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.]
[The violent, aggressive kind, who openly have contempt for humans themselves. Vanitas isn't so naive as to think ALL vampires must be like that, but he thought that it was the prevailing attitude amongst them, given how often he heard of vampire attacks. Confirmation bias, really.]
Understood. I expect it to.
[Just so long as "a bit" doesn't turn into agonizing, then he'll be able to handle it. Though he shivers as Noé gets close, breath tickling over his bare skin before those accursed fang sink into his flesh. He winces with a grunt, bracing himself on the other man with both hands, should he need to push him away suddenly. But so far all is well; he can feel the blood welling up from the puncture wounds, hear the sound of drinking, and then wonders how far back Noé will be able to see.
For the best he can recall is a chaotic vision of people running and screaming as the dark forms of vampires chase down the humans of his family's troupe like prey animals, leaping on them and tearing at their throats with reckless abandon. He remembers being small, young enough to hide crouched beneath a wagon, until a man falls in front of it, hand outstretched towards him - his father - as a red-haired vampire leaps upon him and finishes the terrified man off by ripping into his throat.
Only then are the screams and cries interrupted by the sounds of fighting growing nearer, causing the hungry vampire to flee, but not before giving Vanitas a knowing smile, ending the memory.]
[He supposes that's true. Maybe he was different. He had not exactly had the most normal of upbringings. To say the least. Between losing his family and clan, his human grandparents who took him in afterwards, and then his Teacher. Studying under him.
It's the red hair that stands out to him amid the chaos. As the red-haired vampire flees, he pulls back from Vanitas. He blinks, his eyes shifting from red to their usual violet colour as he raises a hand, clumsily wiping at his mouth. He takes a moment, taking a breath and processing what he saw. Maybe because he had been through something so similar, but he can't help needing a minute or two to calm himself down a little.]
[Different in a good way, at least. One that leaves Vanitas feeling less and less inclined to loathe this vampire compared to all others. An exception, really. It's strange, but that Noé is willing to talk things out feels like a far cry from those who killed his family. He'll take it.
Given what bits and pieces Vanitas can remember, he doesn't push Noé immediately for an answer, instead letting himself shiver from the bite and the feeling of cool night air making his typical chill that much worse. Though once he's sure Noé is finished doing what he needs to do, Vanitas hurriedly pulls his clothes back into place, a faint blush on his cheeks. It may be a transaction, but it still felt rather intimate.]
....red hair...
[He closes his eyes, straining to draw the memory back to his own mind. He's not sure if he's remembering or imagining now, though. Sighing, he nods, sitting back from the vampire.]
[Noé isn't sure why he is such an exception. But it's fine. Better than the alternative. Better than Vanitas trying to kill him. Though he supposes he can't be sure what might have happened if he encountered Vanitas again. He can feel his face flush a little more, unsure if the colour there is really just from feeding or something else.]
It should at least help narrow it down. I hope. I'm not sure how much more I could help.
[How much more he could do. Not without potentially getting Vanitas in trouble if anyone saw them together. If the Chasseurs saw them and he would get Vanitas hurt because of him. Because of Noé being a vampire. The others might not understand. Might think Vanitas a traitor or some such. He isn't sure if they should meet again after this. At least not on purpose. Planned.
Noé does notice Vanitas shivers and instinctively offers his coat over the other's shoulders. He's used to such, probably because of Dominique reminding him that mortals, that women, usually get colder more easily.]
[It's something mystifying to Vanitas, too, given his seething hatred for all of vampire kind. He supposes it's Noé's willingness to aid him, despite there not really being an alternative. Or perhaps there's something in the vampire's nature that makes him softer and easier to trust.]
My thanks. Even if that's all you can do, it is appreciated.
[It gives him some hope, after all. It's only a shame that an Archiviste's power only works for the first time, because delving deeper would have been worthwhile. Oh well. He's always been hasty, that much is nothing new. Instead, he finds himself reaches a hand out to brush the backs of his fingers over Noé's cheek.
And then the strange vampire acts even stranger by offering him his coat. Almost immediately he's flooded with warmth from the article, and finds himself hugging it around him, looking mystified.]
I'm not sure if working with you to help track him down might get you in trouble with the other Chasseurs. I don't personally know too many vampires. I think the only one off the top of my head with red hair would be Lord Ruthven, but I'm not sure if it was him?
[Noé says quietly, considering what he had seen. Wanting to help stop the vampire from potentially hurting or killing more people if he can. Wondering if it wasn't that one of the Chasseurs hadn't come across him since and killed him in the years since, given how young Vanitas had been.
