#Vanitas no Carte | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

robsterskellington · 2 days

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Soukoku, then Shin Soukoku, and now Vanoé, huh? Fine by us, we love showing the different ships.

Context: this is now a year since Vanitas ended up in Yokohama, and he has since become a member of the Armed Detective Agency. His personality has changed a little, he's not as cold or manipulative as he once was, and the rest of the needed context is written in the following snippet.

Please enjoy, it's a bit of a longer read!

"This is the worst idea you've ever had, and why does it have to be me??" Vanitas grumbled as he was made to put on a suit, long coat and a red scarf while Dazai looked like he had murder in his eyes.

Mori had come to them, and asked the Armed Detective Agency for a favour: a new weapon smuggling group had gotten into contact with Mori, and wanted to do business with the Port Mafia. As a sign of good will, they offered to show Mori a Gifted they had kidnapped, telling him that said Gifted would make gathering information far smoother for the Port Mafia. However, the price was that Mori himself would be the one to see, and he had to come alone.

This group obviously didn't know Mori very well- obviously being the Boss, he had to pull every sort of tactic, no matter how disgusting and unforgivable. However, he didn't like Ability Users being captured and forced to use their Gifts; Yosano laughed at that irony, though she also had to acknowledge that the War made her situation more like a grey area. She'd still call Mori a hypocrite, but he'd simply ignore her.

Nobody in the Port Mafia could pretend to be Mori, they'd already tried that before. Akutagawa was closest, however he was out of town with Gin, dealing with other issues. Since this would end up doubling as a rescue mission, Mori decided that the Agency would be the best people for the task- the group had apparently done a lot of research on Mori himself, so he had to go with an Agency Member who looked as close to him as possible: Vanitas.

Vanitas and Mori were the same height and had the same skin colour. Both had dark hair, and since Vanitas was technically no longer a member of the Blue Moon Clan, his eyes were dark enough to pass as a similar colour. They had similar builds, and sure enough, once Vanitas was dressed in the clothes Mori provided, it was hard to distinguish who was who. The final trick was Vanitas' voice: before Moreau got his hands on Vanitas originally, the Chasseurs had taught him how to mimic voices, since it could be handy to lure Vampires to their deaths.

"...no, I fucking hate this." That was all Dazai could say as he glared at Mori, "Obviously I know why you can't go, but why drag Vanitas into your shit?"

"I will reward Vanitas and the rest of the Agency handsomely," was the very dismissive reply, Dazai shaking when he watched Mori wave his hand, "Besides, he looks just like me, can sound like me, and can resolve the situation without unnecessary bloodshed. If this deal is real, then it benefits me. If it's fake, then it means a gang is dealt with before it causes Yokohama any harm."

The Agency Members that were there all looked pissed off. Kunikida wanted to argue, since he *agreed* with Dazai that Vanitas shouldn't be dragged into Mori's mess. Yosano crossed her arms, still calling Mori a hypocrite and glaring at him for even daring to suggest this. Fukuzawa was trying to remain calm, but it was difficult. Eventually, Ranpo broke the tension by sighing obnoxiously loudly, "It'll work. But Vanitas? No matter what those guys say, bring a gun with you. Also, I recommend leaving your Book behind."

Usually, that suggestion alone would make Vanitas furious, however... even in the coat, he couldn't hide it. So he'd have to do this without his Ability. Vanitas took a breath and handed the Book to Dazai, then whispered softly, "Please take care of her."

"You know I will." Dazai held the Book of Vanitas to his chest, and managed a reassuring smile, which Vanitas was able to return.

Vanitas glared at Mori, "You'd better make this worth my while." He smirked a little when he saw how *uncomfortable* the fearsome Port Mafia Boss looked in that moment, but otherwise didn't care.

He was given the co-ordinates, an abandoned building close to the Riverside Warehouses, and was given brief control over Elise in case anything went south. Vanitas had a gun holstered on his back, and to truly mimic Mori, he also had a couple of scalpels hidden within his sleeves.

Kunikida took a breath, "Kid, please be careful." He trusted Vanitas, of course he did, but that didn't mean he'd stop worrying- he still worried for all the Agency, they were essentially a giant family, after all. Fukuzawa didn't have it in him to speak, like he knew that if he did, it would simply be to ask Vanitas not to do this; it was risky, they had little to no information, and he simply didn't trust Mori. Dazai just held the Book, while Ranpo had a knowing smile on his face.

