Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Sinsmas was a bit of a mess after that whole debacle with Andrealphus and Octavia. Even after the small party at Blitz apartment and things looking up at least for the Stolas and Blitz’s relationship but for the Octavia situation…that was trickier. Vassago and Paimon were sad on Stolas’s behalf, knowing that he had suffered ever since that damned trial and with his daughter distancing herself from him, that was taking a toll on the poor former prince. Stolas’s father and half-brother offered to go talk to her for him but he declined.

Pushing her boundaries now would only make her pull away even more. She did save them all so a small part of him hoped that she could forgive him someday. Maybe he could explain why things were how they were.

But it was a very small part.

For now, they had to stay focused on getting a second meeting with Satan and the other Sins. Ozzie and Bee were going to work with Paimon to at least try to arrange for something when they were ready. In the meantime, Vassago would be working to try and find evidence that would disprove Andrealphus’s claims. If they were really going to do this, they had to play it smart. Get all their ducks in a row before they risk it all.

Fortunately, Blitz knew someone smart that could help that stylish parrot demon.

(…)

Moxxie fiddled around with a pen in his hand, a bit nervous about having a one-on-one conversation with a royal demon. He was fairly used to the former-Prince Stolas since Blitz was so close to him. He was used to his quirks by now but meeting his half-brother? That was making him feel a little bit anxious.

He was surprised—and maybe a little bit flattered—that Blitz would pick him to speak with Prince Vassago to investigate this whole situation. After that disaster at the summer camp, the short Greed Imp didn’t think he would ever get the chance to prove himself again. But with Millie at home talking with her family about everything they knew about Striker and relaying it to him, this might change the tide in their favor.

“Disculpe, ¿eres Moxxie?”

Moxxie looked up to see a starry portal with a parrot demon stepping through. “Y-Yes I am. And…you’re Vassago, right?” Moxxie guessed, trying to keep his nerves under control.

“Ah I thought so.” Vassago smiled before offering his hand to him. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“L-Likewise, your majesty,” Moxxie replied, carefully taking his hand.

“So, you figure that there was something suspicious about the trial as well?” The taller demon guessed as he sat by the shorter imp demon.

“Y-Yes. His claims about Striker being hired by my boss are totally ludicrous.” He began, holding up his phone. “When we tagged along with Stolas to the Harvest Moon Festival in Wrath, that was the first time any of us had met him. My wife’s family had hired him to be a ranch hand but…I had a bad feeling about him from the start.”

“What was that like?” He wondered.

Moxxie sighed, letting the memories of that day wash over him. “Well he seemed like a smug jerk,” he grumbled. “Saying that I had to kill a hell-hog with a knife and rope when a gun would’ve worked just fine for me!”

“Sounds like he wasn’t very pleasant person to start,” Vassago commented.

“You have no idea…” Moxxie sighed. “Even before it was revealed he was an assassin, he was a showoff jerk! Just because he’s athletic and kind of good looking and a decent enough singer doesn’t mean he’s not an asshole!”

“Believe me, I understand what it’s like being around an arrogant prick,” Vassago nodded in understanding, thinking about that dope Andrealphus.

“When I saw that blessed weapon in his room, I had a very bad feeling,” Moxxie whispered, looking down at the table. “He nearly killed me and hurt Millie. I will never forgive him for that. I was glad I could convince Blitz to call him out and stop him from assassinating Stolas. He had thought about hiring him when he was just ‘the arrogant douchebag my in-laws hired’ but that stopped the moment I told him about the attempt on Stolas’s life.”

“Do you still have that weapon?” Vassago asked.

“Y-Yes. We keep it in a safe location since that is way too dangerous to use on the field,” he nodded.

“That might give us our answer as to who hired him in the first place but I have a feeling I might know who it is.” The taller demon explained. “Even for an assassin for hire of his caliber, getting a Carmine-Crafted Blessing-Tipped Rifle would cost a hefty amount. I don’t believe he was the one who purchased it.”

“You know, when we were bodyguards for Stolas and Princess Octavia at LooLoo Land, Blitz mentioned some small time criminals trying to kidnap Stolas…think there’s a connection?” Moxxie mused.