He blinks, pulled back to the moment when he feels Vanitas's hand at his cheek, violet gaze searching and almost confused for a moment.]
I know it might be a bit bigger on you. Probably has some blood on it. But you seemed cold, so....
It likely would, but my revenge comes first above my loyalty to them. Though I'm surprised to hear that... I assumed your kind stuck together. Though Lord Ruthven... I'll have to look into him. See if he stirs up any further memories.
[In some ways Vanitas hopes that no one has gotten to his prey yet. He isn't sure what he'd do with himself if it turned out he no longer had his vengeance to lean on. It's his reason for living, after all. It's his everything.
Though he's not sure what all is going on between the two of them now, here. The way he touches the vampire and is in turn being shielded from the cold by him. It leaves him with flushed cheeks and a strange sense of wonderment. To be care for by a vampire of all things. Or all people.]
No, it's... fine. I-- I appreciate it. I'm frequently cold, but... this is rather warm...
Don't mistake it. I just don't like the thought of anyone being free, getting away with something like that. I don't know if it was him or someone else, but. The hair does at least help narrow things down.
[He figures it is something to go off of. A start, at least. Though if it is Ruthven, that would make it far more complicated. More difficult. Given his status. His strength. Even for Noé, he would have trouble against him. Still, he doesn't really think twice about offering his coat. If Vanitas needs it.]
Heh, right, right. It's not as though we're friends or anything. Still, you have my thanks. It's more than I likely ever would have been able to discover on my own. Perhaps if I can find and kill this fiend, my family will know peace.
[Since he doesn't think he ever will, honestly... He's heard of Ruthven, of course, but the vampire's status means little to him. Just another bloodsucker to investigate and rule out. Or kill. Either way. Hugging the coat around his shoulders, he finds himself leaning slightly against Noé for added warmth.]
Because I am. I feel chills others do not. Perhaps I'm anemic.
[Noé asks quietly. Curious. It isn't like he hasn't been angry or upset over losing his family at times. But it would seem far more difficult, if not impossible, to avenge his family. His clan. Easier for Vanitas if it is just one vampire to track down. He glances at Vanitas leaning in against him, not moving away if the other needs the support or warmth.]
[Now he just sounds resigned, hollow. Empty. Like even that hardly matters in the grand scheme of things. A far cry from the crazed Chasseur who was chasing down Noé initially. It's harder to imagine Noé would be able to figure out how to get revenge, though. Not without learning more about his own people and what happened to them. Sighing a bit, Vanitas stares blankly over the rooftops, suddenly feeling tired.]
I've always been this way. Cold. Not physically gifted. It's only my diligent training that's allowed me to flourish as Chasseur. So yes, I figure there must be something wrong with me.
Well....you figure what else you want to do. Find a new goal, I guess.
[Not that he might be the best to advise on that sort of thing. Given that he just listens to his Teacher and usually just does as he is instructed. Well, when Noé isn't being stubborn, anyway. A hand raises in some attempt to tame his hair as the wind catches it, glancing to Vanitas.]
Oh. Sorry.
[He knows mortals are much more frail in comparison. Even without his limited knowledge and use of the World Formula to buff himself when necessary.]
[He grumbles under his breath, now mulling over what the hell he would do without his revenge to sustain him. He may have it yet, but eventually, with luck, he'll complete it. Then the question will be the same: what next? What would he do with his life? Go back to the Chasseurs, probably. Continue on killing vampires for the sake of that revenge in general. Yet he's less keen on the idea than he was before. Sighing, he shakes his head.]
Don't be. It's fine.
[So long as people don't look down on him for it, then he doesn't really care; he can do his job just fine, if not better than a lot of others. He may yet be a rookie, but he's well on his way to becoming a Paladin's aide.]
Maybe it isn't. But...maybe it's worth thinking about. What you'd want to do afterwards.
[Noé hasn't had such....freedom. Such a question. He'd always just done as his Teacher had told him, asked of him. It was that simple, really. But he can imagine the prospect might be confusing. Scary, perhaps. If Vanitas was so focused on vengeance. To consider whatever might come next after he'd managed it.]
If you say so. Don't worry. I have other coats. You can keep that one if you want.
[If Vanitas said he took it from a vampire he encountered, he wouldn't be lying. Just not telling the whole truth that Noé had willingly given it to him. There might be some blood on it, but it's still enough to keep Vanitas warmer for now. Noé isn't even considering that the Chasseurs would probably have a field day if they were to make use of it and discover his particular ability somehow.]
