to see a world in a grain of sand

[kowase]

WHO: Dante, Vergil, Nero, and any visitors to the Auguries within the month of June.
WHERE: Auguries of Innocence
WHEN: Throughout June/July
WHAT: Different logs/stuff that happens at Vergil's apartment-slash-shop
WARNINGS: General sparda family stuff, they talk about demon stuff idk. there'll be a birthday party at the end of the month too.



[ A three-story building with a shop in the bottom-most floor, a sign that is overtly fancy and gilded with silver, Auguries of Innocence. In the window, there is now a smaller, just as fancy, but red glowing sign that says Opening Soon: Devil May Cry.

The second floor a storeroom filled with crates of items unsorted and damaged alike, things Vergil has collected for numerous years and hasn't finished restoring, or is just holding while not ready to sell. The floor also has a number of crafting tools in it for restoring broken items or refurbishing damaged ones.

The third floor is a minimalistic, mostly grey and silver apartment with two bedrooms, one bathroom, a study, a kitchen, a livingroom and a dining area in it. It's covered in antiques, with some weapons hanging on the wall. The furniture looks styled more for looking at than it is for sitting on, which is annoying, at best.


For the Montshs of June/July, Vergil and Dante have forcibly kidnapped Nero to live with them while he's dealing with some rather unfortunate memory issues -- and this post will be used for any threads involving the trio + any visitors while this mess goes on. ]

Comments

[bebest]

[Zulius has ways and means of finding things out about people. He's an Intrigue Collector, after all. He has spiderwebs of gossip running around this city. Which is to say he found out about the twin's birthday before this excitable message. Or...well, Vergil's anyway, given Dante is still relatively new to this world. But it doesn't take rocket science to understand how twins worked.

Anyway, he's absolutely not gonna miss this shindig for anything! So naturally, he rocks up ready to party! ]

[Vergil]

[Vergil was easier to find than he expected. Zulius had honestly wondered if Vergil would just peace out of the entire thing. Parties definitely don't seem the man's...style. He's pleasantly surprised to find him here, trotting over to the over man with a grin.]

Do you know how hard it is to find info on someone who has like, zero online presence? Too bad for you, I found about this anyway. So, happy birthday, Gorgeous!

[He hands over a pretty wrapped box, inside which Vergil will find a delicately carved sword and scabbard. It's definitely an antique.]

Apparently it's from the 19th century. That's what all the fancy paperwork that came with it said, anyways. I'll be totes honest, that's not my thing, I just thought the blue suited you.

[Dante]

[He catches Dante once he finally returns from his little birthday errand, with a little box. He trots over with a wide grin and a nicely wrapped box. Inside, Dante will find a rapier disguised as a snake bracelet. ]

Happy B.Day, Sugar Tits! Hope you like it! Figured you could have something fancy to wear when Verg inevitably drags you to some fancy dinner, you can put it on a fabulous bicep or something, buuuuuut you'll still have the chance to stab someone. Y'know, if you feel the need. Live your truth, and all that.

[Party]

[Zulius is always the life and soul of any party, so he can be found mingling about, trying to drag people into dancing and enjoying some booze. He'll also most certainly eat that pizza, he is NOT above that greasy mess masquerading as food. ]

[doubledollar]

[ Zulius is here? zulius is here
he didn't know zulius knew the twins and he's delighted to learn that zulius knew the twins. that's fucking delightful.
Vash has two left feet and will still dance with Zules, abso-fucking-lutely, regardless of how many drinks in he is.
Which, once settled down to get another drink, he really does have to ask: ]

I had no idea you knew Dante. Or is it the stuffy twin you're buddies with?
Either way, glad you came. I was hoping someone would show up to be the energy of the party.

[bebest]

[Zulius is here and he's having a great time!!! He doesn't even mind Vash's dancing- after all, Zulius literally has two left feet- though he's got a surprising amount of rhythm for a quadruped. Still, he's happy to settle down with a drink, it's nice to catch up with friends!]

I'm buddies with both of them. [His grin widens a little.] But I'm closer to the stuffy one. He's not all that bad, once you get to know him.

[He will keep fighting Vergil's cause even if he's the only person who'll give the poor man a break.]

Natch! I think you got this one going great, but I can keep it moving forward, as is my sacred duty as a party animal.

[And, because he NOTICED that HUG. ]

You seem pretty close to Dante~

[doubledollar]

Oh yeah? I was wondering if the guy even knew how to make friends. He's all knotted up like some sort'a human Pretzel...

[ but that's beside the point!!! he doesn't wanna talk about some stuffy guy, he wants to eat pizza and have a good time. Wolfwood and Nero are off to the side having a good ol' fashioned arm wrassle, and it's kind of funny to watch two rowdy boys being idiots. ]

I had to do it, you know. Can you believe it, that Dante's not had a birthday party in like--twelve years? I had to rectify that somehow!

