time5kip | Continuation

...Nine.

You're just missing how I think it will make me weak.

Makes sense.

[ there's a pause as he tries to think over what he wants to say, because truth effect or not, this is fairly delicate ]

Caring about people doesn't make you weak, but it does open yourself up for vulnerability, which I understand feels just as bad. I mean. I started out here not wanting to have feelings or make friends at all for that exact reason, so it isn't as if I don't know how it feels - even taking aside my poor social skills.

But none of us has any expectation. Even if we did, I'm pretty sure you'd meet all of them.

I know that objectively, at least. That's among the reasons I've grown so comfortable with you all.

As a demon, though, caring for anyone is only a liability. For both myself and them. Giving myself an easy way to be hurt and putting anyone close in danger like my father did to us. Having a human heart means loneliness, too, I'm sure you know that well. It's a feeling I'm trying to ignore, but that doesn't mean it isn't there.

I don't think you have to ignore it, necessarily. I'm pretty sure you'll never be able to fully get rid of it.

But do try to listen to that objective part of yours as well. If I ask you why you believe you love Lahabrea more than is advisable, will you be willing to answer?

[He sighs.]

I'll save you asking. It's all of that, and that he's my friend so I don't need to be thinking anything more like some fool.

"Anything more" ...? Like what?

[He gives Five a look like seriously? But at least he's somewhat saved by not knowing how to phrase it anyway.]

As I said I'm trying not to have to know.

[ look he's apparently not catching on so he didn't think of it as a particularly bad question. But Vergil saying it like that does make him guess ]

... Well. That's not going to go well for you, you'll have to come to terms to it sooner or later.

[PLEASE]

No I don't.

You do, but it doesn't have to be now.

Maybe it'll be in 70 days.

Please. I'm a master of pretending I don't have feelings. I can ignore one if I want.

I thought I was good at it too. Now look at me. I'm a sap.

That's true, you are, with all that hugging. This is different though, no need to get excessive.

I don't do that much hugging.

Seems like a lot to me.

Do you want a hug, Vergil?

Always.

[He gives Five the biggest frown the world has ever seen. How dare he.]

[ that's his revenge for you saying that ]

Well then.

[ he's literally just opening his arms and waiting for him even if he knows he won't come ]

[Just because he has to say the truth doesn't mean he has to do it! So he's just sitting there looking grumpy.]

That's not happening.

[ okay he's laughing at that, but— ]

I'd like a hug myself, actually ]

[ a pause, then he adds ]

Maybe we should go back to the not saying anything plan.

It is a good plan. I might glue my mouth shut.

[But. He presses his lips together. Is it more or less awkward if he doesn't hug him now, after hearing that.

This sucks. It's probably more awkward not to. So he turns to pull Five into a hug against his chest.]

[ now he knows why everyone is always so surprised when he shows affection. He's surprised, but he doesn't want to DISCOURAGE Vergil, so he's going to be just as awkward and stand there unsure whether he should return it or not ]

. . .

Thanks?

[He does not need to return it that's fine. It only lasts a moment anyway.]

You said you wanted one.

I know, don't hold the truth effect against me.

You've been happy enough to do it to me.

[At least he sounds amused.]

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