Hey guys! Gonna kill me? Please don't! D: I've had a very rough coupla months. I'M SORRY. So, here you go. Latest chappy of Fire and Ice. DUN KILL ME! Lots of dialog in this chappy, but hopefully it's amusing. Happy reading.

Note: Contains semi-mature themes. Read at your own discretion.

"Checkmate," He said, knocking your King piece over with his Queen. Vergil sat back with an expression of smug triumph, crossed his arms, and awaited your response.

That one word sent a current of dread mixed with anticipation coursing throughout your body. You could feel the sudden sinking sensation in your stomach combined with the prickly feel of what seemed to be thousands of tiny needles penetrating your skin. Only... It didn't really seem to be your fear. It almost seemed to stem from something completely separate.

Swallowing nervously, you feel a wan smile tug at the corners of your mouth nonetheless. "Congratulations. You win." You reply, nodding at him. "Happy now?"

The blue devil returned the nod, gracing you with his usual smirk, "You've no idea."

The sinking feeling in your belly grew heavier and begin to ache a bit. Nevan's whispered warning rang clearly throughout your mind. Beware the devil in blue...

You'd expected to play badly, what with all that'd happened lately. But, much to your surprise, it had been one of the most intense chess matches between the two of you thus far. Both opponents had been fiercely determined to win, and, for awhile, it looked as though it'd be another draw. Vergil, however, had obviously been working on a new plan of attack... And it had worked.

Still though, you were determined not to show your growing apprehension. Feigning casualness, you lean back comfortably. "So. Apparently I have to do as you say for a whole week now."

Again, he nodded and you could swear the smirk grew a bit more pronounced. "Apparently."

Unable to help it, you squirm a little under his intense gaze. Vergil observed this with hidden delight. As did his devil.

She's ours, Vergil. Ripe for the plucking. She is even flavored with fear and uncertainty, now. She'll taste rich and sweet. What are you waiting for? It beseeched.

Vergil didn't respond, but this time it was much easier to keep his demon side in check. It was right. The girl was theirs now. There was no rush. Both knew this.

Several minutes passed and he merely continued to stare at you with that blank expression he wore so well. Was he trying to scare you? If so, it was working. You were about to open your mouth to tell him so when he suddenly, finally, spoke again. "You smell of fear. Are you afraid?"

You incline your head, realizing that he already knew anyhow. What point would there be in lying about it? "Yeah, actually. I am."

Vergil nodded again. "Good. You should be."

"Why? What do you me-" you begin. Your heart was beginning to beat a bit harder. Why was he behaving so strangely all of a sudden?

"I've never taken a servant before, you know." He interrupted. "In the past, I've idly considered it from time to time, but my ponderings never came to fruition. Surprisingly, I'm rather curious as to what it will be like to have a ready plaything on hand."

Eyes widening, you wonder if you should've heeded Nevan's warning. Nervously, you glance around, half-expecting to see the red-headed succubus lingering in the shadows and laughing to herself. There was nothing there, at all, but it didn't quell your suspicions in the least. A hand cupped your chin and turned your head gently, but firmly, back towards Vergil. He didn't look pleased.

"When I am speaking to you, you will be attentive." He said quietly, squeezing your jaw a bit before releasing it.

"What if I don't do as you say?" You ask, narrowing your eyes.

The smirk resurfaced, "That is your choice. However, you should know that I happen to be proficient at discipline."

"Pardon me?" You cross your arms and jut your chin out stubbornly.

He leaned forward to respond and there was no mistaking the devilish gleam dancing about in his eyes. It was entirely obvious that he was enjoying this victory immensely. "If you are bad, you will be punished. Is that clear enough for you?"

You feel your heart skip. "Will it involve pain?"

"It is very likely." Sitting back once again, he regarded you with a satisfied smile.

"But you can't! You're under contract to-"

"Dear girl, that is where you are mistaken. Your father's payments have ceased; therefore, I am no longer under any contract. You, however, are. And, as my servant, it is my right do whatever I wish to you, whenever I wish it. Those are the rules." His tone had taken on a definite mocking quality.

Nevan had been right, he was devious. Indignant, you cross your arms and huff, "You never told me that!"

"Well, you never asked for the specifics of our bet. Your pride answered for you, recall? 'Pride goeth before the fall' and all of that."

Glancing around, you wondered where everyone had gone off to. Trish had left awhile ago, that you remembered, but you'd lost track of Dante and Lady during the chess match. You suddenly felt very, very alone. "I see," you finally answer. "So, what now, then?"

"I'm not entirely certain. I did already say that this was new territory for me, did I not?"

Glowering, you fail to respond. Instantly, before you even had a chance to yelp, Vergil snatched you and threw you over his knee. His palm came down swiftly, delivering a stinging slap to your back end. Then another. And another. After half a dozen or so, you once more found yourself seated back on your chair across from him. Shocked, you stare at him with wide, questioning eyes.

