[ Years of experience, brother dear. Did a lot of growing up while you weren't around.
It is nothing but the truth, and isn't that a disjointed feeling, deep in the center of his chest? He remembers being children and hating and adoring his brother in equal measure, as siblings are wont to do. He remembers being certain of their family's bond despite their oddities, idle moments spent wondering what the future held in store. The surety that no matter what, they would be able to face any challenge that opposed them.
He recalls the name Tony Redgrave, can almost picture Dante's face from when they'd met on Mallet Island, thinks on how old and worn his brother had looked when he'd darkened his doorstep as V.
He had been an idiot child, obviously. Dante had grown up, and he had nearly died. What a stupid, stupid child. ]
I don't recall calling you stupid, Dante.
Foolish, yes. Unmotivated. Base. But you aren't nearly as stupid as you let those around you believe.
[ Because there's no way he can say something kind about his brother without couching it in other unfortunate truths. ]
[ It's something that doesn't sit that comfortably on his shoulders, something that leaves him feeling heavy. So much happened while Vergil wasn't around, events that forced a gaping chasm between them. They had been closer, once upon a time, thick as thieves despite their disagreements. Dante loved his brother as much as he hated him, always finding his way back to Vergil's side in the end of the day. They had been strong on their own, but together? Together they had been unstoppable.
Sometimes he wonders what things would have been like if they hadn't grown apart. If Vergil hadn't fallen, if he hadn't been so tight in Mundus' grip when they found each other again on Mallet Island. Idle thoughts for the dark of night when demons aren't hounding his doorstep.
Not that he needs them much anymore with Vergil back and whole. Now they just have to figure out how to close the chasm between them, yeah? Ha, like that will happen. ]
Wait... [ Dante's feet hit the floor with a sudden thud, leathers shifting as he leans forward. ] Is that...? Did you just pay me a compliment? That's─ That's the nicest thing you've ever said to me Vergil, I think I might cry.
[ Never mind. Any qualms he may have had about regrets are null and void; he shouldn't have said anything even remotely kind about Dante. As if he needed any more reason for an inflated ego.
Still, despite himself, Vergil finds himself chuckling very quietly at that reaction. The sound of it honestly surprises him — when was the last time he'd genuinely found something funny? Surely not as V; those had been knowing laughs, saturated with the knowledge that he hadn't told Dante, Nero, or anyone else the entire truth of things at the beginning. He'd smirked atop the Qliphoth, but that was in the interest of showing his superiority.
What a pathetic thing, then, to be brought to laughter by one of Dante's stupid jokes. ]
You'll want to be careful. I hear devils have a tendency to do such things.
[ Dante's laughter comes easily, grinning as he shakes his head. It's funny how easily they fall back into this, as if they hadn't spent years trying to kill each other. As if all those years of distance means absolutely nothing.
He likes it─ it's a welcome change all things considered. Not that he will be coming out and admitting that anytime soon. ]
Oh no. [ Dante's breath hitches. ] It looks like it's too late! [ He sobs, dramatically, into his hands. ] Look what you did to me.
All this time, Dante, and your acting skills haven't improved since we were children.
[ Vergil shakes his head even though Dante can't see it, the grin wide on his face. Not like he'll ever admit to that, though — his brother's foolish antics are just as childish as they've ever been, and there's something immensely gratifying about it.
Something else to deny to the grave, of course. ]
Oh, no. I've made my little brother cry. Whatever shall I do. [ Taste that sweet, sweet sarcasm. ] What a terrible older brother I am.
[ He made Vergil laugh despite himself when they were children, some part of him wants to believe that he managed to get a chuckle at the very least. It's a victory, one that Dante is going to take regardless of it being true or not.
Because that's just how he is. ]
You're right, you're absolutely terrible. How do you live with yourself?
[ They were having a moment, so obviously that means he has to ruin it. Get it, Dante? Get it?
He's still bitter, and will always be bitter, but. At least he's come to realize that it was his own pride that was his downfall. Dante's part in things was only secondary. He's had time to reflect.
And besides... ]
I seem to recall that I have a son who isn't afraid to pull punches, should things get out of hand again. How are your molars, by the way?
[ Dante doesn't expect any less. Can't have moments in this family, they have to be ruined in some way or form. What would the world come to if they got along for more than five seconds?
Instinctively he reaches up to rub his jaw at the mention of Nero, almost testing it to see if there is still any damage. ]
You know sometimes they still throb. Don't recommend getting punch by those wings of his, he's got a monster hook.
That's what I think? So then I must have imagined the last few years.
[ Now he's just intentionally being a piece of shit. Vergil hums to himself, reflects on the backhand Dante had suffered at Nero's hand. He's very quietly proud of how strong Nero was at that point, impressed by the strength he'd shown. None of them benefit from their heritage here, and he finds himself curious as to how combat between any of them would go, now. ]
Well then, you're in luck. He doesn't seem to have them here; you may not need dental work if he punches you again.
