immortalpoet | SYNFLUX INBOX

[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.]

Ready.

Mm.

[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.]

That's good, given what I've got to work with.

[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.

[Vergilius falls into a sort of awkward beat, trying to think of what to say.]

Appropriate in what way?

[They glance up at him.]

She's the one who gave me it, so bringing it along...

[...and look away once more.]

I know. I'm being too sentimental.

[In the City, there really is such a thing as too much sentimentality. It's beaten out of you when becoming a Fixer.]

[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?

I don't know?

[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.]

...

[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.

I know. Things can go wrong at any time. Something might happen that I can't fix, or someone might leave.

[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.]

[What a question. He's thought about it, here and again. So, although it is a difficult question, the answer, is, surprisingly simple.]

No.

[But...]

I regret them meeting me.

[Since his presence, assuredly, was the very thing that made it all rot.]

[It's not the answer they expected to hear. For a moment their steps falter, but Dante is quick to recover, returning to walk at Vergilius's side.]

They meant a lot to you, didn't they?

[No...]

They mean a lot to you still.

...

[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.

[Continuing this line of conversation may as well be dancing through a minefield. But it's not like they don't have one foot in already.]

...Was Garnet one of them?

[There's a palpable swallow at the mention of that name, his eyes overshadowed.]

Yes. He was.

[They catch the sound over the bustle of the city streets--just barely--and wince.]

S-Sorry... Um... What about the others? Ah--happy memories. Any happy memories?

Happy...

[Said a little listlessly. Really, you want to do this, Dante? But fine. Better to think of something happy than the alternative, though it makes that alternative all the more sadder.]

The kids would play pranks on me sometimes. Garnet was always a proper sort. Gave them all a lecture once, even though some were younger than him and regardless if I minded. That's how he was.

[They're reminded of the way he looked at Don Quixote when she challenged that member of the Cinq to a duel.]

Sounds like a good kid. Or maybe "strong-willed" would be a better way to put it?

[...]

Kinda hard to imagine anyone pranking you, though.

Definitely strong-willed.

[The huff that comes is tinged with amusement.]

Sometimes I would get a "kick me" sign on my back.

[Give them a moment. That's an image they have to reconcile with the rest of him.]

...Nope, I still can't imagine it.

[Though he's always been pretty patient with Charon, so maybe...]

Did any of them try it?

[They have to know.]

No, of course not. I was a real terror.

[u don't mess with the red gaze even if you are 5 years old. maybe]

[There's something about the way he says that that makes them squint, but they don't have enough knowledge here to argue.]

I guess someone probably would have stopped them.

[Or told them all off in this case.]

Well, they're kids. Sometimes you can't stop them for the world.

[Except when something, someone...]

Anyways. [He brushes a hand through his bangs.] The past is the past. I guess I have some unruly children to look after on the bus, this time.

It does feel like that sometimes. ...I probably shouldn't say that.

[It's true though.]

Still, it's better than it used to be. At least we don't have to worry about them killing eachother as much anymore.

Oh, yes. Back in the day, I felt like I had to wipe the floor with them if they kept up their idiocy.

[But now, they're more or less in line.]

You still have a long way to go, but...you do hold the reins with a firmer hand these days, you know.

I do? ...I guess I do.

[They sound genuinely surprised.]

That's a relief to hear. I've been trying to improve as a Manager, don't get me wrong, but sometimes I wonder if it's... enough.

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