Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Formal meetings were the worst.

While his father was in the other chamber discussing his future marriage with the queen of the land who was too young to rule; Dark Cacao was stuck on the cold hard neon sofa that smelt of seniors.

In fact, the whole room smelt of seniors. Seniors who had nothing better in life than to sit around and order the juniors around to fetch object that are inches, it would be insulting to even measure it at that, away from them. Divorced seniors who call a bluff at the pains of others, watching the fire they started and screaming out once the light gets too bright.

Thus, fed up and utterly frustrated. Dark Cacao got up, picked up his cape, and unceremoniously exited out of the room.

Immediately, he felt relieved at the change of atmosphere. It smelt of nature for once! He glanced back, making sure no one caught sight of him storming out of hell. He wasn’t worried about his father, if it was up to his old man, he’d leave him to the winter like he once did back when the young prince was merely eight years young.

He shrugged off the bitter feeling in his heart and proceeded to trout.

Of course, he had no idea where to go. This was his first time in the kingdom. 
A certain building caught his attention.

The academy.
Blueberry Yogurt academy, the kingdom was well praised for its educational system. Thousands upon thousands of well renowned scholars emerged from this very building. Dark Cacao felt intimidated by the sight.

Then curiosity hit him. Dark cacao took a deep breathe in, and marched forward onto the inky road of the academy.
Though he knew he couldn’t just walk in there as it would cause too much attraction and trouble, he decided he’ll just sneak in the garden. It seemed pretty abandoned anyways.

As he tread the road, he surely must’ve been bitten by 20 different species of jam mosquitoes as each of his bug bites itched with terrible torment.
The ones on his neck were the worst.He was sure was going to scratch his dough off.

God! They itched like hell! He silently cursed himself for even thinking of taking a stroll, it was dumb enough he decided to visit the academy! Why was he even thinking of going there?

To see kids acting like kids? Living their childhood freely without consequences? Without fear of being punished for—for having fun? For being a kid? For making memories good enough that they’ll look back at them and laugh with their friends about the good ol’ times?

Dark cacao felt tears prick at his eyes, wrapping their thorny vines around his neck, suffocating him.

He cursed at himself.
He will never have that.

He suddenly came to halt as he heard faint footsteps. Rapid, footsteps.

He hid behind a tree, waiting for the person to pass by. He desperately tried to ignore the bug bites. They stung.
Then, he felt another sting, one so painful that he let out a yelp of pain.

He probably shouldn’t have done that, as he stumbled backwards, accidentally stepping on his cape and tearing it while also losing his balance; crashing harshly on the floor.

He looked up frantically, catching sight of the stranger.
The stranger stared back.

His heterochromia eyes glowing under the sunlight, they did not hold fear, nor judgment.
Unlike his father.

They seemed warm, curious like himself.
Blue like the sky, so vast and majestic. Yellow like the sun, warm and heavenly.

His white eyelashes fluttered, a clear contrast to the diamond on his forehead. His blonde hair framed perfect around his face, turning upwards around the ends. He felt intimidated by his presence, for it held too much serenity than his own likings. It felt like something he had forgotten.

He felt drawn to the stranger.

The boy backed away, slightly squinting, a gesture that confused the wandering prince.

“….Who—“
The boy didn’t get a chance to finish, as vines emerged from behind him, wrapping themselves around his body and roughly squeezed; crushing him.

The boy winced in pain as he was dragged away by the vines, they suddenly jerked away, throwing the boy onto the pool of water. He disappeared under the water, the only trace of him left were the air bubbles that appeared after seconds.
The last expression he had was of pain, it stung more than the bug bites.

Chapter Text

The boy was dragged away.

The boy disappeared.

The boy was drowning.

Drowning in the endless pitch blackness.

Dark Cacao watched in horror as it unfolded, for once, he felt afraid of something that wasn’t his parents. He felt memories flooding back, ones he was sure he had forgotten. He panted, eyes wide in shock, there was a terrible ache in his heart.

The more he was frozen, the more his heart ached. Why did he care so much for one he just met…?

Dark Cacao stiffened as he felt the vines move towards him, they poked at the ground beneath his feet, did they hear his gasp? He slowly pulled back his legs, feeling anything;any object he could use to throw at the attacker.

Then, he dragged his foot, freezing once realizing what he did. The vines rose upwards, snarling and sharpening their thorns.
They quickly launched themselves towards the young prince, ready to tear him to pieces.

That sight terrified him,

But,

He couldn’t find it in himself to get up.

He was screaming at himself, begging his body to move, to do something. Yet, he couldn’t move…

If he died right here, he wouldn’t have to live another day with his father, he wouldn’t have to stand still while he gets yelled at for the slightest thing. He wouldn’t have anything to fear now… Dark Cacao shut his eyes… Yes…That would be nice…

————

But what about the boy?

Hes dead.

Is he?

I saw it myself.He’s gone.

Oh? He was still struggling when he was thrown.

The air bubbles, he drowned…!

That could be true…Still, one doesn’t drown that quickly now,yes? Besides, it’d be cruel for his parents to see the corpse of their child all soggy and wet, don’t you think?

What good will it do? We’ll still be yelled at by father, he’d still ignore us all over again like the worthless scum he is, why are you so persistent to save him, he’d just end up dying in the end!

Yes, I know he will die. But…it’s best to do something while we still have time…

Why?!

I don’t want to see another die in front of me…I don’t want….….

To feel the guilt…

————

Without thinking, Cacao threw himself to the side, wincing as his ankle got brazed by the thorns.

He panted, he feeling an overwhelming sense of emotions.

Fear, anger, ache, agony, his body felt of fire.

He was shaking as well as sweating, he ignored how the sweat made the bites unbearable.

He spotted a rock at the corner of his eye, quickly grabbing it as the plant fired it’s vines once again.

His chest heaved, left right left right, his eyes darting off everywhere, he could hear the rapid drumming of his heart,

For once, he felt needed.

Without a moment to waste, he twisted his torso up, and threw the rock at the vines.

He felt horrified as the creature let out a jam curling high pitched scream, retreating it’s vines back.

Dark Cacao fell to his knees, arms and legs shaking.

The boy

He got up, despite his body’s protests.

Save him

He ignored how his ankle flared up in pain each time he put weight on it.

Don’t let him die.

God, he felt scared.

Please…

He took off his coat and shoes, throwing them to the side as if they were garbage.

He took off his crown, how he wished he could shove it up his Father’s face.

Don’t let another die

He leaped onto the water, the only liquid enveloping him like a venomous snake.

While I watch.

He was surrounded by darkness.

Inky black darkness, an endless void of nothing, not even the sunlight was able to overpower it. Light thin veils of light were hardly noticeable.

’Where are you…’,Cacao thought to himself.

He couldn’t have drowned… No…It’s still early for that. Dark Cacao whipped his head around, no sign of the boy. His chest began to ache, he didn’t take a good long breath before jumping in. His searching became more frantic as each second passed; his chest ached. Dark Cacao felt an unpleasant feeling sprout in his stomach, he felt dizzy. He was surrounded by darkness. The crushing weight limiting his movements. There was no light

Give up

That voice…

She’s gone!

She?Who…

That little whore…Serves her for being filthy…

That cold—cold voice…

I will guide you, to be a warrior…

No…Why is here here?!

Cacao froze upon realising who the voice belonged to.

Why you ungrateful brat! I ought to lock you up forever…!

No…

No…No…That‘a not enough…

It’s more than enough…It enough!

….I know what to do…

He helplessly kicked his legs as he covered his ears, it ached.

You will learn, Cacao…

He wished to be deaf, he wished to not hear anymore. He wished no more—No more!

Cao…

His tears dissolved into the water.

he was surrounded by darkness, his father looking down at him.

He was sinking, he was dying.

He felt scared,

Then, he felt something lightly caress his face.

It felt warm. Light, inviting, peaceful.

Dark Cacao opened his eyes, the boy from before stared back once again.

His eyes shone, a clear contrast to the prince’s own.His hair scattered everywhere.

He didn’t seem to know how to swim as his legs floated uselessly.

Then again…His eyes were kinda faded…

He felt relief settle in his chest, an unexpectedly joy took over his senses as he pulled the boy into a embrace.

The boy did not struggle, he slowly wrapped his arms around the prince.

Dark Cacao held him tightly as he swam the both of them back to safety.

As he approached the surface, light started filling the void more and more.

They both gasped as their heads broke out the water.

Dark Cacao had a firm grip on the boy, supporting him from falling back.

The boy’s hands shook on his shoulder. He must be cold,Cacao thought.

”I’m going to help get out the water,okay?”He warned the boy,the boy nodded.

Dark Cacao slowly took the boy into his arms, as to not injure his already injured torso.

He set him down on the ground, then pulled himself off the water.

The boy tried to sit up, wincing as the pain shot throughout his body.He fell back with a groan.

His body still shaking.

Dark Cacao looked around for his tossed cape, scurrying to it and hurriedly grabbing it. He wrapped it around the boy, he felt his heart twist seeing how blue his fingers had turned.

He brushed his wet hair out of his face, his forehead was on fire.

The prince carefully picked up the boy, looking around for anyone to save him.

There was none, the forest was abandoned.

”Pure Vanilla”
Or so he thought,

A slender girl who smelt of Lilies approached the pair, her eyes widened in horror once seeing the boy’s current state.

”What have you done to him…?”

He was being selfish.

Chapter Text

She should’ve picked up on it sooner.

She should’ve realised something was wrong when he rushed out.

White Lily was sipping on her tea as she read her textbook, her brows furrowed while she was deep in thought.
The sun was radiant against the curtains.
As the light passed through the velvet fabric it picked up it’s hue, mixing into a warm orange.
The smell of Lilies hung in the air, most due to White Lily having scattered everything she touched everywhere.
Pencils, papers, books, and sticky notes littered the ground.
If one were to walk, they would find it significantly difficult to take a step.

Of course that didn’t bother the star student, this was regular to her.
It wasn’t like she was getting up anytime sooner.

She hadn’t realised someone entered the room until she heard a thud. Clearly from someone tripping and falling.
She jumped as she heard the person groan in pain, quickly standing up and looking over the pile of books she had.

They laid her best friend, Pure Vanilla—who just so happens to be rebellious and careless, laying on his side groaning in pain.

She started hurrying towards him until he got up and ran to the door which led to the forest, as if he didn’t just suffer a blow to his head.

“W-wait Vanilla!…”She called out, but it was no use, he was already gone.
White Lily sighed, she dearly loved her friend but oh how she wishes he’d be more careful, and not be quick to rush out.

She took this as a sign to start cleaning up, her eyes were burning from keeping them open for too long.

If only she took this as a sign to chase after him…

And once she finally did, she was beyond horrified(and confused) as to why another was holding her dear friend, who seemed to be wrapped in a cloth. Both of them dripping wet. The stranger bleeding from his ankle, panting and looking panicked.

