[He blinks, his eyes widening for a second before he narrows them in confusion. Vanitas had been trying to kill him, and now he was asking a favor? Just what was going on with this guy? He's not sure if he could quite understand what Vanitas wanted. Something to do with his abilities as an Archiviste? That seemed to be what had interested him.]
You were trying to kill me, and now you're asking me for a favor....?!
[His stomach still hurts, his hand still trying to keep pressure on it as he is cornered. Backed against the edge of the roof as Vanitas had likely planned and wanted.]
[As if that explains why he's suddenly switched to being more amiable, though perhaps it does? If he can separate being a Chasseur from his personal life, then hopefully that means Noé might be reasoned with. Not that Vanitas can blame him for his confusion. No, that's only natural, as is his suspicion.]
That was strictly business. Well, mostly. Here, how about I treat your injury as a show of good faith, hmm?
[Since he can see Noé continuing to clutch at his wound as the injury leaks more blood. Though in a show of good faith, he sheaths his other knife, raising both empty hands to indicate he's unarmed now and won't attack.]
[What was that supposed to mean? He's not sure what to make of this. What to expect. What Vanitas wants. Should he listen to Vanitas? Help him? He isn't certain what sort of situation he's gotten himself into with Vanitas. But at least for now, the other isn't attacking him. Noé seems less tense, less on guard when Vanitas sheathes his knife.
The offer to treat his injury has him pause, blinking in surprise and confusion. But he can't really stop Vanitas. Not without one or both of them potentially falling. And Vanitas has sheathed his blades. So he doesn't seem to intend on hurting Noé.]
Because, I wish to borrow that power of yours. It wouldn't do to ask that without offering something in exchange, correct?
[As a show of even more good faith, he... simple parks it on the rooftop, sitting down where he is before patting the space in front of him, trying to encourage Noé to join him. It's a complete 180 from what they were just doing, but, well, things change. The fact he's an Archiviste means more to Vanitas than the fact he's a vampire in general. If push came to shove, he could always kill him later, after all. Not that Noé seems like an especially aggressive brand of vampire, not like some of them who rampage through the city streets.]
[He assumes, but Vanitas seems to have some use for him, so he doesn't currently have any intentions of hurting him further. So he supposes it is fine. Probably. Even if he should all but hear Dominique screeching at him for being too trusting. Noé approaches, slowly and hesitantly, before he eventually sits down next to Vanitas. He glances to the other through his mess of hair, trying to figure the guy out.]
I haven't agreed to anything yet. You still haven't told me what you want from me.
[Despite them having not yet reached any kind of agreement, Vanitas seems completely jovial now, having lost almost all of his bloodlust. He's still just as intense as before, simply in a different manner, with his attention focused on the conversation rather than the fight. So once Noé decides to meet him halfway by sitting down with him, he slaps a hand on the vampire's leg, like they're good friends or something equally ridiculous.]
Why, I thought that would be obvious! I want you to peer into my memories.
[Vanitas still seems so confusing. He's not quite sure what to make of the other. Which isn't to say that he isn't partly curious in spite of himself. The way the other so easily switches to acting so jovial and....friendly? When just moments before, he had been trying to kill Noé. How he stares and takes in the other's features more when they're closer like this. He purses his lips and frowns a little when Vanitas smacks his leg. Just what was with this guy...?]
Because otherwise I have no use for you and it'll be my duty to kill you. Simple, yes?
[He says that so blithely?? Like the answer is obvious and simple and completely matter-of-fact. Perhaps to him it is, except there's a note of giddy glee in how he talks about killing Noé, like he'd relish the notion. Yet it doesn't change the fact he gives the vampire a playful shove on the shoulder, as though he's telling a rather funny joke to a friend rather than threatening someone.]
[It's probably the blithe, casual way Vanitas says it. The shove at his shoulder that disorients him. His actions and casual tone were so out of place with what he was actually saying. Noé can sense that glee, that anticipation from him. How happy he'd be to kill him. It certainly throws him off guard, as he shifts and instinctively puts out a hand next to him to keep his balance when he's shoved. Noé's expression is almost incredulous as he glances at Vanitas, seeming more confused than anything else by the man next to him.]
