ofmisfortune | ♝ i . c. i n b o x

[Sometime after the kidnapping business, their little dalliance with Aether, and whatnot, Vanitas finds himself puttering about Vincent's room in a restless manner. He's not really doing anything but tidying up. Picking up things, wiping everything down, and generally making the place look utterly spotless. Every surface shines after he gets to it.

Only once he's done that and has nothing left to vent his frustrations on does he finally pause, gripping the back of a chair in order to regard Vincent like he wishes desperately to say something yet the words aren't coming. So he stands there, obviously staring, thoughts dancing behind his eyes and feline ears perked forward, giving him the impression of a typical judgemental cat. Only the way his tail lashes from side to side now and then betrays his annoyance with himself.

It's so unlike him to hesitate over anything, yet the two subjects he wishes to discuss are... sensitive, in a way.]

[ When the bed shifts, Vincent comes to from dozing off, sighing with some protest at the absence of his lover. Yet, he doesn’t demand that Vanitas come back to bed; rather, he is too curious to deduce what unsettles the other, and observe how he behaves in all of his nervous energy. It is with some affection that he watches, cheek rested atop his arm curled beneath, lashes dipped low.

When Vani stands there, commanding his attention yet hesitating to voice it, Vincent cannot help himself - the corners of his mouth pluck up into a smile. ]

What is it, my kitten?

[ Shifting to prop himself up onto an elbow, he pulls back the blankets to the empty space beside him, offering his embrace. ]

[At the sound of his pet name, Vanitas opens his mouth to speak but again stops himself, biting his lip briefly before accepting the invitation first. He comes around the chair and eases himself onto the bed beneath the covers, scooting close to nestle up against his lover's chest, where he heaves another sigh.]

I wish to speak with you on a couple matters. If you'd permit.

[He doesn't doubt Vincent will, it's more how he'll react to at least one of them he's worried about. Something that comes through as his tail twitches against the other man's leg.]

[ It is evident that Vincent is highly entertained by seeing this uncharacteristic hesitation out of Vanitas; one who speaks his mind, and acts without fear of consequence. Though the matter must be dire, it would seem clear that he values how it might affect him, in some fashion. That much speaks volumes about how far they’ve come.

With the younger man nestled against his chest, Vincent combs back those silken black tresses while being mindful of his ears, patiently waiting for him to speak. ]

My, how serious. [ Chuckling, he leans in to peck a tip of one feline ear. ] Of course, you should feel comfortable with speaking to me freely.

Don't mock.

[Vanitas' ears twitch and flick irritably as he scowls, the faintest hint of red upon his cheeks. He knows Vincent isn't really making fun of him, but he can't help being partially on edge despite how far they've managed to come in the short time since their little... spat, as it were.

For now though, he lets out a sigh meant to relax himself, though it doesn't seem to help a whole lot. It takes some effort to not get distracted by Vincent's caresses and kisses, but he manages for now.]

...you said you and Gilbert didn't always have the best relationship, yes? I take it that means there must have been things from home that needed discussing here. How... How did you broach such matters with him? Were there things neither of you dared speak of?

I would never.

[ Playful, but not meant to be mocking, certainly. The sass on Vanitas’ part was to be expected, really, and doesn’t faze him. Though, he will offer him some gentle scratches behind the ears to ease him ever so.

At the mention of his brother, Vincent’s head tilts inquisitively. It’s clear to him rather quickly that this isn’t truly about their sibling relationship, however. ]

Neither Gil or I are any good at that, if I’m to be honest. We’ve only approached such subjects under duress, after it’s taken a great toll on both of us. [ An apologetic smile. ] I may still be able to offer you perspective, having experienced it.

[Somehow those scratches to his ears manages to curb any lingering annoyances and in turn allow Vanitas to lean heavily against his partner while he gets his thoughts in order.

He listens, nodding one or twice to Vincent's explanation. It makes sense to him; he can easily see the pair of brothers struggling to communicate properly just as he is now.]

I see... I suppose that makes sense. Nobody likes to broach such matters if they can at all help it.

[Although he's trying to keep things vague for simplicity's sake, it finally becomes apparent that perhaps the conversation may flow more smoothly if he explains where he's coming from and why.]

I-- ...back home, at the point in time I'm from, Noé and I were fighting. To the death. Neither of us seem able to mention it here. I don't even know if he's experienced that event yet. I don't know whether I should leave things as they are or attempt to speak with him about it.

[ Now, that has the blond raising his brows in intrigue. It’s not at all what he expected to hear, and inspires more than a few questions… They could wait. ]

—Ah. I can see why you’re so troubled, now.

