Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Pure Vanilla Cookie — a compassionate, kind, and truthful cookie carrying the soul jam of the Truth was known for a long time. There have been many, if not many rumours where'd he go after the Dark Flour War, or maybe he was already crumbs. But the hero never gives up, and so Healer Cookie came to life, before remembering who he truly was. His life had a lot of paths to open and discover, and still, he has many more awaiting for him.

Shadow Milk Cookie, also as the Fount of Knowledge is Pure Vanilla's other half — chaotic, unapologetic, psychotic. He carries the corrupted part of the soul jam, aka the soul jam of Deceit. He hadn't taken a liking to the grand king of the Vanillian Kingdom, but what does he have to lose? His opinion abruptly changed after Pure Vanilla had turned into a complete opposite of who he was, aka Truthless Recluse. He liked that Pure Vanilla Cookie: the mad, the grumpy, the easily annoyed Pure Vanilla. But all things can't last forever, huh? His corruption made him lose his path as the Fount of Knowledge, giving in to the sweet lies cradling his senses. Is there a way to reedem this cookie of lies and deception?

Pure Vanilla's trickery was something unexpected even for the cookie of Deceit, letting a cookie of Truth overpower him and somehow win, and yet he has the bravery to ask for FRIENDSHIP?! Pretty pathetic. But Shadow Milk deep inside knew, that he wanted to accept that request. To be vulnerable. But he brushed it off.

The Spire's crumbling was sure a show to both Pure Vanilla Cookie and Shadow Milk, but both sides could escape in time before collapsing. Shadow Milk still had some mere power, but enough to make a significantly smaller version of the Spire, because remaking something else would be.. icky. Candy Apple Cookie and Black Sapphire Cookie, aka his minions got used pretty quickly, and in a week were fully emerged in spreading those sweet, fake rumours. Usually Shadow Milk felt powerful and mighty with the power he could use, but now?

He felt like it's just a stupid, pathetic thing. Damn Pure Vanilla Cookie, made him all soft and kind. He despised, despised and DESPISED Pure Vanilla. His kindness, his compassion, his truth, how.. awfully gentle he is, even after Shadow Milk had played such unforgivable things. He could see how genuine he was asking that stupid.. request. He wanted to see a speck of hesitation, of doubt, but nothing. Only the truth and genuine emotions on his face, which felt like smeared paint on his face. Ugly, splattered colors of something he was supposed to see good in. But he knows he can make him crack his dear mask, as he said himself, he will come back, and he'll make sure of it.

The adventure back home was very talkative, Gingerbrave, Wizard, and even Strawberry Cookie wanted to know how he could've done it, but not yet. They're too young, and still shouldn't know it, so he answered with a simple: "That's a story for another day, my children." The answer was simple, but truthful. Eventually after the constant questions and talking had ended, they stopped at the Faerie Kingdom, and then they will go back home. The faeries were sure welcoming, as well the new holder of the Silver Tree: White Lily Cookie. She welcomed them all with open arms, providing a comfortable place to stay the night at. Of course, it wasn't the biggest kind of place, but it was enough for one night.

After another session of the infinite questions and facts from the three young cookies, they fell asleep. It wasn't fast, but not too long as well. Pure Vanilla Cookie, on the other side, couldn't sleep after the events. His mind circled a thousand times faster, each thought not being processed fastly enough for him to understand the context of it. His mismatched pastel colors of yellow and blue gently grazed onto the ceiling, while his arms rested on his chest, but his mind was a big mess. Even if he wanted for some thoughts to stop swirling in his mind like a broken record with no stop, he couldn't understand how. He closed his eyes, taking deep breaths to relax his quickened breathing, focusing on the bluebirds chirping time to time and the sounds of the wind rustling the leaves of the trees. It makes him feel calmer, more at peace, as he let himself slowly, but surely doze off. It was definitely shorter than with the younger ones, but it's okay he didn't stay up for extremely long times like back before his awakening.

Shadow Milk Cookie, on the other side, didn't let those thoughts quiet down.

"How could I let someone like him win?"

"Is he making me seem weak, pathetic?"

"I'll get him."

"I'LL MAKE HIM SUFFE-"

Okay. Better cut off such harshness out of his thoughts, it's not by the script after all. But oh, was he done. He hated, hated and strongly hated how truthful and loyal he is to his.. truth. Wouldn't it be better to accept deceit? Be with him without having to worry? Or maybe he wanted to see him lose. That was not what Shadow Milk intended. He wanted to win, to take control of the cookie of Truth, make him understand his pains even if it needs to be seem as harsh. Can't understand while you don't experience it! At this point, he let his thoughts go loose, even the ones considered harsh. He wanted Pure Vanilla GONE. See him plead for mercy, see his beloved, sweet kingdom crumble because of him. He wanted to do all of to break his sweet and gentle facade, reveal his true colors, if they even exist. Why can't he just give up? It would've been better if he accepted the deceit, not trick him like some stupid toy. Oh how much he wishes he was rather some mere faltered crumbs rather than alive. His jam boiled in pure agony and anger from the situation, his inky hair almost pulsing with him, eyes just as furious as the host was. The quiet and even eerie atmosphere didn't help at all, rather made everything.. worse. He wishes that Pure Vanilla Cookie was DEAD already.

Chapter Text

After a long night of sleeping and the journey back home, Pure Vanilla was quietly observing everything. Starting from his clothing, ending to the path back to the Vanilla Kingdom. His mind wandered back to Shadow Milk Cookie, who harshly declined the request of being friends. But he knew that deep inside, he wanted to accept the request, but was too afraid to become.. vulnerable. And ever after awakening, he understood him completely, and wanted to help him see that both: truth and deceit can work together. But for now, he'll give him the well deserved time to clear out his mind from the clear shock and probably anger the cookie of Deceit is probably feeling, to let him cool down, they say. He couldn't help but sigh, his staff in the form of a flower gently and quietly tapping against the ground, as Pure Vanilla Cookie, Gingerbrave, Wizard and Strawberry Cookie finally reacher their destination: the Vanilla Kingdom.

"Ah, we're finally back in the Vanilla Kingdom! Isn't that great, Pure Vanilla?" Gingerbrave exclaimed with relief mixed with happiness, and Pure Vanilla could only nod in agreement, a little smile appearing on his he usually wears. "Yes, it quite indeed is," some other vanillians stopped to stare at Pure Vanilla in his awakened form, some impressed gasps and whispers among them, "it's great to be back home." Pure Vanilla's voice was calm, relieved. Younger vookies immediately approached him and stared in awe, before a bright smile smearing on their faces, it made Pure Vanilla smile a bit wider.

The rest of the afternoon and evening went by pretty slowly, questions, stories, gifts.. all that stuff. Gingerbrave and his gang said their goodbyes and left to go on more adventures as they always did, leaving the cookie alone. After another long session of cookies congratulating his victory and him coming back, and more gifts.. even coming back to his castle was a hustle, the staff already preparing some food and fresh clothes for him to wear, and his room being cleaned in the progress. He obviously appreciated it, but there was always a nagging feeling deep in his mind.

"Don't you feel guilty for making them work so much just for you?"

"They don't deserve to work so much for you."

"Can't you help them?"

Even through those taunting questions creeping onto his mind, he brushed them off, for now.

The evening was even slower, eating, which he didn't want a lot and wanted to share it but they kept resisting, looking at how the castle changed, new staff members, and other tinier things. One of the maids gave him new and fresh clothes to sleep in, and he hesitantly accepted it. It's not like he didn't appreciate it, he quite did and a lot, but felt like he doesn't deserve it at all, he felt like he did nothing special to deserve them all. But he quietly thanked the maid as she quickly bowed down and ran to some other direction to do some other stuff. He sighed and opened the door, the familiar vanilla and cream scent filling his nose, and the lilies silently blooming, his steps quiet but slightly heavy as he approached the flowers, his fingers grazing the petals with tenderness, before his hand moved to his chest, weakly gripping the fabric of his clothes.

After some deep, intense thinking he finally closed his rooms door, changing to his new sleepwear, his robes laying on the desk, gently folded with care. He sat down on the edge of the bed, his head tilted down to the floor a tiny bit, almost as if he's dozing off into his thoughts, which he infact was. His hands were softly folded on his lap, while some of his hair fell onto his face, covering the interior of the room for his vision. Even if he awakened, he still had his worries upon him. His friends, his other half, his duties, his kingdom. Everything. His eyebrows almost automatically furrowed, as if trying to decline that thought. Shadow Milks request was harsh, and almost made Pure Vanilla believe that he could never want to be friends with him. But he could understand his longing, his loneliness which he hid deep inside of himself, his large walls he refuses to open or break for anyone. His thoughts lingered onto his friends after thinking about Shadow Milk, his trusted friends.. they deeply care about him, but he doesn't know how to express it, can he now? He cares about his friends wellbeing, of course, but sometimes he doesn't know if he shows this appreciation enough.

Does he ever do anything enough?

Slight tension filled the soft room, before with a silent thud he fell down onto the bed, the pillows and sheets softening his landing, his head landing onto the soft pillows, his eyes darting onto the ceiling he's staring at now. Now he recognizes this feeling of suffocation between yourself which he denied to have — self-loathing. It was a pain to admit, he loathes himself. He wishes he could become the Healer Cookie he once was, just quietly healing the citizens of the old village below the kingdom. Or even worse, crumble. Even after the Dark Flour War and his "crumbling", he has those old cracks or scars left, at least one on each part of his body. And that information makes him.. hate himself for it. He's done good, that's no lie of course, but.. he can't get himself to like how he looked or looks like ever since.

"Have I not learned to accept who I am.?" He whispered to himself and no one else, his hands finding his way to his face as he covered his face with his hands, letting out either a frustrated or tired exhale. He wishes he doesn't have to think about himself in such a perspective, but.. he can't stop. He feels like his life is just playing tricks on him, trying to get him to break. It would be reasonable because he awakened and looks beautiful, but can he see that in himself?

. . .

Silence. The tension intensifies in the quiet room, before a sniff. A quiet one, but audible through the quiet, before Pure Vanilla realized, he was slowly breaking apart in his room, soft droplets of sadness trailing down his cheek, while water filled his eyes. He was getting emotional from simple thoughts? Something not to be proud of, right? His mind was a mess, and the self-loathing wasn't helpful either. The quiet sniffles slowly turned into sobs, before into helpless cries of wishing for someone to check on him. He grabbed a cream pillow which was laying next to him, covering his face as he cried louder, but it was muffled so it's quieter. He wants someone to notice, yet hides it within himself.

Maybe hes building invisible walls within himself too.

Chapter Text

"UGHHH! Master Shadow Milk Cookie has been in his room for witches know how long!" Candy Apple's high pitched voice screeched through Black Sapphire's room, because she barged in to rant, like she usually does. "He can't stop being all sappy with that stupid Vanilla Cookie!!" She angrily exclaimed, stomping her foot on the blue tiles on the floor.

"Do you seriously think so, Candy Apple.." Black Sapphire's annoyed expression turned to mocking in one sentence, taking his microphone cane, his palm taking hold of the cane. "You seriously think, that the Master Shadow Milk Cookie, won't leave Pure Vanilla.. alone? Ohoho, you're wrong." He said, a mischievous smirk on his face. He knew that Shadow Milk won't just leave Pure Vanilla like that after his trickery, say less about trying to make him worse. Candy Apple's gaze turned from angry, to an unreasonable expression, before it lit up with the familiar mischief Black Sapphire wants to see. "You're.. right! Master Shadow Milk Cookie.. he won't leave him be! He'll ruin his pathetic life, I know it, hehehe!" She exclaimed in happiness, an evil expression painting across her face, and Black Sapphire just scoffed, rolling his eyes in the process. "You could've thought about that, now get out of my room!" He pushed her out of his room, before abruptly shutting the door Infront of her, rude. But she shrugged, and decided to think in her room this time.. she'll annoy Black Sapphire when he's not so pissy.

"Stupid.. pathetic cookie.." Shadow Milk quietly mumbled under his breath, pacing around the creamy white and dark blue halls, filled with his paintings. The sky was a black color, filled with eyes watching every move. Even if they were in Shadow Milks realm, it was a bit more peaceful and quiet, so he can think of his planning in peace. "Thinks a simple request will change anything? PHAH! Pathetic! Not even by the script, and so.. ugly." Shadow Milks grip around his blueberry cane grew tighter, his free hand bawling into a fist. How dare he..? His jam was boiling with fury, he felt like he was about to explode. The anger he felt towards him was unbearable to keep, his soul jam silent, with not a single hum. He wanted to ruin him, make him believe his horrendous kindness won't get him anywhere, how his ideals are awfully stupid.

"I want him gone. I want him in simple crumbs. Stupid.. stupid!! STUPID SOUL JAM STEALER! DIEDIEDIEDIEDIEDIE-" his fury and anger has been interrupted by a presence near by, and with a crack of his neck, he turned his head to the direction of the presence. It was no other than Candy Apple. Her expression was unreadable, for the first time. No happiness, no excitement, no annoyance. Hm. "..Master Shadow Milk Coo-"

"shut. UP." He immediately cut her off, pointing the cane at her, threatening to turn her into a tarot card if she'll dare day anything else, and she understood, staying quiet. This wasn't good. Not at all. She hasn't seen him so.. furious in forever! Even if she can't take a liking to the Vanilla Cookie whatever his name was, whatever Shadow Milk Cookie will do won't end good.. she felt the piercing stare of her master, almost as if daring her to speak. She was smarter than that, glaring with an unreasonable expression, in thought before nodding and bowing down. "...I'll go, Master Shadow Milk Cookie." she quietly mumbled, going to her room, closing the door, before her chin rested against her fingers, in thought.

"He's in fury.. I can see that," she noted, furrowing her eyebrows in thought, "but I didn't think he'd be THIS mad... what does he even see in him.?! Especially ever since that cookie awakened, he's been in constant anger and constantly sitting in his room.. he's up to no good!" When she finished the sentence, she heard the door open, and Shadow Milks figure standing. She tensed up but quickly looked at him, a smile on her face, even if it was a tad bit strained. "Yes, Master Shadow Milk Cookie? Do you need anything?" She asked, tilting her head in an innocent way. Just don't turn her into a tarot card!- "You have a quest to do." His tone was monotone, voice calm but it was firm too, and even threatening. Candy Apple could understand her master's emotions, after all. "Go to the Vanilla Kingdom, use any other disguise so it's different than Apple Faerie, and find the most information about Pure Vanilla Cookie. Got it?" He commanded, his eyes narrowing, as if daring her to say "no". Candy Apple nodded without hesitation, turning into a disguise of an injured vanillian, a waffle cone on her head, and some simple scholar clothes.

"Good one. I already told Black Sapphire what to do. I want good results in 4 days, understood?" Four.. days? Was she hearing it right? That's the longest she's ever heard.. she can't remember all the information she'll get in the future! "..Okay!" She said in that bright voice, taking some necessary stuff to note details, and Shadow Milk just sighed, giving her a tiny cane of a vanilla flower. "This is to go into the other realm and leave it so you don't need to walk. Use it only when necessary." He said before giving the cane to Candy Apple, before eyeing her one last time before leaving the room, not fully closing the door, a tiny gap still there.

Candy Apple just stood there with a confused glare before looking at the cane in her hands before gripping it in both, then turning to her tiny desk, taking a hand bag matching the color of her clothes, and then she put her cane there, to keep it hidden and use as Shadow Milk said: when it's necessary.

Chapter Text

Pure Vanilla woke up late. It wasn't exactly too late, just around 9 am, but for him it was too late. The sunlight was beaming through the windows, casting a beautiful view, but it was not the time Pure Vanilla, but before he could do anything he heard a gentle knock, and then one of the maids opened the door with a small, gentle smile. "Good morning, Pure Vanilla Cookie.! Since you just recently came back, for around a week you can have some rest. We all understand that Beast-Yeast was probably overwhelming." She explained, her arms resting against the door frame. "I hope you're gonna be well-rested in the end!" She wished, before bowing down and leaving, closing the door with a click, while Pure Vanilla just sat there with wide eyes. A free week.? For him.? No.. that's just silly.. he has duties! But he doesn't want to disappoint anyone too. He just sighed in acceptance, feeling a bit down because of his crying, his eyes a bit puffy.

He put some make-up on to cover the eye bags and other stuff which might give out that he's not okay, and sighed. But his eyes lingered on the full body mirror, as he turned his body, staring at himself. 

. . .

He loathes his body. His body is horrible and.. thin. Full with scars, it's just funny to look at. His hands hugged his body, suddenly feeling so cold in his own body. His body feels cold, distant. He could see the bones showing, and oh witches he hated it. He shook his head and took his usual clothes and put them on, and brushed his hair so it looks all neat and tidy. He looked back into the mirror, quickly taking a look at how he looks like. Okay, his slim wrists and scars aren't too visible, and he sighed, before pulling the sleeves down, he took his staff, and left his room, closing it with a click. 

"Pure Vanilla Cookie!" A guard called out, rushing to Pure Vanilla. "Black Raisin Cookie wanted to meet you, there was an injured cookie in the village." The guard cautiously said, catching Pure Vanilla's attention as he immediately turned his head in worry, his free hand going to his chest, his fingers slightly grazing the soul jam, a tiny hum escaping it. "Where is she?" 

"The inn. She's waiting for you with the injured cookie." 

"Alright, thank you for notifying me." He thanked with a simple smile as he rushed outside, and to the inn, a cookie? Injured? Oh no, no. He can't let that happen, the poor cookie must be in pain! His footsteps were heavy, after a long while. He ignored that and finally reached the inn, panting heavily as he saw Black Raisin standing there with a slightly shocked and worried expression, and a younger cookie, definitely similar to a scholar with the clothes. "Sorry for being late, I was called. Is something the matter, Black Raisin?" He asked through panting, his heart race calming down after a minute. "Ah, yeah. This cookie was injured, as she said she was wanting to go explore this kingdom, and accidentally tripped, getting a scar on her arm." She explained, her gaze glancing onto the young cookie and she stared back before nodding and raising her sleeve, showing the scar which was still bleeding some jam, and the sleeve was clearly stained. 

