[Vanitas decides not to text Bakugo for the rest of the night, and also not in the morning, but he does show up at the Red Cardinal on time for lunch. He's heard good things, but it's his first time there himself. Part of his payback is showing up 10 minutes late, just to make Bakugo wait.
But he quietly sits down at the table across from him, arms folding over his chest as he looks at him.]
I hope you know this isn't some kind of date.
[He's wearing an oversized white button down shirt with more folds and frills at the neck and sleeves that give away the era of fashion he finds acceptable, a fitted black vest with matching pants. If Bakugo asks, he's not dressed up, this is just what he likes to wear.]
[He would've been pissed if Vanitas tried texting to him more while he was trying to go to sleep. He's pretty merciless to people who wake him up. Someone texted him awake once, whining about how they can't sleep, and his only response was "I can" before hanging up and muting.
Bakugo's fond of Red Cardinal. It's one of the few places in the entire resort that won't tolerate any of the peacock's stupid shenanigans. Events don't reach here, perverts are kicked out hard, and the proprietress makes sure everything operates smoothly. It's basically where Bakugo goes out to eat 90% of his time. If he does, since he usually cooks for himself.
Is he surprised to see Vanitas at the restaurant the next day? Nope! He wouldn't have set it up if he knew the guy wouldn't come. But the bastard could've been on time, dammit...]
It took you ten minutes to think up that line?
[Boom.
By now Bakugo's come to suspect (or realize) Vanitas comes from an world several centuries in the past compared to his own. Those clothes are a dead give away to old Western style. European. You know, aristocracy, royalty, vampires. He's dressed in his usual black t-shirt and pants, with a light hoodie hanging open on his shoulders.]
[Vanitas is going to hold the vampire thing against him for the foreseeable future, and the fangs still stuck in his mouth aren't really going to help him with his case. Not that he has to prove anything to anybody.
The restaurant is pretty quiet, and it's a nice change of pace from the resort and all it's little schemes to try to trap people together in hopes of something more happening. It feels nice to just be able to relax here.
But then Bakugo speaks and Vanitas narrows his eyes at him, picking up the menu to pretend to be more interested in it than the guy across from him.]
I wanted to give you that 10 minutes to think about your mistakes.
[Vanitas wears gloves under his shirt, still not the clawed gloves he's used to, but they come up almost to his elbows beneath the fabric.]
Did you have something to say to me? An apology maybe.
[Bakugo's not gonna taunt him for vampire shit unless he tries biting him with his fangs or turns into a fucking bat. Other vampire tropes on the table as well. He doesn't think Vanitas is fully human, but... what he is isn't his concern until the topic forces itself.
He's not shy about telling people Red Cardinal is one of the best places to go for a meal or some rest. The proprietress never lets her food be contaminated with aphrodisiacs or strange magics like other restaurants will. Bakugo's come to view the place as one of the very free true "safe havens" in the resort.
A quick husk of leather-bound cardboard scrapes cross wood as he picks his own menu up and scans the entries. Mostly it's comfort food here, a mix of coffee shop, sandwich cafe, and other simple homely fare. Bunch of different cultures too.]
The hell are you talking about? [Bakugo scrunches half his face up in confusion.] Are you still running a fever?
[A calm staff and food that isn't filled with aphrodisiacs and other strange drugs? This restaurant is going to be Vanitas' new favorite place. Especially if the food is as good as it looks in the pictures on the menu. Vanitas isn't familiar with the Asian-influenced dishes, curious about them and a bit unsure. Even the Western food is a little unfamiliar. But the sandwich called a burger. Interesting.
He looks over to see what Bakugo is looking at, leaning forward to see if he can figure out which dish those red eyes seem focused on. Maybe he'll try whatever Bakugo's getting.]
I'm not running a fever! [Vanitas starts to fuss, but remembers they're in public and settles down, folding his arms over his chest as he glares.] You called me a vampire last night! [And he's petty enough that he would show the messages if he knew how to do it. It also doesn't help his case that he has those prosthetics cemented onto his canine teeth or something, because he still can't get them off.]
[It's a lot of people's favorite place. The library and university are other "neutral zones" within the resort, though both have perverted elements you have to brush past to get to the better places. It's... noticeably less perverted in those academic areas. Red Cardinal simply isn't perverted. Probably the only place (beyond Roost) that Bakugo knows is completely adverse to the resort's bullshit. Vanitas is welcome to look around and find more if he can.
