clottedcream | ryslig >> IC inbox

From:

purevanillacookie

Hello Clotted Cream Cookie! Are you doing well? May I have your ear for a moment?

From:

clottedcream

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

From:

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?

From:

clottedcream

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

I... have not. Is he alright?

From:

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.

From:

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.]

From:

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.

From:

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.

From:

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.

From:

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.]

From:

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.

From:

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.

From:

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.

From:

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.

From:

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.

From:

charmpagne

[It's been just long enough that Sparkling has taken note that things are a bit...strange on the peninsula right now, as it were. Not that that's an unusual occurance- that happens often here- but he simply can't understand how he's been affected personally. Yet, people keep reacting to him oddly, as if what he's saying to them is strange...the same thing happened with Pure Vanilla, who swore that he's meant to be a Vampire.

A Vampire! He can't imagine it.

For by Sparkling's memories, he's been a Merman for almost two years now. The little cove connected to the sea in the basement of the Grapevine simply makes sense. Of course it would exist. Why wouldn't it, when two Mers live in the vicinity? Two Mers that are really only safest from this constant rainstorm while in the water. Trying to do basically anything outside right now is basically impossible, after all...and since the bar wouldn't be opening up for another couple hours, Sparkling decides to take to the depths where he's the most comfortable.

He's already at the water's edge as it laps a bit more roughly than usual against the rocky alcove where the opening of the cave meets the sea, peering out into the turbulent waves. He's also already in the midst of transforming given how the water is washing up over his feet, prompting him to quickly get on his knees and dunk his head under the water before he can't stand up any longer. He peers through the surf, searching for any familiar flashes of gold and green.]

CC? [Yes he says it like Cee-cee.] Are you down there?

From:

clottedcream

[Strange things have been happening, indeed! While he can't tell that he's been affected himself, Clotted Cream has certainly noticed a change in his fellow cookies. Pure Vanilla's changes have been subtle, but noticeable, like something just slightly wrong that he can't place. Sparkling, on the other hand, has changed monster types entirely.

He isn't the only Mer in the Grapevine anymore, and something about that just has him feeling elated. Even if Sparkling claims to have been this way the whole time, it's easy to ignore that and chalk it up to this month's occurrences. There's a social itch that he hadn't realized he'd been feeling, and having another Mer in the house just feels... right, somehow.

Being beneath the waves is the most comforting place for him with the weather as it is, and so he's taken to just... staying there, most of the day. And that's exactly where he is now, in the bottom of the alcove, shuffling through a pile of things that glitter and gleam in the light that filters through the water. At the sound of his name being called - and the nickname, which makes his heart soar, knowing he is close enough to have earned a nickname - he looks up, and spotting Sparkling up near the surface, he quickly clasps something in his hand and ascends, smiling brightly.]

Sparkling! Are you not getting prepared for the evening?

From:

charmpagne

Oh, I probably should be! [Sparkling] But I wanted to come down here instead! The bar runs like a well-oiled machine at this point, so there's not that much prep that needs doing. It's fine!

[Back when he first opened, a lot of the initial opening stuff he had to do himself...but now he has employees that help him out with that, so it's a lot easier for him to actually live his life instead of devoting 150% of it to his work.

Which is why Clotted Cream will see the very, VERY long koi fish Mer suddenly slip headfirst into the water, his body snaking into the salty brine after him so he can meet Clotted Cream in the middle.

Pretty much immediately, he bumps their foreheads gently together, nuzzling his temple against the other's.]

What are you up to down here? Organizing your collection?

From:

clottedcream

[It's true that Sparkling seems to have an abundance of hands ready to help him out with the Grapevine. Definitely not a bad thing. The two of them are alike in that regard, all too eager to bury themselves in their work and let the world flow by. This change, in that regard, is good for Sparkling, he thinks.

Being graced by Sparkling's full presence - and what a full presence it is, that water form is long - is an honor that makes his heart skip a beat. Much less the, ah. Much more affectionate gesture. His cheeks flush a light, dusty pink, and he laughs softly.]

Something like that. I was looking for something.

