I'm gonna. I'll tell him you fell into a hole or something. I just don't get what the fuss is about.
[He doesn't really intend to pry, either. Didn't know it was such a touchy thing to leave Vergil actually sputtering about it.
And in the interest of not prying, he tries to change the subject before it seems like he might be.]
Listen. [He sets one hand squarely atop Vergil's head, ruffling his hair in a familiar manner.] If you want me to fuck off, I will. But being sick sucks ass, and you shouldn't have to deal with it by yourself. I wanna help.
[Vergil's frown deepens once it registers what Nero is doing to his hair. He ducks away from Nero's hand, swatting at it until Nero takes it back and Vergil can sit back upright without further ruffling. Loosened strands likely draw out more of the family resemblance between Vergil and Dante, but Vergil does not allow them to be for very long. He makes a small, annoyed noise before pushing his hair back into place, but does not give Nero an answer right away. His hands fall back down to his lap, and still he says nothing.]
[Nero presents it as a binary choice, and Vergil supposes it is. Either he allows Nero to help or he denies him. (Although, who is to say that the stubborn child will not still force the issue even if Vergil says he does not want any help?]) Vergil does not truthfully know what he wants. Glaring at them as though the answer might present itself if he glares long and hard enough, his hands curl into light fists in his lap. Everything within him loathes the idea of allowing himself any sort of dependency upon anyone else. It bristles and goes on the offense immediately, ready to do whatever it might take for him to hide away until this illness passes. But a part of him... A part of him knows the promises he's made to Nero about not handling things alone. It also knows how that night wasn't nearly as long or terrible as it could have been when Nero stayed with him after her a nightmare.]
I've looked after myself for nearly forty years. There was no one else. [Part of him wants to be uncharitable and say no one ever wanted to be there, but he knows that's not true. Vergil never gave anyone the opportunity to try. He never asked them to stay, and he always ran. And then he was so far removed from even himself that... But regardless still of the reasons why no one was ever there to look after him, Vergil was still alone.] Even if there had been, they could not have done anything.
[They would have died. And then Vergil would have as well. Simple as that.]
I'm fine on my own. [He tightens his fists in his lap, pursing his lips.] But if you wish to make yourself useful, I am not exactly in a position to stop you.
It makes sense, and it isn't far off from what Nero guessed might be the issue. Vergil spent so long alone, dealing with everything alone, he's terminally unable to back down from that position of independence and self-reliance. And when other people notice he's vulnerable or worse, point out to him that he's vulnerable-- by offering to help, perhaps-- it feels like an attack.
He can kind of relate, honestly. Nero used to be similar, isolating himself, insisting on working alone whenever possible. But after a certain point he was never really left to his own devices. He had Credo, or Dante, or Kyrie. Always, always Kyrie. But it can't be easy to break oneself out of that mindset.
Somehow refraining from going for the hair-ruffle again, he lets out a soft sigh and stands up again. Just another knot of his father's demeanor he's gonna try to untie, slowly and gently.]
I know you're fine on your own. But you don't have to be, if you don't want to be for a while.
[He leaves it at that for the moment, turning to head to Vergil's room to grab those books he was talking about before the tea gets ready. And honestly, he's not gonna get any better agreement from Vergil than "I'm not in a position to stop you," because aid is a thing being done unto him that he must suffer rather than anything he'll feel comfortable welcoming.
[Vergil glances over the back of the couch as Nero steps away towards Vergil's bedroom, but says nothing to Nero's assertion one way or another. He turns his attention back over to the fireplace, at the family portrait above the mantle. Vergil was barely older than that when he found himself on his own. His gaze drifts to the hand on his shoulder in the painting before looking to the last person who tried and he allowed to look after him. At least until... Vergil glances in the direction of his bedroom again with a quiet sigh.]
[He wouldn't be here if that child hadn't protected and carried him through to the finish line nearly two years ago by Vergil's measure now. It's simple fact.]
[By the time Nero emerges with the books, Vergil has removed his boots and tucked his legs beneath him on the couch. It's about as relaxed as Vergil tends to sit on the couch. He looks over to Nero when he hears his approaching footfalls.]
