Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The house of Asmodeus

Chapter 1

The one and only.…

Impatiently, Ozzie bobbed his leg and stared out the window of the stretch limousine that drove him through the streets of his city.

By day the Lust Rings capital looked relatively bland and uninviting. All the neon club and bar signs were off, drunk outpassed demons paved the paths and a recent rainstorm made the asphalt shine wet and slippery.
Yes, definitely uninviting. Like so many cities in the seven rings of hell. The true charme of his city lay in the night, when spotlights lit up the dark blue sky and when music filled the air. Music and the stimulating moans of his guests …

The thought made Ozzies mouth twitch briefly, but it wasn't enough for a grin. The reason for his trip was far too unpleasant for that, and yes, he confessed, he, Asmodeus, prince and ruler of the Lust Ring and embodiment of lust, didn't even feel like participate in the upcoming meeting with his brother - Mammon, prince of the Greed Ring.

But as Mammon was - no time for anything, certainly not for pleasure, just money here and then on to the next - he had cited him, HIM, in his own domain, to his own factory, to discuss some contract clause. The sheer oozing audacity behind this summon was already souring Ozzies mood, but he knew Mammon wouldn't let up until Ozzie met with him. So he had given in and agreed to the meeting. He already guessed what it was about ...

Again he looked out of the darkened windows and recognized in not too far distance thick white smoke clouds, which screwed themselves lazily to the sky and had hovered some time ago over the whole city. Fortunately, Ozzies little faithful birds were fluttering around everywhere, always keeping him up to date, and had already told him about the 'accident' in the west of the city.
Accident. Tse, fuck that. Ozzie suspected that once again something had gone wrong in the lousy circus that Mammon had insisted opening in his town. The little shit really did snitch on everyone when it came to expanding his entertainment business. By now, Mammon's establishments were sprouting up in every single one of the seven rings of hell. Like annoying mold that you couldn't get rid of and that kept spreading unbidden. And just like mold, everything around it went bad if it wasn't taken care of properly.

No wonder many of Mammon's circuses and amusement parks went belly up. Opening as many as possible, making as much money as possible and then neglecting everything. Really a shame, because Ozzie was open to any kind of amusement. It was in his nature. That's why he had agreed to Mammon's contract back than. Especially since there was a not inconsiderable percentage in it for him.

If he had known that he would only have trouble with the bastard, he would have thought twice. But to refuse Mammon anything was impossible, especially since the little bitchy Jester-demon could get very nasty. But well, just as it was in Ozzies nature to celebrate any kind of pleasure, Mammon, prince and ruler of the Greed Ring, just celebrated profit. There was no point in getting upset about it.
That's exactly why Ozzie didn't feel like going to this meeting, because he already knew how it would go. Mammon would blather on without a dot or comma until Ozzie drifted into a mental coma, and out of boredom he would respond to his suggestions and grandiose ideas. Same as always.
Sighing, he shook his head and as the roofs of his factory came into view at the end of the street, an annoyed groan escaped him.

This could become really cheerful .… not.

*

It hazbin a while since Ozzie had paid a visit to his factory, and as the artificial smell of chemicals and plastics hit his nose, he shuddered.

Ah yes, his good old factory. A small but fine little gold mine that filled him with pride.
He was here too seldom, only when he was signing off a new product that was going into production and he had to discuss the final details with the designers. All in all, though, the whole thing was a no-brainer. Fortunately, he enjoyed engineering but had rarly time for that, and dealing with bureaucracy and all the paperwork bored him. There were employees for that sort of thing.

Employees who were head over heels as soon as he stepped through the gates of his factory. He had announced his visit in advance, and it didn't take a minute for the head of the factory, an Imp, like almost all the employees in the factory, to walk up to him. He performed a sensuous formal bow before giving Ozzie a striking smile.

"Your Highness! What an honor to welcome you here today! Please, please! Come in. How can we serve you?" He made an effort to gain Ozzies goodwill, but Ozzie waved it off, not in the mood for shenanigans. At least not today. If only he could remember what the little guy's name was. Obviously he hadn't made a lasting impression, or Ozzie would have remembered his name. But he did a good job, and that was enough.

Sighing, Ozzie waved his hands and reminded himself not to take his bad mood out on his employees. If he followed one principle, it was that employees remained loyal if he kept them happy, and that required a certain amount of respect and courtesy. Sometimes, at least.

"Well, if that's not a friendly greeting I'll be damned! But as sorry as I am, my little friend, I don't have time for smalltalk", he spoke with angelic tongues and leaned down to the small creature, placing a finger under his chin. "Tell me, has my guest arrived yet?"

Hastily, the Imp nodded, swallowing noticeably, which was enough to elicit a grin from Ozzie. How easy it were to wrap the Imps around his finger. Which was no mean feat, either. Ozzie knew about his charisma, with which he could wrap everyone around his finger. A blessing, but sometimes a curse.

Without further words they made their way to the main office, which Ozzie used to take a quick look at the production halls, which were located to the right and left of a long corridor. Quite a few Imps and Sucubi were working on the machines and computers and at first glance everything was running like clockwork. The focus of the factory was, of course, on the production of sex toys and everything about the pleasure of the body. But relatively innocent things were also made here. Toys, electronic devices, whatever the heart desired. For lust was characterized by many things and the mere thought of the pleasure that his customers and the inhabitants of his ring had with his products made him grin disreputably.

After a good hundred meters, they finally reached the main office at the end of the corridor, which ended in a round room with many doors - all without Ozzie stepping on any of the Imps - something that happened to him more often and which made the company accident-free today.
"Lord Mammon is already expecting you, Your Highness!", announced the Imp who had greeted him, bowing deeply before pulling open the door to the office. No easy task for the little guy, all the doors in the factory had been adjusted to Ozzies size. After all, he was twice as tall as normal demons.
He decided to give the gnome a hand by kicking the door in with one of his heavy boots, causing it to swing open. The Imp jumped and grinned nervously.

"P-please. Step right in!"

Ozzie didn't need to be told twice. Head held high, he marched into the main office, where a wide grin studded with razor-sharp gold teeth awaited him.

"Hey, hey, hey, Asmodeus! My friend! My homie! My brother from another mother, how are you?" He was immediately greeted and a hand slapped his back amicably. However, Ozzie contorted his face. He shuddered at this greeting.

"By Satan, spare me with this ghastly drivel. It's horrible! You sound like a complete idiot. Like that overlord from Pride who didn't hear the shot. What was the name of that fucking snake again ...?"
His guest, however, didn't move a muscle and just shrugged his shoulders, spread his arms and laughed in an insincere manner.

"As always, you're the party pooper. Take it easy. I thought you were always up for a good laugh." With that Mammon sat down on the large sofa in the extravagantly furnished office and made himself comfortable, lighting a cigar and inhaling deeply before exhaling. The smoke burned in Ozzies eyes, but he didn't lower his guard. That thing only revealed one thing: it was cheap and clearly showed that Mammon had absolutely no taste and no class. Something Ozzie was very particular about. Mammons outfit alone was a turn-off. An old-fashioned Jester- outfit, in dull green colors. The same color as the money he loved so much. Neat, but neither sexy nor did it speak of personality. Pragmatic was the word Ozzie was looking for. Around his neck Mammon wore a black collar that fell over his shoulders, with small bells attached to the ends that jingled with every move. What caught everyone's attention, however, was the large jester's cap on his head that ended in three points. Everything about him screamed court jester, though he had long left that image behind. He had not performed for eons. His focus was entirely on buisness and the money he could make with it and his jokes could be deadly.

Dissatisfied, Ozzie stayed at the door and crossed his arms, watching Mammon sprawl on the sofa and cross his legs. Oh, he hated that stupid fuss. The guy acted like he owned the whole world.

"So," Ozzie finally began, not wanting to drag this out unnecessarily. "Why do I have the honor of being quoted by you into my own factory?", he asked saccharinely, to which Mammon raised an eyebrow.

"Oh someone’s pissed. What's the matter? Did that hoe, or whoever you fucked last night, not got you off or why the foul mood?" Provocatively Mammon grinned at him, but Ozzie returned that grin. He could lash it out, too. Especially since Mammon did not upset him with such sayings.

"It wasn't one, it were three. And strictly speaking, they were all guys and they were exquisite. What ruins my mood is a morning wake-up call from a clown of my brother who has made it into my domain and now seems to have swallowed his tongue rather than speak out. But I do know a trick or two to get rid of the gag reflex so that everything flows better. Just in case you're interested."

Now it was Mammon who made a face. Apparently he had realized that he couldn't get under Ozzies skin with lewd jokes and that this hasty meeting had clearly missed the mark. He sat up and raised his hands placatingly, shaking his head.

"Okay, okay. I got it. You're right. Wasn't a fine move on my part. But you gotta understand, I got a lot on my plate. I have so much business going on ...Busy, busy, busy! I didn't have time to call your management first to get an audience in a thousand years."

"Well, you're here now. So spit it out."

"If you're into it, please. The quick number then." With that, Mammon stood up and walked towards him. "The thing is ...it’s complicated, buddy. Actually, I want something from you. Something from your factory, that's why we're here."

Ozzie frowned.

"You want something from me? What? Like pay off your debt?"

At the words debt and pay off, Mammon's eyes twitched and he took a step back.

"What?"

So that's what it was like. That son of a bitch wanted to throw the matter under the bus, but Ozzie didn't play into that. Although, actually, he did. Except he was playing Mammon's game.

"I'm guessing you're here because of that accident in your lousy circus. The whole thing burned down, I heard. And a couple of houses and blocks around it."

Doubting Mammon opened his mouth, but said nothing and looked to the side, caught. He really was a fool if he thought Ozzie was going to give him a free pass. Shaking his head, he bent down to Mammon, which didn't hurt his back as much as talking to an Imp, because Mammon, like any of the Princes of Hell, was a little taller than average.

"So? That's certainly what you want to do, isn't it? Buddy? After all, I leased you the place in perfect condition. Now it's all junk," Ozzie drilled on, to which Mammon forced himself to smile and shook his head.

"No. That's not why I'm here. But now that you mention it! Of course I was going to compensate you! Did anyone say anything different? If so, that would be an impertinence! I would never think of betraying you! On my honor!" Exaggeratedly, Mammon clutched his chest, but Ozzie wasn't buying it. Big mouth, nothing behind it, as the saying went. Ozzie should have known better.

"I sure hope so. After all, the damage is done in my ring and someone has to clean up the mess."

"Of course, of course. Don't worry about it, brother! I ... I just wanted to wait until the actual damage was calculated so I could present the facts. You know. A contract is a contract is a contract and you have to abide by the clauses!"

Ozzie rolled his eyes and spared a comment. He doubted that Mammon hadn't long ago worked out the amount he owed him. He was just stalling for time. Basically, Ozzie was relatively indifferent to the stupid circus and the damage caused in the accident. However, complaints would come from the residents and dissatisfied residents were unsatisfied residents and there was no such thing in his ring!

"Whatever. Why are you here?" He left it at that for now, which caused Mammon to relax and start grinning broadly again. He reached into his pants pocket, half his arm disappearing into it and not a second later he pulled out a briefcase. He had to have a black hole or some other dimension in his pockets, which gave Ozzie ideas. You could certainly do a lot of things in a small pocket dimension.

Mammon, on the other hand, walked over to the wide mahogany desk and slammed his briefcase onto it, beginning to spread documents out on the desk.

"I want to buy something from you. Of course from you.That's what we're here for! This is your ring, here's your factory, so you're supposed to make it and your products are the best!"

Ozzie snorted at Mammon's attempt to butter him up. On the other hand, there was a spark of truth in it. Mammon also owned some factories, but their quality left much to be desired.

"I'm glad we agree on that", Ozzie chirped smugly and Mammon gave him a withering look. Then he looked at his papers again, pulled out a document and literally threw it in Ozzies face.

"I want you to make something for me. And I want it to be exactly like it’s written there. Can you get it done?"

Highly focused, Ozzie peeled the documents from his face, trying hard not to just step on Mammon and flatten him. Disinterested, he skimmed the document and frowned. It was blueprints for an electronic prosthetic arm. Not very complicated, but highly unusual. A glance at the cost and material breakdown, however, told him that the whole thing wouldn't last with Mammon wanting the cheapest of the cheap.

"What do you need that for?"

"That curious? Answer my question first. Can your employees handle it, or should I turn to someone else?"

Ozzie snorted.

"Of course. But that thing won't last very long, though. I give your design a few months and it falls apart. Hence the question. What do you need it for? If you want it to last, you need other materials." With that, Ozzie handed the document back to Mammon, who ground his jaw.

"Other materials mean more money."

"Yes, but also sustainability."

"That's overrated!"

"If you say so. But then I don't manufacture it. My factory only makes quality products and I don't want that to reflect on me. So either rework that one or go somewhere else, sweetheart."

"But finding someone else will take too long, and time is money."

"Your loss."

Mammon cursed and reached for a calculator that was in his pocket. Like a wild one, he began typing away on it, eyeing the document over and over, muttering to himself as if he were reciting an incantation.

"All right, all right ... Have it your way. We'll do it your way, then. But this thing better deliver what you promise. Otherwise I'll sue you!"

Laughing, Ozzie threw his head back. Really unbelievable, this clown! There he was, wanting something from him and threatening him in the same breath.

"Sure, do that. Now will you finally tell me what you're going to do with it? There are a lot of things to consider in production. So, who is it for?"

"That would be me."

Ozzie jumped and banged his head on the ceiling as a voice sounded behind him.

To his astonishment, standing right behind him next to the door was a demon! Tall for his kind, slim, with an attractive face. Judging by his outfit - which was not unlike Mammon's - he had to be a Jester demon as well or perhaps a Sucubus in a Jester costume.

Either way, Ozzie hadn't noticed him. How long had he been standing there? And who the fuck was he? Anyway, despite his handsome face, he sounded like he'd been run over at some point ... and in an attempt to help, the driver had backed up and run him right over again. Like a rusty coffin lid! Although sexy. An unusual mixture.

The little demon grinned broadly at Ozzie, tilting his head far back. He showed not a hint of respect or awe. Instead, he wore the same smug grin on his face as Mammon, showing him his amazingly pointed teeth. And - and this was the most striking thing about him - he had only one arm.

Ozzie frowned in confusion.

"And who would that be?", he asked, turning to Mammon. "Do you have a son now or what?"

Before Mammon could answer a rasping laugh came from the little jester-demon. It was hideous - and Ozzie thought it was awesome.

"That Fucker wishes he was cool enough to be my dad", the demon chuckled, which actually threw Ozzie off. How disrespectfully he spoke about the Prince of Greed impressed him, but also made him doubt his sanity, as Mammon seemed anything but amused.

"You should keep your smart mouth shut. You're not in the position for stupid jokes", Mammon murmured, to which the little demon shrugged and turned his head to the side, demonstratively not looking at Mammon and just continuing to grin.

"I beg your pardon", he said unenthusiastically, and after a brief pause added, "Your Highness."

Half amused, half amazed, Ozzie watched the spectacle and he got an idea.

"Let me guess. That's the one who's supposed to get the prosthetic arm. Am I right?"

"That's right. If I may introduce. This is Fizz. He's going to be the new star in my Show Bizz. At least that's what I'm going to make sure of", Mammon explained, crossing his arms and settling into one of the chairs in front of the desk. "Haven't you heard of him? After all, he was the main act in my circus."

"In your torched circus", Ozzie corrected, bending low to the little demon who, unlike Mammon, didn't wipe his grin off for a moment. He was going to be Mammon's new star? The way he looked? There was something fishy about that story after all. Granted, Ozzie had never been interested in Mammon's stupid circus or the artists who performed there, but he would have heard of a one-armed show act.

"What happened to his arm?" Ozzie asked, to which the little demon reached up and grinned right in his face.

"I threw it away. I don't need it to put on a good show. What do I want with a boring arm when I can have a high-tech stretch prosthetic instead? Fits in anywhere, as deep as I want. That's where the fun really starts, right? Your Highness?"

What the ....? Cheeky he was! Cheeky and fearless, that Fizz. Not every demon would dare to look him, Asmodeus, so directly in the eye and answer so casually. Ozzie liked that.

"Enough with the jabbering! Let's get down to business!", Mammon interrupted him harshly, standing up and stomping over to them. He gave the demon Fizz a shove against his armless shoulder. The grin remained on Fizz's face, though his eyes twitched for a tiny moment. Just long enough for Ozzie to notice.

Mmh ... Ozzie frowned thoughtfully, while Mammon passed out with impatience.

"Are you going to build me that prosthesis, yes or no? I don't have time forever. I've got a lot to do!"

"Yes, yes. Have it your way. I'll commission it. Satisfied?" Ozzie waved it off, focusing on the little demon instead.

He was rather ... fascinating. Ozzie had seen a lot of actors in his life. Many performances and artists, but this little guy here showed a very great self-discipline. Even his grin didn't fade, his eyes didn't smile one bit. Instead, they blazed with a hateful passion that he hurled unfiltered at Mammon. He was lucky that Mammon had no eye for that, but was only bent on business.

In any case, the whole thing piqued his interest, and the question arose in him whether this Fizz was really as good as Mammon claimed.

"I take it the prosthetic is to be part of his show?", he muttered as he conjured a pen with a snap of his fingers. Not signing yet, he hovered the pen over the document and watched with amusement as Mammon's eyes lingered on it.

"Yeah, right", Mammon muttered, not really listening to him at all.

"And you want him to perform here in Lust? At one of your other clubs, I suppose?"

"Yeah, right." Mammon's eyes were glued to the nib of the pen that was slowly leaning toward the document.

"And what if I want him to perform at one of my clubs?"

"Yeah, right ... wait, what?!" Mammon's head jerked up and he and Fizz gawked at him doubtfully. Smiling, Ozzie tapped his chin, then pointed at Fizz.

"I like his attitude. I can work with that. And you owe me compensation for the fire damage. I'll take him for that. I need a new host at my club anyway. This suits me perfectly."

Mammon's jaw dropped to the floor and he wide-eyed gaped at him. It was a sight Ozzie couldn't get enough of. Truly glorious.

"Wh-what ...? No! This doesn’t suits me in any way, buddy. We have other plans, very different plans. Fizz is ... special. I want to take him under my wing, got it?"

"I'll take care of that. He can stay your protégé if that's what you want. But if you say he's the new star in ShowBizz, how can I pass that up? Especially since you must be anxious to rebuild your circus…. Aaaand to be allowed to continue running your other establishments here in Lust. Aren't you?" Ozzie batted his eyes meaningfully while Mammon clenched his fists.

Very well, he seemed to take the hint. Ozzie didn't need Mammon's clubs and bars. His city could manage without them. But for Mammon it would be a tremendous loss. It was really delicious to watch it rattling around in his skull, and to be able to throw a wrench in his works filled Ozzie with great satisfaction. Served the little shithead right!

"I'll take your silence for a yes. How nice!" He continued, without giving Mammon the opportunity to voice another objection. "I provide the prosthesis and in return he performs at my club. We split the earnings according to standard terms and voila! We're even and everyone is happy. Isn't that great? Yes, that's exactly how we do it." Ozzie held out his hand meaningfully while Mammon visibly grinded his teeth in dissatisfaction. But then he chimed in.

"Deal. But I'll work everything out with him. Understood?"

"As long as his show fits my program, fine by me." One more time Ozzie snapped his fingers and the pen put his signature on the document. "And remember, a contract is a contract is a contract. I expect him at Ozzie's tomorrow morning. He can put on his show for me. I expect him to convince me."

"Sure," Mammon rumbled, unceremoniously repacking his briefcase while Ozzie turned to Fizz.

"I'm extraordinarily anxious to see if you deliver what he promises. So don't disappoint me, that wouldn't be healthy for neither of us", he breathed to him, poking him in the cheek.

Fizz nodded in response. As he had been all along to an exaggerated degree. With raised eyebrows and an incredulous grin on his face, Fizz shrugged before extending his one arm and indicating a bow.

"Of course. Sure, sure. Whatever ... As you wish. Your ... Highnesses," he babbled as if memorized, which made Ozzie frown.

A strange little fellow he was. Which made Ozzie all the more curious.

The whole thing could be most interesting, however, and if anything was sacred to him, it was his amusement. And he was sure that would be more than satisfied by the demon Fizz.

_______________________

Chapter Text

Chapter 2

Ozzie’s

Speechless, Fizz stood in the gigantic office and stared after Asmodeus.

That guy ... was fucking crazy! He wanted Fizz to perform in his club? In his club!? He, Fizz!? A 0815 Imp from the greed ring! That was stupid! The stupidest idea in the long sad history of stupid ideas! His acts were good enough for a circus, but in a club like Ozzies's he would go down. To heaven with Mammon! What the fuck was that motherfucker telling the Prince of Lust? So much for being a big star in Showbiz.

But well, if the fine gentlemen of Hell wanted it that way, they should go ahead. They dug their own fucking graves. Or rather, they dug Fizz's grave. To impress Asmodeus, he would have to go all out with his performance and that wouldn't be easy. Especially with his crappy handicap ...

Lost in thought Fizz rubbed his armless shoulder.

So that had been him, the great ruler of the Lust Ring. Asmodeus. Ozzie. The embodiment of lust, eh? A big, fluffy, colorful-feathered Cock, shiny clothes, three dorky faces AND .... with the voice of an angel. Okay. This was not how Fizz had imagined the great Prince. Of course he had heard of him, as had everyone in the capital had, but he had never seen him, especially since Asmodeus usually stayed in his establishments.

Didn’t matter! Let the Lord take him! Him and Mammon and all the demon princes who thought they were high and almighty. Standing there discussing his future as if he wasn't even there or even better ... as if he was their property! He could strangle them! Both of them! If he still had two hands ...

His eyes twitched at the thought and he pressed his lips together, tightening his grip around his shoulder.

Bullshit. Getting upset was pointless, because actually that's what he was. Property ...

At that moment a hand shot out and wrapped around his neck. He was jerked off his feet and slammed against the wall. Choking, he grabbed the hand that closed tighter and tighter around his throat and tears formed in his eyes.

Shit! Mammon was pissed! Furious, the Prince of Greed stared at him and his sharp gold teeth flashed, coming dangerously close to his face.

"How dare you, you little bitch!", rumbled Mammon in his demon voice, squeezing Fizz's throat even tighter, taking his breath away. "Humiliating me in front of Asmodeus! Show a little more gratitude! Who do you think I'm doing all this shit for!"

Fizz gasped, struggling to form a clear thought and stared at Mammon with narrowed eyes, clawing at his hand.

"For ... yourself?", he choked out boldly, whereupon Mammon pressed him even tighter against the wall. Fizz's eyes went black and his resistance went limp.

"I'm warning you one last time! Watch your mouth or I'll shut it for you!" With a jerk, Mammon pulled his hand away and Fizz fell to the ground, clutching his throat and coughing, gasping frantically for air.

Mammon grunted condescendingly and shook his head.

"Pathetic. If I were you, I'd think twice about how I talk to myself. Remember, you're mine. So show me a little more respect, Imp."

Inwardly, Fizz rolled his eyes at the speech, yet he couldn't help tensing up. Mammon remained one of the Seven Princes of Hell, as much as Fizz hated him. His pure aura was oppressive. Like that of Asmodeus. But where the prince of lust literally gave off sparks that made you want to throw yourself at him and his angelic voice, Mammon's presence merely made you want to run away and cower. As if he would impale him with his eyes and take away everything he had and was.

And that's exactly what Mammon had done.

Still coughing, Fizz stood up, propping himself against the wall. Bad enough that he was still ailing from the shitty accident, he wouldn't take a second attempt on his life so easily. And yet ... he couldn't help himself. The words burned on his tongue and stumbled out of his mouth before he could stop them.

"Yours? You own me?" He chuckled, wiping his mouth. "I thought I was his. Didn't you just flog me out to him, huh?"

Mammon snorted and crossed his arms.

"Absolutly not. If Ozzie wants you to perform at his club so bad, fine. I don't give a shit. But no matter what he pays you, the dough goes to me! Got it! Every! Single! Soul! Or do I have to remind you of our contract too?"

Fizz clenched his teeth and stifled his next comment.

"No", he grumbled. Contract was a fucking understatement. What they had was not a contract. It went way beyond that .... But it was better than getting killed.

"Good! Then we've got that settled." With that, Mammon stuffed his briefcase back into his pocket and headed for the door, kicking the fresh wound on his shoulder as he walked past. "And get your shit together! You look like shit." Without further words, Mammon made to leave the office, but Fizz didn't budge a bit.

Pain coursed through his body, his stomach cramped and he tasted something sour on his tongue. His head was spinning and sweat was spreading.

Shit! Shit, don't collapse now!

Furious, Fizz swallowed whatever was about to make its way up his throat and followed Mammon out of the factory.

"I said get a grip!" The Demon began cursing, and Fizz winced. "If you show up at Ozzie’s like that, he'll kill you and me after that! I don't want to lose my other deals with him! It's bad enough I already lost a source of income because of you. At least the money you make goes to me now... Tse. You better be worth the effort. And don’t forgett: nobody is allowed to know what you are! Nobody wants to see a stupid Imp on stage."

And so he went on. Incessantly, and at some point, Fizz dozzed off, letting Mammon rave and rant, wishing the circus accident had burst his eardrums instead of ripping off his entire left arm....

Hang in there. He had just to hang in there. And luckily, he had tremendous stamina.

**

The next morning came too quickly and with a gapping mouth Fizz stood in front of the gigantic club that spread out before him. Even without the elaborate lighting, the place looked quite extravagant and Fizz frowned, squinting down the street.

He was in the middle of the city's red-light district - which was silly, since the entire capital was practically one big pleasure district. Yet he had never been in that part of town. His apartment had been on the outskirts of the city, near the circus where he lived with- ...

Quickly Fizz shook his head and banished the name of that fucked-up dumb motherfucker from his mind. He better not run into that asshole ever again! He would rip him apart, whether with one hand or two!

Didn’t matter! Don't think about it, don't think about it. If he did, the mental carousal would start again and he would get lost in murder plans and thoughts of revenge. He could not weaken now, otherwise Mammon would kill him! Or Asmodeus! Or both of them! Who knew? At least it looked pretty bad for him if he blew it today. Mammon had made that abundantly clear yesterday, before throwing him out on the street in the middle of town with nothing but an address.

Thanks for nothing, asshead!

Growling Fizz shook his head, suppressing that thought as well, and finally looked around. The main entrance to the club was locked. Sure, he hadn't thought he could just waltz through the front door either. Instead, he looked for a side entrance and found a tiny sign next to the railing. Just large enough that he could decipher it without glasses. It was a hand-carved little picture with an arrow and a slapstick figure forming a little heart with his hands, looking suspiciously like Asmodeus. Below it was written in the most crooked children's letters "Staff entrance go there <3"

What the ...? Just don't question it.

