Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Noé was far from an expert in understanding his overly complicated human roommate. He knew some things, of course, not intimate details but small things. Like the way Vanitas sat inside to read when he felt comfortable, or how he hates any sort of mess in their shared space. 

But the sight of Vanitas still curled up in his cocoon of blankets at one in the afternoon could only mean disaster. 

Noé blinked, staring at the lump in the sheets, Vanitas's sweet scent seemed somewhat stronger as well. “Are you awake?” Noé asked with concern as he knelt on the bedside with one knee, he pressed his only functioning hand against the sheets and bounced the mattress.

“Hey, Vanitas. Vanitas!” He started shaking the lump of blankets before ripping them off to make sure his roommate wasn't dying. 

The sight he was met with wasn't good, Vanitas was curled in on himself, clenching his sides. The man's eyes were closed as he lay there panting, sweat beading on his forehead, causing his bangs to stick.

“You're sick..” Noé mumbled while he reached out a hand to touch the man's forehead and to his surprise, Vanitas didn't try to pull away. That was also a bad sign, and Vanitas felt so warm to the touch, that it had to be a fever. 

He heard a whimper, and it sounded so wrong coming from Vanitas, it was a sound the human would never make if he could help it. Noé stared into those glossy half-lidded blue eyes, unfocused and blurry. The vampire tilted his head enough so he was directly in the other's line of sight.

They remained unmoving for a few seconds before they settled on him, meeting his gaze while Vanitas's chest continued to rise and fall under his blanket cocoon.

“Vanitas your lips..” Noé commented, noticing how chapped the man's lips were, it was as if he hadn't drunk anything in days. 

Had he?

Noé got out of bed and walked to their bathroom, filling up a small cup with water before hurrying back to the doctor's side. “Can you hear me?”

No response. 

He didn't know if he was crossing a line, but the man wasn't responding, and that only made Noé even more worried. Was the fever that bad? Even if Vanitas wasn't responding, he was going to continue talking to him anyway.

“Sorry about this, I need you to sit up.” He said after a moment, Vanitas had made no indication he was going to sit up and drink the water, so Noé supported his back and helped him up. 

Vanitas’s eyebrows furrowed, he looked dazed more than anything, but he offered no complaint.

Where was the Vanitas he knew? He was still in there right? Noé brought the cup of water to the unwell man's mouth and tilted it. Vanitas gulped it down. He must be so thirsty. Noé watched as the other finished drinking the cup, and he debated getting him another. But if Vanitas hadn't even drank water, was it possible he hadn't eaten too?

Noé looked at his upper body, like always he looked extremely thin, so it was hard to say if he'd lost any extra weight. 

“Have you eaten..?” Noé asked a little awkwardly, he hadn't gotten any responses so far, so he shouldn't be expecting it at this point.

And just like he suspected, Vanitas just continued staring at him with those big blue glossy eyes. Noé laid him back down and set the glass down on the night table by Vanitas's bed. “I'll be right back.” 

He opened the door and walked down the stairs, the worry increasing with each step. What was wrong with him? Should he bring him to an actual doctor? No, considering he had two marks already it might not be the best idea to involve a human without consulting Count Orlock first. 

Alright, Noé held his head high and steeled his resolve. He could nurse Vanitas back to coherency and then he'd ask the actual doctor for his input. He poked his head around the front desk, looking for Amelia. 

“Oh, monsieur Noé. You're back! How is your hand?” She asked with a warm smile. Honestly, it was just what Noé needed right now as his shoulders sagged with concern. 

“They've been monitoring it, but that's not.. Actually, I was looking for you” Noé admitted as he helped her pick up some papers from the floor on instinct. 

“Is everything alright?” She asked as she put down the small stack of sheets she'd been carrying on the counter. 

Noé shook his head. “No, Vanitas is sick. I don't know with what but he does have a fever. Do you have any medicine?”

“Oh my.. I had no idea, I assumed Vanitas was out of town too since I hadn't seen him in the kitchen.” The woman brought a hand to her mouth and scurried off towards the kitchen, motioning for Noé to follow. 

“I'll prepare some tea and bring up something light for his stomach.” She said as she started boiling the water, the woman pointed towards the back. “If we have any medicine, it would be on that shelf.”

“Thank you, I truly appreciate it. I wasn't sure what I should do” He finally found himself able to offer some sort of smile, it felt reassuring that he wasn't responsible for the humans' well-being on his own and handed a friend's help.

He managed to find something on the shelf for relieving fevers and made his way back upstairs with haste. Noé opened the door to find Vanitas right where he'd left him, except he'd recovered himself in the blanket again. 

He must be cold. 

Noé refilled the empty glass, grabbed the sheets from his own bed, and sat down next to Vanitas. “Here, you can use mine” he prepared to tuck the edges of the blanket around Vanitas, but instead the man's hands shot out from underneath, pulling the blankets into the dark bundle to hold close.

Did Vanitas need something to hug? As someone who could not sleep without hugging something, he understood. Noé grabbed his pillow off of his own bed and brought them to Vanitas. “Do you want these too?” He offered before setting them down. Vanitas shifted under the sheets and then reached out to grab it too. The white pillow wiggled its way into the ever-growing lump under the sheets. 

Oh, that's right the medicine! Noé pulled out a pill from the bottle and lifted the top of Vanitas's sheet cocoon. The human had his face buried in Noé's blankets and was cuddling his pillow. 

He tilted his head and blinked, perhaps it was the first indication that something was off about this fever. “Vanitas, you need to take this, probably..” Noé continued on rambling, mostly to himself. “I'm not a doctor like you so I don't really know. But the symptoms on the bottle matched some of yours so…” He trailed off before shaking his head and helping the man sit back up again. 

“Please drink it.” Noé held the pill out on his hand, while Vanitas continued staring at it with that vacant look. He brought it up to the other's lips, hoping the human would understand. 

Vanitas stared at it for a few moments. Did he want Noé to feed it to him himself, he didn't know but he needed Vanitas to take it. His fingers brushed against those soft lips, the moisture already replenished back into it. He pushed the pill into his mouth, his finger just briefly touching the human's wet tongue causing him to shiver. Noé pulled his hand away from his face and gave Vanitas the water which he eagerly gulped down.

He let out a sigh of relief, hopefully the medicine would do its job well enough to bring Vanitas back to some level of coherency. 

After that he helped Vanitas lie back down in bed, watching the human carefully. How long until it kicked in? Should he wait here? Leave? No, Noé didn't want to leave Vanitas alone in this state. 

It was around then a knock was heard at the door, “Come in.” Noé gave permission, knowing full well it was his friend. 

The woman peeked her head in, warm light flooding in from the hallway as she carried the tray into the room. Her worried expression softened when she saw the human in such a dazed state.

“Oh my…” She placed it down on the table, while Noé's pout took on a helpless demeanor. 

“I don't know what to do… I've never seen him like this.. He won't even answer me.” The concern dripped from his voice as he looked to the woman for comfort, any sort of reassurance that things would be okay. He sniffled, his violet eyes brimming with unshed tears. “Is he dying?”

Amelia looked worried and set the tea down. “Monsieur Vanitas is strong, I'm certain he will be alright.” She smiled although her brows were etched with concern as if it were only to reassure him. "Perhaps we should ask Count Orlock? He might know a doctor who can help him. Is it just a fever?”

Noé dried his eyes before the tears could fall, his nose dusted pink as his lip quivered. “I don't know, I've never studied medicine…” He just knew humans were fragile. Noé knew that all too well, he'd lost his human family far too young and had been helpless to stop it. 

He didn't want to lose Vanitas too.

Amelia stayed quiet and placed the cup of tea into Noé's good hand. “Hold this please.” She said with a soft voice. 

The moment the warmth touched his skin, it seemed to snap him out of the dark thoughts he'd been in, Noé held the glass up to his cheek, seeking more of that warmth. “Thank you..” 

He didn't look up to see her expression, but the woman smiled sadly at him. “I'll see if anyone is in his office.” She reassured him once more before heading out the door, it creaked as she closed it behind her. 

After a moment Noé set the cup down and placed his hand on Vanitas’s forehead again. For a brief moment, Noé was filled with relief. The medicine was working fast! Vanitas's fever was down, he no longer felt warm! Then his shoulders slumped as he realized his hand was simply warmer than Vanitas due to the drink. Noé pulled it away from the humans skin and sighed. He'd just get Vanitas a wet towel to lower his temperature. He at least knew that much about fevers.

So Noé shifted, ready to slip out of the bed, his unbroken hand sliding on the sheets as he got ready to push himself up. And then he heard a rustle and felt something soft. As if Vanitas had been seeking warmth, the human had now shifted and a gloved hand rested over his own while Vanitas's warm cheek nuzzled against the back of his palm. 

Huh?

Noé stared down at the extremely out-of-character sight, something must be really wrong with Vanitas. 

“Jeanne…” Vanitas opened his mouth and muttered the first-word Noé had heard all night. 

Noé didn't know whether to be relieved by that or annoyed, honestly, it bothered him. He couldn't really explain why but he wanted Vanitas to look and see him. 

“Look again” Noé used his one good hand to tilt Vanitas's chin so he was staring right into his eyes. That dazed gaze struggled to zero in on his own, even now Noé wasn't sure if Vanitas was truly looking at him. 

The human tugged weakly at his arm, his eyes falling shut again as he nuzzled into Noé's touch, causing the vampire's cheeks to flush. He stared for a moment, he knew it wasn't a good idea. He could catch whatever virus Vanitas was sick with, he also knew the human would never approve of this. But no one should be alone while sick. So against Noé's better judgment, he laid down in bed with Vanitas.

The reaction was instantaneous. Vanitas wiggled, loosening the cocoon he'd been wrapped in, and extended the blanket just a little more, as if he were offering for Noé to join him under it. For some reason the delicious scent Vanitas emitted seemed even sweeter than usual, more enticing. 

It wouldn't hurt to get a little closer. Had this been Louis or Domi, Noé would have already cuddled up to them without hesitation. So he shifted and left himself into the sheets, his heart racing.

Vanitas snuggled up to him first, and Noé could only wonder if he was searching for body heat. That's the only explanation he had to offer the clingy behavior. As thin legs wrapped around his own, he brought his good arm over Vanitas, petting his back experimentally. The dazed human let out a content sigh, which honestly brought a bit of a smile to Noé's lips. This was nice, it had been a while since he'd cuddled with anyone, and Vanitas couldn't blame him since he was the one who started it. 

Noé was going to selfishly enjoy this a bit more. He got comfortable, hugging the human's smaller body as if he were a pillow, resting his head on the other's soft hair. Something was poking him, so he just shifted a bit not thinking much of it, although Vanitas let out an odd sort of noise when he did. Just smelling Vanitas’s scent like this was soothing in a way Noé had never experienced. “You smell incredible…”

 The comfort was short-lived, something wet was seeping into his pant leg, it was warm, slimy and Noé paled feeling instantly grossed out. 

Did… Vanitas have an accident? Well obviously, what else could it be? He grimaced at the thought of having to clean the human's mess. But it was odd, he didn't smell the scent of urine, the only thing he could smell was Vanitas's incredibly delicious scent. 

But still, Noé couldn't just leave Vanitas in a mess like this. Whether he liked it or not, Noé was going to have to clean it. So he sighed and sat up, causing the human to let out a strained sound that Noé couldn't quite understand. He tilted his head to the side, watching Vanitas's flushed face closely before shaking his head and pulling the sheets off of him.

The blankets fell away revealing Vanitas's weak form, clinging to Noé's body. And it was at this point Noé realized just what had been poking him earlier. Vanitas was fully erect, the distinct tent in his pants unmistakable. 

“Huh?”

Noé stared down with an odd sort of curiosity. Vanitas has said Jeanne's name earlier… While Noé was innocent, he did receive an education and was taught basic knowledge of the male and female reproductive systems. 

And Vanitas was in love with Jeanne… This shouldn't be so surprising or shocking but it felt like a slap to the face. Shouldn't marriage come before this? Well, it's not like he knew much about these sorts of relationships outside of the old stories he'd read. The more he thought about it, the more it hurt, what was this feeling in his chest? Noé placed a hand over his heart that ached at the thought. 

For now, he wouldn't think more of it, but he couldn't exactly tear his sight away. After all, it didn't make sense, if Vanitas had soiled himself wouldn't the front of his pants be soaked through? He rolled Vanitas to the side, seeing the slick, clear, and sweet-smelling substance soaking through his bottoms.

Noé had absolutely no idea what to make of it. 

First off, what was it? It lacked the acidic smell of bile, stomach acid, or anything else that might escape someone's lower half. Perhaps this was a normal human thing? He'd need to ask someone later, for now, Noé saw Vanitas struggle, the human grasped at the edges of the blanket in discomfort, struggling to swaddle himself in blankets, gaining Noé's sympathy. Well, since it smelled nice, maybe it was fine.

Noé was just going to tell himself that as he helped Vanitas cover his body. The moment the blankets were back on, Vanitas's legs entwined with his own again. Noé flinched as he felt the clothed manhood pressed against his own pants. His heart was racing again, he could feel the warmth radiating off the protrusion. 

Vanitas settled back down once they were covered, his black hair tickling the bottom of Noé's chin as he nuzzled the sensitive skin on the vampire's neck. He burst out into a fit of laughter. “W-wait Vanitas” Even the warmth of Vanitas's breath elicited more giggles from him as he placed his hand in Vanitas's hair. 

And then his eyes shot open wide. The unmistakable roughness of a tongue trailed against his throat, giving it a kitten lick followed by another. 

“Huh!?!” Part of Noé was urging him to put an end to this, conflict settled on his face as he allowed it. Partially because he was stunned, and also because it felt really really good… He stayed still, as the man continued assaulting his skin, after a moment he craned his neck back, giving Vanitas better access to the skin.

And the human took full advantage of that, his mouth closing around certain spots, sucking lightly on his skin before moving to another. It was as if he was searching for the perfect spot. Noé had no idea why, had it been another vampire he would have understood.

But just as Noé had been contemplating that, he heard a small inhale followed by the sharp sting of a singular fang piercing his flesh. 

“Ah!?” Noé tensed up, the suddenness of it too much of a shock. There was an initial burst of pain similar to all bites as the skin was pierced, which was almost instantaneously numbed.

What?

Rather than blood being sucked out of him, it was as if something was being injected, like a venom. Something that Noé already knew was impossible for a human. “V-vanitas?! What are you doing!” He screeched out and tried to pull away but the human let out a whimper and clung to him for dear life. 

With each passing second, Noé felt his will to pull away diminishing, rather it was starting to feel good. Very good in fact. His breaths started coming out in small pants as he felt his entire body heating up, it was like a tingling sensation, it was exciting, enthralling.

He didn’t know being bit could feel this way. It was such an intense pleasure that coursed through his whole body, his blood wasn't even being drained either. And Noé had never felt such an intense urge to bite anyone back in his life. 

He didn't even hear the sound of knocking at the door, his body coursing through with desire and urges that had remained rather dormant until this moment. 

“Monsieur Noé?” Amelia peered her head back into the room, vaguely he heard her gasp but quite frankly he didn't care. He just needed to be as physically close to Vanitas right now as possible. 

“What the…” There was the sound of another man's voice, Noé recognized it. He looked up and saw Amelia and Dante in the doorway, staring at the two in bed and Vanitas's fang piercing his neck. The woman's face was a crimson red as if she'd walked in on some scandalous affair. Dante looked like a malfunctioning automaton.

The ginger took a deep breath before opening the door and tapping Amelia on the shoulder. “Hey, miss. I'll handle it from here, I'm telling you to leave.” 

She averted her gaze to the floor and quickly scurried out of the room. Dante kicked it shut behind her. The loud noise snapped Noé out of the odd state he'd been in just enough. Vanitas's mouth lifted off the bite, his singular fang drenched in the vampire's blood.

“Dante…?”

The Dham crossed his arms, glaring at him. “You, get out of his bed.” 

Noé did not want to get out of bed, honestly, he couldn't think of anything less appealing. “I don't want to.” 

Dante tched. “You wanna catch whatever that lying quack has?” 

Ah, that's right… Noé looked down at Vanitas’s face, the blood trickling down his jaw finally registering for Noé. 

“He bit me!” Noé exclaimed, slapping his good hand over the bite. It had felt so blissfully good… Even now Noé wanted nothing more than to press his body closer to the human and sink his own fangs into that delicious heat.. 

‘If you ever try to suck my blood, I will kill you.’ Vanitas's words from right before Gevuadon echoed in his ears. He paled, what was he doing? Even though every fiber of his being was begging him not to leave the bed, Noé forced himself up and out of the bed, earning a whimper from feverish Vanitas. 

Noé had gotten to his feet and stood up, but Dante looked anything but pleased. His jaw dropped as those orange eyes scanned him from top to bottom before squeezing them shut and pinching the bridge of his nose like he had a headache.

It was odd, so Noé looked down only to realize he was stiff, straining against the fabric of his pants.

Huh?

Noé had not expected this in the slightest. Vanitas caused this? He aroused Noé enough to cause an erection? Noé was in disbelief at the thought. His heartbeat quickened as the implications ran through his dense brain. 

Noé looked down at Vanitas's flushed face, those incredibly blue eyes opening dazed again. 

‘But teacher, to my eye… That moon seems quite beautiful.’ An old memory returned to mind, the sight of a blue moon was a gorgeous one to behold. He'd always thought that…The same gorgeous light in this human's eyes. But that wasn't sexual arousal right?

Was it?

“What is this feeling?” He asked as he knelt back on the bed, giving in to the urge to get closer to him. Vanitas was also a man too, he hadn't read anything in the textbooks about this happening between two men. Yet again, the sexual education section in his old textbook had seemed somewhat lacking or glazed over compared to other topics. It's not like he had anyone to ask in the estate either during his teenage years.

No one's ever made him feel aroused like this.

He'd woken up in the morning stiff when he was a teen, he'd dealt with his own bodily functions before. But he'd never experienced anything so enticing, so instantly desirable. Vanitas had elicted a reaction from him physically in a way no one else had. Quite honestly he hadn't given lust or arousal much thought up until this moment. But now it was fascinating and nerve-wracking at the same time, like he was exploring uncharted territory, or perhaps learning something new about himself. 

Dante let out a loud sigh and paced back. “Are you an idiot? What, did you grow up in the middle of nowhere or something?” the man stared into Noé’s innocent lilac eyes.

The vampire blushed and nodded sheepishly in response.

Dante groaned and turned away from him. “You’ve got to be pulling my leg, I'm not getting paid enough to have that talk with you, actually I'm not getting paid at all right now. I'm leaving” 

No. Dante couldn't leave he needed his help! “Wait! But what about Vanitas?” Noé followed after Dante, the man had his hand on the doorknob, ready to leave. 

“Listen, I was going to bring him to a Dham doctor 'cause he's good with halves and family members of them so he knows a thing or two about humans.” 

Noé tilted his head, was? Why not anymore? Was it because of his current state? Noé was suddenly feeling a lot more self-conscious than he had a moment ago. 

“But it looks like the quacks had us all fooled. You're better off bringing him to Altus, they know more about treating vampires.” Dante spat the words out bitterly, and it was then that Noé could see the anger in his eyes. Treating vampires? Did he think Vanitas was a vampire? Is that why? Does Dante feel lied to?

Noé didn't have an explanation himself, he closed his eyes and tried to think. Vanitas had bitten him but he knew Vanitas was a human. He'd trained to be a chasseur, he…

Oh. 

Noé clenched his fist, remembering that awful doctor who even now only referred to him as a number. The same doctor who was obsessed with trying to turn humans into vampires. 

“Dante, Vanitas didn't lie to you. He is human.” Noé assured the man in a calm voice, although thinking about the implications of what might have been done to Vanitas made his heart sink. Was it right to share that information with Dante? Vanitas was such a private person, Noé doubted he'd want his past with Dr. Moreau and the church to be shared. 

“Buddy, I saw the guy sink a fang into your neck. Look at you, you're marked.” Dante opened the door and shook his head. “Just take him to Altus and leave me out of it.” 

Huh? Marked? There wasn’t a mirror for him to look in real fast, but that wasn't important. Right now he needed to make sure Vanitas got the care he needed. Noé used his hand to shut the door, Dante looked up at the vampire towering over him with annoyance. 

“I'll pay you, please.” Noé pleaded with him, he'd even be willing to dip into his savings if he had to. “I can't betray Vanitas's privacy and tell you more. It’s alright if you don’t believe me but he needs to see a human doctor.” Vampires are less prone to illness compared to humans, if he brought him to Altus the chances of Vanitas actually getting the care he needed were slim.

Dante groaned dramatically and sighed. “Alright, fine, fine okay? If you're that stubborn. Meet me outside when you're ready.” 

Noé blinked, all too ready to scoop Vanitas up and carry him there. “I'm ready now.” 

“No buddy, you're not.” The dham opened the window and shut it, not elaborating further. 

He was ready though? He was already dressed and- oh. His cheeks tinged red as he remembered his current predicament. Noé rushed into the bathroom and took a quick cold shower. 

Chapter Text

After rinsing his body in freezing cold water, Noé found that his erection had gone down. The thought still weighed heavily on his mind though. This wasn't the kind of discussion that would be appropriate to talk to Domi about, was it? She always seemed so knowledgeable, maybe he could ask her. He wished Louis were here for him to ask. Maybe he'd be able to give him some advice. Noé sighed and stepped out of the shower, he dried his body with a towel before freezing as he saw his reflection in the mirror. 

Dante wasn't kidding, he'd actually been marked. A bright blue mark on his neck, shaped like a ribbon tied in a bow. It was somehow the most ‘Vanitas’ thing he'd ever seen. Noé touched the spot with fascination. As much as he wanted to stop and think about all of this more, he had more important things to handle at the moment. So Noé redressed himself quickly and walked out into the room. Vanitas had buried himself in the sheets again, Noé scooped the bundle up and the moment the human was back in his arms it felt right. 

It felt so right. 

There was no sound of protest, so Noé unlocked the door and carried the swaddled man downstairs and past the lobby, not even his face was exposed. He got an odd stare or two as he passed the familiar red walls of the hotel restaurant but he paid them no mind. 

Dante was leaning against the wall right outside the building, waiting for him. The man looked at him and turned around grumpily as he walked away and motioned for Noé to follow. 

He could feel Vanitas shivering, and Noé felt an urge to soothe him however he could. He propped Vanitas's covered head up against his shoulder to keep him close. 

They walked there in almost complete silence, Noé cradling Vanitas's head gently as they arrived at a small run-down clinic in the city. Dante knocked at the door with a frown while Noé stood behind and watched.

“Hey old man, it's me” 

The door opened slowly, and an older man with graying hair stood behind the door. The bespectacled man looked Noé up from head to toe and then motioned for them to come inside. 

It looked like a regular small clinic, perhaps a little more rundown than normal but Noé was grateful to be out of the cold. 

“It's been a while Dante, are Johann and Riche well?” The older man asked, scratching his chin. 

“Yeah, anyways I've got a patient for you.” He pointed back towards Noé. 

He supposed that was his cue to introduce himself. “Please help my friend.” 

The doctor showed the way into a small room with a bed, Noé walked over and laid Vanitas's swaddled form down carefully. 

“I'm guessing if you're coming to me he's at least a marked human or a dham.” The doctor said as he washed his hands in the sink, Dante crossed his arms as he leaned on the door frame behind them. 

“Yes, he's human... He has a mark on his neck and on his left arm” Noé said as he uncovered Vanitas's face and removed the wet blanket. He looked like he was in pain, his mouth open and panting. The human's manhood was visibly straining against his pants but none of them commented on it.

The doctor glanced at him and brought over a thermometer and a stethoscope. The man slipped the thermometer into Vanitas's mouth. Noé watched with worry as he saw the liquid get higher and higher. 

It was 41.5 degrees celsius… Noé gulped, he knew that was really bad for a fever. The doctor's eyes went wide at the result, he pulled out the thermometer and rushed to the sink, pulling out towels from the cabinets above him and quickly wetting them in the cold water. 

“Do you think he's going to be alright?” Noé asked with a quiver in his voice, memories of watching his human grandfather get sick and pass returning to mind. If only he could share some of his own strength with Vanitas right now.

“I'm not going to sugarcoat, your friends in bad shape. You can start by removing his clothes, his temperature is dangerously high and if we don't lower it, his organs will start shutting down.” The doctor stated as he stacked the towels on top of each other.

Noé’s heart sank.

Dante stepped into the room, seeming to let go of his anger now that he understood the severity of the situation.

The vampire quickly brought a hand to Vanitas's vest, fumbling with it as he struggled to undo it with his current limitations. He managed to pull it off and quickly did the same with his shirt. 

What? 

Noé had never seen Vanitas without a shirt before, and now he was beginning to understand why. 

He was covered in scars. 

Painful incisions and cuts that seemed carefully placed next to uncalculated ones that almost looked as if they were intended for torture. It made him sick, it made his blood boil. Noé wasn't a vengeful man, but right now he wished nothing but harm to come upon that cursed scientist. 

Dante stared for a moment, his mouth opening as if he were going to speak and closing without a word. He then looked away, perhaps out of respect for Vanitas's privacy. 

The doctor approached them with the towels and started by placing one on Vanitas’s forehead before applying them to the front and back of his neck and armpits. Noé didn't even think to warn the man before he started removing his gloves. 

The reaction was instant, the doctor froze looking at the large blue mark on his hand with bewilderment. “I take it this is the blue moon’s kin I've been hearing rumors about.” The man then quickly put the cold towels on his wrists and inner elbows.

The doctor looked at the feverish, scarred human with sympathy. 

“When did his symptoms start and what medicine have you given him already? Have you noticed anything unusual? When was he last coherent?” 

Noé shook his head, he had only just gotten back, and he didn't have the answers to any of those. “I don't know, he was already like this when I returned. I gave him one of these before we left” He said through grit teeth as he pulled the pill bottle from his pocket, his rage still searing after seeing evidence of the torture Vanitas had been forced to endure. As for other symptoms, nothing came to mind really except. Oh the weird sweet-smelling stuff from earlier, he should ask about that.

“He's leaking something from behind, I don't really know, I couldn't figure out what it was.” He got the blanket off the floor and held it up for the doctor to inspect. It was clear, with a slimy sheen to it, the doctor ran a gloved hand against it, testing the consistency through his fingers. Noé watched with worry and added in. “Is this normal for humans?” 

“No. It's not normal.” The doctor said as he leaned over and reached for Vanitas's pants. “I'm going to undress him fully.” The man announced as Dante looked away. 

He probably shouldn't look right… Vanitas would not want him to see his naked body right? So he joined Dante where he stood and waited silently. They waited there in silence for a moment, hearing only the rustling of a sheet as the doctor scribbled some kind of notes down on a clipboard. 

“Very odd. I've covered him, you can turn around if you want.” 

The doctor said, Noé turned to see a paper-thin sheet over Vanitas's lower body. The doctor's brow was etched in confusion, he walked over to the sink and switched his gloves for a fresh pair before he walked back over to Vanitas and opened his mouth. The man used a small astermight-powered light to shine on the roof of the human's mouth, inspecting the singular fang. He tapped at it lightly and inspected it before he closed Vanitas's mouth. 

“Your friend isn't a human, that much I'm sure of.” He said with surprise, this caused Dante to quirk an eyebrow. It seemed like he was intrigued by the conversation. 

“What is he doc?” The ginger asked point blank.

“I'm unsure, he's not a Dham, yet not a vampire either. If he was, a fever like this wouldn't have left him at death's door” The doctor said, watching as Vanitas panted on the bed below. “And this” He gestured to the soiled blanket. “He's not a woman, there's no reason his body should be producing this in the first place.”

“A woman..?” Noé cocked his head to the side innocently. So it was normal for women to make that? “So is it a normal thing?” 

“No, young man, it's not” The older man brought his hand to his chin, scratching it as he thought.

“Then what is it? Is it normal for anyone?” They needed to get to the bottom of this, it might be directly related to Vanitas's worsening condition.

“No one, it’s not part of the anus’s function to secrete lubricant. That's true for humans, dhams, and vampires alike.” There seemed to be some sort of recognition when he said vampire. “But I can't even properly determine his race.”

If it was for Vanitas's sake. Maybe he should say something. He'd rather have Vanitas angry at him than dead. Noé took a deep breath and answered. “He's human. Well… he… I guess he's mostly one.” He stumbled over the words, unsure of how even to begin.

“What's that supposed to mean?” Dante asked back with genuine curiosity. 

“I don't know the details. But he was used in an experiment.” Noé stared at the thin scalpel lines along Vanitas's arms as he forced the words out coldly. “They were trying to turn humans into vampires.”

The room went quiet and for the first time that night, Dante actually looked sympathetic. “Seriously…?” 

The doctor looked at him incredulously for a minute and then back down at the abnormal body below. “It would explain this.” The man opened up Vanitas's mouth again, inspecting the singular fang closely. Noé could only watch as the doctor scribbled something else down in his notepad, something about color variation. “This fang looks functional, but there are some scars on the roof of his mouth, it's as if it were attached rather than grown.”

“Do you think it has something to do with his illness?” Noé asked with concern. 

“I don't know, it's almost as if...” The man put a hand on Vanitas's forehead, causing him to recoil, knocking the cooling towels off of him as he curled up, trying to warm himself in the paper-thin sheet, his cock visibly hard. “As if he's in some sort of estrus…”

Suddenly the doctor's head shot up. “Excuse me for a moment.” He said as he exited the room and entered the halls. 

Estrus? Noé took this time to pull a chair over to Vanitas's side, the fresh mark on his neck aching as he did. 

Dante walked up behind him and let out a sigh. “Sorry, I guess I assumed some stuff earlier. But you've gotta understand, I watched the quack mark you”

Noé’s gaze never left Vanitas’s face which was contorted in silent agony. “It's not my place to talk about Vanitas's past… Honestly, I don't know much about him either.” 

The doctor returned soon after that, carrying an old book on top of a stack of blankets and pillows. “Assuming your friend was born human it’s a miracle he's even alive. He’s had multiple vampiric traits forced onto him, his body shouldn't be able to withstand the pressure. But somethings keeping him alive at least, so it's safe to say he's not as frail as he looks.” The doctor looked at the fresh mark and the singular fang indentation on Noé's neck. “He did that today?” 

Noé nodded.

“Did he drink your blood at all during this, or did he simply bite you?” 

He thought back, and while it had felt incredible, he didn't feel any weaker or drained, Vanitas hadn't drunk any of his blood. “He only bit me.” 

The doctor sighed and started to speak. “I have a vague idea of what might have been done to your friend, it will be a headache if I'm right.” the doctor set the pile down on the counter and carried a pillow over to the bed.

Vanitas made no effort to take the pillow, which was odd considering how quickly he'd taken Noé’s sheets and pillow earlier. 

“Take off your coat.” The doctor extended a hand, gesturing for Noé to hand it over.

Dante quirked an eyebrow, Noé didn't question it. The vampire quickly shed his coat and handed it over. The doctor then placed it next to the pillow, watching the curled-up human closely for a reaction. 

Vanitas's nose twitched, and he took a deep breath as his glazed eyes opened. He stared at the white coat on the bed for a moment before reaching out, he grabbed it with a wobbly hand and slowly pulled it closer to himself, and buried his face in it. 

“Uh…” Dante looked a little weirded out by the behavior. Noé watched with fascination, Vanitas's pained expression seemed soothed by the scent of his clothes, and the human cuddled up to it closer, hugging it tight to his naked body. 

“Fascinating… He's exhibiting nesting behaviors too.” The doctor announced to the room. 

Noé cocked his head, nesting? Like a bird? For some reason, the picture didn't add up. 

“Have either of you heard of the old secondary genders of vampires?” The doctor asked as he took away the cold wet cloths and started surrounding the human with the blankets. 

“You can't be serious doc, that's ancient stuff.” Dante responded incredulously. 

Noé shook his head, he'd never even heard of a secondary gender. 

“In the old days, all Vampires were either an Alpha, Omega, or a Beta.” The doctor walked over to Noé specifically, giving him a personal lesson. It was like getting taught by a teacher, so Noé straightened his posture and nodded along. 

“Omega's in particular were said to have a dismally low life expectancy. They died out completely sometime during the war, taking the alpha gene with them since beta's rarely passed it on.” 

Noé didn't like where this was going. “What does this have to do with Vanitas? Are you saying you think he's one of them?” 

“From the looks of it, yes, he might be. It's the only reason I can logically think of for these symptoms, and if that's the case we've added unneeded stress to his body by removing him from his nest.”

Dante's eyes were wide as saucers right now. While Noé still didn't grasp the situation aside from the fact Vanitas was some rare type of vampire that had a nest and died out because of whatever he was going through right now.

If vampires couldn't even survive it, what chance did a human body have?

The doctor pointed at Noé causing him to jolt where he stood. “I'm going to need you to lay down next to your friend here.”  

Noé had zero problems with that, honestly, he wanted to be as physically close to Vanitas as possible right now. Which shouldn’t be possible given Vanitas’s problematic personality. “Alright… Can I ask why?” 

“The mark he left on you isn't a blood claim, he claimed you as his mate.” 

Huh? Noé felt like a bucket of cold water had just been dunked on him “Mate..? What do you mean? But I.. no he was calling out for Jeanne, he must have mistaken us!” How could he accidentally mistake him for that woman? Well, they did have the same hair color but…

The doctor pushed his shoulders down so Noé was sitting on the edge of the bed Vanitas was residing on. “None of that matters, you're the one he marked and it's your body that's going to respond to him in the way he needs, do you want him to live?” 

Of course, he wanted Vanitas to live, but that didn't make this any less confusing. Noé felt like he had no idea what any of this meant. Vanitas extended an arm again to him, once more inviting him under the blankets. Noé looked at the doctor and back at Vanitas as he scooted under the sheets and relaxed. It felt nice, it felt right, and Noé wrapped his arms around Vanitas without thinking. 

The doctor covered the window in the room, dimming the light before he added a few extra pillows to the bed and placed a thermometer on the bedside table. “Just keep doing exactly what you're doing and check his temperature regularly.” He walked over to the door and grabbed Dante's arm. “I'd imagine our presence will only stress him out further. I'll be doing some research outside.”

“Wait? You're leaving..? What should I do? Do I just lay here?” Noé called out with concern, the stressed pitch of his voice causing Vanitas's brows to furrow in dismay. 

“You don't have to do anything aside from holding him like you are now, that should be enough. Call for me if anything changes.” With that the doctor shut the door behind them, leaving him alone in the room with Vanitas.

Noé felt scared. This was absolutely nerve-wracking..! He had a naked, aroused, and dying Vanitas in his arms and all he's supposed to do is hug him?

Okay… okay, he could do this. 

He took a deep breath and watched as Vanitas's eyes fluttered shut. The man buried his face in Noé's chest and entwined his thin legs with his own. The vampire let out a sigh and started to stroke the human's head. 

Time passed by agonizingly slow at first, he was checking Vanitas's temperature with the thermometer every five minutes, maybe even more. But as he remained snuggled up to the human, he saw it slowly decreasing. Noé felt like he could breathe again when he saw the temperature drop below 41c. Vanitas was sweating profusely, and eventually, the man drifted off into a peaceful sleep right there in Noé's arms. 

Vanitas had been asleep for a little while, and Noé had even found himself getting tired too despite it being the middle of the day. He smelled so good, incredibly so and it was doing something to Noé. He was suddenly aware of everything, every flinch, the way Vanitas's breath hitched as he slept, his bare skin against his clothed body. 

Is it bad that he wanted to remove his own clothes too? He wanted to feel Vanitas’s skin against his own.. No, he needed to feel it. Before Noé knew it, he was hard again too, and every time Vanitas shifted his hips a little it caused him to shiver. 

How did he feel about Vanitas? He’d certainly never felt this way about anyone before… And what does being mated entail for them? He knew the term, he was familiar with it and understood it but, when it came to people…

When it came to him and Vanitas…

Noé flushed and squeezed Vanitas a little tighter in his arms, causing the human to stir. 

“Mm…” Vanitas groaned, Noé watched for a second and reached for the thermometer, sticking it in the other’s mouth like he'd been doing for the past hour.

Vanitas’s remained still for a moment until it seemed to register, his eyes shot open as he started squirming frantically in the blankets. “HUH!?” He screeched and spat out the thermometer. 

“Vanitas..? You're awake!” Noé caught the device and loosened his embrace, giving the confused human some space. It wasn't enough for Vanitas, he scooted as far away from Noé as possible, he nearly fell off the bed too until the vampire reached out an arm and pulled him back. 

He could see Vanitas's naked form wracked with shivers, Noé covered him again with a sheet for modesty, although it was hard not to look at his delicate form.

“Explain. Now” Vanitas spat out, but rather than anger, it sounded like fear. He must feel awful after such a high fever… And even though it's better, 39.5c is still nothing to laugh at. 

“You had a fever of 41.5c.” Noé started with that, Vanitas is a doctor after all.. He'd understand that best. “So, well… I asked Dante for help and he brought us here. The doctor figured out what was wrong and left me here to help you.” 

Vanitas's eyes looked haunted. “You let some doctor inspect my body? Is that why I'm naked?” Now Vanitas looked angry, there was a mix of helplessness, and pain in that scowl as he weakly grabbed Noé's shirt collar..”I would have rather died! You had no right! I-” Vanitas stopped mid-sentence, surprise flashing across his features.

The younger man blinked owlishly, he looked down at his legs, sliding a hand down into the sheets and pulling it back, slick translucent juices coated the front of his hand and Noé couldn't help but think how delicious it smelled. Vanitas stared at his hand for what felt like forever, spreading his fingers and watching as the slick shimmered, translucent juice coated each one. The man reached down again, touching who knows where, and gasped. 

Noé blushed, drinking in the expression of Vanitas's eyes shut, his flushed cheeks. He looked adorable, honestly. Noé never thought he'd think that Vanitas was adorable but here he was. “The doctor thinks you're an omega.. It’s a vampire thing.” He offered the explanation to his confused roommate.

“Huh…?” Vanitas asked, dumbfounded. His eyes shot open wide “An omega…?” There was a hint of recognition there, he started to tremble. “That's absurd, it's physically impossible, I can't be.” A particularly violent shudder made its way through the man's weak form. 

“No…no no no nono- this can't be happening..!” Vanitas looked absolutely terrified for a moment, his fingers digging into his palm. After a few seconds that terror seemed to morph into some kind of dull resignation. “You really should have let me die, Noé” Vanitas said as another look settled on his face, one Noé couldn't stand. That look like he'd given up on something.

“That's not happening.” Noé said it firmly, honestly he didn't care if he had to restrain Vanitas himself, he couldn't let him die here tonight.

“What is that?” Blue eyes bore into the fresh mark on his neck, Noé followed his gaze. “That wasn't a dream?” Vanitas asked with a haunted look “You LET me bite you?!”

“No, but you bit me anyway.” He tilted his head innocently, causing the other to groan and yank his hand away.

“And you're fine with that? Do you understand the ramifications of this?!” 

“Well.. No, but it doesn't bother me really.” Noé lips upturned just a little now, honestly, he was just relieved Vanitas was talking to him so coherently right now.

“At least be a little bothered by it!” Vanitas hissed before another full-body shiver ran through him. He collapsed on Noé, causing the vampire to catch him in his arm.

“Why? Also you need to take it easy, Vanitas, you're still sick.” 

“I'm not sick, it's much worse than that! I'd rather be dead!” Vanitas raised his voice, unshed tears brimming in his eyes as he forced his weak arms to push away from Noé's chest.

“Vanitas? Ohh…” Noé let out a small gasp as Vanitas's naked body pressed against his aching manhood. The momentary friction felt so good, that Noé was desperate for more.

Vanitas lifted the blanket enough to see Noé's erection straining against his pants. The vampire could just tell another outburst was coming, so he beat Vanitas to it.

‘Wait! Don't blame me, it's your fault I'm like this!” Noé defended himself, pointing his finger back at Vanitas, poking his bare chest.

The man's face flushed, and he let out a scandalized “Huuuuh?!” before immediately firing back. “How is that my fault?! Don't you dare say I'm the reason you're hard right now cause that's-”

“You are the reason I'm hard though.” Noé answered back casually without shame and without embarrassment.

“Uh… I'll just let the doc know you're awake.” Dante cut in awkwardly from the doorway, he was carrying a stack of old books in his arms, giving them both a look that said he'd heard far more than he ever wanted to hear. The dham walked away without another word. 

Vanitas groaned and turned away from Noé. So the vampire did the one thing his body was telling him to do, and that was to reach out and grab him. Hugging him close to his chest. 

“DON'T TOUCH ME!” Vanitas shrieked and started kicking in the sheets, but Noé held him through it. Which wasn't very hard to do considering the man was weaker than a fawn right now. 

“Sorry, I don't understand it either. But your health improved after I started holding you, so please bear with me for a little longer.” Noé calmly explained while Vanitas continued to thrash and expend energy he didn't have. 

The doctor poked his head into the room with a clipboard. “Ah, so you're back with us?”

“Get the hell out.” The human scowled at the intruder, but stopped trying to escape from Noé, instead, Noé could feel Vanitas grip onto his shirt. 

Odd, did being in another doctor's presence really stress Vanitas out that much? The vampire felt a strong urge to soothe and calm him down however he could, which in turn made his own body posture defensive. 

The man in the doorway raised his hands, signaling he was not a threat. “Calm down, I understand you're going through a lot. But we have some serious stuff to talk about.” 

“No, we don't. I'm a doctor myself, I don't want or need your help. So forget everything! Forget I was ever here.” Vanitas screeched back. His retorts lacked the usual sharp wit of his tongue, an obvious sign that the fever was limiting his capacities.

Noé couldn't help but notice the instant change, just a moment ago Vanitas was kicking and screaming to get away from him. Now he had his face buried in his chest and was willingly hiding from the others using Noé as his shield. It made him feel fuzzy and his heart skipped a beat knowing Vanitas felt safe around him.

“Since Vanitas is awake… Maybe we can go home now. He is a doctor too.” Noé said softly to the older man, a pleading in his eyes begging for the man to leave them be. 

“You know his condition could worsen. If he falls into incoherence again because of the fever, what are you going to do? It's safer for us to keep an eye on him here.” The doctor reasoned.

Vanitas shook his head. “I'm leaving, I don't consent to receiving any sort of ‘care’ from this establishment. I'll report you if you so much as lay a finger on me.” The human threatened while trembling in Noé's arms.

That was a bit much honestly. He was just trying to help, but Noé got the idea. “Sorry, I'll look after him from home do you think I can buy some of that medicine you gave him earlier? Or.. um.. books on omegas? I've never heard of an omega before today.”

Vanitas grit his teeth. “You don't need to know, don't you dare look it up!” 

Huh? Why was he so defensive over it? “Vanitas, how am I supposed to help you if I don't know anything about omegas?” Noé asked back plainly.

“You're not, that's the point! I don't want your help, I don't need it, I never asked for it so get your hands off me and leave me alone!” And just like that Vanitas was squirming again, fighting his embrace as he helplessly tried to wiggle away. 

The doctor watched them both curiously, before sighing. “You're free to go whenever you like, but if you leave him on his own, he will die.” The older man walked over to the cabinets and pulled out a bottle of pills. “Give him one of these every four hours, and keep him like that. The fever will rise again if you leave him alone too long.”

Noé watched him package up the medicine and gulped. “How long do I have to hold him for?” 

“Not a second more, are either of you listening to me?!” Vanitas protested as he failed to escape Noé's grasp.

“Until his heat ends. Around a day or two give or take.” The doctor ignored Vanitas there and placed the medicine on the bed with them. The human flinched in response.

“Is there anything else I can do for him..?” He wanted to know, if he was going to be caring for Vanitas for the next few days on his own he had to know as much as possible.

“Yeah. But I think your friend will snap if I say anything more. I'll send you home with some notes. Keeping his stress levels down is key and make sure he drinks water, dehydration was their leading cause of death” The man was scribbling something onto a paper as they spoke, he folded it up and tucked it into the paper bag.

Noé sat up, finally giving Vanitas what he wanted as he released him. This time he noticed his erection immediately and flushed. “S-sorry.” He stuttered out in embarrassment.

“No apologies needed young man, your body's responding normally to the situation.” The doctor took his coat off the bed and wrapped it around the man's waist, hiding his excitement. 

“Really? It's normal..?” Noé breathed a sigh of relief, and now his erection wasn't even visible. 

“Your mate is in heat, come on now kid, it would be a problem if your body wasn't responding.” The old man answered, yet it didn't seem to answer Noé’s question. What did a heat entail, and how does this mark affect him physically? He wanted to know more. 

“Mate…?” Vanitas echoed, his voice hollow and his body wracked with shivers. The omega made a small squeak as Noé grabbed the blanket they'd come here with and wrapped him in it too. He completely swaddled him in the blankets while Vanitas started kicking and screaming.

“I said don't touch me Archiviste!! You cursed bat! I won't forgive you for this!” 

“You can yell at me all you want later, I'm not going to let you die today.” Noé replied back with irritation. While he understood Vanitas was going through a lot right now, he was making this extremely difficult!

“AH! H-hey watch where you're touching!” Vanitas shrieked as Noé finished wrapping him up completely and held him with his good arm.

They left the office without much drama after that, on the way out he paid both Dante and the doctor for their help. Although Dante left the room as soon as he could. Noé didn't know what was going on in his head and quite frankly, right now he didn't care. 

He walked down the street, the sun setting in the sky above them as they made their way back to Hotel Chouchou. Vanitas had given up on complaining and had once again buried his face in the blankets to starve of the cold. Noé picked up his pace after that, eager to get the human back in the comforts of his own bed. 

Chapter Text

When he made it back to the hotel, Amelia was busy watering some of the plants by the entrance. The moment she saw Noé, her face turned red and she uttered an awkward. “Welcome back.” She averted her flustered gaze towards the floor, not meeting his eyes. 

That was unusual, but Noé wasn't going to worry about it right now. He gave her a tired smile and a “Thank you.” Aside from that they didn't talk anymore, Noé carried Vanitas all the way up the spiral stairs to the top floor, carefully unlocking the door with one hand and sighing as they were finally back home. 

“Are you still awake, Vanitas?” He asked the man as he set him down on his bed before lighting the lamp with a match. 

“I'll kill him. I swear I'll kill him for this!” Vanitas's frustration was evident even through the blankets, his muffled tone low as the bundled sheets curled in on itself once more. 

Noé could only imagine he was speaking of Dr. Moreau. The vampire took a seat at the edge of the bed.

“Get off.” Vanitas spat out in a low voice. 

“No.” Noé responded firmly as he opened up the bag and looked at the notes the doctor had sent him home with. There were multiple pages of handwritten notes, two different sets of handwriting too. Had Dante help transcribe some? They must have been gathering as much information as they could during that time he was resting with Vanitas. He set the papers down on the side table and looked at the stubborn, struggling human. “Vanitas, I don't want you to die, alright? Is that really so difficult for you to understand?” 

Vanitas didn't say anything, he simply shifted in the sheets while Noé looked down at the lump and thought about the papers. He was still achingly hard, and every fiber of his being was screaming at him to get back in bed with Vanitas.

“I don't understand this either… Ever since I found you earlier I've been wrought with these urges.” He admitted plainly while still respecting the man's space. “It's confusing and uncomfortable… But it's also exciting, my heart won't stop racing.” 

He touched his chest, feeling it beat before steadying his resolve. “I want to hold you, preferably in the blankets if you'll let me.” Noé's body urged him to snuggle up to Vanitas like before regardless of how ridiculous that was. “If you say no, I'll still lay by your side. I don't know what's going on with your body or how my presence helps, but your well-being isn't negotiable.”

He was met with no response, technically it wasn't a yes, but it wasn't as if Vanitas had told him no either. So Noè took off his shoes and lay in the bed with him, slowly inching closer, waiting to see if the man would get mad at him as he lifted up the blanket and took the spot next to him.

Vanitas poked his head out from the sheets and Noé tensed, ready to get yelled at. But the anger didn't come. Vanitas looked worse than he had at the doctor's, the trip over must have been stressful on his body. Those blue eyes transfixed on the fresh mark on Noé's neck.

“Listen… Noé.” Vanitas sounded defeated like all the fight had been drained out of him. “Your body is reacting to mine, that's all. I bear responsibility for marking you.” He grumbled out. “You don't need to help me further.”

That caused Noé genuine concern, seeing him apologize for anything felt wrong. It was unlike the arrogant and smug Vanitas he knew. 

“It's alright Vanitas… It really doesn't bother me.” He scratched his cheek awkwardly. “Actually, it felt good. I didn't know being bit could feel like that.” A sparkle in his gaze as the curiosity reignited.

Vanitas stared at him, an odd sort of hunger pooling behind those tired blue eyes. That small artificial fang extended again as he breathed heavily. “Get out of the bed, now.” He warned. 

Noé defiantly shook his head. “I said I won't.” 

Vanitas grit his teeth “You're so ignorant it makes me sick.” 

Huh? Now he was mad at him for not knowing anything about omegas after he'd told him not to learn about them? “And you're an incredibly fickle person.” He deadpanned back. 

Vanitas looked like he was about to retort that but then he flinched, his eyes glowing blue as he let out a needy gasp. The smaller man's body tensed up as he breathed heavily. “Please, if you don't I'm going to bite you again.” 

Noé blinked, not quite understanding the human's warning, when was the last time he'd even heard Vanitas use the word please? He didn't know it was part of his dictionary, it almost sounded foreign on his tongue. “You're worried about that?”

Vanitas's face scrunched up as if he'd been given the wrong answer. “Of course I am! Why aren't you?”

Huh? What was he upset at him for now? Noé cocked his head to the side and scooted closer. “Well, I don't understand the problem. I just said it felt good. If you bit me again I wouldn't mind.” Heat ran straight to his crotch as he imagined the sensation. “Actually I think I'd like it if you bit me again.”

Vanitas shifted in the sheets, eyeing him with uncontainable hunger. Before Noé even had time to react Vanitas was on top of him, biting into his tender neck.

Noé's eyes went wide as his head fell back against the pillow in shock. The brief moment of pain was instantly washed away by the sweet aphrodisiac being injected into his bloodstream. Vanitas smelled so good, his body felt so light on him. The way the human's weak hands rested on his chest just made the skin under the fabric feel even more sensitive.

He liked all of it, the bite, this sensation, and the feeling of Vanitas's light weight pressing against him. It gave him a clearer view of his naked body, he'd avoided looking down too much before but now he couldn't pull his eyes away from Vanitas's red arousal. It disappeared from his line of sight quickly as it was sandwiched between their chests, rubbing against Noé's torso needily.

Noé's own arousal got brushed up against through his pants. The slow drag caused him to buck up towards the friction, his clothed erection sliding against Vanitas's bare one in the most delicious way possible. 

The human whined in response out of his closed lips, and Noé couldn't help but think it was a beautiful sound.

“Vanitas…” He purred the other's name softly while he put his good hand in the human's silky soft hair, cradling the back of his head close to him. Vanitas's jaw remained lodged in place, and Noé couldn't help but wonder what Vanitas was getting out of this since he wasn't drinking his blood. There was such a neediness to the way Vanitas bit him, it was definitely influenced by an urge of some kind. Was he simply being affected by the instinct to bite as if he had been a vampire himself? 

After a minute or so, Vanitas pulled back, blood trickling down his lip while he weakly sat up with shaking arms. Noé's eyes were glowing red, his own fangs extended to full length. He felt such an intense urge to bite Vanitas back, he couldn't explain it, he wanted to sink his teeth into his neck. No, he needed to leave his own mark on Vanitas's body. 

What was he thinking? Clarity came rushing back to him, he immediately slapped a hand over his mouth feeling ashamed, his control was usually better than this. The vampire's eyes faded back into their natural purple. 

Vanitas didn't look mad, but he looked completely and utterly defeated as he weakly collapsed on Noé's chest. They lay there in silence for a few seconds while Noé figured out how to put words to what he wanted to say. 

“Vanitas, can I ask you something?” He questioned, trying to look down at the other's tired face that was nestled into the croon of his neck. 

“What?” It was a soft mumble, with no energy, it didn't sound like Vanitas at all. 

“Well, I don't know anything about omegas, and you're not drinking my blood, so why are you biting me? It's an urge right?” His innocent question caused the man on top of him to shift a little, the unintended friction sweet as Vanitas slipped off him and plopped unto the sheets once more, back turned away from him. Noé pouted a bit, already mourning the loss of contact.

“... I don't know.” Vanitas admitted quietly. There was a pause while the man took some heavy breaths. “They're all dead, I didn't study them much, just the basics.”

Huh? Noé didn't like the sound of that, he'd been under the impression that at least Vanitas had understood the details. Yet again the other doctor didn't seem to know much about them other than the basics either. It just wasn't relevant knowledge to study deeply into secondary genders in this day and age since they'd died out well over a century ago.

“Then why are you worried about biting me? What do you know about omegas?” Noé asked with concern, Vanitas flinched in response and pulled a sheet to cover his naked body. He wasn't going to tell him. Noé puffed out his cheek and reached over to the side table, he was going to respect Vanitas's request not to look it up, even though the curiosity was eating him alive. But if neither of them had a firm grasp of the situation, things were different. It was a necessity.

There was some noise coming from behind him, the sheets rustling as Vanitas disappeared into the lump of blankets and pillows once more. Noé peaked his head around eyeing the odd structure. So this was an omega's nest? It didn't look like a nest at all, well he didn't really know what to expect in the first place. Vanitas isn't a bird after all. Honestly, it wasn't that much different from the way Vanitas slept at night anyway, except now he was hogging Noé's blankets and pillows too.

Noé started skimming the pages, apparently, omega's were rarely male, so it was even harder to say what was relevant or not. But as he kept skimming over it, he came across information on heats.

That's what the doctor said was happening to Vanitas right?

A heat was a time when omegas were at their most fertile, they were said to emit a sweet scent to attract a mate. 

Noé sniffed the air, it did smell sweet, delicious even. That was one of the first things he'd noticed when he'd found Vanitas earlier. And in his case, it worked cause he got into bed with Vanitas and let him mark him earlier. Noé's brow furrowed. What else? Was there anything that explained all the biting? He skimmed through the pages and eventually came across something relevant. 

Their venom and pheromones possess a powerful aphrodisiac to coax their mate into sexual intercourse. It wasn't the information he was looking for, but it made him straighten up his posture. Aphrodisiac… Sex? 

As in, sex between him and Vanitas? 

Vanitas's bare form underneath his own popped into his mind, no doubt fueled by his needy erection causing Noé to squeeze his eyes shut in embarrassment. No, that was out of the question! He shook his head trying to shoo the lewd thought from his mind. 

This sounded like animal biology, not something that would be applicable to humans or vampires. Babel had altered a lot of things, it shouldn't be so surprising that some vampires originally had animalistic mating cycles like these. 

His lip quivered and cheeks dusted pink as he looked back down at the paper to continue reading at least to get his mind on something other than sex. An omegas body puts all of its energy towards the sole focus of reproduction during heat, leaving them in a weak state where they couldn't even care for themselves. It's no wonder they died out.

A flawed creation, one not designed but altered by fools who had no idea what they were doing, and Vanitas was suffering the consequences of that. 

But what could he do? Even though he's Vanitas's ‘mate’, he's physically incapable of satisfying him in the way a woman could. His aching erection a reminder of that. Even just imagining it was making him more flustered. Could two men even have sex together? Was it possible? How would one even go about it? That thought sent his brain spiraling down an entirely different rabbit trail. 

