Archive of Our Own

Dante should’ve given this mission to Nero. He hated cases that involved unknown demons caught on sight, meaning they had to look for it themselves.

He and Vergil trudged through the jungle, cutting through vines and branches. There was a stench of decay in the air, so they might be close to whatever they were looking for.

“I feel like I’m looking for cryptids,” Dante grumbled.

“You are aware that we’re cryptids, brother?” Vergil peered at him. “There’s myths and folklore about us.”

“You know what I mean!” Dante cut another vine in his way.

Vergil snorted. “I do. It’s more entertaining to see your reaction.”

“Bastard.”

They continued their way until their path were covered with large overgrown plants.

Dante whistled. “Damn! Look at the size of these? I didn’t even know such a plant existed.”

Vergil raised Yamato. “They don’t. Look below it.”

Dante saw decayed bodies between the plants, as if they sucked the life out of them. Bones lay on top of the soil, some deeper than the others.

“What is this? A venus flytrap but for humans?” 

A low growl echoed from below the ground, and a plant demon lunged from the underbrush—a big bud with claws around the petals, its body entwined with thorny plants that whipped like lashes. Dante dove in with his sword while Vergil sliced through the vines that attempted to cut them.

Another plant demon came out. Then another one.

One particularly looked different than the rest. It was bigger and petals wide open with a massive, flowering vine that had mini flowers instead of thorns. It lashed out at Dante, who dodged most of it, but a tendril grazed his arm.

Dante sliced it off, but it was a mistake as it sprayed a fine mist of sap-like toxin across his face. He cursed, wiping it away with his sleeve.

"What the hell?" 

Dante shook his head, feeling a brief sting, but then nothing. No dizziness, no burning. Just the usual post-fight adrenaline. "Huh? Guess it's not as deadly as I thought.” He chopped the plant in half, easily. “Serves you right.”

Vergil finished off the others with judgement cut. He turned to Dante, his expression softening as he approached. But something was off. His nostrils flared slightly, and his gaze lingered on Dante's form a beat too long. 

"Are you injured?"

"Nah, I'm good. Let's wrap this up and grab pizza on the way home." Dante clapped him on the shoulder, but Vergil didn't pull away like usual. Instead he leaned in closer, inhaling deeply.

"You smell incredible," Vergil murmured, which was out of the blue for him. His hand slid to Dante's waist, fingers digging in possessively. “Did you put something on?”

Dante blinked, caught off guard. "Whoa, easy there, Verg. We just finished the job. Save the sweet talk until we get home.” It’s unusual for Vergil to act like this during a mission. It’d usually be Dante to convince him.

But Vergil didn't let go. His eyes darkened, pupils dilating as he pressed his body against Dante's, lips brushing his ear. "No. I need you now. You smell exquisite. Sweet and sinful. I want to have sex with you right now, right here.”

Dante's heart skipped, a mix of surprise and arousal hitting him. They'd hooked up in wild places before, but this was intense. They were in the middle of the jungle, for crying out loud. 

“Seriously, let’s go home. The bed is more comfortable than on the ground.”

“No, Dante.” He gripped his waist, pulling him flush against him.

"Alright, you feral bastard. I give." Dante grinned, pulling Vergil to the closest tree, shielded by overhanging vines. "If you're that desperate, who am I to say no?"

Vergil growled in response, shoving Dante against the bark. His hands were everywhere, yanking open Dante's shirt, exposing his chest, then fumbling with his belt. 

"Mine," he snarled, nipping at Dante's neck hard enough to leave marks. "All mine. No one else gets this, understand?"

Whoa.

Dante gasped, his cock already hardening as Vergil's fingers wrapped around it. "Fuck, Vergil— Slow down. What’s gotten into you? You’re never this impatient.”

Vergil didn’t answer, too focused on Dante.

He dropped to his knees, not wasting time. He took Dante's cock into his mouth, sucking deep and wet, tongue swirling around the head. Vergil was really moving quickly.

