Chapter 14: Rising to the Surface

Mira woke up and turned to watch her intended sleep. He looked peaceful and more angelic with his hair down, bangs barely touching his right eye. So cute. Mira thought with a smile. But we all know what a bad ass you are.

"And a Wicked Fuck to boot." Vergil chuckled as he ran his hand through his intended's hair. Mira looked and him and smiled. "You forget my love, I can read your thoughts just as clearly as you can read mine." Mira leaned in and kissed him softly.

"I best make breakfast then." She whispered. Vergil chuckled softly and after one more kiss he let her go. You can be my breakfast anytime. He purred. He laughed when he heard a yelp and a crash.

"VERGIL YOU WICKED FUCK!"

Nero laughed when his mother vented about his father's latest stunt. Looks like Father turned up the heat some. It's making Mother trip. If they keep it up they'll be hitting the sheets in no time! Oh crap…

"Good morning Father." He greeted as Vergil came into the kitchen. Vergil nodded and sat down at the head of the table and watched as Mira set everything up. Nero snickered when he saw the smirk on his father's face.

Don't forget the whipped cream my love. It may prove useful….

Crash! "Oh shit!" They heard Mira swear. Vergil stood up and smirked wickedly.

"I'd best go help your Mother. She seems to have butterfingers this morning." Nero laughed again as he watched his father go into the kitchen. Mother's right, he is a wicked fuck!

"Oh no, not you," Mira said as she tried to shoo him away. Vergil just crossed his arms and leaned against the doorway.

"What's wrong my love, you seem a bit more clumsy this morning." He chuckled. Mira smirked as she pulled whipped cream and strawberries out of the fridge. Vergil quirked an eyebrow but didn't move. Mira picked up the ripest, juiciest one and sat on the counter facing him. This will fix you Babe. She lightly traced the berry along her lips and allowed the tip to pass her lips. Vergil's eyes widened a bit and a light pink blush dusted his cheeks. Hmmm, someone likes that eh? She lightly nibbled the berry and softly moaned as she slowly sucked the juice out of the berry, eyes closed in pleasure. She heard him gasp, face aflame and saw him stumble out. Mira grinned. Jackpot!

"Father?" Nero called, biting back his laughter as he watched his father stumble upstairs and close the door. Mira came out and set Nero's breakfast before him and grinning. "Mother, what did you do?"

"I got even." She said as she bit into her toast and winked. Nero threw back his head and laughed hysterically.

That saucy minx. Vergil groaned as he allowed the cold water to run over his heated body. I'll get her for this. That little tease set him into overdrive and he had to get out of there before he ravished her. Any longer in that kitchen, I would have…Hm, things seem to be a bit quiet, let's up the anti…He smirked as he got out of the shower, dried off and got dressed in black jeans, green blue muscle shirt, black boots and left his hair down, allowing his eyes to go green and his skin to tan a bit. He smirked wickedly as he picked up a leather jacket and smirked at his reflection. He knew that this way, he was a knockout. He put the leather jacket on and walked out of the bedroom and rejoined his family.

Nero looked up and when he saw his father he covered his mouth, eyes wide and about to laugh. Oh, my god….Mother's in trouble now!

"Nero, can you go check on your father? He hasn't come back down yet….." Mira stopped dead when she saw Vergil. Her face became redder than her gear and her heart pounded. She set down Vergil's breakfast carefully and dashed out with a squeal to their room. Vergil chuckled and slowly prepared his toast while Nero laughed.

"Father, was that really fair?"

"Who said anything about fair?" His father asked with a good natured grin. Nero almost choked, his father's voice was deeper, a bit more alluring, near seductive. Yep Father definitely upped the game!

That Wicked Fuck! He knows I can't resist that look! Mira groaned as she too hit the shower and shuddered with a moan. She had to admit, her intended looked hot. How the hell can someone look so angelic and yet so wickedly hot? Damn him! OK Verge, you want to play? Fine Babe, we'll play! She got out the shower, dried off and grabbed a close fitting scarlet red shirt with flowing sleeves, close fitting black leggings and black heeled high boots. Around her neck she put a ruby and onyx choker on and put a deep wine-red lipstick. She grabbed a scarlet and black bolero jacket and blew a kiss at her reflection, and winked as she ruffled her loosened hair, made her way downstairs, swaying her hips.

