Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It had been months since then, almost a year. Since the last time you saw V.
V, Nero, and Dante had left in pursuit of Urizen. You stayed with Nico in the van taking care of Lady until she awoke. Trish arrived soon after, having said Dante saved her and she ran into V. You were sitting outside the van, worry made your heart race.
You knew V was strong and capable of taking care of himself but for a while things didn't seem right. He began coughing more and when you asked he brushed it off. There were times you would see him stumble and catch himself with his cane. In those moments Nero would rush over and take him out of sight. You had begun to think V wasn't well and was hiding it from you. You had barely started your relationship and you had secrets.
Your hairs stood on end.
A figure clad in blue with white hair like Dante and Nero appeared in front of you out of nowhere, holding a katana at his side. Your body went stiff in fear of this stranger. His icy blue eyes scanned over you. A hint of familiarity came to you as you gazed into them. Just as fast as he came, he was gone.
Your knees collapsed under you as your legs had gone numb. The door to the van suddenly opened and Trish called your name in panic. She rushed up to you and you described to her the man who had appeared moments before.
Trish's eyes had changed, her pupils shrunk and she looked around the area. Trish had insisted it was just an illusion and ushered you back into the van. Trish was always a good liar.
Maybe two hours later after the tree had begun collapsing upon itself and Nero returned... alone. He was the one who had to explain what happened to V. How V and Urizen reunited as one being and Vergil reawakened. Then Vergil and Dante fled to the Underworld to separate the Qliphoth roots to save the rest of the world.
But what struck you the hardest was learning how Vergil was always clad in blue. And just for a moment you wondered if V's feelings still lived in him.
Ten months later it seems you'll never get an answer. Dante and Vergil knew they would be trapped in the Underworld and because of that Devil May Cry had to make a few changes of its own.
Since you had been the only human not consumed by the tree everyone decided it was best for you to stay with the group. Lady and Trish insisted you learn to weild a weapon and you shined with your own skills. It made you happy to have a home and family to come back to.
Lady, Trish, and you worked at the main office while Nico and Nero would both come and go. The remnants of the tree were taken care of within five months. After that the military moved in to secure the city. However, some demons are still lurking around and the military has employed Devil May Cry to keep it contained.
Life became peaceful. Well as peaceful as demon killing can be. But everybody had time to breathe at least. It made the days easier.
You trotted up the steps to the door of Devil May Cry. From outside you could hear Trish and Lady yelling. This wasn't really anything new but it defined how the day was going to go.
You opened the door and stepped inside.
Blue ice.
Your small smirk faded away as your body felt heavy. He looked at you with an unwavering scowl. All of it brought you back to that day. The pain you felt, nearly unbearable. Like the world gave and took from you in an instant. Nothing was going to change the fact that he was gone, not even the man looking at you right now.
You were brought back suddenly by Dante saying your name, "Welcome to the party! Thanks for keeping these two in check." Dante gave you a nod.
"Um, yeah," you muttered feeling like your lips could barely move. You just wanted it to end. The way his eyes looked at you, foreign now, no familiarity like there was once.
"Don't just stand there," Dante complained. You stepped into the shop and closed the door behind yourself.
"Morning," Lady nodded at you. You gave a nod back.
"Here," Dante said, walking towards you. He placed both guns and his sword into your arms. You struggled with the weight. Blood was crusted onto them. You cringed. "Shine these up for me real nice, would ya? Too much demon blood in the cracks."
"There you go again, treating women like this," Lady sighs. She stomps over and one by one shoves Dante's weapons into his chest. "Do... it... yourself! We actually need her!"
"What's that supposed to mean?" Dante asks.
"She's a demon killer now," Trish says appearing in the back doorway. "Not your secretary."
"Nero and Nico will be here soon, I need the file from the military," you say. Trish picks the file up from the desk and walks it over to you.
"The usual. Nothing too fancy," she says. You nod.
"Military file?" Dante asks.
"There are still parts of Red Grave that are uncontained. The military does recon then calls us to take care of the problems," Lady explains.
"Keep quiet about these two being back, around Nero. We will tell him after the job," Trish says.
"Got it."
"We work for the military now?" Dante asks. "What the hell have you all done?"
"Thanks to us the company has work. Not to mention, he created this mess!" Lady gestures to Vergil. There's a flicker in his brow. "By the way, are we really going to let that part go?!"
"I'm gonna get going," you say as the screaming match resumes. You slip from Devil May Cry. As soon as the door closes you let out a sigh.
They're back. But it changes nothing. There's still a job to do.
The van pulls up to the curb. "Let's go!" Nero calls. You give a small smirk and hop in.
-
You pull your dagger from the fading demon's chest. Blood covers your hand.
"Hey," Nero says, approaching from behind. "You seem a bit… I don't know… Angry? Is something wrong?"
"No," you say innocently. "I just wanna get this done quickly."
"Well, it's done. That was the last son of a bitch," he says, checking the area. His attention returns to you once more. "You sure?"
"I'm sure, Nero," you say. His phone beeps.
"Kyrie wants me home for dinner. We better get going."
"Just drop me off at the shop."
-
You enter into a dead quiet Devil May Cry. Nobody is in the front office. The light in the kitchen is on though. You make your way over. "Hey, we just-" You freeze as that cold blizzard takes your form again. He stares at you blankly. "Sorry, I thought you were Lady or Trish. I'll just leave this for them." You turn back towards the door.
"Wait," the single word growled out as an order. As if it controls you, you lock up. The chair clatters. Footsteps approach. A chill crawls up your spine but you dare not shiver. Your heartbeat so loud you can hear it and fear he can as well. "Who are you?"
"I-I'm…"
"You're no demon," he says.
"No. I'm human," you say.
"Then why are you here?"
You purse your lips and glance downwards. "Someone I loved trusted these people once. I stayed hoping to see them again. And now I have. But they are not what I thought they were." Getting the truth off of your chest gives you a moment of courage. "Goodnight."
You take a step forward only to feel something push you. Your back hits the doorframe. A gasp leaves your lips at the impact.
You see the sheathed Yamato pressed against your ribs. When your eyes lift they're met with his. A cold icy blue. Nothing like V's green gaze.
"What is the meaning of this?" He mutters. You remain silent. "Why are you so-" Vergil quiets as a sword appears in front of him.
"Let her go, Vergil," Dante says, evenly. Vergil gives a side glance to his brother before returning his gaze to you. He pulls the Yamato away. Dante takes your arm and peels you from the doorframe.
"Go home," Dante orders you. You give him a nod. Placing the file onto the desk you scurry from the office. "Threatening innocent girls now, Vergil? That's a new low."
Don't get involved anymore than this. Nothing will happen as you hope.
You depart.

The robe tightens around your waist. You meet your gaze in the mirror. A very obvious sadness in your features. No matter how much you wish it, that scene won't leave you. For just a single moment you had thought you saw V, just a flicker in his eyes ignited a hope you lost long ago. But once it was gone the memory turned painful again.
There's no point in thinking about it much further. You knew Vergil wasn't V. So why did you hope?
You exit the bathroom and walk down the hall. A figure has your whole body tense up. Someone's in the apartment! Your hands become fists and you are ready for a fight.
His head lifts and he turns to you. You hold your breath. Vergil.
"Why are you in my home?" Your words are sharp. You had believed even half demons understood boundaries and simple common sense, but maybe not.
"Your home," Vergil repeats, glancing around the room.
Your apartment was small and embarrassingly bare. You had a loveseat someone was tossing out and an old tv that barely worked. You lived for the job so everything else was just too materialistic. Maybe it was a fear of losing everything again. You didn't know.
"Really?" He says it rhetorically.
"I asked you a question, Vergil. I have half a mind to call Dante and Nero right now," you threaten. After last night you can't trust, Vergil. You know how dangerous he can be. You've heard the stories hundreds of times by now, about the half demon who would do anything if it meant being stronger. But V, sweet and kind V, was half of him?
"I came to speak with you," he says.
"Why? You didn't care much about me last night."
"I… Apologize for my actions. I was mistaken about your intentions."
"Apology accepted. You can see yourself out," you say. You pass him while walking towards the kitchen. He roughly takes your arm. You snap your head with a defiant glare straight at him. He doesn't match that glare like he would before. He's different this time.
"That's not why I'm here," he says. He reaches into his jacket. You tense again. He holds up a brown book with a large V on the cover. You recognize that book immediately. "I gave this book to Nero before going to the Underworld. Last night it was returned to me," he explains. "And then I… Remembered." His eyes meet yours again.
V
Your heart begins to race in your chest. Emotions fill you and you can't help the tears that begin to stream down. He releases you and his hand caresses your cheek. The sensation strikes you. It's the same, it's the exact same.
Vergil is V. Those feelings never disappeared. You've never been more glad to be wrong.
Your hand overlaps his. "I waited for you."
Vergil pulls you into his embrace. His hand cradling the back of your head. "I am home, my dream."

A dream that is only ours to have.

Chapter Text

It had been months since then, almost a year. Since the last time you saw V.
V, Nero, and Dante had left in pursuit of Urizen. You stayed with Nico in the van taking care of Lady until she awoke. Trish arrived soon after, having said Dante saved her and she ran into V. You were sitting outside the van, worry made your heart race.
You knew V was strong and capable of taking care of himself but for a while things didn't seem right. He began coughing more and when you asked he brushed it off. There were times you would see him stumble and catch himself with his cane. In those moments Nero would rush over and take him out of sight. You had begun to think V wasn't well and was hiding it from you. You had barely started your relationship and you had secrets.
Your hairs stood on end.
A figure clad in blue with white hair like Dante and Nero appeared in front of you out of nowhere, holding a katana at his side. Your body went stiff in fear of this stranger. His icy blue eyes scanned over you. A hint of familiarity came to you as you gazed into them. Just as fast as he came, he was gone.
Your knees collapsed under you as your legs had gone numb. The door to the van suddenly opened and Trish called your name in panic. She rushed up to you and you described to her the man who had appeared moments before.
Trish's eyes had changed, her pupils shrunk and she looked around the area. Trish had insisted it was just an illusion and ushered you back into the van. Trish was always a good liar.
Maybe two hours later after the tree had begun collapsing upon itself, Nero returned. He was the one who had to explain what happened to V. How V and Urizen reunited as one being and Vergil reawakened. Then Vergil and Dante fled to the Underworld to separate the Qliphoth roots to save the rest of the world. Ooo
But what struck you the hardest was learning how Vergil was always clad in blue. And just for a moment you wondered if V's feelings still lived in him.
Ten months later it seems you'll never get an answer. Dante and Vergil knew they would be trapped in the Underworld and because of that Devil May Cry had to make a few changes of its own.
Since you had been the only human not consumed by the tree everyone decided it was best for you to stay with the group. Lady and Trish insisted you learn to weild a weapon and you shined with your own skills. It made you happy to have a home and family to come back to.
Lady, Trish, and you worked at the main office while Nico and Nero would both come and go. The remnants of the tree were taken care of within five months. After that the military moved in to secure the city. However, some demons are still lurking around and the military has employed Devil May Cry to keep it contained.
Life became peaceful. Well as peaceful as demon killing can be. But everybody had time to breathe at least. It made the days easier.
You trotted up the steps to the door of Devil May Cry. From outside you could hear Trish and Lady yelling. This wasn't really anything new but it defined how the day was going to go.
You opened the door and stepped inside.
Blue ice.
Your small smirk faded away as your body felt heavy. He looked at you with an unwavering scowl. All of it brought you back to that day. The pain you felt, nearly unbearable. Like the world gave and took from you in an instant. Nothing was going to change the fact that he was gone, not even the man looking at you right now.
You were brought back suddenly by Dante saying your name, "Welcome to the party! Thanks for keeping these two in check." Dante gave you a nod.
"Um, yeah," you muttered feeling like your lips could barely move. You just wanted it to end. The way his eyes looked at you, foreign now, no familiarity like there was once.
"Don't just stand there," Dante complained. You stepped into the shop and closed the door behind yourself.
"Morning," Lady nodded at you. You gave a nod back.
"Here," Dante said, walking towards you. He placed both guns and his sword into your arms. You struggled with the weight. Blood was crusted onto them. You cringed. "Shine these up for me real nice, would ya? Too much demon blood in the cracks."
"There you go again, treating women like this," Lady sighs. She stomps over and one by one shoves Dante's weapons into his chest. "Do... it... yourself! We actually need her!"
"What's that supposed to mean?" Dante asks.
"She's a demon killer now," Trish says, appearing in the back doorway. "Not your secretary."
"Nero and Nico will be here soon, I need the file from the military," you say. Trish picks the file up from the desk and walks it over to you.
"The usual. Nothing too fancy," she says. You nod.
"Military file?" Dante asks.
"There are still parts of Red Grave that are uncontained. The military does recon then calls us to take care of the problems," Lady explains.
"Keep quiet about these two being back, around Nero. We will tell him after the job," Trish says.
"Got it."
"We work for the military now?" Dante asks. "What the hell have you all done?"
"Thanks to us, the company has work. Not to mention, he created this mess!" Lady gestures to Vergil. There's a flicker in his brow, the only indication her words have affected him at all. "By the way, are we really going to let that part go?!"
"I'm gonna get going," you say as the screaming match resumes. You slip from Devil May Cry. As soon as the door closes you let out a sigh.
They're back. But it changes nothing. There's still a job to do.
The van pulls up to the curb. "Let's go!" Nero calls. You give a small smirk and hop in.
-
You pull your dagger from the fading demon's chest. Blood covers your hand, dripping onto the pavement.
"Hey," Nero says, approaching from behind. "You seem a bit… I don't know… Angry? Is something wrong?"
"No," you say innocently, not tearing your gaze as the blood fades in the wind. "I just wanna get this done quickly."
"Well, it's done. That was the last son of a bitch," he says, checking the area. His attention returns to you once more. "You sure?"
"I'm sure, Nero," you say. His phone beeps.
"Kyrie wants me home for dinner. We'd better get going."
"Just drop me off at the shop."
-
You enter into a dead quiet Devil May Cry. Nobody is in the front office. The light in the kitchen is on though. You make your way over. "Hey, we just-" You freeze as that cold blizzard takes your form again. He stares at you blankly. "Sorry, I thought you were Lady or Trish. I'll just leave this for them." You turn back towards the door.
"Wait," the single word growled out as an order. As if it controls you, you lock up. The chair clatters. Footsteps approach. A chill crawls up your spine but you dare not shiver. It becomes deathly silent. Even your breathing seems too loud. The anticipation has your heart sounding like thousands of drums, beating in unison. "Who are you?"
"I-I'm…"
"You're no demon," he says.
"No. I'm human," you say.
"Then why are you here?"
You purse your lips and glance downwards. "Someone I loved trusted these people once. I stayed hoping to see them again. And now I have. But they are not what I thought they were." Getting the truth off of your chest gives you a moment of courage. "Goodnight."
You take a step forward only to feel something push you. Your back hits the doorframe. A gasp leaves your lips at the impact.
You see the sheathed Yamato pressed against your ribs. When your eyes lift they're met with his. A cold icy blue. Nothing like V's green gaze.
"What is the meaning of this?" He mutters. You remain silent. "Why are you so-" Vergil quiets as a sword appears in front of him.
"Let her go, Vergil," Dante says, evenly. Vergil gives a side glance to his brother before returning his gaze to you. He pulls the Yamato away. Dante takes your arm and peels you from the doorframe.
"Go home," Dante orders you. You give him a nod. Placing the file onto the desk you scurry from the office. "Threatening innocent girls now, Vergil? That's a new low."
You mistakenly take one last glance at Vergil only to find his eyes have never left you. Your hands fumble to open the door, a panic rising inside of you. Once the crisp and cool night air hits you, you flee.

The robe tightens around your waist. You meet your gaze in the mirror. A very obvious sadness in your features. No matter how much you wish for it, that scene won't leave you. For just a single moment you had thought you saw V, just a flicker in his eyes ignited a hope you lost long ago. But once it was gone the memory turned painful again.
There's no point in thinking about it much further. You knew Vergil wasn't V. So why did you hope?
At Devil May Cry they've finally told Nero about the return of the twins. And Nero doesn't exactly act happy. He doesn't yell but he does curse at them. He curses a lot and honestly you don't think you've ever heard that many expletives in one sitting before. Not even watching Kitchen Nightmares. And boy do Lady and Trish let him have at it.
However, as entertaining as the one sided exchange is, there's still a job to do. It takes some tries but you and Nico are able to tear the young half demon away and into the van. He still protests from inside and even pouts a bit on the drive. You and Nico find it hilarious though.
-
"Are we done?" Nico asks as you and Nero return to the van.
"Yup. Another area marked off," Nero says.
"How was he?" Nico asks you.
"I'm just glad I'm not a demon," you say. She smirks.
"Let's get going. Mama's getting drunk tonight," Nico says. The two of you board the van. You stretch out over the seat.
"A few drinks sound nice," you say a bit absentmindedly. It might feel nice to forget everything, even if it's for a moment. Alcohol isn't really your go-to but once in a while it sounds good.
"Then you should come over," Nico says. "It'll be fun."
"Sure," you say.
"Hey, what am I? You're not gonna invite me?" Nero says. You and Nico giggle.