[ There’s a mixture of jealousy and wrath simmering within him, yet he is plucking the bow from Vanitas’ hair to play his fingers down its length. Simply focusing on the task at hand, which is comforting his lover. ]

You might begin by asking what he last remembers. If Noé hesitates to say, that could be indication enough. [ Idly, the twists the long ends about his fingers as he speaks. ] If it’s bothered you this much, it is worth approaching, I think.

[ Is it what he himself would do? Likely not. Is it what he would want Vanitas to do? Selfishly, no. Resolving tensions between the doctor and his companion could prove to be troublesome in maintaining Vincent’s interests; however, he has been imparted with this information, and it seems only fair to offer his lover a similar trust. Unexpected of him though it may be. ]

[He nods, glad that he doesn't have to explain further as to why such a situation would cause him concern and grief. Though he's willing to elaborate as is necessary.

He lets out a low breath upon feeling Vincent playing with his hair, enjoying the sensation and distraction it provides. He'd be worried if he knew what lurked in his lover's heart, though.]

Ah, yes... That is a method that might work... Without needing to divulge what I remember myself. At least just yet. I... I don't wish to hurt him over this, you see.

[Despite their bickering and butting of heads, he's gradually come to appreciate Noé as a true companion. Maybe even a friend. And he doesn't consider himself to have many - if any - of those. Even Vincent is in the position of being something beyond friendship, naturally, by virtue of him being Vanitas' lover.]

[ Vincent hums, bringing the strands ends up to brush against his lips in thought. Briefly, his lids fall, distracted by their softness and familiar scent. ]

If I may ask, why would it hurt him? Assuming that it weighs on his mind, wouldn’t he benefit from speaking about it, as well?

[ It could be as simple as guiding Vanitas in the wrong direction. Vincent has certainly done so in the past, and frankly, it surprises him that he is capable of practicing empathy in this moment. Especially so, given that Noé could have his lover. ]

[Even just watching Vincent savor the scent of his hair makes Vanitas' stomach do little flips, makes him crave more contact.]

Because if he isn't from that point in time yet, then revealing that I attempted to kill him may damage our relationship. Though I suppose if he already knows, it wouldn't be as much of a problem...

[On matters such as this, Vanitas may actually be feasibly led astray without realizing it. He's not the perfect chess master he likes to boast he is, after all. Doubly so where his weaknesses are concerned. And Noé has certainly proven to be one, despite his efforts to hide it.]

[ That makes his smile twinge with some amusement. Laughing might cause some upset, so Vincent provides some distraction, instead; releasing Vanitas’ hair to drape delicately behind the pillow beneath his head, and diligently petting the rest of it back in kind. ]

Didn’t you say that he attempted to do the same to you? If so, I fail to see how he could fault you.

[ Fortunately enough, Vincent loves Vanitas more than he does having the upper hand. He has never lost a game of chess. ]

[He certainly would appreciate the lack of laughter, as he considers this something of a serious moment, at least for now. At the petting, he closes his eyes and leans into the touch, so very cat-like in his behavior.]

Well, he could have. But mostly he was trying to see into my memories by biting me, in order to protect a friend of his. So if anything, he was in the right. For the most part, anyway. It was something of a mess, hence my trouble approaching it.

[He sighs heavily, not realizing just how lucky he is to be loved by Vincent like he is. Slightly obvious in his focus on the matter at hand.]

[ To that, the blond’s brows knit. ]

So, he knowingly violated your boundaries, breaking your trust. What should he have expected?

[ At last, Vincent settles to lay beside Vanitas, scooping his arm beneath the other’s waist to embrace him fully. As his head rests beside his partner’s, he locks their eyes with understanding, features soft. ]

I’ve gone to further lengths, in order to protect truths.

[Despite that being fact, part of him feels the need to defend Noé.]

Perhaps nothing more, nothing less. Yet as always, he did it for the sake of another... We were forced into an untenable situation, though it was in part due to me. ...the one who was pulling the strings was my adoptive brother.

[Upon being held so wholly, Vanitas lets out a relieved sigh, finding comfort in Vincent's touch through their imprinting. And that he seems to get him makes it that much easier to speak of such matters.]

Have you...? What have you done that's so drastic?

[ Brows raising, Vincent’s smile widens at this new piece of information granted to him. Being under the impression that Vanitas had been on his own, he wouldn’t have guessed that he had any adoptive family. ]

Mm, well… the list is long, I fear. [ An airy laugh, as he moves in nearer to caress Vanitas’ lips in a kiss. ] I’ve committed abuse, torture, murder. Conspired against my brother, in order to change the past… Though, I wouldn’t ever expect him to claim any responsibility for the things that I’ve done.