Shaking his head, Fizz followed the sign, found a second one that looked no less dorky, and finally ended up on the other side of the building. A surprisingly large door awaited him, in good old backyard fashion, hidden behind trash cans and steaming manhole covers. Inviting.

Gulping, he reached for the collar of his costume and looked down at himself. He had gotten the outfit from Mammon, since his own clothes had been torched in the fire. So had everything else ...

The thing didn't fit him and he felt quite underdressed. Grin and bear it. He would have to depended on how he sold himself. It would be best if he made it part of the show, then no one could pull a fast one on him and it would look intentional. At least it hid most of his impish features like the sorry excuse for his now broken horns and his digitigrade legs...

Before he headed for the door, he rummaged in his pocket and pulled out a small tin. A generous gift from Mammon - which meant he would pay him back later. Like everything else, it came to the everlasting bill. Why the fuck had he taken this motherfucker as a role model for so long? He had downright idolized him. What bullshit.

He clumsily tried to open the can and finally had to use his teeth to swallow one of the three pills inside. ... two little huntsmen left. But he had to be fit for the show and with pain nobody could perform well.

*

Getting into the club was the next hurdle, because some stupid bitch at the back entrance wouldn't let him in. Until he told her that he was here at Asmodeus' and Mammon's personal request and that she was welcome to check with them. He was sure they'd be happy to waste their time with that.

That helped and he was finally let into the club. "On his own responsibility." Ha, that was a good one.

Leisurely, Fizz followed the demoness, looking around. The house was really gigantic and there were already many employees running around organizing the evening. As they walked by, they discussed the acts, who had to drop out and be replaced, which strippers were there, how the music was organized and so on. To the left were several doors lined up, the backstage area of the stars, as Fizz believed and thought of the small tent that he had shared with the other performers in the circus. Great, now he felt even more out of place than already.

Likewise, they passed the kitchen where the menus were prepared and a delicious aroma spread throughout the corridor that was draped in burgundy. The smell made Fizz's mouth water and he screwed up his face. Maybe he should’ve eaten something first. Performing on an empty stomach was just as shitty as performing in pain. Unfortunately, the little bit of change he'd kept hidden from Mammon was just enough to get from A to B. Maybe he'd get lucky and be able to steal some snack later without anyone noticing. Or he was dead then. Then it did not matter. Dead mud. Dead one-armed mud.

Man, he really should’ve eaten something.

Finally they stopped in front of another high door and the demoness turned towards him.

"Stay here. I'll announce you", she grumbled unkindly and marched into the room behind the door. Curious, Fizz peered after her and realized that it must be the main area of the lounge. A huge stage stretched throughout the room and quite a few tables were covered by countless Imps and Sucubi.

His eyes wandered further and finally he spotted the man himself at one of the tables. Asmodeus. He was sitting there counting money, talking to a tall slender Imp, going over some important business with him. He reacted accordingly displeased when the demoness pranced towards him.

Fizz swallowed when he saw the deep crease on Asmodeu's forehead and he bit his lips. Shit, maybe he should just go into hiding. If Asmodeus was in a bad mood, what were his chances?

With luck, he'd slip through Mammon's fingers and start a new life as a cashier in a health food store or something. Somewhere where Mammon would never look for him and Asmodeus would certainly not find him! He renamed himself, pretended to be a one-armed pirate who had experienced a lot and the fake identity was perfect!

He was just about to leave, when Asmodeus' face lit up and the wrinkle disappeared. Instead, a smile appeared on his face, which really dazzled Fizz, and he wished he had sunglasses with him. Asmodeus rose and looked directly in his direction, raising an arm and beckoning him to come.

"Ah, there he is! The cheeky little Jester-demon from yesterday. Fizz, isn't it? Come in, come in, sweetheart. I've been eagerly awaiting you!", he fluted, catching Fizz off guard with the sticky-eyed licorice rasp.

Taking a deep breath, he dug out his stage persona. He put on his widest grin and stepped through the door.

Failure was out of the question. Failure meant death!

He chanted these phrases to himself incessantly in his head as he marched toward the Prince of Lust.

"Good day, Your Highness!", he greeted Asmodeus and bowed exaggeratedly low, having trouble keeping his balance, but it didn't stand out. "I'm really sorry. I'm a little late. I got lost and the club isn't easy to find. A bit small and easy to miss, if you know what I mean."

Asmodeus tilted his head in response, eyeing Fizz from top to bottom. It was a piercing look that made him swallow, but he didn't give himself the benefit of the doubt.

"Small? That's what you think of my club?", he asked the trick question, to which Fizz preferred not to answer. To his astonishment, Asmodeus went for it anyway. "As a matter of fact, I was thinking of expanding. Possibly you can help me with that. If what Mammon said is really true."

"Mammon. Yes." Fizz cursed inwardly when he heard the name and waved his hand, pursing his mouth in disgust. "That ashole says a lot. A lot of bullshit. But yeah, he's right about that. I'm the one and only Fizz and clearly made for an establishment like this."

Asmodeus chuckled, but didn't give him an answer. He just gawked, which made Fizz nervous. He frowned and put his hand on his hip.

"So? How can I serve you, sir? I am entirely at your disposal."

"Aw, I'm extremely pleased to hear that, my little friend. The question is, what exactly can you do?"

What he could do? Fizz frowned, but held on to his grin.

"I'm an entertainer. I entertain", he kept it short, shrugging his shoulders nonchalantly and immediately regretting it as a dull ache made itself felt. But it was bearable. The pills were already taking effect. "There is nothing I can't do. Acrobatics, in the past at least, with both arms, hosting, stand-up comedy, slapstick. Say what you want to see and I'll perform it", he added hastily, watching Asmodeus sit back down at his table.

Emphatically slow, he folded his hands and rested his chin on them.

"What do you think I want to see?", he purred, pointing to the stage. "What kind of Lounge am I running here? So what do you think I'd like to watch?"

Fizz hesitated, weighing what to say.

"A host to humor the guests through the evening?", he began, but Asmodeu's grin grew so wide he didn't even have to continue. What the embodiment of lust wanted to see was clear. Of course. How could it have been otherwise. Provocatively, Fizz wiggled his hips. "I'm open to anything. If you want to see something ... exotic, I'll do that, too." If he had to. "I have my principles, though, as you know. I don't do it on stage and choking games are a no-go. Bondage is okay, but I don't like gawkers. You don't have to submit to everything, right? For that this club isn’t cool enough. Sorry."

Asmodeus blinked and burst out laughing.

"That's what you think of my club? Did I leave such a bad impression, huh?" Slowly, Asmodeus stood up and shook his head. "Ozzie's is not a simple brothel, my friend. Of course, there's everything your heart desires, but that's not one of them. Not for you, at least."

Confused, Fizz blinked. Things were starting to get difficult, as he didn't understand what was expected of him.

"A host after all?"

Smiling, Asmodeus nodded and leaned down to him, propping himself up on his knees.

"A host with certain benefits. If it is wanted by all parties and if it comes to that. I haven't seen much yet, and before I make my judgment, we don't have to talk about things that may never be."

"Fair enough."

"But first, one teeny question. What do you think off my club?"

Fizz tilted his head to the side questioningly. Spontaneously, only one word came to mind.

"Fabulous."

Asmodeus laughed, but then shook his head.

"Excellent choice of words. But what, my little friend, are your requirements for this place? What do you seek to accomplish here? What do you desire?"

What he desired? The death of an asshole, Mammon, stewing in heaven, playing the harp in his nightgown. A good meal. A roof over his head. His arm. His freedom. His life?

No, too complicated to begin with.

Exaggerated, he put his hand on his cheek and pretended to be all shy.

"So many questions on the very first date? Actually, I expect to be asked out for a drink first before it gets so personal. But since you ask", he babbled unfiltered, faltering when he realized he had nonchalantly addressed Asmodeus, but continued when no objection came. "I want to be known in all seven rings and make money. To want people to cheer for me. Celebrate me! That's what I want!" And the chatter continued. By Satan, why didn't he stop? Something about the question and the way Asmodeus looked at him made him blurt out this embarrassing confession.

"I see," Asmodeus breathed in response and suddenly seemed to inhale deeply. A strangely satisfied expression crept onto his face and blue flames escaped his mouth. He hummed throatily, almost as if he had eaten something delicious.

Shit, what did that mean now? Was was he risking his neck with careless talk? Was the prince bored by him? Or did Amsodeus like what he had heard? With his luck it was the former and he already saw Mammon impaling him and shuddered at the idea.

"All right. Now that we've cleared that up, how about you show me your act?"

Oh man, couldn't that fucker just be clear instead of beating around the bush! His ambiguous questions irritated him. He couldn't deal with that.

"Soooo ... a strip show then?"

"If that's what you desire. Show me what you want to show. That alone counts."

Arg! Another stupid trick question. Okay, then just a strip number. After all, Asmodeus was the embodiment of lust. Best, he did something that corresponded to this domain. However, that would mean that he would reveal a lot about himself and his body and Asmodeus would probably realize that he was an Imp. If he didn't know it already. But what else could he do?

Grinning, he bowed again and marched tensely to the stage, masking his nervousness, and jumped onto it in one leap, holding onto one of the pool poles. However, he lost his balance and threatened to fall, but at the last moment he made a turn before turning back to Asmodeus.

Ha, good save! The big man had apparently not noticed anything. Well then. Let's go. In the circus he had greeted the guests often, that was a job he mastered from the beginning. Here, he just needed to work on the vocabulary a bit to get the guests heat up. He took a deep breath, grabbed the mic and began his familiar rehearsed show.

"Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to Ozzie's, the number 1 spot in the whole Lust Ring for all kinds of kinks and dark fantasies! I am the one and only Fizz, your host for tonight. Some of you may recognize this dashing clown face from my countless appearances at Mammon's Grand Circus, the go-to place for your whole boring- as- fuck family! Yaay...!", he began the introduction, swaying back and forth on the pole as he did so, deliberately emphasizing the last sentence as enthusiastically as possible, underscoring the irony behind it. And since he had pretended to be a jester demon in the circus,too, he didn't worry about mentioning it.

More important, thought, the people who came to Ozzie's certainly didn't want to be reminded of their family lives and all that shit. That was a big turnoff so he used that as a hook. He raised his index finger meaningfully and leaned forward across the stage, over to Asmodeus.

"You're probably wondering how I got here from this wild dumpsterfire. Well, I'll tell you: I have no fucking idea! From a mess in a clown costume to host in this classy joint is quite a skip beat, if you know what I mean. Lucky me! I guess I have to thank the exploding inferno for that, which catapulted me straight from that lousy shithole right onto this stage. I promise you have never seen more breathtaking firecracker like me! For the fire and the sounds … Well, yeah, I didn’t arrive in one piece, but hey, at least my good fap hand didn't take the hit! Ha!" He made a suggestive gesture with his hand and chuckled disreputably. Especially since there was some truth to it. "I can tell you one thing, though. I was squatting there, in the middle of that fire, flames everywhere, screaming kids, human torches. You know, the usual. But still, it was nowhere near as hot as here with you in this club!"

He squinted at Asmodeus, who was sitting at his table, grinning broadly and resting his head in his hands. His shoulders were shaking all the time, which meant he was apparently enjoying himself. A good sign. So Fizz continued.

"We've got a great lineup for you guys today. Namely, me! By me, with me, for me, about me! So we can get to know each other better and ... get up close and personal. So, a big applause for me!"

With that, he was about to move on to the strip show, but faltered.

There was no music coming from the large speakers on the sides of the room and he frowned. Without music, a strip act was about as hot as a frozen potato.

Fuck that, he would just improvise and unceremoniously started humming an Earth song called you can leave your hat on. A well-known song that had also become famous in hell. His instrumental interpretations were notorious and always created a good mood. Even if he didn't feel like swinging his naked ass across the stage right at the first day, Mammon's wrath was a thoroughly stimulating motivation, so he pulled the thing off.

He had just buzzed in and was imitating the sounds of the piano with a dramatic düdüdüdü, reaching for the zipper to pull it down lasciviously, when he saw Asmodeus out of the corner of his eye.

The Prince of Hell gawked at him in complete horror, which was like a slap in the face.

Shit, that didn't look good! Shit, shit, shit, he would really bite the dust!

Not a second later, Asmodeus thundered his hand on the table ... and started laughing. So loudly and violently that it threw Fizz off and he stopped mid-performance.

"What is it?", he asked, but got no answer. Asmodeus laughed tears before slowly getting up and approaching him. It took him a few times before he caught his breath and wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes.

"Aaaah! That felt good, I haven't laughed so heartily in a long time! Really excellent!"

Perplexed, Fizz blinked and slumped his shoulders.

"Oh yeah?"

"Yes! That singing performance! Just ghastly. With your vioce like a razor ... and to a striptease? Glorious! I love it!"

"What?" Eyes widening, Fizz stared at Asmodeus, not getting what had been so funny. "My singing has always been praised so far!"

"That may be so, but I've never heard a worse rendition of that song. And add to that the mimed instruments. Is that supposed to be sexy? Your ... your piano impro?"

Fizz opened his mouth, only to close it again immediately.

"Yeah ...?" he began, but then nodded very quickly. "I mean, yeah! Yeah, sure! That's what's so absurd about it!"

"Brilliant!"

Meaningfully, Fizz spread his one arm.

"Like I said. Rising star", he just went on with it , hardly believing Asmodeus was seriously buying it. But if it saved his ass, he'd tell him everything he wanted to hear.

"Very good, very good. Your introduction, too, of course. It shows you're from the business. People love amusing slice of life stories as a hook. Even if they could be more explicit and graphic. But current events always do well." Exhaling, Asmodeus clutched his chest before reaching out to Fizz. At first he flinched as the huge paw grabbed at him. He was used being punched or kicked from Mammon. To his surprise he was only patted enthusiastically.

"You got the job! And once you get past whatever makes you so stiff and your tongue loosens up," he winked at him, "then you can become a really big shot. You have everything you need."

Blinking wide-eyed at Asmodeus, Fizz could hardly believe it. He.... He had the job? He hadn't really started yet. And that was enough for the Prince of Lust? A good laugh?

Something in Fizz clicked, like a switch flipping, and his pride spoke up. He pushed Asmodeu's hand away and shook his head.

"I can do more than that!", he assured him. "A lot more!"

"And I believe you. It'll be all the more exciting to put on a real stage show with you. Congratulations, my little friend. You've cheered me up a lot."

"And that's enough to get a job here? Are the standards that low?", he babbled off again carelessly, pressing his lips tightly together at the same moment. Fuck. He had to pay better attention. Asmodeus seemed to like that, though, because he just grinned, not letting his guard down.

"What meets my standards or not is for me to decide. And I have decided. Just the fact that you dare to disagree with me and openly talk about Mammon speaks for you. Besides, this club needs a bit of variety. And so do I. I need a new... flavor. It's been boring lately. Besides, you're a natural in your field." He came down to Fizz's eye level and blew him a kiss accompanied by blue flames. A bit too hearty for the lust in person, Fizz thought to himself. But what was the point! Basically, he couldn't give a shit what Asmodeus thought. As long as he had the job, his life was saved for now!

"Next, we'll take care of the finer details. We need to boost your image. First up is the prosthetic, and then we'll worry about a new wardrobe. Mammon has no taste and that rag there, if you would’ve torn it off your body that would’ve been fine by me. And it would have pleased my eyes and spared them at the same time!" He briefly cooed low which made Fizz shudder. A moment later, however, the sound was gone and Asmodeus' almost childlike enthusiasm returned. "And your name, of course!"

"My name?"

"Yes. Fizz is not an appropriate stage name. It needs something else. Something snazzy." Lost in thought, Asmodeus tapped his chin, but that's where Fizz could help him out.

"Fizzarolli", he interjected, to which Asmodeus blinked in surprise. "That's my actual name. I always thought it was pretty stupid and too long ... But as a stage name, maybe it's good."

"Strictly speaking, then, it's not a stage name anymore, sweetheart, but I like the sound of it. Fizzarolli. Yes. We can work with that!" Satisfied, Asmodeus spread his arms and spun around. "Welcome to the House of Asmodeus, Fizzarolli!"

A shiver chased down Fizz's spine and his heart leapt as Asmodeus literally purred his name. Still, he couldn't really believe it yet.

He had made it. He had actually made it!

He was in! Part of the show! Host of the show!

The show of Asmodeus.

Who was surprisingly more soft than Fizz had believed.

Chapter Text

Kapitel 3

The Shape of Metall

"Well, how is it?"

As if in a trance, Fizzarollie stared at his new hand, moving each finger and carefully extending the arm that went with it. A mechanical whirring sounded with each movement and yet there seemed to be no problems with the mechanics at all.

Excellent! That's the way things were supposed to work.

Satisfied, Ozzie eyed the prosthetic arm he had made for Fizzarolli on Mammon's behalf, and a deep sense of satisfaction filled him. The black metal shone seductively in the glow of the factory lab lamps, and the many bright coils revealed that the desired stretch function was also built in and working.

The only thing that concerned him were the connection points of the open implant. According to his chief engineer, connecting the prosthesis to the body's nervecords was no small feat, and the little jester-demon needed an additional implant in his neck to facilitate information transfer. Ozzie was not a mechanic or tech-savvy. He didn't understand any of this shit, but found the dedication very stimulating with which his employees talked about it. Therefore, he believed their words.

Unfortunately, Fizzarolli did not allow Ozzie to take a closer look at said points. Certainly not because he was a prude, something else seemed to bother him, but Ozzie did not probe futher. Jester demons were pretty peculiar. At least Ozzie assumed Fizz was one. At first he had thought Fizz was a Sucubus or Incubus, but although he was really attractive and sexy, he did not constantly emit pheromones, as was usual for this type of demon. So he had to be a Jester demon, a clown-based beast. Anything else made no sense. And with Jester Demons you could never be sure what of their appearance really belonged to their body or what was merely a costume.

Maybe that's why Fizzarolli snapped at the chief engineer every time he pushed his sleeves up a little too far. Which was understandable, Ozzie disliked people tugging at his feathers without asking either, and the most important thing was that his employees were happy. A happy employee was a good employee … and a tasty one. Especially since he knew that little bastard Mammon wasn't the friendliest boss in the seven rings of hell and showed no consideration for the well-being of his people.

This impression made his new host Fizz at least. Well, no, the great Fizzarolli, as his stage name would be. For Fizzarolli doubted a lot and could get grumpy quickly. Except when he was in full flow and his stage persona and his real person blurred together. Were maybe even one and the same? Asmodeus hadn't figured that much out yet. He had only known the little Jester-demon for a few days after all.

Like a good rolemodel, he came to the club every night and worked on the new show that would start next month. Even the other Imps and Demons in the club were already warming up to him and swarming about him. This was due to his charisma, his charm, because he knew how to wrap anyone around his finger. Ozzie knew that since he had been watching him closely at work, as he always did with newcomers.

Today, however, Fizz's grumpy personality stood out ever since they had met outside the factory. Half an hour later as agreed, Fizzarolli had arrived in front of the factory choking, completely out of breath as if he had run a marathon.

Not that Asmodeus had offered to pick him up from wherever - since Mammon didn't deign to travel to Lust just for the fitting - but the little demon had refused. A strange fellow he was.

Shaking his head, Ozzie tore himself away from his thoughts and concentrated.

For now, it was important that the prosthesis worked and everything went according to plan. Which was a miracle, considering that Mammon had designed it. However, thanks to Ozzie's materials the result was impressive. Truly exquisite.

Grinning, he watched Fizzarollie move his arm back and forth, carefully stretching it further and further. His aghast face was delicious and there was indeed something charming about the display. Yes, indeed, the little demon was ... delightful.

His show act still needed some practice and he desperately needed to work on reducing his tension, but all in all minor things. Still, Ozzie never got tired of listening to his rampant babbling. Fizzarolli didn't possesses the little telling voice in one's head, and it was refreshing how others were thrown off by his direct manner.

Moreover, he tasted ... exquisite!

"So, are you satisfied?" Ozzie asked another time, which brought Fizzarolli out of his trance. He dashed upward on the table from his crouching position before putting on a wide smug grin.

"Looks good, boss. Now this thing just needs to work," he said casually and jumped off the table, trying to move the arm to his will and stretch it to infinity - but the arm failed to do his bidding.

"It will take a few days to get used to it, sir," the chief engineer assured him in response, inspecting the prosthesis with pride one last time. "You're really lucky to get a prosthesis like this. I would say it is by far our most advanced product and truly an engineering masterpiece!"

While Ozzie enjoyed the way his chief engineer spoke with devotion, Fizzarolli just rolled his eyes. He continued to try to become master of his new arm, but quickly grew impatient when the arm did not obey him at all. After a few more attempts and a dangerously throbbing vein on Fizzarolli's forehead, the arm suddenly fell limply to the ground and did nothing. Horror was reflected on the demon's fine features and he gave the engineer a venomous look.

"Yo, what the fuck! I thought this thing was a masterpiece, huh? Is that what a masterpiece looks like to you? Like a floppy noodle? Is that how I'm supposed to walk around on stage? With a floppy noodle for an arm? Yeah, that's really sexy!" He demonstratively raised his other arm and made it flap as if it were made of rubber, pulling a silly grimace.

The sight was so absurd, Ozzie couldn't help but laugh out loud. The idea of seeing him like that on stage in front of his guests and imagining their silly faces just topped it all off.

However, his new host had to exercise patience. Chuckling, he leaned in to put a hand on Fizz’s shoulder and shook his head.

"He's right, Fizzarolli. The arm is new. Give it time to get to know you."

Fizz only contorted his face more in response and gave the arm a snide look.

"So far, it’s making a crappy impression. I wouldn't ask it out on a second date ... No matter how attached it is to me."

Ozzie grunted at the stupid remark, but controlled himself. This dry humor was truly refreshing.

"I ... I've put together a physical therapy that will make it easier to handle!" The engineer quickly interjected, handing Fizz a small brochure. "If you follow it, it will be a snap for you to master the arm and its functions! Ah, and don't forget this either!" Hastily, the engineer ran to his desk and pulled out a small package, which he held out to Fizzarolli.

"What's this? Lube or what? To make it go nice and slippery? Kinky, buddy, kinky!"

Now the corners of the engineer's mouth twitched, too, and Ozzie succumbed to another giggle, because as sarcastic as his comments were, Fizz’ deadpan expression rounded the whole thing off delightfully. Whereby there was even something to the question. After all, the arm was mechanical and as fidgety as Fizzarolli was, his arm would rarely hold still either. An oiling would certainly be appropriate, too.

Mh ...oiling. At the thought, Ozzie ran his hand over his chin, thinking of the good erotic massage oils he offered in his lounge. Possibly they weren't suitable for that, but the mere idea caused his feathers to ruffle slightly - Which didn't go unnoticed by Fizzarolli. He gawked at him before frowning in displeasure and backing away.

"Great, the big man's getting horny now. Awesome! At least someone is having fun," he rumbled, but Ozzie waved him off.

"Oh, are we getting bitchy? I thought you were the comedian? Can't you take a joke?"

Again, Fizzarolli rolled his eyes, then turned to the engineer.

"Okay, so what is this stuff?"

"Medication. To keep the joints and your arm stump from getting infected and the technical equipment from getting rejected. I'm afraid that's going to be with you for life."

Oh, Ozzie hadn't thought of that! How clever his engineer was, but he expected nothing less and it was a good sign that all his departments were coordinating. Teamwork! On the other hand, it did present him with a question that hadn't really been occurred to him before. How exactly had Fizz lost his arm? In the fire accident, that much he had understood, but how exactly? Had a stunt gone wrong? Should he possibly know that for his club? Mmh ...

Meanwhile, deep furrows appeared on Fizzarolli face and he shook head.

"Don't need it," he said, and worked on getting his arm back under control, which looked pretty exhausting. But it was working. Piece by piece, the arm contracted again until it regained it’s normal size. With a narrow grin, Fizzarolli looked at his fingers and then lowered his arm. "So are we done here? Fine. I'll make a run for it."

"Wait a minute, wait a minute, sir! Please, I must insist that you take these medications. If there's a rejection, then it was all- ..."

"Shut up!", hissed Fizzarolli, to which Ozzie raised his brows in amazement. How angry he could sound surprised him. Until now, he had only shown his amusing side. But this was just as interesting.

Fizz seemed to notice their reaction and hesitated before sighing and running his good hand over his face.

"Okay, for dummies then. I'm flat broke. I can't pay for any of these ..."

What? Ozzie had to laugh, though for a different reason. Something he'd never had to think about before. Money! What a nothingness!

"Oh, don't worry about that. Like everything else, Mammon will take care of it. After all, he wants you to have that special prosthesis."

Unfortunately, that didn't reassure Fizzarolli in the least. His pretty little face contorted even more and he looked to the side.

"Mammon, huh?", he muttered with a sickly grin. "Mammon don't pay shit around here."

Oh dear. Now it was Ozzie's turn to roll his eyes and he shook his head, sighing.

"I know Mammon's a tightwad, but if you really care that much. Please." With that, Ozzie fished for the packet and thrusted it into Fizzarolli's hands. In both of his hands. "These are on me. And very soon a nuisance like money won't be a problem for you. You'll be earning enough Souls you could buy yourself three more of those prosthetics, and the meds to boot." Encouragingly, he nodded to Fizz, who eyed the package skeptically, still unconvinced.

"That means ... you're giving them to me? And want nothing in return?"

Oh dear, oh dear. Slowly Asmodeus realized what kind of demon he was dealing with here. Grinning, he leaned down to him and pressed his finger to the tip of Fizzarolli's nose.

"That's right!", he quipped and waved it off, standing up straight again. "That settles it, the prosthesis is in place. Physical treatment is in place. Medications are ready. Did I forget something?" As a precaution, he counted off on his fingers to make sure that everything had really been worked out. There was always so much buzzing around his ears, he tended to forget things. But he remembered that there were three points for today at the factory. "No, we're through. I thank you for a superb job!", he buttered up the engineer, who received the praise with enthusiasm. His satisfaction pleased Ozzie and he marched to the door, holding it open for Fizzarolli. "We're good to go. Come on, after you."

Fizz was still glaring at the package as if it were a bomb that could go off any time, holding it out in front of him with outstretched arms as he stepped up to Ozzie.

"Isn't it supposed to be ladies first?", he asked perkily, causing Ozzie to smile. The Jester-demon's tongue really loosened.

"Yes. That's why," he countered, to which Fizz blinked, but then batted his eyeslids, pulling his head low between his shoulders and did a flip with his leg.

