sticksandbones | crumbl cookies but in real life

[ And every little thing, Clotted Cream allows Pure Vanilla to do without a single protest. It's nice to be fussed over, despite how much a part of his mind screams to handle it himself. There is no reason to need to be prideful and perfect here, not in front of Pure Vanilla. He can let his defenses down. It's difficult, habit being hard to break, but allowing this is at least letting a small crack develop.

The other Cookie's hands feel warm and comforting around his own, and he closes his eyes, focusing on his breathing. ]

... thank you. Truly, I appreciate it more than you know.

[ Because the feeling of warmth blooming in his chest is almost overwhelming. How long has it been since someone told him that they were proud of him? He can't recall the words ever leaving his father's mouth. ]

I do not wish to be a burden, so I am trying to handle as much as I can. I did successfully make a pot of tea last night, as small a step as it may be.

So I heard, and I'm glad! It may be a small step, but it is still a step. Go at your own pace, my dear, there is no need to rush yourself.

[ Touching upon the subject he wanted to discuss anyways, seeing the journal entry and all. He squeezes Clotted Creams hand again and smiles, a tender warm look. ]

Wipe that from your thoughts. You are loved and wanted, and we are here by your side, to share in what weighs you down. Many hands make light, after all. But I understand the desire to prove to yourself you can do it on your own power. I will not push, nor pry. But we are here.

[ He will reiterate it. Clotted Cream is only a burden in his own mind. ]

[ --o-oh, he heard. Oh. How much had he heard? ]

... I am trying not to rush myself. But all the same, it is a hard habit to break.

[ He sighs, looking down at his hand clasped warmly in Pure Vanilla's. He told Dark Cacao... it's only fair that he tells Pure Vanilla, as well. Even if he has this nagging feeling, like he's told Pure Vanilla in a dream before. But even if he has, it's just that - a dream. Pure Vanilla seems like he would be open to hearing it... and, frankly, he's just so tired. ]

Back at home, in the Republic, this would be... mm. My father would not stand for it. Even in the past when I've come down with illness, I've pressed on. An injury such as this would be unforgivable. If I did not immediately get back to work, with poise and neat handwriting, I would be a poor representative of House Custard. An embarrassment.

It has been haunting my dreams the past few nights. On top of everything else, sleep has not come easy.

[ Minotaur hearing. It's very good. But he didn't listen for long. Just long enough to reassure himself his boys were there, then back to sleep the best he could.

He's quiet as he listens to Clotted Cream speak, ears perking forward to show his attention, his expression neutral.

...

Until he hears exactly what Clotted Cream is unburdening. His expression narrows into a frown, brows furrowing down. ]

... How can he treat you such, you are his child!

[ A rare moment of anger in his voice, much like it was back at the Council, when he told Clotted Cream to not disparage the good the Ancients had done. But unlike there, there's a soft touch of disbelief. He can't understand a Father who would treat their child like that. ]

[ The ferocity in Pure Vanilla's voice is briefly startling, and Clotted Cream's fingers flinch just the tiniest fraction between his hands. Not out of fear, no, but just... surprise. Pure Vanilla is the last person he would expect to hear such anger from, even if he's heard it once before. ]

... he is not my true father. I was adopted into House Custard as a child. It is now my belief that he only took me in to use me as a pawn on the political chess board, as he has no children of his own. I was brought in and given an education I could only have dreamed of otherwise, but in exchange, I was not shown affection.

[ As he said moments ago. Not an iota of affection. ]

My father does not love me. He loves only what benefits I may bring to him.

[ For a moment he worries he might have upset Clotted Cream by the way he feels those fingers flinch, and his expression soothes back down, squeezing softly to reassure him. But also relaxing his grip, so Clotted Cream can remove his hand if he desires.

For a moment longer, he's silent again, looking slightly distressed by this news, then shakes his head. ]

It is his loss, then, my dear. You are a remarkable young man. You have proven yourself not just sharp of mind, but courageous, and a true hero to Cookiekind. Without your words that day, as harsh as they were, we would not have rallied as we did. Nor would Cookies everywhere be receiving candies to bolster their own abilities and power. We would not have the strength we need to defeat Dark Enchantress Cookie.

