Work Text:
When Crunchy Chip Cookie heard about the new cafe that was being opened on the outskirts of the forest that divided Dark Enchantress’ domain and from the rest of the kingdoms, he kept his hopes alive and well that his king would send him on another mission that would land him near the establishment, and he would get to experience it firsthand. Doing his duties per usual, he grew impatient and tried to hide it from his fellow citizens, but his constant mutterings that he did when he found himself alone did not go completely unnoticed.
Crunchy Chip was grooming the Cream Wolves to look presentable for the upcoming meeting between Dark Cacao and Hollyberry, knowing there would be a few who tried to run and hide during this process. While he busied himself with coaxing one of the wolves out from under a hole they dug next to a tree’s roots, he said in a soft, louder than necessary whisper, “Vanilla Bean, come on now. If you let me trim your claws, I’ll take you with me to the new cafe… Of course, if King Cacao permits it.”
The wolf whimpered, though she stuck her snout out of the hiding place she made with clear interest in her face.
“I’m sure I’ll be able to ask King Dark Cacao permission at the feast tonight. But, I can’t do that if you won’t let me look at your paws.”
Though she was reluctant, the Cream Wolf wriggled her way out of the hole and bounded back over to the cookie, hopping onto her hind legs and leaving mud tracks on him, which caused Crunchy Chip to let out a deep chuckle.
“Vanilla Bean… Sit, girl.”
She licked Crunchy Chip’s cheek and jumped down, and sat next to him, waiting with her own amount of anticipation.
“Good girl!” Crunchy Chip praised, wiping off her paws before he grabbed the nail clippers and kneeled in front of her, holding one of her front paws in a firm grip, “I promise you’ll feel better afterwards.”
For a few moments, he found himself in a groove of trimming the wolf’s nails with quick efficiency, making sure to get the task over with for her sake. Before he got Vanilla Bean to twirl around so he could reach her back feet, he turned to retrieve a treat for her when he heard a twig snap under someone else’s foot. Normally, he would assume it was one of the other canines, yet he knew with the hustling and bustling around the castle that it might be another cookie instead, and when he surveyed the courtyard, he spotted the other watching from afar.
“Wildberry Cookie…” he let out with a sigh, his flattened ears relaxing when he saw the familiar guard, “Can I help you with something?”
“Well, I couldn’t help overhearing the tactic you used to summon your wolf to your side.”
Crunchy Chip tried to hide his embarrassment from being overheard, yet it was clear on his face while he asked, “And?”
“Well, if you’re nervous to ask your king to let you investigate the cafe Red Velvet is running, you might need some help persuading him.”
“I don’t follow…”
“Well, if you recall the feast from a few years ago, Queen Hollyberry brought her own supply of drinks,” Wildberry remarked, looking over his shoulder before he continued, “And King Dark Cacao was under its influence. I imagine the same will happen at this banquet, so that would be your best opportunity to request this visit from him.”
“Are you suggesting that I lie to my king?!”
“Not necessarily, no. I’m only providing a suggestion should you find yourself unable to talk to him about your wants while he is sober.”
Crunchy Chip Cookie considered this for a moment, giving a slow nod before he was reminded of his task when a wet snout shoved against his arm. Turning back to Vanilla Bean, he resumed her pedicure while he commented, “I guess it isn’t the worst idea…”
“Of course. And it isn’t like you’re attempting to usurp him.”
“I would never!” Crunchy Chip let out a low growl, which caused a chain reaction among the Cream Wolves until he shushed them a few moments later, “Forgive me… I know you aren’t an enemy of the Dark Cacao Kingdom.”
“Indeed. Do you require some assistance in getting your wolves presentable?”
“Probably… Vanilla Bean isn’t bad with baths, but Coconut and Shortbread are. Corralling them both is quite the handful.”
With the mention of the next task, two larger Cream Wolves let out menacing barks that their handler shrugged off without a second thought, “So, I could use the extra hands.”
“Right, I don’t mind lending mine.”
Once Crunchy Chip finished the nail trimming, Vanilla Bean trotted off with another treat in her maw, and he sighed knowing how difficult it would be to round up the other two who were well aware of what was to come while he gathered a large bag of cinnamon. Setting it aside, Crunchy CHip whistled for the duo to come to him, removing a squeaky toy from his pocket and pressing on it a few times to entice them.
