[...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.
[He guesses, based on what he remembers. What he saw from Vincent's memories. He glances between the other two, tilting his head. Trying to imagine. Remembering the experience of feeding from Vincent. The panic and terror it had induced in him. But he does agree with Vanitas that it seems rather cruel to expect such from the siblings. To claim such from birth.]
[ Dread begins to set into his chest. This sort of understanding— no, there was no excuse for it. Swallowing, his fingers curl as they rest over his waist.
But that simple touch eases him immensely, aiding in clearing his head. Vincent sighs with some ease. ]
… Yes, I assume so, Noé. Anyone who was not a Baskerville was—. [ His eyes fall on Vanitas, to will that image out of his mind, as he reaches to slip a hand into his lover’s. ] I found Gil. He’d fallen by Gl— no. Jack’s sword. As it turns out, he’d killed Glen, too. Alice… was also dead. [ Mismatched eyes become unfocused still. ] And shortly after, the gate sank into the Abyss, taking part of the capitol with it.
[Considering it sounds like Vincent did what he did in order to save both himself and Gil, Vanitas can't find it within himself to see such actions as inherently wrong. Self-preservation is a strong motivator, plus based on what's been said, he can't tell if the destruction was something Vincent knew would happen.
He readily takes hold of Vincent's hand in both his own, holding with one and covering both with the other.]
Horrific... So much carnage, when clearly you'd been through so much already. But... Gilbert's fine, yes? He's here, alive. That's what matters most.
But....I mean. You didn't necessarily know what would happen? You just wanted to protect Gilbert.
[At the cost of so many others. But he still isn't sure that Vincent really knew the consequences. He'd still been so young at the time. He can't immediately assume that the blond really knew what would happen. Shouldn't immediately be furious and terrified. Well, he kind of is, but more at the situation in general, than placing blame for it on Vincent. The vampire replays the scene in his mind. So many dead....]
[ Such reassurances rarely work, but the simple touch manages to ground Vincent enough to hear their words. It leaves his expression vaguely curious, eyes wandering. ]
Mn… Yes. I was easily fooled in my youth… but given the choice to protect Gilbert, I will always do what I must.
[Even Vanitas himself can understand that sentiment, that desire to protect another from harm, despite his typical reserved and isolated nature. There's no blame to be laid for that, as he sees it. So he merely pets over Vincent's face and hair in what he hopes is a soothing manner, nodding.]
You've proven that much. [As their fight illustrated.] I'm grateful you both made it out okay, even if it wasn't an easy path to walk.
Everyone is. You were just a child when all that happened. And all you knew was that this would help Gilbert. I know how it is....to blame yourself.
[Children are generally more selfish, more prone to considering themselves and their loved ones first and foremost. It makes sense that Vincent would do that. Not that Noé has experience with having siblings. But.....well. Louis and Domi had sort of felt like it, almost. Growing up alongside them as he had. What would he have done if he had the chance to save Louis? If he could spare Domi losing him? Noé is quiet as he seems lost in thought, considering how far he might have gone. What he might have done differently.]
[ Under Vanitas’ touch, his lashes fall to rest against his cheeks, a hand curling at his chest as he considers stopping him.
Yet, Noé speaks about knowing what it is to blame oneself, and he finds himself tilting his head back to look at the other, vision taking in the detail of his face curiously. Quietly, he hums, shifting to relax as he’d been before. ]
… I hope that was sufficient enough to answer your questions.
[Despite the grim subject matter, Vanitas has to laugh, albeit wryly. Between the three of them they seem to be made up of a mountain of traumatic experiences. It's rather a wonder they manage to function at all some days. Although knowing what he does now, it's enough to cause him to reach up and stroke both blond and white hair alike.]
What a fine trio we make, hmm? And still we've all turned out very differently. I wonder if everyone drawn here has been through their own special hell...
[Perhaps it's experiences which bind them as Patho-Gen's little guinea pigs.]
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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?
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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.]
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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.]
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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?
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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.]
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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.
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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?
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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.
no subject
Date: 2025-10-25 09:24 am (UTC)[He guesses, based on what he remembers. What he saw from Vincent's memories. He glances between the other two, tilting his head. Trying to imagine. Remembering the experience of feeding from Vincent. The panic and terror it had induced in him. But he does agree with Vanitas that it seems rather cruel to expect such from the siblings. To claim such from birth.]
no subject
Date: 2025-10-25 09:49 am (UTC)But that simple touch eases him immensely, aiding in clearing his head. Vincent sighs with some ease. ]
… Yes, I assume so, Noé. Anyone who was not a Baskerville was—. [ His eyes fall on Vanitas, to will that image out of his mind, as he reaches to slip a hand into his lover’s. ] I found Gil. He’d fallen by Gl— no. Jack’s sword. As it turns out, he’d killed Glen, too. Alice… was also dead. [ Mismatched eyes become unfocused still. ] And shortly after, the gate sank into the Abyss, taking part of the capitol with it.
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Date: 2025-10-25 09:58 am (UTC)He readily takes hold of Vincent's hand in both his own, holding with one and covering both with the other.]
Horrific... So much carnage, when clearly you'd been through so much already. But... Gilbert's fine, yes? He's here, alive. That's what matters most.
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Date: 2025-10-25 08:56 pm (UTC)[At the cost of so many others. But he still isn't sure that Vincent really knew the consequences. He'd still been so young at the time. He can't immediately assume that the blond really knew what would happen. Shouldn't immediately be furious and terrified. Well, he kind of is, but more at the situation in general, than placing blame for it on Vincent. The vampire replays the scene in his mind. So many dead....]
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Date: 2025-10-26 05:29 pm (UTC)Mn… Yes. I was easily fooled in my youth… but given the choice to protect Gilbert, I will always do what I must.
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Date: 2025-10-26 08:04 pm (UTC)You've proven that much. [As their fight illustrated.] I'm grateful you both made it out okay, even if it wasn't an easy path to walk.
no subject
Date: 2025-10-27 12:25 am (UTC)[Children are generally more selfish, more prone to considering themselves and their loved ones first and foremost. It makes sense that Vincent would do that. Not that Noé has experience with having siblings. But.....well. Louis and Domi had sort of felt like it, almost. Growing up alongside them as he had. What would he have done if he had the chance to save Louis? If he could spare Domi losing him? Noé is quiet as he seems lost in thought, considering how far he might have gone. What he might have done differently.]
no subject
Date: 2025-10-27 11:31 am (UTC)Yet, Noé speaks about knowing what it is to blame oneself, and he finds himself tilting his head back to look at the other, vision taking in the detail of his face curiously. Quietly, he hums, shifting to relax as he’d been before. ]
… I hope that was sufficient enough to answer your questions.
no subject
Date: 2025-10-27 11:40 am (UTC)What a fine trio we make, hmm? And still we've all turned out very differently. I wonder if everyone drawn here has been through their own special hell...
[Perhaps it's experiences which bind them as Patho-Gen's little guinea pigs.]
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