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He knows how difficult this must be for him. Just because V is the human parts of Vergil doesn't mean that he's particularly adept at being honest, or forthcoming, or feeling feelings... cuz Vergil fucking sucks at those too. Nero does try to make the same approach work, listening quietly, giving him the time to get out what he wants to say.
He at once does and does not need the acknowledgement that whatever V is to him, it doesn't take away from Vergil. In fact, he finds himself deeply, deeply relieved to hear it. These are anxieties he didn't even realize he was feeling, but giving them a name has made them suddenly far more intense and looming in their dread. The last thing he wants is for some kind of spat to form between the two. Wouldn't that affect something, logically? Would V becoming angry or upset with Nero translate over to Vergil's feelings, too? He's barely found his father (and his shadow), the last thing he needs is to alienate him (or his shadow.)
Nero waits until V seems to be done speaking. Mercifully, he doesn't leave him hanging to sit there and wonder if what he said was being accepted or rejected.
"Yeah." Okay, it isn't the most in-depth response, but he does at least elaborate a bit. "You're right. I don't... know what we are, but I know we're not nothing."
He glances over at V. "You're not nothing. We'll... see what happens, I guess."
He at once does and does not need the acknowledgement that whatever V is to him, it doesn't take away from Vergil. In fact, he finds himself deeply, deeply relieved to hear it. These are anxieties he didn't even realize he was feeling, but giving them a name has made them suddenly far more intense and looming in their dread. The last thing he wants is for some kind of spat to form between the two. Wouldn't that affect something, logically? Would V becoming angry or upset with Nero translate over to Vergil's feelings, too? He's barely found his father (and his shadow), the last thing he needs is to alienate him (or his shadow.)
Nero waits until V seems to be done speaking. Mercifully, he doesn't leave him hanging to sit there and wonder if what he said was being accepted or rejected.
"Yeah." Okay, it isn't the most in-depth response, but he does at least elaborate a bit. "You're right. I don't... know what we are, but I know we're not nothing."
He glances over at V. "You're not nothing. We'll... see what happens, I guess."
V feels as pathetic as he looks in the short time between ending his words, his long stream of words that he barely controlled, and Nero's response. He may as well have eviscerated himself and offered his organs to Nero, how raw it feels. How quickly that could turn to rejection and crumble to dust.
One word, and his feeling feel foolish. Childish even. Nero has never treated him cruelly and helped him where Dante focused on the mission, on Urizen, on (in his mind) Vergil. Nero is not the person to reject V out of hand. If he were, they would not be on this walk or having this conversation. A simple exchange about being busy caring for Vergil and Dante would have been enough. V would have respected that answer and left. Instead, it's this uncertain unsteady footing.
"That may be the most apt description of me I've heard," V remarks dryly. Not nothing, no matter what Vergil thought in the moment he discarded V. He's the human weakness left behind and more. That weakness is more than weakness. Without his need for others, his experience asking for help, he could not have reached out to Nero as he had. As he is.
"We have the time," V says. They're walking nowhere so far as he knows. It's farther from the parts of Epiphany he's become familiar with. They walk, and V has no further idea what they might do together—eat? fight? Nero rejected the idea of the arcade (just as well, V cares little for the location on a personal level, more at ease in a bookstore or library). "I'm in a guest cabin near Elder Mother Station. Until I find more permanent housing."
One word, and his feeling feel foolish. Childish even. Nero has never treated him cruelly and helped him where Dante focused on the mission, on Urizen, on (in his mind) Vergil. Nero is not the person to reject V out of hand. If he were, they would not be on this walk or having this conversation. A simple exchange about being busy caring for Vergil and Dante would have been enough. V would have respected that answer and left. Instead, it's this uncertain unsteady footing.
"That may be the most apt description of me I've heard," V remarks dryly. Not nothing, no matter what Vergil thought in the moment he discarded V. He's the human weakness left behind and more. That weakness is more than weakness. Without his need for others, his experience asking for help, he could not have reached out to Nero as he had. As he is.
"We have the time," V says. They're walking nowhere so far as he knows. It's farther from the parts of Epiphany he's become familiar with. They walk, and V has no further idea what they might do together—eat? fight? Nero rejected the idea of the arcade (just as well, V cares little for the location on a personal level, more at ease in a bookstore or library). "I'm in a guest cabin near Elder Mother Station. Until I find more permanent housing."
[As Nero steps away into the kitchen for his glass of water, Vergil turns his attention back to his book. Normally, he would anticipate Nero's return to the couch would be his only warning before one of his three living, breathing weighted blankets made himself at home. But this time, Vergil is uncertain. He doesn't think Nero is about to treat him like a precious thing, easily broken if mishandled even slightly. It would only agitate Vergil given enough time if he did that, and that's not Nero's intention. However, considering the earlier upending of Vergil's stomach, he wouldn't necessarily fault Nero for wanting to take it a little easier on Vergil right now as far as jostling him around is concerned.]
