IC INBOX - kaisou
I'm busy. Make it quick.
(or just don't leave a message at all.)
(or just don't leave a message at all.)
username: dark slayer | ✉ ☏ 📷 |
[So all that kind of happened. And in all the Happening and the preamble to Happening, somehow Waver completely missed a new shop opening. While he had been on his way to Undertown to sell off several feathers he'd dropped out of sheer stress...well, that was worth a look.]
[So, pushing a pair of sunglasses to rest on top of his head, a dark haired man with a cane stepped into the shop with a look of faint interest--magical artifacts weren't his department, but they were certainly within his interest.]
[So, pushing a pair of sunglasses to rest on top of his head, a dark haired man with a cane stepped into the shop with a look of faint interest--magical artifacts weren't his department, but they were certainly within his interest.]
[ the store is a little dark inside--light enough to see the items on display of course, but dim enough that it felt more like a cozy cafe or place to spend time in rather than a store. there also is the fact that many of the items on sale didn't... actually have any sort of price on them. rather, displaying little gold plates that spoke simply, 'for display only.'
in the corner of the shop there's a large mahogany desk, and behind it sits a silver-haired individual. a pair of reading glasses on his nose. when he looks up, his eyes flash--sort of like how a cat's eyes reflect in low light, with a green sheen before the angle changes as the man sits up. ]
Welcome to Auguries of Innocence. Use your eyes, not your hands.
If you have any questions I am, of course, inclined to answer any.
in the corner of the shop there's a large mahogany desk, and behind it sits a silver-haired individual. a pair of reading glasses on his nose. when he looks up, his eyes flash--sort of like how a cat's eyes reflect in low light, with a green sheen before the angle changes as the man sits up. ]
Welcome to Auguries of Innocence. Use your eyes, not your hands.
If you have any questions I am, of course, inclined to answer any.
[So here's the funny thing- Nox had thought he'd gotten over his nerves on meeting this man, Vergil, his past life's father. He'd thought he'd be able to just waltz in and act like everything was normal, that this wasn't something massive and also a bit nerve-wracking in the same breath.
...Yeah, a fat lot of good that proved out to be, anytime Nox thought to go visit. As it stands right now, he's literally swallowed down a lot of his emotions regarding their connection (or did his damndest to try) and brought himself to the front of the shop.
Dante was not kidding. Holy shit this storefront screams Vergil without even trying.
Nox exhales, pushing through the door, the sight of a potential old familiar face amongst the shop's artifacts his endgoal, here. Red Queen sits comfortably on his back and without fuss, and he's sure not to get too close to anything to cause a problem.]
Hey, Vergil, you in here?
[He is never going to call this guy "Mr. Vittore," the words sound so weird attached to Vergil's name he doesn't even take the time to reflect on it.]
...Yeah, a fat lot of good that proved out to be, anytime Nox thought to go visit. As it stands right now, he's literally swallowed down a lot of his emotions regarding their connection (or did his damndest to try) and brought himself to the front of the shop.
Dante was not kidding. Holy shit this storefront screams Vergil without even trying.
Nox exhales, pushing through the door, the sight of a potential old familiar face amongst the shop's artifacts his endgoal, here. Red Queen sits comfortably on his back and without fuss, and he's sure not to get too close to anything to cause a problem.]
Hey, Vergil, you in here?
[He is never going to call this guy "Mr. Vittore," the words sound so weird attached to Vergil's name he doesn't even take the time to reflect on it.]
[ it's absolutely everything Nox will have imagined it was inside, too. Immaculately clean, navy blue floor tiles and silver-white walls, low-lit so that everything has this library-esque feel to it once he's inside.
Most of the items are held in cases or behind displays that say look, don't touch in curvy writing emblazoned on fancy little gold plates.
It's a nightmare, honestly.
Once he walks inside, Vittore raises his head from where he's sitting at his desk--an ages-old mahogany writing desk that he's reformatted to hold a cash register as well as a ton of paperwork, filed away neatly in its many drawers and a few overly-fancy cabinets that are just behind the desk. There's an odd look on Vittore's face--his eyes reflecting green in the low light, like how a cat's do when the light hits them funny.
...It takes him a moment, but. Vergil. The boy called him Vergil, and so far his mind only hints to one fool he's spoken to so far as to not call him Vittore like he's ASKED so many times. Other than Dante. ]
Nox Miller, I presume.
[ he calls out in a quiet, but clear tone where he's sitting behind his desk. There was a book in his hand but it's sliding down onto the desk now. ]
I thought you had forgotten to visit, what with all the ... excitement. Colour me surprised.
Most of the items are held in cases or behind displays that say look, don't touch in curvy writing emblazoned on fancy little gold plates.
It's a nightmare, honestly.
Once he walks inside, Vittore raises his head from where he's sitting at his desk--an ages-old mahogany writing desk that he's reformatted to hold a cash register as well as a ton of paperwork, filed away neatly in its many drawers and a few overly-fancy cabinets that are just behind the desk. There's an odd look on Vittore's face--his eyes reflecting green in the low light, like how a cat's do when the light hits them funny.
...It takes him a moment, but. Vergil. The boy called him Vergil, and so far his mind only hints to one fool he's spoken to so far as to not call him Vittore like he's ASKED so many times. Other than Dante. ]
Nox Miller, I presume.
[ he calls out in a quiet, but clear tone where he's sitting behind his desk. There was a book in his hand but it's sliding down onto the desk now. ]
I thought you had forgotten to visit, what with all the ... excitement. Colour me surprised.
[As promised, about two weeks after Vergil's questionable welcome to the network, Zhongli reappears.]
Mr. Vittore, I hope you are doing well.
Were you able to secure supplies for our lessons? My previous obligations are finished. I'll be available for those spear lessons at your convenience.
[He needs something to think about that isn't inside his own head.]
Mr. Vittore, I hope you are doing well.
Were you able to secure supplies for our lessons? My previous obligations are finished. I'll be available for those spear lessons at your convenience.
[He needs something to think about that isn't inside his own head.]
Edited (SORRY I JUST SAW A TYPO. THIS IS WHAT I GET FOR TAGGING AT FUCK O CLOCK) 2023-04-20 21:35 (UTC)
Well as one can be, considering the circumstances and ... nonsense this city supplies to its apparent pendulum of good and bad luck.
But to answer your question, yes. I have purchased a pair of well-crafted spears. They look and feel like a true spear, but the tips are rounded, the bladed sides are blunt.
