Chapter Text
A weary groan echoed around the library, the silence broken as Pure Vanilla rolled up another scroll, setting it to the side. He had been at this for hours, days rather, searching through the lost texts, tomes and scrolls of his Castle's archives, anything he could think of to try to help them.
The threat of Dark Enchantress Cookie grew by the day, her forces amassing in power, the Darkness having stretched already across Beast Yeast and threatened to cross the Licorice Sea to reach Crispia. Even now, if he were to look out his window, across the horizon he would see a line of dark clouds brewing, the powerful Cookie's skill and dark touch evident.
The fact she had once been his closest friend...NO.
Shaking his head, another groan this time as he stood up to search once more, banishing the thoughts. He had to focus.
Already the other's armies were amassing to the Dark Cacao Kingdom, the first line of defense that they had. Hollyberry had left her family, leading the Noble Families and their armies to their friend's Kingdom. Golden Cheese having awoken her own soldiers for battle and protection with the Light of Abundance, not wanting to risk her civilians soul cheeses again.
White Lily was doing all she could to hold back the tide in the Faerie Kingdom, waiting for a chance to seal the Beasts again.
The Beasts...another issue he was trying to figure out, thus, the ancient tomes.
Cookies far more ancient and powerful than they, the first holders of their Soul Jams in their original states. So far they had only met three of them and bested them barely, awakening to a higher power level due to it.
But 'barely' wasn't good enough, if it wasn't for the children....Shadow Milk Cookie would have taken his power, everything and the fate of Crispia and all of Earthbread would be far more dire.
'Shadow Milk Cookie....who are you?' A deep sigh ruffled loose parchment and sent dust flying, the Beast of Deceit continuously on his mind. His counterpart, his mirror, his enemy...yet someone that he had felt such an aching loneliness in. He had offered him his hand in friendship, he had thought the other would take it, he seemed almost ready to, but something in his searching gaze changed, hardened, angry and pained, slapping his hand away, before leaping into the portal with his minions with only a single, backwards glance.
"Why...why does that gaze haunt me so?" Muttering to himself Pure Vanilla put back another book, useless to his search before placing a hand on his Soul Jam. "Please, I need help. I need to find out the Truth of them, anything that can help us turn the tide, to save Earthbread."
The ancient artifact began to glow softly, a single pulse.
Further down the line of shelves something caught his attention, a scroll tied with an elegant though faded ribbon, it's colors long lost to history. Untying it with care he opened it, scanning with his staff in the dim light before his closed eyes opened slow in shock.
This was it. This was it!
Faded as it was, in a language he had learned as a child, a way to find the Truth. A 'doorway in time', at least by his best guess. A spell circle using Time Stoppers to turn back time, to witness it. Rolling the scroll back up and tucking it carefully under his arms he began to move.
He couldn't waste any time, and though he knew his friends would lecture him for his haste they just didn't have any time to spare anymore.
Racing out of the archives, robes flying behind him he felt the stirring of hope begin anew, laughing as the wind from his speed had papers fly everywhere, a little piece of paper falling to the ground from his arms.
Running to the Solarium of Unity, empty at this time of night, perfect for his work he began to draw, simple yet complex he had to get this right. Thrice checking his work before he stepped into the center of the circle as instructed he held out the Time Stopper, chanting out the spell before stating his request. "I wish to see the origin of the Beast Cookies."
The gold object shuddered in his hold, floating up as it a ticking noise started up, echoing multiple times from the other objects he had placed in the circle. The sky up above began to darken, clouds swirling in an increasing vortex. Looking back down he expected to see the Time Stopper open a doorway for him to witness, only to gasp in shock when he began to float.
"No...No no no!" Nothing around him enabled him to grasp on he could only float helplessly, watching the runes from the array encircle him, eyes widening in shock when a doorway opened above him, sucking him through.
The healer had to close his eyes and his Staff's gaze, the time vortex colors nauseating him, tossing him about like a cotton candy machine. When he felt close to passing out the bright lights past his eyelids faded, only to be replaced by a whooshing sound of wind all around him. He could barely open his gaze to see-
SPLASH
The shock of the water near had him gasp, only preventing the last possible second as he struggled to find his way to the surface, the trip and fall disorienting him enough that trying to find up from down in the water was impossible, his robes weighing him down.