[Vergil glances up, and ultimately does a slight double-take when Nero settles onto the couch. Nero's gotten past most of his self-consciousness about how he reads. So, the sight of him with a book or willingness to read in Vergil's presence isn't unheard of these days. Nero's selections, however, tend to be among the books Beatrice loved or one of Vergil's books of poetry. They're books he can only tolerate in small bursts as such, and Nero's enjoyment of them is at times limited. (Which is all well and good when Nero is most likely reading them for the sake of a connection between himself and his parents, not necessarily for his entertainment.) Thus, it's more happenstance than anything that Vergil comes across Nero reading. Nero sitting down with Vergil with the intention of reading himself (and reading a recommendation Vergil made, no less) is a far more novel experience.]
[And a pleasing one at that. Not that Vergil's minded the hours upon hours of wrestling and movies he's chosen to watch with Nero—he's actually gotten more invested in both than he thought he would in the beginning—but Vergil possesses far more limited hobbies for Nero to choose from, and he's not ignorant enough to believe that reading wouldn't occupy a fairly low position on Nero's list of preferred activities in general.]
Hm? [As it turns out, Vergil was a little distracted by his silent marveling at Nero choosing to read with him.] Oh. Yes, I feel fine right now.
The dizziness was only occurring when I moved too quickly. Reading doesn't exactly require particularly quick movements that would trigger it again.
[Which is a good thing because if he was too dizzy to read...]
Bite your tongue if your next words have any resemblance to "I told you so."
[Despite Vergil's tone, it's a playful warning.]
[Vergil glances up, and ultimately does a slight double-take when Nero settles onto the couch. Nero's gotten past most of his self-consciousness about how he reads. So, the sight of him with a book or willingness to read in Vergil's presence isn't unheard of these days. Nero's selections, however, tend to be among the books Beatrice loved or one of Vergil's books of poetry. They're books he can only tolerate in small bursts as such, and Nero's enjoyment of them is at times limited. (Which is all well and good when Nero is most likely reading them for the sake of a connection between himself and his parents, not necessarily for his entertainment.) Thus, it's more happenstance than anything that Vergil comes across Nero reading. Nero sitting down with Vergil with the intention of reading himself (and reading a recommendation Vergil made, no less) is a far more novel experience.]
[And a pleasing one at that. Not that Vergil's minded the hours upon hours of wrestling and movies he's chosen to watch with Nero—he's actually gotten more invested in both than he thought he would in the beginning—but Vergil possesses far more limited hobbies for Nero to choose from, and he's not ignorant enough to believe that reading wouldn't occupy a fairly low position on Nero's list of preferred activities in general.]
Hm? [As it turns out, Vergil was a little distracted by his silent marveling at Nero choosing to read with him.] Oh. Yes, I feel fine right now.
The dizziness was only occurring when I moved too quickly. Reading doesn't exactly require particularly quick movements that would trigger it again.
[Which is a good thing because if he was too dizzy to read...]
Bite your tongue if your next words have any resemblance to "I told you so."
[Despite Vergil's tone, it's a playful warning.]
I might need to go and find some more, my options are limited...
[She tilts her head back, letting him have easier access to her throat as her eyes flutter closed. As lovely as it is to have the sensation of his lips against her skin and the strange new feeling of having two distinctly human hands on her body, there's a certain neglected part of her that craves more. She shifts slightly until she's able to straddle his lap, and settles herself with her legs astride his hips, moaning low as she finally brushes against him. They may still be clothed (barely) at the point of contact, but it doesn't make it any less electric when she rubs against his erection at last.]
I want you to tell me what you need.
[She knows what she needs but she's also very aware that he's the one who's been pining for her for seven months when it's only been two for her. As far as she's concerned, his needs outweigh hers... at least for now.]
[She tilts her head back, letting him have easier access to her throat as her eyes flutter closed. As lovely as it is to have the sensation of his lips against her skin and the strange new feeling of having two distinctly human hands on her body, there's a certain neglected part of her that craves more. She shifts slightly until she's able to straddle his lap, and settles herself with her legs astride his hips, moaning low as she finally brushes against him. They may still be clothed (barely) at the point of contact, but it doesn't make it any less electric when she rubs against his erection at last.]
I want you to tell me what you need.
[She knows what she needs but she's also very aware that he's the one who's been pining for her for seven months when it's only been two for her. As far as she's concerned, his needs outweigh hers... at least for now.]
Hey now. [Nero laughs at the pre-emptive warning, and leans his head back in a playful backwards head bonk, nudging Vergil's leg as he lies down with his feet hanging over the arm of the couch.] I didn't say shit, old man.
