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"Espresso please, you need a break!" Madeleine begged as he followed Espresso to his laboratory.
Madeleine had spotted Espresso at the grocery store, buying some extra coffee beans. As usual, Madeleine strutted over to the mage and immediately greeted him with a big smile and a suffocating hug.
The coffee mage had a stern frown as he tried to squeeze himself away from the overbearing hug. Madeleine held on even tighter, asking Espresso what he was doing for Christmas Eve.
Which the mage, always the workaholic he is, told Madeleine he didn't have time to waste for some stupid holiday.
At that point, Madeleines smile finally dropped down. He shook his head to Espresso and decided to follow him to his laboratory.
Though the whole walk, Madeleine kept on pestering Espresso about how horrible he is at taking care of himself. The knight also questioned why he wouldn't just give Christmas a try.
Espresso grumbled, "ugh— Madeleine n-o, no is no." He took a sip of his coffee before he wrote something down on his chalk board, Madeleine watched with a tired expression.
He rolled his eyes, which was surprising to himself as well because he rarely does so. Especially when he talks to his best friend, Espresso.
Madeleine let out a loud sigh, "Espressoo!" He whined as he plopped down on Espressos wheel chair. Spinning around on it as Espresso looked at him with an annoyed expression.
"What is its now!? Its already bad enough you forced yourself into my laboratory. Can you at least be quiet!?" Espresso hissed, jabbing at Madeleines chest plate with his finger.
Madeleine blinked, brows furrowed and staring at Espresso. "Fine then!" Madeleine started, standing up and crossing his arms. He walked over to the door, and without a word. He exited, leaving Espresso standing alone.
Once the door was slammed shut, Espresso rolled his eyes and sighed. Madeleine can be stubborn sometimes. Usually Espresso would brush it off but now he felt a bit..bad.
Ugh, coffee can swat away this sickening feeling.
—
Madeleine huffed, walking around the snow covered streets of the little kingdom. His face was calm and relaxed, but he gave small smiles to people who waved at him.
Who wouldn't want to celebrate Christmas!? Seriously, it was the best time of the year! For everyone! Madeleine felt bad for walking out on Espresso like that, but he just did it so he can think of some other way to get Espresso to relax!
"Oh no— watch out!" A voice called out from behind, and before Madeleine could even turn around and meet the voice that warned him, a snowball was sent flying right into his face.
The knight stumbled backwards before gaining back his balance and rubbing his face. "What—"
"Oh no! I am so sorry Madeleine!" A voice squeaked out as footsteps ushered over to help him.
"Snow sugar? Hah, what did I expect! Hello young one." Madeleine laughed as he wiped the snow off his face. Snow sugar looked up at him with a worried expression.
"I didnt mean to hit you! Pancake cookie dodged it and— it want straight for you, heh!" They let out a nervous chuckle, clutching their wand close to their face.
"It is quite alright, what a great way to express your holiday spirit!" Madeleine laughed loudly and Snow Sugar laughed with him.
"Yoohoo!~" a high pitched voice chirped behind Madeleine once again. Snow sugar looked behind Madeleine to see Latte cookie running over to them with her signature hat. But this time she was wearing a white long-sleeves turtle neck with black pants.
"Its Latte cookie!" Snow sugar chirped, Latte walked towards the duo and waved. "Where is Espresso? You're usually with him." Latte asked Madeleine with her hands tucked behind her back.
Snow sugar hummed, "Madeleine with Espresso?" They questioned, putting a hand on their chin. Latte looked over to Snow sugar, "oh yes! Those two love— I mean, they work together very well!" Latte giggled at her tiny mix up.
Madeleine sighed dramatically which gained the attention of Snow sugar and Latte. "Is something wrong?" Latte asked with concern in her voice. Madeleine looked away from Snow sugar and Latte, "is it about Espresso?" Snow sugar asked, well more like stated.
Madeleine nodded with an awkward expression, acting as if he had been caught doing something bad.
With a perk of interest, Latte squealed at the sudden "tea" that she was gonna make Madeleine spill.
"Do tell!"
—
After the story that sounded very much like Espresso, Latte hummed understandingly. Madeleine frowned and slumped down, his tense posture now relaxed in defeat.
"Hmm.. that does sound like Espresso!" Latte laughed with an amused laugh. Snow sugar hummed, "what should we do about it? Everyone but Espresso is in the holiday spirit." They frowned with an all-too serious expression.
Madeleine shrugged, "I tried to persuade him but it didn't work, usually he would at least agree to walk outside a little bit, although this time its like he just wanted to work and work and work!" He let out a big huff, crossing his arms and regaining his straight posture.
Madeleine never understood why Espresso worked so hard, he had nothing to worry about when Madeleine was around!