Bakugo ignores a pair of blue eyes scanning at him. Can the guy see through the menu that he's got held up half in front of his face? Who knows. That'd be a vampire trick if he could.]
Then stop talking feverish. [What is this crap about an apology? He owes him nothing. Bakugo snorts as he puts the menu down, a wry expression painted across his face.] What the hell? Is "vampire" some kinda expletive in your world? [Or does Vanitas have extremely sensitive feelings which get hurt super easily?]
[In a place like this neutral zones must be popular. And this one has a nice ambiance that Vanitas could get used to. He's grateful to Bakugo for sharing it with him, but is unlikely to ever thank him for it.]
I'm not talk-- [He closes his eyes for a moment like that's going to help him not want to reach across the table to grab Bakugo by the collar and shake him.] It's not an expletive. I'm simply NOT a vampire.
[It's a sensitive subject that he doesn't want to talk about, and it's far too complicated to bring up now when they both probably just want to eat. So he settles for the quickest explanation:] Vampires killed my father when I was really young.
[Bakugo doesn't need thanks or even acknowledgement for this one; sticking it to the Peacock is something he'll do every damn time for no reward. Spiting his kidnapper is a reward itself. Besides, the more money Red Cardinal makes, the more solid an establishment it gets. Keeping it safe from any stupid interference.]
So it's like that, huh. [Explains why "vampire" is a touchy subject for Vanitas. Bakugo had been about to mention the fangs peeking out between the other guy's lips, but after hearing his reason, he abandons the comment. There are things even Rude Ass Bastard won't pick at.]
Did you avenge him yet? [A simple yes or no is fine; he's not asking for details.]
[In a way it is a good deed. Supporting the establishment that fights the hotel's madness by providing a safe reliable space (and food). Vanitas will be coming back.]
It's fine. It was a long time ago. [Though not long enough. He tries to appear dismissive so that Bakugo doesn't think he's overly emotional about it. How well he manages to hide that is another story.]
In a way. I was taken in by the church to train to be a vampire hunter, we call them Chasseurs, but then I found out that humans can be more wicked than vampires. [Vanitas shrugs his shoulders, leaning back against his seat.]
He was a doctor and liked to help people. I think he would prefer helping others to vengeance. But I have thought about all the ways I could dismember the ones responsible for his death.. [And then he changes the subject as smoothly as sandpaper.] What are you going to drink?
[Sugar coat it all you like. Bakugo does it to help the restaurant and its owner, and to give a middle finger to their captor's face! He gets a good mean plus peace and quiet for his efforts. Win win, in his opinion.]
Not long enough. [Reacting so harshly to a single word and inference. Not the kind of response someone who's left behind the event in the distant past. Vanitas isn't fooling him with that bullshit, though he won't comment more on it unless the guy wants to talk.]
Hn. I figured you had some training with your reaction speed. [In the library, those moves and preparations, Bakugo knew Vanitas wasn't some flailing idiot without practice.]
Do what you want. [Normally he'd encourage people (gruffly) to do the right thing, but in a world completely separate from his own, it's not his responsibility. Especially since no one's gonna remember shit about this place. He can't fault Vanitas for thinking of his revenge.]
[Vanitas gives Bakugo a warning glance at his comment, but chooses not to engage in the end. It's not like he's wrong. It's not long enough, and likely will never be long enough. Even if he does move past that, there's the things that happened after he would have to focus on--and he'd rather not.]
I still need more training. [He opens his mouth to say that he's nowhere near as fast as Bakugo, but doesn't want it to get to the blond's head. So he'll keep his compliments to himself, thank you.
In his case doing what he wants falls pretty close to doing the right thing, but his plans are impossible to follow through with now that he's here. So he has to get home before he can do anything useful, in the meanwhile he can train.]
I think I'll have wine, and whatever you're eating.
[You don't "get over" that kind of crap, and Vanitas is lying to himself if he says he has. What the hell has this guy done because of those feelings? Bakugo's aware he doesn't have a right to judge the guy on his life before the Peacock, but depending on his actions here... Likely he's not going to run into many vampires in the resort. And killing them won't do shit cause they'll come right back.]
