This takes place after Vegil and Kyrie are imprisoned together and become friends. Nero had gone to Dante and the whole gang helps to rescue her. In the process, they discover Yamato had taken a "liking to" Kyrie. It is a short, fun (at least, I thought so) story I hope you will enjoy. Nero is a wee bit jealous of their friendship and Vergil's over protectiveness.
So Nice To See You Again
For particular reasons of his own, and a few pragmatic ones, Vergil decided the time had come to pay Kyrie and Nero a visit. With Yamato sheathed at his side, he sauntered in front of the front door with an expensive black leather satchel strapped across his chest.
Nero almost didn't let him in, but unfortunately for him, Kyrie saw Vergil before he could tell him to get lost.
"Vergil!" she cried in delight, "How wonderful to see you. Please, come in."
Nero clamped his jaws together as he reluctantly moved aside to allow the man entrance.
"How are you?" she asked, moving gracefully forward.
"Quite well, thank you," Vergil responded in a cultured deep voice.
Nero was closing the door behind him when Kyrie halted abruptly. She noticed the sword riding against Vergil's hip and took a cautious step back.
"Ah," Vergil noted, "Do not worry, Kyrie. I had a firm 'talk' with Yamato and there will be no more outbursts. You are quite safe." He cut his eyes at Nero when he said this, making the younger man bristle.
Taking Vergil at his word, Kyrie smiled in relief. With welcome, she continued forward, and linked his arm through hers. "Thank goodness. What brings you all the way here?" she asked, escorting him to the living area.
"I came, not only to see how you were doing, but also, as they say, bearing gifts."
"Gifts?" she inquired, motioning him toward a comfortable chair while she sank on a couch across from him.
Taking advantage of an opening, Nero hurriedly sat close by her side.
"Yes," he answered, perusing the house. As Vergil expected, it was as neat as a pin, tastefully decorated with soothing colors and the comfortable furnishings were artfully arranged. Luckily for the two, Kyrie had inherited her brother's large, upscale house. Seeing for himself Kyrie situated in suitable surroundings made him glad he had come.
After deftly swinging the strap of his case over his head, he flipped open the front flap. "First," he started, "This is for you, my dear." He held out a finely crafted small harp.
Taking the instrument, Kyrie responded in awe, "Vergil, how beautiful. Thank you."
"I thought you could use it to accompany your lovely singing. Forgive me, but I did not ask if you could play or if you already had one. If so, I will happily exchange it for something else."
Running her fingers across the perfectly tuned strings in reverence, Kyrie assured him almost dreamily, "No. It's perfect. I do play and have missed having a harp of my own."
Watching her, Nero clenched a fist (and teeth). "Don't you think it's a little much?" he stated, working on not snapping.
Vergil raised a brow. "Not at all. A voice such as Kyrie's should be accentuated. She informed me you too enjoy her singing, do you not? If so, this could be considered a gift for you as well, or am I mistaken?"
Man, Nero hated this guy. How could he possibly ask Kyrie to refuse the instrument without looking like an inconsiderate jerk? "No, you're not mistaken," he mumbled.
Kyrie gave him a radiant smile which she turned on Vergil. "I have no idea how to repay you. You shouldn't have," she told him.
He waved a dismissive hand. "Think nothing of it. If you choose, perhaps you can play for me some time? That would be repayment enough."
If anything, her smile became brighter. "Absolutely," she stated, flattered. Knowing he was being unreasonable, Nero couldn't help feeling jealous over Vergil's fondness for Kyrie.
Bringing Nero's attention to him, Vergil leaned across the table with an envelope in hand. "And this, Nero, is for you," he announced without ceremony.
Accepting the folded paper with furrowed brows, Nero opened the envelope and pulled out a seven figure check. His eyes bulged.
Agog, he exclaimed, "Holy sh... " At a mild glance from Kyrie, he changed his exclamation, "Holy cow! What's this for? Look Kyrie!" Excitedly he showed her the mind blowing sum. Speechless, her eyes also widened.
"That is your portion of the payment for this past job when you helped break into, and destroy, the stronghold. This does not include the various Devil Arms we divvied up. Yours awaits you at Dante's," Vergil informed him.
Dumbfounded, Nero asked, "Is this how much demon hunters usually make?"
Vergil blandly responded, "Do you not get paid for the work you do?"
"Well, yeah. I guess, if you can call it that. I mean, now that the Order's been disbanded, I get a stipend from the city and a bonus now and then," he explained.
With an exasperated sigh, Vergil told him, "Honestly Nero, being paid a pittance for the specialized work you do will not suffice if you wish to care for Kyrie in the manner she deserves."
