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Parfait had been dating Licorice for months now.
The former Cookie of Darkness was surprisingly incredibly affectionate, constantly wanting to hold Parfait's hand, and spend time with her. Of course she would also accept, loving how he could show his soft side to her, one he usually hides and covers up with a mask of false confidence and superiority. It was all great, and she couldn't be happier with him.
Though, there seemed to be a minor problem that rose up often.
It wasn't a problem between the two of them, but rather of how some viewed their relationship, or... how they viewed Licorice in general. Some cookies might've been a bit... judgy of him.
Those cookies being her friends as well.
Parfait never failed to notice how they would act weirdly toward him. Not just because of his ‘grim reaper’ kind of style or his background with the Cookies of Darkness, but also his personality was too... ‘egocentric’, is what they'd call him. That, or annoying, whiny, bossy, arrogant... the list went on.
Some would try to hide how they truly think of him, while others weren't afraid to speak their mind on it.
Rockstar would make remarks on how strange he was, blunt and straightforward, never afraid to be honest of how he feels about Licorice's eccentric behavior. Shining Glitter would tease and make jokes about him, but Parfait could tell how awkward and forced some of them felt, only because Shining Glitter didn't want it to seem too much of an insult. The CAKE POPs try to include Licorice into any activity, although Parfait knew they were mostly doing it for her sake, because it would be rude to ignore a friend's boyfriend just because they didn't like him.
None of them would've really willingly interacted with Licorice positively – as positive as it can get – if it weren't for her connection with him.
But Parfait wasn't too bothered if her friends found Licorice ‘egocentric’ or ‘strange’.
Well... she is to some degree, since she obviously can't just let cookies trash talk her boyfriend.
But that wasn't really her point, no, Parfait understood well that her friends viewed Licorice in a different way than she did.
Her friends didn't understand him the way she did.
To other people, Licorice's attitude may came off as arrogant and annoying.
And really, it probably is.
But to Parfait, all she saw was someone starving for attention.
Licorice had always been overlooked and never appreciated for his magical abilities, that was a common fact.
He never liked feeling underestimated or feeling inferior from others either. Just an insult from his enemies or a harsh remark from someone like Pomegranate would be enough to get on his nerves.
And in a sense, Parfait could relate.
That's not to say that she would start a fight if someone insulted her, though. She was less sensitive than Licorice was. But she would still be irritated if someone insulted her capability in making good music.
It actually wasn't rare, and it has happened on occasion now. It's just that her fans' praise and encouragement outweighed all the negativity her haters brought her.
Parfait thinks, that the main thing that set her apart from Licorice, wasn't her optimism, but the support she received from her beloved fans.
Her fans served as a constant reminder for why she couldn't ever give up. They reminded her of how much of an impact her music has made, and how far she's gone to achieve her dream. It fueled her motivation whenever she felt down.
She wondered if Licorice had anyone that could do the same for him during his time with the Cookies of Darkness.
Pomegranate only seemed to give him praise when it benefits herself or their plan. Dark Choco didn't seem to give anyone compliments at all, which was understandable considering he never actually wanted to join Dark Enchantress in the first place. Parfait was unsure if Licorice and Red Velvet ever worked together, with the latter always busy making cake creatures to do so. Strawberry Crepe and Licorice had a tough relationship, before and after their respective redemptions.
Poison Mushroom, nicest out of them all, would've no doubt tried to cheer him up if they saw him looking down. However, Poison Mushroom was also the type of cookie to compliment anyone for... anything.
Parfait thinks, that even if Licorice accepted their praise, he'd never actually take it seriously, same with the praise he gets from Bat-Cat and Choco Werehound Brute. Those two are henchmen and arguably his closest friends at that time, they'd praise him for just existing.
Licorice probably wouldn't have liked that. Because what's the point of trying to be the best if someone's already commending you for the bare minimum?
Actually, as much Licorice cared about what other cookies thought of him, it didn't seem like he really gave much thought to the opinions of the other Cookies of Darkness members.
Except for one.
Licorice used to yearn to see that one cookie smile at him in an approving way, a symbol that she was impressed, a sign that he had done a terrific job.
Though not from that specific person, Parfait heavily related to wanting to receive that kind of smile as well.
After all, her motivation isn't just to be recognized for her musical talents, but also to put a happy smile on other cookie's faces. It made her feel giddy inside, that she could get that reaction out of others.
In a sense, Licorice's motivation is also similar to that.
Not that he was doing his whole thing to make people feel happy, but he does have a weird thing about pleasing others.
Dark Enchantress being the most prominent example.
There's no doubt that he seeked approval from her. Being validated by someone who's stronger and higher than you is the best feeling in the world.
(Parfait would know. She still vividly remembers the day she met her idols and the praise they gave of her music. It was one of the best days of her life.)
The difference is that while Parfait got immense support and praise from her fans and followers, Licorice has yet to receive it from Dark Enchantress, or anyone else important for that matter.
That's what made Parfait and Licorice different from each other.
That's what made her an optimist and him a pessimist.
That's why, on a surface level, it looked as if they have absolutely nothing in common.
But that's not the case.
Because if someone took the time to take a look closer, both Licorice and Parfait want to be recognized for their respective talent.
Both Licorice and Parfait crave to be seen by other cookies, to get their approval and validation.
Both Licorice and Parfait would do anything for their goals.
But Parfait has already gotten what she wanted. She's a popular idol, she has famous musician friends, and she has a big fanbase supporting her in everything.
But Licorice still has a long way to go before he could achieve his own goal, especially considering his background with the Cookies of Darkness.
Though he was still eccentric and at times rude, whether intentionally or unintentionally, Parfait knew he was really making an effort, with how much he's trying to be more patient and considerate to others.
Even if her friends or other cookies couldn't see it, she understood him clearly.
So really, if Licorice was being overly proud of himself or bragging about his magical brilliance, Parfait wouldn't mind.
She would give him all the attention he needs.