4.

[sharpsurprise]

[Open spam]

[Souji's plenty warm in what he has at home, so all of the decorating he's doing is completely voluntary. It just looks nice and festive, if unfamiliar. He can be found hanging up bows, bells and coloured paper chains in the gym and the hallway and common room of level 4.

When he's all out of glitter he heads down to the art room, where he'll be composing a gift list in graceful, if slightly out-of-practice calligraphy. He's used to writing New Year's wishes to the Shinsengumi's associates; it's really not all that different, he figures.]

I'd like Chris to get a very official-looking diploma testifying that he is licensed to teach coolness. Maybe this will give him the confidence to teach geezers like me.

I'd like for Captain Rogers to have a notebook, so he can organize everything he needs to organize.

For Miss Chromie, some food that may be boring to me, but delicious to her. Lamb, maybe? And some furniture that she doesn't have to climb!

Dante seems like he'd be very happy with some alcohol. Beer and sake, please!

I'd like for Bucky to not have to worry about his friend too much, but if that's not possible, something sweet from where he's from.

I think Lydia would enjoy a beautiful winter kimono. Red, maybe, to match her hair.

I'd like for Wichita to have a book of games, for the next time she's bored.

Luna should get more art supplies, including paint that's easy to wash off so she can use the same space more often!

For Cambridge, as a 'thank you', an assortment of sweet treats. I'm not sure if he likes them, but maybe he can teach his machine some new tricks if he's eaten them?

And finally, for Vergil... Oku no Hosomichi, and the first few parts of Nanso Sattomi Hakkenden. We can ask Miss Chromie for the rest, if he likes it. I've seen photographs of his mother in his brother's room, so if it's possible, a photograph of his family, and of his son.

For everyone back home, to not have too many worries. For everyone on the Barge, to have a clear view of their goals for the coming year, and the strength to accomplish them.

[Private to Steve]

Captain Rogers? Would you have some time to talk, soon?

Comments

[sharpsurprise]

[Well, they're his little secrets for now. But it's been nice to write on paper again, instead of the small communicator, so he taps Vergil on the arm and gestures for him to sit down next to him.]

But maybe the wish is just what they need to be extra motivated!

[walkthedarkpath]

[ The book he had been holding behind one back was placed down near Souji, as he sat down, crossing one leg over the other. He always had to be proper if he could, outside of battle.]

If only it were that easy, motivation comes and goes. Even I get uninspired at times.

[sharpsurprise]

[He peers at the book, but as long as Vergil makes sure it doesn't smudge the ink he'll pay it no further attention.]

Really! That's a very frank admission.

[walkthedarkpath]

[ It is written in latin, a book on demons. And nope book is not near the ink. Vergil cares about books more then most people. Books have knowledge, and knowledge is power. and boy does he love power.]

Admission? No, it is a simple fact.

[sharpsurprise]

[He fusses with the ink and brush a little while they speak.]

I thought you'd never be uninspired!

[walkthedarkpath]

Everyone gets uninspired, it is simply human nature. Sometimes we all have to step back. One can not run full time.

[ He looked to Souji.] or are you hoping I have a deeper meaning behind such a phrase.

[sharpsurprise]

[He laughs a little, secretly pleased at how much Vergil's like Hijikata. Now that Vergil's accepted him as a Warden, at least, it makes these kind of conversations so easy and familiar.]

You're being very suspicious! Personally, I'm always inspired. What I'm inspired to do just changes!

[walkthedarkpath]

[ Vergil learned from a wise bansheee to not fight it too much. Besides his plans would never be complete if he didn't get out of here some day. He didn't expect to graduate but he would get away from hell sooner or layer.]

I am, but I think it keeps one Sharp. And that is a respectable view.

[sharpsurprise]

[C'mon, he's not so bad, is he? He might even let you look at a sword again sometime.]

I suppose that's true enough. But sometimes it's nice to let your guard down, right?

[walkthedarkpath]

[ Vergil would very much like his sword back. That isn't even the top of list right now, he knows Karasu is sitting in his brothers room.]

No, that is when you make a mistake. When you invite yourself to failure.

[sharpsurprise]

I take care that there are people around me that I can trust.

[walkthedarkpath]

You can trust me to do what must be done. And that is all the trust you need to know of myself. I trust you will learn in time that I am not easy to deal with.

[sharpsurprise]

It wouldn't be very fun if you were, right? [But there's something sharp about his voice-- he can see where this is going. Vergil means to scare him, maybe intimidate him a little in the process. He's not that easiliy intimidated in general, and less so by Vergil. Not because Vergil isn't strong, or because he couldn't pose a threat: he can't afford to be intimidated, so he's not.]

[walkthedarkpath]

Fun comes from battle, I find little else to be as stimulating to the senses.

[ he wasnt trying to intimidate yet, simple conversation. Vergil had plans yes but he saw no point in starting things yet. Though he did smirk at Soujis sharpness.]

[sharpsurprise]

I suppose I'll have to lead by example! [He flashes a smile at Vergil, then reaches over for some fresh, thick paper and brushes.]

You can help me write New Year's wishes!

[walkthedarkpath]

[ He arched a brow but turned the chair anyway.]

Explain to me why you do this first. Usually wishes are for oneself.

[sharpsurprise]

Are they? [He lays out the tools, then starts playing with his own brush, turning it between his fingers nimbly.]

It's tradition to write wishes for other people, where I'm from. For the New Year, you put them in a box, and anyone can pull one out. It's good luck! [Or bad luck, depending on which slip of paper you pick-- but he's not about to bring that up.] But I think the Admiral likes things to be a bit more practical, so that's what I've been writing.

[walkthedarkpath]

Generally, yes.

[ Vergil was used to calligraphy, so he had an idea, plus he had a small amount of time he had spent in japan trying to learn about his sword so he had a basic idea of the tools. He was a well traveled man.]

I need to go switch my laundry in about 10 more minutes. [ he spoke, as a heads up.] If their in a box then doesn't it need to be aboard wish that could be used for all?

[sharpsurprise]

[He hasn't dared touch the washing machines yet, figuring a good hand wash will do. It's always done, so why change now? He acknowledges the comment with a nod, then starts writing again himself. It's a more general wish, this time, to accomodate Vergil. Great blessing -- a person being waited for.]

Hm! But I'm including some personal wishes.

[walkthedarkpath]

[ Vergil had learned to work them decades ago thankfully. He has to handwash all of his leather but the rest of his clothes could be machine washed and then ironed once they dried. Vergils clothes mattered to him he always had to look sharp.

Of all things, Vergil pulled from his inside jacket pocket, a quilled pen. It was cleaned of ink of course, he would not have ink stains but he took one of the sheets and looked to Souji's ink.]

And must it be in japanese? I can only speak and read a bit, I can not write it fluently.

[sharpsurprise]

Of course not! But if you'd like, I could teach you something.

[walkthedarkpath]

Another day, maybe.

[ he spoke as he dipped the quill in the ink, and in very fancy italian he started to write a simple 'escape this hell' it was a good wish for the inmates.]

[sharpsurprise]

Hm. [He leans over after Vergil's done, his own message taking a little longer.]

What language is that?

[walkthedarkpath]

Italian.

[ he spoke as he looked to Souji, his blue eyes disintrested as ever. Even if he was enjoying learning a new thing.]

I can read, write and speak many languages.

[sharpsurprise]

Italian. [Thanks to the Barge he's at least familiar with the alphabet, but the different ways in which it can be used is fascinating to him. He quietly sounds it out, making a mess of the words.]

Many?