#oofie

Along the furthest path of Beast-Yeast past an abandoned village town, a tall milky white tower stands tall and proud, the sharp roof tops piercing the skies. Yet, it was not done yet. Preparations were still being made, adding on the sets, readying the star performers and practice of illusions to fool the mind. Rabbits of different breeds in clown aesthetic threads march to and fro to assist in the set pieces with the assistance of a finely dressed Cookie, holding his microphone delicately.

“Don’t use that frame. It’s worn and peeling. We have created multiple new ones, use those instead.” He directs the two black and white spotted rabbits supporting a painting, walking off to replace it. 

“Those are too many roses, trim them and place them somewhere else. Don’t group them together, it looks cluttered. Spread them out in the Spire and make it look neat.” Rabbits gathered armfuls of roses and transported the flowers in different directions, leaving stray petals behind them.

A lot of busy work for the ever so influential Black Sapphire Cookie. Do these cottontails realize their incompetence is cutting into his very important vocal warmups to sound just as handsome as he looks?

Oh but of course they don’t.

He didn’t have time for this. Pointing at another rabbit. “You. Yes you, I am appointing you as the new stage director now!” He demanded before walking away with a flourish, hands clasped behind his back as his sentient microphone eyed the rabbit down.

The halls of Spire twist, morph and are unpredictable. And yet, more were in the process of creation as the tower continues to grow. Only a stage so grandiose for the star performer.

Speaking of, he hasn’t been seen for quite some time. It usually wasn’t something to stress about, Shadow Milk Cookie was a rather busy cookie. Yet, this felt different. It couldn’t properly be conveyed in words, just a feeling . Maybe curiosity? 

It was a curiosity.

How could he not be?

It’s his purpose to be in the know-it-all of Earthbread, know everything about each individual cookie so he can twist the narratives to his listeners. Finding satisfaction in the destruction of their reputations crumbles into dust by misinformation.

Not to say he would do that to his Master, he’s not a reckless fool. That label belongs to Candy Apple Cookie.

As expected.

He’s hunched at his floating work desk.

By the witches, that’s a lot of plushies. Why did he need that many?

“What do you need, Black Sapphire Cookie?” Shadow Milk questioned, not turning away from his craft. “Aren’t you supposed to be directing in my stead? Schedule is tight, you know and I need all the staff on deck.”

“Of course. Don’t worry, Master. I have assigned another to take my place in the meantime and I will return to it soon.” He says proudly before folding his hands behind his back to examine all of the stuffed plushies and paper crafted puppets. Stitched and painted faces of cookies he is only familiar with by word of mouth.

But

Wait.

He stopped in front of a small plushie pile. At the very top of the small mountain, there was a doll of a cookie he isn’t familiar with. He got closer to it and pinched the small sides to hold it up for closer inspection. “This is.. quite an interesting take on Eternal Sugar Cookie.” He snided.

“What are you talking about?” Shadow Milk cookie turns away from his craft and his mismatched eyes grew wide. “Oi! Hands off!” Thin strings stretched out to immediately snatch the apprehended doll out of the other cookie’s hands.

“...Who is this cookie?”

“None of YOUR business!” He turns back to his workbench, hunched over to really bury his face in his work.

“I’m not too familiar with this cookie, Master Shadow Milk Cookie. Is she perhaps with this bunch we’re preparing for?”

“I said, none of your business!” He’s really focused on getting this stitch in, piercing the needle into the fabric.

Black Sapphire Cookie went silent for a few seconds, before stepping closer behind the jester. “Master Shadow Milk Cookie, who are they?”

He stopped sewing for a moment, then he shook his head to resume. “No one.”

Unconvincing answer.

He sighed. “You know, Master, you haven’t been as quippy, dramatic nor chatty as I remember you to be.”

…

“No randomly popping in from the shadows, creating more than performing, you’ve been locked in this room longer than usual.”

…

“If…this cookie has something to do with you behaving rather out of character, then don’t you believe they should be handled with? I can deal with them before they arrive. It’ll give me enough time to-”

“Do not.”

The way the command was growled out silenced the other cookie immediately. He turned to face his master and flinched at the sight of his deadly gaze boring into his very soul. Even the eyes in his hair stare him down with ill-intent. “M-my apologies, Master. I did not mean to step out of line.” Black Sapphire Cookie dipped his head, his face growing warm with shame.