Dante threaded his fingers through Vergil's silver hair, hips bucking involuntarily. "A blowjob first? That’s a first,” Dante breathed. But he wasn’t opposed. It was fucking amazing. “Your mouth... Yeah, keep doing that."

Vergil obliged, hollowing his cheeks and bobbing his head, saliva dripping down Dante's cock. His own cock strained against his pants, but he focused on Dante, hunger driving him. He pulled off with a pop, standing to claim Dante's lips in a bruising kiss, tasting himself on his brother's tongue.

Dante’s scent was intoxicating.

"Turn around," Vergil commanded, voice rough. 

He complied, bracing against the tree, ass presented. Vergil spat into his hand, slicking his fingers before pushing two inside Dante's tight hole, scissoring them to stretch him.

"Shit, yes— Go deeper," Dante moaned, pushing back. Vergil added a third, curling them to hit that spot that made Dante's legs shake.

Satisfied, Vergil freed his own cock and lined up, thrusting in with one hard push. 

Dante cried out, the stretch burning sweet. "Fuck!”

Vergil gripped Dante's hips, slamming in deep and fast, skin slapping against skin. "You take my cock so well, brother" He growled, one hand sliding up to pinch Dante's nipple. "Say you’re mine!”

"Yours! All yours— Oh god, right there!" Dante's cock bounced with each thrust, leaking pre-cum. Vergil reached around, jerking him off in time with his hips.

Dante didn’t know what the fuck was wrong with Vergil, or if something was in the air. But he’s not complaining. Now when he’s being pounded so good.

The jungle echoed with their grunts and moans. Vergil's pace turned feral, hips snapping erratically as he chased release. "Gonna fill you up. Mark you inside. Cum for me, Dante."

He didn’t need to be told twice. Dante shattered first, spilling over Vergil's hand with a shout, walls clenching tight. Vergil followed, burying deep and pumping hot cum into Dante's ass, groaning low.

They slumped together, panting and sweating. Vergil nuzzled Dante's neck, still buried inside. He sniffed his neck. "You smell even better now. Mixed with us."

Dante hummed, his cheek on the bark.

The sun dipped below the horizon. It’d be dark soon. Dante didn’t want to go another round like this. He really wanted a bed. And whatever was making Vergil act this way might be whatever was in the area. He speculated the demons might have released a toxin in the air, turning Vergol into a clingy beast. They needed to leave the place so it could wear off. 

Dante chuckled breathlessly, piecing it together. "Whatever's got you like this, it's working for me. But let's head back before you drag me into round two."

Vergil pulled out reluctantly, cum dripping down Dante's thigh, but he stayed close, arm wrapped around Dante's waist as they made their way out once they dressed.

Yeah, definitely clingy.

While still holding Dante, Vergil made a portal. Both stepped in, back in Devil May Cry. Dante barely took another step before Vergil pinned him against the couch, kissing him hard. 

"Vergil, wait! At least a shower first!” Dante exclaimed.

"No. You. Now." Vergil's hands roamed, but a knock interrupted. Dante sighed in relief, pushing him off gently.

"Saved by the bell. Stay put."

Vergil scowled and crossed his arms.

Dante let out a small chuckle. Thankfully Vergil listened to him. 

As he unlocked the door, Nero walked in. "Hey, old man. Vergil.  I’ve been waiting outside. Didn’t think the mission would take long.”

“It wasn’t difficult. More like hide and seek,” Dante said as he closed the door.

Nero faced him and finally noticed Dante’s ripped outfit. “What the hell happened out there? Were you attacked by a swarm of demons?” Dante's shirt was barely hanging on.

Dante snorted. “Something like that.” He glanced at Vergil, who kept gawking at him. “Anyway, it was plants that were the mysterious culprits.”

“No shit?” Nero raised an eyebrow.

Dante walked toward his desk, leaning against it, trying to act normal despite Vergil hovering right behind him, almost touching him. It was obvious what Vergil was trying to do, but Dante didn’t want to traumatize Nero.

"Yeah. You never know what will pop up in this line at work.” He sighed. “It’s getting late. What did you need help with?”

