Chapter Text
“Thank you, ” Skim Milk waves Shadow Milk off, going back to work. Shadow Milk proceeds to navigate his way through the hospital, looking for his mother’s clinic.
The graduate school he’s been attending had to cancel classes after an accident in one of the labs. Shadow Milk can’t access much of the details; all he got was a first-year accidentally opened the wrong vial, and the metal inside is extremely oxygen-sensitive.
Reaching the pediatrics ward, Shadow Milk avoids kids running around and goes to the opposite side of the corridor whenever he hears a child cough. Shadow Milk hasn’t visited this hospital, and his home city in general, since he started college. Busy with studying and work, Shadow Milk couldn’t afford much time to go back home.
His mother understood, wanting the best for her only child, but Shadow Milk knows how much it pains her to not be able to be near him. She offered to travel to where he’s staying, but something either comes up or the weather disagrees with her plans.
Shadow Milk could’ve been the one to offer to return home instead, but then he remembers. How money was tight, his mother working overtime so he could have a full stomach, and the fear of losing his scholarship, so every minute working counted.
While their relationship isn’t the best, and his mother deserves better, Shadow Milk wants to exert effort in fixing his relationship with his mother.
The explosion was a blessing in disguise. When Shadow Milk first heard the news, instead of calling to see if he could work during those free days, he thought of going home. He misses his mother, and truthfully, years of distance and ignoring his emotions forced him to realize he’s just worsening things. Even if the reunion becomes painful or does not turn out the way he hopes, Shadow Milk wishes to spend whatever time available with his mother.
After some thinking and actually talking to his assigned counselor, Shadow Milk took the days off and flew back.
“Does she still even like this?” Shadow Milk asked, looking at the plastic bag he’s carrying containing the tres leches cake he vaguely remembers his mom talking about during one of their calls. They share similar tastes, so he hopes he bought the right dessert.
When Shadow Milk finds a door with his mother’s nameplate. Shadow Milk lightly knocks on it.
“I’m coming in,” Shadow Milk says, twisting the doorknob. He knows his mom does not have any patients at the moment, thanks to the schedule Skim Milk gave him, so he would assume no one was there.
Shadow Milk is hit with the smell of vanilla in the typically milk-scented clinic.
When the door was fully opened, Shadow Milk was about to enter when he heard, “Excuse me, but Dr. First Milk is not here.”
Shadow Milk pauses and twists his head to where the voice came from. A hand pushes the sliding door to the side of where the examination room is, revealing a man of around his age stepping out.
He's beautiful.
Shadow Milk felt his heart beating fast, and a slow flush creeping up to his nape. He hears a purr in the back of his mind, and he prays it's only in his head. This must be what it's like to be one of those romantic leads in those films that Eternal Sugar dragged them to watch. Where nothing else matters, and fireworks appear from nowhere.
The man, probably a resident under his mother’s supervision, is attractive. He has blond hair tied in a ponytail, a gentle expression despite the shock in his face, and a soothing voice that Shadow Milk could fall asleep to. Even in a standard uniform, Shadow Milk could appreciate the man’s frame.
Witches' Shadow Milk, you will not lust over your mother’s resident.
At least he’s not the only one affected, if the visible blush appearing nicely on the resident’s face was any indication. The other man coughed, placing his hand rolled into a fist in front of his mouth.
“Dr. First Milk is on break at the moment.” Pure Vanilla, based on his ID badge, explained as he closed the sliding door. “If you have an appointment with her, you may wait outside.”
“I know,” Shadow Milk replies, walking further inside. Pure Vanilla was about to protest as he approached her desk, but Shadow Milk added. “I’m her son.”
Shadow Milk makes sure to grab his phone and opens it. On his home screen was a childhood picture of his mom carrying him as he cuddled his first rabbit plushie. It was the only plushie he brought with him when he left and returned home.
Pure Vanilla’s eyes flicker between Shadow Milk and his phone, his mouth slightly agape.