[ He squeezes Clotted Creams hand again. ]

It matters not what he desires for you, it is what you desire for yourself. It was your merit and your abilities that got you this far. Those are things that cannot be taught.

[ Such praise. Pure Vanilla has only seen him at work in very specific situations, but even so, coming from Pure Vanilla... he knows it to be true. It was Espresso Cookie's research that brought the Magic Candies into being, but if not for him, the research never would have begun. He has been the instigator of change for all of this. The world will be a better place - no, is a better place, for what he's done to it.

A faint smile graces his lips, barely tugging at the corners, and he closes his eyes. ]

I have learned a great many things from my upbringing. They may have been for his own benefit, but I learned from them nonetheless. If matters continue as they are, he will no longer be of any concern. I am no longer tolerating my father's treatment, and he is no longer getting what he desires. I have seen to that.

[ But. ]

... but it is difficult to dismiss a lifetime of mistreatment. Thus are my dreams plagued with his presence. I predict that time will help to buffer it, but for now...

[ The smile is good but those words are even better. Clotted Cream is moving past his father and his father's treatment of him. But ah. The dreams, nightmares really, that haunt him due to it. The trauma. Pure Vanilla nods gently in understanding. ]

For now they will cling, and you will have Dark Cacao and I to help brush them away when you desire it. Inevitably you will find one of us awake at night if you need the company, and soon sleep will come easier. Unburdening your heart helps, time helps, but so does distance. He is not here. And even should he ever show up, he will never come close enough to you to harm you ever again.

[ If Cacao doesn't break the man in half and feed him to the things in the Forest, Pure Vanilla will stick him in a Moonstone and toss him in the lake. He squeezes Clotted Creams hand, then let's go finally to take the unwrapped first outfit and put it aside, his voice gentle as he picks the other up to hand it over. ]

And like everything else, you will heal on your own time, but you will heal. Push yourself only as comfortable as you feel, my dear. Healing is healing, whether it is fast or slow, and it is quite all right to take it as slow as you need.

Thank you. Truly, I cannot ask for better company. Though I wish that none of us were here in the first place...

[ But, it can't be helped. Clotted Cream allows the outfit to be taken away, gladly accepting the unopened package. He can only assume that it's another outfit, at this rate. He will need a variety, after all, and his House Custard uniform is... probably ruined, to be quite honest. Bloodstains don't come out easily, especially on cream-colored fabric. ]

What I may need more than anything is a reminder that I am not at work. I'm afraid I am quite unused to taking a break, let alone an extended vacation.

[ He chuckles at his own expense - clearly, his mood seems to be lightening a bit. As before, opening a package with one hand isn't easy, but he manages. His forearm is braced on the top of the box, and his fingers pry it open. ]

We will make the most of it. I only hope we find a way to break this places' hold on us, and return.

[ Yet... if what he has been told is true, this is the proper home for them. Their souls original birth place. He sighs softly and smiles, tilting his head a little as he listens to the birds outside, filtering in through the window. ]

I am sure you will quickly come to realize that. Despite everything that happens, this place is idyllic.

[ There is frankly not much to do but investigate and ... live. Deal with the monthly things the forest throws at them, but otherwise grow vegetables and try to understand the world around them.

The second outfit is far more casual than the first. Again, in familiar colors, but also in a style that should be comfortable to simply spend the day in. The lack of formality might confuse the other, of course, since it's all he knows. ]

[ It's a hard truth to accept, that this place was their true home, that they weren't originally Cookies at all. Clotted Cream isn't sure how much he believes it... But he'd like to look into it all the same.

But it is idyllic. It's quaint, small village life despite the surroundings and the strange happenings. That, he can agree on. It's... nice, in a way. ]

As good a place for a vacation as any, I suppose. Perhaps I could help in the garden...

[ He always did have an interest in gardening.

The outfit in the second package is... not what he expected. Not in a bad way, of course! He would never look down on a gift given out of kindness. But it's... is this what they call "casual"? For a moment, Clotted Cream looks a bit perplexed as he looks down at the clothes from the box, eyes widening the slightest bit. ]

It is... certainly unique! I suppose this is worn more for comfort than anything else?

