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The sunlight was invited into the king's room, painting the room in warm tones which kissed Pure Vanilla's dough in a kind way. It was getting near his favorite event; Christmas. Of course, to please himself, everything, and in all means everything was decorated for the special occasion of the event. Candles which smelled like trees to symbolize Christmas trees, wreaths put on every single door which his castle had, and the Christmas tree decorating his room so nicely. It was truly nice to see, in the end, he hasn't slept this well in ages. There's just a couple days before Christmas as well, and that means all the markets and events are open and free to attend, truly, something he's ready to stop his duties for. After all, every time the snow falls, every time the kingdom is decorated in snowflakes and lights, and so on, it's known Pure Vanilla is just spending time by himself.
Well, not this year.
The vanilla Cookie got out of bed, putting on his sheep slippers and getting out of bed, his hair being a bit of a mess, but definitely in a better condition than before. He changed from Pj's to a simple tee with Santa Clause (his favorite tee, no judgement.) and sweatpants with gingerbread cookies on them. He hasn't worn such comfortable clothing ever since the start of November since he had to finish a lot of stuff so he has more free time during the Christmas month, and he doesn't regret it. Now, the perfect time for some hot cocoa while sitting on the balcony with a red and green blanket sprawled on the Cookie, and that's exactly what he did. A quick walk to the kitchen to have some cocoa! He actually had some conversations with Cocoa Cookie on how to make the best cup of warm drink without messing up, and he definitely got better at making that recipe. He's gotten too used to his movements in making, so there wasn't finally any stress on messing anything up. Thankfully.
“Whatcha doin’?” A curious, yet familiar voice sounded from behind, and Pure Vanilla turned around, seeing his counterpart, aka Shadow Milk with some shorts, slippers and a look which definitely gave off “I'm too tired to deal with mischief”. Especially on the watchful eyes on his hair.
“Oh, nothing special! Just making some cocoa for this special time.” Pure Vanilla said, sounding much happier and brighter than usual which made Shadow Milk smile. Just a bit. Thankfully no healer spotted that smile. The jester floated towards him, seeing him turn around, before taking out not one cup of cocoa, but two. Another one made just for Shadow Milk! How nice! “You say that all the time, but you make it every day.” Shadow Milk snarled, and the other Cookie just lightheartedly laughed, sipping his drink with slow movements. “Well, can you blame me? It just tastes too good.” Pure Vanilla said with a laugh, making the jester roll his eyes playfully before taking his cup, taking a sip as well. It actually tasted quite nice, definitely in Nilla’s style.
“Didn't expect it to be this good,” he said, lazily sipping the drink now. It genuinely was quite good, from where did he learn to make something good again? Must be a professional, “you're gettin’ better! The oh-so-evil jester is impressed.” Pure Vanilla just laughed at the sentence, a gentle smile appearing on his dough.
Shadow Milk might just call himself a hopeless romantic with how he felt his cold heart twitch with newfound emotions with how Pure Vanilla smiled. It looked surprisingly really adorable on him. And that's where he'll tease the hell out of him. “Oh my, didn't know the king could look so adorable with just one smile!” Once the Jester said that, Pure Vanilla's cheeks seemed to heat up. It's quite easy to fluster him, it's a bit pathetic in a good way. But, Shadow Milk wouldn't be himself if he wouldn't continue his show to fluster the king even more. “Oh crumbs, you're flushing red like a bright tomato. It's a bit cute, you know?” Shadow Milk casually said, giggling at Pure Vanilla's expression before he desperately hid it with his hands.
Ever since the events of the past where both of them went through probably the worst parts of their lives, this seems like a new chapter. And thank the Witches it's not something worse. Everything seems soft and tender, something they both have to get used to. After all, it's like the first time being able to experience emotions with someone else who understands him like no one else. And that is the most gentle, understanding, compassionate and sweet Cookie ever.
And also the easiest to embarrass because of one compliment. But that's what makes it sweeter. After all, the right Cookie is the one who counts. I mean, yes, he has Candy Apple and Black Sapphire, but he considers them as his really annoying children. Pure Vanilla on the other hand; he's been with him more than the other Beast's have been. Even when he was Truthless Recluse, he still listened to his banter about the stupidest stuff known on Earthbread, and even after awakening he still listened, just that fool had a smile on his face instead of a neutral face which hid something so dark it might creep Shadow Milk out. After everything, he's the only one who even bothered to listen to him whine about how one maid in the castle made the bed a bit wrong than Shadow Milk wanted it to turn out. Pure Vanilla often didn't even laugh, just listened and nodded along like it's the most intriguing thing which had been talked about.