"Oh, dear.." Pure Vanilla mumbled, looking at the injured cookie with sadness. He couldn't bear cookies getting hurt, especially such a young one. "Could you heal me, Mr. Kind man.?" She innocently asked, and Pure Vanilla smiled in response, then nodded, crouching down at the cookies level, before extending his hands. "Could you give me your injured hand, please?" He asked, and the cookie did that, before concentrating on the scar, before with his healing magic he healed the cookie, and the scar had stopped bleeding, and the scar was nowhere to be seen. "Thank you, Mr. Kind man!" The young cookie happily exclaimed, running into his arms, as he thankfully caught her in time with a chuckle. Thankfully the staff was placed on the ground, so nothing happened to it. "You're welcome, child. What's your name?" He asked, as the cookie looked at Pure Vanilla, and then she smiled. "My name is Vanilla Candy Cookie.!" She snuggled onto Pure Vanilla, almost like she's his own child, and Pure Vanilla just returned it, gently ruffling her hair with tender care, like she was his own jam. 

"So nice, for what.? He's just falling onto my trap.. and this overwhelming vanilla scent.. eugh!" She thought, but kept her facade when hearing Pure Vanilla and Black Raisin say their goodbyes, and how he gently led her to the Vanilla Kingdom, his staff being picked up by Black Raisin Cookie, so he was carrying her with one arm, but it was a bit visible he was kinda uncomfortable. He was so careful with her, even if she was some random child who got hurt. But whatever, she just has to play the act, and wish for the best.. after all, she has a job to do. And that's to find out possibly everything about Pure Vanilla.

"Welcome to the Vanilla Kingdom, Vanilla Candy," he snapped her out of her thoughts when he started talking, buying a glance from her before she looked around in awe, taking every detail of the lively kingdom in front of her little eyes. "Woah.. it's so beautiful!" She excitedly said, still being in his arms. "But I have nowhere to stay.." she whispered, a hurt expression slowly appearing on her face and Pure Vanilla noticed it, and patted her head, taking a strand of her pale white hair away from her face. "Hey, it's okay. You can stay with me in my palace for some days. I have some spare rooms and I promise the staff will treat you nicely." He suggested, showing that smile again. Perfect! He's too kind for his own good, and it shows. "Really..? You'll let me..?" She innocently asked, feigning innocence, looking at him with hopeful and sad eyes, making Pure Vanilla nod. "Of course, kiddo. Everyone is welcome to stay if they need a place to stay for a bit." He said, before walking again, still holding Vanilla Candy in his arm, as she nodded hopefully and snuggled against him, as they slowly approached the large and beautiful castle.

"Welcome, Pure Vanilla Cookie." One of the guards appeared, and Pure Vanilla nodded. "Could you prepare a room for a child to stay at? And prepare some meals for her." He entered the castle and the guards nodded, one guard walking away to notify the maids and cooks. When Pure Vanilla and Vanilla Candy reached the kitchen, a maid was already waiting. "Ah, Choco Sorbet! Could you look over this child while I go? I'll be back in a bit." Pure Vanilla asked, before gently pulling Vanilla Candy down, and she hesitantly stepped onto the ground, looking at the maid in front of her. "Yes, of course, Pure Vanilla! It is my duty to serve you." They said, bowing down in a respectful way before extending a hand to Vanilla Candy, and she accepted the hand, as they led them to a table, and she sat down, and glanced how Pure Vanilla turned around and left. Where could he be going? Whatever. She should keep up with her act first, but first..

"Excuse me.?" She tugged at the maids outfit, gaining their attention as they crouched down to her level. "Yes?"

"Where could he go? Shouldn't he be stay with me.?" She asked, looking at them with a sad look. "Pure Vanilla Cookie has to go because sometimes he needs to finish some stuff, little one," they said, their hand gently rubbing her shoulder in a comforting way, "but as he said, he's gonna come back soon." They promised, and stood up. "I'm gonna quickly bring you some food, okay?" They said, before turning around and going to the chef kitchen, leaving Vanilla Candy alone in her thoughts.

"Where could he even need to go?? He looked like in a rush too.. usually he's all 'CaLm AnD cOlLeCtEd', but now..??" she sighed, crossing her arms as she put her little cone hat on the floor next to her. She quickly looked around, noting to herself no one's looking as she quickly looked in her bag, okay, the vanilla flower cane is fine, great! She quickly got into her normal state, her chin resting on her palm, before noticing the maid coming with some food.

"Pure Vanilla Cookie wasn't sure what to give you, so he prepared everything available in small amounts, so the portion is enough for a child, here you go." The maid put the plate onto the table in front of Vanilla Candy, before going to the kitchen to talk to some chefs while cleaning something. She hesitantly took a bit of a jelly steak, and she didn't want to admit, it was good. The texture and the warmness of the steak was very tasty, especially with some fries with mayo or ketchup as a topping for the fries. It seems this healer knows more about children, eh.. but she's not a child!! Just pretending to be one.. but she would be lying if she said she didnt like this. 

"Didn't know this healer could have such good food. Oh well, his chefs cook for him.. is he that lazy?" She thought, but brushed it off as her mouth was stuffed with different foods, and in around 10 minutes she already finished the whole plate. "Imw dwone!" She said, but it sounded very muffled because of the food still stuffed in her mouth, as she giggled. She wants to stop acting already.. "Ah! Okay, let me quickly clean up." They exclaimed, shocked Vanilla Candy ate every last bit, but were glad she ate. 

After a bit of clean up, they led her to her room she'll be staying in, and with a bow they closed the door. Finally, some peace and quiet.

Chapter Text

The one who's standing at the mirror reflection isn't the one who he thinks he is. Is he the beloved cookie of the truth and kindness as people say, or do they just don't see further? It probably makes sense. He didn't even realize himself that he built his walls so high up, probably no one ever will realize. Not even his dearest best friend White Lily Cookie, not his buddy Hollyberry Cookie, not the confident queen Golden Cheese Cookie, and not even his trusted companion Dark Cacao Cookie. The bathroom becomes dark, the soft light which was lightning the room stopped, now darkness, except the weak lamp which flickered. His eyes were wide. Not with shocking news, even if it might count, but with terror. The realization of what he did. His eyes pierced the reflection in the mirror, his palms gripping the sink so hard it felt like his dough will definitely crumble anytime.

"..What have I done?" He whispered, his voice even as a whisper coming out strained, forced. His sleeves were drenched in jam, wile the bright red jam slowly trickled down his arms then to the sink, his legs trembled. The jam was trickling down there too, down to the tile floor. If anybody saw this, they would think it would be some crime scene, definitely. His soul jam weakly flickered, while Pure Vanilla paid no mind to that. Dried paths of tears decorated his face, while new ones changed them. He couldn't walk in the halls like this. But the thing he realized..

The pain felt relieving. 

He promised he'll never try to do this, he SWORE on his soul jam. That he'll never try to do this, but yet? He's loathing in the tiny bathroom, the pain almost relieving him, but the dough cracking, the sound of it, the jam. The cleaning. He felt so horrible. He barely ate and felt so light headed, he felt like he could collapse on the spo-

Knock, knock!

His eyes widen in horror. He needs to be fast, and think fast. "Mr. Kind man? Are you in there.?" Vanilla Candy's quiet, but soft voice spoke out from the other side of the door, as he turned his head towards the closed door. "Ah- y-yes! I'm fine! Please wait a bit, I'll be quick!" He said, almost immediately as he made an illusion with his powers to hide the jam on his clothes and body, and with the same magic he got rid of the blood trickling down on the floor and sink. He sighed and quickly faked a smile, and opened the door, seeing the cookie stand in the doorway, holding what seemed to be a notebook, her innocent eyes staring at Pure Vanilla.

"I'm sorry for staying up late, but I wanted to talk to you! I want to get to know the king of the Vanilla Kingdom better!" She exclaimed, smiling as he sighed, closing the door before nodding, extending his hand and she took it, and they started walking. "That's really kind of you, but I don't think I deserve it that mu-" 

"Yes you do!" She protested, looking at him with an angry glare, almost saying that he shouldn't say such absurd things. "Every cookie deserves to be known about on a deeper level!"

"Is he loathing himself? Noted! Master Shadow Milk Cookie will need this.." she thought, still glaring at him. "Awh.. alright, alright. I won't do that. You can get to know me better, Vanilla Candy." Eventually, both of them reached his room, and Pure Vanilla unlocked the door and entered, a cold, but refreshing breeze washing against them both, and Vanilla Candy immediately jumped onto the bed, almost melting when feeling the soft covers and sheets, the pillows were a whole different talk. "Your bed is so comfy! I feel like on a cloud.." she commented with a giggle, before snapping out of it with a shake of her head, before sitting up straight. "Ah, right! Getting to know you better!" She awkwardly laughed, before Pure Vanilla did a chuckle himself, before sitting on the edge of the bed, his smile visible on his face, as always. 

"Soo.. I've heard a lot about you and.. how was his name? Shadow Soda Cookie-"

"Shadow Milk Cookie." A silent correction, but it didn't intend any mock to it, but Vanilla Candy nodded, nonetheless. "Yeah, Shadow Milk Cookie! Cookies in my village have been talking about that non-stop, and even more after you got this new look!" She started her tiny story, showing figures and walking cookies with her fingers and hands, letting out an amused chuckle from Pure Vanilla. Kids had a great imagination, and power to show it through hands or body. "And I wanted to ask: what's your relationship with Shadow Milk Cookie? I want to hear about it and write about it!" She asked, swinging her tiny legs, as Pure Vanilla's face softened, and he looked at her with tenderness, before chuckling. 

"My relationship with Shadow Milk Cookie.? Hm.. well, it's difficult to explain in perfect details, but it's complicated." He started, looking aside, as if to think if he should say it how it is, or easen it. "Don't worry Mr. Kind man! I can understand difficult things, too. Everyone says I'm really mature and I'm really proud of that!" She happily said, resting her head against his arm, almost as if leaning on a pillow. 

"I hate to admit it, but he's so warm! And too welcoming, even if he doesn't know me.. wait. WHY AM I STARTING TO WARM UP TO HIM?!? Candy Apple, don't!! It's an act!!" She thought, taking a deep breath to calm her thoughts down, before Pure Vanilla's head lowered to the cookie next to him. He sighed in what seemed relief, and rubbed her back to comfort her, from what? Nothing, but it's a gentle gesture, making Vanilla Candy relax in his touch. "Well, Shadow Milk can't take a liking to me, but deep inside, he's just scared. He wants someone to understand him, but he's scared of being seen as vulnerable. I wish to help him overcome that fear, even if it means going through thousand and if not tens of thousands of those thorns to help him." He started, his head lowering, while his voice growing softer. "I can understand him like no one else can, and I understand his struggles, but sometimes it's a pain to see him resist." 

"That's sad.. I hope you and M- Shadow Milk Cookie will become bestest friends ever!" Vanilla Candy smiled, making Pure Vanilla tiringly smile. "Thank you, Little one. I'm moving forward to that. But it's not that I hate him, I don't hate him." Pure Vanilla sighed, his staff leaning against the bed, while his free hand rested on his lap. "I don't want to hurt him. He had hurt me, but he just needed someone to talk to."

"... Someone to talk to.." Her mind wandered to that tiny sentence, so Shadow Milk just wants someone to talk to? But he has Black Sapphire and her too! Right. Only that healer can understand him, that made Candy Apple mentally frown at that. "Aww.. it's okay, Mr. Kind man! I promise that you both will have a good relationship in the end!" Vanilla Candy happily said, hugging him, as he.. flinched? But returned the hug aswell. Now that was suspicious. Why'd he flinch? She's gonna write that down. Sudden flinching when going into sudden contact.. 

"Thank you, Vanilla Candy. But we'll talk tomorrow, okay? You need to have some sleep, after all." Pure Vanilla quietly said, his own tiredness visible. "Okay.. promise?" 

"Promise."

After Vanilla Candy went to sleep, he stopped his illusion, the pain and stinging hitting him like a truck, tears already swelled up in his eyes, the robes being drenched in the now dry jam, as he silently went to the bathroom and folded the clothes, putting them in the washing machine, before taking some fresh clothes standing on top of the machine, a sniff left him before he realized, but he just silently put the clothes near him, before washing the dried out jam on his dough, then take some bandages, before wrapping them around himself. Yes, it stung and hurt, but so no one notices a thing. He took the clothes and quickly fled to his room, closing the door before sighing. Seems he'll need to wear these robes until his usual choice isn't fully cleaned. He put the clothes on his usual spot, before taking his night wear and putting it on, as he fell onto the bed, and the same second he was already dozed off, a bit of drool falling down his mouth.

Chapter Text

An early morning, but time was really pointless in the spire. Shadow Milk was pacing, he already looked exhausted from this thinking of what to do, until he heard Candy Apple's voice. Isn't she supposed to be back in three days? 

"Master Shadow Milk Cookie! Master Shadow Milk Cookieee!!!" She shouted, her pitched voice desperately wanting for Shadow Milk to answer back, but thankfully before he did anything she saw him, and heavily panted, catching her breath. "I have some- huff.. news about- huff.. that healer!!" She excitedly said, her sentence coming out laboured because of her breath running out, because of her sprinting here like a madwoman. "I said after four days, not-"

"He loathes himself!!" She cut him off, almost too excited to say it. Her eyes glimmered with mischief, and pride, knowing she got out such important info, well that peaked Shadow Milks bored mind out of its bored state immediately, as his eyes both on his face and hair piqued in curiosity. Pure Vanilla? Loathes himself? After his own awakening? Didn't make sense. Truthless Recluse? Probably would be true. Pure Vanilla normally? Maybe. But after his awakening? Well that's new. "Excuse me? You're serious? He.. hates himself and brings himself down?" He couldn't believe it. That was great information! He can use it against Pure Vanilla and finally make him fall into deceit again! "Yes!! When I was talking with him, I said I want to know more about him, but he said that I shouldn't care about getting to know him better!" If Shadow Milk could perfectly read body language, he perfectly saw how happy Candy Apple was, and he just scoffed. Interesting..

A king who loathes his own existence. Cute.

"Interesting! What else?" His playful demeanor came back, floating up, his neck snapping a 180, intensely glaring at Candy Apple, but she was unphased by that. "He said that he doesn't hate you, and even after all the things you did, he still knows you have a chance, or something.." she murmured this time, almost as if that went through her head, but still important. He can decieve him and think he wants to be his.. FRIEND. Disgusting. Thinking he can help the beast of deceit? Mm.. "Seriously? He still holds onto that? PFFT! Such a funny fella!" His grin widened in mocking, and Candy Apple giggled, after remembering something, her eyes widening, before seeing the familiar evilness. He raised her right. "Oh! Right! Hehe, you'll LOOOVE this!" She twirled around, almost as if she's about to jump from excitement. What could be so good that she's so excited to update on the first day? Well that better be useful. "Okay, so I went all with my disguise and.. hugged him, he smelled like vanilla and cream SO MUCH it felt like getting poisoned! But anyway, I did that very suddenly, you know?"

"Uh-huh."

"Yeah, well, he flinched! I saw that before when that ginger cookie suddenly hugged him, he didn't flinch! But now, he flinches!" She annoyingly complained, rolling her eyes. "And another thing, when I realized he was in the bathroom at night when I wanted to get more information and knocked, he was.. stuttering?? Like "i-im fine..!!!! Just a minute!!" Or something.." she complained again, mocking Pure Vanilla's part with her fingers and her voice. Shadow Milk raised an eyebrow. Why would he flinch at a simple move? And why would he say that, and be in a bathroom in the middle of the night? Wait. 

Is he.. worried? Oh no. Oh no, no, no, no, no. He does NOT care about that healer and his well-being. He probably wants to be taken care of like some little baby, taking all the attention on himself.. of course.. but his expression was unreadable, before lowering himself, then patting Candy Apple's head. "Very good, then. Find out more, got it? Since your already finding out more than I intended, you can rest tomorrow, I guess. No promises tho!" 

"Alrighty, Master Shadow Milk Cookie! Will do!!" She happily squeaked, taking out her vanilla flower cane, and with its help opening a portal to her assigned room in the Vanilla Kingdom's castle, before stepping in, then closing the portal. Huh. She's doing quite good. Now he's sure that both Candy Apple and Black Sapphire can do some good damage, especially since he found out such.. golden information about Pure Vanilla. Oh, that self-loathing king.. he cares about Shadow Milk, a beast which won't get better, yet can't take care of himself? That's just sad. But that reminds him..

Does that mean Pure Vanilla Cookie built walls around himself just like he did?

After all, he only saw him as some pure saint which actually takes care of himself and is open, yet here he is. Actually broken.. just like him. And now that it was mentioned.. he realized that while Pure Vanilla was Truthless Recluse, he often pulled his sleeves down, as if to hide something.. and barely ate. What if he didn't even eat at all? Why is he even wondering about that all of a sudden? It's a simple fact. It can't be so bad.. right? And oh, how we hates knowing that he feels like he cares about him. No he doesn't! Pure Vanilla's probably still a perfect saint with a perfect life. 

Maybe.

. . . . ?

Sniff.. sniff..

Quiet sniffles, and desperate sobs of left out care leave Pure Vanilla's mouth, his face buried in his pillow, his hair messily scattered around the bed, his nightwear slightly having red spots, probably because of the jam, did the cuts open? He wishes now and that it was just an accident. But oh.. was he tired. Days seemed endless, and he skipped his food, again. His stomach ached, wanted to eat something, but he refused. He felt guilty for even taking the smallest bite, felt angry at himself because he can't take care of himself. His body grew thinner, weaker. His skin stung, like a needle being slowly inserted into his weak skin, he felt so useless. Cookies don't want him as a cookie, but only as some king and kindness they use against. But there's good! There is good! But was he even sure at all? Hollyberry Cookie didn't answer his concerned letters because she hadn't answered none ever since he started his adventure to Beast-Yeast, Dark Cacao sometimes looks away from him when he wants to talk, White Lily, his own best friend was quiet and shy around him, when usually she was a bit more talkative and sweet. Golden Cheese suddenly started talking to White Lily more. Were his friends thinking that he's not good enough anymore? Is he just nothing more than an useless healer which doesn't deserve anything?

To love? 

To experience?

To live?

His quiet breakdown continued, before he felt his soul jam weirdly hum. Usually that meant something will happen soon.. he wiped his tears, and quickly wore the spare robes which he took the day before, going to the mirror to look at himself. 

....