It was then she realised Pure Vanilla wasn’t moving
“What have you done to him”

The stranger opened his mouth to respond, shivering”Please save him…He is too cold”
White Lily gulped as her stomach dropped,”Follow me…!” She hurriedly motioned to the stranger.
She’ll question once she gets them both to safety.

Leading him to the shed. She flung open the door, helping the stranger enter.

The boy set down Pure Vanilla on the nearest couch, placing him down gently. White Lily watched from the various blankets she was bringing.

The stranger began to sway, his hands shaking and shivering becoming intense. White Lily put her hand on his back, guiding him to lay down too.
He complied, slowly lowering himself on the cushion. He laid his down next to Pure Vanilla’s;closed his eyes, and passed out.

White Lily placed the back of her hand against his forehead, wincing as she came to understand his fever.

He was on fire.
She reached over, taking off the stranger’s wet jacket and keeping his undershirt.
Her eyes widened at the sight of the bruises littered around his body.

They mostly gathered around his arms, spreading across his shoulders and even the back of his neck.
White Lily closed her eyes, feeling guilty for thinking they were an intruder.

She grabbed her blanket and draped it over the boy, placing her hand on his forehead as she casted healing magic.
Her healing isn’t as sharp as Pure Vanilla’s, but it’s still manageable.

She walked towards her heater and turned it on.
She made sure to layer them up with blankets and place heaters close to them.

White Lily wiped her forehead, she had been sweating too. Her hands were also shaking due to the adrenaline rush of the moment. She fell back on her chair with a thud, it was good she cleaned the room.

Dark Cacao groaned, slowly opening his eyes. He rubbed his eyelids as his vision focused.
Immediately, he was met by the sight of the boy he saved.
He felt two things
A)Releived that they were both still alive.
And B)A bit embarrassed to be laying next to him.

Dark Cacao sat up abruptly, his head started to spin and wobble. He brought his palms to his temples, trying to stabilize himself. When he finally managed to calm his sudden bloodrush he looked up, surprised by the sight of the girl from earlier passed out on a chair.

He looked around his surroundings, it seemed to be a study place as there were books neatly stacked next to a pile of papers. The aroma of Lilies overpowered his own sweat. He glanced back down to the boy, he seemed to be in good hands.

Slowly, he pulled the cover off himself and stuck his leg out.
He felt like he had caused enough trouble for the two students, it’s was best that he’d go home.
Then, he put too much weight on the wooden tile, causing it to creak.

The girl woke up, blinking her eyes a couple of times then sitting up. She rubbed her back and turned her attention towards the prince, freezing once realizing he was now awake.

The boy was still fast asleep, softly snoring.
Without saying a word, she took the tray next to her into her hands and started walking towards the prince, Dark Cacao nervously gulped.

“Here, take this. It’s for your fever.”
Dark Cacao stared at the green pill in her hand, then back at her, he hesitantly took it into his own.
He threw the pill in his mouth as the girl handed him water, he politely accepted and gulped down the pill. Immediately he felt his head become cooler and lighter.

The girl stood still next to him, the tray held close to her stomach.
“U-um…What happened to the both of you”
She questioned, motioning to the boy passed out cold. Dark Cacao wiped his mouth with his bare wrist.
He then realized that his jacket had been taken off, his eyes widened in shock and panic began to settle in. His chest felt heavy as his body temperature rose him, an icy feeling started to crawl up his back.

The girl realized this too and bit her lip, Dark Cacao shot her a nervous look.
“I won’t tell.”She quietly reassured him.
Dark Cacao lowered his head,”We were attacked by a plant…”
He cleared his voice, trying to steady his breathing, he looked over to the the boy. There seemed to be a bruise growing on his cheek. Cacao gripped the mattress, guilt growing by the second.
“It wrapped it’s vines around him…Then squeezed him.Roughly. It then threw him into a pool of water.”
“And you jumped after him?”
“Yes”
“We’re you inside for a long time?”
“I’m not sure…”
The girl nodded.
“I’m White Lily, the boy you saved is my close friend Pire Vanilla. I owe you a lot, feel free to stay here as long as you like, I wouldn’t mind extra company”

Dark Cacao took a minute to register all the information. The girl was White Lily, he guessed the smell of Lilies came from her, the boy was Pure Vanilla, they were close friends, and she didn’t mind if he wanted tos any for a couple of minutes.

“O-oh no…I’ve already caused enough trouble for the both of you.”
“Nonsense now, you couldn’t control what happened but you did prevent what could’ve happened.”
Dark Cacao found himself being pushed down by her, though it wasn’t rough treatment as the she was quite frail. He mumbling from behind him.

White Lily and Dark Cacao both shifted their attention towards Pure Vanilla who now sat up, staring into nothing, slowly blinking his eyes.
He rubbed his eyelids with his palms. He leaned back as he yawned, tiny drops of tears on his lashes.
He turned his half-lidded eyes towards his savior and close friend and said nothing.

The three stared back at exchanged looks, not bothering to say a single. Then Pure Vanilla broke the silence.
“It’s you…”
White Lily face-palmed as she sunk to the ground, filled with embarrassment.
“I’m sorry…He’s like that when he wakes up from a nap”

Dark Cacao tightened his mouth, unaware of what to say.
“Yeah…Do you feel alright…?”

Pure Vanilla rubbed his neck, staring at Dark Cacao with closed eyes, Dark Cacao wanted to sink into a whole, is this how conversations are held with the person you almost died with?

“My back hurts…”
It seemed like he didn’t realize he had a bruise on his cheek.
“I remember I was running towards a place in the forest and…”
His eyes widened suddenly. He threw the covers off himself, nearly jumping over Dark Cacao, until he was stopped by White Lily.

“You are NOT going back to that flower!” White Lily ordered, hands placed firm on Pure Vanilla’s shoulders.
Pure Vanilla opened his mouth to speak “But its going to die Lily!”
“No it won’t!It can survive up to a month without food, plus its too angry to be dealt with right now and you’re injured!”

Pure Vanilla pursed his lips, he clenched his hands near his sides.
White Lily laid him back down on the couch and gave him a pill similar to the one she gave Dark Cacao.
“You both need to rest now, worry about the future later…”

Dark Cacao noted that she was quite mature for her age, the flooding pile of books was a huge hint.
A loud high pitched ding disrupted his thoughts, he saw how White Lily’s eyes widened as her eyes darted from the door to the pair, Pure Vanilla seemed unaffected by it.

“The class…!” She spoke breathlessly. She clenched her hands, checking the pair.
“Go Lily!”
Pure Vanilla motioned for her to go, Dark Cacao stood silent as confusion overtook him.

White Lily rushed to the door, flung it open, and darted out. Nearly tripping on her own robe.
Dark Cacao watched as he heard her panicked noises disappear slowly.
After a few seconds, Pure Vanilla turned his head towards him.
“That was the tardy bell,” he began “Lily is late for class now, that’s why she was so panicked.”

Dark Cacao bit his lip and nodded, he felt guilt growing on top of itself.
“I see…” Was all he managed to croak out. Dark Cacao picked his head up and faced Pure Vanilla.
“Wait…But what about you? Aren’t you also late for class now?”

Pure Vanilla rested his cheek on his hand,
“I’m blind, so I can just make excuses and the teachers willt let them pass otherwise it’ll be ableist. Plus, this isn’t the first time I’ve skipped class.”

Dark Cacao stared at him, baffled by what he just heard. Was this boy being serious? But now he understood why he squinted at him during their first meeting.

“I-I see…”

Was all he managed to croak out.
Pure Vanilla turned his head towards him, a devious smirk growing on his face, he leaned back and covered his mouth, pretending to act shocked.
“Oh how cruel of you! Such an heartless thing you just said!”

Dark Cacao was taken back for a solid two seconds, until reality came back to him.
He jumped up, waving his hands around frantically.

“N-No it w-wasn’t my intent to-“

“Oh how you’ve pained me!”

“Please…! I-I wasn’t making fun o-of your—“

“My blindness? But you said you see!”

“I wasn’t thinking properly! I’m so so-“

“Save your oh so sorry apologies, my heart is forever broken by my savior!”

Pure Vanilla leaned down and pretended to cry, Dark Cacao tried to formulate a coherent sentence but his voice would fail him every time. His mouth hung uselessly, god he sucked at conversations.
“I’m so sorry! Please feel free to kick my head…!”
He wanted to open up the ground and sink underneath it.

Pure Vanilla stopped his fake act, picking up his head and staring blankly at the panicked prince.
Without saying a word, he brought his hand up to the other’s face, and flicked his forehead.

Dark Cacao flinched for a second, rubbing his forehead, it didn’t hurt since the boy was pretty gentle with it.
The boy snickered, then started laughing. Grabbing his sides and kicking his legs. He covered his mouth as he gasped for air. Dark Cacao found himself breaking into a small laugh too.
“I know! I was just messing with you…! You and Lily have the same reaction!”
He cried out, Dark Cacao couldn’t hold it in anymore. He too broke out into a laughter. It felt new to his body. Like exploring an unfamiliar territory, a bit scary, but breathtakingly beautiful. He didn’t hate it. He liked it. The feeling of warmth spreading throughout his chest and face.

He smiled at the boy, he felt warm.

Chapter Text

Pure Vanilla was in short, not the impression he gave off.
While he did hold a good number of intelligence for his age, he certainly wasn’t afraid to corner people.

Dark Cacao had come to learn of it the hard way. In the span of five minutes, the antisocial prince found his skills put to the test. Of course, he managed to fail all of them. Wishing he could turn into a box and fly away. Maybe join the birds or inhabit a distant planet, far-far away from the shorter cookie. Pure Vanilla didn’t seem to know what fear was. Which was good in a sense of bravery, but not in this case. He wasn’t afraid to approach others and bombard them with strange sentences. His sense of humour was strange. Far too strange for the prince’s own likings. The young boy’s charisma was also a deadly attack. Despite White Lily ordering him to stay in bed, he had no plans of following them. A rebellious little boy.

A rebellious rascal.

Thus, after twenty rounds of embarrassment and puppy eyes staring at him. Dark Cacao found himself being led by the boy back to the plant that nearly killed them. Of course, Dark Cacao was professionally trained by instructors personally hired by his father; he did not know how to kill yet but he did know how to defend himself and flee.

He wasn’t nearly as nervous, yet somehow the boy had managed to slither his warm hand into the prince’s own cold hands.

To the boy, this was normal. He always held hands with Lily or with other students he had managed to semi-befriend. A complete contrast to the prince’s own way of life. Random acts of kindness were rare in his kingdom. Mostly because people were too busy trying to survive the crushing winters and didn’t have enough time to link up. And to the prince’s own credit, his Father didn’t even know the meaning of kindness or affection. To him, affection was breaking down his son and building him back. Though every time Dark Cacao was chipped and torn, he was squeezed and twisted into something he wasn’t. He was supposed to fit into a container too big for him.

