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Chapter Text

Valentine's Day (and the month of february in general) was always one of the busiest days for Wedding Cake Cookie. Valentine’s day was a day where couples could show their love in more extravagant ways than they usually could afford, and some cookies chose that day as the perfect day to have their weddings. While Wedding Cake Cookie had never felt that kind of love before, she was always happy to help other cookies express that love. But, even though she loves it, that doesn't stop the fact that it’s still an exhausting job.

By the time the weddings role around, the planning and dress making is done, but there's still lots to do. She has to attend each wedding herself to make things go smoothly. Of course, she has cookies working for her, so that made things a lot easier, but she still had a lot of weddings to attend herself.

Wedding Cake Cookie had been working since this morning, and it was currently evening. Luckily, the wedding was over, but she still had to help with cleaning up and everything of the sort.

“Thank you so much, Wedding Cake Cookie! We couldn't have had this wonderful wedding without you!” The bride vigorously shook her hand with a big grin on her face. Wedding Cake Cookie was surprised by her enthusiasm (most of the cookies were tired from drinking or just being here all day), but she didn't mind it. Seeing that the bride was happy made her happy too. “I don't know what we would've done without you!”

“Oh, it's no problem!” Wedding Cake replied. “I'm very happy that you enjoyed yourself.”

“Speaking of which”, the bride spoke up. “Why don't you go home and get some rest? You've had a very long day today.”

“Oh, it's fine!” Wedding Cake voiced. “It's part of the job after all! Besides, it would be rude of me to bail out while you are still cleaning.”

The bride waved her hand. “Oh, don't worry about it! My now wife and I can handle it! And it'll be getting dark soon anyways, and I don’t know about the Creme Republic, but the winter nights in the Town Square are cold.” The bride grins to herself. “‘Wife.’ Agh! Doesn't that just have such a nice ring to it?”

Wedding Cake Cookie smiles. “It does, doesn't it?” She bows to her client. “Thank you, by the way. I wish you and your wife a happy marriage!”
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The apartment Wedding Cake Cookie had was just above her shop that was located in the town square. It wasn't anything too special, and her employees in the Créme Republic told her she should get something more befitting for a cookie of her status, but she insisted that she didn't need anything too big. She only stayed in this shop a couple weeks every once in a while, and left the rest to her employees who actually lived in the Town Square. Besides, she never cared for big fancy rooms. A small cozy space is just what she needed.

She walked in, letting out a small sigh of relief as a rush of warm air hit her (the bride earlier was right. It does get cold quickly). She looked around her shop, taking note of the messy shelves and wrinkled dresses that happened earlier, when she was helping another cookie pick out their wedding outfit. It’s quite messy. I should close the shop a little early to clean this up. It’s not like there are many cookies coming here on Valentine’s Day.

She flipped the sign to “closed”, and, just as she was about to tidy up, she heard a knock on the door.

Huh? I didn’t schedule anyone today, right? Who could it be?

She walked to the door, putting on a cheerful smile. “Hello there! I can't talk right now, but I can speak with you tomorrow- oh! Hello there, Cocoa Cookie! What brings you here?”

Cocoa Cookie and Wedding Cake Cookie met a while ago, when Wedding Cake Cookie was visiting the Town Square for the first time to find a place to put her Grand Mariage branch. Cocoa Cookie saw how stressed she was and offered her a cup of cocoa, which helped Wedding Cake feel better. While the two weren’t exactly close friends, Wedding Cake Cookie did appreciate Cocoa’s company.

“He-hello there, Wedding Cake Cookie!” She greeted her as her usual cheerful self, but something did seem a bit off. Cocoa was fidgeting with the hem of her dress and she had a nervous expression on her face. “I came by to ask you something, but it seems like it's a bad time, so I can lea-”

Wedding Cake Cookie waved her hand in the air. “Nonsense! I can always make time for a friend.” She opened the door for Cocoa. “Come on in!”

_____________________________________

Wedding Cake Cookie poured Cocoa Cookie a cup of cream tea. “I apologize, but I couldn't find any hot cocoa.”