“Oh dear, you're still red?” Even after Shadow Milk snapped out of his thoughts, the poor Cookie still tried to keep his cool. That's silly. Well, it seems he's gotta do a little clothing change. “Oh my, it seems we gotta change!” Shadow Milk giggled before opening a portal, and dragging him with him to Pure Vanilla's room, and the same second both of them were in his room, Shadow Milk immediately started looking through every corner of the King's room, finding some clothes which could be good, and threw them towards Pure Vanilla, and Pure Vanilla as the confused goose he was, tried to catch those clothes, and he mostly succeeded in that. “Isn't that too much?” The blond Cookie asked, and immediately the other shook his head, throwing more clothes on him, and thankfully the blond caught them with success. And after a bit, Shadow Milk got all the clothes he could dress Pure Vanilla in. Mostly, the main reason he's even doing this is because Pure Vanilla is as red as a tomato and that's too funny to look at sometimes. Actually, it's funny to look at all the time. So, he doesn't want to giggle all the time looking at his face.
Because he remembers all his features too well.
After Pure Vanilla tried out different styles Shadow Milk suggested, the best one was a white robe with a red soft baggy top with long sleeves with puffy white sleeve hems, a necklace with a christmas hat on it, a green and red belt with golden buttons, a loosely made braid, and some dark red boots to accompany the look. When Shadow Milk finally backed away to look at the result, he's honestly shocked.
He looks beautiful like this. His face, his white lashes finally opening, revealing beautiful mismatched eyes painted in yellow and blue like pastels, accompanying the mere blush painting his cheeks and his mark on top of his face, he looked so.. even words can't explain how damn admiring this man was. And here he is, probably staring with wide eyes at the King who was looking at himself in the mirror, twirling and watching his new clothing his counterpart chose. And oh, Shadow Milk hadn't felt like this.
Ever since they've been friends, those feelings played around like kids, running around, and appearing at the most unexpected moment. And Witches, it's making butterflies appear in his stomach. Why does he have to feel so complicated yet he feels like this is the rightest thing that happened to him? Even his Soul Jam hummed ever so lightly. As if it's reacting to his turmoil, or saying that he should calm down already. But how can he when there's this standing, looking more beautiful than when he was Fount, and how he had seen the Witches? Oh, he's so much more beautiful than that. So, so much more beautiful.
“How do I look?” Pure Vanilla asked with a smile, and Shadow Milk's really positive that the other likes this outfit by the little smile he has. Somehow, that expression looks cute on him. “... Beautiful.” He mumbled. “Huh?” Pure Vanilla didn't hear the confession, and once the Jester realized what he said, he immediately coughed those words out. What else could he accidentally say? What if Pure Vanilla hears them? Oh, he's done for. “You look great. Definitely better than the usual you.” Shadow Milk edited his words, making it sound just like the usual Shadow Milk. Pure Vanilla smiled, and sat down on his bed, and Shadow Milk sat next to him, and honestly, he smelled nice. Like vanilla, cream, strawberries, rain and wood. That feels like a nice combo for Shadow Milk's nose. Silence stretched on, but it felt really nice. Comfortable even. “You know, it's our first Christmas together. I usually always spend Christmas alone.” Pure Vanilla said, looking down. He always preferred to spend this time alone, mostly buying himself some clothing or candles. But now, he's with Shadow Milk. He's not alone anymore. He knows he's not alone, but he preferred the quiet feeling, and now? Now there's someone else. And that someone else, it's someone he loves. May sound so stupid, but that's true. More true than words can express, really. “You do? Wooooow, didn't expect the mighty king to spend such a magical and special time alone.” And of course, the other Cookie immediately went on to say something about it. Pure Vanilla didn't mind it. Honestly, Shadow Milk's right, it's a bit silly considering he has such a high title, yet spends it alone. He has his friends, but still.
