Work Text:
Black Sapphire’s days, for the most part, were quite mundane.
He would sit behind the reception desk of the inn, checking people in or out every now and again, perhaps leave his station to clean a room after it was cleared of its guests.
He didn’t mind that his days were repetitive and predictable.
The only exception to this norm was that every now and again, Shadow Milk might burst through the front door covered in blood.
Sometimes, he would drag someone else in and that someone would be covered in blood.
Sometimes it was the horse that was covered in blood.
Fortunately, today was not one of those days. Today was what some would consider boring. However, he enjoyed the mundane- slow days with few patrons meant he could indulge in his hobbies behind the desk.
He loved tinkering with mechanisms, discovering their inner workings, learning about how the modern-day technology worked underneath the surface.
Unfortunately, he seldom came across new items, and by about the fifth time he had deconstructed his pocket watch the thought of taking it apart again to observe the workings of the cogs had completely lost all appeal.
It was hardly a problem. Literature had also consumed his life.
Whenever he gained a new novel, he would spend a whole day behind the inn reception desk reading it. Sometimes, he selfishly would read it in his room- leaving a bell for guests to alert him of their presence.
Although, in general, he preferred being behind the desk all day- not only was it better for customers, but occasionally his immediate availability for Shadow Milk was necessary for more dire situations.
But recently, Shadow Milk has been staying out of trouble more often.
Such as today, where he had been spending his time in the reception area near the window trying to read.
Currently, he was seated in his favourite rocking chair, eyes squinted at a novella that Black Sapphire had recommended.
He read with intense focus, spending a large amount of time on each page, rereading each line as his lips silently moved to sound out the syllables.
It was odd, for Black Sapphire to observe the loose cannon that was Shadow Milk so enraptured by a book of which’s pacing had surely been ruined by his reading speed.
A smile graced his face.
It was actually rare for Shadow Milk to provide him with even passive company while he was working.
This moment… was enjoyable.
Just the two of them, present near each other, tasking themselves with reading as the occasional sound of horses’ footfalls sounded from beyond the inn.
A rare moment which he could see himself enjoying for the rest of the-
“KABOOM! Miss me, boys?!”
The inn’s front doors slammed open, revealing a Candy Apple coated in blood. She held her arm up high above her head, waving around an object concealed by the red mess of blood.
“Candy Apple?!”
Shadow Milk threw down the novella, springing to his feet as he met Candy Apple, lowering himself to his haunches before her.
“In the flesh~! Somehow!”
She flashed a crazy grin, giving a confident wink to Shadow Milk before swaying on her feet.
Her knees gave out.
Shadow Milk did not hesitate to catch her, bringing her back up to standing, still supporting her with a hand on her shoulder.
She quickly adjusted herself, before extending the object in her hand, presenting it to Shadow Milk.
“But I brought it! I brought the letter~!”
Black Sapphire had now reached her, absolutely horrified by the scene he saw in front of him. Not even waiting for Shadow Milk take the letter, he pinched it away from her and tossed it into the corner of the room.
“Candy Apple, what the hell happened to you?!”
“Never mind that, we need to get her off of her feet!”
Black Sapphire grabbed Candy Apple by the armpits, hoisting her up and placing her into the rocking chair. Once seated, she started swaying herself back and forth on the rocking chair, giggling.
“Aww, you guys never let me on the rocking chair! What’s the occasion?”
Black Sapphire groaned.
“Nope, not the time. I’m getting a bucket.”
The man stood up, hurriedly leaving through the front doors. Shadow Milk remained, still somewhat jarred by whatever had just occurred.
What in all the heavens had happened?! Candy Apple never came home like this!
At worst, she’d come home from a trip with a small cut on her ankle, which Black Sapphire would alarmedly dress with disinfectants and bandages while lecturing her, or a bruise which was quickly cooled with cold water.
Candy Apple giggled.
“Oh, is Sapphy worried about me? Don’t worry, it isn’t my blood!”
Shadow Milk did a double take.
…What!?!?!?!?
Candy Apple didn’t even carry a gun!
Just what had occurred between her and… whoever’s insides were plastered all over her?!
…
He took a deep breath, attempting to calm himself, before looking deep into her eyes as he brought himself to her level.
“Candy Apple, you need to let us know what happened.”
She giggled.
“What happened? It’s a bit of a long story~… Woo, where to start?”
Please don’t start at the start.
"So, I got back from the other town, right? And I did really good, I made a lot of money and sold all of my stock, and I went to the post because I had a letter I wanted to send to Auntie Sugar.”
Shadow Milk suppressed a groan. He already knew what was about to happen.
Why did Candy Apple always have to tell the whole story? He just needed to know why she was covered in blood.
His foot began to tap impatiently.
“So I gave in my letter, and the trainline goes through the town, right? And it just arrived, so they had a bunch of letters that had just arrived, and I was disappointed because Auntie Sugar hadn’t sent anything.”