This was all new, yet Dark Cacao couldn’t bring himself to hate it.

Pure Vanilla tugged his hand, wearing a childish smile.

He walked with a bounce, his hat threatened to fall every time he took a step. Despite having shorter legs, he walked quite fast. Dark Cacao found himself taking extra steps to catch up to the pace of the boy.

He seemed awfully calm knowing what they were headed over to. How on earth he managed to convince Dark Cacao was a mystery.

“Hurry Cao!”

Oh, and he also gave the prince a nickname. Dark Cacao felt himself turn his head away in shyness whenever the nickname was called. It sounded cute, too cute, like way too cute. He didn’t even realise it was a nickname the first time he was called that.

Nicknames weren’t taught to him, so it was also new. He thought it was an insult at first. Still, he couldn’t bring himself to hate it. He couldn’t bring himself to hate anything the boy did. He was pretty sure if he saw him kill someone in front he also wouldn’t hate him.

They boy had a weird aura around him. It gleamed of serenity. A calming spring. And stupidity.

“O-Ok…!” Dark Cacao found himself being dragged by that so called stupidity.

Yet, he really-really couldn’t bring himself to hate it.

Dark Cacao smiled at their hands, feeling his face warm up.

Though he still couldn’t stop the growing fear in his chest. His common sense was telling him to drag the boy back to the shed, that it was too dangerous to go back to that plant. Yet his heart was deaf to his brain’s yells.

The boy suddenly came to a halt, Dark Cacao gulped. Knowing full well what awaited them.

“C’mon, let’s hide behind that tree…!”

The pair scurried over from the open path, taking shade behind a wide tree hopefully strong enough to withstand two or three hits from an opposing force.
Dark Cacao stood closely behind Pure Vanilla as they slightly peeked their eyes from the branch. Dark Cacao felt every part of his body shake with fear and anticipation. He lowly breathed, and opened his eyes.

There laid their attacker. Shrivelled up in a tiny circle, having their size significantly shrunk down.
Dark Cacao dropped his elbows shoulders. Eyes blank and thoughts blank. He wasn’t sure what feel. Was he supposed to feel anything?

Pure Vanilla let out a loud gasp, leaving the safety of the tree and sprinting towards the little plant. Dark Cacao stuttered, tripping on his steps.

He still didn’t feel safe around the plant. Who knows what it could still do.

Pure Vanilla stopped, taking a look at the plant. It’s vines were wrinkly and skinny. It’s almost as if they were welting.

The petals weren’t so different. Their bright red color now faded, more old and littered with dirt.

Pure Vanilla knelt down, reaching into his pockets. He pulled out a small bag and opened it. Sprinkling a dirt like substance near the plant. He set the bag down and extended his hand.

Dark Cacao bit his tongue as he felt nervousness creep up his spine. He threw a blind eye at his common sense and speedily walked to the young student.

He frantically placed his hand on his shoulder, earning his attention.

“Don’t touch it, it’s too dangerous “

He felt like a parent looking after their troublesome child.

Pure Vanilla stared at him with his eyes closed. He didn’t hold his usual smug expression, instead shifting into a more contemplated makeup.

He looked worried for what almost killed him. It subtly hurt Dark Cacao.

The plant extended its weak vine out, gently wrapping itself around Pure Vanilla’s index finger and twirling to his wrist. It lightly tugged on the boy hand. Pure Vanilla turned his attention back to the plant, he didn’t fight against the force pulling his hand and went with it. He lightly stroked the petals with his hands, careful as to not tear them. He used his free hand and brought the food closer to the plant. It opened up it’s petals and emerged a long slimy vine. The “tongue” dragged the food back to it’s center as the petals closed up.

It began to chew and crunch on it.

Dark Cacao watched on, feeling a mix of disgust and amazement.

He wondered why a thing like this existed, and how it became to be. The plant gulped down the food. It’s frail vines grew thicker and vibrant. It’s petals gaining back more of their hue and getting rid of their wrinkles.

The plant stuck out its “tongue” once again, bringing up to Pure Vanilla’s face, and licking his left cheek. Leaving a wet slimy trail.

Dark Cacao watched on in horror. Mouth and eyes wide open. The plant retreated it’s hideous organ and extended it’s vines, burying them in the ground and leaping away. After a few seconds of silence, Pure Vanilla laughed. Dark Cacao was still processing what just happened so he just stood there motionless filled with one too many emotions.

“That was disgusting!” Pure Vanilla whipped his head back at the traumatised prince, still laughing; unbothered by the current events. He glowed with happiness, Dark Cacao wiped his eyes and then covered his mouth.

“That was really….Gross…You need to wash your face”

Pure Vanilla continued to laugh. His face red and cheek wet with saliva. Dark Cacao didn’t let him find out, but he too was smiling. The boy was not the impression he gave off. Whimsical, clumsy, and smug. But even then one couldn’t really push him away. His heart beat happily.

Chapter Text

“Do you need more sweet water?”

“No, I think I’ve gotten it all off now”

Dark Cacao patiently stood beside Pure Vanilla as he soothed his face with sweetened water to rub off the remaining chemicals from their recent incident.
“Is…Is the pink tint removable?”

Pure Vanilla froze, staying awfully silent.
“Pure Vanilla…Is it removable?”

Pure Vanilla continued cleaning his face, this time frantically. He could hear a few panicked noises coming from the shorter boy.

“Pure Vanilla…! Is it not removable?!?”

He heard a couple muffled “sorry’s” from him, Dark Cacao looked up, blankly staring at the wall, his hands covered in a faint pink tint.

———Earlier———

Pure Vanilla wiped the remaining saliva with a wet towel, cringing and sticking out his tongue as he threw it in the trash can. 

They were back in the shed so that Pure Vanilla could clean his face. Dark Cacao took a moment to look around. Especially since the first time he was here, his condition wasn’t the best.

There were bookshelves, large wide bookshelves. They took up the entirety of the left wall, White Lily’s desk laid in front.

There was a trial of papers and books leading up to the next shelf. Various objects sat on the shelves. Paint tools, crystals, light wands, and strange chemicals in containers. Dark Cacao traced his fingers over the purple wood. It had a mix of colors, no doubt from the chemicals emitted from the miscellaneous objects.

Dark Cacao perked up at the sound of the other boy’s voice.

“Hey…I forgot to ask you, but you aren’t from this academy are you?” He spoke, wiping the wet trail with his sleeve.

Dark Cacao looked up at the other boy, studying his face. Once again, he held only curiosity, no malicious intent.

Dark Cacao pushed the hair strands that fell on his back,”No, not at all” He reached over to the shelf, taking a small crystal in his palm. It’s yellow and orange hues reflected onto his skin, bringing forward the veins that ran through them. He held it up towards Pure Vanilla’s face.

Pure Vanilla leaned back on White Lily’s table, resting his hand on the pile of books.
“Oh? Then why are you here?”
He tilted his head to his side, crossing his legs as he fully laid his weight on the wooden table.

“Curiosity got the best of me…”

Pure Vanilla slid off the table, fixing his robe and then proceeded to slowly stride over to the prince.

“You mean…You want to explore it?”

Dark Cacao put the crystal back on the shelf, positioning it so that the light would hit directly onto its edges. The yellow and blue hues shone brightly, their shadow filling the dark wood.

“I…Something like that yes…”

“I could show you around.”

Dark Cacao turned his head,

“You would…?”

“Of course! You have already helped me out, it is only fair if I repay the price!”

He leaned forward, hands folded behind his back. Dark Cacao sputtered, taking a few steps back. This close, he could see a few freckles under the boy’s eyes. He also noticed a long section of lashes, appearing as a triangle. His eyes glowed just as brightly as the crystal itself.

Dark Cacao heard a thud, then something rolling down, he heard a few other rumbles.

“Cao? Are you making that noise…?” Pure Vanilla asked.

A hot pink liquid suddenly dropped upon the pair. Dark Cacao instinctively grabbed Pure Vanilla, dragging him out of harm’s way.

Pure Vanilla gripped Dark Cacao’s forearm as he gasped, bringing his free hand to hysterically wipe off the liquid.

“Cao…?!”

“I’m here! Don’t panic…It’s not dangerous…” he thinks it’s not, and hopes it’s not.
“C’mon, lets go wash off…” Dark Cacao positioned his hand the smaller one’s back, slowly helping him walk.

“I…I think it got in my eye…”, Pure Vanilla breathed, sending a cold chill towards Dark Cacao.

“We…We’ll get White Lily”
His eyes searched the room for any type of sink or bathroom of the sort, but all that met him was walls littered with paper.

“Outside…There is an abandoned bathroom building outside.”

“Where?”

“Behind the school…”

“Okay, hold onto me”

He saw Pure Vanilla nod, taking this as a sign to start walking.
Slowly, he led Pure Vanilla outside of the shed, a firm hold on the boy.
“Keep on walking, the stalls are at the very end…”

Dark Cacao tilted his head towards the boy, his arm was shaking as he drooped his head.

“Are you alright? Does it burn?”

Pure Vanilla shook his head, rubbing his forehead.

“No. My head is just killing me”

The pink liquid did get in his eyes, so a harmful chemical was probably the cause of it.
Dark Cacao momentarily let go. Pure Vanilla picked his head up in surprise,extending his arms out of confusion.

“Climb on me” He blankly said, kneeling down so that he was somewhat easier to reach.

“W-what…?” Pure Vanilla asked, baffled.

“Get on my back…You s-said your head hurts so….” He looked down at the ground sheepishly,” You can…I can carry you”

Pure Vanilla clasped his pink colored hands together, “Are you sure?

“Yes”

Pure Vanilla hesitantly placed his hand on Dark Cacao’s shoulders, the prince held his legs firmly. He slowly stood up, shifting his centre of balance to a position much more comfortable. He felt proud of his accomplishments, mostly because this was the first piggyback ride he gave to someone other than his sword.

“Are you comfortable?”

“Yes…Thank you.” He shyly thanked him, hand close to his face covering his lips. Despite all the pink paint on his face, Dark Cacao could tell he too was blushing

Dark Cacao flushed, turning his head away.

“Of course”

Dark Cacao didn’t know what time White Lily finished her studies, but he hoped she would get off soon. After all, they didn’t have any spare clothes. How would they wash off anyways?
The paint seemed really stubborn, Dark Cacao moved his mouth around, feeling his skin stretch. He desperately wanted to scratch his mouth, but he wasn’t able to do so as he might drop Pure Vanilla.

He really hoped the stalls weren’t as far as they seemed. His heart couldn’t take another second of Pure Vanilla’s breathing on his neck.

————
They were currently in an abandoned part of the academy. That being the outside bathrooms, just behind the main building. The young prince could tell it had been abandoned for quite some time as vines started to emerge from the cracks, sneakily clawing up the dirty walls. And the landscape was unfinished too, having a single tree sticking in the middle of the empty plain.

