[ Noé leans into Vanitas' touch easily. He presses his lips to his partner's one more time, moving in more slowly this time to give Vanitas a bit of a heads up. When he kisses his partner, he softly cradles his face in his hands. ]
Together... I'm starting to really like that word.
[This time he doesn't startle, instead welcoming the gesture with half-closed eyes as he regards Noé with love in his expression. Being held like that, so tenderly and with care, makes him sigh softly, contentment washing over him. Even now, he's feeling a slight warmth that radiates from his core, filling him with a sense of peace.]
As am I. It's... nice, to not always be alone, I'm finding.
You'll never be alone again, Vanitas. I promise you that.
[ He really likes that expression on his partner's face. It's so peaceful, content, and it makes Noé's heart flutter a little in his chest. Ah, he's so glad he can make Vanitas feel so content. ]
I'm never setting you free, remember? And I'm sticking to that.
[Forcing his way against Noé, he cuddles up to his front, trying to be mindful of his injuries while being close all the while. A bit like an affectionate cat demanding attention.]
I remember. I remember I hated you for cursing me with that. Now it feels like a blessing...
[That elicits a pleased sigh from him as he settles against Noé, head coming to rest against his shoulder.]
For being unable to kill you. For worming your way into my heart. [Trying to clarify, he continues.] It's a frightening thing, to open one's heart after it's been broken, you know...
[ Noé isn't the sort to close himself off after tragedy strikes, but he knows full well that Vanitas is. He puts a hand over Vanitas' head and pets it lightly, signifying to the doctor that he understands and doesn't hold it against him. ]
Do you feel any differently about opening up to me, now?
Indeed. I hated it with a passion, and in turn I hated you. Or I thought I did.
[The petting makes him blink, surprised, before he smirks a little and settles in to enjoy the affection. He truly is grateful for Noé's patience and kindness.]
I do. I think... I'm alright with it now. Or am gradually getting there.
I'm happy that your feelings changed, then. Obviously.
[ He'd be awfully sad if he and Vanitas went back to hating one another!! He's a lot more content with their current relationship and wouldn't trade it for the world. ]
Good. I'm always here for you. [ But he understands, now, that this will take time. ] And I'll make good on my word to not leave you behind anymore, too.
I won't. You won't lose me, and I don't want to lose you, either.
[ He brushes his thumb over Vanitas' knuckles, and spends an extra moment touching Vanitas' ring. It's a reminder to keep his word, to always have Vanitas next to him when it comes to matters like this. ]
I like how things are between us, too. I feel safe with you...and I'm so glad I get to see so many sides of you now, mon amour.
Have I? Sometimes I wonder... Wonder what all a person like me has to offer.
[But he tries not to dwell on such things, not when Noé is kissing him like that, making him sigh in relief.]
It's I who should be grateful for you reaching out, for offering me your hand and your heart. [He covers Noé's left hand with his own, rings touching.] And I love you...
Your best. Your love and care. It all means so much to me.
[ And that's all he'd ever ask of Vanitas. He doesn't need to be handed the world on a silver platter. He'd rather them fight for it together, especially since his heart keeps doing flips whenever Vanitas says he loves him. Noé closes his hand around his lover's and tilts his chin up for another kiss. ]
[Because Noé provides him with far more in his eyes. So much love and support, even if sometimes it's of the rougher sort. It's what he needs, tough love sometimes. But right now, this gentle kind is perfectly acceptable and makes Vanitas happier than he has been in a long while. He gratefully accepts the kiss, reciprocating gladly as he clutches at Noé's shirt.]
[ Tough love is something that both of them are able to provide each other. Vanitas sure did that for him tonight, and while it stung, it got Noé to shut up and think things through. That's what he needs, someone who challenges him and makes him want to be better. That's a niche that Vanitas fills so, so well.
So he expresses his appreciation by pulling the man closer so he's flush up against Noé, not necessarily in an intimate way – he just wants to be close. (He might be a liiiittle too bruised up to be too good in bed right now, anyway.) ]
[Meanwhile, Noé draws Vanitas out of his self-imposed shell, forcing him to confront his fears of intimacy and love. He pushes him to be better, do better. To open up and let others into his closed-off heart. Something he would never have been able to do on his own, or with the wrong person.
Letting out a slow breath, Vanitas snuggles up to his lover, resting his head upon his shoulder. He's still mindful of Noé's injuries, of course, but he doesn't let the opportunity to share this moment go to waste. They don't even need anything sexual; just sharing in one another's presence is more than enough.]
[ It's a blessing, then, that they've met each other. One gets the other to think critically while they learn to feel deeply. It's a nice combination, a perfect match. And it helps that even after several weeks of dating – marriage!! – Vanitas and Noé are still very, very into each other. He hopes that won't change.
