[ 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.]
[ 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. ]
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.]
[ Luna had told him long ago that there would be someone who would come along and allow Vanitas to share in their warmth, that he could do the same if he didn't close his heart to the opportunity. Maybe that's why he wanted Noé to share that bed with him, and why he reciprocates the kind gesture by leaning back. His cheeks turn pink again, simply because he knows that this is Noé's way of taking care of him - and to think that just a day ago, he wouldn't have been this close. ]
I-I see. That's true.
[ Though the majority of his warmth is coming from the person next to him rather than the car, but it doesn't take much longer for them to reach their destination. Vanitas slides out of the car. Once they're both there and back in the cold weather, he naturally gravitates towards Noé again, even if his eyes are sharp and searching. ]
According to Dante, we're looking for a tall man with a slim build and brunet hair. There's nothing noteworthy about our target otherwise.
[ Still, he knows better than to let his guard down. Now, alleyways are usually not a bad bet, so he starts approaching some of the buildings with caution. ]
Tall and brunette. That's it? Okay. I guess we just start looking.
[He is, of course, oblivious about Vanitas's conversation with Luna. He merely does his best to keep Vanitas close and as warm as he can manage without outright taking off his own coat for him to wear. He stays close as he thanks the driver and follows Vanitas. He glances, his purple eyes scanning the people nearby to see if anyone seems to fit the description. It isn't a lot to go on. But it does at least rule out those with other hair colours. Men who were shorter or of heavier build. He follows Vanitas to the buildings to check the side streets.]
[ Before he can finish his sentence, there's a muffled wail in the near distance, around the corner. Vanitas hurries, trusting that Noé is still near, and lo and behold - the end of this alleyway has a man with brown hair, feeding on an innocent bystander who is likely long gone by now. The man turns towards Vanitas, eyes flashing a familiar red color before he snarls.
Then, he starts to run towards them. ]
Let's subdue him!
[ He says without a second thought. It's a good thing his hands have already reached for his grappling hook, but he knows he can't overpower this guy as is. He's careful to dodge out of the way and he tries to look for an opening to help Noé out. ]
[Noé is quick to react. Quick to step in front of Vanitas without hesitation, bracing himself and pulling one arm back to ready a punch as the brunette approaches. Hoping that he could remain the target. Keep him distracted while Vanitas does his thing. Keep Vanitas safe. He lands a fist into the guy's stomach as Vanitas dodges out of the way, his eyes shifting colour to that familiar shade of red as he defends the doctor.]
Are they alright?
[Noé didn't get the best look at whoever it was the brunette had been feeding from. Whether they might just be passed out. Or if they might be dead at this point.]
[ Noé lands the punch, and it doesn't take the curse bearer out but it incapacitates him long enough for Vanitas to toss his rope out. It winds around the man and it should, ideally, buy them some time for the book to work its magic.
He takes a glance at the bystander who's near enough for him to quickly assess their condition. There's a large pool of blood around them, and they seem unresponsive. ]
Not awake, that's for sure. [ Dead or alive. Vanitas goes back to Noé, and the curse bearer is already starting to thrash around wildly. ] Keep him there.
[ He's going to get his book and try to get this done as quickly as possible. This one seems a little wild. ]
Shit. Alright. Focus on this guy first. Then we can get the victim help.
[Noé shifts to help restrain the curse bearer, trying to keep him still while Vanitas does his thing. Not the easiest with the thrashing and all. Even when Noé has his vampiric strength to help him. He takes hold of the guy's wrists to try to hold his arms down, a knee at his chest.]
[ Vanitas uses the book and it glows a familiar shade of blue, pushing himself further toward the line that's separating him from losing himself completely. Anything, though, to find out who took- ]
Got it.
[ The curse bearer goes limp, as is par for the course, and seems to go back to his former state. The one that shouldn't be like this. He's alive, at the very least. Vanitas looks over at Noé and gives him a once over. Yes, there's someone bleeding out, but Noé always comes first, now. It'll be quick. ]
[The vampire sighs, rolling over onto his back and resting for a second, clumsily wiping at his forehead with his sleeve. His nose is bleeding from being knocked when he restrained the guy, but he otherwise seems unharmed. He got off lighter this time than some of their prior outings, at least.]
The victim. Are they....?
[Still alive, at least? Noé was too busy trying to restrain the curse bearer to really check.]
[ If Noé weren't so tough, Vanitas would feel a little concerned at that nosebleed, but he's not even remotely fazed. Instead, he runs over to the victim, who's wearing a hood. There's a strand of blonde hair that's peeking out from under it. Vanitas examines the body, and there is a slow rise and fall of their chest.
He lifts the person up and the hood falls off. His eyes go wide, and then they narrow. ]
...It's her.
