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A lot had happened since the spire. With Shadow Milk disappearing with the wind, leaving Pure Vanilla with his conflicting thoughts.
It was a cold breezy night, stars dotting the black ink. A figure sits at the edge of the fountain—the only source of light that stubbornly shone on in the dark, his staff. It had been a long day of paperwork and meetings, he often found himself wandering unconsciously back to the garden.
The garden where it all had started, where a promise was made. It had been a few months since a certain shadowy figure had visited him. He let out a long heavy sigh before turning to the bush that was ominously emitting shadows.
"You can come out now." A soft smile playing on his lips. Shadows surrounded the other, Shadow Milk returning in full form with that trademark grin of his. "Not bad for a senile old man." He retorted.
Pure Vanilla's smile seemed to only soften. "You are much, much older than me." He snapped back with a gentle chuckle. Shadow Milk hummed thoughtfully, giving Pure Vanilla a once over before smirking viciously. "You look... Absolutely terrible. What'd they do? Oh, wait lemme guess! Put you through the oven again? Put you underneath a rolling pin? Drag you through berry bushes?"
Pure Vanilla let out a tired sigh, his hair was slightly disheveled—faint dark circles underneath his eyes. He was tired. What a rare sight. "It certainly feels like that." He stood up, shifting his weight onto his staff. Old man. Shadow Milk watched in amusement as the other stumbled slightly. "Have you considered my offer?" Pure Vanilla's voice cut through the silence that engulfed them, Shadow Milk perking a brow in response.
Pure Vanilla continued, sensing Shadow Milk's faint confusion. "To live in the Vanilla kingdom. With me." Shadow Milk's smile drops in an instant, a scowl replacing what had once been a grin. "Here I thought you were having fun, bonding about how miserable you look." He crossed his arms over his chest, giving Pure Vanilla a judgmental once-over. "I know you're needy and stuff, but I thought you were smart enough to take a hint."
Pure Vanilla's smile only softens, how infuriating. "If you truly didn't want to stay, you would've left by now." Shadow Milk freezes, the other's words hitting him. "I take it you've been considering it?" Pure Vanilla continued, stepping closer to which Shadow Milk responds by floating higher in the air—out of reach from Pure Vanilla's sticky hands. "You sicken me." Pure Vanilla sighed, his hand dropping to his side. "I shall be waiting for your answer tomorrow afternoon." And with that, Pure Vanilla simply smiled before walking back into the castle's halls, the sound of the tapping of his staff as it connects with the ground growing fainter and fainter as he walks out of sight. Leaving Shadow Milk lost in his thoughts.
What a fool.
--
The next day consisted of Pure Vanilla's usual schedule, dragging himself through the room to brush his tangled golden locks, burying himself in piles of paperwork before heading down into the village to converse with the vanillians. That afternoon, Shadow Milk had infact been waiting in the garden. Pure Vanilla's eyes widen slightly at the sight. "You're here."
Shadow Milk turned his head to the direction of Pure Vanilla's voice, a small smirk tugging at the corners of his lips as he flipped himself upside down in the air. "You sure know how to keep an audience waiting! And it's the beast of deceit, the champion of knowledge, and the most handsome cookie in all of earthbread no less." He grinned mischievously, all teeth.
Pure Vanilla chuckled, stepping closer—the tapping of his staff accompanying the sounds of his footsteps. "My apologies.. This morning was more involved than I had thought." Shadow Milk scoffed. "Sheesh! Aren't you a popular one?" Pure Vanilla sat down on the edge of the fountain. "So." Shadow Milk echoed. His voice sickeningly sweet. "So.." Pure Vanilla continued, "Have you made up your mind?" Shadow Milk sighed, low and heavy. A frown present on his face. "Drop it. I'm not staying."
Pure Vanilla smiled, watching as Shadow Milk flipped himself upright. "If so you would've already left. Isn't that right?" He sighed. "But if you truly wish to leave, you are more than welcome to. But if you... Change your mind, know that this kingdom welcomes you with open arms." Shadow Milk paused, as if considering. Silence engulfing the pair before Shadow Milk breaks through it. "What do they think."
Pure Vanilla raised an eyebrow. "Who?" Shadow Milk groaned. "You're precious subjects that you oh so cherish." Pure Vanilla cranes his neck up to gaze at the blue sky. "What will you make them think?" Shadow Milk's eyebrows furrowed. "That doesn't answer my question." Pure Vanilla smiled softly, turning his head to face the other. "There's another reason why you're here..isn't it?" Pure Vanilla's hand reaches up to gently caress his brooch, his fingertips lightly brushing against his souljam.
