#I was gonna put Roxanna but I ran out of room

[yusuke-of-valla]

Hahaha women...

Tagged by @ravenoftheskyes

Rules: Make a poll of your favorite female characters, as many or as little as you want, and see who your followers like the most!

I'm gonna pass it forward to @nexttrickanvils @brokenhardies @purplespacefairy and anyone else who wants to play!

[calswildflcwer]

Arranged Marriage ! ~ Part Three

Pairing : Bruno x fem!reader.

Warnings : No comfort fic, sadness, pain, a lot of cursing, bad relationship with mother and sister, yelling, a LOT of time skips in this chapter, readers death - I’m sorry.

Plot : You’ve been best friends with Pepa ever since you were able to talk. Your family had always been close to the Madrigals. You and Bruno had been dating for the past two years, however, your mother and his mother are about to put a whole halt on your relationship by arranging a marriage between Bruno and.….. Your sister?!

Pronouns used : he/him for Bruno, she/her for reader.

Note : I am not a Spanish native and I don’t know any Spanish, all Spanish nicknames mentioned in this story are translated from google. If anything is wrong PLEASE let me know and I will correct it.

Info : Bruno will start at age, around 25ish and reader will be around 22.

Bruno taglist : @nervoussubjectappreciator, @soumya-13

|| next || part three ||

“Tia (name)!” “Tia (name)!” “Tia (name)!” Your name was being yelled all through the house.

You frowned as you walked in, getting tackled by the kids as you walked through the door. “Woah, woah, what’s going on?” You asked, glancing down at the frantic faces of the kids.

“Tia Roxanna has gone into labour!” Isa shouted. You frowned before being dragged into the living room where you saw your older sister in pain.

“(Name), thank god you’re here! We need your help! We’ve sent Luisa to grab the medical staff but we don’t know how long it’s gonna be before they arrive.” Pepa said, panicked as she raked her fingers through her hair.

“No! I don’t want her delivering my baby!” Roxanna shouted in pain.

You stared down at your sister before closing your eyes, “Look, it’s fine by me if you don’t want me delivering the baby but by the time the doctors get here, it’ll be too late.” You told your sister.

You turned on your heel and began to head out of the door, “Wait…” Roxanna shouted. “Help me, please.” She mumbled.

You turned on your heel, shrugging your cardigan off as you approached your sister, “Okay, get me some towels. Get the kids out of the room. And somebody grab my pressure cuffs from my bag.” You ordered out. The adults ran about around you as Félix and Agustín ushered the kids out of the room.

You glanced around, “Where’s Bruno?” You asked.

“He’s out in town with Luisa.” Pepa told you as she handed the towels to you.

You nodded, placing the towels under your sisters legs as Julieta handed you an apron and some latex gloves, you pulled the apron on over your head and pulled the gloves on as you thanked the older woman before turning your face as your eyes flickered to meet your sisters. “I’m scared.” She whispered as she stared at you.

Her breathing was speeding up, she was beginning to hyperventilate. Her hands were waving. You took a deep breath, “Roxanna.” You began. “Roxanna!” You yelled but it didn’t stop her hyperventilating. “Roxy!” You snapped. Her eyes snapped to meet yours, you hadn’t called her that since you were a child, you couldn’t say her full name properly so you always called her Roxy from when you were two up until you were seven.

“You haven’t called me that since you were…” She began.

“Seven. I know.” You nodded as you gripped her hand. “Look, you’re panicking. That’s normal, so we need something to calm you. To keep you grounded.” You said as you stared at the older girl.

“Like what?” She asked you.

You thought for a second, “Memories!” You told her, nodding. “Remember when I was five and you were seven and that little boy kept pushing me over in the schoolyard, can you remember what you did?” You asked as you pumped the pressure cuff.

“I… Uhm… I pushed him off his tricycle.” Roxanna said.

You nodded, “And when I was eight and you were ten, and that same boy pushed me off my bike in the street, what did you do?” You asked.

“I… I punched him.” She replied.

“And when I was thirteen and you were fifteen and that boy chased me around the school playground and wouldn’t take no for an answer, how did you stick up for me that time?” You asked.

“I… Um… I, uh, I chased him around the park with a stick and set abuelo’s dog onto him.” She chuckled.

“And when I was seventeen and you were nineteen, and that guy decided to come onto me when I told him that I wasn’t interested, you did what?” You smirked.