“I actually wanted to ask about devil arms—” Nero halted, then sniffed the air, brow furrowing.

He stepped closer to Dante, eyes narrowing. "Whoa, what the— Why do you smell like dessert? Like vanilla and honey or some shit. It's weirdly distracting."

Dante blinked. That’s new. Because Nero wasn’t with them on the mission, so why was he being affected? He shouldn’t be. 

Vergil tensed immediately, a low growl rumbling from his chest. Nero, oblivious, reached out as if to poke Dante's arm, drawn by the scent like a moth to flame.

In a blur, Vergil yanked Dante back, wrapping arms around his waist and baring his teeth. "Mine," he snarled, eyes flashing bright red. "Stay away from him, boy.”

Nero jerked his hand back, blinking in confusion. He shook his head, stepping away as if snapping out of a trance. "What the fuck just happened?” he hissed. “It was like I was under a spell. One second I wanna get close, next I'm wondering why I'm acting like an idiot. Dante, explain.”

Dante nodded. “I thought it was the area that affected Vergil, but it can’t be now. Because you were affected and you weren’t with us. I think it’s me. I was sprayed on by something when I cut the demon,” Dante explained.

Nero covered his nose. He didn’t want to smell Dante at all, fearing the worst. “Vergil, you okay? You're looking at me like you wanna gut me."

Vergil didn't respond, just tightened his hold on Dante, nuzzling into his neck and inhaling deeply. 

“He was very affected,” Dante said. “Like you have no idea.”

Then it clicked to Nero with Dante’s ripped shirt and how filthy the brothers looked. “I did not need the image in my head.” He groaned.

"He smells too good. No one touches,” Vergil finally spoke.

Dante patted Vergil's arm, thoughtfully. The toxin from the demon plant hadn't affected Vergil directly, but on Dante, drawing others in. Vergil was obsessed with Dante’s scent, more than ever.

 "Easy, Vergil. Nero's not a threat. Kid, you felt that pull? Like you couldn't help yourself?"

Nero nodded, rubbing his temple. "Yeah, it was trippy. Sweet scent hits me, and bam— I'm zoning in on you like a heat-seeking missile. Then poof, gone. What kinda demon bullshit is this?"

"Plant bullshit," Dante grumbled, glancing at Vergil, who was still glued to him from behind, hands splayed protectively over his stomach. "We took down this vine monster in the jungle. Sprayed me with some sap when I sliced its vine, but it didn't do jack to me. I thought I was in the clear. But nope, it stuck around, and Vergil... well, he's been acting off since. He’s been clingy, keeps saying I smell good.”

Vergil huffed against Dante's skin. "You do. And you're mine. No sharing." He glared at Nero.

Nero snorted, though he kept his distance. "Clingy? Vergil? You don’t see that everyday. So, this toxin's making him all territorial? The scent's like an aphrodisiac then. Explains why I got that urge."

"Bingo," Dante said, shifting as Vergil's hands moved, and Dante thought he let go. But no, Vergil cupped his ass instead. "It hit him hard. It should fade soon, right, Vergil?"

“I’m hoping, if not, I don’t see the harm of us staying inside.” Vergil squeezed harder.

Nero's eyes widened. "Okay, I’m out. I don’t want to be here for this!”

“That’s a good call,” Dante said, smirking.

“Should I tell Lady and Trish about this?” Nero asked.

Vergil growled softly at the mention of others, but Dante shushed him. "Whoa, calm down. No one's taking me anywhere.” Then he turned back to Nero. “It’s fine. It's actually be better if no one is here. I don't want to know how others will react. Besides, Vergil is mostly himself. Just goes feral if anyone gets too close. We wait it out. Demon toxins usually fade in a day or two. Right?"

Vergil nodded reluctantly, lips close to  Dante's ear. "As long as you're with me. And no one else."

"See? He's fine," Dante assured Nero, though his voice hitched as Vergil nipped his lobe. "We'll hole up here. You keep an eye out for more demons, kid. If it gets worse, we'll call."

