[Even with Vanitas speaking up on Vincent's behalf, it seems like it's a little too late to prevent anything dangerous from happening. So a grumpy scowl is the result of the blond being all calm and nonchalant about this.]
No, it's not. It's absolutely your own damn f--
[Except he doesn't get the chance to chide his lover for his foolishness before they're both squishing Noé like a rather lightweight sandwich. Full of annoyance and fussing up a storm, Vanitas' legs flail helplessly and he wiggles about in Vincent's arms.]
You idiot! Be more careful of yourself, dammit! What if it wasn't Noé and me here with you but some stranger who didn't care a lick for you, huh? What do you think would become of you then??
[Noé falls back against the bed, not having expected Vincent to fall back against him and deal with the weight of both of the others. Just because he has vampiric strength doesn't mean that he really braces himself against it. He raises his head a little to check on the others as Vanitas flails his legs about. Not wanting to hurt either of them by shoving them off him and potentially off the bed, he just stays put where he is to let them move and hop off if and when they want.]
[ All of Vanitas’ fussing only leads to some laughter, as the blond carelessly remains draped between them. He will clumsily find a feline ear to rub in appeasement, though! ]
I’m fine, I’m fine… Let me remind you, I don’t partake in dalliances with strangers these days. [ Lashes fluttering, he sighs with the laziest little smile. ] Should take more than blood loss to do me in, besides…
[Much to his chagrin, the petting works, calming him down so that his legs cease flailing about and his tail swishes lazily, though the tip shakes like a rattlesnake's. Still, he huffs in what can only be called a pout.]
Smack him, Noé. [Hopefully his friend will realize it's just him grousing and he doesn't really want any harm to come to Vincent.] I mean, I'm grateful you stick to those you know, but still--! My point stands.
[Rolling over, he sprawls out on his lover's chest to frown heavily at him, eyes searching with worry as he regards the pallor of Vincent's skin.]
[He doesn't want to hurt Vincent any more than he already has with the feeding. Vincent needs to have them check on him. Noé seems more concerned with making sure Vincent was alright than really listening to Vanitas, concern evident in his features as he glances over, only shifting to sit up just slightly once they are off of him. He'd tried to be careful. Didn't want anything to happen to Vincent or anyone else because he was feeding from them.]
[ Sorry, Noé, but the blond isn’t moving; however, with the taller man shifting further back to sit up, Vincent’s head falls into his lap. Curiously, he looks up at the other with a snerk… and turns his head just slightly to tap his cheek. You can smack him right there. ]
Fortunately, we’ve the most darling little supervisor on the job… so it’s all just a bit of fun, hm?
[ With his attentions turned back on Vanitas, both his hands smooth along the back of his partner’s head now, before firmly running down his back and around his shoulder blades. Well, firmly as he can muster. ]
It’s quite nice, actually… Loose and wanton… [ A content little hum! ]
[Honestly, it's the fact Vincent just oozes into Noé's lap which saves him from getting beaned upside the head from Vanitas. If only because now they're both rather sprawled in the vampire's lap, looking glaring up at the ceiling for the time being. Honestly, this guy...]
I'll "bit of fun" you, you damn...!
[Not that he's really pissed, more that he's worried Vincent might pass out on them. Though judging by his wandering hands and sultry remarks, he's just fine.]
From now on we're doing this with food nearby. Or juice. Something to help keep you upright. ... Wait, as spectrals, do you guys even eat?
[He says in response to Vincent, indicating at his cheek like that. Given their position on his lap somewhat, he pauses where he is in sitting up, tilting his head as he nods at Vanitas's idea of keeping something nearby.
But then, when he asks about whether Spectrals even eat.....
Well. That would be terrible! Unacceptable! The very idea of not enjoying his beloved tarte tatin again?]
[ Gaze drifting back up to Noé, he places a hand over his heart, brow knit with a sigh; as though this is a crushing admittance, not wanting to hit him.
But it passes quickly, as the question leaves his eyes drifting in thought. ]
Well, it might vary wildly between us, depending on the corruption process… It seems that the majority are capable of eating what they please, outside of their specific dietary requirements. Noé, for example, must have his blood.
[ That might be shockingly lucid for his current state, but his manner of speaking is especially languid, lashes occasionally drooping to his cheeks. ]
[...yeah, you're going on record as a masochist, Vince. Even if he is just teasing them both in his own weird way.
