[The blow leaves Vanitas coughing out of pain, grin still ever present on his face despite everything.]
Perhaps I do. Maybe I simply love differently from others.
[Once he's straddled, he licks his lips eagerly, brilliant blue eyes focused on Vincent's face as he relishes watching his expressions.]
I see... So you think yourself deserving to be toyed with. Unfortunately for you, my feelings regarding you are just as genuine. I adore you both, equally, though due to our dalliances, I am slightly more partial to you. ...for now.
[He knows he's inviting trouble, yet he just can't help himself.]
Why not invite dear brother in for some fun together? Surely that would assuage your fears.
[ Fingers thread Vanitas’ bangs back and fist into them, tugging his hair back - not as before, with ever careful force, but to cause true pain. Vincent leans in close, as though prepared to kiss him. ]
If given the chance, I would very well bed my brother. I would make him mine. That is the type of person that I am, Vanitas.
[ With that, he spits into the young doctor’s mouth. ]
It is bad enough that Gil should feel responsible for someone like me. I had worked so very hard to undo that. I failed, and I will not allow it to happen again by seeing you unravel what little happiness he retains.
[The pain earns Vincent a wince, though still his lips remain twisted into a delighted grin, like he's reveling in the sensation and Vincent's anger.]
I thought you might be... You're clearly possessive enough for it. Depraved enough. Though I don't blame you for feeling that way. He is delightfully cute.
[More words meant to earn the ire of other man, though at being spat at he coughs, then laughs.]
You keep operating under the assumption that any advances I make on him will lead to his unhappiness. How do you know you aren't standing in the way of that? Of him finding someone to love him? Are you planning on isolating him from everyone and everything, until he only has eyes for you? Because that seems most cruel.
[ That causes his brow to furrow as he looks at the other, grinning lips parting with a laugh. ]
No. [ Laughter still entangles into his breath, head shaking. ] Like you, I desired to erase myself from existence. What he deserves is a life without me dragging him down into despair!
[ From his pocket, he pulls a pair of ornate silver scissors. ]
I really do like you. Maybe I’ve already fallen for you, too. Ah, but look what you’re making me do…
[ Finally, he claims the other’s lips in a forceful kiss, licking across them as he parts— and as he plunges the point of the sharpened spears down toward Vanitas’ neck, he pierces so forcefully that they embed deep… into the flooring. So close, that they’ve nicked the skin above the young man’s collar.
And he is almost shaking with anger, that he can’t bring himself to do it. ]
[Ah, how alike they are... It's no wonder they've managed to entangle themselves so thoroughly despite hardly knowing one another and for such a short time...]
Ah... I see. Poor you. Wanting nothing but the best for someone and yet no matter what you do, it'll never be enough, will it?
[He reaches for Vincent's face, cupping his cheek and stroking it tenderly with a thumb.]
I'm honored to hear that...
[Though he freezes up once the scissors appear, eyes widening as it becomes apparent just what Vincent plans on doing with them. He doesn't even seem to genuinely mind, especially not once they lock lips. Instead, he merely closes his eyes and awaits the end-- that never comes. More's the pity, really. Gradually, he opens his eyes to find Vincent trembling and his skin bleeding, so he takes his face in both hands, drawing him back in for another kiss, this one slow and sensual. Once the lingering gesture ends, he barely parts from him, only enough to breathe.]
Indeed... Yet there is some merit to this. You now know I'll accept all of you, no matter what. That in itself is a form of love, is it not?
[ At the return of the subject, there is a flash of anger behind his eyes. ]
I do know you, because I’ve dedicated my life to the same thing. Destroyed everything good about myself, became a repulsive wretch, in the pursuit of death. I see it.
[Sighing somewhat, he shakes his head. That anger... so forceful and strong.]
Is that so... In that case, I suppose there's no denying it. That we are alike in that regard.
[Despite everything, he finds himself smiling.]
I merely wish to know where we stand. I'm not seeking to bed your brother deliberately. But nor do I think you should deny him something if he wishes to experience it for himself.
How many times must I say it, before you grasp the issue? It is because it’s you.
[ Pulling his hand away, he sits back. ]
I hardly care that you kissed him, yet you deliberately withheld it from me, and instead aired it out for the world to see. Even that was not where my anger stemmed, but rather… [ He vaguely gestures to the whole of Vanitas. ] All of this.
[ Leaning back in again, he grasps the younger man’s jaw. ]
It is because I want to see him with someone that will make him happy, not do what you’ve done here. It is because I am filled with rage that you would be so flippant to destroy us. That I still want you. All of you.
[ Despite how tightly he grips at Vanitas’ face, his smile grows eerily calm. ]
[The light in Vanitas' vibrant eyes seems to almost glow with recognition as Vincent explains, making his grievances known.]
