[ They've been thorugh their brother inflirtation plan at least three times already. At this point, Noé can recite it in his sleep and he doesn't understand why Vanitas makes him repeat all the steps once a day. The doctor keeps mentioning inexperience and innocence every single time after they're done reviewing, but Noé isn't really paying attention.
He's infiltrated various places already, what makes a brothel special? He's going to pretend to be a client, so he doesn't have to worry too much about its inner workings. Nonetheless, Noé doesn't protest when the doctor suggests showing him his disguise. According to the plan, Vanitas will play the role of a courtesan, so he needs much more time to prepare.
Seeing his partner in expensive looking robes is more than enough to make the vampre's eyes shine and his smile grow a little wider. ]
You look so pretty, Vanitas.
[ As straightforward as Noé is, he's physically incapable of mockery, so his compliment is as genuine as it gets. ]
[ Vanitas has put a lot of thought into this, because the curse bearer that supposedly lingers in this brothel has yet to actually take a life, much like Jeanne. This is someone who suppresses their urges but has been seen acting strangely from time to time, and a more thorough investigation needs to be done before they can spring into action. This is why Vanitas is willing to play the role of an attractive courtesan who wants to drag her friend into the fray for a good time.
Putting on the getup is a lot more difficult than he assumed it'd be, though, but when he manages to get it all on, he goes to retrieve Noé. Pretty, huh? That gets a smirk out of him. ]
Do I? Good. That means it's working.
[ He should be looking good for this and he has no shame. ]
If it wasn't working, everything would be for naught.
[ Noé helpfully (?) points out, not fully understanding where that smirk came from. It's just a disguise—albeit a very beautiful and intricate one—so Vanitas' excitement about this case is beyond him. ]
I do, we've been through them so many times already. Is acting like a client of a brothel really that hard?
[ This vampire might be the textbook definition of a virgin. ]
For someone with your level of ignorance? It very well may be.
[ Just! Saying! Noé, who asked Vanitas what love was, in a brothel? He can't imagine it. Somehow, he has a feeling the vampire would be far too flustered to take any chances, let alone enjoy himself. To be fair, it's not up Vanitas' alley, either, but -
if he's going to trust anyone with this, it has to be him. It has to be Noé. He simply won't allow anyone else to touch him. (Wait, what?) ]
You say that like I'm a frequent customer. I've just done my research. Why wouldn't I? If we want to be convincing, we ought to know what we're getting into. [ ...Looks at Noé... ] Or, in your case, you just need to know what your lines are and call it a day.
You do disappear every now and then, and no one knows where you go...
[ In that regard, Vanitas reminds him of a cat. Maybe he's not as cute as Murr, but he doesn't fall too far behind. ]
I memorized my lines, and I know what to do if we're seen by another courtesan. [ That part of the plan involved pulling Vanitas into a hug, but surprisingly, they haven't rehearsed that part even once. ] But you're not to worried about the latter...
Vanitas lets out a sigh and his shoulders slump a little. He also knows what to do if they're seen. ]
I'm not, because I also know what to do.
[ He's gonna flirt it up with Noé, and that part he's not looking forward to for a large number of reasons. None of them are because he finds Noé unattractive, funnily enough. ]
Any last minute preparations, or are you ready to head out?
[ Flirting it up is so vague that he doesn't know what to expect. On the other hand, when does Noé know what to expect with Vanitas? The answer is: never. ]
[ Oh, Noé. He's thinking about it and already getting so embarrassed and feeling some kind of way about it, so to make it easier to process, Vanitas breaks out into a quiet fit of laughter. ]
Practice? Are you asking me to flirt with you?
[ He's playing it off like this isn't what Noé's trying to say... ]
[ Honestly, Noé isn't sure what kind of answer Vanitas is expecting when posing that question, when he must know that there's only one response this naive vampire could give: ]
Yes, that's what I'm asking for.
[ What's wrong with wanting to be prepared!! Vanitas himself emphasized how important it is for their current mission. ]
[ Noé is bossing him around, and it's true that Vanitas really had no idea what he was expecting. There's a moment where his mind goes blank, and any ideas he may have had about flirting with Noé are starting to go out the window. He was a fool to think that the possibility he wouldn't have to ever existed, because the vampire is his - friend, not his...
