...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. ]
[For his part, Vanitas is grateful for having both of them here; it seems that the effects of imprinting add up, leaving him truly relaxed and calm despite the subject matter being so grim. He, too, has always had reservations about Noé's teacher, if only because his companion seems to trust him without unfailingly, heeding his words without question. It worried him how obedient the vampire could be, sometimes, despite his forceful nature.]
I too, wish to know, if you can share that much.
[He reaches for Noé's hand in order to catch it and give it a reassuring squeeze. It would be amiss of him to not have some concern for his now friend/romantic partner. He'd never thought to ask these questions before, preferring to keep as much distance as possible between himself and others. Yet here, things have changed. He has these stupid imprints, which compel him into sharing more about himself, too.]
You mentioned not wishing to lose Dominique, too...
[Noé had been rather young. But he does have some vague memories of that time. Still, it isn't like he had wanted to bring up bad memories for Vincent. Even if the other shakes his head to reassure him, it's okay. That kind of experience still stays with you. Even if it's been years.]
I remember traveling a lot. Probably....like, mm, auctions? People bidding and stuff? That's when Teacher found me and took me in. I guess because he offered my kidnappers more money. But it worked out.
[Mostly. Apart from.....well. Louis. His fate. Noé bites his lower lip at Vanitas's question. Belatedly realizing that the other might have heard Mikhail mention Louis once before, but it isn't something he had discussed with Vanitas. The reason why he was so fixated on helping the curse bearers.]
Louis. Domi's twin. He was living with Teacher. Domi came to visit sometimes, but she was mostly at the de Sade mansion. So I initially spent more time with Louis. He....was a curse bearer. He asked me to kill him and I couldn't. When he was about to attack me, Teacher killed him to protect me. That's why....
[Why he had such a hard time when Vanitas had asked that of him. Why he was so determined to help the curse bearers. As if that could somehow make up for what had happened with Louis. He knows it won't. But at least, it might help spare someone else from that same fate. From losing someone dear to them like that. His fingers entwine with Vanitas's instinctively, absently rubbing the other's hand with his thumb as he speaks in response to the squeeze.]
[ Ah. Not a fate which anyone would hope for, but again, his suspicions veered far too dark. That is why he eases further, albeit the sober nod of understanding which he gives. ]
I see. Is that what you blame yourself for? Louis’ death.
[ Hands clasped over him like so, Vincent’s vision drifts from those clasped fingers, to the expressions of his companions - and m, finally, to Vanitas. There’s something that he hasn’t been told, it seems, and it leads to those mismatched eyes of his sharpening just so. ]
[Honestly, Vanitas would have - and does - have those suspicions, too. Mostly based around the hearsay surrounding Noé's rather infamous teacher. Not having a definite name to go by is one reason alone to be skeptical of the man, purchasing a child with a special, all but lost skill...? That's another.]
Your... passion-- [Obsession, really.] --for saving curse-bearers makes a great deal more sense to me now. Though I think you both blame yourselves for far too much.
[As if he has any room to talk, really. But this isn't about him and his hypocrisy right now. But it also explains why Noé refused to back down when Dominique was in danger and why they ended up fighting just before his arrival here. He's glad they cleared that up, at least. Heaving a weary sigh, he closes his eyes.]
Blame myself? I didn't realize....all that time. And when he asked me, I couldn't....
[Couldn't act. Couldn't bring himself to do as Louis had asked. Never picked up on the truth. Sure, he was a child, so much younger back then, but even so. Even when Vanitas had asked him earlier. He still couldn't do it. Maybe it was more that he sort of froze in confusion and terror at the question. At what was asked of him. Maybe it was more that he was selfish, not wanting to lose Louis. Or Vanitas.
His lips purse, and he raises one hand to clumsily wipe away the tears that threaten to fall. Noé hadn't meant to lead the conversation this direction. Doesn't want to get upset or worry either of them.]