Eventually, Coconut and Shortbread meandered toward Crunchy Chip, though they sat just out of reach from him. Not wanting to break either of their trust, Crunchy Chip brought the toy closer to the two, letting them chew and tug on it while he patted their backs.
“Wildberry, bring it over.”
At first, the other guard was uncertain of what he was meant to do when he realized the bag of cinnamon was left behind where it was placed. He took his time dragging the container over to the wolves, stopping whenever one or both stopped playing and glared at him, moving again when they were distracted until he stood beside the other cookie.
Crunchy Chip paused from his petting and took out the package of treats he kept on his person, dumping a pile of them onto the ground before he placed his hand on both their backs and held them in place, “Go ahead and open the bag.”
Wildberry nodded and did what he was told, taking out the scoop that was still inside the bag and filling it with the spice, though he waited for the signal from Crunchy Chip before he poured it over the wolves who started howling like they were in pain.
“I know, babies… It’s for your own good, though,” Crunchy Chip told the two, trying to be comforting despite the momentary betrayal, “We need to look our best for Queen Hollyberry, or I couldn't make you get a bath.”
Continuing to soothe the wolves with his voice, he and Wildberry rubbed the cinnamon into their coats with thorough movements despite struggling against their hands throughout the treatment. After a few moments of scrubbing them down and ensuring that the spice got lathered enough, Crunchy Chip released his hold on the pair who bolted in seconds and shook the powder from their coats with violent shakes.
“I don’t know how you do it on your own, Crunchy Chip,” Wildberry commented with a laugh at the two’s antics, “I hope the others aren’t that frightened off.”
“The others are a piece of cake!” the shorter cookie exclaimed with pride before a drip of drool built at his lips with the simple mention, shaking his head reminiscent of Coconut and Shortbread, which only caused Wildberry to continue his laughter, which Crunchy Chip joined in on after a look of fake annoyance.
“That is reassuring at least,” Wildberry Cookie commented before the noise of other cookies gathering inside the castle caught his attention, “We should join the others now. I hope my assistance was enough for the feast.”
“It was, I appreciate the help!”
Wildberry nodded, motioning for the other guard to follow him inside once he summoned the pack of Cream Wolves to come along. Once they entered the dining hall, the two parted ways and went to their respective sides with their leaders, the wolves greeting those who wanted to see them before they curled on cushioned beds behind Crunchy Cookie’s seat.
The dinner continued without a hitch, though Crunchy Chip was still anxious to bring up the topic of venturing from the Dark Cacao kingdom for a selfish reason, knowing how much shame it could bring to his kingdom in front of everyone else. Munching on his plate of food he was zoned in on to avoid his negative feelings, he could not ignore the unmistakable sound of a bottle being uncorked, then the pouring of liquid into a glass.
“Dark Cacao, would you join me for a drink?” Hollyberry asked before taking a large gulp of her own.
“I think I’ll pass this evening, Hollyberry.”
“Oh, come on, loosen up a little!” she goaded, pouring a glass for him despite his rejection and placing it near Dark Cacao’s plate, “This is a party, after all.”
“You take every opportunity to throw one, that’s for certain,” Dark Cacao responded with a heavy sigh, ignoring the drink for the time being, “I think I can speak for my subjects that we don’t want a repeat of our last meeting.”
“Oh, but you were the life of the party then! I don’t get to see that side of you much, if at all.”
“There’s a reason for that.”
“I doubt one drink will influence you.”
Crunchy Chip Cookie could feel the tension between the other two, though it was not malicious from either, it was still palpable, and it even caused Vanilla Bean to let out a small whimper. Worried about the wolf, he beckoned her over and scratched under her chin without looking away from the table, going so far as to slip her a scrap of the meal to help calm her, expecting to be called out for his action in front of Hollberry Cookie when it never came. Curious, he glanced at his king and saw that Dark Cacao was now partaking in the offered beverage, though taking small sips; he assumed it was to not offend the other royal guest.
“I knew you wouldn’t be able to resist it for long!” Hollyberry exclaimed, raising her glass to her lips once more
“You know me too well, Hollyberry.” Dark Cacao replied with a nervous chuckle while he continued to pace himself.
While the dinner continued, Crunchy Chip noticed that the two royals were drinking more of the juice, seeming that Dark Cacao was now trying to keep up with Hollyberry’s pace. It made him worry over the condition of his king, opposite of Wildberry’s expression while watching the two continue drinking.