Shadow Milk's gaze flicked dangerously at it before shrugging lightly. "Pssh!, even taking my souljam back, emphasis on my, seems more like a chore. The old rat and cat chase, kinda gets old. Dontcha' think?" Pure Vanilla nodded understandingly. "Then pray tell, why haven't you left yet?" Shadow Milk frowned. "You're being a bit nosy today, it's annoying." Pure Vanilla chuckled. "My apologies."
Shadow Milk sighed, his gaze distant as he focused on a particular patch of grass—determined to avoid Pure Vanilla's infuriatingly gentle gaze. "Apologize all you want, Dollface. You're not getting an answer out of me." Pure Vanilla followed Shadow Milk's gaze. "It's alright if you do not wish to give me a response."
Pure Vanilla patiently awaits Shadow Milk's response before opening his mouth to speak. "If you really will leave.. Would you at least join me on a stroll around the garden?" Shadow Milk's eyes lidded as he scowls. "It's rude to ask something you'll do anyway." Pure Vanilla smiled softly. "My apologies, I want to make it known that your decision matters and is solely yours." Shadow Milk sat up, making a big show of stretching his arms over his head.
"Let's get this over with." He raps his cane against his palm as his signature joker smile comes into view. Pure Vanilla followed shortly after, leading the way through his garden. The walk was filled with an awkward yet comfortable silence, there were occasional small conversations and as expected Pure Vanilla had been the one to initiate each and every one of them. When the moon finally reveals itself, the skies dimming—Pure Vanilla yawns softly.
Shadow Milk grinned with amusement. "What, tired already? I hope you know I plan on keeping you up all night." Pure Vanilla chuckled weakly, his steps halting as they reached the front of the gate. He looks up at Shadow Milk, the other groaned—already knowing what the other would ask him. That same persistent question. "I'll stay for the night." Pure Vanilla's face practically beams up. "Alright then."
The pair enter the castle, guards tensing at the sight of the beast—a particular one already reaching for their sword. A pathetic attempt really. "Your majesty—" Pure Vanilla raised his hand. "It's alright, he is my guest for the night." The guard reluctantly withdraws. "If you say so." Shadow Milk smirked in amusement, following Pure Vanilla closely—occasionally making small remarks about the interior of the castle. Once they reach their destination, Pure Vanilla twists the doorknob gently. "You can stay here for the night."
It was a little bright for his liking, but it was nothing his exquisite taste couldn't fix. He hovered into the room slowly taking in his surroundings, a soft click of the door heard behind him. Suddenly, with a flick of his cane—furniture tumble down, the curtains closing with one swift motion. He flicks his cane upwards, bringing the bed up to the ceiling with a loud thud that shook the room—earning a quiet wince from the other. He steps gingerly over the shattered remains of a vase. "I suppose I did tell you to make yourself at home."
Pure Vanilla stepped closer, a slight touch to Shadow Milk's back that made him visibly recoil. "Can't you see I'm busy redecorating?" He frowned down at the other, his words carrying a growl that made Pure Vanilla step back. "I was thinking if you'd like to accompany me with my visit to the markets, if you'd like of course." Shadow Milk scoffed. "Pssh, won't that just make them feel uneasy? Plus, I plan on leaving early." Pure Vanilla nodded, a flicker of disappointment visible in his eyes. "I see." Shadow Milk groaned, dragging his hands across his face.
"Fine." He drawls "Don't get so pouty. It's annoying when I don't have a smile to ruin." Pure Vanilla's smile visibly brightens up. "Oh.. alright then. I'll see you tomorrow for breakfast.. Speaking of, what would you like to eat?" Shadow Milk shrugged. "I'm not really picky, just make sure to include some cookie crumbs." Pure Vanilla stiffened slightly, Shadow Milk cackled. "Sheesh!, learn how to take a joke Nilly." Pure Vanilla sighed in relief. "I'll be going now, goodnight to you... Bluebird."
Shadow Milk perked up an eyebrow—if he had a response it was lost, the other had already exited the room. Leaving Shadow Milk in his carcass of a room. He frowned slightly, already making his way to the bed attached to the ceiling—pulling the blanket around him tightly as he stared down at the beautiful mess he had created. It had taken him a while but when his eyecings lidded he allowed slumber to carry him off to the peaceful bliss of slumber.
