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[ Oh... He understands. Vanitas doesn't want anyone else chasing after Noé. It isn't as if Noé would agree to it, as he's fully devoted to the man in front of him even if they've only officially been together as of the other night. He feels like he's known Vanitas long enough, though, to know that he's the right one.
And that only becomes abundantly more clear when that thumb brushes over his left ring finger. ]
...Vanitas...you... [ His fingers curl around the other's palm and squeeze it. ] You want a ring?
Edited 2025-09-18 00:43 (UTC)
[Given Noé's handsome appearance and sweet personality, Vanitas finds it difficult to believe there won't be other suitors attempting to win his hand. And while he trusts his lover to not stray, especially so early in their relationship, that doesn't mean other people will be so obliging or understanding. And Noé is a kind, innocent soul, one he could see getting roped into something he doesn't necessarily want without realizing it.
So yes, he wants a way to claim what's rightfully his.
Yet saying as much... it's difficult. He never, ever thought he would be the sort to find a special someone, let alone enter into marriage. But--]
Tch... M..Maybe I do. It's how humans show their devotion, after all. I can't mark you permanently as mine, so...
[Jewelry is the next best thing. Despite himself, he finds his hands grasping Noé's the warm water helping to heat his cheeks further.]
So yes, he wants a way to claim what's rightfully his.
Yet saying as much... it's difficult. He never, ever thought he would be the sort to find a special someone, let alone enter into marriage. But--]
Tch... M..Maybe I do. It's how humans show their devotion, after all. I can't mark you permanently as mine, so...
[Jewelry is the next best thing. Despite himself, he finds his hands grasping Noé's the warm water helping to heat his cheeks further.]
[ Noé laces their fingers together easily, and he presses his lips to Vanitas' temple, giving it a little nuzzle as he breathes in deeply. His breathing is shaky, overwhelmed with emotion. That Vanitas is so willing to promise this to him means so much to Noé. ]
I...I'd gladly except that. I'll wear it every day. Even when I'm mad at you. It would make me the happiest man alive.
[ Once more, he's getting choked up. Looks like the doctor has a tendency to make Noé feel so much these days. ]
I...I'd gladly except that. I'll wear it every day. Even when I'm mad at you. It would make me the happiest man alive.
[ Once more, he's getting choked up. Looks like the doctor has a tendency to make Noé feel so much these days. ]
[It's the kiss to his temple that leaves Vanitas with hitched breath and a pounding heart. He's certain that were not for them being in the shower, his hands would be sweating. Though what gets to him most of all is Noé's own overwhelming emotions, leading him to gawk at the taller man, blinking the water from his eyes. (Certainly they're not tears!)]
You're crying?! That-- It's just-- [No, it's not "just" anything. It would be the embodiment of everything they mean to one another. Still, he's getting flustered again.] D..Don't get ahead of yourself. I don't even have one yet...
[All the same, he can't help thinking he'll definitely have to get one now...]
You're crying?! That-- It's just-- [No, it's not "just" anything. It would be the embodiment of everything they mean to one another. Still, he's getting flustered again.] D..Don't get ahead of yourself. I don't even have one yet...
[All the same, he can't help thinking he'll definitely have to get one now...]
Ah...sorry...
[ Now it's his turn to be embarrassed. He draws back a little so he can wipe at his eyes, and he keeps one hand on his face so Vanitas doesn't need to see him cry. ]
It's – it's okay if you change your mind. Y-you don't have to get me anything for me to know how you feel about me...that's what makes me happy...
[ Now it's his turn to be embarrassed. He draws back a little so he can wipe at his eyes, and he keeps one hand on his face so Vanitas doesn't need to see him cry. ]
It's – it's okay if you change your mind. Y-you don't have to get me anything for me to know how you feel about me...that's what makes me happy...
Don't apologize... It just surprised me, is all...
[Feeling bad, as though he's chastised him for something, he strokes Noé's damp hair gently, leaning in to give him another kiss. This one long and lingering and heated as the water they're under.]
No, that's not it at all. Don't say that. I want to. I want you to know and be able to see my feelings for you everyday. [Reminds that despite his failures in conveying them, he still cares deeply for his lover.] ...we could even exchange rings, if you want...
[Feeling bad, as though he's chastised him for something, he strokes Noé's damp hair gently, leaning in to give him another kiss. This one long and lingering and heated as the water they're under.]
