Disclaimer: I do not own Devil May Cry

AN: Well here it is folks, the last chapter. I hope this last chapter sums up everything nicely. It took a few years to get here but I hope it was worth it. I had a lot of fun writing this and I noticed today that this has had over 10000 hits, which is...well quite breath taking if I'm going to be perfectly honest.

I have started work on another fic which should be up in a day or two so be on the look out for that. It's probably going to be called: "The Land Between Heaven and Hell". This is going to be more focused on action though I'll probably throw in a little LadyxDante just for good measure - though it won't be the focus of the story.

Anyways, onto the reviewers and their comments!

Devil Rebel: You can't rush a stubborn woman! Thanks for your review, it's very much appreciated.

KuteInsanity: I just noticed you updated your fic so I'm uploading this and then I'm going to read it. Action scenes are hard! Especially with Dante since he's so supercool and superfast and superstrong. It's hard to make him fight with anyone who can be a superior! Anyways, I'm really glad you like how I've got their characters. Lady is easy to write because I was quite a lot like her when I was at school, never wanting to cry, never showing any hurt and then going home and having a good sob. Dante is a little harder, I have to go over and over his dialogue and try and picture him saying it. If I can't imagine him saying it that way then I go back and rewrite. He's hard because...well...I don't know anyone with a personality like him!! I do hope you enjoy this chapter just as much. This one wrote easily, I just wish every chapter went as smoothly as this one did! Thanks for your review!

Neverwinter: I will be writing another story. It'll be mainly an action story but I'll try to get some LadyxDante parts in it too. I may also write a few one shots if I ever get the time.

xxxps: Thank you for your review! I figured it was better to end it sooner rather than dragging it out and facing the possibility of it never ending. But I'm glad you enjoyed it and I hope this chapter will be enjoyable for you to read too.

Beautiful Savage: Thanks for your review!

jackpotdante: I'm sorry it ended so soon but I will be writing more stories so it's not the end in that way. Also, as for the M rating, I was originally going to attempt it, but I don't really feel that at this point I could do the rating justice. Sorry!! Thanks for your review!!

Eric Draven201: Thanks for your review! Here is the more that you wanted!

BitterTimesOfToday: I'm really glad you like my story. I came to the conclusion that Lady isn't the type to blurt out "I love you" too, even if Dante knew she did, so hopefully this chapter is going to keep them in character. Thanks for reading and reviewing!

Now...onto the story!

--

CHAPTER 12 – DRUNKEN CONFESSIONS

--

He caught up with her easily enough. She was walking slowly, with uneven, staggered steps. The fresh air had only added to her 'drunken' state and she had one arm around her middle, attempting to ease the pain from her wounds.

"Hey Lady." He slowed to match her step, put a stabilising arm around her.

She shrugged it off, span to face him and almost lost her balance. Quick as lightning, he kept her from falling with an extended arm.

"I was wondering how long it'd take you to show up." She hissed through her teeth.

"What's wrong?"

"This…this whole thing." She gestured with her arms. "A mess."

"I don't understand."

"That's just it, isn't it?" Her body shook and after a moment she sank to the ground. He moved to join her on the kerb, waiting patiently for her to continue. He was patient when he put his mind to it and he had a feeling that in this state Lady might let loose some feelings that she'd been keeping hidden for a long time. He had to make sure he respected her boundaries, especially if that was the case.

"I'm not meant to do normal things. My purpose is to fight, to bring some sort of justice in this screwed up world." She hissed. "You see the way people look at me. How often do you see a woman with scars? They look down at me; think I'm less of a person because of them." She shook her head. "I think it's best you just left me alone."

"Is that what you really think? Don't let the words of some stupid tart get to you. You know as well as I do that it's what's on the inside that counts."

"Don't make me laugh. I've seen the kind of women that you flirt with."

"Are you kidding me? Come on Lady, it's harmless fun. Women like to be told they're pretty, and yeah, okay, I could try and find out more about them, but in all honesty I don't really care about some random girl in a bar. All they are is a pretty face, what's the fun in that, huh? It's no challenge for someone like me."

She wanted to hit him and he must have sensed it because his voice gained a serious edge.