Cocoa Cookie took a sip anyway. “It's okay! I like cream tea.”

Wedding Cake sat at the seat across from her, setting down her own tea on the low-rise table. “So, what brings you here today, Cocoa Cookie? You said you wanted to ask me something?”

“Oh! Right! That!” Cocoa Cookie's eyes widened and she started swaying back-and-forth (a behaviour that Wedding Cake realized that she does whenever she feels big emotions). “So- uhm… it's a little embarrassing. I don't think I've told anyone this before? But, since you deal with this kind of stuff all the time, I thought you would know…”

Wedding Cake Cookie brightens up. “Oh my witches, Cocoa Cookie! Are you getting married?! Is it Mint Choco Cookie?” She clapped her hands together in excitement. “Oh, I just knew it! What kind of cake do you want? Oh, a mint and cocoa flavored cake would be so cute! For dresses, we could try-”

Cocoa Cookie looks completely taken aback. “Huh? No! Not that kind of stuff! Just the uhm… romance… stuff.”

“Oh.”

Oh.

That's still so exciting!

“Of course, of course! I did go a bit too far there.” Wedding Cake Cookie breathed out to calm her nerves and sat back down. “Tell me; what's going on?”

Cocoa Cookie continues swaying back and forth. “Well, I just realized that I like Mint Choco Cookie.”

I knew it!

“I don't really know how it happened… We've been friends for so long, and I just woke up one day and was like, ‘oh witches, I think I like Mint Choco Cookie!'"

She put her cup of tea down and let out a light groan. “But, what do I do now?! I mean- I really do value him as a friend, but I keep wondering what would happen if we were more. But, what if he doesn't want to be? What if our friendship becomes awkward after that?”

Now, Wedding Cake Cookie doesn't know Mint Choco Cookie that well. She's met him before when Cocoa Cookie brought him over to Wedding Cake Cookie's shop for the grand opening. Most of what she heard about him was from other cookies (including Cocoa. She's always happy to share how she spent her days with him). While she's pieced together that Cocoa had a crush on Mint Choco Cookie, she can't for sure say anything about Mint Choco Cookie's feelings (though, she assumed that Cocoa Cookie and Mint Choco were dating once, and Cocoa Cookie stuttered her way through saying “we're not a couple!").

But, if there's anything she's learned from being a wedding planner and dealing with romance for all these years, she knows that it's best to get things off of your chest.

“Cocoa, deary, listen to me,” she started. Cocoa got out of her rambling and looked at Wedding Cake Cookie with nervous but hopeful eyes. “You like Mint Choco Cookie, do you not?”

Cocoa Cookie gives a shy nod.

“Well then, that's just the truth you should share! Think about it; if you do, and he likes you back, you can love your happily-ever-after with your prince charming.”

Cocoa Cookie sat up with a slight blush on her face. “Huh? Prince Charming?!”

“-But, if you don't, then you'll always just be living in a fantasy that you know could become a reality, but isn't, and you'll end up being sad. Do you really want that?"

Cocoa Cookie looked towards the ground. “No… But, what if I tell him, and our friendship becomes awkward?”

Wedding Cake Cookie waves her hand. “Oh, don't worry about that! You've been friends for a long time, haven't you? You two can move past a little awkwardness.” She lays her hands in her lap. “So, what do you say?”

Cocoa Cookie fidgets with her hands. She looks like she's lost in thought. After a couple of seconds, she says. “Okay. I'll do it! I'll tell Mint Choco Cookie how I feel!”

Wedding Cake Cookie excitedly jumps from her seat. “Oh, wonderful! I'm so excited for you!” She stops to look at Cocoa, but the excitement doesn't leave her face. “So, how do you plan to do it?”

“Oh! I uhm… haven't thought that far.” Cocoa Cookie taps her hand on the table, thinking of something to do. Suddenly, she perks up. “Oh, I know! Mint Choco Cookie loves chocolate! I could get him a box of chocolates as a gift, and then tell him then?”

