#i feel like dante sleeps like a rock

[actuallysaiyan]

For the smut prompt thing, Dante with 3 or 34?🥺👉🏼👈🏼

warnings: mentions of drinking, alcohol, allusions to sex, smut, love confessions, DMC3!Dante prompt list here

Drinks flowed through the two of you at a comfortable pace. You’ve been seeing Dante for a little while now, and you knew you were completely in love. The feeling was very much mutual for him, but he was so damn afraid of telling you. Instead, he tends to follow you around like some kind of little puppy, and he hangs on your every word. He’s so obsessed with everything you do or say.

Tonight was a good night. He came back from one of his jobs last night, and you two decided to celebrate another success for him. You knew about his lifestyle and his demonic heritage, considering he saved you from a horde of devils. Since that day, he’s been your rock. You two are practically joined at the hip, which receives lots of ridicule from Lady.

Dante passes you another beer after you’ve just finished yours, and you giggle softly as he comes in closer to you. His lips are cold on your neck, the results of chugging an ice cold beer. And boy, does he pound back the beers like they are nothing. The song on the jukebox changes to something a little softer and slower. It’s a love song from the 50s, and it’s one of your favorites. You quickly get to your feet, causing you to stumble slightly. Dante is so quick to help you back to your feet. He pulls you into his chest, and you two begin swaying to the music.

“I love this song,” you coo softly. Dante smiles down at you, “I know, baby.”

He smells so good. It’s the soap that you bought for him. Your heart swells with love at the thought of him actually using it. You nuzzle your face against his chest once more, and he feels his heart skips a beat. He’s going to love you forever, but he just wishes he could finally confess it to you.

And when you look up at him with your sweet wide eyes, it hits Dante all at once. The courage he needed finally has gathered up. He presses a soft kiss to your lips, and when he pulls away, he’s smiling widely.

“I’m so in love with you,”

Your eyes widen even more so. You can’t believe he said those words to you. You reach up and cup his cheek. He looks a little nervous but when you pull him down to kiss you he knows you feel the same way.

“I’m so in love with you too.”

That’s all it takes for Dante to begin making out with you. His tongue slides into your mouth, making you cling to him even harder. The alcohol is buzzing in your brain, making you grind against him. You let your hands soothe up and down his bare chest, the only thing holding his jacket to his body was that strap that runs against the expanse of his pecs.

“Fuck, I’ve wanted to say that for so long,” Dante says as he picks you up.

With long strides, you’re up the stairs quickly. Dante carries you the whole way, and when he finally gets you into his bedroom, he tosses you onto the bed gently. His cock twitches when he sees your tits bounce in your shirt. Dante crawls on top of you like some sort of predator about to zero in on its prey.

You’re so quick to pull him in for a sloppy kiss, your legs spreading and wrapping around his muscular frame. When your lips meet, you swear that time stands still…

…the next morning, you wake up a little later than you usually would. You want to get up and get some coffee going, but you feel a strong pair of arms wrapped around you. Dante whines from behind you, and he mutters something in his sleepy state. You aren’t sure what he’s just said, so you carefully turn yourself around and face him.

“What was that, sweetie?”

Dante pulls you in closer, his strength even still apparent in his sleepy state. “Wanna sleep more, please.”

You giggle, “We need to get up.”

You feel him grind against you, and it instantly has you so wet. His hardened cock rubs against you as he starts to spread your thighs. Dante slips into you, a smirk on his face. You let out a soft gasp at the feeling of him stretching you out. “Let me give you a reason to stay in bed.”

#bacon.writes #dante x you #dante sparda #dmc3 dante #dmc3 #devil may cry 3 #dante x reader #dante sparda x you #dante sparda x reader #devil may cry x reader #devil may cry 3 dante x reader #dmc3 dante x you #dmc dante x you #dmc dante x reader

[thedeal-if]

How would the ROs react to an mc who randomly gets panic attacks when trying to sleep? They’ll just be laying there, maybe halfway to falling asleep and suddenly just sit up and trying to control their breathing. This happens to me quite often and made me curious.

I know what you mean :( lots of support💕

He’s more asleep than awake when it happens, but a lifetime of sleeping with one eye open predisposes even the heaviest of sleepers. Dante jolts up a beat after you do, a hand hovering over— over what?

“Ah, you startled me,” the demon’s whine is interrupted by a loud yawn, Dante expects an apology that never comes, he hears your laboured breath— “Shit— what?”

Out of his own shock and your unusual state, Dante shoots out of the bed like the mattress is burning. He thinks a lot— maybe too fast— are you drowning, dreaming, dying? Are you forever lost? Do you need him close, away, just as he is, or does he need to do something else? Should he call someone else? Dante doesn’t even know how to use a phone.

“I’m sorry,” is what he settles for. Just in case. Dante doesn’t know if there’s something he should apologize for, or if it’s a more general expression of sympathy for your distress “I—”

One of your hands grips his sleeve, tugs, it barely pulls but Dante follows your motion either way, lifts his arm, shuffles closer, forces the other arm to move.

Dante hugs you, kneeling on the bed, a blanket of warmth over you.

Lilith senses your strong reaction just a beat before it comes over you, they sit up at the same time as you, pulling the sheets back. Their heart aches at the knowledge that there is little she can do other than remain by your side, being as steady as they can for you.

It would be so unfair to call your frustration and your panic a wave, it all feels more like a storm to Lilith. Like staring out the window, they get a clear view of the downpour— and you’re in the middle of it. And Lilith…

“It’ll be okay, love, take your time,” they say soothingly.

Lilith edges closer. You don’t answer, they don’t expect you to, either. Your labored breath is the only sound breaking the silence until the Succubus speaks again.

“I’m going to put my hand on your shoulder,” and they do just that, but Lilith’s motion doesn’t stop there, and they slowly move until their fingers are cradling the back of your neck.

They repeat, “Take your time,” and, just to make sure you know “I’m here for you.”

For Josh, this is nothing new, he knows you and he’s seen you hit rock bottom once or twice—as you have witnessed with him too. Such a fact, on top of years and years of experience, would create the assumption that Josh actually knows what he’s doing.

But he doesn’t, not really. He has no fucking clue.

Josh knows the theory of it; he sits up a beat after you do, drags himself until he’s kneeling in front of you, holds your hand and presses it against his chest. It’s an unspoken dance and mission that Josh, ever so calm and collected—despite the frantic rhythm of his heart under your fingers—guides expertly. When your teary eyes land on Josh’s, he smiles a little.

“That’s right, you’re doing great— as always,” he says, the sweet praise that might or might not be just another step to calm you down, or to calm himself “Focus on me.”

The young witch had been asleep, the kind of deepness you take a while to shake off, but panic is often more effective than coffee—and a good descriptive word ‘panic’, to define what Villanelle feels and sees reflected in you. She tucks the distress away, shuffles until she’s kneeling, hesitates, then she rubs your back soothingly. With as much steadiness as she can transmit.

“You’re doing great, I know it hurts— I know everything sucks sometimes,” a somber admission Villanelle won’t ever address “But you’re so strong— so strong you can handle things like this. Just hold on, it’ll pass.”

Promising such a thing would be insincere. Hoping for it, insensitive.

“You’re great. You’re doing great,” is what she settles for instead.

Even when an apparent state of relaxation, Victor grows alert as easily as flicking a switch, with the cold calculation of a man ready for action. Many years—too many—of being an Exorcist, a Demon Hunter, have long since wired his brain to be more than ready to expect those creatures no matter what, no matter when.

But there’s no danger coming from the monsters, only from within you—as if that wasn’t worse.

Victor has never logically understood emotions. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t understand your turmoil: he definitely felt similarly on the day Maria disappeared—and every day ever since.

A window is opened to let in fresh air, the lights are turned on, Victor returns and sits beside you. He doesn’t say anything, doesn’t reach out to touch you, he only waits until the worst has passed, by your side.

Aliyah sleeps and sleeps like a log, she could sleep forever, but when you move, she wakes with a startle all the same. The grip of shock comes and goes easily, it is very much beneath Aliyah to allow herself to succumb to Earthly emotions. Or so she thinks. The mask of indifference she often wears like her second skin slips into the face of a creature who has no fucking idea what she’s supposed to do to comfort a human.

She’s not even sure that she knows what’s wrong.

So many time Aliyah has told you to ‘suck it up’ that it’s almost a reflex for her to do so again, but the Genie bites her tongue.

A tentative hand pats you on the shoulder. Once. Then twice. It falls limp after looming over you for a few seconds.

“You can deal with this by yourself, but…” Aliyah’s voice sounds as resigned as she can muster. She sighs, “I got your back.”

Distress and corruption go hand in hand, and both concepts manage to make Nathan deeply uncomfortable. He doesn’t notice you’re not feeling okay at first—he sees you abruptly sitting up and finds himself smirking, any distraction against the persistent insomnia is more than welcomed—but then Nathan hears and sees your distress.

The Angel grants you one of the very scarce moments of seriousness that he’s managed to muster in his long life, the grins disappear like dust blown by the wind.

“Listen,” Nathan says, jumping to a sitting position, sounding strangely urgent in a way he can’t stand “I really don’t know what to do, and— I’ll understand if you get mad later. I'd encourage it, even.”

The Angel cradles your face, stares at your glazed eyes and remembers what it means to be a protector—what it means to be someone who cares, how badly it hurts—and the very scarce divinity in him does the rest.

Eden only knows what’s happening to you because she has experienced it in her own skin more than a couple of times—that debilitating moment in which her chest seemed to have a will of its own, one that was beyond precarious—so she knows it’s wistful thinking for her mind to say ‘there’s something I can do to take the pain away’.

Eden knows that there’s little she can do. Despite the unlimited power she holds at the tips of her fingers, she’s ultimately powerless in the face of discord.

That doesn’t mean she doesn’t try, it doesn’t mean she has the delusional desire to be the recipient of all your pain, just so you can breathe.

Eden doesn’t know when, or why, but she soon realizes she’s holding your hand.

She sighs, attempts to pull away, stops when you tighten your fingers around hers, and, ever the practical, she says “Give yourself a minute.”

