Once everyone had grabbed their badges, snacks and taken their seats, Alana opened the large box and pulled out a card. "Apparently, it's time to finally open the special showcase email that they sent me so that we can watch the game trailers." She explained as she pulled the video up on the big screen tv. As the trailers played, everyone voiced their support for various games. "Haha, Elder Scrolls VI!" Armin cheered. "Starfield looks cool!" Kentin mused. Almost every guy and Sam all shouted in unison during the Fallout 76 trailer. Nathaniel and Armin almost jumped for joy when the video for Doom Eternal finished. "Another Wolfenstein game? Sounds cool." Alana grinned. Severina shot Alana a look. "Come on Mels, you've punched their sort in real life, before." She commented. "Yeah, but it's fun to do it." Alana snickered. "KEANU!" Most of the room cheered when the Cyberpunk 2077 video ended. "No one cares about Just Cause anymore!" Sam groaned. "I'm not gonna lie... I like the idea of going to Ancient Greece..." Severina mused when the video for Assassin's Creed Odyssey ended. "Honestly, unless it gives Red Vs Blue more stuff to work with, I'm kind of done with Halo." Alana shrugged. Nathaniel and Armin instantly shot Alana a death glare. Castiel looked at Nathaniel and Armin and chuckled. "Did she hit a nerve, you two?" He smirked. "Shut up!" Nathaniel shot back to Castiel. "Come on, Alana! It's Halo Infinite! It's gonna be cool!" Armin cheered.

After a while, Alana had begun getting bored. As everyone cheered and talked about the games being showcased in the videos, it seemed like there wasn't any that were going to be released that she could be obsessed with. In her boredom, she had started rummaging through the box of goodies until a smaller box with a very familiar logo on it had made its way into her hand. "No way." She gasped. "Was that Christopher Sabat?" Armin asked as he paused the video that had begun playing on the tv. Alana put the logo back in the box, looked at the tv and recognized the shape. "Demons." Sam smiled. "Armin, play the rest of this video, NOW." Alana ordered. Suddenly, the screen was covered in blood and people being impaled on what looked like demonic roots, as screams radiated through the room. Within seconds, the logo that was on the smaller box had appeared on the screen, on the side of a van. "Devil May Cry" Nathaniel observed. "It's been ten years." Alana sighed as her eyes remained glued to the screen. The video continued playing, focusing on a boy with short white hair killing demons with a large sword, a gun and different prosthetic arms. "KYRIE! GET BACK INSIDE! NOW!" The boy shouted as a hooded figure grabbed him by his demonic arm, slung him against a wall, and left the garage with the demonic arm in his hand. The boy crumpled on the floor, covered in blood and desperately reaching for the figure who had just ripped his arm off, before cutting to another shot of the boy grabbing his sword and saying, "I've got a score to settle with that son of a bitch!". Sam paused the video to where the logo for the game stayed on the screen. "WHAT THE FUCK DID THEY DO TO MY BOY?! I DON'T CARE IF YOU MAKE NERO HOTTER, DON'T TEAR HIS ARM OFF! HE'S BEEN THROUGH ENOUGH!" Alana stood up and shouted at the screen, pain clearly present in her eyes and voice. Castiel and Viktor looked at Alana in horror. "Oh, god... Here we go again!" Noelle laughed. "Where's Dante?! It's not a Devil May Cry game if Dante isn't in it!" Armin complained. "Uh, guys... There's still about 30 seconds left on this video." Nathaniel flatly pointed out. "Sam, just play it." Severina instructed. Suddenly, an older man with white hair and a long red coat riding what looked like a demonic motorcycle was on the screen, cheering. "There's Dante!" Sam cackled as she tapped Armin on the back of the head.

"You said it's been ten years. Wasn't there a game in the series just five years ago?" Castiel inquired. "DON'T EVER MENTION THAT TRAVESTY AGAIN!" Alana and Armin yelled in unison. "Ninja Theory almost killed the franchise as a whole with that game!" Alana huffed. "It was clearly so bad that Capcom finally had enough and decided to let us have DMC5!" Armin called. "Woah, calm down, you two! He didn't know." Priya soothed. "Oh, god... Sam, do you remember the last time we had to deal with this?" Kentin facepalmed. "What do you mean? There was a time before that other game came out? Because I'm the one who had to listen to both of them until Alana joined the R.D.R. Then Armin until he got caught hacking their systems..." Nathaniel asked. "Nathaniel, we're the ones who had to listen to both Mels and Armin once they joined!" Derek pointed out. "Yeah, in 2008 when the DMC4 was first released." Ken replied. "Our dear Mels took a single look at Nero, instantly fell head over heels in love, and we all got to listen to her complain about Capcom pairing him with Kyrie for at least a solid year." Sam explained as she took a swig of her soda. "I got to hear about it for longer!" Severina piped up. "She was still complaining about it by the time we met her at Weathering High!" Stanley laughed. "That's because Kyrie's and Credo's family adopted him! It's basically incest! The only way it's "allowed" is because they're not blood related! Aside from that! Kyrie spent all of DMC4 as a damn damsel in distress! Her personality consists of either hiding behind someone, scolding Nero for not wanting to watch the sermon, being used against Nero, being a "cute little choir girl", or saying cliche bullshit to make him feel better at the end! Literally, every other major woman in the franchise has a cool personality and can kick a certain amount of ass! Even Patty does it in the anime! And Patty was a little kid! My god, Eva is dead but it's implied that she kicked just enough ass to capture the heart of Sparda and keep her twins in line! But Kyrie is fucking useless and helpless! I get that not every woman in the series has to be a total badass, but I HATE it when characters that are supposed to be important to major characters only have one character trait! Especially when it's a love interest and that character trait is "perfect"! NERO DESERVES BETTER THAN THAT!" Alana ranted and raved. "She's also horrifically jealous of the girl." Severina laughed. "SHUT UP RINI!" Alana huffed as she stormed to her room to cool down.