It seems it's different when a presence so cold yet warm is near him, coming up with jokes and laughs which make Pure Vanilla laugh out or smile after a long day. “I know, I know. But..” the Cookie trailed off, trying to find words to explain himself. “It's the good feeling of being alone, you know?” Pure Vanilla turned his head to Shadow Milk, who was already staring at the other. “The quiet atmosphere makes me feel safe. I mostly like that it's quiet and no one's really bothering me.” He smiled, and Shadow Milk looked away. Witches, he probably looks pathetic. How could one smile melt his worries away in an instant? Oh crumbs, then he must be too far into these feelings.
They feel too nice, though.
“And you're not doing the same to me? Aww! You consider silly ol' me your favorite!” Shadow Milk exclaimed, and Pure Vanilla's warm laugh filled the room. Well, he was right. He was special. After all, the Jester didn't judge him when he was Truthless, crying in his bed trying to surpass the sobs escaping the pillow. He knew that there was a shadow of a mastermind staring, but he didn't mock.
Didn't laugh.
Just stared.
Shadow Milk, even if sometimes be feared that Pure Vanilla wasn't Truthless Recluse anymore, he definitely sees him warm up to the warmth and compassion of the pure Cookie.
“Well, knowing you love Christmas,” Shadow Milk suddenly started a sentence, snapping Pure Vanilla out of his thoughts, “why don't we go to a.. how was it called.. Christmas haul? Shopping? Whatever you call it. We can go. Not that I care.”
Well,
He does. Somehow, the heartless and cruel Jester and lying mastermind cares about the bright Cookie who looks like a tomato when flustered. He'd seen him cry, sob, scream, yell, sleep, curl up, technically, absolutely everything in the span of him being trapped in the Spire of Deceit and when Shadow Milk decided that the Castle was his new living place. His eyes noticed that Pure Vanilla immediately lightened up like a light bulb, his eyes widening with a sparkle in his eyes; only Shadow Milk's words could make that happen. “Oh, you're right! I haven't even thought about that!” The king exclaimed, happily staring at the Jester who was still in his nightclothes, but in a snap he was back in his usual attire, just with some other Christmas-like attire.
And so, that's how Pure Vanilla dragged the other outside to the Town Square, where the Christmas market was happening. The Cookie was looking through every booth, and often buying some bracelets or scarfs, anything of that matter. Of course, Shadow Milk bought something too. A little bracelet in yellow and blue colors, the pretty beads decorating the bracelet. It looked nice, somehow. Why does it look nice? Why doesn't he just flip this place around? Oh, well, not the time. Pure Vanilla was already walking through half the market, buying quite a lot of things. He also bought what seemed to be a keychain with a sheep on it, typical Pure Vanilla. Everything looked nice, and honestly he wanted to buy everything here, but not right now. His hands are already full, and the basic excuse of “one more thing” is already overused, but really, all the stuff looks too nice to miss out on!
Cookies walked around and both bought things, and sold them to others who were interested. The snow slowly falling down on the sparkly white ground was a sweet decor to the winter-like weather, and Cookies taking selfies and photos on some photo booths and somewhere else. Everything looked so nice, and the fresh air was a guaranteed refreshment for those who need something fresh in their lives. The smell of warm food from nearby cafes was also felt, inviting many in with the smell. It also invited two Cookies, but rather one, the other just had to go along with it. “Crumbs, Nilly,” Shadow Milk sighed, sitting down on a table which was located near the balcony, “sometimes the deceiving smell of food will crumble you.” A giggle came after, but Pure Vanilla didn't seem to care about that, and placed a menu towards Shadow Milk and his own, and sat down on the opposite side the other was sitting down on.
“Prices weren't even that horrid back in my time! Why does some jelly pasta cost an incredible 25 diamonds? Wasn't it 15 before? Oh crumbs, these prices will soon be the end of me.” A complaint escaped Shadow Milk's mouth quite quickly the second the menu was opened, and Pure Vanilla just shrugged. As long as it wasn't 30 he was fine, even though that'll happen eventually, anyway. “Ignore the prices, just choose what you like,” Pure Vanilla scrolled through another page, “I'll pay.” But Shadow Milk had other plans. He doesn't want that to happen! Just because this fool's being all nice and sweet doesn't mean that he can't pay for his own stuff.
