Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The silver tree was a spectacle for many on the outside, its silver branches stretching out into long shiny leaves akin to diamonds.

Faeries come almost everyday to marvel at it from a distance, their bright eyes and curious hands resisting the urge to sneak closer just to get a single touch on the smooth bark.

Yet if you'd take one look on the inside you'd realize rather quickly how dark and boring the tree truly was.

And to set things straight, it isn't a picnic to be trapped in the same dark and empty space for years.

With only the occasional sounds seeping through the bark, joyful celebrations, parties, festivals, filled with music and laugher and cheers. Yet it only felt like salt in a gaping wound, a mocking jab into said wound, the metaphorical wound of the five prisoners trapped inside of the tree.

Such as one, Shadow Milk Cookie, and if he was being truthful, which let's be honest, he isn't, but. If he was.

He'd admit outright that he felt like the biggest victim amongst his friends. While they had their boring little singular titles, Shadow Milk was so much more.

He was a playwright, a poet, a director, actor, clown, the most beloved tricksters that's ever walked earthbread!

And yet this is how his talent is spent? His beautiful body, his heavenly voice! All wasted on stupid little paper dolls that were only a sore reminder of the fact he no longer had actual cookies to puppeteer.

Worst of all, his companions didn't even spare him an ounce of attention. His only fuel, his days were spent in bored pain.

Boredly staring at the fork holding the chains to his cell, boredly listening to the occasional argument between his friends and colleagues. Boredly drawing characters and writing scripts to a show he had no one to show to.

That's all he does, just boring old stuff, inside of a BORING old tree.

Hell, even teasing big ol' Burning Spice wasn't as fun anymore. It was all the same, allllll of it.

He wanted out so bad, to feel the grass against his feet, breath in the air reeking of jam and smoke while he felt the warmth of the fires of war.

He sniffled, he missed freedom, he even missed his life before corruption, while he felt miserable during that time, it's at least be anything other than bored.

Bored, bored, bored, he was growing tired of how it felt on his tongue, sitting uncomfortably on the tip of his tongue at all times. Yet he couldn't really disagree, yeah, he was bored, soooo bored.

He sniffled again, the same old routine inside this witch-forsaken tree was driving him even madder than he already was.

He silently scoffed as he heard burning spices enraged yell for like the fifth time that hour. Following after was the blank apathetic voice of Mystic Flour. Telling Spice his yelling was futile, there was a clank and rustle of armor that followed her words.

Silent Salts agreement, Shadow Milk moved from his spot on his back. To slowly lay on his side to give him a somewhat clear view of their distanced silhouette. Eyes the brightest thing visible, Milk watches in boredom as the same thing that happened yesterday and the day before that played out again.

Burning Spice, would tell her to shut it, then get mad as she responded back calmly, he'd attempt to hit her with his axe, forgetting about the barriers keeping them all separated. This would cause a minor shake inside the tree, resulting in Sugar waking up, getting mad at Spices for having another tantrum, and they'd all be back at each other's throat again.

Yep, that was his guess, and his face doesn't change from the solemnly bored expression as he watches his exact words come true.

It was the same thing that's happened for a week straight now, it was fun the first day. He'd even joined in with his own taunting, until finally they'd all quiet down. And when next day came he wasn't as amused, but still entertained enough to throw a few words in.

And as the third day of the same thing happened he felt just ridiculous. How they all managed to repeat themselves so many times without growing as bored as him was astonishing.

But he can't blame them, they didn't have half as big a brain as him. The biggest victim inside of the tree, he sniffled again, blinking slowly as he sat up to stare dead at the dark bark growing around the rusting fork.

He felt awfully similar to it, all this time with no show to put on, no audience to act for, no nothing to do except being bored.

He felt like his dough was growing mildew from all this lying around. Yet he knew it wasn't possible since the air inside the tree was ice cold and quite dry.

Surprising for a tree that needs water to survive. But yet this wasn't just any tree, so maybe those damn witches made this personal hell to be forever....

Well he hoped not, he was sure this tree was gonna give out someday. And then he can finally crawl out into freedom, well- actually, he needed to find wherever the witches took half of his soul jam. Then, he can fun, but he sure it's be easy.

He just needed time...

BANG!

There was another shake as Burning Spice yet again tried to break the barriers, this caused a loose bit of bark to fall from the ceiling and hit the jester in his face.

He choked on a quiet gasp of surprise, before frowning distastefully. Plucking off the glittering piece of bark off his face, some of that faerie dust stays on his face as he sniffles.

Regrettably so, his small action of frustration was the beginning of an unwanted show.

His breath hitches, as he silently curses to himself, just his luck, he breathed in those stupid faeries dust.

And he felt regret at every following twist and turn the dust took, because apparently the sparkly coating of the tree bark to give it that extra protective layer had another thing with it.

It's incredibly itchy, as he finds himself rubbing desperately at the outside of his sinuses until his dough is an irritably dark blue.

Trying to coarse the dust out, yet like a pesky bug it only went deeper. And he hated to realize he accidentally sniffled in irritation again out of habit. Gasping quietly as the itch flares and burns.

Tickling the deepest parts of his nose until his breath is near a constant hitching, many eyes flickering, trying to stay ajar.

His mouth hangs open as his body completely freezes up, only the heaves of his chest rising up and down. He manages to crack an eye open to sneer distastefully at the red silhouette far away from him.

Gritting his teeth and silently cursing out Burning spice and his stupid temper. Yet, its not the only reason that makes him check, he's making sure the coast is clear.

No eyes were on him but he was still hesitant to relive this senseless itch. They would probably be able to hear him, no, he knows they will.

Sure he can scoot as far away as he can, but he's afraid they'll still hear him through their yelling. And the last thing he wanted was people attention when he was so-...Embarrassed.

His acts and shows had a format, they were supposed to entertain the audience using other cookies as the butt of the joke. But he can't just- just be the center of attention AND the joke.

No, he didn't give permission, he didn't want to-

"H-hihh-...!" His breath hitches and he immediately clasps two hands over his mouth, all eyes opened wide and snapping to his still distracted friends.

That was close, he sighed, before the itch flared again, the pressure almost unbearable as his hitching breath was muffled into his frilly cuffs.

He felt his eyes water, a thin sheer drop of mucus slipping out his nose as he held back a sniffle. He'd like to go back to being bored, thank you. He silently begged whatever plot the world was following to save him this moment, but the itch didn't seem to care for his say in the matter.

Continuing its gentle dance, he sighed shakily, knowing it was a losing battle. Of course only he could bring himself to this, he took another glance at the still arguing silhouettes.

Before tugging up his ruff until he found it was snuggly muffling his breathing.

He waited for the perfect opportunity, doing his best to keep his itchy nose at bay until then.

His eyes fluttered close as he listened carefully.

"Your anger does nothing but waste time."

"THEN WHAT ELSE AM I SUPPOSED TO FEEL?"

"Can you both stop arguing, I'm trying to get my beauty sleep?!"

Theres a low growl, then a loud yell and Shadow Milk notes how the red silhouette rears up its weapon.

And just as the silhouette lunges to lands it attack Shadow Milk allows the itch to burn to the tip of his nose.

BANG!

"AH-NGSXH!"

The stifle did nothing but make the problem worse, the burning itch flaring up even worse than before, and he barely managed to stifle the next one.

"H-ha-Hh'NGSZHsth-!"

A stray tear slipped down his cheek, a hand firmly clamped around his itchy nose. He quietly sniffles, glancing over at his friends.

Good, they didn't notice, not at all.

He wiped off his nose on his sleeve, giving it a warning squeeze to quell the itch.

"Seriously your whining is getting on my nerves" a yawn followed.

Shadow milk felt the pressure return, he resisted the urge to blow his nose into his sleeves endless rope of handkerchiefs. Even if it would probably get rid of the faerie dust. But it would be loud.

Too loud for his comfort.

"My whining?! Just yesterday you were crying and screaming like a baby!"

There was a loud offended gasp.

"WELL AT LEAST I DON'T-"

"Hi-h-'gNSXTGh!"

"-TRY THE SAME BURNT ATTACK AGAINST THE SAME BURNT WALL FOR FIVE DAYS IN A ROW!"

Shadow Milk was wiping a stream of snot onto his sleeves, quietly sniffling. All the while pleased that their constant yelling was finally useful.

But all this stifling did nothing hut make a headache blossom. And it didn't help that the dust just wouldn't leave unless he stopped.

"Gh..."

His eyes widen at the sudden overwhelming pressure, hands twitching as his breath hitched, tears falling by the dozen down his flushed dough.

"WELL AT LEAST IM DOING SOMETHING!"

He felt it, the ever so light touching of the dust. The burning itchiness was gone, replaced by a steady and incalculable raise and fall.

"DO SOMETHING ELSE!"

Shadow Milk, gave his nose a pinch, and almost like that it disappeared, and he couldn't help the relieved sigh from leaving his lips. Like a weight had been lifted off his nose he gave a curt sniffle to try and ease away the congestion.

"SHUT U-"

" Ah-'ATCHiEw!"

. . .

And like a riveting high note of a talented singer all eyes were on him. Even his own, wide with unfiltered shock.

A beat of a minute passes, and he assumes his friends would go back to their arguing like nothing happened. But instead he's annoyed and slightly horrified as they all individually talk.

Mystic flour goes first with a single and blank,

"Bless you."

Following after was a tired hum and a,

"Gesundheit, hun!"

Then there was a snort of contained malicious laughter, and a single word not fully truthfully spoken from the heart.

"Weak..."

Last of it all was a click of the tongue and rustling of armor, and with the sound so close Shadow Milk almost instantly realized with horror that Silent Salt must've had front view tickets the whole time.

God, how could he forget about the ever lurking and observant warrior of the dark?!

Yet, despite the immense shame he feels, he's forced to give an acknowledging hum.

Hoping that it'd be enough for his now corrupted friends to go back to their own accords. Yet it's only fuel to the fire, their attention now fully on this new piece of entertainment for them to latch onto.

"You okay? That sounded really bad."

How very thoughtful of you, he silently scoffed.

"I am fine." He almost cringed from his own voice, congested so hard he felt he sounded like a completely different cookie.

"You do not sound fine." He rolled two of his many eyes, before sneering over at them.

"Im fi-ne." He covers his mouth, feeling even more embarrassment land on tip of him like another tree. Because him, the famous performer, just had his first ever voice crack. And witches was it humiliating when it was oneself in the spotlight of mockery.

"Ha! You sound like a dying bird!" A very enthused Burning Spice laughed.

"CAN IT WILL-...Wih-hh."

His now hitching breath was like a lighter fluid to a candle, immediately sparking joy in the Destroyer who had been oh-so-bored.

"Oh-? HA HA! I didn't quite catch that, care to repeat?"

"Y-you little- hh- ah-"

"Stop being so mean to him Spice! He's obviously not feeling well!" A very annoyed yell came from across him.

But despite Burning Spice's usually short temper, he just waved her off in favor of watching the jester trying to fork out compelling arguments while his senses betray him.

"H-HA- A'GNSHh-he-!"

"Ha! Good one!" The now relaxed beast mocked with applause, Shadow Milk personally could've never guessed he'd ever sneer at someone who was applauding so loudly.

"S-shu- H'GnXSHo!"

"Finally an actually entertaining performance, haha!"

"B-BURN UP IN THE OVEN-ACh'NGSzT!"

"Oh hun you shouldn't stifle its bad for your-"

"HA'GnSHs!"

"Hea-"

"A'PSNGH!"

"-lth."

More applause.

He was out of breath, desperately wiping his nose with his sleeve. But it only felt worse, irritating his face, did smooth sugar fabric always feel this rough?

"And I thought you'd gotten boring." There was another boisterous laugh, and through his wet eyelashes he made sure to send Burning spice, now up against the barriers separating everyone, the nastiest look he could muster.

"SNDRK! Shud it." Shadow milk growled, breath still hitching as he desperately held back. There was a rustle of armor, like Silent Salt was shaking their head disapprovingly at the whole situation. Mystic Flour spoke in their place.

"Your continued stubbornness to not just sneeze normally is what is causing this scene, open your heart to apathy. And simply stop."

He scoffed. "Oh what do you know." He accused, sniffling pathetically from his spot on the floor.

"Come on hun, we're only trying to give you the advice that you obviously need." While it wasn't supposed to, her words came off more insulting than comforting.

He crossed his arms, which looking back was a very big mistake. Because as he opened his mouth to speak, his guard was so caught off that he couldn't pinch and stop in time for the ever loud but squeaky.

"Ah-hh'HA-SCHIEWw!"

He gasps in embarrassment, covering his mouth in humiliation. Silence, crickets, the crowds is staring blankly, he slightly curls in on himself. As if it would somehow take the spotlight off him. His face was burning a million degrees, yet he had to admit, the itch was gone.

And his sinuses felt a lot more clear, seems that last one cleared the last bit of that damned faerie dust from his system. He felt great physically, but mentally he was absolutely more ruined than normal, as yet another beat of silence follows.

But this time it isn't as long as the other. With the broken silence comes a cheerful voice calling out a simple,

"Gesundheit!"

Chapter Text

The moon had long since risen, its beautifully reflected light grazing the quiet academy's grounds. But, one light can always be smothered and ignored by a brighter one.

It was more of a talk of how useful it was, the moon would rock one to a gentle sleep. The gentle light sanding over once eyes and immediately causing a droop.

Yet the bright yellow light from the candle on his bed night table washed that tiring moon out. Energizing him, and giving him the clear sight to read a long stack of test's he'd become quite bored with.

Lying on his stomach, his arm propped up his head. Blue and white hair tied back into a simple braid that hung heavy on his back.

He'd not gotten much time for himself lately, because the more cookie kind started to rely on him and his friends help. The more work was forked onto his plate.

And so he made sure to try and enjoy these fleeting moments for himself, where only the shadows would creep around his shoulder. And even if it was spent grading tests, it had to be done. And he admitted it was quite fun to do.

He turned to another paper, absentmindedly sniffling. Now that he was lying here and thinking, he realized he had not yet heard back from his friends. Which yeah, they were probably also really busy.

But they've always tried their best to write at least something within a month or two. And he sent them letters so long ago the trees outside his window had already lost their once green leaves in preparation for winter.

And so he couldn't help but wonder, did the letter get lost? Have they yet to open it up and read it? Or have they maybe already sent a response letter and it's the other way around, lost?

Are they worried about it him? Worried like he is?

He sighed, turning another page. They had to be, right? He was their friend after all...But maybe...

Maybe-...He should write another letter? Just to see! He needed to know they're okay. Seeing as he doesnt have the time to actually take a quick trip over.

"To try using earth magic for healing, huh?" He read aloud, a habit he picked up from teaching sooo many classes. He couldn't help occasionally reading things aloud, even in private.

He sniffled, rubbing his nose absentmindedly, it was still runny.

Mostly due to him still recovering from a small cold, it wasn't really a big issue. Seeing as he's won fights with dragons by waving his hand, he's many times went beyond a point where if he was a mortal cookie he'd be mere crumbles on the floor.

Yet, he survived all that, so a head cold was nothing to sneeze at, literally. Sure it was a little irritating, but it was easy to wave off.

"Destructive or not..." He absentmindedly clicked his tongue. Adjusting his heads position to rest his chin on the back of his palm. Continuing to read on another's paper.

"Hm, well well, someone thinks Dark Moon magic should be studied?" He chuckled to himself, sometimes his students were just the silliest.

Flipping to the other side he hums to himself.

"Snf-! Correct..." This was the test of a very interesting student of his, always so curious, yet smart. Insanely so, he's proud to call them his star student.

"KFF KFF-!Mh...Correct..." Rubbing his nose with his knuckle he huffs. It's really starting to bother him, especially since sniffling back the congestion only tickled.

"Uhh, ah, yes, thats...Hh- righhiht..." He rubbed a finger under his nose, before angrily using the heel of his palm to rub desperately at his nose.

“Mh, huh- hh-‘!” He tilted his head back, fanning his face. “Hih-!” After a moment it passes, and he irritatedly huffs. Before going back to reading.

“Water and f-hih-fire- only work- t-toghe-huh-!” He paused, angrily rubbing his disobedient nose.

“Just do ih- it if you- huh- hhu’hh-!” He fanned himself, before sniffling again.

The tickle was a mere bother, not at all hitting the top, or becoming bearable. It was- just- cruel.

Cruel and viscous…

“Ugh.” His eyes tear up, fluttering his lashes. Before his eyes shift to the candle on his nightstand. He focuses on the light, the bright yellow light.

And like a wax candle, the flame tips it over.

“Huh- hh-! Hah- H’AS-TSchiew!”

Opening his eyes, he catches that light again. Before immediately having to close them again.

“H’Tchew! H’aCHEuw!”

Taking a deep breath he sniffled, and is quite pleasantly surprised when his congestion seems to have cleared.

He sniffles again, rubbing his nose again as he sighs in relief. Opening his eyes again, the candle isn’t the first thing he sees. No, that relief is quite quickly changed to horror as he sees the small droplets of spray that has landed on many different tests. Soaking into the paper and smudging the ink in some places.

But it’s still readable, and he quickly waves it off. It’s been quite a while, he’s sure he’s most definitely not contagious anymore.

And even if he was, a few droplets isn’t that big of a deal? Plus, he’s sure the germs will lose effectiveness before- well before classes tomorrow morning.

After some more grading, he hastily finishes up, before deciding he should rest up.

Three days later he notes his star student away on sick leave.

Chapter Text

It started late one night, it had been raining nonstop for ages. Of course it wasn't really a problem for Shadow Milk, his spire was waterproofed.

And warm, so he his was naturally drawn towards his minion, Black Sapphire Cookie. When the eccentric radio host had shivered during a one sided conversation with him.

And that simple action had drawn his fraying attention back. Sure, it could've just been one of those random chills that passes through mortal cookies bodies.

But it seemed- different?

Although Shadow Milk had long since left behind his title of 'fount of all knowledge', that didn't automatically make every piece of information he had disappeared.

He simply used it for more selfish reasons, but-.

Sometimes, just SOMETIMES, he couldn't help slipping into the old habit of observing and learning.

So his suspicions had been marked then, but he simply threw it to the back of his mind.

Until the next day came around, and that suspicion resurfaced.

He'd been writing haphazardly in a notebook. Ideas, plots, characteristics, because soon, his biggest ever show would be played....

It was some months away, and he had already finished the script, but still! You never know, some gnats just simply didn't follow the plot. And sure he was good at improvising, but he needed this to go PERFECTLY, and so he could use with the extra plot fillers that can fix up any unforeseen problem.

He flips the page, so deep in concentration. Yet it's broken as fast as glass, as he pauses, his attention completely captured. The inked tip of his quill hovering just above the surface of the paper.

His two eyes don't shift, but the rest do. The many so rested in his hair shift over to the corner. Where his purple little gossiper had been standing for minutes straight now, just fiddling with his microphone, yet still so unusually silent. No humming or absentminded clicking of heels. It was abnormal.

Shadow Milk could've almost forgotten he was there, if he was not painfully aware of everything in the spire where his eyes stay littered. Or if Black Sapphire's breath hadn't hitched.

The radio host's shoulders tensing as his head subtly tilted back.

Finally Shadow Milk's actual eyes shift, staring over his notebook.

He was sure Black Sapphire wouldn't notice the attention, seeing as the cookie was a bit busy with in a silent war with inside himself. Shadow milk shifts a little on his spot in the air. Just enough to make it seem like he wasn't going out of his way to stare.

Shadow Milk's eyes stay glued, finally able to see his minions face. Albeit half of it, he watched intently at every little twitch.

Black Sapphire's mouth hung just slightly agape, nose scrunched up, eyes fluttering, yet filled with concentration as he burned a hole in a random corner of the bookcase. His hand had slightly raised, chest rising up and down, up and down with each hitching breath.

At some point the hand he had raised started fanning his face as his eyes screwed shut, nostrils flaring wide like a ready gun's barrel.

And in a second, he finally takes a final gasp of air, before crumpling over. Ducking his face into his free hands palm. A almost silent,

"H'HksGh-hue!" Follows, Black Sapphire's wings sprawl as wide as possible. Before sagging, as the host grunts and snorts, his eyes crack open slowly, a slight watery sheen tinting them. And quickly straightens up his back again with a curt sniffle, about to continue his fiddling if he didn't pause from a very high pitched, "Ew!"

Shadow Milk watches Black Sapphire's face contort into annoyance. Before his half his eye shifts to the presence previously busy with fixing her hair in the mirror.

"Did you really just SNEEZE into your HAND?!" Candy Apple remarked with a face of disgust, in turn the older cookie rolled his eyes before responding.

"It's none of your business, now is it?" He snapped back, turning to the short cookie. This gave Shadow Milk a better look, and his suspicions skyrocketed.

Black Sapphire was slightly flushed, nose a darker shade of purple. Eyes tired and puffy, and listening to him argue with Candy Apple made him notice the subtle rasp that you only really noticed when you focused.

And with all this, Shadow Milk very quickly came to his conclusion. The answer to his suspicions, Black Sapphire is-

"It is my business, because you're spreading your germs around! AND I DON'T WANT YOU TO GET MASTER SHADOW MILK COOKIE SICK!"

And there his confirmation was, he listened intently as Candy Apple scolded out the older cookie. It was syrupy sweet of her to do, sure, but please, he couldn't possibly catch something so simple as a cold!

"I am NOT sick." Black Sapphire snorted angrily, tapping the end of his microphones stand into the ground. "It's just...Allergies-!" He huffed, yet Candy Apple gave him a curt glare.

"Liar!" She hissed, "you have no allergies!" She pointed accusingly at him. He grit his teeth, "and your proof?" He leaned down to her height, hand on his hip.

Candy Apple puffed up her cheeks in anger, before stomping her feet. "Well I don't-! I don't have proof- BUT! I know for a fact you don't have allergies!"

He clicked his tongue, "oh please, why would I fib about something like this? My lies are too grand to be about allergies!" He flicked her forehead, as she scrambled to slap his hand away.

"EW-! Don't touch me with your snotty hands!!!" She yelled, swatting at his hand still hovering close to her.

Black Sapphire grunts in annoyance, rubbing his temple. "Will you quit your screeching?! You're giving me a migraine!" He gritted, but Candy Apple simply huffed again.

"You're probably getting a headache because you're SICK!" She accused, yet again pointing at him. Black Sapphire grunts again, tired of this back and forth.

Then Shadow Milk noticed the mischievous curl of his minions mouth. He watched Black Sapphire hum innocently, "hm, I guess you're right, Candy Apple." He fluttered his eyelashes, and immediately the younger cookie pauses.

"Huh?" She stares up at him with a raised brow, before smiling. "Really?" She happily squealed, and he nodded with a sad smile.

"Oh I'm just soooooo sick." He gave a fake cough into his hand, but Candy Apple was a little too happy to show disgust.

"And it just so painful! So why don't you-" "huh?" "Shut it!" He pushes his disgusting hand into her face. And she screeches before scrambling back as she bats at his hand.

But he only evilly laughs, continuing to follow with his hand. She falls back on her butt, flailing her arms and legs at him.

"STOP! GROSS! EW!" She yelled, all while Black Sapphire continued laughing. Shadow Milk cant help but find the scene amusing, but the fun's gotta be over soon. He cant have both of his favored minions sick, not when there's so much misinformation to spread.

But as he's about to step in the scene deescalates with a simple,

"AH'sChiw!'

The sneeze seemed to echo off of the rooms walls, everyone adorning a surprised stare. Candy Apple most of all, face dropping in horror.

Black Sapphire hastily cover his mouth, muttering out a quick apology. But it doesn't ease the situation, Candy Apple looks ready to maul him, and she would've. If Shadow Milk didn't speak up.

"Now now!" The moment his voice calls out they both freeze again. Eye's shifting to their boss, who had moved, and was now standing over them.

"No more fighting, although it's hilarious, we have better things to~do!" He clapped his hands together, sending them both a warning glare.

Candy Apple took the opportunity to push Black Sapphire away, hopping up to her feet quickly as she wiped her face with a angry huff.

"I didn't start it!" She immediately began, and Black Sapphire rolled his eyes, crossing his arms. Seemingly forgetting his previous guilt.

"Of course you didn't, little brat." Black Sapphire gritted, sending her a sharp glare. As she sent an equally nasty look back.

"Wo-oah! Okay! Enough of this!" Shadow Milk clasped his hands together, gathering their attention back.

"I don't care who started it, I just need both of you to focus on work, m'kay?" He placed both hands on his hips, of course that wasn't the whole reason. He just didn't want this lil' bug going round.

"Yes, Master Shadow Milk Cookie." They both say, bowing their head, before scurrying out the room to, as he probably assumed, continue arguing until their ways separated.

He's sure this wont be good, but, what could he do? Click his pointed black heels together saying theres no place like the spire. Where his workers get sick, and pass it around like a ball.

The next day Black Sapphire was bed ridden with a high fever. As predicted.

Shadow Milk cooing pitifully at his bedside, acting like he was so clueless of this development. Pretending to be surprised by this 'sudden' cold.

"Ooh ho-! My DEAREST little minion~! Why didn't you tell me you were feeling sickly sooner~?" He cooed, leaning over the bed, "I would've let you rest!" He tutted, although he still smiled, watching Black Sapphire's eyes narrow knowingly.

"Of course, master..." he rasped, choosing not to argue. Shadow Milk smiled a little wider, eyes grazing over his minion. Shivering, yet sweating an absurd amount.

"Welp!! Guess you can take the day off~!" Turning to leave, but Black Sapphire abruptly sits up. "N-no..." Shadow Milk stops, before glancing over his shoulder with blank eyes.

"No?" He asked.

"No." His minion answered.

"Hmm.." Shadow Milk looked the other up and down. Black Sapphire looked, with the kindest and most truthful words he could offer, horrible.

Puffy watery eyes, messy hair, flushed yet pale face, nose wine purple and dripping. And he was still shaking despite the very obvious beads of sweat dripping down his face.

"Nooooo~ what?" His face is blank as he stares down at the sick cookie. "I- I can still work." Black Sapphire sits up, "I can still- I can pretend..." He gulped.

Shadow Milk raised a brow, clicking his tongue disapprovingly.

"Now now, that's pretty a dumb idea. C'mooonnn, I expected a lil' more brain from you." He sung, poking his forehead, before using that to push him down into the bed.

"But I guess that fever must be pretty bad!" He mused, feeling the absolutely smoldering heat felt with just his finger alone.

"Please, Master. Let me." He rolls onto his side before pushing himself up. Shadow Milk Cookie Blankly stares, before chuckling, a bemused smile cracking onto his face.

"Fine," he clicked, "but heed my words, Saph, this isn't a good idea.~" he warned, watching as the cookie quickly scrambled to get ready. Before Shadow Milk left the room to work on some props.

Some hours later he finds Candy Apple chugging down a glass of orange juice in the kitchen, when he was going to get some apples.

"Hi, Master Shadow Milk Cookie!!" She happily greeted, and in response he blankly nodded, looking over her shoulder. Raising a questioning brow.

"Ah, my little apple seed, I thought you didn't like orange juice?" He hummed, floating above the tiny cookie as he stabbed his sharp nail through an apple to pick it up.

She huffed, "I don't...But I read it's good for the immune system and stuff..." she pouted, "and stupid Black Sapphire touched me with his germs! And look at him now!" She stomped her feet, but angrily chugging down the rest of the orange juice.

But looking closer he noted how her gulps seemed- slow, almost hesitant...

"Oh ho-! Alright!" His eyes narrow as he looks closer, and as he catches her wincing after finishing the cup he steps onto the floor.

"Apple." She perked up, happily drinking up his attention, "yes? Master Shadow Milk Cookie?" She smiled brightly.

"Does your throat hurt?" He asked, playing with the apple in his hand. She tilted her head, before excitedly bouncing.

"Kyaha! My Masters so smart!!" She squealed in awed, yet he didn't even bat an eye.

"Lucky guess..." he shrugged. Looking her over, he came to an unfortunate conclusion, both of his closest minions were gonna be sick.

"Let me see your throat, okay?" He leans down to her height. She pauses, before slowly opening her mouth. He grabs her chin, tilting her towards the light so he can glance down her mouth. Ignoring her bounce of excitement at his touch and attention.

The back of her throat was inflamed and red. And yep, he concluded, she most definitely caught Saphy's bug.

"Mh." She tilts her head, trying to speak without closing her mouth. So Shadow Milk lets go.

"What was that?"

"I said! Is there something wrong?" She repeats, staring up at him with wide eyes filled with admiration, he hums. Wondering to himself whetter he should tell her, or let her find out herself.

But staring into her awed eyes, he sighs. "Ah, its just...I think you should've taken that glass of orange juice earlier."

She stares into his eyes with a blank expression, her eyes flicking mindlessly across his face as she put the pieces together. And when she did, sue she gasped.

"I-..." She pauses, before her face flushes in anger.

"BLACK SAPPHIRE COOKIE!" She screeches, angrily running off to find the cookie. Leaving Shadow Milk cookie to himself, yet he didn't care. Petty little fights are nothing he should care about. Simply shrugging, before digging into his apple as he floats away.

Five hours later and this sickness reared its ugly head. It had been raining again, the weather had indeed been awful the past couple days.

But Shadow Milk hadn't minded, not until both his minions came back drenched.

"My! What have we here? Two soggy little cookies?" He laughed, Candy Apple, even with her masters attention, still held an angry scowl as she trembled like a leaf.

And Black Sapphire Cookie? He was barely standing! Swaying like a leaf, looking ready to faint any minute.

If he looked bad that morning, he looked absolutely miserable now. Every single little thing that showed he was sick hours earlier, we're now a screaming warning sign for anyone to keep away.

Shadow Milk whistled, "geee, you both look aw~ful! Ha ha!" He mused, floating over to the two.

"How was it? Did any of you two fool any cookies? Spread some misinformation? Some gossip?" He already knew the answer, but it'd be fun to have his point proven.

Candy Apple pouted as she sneered at Black Sapphire. "Twenty...." She huffed, and sniffled. Trying to fix her dripping syrups.

Meanwhile his other minion barely seemed to register the words. Slouched as he trembled, stumbling a bit on his feet. Until he responded quietly.

"..One..." He snorted, it seems his congestion had clogged his sinus completely. His sniffles and snorts barely did anything, it sounded thick. Yet nothing moved around, he winced, rubbing his puffy nose.

"Oh ho! Wow-! What a good investment! I shouldn't even have offered to let you rest, seeing as you work sooooo well." He sarcastically cooed.

But his words fly over the hosts head, who's currently too busy trying not fall over. His microphone staff pressed firmly into the floor to keep himself upright.

"Gnhh.." he shuddered, wings sagging pathetically behind him. He pushed a chunk of his wet bangs from his face. Revealing his other eye, equally as red and puffy.

"I'm going to my room! My hairs completely RUINED!" Candy Apple screeched angrily, stomping away to her room. But not before blowing raspberries to a very shaky Black Sapphire.

Shadow Milk's eyes follow her, before going back to the miserable piece of soggy dough in front of him.

He clicked his tongue distastefully, getting closer. "You should do the same, cant have you dragging this round, and giving it to EVERYONE in the spire." He tutted.

"Mhm." Is all the cookie could say, forehead pressing against his staff as a small click and rattle of feedback fizzles out of the microphone's panicked eye.

Shadow Milk blankly stares at him, before pushing his face up so he can press a the back of his hand against the cookie's humid forehead.

Now thats almost as warm as the oven!

Black Sapphire stares at him in surprise, as his boss gently handles him. But truth be told, caring habits don't just die because one's been corrupted and stuck in a tree for millennia's.

"Hm, yeah, you are BOILING!" He laughed, but that laughter quickly dies down as his minion stumbles and falls over. Luckily he had a good enough reflex to catch him.

"Woahh! Okay! Easy, easy!" He grits, adjusting his grip so that he wouldn't strain his arm. This bod was still new, y'know?

He grunts and huffs.

"Eugh, c'mon now Saphy! No need to fall over!" He huffed, tugging the cookie to at least stand straight. Yet the sickly cookie was dangling from his arms like a lifeless marionette.

Shadow milk sighed exasperatedly, his arms starting to numbly ache. As he adjusted again, "geez, I can't carry you to your room!" He grumbled, before pausing.

"Well I can...But- BUT I don't have to!" He grunted, yet his minion could only mutter incoherently. The only word he could somewhat make out was 'sorry'.

He sighed, this- is....Gross...

Yet he rolled his eyes, before snapping his fingers as the spire twists and turns. Shaping around them, until they stood in front of a familiar door.

"Take this is but a moment of my bountiful generosity!" He sung, trying to ignore his growing irritation as his arms dully ache.

His minion nodded, mumbling a few muffled praises. Shadow Milk yet again deflated in irritation, "Saphy, I won't hold you forever, y'know?" He tutted exasperatedly, feeling the cookie tug at him to try and stand on his own.

"Righd, of coubse, masdeb..." he sniffled, standing up as he swayed slightly. Shadow Milk impatiently clicked his tongue.

"And take a shower, you're dragging puddles everywhere!" Shadow Milk grimaced, noting how his sleeves were now soggy too.

"Righd, of SNF course." He nodded absentmindedly, eye cracking open to stare at Shadow Milk. Yet he couldn't move, his body had fell asleep the moment he fell over.

They stare at each other in silence, before Shadow Milk exasperatedly sighed for what felt like the fifth time that day. Deciding to just drag the young cookie with him, his body still like a rag doll.

Pushing open the door, he flies over with Black Sapphire feet dragging across the floor in tow. Placing him down on the cookies makeup table.

Black Sapphire managed enough energy to hold himself on that chair. Arms folding over them table as his Microphone rests against the tables end.

"Mh," he grunted, before weakly coughing. Shadow Milk still hovered behind him, he wanted to leave, matter of fact he was going to.

But, he realized quite quickly that this wasn't the best idea. Black Sapphire probably won't even take care of himself, the cookie cant even get up.

And Shadow Milk needs his minions in tip top shape. So despite his better judgement, he disappointedly sighed. Before petting the other on the back, of course he'd prefer to assign the task of caretaker to someone else.

But the only eligible candidates for caretaker had the immune system of a baby, and he didn't want this going around, so seeing as he's too powerful for sickness, he was the best for the task.

"Huh?" His minion glanced up, staring at him through the mirror.

"I'll run you bath, go get changed." Shadow Milk ordered impatiently, patting a confused and shocked Black Sapphire's shoulder, before floating away to the bathroom.

Inside the bathroom he was absolutely flabbergasted at the messy interior.

And- no, just run the bath, he thought.

He clicked his tongue, turning on the bath as the water starts flowing. Looking around he starts curiously snooping.

Looking through the many bottles littering the radio host's bathroom he sucked in a breath. The bath was already filling with warm water. But he couldn't for the life of him figure out what all these bottles were used for.

Not even he had this many!

A purple bottle that transitions into a soft orange catches his eyes first. Taking it he looks it over, no label, only a yellow sun engraved.

As he opens it, a gentle pink cloud exits the top. He pauses, it looks, familiar? He hesitantly takes a whiff. It was a strongly scented oil, with a fruity aroma.

Yet it burned as he sniffled, "eugh." He closed it quickly, rubbing his nose with his wet sleeve. Which unsurprisingly just annoyed him more.

Too strong, yet he couldn't pinpoint if he smelt it before. He moves onto a blue and white one. This one was more refined in its smell, blueberries. Something he liked. And this one, it made him relax, he doesn't even test any other bottle before he dumped a good portion of it into the bath.

It added a dull blue color to the bath. He put the now half empty bottle aside as he rummaged through the rest. Mixing could be good!

He grabbed a dark purple bottle, taking a good whiff, it had an- ashy? Sort of smell. So he placed it away, another smelt like, strawberries, others of roses. He got a little ahead of himself, who knew smell testing would be fun?

Maybe it was because he hadn't been able to smell anything but bark the whole time he was in that tree. So he had quite a lot of senses to catch up on, and it just so happens he had a chance now. Especially since the tub wasn't full yet.

He placed away a pink heart shaped bottle that smelt like lemons, grabbing a yellow and blue one. Its shape was like a flower, a familiar one.

But it hadn't been long since he got out of that tree, so he didn't quite remember why the shape of the flower ticked him off.

So he assumed it was because it only grew in a certain SOMEONES kingdom. Annoying cookie, he thoughts, before popping the lid off.

Taking a whiff he pauses, it dwells for a second. Before an immense regret meets him. A burning tickle flares suddenly, his breath hitched. And he immediately throws the bottle out the open window, not even thinking it might be a favorite. He hastily pinches his nose.

A memory, a warning, he remembers, those damn p-pri- ugh-! Always so- sooooo hh-i-itchy-!

"Ih'TXGgscH'hie!”

Huffing and sniffling he desperately rubbed the underside of his nose, taking a deep breath of the blueberry scented air. He’s-...He's gonna pretend that didn't happen...

His curiosity was crushed, and he put all the bottles back in their places, just in time for a weak knock at the door.

Opening it he finds Black Sapphire, clad in a simple purple robe that matches the host's earrings.

And it's just now Shadow Milk notes the excess steam in the bathroom. As some slip out as the door opens, hitting his minion in the face as Black Sapphire scrunches his nose, waving his hand to fan it away.

"Ah! Finally done? Get in." He grits, slipping out the bathroom to usher the other in.

"W-whad- SNDRK! whad did you use??" His minion glanced over his shoulder, head now at least a little bit clearer. But he's waved off and ushered in, as Shadow Milk closes the door.

Wiping his hands off on his pants he clicks his tongue. Sniffling again, okay, bath, done.

What else? He raked through his minds archive of knowledge, trying to remember, what does one do when taking care of someone?

It's been so long since he's done something like this, honestly! He promises~ no lies at all! Matter of fact, when was the last time?

Thinking to himself he fiddled with his staff, before pausing.

Oh! He thinks it was when-....Nevermind.

Not important...Not at all!!!

He slowly floats through his spire, before entering the kitchen. Soup was effective...Right?

Yeah, he's sure his puppets can make something like that. Something warm with vitamins and stuff.

Black Sapphire suspiciously eyed the steaming bath, the blue swirls of whatever oil his boss had added to the bath seemed a bit suspicious.

Yet he took a deep breath, slipping the robe off and throwing it aside. Slipping in his body tensed before relaxing as his eyes adjusted to the warmth.

Sniffling he felt some of his congestion break with the help of the steam. He felt his mind clear as well, he glanced around his messy bathroom. Before rubbing his nose, which was getting awfully runny.

But he had been having problems with nothing coming out, so he took the opportunity to blow his nose into his hands.

It was a thick bubbling mess, as he quickly dunked his hands in the water with a disgusted grunt. Leaning his head back against the cool porcelains as he sniffled, somehow still congested. He couldn't even smell whatever his boss put into the bath.

He just hoped it was something that was supposed to go into a bath.

On the other side of the hallway, Candy Apple cookie was in her room, brushing through her slightly damp hair. She'd took a very lengthy shower, and now she was dolling herself back up. But her movements were slower, and she fully blamed Sapphire cookie.

If he hadn't been so inconsiderate and stupid she wouldn't be feeling like this. Grunting, she opened a drawer as she looked through bottles of different syrups.

One was sure to make her look cute and healthy again, right?

Sweetest sugar, swan sugar, blue sugar, salty sugar, etc. So many choices, yet she couldn't decide.

So she randomly took one out, opening her eyes again. And staring down at the spicy sugar. If she remembered correctly, it had a pungent smell that usually garnered attention, and the color was nice. So she didn't complain, matter of fact, she liked this one! Sitting back down in front of her mirror, she smiled at her tired reflection.

"Finally, I'll look cute again for Master Shadow Milk!" She smiled, before yet again cursing out Black Sapphire under her breath. Before opening the bottle and pouring some out into a bowl. The smell immediately hitting her like a freight train. Except, unlike usual where she didn't even bat an eye at the aroma. She felt it blossom and tickle her nose.

"Huh?" She sniffed curiously, which immediately backfired as the light tickle evolved into a burning itch. She winced, before her breath hitched.

"Gh!" She desperately rubbed at her twitching nostrils, "uuh!" She hitched, before snorting and sniffling. "Huh!" She gulped, pinching her nose as she held her breath.

What was this? She questioned, as the tickle continued persistently, only getting worse the longer she held it in. Until finally, she ducked into her skirt.

"Ha'Tch! Ha'Tsch!! Hih-hh- H'Tshu!" Breathing heavily she sniffled, before immediately continuing as she ducked back down.

"Ha'GNshu! H'GTshu!!" She rubbed her nostrils desperately, immediately pushing the bowl of syrup away as she turned around on the stool.

"H'tsh! Ha'tSch!" Getting up she rushed to her bathroom. Dammit! Why was the syrup smell so much stronger? She's never reacted like this before!

"H'TTSHU!" This one was more vocal, causing her sore throat to hurt again. She whined, tears threatening to spill as she winced, rubbing her nose with the heel of her palm. Scowling in disgust before washing her hands, mutter about how unhygienic it was to do.

Letting the soap really soak in she washed it off, and when done she hurriedly started looking through her unorganized shelf of stuff.

All while occasionally sneezing into her skirt. After some minutes she finally found the handkerchief she was looking for. So she hurriedly blowed her nose. Yet it still tickled, how strong was the syrup?

Sniffling again, she ducked back to the handkerchief, "H'GsTChu!" And suddenly, the thought of her master previous words reminded her.

And she finds herself yet again cursing out Black Sapphire, almost on the verge of throwing a tantrum on the floor. But she had at least some decency in her to vent her anger elsewhere. Leaving her room with a stomp in her step, she needed more of that orange juice, she needed her immune system to get stronger!

She sneezed ands sniffled her way forward, and by the time she she's made it to the kitchen. She had soaked through the handkerchief.

"Nuuughh..."

Shadow Milk turned from where he was playing with his staff, to stare down at the small groaning cookie.

"Ooooo, lookie what we have here?" He shouldn't have been surprised, but he was.

And although not loud with his words, she immediately perked up, her usual excitement dampened but her happiness noticeable. And despite having time to cool off from spending time with Black Sapphire. She didn't seem too energetic to him.

"Oh! Hi, Master Shadow Milk Cookie!!!" She greeted, her voice muffled behind her handkerchief.

And he already knew why it was there. It was obvious. She asked if he can get her a glass of orange juice. Seeing as her hands were busy.

"Hm? Alright..." he waved a hand as a glass of orange juice appeared. Holding it out she quickly wiped her nose. Before pocketing the handkerchief, revealing her ruby red nose. Slightly chapped around the nostrils.

She grabbed the glass with a quick thanks, before hastily chugging it down. Shadow Milk Worried she might've choked, but as she survives drinking so fast and scowl in disgust at the flavor, his worries diminish.

"Feeling ill? Little apple seed?" He asked, leaning closer. He already knew the answer, it was painfully obvious. She nodded, sniffling pathetically as she put the glass on the counter.

"Yeah..." She sulked, before firing up again. "And it's all Black Sapphire's fault!" She angrily huffed, stomping her feet. Shadow milk hummed, not really listening, seeing as the name of his other minion had his mind shifting.

He should probably also start to take care of Candy Apple, even if she seems to be fine on her own. She hasn't seemed to reach the worst of the cold yet, and it's better to start early, right?

"Aha." He responded, glancing over her to stare at the shadowy creature currently throwing ingredients into a pot.

"Yeah-! He's so-! SO MEAN! And-! Stupid!!!" She's getting riled up, an angry blush coating her cheeks. He nods along, finally looking down at her.

"Yes, but be a little more quiet will you? Don't want you losing your voice~!" He gave her nose a playful poke, not fully realizing the sensitivity.

He stares in surprise as she barrels over quickly into her hands.

"HA'TscH!"

"Oh! Gesundddheeeit~!" He laughs, more so in surprise. Thats new, sick cookies usually don't turn into machines that sneeze upon impact, right?

She sniffles and whines, "oww!!! My nose burns!" Candy Apple loudly complains, before coughing. "And my throat hurts!" She continued, stretching her arms and legs. "And my limbs are sore!!!!" She huffed, as Shadow Milk feigned a sympathetic coo.

"Aw' my poor little apple~" he leaned down to pat her head. "All shriveled up and sickly! Oh, whatever shall one do?" He hummed.

Picking her up as she gasped in surprise, before realizing her predicament and excitedly squealing. Like she was gonna explode from happiness. Her? Being in her masters arms?

"Nyaha!!!!" She found herself with energy again as she excitedly trembled in his hold. "I'll be happy with whatever!" She nuzzled into his arms, as he absentmindedly rocked her.

"How about some soup and rest, m'kay?" He sweetly cooed, but he doesn't spare her more than a bored glance as he looks over at the brewing pot on the stove. Not even flinching as she excitedly squealed and tugged at the front triangles of his cape. Tugged with the hand's they both forgot she just sneezed in.

"Yes yes yes!" She kicked her feet, absolutely shaking with excitement from this. Her Shadow Milk? Taking care of her???

He nodded absentmindedly, he should check in on Black Sapphire. Aaaaaand also drop Candy Apple off to her room.

"Uuughhhh."

Black Sapphire's not sure how many times he's groaned out in pain.

The bath had gone cold, but he was too comfortable in his spot to get out.

He felt tired, and he's sure it isn't just this disgusting pest currently having a party inside his system.

Because this was absolutely overwhelming sleepiness. Blinking was too tiring, and he was sure he'd fall asleep if his nose didn't want to continue going back and forth between being stuffy, to runny and excruciatingly itchy.

He was too tired to raise his arms, so he was in some sort of tired yet can't sleep type of hell. Worse of it all? Someone was knocking on the bathroom door.

"Mhm???" He pops open a blurry eye, grunting as he forced himself to sit up. The water shifting uncomfortably around him. The air was somehow colder, and it made him sniffle and groan.

"Helllooooo~?" He perks up at his boss's voice, sure, he was already kind of expecting it to be him. But still, he rubs his aching head, slowly getting out of the tub slowly. Stumbling a bit before pulling on his robe.

"Mhhm?" He responded, and before he can even attempt to make it to the door its slammed open.

"It is I~! The—....Geez." Shadow Milk squints thoughtfully. Wasn't the bath supposed to be, oh he doesn't know, helpful?

"You look- worse...." He thought aloud. Yet his minion didn't even bat an eye. Matter of fact- was he asleep?

"Black Sapphire?"

"Mh..."

"Saphy..." He floated closer, waving a hand in front of his face. No response, he gives the cookie a poke to the cheek. They groan.

"Stdop..." swatting his boss's hand away, Black Sapphire massages is temple.

"Uh...Okay?" Shadow Milk Cookie floated a little higher, before slipping behind the cookie. Ushering them to leave the bathroom, they walk slowly.

And halfway through they take a small leap and fall face first into their bed.

"Mmmhhhhm."

"Are you...Tired?" And if so, that's good! Shadow Milk presumes, sleeping is good for getting over a cold. Right? He pokes the other carefully on the back with his foot.

"Mhm..."

They stay like that for a while, until Shadow Milk sighs. Waving his hand as his minions is tugged by blue strings to lay properly on the bed.

The strings only serve to show just how much paler his minion was. The usual light blue looking so much darker against the paler than normal purple. The blanket is pulled over the host, before the strings dissolve.

"Ah, good night~!" He cooed, happily turning to leave. The soup can wait until he's awake, not that he minded, he needed to check in on Candy Apple anyways...Sooo...

"Wait..." Pausing, he took a deep breath, before turning back around. Floating closer as he gives a bored hum.

"Wh-whad did you...Ugh- pud in dheeuuuhh- badh???"

It takes Shadow Milk a moment, before registering what his minion just blabbed.

"Oh! Huh, let me think." He rubbed his chin, what was it he put? Something blue with a blueberry smell.

"Well, it was a round, blue and white bottle!" He smiled, watching his minion pause carefully.

"And dh-SNf-the smell???"

Shadow Milk paused, before humming thoughtfully. Ah, he's that congested? Is point is proven, as he takes a closer look at his minions flushed nose.

"Blueberries, why?"

His minion's face dropped, before sighing exasperatedly. "Okay...." He sniffled, before rubbing his eyes. "Okay!"

"Hm?"

He was confused, very, VEEEERY confused. Which he didn't like, not at all. So his smart little minion, starts to explain. Or- well it takes a few tries.

"Idt was a...SNRDK! A melad- mela- hih-hh-!" Black Sapphire turned his head and pressed his nose into the pillow. Before speaking again. "Meladonin infused oil..."

They both stare at each other for a beat.

"Oh?...Oooooooh!!" Shadow Milk laughed, before waving him off "oh that explains why it felt so relaxing~!" He shrugs. "Welp, at least you'll get a great nap!"

He hurriedly pats his minions head before leaving, not letting Black Sapphire add any more questions.

Entering Candy Apples room, he stop before he can say a word, immediately pinches his nose. What- what was that smell???

So pungent- and it resurfaced yet another old memory of his. But he ignores it, looking around the room. Where was that little apple of his?

