Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

~3rd person~

Bobette and Ginger had been best friends for as long as they could remember. They’d known each other since they were kids—growing up side by side, basically being sisters. But over time, something began to change. Slowly, they both started to realize they were falling in love.

Bobette was the first to notice it. Whenever Ginger smiled, she’d get this weird fluttery feeling in her stomach. At first, she brushed it off, thinking it was nothing. But it kept happening—every single time Ginger smiled or complimented her, that same warmth bloomed in her chest.

Eventually, Bobette couldn’t deny it anymore. She was in love with Ginger. Really, in love. And the secret was starting to weigh on her.

Not knowing what to do, she went to Shelly—one of her closer friends—hoping she could help. After all, Shelly was dating Vee (who is a literal robot), and if anyone knew about love, it was her.

“Hey, Shelly?”

“Yes, Bobette?"

“Um… I need some advice. About love…” The last part came out barely above a whisper.

“So..who’s the lucky toon?” asked the ammonite with a knowing smirk.

“It’s Ginger..” Bobette mumbled, eyes darting away as she put a hand on the back of her neck, rubbing it.

“Finally!” Shelly started to giggle “I thought I was going to have to forcefully make y’all kiss.”

“Shut up,” she mumbled, hiding her face behind her hands, though she couldn’t stop the little smile tugging at her lips.

Shelly leaned closer “But anyways, it’s not that complicated, Bobs. If you like her, just… tell her. Sometimes people overthink things too much. Start small. Give her a compliment, a note, a little baking gesture. And then, when the moment feels right, just be honest. Say exactly how you feel.”

Bobette swallowed hard, her hands twisting together. “What if she doesn’t feel the same way?”

Shelly smiled gently. “Then you’ve still been brave, and that’s more than most people manage. But trust me… I’ve seen the way she looks at you. I think she likes you back.”

~Ginger’s POV~

Ginger hummed quietly to herself as she stirred the cookie dough with Cosmo and his boyfriend Sprout. The kitchen smelled like cinnamon and sugar, warm and comforting. She glanced at the chair where Bobette was sitting at breakfast earlier that morning, and her chest tightened for no reason she could name.

Why does she always make me feel… like this? Ginger shook her head, trying to focus on rolling out the dough. She didn’t want to admit it, even to herself, but she thought about Bobette a lot. The way she laughed, the way she always knew how to make her feel better, the little gestures that made Ginger’s stomach flutter.

She tried to ignore it, focusing on the cookies. But every time she thought about Bobette, a soft warmth spread through her chest. Maybe… maybe she liked her too.

Out of the corner of her eye, Ginger saw 2 figures talking with each other in the hallway next to the kitchen. She glanced over and realized it was Bobette and Shelly talking.

Ginger just stared at Bobette and Shelly talking, so she didn’t notice Cosmo and Sprout leaning against the counter behind her.

“You’re staring again,” Cosmo said, nudging her shoulder with a grin.

Sprout laughed “Yep. Can’t hide it, Ginger. Who’s got you all flustered this time?”

Ginger yelped and spun around, dusting her hands on her apron. “I—I’m not staring!” she protested, her voice squeaky.

“Come on, your eyes keep darting back to her every few seconds,” Cosmo teased, pointing at her.

Sprout leaned in, smirking. “Relax. We just want to know who’s got you all fluttery. Is it Bobette?”

Ginger’s cheeks flamed red. She could barely form words. “N-no! I’m… I’m just… baking!”

Cosmo and Sprout exchanged looks, chuckling at her flustered face. “Mhm,” Comso said “keep telling yourself that.”

Ginger turned back to the dough, trying to roll it out evenly, but her hands shook slightly. She couldn’t stop thinking about Bobette — the warm glow of her cheeks, the way she fidgeted with her hands, the soft laugh that Shelly had just teased about.

Cosmo and Sprout had returned to their own tasks, giving her occasional sly glances, but Ginger barely noticed. Every time Bobette shifted or gestured in the hallway, her heart jumped.

She tried to focus on the cookies, lining them up neatly on the tray, but her mind kept drifting back. Just… say something. Even a little smile… or a compliment…

She decided to figure out what to say later, and in the meantime put the cookies in the oven. She grabbed the tray and carefully slid the cookie tray into the oven and brushed a bit of flour off her apron. When she glanced up again, her breath caught.

