Based off my ShadowNilla amnesia fic!! (The fic if anyone wants; https://archiveofourown.org/works/64944022/chapters/166945501)

Pure Vanilla hummed softly as the door creaked open, its familiar sound softer than usual in the quiet morning. Someone stirred from the bed. He looked over. Was Shadow Milk awake?

Judging by the way he stiffened, confused and alert, he must’ve just realized this wasn’t where he meant to be. Poor thing. Pure Vanilla stepped carefully into the room, tray balanced in my hands, nearly bumping into the side table again— curse that thing, it was always right where I didn’t expect it. I managed to set the tray down with only a minor clatter: tea and a few light snacks. Something easy.

I could feel his eyes on me as I moved. Was he... staring because I’d closed mine again while walking? Probably. I had a habit of walking by feel when my thoughts wandered, which tended to make me look rather foolish.

Still, I hummed to myself as I looked up—and then our eyes met.

He was awake. Truly awake this time.

“Oh,” I said, blinking. “You’re awake. How are you feeling?” I kept my tone soft, inviting, my smile gentle as always. I could see the confusion in his eyes, the walls he hadn’t let down yet. He didn’t respond, but I waited patiently. It was all so fragile— the silence, the questions lingering between us.

He stared. I could tell he didn’t trust me. Not yet. Maybe not ever. He didn’t recognize me. That much was clear. But I didn’t move, didn’t press him. My smile stayed steady, even as his gaze lingered like a stormcloud trying to decide if it would rain.