The next morning you are left to do secretary work while everyone else is out. Taking calls, sorting files, that boring kinda thing. You wish you could be out there with them right now, it would be fun.
"Are you having fun yet?"
V asked you that once after you first met. He took down the demons with ease but you were so terrified. You've changed so much since then. You can't help but to wonder what he would think of you now.
You open a drawer to stuff some files inside. However, the files refuse to push farther back. You move them to look at what's in the way.
Oh.
V's book. The poetry book he took with him everywhere. The one you learned word for word and quoted with V often. Vergil had given it to Nero before descending to the Underworld. And Nero gave it to you as something to remember V by.
There were nights you could do nothing but clutch this book tightly and cry. Nights where the pain was unbearable.
Your fingers trace the ridges of the book. When your life became more hectic you put it in the drawer thinking it would be safe there. But, while it was safe, it was also forgotten. Have you tried to forget V?
"Where did you get that?" A voice startles you. Your eyes lift from the book. Vergil stands before the desk clutching the Yamato tightly.
"Oh. It's been here. You told Nero to hang onto it until you got back, right?" You offer the book to him. "Here." You purse your lips. This doesn't feel right. You don't want to give this up. Not ever. But it's not exactly yours either.
Vergil softly grasps the book. He gives you a once over look. "You don't belong here."
Your teeth clench. "And you do?" You ask. Vergil furrows his brows… You think. You can't really tell the difference from his usual scowl.
"Humans should know better than to meddle in these affairs."
"Need I remind you that you're the reason I'm here in the first place?" You grab your coat off the back of the chair and walk around the desk. "Maybe demons shouldn't meddle in human affairs." You walk towards the door but feel his hand pull on your arm.
"You're a fool!" He snaps. You turn to spit something back but your eyes land on the book. V's book being held by this bastard.
"You're nothing like him," you say. Your gaze lifts to match his. You take a step forward. "He gave up his life to become you? Don't make me laugh. You're nothing but a joke compared to him."
You hear the door open. Nero softly calls your name. "Is there a problem here?"
"No," you say, easily slipping from Vergil's grasp. "I'm done here."
Late into the night you sit at the desk at Devil May Cry. Vergil left the book here so you've taken the chance to flip through it one last time.
"If a thing loves it is infinite."
"I am in you and you in me, mutual in divine love."
Remembering his words, his kiss, his love. It's been a long time since you've only been filled with those thoughts. It hurts to hold yourself back from crying but this isn't the time to have a breakdown.
You flip to the next page.
Forgive me.
Your fingers tremble as you reach for the small piece of parchment. Your hand moves to your mouth as you realize this is his handwriting. V left you a message? It's been here all this time? You move the piece and glance to the page underneath.

Never seek to tell thy love,
Love that never told can be;
For the gentle wind doth move
Silently, invisibly.

I told my love, I told my love,
I told her all my heart,
Trembling, cold, in ghastly fears.
Ah! she did depart!

Soon after she was gone from me,
A traveller came by,
Silently, invisibly:
He took her with a sigh.

Knowing V he chose this page on purpose. You examine the poem closer. A traveller? He's meaning Vergil probably. V wants you to understand Vergil. It's a bit too late for that. Vergil is simply lucky you don't blame him for taking V away. Vergil is lucky.
"You're reading that?"
You purse your lips but don't meet his gaze. Right now even the sound of his condescending voice pisses you off. "Of course I am." You snap the book shut and stand. "I'm done with it anyway you can have it back."
"Finish it." He says it more like a command than a suggestion. Before you can even process what he's said he swiftly walks into the kitchen.

V used to brush his long slender fingers along your jaw, rub his thumb over your lips, and sometimes grip your hair gently. His lips against yours were soft and delicate. You fear admitting the fogginess of those memories. They fade. You've done everything to try and stop them from fading but nothing does.
It angers you. Enrages you. That such meaningful things can just scatter like dust… Like nothing.
Like he never even existed.
Your blade swings. Blood falls from the demon. You move to strike again. The demon cries out and begins to flail. One of its claws strikes your bicep. You yell holding your arm. Blood drips onto the pavement. You heave. The anger doesn't clear, it doesn't dissipate at all. You only see even more red. Your eyes fall on the demon with a deathly glare.
A blade pierces through the demon from behind. The demon slips away and begins to fade. Through the ashes you meet those cold blue eyes. "I had that! I don't need your help!"
Vergil shifts his tense jaw. "Then you should stay out of my way," He snaps back.
"Whoa whoa," Dante says, stepping between you both. "I think maybe we got off on the wrong foot here."
"We never even started on it," you mutter while sheathing your blade. You turn from the twins.
"Whoa there firecracker, what's got you so heated?" Nico asks as you approach the van.
"How can you tell?" You ask her.
"Uh, it's a little bit obvious, hun," she says. You toss your coat into the van and turn to her. "Talk to me. Come on. Mama Nico is all ears."
"I've had enough of Vergil. Ever since he's been back all I can think about is V. I'm just angry. So angry." Your fists clench as you explain.
"Honey muffin, there's nothing you could've done."
"I don't believe that," you mutter. "Vergil doesn't even remember being V, he only remembers Urizen. To think that V is a part of him drives me insane. They're nothing alike."
"He's half demon, they aren't known for their caring nature."
"And yet Dante is completely ordinary."
"I think Dante is a different case. Besides, it sounds like you want Vergil to be more like V."
"Sometimes I would like him to be V at all. With Vergil it feels like V doesn't even exist inside him."
"I guess I can see how that might be frustrating."
"Hey, where's the-" Nero suddenly stops upon looking at you. "Nevermind. I think I'm gonna stay out of this one."
"You're fine, Nero," you say.
"Are you sure? Cuz I remember the last time you looked like that and I was afraid for my head."
"Yeah, I'm sure."
"She was quite the shot that day," Nico murmurs. Nero makes a gesture to her.
You smirk. "I promise you aren't the target this time."
"Well, that's reassuring. Anyway, I'm finished and starving," Nero says.
"Food it is," Nico says.
~
You open the doors to Devil May Cry. You left a few things here and came to pick them up. You aren't shocked when you see the blue asshole sitting at the desk. He fingers through the poetry book. He doesn't even glance to see who comes in.
You don't mind. Get in, get out. You walk across the room towards your things.
"You were wounded," he says evenly. His voice rattles anger in you but you huff it away.
"I'm fine," you say, lifting your things. You turn stuff- jumping back before colliding with the blue wall in front of you. Your gaze slowly lifts. Vergil stares down at you. In the dim light it looks like his icy eyes glow. Vergil stands so close a scent, one of parchment and burning wood, fills your nose. Like V.
The memory has your cheeks suddenly feeling warm. But this isn't the time for that.
"What?" You try to put as much disdain in your tone as possible.
"Wounds like that will fester," he says.
"I'll manage," you say, attempting to brush by but he steps in front of your path. You face him ready to spit fire.
"I refuse to let a stubborn human slow me down. Your arm," he demands. You grit your teeth behind your lips. But you know there's no getting away.
He just wants to look. Do that and leave.
Dramatically showing your distaste you drop your bag to the floor and rip the sleeve of your baggy shirt upwards. You turn your face away as he stares into the wound.
His hand curls around your elbow and suddenly yanks you. "Hey!" He shoves you into the chair behind the desk. The tired wheels groan in protest of the violence. You lift up to stand but he shoves you back down with a firm hand.
"Do not move." You scoff as he leaves you and returns with a bottle of vodka and a knife. Without another word he begins. Leaning against the desk while slicing infected pieces away. A normal person would make some face, like surgeons do under their masks, but he stays stone cold.
Despite how it sounds it doesn't hurt much. The area is already pretty numb from shock and slight infection, but you take a swig of the vodka anyway to numb you completely. Anything to distract you from this, from him.
Your eyes land on the book just next to Vergil. Right, he was just reading it when you came in. You lift the cover fingering through the pages with one hand until you land on one. The one V's message was left. Asking you to understand. You want to try, for him, but… You blame him. Blame him for taking V away. You know there was no other choice. V… Would've died. Maybe, he knew you would blame Vergil. Even now seeing right through you. So… For him, you must forgive Vergil and let this anger go.
It will be hard but one good place to start is admitting it.
"I guess I was wrong," you mutter. "About you." He says nothing. Not that you expected him to. "Do you have a favorite? Or have they all blurred together for you?" Without a word his hand flips the pages. His answer prominent on the paper. "Earth's Answer. A good choice. I like that one as well." You take another drink. "I've read this thousands of times and that one always seems to scream out differently than the others. Begging for freedom like that, I guess it's something we all can relate to." He takes the bottle from you and pours it down your arm. You hiss in pain and cringe. Without batting an eye he pulls out some stray gauze and places it overtop. "I'm sorry. I've been rude to you. I lost someone dear to me that day and I've been unfairly pushing my anger onto you. I apologize." He tightens wrapping on your arm and stands. You watch his back disappear and you begin to believe he didn't even hear your apology. Ugh, you finally forgive him and he doesn't even listen.
You pull your sleeve back down getting up from the chair. With a huff of annoyance you lean down to reach for your bag. Once you straighten yourself your breath catches in surprise. Mere inches away Vergil stares down at you. The coldness you always feel when those eyes hold you has never felt so strong. You stare into him as well, curious what's going through his mind right now. He's probably calling you a useless human, no doubt. That is until this glance seems to be way longer than normal. The type of long before... Vergil leans in closing the gap between you both. Most of your body begins to panic but the other half relaxes into what is about to happen. Without even being able to move most of your body your lips part in anticipation.
Only to watch Vergil's gaze slip from yours. He leans to your left and you hear the hard cover flap down onto the pages. Your head turns to the side cursing at yourself.
What the hell were you thinking?
Vergil leans back up and steps back to take your place in the chair. For a moment you stand there absorbing your thoughts until you realize just how awkward the moment has become. You hoist your bag over your shoulder and walk around the desk. You stop.
"Thank you, for your help," you say over your shoulder.
When the door of Devil May Cry closes you gasp in cold night air. It does little to calm the blazing inferno in your chest. After a few breaths you take to the sidewalk and go straight home.

The group has spread out this hunt. A last push to clear the city. After this week our work here should be done. Nothing that could harm humans will be left behind and the city can start rebuilding. Ironically with the help of the one who destroyed it in the first place.
You've taken the rooftops near the riverside. It is a short end job. The others didn't want you taking the underground paths since the rocks still shift and fall. Up here it is mostly clear. Only a few demons rear their ugly faces. Small ones that have hidden easily.
You jump to the next roof and take a wide look around. Boring. But you're thankful. You didn't sleep well last night. Not after…
A damn bat screeches and dives for you. Snapping from your thoughts you swing your blade quickly, effortlessly disposing of it. Crossing onto a broken platform you watch the edge you just jumped from crumble and splash into the river below. Oops.
You continue on around apartment buildings and former lively streets. You don't think you've come this way before. Just when you thought you'd seen it all. But soon you remember why you haven't. Here is the most dense reminder… The people whose lives were sucked away. Dried, fragile, dust forms are all that is left of them. The slightest touch, the slightest wind will crumble them. It hurts everytime.
You approach a bench with the remnants of a balloon string tied to the arm. The balloon is long gone but still something remains. It's unfair that a balloon string has more permanence than the person, the child, who put it here.
With a heavy heart you press on.
Your wandering takes you on through the streets until you approach a more open area. Curiously no dust figures reside here. Odd.
The pavement beneath you begins to tremble. You widen your stance to keep your footing but a sudden shift throws you back. You land hard. With a groan you lift your head to see the ground split in a curling line, like something is crawling just beneath. Sitting up fully you watch the line loop around and come back straight for you. You scurry to your feet and bolt in the opposite direction. You didn't think any larger demons were left this way but it seems one still lurked right under your noses.
The cracked street moves closer to you, nearly catching up. Not being able to even see this demon is a disadvantage and blindly piercing the pavement just sounds stupid. All you can do right now is run, hope to throw it off. You head towards a decorative park planter and leap when you're close enough. You watch the cracking pavement suddenly stop. It becomes quiet. Very quiet.
You can't leave this here. There must be a way to draw it back up. But how? You could-
The wind whips by you. You watch as what looks like a bladed whip slams into the concrete you were just standing. Now suddenly you're sitting on an apartment balcony able to now see the demon with a bladed tail.
Your gaze lifts, your hands on his chest, bodies tight together. Vergil stares into you. Shock and something you think is relief fills you. You were nearly toast just then. With a huff that confirms your safety his protective arm slips back from around you. Vergil rises to stand and locks onto the demon. "Stay here." He suddenly vanishes. You scramble to look over the edge.
Below Vergil annihilates the demon. He's fast, so fast you can barely even see him. Darting back and forth, slicing bits of the demon away. Like he's torturing it.
A faded blue bubble suddenly surrounds the demon. Slashes appear within the confines of the bubble. Vergil stands and with a soft click, sheathes Yamato. The bubble then bursts striking the demon hundreds of times at once. You're at a loss as the demon falls and fades away. Vergil is much more dangerous than you thought he was. Insanely strong and fast. Not that you haven't seen such a thing before, but nothing like him. Something so unforgiving.
You climb down from the low balcony and rush towards him. He only glances in your direction before turning and walking. You purse your lips. He's upset, just after telling you to not slow him down you do anyway.
"Make haste," he says. To your surprise he actually stops to look back at you. You can't help a small smirk before rushing to catch up.

The week passes with little else excitement. As a celebration everyone gets together for drinks. It's a fairly rowdy evening and everyone is quite tipsy, everyone but Vergil.
"Alright," you say when the hour gets a bit late. "I'm stopping here tonight."
"Aw, come on," Lady says.
"We deserve this," Trish says. You stand while shaking your head.
"Sorry, I'm pretty tired," you say. Fighting off more protest you're finally able to pull your jacket on and walk out to the street.
You walk on sobering up as you do. But damn are you tired. You rub one eye trying to get the sluggishness to pass, just until you get home.
A hand takes your arm and pulls it. Your back hits the brick wall of an alley. The face before yours is not uncommon. His hands press to the wall trapping you in. He stands close. Dangerously close.
"Vergil. What are you-"
Nothing in the world could prepare you for the cold of his lips on yours. It presses the back of your head into the wall. He's gentle, not exactly a master of such a thing. It's clumsy yet genuine. At least, you hoped it was.
"Damn. Where did they go?" The voice startles you. A male just on the street.
"Fuck. We almost had them!" Another voice chimes.
"We'll have to find someone else."
Vergil parts from the kiss and watches them cross the opening of the alley and disappear. The light from the street illuminates his tense jaw and the way it shifts with anticipation.
Vergil was protecting you but… Your fingers tremble as they cover your mouth. The warmth is an unwelcome contrast. You feel… Disappointed?
You thought-
You had hoped-
You-
The unfinished thoughts disappear as his face returns to yours. Instead you're filled with anger.
"Just say something! You didn't have to-" you can't even choke the word out. It's stuck in your throat along with everything else you won't admit. "I appreciate your help. But I have to get home."
You should've figured, after something like that he wouldn't just leave you. No right minded person would. The entire walk he follows just a few feet behind, silently. Ready to scowl at any living thing that dares cross your path.
Clouds rumble overhead, the threat of rain beginning just as you reach your apartment. What luck. You approach the door and lift your key only to realize his presence looms over your shoulder. "Do you intend to come inside?" He remains quiet. Raindrops patter onto your hand. He couldn't return in this anyway. You unlock the door. "I guess I should thank you properly. You like tea I assume. Is honey lemon alright?" You don't even need to turn to know how hesitant he is. Entering your home for the first time must be so new for many reasons. You proceed to the kitchen, quaint and clean.
As the kettle warms, you are entranced by the flame that dances under it. For you it is a moment of peace. Your muscles ache from the last week of constant patrols. Checking and rechecking, making sure without a doubt nothing demonic remained. It was tedious, paranoid work but it's over. Everything you stayed for… Is over. They don't need your help any longer and you don't have much of a reason to stay.
These clouded thoughts are silenced by the kettle beginning to screech. Jolting back to reality you twist the knob and rip the kettle from the stove. In the process resting your hand under the spout. Placing the pot down quickly you give a small yelp and curse. The space between your middle and ring finger turning red.
Another hand takes yours. Vergil examines them but ultimately looks confused. "I just burned myself a bit. I'm fine." He doesn't release your hands, nor does he pull away. Just like earlier he looks into you. This time, you're the one closing the gap between you both as you step closer. You need to test this. You didn't think earlier was just a momentary thing, but you can't read Vergil. You need to know. He doesn't move away but for a second you see a bit of unsureness in his gaze. The slightest bit and it makes you retract. Your head lowers as you shrink back. Vergil takes your bicep with an alarming grip. The movement is so quick it startles you. He pulls you back to your previous distance. The gesture is simple but with a meaning heavier than you anticipated. Hesitantly you find yourself closing the small bit of gap left and are surprised when he does the same.
Darkness fills your vision. A large flash illuminates the room. "Shit. A blackout?" You pull from Vergil's grasp. "I'll find some fl-" At a speed you've never experienced before your back slams into the wall and his lips take yours. Immediately you kiss him back. His hand caresses your cheek while the other trails down. It reaches the small of your back to press you even tighter to him. His fingers there grip so tightly he may just pierce your flesh.
All of those things you refused to admit come to light, not as shameful, but as lustful. You want him. More than you have ever wanted anything. More than you wanted V.
The fuzzy mess your heart has become keeps you from realizing the expert way he kisses you. Hundreds of miles ahead of the klutzy kiss from earlier. He now bites your bottom lip and slips his tongue over as well. Aggressive lust takes him and soon you as well. Your hands take his coat and pull it down his shoulders. He easily complies by slipping it off and tossing it somewhere else. Underneath you can see the muscles of his arms much more clearly in his dress shirt. With one hand he rips your jacket from you. His hand falls to your chin to keep your head up. He dips to your collar kissing and biting. Small whimpers leave your lips. The thunder above covers your little cries. He lifts your shirt. Ice cold hands take your waist. You gasp at the sudden cold. Vergil lifts his head to take your lips again. His hand slides through your hair while the other brushes up your stomach. He parts from you. A flash makes the room blaze white momentarily. In that second you can see his expression hasn't changed but his eyes have turned predatory. His thumb rubs over your cheek. And then he's gone.
The door slams shut. And you're left dazed, disheveled, and utterly confused.

