Helluva Boss AU: Chapter One – Dreams and Pinkie Swears
Lust Ring, Outskirts of Nowhere Town
Blitzo the imp one of the so called star performers of the Buckzo Family demon circus, the cheapest, most dangerous and most hazardous this side of Luuluu-land.
Blitzo going out on stage with his clowning rival Fizzarolli, the two child clowns ball rolling, juggling, swinging on ropes, doing balloon animals and telling jokes, only every stunt and trick Blitzo would fall flat on his face, his balloon animals subpar barely able to make a snake, his jokes all groaned he was the worst most cringe clown but he just puffed his chest, wire a big grin and kept trying he had too or else!
The circus tent loomed like a haunting memory against the blood-red sky of the Lust Ring, the worn-out fabric fluttering in the breeze. The carnival lights blinked on and off, casting eerie shadows on the cracked earth beneath. Inside, the usual cacophony of raucous laughter and rickety rides was winding down, with only a few stragglers left, unwilling to let go of their brief escape from reality.
Blitzo Buckzo sat alone behind one of the trailers, a lone silhouette against the dreary backdrop. The imp clutched his knees to his chest, trying to stifle his sobs. His red skin, glowed dimly under the weak light of a flickering bulb. A tuft of his spiky black hair stuck out awkwardly from under his tattered harlequin hat. He tried to pull himself together, but the memories of his father's harsh words, the cruel laughter of the audience at his failed stunt, and the sting of his sister Barbie Wire's mocking taunts echoed too loudly in his mind.
The crunch of gravel underfoot startled him. Blitzo quickly wiped his eyes, trying to hide his tears, but it was too late. A small, pink-skinned succubus, no older than ten, stood before him. Her horns were tiny nubs, her eyes wide with curiosity. She was dressed in a frilly, sequined dress, clearly a costume meant for a performance rather than a child's playtime.
"Hey," she called out, her voice soft but clear. "Are you okay?"
Blitzo sniffled, his pride still too raw to let him fully open up. "What do you want?"
The little succubus tilted her head, her long white ponytail swaying behind her. "I saw you in the show earlier. You were really funny."
He blinked, surprised. "You… you think so?"
She nodded vigorously, a bright smile breaking across her face. "Yeah! You made everyone laugh, even when you tripped over your own feet. It was like you didn't even care, you just kept going. I thought that was really cool."
Blitzo's heart swelled a little, the small compliment easing the pain just a bit. "Thanks, I guess. But… I wasn't supposed to trip. That's why my dad was so mad. He said I embarrassed him."
The succubus' smile faltered, her own memories bubbling to the surface. "My parents get mad at me too," she admitted, her voice dropping to a whisper. "They make me do all these stupid beauty pageants. I hate them."
Blitzo glanced at her, seeing a kindred spirit in her eyes. "Why don't you just quit?"
She shrugged, her wings twitching slightly. "Because they said if I quit, they won't love me anymore."
The two demons sat in silence for a moment, the weight of their shared struggles hanging between them. Finally, the succubus plopped down beside Blitzø, crossing her legs.
"My name's Verosika," she said, extending a small hand toward him.
"Blitzo," he replied, shaking her hand.
"So, Blitzo, what do you want to do when you grow up? Like, if you could do anything?"
Blitzo stared up at the sky, imagining a world where he wasn't a failure in his father's eyes. "I want to be Hell's greatest clown, with my own circus," he said with a touch of defiance in his voice. "I want everyone to know my name and laugh because I made them laugh, not because I messed up."
Verosika's eyes sparkled with admiration. "That sounds amazing! I want to be Hell's greatest idol. I'll sing and dance, and everyone will love me because I'm the best."
Blitzo grinned for the first time in what felt like forever. "We'd make a pretty good team, huh? The clown and the idol."
Verosika giggled, the sound light and carefree. "Yeah, we would."
