Despite knowing full well that his lover was not exactly a morning person, unless he was woken up in a manner that showed off just how flexible a former circus performer could be, Fizzarolli couldn't help but derive amusement from waking up the big man in a manner that was as sudden as it was loud.
"Rise and shine Ozz! We got a busy day ahead of us."
Grinning as his lover was snapped out of his slumber by a carefully hidden air horn, the famous circus performer could only chuckle as he heard Ozzie's groaning.
"Ughhh! Again with the horn."
While he loved his giant rooster, Fizz wasn't above teasing him when the mood suited him.
"Don't blame me. Blame how fun they are."
Letting off another blast, which finally convinced the ruler of Lust that he wouldn't be able to sleep in, the white-faced jester waited for his boyfriend to get out of bed before pulling out his to-do list.
"Anyway, we've got a big day today. The first thing on the docket is paying a visit to the factory to review the latest model of vvvvibrators."
Glancing at the dressing Sin to see if he had reacted to his imitation of one of his favorite toys, Fizzarolli continued.
"Then you have to attend a press conference about the failed batch of vvvibrators that went out last week."
"Which wouldn't have happened if a certain someone hadn't decided to distract me by covering himself head to toe with our latest water-based lube."
Grinning at the reminder of what had happened after he had 'accidentally' fallen into that giant vat of product, even if he had needed to skip a day of work in order to regain the ability to sit down without instantly remembering just how much Ozzie had enjoyed their mutual 'testing' of their product, the Imp adopted a slightly more serious demeanor as he went down the list.
"And lost on the docket is a noon meeting with Prince Stolas."
"You scheduled me for a lunch meeting?"
Nodding his head, Fizz soon sported a smirk as he slinked over to the bathrobe donning Sin.
"Well you know me. Doesn't matter what it is, I'm good at...squeezing things in."
Tightening the robe to better accentuate his lover's ass, which he playfully squeezed before jumping onto his favorite perch, the Imp nuzzled into the Sin's neck before informing him of his amazing scheduling prowess.
"But, you'll be pleased to know that I made enough time for a big ol breakfast."
Beaming as he watched Ozzie's expression morphed from delight at having his taunt backside fondled to one of amusement, Fizz felt his smile morph into a smirk as the embodiment of Lust commented on his announcement.
"Let me guess, I'm handling that too?"
"Well, not unless you want me to take another stab at cooking again."
It was funny how quickly Ozzie went from laughing to being completely serious.
"Hahaha No! Never again."
Of course, his lover's deadpan tone wasn't enough to prevent the Imp from making light of his lack of kitchen skills.
"Whaaat? Maybe I can burn the milk this time."
"Stooopp."
Cackling at the rooster's affectionate attempt to put an end to their morning silliness, Fizz suddenly started shaking with excitement as he was struck with an awesome idea.
"Actually, you know what I'm now hungry for? Burgers!"
"Nooo. Its too early for that silly."
Despite loving Ozzie's attempt to dissuade him, the circus performer could only chant his current desires.
"Burger time! Burger time! Burger time!"
Of course, his request wasn't filled. But it didn't matter since there was nothing better than a delicious meal cooked by the love of his life.
Even if he did have a tendency to be just a tad overprotective when it came to his activities outside of their home.
"Are you sure you don't want me to come with you today? I don't mind blowing off my appointments to accompany you to Greed."
While he appreciated the concern, Fizz wasted no time in making his position clear.
"Don't worry Ozz. I mean, its just some prep work I need to do with Mammon for this year's competition. Nothing serious."
Ignoring the brief grimace that came over his lover's face, for he knew full well just how little Ozzie thought of the Sin of Greed, especially after Mammom had convinced/conned him into agreeing to manage his career, the white-faced circus performer fought the urge to sigh as his protective rooster continued to voice his anxiety.
"In the Greed Ring! You know that one of it's cities is called Ransom right? And even if you are Mammon's prime money maker, I'd doubt that he'd get off his fat ass even if your kidnappers only demanded a dollar!"