--
Shadow Milk wakes up to the rhythmatic sounds of knocking, of course. He groans, burying his face deeper into the pillows as he pulls the blanket over his body. The door opens with a click, "Shadow Milk?" The voice annoyingly gentle and familiar. The sounds of a staff tapping approaching until the noise was directly below him "I know you're awake." Shadow Milk groaned.
Shadow Milk cracked one eye open, pinning Pure Vanilla with a glare. "You disrupted my beauty sleep." Pure Vanilla smiled softly. "My apologies—" Shadow Milk groaned. "Stop apologizing. It's annoying." Pure Vanilla nodded. "It's just that it seems I might be too busy to go down to the markets." Shadow Milk burying his face into the sheets as he wrapped the blanket tightly around himself, his back facing the other. "I don't know why you had to wake me up for that."
Silence threatened to engulf the pair before an irritating scraping sound against the floor was made, Pure Vanilla gently removing furniture—seating himself on a chair, craning his neck up to look at Shadow Milk. "I'm quite a patient cookie myself, so I've been told." Shadow Milk groaned, loud and low. "My patience wears thin because of each and every little trick you make that you think I'll fall for." Pure Vanilla tilted his head slightly. "I do not wish to trick, trap, nor hurt you. I simply want to be your friend."
Shadow Milk's fists clenched against the bedding. "Friend?" He spat, like the word itself had offended him. Which it had. "Don't be so foolish, dollface." Pure Vanilla smiled softly. "If it takes a fool to befriend you, then let me be foolish." Silence... Then, a low growl escaping Shadow Milk's lips. "Get out." Pure Vanilla frowned slightly. "Shadow Milk—" "Get. Out." The other sensed the warning in the other's tone, standing up slowly—preparing to leave. "I hope you know that I'll always welcome you with open arms."
Shadow Milk scowled, the door shutting softly with a click. Burying himself further in the sheets. Pure Vanilla's words taunt him, his brows furrowing.
--
Later that afternoon, Shadow Milk found himself idly wandering the castle's pristine halls. Searching for prey that was all too familiar.. Alongside terrorizing any unfortunate cookie that had started at him for too long. He melds with the shadows, travelling through the cracks of the castle and into Pure Vanilla's bedroom. He finds the other leaned against the balcony, hands on the railings. He smirked to himself.
Re appearing in front of Pure Vanilla as he jolts up with a start. "Miss me?" Shadow Milk cooed, watching Pure Vanilla's expression intently. "I thought you didn't want to see me, considering our latest conversation." Shadow Milk shrugged lightly. "You woke me up too early was really my fault?" He perked an eyebrow, the other smiling softly. "It was already early noon." Shadow Milk scoffed, "pssh, same thing." Pure Vanilla chuckled softly, his gaze was fixed solely on the village below. "If you still want to.. would you accompany me to the markets?" Shadow Milk hummed, feigning thoughtfulness.
"No," The response was almost immediate, his hands placed against the back of his head as he lazily drifted in air. "So don't get your hopes up, thinking I'll ever warm up to those simple-minded citizens." He spat cruelly. Pure Vanilla hummed in response. "I see." Pure Vanilla shot a soft smile at Shadow Milk's direction, his eyes crinkling fondly. "Would you rather a walk around the garden?" Shadow Milk flipped himself upside down, mismatched eyes boring into Pure Vanilla's. "Eh, I have nothing to do anyway. And since someone is demanding for my attention who am I, the most handsome and sophisticated cookie in all of earthbread, to reject an obsessed fan's offer?" He placed his hand on his chest dramatically as he flipped himself upright.
Pure Vanilla chuckled gently. "How generous." The pair walked down the winding stairs and through the hallways of the castle, finally—they reached the garden. The song of birds filling their ears as Pure Vanilla motioned for him to follow. "May I ask a question?" Shadow Milk perked up a brow coaxing the other to continue. "If you were able to undo one mistake, what would it be?" Shadow Milk froze before scoffing. "Pheh, such simple questions for a simple-minded, insufferable cookie. Out of all the questions you could've asked, you chose that?—really?, I thought you could do better Nilly."