*How did he always know everything?*

*****

It was stupidly easy to enter the building the new group had established, the men there seemed overly thrilled that the Boss of the Port Mafia had accepted their invitation. All Vanitas had to do was show up, and suddenly he was being shown a number of large collections: bombs, guns, blades, jewels, anything a gang of thugs would need and could use when dealing in Yokohama.

"This is all well and good," Vanitas spoke with Mori's voice, well enough that it could have fooled voice recognition software if these men were smart enough to have that technology installed in their facility, "However, I'm here to meet the Gifted you promised to provide. After all, anyone who can benefit the Port Mafia will be useful."

"Oh, certainly, sir!" The head of this group, a man who had arms like tree trunks, lead him down a corridor. "We found him in Suribachi City- he has the Ability to see people's memories through touch!"

That wasn't good. A Gifted like that would absolutely be hunted down by Special Operations. After all, all information could be gleaned by having this new Gifted touch someone, then have someone like Ango or Sigma touch him if he was unwilling to divulge the information out of fear or spite. Besides that, Gifts that allow a person to look through memories, minds or information, are really painful to the User if they can't control it. Atsushi mentioned passing out the first time Sigma used his Ability on him.

In the middle of the room was a chair with someone tied in it, a bag covering their head. The leader's words had indicated that the person in question was male, and he looked incredibly skinny. Vanitas wondered how long he'd been held captive, and knew that he'd have to get him out, and to Yosano. Screw what Mori thought or wanted, that bastard would only overwork this guy!

His thoughts shut down completely when the bag was removed: underneath was a man just a little older than Vanitas, with dark skin, white hair that... had purple tips? That was new. When the man opened his eyes, Vanitas felt his heart hammering in his chest. Though dulled from exhaustion, he'd recognise those lilac eyes anywhere. One final thing that Vanitas recognised, wasn't about the man himself; hanging from his left ear, was a blue earring in the shape of an hourglass- it had a crack down it, but none of the sand seeped out.

So many emotions and thoughts ran through Vanitas' heart and mind- how was he here? Why did he look so frail? Did these men harm him?

After a second longer, he fell back to his forced upon persona, and walked towards the man. The group stayed far away out of fear of *Mori's* wrath, though the leader cleared his throat slightly, "I must ask you not to touch him, sir. Otherwise he'll see all of your memories and faint, then he won't be of any use to you."

Vanitas simply nodded, acknowledging his words before looking at the man in front of him, "So that's your Ability? Rather useful."

The man in the chair simply scoffed, "Sure, if you only want *me* to see memories." He sounded gruff, and his voice was a little strained, as if he wasn't used to speaking, "Who are you meant to be? A wannabe gangster like the rest of those morons?"

Yeah, he'd definitely changed! Vanitas almost laughed at hearing him using a more relaxed language and insults, instead of the overly formal and gentle person he once knew. Instead, he just tilted his head with a smirk, "Introductions, then. You go first."

The man glared, then took a breath, "...Noé. Noé Archivist. That's my name."

"*Child of the Ark*." Vanitas couldn't help but reuse that old line, though his voice wasn't the same and it wasn't as loud, "My name is Ougai Mori, I am the Boss of the Port Mafia."

"That big shot criminal organisation?" Noé *did* look slightly nervous upon hearing that, but then snarled defiantly, "You may as well kill me, then. You won't get *any* use out of me."

Vanitas hummed, taking out a scalpel- this was a show for the gang, not a show for Noé, "I could easily end your life right here, it wouldn't be the first time I've slit someone's throat with my scalpel. However, I'm curious... do you have nothing left?" He watched Noé flinch, but continued, "No family or friends? No home?"

"...nothing. I have nothing." Noé started to laugh, then. It was a horrible sound, it was cracked and maniacal, the laugh of someone who knew they should be insane, but they weren't- they had nothing left except their own sanity, which just made reality all the more painful.

Once the laughter finally died out, Vanitas cleared his throat, "I'm giving you a chance to join the Port Mafia willingly, you'd be able to have a home, a family to rely on. You'll be safe, and trained to protect yourself further."