The second Alana got out of earshot, Nathaniel turned to the rest of the group and a devilish grin made its way across his face. "So, what you're all telling me is that I need to cosplay as him." He smirked. Sam looked at him, realized the severity of what he meant, and smiled. "Nathaniel... You asshole." She bantered. "Come on man, it's not like you haven't known about her crush on him. She has a shelf dedicated to him in her office." Armin shrugged. "So? I've got a couple of things with Vergil on it." Nathaniel replied. "First of all, that's because you actually like his fighting style. Secondly, I'm the one who bought you those after you and I played DMC3 and you said that you really like him. Thirdly, you have two acrylic stands of Vergil and a "brother's set" of figures. For the record, the acrylic stands were custom made by one of my online friends. Your girlfriend, however, has an entire shelf dedicated to Nero and most of its official. No one ever really talks about her love of Devil May Cry because she hasn't dropped an actual fortune on it the way she has on Sailor Moon, Deadpool, Pokémon, or Kingdom Hearts." Armin explained as he cocked his head, mildly annoyed. "I was hoping she'd get over it..." Viktor sighed. "Because my sister would rather let a six foot two, snowy haired, blue eyed, demon boy in her bed over you." Sam laughed. "I had no idea..." Castiel gasped. "Castiel, you've known her for years and seen that expensive figure multiple times. If you had no idea by now, you weren't paying attention." Kentin shot. "ANYWAY!" Nathaniel began, calling attention back to him. "It's not lost on me that she think's Nero is hotter in this new game. So, I need to cosplay as him. I wanna see what she'll do." He beamed. "I'm in. I wanna see what Mels does, too." Derek agreed. "I'll start looking for the outfit references." Dominic nodded. "We can see if Leigh can make the outfit." Kentin added. "Blue Rose didn't change much. It looks like Red Queen is a bit different. I'll see if I can hunt down a 3D model of it." Armin added. "I'll see about fabricating a gauntlet that looks like his prosthetic." Veronica commented. "I'll order our guys to make a Red Queen that can be taken to cons!" Nora mused. "Nath, don't worry about the wig, contacts or makeup! I'll get you the best of the best for this!" Severina cheered. "Well... Fuck it, I'll get you the gloves, bracelet and necklace." Sam chuckled. "I'll also see about downloading a set of backgrounds that can be used for a photo shoot. Because, if we're all pitching in, then you're doing a proper photo shoot." Veronica added. Severina walked over to Nathaniel and got close to his ear. "If you're doing this, you should probably get a couple of pics with the entire cosplay, except the shirt. I'll drive her INSANE!" She whispered. "That doesn't actually sound like a bad idea." Nathaniel quietly replied. "What are you all whispering about?" A voice boomed from behind them. "Ah, just entertaining the idea of forcing you into a Kryrie cosplay!" Armin laughed. "Don't be stupid! If I'm gonna cosplay as anyone, it'll be Trish!" Alana shot as she walked over to Nathaniel, sat next to him, grabbed the box of goodies and started properly going through it.