Perhaps its because Espresso grew up in the Mud town, where he was too poor to afford celebrating a single Christmas. Let alone celebrate with friends and family.
"Not to worry, Madeleine! I've got this under control! But Snow sugar, may you assist me as well?" Latte asked, squatting down to the child's level and gave them a small boop on their nose.
"Me—? Really! Of course!" They gave a bright smile and Latte couldn't hell but smile at their energetic smile and friendly nature.
Latte led Snow sugar to Espressos laboratory. Leaving Madeleine behind, telling him something along the lines of: "do something else while me and Snow sugar fetch your boyfriend for you!" And with a beet res face. Madeleine shook his head and yelled that Espresso and him were not together.
Madeleine couldn't even properly deny it without a red face and a nervous tone in his voice. His thick french accent would become noticeable when he was nervous.
Latte wasn't surprised that her best friend, Espresso, was skipping Christmas. Come to think of it, Latte doesn't even know if Espresso even celebrated any holiday at all!
Did Espresso even celebrate his own birthday before..?
She'll figure that out some time else.
For now she needs to get Espresso in the Christmas Spirit.
"Agh! Let go of me you imbeciles!" Espresso screeched, flailing and kicking his feet as Latte finished tying the knot.
"Snow sugar can you summon your snow king to carry Espresso?" Latte hummed sweetly and Snow sugar hummed in conformation.
"Snow king!" They shouted, waving their wand around in the air as Snow king suddenly appeared.
Espresso was lifted to sit on top of the creature as Latte sat beside him.
"What do you two think you're doing? Barging into my lab and kidnapping me!? Especially in broad daylight!?" Espresso hissed but made no further progress on breaking free of his restraints. He didn't have time to waste his energy trying to remove them, nor did he try using his magic.
The mage knew all too well that Latte wouldn't give up, and would just do whatever it takes to get what she wanted.
Espresso let out an annoyed huff in defeat, his head was hung low as Latte told Snow sugar and Snow King the directions of her house.
"I have the best plans for you Espresso! We're gonna have a great Christmas!" Latte clasped her hands in excitement as she gave Espresso a gummy smile.
"I just want to work.." Espresso sighed and plopped his head down on Snow king, laying flat as he stared at the humid sky.
It was way too cold and all Espresso wore was his signature working clothes and gosh— his sleeves were rolled up and he couldn't roll them down since someone tied his hands to his back.
His hair was also tied up, leaving his naked neck to feel the cold wind sweeping through his entire body. Leaving goosebumps on Espresso and causing him to shiver.
"Don't be so gloomy, Espresso! Its Christmas!" Snow sugar smiled sweetly as they made their way inside of lattes house.
Latte picked up Espresso and hopped off of Snow king. Dragging the mage inside of her humble abode and sitting him on a stool chair.
"All the more reasons to be gloomy." The coffee mage rolled his eyes as he was tossed about like a rag doll.
Latte rummaged through her wardrobe, looking for anything that will look appealing and fit on Espressos slim body.
Snow sugar, summoned Snow king to entertain Espresso. Doing cool tricks which Espresso found un-amusing. And by the acknowledgment that the mage didn't really look happy. They couldn't help but question why.
"Oh! I don't know! Maybe because I'm tied up and about to get dressed up against my will!" Espresso pitched his voice, sounding happy but the sarcasm was certainly way to obvious for any cookies liking.
"Uh.. was that sarcasm..?" Snow sugar asked, putting a hand on their chin as they blinked owlishly at Espresso.
"Oh, I don't know! What do you think?" Espresso still had the same tone of sarcasm in his voice as Snow sugar hummed in discomfort and awkwardness.
They shook their head, choosing to instead tell stories about his adventures with Snow king as Espresso tried to tune him out but failed.
Seriously, what were these cookies problems? Espresso just wanted to have a nice day, working, in his lab. Not wasting his precious time getting kidnapped and dressed up like a barbie doll.
Latte let out a triumphant laugh as she picked up a red caplet, along with a red winter skirt with little cute balls of wool in the front. It was a flattering fit and comfy.
The witch wondered how this was in her wardrobe in the first place. She doesn't remember buying this dress before until it all clicked in.
Latte finally remembered that she had bought this for Espresso last year! For him to wear at the Christmas party that was being held by Princess cookie.
And as always, the mage refused and locked himself in his lab. Going to extreme lengths to make sure no one could disturb him.
"Oh..my..gosh.. this is gonna be AMAZING!~" Latte chirped loudly ad she turned around and tossed the caplet and dress towards Espresso.
"Wait a minute— not this again! Latte no! I told you I'm never ever gonna wear that!" Espresso gasped with a horrified look as the dress landed straight on his lap.
The memories flashing back through his brain. The way the outfit suited him and actually made him look flattering was what made Espresso more annoyed.