You must have, don't remember you around the last few years.
[ It comes out a little sharper than intended, so much so that Dante feels himself flinch. He never found out what happened to Vergil after Mallet Island, figured that he was dead. He exhales, rubbing his forehead. ]
I can't express how glad my jaw is at that thought.
[ Honestly, it's tempting to just not respond. Vergil knows who he is, knows that when it comes to his Dante, his brother has a particular talent for getting under his skin. As siblings do, of course, and he fights down the petty urge to close the feed entirely.
Instead, there's a pettier way to address this, and his fingers start moving even before he realizes it. ]
[ Vergil is just as good at getting under his skin as Dante is his. The reply makes Dante pause, jaw locking up as feet fall to the floor with a heavy thud. Words start to form, instinct urging him to bite back. If this is the game Vergil wants to play... ]
Yeah, sorry about that. Figured you didn't want to be the mindless puppet of the asshole who killed our parents.
[ On instinct, Vergil stands, his book tumbling to the ground. His hands itch for his sword, to go stab his dear little brother. They can't do that though, not here. Now, there will likely be consequences, and Vergil finds himself none too eager to find out what those are.
He'd cast away the bulk of those memories when he'd cast himself away. But he hasn't forgotten everything, and in fact it is the reason he is still awake at this hour, the reason he sleeps so lightly and so little.
In lieu of storming his brother's room and stabbing him where he sits, Vergil settles for pacing around the little shop he's claimed, Yamato clasped tight in his hand. And if he checks the locks on the doors and windows, no one else but him will know.
It takes a while, close to fifteen minutes before he feels calm enough to respond. ]
[ Fifteen minutes Dante spends staring at his door, Ebony and Ivory sitting comfortably in his lap. He knows Vergil, know how exactly he'd react and some part of Dante can't help but think 'good, get angry'. Can't help but wish for the door to burst open and a flash of blue to come barrelling his way.
It doesn't, surprisingly, and for a brief moment he's impressed that his brother managed to stay his hand. Only for a moment, however, before his mood returns to being sour. ]
Why? What are you going to do about it, Vergil? Come over and stab me again?
We've stabbed each other plenty of times over the years.
[ As children, atop the Temen-ni-gru, on Mallet Island, during their "reunion" on the Qliphoth. Why should this be any different? In fact, hadn't he been the one to awaken Dante's latent abilities by stabbing him? It's in their nature. ]
Now I'm just curious. Are you more pissed about me reminding your stint with the Last King of Hell? Or is it because I kicked your ass again?
[ There are things here Dante doesn't want to talk about, things he'd much rather ignore. Naturally that means he has to bang on the cage of a sleeping lion with a fresh slab of meat. He could just cut the feed, ignore Vergil until he feels like talking to him again, but will he? No.
No, he'd rather this. Rather be angry and make Vergil angry in turn. ]
He should just ignore any further notifications. Turn the thing off, make another attempt at sleep. Never mind that he wouldn't be able to sleep even if he tried, not now.
Briefly, it occurs to Vergil that he should have enjoyed his previous time here more thoroughly. It had been so much more peaceful. ]
Do not think that just because we're human here, I won't still kill you.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[ Years of experience, brother dear. Did a lot of growing up while you weren't around.
It is nothing but the truth, and isn't that a disjointed feeling, deep in the center of his chest? He remembers being children and hating and adoring his brother in equal measure, as siblings are wont to do. He remembers being certain of their family's bond despite their oddities, idle moments spent wondering what the future held in store. The surety that no matter what, they would be able to face any challenge that opposed them.
He recalls the name Tony Redgrave, can almost picture Dante's face from when they'd met on Mallet Island, thinks on how old and worn his brother had looked when he'd darkened his doorstep as V.
He had been an idiot child, obviously. Dante had grown up, and he had nearly died. What a stupid, stupid child. ]
I don't recall calling you stupid, Dante.
Foolish, yes. Unmotivated. Base. But you aren't nearly as stupid as you let those around you believe.
[ Because there's no way he can say something kind about his brother without couching it in other unfortunate truths. ]
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Sometimes he wonders what things would have been like if they hadn't grown apart. If Vergil hadn't fallen, if he hadn't been so tight in Mundus' grip when they found each other again on Mallet Island. Idle thoughts for the dark of night when demons aren't hounding his doorstep.
Not that he needs them much anymore with Vergil back and whole. Now they just have to figure out how to close the chasm between them, yeah? Ha, like that will happen. ]
Wait... [ Dante's feet hit the floor with a sudden thud, leathers shifting as he leans forward. ] Is that...? Did you just pay me a compliment? That's─ That's the nicest thing you've ever said to me Vergil, I think I might cry.
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Still, despite himself, Vergil finds himself chuckling very quietly at that reaction. The sound of it honestly surprises him — when was the last time he'd genuinely found something funny? Surely not as V; those had been knowing laughs, saturated with the knowledge that he hadn't told Dante, Nero, or anyone else the entire truth of things at the beginning. He'd smirked atop the Qliphoth, but that was in the interest of showing his superiority.