You barely slept. How could you?
What happened? You thought this is what he wanted. While it doesn't bother you that he changed his mind, you are still curious as to why he even started this. You're sure he didn't feel any type of way towards you.
You were a lowly human who simply stuck their nose too far into something and was just taking up space. At least that's what you thought.
"I think I should leave Devil May Cry," you admit. Nero drops his chinese box and turns to Nico who has the same shocked expression. "I know it's sudden but, Dante and Vergil are back, the city is safe, I just don't think there's room for me anymore."
"Hun, you know thats bullshit," Nico says.
"I mean yeah, jobs will start fading out from here but… Come on. I thought you were in this for the long run," Nero says.
"Originally I was. But now things are different."
"He said something, didn't he?" Nero asks. You lift your gaze and that's all it takes to rile him. Nero stands clenching his fists. "That bastard!"
"No! Nero!" You stand stepping in front of him. Blocking him from the van's door. "He didn't say anything. I decided this."
"And you're going to tell me he had nothing to do with it?" Nero asks. You shy away.
"Nero, please," you say. "Just trust me."
"Fine," he spits, sitting back down.
Later at Devil May Cry you discreetly gather your things. You've chosen a time where everyone is out. Well, at least you thought.
"Going somewhere?" A voice asks, making you jump in surprise. You turn to Dante.
"I-I'm gonna leave Devil May Cry," you say to him.
"First I've heard of it."
"I wasn't sure how to tell you."
He sighs. "Alright. What for?"
"What?"
"Why are you leaving out of nowhere?"
"I just don't think-"
"The real reason, come on."
You purse your lips. "We kissed."
"Whoa," he says leaning forward. "So it was you!"
"What was?"
"Verg has been cranky lately… Well more than average I guess. Anyway, he said he's been remembering things."
"Okay, isn't that good?" You ask.
"He's remembering V," Dante says. The news feels like a sudden weight. Vergil is remembering everything. Isn't this exactly what you wanted? Why do you feel like shit then?

Chapter Text

A week later it's the dead of night in a quiet Devil May Cry. Paper after paper you read, sign, flip, again and again. This has become your everyday. 

After Dante, with his big mouth, told everyone about your desire to leave, they came up with a scheme to keep you around as long as possible. Now everyday more papers get added to the pile. With a smile they promise it's just one last thing that needs to be done before you go. The documents themselves are various random things. Finalizing reports, faxes, bills, things you shouldn't be doing anyway. And yet here you are… Doing them. 

Fine. You'll admit that you might just be letting them do it. Along with Nico and Nero stealing you for lunch everyday, you've also been dragged into field work that's just "too hard for two people alone". In all honesty, being pulled back and forth like this is exhausting. But that is also something you refuse to admit since you're secretly loving it so much.

It's evenings like this that remind you why you stayed with them. Devil May Cry feels like your second home and you drag on the work just so you can bask in its warmth just a little longer. That is before you trudge home and the weight of leaving becomes so real in your little apartment. 

You haven't exactly changed your mind but you haven't settled on your decision either. You can't choose. Or rather you don't want to. 

When you think about leaving, you suddenly remember how this all started. That drabby motel room you got stuck in when everything went to hell. How V appeared like a savior in black. The way you two fit one another perfectly. You miss him, his touch. Everything.

But when you think about staying, it's a stark reminder that V isn't here anymore and all that's left of him is Vergil. A man who can't decide what he wants; and even more so, has spent most of his life despising humans. 

That's the truly exhausting part.

"You're still here?" The voice makes you lift your head with a start. But it's just Dante. "It's a weekend. And you're gonna spend it cooped up in here?" 

"Unfortunately, I'm not as popular as you. Don't worry about me. I'm fine right here," you say, returning to your paper. You hear Dante sigh. 

"When are you gonna give it up?" Dante asks. 

"Give what up?" 

"This fake ass act. Everyone knows you want to stay. I know you don't want to say it but we all know this is because of my dumbass brother." You roll your eyes. 

"I made my choice, Dante," you say though your voice doesn't come out very sure. 

"Yeah, a stupid one. What if he remembers tomorrow? Remembers everything. What will you do then?" 

"Vergil has suppressed what makes him V for a long time. No matter how strong V's feelings were for me, I doubt it's enough compared to Urizen." You set your pen down. Dante proceeds around the desk to lean against it next to you. "Why are you trying so hard, Dante? You can't tell me you actually care for Vergil's happiness." 

"I don't think my brother has ever been happy. That's something that won't change. But when he's with you he becomes a bit like himself again. You make him human." 

"I dare you to say that to his face," you smirk. Dante can't stop himself from smiling too. 

"Alright. That's enough wise words from me," he sighs. He places a hand on the pile of papers in front of you. "Time for some good old R & R." 

"What?" 

“Here." 

Dante finds some old bottle of alcohol in the desk and pops it open. He swears he doesn't remember when he put it in there as he pours you both a glass. 

You timidly take the cup but knock it back regardless. 

"I hope you're not assuming this is gonna be some therapy session," you drone. 

"We're drinking the therapy session," Dante says, sprawling himself out at a chair on the other side. "What the hell do you see in him?" Dante mutters. 

"Dude—"

"I know! I know! But let's be honest he's not exactly the twin in God's favor," Dante says, emphasizing his looks by brushing his hair back making you giggle. "I just want to know what it is you like about him." 

You roll your eyes knocking back another glass. "Originally… I didn't," you begin. "I'm not sure what you heard about V."

"I've heard enough," Dante says, allowing you to skip it. 

"And Vergil is… Nothing fucking like him," you say making Dante smirk. "But I guess I have some blind hope or something. It's dumb." 

Dante is silent for a few moments, then becomes serious, "Our entire lives Vergil has only cared about one thing. Sure things are fine between us now… but that could change. If it does come to that, if you have to choose—"

"Dante—"

"You need to think about this," Dante hisses. "Vergil isn't like Nero."

"I know that!"

"Then you should know that if it came down to it, he wouldn't choose you." 

You know he's right. You've heard everything there is to know about Vergil. Trish made sure of that. But even so, the way Dante talks about him, makes you angry.

Everyone honestly believes that you're making a mistake with Vergil, they're trying to protect you from the Urizen half of him as you desperately cling to the V half. But that's the thing, Vergil isn't Urizen… and he isn't V. And right now, you seem to be the only person who can see that they were only pieces to a whole. 

"And you've spent your whole life just trying to get him back, yet it sounds like  you've given up on him, Dante. And now he's here, by your side, and you're already planning another war? I understand what you both have gone through, more than you think I do. But now you're just confusing me. Do you want me to stay or do you want me to leave?" 

"I want you to make the right decision. You believe in him a hell of alot more than I do, and that right there says something," Dante says while taking a drink. "My brother's an idiot. He doesn't understand what he's going through like you and I do. But I just want you to be prepared for the worst. Is that fair enough?" 

You nod in agreement, though you still hate it. The door clicks shut calling your gaze as Trish saunters in. 

"Ah, well, good to know she's at least taking a break," Trish says walking up behind Dante. "What the hell is this?" She picks up the bottle and inspects it. "Where did you get this?" 

"The desk. Left it for a rainy day," Dante explains. "Why? Want a drink?" He extends his glass to her. With the tips of her fingers she pushes it away with disgust. 

"Not with your backwash," she huffs. You clack another glass onto the desk and she pours herself one. "What are we talking about?" 

"Nothing important," you sigh, shooting a glance at Dante. Trish pulls up her own chair and leans in. 

"So we're not talking about the kiss?" Trish asks, making you go red. 

"Trish!" 

"What?! You haven't talked about it! I'm curious!" She teases. 

"And we're not!" You say. She sits back pouting. "Out of everyone, I'd assume you'd be the one against this the most." 

"But even if I complained I don't think you'd listen to me," Trish murmurs into her cup. 

"Well, you're not wrong there," you say. "Look, it's late and I need to get this done."

"We aren't stopping you," Dante says. You shoot him a glare and swiftly gather the papers. 

"Fine. I can do it at home too," you say with spite. Trish stands, placing a hand on the stack to cease your movements. 

“Just one night won't hurt,” she says evenly, her tone like a mother being firm with her child. As he sees the fight leave your eyes Dante pops open the bottle and refills your glass. With a huff you take the glass and lean back in the chair. 

After a few more rounds of drinks, the three of you find yourselves pleasantly buzzed. Trish decides to call it a night, leaving you and Dante to share a few more laughs over some forgettable joke.

“The hour is late, Dante," his voice interrupts the jovial atmosphere, landing on your ears like a bittersweet note. Your gaze falls behind Dante, spotting Vergil standing by the door.

"And here comes the man of the hour," Dante remarks with a smile, rising from his seat. He swiftly finishes his drink, placing the glass on the desk. "Have a good night." Dante turns, snatching his coat from the chair as he heads toward his brother.

"Goodnight," you mutter in response, your gaze unintentionally trailing Dante. Soon, your eyes meet Vergil's, and his intense stare makes you uneasy. To shake off the discomfort, you divert your attention with a small sip from your cup.

"Don't be such a brat. Say goodnight," Dante playfully scolds Vergil, who hesitates for a moment.

"Goodnight," Vergil finally concedes, appending it with your name. Your fingers tighten around the glass.

“Night," you manage to say, though your stillness betrays your true feelings. Dante chuckles as he exits the building, Vergil following. Overwhelmed, you bury your face into the desk. 

The sun has barely been up for two hours when Vergil enters the office. His gaze naturally gravitates towards the front desk, where you've inevitably succumbed to sleep. Head resting on the desk, you slumber peacefully, undisturbed by his arrival.

Silently closing the door, he moves across the room toward you. A glance over your form prompts a subtle shift in his jaw before he steps away. Moments later, a blanket delicately drapes over your shoulders, shielding you from the morning chill.

Aware he shouldn't linger, Vergil can't help but observe. The tranquil expression on your face is a rare sight, especially considering the past few weeks when your discomfort with his presence has been evident.

Almost involuntarily, his finger lightly brushes your cheek, causing you to flinch back. With a pursed lip and a clenched hand, Vergil withdraws, refocusing on his intended task.

“Honey,” a voice calls, a gentle hand shaking you. “Hun.”

With a start, you lift your head, bleary eyes focusing on the desk beneath you. You blink away the dreariness as you turn towards Nico.

“Have you been here all night?” She asks as you rub your face. Ah, shit. Have you?

“I don't even remember feeling tired,” you mutter. Nico picks up the forgotten bottle on the desk.

“Yeah… That'll do it,” she says. “Come on, baby doll. Let Mama Nico take you home.”

“No. No. It's fine. I'll just shower here,” you say, waving her off. She nods.

“Alright. I'll go make some coffee and get you some aspirin,” she says with a pat to your shoulder, and you snicker as she walks away. Taking a few moments to wake up and get your bearings, you silently thank your lucky stars that you didn't drool on any of the papers; that would've been embarrassing.

Turning, you finally notice the blanket on your shoulders. You furrow your brows.

“Hey, thanks for the blanket,” you call to her.

“Oh, that wasn't me. It was on you when I got here,” she calls. You glance at it again, quizzically, suspecting it was more than likely Lady or Trish. 

The shower you take feels holy, truly blessed, as it seems to wash away the remnants of a week-long sleep. Despite the refreshing feeling, your hangover catches you off guard, but thankfully, Nico pops in to deliver the promised aspirin.

As you step out, wrapped in a towel, you peek out of the bathroom.

“Hey, do you have anything I could wear?” you ask. She smirks.

“Let me go check the van,” she says.

A few minutes later, she returns with a pair of jeans that you're confident will fit, but you wisely refrain from asking about their origin. She also hands you a shirt that seems oddly familiar.

“Is that… Nero's?”

“Think so?” She shrugs.

“Yeah, I'll pass on that. I'd definitely let Kyrie clock me for that,” you say as Nico chuckles.

“Alright. Give me a minute; there's gotta be something ‘round here.”

Nico returns again with a black button-up. It's clear it will be a bit baggy on you, but you're sure you can make it work. “Dante's?”

Nico holds the shirt to her nose. “Doesn't smell like it.” You laugh while taking it.

“Good enough. Thanks.”

You sort through the papers from last night just as the door opens again. Lady and Trish strut inside, both brightening upon seeing you.

“Look at you, already up,” Trish teases.

“Pure coffee and spite,” you say, lifting your mug to take a sip. Lady giggles as she sets a box down on the desk.

“We bought morning donuts for everyone,” she announces. You immediately open the box, taking one.

“Goddesses, both of you,” you praise while taking a bite. Nico comes from around the corner lightning quick.

“Donuts?!” She asks.

“Right here,” Lady says, gesturing to the box. Nico quickly snatches one, her eyes rolling back in pleasure at the first bite, to which you giggle.

“So, what happened after I left?” Trish asks you.

“I can barely remember,” you say, shaking your head. “But Vergil came and got Dante after a bit. Somehow I ended up passing out here.”

“Wait, what happened?” Lady asks. Trish picks up the bottle from last night and shows it to her.

“A very long passionate night with her one true love,” Trish jokes as Lady takes the bottle.

“Damn, where'd you get this from?” Lady asks.

“It was Dante's idea,” you say, chowing down on your donut. “I think he's trying to play caring younger brother while also playing devil's advocate, no pun intended.”

“I think it's sweet that Dante is trying to support you,” Lady says, placing the bottle back on the desk. You wouldn't exactly call it that, but whatever.

“Coffee?” Nico asks.

“Yes! Please,” Lady says. The door opens again, and Nero walks in. All eyes turn to him, causing a momentary pause.

“Am I interrupting something?” Nero asks.

“No. You're fine. Donut?” you offer. Nero perks up, rushing over to pick one out.

“So, what's the plan?” Nero asks, flopping back into a chair.

“Uh,” you quickly sift through the files on the desk, plucking one out. “Lady and Trish.” Trish takes it as you pull out another. “Nico and Nero.” Nero takes their file, leaning back as he flips it open.

“You've been at this all night?” Lady asks.

“To be honest, I kinda like it. It's peaceful,” you admit. The door opens once more, Dante and Vergil finally arriving. 

“Odd to see everyone already here this early,” Dante comments. He enters with his trademark swagger, his usual smirk in place, while Vergil strides purposefully a few feet behind him, the Yamato firmly gripped in his hand. Your gaze lowers as you realize you might be caught staring.

"Just that kind of morning," Nero comments as Dante approaches the desk.

"Is that—?" Dante points to your top.

"Yours? It actually smelled good, so I didn't think it was," you retort with a smug smirk.

"That's because it's Vergil's," Dante concludes, adopting a smirk that steals your own. Your eyes widen, and you glance towards Vergil, whose expression remains unchanged.