“Are you going to do something about them?”
“Why? This is normal in the Hollyberry Kingdom.”
“King Dark Cacao isn’t used to this, though!”
“He’ll be fine,” Wildberry stated, unbothered while he continued with their earlier conversation, “You know, this would be the perfect time to ask King Dark Cacao about your little venture.”
“Venture? What is this about?” the king finally spoke, his words slurring a bit.
“Oh, well, my king… I’ve heard talk of a new establishment near the Tainted Forest, and I… thought it would be beneficial to see what was going on from the inside.” Crunchy Chip explained, his tail drooping behind him in his chair while he waited to be berated for the suggestion, for he was certain that Dark Cacao knew of the place he was talking about.
“Is that so?” the king asked between sips.
“Yes, sir. I’ll leave most of my Cream Wolves here to protect the castle, if you’ll permit me to take Vanilla Bean with me.”
Dark Cacao pondered this in his slightly altered state, nodding to himself about what he was being told, “If you need to patrol the area, take more than one of your Cream Wolves along.”
“Oh, are you sure, sir?”
“I am. I want to ensure the safety of all my citizens, including you,” the king added, pausing to take a few more bites of his meal, “If you are able to control yourself in the city, then I see no reason for you not to venture out.”
“Yes sir, I will not fail you!”
“I know you won’t, Crunchy Chip.”
“If I’m not being too forward, King Dark Cacao, he can travel with us when we leave tomorrow.” Wildberry Cookie interjected, glancing to his queen who nodded along without protest.
“Then, it is decided.”
When the morning came and Crunchy Chip attended to his duties with the Cream Wolves, he called for Vanilla Bean and two other comrades, Shortbread, and a darker furred wolf named Truffle, and met with the Hollyberry Kingdom residents who gathered outside the castle gates.
“Are we ready to leave?” Wildberry asked, gesturing for the other guard to join him in the front of the entourage.
“Yes, we are!”
The trio of wolves each let out a confirming bark, Truffle and Shortbread flanking either side of the group with Vanilla Bean sandwiched between her handler and the Wildberry.
“They’re quite clever creatures, aren’t they?”
“Yes, they are! I’m proud of each and every one of them!” Crunchy Chip declared, his tail wagging with delight from the acknowledgement at the capabilities of his companions.
“You should be.”
Crunchy Chip Cookie couldn’t keep the prideful grin off his muzzle while he trekked across the land with the large group of travelers. Honestly, it had been ages since he went on a trip with other cookies instead of going alone with his pack, so it was a nice change of pace even though he knew it would come to an end once they reached the other’s kingdom.
Though, when that time came, Crunchy Chip found himself not wanting to say goodbye to the other guard, though he knew it was Wildberry’s duty to protect his queen, so he swallowed his disappointment and faced it with the most bravery he could muster in the moment.
“I suppose this is where we take different paths…” he mentioned, scratching behind his ears with an air of awkwardness.
“It looks that way,” Wildberry remarked, a note of sadness in his voice when he realized their short-lived journey came to an end, inching closer to the shorter cookie until he pressed a chaste peck onto his cheek and backed away abruptly before either had time to process the entire action, “If you should need my assistance any further, all you need is to find me and ask, I will not hesitate.”
“O-Oh, I will keep that in mind. Thank you, for everything.”
Wildberry blushed deeper than his own palette and nodded before he bent down and ruffled Truffle’s fur and walked into the Hollyberry Kingdom with his people.
Crunchy Chip stood there until the troupe disappeared out of sight, his heart aflutter while he recalled the kiss several times over. Eventually, he was brought back to the present when Vanilla Bean nudged him until he was paying attention to her again, gently tugging at his arm, to which he obliged her with more chin scratches.
“You’re right, we should move on…” he relented, the other two wolves doing the same to receive some pets before they began walking the rest of the way towards the outskirts of the Tainted Forest. Though he would not admit it aloud, the ambiance was still a little daunting despite the cafe not being overshadowed by any of the trees that grew on the land around it, feeling a slight shudder go through him all the same.
In front of him sat a medium sized building made of red oak, the black door being the only break in the uniform color adorned with a flap on the bottom portion. Curious, Crunchy Chip gestured for one of his wolves to try going through it, fascinated when Shortbread made her way inside.