[He's clung to that one thing for so long that now the thought of not having it is enough to make him shiver with uncertainty, even through the extra layer of clothing that's been presented to him. What next...? What after? He doesn't even begin to know. He'd just continue with the Chasseurs, he assumed. They weren't exactly family, but they were all he had.]
You sure...? I tried to kill you, you know.
[He seems somewhat incredulous that Noé would just hand over his coat like that, but then, this has been one weird encounter from start to finish. He shouldn't be too shocked that this vampire is breaking all his expectations yet again. It'd be easy enough to say the coat is a trophy from the vampire he attacked, given it has a bit of blood on it already. Though thankfully Vanitas has no inclination to tell his superiors about Noe or his abilities. The man did him a favor, after all, and he honors his word.]
[Noé says with a shrug. He doesn't feel the cold as acutely as Vanitas. And the coat would need a decent clean anyway. He doesn't really mind if Vanitas chooses to keep it. Or at least to wear it back to keep himself warm, anyway. Especially if the other was more prone to illness or the like.
Neither is Noé even considering the potential danger of leaving the coat with Vanitas. If anyone else got their hands on it or something. He just figures it is one way to help. Vanitas had done his best to try and treat him after attacking him, after all.]
[Thankfully Vanitas is wise in the ways of domestic affairs, so he'll likely be able to get most of the blood out of the fabric. For now, he snuggles underneath the thick fabric, still warm from Noé wearing it. It's... kind of nice, to be wearing something where he can feel the heat from another body. It's something he hasn't felt in years, given the church's strict rules regarding intimacy.
You know the ones you encounter are more likely curse bearers? Right? Not all of us behave that way. Even they don't, usually....it's just that they've lost themselves.
[He figures that Vanitas is aware of the curse bearers. But even so. He can't help feeling a little defensive. A little empathetic to their situation. Probably because of what he went through with Louis. Still, he can't say that he would have expected this, with a Chasseur. He glances between the view of the city below and Vanitas when the other leans in against him, tilting his head to give Vanitas space instinctively.]
I see... I was aware they were more violent than most, but given what happened to my family, you can hopefully understand where my hesitation to trust in your kind comes from.
[Because they couldn't all have been curse bearers, right? The ones he hunts as a Chasseur tend towards the more feral, frenzied side, whereas from what he can recall of that night many years ago, it had been a more calculated, deliberate attack upon his troupe. It's strange, conversing with a being he hated with all of his might not an hour ago. Yet Vanitas is nothing if not versatile, willing to change his mind as new information comes to light. He's not obsessed, like so many of those in the church.]
Hm. Yes. I just....wouldn't want you to think we're all like that. But I get it.
[Still. It isn't as if it is so simple for Noé. Given he would likely have far more than just one vampire to contend with if he were to want vengeance for his family, his clan. He sighs, raising a hand to absently brush some hair from his face as he takes in the view from the rooftop, wincing slightly at the movement. He can't say he expected to have an encounter like this with a Chasseur. But maybe knowing one of them might not be the worst thing.]
You should probably head off soon. Otherwise, your Chasseur friends might worry.
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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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[The violent, aggressive kind, who openly have contempt for humans themselves. Vanitas isn't so naive as to think ALL vampires must be like that, but he thought that it was the prevailing attitude amongst them, given how often he heard of vampire attacks. Confirmation bias, really.]
Understood. I expect it to.
[Just so long as "a bit" doesn't turn into agonizing, then he'll be able to handle it. Though he shivers as Noé gets close, breath tickling over his bare skin before those accursed fang sink into his flesh. He winces with a grunt, bracing himself on the other man with both hands, should he need to push him away suddenly. But so far all is well; he can feel the blood welling up from the puncture wounds, hear the sound of drinking, and then wonders how far back Noé will be able to see.
For the best he can recall is a chaotic vision of people running and screaming as the dark forms of vampires chase down the humans of his family's troupe like prey animals, leaping on them and tearing at their throats with reckless abandon. He remembers being small, young enough to hide crouched beneath a wagon, until a man falls in front of it, hand outstretched towards him - his father - as a red-haired vampire leaps upon him and finishes the terrified man off by ripping into his throat.
Only then are the screams and cries interrupted by the sounds of fighting growing nearer, causing the hungry vampire to flee, but not before giving Vanitas a knowing smile, ending the memory.]