It does? But even when you asked...I still couldn't.
[Noé is oblivious about how suspicious both of them are regarding his Teacher. Nor is he considering that Vanitas might not exactly have told Vincent much about their time they were captives. How he had asked Noé to kill him. That they had imprinted.]
[ Vanitas’ analysis earns something of a look, albeit with a smirk to accompany it.
His eyes dart to Noé, then. The man is quite alluring when he cries, Vincent thinks. Passively wetting his lips, the blond simply observes as he speaks, but once the other has quieted to sniffles, he’ll attempt to pick himself up to sit against the wall. It’s slow, and hardly graceful; he sits back with a huff, but he’s able to do it, nonetheless. ]
While I may not know the entirety of your circumstances, it would seem to me that you were the one failed. [ Brushing his hands across his slacks to right them, before his eyes turn to meet Noé’s. ] I wouldn’t place that sort of burden on my brother. While he may be capable of cruelty, I know that his heart is also too kind. It would destroy him. [ Reaching out, he’ll take some of that snowy white hair between his fingers to roll between his fingers. ] I also know that there is much which goes over his head, and it’s something of a protective measure from years of hardship. These are things which need to be considered, out of love - and neither Louis or your teacher did so. Your friend was young. Your guardian, however, had no excuse.
[With Vincent trying to sit up, he moves to help, bracing a hand against the man's shoulder so he doesn't pitch forward in case the blood rushes to his head and leaves him dizzy. Though he does have to gaze at his lover with narrowed eyes as he moistens his lips. He has a rough idea what might be going through his head and it's not altogether welcome. He might be just a tad possessive of his idiot. Just a little.
But more than that, he's worried about Noé himself. The fact he's crying so much, the pain he's going through. The fact there's nothing he can do to ease those troubles or right them, other than to continue on as they have to save people so Noé won't have to watch anyone else go through what he did. Reaching out, he touches a hand to the vampire's heart.]
Vincent's right. There was nothing you did wrong, Noé. It was more than anyone should ask of you, especially as a young child. The fact I did as well, that you still couldn't bring yourself to honor my request, it only proves you're still the kind person you were back then. That's nothing to be ashamed of. I'm grateful you made the choices you did. I think it would've been discouraging if you had killed either Louis or me. So... cry as much as you need to. But remember you're still you, and that's what's important.
[Noé is oblivious as to what Vincent might be thinking, seeing him upset like this. More, he is too sheepish to really pay too much attention when the other licks his lips. Though the movement of Vincent sitting up does get his attention, he instinctively reaches with one hand to help support him if needed. Though it seems that Vanitas is helping anyway.]
Huh? I was? But if he hadn't, then Louis might have... [Might have hurt or even killed Noé in his frenzy. Not that Noé would have blamed him if he had gotten hurt. Louis wasn't himself. What hurts more is that his friend had known this would happen all along. Had prepared for it, spending time carving out those stakes. His gaze shifts to glance at Vincent through his mess of hair, closing one eye as Vincent plays with his hair and Vanitas reaches for him, too.]
Sorry. I didn't mean...
[They had been asking Vincent about Sablier. Not all this. Still, he clumsily wipes at his face, pouting as he dampens the sleeve of his cardigan.]
[ With a hand on either shoulder, Vincent wouldn’t be able to resist chuckling. Releasing Noe’s hair, he dashes the strands back out of his face. Perhaps to man’s relief, however, the subject would change, as the blond’s attention snaps to Vanitas. ]
You did what?
[ Though with smile firmly in place, there is no patience in his eyes while gazing upon his lover. ]
[Perhaps it would've been better had they let Vincent fall over, given the look he's giving Vanitas now. While he doesn't flinch, he does grow sullen and hunch his shoulders up as he focuses first on Noé, reaching out to pet his companion again in the hopes of reassuring him.]