Fucking hell, did you check out the whole library?
[He... thinks he got them all. Vergil's room is, by his estimation, about 75% covered in books. Nero grabbed all the ones that appear to be from the library, with the stickers and spines and everything, and it takes all four of his arms to carry them out into the living room in four huge stacks.
One wing sets down its stack, then the other. Then they vanish as Nero lowers to the coffee table and sets down the other two stacks.]
I'm gonna have to rent a truck to bring these all back.
Now who is being dramatic? [Vergil scoffs lightly at Nero's commentary about the amount of books he's checked out.] You act as though you could not comfortably carry a truck filled with books.
[He shifts in his seat, putting his feet back on the floor so he can sit on the edge of the couch, closer to the coffee table. He takes some of the books off the first stack into his lap and begins with his neat little piles. One stack on the floor for those that will be returned and a stack on the couch beside him for those he's keeping.]
[...As he's sorting, he turns a light shade of pink as he realizes the trashy romance novel Oleandra insisted he read still hasn't been returned. It is quickly shoved into the middle of the return stack where it will hopefully remain unnoticed. He thought he returned it weeks ago now, but it would seem it got lost among the rest. Perhaps he ought to take more time to go through the books in his room more often to avoid situations like this in the future. He moves on to continue sorting.]
If it would be easier for carrying the books, the bags I use for the farmer's market are in the kitchen. They should hold them easily enough.
I can, [thanks for noticing!] but I'm still gonna need the truck for that, huh?
[Nero waits patiently as Vergil sorts through his books. He takes one off the top of the return stack, looking at it curiously and opening it up. On the first page, his face scrunches up slightly. The scrunching increases as he works his way down the page. Finally he snaps it shut and returns it to the pile, shaking his head. Is that even in English?
He turns a similar shade of pink, hoping Vergil didn't just notice that.]
If you're not too dizzy, you could get some reading in. [He doesn't need to tell Vergil that, really, but it's a diplomatic suggestion for something he might do while he's under the weather.] Catch up those 17 or 18 books you're behind on...
[Despite the sheer volume of books, the return pile is actually carrying the lead. To say Vergil's literary appetite is voracious is perhaps a significant understatement.]
If that is to be my aim then you should take a list of books to check out when you go, [he says without looking up, remaining otherwise focused on his task.] Otherwise, I fear I will run out.
[He pauses on one of the books. Its cover gives away that it's a far more modern novel than Vergil's usual fare, and one look into the pages will find it not written with words that fell out of favor decades if not centuries ago with clear, direct syntax. Looking up, Vergil holds it out to Nero.]
You may wish to keep this one separate and check it out for yourself if they lack an audio version. You may find the protagonist a kindred spirit given his equally foul mouth.
[He's probably about to make another crack when Vergil hands him the book. He looks a little surprised but takes it, looking it over. Then he opens up to the first page and skims the text, mouthing the words silently as he gets to the bottom without any severe face scrunching.]
What is it? Did you read it? [He glances up at Vergil curiously.]
[While Nero busies himself with reading the first page, Vergil resumes his organizing. With the first stack of books organized, he transfers his keep pile to the coffee table for ease and pulls the first few books off the second stack.]
It is a spy thriller. It was featured as a recommended novel by a member of the library staff. The cover and title looked a bit more like a movie poster, so I thought you might like it. I took the liberty of reading it first just in case it didn't live up to first impressions. I hope you don't mind. I just know you find some mysteries to plod along and didn't want to waste your time with it if it didn't suit you after all. But there's enough action and twists that the novel keeps a quick pacing. I believe you'll find it exciting until the end, and may perhaps even make a few guesses at the truth as you read.
[Vergil isn't exactly winded by how much he speaks, but he feels that shortness of breath from earlier. He lets out a harsh little exhale as he continues placing books in their appropriate piles. Talking a lot and with the sort of passion that always comes out of Vergil when he starts talking about anything literary appears to be just as much of a potential trigger for his symptoms as overexerting himself with physical activity.]
[Irritating, to say the least. It's not as though Vergil really talks all that much to begin with...]
Nero, would you mind bringing me a glass of water as well when you bring out the tea?
