[From in the kitchen where Vanitas is finishing cleaning up, he hears neither the footsteps nor sigh from his lover. All he knows is Vincent had disappeared some time ago along with Verso, and frankly it's a little worrying. He had been hoping that bringing them together in a professional setting might go some ways to curbing their animosity by having Verso be helpful and earning them money, but... maybe not.
So he startles when the piano begins playing, fur standing on end and ears swiveling towards the sound. Hesitantly, he sets down the dish he was drying and pads out into the main room, peeking around the corner first just to confirm who it is.
And that person isn't who he expects.
His eyes widen at the sight of the blond hair, horns and wings seated before the instrument, yet like a siren calling to a sailor, he finds himself drifting closer, tail swaying in time with the tune. It's pleasant, yet somehow melancholy... Coming up alongside the piano, he rests a hand on it and waits for Vincent to finish before speaking up, tone one of impressed surprise.]
[ As the door opens, the wash of light across the floor is what catches Vincent's attention first, but his lover's gait is unmistakable. The shadow cast by his ears might help a little, too. Despite himself, the blond smiles softly.
Gaze returning to the keys beneath his fingertips, his lashes hang low; relying on memory to carry him through the tune, he plays it slower than it was intended to be. It feels right, perhaps, under the weight it carries. Still, he cant help but think that his skill, while technically passable, lacks the soul which his young master could speak through his music.
As the notes lull into silence, he lowers his hands to his lap. ]
Not much, I'm afraid. I'd only just begun to pick it back up.
[ Tired eyes raise to take in the sight of Vanitas. ]
I hadn't realized you were still here. My apologies.
[While apprehension has been the prevailing emotion all evening, seeing Vincent smile soothes some of Vanitas' worries, allowing him to reflect the sentiment himself as he perches on the other end of the seat. He remains out of the way so Vincent can continue playing, though his eyes linger on those exquisite hands as they glide over the keys, sending beautiful notes into the night air.
He doesn't applaud once Vincent finishes, but there's clear admiration in his expression. Perhaps a touch of jealousy, too. He's not the most musically inclined person, after all.]
You do damn good for it.
[He notes the exhaustion in Vincent's eyes and frown, reaching a hand out to cup his cheek.]
Don't be sorry. I'm glad I got to hear you play. You alright? You seem exhausted.
[And maybe it's just him, but he swears his lover reeks of booze...]
[ A compliment which would widen Vincent's smile, but it comes with the most subtle crease to his brow as he nods in thanks. The brush of his partner's skin eases his features, however; turning into Vanitas' touch, he rests his cheek there. ]
It's been... an eventful day.
[ With the rise of his fair lashes, his vision washes over the other's features, deeply pensive - and he sighs. ]
[For a time he merely caresses Vincent's cheek, worrying at his bottom lip with his teeth. He's not stupid. He has a fair idea of what's happened, though how to broach the subject is rather fraught with pitfalls, and he doesn't want to accidentally step in one of them. So he goes for the cautious route:]
Did you want to talk about it?
[Under such scrutiny, he can't help looking vaguely guilty, ears drooping just a bit. But he manages to hold his gaze anyway.]
[ Indeed, he suspects that Vanitas would have a good idea of what’s come to pass. The emotional feed alone must have been quite telling.
Such hesitation is to be expected, and while Vincent has been searching himself for the proper words, sometimes uncomfortable silence is the most telling. Quietly, he hums in acknowledgement. ]
The things I’ve asked of you, could you tell me what they are?
[It certainly was; he got all the rage and annoyance from both sides of his newly deepened imprints, which really could mean only one thing - that they'd been arguing, despite his hopes for a peaceful resolution. In hindsight, he should have expected as much, and yet... he dared to hope. Stupid, really.
So when Vincent poses that question, he lets his gaze and hand fall, a faint sigh slipping past his lips.]
To be faithful to you only. [His gaze flicks up briefly before moving downward again, brows furrows.] ...to not have Verso here.
[ Those are the most relevant points here, so that will suffice, for now. Honesty, loyalty - those are on his mind, as well. Perhaps Vanitas would feel it.
Vincent gently lowers the foldboard, feet shifting back to cross at the ankles. His hands linger on the cover, gaze fixed on them. ]
It’s not going to change, is it? All you’ve done is push me away, yet you run to him. Gift him lavishly… [ His fingers brush along the smooth surface. ] …and grant me suffering.