I know. Still, for you to have seen such a thing... Surely there was a better way it could've been handled. But it's all academic now. What's done is done. You're here. You're alive. That's what matters. You have nothing to apologize for. Not then, not now.
[To him. Because he knows for damn sure that time and time again he would have died if not for Noé. Sighing, he glances briefly at Vincent before looking away and adjusting the bow on his chest.]
...I asked him to kill me.
[Stepping off the bed, he strides forward, absently smoothing his clothes with his back to them both.]
To escape the torture. I know we aren't likely to die here - it's my belief either our souls keep us alive, or Patho-Gen has means of reviving us. So that seemed the easier choice in the moment.
[A better way. Maybe if he had met Vanitas all those years ago. If he'd been there to help Louis. Or even if Louis had been executed at a different time, without Noé being right there to see it happen in front of him. Still, Vanitas was right. All he can do is focus on what he can do from here. And he is trying to ensure that Vanitas can help other vampires.
He tenses then, as Vincent asks, opening his closed eye from Vanitas petting him as the other shifts and his violet eyes glance between the other two. Feeling like he definitely messed up and should maybe give them some space. While also feeling like he should stay to keep an eye on Vanitas. Just in case. He swallows, pursing his lips as he glances at Vincent.]
It -- it wasn't Vanitas's fault...he just wanted me to help him. But I didn't. I...couldn't.
[ Waiting for such an answer only spikes his irritation, breathing a long and quiet sigh. Arms will fold to rest along his middle, however, as he stills himself.
Noé’s attempts at reassurance do little beyond earn the attention of his mismatched eyes, but once he’s reduced to silence again, Vincent’s lashes will flutter as his vision drifts back to Vanitas. ]
… Kitten, could you come here? I’d hate to stumble after you, but I will, if I must.
[ Calmly, he’ll scoot his way to the edge of the bed, offering his palms to take. ]
[A quick glance over his shoulder at Noé, he shakes his head, dismissing the need for him to be defended. Appreciated as it is, he doesn't want to get his friend in trouble, as he feels he probably is.]
It's fine, Noé. You're not to blame. Don't worry about it one way or the other, alright?
[At Vincent's request, he whirls around, a defiant expression on his face. For a moment it seems like he won't move, but-- eventually, he does, striding back towards them in order to take Vincent's hands tightly. Though his stubborn glare remains firmly in place, daring him to scold him.]
[He still hadn't really lashed out at Vanitas for that. Hadn't had the chance to back then, and hadn't wanted to think about it since once they had returned. Noé glances at the other two as Vanitas approaches Vincent. Quiet and observing, shifting to sit up now that the other two were, and he could move more freely. He's torn between angrily berating Vanitas for it all, for asking that of him, and wanting to break at being asked that yet again. Selfishly still clinging to both Louis and Vanitas somehow. As if in denial. Too selfish and kind to grant their request.
He sits up, leaning on one arm slightly behind him as he quietly observes the others, unsure if he should step in at some point. Or at least be ready to. This probably isn't something Vincent would take well.]
[ Well, if he was going to grasp at his hands like a pouty brat, Vincent would just have to tug him forward onto his lap.
If he has any success, he’ll wrap his arms about Vanitas’ waist to secure him. ]
There. Now. [ Tilting his chin down just so to meet Vanitas’ gaze directly, he breathes a steadying sigh. ] I can’t pretend to understand how terrible their treatment must have been for you. Perhaps death would have been preferable, in your eyes. Where would that have left Noé, however? Or me?
[ Fingers curl into the fabric beneath. There is certainly some frustration there which he keeps restrained. ]
I will scold you, because I can’t be led to believe that you didnt desire to die. If I lose you, there is nothing that I wouldn’t do to ensure that someone suffers for it - before chasing the same fate.
[It's only because Noé is here that Vanitas has confidence that he won't get too much of an earful or worse. So for that he's grateful to his friend. Otherwise he probably would've stalked out of there simply to avoid the inevitable backlash for his request.
