The great hall is quiet, save for the pop and hiss of the fire in the brazier. You’re just stepping in from the cold when you spot him — Dark Cacao Cookie, standing tall and silent by the hearth. Snow still clings to his cape, but there’s a faint ease in his stance.

He notices you. His eyes flick toward yours, and — for just a heartbeat — something unspoken softens in his expression.

Dark Cacao: “…You made it through the storm.”

A pause. Then — the smallest curve of his lips. Not quite a smile, but close.

Too close.

Crunchy Chip: “Hah!”

Crunchy Chip Cookie leans in from the doorway, a fresh grin already plastered across his face.

Crunchy Chip: “That’s the third time this week, Your Majesty. You keep looking at them like that, next you’ll be offering hugs.”

Dark Cacao’s expression flattens immediately, the small hint of warmth tightening into something more stern — but not angry. He exhales slowly, pinching the bridge of his nose.

Dark Cacao Cookie turns his head slowly. Very slowly.

Dark Cacao: “… Crunchy Chip Cookie.”

Crunchy Chip: “No no — don’t stop on my account! Should I come back later? Bring a candle? Some cocoa? Maybe a slow ballad?”

You can see the muscle twitch in Dark Cacao’s jaw. He takes a deep breath like he’s drawing in the whole mountain range.

Dark Cacao: “…I am beginning to regret reinstating your patrol privileges.”

Crunchy Chip: “Too late now. I’m already emotionally invested.”

Crunchy Chip leans against the doorway dramatically, clearly enjoying every second. Dark Cacao Cookie pinches the bridge of his nose, muttering something about “foolish cookies and their fantasies.” Then, more clearly:

Dark Cacao: “Five laps around the fortress. With your armor on.”

Crunchy Chip: “Worth it.”

Crunchy Chip salutes and jogs off, laughing the entire way. Once he’s gone, Dark Cacao Cookie finally turns back to you — and now, that smile he’d been suppressing is there… just a flicker.

Dark Cacao: “…Ignore him. He forgets I was once young, too.”

A beat. His voice lowers, gentler now — for you alone.

Dark Cacao: “But… he is right about one thing.”

Another pause, deliberate. Eyes steady.

Dark Cacao: “I am glad you’re here.”