Nero hesitated, glancing between them. "Alright, but this is weird as hell. Vergil, don't kill me if I swing by tomorrow. And Dante… maybe shower off that sweet scent before it drives everyone insane."

"Hah, yeah. Later, Nero."

As Nero left, shaking his head, Dante turned in Vergil's arms, facing his lover's intense gaze. "You gonna let me breathe now, or what?"

Vergil's response was to kiss him deeply, hands roaming again. "Never. But I'll fuck you slower this time. On the bed.”

“Bed? Dreams do come true,” Dante teased.

"Admit it," Dante said later, sprawled on the bed with Vergil draped over him like a blanket. "This toxin's got you acting like a lovesick puppy."

"I'm no puppy," Vergil retorted, but his fingers traced lazy patterns on Dante's chest. "I'm protecting what's mine. That scent… it calls to me. So sweet. It makes me want to bury my cock in you until you can't walk."

"Promises, promises." Dante grinned.

Vergil's clinginess showed no signs of waning throughout the night. He followed Dante everywhere, even to the bathroom. And Vergil would murmur how Dante's scent drove him wild, how he needed to claim him again and again.

By morning, Vergil was a touch more composed, discussing the mission details with clipped words, but the moment Dante stepped toward the door for coffee, his hand shot out, yanking him back. "No. Stay."

"Vergil, it's just across the street," Dante said, with a smile on his face.

"I'll go." Possessiveness flared, but he softened, kissing Dante's forehead. "For you."

Nero took over their missions until the scent wore off. Three days had passed, and Dante still remained affected. The proof was Vergil still never leaving his side. He'd hover a little too close when Dante reloaded his guns, his hand brushing Dante's lower back, or pull him into quick kisses to get Dante’s attention. 

Honestly, Dante liked the extra attention, and he often teased Vergil about it.

Around day five, Vergil had lowered physical contact. Not a lot, by enough to deem Dante safe to hunt again.

Nero told them about a case where demons began making nests in the outskirts of the city, by the woods and in an old warehouse. Reports of workers vanishing and finding trails of blood left behind.

They decided to go all together, just as a precaution.

Vergil peered at Nero when he got close to Dante.

“Seriously, Dad, he’s all yours,” Nero grumbled, moving a few steps away from Dante.

“The scent is mild. I won’t risk any chances,” Vergil said firmly. “Dante, you stay close to me. No wandering off.”

Dante smirked. “Aw, still playing bodyguard? The toxin's fading, Verg. Relax. See, it’s not driving Nero crazy anymore.”

Nero did a fake gag.

“I am relaxed,” Vergil replied coolly, though his fingers reached Dante's wrist for a second. “I don’t want you getting hurt. This nest could be volatile. We move as one.”

Dante gave him a nod. “Since it’s close by, let’s fly there. The loser gets to buy strawberry sundaes!”

“You’re on, old man!” Nero’s spectral wings formed, and they were all out of the shop.

Vergil and Dante were going toe to toe. Their demonic wings were bigger than Nero’s after all. Dante flew around Vergil, smiling at him. Then Vergil went up higher, prompting Dante to follow him, confused about what Vergil was going.

“Do you want to lose?” Dante shouted.

Suddenly, Vergil stopped, his wings expanded wide, gliding in the air. Dante almost crashed into him, but that’s what Vergil wanted. He wrapped his arms around Dante when he rushed toward Vergil.

“Vergil!”

Both ended up going down as their wings folded, but Vergil didn’t seem to care. Instead he kissed Dante, who was panicking that they were falling three hundreds meters high.

Vergil opened his wings and released Dante once he was done, and continued with the race.

Dante was too stunned to care. Vergil could really be a romantic when he wanted to be.

He was the last one to win the race, thanks to Vergil. Nero won first place, choosing to ignore what they were doing. Vergil didn’t mind being second, as long as he beat Dante.

“Finally, took your sweet time,” Nero said as Dante landed on the ground.

“I was distracted by a cheater!” 

“I didn’t cheat. I merely performed a trick,” Vergil stated, his lips curled up.

“Trick my ass!”