#the deal if #the deal #inferno #ros #scenario #ask #dante #lilith #josh #villanelle #victor #nathan #aliyah #eden

[xopinkroses]

Could I please request the dmc boys helping reader when they feel anxious/have a panic attack?

You don’t have to do this if your inbox is already pretty full but either way have a good day! :3

(It's a little short but I hope it's to your liking-- I've also thrown in V and Kyrie🌸 Thanks for the request! Be safe, babes💖💖)

DMC boys + V and Kyrie x Reader Having a Panic Attack♥

Summary; How Dante, Vergil, Nero, V and Kyrie help you through a panic attack. Warnings; Mental illness, panic attacks

MASTERLIST🌸

Dante

You often get anxious when Dante leaves for a job. No matter how much he reassures you before leaving, you can never shake the feeling of worry. You barely function when you’re in this state, thankfully he doesn’t tend to stay away for too long. Just as you worry for him, he is constantly thinking of you. He fights to get back home to you as soon as possible, not wanting you to be left alone for too long. 

He returns home earlier than expected and walks through the doors of Devil May Cry to find you huddled on the floor with your knees pulled into your chest. Dante curses and rushes to your side, dropping his weapons at the door. The smell of leather and gunpowder surrounds you as he holds you in his arms, rocking you back and forth while whispering soothing words in your ear. 

“Everything’s okay, babe. I’m back, I’m safe– there’s nothing to be worried about, I promise.”

Vergil

Vergil has had a few panic attacks in his life, even before being enslaved by Mundus loaded him with another spoonful of trauma. Back then, he never had anyone to comfort him when he would break down– but things are different now. You’ve helped him and taught him so much. And he wants to return to you the same kindness you showed him.

Vergil always asks before touching you when you’re in this state, keeping his movements careful and voice low. He laces his fingers with yours, and urges you to count with him. His voice is gentle as he counts with you. 

“One, two– that’s good, love. Three, four–” 

When your breathing has evened out and you’re in a calmer, more lucid state, he’ll brush your hair back and kiss your temple. Vergil makes sure that you’re comfortable before leaving momentarily to make you some tea. He won’t leave your side for the rest of the night, giving you plenty of time to tell him what’s been on your mind to have brought such an attack on. 

Nero

Nero feels his blood run cold the first time he walks in on you having a panic attack. His first instinct is to hold you close to him, like he’s trying to shield you from harm. Every strangled cry that leaves your lips ties his stomach in painful knots, he just holds you tighter. He feels so helpless and doesn’t know how to help. He’s panicking too, but trying his hardest to hide it from you. 

He’s comforting the both of you when he starts rambling about anything that comes to mind– his day, plans for tomorrow, something stupid Dante said the other day. His mouth is moving and words are spilling out but he’s not really hearing them, he’s just trying to distract you. Our boy’s clueless but he’s trying his best. 

V

V knew you were an anxious little thing from the first day he met you. He took it all in stride, honestly– He has a way with words and is usually able to comfort you with ease. But sometimes even he can’t talk you through your fears, because sometimes you aren’t thinking about anything in particular. A panic attack will just sneak up on you, and he’ll try his best to help you ride it out. 

He wakes up to quiet sobbing beside him. You’re curled into a ball beside him, body shaking as you hyperventilate. “Oh, my dear–” he doesn’t hesitate before placing his arms around you, his touch feather light. His calm voice lulls you back to sleep as he recites poetry to you. He watches over you as you sleep, watching out for any signs of nightmares. 

Kyrie

Kyrie takes care of you with a practised ease, knowing how to calm you down before you get too distressed. If you’re out in public she’ll lead you away from everyone and sit you down somewhere quiet. She gives you some personal space but keeps your numb hands in hers; massaging them and slowly bringing the feeling back to them. 

She sings sweetly to you, the same lullaby she sings to the children at the orphanage. Her beautiful voice works to loosen the tight coil in your chest, your breathing evens out and you squeeze her hands in silent thanks. 

“It’s okay, lovely,” she leans forward and lands a peck on your cheek. “I’m here for you– forever and always.”

~ 🖤

#devil may cry #dmc #devil may cry x reader #dmc x reader #dante x reader #vergil x reader #nero x reader #kyrie x reader #v x reader #dmc imagines #dmc headcanons

[eponastory]

@pizzalover8969

I come bearing gifts!

Marlene

If there was an award for the worst credit score ever, it would go to Dante. Not that he needed good credit to get what he wanted anyway, but it did help his chances. If there was negative credit, that was where his was. That did not matter because he found someone with a really good sale going on.

Two hours of talking to a sleazy car salesman later, he drove out of the parking lot with a very old red Dodge Caravan.

He got it for the rock bottom price of one thousand dollars. Which covered the price of the state of the art sound system from the early 2000s. It even had a CD player. Oh, and a tiny disco ball hanging from the rear-view mirror. There were some dents in the doors. The biggest one was on the driver's side, where he could not get the door open. That was not a problem. He could dive in through the window.

The seats were gray with some brown stains on them from soda or something else entirely. He was not going to really think about it. But it was clean. It smelled good even though there was the faint smell of pot and cigarette smoke still lingering in the AC. Overall, it had potential.

Oh, and it came with a built-in cat bed. Cat included.

Actually, the cat had been living in there for a while since one of the rear windows had a decent sized hole in it. That knocked five hundred dollars off the price. Overall, Dante was pretty happy with his purchase.

Now, he did not have to worry about spending money on hotels for jobs that took him away from home. Nope, he was going to rip out those back seats and throw a mattress back there. He even thought about adding in a little refrigerator in there for cold drinks. It was a solid plan.

Really, he had the ability to sleep anywhere, but he wanted a damn mattress to sleep on.

So that was that.

The best thing about the van... was the sound of the engine. It purred like a charger. That was because someone actually put a refurbished charger engine under the hood. Oh yes, it was a muscled up minivan that roared like it was going out of style. He had to have it.

And it was in his favorite color.

How lucky could he get?

Now, all he had to do was pop a few decals on it, tear out those seats, and name the cat. The cat was not leaving without a fight, so it stayed. Doing all of that took less than an hour. Well, except naming the cat.

"What is this piece of shit doing here?" And there it was. The voice that always had something to say. "Oh no... this can't be his." He popped his head out of the back of the van as he was adjusting the mattress in the back. "Dante, are you for real right now?" It was Lady.

"As real as my new baby." He smiled wide as he hopped out and patted the exterior of the van. "You like her?"

"Her?" Lady looked at him in shock as he stood next to his new pride and joy. "You named this hunk of junk?"

"Hey, you're gonna hurt Marlene's feelings if you don't stop calling her names." He caressed the chipped red paint as though it were his one true love. He was only doing it to get a rise out of Lady anyway. "It's okay, Marlene, I'll make the mean lady apologize." The absolute shock on the huntresses' face at how outlandish Dante was being had him close to breaking down in laughter. "See, you hurt her feelings."

"Dante, cut the bullshit." She fell into a dead stare and crossed her arms. He could not help himself.

"Lady, do you see any bulls out here?" Her buttons were easy to push at this point as he held his arms out, motioning to the street around them.

"Ugh... you're infuriating!" And that was when she gave up. Stomping away like a teenager after being picked on by an older sibling. "I'm going to Starbucks!"

"Hey, can you get me a pumpkin spice latte?" He asked as she walked away, but instead, she just threw her middle finger up in the air. "I guess not." Dante turned his attention back to the red van with a smile. "She'll come around."

Once everything was in place and the black cat affectionately given the name of 'Lulu', the van was ready for its first job. The only problem was that there were no jobs. It had been a bit dry in the gin and tonic department, too.

There was Vergil.

Bad idea. Vergil would not set foot or ass in Marlene.

Trish?

Nah, she was likely to throw the van at him for even asking.

Nero.

Nero could use a little bit of a night out. He happened to be in town, doing who knows what. It was the perfect night, too, because there was a band playing at one of his local haunts.

He even bought a new pair of shades to wear while cruising around in Marlene. Putting them on, he climbed in through the window and started up the engine. The grin on his face when the beautiful beast under the hood roared to life only grew wider. Yes, this was a very good buy.

"Let's rock, Baby!" He turned the music on, playing 80s rock. It was a good thing he kept all of those CDs from the 90s.

As he rode down the street with the windows down and a terrified cat curled up in the bed behind his seat, he sang to Metallica. That was when he spotted Nero walking down the sidewalk with his hands in his pocket. That was also the moment that 'Don't Stop Believing' came on.

It was time to embarass the shit out of his nephew.

Dante hung his head out of the window as he sidled up to the curb, singing loudly. Every word sung really loud and surprisingly not off key, but it was enough to stop Nero in his tracks.

"Get in Loser! We're going bar hopping!" The look on the kid's face was somewhere between confused and embarrassed. Just like the day Dante told him Vergil was his old man. Ah, memories.

"What the hell is this?" The younger man motioned to the red van that Dante was practically hanging out of as he parked. "You going through a midlife crisis or something?"

"Nope, just taking an idea from you." He pulled his sunglasses down to look the kid in the eyes. "I couldn't pass up a good deal."

"What do you call a deal these days? Chipped paint and a cracked up engine?" Nero laughed as Dante put the vehicle in park and climbed out of the window.

"I'll have you know, the car was free." He grunted as his feet landed on the ground. "I pretty much paid for the stereo system, and the cat was free too."

"Cat?" He nodded at the younger man as he reached back into the van, pulling out a black cat who was growling.

"Meet Lulu, my newest employee." Dante scratched the irritated cat under the chin, only to recieve a bite. "Okay, let me just put that back in there. She doesn't like to be disturbed." He gently put the cat back in the van.

"I don't even know what to say." Nero could not believe what he was seeing. Or why he was even seeing it. As a matter of fact, he was not even sure he was in the same reality at that moment. Sure, Dante could be a bit... out there... but this was something else.

"Don't say anything and get in the van." Dante set his shades back up on the bridge of his nose as he hopped back into the driver's seat.

"I'm going to regret this." There was no point in resisting. Nero sighed as he walked around to the passenger side and got in. At least the door opened on that side. "It smells like weed in here."