[Nero continues examining the book as Vergil... well. Exposits about it, with great passion and thorough detail. It's not like Nero reads for fun that often, even as he's been dutifully plodding his way through Little Women and Frankenstein because his mother liked them. But a book that Vergil picked out and read, specifically because he thought Nero might like it? When it doesn't seem to suit his taste at all?
There is a sweet, genuine affection in the smile he cracks as he turns pink and glances away, setting the book aside in its own pile.] Sounds really cool. Thanks. I'll check it out.
[He nods to the affirmative regarding the water. And in fact, the kettle is just about to boil, so Nero ducks off to the kitchen to take care of it.
He returns a few minutes later with the tea in the pot, two teacups, and a large glass of ice water, all of which he carefully sets apart from the book piles.]
[By the time Nero returns with the tea, Vergil has cleared the second stack and is making a decent dent into the third. Although the ratio has perhaps shifted a bit to an increase in how many books are to be kept, it's obvious still that more books need returning than those that are still in need of reading. He glances at it as Nero sets it down, silently appreciative that he keeps it carefully apart from the books.]
Assuming you did not over-steep it this time.
[What might seem like a critical remark is actually a gentle tease at some of Nero's early attempts at brewing tea for Vergil. Although really, who was the one to still choke it down to avoid hurting the other's feelings? Arguably, that one is the bigger fool of the two.]
[Vergil finishes with the handful of books he's brought to his lap before he reaches for the tea.]
[He scoffs and teases back.] It's ginger tea, you can't over-steep it. [...Also he set a timer. Those early attempts were totally embarrassing. No wonder he thinks tea is fucking gross when he's been making it wrong, turns out.
Vergil will also find that he did not add the lemon and honey, knowing Vergil would probably prefer it straight.]
Kyrie was gonna go shopping today. When she's back later she's gonna want to make you soup. Fair warning... it'll be the best soup you've ever had.
[Vergil pours both cups, setting the pot down and taking his as Nero makes mention of Kyrie and the threat of soup. He sighs a little because he knows already the matter of Kyrie is going to be a far more difficult situation to navigate than his son. Especially when aforementioned son is so fiercely protective of her.]
Let's see how I do with tea before introducing soup...
[Right now, he cannot say the thought of eating something particularly appeals to him regardless of what it is or how good it tastes. The cramping in his stomach has subsided enough that he doesn't feel nearly so in danger of vomiting again, but he is not keen on agitating his stomach again further.]
[He takes a sip of his tea.]
Could you perhaps convince her to wait until tomorrow if I do not feel hungry today? I imagine it would be upsetting to her if after I ate, I were to "blow chunks" as you so delicately put it. [And Vergil will not be in the mood to offer reassurances to her. At least, that is the implicit argument he is trying to make with this.] I promise I will try to eat it then if I am not feeling able to eat today.
[Vergil carefully frames it around the matter of his stomach and hunger because they are factors. But the real issue is that Kyrie can be... Well, to put it delicately, a lot. She feels a lot of emotions and quite intensely, and Vergil doesn't know what to do with half of them on a good day. Vergil does not know how much he is up for after already having to navigate Nero's concern to have Kyrie pile hers on as well. Especially when he knows how delicate her feelings are and how utterly indelicate he is in turn. It's not a good combination, and it would be wise for Nero to play a bit of interference if Vergil is not up for it today.]
[Yes, he knows he's inviting in all of Nero's preaching about the virtues of his girlfriend by saying as much. Even a compliment as small as that can inspire several minutes effortlessly. But it is a statement of fact that Kyrie is kind, too. How else should someone whose immediate thought was to repay him even before she'd even begun to properly warm up because described?]
Although I believe you underestimate her persistence.
[It's true that Kyrie would not likely do well with Vergil's more foul moods. Any sort of irritability from him, a forceful or unkind word, and she's likely to not just fold, she will outright crumble. But there was no amount of telling her that it was unnecessary to repay him meant she was going to let what he did for her in Wintermute and bringing her home to Nero go unanswered. Were she not so determined in her own right, Kyrie likely would not have lasted as Nero's girlfriend for long. How could she with as stubborn as he is?]