His sight, minimal as it was, began to darken, his lungs screaming at him, when he thought he saw the surface far above him break, a dark shape moving towards him, before he knew nothing more.
Consciousness came slowly and piecemeal, starting with warmth surrounding him, the faint sound of distant birdsong somewhere beyond him, and the smell of old parchment and ink in his nose, as his mind slowly came awake and he became aware of the world beyond his closed eyes.
The healer let out a soft groan, trying to get his bearings, brain sluggish as honey with a buzzing noise slowly receding bit by bit, the warmth around him chasing it away. 'Healing...magic...' his mind supplied, foreign, yet vaguely familiar, one of his medics perhaps?
"My word whatever happened to you gave you one impressive concussion."
Pure Vanilla tried to turn his head towards the far off voice, groaning at the pain in his neck. Immediately he felt the warmth concentrate there, the pain receding.
"No no don't try to move yet...there we go." The voice, much clearer now, sounded relieved. A shifting of something, fabric against fabric, a creaking of a chair. "Can you open your eyes my friend? I need to check your eyes"
Trying to will the pounding in his head and the buzzing in his ears away, Pure Vanilla let out a quiet groan, before swallowing and attempting to speak through his dry throat "Sorry, head's pounding, and eyes heavy." Coughing slightly, grimacing, he was surprised when he felt the lip of a cold porcelain cup against his lips, the faint smell of lemon rind tickling his nose, before there was cold liquid touching his top lip, carrying the faint taste of lemon over the cracked, dry surface of his lips, and making him open his mouth to get a little more, in, relaxing when the cold liquid (lemon tea he quietly noticed), slipped over his tongue and down his throat, soothing away the thirst he hadn't even been aware he was feeling until it was being quenched.
And so focused was he on the relief of the tea going past his lips, that he failed to notice the delicate scent of blueberries and cream in the air, as well as the familiar tone of the voice speaking to him, the softer, calmer cadence keeping his sluggish mind from noticing the similarities to another, much more theatrical voice from his memories.
"There we go, one moment now I believe I can help with that." Hands, blessedly cool hands, reached up, fingers threading through his hair to brush against this scalp. Chilled magic, like a spring breeze on a hot day, washed over his head chasing after the pain, "I may not be as skilled as my sister, but I do dabble in the healing arts and can say I have some skill in it. This should help." Pitched lower in lieu of the headache the speaker spoke some more, the cotton encasing Pure Vanilla's head and ears vanishing more and more with every word, feeding him the story. "I'm not surprised you feel like this though, I can't imagine what happened to shoot you through that vortex like that, straight into the lake. You hit the water with such force that it shook the windows. You've been out for roughly half an hour."
Sighing in relief at the dissipating pain, Pure Vanilla smiled softly and leaned a bit towards the cool hands, his tone soft "Thank you, I'd normally heal myself, but I'm still a bit out of it, I suppose." Lifting one of his hands to his head, he covered his eyes with his palm, and took a slow breath in, only to freeze when the words being spoken to him finally registered.
Lake, vortex, magic door, past, Beasts, Shadow Milk-
Practically throwing his hand to the side, he opened his eyelids and turned to the source of the hands, his blurry vision only registering the blue hands clearly, with the rest of the figure just a blur of blue, black and gold, before the Eyes that always hovered on the inside of his cloak were opening as well in response to his need for clarity, most of them staring at the figure, only for his entire form to pause at what he saw.
Because while the cookie staring at him had the same blue skin and facial shape, the eyes staring back at him were not the sapphire and indigo he knew in his memories, but gold and indigo. And almost more surprising than that, was the fact that the marking was gone from the other's eyelid, and now rested over the center of his forehead instead.
Just like the one on that marble statue in the Spire. The one in the glimpses of the past he'd seen.