"Oh... Sorry," you say to him, and Vergil's gaze narrows as his eyes seem to trace down your form.

“Keep it,” Vergil huffs. “It seems to suit you better.”

“Thank you,” you mumble. Lady nudges you with a smirk and a raised eyebrow to which you brush her off with a smile.

"Hey, I've brewed some more coffee!" Nico's voice echoes from the kitchen. The group swiftly gathers in the adjoining room, leaving you. While fixing some papers, you take a sip and realize you're not entirely alone—Vergil lingers on the other side of the desk. Meeting his gaze, you offer a subtle smile.

"Lady and Trish brought donuts, and Nico made coffee. I'm not sure what you prefer, but help yourself," you say, clasping your hands together. Vergil scrutinizes you with his piercing gaze.

“Have you rested enough?" Vergil asks suddenly, catching you off guard. 

“Oh, uh, yeah actually. I was—” you hesitate, wondering how he knows. Nico claimed ignorance about the mysterious blanket's origin. And you know it wasn't you. Was Vergil here? “Did you–”

“So, what do you got for me?” Dante returns with his coffee, interrupting the moment. You hand him a file. 

“From Morrison.” 

"Of course it is. Alright, we're off." Dante and Vergil head to the front door, providing you a chance to observe Vergil without distraction. Watching them move together is like witnessing tigers preparing for a hunt—Vergil's hand firmly around the Yamato, shoulders broad, and his face enigmatic. It stirs something within you, though you remain too stubborn to admit it aloud. For now, just looking is enough, having him...well, that's a realm you can't even begin to fathom. "By the way," Dante interjects, turning back to face you. A smirk plays on his lips. "Thanks for last night." He punctuates his comment with a wink, eliciting a giggle from you.

"Just go," you respond.

You pick up another Hellfire Bat skull and shove it into your bag. Yeah, you're on collection duty. Nico doesn't want to let the buffet of free demonic parts go to waste and Dante signed off on it so now you're here. Well, at least it's an easy job for how hungover you are. Pick up anything brightly colored or shiny. Easy. 

“I'm sorry I haven't exactly been a team player lately," you mumble to Nero. 

"It's not a big deal. Stop apologizing," he says, stuffing his bag.

“It feels like a big deal. I did kinda drop all this on you," you sigh. 

"Look, we get it. This hasn't exactly been a comforting change for any of us either," Nero says. "Vergil is… Hell, I don't know. And Dante's been a pain in the ass. We all had a good thing going so this is-" Nero finishes his sentence with a kick to a piece of demon. "Look, the point is none of us need this right now. You have your own things to consider." 

"If you're talking about Vergil, I don't want to think about any of that right now." 

“We could talk—”

“Pass,” You say. Nero nods. 

Two honks call your attention as Nico speeds up to you both and skids to a stop. "Lunch time, kiddos!" She announces out the window. 

"Took you long enough," Nero gripes. 

"Don't get your panties in a bunch," Nico says, while the two of you step inside the van. 

You and Nero tear into the burgers and fries, more hungry than you expected. Nico leans against the jukebox as you two devour your meal. 

"So… What happened with Vergil?" Nico asks, making it clear her curiosity is never satiated. Your forehead collides with the table as a groan comes from you. 

"Really?" Nero asks her. 

"What?" She asks, raising her hands. "What?!" 

"Is it not obvious that she doesn't wanna talk about it?" Nero asks, defending what little honor you have left. But… You can't blame them. Things happened so quickly and you're still wrapping your own head around the sudden mess of events. 

"It's fine, Nero," you say, not willing to lift your head from the table. "It's not fair of me to keep everything to myself anyway." 

"Hey! Don't fall into her gossip trap," Nero says, still urging you to do what you feel is right. 

"Look… The other week, Vergil ended up at my place. There was a thing, he was worried about me, the details aren't important. But while he was there… Fuck. We kinda sorta kissed… Made out?" You keep your head down, not even willing to see their faces. 

"Holy shit," Nico mutters, nudging Nero down the booth so she can slip in. He looks at her offended but she smacks his shoulder. "And… How was it?" 

"Dude!" Nero protests.

"It's important!" Nico defends. 

"It was… Really nice. So nice. And things started getting a little heavy," you admit. 

"And?!" Nico presses her palms to the table in anticipation. 

"He left," you say. "Just stormed out without a word." 

"What?!" Nico shrieks. 

"Wait… Just like—"

"Like one moment everythings great, and the next I'm home alone," you say. Slowly you lift your head finally gauging their expressions. All you can say is, they're just as confused as you. "Look, I'm not really upset about it. If he changed his mind then fine, not a problem. I just… wanna know why." 

"Does Dante know about this?" Nico asks. 

"Obviously."

"You told Dante before us?!" Nero asks, offended. 

"Dante wouldn't have accepted my resignation otherwise." 

“Does anyone else know?” Nero asks. You avert your gaze. 

“Lady… And Trish.”

“What?!” Nico bursts. 

“You told everyone else before us?!” Nero asks. 

“We're your friends!” Nico defends. 

“I know! But if I told you, you would've told Nero and Nero would've freaked out and probably tried to fight Vergil! I wasn't gonna take the chance,” you explain. 

“You told me Vergil didn't do anything,” Nero says, not even trying to deny your accusation. 

“Technically, he didn't,” you say. 

“Ew.”

“Please, just don't say anything about it. It was dumb, I know,” you reason.

“Oh, hun, it's not dumb,” Nico says, reaching across to rub your arm. “We all saw what V meant to you. Nobody blames you for hoping for some piece of him in Vergil.” You slowly pull out of her reach, unwilling to accept her comfort before you tell her the truth. 

“This isn't… about V. It hasn't been for awhile,” you mutter. The two pause to exchange glances. 

“Are you saying what I think you're saying?” Nero asks. 

“You like Vergil?” Nico asks. You cover your face in embarrassment. 

“Don't say it outloud,” you beg. 

“Like, you have a crush on him?” Nico continues. 

“Dude, I'm not five,” you groan, placing your hands on the table. 

“I'm so fucking confused right now,” Nero mutters. 

“I thought all of this was about V,” Nico wonders. 

“It was! At first. I don't know. Something just… Clicked. And now— Ugh! I don't know!” You lean back, rubbing your face. “Things are weird between us. And when things get complex I tend to run away.” 

“That's why you decided to leave,” Nero says. “But that's bullshit!”

“I know. But it's too late to take it all back.”

“Just tell Dante you—” Nico takes Nero's arm, silencing him. Nero sits back with a sigh. Nico turns toward you and nods, accepting your decision.

“Okay. But whatever you decide, we're right there with you,” Nico agrees. After you finish eating, the three of you exit the van, but Nero stops you. 

“If something happens, swear you'll come to me first,” Nero says. You give a nod. 

Returning to Devil May Cry, the tantalizing aroma of pizza fills the air. "Holy shit."

"You guys got pizza too?" Nico questions Trish and Lady, already indulging in their slices.

"Not us! Dante," Lady responds.

"Dante bought pizza for everyone?" Nero incredulously asks.

"Even better, he says it's a party," a voice chimes in, and you turn to find Morrison.

"A party? For what?" you inquire as Nico hands you a slice.

"As I hear it, your retirement party," Morrison reveals. It causes you to pause, carefully contemplating as you chew. Once you swallow, you take in the expectant gazes around the room.

Not wanting to let them down, you smile. "Well, then, we should have some fun, shouldn't we?"

The atmosphere lightens up, and you're relieved you embraced the lighthearted mood. 

Sometime later Dante actually arrives, obviously with Vergil in tow. Everyone welcomes him and offers him pizza to which he gladly accepts. 

“Hey,” you say in a hushed tone as you approach him. “Can I talk to you?” 

“Course,” he says and follows you into the kitchen. 

“What the fuck is this about?” You ask immediately. 

“What do you mean? It's a party.” 

“Dante, don't act stupid.” 

“I thought you said you were leaving.” 

“I did, but you know that I—” Dante raises his brows, and it all becomes clear. It's all some elaborate trick to get you to admit you don't plan on leaving. “Why? What's this going to solve?” 

“You tell me. What's quitting going to solve?” 

“That's not—” You sigh, rubbing your face. 

“Do whatever you wanna do, I can't stop you. But don't let some dumbass like my brother be the reason you run away from something you love.” 

“Who are you and what have you done with Dante?”

He chuckles, patting you on the shoulder. “I never left.” 

You both come out of the kitchen to find drinks flowing and take part in the festivities no matter how pointless this all may be tomorrow. 

Though Vergil doesn't exactly take part, he tries to interact. You find it interesting to watch him eat pizza, but he won't drink, which is fine. After the night before you're not really feeling alcohol either. 

Your gaze seems to follow him though. It's involuntary, and though you tell yourself it's just you being overly conscious of him, another part of you knows that's a lie.

“You're making eyes again,” Lady nudges you. 

“What do you mean ‘again’?” You smirk. 

“Come on. I've been watching you. After a kiss like that I don't doubt you can't forget it,” she says. 

“I should though,” you mutter. “Everyone seems to think so.” 

“Well then, everyone is wrong,” Lady says, drawing your gaze back to her. “Humans, demons, who cares? You like him, right? It's obvious he likes you. Don't just let it slip away. Let everyone else have their opinions. What is it that you want?” 

You pause, realizing that no one has asked you that. But, truly, what is it you want? What's the endgame here? 

The obvious answer that first pops into your mind is, well, V. He was the reason you were here, the reason you stayed. But it took you ten months and the return of Dante and Vergil for you to accept that being with V was never a reality, and V knew that. It broke your heart, filled you with a fiery rage that was unexpectedly extinguished by Vergil's ice. And that confused you. You didn't understand why you began to hope for these little things, moments where you felt like Vergil was gentler with you. Kinder. More like V. And then, you began to like it. You liked the gruff way he talked, the way he tries to play off that he cares, and the way you seem to always be able to catch him off guard. 

It wasn't that Vergil became more like V. It was that V already was Vergil. And that didn't even click within you until his lips were on yours. The moment you truly realized your own feelings. But just like that, just like with V, that ended too. And it felt like it was happening all over again. 

So, the truth is… You want Vergil. But you also want Vergil to want you. And that just isn't who Vergil is. 

“I want… a fucking drink,” you sigh, rubbing your face but at least making her laugh. 

Things wrap up later into the night. Nico takes Lady and Trish home and Nero helps you clean up. Morrison sticks around to talk with Dante, mostly about Vergil, as it seems he's not exactly too keen on trusting him. 

“I've got this. You can head home,” you tell him as you tie the trash bag in the kitchen. 

“You sure? I can—”

“Go. Kyrie is probably waiting for you,” you say, gently pushing him towards the office. 

“Alright. Later!” 

Now in the quiet you lug the trash bag over to the door and pull it open using your foot to keep it there. “Let me get that,” Dante says, grabbing the door. 

“Oh, thanks,” you say. He walks with you down the alley and even helps you chuck the bag inside the dumpster. The two of you head back towards the kitchen door as Dante starts. 

“Hey, I, uh, realized I may be making all of this a bit too hard on you,” he says. “I want you to know that, I do, really, think you two should be together. My brother deserves to be happy, and I hope you know I mean that.” 

“That's very sweet, Dante,” you comment. “But… Right now, it feels like everything is up to him, yet I'm the one stressing about it.” He chuckles. 

“Yeah, believe me, you're not the only one,” he sighs. 

“What?”

“Nothing. Come on, I'll take you home.” 

“Oh, no. It's fine. I was gonna get some things done and then head home.” 

“You sure?”

“Yeah. Have a goodnight though.” 

“Alright. Night.” 

A few hours later you're right back where you started, sifting through papers in a sleepy Devil May Cry. But this time you're driven by temptation. Sometime during the party Morrison slipped a decently sized file into the desk with a note for you. 

Read this before you make a choice

You don't need to question what's inside. It seems he has heard about your… interest in Vergil, and gifted you an in depth report of his atrocities alone. Surely inside is full of witness testimonies, along with gruesome images, and scathing reports. A past Trish has personally informed you about. But you're not a fool. Just hearing it from Trish will still make it unbelievable in your head. As if it all is just a story. And you know that inside this file is a deep, dark truth that you need to accept. Turning it away isn't an option. So you're not refusing it… Then why are you hesitating? 

Are you afraid to see Vergil for the monster he is? Even to consider that V might have been too? 

This file is the end of everything you feel. And maybe you're just not done feeling. 

However, no matter how much the papers in front of you take your attention, the file still itches the back of your mind. And you just can't take it anymore. 

The file flops onto the desk before you and you give a forced exhale, hoping that it will reassure what you know will later be a devastating mistake. But it doesn't. 

And after opening it you're sucked into a world you realize you know very little about. Joining this company and slaying devils for a living wasn't exactly your life plan. But you'd heard about these tragedies before, from far… far away. Somewhere where people believed thoughts and prayers could fix everything. Until you were in the midst of it yourself, and you realized the torment that these events leave behind is like a scar on time itself. One that neither Heaven nor Hell could mend. 

And V knew all of this. Lived it. Yet never spoke a word. Never warned you of the outcome. Even worse, he knew you'd fall in love with Vergil, despite everything. That, you have no doubt about. 

You spend what feels like hours, diving deeper than you ever intended. Unable to tear your eyes away, even as your stomach turns. As your chest tightens and you feel ready to cry. But still you can't stop. You have to know. 

My brother… was lost for a very long time. He blamed our parents… me, for everything he ever went through, and cursed all of humanity for our mistakes. He hated that he was like them. Could never see the difference between demons and humans, and therefore never saw the possibility of what he could be. And that's why I have to be the one to stop him. I've known that my entire life. My brother could never be happy. He will never love or be loved. And hell, on the off chance someone finds his hard ass lovable, do I hope the best for that sorry son of a bitch.

Transcript from Dante after a night of drinking

You stare at the words in silence. If you could speak to that younger version of Dante now, you're sure he'd just laugh at you. He'd call you an idiot and tell you to run for the hills. But if you could explain to him that the human half of Vergil once loved you too, you wonder what he'd say then, what advice he'd give. None of it would probably be worth shit to you but you're still curious. 

You release a slow exhale, chin resting on your hand as you absorb the note's contents before proceeding.

“Are you finished?" The voice startles you, and there it is—the unmistakable blue color right in front of you. Swiftly, you snap the file shut and rise, meeting Vergil's gaze.

"Oh! You always manage to sneak up on me." You attempt to conceal the tremor in your voice, but it slips out. "What did you need?"

Vergil's gaze shifts to the desk, and your eyes follow suit. There's no escaping the fact that he most likely caught onto your actions, especially if he's been present for a while. Not to mention your obvious over reaction just now. 

Vergil's fingers extend, nearly brushing the file before your hand intercepts the papers first. "Did you need something?" you ask again, your gaze narrowing. Vergil straightens. He reaches into his coat and produces a flat square box, in black with a teal ribbon, on the desk. “What's that?” 

“Retirement gift.” 

Your lips part in surprise. A gift? Vergil actually got you a gift? With delicate hands you lift the box, tugging the perfect bow free and letting the ribbon fall. You lift the top. 

Inside is a bracelet, the beads on it a shimmery teal. The design of each one is so intricate and pretty that this must have cost a fortune. It's beautiful, honestly. And so very Vergil. 

Vergil offers his hand. “May I?” You place the box into his palm and he plucks out the bracelet. His fingers delicately take your wrist before sliding the bracelet on. 

You admire the piece and its beauty, but as wonderful as it is, a dejected sadness washes over you. The desire to have nothing to remember him by clashes with the reality that you won't ever part with this small gift.

“I love it,” you say, giving him a soft smile. “Thank you.” 

Vergil stands frozen, and you notice a slight easing of his usual scowl. His gaze lowers, a fraction away from yours, and when you realize where he's looking, your heart leaps in your chest, sending tingles over your arms and a blush to your cheeks.

Your lips.

Vergil is looking at your lips.

He's contemplating kissing you.

And oh, how badly you want him to.

“I… was thinking about staying,” you confess, pulling his gaze back to yours. The way he looks at you, the charged atmosphere, the electricity in the air. The tension between you is so strong that it's a miracle either of you is resisting it. The desk between you might be the only thing keeping you apart.

“I told you once before that I only stayed because someone I love trusted these people. He called them friends and family. I stayed because I thought there was a chance I'd see him again.”

“You said you had.”

“Yes.”

“But he wasn't what you'd assumed.”

“No.” Vergil's gaze lowers. “It turns out… He lied to me. Lied about where he was from and who he was… The things he had done. And he didn't even tell me before he left me behind. I sometimes question if he truly loved me like he claimed, but even I would be stupid to say he didn't.”

“Do you still… love him?”

“Yes.” Vergil's jaw shifts. “Even after everything he's done… I can't seem to stop loving him.”

