[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!!! ]
[Meanwhile Vanitas is eating rather daintily, at least comparatively speaking. He gets through one sandwich and starts on his tea when Noé comes at him with the cookie, making him do a spittake and regard him with wide, bewildered eyes before slowly setting down his cup.
Then, without so much as a word, he's leaning in teeth clamping on the cookie to snap it in half. He nibbles on it, cheeks burning, before finishing it up and leaning in even closer in order to plant a kiss on those stupid, dumb lips.]
[ Noé can't help but laugh softly at Vanitas' petulance. He's so embarrassed, even though they've been married for a (little) while, and it's really nice that they can still make each other so flustered. He leans in for one more kiss, good-natured and incredibly soft, and he gently wraps his arm around his lover. ]
Mhm...but...your idiot, right?
[ He may be bruised and battered from everything in the lab, but he's not going to let it stop him from being affectionate at the very least. He's got to get it all in before he sleeps and inevitably has bad dreams. ]
[Considering he's not really mad or even annoyed, Vanitas sure puts on a show of being huffy, puffing and grumping and basically being a child about the whole damn ordeal. Like Noé's somehow ruined his reputation with that little stunt. (Which he willingly engaged in.) Though he can't maintain his fake ire in the face of that kiss and being hugged. A smile worms its way onto his face, and he chuckles quietly.]
Yes, indeed. Mine and mine alone.
[And that's one reason Moreau needs to die. For laying his hands on his precious lover. But that's for another day. First, Noé needs to rest and recover. Only then will he worry about revenge and cleaning up the mess at the new lab.]
[ He reiterates it to drive the point home. He loves Vanitas so much that he can't seem to keep his hands off of him now, even as he starts to finish the rest of his sandwich. The arm around the doctor stays put while his free hand shovels the sandwich down. ]
Mm...when I fall asleep, Vani...you'll still be here, right? [ His tone becomes a little more somber. ] In case I can't sleep very well...
[At that, Vanitas returns the sentiment by getting an arm around Noé as well, leaning against him slightly for both comfort and warmth. Though the question gives him pause, earning a worried frown.]
Of course. Like I would leave you after everything. [Setting down his tea, he reaches up to comb through Noé's hair.] I'll even remain awake if you'd like me to. That way you won't have to deal with anything on your own.
[ He doesn't want Vanitas to force himself to stay awake again, like that time they both got deeply wounded in battle. He knows that Vanitas likes to go on the roof some nights, but tonight, he just wants his companion beside him. ]
I...I sleep a lot better when you're next to me. That's all I need.
[Nodding, he agrees reluctantly. He knows what being experimented on can do to the mind, even if it was for a short time only. Knows the nightmares that can arise from a single day with Moreau...]
Then I'll be here for you. I promise. I won't go anywhere tonight.
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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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Then, without so much as a word, he's leaning in teeth clamping on the cookie to snap it in half. He nibbles on it, cheeks burning, before finishing it up and leaning in even closer in order to plant a kiss on those stupid, dumb lips.]
Idiot.
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Mhm...but...your idiot, right?
[ He may be bruised and battered from everything in the lab, but he's not going to let it stop him from being affectionate at the very least. He's got to get it all in before he sleeps and inevitably has bad dreams. ]
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Yes, indeed. Mine and mine alone.
[And that's one reason Moreau needs to die. For laying his hands on his precious lover. But that's for another day. First, Noé needs to rest and recover. Only then will he worry about revenge and cleaning up the mess at the new lab.]
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[ He reiterates it to drive the point home. He loves Vanitas so much that he can't seem to keep his hands off of him now, even as he starts to finish the rest of his sandwich. The arm around the doctor stays put while his free hand shovels the sandwich down. ]
Mm...when I fall asleep, Vani...you'll still be here, right? [ His tone becomes a little more somber. ] In case I can't sleep very well...
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Of course. Like I would leave you after everything. [Setting down his tea, he reaches up to comb through Noé's hair.] I'll even remain awake if you'd like me to. That way you won't have to deal with anything on your own.
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[ He doesn't want Vanitas to force himself to stay awake again, like that time they both got deeply wounded in battle. He knows that Vanitas likes to go on the roof some nights, but tonight, he just wants his companion beside him. ]
I...I sleep a lot better when you're next to me. That's all I need.
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[Nodding, he agrees reluctantly. He knows what being experimented on can do to the mind, even if it was for a short time only. Knows the nightmares that can arise from a single day with Moreau...]
Then I'll be here for you. I promise. I won't go anywhere tonight.
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