“See the similarities?” Shadow Milk boasted, swinging the gift around. “My mother is a beautiful and amazing woman, so of course, she will have a handsome and charming son. Sense this intellect and poise? It’s all because I learned from the best.”
“You’re Little Blueberry.” Pure Vanilla chimes in, which caused a flush to reach the tips of Shadow Milk’s ears. Pure Vanilla realizes what he said, appearing more flustered than he already is. “I-I apologize, I shouldn’t just call you that.”
“It’s fine.” Shadow Milk placed the package on the desk, lightly scratching on his patch. “My mother prefers to maintain a professional boundary when working, so I’m not surprised if you only know me by my nickname.”
Not that Shadow Milk blames her. She usually is the one to take the initiative to communicate with him, and Shadow Milk wonders if she ever felt frustrated by the lack of effort on his part. As the only child, especially away for studying, it was easy for people to assume she had no children. He was stunned that Skim Milk and Cottage Cheese still recognized him; it’s been almost a decade since he last saw them. And it was because he got lost in the hospital, and Cottage Cheese, coincidentally, was the resident at the time who found him. But he never mentioned that Cottage Cheese’s supervisor at the time was his mother; instead, he asked where the pediatric ward was.
“That’s not true.” Pure Vanilla interrupted Shadow Milk’s thoughts, taking a step towards Shadow Milk. The vanilla scent grew stronger, despite the patches attached to Pure Vanilla’s nape.
“Dr. First Milk would talk about you, whether it's with the patients or her peers.” Pure Vanilla clarified, his smile hesitant yet soft. “She talks about how you enjoy helping her make the plushies here in the clinic.” Pure Vanilla gestures to the small plushies on top of the tall drawer. Shadow Milk recognizes some of them; they were the first plushies he tried to make when he was trying to learn from his mother. “Dr. First Milk uses them for medical demonstrations and to calm down the patients.”
“When parents or colleagues ask about her, she’s happy to talk about you.” Pure Vanilla comes closer, but far enough to keep a comfortable distance from Shadow Milk. “While I have only known her for half a year, I can tell how much she adores you. How proud she is that you got a scholarship to your dream school. That you’re already teaching people.”
“I think it’s sweet,” Pure Vanilla commented, his mouth curving up further. “That, despite the distance between you two, Dr. First Milk talks as if you’re just home.”
Shadow Milk forces himself to swallow the sob, desperately trying to escape his mouth. He felt tears starting to swell up, breathing deeply to control himself.
“You must be over exaggerating,” Shadow Milk scoffed.
Pure Vanilla shakes his head. “I’m not. Just yesterday she mentioned how much you’ve grown from a ‘sweet little berry’ to a ‘healthy and lovely blueberry.’” Pure Vanilla giggled lightly.
The blush returned on full force.
“Don’t say such flattering words before knowing my name.” Shadow Milk scolded, stepping forward this time. “I can see yours, but I don’t know much about you. You, however, speak about me as if you knew me for a long time.”
Pure Vanilla presses his lips, his face uncertain. “I could,” there was a pause, Pure Vanilla reading his expression. “If you allow me to.”
Shadow Milk hesitates. If he’s understanding this right, this was… a first. He had been preoccupied with his academics and work; he didn’t have time for romantic relationships. He barely maintained his relationship with his childhood friends, even less with his mother. While alphas, and some betas and omegas, tried asking him out, one look from his exhausted stink eye made them scurry away.
While he’s much busier in life due to going to graduate school, as his counsellor recommends, maybe it won’t hurt to give time to some commitments.
“Do you talk to the other kids of your supervisors like this?” Shadow Milk questioned, crossing his arms.
“You’re the only child of a supervisor I’ve personally talked to.” Pure Vanilla admitted. “The other supervisors don’t really bring their children or maintain professionalism if they’re here. I was caught off guard when you arrived.”
“Why’s that? Do I not meet expectations?” Shadow Milk cocked his head, eyebrow raised.
“Dr. First Milk mentioned you’re planning to be a teacher.” Pure Vanilla says, “And you made my break better. I like talking to you.”