Although it's clear by his surprised expression when Vincent tugs on him that he's not expecting to be hauled into his lap, thus it's easy to accomplish even if he's weakened still. Heat creeps up onto his cheeks immediately, leaving him all the more put out, but at least he manages to meet Vincent's stare without backing down or looking away this time.]
It's my belief that it would've only been temporary. [He reiterates that point, but glances over at Noé with a troubled look. He knows that it probably would have disturbed him greatly, especially having been the one to do it. Left him guilt-ridden and in tears, no doubt. Still, he doesn't want to admit it was foolish notion and a bad choice.
His hands come to rest on Vincent's shoulders, gripping at him tightly in turn.]
D-Don't be absurd... There would be no need for you to do something so damn dramatic as following me to death's door! And you! What of Gilbert, hmm? You think you should just leave him without his brother? No more nonsense. If I'm not allowed to go and die, then neither are you. Either of you!
[Noé blinks, though he supposes he shouldn't be surprised that he is coming into the conversation, even if it seems more like something to discuss between the other two, perhaps. But it is true that he would have struggled even more if he really had gone through with Vanitas' request. His lips part even as he frowns slightly, feeling his cheeks warm as Vanitas continues.]
Either of us? Then don't you go being so reckless!
[He exclaims, stubborn even as his voice breaks a little. While they have had these arguments before, and it always seems to just go around in circles, he can't help speaking up then.]
You couldn't kill me. Even when you had your knife at my throat. So how do you expect me to?!
[ Reiteratied or not, Vincent will quirk his brow in disbelief, head canted.
Of course, before he has an opportunity to respond, Noé chimes in. Closing his mouth, his eyes roll over to the other man - but he makes valid points, so it’s difficult to be annoyed about it, either way. With an impressed little hum, his vision settles back upon Vanitas, squeezing his waist to command his attention back on him, before the other has a chance for an outburst himself. ]
As for me, I’m afraid that love hardly makes reasonable; however, it does strengthen my resolve. If you can swear to me that you will stop pursuing destruction, then you can rest assured when I say that I’ll do the same. If not… well. [ Shrug! ]
I never take on more than I can handle, dammit! And because I--
[Yes, it's certainly a circular argument that they would've gotten into not for the first time, were not for Vincent's intervention. The pressure around his waist silences him before things can get too heated, perhaps surprisingly. Fingers twist in the fabric of his lover's shirt and he growls, a sound ending more in a feline hiss as his ears flatten back.]
...I only desired an out from what our captors were doing to us, nothing more. [Not strictly true, but for now it's the only compromise he's willing to make. He tries to never make promises he can't keep, and this is no exception.] I have no intention of dying anytime soon. So neither should you. I plan on staying alive long enough to see my revenge through, and that includes against Patho-Gen.
Good. Because I've no intentions of freeing you, either.
[He chimes back, still bristling a little himself, even as Vincent acts as a balm to deter things from escalating between them, as it usually does with their bickering often ending up with someone (usually the vampire) getting kicked or smacked. His jaw is set even as he pouts, stubbornly defiant as usual, as Vanitas hisses and continues. Not that Vincent might quite get what he means by that, but the blond can probably guess. From the context, anyway. That this isn't the first time they've had such an argument.]
[ While Vanitas’ response was relatively expected, Noe’s comment would earn a knit of his brow. Yes, he can assume its meaning, based on everything he’s learned about the young doctor. That doesn’t mean he enjoys the phrasing.
With a sigh, Vincent shakes his head. Otherwise he’s undeterred by his lover’s hissing, enough so that he would bridge the distance between them with a kiss. ]
I see. No promises, then. I’d been looking forward to making Patho-Gen suffer at our hands, but I suppose that I’ll need to reconsider that, as well, if it means seeing you off.
