unchainer | for @babeldom

Is it that surprising? I've stuck with you so far.

[Sure. The vampire may be rather sheltered. Rather dense and oblivious at times. He may still be figuring out what love is in a romantic sense. But all the same. That doesn't change that he clearly cares about Vanitas. That he has gotten more comfortable around the other. He knows the other cares about him. Given that he allowed the vampire to continue staying with him. That he did things like making tarte tatin. That he afforded some small moments where he was less on guard around him.

The idea of something more than friendship, partnership, as they worked together. That might take time to adjust to in some ways. But he figures they could both support and learn together, from each other. At the least, he does not assume this to mean that Vanitas would approve of helping him feed. But really, he hadn't really met all that many people, given his more sheltered upbringing, to have met anyone prior to Vanitas that he felt such a way for. He doesn't consider that there might be other options. Which is not to say he didn't adore Dominique, but that was more akin to friendship, a sibling sort of affection and protectiveness for each other. He's not necessarily sure what might exactly interest Vanitas about him, but if it were mutual, they could figure it out together.]

You're amazing, Vanitas.

[ Noé once again manages to stun Vanitas into silence. Amazing? Him? The guy who held Noé at knifepoint and tried to kill him? There's a reason why Vanitas protects his memories other than it being Luna's request. He can't let people see who he is. He refuses, he would never - except Noé has an idea of it, doesn't he? He's seen many glimpses of the real Vanitas; this moment right now is one of them, actually.

Vanitas pushes himself onto his feet, but only so he can walk over to Noé. He gets seated again, right next to him, and for a moment it seems like he's going to lean his back against the vampire's with how he's angled. Instead, Vanitas angles himself so he's facing Noé, but he looks away, like he's unsure of exactly what he wants to do, here. ]

I'm amazing...? ... Don't be silly, Noé.

[ Vanitas leans forward, and his head carefully, tentatively gets placed on Noé's shoulder.

Quietly: ]

That's you.

Huh? Me?

[He can't help but blink at that, taken aback. He's just some sheltered, bumbling country bumpkin. He has no idea about relationships. And he is well aware that he has some issues relating to his past, about what had happened to Louis. But, he supposes, everyone had some pain, some issues and insecurities, some regrets. He's not any different in that regard. But he also likely had never really considered himself as having much, if any, potential in regards to a relationship.

Vanitas, though? He was amazing. He was so strong to have come through all he had endured. Sure, the vampire had seen something of a darker side in him, but it wasn't like he was much different. He could become angry and defensive at times. But he also showed such kindness and thoughtfulness. Making Noé his favourite dessert. Making sure that Noé didn't wander off too far when he would get distracted and excited about something or other. He helped so many vampires with his abilities, with his book. No matter what the risk was to himself.]

Yes, you.

[ He grumbles it as his head rests on Noé's shoulder. His arms fold over his chest. He may not look enthusiastic about this, but Noé knows him well enough. This is a sign of comfort, and if the vampire had told him any of that, of his true thoughts on Vanitas, he'd likely try to brush them off. The fact that anyone could think so highly of him despite everything is unfathomable, after all.

He doesn't say anything else, though. He'll just continue to lean on Noé - though when Murr comes up to him demanding more playtime, he'll grab onto the toy and start waving it around again. ]

Hn. I guess I hadn't really considered it.

[But then. That could be said for both of them. Neither of them is necessarily an expert with this sort of thing. But they could work it out. Fumble their way about it together, he supposes. The vampire is well aware he should probably keep quiet, at least for now, about really saying how he feels about Vanitas. That the other would likely instinctively protest. But maybe another time. Once they were less in the feeling things out together stage. He tilts his head, smiling as he watches Vanitas playing with Murr. He just remains still, as Vanitas rests against him.]

[ There's a lot Vanitas could say to Noé. He could explain why he thinks the vampire is amazing, but instead, he's choosing to bite his tongue on that. It's a little embarrassing for him to admit, but Vanitas' genuine side comes out more in his actions than his words.

He looks for Noé's hand, and when he finds it, he takes it in his, just like he did when he was pretending. This time isn't a joke, though. It's real. ]

You can consider it all you'd like, because I'm not spelling it out for you.

[ He's shy....but he's also smiling. ]

Well, then I won't spell it out for you either.