"Snow sugar, please take a step outside in the leaving room and wait! I'm gonna have to deal with this myself." Latte smiled innocently, clasping her hands together and Snow sugar reluctantly agreed.
As Snow sugar left, they took one short look at Espresso who was shaking his head, his eyes were thin and slitted. Staring at Snow sugars soul. Snow sugar felt guilty as they shut the door closed.
And as they waited outside, they could hear the screeching and mortification in Espressos voice. Lattes reassuring words and a lot of loud banging. Perhaps from Espresso kicking and flailing and trying to run away from Latte.
"No— don't you dare— Latte!"
"Oh come on! It's gonna look cute!"
"let me go this instant! I am not a mannequin!"
Bang!
"Give me back my clothes!"
"I'm just dressing you—stop moving! We're cousins remember!"
A lot of screaming and protesting can be heard from the walk in closet and Snow sugar sat on the couch anxiously. A bit nervous about what was going on inside.
Snow sugar has never seen Espresso yell like this. He never panicked in-front of others, usually keeping his calm facade and an expressionless face as his moves were calculated and perfected in every way possible.
The screeching continued and you can even hear wood scraping and boxes falling off the damned walls. Perhaps from Espressos sharp pointy nails gripping tightly onto some stable wood as Latte dressed him like a doll.
"Latte its itchy—"
"Its because of the tag— here let me cut it."
"OW— why are you making it so tight!?"
"You need to show off your figure Espresso!"
"NOO!"
.
.
.
The yelling stopped, which considered Snow sugar. What happened? Did one of them kill each other— or did they both pass out from exertion.
They hopped off the couch, going to the door and knocking on it. No answer, all Snow sugar heard was boxes moving and more rummaging.
"Uh..guys..? Are you two alright..?" Snow sugar spoke softly, putting their ear on the door to hear anything from one of the two cookies.
After a moment of silence, they began to grow worried. Snow sugar was unsure of they should open the door, he wanted to give them privacy but what if they both passed out and needed first aid?
Snow sugar was just about to knock again until the door swung open. Making them stumble backwards a bit.
Snow sugar stepped back a bit and looked up at the two, before gasping in amazement.
Espresso stood awkwardly, his hand holding his other hands wrist and turning his head to the side in annoyance. He wore a stern frown on his face and his eyebrows furrowed.
His hair was also styled and tied up in a low, short ponytail. He was wearing white stocking and Christmas boots.
"Espresso! You look stunning!" Snow sugar clapped their hands together and gave him a big round of applause.
Latte squealed, "ahh! I know right he looks so adorable in this Christmas dress!" She pinched the mages cheek and Espresso swatted her hand away with an awkward frown.
"Enough with the unnecessary compliments!" The mage hissed and tried to straighten his dress down. Latte went over to fix his white-ruffled headband.
Latte then figured she should put a bit of make up on Espresso since that would help him pop out more.
Shes sure a certain knight would love that~
Espresso dreaded this exact moment, being treated like a mannequin and getting makeup done on his face. Snow sugar helped put blush on his face as Latte did his eyeliner.
This wasn't the first time that Latte had dragged Espresso over to her house to get his makeup done. Every time the kingdom had a huge party, Latte would immediately think of Espresso and dash over to his lab. Break in, kidnap him in broad daylight, and prepped him for the upcoming event.
Espresso coughed as Snow sugar sprayed some cologne on him. "What is—"
"Snow sugar? Where did you get that coffee perfume from? You know Espresso already smells like coffee, and his scent is very strong.." Latte asked as Snow sugar hummed in confusion, looking up at her and plastering a guilty face.
"Well I just thought it might make him smell sweet.." Snow sugar smiled nervously, scratching the nape of their neck as Latte gave them a sympathetic smile.
Latte went over to grab some sort of perfume and walked back over to Espresso. Snow sugar looked intently, raising an eyebrow as the witch sprayed three pumps on the coffee mage.
Espressos coughing fit continued, the sweet perfume Latte just sprayed smelled sweet and overwhelming. "What scent is this..?" The mage asked as he sneezed, the perfume was strong and made his nose twitch.
"Lá Vanilla Créme!" She chirped as she sprayed it one more time. Espresso swatted his hands in the air, trying to get the perfume out of his face. The scent was disgustingly sweet.
And his face was already covered in makeup. "Espresso you look so cute!" Latte smiled as she adjusted the bow keeping his low pony tail in good condition.
"Madeleines gonna love this!" Snow sugar accidentally said out loud, Espressos eyes grew sharp and wide, his brows furrowed. "Is that why you're dressing me up!? To impress Madeleine!?" The mage hissed, his face was flushed either in anger or he was flustered.
Snow sugar backed up from the mad man, "n—no! Thats not what I meant!" They protested as they put their hands in-front of them in defense. Latte stood between them, trying to calm both of them down.
