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Dante looks at the Sinners who go to the corridor since the day has ended. They were the only person left on the front for a night watch. There wasn't much reason other than Dante didn't want to be alone in their room.
Today was another day full of pain and the Sinners treating Dante with indifference. They were a manager yet they didn't get any ounce of respect from practically anyone. Outis didn't count, she was just sucking up to them but Dante allowed her that, they could pretend it's genuine.
Afterall what is pretending? Dante is pretending all the time. Pretending to know what they're doing, pretending that the Sinners have a tiniest sliver of respect for them, pretending they don't hear how they're reffered to as as clockhead or clockface rather than using their name, pretending that the pain from rewinding doesn't bother them, pretending that having a clock instead of a normal head is fine with them.
They hear the door to the corridor open and they glance who is it.
They look at Vergilius for a moment before looking at the PDA, the screen reflecting them. They hear Vergilius walk then leave Mephistopheles.
Vergilius seems to be the only person who, other than Charon, is at least honest with them. Despite him not caring for Dante's struggles they can see that he does respect them even a little, however little it might be.
Dante drums their fingers against their PDA and they decide to get some fresh air, maybe talk to Vergilius a little. They get up and step off the bus.
Dante looks around for a moment and they notice Vergilius looking up at the sky. They walk up to him, typing on their PDA already. [Why are you up?] Tap Vergilius on his arm and show him the message. He reads it and sighs. “Doesn't matter. Why are you?”
They ponder for a moment. They could be honest with him, he won't use anything they tell him against them like the Sinners probably would. [I don't like staying in my room.] They pause for a moment then add on. [I don't need much sleep anyways.]
Vergilius nods but doesn't say anything.
[Am I bothering you?] Dante taps on the side of their PDA, a habit they've seemed to pick up. Vergilius shakes his head. “Hardly. I much prefer your presence to the Sinners.” He glances at Dante who nods, tick-tocking quietly.
“Executive Manager?” Outis' voice can be heard from inside Mephistopheles. Dante walks up to the entrance and peeks their head in. <Outis?>
“Ah, there you are. I've come to relieve you of the night watch duty.” She says with a certain smile on her face. Dante shakes their head. <I'm fine, you should rest. I don't need to sleep.> That last part is a lie but they can use anything to get a leg up over the Sinners. Outis nods with a grin. “Of course. I apologize for doubting you, Executive Manager. I will see you at breakfast.” She bows her head and leaves.
“You seem to get a grasp on her.” Vergilius comments. Dante jumps up and nearly falls over. They straighten up and type on their PDA. [Not really. She's just sucking up too much. I'd rather have her act like the rest.] Vergilius tilts his head. “You'd rather have her not respect you?” Dante makes a so-so motion with their hand. [I know she's not genuine with her praise. I'd rather her be honest.]
Vergilius says nothing at that.
Dante liked Vergilius’ presence. He treated them like a human, unlike the Sinners who treated Dante like a walking and “talking” heal bot. Dante liked Vergilius' presence a bit too much to be considered casual. They liked Vergilius' presence because he had never called them by the thing that replaced their head. Yes he disciplined the Sinners which resulted in Dante having to rewind and feel the pain that didn't belong to them but that was necessary since none of them ever listened to Dante.
They don't know how their lithe body keeps going, despite the constant pain. Maybe it's because of the Bough in their head? It doesn't matter anyway.
Dante liked Vergilius but they would never admit it, they'd rather take that to the grave with them. They could deny that, lie to themselves but Vergilius treating them like a human being, while the people they're supposed to be managing do not, makes them feel special , makes them feel human despite their inhuman head.
They feel Vergilius grab their wrist and he drags them back onto Mephistopheles. He lets go of their wrist, takes away their PDA. “At least take a nap, Manager.” Vergilius says, brows furrowed ever so slightly and Dante notices the faint glow of his eyes. They nod and go back to their seat. They lean their head against the window and watch as Vergilius goes to his seat and rests his head against the window too.
Dante hears whispers. They wake up and look around. “Executive Manager, I thought you told me you don't need to sleep.” Outis says in an accusatory tone. Dante nods, crossing their arms. <I did. I just had a nap.> They search her face for a change in emotion. Outis' brow twitched. “I see…” And she walks off to her own seat. Dante let out a quiet annoyed tick. Who is she to comment on their behavior?
They glance at Vergilius who seems to be sleeping. They look away and let him, he's treating them like a human so they do too.
A tap on Dante's shoulder. They turn around and look at Gregor. “Shouldn't we wake up the Guide?” He asks. Dante shakes their head. <Let him sleep.> Gregor has a bewildered expression on his face. “Are you sure?” Dante nods. They notice Charon walk up to Vergilius and shake his shoulder. Vergilius wakes up and he talks with Charon for a moment. The soft expression on his face makes him look even more human.
Dante watches Charon walk to her driver's seat then they turn their attention to Vergilius who is walking towards them, their PDA in his hand. He stops in front of Dante and hands them the device. They take it and nod in thanks, immediately working on it. They don't notice the faint smile on Vergilius' lips that disappears as soon as it shows up.