bleude | Open Prompt Post & Closed Starters

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.]

Eh? What plans for Domi?!

[Somehow, that idea seems to get him flustered and worked up, wondering just who they might expect her childhood friend to be with. If he knows them. If she would be alright. He seems far more concerned about her than his own situation. Which is probably isn't surprising that he is that way, even just from what Vanitas knows of him thus far in their brief meeting, yet.

He blinks at the pinched cheek, his lips parting as his cheeks heat at the question.]

Pervert? N-no, that's not -- I'm just learning about this?!

[He can't help smirking faintly at just how quickly Noé springs to life when Dominique comes into question; he's so easy to read, honestly... Selfless, innocent, easygoing... All this he's learned from their short acquaintance. It makes teasing him all too easy, and frankly, enjoyable. Lightly, he shrugs, unconcerned.]

Who knows? Probably some nice rich toff. Undoubtedly a fellow vampire, as they wouldn't dare sully the de Sade name and family with a lowly human.

[With Noé's lips parting, Vanitas can't help moving his hand over to run his thumb along his bottom lip, smiling. If he's going to be stuck in this situation, at least he can have some fun with it. With him.]

Shame. You are quite handsome. I think I could appreciate be ravished by you.

[Vanitas, chill??]

But I don't...as long as she is happy, I guess.

[But he might go and ask her or his Teacher about it later. Because this isn't something he would want for her. Even if Noé has to figure this, that doesn't mean that she should have to deal with an arrangement like this. Dominique deserves better. At least, he thinks so. She deserves to marry because she wants to. Because she loves whoever it might be that she chooses.

He blinks, seeming to take a moment to process what the other says as Vanitas's thumb brushes over his lower lip. If he was red before, once he registers the implication, he's even more furiously flustered. From his reactions, it's likely easy to guess that Noé is decidedly new to relationships. To anything beyond his friendship with Dominique.]

W-what?

Food for thought, if nothing else.

[Meaning he's a jerk and an asshole for making Noé fret and worry about his childhood friend. But then, he's always been a bit of an ass, so this isn't a new development. What is, though, is the sincerity with which he's flirting(?) with his betrothed. Even if it's a game to him, there is some truth behind his words. Noé is a very handsome specimen for a vampire: beautiful skin, gorgeous hair, even lovelier eyes, and of course those fangs.

Yes, he could get used to such an individual, easy. Maybe staying here won't be all bad after all...]

Am I not to your liking? Is it because I'm human? Or do you prefer women? I've been told once or twice I could give some of them a run for their money...

[Shifting his hand, he brushes his thumb over a fang, flashing his own canines briefly. And here he thought he was going to be the vampire's plaything, not the other way around.]

I'm going to ask them about that. Domi shouldn't have to deal with that sort of thing....!

[He says with a pout. Hoping that she was okay, and surely she wouldn't allow this sort of thing to happen in her case. It's just that this idiot is far too oblivious. Far too naive and trusting. Far too....compliant, really. What with the way he just allows Vanitas to hold him like that, then getting in his space with Vanitas brushing his thumb at his lip.]

T-that's not...I don't know? I've never....

[Never been in a relationship yet. It isn't something he had really paid attention to. Or considered. At least, until now, when he is kind of forced to, given how he's been shoved at Vanitas like this. He swallows, feeling the heat at his cheeks as he says that.]

You should do that. Stand up for what you believe in, even if you have to face consequences for it.

[He doubts they'll punish him too badly for speaking out of turn; probably just brush him off by saying it's none of his concern or business, that political matters don't involve him, etc etc... All things Vanitas has heard before when trying to insert himself into the proceedings of hunting down curse-bearers.

Though as for Noé... He's certainly... obliging. Letting himself be messed with like this. He half wonders if the fool would've fought back at all should he have kept trying to throttle him at first. It's a disturbing thought, and one Vanitas finds he doesn't like for some reason. Why, though...? Noé is a stranger, nothing more than a fellow toy in the Comte's box of playthings.]

So... What you're saying is that you aren't opposed to me, on principle.

[Somehow that makes him somewhat happy, despite Noé's hesitation and uncertainty. If only to stroke Vanitas' own ego. The heat in Noé's cheeks is charming, very much so, leading him to lean in and brush his lips over the flushed skin.]

Mm, Domi probably already has told them what she wants. But I do want to check.

[Because, somehow, he hadn't even considered the idea or possibility before Vanitas mentioned it. That she might end up being given an arranged marriage because of her status, her family. Then again, it isn't like he really pays attention to that sort of thing. Or ever expected it for himself, for that matter.

He's not really sure what he expected from getting to meet the human. But.....well. It sure wasn't this. The way Vanitas had initially greeted him, the way he seemed so comfortable getting in his space like this. He can feel his cheeks heating as the other's lips brush against his skin, as if he weren't already flushed enough. He swallows, glancing to the side as Murr glares at Vanitas, unsure if he should respond to the other being so close.]

I....I guess? I don't know what I like or anything.

