Work Text:
Noé's POV:
I remember that time when I found out about Jeanne drinking from Vanitas the first time and marking him. His face was so carefree, so calm. I wish I was able to be like that but of course, I couldn't. My heart ached and my stomach felt like it was being twisted and punched all over. Part of me wanted to puke, scream, anything to let go of the pain I felt within myself. That Jeanne is lucky, she beat me to him. As much as I wanted to be angry at her and see her as some sort of rival, I know deep down that it wouldn't be right. She got him fair and square. Besides, would he even let me drink from him if I asked? I'm not sure, but I won't be surprised if that answered turned out to be no.
When the two went out of the window to who knows where, it gave me the opportunity to use that as a way to escape myself and let my emotions run free. I was finally out and decided to look up into the sky. The blue moon is beautiful, but just like the sun, it's too far away. If I somehow get too close, I would just fall to my death like Icarus or simply into darkness. I felt a warm hand touching my cheek and I looked to see Domi glancing at me with a soft smile. Her hand slowly started to caress my cheek, like she would do when we were just young children. "What's the matter mon cheri? You look like you're about to cry." I closed my eyes and shook my head.
"Ca fait mal. Ca fait trop mal. Je ne sais pas si je peux le prendre." I whispered. Feeling a slight change of heartbeat, I opened my eyes to see her frowning slightly at me, concerned. She brought my head down, placing it on the crook of her pale neck. The scent of her blood hit my nose and I couldn't help but lean closer, basking in its warmth and comfort. "Your blood is good also, Domi..." I sighed out. She let out a soft snort and nodded her head, guiding me to take a bite and drink in the blood rushing in my mouth. I'm always grateful for her generosity when it comes to giving me blood. But this is not the blood I wanted anymore, I wanted his blood. But I can't have it. I can never have it.
After a while, I pulled away smiled at her, wiping my eyes before doing the same with my mouth. "I'm okayyy now!" I chirped, putting on quite a convincible act i f I do say so myself. Dominique laughed and ruffled my hair, "I'm glad to see my little butterfly happy. Now, be careful mon ami. With yourself, with the human and everything else in general. Okay?" I nodded my head and waved at her before heading off. Soon, we would be going to yet, another ball. This is where I danced with him and asked Vanitas this one question.
What is love?
He said that he doesn't know the answer to that. But I wasn't too sure if he was telling the truth or not. "Do you love or at least, take a liking to Jeanne?" I then asked in return. Our eyes locked for a while and I could feel him trying to see through me and figure the reason why I asked this. But I wouldn't let him know, I refused. After a while, he gave up and pouted so cutely. I remember asking him this one last question before moving into position for the slow dance in time with other guests.
"Do you trust me, Vanitas?"
He stared at me some more before giving his usual cheshire smile, cupping my chin and bringing it down slightly.
"Maybe, my dear Noe. I'm not sure. We shall see."
Regular POV(Third person ):
Noe laid down on his bed with his cat, who curled up next to him. It has been three months since his and Vanitas's last meeting. Just thinking about it hurts his head a bit. After their last parting, things have slightly changed. Noe went to a deserted island while Jeanne and Dominique stayed in Paris, deciding to become roommates. Noe managed to bring all his belongings and a two year old child he and Vanitas took care of during their journey.
'What name would you like little one?'
'Hehehe...'
'Hm, how about I name you after someone...yes, your name shall be Vanitas the third. How does that sound?'
' Yayyy!'
He remembers that day well. Vanitas tried to object but the cuteness of the child, who snuggled against the human's chest, overwhelmed him and soon, he was in agreement. Vanitas the third was sleeping right on top of Noe's chest, cooing slightly. Lately, the older male started to notice the striking similarities the child and Vanitas share. The black hair, the smooth skin, blue eyes and sweet(at least sometimes on Vanitas's part) smile. In a way, it felt like Vanitas was here with him.
" Ma belle Noe, comme je suis content de te revoir. "
Noe gasped sharply and sat up with shocked eyes. There in front of him was none other than the man he loved then and still loves now. Vanitas. His dream walked towards him slowly and climbed on the bed. He gently sat on the other's legs as close to Noe himself as he can, being mindful of the baby. A hand of his reached up to cup Noe's cheek. Noe quickly covered the hand with his own and nuzzled his face in the palm on his skin. Tearing up once more as memories of that day resurfaced his mind.
Vanitas smiled and leaned forward to gently kiss the other's forehead, never removing his hand. "It couldn't be helped, mon ami. Please don't blame yourself for what happened. Okay?" Noe shook his head as he soon started to quietly sob, tears now formed and spilling down his face like a water fall.
"I regret it, Vanitas! I regret treating you horribly, I regret that fight. I... I regret not grabbing your hand ."
Vanitas got off and moved Noe slightly forward, so that he could slip behind him and bring the other onto his lap, cradling him as Noe kept his hold on the baby. The human pressed little kisses all over Noe's face as the other continued to cry. "Shh, you will be okay. Remember, I may not be here in person, but I will always be with you . Forever." A hand threaded through the white locks as Vanitas resumed the little kisses, whispering words of reassurance, praise and love.
Noe soon subdued his sobs for now, looking up into Vanitas's smiling face. That cheshire grin. "V-Vanitas?" He asked.
"Oui, mon chanton. Go ahead."
Noe's heart clenched when he heard that term. The one his teacher would call him all those years ago. It brought sadness but warmth as well to his soul. But unfortunately, the tears couldn't be held back and soon, the fall resumed.
"I-I love you. So much!"
"Me too, Noe. May not be in the way you thought but I love you too. Now, sleep."
He may not have won Vanitas, but he is satisfied with their friendship and connection. That is enough.
Vanitas only held him closer and slowly rocked Noe, kissing his head and whispering again as the pained, heart-wrenching cries rang through the rest of the night.