Eyebags. Cracks. He looked like he's about to collapse on the spot.. that won't do. He put on some patches to cover the light cracks on his skin, and covered the eyebags with light make-up which will cover up enough. He was about to sigh, before he felt an.. oddly familiar presence behind him. 

"Well, well. If it isn't our dear healer?" Shadow Milk teased, closing the portal with his cane as he swooshed Pure Vanilla around, making him keep eye contact, even tho it was obvious he wasn't up for his jokes. 

"Shadow Milk, I'm.. not in the mood. Sorry." 

Chapter Text

Shadow Milk intently watched Pure Vanilla's movements. Slow. Careful. Tender. Usually he wouldn't think anything, but this time, he saw how often he glanced at him before fixing his clothes, how he turned his back on him and the way he brushed his hair, how he wasn't that talkative. Something had definitely happened, and he could see it. The walls he built. He can easily break it, force him to open the gates, but all of his eyes his inspected every single aspect of him as if Pure Vanilla was a specimen. After a sigh, Pure Vanilla showed a small smile, but it felt rather a smile which said "please don't comment on how I act", and Shadow Milk saw that. Maybe he knew more about that healer after all..

"Nilly..." He crept up behind him, his hands (claws) holding Pure Vanilla's shoulders in a firm grip, a large grin suddenly spreading across his face like a wildfire. "Say.." he trailed off, tilting his head, before with a swift movement he teleported them to the mirror, Pure Vanilla staring at his reflection with wide eyes and a slightly open mouth, but he resisted his words and didn't speak, Shadow Milk, on the other side, didn't say anything for some seconds. "What do you see?" He asks, almost mockingly. 

Silence.

Interesting.

The silence stretched on, before he looked away from the reflection. "Shadow Milk, is something the matter? You usually never appear without at least a si-"

"SILENCE." He almost angrily commanded, his grip tightening.

Here it was. 

A flinch. A look of pain which seemed too strong. So Candy Apple did notice a tiny detail like that. Hmm.. "Oh? Why are we flinching? The grips not even so strong, dear Vanilla." Another silence followed. But it was visible how he hesitated on his words. Fear. Almost like he did too. Back when he was the Fount of Knowledge, he used to be just as similarly afraid like Pure Vanilla is now. 

"...Well." Pure Vanilla started, his voice quieter, more hesitant, but a voice nonetheless, and thankfully Shadow Milk can hear him normally. "I see a ruler of the Vanilla Kingdom, one who spreads kindness and truth across Crispia." Pure Vanilla's words were quiet, but truthful. But he explains himself like it's his whole point of living. "Just that? No: "I have my friends and I dearly love them" yapping stuff?" Shadow Milk tilted his head, raising an eyebrow. "... That counts too." 

That counts too.

Similar. He's not addressing it, but it's the truth. Oh, what is this healer hiding, and so professionally? Did the Truthless Recluse times make him more strong to lie? "Alrighty! But anooooother question before I leave your poor dough alone,"

"Why do you feel so thin?" That slipped out faster than he thought. He didn't even want to ask that question- that's for another day! He is not worried about him. Pure Vanilla is just a stupid healer, trying to make a beast all soft and nice. But when he left his thoughts, he saw it. Wide eyes of realizing, lips slightly parted, as if thinking how'd he notice it. So something was wrong. "How'd you-"

"Answer the question." Shadow Milk didn't hesitate to cut him off, his grip softening a bit. Maybe he'll care. Just a tiny bit. "Or I'll force you to answer." He threatened, and that somehow helped as he sighed, and looked down. He's being vulnerable? Pathetic. "...I'm sorry." A quiet apology left his mouth, before wiping his eyes. Does he not eat? Is this cookie serious? An annoyed scoff left him, before the next second they were seated at a kitchen, some maids jumping in surprise before stopping, when noticing Shadow Milk. Even Pure Vanilla jumped, his eyes wide, before it turned to shock. "Wha-?" 

"Pure Vanilla's servants, whatever, bring us some food! Now." He turned to the maids, before they fastly nodded, rushing to the kitchen to alarm the chefs to make food, as he sat across Pure Vanilla at the table with a grin. "Don't think I'll be doing this all the time. You're eating because I want to tortment you so you don't collapse a second into my fun!" He reminded, while Pure Vanilla sat across him, dumbfounded before shaking his head, snapping out of his little trance. "I don't think that's nece-"

"If you're gonna resist one more damn time I'm gonna shove food down your throat." 

Well that seemed to shut him up as he silently, and awkwardly sat there, every five minutes shifting in his seat, before eventually calming down, now just quietly waiting for the food. Thankfully, after a short while it came, some simple jelly steak with sour cream and vegetables. Eh, pretty simple but good enough to eat. The maid put the plates down infront of Shadow Milk and Pure Vanilla, before leaving. The food was warm and good looking. Huh. Interesting.. but he saw Pure Vanilla playing with his food, tapping the steak with the fork, picking at the vegetables, his free hand balancing his head which rested in that palm. "Eat." Shadow Milk didn't ask, he commanded. Pure Vanilla glanced at him, almost with hesitation, but he took the knife and sliced a tiny piece of the steak, picking it with the fork, and Shadow Milk just sliced a bigger piece and dipped it in the sour cream. Eating was unnecessary for him, but just so that damned cookie eats. He took a bite, and honestly? That food was great. The perfect temperature of warm that makes the taste buds in the tongue melt. Shadow Milk immediately stared at Pure Vanilla after taking his bite, seeing him slowly, slowly eat. But it was eating, thankfully. Silence occupies the room, except the occasional usage of the forks and knives against the plates. After some bites, Shadow Milk was already done eating, with a clap of his hands the plate was already out of the way, while Pure Vanilla was already fidgeting with the food, again.. for the witches sake-

"Pure.. Vanilla." Shadow Milk spat out, and Pure Vanilla's attention immediately turned to Shadow Milk, which glared at him with a deep expression. "I utterly, strongly and horribly despise you to the deepest depth of my dough, but if you genuinely won't finish this food I'm gonna shove it down your throat." His eyes narrowed, together with the ones on his hair, which made Pure Vanilla shiver, before slowly nodding, without saying a word. After a while of quietness and Pure Vanilla eating more slow than a snail, he finally finished his food, and with Shadow Milks more than annoyed sigh he teleported the plate his plate out aswell.

"I am not babying you anym-"

"Is that..?" A soft voice suddenly spoke out from the doorframe of the kitchen.

Chapter Text

"Mr. Kind man? Is that the "Shadow Milk Cookie" you've been talking about?" Vanilla Candy asked, fidgeting with her fingers, before Pure Vanilla stood up and walked over to her, his steps light and reassuring before gently picking up Vanilla Candy, before nodding. "Yes, that's him. What are you doing so early up?" He asked, and Vanilla Candy giggled, Shadow Milk noticed he's surprisingly good at kids, but whatever. I guess that's Candy Apple's disguise? The bag with the cane sticking out and all. "I woke up early, and heard talking, so I decided to investigate!" Her happy and childish voice filled Pure Vanilla with calmness, before turning himself to Shadow Milk, giving a look of "act nice, this once", and Shadow Milk just rolled his eyes. It's Candy Apple, do whatever. But he couldn't help but feel proud that Candy Apple can act so well. She follows the script perfectly! "Vanilla Candy, do you want to say hi to Shadow Milk Cookie?" Pure Vanilla's voice seemed calmer, more gentle, like a parent with a child. Vanilla Candy looked at Shadow Milk then Pure Vanilla, and nodded. "Yeah! Hi, Sir Shadow Milk Cookie!" She waved a hand at him, and he forced a kind smile, before slowly waving. "Hello to.. you too.." he hid his annoyance, but it was slightly slipping out. Vanilla Candy just giggled quietly, before snuggling against Pure Vanilla's chest again, almost as if seeking warmth. 

Well that's new. Candy Apple is playing this role a bit too well, for witches sake if she'll warm up to Pure Vanilla Cookie.. but it doesn't matter for now! He just chuckled, brushing a strand of her light blond hair with some minor red strands of hair out of her face, before realizing she fell asleep. Shadow Milk was entirely sure it was a trick, but her breathing was steady, and her eyes didn't try to flutter. Pure Vanilla Cookie made her more comfortable, holding her almost as if a tiny body in his hands, but it was visible he was uncomfortable himself. 

"God, let me carry that girl. You're about to fall over." Shadow Milk scoffed, before Pure Vanilla could resist, Vanilla Candy was already snuggled up in Shadow Milks arms, and of course, Vanilla Candy after instinctively snuggled more onto Shadow Milk. He actually didn't notice how much Candy Apple seeked some kind of comfort.. huh. "Ah- you didn't have to-" 

"You looked like you're about to crumble."

"...Sorry."

"What are you even apologizing for?"

"...."

"That's my point." He ended with a roll of his eyes, before walking forwards, quickly glancing at Pure Vanilla. "You comin'? I don't know where this girl's room is." Pure Vanilla snapped out of his thinking trance as always before running up to Shadow Milk, panting a bit. The walk was simple, Pure Vanilla talking a bit about stuff, before Shadow Milk tilted his head to Pure Vanilla's direction. "Hey, where'd you even find her? I don't think you had any children of your own." He pulled Vanilla Candy a bit closer to him, but slightly, Pure Vanilla thankfully didn't notice. "Black Raisin Cookie found her. She wanted to explore our kingdom, but tripped and her hand was scarred. So I healed her and then brought her in." Pure Vanilla's explanation was simple, but it was good enough to understand. "She didn't have a place to stay at, so I offered to stay at the castle for a couple of days." 

Aww. How nice.. "Hm. Interesting, then." 

Silence filled the space between them again, but Shadow Milk was in his thoughts already. Ever since Pure Vanilla had awakened, it doesn't even look like he got any better. Yes, the godly look, long hair, and.? Plus, how he often pulls his sleeves down of his now purely white robes. Did his usual ones get dirty? Plus how tired his eyes look like. It's like he's breaking apart without notifying anything to anyone. Almost like he's afraid of what others will think..

It reminds him of himself. 

How he's afraid of being shown as a vulnerable being, being pitied. How he hid his fears and pains through silly emotions and games, so people are afraid to help him. Think that he's some horrible being. So they don't try to break those walls he built around himself, yet Pure Vanilla after awakening understood him with ease. He saw it all. And now he does too. After all they share the same soul jam, no? 

Even if he wants to destroy his dough, make him survive the same hell over and over again like he did, he somehow understands Pure Vanilla's own misery he desperately hides. He himself as Fount barely took care of himself so he helped others instead, that counted in eating aswell. He could feel the self-hatred in Pure Vanilla, the faint hum he felt in his soul jam, which almost felt like a cry for someone to see his pain.

"We're here." Pure Vanilla muttered under his breath, and Shadow Milk stopped, his face unreadable after such a long time. "Oh, great." He quickly answered before opening the door, putting Vanilla Candy on the bed, covering her with the sheets neatly stacked nearby, before exiting the room. He glanced at Pure Vanilla, before with a scoff and a snap of his fingers he teleported his blueberry cane to him, before with a swoosh of magic Pure Vanilla was in the air, with Shadow Milk giggling a bit. Pure Vanilla's confused and shocked face was peak comedy! "You look hilarious like this, anyone told ya' that?" He tilted his head in a mocking manner, and Pure Vanilla's face flushed a darker color from embarrassment. "You don't have to do anything so suddenly.!" Pure Vanilla mentioned, squirming a bit before eventually accepting the cruel fate of being in a bubble of magic, in the air.. Shadow Milk just needed for that poor cookie to forget his troubles so he doesn't look like a dumbass. "Hey, not my fault you look so silly with that long hair now floating everywhere." Shadow Milk decided to float up, floating up to Pure Vanilla's level before with a finger he popped the bubble, and Pure Vanilla started falling. He was about to scream or something, but of course, the jester was already softening his fall, him falling gently into his arms, Pure Vanilla's face turning into a flush from embarrassment again. Shadow Milk noticed how light he was too.. noted. "You're getting so embarrassed from me being a gentleman and not letting your precious dough crumble," he mocked, carrying him in a bridal style, "that's kinda funny." Shadow Milk floated up, before carrying him through the long and tall halls, Pure Vanilla just clinging onto him like he's about to make him purposefully fall onto the ground. "Oh calm your jam down, I won't drop you!" 

"I feel like you would.." 

"Well, I won't! I gotta still taunt you, I'm not crumbling you that soon." He spat back, even tho.. he wanted to crumble him so badly he couldn't think straight, yet now? He feels like he doubts the possibility of wanting to do it. He could slight smell the faint smell of vanilla coming from Pure Vanilla, not a shocker. Maybe some faint cream and lilies, the usual. He stopped infront of a window, quickly looking outside with a curious look. "That's the garden." Pure Vanilla pointed out, and Shadow Milk got an idea. If that fool will spend some time with someone as great and perfect as Shadow Milk, he won't be so pathetic all the time. "Hm.." he hummed in response, before teleporting to the garden, and dropping Pure Vanilla to the ground with a little thud. Thankfully the distance to the grass wasn't so far, so there wasn't much damage rather than Pure Vanilla grunting. 

"Be glad I'm doing this so you aren't being a stupid fool all the time." Shadow Milk snarled, landing on the grass delicately. But he knew he's doing it because he actually... cares. Eugh.. get those stupid thoughts out of him..

Chapter Text

Pure Vanilla sat on the soft grass, examining the flowers scattered around. It made a pretty view, while Shadow Milk explored his little resting place, flowers, especially lilies. A little puddle with two bluebirds resting time to times, and a cream sheep resting on the little staircase, deeply sleeping, in its own little world. Pure Vanilla's hair scattered around, reaching the grass a little bit, and Shadow Milks sigh was loud enough for Pure Vanilla to hear. "Are you just gonna sit here and yearn like a fool?" With a dramatic sigh he suddenly grasped Pure Vanilla's hand, intertwining their fingers before pushing him up, Pure Vanilla stumbling a bit from the sudden push upward. "Woah, woah! Don't you dare fall onto me, can't make my beautiful clothes dirty from your essence!" He yelped, floating away with an appropriate distance. "Apologies.. you kinda unexpectedly did that." He fixed his balance before his hands folded in his lap. "What are we even supposed to do-" 

"Are you always this damn oblivious!?" Shadow Milk suddenly lunged forward and his hands grabbed at his shoulders, gripping them tightly, as Pure Vanilla gasped and flinched, well, at least some kind of reaction Shadow Milk would want. "To talk! Or do something! Witches, are you always this oblivious to everything?!" Pure Vanilla listened to Shadow Milks tiny rant, chuckling a bit before taking a step back, an awkward smile washing over his face. "Ah.. apologie-"

"Don't you even dare apologize all the time."

"..."

"Good." Shadow Milk grinned before looking at Pure Vanilla, deep in thought before he got an idea. His clothing was horrible, plain white robes? Is he serious? Probably not his usual clothing, but sweet witches, that looks more horrible than whatever Candy Apple could draw in 20 seconds.. "hmm.. these plain robes absolutely don't suit you. And since I'm such a great designer, I'm willing to make that boring style turn into something MUCH better!" He circled around Pure Vanilla, examining his reactions. He was in thought, thinking about the choice given to him. He better accept, because he would not want to see Pure Vanilla walking like that. "If you want to." Pure Vanilla answered, and Shadow Milk clapped his hands almost immediately after hearing him speak, a large grin spreading across his face. 

After a lot of outfit picks and decorating, Shadow Milk transformed Pure Vanilla's white robes into white robes with golden patterns and with a black corset decorated with blue eyes, matching Shadow Milks, of course. The sleeves are decorated with fake vines, golden ones to match Pure Vanilla because he didn't want to be too dark. Well, that fit him perfectly while being Truthless Recluse! Anyway, instead of his hat which he always wore, he changed it to milkcrowns and vanilla flowers. Now, both of them were sitting on the grass, Shadow Milk was now decorating his hair, absolutely ignoring everything what's happening, already deep inside his own world, by giving some ideas to Pure Vanilla's clothing and hair. Pure Vanilla just listened to the bluebirds chirping, before one rested on his shoulder, snuggling warmly. 

"Shadow Milk, how is my hairstyle?" Pure Vanilla broke the somehow comfortable silence, but no answer came, but he still felt Shadow Milk styling his hair. "Shadow Milk?" He asked again, no answer still. He got a bit awkward, shifting in his position a bit, before a giggle came from behind. That was Shadow Milks giggle, he knew.. but why is he ignoring him? "Shadow Milk!" He slightly raised his voice, before he heard the giggle abruptly stop, and then a confused "huh?" sound. "Oh, yeah. What's the matter, Pure Vanilla.." Shadow Milk finally spoke, finishing final touches. A loose bun with some tinier milkcrowns decorating the strands of light blond hair. "I wanted to ask about my hair, but it seems it's finished?" Pure Vanilla's hand went over to the shoulder the bluebird was resting on, as it accepted his offer and stepped onto his pointer finger, Pure Vanilla raising his hand as the bluebird flew away. "Yeah, it's finished." Shadow Milk lazily flew up, before elegantly sitting next to him, but of course kept his dear distance. Pure Vanilla lightly chuckled, before it stopped, seemingly remembering something. "Right, about my offer-"

"If you think we're friends, we're not." Shadow Milk spat out, an intense glare staring at witches know where. Pure Vanilla was silent, but sighed, it wasn't an annoyed one or accepting one, it was just a temporary one. Almost as if he knew that'll change.. of course.. "Shadow Milk.. I've noticed you zoning out whenever we were together. Especially when we went to Vanilla Candy's room, you stared blankly onto her," he broke the growing silence, Shadow Milks head snapping onto Pure Vanilla speaking, "and when I told we were here, you almost continued walking, but snapped out of it right in time." How observant. How damn observant. Damned healer.. but he sighed before his elbow was resting on his thigh, while his head rested against his palm. "Well, yeah. Can't a beast think? Plus, you're no better yourself." Shadow Milk wasn't playing. If he's observant, he'll be observant too. "You think I don't notice your hesitation when eating? And how light you are. It's a bit pathetic." Pure Vanilla.. fell silent. He opened his eyes a bit, the familiar mismatched pale blue and pastel yellow eyes staring at the grass. "You're right. I won't lie about that, and I understand-"

"You don't understand yourself!" He suddenly spat out, yanking his wrist with a tight grip while his other hand gripped his chin, forcing to look at him, while Pure Vanilla softly gasped in shock. "Have you ever understood yourself and what you want, and not others?!" 

