bleude | Open Prompt Post & Closed Starters

You grandparents...? They were--?

[Human? It sounds as ridiculous as his own situation, making him let out a bark of laughter that he quickly swallows. Yet his hostility is rapidly deflating in the face of this... this person. Who seems so genuinely innocent. Nothing like the vampires who killed his family, who arranged for this prisoner exchange.

Noting the cat approaching, he glares at Murr, hoping to scare him off despite his own wavering confidence. Huffing at the last question, he growls out, trying to project an air of certainty that he's not quite feeling anymore.]

Isn't it obvious? You're now my hostage. And you're going to get me out of this hellhole and back to Paris, got it?

Well, I called them that, but they weren't really my biological grandparents. They took me in, though.

[Murr hisses again, swiping in Vanitas's direction, though not actually close enough to scratch him. Yet, anyway. For his part, the vampire seems to somehow only focus on that last part of what Vanitas says. As if the rest went over his head, or just simply clearly wasn't important. And somehow, rather than being terrified or laughing at the idea of a human taking him hostage, seems....excited? Which, if Vanitas knew him, he'd know that was rather ominous. The idea of taking this hopeless vampire anywhere new. How easily distracted and flighty he could be at the best of times.]

Paris?! Really?!

....no, I suppose not, not if they were human.

[Between the cat getting on his case and this... this ridiculous excuse for a vampire, Vanitas is feeling more and more out of his element by the minute. He expected a fight, some pushback, and hell, he craved it after being hauled around for the week prior. Except not even the vampire he gets stuck with is satisfying in that way! Go fucking figure! Instead, he sounds... excited to be held captive? Or is it just the city he cares about? Ugh, what the hell...]

Tch--! What's with you...?

[He tries again to squeeze the guy's neck a little tighter in the hopes he'll realize he's dangerous, although his hopes on that front are rapidly fading.]

I don't even remember my vampire family from before. But they took me in, then I was taken by vampires before my Teacher brought me here, and I met Domi and Louis.

[He sounds probably far too casual as he talks about being trafficked by vampires who mistook him for a human. Clearly oblivious that he is hardly the best captive and the least threatening example of a vampire, at least thus far, given how he's been with Vanitas yet. Murr pounces and scratches at Vanitas's ankle. As if that would make him release his owner. Maybe he might have been told off for that, usually, scratching at guests, but. Well.]

I've never been to Paris...!

[His hands raise to hold Vanitas's arm, but he isn't doing so that tightly. Not wanting to hurt the other by accident. It seems more out of instinct than him really trying to pry Vanitas from him yet.]

.....you're strange.

[That's about all he can manage as his head whirls, trying to find his proverbial footing as all his assumptions come crashing down around his ears. This guy's an orphan like him, bounced from place to place like him, and now he wants to go to Paris? The cat attacking him is the last straw-- he abruptly releases hold of his so called captive, giving him a swift boot in the butt to send him on his way.

Then he's sighing heavily, limbs feeling infinitely heavier than they should after such a short time. Like their weird conversation has worn him out. He wants to lie down, but doesn't dare turn his back on the vampire just yet.]

...what's your name, Mr. Easy To Please?

Ah? I'm Noé.

[He says as he straightens and stands up from the other, having released and kicked him. Murr seems to be placated, if still glaring at Vanitas. Not that he cares about his idiot owner, but Noé did feed him. He can't let anything happen to the hopeless vampire. Noé is oblivious to how exhausted even just talking to him has made Vanitas, tilting his head as he asks the other in turn, clearing his throat and raising a hand to his neck briefly.]

What's your name?

Vanitas. And don't you forget it.

[Eyeing Murr a bit distrustfully, he strides around the vampire, going to one of the fancy high-backed chairs in the room and seating himself in it rather dramatically, crossing one leg over the other as he leans on an arm, frowning at his captor. Noé, huh... Well, at least he doesn't seem as bad as the bastards who've been trying to pull his strings this entire time. Still, it's boggling how... innocent he seems. Like he doesn't belong here among the nobles and their scheming ilk, either.]

So, Noé. What are you here for? You don't strike me as someone in charge of anything, and clearly you're not security. What do you want of me?

Vanitas. Alright. I guess things could have gone off to a better start, but. It's nice to meet you.

[He tries to recover from the initial rough start. Hoping to get on a better foot with each other, as it were. He takes a seat on the other chair, facing Vanitas and not seeming to care if the chair is backwards, merely sitting in it that way with his arms leaning on the back of the chair and his chin resting on his arms. The position likely betrays that he is far from really used to etiquette and formalities.]

Me? Ah, well. No, I'm not that important or anything. But I do know the family that owns this place. Domi is my best friend. I don't want anything, just figured to come and check on you?

...tch. Nice for you, perhaps...

