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[He just raises an eyebrow at the other incredulously. He's kind of the worst liar. So he is not so sure that he would be the best choice for something like this. But, well. It had already started, evidently. Even if the vampire had no clue what he was getting himself into. That Vanitas was desperate enough and seemed comfortable enough, trusted him enough, to rope him into something like this.
He swallows, trying to ignore the heat he feels on his face. The way his heart seems to hammer faster in his chest. There's nothing he has to compare this to. He just knows that whatever it is about Vanitas, it's different from how he feels about Domi. Probably, he should feel angrier about this? Not that he isn't, but he's more irritated that this was sprung on him.]
A week? This seems more like your problem. But now you've gotten me roped along with you.
[He sighs, running a hand through his mop of hair as he shifts to get more comfortable.] I don't know how convincing I would be at lying.
He swallows, trying to ignore the heat he feels on his face. The way his heart seems to hammer faster in his chest. There's nothing he has to compare this to. He just knows that whatever it is about Vanitas, it's different from how he feels about Domi. Probably, he should feel angrier about this? Not that he isn't, but he's more irritated that this was sprung on him.]
A week? This seems more like your problem. But now you've gotten me roped along with you.
[He sighs, running a hand through his mop of hair as he shifts to get more comfortable.] I don't know how convincing I would be at lying.
[ Noé is truly so valid...but Vanitas has always roped the poor vampire into his problems. This, to him, should be so much easier than all of the purifications have been, but somehow the thought of having to hold Noé's hand, lean on him, trust him like this - it's overwhelming.
...Don't they do stuff like that already, though? Hm. He supposes the main difference here is the context, which is currently driving them both up the wall, but they're committed to the lie. It is what it is. ]
You're already extremely red. That'll be more than good enough when the time comes.
[ Yes, he's noticed that Noé's blushing. Yes, he's trying to draw attention away from his own face, which is also some shade of pink and red right now. ]
...Don't they do stuff like that already, though? Hm. He supposes the main difference here is the context, which is currently driving them both up the wall, but they're committed to the lie. It is what it is. ]
You're already extremely red. That'll be more than good enough when the time comes.
[ Yes, he's noticed that Noé's blushing. Yes, he's trying to draw attention away from his own face, which is also some shade of pink and red right now. ]
E-eh?
[He has no idea what to make of this. He doesn't necessarily clue into that they would likely already make a convincing couple without even trying, given the way they bicker sometimes. Those fond, exasperated glances of Vanitas' when the vampire says or does something. The way the other sometimes holds his hand to stop him from wandering off. It could already appear to be something there. Without them even trying or realizing. Or at least, neither of them admits their feelings. Not that he has realized how he feels yet exactly.]
[He has no idea what to make of this. He doesn't necessarily clue into that they would likely already make a convincing couple without even trying, given the way they bicker sometimes. Those fond, exasperated glances of Vanitas' when the vampire says or does something. The way the other sometimes holds his hand to stop him from wandering off. It could already appear to be something there. Without them even trying or realizing. Or at least, neither of them admits their feelings. Not that he has realized how he feels yet exactly.]
W-what do you mean, "eh"?!
[ Don't mind him, now it's his turn to get flustered. Vanitas is making a very conscious effort to block out any ideas of being in a real, actual relationship with Noé from his mind, but naturally, he's thinking about it, and he really doesn't want to. Again, he doesn't love Noé Archiviste. Roland and Olivier said it themselves when Vanitas talked about Jeanne. Love makes him feel ill and Noé just
doesn't.
(But that's because Noé is someone he's starting to trust implicitly; Noé, who knows his past and accepts him despite how hard Vanitas has tried to hide it, who's gone along with all of Vanitas' antics but has also gone out of his way to understand him. And for Vanitas, someone who prefers to be distant and distrusting, none of this has gone unnoticed.
It means something.) ]
D-don't act so weird about it! It's just for one! Single! Week!!