The answer at least gets a soft "huh" as Vanitas hums his consideration.]
I suppose that only makes sense. Just as there are many carnivora souls, it stands to reason spectrals wouldn't be a monolith, either. So don't worry, Noé. You may yet retain your ability to eat human foods.
[For the vampire's sake, he certainly hopes so. ... And maybe, secretly, so he can keep feeding the idiot his precious tarte and other sweets.
For now though, he leans low over Vincent, nose brushing nose and a scowl firmly in place.]
I hope that you're not meaning I won't be able to have any more desserts...!
[Noé exclaims, definitely not happy about this revelation and possibility. He glances and checks in on Vincent, his gaze concerned and confused amid his mess of bangs. The vampire can't help but fret if he might have gone too far. If he had taken too much blood. If the other was weaker than he had anticipated.
He just wants to be sure that he hasn't actually really hurt Vincent. At least, not more than he had intended to. He knows that Vincent is important to Vanitas.]
[ Miraculously, he’s managed not to address his own experience and still move on in the conversation… Excellent. Far less uncomfortable. ]
Yes, I’m fine. Comfortable, actually.
[ One hand comfortably rested behind Vanitas’ neck, Vincent glances up to Noé as he pouts with some entertainment, reaching up to brush some of that hair from his eyes. ]
If you’re still doing well enough with your desserts, then I wouldn’t worry. If you’re truly fussed about it, however, you have that tart to take advantage of now.
[Vanitas could spoil it in an instant, but, well, those pursed lips indicate that he probably realizes that he shouldn't delve down that avenue of discussion right now. Instead, he grinds his knuckles into Vincent's temple - not hard, but enough of a noogie to make a point.]
You better be telling the truth.
[For Noé though, he pats that mop of white hair, ruffling it lightly before taking his hand back.]
Yeah, if you're still able to eat normally, then don't fret over it. There's no sense in meeting trouble halfway.
I don't want to be unable to enjoy food....! Desserts are so good!
[Maybe they were right, though. Just. Try to make the most of being able to for now. Until and unless things change regarding his diet. He just hates the thought of being unable to enjoy his delicious desserts. He just can't help pouting and looking distraught at the very idea. Even if Vincent reminds him that he currently has the tarte tatin to try and enjoy soon enough.
Still, he does at least try to reach for Vanitas's wrists to attempt to stop him. Vincent is likely feeling bad enough at the moment without the added noogie.]
[ Catching that look from Vanitas, his smile slacks just so, yet he’ll hold the other’s gaze with a brief nod of appreciation and the warmth of appreciation in his eyes. They could speak on it later.
Of course, then there’s that boogie - if which he’s really not sure how to react to, half flinching while pushing at the offending wrist with zero strength. ]
What—
[ Shockingly, Noé comes to his rescue, and for a passing breath, he’s just stunned… before breaking out into laughter. ]
Well, it'll be what it'll be. It's not like you can change your soul. [...right? Wrong.]
[Mild grumbling aside, he finally eases up with Noé's encouragement, though he does take the opportunity to ruffle both of their hair. Geez, it's like dealing with children sometimes...! Laughter is good, though. It shows him Vincent isn't so far out of it that he can't be amused.]
Good. Because I think we were wanting to ask you some questions about what he saw.
[That tragedy or whatever it was that so affected Noé when he drank Vincent's blood the first time.]
[Noé releases Vanitas's wrist when he seems to relent and distracts him by bringing that up. Sure, he did want to talk to Vincent about it. But he wasn't sure when to ask. How to bring that up. Vanitas brings it up instead. He glances between the two of them, wondering if Vincent is okay to talk about it. Let alone in front of Vanitas. Whether he might want to talk about it in front of Vanitas as well. Given it had seemed rather....a lot.]
[ Vincent might look mildly affronted at having his hair mussed this way, brow furrowed in some confusion as he bats at his fringe to move it away from his eyes. ]
Well… I had said, all you need do is ask… So, very well, then.
[ A silent sigh, as he tilts his head back to address Noé. ]
I’d imagined that you would have questions, eventually. Where would you like to start?
[Too bad for you, Vincent. Hair mussing is part and parcel of being adored by this gremlin of a man. Noé at least seems used to it; take a page from his book and all will be well.]
I'll let Noé decide what questions to ask, since I haven't the foggiest what you two are babbling on about.
[He just might be pouting a little a being left out of the loop, yet he doubts Vincent wants to explain everything from the beginning. He'll just work to piece together what he can from the information given.]