"Thank you, sir," he squeaked in a false voice, sounding like a poor young girl about to die of a flu-like infection. Wonderfully ghastly.

He gave the engineer a nod of approval before strolling with Fizz to the exit of the factory. Still holding the pack away from him, the demon was a truly heartwarming sight. Cute, even, but Asmodeus didn't dare to say the word. Not in his ring, not out of his mouth! Nevertheless, it was true.

In front of the factory, Asmodeus snapped one of his fingers and it wasn't a minute before his limousine pulled up.

"I don't suppose I can persuade you to ride back to the club with me at least?", he asked, but received no answer. Fizz's eyes had latched onto the limo and were threatening to pop out of their sockets.

"Isn't that a little over the top? ... A little?", he asked, to which Ozzie chuckled and walked up to the car and opened the door himself.

"Get in and find out," he tried to entice him, hoping to possibly find out a bit more about him on the ride. And maybe even feed on him … a little.

Ha, he almost felt like good Charlotte, Lu's little girl. It was said, she was planning a new Passion Project and he felt like pursuing such as well. It seems, the deal with Mammon and Fizzarolli was developing into his very own passion project. What else was he going to do with his free time when he wasn't getting laid?

Meanwhile, Fizzarolli gawked at the limousine with starry eyes, unable to hide his enthusiasm. Lovely as pie! He really had to come from the lowest of the low if he was impressed by it.

"You're really letting me get in there? Into your limo?"

Ozzie nodded and Fizz grunted.

"If I'd known you were gonna pick me up in that thing, I never would have said no, boss!" That's all it took and the little demon hopped into the car. Ha, the fish was on the line, now he had to get him in the boat!

Grinning, he got in with him and closed the door behind him, signaling his chauffeur to drive off. It was a good half hour drive to the club. Half an hour he would use wisely.

**

The drive was relatively silent.

Fizzarolli was busy inspecting the interior of the limo, while Ozzie surveyed him. The enthusiasm with which he looked around was superb and he made a admirable picture as he sat on the big velvet seats and dangled his legs. Young he seemed at that moment. Very young. Was he even of age at all? Judging by his voice and charisma, definitely, but asking seemed silly to Ozzie, so he skipped the thought. What was amusing, however, was how he still held the package away from him. This time, even with his new arm.

"As funny as it looks. You want to tell me what you're doing?", he asked therefore, pointing at the package. And as if Fizzarolli had forgotten that Ozzie was in the limo as well, he flinched and stared at him. Just as quickly, though, he regained his composure and shrugged. With both shoulders.

"Nothing. Making sure I don't crush them," he explained, looking almost genuinely embarrassed at that. Mmm, embarrassment was good! A precursor to lust.

That gave Ozzie an idea! After all, he still had an ace up his sleeve. A little surprise, which he had had attached to the arm ignoring Mammon's design.

Cooing, he sprawled out in the limo and lay down lengthwise on the seats, propping up his head in his hands so that he could look Fizz directly in the face. Without further ado, he took the package from his hand and placed it emphatically carefully on a vacant seat.

"No worries, my little friend. Nothing will happen to it. They won't run away from you. Promise. You'd better tell me about your new arm. How does it feel?" With that, he tapped the prosthetic, enjoying how the little demon jumped and wrapped his real arm around it.

"How it feels?"

"Uh-huh!" Ozzie nodded and closed his eyes. "Tell me everything. Every little thing. Every detail, every sentiment. I love listening!"

"Pervert," escaped the little demon, who flinched and pursed his mouth at the same moment, looking at him scrutinizingly. Ozzie merely blinked in amazement, but had to grin also. So hard, his face was beginning to hurt; he hadn't grinned or laughed that much in the past year. The feeling on his face was rather unfamiliar, but it was not unpleasant. On the contrary.

"I waaaait," he fluted in a singsong, whereupon Fizzarolli slid around in his seat and rubbed his mechanical arm.

"Hurts. Is heavy. Like there's something that doesn't belong to me and yet it belongs to me and I can control it ... but I don't feel it. Pretty rad shit. But cool, too!" Grinning, he bit his lips and launched another attempt to extend his arm as far as the inside of the limo would allow it. He succeeded, though the arm snapped back so suddenly that it flung Fizz against the seat.

Ozzie had to laugh at his cockiness, however he was far from satisfied.

"So what? This was too vague. Tell me more."

Fizz frowned, rubbing his shoulder at that.

"There’s no more."

That was Ozzie's cue. He crawled closer to Fizz until his faces hovered directly in front of the little demon. Nervousness suddenly emanated from him. One couldn't tell by looking at him, but Ozzie was a master at reading emotions. That's what he tugged at, that's what he lived by!

"Do you want it to be more?", he purred, at which Fizzarolli jumped to his feet.

"What do you mean by that? More?"

Ozzie didn't miss his red eyes darting to the door. Like a cornered animal he suddenly appeared his tail tucked between his legs, which amused Ozzie greatly. He sat up slowly and reached into his pocket.

"Don't panic, little friend. I'm not trying to get in your pants. And if I wanted to, I would have done it long ago. By more, I mean this." He held out a small device to Fizz that the demon eyed skeptically.

"What's this? A remote control for some sex toy?"

"Close." Ozzie pressed the small device into Fizz's hand and pointed at the button on it, then focused entirely on Fizzarolli's face. "This button will activate another function of your arm. I'll leave it up to you to decide if you want that."

Suspiciously, Fizz tilted his head.

"What kind of function?"

Innocently, Ozzie shrugged his shoulders, quite eager to see any little movement in the dashing face.

"Push the button and find out," he cooed provocatively, at which Fizz pulled a face. For a moment he hesitated, and Ozzie already feared he would back out.

The mere thought soured his mood, because he couldn't wait to see Fizz's reaction! To taste his feelings ...! And he was lucky. After Fizz gave him an appraising look, he finally pressed the button!

Excitement spread through Ozzie and his feathers flared up.

Fizz had narrowed his eyes and stretched his arm away from his body as if he would explode at any moment, but nothing happened. Almost disappointed, Fizz blinked and then let it tumble onto the seat.

"Are you kidding me? Nothing changed," he grumbled, seeming not to have realized yet.

Admonishingly, Ozzie raised a finger and shook it back and forth in front of Fizzarolli's nose.

"Tse, tse, tse. So much impatience. You need to pay more attention. Take more care of yourself ... Before someone else does." With that, Ozzie brought his finger up to the prosthetic arm and placed it on the black metal. Drove it slowly along and brushed the sleeve up a bit.

"WOW!"

As if stung, Fizzarolli jumped up and stared at his arm, trembling all over. His face completely derailed, as if he had seen the Almighty Lord in person.

Ha, that's exactly the kind of moment Ozzie lived for, as he took the shudder that shook through Fizz.

"I suppose you felt that, huh? I thought it would make it a little more palatable for you."

"What ... how does it work?", asked Fizz breathlessly, his initial horror turning to curiosity and amazement.

"Special sensors. They make you feel anything with this arm. That's why the engineer was so concerned about the connection point and your nervecords. The better everything works, the more you feel."

"But ... why? That wasn't in Mammon's description!"

"No. Mammon thinks too pragmatically." Disgusted, Ozzie screwed up his face and waved it off. "It's much more sensual that way. So? A good surprise?"

"But ... why?", the little demon repeated, stunned, and Ozzie sighed, realizing his own enthusiasm was getting a kink in it.

"Don't question it so much. Just be happy. I like to please others. No matter what form it takes. And this will give you pleasure. Oh, so much pleasure in so many ways!" He chuckled disreputably, thinking to himself of one or two little things he would do with such a prosthetic. Except he'd be equipping another part of his body with a stretch prosthetic.

He lost himself in his fantasies, but was jerked out of them by a clearing of a throat and looked to Fizzarolli. He squatted on the seat, wrapped his real arm around the prosthesis and looked to the floor, avoiding Ozzie's gaze.

"Um...thanks...I guess," he mumbled, and more delicious embarrassment flooded the limo, like a tempting scent. Ozzie inhaled deeply and exhaled a bluish flame, got goosebumps and felt the power in him rising.

Fizzarolli ... really did taste exquisite. Maybe he could even become his new Favorite.

"You're welcome," he chirped with satisfaction. Sighing, he rested his head on his arms and closed his eyes, reveling in the delicious aroma of Fizzarolli until they eventually reached the club.

Chapter Text

Chapter 4

Fabrics

Weeks passed and the big day was getting closer and closer and the more time went by, the more often Fizz forgot what a shitty situation he actually was in.

Working at Ozzie's was like a fucking dream and just too good to be true. His colleagues respected and admired him for his work on the new stage show, his talent was appreciated, the customers were horny and pushy; if he had contact with them, but they had manners. And his arm! Man, that thing was a gift from Satan and even if he fucking hated Mammon, that thing was hot shit! He could even do acrobatic performances like before, even if the accident had ruined his desire to do so. But he used the thing for his upcoming show wherever he could. It was damn hard to control and he wasn't one hundred percent used to it yet, but Fizz did the crappy physical routines every day. Not to please Mammon, but .... Satan forbid ... not to disappoint Asmodeus.

Yeah, that's right, to please that son of a bitch.

Urgs, just the thought made him want to puke, but he owed the Prince of Lust. That the show may be a flop just because he wasn't in control of his body parts was not going to happen. He had to prove that he meant buisiness and even if he had gone through the routine a thousand times until his head buzzed, it had to work out in front of the audience. If not, he ruined Asmodeu's reputation, because that guy was already doing a lot of publicity for the new show and his new host. The posters were plastered on every damn billboard in the neighborhood.

Fizz wasn't sure why, though. He had no idea why the fuck the Prince of Lust was investing so much in him and .... being so fucking nice to him all the time. Not just to him, but to all other employees and the invited acts as well. Anyone who worked at Ozzie's was under his protection and holy shit, if any guest became unceasingly pushy Asmodeus showed his true colors and they were scary!

Still, it was strange. A Prince of Hell had no need to be friendly with his underlings, yet he treated everyone with respect, dutifully said please and thank you, and often displayed an enthusiasm that almost was childishly naive for the embodiment of lust. The guy had been born with a golden spoon up his ass, that much was certain ... But he didn't show. He was accommodating and generous. Oh yes, generous he was.

Like with his gift. The sensors …

Fizz preferred not to think about how it had felt when Asmodeus had touched his new arm, but fuck, it had sent electric shocks through his body ...

Thank Satan that he had no trouble pretending, otherwise he wouldn't know how to act around the prince. Fortunately, since their visit to the factory and the discussion of the new show, they rarely saw each other. There was a lot to do and even if the host of the show took an important role, Fizz was also appointed for other work while Asmodeus stayed mostly in the lounge. During rehearsals he was sometimes present and when he was, Fizz put in extra effort.

He felt like a complete idiot, but he just had to give it all. As a thank you. For the gift. Out of politeness even. He just had to put on a perfect show! Because the fact that he could feel with his new robotic arm made his everyday life incredibly easier and even if sometimes a strange feeling rushed over him, almost as if there were two arms, it made the whole thing less bad. In any case, the pain finally subsided, thanks to the medications from the factory. They helped better than the cheap stuff from Mammon ....

It was all just going too well. There must be a hair in the soup somewhere. Probably it was because no one knew he was an Imp. That Mammon wanted to spoil him, he strongly doubted, and therefore he was looking for the snag in it. It must be somewhere! He could not let his guard down. Absolutely not. Otherwise he would be exposed, lose his job ... and by this his life. His new life! And the comforts that came with this new life.

*

The carousel of thought surrounding his new job and that damned prince, who acted more like a mountain of blue cotton candy when he was around him, haunted Fizz even tonight as he walked around in the backstage area helping to prepare the show.

Until his debut in a few days, different hosts were currently invited as guests of honor and each of them had special wishes - and to make himself indispensable, Fizz played the sweet friendly little helper and supported all of them vigorously. He was up for anything, especially since he was used to do so during his time at the circus. There the artists including him had been responsible for everything, otherwise the thing would have fallen apart sooner ...

He was on his way to the kitchen to organize a snack for an unpleasant star guest and himself, too – because the money wasn't flowing yet and even if it would be, he wouldn't get a Soul out of it. So food and a place to sleep were a rare thing. Even tought he had a solution for the later problem. Then he heard heavy footsteps behind him and before he knew it, a shadow towered over him.

With a jerk he stopped and raised his head far back to his neck.

Fuck, Asmodeus!

He stood right behind him, albeit in his ... different form. Still Fizz didn't know why, but from time to time Asmodeus' appearance changed, and he became a slimmer version of himself, revealing neither his three faces, nor his feathers. Basically, he consisted out of long skinny arms and legs, monster shoulders, and a face completely hidden in fluffy fur. He maintained his size, however, and even now Fizz could tell he smiled at him.

"Hey, boss. What's up?" he asked nonchalantly. It still felt weird to speak so freely to a demon prince, but Asmodeus seemed to enjoy it. Noticeably slow, he bent down and tilted his head to the side.

"A wonderful evening, my dear Fizzarolli. I feel like we haven't seen each other in ages, haven't we?" he purred, which was true. Today, in fact, he had not spoken to him yet. Which happened more often than not. Asmodeus seemed to have a lot to do …. and a lot people to fuck.

"There's a lot coming up. The show must go on." Fizz shrugged.

"Very true. And yet, I'm afraid I'm going to have to kidnap you. Whatever you're doing right now, drop it and follow me."

This came out of the blue. A suffocating nervousness rose in Fizz and his tail started twitching. Like it always did when he was alone with someone of the staff. No way he was going to blow his cover, but he couldn't refuse the Prince of Lust either. Grinning, he did the same to Asmodeus and tilted his head as well, folding his arms.

"Awww, did I do something wrong? Are you going to spank my ass?" he asked directly, hiding his rising fear perfectly. Asmodeus chuckled from behind his fur collar and shook his head. He said nothing more, but started to move, pausing after a few steps and looking back over one shoulder at him. Waiting.

Fizz gulped, then shrugged and followed him. Along the way they were met with surprised looks, as well as being greeted or questioned by many, however Asmodeus didn't respond to any. Either he was really pissed or he was in a hurry. The show was about to start soon and like every evening he was expected to sit in the VIP lounge during the first act.

At some point they turned into a hallway and Asmodeus headed for the delivery area.

What by Satan were they doing back here? Deliveries came only twice a week, Fizz had learned, but not today!

Immediately he tensed and a bad feeling spread through him. Damn, had he given himself away somehow and Asmodeus himself was going to kill him back here? Fuck!

Asmodeus didn't think to explain himself, though. He floated towards one of the big gates and told Fizz to open it. His silence was really disturbing. He seemed almost like a ghost or a guhl that followed you everywhere to feed on you.

But Fizz knew better than to call Asmodeus anything, and so he sauntered up to the gate and pretended to be wholly unimpressed.

"Okay, so if you want to fuck me, you don't have to summon me here. You can just say it up-front and we'll find a nice corner," he began casually, hoping his nervousness wasn't noticeable by hiding it with suggestive jokes, waving his robotic hand and spinning it around, chuckling. Oh man, these functions were really cool. He really liked watching himself do that. And it distracted him from this crappy situation.

Asmodeus giggled too, but didn't say anything. Instead, he followed him through the gate and turned on the lights.

To Fizz's surprise, they stood in a huge container full of ... clothes! Completely new, expensive clothes made of the finest fabrics. Shit, the parts were worth billions! With that he could surely ...! No. He couldn't pay off anything, nothing was enough to get rid of his mountain of debt, but man, not bad!

His jaw dropped and he was sure he looked like a squirrel.

"Remember? I said we needed to freshen up your wardrobe. So feel free. Pick out whatever you want."

Huh? Slowly, Fizz turned to Asmodeus, eyeing the prince skeptically.

"You're not seriously saying you had these things shuttled over for me, are you?"

Asmodeus paused before slowly approaching him.

"Nooo …..?“, he lied obviously leaving Fizz stunned. No fucking way. He hadn't really done that, had he? His guts contracted awkwardly and he swallowed hard while Asmodeus tried to excuse his earlier statement. "I mean … Not exclusively for you, but for you, too! Every now and then I have a new wardrobe delivered. For the staff, guests and acts. This time I just ordered it ... earlier."

Lucifer freaking Magne! Impressed, Fizz let out a whistle and walked past the long racks of clothes, daring to run his real hand over a fabric or two.

"Fancy. And I can pick what I want?"

Asmodeus nodded and Fizz swallowed, noticing the strange warmth he felt before. He clenchend on the fabric in his fist.

"And who pays- ..."

"Ah, ah, ah, ah!" groaned Asmodeus admonishingly. "We've already talked about that. I already said this is from me to y… the staff. You're just the first to see it. You'll probably need some lead time to decide."

So really more gifts!? What was wrong with this guy!? Did he have too much cash to ... Inwardly Fizz punched himself in the face for the stupid question. Of course the bastard had enough cash. But it was crazy! Mammon would never have thought of spending money on anyone. Never ever. Not at all. Not in a hundred eons. The two demon lords really couldn't be more different.

"Oookay .... I'll have to look around, then," Fizz muttered. The amount of clothes overwhelmed him. When he thought back to his closet in his old room and the handful of outfits in it, he felt quite different. How was he supposed to find something suitable here? Something that was suitable for the stage, but also served the purpose of hiding his body accordingly.

"Take your time. After all, I want my new host to look good," was all Asmodeus said. With that, he turned around and already was leaving. Just like that. Surprised, Fizz took a step forward and caught himself thinking he didn't want to be alone.

„Leaving already? Not in the mood for a peep show or what?“ he asked faster than he thought, as always. Wherever his cockiness came from, because Asmodeus in particular shouldn't see him naked, he couldn't stop himself, went on and seductively pushed up the sleeve of his robotic arm.

And indeed the prince of lust paused once more and looked at Fizz for the longest time before he took one big step and suddenly stood right in front of him. Fizz involuntarily winced as Asmodeus leaned down. His greenish eyes glowed with a need that caused Fizz to shrivel. Flirting, yes, making stupid jokes yes, Asmodeus would do that, but he had never checked Fizz out so directly.

A "Mmmmh" escaped his throat, and he licked his lips, inhaled once, but not a second after that he stood at the door again and shook his head.

"Not quite yet. Later,” was his answer, which completely threw Fizz off.

Not quite? Later? What the …?

Before he could figure it out, Asmodeus made an exit. Without explanation, without nothing! Fizz's heart ran on ice and then it happened again.

"Wait!" He babbled and it had an effect. Asmodeus turned around. Reluctantly, Fizz raised a finger, then rubbed his hands together. Shit, hopefully he didn't go too far with that, but... if he could make lewd jokes in front of him, then maybe he was allowed to ask such a thing as well.

"Um, don't get the wrong idea… but… you’re okay?"

Oh man, what a stupid question. Why did he even said it out loud?

On the other hand, he was not used to see Asmodeus so calm. In this form. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong, feared the worst, but also didn't want to look like a pushy idiot. He received an amazing amount of attention anyway. The others in the club already whispered about how Asmodeus had taken such a fancy to him. Talking about him being a possible Favorite … what ever that meant.

But nevertheless it bothered him. But if he went one step too far, he would surely notice quickly. Or not, because then he might be dead. The possibility existed all the time, after all.

"Oh, are you worried about me? How sickening sweet of you!"

Urg, Fizz pulled a face at the choice of words. He certainly hadn't meant it that way! Slowly, Asmodeus floated closer and smiled at him.

"Don't worry, my friend. All I need is a good show. An all-around good, satisfied show with all-around happy guests drowning in lust ..."

Fizz gulped. What was that supposed to mean? Had the other shows so far not been good? He was a poor judge of that because he mostly had been behind the scenes, but from the sounds coming from the lounge, the audience had been satisfied. Hadn't they?

"Okay. If you say so. I just thought ... it's rare to see you like this. Unaccustomed."

"Don't worry, you'll get used to it. Soon you'll understand. Now. Hop. Pick something." With that, he pointed to the clothes and added a "See you later.". He walked out, leaving Fizz alone in the container.

By Satan, what was that about? Was the son of a bitch talking in riddles now? If Fizz should keep out of the others business, he simply should say so. Idiot. Now Fizz deeply desired to know what was going on. But well, sooner or later, he better got answers! That guy was a fucking weirdo...

With that, Fizz turned back to the clothes and placed his hands on his hips, sighing in annoyance. Shopping for free ... didn't sound bad.

Lost in thought he searched through the container and after an eternally long time he actually found something he liked. A Jester outfit that resembled his own. Only with much more blatant colors. However, it would need an adjustment or two for him to wear it....

But that wasn't a problem.

Stealthily, Fizz looked over his shoulder, making sure the gate was locked before revealing one of his most terrifying secrets. He rummaged in his pocket and pulled out a darning kit.

Because yes, he, the one and only Fizzarolli, could sew! A must if one had worked as a clown in a crappy circus with no budget. He also had to mend his current outfit more times than he would have liked, and admittedly it now looked better than when Mammon had given it to him. An embarrassing talent, but it came in handy. Surely Asmodeus had tailors hidden somewhere who would do it for him, but they would want to take measurements, which was out of the question. The stupid engineer at the factory had already gotten dangerously close to him. This time he had to do it himself.

It was a damn shame he had to mess with the fabrics, who knew how expensive that shit was? But what had to be done, had to be done.

Chapter Text

Chapter 5

Favorite

The big day had arrived and there was chaos backstage.

Not only because Fizz would perform for the first time and the club had been fully booked since weeks, the schedule of the new stage show kept everyone busy. More light-shows, more music interludes, more acts overall and more Fizz. And while everyone around him frantically went about their tasks, Fizz marched past his colleagues with his head held high to get to the head machinery. That's where he would start from today.

With every step, the little bells attached at his new costume jingled, and wherever he went, the others paused and gawked at him. Their stares caused Fizz's chest swell with pride, because he knew his new outfit was the reason. He had kicked the old thing into the garbage and wished Mammon to heaven.

In his new costume, he felt much better. Almost as if all burden and debt had been taken from him. The new costume fitted the show better, fitted him better, and fitted Ozzie's better. It was colorful, had bright neon elements, alike Asmodeus clothes, was very comfortable and clean! And it hid his true self while emphasizing his image. Moreover, he had put on extra thick makeup to totally hide any red spot on his face.

Though the costume boosted his self-confidence and the looks of his colleagues pushed his ego, his knees shook violently but unseen in his new striped pants and in the next moment, when no one was looking, he scurried on the main stage and curiously peered from behind the curtain.

The lounge was full crowded, all guest drunk as usual drunk, their mood heated up, looking forward for an entertaining evening with lots of fun, music and sex. A tingle spread through his body and his tail cut the air excitingly. Man, it had been a long time since he had performed. And now it would be in front of such a demanding audience. By the thought alone he fidgeted and leaped from one foot to the other, rehearsing the whole performance in his head. His cues at the beginning, between acts and at the end ... He hadn't been this nervous in the longest time and damn - he couldn't wait! Wanted to see the audience's reactions. Their faces. Hear their laughter ... their applause!

Given anyone would clap at all. In case his performance sucked, he was a goner and Asmodeus would get angry. He would lose his job, make no money, and before he knew it, Mammon would knock at the door doing something horrible to him.

He trembled himself thinking of the motherfucker and peered at the audience once more, searching the rows for the stupid clown but didn’t find him. Mammon was nowhere to be seen.

Thank Satan! Relieved, he clutched his chest. It seemed he was scared for nothing. But not seeing the Prince of Greed among the audience relieved Fizz. One problem less ...

Lost in thought, he grabbed for his robotic arm and massaged the junction on his shoulder that hurt like heaven for the past few days. Maybe a result from his sewing francy to get his costume done in time.

"Don't fuck around or I'll rip you off and throw you in the trashcan," he growled, knowing this didn't do shit, but he already felt better. The arm was a problem he could deal with. But he was powerless against Mammon, yes, even against Asmodeus.

"Well, well ... Does stage fright plage you?"

As if stung, Fizz wheeled around. He almost lost his balance and almost stumbled on the stage but caught himself in time. Taking a quick breath, he gave his stalker a reproachful look.

"Oh, my apologies. I didn't mean to startle you." Slowly, Asmodeus, still in his mini version, floated towards Fizz. From wherever he had come, he could happily warp back to that place. This particular appearance gave Fizz the creeps.

"Well, too late. Stalking is pretty unsexy, your Highness," he teased, turning his gaze back to the lounge. Silently, Asmodeus came to stand next to him and ventured a glance out as well.

For a moment they stood in silence, listening to the murmur from the audience and the buzz coming from backstage. Like if standing right between these two worlds, separated only by a curtain, and it shook Fizz to the core. The calm before the storm was the best, because it caused his blood to boil.

Next to him, Asmodeus closed his eyes. He inhaled deeply and his furry feather collar puffed up. With relish, he tilted his head back and sighed.

"I taste excitement out there. Excitement and arousal... Delicious, really! They're all waiting for the show. Waiting for you," he breathed out, and all at once the strange glow returned back into his massive mane of fur that had been vanished since he had changed in this form. "This evening is going to be special. I can't wait!"

For whatever reason, the words filled Fizz with pride and confidently he puffed himself up, putting a hand on his hip.

"No worries, boss! I'll get it done. This night is going to be legendary! I swear!"

Asmodeus chuckled and nodded.

"I'm sure it will."

To Fizz's ears, this sounded almost like a threat, but he decided to overhear it. He could not take any more tension. He knew what was at stake.

"By the way," the prince continued, slowly raising his long thin arm, extending a hand to Fizz.

At first he flinched, until he realized that the only way to go was onto the stage. He squeezed his eyes shut and stayed root in place, only to hear one of his bells jingle a second later. Slowly he opened his eyes and realized that Asmodeus had lifted one of the tips of his jester's cap and was rolling the little bell hanging there back and forth between his fingers.

"I like your new costume extremely well. A good choice."

Fizz swallowed, noticing that annoying warmth returning and spreading through his head.

"It's all for you, Honey," he joked, perfectly masking the heat in his cheeks and winking disreputably. Asmodeus, however, widened his eyes, took another deep breath, and the glow coming from within him grew stronger.

"I can't wait," he hummed and let go of Fizz, retreating back towards his VIP lounge. "Good luck, Fizzarolli. I'll be waiting for you at the aftershow party."

Confused, Fizz stopped where he was and frowned, but then nodded.

"Sure, of course," he said. Of course, he would be there, because the aftershow party, contrary to its name, was the gathering of the staff, who would sit together every night one more time at the end of the show, after the guests were long gone. A tradition Asmodeus insisted on, well, each to their own.

Fizz snorted and closed his eyes, clapped his face a few times and shook off the heat that had overcome him.

Really a strange guy, the prince of lust. But there was no time for this carousel of thoughts now.

