Though she lacked Moxxie's ability to properly explain the numerous steps that went into using a weapon, if only because she much preferred to be firing her weapons then learning how it worked, Millie nevertheless had a patient and encouraging smile on her face as she watched her unofficially adopted son try to handle his weapon.
"Okay sweetie. Carefully line up your target. Take a deep breath, and let it out".
Watching with pride as Harry managed to slowly follow her instructions, the female Imp felt a tiny bit of jealousy as her husband interrupted their bonding time.
"Uhh Honey. Are you sure this is a good idea? I thought we had agreed to have him try out the less complicated weapons before upgrading him to the more advanced stuff".
Frowning as she nodded her head in agreement, for that had in fact been what they agreed upon before they had allowed him to advance from his nerf gun, Millie quickly regained her happy demeanor as she gestured at the concentrating child.
"We did. And normally I'd be against having him progress from toy pistol to something lethal, but you should have seen the way his eyes lit up when he saw your cross bow. Besides, we don't really have a gun his size, so I thought it best for him to try with something with a bit more range".
Smiling as she watched Moxxie's expression change from one of concern to one of acceptance, Millie released a small giggle as she heard him mutter something that proved that he was fitting into the role of a father quite nicely.
"I still think its a bit too early".
Leaning over to give him a peck on the cheek, something which served to brighten his mood, the female Imp allowed some of the darker aspects of her personality come shine through as she stood behind her new ward.
"Oh hush up Moxxie. This is Hell. Its never to early to learn how to kill people".
Helping Harry steady his shoulders as he attempted to line up his shot, Millie found her concentration slipping at the sound of her husband's suggestion.
"You know what Millie. Why don't you let me take over and go take a break".
At this, Millie could only frown with slight confusion.
"You sure Sweetie? I don't mind. Kid's got a lot of potential even if he's currently on the small side".
The answer she received was more than enough to placate her.
"Which is why its probably best that you let me take it from here. You know I was a bit of a shorty before I hit my growth spurt. So I think I know the best ways to help him out without him getting frustrated".
Smiling as she nodded her head in acceptance, Millie wasted no time in pushing herself into Moxxie's personal space with an expression that made it quite clear she had less than innocent intentions on her mind.
"Gosh, your so fatherly Moxxie. I uh, kinda like it".
Moving in close to engage her man in some serious kissing, a surprised, but noticeably embarrassed cough drew both Imp's attention to their currently red faced charge.
"Oops. Sorry bout that Sweetie. I'll just leave you two boys alone"
Watching his wife leave, appreciating the way she put a little more swagger into the way she swayed her hips, Moxxie was sadly prevented from continuing one of his favorite pastimes thanks to the clear hesitation that was present in Harry's voice.
"Is Ms...I mean is Millie always like that"?
Chuckling with a mixture of embarrassment and fondness, and having no desire to have THAT particular talk with the black haired kid until he had reached double digits, Moxxie decided to partly ignore the question before moving on to a more relevant topic.
"Yup, she is. But lets get back to your lesson. You only have a couple of days before your first lesson with Stolas. And I for one would prefer tp have you somewhat lethal before leaving you in the temporary care of my boss".
Of all the questions he could have predicted, the white haired Imp could have never predicted the words that came out of Harry's mouth.
"Why. He seems cool".
Taking a moment to restart his brain, Moxxie could only respond to that with one word.
"...what"?
Seeing his confusion, Harry proceeded to explain.
"He's funny. He has awesome clothing. He was once a circus performer. And he goes around killing bad guys. He's like a super hero".
Knowing that he had to move quickly in order to correct this faulty and dangerous perception of his boss, Moxxie struggled to find the words.
"uhhhhhhhh. Actually that's not...".
"Trust me kid. Blitz is a lot of things, but cool isn't one of them".
Quickly turning his head as he heard the unlooked for, yet sadly familiar voice of Blitzo's receptionist, the bow tie weapons specialist could only stare in annoyance as Loona walked in, looking like she owned the place.
"What...what are you doing here"?
As expected, the answer he received was less than respectful.
"I work here. Dumbass".
"That's not what I...".
Seeing little point in trying to get a straight answer out of his grey furred co-worker, Moxxie decided to try and ignore her presence.
Only to have this plan thrown out the window as he watched Loona hand his unofficially adopted son something that should have been HIS responsibility to give.
"Here Kid. This is for you"?