"Shhhhhh... just sit back and enjoy the ride."

#yes dante named his minivan marlene but we can change it #dante makes people lose their minds with his antics #humor #devil may cry #dante #dmc #fanfic #devil may cry fanfiction #dante sparda #devil may cry 5 #nero #Lady is done with Dantes BS #pizzalover8969

[my-ace-life]

Interests Intro

I know I’m making a big assumption that anyone cares about what content I’m consuming, but when I hyperfixate on something, oh boy will I never shut up about it. So, to spare my friends and family from my extensive rants, I will be posting here about it. Feel free to not read any of this and get to the juicy stories on other parts of this blog, but to get a comprehensive view of my life as an asexual person, read ahead to see what content catches my interest!

Disclaimer: there will be a lot of discussions of old emo and pop punk bands in this section, and no I will not apologize for it.

That being said, here is a list, current to Nov 2023, of a bunch of stuff that I'm into:

Music - format: Artist {favorite album and/or “song”}

Fall Out Boy {Folie à Deux - “(Coffee’s For Closers)” and American Beauty/American Psycho - “The Kids Aren’t Alright” and Save Rock & Roll - “Miss Missing You”}

Sleep Token {Take Me Back To Eden - “Euclid” and “Chokehold”} Who gave them permission to include the lyric “So if your wings won’t find you heaven I will bring it down like an ancient bygone” in “Euclid” ??? Gives me goosebumps every time I listen

The Vaccines {“I Always Knew”}

Troye Sivan {There pretty much isn’t a song of his I don’t like, so I will just say that my favorite from his new album is “Still Got It” and I will always listen to “10/10” from In A Dream}

Wasia Project {“Remember When”}

I listen to a smattering of Kpop and Jpop bands: Official Hige Dandism, Gen Hoshino, Eve, The Oral Cigarettes, BTS, and Red Velvet

TV/Movies

Hell’s Kitchen (Maybe this makes me a bad person, but I love watching Gordon Ramsey yell at people at the end of a long day)

Heartstopper (because I am basic)

New Girl (a classic)

Red, White, & Royal Blue (also because I am basic)

Young Royals (because sometimes you need to witness a love story that will shake you to your very core)

DreamWorks’ Voltron: Legendary Defenders & She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (they are a set and no I will not be taking criticism on that)

Video Games

Five Nights at Freddy’s (I know way too much about the lore of this series. It's borderline a problem.)

Oxenfree (I haven’t played the second one yet but the first one has a very special place in my heart)

Pokémon (I’m a Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl stan but I understand that is probably an unpopular opinion. I just really love Luxray, okay?)

Books!

Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse: The original Shadow & Bone trilogy and the Six of Crows duology. The magic system is really unique and I love how Bardugo writes her characters.

Red, White, & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

The Simon Snow Trilogy by Rainbow Rowell

Aristotle & Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz. This book (and the sequel) always destroys me emotionally, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

The Rook by Daniel O’Malley: The only adult science fiction book series I enjoy reading

Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao: It’s like Pacific Rim combined with Chinese folk stories. It’s so cool.

#Interests

[klonoadreams]

I can imagine Raihan collecting them like pokemons, style:

This is my Piers, he is a dark type but don't worry, as long as you don't touch his kid/little sister everything will be fine, he likes music and being alone in dark places, so if you see him in an isolated corner don't bother him.

This is my Gordie, rock type, he shares territory with his mother, please don't touch his glasses or bother him, I don't know what will be the worst that can happen to you, that his mother grabs you or that Brie grabs you.

The one who tries to find the door from the patio is my Leon, he is the strongest but the sweetest, just like my Piers, do not touch his little brother, I am not responsible for what happens, if he is lost for a long time, do not worry Brie will bring him back.

And this here is my Brie, be careful she's a bit territorial, she can see in the dark so if you hear something at night it must be her playing with other pokemon, she's a fairy type but you have to be careful she's the most protective, both of adults as the smallest.

I don't know how it would be with Sonia, something like "this is Sonia, Leon's partner" and I even arrived.

fhwjkdhgkjfg vYEHA THAT'S PRETTY MUCH IT

Sonia got dragged into this polycule, kicking and screaming, and is disappointed in herself because she feels like her standards dropped.

effectively:

(source: X and Y Adventures, by Artist Black who has done Black Adventures and has otherwise shaped my entire being towards Pokemon humor and shenanigans since 2010, when Black and White had only just released in Japan - it's intended for mature audiences in a "references Panty and Stocking with Garterbelt" kind of way - you'll know it when you see it :V)

Anyways rip to Sonia. She had some semblance of "normalcy" when she and Nessa dated briefly, but it didn't last long since the two realized they were better off as friends (not to mention, Nessa's lingering mess of a rivalry/crush on Milo is VERY distracting lmaoo)

Raihan's Pokedex, except it's the Polydex, and it's just random snaps of his polycule doing cute stuff and/or wacky shenanigans.

Like Brie punching out Dante NOW THAT SHE HAS GOTTEN STRONK ENOUGH TO FIGHT PAPA!!!

Gordie posing in front of the mirror to check out how his new accessories go with his uniform. He is very stylish and cute. He is embarrassed about being caught tho lmao

Piers passing out on the couch, with Leon draping a blanket over him before promptly getting lost by going outside, down a straight path.

Leon brushing out the leaves and tangles in Brie's hair after she dragged his ass out of the woods he got lost in by straying from the path (which, may I mention, WAS A STRAIGHT LINE)

And then there's Piers and Brie trading uniforms, with Leon trying to do the same with Gordie, but Gordie refuses to let ANYONE near his clothes. He's a very picky boy.

And of course, you have the final pic that Raihan treasures dearly (and later updates to include Sonia), with him taking a selfie with the polycule while they sleep on a pile of pillows. It gives him the fuzzies when he looks at it.

(obviously, he's shared this photo with Gordie's mom, and she just so happy that her son is popular, even though they often bump heads because of ice and rock, but shhhh, don't tell Gordie)

#ask #mmyrve #pokemon #raihan #brie (oc) #sonia #leon #also ran (fanfic) #shenanigans #featuring raihan and his massive polycule #raihan collects them all like pokemon lmao

[lifeofkaze]

For the lineage challenge asks: How do you think the Frasers and Jamesons have handled parenthood and pregnancies and the idea of raising children throughout the centuries? (especially as a mother yourself 👀)

-endlessly-cursed

Thank you so much for your ask! 💛

So generally speaking, the topic of motherhood is a big theme running through the Fraser/Jameson family and will be covered in detail in a WIP which I hope to raise from planning WIP to writing WIP by the beginning of next year (writing schedules, ammirite?), but let's see what we can cover here!

A lot but not all of the things my girls experience/are figuring out on their journeys are reflective of things that I have experienced/am still experiencing, so let's dive into it!

As we all know, SELENE'S journey into motherhood wasn't really how she had planned things, and it wasn't exactly conventional to raise her child unmarried and without even saying who Caitlin's father was either. She struggled with the feeling of being stuck and confined to one place when that was never what she wanted in the first place and was ridden with guilt at wishing things were different because first and foremost, she loved Caitlin with all of her heart. Seeing as her own mother Lucretia did love her in her own way but was very distant and aloof, only-child Selene overcompensated this by trying to be as warm and friendly with Caitlin as possible, acting more like a friend or sister at times than a mother. She felt terrible for feeling a sense of disappointment at Caitlin turning out to be so different (and yet so similar!) to herself. The two of them had a very hard time bonding but were too stubborn to acknowledge their differences. Through the course of Caitlin's life, they had their ups and downs, until Cat eventually broke with her mother until very late in both their lives.

Seeing as CAITLIN thought her mother was literally the worst mother imaginable, she vowed to do everything differently. Contrary to Selene, she always thought her calling lay in being a wife and mother, which is why she married Andrew Jameson almost straight out of school. Her first letdown came when it took her a long and strenuous time to get pregnant, which allowed her to train as a Healer under one Eliot Gerard @kc-and-co. When she finally had Lexie, her idea of sitting in a rocking chair with a blissfully sleeping baby bathed in soft golden light was pretty much shattered when baby Lexie turned out to be more than Caitlin's mother Selene than she would have liked. It took her a lot of time and perseverance to let go of her incredibly romanticised ideas of motherhood, but eventually, she came around.

Funnily enough, LIZZIE basically had the complete opposite experience to her grandmother Caitlin (at least at first lol). Wanting to have kids was always in the back of her mind, but more than a vague future plan than a burning wish. When she had Dylan, she was incredibly surprised by how easy things were. Dylan was a little clingy at times and a little delicate as a baby, but otherwise a perfect little angel. So much so that Lizzie maybe wasn't overly thrilled when she got pregnant with Reva again so soon after having her son, but she was absolutely sure that having two under two couldn't be as hard as everyone made it out to be, right? Until Reva came into the world. And all hell broke loose.

As for REVA herself. Oh God, please keep your voice down. I don't wanna scare her away. She's living her best life with the career of her dreams and travelling the world with bar-owner-hipster-bf Dante @the-al-chemist and caring for her cat Tony and Dante's army of plants is very much enough for her atm, thank you very much. She doesn't think much into the future, does Reva.

#lineage challenge #meet the frasers #selene fraser #caitlin fraser #lizzie jameson #reva amari

[casspurrjoybell-22]

Dream Eater - Chapter 15 - Part 2

*Warning Adult Content*

In our home, I see reminders of Dante everywhere... their favorite Carnâki liquor... gifts from their numerous 'admirers' and unfinished paintings.

Even the mess they left in the kitchen makes me expect to see them step around a corner at any moment.

When they don't, the twin worms of guilt and worry burrow a little deeper into my heart.

When I'm clean and dressed in my own clothes, Damien forces me to eat and drink.

Anxiety has stolen my appetite but he insists.

"You're no good to Dante if you've got no strength. Eat," he demands, pushing a plate of stew my way.

Somehow, I manage to finish it.

Then he pours me a large splash of Dante's treasured liquor and one for himself.

"To Dante," he says and throws it back.

"May we be reunited soon."

"To Dante," I echo faintly and drain my glass.

It burns all the way down.

