[As Noé nuzzles into his shoulder, Aether can't help but laugh softly, then his hand moves to brush the white strands of his companion's hair. He can guess that the other feels awful about all of this. If the traveler was in his place, he would feel the same. But they really don't have any better options and this isn't a big price to pay either.]
Hmm... [He thinks about it for a moment.] What do you do the best?
[Noé isn't sure what he is good at. He knows he isn't great at making use of the World Formula. He's sensitive, emotional, and reckless at times, but that is his loyalty and empathy showing. Sure, he had been tutored by his Teacher, but he still had a lot of trauma and wasn't really figuring work so much up until his travels with Vanitas. Helping the doctor, working in cafes or the like, sometimes to make some extra money here and there.]
I haven't really worked outside of helping Vanitas. And at cafes. Restaurants. Serving people.
I don't have any job that's similar to that, but me and some friends are helping out with renovations of buildings in Karteria. Do you think you could help us out?
[He'll make sure to give some easy tasks to Noé so it wouldn't feel overwhelming.]
Renovations? Ah. Well, I am pretty strong. And fast. So, I guess that seems fine.
[He is rather suited for physical work, given his vampiric strength, at least. So he doesn't see a problem there, provided someone tells him what he needs to do, even just hauling building supplies or the like around or something. As long as he is helping and feels useful. Doing something to repay Aether for this.]
Alright. Sounds good, then. I just....feel like I should do something. In return for your help.
[He is glad for that. To be able to feel useful. Doing something in exchange for Aether. It helps. Even if he would still feel a little bad about this. Because he is Noé, and while he does have a temper sometimes, he generally doesn't want to really hurt anyone if he can help it. Still, he smiles against Aether's shoulder, grateful for the reassurance.]
I know... [Aether smiles warmly.] You're very kind.
[He pets the other's hair gently. Despite Noé being so tall, he feels far younger than he looks, especially now. It makes Aether smile only more with more fondness towards his friend.]
Hm... Maybe if we imprint it would help a bit, too? Imprinting can bring some relief from pain.
[It is probably the thing, besides how oblivious and ditzy he could be, that Dominique and Vanitas tell him off about the most. He's pretty sure Aether isn't the first to say something like that. But he did definitely have his moments where he acted younger than his nineteen years.
He blinks at the suggestion, recalling the vague memories of imprinting with Vanitas. How the other had told Noé to kiss him. Noé can feel his face heating up more at the suggestion.]
Imprint? Um. If it might help....I've only...with Vanitas.
You're not surprised? With.....most of your friends?
[That sounds like. A lot? But then. He isn't sure if there might be some sort of limit or not on this imprinting. And he's well aware that he might not have the best understanding of this whole thing. He's well aware that he's probably still blushing, but he tries to focus.]
Um. So, what should I...? Vanitas told me to kiss him.
[So, of course. This is what he assumes is how it works. Because idiot logic. Vanitas hadn't been able to give the best explanation, after all.]
[Aether nods. It's nothing that strange, he thinks. He has many close friends and it's not like much is needed to imprint on someone...
His eyes widen when his companion says Vanitas told him to kiss him. Aether blinks once, twice... then his eyes narrow a little.]
...I shouldn't even be surprised about that one either.
[It's Vanitas they're talking about!]
You don't need to kiss someone to imprint. Sometimes all it takes is holding of a hand, a hug... just like right now. I think it happens in different ways for different people... but you need to feel a connection to that other person.
Haa? I mean. I guess things were a little difficult, since he was restrained at the time.
[Vanitas was just likely working as best he could with his understanding of imprinting. And it was harder when he couldn't move. Still, even as he tries to explain and defend his friend, he also realizes how it sounds. He pouts briefly, listening as Aether explains and nods. He's not sure how he feels about it, but there's no point in exclaiming with Aether over it, when it isn't Aether's fault.]
I thought imprinting meant kissing or something, because of that.
[His eyes widen. He didn't want to ask about what happen during the experiments, he didn't want to bring back bad memories, but this news is devastating to him that Noé and Vanitas were forced to imprint during the torture. He recalls Vanitas telling him that Patho-Gen did the studies.
Aether takes a deep breath.]
... It must have been the only way back then. [He's torn between being angry at Patho-Gen and wanting to keep his companion closer, as if trying to reassure him that the nightmare is over.]