★

Rosalaya and Alexy sat by the counter of Leigh's shop, making idle chatter. It had been a couple of years since their college graduation, and enough time had passed for the two of them to somewhat forget the full reason as to why an old friend had decided to permanently cut them off. Despite the fact that multiple people reminded them both of it countless times. The door to the shop flung open and they turned their heads to greet the incoming customer, only for their faces to be filled with disgust and disappointment. "There's no one for you to deal to here. Get out!" Alexy shot. "Why are you even here in the first place?" Rosalaya venomously asked. "Rosa, is your better half not here? I need to see him." Nathaniel rolled his eyes and began walking towards them. "He's at lunch with Rayan and should be back in a few minutes. Why do you need to see him?" Rosalaya glared daggers into him as she spoke. "I have a job for him. I could go to anyone else, but I need absolute discretion, and he already has my sizes noted. Past that, you two don't need to know anything." Nathaniel explained, clearly doing everything in his power to not let his annoyance control him. "What, are you seriously keeping a secret from Alana? Are you wanting Leigh to make you a disguise so that you can sneak around on her? That's low!" Alexy gagged. "No, what's low is what you both did to my best friends!" A voice called from the shop's doors. Everyone turned to see who had just spoke only to find Armin and Severina walking in their direction. "What's low is that you two are now talking to a member of the Roster Clan and you aren't giving him the respect he deserves!" Severina hissed. "What's low is that you're my BROTHER and you did that!" Armin narrowed his eyes at Alexy. "NAT! You should have let me take you to my designer! Then you would have been offered high end snacks and had someone kissing your feet while you were being taken care of!" Severina scoffed. "Look, I've talked to Alana about this multiple times! She has no animosity towards Leigh. She's still good friends with Lysander. And now Leigh has a kid, so she doesn't mind if her money goes to support that child. Her animosity is strictly towards these two. And I stand by that." Nathaniel explained.

"Thank you, Nathaniel. I appreciate that." Leigh smiled as he and Rayan walked up to them. Leigh gave Rosalaya a disappointed look. "We've talked about this." He sighed. "But Leigh!" Rosa yelped. "Go. Your mom called me while I was out. Apparently, instead of answering your phone when your mother calls about our baby, you're standing around here with him, harassing one of my best customers." He exasperated. Leigh turned to Alexy. "If I were you, I would find somewhere else to be, as well." He suggested. Alexy and Rosalaya both looked at Leigh in horror. "I said, GO." Leigh almost growled. "You never talk to me that way! Leigh!" Rosa whined. Leigh maintained his composure and raised his eyebrows. Rosalaya looked at everyone in the room, then back at Leigh, then lowered her head. "Fine. I'll see you at home." She muttered as she grabbed her bag and left the shop. Alexy looked at Armin, his eyes pleading for mercy. "You're still choosing them over me?" He asked in a low tone. "Maybe you should have thought of what I'd do when you stabbed both of my best friends in their backs. You knew what was wrong with them. Yet, you still did it. Even after Alana told you why she and I had disappeared for a while." Armin scolded. "But I'm your brother!" Alexy choked. "Evan is, too. And you know I only talk to him at the holidays." Armin seethed. Alexy thought for a minute, contemplating the very reason why his twin had gone low contact with their older brother. "I'm guessing, you could do the same to me." Alexy lamented. "Oh, look! He does have a thought inside that head that ISN'T the contents of Ken's pants!" Severina cackled. Nathaniel shot Severina an annoyed look. "I don't want to. You know that." Armin replied to his brother, completely ignoring Severina's comment. Alexy's face filled with regret. "Can I see you later?" He asked. "Maybe." Armin replied.

Once Alexy and Rayan had left the shop, Leigh instructed them to follow him to a secluded section to sit down. "Now, what can I help you with?" He inquired. The three of them made quick work of explaining the plan and providing in depth references for Nero's outfit. "How did you get these?" Nathaniel asked Armin. "I might have contacted Capcom as a "representative of Lady Melody", explained that she's a HUGE fan of Nero, loves his new design, and requested them..." Armin nervously laughed. "And they bought that?" Severina raised an eyebrow. "They did, since I used my position in the organization to do it. By the way, now that they know she's a huge fan of his DMC5 design and that their game was the only one she went nuts over... She might be getting some freebies of him as it gets closer to the game's release." Armin continued explaining. "Did you tell them WHY you needed the references?" Nathaniel asked, a little annoyed. "Haha! NOPE! They can find out after Alana loses her shit!" Armin laughed. "Well, that's all fine. I'll do it." Leigh nodded. "Don't worry about the price, Leigh! Just send me the bill when you're ready!" Severina cheered. "Of course. Thank you so much for your continggghjjjkued business..." Leigh began. He looked down, clearly filled with shame. "I'm just sorry about Rosa. I don't know why she is this way..." He muttered. "Leigh, it's not your fault. Look, I know I got myself wrapped up in some bad shit... But I haven't been part of that for a while... Rosa and Alexy need to grow up." Nathaniel replied. "As it is, with Alana, they were like this since shortly after high school. You remember that we were the primary people she contacted to try to get them to talk to her... Only for them to continue ignoring her, for no reason." Armin added. "It's still not your fault that they became such vapid fools. Mels told Viktor and me all sorts of stories about them... About how great they were and how much she loved them. It tore us both apart to see her pain when they started ignoring her, and then her frustration when they refused to acknowledge what she had become... It tore her apart. Especially when Rosa began dismissing her questions about your brother, trying to set her up with that waiter and chasing Nathaniel away from her. I shouldn't admit this, but it still hurts her to see what the two of them have become. She does, in fact, miss them both. However, what they are now does not work with how she's decided to protect her peace. But she cares enough about you and your brother that she's okay with supporting your family, despite her feelings towards your spouse." Severina explained. "I still feel bad. She is my spouse and the mother of my child..." Leigh commented. "I get it, Alexy and Evan are my brothers. I'm not happy that Alexy has become the definition of the term "toxic gay" and that Evan was dishonorably discharged from the military. I'm definitely not proud to have them as my siblings. But their mistakes are not our fault." Armin reassured as he put his hand on Leigh's shoulder. Leigh looked up at Armin and smiled. "Thank you, that actually means a lot." He nodded. "Anytime." Armin replied. Leigh turned to Nathaniel. "Alright. Let's go make sure your measurements haven't changed... I'm guessing time is not a factor here?" He inquired. "Nope. I'm okay with waiting on this one. So long as you make it your usual great quality." Nathaniel beamed. "Well then, let's get to work!" Leigh approved.

