[ Once he feels Vanitas' hand land on his head, his shoulders hitch. He still can't quite look at him, almost feeling like he has no right to show how upset he is over this because he's the one who disrespected his lover, not the other way around. So he keeps his head down as his hands ball into fists on his knees. That he made Vanitas hate himself more is what gets him to start shaking, clearly trying to hold back tears but failing to keep them from falling. ]
I'm sorry, Vanitas. I don't want you to hate yourself. I acted rashly because I didn't want you to suffer again.
[ He's finally trying to explain himself, even if he doesn't think it'll change anything. He lowers his head more, ashamed of how much of a mess he is when this is really his fault. ]
I couldn't do anything for Louis...and I couldn't stop Domi from getting hurt, and I didn't want to fail you, too...but I ended up doing it anyway...
[Oh. Oh no... Getting Noé to cry wasn't ever the intended goal. Only to make him aware of just what it was that he was doing... Still, he supposes there's no getting around some painfulness this time around, either with himself or Noé. So he merely strokes through those strands again and again, letting Noé feel the love he still has for him despite everything. Then he's cradling his lover's head in his arms, letting him rest against his chest to he can hear his heartbeat.]
I know. I understand why you did it. That's not why I got angry. I was upset because you tried to handle everything on your own. ...like me. Don't make my mistakes, I'm begging you. I'm not someone you want to emulate.
[Leaning down to rest his head upon Noé's, Vanitas tries to sooth him with gentle noises, one hand going to his back to rub small circles.]
You did your best. You just... forgot to think things through. That's you big flaw. We'll work on it, alright? Together.
[ Now that his head's against Vanitas' chest, he's able to keep it there while wiping his eyes with the back of his hand. He's crying quite a lot, because he feels so awful that he made Vanitas that angry, and yeah. He did give Moreau some samples to work with, which also feels shitty, but he can't take it back. He's beating himself up, upset with himself for hurting his partner that badly.
But...that he wants to work through this together still really means a lot. More than words can ever express. So Noé nods through his tears, still furiously wiping at his eyes but hearing Vanitas all the same. ]
O-of course. I don't want to do this without you anymore.
[And Vanitas is well aware that Noé is likely having a hard time of it, on top of being tortured for a day or so. That alone is enough to make him treat his partner all the more gently now that he's gotten the message across. That's the important part. That they're finally on the same page, understanding one another. It's not seeing eye-to-eye that hurts most, he thinks.
Sighing quietly, he carefully runs his fingers through Noé's hair repeatedly, combing out the tangles and making note of the cut locks that need trimming thanks to Moreau taking samples. He's just relieved he didn't take one of Noé's fangs or something...]
Then don't. I'm right here. Here for you. And I need you here for me, got it? What if it had been a trap and someone wanted me left unguarded, huh? Without you, I'd.....
[ Noé leans into Vanitas' touch because it helps him finally start to calm down, and he feels himself savoring it like it might be gone tomorrow. Thankfully both of his fangs are in tact, but Moreau had mentioned that the next thing to go would be one of his limbs, so...you know.
Noé finally lifts his head, tear-stained eyes gazing up at Vanitas, expression still filled with remorse. ]
I won't go anywhere. I mean it this time. I – I don't want to lose you in any way...so...please...
[ He's not even bringing up everything he went through at the lab. He's far more distressed by the thought of them separating because of his mistakes. ]
[Then it's a good thing Vanitas arrived when he did. Because that's no joke, even if Noé managed to reattach his hand once. That wasn't funny! It was damn scary!! Crazy ass vampires and their wacky biology...
All the fire that once filled Vanitas' gaze is gone, replaced by love and affection in equal measure. He pets Noé like a cat, over and over again.]
Thank you... I don't wish to lose you, either. Do you know how frightened I was when you didn't come home...
[Didn't come back to him? How his heard filled with dread when he knew something horrible must have happened.]
[ He knows he messed up. He feels so awful for worrying Vanitas so much. Never mind his own injuries, he feels far worse for what transpired here in their room. ]
I'm sorry... I want to come home to you all the time, and I – I won't leave. I don't want you to leave, either. I'm so sorry, Vanitas.
[ Maybe he's apologizing way too much, but he still feels so raw about the whole thing. ]
[He can tell how badly Noé feels simply by how much he's apologizing. It's a touch excessive, even for what all occurred, and it makes Vanitas worry for Noé's well-being.]