The outside had three open doors, one for boys, one for girls, and one for mixed genders. The insides of all of the doors were pitch black. Nothing could bee seen from the outside even with the help of the sunlight. Dark Cacao did not dare take a step inside.

Still, he felt an eerie feeling around the surroundings. Perhaps it was how empty the section was, or how dirty the fountains were. Dark Cacao glanced behind his shoulder at the tree, there not a single soul miles away. Only Pure Vanilla and he were here.

“Nilla, we’re here”

Pure Vanilla groggily groaned, reaching over to wipe his eyes, then paused once he realised why they were here.

“Oh…? Ok…”
Dark Cacao helped him get back on his feet, the hand at his back steadying him up.
Pure Vanilla stretched his hand out, feeling around for one of the sinks. Dark Cacao took his hand, guiding it to the metal object.

Pure Vanilla turns on the faucet, bringing his palms together to collect the water rushing out, he began soothing his face with the water.

Dark Cacao took over the other sink. After a couple of tries, he had managed to scrape off a fair amount of paint from his skin. Still, even with all the scrubbing, he could not get the pink hue off. Dark Cacao sighed as he poured more water onto his hair.

“Are you done?” Dark Cacao twirled his hair, squeezing it to wring water out.

His shirt was completely wet. The paint didn’t childishly stick to the cloth as it did to skin so that was good.

“Almost.”

“Do you need more sweet water?”

“No, I think I’ve gotten it all off now”

“Is…Is the pink tint removable?”

“….”

“Pure Vanilla…Is it removable?”

“………………….”

“Pure Vanilla…! Is it not removable?!?”

Dark Cacao heard a round of muttered sorry’s. He blinked, looking up at the sky.
The sun was starting to set, setting forth a sea of reds, oranges and yellows. It looked majestic. He’d have to go home eventually. Dark Cacao could not shake off the feeling of nervousness knowing what awaited him at home. How would Father react to seeing him in pink of all colors?

Pure Vanilla lifted his head turning it to the young prince. Faint pink spots littered his face, though Dark Cacao found it cute.

“Are you finished?”

“Yes.”

“Alright, lets go back now.”

“Wait Cao…”

Dark Cacao stopped, turning to face Pure Vanilla. “What is it?

“Can I…See your hand?”

Dark Cacao tilted his head, fully turning his body towards the younger, he walked up to him and handed him his palm.

Pure Vanilla delicately traced the faint scars on his palm, his brows furrowed. Without saying a word, he laid his smaller hand on top of it, stretching his fingers of his wrist.

Dark Cacao became aware of their hand difference. Pure Vanilla was a complete contrast to himself. Dark Cacao’s hands were calloused and roughed up from the training he was introduced at such a young age. His hands lacked life, lacked glow. Just like the rest of his body, like the rest of what he had become.

Pure Vanilla was none of that. He had life. Breathed of life. His veins carried blood, his lungs received air. His arms and legs moved. His heart beat. Not being restrained by the frozen barriers around it. He smiled brightly. His skin soft and gentle, just like his expression.

Dark Cacao softened his eyes, feeling warm energy flow from the other’s palm and onto his.

“I won’t be able to fully remove the scars,” He began, “But I will be able to heal the the tissue itself…”

Dark Cacao felt his chest warm, his brain sent signals. Signals he did not recognise, but he didn’t feel afraid of them. He felt comforted. His heart felt happy. That was all that mattered.

The scars on his palm slowly started to fade away. Blending from a very dark purple to a faint pink. The scars were still there, but they didn’t hurt.

“Thank you.” Dark Cacao smiled, gently holding the other boy’s hand.

Pure Vanilla blinked, his smile and confident expression now replaced with an unreadable make up.
He pulled his hand away, folding them at his chest.

”You should go home now….You’ve already helped me out a lot”

Immediately after the warmth of his hand left his fingers, Dark Cacao felt a cold air wrap around his hand as it desperately tried to cling into the remaining warmth. He was suddenly hit with a very cold wave of air, the emptiness of the area becoming very apparent. He felt eyes staring at him, he nervously gulped. Feeling as if he had messed up. Pure Vanilla turned his head and started walking, saying something that went over Dark Cacao’s head.

He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. Why couldn’t he speak.

Father’s eyes were on his back.

Pure Vanilla stopped, coming to face the prince.

“You’ve helped me out a lot already”

Dark Cacao blinked, his chest becoming hollow and breaths uncoordinated. The air around him becoming too thick, too suffocating.

“Your parents might be getting worried now too..”

No, Dark Cacao thought,They don’t care…! 

Pure Vanilla rubbed the back of head his nervously, his other hand gripping his robe,

” I’m grateful that I got to meet you really….I-I’m sorry for being a nuisance.”

Stop

”For acting so childish and pressuring you to go back to the plant. I’m so sorry”

I don’t mind

”For almost getting you killed”

I almost got you killed…!

”You should get your bruises checked out”

They don’t hurt…! Please stop.

“Goodbye, Dark Cacao”
He didn’t use the nickname.

He turned around again, and started walking away.Dark Cacao felt his breathing speed up. He was going to be left again. 
He was losing something again.

He felt his Father watching him from afar. Dark Cacao jerked his head, only to be met with his cold eyes. They pierced through him like needles, bit through his skin, freezing and shattering it. Father’s gaze filled the empty field, Father was disappointed again. Father was approaching him. His clanky  footsteps were louder than everything else. The air was freezing, it was unbearable. It was cold. Too cold.

In a state of panic, he launched himself forward. Father stretched his sharp fingers, they were long and bony, they were cold.

Dark Cacao clasped Pure Vanilla’s hand, his fingers were soft and sweaty, but they were warm.

Pure Vanilla slightly backed away, though he did not jerk his hands away. He opened his eyes to stare into the Dark Cacao’s own, a mix of confusion and surprise plastered on his face.

Father’s hand, dissipated, and with it the cold air. Warm air came and replaced it, Dark Cacao took a deep breathe in, his mind starting to clear up and his surroundings becoming evident.

He opened his mouth, words came out.

”Wh-“ He gulped, “I don’t mind…!” He choked out
 “I really don’t mind! It doesn’t bother me, these bruises don’t bother me! A-And…! And even if you are a nuisance, I don’t mind! I don’t mind if you act childish! I don’t mind if I…If I almost get killed! I really don’t mind!”

Pure Vanilla said nothing, though he slightly tightened his hold on the other’s hand. His discoloured eyes wide open. A soft blush sprinkled below them.

Dark Cacao turned his head away from his eyes, covering his mouth with his shoulder.

”I like being around you…”

He choked out, he turned face back, coming face to face with a deeply flushed Pure Vanilla. Dark Cacao blinked, blood came rushing to his face. His face was on fire. It felt warm, too warm, it was new, but not foreign.

”You do…?”Pure Vanilla hesitantly asked.

Dark Cacao bit his tongue.

”Yes…”
He used his free hand to brush back the blonde’s bangs. Pure Vanilla leaned his head on it.

His face was on fire, fire hot enough to melt a claymore.

The edges of Pure Vanilla’s mouth twitched, he tilted his head, genuinely smiling. His eyes were closed shut as he squeezed the other’s hand.

“That’s the first time I’ve heard someone say that” 

Was what he whispered, eyes slowly opening as his heart skipped a beat.
Dark Cacao dipped his head, too shy to make eye contact, though he still squeezed back. The eyes were gone, replaced with gentle loving hands. He felt safe.

“Why…It’s an honour…” He breathed.

The sun completely set, a dark sky coming to replace the orange one.

“Still….You really need to go back home” Pure Vanilla turned his head away from Dark Cacao’s palm, looking at the ground saddened.

Dark Cacao coughed, taking his hands back to the sides. Also staring at the ground.
“You’re right….”

Pure Vanilla looked up, his former self slowly coming back to life.

He lightly jabbed the other’s side.

“Why the sad face? I’lol see you tomorrow you know!”

Dark Cacao brightened up, rubbing the back of his head.

“O-Oh of course! I’ll see you tomorrow, right?”

“Tomorrow?”

“If you’re free…”

“I’m always free!”

Dark Cacao felt something tug at his heart, he ignored it. Turning around and running off. He yelled a quick goodbye to Pure Vanilla. He couldn’t stop the dopey grin.

————

He had managed to sneak back into the castle without being caught by any of the maids nor monarchs.

He was just about to go back into his room when he heard a screech.

Dark Cacao froze, hand solid on his doorknob. He felt his blood solidify. He felt it. He felt the weight of it. The needles pricked at his sides. He felt eyes.

Father’s eyes were on his back.

Dark Cacao turned around. Meeting a familiar pair of dark eyes. They were darker than a cave. They were hollow, you never knew what they held. But you did know it was never something good. They never held any shine. They lacked life.

His Father was wearing his gold robe, his hand propped up on a wooden chair. The robe had traditional designs from his kingdom. Most of them revolved around the crushing winter. The golden glow was a strict contrast to his Father’s lifeless skin. Littered with scars and wrinkles. He seemed centuries old. And oh, so bold. He wasn’t afraid to tear anyone apart.

“Son, you’re finally back.”
His father spoke. He didn’t speak like a human. He spoke like a robot. He spoke unnaturally. He spoke coldly, his words piercing like daggers. He was a cold empty shell, so hollow and lacking empathy.

“Yes, Father. I took a stroll around the market centre, I may have gotten distracted.”
He bleated out, his voice was dying before it even got the chance to get out. Father’s gaze was suffocating him.

His Father clicked his tongue, tracing the head of the chair with his finger.
“Oh? Something caught your eye? Perhaps a pretty lady, yes?”

His Father let out a laugh. It too, sounded lifeless. There was something wrong with him, everything was wrong with him. From his dead eyes to his worn out skin. 

Dark Cacao forced a chuckle, not trying to cause suspension.

There were eyes everywhere, they all stared at him. They all mocked him. Laughed at him. They were staring.

“Oh son, youth is quite the heart-clencher” He wiped a dry tear from his eyelids, “I wish I could go back to it. I was quite the good looker too”

Lies, he looked the same minus the wrinkles. He still looked lifeless. He was born dead.

“I’m getting married to queen Grand Goldberry.”

Dark Cacao stood silent. He really didn’t care, he felt sympathy for the queen. He questioned her decision, she chose to spend eternity with a lifeless corpse. Did she know what awaited her?

He couldn’t imagine anyone loving his father, he couldn’t imagine his father loving anyone.

“We could establish trade routes with more kingdoms. Also, we’d be merging our lands together. Our power would triple. Isn’t it exciting, son?”

Dark Cacao nodded, “Yes Father, the news are quite pleasant. I hope they don’t disappoint.

Dark Cacao Father smiled. He looked like the devil. Eyes hollow.

“They won’t disappoint,

I won’t let it”

Dark Cacao gulped, he swore he felt something tear his back, something was clawing him. He desperately pleaded his Father didn’t notice his shaking.

“Go rest son, glory awaits us.”