If they could, would he want to have sex with Vanitas? He'd been taught sex was supposed to be with your spouse, he'd always heard it was the most intimate expression of love you can share with another. Noé hadn't fantasized about it, he didn't have any grand ideas of what sex would be like, quite honestly he'd never even given it much thought until now. But what about Vanitas? How did he feel about this?

He understood why Vanitas was so reluctant. He certainly didn't blame Vanitas for refusing his help earlier. Noé likely couldn't help him in the way he needed, and the thought had his own nerves on edge. At the bottom of the page, he found a little more information on biting though. Omega's feed off their mate's blood to regain lost energy and nutrients while coaxing their mate into having sex with aphrodisiacs. So at the very least, it meant Vanitas was hungry. Noé rubbed his hand against the healing wound, he may have the urge to bite, but he can't drink blood like a vampire could.

“I'm sorry Vanitas.” He apologized, and even though he hadn't finished reading all the notes he set it down. He was sorry for not understanding the situation before now. He felt nervous, his heart was beating out of his chest just sitting here and talking to him. It was scary, Vanitas was his mate now.

“If you're sorry, then leave me be.” Vanitas muttered back weakly. 

He couldn't do that. Noé turned around to face his back again. “I read the doctor's notes.” He admitted.

He heard Vanitas's breath stop at that. 

“I don't understand any of this… Heats? Mates? Sex? Vanitas I don't know what to do about any of this. I can't even satisfy you like Jeanne would.” 

Vanitas shot up, giving him a wild look like Noé had grown a second head. “HUH!?” the man stared at him like he had two heads for a second. “Jean-jeanne?! Why are you even mentioning her right now, she has nothing to do with this!”

Noé cocked his head. “Well, before you bit me you called for her.” 

Vanitas looked absolutely baffled by the new information, his mouth fell open but no words came out. Noé figured now might be a good time to get Vanitas to eat, if he was biting him he was probably hungry after all. Honestly, there wasn't much food in the room, just the basket of bread he'd brought up earlier.

When Noé was sick as a child, nothing beat a warm meal. So if he couldn't offer a warm meal right now, maybe he could warm up the bread. He grabbed a slice from the basket and opened up the lamp, holding the slice of bread over the flame. 

This seemed to snap Vanitas out of whatever thoughts he'd been dwelling in. “What are you doing?”

Noé flipped the bread over. “I'm cooking some bread” 

“It's already cooked, you idiot!” Vanitas argued back exasperated. 

Noé turned his head and looked at Vanitas. “I know that, but it would be better for you if it's warm.” speaking of warm, it felt like his hand was getting warmer. 

“Noé-”

He looked back to see that the edge of the bread slice was on fire. In a panic Noé dropped it into the lantern, smelling as the smell of burnt bread permeated the room. “Sorry.. I'll open up the window.” 

Not said as he shut the lantern top to starve the fire of oxygen and got up, opening the window to air out the room. The moonlight now the only light illuminating their small hotel room. He walked back to the bed and left the bread basket next to Vanitas. “Please try to eat something. I'm going to shower.”

He needed to take care of his little ‘issue’ and he also wanted to get out of these clothes into something more comfortable for the night. So for the second time today, Noé undressed and stepped into a freezing cold shower. It was uncomfortable, the cool as ice water hitting his skin, but he knew if he stood there long enough his excitement would die down.

Five minutes later, Noé was shivering miserably. His erection hadn't gone down at all! After wasting far too much water and standing in the freezing cold he called it and turned off the water in defeat. The notes did say he'd been injected with an aphrodisiac, and this wasn’t even the first bite Vanitas had given him today. So he could understand why it wasn't going down but should he take care of it the other way…? His chilled hand held his erection carefully, giving it an experimental tug. He closed his eyes, and only Vanitas's face was coming to mind.

It was so tempting, he gave it a gentle tug and shook his head. No, this was disrespectful to Vanitas, he couldn't. So Noé let out a frustrated sigh and exited the shower, drying himself off before changing into some fresh pajamas. Although there was nothing he could do about the bulge in his lower half. He exited back into the bedroom to find Vanitas buried under the sheets again, the basket missing a single loaf. 

One loaf wasn't enough food for a day, but it was a start. He'd just make sure Vanitas ate properly in the morning. So Noé took the basket and set it to the side before laying down in the small bed, next to Vanitas. 

Vanitas grumbled something out, which was enough of an answer. Noé pulled some of the sheets, just enough so he could cover himself and keep warm too. Truthfully he wanted to slide under the covers again with him, but now knowing what he knew, that seemed awfully inappropriate. 

So he settled for staying by Vanitas’s side, his back pressing against the lump, hopefully, just enough contact to soothe Vanitas in whatever state this had left him in. The human flinched, but aside from that made no complaint.

But Noé was now realizing a major problem, he didn't have a pillow to hug, and Vanitas had all of the pillows inside the lump with him. What should he do? Would it be rude to ask for one? Probably right? It might stress him out to dismantle his strange omega human nest. So Noé figured he'd just have to suck it up and deal with it.

After a minute of laying there with his eyes closed, Noé gave up, it just felt too unnatural. He stared at the pile of blankets and pillows Vanitas was residing in with envy. Without thinking too much about it, he snuggled closer to the bundle and cuddled up to the outside, wrapping his arms around it as best he could. 

“What do you think you're doing?” Vanitas warned him without any bite, although it sounded pretty muffled.

“All my blankets and pillows are in there, I won't bother you, just let me rest like this.” Noé pleaded softly, already relaxing and feeling content having Vanitas's sweet scent so close to him. 

And thankfully Vanitas allowed that. Noé hummed softly before drifting into sleep. 

Chapter Text

Noé was by no means a light sleeper, so when he woke up in the middle of the night to find himself under the blankets with Vanitas in his arms, he was genuinely surprised.

First off, how did he even get in here? It was so dark he couldn't see a thing. Second, Noé was achingly hard, except now it was really getting uncomfortable and painful. The pulsing ache was impossible for him to ignore now. But Vanitas was panting loudly again. There was the sound of movement, Vanitas was doing something but it was not like Noé could see what was inside this ‘nest’. The sheets were soaked with that incredibly sweet-smelling substance. 

No matter how you look at it, this was too much moisture escaping his body, the doctor's warning about dehydration echoed in his ears. He needed to get Vanitas some water.

Noé poked his head out of the sheets, the light from the open window illuminating their now aired-out room. He slipped out of the bed and closed it, seeing the moon was high in the sky already. It had probably been a few hours, so it was time for some more medicine. He walked over to the bathroom, filled up a glass, and brought it back to the bedside. Carefully, he unwrapped the other from the little nest he'd been residing in, and the sight was both enticing and painful.

Vanitas looked as if he were in serious pain, his eyebrows furrowed as his mouth fell open in what looked like a silent scream, sweat beading down his forehead, his body drenched in a combination of that and slick. But what really caught Noé's attention was the placement of Vanitas's hand. His arm stretched downward while long, slim fingers disappeared inside his anus with a subtle wet squelch. 

Noé blinked, absolutely baffled by the sight in front of him. He shouldn't stare, he hadn't meant to. But it was like a lightbulb went off in his brain, pieces finally connecting. 

He'd read about this in the textbook, about women and the natural lubrication their bodies produced before and during intercourse. The papers did say omega's were rarely male too, but Noé hadn't expected this. 

Omega's experienced sex receptively. 

Does that mean Vanitas enjoys fingering himself like that? How did fingering your anus even feel in the first place? Noé had nothing to compare it to, but now his curiosity was piqued. Perhaps not enough to try it himself though. The slick pooling on the sheets below glistened in the moonlight, it was such a sweet scent, so sweet Noé wished he could dip his finger and taste it. Wait what? Noé shook his head. That came out of Vanitas's… There's no way that could be sanitary! He flushed red and shooed the thought away. Lust was a fascinating and irrational thing and he was quickly discovering.

Anyway, he had an actual task he had to get back to, and that was keeping Vanitas alive. Noé knelt back down and brought a pill to the human's lips. “Can you hear me” 

No answer. Vanitas continued breathing heavily as his fingers continued moving hypnotically, stealing all of Noé's focus. 

For the first time since they'd left, Noé regretted their decision to try and handle this on their own. Vanitas's life was literally in his hands right now, it was a huge weight that he didn't want to carry, if he messed up Noé didn't want to think of the consequences. “Vanitas, please.” He covered Vanitas's lower half with a sheet so he could at least look away from the sight, but the image kept replaying in his mind anyway. 

To his relief, Vanitas opened his pained eyes and groaned. “Ngh…” 

It wasn't a word exactly, and Noé had no idea if Vanitas was coherent or not. Vanitas was right here with him, yet Noé was feeling scared and alone. But the human was staring right at him at least. He pushed the pill into his mouth and brought the cup to his parched lips. Vanitas gulped the water down like a dying man, leaving it empty within seconds. 

There was silence before a weak sputter. Vanitas coughed it up, spitting the water out, and splashing it on the sheets before curling in on himself again, shivering. 

“Vanitas…” Noé reached out in worry as the other let out a gut-wrenching cry. 

Vanitas looked at him, his clouded eyes wincing in pain as if he were suffering through extreme torture. “Noé..?”

It was like a flood of relief, Noé's tense shoulders instantly relaxed, but he was still in way over his head. “You can hear me? Maybe we should go back to the doctor.” 

At the mention of the word doctor, Vanitas instantly recoiled and hid entirely under the sheet. His breaths were heavy as he uttered a strained refusal. “No doctors… Don't let them.. near me.” 

Noé frowned. “But Vanitas… You…” 

“I said NO!” The last word was laced with so much pain and a hint of fear. Noé had noticed how uneasy he got in the other doctor's presence earlier, Vanitas was scared of being under another doctor's care. Perhaps that had something to do with Moreau. So Noé took a deep breath and got out of the bed, refilling the glass with more water before returning and pulling the sheet up again. 

“Alright Vanitas. I promise I won't let anyone else near you.” Noé helped him up this time so the water could go down easily. He brought it to his lips, feeding it slowly so the man had time to swallow properly.

“I can't take this..! It's like I'm being rewritten inside and out.” His voice was so weak, wavering with each strained word. “Make it stop… This sickly feeling… This pain, I can't handle both! It's too much, I can't..!” 

Noé had never seen a side of Vanitas like this before, it was so open and vulnerable. Noé had always been intrigued by the other, he'd wanted to see more sides of him, but not under these circumstances. Noé felt so helpless, what could he do? Could he do anything for Vanitas? 

Anything at all?

“I'm sorry Vanitas… I don't know what to do…” His fingers dug into the man's silky hair, petting the long strands softly. 

“But I'm here, and I'll do anything to help… At the very least, you're not facing this alone.” he didn't know if the words would comfort him, but he said it anyway. 

There was a dazed, desperate look in those blue eyes. “... Anything?” 

“Yes.” Noé said without hesitation. 

Vanitas took a deep breath, his lip quivering as he buried his face in Noé's chest and pleaded. “I want you to kill me.” 

Suddenly Noé was back in their old secret hideout, one that had been full of adventures, it was a beautiful sunny day, and Fred led the way while Fanny followed behind with a playful skip in her step. Mina clung to Noé's arm possessively while Domi tried to get his attention. Louis was sitting on the old stone reading his book, the breeze was perfect, and even now he could vividly remember the smell of the Astérisques growing nearby.

Louis. 

The scenery morphed again, and everything was horribly wrong, straight out of his worst nightmares. Mina's head lay cracked on the stone, separated from her small body, the deep crimson of her blood soaking into the messy blonde hair she'd once prided herself in. Domi was quivering on the ground kneeling, watching with those wide, traumatized eyes. 

And then there was Louis, his hair tickling his neck as he cried into Noé's shoulder, opening his mouth, uttering the last words he'd ever say. “I want you to kill me.” 

Noé clutched on tightly to Vanitas as he himself began to shake. Of all the things Vanitas could have asked… Why? He couldn't even do that for Louis. He knew Vanitas was in pain, he knew an omega's life expectancy was dismal. He knew it wasn't his decision to make either, but if he had any say in it, he was going to voice it now. 

“No, I'm not giving up.” Noé teared up as he hugged the man tightly. Even if he wasn't giving up, all he could do was urge Vanitas to keep fighting, the man couldn't give up already. “Not yet, Vanitas. I know you're in pain, I know it hurts, but we can get through this together. So please, trust me.” His fingers combed through silky soft onyx strands as Vanitas looked up at him with wide, shocked eyes.

They had made it through so much already, Noé wasn't going to let Vanitas die here on him either.

“Not yet..” Vanitas repeated the words softly as if clinging to them. His eyes shone with an emotion that not even Noé could place. Vanitas closed his eyes and nuzzled his face into the crook of his neck, his hot breath tickling the healing bite mark. “Do you understand… what.. you're asking?” The words were spoken with much effort. 

Noé knew he was callow, there was so much he didn't understand, so much he'd yet to experience. Even now he couldn't fully say he had a complete grasp of what he was getting into, but even so… If it was him and Vanitas, he was sure it would be alright. They'd managed fine so far against all odds, with Vanitas by his side he felt like he could accomplish anything. Now it was his turn to support him. “I understand enough.” 

Vanitas stayed quiet for a moment while Noé continued stroking his hair. Time passed slowly until another violent shiver made its way through his body. A strained chuckle of disbelief that morphed into a cough escaped.  Their eyes met, Vanitas's gaze looking livelier than before. “You really… are unbelievable.” His lips twitched as the edges started to curl upward just a little. 

“Your… refusal to give up.. will be the death of me… someday.” Now this was a look he'd never seen before,  so obviously wracked with pain, yet that slight, strained curve to those chapped lips seemed oddly like one of the most genuine smiles he'd ever seen on the man. “Alright.. Noé.”

Noé's cheeks flushed at the genuine but strained display. And he couldn't help but smile back at him. “Vanitas… What do you need right now?”

Vanitas took a moment, his small smile fading from exhaustion as he relaxed against Noé once more. “... Your coat… and your sweater” 

Noé blinked, that was not what he was expecting at all. He was curious, he wanted to ask but decided against it. So the vampire slipped out from under him and got to his feet and collected the articles of clothing as quickly as he could. His mind returned to the image of Vanitas cuddling up to his coat at the doctor's office. 

It was weird, but Noé was fine with that. He crawled back into bed and brought the cloth to the other, setting it in front of him wanting to see what the man would do with it. Vanitas pulled it under the sheets, Noé could see the side wall of the lump being fortified. It was a nest, and he was starting to see it. How fascinating. 

Noé leaned in close to it from the outside curious about why Vanitas needed his sweater and coat specifically for it. Was it the fabric? They both were quite soft, he'd enjoyed them. Maybe the scent? He knew humans weren't sensitive to smells like vampires were, but being an omega was originally a vampiric trait. So it probably had something to do with that. The thought of his scent soothing Vanitas made his heart skip a beat for some reason, it was an incredibly odd feeling.

“Hey… Vanitas? Do you need anything else?” How else could he help the man right now? He knelt at the side of the man's nest, his hands resting on his knees. “Do you need to bite me again?” He offered, perhaps a bit too eagerly, but that was something for him to ponder about later, not now.

He heard a strained laugh come from inside the nest. He was expecting the man to tease him like he'd always do but it seemed like he was truly lacking the energy for even that. 

“No… None of that. If I'm going to.. survive this, I'll need you to fetch some things for me” 

Noé could hear it in his voice. It was as if Vanitas had made up his mind that he was going to survive. The vampire leaned closer, waiting for instruction. 

“Get some salt from the kitchen, if you.. see citrus fruits grab them... Boil whatever soup stock Amelia stored last night in.. the cellar.” He struggled but persevered, finishing his sentence. “Can you handle that?”

“Yes!” Noé slipped off the bed and froze, the sweater he'd been planning to tie around his waist was now in that lump of sheets. He looked down at his crotch and back at the door. Even if it's the middle of the night, it wouldn't be proper for him to walk around the hotel in this manner.

“Um.. Vanitas” He asked softly, unsure what would be the best way to ask. 

“What?” Vanitas poked his head out just enough to expose Noé to that scent once more. 

“Can I have my sweater back?” 

Vanitas groaned. “... Just take my coat.” 

Noé flushed a bit, his messy hair falling onto his cheek as he nodded and got up. Vanitas's coat was hung neatly in the closet like always, a stark contrast to Noé's own which usually resided on either the floor or the chair by the window. It was surprisingly light, and the fabric felt almost warm to the touch. 

