Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Who could've foreseen that the master of deceit would be causing problems even after seeing the light of truth and agreeing to take a compassionate hand?

Everyone but Pure Vanilla, apparently.

Shadow Milk's integration into the Vanilla Kingdom was proving a rough one. And while Pure Vanilla wasn't blind to the challenges it'd prove, he wasn't exactly expecting Shadow Milk to be such a handful. Where was the jester that looked at him so fondly, stars twinkling in his eyes when Pure Vanilla promised to be with him always? Evidently, somewhere else and replaced with a beast who would scoff and float away whenever any of the other ancients attempted to find any reason in why their friend brought him back with him. If not outright antagonize them, toy with the idea that this was all an inside job and he might backstab him. Ever the liar, laughing when they'd get up in arms and ready to defend their dear friend. And that was just the least of it. Pure Vanilla could only reassure them so much, but the proof of Shadow Milk not actually acting on anything and merely getting amusement out of their reactions was a massive help. Shadow Milk would purposely skip out on meetings and other activities that Pure Vanilla tried to set up for everyone to get used to each other. Only when it was solo ventures together would he come along. Running errands around the castle or around town with only Pure Vanilla, accompanying him in the garden, being confronted privately for a scolding because Shadow Milk needed a reprimanding after playing a prank on Gingerbrave and his friends. Again. It was the only conditions he'd show up and stick around for, however dull or unpleasant the jester would find such actions. Others were starting to notice and had questions. They weren't exactly mates, but...

The omega in Pure Vanilla wanted them to be. Pure Vanilla himself wanted to be. Oh, Pure Vanilla wanted. But it wasn't the time nor place to bring up such a thing. He didn't even know what the beast's dynamic was, for one. With his domineering stage presence and want for control, he might be an alpha. But the way he skirted around letting anyone figure him out, only allowing Pure Vanilla to know him, and his theatrics at heart belied that he may be an omega. Or possibly, a very secretive beta. Shadow Milk was an enigma, at best guess. It's especially not the time to think about mating or courting when Shadow Milk's been keeping up the drama and difficulty for this long. It's been nearly a month since they returned to the kingdom. Pure Vanilla feels like he's spread thin having to take care of duty as usual ontop of fixing whatever situation Shadow Milk's caused giving someone a new reason to distrust him, however small.

This last week has been particularly taxing on the poor healer. Shadow Milk's still stubborn about not making any positive connections with the other ancients. He's not provoking anyone outright anymore, but he's not really extending any olive branches, either. His pranks are certainly not going away anytime soon, having stolen and hidden Strawberry's backpack. It took Pure Vanilla a full day of looking to find it, and he was already feeling tired in the first place. That really didn't do him any favors. Then White Lily brought up some concerns regarding the other beasts, and Shadow Milk snapped at her about it, telling her to mind her business. Pure Vanilla could've sworn he was going to catch a fever from the stress of having to calm both of them down, speaking with each separately. And then there was the kingdom, needing attention for things to run smoothly. It was all needling at him, wearing him down to the point he couldn't even get comfy in his own bed, leading him to collecting a mass of blankets in a bid to get comfortable. He would have to have an uncomfortable conversation with Shadow Milk soon. Maybe he would be willing to at least play nice if it were for Pure Vanilla's sake, and he really needed a break, or at least a lesser workload.

Pure Vanilla plans on bringing it up the next day as he lies down for the night, snuggling into a pile of soft blankets and pillows that still, somehow, don't feel quite right.

That plan goes right out the window when Pure Vanilla wakes up to find himself drenched in sweat and a particularly hollow feeling in his abdomen. It takes him a moment, eyes blinking open from sleep and threatening to slip shut again to escape the unpleasant feeling. His body tremors against his will, a sting shooting through him, not quite pain but certainly uncomfortable. He weakly holds onto a pillow and hugs it close to try and soothe himself, but to no avail, and pushes it away again as it isn't what he needs. What he needs? Confused, he sits up and is suddenly aware of the amount of slick coating his lower half-

Oh no. He's in heat.

Everything this past week wasn't stress, though it may have exacerbated it. It was his body preparing itself. Conserving energy and getting him all warm and cozy for an alpha to knot him. Hindsight is 20/20, and Pure Vanilla groans as he flops back into his mess of a nest, another cramp washing over him. He has suppressants for when his obligations are a touch pressing, like they are now, but after being in the spire and then bringing Shadow Milk with him and then dealing with Shadow Milk being Shadow Milk, he lost track of his cycle completely. He didn't even notice the signs that his heat was creeping up on him. You can't suppress anything when it's already happening. For someone of his age and status, it's a bit embarrassing... Not nearly as embarrassing as it is irksome. It's only the beginning stages, though it must've started sometime during his sleep due to how warm he is, but his mind isn't clouded with heat. He has enough time to feel sorry for himself and write a note to post on the outside of his bedroom door to ensure he can wait out his heat in peace. And apologize that he's unable to help for the next few days. Or week. Witches above, he hopes it's not a week this time.

Getting out of his nest and over to his desk is easy enough at the moment, though the cooler air hitting the wet space between his thighs isn't exactly a nice feeling. It's just a little white lie he writes, and an obvious one for anyone who ends up walking the corridor past his room. To be polite about it, however factually incorrect it may be. His scent is already spreading through the room, making that hollowness feel even emptier, instincts already insisting it shouldn't be just one scent but two. The gentle but pressing thought that'd only get worse as time goes on. He's not looking forward to it. His hand shakes ever so slightly as he affixes the note onto his door and swiftly shuts it again. He's left standing there, rethinking his estimates on when his heat started because he doesn't recall when he moved from the desk to the door. And he's absolutely burning up, now that he's paying attention to himself again. He might've immediately lost the opportunity to let anybody think he wasn't in heat by letting his scent out into the hall like that. It's a dizzying idea. Maybe an alpha would smell it and find him. Maybe Shadow Milk was an alpha-

Pure Vanilla gasps and nearly flinches, the mere thought sending a wave of raw need through him. Warm slick joins the mess on his legs. He's too hot and he's not in his nest and it's unbearable to be without Shadow Milk. A pathetic little whine leaves him with a shake of his head. He's not that far gone, not yet anyway. But the nerves firing off in him are being pretty convincing. Shadow Milk might not even be an alpha, it's useless to think about.

Despite his attempts to calm himself, he's still too warm to stand being clothed anymore, peeling his sleepwear off before returning to his bed. He noses down into the fabric of soft blankets, sighs as his head buzzes with the returning thought of how wrong it is that his scent is all that belongs to it. Another cramp runs through him, emptiness demanding to be filled, a small shiver of sensation accompanying it as his cunt clenches around nothing. The clarity of thought is getting segmented into smaller windows. He really did misjudge how far along into his heat he was. His mind's getting fuzzy, line of thinking becoming just a bit more distant, but he's sticking to his decision to not touch himself just yet. He might be wet and wanting but if he starts now he'll just fall hard once his heat's in full swing. It's not worth it.

