unchainer | for @babeldom

[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.

[ 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.

I did? Oh.

[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. ]

Edited 2025-06-20 07:53 (UTC)

Ah, alright.

[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.

I have it right here.

[ 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.

Edited 2025-06-20 08:58 (UTC)

I am -- okay. Right.

[He almost huffs and pouts for a moment, but the other seems to relent in agreeing. That Vanitas would be careful is enough. He smiles, grateful for it even if they may end up breaking this agreement later, depending on the circumstances. They're at least trying. He remains still, wondering briefly for a second there if he had something on his face or his hair was that much of a mess, the way Vanitas seems to stare. But maybe the other was just lost in thought, and Noé was fine. He hasn't really stopped to consider the reality of a relationship with Vanitas. That the other would inevitably, eventually die before him, given his vampire aging and everything. His hand instinctively reaches and accepts Vanitas's between the two of them.]

Um, was that everything? If we get our boots?

[ He would break the agreement in a heartbeat if it meant protecting Noé. He'll protect himself, too, but a part of him knows that if he had to pick, the choice actually seems a lot more obvious, now. Huh. He'll have to think about that later - or not. He probably won't. He'll just make that a problem for future Vanitas instead. ]

That should be everything. [ He inhales quietly, deeply. ] Let's go, then.

[ He keeps Noé's hand in his. He knows others will see, but it's hard for him to let go. And hey, if that journalist rolls around again, this time, he won't have to lie. Somehow, Noé Archiviste really is his.

As they head out of Hotel Chouchou, Vanitas feels the windchill again, this time in full swing. He can't help but move a little closer to his partner again for warmth, but he urges them both to press on regardless. Sure, they're in public, holding hands, but honestly? It works to their advantage now, thanks to that lady. ]

If she's around again, leave her be. I've nothing to hide from her anymore.

[Noé is used to stepping in to protect Vanitas. Or anyone else. It isn't like it would be the first or last time if he did it again. He can take the hits better than Vanitas. Still, he easily follows along as they head off together. He doesn't feel the cold quite as much and attempts to keep Vanitas warm with his own coat as best he can when it's clear that the other is feeling it more. He doesn't really focus on that they are holding hands. It's just something he was almost used to, given how Vanitas would do it earlier to make sure he didn't wander off again, not having a leash like Domi did to keep track of him.]

Okay. It's later now, though. She might be wherever she is staying and getting ready for bed. We're not here for her, anyway. But it is a bit of a walk to the outskirts. Want to get a ride or something instead?

We could.

[ He stops in his tracks and waits near one of the roads. That is a good idea, though they'll likely have to stop somewhere near the outskirts but not quite on them. That'll save them a lot of time and walking, regardless. ]

We'll flag down the next driver. There should still be people operating their vehicles; it's early enough in the evening.

[ He'll keep an eye out. It's cold and he'd like to get this over with as quickly as possible. ]

Right. I just figured, if you're cold, this will be quicker.

[He says, waiting for a car to go by. It doesn't take long, and the vampire instinctively reaches out to ask them to stop and see if they could get a ride. He doesn't really pay attention to whoever might be driving, just sees a car approaching and hopes to help keep Vanitas warmer, given the weather at the moment. He isn't really considering the potential reactions others might have to seeing them together like this.]

Ah, there!

[ Noé gets the ride secured, though the driver of this vehicle seems pretty confused. That's fine, Vanitas is used to that from people by now, and he follows Noé in. It's kind, that he's thinking of Vanitas' needs. It's nothing new; he's just realizing that even when they were truly at odds with one another, Noé had always been looking out for him.

He had let go of Noé's hand when he got into the car, and he doesn't move to grab it again, but he'll keep it close. He also won't reject it if the other reached out. For, though, this is fine. ]

...Thanks.

[ For being thoughtful, really. ]

Hm? For getting the car? It's fine, it's warmer, and it'll get us there quicker. You can save your energy this way, too.

[The vampire doesn't seem to think much of it. But then, it is just normal. Natural, for him. To want to help. To do what he can. He also seems oblivious of whether the driver might wonder about the two of them, merely letting Vanitas give the details of where they need to go. At the least, if they get the car most of the way there, it's quicker and less walking involved. He doesn't reach for Vanitas's hand, but he does lean in against the doctor. At least trying to use his body heat to help keep the other warmer.]

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