I figure they will suffice.
Where shall we meet for our first lesson?
I admit, while I keep in very fair shape, I am not... practiced in any sort of martial skill. I expect fully that I will embarrass myself. [ at least he sounds amused. ]
But to answer your question, yes. I have purchased a pair of well-crafted spears. They look and feel like a true spear, but the tips are rounded, the bladed sides are blunt.
I figure they will suffice.
Where shall we meet for our first lesson?
I admit, while I keep in very fair shape, I am not... practiced in any sort of martial skill. I expect fully that I will embarrass myself. [ at least he sounds amused. ]
:spraybottle: no apologizing it takes me WEEKS sometimes
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
lapislazily
- 2023-04-22 05:10 (UTC) - Expand[On Sunday evening, Vergil will find a nicely wrapped parcel waiting for him outside his door- it's got that fancy foil wrapping paper and a nice bow on it. Attached is a little note:
Something for you to look back on and laugh! Luv u xoxo Zulius
Should he decide to ignore that little voice in the back of his head that's probably telling him this is a trap, he'll find a comfy bear sleeping bag, just for him!]
Something for you to look back on and laugh! Luv u xoxo Zulius
Should he decide to ignore that little voice in the back of his head that's probably telling him this is a trap, he'll find a comfy bear sleeping bag, just for him!]
Edited 2023-05-07 00:57 (UTC)
[ it takes vittore about four, five hours to break past the curiosity of opening the damn thing up. it sits on his desk for three hours, ignored, and then the following next few are viciously menaced by his stare.
he immediately regrets opening it, and decides to throw it in a closet in hopes that noone ever finds the damn thing because this is not how he needs to be reminded of the worst day of his life in kaisou.
vergil will remember this, Zulius. ]
he immediately regrets opening it, and decides to throw it in a closet in hopes that noone ever finds the damn thing because this is not how he needs to be reminded of the worst day of his life in kaisou.
vergil will remember this, Zulius. ]
[Do you remember the time you stupidly agreed to a date with this jackass, Vergil? Do you remember? You better because he's cashing it in now! ]
Hey Handsome, Madama Butterfly is on tonight- I got your own box ready for you because this bitch keeps his promises! I've been watching them rehearse and no spoilers but they are gonna be lit as ALL heck tonight. You're in for a TREAT.
Hey Handsome, Madama Butterfly is on tonight- I got your own box ready for you because this bitch keeps his promises! I've been watching them rehearse and no spoilers but they are gonna be lit as ALL heck tonight. You're in for a TREAT.
[ he absolutely remembers and its all coming back to him as he reads this text, a teacup left suspended in mid air as he reaches for his phone to make sure he's reading it properly.
dear lord was that tonight. oh no. ]
It seems I allowed time to get ahead of me.
I had let the date slip my mind.
[ ...he isn't the flaky type, at least. and he genuinely was interested in the play, after all.
and he'd gotten to know the zebraman a little in the interim. he wasn't... terrible company. ]
You really did not have to go out of your way to secure me such a seat, you know.
...I will be there, rest assured.
dear lord was that tonight. oh no. ]
It seems I allowed time to get ahead of me.
I had let the date slip my mind.
[ ...he isn't the flaky type, at least. and he genuinely was interested in the play, after all.
and he'd gotten to know the zebraman a little in the interim. he wasn't... terrible company. ]
You really did not have to go out of your way to secure me such a seat, you know.
...I will be there, rest assured.
Hello, Mr. Vittore.
I don't suppose you have a fondness for jazz music?
I'm looking for an antique, and I was wondering if I could prevail upon your connections to secure it or something like it.
I don't suppose you have a fondness for jazz music?
I'm looking for an antique, and I was wondering if I could prevail upon your connections to secure it or something like it.
Edited 2023-06-01 04:42 (UTC)
[ he's gotten texts like this before, from several of his clients looking for something. its normal enough, yes--but he certainly doesn't expect to be getting one from Zhongli, of all people.
he's terrible for answering texts and emails quickly. but for zhongli to ask.... it must be important.
he puts his book down for few men, Mr. Rex. ]
My fondness for music lies in the classics. Bach, Shubert, Mozart.
I do not... dislike jazz music, however. There are more offensive music to listen to.
I have a .... few antique instruments at the shop, but most of them are the kind with a weapon hidden inside them, for subterfuge. I have a particular shamisen I'm fond of....
But I doubt that is what you are looking for. I do have connections I can look into.
Give me details.
he's terrible for answering texts and emails quickly. but for zhongli to ask.... it must be important.
he puts his book down for few men, Mr. Rex. ]
My fondness for music lies in the classics. Bach, Shubert, Mozart.
I do not... dislike jazz music, however. There are more offensive music to listen to.
I have a .... few antique instruments at the shop, but most of them are the kind with a weapon hidden inside them, for subterfuge. I have a particular shamisen I'm fond of....
But I doubt that is what you are looking for. I do have connections I can look into.
Give me details.
Edited 2023-06-01 17:56 (UTC)
[Someone has had this very off feeling all fucking day, now, and he doesn’t really know why. More than once people have asked him if he’s all right. Which… he says he is, but he doesn’t quite feel that’s true, but ignoring it seems to be the best answer for now. Maybe he needs some rest, it’s the end of the school year and shit is hectic and some days Nox knows that it’s just weird like that.
Hopping onto his couch back at his condo has him glancing at Red Queen and Blue Rose, a sliver of something seeming to go up his spine. He doesn’t recognize it. But… seeing his sword here does at least remind him of an agreement he made a while ago. Jeez, was it actually in April he said he’d show up and never did? Weird.
So, out of nowhere, Vergil is going to be getting this text.]
hey
remind me whats a good time to bring red queen around again
got caught up in school schedule and everything tbh
should be free now to bring her around tbh
Hopping onto his couch back at his condo has him glancing at Red Queen and Blue Rose, a sliver of something seeming to go up his spine. He doesn’t recognize it. But… seeing his sword here does at least remind him of an agreement he made a while ago. Jeez, was it actually in April he said he’d show up and never did? Weird.
So, out of nowhere, Vergil is going to be getting this text.]
hey
remind me whats a good time to bring red queen around again
got caught up in school schedule and everything tbh
should be free now to bring her around tbh
[ here he is, trying to rearrange some of the books in his storeroom when someone is so rude to interrupt his day with a text message. Normally, he hates people having 24/hour access to him--his email is on his PC only--but because his phone bleeps annoyingly, it can only mean one thing:
it's someone he gives a damn enough about to leave the notification on for them.