That said, if either of you attempt a bedside vigil at any point, child, you will find yourself to be the one in need of it.
[It is largely a hollow threat in that Vergil would not actually follow through on it. But the point of avoiding a big production about this mystery illness remains a true one nonetheless. Making Vergil tea and soup, and being willing to exchange his books at the library are enough and already more than he's accustomed to or finding comfortable to tolerate. He takes another sip of his tea before setting it aside to resume sorting his library books. He's a little over halfway at this point, so he may as well concentrate efforts on finishing.]
[Vergil is spared from further gushing by that simple statement, for once. Nero could go on and on about how Kyrie once saw he was working in the training yard with a cold, and insistently shuffled him off to his dorm to rest, where she brought him fresh fruit and tea and a stack of comic books he had no idea she owned or where she acquired them. Once he was out of the orphanage she was the only one who ever showed her concern for his personal well being-- apart from Credo, who that same day had given him a side-eye and said "you should stop for the day and go rest," then continued on down the line. That was the way he did concern.
Uh. Anyway.
He laughs at the threat, picturing the mental image of a vexed, frustrated Vergil trying to strangle Nero through his vertigo and coughing fits.]
Okay. But if you start zoning out and quoting Keats, I'm gonna do what I gotta do. Deal?
[Vergil pauses a moment in his sorting and raises a slight eyebrow albeit not out of confusion or skepticism. If anything, he's...impressed by Nero's reference. The boy has been quite open about how often the poems Vergil favors tend to fly over his head, and he doesn't always understand the appeal of them. But it would appear something has sunk in enough for him to make a reference like that.]
If I am dissociating and quoting Keats, the matter has truly turned dire and I doubt I will be capable of any sort of protest at that point even if I do still possess enough awareness to object, [he says with a slight shake of his head as he places the next book in his lap on the keep pile. He's already read it once, but if he's to be cooped up for any length of time, he may not mind reading it again. He then offers his more explicit, playful agreement in Nero's preferred vernacular.] Deal. Whatever you feel is necessary, you may do.
[Check it out! A Poetry Thing stuck in Nero's brain! (He recalls the bookstore clerk gushing about the tragedy of John Keats while Nero uncomfortably shuffled with his hands in his pockets, trying to subtly encourage him to just ring up the book.)
Also: "dissociating" = "zoning out." Noted.
Chuckling at his father's slangy agreement, he puts out a hand for a fistbump. This... may or may not end with him sheepishly recovering the hand a few seconds later.]
[Vergil does not notice the offered hand at first, focused more on his books when Nero first extends it. But he happens to glance up, and oh. What is he supposed to do with that again? His brow furrows a little as he tries to recall the fuss Dante made about it. He recalls more of Dante's whining about leaving him "hanging" at first, but then he thinks he vaguely recalls what he is supposed to do.]
[Vergil very lightly bumps his knuckles against Nero's before resuming his task. Hopefully, he got it right and did not just make a fool of himself. Vergil is quick to return to his books, his complexion perhaps a touch pinker for it.]
It depends on their length and how long I can go without some form of interruption, [he says to Nero's question, giving him a brief look that indicates yes, Nero is one such interruption.] But I would say three would be the lower end, five on the upper end.
[He blinks a little at Nero's reaction, the color in his complexion not abating immediately.]
Yes, well. [Vergil clears his throat a little and looks back at the books he's sorting.] I enjoy reading...
[He does not have much by way of hobbies otherwise. There is only ever so much to do with gardening and without necessarily a direction given towards cooking, he's a bit more...listless with that. So, reading it is. As it always has been. As he told Nero, he had a bookshelf like the one in his room now as a child, but the difference that it was actually full of his own books. He'd read so many of them cover to cover several times.]
I know. It's just impressive. You're really smart.
[It's good there's a library close by that can feed that voracious habit of his. Just makes Nero wish he was a little better at it himself. Though he fully intends to sit down and push through that book Vergil picked out for him, come hell or high water. Maybe even when he gets back from dropping the books off.
It, uh... is not going to be a one-sitting thing for him, most likely.]