They spent the rest of the day together, running around the abandoned carnival rides, playing hide and seek in the shadows of the tents, and daring each other to sneak into the restricted areas. For a few precious hours, they forgot about their parents, their pain, and the harshness of Hell. They were just two kids having fun, dreaming of a future where they could be happy.
As the sun began to set, casting a deep orange hue across the sky, Blitzo and Verosika found themselves back behind the trailer, sitting side by side.
Verosika turned to Blitzo, a serious expression on her face. "Let's make a promise."
"What kind of promise?" Blitzo asked, intrigued.
"A pinkie promise," she clarified, holding out her tiny pinkie finger. "We promise that when we grow up, we'll be the best at what we do, and we'll always be friends. No matter what."
Blitzo hesitated for a moment, thinking about his father, his sister, Fizz, and the circus. But then he looked at Verosika's determined face, and all his doubts melted away. He hooked his pinkie around hers.
"Deal," he said firmly.
They shook on it, sealing their vow under the dim light of the trailer. Verosika leaned in suddenly and gave Blitzo a quick peck on the cheek. He froze, his eyes wide in shock, as a blush spread across his face.
"Wh-what was that for?" he stammered.
Verosika just giggled, her own cheeks tinged with dark pink. "Just something to remember me by."
Before Blitzo could respond, a voice called out from behind them. "Ooh, look who's getting all lovey-dovey!"
Barbie Wire stepped out from the shadows, a mischievous grin on her face. She had clearly been watching them for a while. Blitzø glared at her, but Verosika just stuck out her tongue.
"Jealous much?" Verosika shot back, causing Barbie to roll her eyes.
"Nah, just curious when my brother started getting girls," Barbie teased, but there was no malice in her voice, just sibling banter.
Blitzo groaned, rubbing his temples. "Can you not ruin this moment, Barbie?"
Barbie laughed, giving her brother a playful shove. "Alright, alright. But seriously, Blitz, you did good out there today. Dad's just… Dad."
Blitzo sighed, feeling the familiar sting of his father's disapproval but finding comfort in his sister's words.
Verosika stood up, dusting off her dress. "I gotta go now, but I'll see you around, Blitzo. Don't forget our promise!"
"I won't," Blitzo promised, watching as she ran off into the distance, her small wings flapping lightly.
Barbie watched her go, then turned to Blitzø with a smirk. "You know, she's kinda cute. You gonna marry her someday?"
Blitzo, still blushing, shot his sister a look. "Shut up, Barbie."
But deep down, as he watched Verosika disappear into the night, Blitzo couldn't help but wonder if maybe, just maybe, Barbie was right.
As the evening stars began to twinkle in the sky, Blitzo stood up, feeling lighter than he had in years. He didn't know what the future held, but for the first time, he had hope. He had a friend, a dream, and a promise to keep.
And that was enough.
~5 years later~
"Lust Ring, Areola Dome"
Blitzø stood backstage, his heart pounding in his chest as he stared at the giant flaming rings that loomed ominously in the center of the arena. The crowd's roar filtered through the heavy curtains, a cacophony that only served to amplify his nerves. This was it—his big chance to prove himself, to rise above the mediocrity that had plagued him his whole life. But with every heartbeat, doubt clawed at him, threatening to unravel his resolve.
He repeated the mantra in his head, trying to drown out the fear: *You can do this. You won't let Barb down. You'll nail the quadrilateral quadruple flaming ring death somersault on the trapeze.* But his knees shook, and his hands trembled uncontrollably. It was no use. The reality of the dangerous stunt, one he had never successfully completed in practice, was suffocating him.
"I DON'T HAVE THIS!" he blurted out loud, his voice cracking under the weight of his terror. He could feel the burning eyes of his father, Buckzo, watching from the shadows. The old imp's disdain was palpable, a constant reminder of what was at stake.
Just as Blitzø felt like he might collapse from the pressure, a voice—soft, gentle, and somehow familiar—cut through the chaos.
"Blitz?" it called out.