★

Nora and Veronica pulled Nathaniel into one of the Black Tower's weapons labs. "Why are we here?" he asked, curiously. "BECAUSE! Armin really was a genius! Going straight to the source! They even sent him detailed information on Nero's weapons!" Nora mused. "Look, Mels is the best cosplay weapon builder in the whole Tower... But our guys are pretty damn good. We're currently trying to figure out how to make it to where you can strap Red Queen to your back without a visible strap being in play. We're thinking magnets in the sword that make it attach to a strap that you can wear under your shirt. We've already gotten ahold of your clothing designer and gotten the specs on the materials he's using. We just need to figure out how to make the straps work." Veronica explained. "Apparently what Armin did worked a little too well, they sent us info on some of the other prosthetics. We can fabricate gauntlets that look like some of the others. The main one that was used in the video was called Overture. But we have info on one called Gerbera and another called Punchline. Apparently, there's a way that Nero attaches his arms to his belt so that he has spares or can change them out when he needs to." Lyra interjected. "Why are they so okay with this?" Nathaniel asked. "Come on... Nat, you know the answer to this. For heaven's sake, you went to the red-carpet premiere of the Doctor Who 50th anniversary special with her. Mels is one of the highest-ranking members of this organization. On top of that, she's a total nepo-baby. A lot of companies want the attention of Lynne Roster's daughters and Nate Films' stepdaughters. Mels gets invited to be an extra in a lot of Nate's friends' projects, just because they've watched her grow up. She is the quintessential "nerd girl". The girl that every anime, videogame and comic book company want to see promote their products. She doesn't have an agent. She doesn't make a living off of posting about her life. She does it because her social media is basically just a digital scrapbook. Despite that, whenever she does post about something she's in to, her fans go nuts over it." Lyra explained. "It also helps that she's never starred in a movie. She actively turns starring roles down because she doesn't want to be cast in anything because she's a nepo-baby." Renee added as she walked into the room. "Yeah, but she's also not an actress." Nathaniel pointed out. "That doesn't stop the directors of every superhero movie from trying to contact her about being cast in their films. Especially since Nate has been in a couple of big ones... Even if it was for just a couple of bit parts that didn't make it to the theatrical cuts." Lyra shrugged. "ANYWAY! Back to business! Nat, we need you to take off your shirt and try on these straps. We have a protype of Red Queen ready that we need to test out!" Veronica called. "Alright, alright... Wait, why do I need to take my shirt off?" Nathaniel asked, even more confused. "Because, we don't want the straps to chafe your skin, but we don't want them to show when you're in the full outfit, so it's either this, or we get with Mr. Ainsworth to see about putting them into the coat." Veronica clarified. "Then why don't you just get ahold of Leigh and do the thing with the coat?!" Nathaniel blurted out. Veronica and Nora thought for a minute. "Maybe we should have thought of that in the first place..." Veronica commented. "YOU THINK?!" Nathaniel huffed.

While Nora got on the phone with Leigh to request his presence at the Black Tower, Veronica began showing Nathaniel the progress on Blue Rose. The computer screens showed the different schematics. "Yeah, apparently when I told the guys down in the armory that this was a special project to mess with Mels, they jumped on the idea. By the way, they might be planning on forging functioning versions of Blue Rose and Red Queen, as well as convention appropriate versions..." She chuckled. "Why do they wanna make functioning versions?" He puzzled. "Why not? They're things that they can add to Mels' weapons closet. Remember, the difference between science and screwing around is the type of documentation." Veronica shrugged as she pulled up the schematics for the gun. "The convention appropriate one will be ready pretty quickly. They just wanna make sure it has the proper weight, moving parts and the exact color..." She explained. "Which is probably part of why they actually wanna forge the weapons... Granted, the convention appropriate version of the sword will definitely have to be lighter so that you can carry it on your back with ease." Lyra pointed out.