Shadow Milk nearly rolled his eyes.
He just put a finger to his chin in feign thoughtfulness and kept nodding.
You can’t rush Candy Apple when she’s talking.
“Oh, so anyways, while I was checking for mail for me, I also checked for mail for you, because maybe Sugar sent it to you instead, right? And they had a letter for you! So I took it, but it wasn’t from her, so I felt really bad for myself because I got all excited for nothing, so I ended up going to the saloon to order some food to make myself feel better.”
…Candy Apple went to the saloon?!
No. No, no, no, no, no.
Absolutely not. Never. Nope. Nope.
Adult places were a strict no-go.
He’s seen firsthand what had happened to Pure Vanilla. He was going to have to give her one hell of a talk on stranger-danger.
“And it was fine, I got a lot of looks from strangers, and some people asked me where my parents where or whatever, but it kind of pissed me off when I was eating my steak because someone actually tried to kick me out, so I punched his nose really hard, and it started bleeding and bent funny and then he started chasing me, so I had to really quickly leave before he broke my nose.”
Shadow Milk felt nauseous.
“So I managed to escape, then I went back to my cart and really quickly left the town before the angry man could find me, but I didn’t have enough time to buy any food, so I was really hungry for the whole trip back until I finally got back here.”
Ok, how does this have anything to do with her being covered in blood.
“Anyways! The steak I was eating earlier was so good, and I wanted more, so when I got back here, I went straight to the saloon- but I was mad, cuz I already paid for a steak I didn’t get to get to finish, so I went to the front and asked for a steak for free, and they wouldn’t give me one! So I kept asking, and haggling because that’s what people do when I sell them stuff, and there was a bunch of people that got mad at me because apparently, I was holding them up! Like, just wait for your alcohol, I’m starving over here!”
Shadow Milk sighed. Apparently, alongside stranger danger, Candy Apple would also need to learn some etiquette.
“So, then, some man got really pissed when I blew him a raspberry, and I almost had to leave again! But I was really mad, because I was super hungry, so I picked up his whiskey and threw it at him, but then I missed and hit someone else! But they didn’t see who threw it, so I just lied and told them that it was just the guy who got angry at me, and then all of a sudden they started fighting! And it was crazy! And then all of a sudden- BOOM! Dead! He got shot! And I was right behind him, so he fell on top of me, and I got squished, and all of his blood got ALL over me! And in my pockets! So the letter got soaked with blood! But everyone was so distracted that I ended up getting out of there, because I decided maybe it wasn’t worth the steak over, and I came back here!”
The inn doors swung open, yet Shadow Milk wasn’t paying any attention towards them.
His mouth was wide open, his gaze fixed on Candy Apple.
Just what. The hell. Did Candy Apple just go through.
Black Sapphire sat down beside the rocking chair, bucket in hand, and motioned to Shadow Milk.
Shadow Milk blinked, before assuming he needed a cloth. He pulled off his bandana and handed it to him.
Black Sapphire wetted the cloth and began cleaning up Candy Apple.
“What happened?”
“I… uh, she didn’t kill anyone.”
Black Sapphire didn’t respond.
Let out a slight exhale.
Said nothing more.
Candy Apple looked between them and decided that remaining silent would probably be for the best, only swinging her feet slightly and drumming her fingers against the wood.
Just the occasional sloshing of a cloth in water, and the dripping of bloodied-water mixture on the wooden floorboards filled the silence.
Eventually, Candy Apple was no longer as red as she was earlier, now just shivering slightly at the cold clinging to her skin. She had shed a lot of her outer layers, Shadow Milk offering to go get them washed while Black Sapphire cleaned her up.
When he returned, Black Sapphire was ruffling a towel through her hair, Candy apple sitting fairly still for someone who had just been granted access to the rocking chair.
She looked at him.
“Uh, are you… still hungry?”
Shadow Milk asked, unsure how to approach someone who had just had a corpse fall on top of her yet seemed completely unfazed.
Her stomach responded instantly.
“Ok. Yup. I’ll see if we have any jerky left.”
Shadow Milk left the reception, yet instead of going down the hallway, he took the other turn which opened into the kitchen.
He opened the pantry, checking the stocks, noting that they did- in fact- have jerky. There was little else they had right now, but after noticing that Black Sapphire still had some tea leaves, he decided he could spend the time making a few cups.
Everyone probably needed a moment to unwind.
He took the already water-filled pot and lit the hearth, setting the pot down to boil. With nothing but waiting left to do, he took a seat onto the wooden flooring to unpack his thoughts.
Candy Apple had always been a part of their business. She had even watched sometimes when he messed up and got caught, and when said person who noticed his thievery had to get roughed up in the basement.
She even joined in sometimes.
By no metric was she by any means sheltered.