The room went uncomfortably quiet again.

“She was in the Faerie Kingdom.”

Black Sapphire Cookie lifted his head up. “Hm?”

“She was pairing cookies together, because that Kingdom is so sad and such a drag they needed to get some romance going. That’s why she was there.” Then he snickered. “Oh if only they knew how she truly felt about them.”

“Disdain?”

“Jealousy! And even hatred.” Shadow Milk Cookie laughed. “Oh! It’s hysterical really! Pissing off the one cookie you asked for help because your Kingdom is so gloomy and what, she broke a few rules here and there?! Ugh, just like their Guardian.” He relaxes, staring ahead at the doll before continuing, “She was interesting. It made me wonder more about her, what she’s like. Luring her into the forest, working up the charms and she kept coming back for more!”

“Uh huh. I see. And the doll is because…?”

Shadow Milk Cookie frowns. “I wanted to match.” He shrugged.

Black Sapphire Cookie squinted at him. “You’re infatuated with this cookie.”

Silence.

“Maybe. But! She’s gone! Left early when Nilly and Lily showed up!” He lied.

“Assuming her return seems to be slim to none?”

“Leaning on the none. Pesky cookies really waste their energies to play the hero. Unfortunately, she would fall for it and follow along.”

“From what you told me about her, it wouldn’t be because she wanted to. But she isn’t given a choice in the manner.” Black Sapphire Cookie starts thinking.

“I can read your thoughts. You better not pull some shit behind the scenes.”

“No no, Master. I am just brainstorming. Hm. I’ll get back to finishing up my tasks after I handle my own.” He turns and starts walking over to the closed door. Then he stops when he grips the handle. “I assume you don’t want me to tell Candy Apple Cookie about this.”

“Did you even need to assume?” 

Black Sapphire Cookie snickers before stepping out and closing the door behind him. He turns and- “SHIT!” Jumped back far, his back bumps against the door and clutches his chest.

Candy Apple Cookie stood before the older cookie, her bright red eyes stared up at him widely. “What were you doing in my Master’s workroom?”

Black Sapphire Cookie gave an exaggerated sigh before smoothing his wrinkled suit with annoyance. “I’m not doing this again with you.” He grumbled before walking off.

She followed behind closely. “What were you two talking about?! I heard you say my name! What did you say?! What did he say?! Black Sapphire Cookie do NOT ignore me!”

Cupid Cookie paced back and forth in her living room.

She can’t tell her friends this.

No.

Not limited to friends.

No one can know about this.

How could she even explain it? ‘Hey guys, I’m pregnant! Oh how? I like absolutely fucked One of the Deadliest Cookies on Earthbread!’

By the witches, how could she have been so careless?! So.. embarrassingly desperate? This was probably some kind of twisted punishment for such actions.

She stopped pacing and just sat on her chair. All of that pacing exhausted her. She leans back in her chair, staring up at her ceiling.

This was reality. This was it.

And.

Maybe instead of crying about it and taking her sexual frustrations out on the doll version of the cookie that caused this, Cupid Cookie needed to adapt to this.

She gets up and slowly flies around her house, refreshing her memory of the layout. Bathroom. Kitchen. Living Room. Bedroom. The essentials needed to home just one cookie, yet big enough for guests.

“Hmm. I should discuss it with the Sugar Gnomes. I’m not too good at this.” She mumbled to herself before grabbing her cellphone and flying out of the house.

“Doopity-Doo? You wanna expand your house?” The small, full bearded handymen asked. “You don’t want to just find a different house, Cupid Cookie?”

She shakes her head and smiles. “Oh no no. Where I’m currently at is rather comfortable. Not to mention convenient.” She hums a laugh.

“Those are rather important! However, depending on how much remodeling needs to be done will also depend on how many materials we’ll need.” A Sugar Gnome explains to her.

“I would just need one room added. That wouldn’t be too much work for you guys, would it?”

“Nothing is too much work for us!” They proudly announce. “We love building and assisting in the kingdom and the cookies! We’ll be more than happy to add a room if that is something you want, Cupid Cookie.”

She nodded her head. “Thank you. It’s really appreciated.”