Pure Vanilla smiled softly, his hand gently holding his staff while the other folds behind his back. "Yes." Shadow Milk rolled his eyes, he seemed to genuinely be in thought. "Meeting you." He retorted, earning a chuckle from the other. "What? I'm being serious here, Nilly. If it weren't for you and your stupid squad of heroes with false hope, I might've succeeded to take my souljam back." Pure Vanilla perked an eyebrow up, occasionally bending down to check on his plants as they walked along the garden. "Is that so?" Shadow Milk folding his arms behind his back as he followed closely by the heel. "I know so."
Pure Vanilla hummed, taking a seat on a nearby bench—patting the area beside him, encouraging the other to sit. "What? Tired already? My, my. You really are getting old, Dollface." Shadow Milk sat down a few inches above the bench, his arms crossing over his chest as he leaned against the bench. "Maybe." Pure Vanilla smiled softly. "I just thought we should maybe enjoy the scenery." Shadow Milk shot the other a skeptical look, "Can't we do that while walking?" Pure Vanilla smiled softly. "Sometimes, it's alright to take things so slow. We have all the time in the world." Shadow Milk scowled lightly, crossing his legs - a leg placed over the other, occasionally sneaking glances at the other - quickly realizing the other had been staring right back at him when those infuriatingly patient eyes. He clicked his tongue, his signature joker smile returning. "Really, Nilly? wasting your time on things like this? sheesh! You really are old."
Pure Vanilla chuckled softly. "Perhaps, but I think that it is you who needs to learn how to appreciate things' beauty. Take these flowers for example." Shadow Milk scowled, a cruel chuckle escaping his lips. "They'll wither away with time." Pure Vanilla hummed softly, turning to gaze at the other which Shadow Milk stubbornly avoids - casting his gaze above the sky. "Perhaps, but I think that it's a good thing." Shadow Milk perked up a brow, giving the other a curious once-over. "It makes you take your time to observe the beauty of things, not just on the outside but in the inside as well." Typical. Of course Pure Vanilla Cookie would say that. "Sounds stupid and time consuming." Pure Vanilla smile only softens further. As if it wasn't soft enough too make Shadow Milk's stomach churl. "Now that is where you're wrong, my friend." The other hummed softly, resting his chin on his palm. "Then tell me why I'm wrong?"
Pure Vanilla let out a quiet, almost breathless laugh, as though the answer had always been simple to him. “Because,” he began gently, “you think time spent appreciating something is time wasted… when in truth, it is the only time that truly belongs to you.” Shadow Milk scoffed, though the edge in his voice dulled just slightly. “Belongs to me? Watching flowers die?” “Watching them live,” Pure Vanilla corrected softly. His gaze drifted back to the blossoms, fingers brushing lightly against a petal. “You call it withering. I call it a story—one that doesn’t last forever, so you learn to cherish it while it does.” Shadow Milk’s eyes flickered, betraying a hint of thought before he quickly masked it with a smirk. “You’re saying I should waste my time getting sentimental over something so fragile?”
Pure Vanilla tilted his head, smile unwavering. “I’m saying that fragility is what gives it meaning.” There was a pause—longer this time. Shadow Milk exhaled through his nose, glancing, if only briefly, at the flowers before looking away again. “…Still sounds inconvenient.” “And yet,” Pure Vanilla replied, his voice softer now, almost teasing, “you’re still here, listening.”
That earned him a quiet huff. “…Don’t get used to it.” Shadow Milk’s gaze lingered on the flowers this time—only for a heartbeat, but long enough to betray him. “…You talk like everything has some grand meaning,” he muttered, folding his arms. “Like it’s all worth something just because it exists for a moment.” Pure Vanilla’s expression softened, though there was something steadier behind it now. “Not everything,” he replied. “But the things we choose to notice… they become worth something.”
Shadow Milk let out a quiet scoff. “So it’s just a matter of perspective, then? You decide it matters, so it does?” “In a way,” Pure Vanilla said, tilting his head. “Meaning isn’t always something you find. Sometimes, it’s something you give.” That earned him a sharper glance. “That sounds like pretending.” Pure Vanilla chuckled softly “Does it?” Pure Vanilla asked gently. “Or does it simply mean you have more control than you think?” Silence fell again, heavier this time. Shadow Milk’s eyes flickered back to the flowers despite himself, his expression tightening as if caught in the act. “…And if I choose not to care?”
