Chapter Text
“So, uh…Lady Baltimore cookie, tell me more about yourself! You are the owner of this palace, correct?” Pure Vanilla cookie asked, the eye of his staff looking around.
“Indeed I am, dearest Pure Vanilla cookie. This land has been in my family for generations! Years before the dark flour war, my ancestors conquered these lands to…”
And so, Lady Baltimore cookie started to ramble on and on about her legacy…oh, how Pure Vanilla cookie would love to be anywhere but here. He could handle reunions with cookies he has never met in order to make alliances, but…a blind date , in order to make an alliance? This was just unheard of…
Pure Vanilla cookie was currently in the emblem palace of the Lady Baltimore house, which was known for its abundance in all types of resources…something the Vanilla Kingdom could really use at the moment. However, when asking to come to some sort of deal with the house, they organized…whatever this was. When he arrived, he wasn’t expecting there to be no one but the two of them, along with a fine dining menu and an excessive amount of heart shaped desserts, not to mention the tons of personal attention he was getting from the other cookie. He was sure she didn’t mean it but…he couldn’t help feeling overwhelmed, and a bit uncomfortable even.
“…and then, he-…Pure Vanilla cookie? Are you even listening to a word I’m saying?” Lady Baltimore cookie said, a slight hint of annoyance in her voice.
“Oh! O-Of course, of course! My apologies, I just got distracted by…the view out this window! It’s quite magnificent.” Pure Vanilla cookie squeaked out, fumbling a little with his words.
“Well, this is the tallest tower of this palace…so I suppose you’re right. Either way, we’re here to talk about business, are we not?”
“Of course…”
“So, in your letter, you said something about resources..?”
“Indeed. You see, my kingdom is currently under repair as of now, and-”
“Now now, dear. We have plenty of resources here, of course…but everything comes with a price. What can you offer me? ”
“Well, we have…plenty of raisin buns, magic scrolls? We don’t have much to offer at the moment.”
“I am aware. But maybe there’s something else?”
Lady Baltimore cookie moved closer to him, trailing a hand from his hair to his cheek.
“…o-oh. Oh no, I’m…terribly sorry, but…if you mean…that, I am…not looking for that type of alliance, as of now-” Pure Vanilla cookie said quickly, moving away from her.
“Hm? And why is that?”
“Well, I’m…simply not. I’m terribly so-”
“Let me guess, this place isn’t good enough for your refined senses, is that it?”
“No, no, of course not! I’m just-”
“Ugh, all of you cookies are the same! You look down on anything that doesn’t have a pound of flour thrown in it…”
She seemed to get angrier every time a word left his mouth…he had to figure something to fix this, and quickly.
“Lady Baltimore cookie, please! It’s nothing like that, I promise! Your palace is lovely, I just wasn’t expecting something like this when we’ve never met before…” Pure Vanilla said, lowering his brows.
That seemed to work…Lady Baltimore cookie seemed to relax slightly, huffing under her breath and fixing her clothes.
“…hm. I suppose we didn’t go over the details. But, now that you know…do you think we could work something out…together?” she said, tilting her head.
“Well, I mean…if you mean together as…a couple, I don’t think so…”
“And why is that? Is there a queen you’re married to back in your kingdom?”
“…n-no, not really-”
“Out.”
And so, before he could even come up with something to excuse himself, he was kicked out of the palace. Pure Vanilla cookie sighed, pulling his hair back. That went…terribly wrong. But, it could’ve been worse…thankfully Black Raisin cookie was already there, waiting for him to take him back home.
“Looks like it didn’t go so well, huh?” she said, walking next to him.
“Indeed, my dear friend…she seemed to be expecting someone to marry, rather than someone to befriend…let’s get going, shall we?” Pure Vanilla cookie said, the eye of his staff looking at her.
“Of course…but, tell me…why didn’t you accept? It’s not like you’re with anyone as of now, and…well, you have told me you sometimes feel lonely, back in the kingdom.”