Nero's jaw dropped when he saw his Mother, his face near purple from the deep blush . Oh my fucking God! If she wasn't my mother I'd give Father a run for his money! When Mira cleared her throat, Nero dropped down laughing. His father looked up and immediately dropped his food, dashed forward, scooped her up into his arms and both of them went upstairs! Nero grabbed his phone and dialed.

"Devil May Cry?" Nico greeted. Nero laughed hysterically and Nico grinned. "What's the scoop Bro?"

"Father and Mother have been teasing the hell out of each other and looks like Mother won. She came down dressed to kill! Father just grabbed her and both of them went upstairs!"

"Well congrats Bro! Sounds like they're getting busy! Bom Chicka Wow wow!" Nero blushed and shook his head as Nico laughed over the phone. He didn't need that image in his head.

Mira begged for Vergil to put her down, laughing. The elder did, on their bed and straddled her, hiking one of her legs up and around his waist as he leaned down, kissing and attacking her neck. Mira moaned softly as she gave him better access. She lightly scratched his back despite the clothes which had him grunting then rearing up removing his jacket before going back to his ministrations. When he reached the spot where her neck and shoulder met, he slowly licked and relished her gasping moan. Soon my love, I will mark you as I make you mine again.

"Vergillll, pllleaseee…." Mira moaned, eyes closed and lips parted, her desire clear in her face. He leaned down and kissed her lovingly and deeply. He wanted her, lusted for her. God I want her NOW! It's been nearly 25 years... He kissed her harder and was about to move to remove her clothes, as he felt Mira's hands reaching blindly for the front of his pants, lightly caressing his inner thighs and slowly moving up. Ah my love, so close…. Vergil thought and was about to groan when their son burst in. Vergil looked up quickly and lightly growled, fangs bared and eyes near red. Mira moaned softly and Vergil caressed her legs and was still on top of her. Thank Hells she didn't remove my pants.

"Be quick child," Vergil ordered a bit snappishly. Nero had his back turned to them but held up the phone.

"We got a mission. That Bual dude is back!" Mira opened her eyes, which were glowing red and dark with lust, looked up at his father. Nero smirked. His mother had a few love bites on her and her lipstick was smeared. "I'll see you downstairs in ten." He said as he closed the door. Vergil nodded and kissed Mira lovingly.

"Come my love, we best get downstairs." He said as he looked himself over. He had a couple of love bites and lipstick on himself. Oh, that was fun. He chuckled. He watched as Mira got ready. Soon my love, you'll be completely mine, again.

The family made it to the area and there was no way to miss, for it was chaotic. Demons were running about and while people were gone, destruction laid in their wake. Bual was there in the middle of it all. They confronted him and brandished their swords. Bual looked at them and smiled at Mira.

"Ah, I can sense your Heat my dear." He said with a chuckle. "You are almost there but not quite yet. This is very dangerous, you being here….surrender to me and I'll take it away…" Vergil growled dangerously and Nero felt his skin crawl. Ew he's got the hots for my Mother…Father's going to have his heart for dinner!

"Nero, wake up child," His father commanded. "He's right. I want you to take your Mother home and wait for me there."

"Vergil I can still fight!" Mira said, her voice thick with emotion. Vergil closed his eyes and suppressed the shudder of pleasure he felt coursing through him. God I hate this guy for blocking me!

"Father you need backup!"

"No arguments, go!" He commanded and Nero escorted his mother home. Mira was pissed but followed Nero. Bual turned his attention to the elder.

