unchainer | for @babeldom

[ It's no secret that Vanitas is no good when it comes to matters of the heart.

He's an utter buffoon, and things like attachment and vulnerability get him to drop the arrogant act almost immediately. He's been caught tongue-tied more than once, at a loss of how to react to genuine kindness and recognition. These are things he's received from a small number of people lately. By now, these select few individuals are likely more than aware of how awful Vanitas is at honesty and transparency until he's backed into a corner and forced to reveal his feelings; he's unwilling to drop his walls, though, around complete strangers.

This extends to a particular mademoiselle who has been pursuing Vanitas for at least a week. Aggressively, asking for a chance, a date, anything for more than a second of his time. Some people are just so stubborn and don't know how to take no for an answer, though, which is why Noe can probably find Vanitas hurriedly storming back towards Hotel Chouchou with the young lady following behind him. ]

How many times do I need to tell you, I'm not interested! Leave me alone, will you?!

[ The next day is relatively quiet, all things considered. Noé and Vanitas are going about their usual routine, searching for curse bearers for Vanitas to perform his work on, but Dante has yet to return with any leads. Therefore, he's decided that they get to take it easy until then, and taking it easy leads them to a cafe near Hotel Chouchou.

It was just supposed to be a late breakfast over tea, nothing special or out of the ordinary - until it wasn't.

A certain someone, trying to act casual, passes by them outside but Vanitas can feel her eyes on them. He tenses up instinctually, but watches her up until she approaches. And as she begins to walk up to them, Vanitas does what he knows best.

He reaches for Noé's hand from under the table. It isn't as if he hasn't grabbed Noé's hand before but it was never for something like this. He can't ignore how warm it is, especially with the way his fingers curl around the other man's palm as the woman gets closer. It is a gesture to stay true to what he lied about the other night, a way of asking Noé to trust him and follow his lead as he said. It's also, surprisingly, keeping Vanitas grounded.

The journalist is cordial, to say the least, and just wants to say good morning to them both, even if she is visibly not quite as enthusiastic as she wasa before. The entire time, though, assuming Noé stays put? Vanitas is squeezing Noé's hand - and he doesn't even realize it. ]

fake dating

fake dating part 2!