[ Says the guy who's arguably doing worse than the vampire is.... ]
[ Don't mind him, now it's his turn to get flustered. Vanitas is making a very conscious effort to block out any ideas of being in a real, actual relationship with Noé from his mind, but naturally, he's thinking about it, and he really doesn't want to. Again, he doesn't love Noé Archiviste. Roland and Olivier said it themselves when Vanitas talked about Jeanne. Love makes him feel ill and Noé just
doesn't.
(But that's because Noé is someone he's starting to trust implicitly; Noé, who knows his past and accepts him despite how hard Vanitas has tried to hide it, who's gone along with all of Vanitas' antics but has also gone out of his way to understand him. And for Vanitas, someone who prefers to be distant and distrusting, none of this has gone unnoticed.
It means something.) ]
D-don't act so weird about it! It's just for one! Single! Week!!
[ Says the guy who's arguably doing worse than the vampire is.... ]
Even if just for a week. It's still kind of weird? I mean. I thought you liked Jeanne? But you will pretend to like....me...?
[He swallows. Aware that this would be a ruse. To keep this lady from pestering and pursuing Vanitas. At the same time, he's still not sure what this means exactly. In terms of what to really expect. It isn't like he doesn't like Vanitas. It's just not like he anticipated something like this? And what does this even mean? What should he do to help? What did one even do when in love? Dates? He has seen others out and about on dates, eating together, and being sort of physically affectionate. He gets the idea in theory. But that it might apply to him? That's what he is having a harder time processing. ]
[He swallows. Aware that this would be a ruse. To keep this lady from pestering and pursuing Vanitas. At the same time, he's still not sure what this means exactly. In terms of what to really expect. It isn't like he doesn't like Vanitas. It's just not like he anticipated something like this? And what does this even mean? What should he do to help? What did one even do when in love? Dates? He has seen others out and about on dates, eating together, and being sort of physically affectionate. He gets the idea in theory. But that it might apply to him? That's what he is having a harder time processing. ]
[ Noé sure is asking all of the hard-hitting questions, isn't he? Questions that Vanitas absolutely should have considered; questions he really isn't prepared to answer, and he really has no one to blame but himself. He starts running his hands through his hair and groans out of sheer frustration. ]
However I feel about Jeanne isn't important!
[ And he is not prepared to think about that right now!!! ]
Yes, Noé, I am pretending to like you. So don't- don't be a moron who overcomplicates things. Okay?
[ Says the moron overcomplicating things......but the confused look on Noé's face makes Vanitas feel compelled to continue: ]
Just follow my lead on this. If anyone knows more about courtship between the two of us, it has to be me.
[ Vanitas thinks it's set in stone, at least. He's never been in a relationship, but given his...everything with Jeanne, he considers himself to be far more experienced than Noé, who asked him what love was. Given how he reacted when he realized he had feelings for Jeanne, though? This might be up for debate. ]
However I feel about Jeanne isn't important!
[ And he is not prepared to think about that right now!!! ]
Yes, Noé, I am pretending to like you. So don't- don't be a moron who overcomplicates things. Okay?
[ Says the moron overcomplicating things......but the confused look on Noé's face makes Vanitas feel compelled to continue: ]
Just follow my lead on this. If anyone knows more about courtship between the two of us, it has to be me.
[ Vanitas thinks it's set in stone, at least. He's never been in a relationship, but given his...everything with Jeanne, he considers himself to be far more experienced than Noé, who asked him what love was. Given how he reacted when he realized he had feelings for Jeanne, though? This might be up for debate. ]
I would think Jeanne is pretty important. Shouldn't she be aware of this?
[So she understands the situation? Was she aware of this other woman journalist? He has no clue. But he's also aware that he doesn't like the jealous feeling he feels when he thinks of her. That she gets to feed from Vanitas. He tries to ignore that, and he doubts that this ruse would change, that Vanitas wouldn't be keen on letting him feed from him. He blinks, swallowing and nodding at the other. Just let the other take the lead. He could do that. That sounds simple enough. He just has to play along, right?]
Follow your lead? Ah, okay. Alright.
