kowase | IC INBOX

[ zulius was absolutely right. it had been an insane few weeks. ever since he'd gotten here it really felt like there was no end to it? ]

I am starting to realise that it is something that I merely have to get used to.

[ because he's here now and there's no escape. just like there's no escaping zulius, apparently. ]

...You are very considerate. I will accept that consideration greedily, I am not too proud.

[ and the best thing about owning your own business is that you dont have to worry about schedules or anything. he can open late tomorrow if the show runs late, or make dante work the morning. he'll show up in a rather nice suit, complete with tie and a very long coat that goes just a little past his knees--as well as a small wrapped bouquet of blue gentian flowers. asking for Zulius is odd at the ticket booth, as he does get a funny look from the person who's on staff that day, but. hopefully the zebra doesn't take too long to show up before vergil's nerves decide leaving is a better idea than this. ]

Edited (i cant be trusted to do html ever) 2023-05-17 00:21 (UTC)

That's how I've been looking at it! There's sweet F.A we can do about anything that happens to us, so we might as well just lean into it and not let it upset us.

[Easier said than done, and his "pretend I'm not sad about a thing until I stop being sad about it" isn't working as well as he hoped but as long as he can still fake that it is, then everything is fine, probably.

He VERY almost sends that he'd love to see what else Vergil will accept greedily because it's right there, but he shows a considerable amount of restraint and mercy and...doesn't. ]

You have no idea how much I'm fighting against making an innuendo out of that. I need you to be aware that my struggle is real.

[Zulius was honestly 50/50 on if Vergil would actually go through with this or not. He half expected the other man to just make a run for it- something that would have been admittedly understandable even if tradition dictated he'd have to have a hissy fit about after. But Vergil didn't make a run for it, and when Zulius make his way into the lobby after he gets summoned, he's surprised that not only has Vergil not run for it, but he's actually made an effort to look nice.

Even if suits were his style as a human (they were not, they absolutely were not) they don't work so well for Zulius's body anymore. Pants are just a big fat out. Even if he figured out how to make them fit, he can't make anything look not ridiculous. There are just far too many legs at play to make them work. So the zebra parts get left as is, but he has found his best slutty-but-not-TOO-slutty shirt to wear. He trots across the lobby with a little smile. ]

Well, look at you~ I'd say you clean up nice, but you're already so cleaned up all the time anyway, so I guess this just cleaning up better. Lucky me.

[He's clocked the flowers, but honestly thinks they're just to huck at the stage after the performance. That's what classy people do, and Vergil is super classy. ]

[ its probably definitely a 50/50 guess because vergil absolutely does not even dignify that last text with a response
zulius' struggle is real but so is vittore's here, okay

but look, see, he didn't run away. he might look uncomfortably out of place among the bright lights and glitz that is the opening hall to the vogue theatre. And whoever is the poor soul at the ticketbooth who gets to witness said awkward italian man ask for the boss of the place is definitely getting the full view of the man's struggle to go through with this.

it's set in stone as Zulius comes out though, Vergil nodding his head once as Zulius does pay him a compliment, letting it cant downward a little to show some measure of appreciation for the words. How do you do this again? google wasn't an effective way to study up on how one should act during something like this.

hm. ]

It is usually prudent to dress up well before a theatre production, you would not believe how many hours my mother would spend preparing before one back home, when I was a child. [ literally four hours in front of her mirror, it was exhausting.

he's going to offer zulius the small bouquet of blue flowers, after a moment. gentians, of course, meaning gratitude-- but he's not sure if explaining flower language is exactly appropriate. ]

As is bringing a-- gift to the person you are sharing seats with, I believe.

[Zulius wasn't expecting a response, but oh boy is he counting it a win for himself all the same. Because of course, he does. He'll let Vergil stumble over his words- bless him he is trying his level best. But hey, he DOES get it, nodding emphatically. ]

When I'm on stage, you better believe I spend sooooooo MANY hours getting my makeup just right. You gotta look your best for your adoring public, after all.