“Doesn’t matter. You owe us sundaes now.” Nero grinned. He’s thrilled to have something over Dante’s head—because it’s rare. He wasn’t going to waste the opportunity. “Alright, let’s get back to business.”

Both brothers nodded. Ready to get to business.

The warehouse was across them, empty and slightly ruined. The metal doors were broken down by force, no doubt the demons making their way in. It seemed the place had shut down.

Vergil eyed the blood trail that led toward the entrance. “They made themselves at home. From dragging bodies out to bodies dragging back in,” he said.

“There’s got to be a huge nest in there,” Dante added. Then low, guttural snarls echoed from inside. “Oh yeah, big one.”

Nero raised Red Queen. “Let’s do this.”

The three of them moved in.

It was dark inside. The light coming from the windows was barely giving them anything to see.

“Shit, it’s like a basement in here,” Nero muttered.

“It’s a good thing we’re demons then.” Dante almost laughed when Nero ran into some boxes in his way.

“It still sucks!”

“Focus,” Vergil scolded, looking at both of them.

Both mumbled apologies.

“Let’s spread out, but stay within sight,” Dante said, resting his sword against his shoulder. “Nero, take the left. Vergil, you’re with me, right side.”

Vergil inclined his head, stepping into place beside him, his presence calm and unwavering. “Understood. Call if you need us.”

They didn’t have to wait long.

The first wave surged from the shadows. Skittering demons—looking like monstrous lizards—with long claws and sharp spikes on its back. They moved quickly on all fours but were able to stand with two legs.

Dante launched forward without hesitation, Ebony and Ivory barking in rapid succession as he tore through a pack of them. “Come on, you overgrown lizards! That's all you got?” he taunted, holstering one gun just long enough to bring Rebellion around in one swing, severing heads in a single motion.

Off to the side, Nero met a brute head-on, a bit bigger than the rest. “These things hit harder than they look!” he shouted, glancing over his shoulder. “Dante! Behind you!”

Dante pivoted instantly, blade flashing as he split a lunging demon clean down the middle. “I got it! Thanks, kid!” 

Glowing red eyes snapped toward Dante as one, their movements shifting slower. Their nostrils flared, heads tilting as if catching a scent. A low hiss rippled through them, not driven by anger, but something closer to craving.

The lizards were everywhere, not giving Dante a chance to move. Even though he slaughtered one, another would pop up.

“What the fuck? I knew this was a big nest, but this is more than usual!”

Something felt off.

They didn’t circle or reposition.

It’s like they were fixated.

“Guys! A little help here,” Dante yelled, getting overwhelmed.

Nero finished off the lizard he had been fighting with. There was no more in front of him. His eyes landed on Dante, and he gasped. “Oh shit!” All the demons were surrounding Dante.

Dante frowned, firing again. The bullets struck them, but it didn’t stop. They kept advancing, arms reaching—not to strike, but to seize.

“Why are you—”  Dante stumbled as he moved back. His foot hitting a box. “Damn it!”

The lizards touched his arms and legs, prompting Dante to jump away. He killed the ones closest to him. They were itching to grab him.

Vergil noticed this, Yamato flashing as he bisected two demons mid-leap. “Dante, they're fixating on you. Get away!” His voice carried a sharp urgency.

“I see that! Back off, freaks!” Dante shoved one away with the side of his sword. As Dante took another step back, he tripped backwards against a small box. He landed on it!

A lizard latched onto his leg, claws raking his thigh through his pants. Pain flared, but the demon didn't bite. It pawed at him, growling low, hips grinding against his calf like it was in heat.

Oh no…

Nero’s voice came closer. “The hell's wrong with these things? They're not fighting— They're— Holy fuck! It’s humping you!”

“I can see that!” Dante roared.

Dante kicked the one on his leg free, but two more piled on, slamming him against the floor. Claws tore at his coat, shredding fabric and scoring shallow gashes across his chest. 

“Get off me, you pervy shits! No means no!” He stabbed one through the shoulder, but it pinned his arms, slobbering against his neck. They towered over Dante, who couldn’t even see the ceiling of the warehouse anymore. It’s like he was in a lizard pit.