But most importantly it smelled so strongly of Vanitas. Noé wrapped the oddly shaped half-open bell sleeves around his waist, a sharp movement had the airy coat fluttering behind him. It was kind of fun, he could understand why Vanitas liked it so much. Now wasn't the time to get distracted though, he made his way to the door and gave Vanitas another look. “Leave it to me Vanitas, I've got it all covered.” 

~~~

Noé did not have it covered. And now he was starting to remember why he'd been banned from the kitchen in his teacher's mansion. Somehow the soup he was supposed to broil was now on fire, the open flame crackling as the oil inside popped.

Yes, the soup was on fire. 

Noé blinked, he had no logical explanation for it other than he probably shouldn't touch any cooking equipment for the next ten years. 

As he stood there in frozen disbelief, he heard familiar soft footsteps rushing towards the kitchen. “Monsieur Noé?!” Amelia rushed in. Her nightgown fluttered behind her as she immediately took control of the fire, grabbing the metal poker and shoving the embers further down into the firebox. It was as if the fire listened to her, and calmed at her command. Within a minute the soup was no longer on fire, and Amelia turned on one of the astermite lights. 

“Sorry, Vanitas asked me to heat up some broth for him but I think I messed it up.” He knew that the restaurant used the rest of the broth quickly in the morning, he'd wasted some of their resources. “I promise, I'll reimburse the cost, but it really is an emergency.”

The woman's gaze remained soft, she'd never been mad in the first place. “Please don't worry about it. Is Monsieur Vanitas alright?” She asked with genuine concern as she pulled out some extra broth and started heating that up instead. 

“He’s struggling, but he's going to fight… So I'm sure he's going to make it through this” Noé’s natural optimism shone through as he encouraged both himself and the woman in the room. It seemed to ease her worry a little.

“I see, it sounds like it's very serious..” She stirred the broth, her eyes lingering on Noé's neck. At first, he couldn't think of a reason why but then he remembered the mark. 

Noé rubbed a hand over it, the tender spot making him all the more eager to return to Vanitas's side. It didn't seem like Amelia was going to pry more though. 

“Is that mark from monsieur Vanitas?” 

Oh, looks like he was wrong, she did want to know. Noé flushed the gentle hug of Vanitas's bell sleeves. “It is.” He confirmed. 

“But I thought monsieur Vanitas was a human.” She didn't seem troubled by the revelation like Dante had been, honestly, Noé had no idea why the man reacted so strongly to that. 

But Noé knew he couldn't go around sharing that Vanitas was an omega. “It's complicated.” That is all he said, and that just seemed to ignite the spark of curiosity even more. “It's not my place to share more than that.” 

Her shoulders deflated a little but she smiled and nodded. “I understand.” Is there anything else you need? 

Noé shook his head, he had a bag of sugar and some salt along with fruit in a basket to the side. “No, I think I have everything.” The thought of Vanitas fortifying the walls of his ‘nest’ returned to mind. It wouldn't hurt to ask for extra material. “Actually, can I take some of the hotel's extra blankets and pillows?” 

She cocked her head slightly, thrown off by the question. “Certainly, take whatever you need from the closet on the left.”

Noé nodded and ran back up the stairs with the basket, opening the door. He could hear Vanitas panting softly in the sheets. The vampire felt an eagerness to get back to him as quickly as he could, so with that he set the basket by the bedside and dashed back out into the hallway, his feet tapping loudly on the stairs, no doubt disturbing the other sleeping patrons. 

He made it back to the first floor and opened the closet, piling as many blankets as he could carry with his one working arm. Before he knew it the stack was higher than his head. It was fine though, he had the inside of the hotel mapped out well enough, or so he thought. 

A few steps later one unfortunate one involved him stubbing his toe against the bottom step which sent him crashing to the ground. Luckily the excessive sheets broke his fall for the most part and he face-planted into the plush surface rather than the well treaded floor. He winced and got back up, trying to gather the sheets again, would Vanitas mind if they touched the floor? He was always such a clean freak after all. But considering the urgency at hand that probably didn't matter. 

“Are you alright Monsieur Noé?” Amelia asked behind him, carrying a hearty bowl of soup in her arms.

Noé nodded and started picking up the sheets. “Yes, I tripped, that's all.” He answered sheepishly as he piled the now unfolded and messy sheets back into his arms.

Amelia blinked “Monsieur Vanitas needs all those blankets?” 

Noé looked at the jumbled-up blankets in his arms, it did look excessive but he'd rather have them on hand just in case anyway. “I don’t know, but is it okay if I take them anyway?” 

Amelia made her way up the stairs with him, her eyes settling on Vanitas’s coat tied around him. “Yes, I was just surprised.” She smiled wistfully as they made their way up. “I hadn't realized you both had gotten so close.”

Noé was going to respond with ‘we haven't’ but it just didn't seem right. So he kept his mouth shut and they walked the rest of the way in silence. Once they reached the room he turned around to face Amelia. “I'll handle it from here. Do you think you can help me by bringing more food in the morning?” 

She nodded and placed the bowl on a table in the hallway. She said her goodbyes before letting out a soft yawn and heading off to go back to bed. 

Noé opened the door, bringing in the blankets first and dumping the excessive pile on the end of the bed before bringing the food in and placing it on the bedside table. He shut and locked the door behind him and crawled back into the bed. “I'm back.” He announced. 

Vanitas groaned in response. “... Pour some salt in water.” 

Salt? In the water? Noé got back up and filled up a glass, honestly, this was a lot of walking and errands to run in the dead of night, but it was worth it if it meant Vanitas wouldn't die by morning. He filled up some water by the tap and dumped in some salt, stirring it with a spoon before quirking an eyebrow at the saltwater solution. 

Vanitas poked his head out of the sheets and tried to prop himself up with his arms. He squinted with a grunt as his arms trembled under his weight before he collapsed back onto the bed. 

Noé silently helped the other up after that, knowing better than to comment on his weak state. The other offered no thanks as Noé brought the glass to his lips and tilted it. Instead, Vanitas instantly spit it out and started coughing.

“Too much salt!” He closed his lips refusing to drink anymore and now Noé was starting to get irritated. Of course, it’s going to taste bad, who even asks for saltwater in the first place??

“You're the one who asked me to put salt in the water.” 

Vanitas took a few breaths and sighed. “A little helps… water absorption when.. dehydrated.” 

It did? This was the first Noé had ever heard about it. “Really?” The little bit of annoyance died down quickly as he propped Vanitas up against the wall so he remained upright as he dumped the remaining water in the sink and filled it up again. 

He came back to the bed and sat by Vanitas's side, this time pouring the amount of salt slowly in front of him. 

“That's enough.” 

Noé stopped and stirred it again, giving it to Vanitas for the man to gulp down, which he did. 

He can't imagine how thirsty the other must be right now. 

“I brought you some soup too, well Mademoiselle Amelia helped.” Noé gave their friend credit where it was due. Vanitad finished the glass and the vampire took it away. 

“She's awake still?” His eyes shut as Vanitas tried to conserve his own energy. 

“Well… She is now, I may have woken her up on accident.” He had been pretty loud, he dropped a pot in the dark before he got the fire lit. He pulled the bowl onto his lap and scooped some of the broth onto his spoon. Vanitas scowled a bit, upset at the prospect of being fed. 

“I can feed myself.” 

“Alright, then do it.” Noé said blankly as he dropped the spoon and held the bowl out for Vanitas. 

The man's weak hand shook as he grasped the spoon. His eyebrows furrowed as he realized he truly couldn't feed himself at the moment as the liquid spilled back into the bowl. Without another word, Noé took the spoon from his hand and brought it to Vanitas's lips. 

Vanitas glared at him momentarily before frowning and accepting the help begrudgingly. So Noé continued spoon-feeding the human until the soup was gone. He smiled a bit once it was empty and took it to the sink to rinse, he'd bring it back down to the kitchen in the morning. When he came back, he saw Vanitas eyeing the large stack of sheets oddly. 

Noé helped Vanitas lay back down and watched as the man silently turned away with an odd look and retreated back under the blankets. Once he was back in, Noé got to work on piling as many sheets as he could around the lump. Honestly, he had no idea whether it was helping or not, but it was kind of like building a pillow fort. He used to build them with Louis and even Domi when she'd come over to visit. After a few moments of humming to himself and piling on the sheets, he stopped and examined his work. 

It looked much taller now, and probably warmer too. He laid back down outside the bed, saving one blanket for himself before he heard Vanitas mumbling from the inside. 

“Get in here.” 

Noé blinked, unsure if he'd heard that right, but he wasn't going to make Vanitas repeat himself. He looked at the walls and very carefully slipped under them, scooting under until his side brushed against the warmth of Vanitas's bare body. 

It was so hot, and the scent was making him dizzy, his cock ached begging for stimulation that Noé wasn't going to give it. The sweet, musky smell that reminded him of sandalwood and amber had Noé second guessing if he should really be in here. 

It was going to drive him mad, he needed a distraction. So he took a deep breath and tried to think of anything that didn't have to do with sex or Vanitas's enticing body. 

“It's kind of like a pillow fort.” Noé blurted out awkwardly as he expanded the gap to let in more light and fresh air. The moonlight settled in just enough for Noé to see Vanitas's scrunched face lying next to his own. “Louis and I used to build them all the time when we were little.” The happy childhood memories were good at distracting him from the current issue at hand, and Noé found himself smiling at the thought of them

“When Domi was over she'd join us too, we'd stay up and share stories late into the night… It was a lot of fun. I haven't shared a bed with anyone since those days.” He admitted wistfully. “Did you ever have any sleepovers?” He knew Vanitas wasn't going to answer, but even so, there was a part of him that wished he would. Vanitas intrigued him after all.

“I shared a bed with my brother.”

Noé's eyes widened, he hadn't expected Vanitas to answer, the fact that he was opening up and sharing something personal was unheard of. “You have a brother?”

“He's dead.” He could hear the pain that Vanitas wasn't hiding, it was on full display for him to see. 

Noé didn't know how to respond, what to say, how to say it. But he knew that what Vanitas wanted from him wasn't sympathy, so in return, Noé decided to open up too. “... Louis is dead too.” Exchanging the information with him. 

Things fell into silence after that, a silence that Noé didn't find comfortable, so he filled it with all the unfiltered thoughts tumbling through his mind. “After Louis died everything seemed so dreary. Domi used to call me a hermit because I stopped leaving teachers manor. I think I lost sight of a lot of things during that time…” When he tried to think of significant memories during that period, none came to mind. Perhaps because he wasn't doing anything. Yes, he still did training, he studied, but nothing was as vibrant as it had been…

But things were vibrant again now, smiling had once been a rarity in his life, and now it was becoming rather common. Where had it started? When did it change? “But things are different now… I find myself smiling at small things, it's like everything shines, no.. Rather my worlds been illuminated.” Even in the dark, he could still see the subtle blue glow of Vanitas’s eyes, light reflecting off of them.

“It started on that day I met you on La Baleine and you used the book of Vanitas’s power to save mademoiselle Amelia.” That radiant blue light that overturned the impossible, it was a symbol of hope, of life… Yet there was darkness in it too, it was truly fascinating and Noé was instantly enchanted by it. He was intrigued, fascinated by this strange, irritable human who he couldn't stand. 

“It's because of you.” Noé said it with a hint of realization as if it was just now hitting him how deeply Vanitas’s presence has impacted his life. No. He became the light that he chased.

Vanitas's breath hitched, his jaw clenching tight as he let out an odd noise. His smaller body pressed against Noé’s own, the fabric of his pajamas being the only thing separating them. Noé’s heart skipped a beat before falling into a fast rhythm, his mind was racing and all he could think of was how incredible it felt being this close to the man. 

Within seconds the spell was broken, and Vanitas let out a groan, as if he was putting all his energy into restraining himself. “Not another word.” The words an obvious warning not to tempt him further.

But like usual, Noé did what he wanted. There was so much more he wanted to say, so many questions he needed the answers to. “Vanitas-” His thoughts were cut off, he didn't even get the chance to finish the sentence before he registered chapped lips crashing against his own, stealing his first kiss.

Chapter Text

Noé's mind went blank at first, he had no idea how to process the sensation. It was like a bucket of cold water had been dropped on his head. No, it was like that time he got electrocuted by Roland's Durandel, a sensation that traveled through his entire body, the tingle coming straight from parched lips making his head spin. He remained stiff, unmoving as Vanitas's weak body pressed against his own, small pants of air as he nibbled at Noé's bottom lip. 

It felt good, so incredibly good. Noé let out a soft moan as he mindlessly allowed the kiss to continue. Wait, this was a kiss. Vanitas was kissing him, his first kiss? He flinched, and his eyes shot wide, this was what kissing felt like? Should he really be kissing Vanitas? Well, he certainly wasn't going to pull away. 

Unsure of what to do, Noé remained still for the duration of it, simply soaking in and enjoying it as he put his energy into resisting biting Vanitas's lip. After a few moments, the human stopped and pulled back just enough so he could collapse back on the bedding. 

Noé was still partially stunned, he didn't know how to respond to that, so after a few moments of silence he spoke up.

“Listen Noé, I'll be taking a lot more than a meaningless kiss if you don't get out of here right now.” Vanitas warned him in a low tone, the words more coherent than before. Noé had heard how much Vanitas was struggling with speaking just moments ago. He was trying to sound normal, trying too hard and it was almost painful to watch. Why? What point was he trying to prove?

“Do you understand? You're in over your head, so cut your losses and leave.” 

Huh? Noé's jaw dropped, how stubborn could this human possibly be? He's still trying to push him away after everything? If Vanitas weren't in such a weak state he would have headbutted him for even thinking he'd be leaving him now. “That's fine.” Noé said in a dangerously low tone, his displeasure at the statement evident. “If that's what it takes, then so be it”

“What are you saying..? I just stole your first kiss, you-” The man was cut off by a violent shiver, his little act of having it all together crumbling. “Aren't you bothered..?! Weren't you- saving that..?” 

Oh, Noé was angry alright, but not for the reasons Vanitas was thinking. Given the circumstances he was fine with it, he hadn't anticipated his first kiss being with Vanitas of all people but it's not like he hadn't enjoyed it either, which only strengthened his resolve. “Not really, I've already made up my mind, when are you going to understand that?” Noé questioned back, his frustration evident in his tone.

He was fed up, he was tired of Vanitas's refusal of his help. Noé was naive, and callow, and everyone always reminded him of it every chance they got, but he was capable of his own decisions and right now his mind was made up, partially due to his own extreme stubbornness.

“Huh..?” Vanitas paused to catch his breath, groaning before he continued. “You don't know the- first thing about sex!” 

That assumption irritated him, he knew the basics! “I do.” Noé protested back. “Stop treating me like a child, I'm older than you.”

“You don't ev…even pick out your own clothes.” Vanitas hissed, his insult came out with much less energy than intended, but it still had some impact.

“That has nothing to do with this! I know what sex is Vanitas” Noé did not want to deal with Vanitas's argumentative nature. The ridiculousness of their bickering registering.

“Really, then what's next..” Vanitas paused for a breath “You candy-brained bat?!”

That was the last straw for Noé, he was shutting down this argument once and for all. His stubborn nature was triumphing.

“Fine, let's do it.” He sat up in the bed, pushing the blankets off both of them, exposing them both fully to the night air, it hadn't even registered that he’d destroyed his mate's nest.

“Qoui?” Vanitas instantly wrapped his arms around himself. 

Noé's fingers clasped the top button of his pajama shirt, unbuttoning it quickly and exposing the caramel skin of his clavicle to the moonlight. “I said let's have sex.” 

“QOUI!?!” 

“Wait wait wait!” Vanitas started squirming away as he desperately tried to catch his breath “Do you even know what you're doing?!” The man was naked, propelling away from the other until his back was pressed firmly against the wall behind him.

Well, if Noé was being completely honest. Then no. He didn't know what he was doing, he had a general idea at least. “I'll figure it out.”

“Like hell.. you will!” Vanitas screeched back as he grabbed a blanket to cover himself. “Get away!”

What now? Noé was at his limit dealing with the fickle human, one moment he was pushing for sex, and then as soon as Noé initiated he was peddling back. What was his deal? “You kept warning me about what you're going to do to me and I'm okay with that, so why are you resisting now?” He finished unbuttoning his shirt and tossed it onto the floor behind him, revealing his bare, fit, chest to the other man.

Vanitas's breath hitched, his knuckles turning white around the edge of the sheet that covered his lower half but it didn't seem like he was going to respond. There was another expression Noé was unable to decipher, not knowing if it was hesitancy, fear, or something else that stopped Noé in his tracks. 

“If you've changed your mind just say so, I'm not doing anything without your consent.” Noé softened his tone and scratched his chin, he hadn't intended to make Vanitas look like that.

The other blinked before looking away from him entirely, his mouth opening up like he was going to speak and then closing again with no words, hesitant about what to say. He trembled momentarily, squeezing his eyes shut before groaning and muttering softly. “Do what you want.”

Noé frowned, do what he wanted? That wasn't even the point of this! Noé wasn't even sure what he wanted at the moment, well, his body physically wanted Vanitas, and the impulsive, lustful side of his brain that had awakened was screaming at him to jump at the opportunity, but as an Archiviste Noé had always been a man of self-control. “No, that won't do.” Alright on second thought yes, he did want this, but he needed to know that Vanitas wanted it too. He also didn't want the human getting mad at him later, making this about what ‘he’ wanted. “I need to hear you say you want to have sex with me.”

“HUH!?” Vanitas turned scarlet at that, if he'd looked flustered before, right now he might as well be a tomato. The man grits his teeth and starts kicking him weakly. “As if..! I'd ever say that!”

Noé's erection was already trying to make him regret his choice, a line of thought telling him he should have taken the chance, it was so completely irrational. Noé knew this was the right choice, steeling his resolve he gritted his teeth and scooted away from Vanitas, bending over to pick his discarded shirt off the floor. “Then let's just go to sleep already.” He said as he slipped it on over his arms

“You.. can't be serious..!” Vanitas protested from his little corner but Noé ignored him for the moment. “Idiot! Why-” His voice faltered. “are you making this difficult!” 

On another note, Vanitas had enough energy to bicker at him and call him an idiot, Noé’s natural optimism tried to write that off as a positive to somewhat thwart his souring mood. 

“Always..! You’re always! Ugh!” Vanitas screeched a bit, he heard shuffling in the sheets but he didn't look over, he brought his fingers to the first button ready to start redressing when a frail grip grasped his hand, stopping him. Well, not actually stopping him, Noé could overpower that weak grip in his sleep, but it caught his attention. His brows arched before his eyes shot wide as Vanitas’s trembling body crawled on top of his own. 

“Vanitas?!” Noé was bewildered as he looked into those eyes staring back at him with pure hunger, deep and dark pulling him in. It made him gulp, he felt like prey on the verge of being devoured. 

With much effort, Vanitas perched himself on Noé's lap and hunched over, thin, bony thighs resting on Noé's own, his hands immediately going down for Noé's pants, tugging at the waistband. 

He panicked, and immediately Noé grabbed the other's arm and stopped him. “What are you doing?”

“Things by my terms..” Vanitas answered back as he struggled to pull his arm away without any luck. So he settled for grinding his hips against Noé's.

Huh?! Noé's heart skipped a beat, he wasn't prepared for this!. “Wait!”

“What's wrong?” He hadn't thought it was possible for Vanitas to sound smug in this state, but he did. “You gave me consent.”

Yes, that was true, Noé had given his consent but he still needed time to process this, it was a lot to take in. “Well, I'm revoking it until you listen to me!”

“Knew you'd wimp out.” Vanitas glared at him, unable to do anything with his arm being awkwardly restrained by Noé.

Noe shook his head, this was unbelievable, he was losing his patience. “I'm not wimping out! You're unbelievable! This is exactly what I'm talking about, you're always like this! You're always so argumentative! Making everything harder than it has to be!” 

“HUH?!” Vanitas screeched out. “I do NOT want to hear that from-” The man's upper body strength gave out of him, he collapsed on Noé's chest with a pathetic thud, groaning in frustration as his pushes lacked the force to propel him up once more.

Why were they fighting right now? What was the point of this? It was like a moment of subtle clarity calming his nerves. So what if Vanitas was being difficult, Vanitas was always difficult, but that didn't mean Noé had to go along with it or listen to what Vanitas had to say. But he still could help him regardless.

“I'm not doing things “by your terms” We're doing this by our terms, understood?” With that he reached down and rolled the waist of his pajama pants down to his thigh, his cock springing up now that it was free from its former restrictions. Noé grabbed Vanitas by the hips, seating him again upright back where he had been moments before. His good arm settled behind Vanitas, propping him up so he wouldn't fall again.

The human's eyes were owlishly wide, he was used to being handled like a sack of potatoes by vampires at this point surely, but his gaze quickly became transfixed on Noé's erect member jutting out in front of him. A look of hunger, perhaps intimidation? A trickle of warm slick started pooling on Noé’s thigh. Noé for one didn't exactly know what step he should be taking next. With uncertainty, he looked towards the perched human pleading almost for some sort of cue on where they should go from here. 

“... Lift me up a little” Vanitas mumbled with an exhale, letting out a breath as Noé listened to him and hoisted his hips into the air. It wasn't hard for Noé to follow the man's gaze, and the vampire's own palms began to sweat as he slowly positioned Vanitas over his manhood, hovering right over it.

Second thoughts and doubts came rushing in, was he ready for this, was this a mistake? Given he was laying down, Noé found himself with a pretty clear view of Vanitas's lower body, his needy cock was red and his hole was drenched with slick, but it looked so tight and small. How was he supposed to fit in there? Well, he had seen Vanitas’s fingers in it earlier but he couldn't imagine something that tight being comfortable, also wasn't this unsanitary?

What if he hurt Vanitas?

“Hey.” Vanitas snapped him out of his thoughts with a growl. “Quit staring.” 

Noé flushed and looked up, seeing the cold look on Vanitas's face, unlike the other look that had seemed so full of emotion, this one was detached. He hated that look, absolutely hated it. “Quit making that face.” 

Vanitas scowled at him and the detached look disappeared, although he didn't suppose he liked this one any better. “Are you seriously.. picking.. another fight, now?!” 

“I'm not picking a fight, you are.” Noé protested, all the while Vanitas was hovering just inches above the vampire's cock. 

“What did I do?!” 

“You made that face!” 

“Huh!?”

As Noé frowned and prepared another retort, he decided to be the bigger person and let out a loud sigh. “Let's just get this over with.” The initial fear was gone as he started to view the potential of sex with this obnoxious human as something that would definitely be exhausting. 

“Then drop me already…!” 

Without thinking, he released his one-armed grip on Vanitas's hips and dropped him. It didn't quite register in his brain immediately, but he saw that wide-eyed look of panic on the man's soft features as he fell, clearly, he hadn't been expecting Noé to take his request literally. The puckered bud that had looked too small enveloped Noé's girth without resistance, spreading wide around his tip in a smooth, welcoming embrace, like this was exactly what it had been made for. 

As soon as it did, Noé could feel the wave of pleasure shooting through his entire body, far more powerful than their kiss, a pleasure unlike anything he'd ever experienced. With a dramatically loud squelch, Vanitas was impaled completely on Noé's cock in what seemed like an instant, his bony thighs bouncing up slightly as their skin slapped together upon the initial impact. Vanitas's mouth was gaping, as if he was holding in some sort of silent scream.

If you asked Noé what they were arguing about prior to this, he wouldn't be able to tell you. He gasped and let out a high-pitched sigh as Vanitas hunched over, his fists clenched, resting on Noé's firm chest as he panted, his unkempt bangs hiding his face as the long strands in the back slipped off his shoulder.

They stayed like that in silence for a little, both of them panting, Noé still processing the velvety walls surrounding his cock, clenching and unclenching around him in the sweetest way. 

“Wow… Vanitas..” It was all he could say, he didn't have any complaints, he had no idea Vanitas could manage to both look so enticing and give him the greatest pleasure he'd ever known. 

“Ah..” Vanitas grits his teeth. The man forced himself to sit up, the change in angle caused Noé to shiver. 

It just now dawned on Noé that while the penetration was pure bliss for himself, he might have accidentally hurt his frail human companion. Worry etched across his scrunched brows as he helped support Vanitas so he could sit up and face him again with his bad arm. He used his good hand to brush the bangs out of Vanitas's eyes, putting his face far too close to his as he inspected his features for pain. 

“Are you hurt? Should I pull out? I'm sorry Vanitas… I should have known better than to listen to you.” Noé said it with innocent sincerity, not even registering the problem Vanitas could have had with that sentence.

The omega responded by weekly punching Noé in the chest and bucking his hips. “Shut up!” It wasn't much, but the slight buck was enough to draw a moan from Noé. Immediately Vanitas brought a hand to his own mouth, stifling a cry. 

Noé tilted his head, gauging the reaction, on second thought it didn't look like Vanitas was in any sort of pain. And now that he'd gotten over the initial shock himself, Noé was beyond eager to explore more of the wonders Vanitas's body had to offer. 

He wanted to move so badly, but he wanted to make sure Vanitas was okay for certain. 

Luckily he didn't have to wait long, within seconds the omega was grinding their hips together since he lacked the ability to physically pick himself up and bounce himself at the moment. The subtle rolls had Noé craning his neck back and moaning. 

“You're incredible…” He praised him, now that Vanitas was moving Noé had no more reservations and bucked his hips upwards to meet him. “I had no idea you'd feel so perfect… So wet, so tight and warm..” Noé gushed his thoughts without reservation. He wanted to detail it in writing later so he could archive this memory and never forget the sensation. So he could never forget how beautiful that sheen layer of sweat looked on Vanitas's pale skin, and the subtle curve of his back, that unreadable but beautiful expression. His grip tightened, his words sweet as he lifted Vanitas, pulling him off his cock inch by inch and then dropping him once more. 

The human slid down with a wet slap, in his descent Noé experienced pure bliss from the friction. Vanitas bit his lip and lowered his head, not responding to the movement or the words. It was as if he was trying to stay as silent as possible, he was even muffling his ragged breaths. Why?

Noé would have investigated the reason and paid it more mind, he really would have, but right now he just wanted more. He needed more of Vanitas, his eyes glowed, and he wanted to devour him. Altering the world formula had never been a strength of his, he was pretty bad at it in general. But in this situation, a little alteration of gravity was just what he needed to bounce Vanitas on his cock a little easier. 

It worked like a charm, Vanitas was soon almost weightless in his lap, making it easier for him to lift him with his good arm and slide him back down. Each time Noé felt himself climbing higher, each slow-paced slide he heard the human breaths come out with a high-pitched squeak. That tender hole fluttered around him, inviting him in further, puckered red and leaking every time Noé was on the brink of pulling out to push back in. Even Vanitas was contributing with what little energy he had, pushing up in time with Noé’s bounces. No doubt the eased gravity helped him in this situation too. Beads of sweat trickled down the uncharacteristically silent man's thigh as he trembled, chasing the sensation higher and higher as Vanitas approached the cusp he'd been seeking.

And then it happened, Vanitas unable to hold it in let out a faltering cry. His walls spasmed around Noé, clenching around his like a vice while milky rivulets of semen spurted out from his reddened cock, painting both their chests as the excess splattered downward, landing on Noé's own. Silky black hair whipped back in a captivating fashion, shining in the moonlight as Vanitas craned his neck, back arching, eyes wide open staring at their ceiling. 

To say the sight was breathtaking would be an understatement, Vanitas's climax was the most arousing sight he'd ever witnessed and he was sure it would linger in his dreams for ages to come. But the one thing Noé couldn't get over was the fact he did that, he may not know what he was doing but he was doing something right if it got that kind of reaction from Vanitas. He hadn't even touched his manhood and yet here he was completely undone. Oh, the thought was too sweet. 

Not even giving him a second to rest, Noé grabbed his hip, pulling out in one swift motion as he pushed Vanitas onto the sheets beneath him. Vanitas didn't have time to react, he looked dazed, blissed out as he lay on the bed. Noé now hovered over him trying to position himself but finding the angle awkward. In an act of quick thinking, he hoisted a pale leg over his shoulder, his cock pressing back into Vanitas's inviting entrance as he penetrated him once more in a swift motion. 

Upon first thrust Noé found he liked this position a lot better, it was easier for him to move. Not only that, it didn't give Vanitas much space to hide either. The man'sdazed expression morphed into one of shock. Noé found a steady but swift pace, making a proper rhythm. He was chasing his own release, the omega beneath him squirmed in overstimulation. 

“What?” Vanitas cried out, it was the first word he'd said to him since this had started. Unshed tears pooled in the younger man's eyes as an unfiltered moan escaped past his lips. “Noé..! Wha-”

He'd never heard his name said like that before “Your voice… I never noticed how beautiful it was.” Noé picked up the pace, thrusting a little faster, losing some rhythm. It was far beyond just Vanitas's voice, he had failed to see the sensual charm the blue moons kin possessed.

Ironic, he'd been running around to look at art galleries as a tourist and hadn't seen the arousing beauty that had been beside him this whole time.

Vanitas cried out again, his knuckles ghastly white as they clenched around the crimson sheets beneath them. “Ah..! Too-”

Noé took in the sight of Vanitas's flushed body and rose nipples. The pert buds were begging to be played with, at least from Noé's perspective. With a well-timed thrust, he leaned down and ran his tongue against the rose nipple. Vanitas even tasted good, if only he could bite down and drink his blood, it was so tempting but he couldn't. 

Vanitas's breath hitched, eyeing him nervously, obviously unsettled by seeing the Archiviste's mouth so close to his skin but still trusting Noé not to bite him. Either that or he was too blissed out to care. 

Honestly, it might have been both.

Noé continued thrusting into the man, pushing him further up the bed and ruining the remaining shambles of his nest. Playing Vanitas's body like an instrument, angling his thrusts just to hear a higher-pitched whine or moan that the overstimulated human couldn't hide. Vanitas was babbling something incoherent, Noé couldn't understand what he was saying, every word cut off by another thrust. He was so close, almost at the peak he'd been searching for. With a stutter, Noé pushed as deep as he could and stilled, his vision going white as he reached his climax and found his release deep inside Vanitas's body.

“Vanitas!” Noé cried out his name, moaning loudly as he collapsed on top of the smaller man, his semen pouring into the omega beneath him in hot ropes. As Noé came back to reality he nuzzled his face into the crook of Vanitas's neck, resting there after the intense high he'd just experienced. 

“Amazing, you're absolutely amazing Vanitas.” He praised him, feeling both in awe and grateful for the sensations and the experience Vanitas had given him. The clarity at this moment made the world right everything made sense. He had no regrets, just a newfound appreciation for the quiet man beneath him.

“Vanitas?” Noé pulled back his head just enough to get a view of Vanitas's face, not ready to pull out of the other body just yet.

Once again, he was intentionally hiding his face behind his hair. It caused Noé to pout, Vanitas's body was absolute perfection and right now he wanted nothing more than to savor all of this. He wanted to experience Vanitas in every way he could. So why had Vanitas been holding back? He wasn't saying anything and that in itself was worrying.

“Hey, Vanitas?” He called again, this time repositioning them so he was spooning the other, his arm wrapped around him as he waited for a response that wasn't coming. The man was awake but he wasn't talking. 

“... What?” He sounded grumpy and tired. 

“Did you like it?” Noé felt somewhat nervous asking that, although he'd seen his climax, he wanted to know more about how it felt for Vanitas.

Vanitas refused to answer, causing Noé to pout again. His spirit sank a bit as he squeezed Vanitas a little tighter for comfort. 

Suddenly he heard a loud sigh and Vanitas mumbled “I didn't hate it.” 

Noé perked up at that. “But did you like it?” 

Another groan and Vanitas admitted. “It was fine.”

Fine? Just fine? “Everything about you was perfect, your scent, your beauty, your voice, the way your body felt around mine. Vanitas I can’t do you justice with words, anything I think of just won’t do, that’s how amazing you are.” There wasn’t a trace of doubt or uncertainty, Noé meant every word he enthusiastically said from the bottom of his heart.

Vanitas flinched at the words. “It felt good, okay?” The back of Vanitas's neck flushed red in embarrassment. 

The sparkles returned to his eyes after that, it felt like an entire new world had opened up before him, he felt so excited going forward. Noé loved sex, he thought it was amazing, specifically sex with Vanitas. The thought of sex with anyone else didn't seem to have any appeal. It just had to be Vanitas, and if Vanitas was saying he liked it, maybe that meant they could do this again. Or perhaps, just maybe Vanitas was feeling this rush too?

This thrilling, giddy feeling made him feel like he was soaring through the clouds. It was so foreign, so exciting, his heart wouldn't stop racing. He didn't know what to make of it but he had time to figure it out.

“Can we stay like this for a while?” Noé asked sweetly, whispering the words in his partner's ear. Vanitas didn't tell him yes or no, so he figured that meant it was fine to stay as they were. Now that their body temptress was going down, the sweat on their skin was cooling, leaving them both chilled. Noé pulled a sheet over them as his hip shifted a little causing them both to shiver. Vanitas clenched briefly, the sensation being a bit too much for Noé in his post-climax state. 

But it was fine, he was in Vanitas right now. They were connected, and that's all that mattered. Just that alone made Noé's heart so full it could burst. It was funny, even their argument from earlier now seemed to have a sort of glow, Vanitas was radiant in every aspect.

It was such a strange feeling. He'd figure it out in the morning. He could hear Vanitas's breaths slowing as the omega he was spooning relaxed completely. It seemed that sex had been just what he needed to ease his body. He could feel his own semen starting to leak out around his cock. They'd definitely need to change the sheets in the morning too. But as he watched Vanitas doze off in his arms Noé thought about how peaceful he looked. 

And with that, Noé dozed off himself.

Chapter Text

Noé woke up feeling refreshed, bare with a sleeping Vanitas cuddled in his arms. He couldn't help but smile at the beautiful sight. He'd discussed it with Amelia before, wondering what Vanitas's sleeping face might look like. 

The one time he'd tried to find out had ended with a very angry Vanitas and a small fight that had left the human in a grumpy mood for the entire morning.

Now he had the answer to that question as he watched the others bare chest rise and fall with each breath, his sleeping face looked so innocent, you'd hardly believe he was capable of any of the havoc he'd reaped. That peaceful expression was so cute, like an angel and Noé couldn't help but want to eat him up. 

He rested his head on his palm, watching the peaceful sight until the human's nose twitched. Tired blue eyes fluttered open, settling on Noé with an all-too-cute glare. 

“You're awake” 

Vanitas frowned, already in a grumpy mood it seems. “You're awfully chipper.” 

Noé simply smiled, yes he suppose he was. He'd never been a morning person, but today he was eager to embrace the day. “I don't think I've ever woken up before you, I was trying to be quiet too.” 

“How was I supposed to sleep with you staring like that?” Vanitas muttered.

Really? Noé knew for a fact he wouldn't wake up just cause someone was staring at him. “I couldn't help it, it's the first time I've seen you make that kind of face.”

“Huh, why does it matter?” Vanitas attempted to sit up, gritting his teeth as he exerted himself a bit. 

“I don't know, but you look really cute when you sleep.” Noé blurted out with sincerity. 

Vanitas's mouth fell open, it was like suddenly his body language had dropped in temperature by a few degrees, leaving a chilly air about him. 

Before Vanitas could say anything there was a knock at their door. “Monsieur Vanitas? Monsieur Noé?” Amelia called out sweetly from beyond the door. Noé immediately shot up. 

“Yes? It's unlocked!” He responded without thinking. 

“Idiot she can't come in!” Vanitas replied as he frantically lifted a sheet over his bare body. 

Noé looked down, he hadn't considered that. “Wait! We're not decent!” He shouted back.

Vanitas facepalmed, his cheeks dusting pink as he muttered something to himself, Noé hadn't exactly been paying attention to what it was though. 

The woman awkwardly coughed from behind the door. “Alright, I brought you both some soup.. I would leave it right here but I'm afraid Murr will get into it.” 

There was a scratching noise coming from beyond the wood door. Vanitas made a tch and shook his head. “I don't want that cat in here.”

Noé frowned, sitting up, becoming all too aware of the dried semen stuck to his chest, it wasn't a very nice texture. “But he won't bother us, I promise.” 

Vanitas gave him a look that said ‘no’ before grabbing the sheets and burrowing himself in them once again. 

Noé thought about it for a minute, all too ready to disregard Vanitas's input and just let Murr into the room, but the doctor had said keeping Vanitas's stress levels down was important. Plus Murr most likely wouldn't leave Vanitas alone the cat was crazy about him for some reason and it often made Noé jealous. 

“Um, Mademoiselle Amelia? Do you think you could leave the soup and take Murr with you?” he politely asked as he got up and found his pajamas, putting them over his unbathed skin. 

There was a pause from the other side of the door. He heard the clanking of the dishes on the hardwood floor as the scratching stopped, she must have scooped up Murr. “Of course, he's never a bother.” She answered with fondness in her tone. 

He waited until he heard her footsteps going down the stairs before sighing and opening the door, grabbing the food real fast, and shutting it. Noe brought it back to the bed, seeing Vanitas was already buried in his nest he was just starting to rebuild. 

“You're building a nest again? But the doctor said it would be over today.” Noé set it on the side table and knelt, throwing the remainder of the blankets on top of the omega with a thud.

“Well he was wrong, he probably got half his information from fairytales or something equally useless.” 

“You think so? Well, you look and sound a lot better than last night.” Noé asked as he threw his legs over the side, basking in the ray of sunlight that was hitting his clothes.

“I'm feeling fine.” Vanitas said with a sigh. “Isn't today one of your cafe days?” 

Noé blinked, he'd completely forgotten about that. “You're right, I'll need to apologize later.” 

“You're staying?” 

“Of course I am.” Noé announced “Even if you're doing better, I'm not going to leave you alone all day. I was taking that waiter's shift again.”

Vanitas sighed. “You're far too trusting, that's the third time in the past two weeks, he probably made other plans and is taking advantage of you.”

Noé frowned. “I don't mind, he's not a stranger and I don't think he's lying.” 

“You're far too naive, if you keep trusting strangers you're going to get yourself poisoned again, or killed.” 

Was he? Noé hummed to himself while he thought it over. “But he's not a stranger, besides it's better this way.” Was it so wrong to assume the best of people? Noé didn't think so, sure, it was disappointing when people proved his good assumptions wrong, but he genuinely believed there were more good people out there than bad even if the majority of Paris was comprised of horrible listeners.

Noé reached into the nest and pulled Vanitas out without asking, the other man glared but it seemed like he was used to being manhandled by Noé anyway. In all honesty, Noé just wanted to touch him, as irrational as that sounded. He wanted to sit next to him and eat breakfast like normal. The vampire couldn't wipe the smile from his face, he was just so grateful for a lot of things this morning. 

“Oh before I forget, thank you.” 

Vanitas squinted his eyes in confusion as he picked up a bowl of soup and started feeding himself. “Huh?”

“I just wanted to say it.” He placed an arm around the man, snuggling up to him like a cat, causing Vanitas to shiver. His skin felt so warm, even more so than the gentle sunlight. 

“... I think you've gotten the wrong idea here, Noé”

Noé wasn't deterred by the chilly words and took a sip of his bowl of soup. “What do you mean?”

“You know exactly what I mean.” 

Noé did not know exactly what he meant, he stopped and thought about it for a minute. He thanked Vanitas for making him so happy this morning with his presence. But he supposed Vanitas might have thought he was thanking him for last night. They did a lot of stuff last night, they'd kissed, had sex, it was eventful and Noé enjoyed all of it more than he'd ever expected to.

“Is this about last night?” 

“What else would it be about?” Vanitas huffed and crossed his arms. The sight brought another sparkle to Noé's eyes, it was too cute. 

“Can we talk about it? Actually, I have some things to say so I'm going to talk about it.” Noé blurted out.

“It's just sex. It doesn't change anything between us” Vanitas cut him off, a singular sweat drop falling down his forehead as he said it. 

“Hm? Why would it change anything?” Noé asked back, earning a surprised look from Vanitas, as if he hadn't expected that response. Noé felt different this morning, when he looked at Vanitas he just seemed to have this warm glow. It didn't change the way he saw Vanitas, it's more like an enhancement. And in Noé's stubborn brain, there was a big difference! “I'm still going to do what I want and stay by your side. I'm only holding you like this because I want to.” 

The man's eye twitched. “You didn't want to hold me like this yesterday.”

Noé didn't quite get it. His arm was around Vanitas's waist. “Actually I did, you smelled really good and if I didn't hold you, you'd die.” 

“Before all this!” Vanitas raised his voice in frustration. 

“Oh.” Before he was an omega? Yeah, Noé supposed he hadn't wanted to hold Vanitas like this, he hadn't wanted to kiss him either or run his hands along every square inch of his beautiful body. But it wasn't because anything had changed, he just didn't understand Vanitas's allure back then, if he'd understood then he surely would have wanted to kiss and hold Vanitas back then too. “Well, nothing has changed. I'm just seeing you more clearly now. I hadn't noticed how breathtakingly beautiful you are.” 

Vanitas hissed. “Are you an idiot? What exactly does the word ‘change’ even mean to you?!”

Usually, Noé would get upset at Vanitas for saying something like that, but right now he looked like a hissing kitten in his arms, he was too precious to be upset at. “But nothing has changed Vanitas. I still don't like you so please cheer up. I'm just seeing you better now, and you're incredibly cute when you're angry.” He was just eating that dumbfounded expression up, Vanitas's expressions had always been fascinating but now they were like a delicious dessert. 

Vanitas did not like this response, he pushed at Noé's chest with weak arms and buried himself back in the nest he'd been dragged out of. “What is it with you and telling me you don't like me every other day? I heard you loud and clear in Gévaudan. We're done with this conversation. If I hear you calling me cute again I'll make you regret it.”

Noé only said it because he knew being liked made him uncomfortable. He'd seen how much Roland's affection stressed him out, so the least he could do was assure Vanitas he still didn't like him to keep his stress level low. He just enjoyed his presence more than he did before, there's a big difference! So Vanitas didn't like being called cute, well that in itself was pretty cute too but he could respect that. Noé smiled and stroked the top of the sheets. “Okay, but you need to eat before it gets cold. I'm going to take a shower, do you need me to help you with bathing-?”

“No.” Vanitas cut him off. Noé got out of the bed and closed himself in the bathroom. The man was doing so much better today, the sex must have helped a lot, but it made sense heat lasted longer than just a day or two. Vanitas was sick last night but it would take at least a few days of that to kill a vampire. At least it seemed manageable with food, water, and proper care. 

Maybe they'd need to do it again later today, was it wrong of him to hope they would? Naturally, he wanted Vanitas to recover as soon as possible but as he stood under the shower, rinsing off the sweat and dried fluids on his body, he kept imagining that moment all over again. Thinking of Vanitas's arched back, the small hitch in his breath with each thrust. 

His imagination was running away, getting the best of him. Noé was getting hard again just thinking about last night, he knew he should have cut it off and stopped but how was he supposed to just stop thinking about Vanitas?

Vanitas was still in heat wasn't he? It wouldn't hurt to ask if he wants to have sex with him again this morning. He quickly hopped out of the shower, drying off, and exited back into the bedroom to find Vanitas sitting up, the soup bowl empty and the doctor's notes in hand. His eyes were cold as he skimmed over the pages. He did his best to dry his body properly. Although bits of water still managed to puddle on the floor

The omega set the pages down, his eyes settling on Noé's naked form before flushing pink, on second thought the Archiviste should have covered up more but he sat down on the bed with Vanitas.

“Can we have sex again?” He asked with a hint of shyness in his voice. 

Vanitas stared up at him, a bead of sweat rolling down his face. After a few moments of hesitation, he gave Noé a serious look. 

“Get in here.” 

Noé's eyes lit up with sparkles, he was practically radiating joy as he tossed the towel to the floor and climbed into bed with the other. He wasted no time pulling Vanitas away from the sheets so he could get a better look at him in the sunlight.

“You're hard” Noé commented as he stared down at the other man's cock.

Vanitas made a tch. “What did you expect?”

“Well. I thought you'd tell me if you were so we could do it again” Noé mumbled softly, but on second thought that was expecting too much of Vanitas. The man wasn't willingly going to ask for help. Noé was just going to have to offer it more.

The omega made no response and pulled Noé down again, biting into his shoulder. Noé's muscles relaxed as he melted into the sensation, his eyes fluttering shut as it traveled through his whole body. 

“Vanitas, were you waiting for me to ask you all morning?” Noé asked softly as he petted the other's hair while the aphrodisiacs seeped into his bloodstream. His bite a pure piece of heaven. Noé couldn't help but smile a bit to himself. Vanitas really didn't explain anything, he didn't understand him but he couldn't feel upset about it right now, rather the little piece of information felt dear. 

“Alright then… If you're not going to ask for it.” Noé pushed Vanitas onto the sheets gently, pinning him with his good arm while he hovered over the man's bare form. “I'll just have to ask you every hour” 

Vanitas's mouth fell open. “What? Noé that's too much. Are you trying to kill me?!”

“Is it?” Right now having sex with Vanitas every hour sounded like the best idea he'd ever had, but yet again arousal seemed to make him irrational. “You're probably right, I'm sorry.” That would be too taxing on their bodies most definitely.

“You were serious about that?” 

Noé nuzzled against the crook of Vanitas's neck, humming a soft ‘mhm’ before licking the skin, causing Vanitas to tense up. “I won't bite you, I'd never bite anyone without consent, including you.” Vanitas relaxed at his words, trusting him, Noé felt his heart leap as the human relaxed beneath him. “Can I play with you a little first?” 

“Huh?” The omega questioned back as he lay on the bed beneath him. 

“I'm curious.” Noé said as he reached his hand down to the man's hard red cock. 

Vanitas’s eyes widened, he turned his face to the side and agreed. “Fine.”

Noé sparkled, his fingers wrapping around the weeping tip. It felt so firm, so warm, it pulsed with anticipation. Vanitas's breath hitched at the contact, as a man Noé knew this felt nice.. But he'd still like to hear Vanitas. 

“How is it?” Noé asked out loud as he rubbed his thumb against the head. 

The human had an arm in front of his mouth, stifling any noise. After a moment of waiting it was clear Noé wasn't going to get an answer.

Noé didn't understand him, but he wanted to. Oh, we wanted to so badly. He thought back, Vanitas was always loud, creating a scene when he shouldn't. But in this case, his self-control was astounding. As his eyes trailed along the other's body, they settled on the scars. 

Countless scars with precise markings, made his heart clench. He thought back on what he knew about him, what Vanitas had been through. Doctor Moreau's disgusting voice playing back in his mind ‘Even when we cut you up… Even when you nearly died… You never cried or complained!’. Was that why? Was he just naturally quiet or had he trained himself to be? But this wasn't torture, this was sex, they were completely different.

Noé hoped Vanitas didn't think of this as torture. He just wanted Vanitas to enjoy this as much as he had. Yet again, it's not something Noé could understand, Vanitas never asked to be an omega. He couldn't even begin to imagine what that must have been like, what he must have gone through, almost losing his humanity. To not only undergo so much torture but to also have your body modified in ways you never wanted, he could hardly wrap his mind around it. 

What would Noé have done if he were turned into an omega by a mad doctor? Or if he lost his vampirism and turned human? For starters, he'd miss the taste of blood an awful lot. 

“Hey.” Vanitas snapped him out of his thoughts, Noé hadn't even noticed but he was just sitting there, Vanitas's cock in hand completely spaced out. 

“Sorry.. I just started thinking about some things.” Noé apologized, he knew Vanitas wouldn't want pity or sympathy, he didn't know what to say. But he genuinely wanted to do something for him. Noé wanted to make up for all of it, from this day forward he could make sure Vanitas only experienced a gentle touch from him at least. “Vanitas, I know I'm asking a lot but… Would you consider letting me hear you?”

He let go of Vanitas's length and brought a finger to his slick hole, inadvertently teasing the rim, swirling his fingers in the natural lubricant as he mapped the area to his memory. 

Vanitas tensed up again, his hands gripping the comforter so hard his knuckles turned white. “Why?” 

“No reason, I want to know how it feels.” His finger pressed experimentally at the small leaking bud, watching with fascination as the resistance morphed into suction, pulling him in more once he was past the rim.

“Stick it up your own ass then.” Vanitas all but hissed at him.

“That's not what I meant. I want to know how it makes you feel.” Noé said as he started exploring the man's walls with his finger, it felt so warm and inviting. But the idea of putting anything in himself was rather nerve-wracking. It did make him curious about it at least. “Actually.. What does it feel like?”

Vanitas hissed, seeing he'd dug himself deeper into this mess. “I'm not answering that” 

“Why not?” Noé wiggled his finger around watching Vanitas's scowl morph into a pleasured gasp as he brushed against a particular spot deep inside him. 

“Oh?” Noé blinked, he liked that reaction, he pulled back and pressed the pad of his finger there again. Vanitas shifted, his breathing pattern thrown off, a bit of precum escaping his neglected manhood. “So that spot feels good?”

He smiled, this was fun in such an arousing way. The idea he was both learning about Vanitas and pleasuring him was exciting. He hadn't been expecting an answer, but to his surprise, Vanitas spoke up. 

“It does.” 

Noé sparkled, that feeling in his chest swelling with pride that he was doing it right. “Really?!” He sounded overly enthusiastic because he was, Vanitas stared at him for a minute before letting out an odd laugh. 

“Yes, why don't you try it Noé? Need some help?” Vanitas asked in a teasing manner. 

Noé genuinely considered it for a minute before giving an honest response. “It’s intimidating. I’m curious but I’m nervous it will hurt, that's why I want to make sure I'm not hurting you. Hurting you sounds even worse than hurting myself.” 

Vanitas didn't hesitate to burst out into a hearty laugh. “You? Worried about hurting me? How many times have you thrown me?” 

“But I was really careful so you wouldn't break anything! I even altered the world formula.”

“You did? How considerate of you.” The words were laced with sarcasm. 

Yes, he had been considerate, awfully considerate considering just how annoying Vanitas had been in those moments. Noé smiled to himself, thinking back on even those times fondly. “Anyways, maybe some other time but… Right now I really want to have sex with you again like last night” His voice was unintentionally low and seductive as he swirled his finger around, pressing against that spot once more.

Vanitas gulped, his cheeks dusted as he closed his eyes. His breath was steady, every time Noé's finger brushed there he'd react. So naturally being the curious man Noé was, he quickly abused that, repeatedly pushing the spot with small thrusts. Slick gushed out around his finger, Vanitas's body was pleased by the ministration coating him with its natural lubricant. Every single time Vanitas's breath would hitch, occasionally he'd hear a hint of his sweet voice.

It was so captivating, after a couple more precise thrusts of his finger he heard a soft whimper. High and wavering, it lasted just a brief moment but Noé couldn't forget the sound. “Wow Vanitas…” After taking in Vanitas's wanton face, so close to release, so desperate, Noé knew he couldn't wait anymore. The vampire pulled out his finger, mesmerized by how wet it was. Vanitas's glossy unfocused eyes stared up at him, like an unspoken plea. It looked so genuine, something he didn't see on the man often. In this moment, Vanitas needed him, and he'd like to believe that this was something only he could provide for the other. 

“... Noé?” Vanitas spoke, looking at him questioningly, his expression all but asking ‘Why did you stop.’ “You're taking your sweet time.” 

“Sorry, before we do it again I just.. I have a question” His gaze was transfixed on the sweet glistening substance coating his hand. 

“What? Out with it.” Vanitas's obviously impatient to get back to the task at hand.

“Can I lick it?” Noé asked somewhat boldly. “I know it came out of your body, but it smells delicious. Is it safe?”

Vanitas blinked before bursting out into laughter. Noé didn't think it was that funny though, it was a serious question.

“Even now you're still thinking about your stomach? Unbelievable!” Vanitas continued laughing through the sentence, coming down from it in better spirits than he had been. “It's probably about the same as ingesting semen.”

Noé stared at it, still somewhat unsure of whether or not he should give it a shot. Wait, what? “Semen..? People actually eat that?”

“Well, If they're into that.” Vanitas's demeanor seemed to have softened a little, and without thinking about it anymore Noé stuck his finger in his mouth. 

Sweet, Vanitas tasted incredibly sweet.. He could only imagine the man's blood must be even more divine. Vanitas tensed up, his face flushing a bright red as he watched Noé shamelessly suck the slick from his finger, his tongue running along his lips to savor the taste. 

“Noé, you-”

“You taste so sweet Vanitas.” Noé’s voice husky with desire, the pheromones from the omega below too much to resist. His curiosity piqued, he leaned down, getting to eye level with Vanitas’s erection. It didn't smell nearly as sweet, but he wanted to know. He grabbed the base and licked the tip of his cock, swirling his tongue around and gathering as much precum as he could get for a sample.

“Ah!” Vanitas moaned, clenching the sheets beneath him with a firm grip. “Noe..!” 

It had rolled off his tongue, completely off guard, Noé froze for a moment forgetting about the taste for a moment, that was exactly what he wanted to hear. “It tastes saltier… But it isn't bad” he said as he licked his lips, Vanitas staring down at him, watching him with bated breath for his next move. “Wow…I like this look on you..” He whispered

Without another word, Noé grabbed the base of his cock and licked the tip again. His large hand wrapped around it easily as he brought his lips to the head and engulfed it. 

“Gh-” Vanitas’s hips bucked upward and Noé had to hold him down. He couldn't see the man's face but this was exactly what he wanted, oh if only he had two working hands right now he'd put his fingers back inside Vanitas and play him like an instrument, he wanted to milk out every reaction he could.

He didn't really know what else to do other than swirl his inexperienced tongue around the tip, lapping up any precum he could, once there was no more he pulled off, unable to wait any longer.

Vanitas practically whined at the loss of heat, a sound that caused Noé's own neglected erection to twitch.

“I really need you right now Vanitas.” He said as he spread Vanitas’s thighs open. 

“Do it.” 

And that was all the approval Noé needed, he pressed himself against the hole, watching as the tip disappeared into Vanitas’s accepting body. The other man groaned, his eyes fluttering shut with each inch Noé fed into him. 

“Amazing… I'll never get used to this.” How could he ever? Those velvet walls pulsing around him, the warm heat, and seeing the cute way his mouth fell open, Noé cherished all of it. He set a steady pace, thrusting in and out of him with precision, he was pretty new to this but luckily he'd always been a fast learner. Angling his hips just so, he experimented, It took him a few thrusts to find it again but when one hit landed directly on center he heard a soft gasp. Noé smiled, he found the spot he'd abused with his fingers earlier. 

“Hhh- Ahh Noé-” Vanitas’s head thrashed to the side. In the middle of the daylight, Noé could appreciate his lithe beauty even more.

“More… show me more of you Vanitas.” Noé pleaded as he relentlessly pounded his prostate, pushing him further and further up the bed as the wood creaked loudly beneath them. Vanitas was starting to drool as little moans flowed out like a precious symphony, quiet and reserved, like the true nature that lay behind the obnoxiously loud persona he wears so often. 

“You're perfect.. Oh, Vanitas!” All he could do was praise the man, his heart overflowing with gratitude for right now. Vanitas looked too far gone to care about the words.

Vanitas's body clenched around him, a soft keen escaping as his thin frame contorted, back arching up as spurts of semen splashed against both their chests. Eyes wide open, gazing at Noé with pure bliss as he collapsed back down onto the bed. 

“Oh, Vanitas!” Noé cried out the man's name once more as he allowed the sight to push him into his own orgasm, Vanitas’s tightness greedily milking all he had as Noé’s thrusts sputtered to a stop. He emptied his release into him, warm ropes settling deep inside his partner's body as Noé collapsed on top of him. 

They were both panting, catching their breath while Noé nuzzled him. Cuddling after sex just felt so right, like he wanted to savor Vanitas in this way too, enjoying his presence and company. He pulled his cock out, a trickle of milky semen dripping down the human's thigh as Noé repositioned them so they could comfortably face each other. 

Neither of them said a word, Noé just smiled and brushed the hair out of Vanitas's face, enjoying the intimate silence between them. 

Vanitas on the other hand was stiff, like he'd frozen up entirely. He was making a look, if Noé were to try to name it, he'd guess it was panic. Before Noé could inquire further, Vanitas spoke up.

“Will you do me a favor?”

Noé was in a good mood, so honestly he was willing to do whatever his partner asked on the rare occasion, just out of the goodness of his heart. But Vanitas had instructed him to take the key from his belt and go to an address in Paris to pick up some medical books. Noé felt uneasy with the idea initially, he really didn't want to leave Vanitas alone at all. But he supposed it wasn't much different from going downstairs to cook a meal, he could get Vanitas his books and be back within the hour and everything would be fine. 

And that's how Noé found himself walking through the streets of Paris. It was beautiful outside, there were some clouds, but they looked light and fluffy, painted like fine art to gaze at. If he wasn't in a hurry he would have stopped to sit by the fountain and enjoy the fresh air. It's a shame, it really was a perfect day, if only Vanitas was feeling better he'd drag him out and take him to the Cafe he works at, they'd gotten some new desserts on the menu recently.

Well, on second thought forget that Vanitas hated sweets after all. But more than anything he could think of, he wanted to see that smile, maybe he could take him to that fish restaurant by the water, and on the way home they could take their time and walk by all the stores, maybe even visit the new park that had opened up for Exposition Universelle.  

He walked along, lost in his daydream. A large grin plastered across his face, it really was so thrilling, he had a new outlook on things and it just made him want to skip, actually it did add a skip to his step. He looked down at the paper Vanitas had given him, the address scribbled so wonderfully. 

Was it weird that even his handwriting looked beautiful to him right now? Thinking of Vanitas, he hurried his way to the building and let himself in, he climbed up the stairs and found the apartment number, pulling out the key. It crossed his mind, who's place was this? Why did Vanitas have a key? Maybe it was a friend's? No Vanitas didn't have any friends, well aside from Dante.

He unlocked the door and peeked into the pristine, cold, and empty room. The first thing he noticed was how lifeless it looked, no decor, nothing to indicate someone lived there other than a neatly folded bed and the fact it was properly maintained. There was a bookshelf in the corner, the wood clean of dust, someone was dusting the room regularly, cleaning it. 

He looked down at the paper, reading the names of the books he was supposed to put in his bag, he plucked them out from the shelf one by one. 

All of these books were medical texts, along with information on vampires. He trailed a finger along the spine of a book that was surely far older than either of them when he sensed movement from the doorway. 

He turned around quickly, seeing a young man with fluffy short white hair and stunning eyes. He was mesmerized. This boy was the only other person he’d ever seen with eyes as blue as Vanitas’s. One of his arms was prosthetic. The teen smiled at him and let himself into the room, shutting the door behind him. 

“Hello monsieur.” A high and pleasant tone, sweet like honey, innocent like a child. 

Did this boy know Vanitas? Their eyes were different in shape the shade was unmistakable, Noé would never mistake the color of his partners eyes. 

“Sorry for intruding. Vanitas sent me over here on an errand” Noé said, testing the waters, seeing if the name meant anything or if Vanitas made him break into a stranger's place. 

“He did?” There was recognition in the young man's eyes, he squinted with a sweet smile and introduced himself energetically. “I see! I'm Mikhail, but you can call me Misha!”

“Misha?”

“Yes?” The young man enthusiastically responded. He pulled out a pocket watch, one Noé had seen before. Vanitas had the exact same one. “I was looking for something my brother took, but I've been wanting to meet you for a while monsieur Noé! Can I just call you Noé?” 

Noé nodded, intrigued by the young man, he wasn't getting a bad vibe from him or anything, he seemed cheerful and genuinely excited to meet him. “You know who I am?” 

“Of course! Mademoiselle Domi told me so much about you.” He said with a small giggle, spreading his arms wide. 

Domi? How did he know Domi? Noé tensed up, Vanitas's voice calling him naive rang in his ear. How did this boy know so many people around him? “How do you know Domi?” 

“She's Comte's family, he told me you used to play together a lot at his castle, so I wanted to meet her too!” At this point, Misha hopped onto the bed and sat on the sheets, his good hand trailing against the fabric with a look of fondness.

“Comte?” His eyes widened as he put the pieces together. “You know my teacher?” Immediately, any and all distrust or hesitation melted away. So that's it, this boy knew his teacher. If teacher told Mikhail about Noé then the boy wasn't a stranger at all. Noé smiled gently back “So teacher sent you here too? I've been meaning to write him another letter after I returned from Gévauden. Please send him regards on my behalf. So he’s going by Comte now?” 

Keeping up with all the various names teacher used was exhausting, lucky for him he was able to get away with referring to him as teacher exclusively, if he had to keep up with the man's biyearly name changes Noé would certainly be on his bad side. 

“His name is too long, so I just call him Comte!” The boy's smile never faltered as he looked down at the back of the books Noé was filling up his bag with. “What are you doing with those?”

Noé's eyes softened the moment he thought about Vanitas, alone in their shared hotel room. “I'm bringing them back for Vanitas.”

“Hm, really?” 

Noé nodded, looking out the window. He should really be getting back now. “Yes, he needs me back as soon as possible. So I really should be going.”  He put the last of the books in his bag and slung it over his shoulder. 

“Wait.” Misha called out, hugging his arm and pressing himself against the vampire, the cool metal a sharp contrast compared to the warmth of his skin. “I have something I want to show you, won't you come with me?” His eyes wide and pleading, begging him not to go yet. 

Had it been under any other circumstance, Noé would have agreed. But Vanitas needed him, he wasn't going to make him wait. “Sorry, I can't, maybe some other time.” 

Misha pouted childishly and continued tugging on his arm, acting far less mature than he'd expect at his age. “No! You have to come with me now.”

Considering the boy was with teacher, he figured it was alright to tell him more. “Vanitas needs my help. He's very sick, if I don't get back soon he could die.” 

Misha froze, and immediately his carefree demeanor was wiped away. “What? What's wrong with him?” He sounded so genuinely concerned, the young man tugged on his arm impatiently. “Hey, tell me already! What's wrong with him? What do you mean he could die?!” 

Noé bit his lip, should he really be sharing this? Well, actually it might be a good idea. If the boy can reach teacher faster than his letters. Teacher's a very old vampire after all, he'd been alive during the war and before that, maybe he'd even met an omega before they all died out. 

“If I tell you, do you think you could pass the message along to my teacher?” Noé asked him firmly. 

The boy with unshed tears in his eyes nodded. “Mhm so tell me already!”

That reassured him, teacher was the most reliable person he knew. He always had an answer, and always knew what to do. For something like Vanitas's health and well-being, Noé was taking zero chances. 

“I need as much information on omegas as possible, preferably male omegas. Vanitas has been in heat the past few days and his fevers have been dangerously high.” Noé looked down at the books in his bag, all too eager to check on the man now. “I'm doing all I can to help him and his condition has improved, but..” 

“An omega?” Misha blinked owlishly at him, and Noé wondered if perhaps this wasn't an appropriate conversation to be having with someone probably 4 or 5 years younger than him. “You mean like the princess in that old fairy tale?” 

“What old fairy tale?” Noé had no idea, but explaining more about heat to this teen would definitely not be an appropriate conversation.

“You know the one where the princess gets put under a spell by the evil queen and then her prince comes along and wakes her up with a true loves kiss and then the evil queen casts another spell that would make her blood smell terrible so they cut off her head and chopped the rest before th-”

“I think I've heard enough” Noé cut him off bluntly, he hadn't been expecting it to be that violent, or terribly written. He was glad he never had to read it. But he was somewhat impressed by the speed at which Misha said it all without taking a breath. “Please, I could really use teacher's advice right now, Vanitas needs me. I want to help him through this to the best of my ability.” 

Misha let go of his arm, dropping it while giving Noé a sharp glare. “... He doesn't need you, you know.” It was like all the warmth in his demeanor dropped, suddenly he was colder than ice, Misha got up from the bed walking past Noé. “I'm all he needs, I'm all he's ever needed. He doesn't even want a pesky bug like you around, that's probably why he sent you on this dumb errand anyway.”

It caused Noé's heart to sink a little, what was with the sudden shift? Each word was so precise, so full of contempt. Noé felt a pain in his chest at the thought of them being true.

“I guess I'll let you go today. I'll contact you when he's feeling better.” And with that, the boy left him alone in the bedroom feeling oddly cold. 

What was that about? Noé looked down at the books in his bag and left the room, locking the door behind him. Who was he? Was he a friend of Vanitas's? They both had the same eyes and he spoke so familiarly of him. But what was with that possessive spout? It rubbed him the wrong way, he really didn't like it. 

Noé was so lost in thought he wasn't even enjoying the scenery around him, walking right past the bakery as he mulled it over, he'd need to ask Vanitas about it. Also, that room seemed so lifeless in a familiar way too. It lacked personal artifacts but it was so clean, could it be Vanitas's?

But why would he have another room? They already have the room count Orlock assigned them. Oh, Vanitas had been in Paris before that, it made sense the man had somewhere to stay before their meeting on La Baleine. And what about that boy? He said he was there to find something his brother had taken. 

Vanitas had mentioned he had a brother, but he had also said he was long dead. Surely Mikhail couldn't have meant Vanitas, right? Noé was getting nowhere going circles in his head.

The thought kind of hurt though, even after all this time he hadn't known Vanitas had another place, he really didn't know anything about him, or his past… It was disheartening, he wanted to know more, no he wanted to know everything. 

He made it back to the hotel quickly, and walked past the front door, Amelia waved at him but he was too lost in thought to notice and instead hurried his way to their shared room, unlocking the door. 

“I'm back Vanitas.” He announced, still lost in his troubles, it was quiet, and Vanitas was completely buried in his nest again. He set the books down by the bed and crawled into bed with him. There was some rustling under the sheets. Just as Noé was about to open his mouth and ask him about Misha, Vanitas spoke.

“Noé.” An unspoken request, his voice weak, laced with lust and need. Even without Vanitas asking, Noé immediately got the message, and just like that the thought of sex irrationally overruled all other worries and concerns. The room, Mikhail, teacher, all of it left his mind as he stripped off his clothes in record time and slipped into the sheets with Vanitas. He'd just ask him later, and with that, Noé registered a familiar fang digging into his flesh. 

Chapter Text

Vanitas's heat went on a lot longer than the doctor had warned them. They were nearly a week in at this point, and Vanitas looked beyond exhausted.

That first day was awkward, to say the least, it was hard to get much conversation out of Vanitas. He noticed the human wasn't looking over the books he'd gotten really, but Noé just assumed that he was tired from everything else that was going on. 

The day after that was more or less the same, lots of sex, little talking in between. It was odd. Physically they were connected as one yet emotionally it felt like Vanitas was a world away, like the barrier between them was tangible. 

It wasn't until later that night that that started to change. 

Noé had been fast asleep, Vanitas had more or less become his unofficial hug pillow replacement the past two nights. As deep of a sleeper as he is, it was surprising he woke up. The vampire groaned and poked his head out of the sheets, looking at the window to see it was still the dead of night. 

Inside the sheets he heard a pained whimper, Vanitas's legs flinched, kicking him softly. 

Ah, so this was going to be another one of those nights. Noé flushed, pulling the sheets off the human so that they could do it again. But unlike before, Vanitas's mouth was open in a silent scream.

Noé paled, they'd forgotten to eat dinner, and that meant Vanitas didn't get his fever medication. He brought a hand to his forehead, the man was burning up.

“Lu…na…” It came out like a broken sob. “Wait… Luna…”

He was sleep-talking, no he was in the middle of a nightmare. Who's Luna? What should he do? Should he wake him up?

“Luna…” Vanitas was calling out the name with such pain. 

Noé couldn't take it anymore. He brought a hand to Vanitas's shoulder and shook him awake. “Vanitas, wake up..”

Ever the light sleeper Vanitas gasped, his eyes shot open. He could hear the heavy breaths and the clenching of his teeth. 

“I thought you were having a nightmare, so I woke you up.” Noé explained as Vanitas continued to tremble in his arms. “I'll go get your medicine.” He was about to sit up so he could grab a glass of water, but Vanitas clung to him.

He relaxed again, somewhat shocked as he gently patted Vanitas's back. The feverish man buried his face into Noé's chest, his warm tears spilling onto him. 

Vanitas was crying.

“Stay… Noé” It was so soft, so haunted, Noé didn't even know it was possible for Vanitas to sound like that, so vulnerable. 

Vanitas wanted him to stay with him right now. The vampire couldn't do anything. He didn't know who Luna was, he didn't know why the feverish human was crying like this. But he could comfort him through it. 

“I'm not going anywhere.” He replied softly, running his fingers through Vanitas's hair again. 

Vanitas quieted his tears quickly even in his delirium, Noé held him close through all of it..once the shaking had stopped as well, he spoke up.

“Who's Luna?” He asked. Maybe it wasn't the wisest choice, but he wanted to know. Besides he didn't actually think that Vanitas was going to answer him anyway considering he was partially delirious and always on guard. 

Silence, Vanitas didn't answer and Noé was fine with that, his fingers traced along the scars on his back with a gentle touch. 

“They saved us from Dr. Moreau…” Vanitas whispered. “We traveled together… They were searching for a way to restore our humanity.” 

Noé was stunned to hear it, his eyes went wide, was Vanitas opening up to him about something? Luna saved ‘us’ from Moreau's lab, is he talking about his brother? 

“But I thought the vampire of the blue moon saved you from Dr. Moreau?” Isn't that what that man had said in the catacombs?

Once again, Vanitas didn't answer, instead, he just clenched his fist. “I didn’t hate them… I” he started tearing up again, there was a loud sniffle as he feverishly continued his spout. “I…!” 

“Vanitas…” Noé uttered his name softly, it sounded like this Luna meant an awful lot to him, he didn't know what to make of it but he wanted to hear more. 

Hearing the name Vanitas caused him to grit his teeth as if he'd brought him back to a painful memory with that word alone. “It's an awful name… perfect for someone like me.” He spat out with sick satisfaction and a self-loathing Noé hadn't fully bore witness to yet.

He'd always known Vanitas wasn't his partner's real name, but it was like the reality of that hadn't fully set in until now. He wanted to ask more, the curiosity was killing him now, but he didn't want to stress Vanitas out further. “Shh… Just rest.” He whispered, putting an end to the discussion now as he tried to lul the feverish human back to sleep. 

It didn't take long for Vanitas to drift off after that, Noé was able to slip away for a minute and give him some medicine to bring down his fever. When the omega woke up in the morning he seemed extra moody but quickly calmed down and accepted that there was no way he could retract his behavior from the previous night. 

So Noé started talking, filling any and all silence with words. He shared stories of his grandparents, stories of Louis, that one time he accidentally set the kitchen on fire while trying to bake a birthday cake, dancing lessons with Domi, anything and everything that came to mind. 

To his surprise, Vanitas didn't complain, he just quietly listened to everything. Sometimes even commenting, poking fun at him, or even occasionally asking questions himself. It made Noé's heart feel full, he was putting so much of himself out there and Vanitas was hearing it all. He felt seen, and accepted by the person he most wanted to be seen by. 

The insults stopped that day too, it was like the Vanitas he was dealing with now were far more quiet and gentle with him than he'd previously been used to.

Later that day he had been relaxing with Vanitas still cuddled up in his arms after their latest coupling. The other was a sweaty mess and Vanitas finally asked him for some help with bathing. Noé was all too happy to help with that, he carried the man bridal style into their bathroom tub. He made the mistake of not heating up the water first so Vanitas had to wait for the tub to fill with a pout on his lips, complaining about the cold. 

In his defense, Noé offered to hold him and warm him up until it filled with water, but Vanitas insisted on staying in there with a pout. Washing Vanitas was nice, he got to play with his hair as he cleaned it, he offered to lather Vanitas in soap as well but the man had insisted on doing that himself. 

And then he saw Vanitas stick a finger inside of himself, gritting his teeth as he did. 

“Do you want to have sex again?” He asked eagerly, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. 

Vanitas simply sighed. “No, I'm cleaning up your mess.” 

Noé tilted his head, his mess? He brought his face close to the water, staring in and seeing the remains of his release being scraped out of Vanitas's body. 

Oh, that's what he meant. “Does it feel uncomfortable? I'm sorry I hadn't realized.” Noé apologized sincerely, if it was uncomfortable why hadn't Vanitas spoken up?

“... No, it's just messy, I don't want you leaking out of me for hours.” Vanitas reassured him. 

“Alright.” Noé smiled, he was glad he hadn't caused Vanitas too much discomfort, but since it was his fault it was only natural he helped him clean up the mess right? “Can I help clean it?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Because you'll start pressing other places. I just washed my hair, I'm not getting all sweaty again already.” Vanitas huffed as he continued prodding around, scraping out what he could into the bath water. 

Noé wasn't going to, but he supposed his fingers were bigger so he might brush against sensitive spots accidentally. If Vanitas didn't want to be stimulated right now Noé could understand that, they'd been doing it so much, he could imagine the man might be feeling sore.

“Okay. Are you tired? Has it been too much? If there's any way I can help you that will be easier on your body please tell me.” He said sweetly, his hands running up and down Vanitas's shoulders with care as he helped rinse off the soap. 

Vanitas flinched again, a common reaction to Noé's sweet words, but he didn't comment on it. 

About an hour or so after that, they found themselves doing it again before dinner. Vanitas asked him and Noé took extra care to be slow and gentle. It took longer for them to reach their peak but that was fine with him, Noé was in no rush, rather it allowed him to savor the moment with his sensitive human. 

And was Vanitas sensitive. He was so easy to pleasure in that regard. The day after that it was storming out, the heavy rain patted against the window and the dark overcast made their room feel even cozier. There was still no sign of Vanitas's heat letting up and they remained in bed for most of it. 

“Days like this make me miss the woods… The sound of the rain on the leaves always soothed me.” Noé reminisced as they lay there together. 

“Me too.” Vanitas quietly added in.

“You lived in the woods too?” Vanitas had never mentioned it before, and Noé had talked about his upbringing in Averoigne a lot. This was rare.

“I grew up traveling, I never stayed in one place but I could always wander into the woods for some peace, no matter where I was that never changed.” Vanitas closed his eyes as if he were retracing the memory.

“Whenever I wandered into the woods people would get mad at me for it.” 

“How long were you in there for?” Vanitas quirked an eyebrow, tugging the sheet over his chest a little more. 

“Hm… Well, I once spent three days in the woods. I was chasing a bird but I got confused and forgot which way I came from.”

“You got lost.” Vanitas deadpanned.

“I did not, I simply forgot which direction I came from.” He pouted.

“That’s exactly what getting lost means.” There was no bite to it, even now Vanitas was acting much softer than before.

It was fun, Noé wanted to go and enjoy nature's beauty with Vanitas. He thought of the human's smile and impulsively came up with an idea.

“Maybe I should buy a cabin.” 

Vanitas blinked before letting out a laugh. “Sometimes I forget you're a rich ward of the DeSades when I see you working as many menial labor jobs as you do.” There was a slight upturn to Vanitas's lips.

Noé smiled back, his intuitive brain reveling at the possibilities. “I'd rather be doing something, and I enjoy helping out around Paris… But sometimes I really miss the peace and quiet of Averoigne.” There was so much going on in Paris, and sometimes he just needed a moment to recharge. 

“I miss the quiet too.” Vanitas admitted, staring out the window with a wistful yearning. “I used to sit in trees for hours reading, no one bothered me up there.” 

Noé could picture that, Vanitas perched in a tree relaxing. He'd always had a thing for high places after all. For a second the mental image overlapped with the familiar sight of Louis doing the same thing. 

And with that, Noé wanted to make this fleeting dream a reality. 

“Let's do it Vanitas.” 

“Hm?”

“After all this, once Naenia's gone, once you're done with your revenge. I'll buy a cabin deep in the woods with enough space for both of us.” 

Vanitas's smile faltered as he made that look like he'd given up on something. “You shouldn't count on me being there.” 

“Are you planning on doing anything else?”

“No… I can't guarantee I'll still be here” He said it like it was a matter of fact, he knew Vanitas hated stating things before he was certain, luckily one of them was an optimist here.

“Well I can. I'm not letting you die on me for any reason. Besides, where are you going to go when you're done? You just said you didn't have any other big plans.”

“I don't but-”

“If you aren't going anywhere, you might as well come with me. We're already used to living together, I know we fight a lot but I think my days will be better with you around.”

Vanitas's lip quivered, and he averted his gaze. “Okay.”

After that they relaxed in silence until it was time for their next meal, the rain passed by quickly too.

It wasn't until the 5th day when Vanitas's heat started letting up, and by the 6th things were really starting to turn around.

“Noé, there…!” Vanitas pleaded with him as the vampire aimed his thrusts carefully. The sun was rising just beyond their window. If you asked him how many times they'd had sex this week, he wouldn't be able to answer, after a certain point it all started blurring together. Vanitas had been insatiable, but Noé wasn't complaining, he was grateful for every single second of it even when he'd wake up to Vanitas biting at his collarbone in the dead of night. 

He'd learned a lot of things about Vanitas, he enjoyed having his cock stroked during thrusts, but it was difficult to do given the fact he only had one working hand at the minute, and his chest was awfully sensitive too. While at first, he'd protest when Noé played with his hair, as the week went on his attitude toward it changed. He wasn't a big cuddler, but he wouldn't push Noé away after sex either. 

“Ah… ah” Vanitas panted beneath him, on the verge of another climax today. Noé was getting close too. 

Vanitas was rather quiet in bed, but as they both settled into some sort of normality and routine, Vanitas no longer hid his face behind his arms or muffled his voice. The soft mewls and whimpers, the high keens and gentle gasps were all so very precious to him. They were the way Vanitas expressed his pleasure, and Noé wouldn't have it any other way.

The body he'd grown so familiar with, so fond of tensed up and Noé knew he was coming. The tight squeeze of Vanitas's orgasm never ceased to amaze him every time he experienced it like this. He continues thrusting through it before reaching his own peak. “I'm coming Vanitas..!” He let out a loud moan and they both collapsed on the bed together. 

“Hah…” Vanitas lay there catching his breath. Noé stroked his hair as he cradled his partner's body close to his chest. He loved the soft moments like this, when Vanitas allowed him to hold him close, sometimes he'd whisper just how amazing Vanitas was and the man would get upset. But it was difficult not to, Noé was honest by nature and recently he was just overflowing with these thoughts. He couldn't hold them all in, he wanted to express them, he wanted to act on them. 

“How are you feeling Vanitas?” He whispered, his fingers playing with the silky strands of Vanitas's ponytail.

“A lot better, I can feel it clearing up.” 

“Really?!” Noé sparkled, he was so relieved, that Vanitas had made it through. “We did it… I told you I'd see you through.” He nuzzled his face into the crook of Vanitas's neck. 

“Yeah..” Vanitas admitted somewhat awkwardly. He'd noticed Vanitas was a lot softer the past few days, very soft actually and Noé found himself really enjoying that side of Vanitas too. Rather he liked it, he really did. But he also liked the Vanitas he'd known already too.

Wait… Liked? 

It was like a sudden bolt of lightning in his mind, a strike of clarity. Like? Had his dislike for Vanitas changed? He blinked, completely thrown off by the new revelation.

Noé got ready for the day after that, helping Vanitas into the shower and bathing him as well. He'd gotten dressed and picked up some bread from the kitchen downstairs, when he came back he found Vanitas sitting perched by the window, fully dressed, a sight he hadn't seen since this ordeal had begun. 

“You’re dressed!” He cheered as he set the bread basket on the sill, plopping down on his own bed by the window that had gone ignored this past week. 

“Well, I’m not leaking slick anymore.” Vanitas stated, he grabbed an apple from the basket and took a bite. “What about you, isn't it time for you to get that cast off already?”

Noé looked down at his arm. “You’re right, I should probably head back to Altus to get it checked out.” 

“You can do that today, I'll be fine.” Vanitas said softly as he ate his breakfast. The man seemed a lot less pretentious, he was calmer, and it was obvious a wall between them eroded over this past week. 

“You sure? Should I spend another day here just in case?” 

Vanitas gave him an unimpressed stare that clearly said he wasn't happy being underestimated. 

It was so cute, Noé smiled and put a hand on Vanitas's clothed shoulder, trailing his fingers along his frame. “I'd rather spend my time here with you.” He whispered the words in Vanitas's ear, not even realizing the seductive tone that had come out on instinct at this point.

Vanitas shivered, and he looked away, it wasn't that he was displeased by his words, it was that look Vanitas got when he was lost in thought. “You should go.”

With that, Noé honored his mate's wishes and headed out, upon reaching the front desk Amelia stopped him. “Good morning monsieur Noé, you’re heading out today?”

“Yes, Vanitas has almost made a full recovery” 

“Ah, that's wonderful news! I'll ask the chef if he can prepare his favorite tonight. Do you think he'd be up to eating in the dining room?”

Noé hummed, Vanitas looked pretty tired but also was well enough to be moving around. “I think so. I'll be sure to come back before dinner.”

Amelia tilted her head with a smile, it was just now that he was the familiar fluff on Murr's tail peaking around the corner. 

“Murr! I've missed you so much!” He scooped up the hissing cat who was flailing in his arms. He landed a solid scratch on Noé's cheek but was unphased. He bid goodbye to his friend and hugged the cat as he walked towards the closest Altus border. 

His heart ached, even though he'd only been gone for a few minutes he was already starting to miss Vanitas terribly. He'd never experienced something like this before, they'd been together all week, and now he was already missing his presence.

“Are you going to stand outside that door all day?” Manet's voice cut through his thoughts, the vampire's perpetual glare boring into him as his sister scooped Murr off the floor and petted him. 

“Oh! Sorry, I was just heading to the border, what are you two doing here?” He asked awkwardly, it was obvious his mind remained elsewhere. 

“We were given the day off,” Nox answered, the woman was in a casual dress rather than her usual uniform. The same could be said of her brother who was also dressed in regular clothes. Murr purred contently in her arms, happy to be held by a woman no doubt. Once again Noé found himself feeling jealous that his cat never showed this level of affection for him. 

“I haven't seen you all week, didn't you get back from Gévaudan a while ago?” Nox asked as his sister greeted the gatekeeper and walked into the odd darkness of the border between their realities. 

“Yes… We've been recovering.” Noé awkwardly showed off his arm which was still in a cast.

The siblings looked him over and didn't ask further, like always they weren't interested in Vanitas. They walked without conversation to the other side and left the building, finding themselves in the vibrant center of Altus Paris. Like always Noé's eyes sparkled at the incredible city. 

Nox quickly dashed off towards a street crier waving a paper. Noé followed after her intrigued.

“Latest Altus news and gossip! Come and get it right here!” The boy kept calling out over and over. 

He watched Nox pull out some money and hand it over, buying an issue. Noé was intrigued so he put his face in her copy before she ripped it away. 

“You're too close.” She said with a cold voice as she passed Murr off to Manet and took a seat on a nearby bench together. 

Vanitas always read the local paper every day, he'd get up early and buy a copy before Noé was even awake most days. Maybe he'd like a copy from here. With that in mind, Noé smiled to himself as he purchased an issue from the seller and sat with them.

He wasn't really interested in reading the paper himself until he saw a familiar name in one of the headlines. 

“DeSade… That's Domi's family? They're in here?” 

The two siblings stared at him like he had a second head for a minute. “You really don't know?” Nox asked with genuine surprise. “You were in here not too long ago as well.” 

This was news to him, maybe he should read the paper more often… “Really?” He didn't know how to feel about that, so he turned to the page with the DeSade article and started reading. It looked like there had been a scandal with Domi's eldest brother Antoine, he had a sexual affair with a married noblewoman. When confronted on it he said it meant nothing and it was just sex, which caused the woman's husband to retaliate against Antione in public. 

It briefly mentioned a previous scandal involving Veronica, it appeared that the drama and promiscuity of the DeSade family was a common source of entertainment for the general populace of Altus. 

Noé had never met the man, and Domi didn't talk about him much either, he'd met Veronica and knew Domi and she didn't necessarily see eye to eye. Still, he couldn't see Dominique doing any of these things the DeSades were associated with, the thought just seemed wrong, it didn't sound like her at all. 

“Well, I should be going now. I'll come by to help with whatever errands need to be done after my hand has fully recovered.” He said, closing the paper and tucking it away in his coat for safekeeping. “Will you watch Murr for me today while I'm at the doctor?” 

That caught both of their attention, the pair looked up and enthusiastically nodded. “Of course!” It was always surprising to see how quickly their demeanor changed when it came to Murr. 

He looked for the direction of the office, it was rather close to Castle Carbunculs at least, so he started altering the world formula, ready to jump up on the buildings to run towards it. 

As soon as he did, Nox and Manet gasped, the woman covering her mouth as she stared in shock. Noé found the reaction odd, some of the people around were staring at him too but it didn't matter. Was it because he's an Archiviste? Either way, he was determined to get this taken care of fast so he could return to Vanitas's side sooner. 

He scaled the buildings with ease, jumping down once he was in front of the Castle, he was close, so he walked down the street imagining the look on his human face as he enjoyed his favorite dish tonight. Perhaps if Vanitas’s feeling up to it they could leave the hotel and walk along the city streets, Paris was so beautiful at night… He'd take him to the top of a building and they could look at the lights reflected in the water, maybe talk a bit more. 

And then when they got back to the hotel they could-

“Noé? What are you doing here?” Domi's voice called out. “Your arm..! What happened?” She rushed over from her post by the castle gate to touch his cast. 

“I got my hand cut off in Gévaudan. It's okay though, Vanitas sewed it back on and a doctor here has been monitoring it.” he flexed his fingers to prove the point. “You're on guard duty today?” He asked with a smile, Domi worked as a member of the Royal Guard after all, she was diligent and responsible and never neglected her duties. Much different from her sibling's scandals in the papers. 

Vanitas had done a good job helping him sew it back, but for further care, he'd gone back to Altus so Vanitas could rest as well. He'd seemed pretty out of it after Gévaudan, he'd probably been on the verge of going into his first heat and was feeling a lot worse than he'd let on. His partner was awfully stubborn like that. 

Domi stared at him oddly for a moment, showing worry and conflict before letting out a loud sigh. “You can't be so reckless, I'm beyond relieved you're alright but please take care of yourself Noé, you aren't invincible.” 

Noé's shoulders sagged, he hadn't meant to worry her. “Sorry Domi, I'm being careful.” He was, he really was being careful. It's just that he didn't realize how bad the damage would be. It didn't look like the gate was busy, so he figured he could stop and ask questions for a few minutes..

“Actually Domi… While I'm here can I ask you something?” His tone lowered a bit, the woman could immediately tell it was something serious. 

“Of course, anything Noé.” She found a colleague and whispered her intentions to tell her to break now to him before leading Noé into the castle. Once they were in a private room, she shut the doors behind her and put a hand in his hair. 

“What's the matter, mon cheri?”

His brows furrowed, he really liked the time he'd spent with Vanitas this week. Now that the human was no longer in heat, he wasn't sure what to think. Had things changed? Perhaps they had, Noé didn't know what he wanted anymore. 

“Do you have any experience with sexual relationships?” He blurted the words out perhaps a bit too calmly. 

The woman tensed, her jaw dropped and her cheeks turned a bright red. “What?”

“Well.. I saw your older brother and sister in the newspaper and… I don't understand this, I don't know how to navigate this. So I thought I might be able to ask you?” 

Domi stared deep into his eyes, her composure faltering as she tried to hold up a brave face. “A proper courtship should begin with correspondence through letters…” 

“Like the letters we sent when we were kids?” He saw his friend nod her head, this was news to him. Letters? He'd never sent Vanitas a letter, should he send him one?

Wait, what was he thinking? 

Was he considering courting Vanitas? This made absolutely no sense to him.

“What should you do if you're already sexually intimate? Actually.. What does any of this mean in the first place, Domi I'm realizing I don't understand this feeling at all.” He clenched his shirt with his fist. 

Domi's face had gone whiter than a sheet, and the hand she was extending to him fell by her side. “Noé…. Who-?”

“LADY DOMINIQUE! PLEASE HELP!!” A young voice cut her off. Noé whipped his head around to see Luca running towards them, dragging a dazed Jeanne who was cupping her glowing cheek. “MY JEANNE! SHE'S GONE ALL STRANGE!”

Domi looked like a malfunctioning automaton for a moment, as if she was struggling to process everything going on.

“What's the matter Jeanne?” She asked quietly, a slight tremble in her own voice. 

Jeanne's eyes sparkled, and her entire demeanor changed as she spoke. “Lady Dominique.. Um, it looks as though I've genuinely fallen in love with Vanitas…” 

Noé's blood ran cold. What? Had he heard that correctly? He blinked, staring at the beautiful woman, her rosy cheeks a stark contrast to her porcelain skin.

What followed was a bit of a blur to Noé, Luca rushed them off to the garden where they all were seated under a gazebo. Since when did Jeanne like Vanitas? Every time he'd seen them together she looked like she was ready to yell at the man and Vanitas seemed to get enjoyment out of tormenting that woman.

Jeanne was an old vampire, born before the war. She's bitten and marked Vanitas, they spent a lot of time together in Gévaudan.

And something seems to have happened in their relationship while Noé wasn't paying attention.

This was a problem, Vanitas was in love with Jeanne, right? If she returned his feelings Vanitas would… Well, he said he wasn't interested in the kind of person who would love him back, but if he already loved Jeanne before she loved him what would that mean? Noé was left with a deep-rooted feeling of dread. Even though the sun was shining, the garden was beautiful, all he could think about was that night he was dancing with Vanitas. What had he said about Jeanne again?

He had said he liked her toughness, Noé was tough too. 

Her beauty, she was beautiful. Did Vanitas find him beautiful too? He was confident in his own ability to cross-dress. Should he try it again sometime?

Her clumsiness, Noé wasn't clumsy, he really wasn't. His own self-awareness failed him in his assessment.

Her fragility, fragility? Noé wouldn't call himself fragile either, rather people had always commented on his resilience.

Her big bosom. Well, Noé looked down and stared at the woman's chest. It was pretty big even for a woman. Does that mean Vanitas dislikes his chest because it's not ample like Jeanne's? Somehow that thought left him feeling oddly insecure.

“Noé?” Domi whispered, he looked up to see Luca eyeing him suspiciously. Had he been staring at her chest for that long? It didn't look like Jeanne had noticed, he averted his gaze, and she was still going on about something. He'd been so lost in his own comparison he hadn't paid attention. 

“I never thought romance would be a part of my life… It makes your heart race, and your mood restless so it's impossible to settle down.” Jeanne looked radiant as she gushed about romance, her smile brighter than Noé could ever compare to. 

Everything she'd just described as romance Noé was feeling. His heart was racing, he felt so restless that he couldn't focus on anything else. Right now he was even worried as his brain ran through the comparisons. If it came between him and Jeanne he wasn't sure he could win, she's the kind of person Vanitas wants. He tried to picture it, picture Vanitas and Jeanne, he didn't want that, his heart felt heavy, he couldn't stand the thought. 

Was he falling for Vanitas too? How would he know for sure? How could he tell? He spaced out again, listening to her words, worrying. 

“And we see each other again when I'm like this… I'm afraid that I will push him down and have my way with him next time our eyes meet.” 

Noé's eyes shot open, the comment left him full of rage, oh it left him furious. No, he wouldn't allow that, absolutely not, have her way with Vanitas? The thought of Vanitas having sex with anyone but him made him want to vomit. He stood up quickly, everyone was staring at him now. 

He was jealous, but he finally understood. It was unbelievable but it was happening.

“... I understand now. I've been trying to make sense of my own feelings for quite some time, and I've realized something.” He looked directly into Jeanne's eyes, squinting. “My heart feels like it's being torn apart after hearing your words. This emotion, this pain, it must be love.”

He walked around to her and got on a knee, pleading, the pain obvious on his face. This was new to him, it was painful, and he didn't want to lose Vanitas. He wasn't confident he could win this fight.

“I'm imploring you to give up on pursuing Vanitas, Jeanne.” It was perhaps one of the most selfish requests he'd ever made. But he was serious, now that he understood this feeling he couldn't sit back and watch someone else taking Vanitas away. He didn't want to lose Vanitas to her. Even Noé could admit she was the most beautiful woman he'd seen in his entire life. Noé had hardly been able to tear his eyes off of her on their first meeting. 

Her lips parted in a small o as she stared down at him with complete bewilderment. 

Luca grit his teeth at the side. He was seething, looking at Noé like he had betrayed him in the worst way imaginable. 

Domi got up from her chair as well, a haunted look on her face. The woman's fingers were clawing into her sides. “Excuse me for a moment.” She backed away slowly before running away, leaving just the three of them. 

Something was wrong.

“Domi?” He called out and reached out an arm, should he chase after her?

“What is the meaning of this, Noé?” Luca asked with a dangerously low tone, he hadn't seen the boy this angry since the night Vanitas kissed Jeanne. 

“I'm sorry, I really need to go check on Domi. If you'll excuse me.” He bowed politely and chased off in the same direction as his childhood friend. 

She went this way… Right? 

Noé didn't know, she'd really disappeared in the blink of an eye. He just hoped she was alright, it wasn't like Domi to run off like that. 

“Noé.” Jeanne had caught up with him, she stood right by the tall bush, the pink flowers blooming behind her only complimenting her radiance. “Can we talk?” 

Chapter Text