Sniffling, he glances around. Before noting the bowl of syrup on her messy vanity. He slowly moves closer, looking at the orange syrup. Filled with small sprinkles of red in.

Moving slightly closer, he hesitantly takes a sniff, and yet again. He regrets it, "hh-!" Pinching his nose he barrels over into a ball.

"Ha'NGTShie-!" It's as quiet as it can get, and he immediately snaps his finger as the syrup disappears into thin air.

What is it with his minions keeping around such- repugnant smelling stuff?

"H'tsh!" He pauses, he's flicking over to the half open bathroom. Quickly wiping his nose on his triangle cut overcoats. Fixing himself up in the mirror,

He floats to the bathroom, waiting outside for a moment. He can hear hitching heaves of breaths, mixed with sniffling. He hums, knocking slowly. Theres a pause in the hitching breaths inside, before-

"H'Tgsuh! Ha'TshUH!" He slowly pushes open the door, finding his minion shivering on the floor, beside a shelf that's been ripped open. A bunch of different things scattered on the floor. But most noticeable was the many opened packs of handkerchiefs.

And- somehow all of them have already been well used...

"Oh-! What- uh...What happened...?" He raised a brow, masterfully avoiding each soggy kerchief's on the floor. He grimaced in mild disgust.

She doesn't respond, only, "Ha'TKshH!"

He leans away a bit, even if she sneezed into a handkerchief. It was soaked through enough that he's sure it's just...Useless...

"Mh-?" She opened a bleary eye, glancing up at him. Yet she doesn't seem to be able to gather up any more energy.

She sniffled loudly, but it doesn't really seem to help as a watery mess immediately runs out again. He cringes.

"Ah, I see you're...Uh..." He pauses, moving a little closer. "Why are you in here?" He inquires with a gentle coo.

"Ugh- my room's- snF! S-spicy..." She whines, before blowing her nose into the soggy handkerchief. His eyes narrow in slight disgust.

Reaching out his hand, he gestures for her to give it to him. She glances at him, before hesitantly placing it in his hand. He grimaces at the sheer wetness, and changes the grip on it to hold it by the corner with his nails. Throwing it into the hamper, he wipes his hands off on his legs.

"Well I fixed your rooms...Spice, problem." He replied, gently scooping her up. And sure he thinks she's really gross right now. But, he can't get sick, he's the master of all deceit! So powerful! A cold can't even attempt to win against his system.

He coo's, carrying her back to bed as she pitifully trembles in his arms. Using his foot he pushes back the blanket, trying to place her down. But she's clinging to him like a lifeline.

"Candy Apple, let me go." He hummed, trying to tug her off. But the short cookie's grip was scarily strong.

"Ah, okay- now, okay..." He grunts, not wanting to rip her off, since she might ruin his clothes. And, he guesses because he doesn't want her getting hurt.

"Snf-!" She buries her face into his shoulder, and he tenses. Carefully patting her head, "okay...I know I'm amazing but-" he freezes as he hears her breath hitch.

Only continuing when she doesn’t do anything. "You need rest- without me." He tries tugging her off again, but she's glued stuck. So after a long minute of tugging he exasperatedly sighs, deciding to just have her attached to him as he sits down on her bed.

Black Sapphire opens his eyes slowly. It was light outside, with the sunshine hitting his eyes uncomfortably. How long was he asleep?

Shuffling in his spot, he turned his head. Staring at his microphone, still on top of his vanity. He needed it, so he slowly gets up, reaching over and grabbing it.

He gently tapped the stand to the floor, the eye flickering open. It gave him a confused glance, before he pressed his forehead to the cold stand.

“The time…” He muttered.

7 am, it told him. And he hummed, it was- early to his standard. He usually woke up around nine, but- he did go to sleep early.

Black Sapphire massaged his temple as he got up, his hair was frizzy. A consequence to going to sleep with wet hair. He slipped off his robe as he changed into a set of dark purple pajamas, lined with a lighter purple.

Sitting at his vanity he stared back at his absolutely miserable looking face. He grit his teeth, rubbing at his darkly flushed nose.

His eyes were teary, and puffy. And his cheekbones to his nose bridge were dusted with a light blush. Yet every other bit of his face was pale.

Sighing, he didn't even wanna try to fix this. So instead he just ignores it, tiredly rubbing his eyes.

At least that oil's effect had mostly worn off. Leaving him just slightly lethargic, and- hell.

His nose was itchy, it has been for a while, a LONG while. He took a deep breath. Rubbing his nose, holding his breath. "Hh-! Hih-!"

He tilts his head back, raising his hand. And- nothing. He deflated, lowering his hand-

"Ah'hatcHi-!" His head hurts as he snaps forward. Spraying his mirror with a fine mist, he grunts, rubbing his nose desperately.

His other hand reaching out and pulling a tissue from his vanity's tissue box. But there doesn't pop up another after that, leaving his hand to hover over the empty box.

"Whad-?" He mutters to himself, glancing down the box, and suddenly he remembers, with regret, all the time he's used more tissues than necessary for anything. To wipe away make up, or clean up when he spills something.

So now, when he really, REALLY, needed it. He didn't have enough. He deflates, almost just crumpling up like a rag. But instead he just bites his tongue and sucks it up. Folding the single pathetic tissue.

It was- sad. To say the least, but he still really needed it. So he carefully blows his nose into the folded tissue.

And he can't even finish fully blowing his nose before it's soaked through. He pauses, before sighing miserably.

Throwing the tissue away, he gets up. Grabbing his microphone and putting some slippers on. He slowly leaves his room, walking down the hall to Candy Apple room.

He knew for a fact she has tissues, and he doesn't care how annoyed she gets that he woke her up. But he's desperate, so he slowly goes to knock on her door. But instead the door opens before his knuckles even graze the wood.

His eyes narrow, as he slowly peeks his head in. Only to be so brutally surprised he chokes on air. Coughing wetly into his hand, Shadow Milk barely even bats his lashes.

Only getting up to pat his minion on the back, other hand hooked under the sleeping cookie resting against him.

"Oh hoh-! I didn't expect I'd see that day you'd awake this early~!" He cooed, floating with his back facing down to make sure he doesn't jostle Candy Apple Cookie.

"W-whad-! Masdeb whad are-!" He starts coughing into his hand again. And Shadow milk rolls his eyes, flicking the other’s forehead.

"Come on, be a little more quiet." He grumbled, before sighing. "And don't ask, I don't have the energy to explain." Black Sapphire stared at him like he's gone mad. Before simply accepting it, "right..."

Shadow Milk hums, before shuddering. Why is his spire colder than usual, "hm, anyways, what did you need?" He tilts his head back to look at Black Sapphire. Who still looked...Confused...And frankly a bit jealous.

"Tissues." Black Sapphire simply states, and Shadow Milk snaps his finger as a fresh box lands on the bed.

"There ya are~!" He sings, before sitting back down on the bed. Black Sapphire sniffles, before pulling out some tissues and turns away to loudly blow his nose. And Shadow Milk's cringes as he listens, a gurgle of congestion leaving.

Black Sapphire throws it into Candy Apples trash can. But, as he goes to grab the box and leave, he pauses. "Hih-" he raises a hand, before abruptly at the waist. "HA-hH'ItscHI!"

And- consequently, due to him being loud. Mixed with Shadow Milk hurriedly shuffling away in disgust, Candy Apple begins to wake in his hold.

Black Sapphire's eyes shift the moment they open again, sniffling loudly. Staring at Candy Apple with mild annoyance.

She yawned and rubbed her eyes, "mh?" She opened her eyes. Causing Shadow Milk to click his tongue disapprovingly, "ah, and there goes my peace." He shrugs, as Candy Apple looks around. Before glaring at Black Sapphire.

She pauses, before her face scrunches up in anger.

"Why are you here." She snarls, hugging Shadow Milk tighter. He glares back at her, "oh wooow you can see me, great eyesight!" He sarcastically drawled, and she rolled her eyes.

“I just needed tissues, nothing else.” He huffs.

"Well you can leave now." She huffed, turning and burying her head back into Shadow Milk Cookie's shoulder. Who tensed slightly, before awkwardly patting her head.

Black Sapphire's eyes narrow, crossing his arms. "No." He responded, and she tries ignoring him. Until he decides to join them, she squeals and yells angrily.

Not even thinking as he joined in, hugging Shadow Milk Cookie. Who in turn was too confused to say something at first, his mimd felt a little cloudy, but finally the blue cookie realizes. And he scoffs.

"HEY! Both of you! I am not a plushie!" He tries tugging them off, but they're gripping him like little leeches. He huffs, before pausing, an idea coming over him as he stops his tugging.

"Ooh! I completely forgot~! I got you both soup, how about we get some??" He more so ordered than asked, floating up abruptly as they all hold onto him desperately.

They both yell in surprise, as they're pulled along by their boss.

"Is it good?" Shadow Milk asked, resting his chin on his palm. Watching the two of his minion's eat, Black Sapphire was on his second bowl. Going for a third as he absolutely chugged it down.

But Candy Apple hadn't even finished half of her. "Mh...Mhm." Candy Apple nodded, and Black Sapphire gulped. Placing down the now empty bowl on the table.

"Yes, thank you." He responded, reaching to get more. Shadow Milk nodded, before pausing.

Shadow Milk’s eye’s zone out, hands digging into the table. His nose scrunching up, as his nostrils quiver.

“Hey! Have some table manners!!” Candy Apple yelled at Black Sapphire, who only rolled his eyes.

“Oh please, it’s not that bad!” He rolled his eyes, before chugging down yet another bowl. She grits her teeth.

“Why’d you even get a spoon??”

“That was before I realized how hungry I was, you see, I was a completely different cookie ten minutes ago.”

“That’s stupid!”

“You’re stupid.”

“You-!”

“Ha-‘CSHhiew!!”

….

Shadow Milk freezes, his two minions look over at him. Those shocked faces completely frozen, only changing as they both rush to bless him.

“Bless you!”

“Bless you…”

Shadow Milk side glanced at his minions, he gave a curt nod. Before sniffling.

He should…Really dust his spire…

Chapter Text

It was one of those days, one where he was scheduled to actually teach.

He'd gotten to class on time, greeting his all his students, sitting in their seats. They greeted him back with politeness, before continuing to quietly idle chat with each other.

It was all part of a routine, something he....Enjoyed- no- had. Just had- it was a job to be done. He'd placed down various scrolls and books on his own desk, before grabbing the small paper pack containing fresh chalk.

Not his go to, due to the mess it leaves. But, it was the only way to write down information on a big board for a bigger room filled with eager minds.

Opening it, he stands in front of the board. Pulling out the middle one, he places the rest of the pack on the blackboards ledge.

He starts to hastily, yet smoothly write and draw out various forms. Watching the chalk slowly gain a sharper top.

After he filled most of the blackboard he turned to the class. Starting to explain why he wrote what he did, most of his students listen intently as he explains as perfectly as perfect can get.

Yet it's only a routine to him, a dull one. His mind wanders, but his teachings don't waver. He thinks back to a conversation he and Gentle Spice shared. And he held back a blush at the rest of the embarrassing memory. But his friend had a point, he- he do more than this...

"This magic comes from...Because the...And the four..." His students nod along, some taking notes. Others choosing to read over their books, but all shared an intense interest in his saying. No rebels...How boring.

"And so..." He continues, grabbing the duster. Going to wipe away what he had written, only to realize the boards duster hadn't been properly cleaned. Only leaving a smudged mess, he pauses, eyes narrowing.

Before excusing himself, as he walked over to the window. His students didn't seem phased, they took this opportunity to write down from what remained on the board. Other's whispering to their friend for notes or to check their textbook.

Either way, he didn't care. As long as they weren't leaving, opening the window. He leaned out just slightly with the duster.

Giving it a good few hits against his hand, it realizes a cloud of chalk. And he watches as it falls, but unfortunately he forgot how the winds have been picking up lately.

And gets a very unpleasant surprise, as a heavy breeze decides to carry another cloud of chalk dust into his face.

He breaths in through his nose in surprise, eyes widening. Before blurring, he wiped his face. But it was already too late, a good amount of that dust had made a cozy home of his sinuses. And he almost barreled over the window sill with the burning itch that followed.

He sniffled quietly, but it burnt, it burnt so much. His chest rose and fell desperately with quiet hitching breaths. Yet, he continued to clean the duster as if nothing. He was a fount of knowledge that was looked up to, he couldn’t make a mess of himself by sneezing his brains out in front of a class of twenty or more cookies.

So he suffers silently, hoping by the time he starts teaching again the tickle will have subsided. Oh how wrong he was, how painfully wrong.

“Alright, where was I?” He spoke as clear as he could, somehow managing to hide his shaky breathing. He walks back to the front, making sure to keep his back turnt. As he cleaned the board with minimum talking, he picks up the chalk again.

Trying to ignore the way his eyes watered painfully, just holding this white piece of calcium carbonate was enough to remind his brain of the enemy clinging to the inside of his nose. He starts to write again, speaking carefully. And wrapping up a point whenever he needed to get a moment to quietly fighting against the tickle.

Scritch scratch.

A bead of sweat forms on his temple, his nostrils quivering and he quietly ends a point with a shaky breath. Biting his bottom lip to make sure he couldn’t let out any more hitching breaths.

“And this ihhs better for deeh-fense because…” Some students seem to pick up on some his more traveling words. As they pause what they’re doing to stare daggers into his back.

“Fire and earthhh ah-are mainly used for oh-pressive use.” He silently sniffed, staring with blurry eyes at the straight precise lines of…Chalk. Smooth, white, itchy, chalk.

“And- hh- t-the, the other elements are more for…” He continued like nothing, yet internally he was biting through the walls.

He- he just outright let out a hitching breath. He stuttered!!! Oh witches, this couldn’t get any worse… Or- well it could… “The elements can only mix like- hih- hh- t-thh- this…”

He pauses, at that point just so humiliated he excuses himself.

Leaving the classroom and standing in the hallway. Sniffling and clawing desperately at his itchy nose.

“H-hih- damn it, why are you- s-ooh- so disobedient??” He muttered to himself in the empty hallway.

Listening the muffled muttering off his students. He curses, he’s embarrassed himself. But- he can simply brush it off. They’ll he crumbled with this moment forgotten in a millennia or so.

“H-hh- hih- H’GxTSH!”

He takes a deep breath after, rubbing a tenacious finger underneath his now damp nostrils.

He sniffs experimentally, pleased that it’s no longer burning. He pulls off his monocle, checking out his reflection in the glass. And waving a finger, a quick spell does wonders for removing the flush from his nose and cheeks.

He sniffles again, before putting his monocle back on and strolling into the classroom again, as if nothing happened.

“Apologies for the disruption, something…Came up...” He claps his hands, and everyone’s attention on him.

And he casually goes back to teaching, grabbing the chalk with new confidence. The next minutes of the lesson goes well, until it’s time for his students to come up to the board to show what they’ve learnt.

The first three go great, all solving an equation he’d write out. Before the next cookie came and cleaned up the other’s answer and doing their own.

But- the fourth one is where thing’s, which he previously assumed he had under control, went south. A cookie with a shorter stature than normal went to the board.

But- they couldn’t quite reach far enough to erase the previous cookie’s answer. Even on their toes and arm fully stretched. After some seconds, the fount of knowledge stepped in. Reaching out to grab it, but by some unforeseen, unexpected reason. The student loses grip on it, and like the world was playing some sick joke.

The duster landed square in his face, accompanied by an obnoxious smack and a cloud of chalk dust.

The room goes eerily silent, everyone absolutely shocked.

“Oh my crumbs- Professor I’m so sorry-!” The student panicked, dough paling, as they hastily pul the duster from his face. Revealing his shocked grimace, and the fact that his hair, face, and the top edges of his clothes were covered by chalk.

He sniffs, the burn returns. He coughs, more dust escaping as if he was some cartoon. He waved a hand, trying to sound comforting as he spoke.

“It’s quite- KFF- KFF-! Alright…” He wheezed, his students all sparing him different faces. But in common they all share some form of pity or sympathy. He feels humiliated, even more so as he feel’s the building pressure behind his nose.

“No it’s not alright!! Goodness I am so sorry-! Here let me-!” They immediately rummage through their pockets for something. But he couldn’t care less, too busy fighting against the most persistent itch to have ever bothered his sinuses.

“Oh you- y-hih- you don’t- huh- don’t have t-tooh-to-!” His breathing couldn’t stop hitching, it seemed it was all it could at the moment. “Professor?” Those eyes, staring at him. He’d be humiliating himself by giving in to the tickle.

But, his image be DAMNED, this tickle burnt a little too bad to care about shame at the moment.

“H-HA’TSHIEW!” He ducks into his elbow, and everyone silently gasps. Yet he’s not done, not at all.

“H’HACHiew’!! H’TSCew!!! Ha’TSK-ieew!” And he kept going, he kept going until a good portion of his sleeves elbows was humid. And only then does he sniffle pathetically. Wiping the rest off his face, pulling off his monocle to wipe on his chest.

When he’s regained himself he turns his attention back to his class. Gawking at him like he declared war against chickens.

He sniffles again, he knows why they’re staring. And he should feel humiliated, but honestly? He just feels such a immense sense of relief, that any negative emotion just bounces off.

“What?” He questioned, quite challengingly. And his students immediately look away, going back to their thing. But obviously not at all focusing on the material.

He sighs.

The student who had dropped the duster on him was also in shock. But quickly regains themselves, pulling out a pink floral patterned handkerchief and offering it to him.

“Bless you…” The whispered, sounding a little embarrassed.

In turn he gives them a short thanks, accepting it as he turns to politely blow his nose. Tucking the now soiled handkerchief into his pocket. Whispering he’d give it back the next day.

And like nothing happened he plucked the duster off the floor. Wipes the board clean, and offers the student in front of him, chalk

Chapter Text

Shadow Milk:

I imagine his nose would be pointed and sharp, narrow with small nostrils.

Allergic to a certain blue flower, daises, dust, and faerie dust.

Sensitive to spices and light.

Chronic stifler, except when alone. Or with someone he's comfortable with....Or if he's just so tired he can't care enough to stifle.

Second sneeziest of the beasts, but with his great acting most common cookies wont know that....Not that they'd ever even THINK a beast could do something so simple....

He has those long ropes of tied handkerchiefs up his sleeve, just like clowns do. And sure, he can use them. But by the time he's desperate enough to do so, he cant get himself to take his nose out his elbow.

Yes, I know from what I've written about him. He doesn't seem to be very good at holding back. But out of all the beast he is the best, even better than Mystic Flour and Silent Salt.

He's so good, in fact, that he can read aloud an entire book series in the middle of a field of flowers during the middle of spring, with maybe just a single hitch.

I've only written his holding back game so weak, because I wanted to.

I have been giving him a 'achoo' sounding sneeze, but I'm kinda leaning towards him actually having a very dramatic and weird sounding sneeze.

Like- 'H'eiGSChuiEwi!' 'Haf'GAShoieW!' 'Eh'TAIShgie!' And 'HE-KAscHINEgie!'

Now, this might sound a little crazy, but I think he'd find comfort in being able to just cuddle up and sneeze into someone's chest or neck when sick or just having really bad allergies.

It kinda ties into how I headcanon the uncorrupted beasts were with each other before. (But that's a fic for another time...Please request...)

So uh...We all know that...Ahem...One sprite in eps 8? (˶⤙<˶')

The one with the oily, liquidy hair? Now, this isn't really a sneeze related headcanon. But imagine- JUST IMAGINE, that his hair gets like that when he has a really high fever?

Dripping down his pillow, into a puddle by his sides.

Now imagine that that liquid hair was ice cold, and...Now don't call me crazy-! DON'T-! Uhm...

Imagine it can be a form of contagion...NOW DON'T CALL ME CRAZY BUT-....

Shadow Milk being sick, accidentally spreading his sickness around because the wind picked up and took some part of his liquid hair- OR-! Because he was cuddling someone and his hair wraps around them???

I KNOW- it's- uh...A very far fetch thought, but just imagine it, I BEG OF YOU...

Now, from what you might have seen for now, you might think I like contagion...You are in fact, correct...I'll be saying some scenarios with that premise now, starring different versions of Shadow Milk.

A redeemed Shadow Milk catching the flu from one of Pure Vanilla's patients because he refused to get the shot.

Sage of truth accidentally catching Truthless Recluse's cold because he was insistent on taking care of him. But he refuses to admit he caught that bug, even to himself.

Uncorrupted Shadow Milk spreading a cold between the other uncorrupted beasts.

Fem Shadow Milk getting sick after flirting and making out with a cookie who she didn't realize was sick.

Shadow Milk being sick during the events of episode 8. And getting Truthless Recluse sick, and then...The fight happens and they're both still sick....AUUUGGGHH.

ALSO- one more with Shadow Milk ONE MORE-!

Shadow Milk finally getting out the tree, somehow sick, and when he's that big- and peeking out the crack. And he sneezes...Uncovered...Like yes, you're gonna lose but at least leave them with something-

But uhm...Im just gonna quickly add, the kids, the brave gang, yeah, no, they're not sprayed, because that makes me feel kinda...Icky...So lets just pretend they were shielded behind another cookie. An ADULT COOKIE.

Now let's go back to my head canons.

He has the second WORST immune system out of all the beasts. And sure, one would think with years of working with cookies of all ages so close, his immune system would be amazing. But- nope! He gets sick A LOT, and thats a big part of how he's gotten so good at holdbacks.

He tears up a lot when he needs to sneeze, and it gets worse the longer his nose is irritated.

Due to him holding back a lot, he gets stuck sneezes a lot.

And in the past, in my headcanon world, the other beasts would help him get that tickle out in their own way...(Ahem, a fic idea? Anyone? Anyone want that?)

He does that cartoony finger under nose thing...AND IT WORKS???

I love those power sneeze thing, where sneezing causes power malfunction. So-

Shadow Milk sneezing really badly causing the spire to shake and tremble.

His excessive sneezing causing his head to go flying, or he sneezes so hard he accidentally shoots strings from his hand and tangles people up in them.

Uwwgghh, so many different ways! I'm going insane! (╥﹏╥)

Shadow Milk doesn't like blowing his nose, but his uncorrupted self had no issue with it. This mostly came from being stuck in the tree. Where tissues and handkerchief weren't replaceable.

So he got used to just sniffling when he gets stuffy.

Speaking of! As you might've not noticed, I added him sniffing and sniffling as an annoyed tick. Rather than a thing he only does when he needs to sneeze.

I know I don't write it much, but goddammit he seems like the type to cough a lot when sick. I mean- HELLO-!? He talks a lot- and I mean A LOT- so, the idea of him coughing and losing his voice is literally so- yummy....

Like in the contagion fic, I wrote how he's curious of most of his senses returning. And so I headcanon he goes out of his way to smell and touch everything.

Redeemed Shadow Milk I think would have a more gentle sneeze. Mostly because he isn't trying so hard to holdback or stifle.

Speaking of, redeemed Shadow Milk being gifted the flowers he's allergic to from Pure Vanilla, who had no idea he was allergic.

^ That could also be used for normal Shadow Milk. Who just so happens to come bother Pure Vanilla when he's watering said flowers.

I have so many more headcanons on him, but I want to also add other Cookie's headcanons.

Black Sapphire:

Tissue user...Definitely.

Now- you might say, 'oooh, anonymous creator! Doesnt he seem more like a handkerchief user???'

WELL GUESS WHAT?? He's a deceitful little trickster.

Sure, he has a handkerchief. But that's only to keep up the face of a smooth gentlemen. Offering it out to weeping cookies, even if the tears are from a more itchy reason.

But in private, or around the other inhabitants of the spire. Tissues are his go to, mostly because he can throw out the problem when he's done. Rather than having to carry around a soggy handkerchief on him.

He finds it repulsive to do so, but occasionally his hand is forced. And nature forces his nose to land in the soft folds of that poor piece of fabric.

In the beginning I wrote his sneezing to sound exactly like Shadow Milk's, to make it seem like he was really copying his boss.

But I changed it just slightly to make it easier to differentiate. While SMC ends with a sort of 'iew' sound. I made Black Sapphire lean into 'hiw'

And of course I made it so he sounded like he was saying 'itchy'.

Some examples! 'H'ITschi!' 'Huh'Tshi!' 'Ha'KSGhiw!'

I personally think he isn't very sneezy, even when sick. Sneezes just come and go, and occasionally sit back and just doesn't let him get them out at all for hours.

Leading to him often induce himself.

Now, that being said, allergies...

And I don't know why, but every-time I stare deep into his sprite when I go through story mode. I can just feel it... Dust allergy.

I mean look at him! I know I just said his pretty looks are a deceiving thing. But thats when it comes to his preferences of handkerchief and tissues.

I can vividly imagine him wiping dust off a shelf and accidentally kicking some up in the air. Causing him to barrel over sneezing.

Thats why I'd like to imagine that his room and studio are always very clean. He cant risk sneezing on air, it'd ruin his image!!!

Anyhow, some scenarios including contagion or just sickness in general because I NEED.

Black Sapphire catching Shadow Milk's flu because he refused to leave his master's side. Same can be done with Candy Apple, but I feel he'd be less likely to stay close unless she was in desperate need of anything.

Black Sapphire getting sick from helping a cold-ridden Shadow Milk get rid of a stuck sneeze. Getting sprayed in the process.

Black Sapphire going out on a rendezvous with a secret lover, can be X reader or...('//0/-//), Silverbell...(MY BBG!) and catching a cold from the rain or from the lover...Or both.

Black Sapphire getting absolutely devastatingly hit with a sneeze from giant Shadow Milk Cookie ...I think you can notice a pattern...

Anyhow! Back to headcanons.

He's pretty uncomfortable sneezing uncovered in front of anyone. Unless it's a lover he's VERY close to, no flexibility in exceptions...Unless his master ordered him not to cover, but honestly, why would that ever happen? Hahaha.... (⁄ ⁄•⁄-⁄•⁄ ⁄)

I think he'd be most comfortable being able to sneeze his head off into a pillow in an isolated and soundproof room.

But I don't think he'd be opposed to sneezing into someone's collarbone. That someone being that hypothetical close lover I spoke of earlier.

...GODDAMMIT WHY CANT IT BE ME- Boohoo!! (T_T)

Oh! Excuse me, haha.

Anywho, his wings definitely flare out when he sneezes.

And- and, he also kinda loses his voice when sick. Because I just love taking away anything that could for a second give any if my favorite characters any sort of happiness.

This isn't sneeze related, but he definitely gets way hungrier than usual when sick. All his energy being put into his white blood cells fighting.

He's surprisingly bad at holding back, but he gets enough stuck sneezes that it just seems he's good at it.

His immune system would most definitely be good canonically, but...Not on my watch...

Insert him getting sick the most out of the three.

Because I can...And so I shall. (\\•'w•\\)

Now, back to allergies, gotta give them allergy loving saps some love ♡

So as I said, dust allergy. And with that being said, when he's irritated by dust he usually has a small fit of 3-4 per minute. Until he leaves, or gets so congested the dust can't even touch the insides of his nose before oozing out with snot.

Small scenarios with this.

The famous dusty closet scenario! Not sure what he's hiding from, maybe Candy Apple, maybe taxes. Either way, that dust isn't gonna let him stay hidden for long.

Trying to find a book for Shadow Milk or Candy Apple, only for the old dusty library to slow his search down drastically.

And last but not least, Black Sapphire inducing himself with a little bit of dust. Only to breathe in more than necessary, making the fit he hoped to last less than a minute to drag its ugly head for a good long hour or so.

Black Sapphire massaging and rubbing at his nose to quell or induce an itch.

Black Sapphire whose breath hitches for an abnormal time, is he trying to hold back or usher the sneeze out? Who knows?

I image his nose is a mix of sharp and soft, with a slight upward point. His nostrils almost a perfect half circle.

Candy Apple:

Unlike Black Sapphire, she prefers handkerchiefs.

She thinks they're ladylike, and always keeps a dozen on her.

You never know when you need one to wave a gentleman off, or offer it to a sniffly gentleman ...There is a LOT of daises here, huh? Shadow Milk Cookie?

And of course she thinks they're more comfortable than tissues.

I think she'd be allergic to mildew, osmanthus, and very strong artificial perfumes.

With a sensitivity for spices like her master.

She has the best immune system out of the three. But when she gets sicks, she gets SICK SICK.

She stifles mostly because she wants to continue her cute facade.

And stifling doesn't even change the amount of times she sneezes. She just can't stop when she starts.

She doesn't wear syrups when sick, it'll only melt from the sheer heat she radiates.

Some scenarios;

Candy Apple getting sick after clinging to a very contagious Shadow Milk or Black Sapphire.

Candy Apple borrowing some perfumes from Black Sapphire, only to find it's a very irritating smell.

Candy Apple catching a cold from falling into a cold lake, where a very annoyed Black Sapphire has to fish her out. And later take care of her.

Headcanons again,

She can't holdback, not even a little, it's why Shadow Milk who now knows of his horrible immune system keeps his distance when she's sick. You never know when she might explode, and she wont even be able to give anyone a second to flee.

I think she’d have a button nose, with a slight blush always present on the tip. It’s not even because she’s sneezy, it just is like that naturally.

Her wings also spread out when she harshly sneezes, but it’s much less refrained than when Black Sapphire does.

What I mean by that is that her wings sharply spread to their full length. Probably hitting anyone in her proximity.

Also! Almost forgot, her sneezes are high pitch and screechy. Getting longer and wetter the more she’s close to an irritant

Some examples; ‘Ha’tsh!’ ‘H’gsh!’ And ‘Ah’hihgsh!”

Candy Apple definitely seems like she hates getting sick. The only benefit she ever finds is that Shadow Milk Cookie pays a little more attention to her.

I’m honestly a little stumped about her.

Truthless Recluse:

(Added him because I could…And I might make a part 2 with normal Pv, and the other ancients and beasts)

Now, if he did actually stay with the deceit trio, instead of awakening. I can definitely see him as the new assigned caretaker.

His immune systems the best, his holdback skill is the best, and he’s the best at acting.

Because remember, he deceived the beast of deceit. THE KING OF LIES. It is safe to assume he can definitely hide any sickness or irritation.

But, let’s dig into the best part of the meal, the meat…Or tofu if you don’t do meat.

This version neither uses tissues nor handkerchief, especially when he has a chin high collar to use.

I feel he’s allergic to-…No wait, actually I’ll tell you that when I talk about Pure Vanilla, so it’ll be a lil surprise.

He doesn’t cover, because he doesn’t give a single fu-. And he couldn’t care less if he was spreading a sickness around.

That being said, I think the reason he’d hide illness would be drastically different than Pure Vanilla.

Truthless Recluse pretends to be find because Shadow Milk would be annoying. And he doesn’t want to he babied, he wants to sit in silence and be grumpy when sick. Not be tucked into bed and taken care of.

Like Black Sapphire, he isn’t very sneezy when sick. But he rarely gets stuck sneezes, instead he gets periods where he can’t help but sneeze.

Some scenarios:

Truthless getting sick from a clingy contagious Shadow Milk.

Truthless having an allergic reaction and trying to hide it from Shadow Milk, but he’s desperately failing to holdback as the irritant is getting closer.

Truthless being rendered useless after having a sneezing fit during a simple mission out in town.

Truthless getting sick after having have to take care of Shadow Milk’s minions.

Side note! Pure Vanilla was literally the reason I played Cookie run everyday for two years straight. I’ve always loved that cookie.

Which made me upset that there wasn’t any content.

Headcanons again!

Despite his cold demeanor, I think he’d like being able to cuddle up to someone he “trusts” when sick.

I think his sneezes are stifled to sheer silence 90% of the time, but his actual ones are breathy and wet.

Examples: ’hut’ISsh!’ ‘H’PTshi!’ ‘H’gkH!’

I think his nose is a greek nose, my sources? Trust me (dot) com.

Now, this might sound crazy.

But you know that stray strand of hair in his face?

Imagine he needs to sneeze, and induces by rubbing his noses tip against it.

Awakened PV:

Now I know I said I was done. But, I decided to just put it here quickly.

Most things stay the same, but, there are some differences.

He covers when he sneezes, but still no tissues or handkerchiefs.

He uses his elbow, being a healer and all he doesn’t use his hands or anywhere close to it.

If it takes him off guard he immediately snaps his head to the side, as far away as possible from any company or item that might be used by another.

And with his new long hair he can, hehe, induce….

Plus, with his new embrace of deceit and truth, you might think he still hides illness. But he’s never been more honest. If he’s sick, he’ll admit it, take a day or two, and then go back to work.

Also, he wouldn’t stifle, not at all. Unless he’s trying not to bother anyone. So yes- YES! Baby, gimme them shameless sneezes

Examples: ’ha’HIssih!’ ‘Eh’TiiiSh!’ And ‘H’aiiSHH!’

He definitely is the most reasonable person when sick. He’ll accept any help, but also very insistent on not accidentally infecting anyone.

But he’d be easy to convince to cuddle up, definitely if his hair is brushed through. Let’s just hope the person he’s cuddling with doesn’t mind his sneezing and drippy nose.

Some scenarios:

Awakened PV catching a cold the moment he gets back to Crispia. Cutting off any festivity to celebrate his win. And maybe making his other awakened friends come to pay back for all the times he’s cared for them.

Awakened PV inducing himself using his allergies because he’s bored.

Awakened PV taking care of a redeemed Shadow Milk, except, instead of catching the cold from SM. It turns out he was the one who made SM sick.

Now, I’m done, but- uh, I’ll be back, trust! I’m horny enough to write something more soon.

Also, please comment any headcanon you yourself have! I’d love to see it! (//^◯^//)

Chapter Text

He was angry.

So much so he'd be able to write a thirty page essay on how big is hatred was. And it would still not be long enough to compare to his actual hate.

Honestly, how- I mean- sure!

He was a bit rusty when it comes to magical combat- but... Losing to that irritating goody two shoes?

Well that opened a new hole in his heart, allowing the hatred filling his body to reach deeper.

He was- humiliated!!!

And worse-! That stupid offer from that stupid little gnat was getting real comfy in the crevices of his brain.

He knows he should be planning a way to attack. To enact a revenge so tragically chaotic it'll have the whole of earth bread falling to their knees. But- he's been rather empty-headed as of late.

And with his minions leaving him alone to simmer in his own head. He's been rethinking his previous decisions. With this new little hideout of theirs wasn't as grand as his spire. Yet the darkness was comfortably familiar.

"Ugh- stupid stupid DUMB DUMB!" He yelled into the room, kicking over a piece of ruined furniture.

It skidded across the ripped up carpet and bounced to a stop atop a ripped up plushie. And the plushie's black clothing had been terribly damaged.

Shadow Milk was panting, before his hands clenched so hard his knuckles turned a pearly white.

"Grr- AUGH!" He crosses his arms, sitting down abruptly on his overturned bed's mattress.

He continued to grumble and frown, hand's ticking against his upper arm. Just until his eyes started to droop, he had yet to rest.

But- HE DIDN'T NEED IT!

He sits up abruptly again, only to fold like a lawn chair into the mattress. His vision foggy and spinning, he grit his teeth.

It had been a while... A small nap wouldn't hurt.

He sighed, obliging as he very angrily drifted off to a half way of sleep.

And when his eyes opened again he found himself inside a familiar void. The distant skies and walls covered in those watchful blue eyes.

Dark and easy on his eyes, just how he likes it.

He continues his grumpiness inside the other realm, all while wondering when his body's finished refreshing.

It usually takes eight to nine hours, but time acted differently here. So maybe one- two hours?

Either way, it was one hour too many. And the sight of the other realm wasn't doing much except remind him of his defeat.

He closed his eyes again, sighing loudly into the void.

"So boring..."

"Ah? Is it?" Shadow Milk screeches, spinning wildly in the air to turn towards the new voices direction.

Squinting his eyes as he's suddenly overwhelmed by a very bright light. And he just barely manages to bite back a hitched breath.

Damn his photic reflexes.

"Oh- apologies-! I... Didn't mean to startle you." There was a hearty laugh, and Shadow Milk snarls seeing that stupidly happy face.

And suddenly Shadow Milk is rudely reminded why he has avoided visiting this realm of... His?

"What do you want." His eyes narrow, as he scoots up further into the darkness.

"Oh? Me?" Pure Vanilla giggles, eyes opening momentarily. As if that old blind dog would be able to see him better if he did.

Shadow Milk does not add onto the playfulness. Staying fully on guard to this new...Threat.

"Ha ha-... Hm... Not in the mood?" Pure Vanilla pauses, face not really angry, more so sympathetic and still a bit amused.

"Go away..."

"Awe... But you just got here! And I-...I've been waiting to see you again..." The healer smiled sadly, fiddling with his staff, who looks upon him with pity.

"YOU WHAT-!?"He screams, before pausing. "...Ahem. You have?" He questioned, before hurriedly continuing.

"Thats..." Shadow Milk hesitated, "p-pathetic!!!" His yelling didn't do anything but echo, as Pure Vanilla continued to smile. Shadow Milk shrunk in on himself, continuing to glare. Uncomfortable by being focused on by a figure of more power.

"I know..." The king sighed, before stepping closer. "But... I wanted to talk..." His voice was gentle, as he reached a hand out.

"Because… I still want to be your friend..." He announced, determined. But Shadow Milk only grimaced, squinting again as more of that bright white- gold-eyed realm mingled closer to his side.

"Eugh... Quit that!" He slapped the hand away, gritting his teeth. But Pure Vanilla forgave him rather quickly, and that forgiving nod did nothing but piss Shadow Milk off more.

Shadow Milk's face flushes angrily, humiliated. He was to be feared! Not- forgiven!!!

He growled as he took the initiative to move closer.

"You are SO- SOSOSOSOSOSOSOSsooooooooo-! ANNOYING!" He hissed, getting up in the other's face, who seemed entirely unbothered by the outburst.

"Coming into MY realm, MY domain!" He yelled, almost popping a blood vessel. "Acting like you own the damn place!" He jabbed a harsh finger into the other's chest several times.

"I NEVER- EVER- EVER- wanna see YOU- or your STUPID little face here again-! GET. OUT!"

He had hoped his very loud declaration would've scared off the ancient. Yet, his hand, whose finger he used to jab, is gently grabbed.

"I- understand..." The healer paused, fiddling with the other's digits. "I do, truly..." Shadow Milk is frozen, eyes glued to the others hand. Gently massaging his knuckles.

"H-huh?"

"However, if you do not wish to see me here, then perhaps we can set something up? How about some tea, tomorrow, afternoon? I'm sure you'll be able to find me."

Shadow Milk's was beyond baffled, no- he was absolutely choked-! All his previous fight spirit had been crushed as he stared bewildered at the other man.

The cookies he's put through hell... Now offering him a nice teatime... What the actual fuck?

This- this had to he a trap... Right?

"Uh-huh." It's all he can say, eyebrows furrowing as he tried to figure out whatever the other had planned.

But Pure Vanilla just smiled, letting Shadow Milk's hand go, before disappearing with a final word.

"I hope to see you!"

And with that the master of deceit is bathed in darkness again, hand still raised. Still shocked, noting how warm the other was, now that the cold of the other realm prickled on his hand's surface.

He continued to stare at where the other had stood, before blinking.

"W-what-???"

He know's he shouldn't have. He doesn't even understand how he gathered the courage.

He still hadn't recovered from their previous fight, so this could very well just be a last ditch attempt from Pure Vanilla to fully win.

Yet, Shadow Milk doubted that to be the truth.

He slipped through the shadows, eyeing anything that moved with suspense. Who know's what little critter of Pure Vanilla that might jump at him.

He stopped some ways down a hill when he felt a strange pull. His soul jam glimmered and clanged, tugging him towards a distant humming. He paused, before grunting as he slipped into the darkness once more.

He followed the pull of the jam, the familiar clanging bells got louder in his head.

Until- there...

He had reached a big tree up on the hill, and his jam finally relaxed into a gentle melody. He hesitantly peered around the oak. Staring at the cookie version of a thorn in the side.

His eyes narrowed, his soul jam grew warm. And he watched with judgement as the other mumbles a peaceful tune on a blanket. The blanket stood just under the tree’s shadow, and before it was a bright carpet of flowers. Filled with freshly bloomed daisies and... Primroses.

Spring had just started, so he wasn't surprised that they'd be fully grown. But that's not why he came here, even if he could already feel his eyes water.

He stared at the healer longer, there was a basket beside Pure Vanilla. A tea cup in his lap, feeding a bluebird some seeds while cooing like a mother-bird.

He almost groaned aloud, but he didn't. Why would he even come here? He should've just sent a letter stating how much he HATED Pure Vanilla.

But noooo-! His five-minutes-ago self wanted to be extra, and yell at the healer again.

But now? No way!

Better earlier than later when it comes to leaving!

"Shadow Milk Cookie, I know you're there." Ah- you don't say? The deceitful cookie tenses, his breath hitching.

And he hurriedly melts into the big tree's shadow. Stopping himself from breathing, nor making any movement.

"..."

A second passes, his heart is racing so hard that he cannot hear the other. And his nose was starting to pick up on the repugnant amount of pollen. Despite his many attempts to not breathe.

His soul jam trembled, the bells got louder until he felt like his head would split in half.

This was horror reanimated, he- he needed to leave. NOW.

He's about to flee, when a hand reached out and grab his, pulling him out of hiding.

He screeches again, scaring away all the nearby bluebirds. He hastily turns to glare at the cookie who's scared him two times now.

"You-!"

"-Came!" Pure Vanilla brightly smiles, practically shaking in his robes from what Shadow Milk is assuming is murderous intent. And he bites back another screech as the blonde happily tugs him along to the set up blanket.

And despite his protests, and panicked scrambling. The flowers grow ever nearer, and he holds his breath.

Their shared jam’s glimmered, and the bells were silenced. He felt a relief was over his limbs, but as quickly as it happens. He tenses to try and keep this strange allure tamed.

"I am so glad you decided to join! I- I thought you'd actually ignore my prior invitation! But- this is great! I'm sure we'll have amazing conversations, don't you think so?" The words were unusually fast coming from the usually calm healer.

Shadow Milk absentmindedly nods, before realizing he's agreeing. So he quickly shakes his head 'no', begging silently that this wasn't an attempt at his neck.

"Oh haaha~! Don't be so tense, sit down, relax! I'll pour some tea-... You like tea, right?" Shadow Milk takes a hesitant breath, eyes immediately watering.

"U-hh- y-yeah?" He wasn't even fully listening, eyeing the flowers with offense.

"Alright!" There's a light chuckle, and he hears the clinking of porcelain. But he's too busy using all his might not to breathe in too hard, and too noticeably.

By all above, why'd he decide to come?

"Here you are, it's my own tea blend." The healer held a cup in front of the other. And he grabs it only to make sure the other wouldn't be angry.

"Mhm." He glanced down at the tea, it didn't look poison. And either way, his old goody-goody self tried so many different poisons he's practically grown an immunity. That mixed with his immortal body, yet, some of those poisons could sure but him to rest.

He still remembers his friend's panicked yells when he'd thrown up from letting a snake bite him. And he remembers even more the hours later where he'd awoke after fainting.

He was flattered by their presence, and endless affections. Yet, it's no longer like that.

The soft smile he didn't realize he'd produced faded. He... He no longer misses those days....

"Shadow Milk Cookie?" He flinches, before humming in response. Taking a hesitant sip... It wasn't poisoned, rather, he found it to be delicious.

A perfect sugary milk tea, he turns his head slightly to hide from the blind ancients staff. Hiding his delighted gaze, but his hair's many eyes call him out.

And Pure Vanilla laughs, "ah, I see you like it!" Shadow Milk scoffs, and very stupidly sniffs in contempt.

"Hh-h..."

Causing his breath to hitch, but he bites it down. Following with a nod of approval to try and play it off as a response.

His eye's were starting to tear up, and his face flushes. Nostrils quivering ever so slightly, and he turns himself further away from the other.

"Shadow Milk?" The king yet again questions, and Shadow Milk nods.

"Are you feeling alright...?" He nods again, and before Pure Vanilla can reach out he abruptly chugs down the rest of the tea. Placing the empty cup in the others outreached hand. He stands, not floating, stands. He was far too focused on not blowing his head off to use magic.

"I have betterthingstodothanthis!! So au revoir-!" He rushes, waving a hand, making sure to keep his back to the other all times as he starts to hurriedly walk away.

But alas, it isn't so easy, as an equally- if not faster, Pure Vanilla catches up to him. Yet again grabbing his hand, and this time he visibly shows his distaste for the touch. Snarling.

And Pure Vanilla lets go with a quick apology, but he stands firm at not letting him leave.

"Please-! You've came all this way, whats a moment more? We haven't even had a single chance of communication!" The words are abnormally desperate, but Shadow Milk doesn't care to fully listen.

Too busy still trying to shake off the itchiness slowly spreading. Swelling his throat and making tear's burn at the edges of his eyelids.

"H-hhuh?" He shakily replies, still not turning to face the other. But he plays it off as stubbornness as he crosses his arms.

"Listen to me- I- I know you do not like my company when I am not... That- version-...” There’s a hint of hesitation and hurt, before the healer sighs.

“But I-" Pure Vanilla steps closer, a hand pressed firmly over the brighter, more radiant soul jam on his golden brooch. It send’s a shiver down Shadow Milk’s spine as his own jam warms his chest.

"I... I want to know you- to like you! The true you…” The hurried declaration ignited the bells to clang again.

”From what I've seen in your memories. You still have good in you, and so I wish to help you-!" At this point Shadow Milk couldn’t help but listen despite the bells slowly getting louder. His eyelashes fluttering, yet he stubbornly refuses to show any more sign of weakness.

"You've not yet insulted me, nor have you tried to attack. Even if our time spent has been short, you've only been... Reluctant-... Not malicious in anyway..."

Shadow Milk is trying to pay attention, he really is. But the itching is teasing, unrelenting, and worst of all unforgiving.

And the bells are making his ears ring in neither a uncomfortable nor comfortable way.

"This show's you can be civil and willing to listen, even if you do hate me.."

"Uh-hh-huhh-!"

"So please, allow me to help you! Because sincerely, from the bottom of my heart I-"

"Hhh-..."

"-Meant what I said that day, we're meant to be-..."

”H’AGSHoiew!”

The moment he barrels over, there’s a short gasp. Shadow Milk wheezes and sniffles, hoping to just melt away in a puddle.

His face flushed bright as he yet again humiliates himself. He refuses to turn around, his ruffled sleeve pressed firmly to his still itchy nose. Vision blurry as he squeezes his eyes shut.

“Ah… Oh uhm- bless you!” It’s hesitant, as Pure Vanilla moves to try and get a better look at him without touching him.

But Shadow Milk moves the same way, ensuring he at least kept a sliver of his dignity.

“Oh witches. Are you sick?” The healer asked, and Shadow Milk grit his teeth at the genuine worry in his voice.

“I am not sick.” The only reason for his honesty is the fact he doesn’t want to continue this conversation.

But Pure Vanilla continues to push.

“Are you sure? You’ve been acting a bit weird, and now that I think about it. You being sick makes some sense. Oh- oh no- I didn’t leave you that badly after our fight? Are you okay? Do you need any help?-”

Shadow Milk tries to stop listening, but he’s getting a headache from the others talking.

“Fuck- shhhut u-uh- ah’GAShiOew!”

“Bless you! Witches- are you really si-?“ Pure Vanilla’s interrupted as Shadow Milk raises a silencing finger.

Head tilting slightly back as his breath continued to hitch. Something he felt absolutely humiliated about, but at this point he knew he wasn’t gonna be stopping anytime soon. Nor getting away due to his lack of energy, and the other’s persistence in him staying.

“Hh-hah…” He pauses, before yet again ducking into his ruffles.

“H’AKGSChiewe!” grunting, he blinks rapidly to clear the still unshed tears blurring his vision.

“Bless you… Are you sure you aren’t sic-“

“ALLERGIES.” Shadow Milk interrupts loudly, irritation glass clear on his face, as he exasperatedly gestures to the flowerbed.

And with that gesture he has to turn to face the other, but honestly, this-… He’s humiliated himself so much, and yet the other can do nothing but continue asking worried questions.

I mean seriously? At this point he’d prefer to be mocked openly!

Pure Vanilla looks a bit shocked, before pausing, before turning his staff slightly to glance back at the flowers.

“Oh…” It’s quiet, guilt-ridden, but there’s an underlying tone of amusement. Shadow Milk can tell from their shared soul jam’s bells clanking softly like laughter.

“Oh! My apologies- if I had know I wouldn’t have-“

“Shut it.” Shadow Milk sniffles wetly, wiping his nose on his sleeve. Giving the other a rheumy eyed glare.

“Why’d I even come here- y-hh- you-!…You planned this. Didn’t you.?” His eyes narrow, squeezing his fist tightly.

Pure Vanilla pauses, “w-what?”

“You invited me out here to humiliate me again, didn’t you?”

