Complicated homecoming...

[superstylishsquid]

It had been years since Alastor had last seen this town, bustling with humans and reeking of demons. It was almost comforting...if not for the fact that he knew his master was here. The master he'd abandoned without a word, who would be fully justified in striking him down for his insubordination. But it wasn't in Alastor's nature to run. He'd had his taste of freedom, now it was time to face the consequences. If he was lucky, maybe he could come out on top this time and be truly free.

But that would be once he entered Devil May Cry, something he would wait until daytime for. He didn't want to catch his master just returning from a demon hunt and ready to shoot anything that had fangs and claws. So in the darkness of the desert night, he stood atop a building across from the Devil Hunter's shop. His senses were attuned for any hint of magic approaching him, but he might not register an ordinary human right away.

Comments

[superstylishschism]

Really? Even though it seems like every time I toe the line, you close off entirely? If I'd responded to your comment like I wanted to, like you were practically inviting me to, can you really say you wouldn't have just told me to back off?

[patricided]

[The quiet that follows is telling in itself. She's not entirely sure she wouldn't have shut him down hard if he had replied in kind. This was turning out fantastically.]

No I can't.

[superstylishschism]

And that's the problem.

*His tail has drooped behind him, and even his wings are sagging.*

I don't mind you making off color jokes, that kind of banter can be fun. But it's not really banter if I can't respond in the same vein. At that point, it just ends up teasing me and making it hard to tell where I can go without bothering you.

That's why I'm being so cautious. I can't judge your limits by what you stop short of, since you're more comfortable saying these kinds of things than hearing them.

[patricided]

[She feels bad enough that she can't just let it be. And his body language just makes her feel worse than she already did. Shoulders slumped she leans forward onto her elbows. Fingers rubbing her temples as her headache worsens.]

Alastor can we not, my head hurts.

[superstylishschism]

...Right.

*He chews his lip for a moment, then puts his coffee down untouched.*

Maybe I should...just head home so you can rest.

[patricided]

Drink your coffee.

[It's only like half a command promise. Though she's still rubbing at her temples and doesn't look up while speaking.]

You don't have to go, I just...I'm too fuzzy for that conversation to really get the right amount of attention.

[superstylishschism]

*That seems to relax him a bit, at least. The promise that she isn't avoiding the conversation, just isn't thinking straight enough for it. He does drink some of his coffee, which also helps him feel more comfortable.*

Guess I shouldn't be surprised. Caffeine can only do so much. Why don't you just finish sleeping that hangover off? Dante can do without his maid for one morning, if there's anything you want taken care of.

[patricided]

[Doesn't mean she won't try to avoid the conversation when she is sober. But she's not there enough to even really think of that at present.]

You don't have to clean my apartment. That isn't your responsibility. But I might go nap, it sounds like a really good idea.

[superstylishschism]

I'm at least going to clean up from breakfast, since I'm the one who got all that stuff out. But it sounds like there's not much reason for me to stay here until you wake up...um. Unless you want the company, but I doubt that really matters if you're just going to be asleep...

[patricided]

Thanks. [She isn't going to argue that point. If he wants to clean up from breakfast he can do that.]

Check on me when you finish?

[superstylishschism]

Alright. I'll try to be quiet, in case you're already asleep.

[patricided]

[She nods a moment and then gets up to disappear into her bedroom again and lay down.

She's still awake when he comes to check on her, not from any amount of noise made, so much as she can't quite drift off like she thought she might. And truth be told the ceiling is incredibly dull to stare at.]

[superstylishschism]

*It takes him a little while, and as promised, he's watching his step. He doesn't move completely silently, but his footsteps are quiet as he comes in to check on her.*

You alright? I thought you'd at least be starting to doze by now.

[patricided]

Mhm...just can't go back to sleep it seems. How's the kitchen?

[superstylishschism]

Everything's washed up and the leftovers are away. Anything I can do to help?

[patricided]

[She shrugs a little hand patting the bed next to her instead of saying anything. What the hell it's at least worth seeing if it'll help her fall back asleep.]

[superstylishschism]

*That gets him to give a slight smile as he sits down, then leans back with his legs stretched out. He'll let her decide if she wants to lay on him or not, he'll just make himself comfortable on the bed.*

[patricided]

[It isn't really laying on him if it's just her head, and and arm thrown across his torso.]

I saw that.

[superstylishschism]

*Of course not. He'll go ahead and wrap his arm around her back.*

Saw what?

[patricided]

You grinning.

[superstylishschism]

That wasn't a grin, it was a smile. It's different.

[patricided]

I see. I mostly just saw you being pleased.

[superstylishschism]

Well, I did say it would've been nice to lay with you if you'd been sober, didn't I?

[patricided]

Better?

[superstylishschism]

It is. Heh...I can't remember the last time I had someone just lay down next to me like this that wasn't when you fell asleep on me. And I don't think it's ever happened without an ulterior motive before.

It's a nice feeling, having someone there just because they want to be.