Dark Cacao nodded, his fingers shaking and sweating. He entered the room, ignoring the eyes on his back. He slowly shut the door. He heard it click. Then he collapsed down.

His breathing was rapid, his throat was tight. He was trying to breathe, there was something around his neck. 

Dark Cacao grappled at his collar, tearing it off and throwing it away. His throat was tight, his chest was tight. It hurt to breathe, it hurt to inhale. His breathing worsened. Dark Cacao felt his eyes fill with tears, his hair everywhere, sticking to his wet forehead.

His heart was near bursting out. It was trying to escape, to runaway and find safety.

”Thank you”

That grin…Oh it was him.

Dark Cacao closed his eyes. He felt his hands gently caress his face. They were soft, they gleamed of life.

He breathed in, then exhaled. Making sure to take his time.

After a little while, his breathing slowed down. His heart calmed down. Now replaced with a faint headache.

Dark Cacao sat up, brushing his hair out of his face. There was no one but himself in his room. He sighed, standing up and nearly falling over. He huffed, feeling frustrated.

With shakily legs, he strode over to his bed, collapsing on top of it.

He didn’t bother changing out of his sweat filled shirt.
He closed his tired eyes, they stung and burned. Involuntarily, a tear slipped out. Dark Cacao didn’t bother wipe it away, he was too tired. He didn’t wipe away the tears that soon followed too.

Chapter Text

There is light.
There is light everywhere. The whole room was filled with light. There was nothing other than light.
Dark Cacao blinked, wincing as the radiation hit him square in his eye.

He rubbed his eyes, squinting. His vision was blurry, but he could make out a figure in front of him. It ended its arms towards him. Dark Cacao couldn’t move, his body was frozen on the spot, yet, he wasn’t afraid.

“Cacao, wake up dear”The figure called, gently taking him in its arms. It felt warm.

That voice….
It….No….Why.
It’s been a while since he heard it. It doesn’t visit as often as it used to. It visits whenever it wants now, it goes on whim. Flying in and out of the world. It does as it pleases, unbothered.

Dark Cacao slowly opened his eyes, adjusting to the light. He was met by a sea of rich purple and arms embracing him. It wasn’t a crushing embrace. It was gentle, soft to the skin.

“Still, it has been a while since I’ve last seen you”
The voice was warm, filled with life. It was as soft as a harp, yet retaining strength. It was comforting.
Dark Cacao blinked, slowly tilting his head.

Mother face was in front of him.
Mother was holding him.
Mother was in his dream, coming freely whenever she pleases. She doesn’t visit as often as she did. Dark Cacao didn’t need her as often as he used to.

“Why don’t you call me anymore?”

Dark Cacao pursed his lips, feeling the air around him thicken, Father wasn’t there, but it was turning cold.

Mother died when he young, he didn’t get a chance to see her face. 

Dark Cacao slowly looked up. His head jerking a few inches up. He couldn’t control his head, he didn’t remember her. She died a long time ago. He doesn’t know her, he didn’t get to know her. So why did he feel so safe?

Mother’s face was disfigured. She lacked a nose, her eyes were caved in. Her face twisted, shaking and shivering as if it would explode. Her face was blurry, ruined, and unfamiliar.

He didn’t remember her.

Dark Cacao woke up woke with a gasp. His sat up aprubtly, wincing at the pain that shot up his spine. He slowly laid back down, levering himself with his elbows. He closed his eyes, moving his hair away from his wet forehead. He placed his other hand on his chest, feeling the rapid pounding of his heart.

He took a deep breathe in, held it a few seconds, then exhaled. 
1…
2…
3…
Inhale…
1…
2…
3…
Exhale.

His heart calmed down after a little while. Now beating rhythmically, slowly, but surely.
Dark Cacao opened his eyes, squinting at the radiation.
There was light in the room.

He stared at his wall for a slid five minutes. The paint was starting to chip and tear, as well as crack. Dark Cacao glanced at his carpet. It was filled with white flakes, some pieces the size of his nails.

When was the last time he had redone the paint job? When was the last time he had *let in* someone in his room? He sat up, rubbing his sore back no doubt the result of his horrible sleeping position. In his defense it was comfortable. And he was too drained to move.
He made the grave mistake of stretching his arms upwards, he nearly threw up from the  smell of himself. It made sense, he was thrown into water, got paint dumped on him, washed himself with water again( Dried himself lazily) and his interaction with his Father made him sweat a lot.

Dark Cacao gulped down, sliding off his bed and deciding to take a shower. Take care of himself for once in a while. 

Besides, he can’t hang out with Pure Vanilla looking like an abandoned teddy bear.
————

Dark Cacao wiped the foggy mirrors, his damp hair styled into a simple bun. He wore plain black bootcut pants. He had a white coloured truffled shirt under his black vest, a dark purple cape hanging off the diamond shaped shoulder plates.

Dark Cacao exited the mist filled bathroom, he nearly fell face first onto the ground when he tripped on something. Dark Cacao regained his balanced, whipping his head around to see the murder weapon. An abandoned puzzle box. He remembers begging Father to buy it for him. He was planning on opening it when he invited one of his friends over so that both of them could work on it. But alas, that didn’t happen. And won’t happen.

For a little while…Maybe….

He turned the doorknob sideways, opening the door and closing it behind him.
He made sure his clothes were neat, tucking in his shirt and fixing his collar.

“Prince Dark Cacao, you’re up early”
One of the maids called out to him, politely bowing her head. She had a bucket filled with what he presumed a mixture of soap and water, wiping the floors down. He felt sad for her, having to clean the entire place all alone. The other maids had other duties, so this was all left to her.
“Oh? Has Father not awoken already?”

The maid nodded, holding her broom to the side,

“His highness is still asleep, but I could call the other maids to make breakfast since you’ve awoken, sir” She spoke sweetly, the years upon years she spent sharpening her skills were evident by the way she spoke.

“You may do so”

“Right away, my prince”

Dark Cacao watched her as she walked away, noticing a bruise on her ankle. He felt sad for her, having to clean the entire place all alone.

He took in the bucket into view, it had moss growing out of his. Beat up, dirty, and tired metal made everything up. There was red on the handles, the same red on the wooden handle.

Dark Cacao bit his lip and turned his head away walking into the back hallway that led to the garden.

Pictures lined up horizontally, three small diamonds separated each historical segment.

The first picture was of his Great-Great-Grandfather, Chocolate-swirl cookie.
There was a time where winters weren’t as horrible as they used to be. He lived in a time where people could actually plant. There wasn’t a need for him to harden up, he kept the life in his eyes. But, the winters had to come. Overtaking the kingdom in a social crisis. Thousands lost their lives as they were unfit for it, they didn’t have the clothes nor heaters to withstand. Many died of starvation due to the soil freezing and dying, there wasn’t enough time for them. His Great-Great-GrandFather was a victim of the frost, dying from a cold, his son by his side. Yet, he held a warm smile.

The second picture was of his Great Grandfather, Chopped Bonbon cookie. There isn’t much of a memory to him. All that was recorded was that he was the one to save the kingdom from the winters. He had to teach himself and his kingdom at a young age. His eyes were caved in, eye-bags hanged shamelessly from the voids. He seemed tired. Exhausted, he wanted to rest for a very long time. He had lost his life a long time ago. Dark Cacao felt it was best for him to die, it’s tiring. It truly is.

Grandfather was next. Bitter Cacaotree cookie. He grew up neglected, uncared for and put to the side. The kingdom always came first, there was no time to care for yourself or your family. The weight was on your shoulders, so you had to deal with it. And when it was time, just pass it on. His Grandfather was cold and distant. Even with the loose memories Dark Cacao had of him, he never smiled. The bloodlines stopped smiling.

Father….What is there to say about him? Lifeless, stone cold, and frozen he is. He was born dead, birthed from the frozen soil of the winter itself. He held no shine to his eyes, he was death itself. His long black hair enveloping everything around, like the winter. It took over, and destroyed.

The bloodline was born dead, it died since the first winter. Dark Cacao placed his hand on his chest, his heart beat, it pumped blood, it gave proof he was still alive. It was only a matter  of time. Time before he, too, would die young.

“Your majesty” He heard the maid call out. He turned his head, her eyes lacked life. Was she too, born dead?

“Your Father has awakened.”

The corpse was alive.

Chapter Text

The sound of metal clinking filled the room.

Father and Dark Cacao ate in silence, occasionally a maid would drop in and check in on them, but otherwise all that accompanied them was silence.

Dark Cacao was forever grateful for that silence. He wanted to finish the food as quickly as possible and get out. Yet, he knew he had to slow down his chowing, that would cause Father to grow suspicious after all.

“Tell me, son” His Father’s thick voice cut through the silence like a knife, stopping Dark Cacao midway through his bite.

“Why was there a pink pigmentation on your skin yesterday?”

Dark Cacao nearly choked on his bite, setting down his fork and taking a full swig of water. He downed the food, it struggled down his neck.

Think, Cacao, think.

His Father wore his usual creeping stare, this time they were darker than before. He lost more of his life the more he continued living.

“A few children were playing around” He forced out “They were toying with a dust of some sort, throwing it at each other. It seems they weren’t paying attention, as I got a handful of pink sand thrown at me.”

Father continued to stare. Dark Cacao pleaded that some of his words got through his Father’s gaze. He pleaded he was stupid. He pleaded he didn’t overthink. His hands and legs were shaking. His brain was trying to control everything, but it too was spiralling out.

Father continued to stare, continued to freeze and overtake. His dead eyes held power, a sick and twisted nature to them.

“Is that so? Shall I execute them?”
He tilted his head, laying more of his weight on the armrest. The light framed around him, everything else was dark except for his eyes, his pupils barely noticeable anymore. It was just white, a gray white with veins running through them.

“No, Father. They were just playing. It it child nature after all.”
He gripped his thighs under the table, his nails digging through the cloth.

“Oh but it is against the law to tamper with royals, especially those from a different kingdom, no?”

“Father, they are merely children. It is not worth the time”

Dark Cacao himself sharpened his staring. Trying to appear more bold and confident. Anything to get through his Father’s thick hollow skull.

His Father’s shoulder twitched, Dark Cacao’s tensed, his Father smiled, Dark Cacao blanked.
His Father laughed, as it was the best joke he had ever heard. 

Dark Cacao gulped down the remaining bite and pushed his chair.
“I’ll be going now, Father.”

He started walking towards the large double doors, framed in gold.
“Wait”

He heard Father call out to him. Pausing on the door and looking over his shoulder.

“Yes Father?”

“Queen Grand Goldenberry will be paying a formal visit tomorrow,” He stood up, wiping his mouth with his tissue and setting it down on the dirty plate. The maid from earlier came to collect the ceramics. Now wearing gloves.

“She will be bringing her daughter, Princess Hollyberry, along as well. I expect you to treat them with utmost respect, understood?”

