[The laugh that follows is hollow, the smile unkind. Diavolo's heart pounds in his chest as he listens to the stammering, and then — then Doppio understands. Wide-eyed, guilty, painless.]
I should have suspected something was wrong from the very start. My daughter is... insidious. That very first time she approached us — weak, helpless, lost, hungry. She tried to worm her way close to us, then, and for what purpose? It drove me out of my mind with worry. I'd thought it to be a blessing that you forgot those days so easily, that her actions could not sway you, but now...
[The pressure increases. The heat flares, lapping at Doppio's skin everywhere Diavolo's fingers press in.]
Now I can only wonder if that was a lie I too-eagerly believed. Now I know that you have been keeping secrets from me. I wonder, Doppio. Have you truly forgotten?
[And, if there is even the slightest hint of hesitance—]
no subject
[The laugh that follows is hollow, the smile unkind. Diavolo's heart pounds in his chest as he listens to the stammering, and then — then Doppio understands. Wide-eyed, guilty, painless.]
I should have suspected something was wrong from the very start. My daughter is... insidious. That very first time she approached us — weak, helpless, lost, hungry. She tried to worm her way close to us, then, and for what purpose? It drove me out of my mind with worry. I'd thought it to be a blessing that you forgot those days so easily, that her actions could not sway you, but now...
[The pressure increases. The heat flares, lapping at Doppio's skin everywhere Diavolo's fingers press in.]
Now I can only wonder if that was a lie I too-eagerly believed. Now I know that you have been keeping secrets from me. I wonder, Doppio. Have you truly forgotten?
[And, if there is even the slightest hint of hesitance—]
Answer me.