Come to Talon tomorrow. I'll put you through a course. [He says it as if the decision's already made. It has. If Vanitas doesn't show up, he's gonna growl at him the next time they meet. And no, he's not intending to spar with the guy just yet. He wants to see what he can do and where he is first. If most of his powers and strength are nullified, sparring would be pointless.
But he can still help him get stronger and improve what he does have. Most people can't follow through on their plans since coming here. Bakugo was yanked out of the middle of a fucking war. Can't do shit about that in the resort.]
Spicy Gyudon and kimchi. Think your tongue can handle that?
[It's not like he has a vendetta against every vampire. After all, it was a vampire that saved him from the experiments after he was orphaned and raised him after that. He doesn't hate all of them. Just doesn't like them, just like he doesn't like humans either.
Well, except Bakugo-- for reasons he still doesn't really understand or want to think about. Vanitas nods in acceptance of the sudden appointment scheduling, not because of that first reason, but because he really does need to get stronger. He can't waste the time he's been gifted here.]
I don't know what any of that means, but how bad can it be? [He's curious enough about what Bakugo likes, that he's willing to find out this way.] You know exactly what my tongue can handle, or have your forgotten? [His laugh is quiet and pointed at the blond to try to fluster him] If you can handle it, so can I.
[Things Bakugo won't know unless Vanitas tells him or it comes up in a topic and he can ask about it. Given the guy's reaction to the previous question, asking's gonna be limited. He doesn't like prying into people's personal lives. Usually there's a lot of baggage he doesn't have patience or sympathy for.
Despite that, Vanitas is-- to his irritation --quickly becoming someone Bakugo finds himself more tolerant of. People he won't admit he gives a shit about. Why else would he catch him in the hall and take him back to his room to make sure he was okay? Definitely isn't because he's a hero and heroes don't ignore people in need. Real need, not some shitty whining.
Anyways, he'll see where Vanitas is when they train. Bakugo's a whiz with Talon's training rooms.]
What country are you front? [Curious, given Bakugo's from Japan, yet knows some Korean foods (since they're spicy) and he's taken English classes at school and is pretty good at it. Still learning though.]
A tongue's different than spices. [Shooting that right back at him. Zing! Fluster fail!] All right, but if you spit it out, face that way. [And tilts his head to the side. Then orders when their server comes by.]
[Vanitas is guilty of giving Bakugo special treatment when it comes to his time, attention, and patience. Maybe it would have just been platonic friendship if they’d met under different circumstances, but none of what happens at the resort is normal in any way. And what they did in the library was a bell that couldn’t be unrung.
When Bakugo didn’t show any signs of bring flustered, Vanitas gives a defeated sigh. He gives up on that front for the moment, focusing instead on what they’ll eat.]
I’m French. [He pauses.] From France. I still haven’t figured out what language you’re speaking when you’re yelling. Urusee baka. [He even goes as far as changing the tone of his voice to imitate the way Bakugo sounds, laughing until the wine arrives at the table so he can help himself to a mouthful.]
[He's not gonna mention it. Bakugo luckily isn't the kind of person to abuse someone else's time or treatment. Hell, he can get pissed off if someone gives him special treatment if he doesn't feel he's earned it. But Vanitas is right; there's nothing platonic in this place unless someone tries to make it that way. A non-sexual experience is an uncommon experience, and welcome at that.
He's not so easily flustered in some ways; in others he's quickly a shouting burr. Vanitas' sigh earns a brief arch of his brow, but Bakugo pushes it to the side as they focus on their food. And history.]
Japanese. We have a French exchange student in my class. [Though Vanitas is the direct opposite of Aoyama. That guy is completely sparkles and self-absorbed pride. The imitation of his native language from Vanitas' mouth has him quirking his lips slightly. It was a fair attempt, but...]
[Vanitas would try to fluster Bakugo another time, likely when he's least expecting it and has his guard down. And he has no real ulterior motive to that goal. He just wants to know if he can, and if he can't, he'll keep trying.
Bakugo has been around the Peacock for so long that of course it would take more than that to fluster him. If Vanitas takes it to far, he'll just end up making himself embarrassed instead, and that wouldn't be entertaining at all.]
