Work Text:
The dusk of moonlight swept its gentle glow over the Hollyberry Kingdom and its capital. The serenity of the silence set the scene of the night, stars sprinkled across the darkness that had encompassed the pinks and greens and saturated shades of the markets and villages all around the kingdom made for a dullness that was welcomed—even if contrasting against its usual liveliness.
Earlier that day, Cookies had gathered themselves in the Hollyberry Castle for a party hosted by none other than the Queen Mother herself, Hollyberry Cookie. She had always loved throwing elaborate balls that were packed with guests, extravagant gowns and garments in traditional Hollyberrian styles marking every cookie as proud to their culture—juices and pastries lining every available table. And of course, the royal family bustling about, chatting with themselves and sipping on fine-aged berry juice. The party had gone well, as they always did. All was smooth.
When all of the Cookies had returned to their respective homes and the kingdom had fallen into rest, the dining hall and the ballroom were both left empty. The hall still held all of the tables and chairs and glasses from the night, to be collected in the morning and cleaned.
The ballroom however, was completely cleared out.
The detailed golds and blues and pinks that painted the walls and ceilings were all cast under darkness—almost invisible in the lack of light. Shiny and hard roll-wood flooring was only illuminated near sugar-glass windows, the brown of the wood re-lighting as it met the moons soft kissed glow. Thin red curtains wavered weightlessly against the giant gold-lined windows. Soundless and eerily calm given the earlier rowdiness select Cookies made evident through their dancing. A platform stood at the end of the room, that of which was home to two roman pillars reaching to the ceiling on either side. A grand navy piano on top sat on the left, tilted and facing towards one of the platforms corners, and a polished double bass propped at the other side facing the opposite direction. A tiny cushioned stool was placed beside it, feet made of gold pleated metal.
Additionally, a large painting of the royal family hung still and in satisfactory, centered in between the stage and behind the instruments. A much older painting—One painted when the Queen Mother’s grandchildren were born. On the left, King Royalberry Cookie holding his two newly-baked daughters with a grin in his eyes that wasn’t visible through his thick pink mustache, and next to him his wife Jungleberry Cookie with a regal smile that fit her proper demeanor. And on the right side, a depiction of Hollyberry Cookie—taller than the others, her eyes closed upwards and an open smile, captured as if she was laughing on her red lips. A shadow cast over the painting and the golden-rimmed frame from the dark, aside from a thin cut of light that tore through Jungleberry Cookies painted eyes and anywhere lower on the painting. Only that light from the moon could cause any color to be visible.
Straight across from the entry ways to the ballroom, a balcony entrance opened to an overlook. The door of which was cracked slightly open, the breeze being the cause of the wafting curtains.
Slumped just slightly over a gold and green railing, Pitaya Dragon Cookie.
They stared uselessly into the distance—their slitted eyes unfocused on the beauty of the night. A single sharp tooth stuck from their mouth and pressed on their dough and lips. Pitaya Dragon’s wings flexed, inwards and out; forwards and back, rubbing against their floor length white hair. A claw was tucked under their chin, hand tapping uselessly against where the bottom edge of their helmet would usually sit, if they had been wearing it.
As they scanned over the quiet streets of the Grandberry Market, a low sigh rumbled from their chest. Boring. Lifeless for a kingdom of such great Passion when nightfall arrived. One they would have conquered and destroyed with ease years and years ago. Their crimson wings continued to flex in and out, a pestering thought of going for a midnight flight would maybe help clear their mind after the chaos of the earlier festivities. Or to help sober themself up more, as juice still lingered buzzing beneath their dough. Flying always eased them. Taking the manual body of a Cookie was more stressful on them than they’d anticipated when they first assumed the form, something they’d grown accustomed to now with hundreds of years of recognizing the physical constraints. There weren’t many upsides being a Cookie over their true dragon form, besides power retention and their still-present dragonic features, there were more downs than ups. Becoming antsy more easily being one of them—a constant need to move was draining in itself.
Usually by this point, even just a simple thought of “I need to fly” would cause Pitaya Dragon Cookie to immediately take off and soar the skies and fields for as long as they needed to. But there was a pestering thought that kept them held back.
”I made a drab promissse to that Cookie to return ssshortly…” They mumbled out, growling to themself at the re-revelation. After Pitaya Dragon had sat impatiently through that entire ball, they told said Cookie that they would be right inside to get some rest, albeit more directly even than that. They themself knew pathetic promises said in the language of Cookies meant nothing to them as a dragon. But they would always follow through with even the tiniest ones if they made them to her.