He turned, his breath catching in his throat. Standing there, a vision in a purple sundress and matching sun hat, was a tall, pink-skinned succubus. She was radiant, her presence glowing like a beacon in the dim backstage area. Her eyes sparkled behind star-shaped glasses, and when she smiled, it was like the whole world brightened partly due to her gem studded braces.
It took a moment for Blitzø to recognize her. But then she took a step closer, and something about the way she moved, the lightness in her step, the warmth in her smile, clicked in his memory.
"V?" he whispered, disbelief and joy mixing in his voice.
Verosika giggled, her laughter ringing out like the sweetest melody. "Did you forget already, you dork?" she teased, holding out her pinkie.
Blitzø's face broke into the biggest grin he'd worn in years. "Verosika! Wow, you got tall! And you—uh—you grew boobs and stuff," he stammered, his cheeks flushing a deeper shade of red than usual. He couldn't believe it—his childhood friend and pen pal, the one bright spot in the miserable circus life he'd endured, was standing right in front of him.
"I can't believe it's you," he said, his voice softening, almost as if he were afraid speaking too loud might make her disappear.
Verosika laughed again, a snort escaping as she did. "I came to see you, you dork. See?" She pulled out a VIP ticket from her dress pocket, waving it proudly. "I got this as a prize at a local karaoke competition. I told you I was gonna be a star, didn't I?"
Blitzø's heart swelled at her words. Seeing her again, seeing how she had grown into herself, still carrying that same playful spirit he remembered—it was like a lifeline. She was here, right when he needed her the most, and for the first time that night, he didn't feel so alone.
She booped his nose, pulling him out of his thoughts. "And I came to see *you, Blitz. I didn't forget our pinkie swear, did you?" She wiggled her pinkie again, a reminder of the promise they made all those years ago—to live their dreams, no matter what.
Blitzø's chest tightened with emotion. The memory of that day, of two lonely kids finding solace in each other, hit him like a wave. She had been the first person to ever truly see him, the one who believed in him even when he didn't believe in himself. And now, here she was, taller and more confident, but still the same Verosika he knew, standing by his side just when he needed her most.
Blitzø felt a lump in his throat as he wrapped his pinkie around hers. "I remember," he said, his voice wavering slightly. "I thought… I thought you might've forgotten all about me when I stopped getting your letters."
Verosika's eyes softened, and she knelt down to his level, her height no longer towering over him but instead bringing her closer, making the moment more intimate. "Blitz, how could I ever forget you? You're the first person who ever made me feel like I wasn't just another succubus. You made me feel… special." Her voice was tender, carrying the weight of her feelings.
Blitzø's heart pounded for a different reason now. The fear of the stunt he was about to perform faded into the background as he looked into Verosika's eyes, seeing the genuine affection there. It was overwhelming, but in the best way possible. The noise of the crowd, the pressure from his father, even the flaming rings—all of it melted away in her presence.
"I can't believe you came all this way," Blitzø said, still in awe. "And just to see me?" He couldn't keep the surprise out of his voice.
"Of course, I did," Verosika replied, a soft smile gracing her lips. "I wanted to be here for you, Blitz. I wanted to see you fly." She squeezed his hand gently, her touch sending warmth radiating through him. "And I know you're gonna nail that somersault because I'm in your corner, just like you were in mine."
Blitzø's eyes started to well up, but he quickly blinked back the tears. He had always been the tough one, the one who didn't let anything get to him. But this… this was different. Verosika's belief in him, her unwavering support, made him feel like he could take on the world.
He straightened up, feeling a surge of confidence he hadn't felt in a long time. "You really think I can do it?" he asked, his voice steadying, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.
Verosika stood up, towering over him again, but this time, it didn't make him feel small. Instead, it felt like she was his protector, his cheerleader, someone who had his back no matter what. "I know you can," she said firmly. "And when you do, I'll be right here cheering the loudest."
Blitzø chuckled, the fear that had gripped him earlier now dissipating. "Well, then I guess I better not let my number one fan down, huh?"
