso Cookie told me he lost his diary last night. I told him that I hadn’t seen it, but I’d keep an eye out for it. This evening, he told me that you gave it to him, and he suspected you and/or Crepe stole it, due to the way you… conveyed, the message.” Pure Vanilla Cookie sighed. “I’m a bit surprised. I expected if you found it, you to turn it in as fast as possible, but you read it instead…”

     “I know what I did was wrong, and I’m sorry-”

     “Don’t tell me that, tell Espresso Cookie that.” The raisin crow landed on Pure Vanilla Cookie’s shoulder, crossed its wings, and nodded.

      Hooo boy. Those words stung, even though they were true. How could I tell Espresso Cookie? And my beloved crow is NOT helping! “Okay, I will.” Black Raisin Cookie sighed. “But, on the bright side, I got some… information. Invite someone named Affogato Cookie, invite someone named Latte Cookie, and invite Madeleine Cookie.”

     “Where did you get that information?” Pure Vanilla Cookie asked.

     “The diary…” Black Raisin Cookie sighed. “But despite the… process… or getting the information, it’s definitely for the best to invite them.”

     “Okay… I will.” Pure Vanilla sighed. “Just… tell Espresso Cookie that you’re sorry.”

     “I will.”

     “You can go now, I can take it from here. Bye.”

     “Got it. Thank you, bye.”

     And with that, Black Raisin Cookie walked out of the greenhouse, with the raisin crow on her shoulder. What a conversation. Wow. I messed up. Black Raisin started walking towards the laboratory. This is going to be hard to say… What DO I say…? She started walking a bit faster. Only to bump into Espresso Cookie.

    “Oh! Espresso Cookie!” Black Raisin Cookie nervously laughed.

     Espresso Cookie’s face was red, but his eyebrows were furrowed. He looked upset.

     “I…” Black Raisin Cookie started. “I… um…”

     Espresso Cookie interrupted Black Raisin Cookie. “I was too… embarrassed to tell you this before. But how dare you.” Espresso Cookie ranted. “How dare you invade my space like this. Have you ever heard of privacy?”

     Black Raisin Cookie stuttered. “I-I was about to say that I’m sorry.”

     “Apologize if you want, but that was low. I thought that you were so much more mature than this. I was hoping that maybe you were true to your word about how you just 'found it on the ground', and that you didn’t read it, but no. There were STRAWBERRY STAINS ON SOME OF THE PAGES WHERE I-” Espresso Cookie paused. “YOU KNOW! So I was thinking, of course Strawberry Crepe Cookie read it, but then I flipped through a few more pages, and there were RAISIN BUN STAINS! YOU READ THEM AS WELL! YOU READ MY DIARY. AND YOU THOUGHT YOU COULD LIE TO ME ABOUT IT. How dare you. HOW. DARE. YOU.” Espresso Cookie stormed off.

     Black Raisin Cookie didn’t know what to say. But to be honest, she couldn’t blame him. She really did invade his privacy. 

     How could she have stooped so low?

Chapter Text

     Pure Vanilla Cookie was humming to himself. He heard footsteps. “Back so soon, Black Raisin Cookie?”

     Black Raisin Cookie walked in, looking down on herself. “Pure Vanilla Cookie, funny story…” She took a deep breath. “Espresso Cookie was so mad at me, the moment he saw me, he yelled at me, and I didn’t get a chance to apologize.” The raisin crow had a sad look as well.

     Pure Vanilla Cookie sighed. “I assumed something like this would happen.”

     “Really?” Black Raisin Cookie inquired.

     “Yes.”

     There was a moment of silence.

     Black Raisin Cookie started speaking. “Anyway, he was completely right. I should have been more mature, I should have returned it.”

     “There’s no need to be so hard on yourself.” Pure Vanilla Cookie paused. “A child is a child when they are a child, even if they are a prophet.” Pure Vanilla Cookie recited, with a smile on his face. He remembered stupid things he did when he was young.

     “Pure Vanilla Cookie…” Black Raisin Cookie started. “I’m 20…”

     “I know what I said.” Stated Pure Vanilla Cookie, still smiling.

     Pure Vanilla Cookie watched as Black Raisin Cookie’s mouth open and closed again, as if she was trying to respond. She finally stopped moving it and kept it closed, and she sat down next to Pure Vanilla Cookie.

    “Black Raisin Cookie, what I’m saying is that it’s okay to make mistakes. It’s okay to stumble sometimes.”

     Black Raisin Cookie raised her eyebrow. “Even if it results in one’s total humiliati-”

     “What I’m saying is that when we make mistakes, we learn from them.” Pure Vanilla Cookie interrupted.

     “Oh.” Black Raisin Cookie paused. “Yeah, that makes sense.”