Holding the huge amount of money in his hand, Nero couldn't snarl, but he wanted to.
Vergil went on, gesturing to the check, "I supposed that will have to do for now, but you must never undervalue your skills, which are considerable. You would be much better off being independent as to receive proper payment for your services. If you are unsure what to charge, I suggest you come to any of us but Dante."
When he noticed Nero's questioning expression, he clarified, "Thank goodness Dante has Trish looking after him. He is terrible when it comes to financial matters. Luckily, he has a reliable agent bringing him jobs. Lady is especially good at finding lucrative work. If I were you, I would seek her advice before doing anything on your own."
Winding down under Vergil's assertion he was an expert in an elite, apparently lucrative field, Nero was amazed. He'd never thought about making money, especially THIS kind of money, for what he'd always done out of duty. Grudgingly appreciating the vote of confidence and praise, he thanked Vergil for the advice, promising to follow his suggestions.
Surprised, Nero and Kyrie realized Vergil wasn't through when he reached into his bag again and produced an airtight, extricate, silver canister he held up for Nero's inspection.
"Now this," Vergil proclaimed in a warmer tone, "is a very special present for you from Trish." He told Kyrie soothingly, "She asked me to tell you, Kyrie, she apologized for not being able to think of an appropriate gift for you since she is not as well acquainted with you. She and Lady, both, hope you will become friends in the future."
Affectionately, Vergil reminded himself he should have known Kyrie would focus on, what was to her, the most valuable, though intangible, offer. Naturally, she assured him, "That's all right. The fact she thought of me in the first place is extremely considerate. If you don't mind, would you let Trish know Nero's gift was more than enough? Most importantly though, please tell her and Lady I would love meet with them. I'd like to become friends too."
Turning to Nero, Kyrie waited expectantly. At her silent urging, he accepted the can. Reading the scrolling lettered label, "White Knight", on the canister, Nero twisted off the lid to uncover golden foil filled with tea.
"Tea?" he asked in a baffled voice clearly indicating he never touched the stuff - at least not hot. Catching the exchange between Vergil and Kyrie where Kyrie hid a smile and Vergil's expression seemed to say something to effect of How did a woman like you end up with a cretin? Nero grit his teeth.
(At this rate, he was going to have to go to the dentist to repair the damage being done to his molars.)
"Nero," Vergil explained, "You hold in your hand a priceless gift. Trish is a Master tea maker. She studied in an exclusive providence overseas specializing in rare, often exotic teas. People from all over the world go there for everything from one of a kind teas, to ones made for medicinal purposes. Trish has created a special tea belonging exclusively to you. No one else in the world has a mixture such as this, or ever will. You have been greatly honored."
"I don't understand. Why would Trish send me a gift like this?" Nero asked, secretly trying to figure out what to with it without hurting Trish's feelings.
Vergil replied, "She said something about thanking you for aiding Lady and the effort you put forth in saving Kyrie. She also wanted to give you a suitable engagement present along with a demonstration of her general affection."
Embarrassed by Trish's thoughtfulness, Nero flushed. "Uh, that's... That's really nice of her, but she didn't have to go to this much trouble. I should repay her somehow. I mean, how much is this tea worth anyway?" At the figure Vergil named, Kyrie and Nero's jaws dropped.
"You have got to be kidding me! I can't accept this!" Nero almost shouted, flabbergasted. Appearing slightly flustered, Kyrie acted as if she was unable to decide how to react. Based on their bemusement, Vergil gathered they were more overwhelmed by the tea than the fortune they'd received. Secretly amused, Vergil found their reaction refreshing. Making a mental note to share the moment with Trish, he knew she would enjoy their response as much as him. He leaned forward with a light grin.
"Listen Nero, let me tell you a story so you can understand a bit better. Once, while in the tea district providence, I came to one of the cafés in search of various types of blends I would enjoy. There was a customer who grew impatient to be waited on. He was one of the Master tea maker's exclusive clients and felt he had the right to come before a regular customer. When he made his complaints known, she calmly told him, so sorry, she seemed to out of his particular brand at the moment, and just like that."
Vergil snapped his fingers for emphasis, "He was cut off. He would never again have his brand of tea. She would never again make his blend for him, and if she had the recipe written down, which is doubtful, she would burn it. Tea Masters memorize their special, one of a kind recipes in order to ensure other masters will not copy them. So the chances of this man finding another master to replicate his tea were slim to none."