So long as you return to me, then all is well... And for what it's worth, I'm grateful that I mean so much that you'd put your life on the line.
[Even though he hates the thought of anything happening to him, the gesture itself is sweet.]
I will. I always planned on coming home. I thought...I could handle it. That's why I agreed to it...
[ Because he'd rather be the one getting beat up than see Vanitas suffer again, but he's slowly realizing that this isn't actually what Vanitas wants. He's really going to need to start considering that more often. ]
Thank you. I was worried for a second that you really wanted out.
[ And he lets out a shaky breath at that before he finally wraps his arms around his companion. His ring catches some light for a second and the glint makes him look; he reminds himself to protect their bond at all costs. And protecting it means letting Vanitas in. ]
You take on far too much... You don't need to guard me so closely.
[Despite it making him feel terribly warm and loved, he doesn't want it to be at Noé's expense. Never that. So he sighs, eyes closing briefly as he cradles the vampire's face in his hands.]
Out...? Of our relationship? Ma moitié... You said you'd never let me be free. We exchanged rings. I intend to hold you to that promise.
[He gladly embraces Noé with a soft hum, one hand coming up to pet through his hair. He, too, glances at his own ring, the memory of receiving it still vivid in his mind and enough to cause him to rest his head against Noé's shoulder with another, content sigh.]
[ He pulls Vanitas down so they're on the bed together again, not trying to do anything suggestive, just wanting to keep him close. He buries his nose into the other's hair and his hold on him is tighter than usual. ]
I would fight tooth and nail for you. You know that, right? Especially after tonight.
[ And he's pretty sure his dreams won't be pleasant, but at least they'll be with Vanitas. ]
Ah, I see... Then it's not that you're fighting for me, but for us. That's an important distinction, I think.
[Honestly, part of him want to reassure Noé that it'd take a hell of a lot more than that to drive him away, but... maybe letting him worry a little would be good. Though he's distracted by Noé's offer to let him get his revenge against Moreau.]
You'd really let me at him...? You, who can't stand cruelty and unfair tactics!
[It's a little surprising, honestly. Though perhaps not as much as Vanitas thinks...]
[ And while Vanitas' assessment is right, consider this. Noé hates Moreau. Moreau is probably one of the only people he's ever thought about killing with his own two hands. ]
And you're also right. I can't stand it. But I'd think it's far more cruel to deny you of getting some hits in.
[ He lets out a tired sigh and draws back a little to look at Vanitas. His eyes are red from all the crying he did, but his gaze looks soft, grateful for his companion, and he leans in to give the other a gentle, loving kiss. ]
Then...we'll go together. I promise I won't leave you behind again. And...
[ One more kiss for good measure. ]
Thank you for being my better half tonight. I love you, Vani.
[Just to make sure, he wipes those last few tears away, carefully brushing his fingers over Noé's cheek. The kiss is met halfway, eager to make sure Noé knows for a fact that he's no longer mad at him now that they've reached an understanding about why he was so pissed in the first place.]
Thank you... I'd much prefer that.
[This time it's Vanitas' turn to regard his lover with gratitude and compassion, before he touches their foreheads together.]
It's my honor. Because I love you as well, Noé. More than you can fathom.
[ And despite everything that's happened, Vanitas still manages to get Noé to smile. It's incredibly soft and sweet, and he reaches for Vanitas' hands to give them a little squeeze. ]
Thank you...
[ He closes his eyes, finally feeling at ease next to his partner. ]
You're so strong, Vani. What I went through was awful enough...so that you're here...makes me all the more grateful that I got to meet you.
[That little gesture means the world to Vanitas, showing him that Noé is doing better, even if he's not completely okay. He knows from experience that it'll take time to recover.]
...I suppose so. I hate to think what he did to you even in that short span of time. If I ever get my hands on him--
[His own grip tightens on Noé's hands, eyes briefly flashing with rage before settling into an expression of melancholy.]
Are you sure you're alright...? Is there anything else I can do for you? Did you want something to eat? Tea?
[ That look of rage is unsurprising, given everything, and honestly. He supports Vanitas' anger, now that he's gotten a taste of the experience himself. ]
Me? Oh, um...maybe something to snack on would be nice. I haven't really eaten much all day.