Then Damien takes me to bed.

I let him undress me, then lie back as he sheds his own clothes.

He kneels over me and runs his hands over my body as though searching for some mark or sign.

"Did Azael touch you?" he asks in a breathless growl.

"No," I shake my head.

"I think he meant to, soon enough. But he'd only made me see his dreams so far. Did you know he had a daughter with Astoreth?"

Damien's hands still in surprise.

"No," he says.

"I knew they'd been lovers but I had no idea a child had come of it."

"She was a Key," I say thoughtfully.

"Astoreth used her to open the Door to the Throne."

"That's awful. No wonder he hates her."

"You have no idea how much," I say, remembering the intensity of that hate.

Damien leans over me and kisses my mouth.

He tastes like the strange, spicy liquor.

"Don't think of that right now," he says.

"In fact, don't think at all."

He starts to make love to me with gentle care, the way he might handle a precious and fragile treasure.

I feel his love in every kiss and caress, in every stroke of his hand.

But that's not what I need to feel right now.

"Damien," I gasp against his lips when he lets me come up for air.

"Fuck me. Make me know I'm yours."

He searches my eyes, brushing his fingers over my face.

"Is that what you want? You're sure?"

"Yes... don't make me beg."

He nods and then flips me over, dragging me up by my hips.

He prepares me quickly, then readies himself.

He pauses and I feel him pressed against me.

I'm shivering with anticipation and can barely hold myself up on my elbows.

"Damien... please," I breathe.

In one smooth motion, he pushes inside, seating himself firmly to the root.

I gasp and push back against him, reveling in the familiar burn and stretch, the feeling of almost unbearable fullness.

When he pulls back and thrusts again, a cry escapes my lips and he stops, hands stroking over my back.

"Alex? Are you alright?" he asks.

I can barely get my tongue to form words but manage to gasp out a few.

"God, yes. Don't stop, Damien... please don't stop."

He starts to rock back and forth and pretty soon the only sounds coming out of my mouth are incoherent moans and sobs.

Just when I can't bear it anymore, he takes my aching length in his hand and just about kills me with the pleasure that seizes me in its blinding white grip.

No wonder the French call it 'la petite mort' the small death.

At the same time, I feel him stiffen and gasp as he spills himself inside me.

We collapse together in a breathless heap and I'm barely conscious when, after a moment, he rises and returns with a soft, damp cloth and gently cleans my skin. 

He crawls back beside me and draws the covers over us both, taking me in his arms and pulling me close.

He kisses my forehead with a gentle press of his lips.

"Is that what you needed?" he asks.

I nod sleepily and sigh.

"Just the thing."

"Then I'm glad I could help," he smiles.

"Now get some sleep. Tomorrow will come soon enough and then we'll figure out how to get Dante back."

"I'll save them, Damien," I mumble.

"If it's the last thing I do."

"I know you will, Alex," he whispers, arms tightening around me.

"That's why I love you. And what makes me most afraid."

********

That night, I share Damien's dreams once more.

I'm alone in a darkness deeper than any night but I'm on my way towards something more and my heart burns with a strange emotion.

After a moment I recognize it... Hope.

There have been whispers... rumors spread in the dark... for a long time now.

They say that someone... a Celestial, of all things... wants to abolish the age-old laws that keep the Fallen below and forbid us from wandering the Earthly Realms or entering the Heavens.

Some of us have joined him already and I've decided to throw my lot in as well.

I crawl and climb my way up from the unknown depths and then take flight, winging my way upward through the dark.

At long last, I arrive and I am afraid... terrified... that the person I seek will look at me and see a monster and send me back.

I approach and he turns and I feel like I've taken a spear through the heart.

I've never seen a Celestial before, though I'd heard they are beautiful.

This person is more than beautiful.

They are beauty personified.

He's almost as tall as I am and seems to be male.

His figure is almost human, except for his impossible height and perfection of form and the fact that his skin is like gold.

From his back sprout great wings but they are nothing like my own leathery appendages.

They are feathered and a lovely mottled grey like those of an owl.

He looks at me and his unearthly green eyes go wide.

"Who... are you?" he asks, coming towards me.

"I am Dantalian," I say, looking down at my hoof-like feet.

"I am Fallen."

He stops in front of me and I flinch as he raises a hand.

"Dantalian," he touches my face gently.

"I am Sakariel and we are the same."

In that moment, I fall in love and to my surprise, it hurts more than anything I've experienced so far.

Sakariel takes my hands and I watch as he gradually begins to shift and change and a moment later he's been replaced by another person entirely.

The only thing that stays the same is his eyes.

It's a weird sensation but I see myself as Damien sees me and the pain is even worse when he falls in love again.

[thedeal-if]

Who among the ros is the best with kids/who actually wants to have kids??

🤲🏻

It's 2am sorry if I went a little cuckoo answering I'm sleep deprived

From best to worst with kids

Josh is definitely the best hands down. This comes as a surprise because on the one hand, he doesn't really LIKE kids all that much. At least when they're loud— if they're well-behaved Josh would find them adorable. On the other hand, Josh has all the qualities that would make someone good around kids: he's patient, attentive, and observant. MC just wife him up already c'mon.

He's indifferent to the idea of having kids. If that's something his partner wants it's fine, if they don't want it's cool too.

Number 2 is Lilith obv. They're number 1 in the indecent list (and all the lists of you people's hearts apparently💕) but they're very much self-aware they know when and how to behave. Children tend to like them because they're pretty, and Lilith likes kids in return, as they represent the very thing she finds the most fascinating: innocence. Their purity is something Lilith adores to watch, and she would love to be worthy of babysitting her friends’ kids.

Lilith wouldn't want to have children but they'd love the idea of adopting a kid.

Number 3 on my list is Victor! He adores children and would love the idea of having his own (but yeah complicated life situations). Though he's not the most open or engaging person in the world (and children are often terrified of him), Victor is not ashamed to show his very obvious soft spot for kids.

Next is Villanelle. She might lack every basic sense of responsibility, but kids are naturally drawn to her. They typically are awed by both her looks (especially her hair) and her bubbly personality. Villie is open to the idea of taking care of kids, she likes them if they're well-behaved and gets slightly (quietly silently never speaks up never) annoyed if they're loud and overbearing. Villanelle would especially enjoy the playing part of taking care of children over the actual taking care.

She's indifferent to children but would be convinced to adopt pretty quickly lol.

Honestly, everyone from here onwards is pretty much terrible. But Eden kind of might do a good job? He'd have to be somewhat invested with whoever asked him otherwise he wouldn't try at all or outright refuse. Eden knows the notions of taking care of kids but his awkwardness around them would definitely make them feel mistrustful. If they're loud and annoying Eden gives up period.

Eden feels indifferent toward the idea of having children. He's kinda leaning towards the ‘no’ side but could be convinced with time.

Number 6 is Dante… Dante doesn't mind kids. He's not the most enthusiastic around them and would hate the idea of being responsible or taking care of anything. Yeah, he'd probably forget a child under his care somewhere.

Dante is just happy doing his own thing and kids would be so constraining. Even if Dante did want kids he'd be really really unhappy in the long run.

Aliyah is next to last. She hates kids lol. Not even they manage to escape making it into her list of things she can't stand. Aliyah would probably get a record of making children cry if she was taken to a kindergarten. For the kids' sake, keep them away from her.

Yeah no children for her, she'd never have a kid of her own. It's a hard no.

And lastly Nathan. No explanations given here. I seriously wouldn't even let him take care of a rock.

As for having kids hmm I don't really see him giving it much thought tbh. Angels can't have children so they typically don't worry too much about being parents. Nathan is kind of indifferent too to the idea of fatherhood.

#the deal if #the deal #inferno #ask #josh #dante #lilith #villanelle #victor #aliyah #nathan #eden #ros

[starrysavvy]

The morning was silent, the room dark, and Dante was slowly waking up. He sighed and cracked open his eyes, staring up at his cracked ceiling as his mind slowly came back to him. The first thought of the day was, ‘How long will I stay in bed today?’ He asked himself that question seemingly every morning. Well, except for the days that he found himself woken up by the persistent little bites from his rats, forcing him awake to feed them. He considered those days the lesser of two evils, since when they did that, it distracted him from thinking. It allowed him to get through the morning without too much hassle, since he was focused on his precious little friends.

But that didn’t happen today, no he had slowly woken up, and he laid there, waiting for the familiar sense of dread to wash over him. The crushing weight to settle into his chest and sit there like a rock for the rest of the day, weighing him down, reminding him of everything he lost…

The weight didn’t come. 

He blinked in confusion and sat up, his chest feeling light and he could breathe easily. What is this? Sitting up, he looked around his room, eyes roaming around. Nothing seemed out of place. Nothing was different. Hell, even his bucket was there, not catching water dripping from the ceiling like it’s original purpose, but now just filled with random odds and ends. 

Getting out of bed, he saw his rats had decided to sleep all nestled up near his pillow. It was sweet of course, nothing new, but the soothing feeling of fondness for them felt greater this morning. Like it filled him up entirely instead of being crowded out by the familiar gnawing void. It was so strange and yet, it brought upon a sense of nostalgia. He had felt this way before, a long time ago, before everything had happened to him. 

It brought a stinging sensation to his eyes as tears filled them. It had been so long since he had felt like this. Felt free. He wasn’t sure of what to do now, really, he was afraid that if he moved from this spot, it would all come crashing down, but… He had to leave. The nagging thought of missing out on experiencing the day while like this. 

So he slowly got dressed, still hesitant, but he forced his stiff body to go through the motions. And when he saw his ankles while going to put on his socks… He didn’t tense, his stomach didn’t turn at the sight of the scars that circled around them. Sure, the memories were there, swirling around his head, but the usual response didn’t trigger. He still felt fine and secure. 

The realization made him sit there, stock still as he took it in, his eyes never leaving his ankle. Even as his fingers traced the scarring, the tears finally falling from his eyes, the complicated mess of emotions never surfaced. Not once. His rats had come over and climbed on him, checking on him as he silently wept with a soft, delicate smile spreading across his face.