So I am the problem? I see... Yes, that makes sense. Though I suppose saying I simply saw no reason to bring our kiss up will hold little water as an excuse, hmm?
[Though he does seem slightly puzzled by the gesture indicating "this". As if there's nothing unusual about his previous behavior and their current situation.
At being grasped, he stills, eyes looking slightly faraway.]
....I can only be what I am. I do as please, use the methods I choose, and live solely on my own terms. Does it matter that I don't actively desire to lose what we have, despite my urges to seek out something amusing from you? That should you permit it, I'd continue on by your side?
Because I would, gladly. You fascinate me, deeply. ....so very well. I won't court darling Gilbert. I won't even entertain his advances, should he make them. Will that suffice?
[ Vincent’s eyes are cold with doubt, as he considers the words offered to him. No one should be capable of hurting him this badly, and why should he wish for such a thing to continue?
Despite himself, he draws his thumb beneath Vanitas’ lip. ]
Yes. Do not break my trust again, if I should find it in me to grant it to you. I can provide you with far better amusement than this.
[ Well, Vanitas will certainly receive A Look for calling his big brother an inexperienced child, but… Vincent other does seem to be easing out of his fit, at the very least. ]
That would be unavoidable, if you do plan to remain beside me.
[ Dropping those scissors of his to the floor, his hands shift to the younger’s dress collar, yanking its tie loose. ]
[That look earns him a laugh, buoyant and playful. An incorrigible tease, as always, it seems, despite everything that's just happened. Some things never change.]
Good. Because unless you kill me outright, I have no intention of going anywhere. I've grown far too fond of you for that.
[With a curious hum, Vanitas cocks his head to one side, watching with curiosity as Vincent undoes his clothes.]
[For his part, Vanitas helps with disrobing by starting with the lower buttons, working his way up so they meet in the middle and he can snag Vincent's hand, drawing it up to his lips to kiss his knuckles one by one.]
I don't think less of you for being unable to. If anything, it only proves how alike we are.
[And while he despises himself, those same traits aren't so abhorrent in another person, for some reason, allowing him to gladly lean in and kiss Vincent's cheek.]
[ Smooth, Vani… Exhaling a huff of amusement through his nostrils, he eyes Vanitas’ lips as they endow him with affection. He hates to admit to himself that such efforts to earn back his favor may be working. When did he become so easy to sway? ]
Is that right…
[ As he speaks, Vincent’s free hand works its palm along the younger man’s exposed torso. It’s a wonder what it provides in the pursuit of soothing his aggression, but he’s still got a ways to go yet… ]
[He comes by it naturally, for the most part. Or at least it's become second nature by now to try appeasing those who he's irked, usually deliberately. Humming a note of agreement, he carefully releases Vincent's hand.]
It is. I tried to kill Noé before coming here. In fact, we were in the middle of fighting when I awoke in this world.
[ Something he hasn't even told Noé himself about, since the situation is so complicated. But more importantly to him right now is the way Vincent feels over him, causing his breath to hitch and exhale in a low, sultry moan. Hopefully by the end of their encounter, they'll be back on good terms. As fun as it was to piss him off, Vanitas rather prefers this to them fighting.]
[At that, Vanitas looks mildly indignant with an expression that clearly says "Excuse me?"]
Hey, I warned him. He walked right into a trap like a fool.
[All's going smoothly, until he's lobbied THAT question. At which point he makes another interesting face, although this one looks mildly constipated.]
Eh?! Love him? Noé?! I--
[And yet, Vanitas finds himself unable to outright say no, as he realizes he's not sure what it is he feels for his vampire companion. It's a complex relationship they've got going on, and one that's fraught with numerous pitfalls they keep stumbling into.]
[ All that’s to be done now, is to remove those various and cumbersome articles… but, my, what a distraction those responses are. ]
Aren’t they all.
[ Vincent’s eyes narrow, undecided if the pang of emotion he feels is jealousy, or some sense of empathy. After all, what he feels for his brother certainly is complicate; an urge that he cannot, and shall not, ever act on. However… ]
[For his part, Vanitas tries to be as helpful as he can, but he too is preoccupied, and ends up merely fiddling with his garments.]
I suppose that's true.
[If he notices Vincent's change in expression, he doesn't say as much, his own wavering between being clear cut confusion and thoughtful contemplation. For a time, he's silent, mulling over the question in search of an answer. Finally, he sighs, figuring he might as well start with the main sticking point.]
...he's an Archiviste, for one. They have the ability to see into the memories of those they bite for the first time. And I-- I have memories I can allow no one to see.
[ While that’s a sentiment that Vincent can relate to quite deeply, he recalls that Vanitas had been able to share some of those details with him. It would certainly be another thing entirely, experiencing them firsthand… yet, he can’t quite see that as a hurdle which he couldn’t overcome, considering.