[So she understands the situation? Was she aware of this other woman journalist? He has no clue. But he's also aware that he doesn't like the jealous feeling he feels when he thinks of her. That she gets to feed from Vanitas. He tries to ignore that, and he doubts that this ruse would change, that Vanitas wouldn't be keen on letting him feed from him. He blinks, swallowing and nodding at the other. Just let the other take the lead. He could do that. That sounds simple enough. He just has to play along, right?]
Follow your lead? Ah, okay. Alright.
Why? Just because she feeds from me-
[ No, that's exactly why Noé thinks she should know, isn't it?
Vanitas is still uncertain of her feelings despite her kissing his cheek, despite the way she smiled at him back then, because he hasn't really gotten to talk to her since. This is arguably for the best, though. Sure, they kissed (his fault). Sure, they have a somewhat intimate relationship (his fault). That doesn't make them lovers, even if Vanitas was told that he loves her.
That's why this doesn't matter. Vanitas is committed to no one and nothing but his goals and in his mind, Jeanne has no reason to be offended. ]
Whatever, I'll figure that part out. [ He won't. ] It's not like you and I actually need to act until tomorrow, anyway.
[ Assuming Mademoiselle Journalist is busy being heartbroken somewhere, that is. ]
Make sure you get a good night's sleep.
[ No, that's exactly why Noé thinks she should know, isn't it?
Vanitas is still uncertain of her feelings despite her kissing his cheek, despite the way she smiled at him back then, because he hasn't really gotten to talk to her since. This is arguably for the best, though. Sure, they kissed (his fault). Sure, they have a somewhat intimate relationship (his fault). That doesn't make them lovers, even if Vanitas was told that he loves her.
That's why this doesn't matter. Vanitas is committed to no one and nothing but his goals and in his mind, Jeanne has no reason to be offended. ]
Whatever, I'll figure that part out. [ He won't. ] It's not like you and I actually need to act until tomorrow, anyway.
[ Assuming Mademoiselle Journalist is busy being heartbroken somewhere, that is. ]
Make sure you get a good night's sleep.
I just mean. If you two are together. I just thought maybe she should know?
[So she doesn't get upset? Or ruin Vanitas's plan by confronting him or something. He figures that Vanitas could deal with that, though. He tries not to think too much about her. About them together. But he doesn't want there to be any misunderstandings. That he might ruin whatever it was that was going on between them.
Still, that isn't really his business. He nods and tilts his head.]
You too.
[So she doesn't get upset? Or ruin Vanitas's plan by confronting him or something. He figures that Vanitas could deal with that, though. He tries not to think too much about her. About them together. But he doesn't want there to be any misunderstandings. That he might ruin whatever it was that was going on between them.
Still, that isn't really his business. He nods and tilts his head.]
You too.
Together?!
[ Okay, he was content to just call it a night there and get ready for bed, but this? He can't let this slide. When he said he couldn't believe the thought of anyone loving him, he meant it. It's incomprehensible. And if she did happen to return his feelings, then he'd feel compelled to reject her, full stop.
Excuse how appalled he sounds at the idea of it. ]
Are you kidding me? She would never fall for someone like me! Don't ever say that again!!
[ No one could - except the person who put him and Noé in this situation in the first place - but even then, she likes the idea of Vanitas and not who he actually is. Nobody in their right mind would. Noé certainly wouldn't.
...
But the vampire said he was glad he met Vanitas. He said he was happy Vanitas was there, on that rooftop, as he was. And despite everything, after they fought and Vanitas had his knife at the vampire's throat, Noé is still here when most people wouldn't be.
These are things that would make anyone else happy. Why, then, does it make him afraid? ]
How bold of you to think that I would have any business being in a real romantic relationship with someone. Why would I waste someone else's time like that?
[ Before, he may have said that he wouldn't want to waste his own time. Funny, how that part's changed. ]
[ Okay, he was content to just call it a night there and get ready for bed, but this? He can't let this slide. When he said he couldn't believe the thought of anyone loving him, he meant it. It's incomprehensible. And if she did happen to return his feelings, then he'd feel compelled to reject her, full stop.
Excuse how appalled he sounds at the idea of it. ]
Are you kidding me? She would never fall for someone like me! Don't ever say that again!!
