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It was another day busy inside the citadel, Caramel Arrow Cookie was practically racing from one end to the other trying to help where she could. Fortifications were going well, defenses were up, everything seemed to be in order- but there was always more to do. As the First Watcher she couldn't bring herself to decline any request for her aid, wanting to set a good example for the rest of them.
Shoving the last box onto the pile, Caramel Arrow Cookie wipes her brow, giving the other cookies a nod. They thank her and she simply responds that it was her duty and pleasure to help. As she gives a polite bow, she turns to head off towards her Watcher’s tower- needing to make the familiar rounds.
As she bounds off, she ignores the sudden spike of pain around her ribs, refusing to show any kind of weakness around the others. She briefly rests a hand over it, trying not to wince before rushing off again. It had been hurting for a while, but she would make do. No one needed to concern themselves with this.
This was her decision after all.
As the tower nears, she lets out a tired sigh, content to finally take her post at the top for as long as it would take. It was peaceful in the tower, as it was one of her favorite places to simply be.
However, she could smell that familiar sweet scent before she saw him. Slowing her gait and taking pause, curiously she glances around with a furrow to her brow. Not often did he come out this way, so she was curious if it was merely a lingering smell or…
“First Watcher.” Emerging from the shadows, Affogato Cookie's eyes seemed locked onto her, a pleasant smile resting on his lips, addressing her formally.
She offers him a polite bow, “Affogato Cookie! I was making my way towards the Watcher's Tower for my shift, I will report back with my findings once I have finished.” She's quick to explain, only to be immediately waved off by the other cookie.
“That can wait, I'd rather you come with me right now.” Affogato Cookie beckons, gesturing in another direction.
Caramel Arrow Cookie's brow furthers further, glancing between him and the tower, “But sir! I need to relieve the other Watcher of their duties!” If something happened because she was late…
“So you'd refuse a direct request of one of the King's Retainers?” Affogato lifts his chin, “I do believe this is of utmost importance regarding your capabilities to do your duties.”
Stiffening at his words, she chews the inside of her lip, “May I ask what you need me for?”
“That can wait until we are somewhere more…private.” Affogato Cookie hums, tapping his staff on the ground and turning, “Now, with me.”
He leaves her no more time to argue, walking off towards…somewhere and all Caramel Arrow Cookie could do was follow. Curiosity getting the better of her.
They walk in relative silence, Caramel Arrow Cookie growing more fidgety the more they walk. Buildings passed, the training grounds, the sleeping quarters…moving inwards towards the heart of the citadel rather than lingering around the walls. Eventually coming to a small structure with cloth draped over the opening. It smelled sweet, and Caramel Arrow Cookie clocked it immediately as the shrine that Affogato Cookie usually frequented and offered his magical abilities to other cookies should they need it.
She never quite understood his chanting or magic, but the others seemed to appreciate it.
He pulls back one of the curtains, ushering her inside. As she goes in, she sees the various incense and draperies littering the small space. It was more lavish than most of the kingdom, a sure sign of Affogato Cookie's presence no doubt.
He follows in after her and sets his staff aside. She then turns to face him, clasping her hands together.
Looking her up and down, Affogato sighs, “I've been keeping an eye on you today, ever since you made your morning report.”
Caramel Arrow Cookie looks at him, confused, the expression on her face clearly asking ‘why’.
Affogato Cookie takes notice and chuckles slightly, “You have not done a very good job of…hiding your predicament, First Watcher.”
“I have no idea what you're talking about.” Caramel Arrow Cookie quickly interjects, ignoring the rising flush to her face.
Rolling his eyes, Affogato Cookie crosses his arms impatiently, “Do not lie to me First Watcher, I've witnessed you trying to hide the pain you're in. You may have the others fooled, but it will not escape me.”
Caramel Arrow Cookie feels her mouth go dry, glancing at the ground, “It is simply a bit of soreness, there is nothing to worry about.” She stubbornly holds her ground, insistent.
Sighing, Affogato Cookie steps forward and puts an arm on her shoulder, causing her to look at him. He offers her a small smile, supposed to be comforting…perhaps.
“Perhaps, but it could worsen at any moment if you keep pushing yourself. Besides… I think that's not the full story, is it? How did you get so sore…? I highly doubt it was your rigorous training you've kept up for so long, it has never caused you this much grievance…” He hums, clearly knowing more than he let on.
