I do not own Devil May Cry.

This story isn't really meant to be taken seriously or be groundbreaking, but a bit of fun. I like the change in Vergil's character in DMC 5, it's kinda subtle but it's there, so I'd want to just explore the idea. The Vergil we know is detached, aloof, and has a singular drive towards attaining power. There are many ideas out there regarding the change that occurred within him when he reformed into his whole self, and when Griffon, Shadow, and Nightmare were destroyed. Personally, I think his desire for power took a back seat of sorts after Urizen ate the Qliphoth fruit and after mission 18. I also think with V being exposed to so much of the world outside of Vergil had a real effect on him, especially in regards to the rest of the DMC crew. So this is just a funny little thing about a much more human Vergil, still with all the pride and snark, but with the social confidence of a root vegetable, only just covered up by an aloof and dignified facade. Whatever action scenes that take place will be purely for Rule Of Cool purposes. Also gonna make it a Vergil and Lady thing. I've seen it done well so I figured I'd give it a try. So, whatever happens with this story, I hope you enjoy reading it.

Devil May Cry: Rest For The Wicked

Chapter 1: Home

Both brothers were exhausted. They come to rest on a mound of dead demons. Hell Cainas, Riots, Baphomets, and all manner of hell spawn had come at both Dante and Vergil in wave after wave. The sleek Yamato, and the newly christened Devil Sword Dante did their work, cutting down scores of the Underworld's denizens.

Dante lay back, not caring that the corpse he rested on was sticky with blood. It was a bit slicker than he would have preferred, but he was so tired that he hardly cared. He never imagined that a breeze in the Underworld could feel nice, but boy did it. He looked over to his brother, who sat looking out at the barren horizon. He too was exhausted, and while he wouldn't admit it, it was written on his face.

"I think I got more." Dante said. Vergil looked at him funny.

"This again? You keep saying that, and every time you're wrong," He replied, kicking a Hell Caina that twitched just a little too lively. He heaved a tired sigh, "In any case, I think we're done here. The Qliphoth roots have been severed, and the human world should be safe now."

"Yep. Can't wait to get back to my shop. Hopefully Morrison did what I asked. I swear, if those two had their way…" Dante trailed off shaking his head. Vergil returned his gaze to the horizon, where red earth met a curving grey sky. Dante would return to his shop, his friends, and his business. Life would return to what could be passed off as normal for a son of Sparda. A strange feeling in Vergil's stomach threw him for a loop as he was confronted with the reality that he had nothing in the human world. There was Dante of course, and Nero. However, anything regarding his son made him feel incredibly awkward.

Yes, Nero. Vergil's newly discovered son. Who'd have thought that passing fling in Fortuna would have bore fruit. He had been a young adult then, wandering the world in search of power. Fortuna was his last stop before resurrecting Temen-ni-gru. When he thought about it, a part of him was mortified that he'd forgotten the mother of his child's name. When he and Dante would return to the human world, would Nero even want a relationship with him? Again, that feeling in his stomach came back. He clenched his fist, confused about what he was feeling.

"Yo, Vergil? You good over there?" Dante was sat up and looking at his brother with concern. Despite everything, he still cared for him. He just needed to be stabbed every now and then.

"We should," he grunted as he stood,"get out of here. It's time to leave this place behind, Dante." He drew Yamato from its sheath. Dante stood also, using his sword to stand.

"Ready when you are." He grinned. Vergil turned and gracefully swiped Yamato through the air. Nothing happened. Dante's face fell and Vergil scowled. "Ah, had a feeling this might happen."

"We ran the risk of getting stuck here forever, remember? This was always a possibility." Vergil said as he angrily stared into his reflection on Yamato's shimmering surface. "I need-"

"Don't say it."

"-more power…" Dante ran a hand down his face. "We've both attained new heights of power, Dante. Perhaps we should test what we can really do. If we put enough demonic energy into the Yamato, perhaps, and I mean perhaps, we can create a portal strong enough to get us to the human world. Problem is, such a thing might be unstable, and our desired destination might not be where we end up."

