Never before had the mansion of the much revered Goetia family ever been so eerily quiet.
At least, it was quiet for Stolas.
There were only a few number of the staff left, Stella saw fit to take almost half of the servants once she went off to her retreat, and this just had to be the weekend where Octavia would be with her. Now, the hedonistic proud member of the Ars Goetia felt much sadness in his own house. The very opposite of what he'd always long for in his long life.
To be in such a pitiful state was unbecoming for a demon of his stature, but every being no matter how powerful has their breaking point, and Stolas is the first to admit he's nearing his own. It was just so hard to keep up a happy disposition when his family isn't here, he knew he should've prepared for such solitude once Octavia left for her mother's, but it happened too soon for his liking. His melancholy state prevented him from doing anything that would lift his spirits, hence why he never called for more magic lessons, Lincoln needed his teacher who wasn't spiraling.
One that wasn't eating cereal for dinner with a depressed moan.
There were no others at the dining table, just him and his remarkable planetarium chandelier that hung above.
Seeing no point in eating in such an empty space, Stolas grabbed his bowl of cereal and a blanket for the living room to wrap around his feathery form. He turns on the television to see his usual programs for this kind of thing.
If there was one show in Hell that could truly speak to him, it was this one, and he turned up the volume and slumped on the couch to eat his cereal. Just another reminder of how empty his life his. "That's a mood, Gabriella." Stolas sniffled in empathy, eating more.
His phone that rang like an owl call radiates a purple mist with words that made his heart stop.
Blitzy was calling.
All four eyes widening in apt shock, Stolas hilariously choked on his breakfast for dinner, fumbling about to try reaching for the telephone dropping the cereal and getting tangled up in his own blanket. A servant that was walking by notices and speaks in concern of his master's current state of affairs, while also confused as he's never seen the prince act this way. "Is all well, sire?"
"Not now! I'm busy!" Stolas was so glad no one else was present to watch him. "Hello! Hello, Blitzy!" He turned on his usual flirty mode that is always reserved for his special little imp.
Back at Lust, Blitzo slyly asked him a question. "Stolas, hey. You, uh...shit..." Blitzo was starting to see he was really rusty in his pick up game. To be fair, this wasn't a booty call. "You busy for the night?"
"Um." Stolas looked at his empty home and wondered if Blitzo somehow knew. "Why do you ask?" he nervously replied.
"I was wondering if you..." This was so much harder than Blitzo thought. "...wanna come with me to a club tonight?"
Stolas nearly dropped the phone as his lover's words sank in. His Blitzy just asked him out to spend the night with him, what made this so unique was that it was seemingly for a social hangout of romantic purposes. "Are you...asking me on a date, Blitzy?" the owl demon blushed furiously with hearts forming in his eyes.
"I-I-." Even though he was invisible, Blitzo could almost feel Lincoln's glare of disapproval on him which did have some affect. "Yes. I suppose that is what's happening. How fast can you get down to Lust?"
Stolas immediately went through his personal closet for the right clothes. "I can be ready in twenty!" he excitedly says, all giddy like somone who just got asked out by her secret crush.
"Alright, fantastic. See you soon."
"I'll see you~, Blitzy~!"
Stolas hung up and found the right ensemble that would make this night perfect. To think that this was the second time Blitzo would call him for an important favor, and for a date no less. The prince no longer felt any semblance of sadness, not thinking about what could go wrong, only the positives of the fact that the imp he's taken such shine towards is finally returning his feelings. "I take it this means I should send one of the staff with you, my prince."
"That would be splendid, thank you."
"You wanna know something, Blitz?"
"No, but odds are you're gonna tell me, anyway."
"Those the same odds that guarantee you won't listen?"
"See? Now, you're starting to learn."
"None of this is funny, this is serious!" Lincoln declares with his fists at his sides. "Spying on Moxxie and Millie on their date was bad enough. But leading Stolas, my teacher, on with a fake date? This is going way too far."
Blitzo snickered, waiting for Stolas. "You think this is me going too far? Should've seen me back when Verosika and I were still a thing. This doesn't come even close. So quit overreacting, I needed a date and he was the only one who came to mind. This is Lust, it's not like this place wouldn't be his kind of scene. If anything, he probably would've brought me here himself to an s and m club."
It astounded Lincoln how blind Blitzo was to Stolas' feelings. He knows that the relationship between them is meant to be purely physical in nature, yet more often than not, he's seen the two act more as just buddies who bump uglies on the side. No matter how much Blitzo says otherwise, there is something there, there's just way too many complications involved. There's the differences in class, Stolas being demon royalty and Blitzo being an imp, and the fact the two need a lot communication problems like right now.
A portal opens and enters Stolas dressed in regal clothing with a long-ass cape that looked like the night sky was etched into it. "Oh, Blitzy~! I'm here~."
Blitzo looked him up and down in bewilderment, not expecting him to pull out all the stops just for him. "Wow. That's a bit overkill, don't you think?"
Stolas' confidence is broken with an awkward laugh. "Well-Well, I-I-I just wanted to look a little nicer for you. This is our first real date, after all." He held his hand for Blitzo to take.
Walking, Blitzo grimaced after realizing that. "Oh, yeah. I guess this is, huh?"
"Let me guess. You didn't think of that?" the unseen Lincoln remarked, making Blitzo grumble.
All remaining demons in line gasp and swiftly made way for Stolas to cut through as a show of respect for the Goetia. The bouncer's eyes were more focused on Blitzo, not taking kindly to his lack of respect for the club's rules. "You again? Beat it, shithead!"
"A-Hem!" Freezing, the bouncer looks over to the unexpected sight of a slightly pissed off Stolas. "Do we have a problem?" he challenged.
The bouncer suddenly lost his voice and after seeing an actual Goetia hold Blitzo's hand, he connected the dots. "Shit!" the winged imp backed off in fear and took on a more understanding demeanor by bowing at his present. "Forgive and accept my apologies, your highness! Go right in!" He wisely chose not to incur the wrath of a Goetia, but he still fumed when Blitzo flipped him off.
Blitzo went on ahead to look for any sign of his employees. When the invisible Lincoln and Stolas caught up, the former gasps in amazement upon seeing the interior of the club, two-person dinner tables were spread out and the basic design overall included heart designs, art depicting demons in compromising positions, and a big stage for in-hall entertainment. "Oh, my!" A flying imp waitress flew past him and the cages hung up with various other imps and Baphomets. "No! No, but yes!" Now this was what Stolas wanted. The two head to an empty table with Bltzo's seat having books stacked to make up for his height. "Oh. Blitzy! How romantic is this?! What made you choose such a place to bring me?" he asked, missing Blitzo discreetly taking out binoculars.
"Oh, it just sounded like a swell plan to have a blast tonight? That's all."
Lincoln fakes a cough. "Lies...all lies!"
Gritting his teeth, Blitzo was about to look.
But, his unseen intern tried pulling at the binoculars. If talking to Blitzo won't make him see reason, then acting on it would have to suffice. "Damn it, kid! Better not break these!"
"Er, what are you doing, Blitz?" Stolas thought their first date would be less confusing.
"Regretting to let you teach anyone magic, that's what! When did you get so strong, kid?!"
An imp waitress in a feathery uniform came to take their orders. "Can I get you two off?" she retracted. "I mean! Start you two off with some drinks? Plenty of poison to pick."
"Yes!" Stolas observed the menu options. "Perhaps some wine to share? Do you prefer red or white, Blitz? Perhaps some champagne?"
"Yeah, yeah. I'll take it to go."
Stolas frowned and tried laughing it off. "Perhaps all three! Why not?" The waitress nodded and left.
Blitzo felt something tug on his jacket, an invisible something to be exact and groans. "Hey, listen, I gotta go take care of a thing! Don't order anything without me!" he waves in a dash.
"...But, I just did."
Snarling, Blitzo made a turn for the bathroom. "What the fuck is it, Lincoln?! You're ruining everything!"
Lincoln reappeared to settle things face to face, and because his anger at his boss was making him lose focus on keeping the spell up. "Good! I'm glad I am! Sorry, but I can't just stand by and watch this! I've had enough!"
