Shadow Games

Disclaimer: “Devil May Cry” belongs to Capcom, not us. We have no money, so don’t sue us. ^.^ Zithantharis “Zi” is an original character—please be considerate and do not borrow him without permission. This fic was written as a one-on-one RolePlay, so the POV switches just about every paragraph.

This is a continuation shortly after the first game.

Thanks for reading and please enjoy!


Shadow Games
Chapter Three


A few days passed that way--though Dante was eventually called out to take care of a few matters, he spent most of his time with Zithantharis, showing him different parts of the city and teaching him a few things he should know about humans; the matter of clothing was covered extensively. Though Dante no longer minded having the demon trot around in his original clothing--if it could be called that--he insisted that he at least learn what was proper around other, normal people. Zi seemed to take it all in eagerly, and Dante was relieved by his interest in learning things. It made it a lot easier.

When Dante returned from his mission late that night, he still held his hand tightly pressed to his injured side. The wound was deep--to a normal human, it would have been fatal. He wasn’t worried about it, but there was something in the demon’s toxin that was affecting his ability to heal as quickly as he would have liked.

“Ahh…fuck,” he concluded as he stumbled inside and fell heavily into the closest chair. He stayed there a while, not up to fetching something to clean the damn thing with. He would just…be patient a while. With Trish out, at least there wouldn’t be anyone nagging him about it.

Zithantharis paused at the top of the stairs, nose twitching at the scent of blood. Must have been injured. He turned back to the bathroom, gathering up some bandages before padding softly to the living room. He dropped down at the tall man’s feet before his presence was noted. “Dante.” He eyed the wound with a critical gaze. “I brought bandages.”

Dante’s hand curled more tightly around his side while the other started to wave the demon away. He paused, however, abandoning that effort. “Sure. Thanks.” But he didn’t reach to take them right away. His head lolled back against the chair, and he took each breath slowly. It was a little hard to breathe through the pain, but it wasn’t anything worse than others he’d suffered. It was just…that damn toxin. “I’m all right. Just…give me a second; I’ll take care of it.”

Zi’s eyes narrowed. “Poisoned,” he murmured, shifting closer. He may be half-demon, but he could bleed to death before he has the chance to heal. He met the other’s gaze seriously. “Do you want me to get it out?” he asked. “It would hurt, but I can be sure it’s all out.” He tapped his nose. “I can smell it.”

Dante regarded him silently. He hated to accept help like this, but he knew Zi was right; he could feel the poison, almost, biting at his innards. If Trish were around she could use some of her power, but…. “All right,” he said at last. He leaned forward and slipped out of his coat with some difficulty, and unbuttoned his vest to reveal the jagged wound. “I…appreciate it.”

Zi nodded, gently urging the other to lean against the chair’s armrest, exposing the wound better. Rising up on his knees, he brought head close to sniff at the torn flesh. This could be difficult, but…it’s not too deep yet. “Try to hold still,” he murmured absently. Zi finally brought his lips down, trying to be as careful as possible as he sucked the poison from the wound.

Dante hissed through his tightly clenched teeth, straining against the chair as he squirmed instinctually away from Zi’s mouth. But he knew better, and with fingers tight he forced himself to relax once more. “Fuck,” he whispered, letting his eyes fall shut. He didn’t trust himself to say anything more.

He tightened his grip on the man, trying to hold him still as best he could as he continued to explore the wound. After a moment he pulled back, wiping blood from his nose. “Just a bit more,” he assured, rubbing at his leg faintly. He bent over the other once more, wincing as he had to work a bit deeper.

Dante’s fingers dug into the armrest, and he heard the wooden frame beneath its upholstery groaning in complaint. This time he managed to bite back his voice, though his eyelids fluttered weakly. It really shouldn’t have hurt that much, but Zi’s prodding was deep, and the sensation of a rough tongue scraping at him too morbid. He kept his jaw tight and did not speak.

Zi pulled back at last, spitting blood out onto the floor. “There. Finished.” He wiped at his mouth and took up the bandages. “Just hold still a moment, and you’ll be fine.”

It didn’t take long to cover the wound tightly, and Zi stood once he was done. He touched the top of Dante’s head faintly. “I’ll get you some water.”

“Thanks,” Dante grunted. He poked boyishly at the covered wound, regretted it, and fell still again. It would have healed in a matter of hours, probably less, but for now it wouldn’t hurt to take it easy. Licking his lips, he waited for Zi to return with the water and gulped it down. “Thanks,” he muttered again. “I’m all right, now.”

He nodded, lowering himself again to the other’s feet, eyes locked on him. I…never really expected him to be capable of injury, but…. Zi pawed faintly at the man’s leg. “Do you want anything else?” he asked softly.

Dante smiled, and lowered his unstained hand to scratch affectionately at Zi’s ear. “No, I’m fine. I just need to relax a while, that’s all.” He slouched down further in the chair until he was comfortable, his fingers still curling slightly. He felt…lazy. It wasn’t totally unpleasant, since he didn’t get this way often, unless he was drunk. It was a nice excuse to stay put.

