Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

As Financier slowly awoke and caught her bearings she registered her bedding felt rather off, and as she opened her eyes she found them hard to open. The bright light she was met with spiked a headache that made her wince and turn her head to bury her face in the pillow.

She took a few seconds to wait for the sudden headache to go before attempting to push herself on her elbows. A sharp pain just under her rib made her gasp and fall back on the bed. That’s not right,  she thought to herself, where did this sudden pain come from?

Financier took in her surroundings once her vision cleared. She immediately recognized the pure white walls and white-gold tiles of the Republic’s hospital rooms, she was dressed down to her simple white tank top and slacks and her cloak and armour folded neatly on the chair next to the bed. Her hand gently touched her side where the pain was and felt the rough texture of the bandages wrapped around her stomach. Ah that’s right, Now she remembers.

A couple of white masks within the Divine Sanctum; there weren’t a lot at all, but they sure knew how to time their surprise attacks. It had completely caught them off guard, one had slipped behind the Consul which prompted her to jump forward to take the hit. The dagger piercing her dough stung harder than she expected, everything had begun to slow down. She barely even registered her attacker trying to flee or her head on Clotted Cream’s lap, her body slowly began to go numb, Clotted Cream’s words were becoming deaf in her ears—feeling clogged with silence, and it was getting harder to keep her eyes open. Surely this wasn’t the end? Surely this wasn’t how she was going to die? It wasn’t right, she didn’t want to die…not yet.

A shiver crawled up her back and her eyes stung with a wetness she was unfamiliar with. She blinked rapidly and took a deep breath to shake off the tears, pull yourself together, she scolded herself, you’re a paladin for Divine’s sake! 

The door of her room opened suddenly as Clotted Cream Cookie entered with a small cup of water in hand. His clothes were slightly wrinkled and a few strands of hair were sticking out, his slightly disheveled look was accompanied with tired eyes that lit up when he saw her awake.

“Financier Cookie, you’re awake!” He said cheerily, resting a hand behind her back gently helping her to sit up. “How are you feeling?”

Once up he gingerly handed her the water and let her take a sip, her hands idly fiddling with the blanket. Her throat feeling slightly sore when she swallowed from not drinking anything in a while. “I’m fine, Consul. My side still hurts a little, but it is only whenever I move too fast. I will be fine as long as I am careful and take some rest.” Her voice carried the same neutral and formal tone, but Clotted Cream could tell something was wrong, it was more flat and on edge than usual. He’s worked with her long enough to notice even the smallest of details that something is bothering her.

Her hands shook slightly as they gripped the blanket, something she didn’t even take notice of until he placed his gloved hand over hers to stop their shaking.

“Are you sure, Ser? The white masks have been taken care of by the other paladins if that’s what you’re concerned about.” Clotted Cream stated, his eyes softening into concern. Suddenly, a wave of gratitude hit her— she was thankful to hear the republic was safe, thankful to hear the white masks were taken care of, and thankful to hear her consul was safe.

None of that she would know of if she were dead.

That thought hit her like an airship, fear bubbling in her stomach as she turned her head away in an attempt to hide the tears welling up in her eyes. How pathetic of her…She’s a paladin! A warrior of the light! The thought of death should mean nothing, so why does it scare her so much?

“Apologies Consul, please ignore me.” She murmured hoping to hide the shakiness in her voice.

However, Clotted didn’t relent, he snaked a coattail under her chin and turned her face back over to him. He felt slightly taken aback by the shiny glint in her eyes, so without a word he straightened his back and pulled her into a hug. Financier’s breath hitched and horror flooded through her as she felt herself cry against his chest.

It was strange indeed for him, during their time together he has never truly seen his bodyguard cry ever during their travels. Even after the truth of Elder Mille-feuille Cookie had been uncovered she had stayed mostly professional—perhaps only grieving in private. It made him feel awkward and almost shameful with his bold attempt  at comforting her, but he didn’t want her to suffer silently like this.