Preparing himself to object to the sight of the grey furred Hell Hound giving Harry a gun, though he had to admit that the fact that it was a Webley Revolver was a nice touch, Moxxie couldn't find it in his heart to speak up as the black haired child was acting like he did the first time a certain female Imp asked him if he wanted to hang out with her.
"Re...really:?
And to give Loona credit, there was none of the usual dismissiveness, or mocking humor that was usually in her expression whenever she was forced to interact with her coworkers.
Just a smirk that, while conveying a small amount of amusement, was nevertheless almost similar in nature to the supporting smiles the young human had been getting from Millie.
"Yup. Just make sure to obey the primary rule of gun ownership".
And bless his heart, Harry was reacting with the same sort of seriousness that he had used when Millie and him had gone over the list of rules he would have to now follow.
"What's that"?
But with Loona grinning like that, Moxxie wasn't sure if she was taking her role as a role model seriously. Even if her answer to Harry's questioned revealed that she knew more about common sense than the egotistical
"Always make sure your pointing at something you wouldn't mind having a hole in.
...
"Alright people. I know you all enjoyed your little mini vacation, but now it's time to get back to work. Thanks to our last mission we've finally have enough cash to do more than make this month's rent, sooooo...any ideas on how we should spend it. I mean, I've blown about half of it already, but there's still plenty le..".
"I'm sorry. YOU DID WHAT"?
Having expected his only legal male employee to act this way, Blitzo just shot him a quick look of dismissal as he tried to justify his actions.
"Oh don't get your panties in a twist Moxxie. It was for a good cause"
But as he had proven countless times, Moxxie had no problem questioning him when it came to business decisions.
"Really? And what would that be? Another bill board with spelling mistakes? A new commercial"?
Perking up slightly at that last suggestion, Blitzo decided to actually show some respect for his most troublesome employee.
"No, but I like where your head's at Moxx. Some more advertisements could definitely bring in more business. Anyways, to get back on topic. Answer me this. What is the first thing people see when they walk through those doors"?
It took all of his willpower to keep himself from crying as each of his employees, including their newest trainee, willing tried to answer his question. Though the fact that 2 of the replies were less than flattering, his tears of joy were easily restrained.
"A chaotic mess"?
"A bunch of dumbassess"?
"A kick ass team of killers"?
"Ms. Loona"?
He couldn't help it. Thanks to Moxxie's constant complaints about his management style, Blitzo couldn't let this opportunity to tease him pass.
"Huh look at that. Been with you for less than a work week and the kid's already showing you up Moxxie. You must be so proud".
Snickering at his fellow Imp's less than pleased expression, though wisely deciding to quit while he was ahead when he saw that Millie was sporting a frown of her own, the former circus performer turned his attention towards the smallest member of their little meeting.
"But your right kid. First thing people see when they walk in here is our adorable little recepistiost. Which is why I got her a little something to make her look even more pretty than she usually is".
Smiling as he heard the irritated sigh that had been released by his adoptive daughter, with all the flourish he could muster, Blitzo pulled from his sleeve a ruby encrusted collar.
Of course he doubted that most of the red stones were real, but it was the thought that counted.
But of course, a certain buzzkill had to interrupt his display of fatherly affection.
"You wasted half of our profits on a new collar"?
Adopting a mildly insulted look, Blitzo quickly moved to prove how wrong his employee was with his accusation.
"Of course not. I wasted half of our profits on a new collar AND a new outfit".
Proudly displaying the pieces of clothing, a slighty torn crop top and a pair of leather jeans, the eccentric Imp barely registered Moxxie sighing in defeat.
"Of course you did".
Doing his best to contain his rising nervousness as Loona continued to stare at the offered gifts with a less than happy expression, Blitzo soon sported a relieved smile as she took the offered gifts from his hands.
"Geee...thanks Blitz".
Now that the potential risk of being growled at had passed, the Imp was more than happy to slightly change the topic.
"Awww your welcome Looney. Anyways, back to the topic of how were gonna spend the rest of our earnings. Millie, why don't you go first".
As the only consistently enthusiastic employee on the payroll, Blitzo could always rely on her to treat each of his questions seriously.
"Hmmm how about...some new furniture for the office"?
Humming in approval with this suggestion, the former circus performer shot her a smile before moving on.
"Like where your head's at Mills. But we'll keep that idea on the back burner until Moxxie screws up again. Moxxie do you have an idea of what we should get"
Waiting patiently as the white haired Imp took a moment to recover from being reminded of his less than stellar record, Blitzo found himself somewhat surprised by the suggestion he received.