It's not worth it, he tells himself as he lays and endures another rush of need, another wave of everything in his body insisting he should be getting fucked soon if not right now. He squirms in place, tangling himself in pillows and blankets alike in a bid to focus on something against his bare skin, anything. It's no better than his clothes, but at least it's not restrictive. It's something to focus on that isn't daydreaming about alphas with wide grins and mischievous eyes in their hair. Alphas that are decidedly not Shadow Milk, because it's no good to assume and get his hopes up. It's not worth masturbating now, even if his clit throbs, absolutely begging for attention. It's not worth it even if he can't really tell how much time has passed since he woke up, since he's been laying here making himself suffer just because it's his fault he forgot his heat was coming up.

Another cramp, more slick leaks out of him, it's all he can think about. He's shaking. Has been shaking for how long? He can't take it any more. It's too much to not have any stimulation. His hand reaches lower-

Someone knocks on the door. Pure Vanilla freezes, the burning fire dancing across his body dying down to a weak little flame.

“Pure Vanilla? May I come in?”

He's reignited in a second. That's Shadow Milk's voice. Almost serious, but there's a nigh intangible lilt to his tone. Pure Vanilla should think about this.

“Y-Yes.”

So much for thinking with his brain instead of his pussy.

The door opens slowly, almost hesitant. Shadow Milk steps through all the same, quickly shuts it behind him. He doesn't spare a moment. “How nice of you to invite me in! And how very nice to see that I'm right~” A cheshire grin plays on his lips. “Pure Vanilla, I heard you were sick, but are you actually in heat by any chance?” He's teasing, mock concern lacing his words as he's tilting his head, but clearly refusing to move from his spot against the door. Is he pressing against it...?

Pure Vanilla can't really tell when he has to focus on talking. “I... am. Yes.” It's a normal bodily function, so he's not particularly ashamed of admitting it. Just the circumstances surrounding it. He shuffles around in his nest, secures a blanket fully around him to sit up and more properly face the jester. He can't help the way his entire body is trembling. He's not going to leap at him, even if his instincts want him to so bad. He's not. “Why are you here?”

“I-” Shadow Milk fumbles for a second. Looks to the side then back at Pure Vanilla again. “Just wanted to check on you! You never got sick in the spire, why would you get sick now in your homeland? Kinda weird! Y'know, I always know a lie when I see one. Turns out you're not sick at all, heh!” He laughs, sounding terribly insincere, shrugs his shoulders and turns to grab the doorknob. “I'll leave you to that, bet you're real busy-” He's trying to make a getaway. Some far away piece of Pure Vanilla's brain acknowledges that Shadow Milk's acting strange, but he can't quite place how or why. He's mostly aware that he really was right about not getting his hopes up. Until he catches a whiff of Shadow Milk's scent in the air. He's only by the door, but his scent's already reached him.

Artificial. Overwhelming. Alpha. It's the first thing that hits him. It's a mix of oh so sugary and something more tart than outright sour. Raspberry? A cloying thing, overpowering on it's own. But it's not on its own. There's some undertone to it, something just beneath the surface that seems like it could be genuine. Like sweet cream, a soft and milk-like smell. It's divine.

“Wait!” Pure Vanilla finds himself calling out before he can realize he's even doing so. Shadow Milk's hand on the knob twitches, but he stops in place. “I, um...” He didn't think Shadow Milk would actually stop. Looks down and plays with the stitching on the blanket so he has something to focus on that isn't the pulsing need in his cunt, the way the emptiness hurts more now than ever. “C-Can I scent you? I just, I think it'd help...” His head's reeling. It's not really a lie, he does want that. The raspberry note is nice, but that cream underneath it is sweeter, soothing even. He also wants more than that. But not without Shadow Milk's consent. If he even works up the courage to ask. His heat might do it for him, though.

Shadow Milk's stunned into silence for once.

Scent him? Shadow Milk's scent as an alpha is appealing to Pure Vanilla? He'd only ever been told it was annoying, far too strong for betas, omegas, and other alphas alike. Not like he'd been flaunting it around or anything, but it was intentional to put himself in the position he held. He's almost regretting parading around as alpha now, though. Pure Vanilla was affecting him far more than he could control himself. He didn't even know he was projecting his scent, that it reached that far into the room and could be found through that strong smell of an omega in heat. Pure Vanilla in heat, to be exact.

An incredibly smooth and rich vanilla, fitting for his name, but there was something else too. Spice, deep and musky, not too much to be overwhelming, sweet enough to compliment the vanilla. Cardamom, maybe. Not very pure of him but so very perfect nonetheless, the contrast itself making Shadow Milk's heart beat faster. It made his head spin just coming down the hall to his room. It was taking everything in him to not pounce Pure Vanilla the moment he stepped in. He only wanted to see just what the healer thought was worthy of lying about, and now he was way in over his head. If he scented Pure Vanilla he might not stop. He wants to drown in this. He practically already is with the heady scent filling the room. He should leave.

“...Fine. Okay.” Shadow Milk's hand limps off the door knob and he spins on his heel to face Pure Vanilla once more. “Who am I to deny the poor little omega in heat? I'm not heartless~” He's trying to act nonchalant, like he's doing Pure Vanilla a favor. It's a bad act, possibly his worst, but anything is better than nothing to mask how Pure Vanilla's scent is making him feel frantic from across the room. He stands still.

A whine comes out of Pure Vanilla's throat, low and needy before it upturns into a squeak as he gets control of his voice. “P-Please come here. Please.” He lays back down into his nest, pats down at some of the blankets to make a space for Shadow Milk, waits with his arms outstretched.

Pure Vanilla, in heat, asking for him. Shadow Milk's not sure he'll ever see anything better than this.

He makes his way over to the bed, doing his best to not seem too eager despite the alpha in him screaming with each step he takes closer to the omega waiting for him. He's not used to this, anticipation and want and an urge to claim like electric just under his skin. It's so different from being an omega. He can't decide if this really was a mistake or not.

He hesitates at the edge of the nest, but ultimately lays down and is immediately grabbed. Like Pure Vanilla can't get close to him quick enough. All he can do is lightly return the hold the omega has on him, willing himself to stay still so he doesn't seem absolutely desperate as his neck is nosed at. Pure Vanilla's quick to find his scent gland and starts breathing deep. Shadow Milk's not even scenting him back yet and he feels like he's going crazy, Pure Vanilla's smell enveloping him entirely. So thick he can almost taste the spiced vanilla on his tongue. It's everything and he needs more.

He makes quick work of uncovering Pure Vanilla's shoulder and his mouth runs dry at the sight before him. Unmarred, perfect tan skin, all the way from his neck to his shoulders. He's unclaimed. Shadow Milk's dick twitches and he's pretty sure Pure Vanilla felt it too from how close they're together, but the omega's so lost in huffing in as much of his scent as he can. He wants to bite so bad. Needs to make Pure Vanilla his. Give him everything he wants out of his heat and then some. Needs him knotted and cumming on his cock and screaming his name, only his name. He's never been through a rut before. This might be-

“You smell so good... Really sharp but- but the milk under it is...” That single clear thought is dashed away immediately by Pure Vanilla's mumbling. The omega breathes him in deeper, nuzzles his nose against his scent gland to draw out even more. “It's so s-soft... No, that's not right. Gentle... and kind. Kind to me. I love it...” The praise is making Shadow Milk's cock stand to attention even quicker than before. Even if he's not entirely sure how Pure Vanilla's sniffed out his actual scent underneath the intense smell of alpha. It doesn't matter. He needs to scent him in return before he loses his mind entirely. He presses his face down into the crook of the healer's neck, against his swollen scent gland, earning a gasp and another nuzzle from him.