“Then you should go to him. Be with him as you desire.”

“Unfortunately, it's just not that easy. He doesn't recall our time together. I had hope he would remember, but… He doesn't. That's why I wanted to leave, to try and save myself from any more pain. But I do love it here. I love the friends I've made, my job, all of it. But if I stay, it's just a reminder that he may never remember me. So, what should I–”

“Stay,” Vergil says without hesitation, making your heart flip. And just like that, he gives you hope again. “And tell him.”

“What?” Vergil steps away from the desk.

“Tell him the truth of your past. It will be the only way to get what you desire,” Vergil instructs.

“I don't think he'd accept that.”

“He would be a fool not to,” Vergil says, his eyes narrowing. You lower your gaze, absorbing his words. “I shall take my leave.”

“R-Right now? But we—”

“Goodnight.” He strides towards the door, and your heart leaps.

“Uh, Vergil, wait—” but the door slams closed.

What just happened?

Last night was... weird, right? You laid everything on the table, yet he seemed angry. About what? Or was this just a Vergil thing destined to elude your understanding? Either way, today feels uneasy. 

“Hey, what's got you so down, hun?” Nico asks as you enter Devil May Cry.

“Just a long night,” you excuse, placing your bag by the coat tree and moving towards her.

“Does it have anything to do with this?” Nico asks, holding up the file Morrison gave you. You sigh, realizing you probably shouldn't have left it here.

“A little,” you mutter.

“Can't believe Morrison is also taking bets,” Nico says, glancing at the note on the front.

“Yeah, well, all this has really been is other people's opinions.”

“Aw. Babydoll, I'm sorry,” she says, coddling you. “Come here.” Nico pulls you into her embrace, and after a few moments, you accept it, holding her as well.

“What's going on?” Nero asks from somewhere behind you.

“Rough night,” Nico says to him.

“What? Did Vergil—”

“Whoa! Slow your horses! Nobody said nothing about Vergil!”

“That doesn't mean he didn't have anything to do with it,” Nero defends. You pull away from Nico.

“I can promise this time it's just my own paranoia,” you say to Nero with a smile, glancing down at the plastic bag in his hand. “What's that?”

“Brownie mix. Kyrie said it was about to go bad and wanted me to offer it to you guys.”

“Brownies?” You say, taking the bag.

“Kyrie against brownies now?” Nico asks.

“She gets obsessed with new recipes every other week,” Nero sighs. “You want it or not?”

“Brownies sound so nice, actually,” you say. “We should make them for everybody.”

“Whoa, whoa. There is no 'we,' darlin. I fix things, I don't bake,” Nico says.

“Fine. I will make them,” you say. “Hopefully, it'll clear my head.”

“Alright, baby,” Nico says as you proceed into the kitchen.

A while later you stir brownie batter in a bowl, happy you keep this kitchen stocked for anything. “Brownies?” Lady asks, popping in behind you. 

“Uh yeah, I'm about to put them in the pan, could you grab the cooking spray for me?” You ask. Lady steps away and returns back to you putting the spray on the counter. “Thanks.” 

“Oh, this is cute!” Lady says, picking up the bracelet from the dish you placed it in. 

“Thanks! It's… from Vergil,” you admit, lowering your voice to a mumble. 

“Vergil gave you this?” 

“Yeah.” 

“Oh my God,” she says in shock. “What for? Did he say why?!” 

“He said it was a retirement gift,” you say. Lady gauges your expression. 

“I'm guessing that's not all he said?” 

“No. No, it was not.” 

“But you don't want to talk about it?” 

“Not exactly.”

“Got it. My lips are sealed.” 

“Brownies?” A new voice asks. Dante saunters into the kitchen. 

“Got a real chef on our hands,” Lady tells him. 

“Yeah, reading the box is super chef-like,” you joke. 

“Already better than I can do,” Dante says. 

“I'm gonna go find Trish,” Lady says and leaves the kitchen. Dante leans against the counter. 

“So, what happened last night that made Vergil all cranky?” Dante asks in a hushed voice. 

“I was hoping you could tell me. Everything seemed to be going well but then he just left in a huff,” you say. 

“Yeah, that sounds like Vergil,” Dante sighs. “Alright. I'll get to the bottom of it for you.” 

“Before that, can you hold the bowl while I fill the pan?” You ask, handing Dante the bowl before he can protest. Dante obediently tips it and you scrape out the brownie mix into the pan, making sure all four corners are even and flat. “Perfect.” You slip the pan into the hot oven and turn only to find Dante licking the spoon. “Hey! You didn't even offer me any!” 

“Snooze you lose,” Dante says. You reach for the spoon but he holds it out of your reach with a smirk. 

“You're such a child!” You smile. A cough comes from the doorway and you both turn. Vergil stands there and your smile fades. Dante follows your gaze to his brother. “Am I interrupting?” 

“Course not,” Dante says, tossing the spoon into the bowl. “What's up?”

“Oh, here it is!” Nico pops into the room. She holds the papers up to Vergil who promptly takes them. “Babydoll, we need to talk about your organizing skills. It took me forever to find those.” 

“What?! My organizing skills are just fine! Thank you!” You protest. Dante stands and proceeds towards Vergil. 

“Ooh, brownie batter!” Nico says, gravitating towards the bowl. She lifts the spoon.

“With Dante cooties on it,” you say, and the spoon clatters into the bowl, a symbol of Nico's disgust. 

“Selfish,” Nico spits at Dante. 

“Selfish?!” Dante spits at Nico and the two simply bicker their way out of the kitchen, leaving you and Vergil. 

“I'll set aside some brownies for you,” you offer.

“No,” Vergil replies without hesitation, his voice as sharp as his rejection.

“Oh… Alright,” you say, realizing where Vergil's gaze is fixed—the bracelet. And just like that, he's gone.

You sit at the desk, absentmindedly fiddling with the beads. Vergil's unexplained anger suddenly throws you back to square one, reminiscent of when you first met and couldn't stand each other. So much has changed.

The phone rings just off to the side, jolting you out of your own thoughts. With a gentle hand, you lift it to your ear.

“Devil May Cry.”

“It's Morrison. Look, I've got an emergency job I need taken care of today.”

“Emergency? Well, I don't—” You glance around, noting the apparent absence of Devil Hunters, but your gaze falls on the weapons closet. Pursing your lips, you sit up again. “Give me the address.”

Hours later, you lean on the desk with a sigh, turning to inspect your shoulder just as the door swings open.

“Oh my God! What happened to you?!” Lady exclaims, rushing over. She delicately inspects the deep cut.

“What?” Nero storms in, with Nico closely trailing after Lady's alarmed reaction. The group of four huddles around you, their concern encasing your bloody, bruised shoulder.

“Morrison called with an emergency, so I went solo,” you explain as Lady carefully peels away your torn shirt from the injured spot. You hiss, closing your eyes. Trish inspects your shoulder with a rougher touch than Lady's. 

“Alone?!” Nero questions.

“It wasn't that big of a deal. I just got nicked. Besides, you go solo all the time.”

“That's different; he's only half human,” Trish spits at you. You sigh. “You need stitches.” Another sigh.

“Here,” Nico says, handing Trish the first aid kit.

“Take off your sweater,” Trish orders. Lady assists you in carefully removing the garment; fortunately, it's not a sweater you'll cry over. Lady also pulls the strap of your tank top down so it doesn't hinder Trish's work.

Trish delicately cleans you up and proceeds with stitches as you discuss paperwork with Nero and Lady. “So, how was it?” Nero asks.

“How was what?”

“Devil Hunting again,” Nero says with a smirk. Ever since word went out about you quitting, you've been practically relegated to a secretary. It's been of your own doing, but his was your first time back on the field.

As Trish skillfully works on the stitches, your mind wanders back to the old times—those moments out on the field with Nico and Nero. The thrill of facing demons, the camaraderie, and the adrenaline rush—it all floods back.

You smile faintly, recalling the countless battles, the banter, and the shared victories. It felt like you were part of something larger, a team that faced the darkness head-on. Despite the risks, there was a certain joy in Devil Hunting, a satisfaction in overcoming each challenge.

“It felt good,” you finally answer Nero's question, a genuine warmth in your voice. “Being back at it, doing what we do best. There's something about the chaos and the danger that just clicks with me. I missed this.”

Nico, overhearing the conversation while tinkering with a piece of weaponry, smirks knowingly. “Admit it, baby, you were born for this. No desk job can ever replace the thrill of the hunt.”

Nero chuckles, sharing a glance with you. “You were always at your best in the heat of battle. It's good to have you back, even if it's just for today.”

Trish finishes the last stitch, and Lady wraps a clean bandage around your shoulder. The pain is dulled now, overshadowed by the satisfaction of being back in the fold.

“Thanks, Trish,” you express your gratitude, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. “And thanks, all of you.”

As the makeshift medical team disperses, you take a moment to soak in the atmosphere of Devil May Cry. The familiar scent of weapons, the cluttered yet organized chaos—this was your domain, and you wouldn't have it any other way.

No one can take that from you. 

Lady, continuing your sentiments, smirks and adds, “You know, if you quit working here, we won't have days like this anymore.”

You chuckle, savoring the unspoken truth in her words. “About that,” you begin, taking a moment to compose yourself before dropping the news, “I'm not going anywhere.” The revelation prompts everyone to pause and turn their attention toward you. “I could never leave my family.”

In an instant, you find yourself engulfed in embraces. Laughter fills the air as you relish the impromptu celebration. “I knew you'd never leave me!” Nico exclaims, playfully mimicking a crying voice.

“Can't imagine the job without you,” Nero chimes in from outside the group hug.

“Without you, the girls wouldn't have a majority here,” Lady quips. “I couldn't stand listening to the boys all day.”

“You've always been welcome with us,” Trish reassures, adding a sense of warmth to the gathering. The camaraderie and acceptance reaffirm your decision. 

“When did you tell Dante?” Nico asks, as the group disperses from around you. 

“I haven't told Dante yet,” you admit. 

Just as this realization settles in, the door swings open, revealing Dante and Vergil. Dante, ever the observant one, notices the atmosphere and remarks, “Told me what?”

Both brothers show immediate concern upon spotting your injury. Dante rushes forward, his expression shifting from curiosity to genuine worry. “What the hell happened to you?”

“I took an emergency job. Got a bit rough,” you explain, downplaying the severity. “Trish patched me up. I'm fine.”

Vergil, ever stoic, surveys the scene with a hint of concern in his eyes. “You should exercise caution,” he advises, his tone unexpectedly gentle.

“I will,” you assure, feeling the weight of his words. 

Dante smirks, attempting to lighten the mood. “Well, next time, take someone with you. We're a team, after all.”

“Team, he said,” Lady scoffs with the roll of her eyes. 

“Dante, there's something I need to discuss with you,” you begin.

“Okay?”

“I've made a decision—”

“She's staying!” Lady interjects, enveloping you in a spontaneous hug. You giggle at her infectious enthusiasm.

“Finally,” Dante mutters with a smile. Extending his hand, he adds, “Glad to have you.” You respond with a subtle purse of your lips, accepting his handshake with a smile. 

“Oh! We should have brownies to celebrate!” Lady suggests. You giggle slipping off the desk. 

“Alright, let me go get them,” you say. Proceeding into the kitchen Vergil shadows you. You pull the brownies out as you glance to him. 

“Will you be needing assistance?” He asks, you smile, loving when he's trying to be sweet but it still comes out a bit threatening. 

“No. Thank you,” you say. Vergil approaches you anyway, his gaze fixed on your shoulder. “I'll be fine, Vergil.” 

“You're reckless.” 

“You always say that. It's the only way I know that you care about me,” you tease, but soon realize just how close Vergil has gotten. You clear your throat before turning to the brownies. “Actually, I wanted to talk to you about last night.” 

“I don't believe there's anything else to discuss,” he says and you notice how he immediately retracts from you. 

“There is though. You practically ran away before I was done talking,” you explain. 

“I don't believe my opinion matters,” he says. 

“It matters more than you think.” 

“I disagree.” 

“You have to know that I—”

“Hey! Pack up the brownies! Kyrie wants to have everyone over for dinner!” Lady announces from the doorway. She gives pause noticing the tense air. “I can come back—”

“No. It's fine.” 

Dinner at Kyrie and Nero's turned out to be just the thing you needed. After the meal, everyone settles in, sipping drinks as night gradually blankets the scene in peace.

Kyrie's hesitancy toward Vergil doesn't escape your notice. It's understandable; after all, Vergil did quite literally sever Nero's arm just a year ago. Despite Nero now having a new arm and everyone else just treating the event as water under the bridge, this just feels like another thing that comes with being a half demon.

Your brownies receive unanimous praise, bringing a smile to your face. Kyrie is grateful, relieved she didn't have to bake them herself. 

You offer to help clean up, but Nero insists you stay seated with the group. From your vantage point, you observe Kyrie and Nero in the kitchen, sharing laughter and tender moments while washing dishes. There's a twinge of jealousy, but who wouldn't feel it?

Your gaze briefly flits over Vergil as he leans against the wall. Yours meets his for a fleeting moment before you look away.

The realization settles in: not everyone is destined for that kind of love. It's a truth you've come to accept.

You've ended up migrating to the deck out back, a drink in your hand as you take in the stars with a light buzz. 

“You aren't going to come back inside?” A voice calls behind you. You turn to Kyrie with a smile. 

“Sorry. I just wanted a moment,” you excuse. She joins you.

“I've heard about Vergil,” she admits. 

“Everyone in Red Grave has,” you mumble. 

“I think it's sweet,” she says, making you pause. 

“I didn't think you'd have that kind of sentiment,” you admit. 

“You're in love. You've been waiting for him. I just want you to be happy.” 

“Thank you, Kyrie,” you say. She smiles wide. 

“Come back in when you start to feel cold.” 

“Yes, ma'am.” 

You sit on the railing, facing the house, a drink in your hand and your gaze on the stars. “So you decided to take my advice,” Dante purrs. He leans his arms on the rail next to you. “How do you plan on telling him?” 

“To be fair I only took half of your advice,” you say. “I don't know if I should tell him.” 

“Getting cold feet?” 

“It's not that. I've tried to bring things up with Vergil twice now and yet each time he starts to get… Defensive? And doesn't even care for what I have to say before storming off. I just think that maybe he's not as ready as I am. Which really puts a damper on things.” 

Dante nudges you. “He's just a hard ass. You've dealt with worse. Don't give up so soon, okay? Vergil has never really liked talking about the past and you're trying to convince him there's a whole life he doesn't remember? My brother would run in a heartbeat.” 

“But why?” 

“Dunno. Maybe he's afraid of admitting that there was even a side of him like V. A side that didn't much care for our father's power, when he's only tried to surpass it.” 

“What was your father like? If you don't mind me asking.” 

“Course not. He was… Honorable and hard working. He knew what life would have in store for Vergil and I and did everything to prepare us for it. But when it came to my mother… I don't think there was anything he wouldn't do for her. Except protect her, apparently.” Dante's gaze sinks and you place a reassuring hand on his arm. 

“Thank you for telling me.” 

“Besides, I think it would be a nice change of pace to have a new member of the family.” 

“Family?” You ask surprised but a smile grows on your face anyway. 

“Come on, it's not like he's the dating type, nor really any type. You're probably the only woman who has ever actually fallen in love with him.” 

“I seriously… doubt that,” you mumble. 

“Even so,” Dante says. “I think you'll be his last. I wouldn't mind having a sister… in-law.” 

You burst out giggling as he chuckles. The deck creaks, calling your attention to Vergil looming at the doorway. “Am I interrupting?” 

“Not at all,” Dante sighs, straightening. “Need something?” 

“A word,” Vergil says, his gaze landing on you. 

“Of course,” you say, slipping off the rail. 

“I'll leave you to it,” Dante says with a wink that makes you smile. He practically skips back into the house. Vergil approaches, taking Dante's place. 

“Everything alright?” You ask, as Vergil's cold eyes peer into the darkness, never meeting yours. 

“I believe my actions have… misconstrued your intentions,” he starts.

“What does that mean?” you ask with a smile.

“From the beginning you have made your intentions clear. I see now that my actions have damaged those intentions. Though at that time I did not consider it that way.” 

“Vergil—”

“I want to… apologize,” he says, making you pause. “I did not consider what I had done as—”

“Stop,” you say. “Are you apologizing for kissing me?” 

“Yes,” he says. “It was clear what I had done tormented you. As you have told me, you and your love have waited a long time for one another. My impulsive actions should not have held you back.” 

A smile forms on your face. He's apologizing for kissing you, though apparently it's not getting through to him that you kissed him back or that you'd even begun to undress him. “I appreciate your honesty and your apology. Though you should know that I—” 

“But, I would like to no longer speak about the subject. Speaking about it with me is inappropriate. However, I stand by my belief in telling him the truth. Despite my actions, I hope you can find peace in one another, like I've already witnessed.” 