“I know, I just…it’s complicated…I can’t really put it to words.”
“…maybe she just wasn’t your type. Come on now, the others must be waiting.”
They continued to walk down a path through a forest, heading to a small campsite where some of the other residents of the Vanilla Kingdom were waiting for them. They’d be back home the next day.
The trip back was peaceful, a good stress relief for Pure Vanilla after that…blind date? Failed reunion? He still wasn’t even sure of what it was…but either way, he could put it behind himself, as some of the other cookies walked around and collected the different types of jellies that grew from the bushes. Once they were finally back home, Pure Vanilla cookie explained everything that had happened to the cookies who stayed, shared a meal, and then headed back to his chambers.
“Finally home…” he said to himself, sitting down on his deck and stretching his arms.
He looked around, thinking for a moment…he opened a small drawer from the desk, taking out an unopened letter. He opened it carefully, looking inside where a delicate pale purple flower and a letter rested. After taking both things out, and putting the flower in a fitting vase, he opened the letter and read it…
My dear Pure Vanilla cookie,
As another winter strikes my lands and the snowflakes that rest along the ground, along with the rays of sunlight that go through the clouds, I am reminded of the first time we met. The warmth of your arms, the golden shine of your eyes and the delicate smell of your hair, are something that I wish to feel close to me, once again.
Today, I checked along with the watchers the perimeter of the citadel. As we walked, I couldn’t help but notice a flower. You probably know this already, but flowers are an incredibly rare sight here in my kingdom, all because of our cruel weather.
Alas, I send this letter to you to give it to you, but it is a mere excuse to talk to you. I miss you my love. Everyday, I wish to see you and feel you in my arms again. And as selfish as it is, I hope you miss me, too. I want to see you again. And I believe I can, if you allow me to, my love. I'll eagerly await your response.
This letter is for your beautiful eyes, and your eyes only.
Yours to the end of times,
Dark Cacao cookie.
Pure Vanilla read through it slowly, enjoying every word as a clumsy grin spread on his face. He hugged the letter, keeping it close to his chest…
Dark Cacao cookie…he was the only cookie he’d ever have eyes for. King of the frozen peaks of Earthbread, a solemn and determined cookie who watches the dangers of the licorice sea…both of them were busy enough as it was, so as much as they loved each other, being together everyday wasn't a viable option…which only made the few moments they shared even more valuable.
…wait. Didn’t the letter say he could travel there..? He just needed a yes from him.
Pure Vanilla cookie seemed blank for a moment, before standing up quickly and rushing to a shelf. He took a scroll of paper, some ink and a quill, before rushing back to the desk. He spread the paper, sinking the tip of the quill on the ink clumsily and nearly spilling it on the paper, before starting to write back. Once he finished, Pure Vanilla cut the paper carefully, starting to make an envelope for the letter after using a small spell to dry the ink quickly, grinning to himself. Soon, he’d be reunited with his lover once again…oh, how exciting! It had been so long since they’ve seen each other…this was just what he needed.
After putting the letter in the envelope, all he needed to do was send the letter away with a bird. He and Dark Cacao cookie had figured out a way to send each other letters without anyone else noticing. They feared that if someone knew about their romance, they could endanger each other or even use their relationship against them. Keeping it a secret would be the best option, at least for now.
Once he made sure the letter was secured to the bird, he sent it away and headed to bed, since it was starting to get dark. He changed his clothes, laying down and staring at the ceiling…sometimes, when Dark Cacao cookie visited, they slept on the same bed, once everyone was already asleep, of course. They would cuddle, pepper each other with kisses, and hold one another until they fell asleep…maybe they could do it again once he got there…or even go beyond that, as they sometimes have. Ohh, just the thought of that made him feel all tingly..! Dark Cacao cookie could be such a passionate lover when he wanted to…very handsy too, especially since his hands were fairly larger than his…as he continued to think about his lover, and how wonderful he was, he eventually fell asleep, the thoughts of seeing Dark Cacao cookie again lingering in his dreams.