“Just one more thing,” A Gnome stepped up, his little mallet resting on his shoulder. “For the safety of cookies when it comes to construction, you will have to be away from the area.”

Cupid Cookie blinked in surprise. “I-I see. W-well, that is fair honestly. Uhm… I have a friend who’s local that I can stay with in the meantime.” She scrolls on her cellphone. “One moment.”

RING! RING!

RING! RING!

“Peanut Butter Cookie speaking.”

“Hey, PB.” Cupid Cookie responded, trying to hide her nervousness. “Hey listen, I’m getting work done on my house by the Sugar Gnomes and I need somewhere to stay until they’re done.”

“Remodel? What for?”

Cupid Cookie swore internally. She had a hunch she was gonna ask, but was hoping that it wouldn’t have happened. “Just wanted the extra space. That’s all.”

“Ah. Well. I would love to have you stay, however it’s just impossible.”

“What? How come?”

“I have family over. They’re visiting for a week and all the space I thought was free has been taken up.”

“Did the entire jamline show up and just pack themselves in?”

Peanut Butter Cookie snorted. “Pretty much, yes. But I love them regardless. I’m very sorry, Cupid Cookie. But I’m sure Neapolitan Cookie wouldn’t mind it.”

Cupid Cookie slouched her shoulders. “But she lives in Parfaedia..that’s a ways away from the Kingdom!”

“I’m sorry, I really am-hm? Yes? Alright, I’ll be over. Listen Cupid Cookie, if you don’t wanna stay in Parfaedia then why not just cancel the construction? Surely the need for extra storage can’t be that dire, right?”

Cupid Cookie chewed the inside of her cheek. (If only that was the case.) She just sighed. “I’ll.. I’ll give her a call. Don’t let me hold you, Peanut Butter Cookie.”

“...I hope it goes well. Take care.”

Beep!

The line had cut.

Cupid Cookie shuffled her feet before ringing up Neapolitan Cookie.

Parfaedia, a bustling city known for their magical cookies and the Institute. Stepping away from the train station while wheeling her suitcase alongside her with her cellphone in hand, Cupid Cookie looked around with caution. While she has heard the good about this city, she has heard the bad. Illegal usage of magic, occasional swarms of monsters, objects coming to life to attack-it’s one of the many locations to have a Police Station. And the Kingdom just recently recruited knights.

“Oi! On your left!”

Cupid Cookie turned her head left and sighed in relief.

Neapolitan Cookie and Misfit Cookie arrived. “We had to do some cleaning up and rearrange some stuff for your stay. Took a little longer because Misfit here didn’t tell me our vacuum was broken.”

Misfit Cookie huffed, crossing her arms. “I said I was sorry!”

Cupid Cookie flew over to hug them both. “It’s appreciated. I’m sorry for troubling you.”

Neapolitan Cookie waved it off. “It’s not an issue for me, Cupid Cookie. I truly don’t mind it at all. You’re free to come over whenever! I really don’t mind.” She smiles as she squeezed Cupid’s hands. Then she turns to face the city. “If you’re hungry-”

“Starving.”

Neapolitan Cookie laughs. “We can either eat at my house or we can get something out there.”

“Can we go to that one place with the juicy jelly burgers?” Misfit Cookie asked. “I’m crazy for their milkshakes.”

“It’s up to what Cupid Cookie is in the mood for.” Neapolitan Cookie says to her niece.

The mention of a juicy jelly burger did sound appealing. Very appealing. She placed a hand over her stomach and nodded her head. “Yeah, we can get burgers.”

Cupid Cookie leans back with a sigh. “Hooh.. I don’t think I can eat another bite. I’m stuffed.”

Neapolitan Cookie and Misfit Cookie stared at the three baskets placed in front of Cupid Cookie with surprise. Neapolitan Cookie spoke up, “I understand you were sick for sometime, but were you that hungry? Three jellyburgers and sugar sticks is a lot, even for me.”

Cupid Cookie laughs nervously, blushing a little. “I guess I was.”

“If your appetite has grown, I might have to stock up our kitchen. For you and Misfit Cookie.”

“Auntie said you went to Beast-Yeast?” Misfit Cookie asked. “How was it?”

Cupid Cookie swallowed dryly. “Well.. it was nice. Not as dangerous as a lot of cookies say it was, but I only stayed in one area during my visit.” Cupid Cookie lies and stripped away some details compared to what she told Neapolitan Cookie and Peanut Butter Cookie.

