Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Strawberry Crepe Cookie stuck a piece of toast in their mouth. It was burnt, charred almost, but toast was toast and they were going to eat it. They didn't want to put it in their mouth, but they were in a hurry this morning. They patted their favorite waffle bot and basically tumbled out of the door.

"What are you doing?" Espresso Cookie asked sternly. Strawberry Crepe looked up at Espresso, debating whether or not to answer or to bolt. Espresso repeatedly told everyone it was a bad idea to make the children do all the work, but there were also a total of three adults compared to the six children. It made far more sense.

"I have work to do. I said I'd make the kitchen work again," they said. They were rocking on their heels, very excited to do something new. Espresso looked between Strawberry Crepe and the castle, stepping aside so Strawberry Crepe could run off.

"You better be back for bed!"

"Hypocrite!"

Strawberry Crepe ran through the streets as fast as they could in order to avoid any and all conversation from the Raisin Villagers. They were such a nuisance most of the time. They burst through the old castle doors, rushing ahead to try and find Pure Vanilla Cookie. They would've preferred going straight to work, but apparently it was polite and Espresso expected more of them.

"I'm here- Oh, you're busy," Strawberry Crepe grumbled. They stood in the doorway of a random room where Pure Vanilla and a cookie in armor they didn't recognize sat. Pure Vanilla smiled and gestured for Strawberry Crepe to join them. Strawberry Crepe wasn't having it though. They stood still.

"Strawberry Crepe Cookie, meet Madeleine Cookie. He's been exploring and has decided to stop by since he's Espresso Cookie's friend," Pure Vanilla introduced. Madeleine Cookie waved. Strawberry Crepe recognized the name. Espresso seemed half-annoyed and half-infatuated whenever he mentioned Madeleine. Whatever they actually thought of each other, Strawberry Crepe wasn't having it.

"Madeleine Cookie, meet Strawberry Crepe Cookie. They're a mechanic and do all the mechanical stuff in the kingdom," Pure Vanilla continued. Strawberry Crepe did not wave like Madeleine had. They wanted him gone. It wasn't even about Espresso. They just didn't like new people.

"Why don't you join us? I'm sure Madeleine Cookie would like to talk to you more. He just got here, before dawn actually," Pure Vanilla informed. Strawberry Crepe shook their head. They walked away, heading for the large kitchen. They could feel Madeleine staring at them, but it was typical of new people to not quite understand their demeanor.

---

Strawberry Crepe had been working on the stupid oven for who knows how long when they heard footsteps eventually. They were much too heavy to be anyone who actually lived on the floating island, so it had to be the only cookie covered in armor.

"Strawberry Crepe Cookie! I was wondering where you went. You seem like an interesting, young cookie," Madeleine greeted. Strawberry Crepe stared at the paladin with a very deadpan expression. Madeleine obviously didn't notice though. He looked rather excited to talk to Strawberry Crepe. Strawberry Crepe could not say the same.

"I heard you work with Espresso Cookie. I was told you might know where he is," Madeleine elaborated. Strawberry Crepe shrugged. Espresso's whereabouts were not their problem. They were coworkers that acted sort of like family, but some coworkers did that! It wasn't anything else.

"I saw him by the hangar, and no, I will not show you where the hangar is. I'm busy," Strawberry Crepe brushed off. Madeleine looked disappointed or hurt. Strawberry Crepe couldn't pin point it. Madeleine walked away, saying something about talking later. He seemed just as desperate for friendship as Espresso had described. It felt pathetic and familiar.

Whatever, Strawberry Crepe didn't care.

Chapter Text

"Sorry I'm late. Pure Vanilla Cookie made me tea and I couldn't escape," Strawberry Crepe grumbled. Espresso snickered. Pure Vanilla was a host at his core and none could escape his hospitality. Espresso had tried and failed miserably. He ended up getting lectured on caffeine consumption too.

"With this chatterbox over, I hardly noticed," Espresso joked. Madeleine chuckled. Strawberry Crepe glared. He didn't think Madeleine would actually find the hangar. To be honest, Strawberry Crepe was secretly hoping for Madeleine to tumble off the edge of the island. They knew that was a horrible thing to hope for, but maybe they were just a horrible person.

"Well, chatterbox can leave. It's your turn to make dinner," Strawberry Crepe insisted. Espresso raised an eyebrow. Strawberry Crepe glared at Espresso. The eyebrow was a challenge, and Strawberry Crepe would accept it. They were not going to sit there and let someone walk in.

"I think chatterbox can stay for dinner. We have enough rice to last us both longer than either of us will ever live," Espresso argued. Strawberry Crepe gestured at their 'dining' table which was a glorified coffee table. It only had two stools. Espresso then gestured at the floor where the two of them ate more often than not. Strawberry Crepe groaned.

"You two know I have a name, right?" Madeleine joked. Strawberry Crepe and Espresso snickered. Strawberry Crepe planted themselves in their hammock and laid backwards. Rice didn't take that long to make, but Espresso took a reasonable amount of time to cook.

"I feel like we should just order from the inn tonight. I don't feel like waiting," Strawberry Crepe whined. Espresso shrugged. He didn't mind. It's not like Madeleine liked rice anyways. Madeleine looked much more excited about the notion of the inn too. Espresso smiled behind his cup of coffee. Madeleine's smile was contagious. Espresso definitely hated it.

"I think it's nice to eat out! I have many fond memories of eating out with family," Madeleine agreed. He didn't know what he was agreeing to though. Espresso shook his head slowly. Espresso was fine with loud talking, but the inn wasn't like that. It was mostly clinking. That was only okay at home.

"We don't eat there unless there's an event going on," Espresso explained. Madeleine looked disappointed. Espresso snickered at his pouty face. Madeleine made the funniest, and definitely not cute, faces. Espresso stood up, gesturing at Madeleine to follow him. He walked out with nothing but a 'don't set anything in fire'.

"Stupid Madeleine with his stupid sword and his stupid armor," Strawberry Crepe muttered. They curled up in their hammock, trying to hide from the lingering essence of Madeleine. His vanilla scent messed with the overwhelming smell of coffee and Strawberry Crepe wasn't having it.

They never had anything really.

If you were to take that literally, they had the waffle bots, and Espresso they guessed. Strawberry Crepe wasn't that attached though. Espresso was their lab partner. He cooked them food, he made sure they went to bed, and helped with nightmares… No, no! There was no family to be found. Nor a single one, and there never would be one.

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.

Chapter Text

It was quiet; too quiet. Espresso didn't mind the quiet. He liked it actually. However, hangar was never quiet. Something was always happening. There was experiments, tinkering, waffle bots, or even talking. He hadn't expected to talk much, but Strawberry Crepe asked a surprising amount of questions. There was also the occasional lesson about magic, chemistry, or something else.

"I knew you'd be up here. What are you thinking about?" Espresso asked. Strawberry Crepe looked up. They stuck their tongue out at Espresso and held the book they were reading close to their chest. Espresso sat beside Strawberry Crepe. Espresso could be exceedingly patient if he wanted to.

"If you really want to study magic, you could go to the school with the other kids," Espresso pointed out. He flicked the book Strawberry Crepe was holding. It was Espresso's copy of his book on coffee magic, something Strawberry Crepe couldn't do yet. Espresso hadn't brought many books though. He had his own book, his mother's cookbook, and his high school yearbook because Latte told him to keep it.

"Like I'd go to school with those idiots. Besides, Pure Vanilla Cookie only teaches healing magic which I do not care for," Strawberry Crepe grumbled as they flipped the book open. They went back to reading and ignoring Espresso's presence. Espresso didn't have anything to do though.

"Where's your friend?" Strawberry Crepe asked after a while. Espresso gestured at town square. Strawberry Crepe leaned back, spotting Madeleine and the Raisin Villagers doing whatever a knight does to entertain children. Strawberry Crepe rolled their eyes and laid all the way back. They held the book above their head to read it. Espresso gently tapped the cover, making it fall.

"You. Are. The. Worst," Strawberry Crepe accused. Espresso snickered. It wasn't like Espresso hadn't had similar things done to him. There was a sort of on going prank war. Strawberry Crepe even had to solder Espresso's glasses back together once. Espresso thought it was funny though.

"Didn't Madeleine say that his aunts are coming soon?" Strawberry Crepe pivoted. Espresso nodded. Strawberry Crepe was well aware of what Madeleine said, but they were making an effort to be better at small talk even if they only planned to extend that curtsey to their one friend. Espresso seemed to receptive to their efforts so far though.

"I've met his family before briefly. His aunts are nice, but a bit much. They won't even mind if you glare at them. I did that and they didn't care," Espresso commented. Strawberry Crepe snickered. Espresso was sweet enough to them and Madeleine, but everyone else had to fend for themselves.

"They better not pinch my cheeks. I'll bite them," Strawberry Crepe joked. Espresso chuckled. He looked at the horizon. It was a type of pretty he had never seen before. He had lived his whole life near the sea. There weren't any vast expanses of forests and meadows, and the small forests and meadows that did exist were tiny and uninteresting to Espresso.

"I doubt that they'll pinch your cheeks," Espresso assured. Strawberry Crepe was skeptical, but they decided to not worry about it. When the time came, they had a convenient living shield. It's not like they were completely dreading it either. They got to look at the airships properly for once!

Chapter Text

Strawberry Crepe had everything they needed. Their crepe arms, their headphones, some extra clothes, and the book Espresso wrote. Espresso had a few more things to pack than Strawberry Crepe did, but Strawberry Crepe didn't care. They were watching the airship port.

"When are they going to get here?" they demanded. Madeleine looked at them and shrugged. Strawberry Crepe groaned. They were not looking forward to being trapped in a small ship with him, but at least there'd be other people. Maybe Strawberry Crepe could talk to the captain about how the airship worked.

"Oh! I can see it in the distance!" Madeleine announced. Strawberry Crepe squinted, seeing a vaguely egg blob with a vaguely trapezoid blob attached. It was pretty far in the distance. Strawberry Crepe was going to ask how Madeleine could tell, but they were drowned out by clamoring voices.

"I'll just go get Espresso Cookie then," Strawberry Crepe grumbled. They stormed off, leaving their bag where it sat. They stepped inside the hangar and took a deep breath. It still mostly smelled like coffee with oil lingering more on their side of the workstation. They looked at Espresso, who was just standing there. Strawberry Crepe stood beside him, not saying a word.

"I presume that the airship is arriving?" Espresso commented. His voice was unusually shaky. Strawberry Crepe nodded. They looked at the things laid out on Espresso's counter. They pointed at the counter, silently asking about it. It seemed much more interesting than the ruckus outside.

"Oh, that's a list of ingredients for future magic candies. I'm going to put an ingredient order in for when we get back," Espresso explained. Strawberry Crepe nodded. They had never understood how the chemistry and magic went together. They understood the basics of magic and chemistry, but the two seemed incompatible. Espresso said it was compatible of you frayed the ends, but that made it more confusing.

"Is it still loud out there?" Espresso inquired. Strawberry Crepe nodded. They rolled an empty vial in their hands. All magic candies were custom made. They were quite expensive, but most were ordered various through governments. Strawberry Crepe had their own, but it was a gift.

"I suppose neither of us like loud noises," Espresso chuckled. He patted Strawberry Crepe's head gently. Strawberry Crepe jabbed the vial they were holding onto into Espresso's side lightly. Espresso held up his hands in mock surrender. He'd never stop though. He knew if Strawberry Crepe actually hated it, they'd yell at him.

"Oh! There you two are. Listen, I'd love to ask what kind of science-y things you're doing, but my aunties are waiting for you," Madeleine interrupted as he poked his head into hangar. Espresso chuckled. Strawberry Crepe rolled their eyes.

"Ha. I'm hoping you'll like my aunties more than you like me," Madeleine muttered sarcastically. Espresso almost burst out laughing right there and then. Madeleine smiled. The Vanilla Kingdom seemed to do a lot in regards to Espresso's mood. Strawberry Crepe squinted, which was just an extra compressed glare. It was unclear if they appreciated or disliked the care Madeleine had for Espresso.

"Come on, it's time to go," Espresso said. He grabbed his suitcase. Strawberry Crepe snapped out of their internal debate and followed Espresso. Madeleine and Espresso chatted about people and places Strawberry Crepe didn't recognize. However, they were quickly captivated by the airship.

