[ Dante doesn't take long, roughly fifteen minutes after his last message he walks through the door of their shared home. It's Vergil's place, he even tells people that it is his brother's place, but he really managed to move in here, didn't he? The signs are there, subtle in ways that you almost want to squint to see it─something almost uncharacteristic of the younger twin.
He didn't want to ruin what semblance of normalcy they managed to find, so he has been approaching the whole situation carefully.
Which is exactly how he is walking, package held in a tight grip as he heads up to his brother's room. Dante hesitates to knock, hand hovering briefly before rapping his knuckles against the door twice. ] It's me. [ He waits only briefly for the permission to enter before opening the door and walking in. He hovers again, this time in the doorway, though only for a moment as he holds out the parcel for Vergil's inspection. ]
I've... Been hold onto this for a while, wasn't sure when was the best time to give it to you. Seeing that Christmas is on it's way, figured why not now.
[ Getting used to sharing his space has been... uncomfortable, to say the least. The last time he'd done so had been when he'd been 8, before their lives were ruined. Arkham's habitation had been situated elsewhere when they'd worked together for the Temen-ni-gru, and he has been neither comfortable nor familiar enough to attempt it since coming back.
Dante, at least, comes easier, more familiar; something of a return, though it's been long enough now Vergil has to wonder if it's truly what he remembers or some fever dream.
Almost as familiar is the irritation when he opens his drawer to look for a soft black shirt and doesn't find it. Of the clothes he's obtained here, it's perhaps the loosest he owns, and one of the most comfortable — and when Dante walks into his room wearing it, Vergil rolls his eyes. ]
Of course.
[ And then he pauses at Dante's words, his eyes falling to the little package. He narrows his eyes, tries to discern what it is without actually taking it, before closing the drawer and turning to face his brother. ]
What is this, Dante?
[ Not hostile, not accusatory — more than anything, maybe just a bit confused, though there is no chance in hell he'll admit to that. ]
[ There is something of a dance to all of this, one that Dante is both skilled and uncertain of at the same time. He knows how to live with other demons, he and Trish established that years ago but it has always been his territory. Not this time. As comforting as it all is, there is a pressure in the back of his mind that always seems to remind him whose territory this truly is. Regardless of how he works his way into it.
But Dante has never been submissive, never cowered, instinct has him push at the barriers he's so determined not to break. Do these little things that will irritate rather than full on annoy─things like taking his brother's shirt without asking because his own are ruined. ]
It's a present. A welcome back, happy birthday, merry christmas present all in one.
[ Fingers curl in and then release absently, crossing his arms across his chest and nodding towards the package. ]
[ In all honesty, Vergil has no idea what to make of that. Welcome back, happy birthday, merry christmas. He supposes he had missed their birthday, hadn't he? He'd woken Dante on the 15th of June, and kept such meticulous track of the passage of time here... and their birthday hadn't even occurred to him to note. He's fairly certain, at least, that Christmas should be around the corner, so Dante is at least correct there.
He takes the gift, then, with a frown on his face. Looks up at Dante in a very brief moment of disquiet, before he gently begins to unwrap it. It takes a moment for all of the packaging to fall away — and when it does, his breath stops.
It's hard not to instinctively reach for his throat, for the amulet he knows no longer hangs there. Vergil still isn't sure what had happened to his, after he'd died and lost it on Mallet Island. In all honesty, he still isn't sure how he'd made it off the island — for all he knows, it had been lost.
Or, as Dante has proven, it's right here in his hand, sitting next to Dante's amulet. And Vergil finds himself frozen as he stares at this. ]
What is this, Dante? How did you get these — and why are you offering me yours?
[ An anxious energy runs across his skin watching Vergil unwrap the package, relaxing and clenching his fists as he watches his twin's face closely. In truth he doesn't know how well his gift will be received, if it would only drag up memories better left forgotten. (that day on Mallet Island, golden chain around the neck of dark knight that used to be his brother. a roaring river, Vergil clutching desperately to his amulet as he stumbles back towards the edge─)
But he doesn't find anger in Vergil's face; shock, surprise, but no anger. Dante lets go of the breath he had been holding, turning to look at a random spot in his brother's room and shrugs. ]
I asked Odin for a favor. [ No point in lying about it, is there? ] You know the amulets was the secret to Dad's sword, to awakening it's true power. Back in Redgrave... Back at the ruins of our home, I had a dumbass idea to stab myself with Rebellion and when I did? Well, I absorbed both Rebellion and Sparda and our amulets.
[ A hand raises, rubbing the back of his head. ]
I know how much it meant to you, I wanted to give you back something you lost. And uh, well, I'm offering mine as apology. For absorbing them.