He finally finished getting dressed and ready for the day, feeding his rats and making something simple for himself. And even in that little, mundane meal he found himself happy. Like it was the best thing he had ever tasted. Looking at the small, worn picture of a rainy sky taped to his wall didn’t even make him upset, just thinking of the sound of the rain and the smell it brought in made him almost hoping that it did shower today.

Leaving his room, Dante didn’t feel the same old apprehension, hell, he was excited to see what would happen. Bring on the clowns! He’ll talk to them all, maybe even start a conversation for once, who knows what could happen? So he found himself taking strides down the familiar pathways, eyes flickering around the area at those around him.

They were familiar folk, other Melodies mostly, with a few from other tents sprinkled in. There was Maverick chatting with Barbie, who was rambling animatedly to the other clown. Cherie looks like she’s about to faint at the sight of the fainest amount of blood Dante had ever seen on someone. And there was John, gazing off into the distance, set aside from everyone. While he had been ready to go out and talk to his tent-mates, seeing his friend sitting by himself drew him closer.

He walked up, standing next to the dazed man, and quietly greeted him, “Hello, John, uhm, how is your day going so far? Good, I hope?” A part of Dante was curious, was the same lightness that was happening to him affecting John as well? Was there a kind of magic in the air that brought upon such a change? He hoped so.

His voice snapped John out of it and he quickly looked at him with his wide eyes, still somewhat distant as they focused on him, “Oh! Dante, yes, yes, I’m doing well.” As he came back to himself, shrugging off whatever thoughts that had him so tightly wrapped up in them, he looked over Dante, like there was something he was trying to pinpoint. “Y-You look… chipper today. Must have had a good morning, then?” 

“Yes, actually, it’s been really good,” He smiled at him with more light in his eyes than John has ever seen before. It made him squint at him slightly.

“You… You didn’t take Andy up on her offer to get you ‘medicine’ did you?”

Dante’s eyebrows shot up as he let out a surprised laugh, “Wh-what? No! It’s just today has been wonderful so far and it's barely into the afternoon! It’s like something shifted, you haven’t, you know, felt anything change?”

John didn’t look too convinced, but shrugged, the movement causing several bells to jingle, “No, it’s just the same old day. But I’m glad that you’re having a good day!” 

Knowing how John can get, he gave him an almost understanding smile, “Yeah, I hope the day brightens for you as well. I’ll see you later, John.”

After leaving John to his own thoughts, Dante walked around the Melody tent, waving and smiling at those he passed. Sure, not too different from what he would normally do, but now he looked them in the eye with an eagerness that seemed to infect them as well. They passed him by, grins wider than they had been and seeing that made Dante feel even better than before. 

The feeling lasted, but he did pause in his walk once he saw familiar faces. Andy and… Joro. The sight of them being lovey and sweet with each other usually leaves him with a sour feeling in his stomach and then awash in guilt afterwards for feeling that way. Joro is his ex, he’s moved on with Andy who has decided, for some unknown reason, to hang around and befriend him. It’s complicated and brought up feelings he didn’t want to think about but right now, he didn’t feel them. 

It was odd, but not unwelcome; he didn’t think this strange happening would affect all of his negative feelings like this so he was unsure of what to do next. So he just simply stood there, watching as they went about their own walk a fair distance away. Andy happened to glance his way and her toothy grin widened as she waved at him. And he found himself waving back, a pleasant feeling entering his chest as he watched them continue on their way. It was nice. 

As the hours passed by in what seemed like no time at all, Dante felt not one ounce of the usual negative emotions, the day went by smoothly with none of the everyday shenanigans causing a disturbance for him. He just gladly watched from the sidelines, even when a couple clowns got into a fight that ended up dragging more people into the fray. After a while, everyone started laughing and stopped fighting and it surprised him. Whenever fights would break out, he would leave before they got too rough, so he never saw the aftermath. 

Does this kind of thing happen all the time? Is this the end result of so many fights? He always leaves when a situation sours in some way, the uncomfortable awkwardness would always nag at him until he just slinked away, like his precious little rats would do so often. What else had he missed? Would the things he ran away from end in similar ways? Maybe they did, maybe every rough start to a first meeting, a lull in a conversation, or even…

A prick of unpleasantness made him wince. That’s all it was though, just a little prick somewhere inside his mind, nothing like the overwhelming sensation of dread that would rush through him whenever he thought about how his marriages ended. How he would run and hide from the pain and loneliness he felt. 

Ah. That’s what he did, wasn’t it? Ran. Ran from everything and everyone whenever the faintest hint of potential pain would rear its ugly head at him. He would isolate himself and do his damndest to bury those feelings deep inside until all that was let was a dull ache in his chest. And the cycle would start over. 

That thought made him almost numb and he wandered among the groups of his tent-mates, his ‘family’, in a daze until night fell. The dark was familiar to him, the dim lighting from several sources of lanterns and colorful fairy lights lit his path as they gradually decreased in number until he was met with a small clearing. It was a popular spot for stargazing, the sky was a wide expanse above him and he sat on the ground a bit with a sigh, laying back to stare with a wide-eyed, uncertain expression. 

Dante would usually feel a bit small in comparison to the sky, not only in the literal sense of the word, but also in the figurative sense. Like he was drifting along the cosmos perpetually alone despite being surrounded by others. He couldn't feel their warmth or even understand why they insisted on being around him when he felt so dull next to them. 

But, yet again, there was something different tonight. As he stared up at the stars he didn't get the sense of being lost and alone. He just took in the stars. Saw their beauty and the true color of the night sky for what felt like the first time. It wasn’t just a cold and darkened looming presence, but a blanket of vivid hues dotted with twinkling stars. The sight brought to life the warmth he had been getting hints of throughout the day and just like this morning, he felt tears start to sting at his eyes, causing the stars to blur. 

He stayed like that for what seemed like hours, just gazing up at the sky until his eyes slipped closed, having been lulled into a sense of calm and serenity he didn't think he had ever felt before. Or at least not a time he remembered. He drifted off into a peaceful sleep in the grass, not caring about if it rained, he just wanted to be in this calm state for as long as he could.

Then his eyes opened, and he found himself staring at his ceiling. 

As he laid there, under his blanket and coming to his senses, a growing gnawing feeling dug into his chest. Oh. Oh. It was a dream, wasn’t it? He took a shaky breath and a hand went to his mouth. It was all just a horridly wonderful dream. A dream that tormented him with its sweetness now that he’s awake. The tears were quick to form and he shuddered with a quiet cry, not noticing when his rats started crawling over him, squeaking as they demanded to be fed. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A written commission I did for @skipperbunnyrabbit ! Featuring their OC Dante (and a few others, @doodle-who , including mine~)

#commission #written commison #story commission #demon clowns #my writing #my art

[newmusicradionetwork]

for King + Country Drops “What Are We Waiting For” Deluxe Edition Today

Multi-GRAMMY® Award winning and RIAA Platinum-selling Curb | Word Entertainment recording artist for KING + COUNTRY drops the deluxe edition of their GRAMMY® nominated and American Music Award winning album, “WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR?” titled “WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR? +” today – purchase here. The expanded 17-track collection includes the duo’s four most recent consecutive #1 singles: the Gold-certified “TOGETHER (feat. Kirk Franklin & Tori Kelly),” “RELATE,” “For God Is With Us” and “Love Me Like I Am.”;  two brand new originals:  the long-awaited title-cut, “What Are We Waiting For?” and “Better Man”;  as well as two previously released duets: chart-topping “Love Me Like I Am (feat. Jordin Sparks)” and GRAMMY®-nominated “For God Is With Us (feat. Hillary Scott)”. The duo recently released their epic music video for “What Are We Waiting For (The Single),” which was filmed in the Mojave Desert, California.  The video takes the listener on a journey as the larger-than-life track challenges listeners to be the change they wish to see in the world; hoping to inspire a message of unity, action and optimism.  View Video Here. The synth-heavy deluxe album finds brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone pledging to be the best versions of themselves for their wives, who each inspire them to strive for excellence every day. Acknowledging their faults, the men aspire to greater heights and stronger bonds, tracing a pattern of bold harmonies across more than three minutes of atmospheric rock.  Says the Smallbones:  “When you announce an album, you’re announcing a new era. In some cases that era lasts for a year and a half to two years, and as artists you realize in that time there’s going to be new iterations that come about. The deluxe album takes everything that took place in that time, and ties it all in a bow. We feel that ‘WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR? +’ is the culmination point of the last two years. It’s the ultimate version of the record.” Track listing for “WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR? +” Includes: - What Are We Waiting For? (The Single) 2. RELATE 3. Broken Halos 4. Love Me Like I Am (feat. Jordin Sparks) 5. Unity (feat. Dante Bowe) 6. For God Is With Us (feat. Hillary Scott) 7. Hold On Pain Ends 8. Unsung Hero 9. Harmony (feat. Sleeping At Last) 10. Shy 11. Better Man 12. TOGETHER (feat. Kirk Franklin & Tori Kelly) 13. Seasons 14. Cheering You On 15. Benediction 16. Love Me Like I Am (Album Version) 17. For God Is With Us (Album Version) for KING + COUNTRY’s “What Are We Waiting For?” album received a GRAMMY® nomination earlier this year for “For God Is With Us” featuring Hillary Scott of Lady A;  and was given their first-ever American Music Award win for “Favorite Inspirational Artist,” garnering the hit single feat. Jordin Sparks, “Love Me Like I Am”, which hit the Top 10 on both Billboard and Mediabase’s Adult Contemporary charts.  The duo also recently announced the “A DRUMMER BOY CHRISTMAS | THE 2023 TOUR EXPERIENCE” – their highly-anticipated annual holiday spectacle that features an extraordinary production, blending festive visuals and stunning lighting and staging effects, for a high-octane show that the brother duo have become known for. With 13 sold-out arena shows in 2022, this year’s Christmas tour will span 16 cities with tickets in high-demand at some of the largest venues across North America and Canada. A DRUMMER BOY CHRISTMAS | THE 2023 TOUR EXPERIENCE” kicks off on Nov. 25 in Chicago, Ill. and travels coast-to-coast visiting arenas in major markets including Phoenix, Seattle, Houston, Las Vegas, Portland and Minneapolis, among others. Visit www.forkingandcountry.com to purchase tickets. It was also recently announced in The Hollywood Reporter that “Unsung Hero,” Joel Smallbone’s directorial debut film from for KING + COUNTRY Entertainment has been picked up by Lionsgate with a theatrical release date of April 26, 2024. Titled from the duo’s song of the same name that was dedicated to their parents, the biopic follows the Smallbone family’s immigration from Australia to the United States. ABOUT for KING + COUNTRY for KING + COUNTRY is one of the music industry’s most respected and decorated duos.  Brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone have been awarded four GRAMMY® Awards, an American Music Award, a Billboard Music Award, 10 GMA Dove Awards, and 17 K-LOVE Fan Awards.  Their 12 No.1 songs have produced an astonishing 2 billion career streams.  The RIAA Platinum-selling act’s live show has been hailed as a must-see concert event that continues to wow sold-out crowds whether in the U.S., Australia, Germany, Netherlands, or New Zealand.  for KING + COUNTRY’s WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR?, released this year, became the duo’s second Top 10 album on the Billboard 200; following their RIAA Gold certified album, BURN THE SHIPS, which also debuted in the Top 10 of the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart. The duo has had seven consecutive No. 1 songs including “For God Is With Us,” “joy.,” “TOGETHER” (feat. Kirk Franklin & Tori Kelly),” and the 11-week Platinum smash, “God Only Knows.”  The global hitmakers have collaborated with a diverse list of artists including Jordin Sparks, Hillary Scott, Dolly Parton, NEEDTOBREATHE and Timbaland, amongst others. Joel and Luke Smallbone are committed to numerous philanthropic efforts focused on human trafficking, children in need, as well as numerous programs in support of the arts.  For more information about for KING + COUNTRY visit:  www.forkingandcountry.com. ABOUT CURB | WORD ENTERTAINMENT In 2016, Curb Records acquired Word Entertainment, combining two of the music industry’s most respected brands, and more than a century of collective experience.  Today, Curb and Word are two of the world’s leading independent music companies.  Owned and operated by Mike Curb, the Curb | Word family includes the labels: Curb, Word, Squint, Fervent, Sidewalk, MCC and IVAV, as well as Curb Publishing, Word Publishing, 25 Live, Curb Films, Word Films, Word Entertainment, and Curb Sports, representing top artists and entertainers in Country, Christian, Pop, Rock and Hip-Hop.  For more information visit www.curb.com. For media inquiries, please contact: Lori Lousararian-Hakola [email protected] Tracy Cole [email protected] Lesley Burbridge [email protected] Jessie Lowe [email protected] Read the full article