[... and he wasn't going to say "I told you so." Probably. Most likely. At least, not in a way where he meant it as more than a way to annoy his father...
Nero does settle in, pulling out the book and thumbing through it before he starts attempting to read in earnest. This is honestly more about making Vergil feel better about bailing on their spar, about cutting short their afternoon than it is that he really desires to sit and read right now, but... hey. His dad's sick for possibly the first time in his life. He could use a little company, so he might as well get started on this book while he's at it.
Reading alongside Nero does offer a few minor challenges though. It's not silent for long before he speaks up.]
What's "tantalized?"
[... and he wasn't going to say "I told you so." Probably. Most likely. At least, not in a way where he meant it as more than a way to annoy his father...
Nero does settle in, pulling out the book and thumbing through it before he starts attempting to read in earnest. This is honestly more about making Vergil feel better about bailing on their spar, about cutting short their afternoon than it is that he really desires to sit and read right now, but... hey. His dad's sick for possibly the first time in his life. He could use a little company, so he might as well get started on this book while he's at it.
Reading alongside Nero does offer a few minor challenges though. It's not silent for long before he speaks up.]
What's "tantalized?"
[At this point, Vergil is well accustomed to the disruptions to his reading when he isn't alone with it. With Dante, it's incessant chatter about whatever comes to mind which Vergil has gotten quite good at tuning out. Well. He tunes most of it out. Dante still has the tendency to occasionally say something that sparks his temper or otherwise hooks him into a conversation whether he likes it or not. And if it's not that, then it's Dante's need to constantly keep moving that eventually pulls Vergil from his book to deal with his little brother elbowing him in the side or nearly clocking Vergil in the jaw with a knee or foot every couple of minutes. Mizu has a tendency to read with Vergil albeit she favors nonfiction, typically reading something that contributes to her research on London. So, occasionally, she shares something she's read or asks him a question to clarify the veracity of whatever claim has been made by the author. Most of the time, a brief response is all she needs. It's rare that she goes looking for conversation, and she tends to be just as still as Vergil. Nero, oddly enough, tends to occupy a middle ground between Dante and Mizu on both fronts when he hangs about while Vergil reads. If he chooses to make conversation with Vergil, he tends to either keep it brief or something that will be of interest to him. He can't keep nearly as still as Mizu, but it's blatantly obvious to Vergil that Nero tries his very best to tamp down his urge to fidget lest Vergil nudges him back into his own space.]
[Thus, Vergil never held any expectation that Nero would stay perfectly still nor perfectly quiet with his own book. At some point, he was bound to speak or move, or both. Vergil hardly minds, glancing up briefly from his own reading.]
Tantalized means to have tempted someone with something they really want, but without giving it to them. It's typically an impossible desire they're being tempted with, but not always. It's derived from Tantalus in Greek mythology, if you're familiar.
[Which he says as a way for Nero to remember the meaning of the word easier, not to condescend or make him feel stupid for not being able to guess at the word's meaning. Honestly, if Nero doesn't know the myth, that's a mark of failure on the part of schooling in Fortuna either for only teaching the myths surrounding Sparda or being unable to actively engage Nero in learning. Regardless, it's not a reflection of his son as far as Vergil is concerned.]
[Thus, Vergil never held any expectation that Nero would stay perfectly still nor perfectly quiet with his own book. At some point, he was bound to speak or move, or both. Vergil hardly minds, glancing up briefly from his own reading.]
Tantalized means to have tempted someone with something they really want, but without giving it to them. It's typically an impossible desire they're being tempted with, but not always. It's derived from Tantalus in Greek mythology, if you're familiar.
[Which he says as a way for Nero to remember the meaning of the word easier, not to condescend or make him feel stupid for not being able to guess at the word's meaning. Honestly, if Nero doesn't know the myth, that's a mark of failure on the part of schooling in Fortuna either for only teaching the myths surrounding Sparda or being unable to actively engage Nero in learning. Regardless, it's not a reflection of his son as far as Vergil is concerned.]
[Nero never cared all that much about school, or the ways in which he struggled with it. It was mostly boring as hell, and a waste of time that could have been better spent doing other things: playing outside, learning to fight, exploring the forest, listening to music, watching his forbidden TV... climbing on rooftops... going places he wasn't supposed to... Reading in particular never came easily for him, words getting all jumbled up in his head and making long passages increasingly difficult to understand. It was also unengaging, mostly dry-ass churchy shit about Sparda (sorry Gramps, but it was probably all fake anyway, right?) He liked comic books (the visuals and smaller amount of text help,) and he's read more than a few technical manuals trying to decipher them. But apart from that, reading for pleasure was not his thing.
