I finally managed to finish a fic... Not sure if I'm proud of this or angry at it for existing lol. As usual I'm just a beginner fanfic writer so I don't really know what I'm doing, please be patient. If this sounds familiar it is because it is reposted from my tumblr account ' Also, the cover art isn't really related just a halloween drawing.
Licorice was going to hurt someone. Probably not anyone important, just some random unlucky civilian tomorrow. Because this month, nothing seemed to be going his way. He looked down at the bright orange pumpkin by his side, that was currently sobbing it's heart out "I want to go with Pomegranate Cookieee!" Poison Mushroom cried, wiping away their tears. Unfortunately, Licorice understood exactly where they were coming from.
He would love to spend the day with Pomegranate, but he was assigned this stupid task by Dark Enchantress. If Pomegranate knew he didn't want to to this, it would be all over for him. Plus, he was already a month deep into this stupid assignment. Poison Mushroom's costume was handmade by him, much to Licorice's annoyance. He liked sewing, sure, but a pumpkin? How lame! If anyone but the Cookies of Darkness knew it was made by him, he'd probably die of embarrassment. He was a badass sorcerer, after all. How many badass sorcerers could you name that sews children's Halloween costumes?
With a deep sigh, Licorice kneeled next to Poison Mushroom. "Look, I'd love to go with her too, but Pomegranate is busy and I was assigned to go with you, so shut your trap and-" Licorice felt a shiver go down his spine. He didn't need to look up to feel her commanding presence, all he needed was the refreshing scent of pomegranates. "I'm not busy. What is wrong?" Looking up, he internally signed in relief. It seemed she hadn't heard the last part of his statement towards Poison Mushroom. The mushroom turned towards Pomegranate, trapping her legs in a tight embrace. "I wants to go with you, Pomegranate Cookie!!"
A very slight smile appeared on her face, Pomegranate kneeling. "It's okay." She consoled them, patting their head, which was covered in a knitted cap made to resemble the top of a pumpkin. "Now, where are you going with Licorice?" They looked up at her with large watery eyes. "We... We're going tricks or treating... Licorice always loses me! I wants to be with Pomegranate Cookie!" Licorice's eye twitched. "I don't lose you, you little-..." Licorice stopped himself, remembering Pomegranate's presence. "Anyways, you always run off! I don't lose you!"
Pomegranate sighed. "Very well, I'll go with you both, as long as Licorice is okay with it." Licorice felt a blush spread on his face. Him and Pomegranate? Taking Poison Mushroom together? Before he could even think to stop it, a goofy smile spread on his face. "W-Well, I guess I don't mind..." The small smile was present on her face once again. "It's settled then. I will be joining you both." Poison Mushroom let go of her legs, doing their happy dance. "Pomegranate Cookie is joining us!" Licorice couldn't help but laugh. Maybe this day wouldn't be so bad after all.
...
The cold autumn wind bit into Licorice's skin. He didn't have the warmth of his robes and the layers he wore underneath it to protect him this time. He did have a hoodie he wore over his sweater, but... Looking at Pomegranate, he couldn't help but smile. It was ridiculously big on her, the hood nearly covering her entire head. The hoodie went down to her knees, covering most of her clothing up. Without his permission, a smile spread across his face. She looked so silly like that, yet also comfortable. He didn't mind bracing the cold if it meant he could see such a cute sight.
Pomegranate finally caught on to his staring, lifting her head up. "Do you want it back? You're shivering." Licorice shook his head. "No. I was just thinking." He saw an evil smirk appear on her face, making him groan inwardly. She knew he was thinking about her, and she was going to make him admit it. "Thinking about what sort of things, Licorice?" He moved his eyes away from her, trying to think of an excuse. "Tsk. Nothing. J-Just trick or treating, I suppose." That didn't seem to satisfy her. "Oh? Like what? Please, do share."
Licorice sighed. "You're evil." She just shook her head. "We're evil, Licorice, yes. Now, what were you really thinking?" He groaned. "W-Well, you... You look kind of cute in my hoodie, I guess." Pomegranate was silent, which worried him. Was that a weird thing to think about? However, when he looked at her, he could see a slight blush on her face. That just made the butterflies in his stomach worse. "Thank you, Licorice." She said quietly. Licorice just looked away. She was just too much for him to handle! How could such an evil person, almost worse than him, be so freaking adorable?