"Yeah? And just what are you goona do? Rat me out to the happy couple?" Blitzo dared, poking Lincoln's chest. "As if you have the brass balls for it. Not to mention a poor move as an employee, 'cause that's a paid dedu-"
"Quiet!" Lincoln roared, his eyes briefly going red and the sink windows breaking. Blitzo promptly stopped talking with a notable flinch, Lincoln never took that tone with him before, not with someone he personally knew. Soothing his own anger, Lincoln proceeds to say to Blitzo what he should've said the minute he came forward with this nonsensical idea of his in his bedroom. "I've done riskier things, and you know it. What's telling you off to them compared to all the craziness I already do now since working for you? It's not just me. Moxxie and Millie. I know they're more used to it, they're only the most awesome assassins ever. But the risks besides their own lives might not be worth it, and they still do it anyway out of loyalty for you."
"Hey, they knew what they were getting into when I hired them!"
"And how did you often repay them? By belittling Moxxie every chance you get, even in front of Millie and you know how she hates it when someone messes with him. But she lets it slide, because not only are you her boss, but you're also her friend." Lincoln told him which made Blitzo widen his eyes and look away, he can see the mounting guilt. "What makes this even worse is that it looked like you and Moxxie were finally getting along. With every time they stuck out their necks for you, is it really hard to blame them for wanting a night for themselves? For their anniversary? Even going behind their backs and dragging me into this? Did you really think they'll just let that go? Then, there's Stolas."
Blitzo rubs his temples. "Please, just-just stop."
"No! This needs to be said." Lincoln didn't stop. "I get that you believe that he only thinks of you as some kind of object for his own needs. Well, believe it or not, you two have more in common than you realize. You use him for your wants, too, but beyond that, you both are looking for something. Something real. Something meaningful, and you both want to find it in each other. So much so that he risks getting caught. Notice that he's actually happy to think this is a real date, not knowing what you're really up to." He sighs and heads for the door. "Last chance, Blitz. You can end this whole farce right now." Lincoln hoped that Blitzo would just see reason this one time. Just one move was enough. But, he didn't. Blitzo stayed in place. With immense disappointment, Lincoln turned his head away. "Right."
He left without saying another word.
All Blitzo could do was continue standing like a big jerk. Closing his eyes, Blitzo paced until stopping next to one of the bathroom stalls and with ferocity, hit a fist against the door. "Fuck! Damn it, damn it, damn it! Shit! Fuck! Dammit all! Damn it!" he kept on beating the door until he was sweating under the stress, and groaned his way to the cracked sink mirror, staring into his own cracked reflection and asked it a question. "The hell is wrong with you?" This has happened before, and it was all his own fault.
He glumly exits and from another stall, an imp waitress looked out. "Okay, the coast is clear."
The stall next to her opened and out walked a patron. "Good. Any longer and my date would have gotten suspicious."
Now, Blitzo was less enthused about spying, he could do the right thing for once in his life, but unfortunately, he didn't. It was his usual stubbornness playing to form and it made him feel horrible.
Stolas drummed his fingers on the table and brightened once Blitzo returned. "Ah, Blitz! Certainly took your time, didn't you?" He teased, but saw the imp's gloomy exterior. "Is everything okay?"
"...Yeah. Peachy as fucking sunshine, Stolas. Just order something, already, will you? I'll just...sit right here doing nothing." He let his binoculars slip to the floor and made no effort to pick them back up.
After the really intense and deep talk with Blitzo, Lincoln made himself as scarce as possible from any patron's eyes, making a point to avoid the tables where Verosika's associates were seated. For all his talk, Lincoln ultimately couldn't bring himself to go to his surrogate parents and tell them everything, mostly because he just wanted to leave this place.
"There's gotta be a way out."
He scoped the area, but it was just so big, he could barely see any other route besides the main entrance. He can't exactly go there without being seen, the invisibility spell would do the trick just as it has so far. Unfortunately, when he casts it again, he was visible the very next second. His emotions were clouding his focus, and without that, he can't maintain the spell.
Just his rotten luck.
Now was the time for him to think, to be the man with the plan. His best bet was to put all those stealth lessons from M&M into some much needed use if he was going to end the night with his purity intact.
Waiters were walking and he had no idea that Lincoln was hiding at their sides, perfectly mimicking their movements, the waiter turns around and the kid was gone, just not through a spell. Lincoln had sneaked behind a chair and by timing it just right, made his move by crouching down and taking light steps on the floor, going for routes that weren't anywhere near the patrons who were Succubi. If Moxxie and Millie were to see him, they'd be so proud in spite of panicking that Lincoln was indeed in this sex-fueled ring of Hell. "This is going a lot better than I thought."
"Glad someone's having a good time!" Jumping, Lincoln saw none other than one of the Incubi of Verosika's group, Kat, and he was very very tipsy. "I've been trying to get some tail all night, but apparently, it's obvious that I got here through breaking the rules just so I don't miss out hanging with my friends! Shows what they fucking know! I could very well do have a date in the crapper!"
"I-It's you."
"Huh?" Kat slurred in his speech, but upon closer inspection, he too recognized Lincoln. "Wait. Wait. I know you, man. I-I definitely know you, you're...you're that kid! Yeah! The one who works for Verosika's ex...hang on. What are you doing here?!"
"I've been asking myself that a lot lately." Lincoln's gaze hardened at that. "Look, I didn't interrupt you're...whatever this is. Just, can you please not tell her I'm here! I'm actually trying to leave!"
"Yeah? Well, y-you should!" Kat nearly fell off his chair. "Lust ain't no place for little virgin brats, you know! I-In fact, hey! Josh! Ace! Look, who I just ran into!"
At another table, Josh was sitting on Ace's lap. "We're not getting you more drinks, Kat." Josh said, then he and his date saw Lincoln.
"You?!" Ace sputtered.
Lincoln raised an exasperated hand. "Me."
"Oh, fantastic." Josh sarcastically droned. "Didn't think the big man was letting in brats."
"Yeah, I'm not really thrilled to be here myself, man."
Ace pinches his nose's bridge with a hum and walks over carrying Josh in his arms. "Then what are you doing here, kid? Shouldn't you be up top somewhere with your pack of gremlins?"
"Funny thing, I was doing just that earlier. But then, my boss had the 'genius' idea to bring me down to Lust for a very stupid reason, even though I kept telling him it was a bad idea. Can you imagine what that's like?"
Both Josh and Ace look at Kat. "We may have an idea."
Kat holds his drink up high and pours it down his throat, close to collapsing. "Don't wanna hear it, you douches." he lamented.
"Don't you have fancy magic tricks, or something?" Ace pointed out. "Why don't you just do that?"
"In my hurry, it looks like I forgot to bring flash cards written with portal spells." Lincoln felt like a real idiot. "Only ones I have left aren't what I need. See?" he throws a card on the ground that creates vinesthat made waiters trip, spiling their food on patrons.
The Incubi stare and share a laugh. "Heh, that was kinda cool. Do another." Josh urged.
"Uh...okay?" Lincoln didn't want to waste time, but complied. The next card created a floating orb of light that zapped a lazy waiter taking a nap awake, it chased after him all over the club.
Once more, the Incubi share a laugh and Lincoln soon found that he joined in. He shouldn't be laughing, he needs to get the hell back to Pride, though this brief instance of levity was very much welcomed. "Yeah. I don't want to make too much a scene. So, I'm pretty much stuck." Lincoln rested his chin on his hand, not really knowing what else to do.
The three incubi stared at one another and they were not what they'd call masters of sympathy, but, it was pretty hard to see a kid sad like this. That, and they do owe him big time. "Okay, look. You didn't hear it from any of us, but you might wanna try your luck over at the bar. The imp they have tending it has this reputation of landing all kinds of gigs all over Hell. That means he knows the ins and outs of each place he's worked at. That's what I've heard from old benefit friends who've met him. Not much, but it's something I guess." Ace shrugged.
It meant much to Lincoln. "Seriously? I'll take what I can, um, sorry. What's your name again, Ace?"
Ace quirked an eyebrow. "Kid, you just said it."
"Wait, your name really is Ace? I just called you that after looking at your tattoo." Lincoln replied. "Which looks cool, by the way."