The next day, Pure Vanilla cookie woke up to the sound of the chirping birds, which lived in the castle’s trees. He sat up slowly, stretching his arms and legs as he stood up and walked closer to the window. The sky was clouded…rain seemed to be in the way, which wasn’t much of an issue since the fixed houses along the land already had roofs. He changed his clothes and brushed his hair, before heading outside with the other cookies. A good morning walk was perfect to clear his mind and think about what he had to get done by the end of the day…it usually took him a few minutes to get from his chambers to the outside of the castle, so he might as well use the time.
Let’s see…he had to help the cookies with their food, and the reconstruction of the kingdom. Black Raisin cookie needed a hand with- oh, that was a terrible way of putting it…she needed help, cleaning some of the streets that were filled with parts of wafflebots. Watering the lilies could also be necessary. And…he needed to see if Dark Cacao cookie had already answered his letter. Ohh, how exciting..!
Once he was outside, some of the cookies were already gathering the few materials they could find.
“Pure Vanilla cookie! Good morning! How are you today?” one of the villager cookies said, looking over to him and smiling.
“Good morning my dear friend, I’m doing very well! You’ve collected some stones, I see?”
“Yeah! I think we can use them, right?”
“I believe so, they can be turned into bricks easily enough. However, I believe we are in need of more wood. Could you help me collect some, after you leave those stones with the other things?”
“Sure thing! Just wait here!”
The villager cookie walked off quickly, humming to themselves. Pure Vanilla cookie chuckled softly, looking around. Some of the other villagers were running along the street, either cleaning or collecting things…it was nice being back home, even if it was in desperate need of fixing. But it was nothing he couldn’t-
“Pure Vanilla cookie! Come here, quickly!”
Black Raisin cookie’s call brought him back to reality. She was on the edge of the floating land, looking down.
“Black Raisin cookie? What happened?” he answered, walking over to where he was quickly.
“Intruders. They’ve been down there for a few minutes already…do you recognize any of them?” she asked, narrowing her eyes.
Pure Vanilla cookie lowered his brows, moving his staff to look closer at the ground. A group of about five fully armored cookies, led by…
“Oh dear! Don’t worry, that’s one of my friends, Dark Cacao cookie!” Pure Vanilla chimed, running over to the transportation platform.
How marvelous! Those birds exceeded his expectations every time. He couldn’t help but feel nervous…he made sure to use clean robes, that his staff was tidy…was his hair okay? It had to be, he brushed it just a few minutes ago.
“Wait, what do you mean friends? Is that cookie one of the-” Black Raisin cookie asked, getting interrupted by the light of the transportation platform.
The guards appeared, surrounding another cookie, who walked forward. It was, in fact, Dark Cacao cookie…though, he seemed…different. He walked slowly, looking down slightly.
“Dark Cacao cookie, my dear friend! Welcome!” Pure Vanilla greeted, grinning a little.
“Pure Vanilla cookie…I wish to speak with you, alone. Is your lily greenhouse still open..?” Dark Cacao said, a bit sluggish .
“Oh, of course! We can walk there together, if you’d like.”
Dark Cacao cookie nodded. The two of them walked away together, the guards staying behind with Black Raisin cookie. Once they were far away enough from everyone, Pure Vanilla looked up to Dark Cacao, smiling softly.
“How have you been my love?” he asked, holding his hand.
Dark Cacao looked down at their hands, staring at them for a moment. He looked down slightly, squeezing his hand gently.
“I’ve been better…we really need to talk.” he answered, avoiding his gaze.
“…talk? About what my dear?”
“I’ll explain when we get there.”
“Oh- of course my love…”
They continued to walk, silently. Pure Vanilla cookie…feared the worst, as of now. Dark Cacao cookie was serious, but…not to this level. Did he do something wrong? Maybe he was just stressed…that could be why he wanted to go to the lily greenhouse. Hopefully.