[ The kiss is very much welcome, and he's grown to like the pet name. It sounds rude, but he knows what it means, and it's cute, coming from Vanitas.
Then he returns with food. Food! And tea! ]
Ah, snacks! [ He perks up at that, as if nothing's happened. Like he's the same old Noé Vanittas has always known. ] Thank you, this looks really good!
[ And he won't hold back from stuffing that sandwich into his mouth.... ]
[He's glad that the derogatory name comes across as intended, with love. And once back and seated with the tray between them, he too takes up a sandwich, suddenly feeling famished after not having eaten since last evening.]
Of course, ma moitié. You deserve it. And if you need more, Amelia has some waiting.
[He pours them both some tea, preparing it how they both like it, making sure not to have his own too sweet.]
[ Noé takes a few bites of his sandwich – big bites, that is – and when he sets it down, he picks up a cookie. He bites one half of it and holds it there with his teeth. Then, he looks over at Vanitas and leans towards him, as if asking him to bite the other half and share. He knows Vanitas doesn't care for sweets, but surely he'll indulge him just this once, right!!
He's picking up on these things. He's learning how to flirt. Be proud of him!!! ]
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I'm sorry, Vanitas. I don't want you to hate yourself. I acted rashly because I didn't want you to suffer again.
[ He's finally trying to explain himself, even if he doesn't think it'll change anything. He lowers his head more, ashamed of how much of a mess he is when this is really his fault. ]
I couldn't do anything for Louis...and I couldn't stop Domi from getting hurt, and I didn't want to fail you, too...but I ended up doing it anyway...
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I know. I understand why you did it. That's not why I got angry. I was upset because you tried to handle everything on your own. ...like me. Don't make my mistakes, I'm begging you. I'm not someone you want to emulate.
[Leaning down to rest his head upon Noé's, Vanitas tries to sooth him with gentle noises, one hand going to his back to rub small circles.]
You did your best. You just... forgot to think things through. That's you big flaw. We'll work on it, alright? Together.
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But...that he wants to work through this together still really means a lot. More than words can ever express. So Noé nods through his tears, still furiously wiping at his eyes but hearing Vanitas all the same. ]
O-of course. I don't want to do this without you anymore.
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Sighing quietly, he carefully runs his fingers through Noé's hair repeatedly, combing out the tangles and making note of the cut locks that need trimming thanks to Moreau taking samples. He's just relieved he didn't take one of Noé's fangs or something...]
Then don't. I'm right here. Here for you. And I need you here for me, got it? What if it had been a trap and someone wanted me left unguarded, huh? Without you, I'd.....
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Noé finally lifts his head, tear-stained eyes gazing up at Vanitas, expression still filled with remorse. ]
I won't go anywhere. I mean it this time. I – I don't want to lose you in any way...so...please...
[ He's not even bringing up everything he went through at the lab. He's far more distressed by the thought of them separating because of his mistakes. ]
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All the fire that once filled Vanitas' gaze is gone, replaced by love and affection in equal measure. He pets Noé like a cat, over and over again.]
Thank you... I don't wish to lose you, either. Do you know how frightened I was when you didn't come home...
[Didn't come back to him? How his heard filled with dread when he knew something horrible must have happened.]
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[ He knows he messed up. He feels so awful for worrying Vanitas so much. Never mind his own injuries, he feels far worse for what transpired here in their room. ]
I'm sorry... I want to come home to you all the time, and I – I won't leave. I don't want you to leave, either. I'm so sorry, Vanitas.
[ Maybe he's apologizing way too much, but he still feels so raw about the whole thing. ]
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[He can tell how badly Noé feels simply by how much he's apologizing. It's a touch excessive, even for what all occurred, and it makes Vanitas worry for Noé's well-being.]
So long as you return to me, then all is well... And for what it's worth, I'm grateful that I mean so much that you'd put your life on the line.
[Even though he hates the thought of anything happening to him, the gesture itself is sweet.]
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[ Because he'd rather be the one getting beat up than see Vanitas suffer again, but he's slowly realizing that this isn't actually what Vanitas wants. He's really going to need to start considering that more often. ]
Thank you. I was worried for a second that you really wanted out.
