Chapter 2: The show must go on!
Sleep came easy to the baroness that night, but that couldn't be said for Sally. The blond had combed out her hair so many times it almost laid flat. Even braiding her hair didn't slow her head down. She thought about that still freshly placed kiss. She had only kissed a few people, being an actress and all, but nothing compared to BonBon's sugar coated lips on her cheek. Even the memory of it made Sally shiver in ecstasy. Her blue nightgown felt cold against her skin as she laid down. Thoughts spun like a tornado behind closed eyes. Sally tried to think of something/anything else but it kept popping back to the sweet candy princess.
A strong sugary breeze blew past BonBon as she emerged from her castle. She dressed in her normal attire wanting nothing more then to go back to the outside world, but knowing her time was meant to be used wisely. A little less then 20 hours remained and she wanted to spend it her way. She made her way down to the stables and saddled a light brown candy horse. "Morning Butterscotch! Would you like to accompany me?" She asked playfully, petting her steed lovingly. The horses nuzzled her palm and kneeled to allow the baroness on top. "Such a good girl Butters~ Let's go!" She wiped the reins and they were off.
Journeying farther into Sugar Land, the noble and her trusty horse followed the path to a small village. The candy people would stop and gawk at their leader. A few children ran infant of Butterscotch making the horse rear back, sending BonBon backwards. When she landed, the wind was knockout right out of her. "Your lady ship! Are you alright?" A small brown candy helped her sit up, rubbing her back gently. Bon shook but regained her composure. "I'll be alright. Are the children?" She asked in concern. The older candy smiled as he waved the kids over. They were nervous as they slowly walked, looking to the ground. "We're sorry your majesty! We didn't mean to startle your horse!" They got on their knees and bowed, shaking in fear. Bon smiled softly. Normally she would flare up in anger, but her heart seemed to have grown. Feeling sweeter then she normally did. "It's alright darlings. Just be more careful from now on alright?" After she said that, more of the candy came running over. Many of them with stars in their eyes. They helped her up happily and brushed her off. They all tried talking to her at once, but non of them were understandable. Her green eyes temporarily faded to a yellow as she grew irritated. "Hey! One at a time!" She growled. A light blue candy walked forward with a bow. "We're sorry your highness. We're just so happy to see you being so kind. Thank you for sparing these children." He bowed again. Bon reached out warmly to him. "Oh? Well... Thank you. Am I really that bad?" She questioned. Everyone looked to each other in disbelief. The older brown candy began to speak, "Ever sense you were made Baroness you hadn't thought much about us. We were afraid you'd eat the children for angering you, my lady." She blinked a few times before responding, "I guess I am a bit self serving... I'm sorry for my rash decisions." Everyone cheered, making Bon feel warm and fuzzy. She never really thought of her peoples' feelings like this. Yes she had pets for companionship, but this felt genuine. Even her horse seemed to be cheerful. "Is there anything we could do to repay your kindness?" A larger pink candy rolled forward. She had a bag full of candy fabric, yarn, and a pair of scissors sticking out. Bon stepped forward with a smile. "Do you happen to make clothes?" The pink one return the smile, "Why yes! Does your majesty need a new dress?"
"Oh please! I was invited to an event of sorts and I'd like to look my best! And perhaps something that won't turn to jelly in water." Bon blushed wildly as she remembered the changing fiasco. The pink candy nodded with a wave. Bon and Butterscotch happily followed.
"Sally? Are you alright?" One of the smaller child actors walked up to their crew leader. Sally was having a hard time focusing on her lines, and earlier when she sang her pitch was off. "Me? Oh yes... I had a hard time sleeping last night. Even counting sheep didn't help." Sally slumped over, allowing her braided hair to drape over her shoulder. "I think you should go home. This isn't like you. We can't have you getting sick." The child scolded. Sally chuckled before ruffling the girls similar blond hair. "Well if you insist, but lets run through the last scene one more time. The show must go on you know. Only one week left and I'm excited!" Sally stretched her limbs and did a few mouth exercises as everyone took their places. She got into character and fell into her leading man's arms. "Oh Michel! Please don't go! I love you!" Fake tears ran down her cheeks as she begged. "But I must! Please wait for me, my love." He said in return, leaning in for the kiss. Sally felt her heart ache when there lips touched. This wasn't the first time they've kissed, but something was different, Sally was different. She knew she had to get over this feeling for the sake of the show, but she couldn't figure out the issue. Her co actor gave her a concerned look, bringing her back to the act.