"How about investing it into some descent body armor".
"Great idea Hon".
Though he knew that Millie would have said that anyway, for she was very close to the text book definition of supportive spouse, Blitzo had to nevertheless agree that Moxxie's suggestion had merit.
Though that still didn't prevent him from tossing in the minor insult.
"Always looking to make up for your shortcomings eh Moxx? Still, not a bad idea. Anyone else? Looney? Kid? Got any suggestions"?
Focusing his attention on the only non red skinned members of the team, Blitzo found himself sighing as he heard Loona's answer.
"Better health insurance"?
Shooting the bored looking Hell Hound a look of fatherly disappointment, Blitzo adopted a more lecturing tone as he explained why he wouldn't be doing that.
"Now Looney we've been over this. If want to have an active love life while living under my roof, your gonna have to accept the consequences of what comes after like an adult. Especially since you never allow me to meet your lover of the month".
Earning a growl from Loona, which was enough to convince him that he should quit while he was ahead, Blitzo turned his attention to the youngest member of their little meeting".
"And what about you Kid? Providing that your new parents told you about what we do, Got any ideas on how to improve our business"?
Ignoring the embarrassed expressions of his fellow Imps, though he noted that Millie was sporting a proud smile, the former circus performer kept his attention focused on the human child. Who judging by his expression had still yet to fully accept that his life had improved for the better despite finding himself in Hell.
"They told me how you get paid to take out bad people".
Reminding himself that he was dealing with an actual child instead of what passed for a mature adult down here, if only because he suspected that if he didn't he would find himself being punished by both his employee and adopted daughter, Blitzo managed to keep his tone somewhat respectful as he replied to Harry's answer.
"Well, 'bad' is kinda a point of view down here, but that pretty much sums it up. So any ideas on how to spend the remainder of the cash we earned by taking out your family. Have to admit that I wish all our jobs were that easy. Probably could have saved a bullet by doing something to make that bloated walrus suffer a heart attack. But that's besides the point. If you wanna earn your keep around here, you have to contribute. So got any ideas"?
Doing his best not to be intimidated by the series of glares he was receiving, the former circus performer felt a frown form on his face at the answer he received.
"I...dont really know. I mean...I suppose I have one".
Releasing a slightly irritated sigh, and failing to resist the urge to tap his foot to show his growing impatience, Blitzo did his best to sound somewhat optimistic.
"Well I suppose one is better than none. So lets have it. We don't have all day".
Flinching slightly as he heard Loona growl, Blitzo was relieved when Harry's hesitant voice finally decided to make itself known.
"Do you...only go after people who were close to their clients"?
Rubbing his chin as he considered this question, the eccentric Imp was forced to shake his head as he recalled some of the warnings Stolas had given him after he had first explained his vision for his company.
"Like the ambition kid, but sadly we're kind of limited of who we go after".
His words earning a snort of amusement from his adopted daughter, Blitzo didn't need to turn around to know that Loona was wearing a look of amused disbelief.
"Since when"?
For a brief moment, he had no idea what to say. However, as usual, such moments passed quickly.
"Thats...not important. What's important is that we have a bunch of ideas on how to spend this cash, and I for one cant decide on which one to pick".
"Why don't you use it to give us a bonus sir"?
For a moment, nobody said anything to Moxxie's suggestion.
But that moment soon passed as Blitzo released a mocking bark of laughter.
"HA! A bonus? That's a good one Moxxie. But seriously can anyone think of something"?
For the rest of the afternoon, the Immediate Murder Professionals, aided by their human trainee, came up with further ideas on how to spend the remaining profits from the 'Dursley Job'.
...
While he possessed all the charms and mannerisms befitting a being of his power and station, the Goetic Prince couldn't help but gush like a stereotypical high schooler as he greeted his favorite Imp and his newest student.
"Blitzy! How marvelous to see you. I trust you are sufficiently recovered from our last...get together"?
Doing his best to retain control over his more...romantic inclinations since there was a child present, Stolas's beaming smile lost none of it's enthusiasm as he heard the mutterings of his lover.
"Not really since I'm trading a literal pain in my ass for a hypothetical one"?
Giggling at the reminder that he had been a bit more...forceful than usual during their last little get together, Stolas patted Blitzo's head in what he viewed to be a placating manner.