“Wait… Witnessed? What are you talking about?” 

“I have seen the way you interact with him. It's clear to me that your feelings for him are strong and I believe you'll be able to get through to him, as you wish. All I ask is that you treat my brother well.” Just as you feel air escape you, Vergil turns away. “That is all. Goodnight.”

“Wait—”

That's... This is... No… 

“Vergil!” His hand curls around the doorknob. “Vergil! You stop right fucking there!” You know you yell it but you're not sure how else to get him to hear you. Vergil pauses and you feel your chest tighten. 

Is he really that fucking daft?! Dante?! After everything, he thinks it's all about Dante?!

Vergil slowly faces you, clear curiosity on his face, that turns to confusion as he sees your expression.

“Y… You think I'm in love with Dante?” your heart feels heavy as the words pass your lips. Vergil's brows tick together in confusion. Tears fill your eyes, an awful culmination of your frustration and embarrassment. You want to cry and yell but even if you do none of what you mean will get through to Vergil. So the truth of your tale, your love story, slips out instead. “Before the Qliphoth, you separated yourself with the Yamato. A human and a demon were born of it. The demon was Urizen, as you remember, but your human half… was named V. I was a naïve girl who got trapped in Red Grave when the Qliphoth tore through our world. And V saved me. Throughout the event, I fell in love with V… and he did me. But our time was cut short. V never told me that he was really just a piece of you, nor that we couldn't truly ever be together. V merged himself with Urizen again and you came back. I had barely even known about you before you were gone. So, I stayed. And you can call it foolish human love all you want but I had to know. Even if you and Dante didn't return for years, I had to know if V still lived inside you. If his feelings did. But when I first truly met you, I couldn't stand how much you were nothing like him. Not to mention that you didn't seem to remember me at all. I spent so much time, hoping you'd remember. And you never did. And then something unbelievable happened and I suddenly fell in love with you. At first I thought I was just trying to see V somewhere inside you, but it was clear that was impossible. I fell in love with Vergil, not V. And now… after everything, you truly think I'm just in this for your brother?!” Vergil says nothing, seeming to absorb your words bit by bit. “The kiss tormented me because you left without telling me how you felt. I was afraid you'd come to your senses. Realized that I'm just another human girl,  foolish and weak. That I'd never be enough for you. So I tried to leave Devil May Cry. Dante was the one who convinced me to stay. He told me not to give up on you, on what we had. But now I see my hopes and efforts were for nothing. I was ready for whatever you threw at me. But to know that you've never even considered me at all is far worse… I'm in love with you. I'm sorry. I know how silly that must sound to you, but I am. And I'm sorry that I wasted your time, following an old dream. But now I understand that dream wasn't yours. It was all mine from the start.” Tears cascade down your cheeks, and Vergil remains silent. Hastily, you dash past him and into the house, the living room now cloaked in an uneasy silence. Undoubtedly, everyone heard your impassioned outburst—hardly a quiet affair.

With nothing left to say, you grab your bag and make a beeline for the front door. However, a hand intercepts yours before you can escape. Turning swiftly, you find Kyrie, and with the back of your hand, you wipe away your tears. "I'm sorry. Dinner was wonderful. I just need to go."

Guilt gnaws at you, the thought of shattering the evening Kyrie worked so hard for, but Kyrie seems unconcerned with the ruined plans, caring only about you. "Then please, let Nero and Nico—"

"No. It's fine. I just want to go home. Thank you for tonight, Kyrie," you manage to say, pulling away from her grasp and vanishing out the door.

Nero places a reassuring hand on Kyrie's shoulder. "I've got her."

"Make sure she gets home safe," Kyrie urges. He nods and plants a kiss on her cheek before hurrying after you.

Your steps are quick along the street, tears unrelenting. Suddenly, you feel a firm grip on your wrist, you turn ready to snap at Nero, but instead he pulls you into a comforting embrace. The threat you intended to unleash dies on your tongue, replaced by a sense of solace as you surrender to his support, sobbing into his shirt.

“What the hell is wrong with you?!” Dante roars, as he steps back onto the deck. Vergil stands silently, not facing his brother. Swiftly, Vergil turns towards the stairs, but Dante's Devil Sword appears before him. “Take another step and things are gonna get ugly.” Vergil's head turns, his menacing stare falling on his brother. 

“You knew about this,” Vergil says evenly. 

“The whole goddamn city knew,” Dante says. Vergil's hand tightens around the Yamato. 

“Why did you keep this from me?” Vergil asks, his voice growing darker. 

“Because it had to be her. She was the only one who had a shot at making you remember.” 

“A human?”

“She's not just any human, is she?” Dante snaps. 

“The life you speak about was not mine. Whatever delusions she may have invented—”

“Bullshit! Think for a goddamn second! Back to when we closed the portal. Don't act like you've forgotten that too!” 

Vergil falls silent, taking a moment to recall just what had transpired in the weeks after sealing themselves in the Underworld. He doesn't have to think hard. There's only one anomaly he couldn't explain. 

He would wake with a start every time. The ghost of another's touch on his hands, his arms, his lips. He'd collect himself quickly, like he'd always done, but the dream would still tumble in his mind, the scene fresh. He could feel, taste, touch everything, but one thing eluded him. 

Their face. 

As the same realization dawns once more he feels that tightness in his chest begin. He isn't sure what the sensation is meant to convey, but he knows his mood has turned much more sour. 

For weeks this had repeated. Dreams of someone… A woman that he can't recall. The dreams themselves are intimate, far more intimate than his liking. And within them his lips are on hers, his hands on her body. He doesn't hesitate to take what he wants from her, but instead of scolding him she smiles, laughs, indulges him. She's human, that's really as much as he can decipher. So terribly, stereotypically human, but in the dreams he doesn't mind, in the dreams he's the same as her. At least, he feels as if they are no different. They're equal. 

Yet there is no other being in the realms who could even compare to being his equal… Except for—

“Nightmares?” His brother chimes. Originally Vergil would've just denied it. Nightmares are for children, and every nightmare he's ever had is now long vanquished. At first he had brushed off Dante's curiosity, refusing to admit to a weak side of himself. However, the days here have seemed longer than the last, and within that time he has stopped denying the truth. 

“So it seems,” Vergil mutters. 

“Seems like it's getting worse.” Vergil doesn't entertain Dante's observation, no matter how true it is. Vergil simply falls silent and Dante seems to understand that it's his turn to reveal his anxieties. His fingers cease sliding along the blade of his Devil Sword, to let it rest in his lap. “I've gotta admit, I'm not too fond of being back here either.” 

“It's far too late to turn back now.” 

“I know that. I just wasn't expecting us to get stuck here for this long. It's been a few months now, hasn't it?” 

Months? This has been ongoing for months? When will it end? This torture…

“Is it about her?” Dante asks. Vergil's head snaps towards his brother, unsure of how he knows of the mysterious woman that haunts him. 

Dante's brows furrow together as he realizes he sees confusion in his twin's gaze. Vergil was V, this he knows, but Vergil was also Urizen. Dante didn't question the means at the time, none of it clicking until he realized what V had meant to do. But he also didn't talk about the split personalities either. However, he should've realized sooner that two sets of memories clashing is not a battle that can be stopped. And in this case it looks as if Vergil has no idea who V was… nor the woman V was obsessed with. And therefore Vergil doesn't know who he's longing for. 

And Dante can't even imagine trying to explain that mess to him.

“Mom,” Dante blurts quickly. “About mom.” 

“No,” Vergil answers evenly. Though he feels as if Dante's response was not what he truly meant, Vergil brushes it off anyway. 

There's no point in being engrossed in someone who doesn't exist. 

But you do exist. A dream from so long ago. One he feared looking into. Feared what it might mean. And it was so much easier to ignore when you were just a faceless dream. 

But now he understands what he felt in those dreams, why your presence demands his attention, why he always thought you seemed familiar, why he kissed you. All of it smothered by his own stubbornness and yet it seems his true desires always fought to shine through. 

“You get it now, right?” Dante's voice breaks through Vergil's revelation. He meets his brother's gaze. 

“She's insane,” Vergil says evenly. Dante, taken aback by his brother's refusal to see the truth, squares his shoulders prepared to bark back at him something fierce. “How could she even think that I'd be capable—” 

Dante's face relaxes as Vergil's gaze sinks. “What? That you'd be capable of what?” 

“Giving her what she desires. I've done nothing but harm her. Since before we had even met. And yet she still claims to want me. She must be insane,” Vergil explains, his voice deep and filled with anger as usual, but his words carrying sincerity. 

“Believe me, I tried to tell her that. But she's stubborn. Which just means she's perfect for you,” Dante says. 

“No,” Vergil says. “It's clear that what she wanted was a part of me that no longer exists. Even though she persists with this delusion, maintaining that she desires me instead, it does not change what I am, what I will continue to be… And she does not deserve that cruel fate.” With that Vergil leaves. Dante rubs his face groaning in frustration. 

“It's just one goddamn thing after another with these two! These idiots are gonna owe me after this.” 

Two weeks have passed since then. You hate time skips but honestly there's no point in retelling the four days you cried, and let yourself fall apart, until you wiped your tears and got back to work. You've dodged everyone's questions and concerns and they've accepted that there's no point in asking. They know what happened. 

Avoiding Vergil has been effortless, since he's also been avoiding you. If you two end up in the same room together you can feel everyone's eyes glance from one to the other, but neither one of you look the other's way and continue with your task. 

It's aggravatingly easy. 

Your days have been filled with cutting down demons, alongside Nero and Nico. Even they allow you to take out your frustrations on the demons, within reason, of course. Things just seem to go back to normal, the world doesn't stop turning, your friends are still your friends, thankfully nothing else has changed. 

Nothing at all, and it drives you mad. 

Your entire life flipped around for this, for him. You moved, quit your job, became a Devil Hunter, and all of it was in the hopes of seeing him again. Even just for a moment, never knowing what he would say or think. Barely even knowing him. It was everything to you. A dream you followed without remorse. Because you believed things could turn out for you… And you believed alone. 

You won't sit here and act ungrateful though. You hated your old life. It was stagnant and draining. You'd actually come to Red Grave trying to run away from it all. And fate had other plans in mind. 

Meeting Nero and Nico, seeing what they did, them asking you to stay… You didn't even have to think about it before saying yes. And then getting to know Lady and Trish, and later Dante. You're finally happy where you are. To hell with Vergil, with V. You're home. And no one is going to take that away. 

No matter how much this hurts…

The demon screams, it's a blood curdling cry that makes you flinch at the sheer volume. But just as you lift your gaze again it makes a break for it. Bumbling down the alley, desperate to get away from you and your rage. You're after it in moments, refusing to lose the damn thing. 

Then it jumps. You watch the demon disappear over the guard rail and down towards the river. Determination filling you, you grip your blade harder. Your foot steps onto the guard rail, only to be tugged back by your shirt. His hand tightens around your arm once your feet are back on the pavement.

“Are you stupid?! You can't make that!” Nero snaps at you. 

“Nero!” 

“I'll take it. Go back to the van.” 

“I'm just as capable—”

“You're being reckless! You'll get yourself hurt! You seem to have a track record for that type of shit! Listen to me for once and go back to the goddamn van! Got it?!” Nero firmly tells you off, knowing there's no other way you'd listen to him. You deflate under his pressure, there's no part of you that wants to fight with him. 

“Fine,” you say in a much calmer tone, but with a small bit of spice. Nero releases you and moves to follow the demon. You watch him disappear along the river bank, jealous at how easy these fucking half demons make 30 foot drops look. 

Reckless, huh? Vergil would say that too…

You return to the alleyway, following the quickest route back to Nico. Chittering echoes around you pulling you to a stop. No way. Retrieving your sword you listen again, trying to figure out which direction the sound is coming from. But you don't need to, the demon appears in front of you, thrashing wildly. You move back to dodge its blows. 

There was a third?! Morrison didn't say– 

Gunshots ring out making the demon cry before collapsing to the ground. It slowly fades but you don't see Nero anywhere. 

In a flash your back hits the wall, you hold your sword up defensively, just as a gun points at your head. A man. Tall, with the clear body of a Devil Hunter and the pride to go with it. Despite your blade at his throat he smiles. 

“Matt,” he says. 

You give him your name as well. 

“Nice to meet you,” he says, he pulls his gun away as you do your sword. 

“We weren't told of anyone else on this job,” you say. 

“Pretty sure we got two different jobs, just clashed it seems. How lucky,” he says, his eyes meeting yours and you feel your heart beat just a little harder.

“I see. Well, my partner is finishing up, so we'll get out of your way,” you explain. 

“Please, be in my way as much as you'd like,” he says, which makes you smile only a small bit. “Are you from around here?” 

“No. Red Grave. We just came here for the job.” 

“I see. Well, I—”

“Hey,” Nero says, catching up to you. You straighten as Nero approaches, feeling  like a teenager that just got caught by their parents. “Damn thing tried to put up a fight. Who's this?” 

“Oh, uh, Nero, this is Matt. He was also on a job here,” you explain. The two shake hands. 

“Another job?” Nero asks. 

“Seems it was a bit of a hot spot so they split the demons up,” Matt explains. 

“Fair enough,” Nero says. “We're done here though so we should get going.” 

“Right,” you say. 

“Nice to meet you,” Nero says to Matt before proceeding down the alley. Your gaze falls on the other male again. 

“Boyfriend?” Matt asks. 

“Oh, God no. Just a regular pain in my ass I assure you.” 

Matt laughs, making you smile. “Good to know.” 

“I guess I'll see you later then,” you say and take a step to follow Nero. 

“Hey, um, could I maybe have your number? Just in case I need backup sometime,” he asks. You purse your lips, trying to hide the way your smile grows. 

“Just call Devil May Cry. I'll be there when you need me.” 

“Devil May Cry. Got it,” he says. 

You return to the van only to find Nico's face practically plastered to the window. “The hell are you doing?” You ask. 

“Who~ was he?!” Nico asks. You glance out the window and realize you can definitely see down the alley from here. “Because from here he looked like a damn fine piece of ass!” 

“Could you not?” Nero asks her. 

“His name is Matt, he's a hunter—”

“You know that's not what I mean!” Nico says getting up to speak to you. “The way he looked at you, hun! Oh mah Lord. That boy was flirting!” 

“Nico—”

“Come on! That's the most I've seen you smile in weeks!” You avert your gaze but that only prompts her to approach you and force your eyes to meet hers. “Honey pot, please, be honest with me.” 

“He was… Nice,” you manage to say. 

“Nice? Nice?!” Nico yells. 

“Now you've done it,” Nero mutters. 

“Yes! Nice! I only talked to him for two minutes, what do you want me to say?!” 

“What did he say to you?” 

“Nothing much, he just explained he was on a different job.”

“He asked her for her number,” Nero says. Nico's face brightens. 

“Dude!” You snap at him. “You were listening?!”

“I wasn't exactly trying to,” Nero defends.

“He likes you!” Nico says. “This is great!” 

“Great? How is this great?” You ask. 

“It's great because you finally have a chance to get out and meet someone!” 

“Nico! I don't want to meet someone… Not right now. I'm a mess. He was very nice and I'll help him if he asks but I'm not looking for anything more. He's not—” you pause, unable to reveal just where your mind is, even if there is no hiding it. 

“He's not Vergil?” Nero finishes instead. 

“That's not what I was gonna say.” 

“That's what you meant though,” Nico concludes. 

“Okay, maybe. But even so, can you blame me?” 

The two turn silent. They've been unwilling participants in the whole fiasco. With V, and now with Vergil. They know better than anyone how you feel. And that one encounter with some guy isn't going to change all of that. 

“Okay, hun. We understand,” Nico says. “He was still really cute though.” 

“A little,” you concede with a smile. 

Two days later you eat lunch with the others. You sit on the counter enjoying your sandwich and the friendly banter that fills the kitchen. 

“Hey,” Dante calls from the doorway along with your name. “Some guy named Matt is calling for you?” 

You perk up instantly, quick to ditch your sandwich. “Matt? Like that Matt?” Lady asks with wide eyes. 

“You told her?” You ask Nico. 

“What? You said it wasn't a big deal,” Nico says with a smirk. You roll your eyes as you slip off the counter top and proceed into the office. Unfortunately the gaggle follows you, wanting to know more about the call. You pick up the phone, immediately placing your hand over it. 

“What are you doing?” You groan. 

“Being nosy, duh!” Lady says. 

“Talk!” Trish insists. You lift the phone to your ear with a sigh. 

“Hello?” 

