A Frequency Of Me And You

"That was a week ago," Nero says softly and he starts to take a step towards me—towards the desk—but he thinks better of it and stops himself. "Is it safe for me to come over there?"

I am not surprised by his question in the slightest given my observations and the conclusions I've reached from them, and I am almost certain that—given these conclusions—his safety cannot be guaranteed. Not while Devil Sword Dante rests at my feet underneath the confines of the desk. "No."

Nero sighs softly at my response but doesn't make any further movement towards me or the desk. "Any particular reason why?" It is a mere curiosity on his part, after all, I had been guarding the vicinity of the desk and he has no doubt noticed it.

"Yes." I expect my simple answer to frustrate him but he just sighs again and takes a step back, a look of resignation drawn across his face.

"Right, no prying," Nero says softly, most likely meant for himself, and he relaxes enough that he doesn't seem like he's going to flee at a moment's notice. He finally takes a moment to look around and register the state that the lobby is in, giving a slight grimace at all of the destruction I had caused. "Is there anything I can do to, ya know, help out?"

I ponder his offer for a moment as I too let my gaze roam back over the destruction and I honestly can't find any reason why I should deny him wanting to help in some way. There's plenty that he can help with considering I've been absent from this realm for quite some time, to the point that I would hardly know where to begin. "I can take care of the repairs on my own but I will need tools and materials, cleaning supplies, and groceries."

Nero returns his gaze to me and he frowns slightly while he shifts from foot to foot. "I can maybe get a few basic things but I don't-"

"I will give you the necessary funds to acquire what I need if that is your concern." It will, of course, require me to go out and get the money, a task that I am not looking forward to but I have no other alternative. Nero cannot make a withdrawal on my behalf and it is unlikely he is even aware that I do have a bank account.

"Why am I not surprised," Dante grumbles softly in my left ear while he settles his chin on my shoulder. The rest of him is just a light pressure along my backside and nothing more than that. "But how exactly are ya gonna get them ta give ya anything when you don't even have yer bank card or a form of identification?"

Dante makes quite a point, one I haven't given any thought to, but that is something that can easily be rectified. It might take some time but I am still certain that I can get enough money for what I am currently asking of Nero.

"Yeah, okay then. I'll get you whatever you need," Nero says, showing no indication that he can hear or see Dante.

I'll have to be careful to not respond or react to my brother whenever he decides to say or do something while I'm in Nero's company—or anyone else's for that matter—even if it means sometimes ignoring him. I'm certain that Dante won't mind at all.

"I do mind, Verge, but I get it. Don't want anyone thinkin' that yer crazy," Dante answers my thought with a soft chuckle and a nudge of his nose against the side of my neck. It draws a very slight twitch from me, much to my irritation, but Nero doesn't appear to notice.

"I will need to make a trip to the bank first," I state as I silently will Devil Sword Dante to return to my soul. While I trust Nero to not wander around I am not comfortable with leaving Devil Sword Dante unattended. "If you would like to accompany me then give me a few minutes to clean up and change clothes."

There is a brief flicker of surprise in Nero's eyes but he gives me a nod. "I'll wait for you outside," he says softly and with a faint smile.

I dip my head in acknowledgment then turn on my heel to head upstairs. Dante follows after me and I don't have to look at him to know that he's grinning. "Do not mistake this as me caring for the boy," I murmur to him once I am certain that Nero is out of hearing range.

"I wasn't gonna say anything, Verge," Dante says cheekily and I roll my eyes.