Chapter Text
“Well, this is quite the reunion!” Hollyberry chortles loudly, almost spilling her cup of berry juice.
The party had moved to the ballroom where food and drink are currently being served. Guests are everywhere- noblemen, princesses, dukes and duchesses. It’s as if all of Earthbread’s most prominent figures had been gathered in one place.
Meanwhile, Candy Apple is yet to let go of Shamil. Her arms both wrapped around one of his, she clings tightly as if he might disappear if she lets go for just a moment. Black Sapphire sits beside him so closely that Shadow Milk can indeed catch the faint scent of grapes, which is usually never detectable around Sapphire. Questions have been asked- Shamil taking the brunt of most of the bombardment of inquiries. Where had he gone? They watched his soul jam shatter, so how is he alive? What happened to his face? Why on Earthbread did he agree to linger in the same vicinity as the saintly, ever too-sweet Pure Vanilla Cookie? To them, knowing his former self well, it makes no sense.
Pure Vanilla watches the scene with a slight mirth in his unseeing eyes. His staff rests at his side, watching for him. The two minions are like children clinging to their mother’s sleeve. It’s endearing… he tries to ignore the glares he’s receiving from Candy Apple.
Shamil snacks on some desserts while listening to her ramblings. He’s developed quite the sweet tooth during his extended stay in the Vanilla Kingdom- to which he would never admit. He’s a terrifying Beast, not some little thing who sleeps in and enjoys sweet treats. Preposterous… he chews on the bite of cheesecake he’d just placed in his mouth. If his hair could still react to things as it used to, its eyes would be jubilated.
He’s so absorbed in conversation and treats that he didn’t notice Hollyberry excusing herself and climbing onto the stage where a small microphone stands. She taps it, her mere presence commanding positive attention. She beams, the crowd quieting down to listen to what she has to say.
“Good evening, my friends! I’m glad you could all attend this little party I’ve put together to celebrate my companions and I’s victory in Beast Yeast!” The crowd erupts in applause before she continues.
“I would like to start tonight’s festivities with a dance, if you will. More exciting things to come, but let us warm up first!” She laughs. The crowd cheers along with her. “I’d like to invite my nobles and their companions to the floor.”
Pure Vanilla stands with the other kings and queens.
Shadow Milk is perplexed, grabbing his sleeve to get his attention.
“What are you doing?” He hisses. “I thought we were laying low!” He glances about, shrinking down as he spots Dark Cacao, Golden Cheese, and that White Lily Cookie. His stomach churns with a cold emotion- not with anger, but fear? A deep fear of these cookies, amplified since he has no magic to protect himself with. He’s vulnerable and weak and-
Pure Vanilla takes his hand.
“Well, I must go and dance with my companion. Hollyberry asked, and who am I to refuse her a simple act?”
Suddenly, he’s pulled to his feet. “What are you doing?!” The people sitting near them stare. This golden king- holding the Beast of Deceit. Whispers circulate.
Candy Apple gasps loudly, grabbing at Shadow Milk’s shirt. “Don’t touch him!” She nearly shrieks.
Pure Vanilla ignores her, smiling at Shadow Milk so sweetly that the others' ears burn blue.
“You are my companion, are you not?”
Before he can protest, he’s being tugged to the edge of the dancing floor. He clings to Pure Vanilla, his fear of being dropped winning overall. Yet, the king’s strong arms hold him up with just one arm around his slim waist and his hand holding onto his lower back. His other hand holds Shadow Milk’s in a sort of slow dance. One of Shadow Milk’s arms hooks around the back of Pure Vanilla’s neck as he tries desperately to hang on. His face burns- not from all the eyes on himself, but from being manhandled. Sure, Pure Vanilla’s physical strength has always intrigued him- but now that he’s seeing a display of it… his heart is racing.
Disgusting.
He tries to push away, but alas, his own physical weakness betrays him. The pair sways slightly, the world to themselves but for a moment.
“Stupid Nilly,” Shadow Milk grumbles, his words coming out as a whisper only the other can hear. “Making a spectacle… and here I thought you weren’t the type to try and make headlines.” He grins, but his tone is wary.
“Apologies… I suppose a part of me wants to show my comrades that they need not to fear you.. Or question my decision to save you instead of the soul jam,” the other replies, his voice just as quiet in his truthful admission.
“So it’s a meaning of pride, hm?”
“No, of loyalty. To you, bluebird.”
This makes the other go quiet. Loyalty… to him? The person who’d tortured him, manipulated him, imprisoned him in a tower before he awakened. He is loyal to him. For what purpose?
Pure Vanilla continues. “I’ve found myself becoming… devoted, I suppose. To being by your side when it seems like maybe nobody else is. You do have people who care for you, bluebird. Chantilly, Cheese Danish, and myself…,” he smiles, his hold on Shadow Milk tightening ever so slightly. “I do want to show everyone that I feel that way about you. About us.”
‘Us’? This makes Shadow Milk’s head spin. This man is being so confusing, and Shamil is one of the smartest cookies in all of Earthbread! He can’t possibly be getting confused by- feelings!
The music begins to pick up in tempo, which Shadow Milk only notices when Pure Vanilla takes him from the dancing floor and back to the table, setting him in his chair again.
Candy Apple is seething, and Black Sapphire looks appalled.
In fact, almost the entire ballroom looks shocked. Ladies hiding whispers behind fans, dukes shooting looks of outward disdain. A brick of dread fills his stomach. Right… everyone saw that. Now- shouldn’t he be relishing in the attention? Usually, yes. Shadow Milk may like the attention, but at this moment, he feels cornered.
Especially with an approaching White Lily Cookie, Guardian of the Seal.