[Seeing as how he doubts Noé is a prisoner like himself, given his relationship to the owners of this place. No... If anything Noé is likely one of his captors, despite his supposed amiable personality. Whether it's all a ruse or not remains to be seen, but it's enough to make Vanitas wary. Even if the way in which he seats himself is somewhat disarming. Not all prim and proper like Ruthven and the others he's encountered thus far.]

Check on me. [He scoffs, eyes narrowing suspiciously at the other man. Vampire. Whatever.] I'm just dandy. Treated like royalty. I'm important goods, after all.

[If he tries, he might be able to sound a liiittle more sarcastic.]

Important goods? I wasn't really paying that much attention, really. Just that you were here as a representative of the humans or something.

[Which. Might be to Vanitas's benefit in some ways. How oblivious and trusting this particular vampire could be. If he were to use that to his advantage. Noé doesn't seem to care all that much for appearances, not bothering even to attempt to fix his hair or clothes that might be a bit of a mess or rumpled from Vanitas grabbing him earlier. Murr seems content enough that Vanitas isn't seeming to attack his owner, leaping up at Noé to rest in his lap for a moment before deciding to climb up to the vampire's shoulders and back more.]

[That alone is almost enough to leave him laughing hysterically, if it weren't so painfully wrong. Yes, he's representing humanity... Just however unwillingly. It's almost like some sick joke someone is playing on him, sending this boy - he's started to see him more as that than a man, really - to check in on him. The hilarity of the situation leaves him grinning madly, head dipped low as his shoulders start to shake from quiet chuckles he can't contain. Oh yes... He might be able to use this to his advantage.]

I see... So you're like that, are you? Well, then, Noé, I think we could be friends. Very good friends indeed...

[Yet the tone of his voice says the complete opposite, being laced with vitriol.]

Teacher and Domi usually handle this sort of thing.

[He probably should be far more wary of how open he is. But then, it's just how he is. Noé had never been great at hiding things. Or lying. He sees no real reason to with Vanitas. Not yet, anyway. It isn't like the other had actually hurt him. And this....hardly feels like the other is kidnapping him. So. It's fine, right? Probably.]

You think so? I only really have Domi now. More friends would be nice.

[Since he had lost Louis. It had been lonelier. Vanitas is not wrong in so quickly seeing the other as far more sheltered and innocent than his age might lead one to assume. Dominique had compared him to a child more than once, even as he got older.]

You're the the Comte de Saint Germain's student?

[Okay, at that he can't help himself anymore - Vanitas leans back and howls with hysterical laughter, that goes on for a good minute or so before he finally calms down enough to speak again. Of all the things-- Betrothed to a clueless, nice guy of a vampire. It's more than he can bear.]

Oh, what a riot! So this is my fate, eh? Babysitter to one such as you...! I don't know whether to be thrilled or enraged!

[On one hand, he could probably manipulate someone such as this with ease, on the other, he wonders just how much autonomy even vampires would give an innocent fellow such as this. Surely they wouldn't give him free rein of the estate...? If so, he could just ask this guy to walk him out the front door!]

Yes. He took me in and introduced me to Domi and Louis. Since we were similar in age, we played together and got rather close. Why is that funny?

[Noé isn't quite sure what to make of Vanitas's reaction. The laughter. He merely looks confused initially, before the other's mention of 'babysitting'. Really? Murr gives the doctor a look, as if to say that only he gets to be exasperated with his owner. For his part, Noé just seems to pout at the implication that he needs a babysitter at his age.]

....Eh? Babysitter?

You really didn't pay attention to what they had to say, did you? Well then... Let me enlighten you.

[Sliding out of his chair, Vanitas struts over to Noé, splaying a hand over his chest with delicate gloved fingers, using the claws on it to prod the vampire through his clothes. He has to chuckle, both at Noé and Murr's reactions to his amusement. Two very different if justified responses. Leaning in, he gets his lips up close to Noé's ear before whispering.]

You're to be my husband, mon cher.

Not really.

[Because he hadn't really figured it involved him. Most goings on around here didn't. Given he isn't really part of the family or anything, technically, given that his Teacher had taken him in and all. He tends to just assume that most things, Domi, or his Teacher would take care of.

When Vanitas approaches, he doesn't really move, but he does blink at the prodding at his chest. It seems like it takes a moment for what Vanitas says really sinks in, even if his cheeks are already reddening at how close the other is.]

.....Quoi?

Why does that not surprise me...

[He heaves a sigh, feeling not one iota of shock at that revelation. Oblivious, that's what this guy is. One hundred percent oblivious. He's starting to think that head of his is full of fluff like the cat's fur...

Using the claws of his glove, he fondles Noé's opposite ear, teasingly pinching the lobe while he continues whispering in the other. Honestly, he wouldn't be surprised if none of this really gets to him, although it would be nice if it would; he could use the amusement for sure. It might make his situation more bearable.]

"You're to be wed to the Comte de Saint Germain's student." That's what they told me.