"Besides, I don't think your scars are anything to be ashamed of. They prove you're a fighter, a survivor. If anything, they enhance your fiery spirit." He wanted to say more but wasn't sure how. Yes, he was full of smart-ass comments and teases and innuendoes, but as far as romance went, his vocabulary was poor.

She didn't say anything for a long time and Dante counted the minutes as they ticked by on the face of the distant clock tower. Then finally she broke the silence:

"No one understands." She was distraught, the emotion only heightened by the alcohol coursing through her.

Dante wondered whether this was a prompt for him to speak, chose to do so anyway. "It's because you never let anyone in. Look at us. We've known each other for a while now but I only just saw where you live today."

"I…I like to hide." Lady admitted, momentarily burying her face in her hands.

"I've noticed."

"My life has taught me one thing. Not to trust anyone. To rely on my own skills and instincts. It's how I stayed alive all this time."

"And how you stayed miserable too. What are you afraid of, Lady?"

"Everyone I care about…" She paused, gulped back the emotion that had left her throat feeling thick. "They die."

So that's it, Dante thought, she's afraid of losing people. Afraid of losing me too, maybe. "Die or not." He continued aloud "They still had a good effect on you. They still live in your memories. You had good times with them, right? Don't let the good memories end with them. Don't let bad experience keep you from smiling."

She looked up at him with tear-filled eyes.

"Look, I can't promise that I'll be around forever, but I have no intention of dying anytime soon."

She smiled, sadly. Could he even die? She'd seen him take wounds that would kill a mortal. She'd seen his skin heal, seen bullets through his skull, seen swords stabbed into his body. Yet he was still here. But that wasn't what she was afraid of. To her, Dante was eternal. He'd be around long after she was dead and buried. No, she was afraid that he'd leave her, break her heart.

"Nothing good in this world lasts. I can keep fighting but in the end there's only me against an endless horde of demons."

"Not just you." Dante reminded. "Listen, I just want you to know that I understand. I know what it's like to lose people you love. To feel that you don't fit in. To self loathe, to hate and feel so angry that you could burst. We're the same, you and I. It's why, even though you drive me bloody crazy, that I can call you a friend."

She smiled through the tears. "So I've been wrong about you then."

"Wrong?"

"You do have a sensitive side. Here I was thinking you were nothing but a bumbling idiot."

"Ouch." He put an arm around her, squeezed her tightly. "There's no need for insults."

"Yes there are. Come on, let's go home."

"Already? Ah come on now, I won't get my kiss unless you have a good time, will I?"

"You're such a pervert."

"And that's totally what you love about me, right babe?"

She boxed him lightly across the jaw.

"Okay, okay let's get you home."

He walked her home, an arm slung casually across her shoulders. The evening was cold and darker than most but it was not unpleasant. The stars glinted faintly above their heads, hidden briefly by wisps of cloud. The moon had apparently decided to take a break, not even a slither of it remained in the sky.

They reached her door; Lady fumbled for the key and dropped it. Both of them went down to retrieve it, fingers brushing against one another. Lady started and Dante, slightly amused at her nervousness, lifted it and turned it in the lock.

Lady mumbled a weary thanks and stepped inside. Dante followed, closing the door quietly behind them. Then they were trapped together in the darkness of her room. It was so dark he couldn't see where she had gone, couldn't figure out where she was standing. And then suddenly a lamp had been lit and it cast a dim, romantic glow across the room. The lamp flickered from a draught. The shadows danced, played across Lady's face and sparkled in her eyes. With a sigh she sat down, tugged off her boots one by one and then sat on the bed, giving a great sigh of relief.

Dante, after a moment's thought, moved to sit beside her.

"Thanks, I guess." She spoke softly.

"You really didn't have a good time, did you?"

She thought about it for a moment. "No, no, I think I did. I guess it just made me realise how much I've missed out on. How much I've still got to learn."

"About socialising?"

"I guess so."

"So you did have a good time then?" There was the beginning of a smug look on his face.