"Oh, Espresso! Don't be such a baby! They were just kidding. Come on, lets go! We have holiday stuff to do after all!" Latte took both of their hands and dragged them out the door.
It was now the afternoon, the weather was humid and snow was falling from the sky. They can hear children laughing and playing in the snow.
There were also some choruses singing a holiday song. Espresso huffed and tried to tune the noise out, crossing his arms and shivering from the cold breeze
Latte was taking him to god knows where and his naked arms we're practically freezing in this cold weather.
Espresso looked around and saw Caramel Choux putting on some Christmas decorations on the light poles.
Are they going to the town square? Well it was pretty obvious but whatever..
"Why are we going to the town square?" Espresso asked, Latte continued to drag him and Snow sugar took that as a sign to talk. "Thats where all the fun stuff is happening!" They smiled as they entered the Town Square.
Yeah.. "fun" is what Espresso bitterly thought as he rolled his eyes. What was there that was so fun?
Assaulting others with a ball of cold snow? Doesn't sound so amusing, stuffing your face with sickeningly sweet treats? Sounds disgusting.
And most importantly..all the lovebirds kissing under a mistletoe.. don't make me puke..
Once they entered, Espresso could already smell the hot chocolate coming from a little stand that Cocoa cookie was working in. Her boyfriend was also helping her sell some, attracting the costumers with his music notes on his violin.
A snowball had been thrown at the professor—!?
"Ah! What the!?" Espresso turned his head around with an angered expression and saw pink hair poking out from behind a tree.
"Strawberry Crepe, I know its you." And with a laugh of defeat, the little kid went out from their hiding spot and dashed over towards Espresso.
"Old man! I didn't expect you to be here!" Strawberry crepe snickered and Espresso couldn't help but cringe at the name the kid had given him.
"Yeah, me neither.." Espresso sighed as Latte ran away and left him alone, going to a certain detective. Snow sugar stayed and gave Strawberry Crepe a small wave, they gave a hum of acknowledgment.
Strawberry Crepe kneeled down on the ground and started making another snowball. "Up for a Snowball fight?" They grinned as they tossed the snowball in the air and caught it.
Espresso shook his head, "I am a very busy man—" Strawberry Crepe rolled their eyes, "what? Scared you're gonna lose?" They teased, throwing the snowball at his caplet and sticking their tongue out.
Snow sugar backed away, not trying to be in the middle of the war that was about to start.
Espressos eyes grew sharp, his pupils dilated and his nails clenched his palms. A forced smile spread across his face, "maybe I could spare some time!" He clasped his hands together and Strawberry Crepe smirked.
"take cover!" Strawberry Crepe screeched to pancake as they ducked down under a large rock. Espresso launched the dozens of snowballs toward the kids, aiming it right towards Snow sugar and Cherry cookie.
Snow sugar yelped as they dropped to the ground, getting hit right in the forehead, Cherry cookie whined and complained that it wasn't fair that they were playing with an adult.
"Thats no fair! He got almost all of us!" Strawberry Crepe said to Pancake, watching as their teammates got hit one by one. Espresso continued to conjure up snowballs with his magic and sending it light speed at the kids.
"This is dangerous..should we stop them..?" Cherry blossom hummed, watching as Cherry cookie climbed up the tree to try and aim better. Werewolf hummed, "they seem pretty happy to me."
Latte chuckled nervously, "don't you all think Espresso is taking this a tad bit far..?" Almond placed a hand on her shoulder. "Not to worry, Espresso isn't that crazy to actually hurt the kids.. I think." He tried to reassure her as he continued to watch Espresso and the kids mess around with the snowballs.
As a snowball came flying towards the mage, Espresso caught it in his hands and melted it with his coffee magic. The melted snowball turned into dirty water as he poured it on the floor.
Strawberry Crepe pulled their hair, "What!? That's so unfair!" They hissed and ordered Pancake to make more snowballs. They did as they were told and Strawberry Crepe continued to try aim it at Espresso.
Espresso levitated in the air and dodged their attacks, "I'll show you a true snowball fight." He laughed as he conjured up a ring of snowballs, they were also covered in a thick coat of hard ice. Since when did Espresso know how to do that type of stuff—!?
"He— he's gonna kill the kids with that!" Latte shrieked as she tried to yell for Espresso to stop.
But it was too late as the snowballs were about to aim for Strawberry crepes head as Pancake stared owlishly at the large ice brick coming their way.
Strawberry Crepe covered themselves and pancake with their cape, bracing for impact.
But nothing came for them, Strawberry Crepe blinked their eyes open to see a tall man with a broad figure standing in front of them. A shield in hand.
"Madeleine!"
