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It couldn't have been a sunnier day at the Vanilla Kingdom, the light blared through the small crack of the curtains, causing the night owl Shadow milk cookie to grumble under his breath, rubbing his eyes as the sun continued to violate his pupils. His body slowly started to focus on his senses, his sight clear once more, the smell of Vanilla and that fresh morning air waffed throughout the room, and of course, the feel of the light breathing on his neck, the soft snoring... none other than Pure vanilla, sleeping soundly, his arms wrapped around Shadow milk's stomach as if he would crumble apart at the seams if he let go. Shadow milk sighed, he could never quite remember how he always ended up in this position, no matter how stubborn he was the night before, he always ended up back in the same bed, the same light breathing that somehow irked his every sense, but also filled him with a sense of calm, it was a confusing matter, almost too confusing for him.
''...'' He glared down at the sleeping ancient, his eyes gently shut, his soft lips parted, breathing out a small, slow puff of breath every few seconds. ''Hey, it's time to get up.'' He huffed begrudgingly, almost as if he was trying to convince himself to wake up aswell.
Pure vanilla mumbled something incoherently, squeezing his eyes shut and holding him tighter, but slowly letting go a few seconds later, sighing. ''Mm... good morning Blue bird, how did you sleep?'' He smiled weakly, head still on the pillow, arm over his eyes.
Shadow milk scoffed, crossing his arms. ''Awful, I don't know how I keep ending up in this bed with you, it's ridiculous.''
Pure vanilla laughed lightly, sitting up slowly, tilting his head. ''Don't you think you should be asking yourself that question? It's not like I'm forcing you.'' He had a sweet, but also knowing smile on his face, so sweet Shadow milk could feel his tooth rotting just at the sight of it.
''...I don't like that you're making a fair point, so I'm going to ignore you.'' He turned his head away, sitting up and onto the edge of the bed, rubbing his eyes before standing up, he would probably end up floating around the room as he always did once he wasn't so groggy. ''I'm assuming you have boring documents to do today, as per usual, and you're going to leave me cooped up in this room once more, the nerve of you!''
Pure vanilla raised one of his brows a smidge, speaking in a confused, curious tone. ''I offer to take you out Blue bird, but you always decline my requests, just last night I asked you to come gardening with me, but you turned away from me like I was some fool.''
Shadow milk rubbed his chin, shrugging. ''Nope, don't remember that happening Vanilly, you're just making it up.'' He smirked, the look in his eyes was screaming that he wanted to rile him up, but of course, Pure vanilla wasn't the usual halfwit he normally encountered, so his attempts seemed utterly futile.
''But you were right about one thing,'' Pure vanilla sighed, seeming disappointed as he stood up, wrapping his robes around him tighter. ''I have alot of work to do today, so feel free to roam the Kingdom if you feel that you're becoming restless inside this room.''
''Ugh, I knew it! You abandon me for paperwork once more... you jeopardize me, Pure vanilla cookie, what if I were to be found by an evil cookie? What then?'' He slumped down onto the floor dramatically, hand over his head, Pure vanilla couldn't help but give a small smile.
He laughed slightly, shaking his head. ''I am positive you can handle one cookie, Blue bird,'' He trailed off, humming. ''And you can always come find me, whenever you may need me, okay?''
Shadow milk almost gagged at his kindness and sweet tone, even with the fact they had been dating for a month or two now, he still had some saltiness left, and he would use it on being difficult and causing trouble for Pure vanilla. He floated around the room, sighing exaggeratively as he juggled three multicoloured balls in his hands, throwing them off to the side before glancing down at Pure vanilla, huffing. Pure vanilla didn't notice Shadow milks intense gaze, his partial blindness made him quite oblivious to things that were happening in his peripheral vision, which wasnt the worst thing in the world for Shadow milk, it made him an easy target for tricking and teasing. He eventually got sick of staring at his Vanilla partner, his golden aura and sweet scent were hypnotising, and Shadow milk was getting sick of how much happy energy he radiated just by smiling as he worked, so he decided to move along to the next spot that would be subjected to his judgement and inspection. His eyes locked onto a small box under Pure vanilla's bed, he crouched down to pull it out, raising a suspicious brow, grimacing as he brushed the thick layer of dust off the top, there was no writing on the top, it was just a plain brown box. He slowly lifted the lid, eyes flashing with a little surprise as he inspected the items inside, it was the box of belongings he had managed to retrieve from his Castle of Deceit before it crumbled apart when he left it. He dumped the stuff on the floor, searching through the scattered items, a few toys for his performances and shows, some old souveniers passed down to him, some wrappers from god knows whatever treats Candy apple cookie had been eating. He eyed down a picture frame, turning it around, his gaze softening the slightest bit as he brushed the dust off the front, a picture of him, Black sapphire and Candy apple, all together in the castle. He hadn't thought of them much since Pure Vanilla brang him back to the Vanilla kingdom, he pondered for a second, he hadn't really appreciated their company when he had to live with them, but now...