[ but the hug, oh no, zulius saw that, uhhh ]

I, well. You know. When he first got spat out of the spirit realm, I'm the one who found him, yanno? So we're buddies.

[ yep ]

[bebest]

He can totes makes friends, it just takes like... extra patience. I like him, anyway. Even with the pretzel vibes.

[He follows Vash's eyeliner, smiling a little fondly as they wrassle, before that information reaches his ears and he turns back to his friend, shocked.]

What? For serious? That's AWFUL! Well, that means we've gotta make this twelve times the party to make up for it!

[Sure. That's how math works. Zulius grins a little, leaning in.]

Just buddies, huh? Because that sure was a lingering hug. I mean, I figured you and Nick had something going on because you guys were loud and in my parking lot. [Yes, he SAW that too. He smirks a little. ] Sounds like there's some primo TEA here. I'm curious.

[doubledollar]

[ oh no ]

Ah.

[ Vash the Stampede, noisiest alien man from a planet of dust, sand and rock, just made a single noise in response for a whole lot of words--all because Zulius has a LOOK on his face and Vash is realising, in moments that he is in danger.

He doesn't even have a definition for everything that's going on--and now there's this? maybe he could fly out a window and-- ]

W, well, you know, that's just. There's a, certain amount of--there's not really any word for it, but you know, how it is, when you, uh.

[ NONE OF THESE WORDS GO TOGETHER. ]

We're close.

[ nailed it. ]

[bebest]

[You in DANGER, Girl.

Zulius watches his bestie fumble over his words, his eyebrows rising slowly with each awkward stumble.]

Yeah, trust me, I gathered that much. What with what I could see with my own eyeballs and everything.

[There was an attempt but it did not work. Zulius folds his arms, amused.]

I think that's a couple levels above close, y'know? There's close and then there's hijinks . And that looks like PLENTY of hijinks are happening.

[advivo]

Zulius!

[ to say he is overjoyed to see the half-zebra man is something of an understatement, he is thrilled to see him breaking off from the rest of the festivities to meet zulius. he immediately opens the box curiosity spurring his excitement, revealing the snake bracelet inside. he picks it up examining it before slipping it on alongside the bracelet vergil gave him. ]

Don't you go encouraging him to try and take me out to some fancy dinner, he already knows my feelings on that. [ regardless of his words dante is all smiles, reaching over to clasp the other man on the shoulder. ] Thanks, I love the gift.

[bebest]

*~ME!~*

[How someone puts sparkles into words is a mystery for the ages, but here he is. He grins as Dante slips the bracelet on.]

Believe me, he doesn't need any encouragement from me for that, he's pretty determined all on his own. [He'd LOVE to see the twins out at a fancy meal, to be a fly on THAT wall.] Great! Thought you might. Couldn't not get you anything, not after the gift you gave me is coming SO in handy after all.

[advivo]

[ look he doesn't question anything anymore with zulius, he has learned it is easier that way. ]

It's a waste of money, Zulius. Why would I bother going out to a dinner that isn't even going to be filling? [ why must you encourage this? he is a good devil hunter, he does his taxes and everything. ] Nonsense you could've, just having you here is a gift in itself.

[bebest]

[Just thinking "this may as well happen" is the best way to handle him.]

You know you can go to fancy places where you get more than like...a dollop of grey stuff on your plate, right? [You can eat well for your money, Dante!] Besides, if your brother is paying for it, you can let him do that and then just get like... a Denny's afterwards. He gets to take you out, you get a bucket of chicken tenders later and you get to stop him complaining at you. Everyone wins.

[Work smarter not harder Dante!!!]

You are right, obvi. Having me around is the greatest gift anyone could EVER ask for. [His ego doesn't need any more feeding, he won't fit through doors anymore.] Buuuuut you've gotta give your friends a nice present for their birthday.

[advivo]

[ he just sort of stands there, blinking, genuinely shocked as if the thought legitimately never occurred to him until right now. he had been so against the very thought of being dragged to a fancy dinner with shitty food you spent far too much money on, that he didn't even consider the after. ]

Zules, you are a goddamn genius you know that? I hadn't even thought of that. [ dante laughs and shakes his head. ] I did tell him the only way he'd get me to go to one of those places was if it was a date, so... [ s h r u g. ]

I know I'm right, I always am. [ they are both feeding each others egos. ] But I appreciate it, it's really up there on my favorite gifts I've been given today.

[bebest]

[Zulius grins, both at the nickname and the look on Dante's face. He taps the side of his head.]

I'm not just a pretty face, y'know! Pulled that one with my parents all the time.