The knights shield disappeared and he gave the kids a reassuring smile. "Are you two alright?" Pancake, still in a state of shock, could only nod and fall flat on the floor.
Strawberry Crepe nodded, "Espresso was about to kill us!" They shrieked and Madeleine laughed, "is that so?" The knight looked over to Espresso who was now levitating back down onto the floor.
"Madeleine?"
"E—Espresso!"
Madeleines face flushed as he saw what the mage was wearing. Espresso walked over to him, strutting elegantly as his sharp eyes observed the knight before him.
"You look so divine this Christmas, Espresso!" His face flushed as Espresso suddenly got closer to him. Madeleine was also wearing a red cape with fur on the lines. He almost looked identical to Santa, a black belt was placed on his hips and he also wore a Santa hat.
"Not bad yourself." Espresso huffed, crossing his arms as he realized that they were both dressed up to match each other.
Madeleine chuckled and thanked him, "I hadn't realized that you were coming to the town square! Someones finally in the Christmas spirit, ay?" He nudged Espresso and the mage rolled his eyes. Pushing him back with his hips.
"I was forced here." The mage huffed and Madeleine couldn't help but wrap an arm around his shoulder. "Well, everyone should have just a little fun! Plus we're matching!" Madeleine laughed, acting as if he was proud of himself for something he didn't do.
Strawberry Crepe crossed their arms and rolled their eyes at the display of love going on in-front of them. "Hey, you two! I have an idea!" They smiled.
Madeleine and Espresso raised an eyebrow at the kid, "Christmas is a great holiday, there are many things to do! Like snow ball fights, hot coco, ice skating, snow boarding..." they counted with their fingers as they looked up at the sky. Thinking for more things to add on the list.
"..but most importantly.. the best thing ever to do on Christmas.."
Madeleine listened intently with wide eyes as Espresso rolled his. Obviously not amused.
"A Ginger-bread house building contest!"
And now the two sat, across from each other. Icing and balancing the damn gingerbread on a flat paper plate. Strawberry Crepe had led them to their bakery shop, where they ordered them to sit and wait.
Strawberry Crepe went to get the gingerbread houses and frosting while the two sat, Madeleine making small talk and how it was so wonderful to celebrate Christmas with Espresso.
As the child came toward them and plopped the gingerbread down, they instructed them that whoever makes the best looking gingerbread house in half an hour wins.. Strawberry Crepe thought for a second, what should the winner get?
"Ah! The winner gets nominated Best Gingerbread Maker of the Year!"
Espresso was determined to win.
Espresso was sharp and calculated, he was good at this. The mage put the frosting and stuck the roof together. Adding gumdrops to the top. Meanwhile with Madeleine, he was struggling to stick them together since they kept on falling. His hands were large and kept on poking at the other walls, causing them to collapse.
The knight was already wasting so much frosting and his hands were covered. Madeleine looked over to Espresso and watched as the mage iced a door onto the gingerbread front wall.
"Espresso! How are you so good at this!? I cant even put the walls on properly.." Madeleine whined and sighed in defeat, stretching his arms out on the table.
Espresso stared blankly at him, unfazed and annoyed at Madeleines childish behavior. The mage looked over to Madeleines gingerbread to find it disastrous, it looked as if Dark Enchantress had came and crumbled it whole.
Stifling in a laugh, Espresso shook his head and stood up, walking over to the knights side. "Here, let me help. Just a bit." Madeleine flushed bright red once Espresso scooted close to him, going over to grab the ice packet and the gingerbread.
The first thing Espresso did was scrape off the messy icing off of the gingerbread. Madeleine watched as Espresso licked the icing off of his fingers then apologizing for it.
The knight watched intently like he was instructed to. Making sure he didn't miss one detail.
Espressos hands were stiff and didn't tremble once, squeezing some icing at the edges and without his hands trembling. He grabbed another gingerbread wall and pressed it on the icing end of the other.
"There, do it like how I did." Espresso said before standing back up and going on his side. "Don't hesitate, and make sure your hands don't shake." Espresso pointed out as he continued to decorate his own gingerbread house.
"Right! Thanks!"
Madeleine was doing much better now after watching Espresso demonstrate it for him. Although, in Madeleines opinion, his wasn't near as good as Espressos was.
Theres only about two more minute on the timer and Madeleine was hastily doing his, putting sprinkles messily on the roof and gumdrops were plopped randomly on the ground.
Espresso was taking his time, elegantly placing a few pinches of sprinkles on the sides of his house. The mage even decided to do a little snowman.
Once they were both done, there were only thirty more seconds on the timer. So Madeleine and Espresso covered their masterpieces with a hallow box and waited for the timer to go off.
The time went off and Strawberry Crepe practically dashed toward the table, Espresso straightened his back and crossed his legs. Smiling, knowing he was going to win.