[ He remembers the purpose for the amulets. How could he not? After all that had happened, all he'd done — it would be naive and incredibly stupid to think it would ever leave his mind. Vergil finds himself staring at them as Dante speaks, studying the facets of the jewels, where he thinks there should be grime in the links of the chains.
So familiar. So painfully, achingly familiar.
And yet. ]
You did what?
[ Absorbed the Sparda, the Rebellion, and both amulets. That meant that Dante had it. His half of the amulet, the final shred of Vergil that could not be taken from Nelo Angelo. And Dante had it, the entire time after Mallet Island. As with so many of his belongings, it seems Dante still can't keep his hands off of Vergil's things.
More than that, though. Even more important is the fact he'd apparently asked for a favor, and it leaves a sour taste in his mouth. Vergil narrows his eyes as he looks at Dante, his hand tightening around the amulets.
Nothing in this life is easy. Nothing is painless or freely given, a fact he knows all too well. ]
[ Ah, there it is. He knew that would be his reaction to hearing about what happened to Sparda, Dante's idiot plan that managed to pan out for the better and ultimately take one more thin away from his brother. He shifts, pulling the Devil Sword from his back and leaning against something nearby. The red gem in the pummel of it glimmers in the light of the room, his hand lingering briefly upon it's surface. ]
You didn't leave me much choice, Verg. You managed to kick my ass so hard I was in a coma for a month, I needed a power boost and Dad's sword was just the thing.
[ He won't apologize for it, can't, regardless of the mild amount of guilt sitting like a stone in his stomach. Funny how it's problem the first time he's ever felt guilty about taking one of his brother's things. When they were children he certainly didn't care, they were twins so clearly they shared everything. Now though? It's different, their amulets aren't a shirt or a book or something inconsequential. Their amulets are beyond precious.
Dante breathes out, crossing his arms across his chest, before finally looking back at Vergil. ]
Nothing. [ It's the truth, though he knows how fake it sounds. ] Not that it really matters.
Hm. A point in my favor, finally. [ There is, maybe, just a hint of self-deprecation as he says it. It figured that he'd needed to resort to extreme measures to finally defeat his brother. And even then, it hadn't truly been him to do so. ] We finally know what it will take to stop the "Legendary Demon Hunter."
[ His gaze falls back to the amulets in his hand, studying them closely. If he didn't know that they were imparted by Odin, that — if Dante had absorbed them, then these couldn't possibly be their true amulets. The fact grates, and yet — there's an instinctive flex, wanting to grab at his throat again.
He does not for a second believe that this "favor" was traded for nothing, and the fact that the true cost of it is unknown to him grates to no end. He'll need to find Odin and interrogate him, find out the truth of the matter. Of course Dante won't tell him. It doesn't surprise him, a fact which is both relieving and irritating: less seems to have changed than one would expect.
Vergil takes a deep breath. Picks up the amulet created to look like his — he's not sure if he'll accept wearing it, or if he'll keep it stored somewhere. The fact that the weight of it is a familiar thing that he hadn't realized he'd missed is... a jarring one. But he takes a look at the other amulet for just a moment longer, before tossing it back at Dante. ]
I have no use for both of them. And I somehow doubt they'll serve their intended purposes here. [ There's a smirk. ] If that changes, however, I'll know precisely where it is.
[ For a brief moment Dante feels himself tense, hears the distant roar of his demon from the depths of his soul. Snarling, demanding, unable to accept his temporary loss. He pushes it back, exhaling heavily, looking away from his brother's form. ]
That's what I get for underestimating you.
[ He doesn't like the way Vergil says that, how it makes his skin crawl hearing 'Legendary Demon Hunter'. There is vemon there, not much but a bitterness that he both expects from Vergil and exasperates Dante at the same time. Aren't they past this? Some small part of him wishes they were but knows better, they'll never be past it. It's all they know, all they had for those long years.
The way Vergil stares at the amulets, existing both as the real deal and a copy at the same time, doesn't do much to ease the tension in his shoulders. Maybe he shouldn't have mentioned Odin, or the deal, but he thought it'd be the wiser decision to come out with the truth rather than Vergil find it out later. There are gears turning his head, grinding, no doubt he already has plan to hunt the god down and demand to know the price Dante had to pay.
Does it really matter? Can't Vergil just accept the gesture for what it is? Maybe they really are the real thing, Odin didn't exactly make that clear to him at the time.
The other amulet comes flying back at him and Dante jumps, quick to catch it before it hits him in the face, hand hovering there for a moment before slowly lowering. Didn't expect that, not really. Thought Vergil might keep both out of spite for a while, before his found it's way into his room one night while Dante sleeps like the dead. Relief tugs at his chest, a small tug of joy he hasn't felt since the amulets fused with Force Edge. ]
That isn't funny, Vergil. Don't go making jokes like that. [ He scowls at him briefly, before his expression relaxes into more of a smile. ] Anyway, hope you like the present. Next year will be that three headed dog you've always wanted, promise.