Nor was she particularly endangered- as far as they knew. They always took measures- but she enjoyed moving from town to town, and giving her a gun never ended well (for the person on the other end)- but never had they imagined what was really going on aside from her merchandising.
And they had always assumed her safe.
Her business was only in selling cigars- far cheaper than market- of the tobacco from Eternal Sugar’s garden. She had become somewhat of a niece for her, and often they did business alongside each other as well- bringing him a bit of comfort with the insurance from Sugar being there to protect her.
But this was serious.
And this was the first time she had ever come home with any suggestion that she was endangered during her solo outings.
Just what else had happened while they let her out? The other times she left to do business, yet came home with no signs of trouble?
He would have to discuss this with Black Sapphire. He’d really hate to stop her from going on her outings, but on the same token, there was absolutely no way he could let her out as though nothing had happened today.
The pot started bubbling, and he rose to meet the top of the open hearth. Shadow Milk removed the pot and set it on the counter as he prepared three cups. Tea leaves went in. The water soon followed. He took the cups, a generous handful of jerky, and returned to the reception.
Candy Apple was promptly tucked into bed as soon as she finished her meal. She took her tea to bed, and said she’d go straight to sleep as soon as she’d drank it all.
Shadow Milk knew she was lying. Candy Apple always took ages to fall asleep.
Black Sapphire was in the kitchen, now holding the previously cast aside envelope near the dying flame.
The blood had finally dried.
“Are you even in a mood to read it?”
Shadow Milk asked, watching the other to get a grasp on his mood.
Black Sapphire looked down.
“I’m not sure.”
“So, you aren’t.”
“…No, not really.”
“She told me what happened, in full- and I really think we need to have a serious talk about how we let her operate.”
Black Sapphire put the letter down, fully lowering himself to be seated on the floor. Shadow Milk followed, sitting across from him.
“I agree. I’m not letting her out of the house until I can be sure that whatever happened today doesn’t happen again.”
Shadow Milk tapped a finger against his knee.
“More tea?”
“…Sure.”
Black Sapphire stayed still, staring at the flames while Shadow Milk took to the counter. The pot was still there, and had enough water remaining for a few more cups. Knowing Sapphire, he wouldn’t be surprised if by the end of this talk he’d have indulged in enough tea to completely finish the pot.
He set the pot on top of the hearth, and threw a few logs onto the flame to start it up again. He handed an empty cup to Black Sapphire, taking a seat on the floor next to him while they continued to watch the flames.
“Candy Apple also told me what happened.”
“Really? When did she get the time to tell you?”
“You were in the kitchen.”
“Ah, makes sense.”
There was a pause, the crackling fire filled the short silence.
…
“I think we should give her a gun.”
…
Shadow Milk gaped. Gave him a look that said ‘are we talking about the same Candy Apple?’.
Black Sapphire took to eye contact.
“No, seriously Milk. She’s a little bit nuts, but she’s also a lot older than when we last lent her a revolver.”
…No, Sapphire can’t be serious, right?”
“Sapphy, she broke a guy’s nose over a steak.”
“Well, she’s already ahead of the game. Don’t tell me you haven’t clocked a guy who deserved it.”
“Well, yeah, but she’s a kid!”
“Yes, but she isn’t an idiot. I’ve thought about it, and she’s not sparky enough to shoot a guy over something as small as some food- but after today, I’m worried she might just piss someone off to the point she’ll need a gun to defend herself.”
Shadow Milk huffed through his nose.
Ugh, this was so stupid.
But… true.
He’d rather avoid her pissing anyone off in the first place…
But this is Candy Apple they’re talking about.
Damn it, Sapphire’s right.
…Not really, but also, Shadow Milk barely spends time with Candy, so even if it seemed in character to sporadically fire away, it probably wouldn’t translate into real life.
“Sapphy, I think your idea sucks ass.”
He took another breath.
“But you probably know her better than I do. And lord knows I’m not winning a fight with you when your sisters involved.”
He couldn’t believe he was saying this.
“Maybe just… give her a lesson on how to use one.”
Black Sapphire chuckled.
“Actually, I think that I’d be better off getting a lesson from her. She’s got an incredible shot.”
“Damn it. She does, doesn’t she?”
A small bubbling sound came from the pot above them. Their attention turned to it.
“I’ll get it. You never get the blend right.”
Sapphire abruptly stood, Shadow Milk scowling a little.
He said nothing though.
There was some movement above, the sound of water trickling into a vessel, before a teacup was placed into Shadow Milk’s hands.
He watched as the orange light from the fire danced slightly in the surface of the water while he waited for it to cool. Black Sapphire was doing the same.
After some time, soft sipping sounded from Black Sapphire as he deigned the tea cool enough to drink. Shadow Milk watched as the other man, upright in his perfect posture, had the cup slightly pressed to his lips- a gentle kiss to the rim that allowed only a small amount of liquid to enter.