“My apologies, but it really is nothing.” Caramel Arrow Cookie tries to deflect, “I will be just fine! I've been fine this long, I doubt it will worsen too badly. Besides, I've handled much worse.”
Affogato Cookie raises a suspicious eyebrow, “At least let me take a look, there is surely nothing wrong with humoring me that.”
Caramel Arrow Cookie sighs, “Is it really necessary? I would much rather get to my post-”
Affogato Cookie interrupts her, “And what would Dark Cacao Cookie think if you couldn't even walk to your post because you stubbornly refused care?”
Stiffening, Caramel Arrow Cookie goes silent for a moment, before uttering her acceptance with an annoyed twitch to her brow, “Alright, just to prove to you that I am fine , I will humor your request.”
“Splendid.” Affogato Cookie claps his hands together with a smile, taking a step back and motioning with her to get on with it.
It wasn't like any of the Dark Cacao Kingdom warriors had any shame removing garments around each other anymore, most if not all had frequent visits to the infirmary that required so. It was a simple fact of life living here, so it made situations like this bearable at the very least.
As Caramel Arrow Cookie stripped herself of her top garments, she winced as she lifted her arms over her head- when did it get that painful? A shooting web of pain sprouts from her ribs and spirals over her chest.
Of course Affogato Cookie noticed, only giving a knowing hum. Ugh. Smart-ass. Caramel Arrow Cookie knew how smug he could get when he was right about things.
“There, are you happy now?” She says a bit more snippy than intended, growing slightly more frustrated with the situation. She folds her clothes and sets them to the side, allowing Affogato Cookie to give her a look over.
Which he does, gaze lingering on the bandages that wrapped around her chest. It wasn't uncommon for warriors to use wraps…however…
She had these for…another purpose. One she hoped Affogato Cookie wouldn't question. She didn't want to answer.
“Can you lift your arms for me?” Affogato Cookie asks, gaze observing her movements and leaning forward to get a better look.
She rolls her eyes and lifts them slightly.
“All the way up. Unless you want to admit that it hurts.” His gaze flickers up to meet hers knowingly, and she grumbles lightly. Pushing herself to lift her arms above her head.
She clenches her teeth and eyes shut for a brief moment as that shooting pain rockets through her body once more. It was definitely more than soreness, but she wasn't going to admit it.
Letting out a long breath, she says, “Are you happy now?”
Affogato Cookie rolls his eyes, “Getting rather rude are we First Watcher? Tsk tsk… Here I am only trying to help…” It's said playfully, in that smug tone that always annoyed her.
His fingers trace along her ribs softly, and she tenses. He feels the tightness of the wraps and makes an odd noise of disappointment.
“Does it hurt when I do this?” Not offering her time to reply, Affogato Cookie presses down into her ribs which causes her to snap her arms down and rip herself away from him with a gasp of pain.
“I'll take that as my answer.” He looks at her, eyes narrowed sternly, clasping his hands together in front of him.
Caramel Arrow Cookie glares at him for a moment, before putting herself back together, “It's not that bad.”
“Oh yes, because binding unsafely won't lead to an entire handful of problems down the line. It may be bearable now, but it will only get worse if you choose to stubbornly ignore it.” Affogato Cookie finally snaps at her.
She jumps slightly, blinking slowly, confused.
“Your wraps, you're binding your chest down…are you not?” He gestures to them and Caramel Arrow Cookie feels her mouth go dry, “Not exactly the intended usage.” He shakes his head with a tsk.
“Like…I said, it's not a big deal.” She mumbles now, taking a step back.
“If it means anything to you, I don't judge you whatsoever for your decisions with your body. If I knew any magic to remove them and put them on myself- I would have offered.” He chuckles, even if his tone was stern.
“What-” Caramel Arrow Cookie pauses, letting his words hit her.
“I'm just saying, not all cookies were baked in their…desired form. That's all. Wanting to change it to fit your true self…nothing wrong with that in the slightest.” Affogato Cookie interrupts again, taking a step closer once more, eyes piercing into hers, “What is wrong, is hurting yourself to achieve it. What you are doing now can lead to bruised ribs and potentially moving them out of alignment or even breaking them…what with how active you are.”
Affogato Cookie continues to lecture and Caramel Arrow Cookie could only stand there dumbfounded with the turn of events. She was appreciative he wasn't judgemental at the very least- besides it seemed he also wanted…the reverse of what she desired. Hm.
She never knew that about him. It felt special to know, he usually kept his cards close to his chest.