[ The journalist. And despite everything, he can't just leave her here. He turns towards Noé. ]
She needs medical attention desperately. I don't know if she's long for this world otherwise.
[Noé shifts, rolling over and slightly sitting up at that. Not what he was expecting. Still, the sooner they get help, the better, from the looks of it. He swallows, blinking for a moment before he tries to focus on the matter at hand. His shifting meant that he smeared some of the blood across his cheek and on his sleeve, but Noé doesn't seem to care or notice.]
Want me to carry her? We can get a ride, ask them to take her to a doctor?
Carry her and look for a ride. I believe there may be a clinic within walking distance.
[ He'll keep her lifted up until Noé comes to retrieve her. Once he does, Vanitas heads to the streets to search for a medical facility. He's gone for several minutes, but after several quiet moments, he returns. He flags Noé over. ]
Found one. This way.
[ He's already figured out an explanation for the doctors, and he is already feeling so exhausted. Once Noé catches up to him, he begins to walk briskly to their destination. When he has a moment, though, he'll pull out a handkerchief and reach up to wipe some of that blood off of Noé's face. ]
[Noé easily picks her up, carrying her in his arms carefully. It is a good thing he has Vanitas with him, else he probably would get lost trying to find where to take her. He doesn't pull back or anything as Vanitas wipes at his cheek, but he does close one eye for a moment. All in all, this is hardly worth mentioning given how minor this is in the scale of prior injuries Noé had. So he doesn't really mind too much. He just hopes that she will be okay.]
You think she'll be alright? What about him? Should we go back and bring him, too?
[ Hmm. That would change his narrative a bit, but he's certain he can spin something convincing enough. A make believe incident between a "drunkard" and a journalist. Something along those lines.
When they get to the clinic, a medic takes in the journalist, freeing Noé of his obligatory body-carrying duties for now. ]
We'll go back for him. It'll be a while before he comes to.
[For all that she had irritated Vanitas with her following him around and all, that did not mean that she should be neglected when they had found her like that. So Noé is glad when they can take her to the doctor, and nods in agreement to go back to check on the curse bearer. Noé had only punched him once and restrained him, so he doesn't think the guy should be too badly hurt from their encounter, but he isn't sure what might have happened prior.]
[ He huffs at that - ] I do hope she's learned her lesson, assuming she survives this. She shouldn't be butting her nose into these sorts of affairs if she's not prepared for them.
[ Especially given how dangerous their line of work is. Vampires are naturally far stronger than humans are, and people like her don't stand a chance. Her injuries looked pretty dire, so whether or not she lives is anyone's guess. There's a solemn look on his face. For all the trouble she caused him and Noé, it's strange to see her without much life in her.
The world really is cruel.
Now, when they go to the curse bearer, lo and behold he is still there, sitting up with his head in his hand. Noé hadn't done much in the way of damage, sure, but the effects of Vanitas' treatment and the malady can be a lot to bear. At least the guy is conscious. Hm... ]
I suppose this could have been far worse for everyone involved.
I hope she's alright. I know she....frustrated you. But still.
[The vampire knows that Vanitas agrees. Neither of them actually wants harm to come to anyone. He sighs, following Vanitas to the alley again. He is relieved that the guy seems to be alright. Really, this could definitely have been a lot worse. It's one of their better jobs. A reminder that sometimes things can work out.]
Yeah. Yeah. So, should we take him to the doctor to get checked? You think he's alright, Vanitas?
[ He doesn't have to say more, because he trusts that Noé knows he agrees. Vanitas looks over at the other vampire who seems to be exhausted, gives him a once over - then he looks back at his partner. ]
He should be. I thought he'd be in worse shape, but this was nowhere near as complicated as I thought it would be. [ He puts his hands on his hips. Amelia was in much worse shape when they helped her, and she was close to being persecuted, too, until Hotel Chouchou pulled through for her. This should be fine. ] He'll be alright. We've done our job.
[ Vanitas lingers for a moment longer, and then he steps forward towards Noé, wanting to be closer. ]
We should head back.
[ Admittedly, he'd like nothing more than to be with Noé tonight. ]
Alright. Let's get going then. Shall we get a ride back?
[He just wants to be sure that they get back quicker. Without Vanitas, out in this weather for too long. Even he is feeling the chill, though not as sensitive to it in comparison. Vanitas seems to feel it more, the way he gets closer to the vampire for warmth. He wraps an arm around Vanitas's shoulder, trying to cover the other a little with his coat. Being warm back in the hotel and crashing on the bed sounds pretty good about now. Though he suspects that Vanitas will probably want to get a better look at his nose and he should probably clean himself up before falling asleep.]