The man himself looked a bit of a mess.
His hands were still bloodied at the edges with the dried remnants of blood. His hair was sticking to his forehead from where sweat had clung, and his eyes had obvious dark circles beneath them.
Yet still, despite these obvious signs of unkempt, he had to acknowledged that the other looked nothing short of pure elegance with how he kept himself. How he carried about.
Shadow Milk often remarked how the others foul mouth felt out of place on such an otherwise flawless presentation, yet it was true that even the other man’s insults held a sharp, refined edge to them.
As everything about the other did.
Shadow Milk sighed.
He brought the cup to his lips, also slowly sipping. The liquid was still quite hot.
The blend was perfect, as per usual. Better than the cups he had earlier brewed, yet not so much as to insult his own skills in tea making.
Warmth spread through his core, softening the tension that the day brought- bringing with it the realisation of just how tired he was.
Black Sapphire looked it as well. Even worse, perhaps, probably still jarred by the earlier happenings of the day.
Shadow Milk stood up and turned down to face Black Sapphire.
“I’m gonna fetch us some water, could you get some towels ready?”
The other looked at the mostly untouched cup on the ground, then back at Shadow Milk.
“Yes, sure.” He paused, looking back at the cup. “…Are you going to finish that?”
Shadow Milk huffed.
“Suit yourself.”
“Gladly~.”
Shadow Milk awoke uncomfortably to the sun’s rays stinging at his eyes.
The soft sheets were drawn up higher, lulling him back to rest- yet the harsh light still demanded he rise.
He shuffled deeper into the bed, unconsciously pushing his face into the other body to shield his eyes, nestling into the warmth.
This, apparently, was enough to awake Black Sapphire. Quiet, irritated groans sounded from the other as he batted a hand against Shadow Milk’s face.
Shadow Milk tried waving it away with a grumble of his own, wishing the other would just accept this new position and go back to sleep.
It felt far to early in the morning for this.
…No, the sun was out- it was most certainly not too early.
Actually, the sun’s position suggested they slept in a little late.
Shadow Milk groaned again, forcing himself above the covers. Black Sapphire responded yet again with irritation, reaching out a hand to fully shove at him.
“…Ugh, Milky…”
Geez, the other never pushed this hard to stay in bed. Usually he was up bright and early to get behind the desk.
…He guessed he could cover the reception today.
But not yet.
His gaze fell to the other.
The other had already fallen back asleep, his washed, curly hair that swept over his face shifting with each soft breath he took.
Little curls that rustled with each slight movement.
Shadow Milk felt the sudden urge to run his fingers through the others hair. Twirl at the natural curls which framed his face so perfectly.
Black Sapphire never let him style that beautiful hair of his. Nor did he let him dress him up.
Shadow Milk barely noticed as he raised his hand to the others head.
Oh god, what was he doing?
His fingertips barely grazed the others hair. Not even enough to disturb the strands.
The other was still resting.
He should do it. Touch that hair. He’ll never get the opportunity to do so again.
But Black Sapphire would be so pissed...
…Eh, but when has that ever stopped him?
His fingers scooped a lock, wrapping its natural curl around the tip, gently pulling it straight. Watched it as it sprung back into shape when released.
His lips curled into a smile. Took a handful of locks into his grasp.
Hair found its way along each finger, pulling out that short distance before it slipped from his grasp, tumbling beautifully back onto the others.
Agh, why wouldn’t Sapphy just let him style him?
He had so much potential.
…Not that Sapphire squandered it.
But there were so many styles that Shadow Milk yearned to see on him.
That would suit his figure excellently.
His fingers absently began to scratch at the scalp.
Ah, the other man took such good care of himself.
Shadow Milk certainly did not neglect his hygiene, but Black Sapphire-
No efforts were spared.
He laboured for that soft face with oils and perfumes. His hair curled so beautifully with products even the upper-class coveted.
His drew his fingers back and forth through the hair absent-mindedly, watching as those springy locks shuffled with each movement.
Watching as the other shifted beneath him.
Watched as the other opened his eyes, and as a hand landed on his wrist-
“Nuh-uh. Anything up here is look, don’t touch.”
Shadow Milk’s face grew hot with embarrassment.
“Keep your hands to yourself~.”
When did he start massaging the others scalp so intently-?
He had to recover. He forced himself to bite back.
“Oh, I deeply apologise...” Shadow Milk scratched at his neck. “...But, uhm- how should I say this-? I think I should let you know, your hair has split ends… Have you begun to neglect it?”
Black Sapphire gaped.
“Oh, don’t you even...”
The grip around his wrist tightened, the other pushing it into the bed. His free hand reached out and seizing the others hair by the ponytail.
“And your hair is just so well maintained, isn’t it~?”
“Hey- what are you-?”
With a tug at the ribbon, the ponytail was freed- the chaotic mess of blue strands escaping over the pillow.