“I’m starting to believe so.” The royal agreed. “This is why Stolas should’ve been there from the start. He could at least have given us all his perspective on everything.”

“It had to have been on purpose.” The young imp guessed. “That Andrealphus person was all too keen to change his tune when Stolas came in to save Blitz. Going from just being a poor victim to a deviant.”

“My father—King Paimon—was not happy he was excluded from this farce of a trial. Seeing his own son ready to lose everything and not being able to do anything…it really woke something up in him.” Vassago whispered.

“Blitz said his father felt the same way. After Stolas settled in at his place, his dad came running and was a sweaty mess by the time he got there.” Moxxie recalled from a conversation with Millie. “I don’t know too much about his family but Blitz didn’t think too highly of his father for a long time. …I suppose it’s nice they’re trying to repair their relationship.”

Seeing the conflict in the smaller demon’s eyes, Vassago placed a hand on his shoulder. “I can only imagine how the trial affected you and your wife.”

Moxxie looked up at him before letting out a deep sigh. “Blitz was…someone that I couldn’t have imagined making such an impact on my life.” Moxxie confessed, surprising the parrot demon a bit. “Before marrying Millie, I was dating a shark demon that was…an associate of my father’s. We were happy but when push came to shove during a difficult assignment…he left me in the dust.”

“Oh I’m so sorry…” he whispered.

“It’s okay. When I got tossed I jail…that’s where I met Blitz.” Moxxie smiled softly. “He was so…strange. He didn’t care at all that he was in jail and was just talking about his plans when he got out. And he included me, a total stranger, in those plans.” He laughed a bit, shaking his head. “I had a feeling he was a bit nutty but…this took the cake.”

“It seems like he has a certain impact on people.” Vassago smiled.

“Yeah…I guess I don’t really say it often since he can be a bit much sometimes but…I couldn’t be more grateful he stumbled into my life.” Moxxie agreed, feeling his eyes beginning to water.

“M-Moxxie? Are you alright?” The prince fretted.

“D-Dammit…I’m sorry for being a mess but…I feel like such a crappy friend…” Moxxie hiccuped, rubbing his eyes. “B-Blitz can be so invasive and rude so sometimes I could be…a little harsher to him than I probably should have. We’re not so different having difficult childhoods but he can be so impulsive I had to try and rein him in…but I guess I came across as a bit mean…”

“There there. Dry your eyes,” Vassago told him gently, offering a handkerchief to him.

Moxxie wiped his eyes before blowing his nose. “S-Sorry…” he sniffled.

“It’s alright. I can honestly say that I’ve been feeling conflicted as well.” He admitted, surprising the imp.

“How so?”

Vassago stood up and began to prepare some tea, offering Moxxie a cup. “I feel bad I hadn’t been able to be a part of my brother’s life,” he sighed, placing a cup in front of Moxxie. “Perhaps if I had been able to be more present in Stolas’s life…he wouldn’t have felt so alone.”

“For what it’s worth, I think he appreciated you trying to stand up for us and try to bring reason into that kangaroo court.” Moxxie assured him.

“I could tell something was wrong and it was frustrating no one was listening.” He groaned. “I hope that this will help try to make things right. Maybe when things are settled with Stolas’s status…we can try to talk to Octavia…”

“I don’t know too much about her but I do know Stolas loves her.” Moxxie reasoned. “And even with her wanting to distance herself from him for now, the fact she still came to save him says a lot.”

“I just wish I could do more but I don’t want to make it worse…” he sighed.

“Let’s just give it time. If the truth comes out, I’m sure she’ll understand.” Moxxie smiled softly, taking a sip from his tea. “It might be awkward but I think it will work out.”

“Gracias, mi amigo.” Vassago smiled, noticing Blitz’s name popping up on Moxxie’s phone. “Is your friend coming over?”

Moxxie picked up his phone, reading the notification. “Looks like he’s bringing some food. I think I might try to talk to him when he gets here. Is that okay?” He asked.

“Of course. Do what you need to do.” Vassago told him.

Moxxie smiled a bit, giving Blitz the okay to come to the office. It was at least a good start of progress towards something resembling a plan. Vassago was really good to talk to; no wonder Stolas thought highly of him.