[ No one could - except the person who put him and Noé in this situation in the first place - but even then, she likes the idea of Vanitas and not who he actually is. Nobody in their right mind would. Noé certainly wouldn't.
...
But the vampire said he was glad he met Vanitas. He said he was happy Vanitas was there, on that rooftop, as he was. And despite everything, after they fought and Vanitas had his knife at the vampire's throat, Noé is still here when most people wouldn't be.
These are things that would make anyone else happy. Why, then, does it make him afraid? ]
How bold of you to think that I would have any business being in a real romantic relationship with someone. Why would I waste someone else's time like that?
[ Before, he may have said that he wouldn't want to waste his own time. Funny, how that part's changed. ]
O-okay, okay. It's....not really my business, anyway. Whatever it is between you two.
[Noé says, glancing to the side. He did mean it when he said he was glad. That the other was not getting rid of him that easily. That he would stick around. Whatever happened. Whatever the other did. Both of them had their issues. Their baggage. Everyone did. Noé was not going to judge Vanitas for that. Or abandon him because of it. Not only because of his Teacher's instructions to keep an eye on him and learn about the book. But because he was coming to care for the other. He's just not sure if what he might be starting to feel was something more. He has nothing to compare it to. And even if he did figure it out. Would he want to say anything? If Vanitas didn't feel the same way, was there any point? Not that he supposes it matters. Things were fine as they were.
He shifts and brings his knees up more, holding them as he glances out at the sky, the city below.]
[Noé says, glancing to the side. He did mean it when he said he was glad. That the other was not getting rid of him that easily. That he would stick around. Whatever happened. Whatever the other did. Both of them had their issues. Their baggage. Everyone did. Noé was not going to judge Vanitas for that. Or abandon him because of it. Not only because of his Teacher's instructions to keep an eye on him and learn about the book. But because he was coming to care for the other. He's just not sure if what he might be starting to feel was something more. He has nothing to compare it to. And even if he did figure it out. Would he want to say anything? If Vanitas didn't feel the same way, was there any point? Not that he supposes it matters. Things were fine as they were.
He shifts and brings his knees up more, holding them as he glances out at the sky, the city below.]
[ He stops and realizes he's gotten himself all worked up. Noé's response grounds him a bit, and he scrubs his face. Vanitas sighs again, but it's quieter, just like his response. ]
...sorry.
[ He truly didn't mean to go off the rails like that, and apologizing to the vampire once has somehow made it a little easier to do so again. This isn't much different than how they usually interact, but the context makes it feel so much worse. Still, his pose almost mirrors Noé's now, with how he brings one knee up and looks down at the city. ]
You're right, though. It isn't your business, just like how our relationship shouldn't be anyone else's. [ That...comes across as way more intimate than he meant it to. Hm. Anyway! ] That journalist can and should stay out of it, but she hasn't, and I fear that she won't until she leaves.
[ And with that, it feels like a good time to start heading to bed. Vanitas starts moving to get up on his feet - yet, he doesn't go inside. There's one more thing he wants to tell Noé. ]
If she does anything to you, though, let me know. [ ... ] I won't stand for it.
...sorry.
[ He truly didn't mean to go off the rails like that, and apologizing to the vampire once has somehow made it a little easier to do so again. This isn't much different than how they usually interact, but the context makes it feel so much worse. Still, his pose almost mirrors Noé's now, with how he brings one knee up and looks down at the city. ]
You're right, though. It isn't your business, just like how our relationship shouldn't be anyone else's. [ That...comes across as way more intimate than he meant it to. Hm. Anyway! ] That journalist can and should stay out of it, but she hasn't, and I fear that she won't until she leaves.
[ And with that, it feels like a good time to start heading to bed. Vanitas starts moving to get up on his feet - yet, he doesn't go inside. There's one more thing he wants to tell Noé. ]
If she does anything to you, though, let me know. [ ... ] I won't stand for it.
Edited 2025-06-12 07:36 (UTC)
And you think she will leave in about a week? I guess we'll see.