After the scene was over the co lead checked in. "Sally was something wrong? If you're not ok with us kissing we can come up with something else." He offered sympathetically. Sally sighed as she sat down at the edge of the stage. "I don't know... this shouldn't be an issue. It's not like we haven't stage kissed before." The other sat next to her and took her hand. He could tell she wasn't feeling well. "Did you finally meet someone special?" He smirked playfully. Sally couldn't help but blush. Her eyes grew wide as she spoke, "I... don't know. Maybe? I only just met her, but I can't get her out of my mind!" Sally confessed, leaning against his shoulder. He wasn't surprised as she went on and on about her new found crush. He listened and when she was done, he pulled her into a hug. "Our Sally is finally getting hitched! I'm so proud!" He playfully poked at her cheek. "Hitched? We hadn't even gone on a date yet! I know our plays make it look easy, but..."
"I know. Just take your time. There's nothing you can't do!"
Sally smiled brightly as she wrapped her arms around the man. "Thank you!"
On her horse, BonBon was making her way back home. Butterscotch paused, catching Bon's attention. "What is it Butters?" She looked up and saw a blond woman sitting in the royal lollipop garden. "Sally?" Bon called. The actress shot up, spotting the two. "There you are! I've been looking for you!" She waved eagerly. Butterscotch looked up at her rider before trotting forward. As soon as they all stood together, Sally lovingly gave pets to the candy horse. "So beautiful. Is she yours Sugar?" Sally asked. "Yes. Sally this is Butterscotch, my noble steed." Bon ran a hand down the horse's neck before continuing, "Mind if I put her up first?"
"Of course not!" They shared a laugh before heading to the stables. Bon took off the saddle and reins, allowing her horse to lounge freely before heading off. "So you stayed here today?" Sally asked curiously. Bon chuckled before answering, "Yes. I'm saving it up for your show. I know you said it was only two hours, but I want to make sure I have enough time." Sally's eyes widened before she playfully skipped in front, taking the gloved hands into hers and kissed them both sweetly. "I'm honored my lady." She said, making the monarch's cheeks pop red instantly. "No no no I get that enough from the candy! Call me anything else!" Her flustered face got Sally's attention. "But you're so cute when you turn red Sugar~" Sally purred, not helping with Bon's overload. The noble fell forward, wrapping her arms around the actress's neck. In return, Sally took hold of Bon's waist. "Too much? I do tend to get carried away." Sally asked, gently rubbing the other's back, which made Bon jump with a squeak. "Sugar? Did you hurt your back?" Now Sally was worried. She gently pulled away to look at her companion. "I fell earlier. It's not a big deal." Bon explained. "Mind if I have a look? I'm good at back stage first aid. I've also played a few nurses." Sally offered, she was happy when Bon nodded shyly. "Let's go inside first."
BonBon lead Sally up to her room, which amazed the actress. The room was huge, with anything and everything a princess could ask for. Even the bed was ginormous for one person. "Give me a second." Bon said as she walked into her hallway like closet. She shut the door behind her, and when she emerged she was wearing silky pink pants and matching tank top. Sally took in the beautiful sight. She noticed Bon looked young and thin with barley any curves. That didn't bother her at all. In fact she found it elegant, especially the way Bon's hair curled around her neck when it was down. "Sally?" Bon called, snapping the blond out of her trance. "S..Sorry. Your beauty was overpowering ~" Sally chuckled. "My beauty? You really like the way I look?" Shyly, Bon crawled onto the bed eyeing the actress. She couldn't tell if Sally was just teasing, or flirting with her. "Of course Sugar. You're lovely." Sally ran her hands up the sides of the top, pulling it up to reveal a dark pink and purple bruise that formed in the dip of the back. "Oh Sugar this doesn't look good." She clicked her tongue and very gently rubbed the dark spot. Bon twitched with a small gasp, sending heat to Sally's face. 'No! Not when she's hurt! Don't you dare do that again Sally! Even if it was so cute!' Sally pulled down the shirt and backed away holding her cheeks as she continued to yell at herself silently. 'Pain isn't cute! Now snap out of it and grab some ice! Wait she's candy... will ice work?'
"Sally?" Bon looked up, tears forming. Both hearts skipped as their eyes met. Sally shook off her thoughts and kneeled on the floor, wiping the lingering drops from light green eyes. "I didn't mean to hurt you. Do you think ice would help?" The blond asked gently. Bon only nodded as she reached for a small silver like bell. It was rung and within seconds a blue gummy bear waddled in. "How may I serve you my lady." He greeted with a bow. "Bring us some ice please. Preferably in a bag." Bon grumbled as she sat up. The bear moved quickly out of the room. "Try not to move so much. I don't like seeing you hurt." Sally protested. "Get up here." Bon mumbled softly. "What?"