[ He says, but he cuts himself off when Noé wraps his arm around his shoulders. That makes him feel warm and his heart skips a beat or two. He covers his face a little with his hand, because he feels exceptionally flustered, but he manages to clear his throat. He leans into Noé and nods. ]
[Noé might not necessarily notice quite how flustered the other is. He's just trying to keep Vanitas warm in this chillier weather. He focuses on getting them a ride, thankfully not needing to wait too long. Nor is the ride one that is too far. It's just a bit much to walk in this weather. He's quick to get them back inside after thanking the driver, walking briskly to their room. Once they're inside the hotel, he removes his coat and lets Vanitas wear it, at least until they get to their room and can warm up more.]
[ The ride is quick, and they're at the hotel before he knows it. There's a sudden warmth that falls on his shoulders - ah. Noé's coat. He doesn't thank him yet, but he'll follow him back to their room. It does make quite a difference to have it on, because Noé's warmth lingers on it, but also, the vampire is larger than he is, so it sits on him easily.
When they get upstairs, Vanitas doesn't sit down just yet. He'll wait to catch Noé in a quiet moment, and when he does, he leans in to inspect the nosebleed. He's sure it's fine, just...you know. He dotes sometimes. ]
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[ 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. ]
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[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!
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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. ]
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[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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I-I see. That's true.
[ Though the majority of his warmth is coming from the person next to him rather than the car, but it doesn't take much longer for them to reach their destination. Vanitas slides out of the car. Once they're both there and back in the cold weather, he naturally gravitates towards Noé again, even if his eyes are sharp and searching. ]
According to Dante, we're looking for a tall man with a slim build and brunet hair. There's nothing noteworthy about our target otherwise.
[ Still, he knows better than to let his guard down. Now, alleyways are usually not a bad bet, so he starts approaching some of the buildings with caution. ]
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[He is, of course, oblivious about Vanitas's conversation with Luna. He merely does his best to keep Vanitas close and as warm as he can manage without outright taking off his own coat for him to wear. He stays close as he thanks the driver and follows Vanitas. He glances, his purple eyes scanning the people nearby to see if anyone seems to fit the description. It isn't a lot to go on. But it does at least rule out those with other hair colours. Men who were shorter or of heavier build. He follows Vanitas to the buildings to check the side streets.]
See anything yet?
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[ Before he can finish his sentence, there's a muffled wail in the near distance, around the corner. Vanitas hurries, trusting that Noé is still near, and lo and behold - the end of this alleyway has a man with brown hair, feeding on an innocent bystander who is likely long gone by now. The man turns towards Vanitas, eyes flashing a familiar red color before he snarls.
Then, he starts to run towards them. ]
Let's subdue him!
[ He says without a second thought. It's a good thing his hands have already reached for his grappling hook, but he knows he can't overpower this guy as is. He's careful to dodge out of the way and he tries to look for an opening to help Noé out. ]
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[Noé is quick to react. Quick to step in front of Vanitas without hesitation, bracing himself and pulling one arm back to ready a punch as the brunette approaches. Hoping that he could remain the target. Keep him distracted while Vanitas does his thing. Keep Vanitas safe. He lands a fist into the guy's stomach as Vanitas dodges out of the way, his eyes shifting colour to that familiar shade of red as he defends the doctor.]
Are they alright?
[Noé didn't get the best look at whoever it was the brunette had been feeding from. Whether they might just be passed out. Or if they might be dead at this point.]
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He takes a glance at the bystander who's near enough for him to quickly assess their condition. There's a large pool of blood around them, and they seem unresponsive. ]
Not awake, that's for sure. [ Dead or alive. Vanitas goes back to Noé, and the curse bearer is already starting to thrash around wildly. ] Keep him there.
[ He's going to get his book and try to get this done as quickly as possible. This one seems a little wild. ]
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[Noé shifts to help restrain the curse bearer, trying to keep him still while Vanitas does his thing. Not the easiest with the thrashing and all. Even when Noé has his vampiric strength to help him. He takes hold of the guy's wrists to try to hold his arms down, a knee at his chest.]
Stay still! We're trying to help you here!
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Got it.
[ The curse bearer goes limp, as is par for the course, and seems to go back to his former state. The one that shouldn't be like this. He's alive, at the very least. Vanitas looks over at Noé and gives him a once over. Yes, there's someone bleeding out, but Noé always comes first, now. It'll be quick. ]
Are you alright?
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[The vampire sighs, rolling over onto his back and resting for a second, clumsily wiping at his forehead with his sleeve. His nose is bleeding from being knocked when he restrained the guy, but he otherwise seems unharmed. He got off lighter this time than some of their prior outings, at least.]
The victim. Are they....?