"Oh, you must be Strawberry Crepe Cookie! I'm sure my sisters are greeting Madeleine Cookie, but I needed to talk to the captain. Why don't you come with me? I heard you were especially smart regarding mechanics," a random lady greeted. Strawberry Crepe looked her over carefully. She definitely looked like Madeleine and had fairly similar ingredients. So, they nodded.

"Have you ever ridden an airship before?" the aunt asked. Strawberry Crepe shook their head. The aunt gestured at the door to the cockpit and began to walk towards it. Strawberry Crepe followed after her. They liked this aunt. Even if the others were annoying, at least she'd be nice.

"Ah, Butter Madeleine Cookie! I assume you need me to for something?" the captain greeted. The aunt, or Butter Madeleine Cookie as she was apparently named, began to talk to the captain about travel logistics and stuff Strawberry Crepe didn't care about. Then, Butter Madeleine gestured at them. They perked up, now more intently listening.

"This is Strawberry Crepe Cookie. She- They've never ridden an airship before and want to know how it works," Butter Madeleine explained. Strawberry Crepe nodded along. They felt oddly at home considering they hated new people with a passion. Maybe it was the energy the aunt had.

"Well, how much do you know about how this kind of stuff works?"

"I can build my own robots that help build houses," Strawberry Crepe boasted. The captain smiled and launched into a detailed explanation. Apparently, he hardly ever got to explain things in this much detail. Strawberry Crepe figured most engineers who rode in airships knew how airships worked. They were glad in a way.

Eventually the captain finished and Butter Madeleine guided Strawberry Crepe to the main entrance where everyone else was. The Raisin Villagers were asking lots of questions no one else could quite answer. Strawberry Crepe knew they could answer, but they weren't going to.

They grabbed their bag and cut straight through the crowd so they could get the boarding over with. Espresso made sure to quickly wrap up the questioning and made sure Madeleine knew that it was time to go. Strawberry Crepe was vaguely listening from the deck. They didn't know about going downstairs. They wanted to see what it was like when it took off.

"I gather that you at least get along with one of them?" Espresso began. He had asked Madeleine to take his bags mostly because Madeleine was a bit flustered from the endless questions he could not answer and needed a morale boost. Being able to check on Strawberry Crepe was just a bonus.

"Butter Madeleine Cookie is nice. She introduced me to the captain and he told me all about how the airships worked and how this model improved on previous ones," Strawberry Crepe rambled. They rested their hands on the edge of the airship, looking at the ground below. It was so high up. It wasn't much higher than they had ever flown with their crepe arms though.

"Have a great time, Strawberry Crepe Cookie!" one Raisin Villager yelled up. Strawberry Crepe stared blankly back for a few minutes. Espresso then tapped them on the shoulder and they remembered to wave. They were notably unenthusiastic about it though.

"They really want to be your friends, you know," Espresso pointed out. Strawberry Crepe rolled their eyes. The Raisin Villagers were fine enough as acquaintances. Otherwise, they were a nuisance that Strawberry Crepe was tired of dealing with. The Raisin Villagers were also a tad bit into necromancy even of they didn't notice. The way they sucked the life out of grapes was disturbing.

"Well, we should get to our rooms. I figured we could use the free time to practice more magic. Not fire though, I don't want to cause an explosion," Espresso offered. Strawberry Crepe shook their head. They looked over the edge as the engines began to whir. Espresso sighed. He should've known.

Chapter Text

Strawberry Crepe stood on the deck. The night sky was so pretty when all the stars moved so fast. They also couldn't sleep, so they felt more comforting than their usual status of light sources. The air was also refreshing. It was like a different planet.

"Why are you up here at this hour?" Espresso inquired. Strawberry Crepe sighed. Espresso had a sixth sense for when Strawberry Crepe wasn't where they were supposed to be. They tried to think of a good lie. They had a reason, but not something they ever wanted to tell Espresso. They were going to keep that under lock and key.

"I… am nauseous," Strawberry Crepe lied. Espresso seemed skeptical, but he sipped his coffee and stood next to Strawberry Crepe. Strawberry Crepe wanted him to leave, but they figured they should've come up with a different excuse if they wanted to be left alone.

"We'll arrive sometime in the late morning," Espresso commented. Strawberry Crepe shrugged. They didn't necessarily care about being in Crème Republic. Espresso knew that much. It was obvious. Espresso didn't exactly plan to keep Strawberry Crepe entertained though. They'd survive being bored. Besides, there'd be things that they'd want to do. Probably.

"Maybe you should go lay down," Espresso suggested. Strawberry Crepe squinted at Espresso. They knew Espresso had a point, but he should just get someone else to tell them this at this point. For the Witches' sake, Espresso was drinking a whole cup of what was probably just caffeine at this point.

"I'll be fine, Espresso Cookie. Maybe you should go lay down, or maybe I should just get Madeleine to come and carry you to bed," Strawberry Crepe threatened. Espresso's own eyes narrowed. Strawberry Crepe wasn't one for making baseless threats. Well, not when they were so calm. The other times didn't happen very often, but… still.

"I can promise you that I of all people know my limits for coffee."

"Do you know your limits on anything?"

"…Shut up," Espresso grumbled. Strawberry Crepe snickered. Espresso was too fun to mess with. Strawberry Crepe felt like an actual child without hating it. They truly felt safe instead of kind of safe. It was a feeling Strawberry Crepe only appreciated in the moment, but they didn't care.

"You're in the giggly stage of being tried, I see. It's definitely time for bed," Espresso teased. Strawberry Crepe giggled harder. They giggled even harder when Espresso wrapped one arm around them. Espresso picked them up, not flinching when they struggled at his grip. If Espresso was literally anyone else, Strawberry Crepe would've bitten him.

"Goodnight, you troublemaker," Espresso said affectionately. He set Strawberry Crepe on their bed. They were mostly asleep at this point. Giggling at three in the morning didn't leave much energy left to keep your eyes open. Espresso waited quietly for Strawberry Crepe to completely fall asleep.

Then he began to walk to his own room. Unfortunately, he was not alone in the hallways. He wasn't paying attention, mostly staring at his cup of coffee, so he ran face first into Madeleine. He felt Madeleine grabbed him before he went tumbling backwards. He sighed. At least his coffee hadn't spilled all over him.

"Why are you up at this hour?" Madeleine demanded. Espresso tried to wiggle his way out of Madeleine's hold, but it was no use. Madeleine was much stronger than he was. Madeleine just held Espresso at an arms length so he wouldn't get kicked. Espresso had done this before.

"I shall have you know I was checking on the child," Espresso hissed. Madeleine gently put Espresso down. Espresso stopped squirming, but definitely looked like his typical grumpy self. He was pouting, but Madeleine didn't point it out. Espresso would deny it until the day he died. Besides, Madeleine was tired. It was the middle of the night and he had just been woken up by walking.

"I guess that's a good enough reason… You still should go to sleep," Madeleine insisted, "and no more coffee." He snatched Espresso's coffee cup from his hands, setting it on a shelf Espresso couldn't reach. Espresso wasn't even that short. Madeleine was just ridiculously tall.

"Hey! Give that-" Espresso was cut off by a hand being put over his mouth. He quickly shut up and crossed his arms. Madeleine had made a good point even if he hadn't said anything. It was the middle of the night and at least someone was asleep. Yelling was inconsiderate at best. He would have to make another cup of coffee.

"You are the most annoying cookie I have ever-"

"'-had the misfortune of knowing.' You say that every time I do anything to mildly annoy you," Madeleine teased. He gently poked Espresso's forehead. Espresso grumbled something Madeleine couldn't make out, but he figured he'd find it just as endearing as anything else Espresso said.

"Whatever you said, I know you don't mean it. You still want my company," Madeleine cooed. Espresso glared at Madeleine because the paladin was right. He wanted to wipe that smug smile off of Madeleine's face, but he didn't know how to. He would just have to deal with Madeleine knowing he was right. It didn't even matter. Without his coffee, Espresso wasn't going to stay awake much longer.

"I hate you."

"No you don't."

"Yes I do."

"You love me!"

"Maybe…"

Chapter Text

Strawberry Crepe didn't sleep for very long. Well, they slept in a bit, but they went to bed at three. It was ten in the morning. No one had bothered them, probably because everyone else was scared to approach them and Espresso had crashed. Strawberry Crepe didn't mind.

"I wonder where we are… Oh!" Strawberry Crepe exclaimed. They pressed against the window in their room to look at the city below. It wasn't like anything they had ever seen before. Well, it was like Vanilla Kingdom if it was ran through an industrial style and then a pool of gold. It wasn't anything Strawberry Crepe would design, but it was pretty.

"Hm, are you awake?" Espresso said from the doorway. He was drinking another cup of coffee; typical. Strawberry Crepe didn't care that the door had apparently been open or opened, and instead bounded over to Espresso like a bunny rabbit on crack.

"We're here! I get to see how it lands and then I can look at the other technology and-" Espresso put a hand on Strawberry Crepe's forehead. They glared, but they took the hint to keep quiet for a minute. Espresso gestured at Strawberry Crepe's stuff. Strawberry Crepe groaned. They wanted to do literally anything else. It was one bag.

"Just take it to the top deck with you, okay? You might miss the landing," Espresso enticed. Strawberry Crepe quickly scrambled to grab their bag and rushed past Espresso. Espresso clutched at his coffee so that it didn't spill all over him. He was unusually jumpy. Maybe he just needed to…

What was he thinking about? It didn't matter.

"You're finally up! Do you want breakfast?" Butter Madeleine asked. Strawberry Crepe ignored her and kept walking to the edge of the airship. They peered over the edge, watching as the ground below slowly came closer. Butter Madeleine stood beside them, her two sisters following her closely. The others seemed to be much more energetic than their middle sister.

"We're so excited to meet you!"

"It's been a while since there's been a kid in the house!"

"What do you do for fun?"

"What have you been doing in school lately?"

"I'm busy watching the airship land," Strawberry Crepe said blandly. Butter Madeleine looked at her sister, trying to tell them to shut up silently. They weren't paying attention though. They stood next to Strawberry Crepe and looked over the edge too. Butter Madeleine sighed.

"Can I join you three?" she asked with amusement. Strawberry Crepe nodded. The four stared over the edge, watching as the airship's carefully maneuvered descent across the sky. It was fairly interesting. Of all the times they had flown in their airship, they had never inspected the way it had worked. It was a new experience, mostly because of the way their hair was blowing, but still.

"What are you guys doing?" Madeleine asked excitedly. Strawberry Crepe glared at him briefly, but again, they were busy observing the descent. They were mostly thinking about the captain's explanation and how it applied to descent. Madeleine could stay or leave. It wasn't relevant.

"We're watching the airship land. Strawberry Crepe Cookie thought it was interesting, so we decided to join them. Why don't you join, Madeleine?" the youngest aunt welcomed. Madeleine waltzed over, propping himself up using his hands. Strawberry Crepe was doing surprisingly well at ignoring his presence. It was quiet aside from the wind and some birds. It was peaceful.

"Pray tell, what are any of the you doing?" Espresso questioned. He seemed skeptical. He stood beside Strawberry Crepe, staring into the distance as if he was trying to figure out what everyone else was looking at. Strawberry Crepe tugged on his sleeve and pointed at the ground.

"You all do know that landing an airship at this angel is going to take a long time, right?" Espresso explained. Strawberry Crepe shrugged. They weren't bad at math, but doing it in their head was not something they could do. Espresso was one to talk though. He had told Strawberry Crepe to hurry. Strawberry Crepe knew it was just to make them listen, but it was still Espresso's fault.

"We've flown this route many times before. We just thought it was interesting," Butter Madeleine explained. Espresso sighed. He tapped his foot somewhat impatiently, but mostly anxiously. He didn't understand what exactly he was anxious about, but he didn't have the time to care.

"Do you want to watch with us?" Strawberry Crepe asked quietly. Espresso nodded. He sipped his coffee as he gazed upon the horizon. It was simply to be occupied. He wasn't enjoying the quiet moment. It was just quiet; peaceful almost. It was such a contrast to his own racing heart. He didn't understand why, but he didn't feel the need to understand then. He could just not be okay.

Chapter Text

"Strawberry Crepe Cookie! It's lovely to see you this afternoon! How are you doing?" Madeleine's oldest aunt asked. Strawberry Crepe stared at her, hoping that would get her to go away. However, she just giggled and moved on. She started talking about something else.

"Where's Espresso Cookie? He walked with me to my room and told me to go explore and then he just kind of disappeared," Strawberry Crepe interrupted. The oldest aunt paused. She looked thoughtful for a moment before shrugging. Strawberry Crepe huffed. It was a big house. It was probably easy to lose people. Strawberry Crepe would keep that in mind.

