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Chapter Text

Through the halls of the spire of deceit, Black Sapphire cookie walked, he peered into his master's room.
“Master Shadow Milk cookie…” his voice chirped from beyond the doorway.
“Are you alright sir..?”

Within the dark shadows of a dimly lit room only partially shining a light on the master's face, master Shadow Milk cookie laid, the illumination coming from a small blue flames candle. His chambers, lined with discarded bottles of berry wine and blueberry vodka.

His face was crumpled, his eyes had no life or happiness to them anymore, he had extremely noticeable bags underneath them. He seemed empty and hollow, like the one thing that strived him was tossed away, aside, forgotten. Like the feelings he's trying to ignore.
“Let me be your friend..”
Those words filter through his head, cutting him like a knife to the heart.

He groans every time the events replay in his mind, this crushing feeling in his chest of the void that yearns to be filled by genuine love and friendship. Something he ignored and disregarded for so long is back with a strong vengeance. Lying to himself, going around like a horse on a carousel, repeating those events over and over.

What's the point of caring, drink those thoughts away.
What's the point of crying. It's a waste of tears.
What's the point on worrying, erase those useless feelings.
What's the point of truth? It hurts you in the end. The truth of solitude, hurts. But why care, ignore it. Why does he haunt him so? He doesn't actually care, does he?

“Master Shadow Milk cookie?” Black sapphire’s voice cuts through Shadow Milk’s low thoughts. “Sir, I asked you a question.. are you okay..?” Black Sapphire asks, walking into the room and settling down on the bed next to Shadow Milk. “I'm FINE…” Shadow Milk snarls. His voice sporting a growl to it as he scowls. He glares at Black Sapphire, his luminous blue eyes pierce through Black Sapphire's soul but he's used to this glare, he merely places his comforting touch on his master's leg, showing that he's here for support. “Master, you're not, there's no need to lie to me..” Black Sapphire comments, his expression soft and gentle. He looks down at Shadow Milk who's laid out like a sad wet cat.

His hand over his face with a weak grip on another bottle of wine.
His face flushed from alcohol consumption, a sad lone drunk. Laid now no longer alone. “FINE! I'm… not okay..” Shadow Milk barks. “Hm.. is it about Pure Vanilla co-” “KEEP THAT FOUL NAME OUT OF YOUR MOUTH!” Shadow Milk screeches. Black Sapphire shakes his head and checks if his hearing is still a thing.

He sighs, lowering his head and getting up. Thinking to himself ‘it is..’ he glances behind himself, seeing his master now propped up in a defensive position, his dripping frosting called hair, sprawling out like an enraged octopus, the tendrils looking ready to stab and jab an opponent.
He thinks to himself. Pressing his hand to his chin, tapping it as he does.

“You know.. if you really want to be his friend because I know you do, you could try to trick him into thinking you'll accept his pathetic offers of kindness, you know he'll go on some sort of speech about friendship and truth.. that's just who he is, pretend you hear his words and accept it. Go there pretending you want your souljam back and him crumbled beneath your feet. Really scare him~ it's a full proof plan really..” he suggests with a smirk.
Bowing down as he does.
“C'mon master, it's perfect! As for me and Candy Apple cookie, we'll come by your side in a few months, in the event you stay at his castle we'll need you to convince him to let us stay..”

“Hmm.. that's an.. idea..” Shadow Milk stammers, he looks over at Black Sapphire with a confused look of drunken fluster. “Obviously, master..consider my idea with a clear sober mind, void of a drunken stupor.” He suggests.
“Fine..” Shadow Milk huffs, gesturing Black Sapphire to leave.
He does as requested and closes the door behind him. The drunk mess of a jester debates with his angels and devils over this idea.
This little plan..
A plan that gets his heart something it craves.

[A few days later]
At the vanilla kingdom.

A glorious ornate cream coloured kingdom with a rich loving history minus… “the incident”..with a love for truth, education, magic and healing. This kingdom was once big and bustling but now it's 6 villagers that are literally named that, a professor, a robotics engineer, a bird lover girlboss and his majesty himself, Pure Vanilla cookie.
Technically not exactly the ruler anymore but now it's a more town run kingdom. Run on friendship and trust with him as the leader.

“Pure Vanilla cookie sir!” Black Raisin cheerfully runs over to her dear friend. “Care for some raisin bread! Me and villager 6 just made a fresh batch!” She beams happily. “Oh no sorry Black Raisin cookie I can't.. after I tend to my duties I shall..” Pure Vanilla speaks softly, his voice calm with a gentle warmth.

Black Raisin nods reluctantly, retreating off to the bakery.
Pure vanilla steps through the village humbly collecting a bouquet of vanilla orchids from the florist. He returns back to his castle, carefully arranging the orchids in the vase. “And that's done! Now I can have that bread..I'm quite hungry haha!” He chuckles quietly as he heads towards the door, hearing a knock on the other side as he approaches.

“Hm..? That must be Black raisin cookie.” He opens the door and looks around, seeing a small plate of raisin bread on the door step. “Oh..! She left me some bread..!” He smiles at the offering, bending down to pick it up. “How sweet of her..” he comments, readying himself to take a bite of the fresh bread but as he does he suddenly can't see.
“Geuss who~” a familiar voice rings.
Pure Vanilla jolts, standing alert and shocked. “...S-Shadow milk cookie..!?” He yelps.

“Ding ding ding! You've gotten better at guessing games~” Shadow Milk's voice is lined with malice, his cruel tone echoes on the walls. He glares devilishly at Pure Vanilla, removing his hands from him as his dear puppet turns around to face the floating jester.

“Shadow Milk cookie.. please understand, we don't have to fight.. I don't want to be your enemy, I want to be your friend ..please….let us be friend's.. please..I beg.. I genuinely care about you..” Pure vanilla pleads.
“OOHHH~ you CARE about me!?” Shadow Milk harks, reeling back in feigned surprised angered shock.
Merely an act but he acts offended regardless of if he is or not.

“Liar.. tsk tsk tsk! You surely jest, thou art a HORRIBLE LIAR! hehehe.” He teases, twisting Pure Vanilla around like a ballerina as he playfully floats past the cookie, soon floating just under his face, flicking his chin with his finger. “You do? You really really do? So let's sayyy I was here to take this~” he states, reaching for Pure Vanilla's soul jam, his fingers brushing against its surface.

“Would you care enough to allow me it back?” He grins. “I trust you to keep it safe.. it's yours anyway.” Pure Vanilla answers warmly, it's almost like he sees through him with his loving gaze of comfort and that “pathetic truth” he has. He smiles, sickening. Even removing his soul jam and holding it out to shadow milk. “W-what-..” Shadow Milk stammers in a fluster, confused at how could he “BE SO STUPID?”.
“Here it is, it's what you came for, right?” Pure Vanilla has this sweet look to his expression but a deep rooted mischievous grin lies underneath, a true “gotcha” moment one MUST save face in.

Shadow Milk snatches it, laughing maliciously, pretending his intentions and goals had been met. “HAHA YES YES YESSSS!!” He cackles. “IT'S MINE! IT'S FINALLY MINE!” he boasts, floating about admiring the gem, seeing his unsatisfied reflection in it's glow. This isn't what he wanted. This wasn't why he was here. He wanted more, he wanted the bearer of the souljam not the souljam.

He wanted Pure Vanilla cookie, like a bratty child craves every little toy in a store. He'll cry and toss a fit if he doesn't, he doesn't want to relapse into being nothing but a pathetic whelp drinking himself into nothingness, spiralling. Spiraling down like a puppet on a string. Nothing but a loop of nothing. No life, no goals, no nothing. What's the point?

Shadow Milk pauses, he glances over the vanilla cookie, like a candle light at the end of a dark hall of sadness, something about him is warm and comforting, he needs it. His cold heart wishes to be full, be warm and be happy. It's an intense sickly feeling in his pained chest.

The warm king looks up at the jester, his long hair flowing down the floor behind him, his eyes open and gentle, a soft smile on his face? “How can you smile when your enemy won? You let him?” Shadow Milk thinks. It's ridiculous, stupid, silly even. Who's truly won? Shadow Milk's hair writhes in anger as it's tendrils drip it's black fluid from the void the eyes reside in.
“Listen here.. I don't..I don't want this pathetic thing! I didn't want it those months ago and I certainly don't want it now! You don't get it do you? I want you DEAD. you hurt me more than any other cookie co-” “and I'm sorry..” Pure Vanilla's voice breaks Shadow Milk's burst of anger softly, gently. He speaks quietly with nothing but love.