He settled elegantly in his chair, "If you wish to return the tea, you may, yet only after tasting it first. If it is not to your liking, Trish will understand, because that is the nature of the business. However, if you return it without even trying it, she will be grievously insulted. Do you understand now?"
Springing up, Kyrie pronounced definitively, "Then I must brew it immediately." Taking the canister from Nero, she politely bowed her head toward Vergil. "Excuse me for asking, but is it acceptable to make this tea for any other than Nero? Also, are there any particular preparations I must do to make the beverage properly?"
Pleased by her questions, Vergil answered, "No, not at all. Simply brew the leaves as you would any other. As for sharing, Nero may share the tea with anyone he chooses. Although, no one must be allowed access to the ingredients. This will devalue the blend as someone may steal the recipe."
Carefully listening, Kyrie nodded. Before she hurried to the kitchen, Vergil held up a hand. Reaching inside one of his inner coat pockets, he withdrew a small container, asking, "If I may impose, would you mind making some for me?"
"Trish made you your own tea blend too?" Nero asked without thinking, "Why?" Hearing how rude he sounded, he swiftly amended, "I'm sorry. Of course she would. You're Dante's brother. I apologize."
"No apology is required. It is a valid question and she did not create one for me because I am merely Dante's brother. That would not be enough to earn such a priceless gift," Vergil reassured him.
Confounded why being Dante's twin wouldn't be enough, Nero trailed an "Okaay."
Seeing his and Kyrie's, confusion, Vergil decided to tell them, "I admit I was quite shocked myself. Truthfully, in all my years of searching, I had never found a master who could produce a blend which pleased me enough to acquire. Trish mixed me a perfect blend on her first attempt. I believe she so honored me as a 'welcome home' type of present and because..." He faded into silence.
Kyrie and Nero were dying of curiosity to know the other reason but felt it would inappropriate to push him for an answer.
As abashed as he could be, Vergil searched for the best way to phrase his explanation. "Somehow, I earned her gratitude by giving her certain ideas pertaining to..." He cleared his throat, "Oh good grief, let me just say it and be done, even though, I know... I know it is a delicate subject."
Now Nero and Kyrie were really on the edge of their seats.
"She made the blend after we were discussing the way in which I was forced to mark Kyrie in a classic demonic manner in order to pretend I had 'claimed' her." He left off there. If they couldn't follow his explanation, too bad, because Vergil was NOT going to elaborate.
Floored, the couple goggled. Then Kyrie read the label on his container, "A Classic: An Oldie but a Goodie". Holding back a laugh, she studied him while Nero sifted through the different nuances hidden throughout Vergil's speech.
Shifting to one side, Vergil muttered irritably, "Dante got to the label before Trish the next morning. I am quite certain she would have named it something befitting. Knowing Dante, I am positive the phrase has a double meaning."
It took a moment, but Nero and Kyrie caught on at the same time and blushed furiously. "Uh, ah, yes, I can certainly see why she... and he... " Kyrie sputtered. Before she broke into flummoxed, full blown laughter, she fled the room leaving Nero wishing to high heaven he could follow her.
Startled by their response, Vergil didn't miss the underlining reason for their disconcertment. Evidently, Nero and Kyrie had also tried the position and found it very much to their liking. Completely at ease with the subject, he realized they were too young, or too human, to be comfortable discussing such topics.
But their reaction got him thinking.
After seeing the results, on two very different couples, based on his knowledge in this area, maybe he should write something like a Kama Sutra on demonic sexual positions. The book would probably sell like hotcakes, as the saying went.
Rousing from his ruminations, Vergil gathered his thoughts together and sat up. He ignored the young man's muddled state of mind because he wanted to a talk with Nero without Kyrie in the room. "Nero, why is this house not warded?" he asked seriously.
"What?" Nero said, coming instantly alert, "What are you talking about?"
Vergil shook his head in reproach, "If you are going to reach your potential and gather Devil Arms together willy nilly, you need to learn what these objects do and the dangers involved. Look what happened with Yamato, for example."
Nero scowled, "How was I supposed to know the sword would attack Kyrie? It's a sword, for hell's sake. It shouldn't have done that!"
Crossing his legs, Vergil replied wryly, "No, and it wouldn't have, if you had taken time discovering more about its powers."
Outraged, Nero was on his feet in a split second. "Now listen here bub. As far as I'm considered, that stunt was mostly your fault since it should have obeyed your command instantly. You had a damn good idea the sword was attracted to Kyrie, but you didn't think twice in summoning Yamato and having Kyrie walk past it at the same time."
Vergil grimaced, "I will concede I miscalculated."
Nero growled, "Miscalculated! Why you arrogant... devil! Is that what you call it? She nearly died!"