"Oh. Um, thanks. I get that a lot, to be honest." Ace chuckled. "This is Josh and the sad drunk is Kat."
"Fine, I get it! I was a dumbass for trying this idea! Laugh away, Ace! Go ahead and have your laugh at this poor, poor, demon! Just let me pass out drunk in peace!"
"...Okay, well. On that note, I should go. Have a nice night! And thanks!"
"You know Verosika will kick our asses if she finds out we didn't give her a holler, right?" Josh said to Ace.
"Only if she finds out." Ace retorts. "Don't really see the runt as a rat, anyway. I don't like owing anyone anything, too. Plus, he's okay. You know, for a runt." Does seem stupid to hold onto a grudge where all the kid was help them out of a jam.
"...Pfft. I guess. But I still maintain that we're not his buds."
Kat sniffles. "I wouldn't mind a bud!" he comically wept on the table cloth.
Lincoln made it to the bar unscathed where there looked to be only one heavy drinker that also looked like he had one too many. "Excuse me, Mr. bartender, sir. I was hoping you could help-" the bartender turns around to reveal himself as a familiar imp. "Wally Wackford?!"
"I say, I say, hello there, lad!" The imps of many jobs greeted, a heart was included on his hat. "Why if I'm not mistaken, you're that youngster under the employ of dear Blitzo! How are you, I say, how are you?"
"Fine. Thanks for asking. Sorry, but how and why are you working here? Last I checked, you once helped host the harvest moon festival, and before that, I think I saw you sell torches. Now that I think about it, don't you run a factory?" How is it that this imp keeps popping up in places he's been?
"Haha! I say, A simple answer, my curious young friend. When you're a lone imp trying to get by in a damn dirty hellhole though running your own business, that is met with a myriad of trials. Thus, I say, thus, I take any kind of profession willing to take me! Seeing as you've been with a lucrative assassination outfit like I.M.P, I'm certain you understand!"
"Y-You can say that." Lincoln dejectedly looked down. "But look, I was told you know about the places you work at, right?"
"Indeed, I say, indeed I do! Let me guess, you wish to know where they keep the liquor and don't want mommy and daddy to catch you! Wait right here! I shan't, I say, shan't be long!"
"Hang on, that's not-" And he was gone. "Dang it. Why is it so hard for someone to listen to me? I talk, and I talk, but does anyone actually hear me? No. Ugh, Loona's probably having fun right now."
Lincoln doesn't respond when a certain pink coated Succubus walks up. "Hey, where's the bartender?"
"You just missed him, went to get a lot of drinks, l-" Lincoln saw that it was Verosika. "-Buh-buh-buh-buh-Verosika?!" he stuttered out of shock.
Verosika lifted up her shades and her eyes widened, she recognized the voice and that face, but most of all, she knew the familiar smell of his scent "Lincoln? It is you!" she shrieks with absolute joy wit hearts floating off her head.
"Aaaaaand, I'm gone." Verosika's tail grabbed him and spun him around before she caught him in a her embrace.
No way was she passing this up. "Not so fast, Linky." She giggled, brushing his face, savoring their reunion. "I've barely seen you after my stay that shit-tastic building for Succ Inc. And hey, digging the new clothes. Lot better than that tacky suit Blitzo made you wear. I've been wanting to see you again for so long, haven't you felt the same?" She whispered in his ear.
This was exactly what Lincoln was afraid of, not only did he run into Verosika, but now she was intent on flirting with him like before, if only Blitzo had heeded his many warnings. It didn't help that while he was understandably disturbed, he still found Verosika to be be incredibly gorgeous beyond words and concepts. He forced himself to remember his goal of getting back to semi-normalcy at I.M.P. "I-It's not like I didn't want to see you!" Lincoln tried to make some distance. "Things just get so hectic at I.M.P, and you were also busy with your own stuff, I didn't want to distract you! Hehe..."
"Aw, how sweet of you." Verosika cooed, climbing on top of the bar counter to pose for him. "But, for you, I would've made a lot of time. In fact, the rest of the girls would've also loved that? Why don't we go say hi?"
"I actually-AH!"
She didn't give him time to answer once she takes him along at the exact time for Wally to return. "I say, pick your poison, my good-oh, he left. I say, I say, he must have a hot date!" the other patron at the counter just mutters for more drinks.
Coco and Apple were enjoying their date at their own table, though Coco was quick to give a waiter a fair warning when she caught him eyeing Apple a certain way. "That's right! Keep on walking, and don't let me catch you around us again!"
"But, Coco. Doesn't my dress look good on me?" Apple was quite flattered that he thought so.
"Of course they do, sweet thing." Coco reassured, not meaning to hurt her feelings. "But, remember what we agreed. Tonight is all about us, right now. Everyone else can look, but they sure as hell can't join our date.."
"You do realize the sort of talk you're doing kills the vibe here, right?" Kiki taunts, her and Milky were close by and the latter munched down on a some juicy stake. "I'd listen to your girl there, Coco. Might be the first time she's said something remotely smart."
"Hey!"
Milky rudely takes some of their own food. "She's not wrong, you can't deny that. Ozzie's may only let couples in, but that don't mean you can't flirt with anyone else that isn't a date. Y'all need to cut that shit out if you know what's good for you. Kiki and I have just been flirting around to keep up appearances, and we even came in as a pair. The whole club's a who's who of who you stuffy bitches want. The answer, everyone."
Coco glowered. "When there's someone me and my girl actually like, I'll text you a pic of them if that'll help!"
Kiki sighed, and separated them before they fought and they'd be kicked out, affecting Verosika's reputation as her posse. "Okay, okay. That's enough, we're supposed behave. Look, Apple, Coco, I'm sorry. It's just, this just ain't as fun as I expected. Don't get me wrong, there's a lot of possibilities here, but I just can't help feeling it could be way better somehow."
"I hear that." Coco wasn't entirely opposed to the idea of some more additions, but it didn't feel right. "Feels like something's missing..."
"Oh, ladies~." The four Succubi looked to the call of their leader and they gaped when they saw a familiar white-haired human boy she had with her and he was in a blushing mess. "Look what the cat dragged in. Or should I say bunny?" the popstar placed Lincoln next to them who shivered like he was in zero degree weather. A timid hand waved a them.
"H-Hello."
None said anything until Apple squealed in delight. "EEEEEEEE! Linky~" No time was wasted as she dashes to hug him tightly to her form. "I missed you so much! Same with Coco! Did you miss me! JK, you totally did!" she planted kisses on his head.
"I can see that, Apple." Lincoln deadpanned, and the three others sauntered over just as delighted to see him.
"Well, well, well." Kiki smirked, her hands on her hips. "This night just got more interesting, huh, girls?"
"Damn right." Coco suddenly didn't mind extra company, she and Apple were at both of Lincoln's sides. "Only way in here is with a date, baby boy. Now don't go breaking four sexy gals' hearts by saying you went and found one." she teasingly pinched his cheek.
"No! No! O-Of course not!"
"Ooh! Sounds like someone sneaked in~." Milky ate some cake slowly and licked some cake frosting off. "Hoping to get a look on the wild side. Should've came looking for us if that's all, naught boy."
"She's right, you know." Kiki twirled a lock of Lincoln's hair in her fingers. "It's the least we could do after what you for us last time. In fact, we've been thinking about how to properly...reward you."
These women sure knew what they were doing. "That's not it, either! It's a very long story, alright?" Lincoln really wished the stupid curse would apply even though he's already in Hell. "Also, no rewards are necessary. Really. In fact, I don't wanna cause trouble, so I'm trying to leave."
So modest and being a polite gentleman when turning them down.
It can be safely said that that's what they missed the most about him. "You sure about that? We can think of something quite nice to get you to stay." Verosika slowly walked by while her tail tickled his nose lightly. "If you're not here with a date, then why don't I be your date?" she took her own seat across the table with a leg over the other and crossed her arm. "I only got in this club solo for a gig here, but being around all these close couples just makes me feel so lonely." she put on her best pouting face. "And wouldn't it be so better to spend time with us without any crappy bets going on? While we're at it, we can take you back to our place when we're done here if you want."
Lincoln could not find any words, or his own voice. "Buh...buh..." he heard Coco speak next.