“I'm sorry I hurt you with my trick, I hope you understand I had no ill intent, I merely just wanted you where you would listen to me and I still feel the same. I want to be your friend, I want to offer you comfort and love that no one has for years. I want to be there for you, understand you, hold you and fight with you through the trials of life. I want to heal the pains in your heart.” he says firmly but his words are laced with sweet honey, velvety.

“Do you want that?” Pure Vanilla asks.
“Do you want my friendship..? Is that why you're so unhappy with winning?” He knows. He knows why he's actually here. How did he see through him like he's glass? What do you know you useless half a penny?
Why do you know?
Why..why oh why do you understand him?..

You merged souls once and now you read him like an open book? How.. how could you? It's sickening. YOU DISGUST HIM. But you're so sweet, welcoming, caring, a cookie with nothing but love to give even if it breaks you, breaks you apart and destroys you so beautifully, you know it's your downfall but it doesn't bother you. Why doesn't it bother you, why doesn't his mere presence scare you.
He BROKE you.
He wanted you gone.
He wanted you dead.
He wanted you trapped.
Wasted away to nothing but a mere puppet. His toy to play with.
He wanted to push you more and more towards the edge but yet you persevered. How commendable.

“.. how..pathetic..” Shadow Milk growls. “WHY WOULD I WANT YOUR PATHETIC GOOD FOR NOTHING COMPANIONSHIP AFTER THAT STUNT!” He screams, his voice pained and breaking. His act failing and falling apart like his emotions, his entire facade found out. “Because.. you deserve it.” Pure vanilla states.
Deserve what? Friendship??
“i..”
Shadow Milk closes his crying lips, he glares at Pure Vanilla intensely.

“I understand you Shadow Milk cookie.. I understand your deepest desires and that's for a true friend..I can be that friend for you. If you don't want it, you may take the soul jam and win, I only want what's best for you..” Pure Vanilla explains.

“What's best for me?” Shadow Milk stammers, his voice cracking from his upset at this confusing situation.
“yes, what's best for you..listen to my words when I say, I do care about you.. you were so happy back at the spire, where is it now?” Pure Vanilla asks.
Smiling. He's so smug.
He knows.
Why hide it.

“...I'm not happy right now..I haven't won, I've lost.” Shadow Milk mumbles. “If you lost. You may win right now..” Pure Vanilla bows down. “Win and strike me. Strike me down, take my head for your own as a trophy.” He requests. “Go ahead…win.” How is he smiling? Shadow Milk attempts, trying to launch puppet strings to slice the cookie's head off but the most he can do is pathetically toss strings at the cookies head. The blue strings lie there.
Doing nothing.

He lies there. Doing nothing, he can only stare regretfully, fully being unable to cause harm to his other half. Pure Vanilla looks up, realising the jester has done nothing, tried nothing, seeing his face of pure distraught and regret. Guilt that's consuming him.

“I.. I…..fine. YOU WIN….” Shadow Milk growls out, placing the soul jam down in front of the king's knees. “Take back your stupid souljam.. I don't want it.. it sickens me..” he hisses. “Don't be ridiculous, pure vanilla cookie..get up..” he demands in which Pure Vanilla does so. He looks Shadow Milk in the eyes.

“I give up.. I'll be your friend..” he grumbles, little does the penny know, he did win. Shadow Milk got his goal but Pure Vanilla knows he did too.

It was a tie.

Chapter Text

‘So here I am, stuck with that wretched cookie, he's nothing but half of something grandiose. He means nothing to me, he's a parasite on my mind. I'm not even sure why I craved his friendship so badly but I think the fool fell for my tricks? At least I hope so, how well can he trul-’

“What are you writing, my friend?” pipes up an apron-ed cookie. The pencil snaps, the book slams shut and is locked with a spell. “NOTHING..” yelps the jester.

“What's that..?” He inquires, putting the book into a portal and whisking it away. Leaning over to investigate a plate of food.
“It's your breakfast! I figured you'd be hungry..!” Responds his new friend, pure vanilla cookie.

“I can assure you, I'm not hu-” as if on queue shadow milk's hungry stomach pipes up, addressing its own presence and need to be filled. He hunches into himself, clenching it. He sighs and glares at the plate.

“I can't eat that much..” he grumbles, looking up at pure vanilla meekly, his face full of an odd guilt. “Well it's alright, eat as much as you can. You're always so tired.. I'm wondering if you're not getting enough nutrients..” pure vanilla ponders aloud, he places his finger on his chin and taps it as he thinks to himself, holding a large silver tray with his other arm.

he hears shadow milk let out a huff, somehow he already ate half the meal. With heavy regrets he huffs, his breath strained as he's clearly overworked his body on pancakes with fruit on it and bacon jellies. “Are you alright..?” Pure vanilla asks softly, the worried expression on his closed eyes show with his lowered eyebrows.

“I'm fine..” shadow milk snaps back, he floats off the chair, laying and lazing in the air, he glares down at pure vanilla with a look of disapproval. “You really need to start learning about my dietary restraints..” he growls, wagging his finger in the air.

“You're really failing at this whole..HEALER.. thing, aren't healer's meant to adhere to a patient's diet? I'm very fragile! Such a meal..hrk.. hurts my stomach..” shadow milk tosses his head back dramatically, placing his hand on his forehead, with a wink he looks down at the vanilla bean cookie but hunches into himself the second he regrets even trying to eat the meal.

“I'm so sorry.. allow me to heal you..” pure vanilla sighs, he takes shadow milk's hand gently but when he does the jester reacts violently, swiping his hand away and raising his eyebrows in shock and disgust.

“... are you still not used to my touch?” Pure vanilla inquires. Shadow milk rubs the hand that was touched and lowers his head, a layer of blush appearing on it. An expression of flustered guilt following.

He jests “you coulda asked before you tried!” He cackles, after admitting he was caught off guard and pure vanilla scared him.

He lends pure vanilla his arm, clenching his fist as if holding onto something. Allowing the medic to heal his aches. The jester lurches back after the exchange, shaking his hand as if it got dirty.

“Are you gonna eat?” Shadow milk asks, his voice lined with a layer of suspicion. “i already did, I ate while I cooked your food.” pure vanilla responds, guiding shadow milk outside towards his garden.
It's then, when shadow milk noticed the robed cookie is wearing overalls and a t-shirt icing. He puts on a wide brimmed sun hat and gives a black one to shadow milk.

He instead turns the hat into a royal blue and black umbrella that looks back at you.
Pure vanilla blinks at the umbrella, its many eyes blink back. At least it'll shield shadow milk from the sunlight.

The two head outside, pure vanilla kneels down and begins setting up space to garden, he takes a bucket that has flakes of dirt galore on it, it's his weed bucket and he's cleaning out the weeds.
“This is boring.. why do you always insist on me joining you?”

A true statement, shadow milk cookie has been here for a couple of months now since the last chapter. He's taken up residence in the vanilla castle. Having his own bedroom modelled after his one in the spire, a little act of confusing revenge.

The two now housemates, have many shenanigans and routines but one insistence is rarely being apart.
Despite being against it, it's oddly the jester that's more clingy.
Affectionate.
Never wanting to be alone.

Shadow milk has his odd behaviours and traits never observed due to the facade he puts up.
But they're all rather positive, some up to debate.

He's a funny thing, playful yet demanding, easily bored but if you get him on a task he likes he'll be busy for hours. Learning more and more and understanding this adversary better is pure vanilla dream, to finally call him his best friend.

However this inability to be alone rubs off on pure vanilla too, two in the same, just alike in so many little ways, bounded by their soul-jams, intertwined by similarities.
Which is odd..

Something about pure vanilla shadow milk has frequently noticed is his hair. Pure vanilla's hair has this ominous vibe to it, as it someone is looking at you, that paranoia feels too real, the anxiety like someone is there when no one is, emanating from it.
Like there's eyes… Many... Many eyes. Crawling and sprawling upon the inside of his golden locks.

The same vibes one would get from shadow milk's. His long hair splattered with glowing blue eyes. Ones that glare into your soul and look through you like a window.

It's…strange. To see. But he's never gotten a good look. Afraid to get too close.
He fears it, but why? He wouldn't tell.

He sighs, boredom filling his face, draining him. He picks up a tiny shovel bought specifically for him and his weaknesses, which is moronic he HAS MAGIC. doesn't that half penny know? This isn't like he's powerless like another creation of mine.

“What can I dooo~” shadow milk asks sarcastically, fully aware of his inability to really do much outside of water.

Sure he's the once fount of knowledge, did the fount have a gardening hobby? No.
Well no one knows if he had any hobbies but that's besides the point.