It definitely made him feel more confident in what he could say to Blitz when he got there.

[To Be Concluded]

Chapter Text

“Hey I brought some eats!” Blitz grinned as he kicked the door open.

“Oh gracias, Blitz. What did you bring?” Vassago wondered.

“Got some real good eats from a place that Bee lady recommended on her app,” the taller imp explained as he fiddled with everything in the bags. “Pretty damned good Hell-Chinese food. Chicken lo mein, green beans with pork, Mongolian beef, wonton soup, rice, beef skewers—“ he listed off.

“Good grief, sir did you buy the whole damned restaurant out?” Moxxie snarked.

“Well I wanted to make sure I covered my bases for Stolas.” Blitz retorted. “Tonight’s takeout night anyway and leftover Hell-Chinese food heats up the best the next day anyway.”

“Would you like me to take what you bought for my brother and your daughter to your place?” Vassago offered.

“Seriously? Thanks dude!” Blitz smiled, dividing the food up in different bags. “That’ll save me a trip!”

Vassago turned to Moxxie, giving him a wink. He figured that he needed some alone time with his boss and friend. “I can give you some time to speak with him.” He whispered, making sure Blitz was occupied.

“T-Thank you…I hope I don’t mess this up.” Moxxie muttered.

“Just be honest. Take your time to say what you need to say.” Vassago told him, patting his shoulder.

Blitz allowed Vassago to pick what he wanted. The prince would eat with Blitz and Moxxie when he got back. Vassago took the bag and opened a portal to Blitz’s apartment complex. The prince wanted to take a walk before coming back.

A walk and a chat with his brother and Miss Loona should give them enough time to talk things out.

“I’ll be back in a while,” Vassago waved, shutting the portal behind him.

“Well dig in, Mox!” Blitz told him, offering the food boxes for Moxxie to pick from.

“T-Thank you, sir…” Moxxie blushed, picking out some rice and chicken and a couple of beef skewers.

“So you guys come up with anything to help Stolas out?” Blitz asked. “Y-Yes sir,” Moxxie nodded, pulling out his notepad. “The testimonies from Andrealphus and Striker don’t make any sense. If we can get evidence that proves fallacies in their statements, we might have a shot at making things right.”

Blitz was thrilled to have two brainy eggheads on his side. Moxxie always did have a lot of common sense even if he could be a bit naive. The former circus imp knew he could run in head first without thinking a lot—hence his dad and Millie fairly accurate nickname of knucklehead for him—so having someone more levelheaded to keep him in check was something he was grateful for. He might not always show it but he’s glad Moxxie can keep his ass out of trouble.

“I knew I could count on you, Mox!” Blitz nodded in approval.

“T-Thank you, sir.” Moxxie smiled a bit before chewing on his beef skewer. “So how’s Stolas been after…you know…”

Blitz slurping up some noodles before letting out a sigh. “It ain’t gonna be easy but…we’re not giving up. We just gotta keep trying…it's what I do,” he sighed, smiling softly with a sad look on his face.

Moxxie felt his heart ache seeing his boss/friend give a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. He could see that same sadness that he saw that day at the camp. That made him feel pretty crappy thinking how he was so focused on himself and the mission he botched. He was grateful for whatever Millie did to make the final kill for their target but he had been trying to prove himself so much that he put the people he cared about most in danger.

“Sir…you know I don’t hate you, right?” Moxxie started, catching the taller imp off-guard.

“Yeah Millie told me that but I figured you didn’t. I can be a pain in the ass though,” Blitz joked.

“Yes…you can be crude and lewd and have no sense of personal boundaries,” Moxxie told him.

“Part of growing up where I did,” Blitz shrugged.

“Not to mention being so impulsive and frustrating, I question how we weren’t caught by high ranking demons for our shenanigans before Satan reared his ugly head!” Moxxie ranting, giving him a scolding look. “You really need to be more careful! You were damned lucky that Stolas came when he did!”

“Yeah I really need to thank Stolas for that—eh? M-Moxxie?”

Blitz could only stare as Moxxie began to shake, tears in his eyes as he started to breathe shallowly. It seemed like he was holding back a lot.