I see. [He nods like he's heard of the place, but doesn't know anything else outside of where to locate it on a map. Vanitas notices the almost smile on the blond's lips, concealing a smug sort of satisfied expression behind his wine glass until he lowers it.] How well can he tolerate spicy food? [Vanitas doesn't know the guy, but he's already making plans to be the most impressive French person Bakugo knows.]
What was his ability--quirk? I think that's what you called it last time.
[Good for you, sticking it out, Vanitas. Bakugo's less likely to get flustered and more likely to get angry (to cover the fact he's flustered). More yelling, more threatening, more explosions, more insults, and the like.
Ironically he's about six months behind the oldest of their "group" as he calls it. The latest anyone's recalled coming here was the December before last. When it seemed to have started. There are people who were already here when the first batch arrived, but... something about everyone starting at that particular month puts them all in this weird "group" Bakugo factors to keep some semblance of category.]
He's a fucking wuss. Can't even handle pepper. [Aoyama's a fussy glamorous Frenchie who lives silk cheese and melt-in-your-mouth textures of pure refinement. Bullshit that makes Bakugo want to blast him through the wall if he wasn't so weirdly creepy. Kind, but creepy. Look, it's not gonna be hard to surpass Aoyama in Bakugo's mind. For... other reasons as well, even if the big one's unfortunately understandable and sad. Anyways. That's his world's history, not Vanitas' business.]
Aa. Navel Laser. It lets him fire beams of light from his stomach.
[Vanitas is similar to Bakugo in that way. Quick to threaten and insult, and not shy to raise his voice in return. If asked, he’ll insist he’s simply very passionate about his opinions.
He’s not big on sweets, or food in general, but he is curious about Bakugo and that includes where he comes from and what he likes to eat. It would make it easier to cook for him with that information. ]
Navel lasers? [He makes a face at the mental image, looking down at his own bellybutton, shaking his head.]
I wonder if my abilities would be considered a quirk. [Vanitas sips his wine and looks at his other hand.]
[He's aware they have similarities, which irritates him to acknowledge it. Makes him want to show up Vanitas even more so there's difference between them! Hmph. He would laugh at the guy saying he's "passionate" when in reality, he's a loudmouthed jerk. Says the loudmouth jerk.
Not big on sweets is another commonality they share, as Bakugo prefers his rather light and dislikes overly-sweet things. He moderates his sweets. Oy, he cooks or himself, dammit. If Vanitas wants to cook with him, that's doable? Once he proves he's good n the kitchen.]
What can you do?
[The answer is "duh", because any other world's power would be considered a Quirk in Bakugo's.]
[Vanitas would also push back against the idea that the two of them were similar in any sense. They are very different people, just also both very loud when things escalate. And maybe a little bit softer on the inside than on the outside--another thing Vanitas will never admit to.]
I.. [He looks around, thankful, because the food is served, and only after they're alone does Vanitas start to speak again. For whatever reason, he trusts Bakugo to keep his secrets.] When I was younger, I was kidnapped and made into a psychopath's test subject for these experiments. [Vanitas looks at the food, then up at Bakugo.] They would inject me with vampire blood so often that I became able to manipulate the world formula like vampires can. I think in most worlds they call it using magic.
[He leans in closer to smell the food, and the spiciness makes his eyes water and blink a bit. Vanitas is tipsy enough from the wine that he has an easier time talking about the more difficult parts of his life.] In one of the experiments, they would cut or hurt me to study the changes in my healing.
[And yet there are many similarities between them, if they only bothered to look. Different and similar. Bakugo's not gonna waste his time looking for any of them! Vanitas isn't some wuss who rolls over at a loud noise. Having a spine is attractive. Plus he's strong and intelligent. Good points in Bakugo's proverbial book.]
As in reality manipulation or casting spells like a wizard? [As much as it disgusts him to hear some group of assholes kidnapped and experiment on Vanitas for whatever sick pleasure they got out of it, he's not gonna dwell on the topic, knowing it's obviously a sore spot for the guy. To hell with using his wine-loosened lips for dragging out personal information he otherwise would've kept silent. Bakugo will take what he gives and not dig further.
At least on that topic. Abilities are completely different. He reaches with his chopsticks and picks a piece of food from the plate, lifting it to his mouth afterwards.] How many of those abilities did he retain here?