“Hm.. could you pass me that trowel? The one you're holding!” pure vanilla requests. ‘It was a trowel? Not a tiny shovel..?
Irritating…’

Shadow milk hands over the trowel, now promoted to gardening assistant, he floats by, watching as pure vanilla removes some useless weeds from his garden bed, the strong waft of white lillies sickeningly fills the air, strongly permeating his poor unsuspecting nose.

He gags, it's just like HER. that good for nothing.

“Anything else your majesty~?” Shadow milk's words are laced with malice and irritation. He furrows his eyebrows, judging the yellow cookie.
“Nope! That's all, thank you!” Pure vanilla states bluntly with a smile.

Shadow milk is aghast. ‘That's..t-that's it?! That's all!?’ he thinks in a fluster.
He grumbles, gripping a strand of his hair, a thick.. glob of hair.

He groans loudly, trying to gain pure vanilla's attention.
“vanilly…. I'm bored…..” he growls. Pure vanilla stands up and hands him another trowel.
“Then assist me!” He says gracefully, ending his words with a chuckle as he kneels back down and continues weeding. “If it's too much, maybe you could educate me about the weeds..?” He asks with a small tilt of his head, not looking at shadow milk and instead focusing on the weeds.

shadow milk huffs, fidgeting with the trowel best his weak hands can. He observes the many weeds spotting one to comment on.

“That's white clover, your typical common clover plant.. it's quite a helpful weed.. it also blooms into a small white flower in the warmer months.. I think. Varies with area on that one.. clovers typically represent good luck and fortune and if you're curious genus trifolium is a reoccurring plant of the fabaceae or pea family! Ain't that funny one~” he cackles before throwing back on a pout.

“but I AM NOT A BOTANIST..! DO I LOOK LIKE A BOTANY PROFESSOR? YOU IDIOT!?” He screeches.

Pure vanilla looks up at him with a sweet smile. “Oh, my friend..” he clasps his hands together as he continues."When did I say you were a teacher? Informing about the world is your entertainment is it not?” His voice, kind, but filled with a mischievous air to it.

A tease. A silly tease. A poke, a joke.

He jests with a smug smirk.

[LOUD EXTREMELY INCORRECT BUZZER]

“WRONG! what do you take me for!? I'm a perrrr~FORMER!” Dramatically he places his hand on his chest.

“Get your facts straight..! what's your problem..? Did awakening mess up those marbles of yours?” The jester pouts, his hands placed on his hips
Gritting his teeth with a seethe in his voice. He pauses, looking away from the ray of sunshine that is pure vanilla cookie.

Coldly he sighs. “You irritate me…” he states. “Nothing but a droplet you are.. a DROPLET OF MY BORDEM!”
“If I'm boring you so, I'm sure black raisin cookie would be open to playing, you two are friends now too..I'm sure she'd love to play with you, maybe chase each other or play hide and seek, your choice my friend.” Pure vanilla responds.
“I don't want to play with her right now! I want you to entertain me more than just getting me to talk about stupid silly little weeds!” He speaks through his fangs.

“Then talk about something you like to me? I'd love to learn more about you! You're a very interesting cookie, shadow milk cookie.” pure vanilla assures playfully.

“Hmmmmmm something about moi..you really really REALLY want to know? Alright! Sure.. I'll make it about plants…because that's your thing, can't be toooo greedy for the spotlight now can I? Let's see… I really like roses! They're a gorgeous flower, they remind me of myself.”

“I suppose they do!” Pure vanilla responds gleefully, his words twisting like a confusing knife.

‘W-What…does he mean by that?’

He sighs, rubbing his back that seems to ache from weeding. “I think that's enough for now, come my friend. I have some other matters to take care of.” He says.

“What are we doing now~???” Shadow milk asks, his words filled with a bitter anger yet curious excitement. He incredulously follows the plain wafer cookie, his long flowing hair, ‘his smile and golden robe that flows across the ground like a princess is frankly disgusting.

Who would like him? No wonder he's oh so alone in this world, his hobbies are boring too. Why accompany him?’

Shadow milk thinks…actively accompanying him out of pathetic obligation.

The wolf was bound by a non-existent leash.

Suppose it was his own fear of solitude.

“Well, you see, since you've been here, black raisin cookie and I have been discussing ways to introduce you and get you properly introduced to the villagers. So we decided on a welcome party! But we need your input. You are a cookie with a particular refined taste, we were going to make it a surprise but black raisin cookie informed me that may be a terrible idea as you may not be fond of surprises…”

pure vanilla let's out a dry chuckle, nervously gripping his golden flower staff as he walks along the ornate vanilla halls of the regal castle.

“A party, hm? A party for little ol' me!? You're TOO KIND. ugh…” with a comical gag of disgust, a gloved finger placed to the cookies partially opened mouth, his large fangs protruding from below his lips,the blue jester cookie groans dramatically.

“Do you not want a party? Are you scared to meet the other villagers? I assure you they're kind cookies, they can't even hurt a fly. Please.. my friend, I want you to meet more faces and get to know more cookies, it'll be good for you!” Pure vanilla assures in his soft yet deep voice. A calm aura emitting from his stupid love laced words.

“URGH FINNEEE…” shadow milk grumbles. Changing his demeanor like a light switch. “ALRIGHTY~! whaddya need pal~???” He asks, a growl to his voice.
He floats above pure vanilla with a menacingly playful glint in his wide cat-like eyes.

“You, to give your opinion on what me and black raisin cookie have picked thus far! I'm not sure if you'd actually like them, I'm still getting to know you and your likes and dislikes..” pure vanilla explains, ignoring the jester's attempts to appear scary. If that was his idea...that is.

“Come with me..” pure vanilla guides the jester to the local bakery, the jester hiding behind the vanilla cookie's bright veil. Making it hard to spot the moon hidden behind the sunlight during the sunny day.

The blue tendril haired cookie slinks their way into the bakery, it's empty besides black raisin cookie, a crow and smell of fresh raisin bread.

“Ah! Shadow milk cookie, hello there!” Black raisin says, a smile on her face.

“Raisy~!! Heyyy buddy!” Shadow milk swishes her ponytail playfully as he floats by, before settling by her head, sitting in the air with his hand resting on his cheek. He impatiently glares the two down. “Soooooo-” he asks, in annoyance.

“Black raisin cookie, the stuff?” Pure vanilla says, leaning forward to look her in the face.
“Oh! Yes! Give me a second, sir!” Black raisin scampers to grab some decorations and a menu.

A “hm?” Is heard from the guest of honour, shadow milk as he is presented the items. He scans all of them, specifically the menu.
“Now, pure vanilla cookie did tell me you're pretty particular about food and ingredients, so all that's listed, how it'll taste, feel and what's in it!” Black raisin boasts, feeling proud of her efforts.

Her words cause the blueberry jester to instantly snap his gaze to the vanilla cookie.
Who jolts in alarm “Ah- now don't be embarrassed, you are quite obvious about your specific needs and tastes. It's a party all about you, I want you to be able to enjoy it!” He chuckles.

He looks up at the blue jester's angered face, the slits in his eyes thin to reflect this. His teal eye bright and saturated whilst his blue, lacked a shine to it, it was more pale in colour.
His powder blue dough speckled with blueberry freckles.

His light near white teal hair fell over his teal eye, nearly covering it from certain angles.
His hair was comically long, the top side was dark blue that faded into a lighter blue similar to his side bangs. It formed tendrils at the end of the long hair, that writhed and moved like they had a mind of their own.

Shadow milk doesn't know pure vanilla knows this but the few times he's fallen asleep, he occasionally unshifts to his default form. Nothing really changes besides he does wound up possessing blue wolf ears and dark blue paw pads.
It's honestly quite cute, at least to the dog lover that is pure vanilla.

He lets out a small chuckle. Causing the jester to lightly tackle his hat.
He gnaws at it playfully. It seems his anger was a front?

Pure vanilla gently runs his fingers down shadow milk's sleeve. The jester than agesssively jerks back and hovers away from the vanilla king.
Black raisin blinks at the two briefly before shaking her head and regaining the distracted jester's attention.

“Shadow milk cookie! I need your opinions.” She guides the cookie over and two the conveen as pure vanilla watches over them.
The vague sensation of many eyes watching the two keeps them tense throughout their conversation.

His soft watchful gaze, almost menacing. Though he did not intend it to be so, he's just so happy his friends made friends with another.

After awhile the two cookies had finished their discussion with black raisin relaying important information to pure vanilla.

“Sooo when is this party?” Shadow milk questions curiously, Holding his hand out as he asks with a shrug. He's on the other side of the front half of the bakery, opposite to pure vanilla and black raisin.

The bakery shelf is empty besides some old loafs of raisin bread and chocolate chip brioche. They seemed to be in the middle of being cleaned out.