[Because his parents were all about the fancy, stupid nouveau riche cuisine and he'd honestly rather horf down an entire-ass pizza. He gives a soft little heh at the date comment. He's not even slightly jealous about that. Nope. Not him. ]

Great! Figured you could always use more things to stab other things with.

[And then, slyly, because he's already spoken to Vash and he's enjoying this. ]

Speaking of. You, Vash and Nick, huh?

[kowase]

I can imagine how hard it is, yes. Given I have been scolded at least twice that I failed to tell certain people that it was my birthday.

[ he lowers his head a little, staring over into the little gathered crowd--towards Gilgamesh, for one. ] But that is not important right now.

I am impressed you managed to find out. [ but somehow not even one bit surprised. And by the time he unwraps the gift--he knows for a fact that it wasn't just Zulius pretending he knew all along, only to show up because of Vash's text. The sword he's now holding actually elicits a small, uncharacteristic sound from the man, and he's immediately switching from a casual, somewhat stiff demeanor to a nearly energetic one. Energetic for Vergil, that is, being that he's flipping the blade over in his hands, his eyebrows going up and--he might actually have a smile on his face that's slight, but not actually serial-killer class this time.

Even without saying anything, Zulius will know immediately that he hit the nail on the head here. ]

This is no ordinary piece, at all. This was not simple to get your hands on, was it. This is a ceremonial blade, it wasn't meant for war, but rather, it was used for ceremonies, or perhaps as an adornment on an official about to get a promotion.

[ ...he could be here for an hour talking about it, and he decides that probably isn't something to be doing at a party. ]

I digress. This is a wonderful gift, and wildly unexpected of you, Zulius.

I will be putting this in my study.

[bebest]

Well! You're supposed to let your friends know when your birthday is, gives them a chance to get you something nice because they wanna spoil you. Mine's August 10th. See how easy that was? I didn't even sprain anything telling you that.

And you should be impressed. It took a lot to work to find out!

[And all that hard work is WELL worth it when he sees how delighted Vergil is at the gift. Like a kid at Christmas! He's delighted it's been so well received, mission accomplished. He even got a non-serial-killer smile! It brings a little smile to his own face.]

It wasn't easy to get, but that's fine. You're one of my favourite people, and you deserve a nice birthday gift. [So there! Get friendshiped, Idiot.] I didn't know all that about it. Love to hear more about it sometime- probably not at your birthday party, though it is your party so I guess you can lecture if you want to.

[Look, he is willing to listen to Vergil prattle on about the fancy sword. It's clear it makes the other man happy and that's what's important!]

[kowase]

[ ... alright, August 10th. Not that he's mentally writing that down or anything. But buying a gift? Crap. He's not good at that sort of thing--much less buying gifts for someone with a personality like Zulius'--how the hell was he supposed to? know what someone like that would want?

This is going to haunt him until August 9th. ]

Yes, well. I merely want it stated that, while I very much appreciate this gift--and it is terribly thoughtful--that I do not expect such a thing to be done regularly. Being spoiled is... not something I am used to. So to speak.

[ he's doing it again, trying to figure out how to say thank you while not wanting to take advantage of such bald-faced kindness--there's a whole lot he could say here and the words aren't coming and

...

.....

he's gonna' put a hand on Zulius' shoulder.

Friendship. ]

I will avoid giving a lecture at my party. If only because I feel if I do start it up, one of the four party animals in the other room will decend upon me with terrible boxed wine and I will be forced to make terrible choices that the human eye should not see during festivities.

[ what does that MEAN ]

[bebest]

[Does Zulius know he's placed an anxiety bomb in Vergil's brain that's going to bother him for a full-ass-month? Maybe a little. He's a little curious to see what Vergil will actually come up with. It'll either be an amazing gift or a hilarious one. Either way, he's a winner.

His grin widens a little.]

Maybe I like spoiling you. Did you think about that?

[The tone's teasing, but still. He likes treating his friends. That much is very true. He's a little surprised by the hand on his shoulder. Vergil is never the one to initiate any contact between them. It's usually Zulius invading the other man's personal space. It makes the grin soften a little- guess they can both be surprised today. ]

Yeaaaaaaaah, I can't see any of them letting you get out of the party atmosphere if you give up too many party pooper vibes. [Oh, the grin is back.] But do tell me what those terrible choices are. Enquiring minds need to know.

[What terrible choices do you make with boxed wine, Vergil? He's SO curious. ]

[kowase]

[ the anxiety bomb is now there and it's ticking and noone will know about it ever probably. that's how vergil worked, that was just the new reality. ]

It only now occurs to me, due in fact that you have said it, because quite simply, I do not strike out to be someone who invites 'being spoiled'. I will be terribly aware of it now and on in to the future.

