[To her second question, Vergil shakes his head slightly. He doubts very much Nero even knows The Aeneid exists, let alone that his father shares a name with its author.]
It was Trish.
[...Who he isn't certain necessarily read it herself. There was the possibility, but... She didn't exactly strike Vergil as the type particularly invested in literature, in any case. Seeing a classic written by an author of the same name would have been enough to tickle her amusement and provide him with the book. Most likely she still banked on Vergil enjoying it, but Trish did appear to be a woman after her own entertainment even alongside a kind gesture.]
I am certain a degree of Nero's willingness is out of a desire to please me. [Vergil is not so ignorant to miss that Nero still goes looking for his approval. It's not as frequent these days, which Vergil hopes is a reflection of security in their relationship, but it is still known to happen from time to time.] While we were reading together, I attempted to help him remember the meaning of "tantalize" based upon its origin. It eventually led to my agreeing to watch a film adaptation of Perseus' story, and he expressed interest in learning more of the mythology.
[Thus, humoring and pleasing Vergil given Vergil's willingness to humor and please him by watching a movie that he otherwise would not have given the time of day.]
[Cutely, Nero expressed a desire for Vergil to read the book on Greek mythology to him. Yes, the book. As in, he assumes there's only one book and not a mountain of texts each with varying authors and arguably a greater number of translators. Vergil at least spares Nero the embarrassment and does not share that portion of his expressed interest with Kyrie. He still faintly smiles at it though, privately amused at Nero's misunderstanding.]
But I also told him that the myths involve a great deal of monster-slaying, and the Greeks themselves venerated wrestling. [In other words, Vergil took it from what Nero would likely assume to be dry, stuffy academic writing to something more aligned with his interests.] That appeared to have captured his interest enough, he asked me to read it to him. It yet remains to be seen if that interest will hold when it actually is being read to him. He often struggles to remain awake when he asks me to read poetry to him.
[Which Nero has assured has nothing to do with the content of what Vergil is reading as it is his comfort while listening to Vergil read.]
no subject
It was Trish.
[...Who he isn't certain necessarily read it herself. There was the possibility, but... She didn't exactly strike Vergil as the type particularly invested in literature, in any case. Seeing a classic written by an author of the same name would have been enough to tickle her amusement and provide him with the book. Most likely she still banked on Vergil enjoying it, but Trish did appear to be a woman after her own entertainment even alongside a kind gesture.]
I am certain a degree of Nero's willingness is out of a desire to please me. [Vergil is not so ignorant to miss that Nero still goes looking for his approval. It's not as frequent these days, which Vergil hopes is a reflection of security in their relationship, but it is still known to happen from time to time.] While we were reading together, I attempted to help him remember the meaning of "tantalize" based upon its origin. It eventually led to my agreeing to watch a film adaptation of Perseus' story, and he expressed interest in learning more of the mythology.
[Thus, humoring and pleasing Vergil given Vergil's willingness to humor and please him by watching a movie that he otherwise would not have given the time of day.]
[Cutely, Nero expressed a desire for Vergil to read the book on Greek mythology to him. Yes, the book. As in, he assumes there's only one book and not a mountain of texts each with varying authors and arguably a greater number of translators. Vergil at least spares Nero the embarrassment and does not share that portion of his expressed interest with Kyrie. He still faintly smiles at it though, privately amused at Nero's misunderstanding.]
But I also told him that the myths involve a great deal of monster-slaying, and the Greeks themselves venerated wrestling. [In other words, Vergil took it from what Nero would likely assume to be dry, stuffy academic writing to something more aligned with his interests.] That appeared to have captured his interest enough, he asked me to read it to him. It yet remains to be seen if that interest will hold when it actually is being read to him. He often struggles to remain awake when he asks me to read poetry to him.
[Which Nero has assured has nothing to do with the content of what Vergil is reading as it is his comfort while listening to Vergil read.]