Chapter 22: A Mother's Intervention, A Father's Confession

Nero kept to himself and his office three months straight after Kyrie's passing. He didn't smile, laugh or was chipper as he was. He was slowly freezing into despair. Mira saw it, although it wasn't as rapid as his father's, for she had seen it first hand in Vergil himself. She stopped her craftwork immediately and went to track down her son, who was sparring with his father. I know Vergil isn't blind, he can see it too! She watched them spar and saw that even Nero's battle tactics were cold and calculating, close to merciless. His father luckily was adept to such tactics. He held up a hand to cease and Nero obeyed without question or comment, standing at the ready.

"Nero look at me," Mira ordered gently. The younger looked at her and Mira gasped in worry. The warmth in his eyes, was buried under cold unfeeling ice. No!

"Vergil, look!" Mira pleaded. The elder cupped their son's chin and looked into his eyes. When he saw what Mira did, he knew that this had to stop.

"My son, what happened to the songstress, was NOT your fault. Just as what happened to her brother was NOT your fault." When Nero tried to look away, Vergil tightened his grip. "No, don't look away from me, boy." He commanded. Nero looked at him, met him gaze for gaze. "I know you hurt, and I know it is easier to shut down and freeze rather than endure. For decades and to this day, I have been buried in endless winter, believing I would not hurt or feel. I was wrong. I ended up missing out on so much, didn't allow myself the pleasures that you and your mother have come to cherish. I didn't comprehend what made things special. It took my being V to finally see. I loved your mother, I love her still, now, stronger than ever. I love you as well, fiercely. I refuse to lose you to the winter of despair. It won't be easy, but we are here for you."

Mira gasped softly at her future husband's confession. Nero blinked out of his stupor and his eyes filled with pain filled tears as he pitched forward into his father's arms. Vergil held him tight and both took a knee. Mira walked over to them and hugged them both. They in turn, held her. The family found solace in each other.

Shortly after, the family settled down for a nice relaxing picnic dinner in the gardens. Nero felt better, even though the pain was still there, he didn't allow it to take him over, although it came close. He silently thanked his parents for intervening. He was especially proud of his father. He knew that confessing his inner most thoughts wasn't easy for the elder. He looked at his parents and saw them kiss tenderly and hold each other. Nero smiled warmly. It was clear as day that his parents loved each other and they loved him.

A knock on his office door had the elder look up from his book and set down his glass of wine.

"Come in," He said. The door opened and Nero came in. Vergil smiled and gestured for the younger devil to take a seat, which he did graciously.

"Father, I know it wasn't easy to confess how you felt."

"No, but I needed you realize that I was in your position once. When your grandmother passed, I blamed myself for it was my duty to protect my family in your grandfather's absence. I understand that, I was just a child and I tried my best at the time, even lost my life. I couldn't shake off of feeling that I was weak and for that I failed."

Nero nodded, for he felt that way when he couldn't rescue Kyrie at first, or save Credo from being killed by a crazy old loon.

"So I swore that I would pursue power." Vergil said as he refilled his wine and offered Nero a glass which the younger accepted with a nod of thanks. "And I did, but the cost, no one should pay that price."

"Father, would you do it all differently if you could?"

"Hm, possibly but your mother made a valid point. If we had, what would've happened? What would our present be at this moment? Would we be sitting here right now?" Nero thought a bit and sipped his wine as his father sat back in his seat slowly sipping his own. What his father asked and said held merit.

"Probably not." He finally answered. Vergil nodded and a soft knock was heard. Before they could say anything, Mira peeked in.

"Ah, there you winos are." She laughed. "It's late you know."

"Is it?" Vergil asked as he looked at the clock. It read fifteen past one in the morning. "Oh it is." He finished his wine and stretched. Nero finished his, bid his parents goodnight and thanked his father for the talk. Vergil nodded and Mira smiled. When Nero left using the door to his own office, Mira slipped into the office. Vergil grinned and growled lowly. Mira was dressed in a wine red night dress that hugged all the right places and slit at the thighs. Oh yea, I'm a lucky son of a bitch!

"Oh, is this for me?" He chuckled as he gestured to her night wear. Mira laughed and turned to walk out, closing her robe and tying it, causing the elder to groan.

"It's a teaser. A little taste of what's to come." She said almost sing-song. "Goodnight Babe." She blew a kiss and left with a warm laugh. Vergil groaned and sat back in his seat. Damn her! She's testing my resolve! Fine my love, let the teasing begin! With a dark chuckle, Vergil poured another glass of wine, planning wickedly as he continued to read. We will see who will fold.

Mira was fast asleep when Vergil finally entered the bedroom. He looked her over and smirked. He slowly removed the covers and slowly kissed his way up, starting with her ankles. He relished in her soft moans and changes in her face as he moved upwards, keeping the kisses tender and caressing softly. He purposefully missed her most intimate areas, but her moans tested him again. He finally stopped at her neck before smirking wickedly . Hm, a little fun right here…He leaned down, nuzzled her neck then slowly licked, kissed and lightly sucked where her shoulder met her neck. Mira arched her back, lips parted and legs widened a bit. Vergil growled softly but grinned as he continued to kiss her. He gasped when he felt her hands caressing his back, lightly tracing his spine. He threw back his head in pleasure. Oh, that feels good…Oh my god….He opened his eyes, his vision blue. He held her to him and laid down on his on his back. Mira looked down at him with glowing red eyes and a sultry smile, her beautiful face curtained by her shimmering silver white hair. Vergil leaned up and captured her lips with his. With a moan and not breaking their kiss, they both laid back down.

"Goodnight my love," Vergil whispered, his voice thick with lust. Mira smiled and kissed him again.

"Goodnight Babe," She whispered as she rested her head on his chest. Soon they were both asleep, in each other's arms.

Just a teaser, more to come.