#(i'm.)

You were hard at work looking for errors in the toy you crafted in class at the workshop. Spinning the rough wooden dog in your hands, you pulled the desk-mounted magnifying glass over your creation to get a closer look at the details. You were so focused on your task that you didn't hear the sound of the classroom door opening.

A gentle tap on your shoulder startled you. When you turned, you saw Strawberry Cream Cookie watching you curiously.

"Oh, hi, Strawberry Cream Cookie." You greeted cheerfully.

"Hi… Y/N Cookie." Strawberry Cookie replied quietly. You peered at the other Holiday Cookie when he didn't say anything. It was a little obvious that he wanted to give you something, as he bashfully avoided your gaze and had something hidden behind his back.

"You're still working really hard… I admire that." He said shyly. You smiled warmly at Strawberry Cream Cookie's sweet praise.

"Of course, I want to make sure the toys I build for the young Cookies are perfect so I can see their happy smiles." You said brightly. A delicate blush spread over Strawberry Cream Cookie's cheeks, and the fox ears hidden under his hat flicked. But he seemed a little nervous.

"I… made something for you." He stated after a moment. The blush on Strawberry Cream Cookie's cheeks only intensified when you gave him a look of surprise, and he held out a small, clear plastic bag tied with a festive ribbon filled with cookies.

"You're always working… I made these so you don't forget to eat." Strawberry Cream explained. Butterflies fluttered in your stomach, and you blushed. Strawberry Cream Cookie's thoughtfulness touched your heart. It was true. You often got so focused on your work that, more often than not, hours passed, and you didn't realize how hungry you were until your stomach began trying to eat itself.

"T-Thank you, Strawberry Cream Cookie! That is so sweet of you." You said gratefully. You eagerly pulled the ribbon and opened your bag of sweets. As you brought the cookie caked with frosting to your lips, you briefly wondered why Strawberry Cream Cookie was staring at you so intensely, and why he looked almost guilty. But your question was quickly answered as a combination of conflicting flavours exploded in your mouth. Pure salt, ashy charcoal, and sugary sweet icing covered a cookie that was both chewy like rubber and crumbled in your mouth like sand.

You tried to stop your face from scrunching up reflexively from the taste, but Strawberry Cream Cookie could already tell his gift had failed. His face fell sadly, and his ears drooped. You tried in vain to chew and swallow to save Strawberry Cream Cookie's feelings, but your body wouldn't allow it.

"I-It's... not too bad!" You reassure, coughing as the ashy slurry trickled down your throat.

"I'm sorry Y/N Cookie..." He apologized. "I wanted to make you... something, but I couldn't read the recipe..." Strawberry Cream Cookie sighed. You wiped your mouth and gave him a sympathetic smile.

"It's the thought that counts, right?" You replied. "But why didn't you get Stollen Cookie to help you read the recipe?" You asked. Strawberry Cream Cookie avoided your eyes.

"I wanted to do it on my own..." He frowned. You chuckled at his cute pout and got up from a chair, brushing wooden shavings from your apron.

"Well, I know a way we can fix it." You said sweetly. Strawberry Cream Cookie perked up slightly and stared at you curiously. You tossed your apron on the table and gently took his hand in yours. Strawberry Cream's eyes widened in surprise, but he didn't protest as you pulled him along, his face flushed red.

You brought him to the cooking lab, where students of all ages learned to make holiday meals and desserts.

"What are we doing here?" Strawberry Cream Cookie asked.

"I thought we could bake some cookies together!" You smiled. Strawberry Cream Cookie's warm grey eyes sparkled and you felt him squeeze your hand slightly.

"R... Really?" He asked shyly. You nodded enthusiastically.

"We can work together and then share them afterwards." You offered. Strawberry Cream Cookie's ears perked up at the suggestion. He nodded slowly and allowed you to lead him into the kitchen.

As a team, you began working together. You read a simple sugar cookie recipe to Strawberry Cream Cookie and explained the meaning of the measuring cup symbols while gathering all the ingredients. The measurements are what originally tripped him up the first time as he didn't know what they meant. The entire time he stayed glued to your side, eagerly absorbing everything you said.

The ovens warmed the room, and it became even cozier as Strawberry Cream pressed himself into your side, and rested his head on your shoulder while you cut out shapes in the cookie dough together. Both of your faces were flushed. Was it from the cuddling or the ovens, you didn't know.

The scent of baking cookies wafted through the air and filled the room with a pleasant warm sweetness. You sat at the counter with Strawberry Cream Cookie quietly chatting as you waited for the timer to buzz. You were doing most of the talking, and Strawberry Cream listened intently, watching you with tender affection.

But quickly you began to trail off as you drifted closer and closer together. Your eyes locked on one another. Strawberry Cream Cookie move forward, and touched his forehead to your's tenderly. Your heart filled with warmth, and it felt like you were going to melt. He pulled away slightly, and you quickly planted a loving kiss on his cheek.