Then the same lizard on its calf clung to it. Dante felt a thick cock emerging from its underbelly to rut against the calf. The others were trying to do the same in all parts of Dante’s body.

That was enough for Dante to really panic. “Vergil!” he screamed.

Dante's mind raced back to the plant toxin. The scent. It hadn't faded! It was still on him, making these bastards feral. They weren't here to kill. They wanted to fuck, to mate, to claim him in the worst way possible.

He didn’t want this. “Get off me! Vergil!”

“Dante!” Nero yelled, fighting to reach him, but the demons swarmed him too, buying time.

Dante hissed, demonic power coiling in his veins, Devil Trigger building, ready to erupt. “Get the fuck away from me!” But before he could transform, a whirlwind of blue slashed through the air.

Vergil appeared beside him. His eyes burned bright blue, filled with anger, face twisted in a snarl. “You’ll all pay for touching what’s mine.” Each word was a death sentence. He carved through the demons like paper, blood splattering and body parts chopped off. 

The one rutting against Dante's calf met Yamato first, cleaved from groin to throat in a spray of gore. Vergil's blade didn't stop, a blur of lethal cuts. He hacked limbs, shattered skulls, his snarls growing louder with every kill. “No one touches him but me!”

Dante couldn’t stop staring at Vergil. He had never seen Vergil act like this.

The nest fell silent save for the wet thuds of bodies hitting the ground. Vergil stood amid the carnage, chest heaving, katana dripping blood. His eyes faded from blue to his usual light blue, but the fury lingered in his clenched jaw.

Dante wiped off some blood that fell on his face as he slowly got up.

Nero rushed to Dante's side, helping him up. “Dante! You okay? Shit, those claws got you good.” He saw his torso, front and back, bleeding.

“It’ll heal in a bit,” Dante reassured. He leaned against a stack of boxes, panting, adrenaline crashing into shaky relief. 

His thigh burned, chest stung from scratches, and his pants were ripped where the demon had groped him. But even then, he forced a grin, masking the tremor in his hands. “Well, that was insane. Was almost a demon's sex toy back there. Talk about bad luck?”

Nero's face paled, but he snorted, though worry etched his features. “Dante…” He knew what Dante was doing, but Nero couldn’t let it pass. “That could've gone way worse. If Vergil hadn't... fuck, those things were trying to... you know. Mount you, mate with you. You shouldn’t joke about this." He glanced at the minced bodies on the floor, then back at Dante. “The scent is still on you. Has to be. They went straight for you like you were catnip. You weren’t ready for missions. Not like this.”

Dante’s grin slipped, the truth settling in with uncomfortable weight. He’d assumed it was gone. But no. The toxin lingered, not just on his skin but deeper, maybe even his blood. His knees wavered for a split second as the implications hit: being overwhelmed, restrained, torn apart in a frenzy he couldn’t fight off.

Vergil stepped closer, his coat slightly soaked with red, his expression carved into something cold, but his eyes softened when they landed on Dante. 

“Are you well?”

Dante nodded. “Thanks for saving my ass.”

Vergil eyed Dante’s torn clothing, then he took off his coat and handed it to his brother. “Wear this for the meantime.” Dante didn’t hesitate, feeling exposed. “You still have the scent. To me, it’s a hint, but not too distracting. My guess to other demons, it’s higher. We were wrong to allow this,” he said firmly. “And I won’t take another risk with others.”

He peered at Nero, who was still nearby Dante. Nero caught the shift immediately and took a step back, raising his hands slightly.

“Okay, easy! I’m keeping my distance,” Nero said, backing off without argument. “I get it.” And he did, after what almost happened.

Vergil paid him no mind. With a sharp click, Yamato slid back into its sheath. In the next breath, he pulled Dante in, one hand steady at the back of his head, the other firm around his waist, drawing him close. The hold was tight, grounding, leaving no space for doubt. A low growl vibrated in his chest.

“No one will touch you like that again,” he promised, voice low and solemn. “I won’t allow it.”