“No, you pay for yours and I pay for mine,” and that was Shadow Milk's final word, “you spent a lot on the markets already. Can't have your wallet crying now, can we?” Shadow Milk teasingly asked, making Pure Vanilla sigh with a tiny smile, but didn't stop Shadow Milk, knowing him, it's a quest to make him change his opinion.
After ordering their food and the waiter brought it all warm, the blue Cookies first instinct was to immediately start eating, shoving a blueberry bun in his mouth first, but Pure Vanilla took his time, first took a photo, took a sip of some drink he ordered, probably warm water as always. Weird, but it's Pure Vanilla. Shadow Milk was already down half of the first bun, when he noticed how Pure Vanilla was staring at his food, almost as if in thought whether to even eat or not.
Oh, not again.
“Hey, Nilly.” He touched his shoulder, making Pure Vanilla snap his head at him with a scratch of his neck and an awkward laugh. The kind which always said “don't worry about me”. This damned fool. “Oh! Sorry, sorry, I was in thought..” he pulled out the basic thought excuse, but that didn't slide through the Beast of Deceit. Can't trick the trickster, you know? “Can't fool me, genius,” Shadow Milk said, all of his eyes staring at Pure Vanilla like he's about to disappear, “now tell me why the king isn't eating?”
Silence.
“I-”
“And don't give an excuse. Or else I'll turn you to Recluse again.”
The atmosphere felt much more tense, and Witches did Pure Vanilla hate it. He hates when anyone cares about him this deeply, especially Shadow Milk. It feels nice, but why does it feel so wrong?
So wrong to be cared about?
Oh, if he knew that.
“Well, I.. I sometimes don't recognize who I am in the mirror. My reflection.” Pure Vanilla's words came out softer, gentler. Like he's carrying something fragile. “As a young Cookie, the way other Cookies looked at me was sometimes the most important thing. And weight was one of those. I wanted for others to see me as someone worthy talking to.” He wasn't the best at talking about his childhood nor something like this, but it almost felt like a deadweight was lifted off of his shoulders just by words. Was it that Shadow Milk forced him, but it felt like sudden care rather than manipulation?
“Then, I got busy with work. I kept forgetting to eat, which made me feel lightheaded often, and in rare moments I fell unconscious.” Shadow Milk listened, and honestly, he had a feeling Pure Vanilla felt like that.
Felt like his own body was betraying him. To fit in into that picture.
How could they be so similar?
“But I still kept buying smaller clothes. Ate less. Drank more. I.. I often cussed myself whenever I would eat more than I wanted to-”
“Now, wait a minute.” Shadow Milk's voice immediately stopped Pure Vanilla's, and his glare was enough to break glass. “You cussed yourself out because you just ate? Normal food?” Even Shadow Milk himself didn't expect himself to be this concerned, but the words kept coming. “... Give me one good reason why you thought it'd be a good idea.” is all he said after. Silence followed, and stayed in place for a good minute. Maybe even more, because ever since the question occupied the air, somehow, Pure Vanilla found himself to be as quiet as a graveyard. Truly, why did he do that to himself? Maybe it was because he just couldn't accept his own body and dough as it is?
“I.. I don't know.”
“Exactly,” Shadow Milk answered back, “you don't know because you don't have any reason to hurt yourself to this extent.”
“I apologize..”
“I don't want to hear your apologies, apologizing for nothing horrid. You didn't crumble anyone, so what's there to sob over for?”
Even if Shadow Milk was a bit over exaggerating, it's better than nothing. Pure Vanilla doesn't have to apologize for something so silly. It's better if he apologizes to himself rather than Shadow Milk. What does he need an apology for? Doesn't make sense. “Now, eat the food. It won't crumble you, promise.”
Pure Vanilla lightly laughed, really laughed. Like a little thank-you for just snapping Pure Vanilla back to reality, that it's fine. That it's okay.
Witches, he didn't know he's this good at comfort, he should be a therapist!
After they ate, and Shadow Milk intently watched Pure Vanilla's every move so every bit of the food was eaten, they went back to the castle, where Pure Vanilla happily put all the things he bought in his room, and Shadow Milk just smiled. Barely. After all, Pure Vanilla does look a bit adorable like this, but he should just forget it. Not like he's got a crush or anything!
Well, he hoped so. Even though he doubts that.