Taking those fiddling hands into his own, Vincent’s head lulls off to the side, thumbs brushing the back of Vanitas’ palms while gazing down on his face. ]
[Despite having his hands held, Vanitas' frown only deepens in consideration, though he silently appreciates the care he's being shown. It helps to steady his restlessness, allowing him to glance briefly at Vincent before returning his gaze to their clasped hands.]
He's... Noé. He's good-natured and innocent, with an inclination towards doing what's morally right. He can't stand to sit idly by when there's a chance he can help. Yet he's used to using force to get his way. He's sheltered and naive, gets distracted easily, and frustrates me to no end.
...he's someone who doesn't deserve a disaster like me.
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Perhaps I do. Maybe I simply love differently from others.
[Once he's straddled, he licks his lips eagerly, brilliant blue eyes focused on Vincent's face as he relishes watching his expressions.]
I see... So you think yourself deserving to be toyed with. Unfortunately for you, my feelings regarding you are just as genuine. I adore you both, equally, though due to our dalliances, I am slightly more partial to you. ...for now.
[He knows he's inviting trouble, yet he just can't help himself.]
Why not invite dear brother in for some fun together? Surely that would assuage your fears.
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If given the chance, I would very well bed my brother. I would make him mine. That is the type of person that I am, Vanitas.
[ With that, he spits into the young doctor’s mouth. ]
It is bad enough that Gil should feel responsible for someone like me. I had worked so very hard to undo that. I failed, and I will not allow it to happen again by seeing you unravel what little happiness he retains.
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I thought you might be... You're clearly possessive enough for it. Depraved enough. Though I don't blame you for feeling that way. He is delightfully cute.
[More words meant to earn the ire of other man, though at being spat at he coughs, then laughs.]
You keep operating under the assumption that any advances I make on him will lead to his unhappiness. How do you know you aren't standing in the way of that? Of him finding someone to love him? Are you planning on isolating him from everyone and everything, until he only has eyes for you? Because that seems most cruel.
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No. [ Laughter still entangles into his breath, head shaking. ] Like you, I desired to erase myself from existence. What he deserves is a life without me dragging him down into despair!
[ From his pocket, he pulls a pair of ornate silver scissors. ]
I really do like you. Maybe I’ve already fallen for you, too. Ah, but look what you’re making me do…
[ Finally, he claims the other’s lips in a forceful kiss, licking across them as he parts— and as he plunges the point of the sharpened spears down toward Vanitas’ neck, he pierces so forcefully that they embed deep… into the flooring. So close, that they’ve nicked the skin above the young man’s collar.
And he is almost shaking with anger, that he can’t bring himself to do it. ]
… Disappointing.
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Ah... I see. Poor you. Wanting nothing but the best for someone and yet no matter what you do, it'll never be enough, will it?
[He reaches for Vincent's face, cupping his cheek and stroking it tenderly with a thumb.]
I'm honored to hear that...
[Though he freezes up once the scissors appear, eyes widening as it becomes apparent just what Vincent plans on doing with them. He doesn't even seem to genuinely mind, especially not once they lock lips. Instead, he merely closes his eyes and awaits the end-- that never comes. More's the pity, really. Gradually, he opens his eyes to find Vincent trembling and his skin bleeding, so he takes his face in both hands, drawing him back in for another kiss, this one slow and sensual. Once the lingering gesture ends, he barely parts from him, only enough to breathe.]
Indeed... Yet there is some merit to this. You now know I'll accept all of you, no matter what. That in itself is a form of love, is it not?
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No. You are merely in love with the idea of being destroyed.
[ Hand wrapping around the scissors, he pulls them free with force. ]
And I was foolish enough that I played into your game.
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Don't act like you know me.
[Hypocritical much? Still, he catches Vincent's hand holding the scissors, forcing them to hover between them.]
Are you still insistent that I leave your brother alone? I am sincere in that I mean him no harm, emotional or physical.
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I do know you, because I’ve dedicated my life to the same thing. Destroyed everything good about myself, became a repulsive wretch, in the pursuit of death. I see it.
[ His hand tightens, knuckles going white. ]
I see what’s important to you.
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Is that so... In that case, I suppose there's no denying it. That we are alike in that regard.
[Despite everything, he finds himself smiling.]
I merely wish to know where we stand. I'm not seeking to bed your brother deliberately. But nor do I think you should deny him something if he wishes to experience it for himself.
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How many times must I say it, before you grasp the issue? It is because it’s you.
[ Pulling his hand away, he sits back. ]
I hardly care that you kissed him, yet you deliberately withheld it from me, and instead aired it out for the world to see. Even that was not where my anger stemmed, but rather… [ He vaguely gestures to the whole of Vanitas. ] All of this.