[Still. Even if they bickered like an old married couple, they knew it was never that serious. Except for that one time. With the knife. But that was an exception, given how desperate Vanitas had been at the time and all. The vampire doesn't hold it against him. His hands are bare of his gloves when Vanitas reaches for him, his fingers easily interlacing with the doctor's.

He knows that this is different. This time, it isn't just Vanitas taking his hand to make sure he doesn't get lost. Or because he is pretending they were together. This was real. Genuine. There's nobody else here to pretend for. It's just the two of them. Well, and Murr, but he was far too busy batting at the toys to pay that much attention to whatever his owner and the doctor were doing.]

Tch...

[ He scoffs at Noé, but in that old married couple sort of way. He rolls his eyes but his grip on the vampire's hand is nice and tight nevertheless. Vanitas is perfectly content to hold Noé's hand, though his gloves are still on. He wonders if he should remove them, but that would mean breaking away, and he doesn't really want to do that just yet. He stays like that, idly watching Murr, but he's far too comfortable to move.

It's a testament to how far that comfort goes, however, when he ends up dozing off on Noé. Eventually, he's asleep, taking a nap on the vampire but still keeping their fingers laced together. He'll wake up if Noé shakes him or something. Otherwise, he's sleeping like a rock. ]

[He's used to that sort of reaction from the other. The scoffing or teasing. It's fine. Still, he is a little surprised when it seems that Vanitas has actually fallen asleep against him like this. He's not sure if he should try to shift and carry him to bed. That might wake him. And Noé is fine where he is for the time being. So maybe he should just let Vanitas rest. He's clearly tired if he is dozing off like this. So he just tries to stay still for a bit, using his other hand to play with Murr with one of the toys.

This was nice. Calm. It's rare that he feels like this. This...content? There's a certain sort of soft pleasure at the moment. Just sitting here with Vanitas dozing against him, hand in hand. Eventually, depending on how long Vanitas snoozes for, he might try to carefully shift, slowly, gradually, trying not to wake him, and try to see about carrying him to bed so he's more comfortable.]

[ Vanitas is, indeed, asleep for quite a while. Not even Murr's grumpy meows can wake him, because this is quite possibly the most Noé has ever seen him rest. Vanitas is normally awake before he is, after all, but right now, he's never looked so calm. Noé shifts slowly, and Vanitas doesn't react, not even as the vampire lifts him up to carry him to bed. Not even if Noé has to let go of his hand to do so.

However, whenever Noé lets him down, the vampire may be surprised by a sudden tug at his sleeve. Whether Vanitas just woke up or has been awake for some time is anyone's guess, but he's very groggy nevertheless. ]

...

[ He tiredly looks up at Noé before he speaks. ]

's cold.

[ And that warmth was kind of nice, actually. ]

[....Oh. He's awake? And Noé had been so careful, trying not to disturb him. Still, after a brief look of surprise, he takes a breath. Murr seems occupied enough playing with the toys for now.]

Sorry. I didn't mean to wake you up. I just figured that you'd be more comfortable in bed. Want me to get you another blanket?

[Because the vampire isn't necessarily reading into it. Fetching another blanket is an obvious solution. He doesn't want Vanitas to be uncomfortable, to get sick. Which seems far more often a concern with mortals. He's not considering that the other might mean for Noé to lay down with him.]

No.

[ His reply is instant, still tired but his expression is more firm. Why did he think Noé would understand what he's implying? Vanitas is realizing that he's going to have to be a lot more forward with him now, even if he doesn't really want to be forthright with his needs. He's just as inexperienced in relationships as Noé is, even if this one is unofficially established, but he's a little better at picking up on cues. He'll have to adjust for someone who isn't quite there yet.

Vanitas sighs, disgruntled, but he moves that hand on his sleeve to Noé's hand and tugs downwards - not hard enough to drag him, but enough to accentuate his point. He'll even move towards the wall to make space. ]

Just come here already, will you?

No? Ah - ?