So... You. Me. Marriage.

[His violet eyes glance to the side as Vanitas fondles his ear, but he doesn't otherwise move. Doesn't seem bothered enough to push the other away, even if Vanitas was definitely in his personal space more than he might be used to with anyone except Dominique. He swallows as the other continues. Putting it simply.

It isn't that he didn't hear. Or that he doesn't understand at least some of the basics of marriage, in theory. He's just never been in a relationship to have really thought about it. At least, up until now.]

E-eh? Me? Why - ?

[Tch, what a shame... It would've been so much more fun if Noé had gotten flustered or angry with him. He's looking for an excuse to fight, to vent his frustrations at being held captive by damnable vampires. Not that humans are any better, having forced him into this. Though at Noé's confusion, he almost feels a pang of pity for the other man; he's so clearly out of his element when it comes to politics and matters of the world.]

I suppose because you're a ward of one of the most powerful vampires. Good to know I'm not the only puppet in this farce.

[Sighing, he gives Noé's ear a harder pinch.]

I'm not sure if I should be grateful for someone like you or disappointed.

Because -- because of Teacher? But I don't remember...?

[Well. Maybe his Teacher and/or Dominique had told him. He just might not really have been listening at the time. Or paying attention. Noé did have a habit of that. But still! If he wasn't flustered before, he was now. With the other talking about him being a puppet and whether he should be disappointed or grateful for having him.]

You think Teacher is that big a deal? That I'm a puppet?

[That his beloved Teacher was just using him? No. He'd taken him in, cared for him for years. He wouldn't do all of that just for this? Right? He winces slightly at the pinch, lips pursing a little more, but doesn't try to move away or reach to stop Vanitas. Not yet, anyway. He's still trying to process it all.]

Ah... You poor thing... They were probably counting on that - your naivete. Those in charge usually do. Ignorance is a powerful tool.

[He's beginning to see how easy it would be to slip an "Oh, by the way, Noé..." into a conversation and have him miss out on it completely. Or to just not grasp what's being said. He seems so innocent. It'd almost be a pity to use him. Almost.]

I know he is. And that you are. You're the same as me, given you weren't even let into the loop. Poor thing.

[He reiterates that point, hand moving from his ear to cup his cheek instead. This isn't anything like how he expected the meeting with his partner-to-be to go, but it works all the same. He still might be able to make use of it. Of him.]

Counting on it? No, that's not...?

[Not it, surely? He frowns slightly, seeming to take a moment in considering what Vanitas says. He doesn't want to believe that. Surely, if Domi were aware of something like this, she would have said or done something. But then, that might well be why she might also not be in the know, so to speak. To keep her from interfering. To keep her from protesting on his behalf. That he is far from ready for something like marriage yet, let alone one that would be this important.]

Me? No, there's really not anything that special about me.

[Not that he considers. Besides, perhaps his ability as an Archiviste. To be able to see people's memories when he feeds from them. He blinks, glancing to Vanitas through his mess of white hair as the other cups his cheek.]

You really don't understand the ways of the world, do you...?

[He seems the sort to only think well of people upon meeting them, never harboring any suspicions or doubts as to their intentions. The complete opposite of Vanitas himself. It's galling, really, to come face to face with someone so sheltered, so precious. That could be why his smile fades, replaced by a dark expression as he gazes into Noé's violet eyes.]

Nothing special? From what I heard, you're an Archiviste. That in itself is noteworthy. The Comte's precious student. Surely they chose you as my partner for that reason.

[He continues stroking the other's cheek idly, almost tenderly as he sighs, wondering just what the vampires have in store for them both.]

If you were a woman, I could understand. But you're not.

I understand some things...?! Well, y-yes, but. It isn't like I really have any memory of them.

[The other Archivistes. His biological family. All he can remember is his human grandparents. His time being trafficked before his Teacher took him in and where he has been ever since. Though he supposes his ability as an Archiviste might have something to do with it. It isn't like he needs to marry Vanitas to get permission to feed from him and see his memories, though. If that was what this was about?]

I'm not sure why I was chosen. I would have figured that if someone was to marry, it would be Domi.

Do you now... [Forgive his skepticism, Noé.] No, huh? Interesting... Maybe your teacher merely likes collecting rare things.

[That's something he wouldn't put past that man. He's so damn shifty it isn't even funny. And Noé is right: if it was his memories they wanted, they could simply force them both to undergo biting him. No need for all this hullabaloo regarding marriage and what not. Perhaps they really do want to try bridging the two races... It's a strange possibility, but one that exists all the same.]

They probably already had plans for the de Sade woman. You, on the other hand, were likely free. So it could be a matter of convenience.

[He pauses, then something occurs to him and he pinches Noé's cheek.]

You don't seem too upset hearing about this. You're not some pervert thinking of trying to get me under the sheets with you, are you?

[He's kidding. Mostly.]

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