[There's no worry that he'll be spending some of the time together with Noé for his birthday. He's too precious to him to completely keep him out of the loop. There's actually a surprising number of folks he has plans to see today, so it's somewhat of a shock that chief among them, Noé, comes to find him first thing once the clock strikes midnight. Thankfully he's alone at the time, merely sitting in bed reading a history book about this world, scouring its pages in search of any clues. So he has no problem marking his page and setting it aside when Noé knocks and calls out to him.]
Hmm? Yeah, I'm still awake. What's up? Come on in.
[Noé enters, closing the door behind him and entering with a smile, eagerly approaching Vanitas on the bed and handing the small box in offering. He'd probably had it wrapped in the store, given his attempts are otherwise far less neat, but it had been important to him to find something for the other. Knowing it was coming up. The vampire seems as excited as ever, probably waiting to give it to him and being as impatient as usual about it.]
I hope you like it. I kept the papers, just in case, if you'd rather something else.
[Though surprised, he seems rather pleased, as his tail suddenly sways with interest. He takes the box and carefully unwraps it so that he might peer into it, which elicits a small sound at the sight waiting for him. He doesn't even seem to hear the rest of what Noé says, as there's certainly no need for a receipt or any such paperwork.
With infinite care, he lifts the bracelet from within, marveling at the choice for a minute or two. Then he's slipping it on, faint smile playing at his lips. Thankfully his feline features help convey his happiness: ears perked forward and tail swaying.]
It's beautiful. You really went out of your way, huh?
[Both in picking out something he'd like and making sure it suited him.]
But it's your birthday. Of course, I wanted to get you something for it.
[Noé has been a rather frequent customer at various bakeries and cafe's. Enough that he has managed to charm some of them into letting him watch the store for them if they go and do their errands on occasion. It probably helps that they then feel good about helping the poor Augmented. But it has helped him save up some. Enough that he had managed to have enough when he spotted the bracelet.]
I figured that seemed the right one. With the blue. So, you like it?
[As if he needs reassurance. Like a child hoping they did a good job.]
[Despite saying that, his pleasure is as clear as said day, tail swaying with contentment and pleased smile on his face. He's truly touched by the gesture, given the fact Noé still claims to not like him, and vice versa. Theirs is a weird relationship, but one he (secretly) treasures greatly.
He knows how Noé works, being all social with the shopkeepers and business folks and ending up being their little helper. It's sweet, really, given how much he loves people.]
Yeah, that's perfect, really. I do. Honest. It's lovely.
[Just to prove the point, he carefully slips it on, admiring it with a rather lopsided grin. A rare show a genuine contentment on his face.]
I'm just annoyed your birthday isn't for a while yet, right?
[He answers, seeming pleased that Vanitas likes it. That he had done well in choosing the present. It's always a toss up whether something completely random takes his interest and he thinks someone might like or he manages to get a gift they do genuinely enjoy. Maybe this might be only decorative, but even so. He wanted to get Vanitas something nice. And it seems to have paid off, that Vanitas likes it.
He knows their relationship is....complicated. But it seems that things are slowly progressing between them, that they can't deny there is something there. Something between them. So he'd wanted to do something for Vanitas's special day.]
[At least that gives him plenty of time to think of a suitable gift. Something besides a collar and leash. That's Dominique's domain. Something worthy of the gift that Noé has gotten him. Perhaps he'll go with jewelry too, something to match, even. Ah well. Plenty of time to debate it and plan. For now, he simply admires his present, letting the lamplight catch on it and sparkle.
His feline soul appreciates the glint, and it shows in the way his eyes follow the shine and his tail thumps lightly. It's truly something special, like what they have between them. More than friends, even if he insists they aren't even that yet. They sorta skipped that and went straight to semi-romance, thanks to Vanitas' smooching during their captivity.]
It does. No worries there. Not too loose, or too tight. Comfortable.
[Given the timing of their arrival here. Still, he isn't sure if he should hope for it here or back home. Obviously, he misses home. Misses Dominique and Murr and everyone else. Wants Vanitas to be safe away from this place. From Patho-Gen. But he does think it might be nice to get to celebrate with their new friends here, too.
He smiles when Vanitas seems pleased with it, the way his tail shifts and that it fits well. It was adjustable if necessary for getting it to fit properly, but he had hoped it wouldn't be too fiddly about that. So he's glad it worked out.]