He picked up his coat. A dark velvet color painted the shiny fabric as cakehound fur rested on the shoulders. A series of gold strings hung from the opening. Dark Cacao entertained the idea of strangling his Father with one of the strings.
To see him gasp, plead for air. To reduce him into a pleading mess, an utter disgrace. 

“Yes, Father”

He exited the room, leaving the maids to clean everything.

Dark Cacao kept his eyes on the ground while he walked, he didn’t know where to go, but he wanted to know somewhere away from his Father.

Dark Cacao stopped and took in the sunlight, it was still early. Pure Vanilla and White Lily are both still in class. Even though he knew Pure Vanilla was just going to skip class, he didn’t want to cause any trouble for White Lily. She already had eye bags growing, just how old is she?

“Prince Cacao! Long time since I’ve last laid my eyes upon you!”
Dark Cacao winced, wishing to every god he and only HE was just hearing that voice.
It’s been a long time since he’s heard it and he’s glad it’s like that.

Before he could act as if he didn’t hear anything, Cacao was pulled in a head lock, getting his hair ruffled by the person’s fist.

It was hard to tell whether or not the act was meant to cause harm. The gesture itself is widely known as being friendly (for some ungodly reason) but the mere strength that was being applied on his neck gave Dark Cacao doubts.

He could practically feel his neck started to snap.

“BAHAHA! Cacao my boy! You’ve grown so much”

His personal instructor (A.K.A General) yelled deafeningly, Dark Cacao felt his ears and windows shake from the mere vibration’s of his voice.

“Yes I have…General”
He choked out, begging for his breathing and neck to be in one piece. He frantically patted the man’s arm, hoping he gets the hint.

Thankfully, he did. Dark Cacao gasped, but not loudly, for air as he felt the arm around his neck withdraw back.

He glared at his General, to his credit he did not even flinch.
He was smiling so wide his eyes were barely open, if they even were. He looked like a fairytale parent’s would tell their kids to traumatise them so that they would fall asleep already.

“Now what kind of answer was that? Haven’t you learned your social skills yet?”
His general cackled on as Dark Cacao stood, still trying to breathe. If this would to continue then he’d definitely be diagnosed with some type of breathing defect.

“No, Sir. You’ve just arrived at an unsuspecting time is all”
He fixed his posture. Standing upright and back straight. He had to prove his power.

“Dauhhhhh C’mon already!”, The General waved off. “Enough with the *General* and *Sir* formalities! You’re basically my son! Just call me by my name, or have you forgotten it?”
———
You’re basically my son!

It wasn’t enough.
It was never enough for him.
No matter what he did, no matter how many times he swinged, sliced, and pierced, it was never enough

“Get up, boy”
The voice was cold, distant like his Father’s.
It hurt him, just like his Father’s.
The only difference being the levels of destruction they caused him.

Father destroyed and twisted, rebuilding a monstrosity.
General destroyed and left. Leaving you to collect yourself, all by yourself.

Dark Cacao held his stomach as he sat shaking on the cold ground.
A puddle of vomit and blood laying below his head. The smell of sweat was strong in the air.
It smelled like an autopsy has just occurred.

Dark Cacao cried out, feeling the General’s hand yank his head up by his hair. It felt like his scalp was being torn off.
Thousands of scars littered around the small of arms, gathering around his bloody palms and spreading over his bruised and beaten forearms.

“Your Father will die eventually.”
He barked out, eyes dead. He was dead. He had died too. Like everyone else from the kingdom. All that remained was their spirits, wandering around aimlessly.

The hand on his scalp dug into his skin, drawing blood. It slowly trickled over to Dark Cacao’s vision.

“And YOU will need to take over. A lousy, crying pathetic mess is a mere excuse of a king! You will never bring glory to this kingdom if you continue this act of tomfoolery!”

The General brutally let go, making sure to shove the boy’s head towards the ground.
Dark Cacao collided with the floor, the blood he shed earlier mixing with his sweat. 
He felt reality disappear. He felt his head spin. He wanted to rest. He didn’t want to be a 
king. No, he didn’t want to one bit.

“GET UP”
———
“No, General. I have not.”
He lied.

The General saw through the lie. Yet he was in no position to judge.

He was a lie.

Chapter Text

As soon as the gates closed behind him, Dark Cacao felt his thoughts calm down.
Interacting with his Father wasn’t something he looked forward too, especially if it involved the General. They always reeked.

He had spent most of his time in his bedroom. Occasionally falling asleep and waking up to the sounds of the maids knocking to hand him his food. Dark Cacao dismissed them, not desiring any food. He had just emptied out his stomach after the General showed up.

In short, he was trying to pass time. At least until noon arrives.
And so, when he deemed it was time, Dark Cacao put on his cape and left without saying a word. No one asked, there was no need for an answer.

Dark Cacao tread down the path leading to the academy, hood over his head as to not cause attention.

Just as he did yesterday, he took the secret route through the forest. Hoping to his Great-Great GrandFather that no one can see him.

As he walked through the forest, he was fortunate enough as to not be stung horrendously as he was yesterday. There were two or three bites on his hand, but they didn’t itch horribly as they did. Dark Cacao took a mental note to wear gloves next time.

“Where was it again?” He thought to himself.
He hadn’t paid attention to the route he took when Lily led him and when he exited, plus the forest wasn’t anything close to being small. It was nearly half the size of his kingdom, which wasn’t that big, but not small nonetheless.

He stopped in his tracks, hearing a wood branch break from behind.

He whipped his head around, the broken branch laying naked in front of his eyes, but no sign of the suspect.

Dark Cacao stared at it, eyes and brows furrowed. What if it was the plant? He thought it already learned it’s lesson.

Another sound from behind. 
Dark Cacao didn’t turn around, slowly coming to figure out who it was.

There came another crack,
And another,
And another,
Each crack was accompanied by a delayed yelp.
He smiled, feeling accomplished.

“Cao!”

Just as he suspected, Pure Vanilla jumped out from one of the bushes, arms extended and wearing the biggest smile he had ever seen someone wear.

Pure Vanilla crashed into the prince with a muffled groan, Dark Cacao himself returned the hug. Wrapping his arms around him and gently squeezing.

He could hear Pure Vanilla giggle a bit.

“Did I scare you?” He lifted his head up, hair sticking in every direction as if he had been through a storm, a storm he intentionally went into. Dark Cacao found it adorable.

“Scared my soul”
He lied, but felt very warm as his smile grew wider. Pure Vanilla snickered, face illuminated by the sunlight.

He knew the warm feeling wasn’t bad, but he didn’t know what to call it. He had decided to call it warm because that’s what would happen whenever he felt it. His heart would beat faster, pumping more blood to his head. In return it’d make him a bit drowsy and lightheaded, as if he’s drunk. His chest would feel light and fuzzy, and of course warm. He didn’t know what it was.

Pure Vanilla giggled, Dark Cacao felt light. As if he could fly away any second now. The feeling was always present when he was around the blonde.

“Ha! Everyone is a scaredy-cat around, you’re the fifth person I’ve scared today!”
He happily bragged obnoxiously. Dark Cacao could never understand him, he didn’t even bother. Pure Vanilla was Pure Vanilla, and Pure Vanilla was a puzzle.

“And such! Since you lost, you have to accompany me to the library!”

Dark Cacao cocked his eyebrow, tilting his head.
“Lost…?”

“You got scared! Meaning you lost the game!”
He jumped, nearly crashing his head against the other’s.

“What game?”

“The ‘Don’t get scared game’!”

Dark Cacao parted his mouth slightly. Feeling a mix of emotions. He knew he was able to decline. Pure Vanilla wouldn’t be able to drag him considering their weight and height difference.

He considering his option, he looked down at Pure Vanilla, still clinging onto him. Hair messy, face glowing, mouth wide in a cheeky grin. It was cute how he had to tiptoe in order to reach his neck. He could go along, just for the sake of it.

And thus, the young prince chose the second option.

“Sure”
He plainly answered, so plainly that even *Pure Vanilla* was taken back.

His face twisted into confusion for a second, before twisting back into a grin.

“Okay! Let’s go Cao!”

The feeling swelled with the nickname.

Pure Vanilla led him by his hand, practically dragging him. Dark Cacao felt giddy, seeing someone barely shoulder length haul him around.

He ignored murmur of his stomach, despite the pain that grew by the second.

Pure Vanilla hurled the door open to the shed, sending a vibration throughout the old building. A couple of books fell from their shelves, dropping with a low thud.

Pure Vanilla sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. Dark Cacao just rolled his eyes before being yanked by the shorter blond again.

“Is this the library?”
He questioned. He cringed at himself after.

Pure Vanilla scoffed and turned his head.
“Nope! The library is way bigger and grander than these beat up shelves”
He tapped his fingers on the dust ridden wood.

“Then…Why exactly are we here?”

Pure Vanilla let go of Dark Cacao’s hand, much to the other’s disquiet. And knelt down under one of the shelves, pulling out a light blue box, also ridden with dust and a few spiderwebs.

“To disguise you of course!”

The young prince started regretting his choice, cursing at his heart and the feeling.

Hence, why Dark Cacao found himself wearing a white wig with a messy braid in the back done by the blonde himself; a single Lily hair clip clung uselessly onto the fake hair. He had also sported the academy’s school uniform that was sizes too big for him. 

“Are you sure I…Won’t be recognised?”

Dark Cacao accidentally stepped on the robe, nearly falling head over heels. He regained his balance and pushed his cone hat away from his face.

“I don’t know. I’m blind”
Pure Vanilla shrugged, putting away the box. Dark Cacao looked at his “disguise”.
He looked like White Lily—He was supposed to look like White Lily. Instead, he just looked like her ugly twin.

“Nilla I—“

“Oh hush don’t you worry! Lily is sick right now so if anyone asks about your appearance just say it’s part of the side effects”

Dark Cacao brushed his black hair into the white wig. It had started turning grey from the age.

“What a deadly disease…”

Pure Vanilla chuckled.

“Lily toys with all kinds of chemicals. You never know”

“…Is the disease—“

“I’m kidding, Cao. She has the flu.”

Dark Cacao huffed out with relief before being yanked for the third time by none other than the blonde.

He felt his stomach drop at the sight of Pure Vanilla unlocking the door. He really was going with this, awful disguise. Dark Cacao should’ve known better, his heart should’ve known better.

Yet he didn’t know any better.
Because he soon found himself standing in an empty hallway of the school. He looked around, there was no other student. Only exotic plants and pictures of notable people decorated the abandoned stroll.

“Nilla… What time is it?”
He questioned, disturbed by the lack of human activity presented.

“Four p.m, why?”

Ah, it’s after school, that explains a lot.

“Then why are you still in in school?”

“I’m covering for Lily”

Dark Cacao nodded, feeling a tug on his sleeve.
He turned his head towards Pure Vanilla pointing down the hall, bound with restlessness.