“I broke his nose.” She smiled. “Wh-what about when you were nineteen and I was twenty one and that guy was trying to hit on me but was seeing you and so we both punched him.” She giggled.

You smiled, nodding your head as she began pushing. She squeezed your hand, gripping it tightly as she screamed out as you kept an eye on the pressure cuffs.

The room was soon filled with the cries of a newborn baby as the casita doors flew open, Luisa and Bruno sprinted in with the medical staff behind her as you grabbed the baby, “You’ve got a little girl.” You told your sister as Julieta handed you a super soft baby towel. It was one that belonged to Mirabel, you immediately wrapped the baby girl in the soft towel and cut the umbilical cord before handing the little girl to Roxanna, letting the doctors that were actually on shift take over.

You stood up, taking the apron off and washing your hands as you did, Julieta took the apron from you and began washing it as you grabbed your cardigan, “Thank you, (name). You know, I miss you so much. Those memories and everything, we used to have a good relationship. Why can’t we be like that again?” She asked.

You stopped at the door, glancing over your shoulder and staring at your sister, “Remember when I was twenty two and you were twenty four and you married the man I was in love with, not caring how it’d affect me?” You said, staring at her.

“(Name)…” Roxanna began.

“Look, Roxanna, you and Bruno broke my heart. You ripped it to shreds. You married him despite knowing my feelings. You killed me.” You whispered.

“But, you’re an aunt again.” Roxanna stated.

“No. No, I’m not, Roxanna. Let’s get one thing straight, that little girl is not my niece. As gorgeous as she is, she will always be a painful reminder of what you both did to me. I’m not her aunt, I’m nothing to her.” You told your sister, your eyes flickering to meet Bruno’s awestruck face as he stared at his daughter. You nodded slightly before walking out, you left the casita and left the family to bask in the knowledge that they had a new family member.

You were stopped on your way out, you lifted your head to see the matriarch of the family, “I’m so sorry, (name). If I’d have known about your feelings for mi Brunito, I never would’ve arranged the marriage with Roxanna. I can see how much this is hurting you.” Alma spoke.

You sighed, running a hand down your face as you stared at the elder, “You knew, Alma. You saw us sneaking around in the village plenty of times and holding hands. Just because we didn’t tell you, doesn’t mean you didn’t know. Plus, I know you were listening on the stairs the night that you announced the marriage when I blurted everything out to my father.” You sighed, staring at the older woman before you.

A guilty look crossed the elders face as she sighed, “Look, don’t even worry about it, Alma. Bruno made his choice and I’ve got to live with that.” You smiled. “Look, you should probably head inside. You’ve got a new granddaughter.” You told her as you patted the top of her arm slightly before walking away, taking one last glance over your shoulder and watching the elder walk into casita.

It was five years later, you were standing in the foyer, waiting for Lila’s ceremony to begin. That’s when you felt a tug on your dress. Your brows furrowed as you glanced down at the little girl who tugged at the fabric, “(Name), what if I don’t get a gift? Like Mirabel? Would papá still be proud of me?” She asked you. Her green eyes glossing over and becoming watery as she stared at you.

You crouched down, staring down at the little girl who you had barely spoken to in her whole five years of being alive, “Your papá will always be proud of you, gift or no gift. He loved you so much, Lila. He was always proud of you, niña.” You reassured the little girl.

“But mamá and Abuela have been talking and saying-” She began, worriedly.

“Don’t listen to what they say, cariño. Your abuela is a perfectionist and your mamá is just… Well, she’s complicated. Listen, niña, you’re a beautiful little girl and your father has always and will always be so proud of you.” You told her, cupping her cheeks.

She wrapped her tiny arms around your neck and hugged you. You let out a breath before holding the little girl close, “Thank you so much, (name).” She whispered, planting a soft kiss to your cheek before stepping out into the light. You glanced up, seeing Roxanna at the top of the stairs with Alma.

Lila turned to the faces of everybody before glancing back at you as you hid behind a nearby wall, “Go on, cariño.” You whispered. She closed her eyes, turning back to you as she did.

She held out her hand, fear emanating from her iris’s. You were the only person to let her know that not getting a gift would be okay. You were the only person who would willingly talk about Bruno, “Please, I need you.” She whispered as she stared at you.

You took a deep breath before stepping out into the light and grasping the little girls hand. Roxanna’s brows furrowed as she watched on, a scowl making itself present on her face.