“No- why would I-?”

“Oh, you’re soooooo giving, I mean really, how thoughtful to bring me out here to remind me of my loss?” He grit his teeth. “Oh. So. Very. Sweet.”

“Shadow Milk, I wouldn’t do that to you-“

“Oh sure you wouldn’t!” Shadow Milk moves up to the other’s face, jabbing his finger into the other’s chest. Except he’s vary not to touch his soul jam’s

“Wouldn’t try to follow me, humiliate me. But then you go turning around trying to deceive-“

“Shadow Milk Cookie.” Pure Vanilla’s voice is grounding, as he grabs the other’s wrist before he can jab it back into his chest.

“I am sorry to have given you that impression, but, I did what I had to that time to save my friends, and all of earth-bread.” Shadow Milk’s eyes narrow as he snarls, about bark back a witty remark, but Pure Vanilla continues.

“Yet I do not blame you for trying to destroy this world, for I know it has forsaken you many times. So many cookies having used you for your knowledge, a knowledge that was forced upon you by the witches.”

The deceitful cookie scoffed, muttering. “Why so poetic…”

But this doesn’t persuade Pure Vanilla from continuing his rant.

“It’s unfortunate, being created for a single purpose. With no say on the matter…”

Shadow Milk huffs, “I’m- it wasn’t that bad! I just… I just got bored…” But his statement causes their soul jams to yet again blare with a thousand bells.

Shadow Milk looks away, as Pure Vanilla opens his eyes to stare deadpan at him. The awkward silence is filled with those muffled bells. And the healers grip on his wrist gives a gentle squeeze.

“Shadow Milk Cookie…” His gaze softens, and the other cookie shrinks in on himself under the pitying stare.

“You’re so naive…” The Milk cookie sighed, before smirking trying to put himself back as the one in control for the first time since the fight.

“I can kill you the moment you let me near your heart, y’know?” He flutters his lashes, leaning closer as he tugged at his still gripped hand.

“Rip you piece by piece, then put you back together, just to use your corpse as my puppet.” He spat the words with venom, getting so close their noses almost touched.

But Pure Vanilla doesn’t flinch, only staring in continued pity. His other hand raises to completely engulf the others hand.

“Then so be it, I still wish to be… Your friend.” He rubs soothing circles into the other’s hands, closing his eyes.

Shadow Milk’s eyes gloss over, hand trembling as his shoulders tense.

“Hh…” His head tilts down to hide his face, yet his body continued trembling.

“Ah- is- is it the flowers or-“

There’s a gritted sob. And Pure Vanilla freezes, including his hands previously rubbing circles into the other’s knuckles.

“S-shadow Milk?” He leans down a bit to try and get a better look, but the other follows with.

Knee’s wobbly, as Pure Vanilla slowly follows him down to a seating position. And when the healer registers the other’s sobbing, he quickly switches to soft cooing.

Massaging the other’s knuckles, he waits patiently for the deceitful cookie. And Pure Vanilla does not question when Shadow Milk’s tears and snot drip into his lap.

He was shocked, yes. But he can’t help his caring nature to slip through. A few minutes pass, and the choked sobs quiet down.

Until there’s only light hiccups, and a very flushed Shadow Milk. Drowning in embarrassment, but too tired and itchy to fully push away.

“How are you feeling? Do you wish to share what got you so upset?” His voice was gentle, as he pushed a strand of hair from the other’s face. Before sliding his hand under the other’s chin to tilt his head up.

Humming in surprise at the new and frankly, surprising state of the master of trickery. Puffy eyes, tear-stained cheeks, dark blue flushed face and nose. And such a miserable expression that Pure Vanilla almost felt sick with sympathy.

“S-shut up…” He choked out, tiredly pressing his face into the others shoulder. Scooting closer, as the edge of their brooches touch. Their soul jams emitting a soft warmth, a warmth that felt right, pulling.

“Alright…”

Pure Vanilla rubs his back slowly, resting his own chin atop the other’s head.

They sit there for a moment, before Pure Vanilla decides to drag him over to the blanket. Where they yet again sit in silence.

Silence that is broken the moment Shadow Milk pulls from the hug to duck into his sleeve again.

“AH-GSChiUew!…Ugh…” He sniffles, but instead of going back to clinging to the healer. Like his soul jam is blaring for him to do, he instead leans back against the tree. Staring out at the, well, pretty nice view. Even with the circumstances this view was giving him.

He’s exhausted, he can’t bring himself to do much. No amount of razzle~dazzle could make this humiliation sting any less painfully. So he’s accepted this defeat, if he’s cuffed and thrown in a cell. He could only blame himself from coming here in the first place.

He glances over suspiciously at his company, currently busy also enjoying the view.

Shadow Milk sighs, staring as the sun sets on the horizon. But the light is still bright, blinding, and-

“H’TEGscHiuEuw!” He grunts, rubbing his nose roughly with a single finger. And then his eyes travel, glancing at the other again.

There’s a moment of silence, as he sniffles.

“Did you get tired of blessing me?” He snorted, a small smile on his face.

Pure Vanilla hums, pouring himself some tea. Tea that had gone cold some time back.

“You told me to shut up.” It’s not an accusation or spoken with any sort of malice. It’s just a fact, a calmly spoken fact.

And Shadow Milk sighs, sniffling again as he nods. He would’ve been flustered if this conversation held place an hour ago. But, now?

He couldn’t care less.

“Well… You may, stop, shutting up.” He waves a hand, before letting it fall into his lap.

Pure Vanilla pauses, tea cup halfway to his lip. Before he smiles warmly.

“Of course.” He takes a sip of the tea, before offering Shadow Milk another cup. He accepts, his previously used cup being refilled with the cold liquid. Yet, before he can take it, Pure Vanilla uses some magic.

And Shadow Milk watches curiously as the tea bubbles, before calming down as steam gently rises.

“Here you are~!” The healer smiled, gently placing the now warm cup in the other’s hands.

The cookie was flattered by the gesture, a light flush coating his already dark cheeks. He savors the warm feeling, smiling as he gets comfortable.

And this little moment to himself makes Shadow Milk not notice the soft lingering gaze of his company.

“Shadow Milk Cookie…”

The deceitful cookie hums in response, taking a sip of the still delicious tea.

“What’s your favorite color?”

The Milk cookie looks up questioningly, but he decides to play along.

“Blue…”

“Ah, I should’ve expected that, mines also blue, a light blue. Like the sky on a sunny day.”

“Mh, how po-hh- poetic.”

Pure Vanilla chuckled.

“Okay, how about this, favorite food?”

“I don’t have one.”

“You don’t?”

“Nope! I’m immortal, been ever since I was created. I don’t even truly remember the last time I ate anything. Same with drinking, this I think is the first thing I’ve drank since getting out that tree…”

His hands clench a bit at the mention of his previous prison, but soon he relaxes with a sigh. Glancing at his company, and pausing as he notes the shocked look.

“What?”

Pure Vanilla bites his lower lip, eyebrows furrowing.

“That’s horrible!”

Shadow Milk shrugs.

“It’s life.” He takes another sip, before starting to tense as the others stare was becoming a bit to intense.

He sighs exasperatedly.

“If it’s such an important thing then… I guess salted stir-fried jellybeans?”

It’s a simple meal, and in the past he loved eating it whenever visiting his salt-doughed friend’s kingdom. The once noble warrior made sure a plate be fresh made ready for when he came.

“Oh! Uhm, thats good! When-… Do you miss it?”

Shadow Milk pauses, before snorting. He didn’t want to, he wanted to grit his teeth. As if that now silent murder machine would waste their time offering him a hot meal.

“No.”

And if they did, it’d probably be filled with needles and spikes.

“Very well… I- I like blueberry sandwiches…”

Shadow Milk nods, taking a deep breath.

“Okay… Then, what’s your favorite dessert?”

Pure Vanilla perks up, giving him a curious look. Before smiling, happy that his talking partner was playing along.

“I like…Hmm, vanilla mousse with crushed ice cream-cones.”

Shadow Milk nods again, adjusting his grip on the cup.

“What about you? Shadow Milk?”

There’s a thoughtful pause.

“…Blueberry ice cream…”

“Ah! Yes, that is delicious!”

Shadow Milk hums, before taking another sip. A comfortable silence washes over them as they try to think of more questions for the other.

“Do you-“

“Do you…”

They both pause, glancing at each other.

“You can go first.” Pure Vanilla offers, but Shadow Milk shakes his head.

“No, go ahead~!” His voice picks up playfully, before it hitches.

“Ah, are you sure?”

“Mhm- hh-”

Pure Vanilla pauses, before smiling.

“Alright… Do you have any hobbies?”

“Anyth-hhih-hh- anything withh arts…”

“Mhm, so you did make those puppets and stage when we first met?” Pure Vanilla asks, as if it would be surprising.

Shadow Milk scoffs, but it’s not in a irritated way. It was, almost playful, Pure Vanilla noted.

“O-ooh-of course I did!” He speaks dramatically, and Pure Vanilla chuckles.

“Ah, my apologies.” He hums, scooting closer, just until their shoulders were almost touching.

“Mh, not forgiven!” He smiles, before scrubbing at his nose again. “Urggh”

The healer chortled, taking his cone hat off and putting it in his lap. Then leaning his head back against the tree.

“I like reading, and gardening.”

“Uh huh, I’m aw-hig-hh- ah-ware…”

“Hm? Ah, yes, I guess so.” Another soft laugh.

“H-hhih-!” Their soul jams clanged gently again, and Pure Vanilla glances over at him.

“Go ahead.”

“H’ATGSchioueweh!!”

“Ah, bless ychu!” Shadow Milk pauses his aimless wiping, giving the other a glare.

Before, well, he hates to admit it, but he laughs. A genuine giggle, making his side aches as he covers his curled smile with a ruffles sleeve. His other hand giving the healer a weak punch in the shoulder. Before leaning into the other’s side.

Their soul jams laughed with them, like so many small bells.

“Y-you’re ridiculous! A fool!” He buried his face in the others shoulder, as Pure Vanilla rested his on the others head.

“I guess you rubbed off on me~!” He hummed, before chuckling.

Shadow Milk, pauses, face dropping slightly.

“Oh… Yeah… I- uh, did… Didn’t I?”

The healer stopped laughing, also pausing as he moved his staff to get a better look at the other’s face.

“Something wrong?” He raised a brow, a hand sliding up to give the other a side-hug.

“Mh…”

“What is it?”

The jester pauses, a hand sliding over his own soul jam. The bells have gone silent, it’s uncomfortable now that he’s gotten familiar to the noise.

“I-…”

He doesn’t want to say it, he’s scared. Just some hours ago they were still enemies. How can he trust they wont betray him again? But if they won’t, then he won’t ever know when he’ll be able to say it later.

“Yes?”

Biting his tongue, he sits up straight. Looking away ashamed, Pure Vanilla straightens too. Listening intently, patiently.

“I-I-…” He gulps, the word like a ball clogging his throat. But with a deep breath, and a comforting hum of his friend, he speaks.

“I’m sorry! I am-… I am so sorry.”

His voice breaks, he hasn’t spoken those word honestly in millennia’s. And that last time really didn’t go well…

Pure Vanilla pauses, and Shadow Milk curls in himself more as the other continues to stare.

But he has to do this, his gut won’t stop aching if he doesn’t.

“I know it’s not a lot- a-and you probably don’t believe me.” He tries to laugh, but it’s scratchy and shallow. “Just- I… I am sorry, I wasn’t at the moment… And I’d probably do it again if I was back to that day. But- I’m sorry…”

He doesn’t glance at the other, no, he doesn’t want to. He doesn’t want to see the only person that’s truly seen him in forever, to stare in disgust.

But… He does, not his actual eyes. But the many ones in his hair glance over at him.

A smile.

A soft one, Shadow Milk’s hands fiddles with his long tail coat.

“Shadow Milk.” He hums, honestly, how many times would the healer call out his name.

“Look at me.”

He shakes his head as a decline, but soon his company places a gentle hand on his back. Leaning closer, close enough to whisper in his ear.

“Milky, look at me.” He pauses, before looking up only due to sheer bewilderment he felt from the given nickname.

I mean- seriously?? Milky???

“Ah, there you are.” He tenses, Pure Vanilla leans closer. Pulling a strand of hair behind Shadow Milk’s ear.

“Listen to me.” These are a lot of demands, “I am proud of you. And I am happy for the apology, this has been a very pleasant afternoon. And I wish for you to consider another date with me.” Date???

“How about next Thursday? Brunch?” Shadow Milk’s is flabbergasted, he’s experienced a lot of old emotions today.

“I- uuuh… Yes?” He flushes again, as the other smiles, before standing up and dusting off his white robes.

“Fantastic! It’s settled then, I expect for you to find me then, deal?”

Shadow Milk absentmindedly nods, also getting up.

“Yes…D-deal…”

He finishes the rest of the tea, helping the healer pack up. And Shadow Milk, still confused with all thats happened that day. Decides to walk Pure Vanilla back home.

Or at least as far as he can without the chance of being seen.

“Goodbye…” Shadow Milk mutters, playing with his still wet sleeve.

“Goodbye and good night!” Pure Vanilla replied, and they both stare at each other for a moment. Before the healer offers a hug, and Shadow Milk quite ashamedly returns it as quickly as he can.

Hugging the other tight as he buries his face in the soft fabric.

He feels the other’s laugh as his shoulders bounce up and down. Before he hugs back gently, his staff still gripped tightly in his hand.

But as the hug continues, it isn’t the awkwardness that makes the deceitful cookie tense. No, he hadn’t noticed it earlier, since it was everywhere.

But now, now he can feel the pollen sticking onto the other’s clothing. His breath hitches, and he finally breaks off the hug. Spinning around to turn his back on the other as he barrels over.

“HA’GgSCHhue!” He groans, his nose, which he thought he had finally kept tamed. Started dripping again.

“Ah! Ahah, bless yhue~” Shadow Milk, sniffles, wiling away unshed tears. Pure Vanilla steps closer, offering a handkerchief he’d previously forgotten he had.

“Here, you can give it back Thursday.” He cooed, and the sniffly cookie grunted. Taking the kerchief, politely turning his head away again.

He blows his nose with a wet gurgling squelch. Cringing a little at the sound, he sniffles, pocketing the wet tissue.

“Thanks… And goodnight! For reals this time!” And with that he leaves through a portal, a portal he’s been saving energy to open.

And as he leaves the eyes in his hair briefly flick to watch the healer wave him off.

And suddenly he’s back in his messy room, the portal closes behind him. Creating a breeze that makes his bangs flow.

He shivers, register the cold of his room. He’s gotten a little too used to the vanilla cookie’s warmth.

He-…

He’s excited for that Thursday…

Chapter Text

-

It's quiet, just as it usually is.

The sun was settling over the horizon, the leaves on the tree's have been growing buds. Preparing to bloom, same goes for the grass and bushes.

And- well, with spring comes not only lovely weather, and beautiful green fields. But something horrible, dangerous, humiliating.

A force no one can escape, hay fever.

Horrible, grotesquely cruel, hay fever.

And the Fount of knowledge, with his image so close to perfection down to the nitty gritty details. One would assume his control would also be great, for him to have perfect authority over his every action.

And of course! He can move every limb with perfect precision, every word a perfect tone and declaration. Sure, it came with practice. Because, perfection takes practice.

Yet one thing he hasn't perfected was...Hay fever.

This was the third spring he's ever experienced on earthbread. And seeing as the first two were- bad.

Or, well, he should elaborate.

The first spring he'd ever experienced, he had stared in awe out his tower's highest window. Gawking, admiring, trembling with overflowing excitement.

And sure, he knew witches wanted for him to spend his day practicing how to teach. And writing a bunch of books and scrolls with the knowledge his mind just drooled with.

But with knowledge baked into his dough, there came curiosity. And it was that curiosity that made him hesitantly creak open that window.

Overwhelmed by so many new stimuli to his senses. Sounds of what bird's and the distant sound of laughter, the feel of the gentle breeze on his face. The light, the colors, the view.

It was all so new, all so beautifully wonderful.

And he takes it in, all of it. He was baked when the leaves had fallen off the trees, when the outside turn cold and dark. So he's absolutely delighted by this new change, when the outside looked exactly like in paintings.

He couldn't help himself, his legs moves by themselves. And he sneakily walks down long narrow stairs.

Out to the forest entry, his eyes shining with such intense enthusiasm. He practically threw himself into a colorful carpet of flowers. Not caring that he's crushing them, as he happily rolls around in it.

His vision was blurred from his fast rolling, but the blur was colorful, friendly. Breathtaking...

"Hn..."

He propped his head up, before immediately stuffing it back to sniff the beautiful aroma these colorful little plants secreted.

But then another smell hits him, he pauses. Looking at the particular flower, he doesn't quite understand why this blue one was making his nose prickle so uncomfortably.

He sniffled experimentally, also wondering why his nose was getting runny.

And well, you could probably guess what happened next. Yup! Thats right, histamine...And a very upset witch finding him in tears, sneezing his head off.

LITERALLY

And so, this time around, when he finally has responsibilities, he does not want a repeat of the past.

And so he'll have to practice.

Like he always does when he needs to learn.

Especially with an upcoming adventure he and the other virtues will be having. And he'd rather not be going around sneezing when they're exploring and helping cookies.

Right now he was in his bedroom, pacing back and forth in thought. When a hesitant knock echoed from his door, he, however, doesn't hesitate.

Waving his hand as the door creaked open, a pep in his step as he stares. Only relaxing as his assistants one eyed face peeked in.

"Sir?" He hummed in response, walking over with a forcibly calm walk. Instead of skipping happily like he would've wanted. "Yes?"

"Your- uh...Order, has arrived." They fully opened the door, and he clapped his hands together with a wide and pleased smile.

"Excellent!!" He beamed, holding out his hand as they gently placed down the big bouquet of blue p-hh- oh- nevermind-! But they were mixed with a good amount of smiling daisies.

"Thank you!" He bounced, already feeling a familiar prickle from the bouquet's proximity alone. His assistant tries to speak, but is hurriedly ushered out as he closes and locks the door.

Making double, triple, quadruple sure that it's locked. Before sighing in relief as he spins on his heel, taking slow careful steps as his fingers fiddles with a daisies petal.

Standing in front of his bed, he plucks out a daisy, twirling it between his fingers. Before taking a hesitant sniff, dipping his nose into the flourished flower.

And he feels that familiar tickle evolve rapidly, like a spark of magic. His nostrils flare, jaw slacking and eyes fluttering shut. And with a final gasp he can barely stop the-

"H'ATSCHIEW!"

He sniffles and snorts, coughing. Rubbing his now glossy eyes, he sighed disappointedly as he glances down at the few flowers that unfortunately got sprayed. Yet they still smiled back up at him, despite his exasperated frown.

He straightening up again, he-h he'll try again! That one just caught him off guard.

Clearing his throat, he pushes his nose back into the bouquet. Taking a deep breath.

His breath hitches, but he doesn't let this itch flourish. He wont let it, even as his nostrils quiver and his eyes burn.

He manages a good few second until- alas, his unpracticed nose can no longer stand a chance.

And with a sharp inhale his control snaps.

"AH'TSCHUew!!" This one he actually covers with his elbow, sparing the flowers another unpleasant shower of mucus.

He wheezes, coughing again, before sniffling.

"Ugh..." Practice makes perfect...He reminds himself, plucking a tissue from his nightstand as he sits down on his bed.

And so he continues, and each sneeze, each sniff, each passing minute that a tissue gets discarded into his overflowing, he gets better.

"Hh-h..." He gulps, successfully straying away the tickle. Sure it remained, but it was an afterthought. Just a little shiver at the back of his spent nose.

He sniffled, dipping his nose back in. The tickle returns tenfold.

But he keeps his cool, until he can yet again diminish the tickle. So his holding back has gotten better, much. But he needs to work on his facial features.

Getting up to sit in front of his vanity, he stares back at himself in the mirror. He's gained a flushed face, and his nose is such a dark blue it seems like he's dipped it in blueberry syrup.

Puffy, beady eyes, and he was trembling. Eyelashes fluttering, and nose quivering to match his each hitched breath.

"Hh-o-okay..." He pulled out a stack of poems from his vanity's drawer.

Flipping through them until he found one filled with lot's of words he usually messes up when needing to sneeze.

"Ah, here we are, ahem." He picks up the poem, 'Sheep in Fog' it was called.

He places it in front of him, before plucking a dry primrose from the bouquet.

"Hm." He presses the flowers bud to his nostrils. Taking a deep whiff, and he keeps it there as he starts to read.

"Th-hh-...The- hh-... Thhe... The," His eyes water, so he doesn't blink.

"The h-hills... The hills step o-ohff- into whiteness- hih-!" He pauses, face grimacing. He tenses, staring at his reflection as he forces his expression to dull.

"Snf..." He refuses to remove the flowers bud, despite how much of a unrealistic disadvantage it's giving him. He coughs, biting his tongue.

"O-oh... The hills- the hills step off into- ah- hh- AH'KiGSXHIEEuuw!"

He groans exasperatedly, removing the now soggy flower and throwing it with his used tissues. Blowing his nose, he reached out for another flower.

And this cycle continued, continued until he made it through half the poem.

"Morning has been bl-blaahh- hh- AH'GKaTScHOiue!" He huffs and sighs, almost banging his head against the wall in irritation.

Why- whyyy was this so tough? He threw away yet another wasted flower. Taking another tissue, soaking it through within a second.

"Ugh-...SNF!" Picking another flower he repeated the progress two more times. Being very pleased when he successfully makes it through the poem.

"Starless and fatherless, a dark water." He sighs, allowing himself to remove the flower he was pressing to his nose.

Sighing in relief, he decided to take a break. Waving a hand to hide the flush on his face. Dusting off his robes from any remaining pollen as he leaves.

And so, everyday until the adventure he practiced, practiced, practiced.

Going through tissue boxes and bouquets at a record speed. He had been using magic left and right to hide his chapped red nose, and puffy, bleary eyes.

And as he crossed over the marked date on his calendar he felt so ready. So prideful, and proud.

Meeting these new cookies he was baked with, a polite smiles as he introduces himself.

Warm greetings were passed, and they found themselves engaging in idle conversations while they walk.

"Oh oh! I spy! With my little eye~! Something... Blue!" The pink haired virtue of happiness, Ethereal Sugar started. Causing the rest of the group to share a thoughtful hum.

"The sky?" The warrior of solidarity asked.

"Noope~!"

"Blueberry Milk's eyes?" The largest cookie, the one representing change asked. Causing the fount of knowledge to laugh.

"BZZZt-! Wrong!" The sugar cookie laughed.

"You're not giving us much to work with..." The calm holder of volition playfully hummed.

"Sorry not sorry~!"

The group continued to look around for anything blue, and the Milk cookie felt many lingering gazes on him.

But as they stop to actually try and find whatever it is, the knowledgeable cookie felt a familiar itch.

"Ngh, primroses..." He didn't mean to sound so tense, but he does as he quickly locates the flowers. Which had been hiding behind a long trail of bushes that only the floating cookie could see.

"Is that what they're called-? Welp! Ding~ding!!! Woah! Didn't think you'd get that, you really are smart~!" She ruffled his hair, and he cracked a smile. Ignoring the dull tickle at the back of his nose.

"That's unfair! Didn't even see that..." The virtue of change huffed, parting the bushes to reveal the field of blue flowers.

"You didn't? I would've assumed your height would assist you." The virtue of volition smiled, allowing the tall cookie to fluster.

"Oh hush now! Don't be so mean on the guy!" The sugary sweet gal giggled, stepping off the cloud she'd been seated on.

"Just look at all these! Aren't they lovely? Primroses, priiiiimmmmroooosseesss" Ethereal Sugar squeaked, a bounce in her step as she jumped over the bushes to get a better look.

She liked the name of these beautiful swirls of blue.

"They would make a pretty emblem." The warrior stated, also scooting closer, looking over the giant red cookie's shoulder at the flowers.

"Mh, they are elegant." Divine flour noted, also moving closer to get a good look.

"Hey- uh...Blueberry Milk?" He perks up, looking at the Sugar cookie. Before adjusting his polished monocle.

"Ah, yes?"

"Do you know more about these primroses?" They ask, gesturing him closer. And despite his previous days of training he's reluctant. These primroses smell far stronger than the one's he been buying.

"Uhm, well..." He clears his throat, come on now, this is what you've been baked to do.

He steps closer, and all eyes turn to him.

"Primroses are a part of the family Primulaceae, which includes the genera Primula, Cyclamen and Lysimachia.”

He continues this lesson, and as the minutes pass he gains confidence with it. Seems his practice has paid off, because he can perfectly formulate himself despite how close he is. And unless something happens he’ll be peachy!

“They’re low maintenance, and vigorous plants, which primarily bloom from March till May.”

“Oh oh-!” The sugary cookie, who had been listening the most intently raises her hand.

“And- ah…Uh yes?”

“So how can I plant them? I think they’d look beautiful in my kingdoms garden!!” He resist the urge to grimace, great… There goes his plans of visiting that place without an itchy nose.

“Well, yes, they grow easier in close groups, and they like a cooling shade. So I’m sure you can find a place to grow them…”

“And they come in different colors?” Divine flour asks.

“Yes, most commonly yellow, but they can come in pink, purple, red, white, and this blue.”

This seems to gather everyone’s attention, and ethereal sugar delightfully squeals.

“Oh ha ha!!! Thats our colors!!!” Her excitement and love is infectious, as everyone laughs with her.

But the scholar had just an air of uncertainty about this.

“Anyhow- we should get going-“

“Already?” The virtue of change questioned. “I for one want to continue learning about these flowers.”

“Aha, is- is that so??” The fount of knowledge sweat dropped, because these flowers were actually starting to bother him.

“I- I think there’s a lot more out there for me to teach you about. I- I mean it’s just a flower!” He tries to persuade, but his traveling companions seem very enthralled by these flowers.

“One moment more!” The sugar cookie waved him off, starting to pluck some of the primroses. She started stuffing them in the fluff of her giant wings.

Cooing as she makes it all pretty, she spreads it out. Showing it off to the others, who give their ‘oohh’s and ‘ahh’s.

“They smell pretty good…” Sea Salt Cookie notes, taking a deep sniff through their armor. “Real sweet.”

“Awh! You’re right!” Ethereal Sugar stuff he face in her flower covered wing, taking deep sniff. “Mhmm.”

“Ah, I do say, the smell is very fruity.” The flour cookie replies, plucking a flower from the pink cookies wings.

“Bah! It smells like every other flower!” The virtue of change clicked his tongue.

“Don’t be like that! C’mon just a sniff!” Ethereal sugar held her wing out to the large red cookies who sighed.

“Very well.” He smiled, before leaning closer. But instead of a flower he gets a feather, landing on the tip of his fleshy round nose.

“Huh-? Hh-HHUh-!” everyone pauses, glancing at him.

“HAh’TCHOO!” He barrels over into his fist, and everyone pauses in surprise except Blueberry Milk.

Who had seen in coming from the first hitch, still didn’t stop him from flinching due to the sheer loudness.

“Woah! Gesundheit- that was loud!” From the virtue of happiness, the spice cookie sniffles and nods.

“Yes, bless you.” From the virtue of volition.

“Warn a cookie next time.” The virtue of solidarity chuckled.

“Ah, bless you, allergies?” The scholar being the only one to ask something, is the one the red cookies replies to first.

“I am not certain, mayhaps.” There’s a bout of awkward silence.

“Ah, okay, anyhow! Let’s continue with the-“

“Wait a moment, Blueberry Milk, don’t you want to smell the primroses?” Divine flour asks, a little surprised.

All the attention switches back to him

“Yeah, you strike me as the type to want to try new things!” Ethereal sugar adds on, stepping closer with a flower held between her pointer and thumb.

“I-… I’m already very familiar to the smell.” He waves his hand dismissively, but the other persists.

The flower held out as an offering to him.

“Well what’s one more sniff!” He gulps, glancing at the floor. Yeah… Whats… What’s one sniff?

“Haha, of- of course!” He takes the flower, hesitantly staring down at it. One- one sniff…

“Snf.”

Ah, yes, that familiar itch. He can manage!

“It smells the same as always!” He smiles, muting out the itch currently swirling.

He gently places it back in her wings, remaining smooth and elegant. She smiles.

“Thats great!”

They continue to chatter as they finally continue the adventure. Honestly, he wasn’t sure why he ever worried. All that practice was perfect! Absolutely perfect, oh he’s so thankful for all those night spent.

Because now, he’s kept his image, and first impression to a standard worth his title.

Nothing can go wrong now th-

“Ha’GAtchiew!”

Chapter Text

He never should've agreed to this

Every day, no matter how lovely the weather is, no matter the good food, no matter how absolutely fulfilling it felt being understood, no matter-... He's getting off track.

BUT! The point is, everyday sucks.

He's never been so powerful, yet felt so powerless. Sure, his soul-jam wasn't fully his, and he's lost full control of the other realm. But he's still the ever so dangerous Shadow Milk Cookie!

And he does not appreciate being treated like some ticking time bomb by every damn citizen in this bright yellow kingdom.

Hell, even his minions can't stir up enough mischief to entertain him.

And all this is the fault of one very pathetically, kind, naive, dumb, little cookie.

Sure, Pure Vanilla managed to trick him following Shadow Milk's own twisted morals.

But it ISN'T so fun and respectable when he's on the receiving end of an outstretched hand, connected to a cookie that still smiled warmly, lovingly at him.

Despite how he was trembling pathetically on his spire's floor. Barely able to stand with the pain, clutching desperately at his aching sides, as if it would help.

He only took that hand because he was too weak to escape. Yes- thats- thats the most truth he can give!!!

Nope, he didn't need a friend, he didn't need a helping hand, and someone who understood.

What he needed was chaos!

Unimaginable amounts of chaos!!!

Not some dumb blonde cookie... That is nice... A-and forgiving... And a good cook...

Nope! Not what he needs!

So when one morning he starts feeling a little iffy. He refuses to even utter a word about the headache or sore throat to that nosy cookie!

He's sure he'll get over it soon....

Or so he thought, by the next morning he was sniffling nonstop to try and contain the runny mess that kept leaking out his pointed nose.

And since he didn't want anyone asking, he found a place in the giant library to camp out until he knew for sure they weren't gonna find him.

But, he seems to have forgotten he's basically deemed a war criminal by every other citizen except Pure Vanilla.

So many were on a wild goose chase to find him, he heard all of it. And with his all seeing powers, he could get a perfect view of every part of the kingdom.

He's smarter than all of them. So they didn't stand a chance, or- well, they didn't.

That silly little blonde cookie only had to look for more than a few minutes, before locating Shadow Milk Cookie.

The bells clinging in their shared ears, and Shadow Milk was too tired to flee as he heard the bells grow closer.

And of course when he did find Shadow Milk Cookie, he couldn't just be mad at him. Noooooo, course not!

He's just gonna sit down and tell Shadow Milk about how 'worrieeeeed', he'd been! The jester almost audibly scoffed, if he wasn't too focused keeping his knees pressed firmly to his nostrils as a form of seal for the ocean swirling inside.

All while pretending to be just sooooooo invested in the book he was reading. Responding in short hums of acknowledgment, as the healer spoke.

And finally, Pure Vanilla smiled that warm stupid, dumb, dumb, silly smile!

Asking so gently if Shadow Milk was hungry, almost as if he knew...Before leaving to get him something to eat.

Shadow Milk took that chance to ditch, finding another place to coop up and hide.

And he's pleasantly surprised when Pure Vanilla doesn't go looking for him again. Despite the distant bells ringing distastefully.

By the third day he could conclude with rage that he'd caught something. Something bad.

A cold? The flu? Whatever.

Better question, is from who he got it?

Probably Pure Vanilla, that guy stays around all kinds of sick people. And he probably dragged something with him when he went to cuddle see Shadow Milk.

Sure the healer hadn't gotten sick...And he had great hygiene...Since he smelt good...

But! In Shadow Milk's defense, he hasn't been out in the real world for ages!!!

Being inside a tree cuts one off from most germs. Which makes it much easier for them to grapple on to his freshly baked body's immune system.

He sniffled and coughed quietly in his little hideout. Rubbing his eyes tiredly every minute or so, shivers and trembles, sweating raked his body. Half dazed blurs of darkness swirled in his vision.

Oh- and don't get him started on his disobediently itchy nose. That thing has been bothering him ALL DAY!

And he was hungry, achy, cold- yet warm, everything that could just scream of how sick he felt.

And he's sure his other half felt it from the miserable pulsating of his soul jam.

But whatever, he had bigger problems.

Since he was regretting this spot. He thought the view would be nice, but it was awfully drafty...Freezing...

But! I mean- c'mon! He's Shadow Milk Cookie! A little chill wouldn't mess with him that much.

He continued to sit in his perfect hiding spot, waiting patiently in the cold breeze for night to come. For when he can finally get some food, some tissues, maybe a blanket or two.

The sun sets and he watches different cookies leave the castle. And when everyone seems to have gone, he leaves his spot. Slowly floating through the air.

Entering the dark kitchen, he lets his wobbly feet graze the floor. Slowly dragging himself to the fridge, opening it quietly. The lights momentarily blind him, and he whines angrily as his itchiness flares.

"H-hih-!"

Rubbing his eyes, he grunted. Sniffling thickly before rummaging through the fridges contents.

He finds an apple, the only thing he didn't need to warm or cook. He was a little too exhausted for that, but as he closes the door, that apple is sent flying as he chokes on a screech.

Standing in the space beside him, was Pure Vanilla, lighting up the area around with a warm light. They stare at each other blankly, as Pure Vanilla held an unreadable expression. Yet his body languaged dripped with disappointment and curiosity.

How didn't Shadow Milk notice the bells earlier?

The deceitful cookies face illuminated with the other's light. Stared dazed and surprised, eyes narrowed to acommodate with the annoying light making the space between his eyes tickle again.

Another minute passes, before Pure Vanilla takes a careful step closer.

Shadow Milk floats further away.

"You worried me." He stated calmly,

"running away, going into hiding." His voice is tired, and Shadow Milk finally notes of how he's wearing his white night gown, colored with a light orange. A blue shawl with intricate flower shaped lace hanging off his shoulders.

But Shadow Milk doesnt care about the interesting fashion choice when he feels so attacked. He scoffs, crossing his arms defensively. Speaking carefully to make sure his congestion isnt audible.

"Whaaaat? Can'd a cookie gedt some privacy?" He forced a playful smile, and to his body's displeasure, he moves confidently into a relaxed looking pose.

Yet it was anything but relaxing, with his limbs stretching uncomfortably after he's been curled over for so long. His doughs creaks, and his smile flickers in pain before turning wry.

Pure Vanilla, almost like some sort of machine, sees through his lie quickly.

Those deadpan eyes closing as he adjusted the grip on his staff. The orchid's pupil fixating on him, giving the healer a better view.

"You look pale..."

Shadow Milk tenses, he doesnt like being interrogated likes this. But he doesnt back down, if he continues to argue back. Then Pure Vanilla will hopefully get annoyed and leave him be. He dramatically gasped, ignoring how it made his sore throat sting like he swallowed a pincushion.

"What?! Tsk- something wrong with that? Ever heard of makeup?" He huffed, eyes narrowing defensively. Trying to ease further into the Shadows to cut off the others view of him. But Pure vanilla only sighs again, tilting his head as he moved in closer.

A hand reaching out towards Shadow Milk's head, and the jester pauses. Before slapping the hand away, gritting his teeth angrily as that bright light that followed the other burned into his retinas. "Don't touch me." He seethed, digging his hand into his arm. He felt- there was too much.

Too bright, too close, too warm, and that mixed with his intense headache. Aching body, empty stomach, low energy, itching nose, and prickly throat, it made him want to cry. A lot, and...

He just wanted to sleep...

"O-oh!..A-are you crying??" Shadow Milk pauses, before hastily turning around and pressing a hand to his cheek. It came back wet, silently cursing. He didnt turn back, only curling in on himself slightly.

"N-no..." His voice wobbled, and he grimaced. This wasn't going well, not at all, and he's still in so much uncomfortable pain. He's lookin around for a way to flee, but as if the other could sense it. He's gently grabbed by the shoulder turning him just enough for a cold hand to rest on his forehead.

And he almost melts, almost.

Shoulders tensing, he stares wide eye at the other. Face flushing in embarassment, the healer clicks his tongue sympathetically, eyes opening to flash a sympathetic glance at the other. Shadow Milk's stomach churns uncomfortably, and it's not the gnawing hunger this time.

"Oh, my friend, why didn't you let me help?" He feels his shoulder tense, the title hitting his ear's harshly. His stomach twists and clenches, and his eyes narrow. And even if his body was against it, he swatted the hand away. Face twisting angrily, scoffing.

"You..." He grits, his hair flaring angrily. All those ceruealen eyes narrowing to glare at him, he was very obviously seething. The shadows twisting, trying to burn out the light. But, Pure Vanilla doesn't flinch.

Instead he gently steps closer, arms raising. Shadow Milk freezes, a hand hastily moving to protectively shield over his glimmering, clinging Soul Jam. But instead of any form of attack, he's wrapped in such a soothing familiar embrace.

He pauses, before feeling a dullness overtake his body. The pain replaced by a slight coldness, causing him to shudder. Curling up in the hold as he presses his forehead into the others shoulder. His headache slowly disminishes, and he breaths a sigh of relief. Feet fully touching the floor as he relaxes completely into the other.

The coldness is soon replaced by a warmth, and he manages to pinpoint this warmth oozing from the hands holding him.

After a few moments it stops, and he whines as the pains return. But they have this sort of dulling feeling over them now, causing it to feel a little more bearable.

"I'm gonna take you to your room, okay? Will you cooperate with me?" The voice was gentle, and Shadow Milk's droopy eyes close. Nodding slowly against the others shoulder, his mind felt cloudy. And all he could focus on was the need to just drop into his warm bed.

I takes about ten minutes to get to the room, and it was mostly due to Shadow Milk having to periodically take small breaks. Panting, sweating, wheezing. With the others hand comfortingly rubbing his back. Whispering for them to continue, sweet-honeyed words soothing whenever he’d felt like he'd faint.

And when he finally makes it to the room he slips out from under the supporting hold the healer had him in. Falling into the bed with a sort of immense enthusiasm thed bed had never been given before. His knuckles turning white with the force he was gripping the sheets.

The hand returns to his back, guiding him to sit up. Leaving momentarily to get a change of clothes, a simple shirt and pants.

"Can you dress yourself?"

Shadow Milk nods slowly, grabbing the clothes. Before tiredly gesturing with his hand for the other to turn around, it takes some more minutes of struggling. Befores he's succesfully changed, but his ruff and Soul Jam stays on. Pure Vanilla turns back after the other mutters a "done...", and he watches the other lay down.

Pure Vanilla slides the blanket from beneath him. Throwing it over the jesters body, tugging Shadow Milk up to lay on the bed properly. Tucking him in, before the healer puffs up the pillow from behind the other's head.

"Do you need anything?" He mutters, a hand gently smoothing out any wrinkles in the blanket. Shadow Milk opens his eyes again, having almost fallen asleep. But he gathers energy again, pulling the blanket higher up, just to his nose tip.

He mutters, and Pure Vanilla leans closer. "What was that?"

"Mhmm..."

Pure Vanilla sighs, running a hand through the jesters white bangs.

"Can you repeat?"

"Mabemm."

"Shadow Milk, you have to be more clear." The healer huffs, watching the other's eyebrows furrow. Before pulling the blanket down, speaking in a clear, robotic, and almost professional tone.

"Blanket." The blue jester huffs, as if it was obvious of what he was asking.

"A-ah...>Right," Pure Vanilla pauses, staring blankly at the other. And they both stare at each other again. Before Shadow Milk's eyes droop, making the blonde finally snap out of it. Quickly leaving to go get another blanket.

And while he's out the room, Shadow Milk allows himself to cough. Although stifled behind clenched teeth, and so dry they basically feel like he's ripping open his esaphogus. They're still coughs, silent, body trembling, coughs.

And it makes his jam tremble against his shaking chest.

And he immediately bites his tongue to stop when he hears the approaching footsteps. Closing his eyes, the ones in his hair opening up when he feels the additional weight of another blanket.

He hums in satisfaction, the eyes in his hair shutting again, and he mutters a half-hearted, "thanks..." Before finally relaxing enough to let his body shut off for the night.

Meanwhile Pure Vanilla hovers around, hesitating, wondering if he should go back to his room. But after a moment of thought he decides against it, silently dragging over one of the armchairs. Before taking a seat at the others bedside, tucking his feet underneath himself, and leaning back against the backrest. Tightly hugging the shawl tighter around him.

He continues watching the other till he himself falls asleep.

The night passes and the sun rises, shining in through the window and onto the bundle of blankets. A blue eye peeks out, immediately catching a ray. It causes an effect instantaneously, and his eyes squeezes shut as his chest hastily expands.

Ducking into the blanket he- hh- "HH'AsgChiew!"

He sniffles thickly, cringing silently at the bubbling mess now covering the end of the blanket.

He'd almost be so disgusted he'd throw it away, but he was freezing. So a quick tuck and the mess was no longer an issue.

He raises a hand to shield his eyes when he sits up, looking around his now bright room. He notes with slight confusion at the empty armchair by his bedside. And he has to brutally rake through his aching minds delusions and dreams to remember why possibly it could be there.

And he remembers in horror just in time for the door to open, the bells rings, and Pure Vanilla to step in backwards. Turning to reveal a tray of food, his staff snuggly planted in the crook of his elbow.

"Oh? Good morning!" He greeted to brightly that the metaphorical light dripping from his words could've made Shadow Milk sneeze again.

But he doesn't, he can't. Not with his biggest enemy, the thief, the horrendously evil cookie- that just brought him mouthwatering breakfast, in the room.

It'd ruin the last semblance of his crumbling dignity, it was one thing to be dragged around and hugged, even while dealing with a burning fever and body pains. It's another to actually be taken care of when his head is almost completely clear. Staying and watching him being so sick...

Sure, once upon a time, he let his closest of friends care for him when he was feeling under.

But he's changed, and...AND PURE VANILLA WAS MOST DEFINITELY, 100%, WASN'T A CLOSE FRIEND!!!

The healer moved closer with little urgency, placing the tray of food on his bedside table. And Shadow Milk unfortuntely realized how irresistebly good it looked. And it didnt only look delicious because he hadn't eaten in forever.

Steaming tea, and what he assumed was jeallybean soup, some bread, cut up apple slices, and a medicine bottle gently snug up against a glass of water.

He felt his mouth watering, and from what he could smell through the thick congestion, it smelt absoloutely divine.

Yet, he wasn't just gonna let this thief steal a compliment from his lips. Nope! Not happening.

"I made you some food... I hope you haven't been awake long, I'd hate to have kept you hungry..." The blonde gently cood, sitting down in the armchair.

Shadow Milk's eyes narrow, "I'm...I'm not hungry..." He hissed, crossing his arms and puffing out his cheeks.

The other raised a questioning brow, before sweetly smiling.

"You don't have to eat it." Pure Vanilla stands up, grabbing the tray. But Shadow Milk gasps abruptly, stopping him.

"No! I-I'll eat it..." He waves his hands, and the healer places the tray down. A very pleased smile on his face, the jester grimaces.

"But only because I have nothing else to do." He argues, pulling himself to sit properly against the headboard and pillows. Pure Vanilla gives him a small, knowing look. Before carefully placing the tray in Shadow Milk's lap, the blue cookie hummed.

Hating to admit it looked better with a close up, but he kept that judgemental stare. Even as he started stuffing his face like it'd disappear if he blinked. The longer be continue to stuff his face, the more Pure Vanilla's face contorts into concern. At this point he wouldn't be surprised if Shadow Milk started eating the ceramic dishes.

"You might wanna slow down-" he stops himself as Shadow Milk finishes the soup, a piece of bread snugly placed between the jester lips as he pauses in the middle of an obnoxious 'nom'.

Shadow Milk glanced over at the other, before swallowing. He didn't want to admit it was good, so he scoffed.

"I'm only eating fast so I dont have to taste it..." He mutters, turning slightly away to hide his flushed face. Completely forgetting his embarrassed blushing wasnt visible against the sickly blue flush already present on his face.

But his soul jam pulsating with his embarrassment was enough for the other.

Pure Vanilla hums thoughtfully, not at all believing the other. But the kind cookie shrugged it off, allowing Shadow Milk cookie to continue on with his lying. But sooner or later he'd porbably wear himself out, because if he was gonna play like this. It's only fair the healer plays back, an eye for an eye.

As the bread was gone, as well as the milk tea, Shadow Milk was left nibbling on the apple slices. Completely stuffed, but, when he tries to ditch the tray, the apple slices in hand. Pure Vanilla steps in, a polite hand resting on his shoulder. As the medicine is grabbed and held out to him, the jester's eyebrows furrow. And he scoffs,

"I am not taking that..." He swallowed a piece of the apple, turning his head away.

"You have to." The healer replied.

"I dont." The answer was.

"Oh? I know, but, your health will regain quicker!" Pure Vanilla moved the medicine closer.

"I'm already healthy."

"You're not."

"Psh! Please! I feel great!"

"Prove it." Pure Vanilla knew for a fact he was sick, but if he wanted to play tough. He'd play tougher.

Shadow Milk turn his head back just enough for eye contact, before clicking his tongue.

"And how exactly am I supposed to do that?" He pouted, fiddling with the apples. Before gasping in half offense half shock, as the silly little healer had the audacity to press a hand against his souljam. And he feels even more offended that it's comforting, biting down on his tongue as a familiar warmth envelopes him.

The bells echo off the walls, yet only for their ears to hear.

And like jelly, his souljam turn's almost liquidy underneath the hand. Letting it sink further in.

He drops the apples, grabbing the others wrist as his face flushes. A pulsating pleasure mixes with the warmth, and his breath hitches.

"W-wh-hh- whhaat are you- Hhh-!" He pauses, before grunting as his nose starts to itch.

And he pauses, trying to focus on the pleasure instead. But it seems the moment the phantom warmth senses the change of his hitching breaths, it moves up. Teasing behind the dark blue appendage as he whines, vision blurring as some tears start to spill down his face.

He tries tugging away the other's fingers deep inside his jam. And trust him, he could pull it out. But- it's like his body wasn't cooperating.

like it's too busy focusing on trying to control the excruciating warmth, swirling inside his dough. Trying to coax the so called, 'evidence' out.

But it's a losing battle as his body trembles, hand clenching the wrist tightly.

And before he can argue he hastily spins his head all the way around.

"HA'TcSGHIEW!" He's so thankful for his limbs ability to twist and turn however. As he uses his free hand to spin his head back, glaring daggers into the smug vanillian.

"U-ugh, SNDF! That was-...What did you do??" He furrowed his brows deeper, hand relaxing around the others wrist.

"Oh, that? Just checking your soul." He spoke so calmly that he almost made the trickster himself nod along. But he hastily snaps out his daze, growling as he bares is fangs.

"Why."

"Well I said to prove yourself didnt I?" Pure Vanilla chuckled, causing Shadow Milk to grimace in humilitation.

"Fine! I'm a little sick! Happy?"

"Aha, I think you mean 'very sick'..."

Shadow Milk sighed, before sniffling.

"Whatever... Did you need to make me sneeze?" He gritted, rubbing his nose and squinting his eyes to rid them of the tears. The healer laughed again, shaking his head.

"No~." Shadow Milk pauses, before flashing the most offended look he could muster.

"Then- why-!..." He pauses, staring at that stupidly kind smile, before scoffing. "Whatever. You've proved your silly little point. So get your greasy little paws off my ja-ahh--hh!"

The itch returns, and the hand digs deeper into his soul. Curling slightly to make room, some of the warmth that lingered in his chest. Before immediately moving up to swirl behind his nose bridge, his breath hitches and he wheezes.

The warmth moves down from the bridge to rest on the tip, and his nostrils flare in warning. He tries spinning his head around, put a hand holds it in place. And as the itch reaches his climax, all he can do is duck his faace as far down as he can, consequentely misting the healers forearm and his own hand still gripping the other's wrist.

"Hh-KAGSCH-hieEw!"

He sniffles, trying to shake the others hand off his face. But instead the hand remains cupping his cheek, Pure Vanilla's thumb going out to swipe away some moisture from the side of his nostril. Causing it to twitch and quiver.

Shadow Milk grunts and sniffles, before he opens his mouth to question the others intention.

Pure Vanilla takes his chance and shoves the two small pills into the jester mouth. Pressing his thumb on Shadow Milk's lips to keep them sealed, Shadow Milk instinctually swallows. Before wheezing and coughing, slapping the hand off his face.

Pure Vanilla's other hand slides out the jam, the blue liquid sticking slightly to his fingers in long strands. Before slipping back and molding into its shape again, Shadow Milk coughs and huffs, snarling between each body shaking hack. Eyes narrowing in offense,

"Why you little GNAT-!" He hisses, but the healer barely blinks. Just grabbing the now empty tray with a pleased smile, leaving the other to boil in his anger.

