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Part 7 of Post-Trial to Second Trial AU
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2024-12-21
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2024-12-22
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Worried Sick

Summary:

While Ozzie is visiting King Paimon, Fizz decides to pay Blitz a visit but gets more than what he's bargained for when his old boss/father-figure also is visiting his son again.

Notes:

Wanted to clarify again, in this alternate universe canon divergent take, Cash is on speaking terms with his son again and they're slowly starting to repair their relationship. The tag exists for a reason so I want to explore this idea.

Okay? Good.

Now this takes place around the same time Ozzie is having his visit with Paimon. But Fizz couldn't really text Blitz to know he was coming since he had a million thoughts going on in this mind so he took his chance to see if Blitz was home. For right now, he is and Loona and M&M are giving Stolas some needed fresh air while also protecting him. Anyone messes with him, they're gonna kick their asses.

Blitz hadn't texted Fizz because he was so busy getting Stolas settled in and trying to keep things in check with his business that he hadn't really thought about it. And Fizz isn't bitching him out about not texting him to let him know he was okay because he saw the rest of the trial. He's just more upset that he put himself at risk like that after they just started to become friends again. He was so scared of almost losing him again.

And I think even with how angry he was with him when they weren't talking, deep down he'd never actually want him dead. But he is so relieved that his best friend is back in his life so he's gonna be supportive while also scolding him for his boneheaded moves.

We'll get Fizz and Cash's conversation too in the next chapter along with a brief cameo from a certain someone.

Chapter 1: Anger Born From Worry

Chapter Text

Fizz knew where Blitz’s apartment was since he helped comfort him after that…less than stellar Full Moon date. Blitz had needed a long night of pony cartoons and chocolate ice cream to cheer him up. It was a little weird being able to hang out like old times but it was kind of nice.

Blitz was still a bit of a dramatic goober but that was something that Fizz admired about him. He always was passionate even growing up; even with his dad being tough on him, he still never gave up. And he had to give it to his old friend, he finally got his big office. It was for a completely different business but he did get it.

Fizz looked down at his crystal, shutting his eyes as he tried to shake the thought of seeing him on TV and about ready to die.

‘Dammit Fizz you gotta hold it together…’ Fizz told himself, rubbing the crystal to open a portal. He needed to keep calm before he saw Blitz. He would be fine going to the apartment. Actually seeing him in person though?

…that was a whole other ball game.

(…)

“So you’re gonna come by again?” Blitzo guessed as he spoke into the phone.

‘Well I figured we got some catching up to do so…that’s okay, right?’

Blitz smiled a bit at his dad’s awkward way of trying to bond. They were slowly starting to talk more and catch up with what they’ve been up to. It’s still strange but they were slowly starting to make amends. At least they could speak to each other face to face without wanting to kick the other’s ass. Maybe time couldn’t heal all wounds but they could at least start mending the bridge to some sort of understanding.

It gave the imp some hope he could do the same with Barbie. But on her terms if she wanted to.

“Alright see you later, dad,” Blitz told him.

‘See ya, kiddo.’

Blitz hung up the phone, looking around the apartment. Loona had taken Stolas to get some new clothes and essentials with Millie and Moxxie so that left him alone for a bit. As he took in his home, he saw the dishes and trash were getting a bit…unruly so he decided to clean up. He and his dad were getting along better but he’d probably still nag him about his place being a mess.

Though the imp had a sneaking suspicion his dad’s trailer was just as much of a hell-pigsty.

It didn’t take long for Blitz to wash the dishes and put them away. He had slacked off a bit with house chores after what had happened the past few months but with Stolas staying with them and his dad stopping by more, he wanted to have it look semi-presentable. It wasn’t much but it was his home so he wanted to take care of it.

He had just finished washing the last dish and had put it away in the cabinet when he heard a knock at his door. “Damn is dad here already?” Blitz blinked in surprise before looking at the trash bags by the door. “Maybe I can let him chill here so I get these things out of here. Or toss ‘em on the fire escape and deal with it later.”

The knocking didn’t seem to quit so Blitz decided to take the garbage out later. “Yeah yeah I’m coming!” Blitz called, moving to the door and opening it. “Yeesh dad you gotta take piss or—OOF!”