Lila’s other hand gripped your dress as she hugged into your legs whilst the two of you walked together, you shared a look with Pepa as you passed, sending your best friend a smile to cease the worry in her eyes.

You let go of the little girls hand, sharing a warm smile with Alma at the top of the stairs, letting the candle do it’s thing.

Alma soon turned around, announcing Lila’s gift. The girl had gotten super speed, she had always been into running and sports and can often be found chasing her primo Camilo around the garden.

The party was soon well underway, her room was super spacious, filled with running tracks; meaning she had plenty of space to run. You stared around, a smile gracing your face as the little girl ran towards you as you swirled the red liquid in your glass. She skidded to halt in front of you, “(Name)! (Name)! Did you see that?! I got a gift! I got a gift!” She said excitedly.

You smiled, staring down at the excited little girl, “That’s great, niña. Your papá would be so proud!” You rejoiced with her, letting her drag you towards the dance floor where you immediately began dancing with Pepa.

Safe to say it was a great night, little did you know that somebody was watching from the walls and the pride shone in his eyes.

Bruno had been gone ten years, casita had fallen, Mirabel had disappeared, everything you knew had gone. You stood among the rubble with Pepa, holding in a cough. You were dying. The whole family knew. Julieta’s arepas only helped to delay the inevitable.

Horse hooves could be heard in the distance, followed by Julieta calling out for her daughter. The whole family soon appeared around the house, Mirabel was talking about fixing it up as you gripped onto Pepa’s shoulders in order to help you stand.

It wasn’t long until you saw Bruno, he was chatting with Lila who was now eleven. Getting to know his little girl. You stood, helping the others start the rebuild of the house. You were so glad that you had the love and care of the Madrigal’s, especially during this time. The whole family knew that you were dying.

The house was soon rebuilt, the whole family, including you, were pushed inside for a photo. You grinned despite the colour draining from your face. This had already gone on way too long. You watched as the family celebrated at the new chilled and laid back Alma as you headed towards the front doors, you took a deep breath as you sat on a small wall outside.

“Hola…” Somebody said shakily.

You turned your head, seeing the man that you hadn’t seen in ten years, a soft smile planted itself on your lips as you stared at him, “Hey. How’re you doing?” You asked. “Bet this is all kinda surreal, huh? Being back with your family and such?” You questioned.

He nodded, laughing slightly as he rubbed the nape of his neck. “I’m kind of nervous, to be honest. When I left here, the villagers weren’t all too happy with me, you know?” He sighed.

You ran your hand down your face tiredly, holding back a cough, you gulped slightly before nodding, “I get it. But Bruno, if doing visions makes you uncomfortable now, just tell Alma. I’m sure she’ll understand.” You told him, tucking a loose strand of hair behind the older man’s ear.

He caught your wrist, quickly noticing the vine that was crawling up your arm like a tattoo. He rolled your sleeves up and stared down at it, his eyes widening, “You have Hanahaki disease?” He asked.

You pulled your arm away, rolling your sleeve down, you shrugged, “It’s almost over.” You said simply.

Bruno stared at you, “What do you mean?” He asked.

“The vine is almost complete, Bruno. One more flower and I’ll be dead.” You told him with a shrug.

He glanced over his shoulder, staring back into the foyer where Lila danced with Roxanna.

However, it wasn’t long until you could no longer hold back the cough that was tickling in your throat, this was it, you were about to die. You took a final glance in at the foyer, watching your newfound family dance and laugh together as you coughed loudly from outside. A striped carnation falling from your mouth as you did.

Bruno caught your limp body quickly, he watched as the life drained from your eyes and the colour drained from your face. Tears falling down his face as he held you, “(Name)! No, no, come on, (name)!” He cried out. “No, no, no, come on, amor!” He whispered, leaning over your body. He rested his forehead against yours, letting his tears fall onto your face. Your eyes were closed, your breathing had stopped as Bruno cried on you. “Come back to me, amor! Please, come back, I’m sorry! I’m so sorry.” He cried out.

The only girl that ever loved him, the only person who never judged him, the only person who was ever there for him… Was gone. You were gone.

The rest of the family soon gathered behind him, tears falling from all of their eyes as they watched the scene before them. “Striped carnation…” Isabela whispered as she held Dolores’ hand, tears rolling down her face. “They mean ‘refusal’ and ‘sorry, I can’t be with you’.” She let the family know.