Bobette was looking right at her.

Their eyes met for a second, long enough for Ginger’s stomach to twist into knots.

Bobette blinked, just as startled, and gave her a quick, nervous smile before Shelly whispered something that made her blush even harder.

Ginger’s heart thudded in her chest. She whipped her gaze away so fast she nearly dropped the spatula.

Cosmo noticed instantly. “Uh-huh,” he said with a grin, “definitely just baking.”

“Shut up,” Ginger muttered, her voice barely audible over the hum of the oven.

She turned back to her work, trying to act normal. But she couldn’t. All Ginger could think about was Bobette.

~Bobette’s POV~

Bobette just stood there for a second, trying to process what had just happened.

Shelly placed her hands on her hips and looked at Bobette with a face that said “Told ya!”

Bobette groaned, intertwining her hands. “You don’t have to say it, I know what you’re thinking.”

“Oh, I’m gonna say it anyway,” Shelly teased, giving her a nudge. “She looked at you, Bobs. Like, really looked at you.”

Bobette’s heart fluttered again at the thought. “You think so?” she mumbled, glancing toward the kitchen where Ginger was still pretending to be very focused on the oven.

“I know so,” Shelly said with a grin. “Now stop doubting yourself and go help her before she burns those cookies trying not to stare back.”

Bobette hesitated, clutching the edge of her apron. “What if I mess it up? What if she—”

“—smiles at you again?” Shelly cut in with a laugh. “Yeah, that’s a risk, but maybe it’s worth it.”

Bobette took a deep breath, nodding slowly. Maybe it was worth it. Maybe this was her moment to finally stop hiding behind nervous smiles.

She glanced one last time at Shelly, who gave her a thumbs up. Then, with her heart pounding like a drum, Bobette stepped into the kitchen.

“H-hey Ginger!” Bobette said as her heart pounded so loud she could her it in her ears.

Ginger jumped slightly at the sound of her name, nearly dropping the mixing spoon. “O-oh! H-hi, Bobette!” she stammered, trying to sound casual. “I was just, um… checking on the cookies!”

Bobette chuckled softly, stepping closer. “Smells amazing in here. You always make them perfect.”

Ginger’s face started to burn. “T-thanks… I just followed the recipe.”

Bobette smiled, fiddling with her hands. “Yeah, but you make them taste better. I don’t know how, you just… do.”

For a moment, the kitchen felt warm in a different way. Quieter, softer. Even Cosmo and Sprout seemed to sense it, slipping out to “check on the icing” and leaving them alone. (but actually peaking out from a corner to watch)

Ginger turned toward the oven, trying to hide her blush. “They’ve got a few minutes left before they’re done.”

Bobette nodded, taking a step closer so she was standing beside her. “Mind if I help? Maybe we can decorate them together?”

Ginger glanced up, meeting her eyes again. This time, she didn’t look away. “I’d like that.”

Bobette’s heart nearly burst out of her chest. She grinned nervously, trying not to let it show. “Cool! I, uh… brought some extra sprinkles.”

“Of course you did,” Ginger said with a tiny laugh - the kind of laugh that made Bobette’s stomach flip all over again.

END OF CHAPTER ONE YAYYY

Chapter Text

~3rd person~

The cookies were cooling on the counter, the kitchen still filled with the warm smell of sugar and cinnamon. Ginger was piping little hearts onto each one while Bobette stood beside her, pretending to “help” but mostly just watching her with a lovesick smile.

Ginger glanced up and caught her looking.

“You’re supposed to be decorating too, you know,” she teased, nudging the frosting bag toward her.

“Oh! Right, yeah—decorating.” Bobette grabbed the bag, trying to play it cool. But the second she squeezed it, frosting splurted out in the wrong direction—right across Ginger’s arm.

Ginger gasped, then giggled. “Bobette!”

“Uh..whoops! I’ll clean it up!” Bobette fumbled for a towel, stepping forward too fast. Her foot caught on the corner of the rug.

Before either of them could react, Bobette tripped—crashing into Ginger and sending them both tumbling to the floor. The world spun for half a second until-

She landed on top of her.

Everything went still.

