Astermite, hm? Oh, ah. I guess. This is where Domi lives, so she knows her way around better than I do. But I can help.
[More like help Vanitas get hopelessly lost and have the doctor somehow end up leading him around anyway. But. He'll.....try? At least? He closes one eye and tries to stay still as Vanitas fixes up his hair, then his clothes. But he doesn't recall anything specific that he was told about not letting Vanitas leave the room? So it's probably fine? He wants to get his book back, anyway. So he nods, likely appearing confident even in the face of his hopelessness with directions and navigation.]
Quite. Even if you can just give me a rough idea where things and people are, that should be enough.
[It would be just his luck that they'd end up going in circles or waltzing into the guards' barracks... But Noé is his only hope, as he was escorted here without any detours and has no clue where to start looking for his book. So once they're both straightened out, he strides for the large door leading out, coming to a stop by it to turn and wait for Noé to catch up.]
You'll have to open it for me. They've locked it with something that only responds to Crimson Moon vampires.
I don't have a map or anything. But I can hopefully figure it out. Probably.
[...Yup. He's really selling that and clearly so encouraging, right? Totally. Don't question it, Vanitas. He's. Totally got this. He does not....
He shifts to follow, climbing down from the bed and stepping to follow Vanitas once the other has fixed up his clothes. Probably, he should be more cautious in hearing that the other is locked here so purposefully. But. Well. It's Noé. So he doesn't. He merely nods, reaching for the door without really thinking about it. Vanitas wants his book, wants to go to Paris. If he can help, that seems important.]
[HE'S QUESTIONING IT, OKAY!! Because he thought that even if he only visits now and then, he would have a better grasp of the place??
Heavens have mercy on them.
Once Noé opens the door, Vanitas all but runs out, looking more lively than he has up to this point. Even more so than when they were making love, and that's saying something. Immediately, he dashes down the hallway, stopping when he gets to the stairs to peer carefully over the railing in search of any guards or other people.]
I haven't been here that much. It's bigger than Teacher's place.
[Yeah. Good luck trusting this guy with directions, Vanitas. Still, he does follow quickly enough, and tries to be quiet as Murr accompanies them at his heels, batting at the vampire's shin in protest after he'd darted out so quickly after the doctor. He peers over to check, but doesn't immediately see anyone else.]
[As the old saying goes, oh boy. Still, they can't just sit around and wait for a more perfect opportunity. They have to seize the chance they have while there's no one about. Since this is likely the guest wing, they can assume guards aren't quite as necessary if there's no one but Vanitas himself being housed there.]
Looks like it. First thing's first - we need to find your teacher's study and locate my book.
[So he starts down the steps, taking them two at a time in his hurry to reach the bottom.]
[He follows Vanitas down the stairs and gestures to the left once they get to the bottom. At least, he thinks it might have been that direction from here. His room isn't in this direction for him to have quite figured out getting to the study from here. But he's trying. He doesn't think twice as he follows and tries to help Vanitas.]
[Heading in the direction indicated by Noé, he frowns at the long hall of rooms leading off in both directions, clicking his tongue and sighing under his breath. It seems that even with a general idea of where to go, they'll have to do trial and error to locate the exact room.
Which is a pain, since either they need to hope Noé recognizes the correct one, or that his book is left out and easy to find. Preferably on a desk or such.
So he tries the first door, relieved to find it isn't also locked with the same method as his wing of the mansion. Likely they didn't expect him to get this far.]
Is there anything you might recognize as being your teacher's? Or would you know his study on sight?
[At least he vaguely thinks he remembers the direction? He follows the doctor and glances over Vanitas's shoulder into the first room. Glancing around to see if anything looks familiar. He shakes his head, one hand at Vanitas's shoulder as he peers over the other to get a look.]
I should recognize his study. It isn't this room. I think it was more somewhere around the middle? If the book is in there, it'll probably be on his desk or shelf.
[A great sense of relief washes over him as Noé's hand settles upon his shoulder; he was starting to worry that perhaps the goofball wouldn't even recognize the right room.... But if he does know it by sight, then that should make things a bit easier. So he nods, letting the heavy door fall closed again.]
