princesstoadstool: (Norm β†’ Taken Back)
Princess Peach ([personal profile] princesstoadstool) wrote in [community profile] thoughtsofvorfreude2018-11-22 05:39 am

Sweet On You 🍭











each sat behind the counter, having lost that delicate posture the first few days held. It had been almost a week and a half since she'd officially opened, and after a few days suddenly all the business had dried up. She had been so hopeful, so sure of herself. When she had ran away from the kingdom, fleeing her responsibilities in favor of new ones. Of a life of her choosing. She wanted to bake-- to breathe! She didn't want to be tied down, only to look pretty until someone saw fit to marry her off to look pretty elsewhere. It wasn't that Toadsworth made her unhappy, he had done such a good job raising her-- perhaps too good of a job. She grew eager for independence, to care for herself, to prove that she was able to live in the real world. She knew he loved her, as much if not more than someone could love their own child, but she also knew he was scared for her. Scared to let her see the world-- and she wanted nothing more than that!

So she had run away with nothing in hand and little more than a desire to make her own mark upon the world. It took everything she had. She sold her jewels, every last one except the small crown she kept hidden under the tiny bed on the second floor of her shop. She put it all into this place, as small as it was-- because she wanted to make herself some kind of a future. She may not have known the 'real world' as Toadsworth had called it, but she wanted to experience it. And for the first few days, it was glorious.

When her shop opened it had been busy, almost, but as each day went by less and less people came. Even those who promised to return stopped coming, to the point she had gone three days without a sale and began to wonder if she'd have to crawl back home with her tail between her legs. She bit her lip at the thought.

Where had everything gone so wrong?
hylianknight: (Aware)

[personal profile] hylianknight 2018-11-23 12:08 pm (UTC)(link)


He waited, watching. He could see the blonde girl sitting slumped over behind the counter, and his eyes traced over her as if he was memorizing the way she looked. Only when he was satisfied did he push the glass door open.

Link stepped through the doorway and closed his eyes for just a moment. It looked neat and pretty enough in the shop, but the real jewel was the smell. It was everything a bakery should smell like: fresh-baked bread, sugary cupcakes, even some full-on cakes. All of it smelled exquisite and despite himself, his stomach growled.

"Sorry," he apologized sheepishly to the girl behind the counter. "It all smells good, you know?" He leaned down just a little to really examine the display of sweets, and ended up almost bursting into laughter. As it was he couldn't help but chuckle just a little--the girl, whoever she was, hadn't been able to restrain herself. There was a little of everything behind the glass: cupcakes of every size, shape and topping; cakes from birthday to holiday to everyday; interesting and complex little baked sweets he'd never heard of or only ever seen in pictures.

"Is this shop new?" He asked her, still smiling, and rose. "I don't think I remember it being here before, but it's been a while." He shifted his hoodie and fished his phone out from one of his pockets, tapping at it briefly before it went back inside his slacks. He brushed his blond hair back from his eyes and looked at the girl behind the counter, really looked at her, for the first time since he'd walked in.

"And do you have any recommendations?"
hylianknight: (Happy)

[personal profile] hylianknight 2018-11-23 10:22 pm (UTC)(link)
"Well it worked. Here I am." He smiled easily, looking at her without turning his head away from the tantalizing display case. She covered her mouth to hide her nervousness but couldn't quite manage to avoid some of it seeping into her tone and her little laugh. He wondered kindly if she'd practiced the greeting in front of the mirror once or twice to keep from flubbing it when customers arrived.

they made a funny comparison: she was all tiptoes and caution, looking as high-strung as an over-tuned violin. He, on the other hand, was as relaxed as could be, smiling easily and hunched comfortably as he stared past the glass. He didn't tease her about it, of course--that would be mean, and even having just met her he could tell being cruel to this girl was basically like kicking a puppy. Or tapping a kitten too hard on the nose.

"Just a week or so," he repeated "Congratulations!" He nodded as she guessed at what the shop had been previously. A laundromat sounded about right: he'd been lucky to end up in a dorm with easy access to a washer and dryer, but not all his friends were so fortunate. He knew several of them came around this way to do laundry, so if this was the place then it matched up.