... ]
Fine.
[ He can do this, he's done this before with Jeanne, all he has to do is reframe this, see Noé as someone so out of his reach that Vanitas would do anything to seize this- but the more he thinks of it that way, the redder his cheeks start getting. Hm.
He leans in, puts a hand on Noe's side to pin him to the wall while the other reaches up and caresses Noé's cheek. His fingers slide down to the vampire's jawline, and Vanitas pushes himself forward, gets in close. ]
Quite forward, aren't you, Noé? Asking me to make advances on you without considering how that might turn out for you. How bold.
[ Yes. He is flirting. And he is leaning up and in, closing the gap between them almost completely. ]
If you don't mind, then, I'd like to indulge a little.
[ All this effort on Vanitas' end and for what? For Noé to respond with a single line: ]
Your eyes look even more beautiful from up close.
[ It's almost as if he's completely immune to the intimate touch of Vanitas' slender fingers gliding along his jawline. Having his personal space invaded doesn't bother the vampire either—actually, it makes a strange warmth spread across his chest, leaving him anticipation... though, he's not entirely sure what he's looking forward to so much, exactly. ]
[ It's a single line that's actually effective, because it gives the doctor pause, like he wasn't expecting Noé to respond like that. Something in his chest almost hurts in a way that feels like if he doesn't keep going, he'll regret it, he'll agonize over it and wish that he did. That line is all that Vanitas needs, because it seems to feel like some sort of approval for him to do the unthinkable.
So he moves forward and closes the gap between them, gives into temptation and pulls Noé into a kiss. It's not exactly gentle, almost like he's telling the vampire that he's committing to this and he would like Noé to do the same. This is what he asked for, after all. ]
[ Is this really what Noé asked for? To be fair, in his head, he was just stating a fact. It had absolutely nothing to do with complimenting Vanitas or mocking him—the vampire just noticed the shimmer in the doctor's light blue eyes. Noé has witnessed the mischevious spark in Vanitas' gaze numerous times, but this one is a little different. As if under the layers of playfulness, something much more complicated was hidden and kept in check, so it can't be seen.
Too lost in his thoughts, the vampire doesn't even realize that Vanitas has closed the gap between their lips at first. Unresponsive, he allows the man to be as rough as he only pleases before instinctively pressing forward, his hand cradling the back of Vanitas head. The only sound Noé can hear is the thumping of his own heart. He might not understand why he's reacting like that, but even if his mind is still catching up, his body is a few steps ahead.
With relentlessness that surprises Noé himself, his tongue presses against Vanitas' bottom lip, trying to find an opening and slip into his mouth. ]
[ He's about ready to pull back, tell Noé that this is what he should expect going into this and he will not hold back from kissing his partner in crime again if he needs to, but Noé reciprocates. There's suddenly a hand in Vanitas' hair, and now his heart is pounding in his chest, but he doesn't stop. He keeps kissing Noé and that hand on the vampire's cheek quickly moves down to rest on his chest instead.
Then, he feels Noé's tongue begging for entrance, and Vanitas is quick to oblige, parting his lips so he can push his tongue against Noé's almost effortlessly. Oh, he has no idea what sort of mess they've gotten themselves into, but he can't stop and he doesn't really feel like stopping, either. His feelings only begin to intensify when his teeth start getting thrown into hte mix, and he bites down on Noé's lip. Breathlessly, he groans into the kiss. ]
[ Rather than retreating after getting his bottom lip bitten by Vanitas, Noé presses forward harder with a newly found intensity. Maybe it would have been different if he actually thought about what they're doing, but the vampire doesn't really have the mental capacity for such a thing.
Nothing feels wrong about kissing Vanitas either, even if Noé doesn't know what he's doing, acting purely on what his instincts are telling him to do. Even that bite from just a moment ago doesn't really hurt. If anything, it feels... surprisingly pleasant.
