Truth, Dare and Demons

Nero was fuming still when Dante knocked on the door that morning, so much in fact that his temper took over and he punched him before he had even had time to think about it. Dante took it, looked at him confused and then saw that Nero looked like he had hardly slept. So had he already had a visit from his brother?

“Asshole!” Nero growled, he then went to slam the door. Dante put his boot in the way just before he did. “Fuck off, you and your brother playing me like an idiot.”

“I didn't even know...” Dante looked at him. His raised his hands up in submission. “Nero we need to talk not have a fight about this.”

“Fight? There's no fight you cock-sucking prick. I left my girlfriend over you and now I realise it's all been another one of your games.” Nero left the door open and headed back inside.

“I didn't realise he was here, not until last night. Nero... I thought he was dead.” Dante told him honestly. “Nero... please.” He followed him down the hallway.

“What do you know?” Nero turned, his eyes flashing red in anger. “How can I ever learn to trust anyone when I place my faith in you and Vergil is there in the damned shadows?”

“He wants Yamato... he said he found a way to restore his soul to his body and he's back.” Dante sighed. “I can't make you believe me Nero. I can't make you trust me but I want you to know I told him it's not his any more, you restored it to its glory and you alone have the right to keep it.”

“It's his sword though isn't it?” Nero looked at him, his eyes going back to the usual demonic blue. “Once wielded by Sparda and given to one of his sons. That sword really is his... I was just holding it for him.”

“No.” Dante looked at him. “I wouldn't trust him with it, he tried to reactivate the Temen-ni-gru. He knows it has the potential to cut into anything and through anything, and more importantly... I gave it to you not him.” Dante stepped towards him, he noted Nero thought about moving back it was an obvious motion for him to take but then Nero stopped himself and Dante put his hand on his shoulder.

“Dante... this is messy and I am not good with all this shit on my doorstep.” Nero sighed. “I already have enough to think about.”

“Me you mean.” Dante took to the kitchen and made a pot of coffee. He left Nero to get himself freshened up and sat with his mug in his hand as he did. When Nero came down he nodded a thanks for the drink and sat down. “Look, I don't want to mess your head up. I like to play around but... but lately I admit I find myself wanting to be around you more. Guess you've got a bit of my heart punk.”

Nero sighed, and drank his coffee before leaning over and kissing him. Vergil would be a major thorn in their side and in-fighting could only help that plight further. Vergil was a problem that needed to be faced united, Nero may not be as strong but he could be useful to Dante if he kept his cool and in a roundabout way Dante was offering more of him than he seemingly did to others. He looked at the Son of Sparda and smile a little.

“Vergil will hope for an attack of opportunity, he will want to take you out when he thinks you're alone and vulnerable. If not he will issue a direct challenge when he thinks he's in the stronger position.” He told him. “It's not just about Yamato Nero, it's about upsetting me too. He knows about us, he's been playing his little spy game in the background.”

“Dante...” Nero looked at him. “Promise me, if nothing else... don't fuck with me and play any games. I am not cut out for it right now.”

“Nero when it comes to Vergil I never play games. He's dangerous and he's sadistic. I don't want anything to happen to you and I sure as hell don't want to be putting us in his line of fire without preparation. He's a sneaky son of a bitch and I will do better if I remember that.”

Dante finished his coffee, he looked at Nero and then cheekily grinned, he tugged the younger man's cheek a little and then stood up. 

“What is the plan now then?”

“Oh now?” Dante chuckled. “I might try and enlist a little assistance from Trish. She's got a soft spot for you, to be honest she's probably hoping to get her claws into you too.” He winked.

“Oh.. oh!” Nero looked a little shocked, in fact he was, Nero thought Trish saw him as that irritating little shadow. “I... well she is very beautiful.”

“Yup.” Dante laughed. “So watch your ass on two levels kid.” And with that he was gone again.