“Oh, I… did not expect to be serving another hound.” a deeper voice commented on the other side, which worried Crunchy Chip more than offended him for calling the wolf anything other than what she was.
Shortbread barked in response.
“Hang on there, Shortbread, I’ll come to rescue you!” her handler called out, wrestling the door open while he heard a tongue lapping and rushing inside with the others on his heel.
When Crunchy Chip was inside the cafe with black marble floors, he stood in the middle of the room with his eyes wide while he took in the sight of Cake Hounds all over the place, one even sharing their water bowl with Shortbread. Puzzled, he scanned the area for the owner of the deep voice and found a menacing cookie mixed with cake standing slumped over the counter to reach out and pet the Cream Wolf who already made herself at home
“Oh, you’re her owner,” the cookie said, unbothered. After a few more strokes to the Cream Wolf’s light fur, he straightened and dusted himself off with his infamous claw, “Welcome to the Velvet Vanguard. What can I do for you?”
Crunchy Chip remained standing there, silent. He’d seen glimpses of Red Velvet Cookie on a few patrols, but never close and personal, marveling at how strong the cake hybrid was, yet he was able to show an immense amount of control to not only appreciate other’s canine companions, but to find a hobby that was unrelated to the Cookies of Darkness. Eventually, though, he snapped out of his second trance of the day, a profuse blush on his cheeks when he said, “I-I’m not even supposed to be here…”
“You are quite far from the Dark Cacao Kingdom,” the general commented, diverting his attention to Chiffon inspecting the newcomer and licking at his hand in approval, “If you aren’t ready, I suggest taking the time to entertain the Cake Hounds.”
“Are you sure…? I wouldn’t want to disrupt them.”
“That’s what they’re here for. Besides, we don’t get many visitors, so it would be good for ‘em.”
“Oh, alright!” Crunchy Chip agreed without further hesitation, reaching over and petting the Cake Hound between her ears.
This caused more of the hounds to bound over and swarm around him, their tails wagging with fierce speed. One even brought over a ball, though they refused to let him take it until they got ear scratches, their tongue lolling out in content,ent.
“Do you want to play?” Crunchy Chip asked, scooping up the toy and motioning to throw it a few times before committing and launching it over to one of the walls.
Waiting for the Cake Hound to fetch the ball and return it for another round, the guard looked to his companions and saw they were all munching on a bowl of food, which caused him to internally panic. About to order the three to stop, he was waved off by Red Velvet, who simply said, “They were hungry.”
“Oh, t-thank you, Red Velvet Cookie, sir.”
“No need for that. At least, not unless we’re on the battlefield…”
Crunchy Chip nodded in understanding, soon getting knocked onto the floor by the hounds and being dogpiled by four of them who lapped at his face and curled on his body. Chuckling loud, the cookie managed to pick himself back onto his feet, ruffling each of them with good-natured energy before he wrestled the ball away once more.
“Swiss Roll, go easy on them, girl.”
“She’s fine! I have my own pack who does the same at home.”
“Well, I tried to save you.” Red Velvet said with a shrug.
After a few more rounds of playing with Swiss Roll and her brethren, Crunchy Chip found himself retiring to a corner table, his tail beating against the soft, crimson cushion all the while, though his moment of peace was soon disturbed by the overwhelming aroma of sweets. Tilting his head into the air, he snorted in the scent of cream cheese frosting and vanilla, his mouth watering from the temptation, swinging his head around to get more of the smells when he saw the other cookie return to the front with a tray of desserts.
“Here,” Red Velvet said, putting four on a plate and placing it in front of the other, “I made a few too many, ‘n they won’t all fit in the display case, so enjoy ‘em.”
“What are they?”
“Blondies. Y’know, like brownies, but not chocolate.”
“Oh, well, I couldn’t possibly eat all of these…”
“In case you want to share ‘em with your wolves, or take them with you. Whatever you wanna do, I don’t care either way.”
Crunchy Wolf sat and contemplated the gesture, staring at the icing decorated with little bone-shaped sprinkles when he felt tears rush to his eyes. Aside from Wildberry kissing him earlier, this was the sweetest thing another cookie did for him, taking one of the desserts in his paw and responding with, “You’re nicer than you think you are, I hope you know that.”
Red Velvet shrugged the comment away while he walked back to his station behind the counter, Chiffon following close behind.