"I said get up here!" Bon ordered, grabbing Sally's hands to help her up. The two laid facing one another, hands clasped and eyes looking for any signs of emotion. Both pairs of cheeks tinted pink, with small shy smiles keeping the peace. "May I?" Bon suddenly asked. "May you what?" Sally's cheeks turned a few shades darker as Bon leaned forward. The smell of sugar overwhelmed Sally's senses. The two closed their eyes and right before lips could touch, the door flung open. Both shot up, Bon in pain. "Thank you Berry." Bon took the ice from the gummy and handed it to Sally a little forcefully. The interruption made her angry but she knew he wasn't at fault. The bear took his leave and Bon gave Sally a apologetic look. "Sorry, I got a bit carried away. Would you mind placing that on my back?" She asked sweetly. "Of course Sugar. Get comfortable."
The baroness laid on her stomach with the ice placed on her back as the actress laid at her side. "Any better?" Sally asked, gently re positioning the melting cubes. "Yes, thank you." Bon sweetly caressed Sally's cheek from her awkward angle, sending a strong electric current down Sally's spine. The actress leaned into it and, to Bon's surprise, fall sound asleep. Bon gently moved, trying not to wake her guest, lowering her to the pillow. When the blond was in a comfortable position, an arm wrapped around Bon's upper back. The ice fell as she turned towards her captor. "Good night Sally. Sweet dreams." She whispered, placing gentle kisses along the actress's jaw line.
' Warm.' Sally though as her eyes began to flutter open. She could feel that her dress had risen up to her hips and a warm pressure was on her chest. The sweet smell of candy was right under her nose making her look down. Bon was soundly sleeping on her now thumping chest. Sally took a few deep breaths to calm herself. 'Act mature! She's so cute when she's sleeping... ah! Stop it!' Her heart stopped suddenly when Bon shuffled. "Morning." Bon greeted sleepily. "Morning Sugar. Did you sleep well?" Sally asked. "Best sleep ever." Bon nuzzled Sally's neck, making her yip in surprise. Sally pulled away before Bon had a chance to do it again. The pink one groaned in protest, but was satisfied when Sally placed a small kiss on her forehead.
"Morning troop!" Sally busted in through the theater doors. "Morning Sally!" They all cheered as she danced her way up the stairs. "Looks like you had a good night." Her co star pointed out. "You're practically glowing!" The children beamed. "Aw shucks guys~ thank you." "Did you tell her how you feel?" The man asked as the others leaned in with curiosity. "What?! No! Pf... I'm still trying to find the right words." She confessed, kicking at the ground before picking herself back up. "Now let's practice! I've got a pretty girl to impress!"
It's been close to three days sense Sally last visited Sugar Land. The Baroness was combing out her curls when Berry waddled in. "My lady, someone is here to see you." He called. The noble quickly ran out the door and down the steps in hope of it being her blond actress friend, but in reality it was the large pink candy from the other day. "Your majesty! May I present to you my finest work." The candy pulled out a lovely long pink shimmering dress. BonBon instantly fell in love with it. When she touched it she could tell it was upper world fabric, and it was so soft to the touch. "This is amazing! You made this in just four days?" Bon spun around holding the dress to her chest. "You ask for it to be done within a week your lady ship, and from your reaction it was hard work paid off." The woman smiled happily as Bon danced around. "Berry!" Bon called for her servant, making the pink candy jump a bit. The bear ran to his master's side, "Yes my lady?" "Make sure this wonderful woman gets paid. Pay her double." Bon ordered, earning joyous expressions from the both of them. "Thank you so much you highness!" "No thank you! This dress is perfect!"
It had been a long week for both women. BonBon twirled in her new dress before opening the castle gate. "My Lady please be careful." Berry pleaded as he walked out with his master. "Don't worry. I've saved 20 hours. I'll be back before then if I like it or not." She giggled happily. "That's not what I'm worried about." The bear looked sadly at the joyous monarch. "Berry I'm tougher then I look. Here..." Bon picked up her candy cane. "I'll take this with me just in case. Better?" She asked sweetly. "Better then nothing my lady. I hope you enjoy yourself." "Thank you Berry. I hope you have a good night too."
"Where is she?" Sally paced back and forth as she welcomed people for coming. "Calm down Sally, the show doesn't start for another 30 minutes." Her co star reassured her. He was shocked when Sally stopped in place. Her eyes grew wider when they landed on the prettiest creature she had ever seen. BonBon's eyes softened as she walked closer. "Hello Darling. Happy to see me?" She teased, using a finger to shut Sally's loose jaw. It took Sally a moment to compose herself. "You look... simply amazing!" Sally wrapped her arms around Bon and spun around as they both chuckled. "Sally, are you going to show her to her seat? We need to get going soon." The man smiled as Sally sighed. "You're right..." She bowed holding her hand out, "My lady, may I show you to your seat?" Bon's face showed nothing but pure joy as she took Sally's hand. "It would be my pleasure."