The figure gave a kind smile, leaning back, "Oh goodness me I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you like that. But it looks like your concussion is all gone, your pupils look the same. I've never met another with eyes like mine, this is a true treat for me." The figure turned, busying himself with pouring another cup of tea, the smell wafting about was the same as what he had smelt before. While he was doing that, the Eyes on Pure Vanilla's clothing swept across the room that was done in soft sapphires, golds and whites, the ceiling a painting of a night sky with constellations. Books, scrolls and more lined near every shelf on the walls.
On a table nearby was his cone hat, outer robes and staff, a puddle beneath them. Taking stock of himself he noticed he was in his inner robes, mostly dry though his hair was damp. Then turning to look at the other, he shockingly noticed that there was a towel on his head and around his shoulders as he poured more tea into the cup, before turning about in his chair once more with the cup and saucer in hand, a soft smile on his face. "Here, some lemon tea with a little bit of honey, you sounded quite parched before."
Blinking at the sight, his gaze remained on the towels over the other's form, before the vague recollection of something coming closer to him just as he'd begun to lose consciousness rose up, and he murmured with sudden clarity "Oh, you were the one who pulled me out, weren't you? Of the water I mean. I remember seeing something coming closer, before I lost consciousness."
Helping the other take the saucer, ensuring that he didn't spill it on himself the Cookie sat back, "You remember that? Impressive. I was unsure if you were awake at that time or not, gave me a fright! But yes, you're incredibly lucky my friend." Smiling more while blue hands reached up, working on removing the towel. "I was taking my evening walk when you popped into existence, crashing into the lake." Towel removed his savior began trying to straighten out his hair, so focused on on it, that he didn't see the Eyes on Pure Vanilla's inner robes widening. Instead of the jester-like hair with dark blue eyes glaring, this figure had a mix of dark and light blue with white, little stars glittering in the blue parts. He still had a few white cow licks as bangs, the driest part of his hair currently. "But that's a good thing, less chance of any damage from oxygen deprivation. Your items are over there," Gesturing to them he continued to have that easing, soothing smile. "Drying off currently. My bed has a warming array under it, I was worried you'd get a chill and I didn't want to fully undress you for your privacy sake, I hope that is alright?"
Blinking in latent surprise at the changes, Pure Vanilla took a moment to take it all in, noticing his Soul Jam still clipped to his outer robes, thankfully unchanged, before he nodded, his mind defaulting back to medical mindset, as it was what he was most familiar with "Yes, that's fine, you're correct in that, to prevent hypothermia in the case of water-related temperature shock, it is usually best to either remove most of the wet clothes, and dry the patient out as fast as possible, or if drying isn't feasible, it's also acceptable to submerge them in tepid water to increase their body temperature more gradually, so as to get them out of the danger zone without shocking their body even further. This was a good compromise, considering what options you had."
The figure looked delighted "Oh you do know your stuff! Incredible, who was your teacher? They did an incredible job with you Sir-oh my." The other gave a sheepish laugh, surprising the healer at the pleasant sound, covering their mouth as they did so. "Goodness me I haven't had the pleasure of your name good healer, nor have I introduced myself, terribly rude of me. I am Blueberry Milk Cookie."
Expression softening even as he cataloged the name for later (noting the differences silently to himself), Pure Vanilla allowed himself a small smile "It's a pleasure to meet you, even if the circumstances of our meeting weren't the most normal." Taking a sip of his tea to give himself some time to ponder, he considered whether to give the other his name or an alias like the one he used as Healer Cookie back at the Raisin Village... Before deciding that he'd rather not lie if he could help it. After all, the other had saved him instead of letting him drown, and even now, was being very hospitable to him despite him being a stranger in his home.
The very least the blond could do, was be as honest with him as he could be, and hope that he wouldn't regret his choice "My name is Pure Vanilla Cookie, and out of all the different types of magic, I'm most proficient with the different branches of Healing and healing-adjacent magics, as well as Light magic. It's an area that has always come more easily to me than any other type beyond it, so that's what I mostly focused on when studying."
"Pure Vanilla Cookie," Repeating the name, smile widening in joy Blueberry Milk placed a hand over his chest, bowing a little. "The pleasure is all mine. Well then, you must be exhausted no? And rest is the most important thing for recovery. Is there anything else I can get you before you sleep?"