''Blue bird, are you okay over there? You've been sat on the floor looking at something for a few minutes now.'' Pure vanilla questioned, standing up from his desk, gracefully walking over.
''Oh, right. I was just planning on how to... break this picture, yeah.'' He waved the ancient off, shaking his head and scoffing, holding the frame away from himself like it was poisoned.
Pure vanilla took the frame from him gently, glancing over it, tilting his head with a small, thoughtful frown.
''Blue bird, could it be that you miss your subjects? You seemed to place alot of trust and faith in them when you were living in your own castle.'' Pure vanilla spoke in such a tone that it felt impossible for Shadow milk to make a sarcastic comeback, like his voice was some sort of spell that ripped the truth out of you, it was almost scary.
''I don't miss them,'' Shadow milk shook his head, glancing away from the picture. ''I merely miss their- err... assistance! I miss their help around the place, yeah, I miss having someone to do everything for me.'' He cleared his throat, smirking, he obviously thought that he was lying extremely well right now, but Pure vanilla could see through him clearer than a window, even with his slightly impaired vision.
''Most days I end up doing most of your tasks for you anyway,'' He sighed, his voice tinged with a slight bit of enervation in his tone. ''there's nothing wrong with the fact that you're missing them, it's natural, you know that?''
Shadow milk shot him a sharp glare, as if he had just said something ridiculous that shouldn't have had a moment of consideration. ''I told you already, Vanilly, I don't miss them.'' He spat out defensively, placing the frame back into the box and shutting it tightly with the still slightly dusty brown lid.
Pure Vanilla stared at him with a solemn look in his eyes, slowly lowering himself onto the floor next to the normally cunning master of deceit, who seemed to be a tinge more unresponsive and less cocky. The ancient let out a light blow of air through his nose, placing a hand on Shadow milk's shoulder, tilting his head to get a clearer view of his face. Shadow milk didn't bat an eye, keeping quiet, his brows slightly furrowed, his mouth curved into a slight frown, the slight appearance of sorrow in his expression told Pure vanilla everything he needed to know.
''It seems that seeing that photo has made you feel slightly poigant,'' He lightly rubbed his arm now, resting his head on the blue cookie's shoulder. ''I hope you know that I'm here for you, even if you deny your own feelings.''
Shadow milk turned to him, not showing appreciation or distaste for the affection he was receiving, he just huffed, rolling his eyes.
"It's stupid, I don't know why I feel a thing for them, they were merely my loyal servants, the ones who would do anything for me, no matter what happened to them." He spoke cruelly of them, but the quietness of his voice, the sharp tone in his voice that was normally there had transformed into a softer, more sorrow tone, it clearly exposed his true feelings. "The little gnats... I'm glad I'm not around those fools anymore, my life is sooo much easier!"
Pure vanilla couldn't help but feel his expression soften, it was an... odd way of coping with how he felt, but it was how he coped nonetheless, and any sort of improvement Pure vanilla saw was a win in his book.
"You really do miss them, don't you?" Pure vanilla frowned, sliding his hand around to now slowly rub up and down his back, a small act of comfort for him.
"Ugh, it's ridiculous, it's all their fault! Making me so attatched- I'll get them back for it one day." He snapped, opening the box once more in a slight huff, yanking the frame out, scoffing. "I'll keep this next to the bed, so I can wake up every morning and start plotting on how to find them and make them pay."