+—…—+
Lighter than usual footsteps tapped gradually against the ballroom floors as a powerful presence made its way inside. Standing now halfway into the ballroom, Hollyberry Cookie came to a slow halt. She rubbed whatever remains of sleep that lingered away from her eyes and shoulder, subconsciously adjusting the thin strap of her pale rose nightgown and pushing her un-pinned hair out of her face. She fixed her posture before focusing her attention better at the balcony door. Hollyberry felt the breeze of the night pan over her dough yet she did not shiver as she approached closer.
She pushed the glass door more open, causing an almost unheard squeak to cut through the noiseless balcony.
It was clear to her almost instantly that Pitaya Dragon didn’t seem to notice as she took a silent step onto the platform, staring at the other from behind. Hollyberry Cookie’s white lashes fluttered once as she blinked, opening her lids once more to reveal that passionate pink of her irises beneath. She watched in quiet and mild amusement as Pitaya Dragon Cookie shifted their wings, seeming to be caught up in something Hollyberry wasn’t able to see. Usually even the tiniest of noises would get them to snap their head around, so the simple fact that they hadn’t appeared to notice came with mild shock to the queen.
She huffed wearily, a little louder than she intended originally. To her majesties slight relief, this got Pitaya Dragon to notice her presence. Their wings halted any movement and they shot a fire-filled glance in Hollyberry Cookies general direction. When they realized who was there wasn’t a threat in the slightest, their shoulders slouched and the hand under their chin fell to rest against the railing.
“You. You sssaid you would be resssting.” Pitaya Dragon Cookie mouthed in partial accusation. Their tail flicked once, an action Hollyberry Cookie took note of.
“I was growing worried. It’s very late and you hadn’t come inside yet. I just… wanted to check on you is all.” She replied whilst keeping her usually booming voice down modest to match the tone of the others. She stepped further onto the balcony, feet meeting the colder ground below as she made an approach.
Pitaya Dragon said nothing as she propped her elbows on the railing beside them. They only watched her with a close look as they attempted to quickly shove away any lingering thoughts.
“I’m fine, Cookie. Fretting about sssuch basssic thingsss in relation to a dragon is foolisssh.”
“A dragon you are, but I see you as more than such. You’ve always known that,” Hollyberry Cookie turned her head towards Pitaya Dragon, the corners of her lips tilting upwards in peaceful contentment.
The dragon watched as she smiled at them, turning their face back at the night sky. Their wings began to flex again. The lack of true movement was unbearable now to Pitaya Dragon Cookie, they were fully considering just taking off and flapping their wings as aggressively as possible to let off any built up annoyance or frustration from the simpletons of the ball.
The motions weren’t going unnoticed by the still-drowsy Hollyberry Cookie. She only observed each forced flutter and shifting of scales, with a tired eye she came to a quick conclusion that they were restless. Why, she asked herself? She wasn’t sure. The air between the two grew just slightly thick as Pitaya Dragons built up tension grew further and further evident. And though her dear one was typically a free spirit, they looked as though they were locked in a cage. Like they could see and reach the key for exit, but would not extend the arm needed to grab it. Hollyberry Cookie felt sorrowful at that thought. It was never her intention to leave the other feeling antsy or angry.
Her mind was a quick worker, and she was hastily forming solutions in her head. But she moved closer to Pitaya Dragon Cookie without original intention—shifting near enough that the pairs shoulders were close to sweeping against each others. With her arms still resting on the rail, one of Hollyberry Cookies wrists unhurriedly made its way towards Pitaya Dragons.
They didn’t flinch as she slid her soft-doughed hand under theirs. Their eyes trailed low without further physical reaction as she flipped her hand around and pressed her palm against theirs, wrapping her fingers around theirs and squeezing softly.
“I know the moon has been risen for awhile now…” She began. “But I would like to spend time together. No elaborate plans or parties with all of my gracious family and kingdom. Just with you, Pitaya Dragon Cookie.”
Hollyberry Cookie kept her half-lidded gaze as she took the others second hand and guided them to look at her face-to-face with their sides facing the rail.
Pitaya Dragon continued to peer down at their hands in Hollyberry’s, momentarily mesmerized at the way their palms fit so easily and naturally together. Something they wouldn’t have expected from their Cookie form.
“Will you share a dance with me?”