[Vanitas nods enthusiastically when Bakugo seems to understand without having to try to explain very much. Another thing about the blond that he likes.]
Yes, exactly like reality manipulation. In my world vampires can do that kind of thing in different ways, but humans can't. Because of what happened to me I could do it, but only with my book. [He heals more quickly (but not instantaneously) than normal humans do, but as far as the really fancy stuff, he can't do it without the grimoire.]
I know there must be a way to get it here. I've seen other people with items from home. I just need to work toward that and maybe..[Maybe he'll be more useful, he thinks. Vanitas decides to use a knife and fork while he watches Bakugo with the chopsticks, the flavor is great but the spice hits him only moments after he swallows.]
The more I use it, the more this spreads, [He lifts his marked hand.] but it would be useful to help find a way to get away from here--
[It's a mixture of catching on quick, cause he's smart, and not wanting to get into other people's drama, cause he's a jerk like that. Sob stories bore him at best, piss him off at worst.]
Huh, so you're a mixture. [Able to do crazy things with a form of "magic" but needing a source to make it happen. He's not really used to vampires using reality-warping magic. Normally their shit covers turning people, super strength, changing into animals, the normal arsenal of traditional vampires. Vanitas is basically a wizard calling himself a vampire! ... Or he just has weird vampires in his world.
And figures the book didn't come with him.] Cashing in your cards can get you an item from home. I don't know the specific amount or hands.
[And since Vanitas knows how to get cards, enough said on that point. Bakugo leans forward and takes another bite, crunching on the spicy cabbage and onions. It's pretty hot despite the cool kimchi.]
[It's true, technically, but it makes him feel strange to consider himself anything but fully human. In his world super strength, enthralling others, transformations, all of those things are considered reality manipulation. But some vampires were capable of wizard-like abilities. Like ice or other elemental abilities.
Vanitas knows he can do those things with his book to help channel, but he isn't sure about what he's capable of without it. But he does have a reason for not trying. He gets hiccups midway through his meal, partially from the spice and partially from being on his second going on third glass of wine.]
Either I'll die if I don't turn. Or I'll become closer to becoming fully a vampire--and in a way that is like death too. [And if it wasn't clear from the tone of his voice:] I'd rather die human than become a monster. [No offense to the vampires he's befriended.]
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Date: 5/30/25 02:18 (UTC)But he quietly sits down at the table across from him, arms folding over his chest as he looks at him.]
I hope you know this isn't some kind of date.
[He's wearing an oversized white button down shirt with more folds and frills at the neck and sleeves that give away the era of fashion he finds acceptable, a fitted black vest with matching pants. If Bakugo asks, he's not dressed up, this is just what he likes to wear.]
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Date: 5/30/25 03:18 (UTC)Bakugo's fond of Red Cardinal. It's one of the few places in the entire resort that won't tolerate any of the peacock's stupid shenanigans. Events don't reach here, perverts are kicked out hard, and the proprietress makes sure everything operates smoothly. It's basically where Bakugo goes out to eat 90% of his time. If he does, since he usually cooks for himself.
Is he surprised to see Vanitas at the restaurant the next day? Nope! He wouldn't have set it up if he knew the guy wouldn't come. But the bastard could've been on time, dammit...]
It took you ten minutes to think up that line?
[Boom.
By now Bakugo's come to suspect (or realize) Vanitas comes from an world several centuries in the past compared to his own. Those clothes are a dead give away to old Western style. European. You know, aristocracy, royalty, vampires. He's dressed in his usual black t-shirt and pants, with a light hoodie hanging open on his shoulders.]
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Date: 5/30/25 10:50 (UTC)The restaurant is pretty quiet, and it's a nice change of pace from the resort and all it's little schemes to try to trap people together in hopes of something more happening. It feels nice to just be able to relax here.
But then Bakugo speaks and Vanitas narrows his eyes at him, picking up the menu to pretend to be more interested in it than the guy across from him.]
I wanted to give you that 10 minutes to think about your mistakes.
[Vanitas wears gloves under his shirt, still not the clawed gloves he's used to, but they come up almost to his elbows beneath the fabric.]
Did you have something to say to me? An apology maybe.