“Once preparations are complete, I will be your host!” Black raisin responds, quite bluntly but she's always this almost militarized sense of speech.
In fact all 3 of them have vocal and speech quirks. Shadow milk is just the most obvious.

The jester accepts the answer with a nod. He then floats back over to pure vanilla, nestling down besides him, ready to hide from the villagers unknowing eyes and ears to the blue harlequin jack in a castle shaped box that is shadow milk cookie.

The slithers himself under pure vanilla's cape, enveloping himself in the darkness of it.
The many eyes within his hair look back at black raisin with a mischievous look.
“haha.. I like your new cape, pure vanilla cookie, sir..!” She laughs.

“Why, thank you! it came free with a new friend.” Pure vanilla responds with a playful tone. He bids her farewell, thanking her for her efforts and help.
The two friends then walk off.
Returning back to the castle.

The door closes behind the two and shadow milk leaves pure vanilla's cape. A vanilla scent having enveloped his body.
He floats away and above pure vanilla again, needing to feel big and tall despite already being so. Though even his true height is debatable.

Shadow milk looks over at pure vanilla, leering behind him.
“‘Nilly?” He asks. “Why are you doing all this for me?”
“Because I care about you, my friend and I want you feel welcomed in your new home!”
“Solitude shall plague you no more, here you will smile!”
Pure vanilla assures, his words sweet and warm.

..warmth..
Is sickening to the cold, frozen yoghurt cookie that is shadow milk.

An angry expression washes over shadow milk's face, his teeth clench up as he turns to face the vanilla cookie.
‘Kindness is futile, it's all lies. It's all an act! He's putting on an act! He's LYING.’ the thoughts cross shadow milk's mind.

Pure vanilla's face has a glowing smile on it, unsuspecting. Unknowing. Blind to the truth, he is, a fool.

A fool. Who must pay, right?
An utter…fool. A mere crumb of stupidity.

Shadow milk snarls, with a flick of a wrist he…

Chapter Text

Can't bring himself to do anything.
He wants to, oh so.. badly.

But something holds him back. Something grabs a hold of him and doesn't allow him.

He just glares at pure vanilla, his eyes once fixated on the soul jam only now looks to the window of it, his eyes.
Meeting each other. Gently yet there's a tension.

‘You disgust me’ he thinks.
Not about pure vanilla but rather himself.

He lowers his hand, looking at it in shame.

He growls, tugging at his hair with his other hand in a flustered confusion, why did he feel so conflicted?

Why is harming this half of something great so difficult?

Did he really change that MUCH in a couple of months?

Shadow milk huffed, a cold puff of air leaving his mouth.

When he piped up. “Is something the matter?” Pure vanilla's sickly sweet, soft voice cut through the supposedly tense air like a knife.

Shadow milk's slit eyes darted to gaze directly upon the king. In a fit of rage he lashes out with “WHAT?” he snarls.
“Are you alright? You… seem upset.” Pure vanilla asks.

Shadow milk glared, feeling like two pawns facing one another on a chess board, unable to do anything.

A layer of disgust on his face before being replaced by a false sense of mischievous happiness.
“YES! I'M FINE.” he states. Manically happy.
His voice and tone switched to match this.

He was successful in distracting the king long enough to flee. He floated off his room to pretend to organise his rock collection, when really he was beating up his pillow.
Weakly.

[Later]

A violet hue filled the sky, the looming specks of glittery stars filled the array of blues, violets and pinks.

Pure vanilla's feet hit the white chocolate marble balcony as he began to rest his body upon the rail. He looked up at the falsely happy cookie who insisted on watching the sunset. Initially he wished to be alone but that looming sense of solitude plagued the two, connected by their souls.

Bonding for them was the comfort of closeness.

He opened his usually closed eyes to admire the blue jester under the dim moonlight forming beyond the horizon.
A thought crossed his mind, with how much he's pretending to feel something different.

He's wearing a mask.
Like a performer would.

‘you’re wearing a mask to hide yourself, when really.. that makes us the same..’

He sighs. ‘I do too.. but not for the reason you do, I wish you would just.. tell me what's wrong sometimes, are you afraid to be honest to me?
The look in his eyes was tired and concerned but shadow milk never noticed.

“Soooooo VANILLY! How are ya on this oh so fine evening!? Are you going to bed soon???” Shadow milk asks.
“Yes, I am.. I have a busy day tomorrow. I'm sorry I can't play with you for longer.. I hope that's alright…” pure vanilla responds, pressing his hand to his chest.
The loose fitting white nightgown he has, falling down off his shoulders.
His long blonde hair draped across the floor beneath him.

“Whatever…” shadow milk stated nonchalantly, brushing off pure vanilla with the flick of his hand. Facing away from him to become illuminated by the violet sky.
The colours splashed upon his powder blue face.

The blue cookie, now a pinkish hue.

Pure vanilla forces himself to look away. He walks his way to his bedroom, the tiles of the usually warm castle, turning a frosty cold to match the nightly air.

He looks back at the still lazing around the balcony cookie. His soul aching slightly at the sight.
Being fully aware that someone you care about is hurting but you can't do anything unless they say something.

He sighs, shaking his head in disapproval as he heads to his bedroom.
A comfortable yet well decorated room, fit for a clutter loving king.
The room smelt strongly of his comforting vanilla scent.

He clambered into his golden bed, the blankets whites and pale golden yellows like the petals of a vanilla orchid.

He cuddled into the warmth of the soft bed, tucking the blankets over his tan dough.
Nestling in like a cozy hug.
His long hair sprawled out across the bed.

His heavy eyes soon grew as he drifted off into a restful sleep.

Nightfall fully fell upon the timeless kingdom.
The stars shine beautifully in the dark blue sky, the moon, a guiding smiling crescent light.

Pure vanilla was asleep, far into the realm of dreams past this point.
The enchanting night brought upon a hauntingly cold breeze that cut through the warmth of the room.

Perfect for a frozen yoghurt cookie. Such as the surprise guest to the golden room.

The cookie slinked his way into the room, snaking his way into the centre of the room, looming over the bed like your worst sleep paralysis demon, shadow obscuring him, making him a large shadowy figure of darkness. His eyes piercing through the dark like a flashlight.

His eyes fixated on the sleeping king.
His gaze.. relaxed.
The shadow faded.
It was just him, looming over.

He glared a bit longer, gauging something.
It was unknown to the king what he was doing. What he does in the dead of the night.

The cold breeze flowed through, the moonlight illuminated his powder blue dough. His Harlequin suit and his flowing blue hair.

With a crawl and a hop, he wiggled his way into pure vanilla's bed, laying down next to him. The king laid on his back, cuddled into his warm golden sheets.

A smile on his face, presumably having sweet dreams.

He looks at the king's face. “I don't get it..” he utters softly.
“Why do you care so much?” He mumbles. His voice was muffled by his puffy sleeve.

His voice lets out a crackly sigh, his voice rough and hoarse as it calms itself from today's bouts of shouting.

He gently brings his paw to pure vanilla's cheek. Moving his head to face him.

Pure vanilla's closed eyes meet his open ones.

Despite the cold shadow milk feels himself begin to warm up. His face especially as he gazes upon the sleepyhead king.
His face has this gentle look to it, it always does.

This isn't the first time the newcomer to the kingdom has slinked his way into pure vanilla's bed.
Many a time the king has awoken to a messy bed that wasn't the side he was on, the faint sweet scent of blueberries, even clothes torn up.

It's like living with a cat.

Shadow milk tries to ignore it, believing it's just the pitiful warm aura the king emits.
Finally catching a close glimpse of the golden hair the king possesses, it's hard to see but there seems to be closed eyes amongst the golden veil.

Just like shadow milk's.

He gently brushes the hair more out to get a better look but as he does he disturbs the sleeping cookie.
Letting out a mumbled groan as he turns over to face shadow milk. Still asleep however.
It just seemed to tickle?

Shadow milk's eyes widen in surprise, the slits of his pupils thin and alarmed.
He gets up and crawls back, hunching into himself. Arching his back like a scared cat. The shadows obscuring his face once more.

He looks down at the sleeping king, the warmth he feels bubbles up more, like the odd bubbly feeling in his stomach.
The faint tick of a ba-dump can be heard, carried by the soft cold wind.

A new, unknown feeling. ‘What.. is this?’ the shadowy cookie glared, disgusted at himself.

He knelt down.
A confused look washed on his face, a look of flustered anger.

The sleeping king looked as that from the jester's favourite movies. Like a princess, his long hair sprawled about with a faint golden glow.
It was warm.

The room. Felt warm.
It felt like a warm blanket or a hug.
A hug to the jester's cold heart.