There was a moment where Noé looked tempted, and Vanitas winced internally, hoping that if Noé decided to join, that he could change his mind and beg Noé to join the Agency instead! But Noé just *spat* at Vanitas' feet and smirked, "I don't want to lose anything else. I won't be able to if I gain nothing. *Fuck off*."

Was that the first time Vanitas had ever heard Noé curse? It didn't suit him. Vanitas took a breath and turned to the leader, "We'll take him."

The leader then laughed nervously, "Before that, do you agree to help support us, and accept our services? As you can see, we're more than prepared to decimate anyone in Yokohama that's willing to stand in your way, Mr. Mori!"

"Ah. I believe you have the wrong impression of me." Vanitas glared at them, "The Port Mafia *protects* Yokohama, that is something I've dedicated my life to. If I were the Former Boss, I'd have likely agreed in a heartbeat, like a complete fool."

Apparently, this wasn't what this gang expected at all, and judging from how Noé flinched, he must've also heard an abridged version of what the Port Mafia was about. Multiple men had immediately grabbed guns, and with a snap of his fingers, Elise began to dispatch them all, while Vanitas ran forward, a scalpel in one hand, his gun in the other. Elise used her giant syringe to disarm, stab and scare the people away, while Vanitas quickly made his way to the armory, hoping to destroy it.

Unfortunately, one man against a whole gang was never going to be the best idea. Vanitas did manage to set a bomb to detonate, but before he could activate it, he was smacked in the back of the head with someone's rifle, and fell to the ground. Elise panicked, though remembered to keep up the act: "Rintaro!! Hang on, I'll go get help!!"

Nobody could catch her, and Vanitas was useless as he passed out.

*****

*Ugh, my head feels like it's splitting apart...* Vanitas managed to open his eyes, seeing that he was locked in the same room with Noé, also tied up, though not to a chair. Noé didn't have the bag over his head, and he was watching Vanitas.

"Are you okay?" He kept his voice low before explaining, "They're keeping you here for ransom. Of course, if your group are as powerful as they said, you don't have to worry, do you?"

Vanitas sat up, hating how bitter Noé sounded. That really wasn't the same voice who once promised to never set him free, to never let him be alone. A wave of dizziness hit him again, but he focused on seeing if he had at least one scalpel left, which he thankfully did- the thugs weren't smart enough to know one should never hold a Mafia Boss hostage, but they knew enough to know that it was hard to break out of zip-ties.

Noé watched the man in front of him start to free himself, but saw that he was struggling, he looked pale and nauseous. He felt a little bad and asked softly, a hint of pity in his voice: "You don't have a concussion, do you?"

That made Vanitas suddenly burst out laughing; of *course* he had a concussion, that was absolutely obvious, and he couldn't help himself, "Fuck you, Noé!"

"Fuck you, too-" He started to retort before blinking, "...what happened to your voice?" He watched as the man finished untying himself, then started to untie Noé, who frowned, "Why are you helping me? Who are you?!"

He froze when the man put his gloved hands on his cheeks, making him face him, and he heard a voice he never thought he'd hear again, "Noé... it's me. I know I look different, I'm sorry for this stupid disguise, I-!"

Vanitas was pulled into Noé's arms, and he immediately started crying. They both did. Vanitas was aware that Noé's Ability meant he could see memories through touch, but it looked like Noé's Gift only worked with skin to skin contact, judging from the way Noé held him. Vanitas buried his face into Noé's shirt, sobbing his eyes out, crying harder when he heard Noé's weakened voice, "...Vanitas..."

"It's me. I'm here, I'm alive, and so are you." Vanitas hugged Noé tighter, nuzzling his chest, "I'm so happy to see you."

Neither of them were the same oblivious idiots they once were. Both of them realised, too little too late, that they had fallen in love with each other. By the time Noé realised, Vanitas had been taken away, killed by his own hand, or so he'd thought. Vanitas didn't realise he loved Noé until his memories had returned.

Noé was still wearing the same clothes he used to wear in their world, though any purple item of clothing was replaced with blue. He ran his gloved fingers carefully through Vanitas' hair, making sure not to touch the bump left by the rifle butt, and sniffled quietly, recognising his warmth, his heartbeat and his smell, though his senses were far weaker, and he couldn't summon his fangs, he'd realised.