Pure Vanilla’s smile didn’t waver, but his voice grew softer. “Then that is your choice.” A pause. “But I think,” he added, almost thoughtfully, “that you wouldn’t still be standing here if you truly didn’t.” Shadow Milk clicked his tongue, turning away with a faint scowl—but not before his gaze lingered just a second too long. “…You’re insufferable.” Pure Vanilla only laughed softly at that, the sound light and unbothered. “And yet,” he mused, “you haven’t left.” Shadow Milk’s scowl deepened, though there was less bite in it now. “Maybe I’m just waiting for you to stop talking.” “A pity,” Pure Vanilla replied, glancing at him with quiet amusement. “I don’t intend to.”
A brief silence followed—comfortable on one side, restless on the other. Shadow Milk shifted his weight, eyes flicking once more toward the flowers before snapping away. “…You really think things like this matter that much?” Pure Vanilla didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he gently plucked a small, fragile blossom, holding it between his fingers as though it might break at the slightest pressure. “I think,” he said at last, “that small things are often the only honest ones.” Shadow Milk’s brow furrowed. “Honest?”
“They don’t pretend to be anything more than they are,” Pure Vanilla explained. “They bloom, they fade… and they do so without fear or regret.” A quiet scoff left Shadow Milk’s lips, though it lacked its usual sharpness. “You’re comparing cookiekind to flowers now?”
“Not quite,” Pure Vanilla smiled. “Though I do think we could learn from them.” Shadow Milk watched him for a moment—really watched this time. The ease in his posture. The gentleness in his hands. The way he looked at something so fleeting as though it were worth all the time in the world. “…And what exactly am I supposed to learn?” he asked, voice lower now. Pure Vanilla’s gaze lifted to meet his, warm and unwavering. “That it’s alright,” he said softly, “to let something be beautiful… even if it doesn’t last.” For once, Shadow Milk didn’t respond right away.
His eyes drifted—back to the flower, to the quiet way it rested in Pure Vanilla’s hand… and then away again. “…You make it sound easy.” Pure Vanilla’s smile softened, just a little. “It isn’t.” Shadow Milk let out a quiet huff, though it came slower this time—less like dismissal, more like something he couldn’t quite shake off. “…Figures,” he muttered. “Nothing ever is.”
Pure Vanilla’s fingers loosened slightly, letting the flower rest more freely in his palm. “Difficult things often matter the most.” Shadow Milk’s gaze flickered to him again, sharper now, searching. “Or they’re just a waste of effort.”
“Do you truly believe that?” Pure Vanilla asked, voice still gentle, but laced with quiet curiosity. Shadow Milk opened his mouth—ready with some biting remark—but it stalled halfway. His eyes drifted, unfocused, before narrowing again as if annoyed at himself. “…I believe,” he said slowly, “that putting value into things that won’t stay is… pointless.” Pure Vanilla tilted his head, studying him for a brief moment. “And yet,” he murmured, “you’re still here arguing about it.” A pause. Shadow Milk clicked his tongue, turning his head away. “Don’t twist it. I just don’t like being told I’m wrong.”
“Ah,” Pure Vanilla smiled softly, “so this is about pride?” That earned him a glare. “Watch it.” But the heat didn’t quite land. Pure Vanilla’s expression didn’t change—still warm, still impossibly patient. “You call it pointless,” he continued, “but you’re giving this moment quite a bit of your time.” Shadow Milk’s jaw tightened, his arms folding more firmly across his chest. “…You’re insufferably persistent.”
“And you’re still listening,” Pure Vanilla replied, almost teasing now. Silence settled again—but it no longer felt tense. After a moment, Shadow Milk exhaled, quieter than before. His gaze slipped, almost unconsciously, toward the flower still resting in Pure Vanilla’s hand. “…If it’s so important,” he said at last, voice lower, “then why don’t you look upset?”
Pure Vanilla blinked once. “Upset?” “When it fades,” Shadow Milk clarified, gesturing faintly. “If it matters so much… shouldn’t you hate the part where it ends?”
For the first time, Pure Vanilla’s smile changed—just slightly. Softer, but touched with something deeper.
