unchainer | for @babeldom

Not that I can recall.

[ So probably not; he's only second-guessing himself because he's so used to keeping himself busy that it's strange when he has a lot of downtime. He's usually good about doing chores and errands when there's nothing else, but today, he feels a little lazy, and doesn't seem like he's in a hurry to go anywhere. ]

Well, I suppose other than checking on the status of that reporter, it wouldn't be so bad to rest today.

[ If Noé wants to explore more, Vanitas will tag along as his leash. ]

Alright. I just figured to check. I didn't remember that we had anything important planned.

[He likes the idea of a more relaxed day. They don't often have that. They may as well enjoy the time to themselves while they can. Before things get busy again. But Vanitas is right that he does want to check in and see how she was. So he nods, giving a small smile at the idea as he pets Murr and gives him some water.]

Yes, that sounds like a plan. When we're ready, we can head out.

[ He nods tiredly and stretches. He feels a little sluggish, but he's also not used to sleeping so much and so well. He grabs himself a glass of water as Noé takes care of his cat, and once Murr is satisfied, he'll sit at the dining table and grab water for Noé as well. ]

We haven't had downtime in a while. [ He's noticed. They've been pretty busy. ] Looks like there's time for you to go exploring again.

[ There's a lot that Noé hasn't seen, after all. ]

Can we? Yes!

[The vampire seems rather excited at the idea. He's been busy supporting Vanitas, so he's not had perhaps as much of a chance to explore and sightsee. Which was probably for the best, given how often he gets turned around at the best of times. Still, Vanitas was well aware of how distracted he could get and was thus able to hopefully try and take that into account more. He takes the offered water, finding himself thirstier than he had thought, thanking Vanitas before he sips at it after joining the doctor at the dining table.]

[ Vanitas lets out an exasperated sigh, but he's really not all that bothered. He was the one who suggested it, after all. He props an elbow up on the table and leans his chin on his hand, looking at Noé, already knowing what he's setting himself up to do today. It...could be nice. ]

Not like I have much of a choice. You'll go and get yourself lost if I abandon you for too long.

I won't! I'll stay close.

[At least. Well, he would intend to. Before or until something or other distracts him. But with the way Vanitas has been taking his hand lately, that probably wouldn't be an issue so much with the vampire unintentionally wandering off. He does seem rather excited at the idea, after having some water, a smile at his lips and his cheeks a little flushed in his enthusiasm.]

It'll be fun!

[ Vanitas is thinking the same thing, where as long as he holds Noé's hand, the vampire won't wander too far without him. They'll be close. Vanitas can keep an eye on him, and with how Noé's smiling right now, maybe that won't be so bad.

There's a pout on his face as he observes Noé's expression. ]

Do you have a list of things you feel like doing?

A list? No, but I know there's that famous bakery? Oh, and the museums?

[The vampire can't help but smile, to be excited. He's heard so much about Paris. Now, he has the chance to really experience it. Without worrying about work. At least for one day. Even that is enough to brighten his mood, not seeming to notice Vanitas's less than enthused expression, given the vampire's habit of wandering off and getting lost.]

There's that famous art one here, right?

[ He knows he's in for a long day, but this is what he signed up for, so he finishes the last of his water and moves to wash his glass. ]

There's not enough time to do all of those today, so don't get too carried away. We can stick to the art museum and visit a bakery or two.

[ Hopefully, another opportunity will come along where Noé can see more. Vanitas isn't sure when that day will be, but he knows the art museum Noé is referring to. It's not a bad place to start. ]

Alright, then. I'll go upstairs and start getting ready.

No? Ah. But at least maybe one museum and a bakery for lunch? We can go and check with the doctor first. Then we can head out after that?

[He figures that should be alright. That should work. He finishes his drink and waits for Vanitas to finish in the kitchen before he washes his cup, giving the other time to get dressed at least, before he goes to get ready and change after making sure that Murr has some water while they were out.]

That's fine. Doctor's office first, then the art museum.

[ Vanitas gets into his usual attire, and once Noé is also properly dressed, he'll start heading out. Normally, Vanitas goes ahead of Noé and expects him to tag along behind him, which has often times resulted in the other wandering off and getting lost...and Vanitas needing to backtrack to find him. This time, however, he'll wait for Noé and walk alongside him. ]

Since we aren't in as much of a hurry this time, I wouldn't be opposed to getting there by foot. Saves us the trouble of paying for transportation.

Okay. Sure!

[He agrees, smiling as he emerges dressed in one of his outfits that Domi had probably helped pick out for him before he left home. His shirt might be a little rumpled, but at least his nose isn't looking too bad after last night. He grins as he follows Vanitas, not seeming to mind that they might walk instead of figuring a ride this time. It isn't like they are in a major rush.]

I don't mind walking.

[ His shirt is a bit rumpled, so Vanitas leans in to straighten Noé's collar a little before they start venturing further out into the city. A walk to the clinic will take a bit, but there's no need for urgency, so he's fine to take his time.