[He...was not expecting the flowers to be handed over to him, though and for a second, his usual patter sputters to a halt. He's been given flowers before, of course, but these were performance flowers. Never date flowers. His dating history is largely made up of fly-by-night trysts or friends with benefits. He's only ever had one serious relationship and that guy sure as hell never gave him flowers. He reaches out to take them.]

Oh.

[Wow, no, absolutely not gonna let that little squeak stand, no sir. He clears his throat, maintaining some DIGNITY again. It's fine, he's not touched by the gesture, he's taking it in his STRIDE because why WOULDN'T anyone give him flowers? He's amazing. Much more confidently: ]

I like 'em. I'm gonna accept this as a perfectly reasonable offering. They're nice. I love the blue.

[He's gonna confidently start sashaying off to the box seat area.]

ANYhoo, come on, box seats are this way~

I can actually imagine. Mother would spend four or more hours in front of her mirror just to show up, I am sure if she were the type to get on stage instead of just going to watch, she would spend twice as long.

[ he'll follow zulius into the boxed seats, still.. somewhat surprised about the whole ordeal. normally he doesnt mind paying for the boxed seats, so it isnt anything unusual, but. hm. it's different when you're there by invitation. this is probably how mother felt. probably.

also yeah, surprise for you, zul, but the guy you conned into a date isn't one of those fly-by-nights or people just spending a night to get something out of it. even if he'd pretty much been tricked into this date due to his long-suffering adoration for opera and theatre, he's taking it seriously when he honestly doesn't have to. ]

Gentians symbolize gratitude. [ he'll at least offer--a man with a see-through shirt, he realises, might be lost on flower language. the 'oh' was a nice reaction, at least. he looks smug about that. ]

Understandable! You've gotta look perfect after all. Nothing wrong with treating yourself that little extra to make yourself the best you can be!

[Probably not the best for actually spending quality time with your kid, but it's not like Zulius has any experience of that with his own parents, so here they are.

The box is a pretty nice affair, with a plush chair for Vergil and a little pile of cushions for Zulius on the floor seen as chairs just are not happening for him anymore. No sir. Zulius was quite happily just swishing his way towards them when Vergil decides to drop in that the flowers have a meaning and he actually put a decent amount of effort into this whole thing. Zulius wouldn't have thought less of him for just dealing with his as something to suffer through and get out at the end. He's not a fool after all, he's fully aware Vergil is only here because he conned him into it.

But he did make an effort. And the flowers mean something. He looks at them again, handling them a little more gently this time, a tiny, gentle smile crossing his face. ]

Gratitude, huh? [He clears his throat again, turning that smile into a smirk- better, confident. Not getting flustered over some flowers like a teenager on prom. No sir. ] Well, obvi! Nice to know you've acknowledged your gratitude for having me in your life! It's truly a blessing.

Edited (can't even spell my own character's name right) 2023-05-23 22:30 (UTC)

[ he would argue that there's definitely something wrong with taking four hours to get ready, but. he quickly remembers dante's current exasperation with him now that they share a goddamn bathroom and how often the man has to bang on the door when he's getting ready in the morning. hm.

he does take a moment to glance at the huge pile of pillows--and a very small part of him has to shove down the comment he wanted to ask about zulius having not yet had a chair designed for centaur-bodies, but. he isn't rude on purpose most of the time. See. ]

That. [ he huffs out a sound--it's nearly a laugh--not quite. ] And for the oppertunity to ... indulge in one of my hobbies without the horror of possibly having to travel to New York in order to take in a proper show.
Admittedly, I had been dreading that.

[ oh if only he knew he'd actually flustered the zebra man, he'd make a note of it and use it as a weapon. socially inept, he takes the smile as just the other being pleased about the flowers. ]

[The sad fact is that Zulius hasn't even thought about trying to get a Centaur Chair for himself, despite the fact someone in Undertown could probably cobble a wider chaise lounge for him pretty easily. He's a moron, Vergil, is the tragic answer to the question he doesn't ask.

