[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.
[At the nudge, he closes his eyes, trying to drive away those uncomfortable feelings. It isn't easy, though, not in light of knowing Vincent sees him as only gifting him misery.]
I really agreed, huh...? I-- Geez. Shit... I definitely remember the mirth over making everybody else think we'd gone through with it. I just-- I didn't realize I'd actually gotten your hopes up just to dash them... [At the latter half of Vincent's statement, his eyes dart up to meet those mismatched ones.] I see... I figured you might have been. You're so dedicated and affectionate with me... [Ears drooping at the realization of his own shortcomings, his clawed fingers flex lightly in Vincent's grip.] It wouldn't be a sentence... Not like you seem to think it'd be. I just... don't know that I'm worthy of your love. I've done nothing but trample all over it.
[ Carefully observing his partner, Vincent gives the other’s hand a faint squeeze. ]
I can’t fault you for it. Neither of us were thinking perfectly clear.
[ With everything that’s come to pass between them, he’s realizing how much he’s been holding onto, sadness all bundled into one. This is something he hadn’t even realized he’d been internalizing until today, and that he hadn’t considered the technicalities behind the situation, it makes him feel quite guilty, himself.
Leaving Vanitas’ hand to rest at his chest, the blond reaches to brush beneath his fringe, thumb rubbing along the cheek it cradles. ]
I’ve been hard on you, and I hope you won’t allow it to overshadow my words of admiration. All of them have been genuine. [ Offering a fond smile, he tilts his head atop his bed of golden tresses. ] Shall I remind you?
[It's a reassuring gesture that brings the faintest of smiles to Vanitas' face.]
True. We were pretty damn sloshed.
[Though feeling a sense of guilt from Vincent warrants a peek from him, gaze curious and baffled in equal measure. He honestly expected his lover to be more upset, especially since he must have been talking to Verso. But... it's not a bad thing that he isn't. No, in fact it's enough to make him feel almost hopeful himself.
His fingers curl into the fabric of Vincent's shirt while he cranes his head into the touch, eating it up.]
You haven't... Not any more than I deserved, anyway. I know you mean everything you say, which is why I feel so bad that I forgot the real reason we got the rings. [Feeling heat creep onto his cheeks, he nods, lips curving up into a fond smile.] I'd like that.
[ Hearing that his words are held with honest regard softens Vincent’s eyes, mouth pulling just a touch wider. He nods with a breathy chuckle, eyes following Vanitas’ lips in veneration of the smile he's managed, in return. ]
Before you, I couldn’t have imagined what it was like to be accepted unconditionally. You understood me in a way that no one else had, and it finally allowed me to receive the affection I’d refused, but longed to have, for a lifetime… You opened my heart, and made me think that I could, perhaps, become worth something. [ Meeting the younger man’s gaze, his own cheeks take on a hint of rose. ] That, alone, is worth more than I could hope to offer, in return - and yet, its only scratched the surface. You’re irresistibly attractive to me in every sense. Everything I could want in a partner, I seem to find in you… even the parts of yourself that you might deny.
[The good thing is, despite Vincent being somewhat inebriated, Vanitas himself is totally sober, so now he can say all the things he means, too, without worry of forgetting them. Though what he's told is quickly enough to cause his cheeks to flare with heat, eyes dropping to the hand upon his chest while his own heart beats harder.]
I'm glad to finally give you what you deserve and need... Because you've been through so much, more than anyone should endure. You've always been worth something, you only needed help seeing it for yourself. [Noting that they match in their bashfulness, he can't help smiling more.] Am I really that appealing...? [It's said with something of a disbelieving laugh, though at least it's without scorn.] Vince... You're everything I could hope for too, right down to your temper. Because you never let it get the better of you, no matter what I do. You always love me enough to keep from doing anything you might regret. And for that I'm really grateful. [Despite his disappointment at Vincent being unable to hurt him at the time.]
You make me feel things I never thought I could...
[ It’s always been quite difficult for Vincent to acknowledge genuine praise, in return, and now is no exception. The color staining his fair cheeks deepens. Rather than deflecting, however, he’ll scoop his hand behind Vanitas’ head to pull him to embrace his lover’s lips and wordlessly speak his appreciation.
As though to prove his attraction, he rolls the younger man onto his back to deepen their kiss. Only once they’ve barely begun to taste one another does he pause to breathlessly speak between them. ]
We’ve both experienced things which no one should. It’s jaded and alienated us… but, in that understanding, we no longer have to suffer being alone. [ With a press of their foreheads, Vincent hopes that he can allow his partner to experience the depth of his admiration. It feels endless. ] You shouldn’t ever have to wonder whether you are worth my love. If I cannot help you see it, I’m the one which doesn’t deserve you.