But... like I said, kissing isn't necessary. It could be an option... but any physical contact that brings you comfort and a sense of connection is good enough.
Vanitas was restrained, so he couldn't really move too easily at the time.
[So, it did rather limit the options. And they were on the clock, not allowed to be together for too long before being separated again. Not that he really figures the need to go into detail. He gives a nod, considering Aether's advice.]
So we could just hug? I mean. I don't want to force anything....
[It is so different from that panicked, rushed imprinting with Vanitas. The way Vanitas had yelled at him to kiss him properly, thrashing in frustration against his restraints. This was....calm. He has the chance to sit and talk about it with Aether. So, it's nice. To know that it didn't always have to be like that.]
Trust? Hm. Alright. I just figure....if it might help. It's worth a try.
[He isn't against the idea. Not if it might help Aether with this. It might be useful to have that bond with someone else besides Vanitas. It is good to know it isn't always necessarily like that. If it might take time, given he doesn't know Aether as well as he does Vanitas, that's alright. He's still figuring this out, so he doesn't necessarily have much to really compare this with. Which may be a benefit in some ways.]
Okay. You should relax, too. Just....let me know when you're ready.
[He nods, shifting with Aether as the other leans back more. Giving a soft hum of enjoyment merely at the soothing way Aether strokes his back. He hasn't had such comfort outside of moments with Dominique in so long; it's hard not to savor such affection. Aether is so gentle, so reassuring. Even without adding imprinting to it, he already seems to relax against the other.
When the other says he's ready, Noé nuzzles against the blond's neck, giving him a second before he bares his fangs and bites down. Piercing the skin and letting that familiar coppery taste fill his mouth. Even if Aether is resting against the couch, his arms are still loosely wrapped around the other's waist instinctively in support as he leans in.]
[He sighs a little as Noé leans into him and nuzzles against his neck. Aether's eyes close, his muscles tensing only when he feels the fangs piercing his skin and diving into his flesh. He holds Noé tight, but eventually tries to relax again. He's held securely into the other's arms, the back of the couch keeps him in place as well.
At some point he find that this isn't such a bad feeling. Maybe it's just the fact that he feels safe in Noé's arms. His limbs grow weaker and fall down to the couch and when he opens his eyes his vision sways. He says nothing though, allowing Noé to take as much as he needs.]
[He sighs, leaning in and pressing against Aether as he feeds. For all that he hates that being here has been increasing his hunger; it could be worse. He's still managing to keep from really harming anyone. Still letting himself keep to the rules he had back home of only feeding with consent. And not taking too much. It's inevitable that it would leave the other weaker and needing a moment afterwards, but given he has three people offering thus far, he's trying to be mindful of how much he takes. Even if it might feel good for Aether, that doesn't mean that he wants to go too far.
His tongue licks at Aether's neck as if in apology, sighing as he pauses and checks in on the blond, shifting to pull back slightly after a bit. He's fine, just taking a little every so often. Given that his priority is more to ensure that Aether is alright. That he doesn't accidentally take too much and really harm him.]
[He breathes a sigh when Noé pulls away and licks against his skin. Aether's golden eyes open a little, his head to the side, as he was giving his companion more access to his neck.]
I'm okay.
[His voice sounds a little weaker now and he needs a moment to rest, but a soft smile appears on his face to reassure the other more. It's just a bit of blood, it won't kill him.]
Good. Mm, I'm alright now. Feeding from three of you means I don't need to take so much, at least.
[He says, clumsily wiping at his face even as he tries to reassure Aether. Just glad if the other was okay and wasn't too weak or anything. He shifts to help Aether sit back against the couch to rest for now, then reaches to offer him the drink if he needs it now. Before it gets too cold. Having something after being fed on is probably a good idea.]
Mm. So, you shouldn't be worried about me, okay? If I might not feed from you so often. It's just because there are also others. That way, I don't need to take so much so often from just one of you. Vincent is also....and um. Tantai Jin. Vanitas asked him to help.
[Vincent was still perhaps....complicated. To say the least. Given how he had unintentionally marked the blond when initially feeding from him. He can feel the heat in his cheeks at that, even if he is getting a little more colour back from having fed. He reaches and takes a sip of his own tea, as if that would help distract from that metallic taste still on his tongue.]
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Date: 2025-10-24 11:34 am (UTC)Hmm... [He thinks about it for a moment.] What do you do the best?
