[Even in spite of his apparent apathy towards the subject, Vanitas can't help hunching his shoulders guiltily at being scolded. Perhaps the most surprising thing is just how passionate Noé is about defending himself. It stings a bit, but he's glad his partner isn't some pushover willing to let anyone, even Vanitas himself, walk all over him.]
I've always called you names, though. [Just... perhaps not like that.]
Yeah, but there's a difference between calling me an idiot and a blood-sucker...or something like that.
[ He doesn't care if Vanitas calls him an idiot anymore, actually. ]
Don't worry about it, though. I'm not upset about it anymore. I just want to explain why I got so angry with you...
[ But he trails off because he does feel kind of bad for talking about it when they're supposed to be having a good day, and he'll take the blame for that. ]
...you're right, of course. And-- I'm sorry. I don't think I ever apologized for that, did I...
["Idiot" has become an affectionate term anymore. He never means it genuinely. For the most part.]
No, it's fine. You had and have every right to be mad at me. I was a cruel asshole at the time. Though... given I knew we were walking into Moreau's lair, I hope maybe you can understand why I was on edge at the time.
[He doesn't expect forgiveness, but Noé's understanding is always appreciated when it's offered. Still, he can't help pouting with a sigh, slumping heavily against his partner.]
That's true. [ He remembers the look on Vanitas' face as Moreau went up the elevator, how he froze. How afraid he seemed. ] I understand. I'm sorry, I didn't consider that.
[ He leans in to gently kiss Vanitas again, letting him know that all is alright, and he's not upset. ]
I hope we won't have to go there again. It was unnerving enough for me, so I can only imagine how horrible it was for you. But if we do...I'll be there for you all over again. He won't lay a hand on you.
...it was awful. [That part he utters barely above a whisper, hugging Noé's arm tightly, not unlike a scared child.] No, it's alright... I shouldn't have been afraid. Not only was I able to defend myself there, but you were there, too. As was Roland and the others. I should've managed better.
[He'll be forever kicking himself for locking up like that, for going catatonic with grief and fear. It was such a stupid, childish thing to allow to happen. Yet he couldn't stop it. It was like a switch had been flipped within him and he couldn't control himself anymore.
Even now, he barely registers the kiss, seemingly lost in thought.]
We'll need to deal with him eventually. We have to. And that'll mean finding his new lab. Stopping him from taking more test subjects. ...I'm counting on you, Noé. To be my shield.
[ He knows his role as Vanitas' shield, and it's one he's come to really appreciate. Because not unlike the other day, he's willing to put himself on the line to keep his lover safe. He's not registering that Vanitas may be leaning more towards the emotional side of it, but that is also something he doesn't have a problem with. ]
I'll always be here for you, by your side. In front of you, too, to keep you safe. And when we're feeling better, I'll tend to your scars all over again.
[Those couple of words are meant to encompass everything, from his support now to everything he did back then in Moreau's lab, to every time since right up until yesterday. It's slightly pathetic to need someone to shield him from dangers, but he can't deny the wonderful feeling of knowing he's so loved.]
Noé... I really do love you. You know that, right? [Despite their injuries, he finds himself turning to hug his partner, face burying in his chest with a heavy, shaky sigh.] You've done so much to brighten my life... Even when you complicate it and make me angry, I'm still so glad to have you by my side.
[ Noé isn't expecting the hug, even after that quiet thank you, but with how desperately Vanitas is clinging to him, he finds it hard to not do the same. He moves so he pulls his lover close, even if his arms are not happy with him right now, but he wants to make sure that Vanitas knows he's loved. ]
I know you do, and I really do love you, too. For all the times you've made me angry, there are more times when you've made me happy. And I love you even when I'm upset with you.
[ There's nothing that will change how he feels about Vanitas. ]
So please...don't ever worry about me changing my mind. There's nothing that could. You're the love of my life.
[Perhaps he should be more cautious about their injuries given they've just rewrapped them not long ago. But talking of Moreau and his machinations is emotionally taxing for him, and he can't help wanting reassurances that Noé isn't going anywhere. And of course he gets them. As he figured Noé would do, being the wonderful and sweet man he is. Being held allows Vanitas to relax a bit, his strength draining away as he snuggles up against his lover.]
I don't really understand how you can, but I'm grateful you do. It means everything to me...
[Because even he's not sure of his feelings when it comes to things like getting angry. Perhaps it's because he's so used to keeping everyone at arm's length, but allowing Noé to nestle closely against his heart means he won't hate him when they fight and argue.]
Heh... You have such strange tastes, falling for me of all people...
If I do, then so be it. I see how wonderful you are, and you say and do things that keep me in line, too. You know that, don't you?
[ For as sweet as Noé is, he has many faults, too. They're faults that Vanitas sees and acknowledges, and isn't afraid to challenge Noé on them to keep him in check. He has to loosen his hold a little due to his injuries, but he tries to make up for it by nuzzling Vanitas a little more. ]
And...the compass. I'll keep it close so I can always find my way back to you – even after we argue, because I know my heart will always be where you are.
