AN: Something I thought of during my obsession with VXL. Why VXL? Because they could never be vanilla like DXL. This was originally one very long one-shot. So I've split it into several chapters instead. This is an attempt to use a certain writing style and also my first M rated story that I dare to post, so thus the overly long note.

Warning: Adult, controversial topics, language. Hints of depression and abusive relationship. Also, a little strange humor and people being somewhat out of character. Seriously, do not read if any of the above-mentioned topics offends you. Oh, and AU (since Vergil is in it, alive and well). This warning changes with the chapter content.

Disclaimer: Devil May Cry and its characters are the property of Capcom. No financial gain is made from this fiction.

Rating: M

Title: Icarus

Summary: They were not even friends. They were more like acquaintances. He was Dante's brother. She was Dante's friend. Somehow, the brother and the friend became acquaintances with benefits. A VXL Story. Rated for controversial themes.

Chapter 1 - No Escape

They were not even friends. They were more like acquaintances. He was Dante's brother. She was Dante's friend. Somehow, the brother and the friend became acquaintances with benefits.

It was definitely an unconventional relationship to be sure. There was no sharing of interests, no pretension of courtship or presentation of tokens. It was a frustrating, sexual moment that struck the both of them at the same time and neither felt like searching for alternate avenues.

Their first time together left her aching and bleeding from between the legs. Their act was desperate, driven by a biological need and the lack of intimate touch for so long. He was unapologetically rough, and ignored the hitch in her throat when he forcefully thrust into her, his mind only on the feeling of over the edge. She was one of few women who is so sensitive that his rhythmic, painful thrusts brought her to release.

It was all over quickly enough. No drawn out kissing, touching or speaking. With both of their minds preoccupied with worldly matters, the innate desire for sex was an annoyance, like some sort of chore, constantly nagging in the back of their mind that should be quickly done and over with.

They used to wait for missions together before making the decision to have a quick romp. There was no wasting time in trying to search for the other when they were already at the same place.

Later on, both wordlessly decided to pre-game their biological desires and seek release on a more scheduled basis.

He visited her home or safe houses regularly, determining by scent alone which one of her many residences she was in. He would knock on the door. She would silently let him in. Then he would start undressing her even before the door was closed. Sometimes, he took her right there in the foyer, ignoring the hard floor and her hiss of pain. Other times, he bothered with the seconds it took to carry her to the bedroom, or couch or softer bedding.

When he visited her, he was always on top and in control. In the times that he lost himself to his demon side and flickered to his devilish form, he did not care that he frightened her or hurt her. He refused to demean this creature by being less than himself.

She visited him also, though far less than he visiting her. The same thing would occur, except the roles changed slightly. He would wordlessly let her in even before she knocked. Then she led him to the bedroom, clothes falling along the way. She was not rough, and indulged in some of what humans called "foreplay." She kissed him along the jawline, the ear, the collarbone down his abs to his heat, then rode him until both were over the edge.

The same thing would happen afterward no matter who initiated the act. After release, the visitor would quickly dress and see themselves out within minutes. It was strictly a utilitarian exercise to work off a primitive irritant.

If only their arrangement stayed so simple.

"I'm going on a sabbatical," she said one time, between gasps. It was one of the abrasive sessions where he visited her. She already felt sore but more importantly, more tired than usual. She had been sleeping poorly, could not keep food down and losing weight. As a demon hunter, she had to keep up her strengths by watching what she ate and getting enough sleep. None of her usual militant techniques of self-care seemed to work. How her physical body was failing her now was concerning and bears investigation. Perhaps, she finally got some sort of incurable disease and can finally leave this hellish existence.

He said nothing to that. As usual, he concentrated on sating the biological need. It did not take long.

She grabbed her underwear and quickly slipped it on. Since both typically focused on the release, she did not bother with removing her shirt and usual skirt on occasion. It shortened the time needed to re-dress before attending to the next activity. She saw him out, something she rarely did. What startled him though was that she pulled him down close until their foreheads touch. It was a rare gesture of affection. "I'll let you know when I return."

And she was gone.

When a month rolled by without news, he was not too concerned. She was a woman who took care of herself. It was one of the many traits that caught the attention of the brothers, after all. He simply ignored the mental image of her whenever he smelled gunpowder and blood, which in this business, was an almost daily reminder.

The second month without news, he spent some of his idle time looking for her by her scent. Her home was empty, so were her safe houses. Her motorcycle was present, but her car was gone. Her scent was fading in all parts of the city that he knew she frequented. The bartenders, the hustlers, the informants all said that they have not seen her in a while.

The third month without news, he tried her phone number, for which she never picked up. Feeling unusually frustrated, he finally said something about it to his brother at the demon hunting shop.

"Dude, you already know that she's not here," said the younger brother.

He had looked at his twin, deadpan, an obvious accusation of withholding information in his gaze.

"Look, man, she might talk to me more, but she actually tells me less about herself than you, and that's saying something. Plus, you're so god damn good at this head thingy of ours, I can't hide info from you even if I wanted to."

The excuse was hardly satisfactory. He was going to get a lead or there will be some damages.

The young brother made a face before going to a drawer, grabbing a pen and scribbled down a name and a number. "Here," The younger brother ripped the corner of the paper off and offered it. "This is Joe Ratner. He is the coordinator in a special jobs advertising agency...among other things. If there is one thing Lady is good at, it's at getting jobs that paid well for doing nothing. Considering how much she collects, she'll likely still be in contact with him. He can probably help you find her."

The look he gave to his mirror image was his usual cool one as he had gotten what he came for. However, something seemed amiss. Did his brother not feel some sort of disturbance to her absence?

"Me? Concerned about her? Yes."

The glib admission was expected but puzzling. The younger brother and she did live together for some time before she amassed enough wealth to maintain her own residences. It was hard to believe that with a woman like her, his gregarious brother did not pursue something further than mere platonic friendship.

"Love her? Of course, but that ship sailed a long time ago." There seemed to be a brief hint of sadness, a flicker of a painful memory. Whatever it was, it was something that his little brother refused to mull over at length, thus preventing the elder from knowing. Their private mental exchange only went so far. "What I know is that she selected you, of all people and consistently. Since she ain't complaining, who am I to convince her otherwise?"

There was a twitch of an eyebrow. Someone was playing detective here.

The red-clad hunter gave one of his annoying smirks. "I know because she reeks of you and you of her. And since you two disappear at the same time, it wasn't hard to put two and two together."

Had they really been that obvious?

"For what it's worth, I don't think anyone else figured it out yet. Plus, it is Lady. Either way, Your cold-hearted-bastard reputation is safe."

That's the irritating little brother he knew. Always mocking him, attempting to take him down a notch with petty words. The world was well again. He turned to leave the devil hunting agency store front.

"Hey. I know you can find her, even if she doesn't want to be found. Just...don't hurt her."

AN: I hope you enjoyed reading this. Let me know what worked and what didn't.