“Oh, right, you're more comfortable with me! I'm so happy for your progress so far, Bluebird!” Pure Vanilla exclaimed, having that same smile which he always wore when he was thankful for something. But, him? More comfortable? From where? And how didn't he notice? But that's not what he wants. No, nononono. If he'll continue being more comfortable, then he'll grow more vulnerable, and what if Pure Vanilla dies? What if he'll disappear? What if he'll leave like everyone else? What if what if what if what if what if what if what if-
“Shadow Milk?” The other male's gentle voice snapped him back to reality, and Shadow Milk hadn't even realized his breathing was coming in short gasps. Oh crumbs, did he really almost panic about something so silly? “Hey, sit down. You're too stressed and on edge.” Pure Vanilla guided Shadow Milk to his bed, sitting him down and placing a pillow on his lap to fidget with, just to be safe. Sometimes it helps him during stressful moments, it may help Shadow Milk too. “Now, is everything okay?” Pure Vanilla asked, concern evident in his tone. Why does he care? “After I've said you've grown more comfortable with me, you started panicking.” He was being as gentle as possible, but at the same time he wasn't pushing him too far to answer his question. He can't stand Shadow Milk, or anyone else, having to panic like this.
“Isn't it obvious?” Shadow Milk's voice which was as sharp as a blade cut through the air, almost like he was being defensive or trying to push Pure Vanilla away. “You don't get it!” He raised his voice, trying to get him away, push him away. But he didn't. Pure Vanilla just nodded. Vulnerability, is it not? “Is it your fear of being seen as vulnerable?” He asked, and Shadow Milk almost flared up at the accusation, but didn't seem to say anything, almost like he didn't want to. “Fine. I do. It's.. nothing.” Nothing. But it's something. And Pure Vanilla knew it was hard to get him to talk, but he'll try. No matter the cost that comes by. “It's okay. You're okay. I'm here, and I won't leave, no matter what. Also, before you say that “but what if you do” sentence, you aren't sure yourself. Are your thoughts always true?” Thankfully, Pure Vanilla knew what to say. He's been through this more times than he'd like to admit, so he knows what words could be helpful. Silence left Shadow Milk, because he didn't know. How was he sure, truly?
“Don't worry, please,” Pure Vanilla's gentleness was the complete opposite of Shadow Milk's anger, but he didn't give up. Not yet. Not ever, “I will never leave you. I don't have the heart to do that. You've been there during moments I couldn't handle myself, even if it was just your presence.” His warm hands enveloped the Jester's cold ones, intertwining their fingers. The warmth felt.. comforting. Shadow Milk glanced at Pure Vanilla, but instead of the angry look, it's just fear instead. As if he's afraid. But who wouldn't? Who wouldn't be scared of trusting someone again after losing someone over and over again? “Shadow Milk, I won't ever think of leaving you. I'd do anything, just to make you feel welcome in my presence, not afraid. I promise.” He raised their hands till their chest level, looking at the other male with hope, hope he only had during moments when he had to fight Dark Enchantress Cookie. This hope, this hope is different. Something more than hope. “I..” Pure Vanilla trailed off. Would he ever accept this?
“I love you, Shadow Milk Cookie! I love you more than I'd ever loved anyone. And I think those feelings aren't just friendship!” Pure Vanilla's true feelings spilled out like a waterfall, but he didn't give up. “I always had those flutters when you gave me food when I didn't eat, I always blushed at the thought of you being more than a friend.. somehow, you cared about me just on the same level as you did with me, even when you hadn't realized it. I shouldn't feel like this! I really shouldn't, but-”
“You love me?” Shadow Milk stopped Pure Vanilla from going any further into overthinking, as the Jester stared at the Healer with wide eyes. Not anger, not disbelief, but.. hope. Something he never thought he'd regain. “You actually do?” He asked again, his voice almost sounded softer as he stared into Pure Vanilla's eyes, which were glossy as if he's going to cry for some reason. “I.. I do. Somehow, I love you more than anything I ever loved..” Pure Vanilla trailed off, almost like he's scared of the words he's gonna say. But Shadow Milk just stared, and stared.. and stared. But then he giggled, genuinely giggled. It was unexpected, but once Pure Vanilla decided to take a closer look, Shadow Milk had pupils similar to hearts. He tightly held onto Pure Vanilla's hands, a smile so wide it showed his sharp teeth. Was he.. happy? That sparked Pure Vanilla into cracking a smile. “Oh, I'd never thought this day would come!” Shadow Milk exclaimed, his face moving closer to Pure Vanilla's.
