bleude | karteria Inbox

[Vincent isn't entirely wrong in that regard; Vanitas likes being the one who has the answers, who manipulates them and information to get what he wants out of people. Being denied this here in a new world, facing off against someone just as stubborn and possibly cleverer than he is... it's frustrating.

There's only one truth he can rely on when it comes to Vincent, it seems: that he cares deeply for him. Now if only he could do the same...]

No, you haven't. [He follows that finger with curiosity, brows raising at the offer.] ...very well. If you're willing to.

[ While Vincent wouldn’t consider himself more clever, perhaps calculating would be the word. More experience might have something to do with it, as well… What he does know is that, for all the madness Vanitas puts him through, the love he holds for the younger man seemingly can’t be swayed. Perhaps he’ll never see it reciprocated, but it won’t be for a lack of devotion on his part.

When the other finally relents, Vincent nods, gesturing to his partner to offer him the opportunity. ]

I am. Now, do you wish to have this conversation here, or on the way home?

[That much Vanitas will concede. He's devious, yes, but not overly calculating, it's true. Which is why it's frustrating that he can't seem to convince Vincent that his straying was the foolish whim of one unused to being bound to anyone. Maybe they're never see eye-to-eye, but it won't be for a lack of trying, he knows that much.

Heaving an amused sigh, he moves to stand and offer a hand to the other man.]

Might as well move while I'm feeling amiable. At least then you won't have so far to go should you decide to drag me back.

[Teasing. He's teasing.]

[ While the teasing is clear, the sentiment behind it will earn something of a squint from Vincent, otherwise not commenting!

Even so, he’ll accept the offer, careful to rise onto his feet, so he doesn’t topple the weakened man in all his efforts— and partway, he’ll pull Vanitas in to throw him off balance, scooping the younger man into his arms before he can have any protest. ]

There. A bit easier than dragging, I’d say.

[ Complain all he wants, Vincent is going to start carrying him home. ]

[Hey, he's moving, so that's something, right? Points where he earns them!

He appreciates the care taken, since it's true he's not the most stable on his feet right now. Although being yanked in and sent careening forward earns a surprised noise followed by an indignant yelp as he's hefted off his feet with nary a word in edgewise.]

Wha-- Vince! What're you doing?!

[He may just be blushing slightly, or maybe it's the sunset coloring his face.]

[ A vaguely amused sniff, as he nonchalantly proceeds down the path. ]

After all that, I don’t expect you to make it home on your own feet. Unless… [ A glance. ] You weren’t just exaggerating for my attention, were you?

[After the surprise wears off, he finds himself gradually settling into those arms as exhaustion seems to hit him like a wave.]

I wasn't exaggerating, no. I may as well had said I'd been there all week, in that case. [Tucking his head against Vincent's chest, he lets his eyes droop a bit. Maybe it's tiredness playing a part, but...] ...thanks.

[ There we are. Really, Vincent didn’t think he was exaggerating at all, but even in his bad mood, he can’t help but tease - and also conveniently deflect that stubborn streak by allowing Vanitas an opportunity to reject something closer to his pride. With just how tired he is, however, that may not have been necessary at all.

To be thanked comes as a surprise, anyway. Glancing down at the man in his arms, his smile pulls just a touch softer. ]

Mm. Always.

[Gradually his pride is falling by the wayside in favor of simply admitting the truth of matters. Now if only he could keep his foot out of his mouth for long enough to make some actual progress in repairing their relationship...

One clawed hand comes up to latch onto Vincent's jacket, not hard enough to mess it up, but enough to help him subtly rub his cheek against the other man.]

...I've missed this. But more than that, I've missed you.

[ A simple nuzzle aids in draining the remaining tension from Vincent’s shoulders. It’s a wonder that he had managed to look past his temper, he’d thought, but it’s steadily becoming clear that this man is his soft spot, no matter the conditions.

Following a steadying sigh, the blond hesitates to answer. It should be obvious that he missed his partner dreadfully, but accessing that ache to speak on it… that’s not something he’s sure that he’s willing to do just yet. Not if all he can expect to hear is that Vanitas will do as he pleases. ]

… Have you?

[For better or worse, they're stuck with one another for the foreseeable future until they reach the city, and Vanitas hopes they can use that time to reach some kind of understanding. Give him a chance to prove he is truly sorry.

Not that he blames Vincent for hesitating on reciprocating the sentiment; he's been hurt, after all. Wounds take time to heal, and sometimes one finds they're not willing to open their heart to more aches. So he simply nods, humming softly.]

I have. I missed the contact between us, the way you'd scold me for being foolish, the care you'd show...

[ At the very least, Vincent is open to the opportunity. Hesitant to trust that it will end well, yes, but there’s some hope in him that it does.

This time, he does hum in some faint agreement. ]

Even the scolding, hm?

Even that.

[The response is immediate and firm. Nobody enjoys being told they're in the wrong, but if he's going to, he'd rather it come from Vincent than anybody else. At least Vanitas knows he understands, being so similar to himself. Coming from anyone else it would just be condescending.]

I know you only say it like it is, even if those things aren't something I wish to see or hear.