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It's the red hair that stands out to him amid the chaos. As the red-haired vampire flees, he pulls back from Vanitas. He blinks, his eyes shifting from red to their usual violet colour as he raises a hand, clumsily wiping at his mouth. He takes a moment, taking a breath and processing what he saw. Maybe because he had been through something so similar, but he can't help needing a minute or two to calm himself down a little.]
Red hair. He had red hair. The vampire who fled.
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Given what bits and pieces Vanitas can remember, he doesn't push Noé immediately for an answer, instead letting himself shiver from the bite and the feeling of cool night air making his typical chill that much worse. Though once he's sure Noé is finished doing what he needs to do, Vanitas hurriedly pulls his clothes back into place, a faint blush on his cheeks. It may be a transaction, but it still felt rather intimate.]
....red hair...
[He closes his eyes, straining to draw the memory back to his own mind. He's not sure if he's remembering or imagining now, though. Sighing, he nods, sitting back from the vampire.]
That should be enough, then. My thanks...
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It should at least help narrow it down. I hope. I'm not sure how much more I could help.
[How much more he could do. Not without potentially getting Vanitas in trouble if anyone saw them together. If the Chasseurs saw them and he would get Vanitas hurt because of him. Because of Noé being a vampire. The others might not understand. Might think Vanitas a traitor or some such. He isn't sure if they should meet again after this. At least not on purpose. Planned.
Noé does notice Vanitas shivers and instinctively offers his coat over the other's shoulders. He's used to such, probably because of Dominique reminding him that mortals, that women, usually get colder more easily.]
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My thanks. Even if that's all you can do, it is appreciated.
[It gives him some hope, after all. It's only a shame that an Archiviste's power only works for the first time, because delving deeper would have been worthwhile. Oh well. He's always been hasty, that much is nothing new. Instead, he finds himself reaches a hand out to brush the backs of his fingers over Noé's cheek.
And then the strange vampire acts even stranger by offering him his coat. Almost immediately he's flooded with warmth from the article, and finds himself hugging it around him, looking mystified.]
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[Noé says quietly, considering what he had seen. Wanting to help stop the vampire from potentially hurting or killing more people if he can. Wondering if it wasn't that one of the Chasseurs hadn't come across him since and killed him in the years since, given how young Vanitas had been.
He blinks, pulled back to the moment when he feels Vanitas's hand at his cheek, violet gaze searching and almost confused for a moment.]
I know it might be a bit bigger on you. Probably has some blood on it. But you seemed cold, so....
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It likely would, but my revenge comes first above my loyalty to them. Though I'm surprised to hear that... I assumed your kind stuck together. Though Lord Ruthven... I'll have to look into him. See if he stirs up any further memories.
[In some ways Vanitas hopes that no one has gotten to his prey yet. He isn't sure what he'd do with himself if it turned out he no longer had his vengeance to lean on. It's his reason for living, after all. It's his everything.
Though he's not sure what all is going on between the two of them now, here. The way he touches the vampire and is in turn being shielded from the cold by him. It leaves him with flushed cheeks and a strange sense of wonderment. To be care for by a vampire of all things. Or all people.]
No, it's... fine. I-- I appreciate it. I'm frequently cold, but... this is rather warm...
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[He figures it is something to go off of. A start, at least. Though if it is Ruthven, that would make it far more complicated. More difficult. Given his status. His strength. Even for Noé, he would have trouble against him. Still, he doesn't really think twice about offering his coat. If Vanitas needs it.]
I just thought you seemed cold. I don't mind.
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[Since he doesn't think he ever will, honestly... He's heard of Ruthven, of course, but the vampire's status means little to him. Just another bloodsucker to investigate and rule out. Or kill. Either way. Hugging the coat around his shoulders, he finds himself leaning slightly against Noé for added warmth.]
Because I am. I feel chills others do not. Perhaps I'm anemic.
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[Noé asks quietly. Curious. It isn't like he hasn't been angry or upset over losing his family at times. But it would seem far more difficult, if not impossible, to avenge his family. His clan. Easier for Vanitas if it is just one vampire to track down. He glances at Vanitas leaning in against him, not moving away if the other needs the support or warmth.]
Anemic? Are you sick?
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[Now he just sounds resigned, hollow. Empty. Like even that hardly matters in the grand scheme of things. A far cry from the crazed Chasseur who was chasing down Noé initially. It's harder to imagine Noé would be able to figure out how to get revenge, though. Not without learning more about his own people and what happened to them. Sighing a bit, Vanitas stares blankly over the rooftops, suddenly feeling tired.]
I've always been this way. Cold. Not physically gifted. It's only my diligent training that's allowed me to flourish as Chasseur. So yes, I figure there must be something wrong with me.