[It's muttered to Noé under his breath as he scowls that much harder. He still recalls telling Noé that he would "free" him from the confines of his relationship with Dominique at the start of their fight, so the meaning isn't lost on him, even if he hasn't experienced Noé refusing to give up on him during their fight.
His bristling tones down though once Vincent kisses him, swallowing his growls until they're a mere whine and his tail ceases lashing about quite so hard.]
I still have my revenge back home to see through, so don't think I'll going to go and off myself the moment we punish Patho-Gen. Besides, I doubt we'll be able to easily return the favor to them enough to satisfy me...
[Meaning he's damn pissed at them and a few bodies aren't going to be enough to sate his ire.]
[Noé agrees, seeming more satisfied as Vanitas calms down some. If nothing else, appealing to Vanitas's stubborn side tended to work. He still has plenty of vampires to save and help back home. They still need to figure out how to resolve their situation here. What to do about Patho-Gen. He wouldn't be against ensuring that Patho-Gen couldn't torture anyone else, at least.]
You know I'll support you. We'll figure it out. Together. All of us.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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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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Date: 2025-10-29 11:24 pm (UTC)I too, wish to know, if you can share that much.
[He reaches for Noé's hand in order to catch it and give it a reassuring squeeze. It would be amiss of him to not have some concern for his now friend/romantic partner. He'd never thought to ask these questions before, preferring to keep as much distance as possible between himself and others. Yet here, things have changed. He has these stupid imprints, which compel him into sharing more about himself, too.]
You mentioned not wishing to lose Dominique, too...
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Date: 2025-10-30 12:17 am (UTC)I remember traveling a lot. Probably....like, mm, auctions? People bidding and stuff? That's when Teacher found me and took me in. I guess because he offered my kidnappers more money. But it worked out.
[Mostly. Apart from.....well. Louis. His fate. Noé bites his lower lip at Vanitas's question. Belatedly realizing that the other might have heard Mikhail mention Louis once before, but it isn't something he had discussed with Vanitas. The reason why he was so fixated on helping the curse bearers.]
Louis. Domi's twin. He was living with Teacher. Domi came to visit sometimes, but she was mostly at the de Sade mansion. So I initially spent more time with Louis. He....was a curse bearer. He asked me to kill him and I couldn't. When he was about to attack me, Teacher killed him to protect me. That's why....
[Why he had such a hard time when Vanitas had asked that of him. Why he was so determined to help the curse bearers. As if that could somehow make up for what had happened with Louis. He knows it won't. But at least, it might help spare someone else from that same fate. From losing someone dear to them like that. His fingers entwine with Vanitas's instinctively, absently rubbing the other's hand with his thumb as he speaks in response to the squeeze.]
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Date: 2025-10-30 02:19 am (UTC)I see. Is that what you blame yourself for? Louis’ death.
[ Hands clasped over him like so, Vincent’s vision drifts from those clasped fingers, to the expressions of his companions - and m, finally, to Vanitas. There’s something that he hasn’t been told, it seems, and it leads to those mismatched eyes of his sharpening just so. ]
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Date: 2025-10-30 04:38 am (UTC)Your... passion-- [Obsession, really.] --for saving curse-bearers makes a great deal more sense to me now. Though I think you both blame yourselves for far too much.
[As if he has any room to talk, really. But this isn't about him and his hypocrisy right now. But it also explains why Noé refused to back down when Dominique was in danger and why they ended up fighting just before his arrival here. He's glad they cleared that up, at least. Heaving a weary sigh, he closes his eyes.]
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Date: 2025-10-30 05:50 am (UTC)[Couldn't act. Couldn't bring himself to do as Louis had asked. Never picked up on the truth. Sure, he was a child, so much younger back then, but even so. Even when Vanitas had asked him earlier. He still couldn't do it. Maybe it was more that he sort of froze in confusion and terror at the question. At what was asked of him. Maybe it was more that he was selfish, not wanting to lose Louis. Or Vanitas.