"That was wise of you to send her away, she would've been a delightful distraction. See pup, you have a lot to learn. I sensed that younger one was your nestling and you two have no others. I could easily take them both for myself, and have you watch me claim them as you die." Vergil wasn't phased. He saw from Baul's eyes and body language that his heat was affecting him as well. Vergil had decades of restraint. He only allowed himself to feel his feelings and desires with his family and his intended respectively. He knew that outside them that it would be dangerous. Mira wasn't affected too badly, but with their earlier tryst, she was a bit bothered, and it was easily picked up on. So was his heat, but he wasn't going to show that. As for Nero, he needed the child safe. The boy was an innocent and wouldn't be able to know what would happen until it was too late. I'll have to have 'the talk' with him when this is over. He pointed with Yamato.

"Let's end this. You're a complete bore and I'd like to get home."

"As you wish pup." Baul said as he picked up his two swords. He waited a moment then attacked. Vergil dodged and countered. He noticed that Bual had the same fighting style as he did. Well Father did train him. But it seems he is a little sloppy…He aimed an energy sword at an unguarded spot and Bual grunted as he was slashed. The Demon Lord chuckled. "Bravo pup, you drew first blood. Can you be lucky a second time?" Vergil was about to say something when Asmodeus landed.

"Brother, what are you doing here? This is my fight."

"You know this is not the way."

"You always were a stickler for the rules. You are so annoying! I just want what is mine!"

"You'll never have it!" Asmodeus said. Vergil just listened. "Master saw that long ago, which is why he didn't name you to succeed him."

"I think there's more to it." Baul said with a snarl. "Ah, you gave yourself to him didn't you?!"

"How can you think that of me?!"

"You're the Demon of Lust, you probably got the Master hot and bothered and with your looks he couldn't resist." Vergil had to bite back a laugh. This is ridiculous I can't wait to share this with Mira, this will make her smile.

"I did nothing to our Master, I earned my place!"

"Yea by spreading your legs!" Baul yelled. Vergil looked away and counted to ten. This is unbelievable! Father wouldn't do that, would he? I mean before Mother what was his romantic life? He did blush when Mira mentioned Neven. I have to know…He cleared his throat, gaining the attention of both brothers.

"I'm sorry, I'm still here, listening to you two bickering like children. Is there any truth to your accusations?"

"Ask the tramp." Bual said wryly. Asmodeus gasped but looked hurt.

"No, my Lord, I never did anything like that. Despite what type of Demon I am. I served your Father honorably."

"Why did he choose you two?"

"We pledged ourselves to him for we followed his cause once upon a time. Mundus was unstable and someone had to stop him. That's why your father stepped in. He chose us for what he saw in us, kindred spirits."

"You're honestly going to tell the pup you didn't lust after his father?!" Baul exclaimed while glaring at his younger brother.

"Everyone did and you know it Baul!" Asmodeus said. "I had a crush yes, but not once did I put myself in his bed." Vergil took a seat, he was floored! This was some of the juiciest information that's ever crossed him. Oh, Mira is going to love this!

"I find that hard to believe, I saw you looking at him longingly, heard the breathy sighs. You even tried to go after Dante!"

"I'm sorry, did I hear that right?!" Vergil interrupted, not liking what he just heard. Baul smirked

"Oh yes Pup you heard right. My lustful brother tried to pursue Dante as well. Dante didn't take to it, gently let Asmodeus down every time." That's my Mira, no matter the form, her heart remained solely mine!

"That is true," Asmodeus said with a sigh. "I did try to pursue Dante. I never understood why…"

"The heart was spoken for." Vergil answered simply. Asmodeus nodded in understanding. Baul smirked again.

"Ah, you already claimed Dante, well Bravo pup. That means once you die, your claim will die with you…" Baul didn't get to finish for Asmodeus knocked him out. Vergil quirked an eyebrow.

"That's all I needed to do?" Vergil asked. Asmodeus chuckled.

"Baul was always long winded. But your father named me his successor for I have the same thinking as he did. Baul didn't take kind to our Master's decision."

"And what were you supposed to succeed him on?"

"To carry out his will. He left his true power not with the Forced Edge, which he also entrusted to me, but with me."

"Are you trying to tell me that you are holding our father's power within you?"

"Yes and its asleep, I never used it. But I have to pass it to the next Heir. Sorry to say my Lord its not you. It's Dante."

"Mira, her name is Mira."

