Dark Cacao's Inbox

[winterfrosting]

DC is usually patrolling or at Pure Vanilla's house. But poking his notebook will always eventually get his attention!

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[clottedcream]

[ Unfortunately, it is not easy to gracefully cover up choking on a mouthful of scrambled egg and veggies. Luckily, it's a light enough choke that it's easily covered with a clearing of his throat.

Please ignore the way his ear fins remain flared even after he seems to regain his composure! He's fine! ]

Ah... Well! We danced together, as that is what one does at those sort of parties... But, back at home, he is a bartender in the Kingdom, and he knows GingerBrave. He must do a fine job at it - I've noticed he can be quite charming. He is also a healer, though he claims he doesn't have much time for adventures.

[ A small bit of egg is getting pushed around his plate as he talks, but as he does, his ear fins relax. It's a sign of comfort. ]

He seemed quite starstruck, to be speaking with the Consul of the Crème Republic - in his own words, not mine, though I am beginning to think that may have also been his charm at work. However, we did agree that a certain amount of anonymity is enjoyable, so we spoke a bit more informally.

[purevanillacookie]

[ Hehe! The Minotaur manages to school his expression, but his tail wobbles all over, betraying his delight in getting the cutest rise out of Clotted Cream. Though he is polite as he listens, his ears turned towards him.

The smile remains plastered on his face though. The sheer force of it looks like he might break his cheeks. ]

Oh! He must be a resident of the Cookie Kingdom, then. And a healer at that, goodness, I must meet him.

[ Mostly to vet whomever is looking at his son. He hum's to the 'starstruck' comment, hiding his smile with his food. Because the news of the Crème Republic couldn't have spread that fast. Unless, of course, Gingerbrave went home and promptly told everyone. Which Vanilla does not doubt. He misses that young man. ]

Hm~ His charm, perhaps, or maybe he was just as taken with you as you were taken with him?

backdated by a lot

[purevanillacookie]

[ After Elswords disappear and Pure Vanilla has picked up the bone ring, he'll hunt Cacao down, his ears shifting and bouncing as he tracks the other via his sounds. The movement of his feet, the rise and fall of his breathing.

Just a bit, stalking him like this, brings out the Monster in him. There's something exciting about following his prey, hunting him down.

Which goes right out the window the moment he spots his fiance, and his tail begins to wiggle excitedly as he baa's and trots over. ]

My heart, I have a gift for you!

[winterfrosting]

A gift? Vanilla, there is no need to spoil me.

[He's just happy to see his beloved!!]

[purevanillacookie]

[ That makes him smile and he steps in close to lift up and smooch his chin, then take his hand. ]

Ah, but I love to spoil you, my love!

[ And he places the bone ring gently into it. ]

the afternoon before snek

[submittome]

[ Their conversation at the Cabana may have ended a little awkwardly, but Affogato can blame that on being high as fuck. Here, he's sober, and very pleased.

And he absolutely won't make an ass of himself this time.

The leather carrying case is tucked carefully under his arm as he stops by the Cookie house, eying it with a little bit of loathing and ... a feeling of being out of place. The rest of the Cookies are here, sharing a house, living together in solidarity.

And he is not.

Shaking his head, he knocks gently on the door, calling cheerfully. ]

My Liege, are you in? Forgive me for breaking a promise to stay away, but I have a gift~!

[winterfrosting]

Affogato? One moment-

[ theres some barking which Cacao quickly corrects before opening the door. He's dressed casually, his now much whiter hair in a loose braid, likely done by either Vanilla or Lily that morning.]

I did not expect you, but after doing the same to you I can not complan. Come in.

[ the house is rarely empty, but Cacao, excluding the animals, is the only one in the communal area right now]

[submittome]

[ Oh his hair looks lovely braided like th- what happened to it.

Affogato will not come in, not yet, blinking instead at the further white that streaks through the black. He heard the roaring on the beach, of course he did, who couldn't but he didn't know it was Cacao. ]

Ah...... forgive my impudence with such a question, My Lord, but your hair...?

[winterfrosting]

My-? Oh! Yes. I keep forgetting...

[ he reaches over for it, running the hair over his hands, still fasinated by the change as well]

It is... complicated. But it the most basic terms i have awakened to a new power, and this is the side effect. I am not struck by any malady, I promise.

[submittome]

I... see... Ah, I am glad it is a good thing! It makes My Liege look quite distinguished!

[ A new power? Of course Affogato is curious, it's obvious in his look, but he's a good boy and won't pry. He'll figure it out some other way.

Instead he shakes his head a little and offers Dark Cacao the rather large carrying case. It smells of dark chocolate still, despite being leather now. ]

Your gift, my King! I hope it brings you joy.

[winterfrosting]

[ the compliment pleases him- he wouldn't want to brag but... he agrees. It is VERY distinguished.

