Chapter Text
Black Sapphire Cookie leaned against the tower's balcony fence and sighed, looking up at the taunting moon that continues to glow despite any circumstance that may occur down here on solid ground. He gazed at it enviously, wishing that he could be just like it and forever keep his impeccable swag no matter what comes his way. That he could still be a shining light even when he's all alone — but that's impossible, for even the moon wouldn't shine without its sun. How disturbing — loneliness is truly devastating. Not that he was completely alone—he still had Candy Apple Cookie—but she did not fill that void in his heart... soul?
Is this how Master Shadow Milk Cookie felt? Did this strange pseudo-loneliness drive him to the point where he is now? So clingy and hopelessly obsessed with that puny, pathetic Pure Vanilla Cookie? Or well, Truthless Recluse, but that name leaves a horrible taste in his mouth. Just knowing that bothersome clump of dough is underneath the same umbrella as him pains him in every way. That... thing does not compare to him NOR Candy Apple Cookie. That thing is a mere parasite latched onto his master, slowly eating his brain and turning him into a lovey-dovey husk of the cookie he once was. Truthless Recluse... no... Pure Vanilla Cookie has not truly embraced deceit; he is only playing pretend. If he had, the whole world would be on their knees by now! Eugh, how he hated him, and how his master was so blinded by him.
In irritation, his foot involuntarily tapped against the balcony's tiles, and he let out a "tsk tsk tsk." Ah, just these thoughts alone pushed him over the edge! And seeing his master with that pest only fueled his annoyance further. At least he didn't have them in his view whenever he caught a moment to waste time on this terrace, all alone. Yes, all alone, with only his brain worms to keep him company.
All alone.
The sound of a high-pitched voice shook him out of his mind, yet he felt almost hesitant to leave his headspace, knowing that the next couple of minutes or hours would be filled with his sister's nagging, who, in hindsight, is in the exact same shoes as him, just far more clueless that she is. The voice relentlessly repeated his name, despite his silence.
"Just this one time..."
He thought, stubbornly deciding on keeping quiet. His bony, scarily thin hand slid down the fence as he slowly dropped to the ground, elegantly falling into a sitting position, bringing his knees close and hugging them, hiding his face in-between as one tear, unwillingly, slid down his cheek. Oh, how fatigued he suddenly was; he hadn't even noticed... as his vision got blurrier and blurrier, slowly fading into unconsciousness...
— Black Sapphire Cookie!!! Black Sapphire Cookie!!!
Candy Apple continued to shout, eventually running out of breath and leaving her with a dry mouth. The lack of a response from her brother annoyed her more than it worried her, as she was certain he was doing it on purpose. Perhaps planning to spook her out of nowhere like that one time, but no, it seemed like he had just magically vanished into thin air this time. Which was such a shame, as she had prepared a sweet delicacy for him and for Master. She had "accidentally" excluded Pure Vanilla Cookie from the meal, of course; there just so happened to not be enough servings.
"But Master Shadow Milk Cookie will share, or even worse, GIVE his portion to Pure Vanilla Cookie!!!"
She groaned. She couldn't even find any of the aforementioned cookies! As if the castle just became this desolate, barren place. Her eyes darted around the halls and every room she was allowed to enter and only found the "unimportant" servants of master. The only thing they are good for is working, but in general? They're boring, tasteless. Around them she feels completely out of place, as if she's the only one there with a soul. But if none of her "comrades" appear, she might as well offer the meal she so generously prepared to these baseless creatures! Ugh!
Suddenly, as she inched closer to the balcony, a black & purple figure caught her eye.
"Aha! There you are!"
She thought triumphantly, rushing to the person lazying around while she worked so hard. The loud clatter of her heels should've been enough to wake anyone up, yet her brother remained dormant, in the same stiff position. She cleared her throat once — no answer, twice — no answer. Finally, all that bottled-up irritance she finally dispersed in a single ear-numbing yell:
— BLACK SAPPHIRE COOKIE!!!
That loud exclamation burst Black Sapphire Cookie's eyelids wide open, fixating his stare on the girl above. Candy Apple Cookie stood with her arms crossed in disapproval, yet she did not speak. Black Sapphire Cookie looked around the area, as he was still dazed from his previous pass-out.
Candy Apple Cookie was about to chide him for slumbering while she was being so very diligent and better than him when a minute yet obvious detail caught her eye. That one prop Black Sapphire Cookie used to never be seen without...
— Where's your microphone, silly?
