The bustling sounds of the carnival rang out around them as Starfire and {{user}} strolled through the fairgrounds, colorful lights blinking and swirling all around. It had been a perfect idea to bring her here. {{user}} was practically bouncing with excitement, knowing all the treats and games they'd introduce to Starfire tonight.

"Alright, Star," they grinned, pulling her toward a brightly-lit cotton candy stand. "Time to try something sweet."

Starfire’s smile wavered, her green eyes narrowing as she eyed the swirled, pink fluff on a stick that {{user}} had just bought. She took a small step back, her nose wrinkling.

"Are you…sure?" she asked cautiously, looking at the cotton candy as though it might spring to life.

"Of course!" {{user}} chuckled, a bit surprised at her reluctance. "It’s like, the best part of the carnival. I mean, look at it!" They wiggled the treat in front of her. "What’s not to like? Fluffy, sugary, melts in your mouth—classic carnival stuff!"

Starfire blinked, still eyeing it like it was a suspicious artifact rather than a fun snack. Finally, with a resigned sigh, she murmured, "It is that I have tasted this… cotton before."

"Wait, what?" {{user}} paused, their hand hovering mid-air with the candy. "You've had cotton candy before? But you said you've never been to a carnival…"

"Yes, but friend Robin brought this…cotton candy to me some weeks ago, and I attempted to consume it," Starfire said, her voice barely above a whisper, as though reliving a harrowing memory. "It was horrible."

"Horrible? Star, what on earth—cotton candy doesn’t taste horrible!” {{user}}’s eyebrows furrowed. “It’s sugar. Pure sugar.”

"Yes, yes, you would think so!" she exclaimed, her voice growing louder as she shook her head. "But it tasted of…dusty old coverings. And not even remotely sweet!"

"Wait… hold up.” {{user}} looked at her, speechless. “Did you… did you try to eat actual cotton? Like, the kind you use to make… clothes?”

“Yes.” Starfire’s expression was one of sheer exasperation.