[On one hand, there's no active malice in his intentions at present, no twitching fingers eager to thrust a blade into the vampire beside him nor any indication at all that he plans on doing so anytime in the near future, should they reach an agreement. Blackmail, some might call it. He prefers the term negotiating. A mutual aid, as it were, to benefit both parties. Though at the question, Vanitas offers a serene, cold smile.]
The deaths of my family. Vampires killed them, and while most were taken care of by the Chasseurs, one escaped justice. I want to find them and kill them. But... I was young. Scared. My memory is spotty. I'd like your help seeing it more clearly.
[The thing with being an Archiviste, he doesn't have the same option. To ask someone to check his memories. If he ever did want to find out more about what had happened to his clan. His family. Not that he has ever felt the need to. It's enough to know that he is apparently the last. Still, he gets the idea, at least. He can relate. At least somewhat. Given that he had also lost his family at such a young age.]
I'm sorry. So....after you lost them, the Chasseurs took you in? I can see memories that others have forgotten entirely. So. I can probably help.
Mmm... That's right. They gave me a place to belong, and the chance for revenge. I hate vampires with a passion.
[So it's probably easy to see how smoothly he took to the role of Chasseur with that loathing welling up inside him, those memories clouding his life and preventing him from seeing a hopeful future otherwise. Not that he was expecting to sit down and discuss his history with one of rotten creatures, but, well, he's always been a practical sort first and foremost.]
...though I suppose you're not too bad. [Somewhat surprised, he regards Noé almost suspiciously.] And you'd be willing to do that?
Archiviste, remember? My entire clan was killed. So as far as I know, I'm the last. I think it's more....everyone's complicated. Whether vampire or human. Or dham. But I'd like to believe in the potential. The good.
[But. Well, anyone could understand that desire for vengeance. It isn't like he never had such thoughts, even for a moment. He's just too soft, for all that he has a temper and could get riled up sometimes, to actually act on it. Besides, this wasn't a simple case of going after one lone vampire. It would have taken many to wipe out basically an entire clan.
He tilts his head when Vanitas admits he doesn't seem so bad. When he's asked if he would help.]
I mean. I'd doubt if it was Teacher or Domi. And if one of us was killing mortals....then they need to be stopped.
I see... I knew your kind was rare, I didn't realize it was that drastic. [So, they're not that different, really...] Heh... An idealistic vampire. How odd...
[His experiences with vampires hasn't been good, obviously. From the first to the last. Or latest, anyway. But this one... Noé strikes him as different. Obviously he's not the one who's been rampaging all over Paris, yet nor is he a typical violent, hateful beast like those who killed Vanitas' family. Frankly, he's not sure what to make of the person before him. Because that's what Noé seems to be. An individual rather than a monster.]
Huh... You're a strange one. I wonder if it's because you're an Archiviste, or if there really are decent vampires out there.
I don't know that any others survived. So it is, I guess. Pretty drastic.
[Noé can't really deny that he's idealistic. Optimistic. Wants to believe the best. Even after all that he has been through. He's always been that way. Not that he is entirely unaffected by his past, but he tries to move past it and focus on reminding himself of the better times. That there were still good people out there.
Maybe he shouldn't be surprised that Vanitas seems confused by him. It is hardly like he would be the first to say something similar. Still, he starts almost laughing when Vanitas calls him strange, and he winces as it hurts his stomach.]
[They're both alike in that regard, the only children of their family left. Perhaps that's why Vanitas' expression becomes conflicted rather than merely amused at the vampire's pain. With a sigh, he moves towards Noé, starting to pick at his clothes in order to get at his wound.]
Here-- Let me see it. I did promise to treat you, didn't I?
[Once he exposes the injury, he pulls out some gauze and starts wrapping it around the vampire's middle, mumbling to himself.]