[He hums lightly as he reaches for the top of fourth and final stack to sort.]
I suppose I am better off not asking if you're only just now figuring that out, [he says, the joke being at his expense given just how much reason he's provided Nero to think him otherwise. Not that he believes any of this to truly be a reflection of his intelligence, anyways. The most that can actually be said is that he is well-read and is making up for a tremendous amount of lost time with the library at his disposal.] Your uncle doesn't understand why I frequent the library so much instead of owning the books myself. The question isn't entirely unreasonable considering how modest my collection is now compared to what I owned during my childhood, but I believe you can see why it's best I continue making use of the library.
[Even if he owned only a fraction of the books he's read since coming to Folkmore, he wouldn't have had the ability to walk or move around in his studio apartment by the time Nero and Dante joined him. And at this point, in the house, they most certainly would have escaped containment from his bedroom and overtaken much of the living room.]
[There is also the small matter that he will not be able to take any of these books with him when they leave this realm eventually. Vergil has spent most of his life unattached to objects, and he would like to remain as such until he can actually enjoy a true degree of permanency.]
[He could make a comment about there being different types of intelligence... but Nero is good enough to only laugh at Vergil's self-effacing joke. After all, it's not like he's a mega genius of any sort. And he still remembers the offense Vergil took the time he teased him for being a book nerd. He prefers to approach that particular angle of humor very carefully, if he approaches it at all.]
Yeah, it's better this way. No interventions. No coming home to find you crushed under a stack of books the size of a building...
[He looks at a few more of the books from the stacks as Vergil works through them. Opens to the first page and skims the text... sometimes nodding, sometimes making a face and shaking his head before quickly putting them back in the stack.]
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[He doesn't really intend to pry, either. Didn't know it was such a touchy thing to leave Vergil actually sputtering about it.
And in the interest of not prying, he tries to change the subject before it seems like he might be.]
Listen. [He sets one hand squarely atop Vergil's head, ruffling his hair in a familiar manner.] If you want me to fuck off, I will. But being sick sucks ass, and you shouldn't have to deal with it by yourself. I wanna help.
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[Nero presents it as a binary choice, and Vergil supposes it is. Either he allows Nero to help or he denies him. (Although, who is to say that the stubborn child will not still force the issue even if Vergil says he does not want any help?]) Vergil does not truthfully know what he wants. Glaring at them as though the answer might present itself if he glares long and hard enough, his hands curl into light fists in his lap. Everything within him loathes the idea of allowing himself any sort of dependency upon anyone else. It bristles and goes on the offense immediately, ready to do whatever it might take for him to hide away until this illness passes. But a part of him... A part of him knows the promises he's made to Nero about not handling things alone. It also knows how that night wasn't nearly as long or terrible as it could have been when Nero stayed with him after her a nightmare.]
I've looked after myself for nearly forty years. There was no one else. [Part of him wants to be uncharitable and say no one ever wanted to be there, but he knows that's not true. Vergil never gave anyone the opportunity to try. He never asked them to stay, and he always ran. And then he was so far removed from even himself that... But regardless still of the reasons why no one was ever there to look after him, Vergil was still alone.] Even if there had been, they could not have done anything.
[They would have died. And then Vergil would have as well. Simple as that.]
I'm fine on my own. [He tightens his fists in his lap, pursing his lips.] But if you wish to make yourself useful, I am not exactly in a position to stop you.
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It makes sense, and it isn't far off from what Nero guessed might be the issue. Vergil spent so long alone, dealing with everything alone, he's terminally unable to back down from that position of independence and self-reliance. And when other people notice he's vulnerable or worse, point out to him that he's vulnerable-- by offering to help, perhaps-- it feels like an attack.
He can kind of relate, honestly. Nero used to be similar, isolating himself, insisting on working alone whenever possible. But after a certain point he was never really left to his own devices. He had Credo, or Dante, or Kyrie. Always, always Kyrie. But it can't be easy to break oneself out of that mindset.
Somehow refraining from going for the hair-ruffle again, he lets out a soft sigh and stands up again. Just another knot of his father's demeanor he's gonna try to untie, slowly and gently.]
