Nero stood there, trying not to wince as Dante’s voice cut through the air like a blade. The older demon hunter’s words were sharp, relentless, and utterly unforgiving. He hadn’t expected Dante to be this pissed, but then again, he should’ve known better.

"Really, Nero? Really? What the hell were you thinking? Charging in like that without backup? You’re not invincible, kid. You almost got yourself killed!" Dante's hands were on his hips, an exasperated look on his face, but there was that familiar edge of concern buried beneath the sarcasm. Nero could feel his temper flaring, his hands itching to grab the nearest object and hurl it at Dante, but he bit it back. Dante didn’t deserve that.

But damn, it stung.

He was so sick of being treated like the rookie, the screw-up, even if Dante had a point. But it wasn’t like Nero had asked to be thrust into this world, fighting demons that made even seasoned hunters like Dante break a sweat. All he wanted was to get stronger, prove he was more than just some kid with a cursed arm and a chip on his shoulder. But Dante had no problem reminding him just how far he had to go.

Then, just as he was about to retort, Nero’s gaze shifted to the side, his heart skipping a beat when he saw you.

Out of nowhere, you stepped in, shutting Dante up with nothing more than a glare. Nero didn’t know whether to laugh or breathe a sigh of relief. You were far from an angel, but hell, in that moment, you were his savior.

But just as he thought the storm had passed, you turned on him, and before he could even react, the sharp crack of a smack rang out across the air.

"Ow! What the—" He rubbed the back of his head, already bracing for the verbal punishment he knew was coming.