Since meeting Vergil and learning about his mother, there's been times he's become self-conscious about his thoroughly average-to-below average reading interest and ability. Initially, he feared that his father might think he was stupid or slow. It felt like one more irreconcilable difference between them, one more way Nero could fail at being a good enough son to acknowledge.
Most of that, thankfully, has gone away. Vergil even reads to him now and then, and he finds it easier to understand by listening. He's even comfortable enough to ask for word definitions when needed (more often than he'd like.)
But still... it is a little embarrassing to admit when he's not getting a reference.]
Greek mythology? I don't know anything about that...
[But then a memory slowly dawns on him. Kyrie loves to read, and back in the day she would notice how Nero grumbled or slowly drifted his attention away from any attempts. So sometimes she'd offer to read to him, action-packed or scary books or things she knew he'd be more interested in. More often than not, Nero was too busy being enamored with Kyrie to pay attention to the book.
But he remembers ONE thing.]
Oh, wait. Greek... Like Clash of the Titans?
Since meeting Vergil and learning about his mother, there's been times he's become self-conscious about his thoroughly average-to-below average reading interest and ability. Initially, he feared that his father might think he was stupid or slow. It felt like one more irreconcilable difference between them, one more way Nero could fail at being a good enough son to acknowledge.
Most of that, thankfully, has gone away. Vergil even reads to him now and then, and he finds it easier to understand by listening. He's even comfortable enough to ask for word definitions when needed (more often than he'd like.)
But still... it is a little embarrassing to admit when he's not getting a reference.]
Greek mythology? I don't know anything about that...
[But then a memory slowly dawns on him. Kyrie loves to read, and back in the day she would notice how Nero grumbled or slowly drifted his attention away from any attempts. So sometimes she'd offer to read to him, action-packed or scary books or things she knew he'd be more interested in. More often than not, Nero was too busy being enamored with Kyrie to pay attention to the book.
But he remembers ONE thing.]
Oh, wait. Greek... Like Clash of the Titans?
[It's not altogether that surprising for Vergil to hear that Nero doesn't understand the reference. He's about explain it a little further when Nero chimes in with his reference that Vergil doesn't understand as indicated by the slight furrow in his brow as he looks up.]
I assume that's a film...?
[Vergil hesitates to say that it's based on anything in Greek mythology. What film adaptations Nero has shown Vergil have varied wildly in how closely they follow their source material for better or for worse, and he doesn't know where Greek mythology would land exactly. Vergil feels safe assuming it would likely vary greatly depending on the myth in question as to how far it might stray. Some of them were quite action-packed after all, and would probably make for great cinema in Nero's eyes, but others would probably be as interesting to him as watching grass grow if they were presented at all authentically. The title gives nothing away as to what myth it's referring to exactly, however. Hence his hesitation.]
I assume that's a film...?
[Vergil hesitates to say that it's based on anything in Greek mythology. What film adaptations Nero has shown Vergil have varied wildly in how closely they follow their source material for better or for worse, and he doesn't know where Greek mythology would land exactly. Vergil feels safe assuming it would likely vary greatly depending on the myth in question as to how far it might stray. Some of them were quite action-packed after all, and would probably make for great cinema in Nero's eyes, but others would probably be as interesting to him as watching grass grow if they were presented at all authentically. The title gives nothing away as to what myth it's referring to exactly, however. Hence his hesitation.]
[Hey! Maybe they're getting somewhere!]
Yeah, it's one of those old fantasy movies with the stop-motion monsters and stuff. Pegasus? And Medusa? And the lady chained to the rock, with the sea monster?
[He... THINKS that's Greek mythology? All the names the same as star constellations and all. That means it's Greek, right?
Oh, and-]
Ah, and Hercules? I mean, he wasn't in Clash of the Titans but I saw those movies too.
Yeah, it's one of those old fantasy movies with the stop-motion monsters and stuff. Pegasus? And Medusa? And the lady chained to the rock, with the sea monster?
[He... THINKS that's Greek mythology? All the names the same as star constellations and all. That means it's Greek, right?
Oh, and-]
Ah, and Hercules? I mean, he wasn't in Clash of the Titans but I saw those movies too.
[Well, now that's just confusing. Although not the part about Hercules' absence from Clash of the Titans.]
I would hope he wasn't included in something meant to tell the story of Perseus given he is both his younger half-brother and great-grandson... [Vergil shakes his head a little as he momentarily closes his book, leaving a finger between pages to hold his place. He gets to the part that does not make much sense.] How exactly did this film get its title? Perseus' myth comes after the Titanomachy, and if memory serves, Atlas is the only Titan ever remotely associated with him depending on the author.
[He frowns a little further.]
Of course, setting aside the inaccuracy to the original myth, Perseus' story has enough story to be told on its own between the slaying of Medusa and Cetus without the addition of the Titans. They are not included in the film, are they?