He thought Pure Vanilla's scent was thick before. It's taking up all of his senses this close. Vanilla, cardamom, and the absolutely sinful smell of slick from below the blanket, below his waist, joining the notes. Something entirely pleased but needy carrying through it. Shadow Milk inhales, and that heat smell goes straight to work, fogging his brain and making his cock throb. An aphrodisiac in the truest sense. He needs to be in him. But he wants to savor this first, just a little. Pure Vanilla's clearly doing the same to him. One hugs the other closer til they're totally pressed up against each other. Who started it doesn't matter when they're both getting lost in each other's scents, the only sound in the room being their shared huffing and panting as they gasp for breath. Who has time for breathing when there is Pure Vanilla's heat scent, the smell of Shadow Milk's rut slowly taking over him, the two slowly mixing together, it's all so good?

Impatience cuts through Pure Vanilla's scent suddenly and within that very moment, lips press against Shadow Milk's scent gland. He sucks in air through his teeth as Pure Vanilla starts kissing at his scent gland, his neck, his jaw, anything he can reach past the ruffles of his collar. Each kiss, each brush of his lips against skin, just the tiniest swipes of a teasing tongue is driving Shadow Milk fucking crazy. His hips buck against him, trying to get at least a bit of friction to sate him but it's only making him frustrated. Pure Vanilla is too heat addled to care, or maybe he's so heat addled that's exactly what he wants? Each kiss feels reverent, but Pure Vanilla can't hide the arousal amplifying his scent, the smell of slick cutting through clearer by the moment.

Pure Vanilla wants to tease him so much that he snaps and takes him the way an alpha should.

He can't control himself, laving his tongue over the alpha's neck and drawing a quiet growl of appreciation out of him, so why should Shadow Milk? It makes perfect sense to him when his whole world is just Shadow Milk right now anyways. All fake raspberries and milk cream. He wants to be doused in it, inside and out. Needs it. The pain of being so empty makes him wince. “Please... Shadow Milk?” He eases up from Shadow Milk's neck, weakly tugs at his clothes and starts nudging for them to lay differently with the jester ontop of him, though he doesn't make much progress. He doesn't need words to convey what he's asking for, not when he's still softly panting, not when the scent of his slick is reaching his own nose. Shadow Milk's frozen in place. “Alpha...?”

Pure Vanilla gets the result he wants. Shadow Milk rolls them, barely gives Pure Vanilla that beautiful view of him hovering over him before he's smashing their lips together in a proper kiss. Pure Vanilla purrs into it, quick to add his tongue into the mix and soon enough Shadow Milk's licking against him and exploring his mouth in return. He's wanted this for so long. He spreads his legs to better slot them together, waiting for Shadow Milk to become flush with him before he rolls his hips up against the alpha's and swallows the growl he's given in return. It's not so appreciative this time. Shadow Milk presses against him more, pushes his head back into the plush nest as he dominates his mouth. Pure Vanilla wants to get lost in kissing him, he really does, but another cramp, another reminder of how badly he needs filled rolls in and he can't stand it. He grinds up against the hard cock pressing against him again-

Shadow Milk breaks the kiss and roughly shoves a hand against his shoulder to pin him down, earning a yelp and a flood of sorry dampening Pure Vanilla's scent. “Are you sure?” He's... surprisingly, very serious. Showing teeth, sharp and threatening, but it's sending a thrill through Pure Vanilla, making him wetter. Shadow Milk's putting emphasis on that smaller note of milk in his scent, soothing, saying don't be sorry. It's conflicting with his demeanor. Cute. “Do you even know what you're asking for?” Shadow Milk's being all big and scary, but his face is completely flushed. Ah. Pure Vanilla gets it now.

He smiles, reaches up to wrap his arms around Shadow Milk's neck, brings him down closer so he can look into his eyes. “I know... I want you to knot me, alpha.” Their scents intermingle in this space between them, intertwining despite not being coupled yet, heady with lust once more and spurred on by his heat. He wiggles his hips again, even if they aren't completely touching anymore. “Mark me. Claim me. Please.” He lolls his head to the side, presenting his neck.

Shadow Milk goes for it. Pure Vanilla moans just feeling his mouth close on his throat. Teeth rest against him, slight pressure being applied but it's no bite. Shadow Milk grips onto Pure Vanilla's shoulder... Then lets go of both shoulder and neck, placing his hand to the side and lifting back up. “Not... Not yet. If I claim you, I'm doing it properly.”

Properly? Like he'll knot him and mark him when he's cumming? That kind of properly? Pure Vanilla was so mistaken when he thought he was dizzy before. The mere thought is making his heart leap, the room tilts, he might pass out? No, he won't, but he's definitely more than just excited. “I-I want that. I want-” The wave of pain that hits him is far more intense than before, making him whine and curl his body just a bit, faced with the promise of being fucked full but not actually doing it yet having an excruciating consequence. He feels like he's on fire. Even the most relaxing part of Shadow Milk's scent isn't helping now. “I need you- My alpha-” He gasps it out, stretches himself out and lets himself go limp, hoping Shadow Milk does something, anything.

And something Shadow Milk does, the alpha removing himself entirely from Pure Vanilla. He would whine, beg for him to be close again, but as he's watching... Oh. Shadow Milk's opting for taking his clothes off manually instead of with magic. It's unexpected, but Pure Vanilla can't help but stare at the show he's being given of more and more skin being revealed as he gets the clingy, frilly fabric off. Shadow Milk's moving as quick as he can and tripping himself up in the process, making it take just a bit longer. The second his hips are free is the second Pure Vanilla's gaze snaps to them. He could feel how big his bulge was up against him, but this? He's rock hard, cock bobbing and twitching as it's left waiting, wanting in the air. He's kind of huge as it is, and his knot isn't close to full. Pure Vanilla would normally be worried, but he's in heat, he can take it, that's what an omega's heat is for. He squirms on the blankets, throwing any covering him up to the side and baring himself fully for his alpha. Shadow Milk's eyes stare at him, and while he looks away again to fully get his presently stupidly difficult jester suit off, the ones in his hair are zeroed in on the display he's put on for him. Legs spread, slick down his thighs and folds puffy and begging for even the tiniest amount of stimulation.

