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Even after so many years apart, Dark Cacao Cookie never learned his lesson. He should’ve known better than to stumble into a bar with Hollyberry Cookie. His resolve told him to stand his ground, to make it known to Hollyberry Cookie that he would not change his stance, even after the disaster that was the Council. But even the strongest of cookies felt their resolution crumble around her.
Now she had gotten him drunk and dragged him out into the garden, giving him some strange sweet to sober him up a little, the strange taste of raisin lingering on his tongue. He’d always thought sweets were supposed to be, well, sweet. He couldn’t say he’d enjoyed the raisin ice-cream she had given him. So there they sat, on a little bench in the garden, talking and catching up. She hadn’t changed. That boisterous laugh and infectious smile of hers was all but the same.
As the sun began to set on the Vanilla Kingdom, they could hear the bustle of another airship docking at the port, and knew that they’d ought to go see who had just arrived, but he couldn’t bring himself to get up from that bench, and was almost certain that he would stumble and make a fool of himself if he tried. Hollyberry cookie seemed to pick up on his reluctance to go and greet the new arrivals, and shrugged it off.
“I suppose those new arrivals will be with us at the council tomorrow, perhaps it’s best to make our introductions then. I’m sure they’ve had a long journey.”
Hollyberry cookie said with an understanding smile, one of her arms finding its way around Dark Cacao Cookie’s shoulders, pulling her dear friend in closer to her. Dark Cacao couldn’t do much besides nod and succumb to her affections.
The two of them sat, watching the sunset over the horizon in comfortable silence. Though there was still much to be discussed.
“It’s just like old times, isn’t it, my friend?”
Hollyberry spoke first. Although both of them knew it wouldn’t really be the same as it used to be until they had reunited with White Lily Cookie and Golden Cheese Cookie. White Lily Cookie and Golden Cheese Cookie. Both of them could only pray that they were still out there somewhere. For now, Dark Cacao had to agree, pushing the thought of their friends out of his mind.
“Yes, it is, isn’t it? It’s been a long time…I missed you.” Dark Cacao let the words slip from his lips like a confession. He hated to admit it, but he had missed her, something he would never admit to sober, something his pride would usually never allow him. Something about her always drew the truth out of him.
“Don’t go getting soft on me now, old man. But I suppose I missed you as well.” Hollyberry smiled, a teasing glint in her eyes. Dark Cacao couldn’t bring himself to be embarrassed, too drunk and too comfortable to care. They were alone, and he was in the company of a friend, for the first time in a very long time. Perhaps if he indulged himself tonight, he’d get it out of his system and be able to focus for the rest of the council.
They sat together a little longer, the sun now long gone, and the moon rising above them.
“It’s getting late. We have a long day ahead of us, I think it’s best that we go our separate ways for the night.” Hollyberry cookie said, rising to her feet and offering Dark Cacao cookie a hand, the way he stumbled as he stood up not passing her watchful eye. “Let me help you back to your tent. You don’t look so steady, my friend.” She chuckled, her arm coming around his shoulders once more. He didn’t protest, letting her guide him back to the little camp his soldiers had set up, knowing all too well that he would’ve struggled to make it back on his own.
It wasn’t long before they had arrived back at the entrance of Dark Cacao’s tent, the rest of the camp long since silent.
“…stay a little while longer, won’t you..?”
Dark Cacao asked, though it was more a plea than anything. He was drunk, tired, and lonely. He hated how vulnerable she made him feel. He hated the way she always agreed when he asked for more, too.
And again, he couldn’t help himself when he pulled her inside, quickly shedding the layers of heavy armor he wore, down to just the plain clothes he wore under it, and taking off his crown, leaving him no longer the king of the Dark Cacao Kingdom, but just a man, one who had been alone for far too long.
No, he couldn’t help himself when he pulled his dearest friend into his bed, which was really more like a cot and hardly big enough for the both of them, and clung to her like a lifeline. He practically melted the very moment he felt her arms around him, one of her hands rubbing his back. It was embarrassing, and he felt so weak. Something he swore only she could bring out of him. How long had it been, since he’d been this close with anyone? Too long, so long that he was practically desperate for her to stay. He wondered if she just pitied him. Why else would anyone do something like this for him?
Hollyberry Cookie was happy to be his comfort for the night. She was well aware of her friend’s tendency to shut everyone out. A little affection was good for him. She knew that he wouldn’t ask anyone besides her for this sort of thing either. Though, he had certainly left himself completely vulnerable to her. And she wasn’t ever going to miss an opportunity to mess with him a little bit. Her hands slipped down to his sides, tickling him relentlessly until she finally heard that sweet laugh of his that she almost never got to hear.
“Hey, hey, hey, stop it!” He gasped between laughter, pushing her hands away and trying to squirm away from her before she finally relented.
“Ha ha ha! I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I had too!” She laughed, letting him go, only to be greeted by his scowl, which was all too satisfying.
“You’re the worst…” Dark Cacao Cookie mumbled, his hair falling in his face as he laid back down next to her.
“Oh I know, I’m so cruel, aren’t I?” Hollyberry cookie teased, brushing the hair away from his eyes. His expression softened, a smile creeping its way onto his face.
“I think I’d better go. Wildberry cookie might go crazy looking for me if i don’t return soon. Rest well, my friend, there’s a big, big day ahead of us.” Hollyberry cookie sat up, and Dark Cacao cookie knew he couldn’t keep her any longer. He sat up next to her, bringing her hand to his lips, lightly kissing the back of it before letting her go. “Be safe.” he said softly as she stood to leave. “Oh please, you worry about me too much, it’s just a short walk.” she laughed. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” And with that, she was gone. The silence was so much louder without her. Yet, another night alone wasn’t so bad when he had finally spent time with his dear friend for the first time in ages. He would see her again tomorrow, as much as he dreaded the council, the thought of seeing her and Pure Vanilla cookie again, made it all seem worth it.