[Noé sighs, shifting and glancing to the other, glancing to him from looking out at the city. The vampire isn't sure what the other seems to be implying when he says about if she might do anything to him. It takes him a moment as he considers ]
Why would she...? Oh. Because if she thinks I am with you? You think she might do something to me to get to you?
[Noé isn't sure if that is really a concern or not. He hadn't even considered that. That this ploy of Vanitas's would make him a target. He doesn't figure that it is likely. More that he is concerned that he would somehow mess this up, that they would just be pretending.]
[Noé sighs, shifting and glancing to the other, glancing to him from looking out at the city. The vampire isn't sure what the other seems to be implying when he says about if she might do anything to him. It takes him a moment as he considers ]
Why would she...? Oh. Because if she thinks I am with you? You think she might do something to me to get to you?
[Noé isn't sure if that is really a concern or not. He hadn't even considered that. That this ploy of Vanitas's would make him a target. He doesn't figure that it is likely. More that he is concerned that he would somehow mess this up, that they would just be pretending.]
That's what she said, yes.
[ Her words, not his, though how much of that is true is something he hadn't bothered to think about until now. Noé's question also puts her character into question in a way Vanitas had briefly considered before he brought it up, so. ]
If she was this persistent on pursuing me, then you should err on the side of caution and make sure she doesn't try to pursue you, either, albeit in a way that's arguably worse.
[ Again, though, that's just him being careful. He trusts that Noé can handle himself, but he hopes his warning will be for nothing. There's no need for violence, here. ]
A problem for if and when it happens, though. [ He shrugs. Then, he finally starts turning towards the window so he can get back inside. ] I'm going to get ready for bed.
[ Vanitas gets near the window - then, he pauses, and he turns to look at the vampire, ever so slightly. ]
Are you coming?
[ Her words, not his, though how much of that is true is something he hadn't bothered to think about until now. Noé's question also puts her character into question in a way Vanitas had briefly considered before he brought it up, so. ]
If she was this persistent on pursuing me, then you should err on the side of caution and make sure she doesn't try to pursue you, either, albeit in a way that's arguably worse.
[ Again, though, that's just him being careful. He trusts that Noé can handle himself, but he hopes his warning will be for nothing. There's no need for violence, here. ]
A problem for if and when it happens, though. [ He shrugs. Then, he finally starts turning towards the window so he can get back inside. ] I'm going to get ready for bed.
[ Vanitas gets near the window - then, he pauses, and he turns to look at the vampire, ever so slightly. ]
Are you coming?
Ah, right...!
[Noé listens, letting the other talk. He shifts when the other says about getting ready for bed. He follows, climbing down the roof to head back through the window with Vanitas to their hotel room. He doubts that it would be an issue. And probably not anything that he couldn't handle without involving Vanitas. But they were in this together, he tries to remind himself.
He climbs back inside and glances at Murr, already curled up at the foot of his bed. He supposes he should change into his pyjamas and at least try to get some rest. Even if he might not sure he will get much sleep, after what just happened and all.]
[Noé listens, letting the other talk. He shifts when the other says about getting ready for bed. He follows, climbing down the roof to head back through the window with Vanitas to their hotel room. He doubts that it would be an issue. And probably not anything that he couldn't handle without involving Vanitas. But they were in this together, he tries to remind himself.
He climbs back inside and glances at Murr, already curled up at the foot of his bed. He supposes he should change into his pyjamas and at least try to get some rest. Even if he might not sure he will get much sleep, after what just happened and all.]
[ The next day is relatively quiet, all things considered. Noé and Vanitas are going about their usual routine, searching for curse bearers for Vanitas to perform his work on, but Dante has yet to return with any leads. Therefore, he's decided that they get to take it easy until then, and taking it easy leads them to a cafe near Hotel Chouchou.
It was just supposed to be a late breakfast over tea, nothing special or out of the ordinary - until it wasn't.
A certain someone, trying to act casual, passes by them outside but Vanitas can feel her eyes on them. He tenses up instinctually, but watches her up until she approaches. And as she begins to walk up to them, Vanitas does what he knows best.
