Chapter Text
The day was just as peaceful in the kingdom. Lollipop flowers practically sung with joy, almost literally with herb around, creating a humble air in the atmosphere. The kingdom was spacious enough for the two lovers to have some time to themselves, but not enough to have it for long. Sometimes a change in place was nice. The two would walk hand in hand to the town square that was built only a year ago. Despite that, its structures stood big while tall, filled with cookies they had never seen before. Town square was bustled with cookies during the day. Each cookie was doing their own thing, driven by their daily motivation, Mint Choco couldn't help cookie watching. It was his guilty pleasure. As his eyes followed behind the heads of many frosting haired cookies, his eyes spotted something next to one of the clothing stores.
He raised a brow, "Has that always been there?"
His lover, Hot Cocoa, looked up before noticing the exact same thing, "I don't think so. It looks like a.."
The two watched in confusion as the dusty display window showed someone inside struggling to hoist up what looked like a large white dress on a mannequin. The cookie got on their tippy-feet attempting to fully push the clothing onto the white stand near the light. Without much thought, the two of them got up to go see what she was doing. They felt intrigued and motivated to help. Cocoa got to the front window, not wanting to be rude by opening the door. Although it had only been a few seconds, the cookie inside looks like she's getting swallowed whole by a thick white petticoat. When Cocoa makes a gesture to come inside, the cookie through the window nods aggressively. Both of them push through the door. Cocoa quickly rushed to the store owner's aid, fully shifting the dress up onto the display.
"Oh thank you! I was worried I wouldn't be able to lift this one up," the cookie said, "I have other dresses, though I'm more proud of this one."
"No problem." Hot cocoa smiled. Mint Choco hung around by the door, taking in the place. It smelt of warm vanilla with a tinge of dust. The Shelves along the walls looked as though they had just been drilled in place, boxes of frosting pipes and jewels of berries left a smaller, much sweeter scent. A large flower vase sat in one of the in-progress shelves next to a large portrait too big to miss. He stood a bit closer, tuning at the light conversation of Cocoa and the other cookie. It appeared to be her as a child, a bridesmaid, running down the aisle gleefully with a waffle basket whilst throwing petals in the air. Mint Choco chuckled to himself a bit before realizing what this all meant.
Mint Choco turned around, "So you do weddings?"
The cookie lighted up, "Yes! How rude of me, I haven't told you who I am. I'm Wedding Cake Cookie. I make dresses, jewelry, and plan weddings for any who wish to spend the rest of their lives together."
Cocoa beamed, "That's wonderful! Have you gotten any customers?"
"Just one, but her wedding is a bit nontraditional. Not that I have a problem with that! It's my pride and sworn duty to give cookies the best weddings they deserve." Wedding Cake gave a smile that seemed so genuine. To see a cookie that close with their craft was heartwarming. Mint Choco remembers when his body was big enough to fit a violin on his shoulder. Since then his passion for music thrived. From a humble street performer to an orchestral artist attending balls held of royalty, he never forgets his burning determination. It was one of the many pleasures of the world that continued to please. Even when the world let him down.
”That’s so kind,” Cocoa finally glanced around the pearly white boutique, “did you need any help with the rest of this? Those boxes look quite full.”
Wedding cake shuffled her pastel pink hair the right side of her face to get a better look at the rest of the room. The back of the store was a lot less charming in comparison to the warm glow that bounced off the carefully placed pearls along the display dress. She sighed, “I would like some assistance, but I don’t want to cause you anymore trouble.”
”No, no, I insist!” Cocoa came close and held her hands.
Wedding Cake let out a breath of relief. “I’d love to see what kind of dresses you plan on making,” Cocoa faced back at Mint Choco with a sympathetic smile, “what about you?”
