Moxxie didn't know which was worse, his humiliating efforts at the Pain Games or the fact that Blitz actually asked Striker to join I.M.P.

There was no doubt about it, Striker was strong, bold, fierce, practically unbeatable. Whereas Moxxie... well, he was none of those things; true, he was very knowledgeable with weaponry, but that's pretty much it. If Striker does join, where would this leave him?

From the start, the cowboy had not once hesitated to show off just how much better he said he was. He even had the balls to mock him in song in front of everybody. And just when it seemed like he'd gotten on his in-laws' good side. Of course, that didn't mean he was anywhere close to being among their favorite people just yet. But it seemed like there'd been some progress.

Despite everything, though, the one nice thing Moxxie could say about Striker is that he'd somehow raised a very polite and adorable daughter. Apart from Millie, she'd been the only other being who didn't treat him like shit. How in the seven rings did such an asshole like Striker become the father of such a sweet little girl like her?

He was so caught up in these thoughts as he walked upstairs, wanting to be alone, he almost didn't notice a white glow coming from underneath one of the rooms.

"Well, that's troubling." he murmured reaching the door.

On entering, he spotted a case on the bed which contained a black rifle with silvery markings that glowed bright like it was- wait a tick...

"Oh my crumbs! A genuine carmine-crafted blessing-tipped rifle!" Moxxie exclaimed gently running his fingers along the weapon. "How... How in the fuck did he get one of these?"

"Why don't you ask me, little dude?"

Moxxie gulped; he knew that voice. Sure enough, there was Striker leaning against the door looking rather unhappy.

"W-Why do you have this... mister?!" Moxxie asked warily. "You are aware this kind of weapon can kill-"

"Demon royalty?"

"Yes, that."

"No shit." Striker answered in a rather somber tone as he came in. "That's what it's always been for."

Moxxie could've sworn he saw a sad look in Striker's eyes when he closed the door behind him; it didn't really make him any less nervous.

"Okay... well, while I'm relatively concerned by your possession of this..." He warily backed up nearly knocking into the bed as the cowboy came closer with a devilish grin, eyes glowing. He stopped right in front of Moxxie and stared down at him silently. "I'm also glad my instant dislike of you has been-"

Before he even realized it, Striker gently moved Moxxie aside and sat down running his fingers along the rifle. Moxxie had no idea what to say or even think about what he was seeing.

"This used to be my dad's, y'know. He'd worked as a hitman long ago, kind of similar to what y'all do at I.M.P., except here in Hell." Striker explained, his eyes nearly getting moist. "Nowadays, I keep it close to me as a memento of him."

"...Have you used it?"

"I wasn't always a farmhand, little fella. But I didn't really have a choice back then. The thing is, after my parents passed away, the rest of my family just... tore apart. I mostly did hitman jobs to make as much as I could to keep the ones I had left with me." He sighed. "But... things came up and I ain't seen them since..."

Moxxie sat next to Striker and carefully asked, "And... Maria?"

An unsteady silence followed before Striker answered, "I guess you could say she came as a surprise. But I'm glad she did because I've been through so much shit you'd probably never believe. I thought I'd lost all hope and somehow, she brought it back to me." Moxxie thought he saw a tear in the cowboy's eye. "She's the most precious thing in the world to me. I... I'd be lost without her."

Moxxie gave him a little smile, "She's a wonderful girl... you raised her well."

"Heh, thanks." Striker smiled back, to Moxxie's vast surprise. "Y'know, you might be weak as a toothpick, but you're okay... Moxxie."

"...So are you... partner."

Striker ruffled Moxxie's hair, getting a chuckle out of him.

Maria poked her head out the door looking around cautiously before stepping out and going down the stairs to the kitchen. She tried her best to make sure she didn't make too much noise while getting a drink of water and risk getting in real trouble; a part of her still felt bad from earlier.

"Maria, there ya are, darlin'." She jumped hearing Joe's voice and, sure enough, there he was with Lin. "We were worried ya wouldn't come out again."

The impling gulped nervously as they walked to her. Daddy did say they weren't mad at her, but she didn't feel so sure.

Lin got down on one knee to talk to her. "We're really sorry we upset you, honey. We understand you're not happy with us, especially after what happened back there. But just so you know, we're not angry at you for yelling."

"And ya don't have to worry about the boys either." Joe added. "We gave 'em a good talkin' to. They won't bother you or Moxxie for a long while."

"It took a lot of time for us to realize it, but he really is a good boy to both you and our Millie." Lin added. "So, for both your sakes, we'll try to give him another chance."

Maria didn't say anything at first; a part of her still felt hurt from her outburst, but she was relieved to hear their apology and assurance that they'd at least try to be nicer to Moxxie. Finally, she took a deep breath, "I'm sorry I yelled at you..."

"Apology accepted, sweetie." Lin assured kissing her forehead.

"Glad to see you three got things straightened out."

The three turned to see Striker and Moxxie, who now looked a bit more chipper, coming down the stairs. Maria slowly walked up to them.

"Mr. Moxxie... I'm sorry for yelling at everyone... I hope I didn't embarrass you..."

Moxxie only smiled at her. "I do think you went a bit overboard, but... thank you for sticking up for me."

Maria beamed and wrapped her arms around his waist. Moxxie was surprised for a second, but found himself hugging her back.

"Well, now that that's settled, how 'bout y'all get back to the festival?" Joe spoke up. "The others are waitin'."

"May I go, daddy, please?" Maria asked hopefully, her tail wagging.

Striker smiled and petted her head. "Y'know what, I think you've been cooped up in here long enough. Go on ahead, I'll join ya in a minute."

He, Lin, and Joe watched with warm expressions as Moxxie and Maria walked outside holding hands before the former allowed her to sit on his shoulders.

"I gotta say, you're both taking this better than I thought." Striker told them with a rather smug grin.

Both Lin and Joe awkwardly chuckled, rubbing the back of their heads. Finally, Joe spoke up, "Well, he ain't exactly who we had in mind for our deadly little pumpkin spice to be with... but he is good to her and makes her happy... how in the hell did he win her over, I might never understand."

Striker shook his head, still grinning. "Joe, c'mon. You two remember what me and Serenity were like when we first came here. The two of us were practically inseparable and I ain't never been happier with anyone else." He glances out the window. "I'll admit, when we first met, I wasn't real sure if I'd be right for her. But the longer we stayed together, the more we realized we loved each other more than anything." A knowing look was sent their way. "Perhaps, Mildred and Moxxie had the same feeling."

"How can you tell?" Lin asked surprised.

"I can see them out there just as easy as you can. Get to know him and see."

With that, Striker went to go join his daughter and the others leaving Lin and Joe to think about what he'd said.