And he does, until a day passes of this care taking routine. And suddenly fate decides he shouldn’t be alone anymore

"Master Shadow Milk Cookie!"

The cookie just spoken to, looked up from the bland novel the healer had offered him. His two minions had entered the room, with Candy Apple hastily throwing herself onto the bed and clambering up his bed to his side.

“Candy Apple! Get off him at once!” The host reprimanded, tugging her off of him. Holding her by the scruff as she flailed her arms wildly.

“He’s sick, which one, means contagious! And two, means he probably doesn’t want to deal with your clinging!”

The young cookie whined, kicking her feet.

“Sorry! Sorry!” She yelped, not really meaning it. But wanting to get out of this air jail. Black Sapphire sighs exasperatedly.

Placing her down on the floor as she scrambles to her feet. Very visibly resisting the urge to jump at the sick cookie again.

“My lord…” Black Sapphire starts, walking a little closer. But not close enough to be in any sort of contagious field.

“Yes?” Shadow Milk responds dully, flipping another page of the faerie erotica. Something Pure Vanilla was quite embarrassed to be found having. Which was why he picked it, but after the hundredth page of complete hogwash he grew bored.

“How are you feeling? Shall I get you anything?”

The deceitful master hummed to himself, glancing briefly at the two, before shrugging.

“No, I’m quite alright as is.” He declared, to the surprise of his two minions.

“A-are you sure???”

“Yea.”

The two share a look, before staring at their master again.

“B-but master Shadow Milk Cookie always wants something when sick!” Candy Apple stared confused, but Black Sapphire quickly nudges her to shut up.

Shadow Milk sighs, closing the book. “Okay, y’know what I want you both to do?” They perk up.

“Go count every blade of grass in the palace’s garden, yeah?”

They both deflate, his obvious sarcasm making them share another glance.

“We-… We’ll be in the garden then, call when you need us…” Black Sapphire bows his head, dragging a pouting Candy Apple with him. But before they can leave Shadow Milk stops them.

“Actually…” He sniffled and coughed.

“Yes, my lord?”

“Yes, Shadow Milk cookie~?”

He hums in thought, sniffling and rubbing his nose.

“Go send a message to Pure Vanilla, remind him not to forget my dinner.” They deflate again, yet they both still nod, before he yet again ushers for them to leave.

“Little irritating pests.” He spoke, but there wasn’t a hint of malice. As he sniffled and snorted again.

But despite him commanding them not to, they repeatedly came back during the day. Sure, the company was nice. But it had gotten tiring having to constantly warn them he was still contagious.

“Aw! C’mon I have a good immune system!” Candy Apple whine from her spot nuzzled into his side.

The older cookie sighed, “you said that before you caught pneumonia.” Black Sapphire states from his spot on Shadow Milk’s other side.

“Oh SHUT U-“

Shadow Milk interrupts her yelling with a pained grunt, as he rubs his aching forehead. Causing the younger cookie to mutter an apology.

“Are you okay my lord?”

“Mnm… Hih- h’AgxSH!” He stifles into his hand, not caring for how it burnt.

“Bless you!” They both chorus, and he sighs.

“You’re both really gonna catch this, y’know?” He spoke with boredom, before huffing as they nonchalantly shrugged him off.

By the time dinner came around, they were chased out by an exasperated Pure Vanilla.

“Your little minions had told me not to forget your dinner.” Pure Vanilla spoke up some time into their meals, taking a bite of veggies from the soup.

“Do you really think I’d deprive you off such a thing?”

“Just had to make sure you wouldn’t pass out before I could eat.” The deceitful cookie spoke, before immediately going back to stuffing his face at record speed.

Pure Vanilla chuckles, “I would never~!”

“You never know! People forget things left and-…R- riiihh- right..”

Another bout of silent passes, and when they’re done Pure Vanilla takes the dishes out. Coming back just to check on Shadow Milk a final time.

But now that the other was more clear headed, he refused to be tucked in like a child.

“I’m not a freshly baked dough-ball.” He hugged, tiredly getting comfortable as his eyes droop.

Pure Vanilla nods, “alright, my apologies.”

But as Pure Vanilla was gonna leave a familiar tug of their soul jams brought him right back to the sick cookies bedside.

“Mh..?” Shadow Milk slowly opens his eyes, yawning. Questioning why the king would act upon the soul jam’s wants.

“What?” He asked, deciding to ignore the strange pull of their jams.

Pure Vanilla adjust his stand, before leaning closer.

“May I join you tonight?”

Shadow Milk pauses, before laughing tiredly.

“I’m contagious, stupid little gnat~.” He yawned again, closing his eyes as if that was it. He turned his back, and waited.

And he waited…

But the clinging and pull of his jam didn’t change, neither did the presence.

He popped an eye open again, sniffling.

“You’re still here?”

“You have yet to give a proper answer…”

He sighed, burying his face momentarily in his pillow.

“This isn’t like you. Being clingy.”

“I know.”

“This is soooooo weird, y’know~?”

“Yes.”

“…”

Pure Vanilla continued to smile, and Shadow Milk continued to scowl.

Until Shadow Milk caved sighing exasperatedly.

“You may-“

But what he wasn’t expecting was for the other to take discard his cape and hat and go to actually join him in bed.

“H-huh?!?”

“Pardon me.” He gently slips under the blanket, pressing himself close. Just enough for their soul jams brooches to graze each other.

“W-what-? You-“

“Sorry~!” Pure Vanilla chuckles, resting his chin ok the others head.

“I- you’re gonna catch this malady…”

“Thats fine.”

“It’s not-? Why are yo-?” He shudders as a warm hand slides over his back.

“It’ll be fine, okay?”

Shadow Milk tilts his head back to glance up at him, they both stare at each other before Shadow Milk scoffs. Burying his face in the other’s silky robes.

“…I’m gonna sneeze on you.” He threatens.

“Very well~!”

Chapter Text

The spire wasn't as grand as when he first came here.

No.

When the once pure cookie had arrived at the spire's big gates, he was in awe. Awe that a building could emanate such power, such radiance and knowledge.

But now he understands that it was so because the spire was the beast of deceits body.

It quite literally held a piece of that awe-ensuring aura. The aura that was as magnificent as it was intoxicating. But he was naive then, naive like every other cookie across earth-bread.

Naive, full of hope, always searching for some truth.

But, he was no longer that cookie. No longer the soft-spoken, people pleasing healer.

No. He was different, not just physically, but fundamentally, he knew he was no longer the same.

He was a husk, a nobody, an empty piece of dough with the remnants of a shattered soul. And he should've been scared, he should've been mourning.

Mourning the loss of himself.

But, alas, he'd need to be someone to mourn.

And so he sat, sat in silence. Maybe boredom would be able to explain the emptiness he feels? Maybe, but it felt a little wrong. Boredom would mean he'd have anything to look forward too.

And he doesn't, so he continues to exist as this body. This recluse, this pained shattered soul that couldn't even find the need to scream. Because no matter how much it clawed at his throat to remind him he's still alive.

He'd still have no perspective or personality or moral, to tell him it's okay to.

"Truthless Recluse~!" That was his new name, wasn't it? No longer the pure vanilla flavored cookie. But a title, a recluse, further proof he was nothing but a blank canvas which he didn't even have the choice to be the artist of.

And that made him... Angry?

"Woah! Someone's grumpy, hangry~?" The artist of his canvas nudge him, a cruel smile on his face.

And the Truthless Recluse felt sick with rage, but that was washed away rather quickly by the bow familiar blankness. As if the other's mere presence was reverting him forcefully back to a blank canvas no matter how much he bleed across the white surface.

"How about a light snack, hm? Before your big entrance! We can also work out a little on the script!" The blue cookie waved his hand, and the cookie? glanced down at the weight in his lap.

A simple plastic container of blueberry yogurt, the design seemed simple, yet he felt the choice of bright colors to be an eyesore.

"..."

No- actually, he felt nothing from this.

Nothing at all....

"And since I'm so kind I'll even allow you to add some of your own words to the script, you want that, riiiighhhtt~?"

It was obvious his artist wanted a response, but this husk didn't know what to say. The fragments of his old self were shattered too small to be able to get anything out of.

And he barely even remembers who his artist was, what they liked. He felt a vague fear deep in his shattered soul, but he couldn't quite pinpoint why he felt so.

"No."

It's the safest option. As he idly plays with the thin lid of the small yogurt container.

But his answer doesn't really seem to matter to the other as they hum, smug smile still on that- face?

Truthless recluse finally looks up, what did this artist of his look like? He blearily remembers outlines, many blue eyes. But much other.

He squinted, but his vision blurry. He could make out blue skin, a- hat? Hair? Situation?

And of course the black romper with blue splotches on the chest and knees. Mismatched sleeves, and the blur of a jam on what he assumes to be a white ruff.

It's hard to see, he instinctively raises hand to grab something at his side. For a better look he thinks, but he doesn't grab anything.

What was he even reaching for?

Glasses-?

No, it was something... Something that smelt sweet?

He drops his hand back to his lap, continuing to fiddle with the container. Painfully aware of the piercing gaze from his artist.

"Geez, you're so pathetic like this..." His artist mumbled, he doesn't know why he seemed pathetic. Seeing as 'pathetic' would mean he had a autonomy of his own.

"Welp! Nothing I can't fix with a lil' elbow grease!" He felt his hair be ruffled. And it felt wrong, he- he faintly remembers wearing some sort of hat?

Abruptly his vision of the yogurt packet is covered by a pile of papers. Covering his lap, with some falling onto the floor.

He faintly makes out blurred lines of words, which remain unclear even as he squints.

"Now that is your script! I expect you to memorize it by the time your act comes on, got it?" His artist decided, and he couldn't disagree.

No, canvases don't decline the paint the artist uses, and if it does, the artist can always change their paint.

"..."

"I said. Got. It?"

He continued to squint at the papers, as the blue cookie hovered before him, huffing with their arms crossed over their chest.

"Hm, ah, right, you're blind as a hamster in murky waters." The choice of wording was unrealistic, but the canvas nods.

"Mh, well I guess you can get that flower back..." Flower? Flowers... Flowers smell sweet...

Is that what he reached out for? But- then why a flower?

He hears a thud on the table next to him, but he doesn't flinch. His movements almost felt puppeteered as he reached his hand out and picked up the heavy staff.

His movements are absentminded, practiced, as if he'd done this his whole life.

He gently taps the end of the staff on the floor. And suddenly- his vision clears, he can see himself, that is him? Right?

Messy, dirty hair, black robes, and empty, tired eyes that quickly widen as he feels like something clicks within him.

But the emotion dissipates quickly, and he blanks yet again.

"Ah there! Better?" He can see his artist now, a blue jester, and the moment he sees the other's face his chest squeezes with distaste, fear, some form of hate.

And these feelings linger despite how his mind tries to blank his emotions. He can't help it now that he can see his artist, the familiar face of-

"Ugh, you're so quiet! Hellooooo?! Someone home?" His artist knocked on his forehead, he doesn't wince despite the fact it hurts.

"It is doable..." He mutters, heaving the staff down to be able to look over the text.

It was a very dramatic script, and so this husk, this new puppet, this canvas. Pushes out some newfound emotions.

"This is- horrible...?" He's unsure with his words. But yet they feel so right on his tongue, maybe not the exact words, but the meaning behind them.

Yes, this was horrible, like a middle schooler's drama class assignment.

He can't help the crude smile from spreading on his face. The other pauses curiously at the sight, and the recluse can't control the next words leaving his mouth.

"Do you seriously expect me to enact something so stupid?" There's genuine confusion from his side, as he ponders on the emotions swirling in his chest.

"I am-... Offended." He grits his teeth, yet his smile remained big.

His artist- no, this absolute clown who had the audacity to call himself an artist stares blankly at him for a second.

And the empty cookie expects a tantrum, a dramatic outburst, maybe a physical attack? Either way, he'd remain smug.

"...Pff."

Yet that new smile of his fades, as he curiously watches out of the flowers many eyes. Watching the blue cookie pressing a hand to his mouth.

The jester's overwhelmingly many eyes curling with delight, a gaudily bright blue blush forming on the cookies face.

"Pf-PFT-! HAHAH-! HAHAAAAAAahhahaaa!"

Truthless Recluses leans away from the shaking cookie as if he held a disease.

"W-what-?"

"OH- YOU'RE SO MUCH BETTER LIKE THIS!! Scratch my previous statements~!" The still chuckling beast circled his seat, as the recluse tensed.

"You are by far my best creation, I think I might favor you most of all~!" They gleamed, poking his nose quite harshly. Which in term make's it strangely prickle.

Truthless Recluse raises a hand to rub at the appendage carefully.

"Oh- tih hi hi! You're so fun like this! So so so much fun~!" His staff's eye's glared at the dramatic cookie, whose making energetic yet fluid acrobatics through the tension filled air.

Truthless Recluse grits his teeth, eyes narrowing. He doesn't know why his face does this, it's just a natural response.

"You're insufferable." He spat, but it did nothing but fall on rose tinted ears. As the other coo's, circling around him again. Except this time he wraps his body around the recluse like a snake.

"I am~." The jester hummed, resting his chin atop the back of his palm. Eyes drooping with a humorous glint burning through.

"But I wonder." They clicked their tongue, smile dropping momentarily to something more observant, a thoughtful, calculating gaze.

"Just how insufferable do I have to be to break you fully? Physically." Shadow Milk’s smile returns, smug, bright, and oh-so curious.

The recluse wanted to bark back, but reluctantly shuddered when a sharp nails trailed carefully up his side. But his momentary pause was washed over by a rage filled grunt.

"Know your place, clown." He grunted, batting the traveling hand away. But the other only continued smiling, hell, he seemed ecstatic.

"Oh-! Oh hahaha!! Clown? I'm flattered!" He  leaned closer, the tip of his pointed nose pressing into the others.

That joyful smile and eyes vanishing in a blink of an eye. Leaving a blankness that the recluse concludes does not fit the jester.

"But I think you're forgetting just where you are." The beast muttered, making sure each syllable was as clear as much as it was gritted.

Truthless Recluse's eyebrows furrow, breath hitching as he instinctively tried moved away from the other's touch. But the jester followed him, even pressing further.

"What? Where did that fight go?" The jester purred, yet his many eyes remained narrow. A threat.

But the recluse can't quite focus on that at the moment, too busy wondering what his making him need to- well, sneeze?

"Huh- hhhh-" His eyes blur, and he yet again tries to move back, but it's an awkward position when his head hits the backrest. And his lower back curving to accommodate the other's body. Still wrapped around him, after a moment, the jester finally decided to lean away.

Sniffing in irritation from having his own nose squished against the now hitching cookie.

"Nugh..." Shadow Milk mutters, rubbing his nose. Before snappily moving his head, blue slimy hair smacking the other across the face. Immediately replacing the hitching with a shocked sputter.

"D-don't throw your hair in my face!" He huffed, but the other didn't listen. Too deep in thought, before all his eyes flick back to the angry cookie.

And he smiles, immediately leaning back in, yet still keeping enough distance for their noses not to touch again.

"Heyyy~! Remember when I wondered how insufferable I had to be to break you? I know it was a few minutes ago, but still. I- hehe-! I just got the BEST idea!" He mused, pressing a long finger onto the other's nose.

"H-hhh- wh-what are you babbling about now?" He gritted, tongue clicking distastefully as he swatted the hand away.

"Oh? Nothing~" He laughed, before twirling the long strand of hair on the others bangs around his sharp talon.

"Mh, hey, wanna hear a funny story?" He mused, pausing the twirl of the strand. The other, still offended, still on edge, carefully nodded.

"Ah, okay, hmmm. Where to begin?" Shadow Milk laughed, using his free hand to rub his chin thoughtfully.

"Well, back when I was like you were~! Pure, naive, a fount of knowledge!" He unfurled from around the other, sitting on the armrest quite boldly.

"I was just visiting my friend! The one who failed to win over your stupid gold chicken friend." He blew raspberries to the air, before his eyes flick back to the other. Who had perked up by the mention, Shadow Milk smirked. Continuing with the story.

"So I was visiting him, yeah? And I was being a good friend n'all, comforting him, telling him to try and stay clear of his inevitable corruption. And- it had been so many of those storms recently, y'know?" He sighed, twirling the strands of her between his pointer and thumb.

"And so I sneezed on him," there's a moment of silence, before he adds. "It was an accident obviously!" Flicking the other's forehead, removing the judgmental look.

"But, it was whatever, because the next second he has the AUDACITY! To take his spice covered hair and shove it up my sinuses- like, hello?? Ever heard of manners?!" He exasperatedly guffawed, sliding down to rest atop the others lap.

Truthless Recluse tensed uncomfortably under the added weight.

"But- whatever! I got at least one thing from that." He smiled up at the dull eyed cookie, whose eyebrows furrow.

"What- what does that have to do with me?" The recluse huffed, trying to swat the others hand away. As he somewhat got an image of what the other was planning.

"Well, two sides of the same jam share some things.... So." His hand trailed down the length of the strand. Reaching just to the recluses chin, which meant it had grown since when he first came to beast-yeast.

He smiled, and the recluse could feel his fight leave. The dull feeling of nothingness washing over as his hand dropped to the armrest.

"I am not like you." It's- true, at least to him. He- he was that canvas again. And a canvas could never compare to the artist. A marionette could never be the one holding the strings. The cake could never be the baker. And he could never compare to Shadow Milk, not like this.

The other just chuckles, like he said something obscene. As Shadow Milk cookie leans closer, taking the opportunity to slide the strand teasingly under the others nose.

"H-hhih."

The hand is slapped away, as Truthless Recluse pinches the sides of his flaring nostrils. But his small act of defiance is replied with strings wrapping around his arms. Pulling down and keeping them constricted to the armrests.

He pauses, before tugging at the restraints. A furrow in his brow, as he snarled.

“You-” he pauses when the other adjusts their position. A leg sliding between his thighs, as the jester balances atop the others knee.

Sliding that hair strand around his long finger again. Smiling victoriously, mockingly, as he gently waves that strand under the other’s nose again.

He jerks his whole body away, the side of his face pressing into the plush backrest. This warrants more strings, around his torso and legs.

His head however, is restrained and pulled back by those long skinny fingers. Awfully strong as they keep him in place. His breath hitches, this time for another reason.

Shadow Milk hums proudly, admiring how the tightly wrapped string nicely mixed with the blacks and golds of the others robes.

“Blue suits you so well~!” He commented, voice dripping with venom as he leaned closer. Breath bouncing over the others dough, making it prickle.

He gave the string around the mans torso a quick tug, making the strings tighten. Practically buzzing with adrenaline when the others grunts in response.

He giggles, pupils dilating. He brought the strand back down, twirling under the other’s nose. And intently observing the way it made the recluses nose quiver.

Breath hitching, Shadow Milk slowly pushed the hair strand in the left nostril. The constrained cookie jerks against the restraints, but it doesn’t work. It makes Truthless Recluses eyes prickle with unshed tears.

Nostrils flaring as he grunted, stifling another hitch.

“Woah! You sure are reactive~!” The jester mused, leaning closer. “I guess we aren’t so alike. I’d never be in such a humiliating position.” He whispered like a lullaby, twisting the strand in a spiral. Causing another hitch.

“D’aw. Don’t worry, my dear puppet! I don’t blame you~” He cooed, voice almost comforting. But despite the warmth the words held, they carried a hint of condescension, of deceit.

The recluse feels he can pick up on it better now. The way even a drop of a lie can make a sentence feel so sour. Like a lemon inside coffee, it ruins the taste.

And he refuses to stand for it- or well sit.

“Hh- s-shut u-hh- h-“ however the moment he decides to speak, they world decides it’s too brash, to much. “H-HA-!”

And like a straw breaking a camels back, the strand was what broke his resistance.

“Huh’ISSSsch!”

Theres a choked gasp, shuddering, silence. Then… A bout of small breathy giggles, disbelief clear in the breaths between. He’s not sure why, but as he opens his eye again. Angling the staff to get a better look, he’s quite shocked to see the small droplets of mucus clinging to the other’s eye shaped brooch.

The soul jams eye seemed to have shrunk, the small droplets stay for a while. Before being absorbed into the jam.

Thats when he feels a phantom coldness in his chest, he shivers. Sniffling, as he glanced away unapologetically. Maybe a canvas with a different artists would’ve apologized. Would’ve felt sick with guilt, but all he felt was curiosity to the shared feeling in his chest.

Then he hears a familiar sound, clinging in his ears. Sticking to his brain like a parasite, as it screams a woe he can’t make out. Yet he understands.

What was it? Bells?

“Woah! That was new!” The jester gleefully smiles, eyes predatory as he stares into the other’s eyes. Dull, yet sparkling with moisture as he looks up through wet lashes.

He doesn’t say anything, just pants. And of course his breath hitches when the other slips out the now soaked strand. A string of snot connecting it to his nose breaks, and the recluses sniffles when the rest comes back.

Shadow Milk hums, staring intently at the strand. Smiling dropping momentarily, as he seems deep in thought. But it’s quickly broken as he switches to another dry strand, Truthless Recluse sighs tiredly.

Tugging at the restraints again, but he can’t do much.

He can only stay still, letting this artist run him dry until he’s satisfied.

“Y-youh- you li-ihttle GNAT!” The jester pathetically wheezed, complete jelly in the others hold.

Pure Vanilla flashes a smile, compassionate, yet dripping with a sense of victory. Running his hand through one of those long, golden locks of hairs until he finds another dry strand.

“Oh? Do forgive me friend. But I am nothing, if not a little bold sometimes~” He cooed. The words felt warm, inviting, despite the drop of sourness.

But sometimes lemons taste good in other beverages. And the healers words, they’re like a soothing tea on a cold night.

“F-fuh- y-you- HA’GTSCAhiee!” His throat hurt, as he snorted back the river of mucus. The strand he didn’t even notice left, and he sighed.

“Ah~ah, language.” The healer mused, very nonchalantly picking another of his golden strands to use.

“I- I’ll ha-have y-uh- know I- uh- hhuh-!” He pushed back against the beds pillow. Trying to run from the strand.

But the golden hair is basically a curtain around them. As the vanilla cookie sits atop his stomach, hunched over the other. Free hand keeping both of Shadow Milk’s hands constrained over their head.

“Have me know what~?” He hummed, tilting his head slightly. Just enough to be visible, yet not move around his curtain of hair too much.

Shadow Milk grit his teeth, nostrils fluttering as he shuddered.

“I- I- hhh-…H’APTSChiieww!” His body jerked, spraying the others shoulder blade and upper arm.

He sags back into the bed, exhausted. The other paused, flashing a worried look. Muttering quietly to the other, a soft question. If he’s okay, can he continue?

The jester sniffled, groaning as he shook his head. Pure Vanilla’s hand immediately frees him, but the former beast does not move them from their position as he sighs in relief.

“Mh, di-did you enjoy?” The Milk cookie asked, rubbing his eyes.

“I did, yes.” The healer mutters, pressing a soft kiss to the others temple.

“Good, good. Euuuhh, same time next week?”

“Ah, I have meeting.“

“Thats fine.”

“…”

“…”

“We can do it after-“

Chapter Text

The spire had become different, almost foreign, the atmosphere thick. The walls sagging almost pathetically, weaving the halls to lengthen and spin until one's head would explode from trying to figure out how.

Dark shadows creeping out every corner, and all this was putting the spire's resident on edge. Something was wrong, and the unmistakable smell of illness lingered the halls. But the inhabitants had no shame in gossiping about what could've happened.

Following the master's long awaited return from that tree, he seemed to become a little...Lethargic, as the preparations for that day went on.

And the weavers could spread misinformation about him all they wanted. But the two of his closest minions were the only one privy to the harsh, and horrible truth.

"Oh, master Shadow Milk Cookie! I've brought you some soup~!" He knocked on the door with his elbow, keeping his hands firm in the tray. Honestly, he brought more than that, but it's only necessary his master gets the best of supplies for his recovery.

He pushed open the door with his heel, microphone staff safely tucked underneath his left arm.

There's an indifferent groan of pain that greeted him, coming from beneath a messy bundle of blankets.

The room is dark, saved by the many twinkling stars that glowed in a never ending void where the ceiling should be.

Black Sapphire laughs in turn, closing the door with his foot as he moves to the bedside with not an ounce of reluctance. The tray being gently placed on the nightstand.

"Master?" He asks a little more gently, a hand hovering over the blankets. But he can't find the confidence to actually touch the other. So he retracts, instead opting for a more verbal method.

His voice loud and chipper as he talked his masters ears off. Sure it was meaningless gossip he shared, but it causes a reaction. A pained grunt, and many angry eyes peeked out at him from the darkness under the blankets.

He stopped, he should he pleased he got something. But instead a bead of panicked sweat forms on his forehead.

But he doesn't back down, nor stammer.

"Ah! There you are, I have brought the items you requested." He smiled pridefully, grabbing the tray. Placing it down gently on the bed in front if the blankets, the eyes observe the contents.

Medicine, juice, soup, tissues, and some sliced apples. All things the jester would need, there's a blank click of the tongue. Before Shadow Milk sits up, blanket sliding down to rest on his shoulders.

And Black Sapphire has to fight every single muscle in his body to not make himself gasp in horror.

His master truly looked miserable..!

Eyebags, pale skin, irritated and chapped nose dripping with fluid's that seems to have been wiped desperately at to try and get off. Seeing as his Master's right sleeve had a few wet splotches. And he was shivering, empty, rheumy eyes scanning over the tray again.

"Ah, ydes- good jdob..." and there Black Sapphire is shocked again. His masters usually bombing and eccentrically beautiful voice was now meek and scratchy. With a slight hint of congestion that makes his pronunciations a little unclear.

His nose must be so stuffed...

And Black Sapphire is proven right as Shadow Milk snaps down into his sleeve with a half stifled sneeze. It's thick, it's messy, it's loud, and most of all, it's disgusting.

Leaving behind a goopy mess on his masters sleeve. But it's ignored as Shadow Milk sniffles quite loudly, a gurgling sound is the result of it. Not even helping as the mess immediately run's out again.

"Oh my! You seem to have caught a tough one, my lord!" He tries to joke, mostly to hide his absolute horror of what this bug has devolved his dearest master to.

His response is a quiet hum, it seems he's to tired to argue. Let alone feel any sort of shame of how he's presenting himself.

Shadow Milk grabs one of the apple sliced and starting to nibble. Most definitely due to a scratchy throat causing him pain.

Black Sapphire can tell by the hesitant swallows, he's observant, loyal, and ever so giving.

So he immediately digs into his pocket and pulls out a grape flavored lozenge. Something he always carries around due to his profession.

He offers it with a kind smile, and his master hums again. Grabbing the lozenge without a single thank you, but Black Sapphire doesn't need his master's gratefulness to feel a sense of completion at helping.

That being said, he moves to discreetly wipe his hand off on his pant leg. Making sure to remember not to touch his face until he cleans them.

"Mh." His master closes his eyes, suckling on the tablet. Black Sapphire remains by the bedside, wanting to make sure he can be there to assist in any sort of way. And...He hadn't been dismissed, so why wouldn't he take the opportunity to admire the master of the spire?

"H-hah-'!!"

Black Sapphire eyes immediately flick down Shadow Milk's face. To the twitching dark purple appendage, his master's nostrils quivering.

"H-hh-! Ha-hh...h'ugh..."

Shadow Milk groans angrily, rubbing aggressively at his nose with the butt of his palm.

"Ah, are you feeling alright sir?" He questioned stupidly, but he could obviously get the answer due to the many pained, glaring eyes that his master sent his way.

"Ugh, tickle..." Is all he says, but he doesn't need to elaborate before Black Sapphire fully understands.

He's had enough stuck sneezes to know.

"Ah," he clicks his tongue, "do you need anything for that?" He fiddles with the microphone under his arm. Standing at attention for anything his master could want.

But his master doesn't seem to be listening, head in the clouds.

He shakes his head, but Black Sapphire is unsure if it's from the need to sneeze. Or an actual decline of his offered assistance.

"Hh-' HAH-!" Shadow Milk freezes in place, head tilted back. The only sign of movement being his quivering nostrils.

But after another second he sighs defeatedly. Just resorting to drink the soup and finish the apple slices.

Black Sapphire perks up, a small smile crossing his face as he sees his master eat. All but forgetting the previous stuck problem.

Because at least Shadow Milk wasn't experiencing a loss of appetite, which was a relief due to previous issues involving such.

He watches the food disappear, as well as the juice and medicine.

But...He feels a sense of growing discomfort, not from his master!!! No never.

But...

The spire.

Specifically this room. The walls, they seemed to groan and creak uncomfortably every time the master pauses. Breath hitching, eyes fluttering.

And when his master would gasp dramatically with a sharp breath, the spire would tense, and creak, eyes opening from the darkest corners of the room to stare intently.

But then Shadow Milk would sigh in disappointment. The spire following suit, walls sagging, lights flickering and dimming, and the air becoming thicker.

Black Sapphire was unsure if this effect was present in the rest of the spire. But he wasn't in a rush to find that out.

"Still stuck?" He doesn't need to elaborate his question, the topic having easily been brought up again. He picked up the tray to place away on the bedside to grab later.

His master nods, teary eyes opening to glare down at the irritated appendage.

"Uhh...SNDRK! Uuuuugggghhhhhh..."

Black Sapphire clicks his tongue, unsure how to approach the situation respectfully.

After all, he would never wish to make his master feel any sort of discomfort.

So he starts simple, a question,

"Do you...Need assistance?" He quietly asks, fiddling with the staff as he folds his hands behind his back.

His master gives him a wet-eyed glare.

"I tdhougd I- SNFF! KFF KFF!" He uses his fist to hit his quacking chest, not caring to cover his mouth as he coughed.

"Ugh...I already dold you, no..." Ah, so that head shake from earlier was indeed a decline. Black Sapphire clicks his left shoe's tip into the floor a few times, before sighing.

"That's not what I meant this time." He corrects, moving a little closer to the bed. Just until his knee's graze the side.

Shadow Milk raises a brow, a finger absentmindedly rubbing under his nose as he glances up at the other.

"Mhm, dhen whad?" Shadow Milk sniffles, stifling a few more coughs behind clenched teeth.

"Ah...W-well..." Black Sapphire finally pauses, eyes widening as he glances around the room, then back to his master.

"I can... Help you get it out?" He sounds unsure with himself, something he usually isn't. But his illustrious master had ways to show a cookie new things about themselves.

There's a beat of just pure silence. It would've been more awkward if it didn't look like his boss was genuinely thinking his offer through.

Shadow Milk slowly lets a smirk play on his face, a challenging glare as he shakes the blanket down his shoulders to his waist.

"And how will you do dhadt?" Shadow Milk raises a brow. Black Sapphire pauses, the question resonating in his mind...

He didn't know why he offered to begin with, perhaps too much self esteem? Because in reality he had no clue how he could induce someone with such different anatomy than a mortal cookie.

"Oh. Uhm...Well..." His eyes shift nervously, his ego keeping him from admitting he didn't know WHAT to do.

Thats when his eyes land on the tissue box, an old memory fizzling in like static.

Sure, he had no idea if it'd work, but- a nose was a nose, no? No matter the power or status.

"Oh, depends~." He swallows, putting on a mask of confidence. But behind his back tremble his left hand with sweat. Knuckles white from the grip on his staff.

"Will you stay still and let me figure it out?" He asked, expecting some reaction. But he could say for certain that the blank look his master offered was much more horrifying than any sort of anger or disgust.

The silence continues, a bead of sweat forms on his temple. Sliding down Black Sapphire's face almost mocking him to move.

Was I too forward? Did I cross a line? Oh ovens, what if Black Sapphire's mind started to race, yet his face remained stoic, calm, a confident smile gluing his lips shut.

Keeping the barrage of self-doubt from leaking out into his features.

But all that washes away when his master starts to tremble. And at first Black Sapphire gasps in worry, but then that tremble gets accompanied by a chuckle, then a laugh, until finally it's just loud cackling.

And although his master's laughing was rough and raspy, it was still as captivating as always. Black Sapphire gulps, hand's relaxing.

"OH AHAHAHAHAH-" his master barreled over coughing, raising the blanket to muffle his hacking into.

"Ah- aha- KF! KFFH!- aaahh." Shadow Milk wiped a tear from his eye, heaving a raspy sigh.

"Black Sapphire, my liddle scandal-spbeading deceidtling." He hummed, a wide smile peeking out from behind the blanket.

"You reek of doubd" Black Sapphire tenses, but Shadow Milk doesn't bat an eye as he continues.

"Yed, what odher choice do I have? I'm bored, pained, and dhis-..." His eyes flick down to his own nose briefly, gritting his teeth.

"Tdhing... Has been bodhering me aaaallllll day." His master whined, rubbing the appendage with his finger.

"O-oh? How unfortunate..." Black Sapphire responded, but he really didn't care for that at the moment. He was just shocked he hadn't been thrown out.

"Yes! Exacdly! And so, yes. SNDRK! I grandt you dhe pbermission to- SNF, 'quote unquote' try." A bemused smile stayed on his master face, and Black Sapphire almost drops his jaw to the floor.

But he keeps that calm expression, calm, CALM- he tells himself. Forcing a gentle smile on his face as he nods.

"Of course! Just sit back and relax, allow me to work my magic~!" Black Sapphire spoke confidently. But internally he was screaming into a well.

Shadow Milk moves some pillows behind him. Creating a sort of throne as he wraps the blanket around himself. Leaning back, making sure his many eyes are always glued to the other.

"Let's- start simple..." He told more to himself rather than his boss. As he grabbed a tissue, slowly starting to spin it into a long point.

When he's satisfied with the width and length, he goes onto the next problem....

Actually doing it.

He gulped, before smiling with faux confidence. He placed his microphone aside to lean on the nightstand.

Before hesitantly sliding his shoes off as he shuffles onto the bed. This...Felt wrong, just as much as it looked.

He never thought he'd see the day, hell, he couldn't believe it.

If someone tried to convince him he'd be on his master bed while trying to help him sneeze. Well, he would've called them insane and slanderous to his masters name.

"Are you jusd gonna sidt dhere and sdare? SNrK-!" Black Sapphire pauses, before apologizing with a assuring smile.

But his hand trembled, even more so as he forced one of his hands to cup the side of his masters face. Tilting it back just slightly, his breath stopped in his throat.

Still, he kept eye contact, as well as the wide confident smile on his lips. "I-I'll try now then!" He narrated mostly for himself, forcing his hand holding the tissues to stay still.

He goes to insert it into a nostril, only to realize the sheer amount of mucus would be a bigger problem than he would've thought. He paused, sighing.

"One moment." Before grabbing a handful more tissues.

Offering them to his master, who only stares at them blankly. Before a smug smile shone, "and here I dhoughdt I needed to stay stdill, hmmm?" Black Sapphire tenses, before nodding.

"Ahah...Right..." He looks over the other a few times. But in the end his loyalty overwhelms his disgust.

He places the tissues to Shadow Milk's face, holding back a grimace as the other blow's their nose. Ignoring how the gross sound gurgled, reverberating in his brain.

He removes it when his master's done, throwing it away into the bedsides trashcan before he even gets the chance to see the contents.

His hand returns to the other's face, tilting it back slightly. He hums satisfied at the now somewhat clear nares.

He tries again, the rolled up tissues returns to hover on the outside.

And Black Sapphire watches in fascination as the mere touch of the paper causes Shadow Milk's nose to twitch.

He runs the tip around the rim of the left nostril, watching as it in turn fluttered and quivered. Shadow Milk's breathing picking up a bit.

"Ge-eh-hh...Gedt id on widh." His boss hisses, many blurred eyes glaring down the host.

Black Sapphire sweats, before nodding. "Ah, of course, my lord!" He smiles widely, hiding the nervous tick of his shoulder.

He slowly moves it further in, and the reaction is immediate. Shadow Milk's shoulder's tenses as he physically recoils with a sharp breath. The tissue leaving due to the sharp movement, and Black Sapphire freezes.

Watching attentively to the other's hitching breaths. The room seemed to narrow as the walls stretch and spin.

"Hh-hih-h'Hhih!!" A pause... "Hih-...uuuugggghhh." Then another miserable sigh, the walls sagged.

"M-my lord, please keep still..." He muttered, before tugging the other's face closer. Shadow Milk grumbles, eyes narrowing before closing completely as he chokes on a dry cough.

"Mhm, vedy well..." The words are as clear as his master can get them. And Black Sapphire sighs, before inserting the tissue again. This time keeping a strong grip to stop his boss's sudden jerk of surprise.

"Hh-uh- huh-!"

"There we go..." Sapphire Cookie muttered, tilting Shadow Milk's head back just slightly more.

"H-HIH-!" The others nostrils flare, the walls tense. And the longer it continues they twist and turn.

The radio host leans closer, spinning the tissue against the walls of the other's sinus. And with a final hitch, Shadow Milk snaps forward.

"AH'GAkScHIuew!" Black Sapphire flinches, choking on a shocked gasp as he feels the small droplets of spray land on his chin, neck, and nestle on his clothing.

He holds his breath, freezing up completely.

"Ugh- woah! Dhatd feld- SNDK! Good.” His master laughed in relief, rubbing his nose with a finger. Leaving a shiny sheen over the digit.

“You bay codidue." But Black Sapphire doesn't move, frazzled by being coated in... Germs.

Shadow Milk continues to sniffle thickly, rubbing his nose absentmindedly again. Before raising a brow, before huffing.

"Uh, hellloooo???" Black Sapphire flinches, before forcing a smile. Wiping his face off with his white gloves.

"M-my apologies, my lord." The host holds back a grimace, the rolled up tissue was completely soggy. So he sighed, grabbing a fresh one.

"Fogivend.<.i>" Shadow Milk snorts, this time taking the initiative to blow his own nose. Black Sapphire takes a hesitant breath, before grabbing his master's face again.

Although this time he makes sure not to become too focused. He- he couldn't stand the thought of getting sick...

"H-hah-!"

He leans away, holding his breath.

He notes everything, to time this perfectly. The spire, his master's many eyes, and of course Shadow Milk's nose.

"Ah-hh-gh..."

His nostrils flare, eyes squeezing shut. And when Shadow Milk inhales sharply, Black Sapphire lets go, and backs away.

"Ah'APGTsChieuEw!" This time the spray of contagion hits the host's lap. And he tenses, biting his tongue. But he calms himself down... At least it wasn't his face?

This dance continues, and somehow, it keeps getting worse.

"H'TGShiew!"

That hit his left forearm.

"Ah'PA'GSchuIew!"

His shoulder.

"H-hh- ha'GTShUwie!"

The side of his face and hair.

"O-hh- oh- oho- AGh'GATSCHeww!"

And that one his chest and neck, geez, he should've seen it coming if he just used both of his eyes.

Shadow Milk panted, before laughing. The spire slightly shook along in happiness, before trembling.

"Wooh! Woah, dhadt's- SNDk! Clearig!"

Black Sapphire nods along, yearning to chug down a whole bottle of disinfectant. As well as bathe in sanitizer.

"I am glad to glad to have helped-"

"We're not done." Stoic words, matching his masters facial expression.

The host pauses, before gulping hesitantly.

"What-?"

"I'mb sdill idchy." Shadow Milk coughs, grabbing another tissue to blow his nose.

Fortunately Black Sapphire was too confused to be disgusted. As he raises a brow.

"O-oh? Uhm... Then, how uh- how can I help?"

"Mh, dhe dissue works, bud itd's unsadisfyig...SNDF- SNF!"

Black Sapphire nods, but... He's hesitant.

A hesitance quickly shut off with his immense loyalty.

"Of course, master Shadow Milk."

He drops the twisted tissue, before getting up to find something else.

Leaving his master to continue dwelling in his misery.

He explored the room, which- actually, he's sure this is the first time he actually could look around. His master room was always a place where he focused on a singular thing. Shadow Milk, so this was new, interesting.

But he had a goal, so despite his curiosity, he focused on finding something that could work.

"How about this my lord?" He asked, plucking a purple feather from the illustrious cookie's work desk.

Shadow Milk shrugs, sniffling again.

"Dry id."

Black Sapphire sighs, before going back to his side.

Tilting his boss's head up, gently pressing the feather tip to the edges of Shadow Milk's nostril.

"Hh- o-ohh-! Hih-!"

The walls flinched, before seeming to sway and tense. He removed the feather for a moment, before gently gliding the fluttery edges underneath.

The reaction is immediate, as the walls rise sky high.

"H'AGHPpsChuew!" And Black Sapphire flinches, shuddering as he feels the spray settle on his revealed wrists.

The spire sags again.

"Ughh..."

The walls seemed to tremble slightly.

"Do you wish for me to continue, my lord?"

"Mgh, yes..."

Black Sapphire nods, trying to ignore the prickle of germs all over his dough.

Raising the slightly damp feather, he gently twirled it under the other's nose.

"Hh-..."

And then he pushes it in slowly.

“AaH’hATSChiewue!”

The feather shoots out, the soft edges completely soaked through as it lands on the bed.

The spire sags, almost relaxed.

Shadow Milk shudders, tugging the blanket closer. Black Sapphire slowly adjusts in his position.

“Was that good enough, Master Shadow Milk?”

The jester huffed, absentmindedly rubbing his nose.

“Mh.” Glancing down at the feather, covered in his mucus. He clicked his tongue, “for ndow.” he waved the other off.

Lying back down, and covering himself with the blanket. Back to being a bundle of shivering, sniffling blankets.

Black Sapphire hastily stands, grabbing the empty tray and hurriedly leaving with a farewell.

He made sure to take a very thorough shower.

And as the days continued, he continued to help out his boss over and over.

Watching his boss slowly shaking off that little bug.

But as he watched, Black Sapphire couldn’t help the headache forming at the front of his cranium.

“Ohho-! My most loyal host~” Shadow Milk cooed, stretching with a bright smile. So happy to have broken the congestion, he had also gotten enough energy to float around the tired looking cookie.

“I must thank you! You’ve been of greeeaaaatt~ service to me, however can I repay? A raise mayhaps?” Shadow Milk tapped his own bottom lip in thought.

But Black Sapphire could only nod along, smiling with wavering confidence.

“I will be fine without any add ons.” The host hummed, holding back a shiver as his masters hand slides over the back of his neck. Resting comfortably there.

“You sure? You look rather exhausted.” Shadow Milk purred, sniffling absentmindedly as he spun around to stare face to face with his disciple.

“I am fihne….” The slight change in tone is caught quickly. As the jester bemusedly smiled, walking two fingers playfully up the hosts chest to his neck.

“Don’t tell me you caught it.” He hummed, many eyes narrowing.

“Because I already know you did.” He added, hand trailing up to his cheekbone. Where he then slides his pointer down the fat of the others cheek to the side of his nose.

“Whah-hh...” Black Sapphire is cut off, as a sudden phantom tickle prickles up.

His breath hitches, and his body wants to move away. Yet his loyalty overlaps his own reflexes, and he finds his conscience to make him stand still.

“Oh- don’t be so rough! Allow me to return your previous favors~!” His master smiles, running the finger from the sides of his nostrils to the tip.

And be pushes against the fat of it.

“Mh…”

“H-hhih-!” He tenses, his master smiles brighter.

“Go ooooonnnn~!”

“H-hhhhuh- uh- Hhh-“

“Yes! Very good! Very gooooodd~!” Shadow Milk ushered, giving the appendage a light flick.

“H’ITSChii- HA’ITGSHIi!!!”

“Ah! Bless you! There we are! Now off to bed~! You being sick is enough, more than that and the spire will get irritated~” translation, his master will be irritated.

The walls seemed to spin, or it might’ve been Black Sapphire own vision.

“Of course…” He muttered, holding back a sniffle as he turned to leave. But not before noting how the Spires walls tensed up in a familiar manner.

Chapter Text

Traveling wasn't really everyones cup of tea, some loved it, others had no feeling towards it, and the rest despised it.

But Blueberry Milk Cookie was more of a mix of all, depending on the location in which he needed to leave his home.

Ethereal Sugars and Divine Flour were his favorites to visit. If he ignored the long lines of cookies with wishes and desires they want, that is.

The one he was neutral about was Sea Salts kingdom, serene and quiet. Yet so dull, nothing really peaked his interest. Yet he always loved spending time with friends.

And now this leaves the last place, Spices kingdom...

How does one describe a place so beautiful, in a way one would understand why he hated it?

Well, the good things should be said first.

The people were nice, if you ignore their harsh determination. But occasionally after another of his friends kingdom falls and he rebuilds it. The cookies change, and so he wonders. How will they be now?

Was it gonna be the gentle yet passionate souls? Determined but rough? Maybe a bit fiery but kind?

Or something new? That'd be interesting.

But one thing he knew for a fact wouldn't change, no matter his friend's virtue in doing so.

Would definitely be the scorching heat and... Spices....

One would think his dough being infused with milk being his main ingredients. That small things like spices would be cancelled out. Yet- dammit he wished it was so!

He's been managing to avoid visiting whenever possible. But- he HAD to go there.

Gentle Spices has been excitedly exchanging letters. Hoping and begging for him to visit, due to having to rebuild his kingdom again, he couldn't. Plus Milk was sure his friend needed the support.

What is a little bit of a runny nose when you're comforting a friend?

"You're here!"

Milk pauses, turning his head just in time to catch the sight of long obsidian hair, before being crushed in a sweaty warm embrace.

"Pha! Spice! Please, you're- crushing-!" The grip tightens for a moment, and Blueberry Milk Cookies feet leave the ground. As his hands slip out the grip to awkwardly hug back.

"Okay-! I get you've missed me but- KHh-!"

"I thought you'd got lost in a spice storm!" His friend fretted over him, finally letting go. But a hand still lingered on Blueberry Milks back.

"Psh! Please, me? Lost?" He waved his hand, but his friend only responds with a blank stare.

Blueberry Milk Cookie held the eye contact, before his eyes drift into observation.

It seems Spice cookie had just been doing some sort of hard labor. With his red dough shining brightly with sweat, missing most of his usual accessories. He clad himself with his dhoti only. His usual gold jewels and spikes were missing, except for a single bracelet.

His shoulders seemed still tense as he occasionally moved them to relieve his joints. His long hair was tied back, yet still matted with sweat and spice. Still so messily spiky.

His many hands were chapped and blistered, presumably after using his axe? And- his face- he- oh, he seemed to have noticed milk's staring.

So he gives a light smirk in response to the gawking.

"Let's get inside while the wind's still quiet!" He pats his smaller friends back, which is covered in thick robes. Maybe not the best idea for the warm climate.

But Milk didn't want to wear anything else, he'd rather sweat to a soggy mess before even trying to change his very perfectly crafted image.

The fount of all knowledge was supposed to be dressed like a scholar. And so he'll dress to the part.

"Yes, let's..." he allowed Gentle Spice to usher him into the temple, offering Blueberry Milk more things to observe.

From the open balconies of the temple, where he saw spice cookies rebuilding homes and bridges. All stuff he feel familiar from the many years ago when something similar happened.

"They've been working hard! Ah, how they impress me." Blueberry Milk nods along. They had been walking for a while.

And he was getting tired, warm, and the wind had picked up a bit, so while he appreciated to stand still for a second. He'd gladly want to go and find his room to change into cleaner robes.

"It is, honestly, I didn't think it possible to build so much in such short time... Especially after-..." He stops himself, glancing over at his friends. Red fiery eyes stare into his dull blue ones, opposing, the red overshadows the blue in a kingdom full of so much... Jam...

"Oh, nevermind." The scholar flashed a nervous smile, and Gentle Spice's hums in response, before scanning over the growing city again.

There's an air of tension, before being replaced by melancholy due to a simple sigh of resignation.

"Blueberry Milk Cookie." The bigger cookies hand is placed hesitantly atop his, squeezing.

Milk doesn't look away from the view, simply nodding in response.

"I- do you-..." Gentle Spice pauses, clicking his tongue. "We've been alive so long..." He flips the others hand around, and Blueberry Milk allows him play with his fingers.

Calloused fingers sliding over smooth dough, occasionally running over a healed paper cut.

"We have." The scholar responded blankly, sniffing. "But that's only natural, we have a duty to fulfill. For cookie-kind..." He leaned his chin on his free hand, elbow resting on the balcony's red handrail.

"I- yes, but-" his friend pauses, hands stopping their fiddling to instead squeeze. Blueberry Milk glances at him, humming softly to encourage his friend to continue.

Gentle Spice Looks away. "Don't you want more?"

"More?" More of what?

"Yes... More."

Blueberry Milk Cookie gave him a confused look, before glancing out over the kingdom again.

"More? More what? More than this? I- I mean, I think if you're patient, they'll build mo-"

"NO!" Gentle Spice dug his nails into Blueberry's hand. The scholar immediately turned his body to face him, fully alarmed.

"W-what?" He questioned, eyes wide as he flexed his trapped fingers.

