Archive of Our Own

Gingerbrave, Gingerbright, Strawberry Cookie, Zombie Cookie, and Skater Cookie are hanging out like old times. This time, they aren't saving the world or anything; they're just hanging out for fun. They walk around the town, laughing and talking as friends. Then, Gingerbright points at a nearby bench with a joyful smile.

—Hey Skater! I bet that I can get to that bench before you!— She says and starts running—

—Hey! That's not fair!— Skater says as he runs behind her— You started too soon!—

—Aghhh... Race... Gingerbright... Win...— Zombie Cookie walks curiously behind the two—

—Hey, why are you on her side?!— Skater Cookie arrives at the bench after Gingerbright, and the two start laughing—

—Haha, I don't know if this race is very fair, to be honest— Gingerbraves chuckles and says with a teasing tone—

—Oh, come on! he should have been paying attention— Gingerbright says as she chuckles—

They keep joking around and laughing, every one of them except for Strawberry Cookie. She's looking down while thinking about a lot of things, her mind is basically a sea of thoughts in which she's currently drowning. She gets startled as someone taps her shoulder.

—Strawb?— Gingerbrave asked with concern— Are you feeling overwhelmed? Tell me if you are, okay?—

—Ah, I'm okay... Thank you for checking, though— She says snapping out of her thoughts—

—Alright, Try not to keep it to yourself if you're not feeling ok, we're here for you—

They exchange smiles with one another and then shift their attention to the rest of the group, which is now somehow discussing frogs.

—I tell you, frogs are the best, they eat bugs too— Gingerbright says—

—Frogs... eat... yummy...— Zombie Cookie responds—

—No! Frogs are not for you to eat, buddy— Skater says while chuckling and patting Zombie Cookie's back— And I don't even know how you like them, Bright, they're all covered in a sticky weird thing and- ugh...—

—That's the fun part— Gingerbright smiles—

—... Alright, it's surprising the fact that you always manage to either scare me or give me a weird feeling— Skater says while rubbing his arms—

—I think frogs are cute, but not the poisonous ones...— Strawberry Cookie enters the conversation—

—You both are no fun— Gingerbright says crossing her arms—

—Frogs... fun...! Blarghh!—

—See? Zombie agrees with me!—

—And... tasty... me want...—

—Zombie agreeing with you isn't something to brag about— Skater says laughing until he notices Zombie getting a bit sad by the comment— it's a joke, bud! c'mere!—

—Speaking of frogs...— Gingerbrave decides to change the topic— Do you guys remember when we used to jump around the river, and I fell into the water?—

—Yeah, we laughed until we realized you were getting all soggy— Skater says remembering—

—Well, down there I saw like... A big fish that was very similar to a frog!—

—Show me— Gingerbright is now curious after hearing the discovery— I need it—

—I don't know if it's still there though...— Gingerbrave chuckles, and his attention quickly shifts to Strawberry Cookie, who seems to be deep in thought— Uhm, guys! Me and Strawb have to discuss something, you three wait here!—

—No promises, bro!— Skater says jokingly— Don't leave me alone with your sister for too long!—

Gingerbrave and Strawberry Cookie walk away, Gingerbrave then looks at her and sighs.

—Hey, I know this week was a bit too much for you... With your parents getting arrested and all...— Gingerbrave grabs her hand and squeezes it gently— I know you, and I can tell that something's bothering you—

—...I guess I can't hide it from you— Strawberry laughs nervously— I'm feeling very anxious... But I didn't want to drag all of you into my problems, not again—

—You're not dragging anyone, Strawb... I ask because I really care—

—I just don't know if I can keep going, I'm scared that... T-they could come back...— Her hand shakes, Gingerbrave caresses it to calm her down—

—They will never come back to hurt you, and if they do... I promise you'll be ok— He hugs Strawberry— The two guys who adopted you worry about you, and I wouldn't mess with them if I were your last parents...— He says jokingly to enlighten the mood a little—

Strawberry Cookie begins to sob softly. Gingerbrave notices and tightens the hug, gently rubbing her back.

They stay like that for a bit until they pull back.

—Are you ready to go back?— Gingerbrave asks, not wanting to force his friend— If you want to go home I can go with you, the others will understand—

—No, I'm good... let's go— She smiles at him— Thank you...—

—Anytime, what are friends for?—

Gingerbrave grabs her hand and they both walk back to where Gingerbright, Skater Cookie, and Zombie Cookie are. Strawberry knows she can move forward, but a reminder is always appreciated, especially from someone she holds dear.