Noé turned to face her, with the garden in the background, the sun on her face, Jeanne truly was a vibrant sight to behold. 

“Given you're Vanitas's friend I don't want any ill feelings between us.” Her eyes shone with determination, a spark. She had such a serious side to her. It made Noé feel like he was listening to an authority figure. “I will be mindful and avoid pursuing him in front of you, but I cannot return your feelings.”

Noè’s heart sank before being struck by confusion. “Return my feelings?” he blinked, had she misunderstood, he thought he'd been clear earlier. “Jeanne, you misunderstood me, I'm in love with Vanitas, not you.” 

“What?” Her mouth fell open like she hadn't considered the thought. Her cheeks flared up a bright red, obviously embarrassed by her incorrect and bold assumption. 

So she had this kind of expression too, Noé could see why Vanitas was so interested in teasing her. The sudden jump in her demeanor was fascinating to watch. After a few moments, the flustered look settled into something between conflict and a serious stare. “I should have seen this coming, he's so beautiful surely anyone would fall for him, men aren't immune to his charms either…” She scratched her chin as if she was making a note of this for later. 

Seen it coming? Well… Vanitas was quite attractive, Noé was still reeling with the shock he was in love with Vanitas himself. “I wasn't sure until now, but hearing you talk about Vanitas like that left me seething with envy” He tried explaining it with his arms, waving them around as if he were trying to visibly represent his unsteady emotions with his movement. “I can't stand the thought of you touching him like that.”

Jeanne's expression softened, she held her own hand and stared at the ground. “This puts us at odds, I sympathize with you Noé, I really do. Whenever I think of him he shines to me.” It was obvious when she started thinking about Vanitas again, her entire countenance brightened. 

“Exactly!” Noé got closer to her, invading her space but she didn't seem to mind. “Even the things that once bothered me have a shine now.” 

The woman took his hand and shook it firmly in agreement before letting it go. Softly, she questioned him “If you understand.. How can you ask me to just give up? Even if I wanted to, I can't disregard this feeling. It's impossible.” She closed her eyes, clutching her closed hands right above her chest. “I haven't wanted anything for myself, not a thing in over two centuries… And then I met him.”

Her smile was soft, reminiscing on her time with Vanitas like it was her most cherished treasure. “He professed his love for me many times over, he's even asked for my hand in marriage.” The rose-tinted glasses were on in full effect as she spoke fondly of the chaotic first encounter she'd had with Vanitas.

“I love him.. And he loves me.” Her golden eyes shimmered and locked on his, firmly putting Noé in his place. “I wouldn't trade what we've found for the world. I’m not handing him over to you, or to anyone.”

Noé's shoulders sank, it hurt to listen to it. Vanitas had said all those things, although he didn't think Vanitas was serious about the marriage part. He'd been only teasing her on their first meeting… Right?

What if Vanitas was serious?

Noé looked down, he couldn't say anything, he couldn't counter and say Vanitas had claimed him as a mate, he couldn't say he spent the past week in bed with him. Noé couldn't prove his place in Vanitas's life without betraying his confidence. 

“I can't give up either.” He said softly, he didn't know what to do.

“My mother taught me how to handle situations like this.” She took a stance and pointed a finger at Noé, the wind causing her hair to flutter softly. “I challenge you to a duel.”

“A duel..?” Noé blinked as in fighting each other?

“Yes, a duel for Vanitas's hand. If I win, you will not pursue him any further.” 

“... And if I win? You'll give up on him?” He took another step towards her, considering her offer in full. 

“... You have my word, but I will not lose to you.” She countered, the implications clear. Jeanne was fierce. It sent a shiver down Noe's spine.

This was a terrible idea, deep down he knew that. But love was an irrational thing, he could do this if it was for Vanitas. “Alright, I accept your challenge, Jeanne.” He held out a hand with a stern expression on his face.

The woman shook it, her grip firm. “Well then, shall we settle this now?” 

Now? Here? In the middle of castle carbunculus's garden? He'd already been kicked out once, he didn't intend to get kicked out a second time. Besides that, Noé glanced down at the arm that was still in his sling. “I can't yet” 

“Alright, I'll take you to the doctor.” With that, she grabbed his good hand and started leading his back. Noé was immediately thrown off by the sudden gesture. 

“Huh? I can walk there myself.” He looked down at their joined hands with confusion. 

“Vanitas warned me that you get lost easily.” She stated it as a matter of fact, with no judgment. 

Noé frowned, the nerve of that man. “I'm not the one who gets lost! He does! It happens every time we go out too, it's incredibly troubling!” But still, the thought of Vanitas being so unaware of his own tendencies was rather cute too. “He's such a handful,” Noé said fondly. 

“Vanitas gets lost..?” She looked as if she was struggling to picture that. They didn't have time to discuss it more as they approached the gazebo where the Grand Duke was spacing out, staring at the sky. The shock from earlier finally fully set in as he fled reality. Two of his guards were fretting around him.

“Master Luca, I'd like to take the afternoon off for a duel, if that is alright with you.” 

The boy simply bobbed his head, muttering something like ‘anything for you, Jeanne’ and edible rainbows, Noé wasn't quite sure he'd heard correctly. Frankly, it was concerning. 

“Are you alright, Master Luca..?” She asked with worry. 

The grand Duke nodded again with a smile “I'm wonderful, and so are you.” 

Jeanne didn't appear very convinced, but his attendants assured her he would be brought upstairs for some rest promptly. 

“Allow me to ensure that he makes it to bed alright.” She offered instead, giving Noé an apologetic look. 

“I'm sorry, our duel will have to wait.” She gave Noé a bow while the archivists brought up his hands, flustered by the act. 

“It's alright.” He assured her, once again caught off guard by her radiance.

“I'll come visit you in Paris as soon as I'm able. Prepare yourself in the meantime.” She smiled warmly at him, but her gaze was full of fire as if she was saying she wouldn't lose. 

Noé's heart clenched.

With that Jeanne led Luca towards the castle and Noé was left in the garden, wondering if he should continue his search for Domi. She looked so troubled, it was bothering him, so that's exactly what Noé did. He spent the rest of the afternoon wandering around Castle Carbunculus, occasionally getting distracted by the spectacular artwork adorning the ceiling and walls.

His eyes twinkled with excitement, it was like touring an art museum. Except this time Vanitas wasn't two steps behind him, and sadly he couldn't show him these pieces either since he was banned from the castle for life.

Domi had to be here somewhere though, she was diligent, and there was no way she would ever abandon her royal duty. But despite him asking around no one had seen her. Before he knew it the sun was already setting, meaning Domi probably left already and the doctor's office was probably closed. He let out a loud sigh and made his way back to the border, making his way back after accomplishing none of the goals he'd set out to do. 

“Welcome back monsieur Noé” Amelia greeted him with a smile as soon as he walked through the hotel door. “Monsieur Vanitas came downstairs while you were gone.” 

“He did?” Vanitas was well enough to be walking around like that? He hoped the human wasn't pushing himself too much. 

“Yes! He asked if I could keep everyone out of the laundry room. He's been working for hours. I offered to do the laundry for him but he insisted on doing it alone.”

He was definitely overworking himself! “I knew leaving him was a bad idea today.” Noé sighed while Amelia pulled out a letter. 

“Oh! That's right, this came in for you.” She pulled it out from behind the desk, an unfamiliar name but the signature's handwriting was unmistakable. Noé's eyes sparkled.

“Teacher! Thank you, I’ve been waiting for this.” He smiled as he took the envelope into his hand and pocketed it for later. Right now he wanted to check on Vanitas first. 

He dashed up the stairs, running like he was about to reach the finish line. Jeanne was a worry for later, for now, he had Vanitas all to himself. When he opened the door, he was surprised to see the formerly messy room spotless, the windows were wide open, airing out their musky room. Vanitas had used far too much perfume, the room reeked of it and soap from the freshly cleaned bedding.

Vanitas did all this today?

The vampire's sensitive nose twitched at the strong smell, he wished Vanitas hadn't. It was going to be hard to sleep tonight with the smell, but what he missed the most was the loss of that sweet scent the omega had been omitting all week.

Where was he anyway? 

Noé sat down on his own bed and pulled out the letter for now. 

“My dear mon chaton, I hope this letter finds you well. Now this is such an interesting turn of events, I can already tell this is the start of something most intriguing. Omega's were such delicate creatures, I never saw one live to see their forties. Like flowers, they vibrantly bloomed and withered in the blink of an eye.”

Noé froze, teacher never saw an omega live to see their fortieth birthday? That's less than a mortal human lived on average. The fact that it killed vampires at an age that was within a mortal lifespan was astounding. Was it really that bad? But Vanitas had gotten through this heat just fine. Would they progressively get worse? He clenched the letter, terror leaving him feeling cold. There had to be something he could do, technology had advanced, medicine had advanced, that's right they didn't have medicine for fevers back then, right? Or the knowledge of how to stay hydrated when your body is struggling to retain water. Things were different now, he comforted himself with those thoughts.

He didn't care what had to be done, he'd dedicate years of his life to researching if it meant he could ensure Vanitas could live a long full and comfortable life. Surely there was something he could do.

“If you wish to increase his chances of survival, you could enlist the help of the alpha responsible for his presentation. Male omegas were odd creatures, it's unlikely he would go into heat without an alpha's interference. This all must be very confusing to you my kitten, but I have no doubt you are taking excellent care of the blue moons kin. I'm eager to watch your choices from here, what kind of path will you carve with that human?”

Alpha? 

Noé stared down at the letter, what alpha? Weren't they all dead too? He mulled it over, going in circles as he got up and paced around their room. No, the doctor hadn't said they were all dead, he'd said that betas couldn't pass down the gene. Vampires were long-lived, the fact the alpha gene wasn't passed down meant that no alpha's were born after the great war. But there could very well be older alphas that lived through it, the thought hadn't even crossed his mind until now. 

But who?

He thought of Jeanne’s mark on Vanitas’s body. She was long-lived, well over 200 years old. Not only that, Vanitas had called out for her when this all began. The thought hurt his heart, Noé didn't want to think of it, he didn't know what he'd do if that turned out to be true.

“What has you so worked up?” 

He wiped his head around to see Vanitas perched on the windowsill, eyeing the back of the letter suspiciously. Noé didn't even process that, instead, he just folded it up and stuffed it back into his pocket. 

“Vanitas! You should be in bed!”

“Don't tell me what to do, I'm perfectly fine.” The man glared back and hopped down from the sil. “And what about your arm? Why is it still in that?”

Noé glanced down. “I was looking for Domi and forgot to go..” 

“Of course you did.” Vanitas facepalmed and muttered something about that being the only reason he'd gone to Altus in the first place. “Alright, sit down.” 

Vanitas pushed his shoulder down, causing Noé to plop onto the bed beneath him while the doctor walked over to the side and fetched his medical kit. Noé stared at him with wide eyes as the man set the bag beside him.

“You're going to be my doctor?” 

“Yes, otherwise you're never going to get this sling off.” Vanitas untied the sling carefully, a gentle touch as he cradled Noé's arm, inspecting the area. “Flex your fingers.” He commanded without looking away from his hand.

Noé did as he was told, his heart beating faster. He sometimes forgot Vanitas was a doctor, but watching the way he carefully maneuvered his arm and inspected it just like a professional would. 

After a few moments, Vanitas sighed and put down his arm. “It's not fully healed yet, naturally it should take half a week more. Drinking some blood will speed up the process though.” 

Noé blinked, the fact that Vanitas could tell all that was impressive. “You're a good doctor Vanitas. Where did you learn all this?” He smiled warmly, allowing his arm to rest carefully on a pillow while Vanitas rummaged through his bag for something in particular. 

“... My father was a doctor, I learned from him.” He muttered as he pulled out a syringe with a large barrel and removed his glove, he wiped down the needle with a cloth soaked in some sort of antiseptic before sliding it into his pale skin right at the vein. 

“Your father?” The one that he said was killed by vampires? Noé was going to ask more, but his thoughts were stolen by the delectable scent of Vanitas's blood as the human drew a portion into the large syringe. 

Huh?

Vanitas continued until it was full, he took it out and then emptied its contents into a small measuring cup. Once it was done, he replaced the needle with another sterilized one and repeated the process on his other arm. Noé couldn't tear his eyes away from the tempting liquid. His mouth started to salivate, he found himself licking his lips. 

“It's not much but it'll help.” Vanitas squirted the second batch of his blood into the container, Noé could hardly believe it, was he dreaming?

“You mean I can drink it?” Noé shined with enthusiasm, he fidgeted restlessly in his spot as he reached out and grabbed the warm glass like it was the greatest gift he'd ever received. 

“Why else would I have drained my blood? It will go to waste if you don't.” Vanitas sounded like he was trying too hard to act casual, watching Noé out of the corner of his eye while the vampire brought the cup full of Vanitas's long-coveted blood to his lips. 

He took a small sip, savoring the sweet taste on his tongue. His eyes lit up in wonder, Vanitas was truly incredible, sweeter than tarte tatin, better than even the finest of wines. He resisted the urge to gulp it all down, after all, he didn't know when he'd get the chance to taste Vanitas again. 

But as he drank, his Archiviste ability kicked in, and he was hit with the subtle fragments of Vanitas's emotions. It was hard to make sense of, there was so much confusion, uncertainty, worry, and shame. He was flooded with it. Yet there were fragments of something warm, a feeling of fondness, protectiveness, a genuine desire to see someone recover. Noé flushed and took another sip trying to dig deeper into that feeling more. 

This was what Vanitas was feeling as he drew blood for him. He cared. He was worried and the part of him that wanted Noé around was at war with all those confusing negative feelings. But it was there, joy in Noé's presence, comfort, trust, happiness because he was here with him.

Vanitas cared.

Noé stayed there in that sweet emotion, but also feeling the fear that came with it. Vanitas didn't want to grow attached, but he had. Vanitas wanted to stay by his side. 

His eyes fluttered open as he ran his tongue along the inside of the container, desperate to get even the smallest of drops. “Wow Vanitas… Thank you” Noé smiled softly, he could already feel the blood renewing his energy. “I hope you don't mind me saying it but, you're my new favorite dessert.” 

Vanitas huffed and crossed his arms, turning away to hide the pink tint on his cheek.

Noé really wanted to kiss him right now. But knowing his feelings, knowing the turmoil going on inside the humans head, kissing him would only worsen it.

It could wait.

Instead, Noé allowed Vanitas to put his arm back in the sling. 

“I'll take it out again tomorrow morning, just wear it for one more night to be safe.” Their eyes met, and Vanitas cringed. “Why are you looking at me like that?” he questioned defensively. 

“No reason, I was just thinking you're a very kind person.”

Vanitas's entire face flushed, he looked dumbfounded by the words and grit his teeth. “Quiet.” 

Ah, that had been the wrong thing to say. Noé scratched his cheek awkwardly, it was the truth though. He'd noticed Vanitas didn't like receiving genuine compliments. After that,t they made their way downstairs and enjoyed the meal that Amelia had organized for them. Dinner was surprisingly nice, Noé still didn't understand how Vanitas could eat so many oysters in one sitting. Honest, he was a little intimidated to try one himself, so he just ate the other food and left all of Vanitas's favorite dishes to him. 

He did his best not to stare, but moments like this, where Vanitas thoroughly enjoyed something he loved was a beautiful sight to behold. 

As the evening drew to a close, they returned to their room. Noé still beaming with joy over getting to taste Vanitas's blood earlier and the trust this human had in him. He'd completely forgotten about finishing the rest of teacher's letter. 

It was around then that Vanitas darted towards the window and escaped to the rooftop. Noé allowed it for a few minutes, knowing that the human needed his space, but eventually, he got bored of being inside by himself. 

There was a strong wind coming from outside, it was really too cold for him to be out there like that. So Noé took a blanket off the bed and brought it up with him, silently joining the man on the roof and dropping the blanket on his head. 

“You'll catch a cold if you stay out here like this.” Noé sat by his side, leaning against the blanket lump. Vanitas sighed again but didn't respond to it, they fell into a comfortable silence, watching the beautiful golden glow that came from the Paris skyline. He could see why Vanitas enjoyed the view from up here at night, so often they spent their mornings on the roof eating breakfast, but rarely did they enjoy the quiet night air like this. 

“Hey, Vanitas… Why did you become a vampire doctor?” He asked out loud, unsure if Vanitas would ignore the question or answer it, recently he seemed to be opening up more and indulging Noé's curiosity from time to time, but it was never guaranteed. “You said your father was a doctor… But I'm assuming he treated humans, what made you want to specialize in vampires?”

Vanitas looked out past the horizon as if he were looking for something, something that just couldn't be found. “I wasn't fully human anymore, I wanted to learn what had been done to me and how to undo it… So I studied vampires with Luna.” There was a short pause as if the man debated stopping there, but he continued. “At first I was angry. I told myself that someday I’d steal their power to cleanse this world of vampires with my own two hands, so I let them teach me about curse bearers.” 

The thought sent a chill down Noé’s spine. Had Vanitas wanted to, he could have been as dangerous as Naenia, perhaps even more. He had the power to distort any vampire's true name at will. He thought of Astolfo, the anger he carried, the similarity in the two men's pasts yet the contrasting paths they'd chosen to follow.

“But on our travels, we encountered a vampire who was sick, I knew how to treat him, I knew what medicine would help, so I helped him. I remember my brother asked me why. Why would I help a vampire of the red moon after everything they've done to Luna…” Vanitas clenched the edge of the blanket tighter. “I just couldn't walk away. He'd asked for my help, and my father never turned away a stranger in need.”

Noé was beginning to understand what separated Astolfo from Vanitas. It was the perseverance of his kindness, the gentle and caring nature that had been instilled in Vanitas from childhood was stronger than the hatred he'd been consumed with. When it came down to it, his kind heart won.

“So… Luna is the name of the vampire of the blue moon?” Noé had always assumed Vanitas had inherited the name from well… Vanitas of the Blue Moon, just like in the story. It didn't make sense to him, Vanitas spoke fondly of Luna yet… If Luna was the original Vanitas, that would mean he's trying to take revenge against Luna. 

Vanitas didn't answer him this time, instead, he took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

Noé probably should have left it as it was, but he wanted to know more about Vanitas, he wanted to know everything. “Then why? Why are you seeking revenge against Luna? So far I've only heard you say good things about him, he saved you, helped you, what happened?”

Vanitas remained silent, he wrapped the blanket around himself further, as if hiding himself in its thin protection. 

Noé on the other hand, pressed on. “Did he want you to use the book to make more curse bearers? Was that it?” It was a wild guess, all he knew about the vampire of the blue moon was from the legend. In the story, Vanitas hated the vampires of the red moon. If his Vanitas was seeking revenge by saving the red moon vampires then maybe-

“No!” Vanitas spat out defensively as if he couldn't stand the sound of Noé's accusation against him. “You have no idea what you're talking about.” A clear warning for him to shut up.

“Will you tell me then?” Noé lifted the blanket enough to scoot under it with him, draping it over his own shoulder as they huddled close, his body warmth heating up Vanitas. “I want to understand, please.”

Vanitas flinched, his shoulders tensing momentarily, he stared into Noé's eyes with apprehension before lowering his gaze. He let out a defeat sigh and spoke softly.

“Someone stole Luna's true name.” He recounted, detached, cold, with a distant look in his eyes as he stared out past the window. “So I took their power and killed them with it, it was all I could do for them.”

Luna was a curse bearer? Then that meant Luna wasn't the vampire of the blue moon probably. It struck a personal chord with Noé, he'd been in Vanitas's shoes once. He understood the situation he'd been placed in, but Vanitas was able to do what Noé couldn't. Even as Louis begged him, Noé lacked that strength, he remembered the terror, he didn't want to die, he was so scared, he didn't want to die by Louis's hands and yet.

And yet he still couldn't bring himself to kill him.

“You're strong… stronger than I was,” Noé admitted, he closed his eyes and tensed up.

“Louis was a cursebearer.” Noé took a deep breath, his voice breaking. “He killed Mina, Gilles, and Fanny… He was about to kill me and Domi too… He begged me to kill him, and I couldn't.. I couldn't do it Vanitas, I couldn't even bring myself to push him away.” 

Vanitas shifted beside him, his presence a comfort. “I'm starting to understand just how awful it must be.” Noé glanced down at Vanitas beside him, his unnatural little fang peaking past his lips. “How awful it must be to lose agency of your body… To become something you never asked to become.” 

Salvation was complex, it meant different things to different people. Loius's plea returned to his mind, the young disfigured Catherine from the ball and her soft cry. Death was a mercy compared to the fate ahead of them. Had it not been for teacher's interference, Louis would have killed him and Domi too. Noé knew Louis better than anyone, that surely was a fate far worse than death to him. 

“Maybe I'm overstepping, but I think Luna was grateful you killed him. That's just the feeling I get…”

Vanitas flinched at that, his owlishly wide blue eyes staring up at him, an array of emotions flickering through his face as he processed that statement. Noé simply ran his hand down the other's back. He truly was the luckiest man in the world, to have this opportunity, to sit this close to him. Vanitas doesn't shy away from his touch anymore either. 

Vanitas said nothing, he just rested his head on Noé's shoulder, staring off into the night quietly. So Noé finally embraced the silence and stroked the man's head gently. 

As the minutes passed comfortably, something started to rise in Noé, that emotion was bubbling up, and he felt like he was going to burst.

He wanted to tell him, tell Vanitas he'd fallen in love with him.

He wanted to say it. No, he had to say it. But there was something holding him back. What if he became uncomfortable around him like he is with Roland? But it's not like he could keep quiet. These feelings were too much for him to keep to himself.

“You see... Today I-”

The words got stuck in his throat. Why? 

Why was he trembling?

Vanitas looked up at him, quirking an eyebrow, giving him a curious look, no doubt noticing the change, feeling the way Noé's body shook.

He tried to speak. “Vanitas.. I-” 

‘I have no interest in the sort of person who would love me’ Vanitas's voice echoed in his mind while Noé stared at the man's precious confused face. He thought of the conversation they'd had after meeting with Roland in Gévaudan. How distressed Vanitas was over the affection he'd received. What if he ruined everything? Vanitas was finally opening up to him in ways he had never done before.

It was at that moment that Noé realized his hesitation came from fear, he was scared of Vanitas's rejection. 

What if Vanitas was disgusted with him?

Suddenly the humans head shot up, he got on the defense, staring right at the chimney from the other building. 

“Vanitas?” 

The man relaxed after a few seconds, his eyes narrowed as he sighed and got to his feet. “I thought I saw something, come on, let's go inside.”

Noé's unspoken confession remained on the tip of his tongue, he supposed it could wait. It would have to. With that, he climbed down from the roof back into their shared room and shut the window behind them.

Chapter Text

Everything felt distant and hazy, the world had a soft glow to it, and Vanitas was the center of it all.

“Ah… Noé!” Vanitas was perched on top of his cock, bouncing lightly. His hair was a mess, sticking to his sweaty skin that glistened in the warm candlelight. He looked completely blissed out, moaning with every rise and fall. 

The sight was utter perfection in the hazy glow of the night. Noé ran his hands along his lover's body, touching his cock to milk even sweeter noises from the human. 

“More…” Vanitas's voice was seductively low, like honey. Noé couldn't help but buck his hips, and thrust more into the body of his beloved. He caught his wrist, pushing him down onto the bed, pinning him beneath him as he pulled out and thrust back in slowly, savoring the moment.  

“Vanitas… I…” He was making love to him, putting all his passion, all his emotion into one thing and that's drawing out Vanitas's pleasure as long as he can. He whispered the words softly, leaning in to steal a kiss. “I love you… Vanitas.”

His lips were met with nothing, Vanitas recoiled. Everything around him seemed to go dark, suddenly the warmth from the flame was gone, and everything felt cold. 

Vanitas was looking at him with disgust, his lips and cheekbones contorted in utter revulsion. 

Noé blinked and they were no longer connected. The bed was gone, he was alone in the cold darkness. He could make out Vanitas's silhouette in the distance, turning his back as he walked away. 

“Wait… Vanitas please wait!” He tried chasing after him, running, but he wasn't getting any closer. Suddenly there was a subtle glow in the distance, Vanitas wasn't alone anymore, Jeanne stood at his side, radiant as always, enveloping the human in a warm light while Noé was left in the dark alone. 

Vanitas smiled at her, he leaned in close, took her hand in his own, and-. 

“Noe… NOÉ!” 

Noé's registered a nudge against his side, his eyes fluttered open to see Vanitas standing over him with poorly masked concern. The floor was hard and cold beneath him, he must have rolled out of bed again. 

So it was just a dream…

“Good morning Vanitas…” He mumbled with zero enthusiasm. Noé clenched the pillow in his arms, not meeting the man's eyes. The rejection from his dream dampened his spirits.

Vanitas was already fully dressed, showered, and ready for the day like he'd always done. He seemed grumpier than usual somehow “Breakfast is waiting on the roof, you dom't want a bird to steal it do you?” 

“Huh.. Why would you leave it up there?” Noé sat up and rubbed his eyes, it was like he'd brought all the bedding down with him as his blankets were also on the ground. 

“Because someone fell out of bed again and was making too much noise for me to focus on the paper.” 

There's no way a human would be able to hear anything aside from a thump up there. He was just making excuses, Noé smiled, Vanitas was worried for him. He bundled the blankets and his pillow up in his arm, getting to his feet before noticing the way Vanitas was looking at him. 

He quirked an eyebrow, what was that look for? Noé followed his gaze and blushed as he saw the clear outline of an erection straining against his pajama bottoms. He suddenly felt self-conscious and shifted the sheets over his crotch. Obviously, there were some things he had to take care of first. He supposed his body and mind must have gotten so used to the constant stimulation, even his dreams were filled with it now. 

“Vanitas…?” He asked somewhat awkwardly.

“No.” Vanitas shot back plainly, seeming to understand exactly what Noé had been asking. 

“Oh..” Noé hugged the sheets closer for comfort, the rejection stung. His crestfallen features give away his emotional turmoil. 

That's right, Vanitas wasn't in heat anymore. Noé hadn't really thought about what after Vanitas's heat would look like, he had been so focused on getting the man through it. But now that reality was setting in for him. 

Vanitas sighed, the man put his hand in Noé's hair, snapping him out of his thoughts by ruffling it gently. “Meet me on the roof when you're ready.” His touch lingered as if Vanitas was prolonging the contact himself.

Noé flushed, the touch was like a ray of light, illuminating the dark clouds of his worry. 

He disappeared to the rooftop again while Noé took care of himself and showered, all the while brooding over the earlier interaction. Once he was done he accidentally tripped over a large pile of human medical books by the desk. He picked himself up off the floor finding it odd. Vanitas was usually a lot more organized than this… Actually, this was the kind of behavior he got mad at Noé for. When had Vanitas even found the time to read all these in the first place? He thought about it while he climbed up and joined the other on the roof. 

Vanitas set down the paper and let out a loud sigh, patting the ground next to him. 

“Sit here.” 

Noé took a seat in the spot without a second thought. Before he could even say anything, Vanitas was gently removing Noé's arm from the sling again. 

It wasn't a radiant smile, but it was soft, gentle and warm. “That should do it, don't get it cut off again.” 

“Yes- yes, I mean I'll try my best!” Noé stuttered out the words. He was already a blushing mess, and Vanitas was looking at him oddly. 

“What happened to you yesterday? You've been acting weird since you came back from Altus.” 

Noé jolted, was it that obvious? He gulped nervously, what should he do, he should tell him. He needed to tell him, but why was it so difficult?

“Now that you're no longer in heat… Does that mean you don't want to have sex with me anymore?” There was no going around it, he earnestly asked the question.

Vanitas looked away. 

“Vanitas, please answer me.”

“What are you expecting me to say?”

“I don't know, that's why I'm asking you. I really enjoyed this past week and not just the sex… I've enjoyed talking with you… waking up next to you. And-”

“No.” Vanitas immediately cut him off. The human's cheeks turned rosy, and there was something about the way his voice wavered.

“I see…” Noé sank in, looking visibly depressed. Perhaps if he'd been looking at Vanitas he would have seen the other man's internal turmoil. But before Vanitas could say anything more, Noé bounced back. 

“Then… What about bathing together? Or cuddling? Can I still kiss you?” Noé asked while Vanitas seemed to grow increasingly uncomfortable. 

“If you're that desperate hire an escort.”

Noé shook his head. How could he misunderstand so badly? It's like his natural pessimism automatically assumed the worst of everything. That just means he'll need to be even more direct with Vanitas. “No, that's not it. Vanitas I don't want anyone else, it has to be you.”

Vanitas looked visibly unsettled, rattled even. It was like he was scared, his lips pressed into a thin line as he looked away from Noé. 

He looked so… broken.

“Vanitas…?”

Vanitas bit his lip and got to his feet. “Just finish eating already and we'll leave once you're done.” He slipped in through the window quickly, Noé heard the sound of the bathroom door locking.

What was Vanitas so afraid of?

He wished Vanitas would have stayed put, after all, Noé still had to tell him how he felt. He had always been one to say exactly what he thought. He understood that nobody would know how he was feeling unless he said it outright. But now it wasn't so simple. 

Noé liked the way things were this past week, he liked this gentle side of Vanitas, and he liked that Vanitas was opening up and answering his questions when he asked them. He didn't want to risk that, there was still so much more he wanted to know, and he wanted to be so much closer to Vanitas. Yet he couldn't take a step closer without risking it all. 

He knew what he had to do next.

He'd tell him today, no matter what. Noé had to.

After Vanitas got out of the restroom, Noé met the other inside, but Vanitas was already putting on his coat. 

“Ah, you’re done? Let's go, I need to get some information from Count Orlock before I meet up with Dante.” 

This… Wasn't the right time. Noé followed behind Vanitas quietly, eyeing him from the corner of his vision as they made their way to the office.

He realized something.

Vanitas was the one who was acting weird. He's more restless, the corner of his lip was even red from nervous biting. And the bags under his eyes were so dark as if he hadn't gotten a wink of sleep the whole night. He hid it well, but when you knew what to look for it was obvious something was deeply wrong. 

“Vanitas..? Are you alright?” By this point, they were already in front of the count's door. 

“Yes.” Vanitas answered back instantly. 

“You're lying… Please, won't you be honest with me?” Noé pleaded, 

The man groaned, he looked hesitant for a moment before letting out an exasperated breath. “I'm feeling sick and didn't sleep last night cause I was trying to match the symptoms.” 

Oh. 

Noé had fallen asleep long before Vanitas, he drifted off to sleep while Vanitas read books by candlelight at his desk. Vanitas had stayed up reading all night? He must be exhausted.

No wonder he was so grumpy. Maybe thats also why Vanitas refused his request for intimacy this morning too...

Noé sincerely hoped that was the case.

Vanitas knocked on the door.

“Come in.” Manet greeted them with caution, eyeing Noé somewhat suspiciously. It was odd. 

Vanitas on the other hand waltzed in like he owned the place, his arms folded behind his head as he gave the vampires a cocky grin. “It would seem Paris fell into peril during my absence~” 

The sudden shift in demeanor was jarring for Noé, he really wished the other wouldn't push himself like this. 

Actually, that would be best for everyone, this sort of behavior was exactly why the count couldn't stand the human.

Nox grimaced, her patience for Vanitas already running thin. 

But surprisingly enough, Count Orlock wasn't even paying attention to Vanitas, his focus was on him, Noé's posture stiffened under the critical gaze. 

“Noé Archiviste, is it true you joined the clan of the blue moon?” He asked coldly. 

Noé blinked, among all the things the count could have said, he was not expecting it to be that. “Huh? Of course not!” What had even given him such a preposterous idea?

“He’s lying sir.” Manet argued, gritting his teeth. “We both can attest to that!” 

Huh? Attest to what? Noé was absolutely lost here. Meanwhile, Vanitas chuckled, his arrogant demeanor never faltering. 

“I suppose I can't keep this charade running any longer can I?” Vanitas took a few steps forward and held out his book. “Did you really believe a mere mortal could wield the book of Vanitas? I'm surprised it took you this long to figure it out.” 

The count remained composed. “What Is the meaning of this? Are you saying you've been disguising yourself as a human? For what reason? And why have you chosen to reveal your true identity now?”

Noé wasn't following any of this, what was Vanitas doing?! “Vanitas-”

“Well, I wasn't expecting Noé to let the cat out of the bag just yet, but you know how he is.” Vanitas spoke over him, he shrugged it off and took a seat on the chair arm. “Besides, we're in Paris, it's easier for me to operate as a human here, wouldn't you agree?”

“I don't.” The count flatly countered. Seeming unamused by Vanitas's antics. “All you've done is make me doubt your intentions more than I already do.” 

Vanitas laughed and crossed his legs, leaning forward in an arrogant manner. “That's fine, your opinion wasn't a consideration.” 

“What…? You said that was a mating bite for heats!” Noé uttered the words in disbelief, in hindsight it was a big mistake. 

Vanitas tensed up the moment the word ‘mate’ left Noé's mouth. 

“Heat?” The count repeated questioningly, it was at that moment Noé realized he'd made a mistake and let it slip. “Do you take me for a fool? Omega's perished over a century ago.”

Noé could vaguely make out the whispering dialog from the siblings, Manet asking Nox in a hushed tone what an omega was.

Vanitas smiled, it was so vibrant and fake that the sight of it made Noé's eye twitch. 

“And so did the Archiviste's. Really, I was as surprised as you are.” Vanitas rose from his seat and sauntered towards Noé. Leering at him while he grabbed the end of Noé’s bow, pulling the ribbon, unraveling it in a second as he pushed down his collar just enough to show off the blue mark on his skin. “Don't blame this guy, he didn't have a say in anything, it's something I decided unilaterally.”

This only seemed to anger the old vampire more, the man grits his teeth “Have you no shame? You're admitting you took advantage of that child's trust?!”

Vanitas folded his hands together. “Don't put it like that~ I simply took what I wanted, that's all.” He rubbed his hand against Noé's chest possessively. “Last week he was so helpless, so tempting, so obedient, insatiable even~ Of course I claimed him for myself, I'm a man after all.”

Huh? Noé's jerked back. “What are you saying?!”

Manet turned red and covered his mouth with his hand while Nox's eye twitched. 

“Wait a minute..! I'm not-” Noé tried to defend himself but Vanitas cut him off again. 

“He was so needy again this morning, I couldn't just leave him like that now could I~?” 

“I need to speak with you privately!” Noé grabbed the man by the shirt collar and started dragging him out of the room.

As soon as they were outside and alone Noé dropped Vanitas. “Why would you say those things..!” He didn't know where to start, they left those three believing he was an omega Archiviste of the blue moon! He was beyond embarrassed, they also didn't need any details on their sex life! It was a private matter!

“It's the easiest way to get him not to pry further.” Vanitas said calmly, the bravado from earlier gone as he gave Noé a straightforward response. “Besides, I don't want them thinking I'm an omega.”

“I don't want them thinking I'm one either!” Noé shook his head furiously. 

Vanitas trapped Noé's cheeks between his hands, holding his head in place so they could see eye to eye for a moment. “The count is fond of you. He'll keep your secret, I won't receive the same courtesy.”

Vanitas had a valid point, count Orlock had always been nice to him. Noé often helped him with various errands too, he respected his authority and knew the older man was kind deep down. If Noé was an omega, he knew the count would make sure word didn't get out. 

“Is it bad if people find out?” 

“I'm already enough of a target as it is, the last thing I need is another reason for anyone to bother me.” Vanitas released Noé and fixed his shirt collar for him. 

“What will happen when he realizes the truth?” Noé asked with concern. He didn't feel comfortable with this level of deceit, this felt wrong, like he was taking advantage of that trust. 

“You'll make sure that doesn't happen.”

That was easier said than done, Noé wasn't sure he'd be able to pull it off. “But even so… Why would you tell them I joined the Blue Moon clan?” 

Vanitas sighed, his face grim. ”Because you did.” The other turned away from him as if it was a fact he didn't want to face himself. 

“What…?” Noé grabbed Vanitas by the shoulder and turned him around to see him anyway. “What do you mean I did? I don't remember ever doing such a thing.”

“You let me mark you.” 

The mark? Noé gulped, he hadn't realized that would have any consequences. What was he supposed to do with this information, he released his grip on Vanitas and thought about it. That still didn't explain how Nox and Manet knew too. “Why didn't you tell me sooner? If you knew about this before you should have told me!”

“I had bigger problems to worry about. Besides, it's fine. I'll handle it so it won't affect you negatively in the long run.” Vanitas turned back towards the way they'd come from. “Now let's go, I have questions for Orlock.” 

He would have asked more, but he could see it bothered Vanitas. And Noé trusted him, if Vanitas said it was fine, he'd believe it was fine too. He still felt embarrassed by what had transpired in there, but if it was safer for his human like this then he could deal with it. 

Vanitas led him back into the room, except this time Noé couldn't look any of them in the eye. He hated lying, this was certainly not good for his mental health. He should have refused, maybe it's not too late to come clean?

No, that would have negative effects for Vanitas…

“Now that we have that out of the way, tell me about these vampire incidents I've been hearing about.” The human waved the newspaper in front of him.

Count Orlock scoffed, manet and Nox were still whispering among themselves in the corner, eyeing Noé. 

“You're in no place to be making demands, escort him out. I need to speak to young Noé.” The older vampire demanded, his assistants rushing to corner Vanitas, ready to force him to leave.

Vanitas's eyes narrowed. “If I leave, he's leaving too.” Once again he invaded Noé's personal space, wrapping an arm around his waist possessively.

Noé blushed, his heart skipped a beat. He reached out and grabbed Vanitas's hand, squeezing it. Perhaps this was overstepping, but it was an impulse Noé wanted to act on.

The Count's demeanor seemed to change when he saw that. He sighed and pulled out some papers from his desk. “This is all the information we have on the recent incidents, take it and read it outside.” 

Vanitas grinned, leaving Noé's side as he strode to the desk, swiping the papers off before turning around. “I can make do with that~” On his way out of the room, he briefly patted Noé's shoulder in passing. “I'll leave the rest up to you.”

Wait Vanitas was leaving? Noé heard the large doors shut behind him, instantly feeling the pressure. He didn't want to lie! Now that he was actually faced with the situation Noé was certain he would cave.

“Is it true, that man claimed you and forced you to join his clan without your consent?” 

“Yes, it seems so..” To his relief that wasn't a lie. “I was not lying when I said I hadn't joined the Blue Moon clan. I truly had no idea before now.” His honest nature wasn't something Noé could ignore. 

Even if it was for Vanitas's sake he didn't know if he'd be able to lie to this man. 

 “Has your teacher been made aware of your circumstances yet?”

Noé nodded. “Yes, he sent me a letter regarding omegas as well.. Although I didn't finish reading it.” Noé had been pulled away by Vanitas after all.

The older man pulled out a paper and began writing as he spoke “I'll contact Hotel Chouchou and have them assign you your own bedroom going forward.”

Huh? Noé tilted his head, why would he do that? “My own room..? But why?”

“Your teacher sent me a letter when you first arrived in Paris. He requested I assist you with everyday matters and ensure you're well taken care of.” The sounds of the pen scribbling filled the silence between them. He finished signing the letter and pushed it towards the side. 

Noé knew that already, but he didn't exactly see how it was relevant now.

“You were taken advantage of due to my oversight. I'll do what I can to remedy the situation and uphold my word to your teacher going forward.”

Taken advantage of? Noé shook his head furiously. “No, that's not… Vanitas didn't take advantage of me.” His cheeks were red, even just thinking of Vanitas's smaller form pinned beneath him, the slimness of his wrist as he'd grasped it in his hand, and the small whimpers that tumbled from the human's lips. “I was the one who invaded his bed and he bit me because of that. The blame is on me, not him.” If anything, Noé was the one who benefited most from the ordeal. “Besides, Vanitas has been much kinder to me, and he even tended to my injuries from Gévaudan.” 

“That changes nothing, he marked you without your consent.” The low voice cut in firmly. “You’re still a child, you fail to realize how his selfish actions will affect you for the rest of your life as a member of the Blue Moon clan. Did he even take precautions against an unwanted pregnancy?”

Noé blinked, the thought had never crossed his mind before. “With all due respect count Orlock, we're both men.” He stated blankly, that it should be obvious that they can't conceive a child together. 

Orlock sighed. “Your ignorance proves my point.” The man pulled out another piece of paper and started writing. “Many years ago a friend of mine was involved with a male omega. His spouse bore a daughter before his early passing.” He signed the letter at the bottom. “Having unprotected relations with that man can bear consequences for you.” 

It felt like the wind was knocked out of him. Noé recoiled, his legs giving out as he collapsed on the armchair behind him, sinking into the plush fabric. “What..?” He blinked once, waiting for the count words to make sense.

At this point Manet and Nox were giving him a pitied look, actually, Manet looked deeply disturbed by the discussion. 

“His family continued researching heats until omegas died out. Their goal was to create a suppressant that would improve omegas' quality of life. I'll discreetly contact them on your behalf.” The count continued speaking while Noé remained in shock. 

Noé might have been happy with the additional information about potential heat suppressants had it not been for the count’s warning. Right now, he felt scared.

“How does one know if they're pregnant? Are there any symptoms, or signs? Perhaps some kind of medical exam?” Noé's eyes were brimming with concern. 

Count Orlock seemed to soften at that, seeing the genuine fear coming from him. He looked towards Nox, the woman took a step forward and spoke.

“Such an exam doesn't exist, no doctor could detect it that early. Morning sickness and missed monthly cycles are how most women tell… After a month or two. But I don't think that applies to you.” 

His shoulders sank. “I understand..” Noé had a lot of things on his mind already, and this only added to the list.

“For now you should simply rest and not worry about it, it's unlikely.” Count Orlock dismissed him gently, he could tell they were taking care to not stress him. “Stay out of trouble and avoid that vampire.” 

He passed a note to Manet. “Hand that letter to the staff at Hotel Chouchou, they'll prepare an extra room right away.”

The man bowed and ran out the door with the letter.

“No, that's really not necessary.” Noé shook his head, he didn't want to live separately from Vanitas. He liked their room, he liked waking up to Vanitas in his arms.

“It is, go home and rest, that's an order.”

With that Noé was escorted out of the office feeling awfully nervous. Did Vanitas know this was a possibility? If he did, why wouldn't he warn him? The thought was scary. He looked around the halls and saw Vanitas leaning against a wall, reading the files casually. 

“Vanitas…” Noé grabbed him by the shoulders, looking him over, staring long and hard at the man's abdomen.

The other sighed. “I figured you'd blow it, you're too honest for your own good.” Vanitas ruffled Noé's hair and brushed his hands off of him, turning away. “I'll make do, anyways I've got a good lead on-” 

“Was your stomach upset this morning?”

“Huh? No, It's not that sort of illness Noé, so let's go Dante's waiting for us by-” 

“Are you sure? You're not feeling nauseous right now, are you? It's still morning right?”

Vanitas's eyebrow twitched in irritation. “I said I was fine, drop it already.”

“What about your time of the month? Is it regular?” Did omegas even experience monthly cycles? 

“Knock it off! I expect this behavior from Dante, not you.” The man all but hissed at him and started walking away. His mood soured even further.

Noé chased after him, following him out of the building and into the busy streets of Paris. He was unsure what exactly to say. In hindsight, Noé could have found a more tactful way to word his concern. But being the honest man he was, Noé blurted out exactly what he was thinking. 

“I'm worried I may have impregnated you.”

Vanitas stopped in his tracks and held out his leg, Noé tripped and fell to the ground with a loud thud.

“ENOUGH!” Vanitas was fuming. His shout drew hushed whispers and stares from passersby. “Quit mocking me! If you're looking for payback for earlier then-”

“I'm serious Vanitas. I'm afraid there's a chance you might be pregnant! Count Orlock said-”

“In case you're really that stupid, I'M A MAN! I wasn't even born an omega! I don't have a womb, I can't get pregnant any more than you can. I knew you grew up under a rock but didn't they teach you anything?!” Vanitas shot back defensively, putting his hand on his hips while he pointed an accusatory finger at Noé on the ground. 

He did have a point. Vanitas wasn't fully a vampire, Noé was probably worrying about a nonexistent concern. He breathed a sigh of relief. He was ready to offer his apology but Vanitas was already pulling away.

“I've had enough, I'll investigate on my own!” With that Vanitas turned and headed off in a different direction.

“Wait!” Noé stumbled to his feet and chased after him, grabbing his hand while the angry human tried to yank it away. 

“Let go!”

“It was a genuine question you don't need to be so mean about it.” Noé squeezed his hand while Vanitas tried stepping on his foot, luckily Noé altered the world formula to lessen the impact just in time.

“How was that a genuine question?! It's the dumbest thing you've ever asked me and that speaks volumes!” Vanitas was enraged, like he'd taken personal offense to his worry and saw it as belittling him rather than concern.

“Oh my…” 

“So you pulled through after all huh Quack?”

Dante approached them holding up a letter from Hotel Chouchou, Johann and Riche trailed behind. Had Vanitas contacted them yesterday? 

Vanitas yanked his hand away and held out his wallet. “I'll pay for lunch. Catch me up on what I've missed.”

“What about your husband? You're really going to leave him there?” Dante teased the already irritated man, resulting in a prompt explosion.

“Say another word and I'm limiting you to one dessert Baldy!”

Noé had already taken a few steps forward, ready to follow the human but the man turned around and glared.

“Don't follow me.” 

Vanitas was angry and wanted space. 

Noé brought a hand to his heavy heart, he knew it was probably best to let him calm down. Once he's in a better mood he'll apologize properly. There were still some important things he needed to discuss with him, and he didn't want to do that while he was angry. So Noé was left standing there by the roadside with Johann and Riche. 

“What's this~?” Johann peered closer, eyeing Noé's longingful expression mischievously. “You look like a love-sick puppy.” 

Lovesick…

The word fit, it perfectly encapsulated the ache in his heart today. “Maybe you're right.”

It took a moment, but Johann's face lit up. “My~!” He poked Noé cheek. “So what are you doing standing around here for~ Are things not going well between you two? Perhaps I can offer you some advice~” 

He watched Vanitas's retreating figure, bickering with Dante as they walked across the street into the first restaurant they saw. Vanitas was a lot like Mur, he's quick to anger, and slow to cool down. 

“Noé dear?” Johann called out to him, waving his hand in front of his face.

Johann had offered advice, and perhaps that was exactly what he needed.

“Um… You said you could offer me advice. What kind?”

And that's how Noé found himself at a small Cafe by the water with Johann and Riche, Noé covering their portion. The water seemed to twinkle past the ornate fencing, an umbrella shielding their table from the bright rays of the sun. The cups they'd been served drinks in were amazing! They were apparently made of paper yet they weren't dissolved by the warm tea. He was told they could take them home too, it was a fascinating invention, he'd never seen such a thing! So Noé made sure to order an extra water just so he could bring it back home as a souvenir later. He was beyond happy that they served tarte tatin as well. It helped him loosen up while he started to explain, starting from last night when he realized his feelings. 

Riche was ignoring her shortcake, wrapped in every word. “A vampire of the red moon falling for a human of the blue…! Mates? And you're both men too..! It's like a forbidden love story!”

“Well.. No one is forbidding us, so I wouldn't call it that.” Noé added awkwardly, he took a sip of his own tea. “On second thought, Count Orlock definitely forbids it.” 

She squealed to herself while Johann pondered it quietly.

“Of all the people to fall for, Vanitas will be quite a challenge for you to woo.” Johann sipped his tea and set the cup down, taking the matter seriously. “You have quite the uphill battle dear.” 

“You think so?” Noé finished swallowing before speaking.

“From what I've seen, dear Vanitas isn't emotionally available, not only that, you two mix like oil and water.” 

Emotionally available? Although he kind of understood the oil and water part. They always seemed to bicker. “What do you mean by that?” 

Johann took his own cup of water and dumped it on the planter next to him. “Bear with me, think of this empty cup as our sweet dear Vanitas.” 

Noé tilted his head, he didn't see the connection but nodded. “Alright..?”

Johann then reached into his pocket and pulled out a pin, he started poking small holes in the sides, all in various places. Noé still wasn't sure where Johann was going with this.

“Now, that cup over there is you.” He pointed at Noé's full cup of water he'd gotten as a souvenir. “Pour some of your water into Vanitas's cup.” 

Noé frowned. “No? That would make a mess… I mean you just poked a bunch of holes in it, I'm not sure I understand what you're trying to tell me.” 

Johann shook his head. “Dear me, I've got my work cut out for me today.” He took Noé's cup from him and started pouring it into the broken cup. Just like Noé had expected, water started leaking through the holes, and all the water ended up falling through the wrought iron table to the concrete below. 

“You see, Vanitas's cup is too broken to hold any water right now. Even if you pour into it, until he patches those holes, you'll never be able to fill his. You'll both end up empty.” And just like that his cup ran out of water while ‘Vanitas's’ continued leaking. Johann then dumped the remainder into the planter as well to avoid more of a mess.

“So… I need to fill Vanitas's holes first?” Noé asked back innocently. 

Johann chuckled. “No. These are holes only Vanitas can fill.” 

“Then… What should I do?” Even just thinking about Vanitas's small smile brightened his day. “I love him and I can't keep this feeling to myself any longer, I'll burst if I do.”

“And dear Vanitas will overflow and make a mess if you try pouring it on him, do you understand now?” The Dham asked back patiently while he tried a bite of his own dessert.

“I think I understand what you're trying to say, but… Can't I just keep refilling him anyway? It's okay if he's empty, I love him just as he is now.” 

Riche fawned over the words. “That's one of the most romantic things I've ever heard!” 

Johann sighed. “Stubborn children always have to learn the hard way.” He took another sip of his tea. “I suppose I can't blame you though, Vanitas is quite the beauty. I certainly enjoyed our little makeover on the way to Gévaudan~” 

Noé thought of the gentle makeup the Dhampir had so expertly applied, the way Vanitas's hair had been styled just so. His disguise had been flawless, Johann knew just what to do to accentuate Vanitas's natural beauty.

Maybe… He could do the same for him?

“Do you think you could do the same for me? I want to be desirable in Vanitas's eyes too.” 

Johann chuckled to himself, hiding it behind his gloved hand. “I see, I can't say I'm not intrigued~ I suppose I can offer you a helping hand if you make it well worth my time of course.”

“I'll pay.” Noé pulled out his wallet, he did have plenty of savings even though he'd skipped work recently. And this was something important to him. 

So he paid the bill at the Cafe and then the trio hurried into a suit store. The walls were lined with mannequins wearing pre-made suits, there were tons of pants and suit vests to pair together as well and even a wide variety of ties and bows. 

“Paris is amazing..! To think you can pick out a suit and wear it the same day…!” Noé looked around with jaw dropped wonder and sparkles in his eyes. All the clothes he wore were custom fitted, teacher would see to it, and sometimes Domi would order clothes to be tailored for him too. He'd never actually been to a clothing store like this or picked out an outfit himself, he had no idea where to start.

It was wonderful and incredibly fun!

“You're easily amazed.” Johann noted as he browsed through various suits. 

Riche turned her attention to the accessories. She let out a small exclamation as she picked out a bright purple bow “This one matches your eyes.”

Noé smiled, it did, but he already had a purple bow. What caught his attention was the blue one next to it. 

It looked like Vanitas's. 

Vanitas liked blue, he liked bows. Maybe he'd like this too. He held it up in front of him in the mirror. 

“Ah, so that's the sort of look you're going for tonight.” Johann then went over to the navy suit vests, picking out one before selecting a white collar shirt underneath, and a black pair of pants with a suit jacket. 

After they finished at the store, Johann and Riche brought him back to their apartment. It was modest and looked lived in, but comfortable. He sat on a chair while Johann styled his hair, slicking it half back and tousling the front. It reminded him of how he'd been instructed to do it for work. Except Johann had the skill to style properly. This was kind of fun, it reminded him of playing dress up with Domi. 

He hoped she was alright, but he left Altus without seeing her again after that…

Riche had disappeared into the kitchen and pulled out some leftover soup from the icebox and heated it up in the kitchen. It smelled delicious, and Noé found his mouth-watering. 

He didn't even need to ask, the woman soon came out carrying an extra bowl just for him. She set it down on the small table and went back into the kitchen to fetch one more bowl. 

“It's for me..?” Noé asked with enthusiasm as he reached out and accepted the bowl and spoon. 

“Yes, help yourself! Johann, yours is on the table.” 

“Alright, I'll be done before you know it.” He winked and continued working on Noé's hair while the vampire took a sip of soup.

“It's delicious…!”

Riche smiled. “Dante made extra this morning, he cooks most of our meals.”

Homemade cooking, he could do something like that for Vanitas too right? 

“So aside from looking your best, do you have any other plans to woo dear Vanitas?” Johann teased.

“Well… I'm going to tell him my feelings tonight.” Noé admitted as the man continued styling his hair. 

“My, you're awfully direct at least.” Johann hummed while he combed his bangs from his eyes, pinning the hair back while he grabbed some product. 

“I think it's wonderful, it's every girl's dream!” Riche's eyes were sparkling as she envisioned the romantic encounter. “A handsome hunk of a man taking your hand, giving you flowers, and professing his undying love under the moonlight.” She sighed dreamily. Holding her face in her hands as she stared off into the distance.

“Flowers… Should I get Vanitas a bouquet?” Noé truly didn't know the first thing about pursuing someone romantically, but he wasn't sure the man would even want flowers in the first place. After all, he's always complaining whenever he brings something else to clutter their room, flowers were temporary though, so maybe he wouldn't get upset. 

“That's Riche's fantasy, not Vanitas's dear.” Johann smiled as he continued his work. 

Noé sat patiently, his hands on his knees, this was nerve-wracking. But he was truly grateful for the advice. “I just want it to be meaningful… I want to court him properly.” 

Riche was still fantasizing to herself, uttering something about balcony serenades and walks on the beach. Noé quirked an eyebrow, he was pretty certain Vanitas would scold him if he tried to sing to him from the balcony. As he listened to more and more of the young woman's grand gesture fantasies, Noé knew that wasn't what he wanted. It wouldn't make Vanitas smile, whatever he planned needed to be meaningful and intimate.  

“Finished~ What do you think?” 

Riche looked up and blushed red when she saw Noé. 

Johann chuckled, putting his hands on Noé’s shoulders. “You have Riche’s approval, now go try the suit on~”

Noé excused himself and changed in the restroom, when he stopped and looked in the mirror himself he could hardly believe it. 

He looked… Well like himself but, it suited him well, the hair, the style, all of it, even the subtle makeup Johann had insisted on seemed to sculpt his face in a way that accentuated his best features. It was like the level of precision he'd expect in a painting, not a strand out of place, everything in line with the artist's vision. 

Johann knocked at the door before peeking in. “I must say, you look rather dashing. It's a little tight. But considering it's a premade suit you're lucky it fits this well.”  

He didn't care about that in the least, his outfit looked like it would compliment Vanitas's if they stood side by side… The thought left him smiling. “It's great..!”

By the time they were done with everything, it was already sunset. The sky was a beautiful mix of warm orange and pink, giving everything a rosy hue. They followed Johann's bat through town, finding the two at a different cafe than the restaurant they'd gone to lunch at. 

Noé was about to go inside and fetch him when Johann put a hand on his shoulder. “Wrong way~ Go and wait behind the fountain.” He whispered the words in his ear and winked. “Leave this part to me~”

Noé didn't quite understand, he pressed a hand against the glass, looking at Vanitas's bored face as he looked over some files in the corner while Dante stuffed himself full. But he listened to Johann and backed up, walking away from the Cafe and standing behind the fountain as instructed. He fidgeted with his hands. 

He hoped Vanitas was in a better mood, he'd seemed so tired earlier… Maybe he should wait till tomorrow, after all, Vanitas didn't get any rest last night.

No, he had to do this tonight. 

A few minutes passed and he wondered what was taking them so long. Should he peek? Eventually, he heard the door open, and Dante slurring his words. 

Honestly, Noé couldn't make out a single thing he was saying. 

“Goodbye Vanitas dear~ I'll take him home from here.” 

Noé straightened his posture, his heart beating faster. He felt restless. He heard footsteps coming from around the corner. 

A familiar tired sigh “Come on Noé let's….”

Vanitas's words cut off mid-sentence. 

Noé took a deep breath and turned to face him. He was incredibly nervous but he smiled. “Let's go home, Vanitas.”

Chapter Text

It was hard for Noé to decipher Vanitas's reaction. It was like the man froze, maybe not for a solid minute, but long enough for Noé to worry if something was wrong. 

Vanitas was staring right at him, his head slowly moving, looking him over from top to bottom. 

“Um…” Noé broke the silence. He walked towards Vanitas, and the man instantly tensed up, his posture straightening. 

“What-whats with all this?” Vanitas asked, his voice oddly shaky. His ears were red, and it was starting to spread, giving him a rosy glow. It was incredibly fitting on him. Noé hadn't seen this sort of soft, bewildered look on him yet. He was holding his breath, too.

Was Vanitas flustered? 

Noé's heart leaped at the thought. “Do you like it? Johann and Riche helped me pick it.” The words started coming easier and easier. “It was so much fun Vanitas. I got to drink from a cup made of paper, and then we went to this store that had pre-made clothes! They had so many sizes you don't even have to wait for adjustments!” His eyes started to sparkle as he recounted all the fun he had. 

“After that, Johann did my hair for me, and Riche reheated some of Dante's cooking from earlier, it was delicious, he's a really good cook. I had so much fun today.” Noé closed the gap between them, he grabbed Vanitas by the hands, causing the other to flinch.

He was still staring, still frozen, although it was a cute look, it was very obvious from his body language that Vanitas was nervous. 

But why? 

Noé didn't understand. “Vanitas…? Are you alright?”

That seemed to snap Vanitas out of it, he squeezed his eyes shut and pulled his hands away “Me? Of course, I'm alright.” An obvious lie, a bead of sweat rolled down his face. He cleared his throat. “What's the occasion? Did you just feel like playing dress-up with the information brokers? That's it, isn't it?” His words seemed to speed up as he made excuses. 

It was odd, Vanitas was usually quick to catch on, and he was always so clever. But now it was like he was being dumb on purpose, shouldn't it be obvious? Noé's wearing his favorite color, he got dressed up for him! 

Well, he supposed he shouldn't expect him to know, if the situation were reversed, he probably wouldn't have thought deeply into it either.

A straightforward confession is the only way. 

Noé suddenly didn't know what to do anymore. Should he tell him here? The street wasn't necessarily crowded, but there were other people. Now that he looked around, he noticed they'd drawn some attention from passersby. This was a public place, he pictured something more cozy and intimate. He also didn't think it was something Vanitas wanted everyone to hear. 

He reached out again and grabbed Vanitas's gloved hand, squeezing it gently. “I'll explain myself once we're home. Is that alright?”

Vanitas opened his mouth to say something. He was expecting Vanitas to protest the small intimacy. But he didn't, instead, he just let out an uncertain sound of approval. At least, that's what Noé assumed it was. They both started walking, hand in hand, back to the hotel.

Noé wasn't stalling, he wasn't. That's not what was happening here. This was necessary, he couldn't think of a better place to confess his feelings. 

“It looks good on you, Noé.” 

Noé's head whipped around the moment he heard it, he stopped in his tracks, his entire face lighting up. “Really? You like it?”

Vanitas seemed to regret his choice of words instantly, he looked shy. “Why are you making such a big deal out of it.”

He was so cute…! Noé just wanted to eat that expression up. He couldn't tear his eyes away from him as they continued walking back. Oh, that's right. He still needed to apologize. “I almost forgot, I'm sorry Vanitas.” 

“Huh?”

“For earlier, it truly wasn't my intention to mock you or make you angry.” He thought back on what Count Orlock had said and how nervous it made him. “I was just scared...”

Vanitas sighed. “I figured as much. You shouldn’t let fairy tales bother you.”

Fairy tales? Count Orlock said he knew a male omega personally. Noé shook his head, banishing the thought. He was not going to risk angering Vanitas again, the last thing he wants is for his mood to sour.

Speaking of Vanitas, he looked absolutely exhausted. Noé watched the lethargic way he trudged with each step. “How did your day go? Did Dante have the information you wanted?”

Vanitas sighed and pulled out some handwritten notes from his pocket. “He charged a fortune for these. One of our missing vampires acted erratically prior to her disappearance. Possibly a malnomen. She spoke of an ‘automaton boy’ too.”

Noé skimmed over the text with his eyes, it looked like Dante had gone out of the way to interview people himself. 

“An automaton boy? Like a human automaton?” Noé tried to picture it. The idea sounded fascinating. 

“It could be someone with a prosthetic limb.”

A prosthetic limb, he hasn't seen many of those before. Although he felt like he might have seen one recently, where? “It… doesn't sound like there's much to go on.” Noé didn't see any sort of hint or clue that could lead them to the missing vampires here. 

“Orlock's report had a lead, fortunately.” Vanitas yawned before leaning against Noé as they walked. “A human had a close run-in with a vampire in an alley not too far from here.”

He's so close..! It immediately distracted him from the discussion at hand. Perhaps Vanitas would let him carry him the rest of the way home. Noé allowed his mind to wander, he fantasized of sweeping Vanitas off his feet into a bridal carry, that beautiful face nestled against his neck, warming the skin with his breath as he fell asleep in his arms.

Vanitas’s sleeping face was truly such a sweet sight to behold. Noé would then bring him back to their room and lay him on his bed. 

No, their bed. He imagined a large bed full of plenty of comforters for Vanitas to build his odd nests in and add in a few extra pillows. Even on the coldest nights, he'd never shiver, Noé would hold him through all of it.

Wouldn't that be wonderful? True peace and quiet as snow fell in the forest, the only sound being Vanitas’s content sigh and the fireplace crackling while they rested under the covers, nestled together. 

Noé was brought back to reality by a flick against his forehead. 

“and I'm wasting my breath, you're not even listening.” Vanitas had a hand at his hip, his patience was running low. 

“I'm listening!” He was, somewhat. But his daydream was taking priority in his mind, he was smiling to himself, blushing as he jumped back into the tender moment. 

“That so? Then tell me what hair color the assailant had.”

Oh, Noé had no idea. “I apologize, Vanitas. I wasn't listening as intently as I'd assumed.”

Vanitas let out a loud sigh. “Last night, a man was nearly killed in an alley by a vampire, her description matched the missing target Dante investigated. Apparently, another vampire, a woman with long black hair, attacked her, and the man was able to run away.”

“Another vampire attacked her?” Noé tilted his head. “Who? Was she also missing?” 

“No, or whoever she is, she hasn't been reported missing yet.” Vanitas put the papers away as they approached Hotel Chouchou. “So I figured tonight we'd search some back alleys.”

Huh? Tonight? 

“Absolutely not.” As if Noé was going to let Vanitas pull another all-nighter when he was sick and tired already. If he leaves this human on his own for a second, he'll engage in reckless behavior. He's far too fragile for. “You're in no condition for that.” 

“I'll take a nap first, I advise you to do the same if you plan on tagging along.” Vanitas shot back as he walked into the lobby and headed up the stairs. 

Noé really didn't want to deal with curse bearers tonight. Was that selfish? At least for tonight, he wanted Vanitas all to himself.

“Monsieur Noé? Is that you?” Amelia called out to him from the laundry room. But Noé was too lost in his own thoughts to pay her much mind. 

“Yes-” He replied absent-mindedly before chasing Vanitas up the stairs.

He thought quietly about how he’d want this evening to go until they reached their room and shut the door behind them. People's lives were on the line. Was it really okay for him to think like that, it was such a selfish thought.

“So, what’s this important thing you're doing later?” Vanitas opened the closet and hung his coat up on a hanger.

Noé gulped. “There's something important I have to tell you, but I don't want to tell you when you're in a bad mood.”

He sighed and picked up the books that were on the ground “I'm not mad, Noé, just tired. I haven't slept in two days.” The irritation was leaving, his tone softening. He opened one of the medical texts up as he walked over to his desk. “So, out with it. What do you need to tell me?” 

Maybe he should wait after all? Noé shook his head, no, he had to tell him tonight. So he walked over to the desk, turning the chair Vanitas had just taken a seat in towards him as he knelt down in front of him. 

“Huh? What are you doing?” Vanitas seemed thrown off by his behavior, like a spooked cat.

He took Vanitas's hand away from the book, holding it as he took a deep breath. “You said I've been acting strange, and you're right, you see, yesterday I went to Altus and had tea with Jeanne, we talked about you.”

Vanitas tensed up. “Huh? So you're saying the real reason you failed to go to the doctor was because you were talking about me over tea with Jeanne?” He looked baffled like the information wasn't quite making sense.

“Well, she was the one talking, I mainly listened. But I couldn't stand hearing her speak of you like that. It left me seething with jealousy, I realized something in that moment. I finally understood what this emotion is…” He squeezed Vanitas's gloved hand, cradling it in his grasp like it was precious. 

“Vanitas, I-”

“Monsieur Noé?” It was Amelia's voice. She knocked on the door, cutting off his words. 

The timing couldn't be worse. 

“We're busy” He replied from his spot on the floor.

“Oh… Sorry you came in such a hurry I didn't have time to give you the key to your new room, and you've had a guest waiting for you for several hours.” 

Huh? Oh, the room that Orlock insisted on? Vanitas was quirking an eyebrow at him. But a guest? Well, he didn't have time for company right now, he'd need to tell them he's busy. Wait, was it Domi? Or maybe someone from work, considering he ditched the past week?

He opened the door and saw that his mystery guest wasn't Domi, it was Jeanne. Amelia smiled and placed the key in Noé's hand. “Here, it's the fourth room on the second floor. If you need anything, I'll be downstairs.” With that, she let them be.

Vanitas jumped out of his seat, covering his face with his hand as if that would prevent her from seeing him shaking nervously. 

Huh? 

Her golden eyes locked with his for only a moment, she let herself into their room, looking around at the interior. That's right, he had agreed to her duel, and she said she would come visit him in Paris when she was next available. Except now she was gazing right past him, looking straight at Vanitas. 

“Vanitas…! I hope you've been well!” 

Like always, Jeanne glowed, her smile so warm. As she spoke Vanitas's name, he could hear the affection dripping from it. 

Vanitas was petrified behind him, it was much like the reaction from earlier at the fountain and… 

That fear was still present.

“Good evening, Jeanne.” Vanitas forced out from behind him, clearing his throat, he clenched the side of Noé's suit jacket.

Noé found himself mesmerized by the reaction. He becomes rather demure momentarily until he regains his bearings. Noé sparkled at the revelation, it was incredibly cute, he hoped he'd be able to fluster Vanitas many times in the future.

“Are you alright, Vanitas?” She leaned to get a better view, and just like that, Vanitas snapped upright and untangled himself from Noé. 

“Yes! Why, I'm perfectly fine.” He spoke higher than normally, and his eyebrow was twitching awkwardly. Unfortunately for Vanitas, there was no hiding the redness of his cheeks.

“I see, that's good.” There was an intensity in her stare that left Noé feeling like he needed to stay between these two, or something was going to happen. 

So that's exactly what he did, he took a step forward, and that got the woman's attention. Jeanne wiped the smile away, already getting down to business. She looked at Noé's healed arm, no longer in its sling. “I see you've prepared yourself.”

Noé nodded. “I have.” But… He didn't want to have a duel right now. He supposed he couldn't refuse, he'd already agreed to this. And right now, as it stands, she's his rival for Vanitas's affection. He should uphold his duel with her first before pursuing Vanitas. But What if he ruined his new clothes? Or messed up his hair? 

Vanitas blinked. “Huh?” His eyes darted back and forth between the two vampires as if he were trying to make sense of this. 

“Then let's be on our way before dark.” 

“Yes!” Noé hesitated to leave Vanitas's side, but it had to be done. “I promise I'll explain everything later, please rest and wait for me here.” His hand lingered on Vanitas's shoulder for a moment, those wide, pure blue eyes looking so confused. 

If he could, Noé would have kissed his forehead. He knew he didn't have permission to kiss him yet. Hopefully, by the end of the night, Vanitas will permit it.

“Wait a minute! Hold on, where are you two going?” Vanitas followed them out the door.

Noé blushed, he looked at Jeanne, he couldn't really explain until after his confession. “Well… It's a private matter. I promise we won't be long.” If Vanitas questioned much more, he'd have to tell him right here. 

“I've asked for the whole night off, so please wait for me.” Jeanne enthusiastically added in. The man flinched at that. Noé could see the hunger in her eyes, devouring Vanitas as if he were her dinner. 

He had to separate these two, now.

Perhaps it was rude of him, but he grabbed Jeanne's wrist and started running. Without another word, she let out a small gasp but allowed Noé to lead her out of the hotel. Once they were in the street, Noé released her hand. “I apologize for taking your hand so suddenly.”

Jeanne, however, seemed content in her own regard. “It's alright, the sooner we settle this, the better.” 

After walking a little, they quickly realized neither one of them had any clue where they were going. Noé couldn't imagine the busy streets being a good place for a duel either. 

A warm, delicious, and buttery scent wafting from a small bakery on the corner stopped them both dead in their tracks.

Jeanne's stomach rumbled, and that's how they found themselves seated, ordering almost half the dessert on the menu. Turns out they shared more than their taste in obnoxious men, they enjoyed the same foods, too.

“It's perfect! You have to try this tarte!” Noé enthused as he cut off another chunk of it. They'd split a lot of the desserts and picked off the bites they wanted, that way, they could both sample as many different dishes as possible. 

Jeanne really was a force to be reckoned with, if Noé didn't get the first bite, there would often be nothing left, he'd never met anyone who could eat so fast!

It was a peaceful moment, and Noé was enjoying it, but there was still some unease weighing on him. 

Suddenly, the woman's head shot up, her nose twitched. She looked around from side to side. 

“Is something the matter, Jeanne?” Noé set down his fork. 

“Vanitas?” She got up out of her chair and dashed out the door.

Huh?

Vanitas? 

His eyes narrowed, Noé watched as Jeanne ran across the street. He didn't see Vanitas anywhere, though, why would he be here? She walked over to a man seated at a table, hiding behind a newspaper. The man in question got up out of his chair and tried to discreetly tiptoe away, Jeanne grabbed him by the arm. 

The paper fell away, it was Vanitas after all. 

Noé couldn't hear a thing from here, how could she even tell that it was him? He tried smelling the air intently, but even with his vampiric sense of smell, all Noé could pick up was the various desserts at their table. 

That's incredible, she was really able to smell him from all the way over there? Noé had no idea something like that was possible! If he had the ability to do that, he'd ensure Vanitas never got lost again.

But that still didn't answer why Vanitas followed them. Shouldn't he be at home taking a nap like he said he would? 

After talking outside for a minute, Jeanne dragged the human by the arm into the bakery with them. While Jeanne looked like she'd just regained her energy, Vanitas looked utterly defeated.

“You followed us? Shouldn't you be resting?” Noé asked as he got up and pulled a chair out for him. 

Vanitas looked somewhat dazed. He muttered a simple yeah before taking a seat and turned away, refusing to look at either of them.

Jeanne stifled a chuckle. “I was surprised myself, Vanitas wanted to see where we were going.”

“I didn't..! I was just there by chance.” His hand was shaking, an obvious lie. 

Noé supposed he could let that slide, after all, it meant he got to spend more time with him.

“I'm amazed, to think you could smell Vanitas from across the street..! I had no idea your sense of smell was that strong, can you show me how to do that too?” Noé commented although he was unable to tear his eyes away from Vanitas for now. 

Jeanne scooped up some Crème brûlée onto her spoon. “There's no reason to be amazed. It’s not a skill that I can pass on, it's a part of my nature.” She smiled and brought the spoon to Vanitas's lips. “Would you like a bite, Vanitas?” 

Vanitas shook his head. “No.” He meekly muttered while staring at the floor.

“Your nature?” He tilted his head to the side. 

Jeanne ate the rejected bite of dessert, savoring every morsel of it. “Well, I'm an alpha, I can easily track my own mark.” She stated it so naturally, as if it was declaring the weather.

Noé and Vanitas both froze. 

An alpha? Noé's throat felt awfully dry, his mind started to wander.

‘Jeanne’, Vanitas’s needy plea in his delirium, he’d been calling out for Jeanne because she's not only an alpha, she's marked and claimed him herself. Teacher had said it was unlikely a male omega would go into heat without an alpha's interference. That means she's the one responsible for sending Vanitas into heat in the first place. 

Vanitas's mouth fell open. His cheeks were still flushed, but the genuine surprise was evident. 

“Am I an alpha too?” Noé asked the desperate thought out loud, he knew less about alphas than he did omegas. But by some small chance, maybe he also was one. He took care of Vanitas just fine through his heat after all, right?

Jeanne blinked, she leaned in close, her face just inches away from Noé's as she took a deep breath. “You don't smell like one to me. Do you think you are one?” 

Noé looked back at Vanitas, who seemed absolutely lost in this discussion. “Well, no, I suppose it’s just wishful thinking… What does an alpha smell like?” 

“Bitter, but only if you’re an alpha yourself, it's unpleasant to be in another alpha's presence for long.” She recounted, twirling her spoon before diving back in.

“You can tell by scent..? Then.. What does an omega smell like?” The words came out without thinking.

“Hey-!” Vanitas kicked him under the table nervously. 

Oh, that's right, Vanitas doesn't want anyone to know. Honestly, Noé didn't want Jeanne to know the truth either, but it's not like she'd be able to tell, right? He anxiously grabbed the crepe off the table and took a bite.

“I've never met one myself, but I heard they smell sweet. Incomparably so… I'd imagine they'd smell similar to Vanitas.” She tapped her chin, gazing dreamily as the thought fluttered through her mind.

Noé choked on his crepe. She's too close! He needs to change the topic, now.

“Are you alright?” She looked incredibly worried, and Noé raised a hand, signaling he was fine. 

“Yes, I'm fine.” If she knew Vanitas was an omega, then things would definitely end up more complicated than it was before. Regardless of this, it meant without a doubt that he himself was a beta. After all, Jeanne smelled sweet to him, not bitter. He was certain there was more to it than that anyway, if he had been born an alpha, he would have known years ago. Teacher would have told him too. 

Was he forcing himself between them? Was his actions selfish? The thought came in like a cruel whisper. An omega like Vanitas was probably better off with an alpha like Jeanne. Hadn’t teacher even alluded to that? Noé didn't know, deep down, he didn't want to know. For now, he was going to brush the anxious thoughts away and protect Vanitas's secret!

“Um, well… Oh! It looks like we’ve almost finished everything.” It was the first thing he could think of aside from omegas and Vanitas. “Do you want another dessert?” 

Vanitas's shoulders relaxed in relief that the topic was being shifted from secondary genders. 

But why was Vanitas looking at Jeanne like that, as if he was studying her. Noé couldn't help but wonder. 

Would Vanitas prefer him if he was an alpha?

“Yes, I suppose I would like another dessert. But I'll need to ask Vanitas for it first.” The woman got out of her seat and picked Vanitas up, holding him in a bridal carry similar to the one Noé had envisioned earlier. Her eyes momentarily flashed red, then gold, exposing her craving for the human's blood. “You look tired, shall I carry you back?”

What? Noé shot up out of his chair, the thought of Jeanne drinking Vanitas's blood left him seething with envy. “Absolutely not.”

That seemed to snap Vanitas out of it. “What-wait what?! Jeanne wait! I can walk by myself!” 

“I want to carry him too.” Noé chimed in, by this point, all the other patrons in the bakery were staring at them. 

“Neither of you are carrying me anywhere!” Vanitas wiggled out of Jeanne’s grasp and dashed out the door.  

And there he went, Vanitas was running towards home at least. So, hopefully, that meant he'd take a nap like he was supposed to. 

“I'm sorry, I said I wouldn't court him in front of you, yet I broke my word.” She gave him an apologetic bow. “I found it incredibly hard to contain myself around him.” Jeanne added somewhat sheepishly after the fact, she blushed and fidgeted with her hands. 

Now, that was something Noé understood completely. “It's alright. I understand the feeling.” He smiled at her, and the woman seemed to brighten up again. “I hope he rests this time.” Noé stated with a sigh. Honestly, more than anything, he wanted to follow Vanitas back right now, if Vanitas was going to sleep… Noé wanted it to be in his arms. “Shall we finish this quickly?” 

Jeanne nodded, her eyes not leaving Vanitas's retreating figure until he was out of sight.

Noé quickly paid for all the desserts they'd ordered and left the Cafe together, the sunset and the street lights lit up, it really was the city of light. 

The lighthearted mood they'd found at the bakery slowly dissipated, making way for silence as they walked until reaching a clearing by the river, away from the populace of Paris. They were reliant on moonlight for sight. Noé turned around and faced her, she was strong, no doubt, but not as strong as his teacher. 

He could do this, couldn't he? 

Jeanne didn't have Carpe Diem either. The woman stretched her arms out and got into a fighting stance, her eyes glowing red as she enhanced her strength using the world formula. The moonlight was sparkling on the water behind her. 

Noé gulped, he'd always been good at assessing his opponents, but Jeanne was hard for him to deal with. He remembered their first encounter during that battle, and he flinched. It had only been for just a moment, but that one second of unpreparedness had cost him that fight and resulted in him getting slammed into a wall.

No matter what, he couldn't flinch this time. 

Noé closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. He could do this. “How far are we taking this?” 

Jeanne thought about it for a moment, clutching her hand over her heart. “As long as I have breath, I will not back down.” 

“I'm not fighting you to the death Jeanne… Perhaps until one of us loses their footing?” Noé was realizing he truly didn't want to fight Jeanne at all. The thought of harming a lady went against what he'd been taught, so how was he supposed to do this?

“Very well. Now, on my count.” She stated plainly, honing herself as her lips parted. 

“Un” Noé got into a battle stance. Wait, something was weird… 

“Deux” His heartbeat was going wild. He blinked, what was this? He'd never seen anything like this before- inside her eyes shined countless lines of world formula. 

What?

“Trois” He started altering the world formula himself, for the most part, the formulaic world looked the same, but… Jeanne was different! He could see exactly what she'd done, her right arm's power had been amplified tenfold. Noé didn't have time to think of it. He made the gravity around his feet lighter, he'd need agility, if he could just get behind her and hit the back of her legs he could knock her down without a fight.

The astermite-powered street light in the distance looked different too.

Jeanne charged at him, her red eyes going comically wide as if she were thrown off guard. Her swing missed, she was looking at Noé with utter confusion. 

“Your eyes…” 

His eyes? Was something wrong with them after all? Jeanne threw another punch, He ducked down and swung out his leg, hoping to knock her off her feat. 

She jumped back just in time, propelling herself back, her boots dragging on the ground as she slowed herself. 

“What about them?” Noé asked back as he went on full defense. 

Jeanne was fast, her movements showed countless years of experience in battle. He didn't want to hurt her, but if he holds back at all, it's obvious he'll lose. 

“They’re glowing blue.” 

“What?” He was genuinely shocked by the information. He'd known he'd joined Vanitas’s clan but he hadn't anticipated it would affect him like this. Well, that's mostly a cosmetic concern, how else would this affect him?

As Jeanne almost landed a punch against him, Noé realized this was not the time or place to be worrying about it. She chased him as Noé backed up, ducking and dodging each swing. She stayed one step behind as they continued their dance.

Looking face to face, Noé found himself mesmerized. He couldn't tear his eyes away, Noé quickly altered the formula of her legs, making them heavier than before. 

Jeanne gasped and got in a defensive position, she looked rather confused. She let out an exclamation of shock as she struggled to undo the gravity manipulation on her legs, while her eyes were busy, Noé took the opportunity to close the distance. But was thrown off by a sudden kick to the gut. He stumbled a few steps back into the water.

The force was far greater than anything he'd anticipated, Noé groaned as he held his side and coughed. 

What..? He looked at her formula, she hadn't been able to undo the gravity alteration, she simply increased her own strength to compensate for it. 

Incredible.

“You agreed to a duel! Fight me seriously” Jeanne shouted as she charged at him, each step indenting the ground as she started swinging.

The moon illuminated them from behind as his shoes filled. The water splashed loudly beneath them both as she chased him into the river. By this point the legs of his pants were soaked to his calf.

While staring into her eyes, he wished for her to stop, as he thought that, Jeanne flinched. 

“What are you doing? Was that you!?” She seemed startled, Noé had no idea what she was even talking about. 

The more he looked, the deeper he realized this went. It was like he could see the formulaic makeup of her entirely. It was so beautiful, as if she were made up of twinkling stars. It went beyond enhancing the outside of a physical body, he'd never seen formula inside someone's eyes like this. The sight left him mesmerized. 

The vibrant glow in the center of her looked almost as if it were distorted, in Noé's opinion it looked out of place, like it didn't belong when everything else was so radiant. It was the wrong color, too dark, the more he stared into it, the more captivated he became. He hadn't even realized Jeanne reached out and grabbed his arm.

No. 

The world seemed to slow down, there wasn't anything he could do. She'd slam him into the water at this angle.

He was going to lose. 

He thought of Vanitas's rosy cheeks once more. No, he couldn't lose here, he couldn't! Noé didn't know what he was doing, but he looked into her formula. Something, there had to be something he could do to make her lose balance, anything! 

A blue glow surrounded them both, he was doing something. Jeanne let out a gasp, her eyes wide. Noé didn't know what he was doing, but he was definitely doing something. 

But before he could do anything more, he felt a sudden shock. It felt like electricity was running through his veins, he knew this feeling. Jeanne gasped as she also found herself paralyzed, she dropped Noé into the water, barely maintaining her footing on one knee.

Noé fell into the river. 

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?!?” It was Vanitas, he ran unto the scene in a panic, book in hand with wild eyes. The blue glow around the book faded as Noé and Jeanne regained control of their bodies.

She didn't say anything more to Noé, she gave him a bittersweet glance as she got out of the water and walked over to Vanitas slowly. 

“Explain, both of you! I finally catch up with you again and you're at each other's throats?!”

He'd lost..?

His reflection stared back at him in the water, his eyes glowed blue until he stopped altering the formula, and they returned to the same lilac they'd always been. His hair, which had been perfectly styled, was now ruined. His clothes were soaked. This wasn't how he'd hoped the night would go at all. 

“It's alright, we needed to settle something ourselves, you were following us again?” Jeanne asked him curiously. He could see her fangs extending as her nose twitched. She got far too close to him like she was resisting the urge to scoop him up and carry him away this moment.

Noé didn't want to think about it.

He picked himself up and trudged out of the water. Vanitas looked over at him, the bags under his eyes deep and purple. He looked exhausted and unwell. 

“You should be resting at home.” Noé finally got the words out. Jeanne turned to look at him, Vanitas made a tch and took personal offense with that comment. 

“Let's talk.” Vanitas grabbed him by the ear and started dragging him away from the clearing. 

“Ow! Vanitas, that hurts!” Noé complained as he was pulled away from the river. The water soaking his clothes dripped on Vanitas, getting him wet too. 

Vanitas's lips were pursed thin, he let out a huff as he released Noé’s red ear. 

“What were you thinking?!” Vanitas unloaded on him “You know you're a member of the Blue Moon clan! You could have killed her or worse! Do you have any idea how reckless you were being!?”

He'd almost killed her? How? The thought terrified him! Noé didn't know, he had no idea, he still didn’t even know what the power was! “What…? Why are you only telling me this now? I could have seriously hurt her?” That reality was setting in for him, how? He needed to know. 

“Of course you idiot! You should know better than meddling with formulas you don't understand!” 

Noé didn't know, he still didn't know because, like always, Vanitas wasn't telling him what he needed to know “You should have warned me! You're always doing this, you leave out important information when it directly involves me!” Vanitas should have just told him what being a part of the Blue Moon clan entailed.

“I've never actually marked anyone, let alone a vampire! I wasn't sure and I've already told you I hate baseless conjecture!” Vanitas defended himself.

Yes, he'd heard the man say that before, but it was no excuse, even if it was just a hunch he needed to at least warn him of the possibility. 

What if he'd accidentally harmed her?

“That's not an excuse! I can't do anything if you keep me in the dark. Why is that so difficult for you to understand?” Noé was tired too, this wasn't fair. Why was this all his fault? Why did Vanitas always have to make everything so difficult? 

“Keeping you in the dark? What about me?! You planned an entire date with Jeanne, you bought another room! When were you planning on telling me any of this?!” Vanitas fumed and stomped his foot. 

A date? With Jeanne? Did Vanitas think he was trying to woo her? Hasn't he been making his intentions clear? It was frustrating! He even picked out clothes specifically in his favorite color. “I don't know if you're being willfully ignorant or-”

“Oh that's rich coming from you! You could be crowned king of willful ignorance!” Vanitas sneered, not even letting him finish his sentence. 

“IT WASN'T A DATE! IT WAS A DUEL!” Noé shouted over him, causing Vanitas to stumble back. He saw no other way to get Vanitas to listen. “If you'd just stop for a moment and listen to me then I could actually explain!”

“A duel?” Vanitas blinked. “Why the hell did you even plan a duel with Jeanne in the first place, what could you possibly be fighting over?” 

“YOU!” Noé took a step forward, pointing his finger and pressing it against Vanitas’s chest while the man took a step back. 

He looked like a malfunctioning automaton, as if the words weren't processing in his head. 

“We were fighting over you.” Noé repeated it, driving the point home so there was no way Vanitas could avoid it. 

“Huh?” The human's lip trembled for a moment his face was filled with disbelief, which Vanitas quickly shoved back down to make way for anger. “Don't be ridiculous! Fighting over me?! Do you honestly expect me to believe that?!” Vanitas recoiled from him as if he'd been burned.

“Yes. What's so ridiculous about it?” Noé was starting to get nervous as he noticed the shift from anger into some dark emotion, something Noé couldn't quite place. What was that face? 

Vanitas spat the word out, his lips curled. “Everything!” His breath hitched, and his hands curled into fists at his sides. “You don't even like me, so don't act like there's anything more going on between us!” 

Noé had said that last week… But that was then, things changed. Right now he truly loved Vanitas, even if he was being difficult. “You're wrong. Maybe that was true before, but things have changed-” Noé reached out a comforting hand.

“Nothing's changed!” Vanitas shouted, cutting him off. He slapped Noé's hand away harshly.

Something was wrong.

Noé didn't know where this level of desperation was coming from. It sounded so strained like Vanitas was clinging to that. 

“It has, I know I said that but Vanitas, I-”

“But what? We're strangers. That's all we are, and you know it.” 

“You're wrong!” Noé shook his head, that wasn't true, Vanitas's words were cutting deeper, there was so much he didn't know, but that wasn’t the point. “I may not know your past but I know you Vanitas, I've known you intimately, and I know the man you are now. You cannot deny that!”  

“Shut up! You know nothing about me!” 

“I DO! I do know you! And I genuinely love you!”

“STOP! YOU DON'T LOVE ME, YOU DON’T EVEN KNOW ME! AND I DON'T LOVE YOU EITHER!” The guttural scream burst forth quickly, desperate, forced, and wrong. Vanitas covered his ears.

The words made the air heavy, it was suffocating. Noé couldn't speak, only stare.

Oh.

The daydreams, the dates he'd envisioned, kissing Vanitas under the moonlight after a romantic dinner. The happily ever after where he'd whisk Vanitas away to the woods of Averoigne. Waking up next to Vanitas's sweet sleeping face every morning, his lover nestled in his arms. All of those dreams that once brought him such joy were souring, turning bitter on his tongue.

Was that all they'd ever be? Dreams? 

He'd let his hopes get ahead of him like a child. A warm drop slid down his cheek, he blinked, and another fell. 

Noé wiped it away, a dumbfounded look set on his naive face. 

He was crying?

His lilac eyes wide as he dried the tears only for more to fall, blurring his vision. He couldn't stop them.

“Why are you crying...?” Now it was Vanitas who looked surprised, he went pale.

That's a good question. Why was he crying? Had he forced his ideals onto the human again? Was he being let down by his own expectations?

“Because I really do love you...” He didn't know what else to say, he genuinely didn’t know how to handle this. This wasn't how he'd hoped his confession would go at all.

Vanitas stared blankly, “That's impossible.” His voice cracked. “You can't possibly love someone like me.”

Huh? 

Impossible? Someone like him? He didn't understand. Did Vanitas not believe him? Why didn't he believe him?

“Why not?” He asked, swallowing hard. Why was it so hard to speak?

“Because it's utterly revolting…!” Vanitas shook his head, he sounded unsteady, and his lip trembled as he clenched his coat and backed away.

Revolting.

Then he latched onto that word, revolting. Was that why? It was revolting? 

No, Vanitas wasn't talking about him.

His insecurities were trying to convince him otherwise. Just like his dream last night, Vanitas found his affection revolting, this was exactly what he'd been afraid of. The rejection permeated deeper, tainting everything it touched, his judgment, the sweet memories. Noé didn't like this feeling, he didn't want it to spread further. 

“You're being cruel, Vanitas.” His throat felt dry, but he had nothing else to say, it felt childish to say it. While this was his own fault for allowing his expectations to get ahead of him, there was no reason for Vanitas to scream at him or reject him so harshly. Why was he denying Noé's own feelings? Why doesn't he believe him? Noé didn't understand any of it.

“Cruel…” Vanitas repeated it back.

Why does Vanitas look so… unstable? So broken? All he had said was that he loved him, so why did he look hurt too?

He thought of the broken cup, leaking and unable to hold any water. 

Was this what Johann had been trying to tell him?

Noé sniffled and wiped his nose.

Jeanne rushed back into sight. “I heard yelling, Is everything alright?” She asked as she took her place by Vanitas's side, looking between the two men with confusion. Upon noticing Noé's tears, her expression softened.

“No, I'm not alright.” Noé answered honestly. He was trying to think, trying to make sense of Vanitas. This was his first time being rejected like this. But the insecurities were trying to overtake his scrambled thoughts. Vanitas didn't want him, Jeanne could take care of him better, he's just standing in the way. 

Those weren't insecurities, they were facts, he'd been too naive, too optimistic.

He's a man of his word, he should honor it and leave them be. 

No, there's no way he can make peace with that.

He loves him. 

But Vanitas doesn't feel the same. 

Revolting.

He gave Jeanne his word, he lost the duel. 

Shouldn't he go then? He has no right to stay.

No.

But it's for the best if he does. 

Is it really?

He didn't know, at the very least, he wanted to be alone right now. Vanitas didn't say anything more. He wasn't sure if that was a blessing or curse. 

No… That's wrong, despite everything he wanted to hear from him. More than anything, he just wanted to understand him.

Please explain yourself, Vanitas.

The silence was suffocating, and Noé was almost out of air. He couldn't take any more of it. He didn't know what to do, but he wasn't going to get the answer if he stood around here.

“I have to go.” He stated it blankly, or perhaps not so blankly at all. His voice wavered, it didn't sound like he'd intended. 

So Noé turned on his heels and ran.

Chapter Text

Impossible? Love?

Noé was in love with him? 

Those wide all too innocent eyes stared at him and started to cry. 

No. 

That's impossible. Why would anyone love a person like him? He was in a state of shock, this did not make sense. It went against everything he knew to be true. A good man like Noé couldn't possibly love him. 

He was too stunned to do anything. Noé ran away, Vanitas didn't stop him, he couldn’t bring himself to do anything. 

“What happened…? Why is Noé crying?” Jeanne was here, she sounded concerned.

Vanitas turned to face her, lost. He had no words.

“Are you alright? Shall we sit down for a moment?” She led him to the nearest bench, her arm supporting his back as they walked and took a seat. 

It couldn’t be true, a man like Noé could never. It’s utterly impossible, he must be misunderstanding. “Jeanne, what were you doing with Noé tonight?” He stared at the ground, his voice shaking. 

She hesitated in her answer. “A duel, it was something we had to sort out amongst ourselves.” 

“Over me?” Disbelief, the last word too airy, he clenched his fists. 

“Yes.” 

She didn't deny it, no, she outright confirmed it, like it hadn't flipped his whole world upside-down. This isn't possible, he knew for a fact Jeanne would never love him either. It's why he approached her in the first place.

“Is that why he ran off…? I was concerned when I heard you both yelling.” Now, she looked like the guilty party. “Somehow this outcome isn't as sweet as I hoped.” 

“He said he's in love with me.” She'd understand, right? Just how atrociously ridiculous that statement is. Noé can't be in love with him.

She examined him, carefully eyeing Vanitas's condition. “... And what did you say to him?”

“I told him he's not, he couldn't possibly love me.” On second thought, he shouldn't be having this conversation. Especially with Jeanne. “The thought of anyone loving me, I can't bear it.”

Her eyes went wide as she sat there staring, Vanitas felt like he was under heavy scrutiny. “I love you.” A clear statement.

Huh?

“I'm certain of my feelings. I faced Noé in battle, I can attest he's serious too.” She grabbed his wrist and leaned in close. Vanitas backed up, and she followed. He was almost lying against the wood at this point. 

“Do you doubt my feelings as well?” She pulled at his bow, unraveling it. “Shall I prove them to you?” Jeanne crawled over him until his back was pressed firmly against the bench. 

Scary! This woman is intense, more than he'd expected. He was in over his head! Vanitas shielded his face with his hands after his attempt to scoot away failed. “Wait! Jeanne, we-we're in public!” 

“No one's around.”

“THAT'S NOT THE POINT!” 

Terrifying, he'd seriously underestimated her. What was with them!? Jeanne and Noé both had no common sense when it came to personal boundaries! Somehow, the sudden threat knocked some sense back into him.

“Why not? Do you want to go after him?”

He did. He wanted to go after Noé.

Her advance halted, and she sat upright, a realization. “Something happened between you two.”

Don't make him say it.

“I noticed, Noé's been bathed in your scent more so than ever… I thought it was because you share a room, but that's not it, is it?” 

He could lie to her. “Yes.” He could, but he won't. He'd caused enough damage for one night. 

“... What happened?” 

He can’t say he's an omega, he'd have to explain what happened with Moreau. 

“Do you love him?”

He can't. Lately, Noé's the only thing on his mind. Vanitas squeezed his eyes shut. “No… I can't.” 

“Can't?”

“Jeanne, please, don't say anymore, I'm already past my limit.” He was exhausted, he hadn't slept in two days. Vanitas couldn't take this, couldn't think it through. 

“... Alright.” Her eyes turned red. “May I at least have your blood tonight?” 

He nodded. If it meant she'd stop asking questions, he'd give her anything. He felt her fangs pierce his neck, the remainder of his energy sucked out with his blood. 

Noé.

