Chapter Text
Poob was a good baker.
They are always told that. And they knew people weren't lying to them because people constantly asked for their food. They baked notoriously. They loved baking a lot! They loved making cupcakes, muffins, cake, everything sweet. Even with how much it scares them to fry anything but pancakes in a pan. It was a fun hobby!
Heck, even Gnarpy would (reluctantly) take their food!
The only person who hadn't taken their food was the one person who really mattered.
Pest.
It mattered a lot when they first noticed it. It made them confused at first. Then it made them upset. There was no reason to really be upset. It definitely was not because they liked him, no. It was totally just because they were worried that their food was actually bad.
Totally.
They had been trying to figure out why for a few weeks now. They saw Pest would eat almost anything that wasn't from Poob,
So why can't they eat something I made?? They questioned. They were sitting in the elevator, still going through all the ideas they had as to why Pest wouldn't eat their food. Pest, Wallter, and Poob were currently in the elevator. Wallter and Pest were talking to each other.
Wallter was holding an apple in his hand, rambling about apples and their uses.
“What do you like about apples?” Wallter asked, possibly trying to be polite.
“..Apple pie. I like apple pie.” Pest said slowly.
Wallter nodded, happy with the answer. “How delectable, I find apple pies enjoyable myself.”
Pest rolled his eyes at Wallter, not bothering to continue the conversation.
Apple pie, huh.
It had been a few days since Poob first heard of Pest’s affinity for apple pies.
At first they weren't sure. Was it really his favorite? Was he joking? Did he just like it?
But those questions slowly disappeared once they paid attention to other conversations involving Pest.
Gnarpy mentioned something about how apples were gross to Pest. Pest responded in Japanese, likely saying some insult Poob couldn't understand. Pilby gave him an apple, which he surprisingly ate.
Though the real confirmation came from Mark, surprisingly.
Mark always seemed nervous around Pest, thinking he was going to eat the wood man. Even Poob found that silly.
“Hey you're- you're not gonna eat me.. right?” Mark asked, this was a question he had asked many times before.
Pest rolled his eyes “I haven't so far.” He responded back coldly, “plus wood is gross.” He added, the jab obviously there to annoy Mark.
Mark blinked, “well that's good! But.. What's better than wood? I think it's the best material out there, har har!” He laughed, nervousness slowly vanishing at the opportunity to talk about wood.
“Apples. Apples are better.” Pest hissed rudely. Mark might have asked him more questions, but a death glare got him to be quiet.
Poob couldn't believe it. It was an actual answer from Pest himself!
Okay, well, technically Pest could have been lying and Poob wasn't told directly.. but it was a lead. Plus, with the other conversations it all fit together. Apples seemed to be something Pest liked.
Pest had also mentioned apple pie before. While it might not be his favorite apple-food, it was likely still a good one. Plus if they baked it perfectly then Pest would probably still eat it, favorite food or not.
So when they reached their stop they had their mind set.
They were going to make an apple pie.
Poob had been busy all week.
They had been searching up various recipes for apple pie. They wanted the pie to be perfect for Pest, or he probably wouldn't eat it. The pie would have to be somewhat elegant. However, they wanted to make sure it wasn't too elegant. They combed through possibly hundreds of recipes before finding the one.
The one they decided on wasn't incredibly sweet but wasn't sour. Poob wasn't completely sure of Pest's stance on sweet things yet so it was best to play it safe. The crust on the pie was pretty but not so pretty that it was hard to make. An hour or two passed by and the pie was done.
Poob rushed out the door, making sure to hide the pie in a decorated box. They smiled, they couldn't wait for Pest's reaction!
Poob reached the elevator quickly, taking about five minutes. They checked the pie, making sure it was fine. After that they waited for the elevator to appear.
It was probably another five minutes until they heard the familiar ding of the elevator’s arrival. Poob had to remind themselves to not jump in, wanting to keep the pie safe.
Upon arrival, it seemed Pest was already here. This caused Poob's excitement to spike. Unfortunately, Split and Mark were also here. They wanted to give the gift when it was just them and Pest, so they would have to wait. Though, being able to talk to Split would be nice.
Walking next to Split, she smiled almost immediately.
“You look excited,” she noted, “what's so a-peeling today?” She finished the question with a joke, making Poob laugh.
“I made somthing rlly cool!” They smiled brightly, “but u can't tell anyone!!” They exclaimed, but tried to keep their voice low enough that Pest couldn't hear.
Split made an ‘ooo’ sound, “a secret??” She spoke quietly.
Poob nodded in agreement. They looked at Pest and Mark, they seemed to be chatting and not paying attention to Split and Poob. They looked back at Split, gesturing to the box in their hand.
Split opened the lid, revealing the pie. She made a small gasp. “Who's that for??” She asked, genuinely curious.
Poob looked over at the beetle standing across from them. They then looked back at Split, understanding dawning in her eyes.
“Oooooo” she said teasingly. Poob sighed playful, smiling. They already knew she was thinking. Split just laughed at them. “Okay okay,” she whispered, “I hope it goes well,” she said genuinely.
Poob hoped so too.
It took a while but finally Pest and Poob were alone. Mark left soon after Poob told Split about the gift. As Split left the elevator she hugged Poob goodbye.
“Good luck” She whispered to Poob. They looked at her with gratitude as she left.
The elevator grew quiet with only the two left. Pest typically did not want to talk to Poob, as they usually had to start up any conversation. Pest was looking away from Poob at the moment.
Poob looked around, their stop would probably come up soon. This meant that they would have to give the pie to Pest soon.
Nervousness replaced their previous excitement.
Will he like it? What happens if he doesn't? Will he even take it??
Nervous thoughts ran through Poob's brain rapidly.
It's already too late, they reminded themselves. No turning back now.
It took a few more stops for Poob to finally gather up the courage they needed to talk to Pest.
“hay!!!” Poob looked at Pest, “frend!” They practically shouted, trying to get Pest's attention.
Pest sighed, annoyed. “What do you want now?” He asked, tone sharp.
Poob didn't let it bother them.
“i uh… have a gift 4 u!” They smiled nervously.
Pest blinked, looking confused. “What?”
“u know, a gift! smthing u giv to frends!” They paused.
“I know what a gift is. I'm not an idiot. I'm asking why.” He growled.
“o! I dunno.” They paused, “iv nver seen u get one befor. its kinda rundum.” They laughed nervously. “plus ur my frend, and u deserv a gift!!!” They finished. They pushed the box toward them.
Pest looked at them for a moment, then at the box, before taking it. They inspected the box for a moment. He opened the lid of the box, staring at the gift.
“..ありがとう...” He breathed out, Poob was barely able to hear the language.
“huh???” They asked, not understanding the language.
“.. Your stop is here.” Pest pointed to the door. Poob hadn't heard the elevator stopping again.
Poob blinked, “oh! okay!!! C u soon pest!!!!” They smiled, rushing out the door.
Poob could have sworn they saw a faint smile on Pest's face.