He sighs. And hopes it isn't dante buying something stupid in town with his allowance.
...It's Nero, he realises, however, and that changes his body language a little.
Reading the message.
...And then reading the message again.
.......And then reading it a third time before he hefts the phone to properly text him back. ]
Are you hung over? Did you spend the night drinking with Dante, or perhaps one of your friends in the city?
Aught I be worried and have some metaphorical hair of the dog over to see you recover quickly?
[ because boy we have already been through that ]
it's someone he gives a damn enough about to leave the notification on for them.
He sighs. And hopes it isn't dante buying something stupid in town with his allowance.
...It's Nero, he realises, however, and that changes his body language a little.
Reading the message.
...And then reading the message again.
.......And then reading it a third time before he hefts the phone to properly text him back. ]
Are you hung over? Did you spend the night drinking with Dante, or perhaps one of your friends in the city?
Aught I be worried and have some metaphorical hair of the dog over to see you recover quickly?
[ because boy we have already been through that ]
[So, talking with Dante and letting him know about this has left Nox with both a grateful and also conflicted feeling. Not because of how things ended, but because of how Nox just spit out something that was supposed to be between him and Vergil.
Aaaah hell, he feels bad about it and he knows how they all are and their luck, so. Better to let his father know of the fuckup now then to let him find out later down the road.]
hey
got a minute?
Aaaah hell, he feels bad about it and he knows how they all are and their luck, so. Better to let his father know of the fuckup now then to let him find out later down the road.]
hey
got a minute?
[ he's currently on the second floor of his apartment, going through some items that he'd brought over from italy but hadn't yet repaired to put on display.
When his phone buzzes, he considers ignoring it--an old habit from years ago--but that habit's become harder to stick to since he'd come to Kaisou.
He spends five more minutes fiddling with a hinge on an old grandfather clock before sighing, and looking at the text.
and he almost feels guilty about ignoring it. Almost. ]
I can spare you half a dozen.
Is aught amiss? Does it require I get my coat.
When his phone buzzes, he considers ignoring it--an old habit from years ago--but that habit's become harder to stick to since he'd come to Kaisou.
He spends five more minutes fiddling with a hinge on an old grandfather clock before sighing, and looking at the text.
and he almost feels guilty about ignoring it. Almost. ]
I can spare you half a dozen.
Is aught amiss? Does it require I get my coat.
[ what did dante do to get him attention from weird strangers
does he even want to answer this
who is ndwolfwood
and why does that sound like the name of a lawyer ]
If he has an outstanding bill, you can invoice me at Augeries of Innocence, the shop down in Brick Alley.
does he even want to answer this
who is ndwolfwood
and why does that sound like the name of a lawyer ]
If he has an outstanding bill, you can invoice me at Augeries of Innocence, the shop down in Brick Alley.
I've heard that you own an antiques store and may be able to help me with something.
How knowledgeable are you about swords?
How knowledgeable are you about swords?
[ this wouldn't be the first or last time that he's gotten messages about this. ]
You heard correctly. My store is in Brick Alley, and is called the Auguries of Innocence.
Swords are one of my favorite items to collect, appraise, and care for. So If you have one you would like appraised or looked at, please feel free to drop by my store.
You heard correctly. My store is in Brick Alley, and is called the Auguries of Innocence.
Swords are one of my favorite items to collect, appraise, and care for. So If you have one you would like appraised or looked at, please feel free to drop by my store.
[ it isn't the sound of cracking glass that signaled the shift in dante's mood, but the sudden thickness to the air itself; the smell of ozone, that metallic taste that sits on the tip of your tongue as storm clouds gather overhead. the sound of shattering glass comes after, followed by the smell of blood and a particularly dangerous growl of frustration, all but confirming that something is most definitely wrong.
maybe don't approach, or do if you've got a death wish, or if you just so happen to be vergil. ]
maybe don't approach, or do if you've got a death wish, or if you just so happen to be vergil. ]
[ it's late enough that the store is closed, and Vergil is putting together dinner for the evening. it's probably telling with how quickly he switches hands with the kitchen knife he's been holding--how the air in his apartment gets so tense with a sense of heavy, unmistakable bloodlust.
He feels the sensation of rage before he hears the sound of broken glass, and he's already making his way down the hallway by the time the growl is echoing down the hall. Yamato in one hand as he snatches it up from where it sits on the dining room table.
he doesn't have a death wish, and he most certainly is Vergil--which is why he's immediately approaching where Dante is sitting in the livingroom.
Fortunately, vergil doesn't have carpets, and his first note that something is wrong is a half-glass of good whiskey, an expensive glass shattered on the floor--and spots of blood.
It doesn't take long for him to assess what happened. Question was... why. ]
I hardly believe that was an accident. You know your own strength. [ enough that you wouldn't break a glass on purpose. ]
He feels the sensation of rage before he hears the sound of broken glass, and he's already making his way down the hallway by the time the growl is echoing down the hall. Yamato in one hand as he snatches it up from where it sits on the dining room table.
he doesn't have a death wish, and he most certainly is Vergil--which is why he's immediately approaching where Dante is sitting in the livingroom.
Fortunately, vergil doesn't have carpets, and his first note that something is wrong is a half-glass of good whiskey, an expensive glass shattered on the floor--and spots of blood.
It doesn't take long for him to assess what happened. Question was... why. ]
I hardly believe that was an accident. You know your own strength. [ enough that you wouldn't break a glass on purpose. ]
guess who broke a door getting out of the shower today
[ Gilgamesh will give Vittore a few days to settle in, because he's wonderful and magnanimous and kind like that--and because the Auguries is still chock full of noise and activity even as things should ostensibly be winding down. Dante still broods over his collection of poor people like a big red chicken, and animals abound from what feels like every orifice--
The large chicken in the parking lot is a touch disconcerting.
The Auguries itself is closed to the public, which makes the next step easier. Gilgamesh gives it a few days, and then finds his way to Vittore's office, knocking on the door to announce his presence--and then following it up so that he can't be ignored. ]
Vittore! I've something to speak to you about.
The large chicken in the parking lot is a touch disconcerting.
The Auguries itself is closed to the public, which makes the next step easier. Gilgamesh gives it a few days, and then finds his way to Vittore's office, knocking on the door to announce his presence--and then following it up so that he can't be ignored. ]
Vittore! I've something to speak to you about.