Blitzo was knocked down by the full-body tackle of Fizzarolli, utterly confusing the taller imp. He was staring up at the worried but also annoyed friend of his.

“You big dummy! Don’t you ever do something that crazy again!” Fizz rambled, his face looking a mixture of relieved and angry.

“F-Fizz? You knew about the trial?” Blitz guessed, slowly trying to catch his breath.

“Knew?! I saw you nearly get your head chopped off!” The younger imp ranted, holding Blitz’s shirt collar as he looked him in the eyes. “I was texting Ozzie to do something when that asshole Satan wasn’t listening to him and Bee! I was so scared you dumbass!”

“You…what?” Blitz whispered, disturbed when he saw Fizz starting to tear up. “F-Fizzy?”

“You really think I wouldn’t care if something happened to you?” Fizz questioned, almost pleading to him. “I had no idea you were involved in some crazy shit…but you didn’t deserve death…”

“Fizz…”

“E-Even when we weren’t talking and I was so mad at you…I never wanted you dead…” Fizz went on.

“That’s surprising…” the taller imp admitted. “I’m really sorry…”

“Yeah…you better be…” the jester muttered, wiping his nose on his sleeve.

“I’m just…not used to this,” Blitz confessed, letting his shoulders droop a bit. “I didn’t think anyone cared if I…wasn’t around. If my friends and daughter could live…I’d do anything for them.”

Fizz let the tears flow as he buried his face in his chest. “Of course you have people that would care if you’re dead or not, dummy. Your friends, your daughter, me, Ozzie, Bee, Stolas—”

“Boys?” The two looked up to see a very confused Cash staring down at them. “Mr. Buckzo?” Fizz blinked, realizing he was on top of Blitz before climbing off of him and standing up.

“Hey dad,” Blitz waved.

“Should…I come back later?” Cash wondered, awkwardly standing in the doorway. “The door was unlocked so I let myself in."

Fizz looked between his former boss and his friend, utterly confused. They were talking? In person? And they were being civil?! Was he in the fucking Twilight Zone?!

“What…I…huh?!” Fizz rambled, turning to Blitz. “What in the unholy fuck is going on?!”

Blitz placed a hand on his shoulder giving him a tired smile. “It’s a bit of a story.”

[To Be Concluded]

Chapter 2: A Much Needed Talk

Summary:

While Blitz takes out the trash, Cash and Fizz have a much needed heart to heart that's as awkward as it is necessary.

Notes:

I saw the new episode and it was so good and bittersweet and broke my heart. I know for now things might look dim for Stolas but he has Blitz and Loona and Moxxie and Millie right now so he isn't fully alone.

And I want to make it clear; I don't want to see any Octavia bashing here, okay? She's still a literal child that has been sheltered and hurt and needs some time to clear her head. She thinks she's the one that made her dad miserable so in her mind, giving him the chance to be with someone that genuinely makes him happy is an act of kindness on her part even though it's hurting her. I think Stella will screw up and reveal she was the one that not only made Stolas's life hell and tried to have him killed.

Are we clear? Okay.

I wanted to get Fizz and Cash's conversation out since I think it had been a long time since they saw each other in person. It would be awkward to see your former boss/guardian after 15 years. But they both had to face the awful feeling of almost losing someone they cared about so they needed into talk about it. I'm still going with my headcanon that Cash, for as greedy as he could be, would not like Mammon and was very uncomfortable with Blitz and Fizz being fans of his. But after the fire and not having much money after saving Fizz's life, Cash couldn't really stop Fizz from going to Mammon.

And I'm still going with the "we" theory not only being Cash that kept them apart but Barbie as well. I'm guessing she was in rehab at the hospital at the time of the fire so she would've found out after the fact and I think would've lashed out. She was probably close to her mother and knowing her brother was the reason she lost her even when she was close to him would hurt a lot. And I'm thinking in Unhappy Campers, Blitz was calling Cash to try and find Barbie so they might at least have somewhat of an understanding where they can talk on the phone without having to see each other.