"Plenty of space in mine and Apple's room. Just the three of us, all night long."
Apple nodded. "It''ll be so much fun, Linky."
"That's-um-I-"
Milky leaned on a chair. "I usually just veg out on the bed, if you want to lie on top of me, I don't mind~."
"Well?" Veroska was on top of the table, crawling towards Lincoln until she held his cheeks tenderly, grinning as they stared into each other's eyes. "How about it, Linky?"
Lincoln tried to tear his gaze away from hers, but that was so hard. "I-I-" No sentences formed, he felt so lost in her eyes it was a little odd to put into words. A disturbance arrived at the scene.
"I was right! It's Verosika Mayday!"
Two other female Succubi appeared, interrupting her. One was a dark haired bang over an eye beauty with wide hips in a dark dinner dress. Her date had her blonde hair tied in a ponytail, her clothing consisted of a blue tube top shirt and jeans that exposed her left leg, she also had shades on. "See, Peach! I told you I saw her!" the blonde said."That you did, Eight." Peach admitted, then notices Lincoln. "And whoa, check it out."
Both grinned. "Where'd you come from, kid?" Eight and Peach pushed Coco and Apple away from their spots, causing them to growl.
"This here a private party?" Add in another Succubus to the mix. She was a tall one, matching Verosika's height in dark clothing over a yellow top exposing both cleavage and naval, her long white hair was done in a braid. Having detected Lincoln's presence, she intruded upon the table. "What's your deal, cute stuff?"
"I-I'm Lincoln Loud, miss..."
"Name's Tappa, sweetie."
For some reason, they hated seeing others of their species fawn over Lincoln, the boy they met first. It was like a challenge to them and they hated it while usually, they don't get that angry over it "Hey, cool your jets there, girl!" Coco snapped at Peach. "This is our table! And that's our boy!"
Apple nodded vigorously. "Yeah! We saw him first!" she childishly complained.
"Pretty sure you left a behind your own date." Kiki told Tappa.
"You mean him?" Tappa pointed over to her table where an Incubus was passed out asleep. "Turns out I was too much for him, so decided to mingle. So far, I couldn't quite find anyone worth talking to.." she invitingly smiled at Lincoln. "Until now."
"Then check at another table, skank." Milky huffed.
"I'm sorry, but I don't really listen to short-stacks, they usually listen to me, and I definitely don't listen to some skinny tacky pasty-wearing bitch who tries to convince herself she doesn't need implants. Even though it would be a huge improvement."
Kiki and Milky's blood boiled over the cracks at them.
Verosika didn't take kindly to them poaching in on her territory and wanted nothing more than to put them all in their places. A scene, however, won't go well with the club's boss and contrary to what some might believe, she has learned a thing or two about not getting in trouble with Hell's higher ups. "Excuse me. Girls. If you must know, that sweet little man is my date and this more of a private thing, so please. Back the fuck off!" She venomously said, directly looking at Tappa. Peach and Eight were fans, and she knew just how to sweet talk them. "If you do, that'd make you nice girls." She brought them closer to her, hugging their shoulders."And I just love nice girls."
"Okay, miss Verosika!" Blushing, the two backed off and Verosika glared expectantly at Tappa and she complied as well.
"Guess it's easy when you're a famous sellout." Tappa insulted and the three bid farewell to Lincoln through waves and blown air kisses.
Verosika's girls flipped them off.
"Oh, thank goodness." Lincoln breathed out a sigh of relief.
Verosika was more than a little disappointed, she felt a great flow before being interrupted and now the kid seemed more intent than ever to leave. "Super sorry about that." she apologized to the stressed boy.
"I'm fine. Just never got that much attention before. Or ever." Seeing Coco and Apple still on the floor, he helps them. "You two alright?"
"Yeah, we're fine, hon." Coco rubbed her sore back. "Bitches got us good."
Apple caresses her forearm. "Owie..."
Frowning, Lincoln got an idea and used on his spells, the cards explode into green mist that travel to where it hurts most and the Succubi couple feel the soreness wash away. "Ooh, now that feels right." Coco smiled.
"Just a healing spell." Lincoln shrugged, then noticed Kiki's disheartened expression. "I, uh, I think you're already pretty, Kiki."
Kiki looked up, startled. "What?"
"You're...already pretty." Lincoln earnestly told her. "I mean, you already look beautiful enough."
"Oh." Kiki blinked, not expecting such an honest compliment, it even made her blush. "Th-Thanks, Lincoln." she strokes her hair.
Lincoln gave Milky words of encouragement. "And hey, say what if your short? People don't expect much from me because of my height, then I surprise them. I even surprised myself. So, who says being short is all bad? I bet a lot of people never mind when they meet you, Milky."
Now it was Milky's turn to go red. "Man, I-I keep telling people's asses that."
Things certainly took a turn, not in the way the ladies expected, that's for sure. Now Lincoln's the one making them blush up like shy schoolgirls and Verosika was ever impressed and a little jealous. "Hey. You know what you need? Some nice snacks and non-alcoholic beverages? Girls, I think you can handle that. I'll be sure to keep Lincoln company."
"Copy that." Milky saluted.
"Bye, Lincoln~."
Now, Lincoln and Verosika were all alone and it just occurred to Lincoln that this was the second date he's been at in a romantic dinner. "Thanks for getting them to back off, by the way. I guess that must happen a lot."
"Afraid so." Verosika admitted with annoyance. "Now don't get me wrong, I fucking love being a famous pop singer from here to all the way in topside. Doesn't mean I don't get pissed off sometimes. Still a pretty kickass life, though."
"Heh. I wouldn't know. For most of my life, I've lived pretty normal. With my parents and all my ten sisters."
"Whoa, whoa! Back up." Verosika thought she heard a car crash. "Did you just say ten sisters?"
"Yeah?"
"Like, full-blooded? No half-siblings? Or any sign of cheating from your parents?"
"I can safely promise my human parents never once cheated."
She had no clue why he specified the human part, but took it. "And just to clarify, there is no possibility of rabbit DNA in your bloodline?"
Lincoln stifled a laugh. "My sister, Lisa, she's bit of a mad scientist tried something like that, only with wolf DNA. Thankfully, she abandoned that project. Personally, I think my little sister, Lana, would've preferred frog or snake DNA, or just about any DNA from the animal kingdom in general. Other than that, no, far as I can tell, none whatsoever." His family, yes, but as for Lincoln. Due to events after his coming to Hell, the jury's still out on that.
If Verosika had a drink, she'd spit it out after laughing out loud. "I'm sorry, but that is a riot! I mean, ten sisters?! In one house? Man, lord have mercy on your mom, too. Can't imagine that's a hundred percent stress free."
"You wouldn't be wrong." Lincoln conceded. "If I'm being real right now, I'd much rather take that than what's been going on lately."
She recognized that face, it was a face she's formed multiple times in the past and had a suspicion on who was the cause. "Let me guess. A shit-eating shit-stain named Blitzo did something stupid, didn't he?"
"Wouldn't use those words, per say, but yeah, essentially." Lincoln groaned. "The whole reason I'm even here is because he came up with an insanely stupid plan, and-"
Verosika put a hand up. "Eh-eh-eh! I know this part. He roped you into it and you have been trying, and I mean really trying to get him to abandon whatever dumbass reason he has for pulling that kind of bullshit, only for him to just keep on doing it, regardless of your own feelings on the matter."
"That is...entirely true."
"Ugh. Now that. That is just classic Blitzo!" Verosika spitefully said. "Motherfucking prick. Sounds like he hasn't changed at all, and you know what? It's a mistake to expect otherwise. All the checkbooks I write off to pay the damages he did, using my credit for nothing but horse shit, at one point, literal horse shit! It's true. Blew away a lot of my money on real horse poop! Can't forget riding one straight into one of my agents' mansion!"
Lincoln stared in disbelief. "Wow. That is just wow. I guess he's always done whatever he wanted, huh?"
"Yeah." Verosika's face softens, recollecting all those memories, it struck her how long it's been. "That didn't stop me from still being with him. He could've set my entire house on fire, and I still would've kept things going. He can be such a jackass, but at the same time, prove to be so good at the same time that I wouldn't end it. Then, it felt like he wanted something from me and maybe didn't think I could give it to him." she mused.