"Voilà!" Sally smiled as Bon took a look off the balcony. "I can see everything!" Bon twisted around and saw the mountain of sugary snacks Sally had prepared. "Oh Sally you didn't have to!" She ran over and took Sally's hands lovingly. "But I wanted too Sugar. I've missed you so much." Sally used this opportunity to kiss the hands tangled with her own. "Sally! It's time." A small child wondered in. She had poofy blond hair just like Sally so Bon was quite surprised. "Alright I'm coming." Sally sighed pulling Bon into a hug. "Thank you for coming BonBon. I'm going to do my best out there." "I don't doubt you Darling. Now hurry along before your troop drags you to the sage." Sally was going to laugh but a pair of sugary lips smacked against her own. Her curly blond hair stood up straight as the adrenaline ran through her body. She meant to kiss back but she sat there dazed as Bon pulled back shyly. "I... can't wait. Blow me away Darling." Bon watched Sally stiffly pull back the certain with a chuckle.
After Sally left the balcony she couldn't help but dance. Her heart was echoing through her body with so much love. She made her way backstage and began to get dressed. "She looked pretty. Are you two going out?" Sally's smaller double asked. "Oh I hope so~ she's something." Sally swooned as the two left the changing room. "You ready Sally?" Her co star asked, growing a huge grin as Sally twirled through the door. "Yes! Let's do this." She tried her best to whisper but her excitement was getting the best of her.
Bon watched intently, even when Sally wasn't on stage, but as soon as Sally began her solo Bon leaned against the balcony. Sally looked proud to be there. Her dancing was spry and bouncy even though her song was supposed to be more light hearted. Bon didn't mind, she found it cute. Every time the two locked eyes Bon's heart fluttered. She shoved a few chocolates in her mouth when Sally's song came to an end. Sally grabbed a mic and announce to the audience, "It's the time to grab yourself a few more snacks and drinks. We'll be back in 15 minutes, so use your time wisely!" She chuckled softly as the two kids put up an intermission sign on the stage.
"Sally we need to talk." The male actor grabbed her hand before she could run off. "What!? What is it?!" She jogged in place wanting to bolt out the door. "We need to talk about the kiss. Will you be able to do it?" He asked seriously. Sally's energy seemed to drain. Her legs slowly came to a stand and her head dropped to her chest. "I... don't know. It's an important part of the play, we can't just cut it." Sally argued. He hummed in discontent, "Alright, go see her. Be back on time ok."
"Bon?" Sally pulled back the curtain and was met with a surprise hug. "Oh Sally! You have a beautiful voice!" Bon playfully twirled a blond lock around a finger, making Sally blush madly. "You ok Sugar? You seem a bit... flirty then normal." Sally gave a goofy smile, snaking an arm around her princess. "Oh? It must be the chocolate ~." Bon snuggled closer. "Chocolate Hu? Good to know. I have to go soon but don't worry it's half way over. Then I'll walk you home my lady." Sally ran a hand through the maroon curls, making sure not to ruin the look. "I can't wait." Bon purred as they parted.
Sally was nervous. She was never nervous, especially on stage. She was about to run onto the sage for the kiss, but she was having second thoughts. "Sally?" The younger boy from the troop patted her leg softly. "Hu? What is it?" She kneeled down to face him. "You can do it. Don't worry about the kiss. Just relax and close your eyes. We're all here for you." He reassured her. "Thanks kiddo. That makes me feel a lot better." She ruffled his hair before straightening herself out. Running to the stage she landed in her partner's arms, spouting out her line. "Oh Michel! Please don't go! I love you!"
BonBon's jaw dropped. Her heart felt a small twitch as she watched the woman she loved drape over that man. Jealousy boiled through are body. "It's not real Bon Bon. Calm yourself." She told herself as she watched.
Sally paid close attention to her part when her co star started to spill lines too early. She didn't know what to say, so she just went along with it. Being in his arms at that part made her feel a little uneasy, but Sally did what she was told. She relaxed herself in her partner's arms and closed her eyes as he leaned in. The next thing she knew she heard cheering. "Hu?" Sally opened her eyes to a closed certain. She was pulled to her feet. "What about the kiss?" Sally asked dumbfounded. "For all they know we did." He smiled back, giving her a thumbs up. "Now let's bow so you can see your girlfriend alright." "Right!" She pranced up to the stage with the others. She looked up at the balcony and saw Bon looking down at them.
"I should have known." Bon looked down at the stage. She looked at four actors specifically. Sally, her co star, and the two kids that looked like their doubles. Her heart became heavy with a painful twinge. "Why didn't she tell me? I even..." Bon covered her mouth as tears began to slide down her face. They looked like a family to her. They all looked so happy and so similar, she had no idea that wasn't their true relationship. She cleaned up her trash and got out of her box before Sally returned. Running to her home as fast as she could. Tears running down her cheeks and soft sobs hung on her breath.