What a pathetic thing, then, to be brought to laughter by one of Dante's stupid jokes. ]
You'll want to be careful. I hear devils have a tendency to do such things.
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He likes it─ it's a welcome change all things considered. Not that he will be coming out and admitting that anytime soon. ]
Oh no. [ Dante's breath hitches. ] It looks like it's too late! [ He sobs, dramatically, into his hands. ] Look what you did to me.
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[ Vergil shakes his head even though Dante can't see it, the grin wide on his face. Not like he'll ever admit to that, though — his brother's foolish antics are just as childish as they've ever been, and there's something immensely gratifying about it.
Something else to deny to the grave, of course. ]
Oh, no. I've made my little brother cry. Whatever shall I do. [ Taste that sweet, sweet sarcasm. ] What a terrible older brother I am.
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[ He made Vergil laugh despite himself when they were children, some part of him wants to believe that he managed to get a chuckle at the very least. It's a victory, one that Dante is going to take regardless of it being true or not.
Because that's just how he is. ]
You're right, you're absolutely terrible. How do you live with yourself?
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[ They were having a moment, so obviously that means he has to ruin it. Get it, Dante? Get it?
He's still bitter, and will always be bitter, but. At least he's come to realize that it was his own pride that was his downfall. Dante's part in things was only secondary. He's had time to reflect.
And besides... ]
I seem to recall that I have a son who isn't afraid to pull punches, should things get out of hand again. How are your molars, by the way?
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[ Dante doesn't expect any less. Can't have moments in this family, they have to be ruined in some way or form. What would the world come to if they got along for more than five seconds?
Instinctively he reaches up to rub his jaw at the mention of Nero, almost testing it to see if there is still any damage. ]
You know sometimes they still throb. Don't recommend getting punch by those wings of his, he's got a monster hook.
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[ Now he's just intentionally being a piece of shit. Vergil hums to himself, reflects on the backhand Dante had suffered at Nero's hand. He's very quietly proud of how strong Nero was at that point, impressed by the strength he'd shown. None of them benefit from their heritage here, and he finds himself curious as to how combat between any of them would go, now. ]
Well then, you're in luck. He doesn't seem to have them here; you may not need dental work if he punches you again.
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[ It comes out a little sharper than intended, so much so that Dante feels himself flinch. He never found out what happened to Vergil after Mallet Island, figured that he was dead. He exhales, rubbing his forehead. ]
I can't express how glad my jaw is at that thought.
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Instead, there's a pettier way to address this, and his fingers start moving even before he realizes it. ]
My point exactly. Neither do I.
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Yeah, sorry about that. Figured you didn't want to be the mindless puppet of the asshole who killed our parents.
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He'd cast away the bulk of those memories when he'd cast himself away. But he hasn't forgotten everything, and in fact it is the reason he is still awake at this hour, the reason he sleeps so lightly and so little.
In lieu of storming his brother's room and stabbing him where he sits, Vergil settles for pacing around the little shop he's claimed, Yamato clasped tight in his hand. And if he checks the locks on the doors and windows, no one else but him will know.
It takes a while, close to fifteen minutes before he feels calm enough to respond. ]
Watch your words, Dante.
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It doesn't, surprisingly, and for a brief moment he's impressed that his brother managed to stay his hand. Only for a moment, however, before his mood returns to being sour. ]
Why? What are you going to do about it, Vergil? Come over and stab me again?
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[ As children, atop the Temen-ni-gru, on Mallet Island, during their "reunion" on the Qliphoth. Why should this be any different? In fact, hadn't he been the one to awaken Dante's latent abilities by stabbing him? It's in their nature. ]
I'll admit that I'm sorely tempted.
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[ There are things here Dante doesn't want to talk about, things he'd much rather ignore. Naturally that means he has to bang on the cage of a sleeping lion with a fresh slab of meat. He could just cut the feed, ignore Vergil until he feels like talking to him again, but will he? No.
No, he'd rather this. Rather be angry and make Vergil angry in turn. ]
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[ Childish? Yes. Does he care? No.
He should just ignore any further notifications. Turn the thing off, make another attempt at sleep. Never mind that he wouldn't be able to sleep even if he tried, not now.
Briefly, it occurs to Vergil that he should have enjoyed his previous time here more thoroughly. It had been so much more peaceful. ]
Do not think that just because we're human here, I won't still kill you.
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[ Very childish, but they are beyond caring.
Dante stands with the sound of shuffling fabric, collecting his guns and sword before leaving. He's not dragging this place into their argument. ]
Ha, I doubt you still got in it you.
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Since you ask so nicely, I'll be happy to oblige.
Ten minutes. Don't be late.
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[ He shouldn't be so excited, but he is. ]
Last one there is a rotten egg.
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[ It's you, Dante, you're the rotten egg. ]
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[ He's out!! He's going!! See you there jerk face. ]