His face couldn't take the warmth.
He couldn't take it.
But he could bear it, a bit longer. To observe.
To watch.
Guard.

Despite the uptick and the bubbling.
The fluttering.

The ticklish fluttering.

The warm ticklish fluttering.

In the pit of the void.

Shadow milk watches. His blueberry freckled face was obscured by this warmth he only felt when embarrassed.

That's….odd.

It's sickening.

Gross.

Disgusting. As he watches.

‘Why..can't I look away..?’ he wonders.

He softly growls.

The king cuddles into his blanket, letting out a short muffled, mumbled speech. It's hard to distinguish. Something about “my friend.”
But when he finishes, he lets out this chirp? A squeak. A noise..?

Shadow milk jolts at the sound. His tendril-like hair spikes up. Most like a hedgehog being defensive.

He reels back. Staring, glaring, watching. Incredulously at the king.

The warmth is back with a vengeance to the cold cookie.
It's like a fever. An annoying spike of a fever he doesn't understand.

What spell did that fool cast on him?

Defeated, bested by a crave for fresh, colder air the shadows slither back out, into the dark, away from the warm fiery light.

As he floats down the hall back to his room, he catches sight of himself within the window.

A teal blue azure on his freckled face. It glows across it.
“Am I sick?” He grumbles aloud. Alone, no one to overhear.

Feeling his cheek, the moonlight shining down upon him.
He floats back away from the window, hanging his head in anger.
He floats along. Returning to his bedroom, where it's cold.

[The next day]

“Oh~! shadow milk cookie!!” chirps out pure vanilla's voice loudly from the hallway.
Shadow milk weakly opens his bleary eyes. A thick layer of eye bags under them.

Sprawled out, hands aside his head on his back. Weakly gripped onto a pillow.

He groans with a yawn. Sitting up as his hair drapes back down onto him.

He rubs his eye and growls back. “COMING…” a rude awakening for sure...

Chapter Text

Shadow milk groggily floated out of his bedroom, his tendril-like frosting was a mess as it flowed behind him.

Spiked up into the world's worst case of bed head.

He was already dressed into one of 1058 pairs of harlequin suits. A comical amount of identical outfits, to where you couldn't tell if he actually changed that day.

He sighed, looking towards the cheerful vanilla king.

“What do you want..” a groan escaped his mouth, followed by a long yawn.

His nose scrunched up at the strong vanilla bean scent the king emits.

Disgust. Upon his face.

“It's early..” He paused. Awaiting an answer.

“My friend, it's nearly noon… did you sleep at all last night?” Pure vanilla asks, tilting his head like a confused puppy. An innocent yet utterly clueless smile on his face.

“..’did you sleep last night’ DO I LOOK LIKE I SLEPT!?” shadow milk yells, a growl to his irritated tone.

“I'm sorry, that was a stupid question, you do look rather exhausted. I'm glad you're being honest with me~!” Pure vanilla's sickly sweet tone has a mischievous tease to it.

Shadow milk perks up, clenching his firsts in irritation. He snaps his pupils to the long haired cookie.

However, calms down upon his stomach announcing its hungry presence.

A low growl sound fills the hall, shadow milk perks up with a faint blue blush to his face but otherwise tries to remain proper and collected despite being exhausted.

“I'm hungry…!” He announces, in a demanding tone, clearly expecting a meal to be handed to him on a golden platter.

“You can eat soon, my friend. First there's someone I want you to meet.” The king trots along the ground, a spring in his step as the jester floats alongside him, keeping a tense distance.

“Who?” He asks, his messy tendril hair drags along the ground, smearing occasional black marks.

“I'm sure you've heard of our kingdom's little roboticist!” Pure vanilla chuckles, skipping alongside shadow milk.

His long hair bouncing as he trots along.

Swaying his sleeves with a smile on his face.

With a glare, the jester pouts “You're in a good mood..” the king twirls his finger with a triumphant march.

“I had an amazing sleep! My bed was so cozy. Were you cold last night? It got freezing in my room.. which is odd because it's not winter…let alone a cold season..” pure vanilla ponders.

“I know you have cold magic. You didn't pop your head in or anything?” He asks.

Shadow milk jolts and snaps at pure vanilla. Getting up in his face.

“Why would I. POP MY HEAD. INTO YOURRR~ ROOM!” he yells in an accusatory tone, jabbing a claw into pure vanilla's face with a roll of his r’s, gritting his jagged teeth when he finishes with a hiss.

“Oh well..haha. I wouldn't care if you did, you can always ask me if you need some-”

pure vanilla feels something tassel his neck, a string perhaps.
He hunches his shoulders and makes a small noise of discomfort in response.

But shadow milk doesn't notice.

Or at least

Pretends not to

Eventually the two make their way to the main hall of the vanilla castle, its large white chocolate marble walls, vanilla cream ornaments, blueberry ice cream shaped souljam decor, pillars made of waffle cones and scented like the richest vanilla ice cream decorated the hall.
With vanilla tiles beneath their feet.

With plush carpets lining the floor they tread on.

With a push, pure vanilla and shadow milk entered the dining hall.

With a large cafeteria styled kitchen connected to it, typically used for banquets, or a lazy Monday breakfast.

Shadow milk glares around the room, soon his gaze settling on an unfamiliar face. He knew this cookie but never fully connected a name to the face.

“So, you're the great shadow milk cookie?” Calls out the young voice of the short kid.

“Shadow milk cookie, this is strawberry crepe cookie.” Pure vanilla says, addressing the short pink haired child accompanied by a small waffle cone robotic drone.

“i’ve heard A LOT about you~!” Teases strawberry crepe.

They approach shadow milk with what looks to be a scanner.

“You're the once fount of knowledge! So you should understand this. This here, is a cookie scanner. It scans cookies to learn their ingredients and biology. Their cookie-netics. If you would.”

They explain.

“Makes sense..but wait. How do you know about me..” shadow milk asks incredulously.

“Well, pure vanilla cookie informed me, it's purely for your own good, don't worry about it!”

Strawberry crepe cheerfully presents their scanner to shadow milk, fidgeting with some of the buttons before the machine scans him.

His eyes widen in confusion as he feels the laser go across his torso.

“Alright.. let's see..”

Strawberry crepe begins to observe the reading on the scanner.

“Dough contents: 15% cream, 25% frozen yoghurt, 25% milk and 35% blueberry.

Dough structure: cold, fragile, crumbly, doughy yet too crispy.”

“WHAT!?”

“that's just what the reader says, calm down!”
Strawberry crepe huffs at shadow milk's anger.

“Hm.. alright.. cookie-netics: 10% milk cat, 45% blueberry cream wolf, 20% nightsky squid, 25% deceit snake..

Extra contents: dream essence, stardust, dark moon magic concentrate, witches light, deceit, lots of deceit. Trickey, knowledge, lies, more lies, theatrics…”

“Huh…Soo can I eat no-?”

“HEY! HEY! Don't ignore me! You're the ex fount of knowledge and you're not even going to question my analysis!?” strawberry crepe pouts.

“I already knew what I was, kid. Butttt your little reader is quite interesting~ didja make it yourself?” Shadow milk's voice has this patronising tone to it, as if he doesn't mean his words.

He tries to talk down to the little engineer

Yet..

He can feel pure vanilla's parental gaze upon his neck.

Judging his every, single, word and move…

“I did! Using some magicanical engineering and my knowledge on coding, I tweaked my initial scanner and made it all brand new! Impressive, right~?”
Strawberry crepe’s ego inflates.

impressing the creator of engineering in earthbread is their biggest dream.

“Hmmm first, scan…… Pure vanilla cookie!” shadow milk says with a tap of his chin before pointing at the king.

“Oh! Alright! Heh..” Strawberry crepe takes the request and scans pure vanilla.

“Let's see…

Dough contents: 25% vanilla pâtissière crème, 25% vanilla beans, 25% vanilla orchid….25% cocoa… finally something NOT vanilla..

Dough structure: strong but doughy.
Slightly undercooked.

Cookie-netics: vanilla cookie, small traces of….-

Hm..that's weird my reader is bugging out on that part! Oh well…
Hmm…

Extra contents: white magic, light essence, healing properties, truth, compassion, empathy, more empathy, warmth, care, TLC, love…more love.. passion. More passion……bleh..”

“Aww! I'm full of love!” Pure vanilla chuckles, clasping his hands together.

“Pah! What love?” Shadow milk cackles before pure vanilla gently takes his arm.

“the love for all who live in my kingdom! Like my dear friends, … like you.” He says softly with a warm smile.

A strange noise escapes shadow milk's throat.
Like that of a noise a cat would make when alerted. A “mrrp” if you would.

He snaps his gaze to pure vanilla's face.

