autumn catch-all (open)

[unchainer]

WHO: Vanitas and you!
WHAT: Catch-all with open prompts
WHEN: Throughout autumn
WHERE: Various
WARNINGS: There will be eventual NSFW!

cruise ship - general.

[ Vanitas' designated date from the auction is Amber, and while he can't say he's having a bad time, there are moments in which he can be caught without her around the ship.

Sampling the wine is something he's not opposed to, and he may or may not be tipsy when someone approaches. He can also be found at the buffet, squinting at a dessert dish...that looks like Tarte Tatin?? Wow, he's going to scrutinize the hell out of it. It'd better be good. ]

chocolates.

[ He's not a fan of chocolate, especially if it's too sweet. He's got zero idea about the bonus effects, too, but while he's out in town square, he idly pops a piece into his mouth.

He grimaces a bit. Too sweet, too sweet – but he starts to realize something was terribly wrong with it when he sees the next person and instinctively approaches. And then, without warning, he will pick them up bridal style. (Effort will vary depending on the individual.)

He blinks down at whoever he's just scooped up. ]

...Huh?

[ And then he'll promptly drop them. Oops. ]

wildcard.

[ I am down for anything! Tasks, Bingo, etc.! ]

Comments

[unchainer]

I'm asking if your source is reputable.

[ He's not going to do anything...hopefully... ]

Who is it.

[archivists]

[ Do I really have to put that cursed metatext in Noé's mouth so Vanitas will believe that Gaku is legit... ]

He is.

[ Noé's still not sure if he should reveal that kind of information. ]

It's... oh, I should probably order something. I've been here for quite a while.

[unchainer]

[ He doesn't care if Noé orders something or not, but – ]

You're protecting him. I'm not going to do anything to whoever you're referring to.

[ He has other reasons that are...not very nefarious, actually? ]

[archivists]

I just don't want you to lash out at him or whatever you're going to do.

[ He can't tell what is going on in Vanitas' head. But he does know about his heart, more or less. ]

We're far from home... you should give yourself a chance, Vanitas. A chance you've been denying yourself for so long.

[unchainer]

You know more than enough about me, Noé. You know why that'd be a waste of time.

[ He's scowling, now. Vanitas has carried many burdens with him over the years and lashes out as a result. He's made many mistakes. He shouldn't have been born.

There is no room for someone like him in Aether's life. This isn't even about what he wants anymore.

Without realizing it, he lets something crucial slip: ]

If you care about keeping Aether safe, then you'll stop insisting that you know what's best for me.

[archivists]

Safe? From what?

[ His eyebrows knitted together quite tight. ]

You wouldn't hurt him. I don't know what is best for you, truth be told. I just want you to see that you deserve something more.

spoilers!

[unchainer]

[ He presses his forehead to his palm again and lets out an aggravated sigh. ]

How can you say that, after what you –

[ –saw, at the carnival. The memory shakes him up, though, as he recalls his attempts to kill Noé that night.

He ducks his head, hides his face from view.

He's a mess. ]

[archivists]

We weren't ourselves that night.

[ That might not be enough to convince Vanitas not to go back to these memories, but he should at least try to understand that they were both pushed to their limits and forced to fight. ]

I wouldn't want anyone to see that part of me either. [ He lets out a sigh. ] And I don't think Aether is in danger.

[unchainer]

[ Hearing that from Noé is somewhat of a relief, even if the guilt he has with him is still lingering. He seems to calm down a bit, and he takes a moment to sip on his water.

It's quiet, for a moment. ]

... I'll consider it.

[archivists]

[ Noé lets the silence linger for a little while as if he wanted to give Vanitas some time to get used to the thought that Aether isn't at a risk. ]

Now... I'm curious what he thinks of you.

[unchainer]

Don't tell me you're going to talk to him about this.

[ He might actually shank Noé if he does (no). ]

[archivists]

I won't bring up the questions, I can promise you that.

[ He will do his best not to. Who knows how it'll go, though. ]

Aren't you curious?

[unchainer]

No...

[ That's not a very convincing "no", though. More like he's trying to convince himself he's not curious at all. ]

[archivists]

Well, I am.

[ Look at Noé, he's such a good friend. ]

If you don't want to know, I won't tell you.

[unchainer]

Do whatever you want. I told you, I've given up on trying to get you to do what I want.

[ And he means that.

He'll come around. He'll ask Noé to spill the beans eventually. ]

[archivists]

[ It's not the first time he made Vanitas act so grumpy and definitely not the last. ]

I'm happy for you, though. Whatever comes out of it... I hope it will help you understand some things about yourself.

[unchainer]

[ He doesn't say anything to that. Instead, he just idly draws his finger around the edge of his cup of water.

The server comes with their food; Vanitas ordered some sides for Noé already, it seems. What an unusually kind gesture from him.

Looks like he's already learning, after all. ]

[archivists]

Oh.

[ Honestly, he's a little surprised. Vanitas can be thoughtful, but it doesn't happen all that often. Not openly, at least. ]

Thank you. I was getting hungry, actually. Is there anything else you want to talk about?

[ Noé's been grilling his companion for quite a while, perhaps he should give him a well-deserved break. ]

[unchainer]

[ He plays around with his food a bit with his fork, and the flush on his cheeks is now gone. ]

You're still not going to tell me who gave you that advice?

[ Why is he asking? Don't worry about it (future). ]

[archivists]

Oh, Gaku did.

[ The power of Giving Noé Free Food is definitely something else. ]

Just don't be rude to him.