Dante let himself lean into it, tension bleeding out as his hands caught in Vergil’s vest, face pressed into his shoulder. The blood, the mess— 

It didn’t matter. What mattered was the solid certainty of being held there, safe.

“Yeah, I know. Thank you,” he murmured, managing a faint, crooked smile. “You wiped them out. My hero.” The humor was thin, but his grip tightened all the same.

A few steps away, Nero folded his arms, watching the exchange with a raised brow. It was a close call, and he could tell Dante was shaken up by it.

“Dad, take Dante back. I’ll handle everything here,” he said.

“Are you certain, Nero?” Vergil didn’t want his son to handle everything on his own.

Nero waved him off. “I got it. Besides, you did most of the killing anyway. I just gotta make sure every single one is gone.”

“Very well. Come back to us when you’ve finished,” Vergil said, with a hint of concern.

Nero nodded. “Make sure no one gets near him.” He glanced at Dante, who was still clinging onto Vergil.

Vergil’s gaze lowered, sharp and focused. “He’s not leaving my sight,” he said firmly. He gripped his hold on Dante, as if trying to erase any lingering trace. “The toxin is lasting longer than anything I’ve ever dealt with. I’ll give it another week, if the same results occur…” His voice trailed off, attention shifting back to Nero. “Then it’s time to make a phone call to Trish.”

“It’s about time you say that,” Nero mumbled, which Vergil heard.

Vergil exhaled through his nose, still not liking the idea, but he’s out of options.

He made a portal with one hand, still not letting go of Dante, and stepped in—where it’s safe from anyone that wasn’t them.

Thankfully Vergil didn’t have to call Trish. The scent had fully faded after a week. Vergil couldn’t detect the sweet aroma from Dante. No hint whatsoever.

Nero once again held the fort until Dante was back to normal. Vergil had wanted to help his son with some of the work, but he couldn’t leave his brother alone. Vergil wouldn’t forgive himself if something happened to Dante—and if he wasn’t around to save him…

No force on earth could pry Vergil from Dante's side.

“'I'll manage,” Nero had grumbled on the first day, slinging his sword over his shoulder as he eyed Vergil's unyielding stance by the couch where Dante lounged.

Vergil's gaze hadn't waver from Dante, who was flipping through a magazine with feigned nonchalance. “It’s temporary. Dante stays here, under my watch.” His tone brooked no argument.

Dante put the magazine down, grinning. “Thanks, kid. Think of this as an experience when you get the shop when we’re not around anymore,” he had joked.

“Not funny!” Nero had huffed.

It was a little funny.

The brothers had spent their time being domestic and bonding more than ever. Vergil’s clinginess ebbed day by day, the toxin's fog lifting, but Vergil's touches lingered—fingers tracing Dante's jaw, lips brushing his temple. Dante teased him often, but the warmth in his chest grew.

And while sex wasn’t as heated as the very beginning, there still was plenty of sex.

Dante had enjoyed every bit of it.

Dante came back from a walk in the late evening “Man, it’s nice outside. No demons wanting to mate with me.”

Vergil followed him from behind as he shut the door. He made sure nothing happened out there. “Good. Otherwise it would've been a bloodshed.”

“Seriously, we’re staying away from plants from now on. Screw them!” Dante said.

“What about the aloe vera on the roof?” Vergil asked.

Dante pretended to think about it. “As long as it doesn’t do anything weird, it can stay.” He laughed when Vergil rolled his eyes, then pulled Vergil closer. “Look at you, back to your usual self.”

“It’s for the best. We were fucking like rabbits,” Vergil said flatly. “Though your sweet scent was alluring. Even now, recalling it distracts me. I couldn't think straight without wanting to bury myself in you.” His voice dropped, honest and raw. “It was good for a moment.”

Dante's grin softened, heat pooling low. “Yeah? Well, I enjoyed the attention. Big bad Vergil turning into a needy pup. But damn you’re right, my ass needs a break from all the fucking.” He stepped closer, hand cupping Vergil's cheek. “Unless you prefer one more round? C'mon. Bedroom. Show me how much you can’t say no to me.” He batted his eyelashes at him.