[Vergil really cannot think it would be any good under those circumstances because there's creative liberties and then there's simultaneously bloating and diluting a narrative needlessly.]
I would hope he wasn't included in something meant to tell the story of Perseus given he is both his younger half-brother and great-grandson... [Vergil shakes his head a little as he momentarily closes his book, leaving a finger between pages to hold his place. He gets to the part that does not make much sense.] How exactly did this film get its title? Perseus' myth comes after the Titanomachy, and if memory serves, Atlas is the only Titan ever remotely associated with him depending on the author.
[He frowns a little further.]
Of course, setting aside the inaccuracy to the original myth, Perseus' story has enough story to be told on its own between the slaying of Medusa and Cetus without the addition of the Titans. They are not included in the film, are they?
[Vergil really cannot think it would be any good under those circumstances because there's creative liberties and then there's simultaneously bloating and diluting a narrative needlessly.]
[Nero does not outright say "what on earth are you talking about?" It is at least mildly written all over his face, though.
He lets Vergil ramble for a moment, then catches the question and tries to remember the movie. He's seen it more recently than on his handheld television but it was still a while ago.]
Uh... no. I don't think there are any titans, come to think of it. [A beat.] It's a good movie though. We should watch it sometime.
[Then he cracks a sly grin, upside-down from his spot leaning his head on Vergil's leg.] You can tell me all the ways it's not the same as the book.
He lets Vergil ramble for a moment, then catches the question and tries to remember the movie. He's seen it more recently than on his handheld television but it was still a while ago.]
Uh... no. I don't think there are any titans, come to think of it. [A beat.] It's a good movie though. We should watch it sometime.
[Then he cracks a sly grin, upside-down from his spot leaning his head on Vergil's leg.] You can tell me all the ways it's not the same as the book.
[He heaves a sigh with a slight shake of his head.]
I am beginning to yearn for the days when you were less cognizant of how much you are able to get away with by virtue of being my son. [Patently untrue. While he can't say he exactly enjoys being wound up on purpose like that so often, Vergil doesn't entirely mind it either. And he would certainly prefer Nero doesn't feel he needs to walks on eggshells around him either. It's better that they both don't feel such a hair's breadth away from everything falling apart. With his free hand, he grabs hold of Nero's face by his chin to scrunch up that shit-eating grin.] How unfortunate that polite young man was all but an illusion. Instead, I have this foolish hooligan to call my kin.
[He gives Nero's head a little shake before letting him go.]
I'll watch your film that is likely littered with egregious inaccuracies, but you would do well to learn more Greek mythology beyond what you would see on a screen, child. It may even lead to you appreciate things you already like more than you do now.
I am beginning to yearn for the days when you were less cognizant of how much you are able to get away with by virtue of being my son. [Patently untrue. While he can't say he exactly enjoys being wound up on purpose like that so often, Vergil doesn't entirely mind it either. And he would certainly prefer Nero doesn't feel he needs to walks on eggshells around him either. It's better that they both don't feel such a hair's breadth away from everything falling apart. With his free hand, he grabs hold of Nero's face by his chin to scrunch up that shit-eating grin.] How unfortunate that polite young man was all but an illusion. Instead, I have this foolish hooligan to call my kin.
[He gives Nero's head a little shake before letting him go.]
I'll watch your film that is likely littered with egregious inaccuracies, but you would do well to learn more Greek mythology beyond what you would see on a screen, child. It may even lead to you appreciate things you already like more than you do now.
Sorry there, Pops. You were gonna figure it out sooner or later.
[Remember when Vergil and Nero were too uneasy to even touch one another? Now they're at the point where Nero's getting his face scrunched for mouthing off. Bothered FatherTM. He cackles and permits the head shaking, delighting in being called a foolish hooligan.
Then Vergil suggests he experience more Greek mythology. And actually?]
Sure, you can read me the book sometime. It sounds cool.
[Remember when Vergil and Nero were too uneasy to even touch one another? Now they're at the point where Nero's getting his face scrunched for mouthing off. Bothered FatherTM. He cackles and permits the head shaking, delighting in being called a foolish hooligan.
Then Vergil suggests he experience more Greek mythology. And actually?]
Sure, you can read me the book sometime. It sounds cool.
Oh, we gotta take you shopping...
[Muttered against her skin as though it occurred to him mid-thought. Fortunately, it doesn't seem to distract him very much. He pulls away only when Kyrie rolls atop him, replacing his hands on the curve of her waist. His teeth sink into his bottom lip as she grinds down, and with a roll of his hips he presses his hardening bulge up between her thighs.
He very nearly audibly says "fuck" as he groans. Alas, he only mouths it.]
