I am not pent up. [ maybe he actually is but he'll die on this hill like the stubborn asshole he is. tearing into the crust of the too-fancy pizza he'd bought with a tinge of irritation on his face. he can't exactly how dante's feeling, the jealousy that boils over in his chest over a faceless, nameless woman that vergil, even now can't put a name to--doesn't even remember even having a connection with. in this life he'd never shown interest in anyone either. and now in a city far from home, his only connection was Dante. it's been... oddly good living with him. he's going to glance up at the other with a huff of a sigh. ]
I have been thinking of taking up a martial skill. I've been told it is a good idea to defend myself, in this city. And with no actual abilities other than 'make things float' and 'make someone's ears bleed if I shout too loudly', I am one bad encounter away from a fatal injury in this cursed place.
[ it's stated very matter-of-factly, because of course dante can tell. he knows vergil as well as he knows himself and even dante can admit to being pent up in more ways than one. it's been quiet, he doesn't do quiet, there is very little he can busy his hands with or even fully satisfy desires. dante finishes the piece of pizza quickly, forcing the crease from his brow, and focuses his gaze on vergil again. ]
Well, you were pretty damn good with a sword back in the day. [ he thinks about yamato, about the sword that somehow showed up at nero's condo, familiar and yet not. ] And I know my way around one, could always help you spar.
I am not. [ this is going to devolve into a very childish bickering match good god he can HEAR it in his EARS dante wasn't the only one feeling restless however. regardless of how often he was in his own shop, he was still actively looking for part-time workers to watch it for at least half of the day so he didn't have to work over 50, 60 hours a week. an itch under his skin that he hasn't had the last 10 years he's owned the shop and now it was there and ]
I remember a katana. White-handled. ...A strange weapon to choose, as it's not a very clean weapon, in terms of combat. Usually most katana battles end with just one or two strikes before the blade became warped, you know. [ he's... itching, weirdly. when dante offers to spar. ]
Something tells me you're an ogre when you fight. Would you even go easy on a normal person, Mr. Demon.
Are too. [ this is a hill dante will be dying on and you cannot stop him.
honestly, he is a little glad he isn't... completely himself yet, that the demon in his veins is still bound by unbreakable chains. he's always been good at curbing his more demonic urges but with how peaceful (accidental stabbing aside) things were these days, he'd be worried that his usual tricks wouldn't be enough. it doesn't stop the itch just underneath his skin, the need for more, for blood, for something that isn't sitting on his hands waiting for the next disaster to drop itself on their doorstep.
maybe training would help settle the itch, even if it is only for a little while, plus it'll make sure vergil knows how to defend himself just in case dante isn't around. ]
It's got a name, Yamato. [ he leans an elbow on the table and props his head upon the palm of his hand. ] If it were a normal katana, yeah it'd be a strange weapon to choose. Yamato isn't a normal weapon, it's what I call a 'devil arm' and it was forged by our father.
[ maybe talk of sparda isn't a great idea but if he already remembers fragments of yamato, he isn't that far off remembering something about daddy dearest. ]
Of course, I would. I know when told hold myself back.
I am not pent up, I am stressed out. [ he will die on this hill too goddamn it.
vergil doesn't realise it yet--but parts of his powers have already started to return. the demon still hasn't reared its ugly head, but vergil sits here, blissfully unaware that he, too, could take a knife to the lung and survive it. as much as he avoids violence, he hasn't realised it yet. certainly, once his own demon starts to fight the chains its in, dante's own will be satisfied, but until then, he's just preparing for something that might never happen.
People on the damnable network telling him he could be in danger without a weapon. ]
'Yamato' sounds familiar. [ he mutters the name, a squint on his face as he tries to remember something. ...the memories were odd, they never came when he was actively trying to rack the clouds in his brain, and now isn't any different. but he remembers the feel of that blade in his hand, how his fingers ached almost pleasingly when it struck dante's larger, broader sword. how he flicked it as if it were made of paper from his side, sending waves of... something. The mention of their father, as well. He can't remember his face. ]
Devil Arm. Something stronger than a normal weapon, I'd assume. [ he looks between his fingers at the man, tipping his head to the side. ] ....But very well.
I bought a pair of practice spears to use with an old business partner of mine. But if you're skilled at using such a weapon, I would not be... opposed to learning from you, as well.
You can be pent up and stressed out at the same time, Verg. Trust me, I know what pent up looks like and you're it.