[He does, like a weight pressing down on him, making the guilt in his heart swell all the more. Already he's kicking himself for trying to get them to get along; he should've been happy with what he had, but no, like always he's greedy. Too much so. Always spoiling things.
He all but wilts under Vincent's words, ears and tail going slack. Though he tries to raise his gaze to meet those mismatched eyes, he can't bear the pain in them and instead takes to watching Vincent's hands.]
Vince... I... I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt you. The piano was a bribe. So he'd keep being my friend when I broke things off. [Childish, really.] I want to do things for you, too, you know. I just don't always know what. You're an enigma to me at times, even now. Maybe that means I don't know you as well as I should. As I'd like.
[Hesitantly, he reaches out to rest a hand upon his.] This can be yours. I'll tell Verso he can't come back.
[ Vincent won’t pull away. The guilt is difficult to miss, and despite his words, he doesn’t wish for his lover to feel a similar sorrow. With a slight shift, his fingers place between Vanitas’. ]
I don’t need much. Only what I’ve already asked for. With everything that Verso represents, I would hope that you don’t need me to explain why I don’t want him here, in the one place that’s meant to be my reprieve... It gives the impression that you don’t respect me in the slightest. Again, you knowingly stress my limits, press forward when you could feel my heart tearing. Every time the two of you— [ Fingers curling, he does pull away this time. Biting his tongue, he realizes he’s veering off into things which he’s meant to move past. ] I want to move on from this, but I can’t if not given the chance - and as I understand it, you’re suffering from the bitterness that lingers in me.
[ It’s that latter point which floods Vincent with overwhelming sorrow. Dread, even. The desire to remove himself from the equation entirely. ]
[That little gesture, subtle though it is, sends Vanitas' heart soaring, if only briefly before those words have it come crashing down again. He gives Vincent's hand a tight squeeze, however.]
I know. You haven't been pushy or demanding. It's all on me. Me and my idiocy. I thought that maybe... if the two of you could only get to know one another better... [He shakes his head, letting it hang out of shame.] I want make up for what I did. Because it was never my intention to hurt you, now or then. [He makes a small distressed sound when Vincent tugs his hand free, but doesn't chase after him, instead taking his hand back like he's been burned.] I keep making mistakes... I'm not very good at being anyone's romantic partner, honestly. I wouldn't blame you if you wanted me to leave.
[Here he steals a glance, eyes full of everything Vincent himself feels. Yet when he speaks, it's quiet, barely above a whisper.] ...would you rather I left?
[Able to feel the hurt within his lover, Vanitas lets out a shaky breath, leaning into the touch eagerly. Perhaps too much so as he raises a hand to cover Vincent's, keeping it in place against his face.]
I want you. [It's said without hesitation, eyes fixing upon Vincent's dual-colored ones.] As for what I need... Discipline, I guess. I've never been very good at dealing with people outside of business arrangements or fights. I'm still learning what to do - and what not to do. I'd ask for your patience, but I don't think I deserve it...
[ Features softening just so, Vincent’s thumbs brush along the corners of the other’s mouth with a quiet reverence. ]
Allow me to give it to you, then - and be willing to accept me, instead of creating a divide between us.
[ Closing the distance between them, he steals Vanitas’ lips. If there was still any doubt that he carried the scent of liquor, it’s likely obvious now. ]
[Somehow Vincent's touch always seems to soothe him, and this time is no different. He can't help the upward turn of his lips as those thumbs trail over his mouth, earning a smile that reveals one of his sharp canines.]
Alright. I can definitely do that. I'm determined to not lose you again. Even if you had wanted me to leave, I would've continued hanging around you to try winning you back. Because I-- I think I love you, Vince... [Even as he says the word, heat rises to his cheeks, turning them a bright red that contrasts with his sparkling blue eyes. With the kiss and the taste of alcohol on his tongue, he can't help a soft noise of worry.]
[ Forehead against his lover’s, Vincent’s lips hover close with trembling breath. Those words stir a plethora of emotion, leading with… fear, actually. If Vanitas isn't sure, perhaps it isn’t real, and he isn’t certain that he could handle that loss again, not now.
Yet the heat that rises in the other’s cheeks, and what he feels… that’s real. For a moment, his heart teeters in anxious anticipation of the steep fall. ]
Do you? [ Muttered, voice hushed and raw in its need. ]
[That fear leads to Vanitas nodding hurriedly, almost with enough force to smack their heads together if he's not careful. But he is, managing to only lightly bump against Vincent despite his body feeling far too warm all of a sudden. Hesitating a moment, he reaches out, grasping one of his lover's hands in his own and intertwining their fingers together so their palms press tight.]