Verosika grinned, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "You better not, or I'll have to come up there and show you how it's done."
That got a real laugh out of Blitzø, and he felt lighter than he had in years. With Verosika here, he could do anything. He could fly.
The call came for him to take his place, and for the first time that night, Blitzø wasn't trembling. He was ready. He turned to Verosika, who gave him a thumbs up, her smile wide and full of pride.
"You got this, Blitz!" she called out as he made his way to the platform, her voice cutting through all the noise, reaching his heart.
Blitzø climbed the ladder with a newfound determination. He wasn't doing this just for himself or to prove something to his father. He was doing this because someone believed in him, someone he cared about deeply. And he wasn't about to let her down.
As he reached the top and looked out at the flaming rings, the crowd's roar washed over him, but he remained calm. He took a deep breath, the image of Verosika cheering him on filling his mind. He could almost hear her voice, encouraging him, telling him he could do it.
And with that, Blitzø leapt into the air, his body moving with a grace and confidence he hadn't known he possessed. The world slowed as he twisted and turned, the flames licking at his skin but never touching him. He soared through the rings, one after another, his heart racing with exhilaration.
For a brief moment, he was flying, just like Verosika said he would.
When he landed on the other side, the crowd erupted into cheers, but all Blitzø could hear was the sound of his own heartbeat, the rush of adrenaline, and the echo of Verosika's voice in his ears.
He had done it. He had nailed the trick. And as he looked over to the side of the stage, he saw her, jumping up and down with joy, her hat nearly flying off as she waved her arms wildly.
Blitzø grinned, feeling a sense of accomplishment he had never felt before. He had done it, not just for himself, but for her. He had flown.
And as he walked off the stage, Verosika ran to him, pulling him into a tight embrace. "I knew you could do it!" she exclaimed, her voice full of pride and happiness.
Blitzø hugged her back, his heart swelling with emotion. "I couldn't have done it without you, V. You… you gave me the courage to do it."
Verosika pulled back slightly, looking into his eyes with a smile that melted his heart. "You had it in you all along, Blitz. I just reminded you of that."
Blitzø chuckled, a tear escaping despite his best efforts to keep it in. "You're something else, you know that?"
Verosika blushed, her cheeks turning a deeper shade of pink. "So are you, Blitzø. So are you."
And in that moment, with the crowd still cheering and the lights shining down on them, Blitzø knew that no matter what happened next, he had already won. Because he had someone who believed in him, and that was worth more than all the applause in the world.
Barbie Wire had come to congratulate her twin, impressed he had the balls to step out there and the skill to not blow it, but the sparky imp girl saw her brother together with that tall adorkable Hottie and just leaned against the wall. "Not bad bro, looks like she found ya again after all, knew she wouldn't give up just cuz dad was using her letters as kindling." Barb saying to herself with a devilish smirk, liking how Verosika got Blitz out of his shell.
~3 years later~
Verosika Mayday paced back and forth in her dressing room, the sound of her high heels tapping on the cold, concrete floor filling the small space. The mirror in front of her reflected a nervous, yet determined succubus. She was dressed to the nines in a sleek, shimmering silver dress that clung to her curves, accentuating her figure with a pink feather boa wrapped around her. Her long, white and pink striped pink hair was styled in soft waves, cascading down her back, and her purple eyes sparkled with a mix of fear and excitement.
But despite her glamorous appearance, the truth was that she was still the same awkward, dorky Verosika who hadn't quite outgrown her teenage insecurities. Her braces glinted under the harsh vanity lights as she forced a smile, but the sight only made her feel more out of place, making sure that her wide forehead was also hidden by her bangs. She was surrounded by some of the hottest and most confident succubi in the Lust Ring, and she couldn't help but feel like an imposter.
She dug through her bag, searching frantically. "Where is it? Where is it?" she muttered under her breath, her hands trembling as she fumbled through the contents. "I need my inhaler… oh, come on, Verosika, pull it together!" puffing the sulfur right into her lungs.