A grin crosses Zulius' face as he gets that almost laugh out of Vergil. ]

Oh, God forbid. Look, I loved my time in the Big Apple but that's not a place you go unless you've gotta. ...Fire Island notwithstanding of course! That doesn't count, that's a whole other thang.

[He'll carefully lower himself onto his cushion pile- as any equine would, knees first with everything following after. THAT took a lot of figuring out, there were so many times when he ate the dirt trying to learn how sit down. But at least by now, he makes it look fairly effortless. He'd be mortified if he'd fallen face-first in front of Vergil.

Luckily, he's blessed that Vergil did not pick up on the fluster about the flowers. It's given him the time to regroup himself so he can be cool as a cucumber again. He waves his hand to Vergil for him to feel free to take a seat.]

You want anything to drink? I can get folks to go bring anything up.

[ look even if zulius is a moron he at least deserved comfort now that he has to deal with a big old zebra butt.
maybe if vergil thinks about it, he'll suggest it. right now, though, his attention is on the stage, catlike blue eyes examining the seats below. ]

I have not been myself. But I have heard horror stories, and while I am more than sure that it has been far embellished to be worse than actual fact, I still would rather avoid it at all costs.

[ so he appreciates this place's existence, even if it's smaller than the one he used to go to in milan. no, maybe a smaller venue would be better. he can hear his mother ranting about acoustics if he thinks too hard.
he turns his head to look at his companion, for a moment. ]

Ah, right. Boxed seat privileges. Or, perhaps it is 'owner' privilege? I am sure there is an english word for that that I am unaware of.

I am fond of a good prosecco.

[He deserves SO much comfort for his big old zebra butt!!!]

You gotta have a certain level of "this might as well happen" about you to survive New York, I think. You for SURE can't be uptight about it which I'm...not 100% sure you're capable of so, yeah. Probs best to avoid it.

[Zulius would very strongly stand by the fact that the acoustics in his theatre are ahamazing. He grins, waggling his eyebrows a little. ]

Maybe it's a little bit of both. And great! A man after my own heart!

[He'll lean over to pull a little bell rope, summoning one of staff, who he instructs to bring some prosecco with a wink and a "thanks, Babe". ]

Either way! It makes life way easier.

[ hes gonna give zulius a LOOK as the man accused him of being too uptight to survive somewhere like NEW YORK, but. the expression fades pretty quickly, half because its not worth being annoyed about. and half because maybe he just... decided theres no point in arguing truth. ]

...You like it as well. Somehow I am not surprised. It's a ... fancy enough drink.
I simply do not getting drunk, unlike certain other people in my family. [ hes not even talking about the spardas this time ] But if I am to enjoy liquor, it is best to be one that tastes good.

[ he never understood the point of getting drunk on something that tasted like burning chemicals. ]

...Grazie. [ he takes the drink when its delivered, and he'll even raise his glass to zulius. ]

[At the LOOK, Zulius just raises his eyebrows and does a little air kiss. Unbothered, ready to GO. He's probably a little disappointed Vergil didn't try to make an argument out of it.]

Totes! If I'm gonna have a drink, I'm gonna enjoy it. I'll also take a good mojito, for your future reference. [Because obviously there's going to be future times where Vergil is going to buy him a drink, obviously.] I'm not surprised you don't like getting drunk. Probably a little too much like letting go for you, huh?

[He would pay money to see Vergil let his hair down, he really would! He grins, and raises his own glass in a little toast.]

Cheers! [He takes a sip of his drink, then idly, casting a glance at the flowers he definitely hasn't got any feelings about again:] I'm actually a little surprised you showed up. I figured you would have bailed.