Finally, finally Shadow Milk's just as bare as Pure Vanilla. Scrambling to get back into position, opting to stay seated upright as he grabs onto Pure Vanilla's hips and lifts, brings him close. A shiver goes down Pure Vanilla's spine. They're going to do it like this? He feels so exposed. It's almost intoxicating, would be outright if he wasn't already so settled in his heat. Shadow Milk wraps a hand around his cock, gets himself lined up and just barely presses the tip against his cunt before he's grabbing hold of the omega's hips again. Pure Vanilla can't help the way he's already arching, panting and restless, trying to get him inside already even though he can't do much more than whimper and get Shadow Milk's dick wet and ready with his grasp on him keeping him in place-

The tip of his cock slides in with one twitch of the alpha's hips and Pure Vanilla keens loud. Oh, he's big alright. It's everything he needs. The more he moves, the deeper his cock reaches as he presses onward, the more that fire running through Pure Vanilla's body is being doused and replaced with pure pleasure. He's scrabbling to hold onto something to anchor himself and getting nowhere, having to settle for a fistful of blanket. Shadow Milk slowly thrusts his way in until he's balls deep, completely seated inside. It's the fullest Pure Vanilla's ever been, the most satisfied, he wants to praise his alpha but all he can do is tremble and gasp as he tries to catch his breath. He's perfect for him, so perfect, but then he's not moving. Why isn't he moving?

There's a sour note in Shadow Milk's scent, apprehension. Pure Vanilla's heat addled brain can't fathom why. Maybe he doesn't want to hurt him? But he's ready. His heat's starting to nip at him again. He whines something pathetic, squeezes around his cock as best he can to tempt him but Shadow Milk stays still, breathing heavy and eyes closed, like he's concentrating on something. Pure Vanilla just needs him to move already. If he won't, then...

Pure Vanilla moves his hips, grinding on the cock in him, feeling every inch rub at his walls and finally getting some of that sweet stimulation he needs. He moans, tosses his head back and closes his own eyes to focus on the sensation. It's not perfect, his hips stuttering as he gets caught up in the feeling, he's not being railed like he needs so badly, Shadow Milk's pulling back- Shadow Milk's pulling back?

The moment he's able to register it, Shadow Milk thrusts back into him hard. Pure Vanilla's eyes fly back open as he yelps.

And again.

Again again again-

Shadow Milk's saying something about how Pure Vanilla being in heat doesn't mean he doesn't need to adjust, he's insatiable, he'll probably pay for this later. The omega doesn't really care, and can barely hear him anyways. Not when he's finally fucking him, less rough than when he started. He has a point, it's probably not smart to immediately get hollowed out at this quick pace. But none of that matters when it's sating him, finally getting what he's needed this whole time, finally having Shadow Milk. All he can do is sing his praises in moans and gasps, stars dancing across his vision as he's teetering on the edge in no time, and how could he not? He's practically been edged this entire time from the moment he started scenting Shadow Milk.

He can't cum yet though, not yet, witches not yet. Not until he's mated. Not until Shadow Milk's got him on his knot. “P-Please- Hah!” His voice comes out airy, barely making out words past all his noises. He can't help it when each in and out of his alpha's cock is so heavenly. “Claim me, a-alphaaa...!” He trails off into a whine, has to gather himself and shut his mouth for a second to make sure he can even parse out the consonants before he says what he wants to. “Shadow Milk-!” It's him that's giving his body what it wants, it's him that came to check on him when he lied, it's his smell that both calms him and drives him crazy, it's Shadow Milk, it's all Shadow Milk.

“Hnn- You already belong to me-” Shadow Milk's been making sounds of his own, how did he miss that? He has to pay better attention he has to. “I-I don't need to claim you... I will, though, don't- don't worry-” His voice is shaking with the effort of speaking, struggling to get the words out. Not nearly as much as Pure Vanilla was, but enough for him to know he's pleasing his alpha. Shadow Milk's eyes are open again, hazy and unfocused. Just a look is enough to make Pure Vanilla teeter closer to orgasm, stubbornly trying to hold himself back. Those eyes in the shrouded section of his hair are a mess, heart pupils of varying shapes and sizes, some round some angular, like they can't decide how to depict how much he's enjoying this, enjoying Pure Vanilla.

Shadow Milk sheathes himself in him over and over, just a bit more force behind it, he wants to scream so bad even though he knows he shouldn't, the room isn't exactly soundproofed. But then his cock hits deep and Pure Vanilla can't help but let go, tumbling off that edge and cumming. It's one step away from sheer bliss, only missed by the fact that Shadow Milk's still fucking into him and not filling him up. It's not satisfying, not as much as it should be even if his brain's full of white hot pleasure, muscles contracting. But he's still so amazing, it's like he was made to be an omega to match Shadow Milk's alpha. He's meant to be under him, a warm tight hole to use as much as he wants. Maybe it's his heat, but he couldn't be anywhere else where he felt he belonged more. His cunt's barely stopped pulsing, what little clarity he had just starting to return when his climax starts building up again, spurred on by the cock rubbing his walls and the alpha panting hard above him.

Shadow Milk, on the other hand, is doing everything he can to hold on just a bit longer. He's probably bruising Pure Vanilla's hips with the grip he has on him. Good. He wants to leave marks. Wants everyone to know just how Pure Vanilla is his, even aside from the mark on his neck he wants to give him. And though Pure Vanilla just came, Shadow Milk really wants to hear him moan as loud as he did, see his eyes roll back in his head as he succumbs to his base instincts all over again. But the alpha in him is demanding, especially when his knot was all ready to go almost immediately after he felt that velvety wet heat surround him. Shadow Milk wants to savor this sight just a little more.

Pure Vanilla sprawled out on the bed and writhing, gorgeous long hair acting as a backdrop to emphasize his body and just how well he's taking Shadow Milk. The downright sinful look on his face, eyes hooded and glazed over with heat, mouth open as he voices his pleasure and huffs for breath. The way his cock glides right in and out, as if Pure Vanilla wasn't so damn tight inside, soft walls hugging on and begging him for the knot teasing his cunt with each stroke in. The way his scent is practically singing, sweeter and muskier, letting his pleasure be known and trying to entice Shadow Milk to knot and bite him. He's beautiful like this. His omega. Soon to be his, with his unmarked neck that he gets the absolute privilege of claiming. Shadow Milk's head is reeling from it all.

Pure Vanilla's sounds take a turn to whimpering, pleading, begging without words. He lets out one particularly soft whine, starkly contrasting to how loud he just was. Tries to mumble Shadow Milk's name again but gets caught on another sob from one sharp snap of the hips hitting something deep in him. It absolutely crumbles Shadow Milk, tears his will to hold back down in an instant.

Blue hands keep a firm grip on tan hips as Shadow Milk hilts himself, presses his knot against Pure Vanilla's yielding entrance. Just the act of trying to get it in is enough to send the omega crying out, tumbling into another orgasm, walls fluttering around Shadow Milk's cock and allowing him to inch his knot in further, threatening to snap that coil in his stomach and undo him entirely before he's even tied to the other. The extra slick from Pure Vanilla's climax helps the rest of his knot pop right in after he's got it halfway, sudden and overwhelming in the best way, filling and being too full respectively. Feeling Pure Vanilla still clenching around him in a rhythm of sorts right as he's fully knotted him is too much, too much-

Shadow Milk has just enough time to lean down and bite into Pure Vanilla's neck as he cums, knot throbbing inside him as he fills his womb, claims him inside and out. Pure Vanilla whimpers, hugs tight onto him with his arms as his cunt takes everything he's giving. It's the most right thing Shadow Milk's ever done, mind blank on ecstasy. He thinks hes growling, maybe whimpering against Pure Vanilla. It doesn't really matter when he's finally releasing all that tension that'd been building up. Gentler aftershocks start rocking through him as he comes down from the high. When he's calm enough, he unlatches his mouth from his omega's throat, pulls back just a bit and admires his work.