If they find out I'm helping you, I won't be welcome back...
[Noé misses the conflicted expression as he blinks, glancing down when Vanitas reaches for his waistcoat and shirt. He shifts to try and help the other open the waistcoat to get to his shirt and lift it up for Vanitas to check his stomach. Remaining still to allow Vanitas to treat the injury where he had been slashed with the knives. Or at least, he tries to remain still. Glancing between his stomach and at Vanitas when the other mumbles to himself.]
They don't have to find out. I don't want to get you in trouble....
[Because if there's one thing he believes in, it's honoring debts. That's part of the reason he went with the Chasseurs in the first place after they saved him. Hence his careful treatment of Noé despite being the one to have inflicted the injury not that long ago. Thankfully his doctor's training is coming in handy, allowing him to properly treat the wound and bandage it smoothly and hastily.]
[Noé says quietly, shifting to pull his shirt down and do his waistcoat back up. It might be a little tighter with the bandage, but he would probably need to replace the clothes anyway. Unless Domi could get the blood out and sew it back up where it had been ripped. Still, he isn't sure he quite expected Vanitas to be so gentle. Probably just because of how they had initially met. He's not quite sure if it is partly the other's way of apologizing, perhaps.]
[Vanitas hums quietly, thoughtfully, while he mulls over the fact he's treating a vampire of all things. Of all people. Something he never thought he would do in all his life, not after what happened to his family. Though while he'd rather not dwell on it, he sighs a bit, knowing that this is likely his only chance for information. So once Noé is bandaged and dressed, he sits back to regard the vampire, frowning.]
...for you to use this ability of yours. What do I have to do?
Ah, that's....I just need to feed from you. That's all. It'll be easier, since I'll know what memory you want me to find, to focus on.
[Noé says, trying to explain as best he can. At least, Vanitas has some idea of the ability. So he shouldn't be too surprised. Seems to want to take advantage of the Archiviste's ability to see memories. So Noé figures that won't be an issue.]
It's only for the first time I feed from someone.
[He should be fine. But if he ends up seeing another memory instead, then there won't be another chance. Is what he tries to say. Not that he intends on there being a second time that Vanitas would allow this.]
...alright then. Just remember that if you try to drain me too much, I will kill you.
[He tries to sound threatening, yet it's halfhearted compared to his initial vim and vigor from earlier. Undoing the buttons of his cassock, he pulls the fabric aside from his throat to expose the skin of his neck.]
I see. Then let us hope we can make it count, hmm? It'd be a shame to waste this opportunity.
[It's a fairly deeply buried memory, so he worries that perhaps Noé might get lost along the way. Not that he thinks there's anything he can do about it, but hope and pray.]
I don't intend to take too much. Just so I can see about finding that memory for you.
[That's all. He swallows, initially glancing to the side as Vanitas undoes the buttons and exposes his throat. Though there is a nod, he wants to be able to help if he can. Wanting to be able to tell Vanitas about what he sees from the memory. Hopefully, he finds it. But Vanitas wants this, is giving permission, so. It's fine. Vanitas would just have to be mindful to keep his neck covered while the bruising and puncture wounds healed afterwards.]
Good. Because at this point... I'm not sure I wish to kill you.
[Which is probably saying a lot, given how damn keen he was on the notion earlier. But he figures one good turn deserves another, and if he can get something out of this, then he ought to oblige with a favor of his own. That being letting this one go without harm. He believes more in his own personal brand of justice than the blind ultimatums of the church, no matter how much they've helped him.
Thankfully if anyone back at the church were to spot his bite marks, he could always say he was ambushed and unable to defend himself. It might make his skills look bad, but that'd be better than them thinking he willingly consorted with a vampire.]
I am. I want to know.
[Hence him exposing himself and bracing for Noé to do what he must in order to view his memories.]
[Well, that's something. Some progress, at least. If he's made a good enough impression already for Vanitas to trust him. To admit that just like mortals, some vampires were generally good, even if there were some that were more violent. Some that would attack people, usually because of becoming a curse bearer. Still, he nods, leaning in closer.]
