She wanted to make sure I'd keep going, even if she went back home.
[Or died for good. But they don't want to talk about that right now. That she's alive even though she's gone has been one of the things they've been taking solace in.]
Feels like I've made promises along the same lines to both of you the past couple of days. I've got my work cut out for me.
[Truth be told, Dante isn't looking all that better. They're dressed as smartly as ever, but their movements are a bit slower than usual, and the flames around their head (for as long as they can be seen before they're hidden beneath their cloak) aren't nearly as bright.
Around their shoulders hangs a red scarf, a bit warm for the weather.]
It's hard to say, especially here. But, I'll be honest, thinking of what happened back home, I feel like things have gotten better as I've grown closer to everyone else? I don't know about smoother, but...
But that could just be because I'm gaining experience, too.
un: durante
Home, I think. She was doing well when I last checked in on her.
Just figured you'd want to know.
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and so the manager has no one left to manage...
hm. i wonder why now. i suppose we may never know
how do you feel about it?
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We had a talk some days back, so I'm better than I would have been if we hadn't, but that's not saying much.
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what was the talk about?
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[Or died for good. But they don't want to talk about that right now. That she's alive even though she's gone has been one of the things they've been taking solace in.]
Feels like I've made promises along the same lines to both of you the past couple of days. I've got my work cut out for me.
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promises are promises. you shouldn't be swallowed up by them though
need an excuse for a break?
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[They haven't been able to concentrate since they found out she was gone anyway.]
Where are you thinking?
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But... they get it. And they aren't going to deny him one, either. Not when they're the only two left.]
You know what, sure. I'll meet you outside.
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[And that's all he says.]
[Sure enough, though, when Dante steps out, here's the man of the hour, as haggard as usual.]
Ready?
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Around their shoulders hangs a red scarf, a bit warm for the weather.]
Ready.
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[A little nod of acknowledgement, as he move to start leading the way. Those flames...that scarf....]
The red suits you.
[As if they wear any other color.]
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[Last thing anyone wants is a head with a palette that doesn't suit them.
Once that lighthearted quip's out of their system, they respond more sincerely:]
...It seemed appropriate is all.
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Appropriate in what way?
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She's the one who gave me it, so bringing it along...
[...and look away once more.]
I know. I'm being too sentimental.
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[Vergilius has to think of his reply for a moment - before he shakes his head.]
Perhaps you are. Do you feel that it hinders you?
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[Their brow furrows.]
It's hard to say, especially here. But, I'll be honest, thinking of what happened back home, I feel like things have gotten better as I've grown closer to everyone else? I don't know about smoother, but...
But that could just be because I'm gaining experience, too.
[They're overthinking again.]
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[Well.]
If being closer to them allows you to work well as a Manager...then I wouldn't say its altogether a bad thing.
[...]
Just...be careful.
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[Realities that feel all the more real after the events of La Manchaland back home and the Imugi's rampage here.]
...Do you regret meeting them? Not the Sinners, but the people who...
[A pause--they frown as they search for the right words.]
...who taught you the lessons that made you so cautious.
[Maybe there's no right way to word a question like that.]
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No.
[But...]
I regret them meeting me.
[Since his presence, assuredly, was the very thing that made it all rot.]
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They meant a lot to you, didn't they?
[No...]
They mean a lot to you still.
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[A sigh, like a sound through an oak tree. Of course, Dante would find it surprising, want to ask more.]
Yes. They do. Such is the nature of caring, Dante. As much as I would like it not to be.
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...Was Garnet one of them?
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Yes. He was.
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S-Sorry... Um... What about the others? Ah--happy memories. Any happy memories?
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