[To be honest, Noe isn’t fond of his ability to read the memories and emotions of others. It didn’t help him in the past, and he doesn’t like the fear it instills in others when they learn about it. He doesn’t like the fear and desperation he sees in Vanitas and when he mentions it. Noe doesn’t want to feel like a threat. He doesn’t like how alone and isolated it makes him feel.

But he’s no longer a scared and confused child, and it’s helped people before, so maybe he can help someone again. Even if it means losing sight of himself temporarily—

Someone always brings him back. Noe can’t quite tell what’s his own pain and what’s the warped spirit’s, the Rumor’s, but he hears voices and slowly the scenery starts to return in his vision. There are two different hands he feels on him, one familiar and one less so, but it helps him look past the Rumor’s anguish and he looks up while tears continue to stream down his face.

There is the kind and intelligent girl from before, and there’s Vanitas. Brilliant, bright as the blue moon itself, yelling at him and keeping him anchored to the present.

It takes him a moment to find his voice and he just stares up gratefully, his words hoarse from screaming when he answers.]

They— they didn’t mean to. Someone corrupted them. Vanitas, it’s like before with Naenia, they were trying to help and someone hurt them—!

[But it’s not Naenia, is it? The words stream out of his mouth in a panic, and not wanting to alarm either of them he tries to calm himself down by breathing, looking at Inaba apologetically.]

I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to worry you. I’m fine.