Dante thought about it for several moments. It was risky. Very risky. But what the hell? His life was one giant risk anyway. He nodded, "Alright. If we've got a shot then we've gotta take it. Let's do this." He raised the Devil Sword Dante and his body sparked and lit up hellish red. Power heated the air around him and what emerged was the true demonic form of the youngest son of Sparda. His form was volcanic, fiery red and orange with black scales and large curving horns.

Vergil was next, his body lighting up similar to Dante. A demonic form of glacial blue flesh and silver scales took his place. Blue flames jetted from mounds of silver scale on his arms and the hollow, chimney-like horns on his head. A long and graceful tail extended from his back.

"Now, Dante! Grab hold of the Yamato!" Vergil's demonically distorted voice hissed through the fanged and lipless maw of his Sin Devil Trigger. Dante's clawed hand wrapped around the all-cutting sword's hilt. In total synchronicity with Vergil, they both flooded the blade with demonic power. The blade's length shimmered to life, both red and blue energy surged along the blade until a peal of thunder clapped and arcs of lightning coursed along it. Both colours coalesced into an incandescent purple blaze.

"Now?" Dante asked.

"Now!" Vergil commanded. Roaring, both sons of Sparda swept the energised blade through the air. In front of them, reality seemed to crack and split like a broken mirror as the Yamato broke the fabric of reality. Vergil didn't say anything, but it was without a doubt the most powerful Judgement Cut End he'd ever used. A swirling black void edged in indigo gaped wide. They entered without sparing the Underworld a second thought.

They spilled out of the portal on a quiet street in Redgrave City. They'd returned to human form, completely burned out from the massive expenditure of demonic power. They both lay there panting and drenched in sweat. The sun was high and the sky was blue and cloudless. Evidence of rebuilding was everywhere as pallets of bricks, scaffolding, and tools were all over the fenced off street. Tower cranes lanced into the skyline, moving heavy loads across sites.

Dante sat up dazedly, looking around to see anything familiar. However, he didn't need to see, he knew Redgrave, and this was the place. Slowly he stood, aches and pains all over his body. He laughed, exhausted but thrilled."Ahhh, damned good to be back." Dante said gladly. He took a deep breath of human world air and gave a satisfied sigh. He took in the sight of his city with his hands on his hips and a smile on his face. Vergil was stoic as ever, but felt a great sense of relief. The Qliphoth was gone, as were its many roots that had snaked throughout the city. As always, humans rebuilt, never letting something even as overwhelming as the demonic tree stop them. Vergil stood, going to one knee before fully standing. The older twin dusted down his coat after sheathing Yamato.

"I assume this is where we part ways." Vergil said suddenly. Dante looked at him, confusion on his face. He shook his head.

"What would be the point in that? You've got nowhere to go, and your only family is here. Might as well stay." He paused for a moment. He smiled widely, "Hey, why not stay at my place?"

"What?"

"It'll be great! It's got a couple of rooms that I can empty, then all you gotta do is pick one and make yourself at home." Dante said excitedly. Vergil was confused. As much as he secretly enjoyed slaying demons with his brother, there was still the matter of being responsible for the Qliphoth appearing, and all of the subsequent deaths afterwards. He had no delusions that he wouldn't have to take responsibility for that. He most certainly would. On top of a sense of responsibility, there was guilt. His quest for power and rejection of his humanity had done far too much damage. Even he saw how unreasonable he'd been. It was a tough pill to swallow, and hard to accept. But since becoming whole again he felt like something within himself had changed.

"You're right,' he acquiesced with a sigh, ''I don't have anywhere to go. That you'd offer me a place to reside after all this," Vergil gestured to the city rebuilding itself, "I… thank you, Dante." Dante heard the sincerity in his brother's voice, and was taken aback. He hid it, but it really came as a surprise. He wanted to ask who he was and what he'd done with the real Vergil, but to do so wouldn't be appropriate. It was one of the few times that Dante would be willing to let such a chance go. He'd definitely get him later though.