[Still alive, at least? Noé was too busy trying to restrain the curse bearer to really check.]
plot twist...
He lifts the person up and the hood falls off. His eyes go wide, and then they narrow. ]
...It's her.
[ The journalist. And despite everything, he can't just leave her here. He turns towards Noé. ]
She needs medical attention desperately. I don't know if she's long for this world otherwise.
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[Noé shifts, rolling over and slightly sitting up at that. Not what he was expecting. Still, the sooner they get help, the better, from the looks of it. He swallows, blinking for a moment before he tries to focus on the matter at hand. His shifting meant that he smeared some of the blood across his cheek and on his sleeve, but Noé doesn't seem to care or notice.]
Want me to carry her? We can get a ride, ask them to take her to a doctor?
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[ He'll keep her lifted up until Noé comes to retrieve her. Once he does, Vanitas heads to the streets to search for a medical facility. He's gone for several minutes, but after several quiet moments, he returns. He flags Noé over. ]
Found one. This way.
[ He's already figured out an explanation for the doctors, and he is already feeling so exhausted. Once Noé catches up to him, he begins to walk briskly to their destination. When he has a moment, though, he'll pull out a handkerchief and reach up to wipe some of that blood off of Noé's face. ]
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You think she'll be alright? What about him? Should we go back and bring him, too?
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[ Hmm. That would change his narrative a bit, but he's certain he can spin something convincing enough. A make believe incident between a "drunkard" and a journalist. Something along those lines.
When they get to the clinic, a medic takes in the journalist, freeing Noé of his obligatory body-carrying duties for now. ]
We'll go back for him. It'll be a while before he comes to.
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[For all that she had irritated Vanitas with her following him around and all, that did not mean that she should be neglected when they had found her like that. So Noé is glad when they can take her to the doctor, and nods in agreement to go back to check on the curse bearer. Noé had only punched him once and restrained him, so he doesn't think the guy should be too badly hurt from their encounter, but he isn't sure what might have happened prior.]
Right.
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[ Especially given how dangerous their line of work is. Vampires are naturally far stronger than humans are, and people like her don't stand a chance. Her injuries looked pretty dire, so whether or not she lives is anyone's guess. There's a solemn look on his face. For all the trouble she caused him and Noé, it's strange to see her without much life in her.
The world really is cruel.
Now, when they go to the curse bearer, lo and behold he is still there, sitting up with his head in his hand. Noé hadn't done much in the way of damage, sure, but the effects of Vanitas' treatment and the malady can be a lot to bear. At least the guy is conscious. Hm... ]
I suppose this could have been far worse for everyone involved.
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[The vampire knows that Vanitas agrees. Neither of them actually wants harm to come to anyone. He sighs, following Vanitas to the alley again. He is relieved that the guy seems to be alright. Really, this could definitely have been a lot worse. It's one of their better jobs. A reminder that sometimes things can work out.]
Yeah. Yeah. So, should we take him to the doctor to get checked? You think he's alright, Vanitas?
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[ He doesn't have to say more, because he trusts that Noé knows he agrees. Vanitas looks over at the other vampire who seems to be exhausted, gives him a once over - then he looks back at his partner. ]
He should be. I thought he'd be in worse shape, but this was nowhere near as complicated as I thought it would be. [ He puts his hands on his hips. Amelia was in much worse shape when they helped her, and she was close to being persecuted, too, until Hotel Chouchou pulled through for her. This should be fine. ] He'll be alright. We've done our job.
[ Vanitas lingers for a moment longer, and then he steps forward towards Noé, wanting to be closer. ]
We should head back.
[ Admittedly, he'd like nothing more than to be with Noé tonight. ]
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[He just wants to be sure that they get back quicker. Without Vanitas, out in this weather for too long. Even he is feeling the chill, though not as sensitive to it in comparison. Vanitas seems to feel it more, the way he gets closer to the vampire for warmth. He wraps an arm around Vanitas's shoulder, trying to cover the other a little with his coat. Being warm back in the hotel and crashing on the bed sounds pretty good about now. Though he suspects that Vanitas will probably want to get a better look at his nose and he should probably clean himself up before falling asleep.]
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[ He says, but he cuts himself off when Noé wraps his arm around his shoulders. That makes him feel warm and his heart skips a beat or two. He covers his face a little with his hand, because he feels exceptionally flustered, but he manages to clear his throat. He leans into Noé and nods. ]
Y-yes. That would be ideal.
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this tag got lost in my inbox?!
When they get upstairs, Vanitas doesn't sit down just yet. He'll wait to catch Noé in a quiet moment, and when he does, he leans in to inspect the nosebleed. He's sure it's fine, just...you know. He dotes sometimes. ]
Does it hurt at all?
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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