[They really are so much alike, aren't they...? That's the prevailing thought as Vanitas watches his lover become flush with color, and he almost expects Vincent to say something to the contrary. Instead, he's treated to a wonderful kiss and the closeness he loves, causing both his hands to come up and thread through those blond tresses, claws lightly scraping over his scalp.
One leg raises at the knee, allowing his tail to sway in time with the press of their tongues until they break for air.]
That's true... You have me, and I you. [It's almost frightening how much Vincent feels him, both because so much love is foreign to him and the sheer intensity of what they can feel between each other now. Yet it also makes him giddy with excitement. Raising his chin, he nips at his lover's lips teasingly.] That's not true... You do deserve it, Vince. You deserve so much... Something I hope I can provide, in some small way.
[ With that nip, he exhales a soft groan. The corners of his mouth pluck up in amusement, at realizing that he and Vanitas could go around in circles, denying that they deserve one another. ]
Then let's make a pact; I'll make an effort to stop questioning it, if you do. [ Affectionately, his palm brushes up the other's chest. ] We can't reach one another if we continue to trip ourselves up, hm?
[Something that Vanitas himself realizes as well, hence the chuckle that escapes him. While sometimes it feels deserved, right now he thinks they both deserve a bit more grace.]
Huh... You drive a hard bargain. But fine. Deal. [Nodding with a loud purr, he nudges his head against Vincent's, laughing lightly.] Besides, I think we'd get sick of each other if we never ceased denying ourselves some affection, huh?
[ Returning the gesture with a long and content blink, his cheeks - and chest - warm. What would otherwise be a hopeless undertaking in self betterment might actually be possible, if framed for the benefit of his partner. There may be some promise for Vincent yet. ]
Mmm, and we can't have that. [ Palm running up the length of Vanitas' neck, he comes to grasp the younger man's jaw, tilting his head to embrace their lips. Slow, drawn, and with a gentle glide of teeth over silken skin. ]
[It's much the same for Vanitas; doing something for himself is a tall order, yet for someone else, who he's come to adore and treasure dearly? That just may be doable, if he really puts his mind to it and tries to disregard that's it's self-betterment. Though even that seems like hard work, judging by how flustered he gets.]
Definitely not. [A shiver runs through him, eyes faintly closing for a brief moment before his jaw is held, drawing his gaze to Vincent's mismatched one as they kiss. His heart flutters and tail vibrates with pleasure, a soft sigh escaping from between their lips.] Vince... I... Thanks, for being so understanding.
[ Certainly, it won't be an easy talk for either of them. To Vincent, it's perfectly understandable to feel some apprehension over the possibility of failing one another.
It does surprise him, however, to be regarded as understanding. To air his grievances while feeling unfit for the worst of them, always makes him feel rather unwell; it seems to be a small reassurance that he didn't know he needed.
Thumb tracing over Vanitas' bottom lip, his eyes soften. ]
For as long as you can speak with me earnestly, I will always try to be.
[Important discussions are rarely easy, he's found. Easy tends to mean superficial, and that's not what they need right now. But for once, Vanitas has some confidence that they're persevere despite these setbacks.
Mostly because Vincent isn't outright blaming him for his screw ups, like he himself is sure he would have if their positions were reversed. He's not noble or kind, not like Vince is in his eyes.
Letting his eyes close briefly at the touch, he then opens them to regard his lover with a smile.]
Then for you, I'll do my best to be forthright and honest for a change. No screwing with dancing around the truth.
[ It might be a small blessing that Vanitas hasn't voiced these particular thoughts. For Vincent to be called either noble or kind might give him an identity crisis - for those are qualities he reveres in others, but could never see for himself.
Something between a sigh of ease and a chuckle escapes him, lips curving a bit wider, in turn. ]
Mn, I'm content to hear it. [ One more kiss, before he rolls to flop onto his back once more, so that he might undo the buttons of his coat. ] After all, it's you I adore, not the persona you project yourself as.
[It likely is a minor miracle that such notions remain locked away in Vanitas' heart, given how he's talking about being open and honest. Neither see themselves as anything but problematic, after all.
He, too, laughs, feeling lighter than he has in quite a while.]
That you can see past the me I share with others is a pretty big ask, really... [Propping himself up with chin upon a hand, he watches Vincent disrobe.] Normally I would say that you're seeing something that isn't there, but... maybe there is more to me than first meets the eye.
[ As his fingers worth through the plethora of fastenings between his waistcoat, shirt, his head tilts back to regard Vanitas fondly. ]
There's no question about it, kitten. I could see it the first time we met. [ Pausing in his endeavor, Vincent will reach up to pet a knuckle down the gentle curve of his lover's cheek. ]
[Watching Vincent undress has his tail swishing eagerly, as he longs to get his hands upon his partner. But he waits patiently rather than dive in to help, knowing he might pop a button or rip a hook in his haste.]