Pausing at the question, considering it, Pure Vanilla shook his head “Just this is already more than fine, thank you. I wouldn't want to impose on your hospitality even more than I already am. Though would you mind leaving the teapot here? It really is quite good, and I'd like to drink some more before I sleep, if that's alright.”
"But of course, let me pour myself a cup and the remainder is all yours." Blueberry took a fresh cup from a fold in the air like it was nothing, pouring himself a generous cup full before moving the tray closer to Pure Vanilla. "Please rest well, we can speak in the morning." Standing with his cup in hand Blueberry gave a little bow before going over to the far side of the room, waving a hand as he did so. The lights all around dimmed bar the one right beside Pure Vanilla and one on the far side of the room near a massive window, a desk and comfortable chair waiting, pulling out for the other before tucking itself in, his back to Pure Vanilla.
The healer watched as the cup was set down on one side before hearing the ruffles of paper and scratching of a quill, the noise a soothing backdrop.
Having expected the other to leave, Pure Vanilla watched in confusion as the apparent scholar settled himself at the desk, working silently as Pure Vanilla took another look at the room, taking in the celestial decor, the hints of blue and gold, with the slow dawning realization that 'This is his room, not a random guest room.' (Something that he'd have noticed sooner, had he paid more attention. After all, the other had directly stated that his bed had a warming array under it.)
Sitting up a bit, the nearly empty cup held up so as not to spill, Pure Vanilla turned to the other with a worried tone to his voice, as he tried to push himself closer to the edge of the mattress “Oh stars, I'm taking up your bed, I'm so sorry!”
Looking up at the words Blueberry Milk's eyes widened, clear to see across the room. "Oh no no! You need to stay in bed!" Rushing over, his robes fluttering behind him he placed his hands on the other's shoulders, pushing them down after levitating the cup out of the way. "It's alright Pure Vanilla, I truly don't mind, I hadn't planned on sleeping tonight much anyway and my bed is the only one with the warming array under it currently, you need it far more than I do." Clicking his tongue as he urged the other to lay back down he pulled the blankets back up, a soft smile on his face as he did so. "Goodness me you are a Silly Nilly aren't you?"
The careful, well-meaning gestures (ones that he himself often applied when trying to get his friends and the kids to take a break and rest), accompanied by the words in regards to the other not planning on resting, made the healer frown slightly, before sighing, and letting his eyes close in acquiescence.
Only for his breath to catch in his chest at the nickname said with no trace of mockery at all, just a gentle playfulness that carried soft amusement, his own eyes only barely kept closed in the face of his surprise, something in his chest constricting with a vague feeling of importance, and his hands curling under the blankets, as his mind revolved around it. And from the depths of his mind, a single uncertain thought rose up, whispering against his awareness 'Were you always destined to call me that, even without knowing me at all?'
Somehow, the thought only made the constricting feeling tighter, though he didn't understand why. (It would take him quite some time to figure it out. But when he did, the haunting memory of angry blue eyes staring back at him with an incredible sadness and heartbreak hiding in their depths before disappearing into a dark portal, would keep him awake for nights to come. All the more so when he began to recognize more of the jester's soft mannerisms and quirks of speech in the scholar before him. But that was in the future.)
Swallowing to distract himself from the odd emotion, he forced his breath out in a sigh, and urged his body to relax "Yes, I suppose I shouldn't be a hypocrite, considering I tend to do the same with my patients. Sorry, I'll stay in bed and rest, I promise." opening one sky blue eye, not caring about the blurriness of his vision, he allowed himself only the tiniest of smiles as he attempted to inject a bit of doctor seriousness into his tone, though it fell a little short all the same "Don't stay up too late either, even hardworking scholars need their rest."
Critically eyeing the other, looking for any deception of trying to get back up again and finding none, Blueberry pulled back pleased, "Oh don't worry. I'm no stranger to sleepless nights. Plus I'm not the one who fell into a cold lake now am I?"