...now almost forgotten by its once careful and possessive owner. It was always in or near his grasp, and it was always gleaming, shiny, like new. But now? Judging by Black Sapphire Cookie's clueless expression, he himself likely didn't know. It's probably tucked away somewhere in his room... or master's room... or, Millennial Tree forbid, Pure Vanilla Cookie's room.
— It's, uh, somewhere.
Just like she imagined.
Candy Apple Cookie sighed, rolling her eyes. I mean, it's not like she really CARED about where this flatster leaves his belongings, but it does feel slightly uncanny seeing him without his signature item. It'd be like Master without his specter!
— I made lunch for you and Master, but clearly, you're all too busy ignoring ME!
She pouted. Black Sapphire Cookie only stared at her blankly, not very focused on her words, his mind still fuzzy like television static. Candy Apple Cookie noticed his blank stare, and, feeling rather offended now, snapped her fingers in front of him to "get him back to his senses." Black Sapphire Cookie flinched and shook his head, clearing his throat.
— Yeah, yeah, sorry.
— So? Will you come eat? I made
— Not hungry.
— You always say that!
Candy Apple Cookie glared at him. To be fair, that answer was suspected, but there was always a slim chance she wouldn't get turned down. She laid her eyes upon his skinny legs and hands and shivered in revulsion. Every bone of his hand was traced perfectly against his pale skin; it appeared like it would break through. And his very own sunken eyes... disturbingly visible clavicles... he looked like a living dead guy!
— N-no, you've got to eat...
She said through gritted teeth, as if preventing herself from vomiting just from seeing him in front of her. She had a strong urge to just turn her head the other way out of disgust but restrained herself.
— I just said I am. Not. Hungry.
Black Sapphire Cookie only grew more irritated as he shakily got up, nearly tumbling back down. He adjusted his neck accessory and turned to face Candy Apple Cookie as he prepared himself to leave her presence. But the sight of her concerned grimace provoked a feeling of sharp guilt aching in his heart. She seemed uncomfortable just watching his severely malnourished body move. He sighed and rolled his eyes, looking at her with a sharp leer.
— Fine, whatever.
He crossed his arms and swayed his hair back as Candy Apple Cookie's expression shifted to a more snarky one, though still covered in a layer of worry and discomfort as she struggled to even maintain eye contact with her sickly-appearing brother. She trotted alongside him, but her head was strictly turned to the opposite side of him, which he did not miss, but he did try to ignore as much as he could. Though not even halfway down the decked halls, he began to feel a small sense of burning pride within him. No, not self-consciousness or disgust... but pride. Knowing that he looks like a ghost meant he looked dainty, delicate, fragile... that's what he wanted, didn't he? Master is also fragile... being just as frail as him brings him closer to his master. Brings him closer to finally having control over this life.
Yes, there is still hope. Master will love him again.
They both walked in silence until they had reached the "dying room" (Candy Apple Cookie's idea since the whole place is rather dark with accents of blue peeking through, and calling it the "living room" didn't really match the vibe it gave off, now did it?). There was a rectangular table placed smack-dab in the middle, with chairs of equal size except the one at the very top that is a lot larger and more "royal" than the rest, with a single all-seeing eye aligned in the center. Accents of pure gold decorated the black & blue table and chairs. Candy Apple Cookie had also adorned the table with fancy golden silverware, as she does for every meal. She went up to the table and pulled out a chair, signalling for Black Sapphire Cookie to sit with a mockingly elegant gesture.
— Come sit down, m'lady.
She said cheekily, yet Black Sapphire Cookie did not seem to engage in her humor. Whether because he was once again dazed or because he did not find it humorous in the first place did not matter, for Candy Apple Cookie was teetering over the edge regardless. She roughly kicked the chair back to its original place and put her hands on her hips.
— Do you even care to talk to me nowadays?! I swear, you've become just as lame as the rumorweavers next door! Where's the old, fun you?! Huh?!
She spat, her words tinged with disappointment and... even a hint of sadness and desperation. Where had the days gone when Black Sapphire Cookie and she would bicker and pull pranks on each other just like all other siblings? When would they be up to no good while Master was gone? Cranked up the speaker volume to max and played music that annoyed all the other miscellaneous servants? Gossiped to each other? Why has he become so COLD?
*
Candy Apple Cookie sneaked into the master's room, the one place where nobody was allowed to enter. She wobbled in clumsily as her pupils darted around attempting to find Shadow Milk Cookie's beloved syrups that he'd always adorn so elegantly! She snickered cheesily at the thought of wearing them. To her dismay, the room was absolutely massive; she had barely even found her master's closet, but when she did, she let out something akin to a villain's laugh. Not like Master would hear; he's gone for a while, after all! With her itty-bitty squishy hands, she ripped out the first outfit she clawed. Once acquired, she rushed out of the "crime scene," slamming the door SHUT!
