#mention of nero x kyrie

[palebloodcvrse]

Baking with the DMC V boys

This is my first time trying to make these headcanon type posts, be nice pls.

Content: Romantic/platonic dante x G/N reader, vergil x reader, nero x reader ...? Cause any scenario here can be taken in any way, relationship or friendship (cause what if ur aro/ace but still wanna do fun shi with your favs?)

Dante

Wants to lick the batter off the whisk, but you gotta stop him. The remnants in the bowl is free game, however

Insists on winging the recipe, says you gotta "feel" it

FLOUR FIGHT! Your peaceful baking session descends into chaos. You both end up covered in flour while the cake is in the oven

Despite him being good with his hands his cake decorating skills kinda suck ass

Its okay though, since you both tried your best and had fun, even if the cake looks like doodoo. It tastes good however... so it wasnt a waste after all

Hes a notorious frosting licker, you have to swat him off the cake like a fly.

If you bake something a pastry instead hes gonna poke the dough.

(Romance:) will lick the frosting/batter off of your hand or face if you get any of it on you while mixing.

Vergil

Im not gonna lie here, he miiight turn it into a bit of a contest.

His perfectionistic nature will push him to ultra tryhard it, even if it is just a dessert or pastry. He'll check the recipe constantly and will be careful about each detail (or at least try)

You remind him that you two are baking for fun and he calms down a bit, but he will still act as if hes competing in the great british bakeoff or some shit

Insists on frosting the cake for you, but only so he can show off how steady his hands are. (Even if he screws it up)

The cake ends up being too pretty to eat

Wants to try harder pastries and desserts, usually something fancy like a mille fueille

That doesnt mean you two will always succeed however, Vergil just likes to push his limits even if he fails.

He'll give you a warm smile as you two finish the thing youre baking. At least hes not so tense anymore...

(Romance:) he'll feed you a piece of whatever you two baked together, looking into your eyes and watching for your reaction, then kisses you to have a taste but go back to being his stonefaced grumpy self later like nothing happened.

Nero

Overmixes the batter because hes tense

Kinda scatterbrained, will forget to preheat the oven sometimes

Hes actually more tolerable to bake with than his dad or uncle, less tense and also less chaotic

He'll let you take the lead for this one, just tell him what to do or get and he'll go right on ahead.

Hes actually not so tense anymore, considering baking is a relaxing activity.

Will leave the decorating to you, hes not very good at it.

(Platonic:) insists on leaving some for kyrie, aint no way he wont give her any

(Romantic:) will always leave some for you, no matter how good it tastes.

You two wont be making anything too complex but whatever comes out of it tastes great and his presence will make baking feel like a wholesome activity.

You two tell stories to each other and get a bit distracted.

[rosewood-multifandom-writer]

Should I mention that there is pseudo incest in Devil May Cry (Nero x Kyrie, because they are adopted brother and adopted sister) and Capcom has also ship teased Dante x Trish (who looks exactly like Eva, Dante and Vergil’s mother) a few times?

[abyzou-abmmaron]

Dante x Reader

Fem!Reader.

For contest: Reader is a demon hunter

——————

Prompt: You had a huge crush on the boy, Nero, but after a broken heart when he confessed his love for Kyrie, you found yourself to be going out with Dante for drinks in a weird attempt to get the boy out of your head.

Warning: A bit of angst, SFW, body insecurity, age gap

[Reader is 20-25 and Dante is 42-47]

——————

There you were again, texting Nero, ‘listening’ to his thoughts and how he loves Kyrie, he is more than happy to share everything that made him fall for Kyrie. Everything you were not.

He can’t help it, it is not his fault. He doesn’t know about your feelings, for him you see him as he sees you and nothing more, he genuinely likes you, just not as you wish he did. If he knew everything he would make sure to treat you differently to avoid hurting you, yet you are not brave enough to tell him the truth, so you stick with the love advice and cry in your room.

It got to the point where Nico realized what happened, she was such a great friend, she could smell your depression and low self esteem from afar and quickly made a move to help you.

Living with Nero and her in her van wasn’t helping at all, it made it worse, you could see how happy the boy was and that killed you. Nico loved having you around but it was killing you. She took the opportunity (called “Nero is not here, you will talk about it!” inside her head) and walked towards you, grabbing the phone from your hands.

“Y/N, I will, politely, kick you out of my van for a while!” - She said

“W-what?! Why?? You know I am not doing good an-“

“No worries, sweetheart, we are going out, girls night, you need it. I honestly don’t know what you saw on that boy, he is annoyingly angry all the time”

“He’s not like this with her…”

“Oh girl, it is worse than I thought” - Nico grabbed you by the arm and managed to make you dress up, making sure you wore no makeup so you don’t have anything to ruin with tears.

You loved how Nico just genuinely got worried about you.

After a few minutes you two got out of the van, you were put together, well dressed, it even made you feel a little better.

Entering the famous “Drunken Sailor” bar you two don’t take long to grab some drinks and hear straight to the pool table.

“Hey! Look what we have here!” - You hear a familiar voice and turn around.

“Dante!!” Nico says and runs to give him a high five. “You came!”

“You invited him?” You said to Nico, giving him a wave.

“Oh come on, I live girls night” - Dante replied. “I heard you have a broken heart to heal, let’s drink everything this bar has.”

“You fucking told him?!” You say.

“Oh, y/n, don’t worry, I did not tell him it was because of Nero” Nico said

“NICO!! YOU JUST DID!!” You scream-whisper to your friend.

Dante burst out laughing.

“Nero? Oh y/n I thought you had better taste, what did you see in him” Dante grabbed a beer and took a sip after the sentence.

“Oh lord I feel so embarrassed right now” - You try to hide your shame behind your hands. Needless to say you failed.

🪰🪰🪰🪰🪰🪰🪰🪰🪰

After a while, you three were sitting on a couch with a few empty cups on the table at the Devil May Cry, Nico was so wasted it didn’t take long for Dante to convince her to go take a nap upstairs.

It was 4 AM, you were drinking soda to stop the dizziness, Dante was on the couch, feet up on the table. He decided to break the silence.

“So… Y/N… You have a thing for Nero then. How come?”

“What do you mean?” He could hear the drunkenness from your voice.

“What made you feel like this? Nico mentioned how bad you were feeling, I kinda got worried about it, you are always so nice to everyone, you helped me a lot during missions.”

“Fuck Nero! Fuck him! Fuck this feelings! Fuck everything!” The alcohol made you a bit angry, but you did mean what you said. It’s been weeks that you were feeling bad, you just wish it could stop.

“Woah, where did this come from?” Dante laughed a bit.

“I don’t know, I’m just tired”

“Of what?”

“Of feeling like this, of always being the second option. Everyone I like doesn’t like me back, it’s been like this ever since I’ve been here.”

“Woah, I didn’t… I… I’m sorry, y/n'' Dante fixed his posture, now sitting with his elbows on his knees and facing you. “Look, you are gorgeous, funny, smart and a great friend, fuck even Vergil likes you, that man likes no one”.

“Tell him to drop his skincare routine if he really does” You say

Dante laughs.

“Oh man, see? You’re amazing y/n.”

“Thanks for the words, but I don’t believe you.” You get ready to get up when he grabs you by the arm.

“Hey hey hey, calm down kid, you are drunk, believing in what I said or not, I can’t let you walk home by yourself that way.”

“What? No. I am not going home, Nero’s there, I’m heading towards your fridge dummy.”

“Oh” He laughed and let you go. “Okay then.”

“I don’t want to see him for a while, or talk to him, but I have no better place to be or better stuff to do.” You said, grabbing a cup of water. “If I pay the rent, can I stay here?”

“You are drunk, we can discuss it after you sober up, Kid”

“Come on Dante” you are now heading towards the sofa again. “I can pay it.”

“I am sure you do, you are actually very responsible, but don’t make drunk deals, y/n”

“Dante, I am just tired, I want to make something about it, I can’t feel like this anymore I hate it.”

“Oh shit I am gonna regret this” Dante mumbled to himself while rubbing his hand on his face. “Sure you can stay for a while, until you manage to forget my dumb ass nephew.”

“Thanks, grandpa” You mocked him.

“Hey! I am not 50 yet!” He laughed.

“You want me to call you Daddy?” You did not realize the double meaning of what you just said, but Dante did.

“I might… be too old for you? That way??” Dante blushed and nervously laughed.

Just then you realized what you just said.

Blushing, you replied. “No, that was not what I meant. I was jus-“

“It’s okay, I am too much of a dirty mind”

“Wow, I got rejected again, even though I wasn’t really flirting” The alcohol and the low self esteem made you feel bad again, the situation wasn’t that deep, yet you couldn’t stop feeling this bad about yourself.

Dante felt bad for taking this the way he did, now he feels stupid.

“That was not what I meant, I was also joking… I just… You just took me off guard, that is all. I’m sorry y/n”

“Hm” You replied. It did not matter what he said, you were feeling too bad about yourself to care.

“Y/n, I mean it, I wasn’t trying to make you feel rejected”

“Yeah. I don’t know Dante. I feel like an unattractive blob right now”

Dante stood up right in front of you, putting both his hands at both your cheeks in an awkward way, making you look at him.

“Fuck I am going to regret this, but, listen kid, you are attractive as fuck! I wish I could kiss you since I’ve met you. But you are friends with my nephew, that would be awkward as hell. That boy is a pussy, ever since I realized the way you looked at him I got angry, like, what did he do to steal the attention of such a woman? It makes me feel bad that you feel so disgusted about yourself, you shouldn’t base how worthy you are based on how men want you. Yet, here I am, saying that I wish I could kiss you right now.”

“You are lying” Tears begin to form in your eyes “You are trying to make me feel better”

“I do am making you feel better, but don’t call me liar, y/n”

“I do not believe in y…”

“Can I kiss you then?”

“W-what?” You were confused and scared.

“Come on, can I? I understand if you don’t wa-“

You grabbed his shirt and pulled him for a kiss, it was your first, and he could tell by how nervous you were and how awkward it was.

That made it even better for him.

You could feel his smile and it made you stop.

“No~ Why would you stop? That was so good” His voice melted. “Can we do it again?”

“Y-yeah, we… we can”

That night you realized that Nero really wasn’t that big of a deal, but holy shit how good it was with Dante.

“We can watch a movie if you want to too.” Dante said.

“Let’s stick with the kissing please, for now, Dante.”

“If you insist”

[masquerain-with-a-mask]

Day 4 of cringetober hiiiiii prompt was angel x demon I'm late I know :)))))

SO

RIPTIDE

ANYBODY WANNA HEAR ABOUT RIPTIDE ?

IF YOU DO I'M GONNA BE DROPPING RIPTIDE LORE UNDER THE CUT

So, you know how I sometimes mentioned a devil may cry/dmc devil may cry crossover? That's Riptide

Basic setting is that reboot Vergil ends up in the classic dmc timeline post dmc4 as a child after somehow managing to travel between the two verse with the Yamato with all his memories because Sparda didn't/failed to wipe both he and Dante memories, and because of that, Vergil (who quickly ends up being nicknamed Vee) is not having a good time

Meanwhile in the reboot timeline, Dante isn't having a much better time as a kid on the streets. He meets Kat in limbo during one of her projection in there, he helps her out with the whole situation she has going on with her dad being a demon and all that and when they're around 17 they create the DmC, which is pretty much the same as The Order, but with a much more hands-on approach since they don't have the same tools Vergil has in the reboot. They run it under the pseudonyms Tony and Lady (yes, Kat gets a rocket launcher if you wonder) and that's where these two come in ; that's Nero and Kyrie, also known under the pseudonyms Angelo and Alice.

They're respectively a half-demon and a half-angel hybrids who work with the DmC in exchange for help with keeping low. And that's where I kinda cheated in the prompt because these two are not shipped together in Riptide, at least not in the reboot, they're colorcoded besties.

[incorrectnerov-quotes]

[After Nero got done talking to v]

Kyrie: That's so gay

Nero: You're dating Nico

Kyrie: Still that was very gay of you

[actuallysaiyan]

Kinktober Day 31: Breeding(Hopelessly Devoted To You)

warnings/kinks: mentions of pregnancy, alcohol and drinking, smut, unprotected sex, slight monster fucking, fluff, breeding pairings: Dante x Fem!Reader word count: 1k tag list: @beneathstarryskies, @ricflairdrip20, @witchofcustom, @loki-love, @xailem, @the-eternal-sunflower a/n: And here we are, at the end of another kinktober. I hope everyone enjoyed! ;) And maybe kinktober 2023 might be a thing for next year!

Dante wanted children, but the idea actually terrified him so much. He knew it would be the ultimate act of showing you just how much he loves you, and the fruition of your love would be a baby. But damn, if he wasn’t so fucking afraid of losing you and his children, it might actually happen. Dante just couldn’t bring himself to do it, and as you spent more years married to him, you knew it was a touchy subject for him and you rarely brought it up.

Everything changed the day you told Nero you’d babysit for him. You and Dante had traveled to go out to Nero’s for a weekend, and you both agreed to watch over the kids for a couple of days. Nero and Kyrie had been planning this little outing for a while, and they trusted you to take care of their household while they would be gone. Dante wasn’t super pleased about it. He thought it wasn’t the best way to spend your time, but he did appreciate that you were always willing to lend a hand to people.

It struck him all at once, especially when he saw you taking care of the youngest member of the family. The baby was only a few months old. You were so motherly with the child, and Dante couldn’t help but notice just how kind and patient you were with everyone. All the children found such comfort within you. They came to you to play, or help them with things. You’d give them nutritious meals and tuck them in at night. And this made Dante so excited.

The weekend had gone much better than Dante had anticipated. The children were practically begging you not to leave when their parents got back. Nero and Kyrie came back looking so relaxed, and they couldn’t thank you enough. The way home seemed long and you were exhausted, so Dante knew he had to give you time before he would enact his plan.

A few days after you get home, it’s a slow afternoon. There’s no calls for the two of you to go out hunting. So Dante realizes this is the perfect opportunity for the both of you. It starts off fairly innocently with him offering to give you a drink and a massage. How could you possibly refuse such a kind offer?

Dante gets you settled on the couch, and he begins with your shoulders. You sip on the drink he’s made for you and listen to the music coming from the jukebox. Everything about this is so romantic. It makes you feel so loved. His large hands soothe and knead the knots from your muscles. His calloused fingers feel so good on your soft skin. He presses the softest and most loving kisses all over your neck and jawline. You let out a moan and it goes straight to his cock.

Eventually, he can’t hold back. The more he massages you, and the more you drink, he knows he needs to have you. Dante presses you against the sofa, and you spread your thighs for him. You’re feeling so aroused from all the massages and the drinks. Your lips meet in a sloppy kiss and Dante ruts against you. The two of you begin to grind against one another.

“I need to fuck you so badly,” he mumbles against your lips. “Wanna fuck a baby into you.”

You gasp at his words. He’s never really said anything like this to you before. Not even during roleplay. It usually just wasn’t something that popped up and you knew that this subject was so difficult for Dante. But now, you look into his eyes and you can see how dark they are with lust. It’s clearly something he’s been thinking about for a while.

“Been thinking about you having my baby for so long. Ever since I saw you with Nero’s kids. You’re so good with kids,”

Dante begins undressing you so quickly and so desperately. It feels so good in so many ways to have him want you like this. For the first time, Dante was showing interest in having children. He kisses you sloppily and hungrily. His hips rut into you, and soon you’re both naked and left breathless. You’re panting as Dante uses the tip of his cock to tease your wet slick.

“I’ve never wanted anything more in my life,” he says as he begins to slip into you. He presses a passionate kiss to your lips.

As your tongues tangle together sensually, Dante begins thrusting into you. His hips snap quicker and rougher as the lust grows within him. He keeps moaning and growling. It’s so animalistic, and so raw and rough. You can only cling to him and let him fuck you so hard. The sounds of your skins slapping together fills the room, drowning out the rock song coming from the jukebox. 