"Me, Butter Madeleine, and Vanilla Madeleine Cookie were thinking of going shopping. Would you like to come?" the oldest aunt offered. Strawberry Crepe scrutinized her. They highly doubted anything would go awry, but they had never been in this city before.

"I don't want toys or anything."

"We don't have to get you toys. We can get you books or treats or whatever you use to build robots. I wouldn't know. I'm a seamstress," the aunt offered. Strawberry Crepe pursed their lips as they thought. They were a stubborn, little creature, but they were a creature nonetheless. A creature who refused to admit they needed food and ran off of knowledge instead. Books were tempting.

"I'll relent. Just tell Espresso that we're leaving, and we'll come back if it's too loud," Strawberry Crepe stipulated. There were a few ensuing cheers from all the aunts. Strawberry Crepe was slightly thrown for a loop. Maybe Butter Madeleine was just good at matching other people's energy.

"Cream Madeleine Cookie, you're the best!" the youngest squealed. Cream Madeleine Cookie quickly shooed the youngest off to go find Espresso. They waited quietly, no small talk needed. Strawberry Crepe was surprised at the fact that they liked Madeleine's aunts. They expected them to be more like Madeleine. That being, a lot more pushy. They were a lot more go with the flow.

"Why do you guys want to be my friend so badly?" Strawberry Crepe asked, though they made it sound like a demand. The two remaining sisters looked between each other. Cream Madeleine tilted her head when she went back to look at Strawberry Crepe.

"We're just being nice."

"I'd we have all this money, we want to spend it on people we care about."

"Besides, you're our nephew's friend's child, it's close enough to be family," Cream Madeleine brushed off. Strawberry Crepe had never fought so hard to make a deadpan expression before. Espresso was not their patent and would never be. Who cared what everyone else thought? Maybe, maybe, Espresso was their guardian at best.

"I don't get it, but fine…" Strawberry Crepe mumbled. Butter Madeleine and Cream Madeleine looked at Strawberry Crepe like they were a pitiable dog. The worst part was that they couldn't do anything about it. In the face of normal society, they were a thing to be pitied.

"You don't have to get it. All we're asking is that you let us buy you anything you want," Butter Madeleine assured, "That we can carry." Strawberry Crepe shrugged. They didn't care. They soooooo didn't care. Madeleine's aunties were over-enthusiastic hosts that needed to shut up. Strawberry Crepe didn't really mind that they were talking though. Small talk seemed easier with them.

"I'm back! Now, let's go," the youngest aunt announced. She grabbed Strawberry Crepe's hand and began to barrel out of the door. Strawberry Crepe didn't even fight back. If they were going to get whatever they wanted, they wouldn't fight it. It was going to be perfectly fine.

First they stopped at a cafe. It wasn't quiet by any means, but the aunts just bought Strawberry Crepe what they wanted and kept the conversation amongst themselves. Then they went to the hardware store. Strawberry Crepe bought enough things to build a mini contraption. It wouldn't be special, but they would let the aunts keep it when they left.

"Ah, the bookstore! I can't wait to get some books of my own."

"Your romance novels are disgusting, Vanilla Madeleine."

"Says you. You just have no taste."

"My philosophy books are in perfect taste!"

"Do they always bicker about their taste in books?" Strawberry Crepe inquired. They were biting back a giggle. Butter Madeleine looked like she wanted to be swallowed whole by the sky, but she only nodded. Her sisters were a mess, her favorite mess, but a mess nonetheless.

"Let's go in. I'll check for any books I'll think you'll like," she said. She guided Strawberry Crepe inside, leaving the others to argue outside. If they wanted to make a fool of themselves, they could make a fool of themselves by themselves. It was all worth it when she quickly lost sight of Strawberry Crepe from their sheer excitement. If she was going to lose them, this was a good reason to.

Strawberry Crepe was selective in the books they grabbed. They only had so much room in the hangar. However, the books on magic were lacking and there were many on engineering. That wasn't what they wanted. They knew everything about mechanics. They wanted to learn magic dammit.

"I thought you liked engineering?" Butter Madeleine questioned. Strawberry Crepe took a deep breath. They wanted to snap and yell or throw something, but they were pretty sure a bookstore was just a paid library and therefore they had to be quiet. They took a deep breaths and shifted their headphones.

"I know, like, everything about engineering. I want to learn magic. Espresso is teaching me, but I'm not good at it yet," Strawberry Crepe elaborated. Butter Madeleine nodded knowingly. She looked around, rummaging through sections she didn't quite understand the purpose of.

"Oh! I found the section, berry," Butter Madeleine informed. Before Strawberry Crepe could protest to the new nickname, Butter Madeleine pulled them away. They shrugged it off. Touch was weird for them. Sometimes it was fine, and just that, and sometimes dough touching dough was a sin not even the flames of hell could cleanse.

"The magic section is very small. Most people who have magic are paladins," Butter Madeleine explained. Strawberry Crepe scanned the shelves. There was hardly any selection. They grabbed one book though. "The Basics of Fire Based Magic" by an anonymous author.

"Can I have this one? And two notebooks?" Strawberry Crepe asked. It was quite polite by their standards. Better Madeleine nodded and bee lined it for the checkout. The other aunts were inside by now, but they were browsing in their respective sections of choice. Strawberry Crepe wondered if they would be allowed to stay to scan the other customers while waiting.

"How about leather ones? They're pretty and seem lab-like," Butter Madeleine said as she held a pair of brown, leather notebooks. Strawberry Crepe nodded. Considering their work, the prettiness wouldn't last long, but the thought was appreciated. They deserved whatever they wanted after all.

"Can I also have that?" Strawberry Crepe asked. They said it so quietly, but what they were pointing at said it all. Butter Madeleine nodded, a small smile on her face. Strawberry Crepe picked up the magazine, adding it to the stack in front of the cashier. It was just a cooking magazine, but the ingredient of the week was coffee, and Strawberry Crepe thought it would make Espresso feel good to be thought of.

It felt weirdly good to be so sweet.

Chapter Text

"Hey, just breathe. You're okay," Madeleine comforted. Espresso was clinging to him as tight as he could. Espresso felt sick. He was too anxious to keep drinking coffee, which Madeleine wasn't too up and arms about. However, it wasn't making Espresso feel better. It still felt horrible.

"I can't breathe, you idiot," Espresso snapped. Madeleine didn't take it personally. Espresso was scared, which wasn't helping his ensuing panic attack. Madeleine could only hold Espresso closer to his chest. He didn't mention the part about not knowing where anybody else was. That would only make everything worse. Madeleine wasn't too worried though. If his aunties were gone too, they were with the little gremlin.

"I'm a horrible person…" Espresso mumbled. Madeleine shook his head vehemently. Espresso was not a bad person, and Madeleine would die on that hill. Espresso was prickly, abrasive, and rude at times, but he wasn't a bad person. If anything, Espresso was scared like anyone else. Life was scary.

"You're a wonderful person. I mean it," Madeleine insisted. Espresso giggled like there was a joke he only understood slightly more than Madeleine did. Madeleine didn't understand at all. Espresso curled into Madeleine tighter. He was never this affectionate, or let anyone be this affectionate towards him. That was the scariest part to Madeleine.

"I'm too tired to argue with you right now. I just-" Espresso was interrupted by the door to his guest bedroom slamming open. Strawberry Crepe ran in with an armful of books. They tossed the one magazine at Espresso and ran back out. Espresso paused. He didn't know what to think.

"Aw, that's cute. He got you something about coffee," Madeleine cooed. Espresso held the magazine far away from his face since he had taken his glasses off so he wouldn't break them. He began to tear up again. Strawberry Crepe had never given him a gift before. The concept of material things were still very wishy-washy to them.

"Your kid is the cutest," Madeleine complimented. Espresso nodded. He only hoped Strawberry Crepe wasn't watching somehow. He felt pathetic for breaking down over being gifted a damn magazine, but it was the thought that counted. The thought could probably reach infinity actually.

Chapter Text

"Yeah, and apparently they always fight about genres," Strawberry Crepe added. Espresso nodded. He had been trying to get a word in for the last hour, but Strawberry Crepe was tinkering and not paying attention to Espresso's face. Espresso had accepted his fate though.

"Espresso Cookie? We're going to be late," Madeleine interrupted. Strawberry Crepe glared at Madeleine, making him lean a little bit back from the doorway. Strawberry Crepe huffed. They were satisfied with their efforts and went back to tinkering with random parts. Madeleine slowly stepped inside and tried to ignore the lingering feeling he was going to get bitten.

"Yes, Madeleine, I do know that we're going to be late. I also haven't told them that we were going anywhere," Espresso said in sarcastically applied condescension. Madeleine rolled his eyes, but he did it for dramatic effect and was smiling the entire time.

"You don't need to tell me. Where else are you going to come back to when you don't live in the city anymore?" Strawberry Crepe argued. Espresso felt like arguing semantics about having plenty of friends in the lower city, but he wasn't that stubborn. He also didn't want to deal with walking that back either. He would just complain to Madeleine later though.

"Yes, yes. I'll come back to say goodnight, okay?" Espresso verified. Strawberry Crepe stuck their tongue out at Espresso. Espresso shrugged and adjusted his glasses. This was tame Strawberry Crepe behavior. Espresso really didn't have any room to judge either.

"Are they always that rude?"

"I wouldn't call that rude."

"I bet he would," Madeleine commented. He pointed over the railing, indicating the presence of a certain consul. Espresso simultaneously wanted to laugh and cringe. It was hilarious that Madeleine thought Strawberry Crepe would do anything besides curse Clotted Cream Cookie out and the fact that Clotted Cream was probably here to see him.

"Don't worry. Strawberry Crepe Cookie will make quick work of him," Espresso said casually. Madeleine didn't like the sound of Strawberry Crepe making quick work of the consul, but he trusted Espresso. The back of Madeleine's head told him that something's as going to wrong.

---

"Oh! You should meet Strawberry Crepe Cookie. She- They're just the cutest. We took them shopping today!" Cream Madeleine cooed. Clotted Cream was enjoying the banter. He managed to keep the conversation away from Financier Cookie, who did not want to be talked to. That's one of the reasons she liked being a bodyguard. People didn't talk to her.

"They're actually quiet like you're lady over there; at least when they first meet people," Cream Madeleine added. Clotted Cream bit back a sigh. He was trying. Financier looked as stoic as ever, but she only looked mildly annoyed she was furious; unless she was yelling. Clotted Cream had to ask her what she was feeling, but it's not he was good at reading people in the first place.

"I'm sure they'd be lovely to meet. However-"

"Ah, you'll be lucky if they don't bite you dear. They're… antisocial," Butter Madeleine interrupted. Clotted Cream didn't know what to say to that. He wasn't entirely sure if he was being threatened either.

"They won't bite you if you don't touch them, and even then it's only wishy-washy. They've only threatened it before," Cream Madeleine argued. Butter Madeleine shrugged. Clotted Cream was even more confused. He couldn't wrap his head around the fact that a child would threaten to bite someone.

"Are you guys talking about me?" Strawberry Crepe demanded from the railing of the second floor. They were pouting. Clotted Cream could definitely pin them as the type to bite. Financier also peered at the unfamiliar cookie curiously. She seemed to see a lot more than Clotted Cream could, but she would probably tell him what she was thinking later.

"Why don't you come down? Dinner should be ready soon," Butter Madeleine beckoned. Strawberry Crepe groaned. They hoped the railing and used their crepe hands to lower themselves. They stared Clotted Cream down, then Financier. Strawberry Crepe shrugged.

"Clotted Cream Cookie! Why don't you have dinner with us? You could put on a few pounds," Cream Madeleine insisted. She gently grabbed Clotted Cream's hand and began to walk. Clotted Cream looked to Financier for help, but she just walked alongside him. He knew he wasn't in any real danger, but he had to go home after this.

"Are- are you going to do anything?"

"I agree with her."

"You- you what!?"

"Don't act so surprised."

"I- I can't believe you're doing this," Clotted Cream muttered. Financier patted his shoulder and kept walking. She was doing her job. She was to protect the consul, even against his own wishes. She was supposed to pay attention to his safety, not his happiness; most of the time.

"Who are you?" Strawberry Crepe asked bluntly. Clotted Cream tried to right himself, but was only tugged right off of his feet once again. He then tried to answer, but he was then pulled around a corner. He gave up after that. He didn't want to get to the meat and potatoes of who he was. Clotted Cream wasn't his original name. He didn't even remember his first name.