The young prince sighed as he let himself be led down. He didn’t fight back as Pure Vanilla “dragged” him along, he even found himself intertwining his own fingers into the palm of the latter.

They tread upon the velvet carpet, Dark Cacao spared a few glances behind his shoulder every few minutes while Pure Vanilla didn’t as much tilt his head.

After a few neck cramps, the prince nearly collided with the student. 
He backed away, almost tearing his robe as he stepped on it. He stared confusingly at the shorter, to which he turned his head around, flashing his pearly white teeth at the prince.
He looked adorable.

“We’re here…!”
He shout-whispered, pointing to the crystal French doors. Their windows were blacked out, preventing one from taking a peek.

Dark Cacao blinked, shifting his vision upwards.
There read a big rectangular sign, tainted by yellow stains.
It read “STUDENT TRESPASSING PROHIBITED, STAFF ONLY” in big bold red letters.

“Nilla, we can’t go in”
He turned his head down, expecting to see a hint of surprise on Pure Vanilla’s face.
Instead he was met with none. Pure Vanilla had a confident smile on, as if he’d already known this.

“I know” Which he did”That’s why I have you here”

Dark Cacao stalled.
“Here…?”

He understood why he was here.
The young prince who descended from the Ice cold warriors who sacrificed their lives for the sake of the kingdom, a kingdom that birthed nationally praised soldiers, soon found himself stripped of his monarch blood.

He had found himself, devalued into a human ladder for a certain blind whimsical blond.

The librarian was opposite of the shelf, sweetly dozing off into another world, far far away from the hell that was the prince. He hoped that whatever dream the librarian was living in, was a long happy one.

“N-Nilla…! Are you done…!?”
He shout whispered, sweat beads building up on his forehead and getting stuck in the fake wig strands.

His shoulder shook from the weight, yes Pure Vanilla was light, but he still had weight to himself, everyone did.

Dark Cacao could manage carrying one in his arms for a while, but not his shoulders. Those were a weak point. 

Shoulder piggyback rides were the worst.

Pure Vanilla hummed, taking his sweet time to select one of the various books on the shelf. He didn’t bat an eye as dust fell on his ladder.

“Almost~”
He sing song the last syllable. Stretching out the words. And straining his ladder.

Dark Cacao breathed, feeling his throat tighten, his face swollen red from both embarrassment and sweating. He mentally kicked himself for agreeing. Curse that cute blonde!

And then, as if an Angel had descended down to bless the prince with a stable family, Pure Vanilla said a sentence that would forever bring joy to him.

“Found it!”

But he had said it too loud, the pair heard a grunt as fabricated sound approached their direction. Dark Cacao heard muttering and cursing as the footsteps grew angrily.

Dark Cacao panicked, letting go of Pure Vanilla’s legs and letting him fall backwards.
He caught him just before he hit the ground, carrying his bridal style, or in this case: Child style.

Pure Vanilla yelped quietly, holding the book close to his chest as he slung an arm around the other’s neck.

Dark Cacao huffed, swinging his head back so his hat didn’t block his view, and started sprinting away with the student, the pain in his shoulders now ominously gone.

He hadn’t realized it, but it was due to Pure Vanilla’s own healing magic.

The young prince hoped his footsteps weren’t as loud as he thought they were. He turned around a shelf, nearly gasping at the amount of books laid on the ground acting as an obstacle.
Did they cause this mess when they were searching? He hoped not, he really really hoped not.

The footsteps soon grew into ear shaking stops, the books shook with every stomp taken.
Dark Cacao hysterically looked around, the librarian was behind, the book shelf was to his right, a wall was to his right, and the obstacle was in front.

There was no way out, he wouldn’t be able to make it out. 

He was snapped out of his nightmare when he felt Pure Vanilla slide himself off. He landed on his feet. Hurriedly grabbing Dark Cacao’s hand and hauling it.

“Let’s go…!”
Before he even had the chance to say anything, he was running forward along the student.
His breath was knocked back as they approached the books, they couldn’t make it! There was no way!

He didn’t know what to do.

“Jump! Jump Cao!”

And so he did, they jumped up on the books, knocking some unorganized stacks down.
They ran on the covers, thankfully their shoes were clean so there were no marks left.

Dark Cacao stepped on his robe, losing his balance and starting to fall forward.
Pure Vanilla twisted his body, pushing Dark Cacao back with his shoulder, and in that moment his face was so close he could feel his breath sweep across his top lip. It was warm, clearly from the running.

Dark Cacao fumbled for a second, before being yanked( for the hundredth time) by the blond himself.

He couldn’t tell whether the blush that formed was a result of the incident or the stamina consuming sprinting.

They leaped off the books, landing forward.
Pure Vanilla waved his arms around, the book getting thrown away to the pile of books behind them. He cried out for it as he completely fell to his knees.

Dark Cacao let go of his hand.
“I’ll get it…!” He reassured him.

The shadow of the librarian grew. Creeping up like a spider. 

Run for it. Dark Cacao pleaded. Get the book. Grab the book and run. 

Dark Cacao extended his fingers. Filled with sweat. Shaking with fear. Colored red. 

The book was red. The book was getting closer. Get the book. 

The shadow grew closer. Closer now. Very close.

The librarian grabbed the edge of the shelf. Fingers long and pointy. White and boney.

They shoved their head from behind the wood.

Being greeted with nothing.

Dark Cacao panted, mouth wide open in both shock and amazement. He took deep shallow breaths. Chest heaving and fingers shaking. He leaned against the wall of the shed, clawing at the wall.

Pure Vanilla sat on the wooden ground. Frame shaking from every breath he took, he coughed and nearly collided with the ground.

The book was next to his fingers.

Dark Cacao gulped, letting his legs give out as he skid down the wall.
He patted Pure Vanilla back.

“You okay there…?”
He heaved out.

Pure Vanilla nodded, hair bopping up and down. It had grown messier after their near-death experience.

Dark Cacao found himself reaching over, brushing down some of the wild strands. They sprung back up in a millisecond, yet they were soft. Pure Vanilla swayed rearwards, back against the same wall.
He leaned his head on Dark Cacao’s shoulder, letting the latter play with his hair.
He held the book close to his chest as the sunlight glowed on his face. His closed lashes and wet skin were illuminated by the light.

He truly looked mythical. Like a legend. A whimsical legend.

Chapter Text

Dark Cacao never cared for his outwardly appearance.
He had mastered manually changing and dressing without wasting a thought. It was one of the various skills he acquired from being born into monarch blood.

He never bated an eye to his hairstyle, it always hung loose near his back, occasionally swaying in the wind.

Yet, when the young prince gazed upon his red sweaty face, he took notice of his hair.

Black strands sprung up like a static force, they twisted and twirled around one another as they acted as a net. Some white artificial lockers were still stuck on his hair. Dark Cacao looked as he’d been running away from a spider only to crash into its web, then trip down a whole and tumble down. Falling for hours and crashing onto the hard ground, all his bones breaking at once.

He looked like a mess. 

Dark Cacao ran his fingers into the tangled hair, as expected, it too got warped into the mess, like a bug caught in a spiderweb.
He sighed, turning towards Pure Vanilla. Who didn’t look any better than himself.

He sat on the ground with the open book in his lap, his fingers running over the writing.
“What are you doing?” Dark Cacao asked, kneeling dear the other.

“Reading”
He plainly said, not even bothering to look up. At that, Dark Cacao got a bit upset.
He did just save the both of them from an eternity of punishment by the school, and he did risk his life. His Father wasn’t exactly light on discipline.

Dark Cacao scowled. Turning his head away from the blonde, resting his chin on his palm.
Pure Vanilla looked up, taking in the prince’s body language.
He chuckled, and scooted over, placing the book in between him and the other.

Dark Cacao tilted his head slightly, far enough to where he could glance at the book and not fully face Pure Vanilla.

Pure Vanilla said nothing as he leaned on the other, bringing his fingertips to run over the words.

“What are you doing….?”
He asked, turning his head fully.

“Reading.”
Pure Vanilla set the book closer to Dark Cacao so that he could read it.

“Is that how students read at the academy?”

“No,” Pure Vanilla brushed his wild hair back”Just me.”

Dark Cacao blinked, silently pondering the meaning.

“I can’t see the words.”
He smirked.
“But I can feel them.”

That only confused Dark Cacao further.
“Ah….Okay…”

Dark Cacao shifted his attention towards the book.
It was a historic writing. The young prince wanted to cower away and cringe, he absolutely despised history. Back when he was a mere bean, his Father had hired personal instructors.
One of them, Ms. Chocoleaf, was the history instructor.

If Dark Cacao were to describe her in one word, it would be nosey, or snotty.
She was horrible, not in a behavioural way, but in an educational way.
She always talked too fast, leaving the very young prince to try and comprehend the nonsense she sprouted.

She always extremely picky too, only teaching the subjects SHE deemed important.
Which were massacres involving children and women.

Dark Cacao shuddered the moment he read a too grammarly advanced sentence.

“You had me risk my life for a historical book…” He gnarled. Face twisted into disgust.

Pure Vanilla ignored the ticking bomb that was Dark Cacao, continuing to “read”. 
Eventually, Dark Cacao gave in. Engrossing himself into the reading.
Well, it looked like he was reading.
But in reality he was watching Pure Vanilla, specifically his hands.

The way the moved delicately, smoothly tracing over the words. The nerves played around whenever he perked a finger up, they looked soft to touch. Gentle and warm, they would perfectly fit in his palms.

Dark Cacao’s hand twitched, trying to spring forward. He coughed and brought his hands to his lap, neatly folding them in a grip.

“You’re not reading the words are you~?”
Pure Vanilla spoke, feeling eyes on his hands. He closed the book and turned towards the young prince. Hair sticking out in every direction. Like a puppy who had just taken a shower.

“N-No I was reading…Quite entertaining I’m fact.”
He blubbered out, flushing because of how close the boy’s face was.

He had to change the subject quickly.
“Anyways, we should probably fix ourselves”
He stood up quickly, brushing his hair away from his face and placing a hand on his beating heart.

Pure Vanilla pouted, then also stood up. 
“You’re gonna have to do my hair, just so you know”
He stretched his fingers, earning a few cracks from them.

“Yeah, I suppose I do.”

Pure Vanilla pointed beneath the shelf of experiments.
“Blue box, that’s where Lily keeps her hair products”

Dark Cacao fiddled with his thumb, eyes tracing over to the box.
“Should we be using it?”

Pure Vanilla shrugged.

“Of course you’d say that…”

He sighed and walked over, kneeling down and carefully pulling the container and sliding the lid off.

There were 2 brushes, both still wrapped in plastic. Dark Cacao picked both of them up along with a spray bottle and oil.

He covered the box back and pushed it back underneath.
The young prince soon met the student, already sitting on the couch. Pure Vanilla took off his hat, placing it on his lap.

“Blue or purple”
Dark Cacao spoke, taking off the wrap.

“Don’t dye my hair.”