Smiling, Dante clapped Vergil on the shoulder. "Don't worry about it. We're brothers." Dante went down the street first, followed closely behind by Vergil. They hopped the fence at the end of the street and into the road. As they walked, they stayed quiet as a reflective mood set in.

The sons of Sparda, enemies for nearly three decades, only ever allies out of mutual interest. Now men well into adulthood, the fires of that long sibling rivalry were tame. They'd always be there, that was just their nature, but the raging inferno that had once been their rivalry was now a contained, steady flame.

For his part, Dante was pretty happy all things considered. The Qliphoth was gone, Nero had really come into his own, the city was rebuilding, and the best of all, he had his brother back. Despite everything that had happened between them over the years, nothing would ever change the fact that they were brothers. He'd keep his eye on him of course, but as much as he wanted to believe in him, it was still the stoic and elusive Vergil. Staying vigilant was a necessity. He was excited regardless. Things were certainly not going to be boring, especially since Vergil had agreed to move in. They could finally work together for a change. Having his brother in his life again, and with Nero finally knowing he had an uncle, the world felt a lot less empty to the younger son of Sparda.

"Hey, I've got an idea," Dante spoke up as they kept walking, "I'll go ahead to my shop and see what state it's in. I'll get to clearing those rooms and you can swing by later."

"If you're doing that, then what should I do?" Vergil already knew what Dante was going to suggest. He knew he'd have to at some point, but the thought made him nervous. That was a new sensation.

"Why not go check in on Nero? I'm sure the kid'll be happy to see you. Reasonably," Dante shrugged with a so-so expression. There it was. Vergil hesitated. He wanted to see his son, but he knew nothing about him. Their brief interaction atop the Qliphoth was one of combat, really the only way he knew how to meaningfully interact with another. To visit his son for the sake of visiting him was… strange, to say the least. He couldn't say for certain how much time had passed, but he was very curious to see how Nero's power had developed.

"Very well then. I'll do that. I think I remember where he lives. But what if he isn't home?" Even now Vergil wasn't a fan of wasting his time.

"Then this will probably be a good opportunity to meet your boy's sweet heart," Dante smiled, "trust me, I think you'll like her."

"I see…" Vergil said thoughtfully. So Nero had a significant other? He hadn't thought of that. Once again the twisting feeling in his stomach returned. He frowned, finding this sensation both unusual and unpleasant. What was it about simply meeting some human woman that set him on edge? Still, he knew he'd have to do it at some point. "I will see you later then, Dante." He turned, but before he could take two steps, Dante called to him.

"Wait." Vergil turned and saw his younger twin with his hand outstretched. He looked at the hand and then at Dante's face. He reached out and clasped he hand around Dante's forearm, and his brother did the same, sharing a brotherly forearm shake. "Good to have you back, brother."

"It's…" Vergil paused, "good to be back."

"I'll come find you later. Adios." Dante walker away, a noticeable happy swagger in his step. Now alone, Vergil took another look at his surroundings. It was all so… normal. Jarringly so. For decades he kept himself away from cities, only ever venturing into the crowded metropolitan areas of the world when he really needed to. Fortuna was pleasant in its elegant European aesthetic, and so he'd taken his time there. However, he was surprised to find that his foray in Fortuna had resulted in Nero being born.

He took a deep breath in an attempt to quell the strange churning of his stomach, and began looking for Nero's home.

It was late evening by the time Dante found his beloved shop. He'd taken a leisurely stroll through Redgrave City, both admiring and confused at the rapid rebuilding the destroyed sections of the city were undergoing. The landmass has been changed to such a degree, that both halves of the city were a kilometer further away from each other than before, separated by deep chasms in the earth that the Qlipthoth roots had made.

He passed countless construction sites and roadworks. So much damage had been done in the months of June and July, but now it seemed there was a kind of revitalisation going on. Dante truly hoped his city would heal and be better after all it had suffered.