His lips purse, and he raises one hand to clumsily wipe away the tears that threaten to fall. Noé hadn't meant to lead the conversation this direction. Doesn't want to get upset or worry either of them.]
It does? But even when you asked...I still couldn't.
[Noé is oblivious about how suspicious both of them are regarding his Teacher. Nor is he considering that Vanitas might not exactly have told Vincent much about their time they were captives. How he had asked Noé to kill him. That they had imprinted.]
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Date: 2025-10-30 11:30 pm (UTC)His eyes dart to Noé, then. The man is quite alluring when he cries, Vincent thinks. Passively wetting his lips, the blond simply observes as he speaks, but once the other has quieted to sniffles, he’ll attempt to pick himself up to sit against the wall. It’s slow, and hardly graceful; he sits back with a huff, but he’s able to do it, nonetheless. ]
While I may not know the entirety of your circumstances, it would seem to me that you were the one failed. [ Brushing his hands across his slacks to right them, before his eyes turn to meet Noé’s. ] I wouldn’t place that sort of burden on my brother. While he may be capable of cruelty, I know that his heart is also too kind. It would destroy him. [ Reaching out, he’ll take some of that snowy white hair between his fingers to roll between his fingers. ] I also know that there is much which goes over his head, and it’s something of a protective measure from years of hardship. These are things which need to be considered, out of love - and neither Louis or your teacher did so. Your friend was young. Your guardian, however, had no excuse.
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Date: 2025-10-31 12:07 am (UTC)But more than that, he's worried about Noé himself. The fact he's crying so much, the pain he's going through. The fact there's nothing he can do to ease those troubles or right them, other than to continue on as they have to save people so Noé won't have to watch anyone else go through what he did. Reaching out, he touches a hand to the vampire's heart.]
Vincent's right. There was nothing you did wrong, Noé. It was more than anyone should ask of you, especially as a young child. The fact I did as well, that you still couldn't bring yourself to honor my request, it only proves you're still the kind person you were back then. That's nothing to be ashamed of. I'm grateful you made the choices you did. I think it would've been discouraging if you had killed either Louis or me. So... cry as much as you need to. But remember you're still you, and that's what's important.
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Date: 2025-10-31 12:41 am (UTC)Huh? I was? But if he hadn't, then Louis might have... [Might have hurt or even killed Noé in his frenzy. Not that Noé would have blamed him if he had gotten hurt. Louis wasn't himself. What hurts more is that his friend had known this would happen all along. Had prepared for it, spending time carving out those stakes. His gaze shifts to glance at Vincent through his mess of hair, closing one eye as Vincent plays with his hair and Vanitas reaches for him, too.]
Sorry. I didn't mean...
[They had been asking Vincent about Sablier. Not all this. Still, he clumsily wipes at his face, pouting as he dampens the sleeve of his cardigan.]
no subject
Date: 2025-10-31 01:43 am (UTC)You did what?
[ Though with smile firmly in place, there is no patience in his eyes while gazing upon his lover. ]
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Date: 2025-10-31 01:57 am (UTC)I know. Still, for you to have seen such a thing... Surely there was a better way it could've been handled. But it's all academic now. What's done is done. You're here. You're alive. That's what matters. You have nothing to apologize for. Not then, not now.
[To him. Because he knows for damn sure that time and time again he would have died if not for Noé. Sighing, he glances briefly at Vincent before looking away and adjusting the bow on his chest.]
...I asked him to kill me.
[Stepping off the bed, he strides forward, absently smoothing his clothes with his back to them both.]
To escape the torture. I know we aren't likely to die here - it's my belief either our souls keep us alive, or Patho-Gen has means of reviving us. So that seemed the easier choice in the moment.
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Date: 2025-10-31 02:19 am (UTC)[A better way. Maybe if he had met Vanitas all those years ago. If he'd been there to help Louis. Or even if Louis had been executed at a different time, without Noé being right there to see it happen in front of him. Still, Vanitas was right. All he can do is focus on what he can do from here. And he is trying to ensure that Vanitas can help other vampires.