[ he might be projecting a little, to avoid bringing light to his own pent up state, but that is fine really. vergil could probably do with getting some action anyway, it doesn't do a guy any good to go without some sort of release for thirty-seven years. ]
Definitely strong, most of them are made from the very soul of the demon they came from. [ he has, at the very least, one up in his room thrown carelessly onto the floor near his bed. were balrog a talkative type he would probably assume the demon isn't all that happy with that ─ but thankfully for dante none of his devil arms have ever possessed a mouth capable of talking on the level of agni and rudra. ] Some a made from either parts of a demon or something that's been infused with demonic power.
[ dante pulls a face, considering, before shifting back in his chair again. ]
Can't say I'm a master at a spear, but I've dabbled a bit. [ he wishes he had king cerberus with him when he arrived. ] Maybe learning how to wield a sword might knock some cobwebs loose in that head of yours to.
[ it's time for vergil to make that face again. that face where he doesn't like what the other is saying because it means he has to admit he's feeling something other than being just fine thank you and hoo boy he hates being called out when he's feeling something other than just fine thank you.
A hand moving up to rub his temple as he tries to loosen off the pressure of being annoyed at the call-out, looking over his fingers at dante. he's far more interested in the talk of devil arms and weapons with souls than he is about the subject of being pent up. ]
Being that they are made of demons. Can they transform to and from demon-to weapon shape. [ ...a long, quiet pause. ...hold on. ] Does that mean you, a demon, can become a weapon like that, as well. [ he's not sure if that's interesting or terrifying. ]
While I doubt any of my current stock downstairs include any devil arms, I will. I suppose. Pay another visit to that shop downtown to purchase another training weapon.
If I agree to spar with you, at least promise you'll do your best not to break said training weapons.
... [ because as he closes his eyes, he's suddenly hit with another quiet, almost somber memory of being on a playground. The sound of a creaky swingset echoes in the air nearby, and he's sitting on a horse-like seat with a wooden sword between his knees.
"You completely messed up the hand guard. Were you trying to break it out of my hands?" A young voice--one he recognises as his own, scolding that of a small boy sitting at his feet. Knees scraped up and scabbed over, bruises on his calves. He's rubbing his face, trying his best not to look guilty.
"Don't *cry* about it, it can be fixed. But with how often you just want to play swords with me--it's kind of dumb to break my sword, then we get no actual training done. ]
--It's kind of dumb to break my sword, then we get no actual training done.
[ Vergil mumbles, in exact time with the memory that drifts slowly out of his head. ]
[ oh no, he opened up a whole can of worms he can't take back. dante grimaces a little as vergil starts to go down the devil arm shaped rabbit hole, watching the gears literally turn about his brother's head. ]
I'm gonna stop you there, brother mine. [ some things never change and vergil's thirst for knowledge seems to be one of them. ] No, they can't. Sometimes when you defeat a particularly powerful demon its soul can become a weapon, it's a subjugation sort of thing. Depending on the demon the devil arm can be sentient to a degree but they can't change back whenever they want. [ honestly, thank fuck. he doesn't want balrog to suddenly turn back into his original form. ] As for me? Well, sorta? I guess I kinda made my own weapon... [ he holds a hand out and on cue devil sword dante materializes in a surge of red power. ] I absorbed my old weapon and our old man's sword, guess they mixed with my own power to become this.
[ just as quickly as it appeared, devil sword dante vanishes again in a similar surge of red power, leaving his hand empty. it then lays on his chest and grins. ]
Scouts honor, I'll try my best not to break your training weapons.
[ but his grin fades as vergil's attention shifts, a familiar look finding his face that all but screams to dante another memory has slipped through the cracks. he watches his face with a frown, hand falling to the table just nearby his brother's arm just in case. in case the memory isn't a pleasant one, in case vergil freaks and dante has to shake him from it. the threat of his time with mundus, of mallet island, always scratching the back of dante's mind.
but it doesn't come, vergil's expression doesn't twist in pain, he only mumbles something dante hasn't heard in many, many long years. memories of their youth quick to flash across his eyes. ]
[ different world, same vergil. his curiosity cannot be sated once it activates, like a goddamn sponge pulling in everything it can, even though he full well knows there are probably some things he'd rather not think about right now. He doesn't know what the triggers for his memories are and how he can stumble over them, after all.
But he wants to know anyhow. Maybe it's because of his current-self's fascination with weapons that makes him stick to this topic in particular. While most of his stock are boring things like books or classical paintkings or statues that are acclaimed works of art--his most interesting belongings are all weaponry.
