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Both Noé and Vanitas had the roof to themselves, or at least that was usually the case at nighttime. They were fittingly under the darkening sky, they didn't even need to say anything.
The rooftop had become a sanctuary to them, first belonging to Vanitas, and now Noé.
They spent a quiet part of the evening just looking outward, the skyline decorated with the city lights.
Noé knew that he didn't have to fight down feelings any longer, but things could be left unsaid. Vanitas kept things close to his chest, used to pushing others away, used to the unease of it all. They both could not say what they truly felt, even when the vampire wore his heart on his sleeve, and the doctor focused solely on healing the cursed ones.
Their pursuit to save those in need of salvation was what brought them together. What Noé could not see from Vanitas, that which was hidden away under lock and key, that nearly tore them asunder.
Vanitas looked steadily at Noé, and he slowly crept forward, and then sat next to him even closer now. Noé turned his head, his attention veered from the sky to Vanitas, who simply sat still. No ready remarks or snide observations were prepped from his sharp tongue this time. There were some things one had to make sure were left unsaid.
Noé didn't move from his place, but he wondered if Vanitas had anything to say or was going to do anything. And indeed, when he had such thoughts, Vanitas placed his head on the vampire's shoulder, who stilled in response.
"Noé?" Vanitas finally spoke, his voice above a whisper.
"Y-yes?" Noé asked, relieved to hear him speak after such a long period of quiet.
"You, you meant what you said, that you'll stay by my side?" Vanitas asked aloud, letting those words permeate between them, almost sounding relieved.
Noé blinked, he heard those words loud and clear, and it was good to hear Vanitas ask him, as if to reassure him. He shifted where he sat, with Vanitas' head on his shoulder, and he nodded.
"Yes, I meant it, and I still do, Vanitas, every word."
Vanitas looked up to see Noé smiling at him, and he blinked before smiling back at him.
As ever, it was good to know that he was there for him.
"I'm glad to hear that, Noé."
Noé lingered on his words, waiting for Vanitas to suddenly stand up and walk away, but no, he didn't.
"The feeling is mutual."
They would head back to their room soon, back to anything and everything, but all in due time.
For now, looking out from the rooftop was enough for the time being.
No, it was more than enough.