Edited 2023-08-05 03:25 (UTC)
[ he doesn't want to come out of his office, thanks. the door isn't locked but there's a small clink from inside as Gil knocks twice, insistently to come inside.
Part of him wants to go quiet, and pretend to be asleep at his desk, but...
he knows he can't just hole up in the most comfortable, quiet part of his apartment forever.
He presses a finger between his eyes, takes a deep breath, and steadies himself. ]
Come in. The door is not locked.
[ as he quietly re-sheathes yamato from where he'd nearly drawn her in retaliation. ]
Part of him wants to go quiet, and pretend to be asleep at his desk, but...
he knows he can't just hole up in the most comfortable, quiet part of his apartment forever.
He presses a finger between his eyes, takes a deep breath, and steadies himself. ]
Come in. The door is not locked.
[ as he quietly re-sheathes yamato from where he'd nearly drawn her in retaliation. ]
[It's well over a week after the dust settles when Eve finally stops by the Auguries again. Looking for one person in particular, after seemly avoiding the man for so long.]
[There's a knock on his office door. Very light, almost tentative.]
[There's a knock on his office door. Very light, almost tentative.]
[ he's been getting a few visitors lately, and while every single one makes the hair along the back of his neck stand on end--he knows, in his own home--he was safe. Dante or Nero would not let anyone in who was not welcome.
He quietly glides across the room, holding his hand above the doorknob before he breathes out, slowly. And opens it, just a crack.
Just enough to see who it was--and when the image of the small, blonde girl comes into view.
he'll open the door a bit more. ]
...Eve. [ it was... weirdly good to see the little girl okay. she was okay. his rescue had not been in vain. ] A visit I did not expect.
He quietly glides across the room, holding his hand above the doorknob before he breathes out, slowly. And opens it, just a crack.
Just enough to see who it was--and when the image of the small, blonde girl comes into view.
he'll open the door a bit more. ]
...Eve. [ it was... weirdly good to see the little girl okay. she was okay. his rescue had not been in vain. ] A visit I did not expect.
[Normally Zhongli would not drop by unannounced. It's quite rude, he knows. But he also doesn't want to let the purpose of his visit give Vergil even more anxiety, so he makes a Choice to just swing by the Auguries around dinnertime.
He's carrying something in a bag, and it smells like Chinese food. The good stuff.
If no one answers the door, he'll be texting Vittore to let him know he's here.]
He's carrying something in a bag, and it smells like Chinese food. The good stuff.
If no one answers the door, he'll be texting Vittore to let him know he's here.]
[ at the very least, Zhongli would not be the first unannounced visitor he's had in the last few days. it's really driving home how many people had been worried about him; to a point where he's not quite sure how to handle such thoughts, but.
How terribly aware he is of his nest at current, he absolutely hears the knock on the door.
There's a sign on the auguries window that says it's closed for moving--but given Zhongli was a friend, he would know to use the side entrance that went up to the apartment upstairs.
He's not quite sure who it might be--one of Dante's reject western idiots, or maybe one of Gil's friends, but.
There's a clear expression of surprise on Vergil's face when he realises it's Zhongli--a mix of relief, and maybe something sheepish.
He'll open the door a bit more, to let the other in.
The smell of chinese food does not miss his nose. And he can already feel a devil in his gut speaking its desire to partake in whatever that is. ]
I ought to get you your own key.
[ he mutters, offhandedly, inviting him inside. ...there's a clear odd energy to him, his hair is ... halfway down, bangs a little messier than usual, instead of pushed back in their usual well-kept style.
There's a general nervous air to him, both in the way he moves, how he quickly locks the door behind Zhongli, how he glances at the windows. ]
Should I prepare an aperitif.
How terribly aware he is of his nest at current, he absolutely hears the knock on the door.
There's a sign on the auguries window that says it's closed for moving--but given Zhongli was a friend, he would know to use the side entrance that went up to the apartment upstairs.
He's not quite sure who it might be--one of Dante's reject western idiots, or maybe one of Gil's friends, but.
There's a clear expression of surprise on Vergil's face when he realises it's Zhongli--a mix of relief, and maybe something sheepish.
He'll open the door a bit more, to let the other in.
The smell of chinese food does not miss his nose. And he can already feel a devil in his gut speaking its desire to partake in whatever that is. ]
I ought to get you your own key.
[ he mutters, offhandedly, inviting him inside. ...there's a clear odd energy to him, his hair is ... halfway down, bangs a little messier than usual, instead of pushed back in their usual well-kept style.
There's a general nervous air to him, both in the way he moves, how he quickly locks the door behind Zhongli, how he glances at the windows. ]
Should I prepare an aperitif.
as do i, though i am woefully making spaghetti right now
lapislazily
- 2023-08-11 03:37 (UTC) - Expand[Takame was approaching a state where he considered going outside on his own. And while normally he was extremely open to meeting new people, he still wasn't in the greatest shape to do so. He hardly considered their mutual situation a true meeting.
But Takame had kept in touch with Rose all this time while not speaking with Vergil at all. He'd given the man space but worry was starting to get the better of him, hence did he send the man a voice message after a bit.]
Mr. Vittore? This is Takame Kesi. My apologies for the abrupt message, I simply wanted to see how you've been.
[The way he spoke in such a calm, soft spoken borderline monotone was a far cry from the raging dragon that fought tooth and nail in Labyrinths to keep him and Rose out of harm's way as much as he could.]
But Takame had kept in touch with Rose all this time while not speaking with Vergil at all. He'd given the man space but worry was starting to get the better of him, hence did he send the man a voice message after a bit.]
Mr. Vittore? This is Takame Kesi. My apologies for the abrupt message, I simply wanted to see how you've been.
[The way he spoke in such a calm, soft spoken borderline monotone was a far cry from the raging dragon that fought tooth and nail in Labyrinths to keep him and Rose out of harm's way as much as he could.]
[ ...first rose, now Takame. Maybe it was because Vergil was hellishly antisocial, but there was a small part of him that had expected both of the individuals he had been trapped with in literal hell to avoid him after the incident had been complete.
Something like seeing or hearing one another would bring back sour memories--but yet, here he was, listening to a very solemn voice message from the second of the two victims who he'd spent far more time with than he'd like to have; unfriendliness aside--and who he probably owed much to, due to what they went through together.
He hadn't forgotten Takame's rage, and sheer power that he'd shown during the times they were forced to spend in those labyrinths. However...