After a minute when her sobs had turned to sniffles she finally was able to speak again, “Please forgive me, Consul. This is rather very unprofessional of me…” She trailed off.

Clotted took a step back, quickly putting her armor on the bedside table next to her to sit down on the chair himself, “It is completely alright Financier. If there’s something bothering you you may tell me of course.”

“It's…rather silly of me to be honest,” She let out a strained chuckle. “During my days at the Paladin academy, I thought I had trained and prepared for anything. But every time I remember that near-death experience, then and even now I feel… shaken.” She admitted.

Clotted Cream tilted his head silently encouraging her to keep speaking, she sighed and continued shaking her head slightly, “I don’t know the words to describe it other than the thought of almost dying is terrifying. I know as a Paladin I must make myself prepared for such an outcome but,” she stared at her bed, her eyes unfocused and distant. “You don’t understand. It’s too terrifying; I don't want to die.” 

Clotted froze, he never thought about that. Of course Clotted Cream was never ignorant or purposely got into danger cause he had a bodyguard. But he never thought about the fact that she too could fear death.

Once again, before he could properly think about what he was doing. Clotted Cream stood and pulled her into another hug. Only this time, he spoke softly, “Your..a strong Paladin, Ser Financier Cookie. I know you can protect yourself from that. Even then,” he felt a bit of heat rise into his cheeks. “I will make sure such an outcome doesn't occur.”

Financier laughed, letting go of the other to look at him, “The Consul having to protect his own bodyguard? I’m sure that's a sight nobody is prepared to witness.”

Clotted immediately turned away bashfully and began fiddling with his bangs as blush turned even harsher on his face, a nervous tick she admittedly found adorable. “Well in my own way of course, maybe I’m truthfully not the strongest but I’m smarter than others may think.”

She let out another laugh, this one much harder, "Either way, I thank you Consul, it is definitely comforting to hear.” She never been good with sentiment so she quickly moved on. “Do you mind getting me something to eat? I am feeling rather hungry…” 

Clotted smiled, simply glad to see her already feeling better, getting her something could certainly be a start. “Very well.”

Chapter Text

Love had always been an unfamiliar concept for Clotted Cream Cookie. 

He had been far too young to properly grasp or understand the love his mother would give him before he was separated from her, and— truth be told— he always knew he would never be enough for his father yet still searched for even a scrap of it. His father's back handed compliments and halfhearted pats were his only perception of love.

Perhaps that is what made Financier so different. Under that steel-coat shield she keeps up is a softer, more caring side only the orphan children get to see, Clotted Cream is always thrilled that his feelings were reciprocated.

Yet, the shock he felt the first time he heard those words caught him seriously off guard despite a few months of dating. They came out smooth as butter as though they weren't the first time she'd ever said them. Clotted opened his mouth to say them back but fell silent.

The words felt foreign and flat even in his mind, as though he was simply repeating what he heard rather than a expression of how he felt. Clotted Cream wasn't used to ever saying those words— he had no one to say them to in the first place— but with Financier he felt different to the words than he had before. Well, Clotted wasn't good with words anyways.

It's totally not because hes scared of the words. Totally not because he's worried for Financier. Totally not because he fears his dear Financier being his one and only weakness, and saying those words will make it true. Make his greatest strength into his greatest weakness .

No— words were useless anyway. Clotted Cream found his own way to express his love. Throughout the day, Clotted would do things that— while may seem useless and UN-needed to others— Financier found nearly boundless love.

The start to this day was no different. He woke up slightly early (after Financier quite literally pulled him from his office chair and swept him off his feet to take him to bed so he could sleep) and stood in front of his oven, watching the timer carefully. It has been a long time since he baked, he remembered when he was just a boy and his mom would teach him to bake. He didn't do it a lot when he transferred to House Custard, but he never let go of it sometimes helping the servants when preparing desserts and embracing his hobby much more after seizing control of the House, especially for Financier.