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Date: 5/30/25 23:42 (UTC)He's not shy about telling people Red Cardinal is one of the best places to go for a meal or some rest. The proprietress never lets her food be contaminated with aphrodisiacs or strange magics like other restaurants will. Bakugo's come to view the place as one of the very free true "safe havens" in the resort.
A quick husk of leather-bound cardboard scrapes cross wood as he picks his own menu up and scans the entries. Mostly it's comfort food here, a mix of coffee shop, sandwich cafe, and other simple homely fare. Bunch of different cultures too.]
The hell are you talking about? [Bakugo scrunches half his face up in confusion.] Are you still running a fever?
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Date: 5/31/25 01:03 (UTC)He looks over to see what Bakugo is looking at, leaning forward to see if he can figure out which dish those red eyes seem focused on. Maybe he'll try whatever Bakugo's getting.]
I'm not running a fever! [Vanitas starts to fuss, but remembers they're in public and settles down, folding his arms over his chest as he glares.] You called me a vampire last night! [And he's petty enough that he would show the messages if he knew how to do it. It also doesn't help his case that he has those prosthetics cemented onto his canine teeth or something, because he still can't get them off.]
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Date: 5/31/25 01:59 (UTC)Bakugo ignores a pair of blue eyes scanning at him. Can the guy see through the menu that he's got held up half in front of his face? Who knows. That'd be a vampire trick if he could.]
Then stop talking feverish. [What is this crap about an apology? He owes him nothing. Bakugo snorts as he puts the menu down, a wry expression painted across his face.] What the hell? Is "vampire" some kinda expletive in your world? [Or does Vanitas have extremely sensitive feelings which get hurt super easily?]
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Date: 5/31/25 02:48 (UTC)I'm not talk-- [He closes his eyes for a moment like that's going to help him not want to reach across the table to grab Bakugo by the collar and shake him.] It's not an expletive. I'm simply NOT a vampire.
[It's a sensitive subject that he doesn't want to talk about, and it's far too complicated to bring up now when they both probably just want to eat. So he settles for the quickest explanation:] Vampires killed my father when I was really young.
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Date: 5/31/25 23:03 (UTC)So it's like that, huh. [Explains why "vampire" is a touchy subject for Vanitas. Bakugo had been about to mention the fangs peeking out between the other guy's lips, but after hearing his reason, he abandons the comment. There are things even Rude Ass Bastard won't pick at.]
Did you avenge him yet? [A simple yes or no is fine; he's not asking for details.]
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Date: 6/1/25 10:51 (UTC)It's fine. It was a long time ago. [Though not long enough. He tries to appear dismissive so that Bakugo doesn't think he's overly emotional about it. How well he manages to hide that is another story.]
In a way. I was taken in by the church to train to be a vampire hunter, we call them Chasseurs, but then I found out that humans can be more wicked than vampires. [Vanitas shrugs his shoulders, leaning back against his seat.]
He was a doctor and liked to help people. I think he would prefer helping others to vengeance. But I have thought about all the ways I could dismember the ones responsible for his death.. [And then he changes the subject as smoothly as sandpaper.] What are you going to drink?
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Date: 6/1/25 21:07 (UTC)Not long enough. [Reacting so harshly to a single word and inference. Not the kind of response someone who's left behind the event in the distant past. Vanitas isn't fooling him with that bullshit, though he won't comment more on it unless the guy wants to talk.]
Hn. I figured you had some training with your reaction speed. [In the library, those moves and preparations, Bakugo knew Vanitas wasn't some flailing idiot without practice.]
Do what you want. [Normally he'd encourage people (gruffly) to do the right thing, but in a world completely separate from his own, it's not his responsibility. Especially since no one's gonna remember shit about this place. He can't fault Vanitas for thinking of his revenge.]
Lemonade.
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Date: 6/2/25 01:27 (UTC)I still need more training. [He opens his mouth to say that he's nowhere near as fast as Bakugo, but doesn't want it to get to the blond's head. So he'll keep his compliments to himself, thank you.
In his case doing what he wants falls pretty close to doing the right thing, but his plans are impossible to follow through with now that he's here. So he has to get home before he can do anything useful, in the meanwhile he can train.]
I think I'll have wine, and whatever you're eating.