I suppose I do, huh... You do need a little direction now and then.
[Usually when Noé gets overwhelmed by his opponents attacking him emotionally. He needs a reminder to stand strong and continue on, that he's got what it takes to do whatever is necessary to help them win and save lives. But also when his temper gets the better of him. Sometimes they butt heads - literally - but things always work out. He hopes they always will. For now, though, he returns the sweet gesture with a more content sigh.]
Heh... Perhaps I should see if I can't make it so that it locates my book. That would be quite handy, so it could lead you back to me. Or maybe I need a Noé compass for when you wander off.
[ He does need direction, it's true. But what makes him excited is the thought of a matching compass. That's an idea... ]
I'll get one for you when we've recovered. We have matching rings, we should have matching compasses, too. Maybe you can help me set it so it'll locate my ring?
[ Since he's doesn't really have a weapon or anything like that. Just his fists. ]
[It was mostly a joke, but honestly, the more he thinks about it, the more he likes the notion. A Noé locator...]
Hmm... There's an idea. Perhaps we can try finding a small piece of Blue Tear Stone to set into it rather than a simple gemstone. It has unique properties that should allow it to be tracked.
[And a vampire compass would likely point all over the place, in addition to getting folks into trouble. So that'd be no good.]
[Because he's silly like that. Still, it's lifted his mood and seems to have eased him out of the funk he was in. He can't help grinning at Noé.]
I don't mind. We may have to consult with a specialist though, just to be on the safe side. ...you do realize this means you can't ever escape me, though, right?
[Pulling back in mock shock and horror, he places a hand to his chest all dramatically.]
Oh no--! How dreadful...! My own personal lover refuses to allow me to escape! I'll be forever ensconced in his horrific clutches...!
[What a damn ham. Good thing he's bruised and battered, otherwise he'd probably make even more grand overtures. As is, he settles for theatrically flopping over in Noé's lap like a lazy cat.]
[ He's smiling from ear to ear and tucks Vanitas' hair behind his ear once the man's on his lap. He laughs, though perhaps a little too much because he flinches from the pain it causes. Ouch! ]
[Pulling himself up, he moves to stretch out beside Noé on the bed, making sure that his partner has enough room so that his arms aren't cramped or being leaned on.]
[ Like before, Noé will hold onto his hand as soon as they're settled in. They can't cuddle, but they can do cute things like hand holding. The Vanoe Express ship cannot be stopped.
Yes! Very much so. It's more than I'm used to, and you made me really happy today.
[It's such a simple gesture, but one that Vanitas appreciates so much compared to before. It shows how much Noé cares and loves him, and allows him to do the same in return. No sinking of this ship, for sure.]
Glad to hear that. The cake was a rush job, given our injuries, but still... If you're happy, then I'm content with how things turned out.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[Even in spite of his apparent apathy towards the subject, Vanitas can't help hunching his shoulders guiltily at being scolded. Perhaps the most surprising thing is just how passionate Noé is about defending himself. It stings a bit, but he's glad his partner isn't some pushover willing to let anyone, even Vanitas himself, walk all over him.]
I've always called you names, though. [Just... perhaps not like that.]
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[ He doesn't care if Vanitas calls him an idiot anymore, actually. ]
Don't worry about it, though. I'm not upset about it anymore. I just want to explain why I got so angry with you...
[ But he trails off because he does feel kind of bad for talking about it when they're supposed to be having a good day, and he'll take the blame for that. ]
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["Idiot" has become an affectionate term anymore. He never means it genuinely. For the most part.]
No, it's fine. You had and have every right to be mad at me. I was a cruel asshole at the time. Though... given I knew we were walking into Moreau's lair, I hope maybe you can understand why I was on edge at the time.
[He doesn't expect forgiveness, but Noé's understanding is always appreciated when it's offered. Still, he can't help pouting with a sigh, slumping heavily against his partner.]
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[ He leans in to gently kiss Vanitas again, letting him know that all is alright, and he's not upset. ]
I hope we won't have to go there again. It was unnerving enough for me, so I can only imagine how horrible it was for you. But if we do...I'll be there for you all over again. He won't lay a hand on you.
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[He'll be forever kicking himself for locking up like that, for going catatonic with grief and fear. It was such a stupid, childish thing to allow to happen. Yet he couldn't stop it. It was like a switch had been flipped within him and he couldn't control himself anymore.
Even now, he barely registers the kiss, seemingly lost in thought.]
We'll need to deal with him eventually. We have to. And that'll mean finding his new lab. Stopping him from taking more test subjects. ...I'm counting on you, Noé. To be my shield.
[Emotionally, if not physically.]
