Fount. Fount!
What!?
[There is a moment where Fleur flinched back. Never had Fount raised his voice like this before to Fleur. Never.]
... you need to calm down. Please.
[Fleur fidgets with their hands, picking at the scabs. Fount frowns, but he looks away in guilt.]
Sorry. I just... this is impossible. Don't you understand? You, raised by the Faeries? That couldn't ever happen—
I—
I mean, you wouldn't even remember, right? If, if you even was— those silver bracelets and anklets— that, that crown! It could have been your father's! Your grandmother! Not, not yours!
[Fount was in denial. They both knew it.]
I am your first Cookie. That is how it is. You didn't have any before me. That is how it is meant to be—
And if you aren't? Is that that terrible to you?
[White Lily rested her head against Fleur's cheek from where she sat.
You don't understand—
Do I? You're acting as if Fleur being raised by cookies destroys whatever bond you have with them. That, what, this makes your relationship a lie?
That is not what I'm saying, White Lily! This is different—
Different from what!? Fleur doesn't even remember it!
Uh... g-guys...?
This still changes things for me! I can't, this makes things so— so—
So what!? What is it about this that is making you so angry!? Tell me, Fount!
IF IM NOT FLEUR'S FIRST COOKIE THEN THAT MEANS IM NOT SPECIAL, I CAN BE ABANDONED AGAIN!
[Everything is silent except for Fount's panicked breaths. Fleur steps forward slightly.]
Fount?
I... I'm scared. You found me. You saved me, cared for me, and tried your best. Your parents let me in, as if I wasn't some... ugh... dirty rat. I felt so... special, you know?
If I was your first cookie, that meant I held your heart in my hands, that I could never be gotten rid of. At first, it was survival. Make sure you were entertained and happy with me, but I got so attached.
You were so small... so tiny... so curious you were of me, clumsily copying me and peppering me with questions. I always hated it, but you... I loved answering anything you asked of me. I loved watching you smile and your eyes glistening when excited. The way you laughed.
[Fount's hand pressed against his souljam, clenching around the cool gem.]
And I realised I love you, at that moment. And I couldn't let you go. I have issues, and I'm aware of that... I'm so very aware. I'm posessive, I hated the thought of you having any more cookies then I, but I learned to tolerate it under believing they could help protect you. As long as I was still your favourite.
[Fleur walked over, gently kneeling down and using a hand to feel for where Fount stood. Their hand came to his face, and Fount leaned into it.]
... you may not remember... but... if those Faeries... that Elder Faerie was the one who cared for you before giving you to Ffion and Griffith... that means I'm not your first Cookie anymore... that I'm a replacement.
And I am scared.
Ah... you silly old thing. Aren't you my dad?
I... you called me dad?
Well, yes. After my parents passed, then my nan, you, and my Lily were all i had. And you were quite a fatherly cookie. And Lily would be me mother, right?
Ah... I suppose so.
And you are the first cookie I ever remember having. So, what's the difference? You and every cookie I meet is evry dear to me, but you, my dear Fount, are my one and only.
[Fount snorted, though it was a bit wet as he let Fleur pick him up. White Lily sighed.]
Ugh. You really need to stop holding these things in, Fount.
Yeah. If you have issues, tell me, please.
Okay. I will.
Promise?
[Fleur held out their left hand, the only remaining fingers in it being the pinky and thumb.]
... hah... promise.
[Fount grabbed the pinky and shook it.]
Now come on, let's talk this out first. Maybe we can ask the faeries later. And I'd really like to know about these things White Lily found in the attic.
Okay.