Bobette’s hands were braced on either side of Ginger, their faces only inches apart. She could feel Ginger’s heartbeat pounding against her own chest, their breaths mingling in the tiny space between them.

Ginger’s eyes were wide, her cheeks flushed bright pink. “B-Bobette…?” she whispered.

“I—uh—I didn’t mean to—” Bobette stammered, trying to push herself up, but her arm slipped on a patch of flour and she accidentally leaned closer.

That’s when Cosmo’s voice cut through the air.

“Well, well, well,” he said from the doorway, smirking. “Looks like someone’s really falling for her.”

Ginger yelled “COSMO!!” as Bobette scrambled to her feet, face completely red.

Ginger sat up, covering her face with her hands, trying to hide her giggle. “You could’ve at knocked first!”

Cosmo laughed, hands on his hips. “Oh please, this is the most entertaining thing that’s happened all week.”

Ginger groaned. “You’re never gonna let me live this down, are you?”

“Nope!” Cosmo chirped, already backing out of the room. “Carry on, lovebirds~!”

When he was gone, an awkward silence fell. Then Ginger peeked up, a shy smile appearing on her mouth.
“…You okay?” she asked softly.

Bobette rubbed the back of her neck, avoiding her gaze. “Y-yeah. Just… clumsy, I guess.”

Ginger giggled, brushing a bit of flour off Bobette’s cheek. “It’s fine. You’re cute when you panic.”

Bobette froze. “W-what?”

Ginger’s blush deepened. “I mean—uh—when you’re flustered, you’re cute. Uh—I mean—”

Now they were both red as cherries, and Bobette couldn’t help but smile.

“Go on..” Bobette said as she smirked

Ginger’s mouth opened and closed like her brain had completely short-circuited. “I—uh—well, you just—when you get all nervous like that, you—uh—”

She groaned, hiding her face in her hands. “Never mind!”

Bobette giggled softly, leaning a little closer. “Nooo, you can’t say something like that and not finish it.”

Ginger peeked at her through her fingers, cheeks glowing pink. “You’re impossible.”

“And you’re avoiding the question,”Bobette teased, tilting her head.

“So I am cute when I panic?”

Ginger let out a breathy laugh, her hands falling from her face. “You always know how to make me flustered.”

Bobette’s grin softened, her voice dropping to something quieter—sincere. “Guess we’re even then.”

For a second, the kitchen felt warm in a different way. The cookies cooling on the counter, the faint sound of the oven ticking, and two hearts that didn’t seem to know how to calm down.

Ginger looked up at her again, and for a brief, heart-stopping moment, Bobette thought she might actually close the space between them. But instead—

“Hey, you two didn’t burn the cookies, did you?” Sprout’s voice cut through the doorway.

Both girls jumped apart instantly.

“Nope! Totally fine! Cookies are great!” Bobette blurted, way too quickly.

Sprout raised an eyebrow, glancing between them. “Mhm. Sure.” He smirked.

“Cosmo said to tell the lovebirds goodnight.”

“Tell him to sleep with one eye open..” Ginger said as he ducked out of the room, laughing.

Bobette rubbed the back of her neck, still red but smiling. “They’re never gonna let us live this down.”

Ginger’s voice was small but warm. “Maybe that’s okay.”

Bobette blinked at her. “Yeah?”

Ginger met her eyes and smiled—a tiny, honest smile that made Bobette’s chest feel like it was glowing. “Yeah.”

The two of them stood there, surrounded by flour, frosting, and cookies, smiling like total idiots.

Chapter Text

~3rd person~

Bobette’s room smelled faintly of vanilla and freshly laundered sheets.

The small space was scattered with notebooks, a few cookie crumbs, and stray sprinkles from yesterday.

Ginger sat cross-legged on the floor, holding a mug of cocoa, cheeks still tinted pink.

Bobette perched on her desk chair, heart hammering.

“So… what’s your favorite cookie?” Ginger asked softly, glancing up at her.

Bobette shrugged, fidgeting with her hands. “Uh… chocolate chip, I guess. You?”

Ginger smiled faintly. “Same. I guess we’re cookie twins.”

The warmth in Ginger’s voice made Bobette’s chest flutter. She wanted to tell her so badly how she really felt—but the words tangled in her throat.