[Oh, he hasn't really prepared himself for it, but... well. He's already holding it. It's hard to hide the fact that he has something in his hand. No time like the present.

Clotted Cream pulls his hand from behind his waist, cupping both of them together as he opens his fingers and reveals a small pendant, gold in a circular wave-like design, inlaid with small diamonds and a pearl in the very center.]

I... wanted you to have this. For your collection.

[or to wear if he wants to it's no big deal really]

From:

charmpagne

[Sparkling, meanwhile, is constantly moving even as he makes it to Clotted Cream. He swims in a circle around him, the rest of the length of his body trailing after him in a wide arc that sort of loops around both of them, all the way until he's made a complete circut and is facing him again, with one hand propped up beneath his chin.]

Oh? And what might this "something" be?

[He's curious, if the way he tilts his head is any indication, drawn in by the promise of something sparkly like any of their ilk would be. It isn't until Clotted Cream actually pulls it out from behind his waist that Sparkling gets a proper look, and given how close the other Mer is, he can probably see the light glint off of it, reflecting in Sparkling's eyes.]

Oh...oh this is beautiful...

[He reaches out tentatively, as if he's not sure if it's really okay for him to touch, before he moves to carefully take it from his hands.]

Are you sure you want me to have this? It looks rather priceless.

From:

clottedcream

[Oh, he's taking it. He's taking it and he looks happy. Clotted Cream straightens up a little, beaming - shyly, somehow, but still beaming- as his gift is accepted and appreciated right in front of him.]

To humans, I'm sure that it may be. To me, however, your smile is payment enough.

[Was that. Too corny. It might have been too much oh divines what is he doing]

Th-that is to say, it would be an honor for you to have a piece of my collection in yours. If you'll have it.

From:

charmpagne

[Perhaps! But for Sparkling, it was just the right thing to say to make him smile. He's positively beaming from ear to ear, and without missing a single beat, he ducks his head forward so he can slip the necklace on over his head, letting it float freely about his neck.]

Of course I will! It's perfect, thank you.

Of course, you know this means I'm going to have to get you something? Though I...seem to have misplaced my own little treasure horde recently. I could have sworn I had one down here...

[The true answer is it never existed-]

From:

clottedcream

[That is, in fact, exactly one reason why Clotted Cream may have wanted to give Sparkling something from his--]

Ah, that's... quite troubling. I don't recall where yours might have been. Only my own.

[He may be sneaking a glance at that pendant free-floating around Sparkling's neck. It looks good on him, really.]

Would you like to find it? We could have an adventure, of sorts.

From:

charmpagne

Hm...

[What could have possibly made him forget, he wonders. Maybe it got disturbed during the recent storms? That's the only explanation he can think of.

Yet, when Clotted Cream suggests they go looking together, well, Sparkling can't think of a better idea.]

Oh, yes! That would be wonderful! A proper adventure, just the two of us...I don't think we've had the chance to do anything like that yet, have we? It will be as if we'd known one another back home on Earthbread...except, well. I would be healing you if that were the case, which I can't exactly do anymore.

From:

clottedcream

[There is a plan slowly forming in Clotted Cream's mind. Not a valiant plan, mind. He doesn't like lying to a friend. But, at the same time... it isn't truly a terrible thing when the intent is to help said friend, who is currently very obviously affected by the monthly goings-on, to feel better about things, is it? Particularly when it will be over within less than a week. Surely the normal Sparkling will understand...]

We have not! Were this Earthbread, I would be able to defend you with magic, but I can't exactly do that, either. All the same, we can have a different sort of adventure here.

[He nods, smiling, and reaches out to take Sparkling by the hand.]

Now, where do you think you might have hidden your collection? Mine is hidden beneath a pile of rocks - do you think you might have done something similar?

[A guiding question. Hopefully Sparkling will take it.]

Clotted Cream Cookie

ryslig >> IC inbox

ryslig >> IC inbox

<purevanilla> during his conversation with caviar

<CremeConsul>

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<Composing>

<purevanilla>

Sometime during the AU event, midmonth Septemberish

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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.