Where the River Meets the Ocean
By SMYGO4EVA

"Okay, out with it," Vanitas grumbled, sitting on his usual spot on the rooftop. Noé stood right beside him, turning his head in the other man's direction. "If you have something to say, there's no use hiding it."

Noé let out a soft chuckle, and then eased himself down next to Vanitas. "Looks like I can't hide anything anymore, I'm an open book." Slow and steady, he set his arms by his side, with only a small space between him and Vanitas.

"That's putting it mildly," Vanitas replied, crossing his arms, looking outward to the cityscape, the horizon just beyond them. "You always wear your heart on your sleeve." He didn't need to look at the vampire's reaction, he could already tell. "It's better to keep feelings close, for me, at least."

Noé shifted where he sat and let out a sigh. "I suppose that's what has helped you in the past, but…what I'm trying to say is that you don't have to any longer, Vanitas. You can tell me anything, even if it hurts to do so."

"Easier said than done," Vanitas said, almost mechanically. He looked down next to him and saw Noé's hand close between them. He shifted a bit closer to the vampire, with the space no longer existent. "If that's possible, it'll be a while before I can do that again."

"Maybe, but I believe it is, and I can think I can help you." Noe replied, turning away from the city ahead of them, gazing at Vanitas with a smile on his features.

Vanitas looked up, and he smiled back, a small grin on his face. "Hmm, so you say?"

Noé nodded. "Yes I do say."

"Very well then, I'll just have to take your word for it, Noé."

With that said, Vanitas placed his hand on Noé's, and they looked outward once again. They both had places to be, but there was still some time for them to simply sit on the rooftops, side by side.