Finally, she found it and took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. "You're a popular, bright, shining pop star," she repeated to herself, as if the words alone could make it true. She knew this was her big break—the chance to land a record deal with Oz Records, owned by none other than Asmodeus himself. But the pressure was getting to her, and she could feel the weight of everyone's expectations bearing down on her.
Outside the dressing room, Blitzø and Barbie hugged the walls, sneaking around the backstage area like they were on a secret mission. Blitzø was determined to be there for Verosika, even if it meant risking their father's wrath.
"Blitz, if Dad finds out we skipped out on practice to cheer on your kinda-sorta girlfriend, he's gonna turn our red butts blue," Barbie hissed, her eyes narrowed as she glanced around to make sure they hadn't been spotted.
Blitzø shot her a look, his usual cocky grin replaced by a more serious expression. "I didn't ask you to come with me, Barbara," he whispered back. "But V was there for me, and I need to be there for her, even if it means sneaking around and doing this long-distance letter-writing BS."
Barbie rolled her eyes but couldn't help the small smile that tugged at the corners of her mouth. "You're a sap, Blitz. But you're my brother, so I guess I'm your lady wingman in this crazy mess."
Blitzø chuckled softly, grateful to have his sister by his side, even if she was a bit of a chaotic force. Together, they made their way to Verosika's dressing room, where they could hear her muttering to herself through the door.
"V?" Blitzø knocked gently, his voice soft and full of concern. "It's me. Can I come in?"
Verosika nearly jumped out of her skin at the sound of his voice, but when she realized it was him, she felt a wave of relief wash over her. "Blitz?" She quickly wiped at her eyes, trying to compose herself before opening the door.
When she saw him standing there, his gangly frame and familiar red face looking up at her with those big, worried eyes, she felt her heart swell. He looked the same as he always did, scrappy and determined, and seeing him here, risking everything just to support her, made her feel like she could do anything.
"Hey, you," she said with a nervous laugh, trying to sound casual, but the quiver in her voice betrayed her anxiety.
"Hey," Blitzø said, stepping into the room and closing the door behind him. He took one look at her and could tell she was a wreck. Her usually bright and confident demeanor was overshadowed by the doubt and fear that clouded her eyes.
"V, you look amazing," he said, trying to boost her confidence. "You're gonna knock their socks off."
Verosika smiled weakly, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Thanks, Blitz. I just… I don't know if I can do this. These other girls… they're so confident, so experienced. I'm just… me."
Blitzø frowned and stepped closer, taking her hands in his. "You're not just 'you,' V. You're Verosika freakin' Mayday. You're the girl who's got more talent in her little finger than all those other succubitches combined. And more than that, you've got heart. That's something they'll never have."
Verosika's eyes welled up, and she squeezed his hands tightly. "Blitz… I'm scared."
Barbie leaned against the doorframe, her usual smirk softened by genuine empathy. "Don't be scared, V. You've got this. And if any of those other girls try to mess with you, I'll personally make sure they regret it." She cracked her knuckles for emphasis.
Blitzø nodded, his expression serious. "We're here for you, V. No matter what happens out there, you're not alone."
Verosika took a deep breath, feeling the strength of their support bolstering her spirits. "You guys…" She smiled, this time with genuine warmth. "Thank you. I don't know what I'd do without you."
Blitzø grinned. "You don't have to find out. We're not going anywhere."
With a final, deep breath, Verosika felt a sense of calm settle over her. She was still nervous, but with Blitzø and Barbie in her corner, she knew she could face anything.
"Its time for the Lust rings next top Succubitch!" An Incubus announcer shouted out as a large stage atop a towering skyscraper shot fireworks into the air. "The competition is fierce as the best most @#$%able young talents strut their stuff in 5 categories, we have in our competition Tiffany Tittikitty, Leanne Longlegs, Rachael Rimjobs, Blue Snow Ayame!" The announcer said each of those names with passion and theatrical flair then speaking in an unimpressed tone. "and local brace faced nobody Verosika Mayday."