She nodded; paused, realised she'd just fallen into a trap. A trap that she'd wanted to fall into, however. Best to get it over with, not think about it too much or you'll lose your cool. Just lean up, peck on the lips and then that's it. Right, okay, let's go.

She leaned upwards, but he obviously read her intentions and leaned away from her advances.

"What?" She frowned, irritated. 'I thought that's what you wanted?"

"It's got to be done right." He said softly, teasing.

She opened her mouth to question it, to say no. But he coiled an arm around her, pulled her back onto the bed beside him, keeping her locked in his embrace. He could hear her breath quicken, feel the nerves emanating from her. She was so innocent despite everything, so shy and unsure. He wasn't sure how else he could get her to warm up. He had tried everything, a kiss, a night of passion, saving her life. Nothing had worked, nothing had hit home. A normal man might have told her that he loved her but Dante was no normal man. Besides, just coming out and saying it seemed wrong somehow, it felt too easy. He wanted to earn her heart the hard way, not woo her with words she could hear from any man.

"If you're having second thoughts…" His eyes twinkled mischievously. "Then I'll understand."

"Is that your pathetic attempt at reverse psychology?" She pouted slightly.

"Maybe. Is it working?"

She swallowed, leaned a little closer, aware now of their compromising situation. Was he intending this kiss to go further? Was he planning a long night twined with her in this little bed? Her heart felt ready to explode, her desire throwing out all common sense. She reached up a gentle, loving hand, caressed his pale, smooth cheek. A flash of memories blurred her vision, reminded her of her thoughtless passion that now seemed so long ago.

This was not her first time with him but, but it sure felt like it.

She brushed the platinum hair from his eyes, looked into those clear blue orbs. They were such gentle eyes at times, so placid and calm and so loving. She could see the want in them, the love in them too. She realised then that he wanted her as much as she wanted him. So why couldn't she let go of her inhibitions? Why couldn't she just kiss him and let it lead to something else?

It was what they both wanted…

She leaned forwards, let her eyes fall closed. Long, dark eyelashes fell to brush against her pale cheeks, her lips pursing. She pressed a gentle kiss to the corner of his mouth, felt him quiver beneath her touch. Her stomach gave an odd little churn and something in her chest grew warm. Her heart, it ached so much that she thought it would burst.

She moved to kiss him again, a teasing little kiss on the other side of his mouth. Or that was what she had intended. Instead, Dante moved his face and at the last moment, their lips touched. It was a feather of a kiss, so gentle that it might not have been a kiss at all. But it left Lady tingling all over until she was the one quivering. She reached for him, wrapped her arms around his shoulders and pulled him to her.

"Dante…"

The way she said his name almost drove him insane. The kisses were not enough. She was teasing him, giving him a tiny percent of what he wanted.

She moved to rest her head against his neck but he shuffled back, lifting his arms to hold her back. She looked up and their eyes met. No words were spoken but somehow they came to an understanding.

She raised her face and this time her lips crashed against his. Her hands, that had gripped his shoulders, now moved to tangle in his hair, pulling him closer. His scent filled her nose, filled her head with a giddy joy that left her breathless. His mouth parted enticingly and she allowed the kiss to deepen. And for a single, timeless moment, Lady felt that she had never been happier than she was now.

Love. Love could conquer all. And Lady had fallen in love with the one man she had always vowed to 'dislike'. She had fallen in love with a devil. But he wasn't a devil, not in the sense that most people would assume. He had a heart, he could love, and right now Lady felt as if she had never known the meaning of love until this very moment.

All through her life she had scorned others for falling in love, thinking it a weakness, a flaw. Now here she was, head over heels with a man she had come to respect – in her odd little way. Yes, if this was a weakness then she was glad she had it, glad that she had waited until now to find her heart.

She drew away reluctantly, catching her breath, stroking his face as she lost herself in his eyes. They truly were beautiful eyes.

"I thought you were planning to turn that kiss into something more." She smiled, very slightly.

"Well, that was the plan, but…"

"But what? Well, if--?"

He pressed a finger to her lips and hushed her.

She could hear her heart pounding in her ears, felt the air thicken around them. She felt suddenly hot, uncomfortably hot. She shifted in his arms, stroked his hair with her fingertips.