The way the man spoke here, now--was far different than he'd experienced. Such rage and fire was replaced with a voice softer than embers, quieter than a breezeless night.
He considers leaving the message unanswered for a while--his own anxieties acting up--but then he chides himself for such. This isn't what he's supposed to be doing.
Therefore, Takame won't have to wait more than a day for a response. ]
To say I expected a message from you would be a lie. I am... quite surprised that you would reach out to me, as we, until recently were perfect strangers. ...I even lied about who I was inside the labyrinth, and yet, here you are.
[ sorry he's like this, takame. ]
--that is to say, I am not upset you called.
A liar I would be were I to claim I had not thought on your condition now that we are free, as well. You and that young girl you fought so passionately to protect with your own flesh and bone.
[ he saw everything. ]
To answer your question and stop talking in circles--I am... making it, day by day. I feel it is a difficult hill to climb, being able to leave my apartment, lately. But healing from terrors like we experienced takes time, I keep reminding myself.
...
And you.
You sound... calmer, than I remember. Have you found peace, or has your flame burned dull?
Something like seeing or hearing one another would bring back sour memories--but yet, here he was, listening to a very solemn voice message from the second of the two victims who he'd spent far more time with than he'd like to have; unfriendliness aside--and who he probably owed much to, due to what they went through together.
He hadn't forgotten Takame's rage, and sheer power that he'd shown during the times they were forced to spend in those labyrinths. However...
The way the man spoke here, now--was far different than he'd experienced. Such rage and fire was replaced with a voice softer than embers, quieter than a breezeless night.
He considers leaving the message unanswered for a while--his own anxieties acting up--but then he chides himself for such. This isn't what he's supposed to be doing.
Therefore, Takame won't have to wait more than a day for a response. ]
To say I expected a message from you would be a lie. I am... quite surprised that you would reach out to me, as we, until recently were perfect strangers. ...I even lied about who I was inside the labyrinth, and yet, here you are.
[ sorry he's like this, takame. ]
--that is to say, I am not upset you called.
A liar I would be were I to claim I had not thought on your condition now that we are free, as well. You and that young girl you fought so passionately to protect with your own flesh and bone.
[ he saw everything. ]
To answer your question and stop talking in circles--I am... making it, day by day. I feel it is a difficult hill to climb, being able to leave my apartment, lately. But healing from terrors like we experienced takes time, I keep reminding myself.
...
And you.
You sound... calmer, than I remember. Have you found peace, or has your flame burned dull?
[ Nicholas D. Wolfwood has no use for the demon of pride, even if he feels more than a bit pathetic to be doing what he's doing right now.
he drops by the Auguries (former, it seems, after a heartwrenching moment of seeing it half in boxes with Vergil announcing his vague intentions of moving--because where Vergil goes, Dante follows, and.
it'd been a very stressful few minutes of not exactly saying what was on his mind, until his boss had mentioned that they were just moving locale, but staying local.) every now and then to help with packing, or to harass Dante, but there's no work right now because Vergil's... well, moving.
which means that Vash and Libra are shouldering the cost of making their place bigger on their own, and then Vash about had a kitten when Wolfwood mentioned taking up a sidejob by himself right now, and it's not like Wolfwood to sit idle when there's work to be done, but there's not work to be done and he gets paid by the job, so here he is. knocking on the door to the area designated Vergil's study, hands in his pockets as he wishes more than anything for a cigarette.
... pride is not one of the demons Wolfwood wrestles with, but weakness and owing somebody? hates that shit.
it's worth it, though. what's a little more baring his throat and acknowledging how pathetic he is in service of the endgame goal? ]
he drops by the Auguries (former, it seems, after a heartwrenching moment of seeing it half in boxes with Vergil announcing his vague intentions of moving--because where Vergil goes, Dante follows, and.
it'd been a very stressful few minutes of not exactly saying what was on his mind, until his boss had mentioned that they were just moving locale, but staying local.) every now and then to help with packing, or to harass Dante, but there's no work right now because Vergil's... well, moving.
which means that Vash and Libra are shouldering the cost of making their place bigger on their own, and then Vash about had a kitten when Wolfwood mentioned taking up a sidejob by himself right now, and it's not like Wolfwood to sit idle when there's work to be done, but there's not work to be done and he gets paid by the job, so here he is. knocking on the door to the area designated Vergil's study, hands in his pockets as he wishes more than anything for a cigarette.
... pride is not one of the demons Wolfwood wrestles with, but weakness and owing somebody? hates that shit.
it's worth it, though. what's a little more baring his throat and acknowledging how pathetic he is in service of the endgame goal? ]
[ nicholas didn't need the demon of pride--Vergil has that one locked down. Even if he had been humbled recently with the whole.
Being given a whole new home thing.
He'd had to reassure more than one person that he had no plans on leaving the city, as the moving boxes had concerned more than one person.
Kaisou was his home now--better for worse--and as he hears Nico knock on the door, he has to wonder if its Zhongli visiting again, being he's the only one polite enough to knock before entering, lately.
So imagine his surprise when he moves to open the door--
....To see the Punisher standing outside of it, looking contemplative.
Huh. ]
Nicholas.
...
Have you come to continue helo me pack things away.
I believe most of the shop has already been moved, it is only my personal items left.
Being given a whole new home thing.
He'd had to reassure more than one person that he had no plans on leaving the city, as the moving boxes had concerned more than one person.
Kaisou was his home now--better for worse--and as he hears Nico knock on the door, he has to wonder if its Zhongli visiting again, being he's the only one polite enough to knock before entering, lately.
So imagine his surprise when he moves to open the door--
....To see the Punisher standing outside of it, looking contemplative.
Huh. ]
Nicholas.
...
Have you come to continue helo me pack things away.
I believe most of the shop has already been moved, it is only my personal items left.
[He knows, oh he KNOWS how close Vergil is to Zhongli- so naturally he's gone immediately to that statue to take a picture of himself pointing at it in all its tits-out glory. Does Vergil want to see this? Probably not but he's gonna. ]
New Zhongli tits out statue dropped. xoxo
New Zhongli tits out statue dropped. xoxo
[ oh my god he was reading what is this text he's getting.
he stares at it.
he goes to the libra network. he stares at that. he comes back to zulius' text. he lets out... a sound. ]
While I most certainly needed to be informed of that.
Should I ask WHY there is a half-naked statue of my dear friend--
...