With that Fizz hurried away and ran to the staircase that led towards the upper machinery. The big digital clocks hanging everywhere in the backstage area told him that it was almost time and he couldn't miss his cue!

Excited and still fidgeting like crazy, he jumpt on to the pool table that was already in place for him. He held onto the bar and dared to look down. Everything was in position and the Hellhounds working in the machinery further up signaled him that everything was going as planed.

Quickly, Fizz reached into his wide collar, checking the small headset that every staff member in the club had to wear and through which the internal communication was relayed.

"Okay, everybody, on your positions!“ He heard Elena, the stage manager shout. "The show is about to start. For your info: the horror in person sits at table 5 tonight, get out of their way. The couple at table 16 is difficult, just give them whatever they want. Music is up, lights are ready. Howare things going uptairs?"

This was Fizz's cue and he reached for his little mic.

"All clear up here! Ready to go!"

"Good. We're launching in 5 .... 4 .... 3 ....2 ....1 !"

Fizz took deep breaths, then the lights went down, the stage lights came up and the music started. The table he was standing on was lowered and Fizz prepared himself. Went through the routine again.

Going down on the bar. Check.

Micro on. Check.

Greet the audience.

Squirm a bit on the table and dance on the pole, hop on stage - and off he went.

"Ladies and Gentleman! I see some sexy faces here tonight! Welcome to Ozzie's, the number 1 spot in the whole lust ring for all kinds of kinky and sick fantasies!" he delivered the prepared greetings and choreography, feeling his heart hammering wildly in his chest. The stage lights blinded him, the audience only schemes to his sight, but he knew they were there. They were watching him. Listening to him. And not just them. Upstairs, in the VIP lounge, sat Asmodeus, and seeing him out of the corner of his eye chased another jolt through Fizz.

Let's go then! Should the audience finally get to know him properly!

"I am the one and only Fizzarolli, Ozzie's new host! Starting tonight, I'll be with you guys through the show. Through every show. Every day, every night, 24/7/356. So get used to my dashing clown face and my sexy ass, because like it or not, you're not getting rid of neither!" He chuckled briefly and provocatively ran down the shallow curves of his body, shaking his butt in the direction of the audience, wagging his tail and was rewarded with laughter. There you go! The ice was broken.

"Thank you, thank you! And since you have to put up with me anyway, I don't want to keep you in the dark. You ask who I am? Who is this Fizzarolli? Why is he standing here babbling at me, when I came here for the hot stuff? Sooo what makes me special? Aside from being the hottest thing in the whole Lust Ring - except for Mammon's circus, maybe - I'm very stretchy!" Underscoring the second meaning of the last sentence, Fizz revealed his robotic arm and extended it toward the audience.

Astonished shouts reached his ear as he stole a glass of wine from a nearby guest and drank it down in one gulp. He demonstratively pulled a face and stuck out his forked tongue in disgust. "Oh, wow! The guy who ordered this has no taste," he joked, shrugging his shoulders. "Way too sweet. I like it sticky, if you know what I mean, and bitter."

More laughter rang out and one more time he extended his arm, not wanting to completely expose the guest and hand the glass back. However, when he pulled his arm back ...it happened.

Pain jerked through his shoulder, the arm felt hot and heavy ... and crashed to the floor in the middle of the stage, halfway back to him.

The lounge fell silent and Fizz widened his eyes in horror, glaring at the arm and swallowing a crude curse.

Shit! This couldn't be happening! Had he practiced the performance too often that the thing was now overloaded? Or was it the stupid sewing? Didn’t matter, he needed a solution on the spot! The thing had to be back in place or the show was ruined!

He already heard the first murmur, became aware of Asmodeus somewhere behind him, thought of Mammon's wrath and their contract, but then the heat disappeared and the arm became lighter again. Not completely, but he could move his fingers.

Ah, right…!

"Hey! We're on stage! What's up, if you don't mind me asking!" he shouted, aghast, extending his real arm towards the audience and looking at them meaningfully. "You know, this robo-asshole-arm didn't like the interlude from the beginning. He's been bitchy all the time... Yet we had an agreement that he would play along." Fizz rolled his eyes exaggeratedly. "What's the matter, you tin noodle, are you too exhausted from hours of jerking off? I should know, I was there!"

He managed to move his hand just enough to give himself a middle finger, giving the arm a personality of its own.

Outraged, Fizz clutched his chest and stared around at the audience, which burst into laughter.

"How rude he is! I apologize, the guy just has no manners."

He made a telling gesture with his robotic hand that was meant to make it clear that his arm disagreed with him ... and the audience continued to laugh. They actually laughed at this slapstick shit.

Thank Satan, the demons in Lust were really not sophisticated!

Finally regaining control of his arm, he quickly pulled it to his body and shook his head reprovingly, slapping himself on the fingers.

"Shame on you!" he scolded, finishing the interlude. "Unbelievable, your own body doesn't want to obey you! This is beyond words! And that’s the point! Tonight we have a great show for you. A temptation for your will, while your body shall be crumble. So open your ears!", he managed the transition perfectly back to the program.

He announced the next two acts, said goodbye with a deep bow, and threw a final threat to his arm to be a good boy, which brought another round of laughs.

Then the fog machine kicked in and shrouded the stage to make the first act's performance as dramatic as possible.

Fizz took advantage of the moment to disappear. Applause followed him, giving him a grin despite the mishap, and backstage, he slumped against a wall, taking a breath.

Shit, his heart raced like crazy!

"Damn ..." That had missed the mark. And somehow it hadn't. It had gone well. But somehow it hadn't. Fizz, however, didn't dare to look outside again to check. However, even now the applause echoed in the lounge, only slowly drowned by the music.

"Fizzarolli!"

Fizz jerked his eyes open and saw one of his colleagues in front of him. Lizzy, a dancer. She handed him a glass of water without being asked and pointed at his arm.

"Hey, you’re okay?" she asked with concern, which was logical. If the arm was fucked up, so was his performance and that had an impact on the whole crew. Quickly, Fizz nodded and took the glass, taking a sip.

"Of course, stupid question. Just overdid it a bit for the first time. But it's working again. Everything's fine. I am fine."

"Thank Lucifer, that is good." Relieved, she was about to go away, but then paused and smiled at him, showing her thumb up. "Good job! You were great!" Then she disappeared.

Fizz stayed behind and blinked after her, still hearing her words in his head for a long time.

You were great. Good job ...

He couldn't help it but grinning widely.

Yes! Yes, it had been a good show, and he had improvised well with the crappy arm. Hopefully the people out there thought so, too. And Asmodeus hopefully, too ...

*

Champagne corks popped and confetti flew through the air as the staff celebrated the evening's success at the after-show party.

Many had gathered around Fizz and congratulated him, praised his show. The stand-up Comedy, which had rarely had been included at Ozzie's until then, had been incredibly well received. Fizz had been well received ... and somehow Fizz couldn’t didn't believe it.

It was so ... unreal. Like something out of a crazy dream that was impossible to become true.

Everything was so bright and colorful. The others were celebrating him, even quoting parts from his acts that they had found hilarious or asking questions about his arm. Not like in the circus, where the only thing that mattered was that the act worked out and one would get some applause and – if lucky - a few laughs.

The bright lights of the club as well as the boisterous atmosphere dazzled Fizz, and he burst with pride, bathing in the praise and laughter of the others and soaking it all up like a sponge.

"To Asmodeus, the King of Lust! To our boss and the hottest show far and wide!" he heard the manager Elena suddenly shout and enthusiastic applause rose. Fizz wheeled around and sure enough, the big man in question waltzed in. Still in his other form, his body pulsed with blue flames, which no one seemed to care about.

Asmodeus smiled to the crowd and thanked them for the congratulations and the good show, to which the others applauded even more. Fizz rolled his eyes at Asmodeus' put on cheerfulness, but joined in the clapping, unable to help himself. How could he not be infected by this ghastly exuberant mood? All of them were so close with each other, a perfect team, trusting the other. And Asmodeus was their center. Was swarmed by them and happy about it, grinning like a cheshire cat and violently pulsing more and more.

Whatever trick this was, the sight triggered something in Fizz and a strange urge came over him.

He ... wanted to be part of it. Wanted to belong. Wanted to stand up there in the front, too, next to Asmodeus, and be praised by him. Wanted to hear that he had done a good job.

Before he knew it, his legs no longer obeyed him, and he pushed his way through the crowd to Asmodeus, feeling like a stupid moth attracted to the light. But he couldn't fight it.

"Ah. There he is! There he is! Our man of the hour! Let him through! Let him to me!" Asmodeus greeted him as he landed with a leap in front of the Prince of Lust, and the others cheered and congratulated him again at the same moment.

Embarrassed, Fizz grinned and scratched the back of his head while his tail curled about him excitedly. Nothing could stop him.

"Hey, boss!" he greeted him exuberantly in a singsong voice, stretching out his arms. "Did you see that show? Man, what a performance, huh?!" he babbled on, talking complete trash, and he couldn't care less. "The people went wild! What simpletons, ha, ha! So easy to get them excited! But the new routine went was received well and the staff and stars liked it, too! Thanks to me for that, of course! Well, not just me ..." He hesitated for a moment, rubbing his shoulder. "I know the robo arm sucked, sorry, really, but it won't happen again! I swear! First time and all. You know, something always goes wrong. But now that I'm not a virgin at Ozzie's anymore, everything will work out like a clockwork!" he babbled on, but then faltered when he realized what kind of outright bullshit he was actually saying. No virgin at Ozzie's? What the ... what was he talking about? His head went boiling hot, and he cleared his throat, grinning as he reached for his puffy collar and loosened it a bit, then looked back up into Asmodeus’ face - but froze at the same moment.

With a jerk, Asmodeus bent down to him, sitting directly in front of him, not a hand's width away. Blue flames blazed up from within him, pulsating even more violently, enveloping him. Closer and closer he came, rearing up above him. Fizz backed away, bumping his back against the stage. Damn, what was going on now?

Around him, the others started laughing, just watching Asmodeus stalk him like a tiger on the prowl. And Fizz was the prey.

What the fuck was this shit about? Hastelly, he looked around, but before he could even think about escaping, Asmodeus' arms shot out, ramming at the stage to Fizz's right and left, encircling him.

"No, no. You don't have to escape," he murmured throatily in his echoing demon voice, and though there was a maniacal grin on his lips, a part of Fizz actually believed him. No, escape was unnecessary, but he still felt not safe at all.

He chocked on every stupid joke as Asmodeus bent over him. His flames smoldered brightly and finally jumped over to Fizz. He stiffened and other flames flared up in his mind's eye. Red tongues of fire that gnawed at him, bit him and mauled him ... he broke a sweat out and felt nauseous. Would it all happen again ...?

"Don't be afraid," Asmodeus breathed out in front of him and placed a finger under his chin, forcing Fizz to look up. He bridged the last few inches between them and breathed something on Fizz’s lips.

Instantly, the deadly flames disappeared from his mind, being replaced by a heavy curtain that enveloped him and made his body felt light.

"Give me some ...! Give me some of your lust!" With that, Asmodeus opened his mouth and suddenly Fizz felt a pull. As if he was being pulled into a violent whirlestorm. His heart was hammering wildly and at the same time a desire filled his body that he couldn't escape. Throbbed in his head, in his chest and wandered deeper. Exploded in his groin.

A deep moan full of need escaped him, and he slumped down - while Asmodeus towered above him, leaving his second form behind and growing into the demon Fizz had met in the factory. A large radiant chimera creature, with three faces, feathery fur and an enthusiastic smile on the face.

The moment Asmodeus regained his full form, he spread his arms and laughed, bowing to show his gratitude - and everyone around them joined in, clapping and cheering that old Ozzie was back at last.

Fizz, on the other hand, squatted in front of the stage and felt as if he had been struck by a blow. He couldn't lift a finger and his body was shaking like crazy. Heat blazed inside him, an incredibly sensual heat that nothing and no one could satisfy. It was unbelievable! He wanted more! At the same time he felt helpless and completely at the mercy of this desire. Shit! What had just happened? What had the bastard done to him? In front of everyone!?

He remembered to breathe again and gasped for air, wanting to get up, but couldn't. His legs felt like rubber. He looked wide-eyed at Asmodeus, who stood grinning in front of him with one hand on his hip, bathing in the applause and laughter of the others.

Then he looked down, facing Fizz and a sickly smile flitted across his beaming face.

"Aww, sorry. Did I catch you off guard? I didn't mean to. But I just couldn't resist. I've been waiting for this for weeks!" He held out a hand to him invitingly, but Fizz hastily crawled out of his reach.

"What’s wrong? Can't our new host take his draught?" was shouted into the crowd, and to Fizz's horror, the others laughed emphatically.

"Feel honored to be chosen!" came from someone else and Asmodeus turned his head in response, narrowing his eyes.

"Leave him alone," he warned, which promptly silenced the others.

Fizz, meanwhile, pulled himself up at the stage and ran his hand over his mouth, squinting down at himself for a moment. Damn, what was that all about? He was still shaking. Fortunately, his new outfit was loose enough to hide the fact that he had gotten a big hard-on.

"What the fuck ... did you do to me ...?" he gasped, to which Asmodeus merely frowned.

"Don't you know?" came from the side where the manager stood and cocked her head to one side, looking at Fizz in disbelief. Fizz twisted his mouth.

Know? What was there to know?

"Everybody from Lust knows. Asmodeus draws his power from emotion. From every form of lust. He feeds on it - and you're seemingly his new power source. His new Favorite"

Chapter Text

Chapter 6

Late-night Negotiations

Bursting with energy, Ozzie marched through the backstage area of his club while his manager, Elena, walked beside him to go over next month's guest list. The demoness was a workerholic and very anxious to keep her job. Which she didn't have to worry about. Ozzie was pleased with her and her devotion truly was delicious. However, she should take it easy from time to time. While the others were already at tonight's after-show party, she had intercepted him to 'talk a few more things over'. A new part of the show was going to involve not only the club providing entertainment, but the guests contributing something themselves to the show. A gamble, because who knew what ideas all those crazy demons out there would come up with?

Ozzie could hardly wait! It would bring in a breath of fresh air - and certainly amuse him greatly.
However, he listened to Elena with one ear only, looking around expectantly every now and then, watching for ... the object of his desire.

He chuckled and licked his lips, thinking of the savory aroma of his new host that still flooded through him and invigorated his mind.

"Is something wrong, boss?" asked Elena at one point, to which Ozzie turned his attention back to her.
"No. Everything is just fine. I agree with the schedule" he said, to which Elena nodded in relief and wrote some notes on the stack of papers she was carrying - and handed them to Ozzie a moment later. Sighing, he accepted them, without complaining. If one ran a business, one had to do the boring part as well, and in the end he was the one who would sign off on everything. No doubt, this would become a long tedious morning for him. Elena really had to work on her timing.

When they reached the lounge, the others already sat together for some time. Things were a little quieter today and everyone let the evening fade out contentedly. Just the way Ozzie liked it.
He inhaled the aura emanating from them and spreading through the air, like the relaxing smoke of a shisha pipe. It made his insides glow subtly and their relaxation passed on to him. At least for a moment. Curious, he glanced around and then pulled a face, folding his arms.

"Has Fizzarolli left yet?" he growled, at which Elena's head shot up and she put on a nervous smile.
"I, uh, I don't think so ... Actually, he's always one of the last to leave. But he's always on time the next day and otherwise sticks to the routine! The club's ratings have never been better, and we're booked solid for the next few months!" she explained evasively, and Ozzie credited her for acting discreetly on the topic. But no discretion existed in his club and there was no need to beat around the bush. This wasn't about any work rules. His new host had been making himself pretty scarce for a good two weeks by now, and Ozzie suspected why.

They finally entered the lounge and, as always, everyone greeted him warmly. A couple of the girls immediately approached and purred about him, making very inviting advances that gave Ozzie's power a decent spark. But he declined. As hard as he found given the the sight of their curves, he forced himself to concentrate on work first and pleasure second. Especially since he was not in the mood to mingle with the dancers of the club this moment. He was craving for someone else.

Sighing, he sat down at his usual place to start working on the pile of papers. Of course, he could have worked in his office, but there he would miss to much of the feelings of his staff members buzzing in the air. Thoughtfully he looked at the first document, when a hideous giggle reached his ears.

He immediately turned his head and found the owner of the laughter at the bar.

Fizzarolli!
He was there after all. Leaning over the counter, he joked with Wally, his chauffeur, and one of the dancers, Lizzy.

Excitedly, Ozzie inhaled, letting Fizzarolli's aroma rise to the surface inside of him, and a shiver run down his spine.

So much enthusiasm, so much excitement, a strong craving for attention and a hint of insecurity... All of that was flowing through the jester demon and Asmodeus would die for that taste. It was basically a simple mixture, not at all sexual and yet he had a strong craving for it. It was new and fresh and full of promise!

However, since Fizzarolli's debut two weeks ago, he hadn’t been able to enjoy the pleasure of this mixture again. He could go along for a long time on what he had ingested that evening, and yet it was not the same as a fresh dose. Unfortunately, he had chosen the worst possible time to feed on the demon, because ever since his new host behaved like a startled rabbit whenever Ozzie came close to him and this was highly counterproductive.

And before, Ozzie deliberately had avoided to feed on the lust of others until Fizz debut …

For a while he watched the conversation at the bar, lost in the attractive features of the jester demon until he finally rose and walked straight towards the bar.

"Good evening, may I interrupt for a moment?" he chirped and was immediately welcomed to join by the others.

Fizzarolli, on the other hand, froze, eyeing him suspiciously, and the wonderful aroma of angry embarrassment enveloped him. It drew Ozzie magically close, and grinning, he watched as Fizz walked conspicuously unobtrusively around the counter.

"Bar's closed," he snapped, actually daring to give him the cold shoulder. HIM! The prince of lust! Someone must be mightily offended. How resentful.

"Well, it still looks open to me." With that, Ozzie sat down and beckoned the others to leave. Fizzarolli looked after them dejectedly and then folded his arms, leaning against the wall.
"Great. You scared them off," he murmured, at which Ozzie raised a brow and looked after the other two with a smirk.

"Were you planning on hooking up with one of them?" Surprisingly, the idea made Ozzie angry and he wondered about himself. He had had Favorites before, and they had slept with others, while serving as his main energy source. So Fizzarolli's scheme was entirely in Ozzie's mind - in the sense of lust. Ozzie, after all, fed on the sexually charged atmosphere around him. It served him well when his employees flirted or fucked around him. The more lustful the atmosphere, the more power it gave him.

And yet, he felt a tiny knot growing in his stomach. Interesting.

Fizzarolli, meanwhile, snorted, avoiding his gaze.

"None of your business. Do we have to ask beforehand if we want to fuck now? Having any objections when your employees fuck each other lately?" With that, he turned his back on him, grabbed a glass and started mixing a drink for himself.

Ozzie looked thoughtfully at Fizzarolli's narrow backside as he searched for the right bottles, and even though he enjoyed the view, Ozzie sighed. Small blue flames escaped him as he did so, before dissipating and trickling to the ground.

"I'm truly sorry. I didn't mean to get in your way. But I wanted to talk to you."

Fizzarolli threw a scarce looked over his shoulder at him

"We are talking. So what is it? Dawn is near. I have to leave soon."

Short and snippy. Ozzie rolled his eyes, leaned against the counter with one arm, and looked at the claws at his other hand.

"Yeah, you really pay attention to that ... leaving early, showing up late. Can't reach you either. Really a shame."

Visibly confused, Fizz turned to him, raising a brow.

"Why would you want to reach me, your highness? Huh?"

"What if something happens? If there's an accident?" With that, Ozzie pointed at Fizz's robotic arm, at which the jester demon clasped the arm with his good hand immediately.

"Everything's going fine with this thing," he said.

"Still, there are occasionally problems, as I know, and it would be a shame if something happens and I am not able to reach you."

At that, Fizz clicked his tongue and turned away again.

"Need a phone for that," he muttered as he poured his drink, but faltered and cursed, squinting at Ozzie as if he'd spilled an exceptionally awful secret. The glorious whiff of embarrassment poured from Fizzarolli's pores directly into Ozzie's nose, and he shuddered but frowned at the same time.

"No phone, huh?"

Fizz quickly looked into his glass and pretended to be unconcerned.

"... Costs money."

Urg, that again. Ozzie pulled a face and let his fingers drum on the counter. Sometimes it really shone through that Fizzarolli originated from Greed. He and Mammon shared a thing or two.

"You work here permanently, you get good tips, and the income is excellent. Thanks to you." He tapped the tip of Fizzarolli's nose with his finger, who grumbled and pushed his hand away. "You have money, so buy a phone. That would be the best thing to do. Do I make myself clear?" Especially since he could ask Fizz for his number that way. Not just for business, but to be able to reach him privately in any time.

Wait ... Where did this thought came from? He had to laugh at himself and ran a hand over his forehead. What sweet bullshit was he thinking. It made him sick. He almost sounded like some youngster in love. Amusing, what biases the little Jester demon aroused in him.

Fizz gave no answer and shrugged, then turned away again. Mmmh. As it seemed, their little small talk hadn't torn down the wall Fizzarolli had built around himself. Oh well, he'd just take the bull by the horns. Ozzie propped his head in both hands and leaned far over to him.

"You're mad at me. I can feel it."

Fizz's tail twitched and his head snapped upwards. A deep crease blemished his forehead but at last their eyes met. If only briefly, before Fizzarolli turned his gaze back down to his glass.

"You're damn right."

So he admitted it? That was unexpected.

"Well, well. So my own host is angry with me. With one of the seven princes of hell. And he does speak freely about it, too. How is that."

Fizzarolli swallowed noticeably, but the anger in him persisted. Then he grinned darkly and shrugged.
"I can tell you shit, if that's what you want. Everything's super great, we're all happy and content riding unicorns on rainbows into the sunset while hearts shoot out of our asses. Yaay."
Ozzie chuckled and shook his head. Even with when looking annoyed, Fizz, managed to make him laugh. Only there was no reason to laugh right now. Fizzarolli was serious. He was angry. Angry and embarrassed long enough to make Ozzie impatient.

"Even though the thought is very amusing, I'd like to put the fun aside for a moment," he declared, and Fizz's anger turned into concern and nervousness. One couldn't tell by looking at him, in hiding his feelings the little demon was a master, but he couldn't fool Ozzie.

"Why? To embarrass me in front of everyone again?" he hissed, catching Ozzie off guard.

"Embarrass you? No. I don't want to embarrass you. But I think I know why you've been avoiding me."
"Oh really?"

Ozzie nodded and breathed one of his flames at Fizz.

"Yeah. For whatever reason, you're upset because you're my new Favorite."

Oh, he couldn't have hit the mark harder. Even under his makeup, Fizzarolli's face turned deliciously colored with shame and anger, and he clenched his fists, turned his back, and thundered his glass onto the sink.

"Favorite ... my ass!" he growled. "I've become a snack for a horny cock!"

At the description, Ozzie pressed a hand over his mouth to suppress his laughing, but he regained his composure soon enough, trying to remain serious. He was very earnest about the whole situation.

"That's a very bigoted way of thinking. And snack is also the wrong way to put it. You'd be more of a recurring proper main course. Sorry, I can't help it. You just taste too good."

A tremor rode the slender body in front of him and slowly Fizz turned to face him, his features contorted in horror.

"Could you please stop saying that," he pressed out, squinting at the others in the lounge who were watching their conversation with curiosity.

Ozzie raised his brows. The embarrassment in Fizz truly was delicious. It was a flavor rarely available in the Lust Ring, especially in this club. Which made the jester-demon all the more interesting. But such a feeling was misplaced. To allay such fear, Ozzie waved his hand.

"Don't worry about the others. They know about it. Everyone in Lust knows about it."

"Oh yeah, how great for everyone else. How funny! Ha, ha, the stupid clown has to be pleased. You know what, fuck you, Asmodeus. Because I didn't know. I thought ...!" Fizzarolli burst out, but stopped, clenching his fists. Ozzie winced in confusion at the outburst, while Fizzarolli narrowed his eyes and looked at him deprecatingly. "I didn't know. And it sucks to be kept in the dark."

For a moment there was silence and Ozzie felt his face completely derail. He ... didn't understand.

"Did you think I was going to harm you?" The very idea was absurd and hit Ozzie amazingly hard. Never would he think to ever do such a thing. It was against the principle of lust!

Fizzarolli chuckled darkly at that and shrugged his shoulders in a put-on manner.

"How am I supposed to know? What would you think if a guy twice your size with infinite power pounced on you while everyone else is watching and laughing, huh?"

Dismayed, Ozzie blinked. Never before had one of his Favorites voiced a complain, and it hit him that he had apparently ... yeah, what? Had scared Fizz off? To tell the truth, it had been a while since he'd declared someone his Favorite, but no one had ever reacted in such a way. This was new, but maybe Ozzie could make it tempting to him. Once Fizz understood, the waves would be smoothed.

"Didn't you like it?" he therefore breathed seductively, placing a finger under the jester demons chin. "Did it feel bad? When I feed on someone, they get something from me in return. Pure arousal. Was that uncomfortable?"

Fizz's eyes widened and a mixture of annoyance and embarrassment hit Ozzie, much as if someone was hitting his head with a baseball bat.

"That's not the point, you fucking bastard," Fizz spat back at him and jumped up on the counter, crossing his arms in accusation. "Yeah, you're the embodiment of lust, got it. But the job description didn't say you’re allowed to get off on me or suck out my life force or whatever it is you're doing." Threateningly, he dug one of his robotic fingers into Ozzies mane. "Sorry, I don't wanna be a whinny bitch, but I said I had principles and being turned on in front of all hell and then dropped isn't one of them. Screw that. I'm your host, not a fucking hoe. It wasn't a deal that I had to sell any more of my luxury body. ... Lust Ring or not."

"What?" Dumbfounded, Ozzie hunched his shoulders, actually not knowing what to say in response. These accusations swept him off his feed, for never before had a Favorite accused him of such a thing. It was ... absurd! All those who worked for him did it voluntarily. All, with whom he did it, had done it voluntarily and all, whom he had appointed to his Favorite, gave themselves to him voluntarily. Yes, had felt even honored to be a source of energy for him. And now here stood this little jester demon from the Greed Ring, and rejected him? ... HIM?

Something was not right here! They clearly talked past each other. Groaning, Ozzie ran his hand over his face, and shook his head.

"I'm afraid, there is a misunderstanding. Nobody's saying you have to sell yourself out. It doesn't work that way. I don't want anything you're not willing to give me. Of course, I'm not against tasting more of you, but it's not a must."

"And if I don't want to, then what? Huh? If I don't want to be your fucking Favorite? You’re gonna fire me? Kick me out?"