Alright then, we'll skip the first couple of rooms and start more towards the center. That should at least limit how many we have to check.
Alright. Yeah, let's skip ahead a little. I'm pretty sure it was on this side of the hall.
[Though. Was he remembering that right? Or was he thinking of it when he might have been coming from the other direction, so it would actually be the opposite? Still, he's trying to help. Is sure he would recognize the right room once they do find it. If nothing else, he at least recognizes his room, Dominique's, and his Teacher's study. Still, he nods at the idea, stepping back so they could shut the door and keep looking, careful of Murr right at his side as always.]
[That's the problem with these fancy places: they're decorated to be symmetrical, save perhaps the paintings on the walls or the vases of flowers lining the halls. And even Vanitas wouldn't blame Noé for getting that mixed up. So he backs out and turns to head down the hallway, passing by the next two large rooms until they come to the third, which he opens with a hopeful stare. It looks similar to the other rooms, though decorated differently, with more books and globes, and even a astronomical models here and there.]
[He recognizes the art on the walls, the globes. He steps inside, glancing around and wondering how obvious this book of Vanitas's might be among all of the others. But then, Vanitas would probably recognize it, he figures. He checks at the desk, finding some papers that are probably important that he pays no mind to, some writing utensils, and a book that seems to be a novel. Then he flits over to check the bookshelves. Maybe it was there among the others.]
[Excitement has him charging ahead rather recklessly, peering over the desk in a hurry before moving on to the numerous packed bookshelves. His eyes skim the rows and rows upon rows of novels and diaries and ledgers, searching for his one precious tome. Silently he prays that it's here among everything, even if it's on a far up shelf.]
Blue leather with silver bindings and black pages. An astermite gem on the cover and a silver chain attached on its spine...
[That makes it easier to narrow things down at least. He glances at the spines of the books, ruling out any that aren't blue. He tries not to get too distracted, even if otherwise he might have been curious and wanted to read some of these. It takes him a moment to find a book on the shelf with a blue spine, and he holds it up to show Vanitas. He tilts his head as he glances to the other, his hair shifting as he points to it. At least with how tall he is, it's easy for him to reach the higher shelves.]
[Thankfully the chain is a dead giveaway, meaning that once Noé locates a book with that feature and it also happens to be blue, they're in luck. Vanitas absolutely beams at the sight of his precious tome, gloved hands working overtime in a 'gimme gimme' motion as he runs up to snatch the book and confirm for himself that it is indeed what they seek.]
That's it! You found it! You beautiful man--!! I could kiss you!
[Again. Hell, he might do it anyway to get some of the euphoria out of his system.]
[He blinks at that last, but does shrug and give a small smile as he passes the book to Vanitas. At least the other has it back, since it had seemed important to him. Chances were, if the book were more specific to Vanitas, he doubted if his Teacher could use it anyway. So it's probably fine. He is relieved they have found it, that it wasn't on his Teacher's person. Merely kept safe among his other books for the time being. There was something endearing about seeing Vanitas so happy, though. He'd like to get to do that again, he thinks.]
[He reiterates, only half paying attention as he opens the book to seemingly blank pages to double check that all is well with it. With him concentrating, glowing formulae starts appearing on its pages before he suddenly slams the book shut, satisfied everything is well. Then he whirls to face Noé, grabbing him by the collar and dragging him down to do as he promised: kissing him on the lips. It's a lingering kiss, one that lasts several long moments before he parts and lets go of the vampire to allow him to stand again.]
[He blinks, violet eyes widening briefly before he returns the kiss, a hand at Vanitas's shoulder as the other pulls him down. Maybe because it is still so new, but it is easy to surprise the vampire with. That, or he is just that oblivious to quite how attracted and attached Vanitas is to him already. Likely some combination, really. Still, he tilts his head and parts his lips obediently, hand brushing through Vanitas's hair before straightening.
He nods vigorously, enthusiastically, and all but beaming and bouncing on the balls of his feet in answer.]