Red, angry teeth marks stare back at him. A claiming mark. Pure Vanilla's his and there's no doubt about it. His Pure Vanilla. All his.

He can't help it when he bites into him a second time, the sweet taste of sweat and his scent itself flooding his mouth, Pure Vanilla yelping and shuddering around him- He's cumming again already just from a second mating mark. Shadow Milk groans as his knot's squeezed, pleasure washing over him and sinking in deep as his cock's milked. And though he's done leaving another mark, he doesn't lift up, favoring the crook of Pure Vanilla's neck and breathing in his scent some more. They're a right mess, knotted and huffing over each other.

It's everything Pure Vanilla's ever wanted, ever needed. He's mated, mated to Shadow Milk. Fulfillment settles in deep for the omega as he feels out his alpha's knot, the way he's full through his entire pussy. He's pleased as all can be, as any omega could want, but still he wants more. Shadow Milk's panting by his ear, hips and cock both twitching from the stimulation of being stuck inside...

Maybe it's okay to be a little greedy.

Pure Vanilla tests a roll of his hips, Shadow Milk's knot tugging at him ever so lightly, cock rubbing against his walls a bit more, tip against his cervix. It's not much movement, but sparks race up his spine and his breath stutters all the same. It's as good as he thought it'd be. Shadow Milk gasps, smushes his face against the healer's neck and stays there. Pure Vanilla moves again, drawing a whimper from himself and-

“Insatiable.”

Shadow Milk whispers it so lovingly, grinding his hips down against his in return and making Pure Vanilla see stars once more. They move leisurely, slowly grinding against each other and drawing more noises from the both of them, soft breathy moans. It turns to something carnal fast, Pure Vanilla's heat dying down but not enough to get rid of that urgency in the air, the need to breed and be bred spurring them to pick up the pace. It's already treading into overstimulation for Pure Vanilla, but he needs it.

He doesn't realize he's tearing up until Shadow Milk's lifting up to lick a tear from his cheek, hips not letting up as he does. “Haha... You're perfect under m-me like this~” His alpha's got a blissed out smile on his face, words coming breathless. “You're already mine, and you still want more?” He pulls back a tad too much, knot pulling at his mate and dragging him back with him. Pure Vanilla whines, squirms just a little at the less than pleasant feeling. His squirming only serves to rub Shadow Milk's cock against his walls more. The sensation makes him hit his peak again, screwing his eyes shut as he rides it out one more time, weaker than the previous but still just as pleasurable.

Shadow Milk makes some strangled sound above him before even more warmth fills his womb, cock twitching hard inside him. Together. They came together, and they're mated. The thought drags out Pure Vanilla's climax, sating him, satisfying his very instincts and seeping full and content and absolute adoration and Shadow Milk deep within him, deeper than the light of truth itself. Shadow Milk must be in some similar boat, the smell of raspberries and milk laying over him like a blanket just as much as the alpha himself is. The undertone cuts through so much more now.

It's a minute before either of them come to. Shadow Milk first, testing just how far he can actually move before he's coaxing Pure Vanilla onto their sides to properly cuddle together. The omega's aware of it, just not quite sentient enough to do anything other than let tired muscles quiver as his heat retreats. For now. It'll surely be back within an hour or two. He can enjoy this moment though, calming his breathing and nuzzling into black and blue hair once he can control his movements again. And when his mind clears...

He didn't really mean to let his instincts take over. It's hard not to when the one you were fantasizing about waltzes on in, however. His stomach's twisting itself up in a bit of guilt.

“Shadow Milk..?” Witches, his voice is rough. Shadow Milk hums, holds onto him a little tighter, possessive. “You... wanted this, right?” All's silent for a beat. Two. Three. Pure Vanilla you really did it this time-

Shadow Milk laughs. “You're kidding! And here I thought you couldn't be any more sillier!” A hand is brought to Pure Vanilla's cheek, forcing him to look at his alpha properly. He's grinning, pupils wide, almost manic. The last time he looked like this was back in the spire, when Pure Vanilla promised they belonged together. “If I didn't want this, do you really think I'd have my knot in you right now? Come on.” Teasing, playful, endearing. He squeezes him in their hug, rubbing it in just how together they are right now.

Pure Vanilla flusters. “I suppose not.” He couldn't keep himself from smiling if he tried. He should really warn him just what he's in for, even though he's got this sneaking suspicion Shadow Milk already knows. “But um, you know-”

“Oh, I know.” Shadow Milk nuzzles their cheeks together. “I know far, far more than you think, silly Nilly. You should be more worried about yourself! You're mine now, for realsies~” There's something so pleased with himself, with the situation, with Pure Vanilla creeping into his voice.

Pure Vanilla wonders how much more of a problem Shadow Milk will prove for him now that they're so evidently eagerly mated. It's a bridge they'll cross together.

Chapter Text

Shadow Milk's decided he absolutely despises being in rut. The only pro he's finding to it is that he's able to keep up with Pure Vanilla's heat. The cons are basically everything else.

He can't just exist without touching Pure Vanilla in some way. Which, helping him through his heat gives very few opportunities to separate, but they still have to eat, and sometimes he's uncomfortably warm. But then he scoots even an inch away and his mind's about ready to shatter itself with anxiety. How can he claim and please his omega if they aren't together? How can he know Pure Vanilla's truly calm and sated if he isn't touching him and able to feel out if any tremors wrack his body? He can't keep him all to himself unless he's got a vice grip on him at all times, despite logic dictating that absolutely no one would dare enter the room knowing they're fucking like rabbits for the past few days.

Speaking of others, Shadow Milk can't stifle the growls that leap out of him whenever he catches a whiff of someone walking past the room, no matter if it's someone getting to and fro in the castle or someone leaving food and the like for them. His sense of smell is sensitive. Any changes, no matter how slight, are discovered in an instant. Maybe because he's hyper-vigilant in daily life as is. Pure Vanilla finds it cute, and a turn on in his heat addled state, so it's not quite as bad as it could be. He still doesn't like being so out of control of himself.

And another thing, the fact he's able to keep up with Pure Vanilla's heat and then some. Having Pure Vanilla blissed out and singing his praises with moans and cries of his name as he's fucked full of Shadow Milk's knot is nothing short of heavenly. Until those noises of his quiet down, and Pure Vanilla needs to sleep and recover from his body stringing itself out for the sake of his mate's cock. He's so peaceful when he falls asleep, his breath finally evening out into something relaxed, tranquility settling over his entire being for this brief respite... Shadow Milk's not so lucky, however. Pure Vanilla resting all calm and beautiful as ever just serves to rile him up more. His instincts scream to ruin it. That they're not done until both of them are satisfied, especially when he knows his mate's heat isn't over yet, the lovely scent of spiced vanilla still thick with arousal even in his slumber.