For now they just needed to escape. At least, that was what they should have done, but Vanitas wasn't in any fit state to fight, and Noé couldn't fight *and* protect Vanitas right now. Vanitas looked up at Noé, "How long was I out?"

"Nearly an hour, why?" He watched as Vanitas smirked, then they heard the sounds of fighting and gunshots. "The Port Mafia?"

"No," Vanitas confirmed, "Elise wouldn't get them, not with me involved."

Noé was about to ask what that meant, but then the door was suddenly ripped off its hinges, and a short, blonde haired boy grinned at them, "There you are, Vanitas! Elise came and got us, just like Ranpo predicted!"

"Did he also predict me getting smacked in the head?"

"Yes, that's why I'm here!" Vanitas laughed when he heard Yosano shouting from the hallway.

Taking Noé's hand, they stepped out- all the gang members were unconscious and tied up, Kunikida already making arrangements for all the weapons and valuables to be taken away. Noé watched as all the tension from Vanitas' shoulders disappeared like it was never there, and he smiled, "Everyone, I'd like you to meet someone."

The task had been done, so nobody was distracted. Not everyone was here, but that was fine, it meant Vanitas would have more time to help Noé adjust. He introduced the new person as his partner, which caused Noé to go beet red. Nobody looked surprised, though. When Vanitas explained what his Ability did, they all agreed to tell Mori to go sit on a dick, since he'd never be getting his hands on Noé.

*****

The trip back to the Agency was quiet, since Yosano confirmed that Vanitas had a bad concussion, and Noé was still getting used to being surrounded by people who actually had his best interests at heart. Elise had run back to Mori, with the message that the Agency would be placing Noé under their protection. The injuries they both sustained weren't bad enough that Yosano would have to use her Ability, which was good in this case, since Noé likely had no idea how Gifts worked, as he wasn't from this world.

Dazai was waiting for them all at the Agency with Ranpo, the pair of them quietly talking while Dazai held the Book of Vanitas safely in his hands- Vanitas had shown him what the Book was capable of, every aspect, so he wouldn't let anything happen to it.

The others arrived at last, and Yosano immediately took Vanitas and Noé into the infirmary, sitting them on the same bed, since Noé refused to let go of Vanitas' hand. She sat behind them, and carefully lifted the back of Vanitas' hair, letting out a quiet sigh, "Idiot smacked you so hard that you do have a cut, so I'll have to clean it. Good thing you're holding his hand, Noé."

Noé let Vanitas squeeze his hand as much as he needed to- Vanitas had gone through various experiments and torture for a lot of his life, but nothing could prepare him for the sting caused by the alcohol used to clean wounds. He didn't cry out or even hiss in pain, he just silently squeezed Noé's fingers and forced his eyes to squeeze shut. After a couple more minutes, Yosano carefully wrapped a bandage around Vanitas' head, to compress the injury and hopefully ease any swelling.

She did give Noé a look over, once Vanitas promised him that she was trustworthy, but he didn't have many injuries. Obviously he didn't get treated well and wasn't left unscathed, but it wasn't anything life threatening, just rage inducing. Noé had fresh bruises on his stomach, but he wasn't struck hard enough to cause any internal problems. There was a small scar on his shoulder, likely caused by a cigarette burn, so that was quickly cleaned and covered up.

"Okay, that's both of you all done." Yosano looked at them both, then gave Vanitas another look over, "Hmm. You're looking a lot better already, but I'll get you some painkillers and food anyway. Then the pair of you should get some rest. Kunikida made miso soup, I'll get you both some."

Once she'd left the room, Noé looked down, "...I'm sorry, Vanitas. There's so many things that I'm sorry for, but... I can't even hold you properly, I'll see your memories. That was the one promise you'd asked me to make, really." It had taken a stupidly long time for Noé to realise that Vanitas wasn't against Noé drinking his blood, he just didn't want anyone seeing his memories.

"Noé, you don't have to worry about that anymore." Vanitas looked at him, squeezing his hand again, though far more gently, "Obviously you don't have to look into my memories if you don't want to, but I'll never hurt or attack you again, if you do."