[ And he lets out a shaky breath at that before he finally wraps his arms around his companion. His ring catches some light for a second and the glint makes him look; he reminds himself to protect their bond at all costs. And protecting it means letting Vanitas in. ]
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[Despite it making him feel terribly warm and loved, he doesn't want it to be at Noé's expense. Never that. So he sighs, eyes closing briefly as he cradles the vampire's face in his hands.]
Out...? Of our relationship? Ma moitié... You said you'd never let me be free. We exchanged rings. I intend to hold you to that promise.
[He gladly embraces Noé with a soft hum, one hand coming up to pet through his hair. He, too, glances at his own ring, the memory of receiving it still vivid in his mind and enough to cause him to rest his head against Noé's shoulder with another, content sigh.]
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[ He pulls Vanitas down so they're on the bed together again, not trying to do anything suggestive, just wanting to keep him close. He buries his nose into the other's hair and his hold on him is tighter than usual. ]
I would fight tooth and nail for you. You know that, right? Especially after tonight.
[ And he's pretty sure his dreams won't be pleasant, but at least they'll be with Vanitas. ]
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[Recognizing the gesture for what it is, he helps Noé keep them both together by following suit, nuzzling up underneath his chin.]
I know you would... But that doesn't mean I wish you to be reckless. Think of things from my point of view, please...
[Even if Noé is plagued by nightmares, he won't ever be alone. Because Vanitas has no plans on leaving him by himself.]
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[ He lets out a sigh into Vanitas' hair. The way his arms tighten around him might giveaway how afraid he was that he'd screwed up that badly. ]
So...next time. I'll bring you with me. If nothing else, it'll give you a chance to finally get your hits in.
[ Because out of everyone, Vanitas deserves to beat the living daylights out of Moreau the most. ]
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[Honestly, part of him want to reassure Noé that it'd take a hell of a lot more than that to drive him away, but... maybe letting him worry a little would be good. Though he's distracted by Noé's offer to let him get his revenge against Moreau.]
You'd really let me at him...? You, who can't stand cruelty and unfair tactics!
[It's a little surprising, honestly. Though perhaps not as much as Vanitas thinks...]
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[ And while Vanitas' assessment is right, consider this. Noé hates Moreau. Moreau is probably one of the only people he's ever thought about killing with his own two hands. ]
And you're also right. I can't stand it. But I'd think it's far more cruel to deny you of getting some hits in.
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[It's truly a rare and frightening thing to see Noé so mad and full of disgust for a person. Though given it's Moreau, he kind of likes that.]
Much appreciated, ma moitié. I must say I relish the thought...
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Then...we'll go together. I promise I won't leave you behind again. And...
[ One more kiss for good measure. ]
Thank you for being my better half tonight. I love you, Vani.
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Thank you... I'd much prefer that.
[This time it's Vanitas' turn to regard his lover with gratitude and compassion, before he touches their foreheads together.]
It's my honor. Because I love you as well, Noé. More than you can fathom.
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Thank you...
[ He closes his eyes, finally feeling at ease next to his partner. ]
You're so strong, Vani. What I went through was awful enough...so that you're here...makes me all the more grateful that I got to meet you.
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...I suppose so. I hate to think what he did to you even in that short span of time. If I ever get my hands on him--
[His own grip tightens on Noé's hands, eyes briefly flashing with rage before settling into an expression of melancholy.]
Are you sure you're alright...? Is there anything else I can do for you? Did you want something to eat? Tea?
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Me? Oh, um...maybe something to snack on would be nice. I haven't really eaten much all day.
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Very well. I'll be right back. Don't go anywhere this time, idiot.
[He gives him a kiss, smiling at getting to use his affectionate pet name for him once more. That's what the insult has become, really.
And then he's leaving the room, returning a short time later with some light sandwiches, cookies, and tea on a tray.]
Here we go-- One set of snacks, as requested.
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Then he returns with food. Food! And tea! ]
Ah, snacks! [ He perks up at that, as if nothing's happened. Like he's the same old Noé Vanittas has always known. ] Thank you, this looks really good!
[ And he won't hold back from stuffing that sandwich into his mouth.... ]
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Of course, ma moitié. You deserve it. And if you need more, Amelia has some waiting.
[He pours them both some tea, preparing it how they both like it, making sure not to have his own too sweet.]
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He's picking up on these things. He's learning how to flirt. Be proud of him!!! ]
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