Before he could say anything to embarrass himself, Poison Mushroom spoke up. "When are we going to get to the houses?" Immediately, Pomegranate's attitude changed. She kneeled down to Poison Mushroom's height, her voice taking on a slightly warmer tone. "We're almost there." Licorice had to admit, he was a little jealous. Pomegranate was surprisingly good with kids, something he would never get used to. The only kid he had ever really gotten along with was Poison Mushroom, and even they were a handful.
In comparison, Pomegranate handled everything with grace. Everything. Even snot-nosed little kids. He could hear a delighted giggle come from Poison Mushroom. "And then we'll get candy!" Pomegranate nodded. "And then we'll get candy. So let's be patient until then, okay?" She affectionately rubbed the top of their head, making them smile. Licorice couldn't help but smile as well at the sight. They looked so happy... Pomegranate looked up, smiling very slightly at him. Suddenly warmth spread through his chest. He was a part of this... Whatever this was. Saying family would be cliché, wouldn't it? Though, the thought of the three of them as a family made something inside him warm up. Pomegranate and Licorice, taking care of Poison Mushroom...
Encouraged by Pomegranate's smile, he patted the top of Poison Mushroom's cap. "Don't you worry, we'll be there in no time. I know exactly where we are going." A stiffled chuckle escaped Pomegranate, making him frown. "Excuse me?" She didn't try to hide her chuckling the next time, now openly laughing at him. Poison Mushroom looked at her, and started laughing to despite not understanding what was going on. Licorice frowned. "Why don't you lead us, then?"
She just shook her head. "Haven't I been this whole time? You keep asking me where to turn every few minutes. Seriously, without me, Poison Mushroom probably wouldn't have been able to go out this year. Your sense of direction is awful." How dare she say that with a cute smile on her face! Licorice's face flushed from both embarrassment and anger. "O-Oh yeah? Well..." He paused. She did have a point. Licorice had no real clue where they were going... But his intuition would suffice, right? Pouting, he huffed. "Fine, I won't ask you anymore. I'll show you!"
Before his tantrum could get too bad, Pomegranate had a hand placed on his back. "It's cute when you do it." She said simply, melting any anger he had at her away. He hated it, how easily she was able to make him give in. Sighing, he leaned slightly against her, not enough to topple her over but enough to be considered affectionate. "Everything I do is cute, Pomegranate. And hot too, don't forget that." She just rolled her eyes, making him laugh. "Don't get too conceited in front of Poison Mushroom, they'll pick up on it."
He shook his head. "I doubt it." Pomegranate sighed. "It's true. Dark Enchantress accidentally taught them how to curse, and more importantly how to curse effectively. Have you ever had Poison Mushroom get angry at you? They know your weaknesses, and they will use them to hurt you." He could feel her shiver slightly. "Noted. Poison Mushroom has gotten mad at you before?" Before Pomegranate could answer, they spoke up. "Pomegranate Cookie... Needs to be more careful. She's gotten hurt..." Pomegranate just looked away, perhaps embarrassed to have someone worried about her, even if it was just Poison Mushroom.
Licorice couldn't help but smile at their antics. He wrapped an arm around Pomegranate's shoulders, pulling her closer. Poison Mushroom was holding on to her free hand, excited for the night ahead of them. He thought back to earlier. Perhaps if things stayed like this, that wouldn't be so bad. They really were almost like a family. Of course, Licorice wouldn't say anything. That would be embarrassing. He would be content with just spending these moments with these two, who he had come to care so much about somehow.
...
The group tiredly wandered into Dark Enchantress' lair, having just finished trick or treating. Pomegranate was carrying Poison Mushroom, who was fast asleep in her arms. "We should probably get them to bed, then check their candy." Licorice raised an eyebrow. "You think some weirdo put razor blades in their candy or something?" She shook her head. "Licorice, I'm dating and working for two people who would put razor blades in children's candy. I just want to make sure there isn't anything inedible in there they could mistake for a treat." Licorice sighed. A few of the houses they hit up were pretty weird... If it meant spending more time with Pomegranate Cookie, Licorice didn't really mind. "Alright. Let's get Poison Mushroom to bed, then."