The competition was fierce, with each contestant strutting their stuff and showing off their talents in front of a roaring crowd. Verosika held her own, wowing the audience with her singing, dance moves, fashion sense and stage presence. But when it came time for the final event, the "sexual obstacle course," she froze.
On stage in front of tons of demons and all those watching at home she needed to show how skilled her hands really were, really put her mouth to work, take it up front, get it in the back door, Verosika was like a deer caught in headlights.
The crowd was eager, waiting to see the contestants put their succubus skills to the ultimate test. But as Verosika stood there, staring at the obstacle course, she felt a deep, unsettling feeling in her gut. She couldn't do it. Not this.
She looked over at Blitzø, who was watching her from the sidelines, his expression full of encouragement and concern. He believed in her, and more than that, he respected her. He had always treated her with kindness and sincerity, never pressuring her to be anything other than herself.
Verosika swallowed hard and stepped up to the microphone. The crowd hushed, waiting to hear what she had to say.
"I… I can't do this," she began, her voice trembling but growing stronger with each word. "I know this is supposed to be part of the competition, but it's not who I am. I am a virgin, and I am proud of that. And I won't ever have sex unless it's with my future husband."
A shocked silence fell over the crowd, followed by murmurs and whispers. The announcer looked baffled, unsure of how to respond.
Verosika stood tall, her shoulders squared and her heart pounding in her chest. She had just thrown away her dream, her chance at stardom, but as she looked at Blitzø and saw the pride in his eyes, she knew she had made the right decision.
Blitzø's grin stretched from ear to ear, and he started clapping, loud and proud. Barbie joined in, whooping and cheering, her voice cutting through the awkward silence. Soon, a few more scattered claps joined in, until the entire arena was filled with applause.
Verosika smiled, tears of relief and gratitude welling up in her eyes. She might not have won the competition, but she had won something far more important—her dignity, her self-respect, and the love of the one person who mattered most.
As the applause from the crowd slowly faded, Verosika stepped down from the stage, her legs shaky but her heart lighter than it had been in years. She had just taken a stand for herself, and while she knew the consequences would be severe—likely the end of her dreams of stardom—she didn't regret it.
Blitzø and Barbie met her at the bottom of the stairs, Blitzø practically bouncing with excitement as he rushed to her side. Barbie, too, had a grin on her face, though it was tempered with a hint of concern.
"That was incredible, V!" Blitzø exclaimed, throwing his arms around her in a tight hug. "You were so freakin' brave up there! I knew you could do it!"
Verosika let out a shaky laugh, returning the hug with just as much fervor. "I can't believe I just did that," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I thought I'd be sick, but… I couldn't let them make me into something I'm not."
Barbie nodded, crossing her arms and giving her a once-over. "Gotta say, you surprised me, V. Not many people would have the guts to do what you just did. You chose yourself over all that fame and fortune nonsense, and that's something to be proud of."
Verosika pulled back from Blitzø, wiping at the corners of her eyes to keep from smudging her makeup. "I know it sounds silly, but I just kept thinking about everything you two have done for me, how you've always been there, even when things got tough… I didn't want to lose myself in all of this."
Blitzø's grin softened, and he reached out to take her hand. "You could never lose yourself, V. You're too strong for that. And no matter what happens next, you've got us. We're a team, right?"
"Yeah," Verosika nodded, her heart swelling with affection for the two imps who had become so much more than friends. "We're a team."
The three of them lingered there for a moment, lost in the warmth of their bond. But as the reality of the situation began to sink in, Verosika couldn't help but feel a pang of worry. She had just defied one of the most powerful figures in the Lust Ring. There was no telling what kind of repercussions she would face.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the sudden appearance of an impeccably dressed incubus with slicked-back hair and a sharp, calculating gaze. His suit was tailored to perfection, and he radiated an air of authority that immediately put the trio on edge.