[ This man has never worn a casual outfit in his life. ]

I would be delighted to have your aid, and I am sure the plants would appreciate more than simply me working on them!

[ And the plantimals but that's less working and more running around and digging/chewing on things they shouldn't. The look on Clotted Creams face gets a chuckle out of him and a wider smile, inclining his head a little. ]

As much as we may be used to wearing our icing style for everything, clothes are not quite the same. You will welcome the change, I am sure.

[ Like the other, the sleeves are able to be pinned up, and certain adjustments have been made so there is ease in pulling them on single-handedly. ]

Are you feeling up for trying them on? Perhaps are a bath?

[ He loves you, son, but you're not exactly the freshest smelling cookie right now. ]

[ Like a change in icing... That's all it is. It's not so strange, is it? Plenty of Cookies change their icing style from time to time. Perhaps, this far away from home, from House Custard... Maybe he can develop his own style. All his life, he's worn the icing style of House Scone and House Custard, but here, it is just Clotted Cream. No House to be attached to. He can do what he wants.

Goodness, that soak sounds good, though. ]

I would like that very much, yes. Thank you.

[ He smells fine thank you he just needs to be in the water and he will smell like water again. ]

Excellent! Please allow me to draw one for you!

[ He won't coddle the other when it comes to his new disability, but he absolutely will fuss in other ways. Standing he grabs his Staff and heads out of the room. Soon the faint sound of the water running and tub filling can be heard, as well as some fiddling with things.

He is absolutely placing the bathing set he got from the shop in such a way as to indicate "use this". And yes, Pure Vanilla has labeled the things properly. The shampoo has "for hair" on it in neat script, while the soap holder has "for skin".

It's just easier this way, and in case they get anymore former Cookies. ]

[ While Clotted Cream is confident enough that he can do things on his own, and he knows that Pure Vanilla would never coddle him... Sometimes people enjoy doing things for others. This isn't coddling so much as it is a kindness, and who is he to deny that?

The sound of water running is a relief in ways he didn't realize, and he is on his feet in no time, padding barefoot to the bathroom. It has been far too long since he was in the water, and his body is aching for it, like all the water he's been drinking hasn't been near enough. A bathtub still isn't as big as he'd like it to be, but it does at least somewhat accommodate his tail.

Well, mostly.

As he walks in, he finds Pure Vanilla situating the bottles, and curiously tips his head. For hair? For skin? ]

What are those, if I may ask?

[ Ah, there he is. Beaming at Clotted Cream, he picks up the items and holds them up for the other to investigate properly. ]

Products for the human bits of us! While certain methods may keep the other half of us clean, it does not quite do so well with the human bits of us. We shed skin cells, sweat through our pores, and accumulate grim in the folds of our bodies. As well as our scalp produces oils that clog and dull our hair after a time.

[ Humans are so gross! He sets the items back down, tail wiggling gently. For the first time in a while. ]

Soaking will appease the aquatic portion of you, but I am afraid it will not do much for your skin and hair.

[ Oh. That's quite a description. Clotted Cream is too polite to truly show even the most mild expression of disgust, but his moment of hesitation before even responding to that probably says all that needs to be said. ]

... well! Human bodies certainly do seem to require a... special amount of care...

[ Honestly, it sounds like much more upkeep than simply rubbing your dough with flour and freshening your hair with cream. Or rubbing sandy river soil on your skin and scales. Which is what he's been doing, and it's worked just fine! ]

So, this is your way of gently suggesting that I use these products, I assume?

They certainly do! It's quite a lot!

[ Of course, Pure Vanilla has the addition of wool, which means it slightly more difficult. And he offers an apologetic look to Clotted Cream to the question. ]

I do not mean to be rude, but in lieu of sand to scrub with, water will do very little to get rid of any dirt accumulated on you, my dear.

[ Especially since his revival. There might have been a general clean up but he really does require a good scrub down. And Pure Vanilla is really loathe to let him go anywhere near the river at the moment. ]

You will require the wash cloth there, as the shampoo and soap is not abrasive.

