(A/N: This chapter kinda relies on knowing lore about these two so I'll give a quick run-down)

Vanilla and Remus are adoptive siblings, they have another sister named Vivian

Remus got married at 22, but his wife died having Crumbs (so while Vanilla was 17)

Vanilla had Cream at around 19, her siblings were the only people who supported her)

"Vanilla..." Remus hesitated, his hand hovering over his sister's shoulder.

Vanilla didn't look at him, eyes fixed on the tiny girl in her arms. Her whole body was frozen, the shock of everything ripping through her and making it impossible to even hear him.

"Van, can you look at me." He urged, trying to get her attention. He finally rested his hand on her shoulder. That seemed to jolt her out of her state, just slightly.

"There you are..." Remus nodded. "Do you need anything?"

Vanilla shook her head. She was hungry and exhausted, but she couldn't even feel it. All she could think about was the life falling apart before her eyes. Nothing was going right.

Then, Remus turned on his "tough love" mode. A side of him that was strict but caring, though could end up misguided.

"Van, you need to eat." He said simply, his voice leaving no room for argument. "I know it feels sick and impossible, but you need to be okay."

Vanilla shut her eyes tightly. "Why...?"

"For yourself. For me. For her." Remus said, grasping her arm and gesturing to the baby in her arms. "So, let me help you."

She looked at him again, then slowly nodded.