Alma quickly whispered something to Agustín causing him to gather the children and take them away from the scene. Pepa placed a hand on her brothers back as she knelt beside him, tears gracing her own face as she stared at him. “Hermano, she’s gone.” She said, tearfully. Glancing down at the bloodstained flower.

“No, she can’t be, Pepi! I loved her. I-I love her! She can’t be gone. She… She just can’t.” He cried out, lifting his head from your body momentarily before placing his forehead back against yours.

Pepa put her head down, letting her own tears fall as she placed a hand on top of your still warm one as she rested her head on her brothers shoulder, her own tears pouring down her face as the pair of them stayed holding you. Pepa causing the sky to open up and cause a downpour.

It wasn’t long before Alma approached her children, “It’s time to let her go, mis amores.” She told her children.

Pepa nodded, drying her eyes with the back of her hand, the sky around them not clearing up for even a second as Pepa leant forward, placing a soft kiss to your forehead. “Goodbye, mi amiga. I love you so damn much.” She whispered, stepping back from you and finding comfort in the arms of her husband as she cried into the crook of his neck.

“Brunito, it’s time.” Alma spoke again.

Bruno lifted his head, leaning down and pressing his lips against yours softly. Tears continuously pouring from the older man’s eyes. He stepped back, turning and wrapping his arms around Julieta as Alma spoke to one of the villagers about taking you to the funeral home.

Bruno glanced back one last time, still gripping his eldest sisters dress as he cried, bidding you farewell one final time, his lips quivering as he did.

“Adiós, mi amor. Te amo tanto.”

(Translation: “Goodbye, my love. I love you so much.”)

~ Hey, my loves! So here is the final chapter of my no comfort fic, please do let me know what y’all think, angels! 😘 Stay hydrated, make sure you’ve eaten today, remember you’re loved more than you’ll ever know and stay safe, lovelies! Mwah! 💖

[zenithlux]

Cadence Update - CH 13

SURPRISE

I know I said I was going to lower my updates, but then I went on a writing spree and my backlog is back up to a good level. So here we were! With a random Sunday update! Hope you enjoy  🥰 🥰

In which Nero and Vergil finally talk for longer than a minute and Roxy shows off a special talent.

Catch up on the story here!

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Ain’t nobody bring us down, down, down down, down, down They could try but we’re gonna wear the crown You could go another round Round, round, round, round, round, round Wish you luck, but you’re not bringing us down

POP/STARS - KDA

------------

Nero visited Devil May Cry two hours before Vergil planned to move out.

It was spectacular timing on his part for a multitude of reasons. Vergil had had every intention to leave that morning instead, but Dante had practically begged that Vergil stay one more day to “leave things in good shape”. Then, just a few hours after that, Vergil had unplugged the phone, ensuring no distractions that weren’t personal, and forwarded half a day's wages to Dante instead so his brother wouldn’t complain. (At least, not more than he was going to already). The only reason Vergil hadn’t left yet was because he was waiting on Roxy’s return message and had gotten distracted reorganizing the admittedly meager pile of books in Dante’s old duffel bag. 

So, when Nero walked in with the confidence of a skittish feline, Vergil assumed the best thing to do was get the disappointment out of the way first. “Dante’s not here.”

Nero’s eyes narrowed, but he did stand a little straighter. Vergil wasn’t sure if that was a good thing. “I’m not here for him, jackass.” 

That gave Vergil pause. And, for a long moment, he simply stared into the abyss of the half-empty bag before him, as it was marginally easier than meeting the eyes of his son. Thankfully, regaining his composure took only a few seconds, and he turned with his usual, indifferent grace. “Is that so?”

“Crazy ain’t it?” Nero muttered as he plopped down on the couch. “But I promised Kyrie I’d come, and I’ve been pummeled by Nico more than enough for the year.” He glanced at Vergil without really looking at him. “So let’s talk, old man.”

That was the closest thing to ‘father’ Vergil had ever gotten from Nero. He was also painfully aware of what that said about the current state of their relationship.  “What about?” Vergil said carefully. The last thing he wanted was for Nero to storm right back out the front door and proclaim him a lost cause (or something like that). Though, given the sound of the van that had to be lingering about a block away, he had a feeling that Nico would run Nero down before letting that happen. “We’ve attempted this before.”

