Chapter Text
Small paws pattered through the snow, leaving a trail of delicate footprints behind A beige-tanned kitty made its way through the Marketplace. Cookies have begun packing up their stalls earlier than usual thanks to the shortening daylight hours and the steadily growing chill in the air.
Strawberry Crepe Cookie… or rather, the kitty version of them…spotted their usual guy. A friendly fish vendor known for generously feeding the strays leftovers at the end of the night. The kitty hastily approached, eager to satisfy their hunger.
“Meowww," They called out.
“Sorry kitty-cat, nothing left to give ‘ya I’m afraid.”
Strawberry Crepe Cookie let out a sigh.
Great, if they don’t find something soon, tonight would be both cold AND spent on an empty belly.
They quickly set off again, now changing their mission to try and sneaking something off another stand as the merchants were busy packing up.
As they made their rounds, scouting around the marketplace, their sensitive kitty nose caught a sweet, savory scent. They followed it and locked eyes on juicy, plump fat of an unattended chicken breast.
That must be an expensive piece of meat-and they were going to be full tonight!
The once bustling streets turned desolate as Cookies retreated into the warmth of their homes. Gentle flakes of light, weightless snow had begun to fall.
Strawberry Crepe Cookie quietly treaded through the twisty alleyways of Parfaedia to shield themselves from the chilling winds. Any other Cookie not experienced with the nature of the alleyways would easily get lost, but having many years of experience on the streets, the stray knew every entrance, exit and sweetspot.
As they continue further, they approached the outside of a rather peculiar house. Light streamed through the window, illuminating the pitch dark allyways with warmth. Strawberry Crepe Cookie had noticed the weird house back when they first entered the streets. Despite the late hour of the night—and the fact that every other cookie was asleep—the house always seemed awake.
Strawberry Crepe Cookie wondered what kind of weirdo would stay up so late into the night. If they were them...they'd want to be snuggly curled up in bed at this hour.
But, whatever.
They didn't care!
What that Cookie wishes to do is none of their concern. They have much more important things to think about...like where they would sleep tonight.
Strawberry Crepe Cookie barley dodged the clawed paw that came hurling toward their face. As they tried to scramble up and run, they were quickly dragged back down to the floor. A fit of yowls and hisses erupted as the two cats grappled, tossing and turning on the ground.
In a quick act of thinking, the kitty-shapeshifter materialize into their Cookie form to overpower the feral feline. Just as they hoped, the cat quickly became disoriented as it jumped back with it's mouth slightly ajar.
"Go! Shoo! You stupid cat!" Strawberry Crepe Cookie shouted, flapping their hands at the cat in order to scare it off.
With a tail between it's legs, the stray booked it straight out of the allyway, leaving the remains of a half-eaten cod fish behind.
The cause of the scuffle that had just transpired...A stupid fish!
Strawberry Crepe Cookie had been peacefully minding their business as they munched into the fish that they had rightfully earned when suddenly...a shrieking cat jumped straight out of the bushes and started attacking them!
They slumped up against the wall, legs drawn up to the chest with their chin resting on their arms. Their mind wandered until they registered a warm liquid dripping down the side of their arm.
Yuck. That was going to stain.
The adrenaline had worn off, they could feel every scratch and bruise on their body. It felt weird being in their normal form, the sudden abesence of sensing every distant whisper and subtle footstep was nice.
They decided to close their eyes for a bit.
"HEY! THATS MINE! GET BACK OVER HERE!"
"POLICE! SOMEONE!"
Strawberry Crepe Cookie jumped awake, blinking out of a groggy and disoriented state. The sound of screaming and shouting could be heard from a few streets down. Looks like someone got their stuff stolen.
Oh, wow. They didn't realize how dark it had gotten. Had they fallen asleep?
The scratch on the side of their arm had swollen up, with a blazing red hue, a thin scab formed over. It wasn't that bad of an injury...In a few days, it'd surely be gone.
They materialized into their feline form; it would be better to move, not the wisest choice to sleep out in the open.
As they searched for a good spot to sleep, they noticed the wind picking up...increaseingly fast. Okey...it's going to be a windy night. Soon, icey particles had begun to fall. Ice and wind whipped across their fur covered face, leaving seering stings behind.
In the amist of the frigid storm circling around them, they noticed a familiar light just ahead. That stupid house that always was awake no matter what...even during a snow storm!