"..."

"You're making a picture what others want to see, not what you want to do with yourself!" Shadow Milk shook his shoulders, glaring at him with an angry glare. Even if he wants him to crumble (which he now doubts), that fool is lying to himself. How cute.. "That's what I did. What I did before corruption. Why can't you do both?! Why can't you do what you want and what others want!? Are you that selfless?" Shadow Milks furious voice was evident. Pure Vanilla was silent. For the first time he didn't know what exactly he could say, because Shadow Milk was right. But he can't let the picture fall apart-

"Nilly, tell me."

Silence grew thicker, harder to trust.

Shadow Milks grip tightened on Pure Vanilla's shoulders, to the point where through the white robes jam could be seen spilling.

"Have you ever taken care of your wishes? Wants? Anything?" He tilted his head mockingly, but his face said otherwise. He was completely serious, staring at Pure Vanilla like he's about to pierce right through him. Pure Vanilla was silent, forcing himself to keep the intense eye contact going between them both, thick silence filling the territory, almost like you could slice it apart. But after some pathetic silence, his eyebrows furrowed, before lightly shaking his head. "..I.. haven't. I never found the time to do so." He answered, somehow he didn't lie. Shocker.. but anywho, Shadow Milk narrowed his eyes, his pupils turning into splits, intently glaring before groaning annoyingly, letting go of him before pushing him to the ground. Since both of them were sitting it rather felt jokeful than serious, but the obvious.. disappointment was evident on his face. "A king.. who can't even take care of his wishes.. grreaaat." He mumbled, pinching the bridge of his nose, "does the poor king need help standing up? A hand?" He asked in mock concern, but Pure Vanilla was already sitting up, scratching the back of his neck, awkwardness visible on him. "Don't be so damn awkward! I just confronted your poor, weary dough, no need to be so dense." His grin slowly reappeared on his face, before getting an idea. He let out a sigh. 

He extended his palm but not to feel Pure Vanilla's own in his, but to show something, Pure Vanilla got the hint and glanced at Shadow Milk, before at his palm, after a bit of nothing happening, some milkcrowns bloomed from his hand. Shadow Milks face was concentrated on that, but Pure Vanilla's face was.. almost excited and surprised at the same time. He stared at the magic happening, his eyes staring at the palm making those flowers bloom. "How are you.?" Pure Vanilla almost asked something, but kept himself from doing so as he continued watching the wonders happen. More milkcrowns appeared, before Shadow Milk sighed, plucking a milkcrown.

"Here." He simply said, his other hand extending the flower at him. "How did you do that?" Pure Vanilla did take the flower and put it on top of his ear, pushing some hair away so the milkcrown can sit without falling, but obviously he had to ask. He just stared at him before waving a hand, as if he shouldn't really care. "Just some simple magic, that's all.." he shockingly answered him, staring at the milkcrowns in his palm before at Pure Vanilla. "Give me your hand." But he didn't wait for the answer as he grabbed his hand, staring at the vines he was so kind to decorate the sleeve with. One by one, he put one milkcrown after another, the same on the other hand. Pure Vanilla didn't stop him, just watched in silent admiration which Shadow Milk caught. He's so hopeless it's funny. But eventually he finished, staring at his masterpieces, nodding approvingly. "Now that's what I'm talking about! Much better!" Pure Vanilla just chuckled, nodding along. "Yes. It looks great, Shadow. I appreciate it a lot." Oh wow. Now there's appreciation? But whatever he did it for pure fun anyway. "Yeah, yeah. Whatever."

The rest of the day went by fast, both of them planted some new flowers, and Pure Vanilla insisted on Shadow Milk giving some milkcrown seeds, but Shadow Milk just said he'll take care of it. They talked about a lot of things, sometimes one of them laughing or both of them. Pure Vanilla himself put some decors on Shadow Milk, like a sun themed necklace and some vanilla flowers on his hands. 

Maybe Shadow milk will visit more. He likes the fun this somehow pathetic healer gives him.

Chapter Text

The birds chirped through the window, showing that a new day had come. Vanilla Candy grumbled before waking up, yawning, then stretching as she sat up, looking around. "Huh..?" She tilted her head before realizing what had happened the day before. Right! She accidentally fell asleep on Pure Vanilla's arms- and Shadow Milk was there too. Well that surely wasn't a good thing, but she shook her head as she brought herself together, making her look decent as she always did, before opening a door to take a peek out, coast clear. She exited her room, starting to walk around the halls of the castle. She needed to find more information about him, and quick. She's still surprised at how she slept out the whole day, so she just skipped a whole day. Two days left until she had to gather all information she can about him.. she wondered how Black Sapphire was doing, and if he's doing good. She sighed, but then she wondered: what was even Shadow Milk doing here in the first place? Well that surely was a question Shadow Milk probably won't answer, but she still wondered that. She decided to forget that, continuing the trip around the castle, as she saw a familiar shadow of a cookie.

"Mr. Kind man!" She called out, running up to him, hugging him in a tight embrace from behind, as Pure Vanilla just lightly laughed, ruffling her hair before crouching down at the girls level. "Good morning, Vanilla Candy. How was your sleep?" He asked, raising an eyebrow, that same caring smile on his face. "I slept well," Vanilla Candy proudly stated, "but a bit too long.." Pure Vanilla just brushed a left out lock of hair off of her face, chuckling as he stood up and extended his hand, and she accepted it, now both of them walking in the halls, and Vanilla Candy being the curious being, her eyes wandered off to difference directions. "Sleeping is a necessity, you probably really needed it." He spoke, worry a bit more evident in his voice. "Have you been sleeping enough?" Vanilla Candy glanced at him, scratching the back of her neck, nervously chuckling. Pure Vanilla understood that she didn't sleep well, and sighed. "Ah.. I have some calming tea I usually drink if I can't sleep, I can give some to you when you'll be ready to go back to your home." Suddenly, his suggestion sounded a bit too good to skip. She did have slight problems sleeping, sometimes she could barely sleep, so maybe, just maybe she can take his generous offer.. Shadow Milk won't find out!

Riiiigghhhhttt?

"Alright!" But that wasn't the time to doubt things, accepting the offer immediately, and Pure Vanilla gave a relieved smile. "I'm glad to hear that. Have you eaten anything? If not, I can ask my chefs to cook something." Pure Vanilla slowed down, and Vanilla Candy did as well, she actually thought about it, and decided to accept. The food which was made two days ago was honestly the best thing she's eaten in a while, so she'll better enjoy that. "Okay! I'm quite hungry, so.." Vanilla Candy honestly didn't actually want to eat, but the food tasted good. She should enjoy these days, after all! 

They eventually reached the kitchen, Vanilla Candy sitting down onto the table where she usually sat at, swinging her legs as Pure Vanilla approached her. "What would you like? I have forgotten to ask you when I first brought you here, apologies.. I had to quickly go somewhere." ...a lie. Pure Vanilla knew that, but he didn't want to burden the child with his problems, especially the reason why. She's so young, she wouldn't understand. "Hmm.. I'll like what I had before!" 

"A little of everything?" Pure Vanilla spoke with a chuckle.

"A little bit of everything!" She happily squeaked, and he just sighed, but not annoyingly as he went to the kitchen and talked with the chefs, before sitting down himself. "Will you eat anything, Mr. Kind man?" She suddenly asked, tilting her head in curiosity. "Hm? Ah, no. I already ate." ...nothing. He didn't eat anything rather from yesterday because Shadow Milk had forced him to.. another lie. Again. But this time, Vanilla Candy noticed the slight doubt, and her expression became unreadable. "Can you eat with me.?" She asked, her voice softening, it felt like if he will say no she'll cry on the spot, and the healer hated when he saw someone cry. "Ah- okay! Please don't cry.. I'll eat with you, okay?" He placed his hand on his chest, and Vanilla Candy immediately calmed down, giggling. "Yay!"

The chef made the meals and Pure Vanilla took them, placing Vanilla Candy's and his plates on the table, and the second the plate was put in front of her, she immediately starting to eat, shoving the food like a starved man, it made Pure Vanilla smile to himself. "Is it that good?" Pure Vanilla asked with a chuckle, taking a little bite from his own food. Vanilla Candy nodded, stuffing the food. "Iwt's gwreat!" She excitedly exclaimed with the food still in her mouth, and in a couple of minutes her plate was clean, with no leftovers left, while Pure Vanilla was already feeling pretty full after some bites, but still ate. "...Mr. Kind man?" 

"Mhm?"

"Can I eat it, please.?" She asked in a quieter voice, almost hesitating to ask, but Pure Vanilla smiled, showing that he doesn't mind and gave her his plate, as she ate, but calmer and without things going crazy. "Oh, yeah," she said between eating, but this time her talking was more clearer since there wasn't much food in her mouth, "why was Sir Shadow Milk Cookie here?" She asked, tilting her head while shoving another bite of the food.

"He wanted to see what I'm doing, after that we ate together before you approached us." He explained, standing up as he took a cup, and filled it with water, taking a sip. "Really.? But didn't you say that your relationship was complicated?" Vanilla Candy curiously asked another question, and Pure Vanilla hummed in response, some of his light blond locks of hair falling onto his shoulders. It seemed to glimmer in the sunlight which came from the large arc windows, on the sides being some light see-through curtains colored in a really pastel yellow, almost looking like a white color. "Yes, it is. But it seems that Shadow Milk Cookie had decided to pay a visit." After finishing his explanation he drank all of the water on the cup, before putting it back on the sink.

After Vanilla Candy finished eating and they washed the dishes together (because Pure Vanilla prefers to do chores without bothering anyone), they sat at the library, in a comfortable corner in which only little shimmers of light from outside peaked, highliting Pure Vanilla's gentle eyes and his white eyelashes, aswell as Vanilla Candy's hair, making it almost shine. The healer was reading a book to Vanilla Candy, while she rested her head on his lap, almost as if seeking some warmth. Her expression was calm, her breathing calm, meanwhile Pure Vanilla's fingers comfortingly ran through her hair, almost like soothing all her worries away. His hair was pulled away so his hair doesn't disturb her, and they just sat together comfortably, while Pure Vanilla read out loud the story, his voice calm and quiet so it helps Vanilla Candy relax more. His voice was always soothing, so he used it to help children with their growing worries or teen cookies.

"So nice.. and for what.?" She thought, her mind slowly going to another world, but the comfort and warm coming from Pure Vanilla wasn't left ignored. She liked Master Shadow Milk Cookie, but he never truly gave her this much of comfort, while Pure Vanilla? He didn't even know her that good, yet treats her as his own. "I'm not gonna like him.." her eyebrows furrowed, and Pure Vanilla catched that immediately, his hand going to her shoulder, his thumb gently rubbing her shoulder in a soothing motion, before he tilted his head. "Vanilla Candy? You seem a bit tense. If something is on your mind, I don't mind listening to you." He closed the book, before placing it next to him, and she turned to him, staring at his face, and the birthmark on his forehead. "...It's nothing." 

"I can see that something's not alright." His voice grew a bit worried. Ugh, care. So.. unnecessary. But she just sighed and her hands went to her face, covering her growing frustration boiling in her jam. "I've never gotten this much of.. care before. Just unexpected for a noble king to give me that." Pure Vanilla listened to her little explanation, his hand going back to running fingers through her hair. "Ah.. I'm sorry to hear that you had a hard time with someone caring about you." Vanilla Candy just sighed in response, without answering anything.. she'll just let him talk his nice guy nonsense. "But even as a king, I shall love my people like they're the most important thing to me, even travelers." Vanilla Candy felt a feeling bubble up her chest. 

"—for me, every soul has something good in them. They might refuse to change, but the little spark of light is still within them, and you can find yours too." His speaking wasn't helping, it was so comforting, so caring it made the feeling increase, as she closed her eyes, but didn't move her hands away from her face. "I know you're capable of changing, Candy Apple-"

"Excuse me?!" She bolted up from his lap, her hands immediately shoving out of her face, her eyes widened. How did he know? Was her disguise that bad? What will Master Shadow Milk Cookie think? Her illusion faltered for a second before going back to Vanilla Candy. "I'm not this.. "Candy Apple".!" She protested, tho her skill in lying suddenly faded away, just trying to make him think it was a misunderstanding, but his gentle smile never faltered. "It is not that easy to fool me, and I've noticed Shadow Milks stare. Familiarity. That's why I understood it was you, Candy Apple Cookie." Her illusion faltered once more, but this time it didn't come back as her familiar soft pink dough came back, the white hair and the two apples coated in red syrup, the most noticeable of them all. 

Candy Apple just groaned, definitely in annoyance but in defeat aswell, but didn't keep the eye contact with the healer. "Do not worry, it's okay. You're acting was pretty believable." Pure Vanilla said, before spreading his arms, suggesting a hug. Candy Apple glanced at him, but it was clear she was hesitating. "It's okay." It was like he almost gave her the permission, and she sighed, before accepting the embrace, her arms wrapping around his back, the sudden warmth coating her like a blanket wasn't heavy like it usually was, but somehow comfortable. She silently leaned onto the touch, and Pure Vanilla gently rubbed her back. "That's it.. it's okay." 

After a while of just silent hugging, Candy Apple eventually pulled away, sighing, Pure Vanilla still wore that smile, but it seemed happier than before. "I guess you aren't that bad.." Candy Apple mumbled, and Pure Vanilla just chuckled. Well those remaining days for Shadow Milks quest will be interesting..

Chapter Text

Candy Apple sat in her room, quietly observing the bluebirds chirping outside the window, it was still sunny as always, but some clouds interrupted the sun in some times. She stood up, deciding to take a walk around the kingdom, just look around the place or something, she hasn't been outside ever since getting into the kingdom, and after the library incident she wanted to get some fresh air for herself. She just had to hope that Shadow Milk Cookie won't find out what happened.. she turned into Vanilla Candy, taking her bag, just taking some pocket money Pure Vanilla so kindly offered her, and got out of her room, but looked around, thankfully no maids, good. 

She walked to the entrance, the large door in front of her looked enormous, how does Pure Vanilla Cookie even live here.? But that was no time to wonder around. She left the building, thankfully the guards paid no mind because Pure Vanilla brought her in himself, so there weren't any suspicions. She straightened herself, noticing how actually bright and colorful the kingdom is, cookies walking and running around, the little stores working nearby, selling all kinds of things. Her eyes lingered on a tiny market, the one which sold grapes caught her attention. The one which sold those had light purple skin, with green eyes. The hair was short, with slight wavy curls infront, colored in a darker shade of purple. In their hair was some grapes and their stems, the clothing was simple, a purple apron with a black long shirt underneath, with dark magenta colored pants, and black boots. They had a basket of grapes of all kinds, purple, green, pink.. 

She smiled, and approached the booth, the seller waving a hand. "Why hello! Are you interested in some grapes?" The seller exclaimed, showing some kinds of different grapes. They did seem pretty appetizing for sure.. "I have all kinds, sweet, sour, bittersweet, and much more. Anything that interests you?" They asked with a grin, which seemed innocent at first, but Vanilla Candy could read that smile like clear water. Maybe they could understand who she was too? "Hmmm.. ooh! Yes! I want to buy something for my grandma!" She seemed to think on what to buy, and decided to stop on magenta colored grapes. "These ones are good! Have much is it?" 

"Great choice! They cost 5 coins." The seller took a plastic bag and took the grapes, putting them into the bag, and Vanilla Candy went through her bag, taking the five coins, handing them to the seller, and they gave her the bag. "Oh! May I know your name?" Vanilla Candy asked, taking the bag. "Me? Oho, I'm Sapphire Grape Cookie. And you are.?"

"Vanilla Candy Cookie!" She extended a hand, and he accepted it, shaking it formally, before letting go. "Nice to meet you, Sapphire Grape! But I'll go now, have a good day!" She turned around and started walking, as Sapphire Grape wished her the same, and continued selling some other costumers who were there. She was pretty glad for the grapes, opening the bag as she took a little grape and popped it into her mouth, it tasted very sweet, just what she likes. Like a sweet lie~! She giggled quietly to herself, and if she's lucky enough, she might have a talk with him after this all ends, since she already has a suspicion who that might be, while already another grape was in her mouth. The market was busy with life, and she decided to be a bit.. mischevious today. Just a bit.. 

She approached a booth which sold different flowers, an old man with a pretty long beard was busy serving someone else, not noticing the girls presence, and that was good. Vanilla Candy quickly looked around, nobody was paying attention. Good. She approached the flowers, specifically the vanilla flowers, and silently took out her vanilla flower cane. She experimented with it a bit after she went to her room after the library, and it could transform objects! Just perfect. With a tiny flick of the cane, some flowers turned "corrupted", if to put it. The flowers became a dark blue, the closed eyes now duplicating and open, the stems turned black, thorns covering the poor flowers. Now, to put up a scene..

"Excuse me?" She called out, and the old man turned to her. "Yes, young lady?" Perfect. She pointed at the corrupted flowers, a brow raising on her, tilting her head before crossing her arms. "Do you not see those flowers? They look horrible! Do you take care of them at all?" The old man looked at the flowers before his face turned to horror and shock, approaching them. "But they were just fine this morning!-"

"Seems that they're not. And you sell these to cookies?" The commotion raised some stares and whispers among them, great. All attention is accepted, especially since the suspicions are raised not at her, but him! Oh this is fun! "I apologize! I didn't notice them!" The old man hurryingly took the flowers out, now checking if the others are fine. "Whoever paid for those get these for free, and you too, madam! I apologize for not noticing!" The other cookies who were at the booth quietly picked up their choices and left, and Vanilla Candy just took some vanilla flowers and spider lilies, before leaving. A great way to get something for free! 

She did some mischievous things a bit more, mess up the price tags, make the food look bad even though it was fine, all that little stuff while mentally laughing her dough off. Her bag was full of stuff she got, and the only thing she paid for? Grapes! Why would she bother? Pure Vanilla won't notice anyway. Plus, Shadow Milk Cookie surely will be proud of her for doing some good work. But then, she heard whispers. They weren't loud ones, but if you would be quiet enough you could hear it. It was on a quieter corner, seemingly behind a store, she grinned, before going close enough, hiding behind a wall. The whispers were clear enough for her to hear, so she can have some fun finding out some good lies..