★

Severina and Sam sat down with Nathaniel at Agatha's dining room table. "Alright, we've got the contacts, wig, necklace and bracelet." Sam stated. "Leigh said that the outfit is done and ready to go." Severina added. "Veronica and Nora said that the weapons will be ready soon." Nathaniel replied. "Good. Now, Nathaniel... I want you to hear me out... I wanna do a full photoshoot... But I wanna do a couple of pics like what I suggested. My mom recently did a boudoir shoot to make herself feel better after the divorce, and she said that the photographer was really professional. I could give him a call and see if he'd be up for it." Severina suggested. "Ah... Yeah... The photoshoot that will include sexy pics of him as Nero..." Sam rolled her eyes. "Sam! Come on! If Ken cosplayed as Dick Grayson, we'd do a similar photoshoot of him for you, and you know it!" Severina scoffed. Sam turned away and blushed. "As much as I love Ken, we'd have to put padding in the suit to get Dick's iconic bubble butt..." She muttered. "No, he wouldn't. And it would mess with you something fierce!" Severina laughed. Nathaniel thought for a couple of minutes. "What kind of sexy photos would they take? I wouldn't be nude, would I?" He asked. "Oh no! Mr. Gatwa is super professional! For his boudoir shoots, he typically has the women get down to their lingerie. But, for this one, we can keep the "sex aspect" to just having you have your shirt off while wearing the rest of the cosplay. Maybe put you in a position where you hold Blue Rose in front of your junk. You'll be mostly clothed." Severina explained. "Oh, okay." Nathaniel nodded. "So... Are you in?" Severina eagerly asked. "If it'll mess with Alana... Definitely." Nathaniel smiled. "Nath! Sweetie! Not only will it mess with Mels, but it will also TOTALLY boost your confidence! It's your first solo cosplay shoot, after all! And don't worry! We'll be sure to take a few serious pics of you in the full cosplay!" Severina cheered as she stood up, pulled out her phone and dialed a number. "Eric! Baby! Hey, doll. I've got quite the job for you! And it needs to be done with absolute discretion!" She bubbled as she walked away.

Sam looked at Nathaniel. "You do realize what you've done, right?" She snickered. "Aside from messed with your sister?" Nathaniel guessed. "Mels isn't the only person who won't be the same after this. She's probably gonna brag about it to everyone she knows... Which will likely put you more in the limelight. And it will FUCK with Viktor." Sam pointed out. "I'm already in the limelight because of her. She's been posting pics of us to her social media for a while. As for Viktor, I'm tired of him constantly pining over her. She's made it clear that she's never gonna leave me and that she doesn't want him. He needs to stop it. I've wanted to punch him in the gut for it for the past couple of years." Nathaniel replied, a little anger seeping its way into his voice towards the end. Sam took a sip of her coffee and sighed. "Believe me. We're all aware of your anger towards Viktor. We've all been talking to him about it for years. Before you and Mels broke up in the first place, even. Mels has also bitch slapped him for it. But, for some reason, he's still holding out hope... Frankly, I think its idiotic. They were told as children that it wouldn't be allowed to work between the two of them. Mels took that lesson and moved on. Viktor didn't." She shrugged. "Honestly, I don't mind that it will piss him off. That'll just be an added bonus to seeing her go nuts." Nathaniel smirked. "That's the spirit!" Sam cheered as she raised her cup and toasted the sentiment. Severina continued walking around the room, discussing the plans with Mr. Gatwa on the phone. "And remember! This HAS to be a secret until we're ready to unveil the finished product!" She emphasized. After nodding a few times, Severina cheerfully ended the phone call. "All right! We're set! We just have to let him know when we're ready!" She beamed as she walked back up to the table. "You were on the phone longer than I thought you'd be." Sam commented. "I just HAD to make sure everything is in the proper places! It's not every day that we get to surprise Mels with something of this... Magnitude!" Severina mused. "Okay then... I guess we're doing this!" Nathaniel laughed.

★

Alana sat in her living room, replaying Devil May Cry 4. It had been a long day of phone calls, meetings and social events, and she just wanted to get a break before getting back into the thick of it. "In the end, we are all satisfied... And you are set free." Dante cooed as he threw a rose at one of the blades sticking out of the Hell Gate and activated Lucifer while Flamenco music played in the background. "I think that's a good stopping point for now!" She cheered as she stopped the game and shut it down. "Hey! Mels!" Armin called from outside the door. "What?!" Alana called back. "Hey! Your Boss said that you've got another thing to deal with and that you'd better be dressed. Something with the Prime Minister, or some shit!" Armin replied. Alana walked to the kitchen to get a fresh cup of cream soda. "I'm calling bullshit on that, right now. So, whatever you've got planned, just come on in and get it over with!" She rolled her eyes as she kept her back turned to the apartment's door. As she opened the bottle of soda and began pouring it into her cup, she could hear the door open, and two sets of footsteps enter the apartment before the door closed behind them. "Armin, I've had a grueling day. I've got the Aristocracy breathing down my throat about the current state of the situation with aunt Verity's divorce. It's getting close to Unification Day, so King Julius is doing his yearly ritual of harassing me to try to convince me to take the title that his family has been trying to bestow on mine for centuries. One of dad's friends is directing yet another superhero movie, so I got a phone call asking if Nath and I wanted to be extras in it. Mom is in Scotland with Aunt Sophie and spent an hour earlier trying to convince me to bring Nath up there for a simple weekend jaunt. Sam and Rini have been giggling like a gaggle of idiots all day and won't tell me why. Viktor called me asking if I wanted to go visit Aunt Cosima's grave tomorrow, and I had to navigate that uncomfortable situation. I had to go to Anteros for a bit and formally turn down their offer to be a guest speaker during this year's Art History courses. And I'm pretty sure that you got into contact with Capcom using my name, because now they're trying to get ahold of me to promote DMC5... Which, if you did, I am now pissed at you... Because I did not authorize you to do that." She unloaded into him while she closed her cup, set it back on the counter and turned around.