He looked away after meeting her sunny gaze for just a moment: it was a little too innocent, a little too pure. It was the kind of expression anyone with an even remotely guilty conscience couldn't bear for too long: she was that kind of naΓ―ve. It helped that if he was looking away from her face he was also looking away from the sweater she wore and the way she leaned so far over to see into her own display case. Very distracting.

"Favorite flavors..." he thought about it for a moment. "I'm not much of a sweets buff, but... anything lemon is right up my alley." He let her think of an appropriate snack for just a moment before the urge to tease her overwhelmed him. "And if you can't find the perfect snack, what do I get?"
Edited 2018-11-23 22:23 (UTC)
hylianknight: (Glasses)

[personal profile] hylianknight 2018-11-24 03:04 am (UTC)(link)
He would have thought he complimented her outfit or the way her blue eyes shone, by the way she smiled at him. A simple "congratulations" was nice, but it wasn't the kind of compliment (was it even one?) that made someone's day... except clearly it had. Her smile was dazzling and so was her appreciative "Thank you!" It was the sort of thing that was a little hard to look at straight on, and Link was glad he could still duck and stare at the confections in the display. Her face, he decided, was the kind that would make you spill your deepest secrets if you weren't careful. Link didn't have many, but he kept them pretty close to his chest.

"You're welcome," he replied, and realized a little late just how broadly he was smiling. How could he help it? Her happiness was so infectious. He ducked his head a little and watched her peer over the display case, but instead of instantly picking something she seemed to deliberate for a couple moments... and then realize she didn't have quite what he wanted.

"Something new?" he asked, blinking. "Is it that easy? You must be a pretty good baker. The only things I can make are pretty simple recipes." He didn't bother telling her about how often he burned rice. He stood, after one last curious glance at the display case, and faced her head-on. He found her deep in thought and was content to wait, watching the gears turn in her head. He admired the way her blonde curls bounced and smile lit up as she pointed a finger in exultation. He even oohed and aahed appreciatively along with her idea, which was a very charming one.

But in the end, he couldn't help teasing her.
"What will you name it, then?"
hylianknight: (Crowned)

[personal profile] hylianknight 2018-11-24 05:37 am (UTC)(link)
He watched the baker puff up just a little at the compliment, the lack of modesty clearly foreign to her. It was endearing, but a little sad as well: he could imagine her slaving away on each individual sweet, hoping that it would be the one to bring someone in off the street. It would be the one to get her a loyal, repeat customer. And now so many of them were going uneaten, unenjoyed, and even worse--unnoticed. It wasn't fair.

"Mr. Stubborn Lemon Cake," he echoed, and couldn't help but laugh. She folded her arms and huffed at him, and he did stop laughing--but mostly because the action emphasized her already distracting chest. He recovered after a second and smiled at her. "That sounds about right. But don't you think the baker should have her own delicacy as well? I know-- Ms. Blushing Strawberry Cupcake." He teased her relentlessly as she bent down to inspect the bottom shelves. "If you find anything, don't you suppose I should get it for free? That's two names I've given you inspiration for. I'm beginning to feel like unpaid labor."
hylianknight: (Cold)

[personal profile] hylianknight 2018-11-24 07:53 am (UTC)(link)
There was a brief lull in the smiles, the laughs, the jokes: he saw just a hint of the disappointment, the sadness she was feeling, and he began to understand how much it must have been affecting her, waiting in an empty bakery like this. The strong sweetmaking woman, not quite so self-assured after all.

He was ready to apologize, to say sorry for his carelessness, but she moved on before he could. He was left with his mouth open, eyes downcast, hand outstretched. But his expression mellowed and even warmed as she offered him a taste. "Good," he answered her, "because I'm even hungrier now than when I walked in, after looking at all the delicious things in here. If I don't get to eat something I'm going to break the glass." He winked at her, trying to make sure the joke didn't scare her. Then he was all oohs and ahhs as she brought out the cake. "Wow," he breathed, and came close. He peered at the cake from all angles and almost missed it being actually cut.