"Well, well, well," the incubus drawled, his voice smooth as silk. "That was quite the performance, Miss Mayday. You've certainly made an impression—though perhaps not the one you intended."
Verosika tensed, instinctively taking a step back, but Blitzø and Barbie positioned themselves protectively in front of her.
"Who the hell are you?" Blitzø demanded, his tone hostile. "If you're here to give her a hard time, you're gonna have to go through us first."
The incubus raised an eyebrow, seemingly amused by Blitzø's bravado. "Relax, little imp. I'm not here to cause trouble. I'm here on behalf of Oz Records."
Verosika's eyes widened in surprise. "Oz Records? But I thought…"
"Yes, I'm aware of the… unconventional nature of your decision," the incubus said, cutting her off. "However, Asmodeus has a particular appreciation for those who refuse to conform to expectations. He sees potential in you, Miss Mayday. Potential that goes beyond this little competition."
Verosika was at a loss for words. "But… I thought I'd blown my chance. I walked away from the competition…"
The incubus smiled, a hint of something like respect in his gaze. "Indeed, you did. And in doing so, you showed Asmodeus something he values highly: integrity. He believes you have a unique voice, one that could resonate with many who feel out of place in the Lust Ring and hell itself. He's prepared to offer you a record deal, on the condition that you stay true to yourself and your values."
Blitzø and Barbie exchanged shocked glances, and then Blitzø let out a triumphant whoop. "Did you hear that, V? You're gonna be a star after all!"
Verosika could hardly believe what she was hearing. It felt like a dream, too good to be true. "I… I don't know what to say…"
"Say yes, dummy!" Barbie urged, giving her a playful shove. "This is your chance, and you earned it by being you."
Verosika looked from Blitzø to Barbie and then back to the incubus, who was waiting patiently for her answer. The fear and doubt that had plagued her earlier seemed to melt away, replaced by a renewed sense of confidence.
"I'll do it," she said finally, her voice firm. "I'll take the deal—but only if I can do it my way."
The incubus nodded approvingly. "That's exactly what we were hoping to hear. Welcome to Oz Records, Miss Mayday. We look forward to seeing what you'll create."
With that, he handed her a sleek business card that read:Stan Mephistus and turned to leave, but not before casting one last glance at Blitzø and Barbie. "You two should be proud of her. She's got something special."
As he disappeared into the crowd, Blitzø let out a low whistle. "Well, that was unexpected. But hey, V, you did it! You're gonna make it big, and you did it without selling out."
Verosika stared down at the card in her hand, still trying to process everything that had just happened. She had stood up for herself, made the hardest decision of her life, and still come out on top.
But more than anything, she knew she couldn't have done it without Blitzø and Barbie by her side.
"Yeah," she said softly, a genuine smile spreading across her face. "We did it."
Barbie threw an arm around Verosika's shoulders, pulling her into a tight, affectionate hug. "Damn right, we did. Now let's get out of here and celebrate. I'm thinking pizza and a movie marathon at our place."
Blitzø nodded enthusiastically. "You read my mind, Barb! It's about time we all just kicked back and relaxed for a bit."
Verosika laughed, feeling lighter and more at peace than she had in a long time. As they walked out of the venue together, she knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, she could face them with her friends by her side.
And for the first time in a long time, she felt like she truly belonged.
Later that evening, the trio found themselves back at Blitzø and Barbie's place, a cozy, cluttered apartment filled with posters of various circuses, old carnival games, and an assortment of mismatched furniture that screamed "lived in." The smell of pizza wafted through the air as Blitzø triumphantly placed two large boxes on the coffee table.
"Alright, ladies, I got one pepperoni and one supreme! And don't worry, V, I made sure to ask for extra cheese, just how you like it," Blitzø announced, throwing himself onto the worn-out couch with a grin.
Verosika, who was still floating on a high from the day's events, settled into the couch next to him. Barbie grabbed a slice of the supreme and plopped down on Verosika's other side, giving her a playful nudge.