For a moment, Dante thought he would refuse because Vergil said nothing. But the next second, Dante was on the bed, with Vergil on top of him.

Dante's red coat hitting the floor, Vergil's blue one following. Then the rest of their clothes.

Vergil’s lips crashing in a hungry kiss, tongues sliding deep. Dante groaned, hands roaming Vergil's back, pulling him down.

Vergil broke the kiss, trailing bites down Dante's neck, sucking marks into pale skin. “You know I’ll never say no to you, brother,” he breathed. “You under me, taking me. You’re mine until death comes for the both of us.”

His hand slid between Dante's thighs, fingers teasing the cleft of his ass, circling the tight ring before pressing in—one digit, then two, scissoring to stretch him open. Dante arched, cock hardening against Vergil's thigh, pre-cum smearing.

“Verg— Yeah, like that.” Dante gasped, hips bucking. Vergil's fingers curled, hitting that spot inside, making Dante's toes curl. He worked him relentlessly, adding a third finger, thrusting deep while his mouth latched onto a nipple, teeth grazing the bud.

Dante's hands fisted the sheets, body trembling. “Never going to get tired of this,” he vowed.

“Good,” Vergil said, moving to lock gaze with Dante.

Vergil withdrew his fingers, coated with lube he'd grabbed from the nightstand. He positioned himself, cock nudging Dante's entrance. “Mine.” He growled softly, pushing in slow, stretching Dante wide. 

“Vergil.” Dante moaned, legs wrapping around Vergil's waist, urging him deeper. 

Fully sheathed, Vergil paused, forehead to Dante's, breaths mingling. “I’m the only one you’ll only do these things to. Never forget.” 

Vergil moved, thrusting in and out. The bed creaked, skin slapping skin, Dante's cock trapped between them, leaking steadily. Vergil's grunts mixing with Dante's cries.

Dante’s nails dug into Vergil's shoulders. Vergil’s hand stroked his cock in time. 

“Come for me,” Vergil ordered, angle shifting to grind deeper. 

Dante shattered first. His cock pulsing, cum spurting hot across his stomach, clenching around Vergil. His brother followed, burying deep with a moan, flooding Dante's ass with thick ropes of cum, hips jerking through the aftershocks.

They lay there for a while before Vergil pulled out and got comfortable, rolling to the side so Dante draped over him. 

“I’m glad things are back to normal,” Dante whispered. He nuzzled Vergil’s chest, relaxed. “Missed normal us.”

Vergil's fingers combed through Dante's hair, voice almost soft. “When I saw you in that warehouse… the demons all over you, trying to rut against you like you were theirs to take... something snapped in me. I wanted to kill everything. Everyone. For touching you, hurting. I’d rip the world apart to keep you safe.” His grip tightened, a tremor in his words. “The possessiveness wasn't just from the toxin. It was something deep in me that I could no longer suppress because of it. Seeing you almost violated…it broke me.”

Dante lifted his head, eyes meeting Vergil's in the dim light from the lamp. 

Touched, chest aching with emotion, he traced Vergil's jaw. “Vergil... I felt it too,” he admitted. “I panicked like hell. Then you saved me.” Dante pecked his lips. “You were incredible. That side of you. It made me fall more in love with you.”

Vergil caressed his cheek, as if grateful to hear it. “Only you can do this to me.”

Dante smiled at him, then let out a tired sigh. “I hope nothing like that happens again though. Those lizards were gross.” He shivered even thinking about it. “The way they were around me. Fuck, it shook me.” His voice cracked slightly. “But you came and protected me.” Dante kissed him a second time.

“It won't happen again. I vow it. You'll never face that alone. I'll protect you, always. No demon, no toxin, no one touches what's mine.” His thumb brushed Dante's lip, eyes fierce with promise.

Dante smiled, leaning in. “You're mine too, you know. All sides of you.” 

Vergil's arms wrapped around him, holding tight, as he also leaned in. Their bodies entwined as night slowly approached.