That's alright - it'll be here before you know it.
[Provided that they're both still here when the time comes around. He doesn't want to think about only one of them being here. At least if they're together, they can help one another out, protect each other, and be certain that nothing truly horrible happens to them.
And they aren't truly by themselves. They're not alone: they have the whole household, including Aether. They have... friends. A strange concept for Vanitas, but one he's grudgingly come to accept as fact over these last five months. Going through hell will do that to you.
For now, he he admires his gift by twisting his wrist this way and that, truly happy with how it feels and looks.]
Thanks, Noé. C'mere. [Gonna give him a solid hug for that!]
[Still. At the least, they can make the most of this. Getting to spend Vanitas's birthday together. He doesn't really want to consider the possibility that only one of them might be here then. That's just not an option. Not as far as he is concerned. He can't leave Vanitas to this place alone.
He laughs, leaning in and opening his arms for a hug, glad that the gift worked out and Vanitas likes it.]
Time goes quicker than you think. Even though the day-to-day may seem slow, before you know it, it'll be autumn.
[Life always flies by the slower you want it to go. He's learned that much during his short existence. Just as how you never know who might be by your side or for how long. Life is unpredictable, too. You never truly have anyone you can rely on but yourself. Still... That's even more reason to enjoy the time he has with Noé, whether they stay here or go out.
With a slight noise of amusement, he slowly embraces the other, hand patting at his back.]
I guess. I dunno how I feel about the idea of being here that long.
[Noé just figures to focus on Vanitas. He has to keep Vanitas safe. Protect him. He just needs to keep Vanitas safe from Patho-Gen, from the torture. He has that one job. Whatever Vanitas says. He just wants to do that much. However long they are here for.
But that's not the important part. It's his birthday. Vanitas should enjoy his day. They should spend at least some of it together. For now, though, he returns the hug, nuzzling in to Vanitas's neck before pressing a kiss to the other's cheek.]
I know... It's strange to think of us being here almost a whole year. And being no closer to finding a way back.
[Even if they end up remaining here together, he doesn't want to imagine what other horrors might be awaiting them. It makes him wish he could at least figure out how to send Noé home to Dominique. He's used to torture and experiments, is hardened by all the hells he's endured growing up. Noé is still kind and gentle. He doesn't deserve to have that innocence robbed of him.
With any luck something will break before then and Noé won't have to experience a birthday here, too. Even if... he might miss this. Being able to snuggle with his companion from home. Though the kiss seems to take him by surprise, causing his cheeks to flush. Which is just silly, but hey, it's Vanitas.]
There has to be some way. If there's a way to bring us here. Then there has to be a way back.
[At least, that's what he figures. But it is not like Noé is figuring he is likely to be the one to work it out. To be able to control the method of how they arrive or go back home somehow. He's still determined to get Vanitas home, though. The same way Vanitas is for him, an argument they had already had.
Still, he smiles, snuggling up against Vanitas some and not seeming to notice or mind if he does about Vanitas's cheeks turning redder. He's gradually getting used to it. Such affections between them. Even if it took a bit for it to properly sink in. That this was okay. What Vanitas wanted. What he wanted. Allowing themselves this.]
...yeah. Yeah, you're right. That kind of thing isn't just one-way. We'll figure it out.
[He has to keep that faith, otherwise he'll crumble. Even if they were to take out Patho-Gen, being stuck here, like this, would only serve to deteriorate his mental health bit by bit. He wouldn't last. He'd probably go out of his way to use his grimoire, advancing his mark, until Noé was forced to kill him. That would be preferable to living as a monster. Or so he feels.
For now, though, he accepts the affection gratefully, if somewhat sheepishly. It might be okay, but it's still awkward on several levels for Vanitas. Not just because it's Noé, the person he knows best here, but because the guy is just so damn enthusiastic about it. It's overwhelming sometimes. Not in a bad way, though. Like too much of a favorite food, almost. So he continues holding onto him, letting his eyes close a bit. Savoring the contact.]
[Noé gives a small hum of agreement. It might take time, given so many of them have been here for months at this point. But he's sure eventually they would figure it out. He doesn't want to consider the alternative, of Vanitas suffering here. For all that they had made friends they wouldn't have otherwise met back home. He can't allow Vanitas to stay here any longer than necessary when the risk of being tortured by Patho-Gen is there.