Another odd question that Ozzie didn't know how to answer at first. So he kept it simple.

"No." No, he wouldn't. But it would make him very very grumpy if Fizzarolli ... turned him down. It had never happened before and he didn't know how to handle it. Annoyance rose in him and Fizz unwillingness to understand him made his insides bubble.

"So you're turning me down? Me?" he murmured, causing Fizzarolli to flinch.

Suspiciously he was eyed by Fizz, who didn’t answer, which made the situation any easier.

"Very well, then at least hear me out. Let me explain, and then you might understand better. Because it won't be to your disadvantage. Certainly not."

Grumbling, Fizz pulled his head between his shoulders, eyed Ozzie up and down, and then nodded, sitting down cross-legged on the counter in front of him.

"If you must. I'm listening."

There you go.

Clearing his throat, Ozzie sat up straight on his barstool, still unable to believe he had to discuss this matter at all. What a thing to do ...

"You have to understand, my little friend, I draw my power from the feelings of others. From positive feelings and lust is the strongest emotion in this spectrum. I tend to call these feelings aroma, because they buzz around in the air and all have their own flavor. The more intense they are, the more power they give me." Thinking of all the desire that lay in those feelings, he sighed heartily and closed his eyes, pressing a hand to his chest. "Your aroma was unconsumed and building up inside of you as you worked toward your first show. Like a full glass slowly overflowing. That night it reached it’s climax and I had to take advantage of that. Do you understand?"

He got no response. Fizzarolli just sat there staring at him blankly. Mh, it seemed, he was hard to convince.

"Think of it this way: you find new favorite food after eating dry bread for too long. It's something you've never tasted before. It's new and gives you strength, makes you strong, and is incredibly tasty! Could you resist it?"

Slowly, Fizzarolli raised a brow and a spark of understanding flashed in his eyes. He sighed in annoyance.

"No ... probably not."

"You see. And that's how I felt!" Enthusiastically, Ozzie clapped his hands together. As annoying as this explanation-stuff was, it seemed to have done the trick! Hopefully it was enough to make the jester demon like the idea. Skeptically, Fizz eyed him, swaying his tail back and forth as he did so.

"And why your second form? What is this crap about?" he asked, slowly getting the whole picture. Ozzie smirked and again propped his head in one hand so that his face hovered directly in front of Fizzarolli.

"I use this form to conserve energy. Or when I run out of it... As I said. I've been waiting for you to get on stage all this time." He breathed another blue flame at him, the result of his feeding. Fizzarolli dropped his shoulders in response.

"You've been starving yourself? Because of ... me?" He almost sounded horrified, which was really heartfelt, but Ozzie didn’t linger on it.

"In a way. I don't die if I don't feed for some time, and I need normal food, too. But for your strength, your emotions, your lust ... it was worth the wait."

"That's stupid. You're stupid."

Ozzie chuckled to himself. Yeah, probably Fizz was right.

"So, what do you say? Is there still a reason to avoid me? If it calms you down, it won't come to such nourishment again in the next time. This was an exception. In fact, you don't have to do anything special. Just be your usual self and-"

"Shut up, okay. My head is buzzing," Fizz interrupted him, kneading his forehead. "This is really too much for me." He shot Ozzie a propping glance and grabbed his knees tightly. "If I still don't want this, everything stays the same?"

Ozzie nodded.

"And if I say yes ... what happens?"

Oho, did Ozzie sense curiosity there? Well, even a spark of desire? Yes, that was it. It mingled like a pinch of sugar within Fizz’ aroma. He probably remembered exactly how good it had made him feel when Ozzie had fed off him. Grinning, he fumbled for one of the little bells hanging from the end of Fizzarolli's jester's cap and jingled them.

"Even then, everything remains the same. And now and then ..." He did not finish the sentence, looking meaningfully at Fizz, who looked not amused at all.

"... you attack me and suck my horniness?"

No one had ever described it that way before, and Ozzie laughed out loud.

"Not only that. But if that's what you want to call it," he managed to say, trying to pull himself together. After all, here they were sitting in a late-night negotiation. In a bar. Where the best contracts were signed. Still it was hard to believe he had to discuss such a matter at all. One word was usually enough and everyone threw themselves at him. That the little demon made it so hard was really annoying. But this also rose ambition in him. Having to work hard for his favorite was not something he ever had had done before. Just like he never had to make an effort to get someone into his bed. Such a thing always came naturally to him. Until today.

Fizz's expression remained unchanged.

"Does that mean I have to let you fuck me, too?"

The idea pleased Ozzie and purring, he rested his head on his hands.

"I'd welcome it. More than that, actually. When you have sex, the lust is unleashed and it's raw and untamed. But beside that I like sex, so I fuck. Very easy, little one. But no. Unless it's what you desire."

He received a doubtful look before Fizzarolli shook his head. The tips of his jester's cap flew about as he did so, clinking softly.

"Yeah, no, ain't gonna happen. Your dick is probably as big as I am, and before I let you impale me, I'd rather volunteer buzzing myself out."

Again Ozzie had to stifle a laugh and ran his hand over his forehead. By Satan, the little jester demon knew so little yet.

Finally, Fizzarolli sighed and slumped before Ozzie's eyes, bracing one hand on his leg and propping his head on his robotic hand.

"Okay, okay. Give me a week, will you? To think it all over."

A week? Another whole week?

Slowly, Ozzie nodded. At least that wasn't a No. If he was going to hear a No at the end of the week, though, he really needed to figure out something to give his anger an outlet. Tse. No. No one said no to the embodiment of lust! Like anyone would dare.

"You like it complicated, don't you?" Ozzie sighed, to which Fizz shrugged.

"It's my middle name." With that, he jumped off the counter. He glanced about the lounge, which had become quite empty. Only a handful of the stuff were still standing around, preparing to leave. "I should probably get going, too."

"You're right about that." Out of courtesy, Ozzie rose and indicated an exaggerated bow. "I hope you have a pleasant rest. And please me with positive news at the end of the week. For I confess ..." Before standing upright again, he reached for Fizz's tail and wrapped it around his finger, pulling him closer. "I don't know if I can hold back. On a no." He ventured another breath and got a spark of Fizz's aura but Fizz grabbed his tail, pulling it out of Ozzie’s grasp before he took a step back.

"Well, patience is a virtue."

"I am the embodiment of a sin. I don't possess such a thing."

To this, Fizz responded with a grunt, and he prepared to leave.

"See you around, boss," he said casually, strolling over to the small group standing at the back entrance of the lounge.

"See you at the end of the week!", Ozzie called after him in a singsong, but Fizz didn't turn around again.

"Go fuck yourself," he chirped in the same singsong, giving Ozzie the middle finger. It elicited a smirk from Ozzie, while the others from the crew looked at Fizz in horror and whispered to him to be more polite.

Maybe they were right. Even though Ozzie enjoyed how unselfconsciously the jester demon spoke in his presence, perhaps he should teach him some manners. He already had an idea or two about how to do that, and ran his hands over his chin and a burning fire arose in his groin.

Maybe he shouldn't have sent the two dancers away ... because what remained was an empty lounge with a table full of paperwork and a very horny lustful sin hanging in the air.

Mh. No. His fantasies were more exciting, and he was sure he could find someone to have some fun with if he wanted to.

Chapter Text

Chapter 7

Storage room discoveries

The week passed sluggishly and with each passing day Ozzie's impatience grew.

The show continued to go well. The guests were satisfied, filling the lounge with their delicious lust each night, giving Ozzie immense power. But it wasn't their aroma he yearned for. He wanted Fizzarolli. In every sense of the word.

Fizzarollis show slowly was becoming the highlight of the evening. The little demon captured the hearts of the regular guests by storm and they were head over heels for him. His performance became the main topic of the business and even when his arm didn't cooperate, he included the problem into his show perfectly.

At least two times Ozzie thought about having the prosthetic checked once again at his factory, but he was too distracted to bring it up. Each new day without news, when he was left to taste crumbs of Fizzarolli's emotions, his ambition to change Fizz’s mind grew stronger. But nothing worked.

No attention, no gifts or attempts at flirting impressed him. At the very least, he pulled a face or cracked a derogatory joke every time they met. Ozzie even caught him changing directions in the last moment before they met in the hallways or he ducked away behind the counters.

By the fourth day, when there was still no answer in sight, Ozzie began to wonder if Fizz's behavior really stemmed from anger and embarrassment. Because if there was one thing he knew, it was that a good feeling could bring anyone to their knees. Especially if one didn't want to admit that it felt good. This made the little demon even more interesting, but equally it gnawed at Ozzie's patience dangerously. In any case, the whole situation cased a distraction and prevented him from thinking clearly. Which was extremely annoying. It simply was out of the question that he would be turned down. An absolute no-go!

The thought haunted him while he sat grumbling at his table in the now completely deserted lounge, staring at the same sheet of paper for good thirty minutes. Before him was still the same stack Elena had given him earlier this week, and time was running out. He couldn't let the orders drag on too long or it would hurt business.

Sighing, he propped his head up on one hand while he held a pen in the other and let it hover over the paper, lost in thought. Booking confirmations, contract signings, all boring as shit.

Sulking, he squinted at the clock he could see through the open door to the backstage area and sighed. Eleven o'clock in the morning. ... In a few hours the staff would be rolling in again and then it finally was up to Fizzarolli to give him an answer! Only a few more hours.

The thought of a yes rolling over Fizz's forked tongue gave Ozzie goose bumps and his fur puffed up. He pushed the no out of his mind. There would be no no's. Not in his club. And once he had his yes, he would show Fizzarolli all the advantage of being his Favorite. At great length. In detail. And graphic.

He started to grin and bobbed his crossed leg, thinking about how he was going to do it, when a faint trace of emotion watered over to him, a subtitle hint of caution that shouldn’t be there.

The two long feathers on his head twitched as he sensed the shallow sensation, and looked up, glancing toward the backstage area. No one was to be seen and yet Ozzie got the feeling that he was not as alone in the club as he had assumed.

Strained, he listened - and indeed! He heard noises. Someone was in his club!

Immediately he rose and walked over to the open door, peering down the long wide corridor that lay beyond. It seemed deserted, plunged into complete darkness. Only in a few places small blue neon lights illuminated the otherwise purple hallway, but still he saw nobody. Mh, had he been mistaken?

For a moment he hesitated, then turned around. Nonsense, no one dared to enter the house of Asmodeus unasked. He was about to go back to his table when he heard another noise and quickly stuck his head through the door again, this time waiting longer.

The sound came from one of the many doors in the corridor. The door that lead to the basement, to be exact, and after a few seconds it was actually opened. Surprised, Ozzie blinked and took cover, waiting. He longed to see the bastard with his own eyes who dared to break into his club!

The door opened extremely slowly, presumably to avoid any squeaking, then a figure appeared. Small and slender, it peeked out from behind the door, seemed to be listening as well, then scurried into the hallway. The soft sound of small bells ringing out and Ozzie faltered, widening his eyes.

Wait a minute ... Could it be...?

He stuck his head out further and as the figure hurried past the lamps, there was no doubt any longer.

It was Fizzarolli! Completely speechless, Ozzie dropped his shoulders as the little demon dashed down the hallway like a tramp. What was the meaning of this? What was he doing here? And why had he come out of the basement?

Curious, he followed Fizz, knowing exactly how to hide within his own walls, and watched the other disappear into the kitchen. Behind him, the wide swinging doors slid shut and the clang of dishes rang out.

Thoughtfully, Ozzie moved closer and peered through one of the small windows set in the kitchen doors, watching as Fizz helped himself taking food out of the kitchen's large refrigerators. Which he loaded on a plate, then used his robotic arm to fish an empty jar from the other corner of the room. With a well-aimed kick he closed the fridge and ran back toward the door. Hastily, Ozzie took cover, going unnoticed as Fizz returned into the hallway and headed for the basement again. He cautiously squinted to the right and left and finally disappeared behind the door again.

Puzzled, Ozzie remained at his hiding place, gawking at the basement door. What ... had that been? Briefly, he slapped his face, making sure he hadn't fallen asleep at his table from boredom. However, he was very much awake, which meant ... that his much-wanted host was hiding in the basement?

He frowned in disbelief at the thought and decided to go see and find out.

Silently, he followed Fizz path through the basement, making sure not to make a sound. Fortunately, the basement of his club was well laid out and after a short while he spotted the jester demon disappearing behind another door. A slim glow of light told Ozzie that Fizz had forgotten to close it entirely. How extraordinarily convenient.

Cautiously, he sneaked closer and finally squinted through the crack in the door. And what he saw truly was unique.

Apparently, his soon to be Favorite had settled down in one of the storage rooms. The room was not particularly large, lit only by a few discarded lamps, and except for a small table and an old chaiselongue, it was empty. On the wall, on a hook hung two unfinished costumes which were an one to one copy of Fizzarolli's new costume, and on the table Ozzie spotted ... jars. There were five of them and some had some money in them. They were all labeled and while Fizzarolli set his freshly grabbed plate down on the chaiselongue and started fingering at a sixth jar, Ozzie took the moment to read the labels on the other jars. The corners of his mouth twitched, for the labels were hilarious, but also gave him pause for thought.

One said apartment, the second said food. Then came glasses with a question mark. The next one said Fuck you, Mammon, followed by a jar labeled Fuck you, BlitzOOOO.

The last jar in the row stung Ozzie, because it said Fuck you, Asmodeus. However, the glass was empty, while the others, nicely divided, had money in them. Most of it was in the jar labeled apartment.

An annoyed sigh came from Fizzarolli, which made Ozzie wince. Grumbling, Fizz put down the sixth jar, which he had freshly labeled. This one hit him even more, because it said: phone ( double fuck you, Asmodeus!!).

Fizz paused in front of the jars for a moment, staring at them darkly, before he threw a few coins into the last jar. Shaking his head, he turned away and threw himself next to the plate on the chaiselongue, groaning exhaustively.

"This is never going to work," Ozzie heard him whisper. For a moment the little jester demon just sat there, but then he sighed again and used his robotic hand to grab one of the costumes off the wall. He spread it out on his lap, rummaged in his pocket, and pulled out a small box of pins.

Puzzled, Ozzie raised a brow, wondering what the fuck he was looking at.

Meanwhile, Fizz was taking a needle out of the box, onto which he tried to run a thread through. Visibly straining, he squinted his eyes, but it didn't work and his impatience grew.

Mumbling quietly to himself, he fished for something on the table, and to Ozzie's amazement, he pulled out a pair of glasses with cracked lenses and put them on. A moment later the thread was on the needle and Fizz began to maltreat the costume with it.

Petrified, Ozzie stood and watched this absurd picture before him. Was this ... was this a joke? Were his employees trying to play a trick on him? He looked around questioningly, but didn't see anyone who could jump out of a corner to shout "Gotcha!”. So whatever this was, it was real, and Ozzie overcame with the feeling that he was watching something nobody should see. But it didn't stop him from peeking further through the crack.

Fizz was amazingly skilled at connecting the seams of the costume together, though his shoulder at which the robot arm was attached kept twitching. The arm was visibly bothering him and after a few moments he lost control, the arm shot forward and ripped open the just freshly sewn seam.

Fizzarolli's eyes widened, gawking at the fabric in his hand, and the expression that slid onto his features was indescribable.

"Stupid son of a bitch!" he cursed in frustration and threw his hands in the air, sweeping the fabric and the sewing box from his lap, which scattered all over the floor. The look on his face, as angry as it was, was hilarious and Ozzie lost it. He had to laugh, carelessly propping himself up against the door - which promptly swung open.

He lost his balance and stumbled into the small room along with the door, bumping his head on the low ceiling, cursing.

Then he became aware of the sudden silence.

Slowly Ozzie looked at Fizzarolli, feeling a spark of remorse rise within him.

For the little jester demon was squatting motionless on the chaiselongue, glaring at Ozzie with such a distorted face that Ozzie feared he was having a seizure. However, Fizzarolli neither yelled at him, made a stupid joke, or tried to run away from him. He just sat there and stared.

And Ozzie stared back.

-***-

Lucifer fucking Magne.

Asmodeus. There stood Asmodeus. In the middle of the room. Right in the middle of Fizz's cubbyhole.
This was .... a nightmare! A fucking nightmare! Why? What in Satan was he doing here? He should be long gone by now! Like everyone else. There was no one else in the club at this hour. Nobody! Fizz had checked, so why!?

Tense, he dug his fingers into the worn fabric of the chaiselongue, unable to move. His head was spinning and inside he was screaming bloody murder. It just couldn't be true! Wasn't he allowed one good day!? Just one!?

Asmodeus would throw him out! In a high arc! He was here without permission! Scrounging for weeks and stealing from the club! If this came to light, Asmodeus' reputation would be ruined! Oh, yeah, and how he'd throw him out! Which meant no cash wouldn't come in and Mammon would kick his ass or do something else to make him pay his debt. Or worse, he would kill him! Turn him into a pile of ashes!

A long drawn out "Mmmh" snapped Fizz out of his carousel of thought and he winced, raising his head like in slow motion. Asmodeus scratched his chin with a furrowed brow, looking at the opposite wall. Slowly, Fizz followed his gaze - and his stomach dropped. The Prince of Lust had discovered his table of shame!

"Interesting ..." the prince murmured, and Fizz's throat tightened. Asmodeus' voice did not sound soft and velvety as usual. It was stern and bristling with reproach. Ha, of course it did! Rightly so!

Hectically, Fizz leapt to his feet, throwing himself in front of the table and blocking Asmodeus' view.
"I can explain! It’s not what it looks like!" he choked out the dumbest explanation in all hell. It was stupid. Stupid and pathetic! Of course, all was the way it looked like! Asmodeus' new host was holed up in the basement of the prince’s nightclub like a rat. Like a parasite, secretly taking what it needed.
Shit! What was he going to do now?

Swallowing, he looked into Asmodeus' face, but did not meet his gaze. Heat gathered in his head and he closed his eyes. Damn it, why couldn't he just sink into the ground? He could literally feel every bit of respect he had worked so hard to earn over the past few weeks flowing out of Asmodeus, shattering into a thousand shards like one of his jars.

"Fizzarolli," he heard Asmodeus' voice and winced again, hating himself for it. He pictured all to well what a pathetic picture he displayed. His eyes fixed on the floor, but his gaze was strangely cracked. His glasses! He was still wearing them. Cursing, he took them off and threw them on the table behind him, clinging to the edge of the table through clenched teeth.

"What?" he snapped, trying to maintain at least a bit of dignity.

"This. What's this?" came the question, and it hit Fizz hard. He swallowed, fighting the desperate bubbling in his throat. There was no way he could show weakness, so he forced himself to grin, staring intently at Asmodeus' boots.

"What do you think, stalker? By the way ... breaking into someone else's room is mega rude."
He got no answer, felt Asmodeus' piercing gaze on him and continued to focus on the shiny boots. On their extravagant design. They looked expensive. Precious. Like everything about the prince.
Time seemed to stand still, and Fizz was glad he didn't own a damn clock, whose ticking would have made it even more obvious how uncomfortable the mood was. How tense. But he couldn't bring himself to say something, nor did Asmodeus bother to do so. But he had to! Fizz had to say something. Something loose and stupid, like always! To save what could be saved, but his head was a big black hole.

Then a sigh broke the silence.

Asmodeus shifted his weight, kneaded his forehead and finally pointed to the door.
" ... Get your things together."

What... ?

Fizz widened his eyes, felt his throat tighten. No! No, no, no!

He jerked his head up - and shrank under Asmodeus' expression. There was neither his usual enthusiasm nor his friendliness. There was nothing ... Not even a hint of anger or depravity. Just a big dismissive nothing. And it bored into Fizz's chest like a spear.

He had to do something! Anything to save the situation. Again he forced himself to smile and spread his arms, waving it off and trying to play it down.

"Hey, what's with the serious face, boss? No need to exaggerate! Let me explain things quickly, then - …"

"Fizzarolli," Asmodeus interrupted him and Fizz abruptly fell silent, tightening his shoulders. "I said, get your things together. I'll wait outside."

Fuck. Fizz's heart stopped beating.

"But- ...!"

"I'm not repeating myself. Understood?" With that, everything was said. Asmodeus gazed at him with a look that didn't allow any backtalk or explanations. Swallowing, Fizz hung his head and clenched his fists.

"Yes, sir," he murmured, having to admit defeat. Asmodeus then left the storage room, stopped in front of it as threatened, and waited.

Fizz was left alone, unsure what to do. Helplessly, he looked about the small chamber that had been his safe house for some time by now and sighed. He was an idiot. He should have expected to be exposed at some point, he only had hoped to have scraped together enough money by then to move into a new apartment. No such luck. The cat was out of the bag. Fuck.

Yet ... he didn't want to leave. He wanted to stay here. At Ozzie's. In the neon lights and the glitter. With his new colleagues, with the cheering guests. With... Ozzie.

Damn, if only he could slam the stupid door, just stay in here until the dust settled. Then everything would just go on like before and all would be well. Only it wasn't that simple.

If he did what Asmodeus asked, all this was over. But if he didn't ... then he was done. What choice was left to him?

*

With his head down, Fizz trotted after Asmodeus and pressed the laundry bag he had stuffed his clothes into tightly against his chest. Fortunately, the club was still closed when they left the basement and crossed the large corridor of the backstage area. That saved him the embarrassment of being seen by the others as he was dragged outside like garbage.

Asmodeus, meanwhile, didn't say a word and the aura surrounding him was terribly featureless. It choked Fizz and a couple of times he started to do something about that silence. But he couldn't think of anything.

After some more paces he noticed that Asmodeus was heading for the back entrance and all of a sudden his legs became extremely heavy. There had to be something he could say or do to stop this! He was an entertainer, after all! A performer! But there was too much buzzing in his head. Not one clear thought came up and he drowned himself in self-pity.

Finally, they reached the back entrance and Asmodeus unceremoniously pushed the door open, beckoning him to get out. But Fizz didn't move, staring at the open door and pressing his lips together. Shit. He didn't want to leave …

"Don't make this complicated, please," Asmodeus sighed, waiting.

Fizz swayed on the spot, clutching his bag. All right, one option was still there. After all, he was talking to the embodiment of lust.

Forcing himself to grin, he put on his stage persona and looked up at Asmodeus.

"What if I agree to be your Favorite?" he purred seductively, to which Asmodeus blinked at him taken aback.

"What?" he asked indignantly, as if no one had ever said that to him before. He and his stupid fussing! Was he trying to make things harder for Fizz and humiliate him even more?
Ah, don't forget the grin!

Waving his hand, Fizz closed his eyes.

"Simple. I'll be your Favorite and stay in the basement. No one will mind me being down there anyway. You won’t notice either and it would only be for a few more weeks anyway. In return, you can suck my lust whenever you want. If it's necessary, even in front of the whole crew, if that makes you hot! Does this sound like a deal? It's not like you don't want it anyway, right? Ozzie?" The chatter went on and on, and Fizz struggled to maintain his usual casual tone. Just don't sound desperate. Anyone who showed weakness would be eaten by the hounds of hell.
To his astonishment, Asmodeus glared at him as if he had made the most gruesome suggestion in hell. Then he narrowed his eyes and shook his head, suddenly looking seriously pissed off.
"That's a stupid deal," the Prince of Lust murmured and unceremoniously shoved Fizz outside. Oh shit, Fizz had made it worse. But he wasn't letting go that easily.

"Why? You've been talking about nothing else all week. This is your chance!"

"It isn't. You have to agree willingly. Otherwise, it's not in the spirit of lust.”

With a bang, Asmodeus threw the door into the lock and Fizz narrowed his eyes.

And so he stood there. For quite a while. Didn't want to open his eyes and see the locked door. Seeing him standing alone in the back alley. Yet it was all so stupid. Asmodeus was completely overreacting! Throwing him out right away because of this! He ... he hadn't even asked for Fizz's reasons, which he had and they were plausible! Of course, he would never tell Ozzie voluntarily, but at least he could have asked, the bastard!

Only the sound of an approaching car and a small breeze made him open his eyes again after what felt like an eternity.

There were his feet somewhere under the long hem of his pants. The asphalt. Slowly he lifted his gaze and his insides tightened, at the sight of the locked door.

Shit, he had fucked up. What was he thinking though! This was the fucking lust ring! And he was squatting right in the center of it! At the source! His show could thrive as much as it wanted, here he was surrounded by higher class demons. Things were different here than with the imps from the circus. And demons from higher classes didn't dwell in the basement of a Prince of Hell!

"Fizzarolli. Come."

Again, Fizz flinched, cursing himself for his jumpiness, and slowly squinted over his shoulder. Asmodeus ... was still there.

He was standing at the end of the alley, his limousine parking beside him. What ...? When had he called it? And why was he still here and not at the club?

Puzzled, Fizz stayed put, watching Asmodeus bend briefly to the driver's window and discuss something with his chauffeur, then turned back to Fizz. Then opened the door for him, only this time the luxurious car would certainly not take him to such a great place as the club.

"I said, come on. Get in." With a nod of his head, Asmodeus pointed to the inside of the car, which seemed to be getting closer and closer to Fizz. Like the mouth of a monster.

Where was Asmodeus going to take him? Surely to the Great Elevator Station, to send him straight back to Greed. Where Mammon waited ... Fizz pulled a face and scratched his shoulder implant.

He could still run away. However, he would look like a cowardly loser all the more.

An impatient sigh came from Asmodeus, who tapped his finger on the open door. Patience really wasn't his strong point, as Fizz had learned, so he reluctantly got in, moving to the furthest seat.

Asmodeus followed and as soon as the demon prince sat next to him, the car drove off.

*

None of them said a word. It was dead silent inside the car.

Nevertheless, Fizz felt unmistakably that Asmodeus was staring at him all the time and with every passing second, his helplessness turned more into anger. Until he couldn't control himself anymore and his tongue once againacted on its own accord.

"You're an ass. Throwing me out like this. Bullocks on that..." he rumbled. What did he care now if Asmodeus got angry with him. He was already angry anyway.

But Fizz didn't get an answer. Asmodeus sat there, almost pouting, his arms folded and one leg crossed. He bobbed it up and down impatiently while his greenish glowing eyes bored into Fizz.

"Well … Are you going to tell me why you were down there?" his voice cut through the silence like a knife. Oh what, now the bastard was asking questions?

"What do you think?" Fizz gritted his teeth to keep the pathetic truth from escaping his lips after all, because it was about to slide out. Dancing on his tongue already. Asmodeus didn't need to know, so he locked it behind his pointed teeth and grinned.

"Judging by your considerable collection of jars, you're short of money, am I right?" the prince huffed, which caught Fizz on the wrong foot. What else did this rich motherfucker think the reason was?

