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[clottedcream]

WELCOME TO YOUR PRIVATE CHANNEL, CremeConsul. FOR SECURE COMMUNICATION, USE 536.05.022.03 *** CremeConsul has joined 536.05.022.03 <CremeConsul> Greetings! You have reached Clotted Cream Cookie. I'm afraid that I am away at the moment, but if you are in need of private counsel, please leave a message for me and I will respond as quickly as I am able.

Comments

<CremeConsul>

[clottedcream]

Hello, Pure Vanilla Cookie. Yes, I'm doing alright. Is something the matter?

<purevanilla>

[purevanillacookie]

Oh no, my friend, there is nothing the matter. I simply wished to check up on you, and see if you have spoken with Captain Caviar Cookie lately?

<CremeConsul>

[clottedcream]

[... ah. This. Though, that phrasing makes him wonder.]

I... have not. Is he alright?

<purevanilla>

[purevanillacookie]

[It's no secret what the two had been through, but even if Caviar hadn't asked him for his help, Pure Vanilla believes it is time the two try to recover.]

Oh, he is as well as he can be, I would say, but I was wondering if you would be up for aiding him in the repairs of his ship? There are several spots you would be able to reach far easier with your form, and though the Captain may not say it, I believe he would appreciate your company, and to get to know you better as a Cook- well, as a person, and not as the Consul.

<CremeConsul>

[clottedcream]

[Oh. That makes him pause, and a response doesn't come for a moment as he just... soaks that information in. The Captain is repairing his ship, but there are spots that he could reach much easier...]

It does sound like a wonderful idea, truly. I would be more than happy to assist the Captain in his repairs.

But... tell me, Pure Vanilla Cookie. Was this your idea, or his?

[If it isn't an idea straight from Caviar, he doesn't want to go intruding.]

<purevanilla>

[purevanillacookie]

[That makes him smile. The Consul is truly shrewd.]

He asked me to request your aid, unsure of how you would feel about himself stepping forward, and not wishing to cause you undue distress face to face with him, if you were not ready.

<CremeConsul>

[clottedcream]

[So, it was the Captain's idea after all. It makes his chest ache, to know that even after what happened, he's still wanted around. He should have known better. He should have. But... how does one come back so easily, so forgiving after something as severe as death?

It takes another moment for him to respond.]

Then please, by all means, relay to the Captain that I would be glad to help.

Thank you for stepping in, and for the same, I would like to offer my apologies. I feel ashamed that I've allowed this to go long enough that a third party was deemed necessary.

<purevanilla>

[purevanillacookie]

No, my friend, do not apologize. While we may recover swiftly from the damage this place does to our bodies, the hurt to our minds linger, and it is different for everyone. You needed time, and I believe I may speak for all of us in saying we were not going to deny you it. I am proud you are willing to finally step forward, however, for to linger too longer in your melancholy would have left deeper scars.

<CremeConsul>

[clottedcream]

I

Thank you. That means a lot. Truly.

I admit, my hesitance in pursuing reconciliation has been partially driven by the fact that I cannot fathom the return from something that should be so... final. To see a Cookie up and walking around again as though nothing happened, when you so clearly saw him crumble— die before your eyes is

[And here, he stops, fingers hovering over the keys, unusually uncertain of what to say next. So he simply... doesn't. Perhaps Pure Vanilla will understand.]

<purevanilla>

[purevanillacookie]

[Pure Vanilla does understand, and he's silent for a moment, as he lets the words ring in his ears.]

I understand, my friend. It is not something easily gotten over. It weighs on the mind, and casts shadows that stretch long. But you are not alone, and while it feels like you should not burden others with your woes, burdens are only thus because they are not shared. Many shoulders lighten the load. When the weight is getting too much, please never hesitate to reach out. Whether to me, or even Captain Caviar Cookie, whom I know would drop the world to listen to you.

<CremeConsul>

[clottedcream]

[Drop the world... Clotted Cream pauses, hands folded in his lap, fingers worrying fingers as he reads those words. Back at home, on Earthbread, would he have had anyone like that if it wasn't something to do with political matters? Financier Cookie, perhaps. She did can him out on his mother's letters...

It's nice, he thinks, to have more people like that now.]

... thank you, Pure Vanilla Cookie. It means a lot to hear that, and it's heartening to know that I am surrounded by such good friends.

<purevanilla>

[purevanillacookie]

Please never forget that fact, my friend. I know you are used to fighting your battles on your own, and dealing with your health in silence, but you have us now. We are here for you.

<Composing>

[clottedcream]

Old habits are hard to break, but I will do my best to keep it in mind. I am no longer in House Custard, so I just have to remind myself that it won't be seen as a weakness.

I will speak to the Captain myself, as well, though I still need a little time to compose myself. But, rest assured, I will no longer avoid my problems.

<purevanilla>

[purevanillacookie]

Good, my friend. I am proud of you, for these are no easy steps to take. Do let me know how your talk with Captain Caviar goes. Or if you need my assistance for anything.