As the timer became one second from beeping Clotted pressed the button quickly to keep it from beeping, after all his main objective— aside from not burning anything—was to not wake Financier who was still sound asleep in bed.

He shifted the chocolate pancakes from the pan to the plate and topped it with the right amount of syrup he's known Financier to like. Once he was sure they were ready he took it upstairs to their bedroom, where Financier was peacefully sleeping with her hair sprawled across the pillow and mouth slightly opened as he dreamed.

He looked to his coattail hanging at his side. "Wanna wake her for me?" he asked rhetorically, it turned to face him for a second before extending towards the sleeping paladin and snuggling under her chin nudging her awake.

Financier slowly stirred, rubbing her eyes as she adjusted to the brightness of the room from the morning sun, "what time is it?" she asked groggily.

"Normal time to wake up," he smiled. "I made you some breakfast though, i know how much you liked these." She raised a brow as she carefully took the plate of chocolate pancakes from his hands.

"I- Thank you, Clotted Cream. You really didn't need to."

"Well, You deserve it, I wanted to make something special for you." He murmured, a faint tint of blush spreading on his cheeks. Financier smiled, gently holding her face into her hands and planting a soft kiss to his forehead.

"I love you." His mouth stayed shut but it didn't matter to Financier, she could hear the words in the silence of the room.

Chapter Text

He made it to the Fountain Piazza, a rumble shaking the very core of Earthbread and crack the seashells built into the tiles. He landed hard on his hands and knees. He gripped the edge of the fountain to help him up right but couldn't seem to heave himself up, his back settling against the fountain instead.

"The republic is being laid to waste before our very eyes…" His voice shook. His heart beating so hard in his dough it made him dizzy, he couldn't stop the shaking or could breathe. He was powerless as the republic— his home— was being destroyed right in front of him.

"is this the true power of Dark Enchantress Cookie?" He rambled on, dread consuming him like he was drowning in the republic sea. "The on who sparked the dark flour war, and who defeated the ancient Hero's single-handedly…Now she is here raining destruction upon our city."

His shoulders felt heavy, he thought it was the feeling of dread or despair until he saw a figure appear in front of him. At first they were blurred from tears welling up in his eyes and as he blinked them away he could register Financier cookie— his loyal bodyguard— in front of him, shaking his shoulders slightly as she spoke to him.

"Consul sir! Snap out of it!" She gripped his shoulders tight enough to ground him but not to tight it hurt. "The cookies of the creme republic need our aid!" she spoke again.

"S-Ser Financier Cookie!"

She was breathing deeply and he realized she was subtly trying to get him to follow her breathing. With a hand clutched to his chest he slowly followed.

Get your self back up, your the consul he scolded himself in his head. Go and help your republic.

After finally collecting himself Financier stood and extended her hand to help him up. He took it gratefully.

"Thank you for returning me to my senses. The sheer power before us is like nothing we've ever seen." He immediately put himself into his calculating mode, "I will lead the Pearl legion myself, you must command the paladins and cover the rear."

"Yes sir!" Financier immediately turned to command the Paladins. He desperately wanted to thank her, but the Republic came first, he would have to later."

XXX

Clotted's face flushed slightly as the memory fades in his head. He feels much more embarrassed about letting Financier see him in such a vulnerable state. The Consul of the Creme Republic, a figure of strength and power, shaking like a jelly leaf in front of a fountain in front of his bodyguard.

However, he knew his face was flushing for…other reasons. Reasons that were rather unprofessional. But the feeling of her hands on his shoulders, the pressure just right and comforting, the small glint of gentle concern in her eyes, or the way she helped control his crying fit— as his father would call them— made his heart jump a couple beats in his chest and marshmallow butterflies flutter in his stomach, making him feel weak.

With every step he took the thought to turn back around grew stronger. But the urge to fulfill his (internal) promise to thank her was stronger. The sounds of the quiet airship seemed louder, especially in the quietness of the sunset, every step of the seashell marble floors echoed slightly and the distant sound of the airship's engine the only thing he could focus on to distract himself.