I need... [He settles into a slow rhythm, grinding up against her. He also lets out a quiet laugh, now brilliantly pink from scalp to stomach.] To learn to talk dirty without goddamn dying...
[He spares a hand from her waist only so he can briefly, bashfully press his fist over his eyes. Then he lets it drop, an absolutely smitten look in his eyes as he gazes up at her. ]
I need to make love to you. All night. Until you're satisfied.
[Muttered against her skin as though it occurred to him mid-thought. Fortunately, it doesn't seem to distract him very much. He pulls away only when Kyrie rolls atop him, replacing his hands on the curve of her waist. His teeth sink into his bottom lip as she grinds down, and with a roll of his hips he presses his hardening bulge up between her thighs.
He very nearly audibly says "fuck" as he groans. Alas, he only mouths it.]
I need... [He settles into a slow rhythm, grinding up against her. He also lets out a quiet laugh, now brilliantly pink from scalp to stomach.] To learn to talk dirty without goddamn dying...
[He spares a hand from her waist only so he can briefly, bashfully press his fist over his eyes. Then he lets it drop, an absolutely smitten look in his eyes as he gazes up at her. ]
I need to make love to you. All night. Until you're satisfied.
Nero is new to this "family" thing, but not to that raw, awful feeling of vulnerability. Of offering oneself to someone, wholly and sincerely. Too many times he's felt it, only to have the gesture thrown back in his face, or otherwise violently rejected somewhere down the line. He would be conscious of such a gesture coming from anyone, much less the shadow of his own father.
He shrugs and offers an awkward little smirk at V's observation. Nero doesn't consider himself particularly profound but sometimes he does hit the nail on the head.
So V is nearby... but Vergil notably didn't ask him to live with them. Yeah, Nero ain't touching that with a 20 foot pole, nor even bringing the idea up.
"I hope it's a nice cabin at least," he says. "That's not that far, right? That's good. If you end up needing anything you should let me know, now that you know where the house is."
He shrugs and offers an awkward little smirk at V's observation. Nero doesn't consider himself particularly profound but sometimes he does hit the nail on the head.
So V is nearby... but Vergil notably didn't ask him to live with them. Yeah, Nero ain't touching that with a 20 foot pole, nor even bringing the idea up.
"I hope it's a nice cabin at least," he says. "That's not that far, right? That's good. If you end up needing anything you should let me know, now that you know where the house is."
Appropriate that Nero would identify what V is better than Vergil in some regards. Vergil knows V inside and out, having been him, yet that also leaves him too close. He's too close to V to understand everything—to understand the idea of a future where V persists. They're awkward around each other and mean something, but neither of them ventures to put it into words. Nero goes there and hits it in one. He seemed less powerful, less trained, less familiar with his power than Vergil or Dante, but he's more... something.
V only observes for now. Everything is too tenuous to say anything about anything. V doesn't know Nero the way Vergil or Dante does. Say the wrong thing, and what little they have could evaporate. Get cut. Cast off.
"It's nicer than anything I've known," V says. He may push the limits of how long one is expected to stay. The Lapine neighborhood is also close. He may wind up there, living in a burrow like a hobbit. The housing in Folkmore is all adequate, what V has seen of it, but he chose the guest cabin because it's close to the neighborhood Vergil said they lived in. He's stayed for that reason. "You too should call on me if you need something."
Something Vergil and Dante cannot provide. So pretty much, nothing.
V only observes for now. Everything is too tenuous to say anything about anything. V doesn't know Nero the way Vergil or Dante does. Say the wrong thing, and what little they have could evaporate. Get cut. Cast off.
"It's nicer than anything I've known," V says. He may push the limits of how long one is expected to stay. The Lapine neighborhood is also close. He may wind up there, living in a burrow like a hobbit. The housing in Folkmore is all adequate, what V has seen of it, but he chose the guest cabin because it's close to the neighborhood Vergil said they lived in. He's stayed for that reason. "You too should call on me if you need something."
Something Vergil and Dante cannot provide. So pretty much, nothing.
[Vergil opens his mouth to clarify that Greek mythology is by no means contained within a single book, but decides against it. Let that be something Nero discovers on his own while Vergil has this buy-in for now. He runs the fingers of his free hand through Nero's hair lightly.]
I believe if you approach it with an open mind, you'll quite like it.
[Some parts of it may be of less interest to him than others, of course, but there's plenty of monsters and action in most Greek myth to keep Nero plenty entertained if he's able to track what's happening. And what Vergil says is true. Greek myth serves as a foundation of Western literature, and he's more than clever enough to draw those comparisons. Vergil knows it. He just needs to give it a chance, and have it presented in a manner he can enjoy it rather than have it be some dry academic discussion.]
