[ 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.]
[Well. Certainly, it does seem that the three of them have been through a lot. He closes one eye as Vanitas reaches and strokes his hair again, but doesn't really move to bat his hand away or protest. He isn't sure what to make of that. That it is experiences such as these Patho-Gen might exploit. That didn't sound right. OR, well. Didn't sound nice, fair. To take advantage of such.]
[ Yes, they certainly have turned out differently; a grim reminder that there is simply no excuse for Vincent to have done the things which he has. That much gets a snerk out of him, eyes closing beneath Vanitas’ touch. ]
Ah, see, there is still much about you that I don’t know, Noé. Am I correct in assuming that is why you took to my memories so harshly? Some similarity to your own past?
[ And he’ll snatch that hand off of his head quite suddenly then, untwining his fingers with that of his lover, placing a kiss to the back of their palm. ]
[And yet he couldn't blame Vincent even if he wanted to, just as he doesn't blame Noé for fighting him to protect Dominique. Doesn't mean he likes it, mind, but given Vanitas himself would've murdered Dr. Moreau if given the chance, what room does he have to judge? None, really.
With his hand removed and kissed so sweetly, Vanitas offers a small smile that wavers at Vincent's question towards his companion. He doesn't know all the details; just enough to grasp Noé has been through enough to make him passionate about helping curse-bearers. For now, he remains silent, glancing up at both men curiously.]
That’s…well, um. I mean, besides Sablier? Back before Teacher found me, I was…trafficked? Is that it? So seeing you and Gil go through that…
[He admits, quietly. He’s just barely starting to vaguely open up more to Vanitas, let alone Vincent, but. Well. He probably should try. Vanitas is important to him. Vincent is important to Vanitas. So. He should try to explain. Because it was more than his horror at seeing the destruction of Sablier. Even as he speaks, he’s a little more tense, lowering his gaze and hiding behind his mess of hair. He doesn’t want to bring up such awful memories for Vincent. If the other even really remembers it himself. Sometimes he saw memories the other he fed from had forgotten. So it could be hard to tell.]
[ Vincent’s brows tick upward with some surprise, absentmindedly running his fingers along Vanitas’ knuckles in thought. ]
Ah. I hadn’t realized you’d seen— even that. [ Mouth working into a frown, his brow knits. ] So, your teacher found you, did he… [ No, he’s not liking the sound of that at all. ] What sort of things did he teach you, hm?
[He really shouldn't be surprised the other two have had such rough childhoods as well, yet hearing it spoken of like this, knowing both Noé and Vincent went through similar things to each other is making Vanitas see them in a slightly new light. It amazes him how strong they've both turned out.]
Noé... Vince... [He clasps at Vincent's hand with his free one, holding it close to his heart as he gazes up at them both in pained wonder. It's definitely amazing anyone could go through such an experience and still come out trusting people like Noé does. Being more like himself or Vincent seems more likely.]
...Sorry. I wasn't looking for any particular memories, so. It was kind of....mm. Broad? I guess.
[He had at least been able to warn Vincent. That he could see people's memories. And had permission. Not that it makes this any easier. It's hardly something anyone would want to have in common. That knowledge and confirmation that others had been through something similar in such an experience. His lips purse, shaking his head a little.]
I was pretty young. But I still sort of remember it. It was after the rest of the Archiviste's were killed. After the human couple that took me in had died. There was a while in between then and when he found me. He recognized that I was a vampire. Took me in. Tutored me and let me play with his grandchildren - Louis and Domi.
[ As he listens, Vincent passively rubs at his lover’s chest, slow and intentional; a show of appreciation as he revels in the peace that their connection brings, his own breathing deepening with a steady rise and fall of his chest.
To Noé’s apology, he merely shakes his head to dismiss the need. Gradually, the knot of his brow would ease, too, upon realizing that the man’s teacher had apparently treated him well, despite his suspicions. ]
Do you recall what had happened to you, during your time between homes? When you were sold.