I know you're fine on your own. But you don't have to be, if you don't want to be for a while.
[He leaves it at that for the moment, turning to head to Vergil's room to grab those books he was talking about before the tea gets ready. And honestly, he's not gonna get any better agreement from Vergil than "I'm not in a position to stop you," because aid is a thing being done unto him that he must suffer rather than anything he'll feel comfortable welcoming.
So... that means he's helping then! Great!]
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[He wouldn't be here if that child hadn't protected and carried him through to the finish line nearly two years ago by Vergil's measure now. It's simple fact.]
[By the time Nero emerges with the books, Vergil has removed his boots and tucked his legs beneath him on the couch. It's about as relaxed as Vergil tends to sit on the couch. He looks over to Nero when he hears his approaching footfalls.]
Did you get them all?
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[He... thinks he got them all. Vergil's room is, by his estimation, about 75% covered in books. Nero grabbed all the ones that appear to be from the library, with the stickers and spines and everything, and it takes all four of his arms to carry them out into the living room in four huge stacks.
One wing sets down its stack, then the other. Then they vanish as Nero lowers to the coffee table and sets down the other two stacks.]
I'm gonna have to rent a truck to bring these all back.
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[He shifts in his seat, putting his feet back on the floor so he can sit on the edge of the couch, closer to the coffee table. He takes some of the books off the first stack into his lap and begins with his neat little piles. One stack on the floor for those that will be returned and a stack on the couch beside him for those he's keeping.]
[...As he's sorting, he turns a light shade of pink as he realizes the trashy romance novel Oleandra insisted he read still hasn't been returned. It is quickly shoved into the middle of the return stack where it will hopefully remain unnoticed. He thought he returned it weeks ago now, but it would seem it got lost among the rest. Perhaps he ought to take more time to go through the books in his room more often to avoid situations like this in the future. He moves on to continue sorting.]
If it would be easier for carrying the books, the bags I use for the farmer's market are in the kitchen. They should hold them easily enough.
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[Nero waits patiently as Vergil sorts through his books. He takes one off the top of the return stack, looking at it curiously and opening it up. On the first page, his face scrunches up slightly. The scrunching increases as he works his way down the page. Finally he snaps it shut and returns it to the pile, shaking his head. Is that even in English?
He turns a similar shade of pink, hoping Vergil didn't just notice that.]
If you're not too dizzy, you could get some reading in. [He doesn't need to tell Vergil that, really, but it's a diplomatic suggestion for something he might do while he's under the weather.] Catch up those 17 or 18 books you're behind on...
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If that is to be my aim then you should take a list of books to check out when you go, [he says without looking up, remaining otherwise focused on his task.] Otherwise, I fear I will run out.
[He pauses on one of the books. Its cover gives away that it's a far more modern novel than Vergil's usual fare, and one look into the pages will find it not written with words that fell out of favor decades if not centuries ago with clear, direct syntax. Looking up, Vergil holds it out to Nero.]
You may wish to keep this one separate and check it out for yourself if they lack an audio version. You may find the protagonist a kindred spirit given his equally foul mouth.
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[He's probably about to make another crack when Vergil hands him the book. He looks a little surprised but takes it, looking it over. Then he opens up to the first page and skims the text, mouthing the words silently as he gets to the bottom without any severe face scrunching.]
What is it? Did you read it? [He glances up at Vergil curiously.]
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It is a spy thriller. It was featured as a recommended novel by a member of the library staff. The cover and title looked a bit more like a movie poster, so I thought you might like it. I took the liberty of reading it first just in case it didn't live up to first impressions. I hope you don't mind. I just know you find some mysteries to plod along and didn't want to waste your time with it if it didn't suit you after all. But there's enough action and twists that the novel keeps a quick pacing. I believe you'll find it exciting until the end, and may perhaps even make a few guesses at the truth as you read.
[Vergil isn't exactly winded by how much he speaks, but he feels that shortness of breath from earlier. He lets out a harsh little exhale as he continues placing books in their appropriate piles. Talking a lot and with the sort of passion that always comes out of Vergil when he starts talking about anything literary appears to be just as much of a potential trigger for his symptoms as overexerting himself with physical activity.]