Gentle Spice scoffs.

"I've been NOTHING but patient!" The herald took his hand back. "YET NOTHING CHANGES! Nothing! Every civilization I make- falls! Every kingdom crumbles! And for what? For me to watch them disappear while I stay the same?!"

He breathes heavily, as he grits his- sharp? teeth.

"Gentle Spice-" his friend doesn't listen, too caught up in his anger to. As he huffs and grits his teeth.

"I should just destroy it myself!!" He growls "If I, destroy it all myself, will it be easier...?" Blueberry Milk's face drops, and he quickly grabs the other by the face.

"What are you even implying?!" He yells, before realizing he's being a little loud. And- thats not what a calm sage does.

Gentle Spice stares into his conflicted eyes, and he stares back. Ashamed of his yelling, ashamed he had nothing to say, ashamed that a small part of his heart agreed. Gentle Spice sighed.

"Im sorry." The herald mutters, rubbing his face with trembling hands. "It's been... Stressful." He glances out the balcony, over his regrowing kingdom.

Blueberry Milk took a hesitant breath, hand sliding down the sides of spices face to his shoulders.

"It's fine, just- don't let those thoughts grow into fruition, alright?" He tapped a finger against the others dough, waiting until the spice cookie nodded silently.

Those many big arms wrapped around him again. Albeit less tight, he mutters another apology into his blue friend's shoulder.

But the fount hushes him, patting his back comfortingly, as he rests his head on the other's shoulders.

"How about a break? You seem to need it." He muttered, the other only huffs.

"I cannot, my people need my leadership.... But you're free to go rest." Even if he said it so truthfully, he doesn't let go. His head still buried in the other's silky robes.

Which didn't help with Milk's sweating, but, he didn't want to potentially sour the other's mood. Especially after what happened a minute or two ago.

"There have been more spice storms," the herald began to speak, to open up. "And many of my people have gone missing..."

Ah, that explains the previous worries.

"Could be a side effect of your temple moving higher up on the mountains, and the previous destruction of-....Your kingdom, which could've opened up a wider flat surface for the air to-" he's quickly shut up when the hug tightens warningly around him.

The movement causes a thick strand of black chunk of obsidian hair to spill from his ponytail. Flicking over the tip of Blueberry Milk's nose, worst of it all? The Heralds hair is covered in spice's and sweat.

So like a gentle feather brushing the surface of water. It causes ripples, which consequently means-

"Hh-'!" The scholar immediately buries his nose into the others neck. Hoping the other didn't hear, he couldn't- not now.

"Hih-hh'!" His nostrils flares against the others dough, Blueberry's long pointed nose crinkling and quivering.

He doesn't want to ruin the moment, but this damned friend of his and his sp-spices-!

"Hah-! H'hhah-!"

"Blueberry Milk Co-?"

"Hh'ASChiUewh-!" His face is ducked into the others shoulder and neck. A new type of warmth flicks over his face, this one coming from the inside and blossoming out with a blueish hue.

He sniffles quietly, and before long a soft laugh leaves his friend. Worsening his embarrassment, the only positive in this situations is that no one else is there to see this.

"E-excuse me." He clears his throat, not yet confident enough to unhide his face. But it's hard when you're hiding against someone laughing so hard they're shaking.

"HAHA! Ah, you just never change yourself, do you?" His friend pulls away, forcing Blueberry Milk Cookie to show his flushed face.

"I- I do not see wh-Hah'hh-!" He tries to look away, to stifle them between pinched finger. But this time it's Gentle Spice who grabs his face. Those rough calloused hands rubbing his against his smooth skin uncomfortably. Two other pairs of hands grab his wrists.

"Spice, what are yo-hh'!" His nostrils quiver, his face trying to move out his hold. But his grip is strong, Gentle Spice smiles widely.  "No, show me that determination, try harder!" He laughed.

"W-what?" He sniffled, tugging at his wrists. But they're held firm, so the fount hold's his breath. A technique what works great, but after some more seconds his friend's face dropped, clicking his tongue thoughtfully.

"Hmm." They stare at each other quietly, before Gentle Spice smiles. Another one of his free hands ripping out the hair tie. His large mass of hair hits the floor with a thud, and he smirks.

Twirling out a strand, he waves it in front of the scholar.

"Ah, now that I think about it, I might need that small break..." He twirls the strand between his fingers, somehow smiling wider.

"And who can deny a little- ah, entertainment~?" Blueberry Milk stares bewildered, Gentle Spice has never acted like this before. It was- well- he guesses it shouldn't be surprising the light of change.. Changes?

But- this is so sudden? And there wasn't even any sort of buildup-!?

"Hh... Spice?" He sniffled, before his breath hitched as the black strand was gently twirled underneath his nose.

"Yes?" His friend hummed, a little too nonchalant for what he was doing.

"W-wha ha- hh' hHah!" The small coating of spice that he picked up in his hair quickly brushed off. And Blueberry Milk Cookie regrettably sniffles it up, tear ducts burning as they're forced to work overtime, his nose scrunches up.

"O-oh! What are y-hh-!" Spice cookie smiles a little wider, sliding a bit of the fluffy hair into one flaringly wide nostrils. It doesn't go far before the scholar's eyes squeeze shut as he tries stifling without his hands.

"H'GTsh!" It shakes his entire body, shoulders rising and tensing. He uncomfortably wiggled his still itchy nose. Trying to dislodge the spicy hair still pressed against the walls of his sinus. And after comes a very uncomfortable exhale of a strained breath.

Spice Cookie clicks his tongue disapprovingly, his thumb pressing into the side of the cookies nose. The rest of his hand maneuvering his hair around.

"Hh- oh for the- ha- lo- veh- of th-heh w-witcheh-hah-!" His nostrils flare wide, hand's tugging against the hard grips.

"Ha'gPSH!" Another stifled, followed with two more disappointed reactions. One from the two cookies in the middle of- of this?

"Uugh, Gentle-hh S-spice C-cookie—..." He sniffled, fluttering open his teary eyes.

Uncharacteristically sneering angrily at his friend, yet he cant help it. Even if he would never actually hate his friends. He feels helpless, embarrassed, and worst of all? His nose was still burning...

"Hgggh- S-s-" he huffs, before his eyes forcefully hardens. Using all his might, and past days of practice to hold back, as he straightens up.

"Gentle Spice Cookie, end this now." He speaks as clear as possible, his nails digging into the others gripping paws.

He thinks he's being clear.

Yet... His friend only laughs, those red fiery eyes holding something new. A foreign, sinful emotion Blueberry Milk Cookie's only ever seen in mortal cookies.

"What? I thought you came here to make me feel better?" He clicked his tongue, before revealing rows of his sharp golden teeth.

"Well I didn't think- h'hih- t-hhink-! Y-you-!" He tries yet again to move his head, yet he can't and even if he could that piece of hair follows.

Practically attached to his nose, he glares at the other cookie through wet eyelashes.

"What? Can't handle a little spice?"

"Hah-! Hh'TSHIEW!"

He manages to at least angle his head enough to only spray Spice Cookies forearm. Or, ahem, several, forearms.

He felt ashamed, he was okay with sneezing in front of his close friends. But- sneezing on them? Having one of them induce him like this? That- that was something he only did alone, in private.

"S'xcuse me..."

At least the rest aren't here...

"Now thats more like it!" Spice Cookie exclaimed, using his thumb to massage the side of Light Milk's nose.

"Gentle spice- stop— hih-'hh." And to what should've been to Light Milk's relief, Gentle Spice removes the strand.

His hands letting the other free, the scholar immediately uses his hands to paw and itch at his nose.

"Ugh," sending his still smiling friend another glare, he snarled.

"That wasn't very pleasant of you, Gentle Spice Cookie." He sniffled, and the Milk Cookie wanted to say more. An insult? A thorough scolding? Just some form of huff and puff out of irritation?

"It wasn't supposed to be." His friend grinned, and Blueberry Milk Cookie grit his teeth. Deciding that any argument wouldn't really be...Worth it.

Plus, he needed some privacy to get this lingering tickle out.

"Whatever, I'll be in the room I HOPE you've fixed for me." He walked by his friend, who strolled right after.

“And thats basically what happened!” He exclaimed, waving his hand casually as his eyes close.

Truthless recluse, who had surprisingly been listening, scoffs.

“Why are you telling me this?”

“Uhhh, because I can? Now continue massaging my scalp! It felt good.”

The recluse sighed, but as his hand continued to love around he notes the way the white strands of hair from the beast’s bangs flick back and forth over the jesters nose.

He had an idea…

Chapter Text

A problem when visiting her was the crowds, so many cookies eagerly waiting. Even camping in their spot.

But Blueberry Milk simply walked past the long line. Ignoring any type of yelling at him for 'skipping ahead'.

And as he got closer to the palace the crowd got denser. As he's forced to squeeze through so many different cookies. Which wouldn't have been an issue, until it was.

At some point he bumped into a cookie with a strong scent and flowers in their hair.

Familiar flowers...

The tickle had blossomed fast, sinus dampening up like a gun barrel being oiled.

He had of coursed hurried away while holding his breath, but the damage had been done. And his nose was reaping the consequences. All he could do was sigh in irritation.

But it all turned to background noise when he entered a side room he had remembered. A lounge for guests, or, more specifically. A lounge made for hid and his friends when they visit Divine Flour.

It was a decent size, with many seats and a long wooden table.

And waiting by the table was a servant, silently setting out a tea set. They were dressed like every other, and equally as swift.

And they noticed him, they place the last set and step aside to bow their head respectfully.

"My master will be with you shortly." They inform, pulling out matches and lighting him some incense, before leaving.

He gave his thanks as they slid the door shut. So polite, he noted with a smile. Before his mood soured as he remembered the way the cookies waiting behaved.

Honestly, how can one show such disrespect and greed in such a giving and caring place? His dear friend is being so generous, so thoughtful. And yet they just want more and more.

He scoffed, eyes narrowing before he froze halfway to his seat. Blinking in confusion to his own dark thought. That-... That was very unbecoming of The fount of knowledge.

He sighed, rubbing his nose absentmindedly as he silently scolded himself. His time with Gentle Spice sure had made the negativity rub off on him.

But he ignored it, instead taking a deep breath of relief as he could openly scrub his still itchy nose. Hoping it's not getting too flushed from his hands attention.

Sitting down on a zabuton in front of a cup, he sniffles wetly before groaning. Closing his eyes to wait.

...

And wait...

He waits so long he can feel his hairs grey, how long would this take?

Witches above, how he wishes she'd stop fulfilling so many of these cookies wishes. Can't they find their own damn solution???

....

Another minute seemed to have passed, and he's growing antsy. Scrunching up his nose to try and squash the irritation.

But it refuses to let go, his eyes briefly flicker to the door. Still closed, not a sign of opening any time soon.

And this damned pollen seemed to have somehow gone out of its way to cling to him like an insistent cold.

"Hh-ohhh-!" His nostrils flare widely, begging for attention. Yet he crushes them between his fingers. Continuing to wait, but the time continues to pass. And the itch does not dwindle in intensity.

And keeping a straight face is just growing harder. Why won't this itch cease?

His breath hitches again, head swiveling back as he raises his elbow.

"H-hih-!" His nostrils flare again, eyelashes fluttering dramatically. And with a sharp intake of breath he-...

Does not sneeze.

Well geez, did you want him to? The poor guy obviously doesn't like sneezing!

It'd be mean to have him a sneezy, dripping mess when his friend arriv-

"HA'GXngShh!!" It's wet, stifled violently into his elbow. He needs a moment to breathe, before pulling away from his sleeve. Rubbing his still aching nose, his head is slightly spinning from the rather harsh stifle.

"Bless you." A calm voice replied, head swiveling to the door. Where a very tired looking Divine Flour stands.

Although there seemed to have been a shine in her eyes as she looked over his face.

"You're not sick are you?" She mumbles, and he blushes. Waving his hands dismissively, but she had quickly moved to his side.

"I am fine really! How about you? You look tired-" he pauses when her hand gently glides over his forehead. Eyes soft and observant, his nostrils flick briefly. Which also catches her eye

"I feel much more energized now, so don't worry about tiring me out." She smiled, hands sliding down his face before leaving. She walks around the take to her side with a small pep in her step.

Something he refuses to acknowledge, he turns to face her as she now sits across from him.

"I did not mean to keep you waiting," her voice seemed quite empty, if not for the way her eyes kept flickering open to gaze at him with unknown intent.

"Oh! It's fine! It was-... No issue!" He smiled, truly he meant it. It wasn't really a issue, more so a personal test of patience.

"That's good." She replied, gently pouring some tea for him and then herself. "I heard of your recent visit to Gentle Spice's kingdom, how was it?" A simple question, a conversation starter.

Yet it awakens a brooding memory that makes his face flush darker. His eyes flick away briefly as his eyebrows furrow.

"It was...Warm" he muttered, hiding his expression behind the cup as he sips loudly. Pinky out and all, Divine Flour tilts her head.

"That isn't all there is to it." She stated matter of factly, hands gently resting on the table around her own cup of steaming tea.

"Well... He and I did have a deep conversation about life choices! Nothing too much to note, I don't wanna air out our business after all." He hopes it'd satisfy her question, yet with a single look he knows of her hidden knowledge.

"Is that so?"

"Yes!" He insisted, a bead of sweat forming on his temple as the cup clinked with the saucer.

"That's not what Gentle Spice told me in his letter." She drawled, a surprisingly smug smile crawling onto her face.

His own face however dropped, face darkening with a deep blue. He... He knew what she meant, but how could she have gotten a letter so quickly???

"I found it quite," she paused, eyes flicking down his face briefly before closing them again. "Amusing?" She chuckled, not helping with his burning humiliation.

"I admit I was the one to... Well, sneeze first, on my own accord." He cleared his throat. "But everything after that was simply out of my ha-haaah..." The itch is sudden but overwhelming, as his sentence is cut short by the intensity.

His nostrils flare and eyes flutter close, chest expanding and deflating rapidly with each caving hitch.

Through the itch he can smell something familiar, primroses...

"H-haa! A-ah-apoloh-apologies a-and pa-ah-pardons, f-frieh-friend-!" His head reels back, and he barely manages to cover in time.

"HA'TGXSH! Huee, geez..." He sniffled, pressing the side of his pointer to the underside of his nose.

Eyes opening to find the cause of such an irritating itch, there didn't seem to be any flowers. He's sure he would notice the blues, but no, the only thing that would change the smell of the room is.

...The incense.

He turns his eyes to address his concern of the incense. Only to pause in confusion to the unnervingly disappointed look inside his friends dilated pupils.

He continues the staring for a while, until deciding to speak up. But she beats him to it, gently standing up from her spot to hover over him and the table.

He sniffled, finger still pressed to his nose. She clicked her tongue disapprovingly, shaking her head.

"Do you not know how bad stifling is for you." She muttered grimly, leaning closer over the table. His eyes awkwardly flickered to the side, before looking back.

"Well yes, but-"

"Then why'd you do it." Her eyes narrow slightly, and he in turn sniffles again.

"I- I didn't want to-... It's impolite to-" She hushes him, a soft smile returning as she leans closer. Hooking a finger over the one he has under his nose, gently tugging it off.

"Don't have such futile thoughts in my pagoda."  She ordered, tiling his head up so she could press her thumb into the side of his nose.

His body reacts hastily with another stifled, "H'GKXsh!" And he barely has time to breathe out when she huffs in irritation.

"Do not." Is all she mutters, gliding her hand up his bridge and then gently down to the tip. He holds back, biting his tongue as his eyes tear up.

She doesn't seem too bothered, instead letting him go. He sighs in relief, but it's short lived as she's made it around the table.

And suddenly there's webs around him.

"Wh-what!???" He flips his head back to glance at his friend. Before being spun around.

"Sit still." She spoke very casually, pulling the incense closer from the edge of the table. He gasps dramatically in realization, trying to press his nose into his knees or shoulder.

But with a simple redirection of his head is all it takes. He wants to question her intentions, wants to question if she purposely ordered incense with that smell. And he most definitely wishes to question her fascinated look when his breath hitches.

He knows she won't like more stifles, but it's practically encoded in his dough to always stifle.

And so he does.

"AH'GXSHIeu! H'KXTshu!"

He pants loudly, rheumy eyes flicking to the burning incense. Lightly spreading that horribly ticklish smell, he sniffles and snorts.

"I- I didn't expect this situation to happen again..." He manages to clearly say, wiping his dripping nose on his collar.

"I got inspired." His friend replied, eyebrows furrowed as her shoulders sagged in disappointment.

"Divine Flour, please remove these binds, thank you." He grunted, tugging on his webbed constraints.

Yet as a minute passes with no sign of her moving, and a minute of him inhaling that smoke, his breathing started to hitch again.

"O-oh cr-cruuhm- hih-!" He didn't want to use magic, even if it would easily be able to assist him in getting free. Because that would entail the threat of hurting himself, his friend, or the furniture.

And he'd rather not, so with a quivering voice and teary eyes he glances at his friend.

"P-pleah-huh-please—...Huh-hh-!" The wish granter decided to ignore his plea, instead placing a task on him to bestow his freedom the title of a prize.

"Amuse me and I will." She hummed, gently flicking his nose as he immediately barreled over.

"H'AGXtsh! EH'PxGShiue! Uh-huh-! HA'gXtChue-!"

"Stifling's bad." She reminded, face turning blank again. He glanced up through his soggy eyelashes, trying desperately to sniffle up the goopy mess currently trickling down to his upper lip.

"I- I think you- haahh—hhhh- need- neeh- to-" he pauses as his breath just wouldn't stop hitching.

"Need to?"

"B-break... T-taaahh- take a- huh- HA'GXtsuh-!" He shudders, sniffling pitifully.

"I am right now, and so I am enjoying this break as much as I can. Don't continue this fight with yourself, it's futile... Give in to... Me.." He furrows a confused brow, why were his friends acting so unusual? Is it- like a inside joke he wasn't aware of or—

"HA'GATTSCHuiewue!" He gasps, eyes wide with shock as his eyes flick down in unbridled disgust to the string now dangling out his nose.

"S-sorry-! Excuse- hhuh- e-exc—hhhehhh meh-meee-! A'PHAGTSHIue!" The string breaks with the second spray his lap is blessed with.

Landing on the now shiny speckled floor, through panting breaths and thick sniffles he looks up. Pitifully embarrassed, yet his friend show such a familiar glee he hadn't seen in months.

A sort of happiness he thought only Ethereal Sugar could grant willy-nilly. Yet his nose's natural yet embarrassing defense to irritant's somehow made her smile brighter than a thousand suns.

"Bless you." Divine Flour hummed with a content smile, face flushed.

And he assumed with slightly excitement she would undo his constraints.

But his face drops upon noticing the way she slides the incense closer.

His nose tickles again, body trembling with slight resistance. He questions how long this'll take, but going off on her expression and excited body language, he doubts that.

"Oh- hhih- please n-n-nooh-!"

Chapter Text

"Oh, you're back."

It was a statement spoken with a slight lilt. He stared at his visitor, hovering over his messy desk filled with colored papers, crayons, tapes and glitter glues.

, a passing observer, the secret ruler of the cookie kingdom, a weirdly witch like being that could only be seen when the ‘game’ needed You to be.

Shadow Milk had been quite surprised when , such a secret looming figure had approached him first upon the new update.

But alas his ego refused him to show his surprise, instead sending You away on a task. He needed some more supplies for his puppet show. And You just so happened to have appeared at the right time. How… Fortunate for him.

He held out his hands expectantly, and he barely blinks as You place the items in his hand. Exactly what he needed, he turned to finish up the set.

And as a prize for Your assistance he allowed You a small peak of his act. A little treat as he gave You just a portion of the show.

Just to make sure You’d come watch him later.

And when done he bowed, bathing in Your applause as he dramatically spun.

Until- a bouquet.

He pauses, having caught it absentmindedly. He pauses, sending You a wary glance. Disguising his flattered and thumping heart.

How fascinating, such a powerful creature… He humphed, ushering You out.

-

It wasn’t the first time, and certainly not the last he’d gotten a bouquet. But no fan had been like , every show he graced You with. A new, breathtaking bouquet was offered.

And he’d always catch it with excitement.

It became his favorite part of showing You and only You a preview of his shows.

And it was so, every bouquet a different color that matched the show he was putting on.

How thoughtful, he was touched. Very much so, and then he started getting to know You better.

He grew attached, he was mad with flattery and a jittery puppy crush.

You became more than just a powerful creature. You were one of the only being’s he’s felt such a connection to. With each visit his heart would thud against his ribcage with more vigor.

Everyday became like a dull clock that would tick down to You came to him personally.

The bowed again, the sun was setting. And he caught your bouquet excitedly. Some petals breaking off as he hugged it to his chest. Eye’s on You only, as he excitedly yapped.

He yapped until he felt his nose getting runny, itchy. A prickle at the back of his sinus, he pauses, excusing himself as he bites back the tickle.

Rubbing his nose in confusion, and he finally glances down at the bouquet. Littered between the Blue roses and Bluebells was primroses. Present throughout the entire thing, some petals having fell off with his excitement. As well as its- pollen.

His face drops, eyes already feeling the burn of years. But he pushes on a smile for You.

His heart wrenches at the idea of potentially having you back off if he were to throw the bouquet away in panic.

Alas he can’t put it away naturally since he usually carried it around until you left.

But he doesn’t want you to leave yet! He has so much to say! You question his tense shoulder, he waves it off.

Instead insisting on complimenting You and the bouquet. Even hiding his face ‘shyly’ behind it, if only to hide the way his lashes flutter and nostrils flare.

He even tugged you in for tea, giving him the opportunity to place the flowers away.

But no, You question his bleary eyes and trembling lower lip.

He lies, he hides.

You question, You pry.

And he’s the one to ultimately barrel over.

“AH-KSchAIUew-!” The flowers are marred with his spray, and in his haste to back away and blindly reach for a box of tissues with his blurry vision, he drops them.

“Ha’TAsHIuew!! Ah- ahh- HA’PSchu-!” His sleeve is also ruined, stained with his shameful spray. And as he finds the tissue box he finds it empty.

“O-oh f-fuck- HA’GXtshu- XShu-!” A small tear beads at his eye, as he reluctantly wipes his dripping nose on his sleeve.

And as he hears a footsteps behind him he pauses, before hastily spinning around in a hurry to keep You there. An apology halfway out his mouth before be realizes Your standing exactly behind him.

Offering a…

A) Primrose

B) Handkerchief

C) Tissue

[WARNING! Your choices matter, (Shadow Milk Cookies) affection level is currently at 50/100. At the end of this series your affection level will be part of the ending you receive.]

[Choose carefully]

-

A)

He pauses, before sniffling. Clamping a hand over his nose.

“I- honey… I understand it might be hard to understand… But I- I’m unfortunately allergic to t-thaaaa-that-!”

His breath hitches, You move the flower close.

“HA’GATSHUEW-!” The flower is brutally beheaded by the sheer force of the spray.

He slouches after, sniffling wetly and uselessly as the mess continued to drip. He sends You a half serious glare.

At least you weren’t disgusted? He huffed, just, gosh. Your so lucky he likes you.

“Take notes-! I do not!!! Not at all! Want you pushing such itchy flowers in my face again-!” He grits.

“Now… Give me something ACTUALLY helpful.”

[-5 affection points.]

-

B)

A handkerchief from Your inventory.

His eyes soften, shoulders relaxing. Oh… How caring… How scandalous! So romantic!!

“Awww~ h-hhow sweet!” He hitched, excitedly taking the kerchief.

And just in time as he ducks into it. “H’KtXsh!” The fabric is soft, and he hums.

Blowing his nose, before sniffing in relief as his nasals have at least cleared up.

“How about we go out? Just to let my room air this out…” He shyly offered, smiling as you agreed.

He grabbed your hand, as you both leave with him excitedly blabbering stuff.

He’s happy you didn’t judge him, nor show offense to him throwing the bouquet to the floor.

[+10 affection points!]

-

C)

“O-oh…” He pauses, raising a brow.

“Is- did you take that from my box?” He questioned, you deny. “Oh-! You didn’t? Ah, sorry… Ahem. Anyhow… Thanks…”

He takes them, it’s not something he personally preferred. But it’s the thought that counts! At least You were kind enough to offer it to him. Right?

But it works, just in time too as he pushes his nose into them.

“Heh-TSCHIEW-!” It soaks through the tissues immediately, and he’s forced to sniffle the mess back up. Throwing the tissues away in the trash.

“Ahem… SNF-! Oh, apologizes… Anyways, how about we go out? I need some fresh air!”

He excitedly grabs Your elbow and drags You out with him.

[+5 affection points!]

-

You both found yourself outside, walking around talking. Exchanging pleasantries.

He expresses his gratitude for Your understanding of his allergies.

And You continue to walk until you’ve both found a spot under a tree. Now staring out over the horizon.

He tells a joke, You maybe laugh. Shadow Milk tells a wide tale, and challenges You to find the lie. He offers a game of truth and dare.

Until finally a comfortable silence settles.

Watching the sun set over the horizon he scoots closer, all until the light actually got too bright. It made his eyes have to narrow, nostrils quivering.

He bites it back, fully thinking of completely stifling till he remembers You didn’t have a problem with his previous sneezing.

Alas he’s hesitant, but his hitching loud. You note it, You know whats to come.

So you say…

A) “Go on…”

B) “Are you okay?”

C) Nothing

-

A)

“HA’PFSchiUEW-!” He wheezes, rubbing his nose with a finger.

He snorts, leaning back into tree.

“Excuse me… But lights just make me so sensitive…” He admitted shyly, playing with his flowy cape.

He admires Your boldness, giving you a wry smile.

“I know it’s silly…” He hums, sliding his hand over the ground to your hand. But he’s to shy to a actually grab it.

Instead he gulps and flushes.

“Aha, anyhow- let me tell you about this celebrity gossip!”

[+5 affection points!]

-

B)

“Hih-huh-? O-oh… Uhm I- y-yes- the light is just- j-juuuhh- H’ScAgsXh-!” he barrels over into his hand.

“Ugh… Sorry… So sorry.” He mutters, sniffling.

He straightens up, clearing his throat.

There’s an awkward silence, as he rubs his nose absentmindedly. Face flushed, as he refused to meet your gaze.

Before bouncing back, continuing to talk. Although with more of an embarrassed undertone.

[0 affection points.]

C)

He continues to hitch, just until he can bite it back. Shadow Milk briefly believes that You didn’t notice. But the eyes in his hair caught You staring.

His face suddenly burns hot with humiliation. Oh witches above. Has he been so blind? Of course You actually judged him!

You must be disgusted with him… Thats why you’re so silent…

How could he have been so blind? You probably only give him flowers out of pity!

Do you even like him? Do You find him repulsive? A beast like every other cookie? He-…

Ahem… He’s overreacting. Y-You probably didn’t know what to say! He… He’s being stupid!

Haha, yes of course! Of course…

“It’s getting late… We should head back…” He mutters. Getting up.

[-5 affection points]

-

The day was over, the stars shining. And he gives you a goodbye.

You head home.

Another day of choices awaiting you when you wake.

Chapter Text

Such a gentle warmth.

Silky smooth feathers that make anyones eyes flick to the owner of them.

Wings wide and puffy, like cotton candy clouds. Big, attention grabbing, wings.

Ethereal, just like the cookie they belong to. Sugary dough, sugary sweet wings.

One that the Milk doughed cookie yearned to run his hands through.

Oh, if only said ethereal Angel wasn't so slothful...

She and him both knew she could care for herself with but a bit of effort. Yet she chose not to, her mind does not allow her to put the effort in.

And since her small little angels hands weren't nearly strong or agile enough to do a thing such as dig into her big puffs of feathers to free the pin feathers.

So once every blue moon when molting season arrives, the blue jester gets a visitor at his spires gates.

They don't need to share any words, she just floats on in and sits on his bed. And he sits behind her, having already brought out some warm water and a cold towel.

He tied her hair back as she dazedly stared ahead. Eternal Sugar was feverish, she usually is during this season.

Blinking slowly as he cooed and placed the towel on her forehead. Wiping some sweat away before letting it rest there as she relaxed into him.

Leaving Shadow Milk to get to the fun part, he started on her left wing.

Tackling the easier parts at the edges. Where more of the half cracked pin feathers exist.

Dipping his fingers in some of the warm water, he used his wet fingers to gently massage the feather until the first pin feather's protection cracks and falls off.

Revealing the silky and soft feather beneath, the darker pink contrasting the top lighters one's beautifully.

He smiles in satisfaction as she hums in relief. He moves onto the next, each of the outer feathers being released from their white and flaky protection.

She sniffled, breath hitching as she tiredly raised a hand to slide the damp towel down to her nose.

Shadow Milk doesn’t blink, just giving the angel a quick glance before continuing his gentle pressing. Dipping his hands occasionally in the warm water again.

He only stops to avoid the way her wings fling open wide when she barrels into the towel.

“H’PSH-! Ha- hhih- ha-HiiScsshu-!” She relaxes again, dropping the towel into her lap with her hands.

Sneezing was a weird side effect of her molting, he had theorized years back it was because it used to shake free most of the feathers. Or the fact her body was actively fighting against her as the molt was playing with her mind.

He goes back to her wing, finding her release to have shook most of the outer layers pin feathers free. He only needed to sweep his hand over the feathers to shake the flakes of dead cells.

He’s yet to even make it to the other wing, but with a glance he can note how she broke off most of the outer layers feathers.

Chuckling he leaned closer, and rested his chin on her shoulder. Cooing quite playfully, a hand sliding down her back to where her wings sprouted out.

He slid his finger through the middle thickness of the wings. Feeling her shudder, a playful smile on her face as she looked over her shoulder at him.

He smirked back, fingers combing through the thick part of her wing. Feeling the many pin feathers littered throughout the inside of the thick silky feathers.

He sighs in disbelief, but she does not care to even apologize. Only chuckling.

He dipped his hands back into the water, before parting most of the outer layer of feathers to reveal the trapped ones.

She practically moaned in relief as he started to massage the feathers free.

Her breathy sighs of relief start to change, hitching as her head tilts back. He watches her nostrils flare, bridge scrunching up. Those pretty eyes fluttering as he tilted his head curiously, hands gently letting go to make sure he doesn’t accidentally tug when she inevita-

“H’TISSHIu! AH-hhA-PihSchu-!” Her wings harshly flare wide, smacking him upside the head. He buffers in shock, the feather having briefly flicked the edges of his nose. Causing it to flare with an itch. The feather having been covered in pin feather dust.

He’s now the one whose breath hitches, eyes tearing up. Long nostrils flaring widely, eyes fluttering as he tries to hold back. She watches bemused, before gently moving her wing so the alula pushes under his nose like another finger.

It works, although making the itch flare up more. It just felt like it was creating a pressure in his head that slowly made his vision spin.

She looked quite satisfied at his pained expression, some snot coating her alula. He sniffles, it just made the soft edges of the feather tickle the inside of his nose.

His breath hitches, but it won’t let him sneeze when the wing was pressing up against his fluttering nostrils.

And Eternal Sugar was just swooning over his hitching breath and scrunched face. But alas, the trapped pin feathers in her wings were still a bother.

So she slowly removed it, it takes a second before he rears back.

“HA’GTSCHIUeOW-! AH-PGSCHIguoeIw-!” He wheezes and coughs, fanning his face. The wing’s alula flicks over his nose again. Wiping away some of the moisture as he grunts.

She giggles, but her silly behavior is paused when he pushes his hand through her wings to wipe his own mucus off.

He continued to preen her after dunking his fingers back in the warm water. And she continued to smile and blush.

All until her left wing was done, all feathers unfurled and prettily bright. She stretches the wing out, yawning.

A content smile grazing her lips, longs feathers puffing out as she stretched it wide. He watched it with lidded eyes, prideful as he rubbed his nose with his still soaked hand.

She moved a bit, offering her right wing to him. The jester grabbed it, calm and poised as he got to work doing the same he did for the last.

Half way through, where he was specifically trying to massage a bundle of pin feathers out, she sniffled loudly. Breath hitching as her wing slightly curled closer to her body.

He muttered for her to sit still and holdback some seconds more. Just enough for him to break the clump, but she wasn’t listening. Squirming in her spot as her nose scrunched up.

“H-huh- hih-! Hhh-!!!!” Her shoulders tense, as he picked up pace to rub out the bundle.

‘One moment’ he repeated to her, dipping his hands in the water again as he continued to rub and press.

“Hah- hhhaa—A’PAsHihu!” He could barely dodge the way her wings unfurled hastily. Like a soccer punch missed by a strand, he sighed.

But didn’t blame her, instead he continued the work in silence.

Feather after feather, sneeze after sniffles. And as the final cage was flaked off, and all that remained was sore and beautifully new feathers, the beats of sloth groaned in pleasure.

Leaning back into his chest, stretching them both wide to the side as she shuddered. They felt so sore, and she’d probably not he able to fly back to paradise.

Luckily she didn’t need to say a word. He embraced her as they both laid down in bed, almost ritualistic as she spun in his hold to hug him back.

Fresh wings wrapping over them like a blanket.

And as the warm silky touch of them ran over his dough, her breath hitched.

Chapter Text

Tired would not begin to describe what wad eating away his body. No, it was unbearable, it was gnawing, painful, absolutely miserable.

Every inch of his body was sore, even his mind. He was idolized, seen as a god, a fount of knowledge. And with that came his own set of standards, he had not taken a day off for at least A MILLENNIA! Witches-! Had it been so long already?

Well, either way, his own determination had finally dragged the consequences to his desk. And he was- eugh, exhausted

It felt wrong to think such, he was a god! He shouldn’t be weighed down by lethargy. Yet here he was, the fount of knowledge, the Headmaster of The Blueberry Yogurt Academy, the virtue of knowledge- tired.

Such stupidity, such nonsense, such silliness! Yet it’s all he can think about, a break one where he can read a good book. Laze around, enjoy some snacks and food, maybe even focus on some minor hobbies of his.

And sure, he could ask for one. He was the headmaster after all, but alas his ego and pride kept his lips sealed. Kept that little word dug deep in the caverns of his soul.

How could he even think of the idea? A break? Him? PSH! The only reason he’d ever need a break was if-

“H’IGzSCHSIUEW-!!” He paused, finger twitching around the chalk he held. Midway through a sentence to describe the thing he had written.

He glanced back, before pausing again. There was only two students today… How- HOW HADN’T HE NOTICE THERE WAS ONLY TWO??

One wasn’t even awake!! And the other looked so miserable with a ruby red nose dripping fluids. Crusted and puffy red eyes, slouching over their textbook, surrounded by bundled up tissues and a pack of ibuprofen.

“Bless you.” He muttered, before turning back to the blackboard. And although he continued to look so well put together, his mind was racing with questions.

Most of all how he had been so tired he hadn’t registered how his class had practically been empty.

Geez, he really needed that b-

“H-haa- HA-PGSHIUEEWW-!” He sighed tiredly this time, listening with slight disgust as the student loudly blew their nose. He put the chalk down, turning to the… He was gonna say class, but this should more count as a pity party of two sickly cookies.

Why? Where was everyone? And why did thsi feel famili-oh.

The season, oh- the dreaded flu season.

The one thing every school, no matter the ranking feared.

“Buttercup Cookie, why are you not-… In bed…” As the words left his mouth he could’ve sworn the skies opened up to hand him the golden ticket of opportunity. His mind practically sang with cheer.

“KKF KFF-! U-ugh- SNDRK! What-?” He smiled a bit softer at the barely there cookie, who sniffled thickly before registering his words.

“O-oh-? I… I really need to pass the next test…” They rasped, sounding damn near awful. Like a horse having ate a bucket of ashes.

“Oh? How admirable!” He cooed, the metaphorical ticket practically glowing.

The fount walked closer, “well seeing as you’re the only-…Conscious,” he briefly glanced across the class at the knocked out student. “Then it’d probably suit you better if it tutored you one on one, hmm?” He had already dragged a chair to sit in front of the student.

Who perked up in surprise, blinking in confusion as they looked over him. “I- wow- thanks…But I’m like- hih-hhh- reaahhh—hlyy c-contagious-! HA’IIGkSCHue-!” They barely managed to duck into a soiled tissue, a tissue that was hanging onto life itself with the grip of a cobra. It didn’t even absorb most of the gooey greenish snot, as the excess dripped out between the others fingers.

The fount had to hide his elated smile of happiness, with a sympathetic one.

“Oh, how kind~. But worry not! I haven’t gotten sick in years. And I doubt I will now.” Okay… So it might’ve been bad of him as a fount of all knowledge to- lie… B-but everything else was true! He just… He just needs to catch this, he’ll suck the sickness out from them if he has too-!

Buttercup Cookie looked at him through glassy eyes. Before sniffling and nodding. “Okay…” The student muttered, dropping the soiled tissue with the rest.

He leaned closer again, making sure to subtly take a deep inhale when in their vicinity as he played it off by looking over their notes.

Mass scribbles and the occasional doodle littered the striped page, a very lazy copy of the text book. He also noted the few round drops having sunk into the page. Mudding some of the ink here and there.

And even if he just wanted to pick their flu up and leave, he made a promise. “You’ve got lovely handwriting!” He praised, it’s a simple excuse for why his gaze had been glued to the notes where the contagious drops lay.

He cleared his throat, and began with asking them on what they needed to know. And then he’d start to explain, adapting to their way of thinking when explaining formulas and equations.

And they listened, not in the way of before where they brainlessly stared at the notebook while he blabbed.

No, while the fount’s main goal was to get infected. He was still prideful of his work.

Occasionally though, he leaned a bit closer and took deep inhales when they didn’t manage to cover in time. Or ‘accidentally’ touching their soiled tissues when reaching for a pen. Only to rub his germ covered hand all over the pencils top before biting the tip while ‘in thought’.

He was salivating, salivating for that break he so rightfully deserved.

He could practically feel the droplets of infection settling on his perfectly ironed clothing and flowing hair. Entering his system with each breath he took, and each touch of his face from his germ covered hands.

“H’IkGSSScHIEu!” He looks up, the student had pressed the edge of their wrinkly uniformed sleeve to their nose. Soiling it with contagion that he was praying to catch, and as they reached out for their fifth travel pack of tissues of the hour they found it empty.

The fount expected them to take another from their bag, but alas they did not.

He felt quite silly for focusing so hard, but this was his golden ticket to rest.

“Are you out?” He questioned nonchalantly, as if it wasn’t something he’d been actively thinking over and over.

The student, now having resorted to thickly sniffling the goop up over and over— nodded.

He pretend to give an annoyed sigh, pulling out his handkerchief and offering it under the act of ‘having them stop the incessant sniffling’.

They flushed slightly, and he would’ve felt bad had they not accepted the offer and blew their nose. 100% filling the little fabric with their germs, those sweet, sweet germs that’ll bring him the courage to call for a break.

He hummed, silently cheering again. Another way for him to catch this! Huzzah!

“Is there another way of solving this?” They asked, pointing to question in the book. He wakes from his silent celebration, quickly switching back to his teacher mindset. And with the skill of a cookie having worked with NO BREAK for centuries, he began to explain the concepts.

Hand swiftly working to point here and there, allowing the student their own little moments to think for themselves and connect subjects.

They listened so intently, having never really gotten this personal of an understanding. And the fount continued, although tired, still so confident.

And as the minutes ticked by, he felt a sort of pride in seeing an average at best student being so invested.

But don’t get him wrong, he felt awful at using someone like this…. But that break was worth the gut wrenching guilt.

His hand rested on the book as he yapped, making sure to talk in a pace they’d understand.

And when they had zoned out briefly, he paused.

“Now now, don’t go zo-“ their head reared back, eyes unfocused and nostrils flaring wide. “hih-Hh’IGkTSCHUew-!” Blueberry Milk tensed slightly when he felt the wet and frankly harsh spray coat the back of his hand still resting on the book.

But that tension disappears as he lets it prickle a little, feeling the little bug cozying up on his warm skin. The student froze, but before they could apologize he continued like nothing.

The rest of the minutes were uneventful, until finally the bell rung. Signaling for his student to go to his next class.

The other one shook awake, not even bothering to question why he was sitting at the only other students table. Leaving without a word.

Buttercup blew their nose a final time. Offering that they’d clean the handkerchief. But he waved a dismissive hand.

“I was gonna do laundry after work anyways!” He smiled, already taking the soggy handkerchief and stuffing it in his pocket. The student seemed a bit embarrassed, but ultimately didn’t say a thing.

They were running late anyways.

“Oh, don’t worry! I can clean this up!” He spoke, ushering them out the classroom before they could take care of the many soiled tissues littering their desk.

And as he watched them walk away, leaving him alone. He hastily made way back to the desk, he felt a bit disgusted in himself.

Sure, his previous actions were also questionable. But this one would go beyond that, he hesitantly squirmed in his spot.

He could… Wait to see if he caught this flu. But if he didn’t? Then what?

He gulped, rubbing the back of the germy hand over his lips. Still so reluctant, he had that handkerchief at the ready for when he… Was back in his bedroom.

But… These tissues were… Well, he doesn’t know the difference. But he doesn’t do what he originally planned, instead picking them all up and throwing them out.

He could feel the slimy sticky mucus stick to his palms. And he looks around the classroom again, before sighing, once, twice.

Before swallowing his pride and disgust, as he reluctantly pressed a particularly messy finger on the base of his tongue.

It tasted salty, and slightly dull. He swallowed dramatically, the urge to barf replaced with a satisfaction.

He was BOUND to catch this.

——

The next day came early, maybe because he’d fallen asleep so quickly when he got off work.

Waking up with buzzing excitement, excitedly sitting up. This is it! The proof of yesterday’s performance!

Noting his status, he felt a little drowsy, and, AND-!

And-?

…

Nothing!

He blinked once, twice, waiting. Like a patient in bed waiting for their doctor to spit out their test result.

Except he was waiting for something, anything!

Alas, he wasn’t even blessed with a sore throat or a slight headache. Matter of fact he felt as healthy as yesterday!

But- thats fine! He’s sure SOMETHING will develop later!

…

Oh, wow, he sure is silly…

Slamming his head into his desk, he grumbled. Nothing- nothing- NOTHING!

Not a runny nose! Not a headache! Not a sniffle, cough or even sneeze!

He wanted to be patient, really! He knows these things take time! Lots!

But what if his immune system really was that good? What if! Then he’d never get that break!

Groaning again, he stared lifelessly at the tower of paperwork. His reading glasses had slid down to the tip of his nose.

Which unfortunately held no flush, nor flu!

Woe is he! He can’t- can’t wait!! He whats a break- NO, he NEEDS that break.

Standing up, he left the paperwork for later. There must be some place crawling with germs- but where?

He walked down the halls, deep in thought when-

“H’IsKGgSscHHU!” He froze, taking five steps back. Leaving him standing in front of white door with a green cross.

That sounded awfully… Messy...

The infirmary.

…Well… He- he did need some… Ahem, more melatonin… Yes! Uh huh, that’s right- just some- melatonin..

He scampered closer, pushing himself in. There was some sleeping students and a teacher that looked bedraggled.

All sick.. Lucky bastards.

He walked to the nurse, standing by a medicine shelf. And as they turned to greet him with a smile, he noted how they too. Despite being an entity he created, was also sick.

Their cloud head was melting, before falling back into the rest of their liquid body. He smiled back, hiding the way his body shook with happiness.

“Just some melatonin.” He whispered, they nodded, coughing slightly under their breath. They rummaged through the cabinet again, and while they did he scooted a little closer.

Happy when he felt their warm liquid body leaking some small particles around them. He wasn’t sure if it was contagious, but he breathed in.

“Here..” Their usually echoing voice sounded drowned. And he happily took the medication, making sure their hands touch.

“Thank you!” He smiled, truly meaning it as he turned to leave. But not before walking elegantly and slightly slow through the array of sick cookies. All while breathing deeply.

It might not be much! But he was sure it’d at least play role into assisting this little bug in his system to grow strong… And hopefully very VERY obvious, to make sure that break is thrown to him like a treat to a dog.

“Oh-!” He had just left the room when a warm body slammed into him. He glanced down, about to apologize when-

“AH’ IPGShiUEW-!” He froze as he felt the wet sprinkle of a familiar student hit the side of his face.

“Bless you!” He smiled at the Buttercup cookie, who paused. Not even seeming to care that they’d basically just sneezed in the face of their headmaster —not that he minded!

They seemed way too miserable and exhausted too, only muttering a weak ‘thanks’ before slipping past him into the infirmary to join the rest.

And as he’s left alone again, he resists the urge to get on his knee’s and thank the skies for this.

It was obvious! This flu was bound to take him soon-! SOON!

——

Nothing.

Maybe a slight pain in his lower back, but he doubted that to be any part of the flu.

It was another day, and he sat in bed with a very angry furrow in his brow.

He sat there, the clock ticking slower than usual. But nothing changed. He raked his mind, for something- anything! To hurry this flu along!!!

He decided to take an ice cold bath before getting ready for the day. He was bound to lower his immune system that way!

And then- then he’d eat over sweetened tea. Sure he hated it, but it helps take a hit on his immune system.

He makes sure to touch every surface he can when making his way to his office. Rubbing every orifice on his face after, because he needs this to hit him, NOW!

Unfortunately, all his classes for the day had been cancelled. Leaving him with a whole lot of paperwork, but thats fine!

Overworking ruins one immune system. Right?

Well then!

He’d work harder than hard!

His tiredness put on the shelf like a mere option rather than fact, as the pile of work slowly lowered.

Papers were graded, files were filled.

And before he knew it the day was over, he made sure to do the same thing on his way back to his room.

Handles, knobs, tables, all the works! And then his face.

He poured himself another cold bath.

And slept naked with the window open.

Feeling a sense of peace as he fell asleep with a proud smile.

——

…Why.

It’s a question he’s been thinking a lot lately.

…Whyyyy

Does it even have an answer? Or was the answer the friends we made along the way-

…WHY!???

Maybe he should consider changing his middle name to it? Or hang the word up on his office wall?

He sighed, he already knew his answer. Nothing.

Symptoms usually show from the second day of being exposed, or around the fourth. Anything more than that and he’s fine. Healthy!

He grumbled, hands sliding down his face exasperatedly.

What should he do? Go find the first visibly sick cookie he can and french kiss them? No. He was joking…

Getting out of bed he doesn’t even bother with any of his previous attempts. Maybe he was bound to be healthy, to spend days in horrendous exhaustion.

Sagging like a wet tissue he-….

Wait a minute.

His eyes brighten, hands sliding into his pocket. And he practically squeals when they meet an ice cold and soggy piece of fabric.

His handkerchief.

The germs were probably already dead… But it gave him an idea.

One he previously grimaced at, but now? Oh…Oh-ho ho.

You underestimate his exhaustion, his pain.

-

The next day, he woke with a sore throat…

The day after that he was a dripping sniffly mess, and a teacher had told him to take a break.

…Aaaaand~ now! NOW! He! The one!

Sick!

Oh blessed is he!

Sure, it sucked to be sick… But goodness, the break was worth it…

He was bundled up in bed, a book- not work related!! Sat in his lap. Tea cups and bags piled up on his bedside table. Nuzzled closely with his own pile of used tissues.

His head ached, but he didn’t care.

Not when he could rest like this, and cookies kept their distance. Not being nearly as excited as him to catch something so nasty.

“H-huhh- HA’TagSCHsIEW-!” He sniffled up the thick stream sliding down, he shuffled down further in the bed. Nuzzling into the comfy and warm satin, duvet tucked around himself like a hug.

He flipped the page, and there was a knock on his door. His peaceful smile briefly dropped, he got up. Blanket dangling off his shoulders as he dragged himself to the door.

He took a deep rattling breath, ready to scold whoever is bothering him during break.

But as he opened the door, he saw only an empty hallway…And a basket of goodies.

He furrowed his brows, peaking his head out…Nothing.

He knelt down, there was a note atop some medicine and tissues. ‘Sorry :(‘

He glanced down the hall again, still nothing. Shrugging, he tucked the basket under his arm before closing the door.

Chapter Text

One would think not having a physical body, and being trapped inside a tree, that things like sickness would be a faraway nightmare.

A mere concept that might befall a puppet during a climatic show. Or just be a yearning thought by some of his friends.

Well! That was also what said jester thought!

Sickness? Here?! What a joke! Really, you should do standup comedy.

So it was an idea he laughed at, such silliness! Such drama! How unrealistic-!…Except...It stopped being just a silly little thought when it came back to bite him.

It started some days before that Dark Enchantress would destroy the vines that set back tbeir escape by a couple years! Alas, that day, he had felt a faint tickle at the back of his throat.

Swirling, and prickling uncomfortably when he swallowed.

He found it befuddling, how could his throat be itchy? He hadn't-... He hadn't felt such things since before he was trapped here with the bunch of numbskulls.

So to suddenly have something so mundane happen had frankly- frightened him.