Mint Choco looked away, “I'd rather not. I'll stay back around the kingdom, if you don't mind." He looked back at the two from the corner of his eye. He was mostly afraid of being stuffed in a dress. Mint Choco had to witness first hand the struggles of what lies within those frilly cloths of beauty. Underneath was the nightmare of zippers, corsets, or tight petticoats that ached at the hips. A shudder ran through him just thinking about it.
Cocoa giggled, "Alright then, see you back at the house?"
Mint Choco nodded confidently, already ready to leave the store. Cocoa took a few steps forward before getting on her tippy toes. She gently pecked his cheek, causing Mint Choco's face to flush a bit. The warmth of her cocoa coated lips created waves of happiness that he'd only ever experienced with his instrument. Cocoa then turned away just as fast as she came. Mint Choco waved goodbye to the two cookies as he walked out the door. A cold breeze blew through the air once he stepped foot outside. Mint Choco looked up to observe the weather change. Puffy white clouds dimmed the area, continuously blowing cold wind throughout town. Mint Choco shivered slightly. He wasn't usually affected by the cold, in spite of that, today was different. Fall was nearing, making it impossible to avoid the inevitable need for sweaters and heat. Cocoa was all about the sweater weather. Mint Choco wandered himself back to the kingdom. He felt awkward being by himself so suddenly.
He then saw the faint temperature glow coming from the windows of Sparkling Cookie's bar. Mint Choco wasn't much of a drinker. Though seeing his friend couldn't hurt. He made his way over, opening the large chocolate blocked door. Inside sat many familiar faces and many unique cookies. Royal Margarine Cookie sat with his hand enveloped in Avocado Cookie's, both seem drunk out of their dough, arm wrestling with all their might. At another table sat Blackberry cookie playing cards with Adventure from across, drinking with wine glasses next to them. At the bar, Sparkling was entertaining a smaller cookie. The small cookie fumbled up and down to find a proper balance on the tall bar stool.
"Ahem, your humble king requests a drink." Custard Cookie the III cleared his throat.
Sparkling played along, "You got it your highness." He turned away, missing Mint Choco planting himself next to Custard at the bar. Mint Choco quietly waited while taking occasional glances at Custard. Everyone knew he was far too young to drink and definitely too young to be king. Though no one really ever said anything. It was better that way.
Sparkling handed out a short glass of chocolate milk with a red-white striped straw sticking out. Custard's eyes lit up with glee, causing him to cheer in appreciation before snatching away the glass, eagerly drinking it. He continuously shifted until he felt comfortable enough to leap off the seat. Custard dashed away until he was out of sight. The lowly jazz covered up his light foot steps once he trailed off. Mint Choco turned his focus back to Sparkling.
Sparkling gave a welcoming smile, "Nice to see you again, Mint. Was worried you wouldn't show since you've been so busy with your concerts lately."
"Tell me about it, people have been asking for party performances or orchestra memberships. I'm out almost every week." Mint Choco gave out an exhausted groan.
Sparkling slid over a shot glass, causing him to jump in an attempt to catch it. He does, staring at himself in the reflection. "Call this on the house." Sparkling winked before bending down to reach underneath the table. Mint Choco wasted no time downing the shot just as fast as he'd gotten it. His gaze moved onto Sparkling once more. Something was strange. Around his wrist was a sage green rubber band. Mint Choco already felt a bit loosened up from the drink. It couldn't hurt to ask, right?
Mint Choco tilted his head, "What's that?"
Sparkling let out a soft 'hm," before lifting his head to follow Mint Choco's eyes. He recognized the confusion, as he'd gotten that before. "It's my wedding band. Well, my working wedding band. I want to keep my actual ring clean, but unfortunately mixing drinks isn't always clean. So I keep the rubber one on for work while keeping my regular one on when I go out." Sparkling shrugged it off as if it was the easiest thing in the world. Mint Choco actually remembered going to their wedding. It was beautiful. The floral decorations mixed with the bright sunlight bringing out the sparkles along their suits with the alter matching their love for nature. It was honestly a display of true love. Mint Choco always wondered if he would ever find love like that. Then he found Hot Cocoa.