However, it occurred to him that some time had definitely passed. Time in the Underworld could be a really weird thing, and he and Vergil had been so occupied fighting each other, destroying the Qliphoth roots, and killing legions upon legions of demons, that keeping track of time wasn't even among the least of their concerns. Time flies when you're having fun, Dante supposed.

He briefly wondered how Vergil was getting on. He had to admit, he was worried about his brother. Sure he might get lost, after all the city didn't exactly have the layout it used to, but it was the adjustment to the human world that had him worried.

Inviting him to live at the shop served a few purposes. Dante would no longer feel so alone, a problem the others had almost cottoned on to, and one that had been somewhat alleviated since Nero came on the scene. He'd be able to keep an eye on Vergil and keep him in check in case the Urizen part of his noggin started talking again. Couldn't be too careful about that. If any demonic activity came up, either one of them could be on the scene, so jobs shouldn't be a problem. Dante grinned. He had it all figured out.

The neon sign above the door to his shop flickered as it always did, the words 'Devil May Cry' glowing red in the setting sun. Good, the power was still on. So the girls hadn't sold his shop or anything. He breathed a quiet sigh of relief. He didn't even bother knocking and pushed the doors open, the sounds of heavy metal blasting from his jukebox.

"Did I forget to lock the door? Either way, if you've got a job for us then you'll have to come back tomorrow. We're closed right now." A woman in all black, wearing a corset, leather pants, and high heeled boots lounged in Dante's chair, her feet propped up on the desk and her face buried in a motorcycle magazine. The Legendary Devil Hunter stopped short to take in the sight of his shop. It was different. A little too different. Nothing major had been moved, some of his weapons remained on display, the trophies were in the same place. Where the Demon Sword Sparda once hung, Alastor now gleamed readily from two wall hooks under its cross guard. The place had been dusted and made orderly. He had no problem with this. His pizza boxes however… that was another story.

"But I'm in desperate need of someone finding my pizza boxes with the discount codes on them. A couple of She-Devils might have thrown them out when I wasn't looking." The magazine came down as if slapped from her grip, and she almost fell from her seat as she reeled in surprise. Dante smirked seeing her lose her ever cool demeanour if even for a moment.

"Dante!? I didn't sense you coming," Trish got up from the chair after maintaining her balance, she approached him with a grin and lightly punched him in the shoulder, "it's been a year, you know? What took you so long?" He levelled his hunting partner with a strange look. A year? He knew they'd been away a while, but a year? That was surprising to say the least. He shrugged.

"Y'know, business as usual," he moved over to his seat and mimicked Trish's prior position as he propped his feet up on the desk. He looked at the small, framed picture of his mother, Eva, relieved that it hadn't been moved. Trish was her complete physical match, but that had stopped bothering Dante long ago. Vergil, however, would most likely not receive that too well. He'd cross that bridge when he got there.

"Why is it that I don't believe you?" Trish crossed her arms, leaning heavily on one leg, "The Qliphoth must be completely done with if you're back. No way you'd just leave it."

"Yeah, done and done."

"And what about Vergil?" Dante leaned back in his chair and picked up the motorcycle magazine Trish had been reading.

"Came back with me. Hell, it was because of him we could even come back." Trish frowned as Dante began reading the magazine. Well, looking at the pictures.

"Then where is he now? You didn't let him just wander off, did you?" The pure-blooded Devil was alarmed. Dante shrugged.

"He's gone to visit Nero while I tidy this place up. Looks like you got a head start for me. Thanks for that by the way," He lowered the magazine from his face briefly, "Where's Lady?"

"She finished a job earlier and went home. I wouldn't bother her at the moment," Trish sat on the edge of the desk, "You're absolutely sure you can trust Vergil? By all accounts he's still the same guy who caused that whole mess in the first place."

"If you're right and it's been a year, then I spent a year with a guy who ordinarily would have tried to kill me. Trust me, Trish, when we fought, it didn't feel like it did every other time. I think for once, my big bro's found some peace."