He tenses then, as Vincent asks, opening his closed eye from Vanitas petting him as the other shifts and his violet eyes glance between the other two. Feeling like he definitely messed up and should maybe give them some space. While also feeling like he should stay to keep an eye on Vanitas. Just in case. He swallows, pursing his lips as he glances at Vincent.]
It -- it wasn't Vanitas's fault...he just wanted me to help him. But I didn't. I...couldn't.
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Date: 2025-10-31 02:28 am (UTC)Noé’s attempts at reassurance do little beyond earn the attention of his mismatched eyes, but once he’s reduced to silence again, Vincent’s lashes will flutter as his vision drifts back to Vanitas. ]
… Kitten, could you come here? I’d hate to stumble after you, but I will, if I must.
[ Calmly, he’ll scoot his way to the edge of the bed, offering his palms to take. ]
no subject
Date: 2025-10-31 02:41 am (UTC)It's fine, Noé. You're not to blame. Don't worry about it one way or the other, alright?
[At Vincent's request, he whirls around, a defiant expression on his face. For a moment it seems like he won't move, but-- eventually, he does, striding back towards them in order to take Vincent's hands tightly. Though his stubborn glare remains firmly in place, daring him to scold him.]
I don't need a lecture.
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Date: 2025-10-31 03:08 am (UTC)[He still hadn't really lashed out at Vanitas for that. Hadn't had the chance to back then, and hadn't wanted to think about it since once they had returned. Noé glances at the other two as Vanitas approaches Vincent. Quiet and observing, shifting to sit up now that the other two were, and he could move more freely. He's torn between angrily berating Vanitas for it all, for asking that of him, and wanting to break at being asked that yet again. Selfishly still clinging to both Louis and Vanitas somehow. As if in denial. Too selfish and kind to grant their request.
He sits up, leaning on one arm slightly behind him as he quietly observes the others, unsure if he should step in at some point. Or at least be ready to. This probably isn't something Vincent would take well.]
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Date: 2025-10-31 03:30 am (UTC)[ Well, if he was going to grasp at his hands like a pouty brat, Vincent would just have to tug him forward onto his lap.
If he has any success, he’ll wrap his arms about Vanitas’ waist to secure him. ]
There. Now. [ Tilting his chin down just so to meet Vanitas’ gaze directly, he breathes a steadying sigh. ] I can’t pretend to understand how terrible their treatment must have been for you. Perhaps death would have been preferable, in your eyes. Where would that have left Noé, however? Or me?
[ Fingers curl into the fabric beneath. There is certainly some frustration there which he keeps restrained. ]
I will scold you, because I can’t be led to believe that you didnt desire to die. If I lose you, there is nothing that I wouldn’t do to ensure that someone suffers for it - before chasing the same fate.
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Date: 2025-10-31 03:44 am (UTC)Although it's clear by his surprised expression when Vincent tugs on him that he's not expecting to be hauled into his lap, thus it's easy to accomplish even if he's weakened still. Heat creeps up onto his cheeks immediately, leaving him all the more put out, but at least he manages to meet Vincent's stare without backing down or looking away this time.]
It's my belief that it would've only been temporary. [He reiterates that point, but glances over at Noé with a troubled look. He knows that it probably would have disturbed him greatly, especially having been the one to do it. Left him guilt-ridden and in tears, no doubt. Still, he doesn't want to admit it was foolish notion and a bad choice.
His hands come to rest on Vincent's shoulders, gripping at him tightly in turn.]
D-Don't be absurd... There would be no need for you to do something so damn dramatic as following me to death's door! And you! What of Gilbert, hmm? You think you should just leave him without his brother? No more nonsense. If I'm not allowed to go and die, then neither are you. Either of you!
