[ 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. ]
[....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.]
[ 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. ]
[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.]
[ 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.
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.]
[ "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. ]
[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.]
[ 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.
[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.]
[ 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!
[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?]
[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.
[ He's still reeling from embarrassment as Noé talks. His tone is so casual, not hurried like Vanitas' is, which...is admittedly a big help in getting him to calm down. Noé doesn't say things he doesn't means, and now he just feels silly for this whole outburst. ]
Nngh...you - you called me Domi in your sleep. So I -
[ got jealous, is what he thinks but doesn't say. He cuts himself off. He's now putting it together that Domi is probably the one who looked out for Noé the most...so it'd make sense that the vampire would say such a thing. Ah. Ahhhh. ]
I see. [ Murr meows annoyedly, but Vanitas doesn't pay him any mind just yet. ] My mistake. I...suppose things need time to sink in.
[Noé has not once considered the idea of Vanitas being jealous of her. He's been jealous of Jeanne. But he also wasn't about to actually go do anything about that. Whatever it was between them, that's not really his business. And evidently, Vanitas felt stronger towards him for whatever reason.
He rubs at his eyes as Murr shifts to climb on the vampire. Sitting on Noé's head and meowing to demand food.]
Ah. I get it. I get it! Dinner time. Come on, Murr. Let's feed you before Vanitas and I head out.
[Noé had gotten into the habit of timing Murr's meal for the evenings, before he would usually head out with Vanitas for work. Given how often they were out late with Vanitas's particular work schedule. He shifts and stretches, putting Murr down on the floor and swinging his legs to the side of the bed. Murr nudges at his ankles, as if pushing Noé to the kitchen, even as Noé apologizes to Vanitas. He hadn't meant to upset the doctor by bringing up Domi like that in his half-asleep state.]
[ Noé's apologies are dismissed by Vanitas, as he doesn't really see much of a reason for them given that he's the one who misinterpreted the relationship between Noé and Dominique. He ends up grumbling about it, anyway, because he's so embarrassed by his jealousy-fueled outburst that he'd rather forget it ever happened.
He's mindful about keeping his hand off of Noé's in the kitchen, so as to not draw any unwanted attention (Amelia!!!), but once Murr is fed and they head back to their room, Vanitas takes in a deep breath. Okay, time to focus. ]
We've a bit of time before we need to head out. Since our target is on the outskirts of the city, it'll take a bit of walking before we reach our destination. Any last minute things you need to do before then?
[Noé feeds Murr, getting that done before he heads to the bedroom to figure out getting ready. His hair still looks a mess from sleeping. His clothes may be a little rumpled. But otherwise, he doesn't think he looks too bad? Should he change? He's not sure. It was always hard to know what to expect with helping Vanitas with this stuff. But at least, he needs clothes that he can easily move in. That he can fight in. That was important. Considering the number of times he had to step in to protect the doctor.]
Hm? Oh. Right. Uh. I don't think so? Should I change? And you said we needed something earlier, wasn't it? Should we get that on the way?
[ Vanitas owes Noé so many servings of tarte tatin for how often he saves the doctor from being mortally wounded.
He gets to putting on his coat and addresses Noé's questions one by one. ]
You just need to concern yourself with dressing comfortably, and no need. Not right now, at least. We just need to restock on things like soap, but all of that can wait until tomorrow morning. I've already polished my weapons.
[ And the book is safe and sound, sitting on his waist. That is probably the key thing they need to bring with them.
Noé was right in that not much will change between them in terms of how they interact. The added layer of romance brings a new element to their relationship, but Vanitas doesn't feel too differently talking about this now. Maybe it's because he's in business mode, or maybe it's because the way they've always been was a sign all along. ]
[So, really. All they need is the book, their room key to get back to the hotel. Their coats. That was about it, at least for the essentials. Noé pulls on his waistcoat and jacket. He does not need weapons on his end. He is one, given his vampiric speed and strength. But he nods as Vanitas indicates that he has the book, his weapons, pulling on his gloves, debating for a moment before deciding against wearing his hat.]
Don't forget our room key. Otherwise, I think that should be everything once we put our boots on.
[ And he pulls out the key, shows it to Noé easily. No sweat. He's got that covered. As he watches Noé debate on the hat, though, he remembers that this is the first time they've tackled something together since that fateful night, the one that spiraled out of control because Mikhail decided to be greedy. They all made bad decisions that night, though, so it's something he doesn't hold against his partner. ... Other than that time Vanitas griped about him with Dominique, but that's besides the point.
But it is the first night that they're really, truly operating as a unit again, and he remembers seeing Noé so battered and bruised because of him. He wasn't much better, but he thinks to himself that he never wants to see that happen again.
Before they step out, he goes to the vampire's side and drops the business tone as he speaks to him. ]
Hey. [ A pause. He can't help himself; his hands move up and straighten the vampire's collar. It's a quiet act of affection on his part. ] I'll look out for you this time, so try not to act so reckless tonight. Alright?
[The book and key were the important things. And really, Vanitas was less likely to lose something in comparison to him. So. It's probably a good idea that he keeps it on him. Noé doesn't mind, so long as they know they have everything. It doesn't quite register to him that it's been a while. That the last time they had gone out was when -- well. A lot had happened.
Noé tries to stay still when the other straightens his collar, quite used to others fixing some aspect of his clothing given how much of a country bumpkin he is, that Domi was usually helping him with his outfits.]
Alright. Don't make me need to be so reckless, then.
[His way of saying for Vanitas to be careful too.]
Between the two of us, you're more likely to lose your wits.