Hearing that demons can become a sort of enchanted weapon that has the essence of a demon as their core is ... fascinating. Even moreso is the fact that his brother can just. Summon a blade to his side, like that. Vergil's eyes are a bit wide as he ....takes that in, but. Fortunately, the appearance of the twisted, demonic blade that looked partially organic hasn't activated any old memories to be worried about. yet. So far.
(some things are just buried down so deep, he hasn't been able to find them yet. probably a good thing for them both that any memories or dreams that included three eyes and a voice pitched from hell haven't seeped into Vergil's psyche yet.) ]
I'll purchase them the next time I am out, then. We can find some space to practice with them where we aren't a danger of breaking anything in my building, as well.
[ maybe some.... park, or abandoned road. he doesn't know about nox's fight club warehouse yet. ]
....
And you were crying. You were whining particularly loudly in worry that if I did not fix our practice blades that I'd stop playing with you altogether.
[ he visibly relaxes as vergil continues, the threat of some of the nastier memories resurfacing passing for the time being. it doesn't stop the worry, not completely, but dante's been living with that since the first day he stepped into this place. but for the moment, at least, they are safe to simply continue with this domestic dance they have found themselves in. ]
There has to be somewhere nearby right? If not I know a guy I can ask. [ knowing that nero's already awaken to his demon means the kid has to have somewhere to let loose. ]
You used to threaten me with that all the time! [ those memories are still so crisp, even all these years later. each time he tackled his brother in an attempt to get him to right, every time vergil would threaten to never play with him again if dante didn't allow vergil just a moment to himself. every time little arguments would turn into a flail of fists and teeth that had their mother pulling them apart. ] And I'm pretty sure I wasn't crying.
[ when some of vergil's memories are literal bomb threats, it's no surprise that dante can't relax fully. especially not when vergil can't exactly control what might trigger them--and especially when he's decidedly set on the idea of keeping one of the biggest triggers he has close. ]
If worst comes to worst, I suppose there is always somewhere outside of city limits. There's a forest out there, we would just... have to avoid damage to any major areas, lest we get in trouble for it. [ nero has his fight club and that's probably the best bet, once they both learn of it.
For the moment, though, vergil blinks as dante mentions he used to threaten it. he hadn't remembered that part. really? ]
You must have been on my case pretty hard for me to threaten it quite so often. Bit of a wild child, were you. [ he asks in a tone that... almost sounds teasing, as he tips his head back. an actual smirk moving up his face. ] Perhaps you weren't crying while I was fixing your wooden blade. But you certainly were when I returned it to you.
[ he can't help the laugh that pushes past his lips, head shaking as he levels his brother with a look that can't be described as anything but fond. ]
You know, it's weird hearing you worrying about getting in trouble. [ honestly, when has vergil ever worried about collateral damage? never in his memories. he isn't sure if it is a nice change or if it's just... weird. ] But the forest sounds like a decent enough spot. Nothing much out there but some trees and animals that'll probably avoid us.
[ even in this state most animals should at least recognize dante for what he is, they are always perceptive for such things. ]
Well, we didn't really go to school you know? It wasn't like we had any friends, just each other. Guess I always wanted your attention and sometimes it annoyed the shit out of you. [ he was a wild child, in truth, always on the move always doing something. it was like he didn't know what to do with himself if he sat still. and he always, always, wanted his brother's attention, often getting jealous of things that vergil gave more attention to than dante himself. ] Yeah, yeah, whatever you say.
I do not know what it was like back in our previous home, what with all the chaos I could see with my own two eyes. What with giant buildings and... organic trees. But this world is much different, and while I do... think I want to engage in combat training with you until I either learn how to use a blade again or... remember my old skills. I do not wish to get arrested.
No matter how strong a demon you are inside you can still go to jail.
[ please understand we are not immune to breaking the law dante!!! ]
I do not know about my old self. But in this lifetime, I ... have a bad habit of hyperfixating on my interests and forgetting that being social is usually a part of life. I got into a lot of trouble with 'friends' growing up by forgetting to talk to them on weeks on end due to being distracted by a project.
...
Perhaps some things don't change between 'lives'. [ maybe he ignored dante a bit too much when he was younger because he simply just didn't think about how lonely dante might have been getting, lost in his own head, in his own world... ]
I'm well aware of that, Verg. You think I've coasted through the last thirty years of my life thinking I'm above the law? I pay my taxes like a good boy and all that. [ a beat. ] Honestly Morrison deals with the majority of all that, I just do the jobs as they land on my desk.