Pure vanilla let out a small, almost relieved laugh, he seemed to be taking this whole situation alot easier than he originally thought he would.
"You do that, Blue bird." He smiled lightly, sitting up right once again, removing his hand from Shadow milk cookies back, placing it in his lap. "...Say, how would you like to go out today? Just down to the kingdoms garden, we can sit down by the pond if you'd like, to get your mind off of them."
Shadow milk narrowed his eyes, standing up and floating in the air atleast one foot off the ground, his face had a disapproving look.
"Ugh, you know I hate the outside, Vanilly, don't be foolish." He grinned, leaning back in the air. "This weather too! Its like the sun is personally attacking my nerves, I'll melt out there!"
Pure vanilla sighed, tilting his head and also standing up, placing his staff against the wall as he looked up at the floating cookie.
"Blue bird, you haven't been out for nearly a week now, it's good to get fresh air, or even sit outside for atleast an hour every single day!" He shook his head, his voice lecturing, but also soft and knowing. "And please, walk on your feet, it's not good to float around all the time, you need proper physical movement."
Shadow milk rolled his eyes, groaning as he slammed his two feet on the ground, albeit reluctantly, walking around for a few seconds, almost seeming stiff.
"Good enough for you, Vanilly?" He mocked in a cocky tone, raising one brow.
"Yes, much better, thank you Blue bird." He smiled. "So will you come out with me? Just for a short walk."
Shadow milk groaned, almost as if he was in physical pain just from the idea of being outside, let alone being scorched by the bright sun of the summer day. He glared at Pure vanilla, narrowing his eyes, the small smile and hopeful look on his face made Shadow milk clench his fist. He had two options; suffer in the hot, loud outside world, but make his boyfriend happy, or have an unhappy boyfriend, but stay inside and be comfortable. The old Shadow milk cookie would've laughed in his current days' face if he knew that he was even considering the first option, but that wasn't him anymore, was it? He was a domesticated fool now, so he begrudgingly nodded, letting out a loud, heavy sigh.
"I'm only doing this because you'll sulk otherwise." He turned away, crossing his arms, but trying to sneak a glance backwards, wanting to see his pleased reaction.
"Oh- I'm so happy Blue bird! Thank you!" He smiled widely, walking over to hug Shadow milk softly, holding it for longer than possibly needed and humming.
Shadow milk reluctantly returned the hug, patting his back awkwardly, grumbling under his breath about how he's only doing this to make Pure vanilla happy, but the ancient didn't seem to care.
"We should get going now, the day won't wait for us." Pure vanilla hurried them along, holding out his hand for Shadow milk to take.
Shadow milk stared down at his pale, soft hand, there were no imperfections, it was almost uncanny. He grumpily took his hand, holding it loosely, but Pure vanilla just held his tighter.
"Lovely! Let's be on our way, maybe we can stop by at that bakery you like down the street?" Pure vanilla happily blabbered on, almost like he was running downstairs on Christmas day as a young cookie.
Shadow milk trailed just a little behind, he was a little skeptical about holding Pure Vanilla's hand in public, considering he didn't want their relationship to be out for everyone to know about, though he didn't want it private, he wanted to keep some anonymity about the whole thing. They took the longer way around to the private gardens, as per Shadow milk's request, as there were always less cookies down that path, just a few select cookies that also prefer their alone time. They arrived at the gardens, a large grass structure, the bushes shaped to look like a small entry way, inside lays a large pond, some small fountains inside, a splashing, but gentle water sound playing, the area brang a sense of calm to any cookie who would have entered it. Pure vanilla sat down right infront of the pond, letting go of Shadow milk's hand to give him the right to sit or stand wherever he likes, but he ended up lowering himself next to Pure vanilla anyway. The vanilla cookie slowly lowered his hand into the water, smiling lightly as he breathed a deep sigh of relief and contentment, which was quickly disturbed by the act of splashing some water onto Shadow milk's face, just from his hand. He spat, rubbing his face, grunting.
"Vanilly! What was that for?!" He narrowed his eyes, scoffing. "You've got some nerve for someone as soft as you, y'know that?"