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Date: 6/2/25 02:02 (UTC)Come to Talon tomorrow. I'll put you through a course. [He says it as if the decision's already made. It has. If Vanitas doesn't show up, he's gonna growl at him the next time they meet. And no, he's not intending to spar with the guy just yet. He wants to see what he can do and where he is first. If most of his powers and strength are nullified, sparring would be pointless.
But he can still help him get stronger and improve what he does have. Most people can't follow through on their plans since coming here. Bakugo was yanked out of the middle of a fucking war. Can't do shit about that in the resort.]
Spicy Gyudon and kimchi. Think your tongue can handle that?
[Bakugo likes his food hot.]
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Date: 6/2/25 03:03 (UTC)Well, except Bakugo-- for reasons he still doesn't really understand or want to think about. Vanitas nods in acceptance of the sudden appointment scheduling, not because of that first reason, but because he really does need to get stronger. He can't waste the time he's been gifted here.]
I don't know what any of that means, but how bad can it be? [He's curious enough about what Bakugo likes, that he's willing to find out this way.] You know exactly what my tongue can handle, or have your forgotten? [His laugh is quiet and pointed at the blond to try to fluster him] If you can handle it, so can I.
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Date: 6/2/25 18:31 (UTC)Despite that, Vanitas is-- to his irritation --quickly becoming someone Bakugo finds himself more tolerant of. People he won't admit he gives a shit about. Why else would he catch him in the hall and take him back to his room to make sure he was okay? Definitely isn't because he's a hero and heroes don't ignore people in need. Real need, not some shitty whining.
Anyways, he'll see where Vanitas is when they train. Bakugo's a whiz with Talon's training rooms.]
What country are you front? [Curious, given Bakugo's from Japan, yet knows some Korean foods (since they're spicy) and he's taken English classes at school and is pretty good at it. Still learning though.]
A tongue's different than spices. [Shooting that right back at him. Zing! Fluster fail!] All right, but if you spit it out, face that way. [And tilts his head to the side. Then orders when their server comes by.]
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Date: 6/3/25 01:50 (UTC)When Bakugo didn’t show any signs of bring flustered, Vanitas gives a defeated sigh. He gives up on that front for the moment, focusing instead on what they’ll eat.]
I’m French. [He pauses.] From France. I still haven’t figured out what language you’re speaking when you’re yelling. Urusee baka. [He even goes as far as changing the tone of his voice to imitate the way Bakugo sounds, laughing until the wine arrives at the table so he can help himself to a mouthful.]
I’m not spitting anything out.
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Date: 6/3/25 02:28 (UTC)He's not so easily flustered in some ways; in others he's quickly a shouting burr. Vanitas' sigh earns a brief arch of his brow, but Bakugo pushes it to the side as they focus on their food. And history.]
Japanese. We have a French exchange student in my class. [Though Vanitas is the direct opposite of Aoyama. That guy is completely sparkles and self-absorbed pride. The imitation of his native language from Vanitas' mouth has him quirking his lips slightly. It was a fair attempt, but...]
You better not.
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Date: 6/3/25 03:14 (UTC)Bakugo has been around the Peacock for so long that of course it would take more than that to fluster him. If Vanitas takes it to far, he'll just end up making himself embarrassed instead, and that wouldn't be entertaining at all.]
I see. [He nods like he's heard of the place, but doesn't know anything else outside of where to locate it on a map. Vanitas notices the almost smile on the blond's lips, concealing a smug sort of satisfied expression behind his wine glass until he lowers it.] How well can he tolerate spicy food? [Vanitas doesn't know the guy, but he's already making plans to be the most impressive French person Bakugo knows.]
What was his ability--quirk? I think that's what you called it last time.
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Date: 6/3/25 15:27 (UTC)Ironically he's about six months behind the oldest of their "group" as he calls it. The latest anyone's recalled coming here was the December before last. When it seemed to have started. There are people who were already here when the first batch arrived, but... something about everyone starting at that particular month puts them all in this weird "group" Bakugo factors to keep some semblance of category.]
He's a fucking wuss. Can't even handle pepper. [Aoyama's a fussy glamorous Frenchie who lives silk cheese and melt-in-your-mouth textures of pure refinement. Bullshit that makes Bakugo want to blast him through the wall if he wasn't so weirdly creepy. Kind, but creepy. Look, it's not gonna be hard to surpass Aoyama in Bakugo's mind. For... other reasons as well, even if the big one's unfortunately understandable and sad. Anyways. That's his world's history, not Vanitas' business.]