[ Asking such details shouldn’t be necessary, really, beyond… Well, perhaps, Vincent values knowledge for its own sake. It could be that he himself remembers his past - all of it - far too well, and wishes that he hadn’t. There is the possibility that he recalls what Vanitas had said, that Noé withholds this about himself. There’s the challenge to withdraw it from him, maybe even the desire to release it when he himself cannot. Maybe he wants to aid his lover in earning this familiarity that he desires. It may even be all of it. ]
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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?]
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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.
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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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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.]
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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.
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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.]
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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.
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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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Date: 2025-10-27 05:33 pm (UTC)[Well. Certainly, it does seem that the three of them have been through a lot. He closes one eye as Vanitas reaches and strokes his hair again, but doesn't really move to bat his hand away or protest. He isn't sure what to make of that. That it is experiences such as these Patho-Gen might exploit. That didn't sound right. OR, well. Didn't sound nice, fair. To take advantage of such.]
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Date: 2025-10-28 07:56 pm (UTC)Ah, see, there is still much about you that I don’t know, Noé. Am I correct in assuming that is why you took to my memories so harshly? Some similarity to your own past?
[ And he’ll snatch that hand off of his head quite suddenly then, untwining his fingers with that of his lover, placing a kiss to the back of their palm. ]
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Date: 2025-10-28 09:56 pm (UTC)With his hand removed and kissed so sweetly, Vanitas offers a small smile that wavers at Vincent's question towards his companion. He doesn't know all the details; just enough to grasp Noé has been through enough to make him passionate about helping curse-bearers. For now, he remains silent, glancing up at both men curiously.]
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Date: 2025-10-29 01:18 am (UTC)[He admits, quietly. He’s just barely starting to vaguely open up more to Vanitas, let alone Vincent, but. Well. He probably should try. Vanitas is important to him. Vincent is important to Vanitas. So. He should try to explain. Because it was more than his horror at seeing the destruction of Sablier. Even as he speaks, he’s a little more tense, lowering his gaze and hiding behind his mess of hair. He doesn’t want to bring up such awful memories for Vincent. If the other even really remembers it himself. Sometimes he saw memories the other he fed from had forgotten. So it could be hard to tell.]
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Date: 2025-10-29 02:33 am (UTC)Ah. I hadn’t realized you’d seen— even that. [ Mouth working into a frown, his brow knits. ] So, your teacher found you, did he… [ No, he’s not liking the sound of that at all. ] What sort of things did he teach you, hm?
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Date: 2025-10-29 06:32 am (UTC)Noé... Vince... [He clasps at Vincent's hand with his free one, holding it close to his heart as he gazes up at them both in pained wonder. It's definitely amazing anyone could go through such an experience and still come out trusting people like Noé does. Being more like himself or Vincent seems more likely.]
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Date: 2025-10-29 06:41 am (UTC)[He had at least been able to warn Vincent. That he could see people's memories. And had permission. Not that it makes this any easier. It's hardly something anyone would want to have in common. That knowledge and confirmation that others had been through something similar in such an experience. His lips purse, shaking his head a little.]
I was pretty young. But I still sort of remember it. It was after the rest of the Archiviste's were killed. After the human couple that took me in had died. There was a while in between then and when he found me. He recognized that I was a vampire. Took me in. Tutored me and let me play with his grandchildren - Louis and Domi.
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Date: 2025-10-29 07:16 pm (UTC)To Noé’s apology, he merely shakes his head to dismiss the need. Gradually, the knot of his brow would ease, too, upon realizing that the man’s teacher had apparently treated him well, despite his suspicions. ]
Do you recall what had happened to you, during your time between homes? When you were sold.
[ Asking such details shouldn’t be necessary, really, beyond… Well, perhaps, Vincent values knowledge for its own sake. It could be that he himself remembers his past - all of it - far too well, and wishes that he hadn’t. There is the possibility that he recalls what Vanitas had said, that Noé withholds this about himself. There’s the challenge to withdraw it from him, maybe even the desire to release it when he himself cannot. Maybe he wants to aid his lover in earning this familiarity that he desires. It may even be all of it. ]
Or what had happened when your Teacher found you?
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