No, that's not it at all. Don't say that. I want to. I want you to know and be able to see my feelings for you everyday. [Reminds that despite his failures in conveying them, he still cares deeply for his lover.] ...we could even exchange rings, if you want...
[ Noé's arms immediately wrap around Vanitas, kissing him just as deeply, letting his heart guide him as he scoops his lover up in his arms. Despite how sniffly he is, he wants Vanitas to know just how much he cares – without a ring for now. ]
I really want that. I'll get you a ring if you want to get one for me, because I also want you to know and see my feelings for you.
[ Which he hopes he can show in other ways, too, but the ring is a good, solid reminder. ]
Ah – I'm so happy, Vanitas...
I really want that. I'll get you a ring if you want to get one for me, because I also want you to know and see my feelings for you.
[ Which he hopes he can show in other ways, too, but the ring is a good, solid reminder. ]
Ah – I'm so happy, Vanitas...
[He lets loose a quiet yelp at suddenly being held, though it quickly devolves into a pleased moan as they kiss, head spinning with affection and warmth. There's never any mystery as to Noé's feelings in general; he wears his heart on his sleeve more often than not. Yet it's still nice to have such reassurances.]
Alright then... We'll exchange rings. I don't want this being a one-sided relationship, where one of us possesses the other more.
[Nobody holds all the power. It's a mutual understanding or nothing.]
You truly are a simple soul, aren't you... To be so happy with merely my affections...
Alright then... We'll exchange rings. I don't want this being a one-sided relationship, where one of us possesses the other more.
[Nobody holds all the power. It's a mutual understanding or nothing.]
You truly are a simple soul, aren't you... To be so happy with merely my affections...
[ Noé gently takes Vanitas' hands in his and presses them to his lips, giving them each a soft kiss. Then, he leans in and touches their foreheads together. He looks at his lover deeply, wanting to convey his sincerity as much as possible. ]
They mean everything to me. I know how hard it is for you to trust people, open up to them. Your feelings aren't anything small or menial to me.
[ Even if Vanitas feels like they are. ]
They mean everything to me. I know how hard it is for you to trust people, open up to them. Your feelings aren't anything small or menial to me.
[ Even if Vanitas feels like they are. ]
[The depths to which Noé goes to get his true feelings across leaves Vanitas reeling, his heart pounding in his chest and threatening to choke him with its intensity. He tries to swallow the lump in his throat to no avail, nor can he keep the sting of tears from pricking his eyes and making him blink rapidly.]
...I-I see... Then... I hope you'll tread carefully. Some are new and tender...
[Which is about as much as he'll admit to feeling vulnerable and scared, honestly. Afraid of being hurt yet again, one way or another as he grasps Noé's hands in return.]
...I-I see... Then... I hope you'll tread carefully. Some are new and tender...
[Which is about as much as he'll admit to feeling vulnerable and scared, honestly. Afraid of being hurt yet again, one way or another as he grasps Noé's hands in return.]
[ He sees how quickly Vanitas blinks, and admittedly, Noé would like to wipe his tears away. But those words keep him from doing so, realizing that maybe he's been overwhelming Vanitas with the depth of his feelings. So he just nods and gently brushes his thumb over his partner's hand. ]
You told me I should tell you to back off...so you can do the same for me. I don't want to scare you. That's the last thing I want to do to you.
You told me I should tell you to back off...so you can do the same for me. I don't want to scare you. That's the last thing I want to do to you.
[It's an awful sensation, feeling so exposed emotionally, yet he's trusting Noé to treat him with care. His words confirm that the vampire certainly has respect for him, as if that was ever in any doubt. But it helps to hear it for certain.]
...very well. If it becomes too much, I'll let you know, even though I'm well aware you always mean well. You never not.
[Realizing they're wasting water, he takes his hands back and grabs the shampoo to lather up Noé's hair while they talk.]
But don't think that means you need to treat me as fragile. You've seen how resilient I am. I only ask that you give me time to adjust. Being loved is... a lot.
...very well. If it becomes too much, I'll let you know, even though I'm well aware you always mean well. You never not.
[Realizing they're wasting water, he takes his hands back and grabs the shampoo to lather up Noé's hair while they talk.]
But don't think that means you need to treat me as fragile. You've seen how resilient I am. I only ask that you give me time to adjust. Being loved is... a lot.
I understand. Take all the time you need. I'll always be here.