"So, V," Barbie began between bites, "how's it feel to be the next big thing? I mean, you practically told the Lust Ring to shove it and still got a record deal. That's gotta feel pretty damn good, right?"
Verosika took a bite of her slice, savoring the cheesy goodness before responding. "Honestly, it feels… surreal. I never thought standing up for myself would actually pay off like this. I was so scared up there, but then I remembered what you guys have always told me—to just be myself—and somehow, that gave me the strength to do it."
Blitzø leaned back, folding his arms behind his head with a smug smile. "Told ya you had it in you, V. You're way stronger than you think. And hey, now that you're gonna be a star, you gotta remember the little people who helped you get there."
Verosika chuckled, shaking her head. "You two aren't 'little people.' You're my best friends, and none of this would've been possible without you. I don't care how famous I get—I'm never forgetting that."
Barbie raised her slice in a mock toast. "Damn right you won't. Besides, who else is gonna make sure you don't get too big of a head?"
Blitzø joined in, raising his own slice. "To Verosika, the most badass succubus in the Lust Ring!"
Verosika blushed, a warm feeling spreading through her chest as she clinked her slice against theirs. "And to you two—the best friends a girl could ask for."
They all took a big bite, laughing as they did so. The evening continued in a comfortable, relaxed manner, with the three of them chatting about everything and nothing. Blitzø and Barbie shared stories about their latest circus gigs, complete with dramatic reenactments that had Verosika in stitches. Verosika, in turn, talked about her plans for her music career, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
As the night wore on, the conversation gradually shifted to quieter, more personal topics. Barbie had drifted off to sleep, sprawled out on the other side of the couch, leaving Blitzø and Verosika to talk in hushed tones.
Blitzø, feeling a bit sentimental, turned to Verosika with a serious expression. "Hey, V… I just wanted to say, I'm really proud of you. I know it wasn't easy, and I know how much that competition meant to you. But you did the right thing, and that takes guts."
Verosika met his gaze, her heart swelling with affection for the imp who had always believed in her. "Thanks, Blitz. That means a lot coming from you. I… I'm proud of myself, too. For the first time in a long time, I feel like I'm on the right path."
Blitzø grinned, reaching out to give her hand a squeeze. "You are, V. And whatever happens next, just remember—we've got your back."
Verosika squeezed his hand in return, her smile soft and genuine. "I know. And that makes all the difference."
They sat there in comfortable silence for a while, just enjoying each other's company. Eventually, Blitzø broke the silence with a mischievous grin.
"Hey, V, you think you can still hit those high notes even after all that pizza?"
Verosika laughed, her earlier nervousness completely gone. "You wanna find out?"
Blitzø jumped to his feet, grabbing a remote and cranking up the volume on the old stereo in the corner. A familiar pop song started to play, and Verosika couldn't help but laugh as Blitzø struck a ridiculous pose.
"You better keep up, Blitz!" Verosika teased, standing up and letting herself get lost in the music.
The two of them spent the next few minutes goofing around, singing at the top of their lungs and dancing like no one was watching. It was pure, unfiltered joy, the kind that only comes from being surrounded by people who love you for exactly who you are.
And as they danced and sang together, Verosika realized that no matter where her career took her, she'd always have a home with Blitzø and Barbie. She might not have won the competition, but she'd won something far more important—herself.
By the time the song ended, they were both out of breath, collapsing back onto the couch in fits of laughter. Barbie stirred, mumbling something incoherent about sex, drugs, rock'n'roll, before rolling over and falling back asleep, her arm draped over the back of the couch.
Blitzø glanced at Verosika, his expression softer now, more introspective. "You know, V, I think today was just the beginning for you. You've got so much ahead of you, and I'm excited to see where it all goes."
Verosika nodded, feeling the weight of his words settle into her heart. "Yeah… I think so too."
And with that, the two of them settled back into the couch, side by side, ready to face whatever came next—together.
To be continued…