What she saw when she turned around caught her so off guard that she fell back against the counter, almost knocking her drink over. Her breathing instantly began to get heavy, and a deep blush spread its way across her face. Standing in front of her was Nathaniel, fully dressed as Nero from the new game. Armin stood several feet away from Nathaniel with one hand behind his back, the other holding up his phone and smirked. "I know you're pissed at me... I did use my connection to you to get ahold of Capcom... But I think you see that it was for a good cause." He chuckled. "What..." Alana gasped, her eyes glued to her boyfriend, her mouth forming an almost stupid grin. "Awe, is the woman who always has something to say speechless for once?" Nathaniel purred. "HOLY FUCKING SHIT! It's like Nero jumped out of the game and into your kitchen!" The voice in her head cheered. Her hands began to shake and moving as if she wanted to touch him but was afraid to find out that he might not be real. "How?" She breathed. "Come on... Did you really think I could see you dote on him like that during the preview and NOT mess with you?" Nathaniel's grin became more devilish as he walked over to her. "I... Um... Wow..." She blushed. "Do you really like it?" Nathaniel inquired. Alana silently nodded. "Come on Melody... Use your words." Nathaniel purred as he placed his left hand on her cheek. "Y-Yes... I l-like it... I-I l-l-love i-it..." She stuttered. "Good. Because I have something for you." Nathaniel grinned as he motioned to Armin. Armin walked forward, took his arm out from behind his back and placed a package on the counter in front of Alana. "Should I leave for this part? I've already gotten video of her initial reaction to seeing you like this." He asked Nathaniel. "Yeah, wait downstairs, we'll be down in a bit." Nathaniel ordered. "You got it! Have fun, you two!" Armin laughed. "Wait... Armin! What the hell?!" Alana sputtered. "See you in a bit!" Armin quickly called as he rushed out of the apartment.

"W-What did he mean?!" Alana blurted out the second the door was closed. Nathaniel pushed the package towards her. "Open it." He smirked. Alana pulled the bow of the package, tore off the wrapping paper, opened the box and blushed harder than she's ever blushed before. Inside the box was a flash drive, a CD and a photo book. The book cover had Nathaniel dressed as Nero without a shirt, in front of a blue stained-glass background with blue roses and vines scattered throughout the background. Some of the vines wrapped around his left arm and lightly grazed his stomach. One of the roses on the vine was placed on the left side of his jacket, almost like a boutonniere. Going across the foreground, almost like rose petals, were little red splotches. "What are the red spots?" Alana inquired. "Mr. Gatwa said that since we told him the series is really bloody, he'd add a detail to represent that." Nathaniel explained. "Oh... Okay." Alana blushed as she opened the book, and her mind went back to being basically blank. Inside the book was photo after photo of Nathaniel cosplaying as Nero. Most of the photos looked like they might come out of the game. Mr. Gatwa favored using the city itself as a background for them. However, several of the photos were as if they had come straight out of a wet dream. In each and every one of them, Nathaniel kept most of his clothes on, except his shirt. "Woah..." She breathed. "Now you know what I was doing on those days when I said that I was out late with Armin." Nathaniel cooed. "I'm also guessing that it's why Sam and Rini have been giggling like idiots lately?" Alana asked when she got to the last page and closed the book. "Yeah. The photoshoot was Severina's idea." Nathaniel shrugged. "Are you going to tell me how you pulled this off without me knowing?" Alana asked. "I will, if you'll come with me." Nathaniel smirked as he held out his left hand. "Why..." Alana cautiously inquired. "Just trust me." He smiled. "Nath... Sweetheart... Can you just tell me? Please! Tell me so we can stay up here, and I can start making out with you!" Alana pleaded. Nathaniel walked closer to her and tilted her chin up with his left hand. "No... I think I'd rather watch you squirm for a while." He purred. "F-F-F-uck me!" Alana gasped. "Believe me... I will... Later." He purred even lower. Even with the blue contacts, Alana thought that she could almost see his eyes becoming darker in that moment. "I'm in sooooooooooo much trouble!" She thought as he took her hand and began leading her out of the apartment.