     Black Raisin Cookie’s crow landed on Pure Vanilla Cookie’s hand, and he petted it. The raisin creature purred, and Black Raisin Cookie smiled. The crow flew back over to Black Raisin, and Black Raisin cupped the crow in her hand.

     “Hah… It’s funny. I, the crow master, have underestimated my wonderful crows. It’s teaching me nowadays.” Black Raisin Cookie whispered, with a smile.

     Pure Vanilla Cookie laughed. “You truly never stop learning!” He sighed with a smile. “And sometimes it’s surprising who teaches you…” He remembered Gingerbrave, and how the small cookie helped him tell the truth, even though it was so hard to say.

     Black Raisin Cookie still looked a little disappointed.

     “Don’t worry, Black Raisin Cookie. This too, shall pass.” Pure Vanilla Cookie comforted.

     Black Raisin Cookie smiled. The raisin crow smiled as well, and closed its eyes. It dozed off in Black Raisin Cookie’s hand.

     Black Raisin Cookie leaned in on Pure Vanilla Cookie’s chest. “Thank you for everything, Pure Vanilla Cookie.”

     Pure Vanilla Cookie pat Black Raisin Cookie on the head. “Of course, little one.”

     “I’m 20 years-”

     “I know.”

Chapter Text

     Pure Vanilla Cookie was slowly but surely writing down the invitations. He fondly looked at Black Raisin Cookie, now asleep, still holding the raisin crow. He looked at the blanket he put on her, and smiled.

     He looked at the guest list so far. “Madeleine Cookie, Latte Cookie, Affogato Cookie, Dark Cacao Cookie, Hollyberry Cookie, Gingerbrave…”

     He thought for a moment. He started writing again. “Clotted Cream Cookie…” He paused. Writing everything was incredibly slow. He was almost certain he was going to forget someone. He remembered what Black Raisin Cookie said. “I was wondering if the guests could take as many friends as they want…”

     That would definitely speed up the process. Yes, it would. He started writing the letter for Dark Cacao Cookie.

      “Dear Dark Cacao Cookie,

It is my pleasure to inform you that you are invited to my party! You can bring along as many cookies as you’d like! I would love to see you there!

Sincerely, Pure Vanilla Cookie.”

     Perfect! However, he felt the need to personalize it. It wasn’t… special enough for him. He turned to the next page and edited the draft.

      “Dear Dark Cacao Cookie,

Hello, my wonderful buddy! Chum! Pal! I am ecstatic to inform you that you are invited to my coolio celebration! You can bring along as many of your cool pals as you’d like! I would love to see you there, your grumpy face and everything!

Sincerely, Your Happy-Go-Lucky Friend, Pure Vanilla Cookie.”

     Goodness gracious. That was… odd. He got another piece of paper and tried again.

      “Dear King Dark Cacao Cookie,

Hello, my wonderful friend! I am very happy to inform you that you are invited to my party! You can bring along as many companions as you’d like! I would love to see you there!

Sincerely, Pure Vanilla Cookie.”

     He stared at it for a few seconds. It was… okay. He looked at the guest list, and he saw that this was only one invitation. This invitation took him 15 minutes to write. He sighed, realizing that this will have to do.

     He got out another sheet of paper and started Hollyberry Cookie’s letter.

     “Dear Hollyberry Cookie,

Greetings! I am thrilled to inform you that you are invited to my party! You can bring along as many friends as you’d like (and I assume that that’d be a lot!), and I would be so happy to see you at my party!

Sincerely, Pure Vanilla Cookie.”

     Pure Vanilla Cookie liked this letter a lot more than Dark Cacao Cookie’s. He picked up Dark Cacao Cookie’s letter to see if he could add anything. He suddenly knew what to add.

      “Dear King Dark Cacao Cookie,

Hello, my wonderful friend! I am very happy to inform you that you are invited to my party! You can bring along as many companions as you’d like (I would love to meet Caramel Arrow Cookie)! I would love to see you there!

Sincerely, Pure Vanilla Cookie.”

     It wasn’t much, but it was honest work. He started Clotted Cream Cookie’s letter.

      “Dear Clotted Cream Cookie,

Come to my party.

Sincerely, Pure Vanilla Cookie.”

     Pure Vanilla Cookie was surprised about what he just wrote. He sighed to himself - what was he to do? Then, he had an idea. He got out the letter to Dark Cacao Cookie’s first draft.

      “Dear Dark Cacao Cookie,

It is my pleasure to inform you that you are invited to my party! You can bring along as many cookies as you’d like! I would love to see you there!

Sincerely, Pure Vanilla Cookie.”

     Brilliant.

      “Dear Clotted Cream Cookie,

It is my pleasure to inform you that you are invited to my party! You can bring along as many cookies as you’d like! I would love to see you there!

Sincerely, Pure Vanilla Cookie.”

      Hooray!