“Aww. No monster encounters or anything? Lame.” Misfit Cookie grumbled before slurping on her milkshake.

Neapolitan Cookie frowns at Misfit’s response before shaking her head. “I think we should stop mentioning or discussing Beast-Yeast moving forward.”

Cupid Cookie looked off to the side before nodding her head. “Yeah. I agree.”

“Here is your room during your visit. Misfit and I got it cleaned up and prepped for you.” Neapolitan Cookie shows off the spare bedroom. It was a simple room, nothing too extravagant like back in the Faerie Kingdom-what did you both agree on back at the restaurant? Stop talking about Beast-Yeast. No more, talking about Beast-Yeast!

Cupid Cookie steps inside. “Thanks.”

Neapolitan Cookie nodded. “You seem tired, so I’ll let you get some rest in. If you need anything, feel free to help yourself. See you in the morning, Cupid Cookie.” Then the door closed with a soft click.

Cupid Cookie sighs in relief and lays down on her bed. She curled up on her side, ready to sleep.

RING! RING!

RING! RING!

“Hello?”

“Doopity-Doo! Evening, Cupid Cookie! It is us, the Sugar Gnomes! We wanted to inform you on a time frame that it would take us to expand your house! From the materials currently being used and retrieving them to properly shape and mold the house to look perfect, it would take us… about a month or two!”

Cupid Cookie shot up immediately. “A m-month?! That seems rather lengthy! I-I-”

“No need to worry, Cupid Cookie. We will still try to work efficiently, yet carefully and maybe we can get it done much earlier! We will let you know and keep you updated!”

Cupid Cookie gave out a shaky breath, dragging her hand down her face as she groaned. “I..a-alright. Alright. It’s not a bother for me.” Lie. “Don’t let me interrupt your work then.”

She hangs up the phone before laying on her back. The urge to scream was building up, but no. She can’t do that in someone else’s home. She’ll just swallow it, keep it within, then let it out later. Much later.

“A month?!” Neapolitan Cookie exclaimed as she brewed some coffee.

“That’s what I said!” Cupid Cookie shouted. “I didn’t think it would take them that long. I mean, the Sugar Gnomes are usually quick but they said because of what my house is made of, it’s gonna take them much longer.” She sighs. “If I’m overextending my stay, I really didn’t mean it.”

“No no, it’s fine. It’s…I don’t understand why they didn’t tell you in advance.”

Cupid Cookie fiddled with her hands. “I guess I should have asked firsthand. But it slipped my mind because I was too anxious and antsy for it to be done.”

“You’re that anxious to get a storage space?” Neapolitan Cookie questioned, sipping her coffee. “Kinda strange honestly.”

Cupid Cookie laughs nervously, before frowning. “Ugh, fuck.” She muttered before turning away from the rancid smell of the coffee Neapolitan Cookie was sipping. (Damn heightened sense of smell!)

“Misfit Cookie is at school right now. Or she should be at school. That young cookie just can’t seem to avoid getting into trouble.” Neapolitan Cookie sighs.

“She’s a teen. Like you didn’t get into shit before? You don’t remember when we tried to convince Peanut Butter Cookie to distract some Cakehounds to sneak into a Cream Sheep farm?” Cupid Cookie teases.

“That was a foolish act. We did it all because I wanted to impress a cookie but was too scared to do it alone!”

“...But it worked.”

“It did work. Then it turned out that cookie just had a penchant for odd hobbies and I didn’t want to be a part of it anymore.”

“I.. can only imagine.” Cupid Cookie leans back and taps her hands on the table. “I haven’t been in Parfaedia enough times so like, what is there to do around here?”

“Library. Park. Sometimes there’s little city events that take place for cookies to show off their magical skills.”

“So pretty much like the Kingdom then.”

Neapolitan Cookie shrugged. “Yeah I guess.”

“I’ll just clean myself up and go on a walk later then, look around and stuff.”

Cupid Cookie flew down the sunny streets of Parfaedia. A heavy contrast compared to night with all of the lights illuminating the streets, shimmering like stars. There was always something taking place even on work/school days. Cupid Cookie hums before her eyes catch a bookstore and she swiftly flies in.