[ His eyes flutter shut from all the shampoo, and he leans into the touch, wanting Vanitas near him. Noé sighs contently and places his hands on Vanitas' forearms, giving them an affectionate squeeze. ]
I'm learning, too, so you're not alone. I mean, I've never kissed anyone up until yesterday. I don't know much about relationships, but I know you, and I hope that'll suffice for now.
[ His eyes flutter shut from all the shampoo, and he leans into the touch, wanting Vanitas near him. Noé sighs contently and places his hands on Vanitas' forearms, giving them an affectionate squeeze. ]
I'm learning, too, so you're not alone. I mean, I've never kissed anyone up until yesterday. I don't know much about relationships, but I know you, and I hope that'll suffice for now.
Good. It's rather depressing to think you wouldn't be.
[In truth, he treasures being told he'll never be "free." Because he's slowly coming to realize that's not what he genuinely wants, despite all the pushback he gives towards people trying to get close to him. Carefully, he scratches at Noé's scalp, making sure to get behind his ears and the nape of his neck before tipping his head in for a kiss that also lets the shampoo rinse from his hair.]
That doesn't surprise me. You're so clueless. It's sweet. Infuriating at times, but sweet all the same. And knowing me is more than enough. You can learn as you go.
[In truth, he treasures being told he'll never be "free." Because he's slowly coming to realize that's not what he genuinely wants, despite all the pushback he gives towards people trying to get close to him. Carefully, he scratches at Noé's scalp, making sure to get behind his ears and the nape of his neck before tipping his head in for a kiss that also lets the shampoo rinse from his hair.]
That doesn't surprise me. You're so clueless. It's sweet. Infuriating at times, but sweet all the same. And knowing me is more than enough. You can learn as you go.
[ The kiss is much appreciated and he's eager to meet it. Noé smiles gently; he'd been nervous about not knowing enough, but it helps to know that Vanitas is okay with that. That he'd been expecting it, going into this relationship. ]
I will, and I feel like I've already learned quite a bit.
[ And there's something nice about not knowing everything right off the bat. ]
Such as...well, we need to find a good place for rings when we go out next. And earrings.
I will, and I feel like I've already learned quite a bit.
[ And there's something nice about not knowing everything right off the bat. ]
Such as...well, we need to find a good place for rings when we go out next. And earrings.
[Honestly, Noé being worried over that of all things would've earned him a bark of laughter. If there's one thing Vanitas has no illusions about, it's Noé's inexperience with things. In fact, teaching him is one of the highlists he's looking forward to.]
I'm sure you have. You're clever, despite my harsh words.
[Not an idiot no matter what Vanitas tends to say.]
I know a couple stores we can try. Did you have any style in mind for me? I was thinking of perhaps getting one to match your new earrings.
I'm sure you have. You're clever, despite my harsh words.
[Not an idiot no matter what Vanitas tends to say.]
I know a couple stores we can try. Did you have any style in mind for me? I was thinking of perhaps getting one to match your new earrings.
Oh! Now that you mention my earrings, how about...
[ Get ready for it. He's excited! This idea is brilliant in his head!! ]
I'll get you a ring that has a bit of amethyst, if you want to get me something that has some blue on it...to match your earrings?
[ Hehe. ]
[ Get ready for it. He's excited! This idea is brilliant in his head!! ]
I'll get you a ring that has a bit of amethyst, if you want to get me something that has some blue on it...to match your earrings?
[ Hehe. ]
Oh--!
[Actually, that's quite clever?? Color him impressed! And touched, actually...]
I see... Yes, I quite like that idea. That's even better than simply exchanging normal stones. Much more meaningful and interesting to boot.
[Hope you're ready for him to pull you down for a kiss, Noé!]
[Actually, that's quite clever?? Color him impressed! And touched, actually...]
I see... Yes, I quite like that idea. That's even better than simply exchanging normal stones. Much more meaningful and interesting to boot.
[Hope you're ready for him to pull you down for a kiss, Noé!]
[ He is not ready, but he is happy about it! He'll gladly accept that kiss as a form of approval. He feels rather clever for thinking about this, too. ]
Good! I would love to add a little bit of blue to keep you near.
[ At least, it'll feel that way, like he's keeping a piece of Vanitas with him everywhere he goes. ]
So...this means we're married? By our terms?
Good! I would love to add a little bit of blue to keep you near.
[ At least, it'll feel that way, like he's keeping a piece of Vanitas with him everywhere he goes. ]
So...this means we're married? By our terms?
[That's what matters! A happy Noé makes for a happy Vanitas, after all.]