“I want you to be pregnant. I need to breed you,” Dante growls. He presses a rough kiss to your lips before leaning down to nip at your neck.

“Please,” you whine. “Breed me, daddy.”

Something inside of him snaps when you use that name for him. He pushes your legs to your chest and he gets you to hold them there. Then you watch as red sparks of energy pop in the air as Dante summons the energy to trigger. You’ve never done anything like this before, but you know that he has always wanted to try it. Soon, this large scaly devil is on top of you instead of your gorgeous, loving husband.

“Dante,” you mutter as you try to come to terms with this. “What’s going on?”

He growls gently, “Gonna breed you.”

Without another word, he presses himself on top of you even more. From a slit in the scaly armor is his large cock. You’ve never seen it before, and you have to admit you’re intimidated. But when you hear him moan your name in his distorted voice, you know that this is still the man you love so truly. He presses the tip of his cock into your wet hole, he waits patiently for you to coax him to continue.

And when you do, you know he’ll breed you. 

[polarisbibliotheque]

Hi! I've admired your work for DMC for awhile now and I wanted to drop a suggestion if it strikes your fancy. I've been thinking about Dante and Vergil writing love letters to their s/os because they mentioned how much it means to them. How badly would they struggle with it, what the final results would be, what would they want to put into words about their s/os, stuff like that. I hope everything is going smoothly on your end, thank you for all of your time writing all those amazing fics!

Hello @thefiasco-onyourblock !! Thanks so much for being around, I'm really happy you enjoy my work!

It took me some time, but here it is! I absolutely loved this idea and I hope it lives up to your expectations ^^

Dante & Vergil writing love letters to their s/o

Pairings: Dante x Reader; Vergil x Reader

Summary: After mentioning you like love letters, the Spardas do their best to leave a written note of love to their loved one.

Author's notes: It was difficult replicating Dante's speech on writing - 'cause I think there wouldn't be too much slang and abbreviations like he uses day by day. Vergil's, tough, it's slightly longer because I wanted the reader to interact with Lady - there's bound to be more interactions with her, Trish, Nico and Kyrie around!

Also, I wrote Dante's listening to I'll Be Your Home by Rin Oikawa and Vergil's listening to a classic piano compilation on youtube ;)

Dante

“Damn you Mr. Darcy…”

If Dante could – and he would – blame someone for your most recent request, it would be that posh, emotionally constipated British jerk that was Mr. Darcy.

Dante had been staring at the piece of paper on his desk for almost two hours and he hadn’t written a word. Eva’s eyes kept staring at him, that beautiful smile that now seemed to be silently laughing upon his doom.

“I know, I know…” Dante sighed while looking at her portrait. “I’m worse than the competition. But hey, I wasn’t born in the 1700’s…” He pointed at her with the pen he had been holding and unsuccessfully writing. “So gimme a break, huh?”

“Who you talkin’ to…?”

As Dante raised his head, the legendary devil hunter finally noticed Nero standing in the middle of the shop, hands on his pockets, looking at him with his head pending to one side. Now Dante could see how Nero resembled a puppy, as you would say sometimes. That made him smile.

“To your grandma, kid.” With that, Dante sighed once again, leaning back on his chair while pointing quickly at her portrait. “You betcha she keeps an eye on us.”

“Well… Guess she must’ve a lot to say sometimes.” Nero laughed shyly, lazily approaching the desk to take a look at her. He wasn’t really used to the idea of having a loving grandmother watching over him – Nero always thought about his family, but he never wanted to think along those lines… After all, he never knew why he was abandoned in the first place. And once he was, he always assumed it wasn’t out of love. “Ya know, Trish really looks like her, but their eyes…”

“Are different, right?” Dante smiled back at Nero as he had his grandmother’s portrait in his hands, admiring her and agreeing with his head. “Yeah. They’re similar, sure, but Trish and mom… Totally different people. Like twin sisters who aren’t much alike.”

Nero just looked back at Dante with an obvious expression, waiting for his uncle to notice what lied on his own words – and, when Dante did, both started laughing.

“Guess it’s pretty much like me and Verge, yeah…” The red devil sighed again, while Nero put the portrait back on its sacred spot. Everyone knew it was where it belonged, forever.

“Tryna write? That’s new for you.” Nero nodded at the blank piece of paper right in front of them.

“Well, life’s all about new stuff!” Dante scoffed a laugh, massaging his neck right after. He could feel his tension building. “Was watchin’ Pride and Prejudice with y/n the other day and, lo and behold, my lover now wants a love letter from the crimson demon here.”

“You kiddin’?!” But, as Nero asked, Dante confirmed and made his nephew burst in laughs.

“I’ve nothin’ against it, I’m just… Eh. Not the best at that.”

Nero would have made a joke and continue laughing of his uncle’s doom, but Dante looked… Lost. Regarding romantic love, Nero was the most seasoned one in the Sparda household – who was still alive – and the only who could provide some guidance on relationships. He did notice Vergil and Dante were completely lost on that topic – even if they had Sparda and Eva as an example, their lives were so shaken up with trauma and survival that it left a hole in that department.

“Yeah, Kyrie asked me to write one for her once…” Nero scratched his neck just like Dante, as if trying to remember something. He would never mention he wrote her a love letter without Kyrie requesting – every now and then, she could find a piece of paper with her lover’s words to make her smile whenever he was away on a longer job. “Just… Don’t be cheesy, ya know? Be sincere. Kyrie doesn’t need me tryna be all Shakespearian; bet y/n would like the same. Kyrie says she likes readin’ my heart, and we’re not much the poetic types, huh?”

“Nah, that’s your ol’ man’s job.” With Dante’s comment, he and Nero started laughing again.

It was so good spending time with family – for both of them. It was something their hearts longed desperately and now… It was like living a wish that came true.

“But I guess you didn’t come here to gimme advice on how to write love letters, right?”

“Uh, nah, hmmm… I wanted to take a walk with Kyrie on the beach today and… Uh… Ya think I can borrow your bike?” It wasn’t like Nero never asked permission to do something to his step-parents – but he usually didn’t. Asking Dante for his bike was brand new to him and, truth be told, he’d love to take Kyrie somewhere without relying on the bus, subway or Nico’s van.

“Yeah, sure, knock yourself out, kid!” Dante didn’t even think about it: as soon as Nero made his request, he opened the top drawer to toss him the keys – adorned with the wing keychain you gave your lover on Christmas. “You think your girl can handle ridin’ a bike?”

“I think she’ll like the experience.” Nero had a bright smile on his lips, too genuine for Dante to think that wouldn’t work. In a matter of fact, his heart always grew on his chest whenever he saw Nero that happy. “I’ll give it back by sundown, ok?”

“Ei, don’t sweat it. Enjoy your time there, you can bring it back tomorrow.” Dante shrugged while his nephew waved by the door.

“Really? Ok then! See ya!”

“Have fun, kid!”

And then, the shop was silent again.

The only thing in front of Dante was that ominous sheet of paper, staring blankly at him.

“Don’t be cheesy, ya know? Be sincere.”

Taking a deep breath, Dante took the pen between his fingers again. He wasn’t used to being sincere about his feelings even to himself – it was time to work.

*

“Dante! I’m back!”

The day was long gone, and a dark blue mantle covered the skies above. You had been called to a quick job that day – and the pay was decent enough to help you stay on green that month. With that out of the way, and money on the pocket, you came back home.

Only to find it empty.

“Hmmm. He must be out buying dinner…” You mumbled to yourself, taking off your dirty boots and leaving them by the jukebox at the entrance. Your feet reveled in freedom. “Hope it’s pizza. I’m starving.”

As you approached his desk, though, you found an envelope with your name on it. Furrowing your eyebrows, you took it between your fingers to analyze it better: it was Dante’s writing.

And you immediately started laughing.

“He took it seriously…?” You covered your mouth with one of your hands, glancing at Eva’s portrait while making your way to his big, comfy chair. “Your son has a heart of gold, Eva. He’s too precious for this world…!”

You were sure she would have agreed with you – even wondering if her smile was glowing more than the usual amount that night.

“Well, well, let’s see… What does the Crimson Slayer have to say to me…?” You were almost positive it would be filled with jokes and Dante pretending to be a British lord.

“Y/n,

I was sitting here, thinking of something decent to write. You know I’m not really used to this stuff, but someone told me to just be sincere. And, well, that I can do.

Remember when we met? After all that shitstorm in your city, you and I managed to get the hell out of there alive. We watched the sunrise in what was left of that building, just… Sitting there together. You seemed to be able to close your eyes and take a deep breath for the first time in a while.

I did too. I never told you, but back then, it was one of the first times I felt at home, I guess.

I never really knew how to deal with that… You know how my life is and how everything around me seems to burn, I guess. I had lost everything, and nothing really made sense or mattered. The only thing that mattered in my life was putting my father’s blood to good use, killing demons and saving people who need cursed monsters like me to be safe.

That day, something else mattered… I think the fact you survived and looked comfortable by my side, like you were feeling safe, made me realize I… Well, I kinda need that too. And I was comfortable with you. Time passed by and we just sat there, resting. I didn’t even need to talk to you.

‘Cause you know, my chit chat and bantering is always there to fill the silence. But it’s ok to be silent with you. As time went by, I noticed it’s ok if I’m silent. It’s ok if I’m scared. It’s ok if I’m weak. It’s ok if I cry… I don’t have to be ‘the Crimson Slayer, Son of Sparda’ with my bag full of tricks and ready to explode, I can just be… Me. You actually like me.

You know… With all that shit in my life, my parents, what happened to my mom, the way I had to run away, how Vergil and I got estranged, how I grew up taking odd jobs as a teen to at least put a somewhat decent roof over my head… I’m not as great as everyone thinks. I’m not much of a strong hero who’s got their shit together, and honestly, it’s kinda too much for most people to deal with. But I can’t really change those things, can I? I can’t change who I am.

And who would’ve known? You love me despite all that! It’s something else. You are really something else.

When I was a kid, I always wondered why my dad always stopped everything he was doing to watch my mom just doing her stuff on her day to day… But now I understand my old man. You probably noticed ‘cause I’m not really great at pretending I’m not doing it, but every now and then, I like watching as you clean your weapons, or as you’re making your tea, or how you enjoy watching your series, or even when you whistle walking around the shop. It’s like… I don’t know. Like a piece of happiness I get to watch every day.

You’re my happiness, babe. You give me peace after my life has been just about demons and blood. I love talking to you, I love spending time with you, and I love having you in my arms. You are my home, and I couldn’t ask for more – or for anything better. You are already much more than I think I deserve.

I love you, babe. I really do.”

You didn’t expect your eyes to be overflowing with tears.

“He really is too precious, Eva…” You mumbled to the portrait, keeping the letter close to your heart.

It wasn’t very usual for Dante to say those things out loud and to be so open about his feelings – specially when he loved someone as much as he loved you. He kept it all inside, alongside with his fear of, someday, losing all that. It would be just like waking up in a warzone after having the most beautiful and soothing of dreams.

You didn’t expect him to remember something from when you just met – you didn’t even know he felt as calm and secure as you had felt back on that sunrise.

“Oh, Dante…” You sighed, having your eyes closed. “How the hell can you make me love you even more…?”

“Ah, glad you’re home! I got pizza!”

You didn’t even think twice nor waited for him to get comfortable. As Dante walked towards the desk, you got up from the chair. And, as he left the pizza boxes on the table, you wrapped your arms as tight as you could around your red devil.

“Woah, what’s with…”

“I love you, big guy. I really do.” Your voice was muffled against his chest, as you listened to his heart – so devilish, but so human – beating inside his chest.

Dante didn’t even have to ask to know you had read his letter already. With an understanding – and proud to be hearing those words – smile on his lips, he closed his eyes as well and took you into his arms, wrapping them tightly around you.

“Wherever you go, y/n…” He kept his voice low and cozy enough for only you to listen.

“I’ll be your home.” You completed his words, having an obvious smile on your voice.

And for each other, so you would be.

Vergil

Vergil could say he would never get tired of watching you walking by a museum, looking at the exhibitions with interest and care in your eyes.

He enjoyed following you on those situations. You’d often get separated, because you’d get into your own world, admiring everything History had to teach you and bring of beauty into this world.

Vergil loved admiring and learning from the old ones too – but he would also take a lot of his time to watch your wonder; how you seemed to glow in happiness whenever you were doing something so attuned to your heart. It was one of the wonders he could only find in you – in your humanity.

“You’ve been reading those letters for quite a while, love.” The Dark Slayer towered by your side, slowly approaching while you read the last words from the one you were so engrossed on.

“These are some of the letters Beethoven wrote to his…”

“Immortal beloved.” He said the words at the same time as you, making you turn to him and smile. Beautifully, in Vergil’s opinion.

“They are heartfelt. It’s beautiful to read.” It was your best way of explaining it. Some things, you figured, should be felt, not put into words – even though Vergil believed words could always describe one’s feelings.

“Isn’t love something to be touched by the heart instead by words?” He tried, knowing your opinion, while you both started walking once more.

“In my opinion, it is.” You had a smart smile on your lips, knowing quite well the game of wits he was playing. Talking to Vergil was always like playing a game of chess or writing an essay – you couldn’t say it didn’t amuse you. “But there’s something about immortalizing your words and vulnerability on a letter. It takes a great amount of courage, I think.”

“You don’t think love letters are a waste of time, then?” He played, having the same witty smile on his lips. That made you chuckle for a while.

“I say it’s a lovely, intimate waste of time. Even if love is better experienced by touching rather than a rain of gentle words.” Your comeback was everything Vergil would have expected: smart, quick, and eloquent. He could speak to you for hours and never get tired. “Sometimes those words can be kept for days of draught.”

“Hmmm. Absence would be truly easier with gentle words to appease it.” Vergil had to give in to your argument – although he enjoyed letters. Love letters, though, he wasn’t too versed in.

“It would. That’s why I always read your poem books whenever my heart misses yours.”

Vergil knew about that, but he didn’t know the reason behind you reading his books. He truly wasn’t expecting it – and, in a wave of warm feelings that washed over his chest, he took your fingers between his while walking through the rest of the exhibition.

You’d never complain about those sudden displays of affection, though.

*

“I will return as fast as I can, love.”

“Don’t worry about it, Vergil. You guys need to focus on this job – just come back in one piece, ok?”

Dante and Vergil got a different job than you and Lady had taken that week. She called on you because it was a two people job and you were reliable – one day later, Dante got a two people job, a big one, and enlisted his brother for help, as he usually did. Their job, though, could take up to a week, while yours and Lady’s would be three days at most.

Therefore, it was time for goodbyes – at least for a while.

“I promise to return in the best shape I can.” He had a small smile hidden in the corner of his lips, never really saying how much he loved when you were stern and even scolded him. Vergil needed a little bit of that in his life – it showed how much you weren’t a pushover by his side, even if his own personality was very dominant. You always managed to stand your ground in a level of equality when around him.

“Do try to call if you have time. I’ll enjoy hearing your voice.” You peacefully smiled back, getting your sword ready to meet Lady and resume your own job.

“I can’t promise anything. There’s bound to be chaos on this job Dante found us.” With those words, Vergil cut the void with Yamato, ready to leave. Looking over his shoulder, he muttered a few words before leaving. “I will do my best.”

“And I will do mine. Good luck, love.”

With that, your parted your ways.

You only returned home at night, dropped by Lady on her red bike – she usually offered rides and you always accepted them: Lady was one hell of a driver and you always had fun together.

“Are you sure you don’t want to have dinner?” You had already opened the shop’s door, watching while Lady ruffled her black, silky hair before putting her helmet back on.

Differently from Dante, she prized her safety.

“I know it doesn’t look like, but we actually have food in the fridge.” Your smart remark made her laugh in a lovely manner. You always told Lady her voice sounded like church iron bells – strong albeit melodic. She always brushed it off, though – no one in the crew was used to compliments, only Trish.