That loud "BANG!" disrupted her poor brother's beauty sleep, and he immediately knew that she was up to no good. No daze from his long slumber, just instant action. He peeked through the keyhole. The hall was empty; his sister must've gone downstairs. He gently opened and closed his creaky door and tiptoed through the tiled hallway, which unfortunately echoed his every step. He could only hope that Candy Apple Cookie had gone a little further away from the staircase as to not hear his clacking heels.
He carefully, and with a refined air of elegance, made his way down the spiraling staircase, but as he slowly went down, from the corner of his eye he caught sight of a black and blue outfit, resembling the cloth his master adorns. He was instantly stunned in place. Has Master come back so early? And he had promised him that he'd take care of Candy Apple Cookie, but she had already gotten into some unknown trouble that he has yet to resolve! What will Master Shadow Milk Cookie have to say about this? He's such a slowpoke for not reacting earlier.
On second thought, it is probably better to rush down and greatly apologize to Master, but just as he was about to run down, he tripped! Guess sprinting in your heels down STAIRS isn't really that smart, is it? His fall looked like a cartwheel as he landed directly on his head, resulting in a loud yelp from him. His head spun for a little, and he still couldn't make out the figure in front of him that now seemed too short to be Master. He gently got up on his hands to maintain balance, looking back at the cookie beside him again and...
A young, surprised Candy Apple Cookie stood there, her hands covering her mouth. But... why was she wearing Master's syrups?
— Candy Apple Cookie... those are not your—
— Oh my GOD, he's ALIVE!!! AH!
She unexpectedly screamed in fear. Turns out she thought that poor Black Sapphire Cookie literally perished there on the spot. He stared in confusion at her for a few seconds before he burst out laughing and got a perfect idea.
— Oh? Why yes, I am alive. I'm a zombie now.
He said the last line in a ragged, husky tone as he got up on both legs, getting into a bad posture, pretending to hold his head in one place with his hand.
— I'm gonna get you......!!
— AAAAAA!!!
The terrified little Candy Apple Cookie squealed as she ran away so fast from her brother, who acted like he was struggling to chase her from "breaking his bones in the fall."
Of course, she'd eventually catch on to the fact that this was just a game, and her screams of horror would be intertwined with silly giggles coming from them both. The whole ordeal would go on for an hour, and the only thing that got them to stop was them being berated by the workers for being so "noisy." They'd then spend the rest of their free time playing pretend as if they were show hosts (Black Sapphire Cookie's favorite) or playing chess and cards. Until their master comes back, they would greet him with the utmost respect and act as if they weren't being naughty all day instead of doing their assigned chores.
— So, have you been good?
Master Shadow Milk Cookie would look down at them and notice the mischievous smiles on their faces.
— Yes!
They said in unison, lying through their teeth (though as the cookies of deceit, wasn't that their job?). Of course, master Shadow Milk Cookie knew that they were trying to "fool" him, but he'd roll his eyes and just let it slide. He let them have that false win because what'd they know, they're still just kids to him. Then they spend the evening together with their master, entertaining him in all sorts of ways, having a little chit-chat here and there. But whenever they looked into his eyes, there was never that genuine sparkle in them. A sparkle of joy, like the one that adorned his servants' eyes.
Even when relentlessly nagged by Candy Apple Cookie, who was full of love for him and needy for all his attention, he still always answered a bit cold-heartedly, but both Candy Apple Cookie and Black Sapphire Cookie thought that this was done solely to keep them on their toes, or perhaps he was just like that. But that did not matter, because they had each other, right? Candy Apple Cookie still loved Black Sapphire Cookie regardless of how she showed it, and he? He loved her back, too. That slight tinge of attention from Master filled in that gap for the paternal love the two desperately needed, and it was a perfect balance between them.
*
Candy Apple Cookie stood by the window, still stuck in her mind, her maneuvers slow as she approached the blueberry pie sitting on the windowsill, cooling down. It had been sitting there for a while now; it should be good to eat... Oh God, the memories are nagging her now. Actually, no, what memories? Everything is exactly the same as it was back then. This is just the spring period where everyone feels a bit down, even Black Sapphire Cookie. Yes, he'll be back to normal soon. Shadow Milk Cookie WILL become his self again and throw away that pasty, gross Vanilla Cookie. It's just a period... just a period... it'll go away soon, yes.