Fizz's head shot up and he gave Asmodeus a withering stare.

"Are you really that stupid, your highness? You know I can't afford a phone, but you think I have an apartment? Ha! Ridiculous!"

"In fact, I assumed that. At last, you'll have lived somewhere."

"Well, tell that to the fire. It not only destroyed the circus, but the apartment buildings around it as well. Remember? Sure...a prince doesn't mess with that kind of stuff." As soon as he spoke, Fizz bit his lips. That he could never shut up when t was needed! He looked down at his feet, banged his tail against the seat again and again.

The silence returned and Fizz wanted to smash something to dispel it. But he was fused to the seat, able to move only his tail.

“And what about food? What about that? Are you saying … you couldn’t even afford food so you plundered the club’s kitchen? You’re kidding, right?”

Fizz couldn’t answer. He just couldn’t. His tongue stuck in his throat, he felt his stomach twisting in embarrassment and helplessness. Man, hearing it from Asmodeus’ mouth, he sounded even more pathetic.

"Why didn't you tell me?" came the next question, but sounded just as stupid in Asmodeus' sickeningly soft angelic voice like the others before.

Very slowly, Fizz turned to face Asmodeus. To the rich fucking demon lord, who sat there in his fancy outfit, in his fat limo, with which he was driving through his own domain and who was pulsing with power. Why hadn't he told him!? A laugh escaped Fizz.

"Why should I? That’s none of your damn businesses?"

A thick crease arched Asmodeus' brow.

"You work for me. As my host. In my domain. And you are my Favorite. That's why." Almost reproachfully, he threw these reasons at Fizz's and they dug into his chest. He glanced to the side, clicking his tongue. Still, that was no reason to blather on to a prince about his petty problems.

"Who's Blitzo?"

Fizz's head shot up and his body grew boiling hot. His blood turned to acid and ate him up from the inside. The big blue son of a bitch could wait a long time for an answer!

"And how exactly do you plan to fuck him? Or Mammon? That's what was marked on your jars. What does that mean?"

Like a pesky nail, the questions slammed into Fizz and he clawed at his bag, staring at his feet again.

"I want to kill them," he growled so softly he could barely hear himself. His heart raced as he revealed this secret, in front of another prince, but he couldn't stop himself in time. "I can't ... not yet. But someday."

An appreciative snort came from Asmodeus, who glanced out the window.

"An ambitious undertaking. And dangerous. You don't kill a Prince of Hell so easily."

"I know that! But when the time comes, I want to have to chash to do it!" blustered Fizz. That, at least, had been the plan. Well, not really. He didn't have a plan, just a rough idea. After all, everyone knew that there were plenty of illegal celestial weapons on the black market up in the pride ring. They were the only ones that could kill the Royal Princes. But they were also damn expensive ...

Now, however, even that plan crumbled. The tiny spark of rebelliousness that Fizz had allowed himself. All gone. Probably Asmodeus would tell Mammon about it, and then his hours were numbered anyway.

Cursing, he squinted his eyes and kneaded his bag, wishing he had the power to just whack the fucking Jester. If he wouldn’t be an imp, this would all look very different!

"Does the same apply to me?"

Fizz froze, eyes widening.

"You had a jar with my name on it, too. You must hate me a lot if your savings were earmarked to kill me, too ..."

Not a word passed Fizz's lips and all at once, the air felt very thick around him. His legs felt like pudding, sitting there, and an unspeakable helplessness crept up inside him. This jar ... he still had it from that time. When Mammon and Asmodeus had talked about his future as if he had been their damn toy. But that was a long time ago, and he had never put a single soul in the jar it.

Slowly he shook his head and the little bells on his cap tinkled softly.

"No ..." he confessed. He didn't want to see Asmodeus lying dead in a roadside ditch while his rotting corpse was eaten away by worms. This was the fate he wished upon another demon prince. "I don't hate you," he breathed, his voice cracking. He was disgusted by his own weakness, but his mouth just kept babbling. "I'm sorry. For hiding at the club, I mean. I ..." He hadn't known where else to go. So much for him being this awesome, hilarious new host from Ozzie's.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Asmodeus' features soften and the prince nodded.

"I see." That was all he said and Fizz was very grateful for that.

The carriage finally stopped and Asmodeus looked out the window again. A smile spread across his face, the first since they had left the Basement of Shame, and a knot formed in Fizz's stomach.

It was a pity that he would never see that smile again. That he would never be on stage at Ozzie's again. Wouldn't laugh or flirt with his colleagues again. He would never get the chance to become Asmodeus' stupid Favorite. Or experience the feeling that rushed through his body during his feeding frenzy one more time ...

Goosebumps shook his groin and immediately Asmodeus' head spun around. The long feathers on his head twitched expectantly and Fizz tightened his shoulders, noticing the annoying warmth from before creeping back into his head.

Shit, Asmodeus knew!

Fizz looked away quickly, focusing on the velvet cover of his seat as a disappointed sigh came from Asmodeus.

"We're here."

Without further words, the Prince opened the door and stepped out. The sounds of the street rolled over Fizz like a tidal wave, and he swallowed, pressing himself against the seat. Once again he inhaled the smell of the limo, felt the velvet of the seats under his fingers. Man, he was going to miss this. All that silly glamour he'd only been allowed to taste so briefly.

Finally, he moved and reluctantly climbed out of the car, stepping in the street next to Asmodeus.

To his amazement, they were not standing in front of the Great Elevator Station. They were standing in front of a high-rise building. A damn noble looking skyscraper. So ...he wasn't going to the Greed after all? Was Mammon waiting for them in this noble shed?

"Where are we? Hellywood?" he asked skeptically, to which Asmodeus smiled broadly and winked at him.

"You'll soon find out." With that, he marched to the entrance of the skyscraper, where an imp in a fine suit stood and opened the door for the prince with a deep bow.

"Welcome back, your Highness," he was greeted, and Asmodeus returned the greeting. Then he turned to Fizz, extending his hand invitingly.

"Well, come on. Or do you want to stand there forever?"

A strange feeling spread through Fizz. A mixture of unease and curiosity, and yet his senses whispered to him that maybe, quite maybe, he wouldn't lose his head today after all.

Chapter Text

Chapter 8

K.O.

-

knocked out

Fuuuck.

That was the first and only word that came to Fizz's mind when they entered the skyscraper's gigantic foyer. Everything was wrapped in purple and blue, and extravagant decorated lamps hung at the walls, glowing in bright neon colors. The floor beneath their feet was so smooth that Fizz saw his reflection mirrored and the material looked suspiciously like marble.

Above him, the ceiling towered so high that he had to crane his head back to fully admire the elaborate decorations, while a sinuous chandelier spiraled large and wide down to the floor in the center of the foyer. Semi-circular archways rounded out the picture, followed by a completely superfluous fountain and a seating area whose furniture looked so expensive that you probably had to pay for it just to look at it.

Fuuuuuck ....

Whatever rich motherfucker could afford to live here, was probably eating gold lobster with platinum sauce and silver vegetables for breakfast!

Fizz totally felt out of place! No way in heaven he ever belonged here! This was a place for demon royalty! Those giant fishes. Not for a crippled imp pretending to be a jester demon to impress a giant cock while being haunted by a maniacal clown.

Just the idea that HE, just crawling out of a basement with a crappy bag in his hand, was walking across this sparkling marble floor made him want to clean the path he had walked on with a high-pressure water blaster.

What in Satan’s name was the meaning of this??

But before he had a chance to say anything, Asmodeus strolled through the foyer and headed for one of the many elevators, which were on the right-hand side and served far too many floors. He pressed the wait button and clasped his hands behind his back, giving Fizz an expectant look.

"What are you waiting for? Come on," he urged him, and although Asmodeus' mood was slowly improving, Fizz couldn't say the same for himself.

Stiff as a board, he strutted over to the prince and stopped next to him. Wherever they were going, Mammon was surely waiting for them. Fizz could already see the bastard sitting smugly on a sofa while Asmodeus complained to him. Fizz had not forgotten the bargain the two princes had struck. Fizz performed for Asmodeus, and in return Mammon was allowed to continue running his establishments. Well, but Fizz was a stupid failure who had disgraced and moreover had turned down the Prince of Lust. Asmodeus would return him like one would return a broken toy. The contract was broken and as result Mammon no longer would be allowed to do business in Lust and who was to blame? The one and only Fizzarolli! Woohoo!!!

The corners of Fizz's mouth twitched at the thought and a desperate laugh escaped him. Staring wide-eyed at the elevator doors, his vision narrowed and something inside him snapped. Laughing again, he wondered if maybe he should have placed bets on the way they would tear him to pieces. There was good money to be made in betting, and there were enough perverts out there who gained their kicks from such wagers.

"Is everything all right?"

Asmodeus' voice caused Fizz look up slowly. As much as he wanted to, the grin on his face felt like tightened up by thick screws, and he couldn't get rid of it.

"Sure. Sure, sure..." he chuckled, ignoring Asmodeus' look. If Fizz didn't know better, he'd think the bastard was worried. But about whom? About him? Ha, surely not!

He needed a drink. Now!

"You don't look too good."

"Do I? Funny. I wonder what that's about," Fizz muttered, more to himself than talking to Asmodeus. He just continued to stare at the elevator doors - which opened a moment later.

The elevator’s inside matched the rest of the building perfectly, was large enough to hold three demons of Asmodeus' size at once, and the sight of the walls shining completely in gold, elicited another laugh from Fizz.

However, the elevator was not deserted. An imp in pageboy uniform stood staring at them with big eyes. A moment later, an enthusiastic gleam slid to his face, dazzling Fizz, then the imp performed an exaggerated bow, almost falling all-over himself.

"Your highness, Prince Asmodeus! What an honor to meet you! How are you?"

Urgs.... Too much motivation. Fizz pulled face, but he wasn't the only one. Asmodeus' features displayed a settled coolness as well, and he sighed, visibly annoyed.

"Hello Fred. I'm fine," he replied surprisingly curtly and walked into the elevator, pushing Fizz forward with his big hand. "Upstairs, please," he added but nothing happened, the imp stood unmoving. His gaze had settled on Fizz, at whom he stared at with eyes as big as wheels.

"Oh, my goodness ... you're Fizzarolli!"

Fizz jumped when he heard his name, gaping at the imp in amazement, and when the other wouldn't stop gawking at him, he finally nodded.

"Yes. That's who I am. The one and only," he pressed out, making use of his stage persona and adding a sweeping gesture with his robotic hand. Just keeping up appearances, no one wanted to see a depressed jester demon. And it worked. The bellhop beamed with excitement.

"By Lucifer! It's really you! All hell is talking about the new show at Ozzie's! For a simple imp like me to have the chance to meet you in person is such an honor! May I shake your hand?"

Taken off guard, Fizz blinked, not knowing what to to say in response.

Yeah, what the guy was saying, was what everybody else kept telling him, too. His show was a hit, people loved the tricks with his robot arm, they found his saucy way sexy and attractive, blah blah... However, Fizz had thought the staff at the club was exaggerating until this moment, and who could blame him without a phone or TV. It was hard to track how well his performance was received in earnest. After all he never went somewhere else but Ozzie's. But if even some random imp recognized him, the others must have been right.

Only Fizz didn't know how to react to that. When the audience at Ozzie's called out to him, he could include this in the show and was always shielded by security. But now, being recognized in the middle of the public was strange. Especially since it all was over now ...

Lost in thoughts, he stared at the hand extended to him when suddenly an annoyed groan filled the elevator.

"Fred, if you may? Fizzarolli and I are in a hurry," Asmodeus murmured and crossed his arms, giving the imp a deprecating look before maneuvering himself between the other and Fizz – coming to stand in the middle of the elevator.

The bellhop winced and muttered one apology after another before finally doing his job and turning to the control panel. Shortly thereafter, the elevator started moving upwards.

The ride was uncomfortably silent. Only the stupid elevator music quietly played in the background, while Asmodeus was busy skewering the imp with his glances.

Unusual, because otherwise he was always so friendly to everyone else. Seemingly, a result of what just had happened. Big Ozzie had certainly reached his limit with all the surrounding bunglers.

And while Asmodeus starred the bellhop down, Fizz noticed how the imp was staring at him out of the corner of his eye, while beaming like a cheshire cat. Not in the admiring drooling way he had come to know from the guests at Ozzie's. But with a strange glow. Quite different from Asmodeus'. Kind of creepy ...

Fizz counted the seconds until the elevator doors finally opened again, and he could escape from the tense atmosphere. Only a gate blocked his way to freedom, which Asmodeus opened with a key. Without thinking, Fizz took a leap forward and breathed in deeply. Shit, it was like sitting in a bear trap!

"Goodbye, sirs," was voiced behind them and the imp bowed again, paying his respects in an exaggerated manner. "Have a wonderful day! If you need anything, let me know! No matter what! No matter at all! I'm at your disposal any time-!"

"Goodbye, Fred." With that, Asmodeus pressed a button on his side of the elevator, and the doors promptly closed again. As soon as the elevator was gone, he closed the grate and locked it, sighing loudly.

"Annoying imp ..." he murmured discontentedly, which elicited a sickly laugh from Fizz. Yeah, the reason Asmodeus was displeased was all to obvious.

"Ha, yeah. Imps ... all freaks," Fizz stated, rubbing his arm.

Asmodeus just snorted in response, turned and started moving. Fizz stopped and looked after him indecisively. Watched Asmodeus take off his hat and put it on a nearby dresser and ... took off his boots? Stretched and sighed heartily.

"There we go. Let's get some light!" With that, he clapped his hands and immediately turquoise and purple neon light flooded the room.

Whereas.

No.

This wasn't a room. A huge freaking luxury penthouse spread out before him! Fizz widened his eyes.

He knew of such apartments, had read about them in magazines, but he never had actually seen anything like this, let alone set foot in one.

The floor was completely covered with huge fur rugs and a few narrow steps led down into a large living area. Huge black sofas, packed with an endless amount of blankets and pillows, stood in front of a gigantic TV hanging on a wall, under which was a ridiculously large fireplace. Everything was lit by a system of neon tubes that had been placed along the walls, bathing everything in a shimmering light. And behind it ... a huge window spread out, allowing a view of Crystal City in all its glory.

Fizz's jaw dropped and his bag slipped from his fingers.

"What the fuck ... what pimp lives here?" he snapped, at which Asmodeus turned to him and grinned widely, pointing a finger at himself.

"That would be me, I guess. "

Fizz faltered.

"What?!" Wait. Did that mean ...?

"This is my place. Welcome to the true house of Asmodeus." Invitingly, he spread his arms. "I'm not often here, since I spend most of my time at the club. But I thought this would be a good opportunity to come."

"Wait, wait, wait!" Fizz quickly raised his arms, then kneaded his forehead. "This means ... you look me to your house? To your place? This is your place?"

"Uh-huh," came from the prince and he nodded, looking at Fizz expectantly. Much like he wanted his opinion – his reaction. And oh boy, did Fizz give him a reaction!

"Too small. And too stuffy for the embodiment of lust, don't you think? No pool tables. No hookers. No sex dungeons. No gangster bosses lying in wait for you. Boring. Sorry."

Asmodeus grunted once and strolled toward him. The carpet beneath his claw-like feet swallowed every sound as he did so.

"This is my home. Not one of my clubs."

Okay, made sense. Apparently, even the Prince of Lust Ring had a right to privacy. Even if the place broke the mold. Swallowing, Fizz loosened the collar of his costume.

"And why did you bring me here?"

"To talk to you."

"But ... what about Mammon?"

"Mammon?" Asmodeus cocked his head to one side and frowned. "What about Mammon?"

Blinking, Fizz stood there, dropping his shoulders.

"I thought ..." He bit his lips, but then shook his head. "Not that important."

Skeptically, Asmodeus raised an eyebrow, then crossed his arms.

"I must say, I find your relationship with my brother very strange. But I suppose you don’t want to tell me about it?"

Again, Fizz shook his head. Better he didn't got worked up over this. Asmodeus shouldn't know about his contract with Mammon, in the end this would cause only more problems.

"I said, doesn't matter. I- ... wait, WHAT?!" A jolt went through Fizz and he tightened his shoulders. WHAT had Asmodeus just said? He and Mammon were ...? "You ... you are brothers!? Real siblings?!"

Asmodeus nodded calmly, shrugging.

"It's nothing to boast about, but yes. All seven princes are siblings. Is that not known?" Asmodeus tapped his chin in wonder. As he stood there, huge, fluffy, infinitely powerful, and yet so abysmally stupid, Fizz overcame the desire to strangle his skinny neck!

"No?!" it escaped him. At least he hadn't known. That the seven princes had a special relationship with each other was clear. They ruled over all of hell! But this??

Well, great. Brothers. Fizz was screwed. Absolutely fucked. His arms began to twitch and to take his anger out on something, he grabbed the tip of his foolscap and pulled on it. Not so hard that it would slip, but hard enough.

Asmodeus chuckled at the display and waved it off placatingly.

"Don't worry about it. We're not close ... anymore. Each one is doing his own thing. Mammon and I haven't gotten along well for some time now. But I confess, I'm kind of interested in how you met him," Asmodeus babbled, waving his hands. Suddenly he had returned to his old self.

By Satan!!

Fizz didn't answer. Didn't want to answer. He was far too busy choking the life out of his fool's cap than telling the grisly tale about Mammon’s and his past.

What was all this about anyway? Fizz still couldn't make sense of any of it, and cursing, he let go of his cap.

"Why am I here?!" he hissed, and clenched his fists. "Why did you bring me here?"

Asmodeus blinked once.

"I already told you that. I want to talk to you."

"Cut the bullshit! Talk to me? You dragged me halfway across town to talk? Why?"

Asmodeus sighed and shook his head, then leaned down to Fizz.

"Because there's no way you're sleeping in that basement for one more night."

Fizz swallowed, quickly avoiding Asmodeus' gaze and focusing on the carpet at his feet.

"Well, I’m out of there. Out of the basement and out of the club ... Now what? What's happening now? Did you bring me all the way out here to kick my ass? In private and without witnesses? If so, let's get it over with, okay?" He clenched his fists, wanting to be done with it. Asmodeus dragged this out like fucking chewing gum, and not knowing what was going to happen started to drive Fizz crazy.

"Now, my little friend, I want you to relax. Take a deep breath. Can you do that for me, will you? You're all worked up. I can't stand that."

Oh, he couldn't stand that? Oh, boo-hoo, how bad for him. And yet Fizz did as he was told. Asmodeus stared at him so insistently, he had no choice. So he breathed in and out a few times, and admittedly, it helped. A little bit.

"That's it. Come on, make yourself comfortable. We have something to talk about. In fact I'm going to talk, you listen and nod nicely. Agreed?"

Fizz snorted.

"Depends on what you have to say." If Asmodeus started up with that Favorite shit again, Fizz was in trouble. He didn't have the nerve to deal with it; on the other hand, he'd offered to give in to Asmodeus earlier. If he demanded it, Fizz couldn't back out.

Following Asmodeus, he finally hopped down the steps to the living area, where the prince made himself comfortable in a mountain and blankets and pillows. Briefly he seemed to disappear into it altogether, chuckling once, then he lay down lengthwise on his stomach and propped his head on his hands, grinning wide at Fizz. But Fizz remained standing next to the sofa.

"Sit down. I told you to relax," Asmodeus purred, but Fizz didn't move a bit. He preferred to stand. That way he reached the door faster. If he managed to open it. Asmodeus just shook his head and then pointed about the apartment.

"Then tell me at least one thing. Once again, with feeling. Do you like this place?"

Did he like it? Heh. The question was unnecessary.

"It's small. But quite nice ... " Restrained, Fizz nodded, trying to salvage at least a small bit of his ego instead of turning into an exhausted drained mess.

"That's good. Then there's nothing to worry about and it’s settled." Asmodeus smiled from side to side and sat up. "Best thing for you to do is to take a warm bubble bath first. In the meantime, I'll organize some comfortable clothes. And something to eat! Yes, that sounds excellent!" With each item he listed, Asmodeus raised a finger and began to grin, like a child looking forward opening his birthday presents. "I'll let the club know that you won't be performing tonight. Today, you'll stay here. It's for the best."

Like, what, why? Huh?

Fizz stood there feeling pretty screwed. Asmodeus wanted him to do WHAT? And he planed to cancel his show? Everything started spinning in Fizz's head, and he raised a hand.

"Hey, stop, stop! Are you crazy? What do you mean you're calling the club?"

"I already told you. You better listen." Reprimandning, Asmodeus clicked his tongue and dug a finger into Fizz's cheek, smiling disgustingly softly. "You're very agitated, I can feel it. You can't perform feeling like that tonight. It would be bad for business and bad for you."

Blinking ever so slowly, Fizz was sure he looked like a complete idiot, because that's how he felt.

"Does that mean ... I'm not fired? You're not kicking me out?"

Confused, Asmodeus frowned and stood up.

"Why would I do that?"

Why ...?? Fizz's eyes twitched dangerously.

"Well, because I-…"

"Because you've lived in my basement? Ha! Bitch, please." Asmodeus rolled his eyes and waved it off, waltzing around the sofa and heading for the dresser where his hat lay. And a telephone set, Fizz noted. "I'm not firing anyone over something as trivial as such. But I'm a little disappointed you didn't tell me about your situation. If any one of my people need help, they can always come to me. I thought I made that clear from the beginning. I want my people to be happy and content. Without joy, no pleasure. And you are my Favorite! What kind of prince would I be if I didn't take care of my Favorite?" He winked playfully at Fizz and then reached for the phone, tapping away at the buttons while Fizz just stood there, realizing something inside him was starting to bubble up.

This, this was a joke. One hundred percent. He was still hiding down in the basement of the club, dozing over his costume.

Quickly, he raised his robotic hand and slapped his face once, hard, seeing stars for a moment, then he shook his head.

No. He was still in this big ass apartment with the Prince of Stupidity. Who wasn't going to fire him? Who was going to take care of him instead? Yeah?! So that's what he was going to do!!! YES!?

Fizz clenched his fists and ground his teeth, boring his gaze into Asmodeus’ back.

"This means… all this time, you weren't planning on kicking me out at all?" he rumbled in a shaky voice, at which Asmodeus turned to him and shook his head, smiling at him like a naive fool. "That means, you fooled me? Been aloof on purpose!"

"No. I was only a little confused. I've never was in a situation like this before, but I found a good solution, don't you agree?" chirped Asmodeus gleefully - and Fizz's fuses blew. The bubbling spilled over and before he knew, he lashed out and rammed his robot hand full force right into Asmodeus' grinning face.

"Asshole!" he roared and rammed his heels in the carpet, feeling his blood just rushing through his veins. "All this time I thought you were mad at me! That you hated me! That you'd throw me out! That I'd lose the job and you'd drag me back to Mammon! To your great kind brother! And what do you do?! Playing the mysterious sugar daddy, dragging me to this apartment to butter me up! Have you ever thought at least for a moment how this affected me, you stupid idiot!" he blurted out unable to hold back, he did not even want to.

Breathing heavily, he stared at the carpet, knowing he had crossed a line, but what did he care for now? Why should he actually care about anything anymore? Everyone else didn't care about him either! So fuck it!

A dull bang caused Fizz to flinch and he jumped, slowly raising his head.

In front of him floated his robot hand ... and at his feet lay an unconscious Asmodeus, with a bloody bump on his forehead.

Holy crap! Startled, Fizz pulled back his arm and ran to Asmodeus, throwing himself on the ground next to him.

"Asmodeus? Hey, Asmodeus! Sorry, I didn't mean to do that! Okay, yes I did, but not like that! That fucking arm has more power than I thought!"

But he received no response. The Prince of Lust just lay there and didn't move. Not one bit. Then suddenly a loud whistling sound appeared, thick clouds of smoke enveloped Asmodeus - and he shrank back into his strange second form. Which meant he lost energy! Life energy, right?!

Fizz's heart began to race. No, damn it! No, no, no! Why did such things always happens to him! Angrily, he threw his hands in the air, only to slam them down on his face moments later.

"Lucifer, why!?" he yelled at himself, cursing fate or whoever was playing games with him. So many coincidences and accidents never could happen to a single person. Someone must have cursed him. Maybe a shitty overlord or another prince! Simply because they could.

"I killed him ... I killed a prince ..." he croaked in panic and looked around, glancing at the gate leading to the elevator.

Immediately he jumped up. Help! He had to get help! But halfway, he stopped.

Help? No, that was out of the question. In the end, they would believe he was an assassin who had aimed for the ruler of lust! No, getting help was out of the question, he had to disappear somehow! But the gate was locked and there was no other way out. They were at the top of that damn skyscraper! There was no easy way out. Let alone there was no way he could make a body disappear …

Helplessly, Fizz sank to his knees in front of Asmodeus' motionless body, pressing his hands to his eyes. He was fucked. He was so fucked.

Chapter Text

Chapter 9

After Care

"Urg …"

Slowly Ozzie regained consciousness, feeling a violent throbbing behind his forehead and moaning softly. His skull hummed and his body felt heavy, like a corsage tied too tight. Even before he opened his eyes, he knew he was running on low energy... Or rather, was trapped in his second form, as most called it. Great. He couldn’t find the words to describe how much he hated this.

But why? What had happened?

Slowly he opened his eyes and saw the purple overhead lights of his penthouse above him.
Mmh ... The last thing he remembered was a hard thump and then .... blackness. With difficulty he sat up and reached for his forehead, touching it and winced, and the memory slowly returned.
He had taken Fizzarolli to his penthouse and then the little bastard actually had knocked him out. Him! Unbelievable! For the longest time anyone had done that, but it was Ozzie's own fault, he should have been more careful. There was no one in the Lust Ring who could be a danger to him, and he was used to have his guard down. Perhaps the moment had come to change that.
He smirked at his own guilelessness and, despite his daze, tried to stand up. His fingers touched some delicate fabric and he faltered. There, where his head had rested before, lay a pillow. The corners of his mouth twitched and slowly he ran his fingers over the soft fabric.
Fizzarolli must have slipped the pillow under his head. How disgustingly caring ...
But where was said jester demon?

Ozzie looked around searching, but couldn’t spot him anywhere and finally stood up. Which took considerably longer and was more strenuous than when he was in his freed form. He cursed this to small of a shell that tightened around his neck like a rope. As one of the few princes who could walk around in his freed form most of the time, this shape felt like a cage. The constant lust around him alone aided him hold his true form and kept him overflowing with energy. Energy that ensured he maintained his power and status. More than once Mammon had called him a braggart and a show-off because of this. Asmodeus, however, called this dominance - and it worked. No one ever had dared to interfere in the affairs of the Lust Ring or criticize his leadership. He could do whatever he wanted and not even Lucifer got in his way. And so it should remain ...