“Thanks, dear. But I’ve a lot of things to do yet – one of them being collecting the money for our job today.” She winked at you, making you scoff a laugh while leaning on the door, crossing your arms.

“If I didn’t know you, I’d say you’re a loan shark, Lady.” And your comment made her laugh even more. “I bet many of those ‘things’ to do is collecting people’s debts with you.”

“That, you’re not wrong!” She responded in a sing song manner. “Dante’s my main debtor, though.”

“Well, I regret to inform you he’ll only return next week.” You sighed, pretending to be so sorry for that. Lady just smiled, looking at you with lonely eyes.

“Yeah, I know that… Are you ok staying all alone this week?” As you looked back at her, those lonely eyes became fiery and defensive, as always. “Not that I doubt you can look after yourself, it’s just… I… Hmmm… Won’t you get lonely?”

You were taken by surprise with that question. Lady was a lot more open hearted than the Spardas – and you thanked her for that. But living with Dante and Vergil – and being on a relationship with the Dark Slayer – always made you forget how different it was when people were upfront about feelings, be it theirs or yours.

“I think I will. Eventually.” After your first wave of shock, it dissipated in a calm and heartfelt smile on your lips. Even Lady was taken aback by your honesty in that matter – it wasn’t exactly your forte. “But I will manage. Thanks for asking.”

“We can go out one of these days, if you like.” She shrugged. “I’m free this week and I think Trish is too. We can have some fun or even find a job together to waste some time.”

“That sounds great, honestly.” You smiled back, already anticipating. Going out with Lady and Trish always indicated a good time.

“Ok, then! I’ll check on you tomorrow!”

You agreed while she put on her helmet and the bike roared down the street, taking Lady to her next appointments. You rested your weapons back on their proper place, heading to the bathroom so you could take a relaxing bath after a tiring job.

It was only when you were wrapped on your cozy pajamas, ready to grab your most recent of Vergil’s reads and slip away to another world under the blankets until sleep came to bewitch you for the night that you noticed an envelope with his handwriting right above his book.

It was addressed to “My Immortal Beloved”.

You couldn’t quite believe your eyes. That little nod to the letters you were reading the other day made your eyes threaten to weep, while you prepared to read his letter under the covers.

“When did he find time to write this…?” You asked yourself while opening the envelope, taking the pieces of paper on your hands. Vergil’s handwriting was elegant and careful, as you would expect of him.

“Y/n,

If you come to realize one of these days that one of your favorite books disappeared from its shelf, do know that I have it safely with me. As you read my books while I am away, I do the same – it is the way I found to take a souvenir from your heart alongside me while we cannot meet for a while.

Books contain words that turn into memories, fond to our hearts – souvenirs du cœur. I see your memories in the way you lightly underline the words that speak to you; an interesting way to reveal your heart to me. I hope you don’t see my reading as invasive, but it seems as if I am reading alongside you, having one of our delightful conversations.

Your voice soothes the raging storm in my soul – you bring me peace. I do not talk about the horrors I have seen nor the ones I was forced to do, because those memories are the ones that keep my eyes open during endless nights and my hands ready to unleash Yamato.

The memory of you, makes my heartbeat calmer once more.

I believed I had killed most of my pleasant souvenirs – of my life before, when the Dark Slayer did not even exist – but you brought them back; this time, they did not bleed anymore… They only brought a distant feeling of sorrow and happiness, finally making me understand the meaning behind the word ‘bittersweet’.

Mahmoud Darwish once wrote ‘I was compelled to love you; Not because you are the fairest, but because you are the deepest; For a lover of beauty is usually a fool’ – and only after I met you, my soul came to understand those words.

Loving you for your beauty only would be foolish – for your greatest beauty lies inside of you. Your soul glows like the silvery moonlight, the same way my mother’s soul used to shine; Perhaps that was what my father used to see in her – and that is what I now see in you.

You wear your humanity as your strength… And I have much to learn in that regard. Yes, one needs power to protect their loved ones; but I came to realize that, without love, power is meaningless. There is nothing to protect.

I now have too much to protect. And, even if that scares me, I can promise I will never falter in my duty.

I love you, my immortal beloved. With all my heart and my soul.

Vergil.”

As you read the last words, you held those pieces of paper close to your heart, allowing your eyes to cry for a while. Vergil would never wear his heart on his sleeve – but he could write it.

And he did. For you.

[queenmuzz]

Hello! I'm new to writing fanfic, and I'd like to write about DMC it's just– I have some questions I didn't know who else to ask. If you're comfortable sharing, do you have a beta reader for your fics? How do you know what tags to use? Or the rating?

As you might have realized, I only know how to put the words on the file. Sorry if this is too much.

Hey there! Thanks for asking! I...honestly don't have a beta. I'm actually terrified to put my story out for editing. Not because I dislike critiques (okay... maybe a little) but I'm always worried that I'll be imposing on them, and forcing them to try to make sense of whatever the heck I just wrote. That being said, a beta reader is great to have, if you can find one. If you want someone to proofread, but don't have one, run your story through a text to speech website to help you catch any grammatical errors.

As for tags: A must-have is the pairing, if there is one. If it's a romantic, make sure you have 'x' between the characters names, or if its non-romantic, use '&' instead. For example: A story where Dante and Vergil argue over who was supposed to pay the water bill would be 'Dante & Vergil', but perhaps a story about Nero and Kyrie making Nico retch with how lovey dovey they are would be 'Nero x Kyrie'. Try not to get those confused, or you'll give out the wrong impression on what your story's about. Also, if there's more than one romantic relationship going on, only tag for the 'main' one. And if there's no romantic relationship, or it's an incredibly minor part of the story, you can choose 'gen' as the category.

Then, you want to include the genre, Adventure? Angst? Romance? Slow Burn? ...Smut? Of course you're not limited to just one genre. If it's an AU, make sure you mention it, as well as what type of AU it is, such as 'canon divergence, Vergil doesn't fall into Hell'

Also, if you are putting in dark topics like major injury, or phobias such as spiders, you can put in a warning about it, although try to keep it as basic as possible, to not spoil the plot.

As for ratings: If there's smut, automatic Explicit. Dark topics, go for mature, and if its a fluffy friendly story about Dante trying to convince the local pizza place to extend his tab, you can go for general. When you can't choose which rating to use, pick the higher one. It can't hurt.

I hope that helps!

[lotsoffandomstoimagine]

Can I request headcanon poly!Nero x poly!male!Reader x poly!kyrie? Maybe Reader is working a lot recently and starting to burnout and stressed, but never showing any signs of stress and if he can’t hide it he’s telling that he’s just tired. Maybe their resction about this situation and some fluff?

of course! I love these two so so much 🥺💕

Warnings: Mentions of food, reader blacks out for a moment, worried Nero and Kyrie

Characters: Kyrie x Male!Reader x Nero (polyamorous)

Pronouns used: He/Him

hc that Kyrie is very receptive to the feelings of people around her, so she’s very empathetic

This means that she’ll quickly catch on to you being burnt out, but she trusts you, so when you just say you’re feeling tired, she drops the subject, she’s still worried about you though

Both you and Nero have been working a bit more recently, so she’s gotten a bit lonely (even with the orphanage, she just misses you guys), meaning she gets a bit clingier when you’re home, following you around like a lost puppy (it’s very cute)

(Un)fortunately, this means she witnessed you black out for a second while you were in the kitchen

After making sure you were okay, she immediately pushed you over to the couch and started piling pillows and blankets on top of you, almost as if she was trying to have them weigh you down

All the while, you were telling her you were fine, and that it was your turn to make dinner anyway, but she was having none of it, considering sitting on top of you to keep you still

The both of you freeze when you hear the door open, and Nero’s heavy footsteps follow

Kyrie was quick to drag him over to the couch you were at and push him down onto it, which left a very confused Nero

“Uhh... hey?” “Nero. keep him here. Don’t let him move an inch!” “Can I at least take off my shoes first?” “Don’t listen to her Nero, I’m fine! She’s just worried because I blacked out for like, a second in the kitche-” “You what.”

Cue a very worried Nero throwing his legs over you, pinning you to the couch (thicc thigh supremacy)

Seemingly satisfied, Kyrie scrambled off to the kitchen to prepare a quick dinner

Glancing over, you were met with Nero’s worried stare, which led you to curl into the couch

“Are you gonna explain why you blacked out earlier?” “...” “Please? we’re just worried about you, babe.”

Knowing you wouldn’t win, you caved and told them about how burnt out and tired you were

After a few quips from Kyrie, Nero took his legs off you and pulled you into his side, wrapping his arm around you

A few moments later, Kyrie brought some food and placed it on the coffee table in front of you, sitting on the couch on your other side and wrapping her arms around your waist, pressing her face into your torso

“It’s okay to be tired, honey. Please tell us when you’re feeling tired so it doesn’t get to this point again.” she mumbled into your torso, you felt Nero nod in agreement

Taglist: Currently open!

[icycoldninja]

So the idea. is for a male yandere….i think it would work better as a one shot than a head canon

yandere has joined Neros little group as an expert on the occult to help him fight demons and understand any weaknesses they might have ….but he’s fallen desperately in love with Nero and are scarily jealous of pretty much everyone in his life especially kyrie….for obvious reasons. They just don’t understand why he’s wasting time on her and why he can’t see what’s in front of him….with his help Nero could very well become the next sparda….if this simpering leech wasn’t draining him of his potential

So they do the only thing they can do….summon some demons…..a small group to lure Nero away from her…and then yandere siccs some more on Kyrie…to get her out the way..,.and then comfort him in his greif I imagine it ends with an absolutely destroyed Nero being comforted by his good freind…who’s going to help him through the pain

A few more terrible tradgies and it will just be two of them…forever

hehehehe evil yandere time. Enjoy.

Just a few more tragedies (Nero x Yandere!Male!Reader)

Warning: Blood, death, and yandere behavior ahead. If you are uncomfortable with these themes, DNI.

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

You'd joined the Devil May Cry team a few months ago as an expert on the occult. Though the devil hunters were skilled, demons were a unique, diverse species, making it necessary to bring in someone who studied them; someone who knew all their strengths and weaknesses. Since you were the best in the business, it only made sense that they would pick you.

That's all this was supposed to be: business. So why did you develop such intense feelings for the young devil hunter Nero? Why was it that every little thing he did captivated you? Why could you never stop thinking about him; fantasizing about him, imagining wild scenarios and all the things you wanted to do to him?

Simple, it was because you were a yandere, but your fanaticism had been dormant until now.

Yanderes like you wish for nothing more than to make their obsession belong to them, these desires soon growing so dark and uncontrollable, the yandere essentially becomes a demon themselves.

This was the way it was with you; every night, as you sunk into sweet dreams consisting of nothing but Nero, your heart became more and more encased in darkness. Before long, this darkness had tainted your emotions and thinking, causing you to develop unwarranted bitterness towards all those who were present in Nero's life.

Specifically, that simpering bitch Kyrie, Nero's "one and only true love". You'd seen them together multiple times, quickly growing jealous of how happy they looked together. Why did Nero settle for that homely, exaggeratedly optimistic and cheerful fool who would most likely age to become a nagging old hag? Why didn't he see you? Surely, you were more attractive; surely you had more to offer him than her. Not only that, but he was letting this bland, boring girl dim his potential, ruining his future! He could become the next demon king, stronger than even Sparda himself, if only he could get past this annoying, fleshy hurdle, which he would never do, because she had conditioned him over the years to rely on her for emotional stability.

Not to mention, that girl took up nearly all his time, stealing him away from you! You felt so upset, so tired, so lonely and lost without him. Why couldn't Kyrie just get out of the way?! Why couldn't Nero get rid of her and be with you instead? Just the thought of Nero spending the rest of his life with someone else made you so angry, you could feel your temperature rise, your blood boil, and your head ache. You'd wrap your arms around yourself in a futile attempt to comfort yourself, but it was meaningless. You needed Nero--and only Nero's touch to calm down.

After many nights of tossing and turning restlessly in your sleep, you decided that in order to get your beloved to notice you, you would have to remove Kyrie from the picture entirely. Of course, simply scaring her away wouldn't work, since she was so pathetically loyal and practically guaranteed to come trotting back like a lost puppy. No, in order to get Nero all to yourself, you'd have to take extreme measures.

While that sounds clichéd, it really wasn't, because your methods of removal exceeded that of any yandere that might have preceeded you because you decided to enlist the aid of the very creatures you specialized in destroying.

In the wee hours of the night, you left your home and headed out into the woods, bringing a long, sharp knife and pistol for protection. You ventured deep into the woods, ignoring the various glowing eyes that glared out at you. The beasts lurking all around knew better than to mess with you--you were a man on a mission, someone who should not be trifled with.

You continued into the woods until you came to a large clearing where various symbols and images had been burnt into the ground. This was a ritual site commonly used by fanatics and cult members, all for the same purpose as you were about to use it for: summoning demons.

After laying your supplies in order, drawing the proper runes, and whispering the incantation, you couldn't help but ponder the nature of your current predicament. Most of the time, people who did this were maniacal psychopaths who belonged in mental institutions, so did that make you one of them? Of course not. You were an exception to the rule. You were definitely not crazy.

A few moments passed before a growling demon emerged from the circle of runes, followed by an army of Empusas, among other creatures. They glared at you menacingly, but since you were the one who brought them here, they did not attack--yet.

"Go," You said, pointing to the forest exit. "Some of you find the devil hunter Nero--but don't kill him. Just distract him. The others, go after Kyrie, his pathetic girlfriend. Oh, and don't just kill her, don't even leave a corpse behind."

The demons nodded and scampered off, vanishing into the night, as was natural, since it was their home, in a sense. Feeling immensely proud of yourself, you jaunted out of the forest, more than eager to locate Nero so you could watch the chaos unfold.

This wasn't a sign of insanity--absolutely not--you weren't crazy.

A few minutes later, you arrived at Nero's house, where the carnage was on full display. Nero was about 80 feet from the front door, fending off the demons encroaching on the house, while Kyrie cowered in the kitchen in fear. You could see her through the window; saw the horrified expression on her face, and smiled. The bitch was getting her just desserts. Good.

A group of Empusas shattered the window and clambered in, followed by a Hell Caina, who, with some difficulty, managed to clamber in through the window. One good swing of its scythe was all it took to kill the useless girl; her lifeless, bloody corpse collapsing to the ground after uttering one final scream.

That scream resonated throughout the air, echoing in your ears, bringing an even wider smile to your face. That's it. Now all you had to do was swoop in like the great and benevolent friend you were and ease poor Nero's aching heart.

Nero heard Kyrie's distressed scream, and in a fit of panic, demolished all the demons that remained before racing back into the house at light speed. When he saw the body, a guttural, truly pained cry left his mouth, reverberating in the air twice as loud as Kyrie's death screech. After hearing this, you felt genuinely troubled. While you hated Kyrie, and everyone else who got between you and Nero, you really did love that white haired devil hunter and hated seeing him sad.

Naturally, you decided to convienently arrive on the scene, surprising and relieving Nero all at once. He was shocked that you were here, since you had no reason to be, but was glad nonetheless because he'd just suffered a serious loss.

"Hey, Y/N," He said, voice brittle and eyes wet. "What-what are you doing here?"

"I happened to be in the area," You answered, gently. "Just...gathering materials for my research."

"Ah, ok," Nero muttered, covering his mouth with his hand. "I-I'm glad you're here...this...is crazy." He gestured sadly to the dead girl in the corner, tears now streaming down his cheeks.

"I can imagine," You responded, kneeling next to him and placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "And...well...if it helps...I'm here."

These words weren't fake; you truly loved and cared about him, even if your methods for expressing this love were out of pocket. You were sorry things had to be this way, but hey, sometimes, certain actions need to be taken.