But any comment he was going to make is devoured by shock at the gift. He knows what it is on sight, even with the change of material. He takes the case delicately, eyes wide. The smell tickles his nose and without care of being watched he brings it to his face to get more. Dark chocolate. Not just any, but Ridge chocolate. Rich and bitter but just a touch of sweetness. The ground under their feet and the walls that keep them safe. The warm smell of freshly baked dough... the homesickness hits him like a brick. He can feel tears prickle the edges of his eyes and decides against fighting them.]

Affogato... I...do not know what to say. Thank you.

[submittome]

[ And Affogato understands that inability to stop himself from inhaling. Even his ex-Advisor, upon receiving the case full of calligraphy equipment took a moment to savor the smell. It merely makes him smile as he watches, pleasure writ on his face to Cacao's joy. That's what he wanted. For that look in Cacao's eyes. He hums and tucks his hands behind his back cutely, rocking back on his heels a little. ]

It was my pleasure, My Liege. Please, please, do not let me hold you back. Open it!

[winterfrosting]

[He nods, smiling with shocking brightness for him as he opens the case. He hands it to Affogato to hold as he takes out each nub to examine, testing the shape of the pen in his hand. He looks over each part with the care and focus he gives to swords and bows. Very aware of the craftmenship.]

[submittome]

[ Hello, that smile? Affogato told himself he wasn't going to do anything stupid but that smile really makes him want to be. He gladly holds the case for Cacao, watching his face with adoration that is almost impossible to hide despite his skills, as he goes through the case. The nubs, the hold, the ink well, the papers tucked neatly underneath the layer holding the inks and pens. Each piece meticulously Cacao Kingdom crafted. The smell of chocolate and wafer paper. ]

Is it to your liking...?

[winterfrosting]

It is... a finer set I have never seen.

[submittome]

[ Oh no his heart. ]

Then please, My Liege, do not let me keep you from testing it out.

[winterfrosting]

I am eager to do so. Please, come in. As the one who procured it you should see it in action. Consider your banishment ended.

[submittome]

[ WHY DO YOU DO THIS TO HIM. ]

I would love to, My Liege!

[ He hesitates before bowing a little, and stepping in after Cacao. He seems a little on edge, his eyes darting around, and keeping close to Cacao.

He's also memorizing the place. ]

[winterfrosting]

[ It would be hard to picture Cacao living here at first- but here and there are items that are clearly his, little signs of domesticity]

I will get you a drink.

[And off he goes!]

[submittome]

[ Leaving him alone is exactly what Affogato wants, but the wrong thing to do. Quickly he glances around, until he spots a cup with tea in it. Pure Vanilla's, judging by the crocheting book beside it. He knows the sweet Cookie has been making things for people.

Quickly he slips a small bag from his sleeve pocket, and drops a tiny packed pill like object in. It dissolves immediately, leaving no trace and no scent. He had to modify it, so Cacao wouldn't recognize it.

Then he moves away again and waits, looking at the little things that tell him of Cacao's life, and scratching Oreo's head gently when he comes over to investigate. ]

[winterfrosting]

[Hello friend! You smell like Cookie so you are friend and not for barking! Cacao isn't gone long and comes back with some tea that smells strongly of sugar and cream]

Forgive me if my tea skills are lacking.

[submittome]

[ It smells sweet and Affogato blinks.

Can't stop the blush as he takes the cup. ]

I am sure it is fine, my King. You needn't have gone out of your way...

[ Sip. Oh. Sweet. Another one, delighted. ]

[winterfrosting]

[He may not have specific dishes memorized like Affogato did. But even his depressed ass could notice Affogato liked sweet more than any other Cacaoian he's ever known]

You are a guest in my home.

[submittome]

[ He's going to hide his smile behind his cup, trying not to look too overtly pleased but it shines in his eyes anyways. Agh, ugh. How does Cacao always do this to him. There is almost a touch of regret. ]

Please, pretend I am not here, My Liege. All I desire is to watch you work once more.

[ And to replace every touch of Vanilla in this saccharine sweet house with the more bitter sweetness of himself- ]

[winterfrosting]

[Even Cacao can't ignore the affection radiating off Affogato... and he hasn't forgotten their last two interactions.

Maybe inviting him in was a mistake. He... he doesn't want to give Affogato idea that he might not be able to see through. It feels cruel.

But he doesn't want to discard their friendship, as turbulent as it is, either. The younger cookie did something unasked for and touching for him- he won't ruin the moment with such a serious discussion as boundaries.]

Then here, I has a little reading desk set up already, follow me...

[He turns and starts heading... downstairs. Looks like they have a little rec area down there. Mostly used by Cacao if the equipment is anything to go by. He sits down at the desk and starts setting up almost excitedly. It's not nearly as fancy and large a space as his desk in his quarters was, of course. But it works]