Even in that dark theater, huh? [Teasing~ A purr issues forth from the stroke to his cheek, and he nuzzles against Vincent's hand, both for more and to rub his scent on him.]
[ With a chuckle, Vincent temporarily withdraws his hand - to kiss the pads of his fingertips, and reach out to touch them to Vanitas' lips. A temporary parting as he hefts himself up to stand, so that he may shrug off his various layers of clothing. ]
Yes, well, it was rather glaring. [ A teasingly pointed glance, in turn. ] Or would you rather I say that I tasted it on you, instead?
[That's such a sweet gesture that at first Vanitas doesn't know what to make of it beyond staring and blushing, though he props himself up on his elbows to watch Vincent undress with tail tip twitching out of interest.]
Huh... [Smirking a bit, he touches his own lips with a light laugh.] Sounds as feasible as anything, really.
[ Recognizing that interest, Vincent might smirk a bit, himself! In a faux show of modesty, he turns to face away, as he opens his trousers and works them off of his hips. ]
Still don't believe me, mm?
[ Chucking, he sits his bare bottom back on the bed, to slide the socks free from his feet. It's still taken getting to, seeing the change in his legs; the patterning and soft fuzz of fur. ]
I imagine it might be a bit easier for me to recognize, simply considering that I'm guilty of doing the same.
[He won't see the pout that graces Vanitas' features, but he likely will hear the huff of disappointment at being denied a show. So instead, he reaches out to grope Vincent's furry leg as it comes into view.]
It does sound a touch incredulous, you must admit.
[Once his lover is sat back down, he scoots over to lean against him, hand returning to his leg to savor the soft feel of fur. He likes this change, from the neat pattern to the slick plushness granted by the fuzz.]
I suppose that's true, however. Though out of all the things you could be guilty of, that's one of the more innocuous ones.
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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?
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… I see. [ Bringing Vanitas’s hand to his lips, he plays the younger man’s knuckles against them. ] I’d proposed to you. Genuinely.
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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...
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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.
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I really agreed, huh...? I-- Geez. Shit... I definitely remember the mirth over making everybody else think we'd gone through with it. I just-- I didn't realize I'd actually gotten your hopes up just to dash them... [At the latter half of Vincent's statement, his eyes dart up to meet those mismatched ones.] I see... I figured you might have been. You're so dedicated and affectionate with me... [Ears drooping at the realization of his own shortcomings, his clawed fingers flex lightly in Vincent's grip.] It wouldn't be a sentence... Not like you seem to think it'd be. I just... don't know that I'm worthy of your love. I've done nothing but trample all over it.
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I can’t fault you for it. Neither of us were thinking perfectly clear.
[ With everything that’s come to pass between them, he’s realizing how much he’s been holding onto, sadness all bundled into one. This is something he hadn’t even realized he’d been internalizing until today, and that he hadn’t considered the technicalities behind the situation, it makes him feel quite guilty, himself.
Leaving Vanitas’ hand to rest at his chest, the blond reaches to brush beneath his fringe, thumb rubbing along the cheek it cradles. ]
I’ve been hard on you, and I hope you won’t allow it to overshadow my words of admiration. All of them have been genuine. [ Offering a fond smile, he tilts his head atop his bed of golden tresses. ] Shall I remind you?
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True. We were pretty damn sloshed.
[Though feeling a sense of guilt from Vincent warrants a peek from him, gaze curious and baffled in equal measure. He honestly expected his lover to be more upset, especially since he must have been talking to Verso. But... it's not a bad thing that he isn't. No, in fact it's enough to make him feel almost hopeful himself.
His fingers curl into the fabric of Vincent's shirt while he cranes his head into the touch, eating it up.]
You haven't... Not any more than I deserved, anyway. I know you mean everything you say, which is why I feel so bad that I forgot the real reason we got the rings. [Feeling heat creep onto his cheeks, he nods, lips curving up into a fond smile.] I'd like that.
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Before you, I couldn’t have imagined what it was like to be accepted unconditionally. You understood me in a way that no one else had, and it finally allowed me to receive the affection I’d refused, but longed to have, for a lifetime… You opened my heart, and made me think that I could, perhaps, become worth something. [ Meeting the younger man’s gaze, his own cheeks take on a hint of rose. ] That, alone, is worth more than I could hope to offer, in return - and yet, its only scratched the surface. You’re irresistibly attractive to me in every sense. Everything I could want in a partner, I seem to find in you… even the parts of yourself that you might deny.