Blueberry frowned a little in worry, having noticed the grimace the other tried to hide. If he hadn't been observing so close he would have missed it. Was the other in pain and not letting him know?
"Would you rest better if I were to stay close by? I can read something if that will help. You looked uneasy just now, are you in pain? Or are you cold? I can get you another blanket if you wish, it's no trouble at all." Looking over the exhausted golden Cookie Blueberry couldn't help the wave of protectiveness he felt, something about the other drawing him in. He steadfastly refused to glance behind him, where the healer's possessions rested. He would introspect later, currently his guest was far more important in his eyes. (And how that feeling would grow as time passed by.)
Giving the idea some thought, Pure Vanilla closed his eye and nodded "I suppose I'm just not very used to being looked after like this. I'm usually the one watching over others, so I suppose some of that worry lingers still." letting out a weak chuckle, he let his head shift to the side to rest his cheek on the pillow, smelling faintly of blueberries and cream, as he murmured "I'll be alright." and for a brief moment he remained silent, before speaking in a more hesitant tone "But if you can still do your work sitting beside me, that would soothe my lingering worries quite a bit, yes. You don't have to though, I'm probably just worrying needlessly, as usual."
"Healers truly do make the worst patients, my sister is very similar on that regard." A soft, almost melodic chuckle sounded out, Blueberry looking towards his desk and waving his hand, not seeing the surprised gaze of the other at the sound. At the wave several pieces of parchment, a book, ink and quill flew over, settling down on a quarter moon table, glittering with magic that formed it up. As everything was put in its place the light on the far side of the room vanished, leaving them in a little golden glow. "It is no trouble my friend. I can just as easily work here as I can there. Whatever I can do to make you more comfortable."
Closing his eyes, the healer sighed deeply, and nodded with a weak smile on his face "Good luck with your work then. I'll see you when I wake up."
Blueberry Milk tilted his head, eyes worried yet kind, "What troubles you Pure Vanilla? Something is on your mind, I can see it as easy as I can see your unease."
For several long moments, the healer didn't answer, and just as Blueberry began to think he wouldn't, the other's quiet voice broke the silence "I just... Even with your reassurances, I suppose I still feel a little bad for you all the same." chuckling weakly at himself, he brought a forearm to rest over his eyes, and breathed in deeply, followed by a sigh as his smile fell "I know you offered your bed for me to rest in out of generosity, and yet... A part of my mind still feels uneasy about depriving you of your own comforts. Especially if you normally have trouble sleeping. I know it's unfounded, but it feels... Selfish, I suppose, that I get to rest, and you don't. Especially when it's your room and your routine that I'm intruding in."
"Oh is that what this is about?" Relieved Blueberry Milk just smiled, chuckling a little, "I normally just don't sleep, it's no concern, just a quirk of how I was baked. It is my choice to not sleep. And Pure Vanilla please don't worry. Honestly you changing up my routine is...refreshing. It's been...well let's not worry about that for tonight." The blue Cookie hummed softly, leaning back in his chair in thought before glancing over at the other in the bed. It was a rather large bed....
"Would it ease your worries, if I were to do my work sitting in the bed? I still won't sleep I think, but we could put some pillows between us for your comfort if you wish?"
Pure Vanilla seemingly paused at the offer, the Eyes hidden in the metaphorical space of his being now staring back at the scholar in search of whether the offer was genuine or not, before he felt his lips curl into a genuine small smile, and he let out a tiny huff of a laugh "You know what, I think that yes, it would make me feel a little better." body relaxing at last, his voice softened with relief "Less like I'm taking over your space, and more like I'm just temporarily borrowing a part of it for my own well-being."
The scholar laughed out at that, very unlike how a certain jester did. This was more carefree and warm sounding, pleasant to hear. "I see, you truly are a Silly Nilly then aren't you? Well then let's switch things up shall we?" And with a snap of his fingers he vanished before Pure Vanilla's gaze, only to feel the bed dip on his other side. Pillows covered in little suns, moons and stars piled up behind Blueberry while more made a little barrier between the two, enough to help them keep a semblance of 'my space and your space' but still low enough for Pure Vanilla to see. The moon tray moved over, the light shifting to Blueberry Milk's other side, leaving Pure Vanilla in dim light. "How is that, more to your liking?"