I also wanted to include a few references to my other AU ;)

And that cameo from Barbie will have some payoff a bit later when I eventually go into her thoughts about seeing Blitz almost get executed. But I think she's feeling conflicted with herself. She's mad at Blitz for being the reason her mother is gone and mad at herself that she couldn't be there to help since she was going through rehab. I think she does want to reconnect and is surprised her dad and Fizz have reconnected with Blitz but her guilt and stubbornness are making it hard for her to actually take that step.

Chapter Text

Once Cash and Fizz were caught up with everything that happened, Blitz prepared some coffee for them both. He still couldn’t understand how they could drink that shit without sugar or milk. It tasted so fucking gross to Blitz.

“Here’s your swill…” Blitz groaned, giving them both their mugs.

Cash took the cup and rolled his eyes. “Boy one of these days you’re gonna appreciate regular-ass coffee.” He told him.

“I can drink it straight from the pot.” Fizz added, smirking when his friend stuck his tongue out.

“I’ll stick with my liquid candy bars thank you very much.” Blitz huffed before picking up the trash bags. “I’m gonna take these out. You two just chill and chat, okay?”

“You got it.” Cash nodded.

“Don’t take too long…” Fizz requested.

Blitz left his father and friend in his apartment, hauling the trash bags over his shoulder. He had needed to get the trash out since it was starting to reek a bit but he had an ulterior motive to take the trash out now. He had needed to have a heart-to-heart with his dad.

Fizz needed some closure too.

(…)

Fizz and Cash sat awkwardly on the couch, keeping a respectful distance from each other. They hadn’t seen each other since Fizz left the hospital with Mammon. Mammon had offered Fizz something he couldn’t really refuse—new limbs and a career—so he had to part ways with his old boss. Cash had looked hurt when Fizz had said he couldn’t go with him when he was released from the hospital. But when Fizz said he’d be okay with Mammon looking out for him, Cash had to concede.

Not that he actually liked that option.

As much of a greedy bastard as he could be, even the former ringmaster had standards. Mammon was the kind of high class asshole that Cash absolutely hated. Using imps while stomping all over them. He had a sinking feeling that the kids might like Mammon as a performer but Fizz…wanted to be like him. And he got his wish…and all the trappings with it.

When he saw him quit that bastard on live TV, the older imp cheered like there was no tomorrow. That showed that bloated Sinsmas Tree!

“So…you’re looking well,” Cash began, needing to stop the silence.

“O-Oh! Thank you, sir,” Fizz laughed shyly. “You’re looking…healthier?”

“Well I’m cutting back on cigarettes and beef jerky,” Cash joked. “Those doctors in Sloth can be total nags.”

“Y-Yeah…they can be…” Fizz nodded before taking a deep breath. “So…you and Blitz are…good now?”

Cash let out a sigh before taking another swig of coffee. “We’re getting there. I ain’t over what happened…but I know it wasn’t his fault fully. Hell, I was the dumbass that had those stupid candles lit before entering the damned tent…” he rambled, running a hand over his face.

“Why…why did you say he never came?” Fizz questioned, almost pleading in his voice. “I was so mad for so long when I didn’t have to be…”

Cash winced, knowing he had this coming. “It don’t excuse what I did but…I didn’t want him hurting you worse. I lost Tilla that day and that…broke me…” he shuddered. “I was strict with you kids but I broke my one rule that day…I struck him across the face in a blind rage.”

“Shit…”

“I immediately regretted it but I was so upset and angry that I couldn’t see he was hurt too…and we thought it would be easier if you didn’t see each other,” he went on.

“We? But who—?” Fizz’s eyes widened before he shut them in realization. There was only one person who could have enough sway that way. The only one that wasn’t there that terrible night.

Barbie.

“I can’t believe she’d do that…” Fizz whispered.

“I had to be the one to tell her,” the older imp went on, wiping at his eyes. “She said Blitz shouldn’t be near any of us since he started the fire. In that moment of anger and grief…I agreed.”

“Sir…”

Cash looked up at Fizz, his eyes bloodshot and wet. “I was so stupid…I couldn’t protect any of you. I am so fucking sorry, Fizz,” he sniffed, turning away in shame.