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I'm glad to finally give you what you deserve and need... Because you've been through so much, more than anyone should endure. You've always been worth something, you only needed help seeing it for yourself. [Noting that they match in their bashfulness, he can't help smiling more.] Am I really that appealing...? [It's said with something of a disbelieving laugh, though at least it's without scorn.] Vince... You're everything I could hope for too, right down to your temper. Because you never let it get the better of you, no matter what I do. You always love me enough to keep from doing anything you might regret. And for that I'm really grateful. [Despite his disappointment at Vincent being unable to hurt him at the time.]
You make me feel things I never thought I could...
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As though to prove his attraction, he rolls the younger man onto his back to deepen their kiss. Only once they’ve barely begun to taste one another does he pause to breathlessly speak between them. ]
We’ve both experienced things which no one should. It’s jaded and alienated us… but, in that understanding, we no longer have to suffer being alone. [ With a press of their foreheads, Vincent hopes that he can allow his partner to experience the depth of his admiration. It feels endless. ] You shouldn’t ever have to wonder whether you are worth my love. If I cannot help you see it, I’m the one which doesn’t deserve you.
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One leg raises at the knee, allowing his tail to sway in time with the press of their tongues until they break for air.]
That's true... You have me, and I you. [It's almost frightening how much Vincent feels him, both because so much love is foreign to him and the sheer intensity of what they can feel between each other now. Yet it also makes him giddy with excitement. Raising his chin, he nips at his lover's lips teasingly.] That's not true... You do deserve it, Vince. You deserve so much... Something I hope I can provide, in some small way.
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Then let's make a pact; I'll make an effort to stop questioning it, if you do. [ Affectionately, his palm brushes up the other's chest. ] We can't reach one another if we continue to trip ourselves up, hm?
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Huh... You drive a hard bargain. But fine. Deal. [Nodding with a loud purr, he nudges his head against Vincent's, laughing lightly.] Besides, I think we'd get sick of each other if we never ceased denying ourselves some affection, huh?
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Mmm, and we can't have that. [ Palm running up the length of Vanitas' neck, he comes to grasp the younger man's jaw, tilting his head to embrace their lips. Slow, drawn, and with a gentle glide of teeth over silken skin. ]
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Definitely not. [A shiver runs through him, eyes faintly closing for a brief moment before his jaw is held, drawing his gaze to Vincent's mismatched one as they kiss. His heart flutters and tail vibrates with pleasure, a soft sigh escaping from between their lips.] Vince... I... Thanks, for being so understanding.
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It does surprise him, however, to be regarded as understanding. To air his grievances while feeling unfit for the worst of them, always makes him feel rather unwell; it seems to be a small reassurance that he didn't know he needed.
Thumb tracing over Vanitas' bottom lip, his eyes soften. ]
For as long as you can speak with me earnestly, I will always try to be.
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Mostly because Vincent isn't outright blaming him for his screw ups, like he himself is sure he would have if their positions were reversed. He's not noble or kind, not like Vince is in his eyes.
Letting his eyes close briefly at the touch, he then opens them to regard his lover with a smile.]
Then for you, I'll do my best to be forthright and honest for a change. No screwing with dancing around the truth.
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Something between a sigh of ease and a chuckle escapes him, lips curving a bit wider, in turn. ]
Mn, I'm content to hear it. [ One more kiss, before he rolls to flop onto his back once more, so that he might undo the buttons of his coat. ] After all, it's you I adore, not the persona you project yourself as.
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He, too, laughs, feeling lighter than he has in quite a while.]
That you can see past the me I share with others is a pretty big ask, really... [Propping himself up with chin upon a hand, he watches Vincent disrobe.] Normally I would say that you're seeing something that isn't there, but... maybe there is more to me than first meets the eye.
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There's no question about it, kitten. I could see it the first time we met. [ Pausing in his endeavor, Vincent will reach up to pet a knuckle down the gentle curve of his lover's cheek. ]
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Even in that dark theater, huh? [Teasing~ A purr issues forth from the stroke to his cheek, and he nuzzles against Vincent's hand, both for more and to rub his scent on him.]
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Yes, well, it was rather glaring. [ A teasingly pointed glance, in turn. ] Or would you rather I say that I tasted it on you, instead?
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Huh... [Smirking a bit, he touches his own lips with a light laugh.] Sounds as feasible as anything, really.
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Still don't believe me, mm?
[ Chucking, he sits his bare bottom back on the bed, to slide the socks free from his feet. It's still taken getting to, seeing the change in his legs; the patterning and soft fuzz of fur. ]
I imagine it might be a bit easier for me to recognize, simply considering that I'm guilty of doing the same.
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It does sound a touch incredulous, you must admit.
[Once his lover is sat back down, he scoots over to lean against him, hand returning to his leg to savor the soft feel of fur. He likes this change, from the neat pattern to the slick plushness granted by the fuzz.]
I suppose that's true, however. Though out of all the things you could be guilty of, that's one of the more innocuous ones.
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