The cake looked unbelievably good, and the smell made his mouth water. The piece was all soft and lemony and frosted, all fluffy and wobbly. He took the small fork and looked at it, then her, then it. "Can I take a bite?"
hylianknight: (Cute)

[personal profile] hylianknight 2018-11-24 10:42 am (UTC)(link)
It was good she said he could have a taste (or two, or five) because he wasn't sure he could wait any longer. "Then thank you very much," he said, not even looking at her: he only had eyes for the wobbling slice of cake in front of him. Carefully, delicately, he prodded it with the fork. He took a tiny, minuscule piece and was in the middle of inspecting it when she turned aside to put the cake back.

She set it away and took a mini-cupcake, small and adorable, to place beside the small slice. "Wow," he said again, his eyes almost as large as the plate the treats had been placed on. "What's the name of this one?" he asked her, and she turned away for a moment to peek at the label.

Then she turned back, and both cake and cupcake were gone. Link had his eyes closed, a dreamy expression on his face. He opened his eyes and licked his lips. "Whatever it is, those were both amazing."
hylianknight: (Blush)

[personal profile] hylianknight 2018-11-24 10:06 pm (UTC)(link)
"Well, it's delicious. Almost as good as the lemon whatever cake." He set the fork down and let out a sigh. After a moment he seemed to come back to himself, and at least had the decency to look a little embarrassed. "Sorry, I know I probably should have taken some time to properly enjoy them, but..." he shrugged helplessly. "I eat kind of fast, and..." if there was any end to his explanation, it was lost to an aimless, "they were really tasty."

He rolled his eyes at her teasing, but he couldn't deny it. "You were right, you were right." The two of them shared a good-natured smile and Link turned his head to watch someone walk by, look in--then continue walking. It kind of soured the mood.

"So... what made you decide to open a bakery? Besides, you know, being so good at baking." He wasn't the best at smalltalk, but he tried.
hylianknight: (Crouch)

[personal profile] hylianknight 2018-11-26 09:49 pm (UTC)(link)
"A good wife in the future, hmm?" He seized the opportunity to tease her back, just a little. "Who's the lucky guy?" Link grinned at her as he leaned on the display case, careful not to put too much weight on it or put his fingerprints everywhere. The glass was so clean he had to wonder if she'd scrubbed it that day, every day, every hour...

not that it seemed like many people had come to smudge it.

"And, now that you've proved it, what next?" Link looked at her with honest curiosity, already thinking of what the next step could possibly be. A bigger bakery? Two of them? Wedding cakes?
"I'm kind of jealous, honestly. There's a whole lot I'm interested in, but there's nothing I'm this good at. It's pretty clear you've put a lot of work and love into this place."
hylianknight: (Downcast)

[personal profile] hylianknight 2018-11-26 11:11 pm (UTC)(link)
"Yet," he couldn't help but add, although he had a feeling he knew how red it would turn her. He hadn't known her for very long, but--oh.
"By the way, my name is Link. I should have mentioned that before."

He smiled at her sheepish expression, but it was a kind smile. Not a judgment on his part. "I understand that. Going with the wind is my middle name. Link going-with-the-wind. My parents were a little odd."

"Free cake," he confirmed, and pointed at the display case. "Any other flavors I can try?" he switched topics casually, scratching his head slightly, but there was a look in his eyes like that was a topic he didn't particularly want to talk about.
hylianknight: (Fond)

[personal profile] hylianknight 2018-11-27 12:21 am (UTC)(link)
The sound of his name on her tongue was surprisingly sweet.. It made him smile, and he couldn't have helped it if he wanted. "I mean, you could still call me ridiculous nicknames, but now they can be way more specific."

He rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "Oh, please. I haven't been knighted yet, you don't have to call me Sir. Just... 'wind-link' will do." She busied herself looking for another sweet he might try, and he busied himself watching her. He wasn't sure what it was, but something about how she looked when she was thinking about the perfect sweet... she sparkled a little.

Did that make sense?