[the-learning-bri]

I woke up at 08:59 today

because I set an alarm.

After I wake up, I’ve been laying around just in my own head. Getting my wits about me. Trying to recollect my dreams.

I can’t really pinpoint any one part.

But there was smoking or maybe just weed in a room where it wasnt supposed to be. There was some type of event outside at like a park. At one point some dude was chasing me or I was chasing him or multiple of us were chasing him idk. The moon. The moon was out of the sky and it was a crescent and it was laying on something in front of me but it wasnt rock and its health was like depleting over time. There was a good bit of frustration. Uncle Allen was there at some point. I was texting zariah about meeting somewhere but she was meaning to text somebody else. I think she said something about sorry i didnt know you needed your id. And whatever event was going on at the parky place I remember showing my id. She meant to text kasai and i was so confused. There were some people from rec softball but I cant remember who.

A whole lot of feels and pieces from my dreams but I can’t string together any solid imagery or storyline.

Yesterday I woke up. Laid around with tummy discomfort. Typed. Used the bathroom and read divergent. Showered. Went and made breakfast. The menu was already laid out for me so it was easy. Just how I like it.

Muffins (we only had blueberry so that made it easy), Bacon (cut in half) (the already opened pack looked questionable when compared to the new pack but nobody’s dead so its all good), [mini] tater tots, and hard boiled eggs (next time I need to put them in ice to make it easier to peel). And I made sausage for daddy.

I napped shortly after that on the couch. I woke up to questions about a crab broil, and then went and picked it up. I stopped at walgreens before that and saw Dante. I got Nana’s gift cards and Cameron a card that I didn’t even give to him.

I picked up the food. 16 wings from Stokos. 2 of which were eaten. Order #92 from Crafty Crab.

I pulled up to the house right after Nana and her new Cadi. We all signed cards last minute as we do.

Cameron opened his gifts. He went for a small bag first. Then He went for the box. I knew he was going for the phone and he was right on the second guess. Or maybe the first gift opening was a courtesy and he already knew it was the small blue box that a had a new blue phone in it.

We sang happy birthday and he waved the candles out with his hand. He wasn’t a fan of the noise makers.

Mommy and Nana opened all their cards and the celebrations were good.

The mavs beat the suns to tie the series 2-2.

I have to remember to see Dr. Strange with at least Uncle Allen soon.

The crab broils smacked. Daddy popped a bottle of sparkly whine that dripped to the floor. Mommy poured me a glass. What a life lol.

I was determined to get my hair down. So I did it. The bobby pins that were used were huge. There was a ponytail under the bun contraption. It always feels good to have my hair back down and it definitely grew like crazy. The moon is in Leo. It felt like a mane as it didnt lay straight down and framed my face. I’m probably gonna pull it back for preservation sake.

I did a hip mobility video and at one point my legs were shaking. But it was nice and felt good in a way. I have a patience for physical things and connecting to my body that I didn’t once have.

I followed it up with a night time yoga video. I added black to the end so a black lady could guide me. It was nice. I have a patience for physical things and connecting to my body that I didn’t once have.

Right after I called my gf and went to sleep.

.

Yesterday the things I did that I hadn’t done the day before were attending to my hair, and stretching.

In relation to the day before I did drink more water and I did listen to more music.

I also unpacked all of my clothes.

The things I still need to do today are order Mommy’s butta and touch Charted.

In relation to yesterday I want to

Drink even more water. Continue writing. Continue reading divergent. Continue getting in tune with my body. Continue unpacking, but try to keep in mind “do you want this in your apartment? If the answer is NO - LET IT GO”.

Other things I might want to do but won’t add it to the list are

Order a Brita filter, text Dr. Umoja, schedule CJ maintenance, cop tmr cause Kessai leaves for a week, go through my emails, and make a graduation post.

Something that is on the list is laundry. Hopefully I can get everything washed and put up.

Yesterday after dinner there was no rush to anything. And I enjoy that. I would like to hold on to that feeling, and do with my time as a i wish.

Hopefully I can get my room situated a little bit more.

TIL: Lion’s mane is a fungus.

05/09/22 10:13

[dinjoyer]

The idea of Dante being a dad is so underrated that I’ve decided to take matters into my own hands and write out some headcanons AHAHEM (plz feel free to add onto these if u want to! I’d be ever so grateful to be able to read more dadnte stuff :))

WITHOUT FURTHER ADO:

- he doesn’t think he’s worthy of being anyone’s father. Even if the kid(s) is/are his bio kid(s), he’s still hesitant to assume any parental role. Mostly because he’s worried he A) would be a terrible dad and B) would put the kid(s) in danger by virtue of his own reputation (I mean the Devil May Cry gets broken into like every other day). Eventually, he’d take up the mantle as a father (remembering his own issues with Sparda would’ve probably pushed him to), but he’d still be terrified of fucking up.

- On that note, though, he’s actually a very responsible parent. Like does all the research and everything; baby proofs the shop even if it draws away from his grunge and swag vibe Ksjfjgjjgn

- He buys those stupid embarrassing kid clothes that say stuff like “daddy’s little devil” KWJDJFJFJ

- When they’re small, he sleeps with the kid(s) lying on his chest. Lady yells at Dante that it’s unsafe and he needs to get a crib, but he waves her off that he can’t afford one (he can; he just prefers having his kid(s) close to him, especially when they’re that young. And there’s no real hazard to them; Dante’s senses are so absurdly attune if they slipped off his chest he’d catch them far before anything dangerous happened).

- Similarly, Dante keeps the kid(s) near him in the office. He says it’s because “the ladies like seeing such (a) cute kid(s)”. Again, he doesn’t like being far from them (and who can blame him, considering how dangerous his line of work is).

- he has two rules for his child(ren): “don’t be an asshole and don’t do anything stupid”. If they do something stupid, he’ll try to help them as best as he can. If they do something asshole-y, they’re on their own.

- He’s one of those parents that makes an effort to embarrass you (lovingly). Like. Drops his kid(s) off at school blasting his dad rock and screaming “HEY KIDDO I LOVE YOU SAY IT BACK-“

- When Dante thinks no one is around he’ll sing/hum to his kid(s). Lady and Trish absolutely have footage of this that they black mail him with 💀 But, really, it’s one of the only guaranteed ways he can get them to sleep.

- HE TELLS HIS KID(S) STORIES ABOUT HIM AND VERGIL AND ITS ADORABLE AND HEARTBREAKING ESPECIALLY WHEN THE KID(S) WILL REENACT HIS STORIES-

- If he has to go on a long trip for you know, killing demons, he’ll always leave the kid(s) with something to remember him by (like a stuffie or something). When they get a little older he’ll start leaving notes around the house (I’m imagining stuff like “hey kiddo, don’t eat all the pizza before I get back! Love ya -D” on the refrigerator KDJFJV) before he leaves so he can still be there for them. Lady and Morrison are the certified babysitters (not Trish. Trish was born in the underworld; she has no idea how to take care of a human or mostly human child 💀)

- EXHAUSTED 24/7. Literally his doppelgänger move is his life saver; poor guy’s a single dad who can barely afford to keep the lights on, you already know he’s stressed tf out KDJFJFN.

- If his kid(s) asked for a pet, Dante refuse immediately and repeatedly. They get the pet. *insert dad and the dog meme*

- Dante is so fucking protective of his kid(s). Like would fight anyone that messed with them. He doesn’t, of course (most of the time), and instead teaches them self-defense and conflict resolution skills. The last thing he wants is his kid(s) to end up like him or his brother— where they have to resort to fighting more often than not.