Walking, because flying of all sorts was prohibited, through the isles of perfectly organized books based on their genres and authors. The only books Cupid had were romance, sonnets and romcoms. In her defense, they were gifts from cookies none the wiser and it’s rude to turn down gifts.

“Oh?” Something caught her eye as she carefully pried a book out from the shelf. Admiring the cover art before opening it to read the inside synopsis. “Bear witness to the astounding tale of the Heroic Wizard traversing through the eons of space and time to find his destiny and prove his loyalty and love-ugh.” She closed the book and shoved it back on the shelf. Rolling her eyes, she continued searching around the library.

And spotted something.

A Novel for Raising Baby Doughs.

There’s just a book for everything, is there?

Placing a gloved hand on her stomach, Cupid Cookie stood there admiring the text for a moment. She could get it, it would help her out a lot. However, she’d be questioned by Neapolitan Cookie. It’s a struggle. A big one.

Ugh. Screw it. 

She’ll just keep it hidden underwraps until she’s back home.

“Oh hey, welcome back!” Neapolitan Cookie greeted Cupid Cookie. “I see you did some shopping.”

“Hm? What gave it away?” Cupid Cookie asked as she held two bags in her hands. “I’ll keep them in my room so they aren’t in the way.”

“May I ask what you got there?”

“Nothing much, just a tone of chocolate.”

Neapolitan Cookie scoffs. "No way you spent all that time outside and all you got were-chocolates..”

“Hmph.” Cupid Cookie stuffed the bar of rich chocolates back in its bag before flying into her room. “I’ll be out in a second, just need to relax from all of that flying.” 

Cupid Cookie closed herself off in her room, placing the bag of chocolates besides her bed. She pulled the book out and admired the cover. An illustration of an older cookie and a baby dough together in a pastel color palette painting surrounded by flowers and blueberry birds. Looking up at the door again, ensuring it’s locked before beginning to read and study.

Nine months, yeah.

Hormone kicks, mhm.

The obvious mentioned from what she remembered, or found out after the visit with a Healing Cookie. She just jumped towards the end for when the baby was here.

Okay, yes. This is what she needed. She’ll read up on these sections only over and over.

It’s two weeks in staying with Neapolitan Cookie and today Cupid Cookie would be assisting her with deep cleaning and going out to restock for the month. With so much moving around and current exhaustion, her energy to even fly was slowly deteriorating away; however she hides it to the best of her abilities.

She couldn’t wait to collapse into her bed, eagerly entering her bedroom-

“Misfit Cookie?!” She shrieked.

Misfit Cookie was laid on Cupid Cookie’s bed, eating her chocolate and reading the Novel for Raising Baby Doughs with a bored expression. “What did you get this for? Do you plan on having kids?”

Cupid Cookie grumbled before storming over to snatch it away from her hands and stuffed it into her suitcase instead. “Didn’t your aunt tell you to not go into your guest’s room?”

“Auntie Neapolitan Cookie can’t tell me what to do and also this is my house too and you are also my guest.” Misfit Cookie responded, putting her arms behind her head as she stared at the ceiling.

“Nice try, kiddo.” Cupid Cookie scoffed before collecting all of the spared chocolates, which sadly wasn’t a lot. “Alright, you had your fun, now get out of here.”

“Why do you have a pregnancy book?”

Cupid Cookie sighs. “Misfit Cookie, please get out.”

“Are you pregnant? If you are, I’m gonna tell Auntie Neapolitan Cookie.”

“No, I’m not pregnant. Now can you please leave?”

“If you aren’t then why do you have this?”

“Misfit. Cookie. Get. Out.”

“Answer my question first!”

“It’s for a friend. I answered your question, now get out.”

“That’s a lie! According to Auntie Neapolitan Cookie, you and Peanut Butter Cookie are the only friends you guys have!”

Cupid Cookie sighs and sits on her chair, rubbing her temples.

“If you’re pregnant-”

“I’m NOT pregnant!” Cupid Cookie started yelling.

Their yelling grabbed the attention of Neapolitan Cookie. She walked in the guest bedroom with confusion. “What’s going on here? Misfit Cookie, what are you doing here?”

“Because I can and because I want to.” Misfit Cookie shrugged her shoulders. “Whatever, I’m bored and I’m going back to my room.” She gets off the bed and walks over to her own bedroom.