Which begged the question, why did he care so much? He usually didn't give her much of a second thought outside of their duties.
“How…do you know about…this?” She gestures awkwardly to her bindings, “You don't exactly have the…” She glances briefly at his own chest, “Dough.”
Affogato Cookie scoffs like it was a stupid question, “Lest you forget I did plenty of traveling before coming into the citadel. I merely…picked up the information somewhere.” He waves it off quickly, moving on.
“With that said, I need to get your measurements.”
Caramel Arrow Cookie jumps, surprised, “Why do you need that!?”
“To make you a proper binding, of course.” He rolls his eyes like it's the most obvious thing in the world.
“...Oh.” Caramel Arrow Cookie's brows furrow again, “Um…what do you mean by that?”
While she speaks, Affogato Cookie rummages through a nearby bag, pulling out a measuring tape and writing pad.
“A proper binder will compress your chest much more comfortably with minimal risk, should you wear it properly. It will be fitted to you, so you need not worry about size.” He hums, picking up his supplies and turning back to Caramel Arrow Cookie, gesturing for her to move her arms.
“As I measure, I'm also going to double check to make sure you only have bruises, my apologies for having to loosen the bindings…I know it's not exactly…comfortable. However, your safety should be more important…especially for your duties as the First Watcher.” He seems to add on the last line solely to remind her of her prominent role- and she had to admit he was right. If she was forced into bedrest for a prolonged period for something easily avoidable…she would never forgive herself.
“I see…I understand. What am I supposed to do in the meantime? What are the proper rules to…binding?” She finally concedes, albeit still awkward about the conversation. She lifts her arms slowly, hissing slightly.
“In the meantime…” Affogato Cookie pauses, taking his tape and running it along her back, “You cannot bind.”
“What!?” Caramel Arrow Cookie interrupts Affogato Cookie, “I- I can't do that , I don't want to look like…I don't want to see-” She stumbles over her words, not finding the proper ones to explain herself.
With a sigh, Affogato moves so he can face her, his grey eyes peering into her dark brown ones. His face was stern, and Caramel Arrow Cookie could actually catch a hint of…concern? From Affogato Cookie?
“I apologize for how uncomfortable it will be, but you need to give your chest time to breathe and heal. Binding puts intense pressure on your chest and ribs, meaning you cannot do it 24/7 every single day- even with a proper binder.” Affogato Cookie explains further, slightly exasperated.
He pauses, running a hand through his bangs as he looks off to the side- contemplative.
“It's frustrating to deal with parts of yourself you wish you could change. To not be able to just change it at will or suffer because of some arbitrary reason or other…” A pause, “Believe me, I understand how awful it feels. To look in a mirror and not see the person you think of in your head.”
Caramel Arrow Cookie is silent, almost afraid to breathe, never hearing this much about Affogato Cookie's personal thoughts and feelings. She thought it was just…her. That she was a freak for thinking this way. Something about Affogato Cookie understanding her was comforting in a way, even if it was coming from him .
“I was stupid once too, hurt myself for the sake of alleviating some of that uncomfortability. It is a mistake I dare not make again, a mistake I will not let you make.” A points a finger at her, “You have too much riding on your shoulders, and will regret it in the future even if it feels better now.”
A sigh, Affogato Cookie staring distantly off to the side, lost in the thoughts of the past. He looked…melancholic somehow, a shell of his usual proud self.
Caramel Arrow Cookie is silent.
She doesn't know why she did what she did next, something in her possessed her she'd claim, caught in the moment. Either way she'd deny ever being in her right mind if questioned.
But she hugged him, tightly.
Affogato Cookie immediately stiffens in surprise, tensing and sputtering slightly.
This close made his scent almost suffocatingly sweet, yet oddly comforting given the circumstances.
Glancing around Affogato Cookie slowly eases into it, awkwardly giving her a pat on the back.
“You…can let go now.” He mumbles after a few moments.
Now acutely aware of what she just did, Caramel Arrow Cookie springs back, waving her hands in front of her as a deep flush spreads across her face.
“Ah! My apologies, Affogato Cookie! I did not mean to be so forward, I hope you can forgive me!” She rushes through and apology, mentally chastising herself for her actions.
A fainter flush that mirrored hers rested on Affogato Cookie's face, staring at her slightly shocked before coughing into his sleeve.
“It's…quite alright.” He responds, before a small smug grin peeks from behind his sleeve, “I won't let anyone know of your indecency , how unbecoming for the First Watcher.” A chuckle.