"Forgive me, old habits, I remember her as Dante."

"Many others do."

"How are you able to easily accept?"

"When you've gained our trust, I will grant you that answer. As for now, you are to follow me and we are going to ensure that your brother doesn't cause further trouble. Once that is done, your apprenticeship will begin with me only."

"My Lord?"

"Since the heat seems to affect some more than others, you are to stay away from Mira and Nero." At the mention of the younger devil Asmodeus actually blushed. This unnerved the elder.

"Yes, definitely away from Nero. Mira doesn't trust you and neither do I. Therefore I will keep eyes on you. You will not speak to them or even approach them unless it's with my permission and supervision." Asmodeus nodded and bowed his head. He didn't have a stellar reputation with the Spardas and he had a lot of work ahead of him. "I am NOT my father," The Demon King said icily. "If for one moment you cross me, disobey me or disrespect my family, I will not hesitate to destroy you. I've done worse on less." Asmodeus gulped. He knew that Vergil was true to his word and unlike his father he would kill him on the spot. He had heard of the older Son of Sparda and of his reputation. He was the deadliest and most dangerous in the Underworld. Even when he served Mundus, as Nelo Angelo, Vergil was not one to be underestimated or trifled with. He was the kill you now will ask questions later type. Or at least, he was. The Vergil before him was patient, and although he was icy, he was reasonable.

"My Lord, where will we be going?" Asmodeus asked. Vergil unsheathed Yamato and slashed a portal, grabbing a limp Baul while Asmodeus held his brother's weapons. They walked through into the deepest pit of hell, which was an icy and endless cavern.

"You may remember this place, but it is NOT the same I assure you." Vergil said as he tightened his grip on Bual. Asmodeus nodded but it did seem different. It was more cold and more desolate. Vergil walked up to the mouth of the cavern and turned to the younger brother. "Toss his weapons in, he will need them." Asmodeus nodded and tossed his brother's swords in. Vergil tossed Baul to Asmodeus.

"Now, you toss him in."

"My Lord?" He asked. Vergil looked at him evenly.

"By you tossing him in, you would have no one to blame but yourself, no need to seek out revenge on anyone for it was you who had done the deed." Asmodeus blinked and saw the sense in his Lord's logic. He's right, I should've taken care of Baul myself. What Dante did was necessary but it was up to me to end it….

Both demons heard a moan and saw Baul stirring. I'm sorry Brother…With a cry Asmodeus tossed his older brother into the cavern. Bual woke up and tried to grab at Vergil as a last attempt. The elder dodged unscathed while Asmodeus shoved his brother in.

"You FOOL let me go!"

"No! You will not cause anymore pain or suffering EVER AGAIN!" With a blast, Asmodeus blasted his brother into the cavern, his screams echoing as he disappeared into the depths. The demon lord fell to his knees and cried. Vergil placed a hand on his shoulder. Pained golden eyes looked into the blue green ones of his Master. Vergil handed him a card. On it, read Devil May Cry.

"Wait for us there once you are ready. Tears are something only humans have. Or those with a heart. Your brother would shed no tears for you, and you know this. Once, I would not have cared and I did not care for my family. I am far from perfect." At this and despite himself, Asmodeus had to smile. Vergil may have been a badass with an icy reputation, but he was a learned man. Just like his father… "You may think I remind you of my father, but I am not. So please, get that out of your head. If you still wish to serve after you grieve, that's where to go. If not," He looked at the cavern. "You're more than welcome to join him." With that Vergil triggered and made his way home.

Nero and Mira were waiting by the edge of the villa as Vergil landed. His son hugged him first and yelped.

"Damn Father you're like a pillar of ice!" Nero shivered. Mira smiled and hugged the elder and tilted her head. Vergil smiled softly, pulling her close, kissing her deeply and lovingly. Mira moaned and wrapped her arms around him, allowing her power to warm him up. Nero raised an eyebrow. Wow neat trick! But it would make sense, Mother is fire, so what happens when we need ice? His thought was stopped when he heard his parents moan and end their kiss.