I do. I want to be with you. I want to stay near you, to be yours and have you as mine. For everything that entails. Treating you right so that you can finally be happy... That's what I want. I want to see you smile. Like, genuinely. For real. And to have you there when I wake up everyday. Because you care so much for me and make me so happy... That's love, right...?
[ That’s far more than he was expecting. The bump of their heads only leads Vincent to nuzzle into it senselessly, eyes wound shut. Perhaps it’s a shake of the head, in all his disbelief, he’s not sure.
It’s not that he doesn’t believe Vanitas now, simply that… he shouldn’t want it so badly as he has, and he never quite realized how much he needed it.
Despite attempting to will the away, the tears beading at his lashes roll free. At least the other’s hold tethers him - even as his heart soars, instead. ]
Yes… I think you’re right. [ Free fingers slide into the hair at the nape of Vanitas’ neck, catching his breath. ] I love you, too.
[Maybe it's because he screwed up again that it felt like now was the best time to finally spit that frightening word out, but Vanitas means it with every fiber of his being. He may never be completely certain what love is, but this feels like the closest thing to it he's ever experienced. The want to be close, the need to make Vincent happy... All those are things he thinks a loved one should feel.
So he nudges at Vincent with a feline-like insistence, rubbing his ears over him and then his cheek. Scent-marking him, actually. Trying to drown out the smell of alcohol with his own.
Though once he notices Vincent crying, he squeezes his hand tighter, trying to give him as much support as he can.]
Vince... [Then he utters those dangerous words, making Vanitas' expression soften in spite of the blush.] I'm sorry. I'm always making you upset or getting you to cry...
[ Wet eyes peer up at his lover through lengthy mussed fringe, cheeks warm with color— and Vincent can’t help but breathe something of a laugh at himself. He must look ridiculous… but, somehow, he doesn’t mind. His heart is so full, and Vanitas’ attempts at marking him still fresh in his mind, silly and endearing in all the right ways. He squeezes the other’s hand in turn, tilting his head to claim a soft kiss. ]
[It's so strange to see Vincent so emotional as to be crying, and it stirs something within Vanitas that he thought was long since dead: the desire to protect someone near and dear to him. He can get a sense of his lover's happiness, and it reflects his own buoyant feelings. There for a moment he was deathly afraid of losing Vincent. Now, though, with them sharing a kiss, he feels reassured.]
Good... I want to make you happy, after all. You deserve that after everything.
[ With a hum, his fingers pet down Vanitas' neck, 'round to hook into the dip of his collar. Vincent will push his bangs aside to kiss his lover once more, without hinderance. ]
As do you... So, let's stop trying to get in the way of ourselves. [ Said against the other's lips, his own curled into a tired smile. ] Why don't we go upstairs?
[ Hold loosening on Vanitas' uniform, he shifts back to stand from the bench, and with their joined hands, guide the younger man along. ]
[That elicits athroaty purr from him, tail swaying happily at the attention. Perhaps greedily, he leans into the kiss with a faint, content sigh.]
Would we really be us if we didn't, though? [Though it's meant mostly teasingly; he does want to try to stop screwing up, that's for damned sure.] Sounds good. You sound, and smell, like you need a rest.
[Eagerly, he hops up and follows after Vincent, hand tightening on his until they reach their room, at which point he tugs him over towards the bed.]
Hearing you play was really nice, you know. You should do so more often.
[ While dashing a hand across his cheeks to dry their skin, he finds them flushing once more once he registers Vanitas' words. Laughing, his hand shifts over his mouth, in a subtle attempt to catch his breath. ]
Oh dear, it is that bad, isn't it...
[ Despite that, he'll be content to keep the younger man close as they go. Softly closing the door behind them, he surely won't resist the opportunity to join Vanitas in their bed. Sitting on it's edge, he slings an arm around his lover's waist, gathering the other's body up against his - and pulls him along, while laying back. ]
Mm, if it would please you, how could I not? [ Turning, he'll rest them side by side, stealing yet another kiss. ] My young master insisted that I should practice, I admit, so that works out quite well.
[Unable to help himself, he grins a bit, laughing lightly as they go along. Subtle though Vincent's attempt is, he can still tell what he's doing.]
Just a bit. Good thing you still taste good.
[Once they're seated upon the bed, he leans enough to let his head rest against his lover's shoulder, nuzzling there with no small amount of affection. It feels nice to snuggle up against Vincent as they flop over, and his tail winds around his partner's leg.]