~~~

What is love?

You asked the wrong guy.

As if he knew. His parents were dead, it's not like he got unconditional love from them. The church? Don't make him laugh, all they did was use him. Love? He never felt an ounce of it from their oh so ‘loving’ establishment. 

Luna was kind, though, it threw him off. It's not like that vampire had anything to gain from giving him an extra blanket on a cold night. Mikhail was a mess, but sometimes he'd laugh and smile like a normal kid. For a while, Vanitas thought it might just mean something.

But in the end, all they left him with was pain, and that said enough. 

Whatever love was, it wasn't for him. 

So what the hell was wrong with him now? 

The symptoms started right after Jeanne bit him in Gévaudan. His face felt hot, his chest constricted, palpitations were unstoppable. 

Worst of all, he couldn't get her out of his head. 

Was he cursed? Sick? 

He wasn't up to dealing with Noé. Luckily for him, the dense vampire took the hint and left for treatment in Altus. He was sick, but the hotel was quiet at least, it made reading his medical books easier. It must be a curse, there's no sickness that would cause Jeanne to constantly be on his mind.

And then everything took a turn for the worse. 

He couldn't think, his temperature rose, a fever. So he put away his books and focused on treating the symptoms at hand. A diagnosis would have to wait. 

A cup of water wasn't enough, he was sweating profusely. His body ached, a normal symptom of a fever, but the chills that wracked him to his core weren't. 

He'd been sick a handful of times, but a fever had never hit him like this. His consciousness was waning, he couldn't keep his eyes open. He could hardly think. 

It's not like he expected to live long anyway, this had always been inevitable. He'd made peace with that long ago. 

Everything past that was a blur. He didn't know how much time had passed. The next thing he knew, he was naked, painfully hard in Noé's arms, in the middle of some sketch back alley quack practice with a thermometer in his mouth and slick leaking from his ass. 

Naturally, he freaked out. 

An omega, Noé told him he was an omega. 

Like the stupid princess from the stupid fairy tale Mikhail would have him read. 

Impossible. He's a human, he can't be an omega, he's not a woman, he's not even a vampire!

The substance leaking from him was lubricative. He touched it, the area was beyond sensitive. 

Oh, he was going to murder Moreau for this. Tear him limb from limb and ensure he dies a slow and painful death.

Unbelievable, impossible, this could not get any worse.

He hardly knew anything about omegas, they were all dead, and a heat sounded like an awful way to die. 

An awful, humiliating, and degrading way to die. 

To make matters worse he had an all too chivalrous, innocent country bumpkin holding him like his life depended on it. Technically, it did.

Honestly, he'd rather die. He'd rather die than succumb to this like a bitch in heat, he wasn't stupid, but Noé sure as hell was. Mates? Why did Noé even let him bite him in the first place?!

That was another problem entirely. He marked Noé, that idiot didn't even realize what he'd done. Vanitas of all people knew how serious that was. Noé would be counted as a vampire of the blue moon clan, he'd live with the consequences his entire life. 

Maybe, honestly, the mark might vanish when he dies. 

Vanitas hoped he'd be so lucky. 

They left the doctor's office, got back to their place, and Noé wouldn't leave him be. 

He was in pain, his cock ached from being hard for hours on end, his body desperate to be filled in a way he never thought he'd desire.

And Noé's presence was a growing temptation. A fantasy or a means of release. Everything about Noé was exuding sex, he must be delusional. Noé's always been handsome, ladies fawn over him, and he's none the wiser. He's equally as clueless to Vanitas lusting over him right now.

It wasn't long until he reached his breaking point. He was ready to give up, and once again, that idiot's refusal ignited something in him. Try? Why? That'd just delay the inevitable.

He didn't want to go through with this heat, he didn't want any of this. He'd never admit it, but he was scared. Terrified, this shouldn't be happening, he didn't want anyone to see him in such a pathetic state. 

But Noé's ignorant refusal of the inevitable gave him some twisted form of hope. 

Maybe he could get through this. Would it be worth it? Doubtful, but he supposed he'd try.

Scents hadn't meant much to him before, but now Noé's was like medicine, he needed it. Noé didn't question him when he asked for his coat or his sweater. Vanitas selfishly surrounded himself with them. Instincts were weird.

It wasn't enough. 

He couldn't think, couldn't even feed himself, it was pathetic, beyond pathetic, it was laughable. 

Noé was hard, too, he could feel him through his pajama bottoms. So tempting, Vanitas had never felt so aroused, so desperate. 

He couldn't take it anymore.

Vanitas figured he'd scare him off, give him a taste of his own medicine. If he was going to shamelessly spoon him all night, Vanitas might as well take advantage of it and give into his primal urges for a second.

So he kissed him, which should have knocked some sense into Noé, payback for tempting him endlessly for hours. He regretted it instantly cause now all he wanted was more. 

Noé doubled down, he was willing and ‘ready to help’ in any way he could. That fool didn't even know what to do next, and he'd rather die than ask Noé to put his cock inside him. 

No. He's wrong. 

He's wrong, and that scared him even more. 

Unfortunately for him, Noé took things far too literally. He impaled him, no warning, just dropped him. He felt the stretch, the sudden burn as the vampire slipped in. Vanitas could hardly breathe. 

Vanitas didn't expect Noé to feel this thick, this hot, to feel every vein, the slightest twitch. He'd always known he was highly sensitive, but this was too much. To think, he'd be taking another man inside him as his first sexual encounter. 

And it's Noé of all people. 

He pushed himself up, trying to sit, to gain some control over the situation. Wrong move, just that small shift alone overwhelmed him. He grit his teeth, attempting to hold back a moan. 

Unbelievable.

“Are you hurt? Should I pull out? I'm sorry Vanitas… I should have known better than to listen to you.” 

Noé needed a better filter, that man doesn't have one at all. He punched his chest, but it didn't even do anything. “Shut up!” Vanitas hated being looked down on. 

He'd prove him wrong. So he bucked his hips, see? He's fine, he can handle this much.

Big mistake.

Vanitas immediately slapped a hand over his mouth, stifling the cry. Good, why did it feel so good? Crap, at this rate he won't be able to control himself. He's not ready to relinquish the ounce of control he does have.

He's too scared to let go. 

So he ground their hips together, small, simple movements. It took all his presence of mind to keep him in check. He could manage this. Noé let out a loud moan, too loud for Vanitas's comfort. 

And then Noé bucked, his cock hitting a spot that changed everything. He whimpered. Unbelievable, he made that sound? How was he supposed to deal with this?! It was intense, Vanitas clenched around him. 

“You're incredible…” Sickeningly sweet. Noé's sugary words were going to make him sick. 

Incredible? No, he's not special. Don't say that. 

“I had no idea you'd feel so perfect… So wet, so tight and warm..” 

Huh?! No, this guy…! He didn't want to hear that! He didn't!

Stupid voice, he didn't trust himself to not make a pathetic sound, he couldn't even respond. He was picked up, dropped, impaled again. He had ears, he could hear the slick squelch himself. Noé didn't need to remind him. He bit his lip to keep in the sounds of pleasure, lowered his head to hide his face. Shameful.

The pace was set, Noé lifted and lowered him, repeating the motion. Within seconds, Vanitas was on the brink, his breaths ragged, he had no control.

He trembled, another drop, one more time. His leg twitched. Too much, his vision blanked out, he craned his neck, the pleasure was unlike anything he'd ever felt. 

His semen spurted on his chest, not that he had time to care when Noé flipped him over and proceeded to rail his oversensitive body into overstimulation. 

“What?” He finally said something, for a moment, all thoughts of shame were gone. “Noé…! Wha-” His vision was blurring, he couldn't hold back the moans. What was he doing to him? Vanitas couldn't think. 

“Your voice… I never noticed how beautiful it was.” 

Beautiful- huh?!

Vanitas grabbed the sheets beneath for dear life. Noé's thrusts getting faster, his mind useless, instincts begging for more. 

“Ah…! Too-” His words were cut off by a brutal thrust to his prostate. A tongue running on his bare chest, the wet saliva leaving his nipple cold after Noé pulled back. 

More. He needed more. His mouth fell open, he called out Noé's name and didn't even recognize it. All thoughts were gone. Vanitas came again, a shudder, spurting out more between them while Noé shouted his name. 

“Vanitas!” 

He laid there, head empty, coming back to himself slowly. Noé was heavy, his cock buried and leaking in his ass, his face buried in his neck. 

He wasn't even worried about him biting.

Instincts were weird. 

“Amazing, you're absolutely amazing, Vanitas.”

Vanitas didn't want to look at him, he felt weird. Everything was weird but not bad. Far from it, that's the problem.

“Vanitas?”

Vanitas hid from him, this was stupid, he didn't understand this. Unbelievable! Why was his face so hot?! What was this feeling? His emotions were all out of whack. Was it the hormones?

“Hey, Vanitas?” And then Noé's body weight was gone. He moved Vanitas like a ragdoll and spooned him. 

This guy…! He still wasn't pulling out!

It's so stupid, he should want him out. It's over, already. He should want him gone. But he didn't want Noé to leave, and that scared him.

“... What?” he grumbled. 

“Did you like it?” Such insecurity. Give him a break already, Vanitas wasn't going to answer that. Admit that he liked it? He hasn't even come to terms with that!

Noé squeezed him, what was he, a pillow? He didn't have to look at Noé's face to tell he was pouting like an insecure child.

He sighed. “I didn't hate it.” Stop pouting already. 

“But did you like it?” 

He wasn't getting out of this. Might as well just bite the bullet and deal with it. He groaned. “It was fine.”

Please just drop it already. 

Clearly, that’s asking too much.

“Everything about you was perfect, your scent, your beauty, your voice, the way your body felt around mine. Vanitas, I can’t do you justice with words. Anything I think of just won’t do, that’s how amazing you are.” 

That weird feeling was back, it felt good, too good, and he hated it. He didn't deserve it. His whole body heated up, and he flinched. Stupid Noé, why say that? Vanitas wasn't perfect. He's broken, unlovable. 

Is Noé blind? What's wrong with him?

“It felt good, okay?” There? Happy? Noé gave him the greatest pleasure he'd ever known, but it's not like he's going to say it out loud. He liked having sex with Noé. He couldn't believe this, his body craved being dominated and sodomized, succumbed to his heat entirely.

“Can we stay like this for a while?” Noé's breath was so hot, tickling his ear.

Yes, he wanted that. He needed that. Unbelievable. He didn't say anything, he'd just tell him to pull out in a minute or two once he'd had time to think. 

He relaxed, Noé held him tight in a way that made Vanitas's heart ache. 

And then Noé fell asleep. He fell asleep cuddling Vanitas like a hug pillow while they were still connected. Vanitas finally looked up at his stupid face. 

He was smiling in his sleep, cheeks rosy, like he'd never been more content. For some reason, that sight only made that feeling grow. 

It's nothing, just hormones. Whatever it is, it will pass once his heat ends. He was sure of it. There was no use fighting it, he drifted off to sleep in Noé's arms. 

~~~

“Can we have sex again?” Shy, uncertain, and fidgeting with his hands like an awkward teenager.

Vanitas flushed, he could feel himself begin to sweat. He should say no, his ego can't take another hit. 

Noé looked tempting, bare and wet. 

No, that's just instincts, biology, and hormones! Whatever it is, it's temporary. It's not his actual thoughts. His body needed this, that's all. If Noé judges him for it, he'll just make him regret it.

“Get in here.”

He bit him again, and things progressed from there. The second time around, it wasn't as embarrassing. He gave Noé free reign to experiment and pleasure him. It felt incredible. Too good, Noé was too attentive, too focused on Vanitas's pleasure. 

He wanted to know how it felt, how Vanitas liked it, where to touch. It was maddening, that obnoxious feeling returned. It's just part of the heat, right?

Calling him perfect, saying his name like it mattered. 

Noé came inside of him again. He could feel it leaking onto his thighs and probably the sheets. He dreaded cleaning the bedding later. Then Noé repositioned them, he stared into his eyes, brushing the bangs from Vanitas's face. He smiled.

Something's wrong with him, very wrong. Noé's smile was filling him with a warm and fuzzy feeling. A terrifying warm and fuzzy feeling, he didn't understand it. It was too much. He couldn't handle this. Vanitas panicked. He needed time alone. “Will you do me a favor?” 

Noé took the bait and left on the unnecessary errand. Vanitas was able to breathe a sigh of relief. He tried sitting up again, and his arms gave out. He collapsed with a soft thud, an ache in his bottom.

His back hurt. 

Noé needs to learn his own strength! Vanitas huffed, giving up and trying to relax in his tiny bit of free time. 

Huge mistake. 

He should never have sent Noé away, he was going to die. Not literally, but it felt like it. He grabbed Noé's coat, wrapping it around him. He couldn't get his smile out of his head, the sugary sweet words.

He felt sick.  

Vanitas grimaced, it was like Jeanne's curse, but now Noé's face was stuck in his head!

…

Jeanne and Noé.

Vanitas banged his head against the wall.

The sheets felt sticky and gross, he was covered in sweat, slick drying on his legs, semen leaking from his ass. It was disgusting. He wanted a bath, but he was too weak to do anything other than shamelessly sniff Noé's sweater for his scent. 

Noe would be back soon. Great, he's actually looking forward to that when he sent him away in the first place.

Another shiver, and he buried himself in the sheets. By the time Noé got back, Vanitas was desperate. 

So he gave in again. 

It became an endless cycle, reduced to base instincts like a mindless beast. 

Yet, Noé never looked down on him. Instead, he looked at Vanitas like he'd hung the stars. It was arguably worse. 

Worse because it just made that unsettling feeling grow. 

Two days passed, and he was losing himself. Vanitas wasn't even sure that was a bad thing anymore. It was a kind of peace he wasn't used to, listening to the overly optimistic vampire babble endlessly about everything. 

He'd bathe him without complaint, feed him when he was too weak to feed himself, kissed him at all hours of the night, whispering sweet words into his ear. 

He's going insane. 

Noé was constantly on his mind, he grew used to his touch, and Vanitas even started asking for more. As stupid as it sounded, he'd never felt safer, swaddled in the childish vampire's arms. 

~~~

Dreams for the future? Vanitas didn't have those.

His dreams were nightmares. Moreau's lab, the day he lost his father, having to kill Luna with his bare hands. He re-lived the memories often, if he was lucky, he'd have no dreams at all. 

Tonight was no different. 

Cold, everything hurt, he shivered under the pathetic excuse for a blanket he'd been provided. The smell of blood and rusty old metal permeated the air. He stared lifelessly at the scratch marks on the wall.

The cell door creaks open, he braced himself. Preparing for the next onslaught of torture. 

“Ah, there you are.” Cheerful, bright, warm. He looked up and saw Noé smiling at him. Noé didn't wait, he walked right over and grabbed Vanitas by the hand, pulling him up to his feet. 

The blanket fell away. Vanitas was no longer the frail boy he'd been moments earlier, he was an adult, covered in scars, but alive. 

“Let's go, Vanitas.” Noé squeezed his hand, tugging him towards the open door.

Vanitas could only stare in disbelief. 

No. 

He can't leave. 

He dug his feet in the ground, but it was no use, Noé kept pulling, dragging him out the door. 

He was scared. The light past the doorway was blinding. Noé stepped out, and soon Vanitas was enveloped in it too. 

His eyes shot open. A sturdy arm wrapped around his waist, and Noé mumbled something about tarte tatin in his sleep. His heart rate calmed, he wasn't in danger. He was safe.

Weird.

~~~
.

The incessant sex left him too sore to do anything. His body both loathed and craved the thought of another round, he knew he needed it, but it was a real pain. Noé, on the other hand, was all too chipper to do anything for him.

Noé would leave sometimes to fetch some food, medicine, or whatever trinket distracted him on the way back. At least he didn't get so sidetracked that Vanitas died in his absence.

“I'm back Vanitas!” Noé pushed the door open with his foot, in his arm was a large bag. The scent of salty seafood.

“I didn't keep you waiting too long, did I? Do you need my help again before we eat? But I suppose it would get cold by then..” 

Noé thinks too much and not at all when it's important. 

Vanitas peaked out from the sheets. “It smells good.” 

Noé beamed at that and plopped it down on the desk, pulling out fine dining wear that was borrowed from the restaurant itself. “I have to bring back the dishes when we're done. The owner was really nice, he even let me try a new dessert before I left!” Noé brought a small plate over to Vanitas. 

Oysters, Noé got him oysters. Lining the dish were lemon slices, they looked fresh and creamy, and his mouth started to water. 

“Here, you like these, don't you?” Noé held it out for him. Liked them? They were his favorite. 

He didn't bother with utensils, Vanitas grabbed one off the plate and slurped it down in a matter of seconds.

Great, the texture is perfectly creamy, just the way he liked it. 

Noé kept smiling the whole time, watching as he gulped them down. Once he was done, Noé took the plate away from him and placed it on the nightstand. “It's odd. Seeing you enjoy something so thoroughly puts me in high spirits as well.” 

Huh? 

The vampire sat down on the bed and cuddled up to him. Vanitas didn't even flinch at this point, he'd grown used to the overly cuddly behavior. 

Was Noé hard again? He supposed another round would be more than fine, but Noé didn't bring it up. 

“Don't you need to take the dishes back?” He prodded.

Noé nodded and let out a small hum. “Yes, but right now I'm just overcome with the urge to hold you.” That's exactly what the other man did, he made no move to initiate sex. Noé held him in his arms just as he said, running his hand on Vanitas's back in a soothing touch.

Hold him? Vanitas blinked, Noé's hair was tickling his chin as he nuzzled closer.

“Why?” He was genuinely curious. What reason could Noé possibly have to cuddle him like this? 

“I don't know why, but is it alright if I do?” Noé squeezed him tighter, perfectly content snuggling himself next to him.

“I guess.” Vanitas didn't get it either, but it felt right. 