“Yeah we have,” Nero said, his confidence returning as he stretched out on the couch and stared up at the ceiling. Except that only made Vergil tense up even more. This was the first time he had ever seen Nero in this relaxed state without Vergil himself being banished to another room. What did Nero want from him? What was he expecting him to do? It could be anything, really. Kyrie had mentioned the children at the orphanage. Nico had mentioned the influx of silly jobs that had kept Nero from the more important things. Dante had mentioned a potential clean up and rebuilding of Redgrave City. And while all of those things were important, Vergil knew he couldn’t agree to any of it. Not right now. Not when he finally had someone who needed him. Someone who wanted to rely on him. Not someone who felt obligated to.

So what would he do if Nero asked? If he said no… would things go back to the way they were?

“Nico told me you’ve got a new job.”

Vergil blinked, momentarily stunned before he caught himself. “And where did she hear that?” 

Nero snorted with a rather dramatic, Dante-esque eye roll. “Where do you think?”

“Dante had no right to…”

“It’s that woman, right?” Nero said. “Roxanna or something like that?”

Vergil resisted the urge to sigh. “Yes,” He admitted, impressed at how even his voice was. “I am assisting her for the time being.”

“That’s a whole lot of words for ‘babysitter’”. 

That time, Vergil didn’t bother hiding his annoyance. “Do not patronize her,” He said. “It was difficult enough for her to request anyone’s help. The last thing she needs is my family belittling her for her courage.”

At first, Nero said nothing, but Vergil didn’t miss the way his son’s jaw dropped before he thought to clench it. “I’ll admit,” Nero said, his voice as stiff as his posture. “I expected you to defend yourself.”

Perplexed, Vergil said, “for what, exactly?”

Nero shook his head. “Look,” He said as he practically jumped off the couch. “I know you and I started off on the wrong foot. Most dads don’t greet their sons with a sword to the gut.”

“Neither do most sons.”

Nero shrugged. “You deserved it.”

“And I knew you’d live.”

“Bullshit,” He snapped before taking a slow breath and continuing. “You’ve done a lot of pretty terrible stuff, and I ain’t quite ready to forgive ya.” He bounced a little from foot to foot but met Vergil’s gaze with perfect clarity. “But I’d be an idiot to wait for you to make up for all of that.” When Vergil didn’t respond (what did one say to such a statement?), Nero continued. “I came here to ask for a favor. Something you could do to prove that you really have changed or aren’t the bad guy or whatever.” Nero shrugged again; a nervous tick? Maybe. Vergil hadn’t observed him enough to know. “But then Dante mentioned that job, and Nico confirmed it and I just…” He sighed. “That’s proof enough, right?” 

“That isn’t for me to decide.”

“Course not,” Nero said. “But I need to stop being an ass about it and give you a chance.”

And of all the things Nero could have said, that shocked Vergil the most. And for the first time in as long as he could remember, he didn’t have a clue what to say. “You… what?”

Nero huffed. “You heard me.”

“Yes, but…”

“Look,” Nero said as he jabbed his finger into Vergil’s chest before Vergil realized his son had even crossed the room. “All I’m asking is that you prove to me and to everyone else that you’re serious about this. Got it? No more towers or giant trees or whatever it is that demons try to raise nowadays.” Vergil started to speak, but Nero cut him off. “Sure. You have that half-demon form of yours, and I’m sure as hell not telling you to stop using it. But for now, you’re human, just like the rest of us.”

Vergil felt numb. Yes was the obvious and easy answer. Yet his heart seized at the thought. Human. He was human… did he even know what that meant anymore?  He’d never had a chance to be human before. He’d never wanted to be.

But that’s what he was doing. These jobs. His friendship with Roxy. This entire conversation…

Slowly, he nodded. “That’s all I’m trying to do.”

That, at the very least, was the truth.

Nero sighed as he ran his fingers through his hair. “Then I have one more request.”

“And that would be…”

A sudden HONK startled them both, followed by the screeching of tires. Dante’s voice echoed into the building, “are we going kid or not?”

Vergil’s eyes narrowed. “Going where?”

Nero chuckled sheepishly. “To see your new pad.”

“And why is Dante in the van?”

“Nico’s already there,” Nero said. “Dante had planned to go ahead of us but Nico wasn’t too keen on that so…”

“Why would Dante go first?”

Now, Nero’s face was scarlet. “Something about buttering her up or enjoying dinner or something. I’m not really…”

He trailed off as Vergil slung the bag over his shoulder, and grabbed a spare backpack as he stormed past Nero with murder in his eyes. 