Nero was grieving, deeply so, and since a good friend of his whom he happened to find rather attractive was offering a shoulder to cry on, it would be a crime not to seize this opportunity.

"Thank you, Y/N," He mumbled tearfully, burying his face in your shoulder. "You're an angel."

Ironic, wasn't it? Thankfully, the young man couldn't see the maniacal grin as your arms wrapped around his torso, holding him close to you, or your true nature would have been exposed, but that didnt matter now.

Everything was coming together perfectly, exactly as you wanted.

Just a few more heartbreaking tragedies, and Nero would be yours forever.

[devilish-miasma]

Who are some musicians you think Dante, Vergil, and Nero enjoy listening to?

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Apologies for this being short, and for the apparent madness I descended into while writing this. I probably sound incredibly insane throughout this response and a large portion of Nero’s was entirely self-indulgent.

Toxic

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Dante

You cannot tell me he wouldn’t listen to the latest trends.

Honestly, Dante probably discovers his favorite musicians from TikTok. Save him from the hellhole.

So Dante is listening to musicians like Megan Thee Stallion (kill me), Cardi B (Toxic is begging you to kill him), Lil Nas X, and more that I cannot think of right now Toxic is on the floor crying.

Dante has had WAP, Montero, and Rasputin on repeat for hours, you cannot change my mind. The DMC crew can’t stand him and Vergil has stabbed him.

Vergil: *stabs Dante*

Dante: “Hit or miss, I guess they never miss, huh?”

Lady: “Stab him again.”

I also see him listening to older musicians as well. Prince, Queen, Michael Jackson, Johnny Cash, etc.

Other musicians: Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Britney Spears (it’s Britney, bitch), etc.

Vergil

He listens to classical music.

I believe I mentioned this before. Vergil most definitely listens to Beethoven, Mozart, and more. Pianists as well, both old and modern (self-projection: Vergil listens to Sawano Hiroyuki.)

Toxic knows literally nothing about old, long-passed musicians and is winging it.

Vergil definitely dances to these musicians when he’s alone.

Thanks to his infernal twin, Vergil has gotten WAP stuck in his head. It was so bad he broke down and had it on repeat for an hour. He was miserable and hated it.

Dante has probably made fun of his music taste before.

“They’re dead, bro.”

“Your point?”

Vergil most likely has a lot of anxiety, so listening to slow songs and lying on his bed with the lights off is comforting.

Nero

Old and modern rock, occasional pop.

NERO LISTENS TO QUEEN YOU CANNOT CHANGE MY MIND.

Green Day, My Chemical Romance, Guns N’ Roses, AC/DC, Radiohead— you get the idea. Musicians/bands like that.

Teen!Nero gives me “I listen to Lana Del Rey” vibes.

“We should go back to Arkansas, trade this body for that can of Gin—”

Kyrie and Credo look on in concern.

Nero also gives me Halsey, Marina and the Diamonds, and Caravan Palace vibes and I cannot explain it. (Also Imagine Dragons?? Help??)

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Read it on AO3 | Rules | Buy this devil a coffee

[mxvladdy]

Flutter

Fandom: Devil May Cry

Contains: pregnancy talk (kinda), angst, and drama

Pairing: Dante x GN!Reader

Word Count: 4.8k

Warnings: mentions of pregnancy and a brief mention of terminating (like a sentence but still)

Back on my bullshit with the baby fics lol. I love the trope idk why.

Thump thump thump-thump thump thump

Dante stirs with a huff of annoyance, his ears twitch focusing on the insufferable rhythm that was stopping him from resting. It started a few hours ago. Nothing major, something he could definitely doze through. The slow irregular was almost calming, until it got louder. At first he had chalked it up to one of the many freaky experimental weapons dangling in Nico’s tiny workspace at the back of the crowded van. They tended to pop and hiss if some raw materials got too close. But it had picked up in the past hour, growing consistent and strong, really strong. Strong enough to make it hard to ignore. Dante cracks open a bloodshot eye looking around at the van’s occupants to find the culprit.

Nero sat oblivious to the world on the floor across from him leaning on the side of the van’s tire well. His eyes are shut, and his face relaxes as the adrenaline of the day finally starts to seep out of his system. He nods his head along to the tunes blasting out of the jukebox in the corner. He was oblivious to the accusatory glare of his uncle. Dante crosses the kid off as the likely suspect of his annoyance. Nero looked about ready to pass out, each bobble of his head becoming more erratic and jerky as sleep started to take over. He clearly wasn’t hearing this.

So, he turns to the front of the van to check on the others. The ladies were chatting idly in the front. Nothing super exciting gossip wise. The three of them were tossing little jabs at each other. Well, Lady and Trish were, Nico was hiding a smirk behind a freshly lit cigarette as the two grew heated. The three of them called it “friendly bitching” but he still wasn’t all that sure. Whenever Lady or Trish used that tone with him he was about to either get robbed eight ways to Sunday by one of them or his ass kicked. The two human women seemed oblivious to the noise...perhaps Trish heard it? Hmmm-nah. Trish didn’t seem to notice the steady thumping that had now become a hyper fixation to him.

Huffing the hunter settles back down in the couch cushions of the couch to look out the window at the blur of the scenery passing by. The hum of the van’s engine and the low roar of the A/C were almost enough to drown out the noise filling his skull. He pops a finger in his ear digging out some wax. Did that smack across the head early knock something? Did a gun go off too close? Wait... shouldn’t he hear ringing if that was the case? Ye, the more he focused on it, it wasn’t inside his head. He checks out the window, his hand itching for a gun. Was a demon really that dumb to follow a van filled with demon hunters? He snorts at his question. Of course, they were. He was pretty sure they had finished the contract with a 100% kill count. Still, he checks out the window, just in case.

“I’m guessing you hear it too?” Vergil stirs from his meditative stupor, popping his neck with a satisfying grunt before turning his gaze to Dante. All of his younger brother’s squirming finally got too much for him to ignore. Vergil focused on his sibling, arms crossed over his freshly bandaged chest. “Really?” He looks down to his lap in disgust. Dante smirks, wiggling his muddy boots where they rested crossed on his thighs.

“What can I say? You’re ridiculously comfy.” Dante smirks. He knew his dick of a brother would threaten to stab him for dirtying his clothes, but he had a trump card, and he was going to use it. They both look down at your sleeping form sprawled on Dante’s chest and a part of Vergil's legs. You lay on him, curled up in a neat little ball on his chest. A dark spot grew beneath where your cheek was squished on his cotton shirt. Dante can’t help the smile that creeps across his face. He pulls his signature coat tighter around you and strokes your face with a only slightly grimy finger. Vergil sighs, settling back down, careful not to wake you either. He had a big ol’ sweet spot for you, and damn Dante couldn’t blame him.

Thumpthumpthumpthumpthump

Dante hisses, pulling away from your peaceful expression, jealous for a brief moment that your weak human hearing couldn’t pick up on the invasive noise. “You sense where it’s coming from?” He rumbles low in his chest, careful not to disturb you. His brother sits silently for a moment wiping at his drowsy eyes. Dante watches his ear twitch minutely picking up on every sound in the immediate vicinity.

“No, I-” His head snaps back to Dante so fast he was surprised Vergil didn’t give himself whiplash. His silver eyes are wide with shock for a moment before softening to an expression Dante only saw when he would talk with Kyrie over dinner. It was warm, protective, and far too gentle a face for him to be pulled out for him. Dante looks back over his shoulder on instinct before it hits him, hard. Vergil wasn’t looking at him, he was looking at you. Oh shit, oh shit.

Dante focuses his senses on you before he had been merely using his broad range listening figuring it was an outside threat. He smells you first, your natural scent was a soft and sweet thing, like moss by a river bed, or freshly turned soil. It only got earthier after a day of hard work. The faint scent of gunpowder lingered on you too, and something else, something more hormonal and almost floral. Beneath your changing scent, he hears your heart thumping steadily in your chest. That was always a comforting sound to him, an anchor whenever he worried for your safety. But underneath it, he heard it. It was a rapid rhythm over yours, in you.

Dante jerks up, tumbling to the floor and cracking his head hard on the metal guards of the stairs. You would have toppled with him if Vergil hadn’t lunged to grab you. “What?” You look around confused but alert. The van is silent in the aftermath of the sudden burst of energy, all faces now turned to the three of you. Vergil holding you close to his chest while you focus on Dante. “You ok?” You look him over, noticing how pale he suddenly was as he looked at you. He was breathing heavily and panicked. His silver-grey eyes flitting between yours and up to Vergil’s.

“Ye,” He croaks, running a hand through his dirty hair not moving from his spot on the dirty floor. “Ye-shit, sorry just slipped in my sleep.”

“Quite a ‘slip’.” You wiggle out of Vergil’s hold and come to bend over Dante. You put the back of your hand to his forehead. You had all gotten pretty banged up this mission, and as usual, Dante had taken the brunt of it. He laughs a little too forcefully to be considered natural and pushes your hand away to get up.

“You know me. I’m full of surprises.” He flops back onto the couch looking at you oddly before opening his arms up to you. He fights against the tremble he feels spreading across his whole body.

You catch the sour look growing on Vergil’s face, it was boiling over to murderous. He shakes his head before sitting back in his spot and reaching for a magazine.

“Everything alright back there?” Nico shouts looking up into the rearview mirror.

“Yeh-yeh.” Dante waves not taking his eyes off you. “Just my old man senses getting to me.” The van collectively snorts at that, all turning back to what they were originally doing. Picking up his discarded coat you climb back into the cradle of your boyfriend's arms.

Boyfriend. You smile into his sweaty neck. It was a new term for both of you and your relationship. You two have been skirting around the idea of a committed relationship for months now. You’ve been with the gang for years now, flitting in and out of each other's life mission after mission as a freelance mercenary. Dante welcomed you into the fold of his merry band of misfits well enough, but you could see the line in the sand he drew pretty easily.

You respected it. Life in this business was hard and sometimes very short. He was slow to open up and trust, not with just you, but anyone. You got it, you understand his hesitation. Once you both established that the feelings you felt for each other went beyond good friends the lines and walls he built began to fade. The few months of you two trying out the word have been going well. Or, at least you thought so. Dante seemed pleased enough too. The few dates you two were able to scrap your collective pennies together for were a blast. Spontaneous coffee dates, walks down none demon-infested streets and parks. Once he even took a weekend off to go cross country with you. That weekend had been the most relaxed you had ever seen him, and as a bonus, the sex had been phenomenal too.

“You ok?” You kiss the stubble on his strong jaw, taking in the hard look in his eyes. His arms were rigid around you, protective yet also isolating. He looked shut-off, lost deep in his mind back in that place you knew he went whenever something was deeply troubling him. Dante said nothing for a moment, his large palm rubbing your lower back in stiff robotic movements. “Dante?”

He snaps out of it with a jerk. “Ye babe- just tired.” He kisses the worry from your brow and slips back into your original position, arms locking securely over your middle. He listens to your breathing and heart slow as you drift off, the little thumping underneath beating on.

From the moment Dante stepped out of the van he shut down. Not just from you, but everyone. He wasn’t sure if it was intentional or just instinct after years of protecting himself. He noticed it happening from afar like he was on the sidelines and completely unable to control what he was doing. He took job after job that Morrison threw at him, not waiting for backup or help. He began staying in his room, slinking upstairs instead of his usual hang out spot down in his office to be social. He just leaves everyone behind. He knows Lady and Trish will blow it off, they were used to the odd mood swing by now, chalking it up to mission fatigue. You knew better though, and he loved you for it. Even if it irritated him right now.

The first few days after that mission Dante saw you trying to pretend like you didn’t notice the walls he was rebuilding around himself. He wanted to believe that you couldn’t see how he turned up the jukebox every time you stepped into Devil May Cry, or that you pretend not to notice how his eyes would drift to look at anything but you when you stood in front of him. It hurt, it hurt to do this, but he couldn’t stop this self sabotage he was inflicting on himself and the stress he was pushing onto you. He just couldn’t take it.

He saw his mother every time he looked at you, could smell the ash and sulfur, could remember how his young lungs filled with smoke as he cried for something he could never get back while his childhood burned around him. He couldn’t do it, so he stopped seeing you. Not that it helped much. He heard the beating every time you came near trying to talk to him, so he stopped listening too. He didn’t know what else to do.

“If you put your hair back I swear I wouldn’t be able to tell you apart from your brother anymore, especially with that new attitude you're sporting.” Dante hears the slight edge in your voice. You sat in your now usual spot on the edge of his desk, before that day his lap would have been filled with your warm sweet body. You didn’t look happy in the least bit. You looked exhausted. He doesn’t look up from his magazine, a slow buzz of panic begins to fill his ears. Were you sick? Did you know?

He puts up another wall. “Doubt it,” He flips a page of his magazine reaching blindly for his beer. “I’m still the better looking one.” More silence. Dante feels your hard stare from where you sat.

“Need something?”

Your shoulders slump. “No-it’s nothing Dante.” He feels himself break just a little at the moisture threatening to spill from your lashes before they are blinked away. You leave without saying goodbye. He doesn’t see you again after that, your spot is soon replaced with piles of empty bottles.

“I expected better from you.”

Dante chokes on his beer, the foam shooting up into his nose and bringing tears to his eyes as it burns its way back to his throat. “Damn it, Vergil! Knock sometime?” His brother says nothing storming over to his desk and kicking a chair out to sit next to him. The look on his face was venomous. “Don’t give me that look.” Dante sighs, popping the cap off of another beer bottle.

“What look?”

Dante waves the butt of his bottle at him. “That! That look. It’s the one you always give me right before you stab me.”

Vergil chuckles humourlessly. “I just might if you continue to ignore your growing issue.” He pushes leaning into Dante’s space.

Dante bristles feeling like a trapped dog. “They should find out on their own-”

“Brother-”

Dante cuts him off with a swipe of his hand, amber liquid sloshing over his desk and lap. He feels his control slipping. The heat of his devil form simmering just below the surface. “I don’t want to talk about this.” I don’t want to acknowledge this.

“It’s been weeks.” Vergil presses on lean in close to his twin. “Will there ever be a right time?”

Dante bares his fangs in warning. His fingers itching to curl up and punch his brother. “That is rich coming from you. Remind me again, how many times have you tried to kill your son?” He meant for it to hurt, to let that barb sink in deep and fester. Vergil doesn’t even react, his gaze still cool and steady.

“I regret it-in parts. But I am not doing this for you.” Dante frowns. He had figured that. When Vergil arrived with Dante all those months ago torn up and bloodied from quite literally crawling out of Hell the welcome he got from the crew had been...lukewarm to put it mildly. They weren’t openly hostile, but it got pretty close sometimes. Only you and Nero had been pleasant to his brother right off the bat. The others came around eventually, but Vergil had taken a real shine to you. You were inquisitive and hungry to prove yourself, but smart enough to know when to back down. It’s what drew him to you, so it would make sense Vergil liked it too. “I cannot change my past actions, nor would I,” Dante scoffs. “But you have been given yet another opportunity that I envy.” He looks over his shoulder to the empty office. He couldn’t lie and say that he didn’t still envy his younger brother and his successes. To be free-to have had a life, dare he say to act almost human? Dante had always been the friendlier and kinder of the two, even as kids. He was sociable and street smart. Most importantly, people trusted him.

Then he found you, a most extraordinary mate. Vergil knew Dante would never admit it vocally but he shows his love with how he acts around you. Dante was always brash and foolhardy but he was milder with you. Whenever you were in the room his sole focus was always on you. His eyes, his body, every part of his being just seemed to gravitate to you. Whenever you paced, pissed from a recent job he would follow in his chair rolling left and right to keep his body in line with you. Even on the field, he stayed close, a towering figure of red and flames. To have him cast you out like this... Vergil shakes his head. “Why are you stalling?” He asks.

“They should find out on their own,” Dante repeats himself.