Is that outside the Mall.
he stares at it.
he goes to the libra network. he stares at that. he comes back to zulius' text. he lets out... a sound. ]
While I most certainly needed to be informed of that.
Should I ask WHY there is a half-naked statue of my dear friend--
...
Is that outside the Mall.
[ it's late when dante slips into vergil's study, hair half tied up in a messy ponytail and missing his usual red coat, with a bottle of whiskey in hand. he doesn't want to have this conversation, he wants nothing more than to turn around and walk away from it, but after everything that's happened the last couple of days... there is no avoiding it anymore. they need to talk, need to get back on the same page, dante needs to figure out what's going on in that head of his so they can avoid another bottle-throwing incident.
he had hoped vergil's time in kursnik's fingers didn't wake any dormant memories in him, that they dodged the bullet again, but when have the sons of sparda ever been so lucky?
dante breathes out, the door clicking closed behind him, then crosses the space between in a few easy steps before placing one of the glasses down in front of vergil. he pops the top of the whiskey with his teeth, fingers curling tightly around the bottle, and pours them both a glass. he figures if they're going to talk about this, about mundus and mallet island, then they're going to need a drink or two. ]
You've been more of a shut in the normal, Verg. [ dante sits himself on top of the desk, something that would ordinarily earn him a dirty look that he would ignore, bringing his own glass to his lips. ] Wanna talk about it?
he had hoped vergil's time in kursnik's fingers didn't wake any dormant memories in him, that they dodged the bullet again, but when have the sons of sparda ever been so lucky?
dante breathes out, the door clicking closed behind him, then crosses the space between in a few easy steps before placing one of the glasses down in front of vergil. he pops the top of the whiskey with his teeth, fingers curling tightly around the bottle, and pours them both a glass. he figures if they're going to talk about this, about mundus and mallet island, then they're going to need a drink or two. ]
You've been more of a shut in the normal, Verg. [ dante sits himself on top of the desk, something that would ordinarily earn him a dirty look that he would ignore, bringing his own glass to his lips. ] Wanna talk about it?
[ he's fine.
at least, that's what he wants to believe.
Staying inside was just more comfortable, he'd convinced himself. He'd always been a hermit anyway--just because he'd decided to not take his daily midday walks didn't mean anything--he could still use his exercise bike for a workout if he really needed one, and he had books he'd been meaning to read, and --
As he sits in his office, it becomes more and more like a shell he's made around himself, and becoming more vastly aware of any movement outside it had become like an obsession. Certainly, he felt that pang of sickness when he'd realised he'd almost hospitalized gil with a glass whiskey decanter, but. He'd missed, fortunately, by whatever luck he had, and now he was feeling antsier than usual.
Dante is lucky he's Dante. There's a part of himself--the devil part, if they're honest--that knows the other when he approaches. And that's the only reason why Dante doesn't also get something thrown unceremoniously at him when he enters.
He's recognizably tense, though, as he tries to look settled at his desk, flipping a page over in a rather large tome that he's flipping through, a pair of reading glasses settled on his nose as he doesn't even bother to look up as Dante enters.
Until the man fucking SITS on his DESK, that's when Vergil finally pays dante the attention he wants--those glasses sliding down his nose as he sticks him with an unimpressed gaze. ]
I have always been a homebody, you know that. [ he... eyes the glasses Dante puts between them. And he considers leaving the glass there for a moment.
Before he finally gives up and reaches to take it. Not drinking it yet--merely holding it. ]
There are a few things I could speak on, but I am not sure any of them are worth repeating. [ he puts the glass down as he realises, not quickly enough, that his hand had begun to shake. Fuck. ] I am fine. I am just... tired.
at least, that's what he wants to believe.
Staying inside was just more comfortable, he'd convinced himself. He'd always been a hermit anyway--just because he'd decided to not take his daily midday walks didn't mean anything--he could still use his exercise bike for a workout if he really needed one, and he had books he'd been meaning to read, and --
As he sits in his office, it becomes more and more like a shell he's made around himself, and becoming more vastly aware of any movement outside it had become like an obsession. Certainly, he felt that pang of sickness when he'd realised he'd almost hospitalized gil with a glass whiskey decanter, but. He'd missed, fortunately, by whatever luck he had, and now he was feeling antsier than usual.
Dante is lucky he's Dante. There's a part of himself--the devil part, if they're honest--that knows the other when he approaches. And that's the only reason why Dante doesn't also get something thrown unceremoniously at him when he enters.
He's recognizably tense, though, as he tries to look settled at his desk, flipping a page over in a rather large tome that he's flipping through, a pair of reading glasses settled on his nose as he doesn't even bother to look up as Dante enters.
Until the man fucking SITS on his DESK, that's when Vergil finally pays dante the attention he wants--those glasses sliding down his nose as he sticks him with an unimpressed gaze. ]
I have always been a homebody, you know that. [ he... eyes the glasses Dante puts between them. And he considers leaving the glass there for a moment.
Before he finally gives up and reaches to take it. Not drinking it yet--merely holding it. ]
There are a few things I could speak on, but I am not sure any of them are worth repeating. [ he puts the glass down as he realises, not quickly enough, that his hand had begun to shake. Fuck. ] I am fine. I am just... tired.
VITTORE
IKSANDR
ISKND
IKSXNDR
[He's having a difficult day.]
ALEXANDER
IKSANDR
ISKND
IKSXNDR
[He's having a difficult day.]
ALEXANDER
Edited 2023-09-04 20:28 (UTC)
[ Closing time. Most would welcome the end of their shift, but Jekyll has good reason to be nervous—although he's doing a fairly good job of hiding it beneath his polite demeanor. ]
Are you certain you wish to do this today?
We could always try another time, if it would be more convenient for you.
[ The words are harmless enough on the surface. Only Vergil knows the particulars of what Jekyll is implying: the idea they've previously discussed, not just once, but several times now since he began working here. While Jekyll does see intellectual merit in the potential experiment, now that the hour is close at hand, he's inevitably a little skittish.
After all, he's never intentionally brought Hyde out in front of another person before. ]
Are you certain you wish to do this today?
We could always try another time, if it would be more convenient for you.
[ The words are harmless enough on the surface. Only Vergil knows the particulars of what Jekyll is implying: the idea they've previously discussed, not just once, but several times now since he began working here. While Jekyll does see intellectual merit in the potential experiment, now that the hour is close at hand, he's inevitably a little skittish.