“Hey, it's Matt. I was wondering if you'd join me for a hunt. It's on the edge of Red Grave so I thought this could be my chance to call,” Matt says. “If you're free, obviously.” 

“Oh, uh–” you glance at Nico and she nods furiously. “Yeah, I think I can squeeze you in.” 

“Great. Do you want me to pick you up or meet me here?” 

“You can pick me up. I'll get you the address.” 

“Great. I'll be there in about… A half hour? Sound good?” 

“Yeah, I'll see you then.” 

As soon as the phone clinks back into place they're all over you. You hold up your hands trying to calm them down. “Okay! Okay! But it's just a job! Demon hunting isn't exactly a top ten first date idea. You're not gonna see a “just girl things” post about it!”

“But if there was, it would be for you!” Lady says. 

“Guys!”

“You said he was buff?” Trish asks. 

“Man was his own mountain. Could have his own gravitational pull,” Nico explains to her. “He has these gorgeous eyes too! With thick lashes!” 

“Sold,” Trish says. 

“Alright. Alright. What's going on here?” Dante asks, stepping onto the feeding grounds. None the wiser about the beasts roaming it. 

“She met this guy!” 

“Who was so hot!” 

“And now she's going on a super romantic demon hunting date with him!” 

“I regret asking,” Dante mutters, and you shrug. He turns towards you. “So you're heading off on a job with someone else?” 

“Yeah.” 

“Look this is kind of a company, I don't know how I feel about you doing a job for someone else.” 

“He said it was a two hunter job and that pay was already split. I'll give Devil May Cry a percentage.” 

Dante crosses his arms. “Oh, yeah? How much would that be?” 

“I don't know, like… Five?” 

“Hundred?”

“Thousand.” 

“Have a good time,” Dante says, clapping you on the shoulder. 

“Whoa! Why the hell is it paying so much?!” Lady asks. 

“Probably dangerous,” you shrug. 

“And just you two are going? That's not right,” Trish says. 

“Now you're all questioning it?” 

“Well, if it's that dangerous then maybe we should,” Nico says. 

“I'll be careful. Promise.” 

“Yeah, that's what we're worried about,” Lady mutters. 

“I'm a big girl. I'll be fine.” 

Vergil's gaze rakes over you from the corner of the room, but he quickly looks away as his brother approaches. Dante takes his shoulder. “You know you can say something and stop her, right? She'd listen to you.” 

“Obviously, you don't know her well,” Vergil says. 

“What, and you do?” 

Vergil gives his brother a side glance making Dante question just how much Vergil has observed you and your mannerisms. 

“So you're just going to let her go? That's it?” 

“She's made her decision, as have I,” Vergil says, pulling from his brother's grasp and storming into the kitchen. 

You catch Vergil's figure leaving the room, knowing he's just heard everything. Your eyes sink to the desk before returning to the girls. 

To be blunt, dangerous? Maybe. Fun? Hell yeah. 

The job is essentially a ton of small fries, get overrun, you'll get killed, but take them out efficiently, like with two hunters, you can get through them in a couple hours. 

Surprisingly, you and Matt work together seamlessly. Both of your fighting styles match the other's. Which just makes the task easier. 

Matt shoots the demon through the leg crippling it enough for you to deliver a finishing blow. As the demon fades you turn finding no other opponents. “You're fast, I'm impressed.”

“I wasn't always,” you say, sheathing your sword. 

“How long have you been hunting?” 

“A year,” you admit. Matt turns speechless. 

“A year?! You hit like a vet!”

A smile appears on your lips, “I'll take that as a compliment.”

“Who trained you?” 

“Nero did, actually. Well, with some help from Trish and Lady, I guess,” you say. 

“And how long have they been doing this?” 

“Honestly, it's hard to say. Most of the time they talk as if they've been doing it their whole lives. Straight from the womb type shit.” 

“Guess there are some people just born to,” he says. “I'm jealous.” 

You giggle, “Well, if I wanted to stay I had to learn and we had to deal with the demon tree fiasco so I had to learn fast.” 

“That was you guys?” 

“That was us. Believe me, it's not all it was cracked up to be,” you say. 

“I don't doubt it was a challenge, but man, would I have loved to have seen it,” he says reminiscing. However, you fear your face shows too easily that you don't want to talk about it. Instead Matt glances around. “I guess we're done here.” 

“Seems so.” 

“Hungry? I kept you out so late, at least let me treat you for your help.” 

“You're lucky I'm starving,” you say with a smirk. 

“Come on.” 

Dinner is… Amazing. You find Matt incredibly easy to talk to. He makes you laugh and forget about these past few weeks for a while. He certainly is charming, but you're too stubborn to decide if you're actually interested in him or not. 

“So this guy, Dante, you mentioned he has a brother,” Matt says while he drives you back to Devil May Cry. 

“Vergil.” 

“Vergil right. What's his deal? You haven't said anything about him.” You feel dread fill your chest again, Matt glances toward you. “Sorry. Bad question?” 

“Bad topic,” you mutter. 

“Did you have a thing with him?” 

“Honestly, even calling it a thing feels wrong. Let's just say he wasn't exactly interested,” you summarize. 

“I won't ask about it. Instead why don't you tell me about Nico, she made your Devil Arm, yeah?” 

Matt follows you up to the door. “Thank you, but you didn't have to walk with me.”

“I know. I wanted to. I thought a few more seconds with you would be nice,” he says as you face each other. 

“I don't think my company is that priceless.” 

“I disagree,” he says, Matt's fingers curl around your hand. He steps a bit close as he does so. “I'm sure at this point I don't have to tell you that I like you.” 

“No. You don't,” you say simply. Matt's other hand brushes your hair back, calling your gaze towards his. Matt slowly leans in and you feel your heart pause in anticipation. 

Ash and rain. The smell of Vergil suddenly fills your senses, rattling you as if he was present. It doesn't frighten you, instead it fills you with longing. 

You turn your head just as Matt gets a bit too close. As he sees your reluctance he pulls back, “I-I'm sorry.” 

“No. No. It's me. I'm just… not quite… there yet,” you explain. Matt tenderly pulls his hand from your face. 

“Hey, that's perfectly fine. I don't mind. I didn't mean to rush you.”

“I'm sorry.” 

“Don't be. Instead, how about I take you out this weekend? Some place we can forget about demons and just be us for a while.” 

You smile. “I'd like that.” 

“Perfect. I'll see you then,” he says and slowly slips from you. 

“Goodnight,” you say. 

“Night.” 

The door clicks shut behind you as you let out a sigh that carries all of your frustrations with it. Why didn't you just kiss him? It doesn't matter anymore, right? He's sweet and kind and you need to forget about—

Ice cold piercing eyes meet yours, making you lock up. Vergil stands by the desk, his gaze alone making you feel worse by the second. There's no way he doesn't know what just happened on the other side of the door. Guilt fills you. 

But why? It's not like you're doing anything wrong. 

“You're back,” Dante says, approaching you as you hang your coat. “Sooner than I thought you'd be.” 

You ignore that last comment, instead rummaging through the inside pocket to produce the check that was given to you. You extend it to him. “Here. Turns out the demons were terrorizing some high profile construction and that's why it paid so much.” Dante takes the check, his gaze growing wide at the number on it. “Do what you'd like with the money.” You step past him to head toward the kitchen but Dante catches your arm. “Hey, everything good?” 

“I'm fine,” you say evenly. His eyes narrow.

“That guy didn't try anything, right?” As realization dawns of just what in particular Dante alludes to, Vergil straightens, his hand tightening on the Yamato.

You smirk, pleasantly surprised by Dante's concern. “No, he was fine. Perfect, actually. Besides–” You lift the strap in your hand, showing Dante your sheathed sword, “It's not like anyone could try.” Dante, satisfied with your answer, releases you. 

“That's my girl,” Dante mutters as you proceed to the weapons closet. You disappear into the kitchen by the time Vergil snaps towards his brother. 

“Must you be so incompetent?” Vergil asks. Dante raises his hands in surprise. 

“Whoa! The hell did I do?” Dante asks. 

“The smell,” Vergil says simply, only confusing Dante further. 

“Do you want a candle?” Dante asks. 

“Her smell, idiot.” 

“Did she stink? I didn't notice,” Dante continues. Vergil stalks past Dante and rips your coat off the rack. He extends it to his brother. Dante holds up his hands again. “Come on, man, that's kinda—”

“Dante,” Vergil snaps. Conceding though he doesn't much like the look of this he steps towards Vergil and accepts your coat. Dante takes a sharp whiff. 

Dante's gaze meets his brother's with wide eyes and furrowed brows. He can't believe he didn't recognize it when you walked in. The smell of incense. One both brothers are unfortunately too familiar with. The kind of incense twisted fucks use to worship their father. 

“Dammit.”

“So, what happened last night?” Nico asks. You sit back in the booth as the van rolls down the road, a french fry between your teeth and a boring magazine in your hand. 

“Nothing really,” you say. Nico groans. 

“Stop holding out on me,” she whines. 

“Not much to tell. Killed some demons, went to dinner. That's really it,” you say. 

“You're killing me,” she says. 

“He tried to kiss me,” you admit in a quiet voice. 

“He did?!”

“Whoa, what?!” You hear the file in Nero's hand flop closed at his outburst. 

“Chill. When I rejected it he was actually really nice about it. It made me feel bad,” you admit, grabbing another fry and dipping it. 

“Green flag,” Nico chimes. 

“I'd just be happy if I didn't have to kick his ass,” Nero comments. 

“You're too soft,” Nico says, reaching over to pinch Nero's cheek, to which he slaps her hand away. 

“Yeah, yeah,” Nero chides. “Kyrie's been worried about you though.” 

“Did you tell her?” 

“What? About some new guy? That's girl talk. None of my business,” Nero says, putting his feet on the dash. “All I'm saying is that you should talk to her. You know she just wants to help.” 

“Of course, I do. But I don't want to worry her anymore than I already have. She doesn't deserve that,” you mutter. 

“Up to you,” Nero says, brushing you off. 

“So, he's cute, very gentlemanly, and you didn't kiss him,” Nico says, pulling the conversation back.

“I just… couldn't do it.” 

“And now?” 

“I'm still not sure, Nico. All of this is new to me. I don't want to give him some false hope,” you say. 

“Well, to be fair, hun, you can't exactly give him no hope either,” she comments. She's right. There is nothing for you to fall back on with Vergil. Therefore you have no reason to turn away from Matt, because there's nothing to go back to. 

“We're going out tonight. Hopefully by then, I can give you a better answer about that.” 

“Lookin forward to it,” she chimes. 

You brush some color over your cheeks, but when you look into the mirror you don't see the girl you're hoping to. It frustrates you, creates a tightness in your chest that makes you want to cry. But fuck, you spent too long getting your eyeliner right to ruin it now. 

Why do you feel so conflicted still? Matt is so nice, he's practically perfect, but whenever you stretch a piece of yourself out to him you feel so afraid to be stepping outside of Vergil's gaze. But it's not like there's anything left for you there anyway, so why—

A knock on the door interrupts your perfectly scheduled pity party. Detaching yourself from the mirror you head to the front and look out the peephole. Your nimble fingers twist the locks and open the door. Trish and Lady stand on the other side. “What are you doing here?” 

“Your first date in the entire time we've known you? Please, like we're gonna miss this,” Trish says brushing past you without care. 

“I thought you both had a job with Dante today,” you say, closing the door behind the pair. 

“We got done early and Nico told us everything else,” Lady says. The two are quick to head to your bedroom and begin looking through your closet. 

“I don't need help dressing myself,” you scoff with a smirk. 

“Fine. Then what were you going to wear?” Trish asks. You step towards the closet pulling out a long sleeve off the shoulder top and some pants. An outfit you're sure they've seen before. 

“This is a date,” Lady says. 

“Not a work day,” Trish finishes. You groan. Trish's fingers glide through your clothes until her face brightens. She pulls a sultry black dress from your closet. “It's time.” 

“Trish! Come on! I only wore that on my birthday because you forced me to!” 

“And now you're wearing it again,” she hands it out. “Change.” 

With a sigh you step into Devil May Cry, hoping to retrieve your forgotten bag before the date. Unfortunately, Lady and Trish completely took over your look. Now you're looking amazing from head to toe and there's no sign of the depressed makeup you slapped on before. You will admit their pampering has put you in a better mood, and now that's the only thing driving you towards having a good night tonight. 

You reach the doorway of the kitchen only to be blocked. You feel your heart leap at the sudden close proximity of Vergil. He glances down at you, taking in every bit of you there is to offer, and in this dress there's a lot. You move to the side in an attempt to pass him and get out of this awkward encounter as quickly as possible. “Sorry,” you murmur. 

But he doesn't let you go that easily. Not like this. Not for some other man. 

Your back hits the doorframe, while Vergil looms over you, his hand around your wrist. “Do not go with him.” 

He still says it in his dark tone as always, but your heart hears it as a plea. That belief alone allows your broken heart to beat once more with hope. But unfortunately, that single beat only fills you with rage. 

Fire burns in your gaze as you glare down Vergil. A gaze he's known all too well. The same fire he was taken aback by when you first met. You've never once been afraid of him, and have always challenged him in ways no other human has been able to. He's always been attracted to that side of you. But now isn't the time for reminiscing. 

“I will not let you—”

“You won't let me? You haven't spoken to me in weeks and you start by making demands?” You rip your wrist from his grasp. “No. You don't get to stop me from seeing Matt. You don't get to tell me what to do. You didn't want me, Vergil. I'm free to do as I fucking please.” 

“He is not what you think he is,” he warns. 

“And you were?” You fire back. 

“Listen to—”

“No! I think I've heard enough from you,” you spit while breaking from his hold. Vergil huffs watching as you walk away.

“Hey, everything good?” Matt's fingers curl around your hand, bringing you back to the present. Shit. Now is not the time to be stuck on Vergil. 

“I'm fine,” you say, making sure to use a convincing tone. 

“Good. How was the food?”

“It was great,” you say, glancing down to your half eaten plate. “I think I had too big of a lunch though.” 

“That's alright. As long as you're okay.” 

“Everything's perfect,” you smile. 

“I'm glad,” he says. “So what happened today? Anything fun?” 

“Nothing interesting,” you say. Matt nods, tapping his hand on the table. 

“Hey, what do you think about Sparda?” 

“S-Sparda?” 

“Yeah. Most Devil Hunters have interesting opinions about him. I wanna know yours.” 

“Oh, um… I don't exactly have an opinion. I'm not particularly religious nor really a history person.” 

“Hm. Okay.” 

“Why do you ask?” 

“My family was kinda into him so unfortunately all their teachings got forced into my head. Some people apparently think he's still alive, waiting.”

“Waiting for what?” 

“Someone to take his place.” 

“I don't think that would happen.” 

“Dunno. Some people believe he had kids. If he did they'd be practically royalty. Everyone would be waiting for them to step up.” 

“I don't think that's fair,” you mutter. Matt leans in, prompting you to elaborate. “I mean, Sparda was killed, who's to say his children would be any safer? They'd have to deal with so much between both demons and humans. What if… they had just wanted to live normal lives? Be their own people without the world watching. I think I'd understand them better that way. I don't think anyone should fit into the same box as their parents.” 

“All very good points,” Matt says. “Seems you've thought alot about this.” 

“Maybe. But to be honest I think I'd feel the same way about anyone in that situation.”

“I like that,” Matt says. “Come on. There's somewhere I wanna take you.” 

“Where is she?” Dante asks Vergil as he enters Devil May Cry. Vergil stands by the desk, brooding. 

“She left,” Vergil says, not meeting Dante's gaze. It's evident he failed in his task to stop you. However he was so taken aback by your defiance he just let you slip away. 

“Dammit!” Dante curses, he slaps a stack of papers onto the desk. “We were right. He's a member of the Order.” 

“What's going on?” Trish asks, the group of four entering Devil May Cry behind her. 

“Have you seen her?” Dante asks. 

“No. Why? What's happened?” Lady asks. 

“That guy she's seeing, Matt, he's with the Order of the Sword,” Dante tells them. 

“What?! How do you know?” Nero asks. 

“A hunch, a very good one,” Dante gestures to the papers. Trish is the first to get to them and flip through. 

“I don't understand. What would he want with her?” Nico asks. 

“Nothing good,” Nero spits. 

“He's using her,” Trish concludes. “None of this has been coincidence. He's after you three.” 

“Which means—”

“She's in danger,” Vergil finishes Lady's thought. 

“I'm still so lost. He's been using her to get to you guys? For what?” Nico asks. 

“For the one thing all of those fucks want,” Nero mutters. 

“The blood of Sparda,” Dante concludes. 

“Hey, you're spacing out on me again,” Matt says, calling your attention back, his hand in yours as you walk down the street. 

“I'm sorry. I just have alot on my mind.” 

