Work Text:
The evening of the dance had come faster than you anticipated, leaving you no time to prepare your emotions for the adventure awaiting you. Kyrie had sparked the idea of pulling out the older decorations for a dance party, wanting any excuse to dig into her closet for clothes. Soon enough, the vote was cast and the dance was on. Now all that remained was to don your attire and join them downstairs.
But that was easier said than done.
You didn’t have the chance in the past to wear what you wanted to in school dances, forced to conform to the gender everyone forced you to be. Those times were behind you, a thing of the past, but now in the face of freedom you still hesitated. You feared that the sight of you in a [suit/dress] would unnerve them, but the brave piece of your heart assured you all would be well. The worst they could do was say your style was outdated, as they had fiercely defended you in the past about your transition.
You decided to take a chance on wearing one of your fancier pieces, exchanging your pajamas for what you hoped to be comfortable in. The reflection in the mirror couldn’t quite capture the glimmer in your eyes, idly pulling the seams of your attire to soothe your nerves. You seemed to glow wearing your clothes, a rise in your self-esteem.
Now unafraid to join your friends, you leave the security of your room and brave your way down the hallway. The walk didn’t take long, but your slowed steps made the hallway seem longer. You could hear the thrum of music in the room below you, enticing you to quicken your pace. Your hands hovered on the railing upstairs, still hidden by the shadows as you observed your friends.
Dante and Lady were trading verbal blows at the counter, drinks in hand and care to the wind. Nico manning the bar and telling Kyrie embarrassing stories about Nero, who was arguing with her to stop. In the center stood Trish with a smirk on her lips, engaged in a discreet conversation with the man you admired. Spotting you, Trish’s eyes met yours, earning a wide grin. Expectantly, Vergil turned to face your direction.
Your pulse quickened at his gaze, his steel eyes taking in your form as the rest of the gang followed the source of Trish’s greeting. Feeling as if you were on practiced cue, you slowly emerged from the shadows and descended the staircase. All eyes were on you, feeling the heat of Vergil’s stare on you as you managed not to clatter down the stairs like a broken vase. Dante whistled in encouragement as Lady jabbed his side, earning a grunt and waving to you. Trish’s eyes looked at your attire top to bottom before Vergil had the chance to take his eyes off yours, the woman winking before joining Lady in harassing Dante.
Vergil dressed as dapper as you imagined, noting how suave he appeared with his tie and slicked back hair. You realized it was the first time you saw him wear a tie, or the suit that fit him better than a glove could. It felt like your insides would combust as you reached the bottom of the staircase, blinking to ensure you didn’t imagine Vergil nervously biting his lip.
“You look...” Vergil began quietly, trailing off as his eyes respectfully studied your form. Confliction briefly crossed his eyes, fearing that he disapproved of your attire after the care you put into your appearance. Before your anxiety could say otherwise, a sweet smile lifted his lips. “Devastating.”
You thought it was impossible for your heart to ram any faster, but the word brought warmth to your cheeks.
“So do you.” You manage to return with a shy smile. “You look very handsome.”
For a moment you swore Vergil was flustered, his jaw flexing nervously. If he was, Vergil was swift to bounce back, humming appreciatively.
“Come. Let’s chat.” Vergil invited, your eyes following his gesture towards the bar.
Eager to start your time with them, you followed Vergil to the bar and sat beside him. Nico welcomed you with a wide grin and compliment to your outfit, deeming your first drink was “on the van.” Kyrie sat to your other side, thanking Nico as she poured everyone a drink.
“Alright everybody, gather ‘round!” Nico cheered as Trish and Dante made their way over. “Here’s to us and our first ever dance.”
“Here here!” Dante cheered, throwing an arm over Vergil. “When’s the last time you had a good drink?”
“My drinking habits are none of your concern.” Vergil replied, impervious to Dante’s contact.
“Sounds like we need to liquor you up.” Trish teased as Lady leaned against the counter.
Once the glasses were filled, everyone lifted their glasses and clinked them together. You caught Vergil’s eye as you tipped your glasses together, the glint in his eyes sending your heart into a fluttering fury.
Now with liquid encouragement, Trish and Dante continued to make friendly jabs at each other while the others spoke amongst themselves. Vergil remained quiet through most of the conversations, opting to listen and enjoy the company. Whenever you spoke, you noticed his head would perk up; subtle, but noticeable.
As the conversation continued and more drinks were poured, Nero offered a smirk to Kyrie before standing to his feet.
“We need some dancin’!” Nero chirped as he took Kyrie’s hand, helping her stand before giving her a playful twirl.
“One couple’s dance coming up!” Nico excitedly announced, turning to the music system behind her. Fingers ghosted over the selection before her, typing away before pressing one with a grin. “The Lark Ascending...sounds romantic.”
Peaceful notes of a violin lifted the air, offering a gentle energy to the room. Trish offered Lady a glance, who returned a lopsided smirk and led the blonde to the dance floor. Beside you, you heard Vergil stand from the wooden stool, turning to him as he quietly cleared his throat.