"What was it?"
"Try asking him yourself, though I doubt he'd actually be honest." Verosika stated. "And I didn't stay with him just because he was good in the sack. Of course, that's not to say it didn't help."
"Uh...choosing to ignore that."
"Sorry." Verosika winced. "Eventually, he just...he just...I couldn't take it anymore and he...never even tried to apologize. Was-Was I not even good enough? Or worth it?"
The more she talked, the more Lincoln listened and oddly enough, he could feel all the sadness Verosika's kept inside. The heartbreak that still affects her to this day, it's more than observing it, the boy suddenly could actually feel what she's feeling. A level of empathy that felt supernatural in origin, but he didn't dwell on it, he focused more on her and what she needed. Lincoln surprised her by reaching for her hand and holding it gently as he gazes with an expression of understanding, telling her that he didn't judge her for feeling all of that. "I'm sorry. I'm-I'm so sorry."
Verosika felt touched, and soon, she too was blushing. This is what she wanted, for someone to truly 'see' her other than an object. "Th-Thanks. But, you don't have to be sorry for anything. That's all in the past and knowing Blitzo, he probably keeps telling you how I was just as bad. Yeah, I may not have been the perfect girlfriend, but even he should know better than to make himself out to be the 'good' guy. Of course, I don't expect anything less."
"Yeah, you wouldn't be wrong there. Honestly, no one's ever really perfect. I'm not perfect, neither is Blitz, which does go without saying." Verosika chuckles at that. "I don't think that's all bad. For all the flaws someone has, I like to think their not complete monsters. Even demons. The others at I.M.P, I love them, they've been like a family to me. All while still being ruthless assassins. Plus, there's you. You saved my life, and I haven't forgotten that. You're also beautiful, talented, need I go on?"
"Please do..." Verosika begged in a hush with sparkling eyes and deep blush.
"Blitz can be a pain, yes. The best we can do is hope he realizes that before he ends ruining something else."
"Hmph, and when that does happen? Because, trust me, you'd be way better off somewhere else." Like with her.
"I-I don't know. I guess I'll cross that bridge when I get to it."
This kid had a way with words. How Bitzo managed to have him working for him was beyond and frankly, the trip down memory lane left a bad taste in her mouth, and a usual medicine was the devil's nectar. "I need a freaking drink. Will-Will you still be here?"
She looked so damn depressed, and this is Lincoln we're talking about. "Yeah. I promise." With her gone, this was his one chance to get out of Lust dodge, and he didn't take it. "Hope you're at least having a good time, Blitz." he sighed.
Blitzo wasn't having a good time.
All he wanted to was just spy on his employees on their super important date night, and he can't do that now. Not without Lincoln's words keep replaying on loop in his head, why did that kid always have to make so much sense? All this while Stolas still trying to make this so-called 'date' interesting, which was hard since Blitzo never even intended to be so.
To think that Stolas would be so engaging on a date, so willing to make it like they were on a real date, and it was starting to make Blitzo feel guilty. "So, Blitz. How was your day?"
"Huh?" Blitzo lazily responded. "Oh. Nothing to report. It was like any other day. Killed a bunch of beardos." Just another job in his book.
"That sounds fun!" Stolas forced a smile. Taking into account of the imp's love of killing, Stolas tries, key word being tries, to build up on that. "Er, how did you kill them, if you don't mind me asking?"
"How?" Blitzo didn't think specifics were required. He answered the best that he could. "Besides bullets? What else are you gonna use to kill a bunch of them?" he shrugged, not seeing why that wasn't obvious.
Stolas laughs in a nervous fashion. "Right! Of course. Silly me. Um..." He really dug around something that the two had common ground on that won't make things more hilariously awkward. "What about our dear Lincoln? I do hope things have been progressing well for the boy?"
"Oh. Yeah, the kid's doing great." Blitzo dismissed Stolas concerns, and got into a real frustrated spiel. "I just wish he'd quit it with the whole bringing common sense! It's that kind of idealistic crap that Hell likes to chew up and spit out. Kid looks out for others more than he should look out for himself."
"Well, I don't really see that a weakness." Stolas defends his student's stance. "If anything, that's proven to be a rather impressive strength of his. If anything, that's why he's such a rarity among mortals. If it seems like he's trying to tell you what to do, I like to think it's his way of making sure no harm comes his loved ones' way." If that's true, the Blitzo feels like he's not among that list of loved ones. Unless, he is? Lincoln's smart, too smart, so if he could point out things not even Blitzo could see, then could he also that of all the people Blitzo will end up hurting due to his impulsive decisions, it Blitzo himself that will also be affected? In the event that is true, Blitzo would feel like a bigger jerk to his employees.
"Yeah. M-Maybe."
"Now, if I you don't mind the boldness. What made you decide to ask me out after all this time?"
He had ask that kind of question, too.
"Uh..."
Before he could even tell his unconvincing lie, the lights suddenly dimmed and new lights activated. Every patron present listened as bongo melodies rang out, the cages floated to the sides to let a stage full of winged imp employee dancers on poles to descend. Pink steam was released and an announcer called out for all to pay attention to him and for Blitzo and Lincoln, it was a voice they knew all too well.
"Ladies and gentleman! I see some sexy faces around here tonight!" On the stage, a lone figure slithered down a pole to unveil itself as a well known entertainer. It was Fizzarolli. Not a robot duplicate, but the real deal. The colors on his jester outfit were different, but one can tell just by seeing more life in the eyes. Despite that, it looked as if he had cybernetic enhancements on his body, allowing him to move with his limbs extended. "Welcome, welcome, to Ozzies!" The jester declared. "Lust Ring's number one place for all kinds of sick twisted fantasies!" He twirls himself to several tables. "Put on display for all you sleaze and sleazess!" He spins back onstage. "The gem joint of Asmodeus himself! Come on! Give our host some love!" he urged.
Everyone clapped and cheered as he requested.
Lincoln gave light claps. "Uh, so that's the real Fizzarolli? Like, the genuine article? Not some creepy psycho robot?"
Verosika's girl friends had returned. "That's him." Kiki affirmed.
"Doesn't he work for Mammon, though? That guy rules over Greed."
'Well, someone knows his shit about Hell." Milky praised, laying her elbow on his shoulder. "Yeah, but then the clown went and made it big by performing for Ozzie. Those tin cans are made here while being sold to other rings. I think in return, the big boss rents Fizz for shows or something."
At Blitzo and Stolas' table, the Goetia prince hoped he misheard. "Did he just say Asmodeus?" he fearfully asked. One of the seven deadly sins. Rulers of the seven rings. The only other demons ranked higher than the Ars Goetia demons, with only the royal family being above them. This was his club.
Blitzo was also perturbed, mainly by seeing the real deal of Fizzarolli in the flesh so to speak. An old from his past, and if the past months are anything to go by, this is where shit hits the fan. "Oh, no fucking way! Not him!" He hides his face behind the menu, confusing Stolas.
"I am the one and only Fizzarolli!" The jester does his own introduction by outstretching a poster of himself, rolling it back to show a different one for Loo Loo Land. "Some of you might recognize this dashing clown face from my numerous toy-botic replicas across the Rings of Hell! Gloriously designed by our humble host and uh, ribbed for your pleasure tonight." he flirts and lifts up a sleeve to show off a cybernetic limb. "We have a great lineup for you, folks!" he gestures to the bar where Verosika was slowly reaching for a glass of wine from a nervous Wally Wackford and she realizes all eyes were on her. "A sexy bitch who needs no introduction! Verosika Mayday! Wet Dream!" She shoves Wally away with a smirk and poses sensually for the cameras, blowing a kiss. A trio of imps were also listed. "And the squirters!"
"So, that's what she meant. Whoa!" Lincoln is pulled and she does more poses but now with him, and he made sure to have his hoodie on. Once that was done, he was sent back to the girls.
"But as everyone's warming up." Fizzarolli sips on a straw. "I got a funny joke. Did anyone hear about the batshitery that happened at Mammon's place, Loo Loo Land?" The patrons all laughed. It made the nightly news. "Ha-ha-ha! Oh, yeah! Wow! Now, I'll tell you what, I'd love to shake the crazy son of a bitch's hands who decided to burn down that aging off-brand shithole and then slap a fat subpoena in it!" he glared. "Because I got a full mind to sue!"