Noé...
[UGH SO SAPPY! But... it's not a terrible feeling, this romantic fluff. It's actually kind of nice in a sickeningly sweet sort of way. Which is probably why he's now blushing furiously.]
I-- I suppose it does. I mean, we'll be in everything but name, anyway. [........] Names, huh...
Noé...
[UGH SO SAPPY! But... it's not a terrible feeling, this romantic fluff. It's actually kind of nice in a sickeningly sweet sort of way. Which is probably why he's now blushing furiously.]
I-- I suppose it does. I mean, we'll be in everything but name, anyway. [........] Names, huh...
[ He's so happy, he's over the moon and is wasting more water by not washing Vanitas properly. He could care less, though, because his attention is purely on their newfound marriage. ]
Names? What about them?
[ He tilts his head. Calling Vanitas an Archiviste would be wrong and paint even more of a target on his back, which Noé doesn't want, so... ]
Names? What about them?
[ He tilts his head. Calling Vanitas an Archiviste would be wrong and paint even more of a target on his back, which Noé doesn't want, so... ]
[Well, he'll just cut that off right now by shutting off the water. They're both rinsed enough; it'll suffice for now. Unlike SOME people, he cares about wastage! Though it's more that he's working on autopilot than actually thinking about it, as he seems incredibly distracted now.]
N-Nothing! Forget I said anything.
[Totally wasn't thinking what it would be like to share a name with Noé, nope. Not for a second. It's not like he has one to give Noé instead...
Grabbing a towel, he drapes it over the vampire's head and starts drying his hair, frowning in thought with heat coloring his cheeks.]
N-Nothing! Forget I said anything.
[Totally wasn't thinking what it would be like to share a name with Noé, nope. Not for a second. It's not like he has one to give Noé instead...
Grabbing a towel, he drapes it over the vampire's head and starts drying his hair, frowning in thought with heat coloring his cheeks.]
No, no, please... I want to hear what you were thinking.
[ He can't sound as convincing as he'd like what with the towel and all, but he's trying his best. ]
Did you...want to share a name? Why don't we make one together?
[ He'll always be an Archiviste, but he wants another name with Vanitas. They've come this far; he might as well prove his devotion in another way, too. ]
[ He can't sound as convincing as he'd like what with the towel and all, but he's trying his best. ]
Did you...want to share a name? Why don't we make one together?
[ He'll always be an Archiviste, but he wants another name with Vanitas. They've come this far; he might as well prove his devotion in another way, too. ]
...just that... it might be nice to have a proper name again.
[Sometimes he thinks he's forgotten his old name, it being little more than a memory now.]
Make one? [Again, Noé with the big-brained ideas that don't even occur to Vanitas. He was so stuck on sharing Noé's that an alternative wasn't something he'd thought of.] You would be willing to do that? Your name has meaning, power behind it, you know. It's a storied title in and of itself, not something to be easily thrown away.
[Sometimes he thinks he's forgotten his old name, it being little more than a memory now.]
Make one? [Again, Noé with the big-brained ideas that don't even occur to Vanitas. He was so stuck on sharing Noé's that an alternative wasn't something he'd thought of.] You would be willing to do that? Your name has meaning, power behind it, you know. It's a storied title in and of itself, not something to be easily thrown away.
I won't throw it away. I will always be an Archiviste. As long as I have this power, my clan's blood in my veins...there is no throwing it away, and I don't desire to discard it. However...
[ Once Vanitas is done with his hair, Noé will place a hand on his shoulder and give him a look of consideration. ]
...I want another name. One that I can share with you. I don't know...who would know it, when I'd use it, as everyone knows me as an Archiviste – but as long it's the two of us, I...
[ He wants one. He wants something special with Vanitas, but maybe Vanitas won't see the point if Noé can't nor would be willing to erase his Archiviste name. He frowns at the thought, feeling like he's disappointing Vanitas in some way, but he'll wait for his response. ]
[ Once Vanitas is done with his hair, Noé will place a hand on his shoulder and give him a look of consideration. ]
...I want another name. One that I can share with you. I don't know...who would know it, when I'd use it, as everyone knows me as an Archiviste – but as long it's the two of us, I...
[ He wants one. He wants something special with Vanitas, but maybe Vanitas won't see the point if Noé can't nor would be willing to erase his Archiviste name. He frowns at the thought, feeling like he's disappointing Vanitas in some way, but he'll wait for his response. ]
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