[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.
[At that, he gently returns the gesture, careful not to press anywhere it might hurt. It's so strange, having someone fighting for him, for his well-being, his happiness. He doesn't know quite what to do with it, all this love, but he gladly accepts it as best he can, tucking his head under Noé's chin.]
.....you sappy, sentimental fool.
[It's said with no small amount of affection as he struggles to discreetly wipe at his eyes.]
[ He smiles wider once Vanitas tucks his head under him and calls him a fool. Noé has learned by now that these are his partner's way of expressing his affection, and he holds him tighter and catches a glimpse of Vanitas wiping his tears.
Noé gently pulls back, just slightly, and tucks some hair behind the other's ear. He can't help but brush away a stray tear that he sees. It's always sweet when Vanitas is so overcome with emotion like this, but Noé doesn't want to embarrass him too much, so he doesn't say anything. He just gently cups the other's cheek and looks at him fondly, in a quiet display of understanding and emotion. ]
[In this case it's very much a show of care and affection, as Vanitas now considers Noé his idiot. Just like he's welcome to think of Vanitas himself as his jerk. Though he might shove him if he remarks on him trying to wipe away any signs of crying.
Yet somehow the act of Noé actually physically acknowledging his tears isn't as bad. He can accept that and does, letting out a shaky sigh. That Noé continues to touch him so tenderly, with such care, and regards him with what can only be described as love, makes his heart pound fiercely. It's wonderful to be so understood, despite him feeling unworthy of it.]
[ The look on Vanitas' face makes Noé feel more tender in comparison, relaxed and at ease knowing that they have a solid mutual understanding of one another. He leans in to kiss Vanitas' forehead before tucking his head under his chin again. He's so in tune with what the other needs now and he's willing to provide it. ]
Should we get some proper rest? We've had a long day.
[ He'll cling to Vanitas again, he's sure, but having his lover here makes dealing with the bad dreams so much more bearable. ]
[Once again Vanitas is reminded how lucky he is, how blessed, to be loved by someone so sweet and understanding. A person who truly completes him in every sense that matters. With Noé nestled against him, he sighs happily, wishing that speaking his mind and heart came easier to him.]
Yes, I think so. You can rest easy; I won't be going anywhere.
[Just in case Noé was worried that he might wander off to go roof-sitting again. He might get the urge, but this time he'll ignore it in favor of staying with his lover.]
[That's... probably not entirely true. All too often he remains up late, thinking too much, dwelling on things. But he doesn't believe Noé knows that, given how early the vampire usually sleeps.]
Don't be afraid to hug me, if you need to. I've noticed how you cling to your pillow.
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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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[At that, he gently returns the gesture, careful not to press anywhere it might hurt. It's so strange, having someone fighting for him, for his well-being, his happiness. He doesn't know quite what to do with it, all this love, but he gladly accepts it as best he can, tucking his head under Noé's chin.]
.....you sappy, sentimental fool.
[It's said with no small amount of affection as he struggles to discreetly wipe at his eyes.]
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Noé gently pulls back, just slightly, and tucks some hair behind the other's ear. He can't help but brush away a stray tear that he sees. It's always sweet when Vanitas is so overcome with emotion like this, but Noé doesn't want to embarrass him too much, so he doesn't say anything. He just gently cups the other's cheek and looks at him fondly, in a quiet display of understanding and emotion. ]
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Yet somehow the act of Noé actually physically acknowledging his tears isn't as bad. He can accept that and does, letting out a shaky sigh. That Noé continues to touch him so tenderly, with such care, and regards him with what can only be described as love, makes his heart pound fiercely. It's wonderful to be so understood, despite him feeling unworthy of it.]
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Should we get some proper rest? We've had a long day.
[ He'll cling to Vanitas again, he's sure, but having his lover here makes dealing with the bad dreams so much more bearable. ]
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Yes, I think so. You can rest easy; I won't be going anywhere.
[Just in case Noé was worried that he might wander off to go roof-sitting again. He might get the urge, but this time he'll ignore it in favor of staying with his lover.]
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[ And he means that. He'll be content – as much as he can be – as long as Vanitas is here tonight. On that note, however... ]
...You'll get sleep, too, right?
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[That's... probably not entirely true. All too often he remains up late, thinking too much, dwelling on things. But he doesn't believe Noé knows that, given how early the vampire usually sleeps.]
Don't be afraid to hug me, if you need to. I've noticed how you cling to your pillow.
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[ He is blissfully unaware of Vanitas' poor sleeping habits, but he will take him up on that offer to cling to him, thank you very much. ]
I think I'll do just that, so don't be surprised, okay?
[ He settles in a little more before pulling up the blankets so they're over both of them. He holds Vanitas close and tangles their legs together. ]
Good night, Vani.
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[Once again not worrying about himself... How can he, when Noé so clearly needs him?]
I won't. I won't mind, either. Just don't squish me with your vampiric strength, okay?
[He teases, happy to be so ensconced with his lover and finally feeling warm.]
Good night, Noé.