[Noé wants to be sure that the blond is okay with talking about it first. Once Vincent agrees to that, he takes a moment, considering as Vincent glances up at him. It was a lot. The destruction. So many people dying as a result. Even just losing Louis had hurt enough. His grandparents. His family and clan. Let alone so many. How to even begin to process it. What to ask first. How confusing it must be for Vanitas.]
It's okay? I'm not quite sure where to start.....it seemed like a lot.
[ With a tick of his tongue, Vincent looks to his partner as though to ask, is his head always this empty? ]
I see.
[ Lashes fluttering, his lids fall to prevent himself from outright rolling his eyes. ]
Gilbert was born to be the next incarnation of Glen Baskerville, thus destined to inherit the five Chains designated to him, and all of their previous souls. Similarly, I entered the world as a Child Of Misfortune. [ He taps beneath his red eyes. ] Known as a harbinger of ill fortune and destruction, and designated to be slain by his hand so that I may face condemnation.
[For what it's worth, Vanitas can only offer a light shrug. Some days, yes, yes his head is full of clouds.]
Gilbert was?
[Clearly that's news to him, naturally, but it still takes him by surprise to hear sweet Gil was supposed to be the purveyor of Vincent's demise. A heavy frown mars his expression upon learning just how much fate was set against the two of them from the outset. Carefully, he touches near Vincent's cursed eye, brushing the hair back from it.]
That seems decidedly unfair... More than being born unlucky like some people. Yet clearly that hasn't come to pass. Has your circumstances changed?
[At least, as far as he can tell. As he tries to piece things together from what he recalls of Vincent's memories. Noé is still confused as he considers what little he knows. Trying to make it make sense in context. It seems like a lot. For siblings to be in such a situation. What had happened to Louis and Domi was awful enough. Let alone expecting that one of the siblings would kill the other?]
[ Vincent’s lashes lower under the touch, humming in confirmation. ]
Yes. It was said to me that the procession would kill Gil, and while I had hidden myself away to cry, a woman approached me— a witch, she said. Claimed she could help me save my brother, by—
[ By imbuing him with a spell which would turn to a curse if he should ever speak about it. Seems that part of him still believes that, in some strange way. ]
She instructed me on what to do. During Gil’s ceremony to inherit the first of five Chains, I opened the door to the Abyss. It triggered a catastrophic chain of events… but, ultimately, it did spare us from the roles which we were meant for.
[He murmurs, other hand clenching into a fist. Having one's family attacked by vampires or being kidnapped... That's at least an outside force. But to be cursed with something from birth? That is simply cruel.]
I'm relieved to know you both managed to avoid such a fate, even if the end result wasn't ideal... I don't like the thought of you having never made it beyond a designated time in your life.
[Briefly, he touches his forehead to Vincent's before sitting up with a sigh.]
It seems like a situation where you were damned if you did, damned if you didn't.
no subject
Date: 2025-10-23 08:44 pm (UTC)No, it's not. It's absolutely your own damn f--
[Except he doesn't get the chance to chide his lover for his foolishness before they're both squishing Noé like a rather lightweight sandwich. Full of annoyance and fussing up a storm, Vanitas' legs flail helplessly and he wiggles about in Vincent's arms.]
You idiot! Be more careful of yourself, dammit! What if it wasn't Noé and me here with you but some stranger who didn't care a lick for you, huh? What do you think would become of you then??
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Date: 2025-10-23 10:01 pm (UTC)[Noé falls back against the bed, not having expected Vincent to fall back against him and deal with the weight of both of the others. Just because he has vampiric strength doesn't mean that he really braces himself against it. He raises his head a little to check on the others as Vanitas flails his legs about. Not wanting to hurt either of them by shoving them off him and potentially off the bed, he just stays put where he is to let them move and hop off if and when they want.]
Are you okay?
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Date: 2025-10-23 10:21 pm (UTC)I’m fine, I’m fine… Let me remind you, I don’t partake in dalliances with strangers these days. [ Lashes fluttering, he sighs with the laziest little smile. ] Should take more than blood loss to do me in, besides…
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Date: 2025-10-23 10:30 pm (UTC)Smack him, Noé. [Hopefully his friend will realize it's just him grousing and he doesn't really want any harm to come to Vincent.] I mean, I'm grateful you stick to those you know, but still--! My point stands.