He led her to the photography room and opened the door. "Why? We can't be doing a photo shoot. I'm not in any form of cosplay... And I refuse to dress like Kyrie..." She asked. "Just go in." He raised an eyebrow and motioned for her to enter the room. Suddenly Alana was ambushed by several people who were laughing and cheering. "HAHA! I KNEW YOU'D LOSE YOUR MIND!" Severina boomed. "It was so much funnier in person! My video really doesn't do it justice!" Armin beamed. "YOU WERE TAKING VIDEO?!" Alana shouted. "YUP! And you were too stunned by Nathaniel to notice!" Armin mused. "It was brilliant!" Kentin laughed. "We managed to execute the perfect plan, and you had no idea!" Veronica chirped. Alana looked at Sam. "Was everyone in on this?!" She choked. "Not Viktor, Castiel or Priya. But yeah... Pretty much everyone." Sam did her best to calm down from laughing so hard. "Viktor threw a fit and wanted no part in this." Severina rolled her eyes. "Of course..." Alana sighed. "By the way! The weapons he has on him right now are convention grade props. We're working on making functioning weapons!" Derek piped up. "Once complete, they will be added to your armory!" Dominic clarified. Alana looked at the two of them in horror. "Why?" She asked. "Why not?!" Derek shrugged. "And don't tell us to delete the video! It's already been shared EVERYWHERE!" Nora noted. "Goddamn it." Alana facepalmed. "Yep, I knew it. I'm in trouble." She thought.

"Is that the famous Lady Melody I see blushing like a little schoolgirl?" A bald man with ebony skin, dark eyes and a bright blue pinstripe suit called. "Eric! I'm so thankful that you could make it!" Severina cheered as she ran up to the man and gave each side of his face a light peck. "I just couldn't pass this up! Even if it is for a small session!" He chuckled. "WHAT DO YOU MEAN SMALL SESSION?!" Alana blurted out. "Mels! Do you really think we would get Nathaniel all gussied up like this and NOT take a couple of pictures of the two of you together?!" Severina mused. "I don't even have a Devil May Cry cosplay! And I REFUSE to dress up as Kyrie!" Alana exclaimed. "But you ARE wearing your Order of the Sword shirt!" Severina pointed out. "Which means, you're dressed appropriately for this!" Veronica laughed. Alana turned to Nathaniel and gave him a pleading look. "Please... My love... My angel...." She begged. "What, you don't wanna take a couple of pictures with me?" He smirked. "That's not what I said!" Alana blurted out. "Come on... Just a few. You can do it." Nathaniel encouraged as he walked over to a city backdrop and held out his hand. "Fine." Alana sighed as she took his hand and joined him. Mr. Gatwa prepared his camera and pointed it at them. "Alright darlings! Let's start by having Nathaniel give Melody a passionate kiss. As if he's just come back from battle and he's grateful to finally be home in her arms!"

------------------------------------------------------------------------

I mean it... This Devil May Cry kick is going to be the death of me...

The video I directly reference in this can be found HERE.

@candysweetposts Is the magnificent artist who edited Nathaniel to cosplay as Nero for me! This is the 3rd cosplay she's put Nathaniel in for me and I am LIVING for it!

This chapter takes place over the course of several months.

Bitter taste

That happens shortly after Amy and Eric return from their honeymoon.

I counted the minutes to closing time, silence was the only customer that accompanied Nina and me, interrupted only by the sound of the last cups that had to be left in place.

The door opens and before I turn around I quickly glance at the clock, it's still a few minutes before Eric arrives.

Nina and I welcome her in unison. A tall woman and the air around her is... peculiar. She thanks us and stands for a moment near the door looking at the coffee.

— Nice place Is it yours? —

— Y-yes… — I say somewhat hesitantly Why do I feel like I've seen her somewhere... — Can I get you anything? —

— Coffee, black no sugar. — Says still sweeping the place with sharp eyes as she approaches the bar and takes a seat across from me.

I take out the sugar and put it on the counter along with a small plate. — Can I bothering you with a napkin? — She asks me and without thinking my left hand takes the napkin holder under the counter and sets it down in front of her. Her eyes now watch the napkin holder?

I look down... and no... she's not looking at the napkin holder... she's looking at my ring... at that moment a shiver ran down my spine, my eyes locked on hers and when she looked up to hold my gaze, I remembered where I had seen her... Melissa.

She gives me a smile that paralyzes me... a smile of “yes, it's me”.... She turns and starts to walk around the room unhurriedly. As soon as her back is turned to me I gesture for Nina to go to the kitchen, then grab my phone and text Eric at full speed (MELISSA IS HERE!!! 😨😨😨).

— Amy Right? — I almost drop the phone from my hands when I hear her say my name... — Yes, Melissa. — She turns to me smiling, as if she is at least pleased that I know who she is. — I came because... it's my duty to extend an invitation to you… — She walks around the cafe with a slow pace, looks at the paintings from the last exhibit, one by one, and occasionally turns in my direction. — What kind of invitation? — I ask with genuine curiosity.