"Have you heard.? The king had taken a child to the castle because they were injured.." one cookie said to the other. Well, she wasn't a child, but of course she has to play her role as one. Maybe she should've made herself a teen.. whatever! Doesn't matter now! "Ah yes, I did. I wouldn't think Pure Vanilla would do it, considering that she's not even from here. Have you even seen her?" The other cookie said, and a sigh after. "No.. did she even exit the castle? Or does she think just because the king let her in she's a royalty?" How rude. She only rolled her eyes at that, but still listened. It was funny seeing cookies get so worked on just because Pure Vanilla let her in and not them instead.. "don't say that. But no, I haven't." This was getting boring. Just some talking about her, so she turned around and left, swinging her hair in the air with her hand, before she grinned. Today was great! She couldn't spread deceit perfectly, but brought some misunderstanding around the situation instead. She realized that the situation had calmed down, but she can't see Sapphire Grape Cookie anywhere.. she raised an eyebrow, but she heard some shuffling behind a store next to her, and smirked. Hehe.. this'll be fun. 

She looked at the darkened territory behind the building, peeking her head out, and yes, infact, it was Sapphire Grape! She smiled and revealed herself from the shadows, making the cookie slightly jump before realizing who it was. "Ah! Vanilla Candy Cookie! I wasn't expecting y-"

"Black Sapphire, drop the act! I know it's you, and you know it's me." She abruptly cut him off, and he frowned, playfully pushing her shoulder. "Oh shush. I need to keep with the act." Acting so prideful.. oh of course. Vanilla Candy just rolled her eyes, and suddenly gripped his wrist, and started leading him. "We're going to visit Pure Vanilla!" She exclaimed in such pride, which honestly surprised Sapphire Grape. He raised an eyebrow, but didn't push away. "And what do you mean by that? Did you actually befriend him?" 

Silence.. which was a bit awkward. "Hello? Candy Apple available on the phone?" He mocked, and Vanilla Candy just sighed in pure annoyance, but her head still stood high. "Firstly, yes, I did. But some things went a bit.. offguard! And second-" 

"What in the deceit do you mean "went a bit offguard"?! If Master Shadow Milk Cookie will find out, you're probably crumbs!" Vanilla Candy knew that, and shrugged, like she just didn't say something what will get her greatly in trouble. "I'll explain it on the way to the castle." 

Vanilla Candy explained every detail, the meeting, the castle stay, him making food for her and all that.. and how he caught her in the act. Sapphire Grape just listened, and often commented some stuff which boiled Vanilla Candy's jam for a couple of seconds. Since it was near night, the only sounds were their steps echoing, the trees rustling and some birds chirping. They both saw the castles outline, and Vanilla Candy excitedly pointed at it. "Here it issss!" She happily squeaked in excitement, tugging his wrist as she dragged him, not caring about Sapphire Grape cursing her out. "Okay, not the time! The guard are there so act all nice guy, got it?!" She stopped and turned around, her hands moving to her hips in a proud stance, which looked rather silly than intimidating. "Yeah, yeah.. sure." 

They approached the castle, Vanilla Candy happily skipping there while Sapphire Grape calmly followed her lead, holding his basket of grapes in one hand, and having a smile on his face to show respect. "Hi!! I made a friend, his name is Sapphire Grape Cookie and I really wanted to bring him here! Can I? Can I? Pleaseeee?" Vanilla Candy stared at the guards with a pleading look, pouting a bit, and Sapphire Grape nodded, bowing down. "Good evening. As my friend: Vanilla Candy Cookie said, I'm Sapphire Grape Cookie. It is a pleasure to be this close to the castle gates." He formally greeted and extended a hand to one of the guards. The guard seemed to inspect the cookie Infront of them, and nodded, before accepting the gesture, shaking his hand. "I will ask Pure Vanilla Cookie if you can." The other guard monotonely said, before disappearing inside the castle.

"This is a hastle.. can't they let us in already?!" Vanilla Candy was getting impatient, but just as she was about to have her usual complaining, Pure Vanilla Cookie appeared, now his usual white robes with golden patterns and his cone hat on. He held the staff, and looked at the two cookies standing in front, and Vanilla Candy waved. "Hi!! Uh, that's Sapphire Grape Cookie! My friend! I really wanted to invite him here- can I? Pleaseeee?" Pure Vanilla listened to her explanation, and took a deep breath, almost as if calming some kind of turmoil inside of himself. Okay, that doesn't matter. For now, at least. But he nodded nonetheless! "Sure thing, Vanilla Candy.. both of you are free to come in." He raised his head low, before turning around and going inside the castle, and the both followed, and when it was sure that the space was clear, only except the clock ticking in the far distance and the hum of conditioners, Vanilla Candy turned back to Candy Apple, and sighed in relief. "What are you doi-" Sapphire Grape hissed, but was cut off seeing how Candy Apple simply went to what assumed to be the kitchen and calmly sat down on the table.

"Oh, Candy Apple, do you want to eat something?" Pure Vanilla asked, so simply like that. Only then Sapphire Grape realized Candy Apple told him about that Pure Vanilla knew about her disguise, and seems he's probably putting the pieces together with him, too. "And you?" He turned his head around, his eyes being slightly open, the colors of pale blue and pastel yellow staring at Sapphire Grape's green ones. He was kinda hungry, indeed.. the grapes were good, but not the best choice for all the time. "Alright.." he sat down on the other side of the table, so he's facing Candy Apple swinging her legs around. "Ain't this place just great, Black Sapphire... Cookie?" She tilted her head, and Black Sapphire rolled his eyes, his illusion faltering, now the similar microphone cane and familiar clothes appearing. Now that's Black Sapphire! "Why isn't he mad or anything?" He whispered to Candy Apple.

"Because I don't have a reason to be." Pure Vanilla answered Black Sapphire's question which he didn't intend to ask, and made them meals. Some simple cereal with chocolate chips. "Right, what would you like, Black Sapphire?" Pure Vanilla turned his head, and Black Sapphire thought a bit, before he said: "Just a cooked egg with bread." Pure Vanilla nodded, and did that.

He placed the dishes infront of the cookies, and Candy Apple without questions started eating, a happy grin immediately spreading across her face. Black Sapphire stared at his food for a bit, before taking a bite, and honestly? He liked it, and even a tiny smile appeared on his face, but disappeared as fast. "Are you gonna eat?" Candy Apple asked, swallowing the cereal. "I ate earlier already, and I was planning on sleeping already." He explained, and Candy Apple frowned, taking another bite of her food. "Fine.. but it's so early! It's only like.. 10 pm!" 

"I-"

"Plus, I haven't seen you do anything for all the time I've been here. Taking a break?" Pure Vanilla just silently nodded, taking defeat.

After they finished, Pure Vanilla led Black Sapphire to a free room, and Black Sapphire nodded. Such a nice guy, ain't he?

Chapter Text

Shadow Milk was getting BORED out of his mind. He had absolutely nothing to do, especially because his minions didn't come back, how awesome ain't it? He just mindlessly floated around the spire, and maybe played with some puppets, but mostly all. He would often stop by at what used to be Truthless Recluse's room, his hand lingering on the doorknob. Damnit, he already has to stop thinking about that damned cookie.. yes, he's all whimsy or something which he now starts to doubt, but whatever. He's been thinking especially a lot with the request of being friends. Oh, how kind! Truly! But he knew he's not able to be saved, redeemed. He just scoffed, strolling around the spire, remaking the portraits onto better versions of himself, putting some portraits of his forms.. he floated around the deformed stairs of tarot cards in the air, and occasional groans from the jester. How annoying. How kind he is. 

He hated to admit, but he admired how Pure Vanilla could leave the misery, while he was left to rot. Without anything, without anyone there to help him. Yet look at him, how with his stupid friends help he awakened himself and now offers friendship. He hated being vulnerable, hated showing the scarred version of who he is. Yet here's Pure Vanilla, ready to listen to his problems and help him. How kind. His blueberry cane which he held in his hand glimmered with black magic for a second, as he just let out a sigh, floating to the top of the spire, looking out of his empty realm, his sharp eyes glaring at every direction, almost trying to find something, which he knows he won't find, well, not anymore, at least. With a flick of his cane he spawned a small plush of Pure Vanilla he made, his free hand gently grasping the plushes back, his fingers on the tiny rock what represented the soul jam. 

"I hate your kindness." He huffed, but didn't actually mean it. He was still conflicted with himself, what happened earlier, everything. "I hate everything about you." Shadow Milk gripped the plush tighter, the buttons which were made to match Pure Vanilla's eyes almost as if stared back onto him, with that stitched smile which didn't hold the purpose to comfort. "Your compassion, your smile, your soul jam." The grip intensified. It almost felt like the plush is about to get ripped if he'll continue intensifying the grip on the plush. "How could I ever accept you?" He asked, almost as if asking it to the miniature version of Pure Vanilla, before shoving his blueberry cane in the air, then his both hands flew onto its neck, like trying to choke it. He knew he didn't actually want to choke him to death, but maybe pretending he wanted to was a better option?

"I despise you. Don't think just because I was kind to you before will make me like you!" He could see the stitches slowly breaking because of his grip, but he felt too conflicted within himself to care about that. "... Ugh!" He threw the plushie into nothingness before the darkness swallowed it, as Shadow Milk aggressively took his cane, before teleporting to his room. "Stupid healer.." 

Then. He got an idea. Why not trick him just like he did? Returning the favor, let's say. "...I'm a genius! Well, I technically am, but I'm still a genius!" He snickered to himself like a madman, before starting his plan.

.  .  .  .

"Did you like the food?" Pure Vanilla asked, a smile plastered on his face, Candy Apple and Black Sapphire eating their food. "Yes! It's so great!!" Candy Apple agreed immediately, swinging her legs in happiness, continuing to eat her food, while Black Sapphire agreed aswell, with a light nod and a smile. "Yes, it's quite good of the food, Mr. Pure Vanilla Cookie." Pure Vanilla just chuckled at Black Sapphire's formality, but that was a nice touch indeed. "You don't have to use such formal language, Black Sapphire. I like to be called just Pure Vanilla." Pure Vanilla said, taking Candy Apple's already finished plate and took some napkins to give Candy Apple to clean her lips which had food leftovers in them. "Heh, will do, Pure Vanilla." 

All of them had a pretty nice time, and both Candy Apple and Black Sapphire turned to their illusions of Vanilla Candy and Sapphire Grape, before leaving the castle to just walk around the kingdom or buy something, and with Pure Vanilla's promise to not be too caught up in their lie spreading. After the two left, and he was left alone, he sighed, his staff he was holding earlier letting out a hum, which usually meant that someone was in the castle without permission, and he had an idea to who that cookie might be. But before he got to walk, the absolutely familiar blue jester cookie appeared infront of the healer with a grin. "Why hello, Pure Vanilla.." Shadow Milk floated down to the ground, twirling his cane with precision and grace like hes done it a hundred times. "Shadow Milk Cookie?" Pure Vanilla tilted his head. Well, that was quite unexpected, he opened his eyes to take a look at the cookie, but obviously his vision was pretty blurry.. so with a flick of his staff he could see fine again. Just a quick spell, it's temporary anyway.

"Soooo.. I've thought about this.. offer of yours." Shadow Milk circled around Pure like a snake eyeing its pray, his eyes sharp, almost like if he'll move a tiny bit he'll jump him. "About.. friendship. I've thought about it day and nightttt.." Shadow Milk dramatically kept stopping to make the wait more impatient for the healer, but he didn't budge. How great. "Well, I decided to give you my precious answer!" He floated up to the air, and with his cane he floated up Pure Vanilla aswell, getting a confused yelp from him. Like a lamb.. "I accept your offer." This time he bluntly said it, the tension suddenly disappearing, and it almost felt like Pure Vanilla's eyes glimmered with.. relief? He couldn't read expressions that well with others, especially him.. but it seemed like it. Before he knew it, somehow Pure Vanilla was already embracing him in a hug. How'd he even-?! 

"What are you- hey! Let go!" Shadow Milk squirmed around like a cat trying to leave, but Pure Vanilla didn't budge, but it was visible he almost let go, but somehow his happiness was too strong. "I'm so glad, Shadow Milk Cookie! Thank you." He felt too relieved. Almost like he have waited for it his whole life.. Shadow Milk eventually just let it happen, the vanilla scent coming from him invading his nose. 

After what felt like eternity of silence and the embrace of a hug, Pure Vanilla let go, and Shadow Milk dramatically huffed, rolling his eyes. "And you had to do that?" He asked, and Pure Vanilla nodded, not even hiding it, a smile on his face which seemed to brighten the room just being there, but it didn't reach Shadow Milk. He just fixed his soul jams placement which was a bit off, and the eyes on his hair seemed to silently judge Pure Vanilla, but for him? He didn't care. "... Could you please land me on the floor now?" He asked, and the jester just blinked once.. then twice.. and then a giggle. Then a louder one before it erupted into a fit of laughter, his hand immediately clenching his chest, the laughter echoing through the hall they were in, and the awkwardness Pure Vanilla felt? Over the roof. Maybe even the witches could feel his embarrassment. "You can't- you can't be afraid of heights!" Pure Vanilla just sighed, his cheeks flushing a darker shade because of embarrassment, he wasn't like, too scared, he only felt dangered whenever the height was too high, and at that moment it was too high. "Shadow Milk, please." But he didn't budge, he probably didn't even hear him because he was having a pretty good time laughing his dough off.. "PFFT- AHAHA!" 

After some minutes of pure laughing and Pure Vanilla's embarrassment, Shadow Milk finally stopped, and as the "kind" man he was he did help Pure Vanilla go back to his dear floor, and he took a breath of relief. "Thank you, Shadow Milk Cookie. But you didn't have to laugh so much.." his hand slightly clenched his flower staff, and Shadow Milk noticed that, but didn't say a word, for now. "What? I didn't know the king was so scared of heights. Even funnier is that your kingdom is in the air!" He exclaimed, before lowering down, still in the air as he rested his arms on Pure Vanilla's shoulder, and his chin on his arms. But it seemed rather mocking than to just rest.. but that was Shadow Milk Cookie, he still needs time to adapt, anyway. "I just feel uncomfortable when too high, I don't have panic attacks of any sorts." Shadow Milk nodded, but the grin was still on his face, of course. "Sure.. I totally believe you, but anyway!" In a sudden moment, Pure Vanilla was already turned around, both of the mismatched eyes both of the cookies had intensely glared at eachother, but one had the grin of a madman while the other was confused about the situation in general. "Even if I accepted your offer, I'm still gonna taunt you." Shadow Milk said, but it sounded like a threatening whisper, Pure Vanilla just lightly laughed, then nodded as if he wasn't even bothered. "Alright, I got it." 

"Good." Shadow Milk quickly answered, before humming to himself. "And where could I stay?" He turned his head to him, and Pure Vanilla got the hint, it really seemed he wanted to stay here, which was a bit unexpected, but he wasn't complaining at all. "Let me show you."

Chapter Text

The room was quite bright, for sure, but the room itself was pretty neat. 

A chandelier was hanging on the ceiling, which can easily lighten up the room, the walls were a soft cream yellow, and to not make it too empty it had shelves with some simple stuff, blankets, spare clothes for sleeping, self-care stuff.. everything like in a hotel. It seems that Pure Vanilla really cares about cookies who might stay here.. but obviously! As he heard, he's the most kindest of them all.. the bed was a large bed with pillows perfectly placed, the headboard had some patterns with the soul jam of the Truth, and some other stuff he didn't want to look into. The bed itself was a canopy bed, the curtains were a white color. It had a simple desk, with an unlit candle, which most likely smelled like vanilla or something fresh, it's Pure Vanilla's property, anyway.. a simple rug, the windows had transparent curtains, again, colored white. On the windows sills there were some vanilla flowers and lilies, and a napkin. Pretty simple for living.. he floated around the room, looking at every single thing.

Ever since Pure Vanilla had left to his room to finish something he was just endlessly taking in every detail to find something, but didn't find anything.. that irritated him. Obviously there should be something! But it's still a simple place for a cookie to temporarily stay in, it won't have some secret, after all. Plus, both of his minions are supposed to be back, too. He just groaned, before deciding to pay a "kind" visit to Pure Vanilla. He had no idea where he was actually staying at, but whatever, why not? He peaked out the door, and the coast was clear. Awesome. He floated out and closed the door. He decided to check on the upper floors, so he flew to the staircase, and slowly flew up. He could've just immediately teleported up, but he was too bored and didn't want to. The scent of vanilla and different berries was felt in the air, it was faint, but if you sniffed enough it was there. Lingering.. the halls had portraits of Pure Vanilla's coronation, him and his group fighting against evil, the sugar-free road in which he had obtained his soul jam, the portraits of him. He seemed to stare at the portrait for too long, before shaking his head. "What in the witches banquet is going on with me.." he complained in a quiet voice, before looking again, there were portraits of the other ancients, them all as children. How cute.. they got to enjoy their childhood. How.. pathetic. Even tho deep inside he was envious the healer could enjoy it, and he couldn't. There were vines covering some of the collums, and even a large statue of the king in his glory. The kings robes were seemingly flowing, and in one hand he was holding what seemed to be some ball, of light? Hope? Maybe something else. And in the other hand he held his staff in the form of a vanilla flower, but it had an eye, looking at the king. The mark in the form of a 4 pointed star decorated his forehead. He just blankly stared at the statue which was in the middle of what seemed to be the main hall and approached it, examined the statue before his unreadable face turned into a frown. "So happy, for what? Even as a statue you make me irritated." He sighed in frustration, he was never this frustrated at things, well not that bad as being trapped in the Silver Tree, of course.. but whatever, after staring at everything the hall could offer him, he floated to the long halls, filled with doors. Each one was the same, but one in the end of the hallway was different. It was bigger, more grand. Vines covered top of the doors, and some flowers even bloomed there. Two large collums were on the sides, and on the bottom some vanilla flowers bloomed, the light from the windows shining on the doors and the flowers. The scenery almost seemed magical at some point, but he couldn't get himself all bewildered from the scene in front of him. He had a cookie to find and annoy, after all. He floated to the doors, his hand for some reason started to linger on the doorknob. Why can't he just barge in? What's holding him back?

Before he heard it.