Vergil glanced at him dangerously. Nero held firm. Appreciating Nero's stubborn (though rash) refusal to back down under his threat, Vergil purred menacing, "But she did not, did she, because I was able to put the puzzle together, is that not so?"
"Yeah, that may be true, but still... "
"Yes. But still, the point remains. You are not providing adequate protection for Kyrie, or yourself, by remaining ignorant of the powerful objects at your disposal, and the ones you will undoubtably acquire in the future."
Who did this guy think he was anyway? Kyrie's guardian or something?
Not that Nero minded someone as lethal as Vergil looking out for Kyrie, but her welfare was his responsible, privilege and right. He'd be damned if he let a stuck-up, coldly calculating, know-it-all invade his turf. Before he let his anger carry him away, Nero mentally came to miffed arrest. As much as he hated to acknowledge it, Vergil did know his stuff, and when it came to Kyrie, Nero found he felt compelled to bend a little in order to ensure her safety.
Swallowing his pride without standing down, he aggressively asked, "Whadda you mean by 'wards' anyway?"
Near the end of his patience, Vergil tried not to sound as irritated as he felt, "If you properly place certain Devil Arms, not to mention spells, in certain locations, the house will become safe - not only from unwanted demons, but humans as well. I would have thought after what happened with Yamato, you would have started learning about these things. Ignorance is no excuse when it comes to control and safety."
"How was I supposed to know?" Nero scowled.
"It is called reading," Vergil responded silkily.
With a savage snarl, Nero had enough. Whirling out Blue Rose, he took aim at Vergil. Vergil didn't react, except to comment on how correct he had been about his temper, which made Nero's temperature rise.
Let's see how fast hot lead speeding his way lights a fire under him. I'm betting he won't be so cool then, Nero thought gleefully.
His anticipatory mood did a 180 as, glumly, Nero saw Kyrie walk in just as his finger was tightening on the trigger. Putting her hands on her hips, she reprimanded, "Nero, what have I said about guns in the house?"
Giving her an aggrieved glance, he muttered, "No shooting."
"That's right. If you want to play, then you must go outside, otherwise, our tea is ready." She turned on a dainty heel and regally left.
Nero had the feeling Vergil was silently laughing as he twirled the gun back into its holster. Trying to shrug the whole thing off, he mentioned, "Dante has the same rule."
"Really?" Vergil remarked as he stood and smoothed his clothes, "I would not have thought so, considering how much he loves his Ebony and Ivory."
"Yeah?" Nero asked, glad he finally knew something Vergil didn't as they followed Kyrie to the drawing room. "I would have thought you knew. He said something about being sick and tired of constantly having to repair holes in the walls."
"What a surprise. I cannot imagine Dante complaining about doing physical labor," Vergil observed sarcastically.
Sliding his eyes at him, Nero ventured, "How come he didn't lay down the law for you?"
"Because, my good Nero, unlike my brother, I prefer swords to guns. Though I am positive Dante would disagree, guns require less skill in my opinion. One simply aims and pulls the trigger. True swordsmanship takes years of practice to master, as you know," Vergil informed him.
Arriving at the gleaming table within a cozy room, Nero sized up Vergil - assessing his skills. Narrowing his eyes, he contemplated, "You don't say."
Hearing the speculative tone, Vergil paused. A faint smile reaching sapphire blue eyes closely resembling Nero's, Vergil purred, "Yes. As a matter of fact, I do," letting Nero see the consummate predator within. Nero would be lying if he said he didn't like the promise of a worthy challenge held in those eyes. As he mulled over the implied various implications, the men waited while Kyrie graciously poured and presented the tea.
Satisfied by Nero's willingness to greet his formidable side and his automatic manners in pulling out Kyrie's chair for her, Vergil watched her gracefully sit while smiling her thanks. He wondered if Nero was aware of his instant returning smile and unconscious stroking of her shiny hair before moving to his chair beside hers. With a warmth he associated with Kyrie, (and had missed) Vergil noted she had arranged his place next to her other side to make him feel at ease.
When he saw two steaming cups in front of her, Nero asked, "Hun, why do you have two cups? Are you that thirsty?" Kyrie laughed and the happy sound relaxed the men.
"No. I hope Vergil doesn't mind as I wanted to try both blends."
Vergil was flattered. "I do not mind at all. I hope you enjoy it." One of the traits he liked about Kyrie was she didn't give the usual platitudes which seemed to readily roll off of others' tongues. She simply smiled as if to say she hoped she did also.