[ In all honesty, some small part of him wishes that he could accept the gesture for what it is: a peace offering, a kindness. Vergil knows better by now, though, knows that who they are will never change.
There can be no kindnesses in the life of a Sparda, no peace. No rest. They are destined for a life of conflict and pain; he does not know what price they will pay for these later down the line, but he knows to brace himself for it. ]
I never said it was a joke.
[ Said idly; he doesn't look up to watch Dante catch the amulet, knows that if he fumbled it something would truly be wrong. Instead, he studies the amulet again, running his thumb along the grooves. Would he try raising the Temen-ni-gru again, if given the opportunity, knowing what he does now? Would Dante stop him again?
...he doesn't truly know. Probably not. Something to ponder about later. Instead, for right now, he finally looks back up, shoots Dante a dark smile. ]
Do you promise, Dante? If it is not a purebred, I'll be very disappointed.
[ It's not something he wants to entertain, but the thought sinks claws deep into him. If Vergil rose that damn tower again would Dante have to stop him? Would he have to climb it and kill him? After all they've been through the last twenty years, would he really have to go through it all again?
Dante exhales heavily, tucking his amulet into the pocket of his pants. It won't happen again, he won't let it. ]
Of course I do. [ His mouth twitches, smile shifting into something more devious. ] Think I would get you anything less than a purebred cerberus? Vergil, you wound me.
[ He jokes but he can't help but wonder if he could ask for one. ]
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He didn't want to ruin what semblance of normalcy they managed to find, so he has been approaching the whole situation carefully.
Which is exactly how he is walking, package held in a tight grip as he heads up to his brother's room. Dante hesitates to knock, hand hovering briefly before rapping his knuckles against the door twice. ] It's me. [ He waits only briefly for the permission to enter before opening the door and walking in. He hovers again, this time in the doorway, though only for a moment as he holds out the parcel for Vergil's inspection. ]
I've... Been hold onto this for a while, wasn't sure when was the best time to give it to you. Seeing that Christmas is on it's way, figured why not now.
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Dante, at least, comes easier, more familiar; something of a return, though it's been long enough now Vergil has to wonder if it's truly what he remembers or some fever dream.
Almost as familiar is the irritation when he opens his drawer to look for a soft black shirt and doesn't find it. Of the clothes he's obtained here, it's perhaps the loosest he owns, and one of the most comfortable — and when Dante walks into his room wearing it, Vergil rolls his eyes. ]
Of course.
[ And then he pauses at Dante's words, his eyes falling to the little package. He narrows his eyes, tries to discern what it is without actually taking it, before closing the drawer and turning to face his brother. ]
What is this, Dante?
[ Not hostile, not accusatory — more than anything, maybe just a bit confused, though there is no chance in hell he'll admit to that. ]
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But Dante has never been submissive, never cowered, instinct has him push at the barriers he's so determined not to break. Do these little things that will irritate rather than full on annoy─things like taking his brother's shirt without asking because his own are ruined. ]
It's a present. A welcome back, happy birthday, merry christmas present all in one.
[ Fingers curl in and then release absently, crossing his arms across his chest and nodding towards the package. ]
Open it, go on.
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He takes the gift, then, with a frown on his face. Looks up at Dante in a very brief moment of disquiet, before he gently begins to unwrap it. It takes a moment for all of the packaging to fall away — and when it does, his breath stops.
It's hard not to instinctively reach for his throat, for the amulet he knows no longer hangs there. Vergil still isn't sure what had happened to his, after he'd died and lost it on Mallet Island. In all honesty, he still isn't sure how he'd made it off the island — for all he knows, it had been lost.
Or, as Dante has proven, it's right here in his hand, sitting next to Dante's amulet. And Vergil finds himself frozen as he stares at this. ]
What is this, Dante? How did you get these — and why are you offering me yours?
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But he doesn't find anger in Vergil's face; shock, surprise, but no anger. Dante lets go of the breath he had been holding, turning to look at a random spot in his brother's room and shrugs. ]
I asked Odin for a favor. [ No point in lying about it, is there? ] You know the amulets was the secret to Dad's sword, to awakening it's true power. Back in Redgrave... Back at the ruins of our home, I had a dumbass idea to stab myself with Rebellion and when I did? Well, I absorbed both Rebellion and Sparda and our amulets.
[ A hand raises, rubbing the back of his head. ]
I know how much it meant to you, I wanted to give you back something you lost. And uh, well, I'm offering mine as apology. For absorbing them.
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So familiar. So painfully, achingly familiar.
And yet. ]
You did what?