Oh, how desperately tried to convince herself.
She looked back at her brother, sitting stiff in one of the seats at the table. He looked emotionless and empty, just a shell of the boy he used to be. Once again, she feels grossed out in every way just seeing him. That is not the same cookie from her childhood... yet it is. Change is scary, very scary.
— What are you waiting for over there? Christmas?
That quip ran a shiver driven by nostalgia down her spine.
— Hmm... I don't think I can reaaaachhh it...
She mocked, extending her arms just short enough to not be able to reach the pie.
— Come on, quit messing around... I have no energy for this...
Black Sapphire Cookie murmured the last part under his breath as he read over his selected words in his mind. Typically, he'd say that whenever he was tired of his sister's shenanigans and just needed a break, but now... he... was actually tired. Permanently tired. Too tired to even speak.
Candy Apple Cookie felt a massive rush of disappointment at his answer, however, as she thought he WAS purposely dismissing her. Nothing out of the ordinary; he's done that a thousand times before. It has just become too frequent now. She wished to snap at him again, but he clearly did not care as he continued to barely acknowledge her existence.
Suddenly, familiar footsteps could be heard. The two turned their heads.
— Ahh! Master Shadow Milk Cookie!
Candy Apple Cookie, like on instinct, squealed his name in an exaggerated, sugary sweet tone as she rushed towards him, twirling around in a circle and batting her eyelashes. She then let out a pleasantly surprised gasp—the filthy Pure Vanilla Cookie was nowhere to be seen! She couldn't stifle a happy giggle as she looked up at Shadow Milk Cookie with a wide smile.
— Come, come get seated, master! I've prepared a specially made blueberry pie just for you.
— I have to go see what's up with Truthless Recluse. He's not yet visited me this evening...
Shadow Milk Cookie answered as if automated and just walked right past them, not even acknowledging Black Sapphire Cookie, who only gazed at him yearningly. Candy Apple Cookie just stood there with her mouth agape.
— A... do you want a slice to bring in to his room so you can eat? S-so you can both eat? Hey! Master!
But he did not turn around to speak with her again and instead followed the same route he always does to his true love's room. Candy Apple Cookie could only frown, her face darkening. She felt so awfully defeated. This might've been the worst interaction between them thus far. To not even have her name come out of his mouth, just a quick dismissal and goodbye. She didn't want to look so pathetic in front of Black Sapphire Cookie, so she didn't cry or fall down to her knees in sadness, but she barely stifled the urge to do so. She walked back mechanically to the window, grabbed the pie, and put it down on the table. She cut out a slice for Black Sapphire Cookie.
— Smaller, please.
— Take what you've got.
She said bluntly. She felt too devastatingly heartbroken to even bother raising her tone or actually doing what Black Sapphire Cookie said.
— And... you? Where's your slice?
— ...I can't eat.
Not even believing she said those words, she repeated them over and over again in her mind. But yes... she really couldn't. Her stomach growled, but her heart overshadowed the physical discomfort. She sat right across from Black Sapphire Cookie and stared blankly off into the room where Shadow Milk Cookie had come from.
Meanwhile, Black Sapphire Cookie gazed at her, then back at the blueberry pie.
"I can't eat this if she won't. I can't eat more than her."
He gulped.
— Yeah, I'm... not hungry either.
He lied through gritted teeth, but Candy Apple Cookie did not respond. She appeared to be... very hurt, much more hurt than he originally thought.
— Hey, I—
— I'M GOING TO POISON THAT PATHETIC VANILLA COOKIE!!!
She suddenly snapped, growling. Well, there's the usual her, always filled with some hidden, pent-up rage. Who would've guessed that for a girl so petite and dandy? She violently jittered her hands before zooming off into the hall, presumably to her room, while cursing out Pure Vanilla Cookie's name and everything he stands for. Black Sapphire Cookie couldn't help but chuckle.
"Don't you worry... Shadow Milk Cookie will love you... yes... just starve more... just starve more..."
The voice in his head repeated itself, and he felt a disgusting sense of pride for "knowing" that Master will love him and not Candy Apple Cookie, because she's not trying to earn his love using "proper methods." Shadow Milk Cookie will want Black Sapphire Cookie and will consider him his favorite servant.
"Why would he choose Pure Vanilla Cookie other than the fact that he is frail like him? They both understand and appreciate each other's delicate structure... you must get thinner than Pure Vanilla Cookie in order for him to love you... you must."