[ ... sigh. There's nothing he can do about it, he supposes. This isn't a problem that flour or sand can fix. Human body parts require human solutions. ]

Alright, if you insist.

[ How bad can it be, truly? It's likely that the scents are either pleasant ones or nonexistent, if the goal is to get clean. ]

Thank you for thinking of me, Pure Vanilla Cookie. I believe I can figure it out from here.

[ That makes him laugh lightly and give the other a fond look. ]

I promise it is not so bad. The scents are rather neutral and light. If you require anything, I will hear you, simply call.

[ He goes to leave, then hesitates, and reaches out to set his hand on Clotted Cream's head again. A soft pet over the hair there. ]

I am so happy to have you back, my dear.

[ He leans in to plant a little kiss on his head, a familial touch, then draws back to leave to give Clotted Cream privacy. ]

I will. Do not worry. My lungs are still very much in working order.

[ There's nothing quite like the prospect of a good soak to put him in a good mood. Strange, considering before coming to this place, he never would have willingly set foot into liquid. Too much risk of getting soggy and crumbling. Now, though? Now he craves it.

He expects Pure Vanilla to simply leave after that, but gets so much more instead. A gentle pet of his hair, a kiss to the top of his head. It's surprising, but... nostalgic. It reminds him of his mother. ]

... thank you. For everything. It is good to be back.

[ And with that, he's left alone. Left alone to familiarize himself with the bottles so clearly labeled. For hair, for skin... Which should he do first? The one for the hair, he assumes is similar to cream. Apply to the hair, but the bottle indicates to rinse it out, so rinse it he shall.

Which leads to a startled yelp a couple of minutes later as he tries to do so, the water running off his head bringing soap suds with it. Unfortunately, soap suds and eyes do not mix. If Pure Vanilla comes to find out what happened, he will find poor Clotted Cream, face down in the water, shrimp tail curled tight against itself as he desperately attempts to rid his eyes of the burning feeling. ]

[ There is a clatter from the kitchen at the startled yelp, then the sound of hooves quickly clop clop clopping back towards the bathroom, little bleats of panic with each step. Pure Vanilla is quick to enter the bathroom, and oh! gently to what he sees.

Ah.

He knows that position!

Relieved over it not being something much worse, he quickly turns the water back on to start a fresh gentle trickle, enough to wash eyes with, then reaches out to gently manhandle the shrimp around so his face is near the faucet so Pure Vanilla can quickly scoop water into the eyes. Fresh water, not suddy water. ]

Blink, I know it hurts, but you can't hold the shampoo in your eyes, my dear. It's all right.

Edited 2024-04-30 17:40 (UTC)

[ Thankfully, Clotted Cream is partially aquatic, so having his eyes open in the water is not a problem! The problem is that, instinctually, the hand near his eyes makes him flinch a little. He has to fight that off for a second before any of it is even effective. ]

Why do humans use such harsh substances--?

[ How are humans not crumbling themselves constantly? This is awful. At least it doesn't take long until the water clears his eyes of the burning feeling, but his poor little shrimp legs are just flailing sadly. He can already feel his gills getting a little irritated. ]

[ He will carefully help Clotted Cream rinse his eyes out, making sure he's not in the way of his Staff so he can view the other. His voice is amused over it, because they've all been there. ]

Oh, it is not so harsh, we are simply not used to it. Humans bath their young in it from early on, and they build a tolerance. Though I do not think it will ever not hurt the eyes, must keep those closed.

[ Hm, his gills look a little reddened as well, sitting in water with soaps may not be the best idea for him then. A flour shower might be converted into a water shower? But then his tail... his free hand finds the drain to pull it and let fresh water replace soapy water, sounding so amused. ]

Humans are so very strange. Is the shampoo the only thing you used?

[ Humans bathe their young in this? By the Light... ]

I cannot imagine a human infant tolerating this very well...

[ It feels harsh! Ugh.

But there goes the water. Good riddance to the soap suds. He'd be glad to never have to see those again. Really, sand has done him just fine so far... He glances at the bottles, pondering the one labeled "for hair". Shampoo is such a silly name. ]

Only that. I hadn't used the one for the body yet. Nor am I inclined to, after what the shampoo was capable of.

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