Then it enlightened him, he assumed it to be proof he was to be set free. A new body-!

But then it went and kicked him in the skull, and spat on his trembling corpse... Literally, a piercing headache had followed a day later. And it didn't help how his friends had picked up their volume again after a thousand years of silence filled with the occasional grunt or sigh.

So he was not having a good time, even with the buzzing excitement of freedom peeking over the horizon.

At some point his nose had also gotten incredibly runny. Soaking his puff sleeves as he blinked back moisture in his heavy eyes.

Then a fever set, it wasn't a harsh one by any means. But by god was it noticeable in the way it made him tremble from the chill. But sweat profusely until his outfit felt too tight and clammy.

All in a span of-… Well, he stopped keeping track of time years ago!

All he could do was wait until the vines came undone.

It was a few hours- o-or minutes… Ir seconds(?) before showtime. And he barely registered he was even alive, he'd been staring at the dark ceiling. Dissociating, his mind only focused on one thing. Settling the itch in his stuffy nose.

He wriggled it this way and that, but nope!

Not budging.

He shuddered, before rubbing his forehead as the Spice overlord roared in happiness of their upcoming freedom and destruction of the faeries.

Alas he felt not the same. Sure, he was exhilarated at the idea of breaking apart that pathetic little king and his even more pathetic people!

And if he's lucky he might even have some extra guests to toy with~ ahem, that vanilla guy- or whatever his name was!

He tried to sniffle, but his position on the floor had the mucus clog up.

He sighed, head giving another pained creak.

Shadow Milk had to admit, despite the insanity of the claim!... He caught a cold.

From what? Only the plot knows...

He sniffled thickly, rubbing his flushed nose. It did nothing but tease the itch in an absolutely terrible and miserable manner. And leave behind a snail like trail of snot on his hand.

He whined silently into his ruff, staring at the vines. Hoping that maybe he'd get at least some days more to get over this before being set free...

But he seemed to have jinxed it, a minute after such thoughts, the vines weakened. And he, whose territory the rip was located in, was given the medal of honor to go first.

He sighed, sitting up as the clog of congestion slightly bounced behind his eyes. Thick drops of snot falling like rivulets down to his chin. Only stopped his sleeve and sniffling. He groaned, but played along with his already written script.

Clearing his throat, he used all his saved up magic for hands to sprout out the crack. His other realm flashing up as a sort of curtain for him.

"Oooohh~! I-I see thhose pesky little vi-ih-vine shackles that have held us captive for oh, so, so, SO long..." Shadow Milk silently grumbles, massaging his throat before lowering his voice to continue with his scripted speech.

"...Are GONE." He forces a laugh, it sounds raspy and he even lets some coughs and wheezes slip in. But- who cares???

He's gonna turn them into mindless puppets anyways! The show is just for himself, it makes that empty and gnawing feeling inside his skin simmer down.

He sniffles, watching with lidded eyes as they desperately tried to fight his other realms rip. Floating lazily in his spot he waited patiently, actually picking up some energy as the rip got wider and wider.

He even managed a genuine smile as some fresh air slipped through and gently ruffled his hair. Oh, how he missed that sensation~

He could barely contain himself as the rip got big enough for him. Not thinking twice of poking his giant arms out and grabbing the sides of the rip to push himself through.

“Ahh~!” He took a deep breath of that fresh air, ignoring the way it tickled the back of his throat. But as he opened his eyes to meet his audience, he-…

He-hee-hhh- the- hh- su-uhh-sun-!

The audience in front of him, so small, consisted of some faeries, that vanillian thief, some ragtag gang of young gnats, and of course the annoying lily who sealed them back when they first attempted to escape.

“H-hhuuhh-..!” His eyes narrow, practiced lines captured in his throat. The audiences tenses in fear, expecting an attack.

The adults readied their weapons, and the vanilla king moved up his cape as a makeshift shield for the kids.

His eyes blur, and his nostrils flare. Mouth ripping open for a final gasping inhale.

“HA’GATSchiUiee-!” A built up collection of mess finally leaves, rendering his nose at least partially empty. He sniffles exasperatedly, opening his many teary eyes.

Before pausing, just like his frozen audiences. All showing clear faces of shock and horror.

Their weapons drip with thick webs of mess, and… Well the rest of their bodies weren’t better either, the vanilla king, stiffly drops his damp and now heavy cape.

The children behind it having been spared, but still looking very disgusted.

He would’ve been embarrassed, horrified, but honestly he found their faces bemusing. And he’s been locked up far too long to care for shame. The newly awoken lily cookie’s face turned blue from the fact she’d been holding her breath.

He snorted up some more mess, before giggling as he started to speak.

“Woooh-! Apologies folks! This weather just does not agree with me today~!” He took a deep rattling breath, and the audience seemed to cringed in disgust at his obvious congestion.

They must be praying he isn’t contagious, hm? Welp, too bad! He has no idea if he is, but with how his nose is itching it might be pretty darn germy!

“Hehe- Oh! Why don’t look so grim! What? Did I keep you all waiting that long, my dear audience~?” He drawled, leaning out further as his oily hair spilt out after.

Hitting the ground and soaking the silver roots and ground with its darkness. The group had to scamper back as to avoid it as it slowly grew closer.

“Oh why I am soo~ terribly sorry to have kept you waiting!!!!” Shadow Milk coughed, his wry smile getting bigger as it almost split his face in half.

He felt some mess slip down to his upper lip, causing the audience to cringe in horror. But who cares! He’s the puppeteer here!!

“However! The wait is over!!! Your favorite trickster is h-heee-heere-!” His lip slightly twitched, nostrils briefly flaring as he tilted his head down to rub them against his ruff.

“Sh-shadow- hih- hhuh- fuck- oneee mo-oh-moment-!” He reared back slightly, squeezing his eyes shut to ignore the bright light of the sun. His giant finger pressing under his twitchy, itchy, and gushing nose.

“Hhhh’mmmhh…” A beat of silence passes before he sighs, opening his eyes as he smiled again.

“WhereWasI??” He mumbled, before snapping his fingers in recognition. “Aha! Yes, ahem, SHADOW MILK COOKIE!” He announced, yet his words didn’t hold much weight since the cookies before him were already dumbfounded and horrified.

But no matter! He had a whole bunch planned!

——

His plans were… Going to hell, but can you blame him!! He wasn’t at his full strength and he was suffering from the worst cold of the century.

And when that stupid old faerie died, and it DIDN’T kill the tree. He was beyond pissed, exhausted, sniffly, and dealing with the worst headache ever.

He felt his friend’s voices reverberating. “Let it burn! Let it all burn!” Eternal Sugar cheered, and he had to press his hands over his ears as he grumbled.

Not even that stupid and pathetic Pure Vanilla was listening to his deceitful words. How out of practice is he!

He sniveled, before gasping.

“YOU-!” He screeched, the ground shaking as he slammed his giant fist into it.

Barreled over on his hands and knees over the cookies, like a kid staring at a pile of ants.

The still damp doughed Lily gave a shaking gasp. Barely avoiding a drop of his black gooey hair from landing on her.

“IM GROWING TIRED OF YOU PATHETIC CHARADES!” He slammed his fist down again, shaking the ground as the standing cookies briefly found themselves going some inches of the ground. Half of them falling over when they landed again.

“THE GUARDIAN LIVES?!?! WHERE IS HE?!” He gritted, nose scrunching up in anger, which seemed to negatively induce the previously docile itch.

“…She..” He heard her response, but his vision was already blurring. Eyes unfocusing briefly, she continued her spiel. About being the new guardian or whatever- but- HE DIDN’T CARE!

As she finished up her speech he screeched loudly, he wanted to insult them, call them out for the PESTS that they were! But his nose continued to run, to it-iich-itch—!

The cookies registered the way his chest heaved with hitching breaths. Nostrils flaring wide and giving them a view of their horrible fate. Webbed thick snot, most definitely oozing with whatever bug he managed to catch inside of a tree. The smaller brave gang were shielded by a cape. And White Lily raised her own scarf to block her face as she hastily turned away.

“HA’sTAgSsCHIEW-! Hh-PAGTSchuIE-!” The spray was thick, and harsh. Like a spray bottle, and a few thick strings had shot out. With one dangling out his nose, doomed to be sniffled back up for whenever the next itch would force it out.

His hair flowed down like a river, coating the floor like a thick tar. He briefly wondered if it was also contagious, but shrugged the idea off.

Floating back up into the sky, a smile on his face as he’s managed to figure out a new part of the plan.

Ignoring the disgruntled disgust from the soggy cookies below. A new stage being set as he monologued again.

——

“A warm round of applause for our new star… Please.” He rasped out weakly, all bravado having been thrown out the window as he sagged in his box. Resting his nose on the gift box’s edge. Only his lidded and rheumy eyes peeking out, his hair weakly flowed behind him.

Hitting his feet, he blinked with a weak whine. Watching with tired boredom as the new guardian of the tree thought out her choices.

He’s put down the basis with a blank monotone voice, sniffling up the mess creating a wet splotch on the box’s edge.

The cookies dangling from the strings above had long grown less afraid of him. Especially with the sad display below, he didn’t even remember to properly make the strings hurt the more time passed.

Too busy fighting the urge to sleep, his beastly friends were screaming in his mind. Begging him to just kill them already, but he was too prideful to throw away all his planning.

“What will it be..? Let’s wait and KFF KFF- ugh, see…” He adjusted his position in the box filled with silk and gold ribbons.

Her two faerie knights continued to fight, which was useless. He simply waved his hand to push them back. Like the little bugs that they were.

As they continued their boring little back and forth. He glanced to the dangling vanilla king, whose cape had somehow dried most of the mess away.

He hummed, and as the other’s were distracted he plucked the king down. Who silently gasped, no one even noticing.

The cape’s quality and fabric was perfectly up to the jester’s standards. So he smiled, not thinking twice as he dipped his nose in and loudly blew his nose with a honk.

Everyone paused, finally noticing. As they watched with utmost horror while he found another dry spot.

The king personally looked flushed, shocked, and shuddered as he put him back into the sky to dangle with a now soaked clothing weighing heavy on his back.

Shadow Milk briefly closed his eyes, and when they opened again he needed to squint through the bright white light. He giggled, staring at the now glowing guardian.

“O-oh, seems s-someone- huh- HA… ihhuggh, made up their-… Mind…”

He rubbed his nose as he straightened up, ready to snap the neck of her friends the moment she landed a hit on him.

But as she shot her way to bright light, which missed him. He couldn’t help but pause, before he felt his power diminish greatly again.

His head snaps around fully, staring in disgruntled shock as the silver tree brightly stood talk again. Completely void of any scratch, he felt himself slowly fading. Being tugged towards the tree.

“You- YOU!!!! I- iihh gave you only- TWO choices!!” He spat, feeling the pain from the cold worsen as his gut wrenched uncomfortably.

“H-how dare you ruin…” He wheezed and sniffled, “this moment I’ve been waiting for- for so LONG-!…”

“Euggh- A’TCSHh-!” He barreled over, briefly, the spray illuminated by that bright silver light he hated so much. It descended like small rain drops onto the faeries. Who yet again grimaced in disgust.

He gave a final roar of anger before he completely faded.

And when he opened his eyes again he found himself staring at a familiar darkness.

Silence greeted him… A lot of it.

“….”

“You messed that up.” Mystic flour muttered blankly, followed by the rest of the beasts agreement.

He gritted his teeth, clenching his fist.

Alas, even if they were right, and he was still in excruciating pain. He knew for a fact he at least left those dumb- little- EUGH-! GNATS! with SOMETHING to cause them pain.

Chapter Text

His legs were starting to ache, stinging with each thumping step.

Almost slipping down the stairs as he turned a corner sharply. Wings flapping open briefly as a response, bangs flowing and revealing his other eye. Equally as panicked as the other.

Why was he running?

Well…

“BLACK SAPPHIRE COOKIE-!!!!!” A shrill voice reverberated on the spire walls, shaking the marbles of whoever lived within it’s walls.

He messed up, he could admit. As he had accidentally dropped the cookies favorite bottle of syrup. A rare sugar one she’d been gifted from Shadow Milk Cookie. It had shattered on the floor, leaving him to make a run for it as she had lunged at him.

And the host would’ve originally found help in their master. Had Shadow Milk not been out for the day.

And sure, he would personally not be so afraid of the little brat. But… She was incredibly strong…

And he’d rather not get a mild concussion before his show. So running it was.

He turned another corner, entering the first room he found. It was dark inside, but whatever-!

He hastily pushed himself to the back, hitting a clothing rack. He pressed his hands over his mouth, waiting with bated breath.

Breath that catches in his throat as he hears footsteps approach.

“Black Sapphire Cookie~” The cookie sung, before manically giggling. Her footsteps approaching the hall, Sapphire stared at the light peeking under the door.

Watching as the shadow slowly paused, as well as the big candied apple she dragged with.

He sighed in slight relief when her shadow disappeared and the footsteps faded.

Removing his hand as he assumed he was safe. But woe is he, because the moment he takes a breath in. He realized just how dusty this room he found himself in was.

“Hih- huhhh-“ No- no- no-! Not now! “HAA-hahhhaaa-!” His chest rises rapidly, he tires to pinch his naked shut. Only to have the dust still stuck inside his nose be pushed further up against those small hairs.

He wheezes, tilting his head back as he fanned desperately.

He snaps forward, fingers squeezing tightly around his nares.

“Hi-Gxshi-..!” The footsteps pause, and he immediately presses a hand over his mouth. Shoulders trembling with restraint.

“Black Sapphire~?” The cookie cooed in the halls again, and he pushed further into the closet. Back hitting a clothing rack as it kicked up more dust.

“H-hhh…”

“Hello?”

He couldn’t be found… No- not now, he needed his head to be straight for his show tonight…

“HELLLOOOOOO~?!!” His breaths were short; puffs off air, taken purely because he unfortunately needed oxygen.

“…”

“Hhh-!” He couldn’t help it, his nose wasn’t being very friendly at the moment.

“I can hear you!” Candy Apple screeched angrily, yet again walking past the door he was hiding behind.

“Ha-hachoo- HA’KGSXhi-..!” His head hurt, and the footsteps ran past his spot again. An enraged yell echoed from outside, and he blinked a few tears from his eyes.

He wished she’d just go away, go far-far away so he could flee to a less itchy spot.

“I KNOW YOU’RE HERE!!” She angrily yelled, stomping her feet someways down the hall.

He moves again, this time knocking into a cardboard box. It’s absolutely covered with the disgusting and itchy dust.

His nose burns as he had taken a surprise gasp of air.

“Hih-HAAA-!”

He doesn’t even realize how loud he’s being till he snaps forward and the doors opens.

“There you a-“ “HA’ITSCHIIw-! HE-IXGSchii-!”

He can’t stop, he tries to. But after the third throat aching sneeze, where he knocks over the box completely and more dust flies up, he’s just feeling hopeless.

Tears have formed in his eyes, ruining his mascara. Snot streams out quite ungentlemanly onto his upper lip, and as he heaves a breath. A small break allowing him to finally look up.

He’s hit in the face metaphorically with humiliation. Candy Apple stands in the doorway, eyes curled up in amusement. A devilish and evil smile on her lips, it seems she’d found another way to hurt him without slamming her giant apple over his head.

“W-what a-ahhh-are you looking aaaaht- hih-!” Black Sapphire heaved, only for his nose to flick again. Squirming, and squishing under his pawing.

Candy Apple hummed innocently, gently backing out the door. “Oh- nothing~.” She cooed, and just as he assumed she’d let him walk free. She slams the door shut in his face, the motion having made most of the furniture in the room shake. Sending their accumulation of dust into the air. He gasps.

“You little- BRAT-!” He manages to screech before coughing loudly, getting on his feet ready to put some sense into the cookie. But as he tugged at the door handle, he found it to be stuck.

A loud giggle echoed from outside, and his tugging got a bit more desperate.

“You-you lihh-hihhh- huhh-!” He hastily backed away, eyes burning with irritated tears.

Mouth dangling open, he tried to hold it in. Maybe even try to get it stuck. But alas, his usual trait of always having them be stuck seemed to have been thrown out the window.

“Huh- HE-IgSCXHIIw-!” He barreled over, throat hurting from the sheer loudness of what this dust just forced out of him.

He hopes he hadn’t sprayed anything important, his master would have his head if he ruined something with his snot.

“Candy ah-aapple-! Open the

ooh-r- ugh- SNf! NOW!” He yelled, banging on the door till his fists hurt.

She only continued to cackle at him, as he started to wheeze and cough.

Nostrils flaring as his eyes flutter, he doesn’t want to ruin his sleeves. But he doesn’t have any tissues on him.

Only a… Eugh, handkerchief. He’d rather not, no, why would he!? That’s disgusting…

“Hiihh- HAA-“

Oh who was he kidding? He needs to cover. With a single jagged movement he rips the handkerchief from his breast pocket.

Ducking his nose into its soft fabric.

“HAA-IGksih! H’IXshiw-!” They’re horribly stifled, but in his defense, he was reluctant to stain such soft silk.

Groaning, he grimaced as he was forced to blow his nose into the handkerchief. It was so horribly disgusting and uncomfortable. But having his nares be cleared felt nice… Until it didn’t.

He had unfortunately forgotten in his excitement to remove the handkerchief that the air was filled to the brim with dust.

As he inhaled sharply, “oh-HIH-!!” There was another giggle outside as he yet again ducked into the handkerchief.

This continued like a never ending cycle of torture. He’d kick up dust, sneeze, and then breathe in more dust.

All while the cookie outside found immense joy from the whole ordeal.

He was humiliated, but not as much as when he heard a familiar voice outside.

“Oh! My dear little Apple! whatever are you up to~?” Black Sapphire froze, face dropping in immense horror.

But not as much horror as when his nostrils twitched.

“Nyhehe~ secret!” She gleamed, and Black Sapphire felt his face flush in anger and shame.

“Hmm, secret? How enticing!” His master, who must’ve just gotten back mused.

“Hhhh…” The radio star pressed the handkerchief closer, begging silently for the itch to disintegrate. But it didn’t.

“But- why-ever are you blocking this door, hmm~?” His master wasn’t asking, Black Sapphire knew that too well. That lilt in his voice was an obvious hint of him knowing exactly whats happening.

“Guess!” She squeaked, probably eating up their masters attention like the greedy little brat she was.

Black Sapphire quietly hitched into the hanky, eyes fluttering close.

“Wow~! What a hard job… Hmm, and her I was just itching to know…”

Oh- witches this— no- he c-can’t, this was- hhh…

“Truly mind wrenching!”

“Hah—ahh…”

“But I also have one…”

“Hih- hhh-!”

“Where is my little radio host~? I was thinking of hitching a ride with him to the store!”

“Hhuuuuuuhhhh-hhh-!!!”

A light was cast over his face, making his already fluttering eyes squint

“Oh! How fortunate~ I was just looking for you,-“

“HA’PSSHIiiwW-!”

“-Black Sapphire Cookie!” His master finished with a smile. Dilated eyes focused solely on his position on the floor. Light making the mess around his nostrils glisten, making his flushed nose look like a shiny piece of rock candy.

The hosts face flushed embarrassedly, but he couldn’t speak. Because that would mean he’d have to breathe, and he knows damn well he won’t even be able to get through a simple greeting without sneezing again. So he bowed his head in respect, hiding his trembling and dripping nose from Shadow Milk’s view.

“Oohh, how pitiful! Why you poor little doll~!” His master cooed, already hovering in front of him. Ushering him to look back up so he could see the damage.

Candy Apple, still standing in the doorway, crossed her arms and pouted. Irritated at how easily her master’s attention slipped.

“I-I-hhihh-“ Black Sapphire bit his lip, nostrils widening as he hastily ducked down to aim at the floor. “Ih’TISSCHI-!“

Shadow Milk’s disapprovingly clicked his tongue, before smiling excitedly with a bright blue blush.

“Come now, my sweet little pest~! Why don’t you two tell me whatever transpired here… In great detail… I’m just dying to find out!”

Candy Apple perked up at that, happily jumping at the opportunity and clinging to their master. Excited to be able to have his attention as she explained the other’s wrongdoing.

And Black Sapphire? He was too damn busy sniffling and coughing to even realize his master had picked him up the collar and was dragging him off.

Of course he noticed after a minute of Candy Apple yapping, where he glanced up briefly to see where they’re gonna be explaining their case.

Only to realize in horror that it’d be that damned dusty library his master loved to drag him to.

The door slammed open, knocking over a large tower of books. They hit the floor harshly, kicking up a small cloud of dust in his face.

“Oh- fuck— IH’TISSChiw-!”

His masters grip tightened briefly, releasing a shaky and heavy breath that only Sapphire noticed. Who was slowly having an epiphany he never wanted to have, EVER.

Oh, that explains a lo-

“I’SsgcHiw-!” His masters stifled a groan.

Chapter Text

It was a perfect day, which was everyday. Every single passing of time was accompanied by the same lovely weather, the same smiles, the same warmth, the same peaceful routine.

One would call it boring and repetitive, but the bringer of happiness called it home.

Routine was safety, routine was happiness. And sure, the occasional break in it might be either good or bad. But she much rather preferred her perfect everyday.

Like her very own schedule, every time, everyday, she’d meditate. No matter the circumstances she’d not be able to function without her scheduled mediation.

It was peace, it was a gentle break, it was a distraction.

To sit by herself, on her favored fountain, lulling a simply tune on her lyre. It was true happiness, she assumed, since it just felt heavenly to sit there without a single expectation or word.

Strumming another tune, she suddenly found an itch to have blossomed behind her nose bridge.

It caused her to briefly pause, face going blank. It sat there, unmoving, but so noticeable. She slowly scrunched her nose, humming thoughtfully when the itch blossomed.

She was no stranger to random tickles, but she doesn’t think she’s ever gotten one when mediating. And now that she had, she could truly focus on it.

It felt strange, usually she’d shake the itch off. But sitting there she let the tickle slowly explore the inside of her sinus.

Just until it made her breath hitch, she smiled bemusedly. How curious, Eternal Sugar mused. Her eyes fluttering involuntarily, but she fully accepted the itch. Not a single hint of resistance as she reared her head back.

Puffing gentle breaths. “Ha- haaa-“ but as she was ready to experience the lovely feeling of a sneeze, it shyed away.

She paused, letting out a heavy exhale. Face blanking again, lidded eyes staring confused into the perfectly designed sky.

“How odd..” She muttered, before smiling. Alas, if it didn’t want to organically come to her. She’d happily insist, the tip of her soft wing bended to in front of her.

Her long primary feather gently flicked under her upturned nose. It helped to ease the itch into continuing its gentle movement.

From the back of her nostrils to the tip of her nose, causing the respective nares to flinch and twitch.

She opened her mouth, taking a soothing breath. Shoulders relaxing as she focused fully on the tickle.

And whenever it would shy away, she’d use her wing to give it a reassuring flick.

Until finally she gasped in a deep breath.

“Ah’Ktschu-!” She opened her now bleary eyes, scrunching up her nose.

Sighing disappointedly to herself when the tickle was gone.

…

Well she did have some more minutes to meditate, and she had wings for a reason, hmm~?

——

“Ha’Kshu!” She took a deep breath, chest heaving as she blinked. The edge of her wing slightly damp, she checked the position of the sun. Noting how her time was over. And now she had another thing to get too.

But she felt refreshed, truly. Not her usual meditation style, but something she should consider adding into her routine. It truly was relaxing, every release feeling like a rush of pleasure hitting her lower stomach.

Truly an experience, she sniffled.

She’d might have to try that out with her other half when she comes to her paradise.

Chapter Text

"No- no nononono NO!" She whined, exasperatedly sighing as her search was deemed useful.

It was early morning, and she couldn't find any perfume that she'd like. Having just finished her favorite scent, she found herself without anything that fit her syrup for the day.

But she stubbornly refused to change said syrup, so swallowing her pride. She found herself scampering to her fellow minions room.

She took a deep breath, it was only a simple request. How grumpy could he get?

She starts to relentlessly bang on the door, knowing for a fact he's probably still asleep. And she's right, because when she hits air. Opening her eyes again, she finds him standing there with a murderous glare.

"What." He gritted, tugging his robes tighter around himself. She gives her sweetest of smiles, clasping her hands together innocently.

"Could I please borrow some of your perfume? Pretty~pretty please~!!" She fluttered  her lashes, but it did nothing but make the crease between his brows deepen.

Yet he still thinks for a moment, running a hand through his ruffled hair. His eyes squeeze shut as he sighs dramatically, muttering a few unintelligible words under his breath.

"Fine... Just- I don't have anything girly if that's what you're looking for." He mutters, opening the door a bit more to invite her in.

She perked up, before raising a questioning brow. "Oh really? I would assume a boy-kisser like you would have-" his sharp glare shuts her up completely. As she clears her throat before thanking him.

She scurries inside, as he closes the door and tiredly leads her to his bathroom. Opening it she instinctively covers her nose, as an invisible cloud of pungent air hits her face.

Making her eyes water, and nostrils twitch. She takes a deep breath through her mouth, before cracking open her eye. Staring judgmentally into the room.

"GEEZ-! You really need to clean up here- you live like a slob!" He gives her a silencing whack to the back of her head, as she gasps.

"Fine- sorry- SORRY-!" She huffed, before walking over to his absolutely disgusting sink. Makeup covering the sinks edges, as well as some nail polish. Which had left stains on the porcelain.

But on the side of the sink was also a long organized line of perfume bottles.

"Don't take too much." He grit, having already woken up enough to decide himself to get ready. So while she rummages through his perfumes, he moves up to the sink to do some boring routine.

Whatever the hell he usually does, Candy Apple rolls her eyes. Pulling out a pink bottle, she found it interesting.

And sprays some on her wrist to smell test it, before frowning. It smelt very bad- but maybe that's just because it's the one Black Sapphire always uses.

WAY too ashy, yet it also smells like soda fizzles.

Placing it back, she ignored the others annoyed glare.

Going through the rest, she tested them all.

Too flowery, too weak, too... Eugh...

"Are you just gonna sit there and waste my perfumes?" He huffed, having paused in the middle of applying eyeliner.

She pouted, "I'm only using a spritz to test, calm down!" She hissed, plucking up another bottle.

"Oh please! You probably barely even smell them! Putting them on the same spot like some idiot." She gasped in offense, free hand pressed firmly to her chest.

"Oh really?! Then allow me to spray it somewhere else!" She points it to her neck. Causing Sapphire to pause as he recognizes the bottle.

"Wait, thats osman—" She unfortunately already sprayed herself with it. "...Okay..." His face slightly crumples in disappointment of her, watching blankly as she registers what she just used to

Her nostrils flare as she breaths in, before tears from earlier resurface. Her chest heaved as she hastily drops the bottle into her lap. Whipping out her handkerchief, all while her company disapprovingly shakes his head.

"H-haaa- HAA-!" The strong had unfortunately settled inside her sinus. A very harsh tickle, scampering from the tip to her bridge rapidly. Overstimulating her sense of smell. Her eyes squeeze shut, head slowly tilting back. Wings curling into her sides.

"HA'TScH-! H-haa—GTSch! H'ITsh-!" Only to shoot back up like she was ready to take flight. Except they sag immediately after. Black Sapphire sighs again, before turning back to the mirror to continue his makeup as if nothing was happening.

"Hu-HA-!" A wetness glistens at her nostrils trembling edges, and she hastily ducks back down into the handkerchief. "HA'GSH-!"

He finishes his left eye, only to hide it with his bangs. Which he styles with a simple comb, not even glancing at her misery.

“HA- hhaaa- HA’Tish-!” She blows her nose. Before standing up slowly, the bottle clattering to the floor as he sends her a warning glare. She stumbles to his window, “HA’PSH-!” She pushes the window open, removing the handkerchief as she takes a deep breath.

Not caring how the stuffy perfume filled room polluted the spires outside. But WHO CARES? She’s practically dying in here!

“KFF KFF-!” She wheezes, taking deep heaving breath.

“You’re so dramatic!” He complained, but she only continued to dramatically hack and heave.

“HA’TSSH!! Eugh…SNF- you- YOU NEED TO CLEAN, YOU INSANE TWINK!”

He was the one to gasp this time.

“TWINK?!” He spat. “I’ll let you know I am NOT-…” Sapphire pauses, realizing how he’s yelling. So he calms down, giving a tense smile. “Funny hearing that from a pestering little simp.”

She pauses, before sending him a glare.

“OH HUShhh- huh- you- hh- HA’STCH-!” Candy Apple grunts, before feeling a tug by her neck. She scrambles with a angry squeal. “LET GO- LET GOO-!!!” She screeched, as he started trying to drag her out the bathroom.

But as she takes a deep breath, the absolutely horrible smelling air, and lingering perfume making her button nose twitch.

“Heh-hh-“ she turns her head to him. “HA’GATSH-!!” Promptly spraying his robed forearm, wings spreading open and slapping him in the side harshly as he chokes. Dropping her as she face plants, on the floor.

Black Sapphire sharply groans, before opening his mouth to scold her. But they’re both interrupted by a loud yell-

“SHUT UP! JUST SHUT UP!!” The both pause, eyes shifting out the window to the tower across. Where a very disgruntled recluse stared daggers at them.

Ah- right… He’s still here…

They share a look, both coming to a silent agreement as they shut the window and awkwardly bask in silence.

In the end, Candy Apple couldn’t handle the smell much more. And just grabbed a random perfume bottle she thought was okay. Before hurriedly leaving.

Black Sapphire didn’t argue, only flushing in embarrassment of being caught in such an awkward situation by the newbie.

As she left his room, she slammed into somebody.

Shadow Milk Cookie.

Who paused, giving her a glance and opening his mouth to speak. But when he does his face contorted in confusion, nose giving a curious twitch.

“H-huh…HA’TCHIEW-!” He ducked into his elbow, before shuddering. Giving her an incredulous look.

“Wash that off…” He muttered, before walking off. Leaving her blank faced, and when he gets out of view. She pulls up her collar where she had sprayed that itchy perfume previously.

“Hmm- HhhA- HA’ScHH-!”

Yep- uh huh- he was right.

Chapter Text

There are quite a lot of different things to make a cookies head turn.

Danger, love, magic, but despite that. There's one thing that works no matter the cookie, something no one can ignore.

Beauty.

More specifically, a beauty in distress.

Despite anyone's moral standing, when they see something beautiful they stare.

Which is why Shadow Milk chose this disguise.

A elegant aura, a perfectly sculpted face, buttery bright and long light blue hair. With smooth dough devoid of any imperfections.

Her multicolored dress bouncing elegantly with each precise  step, she would've reveled in the way cookies stumbled and gawked when she walked past.

But she can't revel in it without acknowledging the equally concerned stares.

Like the soiled tissue she was pressing to her flushed blue nose. Her usually lovely bright dough, now paler. And her eyes, still soft and lovely, now rheumy with unshed tears.

But she wanted to take a walk, she needed to. The house had been too stuffy for her, and plus, she was salivating for some soup and cake.

And she was woefully out of it, sure, she could send her minions. Allowing her to just take a walk without worries of chores.

But no, they'd both were stupid enough to cling to their boss. And out of the three, she was the best at actually being able to function through a bad fever.

"H-H'GnxSH-iew!" She shudders, using her free hand to hug herself. The tissue squeaks pathetically, her lips parting slightly to be able to breathe.

There's a stranger that blesses her, but her throat hurts so much she can't bother to respond. Instead sparing them a soft smile and an acknowledging wave of the hand.

And soon her first stop appears, a coquettish little bakery. Upon entry, she notes the rather long line of cookies. She wants to rip her hair out. She was exhausted!...But no matter, patience is an elegant virtue. She told herself, while her brow twitched.

And so took a spot at the end, ignoring the very concerned and slightly disgusted glances some cookies sent her.

She couldn't care less, she just wanted a sugary treat. And if they had a problem she'd gladly accept their spot in line.

"Hhih-" her eyes flutter, and the cookie in front of her sends a cautious look back. Her nostrils flare widely from behind the tissue, and the onlooker tenses.

"Ah'GHNxgsk!" The stifling makes her head spin, and the tissue to yet again squeak. But through her hazy vision she can note the way the cookies around flinched away.

...

The tissue hides her slight smug smile. As she gently breaks it away from her face, a string of snot connects from her nose to the tissue. Breaking quickly as she sniffles most of the mucus back up her puffy nostrils.

The rest of her navy blue rimmed nose shone under the bakery's light.

And the onlookers seem to move even further away. She held back a smile, acting up the ante of being miserable.

Making sure to dramatize every hitch and sniffle. Just until the itch actually came back.

"Ah- ah- huh-hh-!" There it was, the tensing of the cookie in front of her. Who's obviously noticing the fact she's not thinking of covering.

And as she slowly leans back they hurriedly just leave the line. And luckily so, and unluckily for the cookie in front of them-

"Ha'TSHCIEWw!Apologizes, by dear..." She muttered pitifully, as the other tenses. Before averting their gaze with a bland hum.

Her new spot in line she was very pleased with, even more so when the person she sneezed on briefly glanced at the door.

Shadow Milk was happy to toy with such, as she sniffled thickly. Making sure to emphasize again, and her strategy worked.

After a few more uncovered sneezes there and another cough there, spreading contagion into the air. She was finally the front, not even bothering to properly wipe the goopy mucus dripping down to her upper lip.

Only snorting and sniffling it back up without a hint of elegance or dignity.

Her voice was raspy, and the employee was eager to get her order so she could leave.

Now with the bag dangling on her elbow, she leaves, but not before using the hand she's holding her tissue with to open the door. Not caring for the messy factor of it.

Her next stop was the grocery store, and since she had no energy to make the food from scratch. She decided to just buy something canned.

And maybe while she was at it she could get some apple juice?

Sniffling again, she threw the used tissue away at the first bin she found.

Leaving her hands as the only form of cover.

The previous concerned stares were changed to ones of disgust and pity. But she was slowly getting more exhausted as she walked.

Stopping halfway there to sit down on a park bench for a breather. A tree planted behind it casting her in a shadow.

"H-h'txGSh! Ah-hh- HA-Kxschu!" She grunted, her hair unfurling slightly. And she notes how her disguise is slightly slipping. Blue eyes peeking through her hair strands. She removed her fingers from her dripping nose, running a finger through her hair as the eyes dissipate.

Snorting the mess back up, she paused. Blinking back tears she perked up. There was something she hadn't noted it before, on the other side of the tree was another small group of cookies. Sitting at a picnic table.

Talking quite loudly as she held back an exasperated groan. Leaning back into the backrest as she rubbed her temple.

"###- healer- ### crispia-" She pauses again, blurry eyes flicking open as she notes the words.

Healer? Crispia? She sits straighter, involuntarily tuning in.

"Really? What about the beast? Are they really gone?" Her eyebrows furrowed.

"No! I heard the new virtue offered a deal." One whispered, and she's suddenly aware who they're referring to.

"Oh gosh... How scandalous~..." Scandalous-? What???

"Do you think that the beast would attack? Seeing as that cookie's here now..." She'd what? Who? Where? Here???

The group continued to yap, and each new sentence was just as insanely dumb she couldn't help but feel her head spin.

Her brows furrowed, their conversation was seriously making no sense. She gets up from her seat, as the walk to the grocery store seeming much more comfortable than trying to wrap her feverish mind around their jumbled words.

-

"Ha-Gzzxsh!" Eugh, geez, when would her nose ever stop? It was at least bearable in the cafe, because it served a purpose.

But now it was just a spewing faucet of infection. Coating everything in a five mile radius, or that her small, soft hands could graze.

The soup aisle was disappointing, with nothing peaking her interest.

Her favorite one had been unfortunately bought out. Leaving a narrow empty spot in the shelf, where her blueberry soup was missing.

She sulked, sighing quietly.

"Damned thing..." She wheezed, before coughing into her fist.

There must be at least something that tasted good?

...The potato one looked good.

It took some time, and a lot of reading. But she decided on a rosehip soup, throwing about the whole stock into her basket.

Lying snuggly next to the apple juice.

"Oh-! A-are you going to be buying all those?" A soft voice called out as she flinched. She rolled her eyes, before spinning around with a pitiful and gentle expression.

"Yes, I'b sorry, did you-..." She froze up, eyes wide as she stared at the glowing and big figure. Almost like the sun as she squints and bites back the itch. The blind healer paused to. Their eyes open up in surprise, jaw unscrewing from his mouth.

And- ah, right.

Her eyes.

"Uh-" Pure Vanilla muttered.

"Oh." She narrows her eyes, the elegant and weak facade slipping.

There's a beat of silence, one followed with her spinning on her heel and just leaving for the cash register.

But the healer stops her, grabbing her still wet hand. Not even saying anything at the contagious mess spilling onto his own hand.

"Wait-! A-a moment, please, Shadow Milk-" "Not my name." She hissed, stepping closer as she sent a nervous glance around the aisle.

"What-?" He questioned, before also glancing down the empty aisle. Realizing what she was afraid of. "Okay- but, can we please just-"

"Not here, you idiot-!" She gritted her teeth, making the other stop. Before closing their mouth and nodding.

-

"HA'-Txsh!" Her sleeve is unfortunately marred by the spray of infection. Using her fingers after to rub under her nose, ignoring the others tensing. And flickering gaze, their elbows linked together more so as a way to keep her from leaving.

"Bless you..." The other squeaked, and Shadow Milk smiled. The healer’s obvious fear of contagion making the upcoming conversation seem less worse.

Pure Vanilla had offered to carry her bags, and she'd agreed. Only because she knew she wouldn't be able to go away. Not in this state. So why not abuse every bit of power she could squeeze out of the overbearingly nice cookie.

"Mhm." She sniffed, hand relaxing atop the other's forearm.

The villagers she had previously passed looked on in an a mix of awe and shock.

But she wasn't bothered, she understood the feeling of awe staring at a being as beautiful as her, being dragged by such a bright and tall virtue.

"Are you cold?" He whispered after she had shuddered, which caused her to roll her eyes again.

"Shud up." Shadow Milk wheezed, trying not to slouch in exhaustion as she pushed herself to appear elegant.

"Do you wish to have my robe?" The monarch offered. But she shook her head, as he bit his lip.

"Alright, Shad-...Uh..." His eyes flick open briefly to glance at her.

"Blue Yogurt Cookie." She corrected.

"right, Blue Yogurt Cookie." He muttered. Before taking a deep breath.

"How, are you feeling?"

"Horrible, don't ask again." She spat with a very unladylike snarl. He gave a curt nod, looking away with a flushed face.

Some more minutes of walking passes, until they've made it to the edge of the town. Where a trail led to her temporary abode.

-

"What will you do to me." She questioned with a smooth voice, still refusing to drop her regal act.

He choked on his breath, a flush forming on his face. "Pa-pardon-?" His eyes snapped to the disguised jester.

Who was still glaring ahead, refusing to spare him even a hateful glance.

"Well, I am your enemy after all." She quipped, chest puffing up pridefully. "So what will you do? Lock me up? Kill me? Force me to become some goody-two-shoes? Or will you-"

"Stop, stop-! Wait." He stopped walking, forcing her to stop as well. Her hair flows like a stream of water as she turns her head.

"What."

His eyes stare wide, mouth opening and closing. Before he steps closer.

"I wont." He muttered, and Shadow Milk raises a brow.

"You woooont- what?" She questioned, removing her arm from his elbow.

"I-... I'm not gonna do anything you don't want me to do... I want to be your friend." He declared, a hand over his heart.

She rolled her eyes.

He stepped closer.

Shadow Milk stepped back, sniffling. Eyes narrowing, as she clicked her tongue disapprovingly.

"Why- what the hell are you talking about.?" She muttered, not believing a single word being uttered by the gentle cookie.

"I want-" "you've already said what you've wanted." She interrupted snappily.

But instead of being annoyed like a rational cookie, he steps closer again. Grabbing her hands.

"So what do you want?" He whispered, leaning closer as she squinted through the now bright light that always follows him being in her face.

"I uhm-" She want's to look away... But alas, she feared doing so.

"I-..." "yes?"

She feels a drop of sweat slip down her temple. She felt so warm and relaxed under his gaze. Yet it also felt like she couldn’t breathe without leaning closer.

What shall she do?

She gulps, fluttering her lashes as she attempted to find an escape. But the other’s patience was making it hard.

"Uhm...O-oh..." Her eyes move over his body, now less tense. Thats when she finds her scapegoat, his fears- of course!!

"You shouldn't stand so close." She mutters, he tilts his head. Ushering her to continue, which she does with a dramatic flourish. "I'm still sick, and quite contagious~" She mused, a smirk befalling her features as he tenses and his face flushes.

"O-oh? Well- I suppose that's true-" she hastily takes a step closer, rearing the situation in her favor as she lets her hitching breath fan over his chin.

"One sneeze and you're probably doomed to catch this~!" He gulps, she sneers pridefully.

"You should leave, for your own good, yeah~?" She smiles, fully expecting him not to go. It's not in his nature, and she's right. As he tries to defend his choice.

But she only takes the opportunity to focus on his bright light, nostrils quivering as he immediately quiets down.

"H-hih- hhh-!" Her eyes flutter close, as the itch gently moves from the bridge to the tip. Making her nostrils reflexively twitch and flare. Chest shaking with each daunted breath.

"H-hah- HA-aGSchIEUw-!"

The healer makes no effort to move, or even find any sort of shield. Just shuddering as a spray of contagion hits his chin and neck.

"Eugh- hhh-haaa- HAA- AH'GTSchuiiEw!!!" Another on his lips and jaw, which he takes without argument. Shadow Milk coughs and wheezes. A smug smile spreading on her face, so proud with herself. But that smile slowly fades as she glances up through her wet eyelashes.

She’d been expecting horror, disgust, maybe even some sort of anger. But- no, the healer's eyes were lidded and unfocused. mouth slightly agape, just enough for his tongue to flick out and sliding over the sprinkled spray on his lips.

The expression on his face...? Bliss.

"H-huh-?" Her eyes open wide, as she straightens up. Gaze moving hastily over his dazed expression.

"What- what the fuck is wrong with you???" She mutters, not out of disgust or actual judgement. But pure confusion and slight concern.

But it makes the healer snap out of it, face heating up in embarrassment. "O-oh-! Uhm-" he move his legs slightly, not hiding much since the robes stick to his sweaty dough.

"I-" Pure Vanilla stammers through different vowels. And Shadow Milk stays silent, silent until a minute passes and she can’t help but snort.

"Oh- hahAHAHA- hahaHAHa-!" She bends over wheezing and cough, a hand pressing to her mouth as she cackles.

"Oh- oh oh oh oh-! That is rich!!" She gasps, hitting her chest to break her cackling off.

Pure Vanilla's face just gets redder, as he slowly covers his face with his hands.

The jester fanned her face, tears prickling at the edges of her tired eyes.

"You- you're just like my friends-!" She chuckled, leaning closer with a predatory stare. A victorious smile on her face, that sweet control placed in her hand like a lovely little gift.

"So... Maybe we can make this 'friendship' work~" She hums, running a finger up his chest. Until she met the metal edge of his cross shaped brooch, as she gently slid her hand up to the soul jam.

And instead of fleeing, he sinks into her touch. Allowing her hand to travel over the edges of his soul. Causing his breath to hitch, and eyes to gloss.

"Your friends?" He questioned, the sick cookie nodded. Sniffling, as she scrunched her nose side to side to scratch an itch.

"Well yeah~! Their taste is also-... Fascinating." Her breath hitched over his soul jam. Shivering herself as she feels the warmth reverberated from her own hidden jam. Tied to her thigh, hidden by her poofy dress.

"W-we shouldn't..." He muttered, but did nothing to actually move away.

"Oh h-huuu-huush-hh-!" Her chest heaved with each hitch, ushering him to move closer.

Pure Vanilla tensed, face blazing like a million suns.

"Ha'-HA-GSxcHIuee-!!! Ah'TScHUuie!!"

Two hand's clamber to grab her shoulders, to keep the healer standing as his legs slightly shake now that his soul jam glistens and throbs with the loud blaring promise of sickness.

He bites back and stifles a groan, and Shadow Milk giggles. Rubbing a finger under her shiny nose, ignoring the throb of her soul jam against her dough.

Instead leaning closer and trailing her wet fingers down his jaw to his chin. Tilting his head up to see her smug face, her hand trails down. Tugging him by the vestment, a silent order for him to follow. He does.

-

"Fuck FUCK FUCK-! CALM DOWN-!" Her voice cracks as she yells, tugging him away by the end of his long hair.

Pure Vanilla whines, but still gives her time to breathe as he gently runs a hand down her calf. She whines, having barely had time to untie her corset before he pounced her to her bed.

She was aware her minions would hear this, but honestly, they'd probably be too dazed by the NyQuil and fever to even realize what the sounds meant.

Shadow Milk clicked her tongue, rolling her hip as she forced the healer to at least have SOME decency.

Like geez, not even Spices was this rough. So she'd assume someone so 'pure', wouldn't possibly be able to get this worked up over some sneezing and sniffling.

Pure Vanilla listened like a dog, as he excitedly undressed. His soul jam and underwear the only thing he kept on his body as he threw the rest on the floor.

The jester gawked with concern, before she herself started to go along. But, she still forced a face of elegance.

While the other was already half naked, she had moved to sit on the edge of the bed. Slowly slipping off her stocking as well as the garters where her soul jam was sitting. She placed it in her lap as she moved onto her corset.

Which she slowly untied, not caring how the other squirmed.

She'd managed half the corset before her nose itched again. She sighed, tilting her head back to usher it out. Like a relaxed gal would, all her previous aggressive symptoms having toned down with her relaxation.

She sniffled, "ha haaa-AtsChiew!" before ducking into her palm. Her company stifled a moan, she smiled.

The rest of the corset came off, and so she stood to slip off her dress.

Soul Jam tucked under her arm, it took around five minutes until she's in her underwear. Jam placed flushed to her chest.

Lying back down in bed she sighed in relief as the cool air settled on her feverish skin. She melted into her silk pillows and duvet. Not bothering to wipe away the stream of snot dripping onto her upper lip.

Eye opening to glance at the other, the healer sat patiently at the end of the bed. Hair pooling over his sweaty body, she tilted her head.

"Come on, don't be shy~" She hummed, as the other excitedly moved closer. Hands gently moving over her body, soft tough dough bends under his fingers. Flexible, muscular, as he gently slides a hand up her torso to her clavicle.

He hovers over her midsection, face flushing. Hands sweating as he gently leans closer to the other's face.

Before hesitantly hovering his lips over the other, eyes opening to stare at the jester. Who's quiet with her labored breaths, occasionally sniffling and snorting.

Shadow Milk boredly blinks, before realizing why the healer’s so... Reluctant. When this realization dawned, she rolls hers eyes for what felt like the millionth time, before pecking his lips and pushing her nose into his.

"Do it." She grit, puckering her lips dramatically. He gulps, flicking his hair over his shoulder as it cascade down and intertwined with her long white strands. Creating a privacy curtain, for him to push his lips onto the other.

Shadow Milk's lips tastes slightly salty from mucus, with a hint of blueberry. And she attempts to return the force, but Pure Vanilla pushes her down. Breaking the lips briefly to throw an order her way.

"Let me take care of you...You don't need to lift a finger. Rest." Shadow Milk's pauses, before her face flushes even darker than before. She hesitantly nods, leaning down and melting back into the pillows. Eyes lidding.

Pure Vanilla smiles, before pressing his lips to the other's forehead. A chaste kiss, which trails down her face back to her lips. Where he bites her shiny bottom lip. Sliding his tongue in when she gasps, her own tongue pushing against him.

Shadow Milk feels a bit dissatisfied at the idea of being 'cared for'. Seeing as the last time was so long ago she could only blearily remember the evens.

But she can't deny the way it stroked her ego, to be 'cared for' is to be in control, right?

Especially with the cookie above her, to be cared by him is to control him. And she likes the idea.

Even as her head goes light due to lack of oxygen, so stuffed up she can't even take a breath.

Yet, as her face goes pale she can only find herself sinking deeper down. Her saving grace was the fact Pure Vanilla noticed, hastily pulling back and allowing her a deep gasp of air. Before she barrels over coughing.

He opens his eyes, cooing and comforting through his fretting. She waved a hand, taking another deep breath as the coughing stops. Leaving her heaving, eyes bleary.

"Oh- I-I'm so sorry-!" She grabs him by the hair, tugging him back into another kiss. Which he reciprocates after a moment of shock.

He breaks it soon after, staring with blown out pupils.

"F-fuuuh-fuck-!" She pants, pressing her hands to her lips. Before gulping.

"A-again- I- fuck-" She snort and sniffles, rolling her hips as her underwear gets uncomfortably tight.

"I- c'mon- c'mon-! Hurry- I- Iiihh-!"

Pure Vanilla blink, blank faced. Which slowly brings Shadow Milk from her stupor, as her face warms again in an embarrassed flush.

"I- I... You didn't hear that." She spat, eyes narrowing.