[By this point it's difficult to tell whether he's doing these things out of a desire to manipulate Noé or genuine affection... Likely a combination, but probably leaning more towards the latter after everything they've already done together. He feels a sense of responsibility for the vampire, and certainly some protectiveness towards him. He's not keen on the idea of him being used, either. So he snags Noé by the hand, hurrying them from the room before they're caught in there.]
Alright! Let's go! You know where the exit is, right?
[He calls out after recovering from the initial surprise at the other's haste. Though he supposes Vanitas has good reason to. It isn't like he was apparently supposed to be out of his room. Still, he is pulled onward as Vanitas grabs his hand and hurries off back to the hall. If he had any thoughts initially of at least saying goodbye to Domi or his Teacher, they're gone as he just focuses on keeping his feet moving and trying to remember the directions. Calling out when they need to turn. Leading Vanitas to one of the exits he recalls.]
[Thankfully it seems that the place is surprisingly devoid of guards and staff, though Vanitas doesn't let this suspicious fact slow him down, instead following Noé's directions to get them towards the outer level of the mansion. Things start looking up once he can see a garden through the windows again, though he hopes it's on the outside rather than an inner courtyard... Eventually they reach what looks like a side entrance, used by the staff and tradesmen. Hefting the huge latch on the door, Vanitas peers out and--
--no one still! Just sweet freedom...! So he swings the door open wide, taking in a breath of fresh air, though he still seems to hesitate at the threshold. Turning slightly to Noé, he squeezes his hand.]
[Get him all those delicious pastries! See all the sights! Though honestly, the sight of.....a guy making balloon animals or shapes would probably impress him. It wouldn't take much, really. Still, he nods, all but beaming in his excitement about going to Paris. The vampire isn't thinking too much about how suspicious it might seem that there's no staff around. Nor is he immediately considering Domi and her likely panic and fury once she finds out he's escaped. And the potential assumptions that might result, given that Vanitas would also be gone. He's too excited about all the delicious food and all the sights he will get to experience, all but pulling Vanitas as he steps outside into the sunshine. No, he isn't considering that the other should probably take the lead, given that he has zero idea where he is going. Yet.]
[Honestly, he's going to reward Noé with all the treats and entertainment he can fit into a single day, and then every day afterwards. It hasn't yet occurred to him either that they probably shouldn't hang around Paris for long, given there will be people after them, both on the vampire and human sides. But he's counting on it taking them a while to realize where they might make for. So he allows himself to be tugged along, beaming as well as they step out into the light and hurry down the path leading away from the mansion. There's a gate there, but... he has faith Noé can take care of it. Knock it off its hinges if need be.]
[More like when isn't he? But. Well. Maybe that isn't so surprising given all that had occurred between them earlier. He's not really considering that the others might be worried and looking for the two of them eventually. Just that Vanitas wants to go to Paris and he's always wanted to, so. It just makes sense. To go together? Right?
He initially tries the gate to check if it is unlocked or easily unlocked first. If it isn't, then he'll just pick up Vanitas and leap over it if necessary. As if he is going to let a gate stop him from trying the delicious treats in Paris!]
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[More like help Vanitas get hopelessly lost and have the doctor somehow end up leading him around anyway. But. He'll.....try? At least? He closes one eye and tries to stay still as Vanitas fixes up his hair, then his clothes. But he doesn't recall anything specific that he was told about not letting Vanitas leave the room? So it's probably fine? He wants to get his book back, anyway. So he nods, likely appearing confident even in the face of his hopelessness with directions and navigation.]
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[It would be just his luck that they'd end up going in circles or waltzing into the guards' barracks... But Noé is his only hope, as he was escorted here without any detours and has no clue where to start looking for his book. So once they're both straightened out, he strides for the large door leading out, coming to a stop by it to turn and wait for Noé to catch up.]
You'll have to open it for me. They've locked it with something that only responds to Crimson Moon vampires.
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[...Yup. He's really selling that and clearly so encouraging, right? Totally. Don't question it, Vanitas. He's. Totally got this.
He does not....He shifts to follow, climbing down from the bed and stepping to follow Vanitas once the other has fixed up his clothes. Probably, he should be more cautious in hearing that the other is locked here so purposefully. But. Well. It's Noé. So he doesn't. He merely nods, reaching for the door without really thinking about it. Vanitas wants his book, wants to go to Paris. If he can help, that seems important.]