+—…—+
The quiet-lipped inquiry left Pitaya Dragon Cookie speechless—motionless as well. Their fidgety wings stopping their movements and halted in place, face quickly adjusting to glare at Hollyberry Cookie. They were trying to read her now, to scan for any jokes or pity, or just plain lies and an unserious waver of her expression. Though evident by that infuriating yet dazzling slight grin and a lack of creasing in her tanned dough, all Pitaya Dragon needed to see was clear—She was in fact, being serious.
Still, a short and muffled outburst of laughter shot out from the dragons mouth.
“A dance? You wisssh to cavort—with me? Wasss all of the chaosss from that little cookie gathering not sssatisssfying enough for you?” Despite the giggles, they managed to keep their voice low enough as to not wake the whole castle.
Hollyberry Cookie didn’t know what to say at first in response to the snickering. Her grin lessened before she muttered, “Yes yes, the “chaos” from earlier in the evening was more than a burden on you. You’ve made that point very clear by now, my friend.” She rolled her eyes in mirth. “But I’m not trying to trick you with this. I do want to dance with you.”
The laughter coming from Pitaya Dragon gradually died out. Their tail curled in curiosity at the other’s directness.
‘Thisss one knowsss what ssshe desssiresss…’
“Hmmhhh…” They hummed. “Perhapsss I’ll indulge your requessst, Hollyberry Cookie.” There were fake notes of exasperated boredom in the dragons intonation, following their own words with a barely coherent shrug. Hollyberry Cookie scoffed with gaiety.
She pulled Pitaya Dragon Cookie closer to her, one hand remaining glued to the dragons while the other one found their shoulder, wrapping her arm securely around it.
“Try not to trip on that dramatically long hair of yours,” Hollyberry Cookie joked.
“Do not lie to yourssself. You are fond of my “hair”.” Remarked Pitaya Dragon, their now freed hand finding her waist and soon the small of her back. A smirk forced its way up their face, against their will yet they made no effort to remove it.
Hollyberry was the first to take a step, small and a bit hesitant, but she found herself relaxing into the familiar motions hastily. The simple waltz was one she’d committed to a hundred times with friends and family to learn the rhythms. She wasn’t a perfect dancer by any means, but at this point she knew what she was doing.
Pitaya Dragon on the other hand was almost completely lost as they began. Each step was lead by the other as they tried to mimic her smooth patterns, completely reliant on her to lead. They’d never danced before meeting Hollyberry Cookie, and even for a long while after getting to know her they found the idea of anything related to practiced swaying and what they considered “forced” movement infuriating and a waste of time. It seemed useless to them, to tirelessly think about every little step and turn and nonsense they thought to be nothing but a grievance. However, (officially) gaining partial residence to the Hollyberry Kingdom, and more specifically their still-new friendly connection to its queen had taught them some things they never cared to learn. While they still didn’t find a real use for dancing, Pitaya Dragon Cookie did it anyway; and though they barely learned anything beside the basics to a simple waltz(and even that they considered a struggle as they never knew how to hold a proper frame), it was something they learned to be willing to do for Hollyberry Cookie.
Against the subtle cold, the pair kept each other warm with proximity and contact. Even as the ground felt frozen beneath them, it went almost completely unnoticed. When Hollyberry took a step forward, Pitaya Dragon would try their best not to stumble as they stepped back. But the queen showed patience with her dragon companion—slowing herself if she saw that they were struggling to keep up. They pretended not to realize this, even if internally it was like mini shots at their ego they were too prideful to admit aloud aside from a little grumble of frustration here and there.
They moved in a series of rising glides and soft descents, the world outside the pair blurring into nothing but night and twinkling stars. Repetitive motions seemed simple, natural after a bit of time had passed and Pitaya Dragon had gotten a little more used to the patterns of motion. They made the occasional glare to the world around themself and her, but paid no extended focus to it.
Semi-consciously, Hollyberry Cookie guided them both in the direction of the entrance back inside. When the air warmed and walls enclosed her peripheral vision, she took a moment to pause and push the door shut. Pitaya Dragon Cookie shook their head and wings to adjust to real warmth encompassing them, exhaling when Hollyberry returned to them and resumed the dance.
The ballroom was… different at night to Pitaya Dragon. Without the business and the lights and bands, they found the environment something close to steady and tranquil. Their eyes caught a glimpse of the moon rays through the curtains and windows. Ones that were drowned out during the actual ball from the blearing glare of golden light coming from above. They noticed the quiet, and how the only noise made was from steps and sways and Hollyberry’s silk nightgown swooshing soft around her figure. The lack of real clamor made the tall room feel intimate, more grounding and real. Ethereal, almost.
