Vergil Is Back-Chapter 39: Interlude: A Gentle Distance

Location: A small guest room in the Gremory estate

The room was quiet except for the soft hum of the rain outside. A gentle breeze drifted through the cracked window, carrying the scent of wet earth and blooming roses from the estate gardens.

Asia sat curled up on a plush chair beside the small fireplace, her Rumble-Rumble fruit tome resting in her lap, though she hadn't turned a page in the last ten minutes.

She was waiting.

When the door clicked open, her heart jumped before she could stop it.

Leon stepped inside, slower than usual. There was a strange softness to his presence—not weakened, but... quieter. His silver hair was still damp from the rain, his coat now folded over one arm.

Asia stood immediately. "You're hurt again, aren't you? You always act like you're not, but—"

"I'm not," Leon cut in gently, holding up a hand. "Not this time. Just... tired."

She stepped closer, frowning. "You were with Rias."

Leon blinked. "Yeah. Council stuff."

Asia nodded slowly, lips pressed together. She wasn't the type to get upset easily—but something inside her twisted.

"You don't talk to me like you talk to her," she said quietly.

Leon raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"You let her in," she murmured, eyes lowering. "You tell her things. About how you feel. About your power. The way it hurts."

Leon stepped forward then, closer than he usually allowed. "Asia—"

"I'm not angry," she said, cutting him off—voice small, trembling but honest. "But I don't want to be left behind. I know I'm not as strong. I can't fight like you or her... but I'm still here. I'm still yours."

His eyes widened slightly at that last word.

Yours.

And she meant it, didn't she?

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Not in the way of possession. In the way of belonging.Like she'd already decided—heart and soul—that wherever he walked, she'd follow.

Leon reached out, gently brushing a few strands of wet hair away from her face. His touch was careful, reverent.

"I know," he said softly. "You've never needed power to stay beside me. Just... that heart of yours."

Asia smiled—but it was wobbly, uncertain.

"Then don't treat me like I'll break if I know what's hurting you."

A long pause.

Leon finally nodded. "Next time I fall... I'll fall where you can catch me."

Later that night...

As Leon rested, leaning against the wall with Yamato at his side, Asia curled up beside him, dozing off lightly. Her head rested against his shoulder. A low hum of lightning danced around her skin—her body slowly adapting to the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, her aura beginning to sharpen.

He glanced down at her hand resting on his, her fingers lightly gripping his sleeve even in sleep.

He didn't move.