Though Crunchy Chip knew he was supposed to keep his desires at bay while on this scouting mission, and try he might, he was unable to stick to that promise he made for much longer. Taking controlled bites of the blondie, he savored the sickening sweet flavors from one by himself, breaking off bite-sized pieces for Vanilla Bean, Shortbread, and Truffle, who each ate theirs without fuss.
When the plate was empty once again, Crunchy Cookie stared at the evidence of what he’d done and hung his head in shame. He was in a daze during his consumption of the sweets he received, and now that he was freed from it, all he could feel was a hollow pit burrowing into his stomach amidst the fullness. So, he sat with the shame that started to suffocate him, the only saving grace being that his wolves leaned against him the whole while.
“Where would I be without you girls?” he asked in a ginger voice, ruffling all of their fur with loving touches.
Over the next few weeks, Crunchy Chip would revisit the cafe and take a different trio of Cream Wolves along with him, this time being accompanied by Vanilla Bean, Coconut, and Butterscotch. When they approached the entrance, his stomach began to churn while his throat burned knowing that not long after indulging in the decadent desserts, he would find a secluded place purge himself of the treats, the evidence wiped away by his faithful pack, then they took another detour to visit Wildberry Cookie for a while before returning with his tail between his legs from the shame of the cycle.
His empty stomach knotted at the thought of what would happen when he left the bakery, but he could not help it; when it came to regular food, he did not feel the need to go through this dangerous pattern, but this was to regain what little pride remained afterwards. Carrying the weight of the condition with him hurt to the core, yet it followed him wherever he found the forbidden fruit that he could never quite stay away from, and he was willing to brave this part of him if it meant that various desserts got a moment on his lips.
“AFternoon, Crunchy Chip,” the cake hybrid greeted over the sound of multiple Cake Hounds bolting to the frequent customer, Swiss Roll carrying her toy in tow, “What can I do ya for today?”
“Whatever you’ve got that’s about to come from the oven’s fine with me, Red Velvet!” he answered, his attention taken over by the canines, giving them all the affection he could muster.
Not unlike any other time he visited, Crunchy Chip Cookie retired to the same table and waited with patience for the treat he would be served.
This time, it was a large piece of carrot cake that was topped with the familiar sprinkles atop the cream cheese topping, which he took turns feeding bites of to the Cream Wolves and himself. Though, when he went to stare with a blank expression on the plate once filled with the dessert, he was startled to see Red Velvet’s claw resting across from him on the tabletop, though he tried to cover his surprise with an unconvincing, sheepish smile.
“You never join me!” the guard exclaimed with some excitement over the change in routine.
Red Velvet nodded with a somber attitude, yet he remained calm and collected while he asked, “Can we talk?”
“Oh, sure. What about?”
“Before I begin, I want you to know there isn’t any judgment here.”
Crunchy Chip’s stomach dropped upon hearing this, though he nodded in understanding, “I appreciate you saying that!”
“Well, I’m concerned about you,” Red Velvet started, not making direct eye contact, but speaking in the other’s direction, “I’ve heard some noises like someone’s sick not long after you leave the cafe, and I’ve noticed how you go into a spiral of shame each time after you eat my sweets.”
“Well, I only do it with sweets if that makes it any better?”
Red Velvet shook his head, “It doesn’t, you’re still hurting.”
“And what would you have me do? I can’t just stop…”
“I know, but I want to see you in a better headspace.”
“I don’t want to stop coming here, I really enjoy my visits!”
“I’m not saying you have to, but I have an idea,” Red Velvet mentioned, picking up the discarded fork and scooping a bite of an extra sliver of the cake he added before sitting with Crunchy Chip, offering the bite to the guard who opened his mouth and bit down around the mouthful, “You know, you’re allowed to eat as much as your heart desires while you’re here.”
“It makes me disobedient to my king!”
“Like I’d tell him what you’re doing?” the cake hybrid retorted with a half smile, guiding another bite to Chunky Chip’s mouth and waiting for him to decide that he wanted it, “ “I hope that someone who cares for you feeding you will be enough of a reminder to try and get better.”
“I… think it might.”
“Good boy. And if it isn’t, we’ll find another way.”
Crunchy Chip Cookie chewed on this declaration while he did the same with the newest morsel, tilting his head in a moment of confusion, “I must ask, what caused this sudden shift? Afraid to lose your most loyal customer?”