"Hmm… we'll just have to see then. If he acts up, I'm sure either you or Nero can deal with him. But you said something about tidying up? You sure you're not some doppelgänger or something?"

"Ha ha," Dante mock laughed flatly, "you heard right, though. I offered Vergil a place to stay and he accepted, so I've gotta clean out a couple of rooms."

She couldn't fully see his face, but what Trish could see told her that Dante was practically giddy. She didn't really understand the bond between the twin sons of Sparda, but whatever form of twisted brotherhood they had was changed somewhat. She remembered how tense he was when he came to Nico's van before confronting Vergil, and none of that was there, replaced with a kind of peace. Something had definitely happened at the Qliphoth's summit that had seemingly changed all three. Even Nero had been different when he came back. He was sad but also seemed to have a sense of closure about him, like something in his life had been settled after years of hurt.

Well, she wasn't about to rain on his parade, so if he was happy and trusted Vergil, then she'd go along with it. "Well, you're not gonna get those rooms cleaned out if you're sitting on your ass."

"Ah, cut me some slack. I haven't sat on a chair in a year. Five minutes." He leaned further back on the chair, its two front legs lifting off of the wooden floor as Dante relaxed further. Trish smiled and stood from the desk. She walked over to the door, ready to go on a motorcycle ride. She stopped and looked over her shoulder.

"Welcome home, Dante," she pushed open the doors and left. The sound of a motorcycle engine and the screech of rubber on concrete grew distant as the Devil Hunter looked up from his magazine. He sat and gave his shop a good look, soaking in the sight of his home after so long. After several moments, he smiled to himself.

"Yep. Don't plan on going away again," his stomach growled then, reminding him that it had been a year since he'd actually eaten, "Hmm… pizza time."

Here he was again, outside the place he'd first met Nero. The sun was lowering and the evening was warm. Nothing stirred on the street as the sounds of construction had ceased for the day, leaving the distant sound of car traffic and the chatter of people. Vergil was alone on the street as he stared at the door to Nero's home, feeling physically restrained as his desire to knock on the door and the desire to walk away warred within him.

Since he arrived, he had stood there for quite some time, unable to find it within himself to simply knock on the door. His pride wouldn't allow him to simply walk away either.

'Dammit, Vergil! Just reach out and knock! It's not hard!' He silently raged inside his head, 'you're a son of Sparda, come on!' Outwardly he seemed calm, but he bit his lip and his fingers were clenched tight. That foreign sensation in his stomach was increased tenfold and his heart beat faster. Was he really that nervous? He swore then and there that he had some serious thinking to do once he had a moment to himself.

He looked away from the door and down the street. He could just leave. There was nothing stopping him from saying no one was home and settling in at Dante's shop. It would be an easily disproven lie, but he'd rather deal with that than what he was doing now. He sighed. Another lie. Vergil returned his gaze to the door. He sucked in a deep breath and raise a hand, ready to knock. His knuckles drew closer the door… and then it flew open.

"Ah!" A sudden exclamation came from Nero, who jerked back rubbing his forehead after the back Vergil's solid knuckles rapped against his brow. Behind him, a woman with beautiful, long orange hair stood wide eyed in surprise. "Hey, what's the big idea, pal?" He held a full trash bag in his hand that seemed about ready to be used as a makeshift bludgeon.

"Nero?" Vergil said having not been expecting to meet his son in such a fashion. The young Devil Hunter opened an eye and stopped rubbing his sore forehead, bewilderment overtaking his features.

"What the… Vergil? If you're back then that means-"

"Yes, both Dante and I have returned. I always intended to come back, Nero." Vergil said. The woman behind Vergil's son looked between the two.

"Vergil? As in Nero's father?" She asked tentatively. She almost jumped when he turned his flinty blue eyes to her.