The first time Pure Vanilla slept while Shadow Milk stayed awake and painfully hard beside him was torture. Masturbating hardly did anything to satisfy him, if anything it made him even more frustrated. When the omega finally woke up, he was all but jumped and knotted within seconds. It was probably the quickest sex they'd had this entire time. That particular event led to them talking about it, as Pure Vanilla's known to do when an issue crops up. Ugh. Turns out he's into somnophilia, though. Definitely not so pure. Gave Shadow Milk the green light to use him as much as he wants while he's asleep since he's so exhausted there's no way it'll disturb him. And it proves true when the alpha takes him up on the offer and fucks him while he's asleep, moves him like a ragdoll into whatever position he desires while he takes him. Just as warm and pliant and accepting of his cock as ever, even hitting weaker climaxes in his sleep, spasming around his alpha's knot. Shadow Milk fills him in sleep just as he does when he's awake... It's still not satisfying. Pure Vanilla makes soft hums and gasps, but it's nothing compared to how loud he is when he's awake, the way he gives such delicious reactions when he's conscious and aware and fully feeling.

He's sure Pure Vanilla has his own complaints with being in heat, otherwise the omega wouldn't have suppressants on hand as Shadow Milk found while rummaging around in the room for more blankets to add to the nest. Or clothes. Anything he could douse his scent in to really drive in that the healer belonged to him now.

At least it's over soon. Both Pure Vanilla's heat and Shadow Milk's rut. Pure Vanilla's been notably not as overly wet as he was at the height of it all, and the stretches of clarity he achieves after being bred are getting longer and longer even if his body still craves another round. Shadow Milk's rut is mercifully coming down in tandem, if not directly by correlation. The symptoms are presenting far less intensely. He still instinctively doesn't like not touching Pure Vanilla, but he can better manage his emotions about it and not work himself into upset now. Growls over being delivered necessities are quieter, he's even able to bite them back entirely here and there. He's still getting way too worked up while his omega sleeps, but the lack of reaction from him is more tolerable. He's not too sure if he's simply getting accustomed to that or if it really is a product of his rut dying down.

Regardless, it's not over yet. Their scents deeply intertwined throughout the bedroom, impossible to tell where one ends and the other begins. Not unlike themselves as Shadow Milk fucks Pure Vanilla through the end of his heat.

It's just as pleasurable as it was when his heat began, Pure Vanilla's head pushed down into the cushy blankets and scattered clothes of his nest while Shadow Milk's draped himself over his back, hollowing out his cunt from behind. That roiling fire through him now a very enjoyable flame, heightening the friction between them, warmth bringing Shadow Milk that much closer to knotting his omega again. If the alpha weren't holding his hips up with a desperate grip, Pure Vanilla's sure he'd be collapsed into his nest by now, legs shaking as his mate's cock is thrust into him hard.

He feels it for a second, Shadow Milk's knot pressing against him. It grinds against his entrance just a bit before he's drawing back and fucking into him again. If Pure Vanilla wasn't trying to wring every little feeling he can out of this, he might've missed it. “Ah! Sh-Shadow Milk! Puh- Please-!” He manages to whine out, begging. He wants it. Needs it. The familiar hollowness in him makes itself known, insistent on being filled, just one more time, all he needs is just one more time, breed him one more time-

Shadow Milk growls above him, slams into him one final time before he's trying to work his knot inside. “Fucking- Hah, f-fine..!” He's so obviously trying to play it off as if he's annoyed, but he's breathless. He dropped their rough pace immediately to grind against him, try to gather more slick on it and work that thick knot of his in. He wanted this just as badly, and the knowledge of it sends sparks up Pure Vanilla's spine, winds up the coiling in his gut, brings him to the very edge.

He's suddenly full, almost too full as Shadow Milk's knot finally slips in and- “S-Sha- MnnnMNN!” Pure Vanilla whines loud, muffling himself as he presses his face into the nest. He can't help it, not when his mate, his alpha's taking him entirely, teeth clamped into his shoulder as his cock twitches and pumps hot semen into his waiting womb. Pure Vanilla's set off and cumming all too quickly himself as a result, squeezing onto the cock pressed into his walls and just barely consciously trying to bid even more of Shadow Milk's cum inside of him. He really does collapse, brain fuzzy and blank on pleasure, his mate following suit and covering him like a sweaty blanket.

Pure Vanilla's orgasm tapers off as he catches his breath, the swell of the knot inside near overstimulating as it keeps them tied together. When his head's clear enough, he turns his face out of the blankets to gulp down cooler air in his lungs. It almost feels like he's gotten a bucket of ice water poured over him, dousing the fire that was ravaging him.

...Maybe he really did need bred one more time and it wasn't just a lusty, hormonal thought.

It's too soon to tell if his heat's actually broken though. Certainly too soon as Shadow Milk shifts, unlatches his mouth from him and nuzzles into the back of his neck. Pure Vanilla's sure he left his mark in one of the few spots he wasn't marked yet. Most of it will fade and heal over time, save for his mating bite. He almost wishes they'd all stay.

“...You okay?” Shadow Milk asks, hushed and tired as he repositions slightly to scent his omega. He's surprisingly clear headed, but he's been easing out of his rut at about the same pace as the heat leaving the ancient's body. His nose grazes Pure Vanilla's scent gland and he shivers in response, leans up into the touch.

“I am... More than okay.” His voice is scratchy, worn from use. It's not unusual for him after a particularly rough fucking, as they've found. He's coy, sly, whatever you'd like to apply to it as he raises his hips, buries the cock tied in his pussy a bit deeper, up against his cervix. A shaky sigh leaves him, aching pleasure arcing out of the motion as Shadow Milk gasps above him.

His mate's quick to retaliate, rolling his hips and therefore the both of them down into the nest, grinding a smidge more and earning himself a weak yelp. But he doesn't reply verbally, for once. It's enough to pique Pure Vanilla's curiosity. He opens his mouth to ask when another breath is pulled from his lips, Shadow Milk's nose pressing against his scent gland hard, like he can't get close enough even though they're tied at the knot. “Should've fucked you missionary again... We can't scent each other like this.” Shadow Milk murmurs into his skin. Ah, so that's it.

Pure Vanilla hums. “You can still scent me... And I can smell you plenty well from down here.” Shadow Milk's quick to huff, indignant. It's not exactly what he wants, but it's what he's getting until his knot goes down. He's telling the truth as always, sour raspberry pressing down on him just as much as his mate is. Though, it's harder to get to that gentle note of milk in his scent when he's not facing his alpha. And speaking of...

Shadow Milk's leaving gentle kisses and soft nuzzles into his neck, enjoying the afterglow of Pure Vanilla's demanding heat when he decides to break such reverie, too curious to let it be. “Alpha...?” He calls, waits for acknowledgment before he continues. Shadow Milk hums, but doesn't pause in his ministrations, soothing and caring for his beloved omega. “Are you really an omega?”

