Chapter Text
The room was simple; a bed, a closet, a desk and a window. The colors and shapes were evidence enough to know what realm he was in. The doorway behind him called him to flee, but the cookie next to him blocked the way.
"You can decorate this room however you like. You are free to make this your new home." Said the calm and compassionate voice. With a simple tap of his cane against the floor, the portal was closed. His fate was sealed.
"I know this must be uncomfortable and new, but I hope you can find peace of mind in my home— well, our home now."
"..."
He sighed. The lack of answers and reaction troubled him, yet he did not push.
The beast stood wordlessly, just looking around, strangely expressionless.
It— was understandable, powerlessly being dragged into enemy territory would put anyone in a bad mood..
He couldn't help but sigh though. He faced the other with careful steps, and took the beast's hands in his own, despite the glare he received.
They were cold, he frowned. Perhaps he should provide a heater and more clothing.
"I'll give you some time to rest, I'll come back with some food and then we can—”
"Don’t bother." The bitter, resentful tone took him by surprise for a moment, but he gave a slight nod.
"I understand that you don't trust me, but I believe—"
"Just go to hell."
Frustrating .
He knew the beast resented him, but he hoped that in his weakened state, he would at least accept his help and company.
Too stubborn . It wasn't that he hated that trait— he liked everything about his Shadow Milk. It's just frustrating when the stubbornness is against him.
A beat passes, and he pulls his warm hands away and places them on his other half's cheeks, giving him a light kiss on the forehead, and stepping away before the other could complain.
"As I said, I'll be back in a moment, make yourself at home."
His voice carried tinges of sadness and patience, so soft and understanding.
He grabbed his cane again, left against one of the walls of the room briefly, and walked to the door, opening it slightly.
He looked behind him, his companion still in the same place, scowling at his own Soul Jam with frustration.
He could only sigh and smile softly before leaving.
He took a few steps down the hallway. It was quiet and calm. Dark night sky illuminated by the full moon and its dancing stars, guiding him to his own chambers.
He tried to recapitulate what had happened so far.
The battle, the argument, the excessive use of magic on both sides, to the point where his other half seemed about to fall unconscious.
His head was starting to ache, his slightly blurred vision stagnating as he walked. The only sound was the constant clicking of his cane against the floor.
He lowered his gaze slightly; the Soul Jam in his chest remained as bright and colorful as ever, so dazzling and pure. His left hand raised slightly to gently caress it.
It felt heavy.
[...]
After a few minutes, he finally reached his room, closing the door behind him.
He looked around; the warmth and tranquility brought peace to his being. His gaze fell on the bed, neatly made and ready for use, the blankets ready to wrap around him, enveloping him in comfortable warmth to finally get the rest he needed.
But it wasn't time to relax just yet.
He wanted to be sure that Shadow Milk was comfortable and settling in, even if it sounds too soon— knowing how distrustful Shadow Milk was, which he unfortunately reinforced when he escaped the beast's grasps.
Besides, he didn't feel so tired anyways.
He looked at himself in the mirror on his vanity table. His hand ran over his now long, golden hair, soft, fine.. despite having been busy all day, his hair remained presentable and shiny.
Some may claim it carries bad memories of his time in beast yeast, but disagreed. It reminded him of the day he regained his identity, his belief. The day he found enlightenment.
And.. the day he finally understood his soulmate, how much he needed him— needed each other. That he could not afford to let him go— it was like.. an epiphany .
A soft smile spread across his face. Perhaps the children could style it when they returned from their little adventure.
He grabbed a new set of clothes from his closet. Perhaps a change of attire would help Shadow Milk get comfortable .. His garments were long, so perhaps he could give him sewing equipment so he could design the clothes however he wished if he didn't like that.
He had seen the beast design several plushies, and he seemed to have a taste for making clothes, especially for... his servants.
Now that he thought about it, where could they be? During the last battle, they were trying to get Shadow Milk out through a portal, shielding him with their own bodies, until, in his new form, he cast a spell that blinded everyone for a moment. And then, there was no one but the children and the unconscious beast.
Did… he hurt them? ... no , they probably managed to escape before the portal closed.
Must be it. He would know if something happened— it wasn't even a dangerous spell.
He shook his head slightly, turning to his own desk— a lunch box he made earlier placed there, his own magic embedded in it to keep it fresh, adding healing properties to it as well.
.. and things.
He grabbed it in the other hand, and left for his new friend's quarters again.
[...]
He knocked on the door three times, waiting for some kind of confirmation to enter, or even a growl, but he heard nothing.
"Shadow Milk Cookie?"
He asked softly from the door, waiting for a response, but there was nothing.
“.. are you asleep?”
He shouldn't be asleep so quickly.
.. no way. has he already—?
He shook his head and grabbed the door handle, gulping before opening it.
He almost wished for a trap, an attack—or an attempt of one— but he was greeted by.. nothing.
"...Shadow Milk? Shadow Milk!"
He asked again, beginning to feel a slight panic rise inside him. The clothes were practically thrown on the floor as he closed the door behind him, rushing to the middle of the room to look around, placing the lunch box on the bed.
There was no way out of this room ; the window wasn't broken and he made sure it was impossible to open. There was no hole to sneak through, the door was locked with magic— had it been opened somehow, Pure Vanilla would have felt it, so…
Where was he?
His heart was racing, he passed by the bed in hurried steps, no traces of much movement except the slightly creased blankets.
He opened the closet, mostly empty. Nothing.
He even opened drawers— he knew it shouldn't be possible for the other to shape shift at the moment, but he considered the worst.
He turned to the bathroom— quickly rushing over there as well. He placed his hand on handle—
Until he felt a slight tug on his chest.
He paused.
He looked at his soul jam, it glowed faintly. Another gentle tug, it was almost as if someone was pulling him back from behind.
So he looked behind him, the bed was the only thing that made him do a double take— specifically, under it.
It was a little.. he squinted. Dark.
And so he went back.
He carefully crouched down, using his cane for support. And he stared.
The room was fully illuminated and bright, yet under the bed was a void of darkness, absorbing all possible light.
He let out a small breathy laugh, shoulders relaxing.
"Stop staring at me."
From the shadow emerged the mismatched blue eyes, glaring.
"My apologies, I got worried when I didn't see you."
"Liar."
"It's true."
"You weren't worried, you were scared; you thought I'd fled your pathetic castle and that your little kingdom was in danger."
"..."
Pure Vanilla didn't say anything, he just sighed, standing up again and approaching the clothes he dropped earlier.
"I got you some clothes. I'm planning to get you a sewing kit later, figured you'd like that.”
He waited a moment, but when there was no response, he gently placed the gift on the bed after folding it again, and also grabbed the lunchbox from there, placing it on the desk.
“Make sure to eat, even if you don't need it. I'll let you rest now then... good night."
Again, there was no response. With a regretful smile, he left the room and closed the door behind him.
Patience. He thought, walking back down the same corridor to his room. He'll come around eventually.
Pure Vanilla will make sure of it.