Complicated homecoming...

[superstylishsquid]

It had been years since Alastor had last seen this town, bustling with humans and reeking of demons. It was almost comforting...if not for the fact that he knew his master was here. The master he'd abandoned without a word, who would be fully justified in striking him down for his insubordination. But it wasn't in Alastor's nature to run. He'd had his taste of freedom, now it was time to face the consequences. If he was lucky, maybe he could come out on top this time and be truly free.

But that would be once he entered Devil May Cry, something he would wait until daytime for. He didn't want to catch his master just returning from a demon hunt and ready to shoot anything that had fangs and claws. So in the darkness of the desert night, he stood atop a building across from the Devil Hunter's shop. His senses were attuned for any hint of magic approaching him, but he might not register an ordinary human right away.

Comments

[superstylishschism]

Somehow, Alastor manages to convey a rolling of his eyes despite the visor.

"Proposing to one doesn't count, master."

[patricided]

What does it say that she doesn't even look surprised despite having never heard of that incident.

"I'm not even going to ask how drunk you were."

[hellspawnedhero]

"Pretty pickled."

Yes, he's going to answer anyway.

"But that's not really the point, is it? I know what a mop's for."

[superstylishschism]

"Yeah, getting other people to clean with."

He snorts and his tail flicks as he shakes his head.

"Pretty sure mopping floors isn't part of the usual Devil Arm job description, maybe I oughta start charging for services as a maid."

[patricided]

"Good luck with that. He still owes Patty a few dresses last I heard."

She turns to Dante.

"And you need to lay off the booze if you're proposing to mops."

[hellspawnedhero]

"Why would I go and do that? Not like it did any harm."

After all, he never had any dignity to damage.

[superstylishschism]

"Ugh..."

Whether the sound of disgust is at Dante's alcohol habit or his refusal to pay his debts, who knows.

"Well, in that case, he'll just have to do without until I'm done this job. I'm not coming back from guard duty just to clean the floors without good reason."

[patricided]

And this is why she doesn't come around very often. She does not have the patience for Dante's way of thinking. But she isn't going to actually say anything either. They'll have to work out their arrangement for Alastor keeping the place clean on their own.

Though she doesn't leave either.

[hellspawnedhero]

"Hey, come on, even I can't mess up the floors that bad in just a few days."

He pauses for a second.

"Well, unless someone comes in and trashes the shop again, but you can't say that's my fault."

[superstylishschism]

"I'll keep that in mind if I come back and nothing's broken."

He shakes his head and looks at Lady.

"Gonna wish me luck finding the thing that's causing trouble?"

[patricided]

"Pretty sure we could."

She blinks her attention shifting.

"Don't think you'll need luck, just uh be careful. Okay?"

[hellspawnedhero]

At that, he just crosses his arms and huffs, grumbling something under his breath.

[superstylishschism]

"Well, some good luck might make it go faster. And we've already got a couple weeks to catch up on."

He steps forward to give Lady a hug.

"Don't want it to be another two weeks before I'm free, right?"

[patricided]

Okay she can handle a hug and no she isn't blushing shut up.

It's not a weird thing for friends as she steps in and wraps her arms around him a moment before pulling away again.

"I wouldn't blame you if it did. But fine. Good hunting."

[hellspawnedhero]

"Go get 'em. And don't go flopping on the couch if you come back with blood on ya!"

[superstylishsquid]

Ignoring Dante's comment, he gives Lady a light nudge on the cheek before stepping back.

"But I'd miss getting to see you even more than I already have."

[patricided]

She shifts her weight, awkward. Her cheeks darkening a little more as she gives him a push toward the door.

"Just be careful."

[hellspawnedhero]

The combination of the blush and awkward stance aren't lost on Dante and his eyebrows go up slightly. He doesn't say anything yet, though. No use possibly getting them both defensive at the same time.

[superstylishsquid]

"Don't worry, I'm used to watching my back. I'll be fine."

He heads for the door with a wave, but instead of opening it, walks through a ripple in the air and disappears.

[patricided]

She rolls her eyes. "Better be." It comes out as a mutter as he's walking away. Watching him go.

She doesn't turn around until she's sure she's gotten the worst of the blush under control.

"You alright with letting him take the job?"

[hellspawnedhero]

"Yeah. He wants to play delicate for the construction equipment, I'm not gonna complain about not getting hounded to pay damages."

He gives her an unusually thoughtful look as he scoops a slice of pizza out of the box.

"Ain't that interesting, though."

[patricided]

She shrugs and raises an eyebrow at him.

"What was?"

Don't you date say what she thinks you're going to say, Dante.

[hellspawnedhero]

"Don't think I've ever seen you blush like that before. Is there...actually something between the two of you?"

[patricided]

"I wasn't blushing." Not that lying will change anything. She holds her other arm and chews her lips thinking.

"I dunno. We haven't really discussed it in depth. Does it matter if it is or not?"

[hellspawnedhero]

"Not sure..."

He shifts slightly, visibly uncomfortable.

"Kinda makes me wonder when you changed your mind, though."