Angels May Cry

Secret No More

Chapter 4: Secret No More

12, November 2014

Nero walked up the stairs to the living area of the shop, surprised to see his uncle relaxed on the couch with a guest. A sleeping brunette was curled up against him on the wide sectional, his arm holding her close. The TV was playing some comedy show on a low volume as the older hunter glanced over his shoulder. He waved him off, trying his best not to disturb the young woman using him as a pillow. The younger male simply shook his head and made his way up to his room, passing his sire along the way.

"Dante... has a woman..." Nero said to his father, still in disbelief.

"It would seem so. He has been seeing her for about a month now." The elder spoke as he headed downstairs to leave.

Dante didn't look twice at his twin as he left for the evening. Vergil had been spending far more time cleaning up the Qliphoth destruction after the remnant demon energy there had spiked. He knew his little family was no stranger to his playboy ways. He was the king of one-night stands. But Noelle was different. After the last month of regular dates at the diner and walks along the pier, he had realized he didn't want anyone else besides her. The thought of picking up a chick in the bar hadn't even crossed his mind. Vergil seemed happier to not be seeing random women leaving in the mornings. But Nero had been back and forth to Fortuna to see Kyrie, trying to fix things after their breakup, and hadn't noticed.

Dante looked down at Noelle. She had been over a lot lately, with her sister being busy working at the local hospital. Today she had borrowed a hoodie from his closet and snuggled up to him on the couch. The November air had gotten colder, and the rain had been more common. Noelle got cold easily and had begun to dress more modestly as the seasons had changed. He ran his hand down her side and over the curve of her hip. The tight leggings were smooth under his touch, and it seemed to stir the sleeping girl.

Noelle blinked, nuzzling against the fabric of Dante's shirt. He had his feet up on the coffee table and her body pressed against his side. She shifted, looking up at him with sleepy green eyes. A soft smile graced her lips as he leaned his head down and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. She tilted her head, meeting his lips before he could pull away.

"Well hello to you too." Dante chuckled.

"Sorry I fell asleep." She said with a soft blush.

"No worries babe. I just like having you around."

Noelle sighed contently, turning her attention to the TV. She had come over after Alexis had left for another shift at the hospital. Dante's laundry had been piling up and his room had been a mess. She had learned, from her visits, that his twin, Vergil, hated a mess and also didn't quite like her. She had made sure to keep out of his way and well away from his demon blade Yamato. But he had given her a cold, approving nod when he had seen her cleaning up the other day. She didn't know what she expected. But it definitely hadn't been that.

Dante seemed lost in thought as her phone buzzed on the table and she reached for it. She scrolled through the texts, typing back a short one to Sage and another to Alexis. She sighed and sat up, earning a pout from Dante.

"I take it you need to go, huh?" he asked, pouting like a child.

"Yes. I've been gone all day, and it will get dark soon." She said softly and she stretched.

Dante saw her face fall as she looked at the hoodie she was wearing. She moved to take it off, standing up and he caught her wrist.

"Keep it." He told her, earning a smile from her.

"Okay." She hugged him tightly as he stood up.

Dante watched her slip into her boots and helped her into her jacket. He gave her a long, heated kiss goodbye and made her promise to let him know when she got home. Her sleek black Ducati waited out back by the alley and she put her helmet on before starting the bike and taking off. Dante watched her go until she was out of sight, before turning to walk back inside. The garage at the back of the building was where he housed his car and Nero's bike. He walked inside, flicking the light on and looked at all the junk off to one side. If I clean this out, her bike will fit... He thought as he rubbed the back of his neck. With a heavy sigh, he headed back inside, going to his room for the night.