He blinks again, she pressed her legs together to quell the throbbing. He smiled at her.

"Don't be ashamed." He mused, dipping down to peck her soul jam. Hovering over it like she did, except he took this time to whisper sweet nothings.

Compliments, praises, offers.

Shadow Milk returns the attention with a jerk. Face flushing as she groans.

-

Tears fall down her face by the dozen, most of her hair having unfurled into a black oily mess. Where dazed eyes peek through the still white strands of hair.

Nose dripping, as her nostrils twitching with each gentle touch by the other's finger.

Her legs gently shook where they dangled from the healer’s hips. Pure Vanilla was slowly cleaning her up, since a bath had been declined.

His hands sliding over her body with a foreign gentleness. Pausing and taking it slower whenever she flinched or whined.

Shadow Milk blinks once then twice, and her pupils start to narrow back to their usual snake like self.

A few white strands of her bangs flick over her puffy nose.

She sniffled, closing her eyes and breathing out a deep exhale.

"H-HA'kSgchiuew!" The healer pauses, face flushing a bit more as he mutters a blessing, then another compliment.

The jester smiles, disguise slipping completely. As he chuckles to himself, leaning his head back.

"Youuuuu." He drawls out, lolling his head tiredly to the side.

"Have a way with words... Continue dazzling me will you?" He blabbered, pulling himself up to push his forehead into the others. Hand resting on the back of the other’s neck.

The healers eyes open, lips tugging up into a soft smile.

"Where should I start?"

"Everywhere...I- hmm..."

"Like your eyes? Personality? Voice? Well, it's all so lovely is it not?" He clicked his tongue, resting his palm on the other's inner thigh.

"Mh... So romantic~" He giggled, before pausing and straightening up as he realized just how absurd this situation was. Him, in bed, with his enemy??

"Is something wrong?" Pure Vanilla asked

"I-..." He paused. "You're gonna get sick." He changed the subject as the other flushed.

"I know..."

Chapter Text

Pure Vanilla:

Oh my beautiful, old, polite husband. Distant manic squealing.

I feel like he uses handkerchiefs in this version, being a king he needs to keep a sort of appearance. And ahem, a way to contain the mess away from judgmental eyes. Something his other versions couldn't care less about.

But he'd prefer to use his elbow, like the old shepherd in him used to.

And drumroll! I will now reveal the allergies...

Milkcrown flowers during autumn only (I'm not gonna elaborate rn, because it’s lore I made up)... Strong artificial smells, like cleaning sprays or perfumes, and a slight sensitivity to dust.

Ah, isn't that nice!

Anywho, like his other versions, he has the same sounding sneeze. Except...This man...Feels such shame...

Whenever he even feels a small bit of a tickle he excuses himself as fast as possible. Waiting for it to pass in a safe space.

He thinks he's awful for ever partaking in such an act. He doesn't know why, it just is so.

The only ones whose ever seen this version sneeze are limited, but let me being it down to being White Lily, who accidentally caused him a sneezing fit during their school days because she mistakenly blew dust off a book into his face.

Hollyberry, who had came over one night, and they both got super drunk together. And as she hugged him tightly, he got a very strong sniff of her painfully fragrant perfume. But he was too drunk to care as he sneezed his head off into her shoulder. (She was drunkenly laughing the whole time)

Dark Cacao, who took care of him when he caught a bad cold during an adventure together.

His sheep, which technically doesn't count, but I just give a shout out.

Wizard Cookie, who accidentally walked in when PV was sneezing his head off due to a new cleaning spray the citizen had used for cleaning. He... Never told anyone he saw that.

And finally! Shadow Milk, not in person, but SM has laughed his head off at enough of PV's memories to remember the healers sneezing.

And literally no one else, at least not in person. Some people occasionally hear him, but to see it happen? Thats a different story.

I feel he'd stifle, unless alone, where he'd definitely muffle himself with a blanket, pillow, sleeve. And due to that fact his sneezes usually get drawn out more because stifling makes the itch worse.

Which- let me give some examples:

"Hi'Sh!" "H'PGzks-iih!" "Eh-hh'HIgsh-ih."

He doesn't know when this embarrassment for sneezing started, but it happened somewhere when he started the academy.

Now- onto a bit of a far fetch thought that I haven't written about before.

I kinda headcanon him to kinda have the fetish.

DON'T CALL ME CRAZY-!

But I mean- c'mon! PV having a snz kink seems so plausible to me that I just roll with it!

I mean- just imagine,

Pure Vanilla pausing, the eye on his staff immediately snapping to attention to aid his gawking at someone whose breath hitched just a little too suspiciously.

This fascination and attention he can easily disguise as him being a worried healer. As he slightly shuffles closer, offering a handkerchief.

But I imagine he gets even more invested if it's someone he finds attractive or has any romantic interest in.

Imagine him blushing and sweat-dropping because White Lily is sneezing.

Him offering her the handkerchief with a trembling hand, eyes open wide as she asks if he's okay.

Like- c'mon!!!! It gets even better, because imagine him being absolutely gobsmacked by SMC sneezing.

He'd be drawn to the appeal of it, this strong and powerful beast, being forced down to such a vulnerable side for him only because of a little tickle. It'd just elevate the experience as he'd watch SM face burn with humiliation from "embarrassing" himself in front of the gawking vanillian.

But back on track, I feel like this version rarely gets sick. But when he does he just downplays it, maybe even goes into hiding for a few days out of shame if it gets out of hand.

In terms of sneeziness, out of all the ancients he's somewhere in the middle.

Anyhow- scenarios!

PV getting a horrible head cold the day before an event. Leading him to having to force himself through speeches and formalities while desperately trying not to melt into a puddle from his raging fever. Or spread it around… Spoiler, he does.

PV being teased by Shadow Milk, who's having fun torturing that old man's nose.

PV being taken care of when visiting a friend while sick. (Can be whoever, except SMC, because this is PV before getting to know him)

Back to the headcanons!

He's too embarrassed to induce on purpose, so he's constantly suffering from stuck sneezes that he refuses to indulge.

He's horrified when he found out Shmilk could see his memories. And hoped to the witches above he hadn't seen his rather embarrassing actions involving sneezing.

(SMC hadn't, too busy laughing at the healers misfortunes.)

Also, with the sneezing causing magic thing. I'd think he'd have something similar to Steven from SU power when it comes to that.

Example; he sneezes on a flower, and suddenly it's blooming early and bright with a magical glow.

Or- well, if it ever were to happen. He sneezes on someone and suddenly they feel more energized. Or they're rid of any sore or bruise. Something small like that.

However I think the opposite would be true if he were sick. He sneezes on a flower, it shy's away and buds itself. On a person, and suddenly they feel a few seconds of his own pain.

...

He seems like the type to enjoy being used as a tissue- WOAH NOW- WHO SAID THAT??? ('^^')

Hollyberry:

Probably the least shameless of the bunch, she'll sneeze her head off in front of a crowd, why would she care?

I think she'd have a big snub nose, no questions. It just is so.

Allergic to chicken and feathers, with a sensitivity to smoke.

Which- with Pitaya being a dragon. And breathing fire...And fire causing smoke... Nudge-nudge wink-wink.

I don't think she uses much of handkerchiefs or tissues when out and about adventuring. But if she were forced to sit and rest she'd prefer a dandy ol' rose-patterned kerchief.

While she has no shame sneezing, it gets annoying since it happens often. She's probably second sneeziest of the ancients.

Her sneezes are vocal, not so wet, and quite loud.

Examples: "HAh-TCchoO!" "H'aTCHho!" "Ah'TsCHo!"

I don't think she's genuinely had a stuck sneeze in the last millennia- I mean- c'mon! It's just my gut talking at this point-!

I don't think she really covers that often, unless with company. Which she'll hastily cover with her elbow, but if she's drunk enough she doesn't really notice if she sneezes on anyone.

But if she's informed she had sneezed on someone she didn't know when drunk. She'd feel awful, which will probably make her drink more to try and forget her guilt.

Some scenarios;

Hollyberry getting sick during an adventure, but is to invested in spending her time well. So Wildberry and Pitaya have to force her back to an inn.

Hollberry training and using her shield against some fire. But due to the wind, smoke picks up and she has to briefly stop to relieve the itch.

Hollyberry catching a bad cold, but still decides on going out in the rain adventuring.

Awakened Hollyberry getting bedridden sick when coming back home, and her son takes care of her like the older days. A lot of guilt as they talk things out.

Headcanons again!!

I think she doesn't get sick often, years of traveling all over the place has boosted her immune system a LOT.

But, when she is sick, she tends to downplay it like PV. Except she actually thinks it isn't that bad.

Slay queen- but seriously, rest.

Golden Cheese:

Ah yes, my beautiful, golden- always dying in arena- goddess!!

Now- there's actually- *biting the walls*- CANON sneeze content with her-! ٩(๑'^'๑)۶

AH-

But alas...The sneezing, although very much appreciated by me, was kinda boring.

Yes, I think she'd have something similar sounding to the famous 'achoo' sound. But I think she'd have more of a 'KSH' in the middle, as if she's trying to stifle but can't quite follow through to the end. Plus I wanted it to also kinda mimic a bird. But It's barely noticeable.

Some examples: "A-KSchoo!" "Ah-KChoo!" "Ha'KTSchoo!"

I don't really think she has allergies, but she is definitely sensitive to a lot of things...Spices

Yet despite her lack of allergies she's the sneeziest of the bunch. And at some point she just stopped feeling shame.

Except- sometimes when she's a little too worse for wear she'll hide. She doesn't want to disappoint her people by showing their goddess can get f’d- over by a cold or the flu.

I feel her wings also fluffs up when she sneezes, but not in the, they flare out- type of way. No- I mean they genuinely get bigger with feathers popping off. Which- easy preening? (Just like ESC)

But I think it'd be like that because she tries to focus on not flaring them out in fear of hitting someone. (Not like ESC)

That being said, I see her using her wings to cover herself when she's cold and sniffly.

I think she'd have a nubian nose, with smaller nostrils than average.

She'd have the worst immune system out of the bunch, trust.

She doesn't seem like someone to enjoy normal handkerchiefs or tissues. Why would she be so wasteful?

But, she wouldn't argue much if a friend of hers forced her to blow her nose because she's sniffling too much.

Anyhow- some scenarios!

Golden Cheese getting really sick on an adventure, but being too prideful to admit it to her friends.

Awakened GC suffering a spice storm on her way back to celebrate her victory. Luckily she has her loyal subject by her side.

GC getting sick, and White Lily is forced to care for her, and they talk some things out. (I am not eligible to write this unfortunately)

GC flying with another cookie, only to have a tickle overtake her. But they can't land for some reason, so- welp, I'll let you imagine that. Seeing as she wouldn't be able to cover.

Speaking of! Back to head-canon.

She definitely doesn't seem like someone who'd soil her hands or beautiful arms by sneezing into them. She's got wings, why not use them?

And if she's with someone romantically or just really-REALLY close, she wouldn't be opposed to lending them a wing if they're too sick or too deep into an allergy attack to use their own hands. (How generous my beautiful, amazing, jaw dropping, goddess (/・//ω//・/).)

I'm also really stumped about her too- so please share some of your headcanons! (About anyone else too!)

Dark Cacao:

Very big roman nose, very sharp, very big. No questions asked.

Elbow user when covering, but most of the time when he's out in battle he'll sneeze freely, or use his cape or hand because it’s faster. And lets him stay more away of his surroundings, since ducking into your elbow during a fight can easily make you a target.

Second least sneeziest of the ancients, since he's mostly allergic to flowers that bloom in warmer environments. Hydrangeas and aster.

Which are his only allergies, but he's sensitive to mildew.

I think he'd grow a bit of a sensitivity to flour after his awakening. Physically and emotionally.

He'd have a rough sounding sneeze, and loud like a dad... Just a dad sneeze in general.

Examples: "H'ARSHOOo!" "Hh-ERSHOOoo!" "AH—ARrSCHOuuu-!"

But he always covers, very polite, very husband material. ;]

That being said, his immune systems second best, right over Hollyberry and PV, but not the level of White Lily.

When he's sick, he doesn't rest. He continues to protect his kingdom and do his work. Except he'd order his servants and soldiers to not get too close to him.

He. Does. Not. Rest. (PLEASE POOKIE- REST-)

Except if he's forced to…Then he'd hastily take a nap to try and get shake off the sickness as soon as possible.

Some scenarios:

Affogato (or another cookie) reluctantly taking care of him when he’s sick, only to catch it after. Leaving DC feeling very guilty.

Dark Cacao finding out about PV's fetish, and feeling very bad about distracting him because there's a lot of flowers in the vanilla kingdom he's allergic too. So he tries to purposely hold back more, but that only strays the healers attention away further with each hitch.

DC sick with a cold during their ancients prime years of adventuring, and the other ancients trying very hard to keep him in bed at a inn. (Might probably 100% contain contagion between them all.)

DC sneezing his head off due to the flour smog, might contain MFC with the fetish wondering if she should selfishly indulge and keep him around a bit longer. Very toxic.

Back to head canons!

When Dark Choco was young he often got sick, and since Dark Cacao was worried he gained the habit of hovering around sick cookies. Like keeping them warm and offering handkerchiefs or his cape.

Very dad vibe, very husband vibe-

This can also be a sentiment he offers more boldly to friends or close soldiers.

This is also the reason I ranked up his immune system. He unintentionally gravitates to sick and weak cookies because they remind him of his son.

Since most the time he could only really sit down and bond quietly with his son when he was sick. Duties and all that, so sickness was a good excuse to sit beside his son.

Now he doesn't strike me as sneezy at all, even when sick. So many years of holding back or just swiftly letting it out because he was in battle messed his sneezing instincts up.

Don’t worry tho, we have a healer on standby for that.

Anyhow, also stumped about him...

White Lily:

Her immune system is impenetrable.

Yep, you heard me. Out of all the ancients her immune system's power is literally beyond this world's comprehension.

Maybe once in a millennium she gets a small head cold. But the flu? A real big and nasty cold? Never met her!

This is mostly due to the fact she actually has a naturally good immune system. And that she tends to keep away from most.

The only way she'd ever be able to catch something truly nasty when normal, is if she was taking care of a really sick friend. And they keep sneezing on her, and she's been out in the rain and hasn't been properly taking care of herself, or weak from using too much magic.

That being said her immune system would also be pretty bad in beast yeast episode 1-2 and whenever silent salt comes out, where she's freshly revived as half a cookie.

Which also ties in with my fic about SMC. Where he's that big form, sick, and sneezes on them when he gets out the tree.

Then she'd most definitely get really sick.

So yeah, sickness is pretty hard to come by when you're like my beautiful faerie queen.

She also has no allergies, she isn't very sneezy, she's not sensitive to most things, seeing as she's been traveling beast yeast and has been studying up close about bunch of stuff that cause cookies to sneeze. So she's used to that.

What a sad conundrum for PV and us, but what can one do?

Ah- right! We can imagine how it is when the occasional once in a million sneezing comes around.

Ahem.

She definitely uses her cape as a handkerchief.

Her sneezes are meek, mostly stifled, and wet. Often coming in three to fours at a time.

Examples: "H'Tishu!" "Hih-GSchiu!" "Haaa-TcSsxhu!"

She apologizes immediately after when she does sneeze, and blushes in embarrassment.

When sick (if it does happen) she hides away, reading through many books about medicine and remedies.

She tries them all. It doesn't work.

When she sneezes, her lily scent becomes more potent, more itchy. Almost like a defense, so she tends to hold it in when in a larger crowd.

Not wanting to cause a bunch of cookies to sneeze their head off. (GAH, GIRL PLEASE- T-T)

She's very good at holdbacks tho, since she finds it way too rude and thinks she's annoying if she were to sneeze in front of strangers. Hell, even friends.

Only PV is someone she's really comfortable with to not holdback.

Some scenarios:

WL back in the school days finding out/or PV confessing his fetish, and they very awkwardly and shyly experiment. And WL lets him induce her.

WL getting sick some days after having been awoken and fighting SMC. And tries hiding away in shame, but she finds out people actually care a lot about her.

WL sneezing her head off because SMC put a petty spell over her. Too bad he's met with an overwhelming amount of pollen. (Sucks to sucks)

Back to headcanons!

She's the type to really hate sniffling, she finds it way too loud. And it never really helps. So she blows her nose a lot.

She shudders after sneezing, and her hair becomes a bit more messier than usual.

Chapter Text

Somewhat SFW

Shadow Milk in his giant form when sick with a really bad cold, because he feels more safe being big because he can't get hurt. And he refuses to shrink down, even for his caretaker (can be whoever). And it ends with him just being a whole disgusting and contagious mess. (Might- possibly- 100% contain a lot of messy nose blowing into unconventional things)

Same thing with giant SMC, except it includes that famous trope in SNZ fiction, where someone ahem... Climbs into the others nose? For whatever reason- IDK! I'm just a freak- sorry... (−＿−；)

Also-…Giant SMC being sick and his hair is flooding his surroundings. Which is making it hard for his caretaker/s to care for him without getting sick themselves.

Uncorrupted SMC having been transported to the future, or the opposite with Pure Vanilla. And SMC has an allergic reaction when trying to comfort PV. And PV having the fetish snaps out of his panic to stare like a lustful loser.

SMC basically doing that discord thing from MLP, season 4 episode 11 (What awoke the fetish in me) Basically SMC pretending to be sick to gather attention and rage-bait other cookies outside of PV. And with every sneeze something chaotic happens, like trees getting feet and walking away. Only in the end when he dramatically admits he was faking it- he actually gets sick.

Gender bent ShadowVanilla- like, in general. BECAUSE WHY IS THERE SO LITTLE WLW CONTENT IN THE SNZ COMMUNITY? I DEMAND OTHER LESBIANS-

Y'know how Eternal Sugar literally GLOWS when you pick her up? Yeah, add a bit of her having the fetish, and SMC photic reflexes.

Redeemed and giant SMC getting irritated by Awakened Vanilla's light. But he doesn't want to sneeze because- some reason that I haven't thought of yet. And Pure Vanilla tries to help him hold back, playing a dangerous game with that beasts giant, itchy, nose- OKAY I GET IT- I'M FREAKY- Moving on...

SMC being induced, and he's not allowed to sneeze until the other's completely done. Very sexual implications if you have eyes.

SMC trying to cook some food, but- or noorrr! Cleoor- the peppuur!!!

SMC catching a cold, and using it to tease BSC who has the kink. Only for it to severely backfire as BSC gets way into it- surprisingly taking amazing care of SMC in the process.

Sage of truth trying to have a thoughtful debate with TR, but he can't shake the itch that has been bothering him all day. Ends with him just not caring anymore, and hitching and sneezing through his  arguments without a single care. Double points iF TR has the fetish, and decides to stick around longer than usual just to enjoy the show.

SMC trying to put on a show for his beastly friends in the tree. But he can't get through most his lines without having to sneeze for some... Unforeseen reason, luckily his friends are watching way more invested than usual. Huh, how odd... HEY- IS THAT AN INCENSE?!!

SMC being incredibly stuffy, and so he takes a warm steamy bath to clear it up. It works, but at the prize of an incessant tickle.

PV dragging redeemed SMC out to a farm to "relax with some simple tasks" only for SMC to find the whole farm to contain various irritants that leave him a mess as his weak and frail body can barely drag a haystack a centimeter away. (Based on real events I saw, might tell the story another day)

The classic, 'getting a cold from the rain' fic.

SMC and Black Sapphire playing chess, except one of them has a really contagious cold and the other has the fetish. And wants to catch it desperately. (Don't know which one, but I'm leaning towards BS having the cold, and SM the fet.)

SMC giving PV milkcrowns because it has a very big symbolic meaning with milk cookies and the VERY old people of his academy. Only for PV to not only not understand, but have an allergic reaction. Yet he's too nice to throw them away.

SMC being dramatic, and wearing one of those big fur coats that you'd see back in black and white films. And he accidentally brushes it against his nose, and-... Well you can figure out the rest.

SMC trying to spy on awakened PV, by hiding in a tree- but, oops! It's hay fever season, might not wanna stay in that tree too long buddy.

SMC trying to seduce PV for ulterior motives, but he's absolutely covered in hay and pollen. But luckily PV over here is easily swayed by some sneezing, and sniffling.

Newly defeated SMC catching the flu, so his minions take care of him. But he sucks at keeping germs to himself, and his minions are still going out to spread deceit (and inadvertently their masters flu.)

Uncorrupted SMC trying to take care of uncorrupted ESC, but he’s very germaphobic and she’s very contagious. Unfortunately I actually had a long fic about this, but that was back when I was just starting to write SNZ. AND GODDAMNIT- and my past self was so embarrassed with my pure unfiltered freakiness that I deleted it- LORD FORGIVE ME!! (´°̥̥̥̥̥̥̥̥^°̥̥̥̥̥̥̥̥｀)

Straight up NSFW

SMC doing some roleplaying with whoever, (can be another cookie or X reader) but he caught a really bad cold, and can barely get through his own predetermined lines without coughing or sneezing. But he’s way too horny to just ignore it, may end with some gentle sex- OKAY- I know I said No Smut in the tags. But that was old me- this is the me that’s not as afraid to be outwardly freaky. (//_//)

SMC trying to get some, but his lover is very sick/having a very bad allergy attack.

Or alternatively, SMC being the sick/allergic one, and his lover wants to get freaky. But SMC just wants to cuddle, and sneeze his head off.

SMC and any beast with the fetish getting freaky together while inducing him. Like geez- leave that poor milk cookie alone- (I’m lying, give me a turn…)

Or, actually, ALL the beasts being freaky together against SMC. Basically a threesome, but change the sex for inducing him. And maybe add a cuck chair- I’M SORRY!!

Uncorrupted SMC experimenting with himself after maybe finding out he has the fetish. Or figure out why his friends have it.

SMC w the fetish, trying to take some tension off privately, but he can’t seem to fully finish without using magic to spy on PV. Who- luckily for SMC, has caught a really bad cold.

Giant SMC escapes into the human world because he wants to get to whoever’s been controlling the cookie world. Only to find whoever’s (the readers) apartment to not only be incredibly small for him (like Alice in wonderland when she grew in the rabbits house), but also littered with stuff he’s incredibly allergic to. And the (reader) YOU, has the kink, how lucky. Because here you have a cookie turnt human happily playing along with your wants.

Chapter Text

The spire moved and shaped around his back, doing it's best to accommodate his large body. His heavier than usual legs kicked up. One of them dangled off a flight of spinning stairs, and the other rests atop a big cardboard box. Shaped like a stage.

His hair drips down in big drops, hitting the floor with a loud thud each time it slipped off his head. Just like snot was bubbling out his flushed and twitchy nose.

He wheezed, coughing so harshly his whole body shook. As well as the spire, he melted into the back of the wall. His back nearing the floor with each slide.

"MASTER SHADOW MILK!!!!" A distant voice screeched, making his eyes crack open. He glanced to an elevated balcony at the side of his face, where Candy Apple stood, waving her hands desperately.

He grunted, closing his eyes again as he leaned away. Sniffling so thickly it sounded like he was gurgling jello.

"Eugh- wha-?" He muttered, slumping even further down. His ears twitched as he heard a sigh, and then the flutter of wings.

He paused as he felt a slight weight land on his puffy nose tip. It immediately made his breath hitch, eyes tearing up as he reared back. The weight is quickly yanked off, just in time for wh-heeh-when-!

"HA'TSCH-HIIUUEEE-!" The release is brought with a very large mist of contagion. Sparkling in the air in front of him like small stars, only to quickly fall down like harsh rain.

Some more thicker part of it dangled from his nose, the eyes in his hair flicked up.

Staring with a bleary and distant look at his two minions. Black Sapphire was holding a flailing Candy Apple. Wings flapping quickly to keep them both away from the sprinkle of his cold.

Shadow Milk grunted, cheek pushing into the wall. He feels the weight land on his padded shoulder, before one of them bravely makes the jump for his ruff. Rolling sown the silky folds, before hitting the side of his neck.

A rheumy eye peeks open, only to send a glance down at the purple blur slowly standing there. A hand gripping his blue side bangs for support.

"My lord!" This time, they didn't need to scream so loud for him to hear. He squeezed
His eyes shut tighter, giving a bland groan in response.

"Do you need anything?!!" Black Sapphire questions, before stumbling as Shadow Milk tilts his head slightly back. Nostrils flaring wide, a warning sign for anyone in front to run before the webbed contents glistening inside gets out.

"Hih-hhuhh-HA-" Shadow Milk desperately tries to hold back, but no amount of sniffling and snorting can keep the itch away.

But he can't- not with his minion's still on him. A tear slips out his eye, landing on Black Sapphire. Who grunts and gasps as his hair gets soaked through with the salty water.

"U-uuughh-huh-!" But as he watches from the side as his master's nose flares wide. He hastily makes up his mind to take cover in a fold of the ruff.

"HA'GTSCHizSiuee-!!!" This one had at least been half contained in his hand. Unfortunately as he pulls back, he finds it to be webbed with a thick, yellowish goop.

His minions turn a blind eye. Candy Apple does it mostly because she couldn't bother caring when she'd had to grip onto his shoulder for dear life to not be thrown off.

The jester wipes the mess away on a nearby curtain. Before gently nudging Black Sapphire with his cheek.

"M'apologizes..." He mutters, a finger absentmindedly rubbing under his nose. Spreading the glistening and contagious mess onto the digit.

"It's-...It's quite alright, my lord!! Accidents happen... So uhm- did you need anything?!!!" Shadow Milk sniffles in thought, rubbing his eye as he stared unfocused ahead.

"...Water- and... A handkerchief..." He mutters, resting his head against the back wall of the spire. Humming thankfully when it responds by shifting into a more comfortable headrest for him.

Black Sapphire has to grip the beasts hair for dear life as he shifts. "I-I'm not sure where we can find something like that- unless you shrink down again?!" His radio host tried to explain. But with a snarl, and nose scrunch from the larger being, Black Sapphire quickly starts to backpedal.

Nervously chuckling, "u-uhm r-right away! Sir..." He stammered, and Shadow Milk felt the small wings of the other graze his jaw slightly before the host takes off.

Dragging with a dazed Candy Apple, his ears briefly flick as he hears a distant door slam shut.

Leaving him in the loud silence of the spire, his hand meets the floor. And he finds it's covered in his hair goop, leaving thick tar like strings when he pulls his hand back.

He opens his eyes, staring down at his mess. His giant bedroom had its bottom floor flooded with a deep darkness occasionally broken with a muddled eye. Making the pencils, paints and papers unusable.

And glancing for his lap, which his position had forced to be in front of him. He can clearly see the remaining sparkle of his cold, quite beautiful if you were unaware of its consequences.

His eyes felt heavy, lidded and puffy, as he slowly glances upwards. Where cardboard cutouts dangled, illuminated by the occasional blueberry blossoms.

He sniffles, squeezing his eyes shut as his mouth opens widely. Shoulders tensing and thighs pressing together.

"H-hAAaHAA-!" The spire trembled in sync with his heaving and large breaths. Very possibly startling its inhabitants for the hundredth time.

"HA'ATXH-HIueew! HA'STKcHIuee! HAP-PAGsChi-UUeew-!"

The spire shook violently again, and through his dazed mind. He can hear the distant thud of what must've been a bookshelf.

His body shuddered, before he slides down completely.

The back of his head hitting the floor, allowing his hair to meet its previously lost pieces. It's cold, freezing even- but his huge body was too insulated for it to bother him.

Shadow Milk sniffled again, as a way to ignore the mess he can feel webbed over his lower face. Slowly dripping down to his neck and ruff.

Forcing an arm of the floor, he folds it over his eyes. Sighing loudly as he tried to relax, yet time passes in what felt like a second.

And he can barely register the minutes having passed until he hears a door open again. His ears perk up, and he listens to the approaching clicks of footsteps.

The tap of a microphone; some static crackled.

"Master!" A voice calls, and he's forced to heave himself back up into a sitting position. Immediately causing some build up of mess to spill out like a nasty waterfall of doom.

He ignores the way his minions cringed, instead glancing at what they'd brought. It was an admirable effort he guessed, staring at the stack of blankets. Unaware of their horrendous fate, as well as some buckets of water.

He grabs the first offered blanket, it wasn't much bigger than half his hand. But it was the best he could get, even if it only took half a blow for it to be deemed useless. And dropped down into his infectious pool of darkness.

His minions watched with barely disguised disgust as he went through at least ten blankets until he could somewhat breathe.

Leaving him to on to the water, picking a bucket up he frowned. While it was unrealistic to find a glass his size that someone like them would be able to carry. These buckets were akin to shot glasses, sure, this could all be fixed with just a bit of magic to shrink himself down.

But he's been rather anxious since losing his fight against the thief. Deeming this necessary, as well as the hardships of caring for such sickness.

He drinks the bucket without even having to take a sip. And it does nothing towards his sore throat, not even as he grabs all the buckets with a single hand and swallows it in a single go.

He drops the empty buckets by the balcony where his minions stand. Whining like a wounded animal as he sinks back down into his mess.

"M-master-!" They both yell in worry, but they can't gather his attention as he cover his face again. Hacking a couple wet coughs, which yet again has them feeling queasy and backing away.

The beast briefly hears them whisper something indescribable to each other. Before he feels a weight on his forehead a couple moments later.

"Shadow Milk! Do you wish for anything else??!" Sapphire questioned, gently massaging his boiling forehead with a cold hand. A cold hand which abruptly turns as warm as his head.

"Yeah!! Anything! Anything at all!!" Candy Apple squeaked, not shying away from touching his still moist hand- or half a finger... Since it's the most she can even touch with his enormous size.

He groaned, slightly squirming in his spot. Slightly moving his arm so he can peek a glassy eye out.

Staring at the concerned faces of his disciples, he sighs softly. Before very carefully moving further up, without jostling the two cookies too much.

"Hmm..." He swallowed thickly, ignoring the ball of phlegm that still stuck inside his throat. What did he need? That they could realistically get him?

"NyQuil..." He rasped quietly, before wiping at his dripping nose. Causing it to twitch and flutter in response, the dark coloring only making it's twitching and scrunching stand out more.

"Hu-huhhh-! G-gooohhna- hih!" His minions paused, as Shadow Milk desperately pressed a finger under his nose. Black Sapphire reacted first, hastily scooped up Candy Apple. Grabbing onto his bangs and flaring out his wings as a sort of shield.

"S-sneeeh—H-hhuhh- hF-fuuhhck-! HA'ERTSChO-ueew-!"

Wheezing right after, he blindly reached for a remaining blanket. Wiping desperately at the dripping mess, it made his nose burn worse. Inflamed and irritated.

He wanted to mutter an apology, but he was too congested. He didn't even need to blow his nose to soak through the fabric. As he throws it down with the rest.

The radio host hesitantly lowers his wing, letting go of their master's hair, as well as a shellshocked Candy Apple.

“Gesundheit!” Black Sapphire microphone crackled, heightening his voice again. And the reverberated static of it made Shadow Milk’s brain slam into his skull with the goal of ending it all.

“Eugh- SNDRK! Shud…Uuuuuuup…” He whined, the wrinkle between his brows deepening.

A bead of sweat forming, quickly wiped off by Candy Apple.

“Apologizes…” The purple cookie muttered, tuning down his microphone. But it did not ease the beast, who was slowly losing his cool the more his head hurt.

Until finally-

“Up ya go-!” He rasped, some strands of his gooey hair wrapping around the two cookies. Tugging them into the air as he can finally stop tilting his head back.

They remained carried in front of him, as his teeth grit. He was going to just placed them aside after a quick warning. Truly, that was all. But his mind blanked in a second due to a single feather light tickle.

His shoulders tensed, eyes narrowing as his nostrils flutter. His minions freeze, before they both start to struggle in his slimy hair. Wings flapping aggressively as they tug and pull.

Screaming his name so he’d at least find the decency to cover.

But as they find themselves being able to see perfectly inside his sinus. Showing the slimy almost gossamer like mess inside, dripping with the bug he picked up.

“Hh—huuuuh-”

“MASTER SHADOW MILK!!!” Their shared yells mix, but like his mind had cleared just as much as his eyes showed unfocus. He finds his head rearing back, and—

“HAA-GAPSHCiUE-eh! Huh- hIH! HAAA- HE’TISCHIUEWW!” The spire shakes, as well as his body. Causing great ripples in the mess beneath.

Coughing and sniffling, his eyes finally open again. Allowing some held back tears to spill freely, and through his blurry vision. He’s harshly meet with the sudden realization he hadn’t moved his minions away.

And he stares with slight pity at the soaked through cookies dangling and dripping in his hold. His previous anger had dissipated completely. Leaving him to just stare at his frozen little brats.

“M’sorry…” He sniffled, snapping Black Sapphire back to reality. As he hastily smiles, despite the fact his hair had been ruined by a viscous liquid most definitely filled with contagion.

“I-it’s quite al-alright, my lor-!” He’s brashly interrupted as Candy Apple also snaps back. Screeching “ew ew ew ew!”

Something that made Shadow Milk’s face flush in slight embarrassment. Even as Black Sapphire tries to intervene with warm lies.

In the end he throws them out without making them to get him anything, talking about bow he needed ‘rest’. They could all tell he was lying.

—

“H’KiXSh!” All of Shadow Milk’s eyes flick to Black Sapphire. The only one who’d come to his side that day. Mostly to bring him some more blanket-handkerchiefs.

The sneeze hadn’t been unexpected, but it sure startled the jester. A day and a half had passed since the… Incident.

And he could tell the moment the host came in his view that he’d caught the bug. But the sneeze had completely dismantled the slight attempt at upholding appearance.

Shadow Milk hummed, teary lashes fluttering as he carefully reached a talon out. The tip of his nail gently placing itself under the hosts chin. Tilting it up so his squinty eyes can assess him further.

Not bother to cough as it fanned the smaller cookies hair back violently. Mostly since he couldn’t make the other sicker. But it still seemed to disgust the cookie.

As the master of the spire, all who lived under its roof was his responsibility. And all he could really offer now was some warmth. His offer was a muttered promise of comfort, a small token of his guilt. Which quickly has his disciple stammering and stuttering.

Flushing dark like grape jam, almost completely making the flush around his nose undistinguished from the rest of his face.

But he doesn’t hesitate at all to scramble into the beast’s hand. Who gently carries him over to rest on his heavy chest as he lies back down.

The jester’s gentleness and affection is quite surprising. But not unusual for when the jester was experiencing the more feverish part of a cold.

Sniffling, he rested his palm like a blanket over the radio star. Eyes closing as he took a deep and shaky breath.

“H’TSH!” He flinched, the new, more feminine sound echoed. And he doesn’t need to open his eyes, because he feels a new weight land on his shoulder pad. Like the bug scampering in his system, this new weight skittishly moved down his arm until reaching where his hand lay on his chest.

And from the way Black Sapphire exasperatedly sighed, he could guess who this was.

“Candy Apple-! Go away…” The older of his brats quietly hissed, but with another squeaky sneeze. Shadow Milk finds himself slowly raising part of his hand to allow the small cookie a resting place.

And when both of them have found their spot, Shadow Milk lets his mind slowly flicker off. Breathe evening out, and body relaxing.

-

Black Sapphire’s eyes flicker over his masters giant hands. The fingers his exact width, but the length? Inches taller than him, not to his surprise. His master always did have- as uncultured cookies would call- long and monstrous hands?

Mostly due to the fact the fingers were scarily long, as well as the edges being sharp black claws. An ombre transition from his masters beautiful blue to the elegant black.

Such beauty was something most couldn’t appreciate… And he wouldn’t have been focusing so hard, if he had not been trying to distract himself from his rather odd position.

Lying on his masters chest, beside an annoying brat. All three sick with a cold, and- oh let’s not forget the sea of black swirling around the master’s body.

It’d be pure stupidity not to realize how incredibly insane this situation was.

“Hhh-hih- H’TIsh!” He gives a brief glance to the brat beside him. Trying to enjoy the situation as much as she could while not being able to get through a single minute without showing sign of the bug penetrating her system.

He sighed, curling on his side. Away from his company, his head hurt. And his limbs even more so, as his legs adjust under the weight of his masters hand.

He assumes his master’s fallen asleep by the way his chest rises and falls in such a peaceful manner.

Black Sapphire trails a finger over the embroidery keeping the diamond on his masters chest. Then his hand creeps further up, grabbing ahold of one of the triangle cut pieces dangling from his shoulders.

Fiddling with the end, he keeps himself awake thinking.

“Hhaa-“ he pauses, nostrils quivering as his breath continued to hitch. Alas, it remains just on the tip. Torturous with each breath, such a pain…

Turning sharply in his spot, he glances to his side. Finding Candy Apple asleep, and snoring softly. Luckily for him, as his breath hitches helplessly. But nothing he does actually helps get the itch out.

Not until he feels a tug on his collar, which was the only warning he gets before he’s pulled up into his masters other palm.

“Ha-!” He gasps, staring wide into the lidded, observant ones of his masters. Who stares at him like he’s a puzzle, he wants to say something. But all he wants to say is interrupted early by his own hitching.

It feels like perpetuity, but his master just has to flick his nose once with the sharp edge of his thumb.

“H-hhuuh-H’Itxshiw-!” His sigh of relief was enough to bring a small smile onto his lord’s face. After being spun around and observed more, he’s placed back down on Shadow Milk’s chest.

He rubs his nose into the fabric quite rudely, and despite it being unlike him.

“Thank you…” He mutters, the response was a slight ruffle of his hair.

—

“Ha-SCHUuU-!!!” Candy Apple and Black Sapphire are jostled violently awake.

A deep heaving breath is all they’re given before Shadow Milk loudly coughs. Shaking them hastily against his chest. And they almost fall despite his hands cupping over their body.

It takes a minute, until he chokes. And is reluctantly forced to hack out phlegm, spitting it into the rest of his mess on the floor.

With a shaky inhale through his nose, which makes his head rumble with congestion, he feels quite a bit better. Not healthy, but definitely not feverish and dazed.

He gives a bright smile, and in the flick of a wrist his minions are landed on a pile of unused blankets.

Their master, now much smaller stood on the edge off the balcony railing. Wringing out the worst of his hair, just until it looked somewhat decent again.

They watched in exhaustion as he stretched and flexed. Before finally sighing.

“Geez! I need a shower~” He mused, hovering just over the floor as he waved his hand. Giving a hasty goodbye, before making his way to the door.

“I-uh- master!” Shadow Milk paused, before turning back with a tense smile. “Yeeeessss~?”

Black Sapphire slowly stands, “a-are you feeling better? I could- hhih- HA’PXSh! Uh- g-get you anything…? SNGF!” His head slightly flared with pain when he snapped forward to stifle.

Shadow Milk briefly returned to his side, gently smoothing out his purple hair as he smiled warmly.

“No.”

And with that he leaves, leaving his minions staring at the newly closed door. Candy Apple decides to speak, while rubbing her tired eyes.

“Do you believe tha-“ they can hear their master’s hitching breath from down the hall. Accompanied with the creak of the spire walls.

“HA’TSSCIEEEWW! Huh-hh- HA’PAAGSSHIUUE!!”

Chapter Text

Light shone through the glass, basking the cookie sitting there in moonlight.

Truthless Recluse had taken a liking to a seat in his new room. A rocking chair sat by a large window, it wasn't comfy by any means.

But it felt comfortingly familiar, and such emotion felt like a luxury to his broken state.

In his hand laid a bunch of cards, he doesn't know how much time has passed. It was a weird concept in the spire, one second downstairs, can be an hour upstairs.

But all he knows is the fact he's gotten awfully good with card tricks. He didn't even look, yet the small plastic covered papers flowed like an elegant ribbon between his fingers.

These cards were the only thing distracting him from the idea he might be the cause of that brave gangs demise. A subject that made him confused, because why...

Why did his heart wrench in what he assumed was grief. He could only blearily remember his time before the spire. Warm smiles, hidden pains, sacrifices...

He doesn't know if he was more or less of a clown now rather than then.

So tragic, he, who used to be some pure cookie. Now sitting here and playing with cards like some bored child, all while a muffled part of him screamed at him to continue his 'task'.

He sighs, flipping a card around. He looked down, making out the blurry image to be the fool displayed. It makes his mind briefly silence, eyes narrowing. Yes, he was indeed a joke.

...

But that didn't mean he-

THUD!

He didn't flinch nor look, only starting to quickly reshuffle the cards as a wrinkle formed between his brows.

A few seconds of silence pass, before he starts to squirm under the obvious gaze of his new company.

"What." He huffed, knowing exactly who stood at the door due to the accompanying bells ringing.

The other continued to remain silent, which was odd, as much as it was copying. Honestly, the recluse had one shtick to himself, only for this many eyed fool to steal that too. Speaking of, he just continued to float closer. And with each metaphorical step, the recluse felt himself getting angrier. Hand digging into the cards.

But when the others warm arms wrapped around his shoulders from behind. He felt every bit of emotion leave him, his mind blanked.

The jester didn't speak, so all the recluse could note was the warmth radiating off the other. As well as their ragged breaths.

He briefly felt a memory resurface, one from when he first entered the spire.

"Hih-hhh-!" Yes, that's right. When he first got here, he could see something hidden behind the act the jester put on.

"Hhhh-hHaAAAa-!" They had had a tint to their nose, a glassy, almost unfocused look in their eye. Slight thickness to his voice, only more noticeable with the occasional raspy word.

All Signs the once pure cookie knew all too well.

"Ha- HA- HAAA!!" This fool had caught a-

"HA—GEShcUIeew-!" A cold...

The recluse paused, confused why the frankly rude and disgusting action had sent a jolt of excitement to his gut. Which he ignored in favor of huffing when he registered the now wet splotch on his robed shoulder.

But he didn't say anything, instead trying to shake the other off. But they had buried their face in his neck, and was just heaving their warm breath through the fabric.

"...I'b nod conagious, if you'e wonde'ing." The jester muttered, voice way more congested and raspy than before. So the Recluse could easily tell it was a lie.

Not that he cared, if he got more disgustingly sick and nasty, then maybe the other would be a little scared off.

"Okay..." He clicked his tongue, stopping his shuffling of the cards.

Bathing them both back in silence, only broken when the other's labored breathing snagged. The recluse could practically feel their quivering nostrils against his clothed skin.

"Hhuhhh-" This time the old healer noted how the spire slightly tensed. It's wall making his head spin in pain. The recluse tried to move away, but the jesters grip was tight. So all he could do was stretch his neck far away. Because at the end of the day, despite being okay with the idea of sickness. He'd rather not have his robes ruined.

"Ha- haaa- HA'PEGScHHUciew-!" This on was wetter than the first, and made him shudder. But Shadow Milk doesn't apologize, only sniffling and coughing.

But the recluse was more interested in the spires walls, now sagging.

"Urrghhh, I'b-" "sick." The recluse finished, only to have the other pull away from him with a angry grunt.

"No. I ab NODT! S-...Siiihh-sick-!" He snaps forward again, spraying the side of the tanned cookie’s face in what was definitely a cold filled mist. The recluse shudders again, bitting his lower lip as he pressed his legs together.

He can't understand why his body's reacting like this. The spire walls looked ready to collapse. Luckily, the jester was so drowned in his own misery that he didn’t notice a thing.

"Eugh- like I said- SNDRK! Not sick." The recluse took a deep, stable breath, before nodding.

The jester moved off his back, spinning around in the air. Albeit very lazily, as he hovers over the other. Before pushing the other to the side to try and fit on the chair. Which left him having to rest his left leg on the recluses lap. Messy liquid hair clinging to the quiet cookies robe, most definitely soiling it.

But Truthless Recluse decided not to say anything, only continuing to try out card tricks. Unfortunately, he noted how he's way more sloppier than he was minutes before.

The wheezing cookie pressing into his side had to constantly correct him. Pointing here and there with murmured criticisms.

But the recluse blames him for his sloppiness, if he didn't have a germ spewing annoyance pressing into him. He wouldn't have been so messy with his fingers.

Why is he even here? Doesn't he have a whole spire to care for?

"Heh-hhhheee-!" The recluse tenses, as the other uses his shoulder to rub his flaring nostrils back and forth. The walls trembled, and tensed.

Yet the master continues to rub, trying to stray the itch, but it did nothing except make his chest heave faster to keep up with the dramatic hitches.

"Huh- ah- ahhh- aAHHH-!" The walls completely tensed to it's tallest height. And The recluse doesn't quite understand what came over him. As he instinctively presses his pointer finger under the other's nose.

Maybe a small fear of the spire collapsing was what fueled it. Or- maybe the swirling sensation in his gut.

The beast chokes on a gasp, eyes widening. The tower freezes in place. Some seconds pass, until the jesters chest slowly sinks in with a shaky exhale. The walls following suit as it relaxed back into its standard look.

The simple action had worked perfectly, but it was awkward. And made Shadow Milk's face flush a gnarly dark blue.

With a snarl, he slaps the hand away. Turning his whole body to be face to face with his new puppet. Mouth opening to yell at the other for such a disrespectful gesture.

But it doesn't take long for the itch to reinstate itself. And the recluse doesn't flinch when a cold mist of infection slaps his face.

"HA'GTSCHUsSie-!" But he sure does need to bite back a moan. The spire practically shook like an earthquake. Before slowly trembling as Shadow Milk coughs and wheezes, before slowly relaxing. Finding his new spot to be rested on the others trembling thigh.

The jesters knee, embroidered with a blue diamond, pressed into a certain spot on the recluse.

But the obviously sick cookie can barely register what's happening before another itch burns the tip of his nose.

It was uncomfortable, and made both of the cookies head spin. One was a response to the cause, the other the result. But pawing at his pointed nose did nothing except make the tickle flare. He reared his head back, taking in a desperate gasp of air.

"Ah'PGSCHIUEWW-!!" The particles of his shameful display are illuminated by the light. Something the recluse couldn't see, but could definitely feel settle on his chin. The spire yet again shook, and the Recluse groans as the others knee pushes further into his...Spot.

"Eugh- SNDRK- geez- huh- haaaa-!" The roof stretches, and spins. Causing the recluse to snap out his stupor.

Shadow Milk tries to bite back, but it's not working. So he grips the other's upper arm, tugging and making hasty gestures as his breath hitches.

The recluse gulps, slightly adjusting his leg so the other wouldn’t feel the growing bump pressing into their knee.

“H-HAA-!” The exaggerated breaths are cut off when the finger returns. Making the jester puffy appendage squish, squeaking wetly in response.

Another long bundle of seconds passes, before Shadow Milk relaxes. Sighing loudly, not caring if he’s dripping over the recluses finger.

Instead he manages to crack his glassy eyes open, just enough to register the other’s flushed face and dilated pupils.

As they continued staring at each other, with recluses frown twitching slightly.

Shadow Milk slowly lets the pieces click, before smiling quite broadly.

-

“H-hhoo-how dare you?!” He gritted, eyes narrowing as the bright light of his now overtaken other realm burnt his eyes.

His breath hitched, nostrils fluttering wide.

“Y-you- huuuhh… You tricked me?!” He spat, ignoring the way his minions scampered a little further away.

“Oh, this is bad..! His power is out of control!! We’re one crumb away from collateral da-“

“HA’TSGCSHIEW!!” The spire shook, a few pillars shattering. Just like it’s master’s collapsing sanity.

Shadow Milk roared angrily, glaring daggers at the recluse(?)

“GIVE ME BACK MY SOUL JAM!!!!”

The others staff raised high, and despite the haste in which the jester moved. He could not reach in time as the end of the flower slammed down. Cracking the soul jam into bits, releasing it off the layer of darkness.

Shadow Milk freezes, hastily shielding his eyes from the bright light. Beautiful golden ribbons spinning like gentle waves, the gentle fluttering of white robes.

And Shadow Milk could feel it… Like warm rag gently wiped off the thick tar of his deceit from everywhere, including the crevices of earth bread.

It made his head hurt, and limbs feel heavy like he was stuffed full of rocks. He grits his teeth, a feverish warmth making his head spin. And when he looked up, it was only him and the… Thief…

“Are you alright?” The healer’s soft voice echoed, footsteps slowly approaching. Shadow Milk pushed himself from the floor he hadn’t realized he had fallen on. “You seem-… Hhh-” The vanillian paused, white and long eyelashes fluttering shut.

Tilting his head back his elbow rises, face frozen just slightly. Before he snaps into his soft white sleeve.

“Hiih- H-aISscHUu!” Shadow Milk flinches, staring at the other. He- he would’ve assumed the awakening would come with shaking the sickness they shared.

Pure Vanilla wiped off his reddened nose, the edges of it slightly shiny with mess.

Shadow Milk smiled, coughing out dry and fake laughs that wracked through his whole body. The shining cookie paused, before smiling even brighter. Immediately throwing off the jester, who sniffles.

“Guh- you-…. You might’ve won this battle…” He rasped, stumbling on his weak legs.

“B-but your friend’s are gone- and- and you’re still sick!” He cackled, only to barrel over coughing and wheezing.

