[ 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.
[ Hooking a leg over Vani’s, he hums contently once their bodies are sufficiently entangled. Finally his body begins to relax, and Vincent idly glides his knuckles across the other’s cheek, before fingers thread up into his hair and massage along his scalp.
At being proposed the idea of teaching Vanitas how to play, however, the tiniest spark of joy lights in him. His eyes become just a bit brighter, and more present. ]
Ah, I would be honored to teach you. That would certainly make it more engaging for me. [ After giving Vanitas’ ears a good scritch, he’ll loosen up his cravat and slide it free of his neck. ] After closings, you and I can learn together.
[It's rather fun, being all tangled together, and his tail swishes with delight at the affectionate rub of knuckles over his cheek. Vanitas' eyes scrunch up in pleasure as he leans into the tender way Vincent's fingers dig into his head, aiding in him relaxing as well.
Thankfully he opens his eyes enough to catch the way Vincent's light up at the suggestion, making him giddy with excitement. There's precious little that he delights in, and his hobbies typically lean towards productive activities like cooking or cleaning.]
That's great...! We can even learn to play duets, if you want. [With Vincent's neck now exposed, he leans in to kiss his throat and nibble lightly, fangs grazing over his skin.] I only remember one tune, but I'd be happy to teach it to you in return.
[ The optimism they both seem to hold for this newfound shared interest, it promises something to look forward to together - and what a welcome departure it is from the day’s stress. With Vanitas now lavishing him with affection, in turn, Vincent all too willingly begins to lose himself in the moment. It isn’t too often that he can do so wholly… and he’s grateful. ]
Mn, I’d be delighted to, even. [ Lashes fluttering, he breathes a contented little groan, while tugging Vanitas’ shirt free of his slacks. His hands slide beneath its hem, to glide up along his back. ] It sounds like a fine way to share a small piece of our homes with one another.
[Given he has an idea what all transpired earlier, and how it was his fault, Vanitas is more than happy to dote upon Vincent and treat him well. Those words about only bringing him suffering lingers in his mind even now. He doesn't want to be the kind of person who makes others miserable.]
Perfect, hehe... [Smiling against Vincent's skin, he kisses his way up to his jaw, moaning softly as those elegant hands roam up his backside.] It does, doesn't it? Though hopefully you won't feel the need to indulge in so much drink for it...
[Teasing him? Absolutely. It's so rare that Vincent goes overboard like this.]
[ Vanitas is being rather adorable, and the teasing manages to get a breathy laugh out of him, on top of it all. Hands firmly glide down the small of his lover’s back, grasping his bottom to give a playfully aggressive squeeze - pulling him up closer for a kiss, while he’s at it. ]
That reminds me, actually… [ A hand catching the younger man’s left, Vincent’s thumb rolls over his matching ring. ] How much do you recall from the night we got these? Do you remember what started it all?
[With a solid flick of his tail and a happy rumble, Vanitas scoots nearer until he's all but draped over Vincent and in the perfect position to receive the kiss, which he eats up as a moan slips past his lips.]
Hmm...? [Pausing long enough to peer at Vincent curiously, he glances at their hands then back again.] Umm... I remember we had plenty to drink. That we thought it'd make a fine joke... Why?
[Guilt pours through him that the night Vincent remembers so clearly is a muddled blur for him, especially when he reminds him of that detail. It's enough to make Vanitas glance at their hands, a blush creeping onto his cheeks as fragments of the night play through his mind.]
Oh... I... [He shakes his head, letting out an unsteady breath at the thought of Vincent doing something ridiculously romantic, like getting down on one knee, or sweeping him off his feet.] I'm sorry. I don't handle alcohol well. I turned your honest gesture into a farce, didn't I...
[ Feeling that guilt seeping through, Vincent smiles somewhat apologetically, as he leans up to nudge Vanitas’ nose with his own. ]
You agreed, we set conditions… and then, realized that we should wait. However, we both thought that it would be entertaining to convince the others that we’d gone ahead and eloped that night. [ Holding the younger man’s hand over his heart, he shakes his head lightly. ] I’d never found the idea of marrying you to be a joke, you know. The rings were meant to be a promise, and when we later discussed wearing them as a show of our engagement, I was perfectly serious. [ A small sigh, smile turning wry. ] An inebriated proposal isn’t ideal, of course… you deserved better than that. [ And he averts his eyes somewhat shamefully. ] Though, I otherwise… may have never considered asking that you sentence yourself to a life with me, so to speak.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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?
no subject
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.
no subject
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...
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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.]
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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...?
no subject
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.
no subject
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...
no subject
You’re making it up to me just fine.
no subject
Good... I want to make you happy, after all. You deserve that after everything.
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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.
no subject
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.
no subject
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.
no subject
At being proposed the idea of teaching Vanitas how to play, however, the tiniest spark of joy lights in him. His eyes become just a bit brighter, and more present. ]
Ah, I would be honored to teach you. That would certainly make it more engaging for me. [ After giving Vanitas’ ears a good scritch, he’ll loosen up his cravat and slide it free of his neck. ] After closings, you and I can learn together.
no subject
Thankfully he opens his eyes enough to catch the way Vincent's light up at the suggestion, making him giddy with excitement. There's precious little that he delights in, and his hobbies typically lean towards productive activities like cooking or cleaning.]
That's great...! We can even learn to play duets, if you want. [With Vincent's neck now exposed, he leans in to kiss his throat and nibble lightly, fangs grazing over his skin.] I only remember one tune, but I'd be happy to teach it to you in return.
no subject
Mn, I’d be delighted to, even. [ Lashes fluttering, he breathes a contented little groan, while tugging Vanitas’ shirt free of his slacks. His hands slide beneath its hem, to glide up along his back. ] It sounds like a fine way to share a small piece of our homes with one another.
no subject
Perfect, hehe... [Smiling against Vincent's skin, he kisses his way up to his jaw, moaning softly as those elegant hands roam up his backside.] It does, doesn't it? Though hopefully you won't feel the need to indulge in so much drink for it...
[Teasing him? Absolutely. It's so rare that Vincent goes overboard like this.]
no subject
That reminds me, actually… [ A hand catching the younger man’s left, Vincent’s thumb rolls over his matching ring. ] How much do you recall from the night we got these? Do you remember what started it all?
no subject
Hmm...? [Pausing long enough to peer at Vincent curiously, he glances at their hands then back again.] Umm... I remember we had plenty to drink. That we thought it'd make a fine joke... Why?
no subject
… I see. [ Bringing Vanitas’s hand to his lips, he plays the younger man’s knuckles against them. ] I’d proposed to you. Genuinely.
no subject
Oh... I... [He shakes his head, letting out an unsteady breath at the thought of Vincent doing something ridiculously romantic, like getting down on one knee, or sweeping him off his feet.] I'm sorry. I don't handle alcohol well. I turned your honest gesture into a farce, didn't I...
no subject
You agreed, we set conditions… and then, realized that we should wait. However, we both thought that it would be entertaining to convince the others that we’d gone ahead and eloped that night. [ Holding the younger man’s hand over his heart, he shakes his head lightly. ] I’d never found the idea of marrying you to be a joke, you know. The rings were meant to be a promise, and when we later discussed wearing them as a show of our engagement, I was perfectly serious. [ A small sigh, smile turning wry. ] An inebriated proposal isn’t ideal, of course… you deserved better than that. [ And he averts his eyes somewhat shamefully. ] Though, I otherwise… may have never considered asking that you sentence yourself to a life with me, so to speak.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)