“Shall we?” Vergil quietly proposed, opening his palm for you if you wished to accept. Smiling, you slipped your hand into his as he helped you stand.
You heard Nico softly coo as you two kept a respective distance from Nero and Kyrie dancing, meeting Vergil’s softened gaze.
“I’ve only danced once.” Vergil confessed as you placed your hand on his arm.
“Then you can teach me.” You encouraged, feeling your heart flutter at the weight of his hand on your waist.
Vergil’s lips spread into a content smile, beginning to sway on his feet. You slowly matched his rhythm, the music sweetly setting a gentle pace. No pressure to move fast, just to breathe and be at peace with each other. Despite the bravery to have you in his hands, Vergil still kept a respective distance between you. A gentleman to you until the end it seems, aware of your boundaries. Taking a chance, you inched closer until you brushed up against his torso.
Sparks ignited in your veins at the brief contact, certain that his heart must have been racing from the look of admiration in his eyes. Allowing the remaining tension to fall off his shoulders, Vergil shifted his footing to pull you closer to him. You were absolutely certain that Vergil saw a blush paint your cheeks, choosing to hum along to the violin instead of teasing you.
“You know this piece?” You inquire, studying the way his dimples creased Vergil chuckled.
“I do.” Vergil affirmed, idly stepping in pace with you.
“Tell me about it.” You insist eagerly, curious of what he knows.
“It starts with a poem by George Meredith. The Lark Ascending.” Vergil answered without hesitation, voice soft and rhythmic as he spoke. “Meredith writes of how easy it is for the skylark to express themselves, as humans lack the same expression.”
Allowing a moment for the information to breathe, Vergil retreated to slowly spin you around. Orbiting back into his hold, Vergil laced his fingers into yours.
“Then, Vaughan Williams composed this piece inspired from the poem.” Vergil continued, pausing to allow the music to speak for itself. “The rise and fall of the violin, capturing the spirit of the poem and the lark’s song. ”
“How sweet.” You hummed, tilting your head in thought. “I bet you know that poem by heart.”
“Not by heart, but I do know of a part that you may enjoy.” Vergil said with a considerate gaze. Blue eyes kept focused on yours as the silence stressed his implication. He knows of your qualms with your gender, how you’ve laughed and cried about it in the safety of his library. A lack of personal understanding didn’t stop Vergil from trying to see it from your point of view, only hesitating in fear of stepping on your toes.
“I’d love to hear it.” You encouraged with a wide smile.
“His voice the outlet, there to live renewed in endless notes of glee, so thirsty of his voice is he.” Vergil recited with a loving smile. “For all to hear and all to know, that he is joy, awake, aglow.”
A moment of silence passed, allowing yourself to reflect on the lines spoken. It was endearing to hear how gentle Vergil recited the lines, eyes never breaking from yours.
“Like you.” Vergil finished softly. “You’re glowing.”
“I feel like I’m floating.” You mused, slowing your steps when the music faded into the upbeat music Dante had likely picked.
Your hand fell from his shoulder as Vergil reluctantly removed his hand from your waist, pale eyes nervously flicking behind you.
“We should dance again.” Vergil invited, returning his gaze to you. His lips pursed, allowing himself a moment to compose his words. “May I call you 'birdie?'”
“Of course.” You nod, giddy to have earned a nickname from him. “We can put that record player in your library to good use.”
“I’d like that.” Vergil mused with a wide smile, hearing Dante whistle behind you.
“Not too bad, brother.” Dante grinned, grooving to his own rhythm. “Looks like you still got the moves.”
“Quiet, fool.” Vergil retorted, earning a giggle from you. The corner of his lip curved from your amusement, beginning to step towards the bar.
You followed in his wake, offering a shrug to Dante when the white haired hunter shrugged at you. He let out a feigned sigh of annoyance, turning heel and walking over with you.
“Careful about that devil. He’s got his eye on you.” Dante warned with a tease, throwing his hands up in surrender when Vergil glared at him. “For better or for worse.”
“You make it sound like you’re going to wed us.” You teased, earning an amused head shake from Vergil as he sat down.
“Sorry old man,” Nero apologized with a grin, putting an arm around Kyrie. “We'll be married first.”
“Sounds like a fun challenge.” Vergil smirked, propping his elbows on the counter as you sat down. He glanced at you as you returned to the seat beside him, humming as he studied you. “You should wear that to our wedding.”
“If you ask nicely.” You teased, feeling a blush rise to your cheeks as his brow raised.
“Depends how I feel.” Vergil returned with hum, turning his attention to Trish and Lady took their seats.
Your chuckle made him laugh nervously, laying his head in his hand as he looked on. It felt like heaven knowing that Vergil would even consider marriage, especially with you. It may have been a tease, but his answer felt sincere.
For the remainder of the night, you drank and laughed with your friends as Vergil chimed in on occasion. Despite your initial anxiety for the evening, it went better than you expected. Dressed in the clothes you want to wear, surrounded by friends, and someone that may become something more made you feel confident to dress honestly more often.
And to make Vergil flustered again by your attire would be worth more than gold.