He did, did he? [ dante might grill wolfwood on that later, when things have grown quiet again and people have left, for now, he puts it aside and keeps his focus on the mirror image in front of him.

the man who leans into dante's touch, who hooks an arm around dante's waist in a display of closeness that is as much of a surprise as it is welcomed. the younger all but melts into the hold, tension draining from his shoulders as he leans forward to lightly bump their forehead's together. the question isn't a surprise, it's been sitting heavily in the air between them for the past few months, unspoken and disregarded. it was only a matter of time before it was broached before it was dragged from the darkness out into the light.

dante feels tired, suddenly, wanting little more than to drag vergil back to his room and curl up with him. he sighs heavily, his hand slipping down to the line of his brother's jaw cupping it lightly. ]

No, [ it's a simple answer and yet infinitely complicated at the same time. ] You're not a shadow, Verge. You're not a replacement, you're not a cheap imitation, you're none of those things so you better put them out of your head right now. [ dante lets his thumb brush against vergil's cheek, the motions gentle and soothing. ] Doesn't matter if you don't remember everything, there's some shit in our lives that you're better off not remembering.

I haven't lost anything, I've got you right here and now. [ and i love you. ]