[ Absorbed the Sparda, the Rebellion, and both amulets. That meant that Dante had it. His half of the amulet, the final shred of Vergil that could not be taken from Nelo Angelo. And Dante had it, the entire time after Mallet Island. As with so many of his belongings, it seems Dante still can't keep his hands off of Vergil's things.
More than that, though. Even more important is the fact he'd apparently asked for a favor, and it leaves a sour taste in his mouth. Vergil narrows his eyes as he looks at Dante, his hand tightening around the amulets.
Nothing in this life is easy. Nothing is painless or freely given, a fact he knows all too well. ]
And just what did this favor cost, Dante?
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You didn't leave me much choice, Verg. You managed to kick my ass so hard I was in a coma for a month, I needed a power boost and Dad's sword was just the thing.
[ He won't apologize for it, can't, regardless of the mild amount of guilt sitting like a stone in his stomach. Funny how it's problem the first time he's ever felt guilty about taking one of his brother's things. When they were children he certainly didn't care, they were twins so clearly they shared everything. Now though? It's different, their amulets aren't a shirt or a book or something inconsequential. Their amulets are beyond precious.
Dante breathes out, crossing his arms across his chest, before finally looking back at Vergil. ]
Nothing. [ It's the truth, though he knows how fake it sounds. ] Not that it really matters.
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[ His gaze falls back to the amulets in his hand, studying them closely. If he didn't know that they were imparted by Odin, that — if Dante had absorbed them, then these couldn't possibly be their true amulets. The fact grates, and yet — there's an instinctive flex, wanting to grab at his throat again.
He does not for a second believe that this "favor" was traded for nothing, and the fact that the true cost of it is unknown to him grates to no end. He'll need to find Odin and interrogate him, find out the truth of the matter. Of course Dante won't tell him. It doesn't surprise him, a fact which is both relieving and irritating: less seems to have changed than one would expect.
Vergil takes a deep breath. Picks up the amulet created to look like his — he's not sure if he'll accept wearing it, or if he'll keep it stored somewhere. The fact that the weight of it is a familiar thing that he hadn't realized he'd missed is... a jarring one. But he takes a look at the other amulet for just a moment longer, before tossing it back at Dante. ]
I have no use for both of them. And I somehow doubt they'll serve their intended purposes here. [ There's a smirk. ] If that changes, however, I'll know precisely where it is.
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That's what I get for underestimating you.
[ He doesn't like the way Vergil says that, how it makes his skin crawl hearing 'Legendary Demon Hunter'. There is vemon there, not much but a bitterness that he both expects from Vergil and exasperates Dante at the same time. Aren't they past this? Some small part of him wishes they were but knows better, they'll never be past it. It's all they know, all they had for those long years.
The way Vergil stares at the amulets, existing both as the real deal and a copy at the same time, doesn't do much to ease the tension in his shoulders. Maybe he shouldn't have mentioned Odin, or the deal, but he thought it'd be the wiser decision to come out with the truth rather than Vergil find it out later. There are gears turning his head, grinding, no doubt he already has plan to hunt the god down and demand to know the price Dante had to pay.
Does it really matter? Can't Vergil just accept the gesture for what it is? Maybe they really are the real thing, Odin didn't exactly make that clear to him at the time.
The other amulet comes flying back at him and Dante jumps, quick to catch it before it hits him in the face, hand hovering there for a moment before slowly lowering. Didn't expect that, not really. Thought Vergil might keep both out of spite for a while, before his found it's way into his room one night while Dante sleeps like the dead. Relief tugs at his chest, a small tug of joy he hasn't felt since the amulets fused with Force Edge. ]
That isn't funny, Vergil. Don't go making jokes like that. [ He scowls at him briefly, before his expression relaxes into more of a smile. ] Anyway, hope you like the present. Next year will be that three headed dog you've always wanted, promise.
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There can be no kindnesses in the life of a Sparda, no peace. No rest. They are destined for a life of conflict and pain; he does not know what price they will pay for these later down the line, but he knows to brace himself for it. ]
I never said it was a joke.
[ Said idly; he doesn't look up to watch Dante catch the amulet, knows that if he fumbled it something would truly be wrong. Instead, he studies the amulet again, running his thumb along the grooves. Would he try raising the Temen-ni-gru again, if given the opportunity, knowing what he does now? Would Dante stop him again?
...he doesn't truly know. Probably not. Something to ponder about later. Instead, for right now, he finally looks back up, shoots Dante a dark smile. ]
Do you promise, Dante? If it is not a purebred, I'll be very disappointed.
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Dante exhales heavily, tucking his amulet into the pocket of his pants. It won't happen again, he won't let it. ]
Of course I do. [ His mouth twitches, smile shifting into something more devious. ] Think I would get you anything less than a purebred cerberus? Vergil, you wound me.
[ He jokes but he can't help but wonder if he could ask for one. ]