After all, he's never intentionally brought Hyde out in front of another person before. ]
There is little point in putting it off, do you not agree? [ there's a certain amount of annoyance Vergil has with the idea of procrastinating. And there's little point on putting off something until tomorrow that can be done today. ]
There is no convenience one day to the next. I understand if you wish to put it off out of a fear for this 'other self' of yours, but.
Need I remind you, the longer you keep putting it off, the furthur you get from understanding it, while it likely grows stronger in your shadow.
[ he's been in kaisou for a very short amount of time himself by now, yes, but even he has noticed his powers are getting stronger. Surely... it would be the same for this beast under Jekyll's skin. ]
There is no convenience one day to the next. I understand if you wish to put it off out of a fear for this 'other self' of yours, but.
Need I remind you, the longer you keep putting it off, the furthur you get from understanding it, while it likely grows stronger in your shadow.
[ he's been in kaisou for a very short amount of time himself by now, yes, but even he has noticed his powers are getting stronger. Surely... it would be the same for this beast under Jekyll's skin. ]
Okay, I have been SUPER nice and given you a lot of You Time to recover because I'm an extremely nice man and you should feel blessed for having me in your life. But Verg.
Verg, it's time. Verg it's second date time. There's a poetry reading in one of those fancy cafes in Brick Alley. C'mon, you can finally get out of the house a little. I've got a surprise for you :)
[Don't fear the smiley face, it's probably fine. ]
Verg, it's time. Verg it's second date time. There's a poetry reading in one of those fancy cafes in Brick Alley. C'mon, you can finally get out of the house a little. I've got a surprise for you :)
[Don't fear the smiley face, it's probably fine. ]
[ he knew this text would eventually come, and honestly, he is surprised it didn't come sooner. he is at least not dense enough to overlook the blatant statement that Zulius was a good enough friend to have left this go for THIS long without bringing it up.
once again, Vergil knows better than to avoid it--and maybe he didn't actually mind the idea this time around. That odd feeling of wanting to run away doesn't rise up in his spine, this time. Weird. ]
Part of me wondered if you forgot, what with all the ... excitement that has been happening in the city, as of late.
I ought to have known better.
Give me a time and the name of the Cafe.
...
I have to admit, you having a 'surprise' for me brings up some sort of worry. I am not sure what kind, but it is certainly present.
once again, Vergil knows better than to avoid it--and maybe he didn't actually mind the idea this time around. That odd feeling of wanting to run away doesn't rise up in his spine, this time. Weird. ]
Part of me wondered if you forgot, what with all the ... excitement that has been happening in the city, as of late.
I ought to have known better.
Give me a time and the name of the Cafe.
...
I have to admit, you having a 'surprise' for me brings up some sort of worry. I am not sure what kind, but it is certainly present.
Oi, Vittore, I just got the Jackdaw back. She's sitting in port right now, pretty as a bird, and my old maps were still on the table of my cabin. If you wish, you can claim them right now—they're still good as new.
[ usually he doesn't respond to messages on the first ring. but given it's a message that it turns out he's highly interested in, he doesn't actually leave Edward on read. Small miracles. ]
--What do you mean, your entire boat from the 1700s just showed up in port?? [ this sounds... insane, but not even Vergil can hide the sound that's close to excitement out of his voice.
He's uh.
Already getting ready to leave. ]
I can be there within the hour.
You will still be there?
--What do you mean, your entire boat from the 1700s just showed up in port?? [ this sounds... insane, but not even Vergil can hide the sound that's close to excitement out of his voice.
He's uh.
Already getting ready to leave. ]
I can be there within the hour.
You will still be there?
[There’s a knot in his stomach that hasn’t left since the Library of Alexandria came back. It’s stayed there like a lead weight, dug invisible claws into his gut and festered like an open wound.
Nox has always known this day would come- or if not day, then moment, however long it would be. Dante at least gave him a heads-up that Vergil had read his book, and that he knew what happened between all of them, including the qliphoth and what led up to it. Nox expected to have to explain plenty once his father asked questions, planned to explain his reasoning and why.
What he didn’t expect was for Vergil to avoid him in some ways, almost as if he’s a ghost coming to haunt his father. There’s been a space between them since Vergil has known, and it unsettles Nox in so many ways. Even worse how they live together, the air between them is off and uncomfortable.
So today, Nox decides to try and actually start the conversation- finding Vergil and trying to connect, even if it’s only in small ways. Finding him upstairs at least makes this a bit easier, Nox flopping into the seat close by Vergil.]
Hey. You doing alright?
Nox has always known this day would come- or if not day, then moment, however long it would be. Dante at least gave him a heads-up that Vergil had read his book, and that he knew what happened between all of them, including the qliphoth and what led up to it. Nox expected to have to explain plenty once his father asked questions, planned to explain his reasoning and why.
What he didn’t expect was for Vergil to avoid him in some ways, almost as if he’s a ghost coming to haunt his father. There’s been a space between them since Vergil has known, and it unsettles Nox in so many ways. Even worse how they live together, the air between them is off and uncomfortable.
So today, Nox decides to try and actually start the conversation- finding Vergil and trying to connect, even if it’s only in small ways. Finding him upstairs at least makes this a bit easier, Nox flopping into the seat close by Vergil.]
Hey. You doing alright?
Edited 2023-10-08 23:00 (UTC)
[ he may have halfway been avoiding nero, as much as he could. He would still speak with him, sit with him during dinner, certainly. But he would make quick excuses to leave the room before any conversations got too deep; would go to bed early to not hang around too long to show the guilt in his eyes.
But of course, such a thing can't last forever. Perhaps Nero had started to notice the quiet growing. The boy was way smarter than he acted, after all--and soon, the other is next to him. And there's no getting up and walking away this time: vergil can just feel it.
He's in his study, in one of those red velvet lounging seats with a book in his hand. It's in some foreign language and he pretends, for the first few moments, to be engrossed in his reading before he looks up. Reaching to pull the thin set of reading glasses off his face to slowly shift his head to awknowledge the others' presence.
...He lets out a small breath, steeling himself for what is likely to come. ]
Better than most days. I believe that while the memories will not fade anytime soon, I am at least healing from them, day by day. [ maybe if he talks about the krusnik incident. nero won't bring up the library. ]
But of course, such a thing can't last forever. Perhaps Nero had started to notice the quiet growing. The boy was way smarter than he acted, after all--and soon, the other is next to him. And there's no getting up and walking away this time: vergil can just feel it.