[ Leaning back in again, he grasps the younger man’s jaw. ]
It is because I want to see him with someone that will make him happy, not do what you’ve done here. It is because I am filled with rage that you would be so flippant to destroy us. That I still want you. All of you.
[ Despite how tightly he grips at Vanitas’ face, his smile grows eerily calm. ]
Do you understand?
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[The light in Vanitas' vibrant eyes seems to almost glow with recognition as Vincent explains, making his grievances known.]
So I am the problem? I see... Yes, that makes sense. Though I suppose saying I simply saw no reason to bring our kiss up will hold little water as an excuse, hmm?
[Though he does seem slightly puzzled by the gesture indicating "this". As if there's nothing unusual about his previous behavior and their current situation.
At being grasped, he stills, eyes looking slightly faraway.]
....I can only be what I am. I do as please, use the methods I choose, and live solely on my own terms. Does it matter that I don't actively desire to lose what we have, despite my urges to seek out something amusing from you? That should you permit it, I'd continue on by your side?
Because I would, gladly. You fascinate me, deeply. ....so very well. I won't court darling Gilbert. I won't even entertain his advances, should he make them. Will that suffice?
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Despite himself, he draws his thumb beneath Vanitas’ lip. ]
Yes. Do not break my trust again, if I should find it in me to grant it to you. I can provide you with far better amusement than this.
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If that's what you wish, then so be it. I value you far too much to risk what we have for some inexperienced child.
[...it seems that even in acquiescing, he can't help being a little shit.]
Though I do hope you'll permit me and him to be friends. I have vested interest in what happens to him now.
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That would be unavoidable, if you do plan to remain beside me.
[ Dropping those scissors of his to the floor, his hands shift to the younger’s dress collar, yanking its tie loose. ]
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Good. Because unless you kill me outright, I have no intention of going anywhere. I've grown far too fond of you for that.
[With a curious hum, Vanitas cocks his head to one side, watching with curiosity as Vincent undoes his clothes.]
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Fingers plucking at buttons, he aims to see the skin that he’d only been given a glimpse at, earlier. ]
I’ve proven that I can’t bring myself to do that. So I suppose we’re stuck with one another.
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I don't think less of you for being unable to. If anything, it only proves how alike we are.
[And while he despises himself, those same traits aren't so abhorrent in another person, for some reason, allowing him to gladly lean in and kiss Vincent's cheek.]
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Is that right…
[ As he speaks, Vincent’s free hand works its palm along the younger man’s exposed torso. It’s a wonder what it provides in the pursuit of soothing his aggression, but he’s still got a ways to go yet… ]
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It is. I tried to kill Noé before coming here. In fact, we were in the middle of fighting when I awoke in this world.
[ Something he hasn't even told Noé himself about, since the situation is so complicated. But more importantly to him right now is the way Vincent feels over him, causing his breath to hitch and exhale in a low, sultry moan. Hopefully by the end of their encounter, they'll be back on good terms. As fun as it was to piss him off, Vanitas rather prefers this to them fighting.]
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Mm, you do delight in causing trouble…
[ By now, he can find the tie of Vanitas’ sash without thought, and so too the buttons of his bottoms. ]
Do you love him?
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Hey, I warned him. He walked right into a trap like a fool.
[All's going smoothly, until he's lobbied THAT question. At which point he makes another interesting face, although this one looks mildly constipated.]
Eh?! Love him? Noé?! I--
[And yet, Vanitas finds himself unable to outright say no, as he realizes he's not sure what it is he feels for his vampire companion. It's a complex relationship they've got going on, and one that's fraught with numerous pitfalls they keep stumbling into.]
It's complicated.
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Aren’t they all.
[ Vincent’s eyes narrow, undecided if the pang of emotion he feels is jealousy, or some sense of empathy. After all, what he feels for his brother certainly is complicate; an urge that he cannot, and shall not, ever act on. However… ]
What’s stopped you?
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I suppose that's true.
[If he notices Vincent's change in expression, he doesn't say as much, his own wavering between being clear cut confusion and thoughtful contemplation. For a time, he's silent, mulling over the question in search of an answer. Finally, he sighs, figuring he might as well start with the main sticking point.]
...he's an Archiviste, for one. They have the ability to see into the memories of those they bite for the first time. And I-- I have memories I can allow no one to see.
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Taking those fiddling hands into his own, Vincent’s head lulls off to the side, thumbs brushing the back of Vanitas’ palms while gazing down on his face. ]
Yes. I understand. Is there more?
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He's... Noé. He's good-natured and innocent, with an inclination towards doing what's morally right. He can't stand to sit idly by when there's a chance he can help. Yet he's used to using force to get his way. He's sheltered and naive, gets distracted easily, and frustrates me to no end.
...he's someone who doesn't deserve a disaster like me.
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was planning this anyway, but now it’s even better h e h
ehehehe that it is
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