"Can I get another one?" Mint Choco asked cautiously.
Sparkling laughed, "Are you sure you wanna get messed up in the afternoon?"
Mint Choco rolled his eyes. He wasn't going to get messed up. He just wanted a drink to smooth things over. It wasn't like he had anything better to do anyway. He would be fine.
After around his fourth or fifth shot, his brain began to feel a bit loopy. Not to the point he couldn't walk straight or talk normally. It was to the point his emotions were pouring themselves out of his mouth. Mint Choco laid his head down onto the cold surface of the bar. He needed a distraction from all that played in his brain. He needed a distraction from that stupid rubber ring he couldn't stop staring at. Sparkling went on with his work until stopping to poke Mint Choco. Sparkling whispered, "You know I'm legally not allowed to serve you anymore alcohol til you're fully conscious, right?"
Mint Choco groaned while lifting his head, "I'm not drunk. Just a bit woozy."
Sparkling snickered a bit as he grabbed a rag to clean the counters that surrounded him. Mint Choco stared once more at his blurry reflection inside his glass. He couldn't avoid trailing back to his subconscious. He had never really thought of getting married before. Of course he wanted to, even dreaming of what kinds of songs he would play at the ceremony, still, he always envisioned it for the distant future. Time passes quick and now he has someone he could marry. If she ever saw it that way too. Heavy footsteps cleared his mind once he glanced to the side. Someone had decided to sit directly beside him. His eyes widened, "Y-Your Majesty?" he felt his heart drop.
Hollyberry Cookie grinned from ear to ear, "In the flesh! Get me fruit juice, will you?" She turned toward Sparkling. Sparkling nodded eagerly before quickly continuing his work. Mint Choco was left in awe except he didn't want to be rude. He turned back to his drink, steadily taking it all down in one go.
"So you're interested in marriage, huh?" Hollyberry smirked teasingly.
Mint Choco nearly spat away his juice, "I-Interested? I mean I'm just curious on how the whole thing works."
Hollyberry explained proudly, "Well let me tell you! My wedding was extravagant! It was filled to the brim with music, pastries of every kind, with best selected dancers! I'll never forget it." Mint Choco looks down to see a small berry ring on her wrist, matching where Sparkling had his rubber. Mint Choco smiled a bit.
"That sounds wonderful. Though I don't think I could afford every kind of pastry." He nervously laughed. Sparkling soon turned back at the two. Then he placed fruit juice in front of Hollyberry. Hollyberry gave her gratitude before nearly swinging the entire drink in one go. Mint Choco was in fear while also in amazement.
Sparkling listened in on the entire conversation, unable to wipe a smile off his face. He tossed the rag to the side, "Weddings don't always have to be big to be special. You remember my wedding, don't you? Herb and I had ours by the countryside of the kingdom. It was private, we were in nature right where he liked to be. But we also had family there, like how I liked." Mint Choco listened to the more realistic version of a wedding. He tried to put it into the perspective of Hot Cocoa cookie. Would she like it be in nature? Would she want an extravagant wedding with best dancers or the most heartfelt touching songs played? Mint Choco played violin so the music part wasn't too hard, but living up to other expectations could be difficult.
Mint Choco slid his small glass back to Sparkling's side of the counter. It was probably going to take a while before he could get a hold of the idea of marrying, let alone proposing. Mint Choco blurted, "Who proposed? How?" His tone grew flimsy with anxiety. Mint Choco was eager to know as if he could just learn how to get married.
Sparkling rubbed his band with his other hand, smoothing over the memory, "I proposed, actually. We were on a trip with his family. Then I figured, it's now or never. I got down on one knee then popped the question. Of course I made sure the setting was romantic so we could be alone, but I'm sure that part isn't what you're asking." Mint Choco hummed to himself. That was exactly what he was asking for. How are you supposed to know when it's the right time? Mint Choco thought it was sweet how those two went hand and hand because he never really had to question it. Now all he wanted was answers.