Noé finds it truly unfortunate that they can't continue at this pace, but when he breaks the kiss, he doesn't pull away too far, his words whispered against Vanitas' lower lip. ]
[ Vanitas has already lost any semblance of coherent thought in favor of letting himself drown in Noé's kisses. He's not quite sure why he's enjoying this so much, nor did he realize he found Noé this attractive. He's dizzy when the kiss breaks, so much so that he nearly misses the question. ]
[ Any thought Noé might have disperses, leaving his mind completely blank after taking a glimpse of Vanitas' flushed cheeks. Something about his expressions pulls the strings of the vampire's heart too, even if he's not sure what kind of feeling this might be. The doctor's dazed eyes make a shiver run down his spine, on top of everything. ]
M-Make sure no one touches you.
[ Noé has absolutely no idea why did he say such a thing. ]
[ That was far from what he was expecting. Vanitas looks at Noé for a moment, bewildered. Then, a smirk grows on his lips, and without drawing too far back, he'll continue to be a tease. ]
[ That smug smile makes Noé wince without realizing it. It's obvious that Vanitas has the upper hand now. That being said, it's nothing unusual for the doctor to be a few steps ahead of him. ]
Yes.
[ With how close they are, he can sense Vanitas' pulse and sense the scent of his blood. Dazed, Noé leans in again for another kiss, not wanting to hear another smug comment from the man. ]
[ He'd be lying if he said Noé being possessive wasn't attractive and, quite frankly, kind of a turn-on. Vanitas is eager to return the kiss, so eager that his hand moves up to cup Noé's cheek and pull him closer. (Either he's wearing too many layers in this disguise and it's gotten incredibly warm because of that, or...hm.)
He draws back when there's a break, albeit only just enough for him to speak while he catches his breath: ]
I wouldn't dream of it.
[ His tone isn't quite as playful as he meant for it to be - deep down, he knows he means that. There's no one else (other than Jeanne, honestly) that he'd allow to get this close to him, chest-to-chest and hips touching. Vanitas' heart is racing in his chest, which Noé can probably feel, and it's not just because he may or may not be feeling pretty worked up. The extent of his feelings towards the vampire run a lot deeper than he thought. ]
Just you.
[ And just like that, his lips are hungrily crashing onto Noé's again. ]
[ The change in tone strikes Noé as strange, but not unwelcome. If anything, he expected the doctor to mock him more for basically anything that would come to his mind: his naivety, inexperience, gullibility—the list goes on. And yet, he gets the chance to witness a rare moment of genuine feelings shining through.
There's a slight chance they're not genuine, but it doesn't even cross Noé's mind. If this is a trap, he'll gladly walk into it. That's what he's been wanting for quite a while, even if he didn't fully realize it.
Vanitas' and his own pulses combine in his ears and become the only sound he can hear for a few moments. The doctor takes advantage of this, it seems, as their lips meet again in a heated kiss. His mouth pliantly parts for Vanitas almost right away, while his hold on the other man tightens. It's not enough for him that their lips are touching; he needs their entire bodies pressed together in a firm embrace. ]
[ This feels like it's growing into something deeper, something beyond just making out for "practice", because Vanitas is incredibly responsive when Noé's arms pull him in closer. He doesn't resist, and he responds in kind by letting his arms wrap around Noé's neck. Given how their relationship was and always has been, he wonders if this was inevitable, if they were always going to wind up here at some point.
He's not sure, even as his tongue brushes against Noé's, even if he keeps letting quiet sighs and moans escape his lips as they kiss. It's beyond lust, it's something more that's bubbling beneath the surface, pent up feelings that are starting to show. His body can't get any closer to the vampire's at this point, and there is a nonzero chance that the other can feel his arousal.
Even so, Vanitas breaks away first, and he looks up with Noé hazily, cheeks burning bright red. Then, he removes the shawl from his disguise and tosses it on the floor. He grabs Noé's hand and moves to place it over the first button of his blouse, and looks at him expectantly. We're not finished, are we? ]
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no subject
He's infiltrated various places already, what makes a brothel special? He's going to pretend to be a client, so he doesn't have to worry too much about its inner workings. Nonetheless, Noé doesn't protest when the doctor suggests showing him his disguise. According to the plan, Vanitas will play the role of a courtesan, so he needs much more time to prepare.