Licorice watched uselessly as Pomegranate did most of the work. Again, he wasn't really good with kids, and Pomegranate seemed to be good at anything she did. Poison Mushroom was fast asleep in their bed, Licorice pulling the covers over them as he had insisted on doing something to help out. Before they could leave, he heard Poison Mushroom mumble in their sleep. "Thanks... Dad..." Licorice stopped dead in his tracks, turning around to look at them. Were... Were they talking about him? For some reason, he felt himself tear up. Licorice liked to think he wasn't a big crier, although that wasn't the case. Still, why was he getting so emotional over being called Dad? Licorice didn't even like kids.
Then again, Poison Mushroom was more than just some kid to him. Wiping away his tears, he turned off the light and left with Pomegranate. The night was still young, and he wouldn't ruin this chance at quality time with Pomegranate. "Now to go through their candy." Licorice couldn't help but smile. Straight to buisness as usual, that was his Pomegranate. "Are you sure it's efficient to have two people doing this?" She just shrugged. "Well... Truthfully, no, but I would enjoy your company nonetheless." Another critical hit to his heart. These two were just killing him today! He placed a kiss to her cheek, smiling. "I'd spend all the free time I have in the world with you in a heartbeat."
She sighed, her cheeks turning a subtle shade of red. The sight just made his smile grow. They both moved to the table, laying out the rewards Poison Mushroom had reaped that night. "Wow. Kid did well for himself." Licorice couldn't help but be impressed. Pomegranate nodded in agreement. "I would expect nothing less from them." She sounded cold, but Licorice knew she was just as proud as he was. "Alright, let's get started."
As they went through it, they found nothing dangerous, but a few questionable objects. A packet of seeds, a signed photograph of someone dressed as a knight neither of them knew, and... A bunch of loose expresso beans, not even packaged in a bag. It seemed whoever gave them just tossed them straight into their basket from it's container. Licorice and Pomegranate exchanged tired glances. "Maybe you were right, Pomegranate. Those kingdom folks really are weird..." Licorice groaned as he picked out two more expresso beans from the pile, placing them with the rest.
"See? I told you. It's a hassle, but it's better than Poison Mushroom getting sick on something not edible." Licorice looked between the pile of candy they had worked tirelessly on, and Pomegranate. Again, that warmth spread through his chest. "You know... I've been doing some thinking." Licorice spoke suddenly, placing his hands on his knees. He wasn't sure why he was saying this, but... "About us. You, me, Poison Mushroom. I... I like it. I like this. Us. Whatever this is. I... I mean, they called me Dad-" He suddenly choked up again, his face turning red from embarrassment. He was expecting Pomegranate to tease him or something, but instead he felt a warm hand cover his.
A slight, soft smile was present on her face. A comforting smile. "I like this too, Licorice." A sob escaped him. It was all too much. Pomegranate, Poison Mushroom... Everything he had found under Dark Enchantress. Did he even deserve this? Everything up until he came under her care was a swirl of neglect and pain. So why now, when he had finally rejected any hope of happiness, did he find it? Why here, with these two wonderful people? Strong, cold, beautiful and reliable Pomegranate. Sweet, ditzy, clumsy but means well Poison Mushroom. Why did they decide to choose him? He was just Licorice Cookie.
He felt Pomegranate wipe away a tear. "Why are you crying?" Blinking away the tears, he was able to see her clearly again. He shook his head. "N-No, I... I'm happy, I think. That you... You and Poison Mushroom care about me." She patted his hand. "It makes me happy as well." He couldn't help but be cheered up a little by her attempts at helping him. He knew Pomegranate was godawful with other people's emotions and feelings, but... Having her try for him made him feel a lot better even if she didn't do much. "I... I love you." He said without thinking, pulling her into a hug.
They weren't really the type to say "I love you" often, but it was the only think Licorice could think at the moment. He loved her, and Poison Mushroom, and their family. For as long as they accept him, Licorice would happily be a part of their lives. Pomegranate didn't speak for a good few seconds, just resting her head against his chest. "I love you too, Licorice." She finally spoke, breaking the silence. He smiled in relief, even as tears continued to stream down his face. After a month, no, a lifetime of tricks, Licorice finally was given a treat, in the form of this small family.