What seemed to be simple silence were actually muffled sobs, seemingly someone trying to shut the desperate signs of sadness creeping out. And he knew who probably was behind that door: Pure Vanilla Cookie. He decided to just joke around, see how he'll try to lie his way out. He took a deep breath, before using his blueberry cane to open a portal, before jumping in it, them opened to the kings room. "Well, why greetings, dear Pure Vanil-!" his demonstrations of trying to gain attention immediately came to a halt, seeing the scene in front of him. The room was, honestly, a horrible mess. Papers scattered everywhere, the bed wasn't even made properly and some old clothing was on the floor. Pure Vanilla himself? That was another story. His hair was messy, probably it wasn't even brushed at all ever since he left, his robes were more wrinkled and he was crying in a pillow, his head buried in it. His head immediately shot up, wide, puffy eyes of horror staring back at Shadow Milks empty ones. "Dear witches. Even my room isn't this bad." He floated down to him, and Pure Vanilla just moved back. Was he scared? It felt like he didn't want him to find out something. He stopped. Stared. 

Huh.

How awfully similar they were.

He was torturing himself just like Pure Vanilla did, just as Fount. Sitting in his office for hours to finish, before realizing everything looked horrible. He saw himself in Pure Vanilla, only as Fount. The same expression he had when Sugar of Happiness came to check up on him. "... Shadow Milk.? What are you doing here.?" Pure Vanilla whispered, his voice coming out strained even as a whisper, and Shadow Milk? Just scoffed. "Is that seriously what matters right now? Your so-called room looks like a garbage tank." Pure Vanilla did look around, only now noticing the mess he made himself. If a maid saw that, they'll probably think a break in happened, because the almighty king having a messy room? That's just a joke. A cruel, pathetic joke. "Psh. Your face looks horrible. Come on, stand up." He floated down, waiting for Pure Vanilla to stand up, oh right.. his act of being friends. He hesitantly offered a hand, but Pure Vanilla didn't budge, how great. Making it worse for him. "I don't-"

"Take my damn hand." He was not having it and Pure Vanilla could sense it, before gently grasping his hand, and Shadow Milk pulled him up, judgingly looking at his face. He saw how horrible the cookie looked like, and his eye definitely was twitching out of frustration. "So first you offer me friendship," he made a hologram of him and Pure Vanilla's puppets playing the scene in Pure Vanilla's realm, where he offered friendship, the king offering a hand which Shadow Milk harshly declined, "then you act all sad and weepy," he switched to another hologram, where both of them were in his room, where Pure Vanilla avoided him, "and now, I catch you like this?" Pure Vanilla couldn't tell if he was either disappointed (which he isn't sure would be true), or impressed he can hide his feelings that well. 

"I didn't even notice.." a strand of hair fell on his face, all messy, like some stray cat, which Shadow Milk definitely saw.. "Of course you don't." With a simple swoosh of his cane, he transformed his room—the papers flew up and got into a stack of papers, before landing on the desk, the clothes folded by themselves and we're placed on his bed, and the bed made itself, the sheets now all fine and sweet. "Don't need'a to thank me!" Pure Vanilla stared at the room which was a total disaster some seconds ago, and now it looks like nothing ever happened.

Well, except him. He looks.. questionable. "Oh yeah." Shadow Milk glanced at him, keeping eye contact, taking the nearest hair comb. "Turn around. You'll have a hair brushing session because you clearly can't do it. Don't thank me, I know I'm that great." Silence followed after. It was probably so thick you can slice it with a knife. The jester tilted his head. "So?" The king flinched, and nodded before turning around, Shadow Milk inspected the mess, and he was probably gonna have to waste a lot of time untangling this.. how awesome!

"Sweet witches, do you even brush the hair ends?" Shadow Milks tone was dripping with irritation, trying to untangle the messy hair ends, with Pure Vanilla letting out yelps and "ow" sounds. "Rarely.." the king murmured, he didn't look happy. Well clearly, because the other cookie is being pretty aggressive.. but definitely sometimes slows down and is a bit more gentle, but it's not too noticeable. A sigh escaped Shadow Milks mouth, and he just continued to brush and untangle his hair. "You know, you should wear those robes which I kindly decorated for you." 

"You think so?"

"Yeah, yeah. They fit you." Pure Vanilla nodded. Shadow Milk was clearly trying to help him, even tho it's unusual for him to do something like that.. but it's nice for someone to finally take care of his hair, because after his awakening taking care of it was.. intense. And only now he's realizing he's feeling sleepy. He didn't want to burden Shadow Milk, but his eyes were growing heavier with the minutes passing by, which seemed endless. The hair comb brushed through the now untangled and clean lock of light blond hair, while the other cookie behind Pure Vanilla silently continued brushing it, without saying a word. Pure Vanilla felt a gentle hum from his own soul jam, most likely appreciation. He could feel Shadow Milk stop for a split second, before continuing. But the sleep was getting to him.. his head tilted down, his eyelids growing heavy. 

"Finally fini- HEY!" Shadow Milk yelped in surprise when the king fell onto him, his eyes closed, was he asleep? Great.. now he has to waste more time preparing for the king to sleep. He didn't even know why he's doing it, he could just leave him there, but yet? He's still helping him, brushing his hair, cleaning his room.. but he just brushed it off as him seeing Fount in Pure Vanilla, before with magic's help he floated Pure Vanilla up, then softly landing him onto the soft, silk sheets. He did not bother doing anything else.. but a thing caught his eye.

He was light. Even after the times they were eating, he still refused to eat after? And even worse, his arms. Gloves covered his hands till his elbow, every time Pure Vanilla's sleeves rolled up, there were gloves. Pure Vanilla's face himself was a bit suspicious, like he was afraid someone will find out something they shouldn't have. He floated towards the sleeping cookie, examining his sleeping body, the robes still wrinkled, his left arm resting on his chest, his lips slightly parted apart. His hair was scattered around, Shadow Milks careful work gone to waste because someone wanted to sleep. The gloves on his hands were infact there, he stared at his hands a bit, before at his own.

He stared at Pure Vanilla's,

Before at his own.

He did it multiple times, again, again, again, and again. Before he didn't even realize he was taking off Pure Vanilla's gloves. He might be crumbs if Pure Vanilla finds out or wakes up now, but it didn't matter for now. He slowly took off the glove, and he was right. He always was, wasn't he? He stared at his arm, loose bandages on his wrist, which were stained with jam in some places. He silently stared. But he felt a feeling bubble up in his chest. Guilt. He didn't understand why would Pure Vanilla do it, because he's perfect in every way, isn't he? He's loved, appreciated, even more than that. But he remembers Candy Apple's words. 

"He loathes himself."

He silently put his gloves back on, leaving it like it was before floating down to a corner of the light cookies room, staring at him. He was so caught up in hatred he didn't realize Pure Vanilla's turning to that version of Shadow Milk. He remembered it. He hid his own pain before, he didn't care about himself, he cared about others well-being, and his arms. Now he sees it. The side of Pure Vanilla no one could see. And probably he saw the side of Shadow Milk no one ever saw. For the first time he actually felt like he needs to help him. Well, he didn't want to do it immediately! But then, he heard talking. It was very far away, but it was hearable. What are cookies doing in Pure Vanilla's place, even? Hm. Maybe he can have some fun..

Chapter Text

"Today was great, hehe!" Candy Apple said, her illusion disappearing, Black Sapphire nodding, his basket with grapes turning into his microphone cane. "Why yes, it was." They walked to the main hall, talking before Candy Apple felt a familiar presence of someone. She greatly knew that, but what was he-

"Candy Apple and Black Sapphire?" A voice said, immediately alerting two cookies, and Candy Apple brightened up, turning her head in all directions while Black Sapphire just pinched his nose in embarrassment. "Master Shadow Milk Cookie!!" She called out, desperately searching for the blue cookie, but nothing was heard. "Master Shadow Milk Cookieeeee!!" She called out again, and Black Sapphire nudged her shoulder, looking at her with a glare, "Calm. Down." Was the only thing he told, and after a shadow appeared, and then Shadow Milk himself did. "What are both of you doing here? Without your disguises?" He had a manic grin on his face, clearly displeased but that face didn't get to Candy Apple, her immediately jumping onto Shadow Milk for an embrace, like usual. "Hehe, hello Master Shadow Milk Cookie!! ♡" Shadow Milk squirmed in discomfort, Black Sapphire taking the face Shadow Milk had, and had to pull Candy Apple away with force, her shouting some curses at the cookie. "Whatever.. anyway, could you answer my question?" He tilted his head, his eye twitching. Not only he had to take care of Pure Vanilla like some nanny, now both of his minions peacefully spend time and are in Pure Vanilla's castle? His carefully planned out plan was falling apart like crumbs! "Everything for you, Master Shadow Milk Cookie!" Candy Apple volunteered, and Black Sapphire let go, and crossed his arm, his cane just floating next to him. "Go on, then.."

Candy Apple happily explained everything what had happened without a care, saying how Pure Vanilla was helping her, the way he didn't care if she was just a "stranger", the way Pure Vanilla knew Vanilla Candy was Candy Apple, everything. Black Sapphire just nodded along and gave some quiet commentary, and some points of his own perspective. What Shadow Milk didn't expect was how enthusiastic the girl seemed to be when talking about her moments with Pure Vanilla, at some point he thought that she actually warmed up to him. But it was no wonder, he's literally so nice to everyone it's quite disgusting. "And then he read me a story about how he and the other heroes met, and he explained it so well too!" Candy Apple finally finished her blabbering, by that time Black Sapphire already checked the time on a clock multiple times, probably examined the statue of Pure Vanilla multiple times, and more.

"You seem very excited to talk about that stupid healer. Didn't you despise him?" Shadow Milks tone dripped with annoyance, and Candy Apple was quiet, which was quite shocking, but she just shrugged, a smile plastered on her face, as if she never did. "I mean, I was at first because he got all your attention," she placed her finger on her chin, her eyes wandering somewhere else, "but now he seems like a good guy!"

Great. That stupid healer made Candy Apple warm up to him, and she doesn't even seem to mind that. For some reason he felt a bit disappointed because it didn't seem like Candy Apple was so happy to see her master anymore. "But, I still love you more, Master Shadow Milk Cookie!!" Candy Apple added, giggling. "You always say that, just say that you like both of them." Black Sapphire spoke up, sparing a nasty glare at Candy Apple before probably going to his room Pure Vanilla gave to him. "You what now?" Candy Apple shot her head back to Shadow Milks question, and she couldn't help but awkwardly laugh. Either she's gonna be a tarot card, or Shadow Milk will take that as a lie.. life or death question, ain't it.? "Oh please! Do you really think I'll like Pure Vanilla that much? Of course not!" Well, he wanted to believe that. But she genuinely seemed to say the truth. "Urgh. Fine." Shadow Milk just quickly floated up, but Candy Apple pointed at something in the distance. "Pure Vanilla Cookie!" She called, Pure Vanilla? Does he even take genuine rests? Has it even been an hour?? So many questions yet he could only assume.

He turned around, seeing the blond cookie approach, wearing that same smile, yet only now he noticed how weary that smile looks. And at some point it looked like he was holding onto his staff for dear life. "Hello, Candy Apple Cookie.. greetings to you as well, Shadow Milk Cookie.." he approached them with unusual slowness, but the younger cookie didn't notice a difference, just seemingly happy to see him there. But Shadow Milk noticed how.. tired he was. He's not even sleeping properly.. how nice. At this point he just gives up. 

If this healer can't take care of himself, 

Then he'll have to make him.

"Candy Apple," Shadow Milk turned to Candy Apple, and obviously she immediately stared at him, waiting for his command with a smile. "Can me and Pure Vanilla talk alone? You can interrupt Black Sapphire, whatever." He commanded, and Candy Apple immediately nodded and left, going further and further away until one couldn't see her, and Shadow Milk turned to him, with a clear frown on his face.

"Why on earthbread are you not resting properly?" He asked suddenly, taking Pure Vanilla out of his weird trance, he looked literally sleepy! "Huh.?" 

....

Proved his point.

"Witches, you're sleepy.." he suddenly took his staff, and Pure Vanilla literally almost fell, but Shadow Milk catched him in time with his magic, placing him back where he was, and gave him his staff back. "See? You're sleepy as hell. You didn't even bother brushing your hair." He rolled his eyes. How pathetic. How really pathetic it was! But the king just answered with a quiet "Sorry.." he didn't even register it at first! He just sighed in response, taking notice of his arms again. 

Gloves.

He just weirdly stared at them and Pure Vanilla did notice, pulling his sleeves down as usual. "Why were you.?" But the other cookie just cut him off with his stare. "... Nevermind." Shadow Milk didn't let go. Why would he? He needs to.. he didn't even know, honestly. But he needed to say it.

"Can you show me your arms?"

... Silence. He knew that silence very well, Pure Vanilla knew that he knew something, and saw his hand lightly grasp into a fist. ".. Why would you need it?" The king asked, and Shadow Milk shrugged, even tho he knew why, but he wishes he didn't, honestly. "Well, we're friends and all, I just wanna take a look." ... That was a very bad excuse and he knew that, but Pure just sighed, and extended one of his hands, and sweet witches was it trembling. Like he was trying to make him feel bad and say something like: "oh well nevermind!" But he didn't care, his hand accidentally grasping his wrist too harshly, which made Pure Vanilla filinch. "Why'd you flinch?" He turned his gaze to Pure Vanilla, his expression was unreadable, it didn't hold any emotion, not curiosity, wonder, guilt. Nothing. Pure Vanilla just awkwardly chuckled, turned his gaze away. He felt like he was about to fall apart piece by piece. He didn't even care if Shadow Milk would tease or taunt him after, but witches, he's so tired. And especially with Shadow Milk asking this.. question. He knew something. He was sure of it, why would he ask it? 

When Shadow Milk didn't hear a reply from the king, he raised the sleeve, revealing the familiar glove reaching his elbow. Both of them were silent, which seemed to be so thick it might've infected the whole room, or even others in the castle could feel the growing tension. Just as the jester was about to take off the sleeve, Pure Vanilla suddenly janked it away, his hand close to his chest while the other covered it. "I.. I'm sorry-" He sniffled, his hand which was covering the other went to his mouth, trying to muffle the growing sniffles, and Shadow Milk just quietly observed. A blink, then another, before sighing. This was much harder than he thought..

He took a step before extending his hand, this time just offering him to extend his hand. Pure Vanilla's muffled sniffles stopped for a second, before his gaze fell onto the jesters own, his gaze still unreadable. "If you don't want it, I don't care." Was the only thing Shadow Milk said, but his hand didn't falter, still extended infront of him, and Pure Vanilla's tension stopped a slight bit, before looking back onto the hand, and with a shaky nod he accepted it. Shadow Milk understood his terrified expression, but continued to slowly take the glove off before revealing the familiar bandages, still with the dried jam. He gazed onto Pure Vanilla, then the bandages, then him again. "You didn't change them." He told, but it sounded like a fact rather than a question, and the other cookie just nodded, he didn't have the energy to, plus he didn't even know if there are any bandages left, but he winced when he felt Shadow Milk simply take off the bandages, before opening a portal and getting some new ones while the old, dirty ones were thrown out, the portal closing and Shadow Milk simply bandaging his arms with newer and fresher bandages, without commenting or asking anything about the scars. He just.. changed the bandages. That confused him for a second. Why wasn't Shadow Milk asking anything? Like he'd done and seen it a dozen times? So many questions, yet the answer is only to ask him.

"Why aren't you asking anything?" Pure Vanilla asked, the question slipping from his mouth faster than he could think about it. Shadow stared at him for a second before shrugging like he himself didn't have any idea why. "I don't know. You don't seem to want to answer them yourself, so.." he trailed off, and that was true. He didn't want to answer those questions because he felt very forced to answer them, so that was a nice touch for Shadow Milk not to ask about it. Maybe he should repay him for such careful caring, he can see he's getting softer.. he did sometimes wince at the stinging when the bandages were wrapped around, but in the end he had new and fresh bandages, and there weren't asked a bunch of questions. "Now give me your other arm." He said, opening another portal to get more bandages, and Pure Vanilla listened, and the cycle continued. 

He took away the old, dirty bandages,

Threw them in the portal,

Wrapped his scarred arms with new bandages,

Kept quiet,

And when finished didn't ask a single question. 

Pure Vanilla put his gloves back on, he didn't dare to stare back at the jester, afraid of judgement or disgust in his mismatched blue eyes, but the unreadable expression stayed in his dough, it didn't leave, nor change. "Stop assuming that I'm judging you," a pause, "I only bandaged your arms because being with dirty bandages might cause an infection." Shadow Milk stared at him, looking him up and down before crossing his arms, his usual frustrated expression appearing on his face. "Don't tell me—" he started, "—that you think that I'm judging your dough here?" Well, he was right in a way. "Oh, Nilly! Lying to yourself now, aren't ya'?" He snarled, snapping his neck with a grin, and Pure Vanilla got the courage to look at the beast, and Shadow Milk just glared with a grin, and not a single drop of judgement or disgust was seen on his face. "I would be judging if you say you understand that stupid new guardian, but this is nothing!" 

That sounded reassuring.

Pure Vanilla weakly laughed, scratching the back of his neck, more comfortable now. "You mean White Lily Cookie, right?" He asked, and Shadow Milk just rolled his eyes. Whatever her name was, but probably her. "Yeah, yeah. Now go back to your room and actually rest. Or else I swear to the witches I will-"

"Okay, okay. Got it." Pure Vanilla cut him off with a weak chuckle and a smile, before gripping his staff which was floating next to Shadow Milk, and Shadow Milk as the generous gentleman escorted him to his room, and made sure he actually slept. He stayed in that room probably for a good hour until he made sure Pure Vanilla's breathing was even and he didn't seem to cause any signs of faking, yes, it was boring like doing nothing in the Silver Tree, but at least that cookie is sleeping. Now to check up on his minions.. they probably got bored out of their mind, or Candy Apple had a good time annoying the living soul jam out of Black Sapphire. He opened the door, and quietly left the kings room and closed the door as quiet as he could, before floating to his minions. Well, he'll have a great time talking to his minions, would he..

Chapter Text

"And then I tricked half the Faerie Kingdom, hehehe~!" Candy Apple talked and talked with no end, annoying Black Sapphire further and further. He just listened, staring onto the wall with a very frustrated expression, even his microphone cane showing its displeasure. But Candy Apple continued her talking, she clearly didn't care what was going on, just in her own little world talking about things. Everything and everyone, anything and anyone, after all Shadow Milk gave her permission to annoy him! 