Wedding Cake Cookie lets out a bright smile. “Oh, that's just perfect! I have everything you need in the back!” Wedding Cake starts rambling as she makes her way to the ‘employees only!’ closet. “They're usually for couples as a ‘thank you for coming to Grand Mariage gift!’, but i'll give one to you, as it's still a special occasion!” She practically skips to the back of the store, looking for heart boxes and chocolates. “What kind of chocolate does he like? We have practically every kind here. What are his favorite colors? Hmm… I don't have any reds left, but I have some pink boxes left if that's-”

“He likes most kinds of chocolate!” Cocoa calls from the other room. “He isn't really picky. A mix of flavors would be good. His favorite colors are green and white!”

Mixed chocolate. Green and white.

Oh, this is going to be perfect!

Wedding Cake Cookie grabs the supplies and gets to work, making sure to grab chocolates of each kind she has and fitting them neatly into the green, heart-shaped box. She grabs a little white bow and wraps it around, making sure to make it just right for Cocoa and Mint Choco Cookie. Once she's satisfied with her work, she skips over to the lobby again, where Cocoa Cookie is smiling to herself.

How cute! I can tell she really cares for this Mint Choco Cookie.

“Here you are, deary!” She gently places the box on the table. “A green box of mixed chocolates with a little white bow on top! All you need to do is write your name down on the little note, and you're all set!”

Cocoa Cookie lets out a wide grin. She gets up, grabbing the box, and does a little spin. “It's great! Thank you, Wedding Cake Cookie!” She starts doing small “bounces” from her knees, all while still smiling. “How can I ever repay you?”

“Oh, don't worry about it! Like I said before, I always have time to help out a friend.” She points at the box again. “You still need to remember to write your name, Deary.”

“Oh, right, right!” Cocoa Cookie turns her head to look for a pen, before finding one laying on the small table next to the couch. She grabs it and scribbles down her name excitedly, adding a little heart symbol right after. “Do you think he'll like it?”

Wedding Cake grins. “If it's from a cookie as sweet as you, I'm sure he will.”

Cocoa Cookie giggles. “Aww, thank you!” She spins around again. “He'll be done with his performances in a couple of hours. You know, I was so nervous before, but now that I have it, I’m starting to feel a bit excited!”

Wedding Cake Cookie grins again. “I'm so happy to hear that, Cocoa Cookie. I wish you the best of luck!”

Chapter Text

Valentine's Day was always one of the busier days for Mint Choco Cookie. Many couples wanted to have a romantic feeling to the day, and what better way to get that feeling than through violin music? It was sweet, seeing all the couples throughout the day, even if it did leave him tired by the end of it. It was already late at night, and he would've been doing his job longer, but two couples cancelled for whatever reason, so he got off earlier than he expected.

He looked around the kingdom. It was dark, with only the street-lights illuminating the place, and a blanket of snow covering everything. He was only a couple more blocks away from his apartment, and then, he could finally crash into his warm blankets and fall asleep-

He heard a notification pop up from his phone.

Herb Cookie: ‘Are you coming tonight? It's fine if you can't; just wanting to make sure.’

Oh yeah. I told Herb and the others that I would come by tonight.

Every couple of nights, him, Herb Cookie, and Vampire Cookie would go by Sparkling Cooke’s bar after it closed to keep him company while he cleaned up. It worked out for all of them; Sparkling got to test new drinks on them, Vampire got to indulge in his messed-up sleep schedule, Herb got to spend time with them since he couldn’t because of his flower shop, and Mint got to have a break and a couple of free drinks after his long days of performances.

He smiled when he saw Herb’s text and started typing back. ‘Yeah. I’m a bit tired, so I probably won’t stay very long, but I can pop by.’

Herb sent a smiling emoji. ‘Great! I’ll see you then!’

I guess sleep can wait.

He put his phone in his pocket and turned the other direction to walk, when, suddenly, he heard a familiar voice call behind him.

“Mint Choco Cookie!”

“Hi, Cocoa Cookie!” Mint turned around to see Cocoa Cookie standing in front of him. Instead of her usual white winter coat, she had on a red one that matched the designs of her cocoa mug, which she wasn’t holding right now. Now that I think about it, she’s keeping her hands hidden. Is she hiding something? She had on her marshmallow hat along with little white earmuffs. She looks super cute! “What are you doing here?”