Blitzo darted his eyes, Stolas raised his hand in front of his face, and Lincoln pulled the hoodie's chords to hide his face more.
All three were involved in that debacle. "Everything okay, Linky?" Apple asked, concerned.
"Yup! A-okay!"
Fizzarolli continues his rant. "Robo-me made us more money entertaining those little shits than the ones we sell to get you freaks off. If you know what I mean." he suggestively said, laughing.
An imp dressed like Fizzarolli waved his hand, not realizing that Fizz wasn't really asking for some feedback on his joke. "I know what you mean! I've got four of them!" he announced.
Disturbed, Fizzarolli spoke into his secret collar mic. "Okay, make sure to keep that guy far away from me." Now that his opening was done, now was the time get on with the show. "So, without further ado, our little opening act is a fresh face! Coming at us from a little imp from the Wrath Ring! Give cheers for Moxxie...who unfortunately has no creative stage name whatsoever!"
All clapped as Moxxie got up with a guitar, kissing a pleasantly surprised Millie.
"Moxxie?" Lincoln's respect for that gun expert grew, a romantic ode to Millie for their anniversary? That was his imp he was proud to call father.
As Moxxie took the stage, Fzzarolli sprung to a private section where Asmodeus was viewing everything on top of a glass containing blue fire. The I.M.P employee pulled the microphone down to his level. "Hello, everyone." It rung a bit too loud. "Oh." he clears his throat. "Hi. Thank you for letting me be 's an honor to play."
Wally voiced what most were thinking. "Hurry up-hic! I say, boy, I say!"
Moxxie ignored that. "This song is for my beautiful wife." Millie could just cry tears of joy. "I love you, Millie."
Moxxie begins strumming a sweet tune, telling everyone firsthand that he lives his wife Blitzo flinches in panic, this ode to Millie was going to be all fluffy and wholesome, the last thing anyone in Lust wants to hear. Moxxie kept going on and and on about how he loves Millie more than anything, it was the kind of thing that warmed hearts everyone else was confused since this was a bit too sweet and heartwarming for them. Fizzarolli can respect this imp's unconditional love for his wife, but he really should've gone to a different joint. That kind of thing ain't supposed be in here and shared a knowing look with the shrouded demon lord. Millie made Moxxie actually happy to live in Hell of all places, she just makes his heart flutter that it can be described as being magic,Pink smoke goes off from the guitar and it felt like he and Millie were in their own world. Moxxie could continue on for the rest of the night, maybe even for years to come for the sole purpose of showing his love, but that wouldn't be, the smoke changes color and heard two voices singing the same line over him mockingly. He used his showy magical talent to affect the stage and worked it more to his bidding.
The smoke clears and behind him stood not only Fizzarolli, but Asmodeus in all his glory demanded what his ears were hearing all this in a club owned by the likes of him, his three faces glowing in the dark as things take a drastic turn.
Moxxie backs up in fear as the demon lord stomps closer and places the imp in a magic circle.
It was really him. The demon host proprietor who expected much more from Moxxie, known throughout as one of the seven demon lords themselves.
Asmodeus steps into the light to unveil his appearance. He towered over all, walking like a rooster and dressed like a circus own'er suit with flashy adorning his flamboyant attire. Three faces were inside his blue mane, the middle looked norms, the right one was a bull and the left one a ram resembled a bull and the left one was a ram. He orders Moxxie to obey his order of making some changes to his song as Fizarolli does trumpet noises. He could feel everyone expecting him to listen to the club's owner. They wanted him to change his tune and they wanted it now. Fizz keeps one using his hands as instruments, and Asmodeus nuzzled his face against the cyborg jester.
Lust's ruler laid down on his chest to face Moxxie. The guy just wanted to give a little romantic display to his lovely wife, that was all understandable, but he was going to explain an important fact. Such things were frowned upon in this club.
Moxxie attempts to hop off, but Fizzarolli's extended arms coiled him. He spins Moxxie around like a tornado.
Asmodeus stops the spin. If Moxxie wants to hang around here, then he needs to change his tune to better meet the standards. He warned this by shoving Moxxie away, causing both Millie and Lincoln to gasp. Wants and desires were all that everyone sang about in this ring. "Hey, man. You should've left all that mushy shit back home."
Fizzarolli hoists Moxxie up to the cages and pulls in two cages containing female Baphomet, and one of them breathes a light fire stream that burns a marshmallow Fizz had on a trident.
Asmodeus gave Moxxie back his guitar and gestured to him sing.
Moxxie understood that his special song to Millie may not be what's commonplace in Lust, but that still didn't deter him in his original goal. However, all this added pressure of these higher ranked demons broke down his confidence. Every demon expected him to obey the commands of a higher demon.
When Moxxie failed, both Asmodeus and Fizz gagged, unimpressed. Both told all patrons to laugh cruelly at Moxxie and to pity his wife, not knowing why she stayed married to some dweeb who's all about wholesome love.
The audience laughs at the now saddened Moxxie's expense, but Lincoln didn't find this funny at all. In fact, he felt a lot of anger growing, this guy's just mocking the love Moxxie has for Millie just for the fact it's true romance. It was making him angry. "Grr..." Eyes shining red in his hoodie, the glass of soda Coco picked out for him breaks apart, shocking the girls.
Lincoln wasn't alone, Blitzo in an abrupt move, put his foot down and stood up for Moxxie in his own way which got almost everyone's attention on him.
Moxxie turned with a double-take as Millie looked on equally shocked like her husband and Lincoln face palmed at Blitzo's blunder.
"Hey, isn't that your weirdo boss?" Apple asked Lincoln.
Her girlfriend's eyes went wide when she saw who else was sitting at Blitzo's table. "Holy shit. Is that prince Stolas? The fuck is all that about?"
Lincoln could only shake his head in dismay. "Oh, Blitz? What are you doing?" A part of him felt responsible, thinking he should've done more to stop his boss from following M and M.
Blitzo's help only succeeded in disgusting Moxxie instead of helping him, but also hurting him after Moxxie saw that Blitzo really did end up following them. For a moment, he wanted to trust that he'd back off.
Fizz could hardly believe it. Blitzo was standing right there, and he was so sure of himself that he knew best about romance, well Fizz had much to critique about that, and soon the spotlight panned over to him. He wanted everyone to see how the other imp that dared speak up was the last person to criticize. Blitzo didn't intend to now be everyone's focus., and Stolas could only look on with concern and fear. Fizz knows fully well that Blitzo's love life was nothing but a pathetic joke, and He stretched his head out to say that straight to his face.
Blitzo was about to comment, but somebody else took the reins.
Verosika spoke up next. If anyone had any right to attest to Fizz's claims, it was her, and she'd make sure everyone will know that Blitzo's the last person to have as a romantic partner. She did her own verse with her own personal style.
Her fans supported her as a chorus.
Blitzo groaned in discomfort. If Fizz is already here, then he decided to let today include more old acquaintances he has a bad history with.
As for Stolas, he simply stared, gobsmacked that Blitzo used to date her.
Lincoln was soon pulled in by the popstar as she climbed onto a table while hugging him close.
Her fans gathered to the table to continue their support, and the owner of the table happily took pictures of the celebrity singing which didn't amuse his jealous girlfriend.
Blitzo grumbled in his seat, then realizes that despite having his hoodie on, he recognized that it was Lincoln. The tall imp gave him a confused face, and the kid shrugged apologetically.
Verosika released him and is pulled back by Apple to allow her leader more time to shine, standing up proudly.
Her admirers punched their fists in the air, sans the envious girlfriend.
Verosika informed with bitterness how he was the worst boyfriend that ever lived and she enjoyed every minute of it. Lincoln was not so fooled. He could hear the pain behind her words.
Asmodeus watched Verosika's little interruption with amusement and nudged Fizz playfully as everyone agreed that Blitzo was awful.
Blitzo largely ignored all of it, until Verosika pushed him off the chair and backed him against the wall. Stolas stood up in shock over what was happening. The Succubus became more hurt as she recounted being heartbroken by his actions and she sneered down at her ex-boyfriend whose glare morphed into a guilt-ridden frown of regret as he detected the subtle sadness behind her confidence.