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Date: 2025-10-25 08:11 am (UTC)[Noé isn't sure what he is good at. He knows he isn't great at making use of the World Formula. He's sensitive, emotional, and reckless at times, but that is his loyalty and empathy showing. Sure, he had been tutored by his Teacher, but he still had a lot of trauma and wasn't really figuring work so much up until his travels with Vanitas. Helping the doctor, working in cafes or the like, sometimes to make some extra money here and there.]
I haven't really worked outside of helping Vanitas. And at cafes. Restaurants. Serving people.
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Date: 2025-10-25 07:14 pm (UTC)I don't have any job that's similar to that, but me and some friends are helping out with renovations of buildings in Karteria. Do you think you could help us out?
[He'll make sure to give some easy tasks to Noé so it wouldn't feel overwhelming.]
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Date: 2025-10-25 09:24 pm (UTC)[He is rather suited for physical work, given his vampiric strength, at least. So he doesn't see a problem there, provided someone tells him what he needs to do, even just hauling building supplies or the like around or something. As long as he is helping and feels useful. Doing something to repay Aether for this.]
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Date: 2025-10-25 09:28 pm (UTC)Perfect! Then I'll make sure to let you know when we'll need help.
[Hopefully, this is enough to make his companion worry less about... all of this.]
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Date: 2025-10-26 07:33 am (UTC)[He is glad for that. To be able to feel useful. Doing something in exchange for Aether. It helps. Even if he would still feel a little bad about this. Because he is Noé, and while he does have a temper sometimes, he generally doesn't want to really hurt anyone if he can help it. Still, he smiles against Aether's shoulder, grateful for the reassurance.]
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Date: 2025-10-26 06:55 pm (UTC)[He pets the other's hair gently. Despite Noé being so tall, he feels far younger than he looks, especially now. It makes Aether smile only more with more fondness towards his friend.]
Hm... Maybe if we imprint it would help a bit, too? Imprinting can bring some relief from pain.
[Maybe that would make the bite less painful?]
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Date: 2025-10-27 12:29 am (UTC)[It is probably the thing, besides how oblivious and ditzy he could be, that Dominique and Vanitas tell him off about the most. He's pretty sure Aether isn't the first to say something like that. But he did definitely have his moments where he acted younger than his nineteen years.
He blinks at the suggestion, recalling the vague memories of imprinting with Vanitas. How the other had told Noé to kiss him. Noé can feel his face heating up more at the suggestion.]
Imprint? Um. If it might help....I've only...with Vanitas.
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Date: 2025-10-27 09:10 am (UTC)As for the sudden blush on the other's face, the traveler isn't sure the reason of it, but he continues on without pointing it out.]
Ah, right. You two are close so I'm not surprised. I'm imprinted with most of my friends... It helps, really.
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Date: 2025-10-27 09:22 am (UTC)[That sounds like. A lot? But then. He isn't sure if there might be some sort of limit or not on this imprinting. And he's well aware that he might not have the best understanding of this whole thing. He's well aware that he's probably still blushing, but he tries to focus.]
Um. So, what should I...? Vanitas told me to kiss him.
[So, of course. This is what he assumes is how it works. Because idiot logic. Vanitas hadn't been able to give the best explanation, after all.]
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Date: 2025-10-27 09:57 am (UTC)His eyes widen when his companion says Vanitas told him to kiss him. Aether blinks once, twice... then his eyes narrow a little.]
...I shouldn't even be surprised about that one either.
[It's Vanitas they're talking about!]
You don't need to kiss someone to imprint. Sometimes all it takes is holding of a hand, a hug... just like right now. I think it happens in different ways for different people... but you need to feel a connection to that other person.
[Does this make sense?]
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Date: 2025-10-27 05:24 pm (UTC)[Vanitas was just likely working as best he could with his understanding of imprinting. And it was harder when he couldn't move. Still, even as he tries to explain and defend his friend, he also realizes how it sounds. He pouts briefly, listening as Aether explains and nods. He's not sure how he feels about it, but there's no point in exclaiming with Aether over it, when it isn't Aether's fault.]
I thought imprinting meant kissing or something, because of that.
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Date: 2025-10-27 11:33 pm (UTC)Aether takes a deep breath.]
... It must have been the only way back then. [He's torn between being angry at Patho-Gen and wanting to keep his companion closer, as if trying to reassure him that the nightmare is over.]