Maybe you could even help teach me. I know a little already. [His expression softens upon facing him, ears swiveling forward as their lips meet.] Huh. Well, good on him. You never know when some culture will come in handy. Plus it's fun.
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So he startles when the piano begins playing, fur standing on end and ears swiveling towards the sound. Hesitantly, he sets down the dish he was drying and pads out into the main room, peeking around the corner first just to confirm who it is.
And that person isn't who he expects.
His eyes widen at the sight of the blond hair, horns and wings seated before the instrument, yet like a siren calling to a sailor, he finds himself drifting closer, tail swaying in time with the tune. It's pleasant, yet somehow melancholy... Coming up alongside the piano, he rests a hand on it and waits for Vincent to finish before speaking up, tone one of impressed surprise.]
I didn't know you played, Vince.
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Gaze returning to the keys beneath his fingertips, his lashes hang low; relying on memory to carry him through the tune, he plays it slower than it was intended to be. It feels right, perhaps, under the weight it carries. Still, he cant help but think that his skill, while technically passable, lacks the soul which his young master could speak through his music.
As the notes lull into silence, he lowers his hands to his lap. ]
Not much, I'm afraid. I'd only just begun to pick it back up.
[ Tired eyes raise to take in the sight of Vanitas. ]
I hadn't realized you were still here. My apologies.
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He doesn't applaud once Vincent finishes, but there's clear admiration in his expression. Perhaps a touch of jealousy, too. He's not the most musically inclined person, after all.]
You do damn good for it.
[He notes the exhaustion in Vincent's eyes and frown, reaching a hand out to cup his cheek.]
Don't be sorry. I'm glad I got to hear you play. You alright? You seem exhausted.
[And maybe it's just him, but he swears his lover reeks of booze...]
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It's been... an eventful day.
[ With the rise of his fair lashes, his vision washes over the other's features, deeply pensive - and he sighs. ]
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Did you want to talk about it?
[Under such scrutiny, he can't help looking vaguely guilty, ears drooping just a bit. But he manages to hold his gaze anyway.]
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Such hesitation is to be expected, and while Vincent has been searching himself for the proper words, sometimes uncomfortable silence is the most telling. Quietly, he hums in acknowledgement. ]
The things I’ve asked of you, could you tell me what they are?
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So when Vincent poses that question, he lets his gaze and hand fall, a faint sigh slipping past his lips.]
To be faithful to you only. [His gaze flicks up briefly before moving downward again, brows furrows.] ...to not have Verso here.
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Vincent gently lowers the foldboard, feet shifting back to cross at the ankles. His hands linger on the cover, gaze fixed on them. ]
It’s not going to change, is it? All you’ve done is push me away, yet you run to him. Gift him lavishly… [ His fingers brush along the smooth surface. ] …and grant me suffering.
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He all but wilts under Vincent's words, ears and tail going slack. Though he tries to raise his gaze to meet those mismatched eyes, he can't bear the pain in them and instead takes to watching Vincent's hands.]
Vince... I... I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt you. The piano was a bribe. So he'd keep being my friend when I broke things off. [Childish, really.] I want to do things for you, too, you know. I just don't always know what. You're an enigma to me at times, even now. Maybe that means I don't know you as well as I should. As I'd like.
[Hesitantly, he reaches out to rest a hand upon his.] This can be yours. I'll tell Verso he can't come back.
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I don’t need much. Only what I’ve already asked for. With everything that Verso represents, I would hope that you don’t need me to explain why I don’t want him here, in the one place that’s meant to be my reprieve... It gives the impression that you don’t respect me in the slightest. Again, you knowingly stress my limits, press forward when you could feel my heart tearing. Every time the two of you— [ Fingers curling, he does pull away this time. Biting his tongue, he realizes he’s veering off into things which he’s meant to move past. ] I want to move on from this, but I can’t if not given the chance - and as I understand it, you’re suffering from the bitterness that lingers in me.
[ It’s that latter point which floods Vincent with overwhelming sorrow. Dread, even. The desire to remove himself from the equation entirely. ]
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I know. You haven't been pushy or demanding. It's all on me. Me and my idiocy. I thought that maybe... if the two of you could only get to know one another better... [He shakes his head, letting it hang out of shame.] I want make up for what I did. Because it was never my intention to hurt you, now or then. [He makes a small distressed sound when Vincent tugs his hand free, but doesn't chase after him, instead taking his hand back like he's been burned.] I keep making mistakes... I'm not very good at being anyone's romantic partner, honestly. I wouldn't blame you if you wanted me to leave.