[Irritating, to say the least. It's not as though Vergil really talks all that much to begin with...]
Nero, would you mind bringing me a glass of water as well when you bring out the tea?
[He will likely need it once the tea is gone.]
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There is a sweet, genuine affection in the smile he cracks as he turns pink and glances away, setting the book aside in its own pile.] Sounds really cool. Thanks. I'll check it out.
[He nods to the affirmative regarding the water. And in fact, the kettle is just about to boil, so Nero ducks off to the kitchen to take care of it.
He returns a few minutes later with the tea in the pot, two teacups, and a large glass of ice water, all of which he carefully sets apart from the book piles.]
There you go. This oughta help for sure.
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Assuming you did not over-steep it this time.
[What might seem like a critical remark is actually a gentle tease at some of Nero's early attempts at brewing tea for Vergil. Although really, who was the one to still choke it down to avoid hurting the other's feelings? Arguably, that one is the bigger fool of the two.]
[Vergil finishes with the handful of books he's brought to his lap before he reaches for the tea.]
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Vergil will also find that he did not add the lemon and honey, knowing Vergil would probably prefer it straight.]
Kyrie was gonna go shopping today. When she's back later she's gonna want to make you soup. Fair warning... it'll be the best soup you've ever had.
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Let's see how I do with tea before introducing soup...
[Right now, he cannot say the thought of eating something particularly appeals to him regardless of what it is or how good it tastes. The cramping in his stomach has subsided enough that he doesn't feel nearly so in danger of vomiting again, but he is not keen on agitating his stomach again further.]
[He takes a sip of his tea.]
Could you perhaps convince her to wait until tomorrow if I do not feel hungry today? I imagine it would be upsetting to her if after I ate, I were to "blow chunks" as you so delicately put it. [And Vergil will not be in the mood to offer reassurances to her. At least, that is the implicit argument he is trying to make with this.] I promise I will try to eat it then if I am not feeling able to eat today.
[Vergil carefully frames it around the matter of his stomach and hunger because they are factors. But the real issue is that Kyrie can be... Well, to put it delicately, a lot. She feels a lot of emotions and quite intensely, and Vergil doesn't know what to do with half of them on a good day. Vergil does not know how much he is up for after already having to navigate Nero's concern to have Kyrie pile hers on as well. Especially when he knows how delicate her feelings are and how utterly indelicate he is in turn. It's not a good combination, and it would be wise for Nero to play a bit of interference if Vergil is not up for it today.]
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[Nero has a seat on the couch beside him, careful not to upset the books.]
She's not gonna forcefeed you or do a bedside vigil or anything. She'll just want to help if she can. Though nowhere near as determined as me.
[A wry, knowing smile. Kyrie will be wary and cautious about being naggy or pushy with Vergil. Nero, on the other hand....]
You can just say "no thank you." She'll understand. If you're content, she can breathe easy.
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[Yes, he knows he's inviting in all of Nero's preaching about the virtues of his girlfriend by saying as much. Even a compliment as small as that can inspire several minutes effortlessly. But it is a statement of fact that Kyrie is kind, too. How else should someone whose immediate thought was to repay him even before she'd even begun to properly warm up because described?]
Although I believe you underestimate her persistence.
[It's true that Kyrie would not likely do well with Vergil's more foul moods. Any sort of irritability from him, a forceful or unkind word, and she's likely to not just fold, she will outright crumble. But there was no amount of telling her that it was unnecessary to repay him meant she was going to let what he did for her in Wintermute and bringing her home to Nero go unanswered. Were she not so determined in her own right, Kyrie likely would not have lasted as Nero's girlfriend for long. How could she with as stubborn as he is?]
That said, if either of you attempt a bedside vigil at any point, child, you will find yourself to be the one in need of it.
[It is largely a hollow threat in that Vergil would not actually follow through on it. But the point of avoiding a big production about this mystery illness remains a true one nonetheless. Making Vergil tea and soup, and being willing to exchange his books at the library are enough and already more than he's accustomed to or finding comfortable to tolerate. He takes another sip of his tea before setting it aside to resume sorting his library books. He's a little over halfway at this point, so he may as well concentrate efforts on finishing.]