Shadow Milk tried to swat at the hand at his hair with his free hand, Black Sapphire completely ignoring it, digging his nails into the scalp of the other.
“Wowww~, I ought to teach you how to wash it, I guess I assumed you knew how.”
“Excuse me-?!”
“Oh, I deeply apologise…”
Oh, so now he was stealing lines.
Classic.
Why’d he think it was a good idea to touch his hair again?
“Geez, should’ve anticipated you’d overreact like this when I so much as felt your hair.”
Black Sapphire raised a brow at this, chuckling a little.
“Hah, knowing how little you wash your hands, I’d say it’s an underreaction.”
“I’m not even unhygienic! You’re just a germ freak!”
“Oh, don’t give me that. You’re just a freak in general, Milky~”
“Hah- what!?”
“Oh, think I didn’t notice the whole stash of lingerie you keep in my wardrobe?”
Shadow Milk gaped.
“Wait- how-“
“Is that why you want to get me to agree to dress up so badly? Hmm?”
Shadow Milk grew red.
He swallowed. Nope. His dignity is still there. Can’t throw it out just yet. A smooth one-liner could fix this.
“Oh, please~ the thought never crossed my mind. But clearly it crossed yours~.”
Black Sapphire cackled.
“Lord, forgive me for drawing reasonable conclusions~.”
“Just-stop-!”
Black Sapphire laughed one last time, before backing himself up out of bed.
“Ok, I apologise, I’m sorry, my condolences~. I suppose I went a little far.”
He made a small snorting noise from behind his hand, yet his gaze flicked to the window in thought.
“Wow, it’s quite late in the morning, isn’t it?”
“…Yeah, I was gonna cover your shift and let you sleep in, but that didn’t end up happening.”
Shadow Milk rose before making his way to his wardrobe.
Black Sapphire approached his own wardrobe, flicking through the fabrics.
“What’s the occasion?”
“…What does that mean?”
A loose shirt was settled on.
“Psh, don’t act like you chose to cover out of good will.”
“Sapphy, your sister came home yesterday covered in blood. I’m not that much of a dickhead.”
Black Sapphire walked over to Shadow Milk’s wardrobe, taking a look at the pants.
“Well in that case, does that offer still stand?”
“Pha- nice try, Sapph.”
He chose to forgo a belt.
“Suit yourself, freeloader~.”
Shadow Milk sighed internally, turning to face Black Sapphire.
“Geez, what are you, my mother-”
His eyes widened.
“Goodness Sapphire, what the hell are you wearing?”
Black Sapphire was dressed in an outfit completely lacking in any form of cohesion or couture. He was in a shirt he had never seen the other in, and for good reason, completely large and loose for his figure, something that couldn’t possible serve as anything other than comfort. Absurdly oversized, paired with…
Denim?!
Who was this, and what had they done with Black Sapphire?!
“Wow, so rude~.” Black Sapphire tutted. “Clothes exist for comfort, do they not?”
Shadow Milk’s jaw slacked.
Ok, yep, this isn’t Sapphire.
“Are… Are you feeling well, Black Sapphire…?”
Black Sapphire smirked, deigning to ignore him, choosing to return the hangers onto the rack before turning to the hallway.
“H-hey, don’t just ignore me-“
Shadow Milk hopped after him one-legged as he shoved his other foot into a boot, catching himself as he nearly fell and then following after him.
Black Sapphire turned into the kitchen.
“I haven’t had a lazy day in a while, and no one else is checked into the inn right now, so I figured I could take today off.”
Black Sapphire set the now nearly empty pot above the hearth, reaching for a lighter to get the hearth lit.
“Of course, you are welcome to cover, but I don’t mind turning guests away should you want to join me.”
He lifted himself to his feet, getting out some cups and sprinkling tea leaves in.
“Besides, we have a few errands to run, don’t we?”
Black Sapphire took a stool into the pantry, reaching up and taking out a small jar.
The table was set, two small plates on either side with one large plate in the centre. Black Sapphire reached into the jar, taking a few handfuls of cookies and putting them on the larger plate in the centre.
Watching the other diligently set the table, Shadow Milk’s attention was only broken when he noticed that the water started to boil. He quickly set to pouring the water in the cups that were already laid out, before bringing the cups over to the table.
Shadow Milk had a look at the small spread, unable to help a slight smile from forming on his face. His gaze turned when he heard from the other.
“I’m going to check on Candy Apple and make sure she doesn’t disturb us for a while; I’ll be right back."
With that, Black Sapphire left, leaving Shadow Milk alone.
He looked around the room awkwardly, unsure what to do. It didn’t take long before he took a seat at the table, admiring the spread.
It really was uncommon for something like this to happen. Two plates, sweets in the centre, cups of tea laid out for either of them. Excitement began to grow, the novelty of a nicely laid out morning tea between the two while they conversed, perhaps on a lighter topic than what had happened yesterday.
