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Shadow Milk was never one for words when it came to expressing his feelings. Of course, as the Beast of Deceit, words didnt mean much to him. Actions always meant way more than words ever could. Which is why he prefers to show his love through overly extravagant displays. Words are easy to fake after all, but actions require much more thought and care.
Pure Vanilla on the other hand, loved to give others words of affirmation. He often told his friends how much he loved them and what he loved about them. As the cookie of truth, it was a lot easier for his words to be believed.
Shadow Milk envied this about Pure Vanilla, especially now that he's "redeemed." Cookies always automatically think he's lying, unless he says something they want to hear. Cookies never change, do they?
Shadow Milk roamed the halls of the Vanilla Kingdom's library, running his claws along the spines of books he's read too many times. With a bored sigh, he grabbed a random book off the shelf and flipped to a random page. Something about local plants in the Vanilla Kingdom. Of course he already knew all about them, he just needed some form of entertainment.
"Shadow Milk Cookie? Ah, there you are!" A sweet voice rang out, unmistakably Pure Vanilla's. "I've been looking for you!"
"For me?" Shadow Milk closed his book and turned to face Pure Vanilla. "Why?"
"Would you like to see the sheep with me? I'm sure they miss you," Pure Vanilla spoke with a smile.
Shadow Milk rolled his eyes, sheep don't miss people. "Whatever. Not like I have anything better to do."
He floated behind Pure Vanilla, who was walking somewhat quickly, holding onto his staff as a walking stick and to also help him see. The staff's eye occasionally looked back at Shadow Milk, either making sure he didn't cause trouble or that he was still following.
They soon made it to the field of cream sheep. The sheep were all grazing on the grass, most of them huddled together. The air smelled mostly of vanilla, a scent that Shadow Milk had surprisingly grown rather accustomed to.
Pure Vanilla smiled as he sat down on the grass next to the cluster of sheep. He patted the space next to him, inviting the other to come sit with him. Shadow Milk begrudgingly accepted his offer and floated just a few inches above the ground in a sitting position. A small lamb had laid itself down in Pure Vanilla's lap. The shepherd of course, sighed fondly and pet the sheep on its wooly head.
Shadow Milk watched him closely. The way his shoulders slightly rose with every breath. The way his long, elegant hair blew in the wind. The soft, warm expression on his face. The way he so gently pet the lamb in his lap. He just looked so… sickeningly perfect. The words fell out of Shadow Milk's mouth before he could stop it.
"I love you."
Pure Vanilla jumped and stared up at the other cookie, probably wondering if he just heard what he thought he heard.
"What was that?" He asked, voice barely above a whisper.
Shadow Milk didn't answer. He averted his gaze and instead looked at the sheep, ignoring Pure Vanilla entirely.
"Bluebird?"
…
"… Shadow Milk?"
"… What…" The beast finally spoke, still avoiding looking at the shepherd.
"Do you.. really mean that?"
Shadow Milk went silent again before quickly putting on a confident facade.
"Of course not, silly Vanilly! You think a Beast of Deceit is capable of love?!" He cackled, flipping over onto his back and holding his stomach dramatically.
"Shadow Milk Cookie…" Pure Vanilla whispered, not falling for the beast's obvious facade. "You know you can be honest with me. I know you love me, you've shown it in so many ways. What's so wrong with saying it?"
"Everything!" Shadow Milk snapped. "No one believes any word I say, why would you believe I love you? Why would you even.. think that?"
"Because you're a cookie. All cookies are capable of love. Even you, Shadow Milk," Pure Vanilla smiled and rested his hand on Shadow Milk's shoulder. The beast flinched, but didn't pull away. He slowly relaxed into Pure Vanilla, eventually sitting down on the ground and resting on the shepherd's shoulder.
The two were silent for several minutes, maybe an hour, just enjoying each other's company. The sun had started to set, painting the sky in beautiful pinks, oranges. and reds.
Shadow Milk was the first to break the silence. "How do you even… put up with me?" He asked in a whisper, mostly to himself.
"What do you mean?" Pure Vanilla softly replied, turning his attention to the other.
"I'm horrible to you! I lash out, I get angry, I ignore you and leave for days at a time. And do I even need to mention everything that happened at the spire? I'm not worthy of your love," Shadow Milk huffed, turning away and crossing his arms. His back still leaned against Pure Vanilla's shoulder though. It was too warm and comforting to want to leave.
"Shadow Milk Cookie…" Pure Vanilla began, wrapping an arm around Shadow Milk. "Everyone is worthy of love, including you. Especially you. You've been alone your whole life. You've already made such huge progress by accepting my friendship and living with me in the Vanilla Kingdom. You're doing amazing, please don't let your mistakes make you think you're not worthy of my love," he smiled, pulling the other slightly closer.
Shadow Milk remained silent, aside from a soft sniffle. He refused to look at Pure Vanilla. The great Shadow Milk Cookie? Crying? How pathetic. He couldn't remember the last time he cried, yet the thief of his soul jam is able to elicit tears with a few sweet words?
Pure Vanilla frowned as he heard Shadow Milk's sniffles. He wrapped both his arms around him, sharing his warmth and comfort. Shadow Milk refused to turn to face the other. He just kept silently crying, no matter how hard he tried to hold back the tears.
Later that night, the two returned to their room. Shadow Milk, of course, pretended nothing happen. Pretended he never said "I love you," pretended he never was hugged, and pretended he never cried.
"Well Nilly, this is where we part ways," Shadow Milk sighed dramatically, his hand on his forehead.
"Do you have to go?" Pure Vanilla frowned, changing into his bedclothes. "Surely you can stay the night."
"Fine, since you asked so kindly," Shadow Milk smiled and jumped into Pure Vanilla's bed, bundling up in the blankets and hogging them all. The ancient giggled fondly and joined Shadow Milk in the bed, cuddling up to him.
The next morning, Pure Vanilla awoke to an empty bed, as usual.
One day. One day Shadow Milk will get comfortable enough to stay the whole night with him. They're making progress. Pure Vanilla smiled at this thought and laid back down, replaying Shadow Milk's "I love you" over and over again.