[ A thoughtful sound, as the blond’s brows tick upward. It’s quite true, most don’t enjoy hearing that they’re wrong, and find it unnerving to have their flaws perceived so aptly. Too many find him unnerving for that very reason… but, perhaps, that speaks to some level of bond that they’d established, or even their suitability for one another. ]

I’m glad you see it that way, surprised as I am. [ Not only due to the former. It’s something that he often did because it made others dislike him, so why does it please him that Vanitas could appreciate it? ]

[Normally Vanitas is among those who hate to hear they're wrong or mistaken. Even in the last half an hour, with Vincent calling him out for being selfish and insensitive, he didn't enjoy it in the slightest. Yet that's let him see where he's been wrong and, hopefully, will allow him to improve himself to do better. Be somebody - something - worthy of all the affection Vincent has to give him. ]

What can I say? You make me wish to be more than I am. To strive for greater things... [Usually it's him calling out people for being fools or idiots; rarely does anyone do so for him. That's what makes it hard to bear. Being in the wrong is generally a new experience for him.]

[ Jaw tensing just the slightest, Vincent’s lips shift with some consideration, as he withholds himself from saying something less kind. ]

… Hm. I may have believed that once. [ His fingers absently grasp at the other’s clothing. ] You’ve done quite a lot to indicate otherwise.

[At that he has to pause before laughing quietly, derisively at himself. Shoulders sagging, he shakes his head.]

Hah... I suppose you're right. Here I am, spouting pretty things again, when my actions have done nothing but prove the opposite. Maybe it's more accurate to say I hope to someday be the kind of person who does better.

[ Perhaps Vincent has no right to expect better, after all he’s done to people in the past. A example of hypocrisy at its finest… Even if he’s done slightly better for Vanitas, isn’t it really in the pursuit of his own self interest, at the root of it all?

Sighing deeply, he frowns. ]

It isn’t as though I’m exemplary… Not by any stretch. Perhaps you shouldn’t regard what I say, either.

[They're both quite the pair of hypocrites, truly deserving of one another for all they keep hurting each other after having done worse to others previously. Still, is that not all the more reason for them to potentially find some semblance of happiness with each other?

Peering curiously up at Vincent, he dares to try brushing a hand over the man's cheek.]

In that case should I disregard your attempts to brush aside my efforts at reconciliation? Would you get angry if I were to kiss you?

[ Eying Vanitas’ hand, he won’t protest against its touch, but his request does warrant a quirk of Vincent’s brow. ]

Perhaps I would. [ Even if the blond’s gaze may be drifting over Vanitas’ face, down to his lips and back to his eyes. ] I’m not brushing off your attempts, after all, but providing you an opportunity to clarify your reasoning. You claim no malice behind your actions, though I can see nothing else… so, prove it to me.

[Well, not the best answer, but hardly the worst. Though he doesn't quite dare to risk his luck by forcing a kiss upon Vincent just yet, feeling that perhaps it'd be best to try smoothing things over first.]

I see... That's fair. [Apparently they have different ideas of what constitutes 'brushing off.' Yet just the same, he sighs quietly, cupping Vincent's cheek and allowing his thumb to brush over his lower lip.] I'm not sure how I'm supposed to go about that when my words seem to only cause more harm. Would actions help prove my intentions more?

[ Denying them the soften communications that their relationship previously offered certainly is brushing off his efforts, in a sense, though Vincent may not see it. Everything that he’s had in life, he’s fought for, while removing himself off kindness or affection to achieve it. Being analytical and cutting. The sort he’s used to communicating with had held morals worse than Vanitas, more cruel and detached. Dispute seems natural to him. ]

I am trying to listen… [ Despite himself, Vincent can’t help but find comfort in the gesture, pace slowing. ] Mm, if intimacy could solve these matters, we would've moved past them already, I think.[ A silent sigh. ]

I know. I'm not saying it's you, but me. I'm the one who's the problem here.

[After all, Vincent is willing to give him a second chance, an opportunity to try again. Yet it seems futile when he's mystified by what he should be saying, what magic words will unlock the response he hopes to earn. He lacks the experience necessary to figure that out. Unfortunately, he's much more used to inciting others than appeasing them. Sighing himself, he lets his head droop a bit, ears following suit.]

You're probably right. Still... I'm sorry for having hurt you. That much I want to convey. [Grasping at his jacket, he pulls himself up enough to hesitantly brush his lips over Vincent's.]

[ When those lips meet his, Vincent’s breath soundlessly hitches, pausing in their stride along the forest path. Quite by impulse, he holds their kiss, returning it just so - and when their mouths part, the blond turns his face away to steady himself.

Just as he feared, Vanitas’ tenderness sways him all too easily. More than that, however, the throes of recollection seize his chest, good and bad. Closing his eyes, he’ll attempt to swallow it down the emotion welling up into his throat. ]

I must have seen that, yet I've been… venomous, at best. You should be able to speak freely. [ Teeth dragging over his own bottom lip, he tentatively meets Vanitas’ gaze. ] Forgive me.

[There's something of a rush when Vincent not only holds the kiss but reciprocates it, making Vanitas moan softly in turn. He doesn't even notice they've stopped, not until Vincent turns away, leaving him sighing softly with clawed hand twisting into the fabric of his jacket.

Just getting to kiss him brings a feeling of relief that has him easing himself back into the older man's arms, and he lets his head rest against his chest, gaze locked firmly on those mismatched eyes. Slowly, he shakes his head.]

No, it's alright. You've every right to be angry. I just... hope my words can convey how I feel. [Idly, he reaches up to run a hand through Vincent's hair, fingertips brushing over a horn.]

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