     Wait a minute… Pure Vanilla Cookie realized he could use Dark Cacao Cookie’s first draft for all the other cookies. And before he knew it, he was done. He decided to make another version for Latte and Affogato Cookie.

      “Dear Affogato/Latte Cookie,”

It is my pleasure to inform you that you are invited to my party, due to being acquaintences of Espresso Cookie! You can bring along as many cookies as you’d like! I would love to see you there!

Sincerely, Pure Vanilla Cookie.”

     It was time to send out the invitations. He whistled, and his blueberry birds flew to him. He told the birds where to go… but then he was about to send Latte Cookie’s and Affogato Cookie’s letter.

     He had no idea where they resided. Luckily, the internet existed. With a quick search, he found Latte Cookie’s address. Thank goodness Strawberry Crepe Cookie taught Pure Vanilla Cookie how to find out where people live on the internet! It was truly an innocent, useful tool. It couldn’t possibly be used by bad cookies for bad things!

     However, finding where Affogato Cookie resided. That was tough. All he could find was an online argument between Boba_Warrior and someone named X_Affo_X.

      Boba_Warrior: dude you literally betrayed us all, and now you’re bullying children on the internet. don’t you have anything better to do?

     X_Affo_X: lmao stay mad

     Boba_Warrior: YOU SNIVELING SNAKE! I WILL DESTROY YOU THROUGH THIS SCREEN!

     X_Affo_X: sure jam

     Boba_Warrior: next time you post i will ip grab you

     X_Affo_X: you don’t even know how lmaoooo

     Boba_Warrior: FINE! YOU’RE RIGHT!

     Pure Vanilla Cookie sighed.

     Eventually he heard shuffling. “Black Raisin Cookie?”

     “Pure… Vanilla Cookie?” Black Raisin Cookie groggily said. She suddenly had a shocked expression. “Did… Did I fall asleep?”

     Pure Vanilla Cookie laughed. “You did!”

     Black Raisin Cookie looked embarrassed. She tried to change the topic. “How are the invitations?”

     Pure Vanilla Cookie smiled. “Almost done! Except for Affogato Cookie. I can’t find where he lives.”

     Black Raisin Cookie raised her eyebrow at the last sentence. She shrugged, then squinted at the screen. “Oh, hey, that guy sounds like that purple guy Crunchy Chip Cookie was yelling at, haha.”

     “Oh, the purple guy? Allied with Dark Enchantress Cookie? You’re right, he does sound like him.” Pure Vanilla Cookie laughed. “Hmm… What was his name again?”

     “Affogato Cookie, hah-” Black Raisin Cookie’s eyes widened.

     Pure Vanilla Cookie gasped. How did he not realize it before? How did the name not ring a bell? For goodness sake, Affogato Cookie even looked similar to Espresso Cookie!

     Black Raisin Cookie sighed. “I guess we can’t invite Affogato Cookie. Let’s send out the invitations.”

     Pure Vanilla Cookie nodded, and sent the blueberry birds out. “I guess that’s that-”

     Suddenly, Strawberry Crepe Cookie flooded in. “OH-HEY-GUYS!!!!!” Strawberry Crepe Cookie quickly wrote down something on a piece of paper, picked up Affogato Cookie’s letter off the floor, gave the two papers to the blueberry bird, and before Pure Vanilla Cookie could do anything about it, sent the blueberry bird on its way.

     Silence.

     “WHY DID YOU DO THAT!?” Screamed Black Raisin Cookie.

     “I have a feeling this party is going to be BORING! What’s the worst that could happen?” Strawberry Crepe Cookie laughed.

     “What’s the worst that could happen? WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?! YOU JUST PUT EVERYBODY IN DANGER, THE INVITATIONS ARE ALREADY OUT- AFFOGATO COOKIE COULD BRING AS MANY OTHERS AS HE WANTS!” Black Raisin Cookie scolded.

     Pure Vanilla Cookie nodded. “Strawberry Crepe Cookie, that wasn’t smart at all. I expected better from you.”

     Strawberry Crepe Cookie was silent for a moment, as if they were deciding what to say next. “Oh, whatever. It’s been boring. Espresso Cookie is completely ignoring me, it’s not my fault for wanting to have some fun!” Strawberry Crepe Cookie paused. “And wanting to meet some old friends…”

     Black Raisin Cookie stormed off, the crow glaring at Strawberry Crepe Cookie. Strawberry Crepe Cookie rolled their eyes, and walked away. Pure Vanilla Cookie? He was wondering what to do about the party. Hopefully, Affogato Cookie wouldn’t even come at all, and Witches forbid he brings others.

Chapter Text

     Dark Cacao Cookie was ‘relaxing’ on his throne. By relaxing, I mean going through his memories and insulting himself over everything he has ever done to harm Dark Choco Cookie. His neutral-mouth turned into a frown, and his frown turned into a scowl. I’m such an idiot… Dark Cacao Cookie thought. How could things turn out like this?