"Uh-huh, what a lovely name. I'm Strawberry Crepe Cookie, the Vanilla Kingdom's only mechanic," Strawberry Crepe introduced. Clotted Cream observed them. They didn't seem like a typical kid. They seemed more like a cynical old man who decided that he was smarter than everyone else.

"I love your sword. Where'd you get it?" Strawberry Crepe redirected. Financier pointed at Clotted Cream. He had bought her a new one after the last one was too old to be sharpened effectively. That was quite a while ago though. Strawberry Crepe nodded like that made perfect sense. Well, it did, but the way they interpreted it did not. Pure Vanilla was going to be so confused.

"Great timing! Diner was just finished. I was checking with the chef," the youngest aunt announced. Her sisters gave knowing glances, something that went right over everyone else's head. The slight blush to the youngest's aunt's cheeks should tell the audience everything though.

"Shouldn't we wait for Madeleine Cookie and-"

"They're out to dinner."

"Wait- what?" Clotted Cream sputtered. Strawberry Crepe was equally as surprised, but they were much quieter about it. The dining hall smelled good though. Strawberry Crepe waited for everyone else to sit. They made sure to sit around as far away as possible. They wanted to be in and out as quickly as possible. Luckily, everyone else got the hint and didn't interact.

---

"C'mon, seconds is barely anything in this house," Butter Madeleine insinuated. She pushed another plate closer to Clotted Cream, who seemed increasingly uncomfortable with the situation at hand. Strawberry Crepe had their noise canceling all the way up. They could only hear their breathing.

"I think I'll-"

"Consul," Financier said sternly. Clotted Cream sighed, almost rolling his eyes like a petulant child. He was being treated like a child though. The food tasted fine, in fact, the jellies were some of his favorites and the mashed potatoes were exquisite. He just didn't want to eat. He wasn't hungry, maybe. He didn't know. He couldn't tell anymore.

"I do hope Madeleine remembers to order seconds at the restaurant," Butter Madeleine lamented. Her sisters nodded sympathetically. Clotted Cream hadn't expected to stay for dinner, let alone be served a never ending meal that he was being forced to eat.

"You do know it's only two plates, right?" Financier teased. Clotted Cream forced a smile, thought he truly looked annoyed. Financier didn't smile outwardly, but she was grinning in the inside. She was never really one for expressions, so inadvertently tampering her own emotions was something she never ended up doing. She wondered what it was like to feel less.

"I'm not hungry," Clotted Cream grumbled. He was hungry. Both he and Financier knew that much. Whether it was the public pressure or his own family, if you could count what he had as family, was unclear. A lot of things about him were unclear.

"Maybe I will get some air… and you're not coming with me. The mansion has security," Clotted Cream insisted quietly. Financier wanted to strangle Clotted Cream sometimes, but he was right. When the site itself had security and no one to internally secure against, he should be allowed to go places without her. Her job was for his safety, not for his comfort though. He wanted her presence, not services.

He walked into one of the courtyards after politely excusing himself. He was not a child. He could eat as much as he wanted. He did not need to be hassled to eat a second serving. He didn't need a second serving. He was fine. He knew he was fine. Criticism was at an all time low.

"What are you doing out here?" Strawberry Crepe inquired. Clotted Cream jumped. Strawberry Crepe was not standing next to him a few seconds ago. Clotted Cream could only sigh though. He didn't know how he would answer an adult, let alone a child. He had hardly bothered to answer himself. He had never had a real answer, just vague ideas he couldn't even string together on cork board.

"If you're not going to eat the rest of your plate, I will," Strawberry Crepe offered. There was something of a desperate twinkle in their eyes. Clotted Cream stared for a moment, longer than was necessary. He had never spent much time amongst kids with difficult backgrounds, but the pain was excruciating.

"How does she do it…?"

"Who?"

"…Never mind that," Clotted Cream muttered. He reached into a pocket, pulling out a piece of candy. He handed it to Strawberry Crepe, who took it like a duck took to water. They stored it in an interior pocket of their cloak with a small smile. Clotted Cream expected them to eat it, but he didn't say anything. There was nothing to say.

"I expected to dislike you more. I'm surprised," Strawberry Crepe added. Clotted Cream tilted his head, but Strawberry Crepe was already walking back inside. They'd forever be a peculiar cookie. He sighed. He just needed to go back inside and finish his meal. He couldn't let it go waste.

For now.

Chapter Text

"Strawberry Crepe Cookie, Madeleine Cookie wants to ask you something," Espresso informed. Strawberry Crepe groaned. They flopped their new book onto their face, still slightly reeling from the fact that they almost set themselves on fire. Their sleeve was still singed.

"Do you know what it is?" Strawberry Crepe hissed. Espresso nodded. Strawberry Crepe flopped back onto their bed. This was forced bonding at best. It was deliberate infliction of torture at worst. Strawberry Crepe didn't want to set just anything on fire anymore. Madeleine's precious hair would be perfect, or his cape would do.

"And no setting things on fire without supervision," Espresso scolded. He snatched the book from Strawberry Crepe's hands and set it on the nightstand. Strawberry Crepe really wanted to bite Espresso. Biting was such an effective way to get people to stop doing whatever they were doing.

"Do I have to?"

"I think you'll like it," Espresso enticed. Strawberry Crepe glared at Espresso, trying to hide how curious they were. Madeleine was desperate to be accepted. Everyone knew that. That meant that Madeleine was probably trying to get Strawberry Crepe to like him. Strawberry Crepe would never say no to stuff. They loved stuff. Well, they liked to tear it apart and make new stuff out of it.

"Fine. If it's stupid, I'm kicking him in the shins," Strawberry Crepe stipulated. Espresso sighed. He gestured for Strawberry Crepe to follow him. Strawberry Crepe followed Espresso mostly because they would've gotten lost in the mansion. They also liked to stick near his familiar scent.

"How was dinner last night?" Espresso asked. Strawberry Crepe shrugged. They had mostly found it weird. They still had the lemon candy Clotted Cream had given them. They didn't like lemon-anything, but food was food. They couldn't understand how someone would have to be coaxed to eat. Food was a fickle thing. You might not get it the next day.

"Espresso Cookie! Strawberry Crepe Cookie! I'm glad you came back. I have an offer I thought you might be interested in," Madeleine greeted. Strawberry Crepe instantly became skeptical. There was no gifts in sight. Strawberry Crepe didn't want to go anywhere with the paladin.

It also didn't help that Espresso was struggling not to burst into laughter.

"I figured you would like to go explore the city! So, I took it upon myself to find the perfect place for a kid; the academy" Madeleine announced. Strawberry Crepe's unamused expression was not helping Espresso tiny, little laughing problem. Madeleine looked dejected. Strawberry Crepe wanted to point out that they had never even went to school, but Madeleine was already flattened like a pancake mentally.

"I dunno. I could do anything, and I mean anything, else. Is it going to be any fun?" Strawberry Crepe scrutinized. Madeleine paused, the gears visibly turning in his head. Espresso took a sip of his coffee. He always found it amusing when someone short circuited Madeleine.

"The architecture is lovely and everyone there is very sweet!" Madeleine countered. Strawberry Crepe snickered. They decided to go along purely to cause chaos and maybe run into Financier again. She seemed interesting. Strawberry Crepe had never actually seen a sword up close. Dark Choco Cookie didn't let them get close.

"I'll go. Just don't expect me to enjoy it," Strawberry Crepe relented. Madeleine practically squealed. Strawberry Crepe had an overwhelming urge to punch Madeleine for making such a noise, but they were more stubborn regarding their decision to agree.

"I'm glad you two are… tolerating each other. I suppose we should get going. I've been dying to stretch my legs," Espresso urged. He turned to walk away and Strawberry Crepe spun around to follow. However, Madeleine stood there and tilted his head like a confused puppy. He followed after Espresso with more of a confused expression.

"Why can't we take a carriage?" Madeleine asked curiously. Espresso pointed at Strawberry Crepe like that explained everything, which it did. He kept walking, eventually holding his hand out for Strawberry Crepe to take. Strawberry Crepe glared for both being thrown under the bus and the offer.

"I'm not a child."

"The streets are crowded."

"Oh," Strawberry Crepe mumbled. They reluctantly took Espresso's hand as they left the mansion's front doors. It wasn't that difficult to get round when they were with Madeleine's aunts, but there were three of them and they could surround Strawberry Crepe like an organized entity. Strawberry Crepe had to assume that Madeleine was much harder to keep contained at their age.

---

"It looks normal," Strawberry Crepe grumbled. The school was magnificent, but it wasn't unlike anything that could be seen in the city. It was bustling though. Madeleine trudged on ahead, walking like he owned the place. With the way people squealed and shouted hi's, he basically did.

"What do we have here? Oh, Ser Madeleine Cookie! It's been far too long since you've come to visit," a little, old lady cooed. Strawberry Crepe was definitely behind Espresso now, but they'd never admit that. They were just observing from afar, yeah. Espresso stood behind Madeleine much less inconspicuously. He was simply un-acknowledged.

"Elder Vanilla Sugar Cookie, it is lovely to see you again. I'll admit, my pilgrimage has taken quite a while, but it has definitely been worth it," Madeleine responded. Vanilla Sugar Cookie nodded like that made perfect sense. Maybe Strawberry Crepe just wasn't following along.

"I know it is short notice, Elder, but I have guests over, one of which being Strawberry Crepe Cookie. I was wondering if someone could give them a tour," Madeleine asked politely. He pointed at Strawberry Crepe, who hid behind Espresso as much as they could. Vanilla Sugar had already seen them though. Strawberry Crepe cursed under their breath.

"A young cookie interested in education! Come in, come in. I'll find an available student," Vanilla Sugar agreed. No one corrected her on Strawberry Crepe's interest, or lack there of. Vanilla Sugar was one of the most hard headed elders on the council. She gave Custard Cookie a run or his money.

"Elder Vanilla Sugar Cookie, I'm so glad I caught you. I-"

"Kouign-Amann Cookie, are you busy?"

"…No. Why?"

"Since you are not busy, you can give these three a tour. Ser Madeleine Cookie brought Espresso Cookie and Strawberry Crepe Cookie to visit. Strawberry Crepe Cookie is the pink girl," Vanilla Sugar explained. She quickly hobbled off, most likely in search of the students she had bring her precious sheep out to pasture.

"Okay, I am Kouign-Amann Cookie. I am a student at the Paladin Academy and today I will be your tour guide," Kouign-Amann Cookie reintroduced. She curtseyed. Espresso and Madeleine bowed while Strawberry Crepe stood there like the ball of stubbornness they were.

"Here, we study theology, combat, and how to use the magic granted to us by the divines," Kouign-Amann continued. She began to walk through the hallways, so the visiting trio followed along. Strawberry Crepe was a little intrigued if they were being honest. They were not being honest however. They scanned Kouign-Amann. She had a berry based jelly in her dough.

"My personal favorite part of this school is the various programs we have. Our most famous is the Trio Cone Cup which was established by the founder of the school," Kouign-Amann added. Strawberry Crepe was more intrigued. They didn't know schools had games, even if it was obvious in hindsight.

"I was in the Trio Cone Cup back in the day."

"And my cousin beat you by a landslide."

"We don't talk about that part," Madeleine deflected. Strawberry Crepe and Espresso snickered. Espresso had never shown much interest in Latte's Trio Cone Cup win, but it certainly wasn't easy for her. She never held it against him though. It was just who they were back then; children. Espresso would have to thank Latte for giving him something to hold above Madeleine's head.

"I was also in the Trio Cone Cup last year. I do think that we'll come out on top again when the season returns," Kouign-Amann commented. Strawberry Crepe was definitely intrigued now; maybe slightly impatient. Latte seemed like a much more interesting cookie now.

"Over there are the dorms. The left is the girls dormitory, and the right is the boys dormitory," Kouign-Amann explained. Strawberry Crepe paused. They tried to act like the intricate patterns on the carpet were interesting. It was a weird question that they had, but they didn't like not having answers. So, they took a deep breath and tugged on the hem of Kouign-Amann's skirt.

"If I went I went to this school, what side would I sleep on?" Strawberry Crepe asked quietly. Kouign-Amann pointed to the left like the answer was obvious. Strawberry Crepe shook their head. Kouign-Amann blinked like she was processing something she didn't quite understand.