[ another dry quip meant to be something of a joke, he's even waving his hand a little, dismissively, as he returns to admiring his new sword. Taking it out of the sheathe to admire the silvery, nearly untouched blade. ]

I am not a ... party pooper, as you call it, I merely am not a party animal like certain people. [ and queue nero shouting something loudly in the other room. as if asked for. ] --But. I digress.

...In my graduating year of university. I graduated as my year's SCL, and a few of my colleagues thought they would try to embarrass me by challenging me to a drinking contest during our post-graduation party.

I was not interested, of course, but for the sake of showing up as not to be rude to my fellow classmates, expecting some foolish game of poker with shots, or something of the sort, but no.

Let us just say there was boxed wine and long tubes involved and that is about as much as I am willing to share. Perhaps all I am able to share, as I believe the English term to use here is 'blackout drunk.'

I won.
I do not want to win ever again.

[bebest]

[Vergil will live with this anxiety bomb and no one will know. Truly, his existence is suppering. ]

You'll for sure be aware of it when I treat you a 'lil more in the future. I still owe you another date yet. Plenty of time to drop some spoiling on you.

[No escape, sir. None at all. He hasn't forgotten. Still, it's nice to see how delighted Vergil is with the sword- even if the...rowdier partygoers are making themselves known on cue. He's glad he got something the guy actually LIKES. But hey, he actually GOT a story out of it instead of being shut down, which he was partly expecting to happen. As Vergil goes on, his grin widens and widens. ]

Vergil Vittore, you dark horse! I didn't know you had it in you, party pump and everything, hot damn. Colour me IMPressed! Sure, you might have a lifetime of regret, but you sure showed those guys, right? Even one little victory is still something, especially when you're showing up little bitches trying to trip you up for funsies.

[He says like he isn't also a little bitch who tries to trip Vergil up for funsies on the regular.]

[sassery]

[Well, if there's one thing that the part isn't short of, it's being loud. Zulius will absolutely notice the third Sparda amongst the small crew, all smiles and whatnot as he makes his way around to everyone there. Of course, when he sees the zebra centaurman, both brows go up, and a smile immediately appears on his face.

Nox has heard of this guy from Vergil, now he guesses it's time for him to meet him in person.]

Oh, shit, I guess the life of the party really has shown up. You're putting me and Dante to shame, here. [A beat.] Zulius, right?

[bebest]

[Nox certainly stands out in the party, not that Zulius isn't planning to do the exact same thing, of course. As Nox comes over, he grins, striking a pose.]

The one and only! And you better believe it, this party's a pretty solid nine and that's only because Vergil's here to knock it down a few points by standing around and glowering- I'm gonna knock it up to eleven where it belongs!

[People will talk about this party for MONTHS, he's determined! He flashes Nox a grin.]

Aaaaand you're Nox- FABulous to finally meet you face to face.

[sassery]

[That gets a wide grin, and Nox lets out a huff in response.]

Yeah? Well, not sure how you're gonna make sure he loosens the stick a little, but I definitely think you're onto something.

[Zulius gets a fingerguns for his astute observation.]

That'd be me, yeah. Usually don't hang around this place much, but it's not bad, living with the two of 'em. Long as no one gets thrown out a window, anyway. [Jokingly jabbing a thumb at the twins, he loves them both, really.]

[bebest]

[He grins, wide and wicked, full of mischief. ]

I've got my ways. I'll think of something. I already convinced him to two dates, I'm sure I can find ways to get him to loosen up yet.

[Turns out those ways are just to dance with the poor man and make him try to jump out of a window. But you win some, you lose some.]

Honestly? Wouldn't be surprised if Vergil has tried to throw Dante out a window already. Scrapping seems to be their love language, which sure, why not I guess. But I'm glad it's been good for you here. Everyone needs someone, right? And you've got those two.

[sassery]

Two? Two whole dates, holy shit. [See that grin? It's wide and far too amused.]

[Some things really are just a simple yes or no, and sometimes those things also backfire beautifully.]

Always has been, even back then. [Vergil's past life, Dante's current one.] It's something I didn't really get back then, but I'm hoping I might understand a bit more now.

[Being open to how his family is. Knowing and accepting and embracing every part of himself, demon and human alike.]

Yeah, for sure. [He laughs though.] I'll be really surprised if they don't yell at me at some point because of memes.

[bebest]

Two WHOLE dates! I know.

[He seems pretty delighted about that. Vergil was a...challenge. But a fun one. He was having the time of his life, probably a little more than he'd be willing to admit to himself.]

Yeah, I guess it works for them? Maybe it's some weird twin thing, eye-dee-kay. But hey, whatever works for them, right?

[Better than letting All Of The Everything of this place get to them, anyway. Good to have some sort of outlet. Zulius snorts in amusement.]

Now I can see Verg not getting memes. He's like- the oldest old man in his heart- wouldn't have expected that from Dante, though! He carries some serious hidden troll vibes.