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[HE'S QUESTIONING IT, OKAY!! Because he thought that even if he only visits now and then, he would have a better grasp of the place??
Heavens have mercy on them.
Once Noé opens the door, Vanitas all but runs out, looking more lively than he has up to this point. Even more so than when they were making love, and that's saying something. Immediately, he dashes down the hallway, stopping when he gets to the stairs to peer carefully over the railing in search of any guards or other people.]
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[Yeah. Good luck trusting this guy with directions, Vanitas. Still, he does follow quickly enough, and tries to be quiet as Murr accompanies them at his heels, batting at the vampire's shin in protest after he'd darted out so quickly after the doctor. He peers over to check, but doesn't immediately see anyone else.]
I think it's clear?
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[As the old saying goes, oh boy. Still, they can't just sit around and wait for a more perfect opportunity. They have to seize the chance they have while there's no one about. Since this is likely the guest wing, they can assume guards aren't quite as necessary if there's no one but Vanitas himself being housed there.]
Looks like it. First thing's first - we need to find your teacher's study and locate my book.
[So he starts down the steps, taking them two at a time in his hurry to reach the bottom.]
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[He follows Vanitas down the stairs and gestures to the left once they get to the bottom. At least, he thinks it might have been that direction from here. His room isn't in this direction for him to have quite figured out getting to the study from here. But he's trying. He doesn't think twice as he follows and tries to help Vanitas.]
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[Heading in the direction indicated by Noé, he frowns at the long hall of rooms leading off in both directions, clicking his tongue and sighing under his breath. It seems that even with a general idea of where to go, they'll have to do trial and error to locate the exact room.
Which is a pain, since either they need to hope Noé recognizes the correct one, or that his book is left out and easy to find. Preferably on a desk or such.
So he tries the first door, relieved to find it isn't also locked with the same method as his wing of the mansion. Likely they didn't expect him to get this far.]
Is there anything you might recognize as being your teacher's? Or would you know his study on sight?
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I should recognize his study. It isn't this room. I think it was more somewhere around the middle? If the book is in there, it'll probably be on his desk or shelf.
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Alright then, we'll skip the first couple of rooms and start more towards the center. That should at least limit how many we have to check.
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[Though. Was he remembering that right? Or was he thinking of it when he might have been coming from the other direction, so it would actually be the opposite? Still, he's trying to help. Is sure he would recognize the right room once they do find it. If nothing else, he at least recognizes his room, Dominique's, and his Teacher's study. Still, he nods at the idea, stepping back so they could shut the door and keep looking, careful of Murr right at his side as always.]
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Looks promising...
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[He recognizes the art on the walls, the globes. He steps inside, glancing around and wondering how obvious this book of Vanitas's might be among all of the others. But then, Vanitas would probably recognize it, he figures. He checks at the desk, finding some papers that are probably important that he pays no mind to, some writing utensils, and a book that seems to be a novel. Then he flits over to check the bookshelves. Maybe it was there among the others.]
What colour is the book?
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[Excitement has him charging ahead rather recklessly, peering over the desk in a hurry before moving on to the numerous packed bookshelves. His eyes skim the rows and rows upon rows of novels and diaries and ledgers, searching for his one precious tome. Silently he prays that it's here among everything, even if it's on a far up shelf.]
Blue leather with silver bindings and black pages. An astermite gem on the cover and a silver chain attached on its spine...
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[That makes it easier to narrow things down at least. He glances at the spines of the books, ruling out any that aren't blue. He tries not to get too distracted, even if otherwise he might have been curious and wanted to read some of these. It takes him a moment to find a book on the shelf with a blue spine, and he holds it up to show Vanitas. He tilts his head as he glances to the other, his hair shifting as he points to it. At least with how tall he is, it's easy for him to reach the higher shelves.]
Like this? This one here?
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That's it! You found it! You beautiful man--!! I could kiss you!
[Again. Hell, he might do it anyway to get some of the euphoria out of his system.]