-----------------

The van was the only reason all three of them got there in one piece, as Vergil had no interest in paying Nico to fix it. 

Dante’s jacket, however, wasn’t so lucky.

“That was my best one,” Dante sniffed as he shivered despite the almost sweltering heat. The jacket itself was in the van’s trash can, shredded to unwearable pieces. Of course, Vergil knew he had another one to replace it. He wasn’t that cruel. But his brother had to learn somehow.

Learn what exactly, Shakespeare? Griffon huffed.

Vergil didn’t have an answer to that.

“I didn’t even do anything wrong!” Dante said as his expression twisted into a goofy grin. “I was just going to be nice to Sunshine Verge! I’ve gotta cheer her up before she has to deal with you for the rest of however long.”

“Shut up,” Nero said as he kicked open the door of the complex and practically yanked Dante inside. “I have to clean up enough blood as it is.”

“At least you two are talking again,” Dante said. 

Both Nero and Vergil paused, exchanged glances, and looked away. “Guess you could say that,” Nero muttered.

We got it all in our hands now, So can you handle what we’re talking about?

All three of them paused as Vergil’s eyes drifted to Roxy’s doorway. “Is that music?” Dante said as his nose wrinkled. “Some pop nonsense.” 

We’re so tough Not scared to show you up Can you feel the rush now?

“The kids love this song,” Nero said with an odd sense of nostalgia. 

Dante snorted. “The kids, huh?”

Nico’s groan echoed down the hallway. “My word Rox, you’re way too good at this.”

When Roxy spoke, Vergil thought she sounded breathless. “Stop distracting me.”

“But I want to win!”

Wish ‘em luck but they’re not bringing us down…

“Well you’re not going to!” Roxy said. 

“I can see that!” A thud cut her short. “Did your dragon just throw a pillow at me?”

Dante snapped to the doorway and put a finger to his lips with a dramatic wink as he reached for the knob. He pushed it open with shocking tenderness as if he planned on sneaking up on a demon on the other side. Instead, he stepped far out of the way and gestured to Vergil, mouthing “come look.” And, for the briefest of moments, Vergil considered walking away. He knew where his apartment was. Roxy had given him a key a few days ago. He hadn’t seen it yet, and that sounded like a better idea than entertaining Dante. 

But then Nero peered in and gave a low whistle. “Damn,” He whispered. “She’s pretty good.”

So, Vergil stepped forward with a quiet huff, more than aware that Nero didn’t have a clue what Dante was trying to pull. 

And while Vergil didn’t know what to expect, Roxy swinging small, black devices of some kind around in the air in front of the television was not it. 

A part of him thought the scene should have been a lot funnier than he thought it was. Nico was sitting on the arm of the couch behind her, glaring at Kuro. And Kuro, a bit larger than his usual child form, was glaring right back, tail wrapped around a bright red pillow as a gray one lay discarded at Nico’s feet. Aki was sitting between them, head bobbing back and forth either confused or excited at the potential pillow war that was about to unfold.

Then there was Roxy herself. The device on her head was massive, pushing her ponytail up far higher than she usually put it. She was swinging into nothing, but he could hardly call it flailing. Her movements were strangely controlled, and it took Vergil another second to realize she was moving exactly on pace with the song that was playing. Then, he saw the katana like swords on the TV, swinging perfectly in time with her. Boxes shot forward from black nothingness, but she didn’t miss a single one. Her movements were fast. Controlled. Calculated. Precise.

Nero groaned beside him. “Holy shit,” He said as he glared at Dante. “You were actually serious.”

Dante snorted. “Of course I was. Your old man is…” 

A summoned sword appeared as Vergil glanced behind him. “I’m what, Dante?”

Dante grinned as he flicked the sword. It didn’t move, but he didn’t seem to care. “Infatuated.” 

Vergil scoffed. “I’m shocked you know what that word even means.”

“And you’re not denying it.”

“I am not…”

Only winning, winning now Ain’t nobody bring us Down, down, down, down.

With a final, clean slice, Roxy spun toward Nico, tore the headset off, and grinned triumphantly. Behind her, a series of numbers flashed on the screen: 733/733; 630,280 Points. Vergil assumed that score was adequate, as Roxy loudly proclaimed “Beat that, Nico!”

The younger woman burst into laughter. “A perfect score at that speed? You must have been practicing that for days!”

Roxy’s demeanor turned sheepish. “I have a lot of free time.”