"Oh! She… I'm so sorry about that. My, um, friends are still telling me about all these things," Kouign-Amann apologized. Strawberry Crepe shrugged. They weren't going to this school. They had only been curious. The answer was clearly that no one had thought of people like Strawberry Crepe. They were an outlier for multiple reasons, and simply being a cookie and nothing else was one of them.

"How about I show you the classrooms?" Kouign-Amann ushered away. Strawberry Crepe shrugged and walked behind her. Espresso stood still, peering at the ground as he thought. Madeleine nudged his arm gently. Espresso looked up and smoothed his hair back.

"Is everything okay?" Madeleine asked quietly. Espresso shrugged. He was perfectly fine. It was Strawberry Crepe that he was worried about. He had thought about what Strawberry Crepe's future would look like many times. They seemed perfectly happy to exist within the hangar forever, but would they always wanted to follow Espresso? Espresso was never one to stick in one place for long.

"You know how hard it is for the world to understand people like us, for all the reasons. They have about ten other things on top of that," Espresso explained quietly. Madeleine pursed his lips. His family was very accepting and because of his job he was never questioned, but he was student once.

"Don't worry about them right now. They'll always have you and my family," Madeleine comforted. Espresso smiled slightly. Even if he couldn't give Strawberry Crepe everything they needed, Madeleine and his family would throw all their money at anyone they cared about. Luckily, Strawberry Crepe wasn't prideful enough to refuse people's gifts.

---

"And this is the courtyard. Over there is one of the sparring arenas. Well, it's just a sandy area, but it's called an arena," Kouign-Amann explained. Strawberry Crepe walked closely behind the paladin. They hadn't met many people who looked like them besides Hollyberry who was far too loud.

"Can we spar?" Strawberry Crepe asked excitedly. Kouign-Amann nodded. Strawberry Crepe ran ahead, pure joy in their eyes. Kouign-Amann hurried after them, reaching for her sword. She took her stance, waiting for Strawberry Crepe to mirror her own stance. She planned to go easy on the much younger child, but she was also planning to give Strawberry Crepe an appropriately hard fight.

"Ah, sparring. I used to love to spar when I went to school. It was a great past time, even if I got stabbed that one time," Madeleine admitted sheepishly. Espresso normally laughed at Madeleine's unintentional remarks. Madeleine did it all the time, but it never got old to Espresso.

"She isn't going to actually attack them with her sword, right?"

"No, no! She's a talented paladin. Strawberry Crepe Cookie will be fine," Madeleine assured. He patted Espresso's back as the two of them watched the battle from the overhang. Strawberry Crepe and Kouign-Amann looked to be having a lot of fun. Strawberry Crepe would land one hit with their crepe fists and then Kouign-Amann would get a good swing.

"You have to attack faster than that!" Strawberry Crepe goaded. They hovered in the air, far above where Kouign-Amann could hit, and then came crashing to the ground where Kouign-Amann was. She dodged it barely. She swung and her sword collided with one of Strawberry Crepe's crepe arms.

"Oh, you are so going down!" Kouign-Amann threatened playfully. She was having a genuinely hard time with this fight. She made another swing, shoving Strawberry Crepe back a little further. They popped to their feet, ready to jump into the hair again. However, they landed a direct punch to Kouign-Amann's chest this time. She tumbled backwards, and right out of the arena.

"I won! Espresso Cookie, I won!" Strawberry Crepe cheered. Kouign-Amann stood up and brushed her dress off. She felt fine, and she had suffered much worse before. Besides, it was a genuine sparring match. She hadn't expected to be bested by a little kid, but she accepted defeat better now.

"That's amazing, and a little terrifying… I didn't know you could descend that quickly," Espresso commented. Strawberry Crepe ran over to Espresso with a look of pure joy on their face. Their crepe arms were hardly even damaged. They had a few scuff marks, but nothing else. Espresso wasn't an engineer, but he had fought alongside Madeleine long enough to know swords did a lot of damage.

"You'll have to stop by for another match. Hopefully we can up the difficulty," Kouign-Amann invited. Strawberry Crepe literally jumped up and down. Espresso pressed his hand to the top of their head gently. It wasn't the stimming that was too much, but too much of any emotion was not good.

"I have class in a few minutes, so I can't show you the outdoor arena, but I'm sure Ser Madeleine Cookie can show you. Have a great day!" Kouign-Amann lamented. She walked away, waving as she went. Strawberry Crepe didn't wave back, but Kouign-Amann didn't mind. Strawberry Crepe reminded her of Prune Juice Cookie in the way they talked. Prune Juice wouldn't fight like that though.

"Let's go see the outdoor arena. It's where we host the Trio Cone Cup."

"I remember that place. I hated it. It was so loud with all the people."

"I still can't believe you saw me there and never mentioned it when we were assigned our first mission!"

"I didn't know it was you until Latte Cookie told me," Espresso elaborated. Madeleine was still pouting slightly, but much less than before. Strawberry Crepe wasn't really paying attention to the adults' conversation. They just kept walking. They were still riding the adrenaline of their win.

They just hoped they would have minimal bruises tomorrow.

Chapter Text

Strawberry Crepe sat in the garden. They were leaning against a marble bench that they figured they were supposed to be sitting on, but they weren't going to sit on it just because they were supposed to. They were also supposed to be asleep. They didn't listen to shit apparently.

"You should be inside. It's cold outside," a calm voice announced. Strawberry Crepe looked up to see a lady in armor with a spear and shield. Strawberry Crepe shrugged. They didn't care about the cold. They had been colder before. The Vanilla Kingdom didn't have any heat for the longest time. This was nothing. There was still heat from the mansion itself.

"I should introduce myself, shouldn't I? I'm Grand Madeleine Cookie, Madeleine Cookie's mother. I'm sorry I could meet you sooner, work had been busy," Grand Madeleine Cookie's introduced. She sat beside Strawberry Crepe. She didn't have motherly energy, but she gave off very calm energy.

"I'm a mechanic. What do you do for work?" Strawberry Crepe forced. They were much better a small talk with Espresso. Strawberry Crepe would try though. Being nice was important apparently. Strawberry Crepe didn't know why, but it would make Espresso happy if they were. They cared about Espresso far too much for their own good, or their perceived good.

"My job is being a soldier, though I mostly do training now," Grand Madeleine explained. Strawberry Crepe nodded politely. A quiet settled over the two. Strawberry Crepe looked at the plants in the darkness. Shadows had always been fascinating, if not incredibly interesting.

"I hope you're enjoying your visit. There is a lot to do in the city and you've only just arrived," Grand Madeleine commented. Strawberry Crepe nodded because that's what you did to be nice. Being nice was an odd feeling, but it was also exhausting to be mean to some extent. Keeping people out took a lot of energy, and she was just sitting there like Strawberry Crepe was a random cookie.

"I'm glad you agreed to come. My sisters miss the house being more lively. I've heard many good things about you," Grand Madeleine added. Strawberry Crepe blinked at her with an air of confusion. People usually didn't say good things about them unless it was to conceal a complaint.

"What else did they say?"

"That you're complicated. I don't think it's an insult though."

"That's it?" Strawberry Crepe questioned skeptically. Grand Madeleine nodded. Strawberry Crepe stared at the ground in confusion. They were a bad person in their own eyes, and they were a bad person objectively from what they knew. They didn't mind being a bad person. Well, they thought they didn't. If they didn't care, why did it feel so good to hear the contrary?

"You're just a kid. You'll get you're chance to grow up and change, or not of you don't want to. Just wait it out. See how you feel when the time comes," Grand Madeleine assured. Strawberry Crepe nodded. They didn't get it, but they didn't have to. It would probably be that way regardless.

Chapter Text

Latte was doing paperwork even though she would rather be doing anything else. She knew Espresso was going to arrive in two whole weeks, but she couldn't wait. She loved her job, but it was lonely now. She missed her cousin, especially when they got to do coffee magic together.

"Professor Latte Cookie? Can I speak to you?" Cream Puff Cookie asked from outside the door. She may have graduated high school, but she now went to the Parfaedian Institute for college. It was an odd blend of students to have both high schoolers and college kids, but Latte loved it growing up and she loved it now. She beckoned for Cream Puff to join her.

"Is everything okay with you? I've only gotten to see you in passing lately, but I… Are you okay?" Cream Puff asked bluntly. Latte blinked. She thought she was being perfectly normal if not more excited than normal. She loved her cousin. She missed him, but he was coming to visit.

"I can assure you that I'm a-okay, Cream Puff Cookie. I've actually been very excited lately!" Latte corrected. She smiled, but she felt it falter. It was the first time in a longtime. She felt fine, or she thought she did. Did she actually feel fine? What was going on with her? She didn't know. Why didn't she know? She was supposed to know these things.

"Excited? You've been… very nervous. You're a teacher I care a lot about. I want to make sure you're okay. Tell me if I can help," Cream Puff implored. Latte smiled more wearily, more honestly. If she was being honest, Espresso wasn't easy to be around. He was complicated just like anyone else.

How long had she been lying?

"Trust me, I would not hesitate to reach out for help. I do really appreciate you asking though. I'll be back to normal soon enough," Latte assured. Cream Puff smiled and left without much more reassurance. Latte stared at her paperwork. She wasn't really looking at it. She was going over a list of things. Of course she was happy to have Espresso over. She loved him like a brother.

She reached into her drawer, pulling out a particularly worn piece of paper. She wrote it a while ago, a very long while ago. She looked at it semi-frequently, but not often. It felt like she didn't do it often. She was beginning to question her perception of reality though. It wasn't exactly fun.

It was a letter, an angrily worded letter. She had never sent it and never wanted to. It wasn't special, just the same idea reiterated a hundred different ways. She hadn't meant it, or maybe she had. She had meant it then and she didn't know if that was okay or not. She was supposed to know these things. She was the age of kids she taught when she wrote it, but maybe cookies weren't supposed to know these things.

"I just hope you know I don't hate you…" she whispered to someone in particular. He was very far away though. She hoped she could at least pretend to be okay for a whole two weeks. She still had a lot of paperwork to fill out and a lot of homework to grade. Not to mention keeping up appearances.

She could do it though. She always did it.

Chapter Text

Strawberry Crepe sat in bed, desperately pulling at the stitches in their blanket like that would make anything better. Screaming was always loud and annoying, but it was unbearable when it was thunderous. They had put their headphones back on. They didn't normally sleep with it on.

They were so tired yet so terrified. They pulled at one string until it snapped. They almost hoped the whole blanket would come undone. It didn't though. They threw it. It was theirs. It should act like them. It should fall apart when they did. It wasn't really theirs though, and now they were cold. It was wonderful; absolutely wonderful.

They stood up and stared at the floor. They felt like they were acting like a baby. It was just a nightmare. It never happened. They shuddered. They forced themselves to take each step until they reached the door. It felt more like they were manually moving the joints of a doll than opening the door.

They took a deep breath and kept walking. Espresso's door wasn't that far away. Everything felt so loud. They reached for the door and wrapped their hands around the handle. Their hands were trembling. They stared at the floor, willing their hands to cooperate. They twisted it, recoiling at the noise. They wanted to throw the damn knob, but they didn't have a screwdriver on them.

"Open the door. I don't wanna," they whine quietly. They highly doubted Espresso was awake considering that Madeline was breathing down his neck about sleeping like a normal person. Though, they wouldn't be surprised if Espresso had figured out how to trick Madeleine. It couldn't be that hard.

"And why don't you want to open the door yourself?" Espresso asked teasingly. He opened the door himself though. Strawberry Crepe pouted, but they kept staring at the floor. They suddenly wrapped Espresso in a hug. Espresso paused. This wasn't normal Strawberry Crepe behavior. They hated hugs and getting touched in general. It made Espresso happy at least.

"Go lay down in my bed. I need to finish writing something," Espresso instructed. Whether out of stubbornness or a desire to not let go, Strawberry Crepe held onto Espresso tighter. Espresso sighed. He should've expected Strawberry Crepe to be this clingy after they followed them this far.

"It'll only be a moment. Follow me," Espresso relented. He pulled Strawberry Crepe over to his desk. He scribbled something down and then turned the light off. He sat on the edge of his bed, waiting for Strawberry Crepe to hauled themselves onto it. The beds were ridiculously tall, but maybe all expensive beds were like that. Espresso wouldn't know.

"Is there a reason you're up at two am?" Espresso inquired. Strawberry Crepe curled up tighter. They did not want to answer. They felt stupid. However, Espresso wasn't going to let it go. He poked Strawberry Crepe's arm once, and then twice, and then thrice.