The shivering kitty stepped into the light, peering up at it's source above. What could this Cookie possibly be doing? Using the last of their energy left in their frozen legs, they leapt onto the windowsill and peaked inside to finally find the answer their question.
Strawberry Crepe Cookie took a moment as their eyes adjusted to the light and the built-up frost on the window. As they peered in, they noticed the carefully organized setup. Books were neatly arranged on a bookshelf, while a few lay open on a table. Pipes spread to ever corner of the room, flasks were set up in various places... each one filled with coffee, they presumed. This was a laboratory.
Were they...studying coffee? Strange.
Out of the corner of their eye, they noticed the inhabitant step out from the blindspot where they had been standing. A middle aged man, at average height. He dough was of a rich brown color similar to his hair, which had subtle multi-colored highlights. The Cookie is wearing a paneled button-down along with dark suspenders and pants.
Why did this cookie seem so familiar?
It then dawned on them. They were looking at the esteemed Pioneer of Coffee Magic, the same Cookie whose face was on the countless newspaper magazines they would sleep on at night. During their time on the streets, they had heard many things about this man. Apparently, he never sleeps, which would explain quite a lot...
Seriously? What was this guy doing in a stingy allyway house? You'd think the guy would have the money to...you know-live anywhere but here!
Without warning, the man looked up from his work, shifted his gaze to the window, and stared right at the kitty that stood on his outside windowsill.
Ah.
That's awkward.
Strawberry Crepe Cookie could now see the man's heavy eyebags, his eyes were practically drooping closed.
Would it really be that bad if he just picked up his research in the morning?!?
The man continued to stare. Strawberry Crepe Cookie took that as their cue to leave. They didn't want to seem like some pathetic, low-life stray begging for warmth and safety. (Im sorry Crepe my love your none of that i love you so much my baby ur awesomene u deserve all the love in the world 💖💖💖💖 sorry had to break the wall.)
They jumped off the windowsill, paws digging into the freshly fallen snow. Was the wind continuing to pick up? They were a bit distracted back there. Brr, it's cold. Recently, they were feeling that their winter coat wasn't doing them much of a favor. They already looked like a giant marshmallow, how much more fur did they need?
A bolt of terror hit them as the backdoor suddenly opened, releasing more of the strong coffee scent from inside. Strawberry Crepe Cookie turned their head to the door and met eyes with the researcher once again. Being caught off guard by the chilling winds, he looked a bit out of character. He definitely wasn't planning for anyone to see him, especially in that casual outfit of his.
Hold on. What even IS he doing?
He was holding the door open, outside in the freezing cold-why was he looking at them?!
"Come in," He quickly stated.
Oh. Wait.
WHAT?
Was the literal Pioneer of Coffee Magic...inviting a stray CAT into his home? Strawberry Crepe Cookie had to have frozen to death by now-their body probably lying somewhere along the side of the street. There is absolutely no way.
Okay, wait. If they don't actually want to be frozen on the side of the street, they better accept the offer and run inside.
The door shut behind them, sealing them in with the overwhelming smell of coffee, but more importantly, the warmth. The man quietly walked past them, not planning to acknowledge the cat any further.
Yeah… they didn’t exactly know his name. Despite seeing him in countless newspapers, they had only ever read the headline: "PIONEER OF COFFEE MAGIC.”
Strawberry Cookie Cookie decided to look around again. They had already noticed the layout earlier but...now they were inside. Everything was tidy, but they noticed the build-up of dust, pencil shavings and carpet fibers. He didn't seem like the type to bother with a spring clean-or well...a winter clean up? No, a clean up in general didn’t appear to be his priority. If it didn't bother him, he probably wouldn't pay it any mind.
Looking back up at the researcher, now back to focusing on his work, they found themself a bit interested in what he was doing. Coffee was a very unexplored field being so new and all, but here it was right in front of them.
They hopped up onto the desk, landing neatly beside an open book. It was probably weird to see a cat so interested into a page of a notebook...but they WERE interested!
The handwriting was very neat; they didn’t expect anything less. Formulas and research were written with precise care. They flipped the pages with their snout-something no average cat could do!
Suddenly, a hand reached out the pulled the textbook away from them. They realized that they were being given a weird look. Okay… maybe they should just go do normal cat things—like sleep.
Jumping back down, they looked around and spotted a cushioned chair pushed into the corner. That was good enough. They quickly made their way over and curled up on top of it.
The room smelled awful.
This was the best sleep they’d had in a long time.