He reaches for Noé's hand from under the table. It isn't as if he hasn't grabbed Noé's hand before but it was never for something like this. He can't ignore how warm it is, especially with the way his fingers curl around the other man's palm as the woman gets closer. It is a gesture to stay true to what he lied about the other night, a way of asking Noé to trust him and follow his lead as he said. It's also, surprisingly, keeping Vanitas grounded.
The journalist is cordial, to say the least, and just wants to say good morning to them both, even if she is visibly not quite as enthusiastic as she wasa before. The entire time, though, assuming Noé stays put? Vanitas is squeezing Noé's hand - and he doesn't even realize it. ]
It was just supposed to be a late breakfast over tea, nothing special or out of the ordinary - until it wasn't.
A certain someone, trying to act casual, passes by them outside but Vanitas can feel her eyes on them. He tenses up instinctually, but watches her up until she approaches. And as she begins to walk up to them, Vanitas does what he knows best.
He reaches for Noé's hand from under the table. It isn't as if he hasn't grabbed Noé's hand before but it was never for something like this. He can't ignore how warm it is, especially with the way his fingers curl around the other man's palm as the woman gets closer. It is a gesture to stay true to what he lied about the other night, a way of asking Noé to trust him and follow his lead as he said. It's also, surprisingly, keeping Vanitas grounded.
The journalist is cordial, to say the least, and just wants to say good morning to them both, even if she is visibly not quite as enthusiastic as she wasa before. The entire time, though, assuming Noé stays put? Vanitas is squeezing Noé's hand - and he doesn't even realize it. ]
[Of course, the vampire would never be upset about taking a break. Having a quieter morning. He happily heads with Vanitas to get something to eat, probably something sweeter than he should have for breakfast on his end, but still.
He pauses with whatever he had been saying when he notices the other tensing, about to ask what was wrong. But he's quick to glance in following Vanitas's gaze and spot her approaching. Noé greets her with a good morning, staying still and allowing Vanitas to hold his hand. Reminding himself that it was part of the ruse. It's a rarer occasion that he isn't currently wearing his gloves, so Vanitas is holding to his bare hand. He just tries to go with whatever Vanitas says. Letting him take the lead.]
He pauses with whatever he had been saying when he notices the other tensing, about to ask what was wrong. But he's quick to glance in following Vanitas's gaze and spot her approaching. Noé greets her with a good morning, staying still and allowing Vanitas to hold his hand. Reminding himself that it was part of the ruse. It's a rarer occasion that he isn't currently wearing his gloves, so Vanitas is holding to his bare hand. He just tries to go with whatever Vanitas says. Letting him take the lead.]
[ Vanitas is, as always, wearing his gloves. Even so, he can feel how warm Noé's hand is and it's almost - almost - enough to distract him while he's talking to the journalist. Thankfully, the conversation is short, but he's going to be careful and keep his hand in Noé's.
Vanitas uses his free hand to sip his tea, but once she's out of earshot: ]
Easy, right?
Vanitas uses his free hand to sip his tea, but once she's out of earshot: ]
Easy, right?
[Noé does his best to play along, mostly keeping quiet and letting Vanitas talk to her. Not that the conversation lasts for long. He just hopes that this isn't going to be something they have to deal with for a while, depending on how long she stays. He doesn't want to pretend. Doesn't want to cause trouble for Vanitas. Still, he allows the other to hold his hand for as long as Vanitas seems to feel that it is necessary. Using his free hand to have another mouthful of his breakfast, just giving Vanitas a look after being sure that she was not glancing over at them.]
[ If anything, Vanitas is the one causing trouble for Noé, and he knows it. That glance, though, is what gets him to finally release his hold on Noé's hand. He sighs and brings both of his hands up to take a bite out of his food. He's not particularly hungry, though. ]
Oh, don't look at me like that. Seriously, it wasn't that bad.
[ All he did was hold Noé's hand!! ]
Oh, don't look at me like that. Seriously, it wasn't that bad.