Don’t get him wrong; he loves Cocoa’s company. But, usually, she would be asleep at this hour; or warmed up by the fireplace sipping on a cup of hot chocolate. She didn’t like being outside late, especially when it was this cold out. Cocoa Cookie looked to the side, her face darkening. Is she… blushing? Is it because it’s cold out? But, when has the cold ever bothered Cocoa?

“Oh- I um… I just wanted to see you- after your performances. I know that you’re usually busy and all, and become really tired by the end, so- so , I just wanted to see if you were doing okay is all. How was it?”

Mint’s heart completely melted at that. Leave it to Cocoa to be completely, adorably, sweet. Mint felt his own face darkening as well.

“I appreciate you for checking in on me,” he replied. “It went well! Two couple’s cancelled, so I got out earlier than I thought, but still pretty late. I’m going to Sparkling Cookie’s bar, so I’m going to be up for a bit longer, but it’s not too bad if it’s with friends. What about you? What have you been doing?”

Cocoa Cookie started swaying back and forth, something he learned a while ago that she does when she is nervous. Is she okay? Is something bothering her? She kept her hands behind her back and she was looking down like she was anticipating something.

“I uhm- visited Wedding Cake Cookie today to uhm- here!” She moved her hands from her back, shoving something into Mint Choco’s chest. She had her eyes closed and her face was even darker than before, and she was still swaying back and forth. “For you!”

Once Mint got over the initial shock, he looked down at the item. It was a green heart-shaped box tied neatly together with a white ribbon. On the box, it had a little note that read, “From Cocoa <3”.

…Is this a Valentine’s Day gift?!

Mint Choco tried to hide his giddy smile (failing miserably). How could he not though? He's liked Cocoa Cookie for a while now. He doesn't exactly know when it started. He didn't realize it until they were sitting down at Cocoa Cookie's house after his first major performance. She was super excited for him and bouncing up-and-down with joy and talking about how amazing it was, and Mint couldn't even focus on the fact that he just completed his first concert; he was way too focused about how happy Cocoa was and how her smile looked.

Is there a possibility she likes me back?

Okay, let's not get too far! Maybe it's just a friendly gift! Yeah, it's probably that! After all, we've been friends for years! Why would she start liking me now? And besides; what would that do to our friendship? It probably means nothing-

Cocoa Cookie spoke up. “I uhm- I just wanted to give you this… As a thanks for being with me for all these years.” Cocoa Cookie looked down, her face becoming even darker. Before Mint Choco could reply, she spoke up again. “Okay, well, it was nice talking to you! I gotta go, bye!” She ran off before he could say anything.

Mint looked at the direction she ran, completely dumbfounded for a second. Once he came back to his senses, he looked back at the box. It looked very delicate, and he held it with care to make sure that he didn't drop it. He opened the top, seeing a bunch of different chocolates inside. Mint, caramel, strawberry, dark, milk…

Mint Choco Cookie closed the lid and held the box tightly to him, letting out a wide smile and giggling to himself.

…Maybe she does like me back?

Chapter Text

Valentine's Day was always one of the busiest days at the bar. Couples would come in and stay until the wee hours of the night, celebrating their love by getting drunk, and single cookies would either come in with their friends, look for hookups, or just to drink away their sorrows. Sparkling Cookie didn't mind the extra customers; it created more revenue for him, and he always liked hearing them talk.
But, he has to admit that his favorite part of Valentine's is when the bar closes, and his friends are free to come by to talk as he cleans up.

Herb Cookie was behind the desk helping him clean off glasses (despite Sparkling Cookie's insistence that he didn't have to), Vampire Cookie was sitting in the customer's seat, head down on the table, completely wasted as usual, and Mint Choco Cookie… was nowhere to be seen. That's not too unusual though. Mint Choco Cookie was also often busy on Valentine's Day, performing his shows at different Valentine's Day events. He wouldn't be surprised if he was out cold at his house from all the work he did. But, Sparkling just wanted to make sure.