"It's so good to be home. I had forgotten how cold those caverns could be." He said as he sat down accepting the cup of tea from Nero, nodding in thanks as Mira made a fire.

"So, what happened?"

"Bual wanted you both for himself and I learned some really juicy information. It seems that Asmodeus had a soft spot for Father and you," He looked at Mira.

"Well Asmodeus can keep dreaming." Mira said. "I'm spoken for."

"Yes, you are my love." Vergil said with a smile. "But he seems to also hold a soft spot for our son."

"Oh hell no." Nero said, cheeks burning scarlet. "No way, not happening!" Mira and Vergil quirked an eyebrow and blinked when Nero went up to his room and closed the door.

"Uh, did we miss something?" Vergil asked. Mira shrugged then thought about it. Oh my god, Nero's got a crush! She started laughing and sat in Vergil's lap.

"Our son has a crush."

"Well, I'm going to have to kill his crush." Vergil sighed. Mira sighed and rested her head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat. Strong and steady. She thought as she closed her eyes, felt him kiss her forehead and hold her close as he too fell asleep, but not before sending his familiars to check on their son.

Nero paced back and forth in his room angrily. He knew that his parents didn't mean any harm, but he hated the fact that they seemed to be right. The demon Asmodeus was gorgeous, and he seemed like a gentleman. But he also loved Kyrie.

"Hey Superstar, what's up this time?" Griffon asked and Shadow purred. Nero smiled and sat down on his bed while the familiars got settled. It was easier to talk to them rather than to his parents sometimes.

"I know they didn't mean to, but I have mixed feelings."

"That's natural. So, what are the mixed feelings about?"

"Well, I've always loved Kyrie, I still do but that demon, it drives me crazy."

"What was his name?"

"As…Asmodeus I think Mother said."

"Ah, him, yea he's kind of a Cassanova. The Demon of Lust, but he wasn't the love them and leave them type. In fact, rumor had it that he had a crush on your grandpa." Nero blinked.

"Man, I know my grandfather was handsome but come on,"

"Nero, you sort of look like him kid. Just more…delicate."

"Delicate?" Nero asked.

"Kid, you're awesome, but let's be real, you're more eh…. what's the word…? Effeminate."

"YO I AM NOT A DAME!"

The older devils were startled awake by Nero's yelling and Griffon's squawking. They ran up to Nero's room and blinked. Nero was throwing things at Griffon, cheeks aflame. Vergil called back his familiars with a wave of his hand and Nero froze at the sight of his parents, especially his father's very stern look…

"Nero, what in Hells is going on with you, child?"

"Griffon basically called me a bitch." Nero seethed, nearly hissing.

"I said the kid was effeminate!" Griffon said through the bond. Vergil sighed heavily, as he pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed heavily. Mira knew to step in.

"All right, Babe, I got this, you take a hot shower then I'll give you a rub down. While you're in the shower, Nero and I will have a talk ok?" Vergil and Nero nodded and while Nero picked up his things, Vergil kissed Mira softly before leaving the room, closing the door behind him.

"Nero, come on kid," Nero heard his mother encourage as she helped him clean. "You can always talk to me."

"Mother, I love Kyrie."

"I know you do kid, so what's wrong?"

"But that demon….I…"

"Sounds like you got a crush." His mother said calmly as she straightened the bed.

"Well he's cute…."

"Well, he's not your father, who is wickedly sexy, but yea I'm sure he has his good points. Are you worried about us loving you less for it if you…wanted to pursue him?" At this Nero was silent as he sat on the newly made bed, hugging his knees. "Oh, Nero, no don't think that way." Mira's heart broke as she held Nero to her as the younger devil cried. Mira closed her eyes and called for her intended using their bond.

Babe, I need you here. This is a family matter.

What's wrong? Mira heard him ask. He was very concerned.

Nero thinks we will love him less if he pursues his crush.

So it is a crush? Hmm, this is delicate. Alright I'm on my way, give me ten minutes.

Nero rested his head on his mother's shoulder after having a cry and his father lightly knocked on the door exactly ten minutes later.

"I understand we need to talk." He said.

Will Nero be ok? Read on to find out.