So he says nothing as Vanitas relaxes against him, partaking in this moment of comfortable silence with his partner. He gently rubs the other's back in soothing motions again while the other hand wraps around his waist. He's determined to take care of Vanitas and make sure he knows he's loved every day. Even if they don't do anything drastic, even if they have quieter days, he'll always find a way to show his feelings, even if it's small.
He tilts his head and rests his cheek on Vanitas', reveling in their shared warmth and comfort. ]
[It truly is. Although it may have been a machination of Noé's teacher, it's one Vanitas will be forever grateful for. They truly do get along well, now that they've start working on seeing eye to eye and being more aware of their own flaws. That it's blossomed into love is only the icing on the cake. Vanitas would've been content being friends; to have Noé as a lover is a blessing.
Normally the silence would be awkward or forced. Now, though... It's peaceful and happy. Everything he could want from a day after the hell that was storming Moreau's lab. With Noé comforting him, he wishes to do the same, and tries to by getting a hand up in his hair, combing through those beautiful snowy strands. The other arm he drapes around the vampire's neck, holding him close.]
[ Noé gazes into Vanitas' beautifully blue eyes. He chuckles softly, expression turning bashful at the compliment. ]
You don't need to thank me for that. I'd never be anyone else around you.
[ Because that would be a disservice to Vanitas, being dishonest. It'd be insulting if he tried to mold himself to fit Vanitas' preferences, too. That they can both be themselves and have always been that way, and still managed to fall in love, is amazing and something that Noé will always treasure. ]
But if we're going to do that, then I'd like to thank you, too. You truly are my other half.
[It's fun to see Noé so flustered when usually he's composed. It makes Vanitas wish to tease him all the more.]
I can't imagine you being anyone else, period. You're so honest and genuine.
[Even from the moment in the prison when he told him he didn't like him very much, he's never been anything but Noé. And that he would never change, not for anything. Even if Noé were to come to hate him for whatever reason, he would still prefer he remain himself. ...since it's unlikely Vanitas himself will be able to forever.]
It's my honor to be considered as such. Perhaps one I don't deserve, but a distinction I'll treasure all the same.
I don't think it's about deserving. I think it's about...how things are meant to be.
[ Being each other's other halves is just how it should be, he thinks. Sometimes he feels like he doesn't deserve Vanitas' love, too, but for the most part, it just feels right, like this is how things were always meant to go for them all along. ]
It just feels right, Vani. I don't see it as you needing to be "deserving" of anything.
Meant to be, huh... I always thought I was meant to be alone...
[Though Noé's words seem to strike a chord within him, causing Vanitas to go still and silent as he considers that concept. It's a new revelation, not needing to deserve something like another's affections. He'd always focused on how little or much he did deserve everything he got or didn't. How could he not, when he was responsible for both his parents' deaths?]
I see... If that's how you feel, then... I'll accept it.
[ He says says a little cheekily, and he gives Vanitas a light, playful nudge. He won't accept a universe in which Vanitas is meant to be alone. That promise to never set him free will span across lives, he's sure. He'll always find his way back to his partner and make sure he'll never be alone ever again. ]
So don't worry about needing to earn my love, Vanitas. You've already got it.
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Together... I'm starting to really like that word.
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As am I. It's... nice, to not always be alone, I'm finding.
[Frightening, yes, but very nice indeed.]
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[ He really likes that expression on his partner's face. It's so peaceful, content, and it makes Noé's heart flutter a little in his chest. Ah, he's so glad he can make Vanitas feel so content. ]
I'm never setting you free, remember? And I'm sticking to that.
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[Forcing his way against Noé, he cuddles up to his front, trying to be mindful of his injuries while being close all the while. A bit like an affectionate cat demanding attention.]
I remember. I remember I hated you for cursing me with that. Now it feels like a blessing...
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Hated me? [ Ah. ] I'm glad you see it differently now. I never want you to be alone again.
[ And he won't have to be, as long as Noé's here. ]
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For being unable to kill you. For worming your way into my heart. [Trying to clarify, he continues.] It's a frightening thing, to open one's heart after it's been broken, you know...
[Because that was the real crux of the matter.]
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[ Noé isn't the sort to close himself off after tragedy strikes, but he knows full well that Vanitas is. He puts a hand over Vanitas' head and pets it lightly, signifying to the doctor that he understands and doesn't hold it against him. ]
Do you feel any differently about opening up to me, now?
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[The petting makes him blink, surprised, before he smirks a little and settles in to enjoy the affection. He truly is grateful for Noé's patience and kindness.]
I do. I think... I'm alright with it now. Or am gradually getting there.
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[ He'd be awfully sad if he and Vanitas went back to hating one another!! He's a lot more content with their current relationship and wouldn't trade it for the world. ]
Good. I'm always here for you. [ But he understands, now, that this will take time. ] And I'll make good on my word to not leave you behind anymore, too.