[Rolling over, he sprawls out on his lover's chest to frown heavily at him, eyes searching with worry as he regards the pallor of Vincent's skin.]
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Date: 2025-10-23 11:42 pm (UTC)[He doesn't want to hurt Vincent any more than he already has with the feeding. Vincent needs to have them check on him. Noé seems more concerned with making sure Vincent was alright than really listening to Vanitas, concern evident in his features as he glances over, only shifting to sit up just slightly once they are off of him. He'd tried to be careful. Didn't want anything to happen to Vincent or anyone else because he was feeding from them.]
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Date: 2025-10-24 04:59 am (UTC)Fortunately, we’ve the most darling little supervisor on the job… so it’s all just a bit of fun, hm?
[ With his attentions turned back on Vanitas, both his hands smooth along the back of his partner’s head now, before firmly running down his back and around his shoulder blades. Well, firmly as he can muster. ]
It’s quite nice, actually… Loose and wanton… [ A content little hum! ]
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Date: 2025-10-24 05:22 am (UTC)lookingglaring up at the ceiling for the time being. Honestly, this guy...]I'll "bit of fun" you, you damn...!
[Not that he's really pissed, more that he's worried Vincent might pass out on them. Though judging by his wandering hands and sultry remarks, he's just fine.]
From now on we're doing this with food nearby. Or juice. Something to help keep you upright. ... Wait, as spectrals, do you guys even eat?
[Belated realization!]
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Date: 2025-10-24 07:05 am (UTC)[He says in response to Vincent, indicating at his cheek like that. Given their position on his lap somewhat, he pauses where he is in sitting up, tilting his head as he nods at Vanitas's idea of keeping something nearby.
But then, when he asks about whether Spectrals even eat.....
Well. That would be terrible! Unacceptable! The very idea of not enjoying his beloved tarte tatin again?]
Wait, what?
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Date: 2025-10-24 07:26 am (UTC)But it passes quickly, as the question leaves his eyes drifting in thought. ]
Well, it might vary wildly between us, depending on the corruption process… It seems that the majority are capable of eating what they please, outside of their specific dietary requirements. Noé, for example, must have his blood.
[ That might be shockingly lucid for his current state, but his manner of speaking is especially languid, lashes occasionally drooping to his cheeks. ]
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Date: 2025-10-24 07:35 am (UTC)The answer at least gets a soft "huh" as Vanitas hums his consideration.]
I suppose that only makes sense. Just as there are many carnivora souls, it stands to reason spectrals wouldn't be a monolith, either. So don't worry, Noé. You may yet retain your ability to eat human foods.
[For the vampire's sake, he certainly hopes so. ... And maybe, secretly, so he can keep feeding the idiot his precious tarte and other sweets.
For now though, he leans low over Vincent, nose brushing nose and a scowl firmly in place.]
Are you alright? Aside from being woozy?
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Date: 2025-10-24 10:07 am (UTC)[Noé exclaims, definitely not happy about this revelation and possibility. He glances and checks in on Vincent, his gaze concerned and confused amid his mess of bangs. The vampire can't help but fret if he might have gone too far. If he had taken too much blood. If the other was weaker than he had anticipated.
He just wants to be sure that he hasn't actually really hurt Vincent. At least, not more than he had intended to. He knows that Vincent is important to Vanitas.]
Are you sure you're okay?
no subject
Date: 2025-10-24 12:29 pm (UTC)Yes, I’m fine. Comfortable, actually.
[ One hand comfortably rested behind Vanitas’ neck, Vincent glances up to Noé as he pouts with some entertainment, reaching up to brush some of that hair from his eyes. ]
If you’re still doing well enough with your desserts, then I wouldn’t worry. If you’re truly fussed about it, however, you have that tart to take advantage of now.
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Date: 2025-10-24 12:51 pm (UTC)You better be telling the truth.
[For Noé though, he pats that mop of white hair, ruffling it lightly before taking his hand back.]
Yeah, if you're still able to eat normally, then don't fret over it. There's no sense in meeting trouble halfway.
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Date: 2025-10-24 06:38 pm (UTC)[Maybe they were right, though. Just. Try to make the most of being able to for now. Until and unless things change regarding his diet. He just hates the thought of being unable to enjoy his delicious desserts. He just can't help pouting and looking distraught at the very idea. Even if Vincent reminds him that he currently has the tarte tatin to try and enjoy soon enough.