After a few minutes, they got to the greenhouse. They stood under the gazebo, the scent of white lilies filling the air. Pure Vanilla smiled a little, looking around before looking up to Dark Cacao cookie. He held both of his hands, caressing them gently.
“Now we’re alone, my love…what is it that you need to tell me?” he said, smiling warmly.
Dark Cacao cookie looked at his eyes, blinking slowly. He lowered his brows, pulling his hands away.
“…I’m afraid…it isn’t good news. I can’t do this anymore.” he said.
Pure Vanilla cookie felt his heart drop.
“W-what? What do you mean?” he stuttered.
Dark Cacao cookie sighed, looking down.
“My kingdom needs my full attention. You…are a distraction, from my duties.” he spoke, plainly.
“A distraction..? Well, if…if the letters are the problem, I can…simply not write you any. W-Would that help you..?”
“No. I need- no, I want you out of my life. Our alliance still stands, but that’s as far as our relationship will go. Allies.”
“But…my love, you…you can’t be serious about this! Y-You sent me a letter just about a day ago!”
“Indeed…and that will be the last letter you’ll ever receive from me. Farewell, Pure Vanilla cookie.”
As Dark Cacao cookie started to walk away, Pure Vanilla cookie grabbed his hand tightly.
“Please, Cacao…j-just give one reason, I’m sure I can fix it! Just… don’t leave me. ” he pleaded, his eyes already watering up.
Dark Cacao cookie stared at him. He seemed to want to say something, but he simply shoved him away.
“Don’t insist. Nothing…nothing you do can change my mind.”
His voice seemed to falter, for a fraction of a second, before he walked away.
Pure Vanilla cookie simply watched him, standing still. His heart was pounding heavily, aching inside his chest. Tears started streaming down his cheeks, as he covered his mouth to muffle his cries. He fell on his knees, curling up as he leaned on the small fence of the gazebo.
He didn’t understand. What did he do wrong? Was he too overbearing? Was that what drove his precious lover away? Maybe he just got bored of him altogether…it wasn’t like he was a great lover anyways, he barely even saw him…Dark Cacao deserved better, he knew it, and expected him to leave deep inside of him…but why did it hurt so much then? His heart wouldn’t stop aching. He needed to scream, or do something, anything to let out his pain…but he couldn’t. He had to be strong, for what was left of his people…he just couldn’t do it at the moment. So he simply sat there, his whimpers and sobs echoing through the white lilies in the greenhouse.
Meanwhile, Dark Cacao cookie made his ways back with his guards, and his newest adviser, Affogato cookie. Some of the guards were helping the villagers to fix the broken cookie houses, while two stayed alongside Affogato cookie, who turned to look at him.
“Ah, my king! I’m glad you’re back…this means we can get going, correct?” he said, softly as always.
“Yes, indeed…everyone! Wrap it up, we’re leaving! And thanks, to all of you, for welcoming us.” Dark Cacao cookie said, starting to walk to the transportation platform.
The guards and Affogato cookie followed him, before one of the villagers ran over to him.
“Wait, wait! Mister Dark Cacao! Could you please help us? We need materials for our homes!” they said.
“Ugh! How dare you ask favors from our king? We have more important things to do, you-” Affogato cookie said, before being interrupted by Dark Cacao cookie.
“Easy there, Affogato…they need as much as us…it’s the least I could do. I’ll make sure a shipment of supplies is sent your way, villager. No need to fret.” Dark Cacao said.
“Oh, thank you so, so much! Have a safe trip back!”
Dark Cacao cookie nodded in response, before the transportation platform sent them back to the ground. He walked along his guards, getting to a small caravan driven by biscuit horses. Affogato cookie helped him climb in one, before getting in it as well as it started to ride back to their frozen kingdom.
“So, did everything go as planned, my king?” Affogato cookie asked, shaking some dust off his robes.
But Dark Cacao cookie didn’t answer. The exact moment where Pure Vanilla cookie begged for an explanation as to why he was leaving him kept replaying in his head, over and over…he looked devastated, and that was putting it lightly.
