bleude | Open Prompt Post & Closed Starters

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.]

Heh...

[He manages to get that chuckle out as their lips meet, warm, soft flesh meeting Vanitas' own, cooler lips. It wouldn't have surprised him to learn that Noé was all but oblivious to romance and kissing in particular, if only because thus far he seems incredibly naive and sheltered. More so than the usual noble or ward of one. It makes him curious just what sort of upbringing he's been through to leave him so pure and untainted by the ways of the world.

The joy of being first though is in savoring that inexperience and getting to mold it into something of his choosing. So while Vanitas has kissed people before, he's never done so with someone who lacked any prior history with courtship. It's exciting, thrilling, and makes his blood pump strongly through his veins. Something a vampire would likely notice what with them being so close to one another.

At first he pouts at the tension running through Noé's body, wondering if perhaps he's lost his touch. Yet the more contact they maintain, the less rigid the vampire's body seems to become as he relaxes and reciprocates. It leaves Vanitas humming softly, content and if not satisfied, then close to it. Hardly the best kiss, but what can one expect from a first try? Perfection takes practice, after all. And he plans on practicing a lot during his stay here.

Eventually, he parts from the other, breathing hard and tongue running over his lips as he gazes into those unnatural eyes with his own irregular ones. His hand comes up to cup a cheek, holding him close so he won't stray too far.]

[Noé's inexperience means there is some fumbling, some initial surprise and hesitation. That the kiss is, at least initially, more chaste. It's only instinct that has him responding when Vanitas pulls him down and kisses him like that. There were benefits if Vanitas was persistent and willing to put up with his initial inexperience, in that Vanitas could easily teach the vampire what he liked specifically. And the vampire wouldn't question it. Wouldn't have anything else to compare to.

It has him almost dazed and rather flushed as they pull back for a moment. He needs to remember to breathe through his nose during kissing, as he catches his breath. A memory of Domi telling him not to just let anyone kiss or be intimate with him surfaces; her worry about someone taking advantage of him, no doubt. But this was fine? Right? Maybe a little fast, but. If anyone, he's allowed to kiss whoever he is supposed to marry?]

Mm. Ah, it was....um. Sorry. I haven't...done that before.

[It's definitely a bit on the clumsy side, awkward and far too chaste for Vanitas' liking, but he supposes that's to be expected given Noé has zero prior experience and precious little besides to compare it to. Besides, it's far from awful, being warm and sweet in its own way. Clearly the man has potential if only he gets to practice some.

He's just grateful that Noé doesn't pass out on him from lack of air by forgetting to breathe; that's one thing he can't remind him of while they're busy kissing. For Vanitas' part, he's got that down pat, breathing deep and heavily with a faint hum of pleasure welling up in his throat. Once they part, he lets out a content sigh, bringing his hand up to trace Noé's bottom lip with a finger.]

Don't apologize... That wasn't bad for a first try. Quite good, in fact. If you want to get better at it, we can always practice~

Eh? Practice?

[Somehow, while he knows, in theory, one gets better at pretty much anything through practice, he had not exactly considered that regarding intimacy. To kissing. But he supposes that would make sense? Noé blinks, as if seeming to consider the offer, trying to ignore the heat he feels on his face. Knowing he probably looks a mess.

Domi would likely scold him for it if she knew. Then again, she probably wouldn't be thrilled about any of this. Let alone Noé kissing a guy he had just met moments ago, for all her warnings about how he should be more careful around strangers. It, however, doesn't stop him from considering the idea.]

I guess it makes sense? Practicing at most anything else helps you improve. I just hadn't thought about it with this sort of thing...

Indeed.

[He supposes the notion would be novel to one who's a romantic virgin, so to speak. And it's not like the saying of 'practice makes perfect' is generally applied to activities like kisses. Still, for one who's looking rather frazzled and bewildered, Noé didn't do such a bad job. It was pleasant enough that Vanitas wouldn't mind another go around.]

No, I guess not. Most folks don't. They go into it expecting perfection right from the start. But that's not how it works. It takes experimenting and trial and error. Seeing what one does and doesn't like, along with their partner.