“Anything you're willing to share?” 

“Not exactly.” 

“Then, would you mind me asking about you and Vergil?” 

“I would but… I understand I haven't really explained much of it,” you say. “Vergil and I… Met once a long time ago and I thought I was in love with him. But it turned out that he didn't feel the same, after everything we'd been through. That's basically it, just stretch it out over a year.” 

“A year? You said you'd been hunting for a year too.” 

“Yeah, changing careers for a guy sounds ridiculous doesn't it?” 

“No. Not in the pursuit of something greater.”

“That's sweet of you to say.” 

Matt pulls you to a stop and wraps his arms around your waist. You feel your cheeks tinge pink. He smiles. “You look beautiful.” 

“You've already told me that multiple times,” you giggle. His finger lightly traces your jaw. 

“Do you feel beautiful?”

“Yes.”

“Then it's working,” he says, moving closer. He's so close his breath mingles with yours, eyes locked on you. “This time, can I?”

“And if I said no?” You ask. 

“Then we'd keep walking,” he says. “But if you said yes, I'd promise not to leave you like he did.” 

“Well then—” you pause, your flirty smile fading. Leave you… Like Vergil did?

Matt's jaw shifts and his eyes darken. “You never said that… Did you?” Taking your silence as confirmation he sighs. “Shit,” he hisses. 

“H-How do you know….” You feel your heart beginning to beat faster. Matt knows Vergil left, he knows and you never told him that, meaning he also knows why he left. “You— You know who they are. That's why you were talking about Sparda,” you say, chills creeping up your spine. You push Matt away but he manages to snatch your wrist. “Who the hell are you?!” 

“Calm down. Don't make a scene,” he chides, only making you more wary. 

“Answer me!” You snap. 

“Don't get all worked up. Alright? It's not what you think.” 

“Not what I think?! You fucking lied to me.”

“I only need a few drops of their blood, I promise you, that's all.” 

“That's all?! You pretended to like me just to get close to Dante and Vergil?! For what?! Blood?” 

“I'm trying to help them!” 

“How are you helping them?!” 

“I'm going to bring back Sparda! Let him lead us like he did once. He will make the world right again.” 

“You're fucking insane. Sparda is dead.” 

“No. His soul exists. His blood exists. Such a great demon cannot be gone forever.”

“Let me go!” You snap, tugging at your wrist, only for Matt's grip to tighten. 

“Don't be like that. You know I'm right. It's such a small price to pay. Why can't you see this is good?! You despised him anyway, right? For breaking your heart! You could manage cutting him without raising suspicion—”

From that point, all you see is red. 

Blood coats your knuckles, your fingers. Your other hand so tight on his shirt your nails puncture it. Flames rage through your body, creating an undying inferno. 

Hurt… Vergil? A notion you can't even fathom and yet some lowlife asked it of you. You, who has done everything for him. And you'll be damned if you let this piece of shit take another breath before he realizes what abominable sin has passed his lips, and have wrought justice with your fists alone. 

A hand wraps around your arm, yanking you back to reality. Blue eyes meet yours, but these ones are much warmer than the cold ones you're used to. “Guess I didn't have to worry about you,” Dante jokes. Your hand twitches in his grasp but he pulls you back again. “Hey. You'll kill him.” The urge to say you wouldn't mind that flutters across your lips, but you know better than to say it to Dante. He gently takes your other shoulder and pulls you upright. You fall into Dante's embrace, allowing him to calm your nerves. He accepts it, that is until you feel a tug at your dress. 

With a sharp glare you dare to glance downward. Matt, utterly bruised and bloody, looks up at you through one unswollen eye. “Their blood… Please.” 

You slam your foot down onto his arm forcing him to cry out in pain. “You piece of shit! Don't touch me!” You snap. 

“Alright. That's enough,” Dante sighs, knowing he's about to lose you to your bloodlust again. Dante swiftly lifts you, tossing you over his shoulder like a sack and walks away from the scene. 

“Let me get one more hit in! Dante! Are you listening to me?! Dante!” 

The motorcycle pulls up to the curb and Dante shuts the motor off. In the silence you still cling to him. “I'm sorry. I was being stupid.” 

Dante chuckles, “That's nothing. Besides, now you just know that there's nothing holding you back.” 

“He doesn't feel the same, Dante. What's the point?” 

“The point is that he does. He's dense, yeah, but believe me, he hasn't stopped thinking about you. Honestly, I'm glad I found you first. Who knows what he would've done to that guy.” 

“You're too confident in yourself, you know that?” 

“It's a charm, I assure you,” he quips as you get off the bike. “You got this part?” 

“I think so,” you mutter as you turn towards the shop. 

“Hey,” Dante calls, you return your attention to him. “Ask him why he stayed. That should give you the answer you're looking for.” 

You smirk, “Thank you, Dante.” 

“Good luck,” he says, starting the bike again and revving off down the street. 

You step into Devil May Cry, pleased with the quiet inside. It gives you a moment to reel in your thoughts. 

Confessing to Vergil a second time wasn't exactly on the itinerary. Much less do you expect things to have a favorable resolution. But… You can't turn away anymore. Trying to move on was clearly not in the cards. No matter what, no matter how much time passed, you'd still love Vergil. 

On the desk your eyes catch that same old book. Stepping over to it you flip it open. It's been so long since you've read it, even more so that the words have seamlessly fallen from your lips. Every word is still floating in your head, waiting for that other half to quote them with you. Like V used to. 

Right now, it feels as though it was yesterday. The moment you realized your feelings were the same and he kissed you. That memory hasn't been so clear in such a long time, but now instead of mourning over it, you smile. 

V trusted that you wouldn't let go of Vergil. That you'd be the same stubborn girl he knew, even in the face of someone like him. You wish you could thank him. Tell him he was right all along. 

You know he'd laugh and say something about how you should've trusted him better. 

The cover of the book closes and with it… Him. 

Bye, V. 

The door closes calling your gaze. Vergil stands there, his eyes hardened, his hands clenched white, his lips pursed into a thin line. You turn knowing that your nervousness shows clearly on your face. 

“I'm sorry,” you begin. “You were only trying to warn me, protect me, and I snapped at you. I was wrong.” 

“What happened?” 

“He slipped up and I figured the rest out myself,” you explain. “Dante told me you were the one who realized something was off. So, I guess I have to thank you. You were right about him.” You brush a strand of hair behind your ear, only to have Vergil before you in a flash, your hand in his. The air in your chest leaves you, but his gaze isn't on yours, instead he inspects your bloody knuckles. “Oh… I'm fine. It's not mine anyways.” 

“What did he do?” The growl that comes from Vergil is devilish. 

“Nothing. He didn't even get the chance,” you say, turning your head away. Vergil's ice cold hand curls under your chin, lifting your gaze to his. With a sigh you take his wrist, knowing that he's inspecting you to see if you're lying to him. “Vergil—”

“No one will ever lay a finger on you,” he declares. “Not so long as I am alive.” 

You feel your heart thump in your chest, and the question falls from your lips before you can stop it. “Why did you stay?” 

Vergil's sharp eyes meet yours, within them, behind the shards of ice he uses to protect himself, you see it. Longing, hope, anxiety. More of Vergil than you'd ever hoped to witness in a lifetime. All of it suddenly laid bare before you. 

“You are… frustrating,” Vergil starts, causing you to roll your eyes with a huff. Only for Vergil to pull you back to him. “Must you ask such obvious questions?” You feel your heart race in anticipation. Vergil smirks. Actually, smirks at you. “I am in you, and you in me—”

“Mutual—” Vergil doesn't even allow you to finish the quote before his lips are on yours. Taking your breath away with a passion you've only dreamt of. His arms wrap around you, pulling you flush against him. You feel desire run from your fingertips to your toes, vibrating within you. Your hips hit the desk and he pulls you onto it. 

Your thighs outline his hips as he presses himself into you. His hand takes the base of your neck and chills trickle down your spine at the sheer coldness of his skin. Vergil kisses you deeper, but even so he's gentle, far more gentle than he was during your first kiss. 

You smile. “Stop holding back. You can be as rough as you like.” 

Vergil returns to kissing you with newfound vigor as you smile. His passion striking once again. His hands now take the liberty to explore you. Grabbing your thighs and your waist, finding which parts of you he thinks feels best in his palms. But even so you and the need that fills you is only driven crazier by his simple touching. You want more of him. So much more. 

He kisses down your neck, so gentle with his bites but still managing to make your skin bloom in tingles. Your eyes close in bliss.

With deft hands you slide over his shoulders, pushing his coat down his arms. Vergil swiftly sheds his coat, returning his hands to your body immediately. He bunches your skirt at your hips as you unbutton his top. Every inch of his skin that is revealed to you makes your mouth water. He's perfect underneath all these layers. Abs blessed by the devil, muscles that demand attention. Your fingers just barely brush over him and you revel in the way he stiffens. “All this is mine?” You ask tauntingly. 

“You're mine,” Vergil says, his voice husky with lust. The tips of your fingers brush his jaw. 

“Prove it.”

With a sly smirk, your legs wrap around his thighs, a finger slips into his waistband and you pull. Vergil presses flush against you. The thick protruding line in his pants even just nudging your panties has a soft sigh of relief passing your lips. 

The sound, the adorable noise that suddenly slips from you immediately has Vergil addicted. He takes the back of your neck, kissing you roughly, barely biting your bottom lip as he leans you back. On the desk Vergil examines the way you look, cheeks flushed, lips red and glossy, eyes hazy, and commits it all to memory. Even as his rough fingers slide up your legs, lifting them while he sinks downwards, his lips just grazing your calf you wait. He plants kisses up your thighs, taking his time, torturously slow. The feel of him, his kiss, his breath, sets your nerves alight. You feel the anticipation pooling in your panties. Finally, his fingers curl under the band of your panties and tug. 

With the obstruction out of the way Vergil marvels at your soaked pussy before diving in. The first initial lick to your cunt has your back arching off the desk. Vergil laps up your juices, sucking on your clit, bringing you higher than you think you've ever felt before. His piercing gaze locked on your face, your expressions. He wants nothing more than to see you crumble beneath him. Give your everything to him, and become ruined in pleasure only he can give you. 

His finger slips past your folds, instantly rubbing against that spot that has your head turning blank and moans mixed with curses fall from your lips. In desperation your fingers trail through his locks, pushing him harder onto you, riding his mouth towards your orgasm. Vergil adds another finger, instantly working you closer and closer until you feel ready to pop. 

“Cum.” 

And you're screaming, feeling the world turn to nothing as your body convulses in pleasure. Vergil takes all that you give him, falling in love with your taste more and more. Wondering how he existed without it. 

As your mind floats his cold hand takes your burning hot cheek while his lips kiss from your throat down your chest. His fingers gently peeling the strap of your dress out of the way. 

“Rip it,” you say. His gaze meets yours, questioning your statement. “I'll burn it anyways. Just rip it.” 

Vergil takes in the dress once more, his hands tracing the edges of your body over the fabric before grabbing the top. In one movement, so fast you don't even feel it, the dress shreds. The torn black pieces slip onto the floor. Vergil takes in your body, his gaze narrowing on the various scars that marr your skin. Ones he's sure were not there before. 

They are a testament to your power. The countless battles you've fought, all just for him. To meet him. To be with him. To be his. But in the end it seems as though he is yours instead. That's how he knows he's chosen correctly. 

His lips brush over various scars, gently kissing them, overwriting their purpose. Praising you, loving you. 

With soft hands you bring him back to your lips. You feel the tip of Vergil's cock just barely brush your clit, and fight back the whimper that threatens to escape. 

“I will be gentle.” 

“Don't,” you say instantly. “You won't hurt me. Please.” 

You watch Vergil shift his jaw before pressing into you. The stretch you probably should've prepared for. Vergil's cock fills you to the brim and then a bit more. It doesn't hurt thankfully, but you have never felt so full before. 

His head rests on your shoulder attempting to hide his own groans of pleasure as he seats himself deep within you. “Don't hold back.” 

Vergil's hand presses to your chest, holding you there as he lifts to face you. “You have a tendency of testing my patience.” 

“Good,” you smirk. Vergil's hands take your hips, slowly pulling himself back and then smacking your hips together. Your eyes roll back as pleasure fills your being. The gentle part of him fades as he takes you. Pounding himself into you without remorse, giving you exactly what you asked for. Your hands find the edges of the desk, holding on for dear life as curses fly from your lips in moans and shouts. 

He buries himself as deep as he can go, prepared to make you regret teasing him. But its becoming clear the more he drills himself into you the more you're only liking it. Being treated roughly, fucked dumb. Maybe you were telling the truth, and maybe he underestimated you. 

“Fuck! Vergil~ Mh! Shit! I'm gonna cum.”

His fingers grip your hips tighter, signaling his own impending release. His thrusts become faster, moans and grunts getting louder. Until he slams his hips forward, feeling as your walls constrict around him. Your body going rigid, his dick pulses with you, spilling his cum deep inside. Marking you as his. 

His lips caress the nape of your neck ever so gently as you wash up in the kitchen sink. You close your eyes, enjoying the feel of tingles running over your skin. “Is your body–?”

“You've exhausted the hell out of me, but other than that I'm fine,” you say. He leers over your shoulder, seeing that the blood you wash off your fist doesn't completely go away. Instead it only gets worse. He snatches your hand. 

“You told me it wasn't yours,” he says, anger threading into his tone. 

“I really thought it wasn't,” you sigh. 

“Stay here,” Vergil commands as he steps back into the office. 

Shit. Did you really lose it that much? You didn't even feel any pain until now. 

But you don't regret it. Those pieces of shit are nothing more than a hindrance to these three, and despite how much they'd never want you to, you'll protect them. 

They are not Sparda. 

A loud clatter starles you, your head snapping towards the doorway. Instantly you feel panic rise in your chest. Rushing through the doorway you call his name, “Vergil?!” 

Sputtering, struggling, feet dangling off the floor. Matt, his throat in Vergil's grip and knife on the floor, turns purple. Anger washes over you again, but you know better than to let Vergil do as he pleases. 

“As much as I'd like to see his head pop, you should let him go,” you tell Vergil. 

“Humans like this do not deserve—”

“I'm fully aware. And believe me, I have no qualms with watching his end,” you grab Vergil's arm. “But we don't kill humans, no matter how much they deserve it. Besides, you can judge for yourself if the beating I gave him was punishment enough.” 

Vergil's gaze scans over Matt once more. You see the conflict in his eyes. His hatred battling with his desire to obey you. Eventually, his fingers loosen. Matt drops to his knees, coughing and hacking. 

“Why?” Matt asks, his voice rough and gravelly. “Why don't you want your father back?” 

Vergil sinks into a crouch. He glares into Matt. “If you return to this place, I will not hesitate to kill you.” The threat has Matt turning pale and scrambling to his feet. The door clicks shut behind him. “I doubt that is the last we will see of his kind.” 

“How annoying,” you mutter, only to feel Vergil's hand caress yours, returning your attention to the injury.

Your lips caress his neck, sitting pretty in his lap on the couch in the corner. His hand grips your thigh, eyes closed, enjoying your love. 

“They're at it again,” Lady mutters. 

“You're just jealous,” Nico says to her. 

“That doesn't mean they have to rub it in my face,” Lady sighs. 

“It's only been two weeks and they've waited months, let them have fun,” Trish chides. Only for Nero to come out of the kitchen and immediately settle on you both. 

“Alright. Break it up you two,” Nero snaps. The both of you glance towards the younger half demon. “Better yet get a room.” 

“We are in a room. Why don't you leave?” You snap back. Nero clutches his imaginary pearls as the other three giggle at him. 

“Let it go,” Nico says. 

“I'd like to but we have a job to do,” Nero says. He takes your hand to help you stand. “Besides, she was my partner first.” 

“Now. Now. Play nice,” Dante says as he enters the room. “We're all friends here.” 

“Some more than others,” Nico mutters. 

“Hey,” Morrison calls from the front door, everyone turns. “You might wanna see this.” 

On the front steps the group looks out into the distance, the three half demons in the front. Clouds surge and spin, revealing a hole that widens in the sky. The wind picks up around you, taking fallen leaves with it. 

“That's not good,” you hear Nero mutter. 

“And here I was hoping things would calm down for a bit,” Dante says. 

“There is no time to debate,” Vergil says. 

“Well then, back to work boys,” Trish says. The three turn to the four of you just as you tighten the strap of your sword. You hold out the Yamato to Vergil. His eyes raking over your confident form, knowing that Devil May Cry will overcome anything. 

He steps up, swiftly taking the legendary blade from you and with his other hand taking yours. He presses his lips to your knuckles making you smile. 

“Be careful.” 

Vergil unable to resist steps up once more, pulling your lips against his. 

“We'll be back.” 

“You'd better be.”