"Oh my witches, can you shut up? You're annoying me to no end." Black Sapphire snapped, sparing a nasty glare at the younger cookie, and she shrugged, a victory grin on her face, like she won a lottery or something. "Dunno! Master Shadow Milk Cookie said that I can annoy you!" She exclaimed, twirling around the room, staring at the flowers placed on a window sill. "Ooh, such pretty flowers~!" She giggled, already planning something and Black Sapphire knew that. He stood up and placed the flowers higher, so Candy Apple can't reach it, before sitting back. "Huh- HEY!" Candy Apple furrowed her brows, and he just shrugged, before looking out the window, seeing a cream sheep staring out the window and at both of them. "...Ohoho.. what's this?" He snickered with pride, walking past Candy Apple, opening the window to capture the sheep, and it didn't budge or fight back, so he just assumed the sheep is one of Pure Vanilla's. "Cream sheep? Really?" Candy Apple was unimpressed, but Black Sapphire placed it on the bed, as it laid down, its tail twitching before getting comfortable in the sheets, as it closed its eyes. Both of the cookies just stared at it, before Candy Apple's gaze fell onto the other. "And what will you do with this thing, exactly?" She asked, and he shrugged. He actually had no idea himself, he just did it for pure fun, without a specific thing in mind what to do with it after. So they just stood in silence after, staring at the animal peacefully sleeping, being in its own dream world. "Ugh, whatever." Candy Apple sat on a nearby chair, slumped like she's upset at something. Well that's rare. Black Sapphire wanted to tease her, but Shadow Milk appeared again by opening a portal, and after he got to the room he closed the portal, and Candy Apple's face immediately brightened up. "Master Shadow Milk Cookie!" Her excited voice echoed through the room, as she jumped up from her seat and went to hug Shadow Milk like she usually did, but Shadow Milk pushed her away. Even Black Sapphire's eyes slightly widened in surprise. Usually Shadow Milk just accepts it and then Black Sapphire pulls her away, but now he did it himself? Plus, his annoyance was visible clearly. "Candy Apple, don't. I'm not in the mood." Candy Apple just stood there, surprised. How could he-? He knew that Shadow Milk was quite fragile knowing his dough has a bit more milk than it was supposed to have, but this reaction was.. a first, definitely. She shook her head, getting rid of unwanted thoughts in her head as she nodded. "Sorry, Master Shadow Milk Cookie.. I-"

"Candy Apple, can you just- I don't know, shut your mouth for once? I said that you can annoy Black Sapphire, not me." He snapped, sparing a very dirty glare with all of his eyes, and Black Sapphire just.. listened. He saw the sudden shock in Candy Apple's face, and when it turned to fake understanding. She had something in mind, and she will definitely rant it to him after. It's not that he despises Candy Apple, she's his sister after all. But this time, the tension in the room, the discomfort was pretty obvious for both Candy Apple and Black Sapphire, just Black Sapphire registered it the best. But Black Sapphire decided to do something. He saw how sunken Candy Apple was, her position was already visibly shaken, and hurt. He stood up, before guiding her to the bed where he sat her down, and then turned his eyes to Shadow Milk, who already had his arms crossed, and floated like this was his property. "My Lord, I don't want to interrupt this, but why would you even act out on her like this? After all she cares about you." Black Sapphire's voice was trying to be calm enough, but some anger dripped out from it, but he tried, genuinely tried to keep it steady. "Cares?" A huff. "She cares about that healer. She looks so bright and happy whenever he pops up, it's so annoying and ruins plans. You were supposed to get information about him," a pause, "and what do you do? Become acquaintances with him!" His voice got higher, more harsh. At this point, Black Sapphire wouldn't give up, is he serious? He knows that no matter what they're still his loyal companions which won't give up on him.

"She's technically your adopted child! She always placed you first, then why, why do you think that when she gets to trust someone else, suddenly it means she doesn't care about you?!" He snapped back, gripping his microphone cane, even the eye on it shaped like an oval diamond glared at Shadow Milk. This time, he might be crumbs by seeing the slowly maddening look on his face, but he'll defend Candy Apple like his life depends on it. Sometimes, she did glance at Black Sapphire with some hope, before looking back to the floor. Did he give up as a brother? No. If that meant that he had to be against his own master to just ensure Candy Apple's safety, or even die for her safety, then he'll rather do that.

"You already broke a rule by talking back to me—" his eyes narrowed, "—and now you tell me what's right and wrong?" He tilted his head, but in a eerie way. Black Sapphire nodded. He doesn't care if Shadow Milk might crumble him, he doesn't care if he'll get a punishment later, he doesn't care, as long as Candy Apple is fine. "You.. damn pest!" He fully snapped, raising a hand, ready to slap him before-

SLAP!

... Black Sapphire didn't feel his cheek stinging, his eyes were shut, but as he opened them.. "Candy Apple?!" He called out, Candy Apple's face tilted as she held her cheek, her fingers brushing over the clear mark of a slap on her face. "Candy Apple!" Black Sapphire called out again, turning her around. Tears were already forming on her face, threatening to fall down her eyes, Black Sapphire immediately started searching for the nearest medical cream which could easen the stinging she might have, he glanced at Shadow Milk, expecting him to do anything, but he just stared before he disappeared onto a portal. How damn great- not only he didn't even apologize, now he's gone witches know where. He needed to be smart about this- Pure Vanilla Cookie is a healer, but he hadn't heard of him for a while, plus, how would he explain that Shadow Milk literally slapped Candy Apple and didn't even murmur a simple apology? He decided to search for the nursery, maybe he'll find some things to help Candy Apple. He quickly turned around and his hands gripped Candy Apple's shoulders, before he gave her a quick hug. "Don't worry, I'll find something so it doesn't hurt. Just, stay here until I come back." He promised, and Candy Apple looked at him with almost renewed hope, which he probably haven't seen ever since Shadow Milk was.. Fount. He shook his head and gave a smile, which was genuine for the first time. He stood up and left the room, closing it with a quiet click, and ran around the halls, searching for any door which at least hinted that it might be a nursery, but to no avail.

"Damnit.. damnit! I promised Candy Apple that I'll bring something to help her!" Black Sapphire was frustrated, before seeing a maid calmly clean the floors, he didn't notice the cookie groaning, just cleaned, and Black Sapphire just gave up, and approached the maid. "Excuse me," he paused, collecting his words, "could you tell me where the nursery is?" The maid turned to Black Sapphire, and nodded. "Of course, follow me." The maid told him, before walking to a direction, and Black Sapphire nodded, following. Well, at least something good in here. 

The maid reached a door with a "Nursery" put on its front, and then bowed down. "Here you go, sir." He said, before walking away to continue cleaning the floors, and Black Sapphire just slowly nodded, before knocking one time and opening the door, the nursery itself was very clean, and a bed was in the middle of the room, with some medical equipment when it's an emergency. A woman noticed the cookie, and greeted him with a smile. Did all of these cookies have those gentle and inviting smiles like Pure Vanilla does?? "Welcome! Please come in." She warmly invited him, setting him down at a chair next to her work desk, and sat down. "Is something the problem?" She asked, and Black Sapphire nodded, his gaze didn't glance at the nurse, and she could sense that. "My sister.. she got slapped. Don't ask about any details, but do you have any creams which could help her, or at least ease the pain?" The nurse listened to his explanation, her expression wasn't understandable before she nodded and stood up, opening cabinets, searching for something. 

She took some plasters and a numbing cream, with a pain relieving pill. "These are the necessary things for her, make sure to wash the injury before applying any cream or plaster. Then, after the procedures give her the pill." She handed him the stuff, and he accepted it, quietly nodding. "Thank you," he quietly murmured, not wanting to sound too genuine, but he was. "Is that all?" She asked, and he nodded standing up. "Yes, it is. Thank you, again.." he mumbled, but didn't wait for the nurse to say anything else, as he left the nursery, and closed the door, of course. He sprinted to his room where he knew Candy Apple was sitting in, without looking back, nor stopping for something, well only some antiseptic he found in a random tiny table, he'll need that to clean the slap.. after all he knows Shadow Milk is a beast, his slaps can be harsher than a normal cookie. 

He reached his room, opening the door, seeing Candy Apple softly cry while holding her knees up close, sometimes wincing, probably the stinging. He quietly approached, before nudging her shoulder. "Hey. I brought some stuff." He mumbled, sitting next to her, and he saw the cream sheep actually move in the space between the both cookies, before curling into a loaf, dozing off again. Quite the sleepy that one was.. Candy Apple looked up at him, while he was already putting some antiseptic on his arms. "This will hurt." He warned, before cupping her cheek to hold her, before applying the antiseptic, and Candy Apple cried out in pain, obviously. "Ow- ow! That hurts! Ursgh!" She squirmed, and Black Sapphire just gripped her cheek tighter, before applying the needed amount, then wiped the layer off with a napkin he took earlier. "Now this will be just cold. This is a numbing cream." Candy Apple wiped her tears, before nodding. Well, at least she was agreeing now. He took the tube with the cream, applying some on his finger before applying it on her cheek where the slap happened, and it did infact bleed, and was all red. Thankfully the nurse gave him multiple sizes.. after he finished, he took the plaster and applied it on her cheek, securing it safely so it doesn't fall off after some hours. "One more thing." He said, standing up before concentrating onto something, and a cup of water appeared. Huh, his magic skills didn't disappoint.. 

He took out the pain killer pill, and gave both the pill and cup of water to her. "So I'm supposed to swallow this?" She asked, and Black Sapphire nodded, and she did, giving the cup back to Black Sapphire. She seemed to be a bit more relieved, and he was glad about that. He sighed in relief, before actually hugging her. "I hate you, but I don't hate you. Got it?" He heard Candy Apple's silent laugh, which she only had in hard moments like these, but jt seemed a bit forced too. He climbed onto the bed, and Candy Apple just silently rested her head onto his shoulder, seeking for the comfort she didn't get from her master. 

"Are you kind only because in a situation like this?" 

She asked. This time, she sounded tired, maybe her mask of mischief and craziness slipped off, revealing emotions deeper than that. Black Sapphire sighed, wrapping her arm around her should, before patting her shoulder to comfort her. He wasn't the best in comforting, but he knew something about it. "No. I do care.. I might show it in a weird way. You know how siblings are." He lightly ruffled her hair, his eyes staring onto the cream sheep sleeping, it laying like a loaf, its legs tucked in and its tail almost as if a little pom pom, it was almost silly in a way. The silence was a bit more comforting this time, not like in the spire where it used to be tension or just uncomfortable silence. "I do," Candy Apple almost whispered, her voice didn't find he power to be louder, "I just want for him to show care.." Black Sapphire knew who she was talking about. Him. Yes, she really did want it even if it means that the attention she gets is.. harsh. He'd ignore it like a pathetic coward, but how can he not help now? Seeing her just being.. her is unexplainable, but sometimes silence in the air turns into understanding both can feel. 

"Want a sibling movie night?" Black Sapphire suggested, a smile appearing on his face. In their younger years they loved movie nights, they definitely seemed a good thing to do, and Candy Apple glanced, before smiling. "You know what, sure!" She exclaimed, her usual excitement appearing once again, but it finally didn't seem forced, it seemed raw, genuine emotions she was showing, and that was already great, and Black Sapphire just laughed. 

They set up a tiny fort, with pillows and blankets around them, Black Sapphire's microphone cane made a hologram projector, a projection of his phone, and they choose films, silence around the room which seemed to fill with laughter, comments and just memories they'll remember. 

It's a nice touch.

It's nice while it lasts, after all.

Chapter Text

"White Lily Cookie!" Pure Vanilla Cookie cried out, reaching for the cookie infront of him. She seemed so close, yet so far, her gaze distant, yet so familiar. "White Lily.. Cookie.!" His voice grew weaker, tears prickling at his eyes. Has he failed her? White Lily Cookie stared, without saying a word, before she turned to all familiar Dark Enchantress Cookie. "So pathetic."

"You think you can save someone far beyond saving?" She laughed mockingly, extending her staff, placing it below his chin before raising it, so he stares at her evil grin. 

"You can't even save yourself. Say less about your stupid, stupid friends-"

Pure Vanilla bolted up from his bed in cold sweat, his breathing quick and laboured, his eyes wide. Those dreams.. no- nightmares.. he rarely had nightmares, say less about his past with him and Dark Enchantress Cookie, but this one was..

....

He didn't even know. He was still in his usual robes, as the memories of before he fell asleep came back to his mind. Shadow Milk knew. He knew about his.. thing. He was disgusted to even think about it, say less about even letting someone like him know. But he didn't even judge, he just silently did his thing and.. just made sure he slept. That was weird. But after all, they're friends now. His mind wandered back to Candy Apple and Black Sapphire, now wondering what they could be doing. The castles been pretty quiet, the chirping of bluebirds and other nature stuff was only heard from the windows casting light, which will fade in an hour, around that.

His mind then wandered to White Lily Cookie, and how kindly she let him and the gingergang stay within the Faerie Kingdom. She was so kind, and obviously had more power and kindness than she lets herself think. She was a great cookie and companion. He hid his feelings, but he saw that she was truly happier with Elder Faerie Cookie, and he.. tries to accept it. His feelings have faded by now, but a feeling of sadness still washes over him whenever he remembers the past. The Blueberry Academy, the curiousity within her eyes, the class skipping.. it was all fun, yet he wishes he would've done something different. Something to stop her from going to that witches banquet.. yet it's too late. What's done is done.

He felt stuck.

He remembered Golden Cheese Cookie, the gradiant queen of a kingdom which had to crumble in her hands because of White Lily Cookie- Dark Enchantress Cookie. How she could not let her dearest treasures go, how'd she made her kingdom a hollow hologram, just to see her subjects once again. He could notice the familiar tension whenever White Lily Cookie had tried to talk to her, but it seemed to end with that same sentence:

"I still need more time."

... Such a familiar sentence. Whatever, he remembered how happy and loyal she was, listening to their deepest desires they did want, as she did them the next day without any payback. She truly treasured him and her friends, her kingdom, everyone. Yet her own denial led her to reveal her mistakes, before she fought with the Beast of Destruction, and she won, holding victory with her Abundance. Sometimes, he wishes he would be as confident and prideful like her.

He felt useless.

Hollyberry.. ah, Hollyberry. She was passionate, happy, and prideful. Her weirdly funny obsession with berry juice was visible, and how funky she acted after. There were its own minuses, how she'd neglect the people she cared about for berry juice, how she'd grown weak and sober after it all. But her passion never faded, she continued to serve her kingdom, everyone trusted her dearly, she could solve any argument, make both of the parties compromise, and have a happy ending for both. After she went to Beast-Yeast, and fought.? with the Beast of Sloth, she accepted who she is, how she ran away, hid away, before she came back stronger, more happy, more passionate than ever. She didn't just let go, she let go, and came back fixed. Pure Vanilla was happy for her, and how she never gave up, how she kept her smile through the hardest times, when it was unbearable. After all, she'll always be there for her friends. He was happy for her.

He felt unfixable.

Dark Cacao, even as someone who wasn't that good at emotions, he still held deep care within his warriors, his kingdom. He felt horrible when he thought his fellow subjects are gonna turn to flour when he fought the Beast of Apathy, but he didn't give up, he stood strong. For his subjects, for his.. son. He felt proud of him. How he gained power and pride from his dragons, how they got to team together against the Beast, how his soul resonated with Resolution. His demeanour might've been seen as harsh or unapproachable, but once you get to know him better, he gets softer. He can get softer. It's no wonder he could learn how to laugh, how to experience life at its fullest. He got better, for everyone. And now, he's gonna try to find his son, his baby boy. It's been so long, and now he can finally prove himself. Because he's good enough, he was just as scared. 

He felt hollow.

He remembered Shadow Milk. His other half, the Beast of Deceit, they say. His understanding of him went deeper than anything, he could understand his deepest, most scarred insecurities, his fears, his emotions. He, himself said that they're the opposite of the same coin, and he was ready to accept him as he was, but his own fear got the better of him, that he harshly rejected his offer of friendship. Shadow Milk looked so much happier and free when he was Truthless Recluse, because technically, he went through similar things he went through, so he thought someone understood at the same level like he did. He still understood him, understood him completely, but Shadow Milk is so deep in his own denial and fear of vulnerability that he thinks no one truly can love him. The way he wants the attention on himself, so he's not forgotten somewhere.. it all made sense in the end.

He wishes he could help him, make him feel understood and loves in a deep level, that's what friends do. Shadow Milk thought that he won't be able to wake up from his misery, but when he did, he was shocked, but even a little impressed, he could feel it through the soul jam. But every denial, every harsh comment about still not fully trusting his words, how.. unsure he felt when he accepted the offer.

"Friend..?"

Is he only saying it to get something? Probably not, because he's still lonely. But every thing he said which was harsh, it went straight to him. How could he forget?

"... CURSE YOU!" 

The words still linger in his mind, sometimes when he's alone they replay in his mind, like a broken radio playing over and over again. 

"YOU KNOW NOTHING! YOU ARE NOTHING!" 

... Every word said was.. unbearable. But he knew he needed time. 

"I HATE YOU AND YOUR STUPID SOUL JAM!"

But sometimes he wonders if he's even good enough for everyone. What if he's not enough? What if someone is better than him? What if he'll fail everyone? What if.? His mind was becoming a mess, the thoughts swirling around his head at light speed, without a stop. Pure Vanilla tried to shake them away, but they kept creeping up, reminding him of his mistakes. Every single one. How he failed Shadow Milk Cookie,

How he failed White Lily Cookie,

How he failed his own Kingdom,

And how he failed everyone.

Was he ever good enough? Who would want a ruler who can't take care of himself? Who would want a ruler who harms himself? Who would actually, genuinely want him for who he is, not his title? Was he even worth that title at all? He showed kindness like no one else, let cookies step over him even when he knew he shouldn't do it. How he'd give his food to other cookies so they aren't hungry, while his own stomach growled at seeing food of any kind. His sleep schedule was falling apart, him staying so late doing paperwork it's unhealthy. He barely drinks, eats, sleeps and takes care of himself. When was the last time he actually did something for himself? No.. he doesn't deserve that. Others do.. right? It hurt. Everything did. He wanted to heal, he wanted to experience life as it is, but he's terrified of it at the same time. He can't look at himself properly, because, can he even see further than the picture of a perfect king who's supposed to keep his perfect picture?