- Whenever he’s mournful over the loss of his parents he’ll immediately check up on/go play with his kid(s). Dante doesn’t want them to know abandonment or the feeling of having to grow up faster like he does.

- If Dante’s kid(s) are adopted he’ll tell them from an early age that he’s different, and there are things he can do that they can’t— but that doesn’t mean they’re any less of a family.

- His kid(s) absolutely adore his different abilities. They’ll always ask him to DT and fly them around and stuff. Dante acts annoyed about it, but secretly he loves how happy his child(ren) get(s) from him just doing some tricks.

- Dante teaches them guitar. Just. Yeah.

- Dante is surprisingly good at Just Dance and that raises some,,, questions about his past

- Actually he’s good at like practically every game that doesn’t require logic (twister and tag and hide and seek and such). His kid(s) is/are 100% fed up with it, but Dante and his superhuman ass can’t help it 💀💀💀

- He finally has a mostly stable income (he’ll prolly take up a second job because I can’t imagine he’d completely throw away his empathetic tendencies that lead him to refusing pay from most of his clients) because Dante feels like he finally has a reason to take care of himself (being that he has someone else to take care of). He’ll prolly try quitting alcohol for the same reason.

- All in all, being a dad would be a very healing thing for Dante, I feel. And he’d be good at it too-- at least better than Vergil has been MDNFV. He would try his damndest to provide for his kid(s) and stop the generational trauma the Sparda family’s been cursed with. Just. SKDJVJV I HAVE A LOT OF THOUGHTS OKAY 😭😭 thank you for reading this mess! If you have any other headcanons for Dad!Dante PLEASE LET ME KNOW I will HAPPILY scream about them with you.

#plz note that I have no idea what im talking about #I’m literally 14 #wait actually I turn 15 tomorrow #uhhh anyway #i just really love dadnte stuff #THE DMC ANIME WAS TEASING ME WITH PATTY AND DANTES RELATIONSHIP OMG #should’ve had Dante adopt her ffs #devil may cry #devil may cry 5 #dante sparda #patty lowell #dadnte #dad dante #dmc headcanons #headcanons #plz plz let dante be a dad #i know it’s too late now #BUT LIKE THE NETFLIX ANIME #THERES STILL A CHANCE BABY #Al plz stfu no one cares about dadnte #me and the three ppl that actually like dadnte 🧍🧍🧍 #HRRRR MANY THOUGHTS

[vetrenar]

So... Everything is still terrible, and the Fire Nation still continues the countdown until the start of Apocalypse, and the sheer amount of idiots around me is much bigger that I expected but at least I managed to pull myself together. Though last weeks were very... educational.

Before, I thought something along with lines "Art is outside of politics and, expressing our feeling through it, we can bonds with people around the world". Now, the harsh reality explains that " When politics strike, nobody cares about what you think and what exactly you want to say through your art, and everything instantly becomes meaningless". Thank for the lesson, world.¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Ok, time for the random angst is over, it's time for the fandom angst. I started this thing before... everything... and I want to see this through. Maybe I'll even post it at "Archive" one day.

(UPD: I've actually posted it! Now you can read it here!)

So... Let's rock!

Promises and requests

Or: AU, where Dante is a little better at catching his brother, Vergil (just a little bit) - at being a father and Mundus needs some additional time to come up with his Evil Scheme.

It's noon when Dante makes his way back from the job. The weather is nice, with all the wonderful things like a light breeze and bright summer sun in the sky and an overall idyllic atmosphere. Unfortunately, it's doing nothing to improve his mood.

The mission was, to put it mildly, difficult. And not as "finally-some-excitement" sort of difficult, but rather as "damn annoying". Tedious, boring - take your pick. The pay isn't that bad, but now Dante is tired, badly lacking sleep and pizza, and his gorgeous, extremely stylish (and also expensive) coat is torn in two equal halves by some ugly, scissor-like bastard. It hangs mournfully in his right hand, because while Dante likes to be a little extravagant sometimes, he's not going to wear two coat halves like some kind of living abstract installation.

Rebellion is on his back, inside an old guitar case. After all, he's a good peaceful citizen, and there's no need to scare people with his big cool sword. Besides, the police tend to be a little too spooky with weapons, and Dante is certainly not in the mood to deal with them. In any case, they won't believe him. This is not a Capulet city where people are more or less familiar with the otherworldly side of things after Temen-Ni-Gru, but just a small backwater town where almost no one knows about the existence of demons.

So, no cool-looking coat and no cool-looking sword. Without them, he feels almost naked, like some plain white collar returning to his ordinary home from his usual, boring job.

That's until a pair of stylish, very hard boots come into contact with his face and kick him in a narrow alley between two buildings.

"What the fuck, old man?!"

Now, although Dante is not entirely happy with the "old man" title, the first part of the sentence reflects his feelings on the matter perfectly. Lying among the garbage bags, he squints his eyes to get a good look at the attacker. But the sun is shining right into his eyes, and all he can see at the moment is a bright hair color, short stature, slim build and an elongated form in his hand. And a voice that, when the little shit starts yelling again, sounds quite high-pitched and young. And very, very angry.

"First you fuck off somewhere after damping a load of dramatic bullshit on me and now you are here? With a guitar case, of all things?! What are you, a pretty rock band singer now? Do you even have a slightest idea what I've been feeling all this time?! I... I thought you dead-"

Then he suddenly stops and and looks at Dante intently. Something changes in his eyes, and then his gaze switches to the remains of the red coat, which Dante continues to hold in his hand.

"Oh," he says.

And on another day, in another situation, Dante would laugh. Because isn't it a hilarious joke that he got a full face of drop-kick because an angry teenager mistook him for somebody else? Says something about his life and etc

But he's not laughing. Because now he can get a good look at the attacker, and for a moment his brain just halts working. All it can manage to do is list off all details and hope that eventually someone will make sense out them.

1. The kid - and it is a kid, about thirteen or fourteen years old - has silver-white hair and blue eyes. Which bore into Dante with an extremely familiar, piercing gaze while his brows are furrowed in an equally familiar expression.

2. His right arm is covered in blue and red scales. And glows. Like, really glows with bright blue light.

3. The elongated form that the kid holds in his hand is a sword. More precisely, a Japanese-looking sword with a blue scabbard and a white handle. And Dante knows this sword, knows just as well as he knows his own name.

Yamato.

There is complete silence between them, and Dante's head is Dante's head is just swimming from the assault of thousands of questions. And then the kid makes a short, muffled sound and tries to run off. But while Dante's brain decided to go on the little vacation, his instincts still hold the fort. So he catches the kid before he managed to make his way out the alley, and now they're both on the ground, staring at each other.

Dante decides to start first:

"So, wrong face, hah? Don't worry. Happens to everyone at some point. And, because I have a strong suspicion as to who this kick was addressed to, I'll even probably forgive you for it. So, water under the bridge, no hard feelings."

The kid doesn't reply and Dante can't quite discern the look in his eyes. After a minute of silence, he sighs:

"Look, kid, we both know that there are plenty of questions I would like to have answers to, so you better start talking. I already saw you and your nice fancy sword so it's not like you can keep a secret anymore. And hey, I don't going to eat you! Even if you have some acquaintance with my S.O.B. of brother."

"Acquaintance", hah. Like Dante didn't know already what type of bond - of bloodline - connects his brother and the kid. But the idea of this happening - the idea that Vergil would have a child - is so blasphemous that Dante needs to hear the truth with his own ears.

"Let's start simple. What's your name, kid? I'm Dante, by the way, if you don't know already. The owner of "Devil May Cry" business, and the most badass guy on the Earth."

He hardly hears his own words and rambles some nonsense for sake of the rambling only. Because there are just too many to take in and Dante totally wasn't prepared for everything of this when he has took the mission. But then kid's voice catches him. It sounds... little off. Too calm, like the fire in it has burned out completely, leaving nothing but ashes.

"Nero"

Kid looks Dante right in eyes. Then, obviously having made some decision, he reaches into backpack on his back and pulls out the crumpled envelope.

"I'm Nero, son of Vergil. Old man... my father... I think, he wanted me to give this to you"

***

"Nero" his father says.

Nero, who at this moment is trying to achieve an agreement between the frying pan and the campfire to get them some dinner, rises his head.

"What do you want, old man?"

Vergil doesn't respond immediately; he stands facing the dark forest. To another observer, he may seem completely calm and expressionless. But Nero, although he would vehemently deny it, knows his father quite well, and he can see the tightness of his grip on Yamato and the little hunch of his shoulders.

There is nothing calm about Vergil right now.

They are in the middle of nowhere, in the deep dark forest at night, so some alertness is appropriate. But there is more than that. Nero himself can't feel the danger but it's probably because of his too-human senses (and didn't the asshole pointed this out too many times already?). He has no reason to doubt Vergil's judgment. So... it's looks like tomorrow they will be at the run again.

Well, they couldn't stay here anyway. Nero is definitely not a fan of forest camping, especially with the barebones of sleeping bags and the little food they have (the frying pan is almost a miracle, a nice souvenir from their last stop in town). He wouldn't mind moving somewhere else. But still, damn it...

He is so tired of running.

The beefaroni he managed to scramble aren't exactly perfect but at least they’re edible, and Nero congrats himself at this already. Vergil is a much better cook than him, but he doesn't cook often these days. To be fair, he doesn't eat often either. Some bullshit about being a half-demon that doesn't need food to survive. Still, Nero is mostly human and he sure as hell doesn't want to starve.

Sometimes he misses the days long gone when Vergil cooked every day.

"Hey, old man. Get over here and eat already. You looks like you’re going to fall over at any moment"

The look of irritation that Vergil sends him at the "old man" title is priceless. Serves him right, damn asshole. Surprisingly though, he doesn't respond with a cold denial and docilely sits across the fire from Nero. He even eats a full plate of beefaroni. No "thanks" to the cook, of course, but it's nothing new. For all Vergil's mannerisms, he is a rude asshole more often than not, especially when there is something that irks him. And for one reason or another, this damn forest really drives him up the wall.

"Nero"

"What?"