[ unlike someone who hasn't paid a single bit of tax a single day in his life, vergil. ]
Yeah, you had the same kind of habit then. [ and after eva died, vergil forsook everything that was weak in favor of power. it was always power after that. ] Some things really don't.
But it's fine, honestly. I'm a big boy now, don't always need my big brother paying attention to me. [ the smile doesn't quite reach his eyes, almost as though it is forced. ] So you don't need to push yourself for my sake.
[ people who live in society have to pay taxes, vergil was never a slave to society so who needed to pay taxes!!!! not him!!!! ]
I don't know. Maybe. Demons in most folk tales aren't exactly the most reliable beings, from my memory. [ hes totally not worried about the fact that most demons are portrayed as evil at all, nope ] You mentioned having your own business before. Morrison your accountant?
[ he should probably ask if dante plans on opening up his business again, here. ....he could help him. Sure, they're both adults and not those kids from his memories anymore. And Vergil's not lived the last 37 years with awareness that he had a twin, but. He's staring at the other when he claims he doesn't need to be paid attention to. ....he does chuckle at that, a little. ]
We are adults, yes. And while I am more than certain you are old enough to not cry about me forgetting to spend time with you.
That isn't to say I will turn you down, Dante.
I have much to catch up on. And I am interested in learning more about who I was. The good and the bad.
Perhaps it will actually be me bothering you overmuch, this time around.
Sort of? He's usually the one who finds me jobs and handles the cleanup. Outside of the debt I owe Lady he's the reason I'm usually broke.
[ in truth it is dante's own fault he is usually broke, considering how often his jobs end up in some sort of collateral and the fact he often takes jobs for free rather than actually charging. he has thought about opening another shop, maybe even roping nero into it, but it isn't like kaisou has a demon problem anymore, right? still, it's a thought. ]
Well, that will be an interesting change. [ he grins. ] Wouldn't mind you chasing after me for a change, desperate for your baby brother's attention.
I'll tell you about everything, oh brother mine. The good, the bad, the ugly. Whenever you want.
Having a business and running it into the red all the time sounds like a struggle.
[ he's gonna pick up a slice of pizza, folding the thing over in the middle to eat it slowly, leaning back in his chair. ]
I'd offer to help you set up your shop here again, but. Until I hire my own staff here, your help has been irreplacable. [ and it'll have dante out of his house for long periods of time--if not completely. and part of him... really doesn't like that. ]
Oh, come off it, I am not desperate. [ he sounds so irritated, giving dante such a look. Pushing at one of his legs with a foot, under the table. ]
One thing at a time. For now, I think, junk food and then watching documentaries on TV until I fall asleep sounds like a good end to the night. I've had far enough excitement today.
The business isn't always in the red, brother-mine. Just me.
[ there is a difference. nevermind that the last time morrison visited him the power was out and the water turned off, but that isn't the point in the slightest. dante grabs another piece himself, biting into it immediately as vergil continues. ]
You know, I work mostly as a private investigator. Who's to say I couldn't just work out of here?
[ he can't help the laugh that hits his chest as vergil all but kicks him under the table, his eyes sparkling with amusement. ] Incredibly desperate. [ he's playing with fire and he knows it, but when has that ever stopped dante from doing things? ]
[ he's going to slowly push the rest of the pizza across the table. Decidedly finished for the night, he's going to continue to press and push his feet against Dante's leg until he either kicks back or moves out of the way. ]
Just you, hm. Is that why you wear so much of the colour. Wear your reality upon your countenance, and all that?
[ teasing, mean words--but ]
If that is what you think is most effective, then I can set you up your own desk somewhere in the shop. You will likely need your own phone line, unless you plan on working out of that phone you got upon entry.
[ dante happily digs into the rest of the pizza, nudging at his brother's feet with his leg in response. he could make a terrible joke about playing footsies under the table, but he decides to bite his tongue for the time being. ]
Surely you've got a spare room in the shop that can be turned into an office, right? As for the phone line, yeah that'll probably be a good idea. Rather not have people blowing up my phone when I'm not on the clock or something.
[ just as blue is his colour. don't bring up the footsies or he'll realise what he's doing, get embarrassed about it, and stop. ]
I do. I have a few spare rooms that are used for stock that I do not have on display. It would be easy to move things around and create an office for you, if that's what you wish.
...
I would trust you to help me move things around, some of them are heavy. And delicate.