“Clearly,” Nico hopped off the couch as she took the controllers. “Did you like what you saw, V-man?”

Roxy jumped, her face flushing in that way it always did when she was caught off guard. Though Vergil noted that she never blushed when the others surprised her. At least… not as far as he had seen. 

He found that oddly endearing. 

“Hello,” Roxy said with an awkward wave. “I forgot how quiet you are.” 

“Alright kiddos,” Dante said as he shoved his way through the front door. “Move aside.” He swung his arm in front of him and pointed his thumb dramatically at his chest. Then, after a quick wink, he said, “Uncle Dante is here.”

The awkward silence that fell at the proclamation was almost enough to steal Vergil’s composure. It didn’t help when Roxy and Kuro exchanged glances, as if uncertain whether to invite the younger twin in or kick him out. Aki was the only one who responded, chirping excitedly as he hopped up on his back paws and yanked one of his wings in toward his chest; an attempt at imitation. It was enough to make Roxy giggle before she could stop herself, and that alone opened the floodgates for everyone else. Vergil could only stare, perplexed, as the rest of his family nearly collapsed with laughter. 

“You’re…” Nico said as she tried to catch her breath. “The worst.”

“What is he even announcing himself for?” Nero said before forcing a long gasp to try and control himself. It didn’t work. “And the bird… what… why?”

“Imitation is the best form of flattery,” Dante said as he scratched the bird's head. Aki toppled with a startled cry, but rolled over and landed on his feet with astounding grace. He purred as he rubbed his face against Dante’s hand, and his tail flicked excitedly back and forth. “See?” Dante said as the room finally started to calm down. “He gets it.”

Roxy rolled her eyes as she dropped the headset into Nico’s lap. “He just likes to be pet.” She held her hand out with a quiet whistle. Aki’s head spun to her, startling Nico as he burst from the couch and landed on Roxy’s arm.

Dante coughed loudly as he brushed a pair of feathers out of his hair. “Alright Nico,” He said as he held his hand out. “Let the master show you how it’s done.”

“Hell no!” Nico snapped as she yanked the device away. “It’s my turn!”

“And you honestly think you’re better than both of us?” Nero said as he stormed his way past Vergil and stuck his finger into Dante’s chest. “You’ll trip over the cord sooner than you’ll beat that score.”

“Try me,”

“Vergil?” Roxy said.

Vergil twitched, eyes snapping downward. When did she get there? He hadn’t even seen her move. Yet there she was, standing right by his side as if it were the most normal thing in the world. “I finished up the apartment today,” She continued with a smile. “Wanna go see it while they’re distracted?”

“Are you not worried about your home?”

She shrugged. “Your brother wouldn’t risk losing his pizza money.”

“Money for the bills, you mean?”

She chuckled. “That’s what I said.” Aki chirped as she slid into the hallway. “I think you’re going to love the place, Vergil.”

After one last glance at his family, whose argument had turned into a literal pillow fight with Kuro tossing smaller pillows in pure amusement, Vergil moved to follow her. 

Nelo…

He jerked back as pain shot through his skull. That name… that voice… Why was it tormenting him so?

Open the portal.

His hand reached for Yamato before he jerked it away. 

Open. Open. Open.

“Vergil?” 

He blinked as the voice slipped away. Roxy’s hand hovered close to his chest, and he was certain she had barely stopped herself from touching him outright. Beside him, the apartment had gone silent, and Vergil didn’t dare look at any of his family lest he give it all away. 

“I’m fine,” He said. “I was just…” His mouth went dry at the impending lie. “I’m fine.”

She pulled her hand back to Aki’s head, but the concerned look on her face was almost too much to bear. Vergil hated it with every fiber of his being, especially when he knew it was all his fault. “If you need someone to talk to,” Roxy said. “I’m here.”

Vergil stared at her as she moved down the hallway. Slowly, the world went back to normal. Dante, who had rightfully decided to not ask Vergil what had happened, restarted the argument with the younger hunters, yanking all of their attention back to himself. Kuro, however, hopped off the couch and slid over Vergil’s feet. As his tail brushed Vergil’s ankle, the dragon glanced over his shoulder. “She cares for you, Son of Sparda,” He said with an irritated flick of his tongue. “Do not squander it.” 

Then he was gone. A dozen snowflakes lay in his wake before vanishing completely as if neither they nor the dragon had existed at all.

Ko-fi – Master List – AO3