Hot Chocolate and Cookies

"Here's yours, Vivian."

Vivian smiled and accepted the steaming cup of hot chocolate her best friend offered her. She sipped the sweet drink, humming in delight at the taste of chocolate mixed with berries. "It's wonderful. Thanks, Sofia."

Sofia beamed as she turned back to the tray of treats Baileywick had just delivered and prepared a cup for herself. A minute later, she joined the other girl on the floor in front of her bedroom's fireplace with her cup and a plate of cookies, which she set on the floor between them. "I'm so glad we could have a sleepover," she said happily, taking a sip of her hot beverage.

Vivian nodded. "Yeah. It's so nice to get to spend time with you."

It was winter break, and the two princesses were making the most of some of their free time by having a sleepover in Enchancia. Since graduating from Royal Prep a few years before, the two of them had remained best friends and always made an effort to spend time together as often as possible. Now, after having been busy with schoolwork for the last few months, not to mention Sofia's Protector missions, it was nice to just sit back and relax.

"Where's Amber?" Vivian asked curiously, realizing she hadn't seen the blonde princess since arriving at the castle.

Sofia grinned. "In Friezenburg having a sleepover with Hildegard and Clio." She giggled and took a sip from her cup. "They're probably comparing gowns and stuff."

The other girl laughed softly. "Speaking of Friezenburg, are you going to the Christmas Ball? Hildegard's family is hosting it this year."

Sofia nodded enthusiastically. Christmas was a few days after Wassailia, which was just a few days away. She was very excited about both holidays. "I'll definitely be there." She set her cup down and reached for a cookie. "Hugo asked me to go with him a few weeks ago."

"You and Hugo are perfect together." She took a sip from her cup before setting it aside.

The auburn haired princess just smiled. "That's what everyone says. What about you, Vivian? Are you going with someone special?"

"Oh…" She blushed, suddenly feeling very shy. She turned and watched the flames dancing in the fireplace. "I…"

"It's okay if you don't want to tell me," Sofia told her quickly.

"No, it's okay…" She wasn't sure why she felt so shy all of a sudden. She turned back to her friend and said quietly, "I'm going with Desmond."

Sofia blinked. "You are?" Seeing her friend nod, she beamed. "I think that's sweet."

"You do?"

"Sure! Desmond is one of the most thoughtful guys I know. I think you two will have a great time at the ball."

"I think he's kind of cute," Vivian admitted, blushing and giggling as she picked up a cookie and took a bite. She moaned in delight when she tasted the sweet but unique flavor. "These cookies are delicious. What kind are they?"

"I think they're chocolate and gingerbread," Sofia responded thoughtfully, finishing her cookie and reaching for another one. "Our chefs have been making all kinds of new holiday desserts lately."

The Zumarian princess smirked. "I bet James is in heaven with all the sweets he gets to eat."

They both laughed.

The two girls talked late into the evening. Long after the hot chocolate and cookies were gone, they were still sitting there, exchanging stories about school, giggling about the princes they liked, and just talking about random things. At one point, Vivian brought out her mandolin and played a few songs while Sofia listened. Eventually, they climbed into Sofia's bed and soon fell asleep, both smiling contentedly. It was nice to be able to take a break from the rest of the world and have a sleepover, just the two of them.

A/N: It's not much, but I thought I would start the holiday season with a little friendship story. I hope you all enjoy the holidays.