Somehow, he looked so beautiful. How many times had he said it in his mind? It didn't matter anymore. Now he sees all the tiny details he didn't have the time to notice. The barely noticeable freckles on his cheeks, the blush which decorates him all the right ways, the slightly faded cracks from being rebirthed as Healer Cookie. He's so.. beautiful. How had he never noticed? Oh, it makes him look pathetic for some fool.
But now, it's his fool. Not anyone else's, but Shadow Milk's fool. Such a weird thing to think about now, isn't it?
“I never realized I waited for this moment to come by,” Shadow Milk said, somehow, it sounded much softer than any other sentence he ever said. What's wrong with him? Well, he hoped that the “wrong” never fades. Somehow, he likes feeling wrong. Even if it feels.. right. So right to love Pure Vanilla, “but I don't regret it! You're now truly mine, Nilly!” Out of instinct, he released his arms from Pure Vanilla's warm ones, and cupped Pure Vanilla's face with his hands. And he looked so stupidly sweet like this.
It made his gaze soften, his crazy eyes now becoming so soft, like holding a treasure. Pure Vanilla on the other hand, also had a gentle stare, staring at Shadow Milk like if he stares at him just a bit wrong he might lose him. The feeling of cold and emptiness faded, replaced with newer, fresher feelings, which even made the room feel so warm now. It made Pure Vanilla truly feel welcomed in his own space after not being able to feel that warmth. And just one Cookie did it in a flash. Is this true love Cookies talk about in books, interviews and much more? Oh, he wants to keep it like that forever.
“Can I kiss you?”
Shadow Milk's eyes widened. He didn't want his thoughts to get said aloud, making the time come to a stop, almost as if everything just stopped but them. Pure Vanilla, already admiring Shadow Milk, gently smiled. His hand went on Shadow Milk's wrist, gently moving circles, like calming his racing mind down.
“You can.” Is what Pure Vanilla said, his gaze softening, making Shadow Milk's heart give a flutter, while his Soul Jam hummed, the feeling felt nice on his dough. Pure Vanilla, as the gentle Cookie he was, put his hands on the Jester's waist as gently as possible, staring at Shadow Milk for any signs of discomfort, but found only a fond stare staring back at him like he's waiting for this moment to finally happen. “Can I?” Was all Shadow Milk asked, slowly, tenderly caressing his thumb on the soft dough Pure Vanilla had, it felt so soft and smooth on Shadow Milk's fingers, it made him want to melt into Pure Vanilla so much.
Pure Vanilla, holding onto Shadow Milk's waist, just said two sentences, but it meant so, so much: “Yes, you can. I'm ready.”
And it was all Shadow Milk needed.
With an inhale, he moved his face closer onto Pure Vanilla's, before, as gently as possible, pressed his lips on Pure Vanilla's own, closing their eyes as the world stopped in their perspectives as their lips connected so gently. Shadow Milk wasn't used on being so gentle, but he's ready to try for him. For Pure Vanilla. After all, he's still the one who understands, who'll stay with him after everything, even when Shadow Milk will have no one. He'll trust Pure Vanilla, and he'll try.
Even if it was Pure Vanilla's first kiss in centuries, it felt like his first kiss, ever. It felt so soft, so gentle, something what young Cookies do when kissing their partner, but it's much more awkward. In their situation, it's ready. It's prepared, and both wanted it. The feeling of Shadow Milk's lips on his own felt so unreal yet calm and comforting, he wanted to melt right there on the spot. But not every moment lasts forever as they let go, but they still hold onto each other as if they'll somehow lose each other. The Healer's breathing was a bit quick, but quickly stabilized. The moment between them was something both of them hadn't expected, but both were ready for.
“I love you,” Pure Vanilla whispered, holding back tears. Why was he holding back tears? Maybe for the fact he found someone who he'll be able to love again. Not just love as in a friend, but love. Someone you're ready to sacrifice yourself for.