Hollyberry stretched, "I was proposed to in my castle during a ball. It felt a bit like fate. However that's what young love does to a person." She gave a hard wink he easily dismissed. Mint Choco didn't want to think about how this could be just 'young love.' He wanted to think of it as forever love. Marriage means being with someone for the rest of your life. He wants her for the rest of his life no matter what path he chooses. He know she would always be there for him, now he wants to do the same. He just doesn't know how.
"There are infinite possibilities of how to have your wedding, than better yet, how can I even propose?" Mint Choco heaved a bit as he held his head up with one elbow while combing through his thick minty frosting hair. Sparkling saw the exhausted look on his friend's face. His smile wore down sadly.
Sparkling took back the cup and rinsed it in the sink along the far left of the bar. "Not every couple is the same. Might be better to ask around and see what ways work for you, y'know?" Sparkling said calmly. Not a single doubt was found in his statement. Mint Choco even hauled his sulking to look up in surprise. That was a really good idea. Perhaps Sparkling's wedding and proposal was too simple and Hollyberry's was too extravagant for him. But there was still hope.
Mint Choco rose his head before setting a few coins onto the table for Sparkling. "Here, for the extra drinks. You're a life saver." Mint Choco felt himself sober up a bit when getting ready to leave. Sparkling gave him a friendly smile as he watched him make his way out of the bar.
Sparkling looked back at Hollyberry who seemed to still have eyes on the door swinging back and forth from his exit. "That kid's in for the long haul, isn't he?" Hollyberry snickered.
Sparkling questioned, "He's an adult?"
"When you're as old as I am, everyone's a kid," HollyBerry shrugged before slamming her glass onto the counter, "now, refill please!" The smug grin never left her face.
That night, Mint Choco laid in bed, beside his beloved. He wished he could just ask her. They had always talked about the things that most troubled them or made them the most curious. First kiss, first date, concerts, other cookies giving them a hard time, it was all first base to them. Now it felt so suffocating not being able to talk about it. Mint Choco was a bit glad however that they were lying in the dark. He tried to let the night overcome him, to no avail.
"Can't sleep?" Cocoa whispered beside him.
He shook his head. She always knew. It was that instinct she had gained from the several nights they spent together where Mint Choco would get the occasional night-before-show jitters.
Cocoa murmured, "What's on your mind?"
You, he wanted to say. Nothing could come out for a brief moment. "I'm going to be busy tomorrow," he blurted without thinking it through, "just not ready for it all yet."
Cocoa asked playfully, "Busy? You got plans without me?"
Her tone was entirely quiet and cheerful. Mint Choco had a hard time keeping his secret plan hidden. "Maybe." He replied quietly.
"Jokes on you, I agreed to help Wedding Cake Cookie for the next few days anyway. Good to know we'll both be busy." Cocoa kept her warming demeanor while explaining her plans. Mint Choco didn't respond for a bit.
Cocoa moved closer, "I'll be home for dinner. I promise."
Mint Choco wasn't even thinking about that. However, her consideration of the matter made his chest churn. How could he not marry her? Her lips pecked his cheek softly. Even though he couldn't see her, he could feel her silky cocoa hair rest on his chest. Her arms wrapped around his torso. Instinctively he held her close. When they moved in with one another, they had gotten a bigger bed to sleep comfortably. They found it comfortable to sleep a few inches away while still within arms reach of the other. It was rare when they cuddled to sleep. He loved it.
The smell of her chocolate scent engulfed him to a land of wonder. It filled him with a delightful bliss that made him forget the rest of the world. All he could think about now is if they would stay like this once they married. Her in his arms, bundling the both of them in heat hot enough to melt away the rest of the universe from sight. "Goodnight." Her voice dragged down with drowsiness.
"Goodnight," he answered back, "I love you."