Chapter Text
Pure Vanilla was laid down on his bed. He should have been sleeping, but he hadn’t been able to get a wink of sleep since Shadow Milk was brought back to his kingdom, not due to fear, but concern. It had been a day since he last saw Shadow Milk, respecting his wishes to be left alone, but he couldn’t stop thinking about him. Pure Vanilla had noticed throughout the past day that Shadow Milk wasn’t eating any of the food he had left out for him, which worried him. He decided that next time he delivered a meal, he would go in and talk with Shadow Milk. Perhaps try to convince him to eat some of the food he was bringing.
Once the sun rose and the next day began, Pure Vanilla immediately went to the kitchen to get Shadow Milk some food. Pure Vanilla walked down the long hallway before arriving at Shadow Milk’s room. He took note of the fact that the plates of food outside his door remained untouched. Pure Vanilla then softly knocked on the door and called out Shadow Milk’s name. He didn’t hear any response. Pure Vanilla let out a sigh before hesitantly opening the door to Shadow Milk’s room. Assuming Shadow Milk was asleep, he was just going to leave the food on his bedside table but he noticed that Shadow Milk was, in fact, awake.
He didn’t say anything at first, simply walking over to the bedside table and setting down Shadow Milk’s meal, but he paused for a moment when he looked at Shadow Milk. He looked… empty. His gaze wasn’t focused on anything, yet his eyes seemed watery. His hair was a complete mess and he hadn’t even moved from the position he was in last time Pure Vanilla saw him. It made him wonder if he even moved at all.
“Shadow Milk?” Pure Vanilla softly called out.Shadow Milk’s gaze then finally focused. He looked up at Pure Vanilla, not even attempting to hide his watery eyes.
“What do you want?” Shadow Milk spoke coldly.
“... You really should eat something. You won't be able to regain your strength if you don’t.” Pure Vanilla advised.
“I don’t get why you still care. I almost destroyed everything you’ve ever known, yet you want to nurse me back to health? This goes way beyond pity, this is just plain stupidity.”
Pure Vanilla did not respond. He stared at Shadow Milk for a moment before taking a few steps closer to the bed and sitting down on the edge. The two sat in silence for a long while, until Pure Vanilla spoke up.
“You weren't in your right mind. You were silently suffering for so long...I couldn't imagine what it was like. I would have gone insane much quicker then you did if I had all those different voices in my head. Not to mention the loss of autonomy. I know, after everything, we may not be on great terms, but I'm glad to have you back.” Pure Vanilla admitted.
Shadow Milk stayed silent.
“... I’ll leave you alone now. But please, eat something. I'm worried about you.” Pure Vanilla added before standing up and exiting the room.