bleude | Open Prompt Post & Closed Starters

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.]

Heh. I'm hardly an agreeable sort, is why.

[To put it mildly and simply... Even now, Vanitas wonders if he shouldn't be careful about being too forthcoming. But what's done is done and he doesn't feel he's divulged anything they wouldn't have already known, so. It's fine. Instead, he rolls onto his side to watch Noé curiously.]

Because you have no sense of self-preservation. That much I can tell already. And yes, because you've known him almost all your life.

[Noé also has the strength and skill to defend himself, something Vanitas currently lacks without his book and knives.]

Hm? Oh, Domi keeps saying something like that.

[....Which is not a good thing, Noé?! Still, the other isn't wrong. It's hard for Noé to feel scared or intimidated when he's known his Teacher for so long. When he's so easily trusting. Still, he remains in the chair, not seeming to feel that same desire to flirt or tease, to get in Vanitas's space. He'd almost forgotten, though. How difficult it was to be around humans. He swallows, trying to ignore that temptation as Vanitas rolls over, watching him.]

Well, she's right about that. Glad to know we're in agreement on something.

[He sighs again, heavily, because come on...! Have a little care for yourself, man?? He can at least forgive Noé for not being frightening of his teacher for the obvious reasons. Though Vanitas wishes he himself could be a bit more intimidating to everyone on this side of the barrier, it's not surprising that without his book all of them see him as little more than an typical human.

Eyeing Noé, he notes the bob of his throat and narrows his eyes. He'd almost forgotten that the other man is a loathsome vampire. Now that he remembers, he can't help feeling a touch nervous... Sitting up, he peers across at Noé, frowning.]

...what are you thinking?

I'm not sure if that's a good thing...

[It isn't. But at least Dominique and his....er, betrothed would probably get along? At least via complaining and bonding over how oblivious and hopeless he is? Noé doesn't necessarily feel threatened by Vanitas, at least not yet. He's more aware of his own comparative strength and speed, aware of how easily he might even accidentally hurt the other. He might have heard of the book, but he hasn't necessarily made the connection between it and Vanitas yet.]

Mm? Ah, nothing, really.

[Because he's certain that mentioning how he really, really wants to try Vanitas's blood isn't exactly something the other would want to hear. Let alone with a first meeting like this.

Even if it's already probably up there in the list of strangest introductions a couple could have.]

Heh, perhaps not.

[Still... He sighs a bit, almost wishing he could talk to the de Sade woman. It would be nice to have someone to commiserate with over Noé's sheer cluelessness and stubborn nature. For now though, he's on his own, aside from Noé himself. Which isn't entirely a bad thing as far as he's concerned. He's not terrible company, for what it's worth, just... mildly frustrating. Maybe he can shape him into someone who's not so oblivious.

...yeah, that's probably not happening. Sigh.]

Uh huh... You seem awfully distracted for someone who isn't thinking about anything in particular.

[Given he's a vampire, he can easily imagine what it is that's proving to be such a keen distraction. Honestly, he's not sure if he should be flattered or annoyed. Possibly both.

Sitting up, he beckons to Noé with a mischievous smile.]

In that case, come here.

Hm? Did you need help with something?

[Either the vampire really is that clueless, or he just misses the mischievous smile the other gives as he obeys, shifting to stand and approach as Murr watches with his tail twitching, leaping down from Noé's shoulders when he makes to stand. Noé doesn't seem to read into Vanitas telling him to come over; he isn't really thinking too hard about it. Just wondering if Vanitas needs him for something. Not that he is sure what, exactly. But Noé does approach, pausing as he stands at the side of the bed in front of Vanitas.]

Yes indeed, as a matter of fact...

[If he's going to be trapped here in Atlus, he's going to make the most of his time by getting this vampire to bend to his whims as best he can. If that means playing some games with him, so be it. Thus when Noé approaches and comes near enough to the bedside that Vanitas can reach out and snag him by the lapels, he does so, dragging the larger man down on top of him with a laugh.

Once they're nose to nose, he breathes heavily, excitement pouring through his vampire-tainted veins until he gives Noé a moment to adjust, then he firmly plants his lips upon the other's, kissing him hard. Hopefully Murr won't think his master is being assaulted and interrupt; he's having such a good time right now, it'd be a pity to spoil it...]

What? How can I -- ah?!

[There is some part of him that is aware of intimacy. This sort of thing, the chaste displays of affection he observed from others over the years. But he hadn't experienced it himself. Outside of hugging or feeding from Dominique, at least. Their sleeping together in the same bed when they were younger, the three of them.

This? He knows about kissing. He's just not done it before. And he isn't necessarily expecting it, when Vanitas grabs him and pulls him down, that he barely has a chance to try to catch himself with his hands on either side of Vanitas's head, violet eyes blinking and wide in his initial surprise as Vanitas laughs. He's about to ask what Vanitas was doing when the other kisses him.

Initially, he tenses. More in surprise than anything else. He knows married couples do this sort of thing. It's just that this was quite sudden. Part of him worries about his fangs. If he hurts the other. But instinct has him closing his eyes after a second, tilting his head and returning the kiss, one hand shifting to rest at Vanitas's shoulder. It's probably clumsy, betraying his inexperience even if he hadn't admitted that he hadn't done anything of this sort before. Murr observes, but isn't reacting yet. Just gives them a look from his position on the bedside table.]

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