Unfortunately, all his energy had escaped when the blow had hit him unprepared, which was extremely annoying, but insignificant.

What mattered now was finding Fizzarolli. The gate to the elevator still was locked, and since there weren't a thousand other demons running around in panic, he assumed that Fizzarolli had neither summoned anyone nor left the penthouse. So he had to be in here somewhere. But where?

"Fizz ...?" he muttered, but received no answer.

Holding his head, he went the steps down to the living room - and bumped with his foot against something soft. Blinking, he looked down and discovered something most amusing.
Peeking out from under one of his mountains of pillows was a red and black striped tail that twitched incessantly. Ozzie grinned. Aha, so there the little fellow was hiding!

He carefully pushed the top layer aside, expecting to be attacked in the next moment, but nothing happened.

Instead, by the picture played out before of him, the strange knot in his stomach that had been noticeable since he had chosen Fizzarolli as his new favorite, twisted.

Curled up in a ball, Fizzarolli laid there - sleeping. Deep exhaustion visible on his face, any form of lust gone, and if Ozzie looked closely, he spotted smeared makeup around the eyes. Were those tear stains ...? Had he been crying?

The thought caught Ozzie completely off guard and his insides groaned. Tears he was used to. Tears of joy and pleasure. But anything else was unacceptable and this, this was not acceptable at all!

Sighing empathically, Ozzie shook his head. It seemed he had put the little guy through too much. After constantly being on edge for the past week, today had probably been the final straw. His new favorite really was an emotional chappy.

Gently, Ozzie reached out and touched Fizzarolli's cheek with his fingertips, causing the smaller demon to flinch. Slowly, he opened his eyes and looked up at Ozzie.

"Mh...?" Fizzarolli mumbled sleepily, at which Ozzie gave him a wry smile. Fizzarolli was obviously a tinderbox that could explode in any direction - and one explosion a day was enough for Ozzie. It was for the best, he showed him that everything was fine, in any way he could.

"Slept in?" he chirped as softly as his disgusting second form would allow, but as soon as Fizzarolli's red eyes settle on him, the horror returned to them and a sudden wave of panic hit Ozzie.
"Asmodeus!?" Fizzarolli jumped up, tripping over the mountain of pillows and landing backwards on the floor. Ozzie winced involuntarily before walking towards him and extending a helping hand.
"Careful, careful. There's no need to panic."

However, the little demon didn't seem to hear him at all. He stared at him, aghast, and backed away even further.

"You ... you're not dead?" he choked out in his raspy voice, which prompted Asmodeus to laugh.
"No. I'm not that easy to kill. And certainly not by a simple punch in the face." As he mentioned this, Fizzarolli shrank before his eyes, backing away until his back hit the wall next to the fireplace. Pure horror displayed in his eyes and Ozzie frowned.

He didn't like that sight, and he liked even less the emotions his new host radiated. Panic did not suit him. Even though the little incident most likely had taken it’s toll on him, he finally had to realize that he was safe in Ozzie's presence. Because being not save was something that seemed to be on his mind constantly.

"Calm down," he launched a second attempt and again reached out to Fizzarolli, but was quite slow in this unhandy form and Fizz slipped away. His eyes darted to the elevator in panic and Ozzie started to loose patience.

He reached for Fizzarolli another time - and got hold of him, lifting him off the floor and prevented any attempt of further escape.

"No, no, no! Let go, let go of me!" Immediately Fizzarolli began to wriggle like mad, but Ozzie held on tight. How fragile his slender form was. Quite exquisite! But also vulnerable ... Like fighting for his life, Fizzarolli slashed around his hands, feet and tail, ducking his head.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! It didn’t mean to hurt you! I swear!" he cried, trying all he might to escape, and it stung Ozzie.

He frowned deeply, whereupon Fizzarolli seemed to shrink even more and began to tremble in Ozzie's hand.

Fear welled up from every fiber of the little body, piercing Asmodeus like a venomous wasp sting. Yes, what his new favorite experienced was deep fear. Of him. Fizzarolli was afraid of him and it made Ozzie sick. Fear was the exact opposite of lust and it marred Ozzie like too much salt spoils a soup.
He had to calm Fizzarolli down somehow, only to freeze in the next moment and a violent curse escaped him.

Razor-sharp teeth dug into his hand, biting down hard, and the impulse overcame him to slam Fizzarolli against the next wall. He actually dared to bite him! After knocking him out! That little demon was really brazen!

Ozzie snorted, but when he saw the desperate expression on the little demon's face, his anger faded.
Fear, then.

What did one do about fear? One shooed it away.

"Well well," he purred in amusement, tilting his head playfully to the side. "So you bite. I should remember that if I want to keep all my important body parts. It would be very inconvenient for the Prince of Lust to walk around without a dick, don't you think?" He winked disreputably at Fizzarolli - and his plan worked.

A horrified embarrassment spread through the little demon, displacing the fear, and the wriggling stopped. With a jerk, Fizz released his fangs from Ozzie's hand and stared at him, stunned.

"What the fuck! That's what you're thinking about now? THAT?! That I could bite your dick off? You stupid ...!" it escaped him, but in the same moment he froze and squinted nervously at Ozzie.
Ozzie, on the other hand, took a breath. There he was again, the cheeky Fizzarolli with his cooky mouth. Finally a step in the right direction.

"There you go. This sounds much better. Much more like yourself," he began, placing a hand at his chest.

Yes. The salty aroma of fear diminished more and more... What a relief. Sighing, he looked again at Fizzarolli, who at last went limp in his hands and gave in.

"Have you calmed down? Or should I give you some porcelain to throw at a wall? I heard that this lowers the frustration level. Although I do know one or two other ways to relieve frustration," he continued to tease, trying to draw Fizz out, and it was working.

Swallowing, Fizzarolli looked at him and then lowered his eyes, frowning deeply. The shame suited him and again Ozzie had to think about how cute the little demon was.

"You ... aren't mad?" he asked in such a tiny voice that Ozzie had to prick his ears. Reassuringly, he shook his head.

"If you're trying to make me angry, I have to disappoint you. I'm not angry with you. But I admit you always manage to surprise me, my dear Fizzarolli" With his other free hand he patted Fizzarolli's head, and to Ozzie's astonishment didn’t provoke a reaction. Otherwise Fizzarolli always pushed his hand away immediately.

"But ... you're going to punish me, right?" he murmured, at which Ozzie raised his brows.
What?
As disturbing as this question was, Ozzie had to laugh. Fizzarolli started to pull a face again, but he couldn't help it. How serious the little demon seemed about this question was too delicious. By all the rings of hell, he desperately needed to make him understand some things. Chuckling, Ozzie ran a hand over his eyes, then placed a finger under Fizzarolli's chin.

"Oh, I'll be very happy to punish you if you wish! You really are a naughty one ... But in this case? No. I should rather congratulate you. You managed to knock out a demon prince. Not everyone can do that." Carefully, he set Fizzarolli down, who stood awkward in front of him with his head low and his arms wrapped around himself. The strong aroma of shame swirled around him and Ozzie took a quick breath. Unfortunately, it didn't taste as sweet as before. There was a bitter note mixed in, but this wasn’t going to happen. For Ozzie knew this pedicular note, and in most cases it remained unless dispelled.

Slowly he kneeled down, bent down even further to Fizzarolli until the other looked him in the eye.
"Now, I want you to listen to me carefully." Fizz nodded, and Ozzie purred contentedly. Then he took a deep breath. "I owe you an apology. I didn't realize the pressure I was putting on you in the past few days. To my defense, no favorite before refused me, and I'm not used to people being afraid of me. Not in the way you do. But I think I understand now. For normal demons, like you, I'm sure the presence of a prince is intimidating ... That's why I apologize."

Silence.
Fizzarolli didn't say a word, and simply glared at Ozzie. For a moment he thought the other had completely drifted off, then the jester demon stirred again.

"What?" he grumbled in disbelief. "You ... apologize to me?"

Ozzie nodded, and Fizz pursed his mouth.

"Are you crazy? I attacked you."

" Yeah, and honestly, I'd prefer if this could stay between us. For both our sakes. Can we agree on that?"
Again, there was no reply. Fizzarolli looked to the side, gazed out of the large window, lost in thoughts, while rubbing his shoulder. Then he nodded. Relieved, Ozzie slumped down. Good, that was settled. Hundred other things remained. That he really put himself through this trouble, he could hardly believed. On the other hand, it was what Lucifer had been preaching to them for eons. You are responsible for the shit you started and all this was Ozzie's fault. So he took care of it.

For a while he let the silence go on and looked down at his city together with Fizzarolli. The dark blue nightly sky spread out over Crystal City and the first spotlights already were illuminating the skyline. As always lust filled the air, even if little of it reached him up here. This was a sight he never could get enough of, thought he seldom took the time.

He waited until Fizzarolli had completely calmed down, then he rose.

"Fizzarolli," he sought his little demons attention, whereupon Fizz turned his head to face him. He seemed to have a hard time looking Ozzie in the eye, but he listened, and that was enough. "I don't know why you feel in such a way, and I don't care, but I want you to know that you don't have to be afraid of me. Ever. I will never hurt you. Unless you ask for it." Again he winked, to which Fizz rolled his eyes. Should he just downplay the whole thing if this helped him to feel better. Ozzie would say it one time and that should be enough. For he was true to his word. "I am the embodiment of lust. Fear is not in the spirit of lust. I don't gain any out of it. I can get angry, yes, but it takes something special for this to happen. You don't have to be afraid that I'll throw you out either. You just have arrived and I still have a lot of things planned for you. You won't get away from me that easily. Do you understand?" He half-bent down to Fizz, who looked at him for a very long time.

And then, finally, thank Lucifer, he nodded.

"Promise?" he grudgingly echoed, which threw Ozzie for a moment. But please, if this helped him him feel more secure.

"I promise. Now, stop running around like a scared rabbit in my presence. It ... irritates me."

"I'm trying ... boss."

Hearing that come out of his mouth gave Ozzie a joyful jolt, and he smiled.

"So everything is settled?" Again Fizzarolli nodded in agreement and with that Ozzie's mood was saved. Satisfied, he clapped his hands and turned, beckoning Fizzarolli to follow. "Very well. Come on, then. I haven't sworn off my plan yet. You'll get your bubble bath and you'll get comfortable clothes and you'll get an excellent meal! And I don't want to hear any complaints!" With that, he floated into the hallway that led to the rest of the penthouse.

Fizzarolli's quiet footsteps followed him cautiously.

"I hope you know what you're doing … that I'm worth the trouble," he murmured, causing Ozzie to groan. So much negativity! He'd had enough of that for one day!

"Let me decide what's worth the trouble. And I like to make others happy. And that's what we are doing now. So shut up and come with me!"

_***_

Okay. Reality-check!

He was still alive.

He was still in one piece. More or less.

And he had made a total idiot of himself, gracefully kicking every bit of dignity into the trash can. Hundred points!

Wishing he could just bury himself in the ground and stay there forever, Fizz trotted after Asmodeus, not daring to look him in the eye at all.

He was such an idiot! Such a stupid idiot. How ever had he come up with the idea that someone like him, an imp, managed to kill a Prince of Hell. This was ridiculous! And what did he do? Running around in circles. Fortunately, Asmodeus had been unconscious and hadn't seen him running about the penthouse screaming in panic, only to hide away below a mountain of cushions. Oh man, it couldn't get any worse.

And yet ... this rich bastard showed him so much kindness that Fizz wanted to throw up. The longer he was with Asmodeus, the more he doubted that this guy really was one of the seven princes. He was TOO nice! And TOO stupid! Never could he be the brother of Mammon! Or of Lucifer! Maybe he was the black sheep of the family? There was always someone like that. A stupid grinning moron, who took everything lightly and just screwed around instead of taking care of the family affairs.

Yes, that sounded quite more like it. An odd scene started to play out in his mind’s eye. All seven princes sitting together at a table, discussing hell matters, while Asmodeus was making out with the service staff in front of everyone and Lucifer was throwing a fit telling him to get his shit together. Yes. That's how it had to be. Family affairs, after all …

A sharp bump to the head stopped him and he cursed softly, rubbing his face. Only to see one of Asmodeus’ long thin legs in front of him. Damn, he had run into the prince ...

"Here we are," the prince announced, ignoring their collision and opening a large door in front of them. Asmodeus immediately went inside, humming to himself as he did so, while Fizz remained in the doorway ... about to have another fit.

As threatened, Asmodeus had taken him into the bathroom of the penthouse, and at the mere sight Fizz had to laugh. Bathroom. The thing was as big as a normal apartment! Gold and royal blue decorations beamed at him from everywhere, and he narrowed his eyes, pulling a face. Surely this was a bad joke!?

"Is something wrong?" Asmodeus asked, who stood next to a gigantic bathtub and was about to pour water into it.

"I'm blinded!", Fizz pressed past his lips and squeezed his eyes shut completely, grabbing his chest. He heard Asmodeus chuckle, without adding something else.

"Well? Didn’t you like it hot?" he asked instead, far too seductively, and Fizz pursed his mouth. The guy just couldn't let it go so Fizz just played along.

"Sure. The hotter, the better," he replied, without managing to show half of the enthusiasm he usually dispayed. Besides, another question was pressing him, and he pointed to his robotic arm. "Can I actually submerge with this thing?" Showers worked, as Fizz had found out, but long baths?

Asmodeus nodded in response.

"It is waterproof. I made sure of that."

Yes, of course. Just like with the sensors. Asmodeus thought of everything, Fizz came to realize. Ever so slowly, he moved closer, continuing to look around while Asmodeus reached for one of the thousand bottles standing on a gilded dresser next to the bathtub. At first glance, all of them looked like erotic bath accessories ... which didn't surprise Fizz much. He decided from hence forht absolutely nothing would surprise him anymore.

"What do you prefer? Subtle or stronger scents? Of course, I also have erotic bath oils and salts at hand.... For a little extra kick, eh?" He chuckled once and licked his lips. "If you want, I can give you a massage too. You rub your shoulder a lot, and if there's one thing I know, it's how to relieve tension. I'm an excellent masseur!"

Fizz rolled his eyes. Asmodeus was definitely having too much fun, and it was admittedly quite strange to see him act so boisterous in that form.

All the more he was surprised that an equally crude joke came to his mind once again already. Only he didn't feel like telling it, because while he was listening to Asmodeus, he realized something else ...

For a bath he would have to strip. For a massage as well. And this was out of the question!

"No, thanks, I’m good," was his short answer and Asmodeus grimaced at that. The annoying warmth of the past few weeks flared up inside Fizz for the hint of a second when he saw the prince's pouting face, but he suppressed the feeling. He had to think of something to get rid of Asmodeus. After all, if the guy wanted to bathe with him, a new problem would arise. His legs and horns! And then it would come out that he was - ....

"Fizzarolli!"

Fizz took a leap and tightened his shoulders as Asmodeus' stern voice echoed through the bathroom. Reprimanding, the prince looked at him and raised an admonishing index finger.

"You're starting to brood again. We were just talking about you being safe around me. Or am I mistaken?"

Shit.

Fizz bit his lips and rubbed his shoulder but stopped immediately when he noticed Asmodeus' look. Yes, they had talked about it, but still, it wasn't that simple. So what to do? Telling him the truth was out of the question. He hesitated, but then shrugged. Screw it. A demon prince demanded to trust him, so Fizz obeyed.

"I know, boss. But ..."

"But what?"

Okay. Just stick close to the truth.

"I look pretty crappy under this makeup. In short, I'm fucking ugly, and after my extremely sexy breakdown, I'd like some time to myself, okay?" Shit, had he really just said that? He had, hadn't he?

Reluctantly, he shot Asmodeus a glance - who smiled and stood up. With long strides, he approached him and stopped in front of him, looking at him out of his wide fur collar.

"You are not ugly. Not in the least. You're very attractive."

"Yeah, sure. With makeup. But the fire messed up more than my arm" And another confession. If he kept going, Asmodeus was to lose interest in him fore sure. No one wanted a panicky crybaby with complexes.

To his amazement, Asmodeus became quite silent, stood there for a while looking at a jar of blue bath salts in his hands, turning it back and forth.

"I know what you mean," he murmured, and before Fizz knew it, the jar was pressed into his hands. "I, too, have two scars there that I hate to show. But don't worry about it. As much as the idea excites me, I had no intention of bathing with you."

Surprised, Fizz blinked. Asmodeus had scars? What kind and where? However, he swallowed the question when he saw the prince's expression. Was it regret? Or sadness?

Asmodeus finally walked past him and pointed to the full tub.

"Make yourself comfortable and take as much time as you want. Enjoy it. You'll find a remote control on the side if you want to use some of the few extra features. I'll be in the next room if you need anything. Don't hesitate to call." With that, Asmodeus actually left the bathroom. Giving him space.

As soon as the doors closed, Fizz slumped down and exhaled deeply. By Satan, what a day ...

Silence reigned around him. Only the sound of the water could be heard and slowly the room warmed up, filled with warm steam. Skeptically Fizz eyed the door, waiting a moment longer to see whether Asmodeus really kept his word. He couldn't imagine him missing out on another peep show, however, Fizz didn't hear any suspicious noises - and decided to trust Asmodeus’ word.

Slowly, he got up and walked over to the tub, which was big enough for him to use as a pool. Lost in thought, he glanced at the glass in his hand and promptly rolled his eyes. The name read Kamasutra Bath Foam – secrets of the sea.

Oh man, this guy was just amazingly horny! And Fizz was sick of secrets, especially having to hide them.

To be honest, he'd rather not be alone right now. But his stupid imp-body would betray him and no matter what Asmodeus claimed, he wouldn't forgive so a lie so easily.

*

Sighing, Fizz slid down in the tub even further, drifting between the huge mountains of blue foam for a long time. Asmodeus had been damn right, the bath was incredibly relaxing and the scent filling the air was extremely pleasant.

How long he was sitting in the water he couldn't say, but his skin already become completely soaked and wrinkled. Asmodeus had kept his word and hadn't shown up yet, so Fizz had even dared to take off his foolscap for a moment. Feeling the hot water on his broken horns felt unspeakable good.

Lost in thought, he looked up at the ceiling of the bathroom, where many blue lamps were shining. He stretched one of his legs out of the water. Enjoyed how the cool air hit his hot moist skin and it shook him. How long had it actually been since he had bathed? In his old apartment, there had been only a shower. A shower that had had hot water for about five minutes. He definitely didn't miss that part, and he easily could get used to this tub.

He sighed with relish and closed his eyes when suddenly noises arose in the hallway. Voices grew loud, then he heard footsteps coming closer.

"Fizzarolli?"

Shit!

As if stung, Fizz threw himself up and waded frantically to the edge of the tub, fishing for his hat and slipping it on just in time before the door opened and Asmodeus appeared.

"Sorry to bother you, I'll bring you a bathrobe and some comfortable clothes," he chirped, placing a very plush-looking piece of cloth on the rack next to the door. Then he looked in Fizz direction. And Fizz glared back, pulling the hem of the hat even tighter on his head.

For a moment they just stared at each other.

Then Asmodeus’ eyes wandered up and down Fizz body, and Fizz realized he was standing upright.

Most of him remained hidden by the water and foam, thank Satan, but it did not cover his upper body. Nor did it cover the countless scars that had colored his skin and face almost exclusively white ...

His heart began to pound as Asmodeus began to grin indecently and Fizz's throat tightened. In this form, Asmodeus’ grin just looked dangerous, yet Fizz didn't want to look like a wimp again.

He quickly pulled himself into a pose and braced a hand on his hip, grinning seductively at Asmodeus as he prayed to Lucifer that the other would not come any closer.

"Like what you see?" he asked playful, but faltered when Asmodeus actually nodded.

"Very much so. Very much," he purred, which gave Fizz a violent shiver.

The guy was joking, right? He wasn't being serious. Or was he? He ... liked Fizz? Despite the scars? His head felt boiling hot, and it wasn't because of the steam.

Immediately Asmodeus’ head feathers twitched, and he heard the prince inhale deeply. A shallow glow flared up inside him and Fizz froze.

Shit! He knew what that meant by now, and cursing, he threw himself into the water, hiding in one of the foam mountains.

"Stay where you are!" he warned, showing his teeth. "Don't forget these. Come near me and I'll bite your dick off, got it!"

At that, Asmodeus paused for a moment before shaking his head, chuckling.

"When you're ready, come into the living room. I have a surprise for you," he simply cooed and disappeared again.

Briefly, Fizz paused in place before sinking deeper into the water. Damn it ... He had already feared Asmodeus would throw himself right at him again when he had noticed the glow. The mere thought of his attack at Ozzie’s shook Fizz to the core. As did the feeling that had ran through him. Pure arousal ...

Quickly he shook off the thought before Asmodeus caught it once again. He shot a glance at the bathrobe Asmodeus had laid out for him and sighed.

So he had a surprise, eh? More presents? Asmodeus really tried everything to make Fizz like him. Or was this just a strategy to wrap him around his fingers?

Just thinking about it gave Fizz a headache, so he left it at that and finally got out of the tub. He didn't want to keep the prince of lust waiting unnecessarily.

Chapter Text

Chapter 10

Vampire Tales

Wrapped in the plushest bathrobe in all hell, Fizz squatted on the floor in front of the couch table and couldn't get out of his amazement. His tail twitched excitedly from side to side, while he had to hold back hard not to throw himself at Asmodeus.

The table was overloaded with food! Delicacies that Fizz had never seen before, as well as ordinary junk food and desserts. The mere sight of everything made his mouth water, but the aroma was the one thing that fully tamed him.

Asmodeus had not exaggerated. What a surprise! A splendid surprise! Impatiently Fizz moved around on his knees, which were well hidden in his pajama pants, and stared at the table, drooling.

Meanwhile, Asmodeus sat down on the floor opposite of him and propped his head in one hand, pointing at the table.

"What are you waiting for? Take what your heart desires!"

Swallowing, Fizz glanced over at him, but held back, trying to maintain at least the last bit of manners that had been hammered into him.

"You're crazy!" he finally blurted out, and he shook his head. "Did you really order all this for me?"

"For us. I intend to eat some of the food, too. But first and foremost. Yes, for you."

This was crazy!

"And I can take whatever I want?"

Slowly, Asmodeus propped his head in both hands and grinned at him as if he was a particularly cute little animal. Fizz didn't like being observed in such a way, but basically he didn't give a shit. With all this food waiting for him, Asmodeus was allowed to gape at him in any way he desired.

"Go ahead. Help yourself. Bon appetit."

Fizz didn't need to be told twice. It had been ages since he had eaten food looking this good. Except for what he'd taken at the club, of course. But leftovers weren't the same thing!

He decided to take the classic route and started with a slice of pizza. As soon as he bit into it, he almost started to cry at the delicious taste, then he sighed, closing his eyes.

"Shit, this is sooo good!"

Asmodeus chuckled in response and continued to watch Fizz silently while pouring himself a glass of wine.

Fizz, on the other hand, was busy eating his way through the food on the table. If he ever had a chance to get food for free, he would dig in. Who knows when the next possibility would arise! And after his embarrassing meltdown, this was just what he needed.

"So, are you satisfied?" asked Asmodeus, after the pizza was fully devoured and Fizz angled for some of the stuff he never heard of. Caviar or something, Asmodeus had said.

"Absolutely! This is awesome! Thank you so much!" he babbled on happily, but then faltered and cleared his throat, noticing his cheeks getting hot. "I mean, thanks," he said and tried to restrain himself, but failed miserably. Crap. Why did he have to be such an impressionable bitch? As if the whole thing wasn't embarrassing enough.

Asmodeus didn't seem bothered by his behavior, though. On the contrary. His grin grew wider and wider - and disgustingly gentle at the same time. It startled Fizz that it was him who provoked such an expression on the prince's face, and he pursed his mouth.

"At the risk of spoiling your good mood, but may I ask a question?" finally came from Asmodeus, and Fizz nodded.

"You bought me this food. You can ask me anything, man!"

"That's good. Because actually, that's what it's all about." Asmodeus took a sip from his glass and set it on the table, leaning against the couch behind him. "The topic seems to cause you discomfort, but I want to understand. So, how come you didn't have money for something to eat. For an apartment. For anything. I pay you. You get tips. What happens with all that money?"

The caviar got suck in Fizz's throat, and he choked, bashing his chest a few times. Coughing, he squinted at Asmodeus. Shit, now the bastard had him trapped. There was no way around giving him an answer, and damn it, Asmodeus was right. Fizz didn't like the topic and it spoiled his mood.

Licking his lips, he reached for his drink and took a big gulp.

"How about we cut this crap?"

"And how about you give me an answer. Now."

Damn. Fizz clicked his tongue and slid back and forth on the soft carpet beneath him. Maybe he could try like he did in the bathroom earlier. Staying close tot the truth without giving the whole picture away? Either way Asmodeus surely would get angry. Slowly he opened his mouth, but his throat felt strangely raw.

"Mammon gets it," he finally brought out and leaned back, looking out the window.

"Mammon? But he already gets a cut from me."

"That's different." Quickly, Fizz waved it off, rubbed his robot arm, and began to bob his legs. "I'm in debt to him. I have to pay it off. That's why ...."

"Debt?"

Fizz nodded and avoided Asmodeus' gaze, taking another sip of his drink.

"What debt?"

Fizz shrugged.

"Not important. But it's a lot ... and that comes first. Mammon comes first. Always. He's the Prince of Greed after all."

"But you could at least keep enough to build a living for yourself."

Ha! Fizz had to laugh and looked at Asmodeus with a sigh. The guy was so naive.

"You said Mammon was your brother, but you don't know him, do you? He's the Prince of fucking Greed. He controls the banks in all seven rings."

At this, Asmodeus widened his eyes.

"He has access to your accounts and your money?"

His money? His accounts? Again Fizz laughed. How sweet that sounded!

"They're not mine. They're his. Always have been. And if he doesn't get what's he deserved, he gets very ... uncomfortable."

For a moment Asmodeus just sat there, then suddenly jammed his hand down on the table and stood up. Fizz winced and looked after him in confusion as he walked toward the hallway.

"What are you doing?"

"I need to talk to him."

What?

Fizz dropped the glass with his drink and jumped to his feet, running over to Asmodeus and blocking his way before the other could reach the phone.

"No! Wait! That’s out of the question! None of your fucking business!" he shouted, bracing his hands against Asmodeus' stomach to stop him.

"You bet it is. If he's the reason you're scraping on the edge of existence while working under my care and being my favorite, it is my fucking business!"