Asmodeus would've loved to see one of his best Succubi continue mocking Blitzo, but he spotted the last demon he expected to see at Blitzo's table. He stopped the music and directs everyone to see that it was Stolas who responded like a deer caught in headlights.
Asmodeus and Fizzarolli hopped off and strutted their way over with the former peered at Blitzo. Stolas tried to leave, but the higher ranked demon forced him back to the chair. Out of all demons, they never expected Stolas to fall farther than a fallen angel. The demon lord summoned illusions of Stella and Octavia that glared at him in disgust and walked away, disappearing. Rumors had been going around among the elite that he and Stella were having marital issues. It was no wonder Stella always looked like a raging volcano in her recent public appearances. Even so, Asmodeus found it so amazing. He placed a disheartened Blitzo back on the chair, Stolas merely hid his shame in the menu. It was both laughable, yet at the same time, so scandalous that Asmodeus had to give both ridicule and praise. Blitzo looked expectantly at Stolas, assuming the Goetia would defend both of them. But, he didn't. The club owner and the jester prepared to finish the musical number off together with a firework display.
Fizzarolli screamed after Millie jumped and hit him with the guitar.
Asmodeus gaped in horror.
Having enough of them hounding on Moxxie, then her boss, Millie decided to intervene so that her and Moxxie's special night would get back on track. She sweetly handed him back his guitar.
All the other patrons may not approve of his genuine feelings, but Millie, and she was why he pulled out all the stops. That was more than enough for Moxxie and so, he gaze into each other's eyes as a frantic Asmodeus cradles Fizz's body. Moxxie leads her to a pole. An imp stage manager yawned in boredom, inadvertently pulling a lever that raised the pole and they spun around with their tales tangled.
"I won't lie...this is too much..." Apple sniffled, feeling touched by the sight. It was so sickening, but damn, they were so in love that it was so beautiful. Lincoln's empathetic ability picked up not just resentment from the audience, but envy too, you'd have be the luckiest demon around to have someone to make such an awful existence worth living in. Asmodues and Fizzarolli shared a glance and the jester gagged, making him snuggle in closer, but the cyborg imp lightly smiled at M&M. Moxxie ended it all with more proclamations of loving Millie with all his heart.
Finally, it came to an end and to make it more meaningful, Moxxie and Millie shared a gentle kiss.
Amazingly, many of the audience cheered.
But Lincoln was silent, he still couldn't get over the anger at how the king of Lust and his clown mocked Moxxie, shaming him just for being in love. He tried going for an attack but the fire disappeared. This was high class demon lord for crying out loud. But, that didn't stop Lincoln, it only made his animosity increase, so he tries another way, the magic of illusions..
Outside the club, the bouncer stood stalwart, until he sees the rain pour on harder without warning. Wind speeds were picking up, and the clouds above rumbled with thunder and flashed lightning. "The hell? There was supposed to be just rain!"
Asmodeus opens his eyes and gasps when he saw that Fizzarolli was gone. "Fizzy-pop? Where'd you go?" Not only was he gone, but so were everyone else. In fact, he wasn't in his club anymore. He found himself in a void, some kind of endless space with no beginning nor end, the Lust ruler was the only one around, or so he thought before hearing whispers.
"Hypocrite..."
"What's that?! Who's there?!"
"Hypocrite...hypocrite...hypocrite..."
"This some kind of dipshit's idea of a joke?! You know whom you're fuckin' with?!" Asmodeus roared, and dark chains trapped his wrists and a silhouette of Fizz appeared.
"You mock true love...yet you feel love in your heart for one..." The quiet voice points out. "Love is an integral part of what you represent, despite the differences. As its embodiment, I figured you knew."
"You trying to explain lust to me? Me?!" The chains burned in heat and he growled.
"I'm not done, you son of a bitch! If you hate love so much, then why bother having him?" Fizz's visage fades away, making Asmodeus panic as he tried to reach out to help him. The ground beneath him shakes and it breaks apart into cracks. The restrained lord stand on a single pillar as orange fire surrounded him, and a large shadow looms over. gazing up, he sees a face.
Threatening eyes of black and red glared, with its sharp teeth bared and it growled like a savage beast. It's most defining features were the rabbit ears and antler horns that are seen on top of its head. Roaring, the face plunged with its mouth open and Asmodeus did what demon lords like him almost never do.
He screamed in terror.
"Ozzie?" Eyes snapping open, Asmodeus sees he's back in his club. He looks down to see his favorite clown gaze up at him with worry, he'd never seen his superior look so terrified. "You alright?"
"I-I-Yeah, sure. Just need to catch my breath!" Asmodeus didn't know what to think, he's never felt a presence like that before. The only person make him quiver for his life was Lucifer, but he wasn't here. This was something new. Something different and they were bold to induce such an illusion to a lord.
The source itself was also tired. "Lincoln? You good?" Seeing him with a lost expression made Coco touch his shoulder, but when she did, she felt an extreme sensation that not only surprised her, it was also very attractive. It was gone now, but whoa.
"Uh, y-yeah. Sure." The contact managed to get Lincoln back to normal, which was a good thing. His sclera had begun to turn black.
Blitzo and Stolas sat in uncomfortable silence. Nothing more could be said after what occurred. Stolas tries to at least offer comfort by reaching for Blitzo's hand, but he flinches at the touch. "You know what? This was a mistake." Blitzo admitted tersely. "Alright? Let's just-Let's just leave."
"Oh. Right. Of course." Stolas hardly blamed him.
As they left, Moxxie and Millie continued their passionate kiss. "Aw, now ain't that so happy and romantic? It sickens me!" Asmodeus mockingly praised before his voice got deep and threatening. "Get the fuck out of my club!"
With them and Blitzo gone, Lincoln figures he ought leave as well, then sees Verosika drinking on the stage. "Hey." she turns to see him stand there.
"...Hey."
"May I?" Shrugging, Verosika lets the kid sit next to her, she's too bummed to be happy. Lincoln could've been angry with her too for joining in on publicly humiliating Blitzo, but the empath ability allowed him to feel how she truly felt. For the most part, it appeared that she hated reminding Blizo and herself of his blunders as a boyfriend more than she likes doing so. "That was a whole thing, wasn't it?"
"Yeah. I gotta say, your imp friend's pretty good. Not really my style, but it was okay. Are-Are you angry?" Verosika tensely asked. "I know you're annoyed with him, but I don't think you'd have done the same." she feels like she just ruined her image for Lincoln.
"You're right. I wouldn't." Lincoln nodded. "Blitz can be an insensitive jerk, but he's still a friend to me. Even so, he asked for it. I kept warning him, and he still went on. Everything that just happened, it's his own fault. You wanted to hurt him, and that ended up hurting you too. I am no expert in dating, but, you shouldn't hang on to that pain just to get back at someone." he advised.
"So what? You think I should forgive him?"
"That's up to you. I don't run your life and frankly, Blitz doesn't show it, but he ends up hurting himself enough. But if you really want to move on, all I can say is there's always letting go. Can't always drown it." Verosika turned very thoughtful. She looked at her drink, and sets it tosses it."I, uh, I should probably leave. It was nice. Talking with you and your friends."
Lincoln's shoulder was held by her hand. "Wait." Verosika leaned down and planted a soft kiss on his forehead,leaving a mark. It was soft and gentle, and he didn't really mind iit that much. "Here." She hands him a note with her phone number that had a lipstick kiss. "So we can keep in touch. If you want to, that is." she winks at him.
"Uh..." Lincoln blushes. "Th-Thanks. I-I'll think about it." What's weird is that he really means it.
"Hey!" Verosika's gal palls showed up. "We want to give Linky our numbers too!" Apple whined.
"Don't forget about us, baby boy." Coco purred as they go to give their own kisses.
"H-Hang on. One at a time!"
"Come here, you!"
"You should've seen this coming!"
Lincoln walked off in a dopey smiling daze with his face covered in kiss marks once again, only this time, his pockets were full of phone numbers, and luckily, what Millie feared didn't come to pass. "At least they only kissed me..."