...

He didn't think so. 

The sudden suffocating feeling growing in the room was felt, it felt like Pure Vanilla was choking. He silently stared into the abyss of something, his thoughts slowly swallowing him whole. Every time he's alone with those thoughts, with those tendencies he feels so hollow. So underestimated. Like something was pulling at his strings, wanting to see him break, see him cry, see him fall apart from a light touch. But he was no fully sensitive. He knew he could stand up for himself, his kingdom, he had a smart brain, that's why he was blessed with the power of the Soul Jam, but sometimes he feels like he doesn't deserve it.

Maybe he should've stayed as Healer Cookie? Maybe he should've stayed as Truthless Recluse? How fair was it to live somewhere where you feel like you're suffocate with every wrong step? 

"P..e.. Va..illa-.. Co...ie!"

His head tilted towards a bottle of pain killers, unmovingly standing in a shelf. 

No one will care.

"Pur.. Van..lla.. Coo-?!"

He stood up, walking towards it, his steps heavy with the feelings he bottles up for witches knew how long. 

It'll make it easier for everyone.

"Pure-.. Va...nil... Cookie!"

His hand reached, his hands almost grazing the plastic of the bottle, before he heard a harsh knock on the door before a cookie called out: 

"PURE VANILLA COOKIE!" 

It snapped him out of his hazy mind, his eyes popping open as his eyes went to the door, staring with wide eyes. He swallowed his saliva and went to the door, opening the door to see Candy Apple and Black Sapphire holding her hand. His gaze immediately shifted to the plaster the younger girl wore, as he crouched down. "What happened? Did you fall?" Candy Apple stopped, scratching the back of her neck. "It's a long story.." Pure Vanilla realized she didn't want to talk about it so he invited them to his room, in which they nodded and went in.

"I apologize for Candy Apple being a brat, again.." Black Sapphire annoyingly murmured and Candy Apple just scoffed, crossing her arms. "He wasn't answering the first time!" She snarled, and Pure Vanilla just chuckled from their silly banter. It was a bit refreshing, seeing those two just being.. themselves. "Oh yeah, Black Sapphire made you something." Candy Apple said, and Black Sapphire slapped himself, playfully pushing her. "So that was supposed to be a secret!" 

"Well, so what? I can't keep my mouth shut you know~!" She teased, and Pure Vanilla tilted his head in wonder. He made him something? Him? Not anyone else? Not his own Master? It was Black Sapphire, too. Someone who was technically supposed to despise him.. "I suppose it's a gift?" Pure Vanilla asked, and both looked at him, and Black Sapphire shrugged. "Technically, yeah," he admitted, "I had nothing to do. And Candy Apple kind of helped me, even tho the only thing she did was scribble stuff." 

"Oh come on! I said he'll like it! He likes everything anyway.." Candy Apple spat back, their banter beginning to resurface again, but Pure Vanilla just coughed, gaining their attention once again. "It's alright. I'll be the most glad to take a look at this gift." He told, a light smile appearing on his face, giving them the permission to do it. Black Sapphire nodded before leaving the room, his footsteps disappearing after a couple of seconds. 

The footsteps came back after 5 minutes, and the door opened, Black Sapphire was panting, probably running there, a simple box taped with transparent tape. He approached the king and gave it to him, and Pure Vanilla gratefully nodded before placing the box on his desk, and found a box cutter, and opened the box. Two of the cookies approached from behind, awaiting his reaction to whatever they made him.

It revealed a home-made plush of Shadow Milk, his eyes being buttons and his hair carefully stitched onto the head, as well as with its somehow soft body, probably stuffed with marshmallow stuffing or something similar. His blueberry cane was there too, a tiny black, plastic stick and a colored glass orb blueberry on top with an eye. It looked adorable, an actually, genuinely happy smile on his face. On the bottom of the box was a card with a drawing of Pure Vanilla, probably drawn from memory since some details are missing. It looked somehow adorable, and the little shaky writing of his name: "Pure Vanilla Cookie >:P". It was honestly cute seeing the two spend time making silly things, he assumed they were really bored. "I made the drawing!" Candy Apple happily shouted, pointing at the drawing. "Let him look properly, Candy Apple!" Black Sapphire groaned, and they both started their silly banter again.. but it was background noise, as he was more fixated on the gift at the moment.

His fingers softly traced the hair, then the buttons, and then the little soul jam which was a bit weirdly cut, but it still looked silly. He placed the plush on his desk in a visible place, it's head tilting a bit onto the side. The drawing was made carefully even if it might not seem like it, his soul jam had an eye, but it was closed, to match his closed eyes or to match with Shadow Milks soul jam, and his cape was drawn probably in a struggle, and some details are forgotten, but he had that gentle smile like he did, and his flower staff was drawn rather like a doodle than more detailed like with the cookie, and he was standing with some cream sheep. How adorable.. he placed the drawing next to the plush, before patting the plushes head two times, before turning around to the two already arguing about tiny things. 

"Thank you, guys. It's a great gift, and I really appreciate the careful planning of it!" He said, his hand on his chest to show gratitude, and Black Sapphire snapped his head at him and nodded. "Oh, yeah, you're welcome—" he groaned when he felt Candy Apple push him, "—damnit- stop that!" But Candy Apple just giggled. "Alright, you two. Calm down." Pure Vanilla approached them and stood in the middle, stopping them two, and Candy Apple just groaned, but it wasn't mad, just the joking and glad one. 

Pure Vanilla loved those two.

The time they were in the room with him they had a lot of fun, Candy Apple showed him how to do her special kind of syrup which coated her apples on her head, it was delicate with full of apples and cherries, and of course, some sweet deceit. Black Sapphire posed and showed how great he is at posing, obviously, and multiple ways how to twirl his staff and not look like your struggling with it, in which Pure Vanilla did struggle a lot.. they talked a lot, and at some point he could swear that those two almost had more close intimate contact, like hugging. He still remembers that when Candy Apple was still Vanilla Candy she let herself get hugged and let her hair get played with, maybe she wanted to be cared about on a deeper level. And it was visible that Black Sapphire tried with the plush, the details were so delicate and cared about, that it felt like it wasn't made in some hours but days, weeks even. But he was glad for them both, even if it's not his own dough. How could Shadow Milk not be so grateful about them? 

Only then he realized that those thoughts creeped up on him again. Will they ever leave him alone?

Chapter Text

....

He messed up real bad..

Shadow Milk kept shifting in his sleep, his eyebrows furrowing in frustration, sometimes curling himself like a ball, his bed creaking more and more with every move and it irritated the Cookie. He felt like he messed up real bad when he even lashed out on the two minions, and even slapped Candy Apple, even tho he was supposed to slap Black Sapphire. Why did he even think on slapping them? He didn't even really know. His mind was a mess, and his sleep was too, he couldn't get himself to sleep knowing that his minions are in the Vanilla Kingdom and it's already been how many.. four days.? Five.? He lost count ever since Candy Apple visited him on the first days end. And he felt so stupid for that.. he groaned in another failed sleeping attempt, his a bit messy hair and his eyes on his hair were clearly not happy with the fact that his master can't sleep. And Shadow Milk himself wasn't glad about that. Why does he even care? At some point he barely acknowledged them, and now he suddenly gives a damn? How.. stupid. His hands found its way to his face, his face hidden in his hands, and a very annoyed and frustrated groan left the blue cookie, his hair pulsing with that familiar feeling of madness. Well, he was mad too! Its not the only one! 

He groggily stood up from his bed, putting on his bunny slippers, still in his nightgown, and he looked in the mirror.

....

What did he even expect? 

Of course he'll see him. That damned Fount.. he was gone. Now it's only Shadow Milk Cookie — the Master and Beast of Deceit. So why? Why does he still see who he.. used to be? He hates that. Despises that. He wants to kick the mirror so hard the sugar glass breaks apart piece by piece, but then that'll hurt, and he doesn't want any more scars.. eugh. That was already making him want to puke so badly already. He could do that, but really? What could be the point? He stared at the mirror for a long time in pure silence, which wasn't even that bad at this point. Better than feeling yourself shift in your position every three minutes.. but he just took a step behind, before another, then another, before he fell onto his bed with a thud, Witches, he was so annoyed yet he didn't know what to do. He had his fun with the puppets, and he'll definitely get bored after a second, deceiving the Faerie Kingdom was out the window, too boring and expectable.. Vanilla Kingdom? Pure Vanilla will probably recognize him in a second with his disguises, but he might be sleeping since it's probably midnight. "Tch.." 

Well, he could apologize to Candy Apple and Black Sapphire, but would he? He'll just show that he gives a crumb about them, which in reality he doesn't. Or does he? It was difficult to process, it was difficult to understand how Candy Apple felt at that moment. She stood there. Didn't even look at him. Did she feel defeated? Sad? Upset? He just abruptly floated up, and something fell from his back, he turned his back, and it was a..

A vanilla orchid.?

His hand picked up the petal, it seemed a bit old, like it was about to wilt. Then he remembered that day when he visited Pure Vanilla, how he decorated his robes, how they talked.. and how he gave him those flowers. His mind recalled how his hands grazed against his neck, putting on that necklace. His fingers now grazed against his neck, feeling that necklace. All this time he didn't even recall that he took it off, truly he was wearing it all this time. Did Pure Vanilla do the same? Keep the things he did for him?

The robe he carefully decorated with each movement?

The vines which got filled full of milkcrowns he used to cry for once?

The crown decorated with those familiar milkcrowns?

Did he keep it all,

Or throw it away?

It was hard to pinpoint, but somehow, he hoped that he kept them. Kept those things, even if it's dusting in a far corner of his room, he slowly floated back down, his feet contacting with the cold floor beneath him, his hand still grazing the necklace, his fingers tracing the sun ornament on the accessory, and his other hand still held onto that petal of a vanilla flower, even tho it felt like it was about to wither. Everything comes to an end, right?

Even Pure Vanilla?

His own other half he got so happy with? He felt like himself after so long? Why are there more questions than the answers he's supposed to know? Is he not good enough for it anymore? He fell onto his knees, for the first time after so long, he showed vulnerability by himself, without trying to stop it by making himself unconscious. His hands slowly found their way to his face, trying to hide his growing sadness creeping up his dough, his face. Was it what he desired? To know that eventually Pure Vanilla will probably drift away from him too? After all, he's a Beast. He doesn't deserve the kindness Pure Vanilla gives him, and too, he seems to not care about his own dough, himself. But he's everything what a cookie would want, a perfect smile, perfect reputation, perfect kingdom, a perfect life. Bet that's what he lets people see, they don't know what's behind it. It's just Pure Vanilla Cookie — a cookie which would rather forget himself than let others fall, even if it meant that he'll fall. He's nice, maybe even the nicest cookie on all of Earthbread's grounds, he wouldn't let a cookie fall into despair, he'll help them stand up, but will he do it to his own dough? His own jam? He knew that face.

He knew he wouldn't do it unless he's forced to.

It's a bit too obvious sometimes, but it feels like he's the only one who understands that, not even that guardian. Who would've expected that a Beast would understand him better? But he was his other half, too.

It was too difficult.

He was everything he wasn't. Kind, helpful, sweet, beautiful. But what was he? Everything opposite. Was that what he deserved? What the witches wanted? For him to suffer and be jealous of the cookie who 'stole' everything from him? Oh how he despised it.. he wanted to yell, break, even scream and ruin everything. But maybe another day. 

....

A tear rolled down his cheek, and when it made contact with the floor, it bloomed into a tiny milkcrown flower. Then another one fell down, then another, before it turned to full on crying, his last hopes of holding onto himself broke apart, now as he cries useless sobs of something like desperation filled the room which suddenly seemed cold, and how he remembered that voice. That sweet, calming voice of that tan cookie, who happily offered his hand to him, how he'd rejected it with a harsh lash out, how his face scrunched up, but he didn't say a word, he gave him the time he needed, yet he wasn't ready. He never was. All these thousands, thousands of years being stuck in the Silver Tree made him afraid of what would happen if he trusted again, gave his feelings away to someone. Milkcrowns continued blooming, covering the territory around the cookie sitting, silent sobs filling the room, if that wouldn't be obvious by then. How would he ever know that Pure Vanilla only offered his hand just to trap him back in the tree? Did he just do it out of pity? Or to just make him a good guy like him?

Oh, 

How similar they were, weren't they?

. . . .

"If you have any more questions, I'll be glad to answer them, but for now, I'll have to take my leave to take a rest. Have a good evening, my cookies!" The Fount of Knowledge exclaimed, waving a hand to the pile of cookies smiling and talking within themselves. It was quite a long day, but he was goad he made the cookies happy. When they're happy, he's happy as well. After everyone had left, he went to his room, his staff clicking against the floor, his footsteps silent as calm water, before he entered a quieter place of The Spire of Knowledge before he went to his room, closing it with a silent click, and he sighed, placing his staff aside, before sitting on his desk, his hands folding in his lap.

"I am not the one to question who I am," pause, "but oh, dear witches, I cannot stop thinking, is there anything in the future for me, rather than the Virtue of Knowledge?" His arms intertwined, his elbows against the desk as his forehead connected with his arms, another praying session once again. He was a loyal cookie, loyal to the ones who made his dough. "Every day, I am the most grateful for my dough and the knowledge I hold." The sentence stays in the air for a second, before his words sounded through the room again. "But is there anything else for my dough to experience? Or shall my dough and jam carry the infinite knowledge I hold within?" A question to the witches, hoping his prayer would answer the deities somewhere. He felt guilt for even thinking like this, but he had to ask. He must be loyal and trustworthy for the witches, they gave made him piece by piece, dough by dough. "Please, answer my prayer with carefulness and grace. For the witches word, may my dough live eternally within my river of knowledge and truth." 

... He wondered about his fellow cookies, now.

The Virtue of Volition,

The Herald of Change,

The Sugar of Happiness,

And the Knight of Solidarity.

Are they doing alright? Would they need his help? Answer a question? He felt worried for them, even tho he shouldn't have. He knows they can take care of themselves well, but what if something shall happen? What if he's too late? No.. he shouldn't overthink it, it's too far. His friends are okay, he shouldn't worry too much. Once something happens, he can fix it just fine! He's the Virtue of Knowledge, isn't he? He'll know how to help!

. . . .

He didn't know how to help.

Each of his friends corrupted, one by one, and he couldn't do anything about it. It felt so distant. A memory which was supposed to be forgotten years ago, but it lingered. It always did. That him never faded truly, and even his voice found its way back to him to call out, to Pure Vanilla. To accept that request. But it was only the silly mind of his, wasn't it.? It used to be so quiet, maybe sometimes lingering here and there, yet when the healer asked about friendship, suddenly, he found his voice again. Soft, gentle, but loud for the first time in forever. As if he knew it. He knew that Pure Vanilla is there for him, will always be. But would he.?

Sometimes, when he's unconscious in his mind, he sees him.

Fount of Knowledge.

Somehow of all this insanity, he still wore that smile. That smile of recognition. He didn't do much, but his light was bright enough to show that he's still there. Still lingering. Still not too far away. It wasn't a shock, but sometimes Shadow Milk would murmur silent apologies to himself. 

"It wasn't supposed to end like this."

"But you'll stay here."

Those two sentences — he always said them. Fount didn't mind. His gaze almost softened. It was understandable, and Shadow Milk knew that Fount knew, too. He'll still be there, he won't come out of his mere mind. But really, sometimes he wants him to talk, even tho both of them are the same Cookie. It's a silly thing, but as long as he can accept his fate.

He did.

A long time ago.

It was just a bit harder to get shoved onto his mind.

He let out a shaky sigh, which felt weak, but his hands turned into fists, before standing up. Fine. He'll apologize to them. That's the least he COULD do. With a snap of his fingers he was back at his usual clothing, before taking his cane, making a portal to the Vanilla Kingdom, before he entered it, and closed the portal.

. . . !

"Now where could those two be.." Shadow Milk looked around the empty hall, and it seemed too empty this time, no guards, just pure silence except the birds chirping outside, and the leaves rustling. He lazily floated up, his head tilting in all directions, before setting for a path which he hoped will lead to the two minions he needs to find. 

If there was a reason for him to take that long, he would take it.

It's been how long? An hour? He still didn't find their rooms, and the very not pleasant feeling of silence around the air was very clear, and even threatening. Sweet crumbs, even as Fount he wasn't that confused with the silence everywhere. Did Silent Salt Cookie crawl his way here? It's so silent and eerie. But he didn't start his own fun yet, so that option falls. And either way he probably doesn't want to focus on the Vanilla Kingdom or Pure Vanilla Cookie in general. Whatever.

He floated, floated, accidentally bumped onto something, and floated. Nothing new.. except some doors he checked, which were either empty guest rooms or staff talking. How long until he finds those two? Should he just give up? He almost floated away from an untouched door, before he floated back to it with a very curious glare, like a prey finding what it wants. He creaked the door a tiny bit open, but found a simple bathroom. A bath, shower, washing machine and all.. and the sink. He tilted his head, somehow this tugged him in, when it really shouldn't. He shrugged and didn't think much, and entered the space. It was clean, but there was a faint smell of.. jam? What would the smell of jam do here? Confusion showed on his face, before opening a cabinet, and sweet witches he would be Earthbread's greatest liar (which he is, of course) if he said there weren't a bunch of.. blades. If barely anything sent shivers down his spine, then this definitely did. But he took one, then another one, before there wasn't a single blade left, before the sound of metal hitting against the trash bin echoed through the bathroom. He better throw that out. And so that he can't spot them here. He searched for more sharp objects which he could potentially use for harm, and threw them out. After, Shadow Milk probably checked every single corner of the bathroom to check if anything hidden was in there, but there wasn't. Or maybe there was. He wished there wouldn't. He checked again in any case, and when he didn't find anything only then he left the room, closing the door. "Now back to those two.. you know what? I'll just teleport to them." If it wasn't obvious, Shadow Milk definitely didn't want to suffer with searching without magic, so as always, portal, go in, go to room.

To his surprise,

the two were wide awake, and like in a command they both turned to him.

.... Now for the apology.