“And what if they decide not to tell you? What if they decide not to go through with it? You are limiting their time frame, Dante. You are putting them both in danger.” Vergil’s words strike deep. If he can’t get his brother to see reason now, then he will have to intervene. If Dante never forgave him for this transgression, then so be it.

The roar of primal rage was the only warning Vergil got before he was airborne. His back colliding hard against the old oak bookshelves across the room, Dante’s splintered desk pinning him for a moment before he is being dragged up the shelves by his neck. Empty bottles and old tomes clatter to the floor. He matches his brother’s energy shifting in a blaze of blue fury until he faces his red counterpart. “You lash out, why? Because you know I’m right?” He hisses around bared razor sharp fangs. “Do you hope they will leave you?” Something passes through Dante’s scleraless eyes. “It won’t be like before, brother.”

The whine Dante emits sounds like a wounded animal. It was high and reedy, it was filled with turmoil. Vergil couldn’t stop the sharp bark of laughter that fell from his lips. Unbelievable. “Dante.” Vergil grabs one of the claws locked around his throat. “For all your foolish and idiotic behavior you have built yourself a family. Do you honestly think any of them would let something happen? Do you think I would let something happen?” The fist around his neck loosens and drops.

“I want them to live a normal life.” Dante steps away, his voice uncertain. “Look at us- at Nero and Kyrie. Being what we are, we have royally screwed them over.” He stares down at his rough armored hands. His elytra pulses red veins with demonic energy. “And a damn kid? Nero got by alright, but narrowly. Do I look like someone that can handle this?”

“No.” Vergil can’t lie, it would only hurt you in the end. “Not at first. While I have no right to talk about being a father, I know you can do it far better than I.” He smiles to himself. “‘sides, at least your better half has a head on their shoulders.”

“Gee, thanks.” Dante grunts retreating to where his desk used to be. He breathed deeply and shifted back to his human form. Damn it, he had just paid off the repairs from the last time he wrecked the place. Bending over to pick up his magazine, the two were interrupted by his door bursting open. Nero and Lady bursting through bickering heatedly at each other before they notice the mess.

“Did we interrupt something?” Nero steps open the splinters of Dante’s old desk taking in his half triggered father.

“No.” The brothers say in unison.

“Good-” Lady pushes forwards, tossing a missive to Dante. He catches it with deft fingers and rips it open. “Normally I would have taken this on myself with the kid-since you’ve been sulking.” She shoots him a scathing look. “But we need all boots on the ground. Trish and your flickering flame are already there, but this portal just isn’t budging.”

“What!” Vergil snaps. Dante stares blankly at the letter, a high pitch whining growing in his ears. It was getting hard to breathe. “You left them there? They are vulnerable.” The blue devil grabs the letter from his brother looking at the address briefly before grabbing Yamato before rushing for the door.

Nero shouts after his father in confusion, his outburst uncharacteristic for him. “The hell was that about?” Nero watches the skies as the blue figure disappears. “They are perfectly capable of handling themselves…”

“Get in the van. I’ll see you there.” Dante grits out, crumbling the paper up and tossing it aside. He flys out moments later, guns and swords are forgotten. Anything that touches you would be getting ripped to shreds with his bare hands. He travels in a blur of panic fighting the sense of guilt threatening to overcome him. How could he be so stupid? Just because you weren’t at the office didn’t mean that you weren’t still taking jobs. He always worried when you went out solo- or without him, but he was confident in your abilities. A few scrapes and bruises weren’t anything to stress over. It wasn’t something to stress about before. You were still on the field and it was his damn fault.

The sound of gunfire and the roars of dying demons draws him in. Dante’s sharp eyes find you immediately. You were holding your own. You back in a corner but your guns were hot, dropping demon after demon with near flawless aim. Instinctively his demon side rumbles in pride before he squashes the feeling. Now wasn’t the time. Vergil beat him there by minutes but was already covered in gore as he assists you from above, slicing through the almost endless wave of beasts. Dante lands near you grabbing a Fury in midjump throwing it away to splatter against a building yards away. “About time you showed up!” Trish shouted from her perch lightning crackling around her. He ignores her, instead he launches himself at the gaping maw of the portal. He fights with reckless abandon, each wound and injury fueling his fire. One more hit on him just meant one less directed at you.

The fighting didn’t last long after Nero and Lady arrived adding enough fire support that he was able to destroy the portal and clean up the remaining hellspawn. The moment it was Dante was on you. “The hell were you thinking!” He rounds on you his massive body crowding your space.

You hold your ground staring up at him. “Hey, so glad to finally hear from you.” You crane your neck up to meet his glowing eyes. “I love it when my boyfriend finally remembers I exist.”

“You could have gotten hurt!” He glosses over your snark and checks you out. You were fine, good.

You back away from him throwing your hands up in confusion. “Yes? That’s kind of par for the course isn’t it?” You were baffled by his behavior. Weeks. Weeks! Weeks of ignoring your calls, and a conveniently empty office every time you tried to drop by, and now that you have his attention the first thing he does is yell at you? Where did he get off? In fact, his shit attitude only angered you more. “Ya know what? I don’t want to hear it.” You turn your head to where Nico sat leaning out of her driver-side window. She waves at you. “Can you give me a lift back to my place? I got to grab some fresh clips before heading back out.”

A red hand blocks your exit. “No-” Dante grabs your forearm gently tugging you to look at him. His natural heat was a comfort you didn’t realize you missed so much. “Babe-let me handle it.”

“Dante,” You try to pull away. “It’s my job. What has gotten into you?”

He looks over to his brother, the conflict he had been trying to avoid closing in too fast for him.

Vergil holds his stare and shrugs. “Come-the two need to talk, let’s head back for now.” Asshole. The rest of the group follows his eldest brother casting curious glances over their shoulders as they pile into the van. He really wasn’t ready for this.

The two of you watch them go in silence. “Let me take you back? Please?” Dante let’s go of your arm. You nod, it’s not like you have any choice now. Well, you could walk, your body screams at the thought of moving any more than necessary. You’ve been getting exhausted faster and faster these days. Perhaps the stress of the job was getting to you. He scoops you up in his giant arms stretching his wings out to their full and impressive length before taking to the sky. He glides through the city taking extra care to make it as smooth as possible for you. His landing was as silent on the empty streets surrounding your apartment building.

The mid-afternoon sun was high overhead, the perpetual fog of the city finally breaking enough to let in the heat of the day. You slide from his arms and lead him up the steps to your door. Swinging the door wide you look up at him. “Do you mind?”

“What?”

You point to his devil form. “Shrinking? I don’t think you can fit.”

Oh right. He chuckles nervously. “Ain’t nothing a bit of lube and patience can’t fix right?” You don’t laugh, your lips pull taught. He coughs shifting in a flash of heat. Once he’s human he squeezes through the narrow door frame and just stares at you. Dante shuffles from side to side. Great. Now what?

You rub at your neck weary you could feel another knot growing. Weeks ago you had a whole speech laid out for when you got him through your door. You wanted to chew him out, to yell at him for cutting you out so unceremoniously. Shout that if he was going to break up with you at least do it cleanly, not this emotional roller coaster. A sense of anger fills you. Damn it, was this really it? It wasn’t like this was the first time a partner has done this. You just had hoped that Dante would be different. He had always been so dependable. “Just make it quick, Dante.” You didn’t have the steam for this right now. You felt nauseous and a pulsing head coming on. Ugh, and you still have that job waiting for you.

Dante’s silver brows scrunch up. “Make what quick?”

You wave at the distance between the two of you. “This. This breakup. Do it fast so it’ll give me the adrenaline to get through my next job so I can pass out tonight and get some sleep.”

Any other day Dante’s look of sheer shock would have been hilarious- today just wasn’t one of those days. “You think? Heh-shit yes, I can see why...” He rakes a hand through his disheveled hair. “It’s not like that, I- I was running from my problems again.”

Your hackles raise in anger. “I’m a problem now?”

“What! No, that’s not what I’m trying to say.” He points to himself. “I’m the problem. I ruin everything I touch!” His hurt cuts through your aggression.

“Dante-” You have had this discussion before. “You know I don’t think that.”

“You should.” He cuts you off, his expression imploring. “I messed up-I messed up big time with you. I should have said something the moment I knew but I just locked up and ran, like always.”

Knew? Knew what? “Dante, I don’t understand.”

“I-you...how are you feeling of late? I don’t know anything about this stuff, different?” His eyes swipe over your dusty battle garb. You feel his eyes stop at your navel holding there too long to be considered a coincidence before dropping to your feet.

“I’m sorry.” His breath hitches, getting dangerously close to a feeling he had been bottling up for too long. You are quiet, doing the math in your head. He hears your heartbeat pick up, your breathing becoming fast and shallow.

“Get out.”

His heart sinks. What did he expect? Closing the distance between you he reaches for you, his hand hovering by your face waiting to see if you will let him touch you. You don’t move, don’t even look up at him when his hands cup your face. So he moves crouching down to get a look at you. Your gaze is blank but resolute.

“I’m sorry.” He tries again. You ignore him far too engrossed in your revelation. Idly you trace a palm down to your stomach before flinching away is burned. “I’ll-I’ll be around…” He trails off all steam lost. At a loss he does the only thing he can think to do and flees, disappearing back into the streets outside your home like the coward he was.

[hattersland]

✨~FanFic Master list~✨

Hello and welcome to my blog!

I've been writing for quite some time now and I'm usually lurking in most fandoms, just vibing and enjoying my time there. I usually get hyper-focused on one thing at a time so my reblogs may be a bit scattered at times.

I mainly write original characters, but I do enjoy reader inserts! There are so many talented writers out there making what they love and it inspired me to finally put some effort into this side-blog and start posting them.

On to some of my (posted) work!

The Will of The Storm: A Vergil x OC fic. A story about my oc Maya and how she came to have Nero after her meeting our favorite stoic man.

This is part one of the three-part series of The Storm and The spring series I have planned. I know in canon his mother is dead, or she abandoned Nero, but I like to think about the what-ifs of Canon. I have way too many AU's that spawn from this fic; from Vergil not falling into hell and returning to Fortuna, to a modern story where there aren't any demonic threats that terrorize the world.

Too many AU's. Send help.

Here's a link to the (soon to be growing) picrew images of her plus some mood boards I made for her!

Maya as of Part One

Maya Moodboard

Dmc Oc Week Prompts (contains spoilers for the story!)

Part Two of the Storm and The Spring series:

Petals On The Shore: Takes place after Vergil leaves Fortuna and shows her raising Nero. This part focuses more on her and Nero, so there isn't a lot of Vergil other than mentions of him.

Short Mini Chapters for The Storm and the Spring Series:

Part 19.5 of The Will of The Storm: A bit of a different side after the events of chapter 19 ;)

Her pride and joy: A very mini short of when Nero joins the Order.

A Quiet Moment: Soft Nero X Kyrie because Ogata Sensei's art gives me life

Daily Life Of Fortuna: A mini-series of Fortuna life before the events of DMC4 begin. Just a bit of fleshing out to add some context to future chapters. :) Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

Toss Up: A Danny Rand x OC I started a looong time ago. It’s from the Ultimate Spiderman cartoon universe, and one of the first stories I posted on Wattpad that I cross-post on AO3. 

Currently on a hiatus, since I kind of burnt myself out on it during 2020. The ending is planned I just need to get over this pesky perfectionism. 

I’m not exactly used to posting stuff here on Tumblr, so please bear with me since a lot of this is going to be trial and error. :D I’m usually a private person, especially with my work, but I hope you enjoy your stay here in my tiny little corner of the internet! 

-Hattress

[blackrose343]

Hopeless - Chapter 5: The Consequences

Warnings: Angst, Language and PTSD

I am not a medical professional so I cannot say if this chapter accurately portrays PTSD. I did research it and compared it to what I have written. From what I saw, it looks like the reader is going through something along the lines of PTSD. So to be on the safe side, I decided to put PTSD in the warning.

Devil May Cry - V x Gender Neutral Reader

Fanfic summary:  You have been kidnapped by a Soul Snatcher clan that used to reside within Red Grave. They’re torturing you for more information about the one who helped you kill their leader. While being held captive you begin to think about how to escape, how this all started, and if someone will find you. Then again, what would happen if you escape?

Hopeless Masterlist

Sorry this took so long.

Part of the poem V reads is  Auguries of Innocence by William Blake.

Present Day

Vergil returned with you to Devil May Cry not too long after the others. Everyone gathered around, excited to finally meet you. (Although, they wished it was under better circumstances.) Nero covered Nico’s mouth, quieting her before she exclaimed her excitement about meeting you. Vergil reminded everyone you’ve been through a lot and needed rest. A lot of it. He also stressed the importance of giving you space once you regain consciousness. Vergil didn’t want you to become overwhelmed by everyone bombarding you at once. You would need time to readjust to your life; to relearn what you have forgotten.

“Try not to wake (Y/N).” Vergil left the room as V approached you. A big sigh of relief left him. You were okay just like Vergil promised you’d be. Lovingly, V stroked your hair. He got onto his knees, then placed a tender kiss on your forehead. A tiny smile graced your lips. To not disturb slumber, V took his leave.

Vergil was sitting outside enjoying the night’s cool breeze. No, he was still trying to figure out how to tell V the decision he made. Ever since he made the decision he has been trying to find the best way to tell V. Vergil knew V wouldn’t take it well. Especially since he didn't know if all or some of your memories were sealed.

It wasn’t hard for V to find Vergil. He recognized Vergil’s agitated sigh anywhere. V’s expression showed Vergil he wanted to know what happened. Vergil chose to explain to V what the healer explained to him. V’s grip on his cane was so tight his knuckles whitened. He was furious Vergil made the decision of you possibly forgetting him. But, he understood why. V expressed to Vergil he wanted you to be okay no matter what. And that’s what Vergil achieved. Before V said anything he shouldn’t, he left.

Slowly, you opened your eyes, then you observed your surroundings. You had no idea where you were. After further inspection, you realized you were in someone’s bedroom. The room more than likely belonged to the man next to you. You studied the sleeping man. A book with a “V” on the cover was on his face. Pale, slender, covered in tattoos and some bruises. You wondered who he was. That thought soon vanished. Silently, you freaked out when you saw a panther by his feet. Even more so when you saw the bird next to him. Does that bird have three pupils?!

“Hey Shakespeare, wake up! (Y/N) is awake.” The bird ruffled his feathers, then flew around the room. The panther lazily yawned then looked up at you. It would have pounced onto you but the man commanded it not to. His sultry voice soothed you yet you don’t know why. You’ve never met him. Or at least you didn't think you did.

Heartbreak filled V’s eyes when you told him you didn’t know who he was. You could tell he was restraining himself from approaching you. V wanted to hold you; to do whatever he could to make you remember him. To make him feel better you mentioned his voice was familiar to you. V’s saddened eyes lightened with hope. He knew you would remember him in due time.

To get an idea of how much has been sealed away, V convinced you to tell him about your life. You briefly babbled about your childhood. Nothing too unusual about it. You glossed over your demon hunting training. You didn't have many friends because of it. You slightly elaborated your demon hunting career. Honestly, you enjoyed it and would never leave it. When you reached recent events, nothing came to mind. All you could remember was meeting with a gentleman for a job. You couldn’t remember the conversation or what the job was.

V meticulously chose his words while explaining what happened to you and how you met him. He also kept some details to himself. You took it as him not wanting to offend you. V did not want to be the reason you regain your horrid memories so soon. He knew you would remember eventually yet he will try to prolong it for as long as possible.

Few Years Later

You were surrounded by darkness. The sound of your breathing was interrupted by an agonizing scream. A familiar scream. You couldn’t remember where you heard it from. But you knew it. You instinctively followed it. The scenery changed as you made your way to the scream. The scenes varied from a bar to chaotic parts of  Red Grave. It felt as if you were a part of each scene. As if you were reliving someone’s life. 