Pure vanilla laughed loudly, but somehow still flawlessly and softly, he placed a hand on his chest, chuckling quietly.
"Haha! I'm sorry, Blue bird! You were far too peaceful." He let out a small giggle, tilting his head.
Shadow milk narrowed his eyes, plotting in his head before smirking, pouncing on Pure vanilla, holding him on the ground, who only started laughing and giggling more, tears pricking in the corners of his eyes, making Shadow milk make a noise of amusement, but also slight annoyance.
"You're truly a pest, Vanilly." He smirked slightly, brushing his hair out his face, still on top of him.
Pure vanilla, took a deep breath to compose himself, letting out a few little snickers and smiles before slowly opening his eyes, looking back up into Shadow milk's eyes, his smile genuine and pure. Shadow milk raised a brow, staring back, he couldn't understand why his pulse quickened when he stared up at him with that stupid smile... why was it different this time? He didn't understand, and he hated it.
"Blue bird, are you okay? You appear to be drifting off." Pure vanilla tilted his head, seemingly the tiniest bit concerned now.
"I'm fine, you... unbearable cookie." He smirks, brushing a stray hair out of Pure vanilla's eyes, his hand lingering on his skin for a moment too long, the ancient underneath him placing his hand over Shadow milk's, that sweet smile plastered on his face, it made the beast insane.
"Mm, seeing you like this reminds me why I fell in love with you." Pure vanilla raised his hand to stroke Shadow milk's cheek, his gaze soft and loving.
Shadow milk felt a small heat raise to his cheeks for the first time in forever, was this happening because of the heat? Or was this really his fate? Stuck with some lover boy, and to make matters worse, one he was in love with! He realized he had been silent for far too long, quickly sputtering out.
"Pfft- yeah, sure it wasn't my expert good looks?" He laughed, but it seemed oddly nervous? Awkward maybe? Possibly uncertain, but Pure vanilla didn't care, he hummed all the same, stared at him with the same love in his eyes every single time.
"I love you, Blue bird." Pure vanilla spoke, his tone sincere, too sincere for the oh so cautious Shadow milk cookie.
"Tch, I... suppose I love you too." He muttered, already internally punching himself in the face for being like this.
Pure vanilla, twirled a loose strand of Shadow milk's hair around his finger, sliding both his hands down his neck, pulling him lower, causing a small sound of surprise to emit from Shadow milk.
"Can I kiss you?" He spoke naturally, far too naturally for Shadow milk, how could be so casual about this? While the master of deceit was still struggling to think of a response to a simple kiss from his lover.
"...I suppose I'll allow you to indulge in a kiss from the m-!" He was cut off suddenly to Pure vanilla gently kissing his lips, eyes fluttered shut, his hand sliding up his back.
Shadow milk kissed back awkwardly, it was obvious Pure vanilla had much more experience than him, which was painfully embarrassing. The kiss was nice, soft lips pressed against each other, the occasional sound of pleasure or contentment from either side, but eventually it was broke apart, by Shadow milk, of course.
"That's quite enough of... that, you only have a limited amount of kisses from someone as amazing as me." He huffed pridefully, sitting back up, Pure vanilla following, finally sitting back up onto his knees.
"That was very nice Blue bird, we should do this more often." He smiled, grabbing Shadow milk's hand, rubbing the inside of his palm slowly.
Shadow milk huffed, the slight flush on his cheeks was starting to embarrass him.
"Yeah, yeah," He rolled his eyes, scoffing as if he wasn't extremely embarrassed about the whole ideal, the worst part?! Pure vanilla was totally pretending to not notice his embarrassment, it only made him feel worse about it! Ugh, he couldn't win. "say... you said something about the bakery down the street earlier?"
Pure vanilla smiled with a small chuckle, nodding. "Yes, yes I did, would you like to go there and get a pastry?"
"Ah, would I?!" Shadow milk let out a small hearty laugh, smirking. "Vanilly, Vanilly.. lets not be foolish now, take me there at once!"
He laughed, slowly standing up and nodding, just as he would a small child. "Come along then."
"They better have croissants."
"I'm sure they will, Blue bird."