He was stunned; Vanitas once fought tooth and nail to try and kill Noé for trying to see into his memories, but now it was like he didn't care, almost like he was encouraging it! Though... was it because he wanted Noé to see his memories, or did he just want Noé to be able to touch him again? Noé tried to shake it all off- he could touch Vanitas, he'd just have to constantly avoid skin to skin contact, right? But his Ability seemed to only work once, so if he *did* take Vanitas' memories, then he could do as he wanted, he could hold Vanitas, stroke his face without wearing gloves, maybe even a ki-

"Here you go, guys." Yosano kept her voice gentle as she brought them the soup, giving Vanitas a small box of painkillers, "Eat up, then get some rest, okay? You both could use it."

"Thanks, Doctor Yosano." Vanitas smirked and gave her a quick hug before she left for the night. If anything happened, Vanitas could handle it, he was a doctor as well, after all. He took his soup, then saw that Noé seemed confused before smirking, "You just drink from the bowl, no spoons."

"R-really?" He supposed that different cultures did have different eating habits, but he wasn't used to it yet. All his captors had given him was something they'd called cheap sushi, and had laughed at him for eating them with his hands instead of those sticks he'd been provided.

The soup was flavourful, and it warmed them both up. Vanitas was grateful that it washed out the bitter taste of those painkillers, and he finally felt a little better. He looked back at Noé, who looked a lot better for the meal, then quietly asked him what was wrong- he wasn't prepared for Noé to suddenly blurt out that he's felt *different* ever since entering this world: he couldn't see the World Formula or alter it, he was unable to bare his fangs, he wasn't as fast or strong, and even all of his senses were weaker. Vanitas knew that because of Bram's Ability, Vampires were... limited, but he didn't realise that it would affect Noé in this way.

Taking a breath, Vanitas looked at him and spoke flatly, "You're not a Vampire anymore, Noé. Once you came here, you were turned into a Human." Noé was staring into space after that revelation, but Vanitas had to ask: "How did you get here?"

He was silent for a moment, then murmured softly, "I was travelling, I wanted to stay away from Paris." Obviously he was already omitting information, but Vanitas wouldn't pry just yet, he only needed the basic information first, "I... I had an accident. I got a little too close to the edge of a cliff and fell. Next thing I knew, I landed in a lake, but when I looked up, there were no cliffs at all."

Vanitas doubted that the trick of getting to this world from the other was falling from a high place, but he wouldn't be able to prove that for a very long time. Vanitas nodded and closed his eyes, "I'm glad you're okay, and I'll make sure you stay that way. I promise."

"...you don't owe me any promises." Noé's tone had changed, he sounded cold and bitter, "Vanitas, are you just going to ignore the fact that I killed you?!"

"Not ignore." He remained calm, though he hated that expression on Noé's face- oh, *now* he understood why Noé was always pissed off when Vanitas hid his emotions! He cleared his throat, "We can talk about what happened at some other point in time, but right now, I just want to talk and be with you, okay? Noé, when I came here, I had no memories. But the one thing I did have were images in my mind and pain in my heart. Even when I couldn't remember you, I truly missed you, Noé. We'll figure everything out, but for now, let's just have these moments."

Not an unreasonable request, but Noé still felt sick to his stomach. Both of them were too tired to carry on this conversation however, so Vanitas bid Noé a goodnight before going to the bed next to Noé's and falling asleep almost immediately. He hadn't even bothered to change, he just took off the coat, scarf and shoes. Noé slipped off his shoes and waistcoat, but then just found himself watching Vanitas sleep for a few moments longer. Vanitas was never openly vulnerable around him, so he wanted to commit Vanitas' sleeping face to memory.

He slowly laid down, and shut his eyes- Noé didn't like the sterilised smell of the infirmary, and the bed wasn't the softest, but at least he knew that he was safe now.

****

Noé tossed and turned in his sleep, panting as horrible nightmares persisted. His hands like claws, his eyes filled his bloodlust as his fangs were bared. Vanitas was beaten, bloodied and barely able to stand up, the Book of Vanitas hanging by his limp hand. Being a Curse-Bearer meant that his desire for blood couldn't be controlled anymore, and he *needed* to taste the sweet nectar that laid in Vanitas' veins.