[ colored him shocked! he half expected his brother to say something along the lines of blue is better and for the conversation to devolve into a stupid argument about what color is better. he grins, biting into another piece of pizza, stretching out his leg to nudge his own foot against vergil's leg. ]
Of course, as much as I'd love to sit back and watch you do all the work, I'll help out.
I am capable of compliments. Should I have offered an argument instead? Told you that red makes you look puffy?
[ He's going to fold his hands over below his chin, now, tilting his head to the side to give him a very plain, pointed look. don't make him pull that rug, he'll do it out of spite.
he doesn't complain about the nudging, either--simply shifting to push at him, subtly. ]
If you tried to stand back and tried to have me to do it alone, I would make sure the office space I choose is the one with the window that overlooks the dumpsters out in the alleyway.
[ mostly because he enjoys hearing it, because they feel rare and precious and dante greedily wants to hear more compliments - more praise. so no, he will not be tugging that particular rug from underneath their feet today, nor will he be encouraging vergil to do so.
he'll simply finish this slice of pizza, eyebrows raising as vergil shifts to pushing his leg underneath the table. does he even realize what he is doing? dante pushes back, stubbornly determined to be the dominant one in this absent game of footsies. ]
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no subject
he can't exactly how dante's feeling, the jealousy that boils over in his chest over a faceless, nameless woman that vergil, even now can't put a name to--doesn't even remember even having a connection with. in this life he'd never shown interest in anyone either. and now in a city far from home, his only connection was Dante. it's been... oddly good living with him. he's going to glance up at the other with a huff of a sigh. ]
I have been thinking of taking up a martial skill.
I've been told it is a good idea to defend myself, in this city.
And with no actual abilities other than 'make things float' and 'make someone's ears bleed if I shout too loudly', I am one bad encounter away from a fatal injury in this cursed place.
no subject
[ it's stated very matter-of-factly, because of course dante can tell. he knows vergil as well as he knows himself and even dante can admit to being pent up in more ways than one. it's been quiet, he doesn't do quiet, there is very little he can busy his hands with or even fully satisfy desires. dante finishes the piece of pizza quickly, forcing the crease from his brow, and focuses his gaze on vergil again. ]
Well, you were pretty damn good with a sword back in the day. [ he thinks about yamato, about the sword that somehow showed up at nero's condo, familiar and yet not. ] And I know my way around one, could always help you spar.
no subject
dante wasn't the only one feeling restless however. regardless of how often he was in his own shop, he was still actively looking for part-time workers to watch it for at least half of the day so he didn't have to work over 50, 60 hours a week. an itch under his skin that he hasn't had the last 10 years he's owned the shop and now it was there and ]
I remember a katana. White-handled. ...A strange weapon to choose, as it's not a very clean weapon, in terms of combat. Usually most katana battles end with just one or two strikes before the blade became warped, you know. [ he's... itching, weirdly. when dante offers to spar. ]
Something tells me you're an ogre when you fight. Would you even go easy on a normal person, Mr. Demon.
no subject
honestly, he is a little glad he isn't... completely himself yet, that the demon in his veins is still bound by unbreakable chains. he's always been good at curbing his more demonic urges but with how peaceful (accidental stabbing aside) things were these days, he'd be worried that his usual tricks wouldn't be enough. it doesn't stop the itch just underneath his skin, the need for more, for blood, for something that isn't sitting on his hands waiting for the next disaster to drop itself on their doorstep.
maybe training would help settle the itch, even if it is only for a little while, plus it'll make sure vergil knows how to defend himself just in case dante isn't around. ]
It's got a name, Yamato. [ he leans an elbow on the table and props his head upon the palm of his hand. ] If it were a normal katana, yeah it'd be a strange weapon to choose. Yamato isn't a normal weapon, it's what I call a 'devil arm' and it was forged by our father.
[ maybe talk of sparda isn't a great idea but if he already remembers fragments of yamato, he isn't that far off remembering something about daddy dearest. ]
Of course, I would. I know when told hold myself back.
no subject
vergil doesn't realise it yet--but parts of his powers have already started to return. the demon still hasn't reared its ugly head, but vergil sits here, blissfully unaware that he, too, could take a knife to the lung and survive it. as much as he avoids violence, he hasn't realised it yet. certainly, once his own demon starts to fight the chains its in, dante's own will be satisfied, but until then, he's just preparing for something that might never happen.
