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It was a bright, sunny day as Clover Cookie was playing his mandolin for the critters of the forest. He sat peacefully on a tree stump as he sang ballads of heroic adventures. The sunlight streamed beautifully through the trees, gently lighting up the forest beneath them. A light breeze blew past the bard cookie, causing loose leaves to encircle him as he played his music. It was a magical and perfect moment. Quiet rustling could be heard in the trees above.
“Ack!” a cookie fell from a tree and landed on the ground in front of Clover Cookie. “Ouchhh…” the cookie complained.
“Are you alright?” Clover asked, pausing playing his music to make sure the mysterious cookie hadn’t been too hurt from his fall.
“I’m fine,” the cookie insisted, waving his hand in the air dismissively, “I just… lost my grip.”
Clover tilted his head to the side curiously. “What is your name? I don’t believe we’ve met before.”
“Licorice Cookie…” the cookie grumbled, pulling his hood back over his head. Licorice crossed his arms, looking away to avoid eye contact.
Clover smiled, “Well, Licorice Cookie, it’s nice to meet you. I’m Clover Cookie.” He offered his hand to Licorice to help him stand up. After a moment of hesitation, Licorice took his hand and stood. Clover remembered feeling his heart flutter the moment Licorice’s hand touched his own; it was like an electric shock had been sent throughout his body in an instant.
Clover patted the spot on the tree stump beside him invitingly. “Come, sit.” Licorice Cookie seemed reluctant at first, almost as if he just wanted to bolt out of there as quickly as possible, but a part of him wanted to stay, so he did. Licorice slowly and hesitantly sat down next to the green cookie.
“I can’t help but ask,” the bard began, “What were you doing in the trees?”
The darker cookie scoffed, “None of your business, that’s what.”
“I won’t press you further, but I do have one request,” Clover Cookie offered.
“Oh? And what might that be hm?” Licorice questioned, half teasingly.
“May I play just one song for you?” The question caused Licorice Cookie to pause for a moment, and his cheeks flushed faintly.
Finally, he answered, “Y-you know, I really should be going—“
“Please? It’ll be quick,” Clover said a little urgently now, placing his hands on top of one of Licorice’s own so he couldn’t leave. Clover Cookie’s heart seemed to be jumping with excitement he’d never felt before, so he wanted to make the most he could out of the moment. He looked at the other cookie with a pleading expression.
Licorice Cookie’s cheeks flushed even deeper than before. He looked around anxiously before faintly nodding, “I guess one song couldn’t hurt…”
Clover Cookie’s face lit up with joy, and his cheeks began to flush too. “Thank you. You won’t regret this.” He picked up his lute again and began to play. The song had a gentle melody that calmed anyone who’d listen to it, and the lyrics were about deep and pure emotions that couldn’t be expressed in words.
The hooded cookie felt his heart skip a beat at some of the lyrics, and he found himself inching closer to the bard cookie as the song continued.
Once the song ended, Clover noticed how close Licorice had gotten. Clover placed his instrument down and gave Licorice a sweet smile. Much to Clover Cookie’s surprise, the darker cookie placed his hand on the bard’s hand gently and rested on his shoulder.
“May I stay here for a while?” Licorice asked. “It’s… been a stressful day. Being here with you makes my worries seem to go away.”
“Of course,” Clover’s smile softened. “Feel free to stay for as long as you need, and if you ever need me, I’ll be waiting for you here.”