The Greeks wrote poetry about wrestling, you know. And not just about the mythic heroes against their monstrous foes. They held the sport in high regard, and as the greatest demonstration of human strength. [He huffs a small, quiet laugh.] Of course, their wrestling was far more violent than the wrestling you watch. Even the Romans felt the Greeks needed to "chill out," to borrow a phrase from you.
I believe if you approach it with an open mind, you'll quite like it.
[Some parts of it may be of less interest to him than others, of course, but there's plenty of monsters and action in most Greek myth to keep Nero plenty entertained if he's able to track what's happening. And what Vergil says is true. Greek myth serves as a foundation of Western literature, and he's more than clever enough to draw those comparisons. Vergil knows it. He just needs to give it a chance, and have it presented in a manner he can enjoy it rather than have it be some dry academic discussion.]
The Greeks wrote poetry about wrestling, you know. And not just about the mythic heroes against their monstrous foes. They held the sport in high regard, and as the greatest demonstration of human strength. [He huffs a small, quiet laugh.] Of course, their wrestling was far more violent than the wrestling you watch. Even the Romans felt the Greeks needed to "chill out," to borrow a phrase from you.
[Vergil's extremely formal usage of "chill out" makes him laugh. Especially because Vergil is also laughing.] Ah, so the Greeks had good taste, then?
[He assumes "more violent" than professional wrestling is probably referring to the fact that his wrestling is staged. So does that mean they were actually beating each other with chairs? And writing poems about it?
Yeah, actually, he could get behind this shit.
Nero leans his head back into those head strokes like a cat seeking the contact.]
So you're saying the fact it's violent and there's monsters makes it... tantalizing, for me?
[He assumes "more violent" than professional wrestling is probably referring to the fact that his wrestling is staged. So does that mean they were actually beating each other with chairs? And writing poems about it?
Yeah, actually, he could get behind this shit.
Nero leans his head back into those head strokes like a cat seeking the contact.]
So you're saying the fact it's violent and there's monsters makes it... tantalizing, for me?
Quite. [He smiles with an equally pleased hum at Nero's correct use of the word "tantalizing."] Although you do not share in Tantalus's fate. Whatever you desire shall never be impossibly beyond your reach, dear child.
[Perhaps it is a bit odd for so true and sentimental statement to come now, but Vergil is nothing less than sincere in that belief and finds it merit saying given the day's events. To him, Nero is limitless in all that he can do. There is nothing he cannot accomplish nor obtain once his mind is set to it. Whatever it takes, he'll push himself to see it through to the end. Nero simply is all Vergil thought to be the impossible with all his strength and love.]
[But still he borrows a small page from Dante and Nero's book, lessening the weight of his words a little with a slight tease, mussing up Nero's hair in the process.]
You're far too damned stubborn to let it be otherwise.
[Perhaps it is a bit odd for so true and sentimental statement to come now, but Vergil is nothing less than sincere in that belief and finds it merit saying given the day's events. To him, Nero is limitless in all that he can do. There is nothing he cannot accomplish nor obtain once his mind is set to it. Whatever it takes, he'll push himself to see it through to the end. Nero simply is all Vergil thought to be the impossible with all his strength and love.]
[But still he borrows a small page from Dante and Nero's book, lessening the weight of his words a little with a slight tease, mussing up Nero's hair in the process.]
You're far too damned stubborn to let it be otherwise.
[There's a moment there, very brief (also upside-down) where Nero gets a flicker of real, genuine sentiment in his eyes from Vergil's words. It's an incredibly kind thing to say. It also rings truer than it ever would have before. What Nero desired more than anything else in the universe was a family. People who'd love him unconditionally for being himself, and not for any other purpose or selfish motivation. He never got that wish as a kid, but he'd built a family with his beloved Kyrie. And now not only does he have her, but he's here in this house with his uncle and his father. His father. Real and in the flesh, stroking his hair and telling him he'll always have what he wants. What else could he want, than this precise sort of exchange-- than to feel that warmth and love from his dad?
The deflecting joke makes him blink hard, then laugh. The tears are neatly chased away and he can find the words to respond to that.]
Damn straight.
[Then with another smile over his shoulder, he resumes reading his book and lets Vergil get back to his, as well. Everything is perfect and peaceful and content.
For almost ten minutes this time.]
Uh. "Scrupulous?"
[I'm sorry, Vergil. He pronounces it "scrupple-us."]
The deflecting joke makes him blink hard, then laugh. The tears are neatly chased away and he can find the words to respond to that.]
Damn straight.
[Then with another smile over his shoulder, he resumes reading his book and lets Vergil get back to his, as well. Everything is perfect and peaceful and content.
For almost ten minutes this time.]
Uh. "Scrupulous?"
[I'm sorry, Vergil. He pronounces it "scrupple-us."]