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[It's so much less tiring, less stressful. It's... freeing, really. Enough so that he takes Noé's hand, holding it lightly in his own.]
For that, I'm grateful. [For Noé's companionship and compassion.] Please don't... I would hate to lose you....
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[ He brushes his thumb over Vanitas' knuckles, and spends an extra moment touching Vanitas' ring. It's a reminder to keep his word, to always have Vanitas next to him when it comes to matters like this. ]
I like how things are between us, too. I feel safe with you...and I'm so glad I get to see so many sides of you now, mon amour.
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[Not after losing Luna and Mikhail. His family. He can't afford to lose his lover, too. Suddenly, he leans in, determined to kiss Noé softly.]
It's my pleasure to finally show more of myself to you, ma moitié. You deserve that and so much more. More than I'll ever be able to give you.
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[ He kisses Vanitas again, a little less soft this time, trying to drive his point home. ]
I'll never be able to express how grateful I am for it. Truly. [ One more kiss, then: ] I love you.
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[But he tries not to dwell on such things, not when Noé is kissing him like that, making him sigh in relief.]
It's I who should be grateful for you reaching out, for offering me your hand and your heart. [He covers Noé's left hand with his own, rings touching.] And I love you...
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[ And that's all he'd ever ask of Vanitas. He doesn't need to be handed the world on a silver platter. He'd rather them fight for it together, especially since his heart keeps doing flips whenever Vanitas says he loves him. Noé closes his hand around his lover's and tilts his chin up for another kiss. ]
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If that is enough for you, then I'm content.
[Because Noé provides him with far more in his eyes. So much love and support, even if sometimes it's of the rougher sort. It's what he needs, tough love sometimes. But right now, this gentle kind is perfectly acceptable and makes Vanitas happier than he has been in a long while. He gratefully accepts the kiss, reciprocating gladly as he clutches at Noé's shirt.]
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So he expresses his appreciation by pulling the man closer so he's flush up against Noé, not necessarily in an intimate way – he just wants to be close. (He might be a liiiittle too bruised up to be too good in bed right now, anyway.) ]
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Letting out a slow breath, Vanitas snuggles up to his lover, resting his head upon his shoulder. He's still mindful of Noé's injuries, of course, but he doesn't let the opportunity to share this moment go to waste. They don't even need anything sexual; just sharing in one another's presence is more than enough.]
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So he says nothing as Vanitas relaxes against him, partaking in this moment of comfortable silence with his partner. He gently rubs the other's back in soothing motions again while the other hand wraps around his waist. He's determined to take care of Vanitas and make sure he knows he's loved every day. Even if they don't do anything drastic, even if they have quieter days, he'll always find a way to show his feelings, even if it's small.
He tilts his head and rests his cheek on Vanitas', reveling in their shared warmth and comfort. ]
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Normally the silence would be awkward or forced. Now, though... It's peaceful and happy. Everything he could want from a day after the hell that was storming Moreau's lab. With Noé comforting him, he wishes to do the same, and tries to by getting a hand up in his hair, combing through those beautiful snowy strands. The other arm he drapes around the vampire's neck, holding him close.]
....thank you for being you.
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You don't need to thank me for that. I'd never be anyone else around you.
[ Because that would be a disservice to Vanitas, being dishonest. It'd be insulting if he tried to mold himself to fit Vanitas' preferences, too. That they can both be themselves and have always been that way, and still managed to fall in love, is amazing and something that Noé will always treasure. ]
But if we're going to do that, then I'd like to thank you, too. You truly are my other half.
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I can't imagine you being anyone else, period. You're so honest and genuine.
[Even from the moment in the prison when he told him he didn't like him very much, he's never been anything but Noé. And that he would never change, not for anything. Even if Noé were to come to hate him for whatever reason, he would still prefer he remain himself. ...since it's unlikely Vanitas himself will be able to forever.]
It's my honor to be considered as such. Perhaps one I don't deserve, but a distinction I'll treasure all the same.
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[ Being each other's other halves is just how it should be, he thinks. Sometimes he feels like he doesn't deserve Vanitas' love, too, but for the most part, it just feels right, like this is how things were always meant to go for them all along. ]
It just feels right, Vani. I don't see it as you needing to be "deserving" of anything.
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[Though Noé's words seem to strike a chord within him, causing Vanitas to go still and silent as he considers that concept. It's a new revelation, not needing to deserve something like another's affections. He'd always focused on how little or much he did deserve everything he got or didn't. How could he not, when he was responsible for both his parents' deaths?]
I see... If that's how you feel, then... I'll accept it.
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[ He says says a little cheekily, and he gives Vanitas a light, playful nudge. He won't accept a universe in which Vanitas is meant to be alone. That promise to never set him free will span across lives, he's sure. He'll always find his way back to his partner and make sure he'll never be alone ever again. ]
So don't worry about needing to earn my love, Vanitas. You've already got it.
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