Shadow Milk noticed that he was watching the cookies in the centre.
Would it be rude if he ate one before Black Sapphire returned?
Usually he wouldn’t give half an ass and just take a damn cookie, but today he felt particularly self-aware. Was it the effort that was put into the spread, or was it the happenings of yesterday?
Whatever it was, he could wait. He wasn’t a particularly patient person, but he could hold on for a bit of sugar.
…
His foot tapped against the ground.
…
Started whistling a small tune, gazing out the small window that overlooked the table.
…
Long ass day, huh? Is this what it’s like to be Sapphire, waiting behind the desk morning to night?
…
Goddamnit Sapphire, where the hell are you?!
He stood abruptly, turning to the door-
Black Sapphire walked in with a piece of paper in hand.
“Back~ she was sleeping, so I left her a note with some cash. She can go eat out anywhere as long as it isn’t the saloon again.”
He approached the table. Shadow Milk sat back down, glancing curiously at the reddened paper in Black Sapphire’s hand.
“I got the letter out as well, I thought we could read it together over morning tea.”
Black Sapphire took a sip from his cup.
“Fortunately, the envelope has probably shielded it from most of the blood, so the paper is likely still legible.”
He pulled out the letter and unfolded it, scanning over the contents in assessment.
Shadow Milk’s eyes widened in anticipation. Would he-?
“Want to try reading it?”
Shadow Milk perked up.
“Y-yes please.”
The letter was passed over to him. He nearly snatched at it with anticipation.
Ah, how exciting-! Not only did he get to finally put all that literary practice to the test, but he was finally hearing from Pure Vanilla! Gods, what had it been? 2 months?
He paced himself, taking a cookie from the centre and setting it on his plate before holding out the letter before him.
Took a deep breath in.
He took his eyes to the top of the page-
Oh.
Oh, no.
This guy wrote just like Black Sapphire!
Ugh, why’d his first ever letter have to be in calligraphy?!
No. It’s fine. Not everything’s going to be written in that printing-press font. This was just another element of reading and writing that he’d have to get used to.
“D-dear-“
He squinted. Got past the first word. That overly ornate ‘Dear’ had to be some performative practice of the city dwellers.
He took a look at the next word.
His face fell.
“It’s ok, if you can’t do the whole word at once, just take it letter by letter.”
“But- I can’t really tell what the letters are though- it’s in calligraphy.”
“It’s ok if you can’t get all of them, just do as much as you can.”
“…Ok…”
Shadow Milk took a deep breath in and out.
“Dear S-H-A- oh, the rest of this is my name, I suppose.”
“Please, he obviously spelled ‘Black Sapphire’ wrong~.”
“Psht- whatever makes you feel more important.”
Black Sapphire snickered.
Shadow Milk took a moment to look over his name. It looked… really pretty in this font.
“Hold on, I think I’ve got this. Dear Shadow Milk and B-L-A- oh, this’d be Black Sapphire, then.”
Shadow Milk took a breath and took his eyes down to the next line.
“Ugh, I don’t know if I’ve got this. The font screws the letters up too much.”
“Would you prefer I copy it into another font?”
Shadow Milk put the edge of his finger to his lips, chewing at his thoughts. Maybe he could tackle calligraphy again once he was more adept at simpler fonts.
“...Yeah, that’d be good, thanks.”
Black Sapphire stood, making his way out of the kitchen. Shadow Milk was left alone again.
He looked down at the letter in his hand, going over the way ‘Shadow Milk’ was so elegantly written on the top line.
His name looked… beautiful. All those loops and varying thicknesses of the pen strokes had framed the text and made a name that he thought ordinary appear higher-class.
Maybe, one day, he could write in this font too.
The sound of the kitchen door creaking sounded again, footsteps sounding over the boards.
Black Sapphire returned with some sheets in one hand, and a dip pen in the other.
It bothered Shadow Milk that the other had such an affinity to beautiful pens- the prettiest ones were the hardest to use.
Black Sapphire seated himself and motioned for the letter to be passed. Shadow Milk handed it over.
There was little to do while the other transcribed the letter, other than watch him do it.
The other, caught up in such an ordinary task, looked so proper in his posture.
Engaged in his writing.
Despite his head being far above the table, he sat straight in his seat with only his eyes flitting down to the page, not even so much as craning his head down to read- incapable of displaying anything other than elegance.
Even in that uncharacteristically boring outfit. An outfit which still looked good on him.
The outfit, not made to flatter, almost looked as refined as every other article the other adorned himself in- purely accredited to the way he carried himself.
Just like the evening before, he had to acknowledge that the attire he chose merely reflected the elegance the other exuded- it never built it. He could wear a suit or wear a sack- and he’d look every bit the gentleman in either one from his mannerisms alone.