“Do you guys know if Mint Choco Cookie is coming?” he asked.

“Oh, he said he was busy with a concert, but he said he'd be able to make it tonight since two couples canceled. Isn't that great?” Herb Cookie seemed excited, but then he caught himself. “I mean- that he gets more free time. It sucks that he's losing out on some coins.”

Vampire Cookie groggily spoke up, lazily lifting his arm and waving his hand in the air. “I'm sure he'll be fiinneee. One or two less bookings isn't bad in the grand scheme of things."

Herb Cookie chuckled a bit. “Yeah, I guess you're right.”

Sparkling Cookie heard the bell on the door ring and turned around. “Ah, I'm sorry, but we're closed right now. You can come back tomo- oh! Hello, Mint Choco Cookie!”

“Hello, everyone!” Mint Choco Cookie took off his winter coat, setting it aside on a chair next to the entrance to be picked up later. Usually, he was tired at this time of night, but, he seemed to be more giddy for some reason. His face seemed darker than usual, and it looked like he was holding back a smile. And… is he holding something?

“Mint Choco Cookie, glad you could make it! How were the performances today?” Herb Cookie beamed.

“They went well! This one older couple booked me to perform for them at the place where one of them asked the other to marry her while they celebrated their 40th anniversary with a picnic! It obviously wasn't the biggest performance today, but the scene was so cute and the couple was love-”

“What’s that you got there?” Vampire Cookie sluggishly said. “Is that a heart-shaped chocolate box?”

And just like that, the room turned to face Mint Choco Cookie as his cheeks turned darker.

Mint Choco Cookie stayed silent for a bit before putting his hands up and looking very flustered. “Oh, that? Tha-that was just a gift from a fri-friend! It's nothing really. It was just- it was in sale because of Valentine's Day, and they know that I like chocolate so they thought they should buy the box for me-”

While Mint Choco Cookie was trying to explain away whatever he was explaining, Vampire Cookie picked up the box of chocolates next to Mint Choco on his seat and set them on the table. Mint Choco Cookie tried to grab it, but Vampire had already started reading it.

"From Cocoa Cookie. Heart sign.”

The room went silent for a second, and Mint Choco Cookie looked like he was about to catch on fire.

Wait. Are Cocoa and Mint officially-?

“Aww, that's so cute!” Herb Cookie excitedly said, clapping his hands together. “Did she finally confess to you? Did you tell her you like her back? Oh my goodness, I'm so happy for you guys!”

Sparkling Cookie gives Mint a bright smile. “Ha, it took you guys long enough! I remember when you first took her here to meet us, and you two just kept on making heart eyes at each other when the other wasn't looking.” Sparkling chuckles. “I swear, Mint. I've never seen you look more smitten in your entire life.”

Mint Choco Cookie kept waving his hands away in the air and was stumbling as he tried to explain. “I didn't- wha- it's nothing like that! Cocoa just got them for me as a gift! It's not like it means anything!”

“Mint, she got you a heart-shaped box of your favorite chocolates on Valentine's Day, and she even wrote a heart next to your name. Does that seem like it means nothing?” Herb Cookie was leaning over the desk with an intense gaze, but he still had his super bright smile. He always was a bit of a romantic, wasn't he?

Mint Choco Cookie covered his hands with his face, trying to his embarrassment. “I swear it's nothing like that”, he mumbled. He uncovered his face. “This is why I didn't mention the box! I knew that you guys would be all… this about it!” He spread out his hand and made a waving motion with it to emphasize the point.

“Aww, how could we not?” Herb Cookie rested his head on his hands as he leaned over the counter. “You guys have liked each other for how long now? How did she even give it to you? Was it a love confession?”

“It… wasn't a love confession.” Mint Choco Cookie rubbed the back of his neck. “I was just- walking here after stopping at my house, and she saw me in the street and decided to give me a chocolate box she got for me. She, uhm, looked a bit uncomfortable, and told me to have a great night before she went away.”