[ All he did was hold Noé's hand!! ]
[He supposes he is kind of used to Vanitas holding his hand. Or jacket or some such, at the least, when leading him around and making sure the vampire doesn't wander off and get too distracted. But this? This was different. It isn't that he so much minds that. Vanitas's touch wasn't rough or anything like that. It's more that he blames Vanitas for getting them into this ridiculous situation in the first place.
He can't really keep up that look for too long, anyway. That and he has the food to distract him. So his expression softens easily enough in a moment as he eats.]
Mm. I know. It isn't like you haven't held my hand before. But that's.....this is different.
He can't really keep up that look for too long, anyway. That and he has the food to distract him. So his expression softens easily enough in a moment as he eats.]
Mm. I know. It isn't like you haven't held my hand before. But that's.....this is different.
[ And Vanitas is absolutely the one responsible for this, just like he has been for so many of the misadventures he's dragged the vampire into since the time their partnership started. He looks away, down at his food, but when he dares to look up again, he notices Noé's expression changes.
This is different. A part of Vanitas hoped that it wouldn't be, but perhaps he is the fool for believing Noé would see it that way, too. ]
Didn't I tell you not to overcomplicate things? [ In the past, he would've said this with more bite, but that's not present here. He's just...talking, slightly miffed but not scolding the other all the same. ] It doesn't have to - [ ... ] it shouldn't mean anything.
This is different. A part of Vanitas hoped that it wouldn't be, but perhaps he is the fool for believing Noé would see it that way, too. ]
Didn't I tell you not to overcomplicate things? [ In the past, he would've said this with more bite, but that's not present here. He's just...talking, slightly miffed but not scolding the other all the same. ] It doesn't have to - [ ... ] it shouldn't mean anything.
Overcomplicate things? Ah, right. I know.
[Maybe it was just him. He's far more dense about this sort of thing. Love. Relationships. All he knows is what he sees others doing when out and about together. Couples, with their gifts, picnics, and that sort of thing. He just knows how he feels about Vanitas is....different. To how he feels about Domi or anyone else? But he has nothing to compare it to, to know if that is love. Let alone that it wasn't likely he had any chance of really knowing how Vanitas feels about him.
It shouldn't mean anything. Right. It was nothing, really. Just holding hands for a moment. That's all. Vanitas is just doing this to avoid dealing with her. Just using him as a cover.]
[Maybe it was just him. He's far more dense about this sort of thing. Love. Relationships. All he knows is what he sees others doing when out and about together. Couples, with their gifts, picnics, and that sort of thing. He just knows how he feels about Vanitas is....different. To how he feels about Domi or anyone else? But he has nothing to compare it to, to know if that is love. Let alone that it wasn't likely he had any chance of really knowing how Vanitas feels about him.
It shouldn't mean anything. Right. It was nothing, really. Just holding hands for a moment. That's all. Vanitas is just doing this to avoid dealing with her. Just using him as a cover.]
[ Vanitas pauses, considers this for a moment. He wasn't expecting Noé to agree with him on this, and something about that makes him feel...strange. Like he was hoping for something else. He couldn't say what it was, though. Maybe he's the one overcomplicating everything, in the end.
... ]
Noé. [ His tone is soft again. ] When you said it felt different...what did you mean by that?
... ]
Noé. [ His tone is soft again. ] When you said it felt different...what did you mean by that?
Hm? I just meant that it wasn't, you know. Usually, if you're holding my hand, you're making sure I don't wander off or something.
[Not. Just holding it like that. He's not even sure if she had been able to see their hands under the table. Maybe. Vanitas probably assumed she would, or might notice, to have reached for him. To make it look authentic, that they were together. He's not sure how to explain it. He takes another mouthful of his meal and sips his drink, trying to ignore the slight heat he can feel on his cheeks and nose.]
[Not. Just holding it like that. He's not even sure if she had been able to see their hands under the table. Maybe. Vanitas probably assumed she would, or might notice, to have reached for him. To make it look authentic, that they were together. He's not sure how to explain it. He takes another mouthful of his meal and sips his drink, trying to ignore the slight heat he can feel on his cheeks and nose.]
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