"When I ask you a question, answer it. I believe I've already told you how much I dislike repeating myself, correct?" Vergil smiled kindly, and waited for your response.

Nodding dumbly, you find that your throat seems to be locked. Your ass ached, as well, and you fidget uncomfortably. Amusement colored his features at this and he couldn't help but issue a soft chuckle. You eye him warily; good mood or not, those spankings had hurt. Apparently, he'd meant every word he'd said.

"Well, isn't this precious," a voice from behind you said.

Both of you glance up to see Dante observing the two of you from the doorway. The red twin wore a grin but it didn't reach his eyes. Dante was watching Vergil carefully. The blue twin returned the gaze frankly enough, with you glancing between the two of them uneasily. It almost seemed as though they were silently communicating.

"Is there something you wanted, Dante?" Vergil asked, tone bored.

"Just keeping tabs on everything. This is my nest, after all."

"Everything is under complete control, brother." Vergil replied, lifting his nose a bit. "The girl has lost a battle to me."

Dante's eyes widened a bit and a reluctant expression of admiration flitted across his features. "Pretty sneaky, bro. I have to say I'm impressed." The younger brother leaned against the door frame and allowed his twin a nod.

"What are you talking about?" You ask. Your stomach was hurting again.

Dante only shrugged. Vergil was the one to explain. "Are you familiar with the laws of battle in the demon realm?"

"Yeah. Dante explained them to me earlier. As well as Nevan." A frown creased your brow at the mention of her name. "Why?"

"If you are, in fact, harboring a hidden demonic presence, it is in our favor to have you, and it, well under control."

Realization washes over you. "You mean-"

Dante nodded, "Yup, yup, short-stack. Even if you do pull a Mundus on us, you'll still be under Vergil's command."

"What about when the week is up, though?" You ask.

Vergil tilted his head and leaned back comfortably, "I may or may not decide to release you then. It all depends."

Sighing, you rub your hands over your face, a bit in awe at the unfairness of it all. Though, it did explain Vergil's earlier insistence about continuing the tournament, and his sudden, fierce intent to win. "Doesn't that go against the original bet, though? Specifics or not, we did agree on a time frame."

Impatience sparked in his eyes, "I've already told you, you're mine. Officially. You've lost a battle to me. I am only choosing not to take your soul. It's a rather permanent thing when that happens, you realize. Usually, it lasts a lifetime of weeks."

"So, why aren't you?"

Vergil sighs, impatience growing. "If we do find a way to cure you of your -ahem- affliction, wouldn't you prefer to have your soul intact?"

"Uhm, yes."

"There you go. Now then, am I not a kind master?" Vergil smirks again and watches you intently, waiting for a response.

Dante guffawed from his place in the doorway. "Holy shit, Verge. Listen to you. Hah! Better answer him babe. He might spank you again. Which, by the way bro, was just all kinds of awesome. Never knew ya had it in ya."

Your frown grows deeper but you respond regardless. You did not want to be disciplined in front of Dante. "Yes, Vergil."

"Good girl."

"I gotta job to go and do. You two gonna be alright on your own here?" Dante asked, straightening up. He casts another doubtful look your way, then to his twin.

The blue devil tossed a haughty glance towards his younger brother. "I'm fairly certain that I can handle things if she should attempt something foolish. Don't fret, Dante, your mess is safe."

The red twin shrugged, then nodded. "Whatever you say, bro. I'll leave you to it. Take it easy on her. Remember, humans break even if you barely touch them."

"Duly noted," came the dry response.

When he'd left, Vergil returns his attention to you and eyes you thoughtfully. Again, you begin to squirm under his regard. "Why do you keep staring at me like that?"

"Because I have a shiny, new toy to play with and I'm trying to decide where to begin." His eyes suddenly flashed a bright green and you shivered. You'd come to realize that his devil side was lurking just below the surface when his eyes lit up like that. "First and foremost, I'd like to rip that goddamned T-shirt off of you. I hate it." The green glow intensified briefly, then waned back to his normal ice-blue. "But, I won't. That would be barbaric of me. You should be grateful that I show such mercy."

Sudden heat blooms in your cheeks and spreads to your ears. Dimly, you wonder what was wrong with your shirt. He'd never really said anything about it before. Fretfully, you begin to tug on a lock of hair, certain that he was trying to make you uncomfortable on purpose. The way he answered your questions so bluntly still threw you off guard. It was a quality that was usually absent in the masses nowadays, and it often left you speechless. Finally, you manage to murmur, "Remember what Dante said, I'll break if you're not careful."

There was another heavy silence for several awkward moments. In which, his gaze never wavered from yours.

Finally, he got to his feet and peered down his nose. "It might be fun to break you," he replied, starting towards the door. Before he left, he paused and glanced back over his shoulder. "I'm going to go do a bit of research. You stay put. I'll not have you leaving this place on your own for any reason. If you do, you're going to be one sorry little girl."