[ That's not true. They both have their moments and he knows it. This is just him bantering as per usual, really, and he needs it, because he finds himself looking at Noé longer than usual. He remembers that night and what he did - what they both did to each other. Now that Vanitas knows that there's something more than a working relationship between them, friendship, even, it feels that much scarier to think about losing the other.
And it makes what little time he has left seem...awful, now, like no amount of minutes or seconds he'll have here will ever be enough.
He doted on Mikhail like this, once upon a time, and that side of him is starting to come out in full swing again for an entirely different reason. Vanitas reaches for Noé's hand again. ]
But...fine. I'll - I'll be more mindful, as long as you agree to do the same. Wouldn't want us to go and get ourselves killed and all that.
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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. ]
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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.]
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[ 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?
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[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?
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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.
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[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?
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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?
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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.
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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. ]
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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.]
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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.
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[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.]
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[ 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!
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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?]
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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. ]
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[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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Nngh...you - you called me Domi in your sleep. So I -
[ got jealous, is what he thinks but doesn't say. He cuts himself off. He's now putting it together that Domi is probably the one who looked out for Noé the most...so it'd make sense that the vampire would say such a thing. Ah. Ahhhh. ]
I see. [ Murr meows annoyedly, but Vanitas doesn't pay him any mind just yet. ] My mistake. I...suppose things need time to sink in.
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[Noé has not once considered the idea of Vanitas being jealous of her. He's been jealous of Jeanne. But he also wasn't about to actually go do anything about that. Whatever it was between them, that's not really his business. And evidently, Vanitas felt stronger towards him for whatever reason.
He rubs at his eyes as Murr shifts to climb on the vampire. Sitting on Noé's head and meowing to demand food.]
Ah. I get it. I get it! Dinner time. Come on, Murr. Let's feed you before Vanitas and I head out.
[Noé had gotten into the habit of timing Murr's meal for the evenings, before he would usually head out with Vanitas for work. Given how often they were out late with Vanitas's particular work schedule. He shifts and stretches, putting Murr down on the floor and swinging his legs to the side of the bed. Murr nudges at his ankles, as if pushing Noé to the kitchen, even as Noé apologizes to Vanitas. He hadn't meant to upset the doctor by bringing up Domi like that in his half-asleep state.]
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He's mindful about keeping his hand off of Noé's in the kitchen, so as to not draw any unwanted attention (Amelia!!!), but once Murr is fed and they head back to their room, Vanitas takes in a deep breath. Okay, time to focus. ]
We've a bit of time before we need to head out. Since our target is on the outskirts of the city, it'll take a bit of walking before we reach our destination. Any last minute things you need to do before then?
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Hm? Oh. Right. Uh. I don't think so? Should I change? And you said we needed something earlier, wasn't it? Should we get that on the way?
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He gets to putting on his coat and addresses Noé's questions one by one. ]
You just need to concern yourself with dressing comfortably, and no need. Not right now, at least. We just need to restock on things like soap, but all of that can wait until tomorrow morning. I've already polished my weapons.
[ And the book is safe and sound, sitting on his waist. That is probably the key thing they need to bring with them.
Noé was right in that not much will change between them in terms of how they interact. The added layer of romance brings a new element to their relationship, but Vanitas doesn't feel too differently talking about this now. Maybe it's because he's in business mode, or maybe it's because the way they've always been was a sign all along. ]
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[So, really. All they need is the book, their room key to get back to the hotel. Their coats. That was about it, at least for the essentials. Noé pulls on his waistcoat and jacket. He does not need weapons on his end. He is one, given his vampiric speed and strength. But he nods as Vanitas indicates that he has the book, his weapons, pulling on his gloves, debating for a moment before deciding against wearing his hat.]
Don't forget our room key. Otherwise, I think that should be everything once we put our boots on.
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[ And he pulls out the key, shows it to Noé easily. No sweat. He's got that covered. As he watches Noé debate on the hat, though, he remembers that this is the first time they've tackled something together since that fateful night, the one that spiraled out of control because Mikhail decided to be greedy. They all made bad decisions that night, though, so it's something he doesn't hold against his partner. ... Other than that time Vanitas griped about him with Dominique, but that's besides the point.
But it is the first night that they're really, truly operating as a unit again, and he remembers seeing Noé so battered and bruised because of him. He wasn't much better, but he thinks to himself that he never wants to see that happen again.
Before they step out, he goes to the vampire's side and drops the business tone as he speaks to him. ]
Hey. [ A pause. He can't help himself; his hands move up and straighten the vampire's collar. It's a quiet act of affection on his part. ] I'll look out for you this time, so try not to act so reckless tonight. Alright?
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Noé tries to stay still when the other straightens his collar, quite used to others fixing some aspect of his clothing given how much of a country bumpkin he is, that Domi was usually helping him with his outfits.]
Alright. Don't make me need to be so reckless, then.
[His way of saying for Vanitas to be careful too.]
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[ That's not true. They both have their moments and he knows it. This is just him bantering as per usual, really, and he needs it, because he finds himself looking at Noé longer than usual. He remembers that night and what he did - what they both did to each other. Now that Vanitas knows that there's something more than a working relationship between them, friendship, even, it feels that much scarier to think about losing the other.
And it makes what little time he has left seem...awful, now, like no amount of minutes or seconds he'll have here will ever be enough.
He doted on Mikhail like this, once upon a time, and that side of him is starting to come out in full swing again for an entirely different reason. Vanitas reaches for Noé's hand again. ]
But...fine. I'll - I'll be more mindful, as long as you agree to do the same. Wouldn't want us to go and get ourselves killed and all that.
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plot twist...
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this tag got lost in my inbox?!
rude inbox???
for real...
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omg i replied to an old tag i forgot to delete OOPS
Derp happens to the best of us. It's fine lol.
<3 !
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