Alright. It'll hurt a bit.
[He probably doesn't need to warn Vanitas of that. Even if this is to access his memories, it will still involve his skin being pierced. He gives the other a moment, ensuring the other seems ready before he leans in, a hand at Vanitas's shoulder as he steadies himself. There's a deep breath before his lips brush against Vanitas's neck and his fangs pierce the skin. He's not being too rough about it, too rushed. He can at least try to make this as best an experience for Vanitas as he can, considering the situation.]
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[He blinks, his eyes widening for a second before he narrows them in confusion. Vanitas had been trying to kill him, and now he was asking a favor? Just what was going on with this guy? He's not sure if he could quite understand what Vanitas wanted. Something to do with his abilities as an Archiviste? That seemed to be what had interested him.]
You were trying to kill me, and now you're asking me for a favor....?!
[His stomach still hurts, his hand still trying to keep pressure on it as he is cornered. Backed against the edge of the roof as Vanitas had likely planned and wanted.]
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[As if that explains why he's suddenly switched to being more amiable, though perhaps it does? If he can separate being a Chasseur from his personal life, then hopefully that means Noé might be reasoned with. Not that Vanitas can blame him for his confusion. No, that's only natural, as is his suspicion.]
That was strictly business. Well, mostly. Here, how about I treat your injury as a show of good faith, hmm?
[Since he can see Noé continuing to clutch at his wound as the injury leaks more blood. Though in a show of good faith, he sheaths his other knife, raising both empty hands to indicate he's unarmed now and won't attack.]
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[What was that supposed to mean? He's not sure what to make of this. What to expect. What Vanitas wants. Should he listen to Vanitas? Help him? He isn't certain what sort of situation he's gotten himself into with Vanitas. But at least for now, the other isn't attacking him. Noé seems less tense, less on guard when Vanitas sheathes his knife.
The offer to treat his injury has him pause, blinking in surprise and confusion. But he can't really stop Vanitas. Not without one or both of them potentially falling. And Vanitas has sheathed his blades. So he doesn't seem to intend on hurting Noé.]
You'd....why?
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[As a show of even more good faith, he... simple parks it on the rooftop, sitting down where he is before patting the space in front of him, trying to encourage Noé to join him. It's a complete 180 from what they were just doing, but, well, things change. The fact he's an Archiviste means more to Vanitas than the fact he's a vampire in general. If push came to shove, he could always kill him later, after all. Not that Noé seems like an especially aggressive brand of vampire, not like some of them who rampage through the city streets.]
Come! Let us talk.
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[He assumes, but Vanitas seems to have some use for him, so he doesn't currently have any intentions of hurting him further. So he supposes it is fine. Probably. Even if he should all but hear Dominique screeching at him for being too trusting. Noé approaches, slowly and hesitantly, before he eventually sits down next to Vanitas. He glances to the other through his mess of hair, trying to figure the guy out.]
I haven't agreed to anything yet. You still haven't told me what you want from me.
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[Despite them having not yet reached any kind of agreement, Vanitas seems completely jovial now, having lost almost all of his bloodlust. He's still just as intense as before, simply in a different manner, with his attention focused on the conversation rather than the fight. So once Noé decides to meet him halfway by sitting down with him, he slaps a hand on the vampire's leg, like they're good friends or something equally ridiculous.]
Why, I thought that would be obvious! I want you to peer into my memories.
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[Vanitas still seems so confusing. He's not quite sure what to make of the other. Which isn't to say that he isn't partly curious in spite of himself. The way the other so easily switches to acting so jovial and....friendly? When just moments before, he had been trying to kill Noé. How he stares and takes in the other's features more when they're closer like this. He purses his lips and frowns a little when Vanitas smacks his leg. Just what was with this guy...?]