"Wow," he said as she set the next delicacy on the plate. He admired it for a moment, looking from every angle, making sure he took this one a little slower. Or he'd try. "Peach," he echoed, trying out the name. "Peach. Like 'pretty as a?'" Another wink and then he took a piece with his silver fork, and took a taste.

"Wow," he said again, tasting the delicate chocolate and smooth mousse. "Is there anything you can't make?"
hylianknight: (Fond)

[personal profile] hylianknight 2018-11-28 12:03 am (UTC)(link)
She didn't have much of a poker face, he was learning. As soon as he paid her a very simple compliment, her ears were cherry-red. He watched her in very obvious enjoyment as she struggled for something to say in return: poor little Peach wasn't quite so used to playful banter, it seemed. That just made it even more fun to tease her.

"No, no, cobbler isn't good enough," he said in between bites of the rapidly disappearing cupcake. "I'll settle for 'Peach' as in 'Peaches and cream.'" He didn't mean anything too dirty by it, and he figured he was safe, seeing as Peach so far had shown herself to be fairly naive.

"What's the next big project, then?" he asked. "I see cupcakes in there, muffins, cakes, and so on..." he tapped the fork lightly against the plate, a pure sound ringing out throughout the store. Somehow his blond hair had come in front of an eye, so he swept it away with a spare hand. "Multiple layer cakes? Bridal? Macaroons?"

He almost knew what the last one meant.
hylianknight: (Downcast)

[personal profile] hylianknight 2018-11-28 12:43 am (UTC)(link)
He laughed along with her. He didn't know her too well, but he already understood it was a very Peach answer: of course she wanted to make all of them, just as he imagined she wanted to try all of them, and have everyone try each one.

He took the last bite of the cupcake and began to worry she wouldn't accept his money when it came time to pay her. Thoughts of slipping a bill into her empty tip jar or something along those lines filled his mind, but he didn't miss the look on her face. At first, abject happiness...

And then, watered down with disappointment.

"It seems like a good dream to me," he mentioned. "And the cool thing about it, in my opinion, is that you're already most of the way there. Imagine how many people have dreams like yours and how few of them have a shop! Or even know how to really bake."

"I mean, at least you have a dream," he finished ruefully.
hylianknight: (Downcast)

[personal profile] hylianknight 2018-11-28 10:04 am (UTC)(link)
"You're prepared!" he exclaimed, obviously impressed. Usually he didn't eat his sweets with milk, but that was more about his lack of preparation and less about his inclinations. He gratefully accepted the glass of milk and took a sip, then another. "Are you sure you haven't been doing this for... forever?" He narrowed his eyes at her playfully, another tease he couldn't quite pass up.

"'Yet' is pretty optimistic, he said, and sighed. "No big dreams, no small ones, no silly medium-sized ones." He held up a hand as if to say, sorry to disappoint. "I have lots of things I enjoy doing, but something big that all this is leading to...? Nope. Right now I'm just finishing college, and then...?" He shrugged, and took another sip.

It occurred to him then how odd it was for him to be divulging his frustrations to this woman he'd only met today--sooner, just in the last hour!--but somehow, it felt right. Something about her wide-eyed, curious expression made spilling his guts feel practically expected of him, around her. "Not even something as simple as opening a bakery. No offense."
hylianknight: (Downcast)

[personal profile] hylianknight 2018-12-01 03:09 am (UTC)(link)
"See?" he snapped his fingers. "I knew it. A baker from birth." He didn't miss the slight look downward she gave and the tightening of her lips that came with it, but he didn't quite understand what the expression meant. In the end he decided not to pry: even if he was exposing his soul to her, they really had only known each other for an hour or so.

"Yeah," he sighed, "that's what most people say. You can do anything! And I guess I could, but it's hard when there's nothing in particular that appeals to me. At least if I, I dunno, collected stamps I'd at least have something that made me me. And maybe it'll click, or maybe it won't. I don't know." He frowned and tapped a finger against the plate, then stood. She was easy to open his heart to--but he didn't make a habit of doing it often. It made him nervous.

"I should probably get going for now, but I can always stop in again, unless you're closed at odd hours. Is this enough?"
He fished in his pants for a crumpled ten-dollar bill and pushed it onto the counter.