"Surprised you didn't just take him. And you're okay with us just kissing him?" Kiki commented to Verosika.
"Yes. I am. I've been thinking, ladies." Verosika said. "I think we might have to play the long game with him." It was a tiny bit unorthodox for Succubi, but she had a feeling it'd be worth it. Talking with him so casually felt nice, not to mention his honest to god compliments and goodhearted nature, it was a nice change instead of one of the usual sort. They don't want to ruin that.
She looks at her arm with the crossed out tattoo.
Suppose she has been putting off removing it altogether, and she already had an idea on what to replace the name with.
Lincoln passed Asmodeus and for a brief nanosecond, the lord's hands trembled. It was there, much smaller than before, but the presence was felt, and he still couldn't tell where it was.
Outside, Blitzo and Stolas walked together and then Lincoln. "Blitz! Wait up!" they saw him wobble in his steps and fainted.
Blitzo looks to a one again shocked Stolas. "Oh, yeah. He was there the whole time. Just invisible."
Carrying Lincoln all the way back, Blitzo had him in the back of the I.M.P van and drove Stolas to his mansion. The prince had trouble to get out from the passenger seat in front, but he squeezed right through. "Thank you for inviting me out." The events of the night were less than favorable, but Stolas wanted it to be known that it wasn't a complete disaster for him. "Despite everything that's happened, I enjoyed spending time with you I always do."
"Yeah, yeah, sure." Blitzo numbly replied.
If that were true, Blitzo wondered why he didn't at least defend him from the onslaught.
"I'm sure I have more wine in the firdge." Stolas offered, wanting to salvage some things. "Octavia's at her mother this weekend and after dropping off the dear boy at your dwelling, you can come back so we could-"
"Stop! Just stop! I'm not fucking you tonight! Okay?" Blitzo angrily said, seeing this is another means for Stolas to get him in his bed and Blitzo wasn't going to even entertain the notion. "I just-I'm really not in the mood to do anything, so don't bother, Stolas." he shields his eyes, not wanting the prince to see the tears.
"...Why not just tal." Stolas , for perhaps the first time in their history, offered other ideas to appease Blitzo. "Watch a movie? Or maybe...cuddle?" he anxiously suggested, hoping to salvage at least something.
Blitzo thought this was a poor taste joke, that he was now suddenly more invested.
It infuriated Blitzo to no end. "Stolas, don't even pretend what we have is anything but you just wanting me to fuck you, okay? You make that clear enough every time I see you." he intentionally looked away to not see Stolas' heartbroken face. "But I just-I-I can't do it tonight, okay?" A momentary glance at his expression at least made Blitzo give an apology. "I'm sorry."
Stolas was truly hurt, and at the same time, didn't blame Blitzo. "Okay. I understand."
Lincoln had woken up and heard the entire exchange. "Blitz, can-can I speak to him alone?"
"Do whatever you want, kid. Just make it quick."
Lincoln and Stolas talked out of Blitzo's earshot. "Can't say I expected you to be in Lust, my pupil. I bet you fancied many of the luscious females, you bold child." Stolas playfully chided.
"It's a bit more complicated than that." Lincoln rubbed his head. "But, I did have a little fun. Stolas, are you okay?"
"...No, dear boy. I can't say I am." Stolas guiltily frowned. "I imagined you must be quite disappointed with me, how I did nothing to dissuade Asmodeus to save myself and Blitzy. Embarrassing for a teacher, wouldn't you agree?" His reputation and his family were already lost to him, now it's his teaching role.
"Stolas, you did make mistakes. So did Blitz. Thing is, you know it." Lincoln showed no contempt. "You think I was never afraid when I go on a job? Sometimes, I still am. But if kid like me can face it, so can you. You just need the right push."
"Hmm, I suppose at times, even the student can be a teacher in his own right." Stolas smiled. "Thank you for your kind words, Lincoln."
"No problem. And hey, maybe call Octavia sometime. I'm sure she'd love to hear from you, even when you're far away."
"A splendid idea." Lincoln returned to the van and Stolas breathes in deeply. "Goodnight, Blitz." he politely bowed.
"...Night."
The van left and Stolas could no loner keep on his brave face. Here was back in his empty mansion, no wife, no daughter, no student, and no Blitzo. It was all too much and he sat there on the steps, silently weeping.
During the drive, only silence was shared between Lincoln and Blitzo. The events of tonight left them both gloomy and for good reason, and it would've been nothing else besides silence if Blitzo hadn't spoke. "You sure looked like you were having fun. You know, with Verosika." Blitzo recalled, last he checked, Lincoln was trying to avoid coming across her in Lust.
"Okay, look. Before you even say it, that wasn't me getting back at you for not listening. Things just...they just happened."
"I'm so sure."
"It's true!" Lincoln wasn't going to take it. "Don't make it sound it was all part of a dastardly plan to make you look like a fool! You did all that so well on your own! Even if I was, I could've just done that by telling Moxxie and Millie, and surprise! I didn't! Even after everything, I still didn't tell them what was even going on! I didn't even tell Stolas and I was right there next to him!"
Blitzo's grip on the wheel tightened. "Well, why the fuck not?!"
"Because you're my friend!" A beat of silence ensues and Lincoln speaks in a shaky voice. "I kept trying to get you to leave not just because I didn't want you to ruin Moxxie and Millie's anniversary, it was also to stop you from not just hurting them, but also hurting yourself! Remember what I said before? About how what you were doing would've been the last straw for them? I was afraid, Blitz. Afraid that they'd end up quitting on you and you'd-you'd just break apart over it! I.M.P itself would just be no more and...I didn't want that!" he closed his eyes, sniffling and shedding tears. "I already lost one family that I may never see again, I didn't want to lose another...!"
Blitzo grits his teeth as he fought hard not to cry as well, his assumption was right. "You could just leave with them, you know! You'd still have your precious mommy and daddy!"
"It wouldn't be the same." Lincoln understood how Octavia felt. "Not without you and Loona. You're my friend...my family..."
Blitzo didn't know why he didn't leave Lincoln at the office, it was like something was telling him to bring him over to his apartment instead. Kicking the door, Blitzo tiredly sighs as he and Lincoln enter. This was the first time Lincoln's seen this place and observed the various photos, drawings, and posters decorating the wall. In the ones including Blitzo, his image of scribbled out.
The imp boss was about to knock on the door to Loona's fortified room, but saw a note on it.
"Yeah." Lincoln kicked the ground guiltily. "Loona told me she was going out. I...chose not to tell you."
"...There are snacks in the fridge. Make yourself comfortable." Blitzo collapsed on the couch, hearing clatter in the kitchen. While he was doing that, Blitzo unlocked his Hell Phone and went through his photos. Despite everything, he did keep more than a few photos including Stolas . Next was him surprising M&M with a group selfie. Following that, him giving a noggie to Lincoln when the kid was practicing magic. One that had them all together. He even had photos for when he first hired Moxxie and adopted an unenthusiastic Loona. Then came the photos of a past Blitzo can never seem to escape from.
He looks at photo from when he and Verosika were still couple before the breakup, dressed for a hot date, arms around one another and looking so happy. Then, came one picturing a younger him hugging Fizzarolli without his makeup, looking like a pure organic imp. To think there was a time they were so close. Even before that, they had a tight bond, ever since they were little implings in the circus. So many connections made, so many fond memories, and so many mistakes. Most of which was made by him. He silently asked himself where it all went wrong.
The next pic answered that for him.
It was him with his twin sister, Barbie Wire holding a gift as an older female imp dotingly embraced them, she was wearing the same skull necklace he has now.
The one he inherited.
That broke the dam, tears streamed down Blitzo's face and he discards his phone, not wanting to look anymore. He cries into the pillow just as Lincoln returned with the snacks and sees his boss breaking down. Setting the snacks down, Lincoln takes his place on the couch, would words be enough? Will he even listen? The white haired boy did the one thing he felt was right, rub his hand on Blitzo's back. The imp nearly jumped, and looks back at Lincoln who was crying hos own tears of empathy, all with a comforting smile to boot.
"It's okay, Blitz. It's okay."
Blitzo didn't smack his hand away, he didn't express it, but he was thankful that Lincoln let him cry his feelings out.
Thankful that he didn't leave.