“What did I say about flattery?” Shadow Milk sneered. “I’m honored I’m well-known in this hospital despite these many years. I do prefer to maintain the same knowledge for those concerned. ”
“Does that mean,” Pure Vanilla curves his lips. “Our conversation can be, I mean in no offense, outside your mother’s clinic.”
“I’m not against the idea.” Shadow Milk admitted, “But before all that, I would rather you also know me as other than my mother’s nickname.”
“But it’s cute, and it suits you.” Pure Vanilla teased.
Shadow Milk sputtered, getting ready to retort, but then the door swung open.
Shadow Milk freezes when he moves to the side to see who it is.
“Dr. Pure Vanilla, sorry I’m late. Dr. Cottage Cheese and Dr. Skim Milk asked me about—”
First Milk stops, her eyes becoming wide. Shadow Milk felt himself stop breathing, his body growing stiff as his mom shut the door and slowly approached him.
“Blueberry?” First Milk muttered, her voice trembling. “My Little Blueberry, is that you?”
Shadow Milk inhaled, which came out wetly, deeply. He nods, his vision blurry. “Yes, Mom. It’s me, your… Little Blueberry.”
A sniffle was all he got before he was pulled into a crushing hug, and Shadow Milk could no longer hold back the tears. He hugs her just as tight, sobbing into her shoulder. Shadow Milk breathes in the familiar milky scent that consoled him whenever life gets too much, and his mom makes room for him to lie on. Shadow Milk felt a hand rub his back, and that made him sob harder.
“Oh, my Blueberry, I miss you.” First Milk sniffled, pulling back to look at him. “I can’t believe you’re actually here. Am I dreaming?” She then lets go to squeeze his cheeks, shaking him.
“Mama.” Shadow Milk spluttered. “I am here. You don’t need to do this.”
“No,” First Milk disagreed, now squishing his face. “I need to know if I’m still seeing the same cute face that used to stuff himself with all the blueberry pies I baked.”
“Mama!” Shadow Milk screeched. “That was years ago.”
“I remember when you would turn blue because of all the blueberries you ate.” First Milk continued, “You ate an entire basket that you almost choked on. You gave your poor mama a heart attack from all the sugar and hazards you’ve caused yourself.”
Slowly, the cries turned into giggles. Shadow Milk removes a hand to wipe his tears away, smiling to see his mother again. “I’m here, mama.” His mother nods and hugs him close again. They slowly swayed as they continued to hug, ignoring where they were or who else was in or outside the room. It’s just them after so long, holding each other dearly.
When they reluctantly pulled away, Shadow Milk remembered something. “Actually, I brought you something. I hope you like it, it’s over there on your desk…”
Pure Vanilla awkwardly stands next to the desk, unsure what to expect. “Good afternoon, Dr. First Milk.”
“O-Oh, Dr. Pure Vanilla.” First Milk flustered, covering her mouth. “I’m sorry—”
“It’s okay!” Pure Vanilla assured, his eyes glancing at the closed sliding door. “I can go inside the examination room so you two can continue”
“We don’t want to bother,” First Milk urged, looking between Pure Vanilla and Shadow Milk. Her eyebrows raised, and she placed her hands on Shadow Milk’s shoulders. “I believe you two were getting to know each other before I arrived?”
Shadow Milk turned to his mother, and she gave him a stern smile. Suddenly, he felt like a clumsy five-year-old not wanting to talk to his mother’s friends and their little brats, and his mother exhibited the same smile when he complained about it.
“Dr. Pure Vanilla,” Shadow Milk drawled, almost tripping when his mother pushed him forward. “Tried kicking me out.”
Pure Vanilla became miffed, pouting. “That’s because you entered before I could say anything. And,” Pure Vanilla stares at him. “I was enjoying the conversation we were having. Dr. First Milk, your son is much lovelier than how you described.”
Shadow Milk turns bright crimson, mouth slightly open. His mother laughed easily, “I’m glad you two are getting along. My Shadow Milk is always happy to make new friends.”
Before Shadow Milk can point out the obvious lie, Pure Vanilla grins. “Shadow Milk, huh.” Pure Vanilla whispers, just low enough for Shadow Milk to hear. “What a lovely name.”