Fizz was fully aware of just how much of a cheapskate his manager could be. Mammon, being the Sin of Greed, was all about making money. And it would take an act from Lucifer himself before he ever willingly parted with his riches, even if he could quickly make up his losses.
But since he owed the multiarmed Sin alot for granting him the opportunity to make his mark on Hell, he did what he always did when Ozz tried to point out just how shitty his fellow sin could be.
"And we both know just what can make you get off your firmly shaped ass. Don't we Ozzie?"
"I know what you're doing Froggy. And you know what, I don't care."
Giggling as the love of his life pulled him into his arms, Fizz couldn't help but think that today was going to be a good day.
Not knowing that is was going to have of ups and downs.
...
While he knew that his family desperately needed new blood if it was to recover from the clusterfuck that was his spawn's wedding, both during the actual wedding and then the required purge to remind his men of the consequences of deceiving him, Crimson hated it.
Not only because it spat in the face of tradition, for one had to prove himself to be worthy before the head of a family even deigned to notice their existence, let alone extend the offer to become an associate.
But also because it was a constant reminder of just how much Moxxie, and his so-called family, screwed him over.
Yes he's couldn't exactly blame the pathetic fruit of his loins for the cash infusion he had been counting on ever since Chazz had started bragging about newfound riches. For even if Moxxie had married the Imp whose Jaws had joined the dozens above his mantel, he would have discovered that there was no cash to be had. Something that would have destroyed his reputation far worse than having a dame and her adoptive brat go through his mooks like an overweight uncle went through a box of cannolis.
But the fact remained that when push came to shove, Moxxie, the pathetic waste of space that he had taken the time and effort to mold in his image, especially after he had 'separated' from the female who had dared to forget her place one too many times, had rejected his blood family.
With his dirt farming beard of a female and adopted reptile killing off a good portion of the family's muscle.
Which meant that not only was he forced to temporarily relocate his base of operations, a dangerous move since the other Families would take advantage of his current weakness to muscle in on his territory, but that he couldnt turn away random Imps seeking to join his organization.
For the most part, most of those who came to him were not suited for the work.
Sure some of them were more intelligent than the average thug. And some had a penchant for violence that could make even a Wrathian blink.
But he needed Imps that were smart enough to follow orders but dumb enough to never begin having dreams of taking his seat. And strong enough to pound a guy into paste but controlled enough not to destroy everything in sight.
So, it was with a less than welcoming tone that Crimson gave what was quickly become routine by this point.
"So, youse got any skills I can use? Or are you gonna be taking a little trip into the bay?"
His current applicant, some tall, mustache-wearing ponce with a cowboy fetish, merely answered with a smirk.
...
He liked to think that he was an Imp of class and principles.
Which was why, instead of reaching for his gun, or even the dagger he kept carefully concealed within his boots, he had chosen to use his words when addressing the barista.
"Now you listen here to you entitled, underpaid, zit-covered Gen Z! You charged me for three shots of vanilla! And I'm only tasting one! So get your overweight, middle-aged manager out here, or I'm gonna make you drink something reeeally dark and bitter!"
Ignoring the looks of disgust that were currently being shot his way by his fellow customers, Blitzo kept his focus on the bored-looking employee. Whose rebuttal to his very real promise was enough to make him inch towards his pistol.
"Bro, when they go in the cup they, like, combine or something. If you wanted to like, taste 3 separate shots, you should have, like, bought 3 coffees."
Deciding that he was done playing Mr. Nice. Imp, Blitzo moved to draw his weapon.
Only to be reminded that while he was standing in a cheap, run-down rip-off of the fancy-assed, overpriced coffee places that humankind couldn't get enough of, a business in the Greed Ring couldn't last unless they agreed to fork over ridiculous amounts of protection money.
And while this store would never pull in the type of cash it would need for round-the-clock service, he was unfortunate to get a hankering for some caffeine right when the local thugs were doing their rounds.
