[ he doesn't want to admit that part of it is because dante needs to make sure he's still there, still physically there. that sometimes he doubts his own eyes because it sure as shit wouldn't be the first time they played tricks on him, it wouldn't be the first time that dante had imagined his twin back in his life, in his space, only for him to realized belatedly that it was nothing but a delusion. it's not the only reason, of course, dante really just more of the touchy one of the twins, but when it comes to vergil? yeah, it's that which spurs him to find some way to touch him, to hold him, to remind himself that vergil is here and not some figment of his imagination.

which he isn't he is very much real. ]

I'd only pull it if you gave me a reason to, Verg. [ at least he isn't commenting on the unsteadiness of dante's voice. little victories. dante breathes out a laugh, leaning into the pat on his cheek. ]

Fine, but you better not gaslight me into thinking you never said it.