People on the damnable network telling him he could be in danger without a weapon. ]
'Yamato' sounds familiar. [ he mutters the name, a squint on his face as he tries to remember something. ...the memories were odd, they never came when he was actively trying to rack the clouds in his brain, and now isn't any different. but he remembers the feel of that blade in his hand, how his fingers ached almost pleasingly when it struck dante's larger, broader sword. how he flicked it as if it were made of paper from his side, sending waves of... something. The mention of their father, as well. He can't remember his face. ]
Devil Arm.
Something stronger than a normal weapon, I'd assume. [ he looks between his fingers at the man, tipping his head to the side. ] ....But very well.
I bought a pair of practice spears to use with an old business partner of mine. But if you're skilled at using such a weapon, I would not be... opposed to learning from you, as well.
no subject
[ he might be projecting a little, to avoid bringing light to his own pent up state, but that is fine really. vergil could probably do with getting some action anyway, it doesn't do a guy any good to go without some sort of release for thirty-seven years. ]
Definitely strong, most of them are made from the very soul of the demon they came from. [ he has, at the very least, one up in his room thrown carelessly onto the floor near his bed. were balrog a talkative type he would probably assume the demon isn't all that happy with that ─ but thankfully for dante none of his devil arms have ever possessed a mouth capable of talking on the level of agni and rudra. ] Some a made from either parts of a demon or something that's been infused with demonic power.
[ dante pulls a face, considering, before shifting back in his chair again. ]
Can't say I'm a master at a spear, but I've dabbled a bit. [ he wishes he had king cerberus with him when he arrived. ] Maybe learning how to wield a sword might knock some cobwebs loose in that head of yours to.
no subject
A hand moving up to rub his temple as he tries to loosen off the pressure of being annoyed at the call-out, looking over his fingers at dante. he's far more interested in the talk of devil arms and weapons with souls than he is about the subject of being pent up. ]
Being that they are made of demons. Can they transform to and from demon-to weapon shape. [ ...a long, quiet pause. ...hold on. ] Does that mean you, a demon, can become a weapon like that, as well. [ he's not sure if that's interesting or terrifying. ]
While I doubt any of my current stock downstairs include any devil arms, I will. I suppose. Pay another visit to that shop downtown to purchase another training weapon.
If I agree to spar with you, at least promise you'll do your best not to break said training weapons.
...
[ because as he closes his eyes, he's suddenly hit with another quiet, almost somber memory of being on a playground. The sound of a creaky swingset echoes in the air nearby, and he's sitting on a horse-like seat with a wooden sword between his knees.
"You completely messed up the hand guard. Were you trying to break it out of my hands?" A young voice--one he recognises as his own, scolding that of a small boy sitting at his feet. Knees scraped up and scabbed over, bruises on his calves. He's rubbing his face, trying his best not to look guilty.
"Don't *cry* about it, it can be fixed. But with how often you just want to play swords with me--it's kind of dumb to break my sword, then we get no actual training done. ]
--It's kind of dumb to break my sword, then we get no actual training done.
[ Vergil mumbles, in exact time with the memory that drifts slowly out of his head. ]
no subject
I'm gonna stop you there, brother mine. [ some things never change and vergil's thirst for knowledge seems to be one of them. ] No, they can't. Sometimes when you defeat a particularly powerful demon its soul can become a weapon, it's a subjugation sort of thing. Depending on the demon the devil arm can be sentient to a degree but they can't change back whenever they want. [ honestly, thank fuck. he doesn't want balrog to suddenly turn back into his original form. ] As for me? Well, sorta? I guess I kinda made my own weapon... [ he holds a hand out and on cue devil sword dante materializes in a surge of red power. ] I absorbed my old weapon and our old man's sword, guess they mixed with my own power to become this.
[ just as quickly as it appeared, devil sword dante vanishes again in a similar surge of red power, leaving his hand empty. it then lays on his chest and grins. ]
Scouts honor, I'll try my best not to break your training weapons.
[ but his grin fades as vergil's attention shifts, a familiar look finding his face that all but screams to dante another memory has slipped through the cracks. he watches his face with a frown, hand falling to the table just nearby his brother's arm just in case. in case the memory isn't a pleasant one, in case vergil freaks and dante has to shake him from it. the threat of his time with mundus, of mallet island, always scratching the back of dante's mind.
but it doesn't come, vergil's expression doesn't twist in pain, he only mumbles something dante hasn't heard in many, many long years. memories of their youth quick to flash across his eyes. ]
I wasn't crying.
no subject
But he wants to know anyhow. Maybe it's because of his current-self's fascination with weapons that makes him stick to this topic in particular. While most of his stock are boring things like books or classical paintkings or statues that are acclaimed works of art--his most interesting belongings are all weaponry.