[For someone who's only really screwed around with others for fun, he sure sounds like he knows what he's talking about. (He's full of shit though.) Poor Dominique would be so exasperated though. Thankfully Noé isn't as cautious as she'd like him to be. Much more fun for Vanitas, that's for sure. He threads his fingers through those white strands, cradling the back of his head as he brushes their lips together lightly.]

Guess this means I'm not off the menu for you, hmm?

They do? That doesn't make sense to me, no. But I guess that's true as well. To learn what you and what your.....mm, partner likes or not.

[So he supposes it might depend on the partner. What they liked or not. He's not really thought too deeply about it, only now considering how simple and yet how complicated this sort of thing could be.

He has no clue how experienced the other is, but at least Vanitas seems to know more about this sort of thing than Noé. So he just figures that he can let the other take the lead. Even though he's just met Vanitas. He just has that instinct, that habit, despite his past and experiences, to want to trust others. Vanitas hadn't really done anything to hurt him. Yet. And Noé could probably stop him if necessary. But it's just kissing.]

Huh? What menu?

[Food? Of course, he brightens at that. Thinking of his beloved favourite dessert. Tarte tatin....!

Yeah. The implication kind of went over his head. Which will probably happen a lot with Vanitas and his attempts to flirt. Not that it will likely stop him trying.]

Mmm, exactly. The only way to learn is to experiment. And that means practicing... Lots.

[To be fair to Noé, it's not as if he's had much call to consider such things before. Outside of his and Dominique's relationship, which doesn't exactly lean in that direction. Much to Vanitas' relief. Less competition that way.

The only real hurdle in all this will likely be Noé himself... Innocent soul that he is, it means that everything is likely to be a new experience for him, and thus there'll be lots of room for mistakes and errors. Though they'll have plenty of time to learn, judging by the sound of it...]

....heh.

[Oh yes, here it comes... That whole overly innocent shtick. If Vanitas didn't know better, he'd assume Noé was screwing with him. Slowly, he reaches up to start undoing his bow, then the buttons on his shirt.]

That got your attention, huh? Well, how about this - you make me happy, and I'll cook for you, hmm? Deal?

Experiment? You say that and I think of those science things....

[Beakers and bunsen burners or whatever. But obviously Vanitas isn't meaning experiment in that sort of sense. Still, Noé thinks he gets the idea? More or less. To get better with this sort of thing, he has to practice. At least Vanitas can teach him. Could show Noé what he likes.

He isn't sure if or when anyone else might be coming to check in on Vanitas. At least, he figures that the staff probably bring his food to check in on him at least around mealtimes. But he is far more distracted by the other's offer to cook for him. As if anyone else would let Vanitas wander the mansion to the kitchen to cook.]

Hm? You can cook? Can you make tarte tatin?!

[...Of course, that gets his attention. More than the other undoing his bow and unbuttoning his shirt.]

Well, you could liken it to a science in that it requires making mistakes to find the perfect formula.

[Not quite what he has in mind, but at least the general notion seems to get across if nothing else. While he wouldn't mind "experimenting" with Noé for fun, he's thinking more along the lines of a general romantic lean to proceedings. Except perhaps that's rather pointless given how obtuse the vampire is. It doesn't even seem to register to him that Vanitas is gradually stripping himself down... How frustrating.

He probably won't be allowed in the kitchen for a long while - not with knives and other sharp implements on hand as potential weapons. But he means what he says about feeding Noé; he may be a scoundrel and a liar, but this innocent fellow has been gradually worming his way into his heart. To the point he would feel bad almost tricking him.]

I can. And yes, I know that one. I can prepare it, easy. You just get me into the kitchen later.

[Once the buttons are freed, he sits up enough to slide both vest and shirt from his shoulders, leaving his torso exposed and his various scars visible. Laying a hand on Noé's cheek, he traces his jawline before reclining back, voice low and sensual.]

For now, though... I want you to feast on me...

Tarte tatin! Yes!

[He will probably never not get excited about his favourite dessert. The way he brightens with enthusiasm at Vanitas confirming that he does know of the dessert and how to make it is not unlike a child excited for sweets. Noé isn't even considering that the other probably isn't allowed in the kitchen. Or anywhere else in the mansion for that matter.