He's not always incredibly chatty, and often times, these walks can be quiet. Today, though, Vanitas speaks first. ]

I've noticed that your cat's gotten far more affectionate. Is it because I've started playing with him?

[He blinks, not having noticed or necessarily cared if his clothing wasn't perfect, but he does thank Vanitas for helping. He follows easily enough alongside the other, walking among the crowds heading to work or appointments or the like.]

Murr? Ah, maybe? You don't mind, do you? I think he liked you playing with him yesterday. Usually, it's just me or Domi.

[Well, more often. Lately, sometimes Murr is left in the care of others and gets spoiled by their friends.]

[ Did he mind? No, not at all. It was some kind of relief that he could play with Murr for a bit (almost like playing with animals is relaxing or something...) and he is embarrassed to admit it. He ends up putting his arms up and his hands behind his head. ]

Maybe you're just not playing with him enough.

[ It can't be because Murr liked playing with him, obviously!! ]

I play with him most evenings. [He points out. At least, when Murr is awake, if the vampire has time amid heading out for work with Vanitas. But he won't say no if Vanitas wants to join in and play with Murr, too, now. It isn't like the vampire means to get distracted. To not check on Murr, to not give him enough attention.

He follows, focusing on staying close, so that he keeps Vanitas in sight amid the crowds. Not wanting to get separated. He remembers the general direction of where they went last night, but not necessarily so much the details. Still, it's enough that he has some vague idea, if something were to happen and they were to get separated.]

Yeah, well... [ ...Okay, Noé has a point. He goes a little red in the face and clears his throat. ] Okay, fine. If he likes it that much, I have no choice but to engage.

[ More playtime with Murr is something he'll quietly look forward to. Almost as much as he looks forward to the next thing on his mind, which is brought on by noticing how close Noé is. It's getting more crowded, and naturally, he should keep the vampire next to him. Right? Right.

Shyly, he reaches for Noé's hand. ]

I think he'd like that.

[He says, a faint chuckle and smile at his lips. He is still getting used to the other holding his hand, but he doesn't pull away when he feels Vanitas's hand reaching for his. The vampire's hand holds gently to not tug at Vanitas, but firm enough not to easily be separated as he entwines their fingers, letting Vanitas take the lead as usual. He smiles at that, his thumb brushing against Vanitas's palm as they walk together, as his pace quickens slightly.]

[ It's times like these that make him wish he weren't wearing his gloves. He'd like to feel Noé's hand in his, even if their hands are likely calloused and rough from everything they've been doing lately. They both know why he wears them, though, and it's not something he's willing to compromise in public. Maybe he'll try it when they're home tonight.

Vanitas continues to guide Noé to the clinic, heart racing ever so slightly in his chest. He subconsciously squeezes Noé's hand every now and then, and when they finally make it there, Vanitas keeps their hands joined, even as he goes to the front desk.

He states their business, and the nurse at the front lets them know that the journalist is, essentially, in stable condition. He feels relief at that, even if he doesn't verbalize it. ]

Thank you. That's all we wanted to know.

She's okay? She'll be alright. Oh, good.

[He doesn't even notice or seem to care if he does, if others might stare at Vanitas holding his hand. It's just something he was more used to in the other, taking it to keep an eye on him. Not just.....because he wanted to. But he is relieved to hear that the journalist was alright, given what had happened last night.]

Did you want to see her while we're here?

No.

[ Plain and simple. Admittedly, it's partly because he doesn't particularly care for her, but the other part of it is because he feels somewhat responsible for it because she's been following him around. That lead her to getting injured, and while that was entirely her choice, he doesn't like the reminder that someone got hurt because of him. ]

She'll be alright. We can check back in a day or two.

[ He's ready to leave, honestly. ]

No? Um, okay. At least we know she's alright. Did we want to head to the museum then?

[He doesn't necessarily read into it that her being attacked might be because she was following after them. Or if it was just a coincidence that she happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Still, he tries to reassure Vanitas, to help distract him, his hand squeezing lightly as the other seems ready to head off again, thanking the staff.]

Alright.

[ He's quiet as they walk out, but after a few minutes of fresh air, he seems relaxed again. Vanitas takes the lead. The museum is a shorter walk, and since it's getting a little chilly outside again, Vanitas keeps close to Noé. ]

You're lucky you don't get cold. I should have worn my scarf...

Want my coat?

[It isn't raining. So the vampire doesn't mind. It bothers him less than it does Vanitas, feeling the chill. So he offers, especially since he isn't as sure about how far they might be from the museum where they could get inside and warm up a bit. He notes how the other tends to keep closer when it is cold as a tell. He's not so sure on how warm he might be, given he's a vampire, but evidently it is enough that it seems to help at least a little.]

[ Noé offered his coat before and it was, in fact, very warm. Vanitas really liked it, but that was also just offered to him. He didn't ask for it. Now that Noé is giving him the choice, he's a little flustered again, as is par for the course for him. He's so calm when his feelings are unrequited, but when they are, he's so easy to embarrass.

He looks away and his free hand goes into his pocket. ]

Well, if you're offering...

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