Hearing that demons can become a sort of enchanted weapon that has the essence of a demon as their core is
... fascinating. Even moreso is the fact that his brother can just.
Summon a blade to his side, like that. Vergil's eyes are a bit wide as he
....takes that in, but. Fortunately, the appearance of the twisted, demonic blade that looked partially organic hasn't activated any old memories to be worried about. yet. So far.
(some things are just buried down so deep, he hasn't been able to find them yet. probably a good thing for them both that any memories or dreams that included three eyes and a voice pitched from hell haven't seeped into Vergil's psyche yet.) ]
I'll purchase them the next time I am out, then. We can find some space to practice with them where we aren't a danger of breaking anything in my building, as well.
[ maybe some.... park, or abandoned road. he doesn't know about nox's fight club warehouse yet. ]
....
And you were crying.
You were whining particularly loudly in worry that if I did not fix our practice blades that I'd stop playing with you altogether.
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There has to be somewhere nearby right? If not I know a guy I can ask. [ knowing that nero's already awaken to his demon means the kid has to have somewhere to let loose. ]
You used to threaten me with that all the time! [ those memories are still so crisp, even all these years later. each time he tackled his brother in an attempt to get him to right, every time vergil would threaten to never play with him again if dante didn't allow vergil just a moment to himself. every time little arguments would turn into a flail of fists and teeth that had their mother pulling them apart. ] And I'm pretty sure I wasn't crying.
[ he was. ]
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If worst comes to worst, I suppose there is always somewhere outside of city limits. There's a forest out there, we would just... have to avoid damage to any major areas, lest we get in trouble for it. [ nero has his fight club and that's probably the best bet, once they both learn of it.
For the moment, though, vergil blinks as dante mentions he used to threaten it. he hadn't remembered that part. really? ]
You must have been on my case pretty hard for me to threaten it quite so often. Bit of a wild child, were you. [ he asks in a tone that... almost sounds teasing, as he tips his head back.
an actual smirk moving up his face. ] Perhaps you weren't crying while I was fixing your wooden blade.
But you certainly were when I returned it to you.
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You know, it's weird hearing you worrying about getting in trouble. [ honestly, when has vergil ever worried about collateral damage? never in his memories. he isn't sure if it is a nice change or if it's just... weird. ] But the forest sounds like a decent enough spot. Nothing much out there but some trees and animals that'll probably avoid us.
[ even in this state most animals should at least recognize dante for what he is, they are always perceptive for such things. ]
Well, we didn't really go to school you know? It wasn't like we had any friends, just each other. Guess I always wanted your attention and sometimes it annoyed the shit out of you. [ he was a wild child, in truth, always on the move always doing something. it was like he didn't know what to do with himself if he sat still. and he always, always, wanted his brother's attention, often getting jealous of things that vergil gave more attention to than dante himself. ] Yeah, yeah, whatever you say.
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What with giant buildings and... organic trees. But this world is much different, and while I do... think I want to engage in combat training with you until I either learn how to use a blade again or... remember my old skills. I do not wish to get arrested.
No matter how strong a demon you are inside you can still go to jail.
[ please understand we are not immune to breaking the law dante!!! ]
I do not know about my old self.
But in this lifetime, I ... have a bad habit of hyperfixating on my interests and forgetting that being social is usually a part of life.
I got into a lot of trouble with 'friends' growing up by forgetting to talk to them on weeks on end due to being distracted by a project.
...
Perhaps some things don't change between 'lives'. [ maybe he ignored dante a bit too much when he was younger because he simply just didn't think about how lonely dante might have been getting, lost in his own head, in his own world... ]
I have been trying to get better about that.
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[ unlike someone who hasn't paid a single bit of tax a single day in his life, vergil. ]
Yeah, you had the same kind of habit then. [ and after eva died, vergil forsook everything that was weak in favor of power. it was always power after that. ] Some things really don't.
But it's fine, honestly. I'm a big boy now, don't always need my big brother paying attention to me. [ the smile doesn't quite reach his eyes, almost as though it is forced. ] So you don't need to push yourself for my sake.
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I don't know. Maybe. Demons in most folk tales aren't exactly the most reliable beings, from my memory. [ hes totally not worried about the fact that most demons are portrayed as evil at all, nope ] You mentioned having your own business before. Morrison your accountant?