“Love? For me!? HA! HAHAHA! AS IF! that's the best lie I've EVER heard! You can't possibly love EVERYONE in this kingdom.” Shadow milk slaps pure vanilla's back.

“You should do stand up! You're quite the good jokester and I thought I was a clown!” he sighs before floating his way to a chair and sitting down, leaning back in it with a lack of respect.

“now, can we talk food? I'm STARVIN’ OVER HERE! Singular waffle please~ see I used manners! Aren't I a good boy~!”

“..he's hungry but he only wants a single waffle?” Strawberry crepe whispers to pure vanilla.

“He has a weak stomach I've noticed.. if he eats too much, he gets cramps and aches.. I believe it's due to how fragile his body is.” Pure vanilla explains quietly.

“He's THAT fragile?” Strawberry crepe responds in hushed shouts.

“Unfortunately so..” pure vanilla says with a heavy sigh.

“Thank you for your time, however.. I'll speak with you later. Farewell strawberry crepe cookie..”
He whispers before adjusting himself and ordering some food for shadow milk.

-
-
-
-
[Later]

It was now the afternoon, the sky was a lighter blue, the golden rays of the sunlight shined down upon the kingdom.

Gently warming shadow milk's blue dough as he explored the kingdom's grounds.

Gently floating around with a neutral look. He had seen this kingdom many times, it didn't interest him, besides how it's changed from what he knows.

After all, being closed up in a lonely castle when his little plaything wasn't in it, bored his busy mind.

The afternoon air felt calming, the breeze through his frosting. Fluttering upon his eyelashes and clothes.

His cape flew in the still winds. It felt nice, relaxing.

Safe..?

This open space, yet alone with his thoughts in a quiet kingdom felt relaxing for once.

Freeing.

His own past as a king haunted him but he didn't need to continue the cycle, he could break it.

He watched black raisin and pure vanilla trot in and out of the bakery, sometimes empty handed, others with boxes and crates of what looked like food.

He titled his head. Really? All this for him, something told him he didn't deserve it.
Fretting over him, how ridiculous.

He loves the attention but something screamed not to.

A thing that ringed in his mind that this wasn't right, it was unneeded and useless.

And the party? Sounded like it would be hell. All eyes on him when he wasn't performing?

…The eyes haven't been on him in such a way in years…

Judging…gazes.

He shakes his head.

It's a welcome party! He's overthinking it.

Stupid brain.

Stupid.

Stupid stupid brain.

Can't.

Won't work.
Rig-
…

…

Something flutters past him…

…

Small, insectoid?

Little purple wings with a Black pattern.

…

…

A… little purple emperor's pancake butterfly. With salt flakes upon its wings.

Shadow milk's eyes widened as his mind processed the bug in front of him.

A…Purple…

… butterfly…

‘P-Please no..
Not again..
Don't hurt me..
Put your sword down.
We're friends, are we not?
Surely..you.. wouldn't. No NO! please! Please I beg of yo-’

Shadow milk jolted back, teeth clenched in fear, arm tucked over himself. Reeling back from the wretched bug.

“Go away.. Go away… Go away..” he repeated softly through his clenched teeth, his voice quivering and shaking with every breathless word.

He pants but his chest is tight, a lump in his closing throat makes breathing a chore.

The sheer presence of the butterfly kicks in his fight or flight but not even his magic would allow him either.

His whole body quivers but he can't scream for help.
No, he can't let pure vanilla know.

He? The beast of deceit, afraid of a damn insect?
A harmless butterfly no less, even a spider would be excusable. At least some of those can kill you.

Even a bee would be excused actually. They can hurt you.

Kill, if you're allergic. A simple lie would free him. “I'm allergic to bees! Of course I was scared!”
But a butterfly?

Most wouldn't dare harm a cookie even if they were the jam lusting type. They prefer tears and jam of an animal.

Shadow milk continued this seemingly infinite staring contest.
His magic had long given up, now he was quivering on his feet.

The butterfly? Harmlessly fluttered around, like it was investigating the blue cookie.

Soon it got closer, near his face. His already horrified expression scrunched up even more.

His eyes darted around for any exit but his body just wouldn't move.

Soon it gently attempted to land on his nose, the sweet sugary sweat pouring out of him was a buffet to a thirsty butterfly.

He couldn't take it anymore, or well his legs couldn't. They gave out, crumbling underneath his feared pressure.

He collapsed to the ground, scaring the butterfly off.

Finally he could breathe but all that came out was fast painful pants. He choked out a wail. A cry for help.

It sounded like a mix of a dog whimpering and a child with a recently scraped knee.

His body continued violently shivering, jolting slightly and twitching on occasion.

His vision blurred and the ground felt otherworldly.
Nothing felt safe anymore.

Meanwhile;

Pure vanilla and black raisin were adding the final finishing touches to the party for their special guest of honour. Even had a custom made banner with ‘welcome shadow milk cookie’.

Until.

They heard it. The piercing cries of a desperate jester.

“Huh!? That.. that sounded like shadow milk cookie's voice! S-Sorry, black raisin cookie. I have to go! I need to go check if he's alright!” Pure vanilla yelped.

Black raisin merely nodded as pure vanilla rushed out as fast as his legs would take him.

He booked it to where shadow milk once floated. Spotting him collapsed on the ground.

“My friend! Are you hurt? What.. what happened!?” He stammered, kneeling down on the ground in front of him, suddenly he felt his hand touch something sticky.

He pulled his hand up, black…? Inky almost. It must've been from his hair.

He tilted his head up with a gentle motion, really trying to not do anything too sudden, only subtle, gentle, slow movements.

“Hey.. hey. You're alright.. feel me.” He assured, gently taking shadow milk's hand and placing it on his knee.

“Feel my robe.. soft. Warm, right? Feel the breeze, it's soothing, is it not? Hear my words..” he states, in a quiet voice.

“You're alright.. my friend.. you're alright. Let me heal you, feel my magic, my magic is warm.. alright..?” He says, gently applying a healing spell to shadow milk's body.

Soon a gasp escapes his throat, he hunches over into himself with another twitch.

“Shadow milk cookie? Are you alright..?” Pure vanilla asked, hesitating to spit out the words. He questioned with a slight yet polite tilt of his head.

He placed a hand on shadow milk's shoulder only to be brushed away.

“I'm. FINE. Goodness golly me, you worry oh so much over me! Ah~ …ugh. Okay fine.. I fell over. THERE happy.. it really.. really hurt…so thanks…. I GEUSS…”

“Oh I'm sorry, how did you get hurt, exactly?” Pure vanilla asks gently, trying to gain a scope of the situation.

“..tried walking…

twas taking in the scenery, this kingdom is actually quite nice during this time of the day~” as shadow milk speaks his voice quivers.

He's seemingly trying to ignore it.

“Shadow milk cookie! You shouldn't try that all alone.. your legs are very frail..” pure vanilla scolds, freeing a finger from his staff and wagging it in disapproval.

His eyebrows furrowed as he looked towards shadow milk, who he was helping up the stairs into the castle.

“pah! What..ever-” he jolted again with a gasp. “Be gentle with me!” He demanded.
Pure vanilla says he didn't do anything.

“Oh please, spare me your lies.. I'M THE BEAST OF DECEIT, YOU FOOL!” Shadow milk practically hissed that phrase.

“I'm not ly-” pure vanilla trailed off upon noticing a trail of that same black liquid, however it caught his eye that shadow milk's hair was fine.

..so where was it coming from?

“I just. Merely tripped! You're overreacting! QUIT FRETTING OVER ME, IT'S ALL YOU'VE DONE. I'M FINE. YOU'RE A JUST AN IRRITATING LITTLE GN-”

“shh.. shush.. let me check your leg..” pure vanilla says softly, finally helping him into the castle.

A while later, dealing with a temperamental jester that was denying help and assistance, pure vanilla finally broke him down into a manageable state.

Discovering he had a very injured leg.
However, oddly that wasn't his concern. Despite the fact the knee looked like it had been through hell and back.

What did was that black liquid. Which upon removing shadow milk's harlequin suit to reveal simple black underclothes similar to his own, he discovered it's leaking from what looks like gills on his inner thigh.

Shadow milk hissed the whole time that he was freak and not to look at him.

Pure vanilla tried to assure him, tried to clean the gills, asked him what caused this.

But every attempt to soothe him failed with every rebuttal he'd make and shoving the healer further and further away. Like an invisible wall.

“..please just let me stop the leaking, it can't be good for you to lose this stuff..” pure vanilla pleaded.

“I'll be FINE.” shadow milk growled. Covering up his leg with his tendril-like hair, concealing the leaking gills.

“Please..” pure vanilla practically was on his hands and knees begging.

