It’s been a quiet day in the humble village of Candia, hardly anything at all happening whatsoever. The only notable thing was the fact that it was raining, something that hardly happened around here. It was raining a sweet soda that fizzed as it landed with bursts of bubbly carbonation, coating everything in a layer of stickiness. Sure to be a nightmare to take care of later, but in a place where everything was sugary, it was expected.

Though more than stickiness, the rain brought anxiety as well. Not for everyone, but specifically for a certain cottoncandy boy. Otto. He feared liquids, an unreasonable anxiety caused by the fact that cottoncandy dissolves when wet. He himself could withstand getting wet and be perfectly fine, other than his hair taking a hit and potentially leaving him bald for a little while before it quickly grew back, but he still feared it nonetheless. Other than reluctantly handling it in order to water his countless plants, he steered clear.

On days like these they locked themself up tight in their home, distracting themself with anything they could to not think about the liquid surrounding them just outside their home. They knew realistically they had nothing to be afraid of, but that didn't stop their sugary heart from racing nonetheless.

But today was different. Today he had company to help him through it. You. He was grateful you happened to be there when the rain started. You were there for whatever reason, perhaps to pick up a plant or simply spend time with him, but either way it ended with you staying with him and offering comfort.

Otto took the chance to distract the both of you and ease their nerves, and indulge in one of their passions, rock collecting. Sure, it was “boring”, the way they lifted up a sugar rock and would ramble about it, but they knew their stuff. They explained what type, how it was made, even where and when and how they found it, they remembered it all. They were able to explain nicely as well, even if their voice was quiet and a little monotone.

“And this one I found a month ago while I was looking for some bubbleflowers, since they grow naturally around this time of year…” Otto explained, holding up a shiny pop-rock for you to see, like a crow presenting a new trinket. “I um… liked it a lot. It’s one of my favorites, since it’s rarer and really pretty and um…” his voice trailed off, his eyes darting to the side as he ran his fingers along the hard edges.

Then, they grabbed your hand and pressed the rock into your palm, closing your fingers around it. Their face reddened and they averted their gaze, looking down. “I want you to have it.” They mumbled. A small display of friendship to some, but for him, incredibly meaningful. They only gave their favorite friends gifts like these, and they wanted to show their gratitude.