Aa. Navel Laser. It lets him fire beams of light from his stomach.
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Date: 6/4/25 01:41 (UTC)He’s not big on sweets, or food in general, but he is curious about Bakugo and that includes where he comes from and what he likes to eat. It would make it easier to cook for him with that information. ]
Navel lasers? [He makes a face at the mental image, looking down at his own bellybutton, shaking his head.]
I wonder if my abilities would be considered a quirk. [Vanitas sips his wine and looks at his other hand.]
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Date: 6/4/25 23:53 (UTC)Not big on sweets is another commonality they share, as Bakugo prefers his rather light and dislikes overly-sweet things. He moderates his sweets. Oy, he cooks or himself, dammit. If Vanitas wants to cook with him, that's doable? Once he proves he's good n the kitchen.]
What can you do?
[The answer is "duh", because any other world's power would be considered a Quirk in Bakugo's.]
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Date: 6/5/25 03:24 (UTC)I.. [He looks around, thankful, because the food is served, and only after they're alone does Vanitas start to speak again. For whatever reason, he trusts Bakugo to keep his secrets.] When I was younger, I was kidnapped and made into a psychopath's test subject for these experiments. [Vanitas looks at the food, then up at Bakugo.] They would inject me with vampire blood so often that I became able to manipulate the world formula like vampires can. I think in most worlds they call it using magic.
[He leans in closer to smell the food, and the spiciness makes his eyes water and blink a bit. Vanitas is tipsy enough from the wine that he has an easier time talking about the more difficult parts of his life.] In one of the experiments, they would cut or hurt me to study the changes in my healing.
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Date: 6/5/25 22:52 (UTC)As in reality manipulation or casting spells like a wizard? [As much as it disgusts him to hear some group of assholes kidnapped and experiment on Vanitas for whatever sick pleasure they got out of it, he's not gonna dwell on the topic, knowing it's obviously a sore spot for the guy. To hell with using his wine-loosened lips for dragging out personal information he otherwise would've kept silent. Bakugo will take what he gives and not dig further.
At least on that topic. Abilities are completely different. He reaches with his chopsticks and picks a piece of food from the plate, lifting it to his mouth afterwards.] How many of those abilities did he retain here?
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Date: 6/6/25 00:34 (UTC)Yes, exactly like reality manipulation. In my world vampires can do that kind of thing in different ways, but humans can't. Because of what happened to me I could do it, but only with my book. [He heals more quickly (but not instantaneously) than normal humans do, but as far as the really fancy stuff, he can't do it without the grimoire.]
I know there must be a way to get it here. I've seen other people with items from home. I just need to work toward that and maybe..[Maybe he'll be more useful, he thinks. Vanitas decides to use a knife and fork while he watches Bakugo with the chopsticks, the flavor is great but the spice hits him only moments after he swallows.]
The more I use it, the more this spreads, [He lifts his marked hand.] but it would be useful to help find a way to get away from here--
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Date: 6/6/25 03:03 (UTC)Huh, so you're a mixture. [Able to do crazy things with a form of "magic" but needing a source to make it happen. He's not really used to vampires using reality-warping magic. Normally their shit covers turning people, super strength, changing into animals, the normal arsenal of traditional vampires. Vanitas is basically a wizard calling himself a vampire! ... Or he just has weird vampires in his world.
And figures the book didn't come with him.] Cashing in your cards can get you an item from home. I don't know the specific amount or hands.
[And since Vanitas knows how to get cards, enough said on that point. Bakugo leans forward and takes another bite, crunching on the spicy cabbage and onions. It's pretty hot despite the cool kimchi.]
What happens when that covers you?
[Nothing good, right...]
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Date: 6/6/25 08:52 (UTC)Vanitas knows he can do those things with his book to help channel, but he isn't sure about what he's capable of without it. But he does have a reason for not trying. He gets hiccups midway through his meal, partially from the spice and partially from being on his second going on third glass of wine.]
Either I'll die if I don't turn. Or I'll become closer to becoming fully a vampire--and in a way that is like death too. [And if it wasn't clear from the tone of his voice:] I'd rather die human than become a monster. [No offense to the vampires he's befriended.]
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