Chapter 2: Leaving the Nest

Dante woke up slowly, but he was reluctant to get up. After what happened at the dinner and after what happened with the children, he was upset. Reluctantly but carefully, he got up, refreshed himself and sat down to fix his hair. He hadn't realized he had been crying until he felt his husband hold him close.

"Beloved," Vergil whispered as they touched foreheads. Dante dropped his hairbrush and sobbed. Vergil just held him close. He was upset too but he was more concerned for his beloved. The children were set to leave the nest. For the first time in nineteen years, their nest would be empty. The children chatted and laughed over breakfast in the dining room but stopped as soon as they saw how sad their mother was.

"Mama," Nero said as he rose to his feet and held their mother. Again, Dante sobbed. The other five joined Nero in consoling their mother. Their father came downstairs and escorted him out into their living room and knelt, clasping his hands.

"Beloved, look at me," Vergil ordered gently. Dante looked at him and Vergil gently wiped his tears away. "I'm upset too, our nestlings are grown now. They're ready. But they will come visit."

"Nero barely called." Dante whimpered. Vergil looked at the six, intimidatingly. The room grew cold and dark with shadows.

"I swear if no one calls I will personally torment you and possibly scar you for life." Vergil hissed as his eyes went red. The six gulped and nodded, promising they'll call. Dante couldn't help but smile sadly. Vergil cupped Dante's face between his hands and kissed him, pouring all he felt into that one kiss before gently pulling away. "Come now Beloved, let us enjoy breakfast and our time before we see the children off."

"You're right Babe, I'm sorry…"

"There's nothing to be sorry for Beloved." Vergil said gently as he helped his mate to his feet. "It's perfectly normal for this occasion to be bittersweet." Dante nodded and allowed his husband to escort him back into the dining room. Soon the mood was lighter even though Dante was still a bit sad. Vergil was upset too but the elder had more practice with his emotions.

After breakfast, Sparda came for Dart and Vana but felt his heart break as he saw the sadness in Dante's face.

"Please be careful," Dante whispered as he held Dart and Vana in another hug before releasing them. "Listen to your grandfather and don't forget to contact us." Dart and Vana gulped as they remembered their father's dark promise.

"Yes Mother," They said. Vana looked at Nero, who was clearly pissed off.

"Nero…."

"Nirvana, you know I am against this."

"I know but I'm doing it for me."

"Yea, I know." Nero said as he hugged her stiffly. "Be careful, you too Dart!"

"I swear you are a worrywart." Dart teased with a chuckle. "But yea I'll be careful and look after Vana."

"Thanks man." Nero said with a grin.

"Heading to Devil May Cry?"

"Yep, Sai, Rian, Dami, ready to rock?"

"You bet Big Bro!" Rian hollered as he kissed their mother on the cheek. "Goodbye Mother. Goodbye Father."

"Mind your elder brother Boy," Vergil advised.

"Yes Father," Rian said.

"Goodbye My Rockstar," Dante said as he hugged Rian. "Don't drive your brother too crazy, he will need you to help him out."

"As for you two," Vergil said looking at Dami and Sai. "You also help and mind the rebellious streak my little Sai."

"Yes Daddy." Sai said as she hugged their father as did Dami. "We will tread carefully."

"Good."

"Goodbye my Shadow Duo," Dante said.

"Goodbye Mommy." They said as they hugged their mother. When all goodbyes were exchanged, Nero and the new Devil Hunter and Devil Summoners drove off to Devil May Cry. Sparda waited until the four were gone before turning to the parents.

"They will be fine. Dart, Vana, are we ready?"

"Yes Grandfather." They said in clear voices. Sparda looked to Vergil who gave a nod before opening a portal. Sparda waved to them before walking through. Dart and Vana hugged their parents, kissed their mother then walked through the portal, which immediately closed behind them.

Dante sighed heavily as all fell quiet. The house was solely theirs. He rested his head on Vergil's shoulder.

"Babe, they're gone…"

"I know Beloved, I feel it too."

"So, what do we do now?"

"Hm, well, I may have an idea…" Vergil began with a grin. He swept his mate off his feet, causing the Hunter to squeal as he walked into the house and to their bedroom, gently placing his beloved onto the bed.

"Oh, wow are we going to…." Dante blushed softly. Vergil chuckled as showed him a massage oil.

"Strip down then lay down on your stomach Beloved." The elder ordered gently. Dante gasped softly but obeyed, laying down on their bed in nothing but his long hair and a blush.

"I know you're not going to ruin your clothes Babe." Dante purred. Vergil grinned and undressed keeping just his boxers on. He straddled the Hunter and opened the oil, allowing it to warm into his hands before gently caressing the back of his beloved' neck. The Hunter gasped and mewled. Vergil grinned as he continued to massage and caress him, applying gentle yet firm pressure.

"Ah….Mmm…..Babe…" Dante moaned. Vergil growled as Dante's moans heated his blood and body. Damn, that never gets old… The elder thought lecherously. He leaned down and began kiss, nip and tease the Hunter when a knock on the front door interrupted them. They looked at each other, dressed and went downstairs to answer the door. There, looking upset, was Asmodeus.

"Mama…" The twins said in shock.

"May I come in?"

"Of course, Mama," Dante said, both allowing the swordsman to enter their now empty home. Asmodeus sat down and looked at his stepchildren.

"I don't like the fact that Dart and Vana are in the Order, just as you two don't. There's more to it. Titus and Marius, tread carefully."

"Mama, what is going on?"

"Marius feels Dante should be his." Asmodeus said. "And Titus feels that he should lead the Order."

"Oh, if it's not one thing, it's another." Dante groaned. "Babe, what do we do?"

"What we always do Beloved." Vergil said with determination. "We're going to make sure all is in order again." Dante grinned, his Devil Hunter instinct kicking in.

"Let's Rock."