“I’m not”

A few seconds of silence passed.

“Then why-“

“It’s brush color, Nilla”

“Oh,” Pure Vanilla looked down “Blue”

Dark Cacao nodded, taking the blue brush and coating it with water. 

He brushed down the boy’s bangs, ignoring how his face scrunched up when the cold water trickled down his face. He brushed up at the end, giving the bangs their swept up look.

He coated his hand with oil, running it down the bangs as he brushed them, it was a vital step to ensure that they stay defined.

Not because he wanted to feel his soft hair.

Pure Vanilla started leaning towards the prince, getting sleepy. The mere sight gave him a heart attack. He wasn’t sure what he was experiencing.
“Turn around”

He blurted out, snapping the boy awake. He rubbed his eyelids.
Pure Vanilla complied, shifting around so that the back of his head faced the prince.

He slid the brushes down the other’s light blonde locks. Being careful as to not pull on his hair. Surprisingly, there weren’t as many knots as he had suspected, just a few at the top.

Pure Vanilla rested his cheek on his hand, starting to get drowsy. He found his eyes closing when others played with his hair, it felt too relaxing.

Dark Cacao poured some oil on his hand then spread it down as he brushed. The locks were now defined, held together by the oil.

He heard Pure Vanilla yawn as he brushed down, it didn’t take long before the boy had leaned back onto his chest.

Dark Cacao held the brush up, eyes wide and face red. His heart was pounding against Pure Vanilla head, though it seemed that didn’t affect the sleeping boy at all.

“-Nilla…!”
He shout whispered, part of him not wanting to awake him. He looked so peaceful asleep, gentle and…

No, he shouldn’t think like that.
Dark Cacao coughed, putting the brush and oil down. He slid his hand behind Pure Vanilla’s back and he got off, lowering him down gently onto the couch.

He brushed the loose strands away from his face, ignoring the feeling that bloomed in his chest when his fingers grazed upon his skin.

Dark Cacao softened his eyes, why did he feel that way?
Pure Vanilla was a guy. He was a guy, he shouldn’t be feeling like this.

If he were a girl, then it would make sense for him to feel this way. But he isn’t.

So why does his heart ache for him.

Dark Cacao grunted, standing up abruptly and walking away. It was getting too late. He should be going home now.

Chapter Text

When Dark Cacao opened his eyes, he was met by light, and a figure in the distance.
Only, this time-he didn’t recognize it. Or did he?

His Mother wasn’t there, replaced by another.
The figure trailed along the river of orchids, their cape flowing dragging behind. 
They had a funny looking hat, shaped like an ice-cream cone, the ends twirled up- looking like a crown of some sorts, the orchid staff they held was always eye level with the tip of it.

Dark Cacao felt his body heavy, yet he also felt as if it was normal. To carry such weight, he felt familiar with it.

He reached out as the figure turned their head towards him, he couldn’t see.
He couldn’t see their eyes, they were blurred out, carved away and forgotten. 
But, he did see their smile, a warm soft and gentle smile, it felt familiar. He had met them before.
He had gotten attached to them.

The figure interlocked their fingers in his. Their skin was smooth, soft, and delicate. Just like everything else about them.

They had a ring on their ring finger, and so did he himself.
He didn’t recognize it. Or did he?

“Prince Dark Cacao”

A few light knocks awakened the bitter prince, he sat up drowsily, rubbing at his eyelids. The memories from the day before still clear in his mind.

His eyes squinted at the light, he looked at his clock neatly standing on his nightstand. It was 7 in the morning, way too early to be woken up.

Then it hit him, Queen Grand Goldenberry was to be entertained today, along her daughter.
What was her name again? Hillybouancy?

Dark Cacao pulled himself off his bed, ignoring how his blanket slid off and fell to the ground.
He slowly stepped to open the door, praying to the gods his legs don’t give out on him.
“Yes?”
He called out as he unlocked the door and opened it.

The maid bowed down in courtesy, holding a black both tied with a white ribbon.
“Your clothes, your highness. His majesty said he wanted you to look top and proper”

Dark Cacao accepted the box gratefully, holding it close to his chest.

“Thank you, you are dismissed”
The maid nodded and bowed once again before turning her heels and leaving the prince.

Dark Cacao sighed, closing the door and settling the box on his bed.
He untied the ribbon and took the lid in his hands, staring at the clothing.

His Father was really big on big accessories.

Dark Cacao stood in front of his bathroom mirror, taking in his wild yet somewhat respectable attire( according to his Father’s tastes).

A black truffled button up styled along a matching vest, simple black pants, and his signature white cape with the family’s crest holding it up.

Dark Cacao grabbed his brush sweeping his hair back in a ponytail, he whisked one strand sideways, levitating above his left eye. 

Dark Cacao stared at his reflection presented in the mirror. He looked wild, yet somewhat respectable. According to his wild, yet somewhat respectable Father.

The young prince returned his hair products back to their respectable containers, turning off the light and leaving the room.

He nearly jumped as soon as he stepped out of his room, his Father wasn’t taking the visit lightly, nor the staff.

It seemed like he had summoned all the maids in one spot, they were everywhere.
Running around with fabric, dusting the walls, carrying real plants to replace the artificial ones, climbing on ladders, pulling on strings.

Dark Cacao felt sad for them, having to work under his corpse of a Father.

“Cacao! Ha! My boy, up so early now aren’t we?!”
Oh god.

“Yes, it seems to be the case. It was buy Father’s request after all, my soon-to-be-stepmother and soon-to-be-stepsister are paying us a visit after all”

He richly spoke, not batting an eye to the General.

The General chuckled, “lightly” slapping Dark Cacao’s back. Dark Cacao winced as his hard palms collided with his spine.

“I see! I see! Your Father is as flamboyant as ever! Over the top, a perfectionist he is!”
The General proudly yapped on and on about his Father.

Dark Cacao stared blankly, he had really grown tired of that man’s loud voice.
He breathed in, trying to think of an excuse to escape the situation in front of him.

“I apologize, General but I must get—“

“Dark Cacao, come here, son.”

The room’s movement halted as the king’s deep voice spoke. It cut through the fabric of reality, tearing and devouring until there was no bone left to rot.

Dark Cacao gulped, hurriedly walking up to his Father.

“Yes, Father? Do you require my assistance?”
He asked, fingers shaking beneath his cape.

“It is none of the such, child. I merely need to have a discussion regarding today’s future events.”

His Father led him down the hall, away from the crowd. His placed a firm hand behind his back as they walked down. The sound of his rough footsteps resonated in the ceramic walls, Cacao’s own were barely audible.

“As you know, my fiancé is gracing us with a visit, she’s also bringing her daughter from her past marriage. Such a shame he died in a ditch”

His Father flexed his fingers in front of his lips, Dark Cacao could sense lies behind his words. He was more than joyful, thrilled even.

“Indeed, such a shame…” He breathed”But Father, why did you call me?”

They both stopped once they reached the dimly lit window.
It had thin purple veils draped down on it, the purple light hit Dark Cacao in the face, though he couldn’t bring it in himself to blink.

“I’ve been noticing a behavioral difference in you”
He spoke, picking up a flower and inspecting it’s petals.

Dark Cacao froze on the spot, not daring to say a word, his palms were sweaty and cold. He felt too cold. The light was blinding, but he couldn’t blink, he was afraid of what might happen next.

“I understand it might be that time of your life, when you encounter changes in your body”

….
What.
“But even hormonal changes shouldn’t disrupt your everyday life, you are a monarch, nothing should come in between you and the kingdom. Understood?”

Dark Cacao could only stare as his Father crushed the flower in his rigid hands. The petals slowly cascaded down, landing on the ground silently. The sun was vibrant outside, it beauty concealed by the thin veil.

“Yes, Father”

His Father called for one of the maids to replace the flower with an artificial one.
It was too early to be awake.
——-

Dark Cacao tapped his fingers along the chair hand, he toyed with his two longest fingers, pretending as if they are dance and waving them around— imitating a dancer.

Dark Cacao remembers the first, and last time, his Father hosted a ceremony in the castle. It was in honor of Cacao’s Stepmother, who had gotten betrothed to the king at the time. 

He remembers it vividly, the fireworks going off in the sky, the music being played, the confetti that stuck on people’s hair. He would even go as far as to say, his Father’s smile, the one that was genuine.

But the only thing that managed to stick out to him was the dancer. From the moment he stepped on the flower platform, Dark Cacao was captivated.

The way the ballerino held his balance on his tippy toes, the way he warmly smiled at the crowd, the way his clothes danced as he twirled. Those all stuck out like a pin needle. The moon was bright against the dancer’s tan skin, he looked majestic. Like a being from a mythical book.

It seemed his stepmother at the time took notice of his amazed staring, as she ruffled his head, earning a few giggles from the young boy.
Of course, this was prior to her running away and being caught, then charged with treason and publicly executed right in front of Cacao’s eyes.

Would it be different this time?

Dark Cacao heard his Father yell out as he heard horns go out in the distance. The young prince scrambled off his chair as staff rushed to the doors. Standing in neat lines along the carpet.

Dark Cacao darted off quickly, eyes scanning for his Father. He turned the corner and saw him standing next to the General, engrossed in a “small” chitchat. A chitchat that involved one standing suspiciously close to the other. Dark Cacao coughed, announcing his presence to the two grown men. Their eyes widened as they whipped their heads to be with the blank expression of the prince.

“Ah, Cacao. Queen Grandberry has arrived, come with me, son.”
His Father waved goodbye to the General, who smiled and nodded, hopping away like a bunny.

Dark Cacao joined his Father’s side, standing a few feet away from the gold and black double doors. He took some time to study his surroundings. There were flowers everywhere, sticking from the curtains and dangling off the string like vines. There were orchestral bands near the corners, waiting patiently on the special platforms.

The maids held out dishes of candies, each being a delicacy from from the prince’s own kingdom and the Queen’s.

“They’re here, chin up”
His Father spoke.

Dark Cacao did as he was told, standing up right and sticking his chin out.

The orchestra came onto life as the gates were opened by the butlers. There emerged the Queen who didn’t fail to live up to her name. Every inch of her was decorated in gold, from her gold. From her wild gown to the white fur she had wrapped around her neck. She had a black veil draped over one eye, neatly held up by the shimmering crown that glowed on her head.

Dark Cacao soon realized she had gold flaked sprinkled on her tan skin, complementing her dark eyeshadow.

She walked with a calm stride, eyes half-lidded and lips upturned in a confident grin.

Her daughter however, kept her head down. Her pink pigtails bounced as she walked behind her mother, her hands were glued shut on her lap. Upon closer look, her fingers appeared to be shaking. She looked just as elegant as her Mother, raised to fit a mold just like himself.

“That’s Queen Grandberry cookie. And her daughter Hollyberry”

Hollyberry, so that’s what her name was.
Hollyberry.
Hollyberry’s eyes,

Were dead like his Father’s.