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[He blinks at that last, but does shrug and give a small smile as he passes the book to Vanitas. At least the other has it back, since it had seemed important to him. Chances were, if the book were more specific to Vanitas, he doubted if his Teacher could use it anyway. So it's probably fine. He is relieved they have found it, that it wasn't on his Teacher's person. Merely kept safe among his other books for the time being. There was something endearing about seeing Vanitas so happy, though. He'd like to get to do that again, he thinks.]
S-so, now what?
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[He reiterates, only half paying attention as he opens the book to seemingly blank pages to double check that all is well with it. With him concentrating, glowing formulae starts appearing on its pages before he suddenly slams the book shut, satisfied everything is well. Then he whirls to face Noé, grabbing him by the collar and dragging him down to do as he promised: kissing him on the lips. It's a lingering kiss, one that lasts several long moments before he parts and lets go of the vampire to allow him to stand again.]
Now... Paris! You want to go, right?
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[He blinks, violet eyes widening briefly before he returns the kiss, a hand at Vanitas's shoulder as the other pulls him down. Maybe because it is still so new, but it is easy to surprise the vampire with. That, or he is just that oblivious to quite how attracted and attached Vanitas is to him already. Likely some combination, really. Still, he tilts his head and parts his lips obediently, hand brushing through Vanitas's hair before straightening.
He nods vigorously, enthusiastically, and all but beaming and bouncing on the balls of his feet in answer.]
Yes!
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Alright! Let's go! You know where the exit is, right?
[Right??]
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[He calls out after recovering from the initial surprise at the other's haste. Though he supposes Vanitas has good reason to. It isn't like he was apparently supposed to be out of his room. Still, he is pulled onward as Vanitas grabs his hand and hurries off back to the hall. If he had any thoughts initially of at least saying goodbye to Domi or his Teacher, they're gone as he just focuses on keeping his feet moving and trying to remember the directions. Calling out when they need to turn. Leading Vanitas to one of the exits he recalls.]
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[Thankfully it seems that the place is surprisingly devoid of guards and staff, though Vanitas doesn't let this suspicious fact slow him down, instead following Noé's directions to get them towards the outer level of the mansion. Things start looking up once he can see a garden through the windows again, though he hopes it's on the outside rather than an inner courtyard... Eventually they reach what looks like a side entrance, used by the staff and tradesmen. Hefting the huge latch on the door, Vanitas peers out and--
--no one still! Just sweet freedom...! So he swings the door open wide, taking in a breath of fresh air, though he still seems to hesitate at the threshold. Turning slightly to Noé, he squeezes his hand.]
You ready?
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[Get him all those delicious pastries! See all the sights! Though honestly, the sight of.....a guy making balloon animals or shapes would probably impress him. It wouldn't take much, really. Still, he nods, all but beaming in his excitement about going to Paris. The vampire isn't thinking too much about how suspicious it might seem that there's no staff around. Nor is he immediately considering Domi and her likely panic and fury once she finds out he's escaped. And the potential assumptions that might result, given that Vanitas would also be gone. He's too excited about all the delicious food and all the sights he will get to experience, all but pulling Vanitas as he steps outside into the sunshine. No, he isn't considering that the other should probably take the lead, given that he has zero idea where he is going. Yet.]
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[Honestly, he's going to reward Noé with all the treats and entertainment he can fit into a single day, and then every day afterwards. It hasn't yet occurred to him either that they probably shouldn't hang around Paris for long, given there will be people after them, both on the vampire and human sides. But he's counting on it taking them a while to realize where they might make for. So he allows himself to be tugged along, beaming as well as they step out into the light and hurry down the path leading away from the mansion. There's a gate there, but... he has faith Noé can take care of it. Knock it off its hinges if need be.]
Food first or sights, hmm?
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[More like when isn't he? But. Well. Maybe that isn't so surprising given all that had occurred between them earlier. He's not really considering that the others might be worried and looking for the two of them eventually. Just that Vanitas wants to go to Paris and he's always wanted to, so. It just makes sense. To go together? Right?
He initially tries the gate to check if it is unlocked or easily unlocked first. If it isn't, then he'll just pick up Vanitas and leap over it if necessary. As if he is going to let a gate stop him from trying the delicious treats in Paris!]
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