Ears flickering, he wrinkled his nose. But…he was starting not to mind the other’s attentions too much. Zithantharis shifted closer and lay his head on the chair, resting faintly against Dante’s leg. The house was quiet, and he was at ease knowing that Trish wasn’t around. So he settled for watching his host.

Dante continued to move his hand faintly, tracing Zi’s ears to their tips, gently massaging his scalp. It was oddly calming; Zi’s hair--or fur--was soft against his worn fingertips. They drifted a little lower down the demon’s face. Why does this feel so natural? Like...he’s always been here? He sighed, smiling down at him.

Zi’s eyes didn’t waver in their focus, remaining steady on the half-lidded gaze above him. As Dante’s palm trailed lower, the demon turned to nuzzle the calloused skin. I like him, he decided silently. It’s been coming for a while, but I know for sure now. I like being here. Keeping their gazes locked, Zi ever so slowly licked the inside of the Hunter’s wrist.

Dante didn’t flinch, but his eyes widened a little as he watched the other. Zi’s tongue was rough…. And he suddenly fell very still, as if paused in mid breath, waiting for something to happen. You know better than this, he told himself. You’ve never hesitated in things like this. And…you’re not surprised, are you?

Dante smirked faintly, and twisted his wrist, so that he could cup Zi’s chin in his hand. “Come on up here,” he invited, his voice a bit softer than it usually was. “With me.”

Zi blinked slowly, considering the offer even as his chin tilted up at the touch. He’d never really been so close to a human--to anything, really. Part of him was curious, intrigued to see what the man had in mind, knowing in the back of his thoughts what was really happening. But another part…. Another part of him wanted to just move, to curl up beside the other, if only to test that closeness that he wasn’t used to. His tail brushed across the floor, then stilled as he remembered…. “Your side,” he murmured, nodding at the wound though keeping his eyes raised. “I wouldn’t want to make it worse.”

Dante snorted quietly. “You won’t hurt me,” he promised, moving his fingers coaxingly. He knew if Zi resisted a little longer he’d lose his nerve, and he wasn’t sure if he would have preferred to just let it go. But for now, he wanted Zi up with him. “Come on.” He slid his hand up and rubbed his thumb against the inside of Zi’s ear, wondering…if it might be ticklish.

He shook his head instinctually, ear twitching away from the touch as a brief shiver went through him. It…won’t hurt anything. It won’t cause any harm. Zi crawled up only to find there wasn’t much room for him. Shrugging to himself, he straddled the armrest on Dante’s uninjured side, leaning against the man’s thigh. Close up, he could see the cuts in the Hunter’s vest that had missed the skin, and he couldn’t help probing the fabric curiously. Almost as if he could tell what battle had taken place just by touching them.

Dante pressed his lips thin. He didn’t say anything as he watched Zi plucking at his clothing, trying to decide what to do now. Zi…could have been a little more helpful; this was crazy enough without him being uncertain about it. Well, there’s only way one to find out, I guess. Throwing his better judgment aside he took Zi by the chin again and pulled him into a kiss.

Zi blinked, surprised by the bold action. He’d never been kissed before, had never kissed another. Demons…just didn’t do that. But something in the warm lips kept him from pulling away. He leaned closer, trying to copy Dante’s movements. His tail swiped back and forth across the other’s knee.

Dante broke their kiss with a laugh when he realized what it was swiping at his leg. That’s too damn cute. Before Zi could question he tugged him into another kiss. He tastes sharp. I…kind of like it. This was just wrong enough to excite him, and he edged closer, sucking on the other’s lips to coax them apart.

This…is strange. Strange, but somehow exciting. Zi let his mouth fall open, just to see what the other would do. And he’s warm. He hands closed around the man’s shoulders to hold himself up easier. Twisting slightly, Zi sat sideways across the other’s lap.

Dante slipped an arm around Zi’s waist to pull him closer. He had to give it to the kid for going along with him; he seemed enthusiastic enough. With a soft, encouraging murmur he nibbled lightly on Zi’s tongue, a bit startled when he was reminded how rough it was. I like that. He kissed him again, more deeply, and shifted the smaller man slightly in his lap. I like that a lot.

Zi was beginning to appreciate “human customs” more and more. It was amusing, knowing that the quickened pulse and raised voice were because of him. He moved his tongue over the other’s, eyes narrowing slightly as his ears flattened. I like this, being close. He’s warm. And there was something excitingly intimidating to be curled near such a powerful aura, to be surrounded by it. It was a situation he had never been in, knowing that he was weak and depending on the stronger man.

Dante moved his hand slowly up and down Zi’s back, testing strong muscles hiding beneath soft leather. He…was kissing a demon. When he pictured the creature’s true form, with his rippling black aura and gleaming red eyes, a thrill ran through him. This felt a little dangerous, and he was soaking up every bit of it. With another quiet moan he slid his hand down to tighten around Zi’s thigh.