*KNOCK*
Strawberry Crepe Cookie heard a groan as the man staggered by to get the door. As quickly as they cracked their eues open, they had shut them again. It was far too early to be awake.
"Espresso Cookie! Good morning! Aw, did you pull another all-nighter?" A new, warm feminine voice greeted.
"Latte Cookie...I didn't expect to see you so soon. What is it you came to visit for?" Espresso Cookie inquired.
"Too formal!" She laughed lightly, “What’s a little visit between old friends? Classes are on holiday, so I simply just had to stop by!" Latte Cookie exclaimed, inviting herself inside.
Strawberry Crepe Cookie peaked a eye open, their eyes immediately drifted to the enormous hat atop her head, was she a witch? Swirls of white hair spilled out beneath the brim. At her side, she held a demitasse spoon.
“You heard the storm last night, didn’t you? Of course you did.” Latte cookie continued, "Oh my, on the way here, the damage was remarkable! Plants pulled straight from the soil, and snow pilled up to doors!"
Espresso Cookie nodded. "That does sound troublesome. However, I have no doubt that the excitement will fade within a few days."
"Well, I'm glad your doing alright..." Latte Cookie said, "Everything seems quite normal—”
She paused.
Her eyes landed on the cat curled up in the corner.
Ah, they've been noticed.
"Espresso Cookie. Do my eyes deceive me? Is that a cat?" She questioned slowly.
Espresso Cookie mirrored her gaze. He let out a light sigh. "It was outside during the storm. I offered it shelter—nothing more.”
"My goodness! A stray, do you think?" She cried, as she approached. While keeping her distance, she inspected Strawberry Crepe Cookie for a collar.
"No collar-" she mumbled before pausing.
"Espresso Cookie!" She suddenly scolded. "Did you completely miss the giant scratch on this cat’s side?!”
Espresso Cookie groaned, resting his hand on the side of his temple.
"Too early for this..." he said groggily.
"No. I didn't. If you'd like to take in the cat, you may." He spoke, leaning against a wall.
She shook her head, "I'd love to, but im afraid my little work buddy wouldn't approve."
"Hmm," Latte Cookie hummed thoughtfully. "You look like you need break from your research. How about some coffee? Let us go grab a cup, and stop by the vet to get this baby checked out."
"I suppose I could go for some coffee." He nodded, watching how Latte Cookie scooped up the cat with ease.
Strawberry Crepe Cookie immediately stiffened. Their claws dug into the woman's sleves. OKEY... um, they were not use to this!
As a cat owner herself, she had her experience with handling felines. Espresso Cookie however, never thought to keep a pet. A pet would demanded focus. Research required focus.
The two...or three stepped outside. Strawberry Crepe Cookie took note of the weather which was significantly warmer than the day prior. The storm had blown over and taken the wind and cold with it.
The two chatted about recent events in their lives while Strawberry Crepe Cookie retreated into their thoughts.
They felt confused, why were they so okey with this?
They were literally being carried by a stranger. When was the last time they've been this close to someone? Did they still have control here? Could they leave if they wanted to?
*Ding!*
A bell rung as the group entered the coffee shop, the smell was not nearly as overwhelming as Espresso Cookie's laboratory.
The worker immediately greeted the two. Two regulars, they presume.
"Morning! A surprise to see you open! Everything is closed today due to last night." Latte Cookie greeted cheerfully.
"Hehe! All my competitors are closed so Cookies have no choice but to come here!" The barista replied, already getting to work on the drinks.
"Take care!"
The bell rang behind them as they exited the cafe with coffees in hand. Latte Cookie slightly shifted her grasp of Strawberry Crepe Cookie to allow her to hold her cup.
They were now heading over to the vet. Yeah... this was the part Strawberry Crepe Cookie wasn’t so content with. What if they ended up sending them to some shelter right after?!
The scratch wasn't even that bad. It was basically numb now from the cold. Barely even hurt! It'll heal in a few days... a vet wasn't necessary. Okey, they had to go now.
Strawberry suddenly let out a sharp yowl, catching the woman off guard. Moments ago, they had been a quiet cat melting in her arms, now they thrashed to break lose from her grasp.
They hissed and swatted but careful not to scratch, they didn't want to hurt her.
She immediately let go of the cat, spilling a bit of coffee in the scuffle. Strawberry Crepe Cookie beelined into an ally, going as fast as their legs could take them. They heard a gasp from behind, and a couple of footsteps but it was clear she was not planning on chasing after the cat.