Caramel Arrow Cookie stamps her foot into the ground in both frustration at his words and embarrassment, “I was trying to be nice!”
“Noted, now can we continue the measurements?” Affogato Cookie brushes her off smoothly, chuckling under his breath at seeing her so flustered. Caramel Arrow Cookie nods in response, opting not to say anything more incriminating.
They continue in silence as he gets his measurements, working quickly and scribbling down the numbers and notes. There was only one measurement left to get which entailed…
“I'm going to loosen the bandages, is that alright? I'll leave them on for decency's sake but…” Affogato Cookie trails off, allowing Caramel Arrow Cookie to piece in the gaps.
“...Okay.” She pauses, tensing slightly, staring stoically forward and refusing to look down.
“I'm going to take a look at the bruising as well, after this I will recommend visiting the infirmary. Knowing you, however, you'll go to your shift first.” He sighs, shaking his head, “Try to get this properly looked at before today ends, at the very least.”
She grumbles something under her breath, growing frustrated again at being treated like an immature child.
“I mean it, First Watcher.”
“I heard you.”
Affogato Cookie merely hums in response, his nimble fingers loosening the bandages around her chest. As much as Caramel Arrow Cookie didn't want to admit it, as the pressure let up- so did the pain. As much as she REALLY hated to admit it…Affogato Cookie was right. Ugh.
Swiftly getting the final measurement, Affogato Cookie steps back, nodding to himself as he makes his final notes. As he does so, Caramel Arrow Cookie instinctively reaches for the bandages only to be interrupted by Affogato Cookie's sharp voice.
“Don't even think about it.”
She snaps her arms to her side.
“It's uncomfortable. I don't like it.” She's honest, grimacing, still refusing to look down.
“When I finish this binder for you, then you may bind again. Do not let me catch you binding with those bandages again, or else I will speak to Dark Cacao Cookie about you needing bedrest .” Affogato Cookie scoffs, glancing up at her briefly.
Frowning at him, she narrows her eyes, “Fine. But I still don't like it.”
“...It will get easier. Maybe not immediately, but you still need to prioritize your health more.” His tone softened slightly, and the switching between cold and comforting was starting to throw Caramel Arrow Cookie for a loop. This was all too confusing of a situation.
“You can put your top back on, though I recommend tossing the bandages away completely before you do.” Affogato Cookie continues, turning his back to the other, “Once you do, you may leave, I have work to do. Thank you for your time.”
Briskly ending the moment.
“Aaaalright.” Caramel Arrow Cookie slowly drawls, reaching for her top. She briefly contemplates just throwing it back on over the bandages- she could easily just tighten them up now that Affogato Cookie wasn't looking…
But he had gone through all this effort, and she really didn't want Dark Cacao Cookie to find out. Worse, think lesser of her for it.
Gritting her teeth, she peels the bandages from her dough, trying to ignore the obvious. Once removed she's quick to put her top back on, the layers of fabric making it slightly more bearable.
It was so frustrating, hating that one unchangeable part of herself. But…Affogato Cookie was right.
She glances over at him, his words and what he shared from his own past replaying in her mind. It was hard to believe he'd ever do something like that, and somehow it put her more at ease with her own situation. She wants to ask him more about it, and wants to know when or how it gets better. If there's anything else she's able to do-
But she refuses to impose further.
“Is…there anywhere I can dispose of these?” Is all she says.
Affogato Cookie glances over his shoulders and eyes the handful of bandages, the faintest hint of a pleased smile on his face- covered by his sleeve.
“Over there is fine.” He points to a tucked away bin in the corner, which Caramel Arrow Cookie swiftly takes use of.
Awkwardly, Caramel Arrow Cookie moves to take her leave, but not before pausing and- “...Thank you Affogato Cookie.”
She then rushed out of the shrine in a hurry, she had a shift to get to, wondering how she was going to explain her lateness. There is a lot to make up for.
—
Days had passed since the impromptu meeting with Affogato Cookie. Outside of formal affairs, the two had not seen or spoken to each other since. Caramel Arrow Cookie almost wondered if it had been some sort of sweet-scented fever dream.
Even still, she did take his advice on the bruising and visited the infirmary. Luckily it was only bruising and they put some ointment on it and told her not to push herself for a few days…not that she totally listened to that.
What she did listen to, however, was Affogato Cookie's demand to not bind down her chest. She hated it, but she had to admit it was starting to feel better. She didn't realize how hard it had been to breathe in those bandages until she started not wearing them.