[Oh. Oh, that's what Vanitas meant? It isn't like Noé hasn't shared a bed before. He grew up with Domi and Louis, after all. Still. He somehow hadn't anticipated this. But he doesn't resist. Doesn't protest or anything when he feels that tug, and finally seems to understand what Vanitas wants from him. He's just inexperienced. Still more used to the more platonic sorts of affection. But he does nod, shifting to climb into bed with Vanitas as the other moves to give him some space. He tries not to encroach too much on Vanitas's space, though there isn't a lot of room on the bed. Both beds were smaller, meant for one person, given that they hadn't anticipated getting to this point. That they would want to share together. Noé tries not to be too stiff, too awkward as he shifts to get comfortable.]

Is this okay?

[ That's better, but Noé is still quite far away. Vanitas gets the impression that he's trying not to impede on his personal space which, to be fair, is something Vanitas obviously values a lot. It's something he's willing to sacrifice when he's putting on that ridiculous know-it-all farce of his, but deep down, he's only comfortable with letting people in it when he trusts them. It's why he's started to give Noé little touches recently, why he'd been okay with leaning on him even before any of this happened.

This is different. They've become aware that there's mutual attraction between them. Context matters. Even so, Vanitas pushes himself to scoot in towards Noé. He's not quite touching him other than their knees bumping together, but he's close enough to feel how warm his partner is. ]

It's fine. [ ... ] You don't have to worry so much, Noé. It's not like we haven't been close before.

Edited 2025-06-20 00:59 (UTC)

Mm. I know. I've shared a bed with Domi and Louis when we were kids. It's just....this is...this is different.

[It's Vanitas. He's not a young child any longer. Nothing necessarily was going to happen. Vanitas just might want company as he falls back to sleep. Noé isn't lying there anticipating anything more than that. He shifts when Vanitas reassures him. When the other scootches closer, lying on his side. One of his arms rests at Vanitas's waist, loose but inviting the other closer if he wanted more warmth. His other arm shifts, and his hand rests under his side of the pillow as he faces the other.]

You're warmer now?

[ "This is different." Vanitas understands. It certainly is, and the part of him that wants to run from something this good is nagging at him. He's only ever wanted to flee from love, to turn away from anything good because he'd been so comfortable with misery, with chaining himself to his circumstances. His choices and mistakes were his to own, and the thought of sharing those with someone else who could exploit those things, use them against him, remind him of how awful and undeserving he is - he's afraid of that more than anything.

That's why, he supposes, he's choosing to be with Noé. Jeanne would have made a fine partner if she ever felt the same, but no one understands Vanitas like Noé Archiviste does. He's the only one that's managed to silence those voices in Vanitas' head that are screaming at him to reject every good thing that comes his way. That hand on his waist is all the vampire needs to do, even if Vanitas freezes at the sensation.

Before the other man can pull away, though, Vanitas is quick to move in and tuck his head under Noé's chin. He's a walking contradiction in so many ways, afraid of love but wanting to cling to it when he feels like he can finally, finally have it. ]

I am, so stay here. Don't go anywhere. ... Okay?

[It's not necessarily bad. Not different in a bad way. Just....different. It's new. To both of them. But they'd figure it out. They had endured this much together and still hadn't gone their separate ways. Still, it hadn't been enough to push Noé to leave. Maybe it had started as curiosity about the book, about his Teacher's instructions to find the book and discover more. But it was different now. He'd spent time with Vanitas. Gotten to know him. Come to care for him.

He wonders for a second if it was too much. If he was too close when he felt Vanitas tense at having Noé's arm at his waist. He's about to withdraw, to pull back, when Vanitas curls up closer against him. There's a sigh and a small smile even if the other can't see it.]

Okay. I'll stay.

[ They've endured so much together, and yet, are still drawn to one another. In this moment, it feels impossible to think of a scenario in which Vanitas would tell Noé to leave. A few weeks ago, he hadn't felt so secure, but now...

Noé likely can't see Vanitas' smile, either, but that's okay. He'll grin to himself, knowing that he's safe. He doesn't think he'd ever leave his life in someone else's hands willingly, but if something were to happen, he knows Noé would be here...not to protect him, but to face it with him. That's enough, and they'll need that sort of bond going into their curse bearer adventures after the sun sets. ]

Good. I'd drag have to you back if you didn't.

[ Noé once asked Vanitas to promise he'd be there when he woke up, that Vanitas wouldn't leave him behind. It's strange to think that Vanitas is in that position, now, wanting Noé to be there when he wakes up.