[As self-conscious as Nero is when it comes to swearing around her, at times like this Kyrie can’t help but take it as something of a compliment, a sign that his self-control is slipping in the best of ways.
Hers is hanging by a thread as it is as her world contracts to just the two of them, on this bed, wearing far, far too many clothes. She doesn’t need to shop for more, she’d quite happily never wear clothes again if it meant staying like this.
Cheeks flushed, lips swollen from kissing and panting softly, she pauses from riding him as he proclaims his intentions and just melts. It’s like falling in love with him all over again.
She nods emphatically.]
Yes-
[Her voice catches somewhere in her throat and she snatches another needy, hungry kiss from him, her hips moving on him again to punctuate how emphatically she approves of his needs.]
Yes please, I need that too. I really do.
Hers is hanging by a thread as it is as her world contracts to just the two of them, on this bed, wearing far, far too many clothes. She doesn’t need to shop for more, she’d quite happily never wear clothes again if it meant staying like this.
Cheeks flushed, lips swollen from kissing and panting softly, she pauses from riding him as he proclaims his intentions and just melts. It’s like falling in love with him all over again.
She nods emphatically.]
Yes-
[Her voice catches somewhere in her throat and she snatches another needy, hungry kiss from him, her hips moving on him again to punctuate how emphatically she approves of his needs.]
Yes please, I need that too. I really do.
[There's a brief pause before Vergil offers his correction on Nero's pronunciation, the furrow in his brow returning slightly as he makes certain he knows what word Nero means.]
Scrupulous. [Correctly pronounced, but with a neutral tone that does not condescend for his mispronunciation. "Scrupple-us" was not a bad guess for how it is written. He doesn't immediately throw out the answer though. This one, Vergil thinks, Nero can probably come to the correct definition on his own.] Have you come across the word "scruple" before? It's a related word.
[Vergil is willing to wager he has at some point or another given his upbringing in a religious cult. In that instance, even if he still doesn't know the exact meaning, context should certainly fill it out enough to point him in the right direction. And barring that, his mother's literature has certainly used the word. Nero may have taken the time to look the word up while trying to read the books on his own and can make the bridge all on his own in understanding the word. Hence the confidence Nero can probably reason this one out one way or another without as much direct input from Vergil.]
Scrupulous. [Correctly pronounced, but with a neutral tone that does not condescend for his mispronunciation. "Scrupple-us" was not a bad guess for how it is written. He doesn't immediately throw out the answer though. This one, Vergil thinks, Nero can probably come to the correct definition on his own.] Have you come across the word "scruple" before? It's a related word.
[Vergil is willing to wager he has at some point or another given his upbringing in a religious cult. In that instance, even if he still doesn't know the exact meaning, context should certainly fill it out enough to point him in the right direction. And barring that, his mother's literature has certainly used the word. Nero may have taken the time to look the word up while trying to read the books on his own and can make the bridge all on his own in understanding the word. Hence the confidence Nero can probably reason this one out one way or another without as much direct input from Vergil.]
[Vergil is right. Nero has heard that word before. It's just going to take him a moment to recall, because the context was some religious service or other that he was zoning out for.
After a think, complete with scrunched brows and pursed lips, Nero recalls it.]
"Guard thy scruples more diligently than the greatest treasure." [Said in a mockery of some dry-ass old fart speaking to the congregation.
He takes another moment to consider that context and then finally has to confess.]
I once decided it meant "balls." Heh.
After a think, complete with scrunched brows and pursed lips, Nero recalls it.]
"Guard thy scruples more diligently than the greatest treasure." [Said in a mockery of some dry-ass old fart speaking to the congregation.
He takes another moment to consider that context and then finally has to confess.]
I once decided it meant "balls." Heh.
...
[Vergil heaves an audible, heavy sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose and shaking his head slightly. It's a small wonder that didn't just inspire a headache, but perhaps that is a credit to an increased tolerance in contending with Dante's nonsense for so long. He lowers his hand and looks down at Nero.]
And when setting aside the height of comedy and cleverness that is your adolescent sense of humor?
[Vergil heaves an audible, heavy sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose and shaking his head slightly. It's a small wonder that didn't just inspire a headache, but perhaps that is a credit to an increased tolerance in contending with Dante's nonsense for so long. He lowers his hand and looks down at Nero.]
And when setting aside the height of comedy and cleverness that is your adolescent sense of humor?
[Okay, no matter how dumb or puerile it makes him look, that was absolutely worth it for Vergil's disdain alone. He's grinning, holding back a laugh, which also covers up that he just... isn't entirely sure what the word means.
Something that you have... that should be protected securely... but not your balls...]
I don't know. Money?
Something that you have... that should be protected securely... but not your balls...]
I don't know. Money?
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