Still, he's oblivious to the other's train of thought regarding his request that Noé be the one to kill him. More focused on the moment, celebrating Vanitas's birthday, even in a place such as this. At least, he's fairly sure it is. The date seems to line up as far as he can tell, anyway. He nuzzles in against Vanitas before shifting just slightly enough to press his lips to Vanitas's gently. He just wants to show affection, to show Vanitas that he's loved on his special day.]
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no subject
Hmm? Yeah, I'm still awake. What's up? Come on in.
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[Noé enters, closing the door behind him and entering with a smile, eagerly approaching Vanitas on the bed and handing the small box in offering. He'd probably had it wrapped in the store, given his attempts are otherwise far less neat, but it had been important to him to find something for the other. Knowing it was coming up. The vampire seems as excited as ever, probably waiting to give it to him and being as impatient as usual about it.]
I hope you like it. I kept the papers, just in case, if you'd rather something else.
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[Though surprised, he seems rather pleased, as his tail suddenly sways with interest. He takes the box and carefully unwraps it so that he might peer into it, which elicits a small sound at the sight waiting for him. He doesn't even seem to hear the rest of what Noé says, as there's certainly no need for a receipt or any such paperwork.
With infinite care, he lifts the bracelet from within, marveling at the choice for a minute or two. Then he's slipping it on, faint smile playing at his lips. Thankfully his feline features help convey his happiness: ears perked forward and tail swaying.]
It's beautiful. You really went out of your way, huh?
[Both in picking out something he'd like and making sure it suited him.]
no subject
[Noé has been a rather frequent customer at various bakeries and cafe's. Enough that he has managed to charm some of them into letting him watch the store for them if they go and do their errands on occasion. It probably helps that they then feel good about helping the poor Augmented. But it has helped him save up some. Enough that he had managed to have enough when he spotted the bracelet.]
I figured that seemed the right one. With the blue. So, you like it?
[As if he needs reassurance. Like a child hoping they did a good job.]
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[Despite saying that, his pleasure is as clear as said day, tail swaying with contentment and pleased smile on his face. He's truly touched by the gesture, given the fact Noé still claims to not like him, and vice versa. Theirs is a weird relationship, but one he (secretly) treasures greatly.
He knows how Noé works, being all social with the shopkeepers and business folks and ending up being their little helper. It's sweet, really, given how much he loves people.]
Yeah, that's perfect, really. I do. Honest. It's lovely.
[Just to prove the point, he carefully slips it on, admiring it with a rather lopsided grin. A rare show a genuine contentment on his face.]
I'm just annoyed your birthday isn't for a while yet, right?
no subject
[He answers, seeming pleased that Vanitas likes it. That he had done well in choosing the present. It's always a toss up whether something completely random takes his interest and he thinks someone might like or he manages to get a gift they do genuinely enjoy. Maybe this might be only decorative, but even so. He wanted to get Vanitas something nice. And it seems to have paid off, that Vanitas likes it.
He knows their relationship is....complicated. But it seems that things are slowly progressing between them, that they can't deny there is something there. Something between them. So he'd wanted to do something for Vanitas's special day.]
It fits okay?
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[At least that gives him plenty of time to think of a suitable gift. Something besides a collar and leash. That's Dominique's domain. Something worthy of the gift that Noé has gotten him. Perhaps he'll go with jewelry too, something to match, even. Ah well. Plenty of time to debate it and plan. For now, he simply admires his present, letting the lamplight catch on it and sparkle.
His feline soul appreciates the glint, and it shows in the way his eyes follow the shine and his tail thumps lightly. It's truly something special, like what they have between them. More than friends, even if he insists they aren't even that yet. They sorta skipped that and went straight to semi-romance, thanks to Vanitas' smooching during their captivity.]
It does. No worries there. Not too loose, or too tight. Comfortable.
no subject
[Given the timing of their arrival here. Still, he isn't sure if he should hope for it here or back home. Obviously, he misses home. Misses Dominique and Murr and everyone else. Wants Vanitas to be safe away from this place. From Patho-Gen. But he does think it might be nice to get to celebrate with their new friends here, too.