But... like I said, kissing isn't necessary. It could be an option... but any physical contact that brings you comfort and a sense of connection is good enough.
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Date: 2025-10-28 04:00 am (UTC)[So, it did rather limit the options. And they were on the clock, not allowed to be together for too long before being separated again. Not that he really figures the need to go into detail. He gives a nod, considering Aether's advice.]
So we could just hug? I mean. I don't want to force anything....
[It is so different from that panicked, rushed imprinting with Vanitas. The way Vanitas had yelled at him to kiss him properly, thrashing in frustration against his restraints. This was....calm. He has the chance to sit and talk about it with Aether. So, it's nice. To know that it didn't always have to be like that.]
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Date: 2025-10-28 04:08 pm (UTC)[It upsets him to know that, adding to all the other reasons why Patho-Gen needs to pay for what they've done.]
We can just hug. Even if it won't work right away, it's fine as well. Sometimes it takes time... maybe some more trust? I'm not sure.
[He pets the other's hair.]
I just want you to relax and don't worry about anything.
[He pauses.]
...Even if we don't imprint you can still go ahead and bite me. It's all fine, really.
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Date: 2025-10-29 09:39 am (UTC)[He isn't against the idea. Not if it might help Aether with this. It might be useful to have that bond with someone else besides Vanitas. It is good to know it isn't always necessarily like that. If it might take time, given he doesn't know Aether as well as he does Vanitas, that's alright. He's still figuring this out, so he doesn't necessarily have much to really compare this with. Which may be a benefit in some ways.]
Okay. You should relax, too. Just....let me know when you're ready.
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Date: 2025-10-29 09:51 am (UTC)[But it's okay if it takes time. Bonds aren't supposed to be forced onto someone... even if it does happen here.
Softly, he rubs circles into Noé's back as Aether leans back, letting himself rest against the couch and pulling his companion along.]
I'm ready. [He says softly.]
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Date: 2025-10-29 07:07 pm (UTC)When the other says he's ready, Noé nuzzles against the blond's neck, giving him a second before he bares his fangs and bites down. Piercing the skin and letting that familiar coppery taste fill his mouth. Even if Aether is resting against the couch, his arms are still loosely wrapped around the other's waist instinctively in support as he leans in.]
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Date: 2025-10-30 06:43 pm (UTC)At some point he find that this isn't such a bad feeling. Maybe it's just the fact that he feels safe in Noé's arms. His limbs grow weaker and fall down to the couch and when he opens his eyes his vision sways. He says nothing though, allowing Noé to take as much as he needs.]
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Date: 2025-10-30 07:20 pm (UTC)His tongue licks at Aether's neck as if in apology, sighing as he pauses and checks in on the blond, shifting to pull back slightly after a bit. He's fine, just taking a little every so often. Given that his priority is more to ensure that Aether is alright. That he doesn't accidentally take too much and really harm him.]
You okay?
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Date: 2025-11-01 09:59 pm (UTC)I'm okay.
[His voice sounds a little weaker now and he needs a moment to rest, but a soft smile appears on his face to reassure the other more. It's just a bit of blood, it won't kill him.]
And... how are you feeling? Do you need more?
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Date: 2025-11-02 08:01 pm (UTC)[He says, clumsily wiping at his face even as he tries to reassure Aether. Just glad if the other was okay and wasn't too weak or anything. He shifts to help Aether sit back against the couch to rest for now, then reaches to offer him the drink if he needs it now. Before it gets too cold. Having something after being fed on is probably a good idea.]
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Date: 2025-11-02 10:26 pm (UTC)[Aether looks a little surprised, but he's glad Noé found more people who can help him.]
That's great. See, everything will be okay now.
[He genuinely believes it.
He thanks Noé for the drink and carefully sips some of the tea. Just a bit of rest and he'll be back to normal.]
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Date: 2025-11-03 11:03 am (UTC)[Vincent was still perhaps....complicated. To say the least. Given how he had unintentionally marked the blond when initially feeding from him. He can feel the heat in his cheeks at that, even if he is getting a little more colour back from having fed. He reaches and takes a sip of his own tea, as if that would help distract from that metallic taste still on his tongue.]
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Date: 2025-11-03 03:25 pm (UTC)[The other name doesn't sound familiar, but it's a big relief to know that Noé has more people he can rely on.]
In that case I really don't have much of a reason to worry.
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