Hey guys, so this is my Nero origins fanfic!

A few things, this story takes place immediately prior to DMC 3. Also, I know that it has not been proven the whole Nero Vergil relationship thing, so this is just my little take on it.

And of course, I don't own DMC or their characters- the only thing I made was the fictional storyline and the OC's.

So I hope you enjoy, and let me know if you like it or not, or whatever- I'll try to update frequently but have mercy I am a busy college kid.

I woke up to a cloudy and drizzly day. My room was dark and cozy. A coolness had snuck into the city last night. Every part of my body begged me to stay cocooned in the sanctuary of my bed. But, responsibility soon won as I flung back the covers and walked into the bathroom.

I glanced into the mirror to be met with green eyes and messy golden locks. I removed my toothbrush from its resting place and continued on with my toiletries. I then curled my hair and put on a natural face of makeup.

"There, you look presentable now Audrey," I said to myself as I gave a little smile. I felt better about tackling the day. I then proceeded into the kitchen.

My apartment was modest and cozy. I was settled on the third floor; my abode featured two bedrooms and two baths with a country kitchen and a breakfast nook. I wasn't into fancy decorating, or furniture so nice that you never used it. My living room was an eclectic mix of an oversized reading chair, and a plush couch for three. I also had my little corner of the world, a window seat overlooking the city and two bookshelves on either side of the wall.

As I sat down with my morning usual, oatmeal and a coffee I glanced at the paper. Headlines were usually depressing: "embezzlement", "poverty", etc. I gave a small sigh before smiling and saying," make today a great day, when you smile a new world opens up."

After breakfast I threw on a navy ruffled skirt with a white knit sweater, and then carefully draped a red scarf around my shoulders. My golden locks sprung back as I clipped in a single hairpin. I then grabbed my purse and an umbrella and headed out the front door, locking it behind me.

The city was hustling and bustling with people as the clock neared 8am. The dreary weather had sapped many of any personality and vigor. After a brisk fifteen minute walk to work I entered the establishment.

"Good morning Audrey," greeted my friend and boss Kayci.

"And a good morning to you." I removed my scarf and put on a pink apron.

"Don't forget you have an order going out at three," said Kayci as she disappeared into the back room.

"Got it," I replied with a quick grin. I worked at a quaint and cheery bakery. It was small, nestled between two office buildings. We baked lots of yummy treats, like pies, cakes, and sugary snacks! Smelling the cakes baking and looking at the colorful toppings always put me in a great mood. The atmosphere of the shop was comforting; it was warm and upon entering the bakery a rush of baked goods flooded the nostrils.

The day went by swiftly with a steady stream of customers making their way in and out- ready to take a moment out of their day and let a warm treat melt away their stress even for just a moment. People from all walks of life came in; men in business suits in a rush to get back to work, little old ladies picking up a dozen cookies for their sewing circles.

"So, what are your plans tomorrow night Audrey," asked Kayci as she pushed her glasses up her nose with a powdery hand. I turned to her and replied,

"I don't know, probably stay in and read a book or something."

"Well that's no good," stated the petite dark haired woman," come over and we can gossip and watch a flick!" I nodded and grinned, sounded fun.

After I completed my cake order and it had been picked up the day seemed to drag on. The day was winding down and Kayci soon left to go home. After she left I wiped down the counters and locked the store- it was already 8 pm. The sky outside was black and a steady rain was coming down. The lights outside had already come to life.

I grabbed my umbrella and wrapped my scarlet scarf around my shoulders once more. I left the store and started the trek home. A cold chill fell over me so I hurried my pace to get out of the cold rain.

As I approached my apartment I slowed down and rummaged through my bag for my keys. As my keys jingled in my hand I heard a crash in the alley. I thought of ignoring it, but my mind flashed to the hungry grey kitten that I had been feeding for the past two weeks. So I turned on my heels and headed down the alley.

I cautiously made my way down the shallow alley keeping quiet not to scare the kitten. As I neared a trash can I heard a low cough. I froze as ice filed my veins. I wanted to run to the safety of my apartment- but I couldn't turn around, my feet slowly began to creep forward again.

"H-hello," I whispered. I walked just past the trash can to see a figure sitting on the ground.

"Are you okay," I questioned with worry in my voice. A faint light caught the face of the stranger- a young man with blue eyes. His eyes shut again as his hand moved to his side.

'Are you hurt," I asked sternly.

"…I'm fine, leave me be…," the man said before releasing a tired moan followed by a cringe.

My eyebrows furrowed and I stated, "no you are not- please come inside and let me help you sir." I moved the umbrella over him to keep some of the moisture of off his already soaked frame. Who was this stranger?