But still shadow milk didn't heed. ‘Clearly he's embarrassed. I guess this is that 20% nightsky squid showing.

..was he afraid of something? Despite his deceitful ways, his body can't play the act with him.’

“Did something scare you?”
Pure vanilla asked. Being very delicate in his tone. He even opened his eyes so shadow milk could gauge his intentions to help and not insult.

“SCARE!? SCARE ME!? HA! HAHAHAHAHA! I DON'T GET SCAR-”

pure vanilla simply put a hand too quickly near shadow milk which caused him to growl and reel back in caution.

“What. Are. YOU. Doing.” He snarled.

“..proving a point.. you do get and are scared.. so why are you scared..?” Pure vanilla asked.

“Maybe because I have a nosey good for nothing prying into me AGAIN.” Shadow milk hissed through clenched teeth as he put his face closer to pure vanilla's face.

“That's YOU. By the by~”

“Please just let me help you..” pure vanilla asked.

“I DON'T NEED HELP! IT'LL STOP ON ITS OWN! ughh.. just LEAVE ME ALONE.” Shadow milk yelled.

“I meant help as in calm you down.. just.. let me hug you..” pure vanilla opened his warm arms.

Warmth..

Safety..

‘I don't deserve it.’

“Don't touch me.” Shadow milk growled.

“Go. AWAY.” He cried.

Pure vanilla refused to listen. Instead he took shadow milk into a hug.
Gently tucking him upon his lap, cradling him in his arms like he was a baby. Supporting his back and legs.

“..what. what.. WHAT ARE YOU-” shadow milk tried to fight it but a part of him really just wanted to be held.

He didn't like physical touch, it scared him.

His body is so frail he fears it'll snap and crumble with one wrong move.

However, a part of him wanted nothing but to be touched. To be loved.

He can only tolerate it so much but his heart yearns for another cookie's touch, their warmth.

The warmth of his other half.

It feels nice.

Safe.

The soft smell of vanilla clouds his mind.

He soon finds himself cuddled into pure vanilla.
He doesn't remember how or why, just something took control of him and forced him to accept it, he can't even blame pure vanilla because it knows it was something in him.

It felt weird. Scary and stressful. Weirdly…
This control.
…

This yearning.

Hatred yet longing.

It feels safe in his arms.

Safer.. and more safer. Tight and confining but freeing.

A warm heavy blanket but the option to flee it anytime is there.

It didn't feel like a trap.

But his mind felt trapped. His fear and anger dwindled.
Yet his focus did too.

He had felt this before but she had bad intentions. He doesn't.

He could tell.

‘..what was this feeling..’

One he denied for so long, the warm embrace of his other half, pressed against his cold blue dough.

He felt so small within his arms, normally that scared him. Vulnerable.. exposed, tiny, easily threatened and towered over.

Easily placed into submission.

Forced to confine himself to a lack of control or imbalance.

This felt…more controlled?

“Are you alright, my friend?” Pure vanilla's soft words finally registered.

His leg no longer hurt from that wretched black liquid.

His chest no longer felt tight from that butterfly.

He was no longer afraid.

It felt so comforting.. and safe.

Warm.

Love.

It was powerful.

Compassion and patience was all he ever needed.
All he ever denied.

Shadow milk looked up at pure vanilla's eyes, they were open. Blue and golden, like a pastel blue sky and the shining sun above it all.

It appears they contained two slightly darker slits in them.
Cat-like, like shadow milk's eyes.

He felt many eyes on him but they all felt comforting oddly.
As if from pure vanilla himself.

It didn't feel threatening or confusing.

It felt blurry yet nice.

“...m..mhm..” shadow milk mumbled out. His tone, soft.

“That's good.. you zoned out for a bit but I cleaned you up…

...but now, do you mind informing me what happened? I'm very worried..” pure vanilla begs.

“..I..” shadow milk fought with himself.

Does he admit his ‘frankly STUPID fear of a mere insect’ or lie?

But if he lies, what does he say if this happens again?

He.. can't.

He can't lie to him.

It would be stupid and oddly counterproductive.

“I got scawed..” he mumbles.

“Of what..?” Pure vanilla asks, paying no mind to his change of character let alone voice.

“..a..bub..er.. b-butterfly…” shadow milk murmurs.
Barely eligible.

“A butterfly? Are you scared of butterflies..?”

“..mhm…I.. had an old fwiend…who hurt me…they were a butterfly..” shadow milk explains in hushed mumbles.

“..ah..” pure vanilla adjusts shadow milk within his grasp.

“Tighter..” shadow milk whispers. “Hold…me tighter..” he pleaded.

Pure vanilla heeded the request and gently held the blue cookie tighter.
Holding him closer to his chest.

‘ba-dump’ softly rang in his ears, close to pure vanilla's heartbeat.

“..I'm sorry..”

Shadow milk said, his voice croaked.

“Don't apologise.. you were scared and embarrassed.. but you have to learn I'm not your enemy, we're friends now..” tenderly, the king explains.

“Stuff like that.. happens, we act out to protect ourselves.. you just haven't been able to let down your shield.
You're safe here, with me, my cookies, my kingdom.
in my arms. Everything is okay..”

He assures.

Soon shadow milk nuzzled into him more, leaving behind a blueberry scent upon his regal white robes.

However reality soon came back to jester as he shot up and floated away, lazying on his back with a mischievous grin.

“Gotcha~! HA! didja ACTUALLY think I. OF ALL COOKIES. WAS LEGITIMATELY SCARED OF BUTTERFLIES!?”

“I could tell you were being honest.. did you forget I know you better than you even know yourself now?” Pure vanilla says with a smirk.

A devious glint in his eyes.

“YOU. YOU DON'T KNOW ME! YOU KNOW NOTHING, THAT… WHATEVER THAT WAS, WAS A MOMENT OF WEAKNESS, I'M ASHAMED I EVER LET YOU DARE PEEK AT!”

shadow milk yelled, hissing his every word with utter vitriolic rage.

He eyed down the king like he was going to crush and tear him limb from limb.

“..shadow milk cookie, there's no use in trying to scare me, I saw that.. that weakness you've been afraid to show. It's alright to have phobias, I'm scared of “strange” things, myself..

And “whatever that was”.. seemed comforting to you.. don't deny yourself that..”
Pure vanilla pleads.

His pleas reach his other half's ears.

His anger fizzles out and he slumps over, hanging his head in disappointment.

“...fine…whatever. Good night..” shadow milk hissed, calling it an early night but before he could speed off he was stopped.

“Wait!” Pure vanilla called out with an out stretched hand. “Hold on! I have something I must say.

Tomorrow is the welcome party I informed you about..”

“What.”
Shadow milk paused, clenching his fists, his whole body shakes..oddly.

“It's TOMORROW!?”

“y-yes, my apologies.. but the villagers are super excited to meet you, they have questions, they want to get know you, the once fount of know~”

Pure vanilla is cut off by shadow milk LOUDLY slamming his bedroom door.

“Shadow milk cookie?”

Pure vanilla blinks a few times.

Blankly staring down at the hallway in confusion.

“U-um.. good night?”

Soon.

Night rolled over the kingdom.

The smiling crescent moon shone faintly through shadow milk cookie's starlit windows.

The curtains billowed from the soft yet cold wind flowing through them.

“..what do I do..”

Muttered the blue jester, now in a long baggy pale blue button up nightgown.
He laid on his back in bed as his body faintly ached all over.

Every movement felt stiff and tiring.

He looked at the window.

“I'm not ready..

I'm.. why do I feel so… scared. why.. why am I so scared..

Why am I like this.

Have I changed?

Then there was last night. The way I… looked at him..

How.

Warm.. he feels. How warm.. my heart feels..

I felt it again earlier…

Why is he so CRUEL with this spell he has on me..?

…

This…

Control over me… I wouldn't even go to that stupid party, why should I care about impressions anymore.

Why does he make me care…”

Shadow milk mutters to himself.

“..oh well.. if I keep thinking about it, I'll probably do something stupid..

Ha..…I'll.. probably do something stupid at the party…

…”

Shadow milk weakly shoots up. Sat on his bed, the dark blue drapes on the bed sway over the golden railing on all sides.

He clings onto the railing with a gasp.

“I'M GOING TO MAKE A FOOL OF MYSELF!” he screeches, weirdly caring a lot about this “stupid” party now.

He pants slightly. A weird anxiety takes over him..

He hangs his head in his hands. Kneels tucked up to his chest.

“I hate this I hate this I hate this I hate this I hate this I hate this I HATE.”

he repeated.

And repeated.

…

…

And repeated…

…Repeating…

Over.

And.

Over..

