Vanitas × Noé

A Peaceful Train Ride

This is set right after chapter 23 so please read that first. It's about Vani and Noé on the trip to Gévaudan since I doubt we'll get a chapter with them actually on the train. Chapter 24 will probably be set after the trip so this is what I think they would do on the train. Basically argue and annoy one another.

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"Vanitas?"

"What?" Vanitas growled.

"How long until we get to Gévaudan?"

"We only just got on the train! Be patient will you?"

"I'm only asking, there's no need to get annoyed. It's not like I mind being on the train... in fact I find this contraption quite fascinating!" Noé's eyes sparkled as he looked around the compartment.

"Of course you'd be impressed. Did you have any technology in the secluded forest you grew up in?"

Noé wasn't listening. He didn't really care what Vanitas was saying, the train was more interesting to him as it started pulling away from the station. The sound of the train's whistle and the wheels gaining speed fascinated the vampire.

Vanitas sighed. He would probably have to deal with Noé being hyperactive for the entire trip. As things stood he could barely stop bouncing in his seat. It was annoying Murr enough that the cat decided to jump off Noé's shoulder and onto the floor. This brought Murr to the attention of Vanitas.

"Why did you have to bring that thing anyway? It will just get in the way and I'm sure Manet and Nox would take care of him. You could've even asked Dominique! We'll just end up leaving it behind."  

"No we won't," Noè pouted, "at least I won't. Murr will be fine."

"Don't blame me when the beast eats it."

"The beast only attacks humans, Vanitas, and I'm sure you already knew that."

Vanitas shrugged before turning to look out the window. He was no longer interested in the conversation. Vanitas enjoyed making fun of Noé but the topic of his spoiled cat was getting boring. In fact Vanitas didn't really want to speak to Noé for the rest of the trip. Unfortunately the vampire seemed to have other ideas.

"Vanitas?" Noé asked.

"What?" Vanitas turned to glare at Noé.

"There's someone behind you that's watching us. Don't be too-"

"WHERE?!" Vanitas turned dramatically in his seat to stare in the direction Noé had indicated that the observer was sitting.

"Obvious..." Noé finished his sentence.

Vanitas laughed and faced Noé again, "everyone's staring now! Although the girl who was watching from the beginning probably just thinks you're attractive. There's nothing sinister about her. The person you need to worry about most on this train is me."

"Why would she find me attractive?"

"Have you ever looked in a mirror? Oh right, vampires don't have a reflection!" Vanitas cackled at his own joke causing people to stare at him... again.

"That's a myth, we have reflections!"

"I know, I know. It's a joke. Regardless, you're quite popular with the ladies because you are conventionally attractive. You're tall and somewhat muscular with good hair. Not to mention the fact that you practically ooze kindness. No wonder Amelia, Dominique and possibly Manet like you. I wouldn't be surprised if Jeanne thought you were handsome as well."

"What do you mean about Amelia and Dominique?"

"You haven't noticed?" Vanitas smiled, "Nevermind, of course you haven't. Don't worry about it."

Noé face morphed into a confused expression that he constantly found himself using in the presence of Vanitas. If he remained with Vanitas for too long Noé was sure that his face would end up perpetually sporting that expression. Especially considering the fact that Vanitas didn't always explain what he was confused about.

"Why can't you tell me what you meant?" Noé whined.

"Because it really isn't my place to tell you. You would already understand if you weren't so oblivious... but don't worry about it. Some day you will know. Right now you should probably forget it. We have more important things at hand like searching for curse bearers."

"Alright," Noé sighed, "but I won't forget this conversation."

Vanitas hummed in idle acknowledgement and turned to stare out the window again. They didn't speak for the remaining part of the train ride. It was peaceful and both could feel excitement growing as they neared their destination, albeit for different reasons.