After a deep breath, she finally blurted, “Ginger… there’s something I’ve been keeping from you.”

Ginger tilted her head, curious. “Hm?”

Bobette’s fingers twisted nervously. “I… I really like you. More than a friend. I’ve been too scared to say it, but I can’t wait anymore.”

Ginger froze, eyes wide, cheeks blazing pink. For a moment, Bobette feared she had ruined everything.

Then Ginger’s lips curved into a shy, warm smile. “I… I think I like you too,” she whispered.

Bobette’s heart skipped a beat. She leaned forward, and their lips met in a gentle, nervous kiss.

After a moment, she pulled back slightly, cheeks burning.

“There’s… one more thing,” she said quietly, glancing down at her hidden tail. “I—I have a tail. I usually keep it hidden… I’ve never told anyone. But I wanted you to know.”

Ginger blinked, eyes wide, then a soft smile spread across her face. “You… have a tail? That’s… really cute. And I like that you trusted me enough to tell me.”

Bobette’s tail twitched and wagged slightly, brushing against Ginger’s leg. She hugged her knees nervously. “I get nervous about it.”

Ginger reached out, lightly touching the tip. “It’s okay… I think it’s adorable. I like all of you.”

Bobette’s heart nearly exploded. She leaned closer again, brushing a soft, careful kiss against Ginger’s forehead. Their cheeks were pink, their breaths mingling in the quiet room.

Just then, the door creaked open.

“Hey, uh hi!” Shelly’s voice called from the doorway, holding Vee’s hand. Both looked surprised, taking in the scene.

“Oh! I was going to ask if you wanted to go on a walk with me and Vee,” Shelly said, pausing as her eyes landed on Bobette and Ginger. “Wow… didn’t know I’d catch you mid uh…”

Bobette and Ginger screamed, scrambling apart. Bobette hid her face in her hands, her tail wagging frantically behind her.

Ginger buried her face in her mug, laughter bubbling out. “S-Shelly! I… hi!”

Shelly grinned, clearly amused. “Totally cute though. Carry on, lovebirds.”

Vee waved from behind her. “Go on, enjoy your moment,” she teased with a wink.

Once they left, Bobette peeked out from behind her hands, heart still pounding.

“You… really like me?”

Ginger nodded shyly. “Yeah… I think I’ve liked you for a while.”

Bobette exhaled a laugh, tail wagging happily this time. “I’m glad… because I’ve liked you forever. And now… you know all of me.”

Ginger reached out and took her hand. “All of you is perfect.”

They sat together on the floor, Bobette's tail swishing happily, hearts racing, feeling like the world had suddenly become warmer, sweeter… and entirely theirs.

*a little while later after dinner*

“Hey Bobs?” Ginger said as she walked to her room to put on her pjs

“Yes Ginger?”

“Can I uh..sleep with you in your room tonight?” Ginger asked as her eyes darted away, clearly flustered.

“Of course!” Bobette said, trying to act causal but her tail betrayed her by wagging intensely.

Ginger noticed Bobette’s tail but didn’t say anything, just smiled to herself as she walked into her room.

~Bobette's POV~

“Stupid tail…” Bobette muttered under her breath as she went to her closet to grab her favorite Christmas tree sweater.

She put it on and decided to just sit on the floor and wait for Ginger to knock.

Ginger came back a few minutes later in her pajamas, holding a blanket in her arms. “You’re on the floor?” she teased softly, smiling as she knelt beside her.

Bobette laughed sheepishly. “Yeah, I, uh… didn’t know what else to do.”

“Come on,” Ginger said, pulling her up by the hand. “You’re gonna get crumbs in your sweater if you sleep down there.”

They both crawled into bed, the room dimly lit by the soft glow of Bobette’s nightlight—a tiny cookie-shaped lamp that flickered like warm sugar.

For a moment, neither spoke. The quiet was comfortable. Peaceful.

Then Ginger turned slightly toward her. “...Your tail’s showing again,” she whispered with a tiny smile.

Bobette squeaked, reaching back to tuck it under the blanket, but Ginger gently stopped her hand. “No—don’t hide it. I like it.”

Bobette’s heart melted. She hesitated, then let her tail rest freely, the soft tip brushing against Ginger’s leg.

Ginger giggled quietly. “See? It’s kind of cozy.”