Zi blinked rapidly, not sure how to react to the knot of excitement building in his stomach with every one of the man’s movements. The deliberate contact was so alien to him, yet he was welcoming it more with every moment. A deep breath caught briefly in his lungs before rumbling out of him in a soft purr. His fingers curled and tightened around Dante’s collar, attempting a deeper kiss.

Dante shivered at the other’s voice; he enjoyed every time Zi reminded him of what he was, because it made everything that much more thrilling. He’d always considered himself daring, after all. He shifted his hands back to Zi’s hips and lifted him up a moment, shifting to the center of the chair so that Zi could straddle his thighs. “Mmm…you taste good,” he chuckled, tugging Zi closer. He winced slightly as his side was jarred, but hid it as best he could.

Pulling back, Zi licked his lips as if to find what the other was talking about. He frowned. Taste…. He reached out to grab Dante’s jaw and coax it open, leaning in to make one long, deep sweep of the Hunter’s mouth. He sat up, licking his lips again, closing his eyes so he could focus on just the one sense. “Hmm…. Interesting.” His free hand came up to brush over his flushed skin, almost without thought. “Good….”

Dante rolled his eyes, but he was grinning, too. “Didn’t have to take it so literally,” he teased. He was about to pull the other back to his mouth, but paused when he saw the peaceful expression on his face. Damn, he looks sexy. Hiding a mischievous smirk he reached out, slowly drawing his fingertips over Zi’s lips. “But at least you have the right idea.”

Zithantharis opened his eyes and stared fixedly at the Hunter. “I’ve never kissed or sat on a human before,” he informed the other, wiggling just a bit. “I am not familiar with this.” Zi leaned close, tilting his head to pass his tongue along Dante’s throat. “I’ve never tasted one this way. I’ve never tasted a demon this way. Do all humans taste differently? Do you taste differently, since you are some of both?”

“I…don’t really know,” Dante said with a smile. “Just…do that again.” He craned his head back slightly, exposing his throat once more. It felt like a helpless gesture—like a move of submission. Things like that shouldn’t excite him so much, but he was already hissing quietly through his teeth.

Zi felt a tiny smile curl his lips, and he moved to repeat the gesture. He continued to lap at the man’s throat, each breath passing though him in a deep, rumbling purr. He does taste good, though. Kind of sweet. Strange…. He started to let his hands drift lower but remembered the injury in time. If what I know about human behavior is correct, he could hurt himself. Zi turned his nose into Dante’s ear, letting his voice empty softly into it.

He really is pretty good, for not being experienced…. Dante sighed in quiet reverence, leaning back further in the chair. He could definitely stay here for quite some time…. And just because he couldn’t leave them alone, he turned his head slightly to lick at Zi’s ear.

Zi snorted, then chuckled as his ear swatted the other’s nose. He nipped at Dante’s own ear. So long as he’s relaxed, he shouldn’t hurt himself. Wiggling a bit, the demon rested chest to chest against his companion, nearly vibrating with his tumbling voice. His tail knocked back and forth between Dante’s knees.

He’s like…a big pet. Dante couldn’t decide if he was more like a cat or a dog, and quickly abandoned trying. Instead he lowered his hands to Zi’s thighs, firmly massaging the muscles there to coax him into more movement. The animal-like voice rumbling against him was making him anxious, and he tugged Zi forward carefully against his hips with a deep moan of his own.

Zi hissed quietly, a bit surprised by his own reaction. He was trying to think of a way to respond when he heard the faint sounds of a key jiggling in a lock in the next room. His purring stilled, eyes flashing. Damn. But I don’t think she’ll like this…. “The woman in home,” he murmured, tail slowing but not stopping completely.

Dante collapsed against the chair with an exasperated sigh. “Damn. Look, could you….” He made a sour face--though he didn’t like the idea of hiding from her, having her come in and find them like this seemed a little too much like his high school years. “Sorry. But I don’t think….” He heard Trish enter and, still wincing, started to ease Zi off him.

“I understand.” I don’t want her to know about this either. Zi gave a quick lick to the other’s cheek before dropping to the floor at Dante’s feet once more. He snagged a pillow from “his” chair and reclined just before him, leaning back so he was just covering his companion’s toes. When Trish came in, he raised his eyes as he’d always done. And…maybe there was a bit of warning in his gaze. He’s not just yours anymore. He settled back down again.

“I’m home!” Trish cast her things aside as she entered, and paused when she saw the way the two were seated. Dante was smiling the way he did when he did something wrong, like the time she’d caught him out at the bar with…. She shook her head. “You two look cozy,” she remarked.

“Just winding down,” Dante replied easily. “Took a few hard knocks out there tonight--mind grabbing me a beer while you’re up?”

Trish rolled her eyes as she complied, tossing him a can. “Well, at least you’re okay,” she said dryly.

Zi closed his eyes, tail whipping across the floor. A soft purr rumbled against Dante’s feet. I like it here. I enjoy his company. It was true that Shadows usually hunted in packs, but until now….

Zithantharis turned his head, rubbing it faintly against the man’s shin while Trish’s back was turned.

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More action coming up in the next chapter!