Chapter Text
"I do miss Seaweed Cookie. I don't think I ever properly introduced the two of you. You only ever met her when I was on the run from the police," Espresso elaborated. Diner was most definitely over now. Strawberry Crepe was sitting away from the pair of Espresso and Madeleine, but not too far.
"I can always pass a message a long! Consider me your personal mailman," Madeleine joked. Strawberry Crepe was just kind of sitting there. Espresso had asked them a few questions. He had clearly briefed Madeleine on at least something. Madeleine had opened his mouth to say something to Strawberry Crepe, but he immediately closed it and went back to talking to Espresso.
"That's very sweet of you, but I can send a letter with my magic. It just slips my mind occasionally," Espresso explained. Madeleine visibly deflated. It was clear he wanted to be needed. It wasn't enough to be wanted. Strawberry Crepe was quite the opposite, even if they wouldn't admit it.
"I'm sure you can do me a favor and keep her company whenever you go home. She doesn't have many friends," Espresso explained. He had told Strawberry Crepe about Seaweed Cookie in passing. Strawberry Crepe only knew that Seaweed was a grave digger and that she was Espresso's only friend growing up.
"I can do that!" Madeleine assured. He looked so happy. Espresso snickered behind his umpteenth cup of coffee of that day. Strawberry Crepe noticed the over-politeness Espresso exhibited a long time ago. He had been so confused once he got to know the extent of Strawberry Crepe's brash and blunt nature.
"Why don't you just visit her? Didn't you say something about your work reaching a lull? I'm sure she'd be delighted to see you," Madeleine suggested. Strawberry Crepe felt the room go silent, even if the conversation continued. They totally didn't care. It's not like they cared if Espresso stayed. They worked together, barely even. They may do family things to together, but it didn't make them a family.
"I don't think it's a bad idea. I'll have to think it through. The republic is quite a distance away," Espresso responded. Strawberry Crepe hadn't necessarily been listening, but they did hear that part. That gave them some hope. It was quick and fleeting though.
"Well, my family has an airship. Considering you have magic letter sending abilities I never knew about until now for some reason, I think we could go pretty soon," Madeleine argued. He was genuinely so excited. He already reeked of desperation before this. Strawberry Crepe was tired of sensing it. Espresso may have not minded, but Strawberry Crepe felt suffocated.
"That might be nice. Latte Cookie has been begging me to visit. Making magic candies has also been a tad bit repetitive," Espresso relented. Strawberry Crepe stood up. They slammed open the garage-like door and stormed out. They were being so dramatic. They needed to get it together.
They hid in a random set of bushes, using their cloak to protect themselves from the branches. They wiped at their eyes. They felt pathetic. They were supposed to be smart, above mortal needs and whims. They were not supposed to be a child crying for their father. They didn't have parents. They didn't need parents. That was a mortal need they were not supposed to have.
"You know what I said about being back for bed," Espresso muttered. He gently sat in front of Strawberry Crepe. He wasn't protected from the nighttime cold, which got very low when you lived up in the sky. At least Espresso had his fire magic.
"I don't need you to stay. I don't need you. I never needed you," Strawberry Crepe mumbled. Espresso snapped his fingers, lighting his pointer finger ablaze. He covered the side where the wind was coming from so that his flame could stay in place. He gestured at Strawberry Crepe with his head. Strawberry Crepe snapped their own fingers a few times, before succeeding.
"I'm not as good at it as you are," they mumbled. Espresso shrugged. Strawberry Crepe's magical ability had no bearing on how much he cared about them. He pointed his finger at Strawberry Crepe, sending his flame to circle theirs. Strawberry Crepe was entranced even if they had seen this before.
"And… that's time. I can't pick you up, so you're going to have to walk," Espresso said as he snatched the flame from Strawberry Crepe. He had gotten better at doing it in a dramatic way, like how a street magician would find a quarter behind someone's ear. He stood up and held a hand out for Strawberry Crepe. Strawberry Crepe reluctantly took it and pulled themselves to their feet.
"Don't worry about Madeleine. I told him I'd visit another time. Latte Cookie will just have to keep on being my pen pal too," Espresso assured. Strawberry Crepe held Espresso's hand tighter. Guilt welled up in their chest as the two cookies began to walk.
"I'll go with you. I'll go with you to both places," Strawberry Crepe blurted out. They proceeded to stare at the ground while their cheeks burned. Espresso paused with talking. He had assumed Strawberry Crepe wouldn't want to come. The Crème Republic was the kind of posh Strawberry Crepe hated with a passion. Parfaedia might've been more enjoyable for them though.
"We can talk about it more in the morning, okay?" Espresso placated. Strawberry Crepe loosened their grip on Espresso's arm. They didn't want to go. They were going to hate it, but they could hate the entire experience without being alone. They didn't want to miserable alone anymore.