“Fo-forever crumbled, forced to roam my spire as helpless and lost so-ooohh- hihh- souls-!”

“H-hhuih- HA’GTSXh-hueew!” His head slightly spins from stifling, but who cares-? He was just happy to have-

A hand is placed on his shoulder, the jester flinches. Trying to hastily get away, but he trips over his own useless legs. Curse him for never using them!

“Oh!” The healer gasped, before giggling after he’s caught him by the arms. Smoothly tugging him back to rest into his chest.

Which he responds with flailing, slapping the others hands away as he steps back. Blushing madly.

“You disgusting freak-!” He spat, not daring to look down the healer’s waistline. “Y-you- huhhh- HA’AGKXSH!” He gasped as strings of mess trails down his fingers.

The healer doesn’t flinch, only offering the ends of his robes. Which is denied with another hateful smack.

“Aw… I thought we’d gotten close enough for that…” Pure Vanilla sighed, but the smile on his face removed any kind of genuine sadness from his words.

“I-iihh- I did that with the RECLUSE, not you.” Shadow Milk hastily replied, swatting away the approaching and perverse hand of the healer.

But the king held no ounce of anger in his expression, only a soft grin. “We can change that~” He flushes even fiercer, legs pressing together in reflex from their previous night spent.

“You fucking-” “PURE VANILLA COOKIE!” A voice calls from down the hall, and Shadow Milk’s face drops in shock.

The two cookies with shared soul and cold turn to look down the hall. Where the approaching figures of four cookies grow near. Pure Vanilla adjusts his robes, completely calm as the once presumed ‘crumbled’ cookies near.

“My friends! I’m happy you’re uhh- uhnaa…Huh- HA’ISCcch!” He hastily turns his head away, forgetting completely about the jester. Who flinches harshly when a few wet drops land on him.

Not that it’d to much harm, it was his bug originally, no?

“Oh uhm- bless you…” Strawberry Cookie muttered, the kids slightly backing away.

Shadow Milk was only half listening to their little reunion- or whatever. Still stuck in his shock, but that was soon to be over.

He REFUSED, to be defeated like this!!

-

Friend…

It’s a word his mind had been playing on loop ever since it was spoken. In the midst of his fight, he’d let the cardboard animatronic of him take place. Taking the opportunity to flee away to find a place to heal.

But he knew the healer saw him flee, the kids were fine on their own when fighting. So the jester knew he was being followed.

And yet the silence was loud, he fiddled with the edge of his clothing.

He fiddled till he felt a tug at his soul, a silent warning. But he was too feverish to notice until a knock echoed from the rooms door.

He glanced up, staring at the familiar light peeking out from the bottom. He-… He would’ve been scared had be not been so incredibly tired.

Every inch of his body was heavy with said exhaustion.

“Are you okay…?” The healer questioned, gently knocking again. It disgusted the beast, such caring words were not what should realistically be said at the moment.

Shadow Milk knew he hadn’t locked the door, he knew for a fact.

He didn’t want to talk…

So with his remaining strength, he slipped into the small closet he created. It was empty, except for when he stepped in and closed the door. Pushing himself into the furthest corner.

He knew it was a horrible hiding spot. The worst of the worst.

It was so bad he was fully ready to accept being capture and trapped again. Pushing his face into his knees, muffling his sniffling and soaking up his tears.

The outside door creaked open, and he flinched. Pushing himself further back into the closet, curling even tighter into himself. Body trembling with each approaching step.

Until-

“Shadow Milk…” The voice echos from outside his spot. “Can I open…?” There a gentle thud of a hand landing on the door.

He doesn’t respond, curling tighter. As if he’d be able to disappear, a word continued to haunt him.

Friend … Friend..

The healer sighs, before sniffling. Shadow Milk flinches when the other’s breath hitches, before stifling a very wet sounding sneeze.

“Huughh- pardon…” Another sniffle, then silence…

…

The door doesn’t open…

“A-are you okay?… Bluebird? I- I mean… It must be uncomfortable in there..!”

His brows furrow, before he scoffs. Wiping off his face. “Go away…” His usually pristine voice cracked, throat closing up only daring to open if he wanted the other to hear his sobbing.

There’s another sigh from outside, before Shadow Milk huffs. Just slightly pushing the door open, it’s better to be capture now. Instead of sitting in this closet and being mentally tortured.

His action makes the healer grab the handle to pull the rest open.

The jester can feel the other’s stare, judgmental probably. He feels horrible, everything was going in his favor. Only to be completely ruined by one little pathetic cookie.

Hiccuping, he refuses to acknowledge when the other creeps closer. Fingers gently gliding through his hair, disrupting the way its many blue eyes littered about cried.

“Why don’t we stop this game…” The healer coo’s, so soft. Despite all that the beast had done, and what the beast would continue to do.

“SNdF! You’re- stupid…” He spat, weakly swatting as the hand in his hair. But it did nothing. Ultimately leading him to shakily grip the healer’s wrist.

“You said that yesterday, and then said that I was like your friends. What’s different now?” The question, albeit very simple and reasonable.

Felt like an insult to the jesters ears, who instantly pounces on the healer. They both roll on the ground, before Shadow Milk finds himself atop the other.

“BECAUSE YOU WERE-… YOu-… You were…” He pauses, small droplets of- water? Taps against the healers face.

Pure Vanilla doesn’t seem bothered, instead lifting a hand to gently swipe at where the waters coming from.

Shadow Milk leans into the touch, cheek squishing into the warmth as his eyes burn.

“I-… I can still understand you… Hell…Even more so now….” Shadow Milk scoffed, ignoring the soft gaze from the blabbering idiot below.

“Then- why don’t I get you… Why would-… Why?” He sobs, hands digging into the others vestment.

“Come with me to the vanilla kingdom, and I’ll tell you all you want to know…” He combs his fingers through the others hair again.

And this time, without the factor of being watched. Of being in the midst of a fight.

Shadow Milk can truly think it through… It was stupid… So stupid.

Dark Enchantress wouldn’t like this… A-and, what about the other beasts? Salty and Sugar weren’t done yet… If he betrayed them now- what’ll happen?

A-and his minions… His spire! He can’t just-…Abandon…

“It’ll be okay… Trust me.” Drip- drip…

“I can’t-…” He hiccuped, and Pure Vanilla slowly sat up.

“Please- I’ll… I’ll help you…” He mumbled, pressing their foreheads together. His jewels clinked, shining like golden stars.

The jester sighed, pushing himself to his feet.

“You can’t…”

Their hands entwined, Pure Vanilla squeezed. Standing to his full height, towering over the jester. Whose legs shake from standing.

“Then let’s… Let’s figure out how we can.”

….

“Okay…”

They share a smile, before Shadow Milk allows himself to be pulled away. Feet stumbling a bit to catch up, he hastily pushes off the ground to continue floating.

Face flushing darker as he stares to their hands.

How would he explain this to his minions? To his colleagues? To…Anyo-?

“Huh- HA’HIISSchu!” He flinches, making the healer laugh again.

He resists the urge to spew some hasty insult, maybe telling him to ‘shut it’. But instead he looks ahead, wondering where this would go.

- bonus.

SMC: “MY ANIMATRONIC???”

A sizzling sound emanates from the charred mess ok the floor.

BraveGang: “Oh- whoops…”

SMC: “MY SPIRE?!?!”

He stares at the huge pile of rubble

PV: “Uhm- we can get you a new one?”

SMC: .°(ಗдಗ。)°.

Chapter Text

Uncorrupted

Such shame... Thats what he felt.

Squirming uncomfortably as his clammy hands stain his thighs. His jaw remained unscrewed and dangling wide, allowing him to take deep breaths in.

"Hhhhiuhh— I- I haaaveee to- hhhhh!" Tears fall down his flushed cheeks, nostrils trembling and squeezing reflexively around the tissue. More snot dribbling down to his upper lip, staining it like a shiny gloss.

"Hhh-haaa- ahhh- aa—aaah- O-oh gracious!!" His eyes squeezed shut, pushing out more tears. His fingers twitched, but he refuses to disobey the set rules of the game. Refuses to push the tissue spinning idly around the inside of his tortured nasal cavity.

Inflamed and puffy with irritation, he rolled his hips. Pressing his thigh further together as his head instinctively jerked away.

Yet he accepts the punishment that follows, his hair grabbed to tug him back to place. Nose twitching, nostrils flaring.

He muttered to himself, silent begging, praying, trying to hold his breath.

"P-pleeaaah- ahhh- AHH-!" He bites his lip, nose scrunching up. But it only pushed the tissue further in, allowing it to hit a spot that throws all his fight away.

"I-iihh- Iii'mm soo-ooh-sorry-! HI'TSCHiueeeww-!! HA'GSChiUE-eew-!"

The tissue is removed, leaving him a panting mess. Nose dripping down his chin, soiling his collar. His glassy eyes glance up, apologetic as he sniffles thickly.

-

Normal

He was completely still, beads of tears prickling at his many eyes.

His shoulders trembled, nose briefly flicking around the soft feather. Like it was a game, he breathed out carefully through his mouth. Giving a prideful smile, glassy eyes lidding so confidently.

"Y-yoouu- n-neeh-hh- tr-try better t-thaaan-!" He wheezed, and with a simple sharp flick of the feather his smile breaks. Nails ripping into his romper legs, chest expanding rapidly.

"Hhhuuuh-? HAaa-! Haaaaa ah- ahhh— AHHHa-!" He slouches over, arms shaking as he digs his fingers into his skin.

Some snot dribbles out, soaking through the feather. But not making it any less ih-itchhhy-!

"Ah- AHHHHhhh- ahhh ah ah-!" Squirming in his spot, he rubbed his legs together. Trying to distract his hands from trying to swat the irritant away.

"Y-uou- hoh- wooooh- you-you're being- hih- rough-! Hhh.."

His shiny nostrils flick, quivering around the soggy bristles of the feather.

"Oh- but you're no match for- f-ooohh- oh-!" The feather pushes as far in as possible, making him gasp exaggeratedly.

"HA'GASSCXhuue! Ah- ahhh- AH'PgSHIEEWW-!!!" He hastily snaps his head down, spraying the air in front of him, as well as his company.

The rest of it drips down his face to his lap, the feather a lost bundle of mucus and soggy bristles.

"Uuhh- SNF! Geez- that's- woooh- okay, hm, again? You sure?"

His lips curl up, adjusting his position and rubbing his trembling legs together.

-

Sage

He curiously looked through the bouquet, a calm, almost gentle smile grazing his features. But his sharp, lustful gaze was enough to make even the sweetest of his smiles seem smug.

"Did youuh know?" He plucked out a flower. "Primroses used to be rumored to give the ability to see a fairy~. Just eat one, they'd said!" He giggled.

Offering it out to his listener, "so many children munched them down, of course it didn't w-woooh- oh! H-hhaasty are we?" He wheezed, the petals of the flower wavering under his twitching nose. Some snot already coating the top, his nose grew flushed as he sniffed it without care.

Matter of fact, he seemed overjoyed at the itching. At his company's watching, at the way it made his body tremble and eyes water.

"O-oh? Y-you wish f-fooh- hh- m-more i-iiihhh- info-?" He mumbled, a teardrop slipped down his chin. Tapping the back of his hand as it twitched, fingers flexing as he raked his drifting mind.

"W-well- primroses a-hh- are a big p-part in love potions!! S-so-oohh-something I-I'm quite ha—happy about..!" His eyebrows knitted together, biting back more hitching breaths.

The flower is pushed further in, and he bites back a gasp.

"I-ih- u-uhhh- oh! I- SDNF! Oh heavnely- huhh- p-pardon-! I- SNF- g-guh u-uh... D-did you know- t-they- huuhh- t-taste like le-lettuce-?" He stammered, another tear sliding down his face.

He tried not to breathe in through his nose again.

"W-weeehh- well! I- uh- I this one a-hh—p-probably-! Hihhhh! D-doesn't ta-taste like l-eeg-h-hhhih-!" He gasped, crushing the bottom of the bouquet between his hands. A few more of the flowers falling down into his lap.

Without managing another word, he mutters an excuse, fanning his face as he allows his breath to flare up. Eyes squeezing shut.

"HA'KGXSH! Huh- oh- H'PGxSh!! H'KGxsh! Ah-AGzsh! Huh- hhhmmm pardon..."

He snorted, a smile returning to his face. Rubbing tears from his eyes, nose scrunching just slightly as the remaining soaked petals fall out.

-

Fem

Smoothing out her dress, she stared dazed ahead. Nose scrunching this way and that, but it did nothing to scratch the strong smell of the incense.

Her chest shakes with each labored breath, eyes closing as she tries to focus on ignoring the tickle.

"Goodness-" she breathlessly murmured, a trail of mess leaking out. Like her body was trying to block out the smell, but her company wipes it away within seconds.

Not giving her a chance to ignore the growing tickle, the devastating itch prickling harshly.

She gave a shaky sigh, eyes cracking open again.

"Hm- do-oohhh- hih-! Dear me-! I-iihh- o-ooh- SNF! How cruelly slow!" She laughed, using her thighs to keep her own hands locked. To keep them away from her quivering nostrils.

Until finally, the smell hit a bit too harshly. She stammers, legs grinding together as she heaved.

"Oh- e-excuse- m-meeeeh-" her breath snagged, head rearing back. Her padded shoulders tensed.

"Ha- HAAA- HhaaaAAAAA-! Ha'KGgSXH-huu! Hih—KXSh-hieeww~!"

Laughing, she felt her eyes lid. Hands sliding out from their jail, tugging with the hem of her dress. Pressing it to her twitching nose, it was against the rules of the game. But who can say no to such a kind lady?

"HA'TSchIUew! H-hhuh-HAa-! Haa'KScH-huuu!" She whined, rubbing her dark blue nose.

Glancing to the incense, she watches the light slowly reach the bottom.

"H-huuh- HA'KGSH! Huhh- SNF! Excuse me, doll!"

Chapter Text

The leaves rustled, whispering their secrets and stories. The living plantation of the garden curled away from the being covered in dark blues and blacks. Not at all matching the gardens pastels, and gentle palettes.

The being which did not match hummed a merry tune. Ignoring the way the branches of the tree tried to wiggle away from her.

She was far too busy trying to pluck the best looking berries. Their heart shapes making her heart twist uncomfortably in her ribcage. Still so disgustingly sensitive and malleable from the recent tragedy that was her fight with that compassionate fool.

And so, like the humble jester she was. She decided to come bearing news to her 'friend' in fun little words.

She already knew of the new guests the garden held, and she already knew what'll happen.

So with her most beautiful mask, and generous heart. She'd warn.

A soft wind made her silky white hair flow, her eyes squeezing shut as she took a great whiff of the approaching smell. So sickeningly sweet it made her skin shrivel up.

"What brings you here, I wonder~?" The soft voice called, the disguised jester didn't turn. Hand absentmindedly playing with a particularly juicy fruit.

"Don't tell me you seek Happiness from me?" She scoffed at the idea, spinning around on her sharp black heels.

Laughing in the face of the pink beast, who was just barely hiding their annoyance behind a twitching brow and murderous gaze.

"Oh- don't be silly!" She waved a hand, adjusting the position of her basket. "That berry from the Heart of your Garden must be right in season!" The jester giggled, gently stepping away from the tree and closer to the other beast.

"I hoped to gather some for my little-... Struggling student." Eternal Sugar's hand squeezed to a fist, but her smile remains warm.

Wings puffing up as she sighed, exasperated in her tired demeanor when she presses a hand to her cheek.

"Why are you here? Your- disguise scares my sweetlings~"

The word loses the edged threatening aura when the other smiles toothily. Chest puffing up pridefully.

"Why, thank you kindly! I'll take it as a compliment for my acting~!"

There's a beat of silence, before Eternal Sugar deflates. Sending the blue cookie a warning glare.

"Very well...Enjoy the plentifulness of my Garden. But know that I will not tolerate any of your... Tricks" The jester smiled widely, eyelashes fluttering innocently.

"My my! What happened to the gracious hostess I once knew? Will you shun me so cold-heartedly after all we've been through together?"

Her head tilts to the side, milky hair falling with in rivulets like a curtain of light. Eternal Sugar smiles again, hand gently gliding over the lyre she was holding.

"Ahh~ That is exactly why I'm warning you! You'd always sprinkle a dash of deception and maker sure everything flows to your advantage."  She moves a little closer, her wings fluttering behind her as she lands on the ground just inches from the other.

The jesters eyes lid, smile growing some inches.

"Hmm...I simply have no idea what you're talking about!" She tries to innocently muse, but her own pride pushes her to keep talking. Leaning forward with a widening grin.

"Aha!" She heaved an breathy laugh. "You mean how I turned your sugar angels into jesters and made them jump over fiery coals~?!" The jesters eyes darken, smile practically splitting her face. Sharp teeth shining in the light, a manicured finger gently pressing into the other's chest.

"Orrrr...Spreading that rumor about how your Garden exists at the bottom of the cliff—and nudging that foolish Cookie ever so slightly toward their crumbly demise?" Eyes narrowing to slits, the jester practically shaking with joy at the others barely contained anger.

"Yes and yes... Now I'd appreciate it if you'd leave my realm at once. Along with your mask of false innocence~"

The azure woman sighed, pushing a hand to her forehead dramatically.

"You're being so harsh! Whats life without a little beastly entertainment, hmm?" She questioned, adding the rest of her fingers onto the others chest.

It gave her the opportunity to feel the other's heart. Beating an unevenly slow pace.

"You and I both know you always act for your benefit and your benefit alone." She stated, before her heart picks up as her mind drifts. Face flushing.

"Now would you leave us be? My other half awaits me~..." Her pupils practically turn to hearts, shining so brightly like a pool of stars.

But the blue cookie doesn't listen, instead gritting her sharp teeth. Laughter bubbling out loudly as he cruelly narrowed her eyes.

"You two must be enjoying each other's company!" She spat, before her eyes narrow as he gets to the point in which she came to share. "But take it from me... Ease up on your 'other half'."

Eternal Sugar snaps out her love struck daze, squinting at the other. "What?"

"Obsessive love can be oh~so stifling! Keep suffocating your other half, and they'll run away!" She cackled, but the other only smiles again.

"That wont happen~ We're like two sugar cubes in a jar!" She gleamed, "she left my paradise, but returned, back into my arms!" Her eyes narrow at the other’s disbelieving look.

“Well, my advice to you is, keep a close eye on them. A Cookie’s heart is fickle—it can change in a heartbeat!” She warned, noting the way it made the other’s eyes narrow.

“WRONG!” She spat, wings flaring widely as she got into the others face. The jester’s pointed nose scrunched as the other’s strong scent.

“Hollyberry Cookie is mine, forever and ever~!” She sung, tugging the other closer by their capes bow.

The cookie choked a laugh, pressing a finger to the side of her twitching blue nose.

“Awww~ just look at you all lovey-dovey! It makes me want to keep teasing yoouh!” Her breath snagged, that sweet scent so disgustingly harsh.

She should’ve been leaving by now, but she couldn’t focus with the growing irritation this smell was giving. Sticking to the small hairs in her nose, the other beast paused. The angry expression dissolving into one of interest.

Eternal Sugar could recognize the others nose scrunches from anywhere. And her thoughts are proven right when the others breath hitches.

They try to hide it, biting their lip and trying to excuse themselves. But their path is blocked by a large wing, hand grabbing their shoulder and slamming their back into the tree they were previously picking from.

The force of it causes the milk cookie to drop their basket. Eyes snapping wide in shock, before blinking rapidly to dislodge the irritated tears welling up.

“I- haha- I thought you wanted me to leave..?” She gulped, squinting incredulously at the bringer of happiness.

Who just smiled back, wings closing in around them and casting them both in shadow. Her hands rest on the bark on either side of the jesters increasingly flushing face.

“I did… Didn’t I…?” She hummed, expression blank. But eyes so clearly fixated on the other’s twitching nose.

The blue cookie tensed when the others sharp fingers raise. The thumb gently pressing into the side of her blue nose. Squishing it up and causing the tickle to flare, her breath hitches.

Before going pallid in horror with realization.

“I-“ she tried to laugh it off, but it breaks off into heaves. Pushing helplessly at the other, she realizes she’s trapped. Her mind to focused on holding back the growing itch to shape shift into something that could escape.

Not that it mattered.

As she foolishly walked into another beast’s territory. And unless she was ready to fight, she wouldn’t be able to escape.

“You never answered my question.” The bringer mused after a while of playing with the other’s sensitive appendage.

“W-whaaht?” She hissed, a single stray tear poking at the side of her lovely blue eyes.

“Why are you here~? Truthfully.” She questioned, dragging her thumb down the bridge of their nose.

“I-“

“Does it have to do with your other half~?” She giggled, making the other’s body tense.

Eternal Sugar perked up with a cruel smile. “Ooohh! So it is so~” There’s a small beat of silence, before the milky cookie’s breath hitched again.

This was humiliating, it- it wasn’t supposed to be! All she planned to do was get some fruit and warn the other. But alas, here she was. All her control being revealed as a fluke, she shamefully looked away.

“Aww, dearest friend~” She cooed, removing her hand from their nose to pluck out a feather from her wing. It made the other sweat, stuttering nervously and trying to get away. But the beast simply uses her free hand to hold the jester in place.

“I-I’m sure we c-ahh-can- talk this out!” She begs as if the next action was a threat to her life. She feel’s a growing sense of panic when the other twirls the feather between her sharp fingers.

“Well, you shouldn’t have been such a bad little cookie then!” The angel mused, gently flicking the bottom of the feather under the others fluttering nostrils.

“Ah- Hmm-!” The jester trembles, trying to rip the others hands off. But in the end it does nothing but make the slothful cookie push deeper.

“Don’t be so sad~ what did you honestly expect? Coming to my Garden so rudely without invite…” She crooned, spinning the feather around till it slipped up the others left nostril. Making it flare to escape the soft bristles rubbing against the sensitive insides.

“U-uughh- m’sorry—!” She whined, but the beast only focused on trying to usher out the first sneeze.

And with a final twist- the blue cookie reared back

“HA’GschIu-heew-! H-huuh- Hh’TEGsChui-HUuw-!”

Eternal Sugar shudders, feeling the wet sprinkle landing on her chest. Settling comfortably on her flushing dough, while it’s not her dearest other half.

Her dear old friend was a great substitute, always so lovely. Just the right amount of breathy and wet, and the vocals sounded so rough and desperate.

So nostalgic~

She giggles, discarding the wet feather. Plucking out a new one from her wings, much to the displeasure of the heaving jester.

“I- you’re not being very kind to your guest.” She huffed, blinking out some tears. Which ruins her mascara.

“Guest? Oh, hon, I never invited you here.” She grinned cruelly, using her thumb to wipe off some moisture from the others flushed nostrils.

The Milk Cookie sniffled, watching the other push the new feather inside the previously ignored nostril. It burnt.

“H-hhuhh-!” Biting her bottom lip she squeezed her rheumy eyes shut. This felt weirdly familiar, a sense of deja vu having the jester raking their vast collection of knowledge and memories.

“H-HAA-!” Right! Years ago, at the beginning of their corruption. When he was still the fount, something exactly like this had happened.

“Huh-TSCHI-HUee-!”

And he had been equally as humiliated during it.

“He he~! You’re so reactive…” She mused, before continuing her punishment.

“But that is quite deserved for such a bad cookie!” The sugar cookie giggled, pushing the new feather further up.

“H-haaA-HA’KSChiu-Euh-!

This time she sprayed the bringers collarbone, sending the feather flying as it landed with a wet splotch on the others chest. Her nose scrunches as she sniffles up the gunk.

“U-ihh- rude…” She whined, digging her nails into the others wrist.

“Not as rude as entering another’s garden and stealing their berries!” Eternal Sugar mused, giving the other’s runny and flushed nose a quick peck.

Not caring how the other’s buffered in shock, before slipping down the tree’s base as the beastly angel giggled. Wings returning to behind her back, her face flushed happily.

Her shoulders relaxed as she gently started flapping her wings to get off the ground.

“Don’t cause too much trouble on the way out!Or I’ll make the next punishment less kind.”

Chapter Text

"Ch-cheech-huh- HA'KIscHIuw!"

Chess is a game of rules and strategy, every move predetermined. Every move already once used. Every outline preexisting.

"Huh-HhIH-!"

And yet, despite his endless river of knowledge, he can't focus.

"H-hihhh-HA'ITShiUw! Snf! Excuses..." The radio host mumbled, before politely turning his head to blow his nose again.

It turned soggy in seconds, dripping with whatever nasty little bug he picked up.

But Shadow Milk was all smiles, finger fiddling with the pawn he'd managed to catch. He'd lost-... Quite a lot in the past hours.

But can you blame him? He was far too busy enjoying every single minute that passed. Every sniffle, every hitch, every cough and wheeze.

All the he had to complain about was the other's talent in covering. Every single sneeze had been very well contained in tissues and sleeves.

The closest he could get to grasping the little cold, was in the black pieces he caught. Each having been very thoroughly touched by the other's germy hands.

If he closed his many eyes, he could practically feel the contagious little particles cozying up on his digits. Ready to be subtly rubbed onto his lips and nose, of course it wasn't- well, the best, way of infection.

But it was the only way unless one manned up and just admitted aloud why'd they'd been playing chess for the last seven hours straight.

Shadow Milk was too prideful and glued to the bit to just admit he wanted the other's cold. And Black Sapphire was too aware he'd need to play caretaker if the other caught this, not that he minded. He just felt a little shy about such a task...

And it just so happened that one was more eager than the other to fulfill their goal.

"Check!" The jester triumphantly announced, as the other blearily blinked away tears. Sniffling he leaned over the board, raising a finger to absentmindedly rub under his nose as he tried to think of a way to salvage it.

Snorting, he went to move the king to the right. Before pausing, brows knitting together as he tiredly excuse himself. Rearing back, as he turned his whole body away.

"H'ITSsChiUw!" Eugh, he mentally noted. Staring disgusted at the thick mess in his tissue, something his company was gleefully leering at. Even as it was hastily discarded with the rest, he plucked a fresh one.

Seeing as his master had gifted him an endless box, something the Milk cookie was regretting terribly.

"Hm, why, you look worse, Sapphy~" he sang, not even paying attention to the board as he just moved a piece. A absentminded gesture that came from years of chess games. Yet he knew it was a bad move, due to the other's flickering grin.

A grin which looked heavenly due to the glistening mess on his upper lip. Shadow Milk swooned, almost drunk at the image before him.

The perfect signs of sickness, pale face, slightly sweaty, the watery puffy eyes with wet lashes. And of course, the main event, the flushed nose with shiny rimmed nostrils.

It had him taken each loss with a uncharacteristically positive demeanor.

"Ch-checkbate!" The host sniffled, taking the win yet again with a lazed smile. Rubbing his eyes with a knuckle as he rested his chin in his palm. Exhaustion clear due to the dark circles under his eyes.

But the silent little fight was enough to keep him sitting there. As he refused to let the other win, yet he also refused to be the first to leave.

So with a tired lid of his eyes, he watches his master rearrange the board. Movements so professional and smooth, even as he took his sweet time when handling the sick cookie's pieces.

"How about some blitz?" The blue cookie asked, materializing a clock that gently lands between them. His minion hums, before agreeing with another honking nose blow.

Nose scrunching side to side as the timer started. And Shadow Milk quickly makes his first move.

Click Click.

The clink of pieces start to fill the thick silence, along with the clicking of the clock's buttons.

Click Click.

It was Sapphire's turn again, he coughed before moving his bishop.

Click Click

It was taken by the white knight, he grunts. Moving a pawn with a thick sniffle.

Click Click

The beast was barely thinking, head in the clouds. Eyes unfocused as he didn't even pay attention to whatever move he did on the board.

Click Click

Yet Black Sapphire was taking it so seriously, seeing as the game was the only thing keeping him from falling asleep. He sniffled, hastily clicking the clock in time as the other made his own move within seconds.

Click Click

It was starting to feel a bit stressful, with his master's time barely having been chipped at all. And he's here, feverishly running out of time as he's constantly put on the spot again.

Tick Tock.

At some point he finds the clock dangerously close to the finish line, but yet he's far from having made a move.

Tick tock.

A feels a bead of sweat form, he- he throw the towel in... But that'd be bad for his ego!

TICK TOCK TICK TOCK!

So in his rush to push the time back onto the other, he can barely register the flaring itch in time as he moves a piece and quickly reaches across the table to the clock.

"H-hih-ha a HAA-!"

Click Click

"HA'TISSSCHIIIuwww!"

...

The clock continues going, this time biting off from Shadow Milk's unused time... Not that he was worrying about that, he was much more focused on the illuminated mist of germs currently settling over the board. As well as the air in front of him.

He takes a deep breath in, a hand squeezing his thighs to try and ease the growing tightness.

Black Sapphire didn't even fully register what he did, only sighing in relief that he'd managed to make it his master's turn.

Speaking of.

"By lord?"

He snaps out of his doozy, smile bright to accompany his very flushed face. He glances at his own clock, before moving his queen.

Click Click

"Checkmate..." Shadow Milk pauses, hand having already reached out for the contaminated pawn he was gonna move.

In his daze he hadn't realized his king had been cornered. He claps his hands, cheery in his smile as he resets the board and clock.

"Impressive! My dear little minion~" He applauded, taking the opportunity to rub his own nose with his definitely contagious fingers.

Happily taking a breath in, he imagines the little bugs entering his system. But he wasn't done until the other got ready to fully seal the deal and throw out the covering nonsense.

Alas, he should just be happy that the host had long stopped stifling his rather wet outbursts.

They continued, game after game.

“Chheh-checkmate.” “Checkma-ah- ahhhte.” “Check-mate.” “Ch-heeeh-eckmate.” “Checkmate!”

It was starting to became a part of the host’s vocabulary as round after round he found himself to have cornered the knowledgable jester.

But Shadow Milk paid no mind, only smiling brightly. Eyes all dewy.

Alas, the game was growing boring, especially as the other didn’t do any more slip-ups. He hums, pausing his rearranging to tap a pawn onto the board absentmindedly.

"How about we make a bet, hm? It's getting quite dull with the same old game!" He offered, immediately noting how the other tensed. Before pridefully puffing up their chest and sending him a curious look.

"Whad do you have id mi'd, m'lord?" His voice had gotten more congested, and Shadow Milk repressed another groan.

Instead keeping a calm demeanor as he adjusted some pieces.

"Oh~ just something little! A small reward given to the winner, hmm? Winner can choose the reward~ assssss long as it's within the other capabilities!" Black Sapphire saw through it immediately, he was just surprised it took this long for his master to implement something like this.

Still, he was confident he could win again. Just like very other round, he gave a curt nod.

Ignoring the way it made his master light up like a flame of passion. A smug smirk revealing those sharp milky white teeth.

"Fantastic!" He clapped his hands, as the other coughed.

“What’ll you choose as a reward?” He questioned, but the other only makes a silencing gesture. A finger pressed to his smile, the other one clicking the clock to start.

Click Click.

Black Sapphire was confident he could win again, as he rubbed his forehead. He felt much more feverish, but also much more prideful. As he manages to catch a knight rather quickly. Smiling widely, quite unaware of his master's smug grin.

Click Click.

The jester was squirming, legs tensing as he bit his lip. Watching the other's focused glare on the board, the time was slowly disappearing. Oh, but no matter, he was going to get his wish whether the host liked it or not.

Click Click.

The host paused as he watched his queen taken out so easily… But- it’d be fine… He thought, eyes fluttering close as he took a deep breath. Noting the way it made the other tense, he knew he could probably win again. But he was still wary, seeing as the other was wanting something of him. He hadn’t personally thought of what he’d want as a reward, but maybe the biggest prize would be the other’s loss.

Click Click.

Shadow Milk bit his thumb, not out of nervousness. But to ignore the way he throbbed, his face flushes a little darker as he gave a small grin. This- grand.

The clock ticked, and he already knew which move he wanted to do. But he was a little too distracted by the other’s quivering nose. Constantly being squished between tissues and fingers.

He was well aware of his previous losses, but that had nothing on his perfectly crafted ego and intelligence. Currently fueling his open squirming, he knew what he wanted.

Black Sapphire knew too.

Click Click.

Sapphire was sweating, he was…Confused... How- there... He gritted his teeth, watching as more of his pieces disappeared. He- he had been doing so good!

In only a few actions, his illustrious lord had cornered him mostly. It was close to checkmate, b-but he… He can fix this!

Tick.

He refuses to follow suit with the other’s ideas, but he- he’s running out of time….

Black Sapphire sniffles as he reaches for his king. Before his body went rigid.

Tock.

His nostrils twitched, pupils flicking to his timer. He- he didn't have much time left...

His eyes squeeze shut, head rearing back. He had gripped the king tightly in his trembling hand.

Tick Tock.

"Hh-huuuh-haah-!"

Shadow Milk freezes, eyes moving up from the board in which he'd been hyper fixated on.

"Ah-AHHH-hih-!!" Black Sapphires jaw unlatches, as he blindly moved the king to any place just so he co-coul-could!!

Click Click.

"Hih-ITSSCHUIIWW-! Ha-HAAA- HI’TSISSHU-iww!”

His master squeaks in surprise as the spray hits his hand. A prickling cold sensation, it was wet. Really wet, he could feel it absorb into his dough. Making it soggy. And- goodness above…

It was- oh- oooh it was~

He found himself stifling a moan into his infected hand. Another palm pressing down on the growing bump between his legs. Yet he felt no shame as Black Sapphire sends him a flushed glare.

“M-master… Be-heeh- heh-!… SnDF! Behave yourself!” He gritted, grabbing a tissue to blow his nose.

But the other remained quiet, silently panting with a dazed look. Awestruck, star-eyed, and so blissed out.

Sapphire blinked his teary eyes further open, flickering down to the board….He finds his face paling.

Shadow Milk practically buzzed with excitement, hand reaching out slowly to push his queen just slightly down.

“Checkmate.”

…

“I-…I…” He squeezed the tissue tightly, sniffling thickly as he deflated.

“IIIII think~ It’s due time for my reward! Hmm~?” He tapped his fingers into the table, another on his chin.

Eyes lidded and observant, the board left untouched for more than usual when after a match. It- it was a horrible reminder.

Black Sapphire swallowed thickly, brows knitting together as he sighed.

“Of course.”

“Oh? So willing!” He chuckled, spinning the other’s king around in circles. “Well, I’m suuurreeee you know what I want, hm? We’ve been here for a quite a while!”

Black Sapphire tiredly bowed his head, rubbing his heavy eyelids as the other got out their chair to spin around in the air. Floating at his side as he ran a digit over the other’s inflamed lymph nodes.

The host choked, leaning away as the jester giggled. Excitedly tugging the other with him, Black Sapphire followed with heavy footsteps.

Leaving the infected board for whatever poor soul decided on a game.

Chapter Text

The perk of being a creature of deceit, an entity beyond most regular cookie’s comprehension.

Was the fact his body was malleable, he could change it however he liked. Longer lashes? Done. Shorter hair? Done. Absolutely unrealistic body proportions that would make an artist cry? Well, done!

So of course, ripping a limb off and being completely fine wasn’t some insane act for him. Matter of fact, he quite enjoyed detaching his head to spook other cookies. Or when he needed to leave his body to do some boring work as he dragged himself across the floor like an eldritch horror.

One particular night however, where he found himself dangling from a tree branch like a bat. A certain fool of his decided on finding him.

Pure Vanilla only gave a puzzled look towards his dangling body. Particularly because he was no stranger to the jester’s antics, and the various times he’s ripped their head off to juggle. Instead he used his staff to glance up at the branch he was holding onto, before reaching a curious hand out.

Shadow Milk playfully bit at it, only missing my a hair-strand as the other gasped.

The head barked a long laugh, a few tendrils of hair slipping down to act as makeshift hands to press against his mouth. Yet the other didn’t seem too bothered, getting over it fairly quickly as he reached out again.

The beast was much more relaxed this time, allowing with a smug grin for the other to gently trail their fingers down his jaw.

“How curious, I wasn’t aware you could move when in this form.” He blatantly observed, as a tendril instinctively snaked around his wrist.

“Ah! I get that a lot~ But alas. How foolish to ever think there’s something I cannot do!” He chuckled, before choking as the other got a little too close to his neck hole.

The tendril weakly slapped against his hand, and Pure Vanilla moved his hands away to instead cup the sides of the face.

“Yes, how foolish.” The healer fondly muttered, hands working over the other’s face as the staff was left to lean along on the tree.

Shadow Milk didn’t say a word, just silently allowing his other to explore to their hearts content. Hell, he even found himself leaning into the touch. Strands of hair ushering the pure cookie to continue.

The healer’s scarred and rough fingertips glides over the jester’s cheek fat, before trailing down to the chin. Then up, over the outline of their bottom lip, before gliding over their cupids bow.

Where he feels the relaxed exhales from the jester nose. He glides the finger up their philtrum, just until the columella stopped him.

Not worries, as he slowly moves up to the tip of the nose. Which took a little longer than it would on most cookies. But who could blame the liar for having such a long appendage?

As he pressed his thumb into the squishy yet sharp tip, he noted how the other squeaked in response. Nose twitching, scrunching side to side beneath his soft touch.

And that’s where he found quite the devilish smile to climb onto his face. Unbecoming of a pure soul, yet the jester had caused far worse expression to bubble up from Pure Vanilla.

So the mischievous little smirk felt quite tame, even as it made the jester quite nervous.

Metaphorically squirming as he other moved their finger to the side. To move over his left ala, stopping right at the highest point of it.

Only giving a slight squish as Shadow Milk’s breath snags. His eyes narrowing, but not out of spite. No, more so a very knowing look the other couldn’t see. But could definitely feel.

“Someone’s experimental tonight!” He spoke, a toothy smile on his face that makes the sides of his nose slightly move.

Pure Vanilla tilts his head innocently, locks of long golden hair following. Catching moonlight and dispersing it like stars onto the head.

“How could I not be? It’s- tempting…” He trailed off, hands adjusting their position to allow the beast to rest on one palm. Relieving some pressure from the others scalp, something that’d probably warrant the jester to nag for a massage when done.

“Do allow me…” Pure Vanilla muttered, leaning closer. “I find this quite-… Lovely.” The head shudders as much as a head could. Hair slowly letting go of the branch to grab ahold the other.

His eyes are droopy, so confident yet swayed with the other’s gaze.

“Oh! Alright! Alright! If you insist so~!” He gleamed, face flushing just slightly as a strand waved the other off nonchalantly.

The Vanilla cookie smiles, finding a spot on the base of the tree to sit. Carefully planting the other in his lap as he continued to push and squish the soft mass of tissue.

At some point even grazing it with a kiss. But, just like the moon. It must soon be replaced by another, not forever, but temporarily.

Just like his touch, as he thoughtfully hums. His thumb pressing against a nare, blocking it off completely. And with the roughness of his skin, it granted irritation. As the nostril fluttered in response.

“Gh- geez, y’gotta get on with it, or just continue playing around?” The jester huffed, a tendril giving the other a smack of reprimand. Only serving as a useless little boop as the healer laughed.

Still, he decided to graze his dear other half with fulfilling the request. It wouldn’t he the first time, as he instinctively reaches for his hair. Combing his hand through until he found a sufficient strand.

It doesn’t take a lot to irritate the other’s nose. And Pure Vanilla doesn’t know whether to thank the witches who baked the previous fount with such a beautiful thing. Or the jester for keeping it, even if it was so sensitive due to its size.

He could go on and on about the sheer perfection that was the nose of his other half. Like the way it scrunched so noticeably when something smelt off. Or when it’d turn a dark almost purplish blue whenever it had been roughed around with. Or when the cookie was trying desperately to hold back whatever mess hid inside, squishing the tip into whatever surface was nearest.

Oh, the beauty, and even when he couldn’t see it. It felt just as majestic.

“Hello??? Earth to nilly!!” The head gritted, nose smushing irritatedly into the thumb still taping off one of the nares. He snapped out his daze fairly quickly, giving a polite smile and soft apology.

He removes the thumb, noting the slight shiny sheen that had been just slightly building up atop the digit. That’s another thing he admires, the sheer mess the beast could produce. And how utterly shameless he was to share it, even despite the circumstances.

He wonders sometimes if the fount was just as brash. If the fount picked up sicknesses like it was a marathon to be won. If the fount so openly sneezed onto anyone who dared not run from his vicinity by the first hitched breath. If the fount went through dozens of handkerchiefs and tissue boxes from a mere picnic near a bed of primroses.

And while he finds the old jester to he quite interesting to think and fantasize about. It held no candle to the sheer beauty of the present cookie.

No longer a beast by nature, but by name.

He slipped the strand in before the other could bark at him for zoning out again. The reaction is immediate, he can hear the shocked breath.

The feeling of Shadow Milk’s nose bridge scrunching is noted by his hands. As well as the twitches from the noses tip.

And as he twists the strand deeper, he feels a single drop sliding down the cheek of the jester until landing on his hand.

He’s assuming, by the way his hand’s are constructing the picture. For his bluebird to be looking heavenly, even more so as their mouth parts so wide their smile lines becoming very defined.

“H-hhhuh-hh-hoihh!” The milk cookie can’t do much else but slightly wiggle closer. Not that Pure Vanilla minds, it must be so tough. His hair was soft, and quite silky, almost like a feather. Oh, he almost would’ve felt bad.

Making those soft strands graze those small little hairs inside. Irritating them beyond belief, yet their abused membrane is continuously ignored. As he went deeper into the other’s sinuses, each twist and turn so precise it would make a surgeon gawk.

The healer knew just which way he should push the hair strands to. Somewhere where it bothered the head, but not enough to bring any relief.

Those black and almost gooey tendrils grip trembles as Shadow Milk swallowed harshly. Not doing so much as the spit just accumulated at the back of his throat. Pure Vanilla pauses briefly, clicking his tongue.

“Now that I think about it. However are you speaking? I do not presume you to have vocals cords at the moment.” The healer bemusedly asked, as if he wasn’t in the middle of torturing a cookie’s nose.

All he gets is a shaky whine, broken off into more hitches. He’s quite happy the beast had picked up after many sessions his like of holdbacks. Making it even more rewarding as his hair hit the jackpot. And the other could only give a sharp inhale as a final warning-

“HA-GaTSsChuEEee! H-heeh- hee HE-TGscHuuieew!”

The release was as wet as normal, the pressure having been built up long enough for it to give a satisfying and harsh spray. Misting his palm with the irritated particles, and while he would’ve preferred there to be an extra little particles of a cold in there.

He couldn’t deny the fact it felt just as good, a soft smile was on his face as he assisted the other by using his own handkerchief to clean him off. Much to the embarrassment of the bodiless beast.

“Thanks.” He still whispered into the fabric, as the other carefully stood again.

He would’ve liked to keep going right now, but the ground was a little too hard for his liking. And the wrong had picked up, chilling the two.

Luckily for Shadow Milk, being without body. There was less to cover, as he used his hair to wrap like a belt around the other.

Enjoying the radiating heat, as well as the cover from the rather long cape dragging across the ground.

—

“G-geez- HA’SscHiueW! U-urgh, SNF!.. What? Not even gonna let me get back to my body, huh?” He questioned, as the other removes the strand.

The crackling of a fire illuminated them both, as Pure Vanilla was seated comfortably on an armchair. Not even having bothered change properly. Nor dried odd from his fast shower, a blanket rests over his shoulders to fill the void of his hastily tossed cape. Hair still slightly damp as the length made drying magic a lot less effective.

But it did make the strands more precise, as he masterfully hit all the rights spot with each tap inside the other’s sinus.

Shadow Milk sat in his lap, hair lazily wrapped around the thigh and armrest.

“You had quite a lot of time to get fetch it yourself while I was in the shower.” He mused, smiling a little softer as the other groaned annoyed.

“W-well, I would’ve iiiihf-hih- hHA- g-geezh..” His nostrils tremble against the other’s thumb, before he yet again takes a sharp inhale.

“AH-TaGkSschiUEW!… If I wasn’t so tired.” He complained, not at all acknowledging the string of mess that had been shoot out his nose. And was still dangling from there, webbed messily together into the fabric of the other’s robes.

“Ah, my apologies then.” He chuckled, already wiping the mess away with inhumane precision. The beast still slightly flushed at the action, but it didn’t squash his indomitable ego. As he lazily refused to go get his own body.

“Apology a-ahh-accept- huh- HA’TScHiuEUghw!”

Chapter Text

The sun was peaking over the horizon.

It was always a lovely sight to see, such a breathtaking pond of colors. Greeting whoever managed to wake up before the moon fully left.

It was the perfect start of a day, making the Vanillian oh-so motivated.

He'd even decided to indulge in a light breakfast. Something he mostly skipped due to habit. Then came dressing himself, and starting out on his duties for the day.

Just until the sun settled a bit higher — around lunch, then, he'd finally make his way to one of his highest towers. Where the glass ceiling allowed the sun to bask him in warmth and light.

It kissed his tanned skin as he took his cape and hat off. Pulling up his sleeves, as he started tending to his most precious of flowers.

Lilies.

Their beauty enchanting, their smell so rich, and their petals so soft. He'd spent years following this habit, taking care of these white flowers like it was contracted for him to.

And in the quiet of it all, where it was only him and the soil under his hands. He'd attempt to imagine the flowers as his closest friend.

Reminiscing on their times together, on the smiles they shared, the laughing, the crying, the quiet and tender whispered shared in this exact room of lilies.

It made his heart feel an uncertain way, like it was suffocating inside a warm embrace. So lovely, yet so painful.

And such feelings warranted his eyes to shift, before his whole body freezes. Eyebrows furrowing in worry, he scooted closer to the cause of the emotion.

"Whats this? Are you sick..?" He cooed quietly to the dropping lily. Turning a slightly dull yellow at the edges of the petals. It was rare to see something under his care wilting, he hadn't-...

He was away for a while, but not long enough to warrant this!

He leaned closer, gliding his fingertips slowly under. Pushing the flower up just enough for him to be able to note more of the damage. His vision might've been bad, but the blurry color of rot was easily visible to his trained senses.

"I'll make you better... Let me make you better. Just- stay." He pleaded to the flower, who unsurprisingly did not respond — as it was just a flower.

He sighed. Biting his tongue as he tried to think of a spell to fix this without making it change shape. Or turn another shade, that is not what he wants.

He wants them all to be the same, and so he very awkwardly comes to a brash conclusion.

Face flushing as his gaze shifted to the door, after a few minutes of thinking over the rather insane idea. He got up to make sure the doors were locked, no one was really allowed up here. So this was a bit extreme, yet he wanted to keep his dignity.

And to avoid having to explain the odd quirk he had. Moving back to the wilting flower, he hesitantly played with his dirty hands. Wiping off the soil on the inside of his vestment. Keeping the un-kingly behavior untraced to anyone who'd see him.

Sniffing in a quick gasp of air, he hesitantly leaned closer again. Shyly picking out a longer strand of his shoulder length hair.

Face growing redder by the minute as he shamefully bowed his head.

The flower seemed to peek up as if it was awaiting his… Ahem, rather weird solution.

“Hhhm, huh- hiih-!” He tries to keep quiet, despite the tower being so far away from anyone’s hearing. He felt so shameful, as he tried hurrying up the spinning of the hair strand.

“H-hhiiih!” Yet his nose didn’t appreciate his rush. Immediately making his roughness ineffective, and simply uncomfortable. Making his nose hurt with pressure, he gulped harshly. Pulling out the strand, eyes teary as he stared at the flower with guilt.

“Sorry- just, give me a moment.” He shyly explained, his own voice only for his ears to hear. Meaning it did nothing but appease the wilting flower, he sniffled.

Slowly pushing the wet strand into his other nostril. It rubbed lightly against the sides, irritating the frankly neglected membranes. Such a normal act of irritation, like sneezing, somehow caused him much more shame than any mishap or stammer ever could.

“Hhh-hiiiihh- hih-!” He gently spun it deeper, but not enough to be useless like he did with the first nare.

This time he was slow and deliberate. Despite the growing embarrassment from doing this, even while in the privacy of his own greenhouse.

His nose quivered around the intrusion, a single tear slipping from his eyes as he squeezed them shut harder.

“H-hhuhh- p-paaah- parhh- pardoohn—!” He managed to choke out, before he instinctively reared back. Mouth falling open and nostrils flaring wide.

“H-hhuh- HA’IiiXGsch!”

The flower slightly recoiled from the harsh force of the sneeze. Leaving him panting, rubbing his nose with his sleeve as he shyly cracked an eye open.

The lily, as well as some around it. Dripped with his mucus, and after a second a gentle light emanated from it. As the flower absorbed the moisture and slowly rose back up to match with its other companions.

He managed a smile, the humiliation slowly fizzling out as he wiped the excess from his nose onto his sleeve. He finally got up to continue his previously dismissed garden work.

Unaware of the lingering of his own shadow.