The screams were muffled when you spotted an out of place door. The same door you’ve been seeing for too many nights. You banged on the door. Its barrier forced you away once again. You stared at the door, cursing at it. Each time you approach the door, the same thing happens. You didn’t know why you let yourself repeat this scenario so many times: banging the door non-stop till your hands bleed and the screaming abruptly stops. You wanted to say it was because you wanted to save whoever was behind the door. For some reason curiosity was more of a reason. You were unsure if you were curious to see who was behind the door or what was happening. There was no doubt you would find out soon. The barrier was significantly weaker than when you first saw it.

The muffled screams were non-stop. Whoever was screaming seemed to be in more pain than before. Desperately, you kicked the door while reassuring whoever was on the other side you were there to help. Nothing seemed to be working. It made no sense. It was a simple door. Nothing special about it besides the barrier. It didn’t matter. You had to get through it. 

The door's final attempt to keep you away woke you. Your eyes shot open. Your mind felt hazy, then it was racing. Your heart was beating frantically. Sweat rolled down your body as you sat up. You growled from irritation when you realized you were in your room.

“(Y/N), are you alright? It seemed like you were having another nightmare.” V’s worried voice relaxed you. He softly caressed your face then kissed your forehead.

“The dream with the damned door...like almost every night now…” You were so frustrated with it. At first, you didn’t mind not opening it. You can’t always achieve something on the first attempt. After a couple weeks, well...It started to become frustrating. You tried to stop yourself from going near the door. The temptation of seeing what was behind it grew stronger with each attempt to open it. Not only did it create the most interesting scenarios the closer you got to opening it. It also seemed to be calling you to it. You were too close to give up on it now.

You yawned as you rubbed your temples. Lazily, you kissed V on the cheek then made your way to the bathroom. Whispered curses could be heard through the bathroom door. 

V’s eyes followed you until the door blocked his view. His worry for you grows each time you mention the door to him. Ever since you started to dream about that door, you slowly started to become different. When the door made its first appearance, you became more irritable. V thought the irritability was from difficulty sleeping. He read poetry to you before bed but it didn’t always work. 

The next thing V noticed was your interactions with everyone changed. Most of the time you would secretly observe them as if you were on a mission. Sometimes, you would barely talk to them or get lost during a conversation. V knew you were listening. It just seemed other stuff was on your mind. Other times you put up your guard when around a crowd of people.

Attempts to discuss your behavioral changes were made. Each time you yelled at V, confirming nothing was wrong. When you realized you were yelling at him, you automatically apologized. You explained to V you had no idea why you were acting the way you were. V would try to get some sort of explanation out of you. Eventually, you explained it was your dream with the door. The weaker the door got, the more realistic the dreams from it felt. 

V was certain the door in your dreams was the seal to your memories. V brought up his concerns for you with Vergil the first chance he got. Solemnly, Vergil explained to V once the seal was released it cannot be remade. V was furious but hid it well. Instead of dealing with his feelings about this, he focused on you. Whenever you needed him, he was there. Whenever you were feeling down or anxious, he would do everything he could to make you feel better and safe.

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

You and V were on a double date with Nero and Kyrie. Kyrie wanted to have dinner at a new restaurant on the other side of Red Grave. The subway ride there was like any other subway ride. Nothing exciting to see. All of you chatted with each other, trying to decide where else to go besides the restaurant. You were excited to see a whole new part of Red Grave. It took the government long enough to start rebuilding it after what happened. Yet for some reason an uneasy feeling started to consume you.

Kyrie and Nero got off the subway with V following behind them. They’re voices faded as they neared the exit. You sat in the subway, staring at the advertisement on the station’s wall. The advertisement seemed familiar to you in a way. Yes, you’ve seen this advertisement in many places but that wasn’t it. It was as if this specific advertisement contained something. You were convincing yourself it was nothing and to catch up with the others. You couldn’t think of any reason as to why you didn’t want to get off the subway. You forced yourself to get off when the last call was announced.

A flash from a faulty light took you to a destroyed version of the subway station. The advertisement you were looking at before was torn. Not from age but from claws. As you turned your head, you saw the subway was no longer on the tracks. It was stuck in the wall on the opposite side of the tracks. Chunks of the station were around you, along with corpses. Broken electrical wires and pipes were above you. You turned your head again. Your eyes focused on the claws about to strike you. Your instincts screamed at you to defend yourself. “Get away from me!”

“V, are you okay?!” Kyrie’s voice rang through your ears. Your eyes shot open. The station was intact. Not one thing was out of place. Nero was helping V get up. V reassured Nero he could get up on his own. You could see a bruise forming on his chest. You were petrified. Nothing could explain what just happened or why. I attacked V? No, that’s not right. I punched something else. I was being attacked.

“V, I’m so sorry. I don’t know what came over me.” You examined V’s chest while apologizing to him over and over. V continued his reassurance. He didn’t want to ruin anyone’s mood, especially yours. He kept quiet about how much your punch hurt him. He gently wiped your guilt ridden tears. He kissed your hand, then led the way to the restaurant. You squeezed his hand, pouring your emotions into it. “I’m so sorry, my love.”

V kept himself composed the entire time. Within himself, V was more than worried. He felt your fear through your punch. Your eyes were filled with fear and yet they had determination. The last time he saw you like this was when you almost died. V had no doubt your memories will be freed soon. 

V and Nero froze as you and Kyrie crossed the street. Disbelief filled them. They couldn’t believe the shitty luck today was presenting. The restaurant was on the roof of the building you were held captive at. Nero was spitting out excuses for V to get you away from here. There was no way either of them could let you enter that building, let alone let you eat dinner exactly where you were almost murdered. Before either of them could get to you, they watched Kyrie pull you into the building. Nero muttered “fuck” as he and V made their way to the restaurant.

Nervously, you laughed as Kyrie pulled you to the building. The uneasy feeling from earlier strengthened the closer you got to it. The feeling continued to worsen as you reached the roof. Your stomach was in knots. Your breathing started to become shaky. Your mind screamed for you to get away. You couldn't understand what was going on with you. You noticed Nero and V were a bit hesitant about coming to this place too. So maybe it wasn’t just you freaking out over nothing. 

You wrapped a few ice cubes in napkins then placed it on V’s chest. You kept apologizing to him. You couldn’t understand why he wasn’t mad at you. All you saw was his concern for you. You wanted to explain to V what happened earlier. Just not with an audience. Everyone would think you lost your damn mind. 

You couldn't stop yourself from figuring out why the events from earlier happened. Your mind conjured up so many reasons. You tried to figure out which one was a plausible reason. You didn’t want V to hear it was because of your damned dreams again. You’ve been using them as an excuse for too long. You could only conclude work may be starting to become too much. Maybe you needed a vacation. Who knows? 

“(Y/N)”? You looked at Nero like a deer in headlights. Was he reading your mind? You weren’t sure. He was giving you a questioning look. Sheepishly, you apologized for not listening then asked him to repeat himself. You found out everyone was discussing the changes made when this part of town was rebuilt.

“What happened here? I know the Qliphoth was here. It just seems something else happened too.” Nero threw V into the spotlight. V’s explanation was vague. It barely gave you the answer you were looking for. You gave Kyrie a look, silently asking her if V was hiding something from you. Kyrie’s reply was a subtle shrug. She had no idea what was going on.

Dinner continued normally. It was as if everything from earlier never happened. Nero and Kyrie acting lovey dovey. You and V were trying not to tease them. It scared you how easily everyone was able to push something like that aside. 

V glanced at you, looking for any sign that you were well. Ever since you entered the restaurant he noticed you were shaking. He knew you were attempting to hide it. The shaking appeared so strong, everyone thought you were freezing. He noticed you barely touched your food even though you claimed you were starving earlier. V thought it was best if you and him went home after dinner.

You and everyone else walked along the edge of the roof to exit the restaurant. V used his cane to deviate your wandering eyes to him. He made absolutely sure you didn’t look below or beyond. He had to. He wanted to prevent you from feeling worse than you already are. He feared you would remember what happened here.

Kyrie managed to find enough room to take a couple of pictures. Nero tried to get out of it by saying he didn’t look decent enough. V attempted to convince Kyrie to wait since the restaurant was crowded. Kyrie asked what was the harm of taking a couple pictures. It’s been too long since Kyrie got to take group photos. Also, the sunset would be the perfect background. The guys sighed in defeat.

You and Kyrie gushed over the pictures as you continued to leave the restaurant. Nero pleaded with Kyrie to wait until she was out of the restaurant to look at them. Kyrie showed Nero the picture she was currently looking at. Nero made a quick comment, then placed his hands on her shoulders. You and V watched Nero guide Kyrie. It was entertaining, even impressive. Nero had Kyrie dodge everyone coming through the door.

Your laughter at Nero and Kyrie was abruptly interrupted. Someone forced their way between you and V causing you to slam into the railing. As you situated yourself, you caught a glimpse of a black haired figure below. For just a second, the figure looked like a beaten V. You knew V wasn’t down there, he was next to you. You couldn’t stop yourself from checking. You saw V, then someone strangely familiar looking at the table behind him. Briefly, you tried to remember how you knew him.

“Are you ok-tell me who killed Carmilla!” The calm voice evolved into an aggressive demand. You couldn’t figure out who was talking to you. The demand was repeated. You kept quiet. You had no idea who Carmilla was. You don’t remember any mission involving anyone with that name. The harshness of the demand escalated until it evolved into yelling in your ear. You covered your ears but it sounded like it was coming from all over. Even from right next to you.

“I’m not telling you shit. Give up.” The haughty voice was yours, but you didn’t move your lips. The sound of powerful strikes, along with your whimpers followed.  Frantically, you searched for help. Nothing. No one. It was just you and the one asking about Carmilla. You closed your eyes preparing for the next strike. You started to take deep breaths. It was the only thing you believed would put everything back into place.

Few people asked if V wanted them to call an ambulance. V persuaded everyone to leave you be. He reassured them you would be fine and needed to be left alone. He knew the best thing for you was to have as much space as possible. To have as much time as you need to gather yourself. He knew you needed him too, but there was no way to physically calm you without possibly making the situation worse.

You stood still, gripping the rail for dear life. V studied the rhythm of your deep breaths and heaving chest. It was obvious you were trying to calm yourself. Even more obvious you were currently reliving your time while held captive here. Nightmarish thoughts raced through V’s mind. Nothing he conjured could be compared to what you actually went through. He wanted to understand but couldn’t come close to. In hopes of helping you and calming himself, V recited poetry from his book. “To see a world in a  grain of sand…”

“WHO KILLED CARMILLA?! TELL ME! TELL...poor souls...dwell in night...does…” Softly, the harsh demands transformed into V’s poetic voice. You completely focused on V’s voice, hoping he wouldn’t stop. The man in front of you morphed into V. Tears cascaded your face as you tightened your closed eyes. You begged V to stay with you. You wanted nothing more than for this madness to end. 

Gingerly, you opened your tear ridden eyes. You were back at the restaurant. For the most part, everything was back to normal. It was darker and people were failing to not steal glances at you and V. V was still standing next to you. He gently closed his book, then turned to you. Concern and worry were radiating off of him. V pulled you into a hug as soon as he saw your tears. You gripped V’s hand for dear life as he led you out of the restaurant.

As soon as V opened the door, Griffon flew around the house. You headed to your bedroom with Shadow behind. You collapsed on the bed, burying your head in your pillow. You released the anxiety and fear you have been holding. You screams and cries could be heard throughout your home. To help calm yourself you cuddled with Shadow, letting her fur catch your tears. Shadow’s purring was the perfect lullaby to fall asleep to, especially after today.

“...H-HE-LP!...HELP!...He-help...” Those pleas were all the encouragement you needed to continue to get through the door. Nothing was going to stop you this time. You mustered your strength then delivered one final strike against the door. The barrier dissipated, as it pushed you away one last time. The door became ajar. 

Regret consumed you as soon as you stepped through the door. A blinding flash brought you to an abandoned building. Someone similar looking to the man from the restaurant was interrogating someone who looked like you. The person being interrogated was severely beaten. It was obvious the man was doing whatever he pleased. No one was around to stop him. It wouldn’t be long until the person was dead. In an attempt to stop him, you jumped on his back. He threw you across his back. Somehow you merged with the one you were trying to save.

The man deeply slashed your abdomen. He was merciless. It felt as if he was never going to stop until he got what he wanted. Not once did his sinister smile disappear. If anything, it grew with each of your screams, your pleas. You screamed for help but no one came.

The strike to your head was excruciating. You gripped your head, screaming, as your mind released every single memory that was sealed away. Meeting V at the grocery store. Tracking Carmilla. Working with V. Your fight with Carmilla. Your captivity. All of them. It was too much for your mind to process at once.

V raced to your bedroom as soon as he heard you scream. Quickly, he studied the room and determined nothing was amiss. V attempted to loosen the ironclad grip you had on your head. V winced from pain when you grabbed his hands. It was possible you may have sprained his finger or two. V didn’t care. He stayed with you, reminding you how strong you are and how you can get through this.

Once you were calm V asked if you were hurt. Hysterically, you described your nightmare. The torture, the pain. The rush of other dreams within it. It felt so real to you. As if it happened to you as you dreamt it. V tried to explain that even though you were attacked in your dream it doesn’t mean the attacks actually happened. You were having none of it. You described every attack explicitly while tracing each one on your body.

V tried his best to calm you. Nothing he did relieved you. Not one bit. Your mind was frantically processing the memories it released. You couldn’t think straight. V tried to hug you but you pushed him away. His hurt expression made you feel worse, but you had no choice. You needed to stay away from him. You weren’t sure if the one in front of you was V or a Soul Snatcher; friend or enemy.

“Who the fuck are you?” Shakily, you cocked your gun, indicating you weren’t playing around. Shadow immediately placed herself between you and V. Griffon babbled about you not recognizing V or them. You didn’t care. You just needed to know what was going on.

“(Y/N) put the gun down and I’ll answer all of your questions.” Your defensive aggressiveness from before your memories were sealed has returned. There was no way V could weasel his way to convince you nothing was going on. To V this situation felt like he was reliving his very first encounter with you.

Your eyes narrowed with suspicion. Would he attack once you lower your gun? Will he actually tell the truth? What if this was a Soul Snatcher? Too many questions raced through your mind. You had no idea what part of yourself to listen to. Fuck it. You needed answers. “Lie or attack, I’ll make you regret it.”

For your sake V had to prove he wasn’t a Soul Snatcher. He recalled when he gave you the ring you were wearing. Hearing your argument made V realize it was pointless to retell the time you spent together. He was determined to prove he wasn’t a Soul Snatcher. No matter what. The only thing he could think of that a Soul Snatcher couldn’t do was summon Nightmare. Doing so caused quite a scare for your neighbors.

Your neighbors panic soon turned into silence. Irritated tension was all either of you could feel. Both of you wanted to say something. Neither of you knew what to say or where to start. So you both stayed quiet, trying to figure out what to say. The silence was unbearable for Griffon but he managed to stay quiet. God knows what either of you would do if Griffon said anything.

You took one deep breath, then decided to tell V everything about your time in captivity. The torture, the Soul Snatchers involved, your thoughts. Everything. You turned yourself away from V when you started crying. V attempted to reach over to comfort you but you indicated for him to stay where he was. You didn’t want to be touched by anyone. 

V wanted to hold you. He wanted to do anything and everything he could to remind you you’re safe with him. But he fought himself from doing anything that would make you uncomfortable. He knew you would fulfill your promise if he did anything you saw as a threat.

If V had to be honest, he didn’t want to explain what happened when he found you. Besides the fact he was like you; not wanting to show weakness or vulnerability. He isn’t proud of how he reacted. That night was a tornado to him. It was fast and destructive yet it was a blur. Still. It was no excuse to not tell you. You told him everything. Now it was his turn. V sucked it up and reluctantly told you what happened.