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[He says that so blithely?? Like the answer is obvious and simple and completely matter-of-fact. Perhaps to him it is, except there's a note of giddy glee in how he talks about killing Noé, like he'd relish the notion. Yet it doesn't change the fact he gives the vampire a playful shove on the shoulder, as though he's telling a rather funny joke to a friend rather than threatening someone.]
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[It's probably the blithe, casual way Vanitas says it. The shove at his shoulder that disorients him. His actions and casual tone were so out of place with what he was actually saying. Noé can sense that glee, that anticipation from him. How happy he'd be to kill him. It certainly throws him off guard, as he shifts and instinctively puts out a hand next to him to keep his balance when he's shoved. Noé's expression is almost incredulous as he glances at Vanitas, seeming more confused than anything else by the man next to him.]
What memory would you want me to see, exactly?
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The deaths of my family. Vampires killed them, and while most were taken care of by the Chasseurs, one escaped justice. I want to find them and kill them. But... I was young. Scared. My memory is spotty. I'd like your help seeing it more clearly.
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[The thing with being an Archiviste, he doesn't have the same option. To ask someone to check his memories. If he ever did want to find out more about what had happened to his clan. His family. Not that he has ever felt the need to. It's enough to know that he is apparently the last. Still, he gets the idea, at least. He can relate. At least somewhat. Given that he had also lost his family at such a young age.]
I'm sorry. So....after you lost them, the Chasseurs took you in? I can see memories that others have forgotten entirely. So. I can probably help.
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[So it's probably easy to see how smoothly he took to the role of Chasseur with that loathing welling up inside him, those memories clouding his life and preventing him from seeing a hopeful future otherwise. Not that he was expecting to sit down and discuss his history with one of rotten creatures, but, well, he's always been a practical sort first and foremost.]
...though I suppose you're not too bad. [Somewhat surprised, he regards Noé almost suspiciously.] And you'd be willing to do that?
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[But. Well, anyone could understand that desire for vengeance. It isn't like he never had such thoughts, even for a moment. He's just too soft, for all that he has a temper and could get riled up sometimes, to actually act on it. Besides, this wasn't a simple case of going after one lone vampire. It would have taken many to wipe out basically an entire clan.
He tilts his head when Vanitas admits he doesn't seem so bad. When he's asked if he would help.]
I mean. I'd doubt if it was Teacher or Domi. And if one of us was killing mortals....then they need to be stopped.
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[His experiences with vampires hasn't been good, obviously. From the first to the last. Or latest, anyway. But this one... Noé strikes him as different. Obviously he's not the one who's been rampaging all over Paris, yet nor is he a typical violent, hateful beast like those who killed Vanitas' family. Frankly, he's not sure what to make of the person before him. Because that's what Noé seems to be. An individual rather than a monster.]
Huh... You're a strange one. I wonder if it's because you're an Archiviste, or if there really are decent vampires out there.
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[Noé can't really deny that he's idealistic. Optimistic. Wants to believe the best. Even after all that he has been through. He's always been that way. Not that he is entirely unaffected by his past, but he tries to move past it and focus on reminding himself of the better times. That there were still good people out there.
Maybe he shouldn't be surprised that Vanitas seems confused by him. It is hardly like he would be the first to say something similar. Still, he starts almost laughing when Vanitas calls him strange, and he winces as it hurts his stomach.]
Ah - ow.....
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[They're both alike in that regard, the only children of their family left. Perhaps that's why Vanitas' expression becomes conflicted rather than merely amused at the vampire's pain. With a sigh, he moves towards Noé, starting to pick at his clothes in order to get at his wound.]
Here-- Let me see it. I did promise to treat you, didn't I?
[Once he exposes the injury, he pulls out some gauze and starts wrapping it around the vampire's middle, mumbling to himself.]
If they find out I'm helping you, I won't be welcome back...
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[Noé misses the conflicted expression as he blinks, glancing down when Vanitas reaches for his waistcoat and shirt. He shifts to try and help the other open the waistcoat to get to his shirt and lift it up for Vanitas to check his stomach. Remaining still to allow Vanitas to treat the injury where he had been slashed with the knives. Or at least, he tries to remain still. Glancing between his stomach and at Vanitas when the other mumbles to himself.]