[ he should probably ask if dante plans on opening up his business again, here. ....he could help him. Sure, they're both adults and not those kids from his memories anymore. And Vergil's not lived the last 37 years with awareness that he had a twin, but. He's staring at the other when he claims he doesn't need to be paid attention to. ....he does chuckle at that, a little. ]
We are adults, yes. And while I am more than certain you are old enough to not cry about me forgetting to spend time with you.
That isn't to say I will turn you down, Dante.
I have much to catch up on. And I am interested in learning more about who I was.
The good and the bad.
Perhaps it will actually be me bothering you overmuch, this time around.
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[ in truth it is dante's own fault he is usually broke, considering how often his jobs end up in some sort of collateral and the fact he often takes jobs for free rather than actually charging. he has thought about opening another shop, maybe even roping nero into it, but it isn't like kaisou has a demon problem anymore, right? still, it's a thought. ]
Well, that will be an interesting change. [ he grins. ] Wouldn't mind you chasing after me for a change, desperate for your baby brother's attention.
I'll tell you about everything, oh brother mine. The good, the bad, the ugly. Whenever you want.
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Having a business and running it into the red all the time sounds like a struggle.
[ he's gonna pick up a slice of pizza, folding the thing over in the middle to eat it slowly, leaning back in his chair. ]
I'd offer to help you set up your shop here again, but. Until I hire my own staff here, your help has been irreplacable.
[ and it'll have dante out of his house for long periods of time--if not completely. and part of him... really doesn't like that. ]
Oh, come off it, I am not desperate. [ he sounds so irritated, giving dante such a look. Pushing at one of his legs with a foot, under the table. ]
One thing at a time.
For now, I think, junk food and then watching documentaries on TV until I fall asleep sounds like a good end to the night.
I've had far enough excitement today.
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[ there is a difference. nevermind that the last time morrison visited him the power was out and the water turned off, but that isn't the point in the slightest. dante grabs another piece himself, biting into it immediately as vergil continues. ]
You know, I work mostly as a private investigator. Who's to say I couldn't just work out of here?
[ he can't help the laugh that hits his chest as vergil all but kicks him under the table, his eyes sparkling with amusement. ] Incredibly desperate. [ he's playing with fire and he knows it, but when has that ever stopped dante from doing things? ]
Sounds good.
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Just you, hm.
Is that why you wear so much of the colour. Wear your reality upon your countenance, and all that?
[ teasing, mean words--but ]
If that is what you think is most effective, then I can set you up your own desk somewhere in the shop. You will likely need your own phone line, unless you plan on working out of that phone you got upon entry.
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[ dante happily digs into the rest of the pizza, nudging at his brother's feet with his leg in response. he could make a terrible joke about playing footsies under the table, but he decides to bite his tongue for the time being. ]
Surely you've got a spare room in the shop that can be turned into an office, right? As for the phone line, yeah that'll probably be a good idea. Rather not have people blowing up my phone when I'm not on the clock or something.
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[ just as blue is his colour.
don't bring up the footsies or he'll realise what he's doing, get embarrassed about it, and stop. ]
I do. I have a few spare rooms that are used for stock that I do not have on display.
It would be easy to move things around and create an office for you, if that's what you wish.
...
I would trust you to help me move things around, some of them are heavy. And delicate.
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[ colored him shocked! he half expected his brother to say something along the lines of blue is better and for the conversation to devolve into a stupid argument about what color is better. he grins, biting into another piece of pizza, stretching out his leg to nudge his own foot against vergil's leg. ]
Of course, as much as I'd love to sit back and watch you do all the work, I'll help out.
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Should I have offered an argument instead? Told you that red makes you look puffy?
[ He's going to fold his hands over below his chin, now, tilting his head to the side to give him a very plain, pointed look. don't make him pull that rug, he'll do it out of spite.
he doesn't complain about the nudging, either--simply shifting to push at him, subtly. ]
If you tried to stand back and tried to have me to do it alone, I would make sure the office space I choose is the one with the window that overlooks the dumpsters out in the alleyway.
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[ mostly because he enjoys hearing it, because they feel rare and precious and dante greedily wants to hear more compliments - more praise. so no, he will not be tugging that particular rug from underneath their feet today, nor will he be encouraging vergil to do so.
he'll simply finish this slice of pizza, eyebrows raising as vergil shifts to pushing his leg underneath the table. does he even realize what he is doing? dante pushes back, stubbornly determined to be the dominant one in this absent game of footsies. ]
No need to be so cruel, brother, I'll help.