Shadow Milk stops immediately. “What gave you that idea? How silly. You really are such a silly Nilly... Whatever could've brought that thought into your head?” For as quiet as he was before, enjoying their time together, he isn't anymore. Eager to speak, to deny. It's adorable.

“You don't hide it very well.” Pure Vanilla giggles. “I suppose no one's gotten so close as to smell the undertones of your scent before... It is fairly obvious.” It was hard to tell his scent in the first place with how much distance Shadow Milk puts between himself and others. He's lucky the other was so affected by his heat. But frankly, the beast of deceit happens to be a horrible liar when it comes to his own person and not a goal or trick of sorts. He thinks of it as the light of knowledge shining in him in it's own mischievous way to match such a mischievous person. He finds it very charming.

The healer wishes he could see his face as Shadow Milk does what he can only describe as sputter above him. “I- I'm not- You- That's-!” Maybe he ended up fucking his own brains out alongside Pure Vanilla's?

“It's alright if you are... You already know I am.” He tries to reassure the poor jester, at the very least. “I want to be with you, no matter your dynamic. I was thinking of you before you came to my room, you know. Alpha or not, I still wanted you.” He lets out a bit of embarrassing truth as a peace offering. Him being an alpha during this particular time sure was handy though.

Shadow Milk quiets as he thinks, hugs onto the omega beneath him as best he can with the nest stopping him from wrapping his arms around him entirely. Even newly mated, Pure Vanilla finds ways to get on his nerves, to try and worm his way into his heart even more than he already has. He's already so fulfilled having knotted him, and now his heart's fluttering to go along with it. He was really thinking of him?

“Fine, okay, you got me, happy? I'm an omega... But I'm also a lying shapeshifter, so who's to say what I really am?” He settles on keeping up the front to make his annoyance known, despite complying and giving him an answer.

Pure Vanilla does his best to nuzzle his head up against Shadow Milk's, gentle and slow so he doesn't accidentally bump him too hard given he can't quite see what he's doing. “Very happy.” He affirms, giving his hips a teasing wiggle to tug on the knot still sheathed in him, making his alpha grit his teeth and growl softly in warning. It's not that it's painful, but it's uncomfortable when the high of orgasm is still leaving his system, knot starting to soften and the very state of being inside him starting to creep into overstimulation. “Would...” Pure Vanilla starts, then quiets. Shadow Milk strains his ears to listen, as if he could hear the words he wants to say if he tries hard enough. “Would you be willing to let me see your true dynamic?”

Shadow Milk's very glad he fucked him from behind now, and even if his knot's getting to a point where he can reasonably comfortably pull out, he stays put so he doesn't have to show his omega the flush that graces his cheeks. “Tch.” He pouts. What's unsaid might as well have been put out there since it's so obvious. He wants to see all of him, know every little piece of him, his truth. It's still a bitter thing for him. But, he is pretty sick of having been in rut. Witches, he doesn't want to experience that again for a while. What if he gets set off by being overprotective of his mate? He's never had a mate before, never had these sort of hormones cycling through him, it's all very new and his body and soul both just aren't used to it.

It's a fine enough excuse to accept Pure Vanilla all but wanting to crawl inside his very being, to know him inside and out. “Fiiiiiiine, I'm kinda over being in rut anyways. Too aggressive for my liking and whatnot. Aren't you lucky~” He twists it his way, as always. Even if he hasn't fully decided whether he'd rather shapeshift his sexual organs or not for it. He's much preferred presenting himself as an alpha or beta for, oh say, the past couple hundred years or so. It's just a little unpredictable what having omegan hormones for the first time in a long time will do to him. No matter what he's got below the belt, it might be messy. A risk he's willing to take as long as it means he won't be experiencing a rut for a while. “But y'know, I won't be smelling all sugar and daisies right away. Takes a couple days to cycle through the system when you're changing dynamics.”

“That's alright, I didn't- Mhn...” Pure Vanilla's cut off by his own whimper as Shadow Milk's finally pulling out, still settling for laying ontop of his back as his cum starts to leak out of the omega's well used hole. “I-I...” He tries to speak again, regain his footing so to say, but he shivers at the sensation. It takes him clearing his throat before he's able to get out a full sentence. “I didn't think it'd be so quick to happen. Not all magic is instantaneous.” As patient and sweet as ever, no wonder everyone seems to hold Pure Vanilla as a saint. And here Shadow Milk has him for a mate.

His chest swells a bit in pride, knowing the ancient belongs to him now. “Yeah, well...” He eases up and lays beside him, getting a better hold on his omega now and cuddling just as close as he was before, facing him more properly now as Pure Vanilla rolls onto his side to return the snuggle. “It's more biology than magic, but semantics, semantics!”

“Sure.” Pure Vanilla mumbles, only half acknowledging the notion before he's nuzzling his face into Shadow Milk and finally scenting him back, drawing that soft smell of cream from his scent gland. If he closes his eyes, it's almost sweeter, like he's already changing for him. Will he be sweeter? Or is that overwhelmingly sour note just going to dissipate? Will it even out, staying but far less oppressive? Shadow Milk is a bit of a sour person himself... The ancient's very much looking forward to finding out.

The final leg of his heat goes by in a more lucid haze of sex and aftercare and anticipation for what's to come. It's easily the most pleasant heat Pure Vanilla's ever experienced, the most satisfied he's ever been. And now he's mated ontop of it all. It's like a dream.

...Until it isn't.

When they finally come down and hormones even out to normal, there's some explaining to do on the other side of the door. Not everyone's particularly thrilled that the beast and the ancient are mates, tied to each other through much more than just their soul jam now. It doesn't help that Shadow Milk's rut is ebbing away slower than Pure Vanilla's heat had, tempers flaring up and the poor healer having to drag his new mate away before a fight can break out multiple times when his friends are questioning Shadow Milk's intentions. This whole mess started with Shadow Milk getting into trouble in the first place and it's still going on... It's enough to make Pure Vanilla sigh as he has to scold him again.

At least the surprise of them being mates seems to lose its shock and appeal after the first 24 hours. Of course, Hollyberry and Dark Cacao still stressed to him that they'd be more than capable of handling Shadow Milk if he did anything troubling. It was tiring trying to convince them their help wouldn't be needed. Especially when Shadow Milk was still clinging to his side.

All the kerfuffle thankfully dies down, only sidelong glances thrown Shadow Milk's way whenever he dramatically drapes himself over Pure Vanilla to show his claim over him. He's still playing up the grandeur, showing off that they belong to each other in every way he can, but at least no one's jumping at each other's throats anymore.

...Pure Vanilla thought maybe their mating would calm Shadow Milk down a bit, now that he's more settled and has somewhere he solidly belongs, irrefutable proof he isn't alone. Clearly, he's wrong and Shadow Milk is still very much his mischievous self. He refuses to sleep in his nest with him, keeping to his own chambers despite it all. Citing that he left enough of his scent in Pure Vanilla's room that he couldn't possibly miss him that much, for whatever reason. He's still the jester he fell in love with, for better or worse.