~~~

He woke up to a smack against his face. Instead of waking up in Noé's arms, the vampire thrashed about restlessly.

“Louis…!” 

That name again, huh, Noé talked more in his sleep than anyone Vanitas had ever met, he'd heard a lot of names often. His own, Domi's, teacher, Murr, ‘Monsieur Tarte Tatin’.

But Louis was the only name Noé said with pain. His brows were scrunched together, and he lifted his hand up, reaching for something Vanitas couldn't see. 

Noé had said Louis was dead. Obviously, the memory still haunted him. 

“Hey.” Vanitas spoke. He knew it would take a lot more to wake him up, but he figured he'd try it anyway. Noé’s breath hitched, for a second, he thought he actually did.

Vanitas sighed and rested his head on Noé’s bare chest, using him as a pillow. After that, Noé stopped, and the cuddly vampire resumed hugging him as he eased back into peaceful slumber.

“Thanks, Vanitas…” 

Vanitas blinked, he let out a laugh. This guy, thanking him in his sleep? He hadn't done anything worth thanking him for. But if it meant that Noé was no longer facing a nightmare alone, it was worth it. 

~~~

When his heat finally started tampering out, Vanitas was exhausted. He'd had enough sex for a lifetime. Noé seemed genuinely happy he made it through. 

So he survived a first heat huh..

Noé left for Altus, Vanitas stayed back to clean. His legs weak, he collapsed like a baby fawn. He'd need to wear a pomander, no, he'd need heavier perfume. 

His eyes twitched, looking at the disgusting mess of sheets he'd resided in. If they weren't the hotels, Vanitas would have had them burned. He forced himself up with a groan, his back was killing him. 

Gross, everything hurts, this sucks. 

He got started cleaning the awful stench from the room, now that his heat's over, everything will return to how it should be. He’ll never have to have sex with Noé again. 

That thought didn't ring as sweet as he thought it would. He brushed it aside, contacted Dante, and forced himself to get back to normal. 

But he couldn't get Noé off his mind.

And then Noé came back, of course, he got too distracted to do the one thing he'd set out for. So he took care of it and gave him some blood too. Not a big deal, he's given his blood to vampires before, it's not even from the vein. 

Even though he told himself that, he couldn't help but flush as Noé eagerly lapped it up. So naturally, he ran away to the roof, and Noé followed him anyway. 

Why wasn't it leaving?! What was this incessant ache in his chest? Vanitas had no answers. Comforting words, a gentle voice. He was going insane, but… he didn't want to pull away. His heat just ended, maybe it wasn't all out of his system. 

Maybe just once more, it would be okay for him to rest his head on Noé's shoulder. 

If he were allowed to selfishly wish for something. He'd want to stay with Noé. Relax, live in the place Noé was offering. 

Dreams are only dreams, after all, the sweeter they are, the quicker they come to an end.

~~~

Vanitas slowly opened his eyes to see the roof of their hotel room. He shot up as memories of the previous night flooded his mind. 

Noé was in love with him. The thought sent a chill down his spine.

Jeanne wasn't anywhere to be found. There was a note on the night table beside him. It was from her, she apologized for drinking from him in his state and reiterated she wouldn't give up on him. She'd left for Altus and said she'd see him again soon.

Vanitas looked away from it. What was with all this awful affection he didn't deserve. Jeanne and Noé both… Why? 

His bed was in the same messy state it had been in earlier. Noé hadn't come back. He probably was downstairs in his new room. This space felt too empty. It shouldn't hurt. Besides, it's better this way. Without Noé around, he'll be free again.

If freedom means losing Noé, he doesn't want it.

His eyes shot open. No. No, no no. He punched the mattress. 

‘I faced Noé in battle, I can attest he's serious about you.’

Noé was really in love with him. It was tearing Vanitas up inside, he hated this feeling. He missed him. 

What was happening to him..?

~~~

Noé hadn't come back by lunch, and Vanitas's mind was useless, he didn't know the first thing about love. That's probably a start, he should study what love is first. If he understands, he can deal with Noé.

And he can finally assure himself that this feeling can't be love.

He bought some romance novels from a bookstore nearby, he had a small stack on his desk, plenty of material for study. So, Vanitas got to work. The intro for the first was painstakingly long. The man met a fine young lady, he found her beautiful, but after spending time with her he started to ‘fall’.

His heart raced, his pulse quickened, and she was all he could think about. He missed her when she was gone, a painstaking ache in his chest.

All the symptoms matched.

She was the star of his dreams, he no longer wanted the future he'd dreamed of for so long if it meant giving up her. 

Vanitas slammed the book shut.

~~~

He didn't get out of bed for the rest of the day after that, not even for dinner. By morning, his stomach was protesting. Noé's tears tormented him through the night. An apology wouldn’t be enough. Noé put his life on hold for him and spent an entire week keeping a worthless man like him alive. 

And this is how Vanitas thanks him. He made a nice guy like Noé cry. He couldn't wrap his brain around it. How could someone as kindhearted and good as Noé feel anything but disgust for him? 

Needless to say, he didn't sleep well. Vanitas stared at the empty bed across from him.

This wasn't like Noé. He's far too stubborn to just leave him alone like this, Vanitas was expecting Noé to come back and confront him anytime.

Had he realized Vanitas was too disgusting to love? Had he given up on him entirely?

That's probably for the best. 

The thought hurt. Regardless, he should at least apologize. If Noé's not going to come to him then, he'll apologize. If nothing else, he should do that. Vanitas finally found the strength to get out of bed and get ready for the day. He walked downstairs to the second floor and hesitated before he knocked. 

“... Noé. If you're still asleep, you need to wake up.” He wasn't ready to face him, it wasn't too late to go hide. 

Silence. 

He sighed and continued knocking. “Noé.” 

No response. He knew how heavy of a sleeper Noé was. Usually, the vampire would be up by this hour. 

He can't believe he's actually doing this. 

Vanitas pulled out a pin from his belt and started picking the lock. It was only a couple seconds before he'd unlocked and opened the door. 

The room was pristine, a one-bed hotel room with a fluffy red comforter. The layout was similar to their own, a desk in the corner, but nothing was on it. The bed was made perfectly, it was too early in the day, Amelia couldn't have fixed it up already. 

Noé wasn't here last night. 

No.

Vanitas was almost certain Noé was never here in the first place. It was too empty, not a single knickknack. For a vampire as messy as Noé, there'd be evidence. 

If he wasn't staying here? Then where was he? A feeling of dread came over him, he wouldn't have gone back to Altus, right? No, he'd have come to the room to collect belongings. The missing vampires crossed his mind. What are the chances he got caught up in that? Stuck his nose where it didn't belong. 

Possible.

Vanitas bit his lip and dashed out of the room. Today was Amelia's day off if he remembered right, he hoped she hadn't left the hotel yet. Luckily for him, she was still in her room. She yawned and peeked out from. Behind the door, shy in her nightgown. 

“Monsiuer Vanitas..?”

Straight to the point. “Did you clean Noé's room yesterday.” 

She shook her head. “There was nothing for me to clean… Has he not been staying with you?”

Vanitas was afraid of that. He grit his teeth. If something happened to Noé, he wouldn't be able to take it. He's grown too attached.

“No. Keep an eye out for him.” Vanitas turned around and ran out the door. He'd found Noé countless times, but he couldn't shake the unease now. He checked the usual places, including the cafe he worked at. 

No dice. 

The store he'd often mind. 

They haven't seen him in two weeks.

The manual labor job he helped out with last month. 

The guy Vanitas talked to didn't even know who Noé was. Must be a high turnover rate. 

Sunset came. None of Noé's human friends had seen any sight of him. He'd rather not have to resort to it, but he'd need to get the border records from Orlock. Noé might have gone to Altus. 

Upon arriving at the man's office, Vanitas pushed open the door without knocking. Manet and Nox were petting Murr, Amelia dropped him off, no doubt. 

If Noé had intended to go anywhere, he wouldn't have left the cat. That's another red flag, something's seriously wrong here.

“Your manners are lacking, as usual.” Orlock folded his hands. 

“I need the barrier logs.” Vanitas demanded. Start big, wear him down, and eventually he'll cave and give him the info, whether Noé's gone through or not. 

“You're in no place to be making demands.”

“Look, I'm just trying to find Noé. You can help me or not, I'll get the information I need regardless.” 

“Interesting. Why aren't you using your mark to track him?” 

Crap. 

Because he wasn't actually a full vampire, his sense of smell wasn't that good. He didn't have a good excuse for it. “You think I haven't tried that? Just tell me if he's been through or not, and I'll stay out of your way.”

“I had the hotel assign him another room, away from you. You're saying he's far enough from there even you can't track him?”

Orlock changed the room. It wasn't Noé. Vanitas felt a slight bit of relief at that, Noé hadn't been trying to get away from him. Why is he happy about that?

“Yes. I can assure you he's never stayed in the fourth room on the second floor, he's been missing for two days.” Feign it, he knew where Noé's new room was cause Amelia told him. 

Count Orlock closed his eyes. “You're worried about that boy.” 

Vanitas flinched. Worry was a vulnerability, he didn't like having that on display. But he'd swallow his pride right now if it meant finding where that Noé ran off to. 

“Yes.” Genuine, he dropped the facade, the mask, everything. It's the most real he's ever been in front of Orlock. 

Magnet and Nox stared in bewilderment at the out-of-character display. 

Orlock sighed and turned in his chair. “He hasn't gone through the border, I would have been notified. I'll have my sources on the lookout for him.” 

If he wasn't in Altus, then where was he? No one he knew had seen him. 

“... Thanks.” Vanitas turned around and left without another word. 

~~~

Vanitas searched late into the night, he was used to that sort of thing. He got in contact with Dante and paid him a bit of cash. He hadn't seen or heard from Noé either. 

It's like he vanished into thin air. 

Every lead turned up empty, he'd learned a lot, a lot of places Noé hadn't been. But nothing on his current whereabouts. 

The sun rose while he was still out, he could feel the ache in his bones. He needed rest, but the thought of Noé lying dead in an alley somewhere kept haunting his mind. 

Noé can hate him, yell at him all he wants, all Vanitas needs is to see he's alright. 

He went back to the hotel empty-handed. It's best to stay in the area so he can get Dante's next report as soon as possible. He walked back to their room and paced nervously. 

He hadn't rummaged through Noé's belongings before, really, but now it might provide clues. Perhaps he'd visited a new store, some place hadn't heard of, somewhere Vanitas hasn't checked yet. A letter caught his attention, tucked away haphazardly with the rest of Noé's junk. 

He picked it out and skimmed it over. A personal message from Noé's teacher, the shapeless one.

His eyebrow twitched. Noé…!

He told the head of the DeSade family about his condition?! That alone was enough to make his blood boil. How many others did this guy go blabbering to?

Still, there was some relevant information. Given Moreau's experiments, he knew he'd probably die early. That didn't rattle him, what did was the warning at the very bottom of the page.

‘My dear kitten, in the future it would be wise to air caution around Mikhail, I'd rather nothing happens to your true name prematurely. Regardless, I'm sure your choices will be most interesting to watch going forward.’ 

An intense pang of anxiety, guilt, and terror shook him to his core. 

What? 

Mikhail…?

No, think about it rationally. Mikhail’s dead, he's referring to someone else. He has to, it couldn't be him. 

True name, a Mikhail with that sort of power. Mikhail never took his studies seriously, he wouldn't know how to manipulate a name. Vanitas tapped his foot nervously. This is baseless. Mikhail's dead, he shouldn't stress over an impossibility.

Regardless, Noé got involved with someone dangerous enough that even the shapeless one would warn him to keep away. Why didn't he tell him? When was this encounter? Where? 

Vanitas sat on the bed, lost. 

Mikhail…

He'd prefer that guilt not eat him alive right now, too, he's suffering enough as it is. 

Vanitas laid down and closed his eyes. 

~~~

“You in there quack?” A knock on his door. Vanitas opened his eyes slowly, the room was dyed in orange light, sunset. He'd become nocturnal at this rate. 

He rolled out of bed and unlocked the door. 

“You look awful.” Dante raised an eyebrow as he let himself in and took a seat on Noé's bed. 

Yeah, Vanitas knows that.

“Have you found anything?” He filled up a glass of water from the sink and drank it. 

“No one's seen Noé, but I got an update on those vampire incidents-”

“I'm not interested.” Vanitas cut him off. He didn't have the time or energy to worry about curse bearers, missing vampires, or anything of the sort. He'd deal with it when Noé's been found.

“Man, you're really falling apart without your husband around, aren't you?” 

Picking a fight, like always. But Vanitas genuinely didn't care enough to fall bait to it. Dante stayed around, Vanitas paid him for the Intel since he knew he wasn't going to leave him alone. 

There was a shriek from the halls. Amelia. Immediately, Dantes head shot up, Vanitas was on the alert too. They rushed out the door and towards the source. She was unharmed, but trembling with a broom in her hand, an intruder stumbling across the floor.

Dominique, her mouth was dripping blood, she staggered on uneven footing one step at a time while Amelia looked on in horror.  

She was being controlled. 

It was a manipulation technique, one that was known in the blue moon clan, he'd recognize this energy anywhere. 

Vanitas pulled out his book, from the looks of it, she was tangled up far beyond what he could fix. He stunned her to at least limit the control until she got a hold of herself. 

Dominique collapsed to the ground, her eyes open, unresponsive. In her hand was a flyer, she clenched it tightly. 

Vanitas plucked it from her grasp, and color drained from his face. 

“We have a lot to catch up on big brother! I'll be waiting for you.” 

Chapter Text

Noé ran, he wasn't sure for exactly how long, but he just ran. His heart racing, he collapsed to his knees in the park. 

Vanitas. 

Why did Vanitas look like that? What was that expression supposed to mean? He was hurting, how could he be so cruel…? Noé hardly noticed the soft footsteps approaching him.

“Are you crying?” A soft, childish voice called out to him.

Noé sniffled, he dried his nose and looked up to see Mikhail hovering over him with curious blue eyes. They really did look just like Vanitas's… 

“You poor thing, you're all wet. Let's get you inside before you catch a cold.” The boy got up and helped Noé to his feet. He tugged on his hand and started guiding him. 

“Mikhail..?” Noé asked with confusion. The young man turned around and smiled at him, staring straight into his eyes. He could have sworn he saw those eyes glow.

Noé's head felt weird like his mind was going fuzzy, the pain was becoming less apparent while Mikhail squeezed his hand. 

“Don't worry, everything's going to be okay. Follow me, don't think about anything else.” Hypnotic, like he was being lulled into compliance by the words. Noé was very tired, his legs felt like they were walking on their own. 

He blinked. 

Or at least that's what it felt like. When he opened his eyes again, he saw that he was in an old bed he didn't recognize. The ceiling above him looked worn and dirty, the knick-knacks on the shelf behind the bed hadn't been dusted in years. 

How did he get here? Noé cradled his head, the warm crackles of the fireplace roared beside him, the room enveloped in a soft warm glow. Mikhail had his feet kicked back on the old couch, reading a leather-bound book with a silver chain.

Huh?

“Ah, you're awake!” Mikhail shut the book with a smile and pulled in his legs, making room as he patted the empty spot next to him. 

Noé was too focused on the book's cover. “Another book of Vanitas..?” There was no doubt, the resemblance was uncanny. He didn't have an explanation for it. 

“Yep! I never properly introduced myself did I?” He hopped up to his feet, fanning out the book magically while it emitted a familiar soft blue glow. “My name is Mikhail, I inherited only this book from the vampire of the blue moon, and I am… an average human being.”

Those words… They're exactly what Vanitas said after they'd fallen from La Baliene, word for word. How did he- no, who is this child?

“I'm just kidding! I was copying my big brother!” 

“Your big brother…?” As in Vanitas's brother? “Vanitas said you died…!” Noé wasn't sure whether to celebrate this or not, if by some miracle he were to have ever found out Louis was alive, it would be the happiest day of his life. Something didn't add up, why was he following them, no, stalking them? Why didn't he just tell Vanitas he was okay?

The boy giggled, covering his mouth with his hands “I thought I did too, but Comte saved me, he's kind!” 

“He did..?” Noé's shoulders relaxed, so that's it, teacher had saved Vanitas's brother's life. But how, why? What was the connection? Regardless, it's a good thing at least, Noé knew for a fact his teacher was very kind, after all, he saved his own life too. 

“Mhm. Sit with me! We have so much to talk about.” the young man plopped himself back on the couch, and Noé got up and joined him without hesitation.

“You're really Vanitas's little brother… Why haven't you told him you're alright?” This wasn't adding up, but it's not like he could deny it. This boy was obviously a member of the Blue Moon clan, he could see it in his eyes, no, it was almost like he felt it in his blood.

“Because there's something I really really want to do first. Then I'll come and pick him up and we'll live happily ever after again!” The child beamed, he spoke in a tone that didn't match his age like he was acting younger than he was. It was somewhat unnerving.

“Anyways, I noticed your eyes turned blue earlier. My big brother marked you didn't he?” It was cold, calculated, that performative tone Vanitas often used.

They had? Noé didn't think he altered the world formula at all, he covered his eye with his hand, but it didn't hurt to answer his questions. “Yes. It wasn't by choice and he still won't tell me what that entails..” If Mikhail was Vanitas's brother, maybe he'd know a bit more about his situation. “The truth is… I almost hurt a friend of mine tonight, I don't know what being a member of the Blue Moon clan means… Vanitas hasn't told me anything.” Noé thought back on the night's events, there was a sharp pain in his heart as he thought of Vanitas’s rejection.

“He hasn't huh?” A smirk crept up on the boy's face. “Then how about I teach you! I'm a member of the Blue Moon clan too!” The devious smirk morphed in a fraction of a second into an innocent grin.

“You see… I want to learn how to do what my big brother does. Father taught us both how to do things with names but I was too little and didn't study like he did.” He opened up the book, showing off the page's glow while the light trailed at his fingertips. 

Father?

“But you're good at that kind of thing, right? If I can't remember then you can remember it for me! And then you'll show me and we will both understand!” Mikhail beamed as he grabbed Noé's hands with eager determination. “Please Noé? Won't you help me? It will be good for both of us!” 

Mikhail had a point, a very good one. He thought of Jeanne, 'You could have killed her or worse.’ The thought of having such a power without any understanding of what it was scared him. He'd prefer if Vanitas were to explain things to him himself but, Vanitas has always been awful at explanations. He leaves stuff out, he never tells him what he needs to know when he needs it. 

Maybe this is for the best.

“Alright.” Noé agreed, he didn't like using his Archiviste ability but he supposed it was the best way to ensure he doesn't accidentally harm anyone going forward. 

“Yay!” Mikhail cheered as he instantly invaded the vampire's personal space. Noé felt uncomfortable as the boy started undoing his shirt, exposing his skin. “So, how does your memory thing work? Do you see all my memories? Or only ones I'm thinking of?” 

Noé was thrown off. “Um, you can direct it to a degree by thinking about a memory and I can explore deeper but… This is rather unnecessary, I can drink from your wrist. Please redress yourself.” Noé felt deeply uncomfortable for some reason. 

Mikhail blinked before letting out a giggle. “Alright, if you say so!” He buttoned his shirt and rolled up his sleeve, shoving his arm in the man's face. 

The child's scent was an odd profile. Not something he'd describe as sweet, but it wasn't off-putting either. His eyes glowed blue as his fangs extended, he took a deep breath and punctured the vein. 

~~~

“Mikhail, it's morning.” It sounded familiar, but it was too high, and not quite recognizable.

The first thing Noé registered was a small hand shaking his shoulder. Mikhail's eyes fluttered open, blinding him with the morning light. 

It was the same scenery he'd just been in, the same bedroom, yet the sight in front of him had him frozen. 

Vanitas. 

He knew he'd have to face the man soon, given the outburst Noé had hoped to have a little more time to himself, more time to process this feeling. 

He looked so young, the baby fat on his cheeks giving him a childlike glow. He hadn't grown into his frame yet, lanky and awkward like a young teen. 

“I had the best dream ever!” Mikhail yawned and hopped out of bed, grabbing onto Vanitas's hand. “I dreamed you and me and father were flying! And we flew into the clouds, and they were soft, and you sat on one and we made a snowman out of clouds too!” 

Vanitas squeezed Mikhail's hand softly. “Snowmen are made out of snow.” 

“Then it's a cloud man!” The child giggled eagerly as they walked out of the room and into the living space. The table was set for three, the scent was delectable, and Noé's mouth was watering. 

“Wow..! It looks so yummy!” Mikhail let go of Vanitas's hand and plopped himself down at the table. Around that time the front door creaked open. 

Noé held his breath.

Eyes as blue as the moon. A rich complexion that resembled the night sky, long flowing hair of pure white. 

Naenia? 

No, that's none other than Queen Faustina. The color of her skin, eyes, and hair were different but the resemblance was undeniable. The face was the same. 

“You've made breakfast again? You're truly spoiling me, child.” The ‘queen’ walked over and ruffled Vanitas's hair. 

Vanitas huffed and crossed his arms. “It's better than getting food poisoning eating whatever you make.”

Yeah, that was definitely the Vanitas Noé knew. His heart ached. 

“Father! You were in my dream last night!” Mikhail got up from his chair and ran over to hug this ‘father’

Wait, he's a man..? Then he can't be queen Faustina… Perhaps a relative? Hold on, if you're a relative of the queen doesn't that make you royalty? 

Noé jumped into another memory, Vanitas took care of the house, and he woke Mikhail up every day after cooking breakfast, actually, he seemed to cook all their meals without complaint. 

It was selfish, but Noé absorbed as many food-related memories as he could, enjoying the various dishes Vanitas prepared. He almost forgot the reason he'd dove into Mikhail's memories in the first place.

He also learned more about that person. They were Luna, not a man, not a woman, they were none other than the vampire of the blue moon. 

~~~

It was a sunny day, Vanitas was picking some berries while Mikhail played in the stream. The young boy's head whipped around as he heard the woven basket drop. 

“Big brother?” Mikhail rushed over to the others side.

Vanitas was clenching his teeth, his hands on his lower abdomen. He let out a huff as he got back unto his feet. “Let's go.” 

Mikhail grabbed his hand. “Does your tummy hurt?”

“Yeah, it's probably something I ate,” Vanitas muttered as he pushed through the pain and they made their way through the woods back to the old house. 

Vanitas dropped the basket again as soon as they were inside, the blackberries rolling onto the floor. The usually tidy man didn't care, he collapsed on the couch with a groan and held his stomach. 

Noé could feel Mikhail’s worry and fear. He didn't bother picking up the berries, but he did join Vanitas on the small couch. 

It was around then that Luna emerged from the other room. “Is everything alright?”

“Big brother's tummy hurts… He said he ate bad food” Mikhail said with big eyes and a pout. 

Vanitas didn't deny it, he just clenched his teeth again and pressed on his abdomen, powering through pain like he'd always done.

Luna's eyes glowed blue, they rested a hand against his forehead. After another moment, their hand traveled lower to Vanitas's abdomen, their eyes going wide for a moment. “I'm afraid it's not the food child.” 

“Then is it something Moreau did?” Vanitas asked, anger seeping into his voice while Mikhail snuggled up to the pained teen. 

“If my suspicions are correct then yes…”

“Will it kill me?” Something about the way that Vanitas said that hurt. He looked defeated, like he'd already given up.

“Eventually, but it's unlikely this will kill you before the contradiction between your state of being and natural law does.” Luna left them for a moment, they heated some water using the world formula and soaked a cloth in it, warming it. The vampire came back and folded it, lifting Vanitas's shirt enough to place the heated towel on his abdomen. 

Vanitas sighed. “Figures, then I guess it doesn't matter anyway.” He tried propping himself up while Luna dropped a blanket on him. 

“Rest child. Next time this happens I want you to tell me right away.”

What was this? Something else that could potentially kill Vanitas? Noé had hated Moreau before but this only made it worse. Noé decided to investigate further. 

Another gulp. He skimmed through memories before finding another familiar scene, approximately one month later Noé saw Vanitas groaning in bed, clutching his abdomen miserably while Luna attempted and failed at making them soup.

It happened again after that, around the time of a new moon, Vanitas was yelling at both of them from the couch for being so messy. 

“Can't you pick up after yourself?! It's filthy! If you leave that bowl out, we're going to get mice again and I'm not going to be the one who chases them with a broom!” Vanitas complained as he remained wrapped up on the couch, books by his side and a glass of water. 

Mikhail ran out of the room with the bowl and found Luna. He whispered into their ear. “Big brothers angry time is back.”

The vampire simply patted the child's head. “It is indeed, he'll be alright, it's merely hormones.”

“Hormones? What's that?” 

“His body is changing on the inside and it's very painful, hormones make it difficult for him to think because they're telling his body to grow all kinds of things.”

“What kind of things?” Mikhail tilted his head.

“Organs mostly, it's nothing you need to concern yourself with dear.” Luna took the bowl from Mikhail and dumped its contents into the trash. 

“Am I going to hurt too?” Noé could sense the boy's fear, and hear his thoughts. He hated pain, he didn't want that to happen to him too.

Luna bent down, their eyes glowing a soft blue as they touched Mikhail's abdomen. “I don't sense anything from you. Perhaps that man didn't alter your nature.”

“Big brother always asked the evil doctor to take him instead. Is that why he's sick now?” Mikhail sniffled.

He did? That was incredibly selfless of Vanitas, he protected Mikhail from the worst of Moreau's experiments.

“Yes, but you're not to blame. What he's experiencing is similar to what girls go through at his age, although in his case it's more severe than that. I suppose it will be a few years before it progresses further.” Luna scooped the sniffling boy into their arms.

“But big brother isn't a girl.” Mikhail's teary eyes stopped watering as Luna wiped them with their sleeve. 

“That's right. He's not, but it means we have to be mindful of his condition around each new moon. He may be angry and yell, or be sad and cry, he cannot help it.” 

Mikhail did not understand a word of it but he nodded along anyway. “Then let's get some fish. Big brother likes fish so it will make him happy!” 

Luna chuckled. “Yes, why don't we do just that.”

Noé thought back, in the short time he's known Vanitas he never saw this behavior. Coming to think of it, Vanitas was never around during a new moon, he just disappears to who knows where.

Hormones, cramping, moodiness, It sounded like a monthly cycle. So that's what this was? His body was changing internally, growing ‘all kinds of things’. He was an omega so it meant he went through puberty in a different manner…? 

~~~

“The kingdom celebrated their wedding, the fair omega princess became the kindest queen the land had ever known, she bore a daughter and together they all lived happily ever after. The end.” Vanitas closed the book but remained perched on the edge of the bed. 

Mikhail yawned. “Read it again, please big brother?” 

Vanitas leaned back, if anything it seemed like he was the one getting tired. “You're not tired yet? Don't you want another story? There's tons of other books in here.”

“No! I wanna hear the princess story again.” Mikhail's eyes sparkled as he gripped the blanket. 

Vanitas let out a sigh of defeat. “The evil queen gets decapitated and tortured to death, doesn't that bother you?” 

“I like that part!”

Vanitas's eye twitched. 

He looked so youthful and delicate, the bedside candle illuminating his profile. It was like a rare gift, getting the chance to see him before their first meeting, to see such a gentle and caring side of the human.

His heart ached again. 

Without another complaint, Vanitas flipped the book over and opened it up again on the first page. “Why are you so obsessed with this story? This is the 7th time this week.”

The boy tapped his chin and beamed. “Because I like her! She's really kind, pretty, and brave, just like you!”

“Huh!?” The hair on the back of Vanitas's neck shot up. Noé couldn't help but chuckle, he looked like a startled cat. “I'm not like the stupid princess, I'm none of those things! Enough! I'm done for the night!” Vanitas huffed and slammed the book shut as he crossed his arms with a pout. 

“But you are.” Mikhail argued back with a smile. 

“Shut up! I'm not!” 

“Are too!” 

“Am not!”

The bickering went on back and forth, it was fascinating watching the way the two brothers fought. 

“Oh my… What's all the ruckus for?” A gentle voice, Luna peaked in through the door. 

“Big brother is saying he's not kind, brave and pretty but I think he is.” Mikhail blurted out while Luna set down the basket they'd been carrying. 

“Hm, I agree, he's a kindhearted, brave, and beautiful child.” 

Vanitas screamed in frustration. “Shut up already! Both of you!”

Mikhail giggled innocently. “Father thinks so too! No takebacks!” The boy climbed out of the blankets and hugged Vanitas's side, snuggling up to him. 

Vanitas was red as a tomato, but something seemed to soften on his face as the younger boy hugged him. 

The sight was warm. Vanitas may have lost his biological family at the hands of a cruel vampire but he found a new one later on. There was love here, undeniably so. 

But knowing how it ended, knowing that Vanitas had to kill Luna himself and still believes his little brother is dead broke his heart. At the very least, Noé can bring back good news to Vanitas the next time he sees him.

“What are you boys reading?” Luna walked over to the bedside and picked up the old fairytale. 

“The omega princess story!” Mikhail shouted out, it wasn't the name on the cover obviously but it was the way the only way the child remembered it. “Don't you think the princess is just like big brother?”

Vanitas scoffed. 

“... I'm afraid you may have more in common with her than you realize.” Luna warned a hint of sadness in their tone. 

Vanitas's brows furrowed, it didn't make sense to him right now. Noé wondered if in the future, Vanitas ever realized the meaning behind Luna's words.

Noé however put it together right away. They knew, the vampire of the blue moon knew that Vanitas was an omega. 

Then.. Why didn't they tell him? 

Noé dove deeper, the memory was sweet but it wasn't what they were looking for. 

Ah, this.

Mikhail was drawing on some paper while Vanitas was taking notes on a book. 

“Look, big brother! I drew you and me and Father!” He held up the drawing and waved it proudly. 

It was only a little, but the corners of Vanitas's lips turned up a bit when he saw the child's art. 

“I'm going to give you a really fluffy coat so you'll be extra warm!”

What was Vanitas studying? Noé focused in on the memory, he went deeper. 

Luna had been at the table with them just minutes before.

“Vampires aren't that different from humans. At the core, their souls are the same.” Luna explained while Mikhail remained busy coloring. 

Vanitas was studying every word intently. 

“A vampire is an altered human, physically superior, less prone to sickness, disease, physical damage, even aging. However, this all came at the price of being malleable.” Luna pulled out a piece of blue astermite and set it on the table along with a berry. 

“You cannot alter the formula for this blackberry since its conduit to the world formula is rigid and unchanging. Only elements that were corrupted at Babel are easily altered.” The vampire then touched the book, and the astermite on the table turned a bright red. “Astermite is a corrupted element, something malleable, the book can rewrite it with ease. The same is true for vampires.”

Noé had never heard it explained like this before, he was wrapped in every word. 

“You cannot corrupt a human's existence, it's rigid and unchanging. However, Vampires constitutions were rewritten at Babel already, it's easy to change something that has been rewritten before, it's the fatal flaw of vampire kind.”

Noé gulped, it was a terrifying thought, that his existence could easily be destroyed or altered without his consent. To think this is what Louis and countless other cursebearers had to endure…

“Just look at the formula of the target and shape it, knowing the name of the malnomen responsible is key, you cannot perform an inverse operation if you do not know what you're inversing.”

So that's why Vanitas knows all those malnomens, why he knows the name of every twisted curse they've encountered. Vanitas studied hard and it showed. Over the course of the study session, Noé learned a few key things, the basics of how Vanitas was altering a name, as a vampire it should be easier for Noé if he wanted to. He'd simply need to read the formulas in the book and match them. 

Rather, his eyesight allowed him to see their formula in ways a human couldn't.

So that light inside Jeanne earlier was her name? Distorted and wrong, does that mean she's a curse bearer..? He'd need to talk to Vanitas about it when he returned. 

Had he seen enough? Should he dig deeper?

Noé felt tempted to, the memories were sweet. He wanted to see more of Vanitas's life, maybe he could understand why Vanitas reacted so badly to his confession.

Even if Vanitas rejected him, Noé didn't think he'd ever be able to give up on this man.

~~~

In this memory, Mikhail was older, closer in appearance to what he looks like now. Vanitas's face had lost a bit of his baby fat, he was looking more and more like the man Noé sees every day. 

“Wishes are stupid, it's a waste of time to think about.” Vanitas skipped a stone into the water. The blue moon reflection rippled as Mikhail chuckled beside him. 

“I wouldn't wish for anything either then!” Mikhail's voice was deeper, yet he still spoke like a child. “I have the best father ever! And the greatest big brother in the whole wide world!” He stretched out the word whole, spreading his arms wide as if to show it. “And we're going to be together forever and ever and ever and ever and ever ever!” 

The pale boy held out his pinky finger. “Let's make a pinky promise!” 

Vanitas looked at him calculatingly, but that fond gentle gaze was still present. 

“Promise me you'll never leave me.” He leaned in closer, a hint of deranged madness in those silver eyes as he smiled eerily. “I like you! I love you, I can't live without you big brother. So promise me, promise me we will be together forever, okay?”

Noé felt a chill, he could feel the obsession, he could feel the possessiveness of a broken and twisted mind. It's like Mikhail viewed Vanitas as his property, an object in his possession. Someone he could manipulate, like a puppet on a string. 

His big brother, his and his alone. If any bug came between them, he'd squash them like the nuisance they are, maybe make them suffer for the added trouble. 

At that moment, Noé genuinely was scared of this boy. There was something deeply wrong with this child's mind.

Vanitas didn't turn to face Mikhail, he closed his eyes and nodded. “It's not like I'm planning on doing anything else.”

“Then pinky promise! You have to pinky promise it!” Mikhail tugged on his arm. “I won't forgive you if you break it you know!” 

If he breaks his promise, he'll just have to break him back. But that's fine, even if he's broken, he'd never let him go. The disturbed thoughts fluttered into Noé's mind.

Vanitas nodded, he extended his pinky and Mikhail wrapped his own around it enthusiastically. 

Noé left the memory in search of another. Next thing he knew it, he was by the fire place, Mikhail seated on Luna's lap.

“When that child says, he's not interested in the kind of person who'd love him back… It's because he believes he's unlovable.” Luna stared into the fire before smiling right at Mikhail and Noé.

“Huh? What are you talking about father?”

Luna hushed him and stroked his hair gently. “This message isn't for you my dear, all I ask is you listen.”

“I don't understand but okay!” Mikhail giggled and nuzzled into the touch. 

Noé was equally confused. But the memory had glowed, something was calling him to it.

“He thinks that only a madman would see anything worth loving inside him. He has no interest in that kind of person, he detests himself deeply, anyone good, kind, or desirable would surely never love him back.” 

Mikhail hummed to himself while the fire crackled. 

Who were they talking about? This didn't make any sense it was almost as if-

“He's been handed far too much cruelty in this life, but with patience, love, and gentle care, he'll bloom.” Luna looked directly into Mikhail's eyes and smiled. At that moment it felt like the vampire of the blue moon was staring into his very soul. 

“I'm leaving him in your care, Archiviste.”

And with another touch of his hair, Noé was lost in the bloodstreams memories again. 

Archiviste. The vampire of the blue moon said Archiviste. 

They were talking to him. 

How- how did they know? Noé had so many questions now, his heart was racing, and he almost pulled away from the blood entirely.

They entrusted him with Vanitas.

At the very least, the ache in his heart was soothed a bit, but replaced with some irritation. Vanitas, as smart as he was, was an absolute fool. His harsh words caused him so much pain tonight, at the very least Noé thought he deserved an apology. 

But even if Vanitas didn't apologize, Noé was certain about one thing. He loved that man, if Vanitas couldn't understand that right now, he'd just have to keep confessing, he'd tell him every day and wait until it finally clicked in his stubborn brain. 

How can he express it, how does he get through to Vanitas and show just how much he loves him?

There was so much more he wanted to know about Vanitas. But this wasn't the way he wanted to learn about him. He thought back on the feverish nights, the quiet moment on the rooftop, all those little moments where Vanitas exposed another part of himself. 

He wanted to see Vanitas at his own pace. 

So Noé took another gulp, burning the image of the young teen's soft smile as he cooked another meal into his mind.

Noé pulled back, licking the remainder of blood from his lips. The memories starting to settle as he slowly returned to the present moment. The old house now a familiar home, he’d seen many memories of their small family’s peaceful days inside these walls. The bed he'd just been sleeping in was the same bed Vanitas and Mikhail used to share.

Mikhail's giggles died out as he yanked his wrist away and looked at Noé eagerly. “So? What did you learn? Can you teach me?” 

Noé nodded, still dazed as he separated the memories from his own. “Yes… I believe I understand the basics.”

Could he really trust this boy? 

Mikhail was manipulative, calculating, and obsessive. Noé knew, he'd seen his thoughts, felt his emotions. But this was also Vanitas's little brother, and he did help him, so it's only fair if he returns the favor, right?

Mikhail shoved the book of Vanitas over, not giving Noé time to think more. Inside the memories, he'd already developed a sort of familiarity with the device. He unlatched the cover, the book responding to the mark on his body. It unlocked and fanned out before him, illuminating with its enchanting glow. 

“Wow…” He muttered as he touched the edge of a glowing page, it was beautiful. 

“Teach me! Pretty pretty please?” Mikhail gave him the biggest puppy eyes he could manage. 

‘You're far too naive, if you keep trusting strangers you're going to get yourself poisoned again, or killed.’ Vanitas's words from days ago echoed in his mind. 

But… Mikhail wasn't a stranger, he's Vanitas's little brother, and he also knew Teacher. That meant he was trustworthy enough right? He pushed away the doubt and nodded his head. 

“Alright, I may not be a good teacher, but if you bear with me I'll do my best.”

Noé spent the next three hours or so recounting what he'd learned. He wasn't a teacher himself, but he tried to explain things like his teacher would have. He tried going over the basics and tried reading some of the formulas lining the pages, Mikhail was wrapped around every word. 

At the very least, Mikhail seemed to be grasping the context. After a little while, the boy let out a yawn and stretched out his arms. “I'm getting really sleepy Noé. Let's go to bed.” The boy hopped off the couch and started turning out the fire. Noé looked at the door. 

“It is late isn't it..” He looked out the window, given that he has some of Mikhail's memories now, he had a better grasp on where they were. This house is on the outskirts of Paris, it would be a long walk, but he'd seen the way, they often used to go to the city for groceries after all. “I suppose I'll be heading home now, I'll return with Vanitas in the morning and we can all talk together.”

It was scary, thinking about facing Vanitas after his failed confession, but Noé would just have to keep reiterating it until Vanitas knew he was serious. He's always been a direct man, the sooner they talk this out, the better. He turned around and started walking towards the door only for Mikhail to run ahead and lock it in front of him. 

What-?

“It's too late for you to go home for the night, You should stay here!” Mikhail smiled warmly at him, the book of Vanitas open in his right hand.

Something wasn't right, Mikhail hadn't harmed him, but he felt scared like his instincts were screaming at him to get away.

More importantly, how did he even get here in the first place, Noé had no memory of it, he just woke up in the bed.

“I need to talk to Vanitas. Sorry, I promise I'll come back in the morning.” Noé insisted again as he took a step towards the door and grabbed the handle, he unlocked the latch only to be struck by a familiar sudden burst of energy. Blue light lit up the room as he felt his limbs being stunned.

The paralysis from the book-

Noé's collapsed to his knees. Even just lifting his head took tremendous effort. Mikhail was smiling eerily at him.

“Nope! You're staying here with me.” The boy's smile turned cruel. “You're being really difficult you know, I want to get some sleep, but you're trying to leave. That's really selfish Noé.” 

What..? How was wanting to leave selfish, Noé wasn't following.. He pushed his elbow against the ground, trying to prop his body up some more. “Why…? I just want to go home and talk to Vanitas, that doesn't concern you.” 

“Of course it does. I don't want a pesky bug like you following my big brother around, I already told you didn't I? He doesn't need you.” Mikhail's light-hearted tone contradicted the cruel words.

A bug? Him? No Vanitas did need him. If it hadn't been for him, Vanitas would have died three times over already. 

“I'm not a bug and you're wrong, Vanitas may say that he doesn't need me but… But I know he does. He does..” Noé reassured himself with the words, although he found it a little harder to do after tonight's events. 

Mikhail grabbed his face, forcing him to stare into his eyes. “He doesn't need you, he'd be better off without you.” 

The words permeated his very soul, he could feel his mind going fuzzy. That's true, Vanitas doesn't need him. 

No. 

No, that's wrong!

Noé gasped and squeezed his eyes shut. He was trying to control him?! 

“Stop it..! Why are you doing this?” He tried scooting back.

“I want my family back.” Mikhail whispered. “All I ever wanted was for us to be together forever.” He gripped Noé's hair, pulling it. “I'll never forgive him, not ever. For leaving me, for killing father. He promised me we'd be together forever!” The boy's tone rose in pitch, he could hear the frustration, the pain, as if he was on the verge of tears. “So you have to go, he can't have you, I'm all he needs, I'm all he's ever needed!” Mikhail screamed like a jealous child throwing a temper tantrum.

It hurt, Noé gasped from the sting of his hair being pulled.

Mikhail released his hair, he heard the fluttering of pages again before being zapped by the books paralysis again. “Open your eyes.”

“No..! I don't know what you're doing but stop it! I don't consent to this!” It took all of his strength but he pushed himself up and backed up until he was firmly pressed against a wall. He opened his eyes to see Mikhail's glowing blue eyes. Two warm hands pressed against his cheeks, holding his face in place.

“You already know. He'd be happier if you weren't here. You're nothing but an annoying pest.” 

He is annoying, Vanitas told him that often, he'd get so annoyed whenever he didn't clean up properly. If Noé wasn't around, Vanitas wouldn't have to clean up as much, he wouldn't-

No.

Stop, that's not what he really thinks. Noé squeezed his eyes shut. “Please stop…!” He covered his ears with his hands. 

“I learned so much from your lesson but we're not done. You're going to help me practice.” 

Practice…? As in practicing name alterations?!

He was in danger. 

Noé could hardly move but he kicked his legs out, trying to hit Mikhail. He had to fight, if he didn't then his very existence would be defiled. He should have listened, Vanitas always said he was too trusting of strangers and he was right. Noé got to his feet, his eyes still squeezed shut as he tried feeling with his hands for the door knob. 

With another shock, he fell to the ground again, stunned. 

Mikhail crouched down and started prying Noé's shut eyelids open with his fingers. “Go to sleep Noé, it's okay, just relax.” 

He felt so weak, the book's energy still had him paralyzed, and he couldn't push the boy away.

A second of eye contact was all it took. Noé felt himself losing clarity, this was terrifying, he hadn't been this scared in a long time. Vanitas, please help. 

He fought as long as he could but after just a few seconds, Noé found himself losing consciousness. 

Chapter Text

Vanitas ran as fast as his feet could carry him, but it wasn't fast enough. He caught his breath at the entrance to the Exposition Universelle. It was dark, as it should be, and he kept his eyes on the alert. 

There, the lights were on by the carousel, and the lighthearted music played while an all too familiar figure rode on a carved horse. 

Mikhail was alive, he survived that. How? Is it really him? There was relief that came with that, a fond familiarity, like a small blessing in itself that he got to see the child alive and well. With that also came the memories of what happened that day. He gulped, the haunting memory a painful burden. 

“Oh! Big brother!” Mikhail happily exclaimed as he hopped off the horse and ran over to hug him. As he approached, Vanitas caught sight of the automaton arm. 

So that's it. He's the one behind the incidents.

The boy buried his face in his chest as he squeezed Vanitas tightly, nuzzling close as he smiled contentedly with his innocent, rosy cheeks. “I missed you so much! I'm so glad you're here.”

A pang in his heart, no time to dwell on it. “Mikhail.” Vanitas responded coldly. 

“It's Misha” The boy looked up at him with a pout. It was quickly wiped away as Mikhail grabbed Vanitas's arm and led him over to the carousel. “We can talk over here, let's ride together.” 

Vanitas's eyes narrowed, examining the area for any traps. It didn't look like any were set, although he did see that strange canine-like automaton standing to the side. This entire park was powered by astermite, the location was not a coincidence. It's a warning. Mikhail could burn this place to the ground with ease. The boy’s always been a loose cannon, until he gets a better grasp of what he's after, it would be best to go along with him. 

Mikhail dragged him towards one of the carriages and plopped on an empty seat, patting the spot next to him. He sat down, and the child clung to his arm, letting out a happy noise. 

“Isn't this fun, big brother? I really like the merry-go-round! I'll let you pick the next ride!” Mikhail giggled and kicked his feet as they slowly spun.

“Where is he?” Vanitas asked, point-blank. Mikhail had Noé, that's the most logical explanation behind his absence.

Mikhail's smile didn't falter. “Hm? Oh, you mean Noé? He's here too, but forget about him, we can play with him later!” 

That was all he needed to hear. “Tell me what you did to him.” Vanitas grit his teeth, he couldn't help it, his concern seeping through.

“You're worried about him?” Misha didn't sound pleased, he huffed and tugged on his arm again. “But we haven't seen each other in forever.” 

Crap, he shouldn't let Mikhail know he's worried. He can't show any weakness here. 

Wait, weakness? 

‘You gave yourself something to protect. That's why you're weak.’ His own words, he'd said that to Jeanne on their first meeting. 

He gave himself a weakness, and he hadn't even realized it. 

“Where is Noé?” He demanded, This wasn't a game anymore. His eyes darting to the side, he didn't see Noé anywhere, but if he's in the park, he's in danger. 

Mikhail sighed and hopped off the carriage, leaving Vanitas alone on it. “You're cold, big brother. I just wanted to spend some time together. Maybe I'll give you a hint if you ride the teacups with me.”

Vanitas got up and followed, but the canine automaton stepped between them. An unspoken threat. 

“What do you want?” His hand rested on the book of Vanitas, he doubted he'd be able to do any damage on that machine with Dante's gun.

“I came to pick you up! You thought I was dead, right? So did I! My memory's all hazy, and I can't remember anything, but… It hurt.” Mikhail closed his eyes and brought his hands to his heart. “More than I could bear… It was so cold.” 

Vanitas knew what he saw that day, there's no way Mikhail could have survived those injuries under normal circumstances, somethings wrong.

“Luckily, someone kind saved me.” 

Saved? Who else was there that day? Someone else bore witness to Luna’s name being stolen? That's impossible, it was just them, something bigger was going on, beyond Mikhail, who is he dealing with? Is he dealing with a friend or foe? 

“And my savior told me there's a way to bring Father back to life!” Mikhail spread out his arms, sharing it like it's the best news on the planet. 

Foe

Fear, terror, pure adrenaline rushed through Vanitas's system. He pulled out his gun and aimed it at Mikhail's head. Under no circumstances could he allow that; whoever was pulling the strings here was an enemy. 

“Isn't that terrific? We'll be able to live together again, all three of us! So forget your silly revenge and come with me!” 

He fired a shot, and Mikhail snickered as his automaton deflected the bullet.

“DON'T EVEN JOKE ABOUT THAT.” He screamed back. “Do you have any idea how much I've done to erase their existence entirely?!” And here Mikhail's saying he's going to undo it all?! Impossible, who?! Who is backing Mikhail?!

Think logically. He fired another while his brain worked overtime. Advanced automatons, an automaton hand, vampires despise this type of technology. Aside from the clockwork fiend Sir Francis Varney, is he involved?! Who's responsible?! 

“Who…?! Who saved you!? Who's trying to bring that vampire back to life!?!”

“I already told Noé, why don't you ask him? Oh, well, I guess you can't anymore.” Mikhail cheerfully confirmed his worst fears.

Vanitas lowered the gun. Somehow, the fear those words instilled in him rivaled that of Mikhail trying to bring back Luna. 

What does he mean by that? It's too late to ask Noé?

“Did you kill him?” He asked breathlessly, he couldn't breathe. 

Mikhail shook his head. “You did something bad and made him part of Father's clan, but I didn't kill him. Noé just helped me practice.” 

Practice? 

Mikhail snapped his fingers and pointed towards the mirror maze. The lights turned on in the building, and the energy radiating from it was distorted. “Mhm! I let Noé drink my blood, and in return, he taught me how to do what you do.”

A small crowd of Vampires approached from all sides of the shadows, as if they'd been on standby. Vanitas knew he was cornered, there was no way he'd be able to overpower this many vampires under Mikhail's control. 

He recognized some of them, the woman from the case. All the missing vampires were still alive at least, and they were measly under control, their names hadn't been altered. 

Maybe it was a bluff, maybe Noé's name hasn't been defiled. He didn't see Noé among the crowd, he must be somewhere else. 

“Since you don't wanna play on the rides with me, why don't we play a gam?” Mikhail said as he lifted the book. One of the vampires left the crowd and started walking towards a building, the mirror maze to be exact. She paused just a few feet outside the door, her hand reaching for the handle and opening it before she was suddenly consumed, vanished into thin air. A soft purple glow radiated from the door. 

That's the work of a malnomen, there's a curse bearer in there. 

“L’Archive Dévorée.” Mikhail giggled. In the distance, the malnomen responded, its curse extending past the doors in the form of small glittering sparkles, almost as if it were trying to lure its prey. “It's pretty right? Noé helped me pick it out!”

That malnomen. Vanitas felt like he was going to be sick. He knew that alteration, he'd never encountered it, but he knew of it. Like Millie, the afflicted is trapped inside a prison of their own memories, but instead of endlessly repeating, memories are devoured like fuel, the curse and its bearer die once all memory has been consumed.

“When someone goes in there, they disappear, and Noé eats their memories. If you don't reverse it soon, more people will go in there and die. You wouldn't want that, would you? I don't want that to happen either! So go on, inverse it!” Mikhail's cheeks were red, and he looked thrilled, like he was on the verge of getting exactly what he wanted. 

Inverse it?

Two of the vampires charged at Vanitas, he used his book to paralyze them, but another snuck up from behind and tackled him to the ground. He felt a sharp set of fangs dig into his shoulder, the venom a searing pain as Vanitas stunned him and scrambled to get to his feet. Mikhail was sitting on top of the carousel with his automaton, watching. 

“What are you waiting for? Go on!” Mikhail gleefully shouted out.

No.

If Vanitas inversed it from here without a direct target, Noé would vanish along with any vampires inside. He stared at the mirror maze, his lip quivering. 

What was the rate of decay? Millie was slow acting over centuries, but Vanitas knew from experience that wasn't always the case, that little girl, Catherine from the Bal Masqué, a bitter reminder.

What if the malnomen had already mostly devoured him, what if there's not enough left of Noé to inverse? Then walking in there would be suicide, he'd die too.

Think..! Vanitas huffed and kicked a vampire away from him, and another attempted to restrain him. He's overpowered. This is bad. He can't win against these numbers. He can't even reach the building, so Mikhail's limiting his options to a trolley problem. 

Give up on Noé, or more will die. 

The longer he hesitated, the more casualties there would be. Even if he could make it to the building, there's no guarantee he can inverse it, he'd just be dooming countless people, including himself. Vanitas had no qualms with gambling his own life, he'd do that on a whim. But Vanitas did not gamble with the lives of others.

Noé. He thought of his smile that morning on the bell tower.

He’s a doctor, he's deemed it his mission to bring salvation to the vampires. If Noé's name has been stolen and all he can do is put him out of his misery, then he shouldn’t hesitate. The pages glowed at his command.

All he could picture was the way Noé looked at Paris for the first time, those vibrant eyes so full of life. The way he had to drag the vampire away from the street performers, he was distracted by every little thing.

Vanitas lowered the book, his arm trembling. He can't do it. If it had been anyone else, Vanitas would, at least in death, their name would be restored. 

But not Noé, he can't die here. Vanitas jumped out of the way of another vampire as a steady resolve started to grow.

He should never have let Noé wander off that night. If only Vanitas had been stronger, if he'd only been able to accept the fact that Noé was stupid enough to think he was in love with him. 

Vanitas felt the ache in his heart. This stupid, irrational feeling that couldn't be love, yet he had no other logical explanation for it.

Noé's ‘not yet’ echoed in his ears. That idiot never knew when to give up. 

Not yet. 

It looks like he was right. Noé's refusal to give up really would be the death of him. 

He needs to get in there, even if it means risking everything. But how? Vanitas winced, the vampire who had bitten him had injected venom, like a poison, it won't kill him, but he felt lethargic, he couldn't fight this on his own.

“Vanitas!” Jeanne called out his name. he saw a burst of flames from Carpe Diem, separating him from the curse bearers as she ran up and backed against him, guarding his blind spot. She was here to assist him in battle. How? Why? He'd ask those questions later.

Dominique trailed behind her, a fierce look in her eyes and a sword in her hand. She must have snapped herself out of it. 

“Where's Noé?!” Domi yelled at Mikhail, while the boy simply waved. Even their presence wasn't enough to unnerved him, he still thought his plan was foolproof. 

Vanitas knew Mikhail, he knew he'd set this whole thing up so that Vanitas would have no choice but to kill Noé. 

There was just one thing he didn't account for. 

Something Vanitas could have never anticipated, either.

“Jeanne, take care of the vampires, don't let them near the building.” He said softly as he walked away from her, the warmth of her back fading as she cleared a path for him. 

“Big brother?” Mikhail tilted his head. 

Vanitas pulled out the book of Vanitas and started walking towards the mirror maze. This made no sense, he had his revenge to fulfill, and he had to stop whoever was trying to bring back Luna. He finally had a lead, someone aside from them had been there on that day.

He'd never been closer to a solid target for his revenge. What he'd always wanted, the goal he'd been working towards, seemed within his grasp for the first time. He should be thrilled. Yet right now, he didn't care about any of that. No, that's not it. For whatever reason, Noé meant more than it all, he laughed bitterly. What's wrong with him? He must be broken. He thought of Noé's sleeping face next to his, the feeling of Noé's arms used in place of a pillow.  

While Jeanne took care of the vampires and kept them at bay, Mikhail hopped on his automaton and rushed through them, grabbing Vanitas's arm.  “You can undo it from here. If you get closer, you'll get hurt too.” 

“Don't care.” Vanitas answered and tried to pull his arm away. He saw Dominique approaching fast behind them. 

The woman pulled her sword on Mikhail. “What have you done with Noé?” She asked, a terrifying, dark look in her eyes. 

Mikhail, now incapacitated, stood there, watching as Vanitas walked further away. 

He was right at the entrance now, the aura overpowering. So this was the distorted power of an Archiviste.

“Stop…” Mikhail sounded distraught. “You can't go in there. You'll die! He's already gone, so just put him out of his misery already!” He shouted back.

Domi's eyes went wide at the implication of the words, her grip on her sword tightening.

“Big brother, why…? WHY ARE YOU GOING TO THROW EVERYTHING AWAY?! Don't you care?!” The boy was screaming in distress, a sound that Vanitas had always been weak to.

“I don't know.” If he survived, he'd deal with whoever was manipulating Mikhail. If he dies, it is what it is. “Mikhail, the dead don't return, at the most, it will only be something that resembles them. Remember that.” He spoke calmly, in hopes the kid would heed that warning and give up. He can find a new family. 

Vanitas, however, can't find another Noé. He could search the world over and never find someone who looks at this dull world with such vibrant stars in his eyes, who's righteous, chivalrous, kind, naive to a fault, obnoxious, annoying, and somehow brings light everywhere he goes. 