“Is something bothering you?” A whisper cut through their thoughts.
The dragon turned their head back towards the one infront of them. “It’sss nothing.” Pitaya Dragon received a hum in reply.
Hollyberry Cookie re-adjusted her grip on the others shoulder, grazing close to their neck which sent an involuntary shiver down their spine. The queen jibed soundlessly in amusement at the tiny flinch.
Hollyberry Cookie didn’t mind leading the waltz, even if untraditional. She found subtle comfort in having Pitaya Dragon learn slowly from her, something that she considered a high form of bonding as a thing to teach gave her quiet fulfillment. She piloted the other into holding out an arm, she spun ploddingly once and pulled herself back into them with both arms now draped over their shoulders. Even that elementary move had the dragon left baffled. They only snapped back into reality when warm dough pressed against their nape.
When the two passed near a window, their pupils dilated as they focused their attention on her face in the gentle glow. Her soft features and fierce eyes shone in comparison to the darkness of the rest of the room. Her expression was lazed, steady and still like a rock against winds. Her usual updo of space buns had fallen to frame her face, hair falling over her shoulders and back, and over scars she carried from years of battles and spars. Like sparse shooting stars against a galaxy of her dough. Imperfect, but beautiful in their complexity.
While Pitaya Dragons back faced the window, they could feel their tail make a soft swoosh as their wings tucked in to allow more light to pass around their form. That look Hollyberry Cookie was giving them… One they felt to be reserved for them only. One that left the dragon transfixed as they tried to stitch together what that truly meant; more than one answer. A look of respect, a look of pride. A look of love even.
A crooked smile of their own perked up their expression.
The pair continued to drift over the floor, turning and twisting and winding through weightless air. It all felt second nature now, to be so close and connected without words. Hollyberry Cookie was relaxed with each pivot and pace. Sharing something this intimate with the other was grounding after the business of the previous ball for her as well. While she loved the denizens of her kingdom and hosting such events, private moments like this were always welcome.
She had a moment of confidence after the repetition of the waltz leading up to this point. Without a formal warning, Hollyberry Cookie leaned back into a dip the second she felt Pitaya Dragons hands around her become more secure. The dragon however, immediately scrambled to keep her steady, tail swishing in displeasure whilst a low growl rumbled up from the depths of their chest. They brought her back to her feet with all of the grace of a wobbly hatchling. They cursed something in Dragontounge under their breath, a huffy laugh emanating from the amused Queen Mother.
“Oh ho! We’ll have to work on that move!” She teased, wishing she could see the full extent of the dragons expression. She could only imagine how red in the face that made them.
“You insssult me, mortal.” Pitaya Dragon Cookie murmured, thankful for the lack of light hiding their embarrassed face. They sighed after regaining their bearings, plotting a way to get back at her. But for the first time in awhile, they had nothing. Perhaps they did need to practice this more if they were going to become any good at keeping up with their Queen. It didn’t hurt their ego as much as they thought it would.
After what felt like an endless amount of time had passed them by, Hollyberry Cookie allowed her steps to slow. She kept her arms wrapped around Pitaya Dragons shoulders as she guided them to a progressive stop in the center of the ballroom floor.
And for another moment, they simply… Looked at each other. Hollyberry was still giving the other that disarming smile. It wasn’t often either of them had gotten even a fraction of time to themselves that wasn’t related to sparring. It was new, to share something as intimate as this. Not as exciting as it was alluring.
Pitaya Dragons hands slid off of her back as they moved to grab her hands off of their shoulders. They held them gently, transfixed in that same way their hands connected so casually to hers, the same way they did earlier on the balcony. They both stared at each others hands, then back at each other. Whatever smile that had made its way up Pitaya Dragons face was gone now, replaced by something gentle and real. Almost uncharacteristic.
Hollyberry simply leaned forward. Her forehead grazed against the others, she pressed a humble kiss to their lips. They returned it while allowing their eyes to slip shut. Their wings gave a little flutter.
“Come now, my blissful lizard… We both deserve a bit of rest.” The queen whirred. She began to walk Pitaya Dragon to the entrance of the ballroom, who yawned baritone at a sudden exhaustion that had likely been bubbling beneath the surface for a while now.
Before exiting fully, Hollyberry Cookie gave one last glance to the room. She scanned over the painting hung securely on the wall behind the stage, and then watched in mild fixation at the gentle flow of the curtains.
Peace hung still in air as the two exited. A quiet promise the ballroom kept from the lovers and their gentle cavort. The first of many, it would seem.