“I..” Shadow Milk trailed off, even still afraid of muttering those words, but he won't run away. Not now. “I love you too, Nilly.” He said, his words softer than any word ever, like it's something so fragile it'll break if said too harshly. Even through his fears, his self-esteem and struggles, he knows he has Pure Vanilla by his side. He always will. And maybe that's what is the most important part of it all.
He doesn't have to be scared to lose him.
“I guess that means that we're.. partners now?” Shadow Milk asked, his forehead touching Pure Vanilla's, a smile on his face like he knows the answer. And he does know it, why shouldn't he not know? But he still wants to hear Pure Vanilla's gentle voice caress his ears like a beautiful melody. “Yes, we are, Bluebird. I'm glad we are.”
Shadow Milk was glad, too.
Pure Vanilla's head was resting on Shadow Milk's lap, while Shadow Milk braided his hair. Their breathing was the only thing which could be heard, if not for the birds chirping outside of the room the King resided in. After a bit, Shadow Milk finished making a braid, finishing it with a red and green coloured bow to accompany the Christmas look. It looked pretty on his hair. Pure Vanilla stood up and looked at himself in the mirror, liking the look. “My hair looks beautiful. Thank you, Bluebird.” Pure Vanilla said, a smile appearing, making Shadow Milk smile too. “Don't thank me, Nilly. Now, should we decorate the castle for this special occasion? After all, Christmas's coming.” Shadow Milk asked, standing up as he picked up the blond Cookie with ease, which made Pure Vanilla yelp and hold on to Shadow Milk, which made the blue Cookie blush a bit. Witches, he's so stupid. That's why he loves him.
“Yeah, I'd love that.. but isn't it decorated already-?”
“No time for protests!”
The castle was decorated by the dimly lit Christmas lights, the carpets made for this occasion and a lot of paintings which painters made during the Holidays when Pure Vanilla was in town, with his friends, or any other adventure. Shadow Milk put candles and a wreath in the meeting room, and also put a little decorative Christmas tree in the middle of the table with a little Shadow Milk on the top as the star. Pure Vanilla on the other hand made sure the wreaths were decorated and put correctly, and also put a Christmas tree next to his throne of his coronation room, decorating it with more Christmas lights, balls, and some angels. The result made Pure Vanilla smile to himself. He also added some fake elves around, and a little Santa. He knows that some children visit him, so why not give some Christmas magic to them? Shadow Milk on the other hand made some Christmas treats, looking through Pure Vanilla's old recipe book given generation after generation. It's old, but works like a charm. He had plates full of food by the end of their decorating, and he was proud of his progress.
“Wow, it looks beautiful, and smells great!” Pure Vanilla exclaimed, taking a bite of a muffin with vanilla filling. “It tastes great!” He said, finishing the muffin in a couple of bites, boosting Shadow Milk's ego. “I know, I'm just so great.”
They both laughed, Shadow Milk placing the food on the counter to let some of the food cool off.
Pure Vanilla's hand grasped Shadow Milk's own, making Shadow Milk glance at Pure Vanilla, the other was having a smile, a genuine smile which made Shadow Milk melt mentally. Crumbs, does Pure Vanilla ever realize how stupidly adorable he can be?
“Thank you,” Pure Vanilla said, intertwining their fingers, “thank you for making this Christmas so special.” Shadow Milk's gaze softened, and he nodded, before turning to Pure Vanilla, his unoccupied hand deciding to rest on Pure Vanilla's waist, pulling him close. This was the first time he's been so intimate with someone, but.. it didn't seem so wrong. “You're welcome, Nilly. I'm glad that I saved your lonely Christmas!” He teased, making Pure Vanilla laugh as he placed his free hand on Shadow Milk's shoulder, now both staring at each other with newfound longing. Witches, have they been this oblivious to how they stared at each other before Pure Vanilla confessed? “Another kiss for his majesty?” Shadow Milk asked, and Pure Vanilla nodded. This Shadow Milk is someone who Pure Vanilla definitely isn't used to seeing, but it felt like getting Shadow Milk to finally open up about himself.
Their faces got close to each other once again, pressing their lips together with the same comfort and tenderness they did like the first time, their worries about the past melting away. Once pulling away, both giggled, their hands still intertwined. “You're the best present I could ask for.” Pure Vanilla confessed, and Shadow Milk just gave a little reassuring smooch on the blond Cookie's cheek. “And you're the best Christmas miracle that has ever happened to me.”