Still, he does at least try to reach for Vanitas's wrists to attempt to stop him. Vincent is likely feeling bad enough at the moment without the added noogie.]
no subject
Date: 2025-10-25 05:52 am (UTC)Of course, then there’s that boogie - if which he’s really not sure how to react to, half flinching while pushing at the offending wrist with zero strength. ]
What—
[ Shockingly, Noé comes to his rescue, and for a passing breath, he’s just stunned… before breaking out into laughter. ]
Yes, yes… In this instance, I am quite well.
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Date: 2025-10-25 06:18 am (UTC)Wrong.][Mild grumbling aside, he finally eases up with Noé's encouragement, though he does take the opportunity to ruffle both of their hair. Geez, it's like dealing with children sometimes...! Laughter is good, though. It shows him Vincent isn't so far out of it that he can't be amused.]
Good. Because I think we were wanting to ask you some questions about what he saw.
[That tragedy or whatever it was that so affected Noé when he drank Vincent's blood the first time.]
no subject
Date: 2025-10-25 07:19 am (UTC)Ah? Um. Are you sure? Is this okay to ask now?
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Date: 2025-10-25 07:24 am (UTC)[ Vincent might look mildly affronted at having his hair mussed this way, brow furrowed in some confusion as he bats at his fringe to move it away from his eyes. ]
Well… I had said, all you need do is ask… So, very well, then.
[ A silent sigh, as he tilts his head back to address Noé. ]
I’d imagined that you would have questions, eventually. Where would you like to start?
no subject
Date: 2025-10-25 07:32 am (UTC)I'll let Noé decide what questions to ask, since I haven't the foggiest what you two are babbling on about.
[He just might be pouting a little a being left out of the loop, yet he doubts Vincent wants to explain everything from the beginning. He'll just work to piece together what he can from the information given.]
no subject
Date: 2025-10-25 07:45 am (UTC)It's okay? I'm not quite sure where to start.....it seemed like a lot.
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Date: 2025-10-25 08:07 am (UTC)I see.
[ Lashes fluttering, his lids fall to prevent himself from outright rolling his eyes. ]
Gilbert was born to be the next incarnation of Glen Baskerville, thus destined to inherit the five Chains designated to him, and all of their previous souls. Similarly, I entered the world as a Child Of Misfortune. [ He taps beneath his red eyes. ] Known as a harbinger of ill fortune and destruction, and designated to be slain by his hand so that I may face condemnation.
no subject
Date: 2025-10-25 08:19 am (UTC)Gilbert was?
[Clearly that's news to him, naturally, but it still takes him by surprise to hear sweet Gil was supposed to be the purveyor of Vincent's demise. A heavy frown mars his expression upon learning just how much fate was set against the two of them from the outset. Carefully, he touches near Vincent's cursed eye, brushing the hair back from it.]
That seems decidedly unfair... More than being born unlucky like some people. Yet clearly that hasn't come to pass. Has your circumstances changed?
no subject
Date: 2025-10-25 08:36 am (UTC)[At least, as far as he can tell. As he tries to piece things together from what he recalls of Vincent's memories. Noé is still confused as he considers what little he knows. Trying to make it make sense in context. It seems like a lot. For siblings to be in such a situation. What had happened to Louis and Domi was awful enough. Let alone expecting that one of the siblings would kill the other?]
no subject
Date: 2025-10-25 08:53 am (UTC)Yes. It was said to me that the procession would kill Gil, and while I had hidden myself away to cry, a woman approached me— a witch, she said. Claimed she could help me save my brother, by—
[ By imbuing him with a spell which would turn to a curse if he should ever speak about it. Seems that part of him still believes that, in some strange way. ]
She instructed me on what to do. During Gil’s ceremony to inherit the first of five Chains, I opened the door to the Abyss. It triggered a catastrophic chain of events… but, ultimately, it did spare us from the roles which we were meant for.
no subject
Date: 2025-10-25 09:06 am (UTC)[He murmurs, other hand clenching into a fist. Having one's family attacked by vampires or being kidnapped... That's at least an outside force. But to be cursed with something from birth? That is simply cruel.]
I'm relieved to know you both managed to avoid such a fate, even if the end result wasn't ideal... I don't like the thought of you having never made it beyond a designated time in your life.
[Briefly, he touches his forehead to Vincent's before sitting up with a sigh.]
It seems like a situation where you were damned if you did, damned if you didn't.
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