"This place is for paying customers only sir. If you have a complaint, please come back with the necessary funds and we will be pleased to listen to your request."
And Christ on a stick the big fish-faced palooka thought he was a comedian.
It wasn't the first time he had been thrown through a glass window.
Nor would it be the last.
But instead of crashing into the pavement, or even some local grease ball waiting to get his next shot of caffeinated sludge, he ended up colliding with one of his least favorite people in all of Hell.
"What the fuck are you doing here? Doesn't your feathered sugar daddy keep you chained up a home?
"Real mature Blitzo. Considering the Goetia's have always been into the kinky shit, you would probably know more about being chained up than me."
His mind briefly remembering that drug induced image where the nature of his and Stolas's relationship was made perfectly clear, Blitzo quickly shook his head in an attempt to forget that depressing picture before glaring at his former best friend.
"Yeah well you still didn't answer my question. Oh shit, please tell me your not here for that lard ass's contest, are you? I would have thought that since you already have a Sin tapping that skinny ass of yours, you wouldn't need to beg for attention from another."
Smirking as he saw the white-faced imp flush with minor embarrassment, Blitzo soon sported a glare.
No because Fizz recovered his composure far quicker than he would have liked, but because he seemed to know just which buttons to push.
"Well, at least I have people competing for my attention Blitzo. Though considering the way you treated your 'date' after you used him to get entry to the club, I'm sure its only a matter of time before you're back to begging for anyone to give you the time of day."
That was the problem with former childhood friends.
They knew all sorts of dirty secrets about the dreams and secrets that he had shared with them when he thought that what they had would last forever.
Which was why, as Fizz proceeded to collect his pack of whiny little bitches, Blitzo couldn't help but get in one last dig before heading back to Pride.
"Yeah well, I bet if people knew what you looked like under that get up, they'd stop pretending to like your sorry crippled ass."
Not his best insult, but even if it did leave him with the familiar taste of regret, it was better than nothing.
Or it least it would have been if he didn't hear the next set of words being muttered by the Imp he had once called a friend.
"Better a sorry-assed cripple than a self-made orphan."
With a yell that would terrify even the most battle-hardened dirt farmer of Wrath, Blitzo rushed his fellow Imp.
And proceeded to prove that just because he had a bunch of fancy gadgetry serving as his arms and limbs, it was no match for an Imp prone to letting his self-loathing transform him into a berserker when properly provoked.
…
While he knew Asmodeus was one of the more professional Sins that governed Hell, certainly more than Mammon and to a lesser degree the Sin of Gluttony, Stolas nevertheless couldn't help but think that the blue-feathered rooster was intentionally making him wait.
Yes, it was an unwritten rule that the more power one had the more discourtesy they could get away with.
But as a member of the Goetia Family, he should have been afforded the respect that members of his class rarely offered to the Imp or Hellhound population.
"Stolas! How you doing baby? Sorry for the delay. Had to run a quick meeting with my people about the next holiday season. You would not believe how much leather and latex we need to keep our operation going."
While he was startled by Asmodeus's sudden appearance, especially since he had been expecting him to come through his office doors instead of the service corridor, Stolas was nevertheless relieved that the Sin's lateness wasn't deliberate.
"Oh, that's quite alright Sire. I know your time is valuable. So I appreciate you taking a moment to speak with me."
His words earning an appreciative hum from the rooster, the grey-feathered Goetia felt himself wince at the Sin's following line of questions.
"So, how you been since you crashed my club? You still getting your freak on with that Imp of yours?
Chuckling nervously, even if Asmodeus's tone lacked any hint of disapproval, Stolas took a deep breath as he gathered his courage.
"Actually, that's what I wanted to talk to you about. You see things between us have become rather...tense lately. And I was wondering if you would maybe help me with my endeavors."
While his words earned a disproving hum from the towering Sin, the Goetia Prince was relieved, and just a touch embarrassed, as the rooster explained his disproval.