"Okay! Lets see the houses!" They declared and Madeleine made a move and uncovered both Espressos and his. Strawberry Crepe inspected the gingerbreads hows, cringing at Madeleines but giving a nod of approval for Espressos.
Madeleine sighed, already knowing he was gonna lose, he hated losing but if it was Espresso he was losing against, then thats alright.
After another good minute of nodding while looking around the gingerbread houses, Strawberry Crepe finally spoke.
"After thinking of this very carefully.." Strawberry Crepe started, putting their hands behind their back. "The winner is.."
Espresso crossed his arms, unfazed. Already knowing he was going to win, as for Madeleine, well he smiled without any complaints in his face.
"Madeleine cookie!"
Espresso almost choked on his own saliva.
"WHAT!?"
"I won—!?"
Madeleine sat straight up in shock as Espresso stood up, crossing his arms in annoyance. Seriously!?
"This is rigged! How did that win!?" Espresso hissed, pointing over to Madeleines disastrous excuse of a gingerbread house, and Madeleine couldn't help but chuckle. He stood up and placed a hand on Espressos head.
"Don't be so angered, Espresso! Sometimes we must accept defeat." Madeleine ruffled Espressos hair, the mage groaned and swatted his hand away. Strawberry Crepe looked at them sheepishly.
"Well..I feel like it would only be fair.. Espresso you already got nominated for an award!" Strawberry Crepe chuckled, scratching the nape of their neck.
Espresso raised an eyebrow, suddenly intrigued and less annoyed. "Award? What award?" He asked, placing a hand on his hips. Madeleine nodded, also pretty interested on what Espresso won.
Strawberry Crepe told them to wait here, dashing behind the counter and to the back.
Once they came back, they were holding something behind their back.
With a deep breath, Strawberry Crepe smiled.
"You were nominated as Best Snowball Fighter Of The Year!" They cheered and pulled out a crown, it was icicle themed and looked beautiful. Like a Snow Queens crown.
"What..!?"
Espresso flushed as Madeleine grabbed the crown and placed it on the crown of his head.
Madeleine smiled brightly and adjusted the crown to make it look more straight.
"I never expected less from you, Espresso! That whole snowball fight was amazing!" Madeleine praised and clasped his hands together, completely discarding the fact that Madeleine had gotten nominated Best Gingerbread Maker of the Year.
The mages face flushed maroon as he looked away. Crossing his arms, "was that a compliment..? I— I am unsure how to respond." Espresso mumbled, twiddling with his caplet.
Madeleine looked shocked, "I always compliment you! Do other people not?" He asked, placing a comforting hand on Espressos shoulder. "People do— but rarely. I don't know what to say.." Espresso was now fully flustered and covering his face.
"You can always compliment them back!" Madeleine said, pointing a finger to himself. Espresso looked him up and down.
"Uhm.. I like your muscles..?" Espresso shrugged, unsure if that was the right thing to say or not. Madeleine chuckled and shook his head playfully, "not bad! I'll take it!"
Strawberry Crepe rolled their eyes at the sudden public display of affection. Cringing eternally, "alright, out of my bakery, lovebirds." They hissed and pushed the two out with their waffle bots.
Madeleine laughed awkwardly as he stood outside, waving and bidding Strawberry Crepe a goodbye as Espresso chided the child, saying that they were in fact not dating. That Strawberry Crepe was being crazy and Espresso didn't wanna hear them say that ever again.
Espresso dragged Madeleine to divines knows where. Annoyed and frustrated, perhaps since he lost the (very unfair) gingerbread house contest.
Madeleine calmed him down saying that in his heart, Espresso was the true winner, but Espresso just brushed him off. “Say, how about some hot coco to lighten up your mood?” He smiled, leading Espresso over to Cocoas stand.
“Welcome you two! I expected you guys to be here together!” She chirped as she gestured them to sit down on the cushioned seat. Madeleine smiled awkwardly, “what do you mean?” Espresso asked, crossing his arms. “Oh nothing!” Cocoa giggled, “what would you guys like?” She asked, pointing over to the menu.
Espresso looked for a split second before asking, “do you have any coffee?” The mage asked and Cocoa blinked owlishly. “Coffee..uh.. thats off menu but I can mix it in with the hot coco.” She said, Espresso nodded, pleased with the thought that he would have coffee after such a dreadful morning.
“And for you?” Cocoa cookie asked the knight and Madeleine smiled, “Peppermint hot coco please!” Cocoa nodded and went to the back to prepare the hot coco.
Madeleine decided to make small talk while they wait. He turned over to Espresso, “so! What made you wear such an outstanding outfit today, Espresso? It fits you perfectly.” Madeleine smiled, putting a hand on his chin. Espresso looked over towards him, awkwardly as his body stiffened at the compliments.
