winterfrosting | Dark Cacao's Inbox

[ 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. ]

[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]

[ 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.

[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.

[ 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.

Ah... thank you, Affogato.

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

[ Oh, Affogato knows that tone. He stares into his cup, empty as he had been sipping away while watching, and sets it aside before rising, beaming. It's definitely time to make himself scarce. ]

It was wonderful to see you indulge in your passion once again, My Liege. I thank you, but allow me to take my leave, so I do not overstay my welcome.

I... yes. Very well. But before you go. I wanted to thank you. Not just for the gift but...

... the event that caused this change in my hair also forced me to face certain things. My failings both as a king and as a cookie. Acknowledge things I refused to. So... thank you, for your patience with me back then. When we return I intend to become a ruler our people can truely be proud of again.

[ That statement is met with silence. Affogato looks surprised at first, then turns his head away. Guilt is beginning to set in, a gnawing pit opening in his gut. Maybe on his way out he can dump the tea... ]

... Do not thank me. I had my selfish reasons, as you well know, My King.

[ A quick, small smile. ]

But I am glad, My Liege. The Cacao Kingdom will grow mightier than ever.

Well... you did say the carrot is a motivator, did you not? Perhaps a bit of ambition isn't such a bad thing.

[He remembers his warriors admitting to having no wishes or dreams of their own. Even if that wasn't real... that doesn't mean it isn't true]

[ Oh, he hopes Cacao never realizes the truth.

He's not sure who it would break the most.

Silence as he stares at nothing, the desire to kiss Cacao growing so strong he knows he has to leave. Now. So he turns towards the stairs, tilting his head a little over his shoulder. ]

Ah, I cannot wait to see it, My Lord. I will work towards sending us home with utmost fervor!

[ He won't run, won't betray his desire to flee before he forgets himself. ]

[And Cacao's spine flexes for a moment, like he's considering standing up. Following after him.

He doesn't, but he stares for a long moment]

Keep up the good work, Affogato. And good night.

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