“You might not care about your life but I do!” Moxxie ranted, tears streaming down his face. “You can be such a pain in the ass and I don’t always understand why you and Loona tease me but I still care, dammit!”

“Moxxie—”

“You changed my life in that jail cell…you got me away from my shitty dad and helped me meet the woman of my dreams. I look up to you even when you can give me migraines from your antics!” He went on, wiping his eyes on his sleeve. “But even with all the batshit craziness I’ve been through thanks to you...even if I couldn't face losing you at that trial…I’m not going anywhere. I am a member of IMP too and your friend so don’t just shut me out!” Moxxie then moved up to Blitz and placed his hands on his shoulders. “I don’t want to risk losing you again, you big bonehead!”

Blitz was stunned as Moxxie hugged him, crying into his chest. He was surprised that Moxxie did genuinely care for him. He figured that Moxxie stuck around because he at the very least tolerated him. But knowing he cared about him as a friend and valued him…really did mean a lot.

He found Moxxie cute in a nerdy way and he loved teasing him since he was really funny when he freaked out but since getting closer to Stolas, Blitz found himself easing up on Moxxie. Not fully but he wasn’t peeking in on his and Millie’s private life anymore so it was a start.

“Moxxie…I’m sorry for being an ass sometimes…” Blitz told him, moving his arms around him. “When ya grew up how I did, you had to fight to get anywhere. And when things went down the shitter…I had to become a hardass to survive.”

“Why…why were you willing to put your life on the line for us?” Moxxie questioned, sniffing in his coat.

“Because you were just following my crazy ass. I messed up once with people I cared about and lost so damned much…I wasn’t about to make the same mistake again,” he went on, letting his bravado fall a bit. “I know I fucked up and I know I can’t fix what happened…but I wanna try. I won’t always get it right—”

“That’s an understatement.” Moxxie joked, wincing when Blitz bonked his head.

“Quiet you. I won’t always get it right…but I’m gonna keep trying.” Blitz told him, removing himself from Moxxie’s arms to look him in the eye. “Thanks for putting up with my crazy ass. Let’s show those pinheads why you don’t mess with IMP!”

“That’s good to hear!” Moxxie nodded with a smile before looking at his boss apologetically. “And…I want to apologize for a lot of my fuck ups too. I wasn’t the best mafia member in my father’s gang and I’m still trying to improve as an assassin but even though you give me a hard time…you don’t give up on me. So, thank you for giving me a second chance when I could’ve been left in the dust.”

“Hey you’ve got a lot of potential, Mox.” Blitz assured him before ruffling up his hair. “Ya just gotta be more confident in yourself! Show those fuckers you can kick ass with the best of them!”

“Y-Yes Blitz! I-I understand!” Moxxie groaned, his eyes spinning a bit from the random burst of rough affection.

It wasn’t until too long afterwards that Vassago had returned from dropping off the food at Blitz’s apartment. He was relieved to see that Moxxie seemed to have less of a weight on his shoulders. This talk was definitely needed. And it looked like Blitz was more at ease with his coworker/friend; a good talk could do wonders.

“O-Oh! You’re back!” Moxxie blinked, noticing the parrot demon’s portal shutting behind him.

“Yes. I apologize for taking a bit longer than expected.” Vassago told them.

“No worries. Stolas and Loona had to eat too.” Blitz reasoned before patting an empty seat at the conference table. “Sit your tail feathers down and grab a bite. These containers should keep this food warm for ya but you can use the microwave if you need it.”

“Gracias my friend.” Vassago smiled, preparing a plate for himself.

The rest of the day was going over what Moxxie and Vassago learned and where they could go going forward. It wasn’t going to be easy but at least they were taking steps towards a battle plan. Playing it smart would be the key to their victory in the end.

As Vassago watched Moxxie and Blitz talk, he had a small smile on his beak. Even at the trial when things were looking iffy and the white-haired imp was exasperated by his boss’s antics, he could tell that he cared about Blitz greatly. Maybe they wouldn’t always agree and fight sometimes but despite all that, they would stick through it all during the difficult times.

As comrades and friends.

[END]