[ he might not know Zulius Super well by now, but he knows ENOUGH that the man isnt someone who can be debated when he has the upper hand. Vergil isn't someone who likes going into battle with a disadvantage. ]

Mojito. Sugar and mint, is it not. I remember having one of those on a trip to Cuba when I was young. They put far too much sugar into it, it was like sand at the bottom. [ he's a picky drinker, Zul. but if its what zulius likes, it... is unfortunately being noted. ] I tend to have difficulty with English if I drink too much. It is my second language, and in order to speak it, I am... translating what I am thinking in my head. If I drink, I stop being able to do that flawlessly. [ yes. he gets embarrassed about letting his accent show. thats what he's saying.

he clinks his glass with zulius', and then turns his eyes to the stage, watching the other audience members get settled. ]

...I considered it.
My desire to see the show was outweighed my discomfort for social engagement, it turns out. That, and I am more than certain my mother would roll in her grave if I stood someone up.

[ how many times has he heard her repeatedly tell him to "always be a gentleman".

time to take a long sip of his wine. ]

[A wise man if ever there was one!]

Aww, see that's the fun part! The sugar is a little pick me up- a nice little boost! [One day Vergil will see Zulius unhinge his jaw like a snake to devour an entire-ass cake and learn just how much of a sweet tooth this man has. As is he'd be delighted to know Vergil is making a mental note of his drink of choice. ] Ohhhhhh I see. Honestly, that sounds adorable. Even you're allowed some flaws sometimes, you know.

[And well. That's an answer. Not the ego boost he was looking for, but an answer it is. He sips his drink.]

So nooooooot for my delightful company then? [He raises his glass in a little salute.] Hooray for mothers who raise their kids to be considerate.

If I wanted a pick me up, I would have espresso. If there's one thing America has difficulty with, it is getting a proper cup of the stuff outside one of those cafes that take twenty minutes to prepare it. [ which is fine, but he makes better coffee at home, on his own. ] ...And I do not know what you are talking about. I am without flaw. I graduated top of my class, you know.

[ it doesn't sound like another joke.

It's another joke.

He's watching the stagelights now, the bustle of people down in the lesser seats starting to chatter, much like zul and himself. ]

...
You startled me when you first spoke to me.
Your... blatant disregard for any sort of boundary upon meeting someone for the first time was completely jarring. I have never in my life met someone so...
How would you say it in English.

Someone with the spoken subtlety of a tractor driving through a fence.
[ that is to say... ]

I do not dislike your company.

Perhaps I may even appreciate the ... wild variety to my usual company.

Yeah? Definitely not to your grand Italian standards, huh? I usually have coffee with Moxxie, and it takes baristas like, a million years to get his order read anyway, so I honestly can't say I really notice the difference.

[Because that's what happens when your friend has the most complicated coffee order known to man. He snickers at the joke, look, Vergil is obviously trying and he deserves some sort of reward for it. He can throw the guy a bone here. ]

Really? Top of the flawless class? That explains so much.

[He watches the people mill around below them as the seats begin to fill. The theatre is his baby, he knows every inch of it, he knows the building's heartbeat as well as his own, and he makes quiet mental notes- how quickly it's filling, is seat 35H still getting stuck? he needs to make sure to get a restock for the ice cream cart tomorrow morning, looks like the issue with the top left spotlight was fixed.

He then realises Vergil is talking, he turns his attention back to the other man and what he's saying sinks in. That's actually...kind of touching. In that weird Vergil way. Naturally, he's not going to let Vergil know how touched he is by it, instead letting a sly smirk cross his face. ]

The spoken subtlety of a tractor driving through a fence, THAT'S a new one. I'm gonna remember that one for the future.

[Look, he's not DENYING it, that's a pretty damn fair assessment of his character. Still, he grins around his drink as he takes a sip.]

I'm glad you appreciate my wild company, Verg. Always happy to give you more of it. You're not so bad to spend time with yourself. Wouldn't kill you to smile once in a while, but I guess that makes you...you. Got this whole dark and brooding thing goin' on.

...I fear to ask what sort of coffee he orders. 'To get his order read' makes it sound as if he is one of those dreadful millennials who have an order that cannot be made without more than one intake of breath.