"Indeed." He said, his nerves returning as he remembered what it was he was doing. He frantically though about this and called upon anything he could to speak. He didn't want to leave a bad impression, as he felt that now was the time to start letting people in, at least a little bit. "I-it's… ahem. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"Oh, ah, yes. My name's Kyrie. It's wonderful to meet you." She have a polite nod of her head as she smiled softly. Vergil wasn't one to make positive judgements on people quickly, but something about this radiant young woman made the Dark Slayer approve of her in that moment. He would wait until he formed a proper opinion, but he had a feeling Dante was right and he would indeed like her.

"Uh, hey, Kyrie? You mind giving us a minute?" Nero asked. Kyrie accepted and went back inside, saying she needed to keep something from burning. Alone, father and son awkwardly stood in silence. Nero scratched the back of his head before speaking.

"It's been a whole year. You sure know how to keep people waiting."

"The Sparda bloodline likes to make dramatic entrances. Sometimes arriving late is just the touch it needs."

"Really? I thinks my forehead disagrees. Dammit, what are you made of anyway?" Nero gently rubbed his forehead again. "Look, uh… this is all new to me, so…" Nero struggled to find anything to talk about, or even an avenue to approach conversation. In front of him was his flesh and blood father, the mighty elder of the Sparda twins. There had to be something, but he couldn't find anything.

Vergil was just as stumped. Conversation was never his strong suit anyway, being the more cerebral and introverted one out of himself and Dante. Small talk didn't come easily. He could banter with Dante all day, but talking to strengthen bonds with people was something he'd never had any need or want to do. That wasn't the case any more, and he knew it was going to be a tough period of adjustment.

"We can always talk another time, if you're otherwise occupied. Or not, if that is what you'd prefer." Vergil just about managed to keep his voice calm. He found it so bizarre that he'd be worried about such a thing.

"What? No, uh… why not come in? Beats standing out here. If you're hungry, Kyrie's a great cook and always makes extra. I'll be right in once I take this trash out," He gestured to the inside of his home with his thumb while shifting his grip on the trash bag. He'd heard Nero say that just moments before tearing his right arm off. He wasn't about to go reminding him of that, no sir. The father hesitated for a moment, encouraged yet still apprehensive. Being jittery about this was starting to wear thin. He nodded, allowing a thin smile. Besides, he couldn't remember the last time he actually ate something, the Qliphoth fruit not withstanding.

"Thank you. It would be a pleasure to join you for dinner," Nero was surprised, but ultimately glad. This would be a first. An actual meal with family, his father and his girlfriend. He decided he'd have to see if Dante would join them some time. Having a father and an uncle was still a shocker even after a year. It would be great as long as he could keep that sibling rivalry between them away from the dinner table.

Nero smiled widely, "Well then, come on in."

Where once there had been order, there was now chaos. Things thought long forgotten had once again been brought into the light, and Dante had honestly forgotten some of them were even there. Devil Arms and miscellaneous odds and ends from his various adventures had been placed in two of the unused rooms within his shop, and over time they'd been accompanied by old furniture and the occasional pizza box. Half of this stuff Dante didn't even remember acquiring. Either way, he'd done what he'd set out to do and cleared out a couple of rooms for Vergil to pick from, only now the shop was a total wreck. Just how Dante left it the year before.

The jukebox cycled through its various records, playing music that served as background noise for Dante's thoughts as he munched on a pizza slice. Normally he didn't just eat pizza, he wolfed it down, sometimes forgetting to chew when in polite company, but now he savoured it like reuniting with a lover. A year without one's dearest pleasure can do things to a person.

Still, even with the music, his pizza, his shop back all to himself, it was dampened by the fact that the phone wasn't ringing. That was bad. No phone ringing meant no jobs, no jobs meant no money, no money meant no pizza. Well, that also meant the power and water went off, but Dante was confident in his priorities. Just has he finished that line of thought, the phone rang. He smirked. Finally. Slamming a heel against the desk, the phone flipped from its cradle and into his waiting hand. He lifted it to his ear.