Neapolitan Cookie sighs and shakes her head in disbelief. “Oh this kid. Hey, what’s going on? I heard you yelling.”

Cupid Cookie huffs and shakes her head. “It’s nothing.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah.”

Cupid Cookie has been on edge after her room was infiltrated. Misfit Cookie knew the truth and there was no telling if she would spill the beans to her aunt. She tried to calm down, stress wasn’t good for the baby, but how could she?

She should call Peanut Butter Cookie to revise that request to stay with her for the rest of the month.

Ugh, but then Neapolitan Cookie might get her feelings hurt and then the truth comes out.

Fuck.

This shit sucked so much.

Dammit, where was her phone?

RING!

RING!

RING!

“You called three times?” Peanut Butter Cookie finally answered with confusion.

“Hey, uhm,” Cupid Cookie looked over her shoulder to make sure her door was closed and locked this time. “Listen, it’s not working out at Neapolitan Cookie’s.”

“Why? What’s going on?”

“Nea’s niece.”

Peanut Butter Cookie let out a disappointed sigh. “Should have known. What happened this time?”

“She broke into the bedroom I was currently resting in and she got into my stuff, my chocolates dude.”

Peanut Butter Cookie went quiet. Before saying in a confused tone, “Your chocolates? Is that it?”

Cupid Cookie groans. “Yes. Yes, my chocolates.”

“Cupid Cookie, not to downplay your annoyance, but chocolate isn’t that pricey to get. They cost the same everywhere in Earthbread. I'm positive. You told Neapolitan Cookie this, yes?”

“No. I didn’t think it would bother me but now it does. And what would even be the point of replenishing it? Kid will just break in again and eat them all!”

“Hey hey, let’s calm down. Remember, this is a child we are talking about. Let’s not get too angry here, okay? Just go tell Neapolitan Cookie what happened and we can solve the problem from there. Alright?”

“I.. I still want to come over.”

Peanut Butter Cookie went silent as she looked behind her shoulder. “I-I’m sorry, Cupid Cookie. But something came up.”

“What? What happened?”

“I…fuck uhm..it’s just a family issue. I really do not want to get into the details. I know, I’m sorry. Just-”

“No. No, it’s fine. I’m sorry. I’m just..ugh..I was really looking forward to enjoying myself with them and..yeah I should tell Neapolitan Cookie. You take care, Peanut Butter Cookie. I’ll see you later.”

Beep!

Cupid Cookie was kept afloat by her wings in one place. 

And then she was mindlessly dangled side to side by thin blue strings wrapped around her limbs, torso and neck.

Her stitched smile and button eyes stare up at the cookie puppeteering her, and he returns his gaze with slight intrigue in his mismatched colored eyes. Lifting up his hand to hold her above his head, his slitted pupils followed the puppet’s every move.

Then the strings release the doll, causing her to fall in Shadow Milk Cookie’s hand.

He’s confused.

Recalling what he conversed with Black Sapphire Cookie, what was so interesting about this common cookie? It couldn’t just be because she entertained him or the humor in watching her put on a mask just to be socially accepted by cookies? Just for such a mask to falter when those fairies were giving her a hard time?

Ugh. Feelings were so confusing and such a nuisance.

Why did he have to have them?

And why were they causing him to be drawn to someone like her? She was just a bit of entertainment to do on the side as a break for preparing the big event. And now that it’s being put into motion, she’s just an obstacle.

A distraction.

Ugh, by the hideous witches, how dare this damned cookie make him feel something and pry his motives away from something important?! He shouldn’t have given in! Now, he’s burdened with this!

Wait.

Burdened?

No. No that can’t be.

“Ha….haha…” His body slightly shakes before he drapes his hand over his eyes, throwing his head back to let out a maniacal laugh. No way, he’s burdened with feelings for some common cookie who he knows would never return to Beast-Yeast?

She’s not a fool, some cookie would have told her the deets by now. She isn’t coming back.

And yet,

That notion bothered him.

Disturbed him.

His laughter died down and a sigh left him. That feeling will pass. There’s another cookie he’s anticipating seeing. If things go accordingly, then he won’t be so bothered by this little cherub cookie.

…

She feels soft in his hands though.

He’ll hold onto her a little bit longer.