“That’s not the reason,” he remarked quieter than normal, staring down at the table where Crunchy Chip’s paws rested and placing his claw on top of the nearest one to him, making sure to be gentle, “You’ve never made a big deal about how different I am, and we both have a pack of hounds, so…”
Crunchy Chip swallowed his bite of cake and nodded, moving his left paw to hold the other’s claw between them while he finished what he sensed was on Red Velvet’s mind, “I feel it too, we have a connection.”
Not long after that touching moment, Crunchy Chip Cookie excused himself for the afternoon, knowing that Wildberry would be expecting him soon. And for once, he did not feel the need to make a pitstop to expel the contents of his stomach before meeting with the other guard, a somewhat new, yet hesitant energy in his step.
Upon reaching the castle within the Hollyberry Kingdom, he gave his regards to the residents he recognized on his way to find Wildberry Cookie. Searching everywhere he could think of on the castle grounds aside from one, he finally made his way to the guard’s personal chambers and knocked with a gentle fist, finding that his heart caught in his throat with worry until he heard footsteps on the other side of the door, it changing to a firm pounding with fondness now that he would get to be near Wildberry once more.
“Greetings, Crunchy Chip,” the other guard said with a sweet smile on his face, opening the door wide enough for the wolves to flood into the room before their handler, “You’re earlier than usual, is everything alright?”
Crunchy Chip began to answer, yet he felt a wave of uncertainty wash over him, for even though Red Velvet was gracious about broaching the subject, he had no idea if Wildberry was aware, or how he would react. But, it was Wildberry who helped him brave his fears by suggesting to his king that he should investigate the new bakery, so the berry cookie must be willing to at least hear him out.
Crunchy Chip shuffled inside and handed over a box filled with dark chocolate cheesecake, gravitating to where he usually sat at the end of the other’s wide mattress covered in dark red and purple linens. Not daring to look at Wildberry, he focused on his paws in his lap when he mentioned, “Well, I had a conversation with Red Velvet, one that I think you need to know about.”
“If he’s hitting on you, I don’t mind if you’re interested in us at the same time.”
“Oh, that’s… good to know, I suppose? That isn’t what I meant, though,” Crunchy Chip told him, wincing at hearing his own voice that sounded weaker than it ever did, “This is more serious.”
“Forgive me, I’m listening, dear.”
“Well, I think you should know… I have a more complicated relationship with food than meets the eye.”
Wildberry Cookie was quiet for a long moment, reaching out with a silent request to hold the other’s paw. He gave a firm squeeze before muttering, “I will admit, I’ve been concerned for a few weeks now. I didn’t want to upset you if I brought it up.”
Crunchy Chip nodded, “I don’t blame you…”
“You aren’t mad at me for neglecting the warning signs I saw?”
“No, I get your reasoning,” Crunchy Chip told him, his speech tinged with sadness while he continued, “I hope this doesn’t make you think any less of me…”
“Of course it doesn’t, dear. I do think someone should speak to King Dark Cacao about this, though.”
“W-Why’s that?!”
“I won’t tell him about your condition,” Wildberry soothed, lifting the shorter man’s paw to his lips and placing a soft smooch to the back of it, “I only want him to ease up on his restrictions. I understand you have different customs, but if they’re hurting you, then something must be done about it.”
Crunchy Chip pouted for a moment, and gave a slow nod, “I guess that’s fair… Will he listen, though? Not that I’m doubting my king-”
Wildberry let out a soft chuckle, “If not to me, then I’m sure he won’t be able to ignore Queen Hollyberry. At least, not for long should he try.”
The two shared in a soft chuckle at this suggestion, though both knew the seriousness behind it. Instead of dwelling on it for much longer, Wildberry moved from where he stood to sit beside the other guard, their knees bumping together while they stayed in a comfortable silence that was broken not long after by each Cream Wolf whimpering while they looked up at the budding couple.
“They’re permitted to climb on my bed, if you want them to.” Wildberry told him, Vanilla Bean placing her front paws on her handler’s knees and licking at his chin.
A rumbling laugh came from the shorter guard, patting his lap in an invitation for the trio to join them. Soon knocked backward onto the plush mattress, Crunchy Chip kept laughing while they rubbed against him for added comfort, wheezing in a breath after the much needed mood booster.
“You have quite the loyal pack.”
“I do,” Crunchy Chip agreed with a small grin gracing his snout, “And it seems new members are joining it, which I’m glad to see.”