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!

Comments

[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]

[submittome]

[ The one discussion there should be. Oh Cacao, someday you will learn.

Curiously Affogato follows the larger Cookie as they head downstairs? Oooh! A little Cacao Cave! He eyes the equipment thoughtfully, with a touch of amusement. Though he never saw the King working out back home - the rigorous demands of being a King were enough - it doesn't surprise him here he does. Gently he settles himself down at a free chair, cupping his tea as he watches Cacao set up.

The excitement is... adorable. He's never truly seen Cacao like this? He remains quiet and makes himself comfortable, and with Cacao's focus on his calligraphy he can't see the way Affogato stares at him with a tenderness that definitely should be discussed. ]

[winterfrosting]

[It's absolutely should be. And Cacao knows it. But... well, maybe he likes the more comfortable energy they've managed now. Knows it might shatter once he does.

And he will. He will! Just... not right now.

Everything set up he starts wetting the ink stone, the smell of chocolate thick even though the ink is well, ink.]

Ah. I have missed that smell.

[submittome]

It is certainly nostalgia inducing. As well as the sound. And the sight.

[ It might not be his room in the Citadel, but it's certainly a similar sight as Cacao prepares. He closes his eyes, blocks out the room around him and for a moment, it's just like it was. The smell, the soft sound, the rustle of paper.

He sighs. ]

[winterfrosting]

[He sets to work writing. Long beautiful strokes, and sharp short ones. It's a little more complicated doing this with fingers, but having a few months already to get used to them he finds he likes having them for this more than his stubby cookie hands. He can twist and turn easier.

He doesn't talk as they sit, letting them both soak in the quiet atmosphere and the low light]

[submittome]

[ And he watches, with adoration. With a contentment that hasn't been seen in his eyes in a long time. He watches those fingers as they turn the pen, as they dip it back into the well.

He does not get horny.

He lies to himself.

He sits in silence and admires and watches and lies to himself and lies to himself and lies to himself. ]

[winterfrosting]

[Eventually:]

Done.

[The words themselves do not matter. It is a well known bit of Ridge poetry and is meant to show off an array of strokes as much as flow verbally. He even spent some time to draw as well, a simple shape of a dark tree and cloud cover in the classic swirling style. it is all almost achingly traditional]

[submittome]

[ And it's the simplicity of it's style that only in moment like these, that Affogato can appreciate the beauty of. Normally the self-centered Cookie wants lavish. Grand.

But always, watching Cacao, he realizes... it's beautiful. ]

And, as ever, My Liege, it is wonderful.

[ The strokes are masterful, the poem flowing, and Affogato darts his eyes from Cacao to the paper before Cacao can realize where those words were really aimed at. ]

You penmanship has not suffered in the least. I daresay it has even improved.

[winterfrosting]

[When it comes to compliments Cacao is almost always at best stoic. But there's a quiet pleasure at this- it is something he enjoys as a person, rather than a tool in his role as a King and Warrior. He has pride in all his skills, but this is just for him, and so he can't help but enjoy the validation]

As ugly as fingers are, they are very tailored to this kind of work.

[submittome]

[ Well, this next bit is on Cacao, as he drew Affogato's eyes back to his fingers. Calloused, like the palms of his hands, altered to human and where a sword wielder would have them. The strength in them is obvious.

But their grip on the pen is gentle.

He lies to himself harder. ]

Nonsense, they are quite wonderful looking. They suit you, my Lord.

[winterfrosting]

Ah... thank you, Affogato.

[ Yeah he's starting to notice the tension, now no longer so focused on his new toy]