He all but bounces in his enthusiasm, before Vanitas reaches for his cheek, his jaw, and he finally seems to register that the other has taken off his shirt. Violet eyes blink and take in the scars. How pale the other is in comparison to him. He swallows, before he tilts his head, his hair still a mess and bangs hanging down as he remains above Vanitas.]

On you?

[It might be debatable which way he means that question. Whether he should take that as an invitation to feed. Or if the other means to continue teaching him to kiss. Because he can't mean this literally.....]

Heh. A favorite of yours, then?

[It's quite sweet how innocent and jubilant Noé gets over something so seemingly simply as a dessert, but he supposes there may not be many highlights in the life of one who's essentially a pet for the Comte. At least that's how Vanitas sees it. Always in terms of who can use who. And in this case he hopes it will be him using Noé. If he can get permission to hang out in the kitchen, then from there it's only a step to freedom.

His gestures are tender, bordering on loving in the way he brushes his fingers over Noé's dark skin, smooth and warm. It's not surprising the guy hasn't much clue what he means; he doesn't seem the most astute when it comes to flirtations and innuendo. So, heaving a slight sigh, Vanitas weaves his fingers into the hair on the back of the vampire's head, pressing him in closer as he tips his head to one side, exposing his neck.]

Yes, me. I want you to kiss me, bite me, mark me up. I'm meant to be yours, remember?

[The answer to that is "all of the above and then some" honestly. Though he does draw the line at chowing down on him. That's a bridge too far.]

Yes! Tarte tatin is my favourite dessert!

[The only reason he doesn't have it for every meal is probably because Teacher and Domi talked to the kitchen staff and reminded them that he should have other foods as well. Still, he's far too distracted by the prospect of getting his beloved dessert to really consider how Vanitas could be manipulating and using him in his own way. That there was a reason Vanitas was offering.

Let alone this. His violet eyes widen briefly as Vanitas pulls him back down more, exposing his neck to him. His lips purse, as if he's considering for a moment, until Vanitas clarifies and explains. Meant to be his? Was this okay? He supposes it is. Otherwise, Vanitas wouldn't be suggesting it. He isn't really reading into it. What Vanitas might get out of it. He swallows, taking a breath before he lowers further, pressing his lips against Vanitas's collarbone as his eyes flutter closed.]

Heh... That's so sweet. Well, we'll see about me making it for you.

[It's so easy to imagine Noé in the kitchens, asking the staff for tarte tatin for breakfast and lunch and dinner. Enough that Vanitas has to laugh lightly at the prospect. It'd likely be like a carrot on a stick to get him doing things for him in exchange for the sweet dessert. So easy he almost feels a touch guilty. Almost.

While it might seem like he's surrendering to the vampires' whims by allowing himself to be used and fed upon, in reality for Vanitas it's yet another manipulation tactic. The sooner those in power think he's complying, the more likely they are to let their guard down and enable him to wander about more areas of the estate. Even just the bedrooms would be an improvement over being confined to his two-room wing. So as Noé leans in, breath ghosting over his skin, he forces himself to relax, reminding himself that it's a necessary evil to survive. ...and it doesn't feel bad, he has to admit. Thankfully Noé is a fine specimen of vampirehood, leading Vanitas to encourage him by pressing on his head more.]

[It isn't exactly hard to figure Noé out. He's hardly the sort not to wear his heart on his sleeve, or to hide things. There isn't really anything all that subtle or hidden about him. What with how open and trusting he is. So it's easy for Vanitas, or anyone else for that matter, to take advantage of that. To make use of that.

He isn't considering Vanitas's motivations for this. How the other is mostly using him for his own reasons. Noé leaves kisses that trail higher gradually. Once he gets to the neck, there's a moment where his tongue licks at the skin, a pause as if he is considering. But, well, Vanitas had given permission, right? This was okay? He hesitates for a brief moment before his eyes change hue to more of a deep red, his fangs bared as he then leans in more, piercing the skin at the other's neck. His hands hold to Vanitas at his waist and shoulder, trying to be mindful of how much weight he uses as his body presses against the other from being on top of him.]

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