Sparkling Cookie decided to chime in. “Sounds like she was just nervous. I mean, who wouldn't be after giving their long-time crush a box of chocolates on Valentine's Day? I definitely know you would be.” Sparkling teased. He loved Mint, but he can't deny that his friend had a tendency to chicken-out when he got nervous.

Mint Choco Cookie groaned. “For the last time, she doesn't have a crush on me, and I don't have a crush on her!” Mint Choco Cookie sighs and looks away from Sparkling. “And even if I did have a crush on her- whi- which I don't- she's like- super sweet and pretty and just- really out of my league.”

Sparkling Cookie laughs at that. How naive could his friend be? “You're telling me a girl wouldn't like a sweet, charming musician such as yourself?”

Mint Choco Cookie buried his face in his hands again and mumbled. “It's too late to deal with this right now…”

“It is pretty late, and I'm tired”, Vampire Cookie yawned. He tried getting up from his seat but immediately stumbled and collapsed on the floor. He made absolutely no effort to get up.

Herb Cookie looks at him and lets out an exasperated sigh. “I'd love to stay a bit longer, but I can't in my good conscience let Vampire Cookie walk home by himself right now. Plus, I've gotta open my plant shop tomorrow anyway.” Herb Cookie helps Vampire get up, pitting Vampire's arm around his shoulder, while Herb uses his other arm to hold Vampire by the waist. “C’mon, let's get you home before Alchemist Cookie blows a fuse.”

The two walked out the door, leaving Sparkling Cookie and Mint Choco Cookie there alone.

“I uh- should probably go too”, Mint says. “It's been a long day, and I'm tired.” Just as he was about to pick up his violin and head out the door, Sparkling Cookie stopped him.

“Wait, Mint, stay for a bit longer. I want to talk to you”, Sparkling Cookie says, pouring him a non-alcoholic drink.

Mint Choco Cookie sighs. “If it's about Cocoa Cookie, I already told you multiple times: it’s nothing like that.”

Sparkling Cookie Cookie snickered. “Come on, Mint. We both know that isn't true.”

Mint Cookie blushes again before letting out a groan. “Okay, fine! I maybe sort of do like her.” He pulls out the chair and sits down, putting his shoulders on the table. He avoids eye contact with Sparkling, but he still keeps going. “But, how do I even tell her that? We've been best friends for a long time. I'll be sad if she rejects me, but I can handle that. But I just… really don't want our friendship to be awkward if she does.” He puts his hands on his face as he vents his woes to Sparkling. “UGH, this is why I play my emotions in my music! It's so much easier than saying them!” He took a sip of his drink.

Sparkling leaned on the table, resting his head on his hand. He's heard all sorts of vents and stories from his time as a bartender. His friends would join in, always coming him for advice, but Mint Choco Cookie usually comes in just to check on Sparkling, talk about his day, or try new juice flavors. He doesn't think he ever gave Mint Choco Cookie advice before; especially not on something like romance. But, he was determined to help his friend out.

“If it helps”, he starts, “Cocoa Cookie definitely likes you back.” He wasn't lying when he said that the two were practically giving heart eyes at each other when Mint first brought her over to his bar. She sat really close to him the entire time, always laughed at his jokes (even if they were bad), and, even if it was his first time meeting her, he could tell how close the two were. It'd be more surprising if she didn't like, him honestly.

“You keep saying that, but it's difficult to believe after I've been second-guessing everything that might indicate that.” Mint Choco Cookie went quiet.

Sparkling Cookie sighed. “Look, Mint. I won't force you to do anything that you don't want to do, but I do think you should tell her. From white I can tell, you two absolutely adore each other, and I just want you to be happy. And even if she doesn't like you back, which I very highly doubt, at least you'll get closure. And you can move on. It's better to actually make what you believe can be, instead of just wondering what would be.”

The silence is very loud. Mint Choco Cookie looks down like he's lost in thought. He taps his fingers on the table for a bit. Finally, Mint Choco Cookie breathes in. “Okay”, he says. “You're right. Telling her and being rejected is better than not telling her and always wondering. I'll do it.”

Sparkling Cookie smiles. “That's great! Good luck. I'll be here if you need any help.”