“And don’t forget about it.” Shadow Milk replied, giving a teasing wink. Shadow Milk twists his head to glance at his mother, “Before I forget, I brought tres leches from the bakery you mentioned. There are plates and utensils if you want to try.”
Shadow Milk is thankful his mother does not have appointments or walk-in patients for the rest of the day. His mother loved the cake, gladly taking large chunks from it with every stab of a fork. First Milk took the opportunity to use the time to catch up with him, ecstatic to discuss what he has been doing during his time away and what he wants to do during his stay.
Shadow Milk sits next to Pure Vanilla for the conversation, inspecting the small plushies his mother placed in the drawer. He was impressed that they were still in good shape despite the many years of use, but he should not expect any less from his mother.
Pure Vanilla got some slices after his mother convinced him to stay, taking slow bites and nodding his head along with whatever childhood stories First Milk brought up.
“You what?” Pure Vanilla laughed, crumbs spread on his mouth. Shadow Milk covered his face, grumbling.
“I was six.” Shadow Milk protested.
“Six and addicted to blueberries.” His mother chuckled. “You refused to eat anything unless it had blueberries in it.”
“Mama…”
“I think it’s accurate.” Pure Vanilla leans his side closer to Shadow Milk, almost bumping against his shoulder. “You may seem sour—”
Shadow Milk narrows his eyes, “Watch it.”
“But you’re a lot sweeter and gentler than you think.” Pure Vanilla finished, taking another bite.
When the heat comes back with full force, Shadow Milk says, “Mama, please get a new resident.”
“Thank you for staying, Dr. Pure Vanilla.” First Milk bowed slightly. “I’m grateful for helping us clean up despite not needing to.”
“It’s no problem, Dr. First Milk.” Pure Vanilla checks the clinic the final time, in case something is out of place. “I’m glad to spend more time with you and Shadow Milk. That’s more than enough.”
“Mama, it’s getting late.” Shadow Milk reminded, looking at the clock. “You know it gets traffic going home at this time.” And he wants to spend more of his free time with his mother.
First Milk waves her final goodbye and leaves the clinic. Letting go of the doorknob, Shadow Milk was about to go next, but he heard Pure Vanilla speak.
“Wait.” Shadow Milk turns his head, eyes wide with how close Pure Vanilla suddenly is. “I know you said you’re only here for the weekend. But,” Pure Vanilla gave him a nervous and hopeful smile. “I want to know you better.”
“Why?” Shadow Milk asked, his heart beating fast.
Pure Vanilla looks down, slightly flustered, then at him. “I feel drawn to you.” Pure Vanilla confesses, and Shadow Milk can hear the anxiousness in his voice. “I like to explore these feelings with you.”
Shadow Milk stares at Pure Vanilla. Logistics and distance aside, if this brief spark he has with Pure Vanilla goes further, it would be exceedingly difficult. Normally, he would reject the offer and mourn about it in his dreams for the lost opportunity.
It doesn’t hurt to trust new people.
“Give me your phone.” Even with the lights off, the way Pure Vanilla lit up can illuminate the entire city. The vanilla scent grew stronger, expressing how happy Pure Vanilla is.
With a new phone number and later messages, Shadow Milk spends the early evening talking to his mother. They laughed, they cried even more. Shadow Milk apologized for not giving as much effort as his mother, and his too kind mother forgave him and is simply happy that he’s at home.
Shadow Milk passes the time texting Pure Vanilla. The alpha, he later learned and was shocked by, was a lot more assertive and snarkier than Shadow Milk gave him credit for. Whatever insults and taunts Shadow Milk gave, especially on his cream sheep and the incredulous amount of trouble he caused with or by his childhood friend, Pure Vanilla, bites back.
Shadow Milk wants Pure Vanilla to bite him, but he stopped himself from typing that.
By the time Shadow Milk passes out, his school sends out an email that the explosion was a lot worse and it caused a massive leakage that requires all students to attend online classes for the following week.