"He... Help..?" the cookie asked drearily. She shivered from the cold, still unable to stand. "I need... help..."
Dark Cacao Cookie nodded. "We'll take you back to the kingdom," he said, making his intentions clear. He held out a hand to the injured cookie. She hesitated, then slowly reached for it. He helped her up and gently leaned her against him.
"Can you walk?" he asked.
"I'm... cold..." the cookie said, her voice thin and shaky.
He gave a small nod and signaled for Caramel Arrow Cookie, who rushed over and offered her support. Then, Dark Cacao Cookie shrugged off his thick jacket and placed it over the trembling cookie’s shoulders.
She startled at the sudden warmth, flinching—then looked up at him. Her eyes, once wild, shifted— trusting.
She slipped her arms through the sleeves and clutched the fabric tight, holding it like a warm blanket.
"Thanks..." she murmured.
He simply grunted in response, trying to ignore how her voice made something deep stir in his chest.. He was used to gratitude and praise, but the way she said it made something warm blossom in his chest. Something he hadn't felt in a long time. As soon as he pushed the softness down, he felt something pressing against his side.
The injured cookie was leaning against him. Her eyes drooped, heavy with exhaustion, finally letting herself rest after what seemed like a long time of exertion.
"C-Caramel Arrow Cookie," he stammered, hating how nervous he sounded. "We should head back to the kingdom."
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