But Vanitas continued to fight, throwing out curses and spells from his Book like they could do anything to Noé. Eventually, Noé had felt a warmth, and heard Vanitas' voice, saw his hand reaching out: "Noé, it's alright now. I've found your True Name, and I'll save you. Please, just don't give up."

*I don't think so~*

Naenia's voice, like the sound of broken windchimes, interrupted their moment. Just as Vanitas freed Noé, Noé's claws sank straight into Vanitas' abdomen. He screamed as he watched the colour and life drain from someone he cared about, and he couldn't even reach out properly when he fell, down off the cliff, where his body could never be recovered.

"-oé! Noé! Wake up!!"

He gasped in alarm and sat up with a start, staring with wide eyes at... *Vanitas*? It was really early in the morning, the moon was still out. Wait, what was the dream and what was reality? Noé just broke down crying, clutching Vanitas' shirt and just sobbing brokenly. Vanitas had slipped his gloves back on, and stroked Noé's hair, encouraging him to calm down and talk to him.

After a little longer, Noé did. He talked to Vanitas about the day they parted, and it took Vanitas a horribly long time to realise that Noé thought that none of this was real, that he thought this was some kind of cruel Hell or Purgatory designed to punish him for killing the man he cared about the most. Vanitas couldn't exactly prove that this was reality, because when you're that deep in denial, proof was meaningless. Plus, telling anyone that they came from one world to another was already going to sound ridiculous, even if it was just stating the facts.

He stroked Noé's cheek, and took a breath, "What happened is something we can't change, but we can move on from." Vanitas looked Noé in the eye then sighed, "If this place makes you uncomfortable, I'll find a way for you to go back. But I can't and won't return with you, it's not home for me there, anymore. I just-"

"*No*." Noé held Vanitas tighter, shaking with widened eyes, "I don't care if this is some punishment, if its all fake, I can't and won't lose you again. I don't want us separated again, I *can't*." He had tears streaming down his face as he looked into Vanitas' deep blue eyes, "Losing you was the worst pain I'd ever felt, worse than when I lost Louis. I wanted to die with you, I don't want to live without you, Vanitas! I've never felt like that before, so please don't send me away!"

Vanitas felt his heart freeze, he *hated* just how heartbroken Noé looked and sounded. There wasn't any way to completely reassure him, but Vanitas knew he had to try, especially when certain feelings needed to be taken off his chest, "Noé... this is my home now, and it would be complete if you stayed with me." He stroked Noé's face, wiping away his tears with his thumbs, "...I will never set you free."

Noé's tears dried, and he stared at Vanitas. Any mixed feelings were gone, all fear was gone. He had nothing left to lose, and Vanitas practically asked him to stay! Despite it being far too fast, despite the fact that they'd been separated for a year, there was one thing that Noé *needed* in that moment. He ran his finger across Vanitas' bottom lip, and looked into his eyes for permission, for consent.

And Vanitas gave it.

Their lips met, Vanitas gently gripping Noé's hair, as Noé wrapped his arms around Vanitas' waist, kissing him with all he had. He was vaguely aware of Vanitas' memories flooding into his mind, but he was far too focused on the present to look into the past. It was strange that the memories didn't crash into him all at once, that it was giving Noé's mind time to sort through them at his own pace, but again, he was too busy holding onto the love of his life and *kissing him*.

Unfortunately, they were both still human, and had to pull away to catch their breath. Vanitas giggled slightly, he couldn't help himself, as he stroked Noé's cheek again, "Hi."

"Hi." Noé let out a breathy laugh, nuzzling Vanitas again. No more memories came, so Noé was free to touch Vanitas however he wished. He did see everything- he glossed over the memories he already saw when he was made to drink Mikhail's blood, and he didn't need to see any darker elements after that nightmare. He saw Vanitas' life in Yokohama, and had to agree that this world was his home now, so Noé would stay, vowing to be a part of it. "...I saw your memories, but it didn't hurt."

"Maybe it's because you willingly touched me, and I accepted it?" That made sense, a lot of things were less painful with added consent.

Now that they knew Noé's Ability couldn't affect Vanitas anymore, nothing stopped them from getting into bed together, cuddling and kissing until they finally fell asleep in each others arms. Vanitas' head rested over Noé's heart, and Noé's mind wasn't plagued by any more poisonous memories that night.

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