[ it goes without saying that vergil takes his coffee black.
thanks for laughing at his jokes though. maybe that's why he's slowly accepting that he doesn't mind zulius' company. he's the only person who laughs at his dryly delivered, terrible jokes and don't point them out for their failure to launch the way he aimed to.

he'll claim he's funnier in italian.

he doesn't seem to notice, or mind that zul seems distracted with the goings-on down below. he owns a shop, he knows what its like to have people bustling around inside something that's his life's work. ]

For all the failures the English language has, it does manage to paint a stark enough metaphor if you choose the right words. And I fully believe my choice is perfect in this situation.

You'd be the first of few that would admit to enjoying my company who isn't one of my usual heavy-literature and antique-fascinated fanatics.
How peculiar.

...

My friend Gil calls me an 'Elegant Goth, like a modern-day Dracula.'

[ and he'll turn to zulius
and give him the most unnerving, 4-second smile before returning to his usual expression. ]

It takes so long. It's got so many stupid words in it. I can usually drink a entire ass coffee while we're waiting on his. I genuinely once watched him make a kid in Starbucks have a full emotional breakdown when we were in Cats. That kid never came back again.

[Poor Starbucks kid. Whatever happened to you.

Zulius does actually find Vergil's awful jokes funny. Whether that's because he finds the content funny or just the delivery funny is hard to tell, but he does find them funny all the same. At least Vergil will have one single soul who'll always find his awful sense of humour amusing.

He clicks his tongue, amused.]

You kidding? It's perfect, I love it. I'm gonna get it printed out and hung up in my office.

[And awww, Zergil. He smiles a little softer.]

Well~ In my opinion, that's just everyone else's loss and my gain. They don't know what they're missing out on. All the more for me.

[And then he turns and looks at his companion and OH MY GOD, SIR WHY DO YOU LOOK LIKE A SERIAL KILLER WHEN YOU SMILE?!! Zulius has full memories of a goopy eldritch monster trying to suffocate him to death and that guy had a SKULL for a FACE and had SPIDER LEGS and he was still less perturbing to look at than Vergil smiling. What the fuck what the fuck what the fuck. ]

[He gathers himself from that mild shock, clearing his throat and managing a wry chuckle.]

That...was an experience. We can...uh. Work on that. I think Elegant Goth really suits you. It's got the right VIBES for you.

Edited 2023-06-05 21:17 (UTC)

[ he... almost wants to laugh
he can almost see the startle go through zulius' whole body, like he'd just stuck a fork in an electric socket. listen, there's a reason why vergil doesn't smile much
its not because he doesn't know how to feel happy, or that he doesn't have anything to smile about. it just wasn't an expression he's used to making.
his joys are usually low key, expressing oneself is hard.

Therefore.
Serial Killer Smile. ]

If you do get it hung up in your office, I will suggest a good frame for it. Do not settle for something plain.

[ he does end up laughing. Just a little sound, like a scoff--it doesn't change his expression much, but it's there. amusement. ]

Missing out, hm.
[ he won't self-depreciate, at least--he knows he can be interesting company! just, to a certain crowd. that crowd doesn't usually include people like Zulius. ] Maybe it's the lighting, but you went white as a ghost there for a moment.
I may have demon heritage, but I assure you I am not going to bite you.

[Look, LOOK, he was not expecting Vergil's smile to be Like That. He makes a mental note to try and figure out how to get Vergil smiling...not like a serial killer. Like. Maybe he just needs to tap into some unknown well of joy inside him. Or something. ]

Like I'd ever settle for anything plain, please. It's gonna be so gaudy, so fancy, it'll be bejewelled.

[He nods at the missing out comment, letting out a solid, unmoveable mmm-hmmm!, he shall not be swayed on such a thought. As Vergil points out the falter, he clears his throat, examining his fingernails.]

Dunno what you're talking about. I'm fine. [And then, because Vergil walked right into it, flashes the other man a toothy grin.] Oh, but Babe, what if I want you to bite me? Don't crush my dreams like that.

[ he... slowly. slowly turns his head to look Zulius right in the eye. ]

[ he... .... slowly.... tilts his head up to look at the ceiling. ]

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