“…my king?” Affogato cookie asked again, raising a brow slightly. Dark Cacao cookie sighed heavily.
“Was this the right thing to do, Affogato..?” he asked, almost muttering.
“Of course it was, your highness…trust me, now that this Pure Vanilla is out of your mind, everything will move twice as fast!”
“…are you certain?”
“I very much am, sir.”
Dark Cacao cookie kept looking aside, before nodding slightly. The trip back to the Cacao Kingdom was long, but they made it back safely. Dark Cacao cookie, after making sure the shipment of supplies was sent to the Vanilla Kingdom and checking on the reports on the licorice sea, went to his room.
It was colder than usual. Dark Cacao cookie kneeled down, looking out the window…snowflakes flew down to the ground, resting near the edges of the castle..where a bird with a letter tied to its neck stood. He blinked, standing up again and opening the window. The bird flew in quickly, shaking slightly as it cleaned its feathers. Dark Cacao took the letter off carefully…it was from Pure Vanilla, who probably sent it as they traveled to his kingdom. He opened it…
Dark Cacao cookie, my love
Please, feel
fel frer free
free to come here as soon as you possibly can. I too miss you with all of my heart, and wish to see you again. The flower you’ve sent me is beautiful, and also reminds me of you. Please come soon!
I miss you
Yours forever and ever,
Pure
Vain
Vanilla cookie
Dark Cacao cookie read through it, slowly…his heart shattering more and more with every word he read. This…this wasn’t right. He didn’t want this, this was all wrong, he had to go back. He had to fix this, now.
He left the letter in his pocket, before walking out of his room. The caravan was still available, it wouldn’t be too hard to charge it with supplies and get it going aga-
“My king? Where on Earthbread are you going on such a hurry?”
Affogato cookie was there, bringing a few scrolls with him. Dark Cacao cookie kept walking though, without any intention to stop.
“I’m going back to the Vanilla Kingdom. This was the wrong thing to do.” he said, firmly.
“B-But my king! What about the wall, and the watchers?” Affogato cookie called, walking after him.
“You can take care of them! I need to fix this Affogato, do not try to stop me.”
“But what about the things we talked about?! Didn’t we agree that the wall needed your full attention?”
“It has been working well until now! There is no good reason for our relationship to stop!”
Affogato cookie sighed, heavily.
“My king, I…I didn’t want to bring this up, but…don’t you remember what happened the last time you focused your attention on the wrong…thing, or cookie?” he said.
Dark Cacao cookie froze, staying still. He put a hand on his chest, before glaring at Affogato cookie.
“Don’t you dare bring that up. You know we don’t talk about it.” he hissed.
“I know, and I’m terribly sorry for doing so…but that time, you also focused on the wrong thing, my king! And look at what happened…I’m really just trying to avoid another tragedy!”
Dark Cacao cookie lowered his brows, looking down. Affogato cookie walked closer, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.
“My king, please be reasonable…go back to your chambers, and rest up for tomorrow.” he said, smiling softly.
Dark Cacao cookie simply nodded, silently making his way back to his room. He closed the door behind him, leaning against it slightly as he took the letter out again. It was so obvious Pure Vanilla cookie wrote it as fast as he could, in a desperate try to see him again soon…the excitement of his greeting, the light of his eyes and the warmth of his hand as he held his own…all of that faded, as quickly as it appeared. His poor Pure Vanilla cookie…broken, all because he can’t keep a miserable wall against some puny licorice waters.
He slowly slid down, sitting on the floor of his room as he held the letter close…
He was sorry. He was so, so sorry for everything. How was it that he always managed to destroy anything that was even just a bit precious to him? His precious, delicate Pure Vanilla cookie…he just couldn’t get the hopelessness of his face out of his mind. The tears that formed on his beautiful eyes…it was all his fault. He felt his own eyes tear up, his lip slightly trembling as he looked at the letter.