"Fine! I had a nightmare and I couldn't fall back asleep," Strawberry Crepe conceded. They wrapped their hands around the cones that stuck out from their headphones and used that to press it closer to their head. Espresso nodded. He didn't press any further. He tucked a blanket around Strawberry Crepe and laid on the opposite side.

"Good night," Espresso whispered. He took his glasses off, setting them down on the nightstand. He heard Strawberry Crepe mumbled something that sounded like 'fuck you'. Espresso didn't care. Strawberry Crepe never meant it and they never had. It was almost endearing at this point.

Chapter Text

Strawberry Crepe was more than happy to go with Madeleine's Aunties to do whatever they wanted them to do. They could have a tea party for all they cared and they'd only be mildly annoyed. Besides, Espresso looked extremely happy to spend time with Madeleine.

"Where are we going?"

"Um, Vanilla Madeleine Cookie should have the map," Cream Madeleine answered evasively. Strawberry Crepe knew that was a not an answer, but they were too tired to give an actual fuck. They had gone to bed at an unreasonable hour. They followed behind Cream Madeleine.

"I've got the thing! I've got the thing that we couldn't decide on!" Vanilla Madeleine Cookie yelled out. She was running to Strawberry Crepe and Cream Madeleine with Butter Madeleine running after her. Vanilla Madeleine proceeded to face plant into the grass which was still wet from morning dew.

"Ha! I told you so!" Butter Madeleine practically cackled. Vanilla Madeleine stood up and shot her sister a glare that could melt sugar in an instant, but Butter Madeleine must have been made of steel. She then plastered a giant smile on her face and shoved a slightly damp plushie at Strawberry Crepe. Strawberry Crepe just stood there though. They didn't want the thing.

"Do you not like it?" Cream Madeleine inquired. Strawberry Crepe didn't respond. They stared at the pink rabbit like it was on fire. It was welcoming like it was made of cotton candy and the button eyes stared like it was a sad baby that needed to be cradled.

"Maybe don't shove it in their face?" Butter Madeleine scolded sarcastically. She physically pulled Vanilla Madeleine backwards so that Strawberry Crepe wasn't mere inches from their gift. That's when they decided it was something they wanted. They snatched it from Vanilla Madeleine's hands and looked at it curiously. They ran their fingers over the seams, already planning to take it apart.

"Do you like it?" Cream Madeleine reiterated. Strawberry Crepe shrugged. They didn't care for the bunny, but extra strings, buttons, and fabric was useful. However, the three women seemed confused. They expected Strawberry Crepe to be a little bit more excited about the gift.

"Is something wrong with it?" Vanilla Madeleine inquired. Strawberry Crepe shook their head. It was a perfect gift. If they managed to find a sewing needle, they could make themselves gloves for the harsh winters in the Vanilla Kingdom. The aunts still didn't understand what Strawberry Crepe was thinking, but they tried to brush it off.

"We tried to find something comforting that you'd like. It's wonderful that you love it," Butter Madeleine assured. Strawberry Crepe looked at her and tilted their head. They didn't find the rabbit comforting. If anything, it was pretty creepy. They even planned to scrap it.

"I'm gonna make gloves with it," Strawberry Crepe announced excitedly. They smiled, proud of their own ingenuity as always. Their smile faltered when they saw the aunts' expressions. They held the rabbit tighter to their chest like they were hiding a snack they were suddenly not allowed to have.

"If you need gloves, we can just buy you some. You don't need to… deconstruct the bunny rabbit," Butter Madeleine comforted. She patted Strawberry Crepe's shoulder in an attempt to be further comforting, but Strawberry Crepe simply continued to stare at all of them like they were the insane ones.

"…What else am I going to use this thing for?" Strawberry Crepe questioned. Cream Madeleine chuckled. She took the plushie from Strawberry Crepe's arms gently and crouched in front of them. Strawberry Crepe felt a condescending air fall over the situation, but they were far too curious to protest. Their curiosity was going to turn them into a pile of crumbs one day.

"You're supposed to play with it, Berry. You know what? We can go shopping and buy you nice gloves and pretty clothes," Cream Madeleine offered. Strawberry Crepe really wanted a hat that would go around their ears. They hadn't had enough time to think about it though.

They reminded themselves to tell Pure Vanilla about all of bedding with holes in them.

"I think I'd have fun with that," Strawberry Crepe relented. The three woman squealed, beginning their excited planning. Strawberry Crepe let them drag them around the mansion, fussing over their hair and the dirt on their face. Strawberry Crepe let them for the thought reason that having new clothes and shoes would be nice, but they really didn't mind because of who was doing the fussing.

---

"What type of shoes wouldn't get damaged?"

"I dunno. I've just kind of worn whatever fit in my feet."

"We'll ask a store owner," Butter Madeleine redirected. She went up to the counter and began to talk with the cashier. Strawberry Crepe wasn't paying attention. The sisters were adept at making shopping as easy as possible. Strawberry Crepe only had to try the clothes on. Otherwise, it was peaceful.

"What color do you want your shoes to be?" Cream Madeleine asked. Strawberry Crepe paused. It had never occurred to them that the color of their shoes was an option. The idea of making that kind of decision was weird to them. They thought about it for a moment. They'd probably just get tan or brown. It's go with their cloak too.

"Tan or brown. I don't really care as long as I can work in them," Strawberry Crepe responded eventually. Cream Madeleine tilted her head. She was quickly distracted by Vanilla Madeleine rushing over with a pair of fancy heels.

"Aren't they beautiful?"

"When are you ever going to wear them?"

"I- Well, they're not for me…"

"Just bring the girl to dinner already!" Cream Madeleine teased. Vanilla Madeleine turned bright red and turned around while somewhat politely cursing her sister under her breath. Cream Madeleine looked really proud of herself though. Strawberry Crepe smiled slightly. Madeleine's aunts were a good source of entertainment for Strawberry Crepe at this point.

"Cream Madeleine Cookie! I haven't seen you since the last party you hosted! How long ago was that?"

"Elder Sablé Cookie!"

"Please, call me just Sablé Cookie. I'm not even that old! I think I only graduated two years before you," Sablé Cookie insisted. Cream Madeleine stood up and began to chat away with Sablé. She looked excited and slightly nervous. Strawberry Crepe decided to observe the newcomer.

Sablé's hair was in front both of her eyes which was impractical. She had giant circular earrings which looked nice, but nothing more than that. Her dress was long and bad for running. Her voice was normal, but Strawberry Crepe only really cared so they could memorize and identify it. They wouldn't be too mad if they forgot though. Sablé was not a threat.

"My, my, my! Who are you? I don't think I've seen you around before," Sablé greeted. She leaned closer to Strawberry Crepe and ignored how Cream Madeleine gestured for Sablé to pull back. Strawberry Crepe employed their mostly foolproof tactic of staring until someone got uncomfortable.

"I- I see… Well, I hope you like the republic so far. I personally find it lovely," Sablé concluded. Cream Madeleine gently tapped Sablé on the shoulder. Sablé turned around and Cream Madeleine hurriedly whispered in her ear. Strawberry Crepe lamented that their headphones took so long to adjust the settings of, because they completely missed what was said.

"Oh, I see. I think it's lovely that you invited them for shopping! The Crème Republic has some of the best shops in the world," Sablé complimented. Butter Madeleine came back over with a few boxes of shoes in hand. She noticed Sablé, but she decided to ignore her for the time being.

"I hope Elder Sablé Cookie isn't bothering you. She can be a lot even though she always has the best intentions," Butter Madeleine explained. Strawberry Crepe nodded knowingly. Sablé gave off the exact energy of what Butter Madeleine had just described. They opened one of the boxes, putting one of the shoes on. They didn't like this pair.

"You're buying shoes? Why, I'm surprised you didn't invite me! What are you shopping for?" Sablé inquired. Strawberry Crepe pursed their lips. They looked at Butter Madeleine to answer it. Butter Madeleine stood up and cleared her throat carefully.

"We're buying them work books. They're a mechanic back in the Vanilla Kingdom," Butter Madeleine explained. Sablé began to fuss over the boots, insisting that she would buy better looking shoes. Strawberry Crepe sighed. They were going to be sitting here all day at this rate. They didn't plan on saying anything though. They just wanted to stay quiet and get their damn clothes.

---

Sablé followed the group around throughout the day. Strawberry Crepe tried to not care. They had shoes, gloves, a hat, new everyday clothes, and a sewing book because the aunties were just a little worried about them. Strawberry Crepe still didn't know what they were going to do with the plushie.

"Have you ever gone to a play?"

"Pure Vanilla Cookie tells a lot of stories."

"Ah, yes. You've gotten to meet Pure Vanilla Cookie personally. I could only dream," Sablé marveled. Strawberry Crepe looked skeptical. Pure Vanilla was just a person. He was a person who liked tea, gardening, and sheep. He wasn't special. He was just him. Strawberry Crepe thought that was pathetic. No one knew Pure Vanilla, they knew stories about him.

"Well, I suppose that means you've never been in a true theater. To think such a smart child to be deprived of the arts," Sablé lamented. Strawberry Crepe went back to smiling slightly. They would never say no to being called smart. It was straight sugar to them.

"There's a play going on somewhere always, even in elementary schools. You know what, I could just invite you to a showing tomorrow! You'll love it," Sablé appealed. Strawberry Crepe shrugged. They didn't care for 'the arts' so to say. The most they did was draw, and they were only good at drawing so they could document their work, not because it was fun.

"I'll take that as a yes! I'll be by before dinner. Bring your father," Sablé added before sauntering off. Strawberry Crepe could've sworn they heard Cream Madeleine sigh. Vanilla Madeleine and Butter Madeleine looked more concerned than anything. Strawberry Crepe didn't see why though.

It was just a play.

Chapter Text

Strawberry Crepe had convinced Madeleine's aunties to let them wear their normal clothes. They did insist on walking Strawberry Crepe and Espresso to the theater though. Even Vanilla Madeleine was concerned. She was always too wrapped up in the mysterious person, who totally wasn't the chef, to be concerned with anything and everything.

"Have a great time you two."

"Elder Sablé Cookie should be directly inside."

"Tell us everything when you get back."

"Why are they like this?" Espresso groaned. Strawberry Crepe opened their mouth to answer, but then they realized that was a rhetorical question. They still didn't understand the purpose of asking a question you didn't want answered. Espresso's speech patterns weren't their problem either.

"Elder Sablé Cookie is… particular. I expect either politeness or silence. Preferably silence considering your entire personality," Espresso deadpanned. Strawberry Crepe smiled. They appreciated when Espresso tailored his humor to their tastes, something he had said himself to not consciously enjoy. He was also well aware he didn't pay attention to himself. Strawberry Crepe just didn't care.

"There you two are! It's wonderful to see you again, Espresso Cookie. I hope your craft is going well," Sablé greeted. Espresso nodded and made some idle chat. Strawberry Crepe didn't say anything. They were ninety percent sure they hadn't said much, if anything, to Sablé in the first place.

Suddenly, a few people ran past. Strawberry Crepe pressed into Espresso ever so slightly. They turned up their headphones noise canceling. It wasn't enough though. Something just felt wrong. They wished the aunts were still there to take the worry on their own shoulders. There was three of them. It couldn't be that hard.

"Why don't we go up to our seats? You can follow me," Sablé concluded. Espresso nodded. He held Strawberry Crepe's hand a tad tighter, but neither said anything about it. Espresso clearly didn't want to be there either. Strawberry Crepe was trying to suck it up though.

"Do you like to draw or paint?" Sablé inquired. Strawberry Crepe stared blankly at her, which didn't seem to deter Sablé's attempts at talking at them. Besides, Strawberry Crepe didn't exactly like those things. They liked putting their ideas to paper, but they hated holding writing utensils and their fingers would cramp all weird.

"They like drawing with chalk. I think they enjoy showing up the other kids," Espresso joked. Sablé giggled. Strawberry Crepe snickered. They did enjoy showing up the Raisin Villagers when they'd draw with chalk. It was the closest Strawberry Crepe had gotten to 'playing' with them.

"Go and sit. I will get some snacks and drinks for you too. I've already seen it, so I don't mind missing the opening," Sablé said before walking out of the box. Strawberry Crepe let out a long breath when she was gone. They groaned and tried to scoot closer to Espresso even if there was an inconveniently placed arm rest in between them.

"I can feel all of the vibrations in the floor when I put my feet on the ground," Strawberry Crepe whined. Espresso patted their head sympathetically. Strawberry Crepe huffed that they were not a child, yet they were also trying to pull Espresso into their seat at the same time.