And.. over.. again and again. Progressively getting louder.

Eventually the morning light rears its un-welcomed ugly head.

Pure vanilla danced down the hallway, an excited skip in his step as he knocked on shadow milk's door, telling him it's time for the party.

He didn't hear a response but he could hear rummaging. Perhaps he was just getting ready.

He walked away telling him to arrive when he's ready.

Within the room. Shadow milk floated around but as his ghostly form.
“Don't. Mess this up for us.. I didn't want him to meet you like this..” shadow milk says to a cookie that looks like him but isn't.

It's a girl cookie with long messy light teal hair much like his lady in azure disguise.

“I-I'll try not to, sweetheart..” she spoke in a sweet, almost motherly tone.

“You better! I..only let you deal with this because I.. I don't want to mess up.” Shadow milk explains to her bashfully.

“I understand.. that is my job afterall.. I just.. Do I look good? Pure vanilla cookie is the king afterall.. I don't want to make a fool of us..”

“You look fine, toots..”

“do I actually..?” She seemed insecure. Brushing her hair back and looking at her makeup.

“YES. YES. YOU LOOK WONDERFUL UGH!” shadow milk yelled. “WE'RE GONNA BE LATE! LATE! THAT'LL MAKE US LOOK FOOLISH REGARDLESS OF IF WE DRESS TO THE NINES OR NOT!”

“A-Ah! O-Okay darling! I-I'll just put my hair up and we'll go..” she stammered in response, quickly adjusting her hair and fleeing out the door with shadow milk following behind her.

She runs down the steps, nearly tripping.

“..how do I explain myself..” she asks.

“Just.. y'know.. that stupid one we came up with!” shadow milk hisses. “Just gimme a break at least.. make us and ESPECIALLY ME look good. Don't embarrass me.. I already had ENOUGH of that yesterday..
Stupid butterfly..” he pouts.

Eventually, they arrive at the bakery where the party is held. The woman walks in, shyly hiding her face and trying to hide herself unfortunately she stands out like a sore thumb among the raisin cookies.

“Ah! Shadow mil-..huh-.. shadow milk cookie? Is that you..?” Pure vanilla's excited tone becomes laced with confusion..
He stretches his hand out to her and gently touches her arm.

She's wearing a small apron upon her two toned dark blue and light blue dress, frilly yet modest.

The collar almost reaches her neck with a silvery blue brooch with a blue diamond within in, on it.

Her hair is in a simple pony tail and she obviously has blush on with the faintest blue lipgloss.

She smells strongly of cream despite not wearing any perfume.

“..um… no..y-you must be pure vanilla cookie, correct? I've heard a lot about you!.. I.. um..
..well you see, we weren't meant to exactly meet this way.. but oh well.. My name is condensed cream cookie! ..I'm one of shadow milk cookie's dear friends.” she explains.

“A friend of his…? Then where is he-..?” pure vanilla asks.

“..well.. um.. you see, me and him. We share a body.. I'm not him, however. I'm my own cookie but not a separate entity..”

“..oh-! Um. Well nice to meet you, condensed cream cookie..!” Pure vanilla bows, gently taking her hand and providing a small gentlemanly kiss upon it.

“Oh- my haha..” she bashfully chuckles. “I see why he likes you~ ..hehe!” She teases, side eyeing the ghostly shadow milk who's glaring her down.

He mouths “whaddya I say!” In anger.

“I'm here because he was so nervous about making a good first impression so he called me to do it for him.. haha~..”

She can feel that shadow milk wants to slap her but can't.

“aw.. well, I hope he knows any impression from him would be a good one, I enjoy his presence more than anything.” pure vanilla explains.

Condensed cream nods excitedly. “I hope you're taking care of him..”

“I am, he's been within my castle walls for almost three months… he seems happier. Though may I ask, do you know why he behaved so oddly yesterday…?” pure vanilla questions.

“Oh. Yes, he told me about that..! It's something he does when he feels safe.. he feels safe around you, getting him like that is extremely difficult, even for me and I've been his friend for a long time.”
She explains.

“Getting through to him is a task not many dared take. Especially now. I'm glad that you did.. he's so lonely.. and grown to hate this world.

Perhaps you can teach him to love it again.
Teach him the beauty of it, how to love, how to care again.. how to believe in cookie-kind once more..

He's like my child to me.. I was created to protect him and like a parent I must one day hand him off to someone that will guide and protect him, love and cherish him just like I did.

Someone who knows how much he truly meant to this world..” she explains.

“im sure I can be that cookie. I care about him alot.. I saw a flicker of hope within him and I want to save him.. I swear I'll be the cookie to drag him out of the darkness into the light again!” Pure vanilla punches his chest, swearing an oath to the fair maiden.

She smiles. A purr escaping her throat.

She takes pure vanilla's hand. Her claws are delicately covered by white cotton candy gloves.

“you really are as great as I've heard..” she says, praising him in a sweet soft voice. Almost melodic in tone.

“I thank you.. so so much, you do not understand how much this means to me.. to him, no less. He may deny you or act rude but please.. never give up on him, if not for him but for me, it would fulfil my existence..

I can only do so much for him.. take care of our body, his relationships and keep us safe. But I'm not permanent.

So please..” she begs, her words full of love and care.

“I promise..” pure vanilla responds in kind.

“Thank you..”

As the two speaks, black raisin slides over.

“Sir pure vanilla cookie, who's she?” She asks.

“Oh! You must be black raisin cookie! Shadow milk cookie just adores your little raisin crows hehe..!”

“Huh-.. are you his mother?” Black raisin asks, her tone clearly joking.

“I'm like one!” Condensed cream responds with a nervous giggle.

“Oh-.. uh.” Black raisin awkwardly sniffles with a short puff of a laugh.

“My name is condensed cream cookie, shadow milk cookie invited me to make a good first impression for him..” she explains.

“He's such a weirdly shy cookie.. you would think a performer would LOVE to make an impression..himself..?” Black raisin jokes, gently nudging pure vanilla with her elbow.

“Well.. performers do hope for their first gig to go well, perhaps condensed cream cookie here, is just scoping to see if the crowd is in the mood for a show.” Pure vanilla suggests.

“Exactly! I'm a wonderful assistant, aren't I~!” She chuckles.

“You are!” pure vanilla responds.

“So.. where is shadow milk cookie?” Black raisin asks.

“Right here. But you can't see him.. he can become a ghost at will however he tends to only make himself visible to select cookies, which is only me..” condensed cream cheese explains, flicking out her hand introducing the blue ghost next to her.

“He's… currently covering his face and growling in frustration at me..I think I'm embarrassing him.. haha.. oopsie~” she brings a hand to her cheek with a mischievous giggle on her freckled face.

“How rude of me~~”

Soon the group is chattering away with condensed cream introducing shadow milk and his hobbies, likes, dislikes. All things he wouldn't dare ever state.

Yet they were all important info. She even went as far as exposing his medical history to pure vanilla in private.

Oddly, despite the guest of honour being missing, the welcome party went well and shadow milk cookie and by extent his surprise friend were officially welcomed into the vanilla kingdom.

Night soon fell again with the party's ending.

The raisin cookies packed up and headed home for the night.

Leaving condensed cream and pure vanilla to walk back to the castle together.

Her hair swayed in the cool night air with the moon shining against her.

You could see the faintest starry glitter in her long frosting.

She pulled up her dress politely as they marched up the stairs leading to the grand doors of the castle.

“It was wonderful hanging out with you, your majesty..” she confessed.

“That party was so fun! But now I must freshen up before bed..may I ask, where is the restroom..?” She asks.

“Shadow milk cookie's bedroom is right next to one, I decided it would be best if he has his own personal one.. no one else is allowed to use that one.
It's specifically curated for his needs as it once was used by wheelchair bound or disabled cookies who had poor strength in their legs like he does.

Bars.. everywhere. Much like my own haha.. except I'm blind..” pure vanilla says.

“My dear is blind too..” She hands pure vanilla her face. The darker blue eye almost has no life or glint to it, no shine as it's glossed over with a white hue.

It barely reflects light as it barely takes it in.

“oh- so he is..” pure vanilla says with condensed cream’s chin in his palm.

“His other eye has blurry vision.. but we do not need glasses just yet..” she explains.

She quickly gets up before allowing her to nestle more into pure vanilla's hand.
Something about his touch is alluring…addictive.

She dusts herself off and tucks her bangs over his face.

“Thank you.. again, for tonight and for being kind to him. Chances are, you will not see me when I wake.. so farewell and goodnight. Friend.” She says with a curtsey. Soon running off best her fragile legs can take her.

Pure vanilla waved goodbye to the maiden. A hopeful expression on his face which happily took him to bed.