However, the little voice in the back of her head still didn't like it one bit. She avoided looking in reflective surfaces, and tried to make showering as simple and quick a process as possible. All the while wondering over Affogato Cookie's words. She had more questions for him now, the biggest being…how does he deal with it?
She needed to learn to deal with it. These personal harboring feelings of hatred for herself was a hindrance from her full potential. How could she serve the kingdom effectively if she was so concerned with her appearance!?
She groans to herself as another Watcher enters the top of the tower she was stationed at. They give each other their formal greeting, and Caramel Arrow Cookie gives her brief report and hands the duties over to the other cookie. When finished, she trails down the stairs and towards the exit.
Before she even reached the exit, she could smell it. That sweet scent that seemed to stick to Affogato Cookie like glue. Her brow furrows as she picks up her pace, exiting quickly. There, outside the exit, awaited Affogato Cookie himself.
“There you are, First Watcher. Come with me.” He quickly spins on his heel and marches away, giving Caramel Arrow Cookie only a moment to register his words and sprint to catch up to him.
Similarly to the other day, they end up at the shrine, Affogato Cookie ushering her in and following suit.
“I assume you finished the, ah…binder?” Caramel Arrow Cookie questions.
“Yes, I did. I need to see how it fits incase I need to make any adjustments.” Affogato Cookie nods, moving over to rummage through a bag he had left inside the shrine.
He then pulls out something similar to an undershirt and Caramel Arrow Cookie gives him an odd look, “Is that it?”
Affogato Cookie glances at her, unamused, “Yes, just because it's not in strips does not mean it doesn't work.”
Caramel Arrow Cookie's eyebrow twitches.
“Now…please hurry up and change, I have other things to do today. I'm sure you do as well.” Handing over the binder, Affogato Cookie turns back around to give Caramel Arrow Cookie a modicum of privacy.
“Yes we're both busy, and you could have waited for a moment when we weren't.” Caramel Arrow Cookie replies, swiftly removing her top like before and folding it neatly.
Affogato Cookie couldn't help but laugh coldly, “When are we ever not busy?”
Caramel Arrow Cookie doesn't have a good reply to that, he was correct. They were always busy…
So she decides to simply finish getting this thing on. Pulling it over her head with more of a struggle than she expected, she adjusted it over her chest and smoothed it out. Once satisfied she was able to properly give it a look, the feel of it similar to an undershirt that squeezed around her body. It was much more comfortable than the bandages, even if she was ignoring how it bothered her fading bruises.
Not only that she looked…flat. Much more so than when she used bandages. She patted her chest, momentarily mesmerized by it, before a wide smile broke out over her face.
“This is amazing, Affogato Cookie!” She nearly hugs him again, but catches herself.
“Yes, I know.” Affogato Cookie smugly chuckles as he turns back around, giving Caramel Arrow Cookie a look over, “Does it feel fine? Comfortable? Too tight? Too loose?”
“It feels perfect!” Caramel Arrow Cookie is nearly too quick to answer.
“Let me take a look. Arms up.” Affogato Cookie leans back in to judge his work, and Caramel Arrow Cookie obliges.
He takes a few minutes to judge the quality and check the fitting, messing where it sat and checking to make sure it wasn't too tight. Humming curiously all the while. Once finished, he nods to himself and takes a step back.
“Yes, that should do perfectly.”
Caramel Arrow Cookie's smile widens.
“ However ,”
Affogato Cookie wags a finger at her, giving her a sharp you-better-listen look. Immediately Caramel Arrow Cookie's smile falters, there's always a catch…
“You cannot wear it all day everyday, at most you should only wear it eight hours per day, maybe ten knowing you but I do not recommend it. Then, at least once a week I do not want you wearing it at all to give your body a break.” Affogato Cookie explains, well, more like lectures, “In addition, do not sleep in it and be sure to stretch after wearing it. That, at least, should be the easiest rule for you to follow.”
Caramel Arrow Cookie's eyebrow twitches again at the jab, “What's the point of having this then, if I still cannot wear it all the time?”
Affogato Cookie rolls his eyes, “To make sure you don't hurt yourself again, while having a proper binder is safer, you're still at risk for damaging your ribs with prolonged use. It's simply a permanent risk to anyone trying to bind, so I'm merely giving you the safest alternative.”