There is a pause while Vergil contemplates what to say. He looks almost... insecure. Nero rarely saw his father in such state, and it really vexes him for more than just one reason.

"I will leave tonight to take care of some... things. When you wake up, don't wait. There is a city to the north of here; go straight to it. Then head to Capulet city and find Dante"

As Vergil continues to talk, a new feeling settles in Nero's stomach. It's heavy and ugly and fierce and makes him to want to cry and laugh simultaneously.

"Yeah, I will certainly do just that! And where, pretty please say, are you going to fuck off to?.."

Vergil's eyes glow dangerously.

"It isn't a joke matter, Nero."

"Like hell it is! So what, are you going to go to buy some cigarettes?"

"I will return. If everything goes well, I'll find you even before the first city. The Dante's place... it's just a precaution."

"And what these important things are? Demons? You know that I can fight!"

"Nero."

"Don't 'Nero' me! Like hell I'm going to left you behind!"

Vergil looks him straight in the eyes. There are weariness on his face, and slight irritation, and some other feelings that Nero can't quite recognize.

"It's not up for discussion, Nero"

And then the world goes black.

Nero wakes up at the dawn, with two blankets wrapped around his frame, the neatly assembled backpack near his head and Yamato's handle in his right hand.

Alone.

***

"He didn't return."

"No. He didn't."

A heavy sigh escapes Dante's lips when he closes his eyes. He knows that he should say something - preferably, something funny, reassuring. Only, there is no words in his head for the moment and no strength to voice them.

They're back in his shop, in Capulet city. Dante is at his usual place, with legs propped up at the desk. Nero sits at the couch, fidgeting with his hands. He looks... tired. Exhausted, even. His cheeks are too gaunt for the kid of his age, and there are huge shadows under his eyes. He hardly said two words while they were at the road as if he decided to close himself off in his own little world.

Dante would tried to cheer up him a little but to be honest, he isn't in his brightest mood either.

To be honest, he just doesn't know what to do.

When he, with some impressive acrobatics and a good chunk of dumb luck, managed to pull Vergil from the abyss the idiot decided to throw himself in, he didn't expect much. When his dear twin disappeared as soon as Dante took his glance off him at one moment, he firmly said to himself not to be disappointed. Vergil's life is Vergil's, after all. If he will decide to rise up another demonic tower, Dante will kick his ass again. Until then, there is no need to impersonate a lost puppy.

Still... Since then, he had tried from the time to time to imagine how their next meeting would go. It's always different. Sometimes they fight. Sometimes they walk past each other in silence as if they're complete strangers. Sometimes Dante allows himself to imagine them talking (well, maybe with a little-more-than-normal amount of teasing because it's just what they do) and then going to the nearest place that serves strawberry sundae or at least pizza. These dreams are rare and sting the most.

He never imagined that a family reunion can go like this. Without Vergil, but with his son. About whom Dante himself had no idea because of course Vergil did not consider it necessary to notify his brother of such an insignificant fact’s existence.

Not knowing what to do, he almost mechanically stretches out his hand for the envelope and, after a moment's hesitation, opens it. Inside there are several sheets of paper some of which fares better than others. Two are folded several times. One is even meticulously wrapped in thin paper, no doubt for extra protection.

Dante's attention is attracted by the first one that fell out of the envelope. Unlike the others, it’s pretty rumpled and even covered with some dirty spots. It’s as if the person who wrote on it grabbed the first sheet that came to hand, not caring about aesthetics. Completely un-Vergil like, but when Dante's gaze scratches the first line, all his doubts disappears without a trace.

Dante,

I have no doubt that you are quite shocked reading this. Believe me, I do not feel the slightest pleasure in writing it either. But circumstances are, there is nobody else I can entrust Nero's safety at the moment so for better or worse I will proceed.

Let me clear things up from the beginning. Nero is my son. He rightfully is of the Sparda’s bloodline, and the inheritor of Yamato and will be treated as such. My and yours bonds are complicated as we undoubtedly can acknowledge both. However, I’ll say straight out: I shall not tolerate the slightest abjection of Nero because of them. All bad blood must and will remain between us exclusively; whatever animosity you feel for me, don't you dare take it out on him.

Mundus's lackeys have been after our blood for a long time. So far, Nero and I have been able to avoid them, but at the moment the situation is dire. They’re close. Engaging them with Nero at my side entails risks I'm not willing to accept. Therefore, I ordered him to go to the city of Capulet, assuming that you are able to provide him with sufficient accommodation until my return. For the sake of all of us, I hope this doesn't take long.

And, for now�� In other papers you will find details of bank account. As Nero’s official guardian you will have access to a certain amount of funds monthly, which should be enough to cover your expenses. It goes without saying that it should only be used for Nero's welfare. Don't even think about wasting that money on another toy of yours.

Knowing your inability to keep your surrounding in at least half-livable shape, I listed several details you should be aware of while dealing with Nero. Hopefully, it will mitigate your messing up at least partially. You can find it in other letters. Fortunately for you, Nero is an exceptionally mature and level-headed child. I have no doubt that he is able to take care of himself better than you ever will (who knows, maybe you even may take some hints from him? That pile of trash that you call your «shop» could certainly use it). All I need you to do is to keep Mundus's lackeys away from him.

Protect him, Dante.

Vergil.

Dante wasn't sure how long he stares at the letter, taking in every detail: the neat but hasty handwriting, the ink is smeared a little; the dark smudge at the very end, under his own name, as if the person who wrote the letter tried to say something, but then, after changing his mind, crossed it out, and then repeated the process several times in a row; the remnants of demonic aura imprinted in the paper, pouring out akin to the cold, fresh scent. It is at once painfully familiar and different from what he did expect, having been transformed in the years since their last meeting.

Then he runs his fingers over the next letter and unfolds it. A few seconds of reading are enough for him to choke with laughter and turn to Nero.

" Are you allergic to peanuts?"

"...Yes? Wait, how did you know?"

"Say thank you to your pop," Dante waves the paper above his head. "He has scribbled here a whole service manual, with all maintenance needed and shit. Only thing missing is the warranty card and the place of manufacture stamp."

"He what?!" Nero swoops down on Dante like an eagle and all but rips the letter out of his hand. Dante lets him, because Nero has the right to see it more than he, and all this mess is so… so «Vergil»-like… that he does not know whether to cry or laugh.

Because on this huge list, which fits into an envelope only thanks to careful folding and thinness of paper, the freaking encyclopedia about Dante's nephew is written. All his intolerances, habits and preferences, all listed in small, neat handwriting the one glance on which sends his head spinning. It is clear that despite all his assurances of Nero's ability to take care of himself, Virgil took it upon himself to make sure that not a single detail that can affect the well-being of his kid will be overlooked. It’s so incredible and ridiculous and creepy, and Dante can’t help but laugh as Nero reads on, his face getting redder and redder with each new sentence.

Finally, he puts the letter aside and covers his eyes with his hand.

"Fucking old man…" he mutters, his voice almost breaking with barely restrained emotions.

"Looks like he mistook you for the kindergartener," Dante gleefully adds fuel to the fire. "What you’ll say? Maybe I should put this thing on the wall and refer to it every time I'm going to cook you peanut-free porridge?"

"Do this and I will strangle you myself," the kid says vehemently, squeezing his scaly blue-red hand. Then the meaning of words makes the way through his head, and he stares at Dante. "You mean?.."

“I’m going to keep you? Yep, you’re right!” Dante grins. “Until your pop gets his shit together, the spare room is all yours. Not much in terms of furniture, but I’ll look what can be done about it. And other things, like…” He picks up the magnificent list again and throws a quick glance at it. “…’customized bullets of two types’. You shoot?”

Nero nods and Dante’s grins widens. The kid is perfect. Definitely much better than his dumbass father. Makes one wonder how on the Earth Vergil managed to make something so incredible. And while the chances of that happening are low already, Dante is determined to make sure Nero doesn't grow into a boring bookworm. Every moment of Nero’s stay in ‘Devil May Cry’ will be dedicated to this glorious goal.

For the beginning, though…

“Hey, kid. Go take a shower” Dante waves his hand. “No offence but you looks like shit with these dirty clothes… Hm… Do you have spares?”

“Yes,” Nero picks up his backpack and Dante nods.

“Good. Then go. I’ll call for the pizza and then we’ll talk more”

(To be fair, he tries to glance through the list to make sure Nero isn't allergic to the pizza's ingredients, but almost immediately his eyes dazzle and he gives up. Hell with it. If anyone can be allergic to anything in pizza, it's olives or pineapples to blame, and Dante makes sure neither gets on his food.)

When Nero is takes his leave for the shower, Dante's gaze falls on the last part of letter - the one that is wrapped with extra paper. Slowly, trying not to cause even the slightest damage, he unfolds it.

This one is really different. This is not just a random piece of paper, but an official thing, with monograms and a stamp at the bottom. Dante's eyet catch the first line.

‘I, Vergil Sparda, declare this to be my last testament and final...’

He doesn't read further. Tosses the document into room’s corner like a hot coal (although even this could not burn more) and stares at the ceiling for a long time, blinking slowly and trying to drive away the sting in his eyes. He knows what this fancy, beautiful piece of paper is and hates with every inch of his soul.

Vergil’s will.

Vergil’s. Fucking. Will.

"Prepared for everything, yeah, Verge? Really, you're... You're a such dumbass..."

Dante closes his eyes and grabs the amulet at his neck. The metal is cold in his fingers and the edges dig painfully into the hand.

He is glad to have a nephew. Really glad. Happy, even.

It's just...

It would be so much better if the meeting with one family member didn't happen at the cost of life of another.

To be continued... Probably. If you read this please write the comment so I could understand if there is a reason to write it farther or it can be happily left in my head only.

#devil may cry #dmc fandom #dmc fanfiction #dmc #dmc3 au #dmc1 au #dante #nero #vergil #mundus is asshole #nero is the best boy #dante wasn't prepared to deal with this shit #vergil was prepared but it still didn't change anything #devil may cry fanfiction #dmc nero #dmc vergil #dante dmc #nero and vergil are dumbasses #though Nero is still smarter #Dadgil #though he tries not to show this #poor Dante