He's in his study, in one of those red velvet lounging seats with a book in his hand. It's in some foreign language and he pretends, for the first few moments, to be engrossed in his reading before he looks up. Reaching to pull the thin set of reading glasses off his face to slowly shift his head to awknowledge the others' presence.
...He lets out a small breath, steeling himself for what is likely to come. ]
Better than most days. I believe that while the memories will not fade anytime soon, I am at least healing from them, day by day. [ maybe if he talks about the krusnik incident. nero won't bring up the library. ]
[Zulius had a pretty horrific few days. The cabin had been beyond terrible, throwing trauma upon trauma on top of him and then he died and spent the next two and a half days in purgatory, not sure if he'd come back to life again or not. When the Spirit Gate spewed him out onto the streets of Brick Alley, alive and whole again, he'd very quickly teleported himself back home. Dramatic as he was, he'd rather people not be witness to a full-blown panic attack.
After that was done, he took a shower to try and clean the dried blood out of his zebra coat. Some of it was his but most of it was Rose's, that particular memory hitting him like a crushing tidal wave more than once while he was trying to get it out. A couple of hours later, though, he finds himself standing in the middle of his apartment, not quite sure what he wants to do. Rose and he had talked about it in Purgatory- that their loved ones had to have had their minds messed with by the Facility just as much as they had. There's no way a lot of people wouldn't have come from them, otherwise. That means telling them what happened, something Zulius doesn't want to do en-masse yet. He has a lot of friends and he's too exhausted, too...teetering on the edge of something bad to go through that too many times. Not today. Not yet.
But he also doesn't want to be alone, either. Everything that happened is roiling around in his stomach like a deep, dark unpleasant thing. He needs to let some of it out with someone who makes him feel safe, someone he trusts implicitly. There are a couple of people who meet that particular mark - though a good number of them just cleared this particular hell too. But even if they weren't, he does vaguely realise he'd probably have still called Vergil first.
He tries to keep his voice as airy and confident as it usually is, but he does a terrible job of it. It's too shaky, too much like he's verging on tears. ]
H-hey, Vergil. [Already a sign something is extremely wrong, he only ever uses "Vergil" when things are bad.] You busy tonight? I've got a whole-ass cheesecake that needs-
[Hm, no the lie isn't convincing, he can't make it convincing, he lets out a slow, shuddery breath, and with more vulnerability than he usually allows people to see:]
I just- I could really use some company right now. Please.
After that was done, he took a shower to try and clean the dried blood out of his zebra coat. Some of it was his but most of it was Rose's, that particular memory hitting him like a crushing tidal wave more than once while he was trying to get it out. A couple of hours later, though, he finds himself standing in the middle of his apartment, not quite sure what he wants to do. Rose and he had talked about it in Purgatory- that their loved ones had to have had their minds messed with by the Facility just as much as they had. There's no way a lot of people wouldn't have come from them, otherwise. That means telling them what happened, something Zulius doesn't want to do en-masse yet. He has a lot of friends and he's too exhausted, too...teetering on the edge of something bad to go through that too many times. Not today. Not yet.
But he also doesn't want to be alone, either. Everything that happened is roiling around in his stomach like a deep, dark unpleasant thing. He needs to let some of it out with someone who makes him feel safe, someone he trusts implicitly. There are a couple of people who meet that particular mark - though a good number of them just cleared this particular hell too. But even if they weren't, he does vaguely realise he'd probably have still called Vergil first.
He tries to keep his voice as airy and confident as it usually is, but he does a terrible job of it. It's too shaky, too much like he's verging on tears. ]
H-hey, Vergil. [Already a sign something is extremely wrong, he only ever uses "Vergil" when things are bad.] You busy tonight? I've got a whole-ass cheesecake that needs-
[Hm, no the lie isn't convincing, he can't make it convincing, he lets out a slow, shuddery breath, and with more vulnerability than he usually allows people to see:]
I just- I could really use some company right now. Please.
[ it's weird. He doesn't go more than two days without some sort of message from zulius--be it some sort of 'hay' or what have you showing up on his phone at any random time of the day, or some response on the zodiac network itself--strangely, he hadn't felt strange that it'd been almost five days since he'd last heard--or seen--the Zebrataur.
Given how the Devil part of his mind is certainly a paranoid and territorial thing, he more than likely would have gotten a bit concerned by day three--and yet, every time he considered his phone and its relative silence, he'd merely shrugged it off--thinking perhaps the other was still giving him space.
Maybe he was thankful for it, given he'd had to turn his phone off after reading a certain back-and-fourth with a friend of his and the striped man. Something in his head just told him 'it was fine'.
Which is to say, all said calmness in his brain drips out the window when he finally gets a call from the colourful man. There's no drawn out hello, there's no fancy quip of half of his name--no playful 'guess why im calling' or 'do i have some news for you;' or whatever the hell else he's gotten used to the man saying.
Just his name. His full name. A shake in the others' voice. A false start.
And then words that has him standing from where he'd, moments before, been sitting at his desk, cleaning out an old perfume bottle. Abandoning it without a second glance. ]
...Zulius, where have you been? [ he asks, with a strange sort of realization that it'd... been a while, hadn't it. Where had... he been? ]
It is no question that -- [ no, this is too cold. ]
I am on my way. I am not so occupied that I cannot give you my time. [ ...seeing as something is clearly wrong, here. ]
Given how the Devil part of his mind is certainly a paranoid and territorial thing, he more than likely would have gotten a bit concerned by day three--and yet, every time he considered his phone and its relative silence, he'd merely shrugged it off--thinking perhaps the other was still giving him space.
Maybe he was thankful for it, given he'd had to turn his phone off after reading a certain back-and-fourth with a friend of his and the striped man. Something in his head just told him 'it was fine'.
Which is to say, all said calmness in his brain drips out the window when he finally gets a call from the colourful man. There's no drawn out hello, there's no fancy quip of half of his name--no playful 'guess why im calling' or 'do i have some news for you;' or whatever the hell else he's gotten used to the man saying.
Just his name. His full name. A shake in the others' voice. A false start.
And then words that has him standing from where he'd, moments before, been sitting at his desk, cleaning out an old perfume bottle. Abandoning it without a second glance. ]
...Zulius, where have you been? [ he asks, with a strange sort of realization that it'd... been a while, hadn't it. Where had... he been? ]
It is no question that -- [ no, this is too cold. ]
I am on my way. I am not so occupied that I cannot give you my time. [ ...seeing as something is clearly wrong, here. ]
Page 1 of 3