(oml i used to dance but that's been so long)

The last of the guests had already taken their leave, and the grand hall was empty. It had been a long while since the last ball at the Dark Cacao Kingdom, but it was encouraged by the Milk Tribe anyway, who had some expert dancers among it. Though even they had left by now.

Only one Cookie remained, still prancing about graciously, never having enough of practicing and always yearning for perfection.

"C/N Cookie."

The moment his voice met their ears, they turned, pausing to face him with a soft smile.

"Dark Choco Cookie." They greeted. "You came."

With his formal yet tense stance he stood in the hall, glancing around as if to make sure there weren't any threats looming. There shouldn't be. He was welcome here. This was his palace, after all.

Yes... after debates, fights, reluctant acceptances and reunions, he was back. The Dark Cacao Kingdom had its heir again, though the king seemed incredibly wary of his son's return. C/N Cookie didn't care. Dark Choco Cookie was their childhood friend, their confidant, and the one they'd pour their heart to.

Whether Dark Cacao Cookie wanted or not, they wouldn't give him away so easily again.

Dark Choco Cookie wasn't even sure why he had tried so badly to not be seen sneaking into the hall without being seen or recognized, it was quite impossible for obvious reasons.

He'd come just to see his old friend.

He hesitated, as if ashamed to admit it. "I... wished to speak with you."

C/N Cookie stepped closer to him, tilting their head with curiosity. "About?"

For a long moment, he didn't respond, his gaze dropping down to his gauntleted hands. He flexed his fingers, as if testing an unseen weight upon them. Oddly enough, C/N Cookie noticed he didn't have his sword with him tonight. Finally, he lifted his gaze to meet theirs again.

"I would like to dance." He said, voice low, measured, as if this was some top secret confession. "...with you."

C/N Cookie's breath hitched slightly, suprise flickering in their eyes. Never once had they seen Dark Choco Cookie partake in such lighthearted activities like dancing, not even before his self-exile. He was a warrior, forged by sorrow and burdened by regret, and yet, it was in his blood like some unshakable curse. Now here he was, asking them to share a moment of grace with him.

Their lips curved into a gentle smile, and they stepped forward, closing the distance between them. Slowly, they reached for his hand, fingertips brushing against the rather cold metal of his gauntlet.

"May I?" The dancer asked warmly.

After not even a second of hesitating, he nodded. With quiet reverence, he allowed them to remove his gauntlets, revealing his scarred hands. His fingers were rough and calloused, so different from theirs, and yet when they intertwined them, they felt perfect against each other.

The music had long since stopped playing, but it didn't matter. C/N Cookie led Dark Choco cookie slowly, guiding his steps with the ease of someone who had mastered the rhythm of movement. He was stiff at first, but he followed. And when they placed his hand upon their waist, his hands trembled the slightest bit.

"You're doing well!" C/N Cookie said reassuringly.

His gaze flicked to theirs, something unreadable in his crimson eyes. "I have never danced before."

"Then I'll lead you." They smiled.

The silence was comfortable, filled with only the soft thumps of their steps on the polished floor. His movements grew steadier. He held them carefully, as if he was afraid of breaking them like some glass doll, but he followed them with sincerity anyway.

And for a moment, he closed his eyes.

Maybe in moments like this he could forget his past and problems, on how to adjust again. In C/N Cookie's arms, he felt welcome, like the kingdom had already accepted him back fully as its prince. Here, he found something close to...

Peace.