Based off art by mousjoy on TikTok

Candy Apple Cookie sat trembling in Shadow Milk’s arms, her sobs wracking her small frame. The ache in her chest was unbearable, and she couldn’t stop the tears from flowing. The confusion swirled around in her mind. Where was Black Sapphire Cookie? When was the last time she had been held like this, to find comfort in Shadow Milk’s arms? She couldn’t remember— everything was a blur of moments and emotions.

Her eyes blurred from the tears as she felt his hand gently curl into her white hair. His touch was warm, comforting, even though the world felt cold. His soothing voice barely reached her ears, muffled by the sobs that seemed to overtake her. She didn’t process it the first time. His hand caressed her hair, drawing her even closer, and for a brief moment, she allowed herself to lean into him.

"Please... Candy Apple... don't cry..." She heard him whisper, his voice soft, wrapping around her like a protective shield. As she blinked through her tears, she heard him softly mutter, "your... father is here..." The words reminded her of everything he’d been to her since she was abandoned as an infant.

He was her world. His embrace tightened, and with a quiet promise, he whispered, "We’ll find Black Sapphire Cookie, I promise... kiddo..." His voice carried that reassurance that made her believe, his words wrapped around her, making her feel small and fragile, but safe— like nothing could hurt her as long as he was holding her.