Seeing his partner in expensive looking robes is more than enough to make the vampre's eyes shine and his smile grow a little wider. ]
You look so pretty, Vanitas.
[ As straightforward as Noé is, he's physically incapable of mockery, so his compliment is as genuine as it gets. ]
no subject
Putting on the getup is a lot more difficult than he assumed it'd be, though, but when he manages to get it all on, he goes to retrieve Noé. Pretty, huh? That gets a smirk out of him. ]
Do I? Good. That means it's working.
[ He should be looking good for this and he has no shame. ]
You remember my instructions, right?
no subject
[ Noé helpfully (?) points out, not fully understanding where that smirk came from. It's just a disguise—albeit a very beautiful and intricate one—so Vanitas' excitement about this case is beyond him. ]
I do, we've been through them so many times already. Is acting like a client of a brothel really that hard?
[ This vampire might be the textbook definition of a virgin. ]
You sure know a lot about them.
no subject
[ Just! Saying! Noé, who asked Vanitas what love was, in a brothel? He can't imagine it. Somehow, he has a feeling the vampire would be far too flustered to take any chances, let alone enjoy himself. To be fair, it's not up Vanitas' alley, either, but -
if he's going to trust anyone with this, it has to be him. It has to be Noé. He simply won't allow anyone else to touch him. (Wait, what?) ]
You say that like I'm a frequent customer. I've just done my research. Why wouldn't I? If we want to be convincing, we ought to know what we're getting into. [ ...Looks at Noé... ] Or, in your case, you just need to know what your lines are and call it a day.
no subject
You do disappear every now and then, and no one knows where you go...
[ In that regard, Vanitas reminds him of a cat. Maybe he's not as cute as Murr, but he doesn't fall too far behind. ]
I memorized my lines, and I know what to do if we're seen by another courtesan. [ That part of the plan involved pulling Vanitas into a hug, but surprisingly, they haven't rehearsed that part even once. ] But you're not to worried about the latter...
no subject
[ :///
Vanitas lets out a sigh and his shoulders slump a little. He also knows what to do if they're seen. ]
I'm not, because I also know what to do.
[ He's gonna flirt it up with Noé, and that part he's not looking forward to for a large number of reasons. None of them are because he finds Noé unattractive, funnily enough. ]
Any last minute preparations, or are you ready to head out?
no subject
[ Flirting it up is so vague that he doesn't know what to expect. On the other hand, when does Noé know what to expect with Vanitas? The answer is: never. ]
We should practice that part just in case.
[ In other words, flirt with him, Vanitas... ]
no subject
Practice? Are you asking me to flirt with you?
[ He's playing it off like this isn't what Noé's trying to say... ]
no subject
Yes, that's what I'm asking for.
[ What's wrong with wanting to be prepared!! Vanitas himself emphasized how important it is for their current mission. ]
You may start now.
no subject
... ]
Fine.
[ He can do this, he's done this before with Jeanne, all he has to do is reframe this, see Noé as someone so out of his reach that Vanitas would do anything to seize this- but the more he thinks of it that way, the redder his cheeks start getting. Hm.
He leans in, puts a hand on Noe's side to pin him to the wall while the other reaches up and caresses Noé's cheek. His fingers slide down to the vampire's jawline, and Vanitas pushes himself forward, gets in close. ]
Quite forward, aren't you, Noé? Asking me to make advances on you without considering how that might turn out for you. How bold.
[ Yes. He is flirting. And he is leaning up and in, closing the gap between them almost completely. ]
If you don't mind, then, I'd like to indulge a little.
no subject
Your eyes look even more beautiful from up close.
[ It's almost as if he's completely immune to the intimate touch of Vanitas' slender fingers gliding along his jawline. Having his personal space invaded doesn't bother the vampire either—actually, it makes a strange warmth spread across his chest, leaving him anticipation... though, he's not entirely sure what he's looking forward to so much, exactly. ]
no subject
So he moves forward and closes the gap between them, gives into temptation and pulls Noé into a kiss. It's not exactly gentle, almost like he's telling the vampire that he's committing to this and he would like Noé to do the same. This is what he asked for, after all. ]
no subject
Too lost in his thoughts, the vampire doesn't even realize that Vanitas has closed the gap between their lips at first. Unresponsive, he allows the man to be as rough as he only pleases before instinctively pressing forward, his hand cradling the back of Vanitas head. The only sound Noé can hear is the thumping of his own heart. He might not understand why he's reacting like that, but even if his mind is still catching up, his body is a few steps ahead.
