Sweet Strawberries

For a succubun that baked constantly, one might think that Sugar would be used to seeing the seasons change and welcoming back fruit that were back in season. However, that was entirely untrue, there was something exciting about strawberries being at their best.

Sugar could eat entire handfuls of the fruit, smiling as syrupy red stained his cheeks, but luckily he had a bit more décor than that. Instead, he was carefully washing an entire basket he had collected and even began to think up a few recipes he could use.

“Hmm maybe strawberry shortcake, or a tart, maybe even something with chocolate. Hmm but it’s no longer Matentines, maybe chocolate is a little late for strawberries.” He was mostly talking to himself, trying to consider what to do.

He was shaken out of his thoughts by someone jumping on his shoulders, high enough that they were hanging onto him off there feet.

Sugar huffed, “Spice, how many times do I have to tell you that’s dangerous? If you make me break a hand, I will-”

Spice laughed, jumping neatly onto her heels. “What are you doing, Sugar? We’re near closing time, shouldn’t you be going home?”

Sugar was quick to shake his head, “I was able to get my hands on some fresh strawberries, I want to test a few desserts before leaving.”

Spice brightens, eagerly looking over Sugar’s shoulder to the shiny fruit. “Oh! Do you have any extras? I wanted to experiment with a strawberry and white mochi frappe.”

Sugar raised an eyebrow, “Strawberries and coffee?”

“People eat strawberry desserts while drinking coffee, it’s not that different! Lots of fruits can be added in for a fun surprise.”

Sugar sighed, looking down at the wide-eyed look Spice was giving him. As much as he liked to complain, he actually rarely refused Spice anything. She was his best employee as far as he was concerned, even if he wouldn’t mind more.

“Yeah, yeah, you can have a quarter or so of them. I would offer you more but I want to make at least one cake for tomorrow’s work day.” He wanted to see the reaction to this season’s strawberries and if he needed to stock up on a lot more this month, even next month as long as the fruit was still sweet.

Spice cheered, her tail wagging quickly, “Thank you Sugar! I promise you’ll like the drink!”

“Huh? You’re making it for me?”

“Well yeah, I like all coffee so it’s hard for me to know if it’s better than my other creations!” Spice liked to think that all of her coffee drinks were good, but after a while, it was hard to tell if it was good or she was just used to her own coffee.

Sugar scoffed, “Fine, but don’t think you’re getting away from trying every sweet I make.”

Spice snickered, “Sugar if I ever say no to one of your desserts, there is something very wrong with me!”

Sugar shook his head, refusing to admit he was smiling from what she said. He might be a hard ass on Spice, but he just wanted her to succeed and at the end of the day, she was like family to him. He made him happy when she was happy.

“Alright, alright, let me cut up some strawberries and clean the ones for you.” Sugar was quick to make himself busy, that and he didn’t want to stay away from home too long. His beloved imps were impatient to go home as much as he was, especially after a long day at the imp cafe.

As for Spice, she was quickly to grab her favorite coffee mix and the blender. “You like your coffee really sweet, right Sugar?”

“Of course I do, too bitter and it’ll ruin the taste of my baking.” And there was nothing as horrid to him than ruining good desserts with too strong drinks.

The pair continued to work around the kitchen, enjoying the chance to create with this season’s strawberries. No doubt their works of art would be a great welcome into Spring for their guests and might even get them better revenue. Maybe even new patrons.

After all, who doesn’t love strawberries?