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[Not that he might be the best to advise on that sort of thing. Given that he just listens to his Teacher and usually just does as he is instructed. Well, when Noé isn't being stubborn, anyway. A hand raises in some attempt to tame his hair as the wind catches it, glancing to Vanitas.]
Oh. Sorry.
[He knows mortals are much more frail in comparison. Even without his limited knowledge and use of the World Formula to buff himself when necessary.]
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[He grumbles under his breath, now mulling over what the hell he would do without his revenge to sustain him. He may have it yet, but eventually, with luck, he'll complete it. Then the question will be the same: what next? What would he do with his life? Go back to the Chasseurs, probably. Continue on killing vampires for the sake of that revenge in general. Yet he's less keen on the idea than he was before. Sighing, he shakes his head.]
Don't be. It's fine.
[So long as people don't look down on him for it, then he doesn't really care; he can do his job just fine, if not better than a lot of others. He may yet be a rookie, but he's well on his way to becoming a Paladin's aide.]
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[Noé hasn't had such....freedom. Such a question. He'd always just done as his Teacher had told him, asked of him. It was that simple, really. But he can imagine the prospect might be confusing. Scary, perhaps. If Vanitas was so focused on vengeance. To consider whatever might come next after he'd managed it.]
If you say so. Don't worry. I have other coats. You can keep that one if you want.
[If Vanitas said he took it from a vampire he encountered, he wouldn't be lying. Just not telling the whole truth that Noé had willingly given it to him. There might be some blood on it, but it's still enough to keep Vanitas warmer for now. Noé isn't even considering that the Chasseurs would probably have a field day if they were to make use of it and discover his particular ability somehow.]
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[He's clung to that one thing for so long that now the thought of not having it is enough to make him shiver with uncertainty, even through the extra layer of clothing that's been presented to him. What next...? What after? He doesn't even begin to know. He'd just continue with the Chasseurs, he assumed. They weren't exactly family, but they were all he had.]
You sure...? I tried to kill you, you know.
[He seems somewhat incredulous that Noé would just hand over his coat like that, but then, this has been one weird encounter from start to finish. He shouldn't be too shocked that this vampire is breaking all his expectations yet again. It'd be easy enough to say the coat is a trophy from the vampire he attacked, given it has a bit of blood on it already. Though thankfully Vanitas has no inclination to tell his superiors about Noe or his abilities. The man did him a favor, after all, and he honors his word.]
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[Noé says with a shrug. He doesn't feel the cold as acutely as Vanitas. And the coat would need a decent clean anyway. He doesn't really mind if Vanitas chooses to keep it. Or at least to wear it back to keep himself warm, anyway. Especially if the other was more prone to illness or the like.
Neither is Noé even considering the potential danger of leaving the coat with Vanitas. If anyone else got their hands on it or something. He just figures it is one way to help. Vanitas had done his best to try and treat him after attacking him, after all.]
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[Thankfully Vanitas is wise in the ways of domestic affairs, so he'll likely be able to get most of the blood out of the fabric. For now, he snuggles underneath the thick fabric, still warm from Noé wearing it. It's... kind of nice, to be wearing something where he can feel the heat from another body. It's something he hasn't felt in years, given the church's strict rules regarding intimacy.
Sighing a bit, he leans against Noé, frowning.]
...you're truly not a bad sort, for a vampire.
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[He figures that Vanitas is aware of the curse bearers. But even so. He can't help feeling a little defensive. A little empathetic to their situation. Probably because of what he went through with Louis. Still, he can't say that he would have expected this, with a Chasseur. He glances between the view of the city below and Vanitas when the other leans in against him, tilting his head to give Vanitas space instinctively.]
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[Because they couldn't all have been curse bearers, right? The ones he hunts as a Chasseur tend towards the more feral, frenzied side, whereas from what he can recall of that night many years ago, it had been a more calculated, deliberate attack upon his troupe. It's strange, conversing with a being he hated with all of his might not an hour ago. Yet Vanitas is nothing if not versatile, willing to change his mind as new information comes to light. He's not obsessed, like so many of those in the church.]
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[Still. It isn't as if it is so simple for Noé. Given he would likely have far more than just one vampire to contend with if he were to want vengeance for his family, his clan. He sighs, raising a hand to absently brush some hair from his face as he takes in the view from the rooftop, wincing slightly at the movement. He can't say he expected to have an encounter like this with a Chasseur. But maybe knowing one of them might not be the worst thing.]
You should probably head off soon. Otherwise, your Chasseur friends might worry.