With relentlessness that surprises Noé himself, his tongue presses against Vanitas' bottom lip, trying to find an opening and slip into his mouth. ]
no subject
Then, he feels Noé's tongue begging for entrance, and Vanitas is quick to oblige, parting his lips so he can push his tongue against Noé's almost effortlessly. Oh, he has no idea what sort of mess they've gotten themselves into, but he can't stop and he doesn't really feel like stopping, either. His feelings only begin to intensify when his teeth start getting thrown into hte mix, and he bites down on Noé's lip. Breathlessly, he groans into the kiss. ]
Noé...
no subject
Nothing feels wrong about kissing Vanitas either, even if Noé doesn't know what he's doing, acting purely on what his instincts are telling him to do. Even that bite from just a moment ago doesn't really hurt. If anything, it feels... surprisingly pleasant.
Noé finds it truly unfortunate that they can't continue at this pace, but when he breaks the kiss, he doesn't pull away too far, his words whispered against Vanitas' lower lip. ]
The infiltration starts tomorrow, right?
no subject
Yes. Tomorrow.
[ He takes a moment to catch his breath. ]
Why do you ask?
no subject
[ Any thought Noé might have disperses, leaving his mind completely blank after taking a glimpse of Vanitas' flushed cheeks. Something about his expressions pulls the strings of the vampire's heart too, even if he's not sure what kind of feeling this might be. The doctor's dazed eyes make a shiver run down his spine, on top of everything. ]
M-Make sure no one touches you.
[ Noé has absolutely no idea why did he say such a thing. ]
no subject
Like how you're touching me now, Noé?
[ He'd be lying if he said he didn't want more. ]
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Yes.
[ With how close they are, he can sense Vanitas' pulse and sense the scent of his blood. Dazed, Noé leans in again for another kiss, not wanting to hear another smug comment from the man. ]
no subject
He draws back when there's a break, albeit only just enough for him to speak while he catches his breath: ]
I wouldn't dream of it.
[ His tone isn't quite as playful as he meant for it to be - deep down, he knows he means that. There's no one else (other than Jeanne, honestly) that he'd allow to get this close to him, chest-to-chest and hips touching. Vanitas' heart is racing in his chest, which Noé can probably feel, and it's not just because he may or may not be feeling pretty worked up. The extent of his feelings towards the vampire run a lot deeper than he thought. ]
Just you.
[ And just like that, his lips are hungrily crashing onto Noé's again. ]
no subject
[ The change in tone strikes Noé as strange, but not unwelcome. If anything, he expected the doctor to mock him more for basically anything that would come to his mind: his naivety, inexperience, gullibility—the list goes on. And yet, he gets the chance to witness a rare moment of genuine feelings shining through.
There's a slight chance they're not genuine, but it doesn't even cross Noé's mind. If this is a trap, he'll gladly walk into it. That's what he's been wanting for quite a while, even if he didn't fully realize it.
Vanitas' and his own pulses combine in his ears and become the only sound he can hear for a few moments. The doctor takes advantage of this, it seems, as their lips meet again in a heated kiss. His mouth pliantly parts for Vanitas almost right away, while his hold on the other man tightens. It's not enough for him that their lips are touching; he needs their entire bodies pressed together in a firm embrace. ]
no subject
He's not sure, even as his tongue brushes against Noé's, even if he keeps letting quiet sighs and moans escape his lips as they kiss. It's beyond lust, it's something more that's bubbling beneath the surface, pent up feelings that are starting to show. His body can't get any closer to the vampire's at this point, and there is a nonzero chance that the other can feel his arousal.
Even so, Vanitas breaks away first, and he looks up with Noé hazily, cheeks burning bright red. Then, he removes the shawl from his disguise and tosses it on the floor. He grabs Noé's hand and moves to place it over the first button of his blouse, and looks at him expectantly. We're not finished, are we? ]