     The door to the throne room opened. Dark Cacao Cookie quickly grabbed his sword, preparing for battle.

     “My King!” A smooth, medium-pitched voice said. Dark Cacao Cookie smiled. Caramel Arrow Cookie. He heard whisper-yelling.

     “No! Caramel Arrow Cookie, you forgot to knock! You need to knock on the door before you come in!” A low-pitched, raspy voice whispered. Crunchy Chip Cookie. Dark Cacao Cookie realized his sword was still up, and put it down.

     “Oh no!” Caramel Arrow Cookie whispered in distress.

     Dark Cacao Cookie spoke. “No need to worry, you two may come in.”

     More whisper-screaming. “Woah, how did Dark Cacao Cookie hear me?” Crunchy Chip Cookie whispered in awe. “What am I saying? Everything about him is amazing!” Dark Cacao Cookie smiled.

     The two warriors walked into the throne room and bowed.

     “My King! A letter has arrived from Pure Vanilla Cookie!” Caramel Arrow Cookie said with a smile, Crunchy Chip Cookie enthusiastically nodded.

     Dark Cacao Cookie’s eyebrow raised. “Really?” He started walking down the stairs, but Crunchy Chip Cookie interrupted.

     “No need to move, My King! I’ll bring it over!” Crunchy Chip Cookie paused. “If that’s okay with you.”

      Ahh, Crunchy Chip Cookie, always so willing to help. “You may bring it to me.” Crunchy Chip Cookie smiled, ran up the stairs, and handed it to Dark Cacao Cookie.

     Dark Cacao Cookie opened the letter.

      “Dear King Dark Cacao Cookie,

Hello, my wonderful friend! I am very happy to inform you that you are invited to my party! You can bring along as many companions as you’d like (I would love to meet Caramel Arrow Cookie)! I would love to see you there!

Sincerely, Pure Vanilla Cookie.”

     Dark Cacao Cookie frowned a little. Hooray, social interaction!

     Crunchy Chip Cookie’s eyes widened. “My King, I’m sorry to speak out of turn-”

     “Crunchy Chip Cookie, I appreciate the formality, but you’re allowed to speak around me. Everything you say matters.” Dark Cacao Cookie stated. He silently added, “You’re like a son to me.”

     Crunchy Chip Cookie’s face turned red. “O-okay My King! Um! My King! You frowned when you read the letter! Is there danger?”

     Dark Cacao Cookie sighed. “There is no danger. Pure Vanilla Cookie has invited me to a party.”

     Caramel Arrow Cookie smiled. “That’s great!” Dark Cacao Cookie flinched. Perhaps I am taking things too seriously. It’s a party Pure Vanilla Cookie prepared, and I’d hate to dissapoint him.

     “My King! Is something the matter? I saw you flinch!” Caramel Arrow Cookie quickly said, trying to appear calm, but to no avail.

     “No, it’s nothing. I am just being too… paranoid.” Dark Cacao Cookie stated.

     Crunchy Chip Cookie whispered to Caramel Arrow Cookie. “So humble!”

     Caramel Arrow Cookie had her hand nod in agreement.

     Dark Cacao Cookie cleared his throat, and the two warriors turned to Dark Cacao Cookie. “Pure Vanilla Cookie has invited me to a party, and he said that I could bring as many cookies as I want.” Dark Cacao Cookie smiled. “Would you like to join me?”

     Caramel and Crunchy Chip’s faces lit up. “Yes!”

     “Thank you so much for this opportunity, King Dark Cacao Cookie, sir!” Crunchy Chip Cookie said with a salute.

     Caramel Arrow Cookie nodded in agreement. “Yes, thank you so much, My King!” Caramel Arrow’s face dropped. “But who will guard the kingdom?”

     Dark Cacao Cookie smiled. “Your father, Caramel Arrow Cookie. The Second Watcher. You would have been a great help during the Odyssey, as you and Crunchy Chip Cookie work so well together. So I asked your father to take care of the kingdom if we should ever leave again.”

     “Alright! The kingdom’s in good hands!” Crunchy Chip Cookie said. “As always.” He quickly added. Dark Cacao Cookie chuckled.

     “It is an honor to have my father rule the kingdom while we are gone, My King!” Caramel Arrow Cookie beamed.

     Dark Cacao Cookie smiled. “I suggest you two prepare for the trip. You two are excused.”

     The two warriors walked out of the throne room, excited, with smiles on their faces.

     Dark Cacao Cookie frowned when they left. How great would it be for Dark Choco Cookie to be there? He sighed. No, I need be glad. Pure Vanilla Cookie wants me to have fun, so I will do just that.

     And it’s what my wonderful warriors would want. He smiled when he thought of Caramel Arrow Cookie and Crunchy Chip Cookie. He truly thought of them like his children.