"Devil May Cry." He said in his most professional tone.

"So Trish was telling the truth. Good to hear from you, Dante." The voice on the other end sounder relieved.

"Lady? I thought you'd be asleep. Trish said you'd got done with a job today." Dante said. He was glad to hear from his friend, but also disappointed there was no work coming his way.

"Right on both counts. Got a message from her not long ago saying you came back. I also hear that you have company. That true?" She yawned after speaking. She hadn't been awake long, it seemed.

"Yeah, brought big brother Vergil with me. Like I told Trish, it's because of him we could even come back. Why? Worried?" Dante asked.

"I hope you know what you're doing, Dante. I haven't seen him in over twenty years, and I remember how he was," she paused, "he's, uh… he's not there is he?"

"Nah. He ain't back yet but he's gone to see Nero," Dante bit another slice of his pizza, "Kyrie hasn't called so I think everything's okay."

"If you're sure…" Lady said uncertainly.

"Ah come on, not just anyone can DDT my brother. You've no idea how satisfying that was to watch, by the way. If anything happens, I'm sure Nero can handle it." He said attempting to reassure her. He knew he was going to have to convince everyone that Vergil had decided to finally take a damned chill pill. The only one who'd be able to do that better would be the man himself.

"Listen, haven't said anything yet, but Vergil's a little different now. I think all that stuff with V, and finding out about Nero changed something in him. Trust me, I spent a year with him in the Underworld without him trying to kill me," he sucked the last of the pizza residue from his finger tips, "tell you what, Vergil's gonna be staying with me, so why not swing by and see for yourself. I can't guarantee you'll like him though."

"Um… ah, what the hell, sure," she yawned again, "I'm gonna crash, so I'll see you tomorrow."

"Catch you later," he put the phone down and reclined into his seat to enjoy another slice.

Vergil stepped out of Nero and Kyrie's home with a full stomach and his worries forgotten about. It was quite the experience doing something as simple as enjoying a meal with family. Nero wasn't joking when he said that Kyrie was a good cook, either. She was also quite the chatterbox, with story after story about a younger Nero that held his attention. From the way she spoke about his son and how her eyes always wandered to him, and his son's flustered face caused a warmth to rise in Vergil's chest. He was able to smile openly and honestly in his own reserved way. He was grateful that Nero had such a good life now, much better than what he or Dante could expect.

"Huh, it's that late already…" Nero had followed Vergil to the door and took in the July night air. The sun had gone down some time ago, with just the slightest hint of orange on the horizon, punctuated by dark clouds edged in pinkish red. "You headed to Dante's?"

"Yes. I said I'd go after coming to see you," Vergil said, "I've enjoyed myself this evening, Nero. Thank you," he said gratefully. He looked past his son and saw Kyrie busy with something. She noticed, smiled, and waved. The eldest son of Sparda allowed himself a small smile of his own. "You be good to that one. I'm not one to talk, but hindsight is twenty-twenty. You're very fortunate."

Nero ran a hand over the back of his head bashfully, "Yeah, I know. You wouldn't believe how often I think that. Don't know how she puts up with me," he said with a grin, "Listen… uh, I know things are complicated and all, and you, me, Dante… we're not exactly a normal family, but I'd like it if we could do this kind of thing… you know… more often… shit, I'm not good at this."

"I'll take you up on that," Vergil turned and took several steps before stopping, "Don't think every visit will be peaceful. Didn't I tell you I wouldn't lose next time?" He carried on walking before Nero could reply, but the young Devil Hunter could see the smile that he would have otherwise missed had he blinked. He shook his head and chuckled before turning and going back inside, closing the door behind him.

As Vergil walked off into the night, he felt that this change of pace was for the best. The pursuit of power no longer controlled his life, and through connecting with family both new and old, he was closer to coming to terms with his humanity. He had a lot to atone for. He was going to see it through.

That's that. By all means follow, fav, and review, and I will try to get another out in a reasonable time frame. Until next time.