He smiles when Vanitas seems pleased with it, the way his tail shifts and that it fits well. It was adjustable if necessary for getting it to fit properly, but he had hoped it wouldn't be too fiddly about that. So he's glad it worked out.]
Great! I'm glad you like it!
[He shifts to lean in and give Vanitas a hug.]
Happy birthday, Vanitas.
no subject
[Provided that they're both still here when the time comes around. He doesn't want to think about only one of them being here. At least if they're together, they can help one another out, protect each other, and be certain that nothing truly horrible happens to them.
And they aren't truly by themselves. They're not alone: they have the whole household, including Aether. They have... friends. A strange concept for Vanitas, but one he's grudgingly come to accept as fact over these last five months. Going through hell will do that to you.
For now, he he admires his gift by twisting his wrist this way and that, truly happy with how it feels and looks.]
Thanks, Noé. C'mere. [Gonna give him a solid hug for that!]
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[Still. At the least, they can make the most of this. Getting to spend Vanitas's birthday together. He doesn't really want to consider the possibility that only one of them might be here then. That's just not an option. Not as far as he is concerned. He can't leave Vanitas to this place alone.
He laughs, leaning in and opening his arms for a hug, glad that the gift worked out and Vanitas likes it.]
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[Life always flies by the slower you want it to go. He's learned that much during his short existence. Just as how you never know who might be by your side or for how long. Life is unpredictable, too. You never truly have anyone you can rely on but yourself. Still... That's even more reason to enjoy the time he has with Noé, whether they stay here or go out.
With a slight noise of amusement, he slowly embraces the other, hand patting at his back.]
Heh...
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[Noé just figures to focus on Vanitas. He has to keep Vanitas safe. Protect him. He just needs to keep Vanitas safe from Patho-Gen, from the torture. He has that one job. Whatever Vanitas says. He just wants to do that much. However long they are here for.
But that's not the important part. It's his birthday. Vanitas should enjoy his day. They should spend at least some of it together. For now, though, he returns the hug, nuzzling in to Vanitas's neck before pressing a kiss to the other's cheek.]
no subject
[Even if they end up remaining here together, he doesn't want to imagine what other horrors might be awaiting them. It makes him wish he could at least figure out how to send Noé home to Dominique. He's used to torture and experiments, is hardened by all the hells he's endured growing up. Noé is still kind and gentle. He doesn't deserve to have that innocence robbed of him.
With any luck something will break before then and Noé won't have to experience a birthday here, too. Even if... he might miss this. Being able to snuggle with his companion from home. Though the kiss seems to take him by surprise, causing his cheeks to flush. Which is just silly, but hey, it's Vanitas.]
no subject
[At least, that's what he figures. But it is not like Noé is figuring he is likely to be the one to work it out. To be able to control the method of how they arrive or go back home somehow. He's still determined to get Vanitas home, though. The same way Vanitas is for him, an argument they had already had.
Still, he smiles, snuggling up against Vanitas some and not seeming to notice or mind if he does about Vanitas's cheeks turning redder. He's gradually getting used to it. Such affections between them. Even if it took a bit for it to properly sink in. That this was okay. What Vanitas wanted. What he wanted. Allowing themselves this.]
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[He has to keep that faith, otherwise he'll crumble. Even if they were to take out Patho-Gen, being stuck here, like this, would only serve to deteriorate his mental health bit by bit. He wouldn't last. He'd probably go out of his way to use his grimoire, advancing his mark, until Noé was forced to kill him. That would be preferable to living as a monster. Or so he feels.
For now, though, he accepts the affection gratefully, if somewhat sheepishly. It might be okay, but it's still awkward on several levels for Vanitas. Not just because it's Noé, the person he knows best here, but because the guy is just so damn enthusiastic about it. It's overwhelming sometimes. Not in a bad way, though. Like too much of a favorite food, almost. So he continues holding onto him, letting his eyes close a bit. Savoring the contact.]
no subject
Still, he's oblivious to the other's train of thought regarding his request that Noé be the one to kill him. More focused on the moment, celebrating Vanitas's birthday, even in a place such as this. At least, he's fairly sure it is. The date seems to line up as far as he can tell, anyway. He nuzzles in against Vanitas before shifting just slightly enough to press his lips to Vanitas's gently. He just wants to show affection, to show Vanitas that he's loved on his special day.]