But over the course of the week, his mate's scent has been changing. He must've really shapeshifted and switched dynamics like Pure Vanilla asked about. In their normal routine, Shadow Milk keeps himself aloft in the air, far from others. Except for when Pure Vanilla's around and in reach, in which case he nearly wraps around him like a snake. It's the only time he's able to notice the small changes in his scent. At first, it was just the minimizing of the raspberry. Not quite as strong, not so obviously the smell of an alpha. It fades and disappears almost entirely, but that wouldn't be quite accurate as there's still something lingering. Maybe it's not raspberry anymore? Some other berry note. Then that small hint of milk overtakes, becomes a piece of the main accord. Not quite yogurt, not quite berries and cream. It gets stronger the day after Pure Vanilla notices it for the first time.

He's ready to ask about it when he runs into him next, ask for some alone time so he can scent his mate again when something's off. Shadow Milk's glaring at him, face flushed ever so slightly. He's closer to the ground than he normally is. He's not nearly as close to Pure Vanilla as he likes to be, and his scent is strong. Pure Vanilla doesn't have enough time to figure it out other than it's mildly sweet before Shadow Milk's grabbing him by the wrist and whisking him away.

Pure Vanilla worries. “Wha- Shadow Milk, where are we going??” Shadow Milk never leads him by force. Not directly, anyhow. Always indirect, always some mind game to get him where he wants him, no matter what reason he may have. Always an obvious play for his attention. Now the jester's hand circles his and tugs him along, clammy and warm where he's normally cool to the touch.

“Ughhhhh, if you shut up and follow along, then you'll see.” Shadow Milk groans.

The healer trusts him. He wouldn't be mated to him if he didn't. Lets him tug him along and lead him through the castle. Towards the beast's bedroom.

Shadow Milk's quick to fling open the door and practically tosses Pure Vanilla in, the poor omega stumbling and having to regain his footing. The door slams shut as he's checking to make sure he didn't step on his own robes, and when he looks back up- Oh?

Where Shadow Milk's bed is, there's a mass of blankets and pillows and a few stolen robes of Pure Vanilla's. He'd recognize that white silk anywhere, given it's his choice in daily clothing.

And it's in a nest.

Shadow Milk's nest.

“You're in heat?” Pure Vanilla's bewilderment shines through his voice as he whips his head to look at his mate. A thousand possibilities race through his mind. Something might be wrong. To go from rut to heat in such a short span of time couldn't be good. It'd put a strain on Shadow Milk's body at the very least. Pure Vanilla's never handled a shapeshifter before across all his years, even in his days of being just a healer. How damaging could this potentially be? Going into heat or rut consecutively for omegas or alphas respectively was never a good sign. It smells good in here. That's not important-

“Haha, yeaaaaah.” Shadow Milk laughs, bitter and deadpan. “It's totally not like having rut pheromones sticking to me like glue made changing my dynamic a horrible idea or anything!” He's throwing his hands up in the air like he's helpless about it.

Ah. “You could've waited a little longer... Maybe you should have-” He's just concerned, just trying to reason it out-

“Oh fuck you, this is all your fault!” Shadow Milk interrupts, gets in his personal space and stabs at his chest with an accusing finger. He's glaring and his hairs bristling a little, but the eyes within it are looking at Pure Vanilla with something like adoration. “You wanted to see the real me soooooo bad. Now you gotta take a little responsibility! Shouldn't be hard for a big hero like you, right?”

...If Pure Vanilla was right, it sure did seem like Shadow Milk was excited about this. About sharing himself as an omega. Sharing his heat. This was almost definitely intentional, at least partially. There's only one way to fix this, after all. He can do a proper look over Shadow Milk and heal him if needed afterwards. He'll just have to take responsibility.

He pays no mind to the way Shadow Milk holds himself stiff, finger still prodding into his chest as he wraps his arms around his mate and hugs him close. “I can certainly take care of you... I happen to know exactly what one in heat would need.” He smiles, gentle and sweet as ever despite the implications.

Shadow Milk's face turns a shade darker when he's hugged, and his blush only intensifies as he fully processes what Pure Vanilla's offering. “I... You-” He sputters, just for a second. He might've been trying to hide just how affected by his heat he is, and knowing the jester, Pure Vanilla would be willing to bet on it. “You're filthy!” He's so scandalized, but he's not pulling away. Rather, he's practically melting against his mate, leaning so much that the ancient has to tighten his grip to support him.

...Pure Vanilla doesn't feel anything pressing against him other than the general litheness of Shadow Milk's body. Did he change that too? His scent is strong up this close. Something like whipped cream and blueberries, and just a hint of musk for the arousal laced underneath it. They're both omegas, the smell of heat not taking up all his senses the way it would for an alpha, but it's still so enticing. He'll get his fill of his mate's scent very soon, he's sure.

“Hmm, well? You did tell me to take responsibility.” He merely hums in response, leaning in closer and touching their foreheads together.

The beast is quick to look away, but those extra eyes of his are betraying him again. Some of them are already shaping their pupils into hearts. “If you must.” It's cute that he's acting like he didn't start this. He meets his gaze once again. “Are you done being difficult?” Impatient. He's shaking slightly, leaning on him harder, almost pushing him as he's reciprocating the hug. Like he's trying to keep control. Trying to walk them to his nest as subtly as possible.

Shadow Milk's heat must be affecting him far more than he's showing. Pure Vanilla knows all too well the feeling. “I hardly believe I'm acting as such, but I am very sorry it comes off that way.” Too sincere, too aware. He can't lie, it's just as fun to play with Shadow Milk in return when he's toying with him, bratty and dancing around saying what he actually wants.

He's happy to start stepping back, letting Shadow Milk really push them towards the nest now as he huffs and puffs, annoyed with him. But instead of Pure Vanilla falling into it, the beast spins them round until he's the one falling backward into the cushy, overly soft bedding. “Get on with it then, don't make me wait.” He's smirking, trying to be coy and commanding, but it falls a bit short with how breathless it comes out. It doesn't help that he's splayed himself out like he's a full course meal. He really can't wait, then.

“What about- Oh.” Pure Vanilla was going to ask about his clothes, but then his mate's snapping his fingers and the jester outfit is slipping off his body and dissipating into thin air with the help of magic.

Shadow Milk's drawing up his legs, covering himself and playing it off as he tries to pose, arching his back for it. He really did give himself a cunt for this. That's... wildly arousing, actually. He's that desperate? Or maybe it'd make cleanup easier. Does it matter?

Pure Vanilla decides the 'why' isn't the question to be asking. “I can't very well knot you, you know that...” He starts undressing himself, not quite in the nest yet. Watches his mate squirm in frustration that he's not with him just yet, but so obviously not wanting to admit such a thing.

“I've got something for that later, how about you shut up and stop worrying about it.” The poor heat-addled omega can't even put up theatrics anymore, opting for being incredibly blunt instead.

He can't tease and talk circles around him like this, even if he's staying stubborn. He's that far gone already? His heat scent, heady in the air, lends to the idea. Was he using his magic to suppress it until now? Did Shadow Milk really wait until he couldn't handle it anymore to...

Wetness of his own gathers between Pure Vanilla's thighs, has been and is enough to make itself known now.

This might be just as heavenly as his own heat was, actually.