And it did, something in his chest loosening, and allowing him to breathe a little easier as he smiled and closed his eyes, even the Eyes on his metaphysical space, leaving him in full darkness as he murmured "Yes, surprisingly enough. Thank you." And then he let out a relieved sigh, and knew no more, as he allowed himself to be dragged to the realm of sleep at last, the drain of the time spell on his magic, the shock of the fall on the lake, and the dozens of realizations and questions that this new reality opened up, all being far too much for his tired mind to deal with.
Blueberry Milk sighed in relief, smiling down at his guest finally in the embrace of sleep. Turning back to his work he hummed softly, a barely there tune really, gaze flicking every now and then to the gold cookie, rarely to the Soul Jam resting further away.
The moon and stars turned in their orbit, one by one beginning to fade away as the horizon began to brighten.
The flutter of a page near him had the Healer turning his head sluggishly towards the sound, "Are you awake Pure Vanilla?" A cool hand was placed against his forehead, a brief flicker of healing magic washing over him "Good, you don't have a fever or any lingering effects from your little dip."
Blueberry pulled his hand back, happy that the other was stirring and seemed well all things considered. He still did his routine checks to ensure his guest was well. "Do you remember who you are, who I am? And what happened?"
Covering his mouth as he yawned, Pure Vanilla blinked a bit to adjust to the light level, before he reopened his other Eyes too, as he sat up slowly, head turning to the scholar, as he smiled while answering "Yes, my unfortunate fall in the lake, your subsequent kind rescue, and the following accommodations you put in place for my own comfort. Thank you, Blueberry Milk. I see I slept in quite late, my apologies. I'm usually awake earlier than this." bringing his hand up to card through his messy hair, he frowned, and after a moment, reached out to grab his staff and turn its eye to face him, only for his real heterochromatic eyes to open halfway in surprise "Oh stars, I look like a mess. No wonder you were so worried. If this is what I look like after sleeping as much as I did, I don't even want to think of how I must have looked earlier. My word."
Covering his mouth, chuckling Blueberry Milk nodded even as he eyed the staff intrigued, "You were quite the sight my friend, but you do look far better." Setting aside the book he had been reading the scholar snapped his fingers, appearing on the same side of the bed as the other. "I've taken the liberty of having your outer clothing cleaned, I can lend you something of mine for your use until the rest is taken care of. If you would like, through that door there," Pointing to the far right, "is my personal bathroom. Feel free to make use of what is in there, you will feel far better after cleaning up I am sure."
At the mention of outer clothing being cleaned, Pure Vanilla directed the invisible gaze of the Eyes of Truth floating loosely atop his clothes, over to look at the table where his wet outer robes and hat had been before, only to find them now dry and neatly folded, with the Soul Jam resting neatly on top, much to the healer's relief. Shoulders relaxing, he turned back to the scholar and nodded "I think I'll take you up on that offer, yes. At the very least to wash the remnants of lake water off of me and my hair, if nothing else."
Chuckling to himself, he swung his legs off the side of the bed, and stood up to his feet, his tangled hair falling down his back, and hiding the white eyes on his clothing, that peered curiously at the scholar, from view as he took a deeper breath in, before turning his face towards the blue cookie with a smile and closed eyes, the eye on his staff opening and glancing at him with a hint of an upturned lower eyelid "Do you also happen to have a sturdy hairbrush or comb I could use? I can feel that my hair is quite tangled, so I'd like to brush it out as well, if possible."
"Of course, though I could perhaps help with that? I know the pains of having long hair," gesturing to his own cosmic hair trailing down near to the floor "and more than once have had to brush through it alone, which is quite painful. I don't mind lending you a hand. Plus," Here the scholar got a sheepish look, "It's been a long time since I was able to do someone else's hair, and I've quite missed it."