After Vergil took a sip from the elegantly molded, paper thin, pristine white tea cup, Kyrie asked anxiously, "Is it all right? I'm concerned I may not have brewed it properly." Nero clenched his teeth, again, at her desire to please the older man and told himself to get a grip.
Vergil smiled at her, "It is perfect. Thank you." Then he turned to Nero who gazed at his cup as if it was a coiled snake ready to strike. "Nero?" he asked. Balking, the younger man reached for the sugar. Blocking his hand, Vergil said mildly, "If I may be so bold, I suggest you try a taste before adding anything to your cup. This will allow you to experience the full affect of the tea."
Feeling Kyrie's expectant curiosity, Nero slowly brought the cup to his lips. At his first sip, an incredibly fantastic explosion of flavors filled his mouth and progressed down his throat to invade his entire being.
"Whoa!"
Vergil gave him a secret smile saying, I told you so.
Taking a gulp, Nero was in heaven. "This is out of this world," he blissfully declared. Sharing his experience with Kyrie on their private wave length impossibly ramped the sensations to a higher peak as she joined in his jubilation.
Once she steadied under the exuberance of Nero's fading connection, Kyrie eagerly tried the different teas. Carefully allowing one blend at a time to seep into her palette before swallowing, Kyrie focused on the effect they each had. Though she certainly didn't have as powerful an experience as Nero, she could feel sensations particular to each. She also made sure to cleanse her mouth with water between the teas in order to properly gauge them.
Marveling anew at her for having the wit to treat the teas as if they were fine wines (a fairly perfect comparison) Vergil asked her, "So, my dear, what do you think?"
She sat thoughtfully before speaking, (another trait he liked) "They are both delicious and, how shall I say? Very masculine. Bold, with a variety of textures added in. They are distinctively different in flavor and character. Also, they both have a stimulating quality though, again, in different ways."
"I see you are as astute as always," Vergil told her with approval, finding a peace, he often lacked, in Kyrie's company. Barely able to recognize the emotion, Vergil was startled to realize he felt happy. After his automatic, initial rejection of the emotion, Vergil thought he'd be foolish to ignore such a pleasant sensation and allowed the feeling to flow through him.
He made himself acknowledge he was glad he had the opportunity to visit with Kyrie in a congenial fashion in her own home - where she could be herself and cheerful. Nero did not bother him at all. He may be temperamental, but he didn't intentionally antagonize him the way Dante did. And, so, Vergil sat back and relaxed, enjoying the company, beverage and atmosphere.
With Vergil and Kyrie doing most of the talking, Nero didn't bother asking which one Kyrie preferred as they sat together. He was too busy processing what was happening inside him. He discovered, as he finished his tea, he was calmer, focused and revitalized. Feeling sharp, he thought back on his conversation with Vergil. Although he had been pissed at the time, he realized now Vergil made a lot of sense.
Vergil wasn't only logical, he was also extremely practical.
While Vergil's caring attention to Kyrie put his teeth on edge, he decided he could live with it. Watching them together, it was plain to Nero they shared an affectionate, but platonic, friendship. When all was said and done, Vergil only wanted the best for Kyrie and he couldn't fault him there. A joyful and flourishing Kyrie was what Nero most wanted.
No. Not wanted. Needed. He needed Kyrie safe, happy and healthy.
Silently letting the conversation, and Kyrie's laughter, swirl around him, Nero arrived at the conclusion Vergil wasn't so bad. He might not be as approachable as Dante, but he did know A LOT. Maybe he wouldn't mind teaching him a few things.
It wouldn't hurt to ask, right?
With this in mind, after they finished their tea, Nero gave Vergil a meaningful smile, "So, Vergil, wanna go outside and play?"
His chin supported in one hand with his bent elbow resting on his chair, Vergil lazily turned his head in Nero's direction - reading him like a book. Slowly matching the same smile, Vergil replied, "Why not?"
Moving in a feminine fashion to clear the table, Kyrie glanced at them firmly while briskly saying, "Have fun, but remember to play nice."
Nero winked at her, "Sure thing, sweetheart."
Completely understanding she knew precisely what Nero intended, Vergil could have laughed at Kyrie's blasé, understated warning. Although he was positive Kyrie knew what "playing" meant, he wasn't certain if her idea of playing nice was the same as what Nero had in mind.
And Vergil didn't mind what Nero's idea of playing nice meant either. Impressed Nero wanted to engage a dangerous predatory surpassing his own, Vergil was game.
In order to keep from harming Nero too badly (which included keeping Nero from harming himself), or distressing Kyrie, he would have to keep this in mind if Nero wished to push himself to the limits of his endurance.