"What has gotten into you lately?" Espresso huffed. Strawberry Crepe stuck their tongue out at him. They also didn't know what was getting into them as of late. They were just tired of not holding it together. They also didn't want to hold it together themselves. Espresso wasn't the only person they trusted, but he was the only person they thought they would always have.

Espresso had to always be there.

"Do you want to read the program?" Espresso asked. Strawberry Crepe shook their head. They were trying to resist the urge to throw the nearby fake plant across the room, which was very long considering it was a theater. Everyone was talking. Strawberry Crepe wanted them to shut up.

"I hope you have fun," Espresso murmured as he wrapped one arm around Strawberry Crepe. Strawberry Crepe squirmed a bit, but ultimately relented to being protected. The room didn't feel as crushing when someone was trying their hardest to shield them from it. They still held Espresso's other hand in theirs.

---

"How do you like the play so far?" Sablé questioned. Strawberry Crepe didn't respond once again. Even if they wanted to, their words were stuck in their head and couldn't make it to their throat, let alone their mouth. Sablé still didn't seem bothered.

"I really like the voice of the lead. I hope she gets more roles soon," Sablé commented. Espresso looked at the elder like he was trying to solve a puzzle he thought he knew. Strawberry Crepe didn't get Sablé either. She seemed to know exactly what to do with Strawberry Crepe. Not even Pure Vanilla knew what to do with them. Well, they did talk to the king a little.

"Intermission is loud, isn't it?" Espresso grumbled. He looked like he was just as ready to throw something as Strawberry Crepe was. Strawberry Crepe squeezed Espresso's hand the way Espresso did when he was trying to comfort them. They saw Espresso smile slightly. It worked.

"Do you guys want more food?"

"We're good."

"Well, I will get myself more snacks. I'll be right back," Sablé informed. She stood up and walked out of the box. Strawberry Crepe turned the noise canceling all the way up, but then they could only hear their breathing and that was more unbearable. They turned it down again, but the noise if the people was also too loud.

"Is everything okay?" Espresso questioned. He poked Strawberry Crepe's cheek to get their attention. They shook their head vehemently. Everything was so loud. Nothing was okay. They wanted to go home. They really wanted to go home. Their head hurt.

"We can leave if you want to. I wouldn't mind," Espresso assured. Strawberry Crepe shook their head. Espresso started to bounce his leg. He was anxious too. Strawberry Crepe felt guilty. They hated feeling guilty. They wrapped both of their hands around Espresso's and pressed it to the side of their head. They were so tired. They couldn't keep it together much longer.

"Tell me if you need to leave, okay?" Espresso instructed. Strawberry Crepe nodded. They couldn't though. They hoped they just wouldn't need to get out of the theater. Their breath was quick; too quick. Their chest was almost sore from hyperventilating. They wanted to leave, but they didn't need to yet.

Then, someone below the box screamed in excitement. Strawberry Crepe's shoulders hunched. They dug their fingers into Espresso's hands, enough to make the mage wince. Strawberry Crepe didn't notice though, and they probably wouldn't stop if they did. They really wanted to throw something, so they did.

They grabbed their soda cup and threw it over the edge. Espresso grabbed their hand, but it was too late. Espresso stood up suddenly, pulling Strawberry Crepe up with them. Strawberry Crepe started to scream 'shut up' over and over again. Espresso wanted to disappear.

"You cannot throw things like that," Espresso scolded. He sat Strawberry Crepe in the quiet hallway, though there was still people walking past. Strawberry Crepe squirmed, but Espresso held them in place. They kicked as hard as they could, but Espresso didn't flinch. They wanted to leave. They wanted to go back to the hangar and work on their waffle bots.

They wanted anything but this.

"I cannot carry you, especially when you're kicking. Please calm down," Espresso pleaded. He didn't know what to do. He wanted it to be over with. He felt like a horrible person, even worse stand in for a parent, for just wanting it to be over. He took a deep breath though. He was the adult here.

"What's going on?" Sablé inquired. She didn't seemed fazed by the violent outburst in front of her. She gestured for Espresso to hand Strawberry Crepe over. Espresso looked confused and held Strawberry Crepe a little tighter. Sablé redid the gesture and eventually Espresso relented. Strawberry Crepe was still screaming, yet slightly quieter, trying to fight both of them off.

"There, there. It is quite loud in there isn't it? We could go outside. The garden's here are their own work of art," Sablé insisted. She patted Strawberry Crepe's back. Strawberry Crepe froze. They hadn't exactly processed being held by someone new until now.

"Let's go outside, all three of us."

"Are you sure it's okay to leave mid show?"

"I don't mind. I only appreciate that Strawberry Crepe Cookie tried," Sablé insisted. She stood up, pulling Strawberry Crepe to their feet too. Espresso stood up as well. He adjusted his glasses. He looked at his right hand. It was bleeding slightly. He had been scratched during the scuffle. He sighed. It was not the first time and it certainly wouldn't be the last.

"The garden has the wonderful bush sculpted to look like the sugar swan. Have you heard the legend of the sugar swan? You haven't? Well, let me tell you," Sablé began. She began to walk away with Strawberry Crepe in hand. Espresso smiled slightly. At least Strawberry Crepe was happy now.

Chapter Text

Espresso walked alongside Madeleine silently. He was just listening to the paladin's voice. Madeleine could talk for hours. With luck, Espresso would let him. They were going on a walk. Madeleine was under the impression it was a date. Espresso was under the impression they were just hanging out.

"And then I told them what my favorite color was, yellow."

"I thought your favorite color is blue."

"It is, but it wasn't at the time!" Madeleine elaborated. He went back to rambling on about whatever he was talking about earlier. Espresso couldn't follow all of the info about prayers and school. He was pretty sure Madeleine was talking about the Paladin academy. Espresso couldn't be sure. Espresso was just playing along.

"I told him that he was being an idiot and he challenged me to a duel," Madeleine continued. Espresso nodded. He was mostly looking at Madeleine's face. Madeleine had pretty blue eyes, the rich blue of his family's banner. It was Espresso's new favorite shade of blue.

Espresso knew he was in love with Madeleine, but he didn't understand how. He knew what he liked about Madeleine, but that amounted to Madeleine being nice and cute. Espresso didn't have high standards, he knows. He knew a lot about Madeleine, most things he found mildly annoying. He did like a lot of tiny things about Madeleine, like how he matched the stride of the person he was walking with.

"I told the teacher that he was the one who set the fire and I was holding him to his word. I still got in trouble for fighting. Did you get into fights at school?" Madeleine asked curiously. Espresso had a few stories in mind, but he was getting used to the not contributing to the conversation thing.

"Um, one time a classmate called me four-eyes and I hit him over the head with a textbook," Espresso answered. Madeleine stifled a laugh. He could picture it so clearly. It was funnier to think of when Madeleine remembered Espresso had described his textbooks are 'ridiculously heavy'. The poor classmate probably had a lump on his head.

"I also threw a fresh cup of coffee at someone who catcalled Latte while we were walking. That is one of the few uses for coffee aside from drinking," Espresso added. Madeleine chuckled again. It certainly served whoever that was right. Madeleine also couldn't imagine it to be anything other than painful.

"I didn't know you had such an overtly violent streak," Madeleine teased. Espresso shrugged. He had grown out of his violent streak. He didn't talk much about himself. Madeleine knew that. He didn't like that he didn't know much about Espresso. He wanted to know more. Every new thing made him love Espresso more though.

Though, the more Madeleine thought about it, the more it hurt. Madeleine really wasn't special. He was a charismatic knight. He was living stereotype. Espresso was the special one. He was the smart one. He was the inventor. He was the one with actual talent.

"Thank you," Madeleine whispered. Espresso looked up and tried to search Madeleine's face. He couldn't read it for the first time ever. Espresso reached out for Madeleine, pulling Madeleine's face to look at him by the edge of his cheek. Madeleine's face turned a light shade of pink. Espresso snickered slightly. He leaned up, standing on his tippy toes.

"What's wrong?" Espresso asked quietly. Madeleine didn't respond immediately. He was trying to think. Espresso was using him for balance since he was standing so precariously, so he was trying not to fidget at all. That just made him think slower though. He didn't know what to say in the slightest.

"I- It's nothing. Don't worry," Madeleine reassured. He held one of his own hands to Espresso's on his cheek and he put his other to make sure Espresso wouldn't fall backwards. Espresso didn't look like he believed Madeleine though. He ran his thumb over the top of Madeleine's cheek, almost brushing Madeleine's eye.

"Can I have the truth? Before my toes give out of course," Espresso joked. Madeleine giggled. Espresso was trying to get Madeleine to let his guard down, and it looked like it was working. Espresso smiled slightly. He leaned more of his body weight against Madeleine.

"I guess… I like you a lot and sometimes I wonder if I'm good enough for you to like me back," Madeleine mumbled. His smile had fallen off of his face, and Espresso's did in turn. Espresso threw his other arm over Madeleine's shoulder. He took his other hand and held his own hand so that he could hold himself in place.

"I am practically hanging off of you right now. How do you think I feel?" Espresso questioned incredulously. Espresso had second guessed his decision to be so affectionate during this conversation, but he now realized Madeleine had only processed his own reaction, not Espresso's intent.

"I- Oh. Oh!" Madeleine exclaimed. Espresso burst into laughter. He hid his face in Madeleine's chest in order to stifle it. He felt Madeleine head his own face in Espresso's hair. He was also coming to the conclusion that he was an absolute idiot. Madeleine felt better though. Espresso clearly liked him. He was about to apologize for being dumb, when he was caught off guard.

Espresso had kissed him. It was just a light peck. It didn't last very long. Espresso let go, standing again. Madeleine was still frozen. Espresso took Madeleine's hand in his and began to walk along the path once again. Madeleine just followed along. He was smiling like there was no tomorrow.

Chapter Text

"Where are we going?" Strawberry Crepe demanded. Espresso shrugged. He didn't want to leave Strawberry Crepe alone for that long. Strawberry Crepe said they were fine after what happened the other day, but something gnawed in the back of Espresso's mind. He was just going to the market.

"It's so loud back here…" Strawberry Crepe grumbled. They adjusted their headphones, gripping Espresso's hand tighter. Espresso bit his tongue. It!s not like Strawberry Crepe wanted Espresso to leave them. They needed to choose a lane. To be fair, Espresso hadn't told Strawberry Crepe where they were going. Espresso was just tired.

"I promise it won't be long. See that stall over there? I just need to get some of those flowers," Espresso explained. Strawberry Crepe pouted, but they did look at the stall in question. Their eyes lit up when they spotted something, but it wasn't the flower stall.

"What's that entrance back there?" Strawberry Crepe asked excitedly. Espresso followed where Strawberry Crepe was pointing. It was the navy's secluded portion of the harbor. It wasn't guarded, but everyone knew it was an instant arrest to enter. Espresso held Strawberry Crepe's hand tighter as he thought of a way to answer them without peaking their interest.

"Be like that then… I'm gonna go figure it out myself!" Strawberry Crepe announced. They pried their hands free from Espresso and ran to the entrance of the navy harbor. Espresso froze for a moment before taking off after Strawberry Crepe. They were going to get arrested.

"Get back here! You are not allowed to run away like that!" Espresso scolded. He approached the entrance to see two disgruntled guards, one with purple coral icing and blue coral icing. They looked confused. Espresso tried to run past them, but they quickly grabbed him. The purple one he
d him against the wall gently. Both officers looked frazzled.

"You're not allowed to be back here!"

"We're already busy enough with that pink-haired twerp."

"I am also looking for them! They're my… kid," Espresso explained angrily. The officer holding him let go of him slowly. Espresso honestly felt bad fr the officers. They were just doing their jobs. Besides, if a normal cookie wanted anything, they usually brought food.

"Help us find the kid then. I can't imagine they don't know not to wander around here," the blue haired one grumbled. Espresso wanted to explain that they weren't from here, but he was quickly dragged off by the purple one. They wandered around, trying to find where Strawberry Crepe could have possibly ran off to.

"Why is this kid like this? It's stupid kids like that that make everything in life harder!" the blue one snapped. Espresso grabbed a sleeve and threw the officer to the floor before he processed what was said. If the purple one hadn't pulled Espresso off, the officer would've ended up in the hospital.

