[ 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. ]
[He focuses on following Vanitas and letting the other unlock and open the door. He removes his boots and crouches to pet Murr, who approaches them in greeting when they return. He straightens and shuts the door behind him, heading to the kitchen to get a drink when Vanitas comes to check on him.]
Ah, I'm sure it's fine. This isn't anything near as serious as I've dealt with before. Why? Does it look that bad?
[It's just his nose? But then. More often than not, any injury involving the head usually looks worse than it might actually be.]
[ He's huffy, even as Murr approaches Vanitas separately and meows up at him. He sighs, leans down to pet the cat. ]
I just wanted to make sure.
[ Because he was concerned, overly so. He's just too embarrassed to admit that part. He'll move to take off his cape and start getting prepared for bed, though. ]
Good. That's okay then. I can go wash my face before heading to bed to make sure it's cleaned up.
[The vampire says, knowing there might still be a little smudge even if Vanitas had wiped it earlier. He hadn't had a chance to check in a mirror or anything, and had been quick to reassure the staff at the doctors that he was fine. He doesn't figure that there's anything more to Vanitas wanting to check on him. He was the same way if the other was injured, probably more smothering in comparison, given how he was aware of the other being mortal and all.
He heads to the bathroom to wash his face, removing his waistcoat and socks and bringing them to the laundry hamper as he starts to get ready for bed, intending to change into something looser and more comfortable to sleep in.]
[ Vanitas dumps his laundry in the hamper, too, including the handkerchief. Yep, that's gonna need to get washed. He changes into his sleepwear, and he's in it right as Noé finishes. He's on his own bed, lying down, pensive as always, but he'd like to ask Noé to...well, do the thing they did during nap time earlier. But he's too shy.
He'll settle for being in his bed alone again...maybe. ]
I'm tired, so I'll be calling it a night earlier than usual.
Ah? Okay. I'll turn out the light in a bit. I just need to change.
[He says, quickly grabbing his pyjamas and getting changed into them in the bathroom, putting his dirty clothes in the laundry, and ensuring that Murr had access to some water if needed during the night. He pets Murr before heading towards his bed and turning off the light, pulling back the blankets and climbing into his bed.]
[ He leaves it at that, not having the courage to ask Noé for his presence again. This is so new to him that he doesn't quite know how to handle this - or handle himself, really. Still, he's so tired that he ends up falling asleep anyway, despite his wishes.
The windchill gets to him during the night, even with the covers over him, and it wakes him up in the middle of the night. He can't sleep after it does, no matter how hard he tries.
Vanits grunts, and he sits up, wraps the outer blanket around him. Then, he goes to Noé and tries to shake him awake. ]
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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???
Ah, I'm sure it's fine. This isn't anything near as serious as I've dealt with before. Why? Does it look that bad?
[It's just his nose? But then. More often than not, any injury involving the head usually looks worse than it might actually be.]
for real...
[ He's huffy, even as Murr approaches Vanitas separately and meows up at him. He sighs, leans down to pet the cat. ]
I just wanted to make sure.
[ Because he was concerned, overly so. He's just too embarrassed to admit that part. He'll move to take off his cape and start getting prepared for bed, though. ]
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[The vampire says, knowing there might still be a little smudge even if Vanitas had wiped it earlier. He hadn't had a chance to check in a mirror or anything, and had been quick to reassure the staff at the doctors that he was fine. He doesn't figure that there's anything more to Vanitas wanting to check on him. He was the same way if the other was injured, probably more smothering in comparison, given how he was aware of the other being mortal and all.
He heads to the bathroom to wash his face, removing his waistcoat and socks and bringing them to the laundry hamper as he starts to get ready for bed, intending to change into something looser and more comfortable to sleep in.]
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He'll settle for being in his bed alone again...maybe. ]
I'm tired, so I'll be calling it a night earlier than usual.
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[He says, quickly grabbing his pyjamas and getting changed into them in the bathroom, putting his dirty clothes in the laundry, and ensuring that Murr had access to some water if needed during the night. He pets Murr before heading towards his bed and turning off the light, pulling back the blankets and climbing into his bed.]
'Night, Vanitas.
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[ He leaves it at that, not having the courage to ask Noé for his presence again. This is so new to him that he doesn't quite know how to handle this - or handle himself, really. Still, he's so tired that he ends up falling asleep anyway, despite his wishes.
The windchill gets to him during the night, even with the covers over him, and it wakes him up in the middle of the night. He can't sleep after it does, no matter how hard he tries.
Vanits grunts, and he sits up, wraps the outer blanket around him. Then, he goes to Noé and tries to shake him awake. ]
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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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