Not that Shadow Milk was to be belittled for his own presentation, or how he carried himself. While for more eccentric and somewhat chaotic in his nature, he held pride that he could be compared to Black Sapphire in his presentation. Both of them had remarkable fashion sense. Colour and silhouette came naturally, even if adapted differently.
The scribbling of the pen stopped, Black Sapphire holding the paper up to view his work.
“Well, the surprise is spoiled for me- but I’m curious to see what you make of this~.”
The paper was passed over, Shadow Milk taking it carefully by the edges to avoid smearing the still-wet ink.
He looked over the paper that was now set on the table, taking his eyes over the first line again, before beginning to read aloud the rest.
He didn’t need to read aloud, but the odd atmosphere of him reading in quiet felt a little awkward, especially when he knew Black Sapphire would be observing him in silence too.
He read.
“Dear Shadow Milk and Black Sapphire,
I hope all is well with you two.
I want to sincerely thank you for being open to remain in contact- your company, even from afar, is truly valued- even if we did not get off to the greatest of starts, nor have we known each other very long.
In honesty, despite some of my fears surrounding you two, I find great excitement in developing a deeper connection with you two- especially upon seeing how open and friendly you two could be with each other. Should it be allowed, I’d love to enjoy such an open friendship as you two share.
I understand if this is too difficult- maintaining long-distance contact with Black Raisin was truly a struggle (especially with her high workload)- but should you be free, I too, am free and open on most occasions.
So, should you like to maintain in-person contact, it would be my delight to invite you over to visit my place of residence- and you are most welcome to accompany me on a trip to the markets should you like. (I noticed your town left some to be desired in terms of retail.)
Kind Regards, Pure Vanilla
P.S. See back of this letter for details of my residency, and what times we could meet.”
He breathed out.
“Hmm, you have been improving, haven’t you?”
Black Sapphire mentioned almost offhandedly, swirling his tea around in his hand leisurely.
The compliment still made quite the impact.
“You think so?”
“Maybe~.” He took a sip of his tea. “But aside from that, what do you think of its contents?”
Shadow Milk picked up the cookie he had set down on his plate earlier, finally opting to take a bite while he thought over the question.
“Well, he doesn’t have a lot to say, does he?”
“I beg to agree- that man really wants to be our friend. Did he mention anything but?”
“Nope!”
“Well, I’d like to suggest that we consider his offer to go to the markets. Although I hold concerns as to who gets to go…”
“Who…? Sapphy, why can’t we both go?”
“Well, I’m not saying we can’t, I’m just saying it’s unlikely.” He took another sip from his tea, setting it down before cradling his face with his palm. “It’s just that someone has to watch the inn.”
Shadow Milk raised a brow.
“Really? Nobody’s watching it today, why would it be a problem then?”
“The concern is part in to do with the guests, but more so the safety of the inn with no-one inside. Not tending to guests is one thing, leaving the inn susceptible to break-ins or otherwise is another.”
“Could Candy Apple keep an eye out?”
“Absolutely not. Never would I leave the inn in her hands. I deal with bad actors on the job enough as it is- she’s not covering my role for a minute.”
“Sapphire, I really think she’d handle it fine-“
“No, and I won’t be taking further questions on the matter. Aside from that, she’d want to be out on business anyways.”
Shadow Milk sunk a little in his seat, pondering over the other options. The other begun to speak first.
“Milky, could you write to Silent Salt for a favour? Or to any of your other friends?”
Black Sapphire mused aloud, drumming on the table with his fingers- pausing in surprise when he saw the other’s expression wrinkle with visible disgust.
“…I’d rather not. I’m still not over what that filthy traitor did.”
Even if the other was ‘right’. It didn’t matter to him. Not even an apology could return what was taken from him.
“As for my other friends…”
Shadow Milk drew out that last word, thinking it over.
“Mystic Flour wouldn’t read the letter, Sugar doesn’t get out of bed for anything other than whiskey and tobacco, and Burning Spice…” He paused, wincing internally. “Is a bad idea.”
Black Sapphire sighed.
“Well, any other ideas?”
Shadow Milk groaned, pressing a palm into his forehead.
“…No…”
The black-haired man remained silent for a moment more, grasping in his mind for any other connections that they could possibly reach out to, before lowering his hands to meet each other in the middle of the table.
“…So, how desperate are you to visit?”
“Excuse me?”
“I apologise if it may come across as rude, but if it can be peacefully settled on who will stay and who will go, I would prefer to take that route.”
“Well, isn’t it obvious that I should go? There’s no way you enjoyed his company last time, so why…” Shadow Milk trailed off blinking. “Oh, you shallow leach- is the market that important to you?!”
Black Sapphire smirked.
“So what if it is? I’d never pass up on opportunity to visit both an upper-class estate and get a tour of the urban markets.”
“You pain in the- was the pocket watch not enough for you?!”