Sighing, Caramel Arrow Cookie's shoulders sag as she looks down at herself- the euphoria she just felt mixing with an anxiety she tried so hard to bury. Would she ever…feel good?
“How…do you deal with it?”
Affogato Cookie looks taken aback by the sudden question.
“Like, not looking how you want. How you deal with feeling like you were supposed to be baked…but weren't?” Caramel Arrow Cookie's hands ball into frustrated fists, swinging angrily at her sides.
“I know I should focus on it so much, the kingdom is my priority- I should be giving it all of my attention…but I can't. I don't know why but I can't because it's so FRUSTRATING and I feel so wrong and-” Caramel Arrow Cookie rambles, her body tensing like a wound up coil, her fists now shaking.
“Caramel Arrow Cookie,” Affogato Cookie's voice breaks through the mass outburst of words, actually addressing her by name- something he rarely, if ever, did. She stopped talking.
He moves over the shrine, pulling one of the incense holders from a shelf and pulling a couple sticks from his bag. He then murmurs a few words, and the incense ignites, which Affogato Cookie then places them into the holder.
Soon, a soft calming scent fills the small shrine, breaking through the sweetness.
“Quit punishing yourself for having emotions and desires that are outside of your duties to your kingdom, honestly, you all need to learn that lesson. You are still your own cookie, not an infallible object with no emotions.” He sighs, shaking his head.
“As for…how to deal with it, I can't tell you.” Affogato Cookie glances to the side again, getting that melancholic look to his eye once more, “I do wish I could be of more help, but this experience is different for everyone- what works for me…might not work for you. So, that's all the advice I can give, is to find what works for you.”
Caramel Arrow Cookie felt her stomach churn, “How am I supposed to find what works for me!?”
“Knowing you, you'll find it within a week with how stubborn and determined you are.” Affogato Cookie chuckles before letting out a deep breath, his chest heaving, “There will be bad days. But there will also be good ones. Try to focus on the good ones.” He speaks with knowing, somberly so.
Caramel Arrow Cookie opens her mouth to protest, but shuts it, staring angrily at the ground, “So…it doesn't go away, does it?”
“No, at least, not for me. It simply became…more bearable. I learned to live with it, and not let it control me.” Unconsciously, he crosses his arms over his own chest, “I simply…accepted that this is who I am and…well, if I find a way to change it- then I will go for it without a second thought.”
He purses his lips, squeezing himself tighter, the words being forced from his throat, “Believe me I wish it did.”
Caramel Arrow Cookie lets out a frustrated groan, gently thumping her fist against the wall, “This sucks .”
“It does.”
They stand in silence for a while, refusing to meet each other's gaze. After a few minutes that felt like hours, it's Caramel Arrow Cookie who breaks the tension between them.
“...Thank you though, for everything.” She chuckles, even if it's strained, “You rarely talk about yourself like this, let alone to me, so I really do appreciate it. The binder too, it does look great.” She pats her chest again, that small bit of happiness spiking through her frustration.
Despite everything, Affogato Cookie had helped her, was helping her, even opened up to her!? Nothing she thought would ever happen willingly. It made her…happy, felt like Affogato Cookie finally trusted her a little more after all this time.
“So, thank you.” She offers him a smile.
Looking back at her with an unreadable expression, Affogato Cookie covers part of his face with his sleeve. He stares at her for a moment, contemplating his words.
“Mmm…never would have expected the great First Watcher herself to be this…heartfelt.” That playful teasing tone slips back into his voice and Caramel Arrow Cookie glares at him with a faint flush.
“I was trying to be nice!”
“Duly noted, albeit strange coming from you.”
“Seriously!?”
There's a pause, and suddenly Caramel Arrow Cookie can't help but laugh, moving over and patting Affogato Cookie on the shoulder. He, once again, looks startled at the sudden physical contact.
“You know Affogato Cookie, you aren't that bad. I've had my worries…but you really do care, huh?” She gives him a warm smile, feeling better than before.
“You are not the only one who cares for this kingdom, and all of its inhabitants you know…which does include you, First Watcher.” Caramel Arrow Cookie can make out a hint of a smirk behind his sleeve.
With all of that now behind them, Affogato Cookie rushes Caramel Arrow Cookie to get dressed and shooes her out of the shrine. They both had things to do for their kingdom after all.
However, before Caramel Arrow Cookie left, she promised him that she would report back to him if she figures out anything on how to deal with her feelings.
With an exasperated look, Affogato Cookie could only laugh, “Of course you'd treat it like one of your duties.”