"I hope you're not suggesting that I give you a love potion, are you? Well if you are then I'm afraid I'm gonna have to ask you to leave. I don't mess with that artificial bullshit. Lust shouldn't be forced. It should earned, and enjoyed. You see, it's all about that mutual journey, to pleasure town. You feel me?"
Quickly nodding his to show that he full heartedly agreed with the Sin, and feeling just a touch aroused since the embodiment of Lust had inadvertently caused him to remember some of the more sensuous moments he had shared with Blitzy, Stolas cleared his throat so he could give a more verbal response.
"Which is why I would never dream of asking something like that. However, since I wish to convince Blitzo that our...relationship isn't one based on transactional value, I was hoping that it might be possible to acquire the means in which your team access the mortal world."
Which would hopefully result in Blitzy realizing that his feelings for him were genuine and not solely motivated by his desire to have him in his bed. He was nervous that his favorite Imp would reject his efforts to try and renew their relationship on a more equal basis, but he was hopeful that it would all work out.
Sadly, it appeared that this avenue of change would be blocked by Asmodeus's hesitation.
"Ohhh! Ummm, Stolas, my heart bleeds for you. But I'm afraid my partner...business partner, Fizzarolli, wouldn't allow it."
Choosing not to focus on the Sin's poorly disguised efforts to conceal the open secret that his relationship with an Imp was more romantic than he tried to paint it, Stolas voiced his confusion on why the jester-like Imp would stand in the way of this sort of arrangement.
And while Asmodeus was apologetic, he nevertheless was very firm with his answer.
"Not my story to tell. I just know that he hates your little Imp guy. Like REALLY hates him. So, I'm sorry Stolas. I can't help you."
Sighing in defeat, for the acquirement of a teleportation crystal was his best chance to address the power imbalance between himself and Blitzy, though not his only option, Stolas watched with more than a little bit of envy as he watched the embodiment of Lust sport a truly loving smile as he answered his phone.
Only to frown in concern as the viewing cloud showed an image that strangely enough reminded him of an older, and far more menacing version of his draconic pupil's father.
"Hello Asmodeus. You don't know me but you don't need to."
...
While he was an Imp who had nothing but contempt for his own kind, Striker was nevertheless honest enough to admit that there were one or two Imps that deserved his respect.
Although the admiration for his fellow assassin had lessened after he had proven as easy to capture as the little cybernetic purse dog.
The other one was the Imp with the stones large enough to blackmail a Sin.
It was bold, daring, and something no Imp had ever dared do before.
Sure, getting hired to help the blue bloods with their little family squabbles was one thing. And by Satan was he still pissed at being ordered to spare the life of the Goetia he had failed to kill before. Especially since it allowed certain memories of being treated as the plaything of a pig- smelling cross-dresser to resurface.
But to take on one of the top rulers of Hell. Even the weakest and least threatening? That took guts.
And also brains since Crimson was wise enough to know that he would need the Embodiment of Lust to sign a magically binding contract to ensure that there wouldn't be any future 'repercussions' for this little stunt.
Which was why he was considering to offer Crimson the use of his talents on a full-time basis.
Yes, his resemblance to that prissy-assed weakling was uncanny.
But since he needed a place to keep his skills sharp while he waited for his next contract job, he could easily overlook this minor flaw.
Especially since his employer had agreed to his request to have a little fun with the captives.
He couldn't torture Asmodeus's little fuck toy, physically at least, but Blitzo was a whole other story.
...
ANNNNND This seems like a good time to end the chapter
Hopefully you all enjoyed this chapter. Emotions running high with the characters. So will be interesting to write what happens lol.
Had to alter the backstory between Fizzaroli, Blitzo, and the sins due to the jester already having another reason for his lack of organic limbs (hinted at in chapter 50). And still unsure how Blitz and Fizz's relationship will be by the end of this. But at least I managed, I think, to keep the wholesome relationship between The Sin and Imp the same, with Stolas trying to 'fix' his relationship.
Plan to have another chapter out sometime before the middle of January.
Pls review. No flames.
Til next time.