“Latte dragged me out of my lab and forced me to wear it..” Espresso sighed, tapping on the wooden table out of boredom. “Oh, right! Well at least you’re in the Christmas spirit!”
“I’m not.”
Madeleine shut his mouth, a cold sweat ran down his head as the tension in the air grew awkward. The knight always had something to say, to lighten up the mood. To steer the conversation somewhere else. With Espresso though.. he was certainly a hard book to read. Madeleine didn’t know what Espresso would like to talk about, perhaps only coffee magic, but Madeleine knew nothing of the sort.
Maybe talking about their expeditions would help. Madeleine tried to speak, his mouth was slightly open as he tried to process the right words to say. Divines, this was hard. Madeleine tried again, finally a small r sound came out of him before Espresso spoke.
“Do you remember, that time when you said you’d travel the world, but instead wanted to stay with me in the Vanilla Kingdom?”
Madeleine blinked, processing his words through his thick skull. “Yes..! I do!” He smiled, finally. Was his only thought before Espresso turned his whole body towards him. Hands in his lap as his legs dangled from the tall chair.
“I have a question..” he mumbled and Madeleines head perked up at that, a question? From the Great Noble Espresso? Oh now that was interesting!
“Oh, do tell!” Madeleine smiled, giving a small grin, and Espresso couldn’t help but stare sharply into his soul. Thinking of the next thing he should say.
“Why did you.. want to come with me in the first place?” Espresso asked in a hushed voice, suddenly twiddling with the fluffy string balls on his caplet. Looking down and away from Madeleine.
“Oh—” Madeleine huffed awkwardly, unsure of what to say, should he just be honest or should he just make up a horrible lie? “Well, I didn’t want to leave you alone. I also think I would miss you..which I did! Since I went to travel the world instead. I don’t know why— I guess I just wanted to stay by your side!” Madeleine rambled, suddenly twirling his hair and looking around, looking anywhere but at Espresso.
The mage looked over at Madeleines blue eyes, they always seemed dreamy to Espresso. He might’ve had a thing for men with blue eyes but thats besides the point! “Oh, is that so? Well, I suppose I also wished for you to stay—”
“Here you go! Please enjoy!”
Espresso was cut off as Cocoa placed the tray in-front of them. “Ah, thank you!” Madeleine smiled, grabbing his share and taking a long sip. Humming delightfully. Cocoa cookie nodded, going back to observe her boyfriend perform.
Madeleine was still confused on what Espresso was about to say to him, so he tried to stir up the conversation again. “So what were you saying earlier?” Espresso looked up at him, head tilted. After a split second of silence, Espresso finally realized what Madeleine had meant. “Ah, that.. nothing of importance.” The mage brushed him off once again.
They continued to sip on their warm hot coco, silence was the only thing accompanying them. An awkward tension swarmed in the air as Madeleine still tried to figure out what Espresso said earlier.
Madeleine didn’t want to be rude, but he was upset that Cocoa cookie interrupted his conversation with Espresso. It was like the mage was about to say something that was important, something that would change the mood to something..better.
Once they were both finished, Madeleine suggested going to the ice skating rink. Espresso agreed, wanting to do anything to stop the awkward tension between them.
“Cmon Espresso lets skate!” Madeleine said, his movement a bit flimsy, he was still new to ice skating but he’s gotten the hang of it. “I can hold your hand so you don’t fall!” Madeleine offered, skating over to the entrance. Reaching out a hand towards him.
Espresso scoffed, “no need.” He rejected, before swiftly going on the ice, skating gracefully and doing some spins. Madeleines mouth opened in shock, he has never seen Espresso ice skate before..
Madeleine watched, admired and sighing dreamily at the sight of Espressos caplet flowing each time Espresso jumped and spun around on the ice.
The knight skated towards him, trying to catch up with the swift mage. “Espresso! I didn’t know you could skate!” Madeleine smiled and grabbed Espresso. Lifting him up in the air. “Hey— put me down!” Espresso hissed, Madeleine spun him in the air and caught him. The cookies around them gasp in awe, murmuring and watching as the two did a little performance.
“Do you have to make a crowd!?” Espresso blushed as Madeleine caught him, their faces were inches away. “Your talent should not be kept hidden!” Madeleine laughed and lifted him back on his own two feet.
“Don’t pull a stunt like that again.” Espresso huffed before twirling and “showing off” his ice skating skills.
“Don’t make a crowd huh?” Madeleine huffed amusingly.
After the two stopped ice skating, Espresso decided to go to the huge Christmas tree in the middle of the Town Square. He needed a break from all this nonsense of “fun”
Madeleine smiled, nose red from the cold season. It was almost night time and there were even more people in the Town Square. There are usually visitors at night to watch the lights on the Christmas tree light up. It was a popular place after all!