[Here he steals a glance, eyes full of everything Vincent himself feels. Yet when he speaks, it's quiet, barely above a whisper.] ...would you rather I left?
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This time, it’s his turn to cup his lover’s cheek. Guiding him their eyes to meet once more, he cradles the others face between his hands. ]
What do you want? Truly. I don’t want to hear what you think I need to. I wish to know what you need from me.
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I want you. [It's said without hesitation, eyes fixing upon Vincent's dual-colored ones.] As for what I need... Discipline, I guess. I've never been very good at dealing with people outside of business arrangements or fights. I'm still learning what to do - and what not to do. I'd ask for your patience, but I don't think I deserve it...
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Allow me to give it to you, then - and be willing to accept me, instead of creating a divide between us.
[ Closing the distance between them, he steals Vanitas’ lips. If there was still any doubt that he carried the scent of liquor, it’s likely obvious now. ]
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Alright. I can definitely do that. I'm determined to not lose you again. Even if you had wanted me to leave, I would've continued hanging around you to try winning you back. Because I-- I think I love you, Vince... [Even as he says the word, heat rises to his cheeks, turning them a bright red that contrasts with his sparkling blue eyes. With the kiss and the taste of alcohol on his tongue, he can't help a soft noise of worry.]
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Yet the heat that rises in the other’s cheeks, and what he feels… that’s real. For a moment, his heart teeters in anxious anticipation of the steep fall. ]
Do you? [ Muttered, voice hushed and raw in its need. ]
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I do. I want to be with you. I want to stay near you, to be yours and have you as mine. For everything that entails. Treating you right so that you can finally be happy... That's what I want. I want to see you smile. Like, genuinely. For real. And to have you there when I wake up everyday. Because you care so much for me and make me so happy... That's love, right...?
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It’s not that he doesn’t believe Vanitas now, simply that… he shouldn’t want it so badly as he has, and he never quite realized how much he needed it.
Despite attempting to will the away, the tears beading at his lashes roll free. At least the other’s hold tethers him - even as his heart soars, instead. ]
Yes… I think you’re right. [ Free fingers slide into the hair at the nape of Vanitas’ neck, catching his breath. ] I love you, too.
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So he nudges at Vincent with a feline-like insistence, rubbing his ears over him and then his cheek. Scent-marking him, actually. Trying to drown out the smell of alcohol with his own.
Though once he notices Vincent crying, he squeezes his hand tighter, trying to give him as much support as he can.]
Vince... [Then he utters those dangerous words, making Vanitas' expression soften in spite of the blush.] I'm sorry. I'm always making you upset or getting you to cry...
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You’re making it up to me just fine.
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Good... I want to make you happy, after all. You deserve that after everything.
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As do you... So, let's stop trying to get in the way of ourselves. [ Said against the other's lips, his own curled into a tired smile. ] Why don't we go upstairs?
[ Hold loosening on Vanitas' uniform, he shifts back to stand from the bench, and with their joined hands, guide the younger man along. ]
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Would we really be us if we didn't, though? [Though it's meant mostly teasingly; he does want to try to stop screwing up, that's for damned sure.] Sounds good. You sound, and smell, like you need a rest.
[Eagerly, he hops up and follows after Vincent, hand tightening on his until they reach their room, at which point he tugs him over towards the bed.]
Hearing you play was really nice, you know. You should do so more often.
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Oh dear, it is that bad, isn't it...
[ Despite that, he'll be content to keep the younger man close as they go. Softly closing the door behind them, he surely won't resist the opportunity to join Vanitas in their bed. Sitting on it's edge, he slings an arm around his lover's waist, gathering the other's body up against his - and pulls him along, while laying back. ]
Mm, if it would please you, how could I not? [ Turning, he'll rest them side by side, stealing yet another kiss. ] My young master insisted that I should practice, I admit, so that works out quite well.
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Just a bit. Good thing you still taste good.
[Once they're seated upon the bed, he leans enough to let his head rest against his lover's shoulder, nuzzling there with no small amount of affection. It feels nice to snuggle up against Vincent as they flop over, and his tail winds around his partner's leg.]
Maybe you could even help teach me. I know a little already. [His expression softens upon facing him, ears swiveling forward as their lips meet.] Huh. Well, good on him. You never know when some culture will come in handy. Plus it's fun.
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