You listened to V, unsure how to take it. At first, you were terrified to hear you almost died. (You remembered you made the choice but it was frightening to think about.) Soon fright turned into anger. You blamed V for having your memories sealed. Not long after, you questioned if being with V was the right thing for you. You even questioned if you would be with V after everything that happened. 

V sat across from you, waiting for you to say anything. He was aware you were angry. He knew you would need time to process everything. It could take a long time, but V was more than willing to do whatever he could to help you. Except for one thing.

“I-I...I don’t know how to take in all of this...I-I think I need to sp-spend some time away from y-you. To absorb everything I just remembered..a-and what we just talked about...I also have to think of what’s be-est for me.” V’s heart broke in two. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He was at a loss for words. He was unable to argue with you.

“Don’t.” You froze. V’s hand was hovering above yours. Without touching you, he guided your hand to lower itself, then release the clothing you were holding. Was V going to convince you to stay with him? You couldn’t tell. You knew he was going to say something. He was close to you but stepped away. “You should stay here. I’ll leave.”

You couldn’t believe what you just heard. Why would he leave? You should be the one leaving. You whipped your head around to see if V was really leaving. He was. Already he grabbed his bag, then his book. It didn’t take long for him to gather the rest of what he needed. Once he was packed, he approached you. You anticipated him doing some gesture to say goodbye. Your heart broke when he did nothing except say his goodbye. With each step V took away from you, you felt more alone than ever before. When he was completely gone you believed you made the wrong choice.

[dreaming-gamer]

Magic Touch – Nero X V – Chapter 5

Firefighter Nero X Massage Therapist V

Back with a new chapter! And it turned out pretty long so more under the cut! ^^

@thedyingmoon 💜💜💜

🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸

V wasn’t sure what to make of it all. Frankly, he hadn’t seen himself as a man with time for… well, a significant other during the last months... perhaps the entire year really. Work used up his time, as did the various activities as a part of the literature association. Not to mention a few other activities, he certainly needed to check his schedule for an appropriate time for the animal shelter as well… V could admit that he worked a lot but it was hard not to do when, well… he enjoyed seeing somebody completely refreshed after one of his treatments. Or seeing somebody’s eyes light up from inspiration. Or seeing a small life find comfort, for the first time in a while.

V wouldn’t say he was an angel by any means, if somebody underestimated him and asked him to use some force, he certainly would and even feel a bit satisfied, when they then asked him to let up. Hopefully with a new sense of respect for his profession. Yes, he might look weak and he might be compared to other, more well-trained men. But this was a role he had chosen for himself, of course he would execute it with pride and professionalism.

Nero had done something he’d never experienced before however. Despite sounding rather cocky while under V’s hands, he’d… apologized, after the treatment. As well as complimented him, in fact. V had been thanked for his services before, but nobody had ever apologized for sounding disrespectful. Not that V had felt that offended even, Nero had certainly been a mild case.

The incident had made Nero a name and face that stuck in his memory however, even though V had not expected the firefighter to show up at the spa again. It hadn’t seemed like a place Nero was very used to.

And he certainly had not expected Nero to show up at times when he needed aid. Nor that his new apartment would be right across the street from said Nero Sparda.

Was there not an old saying, that if you met three times, it was meant to be? V had never put much weight into the words, it was a romantic saying certainly but not one he’d ever thought would happen to him.

But Nero was kind. More observant than he expected. His heart seemed to burn with the will to help, in a way V found himself respect. Not to mention that he found it charming, Nero’s openhearted reactions endearing, he was like a book and V felt as if he was starting to understand his language. Or maybe he was fooling himself into hoping so, for Nero’s suggestion of giving him a massage, as well as his words… V couldn’t deny that Nero had surprised him. In a good way because his shoulders actually felt a little less stiff now and it was quite refreshing.

And yet, Nero’s yes to his half teasing suggestion had been another surprise. A… welcome one. A weekly reminder to relax could be something he admittedly needed.

Just like the note he had found just inside the door when he came home late, that same evening after how they had abruptly parted. V certainly still felt a bit bad about how he had left the kind firefighter, not to mention at such a moment…They had not known each other for long, maybe they should not advance so quickly… and yet when Nero’s face had been that close, V had found himself tempted to taste his lips. Very… tempted in fact.

V slowly bent down to collect the folded note just below his mailbox, a simple page torn from a notebook it looked like, with some scribbled words that were honestly a bit hard to read, not too small but crooked.

“Hey. Hope everything went well with that meeting-thingy. Do you wanna exchange numbers? Here’s mine:” it read, followed by a cellphone number and an easy to read signature. Nero.

V found his lips curve into a smirk as he read, so Nero finally gathered the courage. At the garage, V had certainly heard him, but decided not to push or perhaps it had also been a way to test if the other man was truly so… interested. V couldn’t deny that it spread a sense of intrigue inside. The words were simple yes, but they did speak of Nero’s kindness yet again. As well as his interest. An interest that V to his slight surprise, felt himself share.

V’s phone was in his pocket but even though the device was certainly necessary for communication, he had never appreciated the written word in text messages in the same way he enjoyed books.

If Nero was thoughtful enough to give him a handwritten note, why not respond in kind? Of course, he could send a simple text message but… V rarely texted. And if he did it was without those emojis that he barely understood the meaning of.

His apartment was still a glorified chaos adding a heavy feeling to his shoulders. Oh, how he longed for it to be done, to arrive at a point where he was happy with his new home and did not have to feel stress over its somewhat unfinished state. Perhaps he’d do just a little bit more unpacking, before bed…

But first a reply to this note. In one of the many boxes of books waiting to be unpacked he found a beautiful notebook, the black leather of its cover was smooth against his fingers. It did not matter that the notebook had only had half its original number of pages when he found it at a second-hand store, it still spoke to him. Upon one lined page, V started to write with neat letters, surprised at how easy it was to find the right words.

He signed it with his own phone number and a single V. Smirking a bit to himself, he carefully tore it out and folded the paper once. It was already quite late so he would have to wait until the morning until he could leave it in Nero’s mailbox, since the front door to the apartment building had already been locked.

V couldn’t help but wonder, what Nero’s home looked like. It felt like details about the firefighter stuck quite easily in his mind, despite him not putting an effort into doing so. With a small smile the massage therapist looked out the window, to the apartment building right across from his. The distance certainly didn’t give him any clue how Nero’s home could supposedly look, but he was nevertheless interested.

A gentle light seemed to be on, in one of the rooms. Perhaps Nero’s apartment had the same layout as his with two rooms, a kitchen as well as a bathroom. The firefighter might have gone to bed, as V certainly ought to do but nevertheless it could wait just a little. His hand trembled slightly as he put the cane away next to the door. Just one or two boxes to unpack then he should head to sleep. As for the promise he and Nero had shared, of reminding each other of doing one relaxing activity per week… It was not as if they had promised to do this relaxing activity together, but V wished for the promise to bear fruit.

“He who desires but act not… breeds pestilence.” He quoted quietly, kneeling next to a box of yet more books, carefully undoing the tape on it. There was truth to those words, he knew and he certainly… desired to know Nero a bit better. Suddenly finding themselves as neighbors, they were bound to continue running into each other. And he did not mind the thought one bit.

***

Nero groaned at the rays of sunshine that peeked through the crack in the blinds, turning himself over. With awareness slowly rising, so did his thoughts and they made him groan louder, the pillow masking the sound as he stuffed his face into it.

The kiss had been so close! Was that going to be the default state of their flirting tango or what was going on? Nero pulled out, trying to pick himself up. Okay the moment had been lost, but they had at least shared a moment. And V still lived across the street for him, not to mention that Nero had left his number for the other man to find in his mailbox.

His thoughts clicked into place.

Nero quickly grabbed for the cellphone on the small bedside table, feeling butterflies of hope flutter in his stomach as he picked up his phone and checked.

The screen didn’t show any new messages. Just the glaring numbers that told him he needed to get up in a few minutes, if he wanted enough time to get ready for work. Instantly the tornado of fluttering wings stopped.

Oh come on, he might just not have seen the note yet. Maybe he got home really late and crashed into bed. Whatever the crisis that V had had to avert was, Nero sure hoped it had all worked out. Considering that he was still in the middle of a move, as well as working… some rest should do him good.

Writing that note had taken courage on Nero’s part, but after what had almost happened, as well as their promise, he seriously wanted to believe that he had a chance with V. This anticipation was really something different than how he’d felt when he’d started to date Kyrie and well… he kinda liked it. Despite the constant ups and downs when it came to his hope.

Nero put his phone away and got up. One glance through the window didn’t tell him a lot about how V’s morning was. There were no blinds pulled down, so maybe the massage therapist was up, or maybe he simply hadn’t bothered to pull them down when he got home. V didn’t have morning sun to worry about, unlike Nero.

And Nero didn’t really have time to get caught up in thoughts about the tattooed man even if he wanted to since he had work to get ready for. It was all routine at this point a quick shower, shave and something to eat. This morning it consisted of a spinach smoothie with pineapple, cucumber, kiwi and just a touch of ginger and lime. The smoothie cookbook that Kyrie had given him as an extra birthday present had come more in handy than he’d expected but then again, she had been the one to teach him that a blender could fix some easy and portable breakfast if he so wished.

It wasn’t until Nero grabbed his keys, put his shoes on and pulled his backpack over one shoulder that he realized that there was a note on his carpet, just inside the door.

Could it be—It sure as hell wasn’t the electric bill. Nero was quick to reach down but his fingers hesitated, just before reaching the smooth paper surface. His pulse was suddenly loud in his ears, the hopeful butterflies returning full force in his stomach. Last evening had almost reached a stage that he felt sure he was willing to explore… and he wanted to think V felt the same. Or did he think they were moving too fast? V seemed to have a lot on his plate overall. Maybe Nero should just clear with him if this promise meant… dating, or not.

Not wanting to torment himself with uncertainty about the note’s content anymore, Nero’s fingers gripped the paper. It was lined, seemed to be very properly ripped from a notebook or something.

So this is his handwriting. Nero couldn’t help but notice it first of all, how neat it was. Beautiful even, with a flow to the characters he had selected for Nero’s eyes and Nero’s eyes only.

“I apologize again for my sudden leave. The meeting was fruitful, the crisis averted. Thank you for your note. As you can see, I would certainly like to exchange phone numbers. If you are free, would you be interested in meeting up at a café later this week?” At the very end was the number stated, as well as a simple, elegant V.

Nero grinned to himself, a warm almost tickling feeling in his chest. The guy’s mannerisms continued in text it seemed. He sure hadn’t expected any slang in there, but Nero couldn’t help but find it a bit funny. How much like V this little note felt. Even the question he had a damn sure answer to.

And most of all.

He had finally gotten V’s number. They were neighbors even! Nero grinned, folded the note and put it in his pocket as he left the apartment, heading downstairs for his car. It felt like his heart was dancing to the tones of a victory march only he could hear from the way it pounded hard in his chest. V must have at least a little interest in him too and the thought was making him soar on his way down to the ground floor.

The second he got to his car and sat in the driver seat, Nero fished out the note and added V’s number to his contacts. With a single V just like the note had been signed. It felt so right to see it.

And then he started to type out his first message. Erased and started over a few times but finally arriving at something he thought worked for a first message.

“Hey, got your note. I’m up for it! Saturday’s free, works for you? I’m gonna be at work today, until 8 in the morning but I’ll answer when I can. Hope you have a great day. - Nero” A bit… formal maybe, but he wanted to make sure V knew why he wasn’t replying to his message quickly, in case V wrote back way before he had a chance to answer.

“Alright…” Nero put away his phone and started the engine of his car with a grin on his face. It felt like he could run ten miles, so he was actually looking forward to the training at work. But even more so, to an answer from V.

***

Nero’s hands and eyes checked his personal protective gear as was mandatory at the start of their day, but his mind was constantly trying to wander to a certain poet. Curiosity was tickling him every other minute making him wonder if V had answered, how his day was going to be. Before Nero had to check the equipment on the firetruck, he managed to sneak in a check on his phone. Nothing.

He swallowed down a small but tangible lump of disappointment that formed in his throat, V was probably busy but Nero couldn’t help anticipating the answer so much. What if communication with V could become a daily occurrence? The thought made him smile a bit to himself and when he was cleaning the fire truck washing it down with a hose, he almost didn’t notice how one of his colleagues was talking to him at all.

Only at the third (loud) call did he look up and turn the hose off. Man, he needed to get his head in the game. Once the washing and equipment check of the firetruck was done, Nero rolled his shoulders and headed for his scheduled training. Running half an hour on the treadmill should help rebuild his focus, no matter how much he wished to have the massage therapist in mind for the entire day. He had work to do.

***

For the hours that followed, Nero didn’t count how many times he managed to check his phone but they were not as plentiful as he would have liked. Just disappointing each time as V had yet to reply to his text. It was with a sigh he put his phone down after every check.

Duty kept Nero busy for the rest of the day and when he returned alongside his colleagues to the fire station in the evening as they needed to fix themselves dinner he kept his back straight, chest a bit puffed out in pride.

It had been a busy day with responding to fire calls in several parts of the city, once in a park where some teenagers had been playing around a bit too much with a lighter and a trashcan, once in an apartment building where someone had forgotten a pan on the stove. The latter was a scenario that happened a bit more frequently than he would have liked but luckily, neither of these incidents had turned too serious. Nobody was hurt, but there had been smoke and scorch marks in the incidents’ wake.

But damage to buildings and environments could be repaired, lives couldn’t.

Nero shrugged off his jacket, feeling the familiar weight of the protective fabric as he put the garment into his locker. His colleagues were discussing dinner alternatives all over the locker room while he fished out his phone from his bag and his heart leapt.

There was a reply.

“I’m at work as well. If you do not mind us meeting up in the morning, Saturday will be fine. I need not be at work until 14:00. I wish you luck at work.”

Nero’s lips pulled back in a grin as he was quick to answer.

“Sounds like we’ve got a brunch date then” Abrupt stop as he checked what he was actually writing and quickly erased the words. It was not like they had… agreed to start dating or something. God, he’d love if that was the case, especially after that almost-kiss that had happened but stating it as such in a text message… what if it was too soon? Nero didn’t like the thought of backing down, but this time, his gut told him to rethink it. Just meet up with V and gauge how he might be feeling, without calling it a date beforehand. Nero started his message over.

“Sounds fine to me, let’s meet up for brunch? What do you say, around 11?” Nero was about to send the message, then hesitated and added a: “Hope work’s not too stressful for you.”

Aaand sent!

Nero wasn’t expecting a fast reply since V was at work as well right now, so when the cellphone vibrated the second he was about to put it back in the locker, his heart almost skipped a beat. A wave of eagerness surged in his stomach as he read.

“11:00 works perfectly. I am looking forward to it.”

Those simple words made Nero stare, his heart warming up as if he’d suddenly been hugged. There was no stopping the grin on his face as he wrote back.

“Me too.” And on his lips, that grin remained for the rest of the evening, until he had to try and sleep in his bunk at the fire station.

***

After a quick exchange of messages in the morning it was decided that they would meet up at the café, rather than walk together from their apartment buildings. V had an errand at the library before their meeting so he was already waiting outside the café, with one hand on his cane and the other on his book of poems when Nero caught sight of him, feeling his heart leap in his chest as he approached. Once again, V was dressed in a cotton shirt over a t-shirt and black pants that fit him just right reading as he stood in the shade but Nero could hardly blame him as the sunlight was warming his own back, it was gonna be a hot day. He did notice a slight slouch had returned to V’s shoulders however.

“Hey V, wait long?” The grin appeared on his face by itself. Nero was certain he was early just to be safe, at least ten minutes but V had nevertheless beat him to it.

“Hello Nero. Not at all, I just got here.” V smiled, gently closing his book and putting it away in a small bag hanging from his shoulder.