In the aftermath of the hesitant request, Pure Vanilla blinked in surprise, before chuckling quietly and nodding "I wouldn't mind the help, no, so long as you try not to tug on it too much. Working slowly up from the tips to the scalp usually works well, in my experience." With that, he turned and began making his way to the door in question, his staff still in hand and his eyes closed for his own comfort.
Grabbing one of his more sturdier brushes as well as several clips from the vanity area Blueberry Milk followed the other into the bathroom. While the blue and white marble was the norm to him he let the other check out everything to his hearts content, gathering a stool for him to sit on. A typical bathroom for sure, at least to his standards, with a sunken bathtub, a large shower and a beautiful view of the gardens, the windows high enough that no one could peek in without the ability to fly or float.
"Ok now, please take a seat. This will be easier to do before you get it wet." Patting the seat he smiled, waiting for Pure Vanilla to put his clothing down before moving over, laughing a little at the other's surprised look when it hovered up, "I'm sorry I couldn't help it. You make the funniest faces Silly Nilly. But this will help me start at the bottom and work my way up."
Pouting only a bit, though internally a little amused at the soft laughter from the other, he turned his head forward as he held his staff between his knees, the eye facing him, as well as the blue cookie behind him "I suppose it makes sense, considering how long my hair is. You'd probably hurt your back or knees otherwise, with having to bend or crouch that low. I can't exactly complain, even if a little advance warning would have been nice." he finished with a bit more of a pointed comment, though the soft tone, and the way the eye in his staff was visibly upturned, betrayed the fact that he wasn't really upset.
"Duly noted for the future," Smiling once more he picked up the brush, running his fingers over it causing a little bit of a white sparkle to appear, before beginning to work on the long locks.
Despite the chaotic wind storm he had gone through in the vortex as well as his dip into the lake, his hair wasn't that bad of a mess. While the tangles were numerous they were all decently small, at least that's how it felt to Pure Vanilla (he would later learn a little magical charm the other did to help break up knots painlessly), the stool lowering as he made his way up, freeing it to at least being untangled, despite it's messy appearance from the water.
The entire time passed in relative silence, bar the quiet request from Blueberry for the other to turn his head one way or the other, methodically working through it, a kind smile on his face in view of the staff.
Setting the brush down, magic fading Blueberry Milk took a step back, nodding at his work. "There now, I believe we're done. I'll let you soak for a while, please feel free to use whatever you wish, Oven knows I have more than enough to go around." Gesturing at the numerous bottles of soaps, shampoos, conditioners and lotions with a laugh the blue Cookie began to turn to head out.
Glancing at the many soaps and so on with his Eyes of Truth, Pure Vanilla smiled, even as his staff's eye remained on the retreating cookie "Thank you, Blueberry Milk. Would it be alright for me to leave my current clothes by the door so they can be washed later as well? I'll compensate you for the trouble later, I promise."
"It's no trouble at all Pure Vanilla, and yes. They'll be collected when your temporary ones are dropped off." Turning over his shoulder he gave the other one final smile, eyes closed before shutting the door behind him, leaving the golden healer alone.
Sighing quietly, leaning against the shut door Blueberry Milk glanced up at the ceiling, eyes far away, before moving himself off to his closet, intent on finding something that the healer might like to wear for the time being, thoughts consumed about his guest as they had been all night. 'He's very interesting...what tales do you hold close Pure Vanilla Cookie. Interesting ones that is for sure, matching your allure.' Chuckling quietly to himself as he found a white shirt very similar to the dark blue he was wearing he continued, thoughts going idly over what he knew about the other so far. 'Very interesting indeed, and incredibly selfless, to care so much for a stranger. Such a Silly Nilly.' There! That was something that had, not quite bothered him, but intrigued him nonetheless. The nickname had just rolled off his tongue teasingly. He hadn't teased another beyond his friends, his family, in so long that he had almost forgotten what it felt like. Yet the nickname seemed to...startle the other.
Finding the rest of the borrowed outfit he encased them in magic, standing away from the door to afford the other the most privacy he could, the door opening with the clothing switching out with the old to be washed by the end of the day. Setting back down at his desk to wait he began writing his thoughts down in his journal, the words flowing like soda water through a riverbed.