— To a very closed social circle, which you just joined... Police wives usually get together... do some activities, that kind of thing. And now that you're back from the honeymoon, I thought it was time to make it official don't you think? —

I hold on to the bar tightly. What am I supposed to answer her? — I don't really think it's my environment... but thanks for the trouble. — My voice sounds weird, dry and awkward.

— No? Too bad... especially since you're already so popular. They talk about you all the time. — Those words hit me like a bucket of boiling water... of course they talk about me... and how Eric and I started our relationship, they must feast on talking shit... not that I mind... but the truth is I never really thought about it.

And as if the bell wanted to save me, the coffee pot rings. — Oh. Don't pour it yet... it's for Eric, and I think we both know he hates cold coffee. — Her comment turns my stomach, every word she's said is like a sharp needle digging deep into me and I can't do or say anything to stop her... in fact, now that I think about it, I'm surprised she didn't show up sooner….

— Ah, speak of the devil. — At that moment, Eric walks through the door, he comes almost running, out of breath and disheveled. He's carrying his jacket in his hand, he shoots me a look and the panic is palpable in his eyes, I couldn't remember seeing him like this before... And then all his attention goes to Melissa.

— Hi. — Eric puts his hand on her arm and she also on his, a kiss on the cheek, a normal greeting, which has nothing normal about it... that closeness, that naturalness... I had never seen him close to another woman, at least not with that deprecation, with that air of so many years on top of it. I couldn't help gritting my teeth... jealousy…

Silence settles like a corpse right in the middle of the 3 of us, awkward and immovable, Melissa looks at Eric and then at me. And then Eric looks at me and all of a sudden I feel like I'm left over here.

I pour the coffee and go to the kitchen with resignation, as if part of me doesn't fully understand what just happened... They kicked me out? With one look?

As I close the kitchen door I have a mini heart attack when I see Nina, I had forgotten she was here. — Who is she? — she asks quietly... — It's Melissa. — I reply without any particular care. — THE Melissa? —

— Yes Nina, the Melissa.—

— And... Eric will be okay if you leave him alone with her? —

…

Melissa and Eric haven't moved an inch...she's staring right through him and he's frozen. — Drink your coffee, I ordered it for you. — Eric walks to the bar unhurriedly and takes the cup, before drinking he looks at her. — Don't worry, she made it. —

— Amy. — Eric says and drinks the coffee in one sip. — Yeah, she. Tell me you didn't marry Amy for her coffee… —

— I didn't marry her for her coffee. —He answers in the firmest voice, he knows why she's here, he knows he owes her some explanations... but this little game bothers him.

— You made me come all the way out here...congratulations on your second marriage… I hop—

— Stop it, okay? I know I should have called you so we could talk, I know. But stop it. — Melissa raises her eyebrows and approaches with slow steps. — Ask what you have to ask. —

— Are you going to be honest with me? — Eric frowns, offended by the hesitation — Ask what you have to ask. — Melissa scrutinizes him with her gaze, sighs and folds her arms.

— You cheated on me with her? — She fires the first shot. — No. The first time I... felt something for her. We weren't living together anymore. — Melissa watches him for a moment -- she believes him. — And her? — Eric averts his gaze for a moment — Ah. — She adds. — She was with that boy… Nathaniel… — Electricity is felt in the air, thunder is coming. — Isn't that the boy you were always talking about? Your protégé? — Melissa is tough and right now she's on the judge's stand. — Did you really get involved with his girlfriend? — Eric frowns and wrinkles his nose in a displeased grimace, for some reason everything sounds even worse coming from her mouth.

— What were you thinking about? No... you know what, I really don't want to know what you were thinking when you got tangled up with that... Child and the worst part is that I've had to hear about it from everyone but you. — Eric closes his eyes and sighs.

— Do you have any idea what people say about you? The kinds of things I've had to listen to? Tell me... Did you at least wait until we signed the divorce to buy her the ring? —

Eric shakes his head and finally faces her. — I'm in love with her. — Melissa pauses, as if she's finally run out of words. — Are you sure? — she asks without cynicism. — Yes… —

She turns, sighs, and starts walking, thoughtfully. — Well... I expected a lot of things, but surely not this. —

— What did you expect? —

— I don't know, what everyone says, a mid-life crisis... leaving the wife for a younger girl is a cliché... add to it that she's that boy’s girlfriend... whom I know you love as if he were your son... What else would I think? If you never deigned to give me an explanation. —

— I'm happy, I was happy at that time. And I didn't want to... rub it in your face… —

— Don't worry, the rest of the world did a pretty good job… —

— I'm sorry… —

— No... you know what, it's okay... I guess I can accept... love. It's rare and unexpected, it means it's not too late for me either...if anyone can tolerate you. — Eric laughs.

— Ah, there's one last thing I need to know... Please tell me she's not pregnant. —