Nero pulled the door open and held it up for V before entering himself, the chill of the air condition welcoming them, as well as the barista behind the counter. All kinds of sandwiches, pastries and cakes in different shapes and sizes were at display behind the glass and a lot of them looked tasty for sure, even though Nero wasn’t the biggest fan of sweets. He already knew what he wanted, an ice coffee because of the summer heat, and his usual order.

V on the other hand, seemed to regard the many choices for a bit longer, his gaze lingering on both the food and drink choices listed on the board behind the counter as well.

“Do you have any recommendations? I believe it’s the first time I’m here.”

“Oh yeah, uh… the roast beef sandwich is great, that’s what I’m getting. The chicken and pesto sandwich is good too, the shrimp salad is nothing to scoff at, but you better be prepared for a big portion.” Truth be told, V could probably use that. Except Nero had a feeling V wouldn’t be able to finish it since that dish was a BIG plate, with a mountain of salad, shrimps and eggs, to name just some things.

With his lean frame V didn’t really give the impression of being a big eater. And he had just barely finished that Chinese meal the other night. “Or the roasted tomato sandwich with mozzarella... What?” Nero asked as V seemed to observe him, a hint of amusement visible in his green eyes.

“Nothing, I’m just noting that you seem to have tried out a lot of the options on offer.” The massage therapist said with a small smile.

The tips of Nero’s ears turned red.

“Yeah, I guess.” He murmured and there was a reason for that. Kyrie loved coming here, it was her favorite café. And now he was here with a sorta date? At least someone he was very interested to go on a date with and she didn’t know. Nero wasn’t sure how to tell her, or even if… it was a big deal to tell her. It had been months since they broke up and they had parted as friends, so either of them moving along with a new interest was just natural after all. But Kyrie was also important to him. He had known her for most of his life after all. There just wasn’t any romantic feelings between them anymore, that was all. He still cared greatly about her, but in a different way than the relationship they had, had called for.

V seemed to notice the thoughtful look on his face.

“Is something the matter?”

“Huh? Never mind. You decided?” It took another minute or two until V did decide, just before there would be a line behind them. Carrying their ordered drinks the two men went to a table in the back, next to the window and sat down across from each other.

“So, that meeting thing you had to go to resolved itself?” Nero wondered, taking a sip of his iced coffee while trying hard not to stare at how V’s open shirt and v-collared t-shirt showed off some of his intricate tattoos.

V let his cane lean against his seat before taking a sip of the tea he had ordered, it smelled of fresh mint, along with an herbal scent Nero couldn’t place.

“It did, as a matter of fact. Or should I say... the solution was finalized, this morning. There was an urgent problem with the venue we had arranged, for the poetry reading I told you about. I asked the manager at the library if it is possible for us to have our poetry reading there. I received a positive response.” V smirked.

“Wow, that’s great.” Nero felt a slight relief at the fact. Poetry might fly over his head most of the time, why try to analyze what words meant instead of just writing exactly what they meant? To V however, it seemed to be of great interest. “So everything’s fixed, no postponing or anything?”

“Thankfully, no. There is just the matter of spreading the word of our new location for it, via social media and the like. Speaking of the poetry reading…” V locked eyes with him, his lips curled upwards in a small smile. “I was wondering if you would like to come? The event is free for all.”

Nero felt the butterflies in his stomach return full force from their slumber. Was V asking him out? Or was he trying to make up for that moment that a phone call had stolen from them? Or was this his way of introducing Nero to his hobbies? It could be all three. Or none.

The tingling feeling in his stomach made him sure he wanted to find out which.

“Sure, I’ll come. When is it?” He grinned. Even if he didn’t get the exact meaning of the poems, if V was the one quoting with that smooth voice of his… yeah, Nero had a feeling he’d enjoy it anyway.

“Next Saturday, at 7 in the evening.”

Nero did a quick mental check of his schedule, groaning as he realized something.

“Dammit I got work that day, 24-hour shift.”

“I see. That’s unfortunate.” V said with a small nod, taking another sip of his tea.

“Yeah… there’s a chance I can switch shifts with someone though, I’ll ask around.” Nero just didn’t have a lot of hope for it, as having Saturday free… yeah, that was kind of in high demand, among some of his colleagues. Nero usually didn’t mind working that shift, it was one of the busiest ones usually, but he liked to keep busy when he was working. Once he had turned single Saturday hadn’t felt as important to have free, suddenly. Until now, that was.

V paused, keeping his teacup hovering just centimeters from his mouth as his green eyes searched Nero’s. A small smile grew on his lips.

“It’s alright, you don’t have to try. If it isn’t possible for you to come, I understand. You have a very important job, for example.” He said, taking that small sip of tea that he had been stalling.

“Yeah sure, but I’ll give it a try. If I can, or can’t make it, I’ll let you know.” Nero grinned.

“Very well.” V agreed, his smile widening a little bit.

A waiter in white clothes with a black apron came by with their ordered food items. Nero felt his mouth water at the glorious roast beef sandwich and some salad on the side that was placed in front of him and his butterfly-assaulted stomach wasn’t used to having to wait so long after waking for some food. V had followed his recommendation and gotten the same meal, his eyes glancing a bit curiously at the sandwich on his plate.

Nero was hungry enough to forgo his utensils, the sandwich might be tall but he didn’t need to dislodge his jaw to take a bite. Crispy bread, juicy meat and fresh salad with a lightly spiced sauce entered his mouth, the flavors perfectly filling and just what he had come to expect from a roast beef sandwich at this place. The first bite was always the best.

Nero didn’t realize he had closed his eyes until he heard a light chuckle from the other side of the table.

“I see that’s a favorite for you.” V said, clearly a bit amused as he grabbed a paper napkin and held it out to Nero. The firefighter blinked.

“Huh?”

V smiled.

“There is some sauce on your chin.”

Nero felt the tips of his ears burn as he fought the urge to just use the back of his hand to wipe it off. Instead he put down his sandwich and as he took the napkin from V, his fingers lightly brushed against the massage therapist’s. For a second, it felt like time stopped and every heartbeat was so loud he could hear it vibrate through his ears. Pulsate in his fingers right where they had connected. V’s fingers felt just as warm as his today.

The flush spread over Nero’s ears all the way to his cheeks as his racing heart made him pull away, stumbling out a “thanks” as he wiped the sauce off his chin while also using the napkin as a shield to hide his blush. Jeez, what was he, a lovestruck high schooler?! Nero felt stupid for pulling away so soon, but one glance at V who took another sip of his tea, seemingly unfazed, told him he might be overreacting. Or so he thought, but there was a soft amusement in those jade depths...

Nero wasn’t going to let this turn awkward, he forced his lips to turn into a cocky grin when he pulled down the napkin, sauce disaster averted. And his face felt a bit less hot, thankfully. They made small talk while continuing eating their meals and Nero managed to keep it less sloppy actually using the fork and knife when it came to eating the salad once the sandwich was gone. With the fork he pierced a slice of tomato.

“So, what do you think?” V had cut up and eaten a few pieces of it, but Nero noted the tea seemed to appeal to him more, half the cup already being gone while he couldn’t say the same for the sandwich. And the salad was already all gone.

“It’s good.” V smirked, that hint of amusement emerging in his green eyes. “I suppose my reaction must seem pretty mild compared to yours.”

Nero grinned, scratching his nose.

“Or mine’s just too excited.” He pointed out feeling so confirmed as V chuckled in response.

“Nothing wrong with enjoying what you like.” They had some time before V had to go to work, or at least so Nero hoped so because… well, there was something he wanted to clarify. But damn, was the thought of doing so terrifying… His stomach flipped around the delicious food in his stomach as if it was starting up a maelstrom.

V was just… so interesting, Nero wanted to know more about him. Hang out with him, hear more of that soft chuckle of his. Share a kiss, share experiences. The idea felt so new, so positive and he hoped with every fiber of his being that V was open to the suggestion as well. But just then V started another topic to speak about and Nero was pulled along to the melodic tone of his deep, alluring voice.

For a while it felt like they talked about everything and nothing. Time and conversation just flowed with them learning new snippets of information about each other. Tastes in music and shows, V told him a bit of his love for poetry, while Nero told of his hobby to sometimes go climbing. Nero shared how he had a dream of being a dog once while V admitted he sometimes spent time at an animal shelter, taking care of the cats and dogs that came in. They spoke of food and habits, with V admitting he often had a hard time eating breakfast in the morning, he usually found himself skipping it or simply drinking only a cup of tea. Without thinking, it made Nero offer to make him breakfast sometime, it just felt natural to do and he wanted to. The small smile that formed on V’s lips from the offer would never seize sending the butterflies in Nero’s stomach off in flight.

Between them there was a curious, positive atmosphere and Nero loved every second of it. So much so that it felt like a stone dropped into his stomach when soft, almost melancholy notes of a violin could be heard from V’s bag. The poet opened up the zipper and pulled out his phone from the bag, his expression turning apologetic.

“My, look at the time… I’m afraid I must be off, if I wish to arrive at work in time.” V said, that sound they had both had heard seemed to be from his set alarm.

“Oh, got it.” A breath left Nero in a rush, these words wished to be said. “I had a great time.” A grin tugged at his lips and would those butterflies in his stomach ever tire themselves out because as V rose from his seat, giving Nero a soft smile, their tiny wings gently fluttered against the inside of his stomach, making him want to gaze upon that smile forever and ever.

“As did I.” V assured gently, pulling the strap of his bag over his head, fixing it to his shoulder. “Do let me know if you will be able to make it on Saturday. But please remember that it’s quite fine if you can’t make it. Work is work, after all.”

“Promise I will. But I’ll try to get the day free.” Nero pointed out, scrambling to get ready to leave as well. Besides, he had taken the weekend shifts for others before so hopefully someone could switch with him for once.

V just gave him a grateful smile. Nero pulled open the cafe door for them both, letting V exit first before following.

“I parked my car nearby, it’s fine if you wish to separate here.” V told him.

Nero didn’t want to separate at all, but of course he knew they had to eventually. It was impossible to not look forward to when they would meet next. Hopefully the coming Saturday. But how was he to say goodbye now, without having asked what he felt he should have? Where did they stand now? Was this coming Saturday to consider as a date? Had that close to kiss between them just been a fluke?

Would asking V about it destroy this wonderful, carefree atmosphere between them? Or was he waiting for it with his heart set on an answer?

“Yeah, well, I guess we should…” He started, holding back the urge to ask when he suddenly felt V’s hand on his arm.

Warmth. Something soft against his cheek. His mind felt completely blank until he realized that it was a kiss, an actual kiss from V’s plump, lovely lips being placed against his cheek.

It felt like he went to heaven, like his feet would start floating and bring his entire body upward.

As he blinked with warmth spreading in his cheeks, making them a blossoming red and his eyes wide, he found V smirking in that devilish way he had so come to love.

“Thank you for the lovely date. If not possible earlier, I’ll see you in a week.” V said, his smirk remaining in place as he started to make his leave.

Any and all nervous tension of what their flirting tango would bring left, the butterflies turning to a fluttery but lovely warmth in Nero’s stomach. And he felt sure he’d do anything to get that next Saturday free!

“I’ll see you at the poetry reading!” Nero promised, his stomach flopping as he realized he had been too starstruck to answer at first, his cheek still feeling so warm… He grinned widely at V, feeling as if the next time they could meet couldn’t come soon enough. If sooner than Saturday was possible, he would take it for sure. But if not, then he would do all he could to make sure that Saturday would work.

V stopped in his slow but deliberate stride, straightening his slouch slightly to present him that smirk again, along with a wave.

“Saturday then.”

🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸

Hope you enjoyed! ❤️❤️❤️

[etlunainmorte]

We ( I mean my coworkers and I ) were talking about our Prom experiences earlier, and I thought of sharing one of mine here but, with a twist!

💙 Nero X Reader 💙 Style!

Before we begin, let me tag these sweethearts, @shadowrosess , @crezzstar , and @dreaming-gamer . Enjoy!

***

💙 One Sweet Dance 💙

Your classmates have already begun flocking the glamorous dance floor. Your two best friends, Nico and Kyrie, who promised to stay with you for the whole night, were asked by two Seniors for a dance and left you sitting there ( such traitors! ). Even your date from the Junior class, a tall and skinny boy they called V, who has awkwardly danced the mandatory Waltz with you, has already left the vicinity and was nowhere to be found.

The atmosphere was getting wilder, your blue dress getting more and more uncomfortable on your skin. You honestly swore this was the worst night, ever. Unlike your classmates, you found Prom to be a huge bore. You want to stay at home, draw stuff, read books, watch movies, play video games, chill,...

Unfortunately, your parents believed this event was some sort of a rite of passage for high school girls. And you're not an exception.

Well, for one thing, you did agree to attend. After all, how bad could it be?

Really bad, you thought as a helpless sigh escaped your lips. You've been watching them dance for almost an hour, you seriously thought they would never stop.

"Hey," Came a familiar voice just behind you. You turned around and saw,...

"Hey, Nero." You greeted your classmate from the Senior class with a smile as you waved a hand at him.

"Come with me."

Huh? "Sorry, what - ?"

"I said, come with me!" Nero said with a loud voice because he simply thought you couldn't hear him with all the noise and loud music.

And come with him, you really did, as the boy took your hand and led you to the dance floor.

Wait a second here,... ! You complained in your head as he faced you, took your right hand with his left one, and gently grabbed your waist. I'm not ready for this!

However, your silent complains were drowned and forgotten as the wild music slowly changed into a much sweeter one and Nero started leading. You looked to your left and saw a couple leaning onto each other as they danced. You looked to your right and saw another couple doing the same. You nervously looked up and saw Nero's almost mellow eyes, and his somewhat unreadable facial expression.

You want to ask why. Of all people, why you? You, who doesn't even have the tiniest bit of dancing talent in your system. You, a shy and awkward girl, who always messed things up. You, who somehow always flunked P.E. and got hit on the head multiple times by a volleyball. You, who always got paired with this talented boy many times, either in ballroom lessons or in recitations.

You know your faults and misgivings, and your lack of initiative to know the people around you more. And because of that, you have unintentionally dragged Nero down with you. That time when the terror P.E. teacher has already started the music for the Tango and you were still practicing on your own, you, along with him, were scolded by the said teacher and told to go to the back of the formation. That time when you were, again, partnered with him for a dance exam, you failed to do the last Foxtrot maneuver and you both received a low rating. Hell, dance lessons aside, one time there was someone bullying you, and Nero stood up for you, yet you failed to thank him because you're just too damn awkward and cranky!

So many more things to mention regarding your misgivings towards Nero but, there's only one thing on your mind that exact moment when he decided to drag you to the dance floor. Well, he didn't exactly drag you because he asked you quite nicely.

The thing was: Nero decided to ask you of all people. And you knew you didn't deserve such kindness, or such treatment.

And as he gently danced with you, you remembered those times when he tried to teach you some stuff to help you improve. You remembered those times when he told you nice things about him, which somehow got past you because you were busy thinking of other things. You remembered those countless times he showed you kindness despite you acting indifferent towards him. You even smiled a bit as you remembered that one time when you accidentally hit him during one of your school plays where you played the female lead and he played the villain.

You saw the edge of Nero's lips curl up into a smug smirk, and you realized he must've noticed the change in your mood. You decided you quite liked it, this one sweet dance with Nero, and you thought this night wasn't the worst, after all.

Unfortunately, the sweet dance was just too short.

When the song was finished, he led you back to where you were sitting and smiled at you, his charming looks putting a genuine smile on your face.

"There, I was finally able to dance with you." He said with that charming smile of his and simply left, not allowing you to say another word, or make a cranky remark, like you sometimes do when he talked to you.

You shook your head and smiled, leaning comfortably on your chair as you watched your classmates get wild again when the beat of the music changed once more.

After this night, you will surely thank Nero, and you want to do it properly. You will let go of your awkward and cranky self for a while and you will do it for him, just this once. You will thank Nero for everything and that's it.

Hey, no guts, no glory, right?

***

💙💙💙

***