“Yeah?” Bobette murmured, cheeks warm.

“Yeah.”

Ginger yawned, scooting a little closer until their shoulders touched. Without even thinking, Bobette wrapped an arm around her. Ginger relaxed into it, resting her head against Bobette’s chest, and before long, both their breathing had slowed.

Bobette’s tail wagged once more, slow and content as they drifted off together, the soft rhythm of their hearts syncing with the quiet hum of the night.

Chapter Text

~3rd person~

The morning sun streamed softly through the window, catching the dust motes in golden light. The house was quiet—too quiet.

Dandy stumbled down the hallway, flower tail twitching nervously, Astro half-asleep trailing behind him.

“ASTRO… I think… something might be happening,” Dandy muttered, pacing. “…Like, last December-level chaos.”

Astro yawned, rubbing his eyes. “…Is it morning already?”

“Yes, but! Remember last December? The sleep-baking incident? THE COOKIE FLOUR EVERYWHERE? THIS COULD TURN INTO THAT IF WE’RE NOT CAREFUL!”

They stopped outside Ginger’s room. Dandy knocked lightly, hearing nothing. He peeked in. Empty.

“She’s… not here?” he murmured, tail flicking nervously.

Astro blinked. “…Maybe she’s in the kitchen?”

Dandy shook his head. “No! If Ginger’s wandering at six in the morning, we could end up with… well, another flour explosion.”

He walked toward Bobette’s room, heart hammering. The door was slightly ajar.
Pushing it open, he froze.

Bobette and Ginger were curled up together under the blanket, sleeping peacefully. Bobette’s tail twitched against Ginger’s side, wagging slowly. Their heads rested close together, breaths syncing with the quiet hum of morning.

Dandy’s flower tail puffed up in pure shock. “…Oh.”

He blinked a few times before blurting out, “WAKE UP! Both of you!”

Both girls jolted awake, startled.

“D-Dandy!” Bobette squeaked, sitting up so fast the blanket slipped off her shoulder.

Ginger groaned, rubbing her eyes. “Ugh… it’s too early for this…”

Dandy stood in the doorway, hands on his hips, trying to sound composed but failing. “Do you two have any idea how worried I was? I thought you were sleep-baking again! Last December was traumatic, okay? Flour in my tail for a week!”

Astro, still barely awake, peeked past him. “…They’re fine,” he mumbled. “Can we have breakfast now?”

Dandy sighed dramatically. “Fine. But I expect zero explosions today.”

Later that morning…

The kitchen once again filled with the smell of cinnamon and sugar—though thankfully, no disasters this time.

Ginger stood at the counter, tying her apron as Cosmo and Sprout prepared bowls and ingredients. “Alright,” she said with a grin, “let’s make breakfast cookies. Light and sweet!”

Cosmo saluted her with a whisk. “Yes, chef!”

Sprout chuckled. “I’m just here to taste-test.”

Bobette wandered in a few minutes later, her tail swaying lazily. “Smells good in here.”

Dandy, sitting nearby with Astro and a cup of tea, kept a wary eye on the counter. “I swear, if flour so much as floats in my direction…”

Ginger laughed. “Relax, Dandy. No explosions today, promise.”

By the time they finished baking, the kitchen was warm and full of laughter. They all sat down together, plates of soft cookies and mugs of cocoa in front of them, the morning sunlight painting everything gold.

After breakfast, everyone went about their day—Cosmo and Sprout cleaned up, Dandy finally relaxed, and Astro wandered off to nap again.

Bobette and Ginger headed toward the door, bundling up in light jackets.

“Going somewhere?” Dandy asked.

“Just a walk,” Bobette said with a small smile. “It’s nice out.”

Ginger nodded. “We’ll be back soon!”

The air outside was cool and crisp, carrying the soft scent of sugar and pine from the bakery down the street. Snow still dusted the ground in small patches that glittered under the morning sun.

Ginger tucked her hands into her sleeves. “It’s kind of peaceful, huh?”

Bobette smiled, her breath forming little clouds in the cold air. “Yeah. I like mornings like this.”

They walked quietly for a while, their boots crunching lightly against the snow-dusted cobblestones.

Every now and then, their hands brushed. The third time it happened, Bobette hesitated—then gently took Ginger’s hand.