“I don’t hate it,” he said. Shadow Milk frowned. “…Why not?” Pure Vanilla glanced down at the flower, thumb brushing lightly against its delicate petals. “Because,” he answered quietly, “it was here at all.” That time, Shadow Milk didn’t look away. “…You’re strange,” he muttered. Pure Vanilla only chuckled under his breath. "I could say the same for you, but perhaps it's your strangeness that makes me want to spend each day with such a... what were the words you used?, ah yes. wonderful and sophisticated cookie." Shadow Milk frowned, though it didn't seem as cruel as before. "Because I am." Pure Vanilla chuckled gently, silence blanketing the pair - though it didn't feel as tense and awkward as before.
The wind mussed Pure Vanilla's golden locks, his gaze distant yet keeping it's gentleness. "Shall we head back? It's getting a bit late." Shadow Milk perked an eyebrow. "Who's we? Didn't I say I'd stay only for a day?" Pure Vanilla's smile flickered, into something.. sadder, disappointed. "Ah yes. I guess I had hoped to spend more time with you." A cruel smirk curled at his lips. "Awh.. You gonna miss me?" Pure Vanilla smiled softly. "I will. Will you come back?" Shadow Milk's brows furrowed, a slight crack in his mask before he corrects himself. Grin back in place. "Who knows, Maybe if you'll be less annoying in my next visit.. I might consider." Pure Vanilla practically beamed up, his head turning to face the other. "...You're coming back?" Shadow Milk smirked. "We'll see."
Pure Vanilla stood up, grabbing his staff that had been resting behind the bench. "Will you at least walk me back to the gates?" Shadow Milk drifted about in circles around the other. "No can do, Nilly. You can handle yourself." Pure Vanilla hummed. "Please..? " A plea. One that made Shadow Milk's pause, one that made his jam tickle. And not in the good way. It's something he refuses to acknowledge. "...You're really getting on my nerves." Pure Vanilla smiled softly, leading the way as the other followed closely by the heel. Halfway through their walk, Pure Vanilla breaks the silence Shadow Milk had made himself comfortable with. "Did you enjoy your stay?" Shadow Milk shrugged his shoulders lightly. "I'm not sure, the host was a bit annoyingly persistent." A soft chuckle escapes Pure Vanilla's lips. "My apologies, bluebird." Shadow Milk scoffed lightly, though the sound felt thinner this time.
“‘Bluebird,’ really?” he muttered, drifting just behind Pure Vanilla, his steps slow but deliberate. “You just hand out nicknames to anyone now?” Pure Vanilla glanced over his shoulder, a hint of amusement in his eyes. “Not to anyone.”
“Could’ve fooled me,” Shadow Milk replied, though he didn’t peel away. The path stretched on, quiet except for the faint rustle of leaves. For once, Shadow Milk didn’t circle ahead—he stayed close, just off to the side. “…Your place is strange,” he added after a moment. Pure Vanilla hummed. “Strange?” “Too calm,” Shadow Milk said, wrinkling his nose. “Feels like something’s missing.” Pure Vanilla’s gaze softened, thoughtful. “Or perhaps… nothing is.” Shadow Milk shot him a look, unimpressed. “You always answer like that?”
“Only when it’s true.”
A brief silence. Shadow Milk’s eyes wandered, scanning the path, the distant gates… then flicked back to Pure Vanilla again. “…You weren’t bothered,” he said suddenly. Pure Vanilla blinked. “By what?”
“Me,” Shadow Milk replied bluntly. “Most would be.” Pure Vanilla’s expression didn’t change—still gentle, still steady. “Should I have been?” Shadow Milk hesitated, just barely. “…Probably.” Pure Vanilla let out a soft breath of laughter. “Then I suppose I’m quite terrible at meeting expectations.” That earned the faintest twitch at the corner of Shadow Milk’s lips—gone as quickly as it came. “Hm.” They walked a little further, the gates now just within reach. Shadow Milk slowed, gaze shifting away again. “…Don’t expect me to come back.”
Pure Vanilla stopped just short of the entrance, turning to face him. “I don’t expect anything.”
Shadow Milk narrowed his eyes. “Good.” A pause. “…But I wouldn’t mind if you did,” Pure Vanilla added gently. Shadow Milk clicked his tongue, looking off to the side as if the walls had suddenly become interesting. “…You’re persistent,” he muttered. “And you stayed,” Pure Vanilla replied. That earned him a sharper glance—but no argument. Shadow Milk turned away with a small huff, though he didn’t move to leave just yet. “…Get inside already, before I change my mind and set this entire kingdom ablaze." The other hummed in response, watching the other fly off into the distant.
Something tells him that the other will be back. Just.. not yet.
--