He dozes off again in the vampire's arms. It'll be an hour or so until he wakes up again. ]

[There's a slight amused noise at the other saying he would drag the vampire back to bed. But otherwise, he remains still and quiet. Not wanting to disturb Vanitas. He already feels bad for waking the other up earlier.

Lying there, eventually Noé drifts off as well. He might even still be asleep when Vanitas wakes up. His arm is still around the other's waist and holding him loosely as he sleeps. For all that he tends to toss and turn in his sleep, it seems he didn't with Vanitas. There was something rather untroubled, so content with how easily he sleeps, his expression seeming so unbothered. Murr is curled up right near them, having apparently tired himself out and decided to take advantage of the warmth as they both dozed.]

[ Eventually, Vanitas wakes up. The sun was bright earlier, but now, it's mostly setting. That's when he realizes that he'd probably been out for more than he thought he'd be. Sleeping in must be what happens when he isn't on-guard and afraid to let down his defenses, but this is the longest nap he's had in a while. It's difficult to not go back to sleep with Noé next to him, and he lifts his head up to see that his partner has also decided to take a nap.

Noé looks so serene, he thinks. Did he always seem so peaceful...? Murr being curled up nearby is also a good sign, and it makes him feel like maybe, just maybe, this is how things were always meant to be.

He discards that thought quickly, though, not being one for that level of sappiness (yet). They have a mission to go on and that's what he needs to focus on - or try to, anyway. He finds that he's getting occupied with trying to figure out how to wake up his partner in crime. ]

Noé. [ His voice is soft, perhaps overly so, so he tries again, moves up a little higher on the bed in hopes that he'll reach the other's ears more effectively, even if it puts them at eye level. ] Noé, it's time to wake up.

Mm. Five more minutes, Domi....

[Noé mumbles, pouting and shifting to curl up into a smaller ball. Evidently, he is still mostly asleep. That he hasn't quite registered it is Vanitas waking him up. That Vanitas is right there next to him on the bed. He pouts sleepily, Murr's ears twitching as Vanitas's movement and noise make him stir and stretch. The cat taps at Vanitas's shoulder. If one of them was awake, maybe Vanitas could feed him even if his hopeless owner was still stubbornly asleep.]

...Que?

[ This isn't the first time he's heard Noé say this in particular, but maybe he might be a little jealous somehow - he had interpreted Dominique and Noé's relationship as being somewhat romantic before this, at least - and he sounds mildly offended. When Murr taps his shoulder, Vanitas pouts. Then he turns back to Noé and doesn't bother lowering his voice, this time.

Vanitas and Dominique have grown closer, it's true, and he now has a certain fondness for her. That being said... ]

Just because I'm not your precious Domi doesn't mean you can sleep in, you fool! And your cat's hungry, so you'd better wake up!

Edited 2025-06-20 03:58 (UTC)

[He stirs then, when the other keeps talking, pouting and opening his purple eyes blearily to take in that it is, in fact, Vanitas. And not Domi next to him.]

Mm? Oh. Morning Vanitas.

[He's oblivious to any sort of misunderstanding or implication where his relationship with Dominique might come into play. It takes him a moment, as he pouts and then seems to register what was going on. His brain seeming to take a moment to play catch up from the nap.]

......

Vanitas?

[Wait. Why was Vanitas right -- oh. Oh. Right. The bed. Vanitas had been cold. So he had joined Vanitas. And then.....evidentally also fallen asleep. Oops?]

[ ... ]

What?! D-don't- don't say that, you idiot!

[ Sorry, Noé. He's pretty flustered because it seems like the vampire doesn't remember a thing... ]

If you wanted Domi here instead of me, you should've just said something!!

[ He sits up, doesn't move out of the bed just yet but he is furiously scrubbing his face. ]

Hm? What about Domi?

[Noé really had been mostly still asleep at that point. So he doesn't even recall that he said anything about her. He frowns, sleepily confused as it takes him a moment to process.]

I don't want her here right now.

[He's not with her. Not at the moment. And there never was anything more than friendship between them. For all that, she was very protective of him, and as much as he cared for her. They were just close childhood friends. Both of them would tell him that if Vanitas asked regarding their relationship or history together.]

Domi is just a friend. That's different. It's not like with you.

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