As he was about to pass the large sitting area he spotted a figure hovering above one of the desks, he took a quick peek inside and found the Paladin, leaning on the desk staring at a couple of letters with a scrutinized look.

"Financier?" Clotted called out. Financier looked up, seemingly a little shocked and straightens herself upright.

"Consul, I thought you were preparing for bed." It was understandable, everyone else had already retreated to their rooms settling for the night.

"The confusions mutual." He muttered half- heartedly. She quickly noticed his eyes fixated on the mess of papers in front of her and tried to put them away— or more like hide them.

"No need to worry Consul, I was simply preparing these papers for you for tomorrow-"

"You're trying to investigate Mille-feuille's disappearance." She look shocked but quickly masked it, looking down at the papers with her usual stone cold expression. As though looking for a way to change the subject she cleared her throat.

"It doesn't matter, was there something you need, Consul?" His face once again flushed remembering what he came here to do.

"Oh right uhm-" He put his hands behind his back and pressed his thumb and ring finger together— a nervous habit he had and learned to hide from his father. "I wanted to thank you."

Her brows furrowed. "For…what exactly?"

"I was thinking about when Dark Enchantress's attack, and when I suddenly couldn't do anything, and then you helped me." He rambled, the more words he spoke the stupider he felt. "I wanted to thank you…for helping me come back to my senses."

Financier waved him off, slightly blushing herself. " Its nothing Consul. My duty is to serve and protect you and you simply needed me."

"I was acting like a coward. As Consul the republic needed me and i almost couldn't fulfill that. So i wanted to thank you properly, i would like to help you with anything you need."

Financier opened her mouth— probably to wave him off again— but he took another look at the desk with the letters.

"I can help you investigate Mille-feuille's disappearance."

Financier practically threw herself in front of the desk causing it to rattle from the sudden force, her hands gripping the edge to hold her up right, the suddeness of it even making clotted jump a little.

"I-I promise you Consul its really nothing there's no need."

Clotted regained his composure and went over to her, standing only a few inches away from her.

"I know Mille-feuille's betrayal was hard on you. She was like a Mother to you after all, wasn't she?" He tilted his head in that same way that always made Financier's heart flutter.

"All the more reason I should find her alone."

"You really shouldn't have to do this alone. You didn't let me suffer Dark Enchantress' attack alone did you?"

"That's different."

Clotted raised a brow.

"You don't need to trouble yourself with this Consul."

"Trouble myself? As Consul of the republic this is also a matter i must attend to."

"Consul-"

"Clotted cream." He interrupted, stepping closer to touch her hand gently, height be damned. He was much shorter than her yet his face still inches apart from hers.

Suddenly she looked up and stared into nothing. "Ever since Dark Enchantress' attack, i couldn't help but think about the orphans." Her voice didnt waver yet her eyes looked distant and unfocused. "I was supposed to protect them, and yet I almost failed every single one of them."

Clotted placed his free hand on her shoulder. "Nobody could've known about Mille-feuille's betrayal or Dark Enchantress' attack. There's no need to blame yourself for what happened," She still kept her gaze focused on nothing. "At least let me help you with this."

Finally, Financier let out a sigh. "Fine, your right Con- Clotted Cream."

Clotted gave that triumphant smirk he always gave when he knew he won an argument, Financier put her hands on his face before whispering softly.

"May i kiss you, Clotted Cream?"

The question caught him off guard as heat bloomed all over his face. Financier almost backed down before Clotted Cream snapped back and pressed his lips to Financier's.

Clotted felt slightly light headed, her lips were soft against his and her calloused thumb rubbing his face gently.

They pulled apart to get some air, Clotted's face was nearly red as a cherry so he hid it in Financier's shoulder.

"You all right Clotted Cream?" she chuckled stroking a hand through his hair

"Yeah, better than alright." He breathed