[Even that bit of information comes with an asterisk, not that Vanitas feels like elaborating just yet, though should Vincent wish it he would. As their lips brush against one another, he sighs contentedly, eating it up.]

Do tell... [Though his surprise becomes evident once Vincent goes on to list his "achievements", earning himself a surprised look and some silence before Vanitas finally speaks again.] I see... While I suppose the justification of all that depends on the circumstances and people involved, I can't say I blame you for going to such lengths. We all have something which we strive for and will bend over backwards to see through.

[ Patiently, Vincent allows his lover time to process, idly rubbing along his back and hips. In contrast, the blond appears to be unfazed, yet he carefully measures the other’s eyes. ]

The great majority wasn’t without purpose, I do believe that much.

[ Ah, but he is quite pleased that it doesn’t repulse Vanitas. With anyone else, he might hope as much— but what they have, he’s become rather dependent on. ]

I don’t know that anything would justify such acts, truly. It’s simply what I am.

[While his tail sways, it's not an irritable or upset gesture, merely one of curiosity and contemplation. For his part, Vanitas doesn't show any indication of being disgusted by such admissions.]

I must admit that relieves me somewhat. For as considerate and compassionate as you've been with me, I'd hate to think there was a side of you that was needlessly cruel.

[Because having been on the receiving end of such acts, it's a sensitive subject. As Vincent is well aware of after Patho-Gen's little antics.]

And I accept that you are who you are. Though sometimes I think things like murder are necessary. It all depends on the circumstances and individuals involved.

[His expression darkens somewhat, thinking back to the time he almost had the chance to kill Moreau. Pity he wasn't able to, really.]

[ Considerate and compassionate… As someone who has rather often been regarded as callous and calculating, those words come as something of a surprise. Surely, he had simply been acting on desire, building a sense of rapport to support his interests— though, perhaps this deep connection that they’ve woven has inspired more out of him. It isn’t mere obsession, he knows that much. He feels it.

And to be accepted as he is… Could that really be so? ]

Perhaps not needlessly, but— excessively. [ Hesitant though he may be to accept that Vanitas wouldn’t take issue upon seeing all of him, it does inspire hope in his eyes. Again, he pauses to kiss his lover. ] And I would not hesitate to be so, to benefit those I value. To protect you from seeing any more harm.

[That description may apply to Vincent in regards to other people, but for Vanitas... he's gotten to see what he considers a unique side of the man he's come to adore. One that he treasures all the more for knowing how rare it is. If it turns out that Vincent is merely playing him for a fool... well, shame on him, then.]

Perhaps so. Well, that's something you can temper a bit, if you're able to acknowledge it. Put those tendencies where they'll be most useful: at Patho-Gen's throats. [He accepts the kiss, running a hand through Vincent's hair.] That in itself makes my heart soar... To know what lengths you'd go to for me. I'd like to think I would do the same for you.

[He pauses, hand trailing over his lover's cheek.]

...though that does bring me to my next point, if I may. Echo. She's your servant, yes?

[ Feeding such ideas back to him only leaves Vincent sighing heatedly. Reminding him of their bond, his hands sliding lower to grasp at Vanitas’ ass and press their bodies close. ]

Yes.

[ With parted lips, the blond is preparing to impart his lover with a passionate kiss— until, he is distracted by that gentle caress.

And Echo. Shit. Well, that is enough to curb his appetite, for the time being. ]

In short, yes. Why do you ask?

[ And what did she say? ]

[He feels the grope to his ass and almost gets lost in the sensation, forgetting his goal momentarily. But even with a pleased grunt escaping him, he presses onward, determined to make good on his promise to the girl. Still, he doesn't cease touching Vincent, running both hands over the sides of his neck while leaning closer so their noses touch.]

Because she seems... troubled. I worry for her. You know something of my past, of being mistreated. I... wish to make sure she isn't enduring anything similar.

[Not saying who might be mistreating her, but. They both likely know the answer to that. They can read between the lines.]

[ The touch does wonders in pacifying him - and that alone draws a chuckle Vincent. An excellent precautionary measure, he’s impressed. ]

I would imagine so. Echo’s circumstance of existence is rather complicated, in itself. [ It doesn’t seem to prevent him from continuing to appreciate the shape of his lover, however. ] You could say that I’ve been hard on her, though, yes.

[Master of manipulation, this one. Or at least in strategizing how to best bend people to his will.]

I see... Well, for what it's worth, I don't need to know all the details, if you aren't inclined to indulge me. [He grins at the contact, kissing Vincent softly.] Then as a favor, I ask you be a touch more gentle with her, hmm? If we're to be around one another, I don't think I could stomach the idea of you being needlessly harsh on someone who doesn't deserve it.

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