“Its almost time for the Christmas tree to be lightened up, will you watch it with me Espresso?” Madeleine asked, standing in front of the large Christmas tree. Espresso looked up at him, arms crossed and a small smile on his face. “If you insist.” Madeleine laughed at his lack of joyful tone.
“Alright! Welcome everybody and thank you for coming!” Caramel Choux was holding a microphone in her hand to make her voice louder.
Everyone gathered around the tree to listen to her announcement. “It is the most wonderful time~ of the year!~” Caramel Choux chirped and everyone applauded and laughed along with her.
“And it is now time to light up the biggest Christmas tree EarthBread had ever seen!” A countdown was hovered in the air with ten seconds on it. “I would like for all of you to countdown! Loud and clear for everyone to hear!” She shouted, a red button was presented in front of her on a long stand.
“Ready? Ten!” The cookies in the crowd cheered back, screaming and waving as the countdown began.
“Nine!” More cheering and laughing.
“Eight!”
“Seven!”
“Six!”
“Five!” The crowd began to chant louder, Madeleine screamed his heart out as Espresso covered his ears in annoyance. Looking up at the tree.
“Four!”
“Three!” Just two more seconds in.
“Two!”
“Are you ready..!” Caramel Choux asked loudly, her hands hovering over the button as the crowd of cookies cheered her on.
“ONE!”
Caramel Choux pressed the button and the Christmas lights turned on, flashing everybody who were even a few miles away from the Town Square. A lot of “awes” and “ohhs” were heard from the crowd as they admired the blinding Tree in front of them.
Madeleine smiled like a child and looked up at the Christmas tree. Beautiful and sparkly. The many ornaments donated and offered by many citizens shined bright in the cold of the night.
Madeleine paused.
“Espresso..”
The mage looked over to him with a hum, “ah..look up.” Madeleine pointed up above them. Espresso looked up and blinked, owlishly. His brain trying to process what was up between the two.
The crowd fell silent.
A mistletoe.
Espressos eyes grew wide, his head snapped back to Madeleine. The knight looked at him with a shy smile and a flushed face.
Madeleine grabbed his waist cautiously, looking for any signs of rejection. Espresso put his hands on Madeleines chest, blushing madly and his body was stiff. Eyes dilated and caplet flowing in the cold wind.
“Still in the Christmas spirit?” Madeleine asked, a hopeful look in his eyes.
Espresso almost fainted.
“Uh— y..yeah.” Espresso murmured, their faces inches away before Madeleine leaned in for a kiss. Their lips met each others and Espresso immediately melted into the sweet kiss.
One of Madeleine hands went over to cup the mages hair, pulling his head close and deepening the kiss. His tongue slipped inside of Espressos mouth as the Christmas tree continued to shine bright in front of the two.
Espresso closed his eyes, his hands wrapped around Madeleines neck.
The crowd cheered and gasped as they took in the sight of Madeleine and Espresso. Kissing like they were madly in love. Fireworks were set off, causing such a beautiful scene of Madeleine and Espresso.
It was their moment, and it lasted seconds. Although to the mage and the knight, it felt like it lasted forever.
Espresso pulled away first, gasping for air. A string of saliva still connecting them together. “Madeleine..” Espresso panted, glasses fogged and face covered with blush. Madeleine was also breathless. The kiss was intense and enough to make Espressos brain turn to mush.
The fireworks were still going and Espresso could still hear Latte squealing in the background. Recording and hyping them up madly.
“Espresso..did I overstep?” Madeleine asked, concerned that Espresso pushed his head in Madeleines chest. Hiding himself away from the many cameras darted towards them.
“No..it was just intense. I..I like it.” Espresso blushed, nuzzling into his chest. Madeleine held him tightly, brushing his hair back. “I did too!” Madeleine smiled.
Espresso looked up at him, face flushed and his eyes suddenly had a new spark to it. “Is the mistletoe still there…?” He asked and Madeleine nodded. The mage took that as a chance to kiss Madeleine again, leaping on him and deepening the kiss. Madeleine gladly reciprocated and kissed him back as the fireworks continued to go off.
Madeleine was the next to pull away, “Espresso, I love you…and not just as a friend, I love love LOVE you.. as in.. will you be my boyfriend?” Madeleine asked, shy and his body suddenly grew nervous as his hands began to shake.
Espresso blinked at him, his brain was still mushy but he could still register what Madeleine had just confessed.
“Yes! I will! Please!” Espresso gasped, eyes wide and his voice grew desperate. Was he dreaming? This must be a dream, someone wake him up—
Madeleine kissed him again, and now Espresso knew this was all real. That he wasn’t dreaming, that Madeleine really did love him. That Madeleine was kissing him—
Underneath the mistletoe.
Maybe Christmas wasn’t so bad after all.