“Oh, calm yourself. If it means so much, I’ll buy another one for you while I’m out.”
“It’s not about the damn watch- look, let’s just find another way to settle.”
“What do you suggest? I’m listening”
A finger tapped against his chin.
“Gambling?”
Even in hindsight, it made sense for Shadow Milk to choose gambling as the bottom line for who got to go.
He wasn’t too humble to deny it; Shadow Milk was absolutely among the biggest spenders down at the gambling hall- and he was also one of the biggest earners.
Although, this meant nothing, as Black Sapphire went straight to roulette and proceeded to win the 50% chance. And then did it again.
The concept was each walk in with a generous $10 (a good few days worth of honest work- yet their savings were far from modest given their ‘side hustles’)- and whoever came home with more money got to visit Pure Vanilla with whatever they earnt as their spending money. They left late at night at Black Sapphires request, his comfort in leaving the inn alone eased as darkness overtook the sky, and returned at midnight with a generous net positive.
Shadow Milk, ever the strategic better, took to poker where he proceeded to lose some, win more. Although it wasn’t enough for a win against Black Sapphire- who completely lucked out on the roulette wheel and took home $40 on an unreasonable back-to-back all-in. The man, after comfortable in his earnings, even took to leisurely smoking near the others face- commenting ‘nearly finished?’ after every other win.
Which was exactly why, right now, Shadow Milk was completely furious at the fact that he had to be anywhere near Black Sapphire- let alone sleep right next to him. The man even made a show of counting each coin aloud as he placed them in the cash box.
Absolutely disgusting.
Despite returning home late, Black Sapphire had the audacity to keep Shadow Milk awake even further by insisting that he simply had to journal today’s events.
Although Shadow Milk knew that he was going to dedicate at least two paragraphs to how he absolutely swept the floor at Shadow Milk’s own game.
So now he was here. In bed, staring at the ceiling, watching as the chandelier caught the light of countless candles from around the room and spat it back out- letting the refractions dance on the ceiling.
The sound of pen against paper filled the otherwise quiet, and Shadow Milk would’ve happily ignored it and went to sleep if he wasn’t in such a mood.
And in addition to this, that soft scratching sound awoke a small temptation within him.
One which he didn’t have enough stubbornness to ignore, opting to voice his desires to the other.
“…Black Sapphire.”
He basically spat the name out, resisting the temptation to roll his eyes as the other immediately met him with a grin.
“Yes, Milky~?”
He had to yet again contain his contempt at the others tone, taking his temptation to sigh and directing it into a slow breath in and out of his nose.
“…I would like some paper.”
Black Sapphire’s smirk grew.
“What’s the magic word~?”
Oh, boy this guy was getting on his nerves. He grit his teeth, taking yet another strained sigh through his nose.
“Pretty please, my lovely, amazing, wife darling Sapphy~! Done. Happy?”
He was met with an indecent snort and his grin opening an even further fraction.
“Very~.”
And with that, Black Sapphire opened his drawer to pull out some loose sheets of paper, and a hard-cover novel to support them.
Shadow Milk stared at the items he had just placed in his lap, now realising that he had not asked for a pen. An ugly, exhausted sigh he had tried so desperately to keep inside finally let itself out without restraint.
“Sapphy, would it kill you to just give me ink when you know I need fucking ink to write on the god damn paper-”
His words fell on deaf ears- the soft scratching of the pen against paper filling the room as Black Sapphire continued his journalling. Shadow Milk’s frustration immediately turned to exhaustion as he decided that reasoning was simply not possible tonight.
Which was also immediately disproven by a the small thump of the ink bottle being placed on the hardcover book in his lap, followed by a pen held before him.
“My apologies~. But please, go right ahead. I have to wait for the ink to dry before turning the page anyways, you may use my supplies.”
Shadow Milk took the pen in front of him, before turning to see that Black Sapphire had completely filled both pages.
Ah.
“Oh- thank you.”
With that, Shadow Milk took the inkwell on his book and moved it to his adjacent bedside table, dipping the pen in before draining it slightly with a tap, putting the pen to the paper with a deep motivation.
It wasn’t his own life experiences that he cared to record- that little hobby remained exclusive to Black Sapphire.
Recently, he had found himself enraptured by the novels that Black Sapphire had lent him- and as he progressed each novel, he found not only his ability to read improve, but also his love for language.
The ways that characters interacted within these stories, the unique, fantastical settings that arose from the authors imagination.
It fed his own imagination, too.
And a desire he never knew he had. One which he had craved to put to the page.
With his pen to the paper, and an unstable handwriting which he hoped would one day be as refined as the lettering in that mail Pure Vanilla had sent, he got started on the first line to a story that had began to birth itself within his mind.
It took an hour before the scratching against the paper ceased, the candles snuffed as the two were decidedly too tired to remain awake for a second night in a row.