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[ He knows his role as Vanitas' shield, and it's one he's come to really appreciate. Because not unlike the other day, he's willing to put himself on the line to keep his lover safe. He's not registering that Vanitas may be leaning more towards the emotional side of it, but that is also something he doesn't have a problem with. ]
I'll always be here for you, by your side. In front of you, too, to keep you safe. And when we're feeling better, I'll tend to your scars all over again.
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[Those couple of words are meant to encompass everything, from his support now to everything he did back then in Moreau's lab, to every time since right up until yesterday. It's slightly pathetic to need someone to shield him from dangers, but he can't deny the wonderful feeling of knowing he's so loved.]
Noé... I really do love you. You know that, right? [Despite their injuries, he finds himself turning to hug his partner, face burying in his chest with a heavy, shaky sigh.] You've done so much to brighten my life... Even when you complicate it and make me angry, I'm still so glad to have you by my side.
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I know you do, and I really do love you, too. For all the times you've made me angry, there are more times when you've made me happy. And I love you even when I'm upset with you.
[ There's nothing that will change how he feels about Vanitas. ]
So please...don't ever worry about me changing my mind. There's nothing that could. You're the love of my life.
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I don't really understand how you can, but I'm grateful you do. It means everything to me...
[Because even he's not sure of his feelings when it comes to things like getting angry. Perhaps it's because he's so used to keeping everyone at arm's length, but allowing Noé to nestle closely against his heart means he won't hate him when they fight and argue.]
Heh... You have such strange tastes, falling for me of all people...
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[ For as sweet as Noé is, he has many faults, too. They're faults that Vanitas sees and acknowledges, and isn't afraid to challenge Noé on them to keep him in check. He has to loosen his hold a little due to his injuries, but he tries to make up for it by nuzzling Vanitas a little more. ]
And...the compass. I'll keep it close so I can always find my way back to you – even after we argue, because I know my heart will always be where you are.
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[Usually when Noé gets overwhelmed by his opponents attacking him emotionally. He needs a reminder to stand strong and continue on, that he's got what it takes to do whatever is necessary to help them win and save lives. But also when his temper gets the better of him. Sometimes they butt heads - literally - but things always work out. He hopes they always will. For now, though, he returns the sweet gesture with a more content sigh.]
Heh... Perhaps I should see if I can't make it so that it locates my book. That would be quite handy, so it could lead you back to me. Or maybe I need a Noé compass for when you wander off.
[Now he's just teasing.]
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I'll get one for you when we've recovered. We have matching rings, we should have matching compasses, too. Maybe you can help me set it so it'll locate my ring?
[ Since he's doesn't really have a weapon or anything like that. Just his fists. ]
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Hmm... There's an idea. Perhaps we can try finding a small piece of Blue Tear Stone to set into it rather than a simple gemstone. It has unique properties that should allow it to be tracked.
[And a vampire compass would likely point all over the place, in addition to getting folks into trouble. So that'd be no good.]
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[ Noé locator!!! For when he wanders off. ]
I don't know how good I'll be at tweaking it, but I can help you if you don't mind? You'll just have to tell me what to do.
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[Because he's silly like that. Still, it's lifted his mood and seems to have eased him out of the funk he was in. He can't help grinning at Noé.]
I don't mind. We may have to consult with a specialist though, just to be on the safe side. ...you do realize this means you can't ever escape me, though, right?
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You say that like I'd want that! Didn't I tell you that I'd never set you free?
[ So Vanitas can't escape him, either. ]
You're stuck with me just as much, mon amour.
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Oh no--! How dreadful...! My own personal lover refuses to allow me to escape! I'll be forever ensconced in his horrific clutches...!
[What a damn ham. Good thing he's bruised and battered, otherwise he'd probably make even more grand overtures. As is, he settles for theatrically flopping over in Noé's lap like a lazy cat.]
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[ He's smiling from ear to ear and tucks Vanitas' hair behind his ear once the man's on his lap. He laughs, though perhaps a little too much because he flinches from the pain it causes. Ouch! ]
Heh...you make me so happy, Vanitas.
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[He's chuckling too, although when Noé winces from the pain, he reaches up to rest a hand gently against his chest.]
Careful... Being happy doesn't mean hurting yourself, you fool. Go easy, ma moitié.
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[ He brings that hand up so he can gently kiss it, always remembering to be a gentleman to his lover even when they're joking around. ]
Thank you for keeping me in check all the time. I know I can trust you to be the one to do it.
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Of course. It's what I'm here for. To balance you out so you don't overdo it.
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[ Noé gently releases Vanitas' hand, and he pats the other's back. ]
Let's lay down? Maybe we can relax and nap before lunch. What do you think?
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[Pulling himself up, he moves to stretch out beside Noé on the bed, making sure that his partner has enough room so that his arms aren't cramped or being leaned on.]
How has your birthday been? Pleasant enough?
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Yes! Very much so. It's more than I'm used to, and you made me really happy today.
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Glad to hear that. The cake was a rush job, given our injuries, but still... If you're happy, then I'm content with how things turned out.
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