"Dante…?"

"If you want me…I'm yours." He whispered, touching her cheek tenderly.

She knew, by the look in his eyes, that he meant it. And how could she say no when she wanted him so badly? Forget pride. Saying no would not be pride; it would be foolish and pointless. She would not lose her pride by admitting that she had opened up her heart to him – just a little.

The answer was simple: She couldn't say no, she could never say no.

He smiled. "Well?"

"It's dangerous, you know? Offering yourself to me like that."

"Oh really?"

"That's right, because if I say yes, then that's it. You're stuck with me."

"I think I can handle it."

Lady just smirked and without warning, launched herself at him. Kissing him fiercely, she pushed him back, unbuttoning his shirt even as she locked lips with him. Within seconds the garment was being pulled away from his shoulders and her hands sought the warmth of his naked flesh.

He moaned into her mouth and she smiled, secretly pleased that he was so under her control. Last time she had given into his lust – and her own for that matter. She'd closed her eyes and let herself think it a dream, let him take the lead. This time she'd show him who was boss, she'd challenge him instead of the other way around.

One hand fluttered down his chest, felt toned muscle flutter delightfully under her touch.

She released him from the passionate kiss and moved lower, kissing a gentle line down his neck. He shifted underneath her, moved his hands up to her sides and without warning, rolled her off of him.

"Your turn." He smiled devilishly. "Off with the shirt."

"Be careful." She warned him with a glare, patting her shirt over the bandage that hid her wound.

"Don't worry, I'll be gentle, I promise." He pulled her close, pressed kisses against the downy skin behind her ear.

She wriggled playfully in his arms.

Then, one by one, the buttons on her shirt came loose and his lips moved to her collarbone, hands stroking pale skin usually concealed from sight. His fingers traced the lines of old scars lovingly, almost as if he were trying to memorise them.

"You wouldn't believe how long I've waited for this." He murmured. "Just…" And he hesitated.

She opened her eyes, saw hurt in his brilliant blue orbs. "Dante…?"

"Don't leave me when you wake up, okay?" In those few words, Lady deciphered more of Dante than she ever had before. That behind the macho reputation and those thoughtless grins, he was sensitive and easily hurt. All the suffering he had endured had helped him hide that hurt, kept the smile there even through painful times. She realised then, with a pang of guilt, that she had hurt him too. Probably more than she had ever realised.

"I'm sorry." She whispered. "I won't leave you. I promise."

Seemingly content with that, the smile returned and his lips continued their gentle caress over her shoulders. She closed her eyes, sighing with pleasure as her hands sought to remove more items of clothing that served only to get in the way.

An almighty crash brought the pair hurtling back to reality. Lady, sitting bolt upright, winced as the wound on her stomach pulled tight. Dante, blinking in confusion, raised his head, hair flopping into his eyes.

"What the hell is going on?" He muttered.

"We've got company." Lady growled, her voice was a mix of anger and disappointment.

And she was right. Company came in the form of four silent demons, each one mirroring the image of some distorted dog. They raised their heads, eyes flickering in the lamp light. Bloody maws dripped with saliva that pattered like rain against the floor. One, the larger, began to advance, growling deep in its chest.

"Where the hell did those mutts come from?" Dante was already clambering from the bed. "Bastards! Damn, they're gonna pay for interrupting." He turned to Lady, rested a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Wait here for me, okay? I won't be long." He winked. "Besides, you're going to need all your strength for the night I've got planned."

And with a single movement he swept Rebellion up from its place against the wall and swung it upwards in a neat arc. "Okay, single file please. I haven't got all night, don't keep me waiting."

Lady didn't even flinch as the first demon dog leapt for him. She knew how this fight would end. It would end as it had always done before. After all, he wasn't just any man.

He was Devil Hunter Dante, son of the Legendary Sparda.

He was the man she loved.

--

THE END

--

Thanks again, all of you, for reading this!

I do apologise for the ending and the...interruption, but I really didn't want to write anything more than 'suggestion' and I thought it would be a good, light note to end on. Reviews will be welcomed and another story is on it's way.

Thanks for all of your support! It really means a lot to me.

AA