He'd definitely never find a man dumb enough to think Vanitas was deserving of love. Noé, he's an absolute idiot. But he wouldn't change a thing about him. 

His heart raced, his face heated up. There it was again, the symptoms of this incurable, logic-defying disease.

“If I don't return leave the park and tell Count Orlock to keep visitors away.” He told the women while Mikhail screamed at him to stop. 

“YOU PROMISED!” 

Sorry. 

Vanitas closed his eyes, he gripped the metal handle, he'd stared death in the face many times by now. He didn't think he'd ever grow used to the feeling that came with it. He took a deep breath and opened the door. Immediately, he was engulfed by darkness. he walked through the hall of mirrors, each reflection of himself from a different period of his life, and it unsettled him. At the very least, he was conscious, which was a great sign, the rate of decay wasn't instant. Among the mirrors was one that didn't reflect him. he reached a hand out to investigate, finding it was permeable. 

He stepped in.

It was midday, and he found himself in a cafe somewhere around Paris, not one he had been to, and it didn't look like one of Noé's either. 

There, that was the missing vampire Mikhail had thrown in earlier, she lay asleep on the floor while the scene played out. Her past self was eating a slice of strawberry shortcake topped with a large decorative swirl of whipped cream and fresh berries. Around the table were her friends, all talking about something, and it was going too fast for Vanitas to hear. The moment was soon replaced by another memory, this time she was a small girl sharing cookies with her friends.

Vanitas grit his teeth, the memories were being consumed fast. The decay wasn't instant, but at this rate, Noé could have destroyed countless of his own memories. What's the common denominator? What is Noé devouring? Fun moments with people important? 

What if he doesn't even remember him? 

That thought hurt. Vanitas ran back through the glass, escaping the memory, and started trying to navigate the mirror maze. “NOÉ?! WAKE UP!” He shouted, hoping for some sort of response. 

Where would he be? Vanitas started running through, every mirror reflecting another memory Vanitas had no intention of looking into. It didn't feel like his memories were being touched, but how would he know he's missing something he's forgotten?

Vanitas kept running until he felt something brush against his ankle. He tumbled to the floor and looked back. It was a shadow-like hand, pulling him towards a mirror. 

Creepy!

His face scrunched up in disgust as he kicked it, he scrambled back, sliding on the floor as he used his book to stun whatever it was. He couldn't afford to get incapacitated in here. The shadow withered back into the mirror, Vanitas was on the alert. He got back up and continued running desperately. There was a light in the distance, and he turned another corner, if he could just reach it. 

One second, in a single instant, a barrage of hands came at him from different mirrors, one grabbed his leg, the other pulling the book of Vanitas from his arm. 

No!

He felt a hand covering his mouth, the book of Vanitas being pulled into a different mirror as he struggled desperately. 

He thought of Noé, the man he was letting down again. There was no way out of this one, despite that he still struggled, he managed to wiggle at least his mouth free. 

“NOÉ!” He yelled out the man's name one more time before his mouth was covered once more. He wasn't ready to accept the obvious fate he'd walked into. 

“I was hoping I wouldn't have to intervene so soon, but you've truly shown me something incredible.” A gentle voice, the sound of hands clapping. Vanitas opened his eyes to see a blonde-haired man approaching. One of his eyes was purple, another as blue as his own. He grabbed the book of Vanitas from the shadows, they made no move to incapacitate him.

Who, no, what was this? 

He couldn't open his mouth to speak thanks to the restraints. 

The man in question leaned in close, his gloved fingers brushing the loose strands of Vanitas's hair, running through it like silk. Vanitas flinched, not pleased. If he could speak, he would yell at him not to touch him. 

The man seemed to notice his displeasure, he drew his fingers back. “Ah, perhaps this is the first time we've met in this form?” 

This form? 

What, was he supposed to recognize this guy? Vanitas's eyes trembled as he tried to think back. There's only a handful of people Vanitas ever allowed to touch him familiarly. No, this sort of familiarity was uncalled for, no matter who he was.

The stranger gently pried the shadows from Vanitas's hand, freeing it. The curse obeying him, that alone threw him for a loop, as the man placed the book back in Vanitas's palm.

Immediately, he used that power to dispel the restraints. Vanitas coughed as he caught his breath. He wiped his mouth and stood up. “Who are you?” He scowled at the strange man.

The man smiled at him and tipped his hat. “I'm merely an observer.” 

Whoever he was, he wasn't reflected in any of the mirrors either.

“That implies you don't get involved.” Vanitas clutched the book tightly, ready to stun him if he made any sudden move. Would stunning him even work? Vanitas wasn't even sure what he was.

“Ever since my dearest kitten informed me of your condition, I've been concerned for your well-being.” Sugary words, spoken without an ounce of malice. Vanitas couldn't even detect any hint of ulterior motive.

So this is the former Marquis de Sade, ‘the shapeless one’. A powerful vampire, feared by many, the man who taught Noé, raised him, and sent him on a quest to meet him that night on La Baleine. 

Why the hell was he concerned about his well-being? Vanitas had never met him to his knowledge. 

“So you're Noé's teacher, don't concern yourself with me.” Vanitas's eyes narrowed. A vampire this powerful was not someone he should fight. He wouldn't be able to win.

The man only smiled at him, he eyed him from top to bottom with a stare, as if he was looking into his very soul. “Yes, you could say that. I'm so very pleased I took the time to examine your condition myself. I couldn't be more pleased, This is such a spectacular outcome.”

Huh? Vanitas took a step back. “What do you mean by that?” 

No answer. This guy wasn't going to tell him anything, was he?

“Come with me.” Just like that, he was walking away, navigating the maze with ease.

Vanitas knew he shouldn't trust this guy, but at that second, he had nothing to lose, if he didn't listen, he'd likely die anyway. There were a lot of things he wanted to ask, but how was he here? Why wasn't the curse attacking him? Why did he send Noé on a journey to meet him in the first place? 

“Where did we meet before?”

No answer.

Think, what did he know about this guy? The shapeless one infamously didn't like being called by the wrong name. Provoking him would be reckless, but on the other hand, he needs him to cure Noé, it's not like he'll kill Vanitas over a mistake. 

“Hey, shapeless one. Aren't you going to answer me?” Vanitas asked carefully, keeping some space between. 

The man's grip on his cane tightened, he turned around, his smile still in place, but the aura around him menacing. “Brazen as you are beautiful, it would serve you well to hold your tongue.”

“Why, you need me to save Noé, don't you?” Vanitas asked, as odd as it seemed, the man's presence was protecting him. The hands all stood on standby in their reflective mirrors, ready to strike, but unwilling to defy the orders of this mysterious vampire.

“He didn't heed my warning, right now I'm doing this for your sake. Do address me as the Comte de Saint Germain going forward.” 

His sake? Vanitas didn't even know where they could have met before, the Comte de Saint Germain did not ring any bells either. 

There was a light at the end, the heart of the maze, he could see the scenery inside of one specific mirror rapidly changing, Noé was in there. 

“Au revoir, until we meet again. Human heir to the blue, most beautiful creature in the world.” There was a gloved hand in his hair, patting it gently before it disappeared. Vanitas turned around, but the man was gone without a trace.

What the hell, he's creepy. Noé was raised by a creep.

He didn't have time to contemplate it further, his priority was Noé and getting him out of this before a second more of memory could be devoured. Vanitas stepped into the mirror to see the bright sunny weather of what he could only guess was Noé's oh so special Averoigne. 

There was an embroidered picnic blanket that looked like it cost more than Vanitas's entire apartment. It was laid out on the ground right under a tree with a basket in the center, and in the background was a grand castle. 

Noé really did grow up like a spoiled prince, didn't he. 

A small Dominique knelt in her frilly pink dress, talking and smiling with Noé, who couldn't be older than seven. The two children were giggling and eating while a boy who resembled Dominique sat in the tree, quietly reading a book. 

That must be Louis. 

This is the core of the malnomen, based on the speed, he could tell this wasn't exactly a memory. It was more like the repeating closed world that they'd encountered in Gévaudan. 

He walked towards the picnic blanket slowly. Louis was eyeing him with suspicion. 

“Noé.” Vanitas got down on his knees, kneeling in the grass. The two children who'd been oblivious to his presence turned to look at him. 

Noé was busy chewing on a macaron, he looked at Vanitas with wide and innocent eyes. He hasn't changed much. 

“Who are you?” Louis asked skeptically, and Domi eyed him with concern as well. 

Vanitas didn't bother responding to them, it's not like they're real. Noé needed to reject this world. “You already know this isn't real.”

Noé's brows furrowed as he swallowed the bite he'd been chewing. Louis jumped down from his spot in the tree, Vanitas got the feeling he had to keep an eye on this kid. 

Louis quickly proceeded to grab Noé’s arm. “We’re going inside, now.” The boy started running to the castle, dragging Noé while Domi, sharp in her senses, ran towards the door. 

Vanitas chased after them, but he was just a second too late, the door slamming shut behind them as Vanitas was left banging on the door. 

He sprinted after the kids, his hand just a few feet away from grabbing the boy's collar. The door slammed shut in his face. He crashed into it, he heard the lock but he still jiggled the knob to no avail. “No! Dammit Noé!”

The wood creaked as his fists pounded against the frame. “I know you don't want to hear from me, but listen up! You can't stay here, you'll consume yourself!” Vanitas grit his teeth. Was Noé even listening? Had he already run off and hidden in the castle? He kicked the door, he'd break it down if he had to. Vanitas wasn't ready to lose Noé either. 

“WAKE UP NOÉ! IF YOU STAY IN HERE, DOMI WONT WITHSTAND YOUR FREEDOM!” Please, he hoped that by some chance Noé could still hear him. “DON'T YOU DARE SET ME FREE NOW YOU IDIOT!” He wanted to stay by his side. If Vanitas was allowed to make a selfish wish, he'd want the dull, chaotic, reckless days to continue. The ones where they eat breakfast on the roof, Noé makes a mess of the room, they bicker, make up, and then in the evening they track down curse bearers. 

Please.

There was silence, think, be more efficient. He cursed and pulled out a pin from his pocket as he meticulously started picking the lock. 

He heard rustling from the other side, a hushed “Move already you dummy! We have to hide.” 

They're still there. Vanitas worked faster than he ever had and quickly opened it. Domi shrieked, she trembled, and hid behind her older brother. The boy was tugging at Noé's arm, but the small Archiviste wouldn't budge. 

“Who are you?” Noé asked

“Idiot! He's probably a kidnapper, we have to go!” Louis yelled at him. Noé disregarded the warning and walked towards Vanitas.

Yeah, in hindsight, it's no wonder Noé got kidnapped. He was far too trusting. Vanitas thought about Noé getting himself poisoned in Gévaudan. 

He's still far too trusting as an adult. 

“I'm no kidnapper, you know that.” Vanitas replied plainly as he pulled out his book. The two vampires behind him gasped. 

“That's-”

“The book of Vanitas.” Vanitas said plainly, no use bothering with theatrics. “I'm here to clean up your mess. What the hell were you thinking?! Teaching Mikhail how to corrupt and alter names!? Do you even think at all??” Vanitas berated the young Archiviste, maybe he should have held back but his temper was getting the best of him.

“The book of Vanitas…? Are you going to kill us?” Domi trembled as she asked the question, no doubt thinking about that old kids' story about Vanitas seeking revenge against all vampires of the red moon. 

Forget that, why is he worrying about a figment, that's not even a real person! The only person who matters here is the boy in front of him. 

Noé stared at him for a few seconds, Vanitas wondered if he was going to run away. Mentally preparing himself to chase the brat around the halls if he had to. But to his surprise, little Noé started walking towards him.

Those small purple eyes started to sparkle. “Wow…” 

Okay, Noé was born with zero innate survival skills. Not that Vanitas could be mad about it, because right now it made this easier on him. 

“Your eyes…” Noé tugged on his sleeve. “They're pretty like the blue moon!” Noé exclaimed as he turned around and pointed at his face. “Look! It's really Vanitas! Just like in the fairy tale!”

“Then get away from him! He's dangerous!” Louis cried out. 

Noé looked back at Vanitas and smiled. “I don't think so, in the story Vanitas was lonely, right? If we become his friends, he won't hate vampires anymore!” 

“No you idiot! That's not how that works at all! You're going to get yourself killed!” 

Vanitas was really starting to appreciate this Louis kid, at least Noé grew up with someone who had some common sense. He sighed. He couldn't believe he was about to do something as stupid as talking to a figment of Noé's overactive imagination. But this Louis kid meant a lot to him, he might as well say it now. 

“I'm not going to hurt Noé.” Intentionally at least. “You don't have to worry about him anymore, he's my problem for now.” 

“What's that supposed to mean?” 

Forget about it, Vanitas was not going to argue with someone who wasn't even real. He held out a hand, waiting to see if Noé would grab it. And thankfully, the little Archiviste did. Vanitas could feel the relief sinking in.

“Noé?!” Louis ran up to put some space between them. 

“It's okay, I know he's not a bad person” Noé reassured the boy.

“No you don't-”

“I do. I don't know how to say it, but he's kind.” 

Vanitas stiffened at that, the little boy tilted his head, examining him just like the Noé he knows is always doing. 

“Enough, let's go.” 

He led Noé out of the castle as they briskly walked towards the mirror. Louis was chasing them and yelling as Noé followed behind him with those trusting, sparkling eyes. 

Once they stepped through, Vanitas got to work at reversing it. He didn't have time to talk to the kid anymore. Please, don't let this be too late, he internally pleaded as the pages of his book glowed. He focused, reversing the malady that had corrupted Noé's existence. 

The boy beside him started to glow, and for the first time, he saw Noé, all of him. The very essence that makes up Noé's being. 

He'd never seen such a fitting name. Vanitas couldn't help but chuckle, he'd keep it to himself, as beautiful as it was, whispering the formula that made up his annoying partner. 

The light dispersed around them, and Noé fell unconscious in front of him. He was wearing that suit from the night of their argument. Vanitas felt a hint of guilt, but that wasn't important.

Noé was alive. Vanitas's breath hitched, they both made it. He collapsed to his knees. 

“Vanitas!? Can you hear me? Vanitas!” That was Jeanne's voice, he could hear her calling from outside the building. 

Vanitas used his wire to unlatch the door and pushed it open with his foot, he wasn't ready to pull away from Noé yet. “We're over here.” He propped the unconscious man up so his head was resting in his lap. It was funny, a few weeks ago, he would have never fathomed that being this physically close with Noé could be comfortable. But after spending a week entwined, it felt like the most natural thing. 

Scratch that thought, banish it from his memory, the weird feelings it invoked were not ones Vanitas was ready to begin unpacking.

“Noé!” Domi ran towards them, Mikhail's book in hand. She'd managed to disarm the boy who was seated on his automaton with a heavy frown. The controlled vampires lay scattered about, but none of them looked as if they'd been injured seriously. 

Jeanne must have knocked them out. 

Vanitas bit his lip, looking down at Noé, scanning him for any injuries, any marks. 

Nothing, Mikhail hadn't laid a finger on him aside from this. But it was too early to celebrate, he wouldn't know the full extent of the damage done until Noé woke up. 

He knew better than to try shaking Noé awake, when this guy was out, he was out, nothing could make him stir. Besides, exuding that much energy takes its toll, he wouldn't be surprised if Noé were unconscious for a while.

“Is he alright?” Domi knelt beside him, her hand trembling as she reached out for Noé, examining his state for herself. 

Physically, he's fine, that's not what had Vanitas worried. He looked up at Mikhail with a glare.

The boy flinched at being on the receiving end of such a cold stare. “I… I just wanted my family back.” Those big eyes and fake tears welling forth. Mikhail started sobbing. The woman looked back, baffled by the sudden childish display.

Vanitas knew better. Mikhail was always like this, using tears to get his way. He'd just wait it out and get a proper answer. 

After a minute or so, Mikhail suddenly stopped and wiped the tears away with a bored sigh. 

“Knock him out, I'll deal with him later.” He told Jeanne specifically.

Mikhail's eyes went wide before the woman struck him carefully, rendering him unconscious. 

She caught the boy in her arms. Vanitas's eyes softened, he'd handle whoever was manipulating him and make sure he stayed out of trouble. Right now, Mikhail holds the biggest clue on who stole Luna's name. It doesn't look like he's killed anyone. Hopefully, Count Orlock doesn't press too hard when he says he's taken care of the problem. 

It was around this time that Lucius ran to Jeanne's side. He grabbed her hand and squeezed it. 

Huh?

Why was the Grand Duke here? Vanitas could feel the headache coming. “Let's talk back at the hotel.” 

The walk back was awkward to say the least, luckily no one was injured, they left the missing vampires there, he was sure the Grand Duke would be able to make a report of that. In the end, Vanitas carried Mikhail back while Jeanne carried Noé. The guy was way too big for him to even consider carrying.

Vanitas was certain he couldn't even lift him if he tried. 

They gathered in the dining room, and mademoiselle Amelia was incredibly relieved to see Noé back safe and sound. 

“So, why are you here?” Vanitas asked as he collapsed onto a chair, eyeing Noé out of the corner of his eye with something akin to shame.

Lucius sat up straight, his gaze leaving Jeanne's side to face him. “I was briefed on the missing vampires incident going on in Paris, and that Noé was among the lost. Lady Dominique went missing as well, so I asked for Jeanne's help investigating the matter.” 

Hm. “That still doesn't explain why you came personally.” 

“I wasn't going to send Jeanne to look for Noé and potentially work with you alone again.” Fair enough, he guessed the kid got a briefing on what went down in Gévaudan.

“Well, the missing vampires case has been dealt with, you're welcome.” The smug arrogance rang flat, he genuinely didn't have the energy to put effort into the act.

“He called you brother.” Luca stated, no doubt gauging the threat. If Mikhail knew how to corrupt true names and manipulate vampires, yes, he was a threat. But like always, Vanitas covered for him.

“Mikhail's also from the blue moon clan, that's all. I took his book already, so he won't be causing any more trouble.” Vanitas held up the second book of Vanitas and tucked it away in his coat. 

There was no way in hell he was telling this whole group anything about his past. 

“If Vanitas says he has him under control, we can trust him.” Jeanne said with utmost confidence as she put a soothing hand on Luca's shoulder.

It had the opposite effect, the boy grit his teeth.

“What about Noé? Will he be alright?” Domi asked, she had Noé leaning on her shoulder in his sleep. The sight irritated Vanitas somehow. 

Would he be? Not even Vanitas could provide a certain answer at the moment. 

“I don't know, at that rate, the malnomen could have devoured a lot of his memories” Vanitas looked away, the thought hurt to think about. It all depended on what Noé fixated on. All the memories he saw seemed to have been cheerful times with friends. Depending on how broad the effects are, Noé might have lost far more than what Vanitas wanted to admit. “We won't know the damage until he wakes up.” 

There was a heavy silence that fell over the room after that, everyone grasped the severity of the situation. 

Domi looked at him with pleading eyes. “What if he's forgotten everything?”

Vanitas feared that the most. 

He took another look at Noé and let himself into the kitchen. Tying an apron around his waist and putting his hair up into a bun, before grabbing some apples. Sitting around and worrying will do nothing. 

He reached for a knife and started peeling the apple, coring it, before aggressively chopping it up. 

Logically, it was useless to make Noé's favorite dessert. It's not like it will make him wake up faster or undo any damage done. 

But still, right now it was all he could do. 

You could stay by his side, a voice inside his head whispered. 

No.

He couldn't. 

Vanitas let out a sigh as he started preparing the dough for the puff pastry. Jeanne was watching him from the door. 

Hours passed, Vanitas finished baking, and was left with nothing else to distract himself. He sat on his bed, a freshly baked tarte tatin on the ledge by the window sat mostly untouched. He'd been unable to refuse Jeanne a slice when she looked at it the way she had. Domi remained seated by the vampire's bedside. 

A knock at the door.

“Pardon our intrusion. Has Noé woken up yet?” Luca's voice piped up as he peeked through the door, Jeanne standing behind him. 

Domi quietly shook her head no, she clenched her fists tightly. “Not yet.”

Jeanne walked over to Vanitas and brazenly sat on his bed beside him, he reacted like a startled cat, while Luca began to seethe with jealousy. “Master Luca must return to Altus before noon. Will you be alright by yourself?”

Her face was too close! Vanitas looked away. “I-I'm fine!” He stuttered out awkwardly. 

“You're too close to Jeanne.” Luca complained, as if Vanitas didn't already know!

There was a soft groan from the other bed, Noé. Immediately, Domi leaned over him. “Noé? Do you know who I am?? Noé?” 

Vanitas felt anxious; now is the moment of truth. He remained in his spot while Noé started to stir. 

White eyelashes fluttered open, revealing those dazed purple eyes. He let out a yawn and rubbed his eyes as he grumbled. “Domi..?” 

She all but cried in relief as she wrapped her arms around him in a hug. “Noé..!” 

Noé's brows furrowed, obviously confused by the reaction. He hugged her back on instinct. After a few seconds of that, Noé shot up in a panic, he brought a hand to his heart. 

So, at the very least, he understood he had been in a perilous situation. 

The ability specifically targets important memories in batches. If he didn't consume the memory of his closest friendships, what did he consume?

Those familiar purple eyes scanned the room, seeing the small crowd that had gathered before settling on Vanitas. 

Vanitas’s posture straightened unconsciously, his heart began to race. What if he didn’t-

“Vanitas.” Noé said his name. 

He remembered him-

They sat there and stared for a few seconds awkwardly, the room so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Noé hadn't forgotten his friends or the people close to him, that wasn't the devoured memory. Vanitas, unable to meet his gaze any longer, looked away. He owed him an apology, a big one. 

“Sorry.” He muttered, It didn't feel like enough. He made Noé cry, Noé almost died cause of his involvement too. “I was tired that night, I didn't mean to hurt you.”

Luca eyed him from his spot to the side, Everyone seemed thrown off by the uncharacteristic display compared to his usual abrasive persona.

Noé's gaze softened as a light smile formed on his lips. “I can't say I forgive you yet, but it is unusual seeing you apologizing so meekly.” He climbed out of bed.

So he did remember what had transpired between them- wait, why was he getting closer? Vanitas looked down as Noé knelt at his bedside. 

“You reclaimed my name for me.” Noé smiled at him with a look that melted something inside his soul. 

Vanitas's face flushed red, he raised his hands to hide behind it. “I wasn't going to leave you like that-”

Noé grabbed his hand, pulling it from his face, his large palm dwarfing his own as he cradled it like something precious.

He couldn't look away.

“I'm sorry, Jeanne, I thought I was a man of my word, but I made a promise I cannot keep,” Noé said the woman next to him as he continued holding Vanitas's hand.

“What promise…? Jeanne! Are you really dating this man?!” Luca asked in distress, his own hand clutching his heart. 

Domi held her breath.

“Huh?” Both Jeanne and Noé said in unison,  they turned to stare at Lucius like he had two heads. 

Noé blinked. “I'm not dating Jeanne.” 

“You're not…?” Domi asked, her shoulder sinking in relief before another look of worry settled on her face. “Then who? You couldn't possibly mean...” She trailed off, her eyes went wide as she connected to dots with new context. 

Noé smiled proudly, a pink tint on his cheek as he stared Vanitas straight in the eyes. “I'm in love with Vanitas.”

Vanitas's mouth fell open, he was too stunned to say anything. Even after everything, this guy still thought he loved him? What is he thinking? Saying it in front of all these people?! He's not thinking at all!

Noé took that as an opportunity to continue. “I know you don't believe me, and that's fine. I'll prove it to you one day at a time and cherish every moment I get with you.” He let go of his hand to cup his cheek. “I'll wait, however long you need, even if you push me away. I swear, I'll never set you free.” 

What was with these overly sweet words? Better yet, why was he reacting to them like some love-struck maiden?! Vanitas's face was redder than a tomato, his heart was racing so fast, he couldn't control it. 

This incurable disease. 

No, no no no make it stop!

Unbelievable, unbelievable, unbelievable! This can't be happening?! He can't really be in love, this isn't real love! They're both just confused!

They were broken out of the moment by Luca, who looked thrilled. “Noé! I'm sorry I ever doubted you!” His grin was so wide that it looked comical on his small face. “I offer you both my utmost blessing! Leave it to me! I'll have your marriage registered in Altus by evening!” 

Huh? Wait. 

What?

MARRIAGE?! 

This little brat..! What the hell did he think he was doing?! Vanitas whipped his head around to see the young man beaming with excitement. 

“What- No!” Jeanne got up from the bed in protest. 

“Neither of them agreed to that!” Domi chimed in, equally as upset by the proposition. 

“Marriage..?” Noé whispered the word. he smiled so brightly, looking at Vanitas with hope and anticipation. “Can we?” 

Can we? Can they what?! Get MARRIED?! No no no, absolutely not, out of the question. What was even happening right now?! He can't be serious, marriage? Him? Marry Noé!? This guy's completely lost it, he's out of his mind! Just the thought was completely absurd. Vanitas's face was burning.

“Of course NOT-” Vanitas tried to argue, but he was cut off but Luca.

“Wonderful! I'll make sure it's registered immediately!” The boy dashed out of the room before anyone could say another word. 

“Wait! Master Luca!” Jeanne dashed out of the room, following him while Domi and Vanitas remained in shock. Noé seemed lost in his own delusional fantasy. 

The remaining woman let out a loud sigh and rested her head on her palm. “I have a lot of questions… But more importantly, I'm just glad you're alright.” Domi said as she walked over to the bed and crouched by Noé's side. 

“I'm sorry, I didn't mean to worry you.” He said as he turned to face his childhood friend.

Vanitas finally had a second to recollect himself. He pulled his legs up and scooted as far away on the bed as possible, he should try to escape out the window. He hopped down and quickly walked past them.

It's fine, right? He apologized already, and he was almost certain that if he didn't stop the Grand Duke, he's going to end up legally married to Noé by nightfall. 

“Where are you going Vanitas? You can't leave yet, there are a lot of things I need to talk to you about.” Noé called out to him as Vanitas unlatched the window. 

So close, he could leave, but Noé would just chase him anyway. Stubborn Archiviste. He looked down at the forgotten tart he'd left by Noé's bedside. Vanitas picked up the plate and brought it over. 

“You haven't eaten in days, here.” He sat on the floor with the two vampires.

Noé tilted his head in confusion, his nostrils flaring as he took a whiff of the caramelized apple pastry. 

Vanitas felt somewhat offended. Every time Noé's so much as seen a glance of tarte tatin, he's lit up with joy. And now that Vanitas baked it for him, he has no reaction? 

“Oh, thank you. Did you make this yourself?” Noé asked as he accepted the plate graciously.

Domi's brows furrowed in confusion as well. No matter how you look at it, his reaction was strange. 

“Yes, what? My cooking's not good enough for you?” 

“No! That's not it.” Noé brought the fork to the tip of the slice, breaking off a chunk. “May I ask what it is?” 

What?

That's what Noé forgot? tarte tatin?

Vanitas blinked. He thought back on all the glimpses of memory he'd seen in the malnomen. The other common denominator he'd noticed between them was food. 

Unbelievable.

From the stranger's memories, to Noé's, the only memories Noé ‘consumed’ were memories related to actual food. If Vanitas had to take a wild guess based on what he saw, Noé only indulged in memories of sweets in particular. 

He snorted.

Even with his name warped, this idiot had a one-track mind.

Dominique didn't have the same revelation as he did. “What are you saying Noé? You love tarte tatin! It's your favorite!” 

“It is..?” Noé poked at it some more with his fork.

Vanitas couldn't contain himself, a wave of relief washed over him. He doubled over in laughter, tears peaking past his eyes. 

Noé. 

What an idiot! It was the dumbest thing to lose his composure over, but he couldn't help himself. “This guy only consumed memories of dessert.” Vanitas explained as they both watched Noé stick the fork into his mouth. 

There was the reaction he knew.

The response was instant. Noé all but moaned as his eyes ignited with sparkles. He savored the taste of the sweet, chewing slowly before swallowing. “Wow! This is incredible Vanitas! You made this?!” 

Both Vanitas and Domi couldn't stop themselves from blushing at the dazzling enthusiasm Noé was exuding. It made Vanitas want to figure out what other desserts Noé forgot so he could see his reaction to eating them for the first time himself.

Oh for the love of- what was wrong with him?! He couldn't seriously be thinking about doing that!

Noé licked his lips and set his fork down. “Exquisite. Thank you, Vanitas, you said this is tarte tatin?”

“Yeah, it's your favorite again now?” Vanitas muttered as he tried to regain some of his composure.

Noé shook his head. “No, it's good, but you're still my favorite.” The vampire invaded his personal space, leaning in close, so close Vanitas could smell the pastry on his breath. “You're far sweeter than tarte tatin.” Noé's tone was low and unintentionally sultry. 

He knew Noé was talking about his blood, the innocent vampire meant it literally, not flirtatiously.

But it didn't stop Vanitas from flinching, that alone awakened a lust inside of him that he was not going to acknowledge right now. 

Domi had seen enough, she pulled Noé back and gave him another lingering hug. She was building some kind of resolve. 

Vanitas wasn't blind, he knew Dominique liked Noé more than a friend. Honestly, Noé would be much happier pursuing affection from her. 

“I'll go after them and see what I can do about Luca. I'll be back by dinner, wait for me, alright?” She got up and left without another word. 

And just like that, he was alone with Noé again. A bead of sweat rolled down his forehead, Vanitas had no idea what he should do next. 

“I still haven't forgiven you yet.” Noé stated plainly as he set the empty plate down.

Understandable, Vanitas already apologized though, he didn't know what else to do about it. “That's fine.’

“If you want to make it up to me, then you can start by answering me honestly.” Noé scooted closer, and once again Vanitas was left with no personal space of his own. 

“Do you not enjoy being with me?” 

No, the opposite, he enjoyed being with him too much, far more than he ever should. Vanitas didn't want to admit it out loud. “No, I do.”

“I remember, you asked me once what I could possibly find interesting about seeing another man's sleeping face. I couldn't answer you then, but I understand now. As a man, I'm attracted to you.” Noé bit his lip, his eyes scanning Vanitas from top to bottom. “I suppose what I'm trying to ask is if you're attracted to me in a physical, sexual way as well.”

So blunt and yet so overly polite. Vanitas groaned, he understood. Noé was muscular, strong, with an unfairly handsome face. More than that, Vanitas was haunted by the memories of their time in bed. He tried his best not to think about it, to block it out and pretend it never happened, but there's no way he can forget about it. This was torture. “I am, okay.”

“Do you think I'm not good enough for you?” Noé asked next as he dug deeper, trying to find the root of whatever he was looking for.

That's absurd. “You idiot, you're far too good for me” Vanitas blurted out without thinking. Oh great, now he'd done it. 

There was an awkward silence for a few seconds.

“I won't argue that, you're rude, pretentious, you never explain anything clearly, quite frankly, your personality comes across as off-putting.” Noé bluntly stated the insults as if he were stating the weather.

Vanitas was going to kill this man. “Seriously?! You're not perfect either! I-” He got cut off.

“But even so, I wouldn't change a thing about you. It makes no sense, but I love your difficult side too, I even find myself having fun when we banter like this.” Noé smiled at him, and Vanitas could feel his heart racing. 

“You're just confused.” Vanitas muttered back. “You'll figure out soon enough, you don't actually love me.” It's inevitable, Noé will realize as such sooner or later.

“Maybe you're right.” Noé said as he brought his face inches apart from Vanitas's. “Or maybe I am. So let's find out by indulging in all of you.” Those plush, caramel colored lips were hovering over his own. Vanitas felt it, his body was reacting.

And then Noé stopped. Vanitas was sure he was about to kiss him, and yet, here they were, neither of them moving an inch. 

“Vanitas” Noé pleaded, it was clear, he wasn't going to kiss Vanitas without his consent. He was waiting, waiting for Vanitas to give himself over willingly.

It was so tempting, a foolish thing to even consider, but Noé had a point. There's no use denying the attraction now, it should be fine, he can indulge in this until Noe realizes how undesirable he really is. So against his better judgment, Vanitas closed the gap between them, and their lips met in a soft kiss. 

Noé ran with it, immediately the vampire had him in his arms, wrapping around him in a warm embrace that completely swaddled him. The kiss was gentle, Noé savored every second, making the most of it as he took control.

It wasn't fair. Noé was stronger than him in a physical sense, which left him feeling uneasy, powerless. Both things Vanitas hated, he should hate this by default, too.

But he didn't. He felt safe in Noé's arms, and that's unacceptable. So Vanitas bit Noé's tongue, not hard enough to draw blood or harm, but enough to send a message. 

Noé winced. He pulled back, tilting his head, no doubt trying to figure out what he had done wrong. “You bit me.” He stated with a surprised pout. 

You know what, he liked that expression. Noé's fun to tease.

Vanitas decided to test it again, this time he was the one who kissed Noé. The poor guy sat there confused as Vanitas took charge.  This kiss was a bit rougher, more focused on pleasure compared to Noé's ‘loving’ touch. 

When he elicited a whine from the other vampire, Vanitas took that as his cue to stop. They pulled away, panting. 

“I think I understand now.” Noé caught his breath. “You're like a cat.”

“Huh?” Vanitas balked. What the hell did that have to do with anything? 

“No, perhaps you're more like a spoiled child. Everything has to be done your way.” Noé didn't even sound condescending, which somehow made it worse.

Is this guy trying to pick a fight? Before Vanitas could argue back, Noé nuzzled against him. What's he calling Vanitas a cat for? This guy's all but purring. 

Hypocrite.

“But I suppose I like that about you as well.” Noé continued snuggling up to him, it was smothering. 

Vanitas closed his eyes. Noé was safe. He could let this slide for now. In an unusual show of affection, Vanitas hugged him back, he'd allow this for now, just once. 

Chapter Text

Domi came back around dinner time that night, just as she had promised. From the sound of it, she was going to be staying in Paris for the time being while Luca vouched for her innocence in the related incident. She got a room on the floor below them, and honestly, Noé couldn't be more pleased. It had been such a long time since they'd lived together in the same place, even briefly. 

Maybe she could join them for breakfast on the roof, and then they could all explore Paris together! He couldn't wait until tomorrow; she'd said she'd take him through Paris and buy him whatever he liked from a local bakery.

Noé stood in front of their closet, changing out of his clothes and into a fresh pair of pajamas. He smiled faintly at the suit. His initial confession might not have gone as planned, but it was never going to be that simple anyway. 

He understood what Johann had been trying to tell him. Vanitas wasn't in a place where he could handle love, but that didn't mean he had no interest in Noé. 

Vanitas said he enjoyed his company, he also said that he was sexually attracted to him. That's a start, the human just doesn't know how to process it. He knew Luna had said to be patient with him, but patience was a difficult thing when he had this giddy feeling that made him want to tackle hug him to the ground and kiss every square inch of Vanitas. 

“But big brother..!” He heard a familiar young voice whining in the halls. Noé instantly tensed up and rushed over to the door, yanking it open. 

Mikhail was tugging on Vanitas's arm while the older of the two trudged along anyway, climbing up the winding stairs. “I said no, get over it.” 

“You're being mean! At least give me my book back.” The boy pleaded before noticing Noé peaking out from behind the door. 

“Not a chance.” Vanitas answered coldly. “Unless you can forget how to rewrite a name, it's staying with me.”

“But I told you about Comte! You can't keep my book from me. It's a part of me, you know that!” 

“Then you're just going to have to stay put where I can see you.” Vanitas replied, he saw Noé in the doorway, and started walking over to him. 

“That's not fair!” 

Vanitas walked over to Noé, and he pushed him inside the room and shut the door, leaving Mikhail alone in the hallway. 

Noé blinked, Vanitas grabbed him by the shirt, and pushed him. Noé stumbled back and plopped down seated upright on the edge of Vanitas's bed. 

Vanitas looked frustrated, and perhaps a little angry, he crossed his arms and stood over Noé with a sharp look in his eyes. 

Why was he looking at him like that though? Was he just in a bad mood after dealing with Mikhail? Why was it being directed at him? 

“Tell me everything you know about your ‘teacher’.’ Vanitas demanded coldly, with a judgmental stare.

“What..?” Noé cocked his head to the side innocently. About teacher? But why? Coming to think of it, he did hear the boy mentioning ‘Comte’ in the hall. That left Noé with a lot of questions himself. Why would Teacher rescue Mikhail and then let him loose to run amok? Noé nearly lost his life! “You want to know about my teacher? What kind of things do you want to know?”

“What is his goal? Do you have any idea what he is planning?” Vanitas asked it like it was an accusation. 

Noé shook his head. “Goal? I know nothing of the sort.”

“Why did he tell you to look for me? What is his connection to the Vampire of the Blue Moon?” 

Huh? Noé blinked, how was he supposed to respond to that? He had no idea whether, was teacher connected to the vampire of the blue moon? Did something happen? “I don't know, I told you when we first met, he only asked me to assess the book's nature for myself.” After the Ball Masqué, he'd clarified some things though. Noé brought a hand to his chin. “He said he wanted me to ‘engage’ with the people surrounding the book. That's all.”

Vanitas pushed his hair back with a sigh. He took a few steps back before spraying out on the desk chair. “You've known him your whole life and that's all you know?” 

Noé frowned. “Yes… He's rather strict but kind. Is this related to Mikhail?”

Vanitas let out a loud sigh and slumped on the chair. “Forget about it for now, I'll handle it.” He hopped back onto his feet and climbed out the window, leaving Noé alone with his thoughts.

What was that? Noé looked down at the cat curled up in the corner. Once again, Vanitas wasn't telling him anything. 

It was time to set a new precedent. Noé followed Vanitas out the window and stood over the seated human on the roof. 

“What happened? You're clearly upset about something, and you haven't given me the full story.” Noé stated as he took a seat next to the other man. The sun had already set, and the moon was high in the sky. 

Vanitas opened his mouth, he was about to say something then the hesitation came. He looked away. “I told you I'd handle it.”

“Are you worried I won't believe you again?” Noé asked, thinking back on Vanitas’s explanation in Gévauden. “I want to carry this with you.”

Vanitas grit his teeth. “Your teacher was behind everything.” 

What..?

“He manipulated Mikhail, he told him there was a way to bring Luna back from the dead.” 

Noé's eyes went wide. Teacher…? He thought back on their first meeting, the man had been nothing but generous, nothing but kind in his time and care. He fostered him, he raised him. 

And now Vanitas was saying that he orchestrated this whole ordeal? 

“You don't have to believe me.” Vanitas muttered. “But if I find out that you've told him anymore about-” 

“I do believe you.” Noé cut him off, It was a hard pill to swallow, but he knew Vanitas wouldn't be making this up, he trusted him more than anyone. Quite frankly, the extent of this hadn't fully set in. But he trusted Vanitas. Noé squeezed Vanitas's hand for his own comfort. “I believe you Vanitas… I just don't know what to do.”

Vanitas stared at him, for once, he didn't have any answers either, instead, he squeezed his hand back. 

After a few moments of silence, Noé got up from the roof and went back inside to better process his thoughts alone. 

~~~

Vanitas was still on the roof when Noé went to bed that night. The vampire had poked his head out to say goodnight before retiring to his own bed. 

He didn't have any interesting dreams. But he woke up to a pillow in his arms instead of Vanitas. He rubbed his eyes and opened up the window, climbing out to see Vanitas up and ready for the day. 

He could smell an unfamiliar sweet scent, some sort of pastry? Noé didn't know what it was, but it smelled delectable. “Good morning Vanitas.” He greeted awkwardly, although the scent was doing wonders to boost his mood.

The human flinched and raised the newspaper, covering his face while he grumbled, “Morning.” 

Cute. 

Noé chuckled to himself and sat by Vanitas's side, closer than usual, the sides of their bodies pressed against each other. He grabbed a fork and took a bite of the pastry. 

Amazing! Noé's mouth watered as he let out a contented moan of pure bliss. 

Vanitas peeked over his newspaper, watching him. 

It took a little while for Noé to notice that he was being stared at. Noé turned to stare back, his cheeks stuffed as he chewed the current bite.

And then Vanitas yanked the newspaper back up. 

“This is delicious. What is it called?” Noé asked, making some conversation.

“Galette de Rois.” It was a mumble, hard for Noé to hear clearly. 

So Noé scooted closer and wrapped his arms around Vanitas. “I love it, thank you.” 

Vanitas tensed up. “Hey!” He protested briefly before existence shoulders relaxed a little. The man buried his face in the newspaper further. 

Noé was sure Vanitas would push him away, but the action never came. So Noé selfishly continued embracing him and stayed silent. He didn't want to spook the finicky human. 

“Don't get the wrong idea, it's cold up here. That's all” Vanitas finally said softly. 

Noé beamed. Was this his backwards way of saying he was fine with this? “Are you just saying that?” He was genuinely searching for clarification. An honest answer that Vanitas enjoyed his embrace right now.

“No.” Vanitas turned the page. 

“Would you prefer me? Or an extra sweater?” He tilted his head, still trying to dig to the bottom of this. 

“A sweater.” Vanitas answered. 

Noé's face fell, and his shoulders slouched. “Oh..”

It was at that moment that Vanitas started to chuckle. He set down the newspaper and flicked Noé's forehead. 

Oh. 

Was Vanitas ‘teasing’ him? 

He blinked and stared at Vanitas until he heard some footsteps approaching on the roof. He looked up to see Domi in a simple dress, her hair tied up elegantly, approaching the two men. 

“Domi! You're here early.” Noé was happy to see her, but for some reason, she looked somewhat irritated. Noé cocked his head to the side while Vanitas finally shoved him off. 

“And you're up earlier than I thought you'd be.” She knelt by Noé, but her smile seemed somewhat forced.

“Well, it's our breakfast time now. You should try this, it's delicious! Vanitas got it for me.” He said as he held up the plate of Galette de Rois for the woman to sample some herself. 

“I already ate, but thank you… Mon cheri..” She cupped the side of his face with her gloved hand. Noé instinctively nuzzled into the touch like he'd always done. 

“I came here to talk to you.” She looked at Vanitas, suddenly she was all business, her smile looked forced compared to how it had been moments earlier.

Odd, something was definitely bothering her. Did Vanitas do something?

“That's fine.” Vanitas said as he folded the newspaper neatly and tucked it away. “We can talk privately in the room’.”

Noé didn't quite understand it, why privately? “Wait! I want to come too.” Noé insisted, he tugged on Domi's arm. 

She bit her lip. “Noé, I… don't think I can have this discussion with you there.” 

“Huh..? Why not?” He wanted to go too. Noé pouted like a child at the thought of being excluded by his two favorite people, but more than that, he was starting to get worried for Domi. “Are you alright? Did something happen?”

The woman shook her head and grasped Noé's hand in hers. “I'm alright… But I'm worried about you.” 

“About me?” He cocked his head. Well, that made sense, his name had been stolen and restored yesterday. “I'm fine, really, Vanitas cured me yesterday.” 

Vanitas let out an exasperated, loud sigh and shook his head. “Idiot... She's worried because you think you're in love with me.”

Noé blinked, huh? Why would that worry her? “I don't think I'm in love with you, I know that I'm in love with you.” The vampire corrected, emphasizing the ‘I know’ with absolute certainty. “Domi, is that true?”

It all bubbled up at once, like a burst of pent-up emotion. “Of course I'm concerned! She continued on her tirade, her eyes squeezed shut. “You're dangerously innocent! He forced himself on Jeanne, and then you come to me for advice, navigating your ‘sexually intimate’ relationship? It's only natural I'm worried!”

“You told her too?!” Vanitas hissed in irritation, his head whipping around. “Are you hell-bent on telling the entire DeSade family my condition?!”

“No! I didn't. I only asked her for advice, I never mentioned your condition, I also only told teacher because I needed advice.” Noé clarified as he tried to soothe the irritated man with his hands.

Vanitas swatted his wrist away. “Advice which YOU didn't take. Did you even finish reading his letter?!”

“Condition?” Dominique interjected, her brows furrowing as she watched the men bicker. 

Noé opened his mouth and then looked back at Vanitas. “Can I tell her?” 

“NO!” Vanitas shook his head furiously, crossing his arms. 

“So you did coerce Noé into this.” Her eyes narrowed menacingly. 

Vanitas groaned in frustration while Noé shook his head, defending the human's honor.

“No, Domi, you're misunderstanding us… If anything, I've been the one who has pushed Vanitas for more than he's ready for.” Noé spoke gently, a bittersweet tinge at the end. Domi didn't know Vanitas like he did. All she knows is that he forcefully kissed Jeanne. “There really is a reason behind this. He was so sick I thought he might die. I was only trying to help him by sleeping with him.” 

“Hey-!” Vanitas protested at Noé's oversharing.

Domi blinked and pressed her temple with her fingers. “Help him by-” Her face heated up. “Such an illness doesn't exist!”

Vanitas looked like he was growing increasingly uncomfortable, Noé could almost sense it. “Well..” He looked at him, the man's eyes cold. If he told Domi Vanitas was an omega, he'd have to explain what happened with Moreau too. “I'm sorry Domi, I can't say more than that.” He lowered his gaze to the ground. 

“Then what about you? What do you have to say?” She asked Vanitas with cold judgment. 

“Nothing, think what you want, I don't care.” Vanitas straight up told her. “You're not entitled to my life story just because of this idiot.”

Noé balked. Was Vanitas trying to pick a fight right now?! He wanted to assure Domi everything was alright, and this was NOT the way to do it “Vanitas-!”

“What is Noé to you? What are your intentions with him?” She got right in Vanitas's face, he could hear the anger in her tone. 

Oh no, was he going to have to separate them? He probably should, would it be best if he restrained Vanitas then?

“What are you? His mother?” Vanitas deflected the question entirely.

“Vanitas! Stop it, Domi is important to me.” Noé tugged on his sleeve, pleading.

“And how is that my problem?” Vanitas was getting more and more defensive, like a small cat being backed into a corner.

“There's no need to be scared. Domi would never use any of this against you, she's a nice person.” Vanitas, but a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

“I'm not scared! I value my privacy, there's a difference.” The human all but hissed back in irritation.

“No. You're scared.” Noé knew Vanitas well enough to tell that. 

“Shut up! I'M NOT!” Vanitas shook his head, his voice rising. 

Honestly, he's just proving Noé's point. 

“You are, and it's alright.” Noé hugged him while Vanitas continued protesting and trying to wiggle away, so he pulled him onto his lap. Honestly, it seemed like Vanitas was only getting more and more angry, but after about a minute of being overpowered by the vampire, he huffed and gave up. 

All the while, Domi watched on in confusion. This wasn't what she'd been expecting. 

Vanitas, angry, looked up at the woman with a scowl. “Does it look like I'm the one pulling the strings here?!” His helplessness in the face of Noé's advances on full display.

“Well, what else am I supposed to think? That he actually fell in love with you?! Do you have any idea how absurd that sounds??” Domi argued it like that alone was a valid point. That the idea Noé had actually fallen in love with Vanitas was completely unfathomable.

Vanitas paused for a second, the gears turning before agreeing wholeheartedly with the sentiment. “EXACTLY!” 

The two reached some sort of understanding. 

“I could understand if it were Jeanne. She's far more lovely than I am.” Something about the way she said that, comparing herself to Jeanne was in such a bittersweet way.

Noé could also agree that Jeanne was beautiful, but so was Domi! They're both lovely, but he didn't understand why she was comparing. 

“But Domi, you're beautiful too.” Noé interjected. 

Her cheeks turned pink. “Thank you, Noé..” But the smile didn't reach her eyes. 

“I still don't understand though, I love Vanitas. Why is that so hard to believe?” Noé squeezed him a little tighter. “I love how sweet he smells, the way he laughs, his sleeping face, his kindness… I love the light that only he brings me.” His words were dripping with sweetness, like honey, whispered low, just for them. 

Vanitas's jaw dropped, stunned and silent for a moment before he started trying to wiggle away again. “Because you're delusional!”

“I'm not delusional, you're far more incredible than you give yourself credit for.” Noé assured him. 

“I'm not!” Vanitas was shaking his head again.

Domi's breath hitched, and she lowered her gaze. “You're serious about him.” Like the reality was truly setting in.

“I am.” Noé answered.

The woman built her resolve and let out a sigh. “Alright.” She got close to the two of them and grabbed Vanitas's face, forcing them to see eye to eye. “Figure this out, if you hurt him, you’ll answer to me. Take that as your only warning.” 

She sighed again, wistfully. “You don't realize how lucky you are.” With that, she got to her feet and turned around. “Noé, I'm sorry. But I won't be able to take you to lunch today after all.” Her voice was wavering, painful emotions peeking through. 

“Domi?” Noé let go of Vanitas, the man quickly scrambled off his lap and unruffled his coat. He got up, ready to follow after her and see what kind of expression she was making.

“Don't follow me, please.” Her shoulders stiffened, it sounded so strained, like she was trying to pretend like things were alright. 

She sounded like she was on the verge of tears. 

“What's wrong? Domi? Are you alright?” He listened, he didn't try to get closer.

“I will be.”

Will be? So she's not alright.

“And I promise I'll come back and take you to lunch another day. But for now, I need to go.” She said as she altered the world formula and jumped down to a ledge with grace.

Noé couldn't stand the thought of leaving her in that state, his eyes glowed as he prepared to chase after her, but Vanitas grabbed his arm. “Noé, don't. Give her space.”

“But…” Noé protested, but Vanitas just tugged on his arm. “Alright..” Noé sat back down, the Galette de Rois lay forgotten, while Noé squeezed Vanitas's hand and rested his head on his shoulder. 

Vanitas leaned back against him too. 

~~~

After that, Noé ended up taking Vanitas out to lunch. It was a nice restaurant that specialized in seafood, naturally, Vanitas ordered a ridiculous amount of oysters. They spent the day out in Paris. 

That night, they came back and Vanitas disappeared to the roof again like normal. Noé went through his normal nightly routine, got ready for bed, but he didn't want things to return to the way they had been.

He wanted a new normal for them, he wanted it desperately. So he waited, seconds turned to minutes, minutes turned to hours, and it felt like he was on the verge of dozing off. 

And then he heard the window creak. Noé shot up, and Vanitas stared at him with surprise. 

“What are you still doing up?” Vanitas asked as he hopped in through the window and closed it behind him. 

“I was waiting for you.” Noé admitted as he rubbed his eyes. 

“... Why?” Vanitas let out a sigh, like he found it ridiculous. 

“Because I wanted to ask if we could share a bed again.” Noé asked, he grabbed his pillow, ready to move beds if necessary. 

Vanitas flinched, for a second, Noé thought he was going to get angry and tell him no.

Instead, Vanitas didn't say anything, he went into the bathroom, got ready for bed like normal, blew out the candles, and sat on the edge of Noé's bed. 

“Move over.” Vanitas grumbled. 

Noé smiled softly and wrapped his arms around him, pulling him into the sheets and nuzzling his face into the human's hair. 

~~~

Noé really didn't understand Vanitas.

Vanitas was erratic, his behavior changed faster than Noé could keep up with. The next morning, he was acting normal. But when Noé stepped out for a bit, he came back, and Vanitas avoided him like the plague. When he finally did manage to get hold of him, Vanitas was hiding behind Mademoiselle Amelia, nervously. 

That had been an odd but cute sight. Noé had to resist the urge to kiss him right then and there. Vanitas seemed to get comfortable being around him again shortly after. 

They went out after that, and Vanitas had a complete flip in behavior. At lunch, he was teasing him. He brushed the crumbs from Noé's face with his finger, slowly dragging it across his lower lip. 

It made no sense. 

What were they to each other? Noé wasn't sure himself, it wasn't exactly a relationship that fit any sort of mold he was familiar with. 

They had been less than friends before, more like accomplices, roommates who sometimes got along but most of the time mixed like oil and water. 

There was the intimacy, Vanitas used to fall asleep swaddled in blankets, now he buried himself in Noé's arms. They kissed on the occasion, Vanitas rarely initiated it on his own accord. Noé had no idea when the fickle human would accept his advances towards one. Sometimes he'd welcome it and kiss back, other times he'd glare at him for getting too close. He never quite knew where he stood in that regard.

But then there was the sexual aspect, they'd been intimate, yet Noé still couldn't call him his lover.

It was truly confusing.

~~~

It had been a few days since they'd returned from the amusement park at this point, and Mikhail had disappeared, running off from the hotel to do who knows what. Honestly, Noé was more than fine with that. 

Things with Vanitas had been slow, a lot slower than Noé had hoped. Maybe he was just being impatient. But on the bright side, he got to sleep next to Vanitas every night and kiss him every day. 

This morning, though, Noé woke up to a pillow in his arms instead of Vanitas. He hadn't been sleeping in as late since he'd been getting up with him. But it seemed the human finally succeeded at wiggling out of his embrace without waking him today.

That wasn't the only thing he noticed, there was a sweet, tempting scent that instantly made Noé's heart flutter. It was faint but unmistakable, instantly drawing to mind the intimate memories from over a week prior. 

It was Vanitas's arousal, the addictive scent of his slick. Noé hadn't smelled it since Vanitas banished it from their room with his furious cleaning frenzy. 

Noé blushed, he couldn't say that the thought of sex hadn't crossed his mind. It had, quite a few times over the past few days. But Noé wasn't exactly sure if he should breach that subject yet. 

What if he spooked Vanitas and he pulled back? 

Noé opened up the window and looked up towards the roof to see if Vanitas was there. He was already dressed and ready with his newspaper in hand and breakfast for two at his side. 

He's acting like normal, it seems.

They ate breakfast together, and Noé got himself dressed. Count Orlock had summoned them, so he supposed that's what they'd be doing today. 

Noé yawned as he walked through Paris, Vanitas's hand entwined in his own. He'd almost wandered off into a nearby store, so Vanitas had grabbed it to lead them both. 

When they arrived at the office hand in hand, Mannet stared, noticing. Murr hopped off his shoulder and ran over to Nox, immediately rubbing against her leg. She scooped the cat up and began to pet him.

“So, what did you call us for on this fine morning~?” Vanitas purred, a smug grin on his face as he no doubt tried to figure out how to irritate the count most. 

“I received the report from Grand Duke. All the missing vampires have been returned to their homes relatively unharmed.” Orlock informed, his hands folded on the desk. 

“Hm~ That can't be all you called us here for, did you miss seeing my handsome face?” Vanitas boasted arrogantly. 

Orlock's brow twitched in irritation. He decided to ignore Vanitas entirely and shifted his focus to Noé. “I contacted an old friend of mine on your behalf after our last meeting.” The older man took a small box out of his drawer and unwrapped it. Inside was a small glass jar filled with pills. 

Vanitas squinted, examining it from afar. 

“He devoted his research to easing the burden on as many omegas as he could, even after his own mate's passing. Unfortunately, there weren't many left by that point. He's more than happy to share his work with you.” 

Noé blinked and approached the desk, but Count Orlock didn't hand it over, but Noé observed it in his hand. “This is..?”

“A suppressant of sorts. It should make your symptoms manageable and help prevent long-term damage.” He then pulled out a journal. “He hand-copied this himself for you. It's his own medical analysis on omegas.” 

Vanitas's head perked up at that. He joined Noé at the desk and swiped the files for himself. “Hm.” He opened to the first page, speed reading its contents before closing it. “Not bad.”

Noé was overwhelmed with relief. Did this mean that Vanitas's heats wouldn't be so dangerous going forward? “Thank you..!” He was on the verge of tearing up. “You truly have no idea how much this means to me, I'm incredibly grateful.” 

