[ Two and a half decades in the Underworld. Two and a half. Twenty-five years. Maruki's expression is one of surprise, initially. The Underworld could mean a lot of things. It could be true that Vergil comes from no version of Earth and this is something different to him. It could also be true the Underworld is a version of hell -- and that's where Maruki's initial thoughts land, reinforced by Vergil's confession about the filth and lack of intelligence found therein. Where Maruki's surprised expression goes from there is oddly to one of warmth. It would be easy to feel sympathy for Vergil -- to assume it must have been dire circumstances that led him to live his life in the Underworld. Maruki could get wrapped up in his bleeding heart because he does feel awful that anyone should have to live that way.
But Vergil shared with him. Vergil shared this one truth about his life. He wasn't forced. After their initial meeting and Vergil's refusal to even confirm or deny whether Maruki's guesses were correct, Maruki never thought Vergil would part with any sort of information without a great deal of arm twisting or questioning that bordered the edge of annoyance. Certainly, he never expected anything unprompted. And Maruki cannot hide the warm appreciation at receiving even a sliver of insight into the other.
He gently lifts his tea, parting the steam with a gentle breath before taking a sip. What a unique and delectable blend! ]
While that may be true in regards to quote unquote "better company," I hardly find yours unpleasant.
[ The cup is returned to the table and he looks up at Vergil. ]
If there have to be intentions of any sort assigned to this, why not consider it a mutually beneficial arrangement? Since lore is the currency, we both stand to gain from any interaction. It certainly sounds better than you merely tolerating the company of a lonely man.
[ There's a soft, throaty laugh as his eyes return to the tea -- tracing the tendrils of vapor as they rise up into the air. ]
Hm, I know! I love trying new recipes and I can tell you have quite the discerning palate -- so what if I cooked you dinner once a week and you gave me your feedback? You can criticize me as harsh and brutally as you wish -- the lore is not nearly as discerning!
[At Maruki's proposition, Vergil spares a glance in the direction of the gifted soba that he's yet to even touch. He likely wasn't trying to seek Vergil's consent for something as extensive as his opinions on the food, but Vergil finds it likely that his acceptance or rejection of the soba would have served as some form of consent for a similar arrangement. It brings to alert some old instincts quickly because it seems a great deal of effort for...? That's the part Vergil finds himself having a difficult time making sense of no matter how hard he tries. Maruki hasn't made his intentions known at all even if Vergil has the sense that if he were to call him out on it, he'd deny that being the case. But it is. The devil knows it for certain because whatever intentions Vergil speculates upon aloud, Maruki doesn't deny them. But neither does he truly acknowledge it as the reason either.]
[Vergil hums thoughtfully.]
Very well. [He looks at Maruki. He doesn't know this man's intentions truly. Not enough to completely rule him out as a potential threat that Vergil cannot see just yet because of his own assumptions. But it's better to keep someone like this closer at his own choice than the alternative.] Once a week.
[Vergil meant what he said about not being one for pity, and he's not about to tolerate several meals per week being provided to him. He also lets his tone imply this counts for this week before Maruki goes and gets any ideas.]
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But Vergil shared with him. Vergil shared this one truth about his life. He wasn't forced. After their initial meeting and Vergil's refusal to even confirm or deny whether Maruki's guesses were correct, Maruki never thought Vergil would part with any sort of information without a great deal of arm twisting or questioning that bordered the edge of annoyance. Certainly, he never expected anything unprompted. And Maruki cannot hide the warm appreciation at receiving even a sliver of insight into the other.
He gently lifts his tea, parting the steam with a gentle breath before taking a sip. What a unique and delectable blend! ]
While that may be true in regards to quote unquote "better company," I hardly find yours unpleasant.
[ The cup is returned to the table and he looks up at Vergil. ]
If there have to be intentions of any sort assigned to this, why not consider it a mutually beneficial arrangement? Since lore is the currency, we both stand to gain from any interaction. It certainly sounds better than you merely tolerating the company of a lonely man.
[ There's a soft, throaty laugh as his eyes return to the tea -- tracing the tendrils of vapor as they rise up into the air. ]
Hm, I know! I love trying new recipes and I can tell you have quite the discerning palate -- so what if I cooked you dinner once a week and you gave me your feedback? You can criticize me as harsh and brutally as you wish -- the lore is not nearly as discerning!
no subject
[Vergil hums thoughtfully.]
Very well. [He looks at Maruki. He doesn't know this man's intentions truly. Not enough to completely rule him out as a potential threat that Vergil cannot see just yet because of his own assumptions. But it's better to keep someone like this closer at his own choice than the alternative.] Once a week.
[Vergil meant what he said about not being one for pity, and he's not about to tolerate several meals per week being provided to him. He also lets his tone imply this counts for this week before Maruki goes and gets any ideas.]