Fizz let all of this sink in. This was a lot…but he couldn’t exactly blame him. Miss Tilla getting sick was hard on everyone since she was such a nice person. She was a brilliant performer and always kept a positive outlook even when things were strained. His boss might’ve been a hardass but one thing the young performer knew was that his boss loved his wife very much. And Blitz absolutely adored his mom since they were so close. Even with his complicated feelings about Barbie right now, losing her without even being able to say goodbye must’ve really hurt.

“Sir…I don’t like what you did…but I understand why you did it,” Fizz told him, surprising Cash a bit.

“You’re a better man than I am, kid.” Cash joked, blinking when Fizz hugged him.

“I couldn’t do this for 15 years…now I can…” Fizz mumbled, holding him close.

Feeling the tears overflow, the former ringmaster hugged his surrogate son back as they cried. He might’ve been a dick about it but he really did care about Fizz. Barely being able to scrape enough money for his surgery and wanting to protect him proved that. If he could’ve changed things, he would’ve.

Once they were calm enough to talk, Fizz let him go. “So…when did you start talking to Blitz again?” Fizz asked, wiping at his eyes.

“A few years ago. He had this weird business I saw a commercial for on TV and we…kinda had an understanding. We’d call once a month to make sure the other wasn’t dead so we didn’t have to see each other.” He explained, straightening up a bit.

“And…you saw the trial?” Fizz guessed.

“Saw it? Fuck, I still have nightmares.” Cash admitted, shuddering a bit. “It was so weird…I was still kind of pissed with him but in that moment…when he put his head down on the chopping block…all of that went away.”

“I wanted my boyfriend to do something but his hands were literally tied.” Fizz added, running a hand over his face.

“Well we can agree on one thing…” Cash began with a smirk. “Satan is a dick.”

“Ain’t that the fucking truth!”

The two imps looked up to see Blitz in the doorway, looking a bit satisfied. “Sorry I took so long. Figured you guys needed this.” He told them, moving to lean over the back of the couch.

“Ya hear it all?” Cash guessed, scooting in so Blitz could sit on his other side.

“Pretty much.” He shrugged. “But I’m glad you two are talking. If only it were this easy with Barbie.”

“Are you…upset with her?” Fizz wondered.

“I guess…I can’t blame her too much. What if things were different and she set the fire? If I was in her shoes—“ Blitz stopped himself. “No…I’d still wanna see her.”

Cash moved his arms around the two imps. “Give her time. It took me 15 damned years to get over myself. She’s still young so she might not be so stubborn.” He reasoned.

Fizz gave him a flat look. “Sir, Barbie could be as stubborn as a hell-mule when she’d try to sneak cookies.” Fizz commented. “You could toss her into a pile of clean laundry and she’d still try.”

“Well those cookies were damned good.” Blitz added, snickering as his dad mussed up his spines.

“Like you have room to talk, you goobers.” Cash chuckled. “Your kid and Princey comin’ back any time soon?”

“I told Loona that she could come back when Stolas was ready. You guys wanna stick around? We’re doing breakfast for dinner.” Blitz offered.

“Ya mind if I make something? Been a while but I think I remember my French Toast recipe.” Cash mused, standing up and cracking his back.

“I could make burgers.” Fizz added, rolling his eyes when his boss and friend looked at him in pure disbelief.

“NO!” They told him firmly and with a little horror on their faces.

“Oh it was one time and we got that burnt milk out eventually!” Fizz pouted.

The three imp paused for a moment before bursting out laughing. Even in the bad times, there were a few good moments sprinkled in. Fizz trying to make breakfast once and making the kitchen a disaster was one of them.

As Cash and Blitz got to work in the kitchen with Fizz texting Ozzie, a taller figure was listening in outside on the fire escape the whole time. She was stunned that her dad, Fizz, and Blitzo were talking and…actually getting along again. She was tempted to make her presence known but she stopped herself, shaking her head a bit.

“I can’t…not now…” Barbie whispered, quietly climbing down and disappearing into the streets of Imp City.

She couldn’t face them…not yet.

[END]

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