He reached out for the jar, but Count Orlock pulled his hand back. 

Noé tilted his head in confusion. His expression asking ‘why’? 

“He instructed me not to give you these until you start exhibiting ‘pre-heat’ symptoms. If you happened to conceive, taking these would be fatal to both you and your child.” Orlock warned as he tucked the jar back in the drawer it came from. 

Noé flinched at the thought.

“I can assure you we didn't, that's truly not possible given our circumstances.” Noé reassured.

Vanitas's smile became increasingly fake as he leaned on Orlock's desk. “I'm a doctor and I just so happen to specialize in vampires, I'll hold on to them for him.” 

Count Orlock considered it for a second before replying blankly. “No, I don't trust you.” 

Vanitas’s eye twitched.

Given the way Vanitas acted in this office, Noé really couldn't blame him. Vanitas only had himself to blame. 

“Before you both leave, take this with you.” The man handed over a bottle of alcohol, no, a celebratory bottle of champagne? 

Noé accepted it graciously, but his brows furrowed. “May I ask what this is for?”

“What else would it be for? Your marriage.”

“Huh?” Vanitas and Noé both said in unison, wide-eyed in shock.

They ended up leaving the office without the suppressants, but with a lot of medical information on omegas and a bottle of champagne. Vanitas was still fuming, stomping down the street. 

“I'm going to kill that brat next time I see him, he's crossed a line!” 

Noé had to admit, his head was reeling at the revelation too. “I know it was wrong of him.. But neither of us lives in Altus.” He reasoned, it's not like it would have any effect on their lives here, right? 

Although on the inside his heart was pounding at the thought, somewhere in the courts of Altus, Vanitas and Noé were recognized as a couple. He quickly got himself lost in the daydream of actually proposing to Vanitas someday, getting down on one knee with a ring he'd picked out just for him.

Or would Vanitas want to propose to him? Somehow, that thought made him blush.

The actual promise of spending their lives together-

“It's about the principle! Who does he think he is? Marrying me off without my consent!?” Vanitas continued complaining, snapping Noé back to reality.

“Well, he is the grand duke,” Noé responded to it like it had been an actual question. Although it was puzzling, why would Luca do such a thing? He appreciated the gesture to a degree, but it was a massive overstep. If the boy was so excited to show his support for them, there were plenty of other ways to do it. 

Yet again, why is he so invested in their relationship anyway? 

Vanitas let out an exasperated sigh and continued griping, “That old man's an idiot too, I'm a doctor, I doubt he's ever studied medicine!” 

“You don't present yourself as very dependable when you're around him. Why is that?” Noé asked, it had always made him curious. Vanitas seemed to act like a different person when he was around strangers, or some people in particular. 

Vanitas tched. “It's better to deal with people that way.” 

“It's really not.” Noé stopped walking and grabbed Vanitas by the shoulder so they could see each other. “I find you to be quite lovable when you aren't being obnoxious, I'm sure if you let them see, they'd also find you lovable. 

“Huh?!” Vanitas flushed red. 

Noé didn't care if they were in the middle of a busy street in Paris, he leaned down and stole a kiss.

~~~

They stopped by a bakery and picked up a quick lunch to hold them over until dinner, There was a restaurant Noé wanted to check out. But he made the best of their little outing, trying to turn it into as much of a ‘little date’ as he could.

Vanitas had his head buried in the medical documents Orlock had given him. The two sat on top of a picnic blanket in the grass. Noé had run into a nearby store he'd often tended and asked to borrow one. The sun was shining brilliantly above them, and the breeze was perfect. Honestly, it was the perfect day for a picnic. 

Yet Vanitas was completely distracted by the text entirely. Noé got behind him with a bite of bread in his mouth, trying to peek over his shoulder and read a bit. “So what does it say?” 

Vanitas gave him an irritated look that seemed to say, ‘It doesn't concern you.’ He was still in a bad mood from Orlock, and Noé wasn't sure how exactly he could cheer him up. But he didn't exactly try to stop him either, so Noé started reading the current page.

From the looks of it, the current section was on mating claims. Noé brought a hand to the side of his neck. He knew that it had affected some things, but not much other than that. It seemed that being claimed by an omega alters the vampire's scent to produce soothing pheromones for their mate. That made sense, it's why Vanitas felt better in his presence during his heat. Aside from that, it seemed to influence the bittens' instinctual desire to respond to their mate's arousal. 

But did any of this affect Vanitas? He looked closer at the page and started reading the section on Alpha's claims. When an alpha leaves a mark on an omega, it starts a process inside the omega's body that forces their new mate into heat within the coming months. 

Wait.

Mate?

Noé blinked. He was going to read more, but Vanitas turned the page. 

“Wait! Go back, please. I was reading that still.” Noé chimed in, earning a frustrated sigh from the human. 

“It doesn't concern you.” Vanitas mumbled, finally saying it out loud. 

“Yes, it does concern me, you marked me.” Noé protested and reached out for the papers himself. 

Vanitas yanked them away, which in turn caused Noé to lean over him more in an attempt to grab them. 

“Hey- Quit it, you're heavy!” Vanitas protested before Noé lost his balance, and the two fell on the blanket. 

Vanitas was glaring at him now, it seemed Noé had accidentally worsened his mood. 

“Sorry. I acted impulsively.” Noé apologized and collected the pages off the ground. Still, he couldn't get the thought out of his head now. He knew that Vanitas's was his mate, but what about in return? 

“Fine, you can hold them if you're that desperate.” Vanitas grumbled out as he wiggled out from under him, he unruffled his coat, and brushed some dirt off his pants. 

“Were you looking for anything in particular about mates?” Noé asked as he skimmed over the page again. Focusing on the section for alpha marks. 

“I'm just trying to make sense of all this. That's all.” 

Make sense of it? Well, he supposed it must be confusing waking up to find out you're an omega.  

Noé took the papers and returned to the sections on alphas and marks. Vanitas was marked and claimed by an alpha already. Noé hadn't stopped and thought about the implications of that before. It left him feeling extremely jealous of Jeanne. How could he overwrite her claim and make Vanitas his and his alone? Wouldn't that mean in order for Vanitas and him to fully be mates, he'd have to mark Vanitas for himself?

Would that even work? He's not an alpha, and Vanitas doesn't want him to bite him in the first place. His shoulders sank, he didn't want to think more about it for now, and he closed the pages. Teacher had told him he should enlist his alpha's help, but the idea of that literally made Noé sick to his stomach. 

Jeanne couldn't know, she'd try to steal Vanitas away from him. And as much as he hated to admit it, she was Vanitas's alpha, not him.

Perhaps it's best he doesn't bring it up for now. But regardless, Noé wasn't going to lose to her. He reached out and grabbed Vanitas's hand, squeezing it tightly. The human looked at him with confusion, but didn't pry further.

~~~

The rest of the day after that had gone surprisingly well, it was hours before Vanitas stopped pouting over what happened earlier, but he got over it mid-afternoon. They stayed out the entire day together, enjoying the scenery and 

He was beautiful, his hair flowing in the breeze, the moonlight on his face. Noé couldn't believe he had the most attractive man in the world at his side. 

“Quit staring.” Vanitas flicked Noé's forehead, the words not carrying any bite.

“Sorry, you're just incredibly beautiful tonight, even more so than usual.” Noé bluntly stated the honest truth. 

Vanitas stopped mid-step, he turned around and stared at Noé like he had two heads before letting out an awkward chuckle. He put on some bravado, trying to regain the upper hand. ”You're shameless, flirting with me in public?”

“No, I mean, I don't think so?” Flirting wasn't a concept Noé understood well. “I was just saying the truth. Is that still flirting?”

Vanitas took a few steps ahead so Noé couldn't see his face. “Don't ask me, read a book or something.”

“Like the romance novels you keep under your bed?” Noé asked innocently.

“Hey! Those are for research purposes!” Vanitas hissed back. 

“Research?” The vampire tilted his head, watching as the human huffed and crossed his arms. Vanitas was researching romance novels?

“Forget about it, it doesn't concern you!” Vanitas huffed and turned around. They got back to the room, Vanitas shed his signature coat that looked comically large on him, in comparison, his waist looked incredibly slender. He stretched his arms out, only drawing more attention to his waist. 

Noé wanted to run his hands along his side, kiss the supple skin on his neck until he let out that soft gasp that often plagued his dreams. 

He wanted him. To take him in a way that Jeanne would never be able to. He wanted him desperately. 

Noé took a deep breath, watching the sight for a few more seconds until Vanitas turned around and caught him staring. The human quirked his eyebrow, giving him that adorably puzzled look he couldn't resist. 

“Vanitas.” Noé whispered his name out, he could feel the blood rushing lower. He hadn't felt this aroused in a while. “I want you more than anything, please, will you give yourself to me again?” He asked bluntly.

Vanitas stared at him like he had two heads, the words not processing for a moment as neither of them moved. Vanitas's jaw dropped, his ears burned red, the heat spreading to his neck and cheeks as he let out a loud “Qoui?!”

So cute. 

He looked like he was about to say something, and then the words got stuck in his throat. After a few moments, Vanitas finally got the word out. “Absolutely not- we-! I- Again?! I never gave myself to you before! Those were excruciating circumstances and you know it!” Vanitas started stuttering out his response. 

“You won't?” Noé asked, disappointment evident in his voice. “If you can say with complete honesty that you don't have any desire for me, I'll drop the matter.” 

His eyes narrowed, Noé's voice husky and low. “But if you want me, I'm willing to give you all of me.” He whispered it honestly, encroaching closer to the smaller man. “So please, tell me honestly what you want.”

Vanitas stared in absolute shock, he gulped. “I want-” Suddenly, it was like a switch was flipped, the human's eyes went wide, and he pushed Noé back, keeping him at arm's length. There was a brief look of panic before he averted his gaze. “I want you to stop- stop invading my personal space! I'm leaving.” 

The spooked human, swift as he was, darted for the window. He was fast, but Noé was faster. The vampire reached out and grabbed Vanitas's ankle before he could even unlock the latch. 

“Hey! Let go!” Vanitas kicked at him, trying in vain to free himself.

“We need to discuss this properly Vanitas.” Noé argued back, his grip holding strong despite the man's struggle. 

“There's nothing to discuss!” Vanitas shook his head frantically.

He's the one acting like a child right now. But Noé had seen enough of Vanitas already at this point to know what was going on. Vanitas was scared, he probably wanted time to think for himself. 

Was it denial?

Maybe it was selfish to insist on an answer before Vanitas was done sorting it out. He thought of Luna's words again, their advice had been patience, love, and gentle care. 

Noé was pushing for too much too fast, he needed more patience. “Alright.” Noé loosened his grip, watching as the man yanked his leg away and glared at him with a flustered pout. 

“What's with you, you're backing down?” Vanitas asked a grumble, puzzled by the stubborn vampire's retreat. 

“No, I'm not. Don't misunderstand me.” Noé said, a small smile gracing his lips. “I love you Vanitas. I want to make love to you, I desire you so desperately I feel like I'll burst!” Noé got up off the bed. “But if you're not ready for that, I'll wait however long you need.” 

There was a light twinkle in Noé’s eyes as he whispered. “So please, think it over, and tell me clearly what you want.” 

Vanitas was staring at him, jaw dropped with trembling eyes. Noé couldn't help himself, he leaned in close and placed a kiss on the top of Vanitas's head.

“What I want..?” Vanitas repeated the words, his expression wasn't one that Noé had seen before. he didn't know what to make of it. Regardless, Noé left to give the human some space to think. 

He shut the door behind him, looking at the astermite powered lights in the hall. 

Being patient was a difficult thing. He was used to it, as an Archiviste, self-control had become one of his strengths. But he'd never wanted anything as badly as he wanted Vanitas, so it was still a learning curve. He saw himself out of the building and wandered along the streets of Paris for a time. The sun had long set, and the streetlights made everything beautiful in his eyes. 

What if Vanitas doesn't desire him anymore? 

The thought drew a sigh from his lips, if that were the case, he thought he might cry. He stayed out for a while, eventually he felt the need for sleep coming on, so he started to head back to the hotel. 

“You're out late, did you get lost again or something?” 

That voice. He turned around to see Dante standing behind him with his hands in his pockets. 

“I'm not lost,” Noé answered with a pout on his lips. 

“Then what? You get into another lover's quarrel with the quack?” Dante smirked, teasing him, but it didn't have the intended effect. 

“Yes, it would appear so.” Noé responded with worry. 

“Seriously? Figured you two would still be in your honeymoon phase.” Dante continued his teasing, leaning against the railing by the water. “So what are you two fighting about this time?” 

Should Noé really be telling Vanitas about such personal details? Vanitas had said not to tell anyone else, but Dante already knew he was an omega. But the subject is inappropriate,  Vanitas explained to him after Domi left, that he can't just ask or talk to friends about sex since it's a private matter. 

What was he supposed to do? 

“I think Vanitas would be upset if I talked to you about it.” Noé answered honestly and leaned against the railing too. The streetlights illuminating the water, creating a beautiful array, their reflections staring back at them. 

“Oh~” Dante sounded rather devious as he chuckled and tried to pry Noé for gossip. “Come on buddy, you can tell me.”

Noé instead spaced out, staring at the water while he thought about what he wanted to do from here. Dante had mentioned a ‘honeymoon phase’, maybe that's exactly what they needed. 

Something, a space, a place for just the two of them to get away from Paris, responsibilities, and everything.

“Dante, may I ask for your help organizing something?”

~~~

Noé stayed out a little later than he'd anticipated. By the time he'd explained his vision to Dante, the local stores around then had all closed. He said that he'd check in with Noé tomorrow morning to see if he could find anything that would fit. 

Noé walked up the stairs and turned the corner on their floor's hallway, he wondered if Vanitas would be there or on the roof. He'd long since forgotten about their earlier confrontation after daydreaming about plans with Dante.

He was prepared to come back to an empty room. But to his surprise, Vanitas was sitting on top of Noé's bed, his legs crossed. The bedside tables candle lit and flickering.

“Did you mean it?” Vanitas asked seriously. 

“Did I mean what?” Noé's mind was swirling. What exactly was Vanitas even referring to?

“You said if I wanted you, you'd give me all of you.” Vanitas's stare was so piercing, Noé felt frozen to the spot. 

Oh

Oh

Of course, he would, over the past few days, he'd been desperately searching for any signs Vanitas wanted him, the human was incredibly indirect! Noé himself desired that assurance more than he could express, he walked over to the bed. “Yes, I mean it.” 

A dangerous smile crept onto the human's face. Vanitas put a hand on Noé's chest, trailing up until he grabbed the man's bow tie and yanked him down. It was like he was testing something, experimenting, seeing if he enjoyed the feeling of being in control. Vanitas let out a chuckle. It seems like he did enjoy it. 

“Alright, Noé, I'll take you up on that.” 

Noé's heart skipped a beat as Vanitas pulled him into bed with him. He used his gloved finger to tilt Noé's chin up. The anticipation was killing him, he held his breath. Vanitas leaned in close and stole a kiss, a hand in his hair, keeping Noé in place right where he wanted him. 

A teasing tongue, his kiss forceful, leaving Noé breathless, his head was starting to spin. He was kissing back, but the other man was directing it, forcing the movement, invading his mouth with his tongue in a way Noé couldn't compete with. He shivered, and Vanitas pulled away. 

Noé panted, catching his breath. What was with that dangerous look in his eyes? Vanitas licked his lips and brought a hand to the buttons of Noé's shirt, undoing them. 

“Vanitas-?” He asked, but he was silenced by lips crashing against his own. He moaned into it, there it was again, the enticing scent of Vanitas's slick. 

He smelled so sweet. His eyes fell shut as he allowed the smaller man to take complete control. Button by button, his shirt was undone, exposing him to the cold air. Vanitas descended on him, he latched unto his collarbone, his tongue gliding along his body, he began sucking on the sensitive skin of his neck. 

Noé's breath hitched, he reached dup and started streaking Vanitas's hair. “Mmm..” It felt good. “Vanitas…”

He heard a mischievous chuckle. Vanitas, he could feel his teeth pressing in, not enough to break the skin but enough to tempt. “You’re awfully needy, aren't you.” Vanitas purred out. He brought his lips to Noé's ear, nibbling at the corner before whispering just for him to hear. “I like that.” 

Noé shuddered. Vanitas liked that? Liked what? Noé wasn't even doing anything, but just the thought that Vanitas was enjoying him was exciting. 

Vanitas hadn't been very involved in sex during his heat, in some ways, it felt like Noé had free rein of his body to explore and do what he pleased.

Now it was like the tables had been flipped. When he said he'd give all of himself to Vanitas, this isn't what he meant. He'd been imagining them doing things like that again. But as Vanitas teased a nipple with his fingers, Noé definitely was intrigued. Nervous, intimidated, but very intrigued. 

… And maybe a little scared too. Vanitas looked somewhat unhinged. 

“Have you changed your mind?” The other asked in a purr, almost as if he was daring him to say yes. 

Noé shook his head. “No… I haven't, but- but this isn't what I thought we… Well, what I mean is I thought we might-” 

A gloved finger shushed his lips. “You said you'd give me all of you.”

Noé gulped, “Do you want all of me?” 

“Perhaps.” Vanitas mischievously teased, the scent of his arousal was only getting stronger. 

There was no doubt, Vanitas wanted him. 

“You intend on taking me like I took you.” Noé stated with a blush, was he okay with this? Was he really up for it?

“I'm a man too, Noé” Vanitas smirked. He tugged at his own collar, loosening it. His signature blue ribbon unraveling and falling to the sheets. “I won't let you forget that.”

“I never did.” Noé had never once thought of Vanitas as less of a man for being an omega. He couldn't say he wasn't intrigued by the proposal, though.

The scent of Vanitas's arousal was only getting stronger. Noé himself was getting hard, too. He stopped teasing Noé and worked to expose more of himself. Straddling the vampire while he removed his purple belt.

Noé propped himself up with his elbows, watching as Vanitas lowered the vampire's pants to his knees, leaving him in his undergarments. Vanitas ran his gloved fingers along his muscular thigh, the sensation making him shiver. 

“Can I remove your clothes too?” Noé asked softly.

“Maybe if you're good.” Vanitas replied nonchalantly while he continued teasing Noé, brushing along his inner thigh. “What has you so excited, Noé~?” By this point it was obvious Noé was sporting an erection, half hard and poking through his undergarments.

“Well, for starters, you're teasing me.” Noé answered back bluntly. 

“Hm, would you rather I cut to the chase?” Vanitas purred sensually, his hand slipping under the hem of his undergarments. 

Noé's breath hitched, and he shook his head. “No.” He rested a hand on Vanitas's. “I want to savor this moment with you as long as I can.” 

Vanitas blinked, a delayed reaction, he tensed up, and his cheeks went red. 

It's cute, he's rather easily thrown off guard in the face of Noé's affection for him. Noé leaned over and placed a kiss on Vanitas's dumbfounded cheek. 

To reclaim control of the situation, Vanitas put his hand on Noé's clothed erection. Noé gasped, immediately Vanitas pulled Noé's bottoms down, leaving him completely exposed. 

“Vanitas-” Noé moaned as his gloved thumb rolled along the head. His eyes squeezed shut, peaking out as he watched Vanitas pull off one of the gloves, his pale, scarred skin a sharp contrast to his own. 

The reality of the situation was finally starting to hit. Was this even safe? Vanitas was an omega, his body was literally meant to handle that sort of penetration. But Noé didn't have slick, he wasn't an omega! Would it hurt?

On second thought, this was an incredibly terrible idea. 

His concerns were silenced as he watched Vanitas remove the blue vest over his dress shirt, he unclasped his belt, and pulled down his pants and undergarments in one smooth motion. 

Noé's breath hitched, Vanitas was beautiful, but beyond that, he could smell the other man so clearly now. He looked between Vanitas's thighs, glistening just like they had been during his heat. 

Vanitas reached down, his bare fingers slipping into himself. 

Noé couldn't look away, he couldn't even breathe.

The human lowered his head and bit his lip, his fingers pumping in and out a few times before they emerged again, shimmering in the candlelight and soaked with his juices. 

It was arguably among the most arousing sights Noé had ever witnessed. “Wow…” He said in complete and utter awe. 

That seemed to grab Vanitas's attention. He averted his gaze from Noé, obviously flustered by the way he was being watched. The human was biting his lip.

Vanitas, bare aside from a glove and a white shirt, leaned over him. His glistening hand was going between Noé's thighs. 

Oh. 

Vanitas was going to use his own slick to lubricate himself. 

The other man was oddly quiet as he pressed his index finger against the vampire's puckered, untouched rim. A thousand thoughts were running through Noé's brain. He was starting to rethink all this.“Vanitas- maybe we shouldn't- ah!”

Vanitas pushed it in before Noé could wonder about it a second more. Immediately, some of his anxiety was quelled. It was weird. It didn't hurt at all, but he definitely wouldn't call it comfortable. He wasn't built to accept a finger inside this body part. Noé instinctively clenched around it, restricting the movement. 

“Wait! You're being too abrupt!” Noé squeezed his eyes shut in protest. Was he ready for this? No. He didn't think he was.

“I'm being abrupt?” Vanitas let out a sigh. “I don't want to hear that from you.” 

Noé took offense to that, he hadn't been abrupt with Vanitas. “I was very careful with you.”

“Careful? You dropped me!” Vanitas referenced their first time when Noé impaled him in one swift motion.

That was hardly a fair comparison. Noé was only following Vanitas's instruction then. “I only dropped you because you told me to.”

“I didn't mean literally!” He hissed. 

“Then you shouldn't have said that, it's not my fault.” Noé defended himself, nearly forgetting about the others finger still lodged in his ass. 

Rather than allowing this to spiral into an argument, Vanitas sighed loudly again and decided not to press the matter further. “Relax, Noé.” Gentle, gone was the teasing bravado from earlier, now Vanitas spoke with care and softness. 

“Relax? How? Your finger is inside me.” Noé protested. Although receiving such a warm response made Noé feel like he was melting. He took a deep breath and tried to relax, his muscles loosening around Vanitas's digit. 

He wasn't feeling any pleasure from this. Should he say something? Noé was going to say something. “I don't think I like this.” He muttered honestly.

“Does it hurt?” Vanitas asked tenderly, he started probing his finger around Noé’s inner walls while he waited for a response. 

Noé shook his head. “No, it doesn't hurt. I simply don't feel any pleasure from you sticking your finger inside me.” He supposed he didn't mind letting Vanitas prod at his insides, it's not like it hurt, it was just weird. It was incredibly weird, feeling the warmth of Vanitas's finger poking inside of him, curling and rubbing itself against his inner walls. After a little while, Noé felt more comfortable, getting used to the odd sensation.

“Be patient.” Vanitas whispered it in his ear, causing him to shiver.

And then he felt it, powerful, like getting shocked by Durandal. A tingle coursed through his whole body, his breath hitched, he clenched around the finger, his eyes going wide. “What was that?”

“There it is.” Vanitas grinned, as if he'd been searching, he curled the digit against that spot again, rubbing the pad of his finger against the sensitive bundle of nerves. 

The shock ran through him. “Ah…! Vanitas” Noé squeezed his eyes shut, his leg twitched as he was wracked with the powerful sensation. He took it back. This felt good, it felt very good. When he peeked out and looked at Vanitas's expression, he saw such an incredibly sweet smile. 

“Any better?” Vanitas asked. He looked so gentle.

Not nodded. Slowly, the finger was pulled out, and another one lined itself up too. He watched as two of Vanitas's slender digits pushed their way into his body. 

It was harder taking two, he really had to fight back the urge to clench down. Relaxing was a challenge when it felt so unnatural. Vanitas started spreading them out, scissoring him in a consistent motion, getting him used to the pressure. 

“You're doing well.” Vanitas whispered, just for the two of them to hear.

Noé didn't know how to respond to that, but he liked this side of Vanitas, this gentle, caring, and patient part of him. It made him feel safe, like he was in good hands. He was getting used to it.

The process was slow, every once and a while Vanitas would brush against that cluster of nerves, making him tremble. He let out a whimper at some point, and Vanitas's eyes softened into a genuine smile. 

He pulled back and then presented a third. Noé wasn't expecting the extra addition to feel as unnatural as it did, now they were really pushing the limits of what he could handle. Noé was certain he could not take a fourth. 

Vanitas's cock had never made him feel intimidated before, it was more slender than his own at least. But just the thought of something like that going inside him seemed scary.

Vanitas continued scissoring him until the resistance lessened. He pulled his fingers out, leaving Noé feeling strangely empty after all that. 

The silence was thick. Noé felt nervous, scared, he knew there was no reason he should be.

But then he felt something he didn't expect. Vanitas's lips pressed against his in a soft kiss, and suddenly things didn't seem as scary anymore. 

“You can take them off.” The human offered, gesturing to his remaining glow and the white shirt. “You've already seen all there is to see anyway...” The blush on his cheeks spread down to his neck and ears, giving Vanitas a rosy glow. 

“Okay…” Noé reached out and unbuttoned his shirt, helping Vanitas out of it. It felt more even like this, he wasn't the only one exposed. He pulled off the glove, revealing the blue moon's mark. 

“Are you ready, Noé?” Vanitas asked, completely serious. 

“No.” Noé blurted out, It was scary. “Can't we just do it the other way?” 

“You were the one who asked me what I want” Vanitas reminded him, but even so, there was sympathy in his gaze. “This is what I want.” 

Noé's breath hitched. Vanitas wanted him, that's right. This wasn't about what he wanted, he told Vanitas he'd give him all of him. Relationships are full of give and take. He could give this a try if it's for Vanitas. 

“Okay. Just… Please be careful with me, I'm nervous.” Noé's voice was sheepish.

Vanitas nodded

He could see the desire in those blue eyes, Vanitas wanted this, he wanted him. Vanitas reached back down between his thighs, coating his hands with his own slick, lathering his erection generously. The sight captivated him. Once it was coated enough, Vanitas aligned it with Noé's entrance. He could feel the warmth radiating from the tip. 

And then Vanitas started to push the tip in.

Noé clenched the sheets below, his knuckles turning white. “Ah! Wait!” It was different from Vanitas's fingers, thicker, warmer, he gasped and clenched down. Vanitas shuddered, he waited, not trying to push any further. 

“Does it hurt?” Vanitas asked again, but he didn't try to push in any further.

“No, but… ah.” Noé took a deep breath and tried to relax. “I feel so weird, Vanitas, I don't think I'm designed for this.” And to think he dropped Vanitas on himself during their first time. He'd been so inconsiderate, just the thought made him cringe. He definitely owed him an apology for that, a big one.

Vanitas really was being much more careful with him than he'd been.

“And you think I am?” Vanitas asked back. 

“Well. Yes?” Noé answered without thinking. Shouldn't that be obvious? Vanitas is literally an omega.

After about 30 seconds of the two of them just awkwardly sitting there, Noé flexed around Vanitas a little. 

The human took that as a sign that Noé was ready for more. Inch by inch, Vanitas slowly sheathed himself inside Noé. The man was not unaffected, sweat beading on his brow. Once he was as far in as he could go, Vanitas lowered his head while a full-body shudder wracked his frame. 

Overwhelming, that was the only word Noé could describe it as. Rather, he had nothing to compare this sensation with. “Did… it feel like this for you?” Noé asked. Somehow, he felt an odd sort of pride that he'd actually managed to take all of Vanitas inside of him.

“Yeah.” Vanitas answered, he repositioned himself, careful not to move his manhood much before the other was ready. 

Noé tried his best to get used to the feeling, the intense fullness. From this angle, Noé was seeing a different side of him, he'd always towered over Vanitas, picking him up, dragging him around like a ragdoll. But from here, Vanitas looked big, he lacked the same tone that Noé's frame carried, but the human had some definition. The word cute didn't quite fit this image at the moment, he's handsomely beautiful. 

Noé remembered it felt good when Vanitas clenched around him, so he tried it. Flexing his muscles, tightening around the human. 

Vanitas's eyes shot open wide, and he gasped and took a firm grip on Noé's hips. His nipples were rosy and pert, the scent of Vanitas's eagerness perfuming the room. 

This moment was perfect. Noé hastily wrapped his arms around Vanitas and pulled him down into a kiss, the movement causing them both to moan. 

The kiss broke apart, and Noé smiled at the blushing man on top of him. He felt so glad in that moment, grateful Vanitas had claimed him that night, glad that things had turned out the way they did. 

The gentle care in Vanitas's actions spoke volumes. More than words.

Vanitas lowered his head and pulled almost all the way out, slowly pushing back in. Noé's knee twitched, the slide was eased by the slick, but it still took all rational thought from him. Vanitas set a slow pace, one hand leaving Noé's hip to wrap around his cock.

Oh, he could definitely see why Vanitas had liked that. The dual sensation combined was exhilarating.

Vanitas looked like a mess over him, the sweat was causing his bangs to stick to his forehead. His cheeks were red, his mouth open in a pant as he continued his steady pace. 

Noé doubted he looked any more put together, he wrapped his long legs around the smaller man, pulling him deeper as he rolled his hips to increase the sweet friction. Vanitas was inside of him, that warmth, that fullness was Vanitas. 

“Vanitas…!” He said his name, calling it out with love and care, he couldn't help it. Vocally, he wanted to express everything. Noé made no effort to quiet himself in any way. Every gasp, every moan, ringing out into the silence of their hotel room while the bed creaked with their languid thrusts. 

Vanitas brushed against his prostate again, and Noé yelped. “There..! Please, do that again.” He pleaded shamelessly, as he chased his own release as well. “Ahhhh!”

“Noé.. ghh volume” Vanitas attempted to remind him. 

Not vaguely got the message, he'd known Vanitas had always been rather quiet during sex, Noé genuinely didn't understand how. “Ah… But it feels so weird..! And good…! There!” Noé pleaded again, arching and pushing back against Vanitas, brushing against that incredible spot inside him. The sensation was so overwhelming, he moaned loudly again.

It was like night and day compared to the forceful, fast thrusts he'd used on Vanitas. Now it was soft, slow, as Vanitas led them both into a quiet, intimate moment. The sound of their bodies meeting with each thrust. 

It felt more like ‘making love’ than anything Noé had ever done.

He liked the space Vanitas was leading them into. Noé matched it, allowing the younger man to guide him. He'd never given this much of himself to anyone, never given full control. 

Vanitas continued tugging on his cock in time with each thrust. It felt like he was on the brink of coming, but it was too soon. He didn't want this moment to end. 

But as Vanitas hit his prostate again, Noé's mind went blank, his back arched, and he let out a cry, calling out Vanitas's name as he spilled himself between their chests. He clenched around Vanitas like a vice. Distantly, he heard a small moan followed by a strange warmth that spread through his lower body as Vanitas filled him.

The human collapsed on top of him, panting, not used to the strenuous exercise, lacking Noé's vampiric stamina that made sex so effortless when he led. 

Noé wrapped his arms around him, embracing him as they both came down from their high. He didn't even know what to say after that tender climax. So he just basked in the sweet afterglow.

“Wow, Vanitas…” 

Meanwhile, Vanitas was catching his breath, it had obviously taken a lot out of him. Out of both of them. 

Vanitas lay there on his chest for a minute, and Noé was starting to feel oddly oversensitive, when Vanitas sat up and pulled out. Noé welcomed it. 

Vanitas exited him, and just like that, Noé shivered again. Oka,y he was starting to understand why Vanitas had wanted to ‘cleanup’ whenever Noé came inside of him. He could feel it trickling out of him, cooling and making him feel messy.

Noé tried sitting up, too, but was met with a deep, dull ache in his core. “Ah-” He exclaimed, perhaps a bit overdramatically. It didn't hurt really, he just wasn't expecting the soreness. 

Vanitas pushed him back down with his hand. “Stay, Noé.” 

With that, the human got up and walked into their shared bathroom.

“Wait, why are you leaving? Please come back...” Noé pleaded, he felt strangely vulnerable after that experience. More than anything right now, he just wanted to hold Vanitas in his arms and kiss him. It's incredibly rude of him to just walk away right now. “Vanitas?” He wasn't going to escape through the window, right? 

He heard the water faucet running, and after a minute or so, Vanitas came back with two towels, one damp with warm water. The human sat on the side of the bed and ran the wet washcloth along Noé's stomach, cleaning up the semen before it could dry uncomfortably. 

Noé blinked. Vanitas was cleaning him? He supposed he didn't have any qualms with that, rather, he felt somewhat bad that he hadn't even thought of it during the man's heat. 

Vanitas was a lot more thoughtful than Noé gave him credit for. 

A gentle touch, Vanitas cleaned between his legs, cleaning up his own mess he'd left behind in Noé, and spot cleaned the sheet beneath as well as he could.

He's a thoughtful, gentle, clean freak. 

Once Noé was taken care of, Vanitas wiped himself down briefly, folded the towels, and set them down on the chair by Noé's bed before sitting down on the bed again and letting out a tired sigh. He blew out the candle and joined the vampire again. 

Noé grabbed him, instantly cuddling up to him and wrapping him in his arms. “Thank you,” Noé whispered in his ear. By now, the moon was high in the sky, shining on both of them through the window. 

Vanitas blushed and pulled the sheets up over both of them. “Well, Noé, did you like it?”

“I did, not as much as I enjoyed taking you, but… well, I suppose I really loved how careful you were with me,” Noé added in. “You made me feel really good.” How could he describe it? “It was such a powerful sensation, I felt so overwhelmingly full, it made it hard to think.” 

Vanitas blinked, obviously, he hadn't been expecting such a detailed answer. 

“Oh, and before I forget. I'm sorry for dropping you. I promise I'll be careful with you in the future.” Noé chimed in, the soreness was already fading due to his vampiric healing capabilities. But he can't be so rough with a human. Now that he knew what it felt like firsthand, he'd be extra careful with Vanitas. 

Vanitas's cheeks were tinted red. His eyes were half lidded as he used Noé's chest as a pillow. “Thanks, Noé.” 

There it was again, that rare meek side of Vanitas he hardly ever got to see. With that, Noé kissed his forehead again before quickly drifting off to sleep.

~~~

The window slammed open, creating a loud thud that woke them both up instantly.

“Hey buddy, I found a place you might be interested in-” 

Noé opened his eyes and rubbed them. Dante was right above his bed, looming through the window he'd forced open. His mouth was gaping, and he looked like he was frozen solid for a moment before he blinked, backed his way out of the window, and quietly shut it. 

Oh, that's right, Dante was coming this morning. But what was with the awkward retreat? It took a moment for Noé to remember his and Vanitas's current state of undress. Luckily, they were completely covered by the blankets, though, so all he saw was them cuddling together. 

“Good morning Vanitas. I forgot I asked Dante to come by this morning.” Noé explained as he placed a little kiss on the other's head.

Vanitas was very red. Noé wasn't sure what to make of that scrunched-up look on his face. Was it embarrassment, anger? The human grit his teeth and pulled away from Noé. He scooted until his back was pressed firmly against the wall, holding the sheet and a pillow to his chest for modesty. 

Noé tilted his head. “It's okay Vanitas. Dante can't see under the blankets.” He tried to reassure him and reached out to hug him again. 

Vanitas launched the pillow at Noé's face. 

And just like that, Vanitas was in a terribly grumpy mood to start the day. He grabbed his clothes in a rush and ran into the bathroom , locking himself inside. It wasn't until later that Noé realized Vanitas escaped through the bathroom window.

So Noé pouted and made his way downstairs. Amelia was sweeping by the front entrance, Murr purring at her feet. Odd, Noé didn't remember letting Murr out of their room last night. 

“Murr? What are you doing down here?” Noé knelt on the floor and tried to pet the cat. 

Murr hissed at him but didn't try to scratch him, he seemed to be in a grumpy mood too. 

“Oh, I found him wandering the hallways last night. He was scratching at my door, so I took him in. I hope you weren't worried.” Amelia explained as she finished sweeping and set the broom aside.

Had Vanitas kicked him out of their room? That's so mean! Vanitas had no right to treat his cat with such little respect. Before Noé could comment on it, Amelia started talking again. 

“Monsieur Dante is waiting for you in the dining room.” She smiled at him and pointed at the open doors.

Inside, he could see Dante sitting at a table with a drink, waiting with some papers by the window.

Noé thanked Amelia and left the cat with her as he took the empty seat across from him. “Good morning, Dante.” Noé waved at him while Dante sipped some tea. “Sorry about earlier, I hadn't anticipated yesterday night going the way it did.”

For some reason, Dante wasn't looking him in the eye. He held up a hand, almost begging Noé not to say more. “That's stuff I don't need to know.” The information broker muttered before he set down his drink. For once, Dante seemed like he didn't want to talk about it further, immediately changing the subject. “Anyways, I talked to some people and found this place for sale. It's about a half-hour walk outside Paris.” 

He presented him with some papers and a rather hefty sum. “It's got its own astermite powered well water system. If you're interested, I can broker the deal with the guy for you.” 

Noé tapped his chin. “Can you bring me there? I want to see it myself.” It was hard to get an idea about the property without actually seeing it. It sounded incredibly small with only two bedrooms, a kitchen. 

It sounded like the kind of house his grandfather and grandmother had, but more modern.

So Noé went upstairs and got the stash of money Teacher had sent him with initially, he'd been saving it for a rainy day by working as he had. Dante met him downstairs again, and they headed off into the city. 

The owners of the place seemed nice, Dante picked them up on the way there, and they all made the short journey just outside of Paris. 

The trees above them were tall, it was like Averoigne. The dirt path only served them well, though, and he was grateful for it. Vanitas was always so prone to wandering off and getting lost. It would be absolutely terrible if the path wasn't clear and Vanitas got lost in the woods. 

“Well, here it is.” 

It was a small, humble little place. The roof was covered with leaves and branches from a recent storm, and the area around it looked overgrown. 

“It's been empty for about a year.” The owner explained as he walked up to the front door and opened it. 

It was messy by Noé's standards on the inside. The floor was covered with a film of dust that clung to his boots with each step. Noé spun around, taking in the details. The paint on the walls looked fresh, and the curtains were stained, but those are easily replaced.

He walked over to the windows and pushed open the curtains, The view was perfect. It wasn't like his high bedroom in Teachers estate that saw past the trees, it was closer to a familiar view he'd grown up with as a child. 

The human owner was saying something about the kitchen and stove. Noé wasn't hearing any of it, instead, he explored the house with excitement. The bathroom was small, but the water worked and ran on its own well system. Incredible! And when he reached the bedroom, Noé immediately got lost in thought.

There was a large bed, big enough for both of them, the windows and old furniture creating a cozy atmosphere. There was even a small fireplace the keep them extra warm in the winter. The bookshelves lining the wall were empty, but Noé was sure he could fill them. 

In that moment, he could picture Vanitas curled up on the bed, the fireplace blazing, while he was swaddled in blankets, snow falling outside the window, while they were perfectly warm in here.

He could see them and Vanitas living here, enjoying life together. 

Noé grinned. He turned around to see that the two men had followed him. They'd been saying stuff all along that Noé hadn't heard a word of. “Can I buy it today?” His voice was full of childlike enthusiasm.

Dante's eyes went wide. ”Hey buddy, this isn't like buying a knick knack you know-”

Noé opened up his suitcase he'd brought along, and started taking out some wads of cash he'd kept safely stored away since coming to Paris. 

The owner's jaw dropped.

They struck a deal sitting right there at the table, It sounded like it would take weeks, maybe even months, to sort out all the legal stuff. But since he was buying it outright in cash, the man handed him the keys and told him he could move in whenever he felt like. 

Noé couldn't wait very long, he wanted to show this place to Vanitas as soon as possible. He had so much to prepare!

Dante was giving him a look that was basically asking, ‘Are you crazy?’. 

All in all, the deal was brokered by noon, and it was by far the most expensive impulse purchase he'd ever made.

Noé made his way back to Paris with a skip in his step, he dangled the keys in the sunlight as they walked. He'd need to get a second pair for Vanitas. 

After climbing up a set of stairs, Noé found himself in a familiar shopping district. In the window, he saw an incredibly fluffy, baby blue comforter. 

Immediately, he thought of Vanitas. 

The human always got so cold, it wouldn't hurt to stock up on soft materials for Vanitas and his ‘nests’ in the future. Perhaps even for those things that happen to him around the new moon. He rushed into the store and held the bedding in his arms.

“It's even softer than I thought..!” He exclaimed with a twinkle in his eye. 

But that one to the side also felt really soft, how many blankets should he get? What if he got so many that they had blankets in every room? 

Should he buy a bunch of pillows, too?

So that's how Noé ended up buying far too many comforters and pillows, he spent the night out on the town, even skipping dinner. 

Noé wasn't even sure how many trips he made back and forth to his small house. It's incredible, he had a house of his own! It's only been his for a few hours, but Noé was determined to turn it into a home. 

Vanitas was a clean freak after all. So Noé tried his best, sweeping in zigzag patterns on the floor, leaving a spotty trail of dirt behind. But at least part of the floor was cleaner now! Louis always cleaned his room for himself when they were kids, so it wasn't something he'd ever had to worry about. Coming to think of it, everyone always seemed to clean for him. 

Noé hummed to himself, daydreaming the night away as he tried preparing the place for Vanitas. It was sunrise before he'd finally made their bed. Placing the comforters, sheets, and pillows haphazardly on the antique wooden frame. The bed wasn't made at all, he tugged at the edges of the crinkled blankets a bit, smoothing them out a little, even while pillows made lumps underneath. Maybe he could ask Domi for her ideas on decorations? She always had such a great eye for those kinds of things.

It looked nice to him, at least. 

Noé wiped the sweat from his brow and climbed out the window.  It was even messier on the roof, but knowing Vanitas, this would definitely be a spot they'd retreat to often. It was different than the bustling view of Paris, peaceful and serene. There was greenery all around and above him as the tired vampire lay back and watched the sun rise beyond the trees, the birds singing their song, telling the forest that it was morning. 

It was perfect. 

Perhaps a bit too perfect, because after pulling an all-nighter, Noé was lulled to sleep almost instantly. 

The sun was high in the sky by the time Noé opened his eyes again. he groaned, he hadn't meant to fall asleep up there. But he supposed it was also a good thing that it was so peaceful. He hopped back down, locked the door, and started walking along the dirt trail as he made his way back to Paris.

He couldn't wait to get back and show Vanitas. 

Noé made his way through the city with a skip in his step. As he got into familiar territory, Noé stopped at his favorite local bakery. He was ravenous, he had been so enraptured in everything that he'd forgotten to eat. So he ordered himself a hearty meal and some desserts, sampling from a few different types of pastries and breads.

Once he had eaten his fill, Noé felt a second wind of energy kicking in despite his lost sleep. He wanted to get back to Vanitas and fast so he could show him. So Noé altered the world formula and traveled back faster than usual. Once he reached the hotel, he saw Vanitas pacing tirelessly near the front entrance.

Noé was so excited he didn't even register the clear dismay on the human's face. 

“Vanitas!” Noé ran up to him with cheerful glee. 

Vanitas looked exhausted, as if he also hadn't gotten a wink of sleep that night. There was worry etched in his brow, and for a moment, Noé wondered if something terrible had happened. He grabbed Noé by his wrist, as if he were trying to ensure the vampire didn't disappear on him again. 

“Where have you been?! I searched all night for you!” Vanitas wasn't letting go.

Oh. 

He'd been out all night and day yesterday, he hadn't even told Vanitas where he was going. Had he worried him? “You searched all night for me…?” Noé supposed that he deserved an apology. “I'm sorry, Vanitas, I got carried away.”

Vanitas facepalmed and let out a sigh. “You're going to be the death of me. Forget it.” The human let go of his hand and turned around, ready to storm off in anger. This time, Noé was the one who grabbed his arm.

“Wait! I got something for you! Well, I suppose it's for both of us, but I also bought some gifts just for you, too.” Noé tried to explain quickly. 

Vanitas turned around to stare at him like he had two heads. “Don't care, let go.” He was in a terrible, grumpy mood, and Noé could only guess he was in desperate need of a nap, given the bags under his eyes. 

Noé genuinely didn't want to wait for hours, he was so excited that he doubted he'd get any sleep until he showed Vanitas. So he acted on the only logical solution he could think of, which was to suddenly scoop up Vanitas into a bridal carry in the middle of Paris. 

“Huh?!” Vanitas freaked out, he started thrashing in his arms. “What is wrong with you?! Put me DOWN!” The human screamed at him, causing a scene. Some women covered their mouths as they gossiped in a hushed whisper nearby.

Noé didn't care about any of that. “I'll carry you there, so please rest, Vanitas.” 

“You're not carrying me ANYWHERE! Just put me down already!” 

After a bit of arguing back and forth, Noé ended up setting Vanitas down, and the human followed him outside of the city, begrudgingly. He led him down the dirt path, almost getting distracted by some berries on a bush once, but they made it to the small house before the hour had ended. 

Noé knew the outside looked like an absolute mess. As if it had been abandoned, but it wasn't too bad! He proudly gestured his arms out to it. 

“This is what you dragged me out to the middle of nowhere for?” Vanitas's eye twitched.

Noé nodded and pulled out the keys. “Yes!” He dangled them in front of the others' eyes before placing them in his palm. “I bought a house!”

Vanitas blinked. “Huh?”

~~~

Vanitas was less than impressed with the insides, rather, he looked like he was in some sort of dumbfounded shock. 

“I tried to clean it the best I could.” Noé proudly announced, gesturing with the worn broom to the side, that there were still streaks of dust everywhere along the floor. 

Vanitas pinched the bridge of his nose and put a hand out. “You call this clean? How did you even find this place to begin with?! Why did you-”

“Excuse yourself. I did my best.” Noé crossed his arms, defending his handiwork.

“Well, your ‘best’ is abysmally terrible. Give me that!” Vanitas took the broom from his hand, even in his exhausted state, he started furiously sweeping around the room, mumbling an array of things., Noé could have sworn he heard ‘spoiled rich’ and ‘silver spoon’, but he could be wrong. 

Noé smiled and watched from the side. He was used to the sight of Vanitas cleaning like this in their shared room, but he really was an expert at it. With just a few strokes, he had the dust swept into a corner and expertly scooped into the dust pan. 

“There's no need to overwork yourself, Vanitas. Why don't you rest with me?” Noé offered, he got behind Vanitas and put a hand over Vanitas’s arm, stilling the broom. Vanitas looked up at him, his cheeks dusted a soft pink. 

“How can you possibly sleep in this mess? It's disgusting.” Vanitas argued. 

“It’s not that bad. I'll help you once we're both well rested.” Noé whispered the words into his ear, earning a shiver from the smaller man. 

“Fine.” He leaned the broom against the wall and looked at the floor, purposely avoiding Noé's gaze. 

There was still one more surprise Noé wanted to show him. He took the other by the hand and led him towards the bedroom. The old wooden door creaked open, revealing a dusty room with a pile of brand-new bedding, blankets, and pillows. 

Noé eagerly picked Vanitas up without asking and carried him to the bed, plopping him down seated upright while Vanitas struggled to process this. 

Blue eyes examined the sheets, his fingers grasping the soft, luxurious fabric beneath him. An understanding was starting to dawn in him. 

“Why do you need so many blankets? They're all going to end up on the floor knowing you.” Vanitas deflected the obvious, as if he didn't want to get his hopes up. 

Stubborn human. Noé smiled and sat down next to him. “Because I got them for you, you hate the cold, don't you?” Vanitas seemed awfully calm about this whole ordeal. Did he not understand? “I want this to become a home to both of us.” Noé slipped Vanitas the key. “I haven't had time to have a copy made yet, but it's yours too.” 

Vanitas was wide-eyed, the expression making him appear younger than he was. “For.. me?” He took a deep breath. “You bought a house… for both of us? Like some kind of married couple?” Vanitas bit his lip, his leg was trembling slightly.

Now Vanitas looked incredibly nervous, Noé didn't quite understand why. 

“Well.. Not exactly, I just wanted a place where we both could truly call our own. Somewhere where we can relax and no one will bother us.” Noé answered as he ran a reassuring hand along Vanitas's back. 

“Noé, you…” Vanitas looked completely dumbfounded as they sat there. The look was akin to a childlike innocence, confusion. “Why? You of all people should know I'm not worth this.”

“Someday I'll make you understand just how much I love you.” Noé whispered, lovingly cupping the side of Vanitas's face. “Mon trésor”

Vanitas balked, once again unable to reply to his affection. Noé stroked his lover's hair, the silky strands falling through his fingers. 

“Why..?” Vanitas asked again. “You could have anyone. You charm every woman we meet, you could have a lady like Dominique, and you expect me to believe you want me?” 

Huh? What did Dominique have to do with any of this, and Noé doesn't ‘charm’ anyone. 

“Why?” Vanitas muttered, not a tease, a genuine question laced with uncertainty. It was building into something more emotional, his voice cracked, “I don't get it. I can't get you out of my mind!” 

It was rare to see a raw emotional outburst like this. Vanitas must be really tired. Noé kept quiet, waiting for the human to continue. 

“I'm never free of you, every waking moment, you haunt me!” Vanitas's fists balled up on Noé's chest. “I've never felt fear like that moment I thought you were dead. I don't understand it, I don't want to think about it! What am I supposed to do?” A warm, wet drop landed on his skin. Vanitas's fear and uncertainty all bubbling out.

Vanitas was crying- Noé's eyes went wide, and he couldn't see his face buried in Noé's chest. 

“What do you want to do?” Noé asked softly.

“I don't know! I can't want you, I shouldn't want you. This feeling can't be love. It can't be, there's no way.” Vanitas cried in defeat.

Noé smiled, of all the things… Vanitas was really clever most of the time, but simultaneously, he was one of the dumbest people Noé knew. 

‘this feeling’ 

“Tell me about ‘this feeling’ of yours.” Noé whispered. “Every waking moment, you're on my mind, and then you're with me in my dreams. I feel complete when you're in my arms in a way I'd never known. The thought of losing you pains me more than I can describe.” He continued whispering the sweet words just for the two of them. “I want to see every side of you, and make love to you as gently as you did to me.” 

Vanitas’s head shot up at that, like he was about to protest it, deny it, but his watery eyes shimmered. He bit his lip, looking completely and utterly scared at the realization. 

“Do you feel the same? Do my words resonate with you?” Noé asked back, hoping at least some of it would finally get through his stubborn human’s skull.

“Please, Vanitas, answer me.” Noé pleaded, suddenly he smelled the intoxicating scent of Vanitas's blood.

Vanitas had bitten his lip to the point it bled. Noé's eyes softened, maybe he'd pushed too far.

“Yes.” Vanitas said it like it pained him. “Yes but..!” The man was shaking his head, his fist coming down, hitting Noé's chest without force. 

“But what else could it be?” Noé finished his sentence for him. “If this feeling isn't love… I don't know what is. Have you ever felt this way before?”   

Vanitas bit his lip a little harder, The smell was really starting to get to Noé. He wanted to tell him to please restrain himself from drawing blood in the presence of a vampire, it's very impolite. Especially if he's not offering. 

“After we got back from Gévaudan. I couldn't get Jeanne off my mind either, but that has nothing to do with this.” Vanitas squeezed his eyes shut.

Jeanne.

He didn't want to hear her name right now. “Are you saying you love her too?” He asked with jealousy.

Vanitas shook his head. “I don't even know what love is, you can't put words in my mouth like that!” Vanitas seemed equally scandalized by the notion.

“You do know, you're just being stubborn about it,” Noé chided back. Vanitas really was such a dramatic person, but even that was cute. “Don't overthink it, let's simply enjoy this moment we have together.”

Vanitas was scared, but he was opening up. Just the fact that he was being this raw, this honest with Noé showed a level of trust that Noé wasn't going to take for granted. 

The human nuzzled his face against his wet shirt, clinging to him. Noé just continued stroking his back, his fingers combing through Vanitas's hair. 

~~~

It had been about a week since the day they'd moved into their little house. Vanitas had worked tirelessly transforming it from an abandoned state into a home, the outside still looked quite messy, but the inside looked quaint. The floors were pristine, the bookshelves dusted, and he drapes had been changed along with new curtains. 

It was fun. Noé had always enjoyed shopping, but now he had a use for larger trinkets, such as furniture, to Vanitas's dismay. The human had taken it upon himself to organize all of Noé's strange knick-knacks on one of the book shelves, which looked rather artistic if he said so himself. 

Vanitas didn't have many personal belongings to begin with, but he had made the bed his own and seemed to enjoy all the extra blankets. That was another thing, Vanitas seemed to organize them oddly at times, as if he were building a nest again. 

Noé didn't question it, in fact, it just made him go out and buy even more pillows for Vanitas. He supposed it must be another omega thing. 

The house was clean, but it smelled like Vanitas, his scent permeated the air. The sweet fragrance was quickly becoming Noé's favorite, Vanitas smelled like home.

He woke up that morning to the smell of freshly baked bread and sunlight on his face. In his arms was a pillow that had not been there before when he'd gone to sleep. Vanitas had mastered the art of escaping Noé's grasp in the morning, carefully replacing his presence with something else so he didn't have to lie there for hours before Noé woke up.  

He rubbed his eyes and got up out of bed, walking into the kitchen to see Vanitas already bathed, dressed, and his hair pinned up in an oddly cute bun while sporting an apron as he finished pulling the loaves out of the oven. 

Vanitas set the bread down on the stovetop to cool, wiping the sweat from his brow as he turned off the heat and discarded his oven mittens to the side. He pulled the pin out of his hair, allowing it to fall past his shoulders again. 

It was a sight that Noé wished he'd continue to be able to see every day. 

Around then, Vanitas turned around with a slightly irritated look. “What are you staring at?” 

Noé chuckled to himself. That scowl was awfully cute. He walked up behind the man, embracing him from behind. Vanitas's shoulders hitched up, visibly tensing before relaxing after a few seconds. 

He rested his head on top of Vanitas's “I'm sorry, I didn't mean to stare. You're simply breathtaking this morning.” 

Vanitas blushed and looked down at the bread. Immediately cutting off a slice and shoving it into Noé's mouth so he couldn't say more. “I thought you'd never wake up. Did you forget the count asked us to be in his office first thing this morning?” 

Like always, Vanitas's cooking was delicious. Noé chewed on it and swallowed. “I didn't forget, Thank you for cooking me breakfast.” He stole a quick kiss on the cheek and rushed off to the bathroom to shower. 

Once he'd gotten himself ready and dressed, he walked outside, waiting for Vanitas, who was reading a newspaper on the roof. It brought a smile to his face, he just knew that he'd love that spot. His lover spotted him from below and tucked the paper away into his coat. He climbed down using the vines on the side of the house and jumped the last few feet. 

“I wonder what Count Orlock wants. Do you suppose something else has happened?” Noé asked, before Vanitas grabbed him by his shirt collar and pulled him down to steal a kiss, his teeth nibbling on the vampire's lips. Noé squeezed his eyes shut as his heart began to race. 

And then just like that, Vanitas released him with a smug grin. “I guess we'll find out.” He patted the other's shoulder and grabbed his hand. “Don't try wandering off on me.” Vanitas said as he led him down the dirt path, the sunbeams peaking through the trees.

“Of course not.” Noé said as he squeezed the other's hand back and followed him through. He wasn't sure what he'd call a relationship like theirs. Half mates, legally married, partners, lovers, friends? 

There are a lot of things he could say, and he was sure that as time went on, it would continue to evolve as well. But for now, in this moment, as Noé walked hand in hand with Vanitas, he could honestly say he'd never been happier.