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[Vergil is spared from further gushing by that simple statement, for once. Nero could go on and on about how Kyrie once saw he was working in the training yard with a cold, and insistently shuffled him off to his dorm to rest, where she brought him fresh fruit and tea and a stack of comic books he had no idea she owned or where she acquired them. Once he was out of the orphanage she was the only one who ever showed her concern for his personal well being-- apart from Credo, who that same day had given him a side-eye and said "you should stop for the day and go rest," then continued on down the line. That was the way he did concern.
Uh. Anyway.
He laughs at the threat, picturing the mental image of a vexed, frustrated Vergil trying to strangle Nero through his vertigo and coughing fits.]
Okay. But if you start zoning out and quoting Keats, I'm gonna do what I gotta do. Deal?
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If I am dissociating and quoting Keats, the matter has truly turned dire and I doubt I will be capable of any sort of protest at that point even if I do still possess enough awareness to object, [he says with a slight shake of his head as he places the next book in his lap on the keep pile. He's already read it once, but if he's to be cooped up for any length of time, he may not mind reading it again. He then offers his more explicit, playful agreement in Nero's preferred vernacular.] Deal. Whatever you feel is necessary, you may do.
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Also: "dissociating" = "zoning out." Noted.
Chuckling at his father's slangy agreement, he puts out a hand for a fistbump. This... may or may not end with him sheepishly recovering the hand a few seconds later.]
How many books can you read in a day, anyway?
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[Vergil very lightly bumps his knuckles against Nero's before resuming his task. Hopefully, he got it right and did not just make a fool of himself. Vergil is quick to return to his books, his complexion perhaps a touch pinker for it.]
It depends on their length and how long I can go without some form of interruption, [he says to Nero's question, giving him a brief look that indicates yes, Nero is one such interruption.] But I would say three would be the lower end, five on the upper end.
[So, he averages three to four.]
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Nero's eyes widen substantially at the answer. Which does explain these absolutely ridiculous piles of library books.]
Three in a day? Fucking hell, you read fast. I haven't read three books since I got here.
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Yes, well. [Vergil clears his throat a little and looks back at the books he's sorting.] I enjoy reading...
[He does not have much by way of hobbies otherwise. There is only ever so much to do with gardening and without necessarily a direction given towards cooking, he's a bit more...listless with that. So, reading it is. As it always has been. As he told Nero, he had a bookshelf like the one in his room now as a child, but the difference that it was actually full of his own books. He'd read so many of them cover to cover several times.]
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[It's good there's a library close by that can feed that voracious habit of his. Just makes Nero wish he was a little better at it himself. Though he fully intends to sit down and push through that book Vergil picked out for him, come hell or high water. Maybe even when he gets back from dropping the books off.
It, uh... is not going to be a one-sitting thing for him, most likely.]
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I suppose I am better off not asking if you're only just now figuring that out, [he says, the joke being at his expense given just how much reason he's provided Nero to think him otherwise. Not that he believes any of this to truly be a reflection of his intelligence, anyways. The most that can actually be said is that he is well-read and is making up for a tremendous amount of lost time with the library at his disposal.] Your uncle doesn't understand why I frequent the library so much instead of owning the books myself. The question isn't entirely unreasonable considering how modest my collection is now compared to what I owned during my childhood, but I believe you can see why it's best I continue making use of the library.
[Even if he owned only a fraction of the books he's read since coming to Folkmore, he wouldn't have had the ability to walk or move around in his studio apartment by the time Nero and Dante joined him. And at this point, in the house, they most certainly would have escaped containment from his bedroom and overtaken much of the living room.]
[There is also the small matter that he will not be able to take any of these books with him when they leave this realm eventually. Vergil has spent most of his life unattached to objects, and he would like to remain as such until he can actually enjoy a true degree of permanency.]
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Yeah, it's better this way. No interventions. No coming home to find you crushed under a stack of books the size of a building...
[He looks at a few more of the books from the stacks as Vergil works through them. Opens to the first page and skims the text... sometimes nodding, sometimes making a face and shaking his head before quickly putting them back in the stack.]
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