"You say one more word about them and I'll burn your fucking face off, you good for nothing, spiky-haired son of a bitch!" Espresso screamed. The purple officer had to restrain a laugh. She did, however, have to restrain Espresso so her coworker wouldn't get murder. To be honest, she would've murdered the blue-haired fucker if it was her kid.

"Who ya calling a son of a bitch?"

"That guy on the ground! I'm going to fucking kill him!" Espresso threatened. Suddenly, Espresso was shoved to the ground. His face hit the boards of the harbor. He felt wet splinters hit his face. They were too wet and dull to actually hurt him, but it still poked his face. His glasses tumbled off his face leaving everything close to him blurry. However, he could see one thing, Captain Caviar Cookie.

"Mind explaining want the actual fuck is going on here?" Captain Caviar demanded. Espresso paused, fumbling around for his glasses. Suddenly, someone pressed them on to his face gently.

"Seaweed Cookie! What are you doing up here?" the purple officer questioned. Seaweed just nodded. She stood up, pulling Espresso to his feet. Espresso was about dazed form being thrown, but he still glared at the blue officer. That one was just now getting to his own feet.

"I went to bring some people some soup and shop for a gift. You can have the soup I suppose," Seaweed said as she shoved a Tupperware container with soup at the purple officer. Captain Caviar still seemed mad. However, everyone knew Seaweed. She was allowed free rein around the lower city as long as she at least knocked. Most people couldn't afford funerals around here, so she was popular.

"Before things get out of hand, and before my soup gets could, Blue Coral deserved to be decked. He insulted the dude's kid," the purple officer defended. Espresso nodded in agreement. Captain Caviar turned to glare at the offending officer. He knew he was done for. It was all over his face.

"Let's go find Strawberry Crepe Cookie, okay?" Seaweed redirected. She pulled Espresso away, but he still flipped the blue-haired cookie as he left. Espresso had to keep up with Seaweed at the same time too. She walked ridiculously fast. Espresso had no troubles though. It was like dancing a specific dance that he remembered by muscle alone.

He missed her.

Chapter Text

"Is that them?" Seaweed asked. She pointed to a suspiciously waffle patterned lump. Espresso tried to run to both check on Strawberry Crepe and yell at them. However, Seaweed grabbed his cape and started walking in another direction. If it was anyone else, Espresso would've killed them.

"Mind explaining what the hell your plan is? I know you're a witch doctor at this point, but this is ridiculous," Espresso huffed. Seaweed didn't respond. She only walked over to a random bench and forced Espresso to sit down. She handed him her shovel. She knew people would go to literal bar for her, so no one could get away with stealing from her.

"Be back soon…"

Seaweed scuttled her way over to Strawberry Crepe. She crouched down carefully. Her back and knees were in awful shape after years and years of single handedly digging hundreds of graves. She gently poked Strawberry Crepe's cloak. She gently rolled Strawberry Crepe over.

"Hey! What the hell are you doing and who are you?" Strawberry Crepe screamed. Seaweed recoiled, but not completely. She gestured for Espresso to join her. He immediately jumped up and ran to join the others. Strawberry Crepe chuckled. They knew they were as cooked as burnt toast. Espresso looked more pissed than when someone messed with his coffee.

"You have five seconds to explain yourself or else," Espresso threatened. He was channeling all the immigrant parents before him. Strawberry Crepe could feel the pure rage. They tried to crawl back under the bench, but Espresso stood one foot on the edge of their cloak. There was strained silence.

"Strawberry Crepe Cookie, I let you come with me to the market and you run off and then hide from me and try and run away again? Do you know where were are? You could get arrested! IsweartoeverythingholyinthisentireworldIwilltakeawayyourpreciouswafflebots," Espresso scolded.

"I was just exploring!"

"You could've gotten hurt!"

"You didn't tell me that!"

"You didn't listen!"

"We are going back to Mansion Madeleine and you will stay in your room until I say so," Espresso concluded. He grabbed Strawberry Crepe's arm as they were dusting themselves off. They protested wordlessly, but they didn't get a response. Espresso was going to get a headache.

"I'm so sorry I couldn't stay to talk, Seaweed Cookie. I'll come back to visit soon," Espresso apologized. Seaweed nodded solemnly. She went to scuttle off in the direction of the market. Espresso has to tell Captain Caviar that the child was no longer missing. She looked in her tote bag, the face of the dog toy staring back at her. She'd give it away another time

Chapter Text

Strawberry Crepe stared out of their window with the air of a princess who had been trapped in a tower four years. They had been grounded for an hour. They absolutely deserved it, but would they ever admit that? No. They would nerve admit faults and they'd be damned if they did.

"This is a travesty against everything good and bad. I'm going to need restitution," they muttered to no one but themselves. Espresso had given them dinner, but they only threatened to bite him. Espresso wasn't fazed, which was very annoying to Strawberry Crepe. They wanted to scare him, but they also didn't. Feelings were weird. They liked waffle bots better.

"You know, I'll just leave," they declared. They opened their window, only pausing when they realized it would look like they had been kidnapped, so they grabbed a sheet of paper and scrawled down mostly comprehensibly. They had never actually learned how to write, and were just being stubborn sometimes. No one else needed to know that though. Well, Espresso knew and that was plenty.

"You're lucky you're patient. I should kick you out of the hangar already," Strawberry Crepe grumbled. They hoped from the window, using their crepe arms so they didn't fall three stories to the ground. They would've been fine anyways.

"Let's go to that market. It has to be quieter now," they mumbled to themself. They took off at a full sorting, scaling the fence like a rabid monkey, or a normal honey badger. They were going to have the time of their life. The sun was setting, so it would be easy to return under the cover of darkness.

They were extra fast since they had their crepe arms. Espresso tried to confiscate them, but he just got kicked in the ribs. Strawberry Crepe felt a little bad abutting hurting him, but they genuinely had no idea how to regulate without at least their crepe arms. It was staying calm or doing a lot more damage than kicking.

They landed on a roof, perching carefully to observe the people below. They knew they didn't know how to navigate such an environment, but they did have two things on their side: will power and pettiness. They scanned the crowd, hoping the find someone worthwhile to attach themselves too.

Then they spotted a certain hooded lady. They leapt from the roof and lowered themselves to the ground. They landed behind seaweed who was scuttling her way to a distant path. They tapped her shoulder, making her pause and whip a round. She smiled when she recognized Strawberry Crepe. She then reached into her bag and pulled out a box covered with fabric.

"I bought you a gift earlier, but I figured you wouldn't get to keep it since you were grounded," Seaweed explained. Strawberry Crepe took it with mild confusion. They saw the tail and the poorly drawn on face. It looked like it was supposed to be a toy, but a rather rudimentary one.

"It's a dog toy. It'll run around and you can chase it," Seaweed explained. Strawberry Crepe didn't know how much fun that Woudl be, but maybe they could get away with running more secretive experiments on the Raisin Villagers without anyone catching on. The adults in the Vanilla Kingdom didn't take kindly to Strawberry Crepe experimenting in the other kids.

"Where's Espresso Cookie?"

"He's at the mansion."

"You- Oh. Well, I suppose I should make you dinner since you're here. Come with me. I have to go catch a fish," Seaweed instructed. Strawberry Crepe paused. They had expected to be ratted out for breaking out of their room, but they weren't going to complain about getting free food.

"Can I catch the fish too? I've never gone fishing before," Strawberry Crepe asked. They needed to prolong this visit for as long as possible. Luckily, Seaweed nodded. She grabbed Strawberry Crepe's had suddenly and started to walk faster. Strawberry Crepe let out an indignant squawk, but they didn't argue. They didn't really mind when no one was paying attention to their shattered pride.

"Do you like fish?" Seaweed asked. Strawberry Crepe shrugged. They didn't have an opinion on fish. They had only had fish once and Licorice Cookie was a horrible cook. Strawberry Crepe figured fish would taste better from someone who knew what they were doing.

"Well, I hope you like it. After dinner, I'll walk you home. I know you snuck out, but it's better to do it safely than let you get caught up in everything that happens in a place like the lower city," Seaweed elaborated. Strawberry Crepe pondered on the concept. They were better off having a guide like Seaweed had said. Strawberry Crepe was also only trying to be petty by sneaking out.

---

"So, I just sit here until something bites?" Strawberry Crepe asked skeptically. Seaweed nodded. She grabbed a small baggie from her larger tote bag. She had put Strawberry Crepe's gift in it for the time being too. Strawberry Crepe huffed. They were not a patient cookie.

"I like to throw bread in the water to catch the fishes attention. It makes it go faster," Seaweed added. She garbed a handful of bread crumbs and tossed it into the water. Suddenly, the water came to life like a singular sheet of rippling goo. It was like those amoebas under the two working microscopes Strawberry Crepe had managed to fix.

"Ooh! Something bit," Strawberry Crepe crowed. They reeled it in quickly, producing a flopping fish. Seaweed nodded approvingly and took out an empty bag to scoop the fish into. Strawberry Crepe unhooked it. They felt giggly on the inside. This was one hell of a night. They were having fun.

"Come on. I'll show you how to prepare it. We have to gut it and descale it. Then we cook it," Seaweed explained. Strawberry Crepe nodded along. Gutting a fish and taking its scales off seemed oddly violent but it made complete sense. Strawberry Crepe wasn't bothered by any amount of gore anyways. They were mildly interested by it for actually.

"I used to try to teach your father how to do this, but he told me I was 'deranged'. He didn't really mean that. He was always annoyed when I asked him to help me though," Seaweed explained. Strawberry Crepe pouted at the mention of their 'father'. Espresso was not their dad if they could help it.

"Well, he can't even stomach a little bit of breaking and entering. I'm better than that though," Strawberry Crepe bragged. Seaweed gave the kid a skeptical look, but she didn't comment on it. She wasn't going to 'scare' them off. She wasn't kidding about Strawberry Crepe being better off to have a companion down here. She took a deep breath.

"Son'g get to far ahead of yourself. It"s better to make sure you don't trip than to risk it," Seaweed warned. Strawberry Crepe rolled their eyes. Seaweed had a point, but they'd be damned if they ever admitted. They were just ready to prepare the fish.

Seaweed dumped the fish on a cutting board and began to prepare it. She explained each step, bleeding it and gutting it and taking of the skin. Strawberry Crepe listened intently and copied what she did. The process was interesting it. Seaweed was a good teacher if not for the levels of creepiness. Strawberry Crepe was fine with creepy though.

"Okay. Now we need to put it on the frying pan. You can sue the spatula," Seaweed informed. She handed Strawberry Crepe the spatula as she carefully dropped the fish onto the pan in question. Truthfully, Strawberry Crepe had never actually used a spatula. They had never had a reason to.

"What type of sauces to you like?"

"I don't have an opinion on sauce."

"Got it. I'll use my favorite. Help me cook the fish," Seaweed reiterated. Strawberry Crepe didn't say anything. The rest of the process went by quietly. Using a spatula was not hard, especially when someone was telling you hat to do. Strawberry Crepe watched as Seaweed set the table, also something they didn't know which to do. They also did want to.

"It smells good," they muttered. They took a carefully bite. They paused as they chewed. They weren't a fan, but food was food. They were going to eat it. Seaweed also ate quietly. It was silently for a few minutes. Seaweed didn't eat it fast, but Strawberry Crepe at it at the speed of light.

"Do you like it?" Seaweed inquired with a tilted of her head. Strawberry Crepe had just finished their food. They wiped their mouth with the napkin to copy the way Seaweed ate before responding.

"Not really."

"I could've made you something else. I have other food," Seaweed explained. She was more than a little confused about how Strawberry Crepe's actions verses their words. They had ate it like it was their last meal on earth, but they didn't like it. Strawberry Crepe didn't pick up the confusion.

"It's fine. Are you going to walk me how, now?" Strawberry Crepe asked. Seaweed nodded. She stood up and walked over to her to ate bag for, earlier. She picked the dog-shaped toy from the bag to hand back to Strawberry Crepe. Strawberry Crepe took it and stiffed it under their cloak. They followed Seaweed out of the door next.

"Are you going to tell Espresso Cookie?" Strawberry Crepe verified. Seaweed shook her head. Strawberry Crepe let out a sigh of relief. They had no intention of getting caught and Seaweed was not going to put a wrench in that plan if Strawberry Crepe could help it.

"Thanks for the food by the way. It was fun to cook," Strawberry Crepe added. Seaweed opened her mouth to respond, but she was interrupted by Strawberry Crepe taking flight and hoping from roof to roof. She sighed. At least they couldn't get kidnapped when they were moving that fast. She hoped they would make it back safely.