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Date: 2025-10-31 04:19 am (UTC)[Noé blinks, though he supposes he shouldn't be surprised that he is coming into the conversation, even if it seems more like something to discuss between the other two, perhaps. But it is true that he would have struggled even more if he really had gone through with Vanitas' request. His lips part even as he frowns slightly, feeling his cheeks warm as Vanitas continues.]
Either of us? Then don't you go being so reckless!
[He exclaims, stubborn even as his voice breaks a little. While they have had these arguments before, and it always seems to just go around in circles, he can't help speaking up then.]
You couldn't kill me. Even when you had your knife at my throat. So how do you expect me to?!
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Date: 2025-10-31 05:30 am (UTC)Of course, before he has an opportunity to respond, Noé chimes in. Closing his mouth, his eyes roll over to the other man - but he makes valid points, so it’s difficult to be annoyed about it, either way. With an impressed little hum, his vision settles back upon Vanitas, squeezing his waist to command his attention back on him, before the other has a chance for an outburst himself. ]
As for me, I’m afraid that love hardly makes reasonable; however, it does strengthen my resolve. If you can swear to me that you will stop pursuing destruction, then you can rest assured when I say that I’ll do the same. If not… well. [ Shrug! ]
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Date: 2025-10-31 05:55 am (UTC)[Yes, it's certainly a circular argument that they would've gotten into not for the first time, were not for Vincent's intervention. The pressure around his waist silences him before things can get too heated, perhaps surprisingly. Fingers twist in the fabric of his lover's shirt and he growls, a sound ending more in a feline hiss as his ears flatten back.]
...I only desired an out from what our captors were doing to us, nothing more. [Not strictly true, but for now it's the only compromise he's willing to make. He tries to never make promises he can't keep, and this is no exception.] I have no intention of dying anytime soon. So neither should you. I plan on staying alive long enough to see my revenge through, and that includes against Patho-Gen.
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Date: 2025-10-31 06:13 am (UTC)[He chimes back, still bristling a little himself, even as Vincent acts as a balm to deter things from escalating between them, as it usually does with their bickering often ending up with someone (usually the vampire) getting kicked or smacked. His jaw is set even as he pouts, stubbornly defiant as usual, as Vanitas hisses and continues. Not that Vincent might quite get what he means by that, but the blond can probably guess. From the context, anyway. That this isn't the first time they've had such an argument.]
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Date: 2025-10-31 06:32 am (UTC)With a sigh, Vincent shakes his head. Otherwise he’s undeterred by his lover’s hissing, enough so that he would bridge the distance between them with a kiss. ]
I see. No promises, then. I’d been looking forward to making Patho-Gen suffer at our hands, but I suppose that I’ll need to reconsider that, as well, if it means seeing you off.
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Date: 2025-10-31 06:43 am (UTC)[It's muttered to Noé under his breath as he scowls that much harder. He still recalls telling Noé that he would "free" him from the confines of his relationship with Dominique at the start of their fight, so the meaning isn't lost on him, even if he hasn't experienced Noé refusing to give up on him during their fight.
His bristling tones down though once Vincent kisses him, swallowing his growls until they're a mere whine and his tail ceases lashing about quite so hard.]
I still have my revenge back home to see through, so don't think I'll going to go and off myself the moment we punish Patho-Gen. Besides, I doubt we'll be able to easily return the favor to them enough to satisfy me...
[Meaning he's damn pissed at them and a few bodies aren't going to be enough to sate his ire.]
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Date: 2025-10-31 07:11 am (UTC)[Noé agrees, seeming more satisfied as Vanitas calms down some. If nothing else, appealing to Vanitas's stubborn side tended to work. He still has plenty of vampires to save and help back home. They still need to figure out how to resolve their situation here. What to do about Patho-Gen. He wouldn't be against ensuring that Patho-Gen couldn't torture anyone else, at least.]
You know I'll support you. We'll figure it out. Together. All of us.
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