"I am so sorry my sweet little Imp. You know how easy it is for me to forget things in the midst of our passion. I promise the next time we're alone together, you can be the top and I'll be the bottom. Sound fair"?
Though he usually he would have done all that he could to convince his currently frowning lover to immediately fulfil his desires, the confused sounding voice reminded Stolas that they weren't alone.
"What...does he mean by that Mr. Blitz"?
He wasn't sure which was cuter.
The fact that his darling Blitzy had a chance to showcase his parenting skills. Or the fact that it was obvious that it had been sometime since he had to deal with such innocent questions.
"It means...uhhh".
"Something that you wont understand until your a few years older young one. However, just to be on the safe side, have your guardians given you 'the talk' yet"?
Recieving a grateful smile from the Imp, the avian demon could only chuckle at the answer he got from the undersize human.
"What talk"?
Though he hated to do so, Stolas nevertheless moved to answer the question in a manner that would sadly highlighted Blitzo's flaws as a parent.
"Nothing to concern yourself at this point in time my dear boy. Which I suppose is for the best. Its up to every parent to decide when their child gets to learn about the birds and the bees. Though I hope your employees will follow my example rather than yours".
And as expected, this served to cause the child to only ask another question.
"What's he talking about"?
Seeing that his darling Blitzy was struggling to come up with answer, Stolas moved to do so himself.
"Nothing to concern yourself with child. Merely commenting on the dangers of letting one's impressionable children have access to the wonders of the internet. But were veering off topic. I trust that you are ready to begin today's...lessons"?
...
Clearly remembering the warning both Loona and Moxxie had given him about the towering bird demon, Harry found himself carefully forming his answer as he started into the glowing red eyes of his magic teacher.
"That...depends sir"
Rather than causing Stolas to get angry, the scrawny had managed to earn a look of curiosity from the eccentric prince.
"Oh. Depends on what young one"?
Taking a deep breath, Harry told him.
"Will I need an adult to be present"?
For a moment, the only sound that could be heard was Blitzo making vague choking sounds. Though it was unclear if he was having a panic attack or trying to contain his laughter.
But that moment quickly faded as Stolas regained his ability to speak
"And who instructed you to ask that particular question? It wasn't you was it Blitzy? While I confess that I find it somewhat...difficult to restrain my more romantic feelings at times, I am perfectly capable of behaving myself when in the presence of a child".
Hoping that he hadn't accidentally gotten the former circus performer in trouble, Harry felt a feeling of warmth spread through him at the reminder that he now existed in a place where people actually gave a crap about his well being.
"I'm fully aware of that Stolas. Its just Loona being protective is all".
Luckily, the answer seemed to placate the, as his canine friend liked to call him, creepy mouth dick bird.
"I see. Well at any rate, we have spent enough time dawdling as it is. Blitzy, feel free to hang about for the next hour or so. My wife's currently at one of her 'social meetings' so you have free range of the place".
Doing his best not to flinch as he was abandoned by his red skinned chaperone, Harry quickly sported a look of carefully guarded wonder as Stolas asked him a question that would have never been allowed to pass his lips while living with the Dursleys.
"Now young one. Tell me, what do you know of magic"?
...
Annnnnnnd another chapter done XD
Glad to see this story/concept is being enjoyed. Soo will keep at it lol Actually find it easier to write the dialogue first, then fill it in. Though I confess...I personally have no issue reading transcripts and wikiquote XD. but will cave into peer pressure for this story lol.
Anyways, this will probably be the last chapter for a little bit since its that time of year when the schedule becomes busy. Covid doesnt exactly change anything in that regard. However, since the holidays are approaching...you can at least expect a new chapter by christmas at the very latest.
And now to recap.
Moxxie and Millie are training an 8 year old Harry how to use a weapon. With Loona giving him a pistol of his own (did my research, and thought that giving him a British Pistol was a nice touch).
Blitzo using Harry as a means to mock Moxxie. think we all saw that coming. and course to Harry...Blitzo is cool.
And Stolas...what can I say about Stolas, except that I have decided to adopt SOME of the suggestion made by you guys regarding Harry's interactions with the daughter of the 'Clingy Rich Asshole'. As for how he will interact with characters from the Hazbin Plot line (Fully aware that its the same universe/timeline), will have to see.
Playing around with some ideas on how to introduce Cherri, Charlie relatively soon. But still up in the air.
Anyways, hope you enjoyed this. pls review. no flames. still looking for beta reader.
til next time.