More than likely. From what I've heard, she's not a woman to trifle with.

[Honestly, it would've surprised Vanitas more to hear Dominique de Sade had the freedom to choose a partner of her liking. There's so many points upon which her position and status are held that anything other than a political marriage would be a miracle. But then, she does have the family power, so if she's lucky she might at least be able to choose between high status men.

To be fair, this hasn't gone according to Vanitas' plan, either. He thought he'd wrangle the first vampire to approach, threaten them into letting him go, and that would be that. He didn't expect to meet his betrothed and find him to be such a naive, innocent sort, who doesn't even know his own mind. Though he does have some biting words sometimes.]

You certainly know how to hit a guy when he's down.

[Honestly... His charms mean nothing to this fellow, don't they? It's frustrating and frankly a touch disappointing. Withdrawing from Noé's space, he strides over to the large bed and throws himself back on it with a heavy sigh, arms stretched out and eyes fixed on the canopy.]

So this is my lot in life now, huh? To be looked upon with disinterest? My, how the mighty have fallen!

She isn't. No.

[And he should know. Given how long he's known her. And how often he is the one that she gets frustrated with and yells at because of his being so hopeless and oblivious sometimes. He's well aware of her temper and her confidence, her capability. Which is why he is sure that she was likely fine, even if he did feel that protectiveness for her.

Still, he blinks, seeming confused as the other goes back to the bed and lies down on it.]

I haven't touched you? I'm not....mm, disinterested. I'm just...I only really had Domi and Louis. So, I haven't really done this before. I haven't really thought about relationships.

Anyway, I wouldn't be too concerned with her. You need to worry about yourself more.

[That much has already been made clear as day. He can see why someone like the Comte would take in an innocent soul like Noé and keep him sheltered and naive, ready to be put to use when and where he needed him. It honestly makes him a little angry on the vampire's behalf, which is a foolish, stupid feeling to have, but there it is.

Though his remark about not having touched him earns a loud laugh as he makes a fist and bangs it on the mattress.]

You're a riot! Truly clueless! [Calming down, he sighs, sounding lethargic.] Then I suppose you'd best start using that brain of yours if you have one. Life's about to get way more complicated for us both.

Myself? Why?

[....As if he somehow already forgot or was still processing the situation he himself was in. Either option could be a possibility, given how the vampire was, really. Still, he's oblivious to Vanitas's anger on his behalf, unaware that the other had any particular feelings towards him yet. Beyond the other's teasing and getting in his space, anyway. Which had mostly gone over his head. As if to prove how hopeless he was and just how oblivious a nineteen-year-old could be, somehow. It isn't like he is intentionally ruining Vanitas's fun or plans. It just....happens.

He remains sitting at his chair, head tilting as Vanitas laughs and says he's clueless. It's nothing new, the sort of thing Domi says all the time in some sort of fond exasperation.]

Complicated how? Because of you?

Because there's bound to be expectations of you now. So start paying attention.

[Really now, this guy... Talk about oblivious enough to drive a fellow to distraction! Yes, for better or worse, he's stuck looking after this vampire. Although he supposes it could be worse. He could've been given to a heartless, selfish individual rather thanjust one who's naive and innocent.

Sighing to himself, he kicks his legs a bit.]

Mmm... And those who're pulling our strings. There's no telling what they may want or expect of us.

Expectations? Like what? What kind of expectations?

[Just because he is getting married to Vanitas? He's not sure what to make of it. Then again, the vampire isn't really sure what to expect from marriage. Beyond that, he knows of it in theory. That people marry for political reasons or because they love each other. He had observed his grandparents together. But he was still rather young at that point. If nothing else, for all that he was oblivious and rather hopeless at times, Vanitas wouldn't need to worry about him forcing anything or being that cruel. That much is obvious. There's a pause then as Vanitas kicks his legs and continues, as the vampire considers the implication.]

You mean Teacher? I'm not sure I'd say he's that bad...?

For starters, thinking for yourself. That you'll be responsible for keeping an eye on me, no doubt. Whether that means trying to keep me happy or reporting what I say back to them, I don't know.

[After all, he's just as much a tool in this as Noé is. Whether those responsible for their situation think he's got some deep, important secrets or simply want to advance their knowledge of humanity, he expects they'll be plying them both for information. He can easily see how one such as Noé might ask innocent, disarming questions and get people to respond in kind.]

He's a creep. Gives me the willies, brr. Always with that cunning look...

Why would they need to get me to tell them what you say? If they want to know something, they can just ask you.

[There. Sure are Reasons that Noé is probably rather well suited in some ways for something like gaining one's trust and then using the vampire against them. Given how Noé might not even realize he maybe shouldn't tell them certain things. Being as oblivious and sheltered, and as trusting as he is. To say the least.]

E-eh? He doesn't scare me. But I guess I've known him since I was little.

[There was also the rather important factor that Noé was not a human being imprisoned as Vanitas was. It's understandable that Vanitas isn't necessarily a fan of those who brought him here and arranged all this.]

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