They don't have to find out. I don't want to get you in trouble....
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[Because if there's one thing he believes in, it's honoring debts. That's part of the reason he went with the Chasseurs in the first place after they saved him. Hence his careful treatment of Noé despite being the one to have inflicted the injury not that long ago. Thankfully his doctor's training is coming in handy, allowing him to properly treat the wound and bandage it smoothly and hastily.]
...there we go. That's taken care of.
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[Noé says quietly, shifting to pull his shirt down and do his waistcoat back up. It might be a little tighter with the bandage, but he would probably need to replace the clothes anyway. Unless Domi could get the blood out and sew it back up where it had been ripped. Still, he isn't sure he quite expected Vanitas to be so gentle. Probably just because of how they had initially met. He's not quite sure if it is partly the other's way of apologizing, perhaps.]
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[Vanitas hums quietly, thoughtfully, while he mulls over the fact he's treating a vampire of all things. Of all people. Something he never thought he would do in all his life, not after what happened to his family. Though while he'd rather not dwell on it, he sighs a bit, knowing that this is likely his only chance for information. So once Noé is bandaged and dressed, he sits back to regard the vampire, frowning.]
...for you to use this ability of yours. What do I have to do?
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[Noé says, trying to explain as best he can. At least, Vanitas has some idea of the ability. So he shouldn't be too surprised. Seems to want to take advantage of the Archiviste's ability to see memories. So Noé figures that won't be an issue.]
It's only for the first time I feed from someone.
[He should be fine. But if he ends up seeing another memory instead, then there won't be another chance. Is what he tries to say. Not that he intends on there being a second time that Vanitas would allow this.]
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[He tries to sound threatening, yet it's halfhearted compared to his initial vim and vigor from earlier. Undoing the buttons of his cassock, he pulls the fabric aside from his throat to expose the skin of his neck.]
I see. Then let us hope we can make it count, hmm? It'd be a shame to waste this opportunity.
[It's a fairly deeply buried memory, so he worries that perhaps Noé might get lost along the way. Not that he thinks there's anything he can do about it, but hope and pray.]
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[That's all. He swallows, initially glancing to the side as Vanitas undoes the buttons and exposes his throat. Though there is a nod, he wants to be able to help if he can. Wanting to be able to tell Vanitas about what he sees from the memory. Hopefully, he finds it. But Vanitas wants this, is giving permission, so. It's fine. Vanitas would just have to be mindful to keep his neck covered while the bruising and puncture wounds healed afterwards.]
If you're sure....
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[Which is probably saying a lot, given how damn keen he was on the notion earlier. But he figures one good turn deserves another, and if he can get something out of this, then he ought to oblige with a favor of his own. That being letting this one go without harm. He believes more in his own personal brand of justice than the blind ultimatums of the church, no matter how much they've helped him.
Thankfully if anyone back at the church were to spot his bite marks, he could always say he was ambushed and unable to defend himself. It might make his skills look bad, but that'd be better than them thinking he willingly consorted with a vampire.]
I am. I want to know.
[Hence him exposing himself and bracing for Noé to do what he must in order to view his memories.]
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[Well, that's something. Some progress, at least. If he's made a good enough impression already for Vanitas to trust him. To admit that just like mortals, some vampires were generally good, even if there were some that were more violent. Some that would attack people, usually because of becoming a curse bearer. Still, he nods, leaning in closer.]
Alright. It'll hurt a bit.
[He probably doesn't need to warn Vanitas of that. Even if this is to access his memories, it will still involve his skin being pierced. He gives the other a moment, ensuring the other seems ready before he leans in, a hand at Vanitas's shoulder as he steadies himself. There's a deep breath before his lips brush against Vanitas's neck and his fangs pierce the skin. He's not being too rough about it, too rushed. He can at least try to make this as best an experience for Vanitas as he can, considering the situation.]
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