Ginger’s eyes widened for a moment, then softened into a shy smile. “Your hand’s warm.”

Bobette laughed softly. “Guess I’m good for something.”

They kept walking, passing by decorated shop windows and sleepy toons setting up for the day. The sun peeked over the rooftops, painting the world in soft gold.

As they walked, Bobette’s tail swayed behind her, happy and free, no longer hidden.

Ginger squeezed her hand. “You know,” she said quietly, “I think mornings are nicer when you’re around.”

Bobette’s heart fluttered, and she squeezed back gently. “Then I guess I’ll have to stick around for a lot more of them.”

They walked on, side by side, the world around them glowing with quiet warmth—just two friends turned something more, wrapped up in the simple sweetness of a winter morning.

Chapter Text

~3rd person~

The morning after their walk, Bobette and Ginger were in the living room when Shelly suddenly burst through the door like a dramatic tornado.

“Alright, you two!” she declared, pointing at them with both hands. “Get dressed. You’re coming on a double date with me and Vee.”

Ginger nearly dropped her mug.

Bobette just blinked like her brain stopped working.

Behind Shelly, Vee stood politely while VERY carefully avoiding stepping near the hallway where the bathroom was.

Bobette finally found her voice.

“A… a double date?”

“Yes,” Shelly said, rolling her eyes. “Come on, it’s not rocket science.”

Vee calmly lifted her hand.
“We must choose a place without water.”

Cosmo, who had been eavesdropping from the couch, frowned. “Why no water?

Shelly stared at cosmo for a second.

“Isn’t it obvious?! She’s a literal TV. If she touches water she’ll short-circuit and maybe explode! Or catch on fire! Or both!”

Vee nodded.

“I wouldn’t explode. But I would spark violently.”

Sprout yelped, “OH okay yeah no water.”

Ginger giggled. Bobette stared at Vee with the expression of someone whose entire worldview had just been rewritten.

Shelly clapped her hands.

“GET READY! Fancy clothes! We’re going out!”

~The Restaurant~

The four of them walked into the nicest place in town — velvet booths, shiny silverware, candles on every table.

A waiter led them to a round table.

Bobette and Ginger sat shoulder to shoulder, both pink in the face.

Shelly and Vee sat across from them like they’d done this a million times.

“What can I get you four?” the waiter asked gingerly.

Ginger ordered tomato pasta.

Bobette got a creamy mushroom dish.

Shelly ordered sparkly lemonade and garlic bread.

Then the waiter turned to Vee.

“And for you, miss?”

Vee very calmly set a small black thermos on the table and unscrewed the lid.
Inside was thick, glossy black oil, smooth as ink.

“I brought my dinner,” she said politely. “High-grade refined oil.”

Ginger tried SO hard not to giggle.

Bobette’s eyebrows lifted in fascination.

Shelly leaned toward the waiter, whispering proudly,

“She only drinks the fancy black stuff. She’s a TV, y’know?”

The waiter nodded like this was totally normal.

Vee took a tiny sip as if it were fine wine, then dabbed her mouth with a napkin.

~After Dinner~

The date actually went… shockingly well.

Shelly made everyone laugh.

Vee told surprisingly interesting stories about signal static and channel frequencies.

Bobette and Ginger held hands under the table.

When the night ended, they all walked back toward the house.

Shelly and Vee whispered things to each other and giggled.

Bobette and Ginger walked behind them, brushing shoulders now and then, occasionally catching each other’s eyes and immediately blushing.

The streetlamps glowed warm gold as they approached home.

And then as they paused in front of the walkway—

Ginger looked up at Bobette, smiling softly.

Bobette felt her tail twitch under her coat.

And in that warm, quiet moment,

they leaned forward and shared a small, sweet kiss.

Not dramatic.

Not intense.

Just soft.

Cute.

Perfect.

When they pulled back, both girls smiled like glowing lanterns.

Shelly turned around just in time to see their faces.

She scoffed, smirking.

“FINALLY. Took you long enough.”

Vee added gently, “It was statistically inevitable.”

Bobette hid her face in her hands.

Ginger giggled and grabbed her arm.

They all walked inside together as the night settled around them like a blanket — four friends, two couples, and one perfect double date.