Work Text:
The bedroom was always quiet when you were in it.
There was no music, there was no laughter, there was only an echoing silence that remained no matter what. It was only silent when you were alone though, since you were usually always alone in your bedroom. Whenever he’d come in to rest, sleep, anything- he’d make little noise and all you’d be able to hear was the sound of his breathing as he rested. Not that he ever relaxed.
He was always busy watching over his subjects and his kingdom. The raging sea nearby, the dangers that could rise, problems the people would encounter: he’d take care of each and every mishap that could harm the kingdom. His mighty sword was always by his side, and so were his right-hand men. You were not a right-hand man. You were his wife.
He’d come into the bedroom looking exhausted, and it was hard to tell when he wasn’t. He was a cold and overprotective man, and he was the most hard-working cookie you knew. It was admirable; his dedication to the kingdom and his people were above and beyond. But his dedication to you began to falter. Ever since the Dark Flour War and his son being exiled, he wasn’t the same man that you fell in love with. He didn’t laugh anymore, he grew strict, and he rarely let his emotions show. Everything he had gone through caused his dough to grow stiff. His soul jam rested in his sword, and that seemed to be where his heart rested too.
You’d try everything to gain a smile from him again, but none of your attempts had worked yet. Caramel Arrow Cookie could smile, and she did. Crunchy Chip Cookie would crack a grin every now and then. His soldiers could still have a good time. Those cookies worked just as hard to protect the kingdom, and they could still have a laugh. Why couldn’t he do that too?
You didn’t feel jealous or angry at them doing what he couldn’t. It only made you sad. If he was your husband, why didn’t he treat you like his wife?
~~~~~~~~~~~~
You laid on top of the bed, your loose-fitting tank mingling with the covers. You were in your pajamas, waiting for Dark Cacao Cookie to come to bed. It was late at night, and the sun had set long ago.
Finally, you heard the doorknob jingle and the door open. Dark Cacao Cookie sighed and bowed his head. He didn’t speak to you, he just worked to remove his armor to settle down and fall asleep. You frowned.
“Nothing to say?” You asked with a snarky tone, visibly annoyed. “Is it just another night of silence, sleep, and then work again? A rinse-and-repeat cycle?”
He looked at you with nothing to say. His eyes seemed weary, the bags and wrinkles on his face creasing with a slight sense of sorrow. He looked sorry, though he didn’t say it out loud.
You got up out of bed to walk over to him. He was much taller than you- he was a well-built man, with smooth muscles and a strong face. He stood up straight, looking down at you. His brows furrowed, and his eyes looked dull.
“Is everything okay?” You asked gently, feeling a bit guilty for your attitude. He took a deep breath and grasped your hand.
“Every minute not by your side… do you know what it does to me?”
“I- huh?”
“Every second I am not in your presence is suffocating. It’s as if I can feel something shake when I am away, and it only resides once I am in your presence. I can count the hours, the days, the months protecting my kingdom, but I cannot count the hours you wait for me.” He spoke with a deep, unwavering tone, and his face crinkled as he looked at you. He did not break his tough character, he only let it crack just enough so you’d see he wasn’t lying.
A soft smile grew on your face. You reached up, caressing his face. “I know, dear, I know. It’s just- I wish you’d give a little more to me. You’re always so busy with the kingdom… and I miss you. And I know you know how much I do.” You sighed, taking your hand off his face. “What if, just for one day, you lay down the sword? Just be my husband for the day.”
Dark Cacao Cookie stiffened. “I need to protect my kingdom. My kingdom needs me. I cannot just put my sword down…”
“Please.” You looked up at him, your pleading eyes touching deep in his jam. “I miss my husband. And I know how protective you are, but I also know that everyone can take care of the kingdom for a while. Caramel Arrow Cookie is strong and intelligent. I have no doubt she could defend while you are away. And Crunchy Chip Cookie! He admires you, and he would never let you down with the kingdom in his hands. All your soldiers, subjects, everyone- they are all strong enough to uphold everything. You put so much trust into your people. They put so much trust into you. You’re their king.”
Dark Cacao Cookie fell silent, frowning and looking away from you. He sighed, then turned his head to face you again. “I guess one day… couldn’t be so bad.” He released your hand from his grasp to hold your waist. He pulled you in close, hugging you gently. He bowed his head to rest on top of yours, exhaling softly as he held you. “The bed is warm, my dear.” You giggled. “Are you tired now?”
You tried to pull away to head to bed, but he held you tighter. “Just a few minutes more…” he mumbled softly. “Just a few minutes more.”