"And I say no!" shouted Fizz again, blinking. He felt panic rising inside him and the senseless chatter started again. "That's a contract between me and him! Don't interfere with it. I signed it, so it's legal! I'll settle the thing! I'll work off my debt and it's all good! I'll got that! If you interfere, I'll just get in more trouble!"

And sure enough, Asmodeus paused. Stood still in front of him. Quiet for a moment, then he reached for Fizz's hands and gently disentangled them from his clothes. Astonished, Fizz blinked; he hadn't realized how tightly he had clung to him. Sighing, Asmodeus turned around and went back to their feast. Holding Fizz's hand as he did so, Asmodeus guided him to sit on the couch.

"I don't like the way you talk about my brother," he murmured as he handed Fizz a glass of water. Fizz sipped on it, unable to keep the tension from rising inside him.

"... you wanted to know."

"No. Not because of that. What he is doing displeases me. I'm going to sign over one of my accounts to you and transfer your pay there. That way you'll have control over how much you pay Mammon back." Before Fizz could object, Asmodeus raised a finger in admonishment. "Ah, ah. Don't argue with me. I'll handle it, and you won't get in trouble." With that, he sat down next to Fizz and eyed him thoughtfully from the side. "I really wonder how you got involved with him in the first place."

Got involved with him? Fizz frowned. He hadn't gotten involved with the Prince of Greed. Mammon had always been there. Always. Concentrating, he ran his fingers over the leather couch, thinking.

"He owned the circus I grew up in. Back then in Greed. It was a long time ago. He came over a lot, and he liked the tricks I and B... I pulled off," he quickly corrected himself, not wanting to think about the dumb guy with the O at the end now. Briefly he grinned and winked at Asmodeus. "I was a cute kid. I'll give you that. And Mammon liked it, because it drew people in."

"You worked for him as a kid?"

"Everyone in the circus did." Fizz clenched his fists as he thought back to that time. Back when everything had been good. At least, that's what he'd believed back then. Man, he had been so naive.

If he had thought the things over even a bit, he would have understood who had been the reason why the adults in the circus did so badly. Like his mother ... But no, he had gotten googly eyes every time the prince had come by and praised their little act. Yes, the mighty Mammon. Rich and with influence. A great entertainer. Like a rock star he had seemed to them, and they had celebrated him. And shit, Fizz had been so happy when Mammon had moved them out of Greed to perform in Lust in another circus when they grew older. Chosen by the great Jester himself!

Then he had shown his true self and everything had gone down the drain. With a frown on his face, Fizz looked down into the glass and took a sip, wishing to forget it all.

"Did Mammon bed you?"

Fizz unceremoniously spat the water back out and began to cough, staring at Asmodeus in horror.

"Lucifer fucking Magne, no! Gross!" The very idea disgusted Fizz and hoped that Asmodeus didn't pictured that! That would be almost like fucking your own- ... No! He didn't finish the thought and shook his head.

Asmodeus, meanwhile, sat beside him like a scowling statue and narrowed his eyes.

"Well, the idea that he might have touched you disgusts me."

It disgusted him? With a bitter grin, Fizz looked at the glass in his hands.

"Why? Don't you like used stuff? Pretentious bastard ...", Quickly he took a sip, ignoring that the idea that Asmodeus might not want him anymore, bored like a nail into his chest. At the same moment he faltered. Not want him? What the fuck was he thinking? As if he wanted Asmodeus to want him. Because he didn't want that! Did he?

At this moment, Asmodeus slid close to him and bent down, preying down at him like a watchful eagle. Inside him, the blue light pulsed treacherously, causing Fizz to roll his eyes. Great ... having one's own emotions mirrored like that was irritating as heaven.

"That's not the point," Asmodeus purred huskily and a warm breath graced Fizz's neck. "You're my favorite, and the thought that he might have treated you badly makes me sick. You're mine."

A violent shiver shook Fizz and distraught, he gawked at Asmodeus. He was his? Ha, bullshit!

"What, are you claiming ownership? I'm your property now, huh?" He chuckled grimly, icily ignoring the fact that he didn't know if he actually believed this to be good or bad.

Asmodeus didn't answer that, but continued to stare at him. One shiver after another chased down Fizz's spine and finally he sighed, closed his eyes and made a meaningful gesture.

"Tse, you and Mammon are so much alike. Except he sucks the money out of anyone while you suck the lust out of everyone. Like vampires you are!"

A snort sounded in response and Asmodeus propped himself up against the couch with one hand, running the other over Fizz's robotic arm. Though it was covered by the plushy robe, the sensation of the touch sent a jolt through Fizz's body.

"Ridiculous, comparing us like that. I'm nothing like him. Absolutely not." On and on he stroked Fizz's arm, running his fingers up and down, drawing little circles on it. It was confusing as heaven! But admittedly, it didn't feel bad. "Other than that," Asmodeus finally continued and shook his head, poking Fizz in the cheek. "Everyone knows there are no vampires."

Fizz raised a brow and pushed the finger out of his face.

"Yes. Of course there are vampires," he snorted, to which Asmodeus laughed with a wink.

"No, no, my little friend. They are a myth. Invented by mortals and sinners. Undead that walk the earth, sleep in coffins, and sneak into your bed at night to suck your blood? No, I would have heard of that. I am the prince of lust. I know all about sucking."

Fizz had to laugh and slapped his tail on the couch a few times.

"I'll take your word for that, big man! But sorry, I'm right. They do exist! They live up in Pride, close to the sinners. I've seen them."

"That's nonsense."

The way he was brushed off annoyed Fizz. But what Asmodeus could do, he could do as well, and so he dug his claw into the others’s leg. Started poking him.

"Have you been at Pride at all lately?"

Asmodeus' eyes twitched.

"Yeah..."

Ha, as if!

"Liar! If you'd ever come out of your pleasure cave, you'd know what's going on out there. But what do I expect from a spoiled little prince. Vampires exist! And they're out to get you! Watch out or they'll crawl into your bed and suck the blood out of your dick! And then it will shrivel and fall off!" Demonstratively, Fizz showed his pointed teeth and let them snap shut just in front of Asmodeus’ face.

The prince flinched at this and despite his miniature version, he suddenly pulled a worried face. Too worried, in fact. He wiped his mouth and looked out the window in horror.

"I'll have to have vampire protection installed!" he murmured, to which Fizz looked at him dumbfounded.

Then he burst out laughing and fell sideways onto the couch.

"What exactly is so amusing?" Asmodeus blinked at him questioningly, but it took Fizz a moment to compose himself. Oh man, hearing such a thing from a prince of hell!

"Nothing, nothing. Sorry, boss. For a prince, you're just pretty dumb. But ... I like that. What's the saying. Stupidity fucks best, huh?"

Indignation spread through Asmodeus, but Fizz couldn't say he was sorry. Not this time, because it was true. Asmodeus folded his arms and crossed one leg, bobbing it up and down.

"You're a checky little bastard," he murmured, but that didn't hit Fizz too hard either. By now, the prince should know where he stood. Innocently, Fizz shrugged, noticing a sudden calmness spreading through him. He playfully let his tail roam through the air and dangled his legs over the edge of the couch.

Somehow, the situation was quite nice. Talking to Asmodeus without fearing that something bad was going to happen was pleasant, and bad things just had happened too often lately.

Smirking, he squinted at the Prince of Lust and bit his lips. He could get used to the big dumb asshead easily ...

At that moment, a ring sounded in the penthouse and Fizz froze, tossing his head around. It came from the elevator and his good mood received a dangerous crack. Woe! Somebody better not come through that door to ruin his evening! Because it was turning into a really good one!

"Ah, that should be my order," Asmodeus chirped beside him and rose to float towards the elevator. As the doors opened, Fizz recognized the strange bellhop from this morning. He talked animatedly to Asmodeus, but then glanced around the big man at Fizz.

Fizz quickly slid down from the couch to the floor and peered between the sofas over to the elevator. The way that guy googled at him gave Fizz the creeps.

Fortunately, the doors closed quite quickly, Asmodeus locked the gate and came back to the couch humming, slowly sitting down on the floor with Fizz. In his hand he held a package, which he placed on the table and pushed it over to Fizz.

"Here! For you!" he cooed, sounding way too happy about it.

Skeptically, Fizz eyed the package.

"More presents?" he muttered, to which Asmodeus nodded.

"Not enough presents! Everyone is happy to receive gifts! And I derive pleasure from giving joy to others!"

This was an undeniable truth, only Fizz didn't deserved all the attention. He hadn't accomplished that much yet. Aside from being good for a laugh, and apparently tasting good ...

Staring thoughtfully at the package, he clenched his fists. Curiosity gnawed at him, yet he didn't move. With each new gift the feeling of being cornered grew inside him.

Was the prince trying to buy him off?

Came this gifts from the heart?

Did the prince even have a heart, or was he just thinking with his dick?

Should Fizz be concerned that no matter what Asmodeus planned, it worked on him?

Should it bother him more that every gift and praise flattered his ego immensely. After all, they were not in Pride but in Lust ...

Asmodeus' smile disappeared after a few moments, and he pushed the package even closer to Fizz.

"Don't look like that. Go open it! I want to see your face!"

Oh well, that again. Asmodeus' weird kink of seeing every feeling and having it described if possible. All right, Fizz let him have his way. At Asmodeus insistence, he pulled the package towards him. It was oblong, but quite light.

"And what is this? A dildo? If so, hopefully in pink with glitter and unicorn shaped. Anything else is not going up my ass."

A laugh was the answer, then Asmodeus tapped the package.

"Good to know your tastes, but this one goes more in the practical direction."

Practical, that is. He wondered what it was. The curiosity became unbearable and finally an annoyed sigh escaped Fizz. He shot Asmodeus one last look before grabbing the package and carelessly tearing open the wrapping. Stupid prince!

Asmodeus giggled silly and watched him with excitement. Being eyed like that was really embarrassing, the great prince of lust should rather take care of his image, but Fizz shouldn’t speak of such things. Right now, he didn't exactly live up to his image as a cheeky jester either.

Finally, Fizz had unwrapped the package completely, but froze at the same moment. Stared at the contents for a long time.

It was a cell phone. And not a cheap device. It was an all new hellPhone.

"The newest model. It suits you, I think. Just as dashing," came from Asmodeus, while Fizz just stared at the phone. His fingers twitched, and yet he didn't dare touch the surface. Carefully, he placed the package back on the table, feeling a knot forming in his stomach and the unnerving warmth creeping into his head.

"Ah, I almost forgot!" It continued. Asmodeus rummaged in his jacket and pulled out a small object.

"For you," the prince chirped gleefully as he presented Fizzarolli with a key. It was shaped like a giant penis, which promoted Fizz to grin, but also made his insides boil. "I want you to live here. I want this to be your home from now on. Of course, the idea isn't entirely altruistic, since you're my favorite, but it makes a lot of things easier and solves your housing problem. So make yourself at home!"

Fizz was at a loss for words. He sat there, slowly but surely turning into a stone.

"What's the matter? Don't you like it?" came the question at some point, and Fizz heard growing disappointment in Asmodeus' angelic voice. He swallowed and narrowed his eyes.

How he hated this. He didn't want to disappoint Asmodeus, but he just didn't know what to say. He saw the phone, the key, all the food, thought of the new account and became aware of the soft clothes he was wearing.

Fuck ...

"Fizzarolli? What's wrong?" asked Asmodeus again, and Fizz glanced at him with narrowed eyes. Expectantly, the prince sat there, still trapped in his second form and impatiently waiting for any hint of emotion. For a spark of joy. A spark of ... lust.

It was sickening. Fizz cursed and managed a wry grin, clutching at his robe

"Shit." His voice trembled. "Looks like I'll have to let you fuck me after all."

"Excuse me? What makes you think that?"

Fizz looked intently at the table, his eyes still narrowed.

"You give all this stuff to me, you get pulled into my pathetic bullshit, and I punch you in the face for it. That's really fair" he said with bitter sarcasm.

"That's not the point. You give me so much in return! You work at my club and you're- ..."

"Your favorite?", Fizz interrupted him, snorting contemptuously. "Ha! My ass. A pathetic favorite I am, starving you. And the job at the club is just that, stupid. A job."

"So be it, then: I enjoy your company. Very much~ ..."

Fizz widened his eyes and raised his head, feeling a lump grow in his throat. The prince ran his fingers over his own lips and closed his eyes, much as if he were reveling in glorious memories.

"You must consider what life is like as a demon prince. What it entails and how long it lasts. I need something new now and then." He purred, and for a moment the blue fire inside him smoldered. "Right now you're giving me exactly what I desire. You don't mince words, and when you're not succumbing to a panic attack, you don't buckle under me like everyone else. You add a new spice to everything and thanks to the new show, the club is doing better than ever. Your passion for the stage is refreshing, your emotions are like a raging storm and your flavor is exquisite. I haven't had this much pleasure in a long time. Well ... pleasure I have a lot, but that's not what I mean. Besides." Slowly he reached out, but Fizz didn't flinch this time, allowing Asmodeus to reach for one of the bells on his hat and play with it. "I'm afraid I've developed a bit of a soft spot for you. Shame on me."

Restless, Fizz shifted in his seat, finding it extremely inappropriate to have all this flattery thrown right into his face. And from the Prince of Lust after all! Asmodeus wanted to butter him up by all means - and damn, he did a good job. Only Fizz had done nothing that justified his effort. Except for one thing.

"And you want to feed off me and fuck me," he tried to deflect from the stupid sweet talk, but it didn't work. On the contrary. Way too ponderously, Asmodeus leaned down to and his creepy smooth face hovered right in front of Fizz’.

"That's right. If that's what you desire as well, Fizzarolli." His name rolled off the prince's tongue like a silk scarf, enveloping and caressing him. His hat was released, and Asmodeus stroked his robotic arm again.

Fizz closed his eyes and sighed in annoyance as jolts twitched through his body, feeling searingly good.

Just a moment. Just for a moment, he let go of the worries that constantly were buzzing in his head and he focused entirely on the touch. Because, damn, it felt fantastic and it had been a long time since he had felt good at all. Not like on stage when he received attention and turned into the object of others' amusement and desire. This boosted his ego, but was different all the same.

"You're dumb to pick me as your favorite..." he grumbled with his eyes closed as Asmodeus' hand traveled up his robotic arm and rested on his cheek. Fizz head fitted right into Asmodeus' palm. Like a big warm pillow.

"I don't choose the flavors I'm attracted to," Asmodeus explained casually. Ah, so Fizz wasn't the chosen one at all? Somehow, this reassured him. He leaned his head against the strong warm hand and decided to stay in this place forever. A giggle reached his ears, whereupon Fizz growled. Man, this guy behaved like a clown himself. Always cackling ... found his fun everywhere. Such a pain in the ass.

"You like this? Do you like ... vanilla?" Asmodeus breathed out sugary sweet, but Fizz ignored the stupid question. The prince shouldn't ruin the moment with his babbling.

"Shut up," Fizz grumbled and snuggled against the hand. After a few moments he noticed even through his closed lids that it was getting brighter and eventually he opened his eyes.

Oh Shit ...

Asmodeus glowed, his fur collar had puffed up, pulsing from within and he stared at Fizz with need. Fizz clicked his tongue, feeling his heart begin to pound and heat spread through him. For a moment he thought back to the night of his debut and how Asmodeus had jumped him. He shuddered, remembering the feeling that had rushed through his body. The blaze within Asmodeus promptly grew even brighter. Fizz blinked - and actually had to laugh.

"Oh man," he sighed, running his hand over his forehead. "Must be tough being a living sex detector, huh?"

No response. Asmodeus' stare became more insistent, his eyes brimming with green desire, but this time he didn't jump at Fizz. He behaved. Very well-behaved, as a good boy should. Waited. And waited. To get an okay. To get a go.

That the Ruler of Lust really pulled himself together in such a way, impressed Fizz and a small spark awoke in him. It was a gamble, yet he dared and reached for the fur collar around Asmodeus' head. It was soft and feathery and Asmodeus cooed as soon as Fizz touched him.

For a moment he hesitated, struggling to completely block out the doubt, but who did not dare did not win. So he dug his hand into the feathers, and pulled Asmodeus' closer to him.

"Nothing else," he croaked, not recognizing his own voice, unable to believe he truly was saying that. "Take my energy, my lust, whatever you need, but no more! Understood?"

Asmodeus' eyes widened and an excitement became visible that made Fizz shrink but only briefly. The prince leaned far over him, speaking in his demonic voice.

"Is this what you desire?"

The question rumbled in Fizz's ears, and he shuddered, thinking back again to the evening of his debut. Shaky impatience rose in him and he nodded.

Immediately a sinister grin sneaked onto Asmodeus' face, revealing his true nature, showing what he really was: a deathly sin.

"As you desire!"

His hands shot out, clasping Fizz's wrists and knocking him over, pinning him backwards to the carpet. Startled, Fizz gasped as Asmodeus' huge body reared up above him. He really was gigantic! Could crush him at any time ... and part of Fizz found this extremely exciting. Scary as it seemed, the thought of being at the mercy of a Prince of Hell excited him. Had aroused him even on the night of his debut. But he hadn't been able to admit it. He had been too surprised. Had been caught off guard. But now the idea sent wild shivers over his body. Hiding them was useless. Fighting back was useless. Asmodeus' knew it anyway.

And as if Fizz had said a magic word, flames sprouted from within the prince, enveloping them both - and the excitement died instantly.

The sight of the fire threw Fizz off - and back into the circus ring. Fiery wheels spun before him as the mast above swayed dangerously.

"N-no!" Fizz threw himself up, trying to escape the fire, but didn't get far. A huge hand wrapped around his body and pressed his back against Asmodeus' broad soft chest.

"Don't run away~" was whispered into his ear and warm breath brushed the back of his neck. With this, a blue cloud spread out, enveloping Fizz completely. Heat shot through his body and he lowered his lids, yielding. There it was again. That light hot feeling! It made him forget about the fire and silently cursing, he slumped against the couch, pressed his forehead against to the soft fabric and exhaled.

"It doesn't burn ... Only from the inside. Only from within," Asmodeus murmured behind him, nestling his forehead against Fizz's neck and once again exhaling the glistening blue smoke. A violent shudder caused Fizz to tremble, and he closed his eyes, feeling himself and everything around him covered by a blue curtain. His body began to shake and heat gathered in his groin. Damn ...

Desire washed over him, deep desire and he got hard in an instant. He rammed his claws into the couch, noticing a hot pressure tugging at him. Like a storm trying to lift him from his feet.

A moan escaped him and the flames, the fog, everything began to pulse. A rhythmic drum, like a heartbeat, filled his ears and he closed his eyes.

Asmodeus ... he was feeding. That's what the pull meant. That's what the blue flame pulse meant. The prince was feeding. On him.

Fizz's heart raced as Asmodeus slowly left his second form behind, growing bigger and bigger. It was Fizz’ energy that prompted the change. Fizz ensured ... that a prince of hell was well fed! He had been asked for. Begged for and if he said no, it was over. Asmodeus himself was at his mercy.

The thought made him grin and as if Asmodeus' had seen it, he made a humming noise. His long fingers settled on Fizz's back. Moved slowly down, over his hip and into his crotch.

The touch caused Fizz to flinch and a pitiful whine escaped him. His tail curled around Asmodeus' leg, whereupon a long Mmmh escaped the Prince of Lust.

“Exquisite…” Asmodeus purred, licking his lips. His face appeared next to Fizz's head. His real face. Breathing heavily, Fizz glanced at him as Asmodeus' closed his eyes in pleasure and exhaled blue flames, snuggling against Fizz' slender body.

"More?" he whispered tempting, and Fizz bit his lips, clenching his fists. Fuck it, why not?

"More," Fizz murmured, getting a satisfied purr in response.

"As you desire."

Chapter Text

Chapter 11

cornered

Okay! Okay! Take a breath. Take a deep breath.

He got this! He got this for sure! There was nothing to it. Basically he had done this a thousand times in the past. It had been awhile since he had done something like this in the totally legal way, but that didn’t matter. After all, this was all about money! HIS money. And he finally could do what ever he wanted to do with it.

However, Fizz stood before the salesman and couldn’t move. His heart was racing like crazy and his tail swung wildly from side to side.

Shit, he would really do this! It felt wrong - which meant it had to be right! What did Ozzie say? If you wanted something, it was always the right thing, so go for it!

The fancy dressed salesman on the other side of the counter cleared his throat for the hundredth time and crossed his arms impatiently, yet it took Fizz three attempts to pay for the item he had chosen.

Widely grinning, he glanced at the plastic card in his hand and was sure he looked like a maniac.
"Um ... I beg your pardon, sir! If you want to take your selection, you have to pay first," the demon reminded him, and Fizz grinned even wider. Pay. Ha! Yeah, right ...

Screw that, best he didn't think about it. He gasped and pressed his credit card on the machine with a jerk. It took a moment, a beep buzz came from the cash register, then the process was complete. The salesman smiled with relief, put Fizz's purchase in a bag and handed it to him.
"Here. Thank you very much for your visit. Please come back soon," The Salesman tried to get rid of him discreetly and Fizz understood the hint.

Reverently accepting the bag, he nodded, said goodbye and left the men's fashion specialty store like in a trance. Out on the street, he took a deep breath and slumped down.

Damn, when had shopping become so exhausting? When had been the last time he had bought anything else than groceries anyway? He couldn't remember, and basically, he didn't give a shit. Quickly he shook his head, smacked his cheeks, and then looked at the bags he was holding. His heart leapt, and he had to grin.

Today he finally had dared to do it. Today he had gone to town for some shopping. On his own, with his own money.

He wondered what Ozzie would say. Probably nothing, he would just chuckle saucily. Just like he always did. For him, these everyday things weren't important, the huge douchebag had everything delivered to him anyway, spoiled as he was.

To Fizz, on the other hand, shopping meant a lot. It meant freedom! The little bit of freedom he was allowed to have.

He took one last look at his credit card and gave it a big smack before carefully putting it back into his new wallet. Thanks to the account Ozzie had signed him over two months ago, he was able to afford a lot of new things. At first, he only bought things he needed, like his medication, a new pair of glasses, or the clothes he wore, because he didn't want to walk around in his costume in public. Except for his jester's cap and face makeup so he would continue to pass as a jester demon.
Still, it was like a fight every time he had to pay. He wasn’t used being able to do whatever he wanted to do with his cash, especially since he still owed a large amount to the scary clown. But still, it felt great!

Happily, he made his way back, humming to himself, thinking about today's show. One more hour, then he had to hit the club and get dressed …

Excitement rose in him, because what was coming up after the show today was more important and would demand a lot from him. But he already had a strategy in place. Again he eyed the bags in his hand and an incredibly comforting warmth spread through him.

Oh man, he behaved really stupid. Hopefully the prince didn't take this the wrong way, but if Ozzie was allowed to drown Fizz in presents, Fizz was allowed to do the same! Only he wouldn't do it so effusively. He'd be more purposeful about it. More unobtrusively. Without goggeling eyes all around them. This was just a thank you. Without any sentimental shit or anything. Just casually .…

His phone rang. Promptly, Fizz stopped and took it out, twisting his mouth at the same time. He received another massage from Horny 24/7 . Talking about the big man …

Shaking his head, Fizz scrolled through the hundreds of messages Asmodeus had sent him. The guy really had no life. Ever since Fizz got his new phone, Ozzie was bombarding him with messages whenever they weren't in the same circle. From lewd pictures and text messages to pathetic complaints about work and inquiries about ... what he was doing.

Tse, what he was doing? Bullshit. They saw each other every day, why did he have to message him for that!? Prince of Lust, my ass. The guy was a mother hen! Always wanted to know what his precious favorite was doing, where he was, if he was okay blah blah... It was embarrassing!
If Ozzie had had his way, he would have come along today, but some work had required his presence at the club and therefore he had demanded that Wally accompanied Fizz instead. Fizz had refused! He wasn't a kid that needed to be supervised non-stop. New host or not, new favorite or not, he was not Asmodeus' property and did not owe him any explanations!

However, truth to be told it wasn’t that simple because the reason he was doing so well, was Asmodeus.

Sighing, Fizz deigned to write Ozzie a one-liner - and got an answer not even a second later. An extremely long and effusive one, ending with two emoji icons: a small blue flame and an eggplant.
Fizz rolled his eyes. That had become Ozzie's code for hoping for a feeding session - as Fizz called it. He grunted and placed the phone back in his pocket. Maybe the gift idea wasn't so good after all ... In the end, Ozzie’s enthusiasm might escalate decently. Especially when he was going after Fizz's lust.

Fizz decided to wait and see how the show and the rest of the evening progressed ...

That settled, he started walking again and curiously eyed the rest of Crystal City's boulevard. The shopping mile was quite impressive and one store lined up after another. Besides ordinary stores, there were a lot of erotic shops, but if one lived in Lust, one had to get used to them and Fizz didn't mind.

Instead, something else came into his vision and this bothered him.

Well, it didn’t really bother him. He was unaccustomed to this and it made him grin sheepishly. Posters from the show adorned the streets everywhere. Ozzie really had overdone the advertising, and seeing his own face was something different than just standing on stage and heating others up.

But the PR worked. Fizz's performances were received really well, and to him it seemed that the queue in front of the club got longer and longer from night to night. Sure, the guests also came to see the other stars and the hot interludes, but he liked to play with the idea that it was only because of him.

Since it had become known that Ozzie had chosen him as his new favorite, the guests went crazy anyway. They seemed to like the idea of the new host at Ozzie's screwing the big man himself. It made Fizz interesting and desirable and placed him in the spotlight even more.
But he wondered what all these freaks actually were thinking. Because as hot as it sounded to be Asmodeus' favorite, they weren't fucking at all. Hell, Fizz was sleeping on the couch in the living room. Where he was doing very well, by the way ... but Asmodeus', on the other hand, tried regularly and with his full body to seduce Fizz, but he remained stern. He was too attached to life for that, and death by a giant cock was not something he wanted to read on his tombstone.

Well, he had to admit, whenever Asmodeus wanted to feed, it was pretty hot. The guy knew how to turn Fizz on and get him off, but nothing more and he certainly didn't shout this from the rooftops. If such images got people excited and ensured they came to the club, they could think what ever they liked. He didn’t care at all.

"Hey, that's Fizzarolli!" he suddenly heard his name called and looked around. Two imp girls stood close by, gawking at him with gigantic eyes.

"Are you sure?" one of them voiced hesitantly, while the other nodded enthusiastically.
"Yes, of course! Look at the posters! Oh, Lucifer, that's him!"

"You're right! It is him!"

"It's Fizzarolli!"

The chatter of the two grew louder, rising attention, and more and more demons stopped. Whispers rose, became more intense, and all at once Fizz was surrounded by demons. Fuck! Fans!
"Fizzarolli! I've seen all your shows! You're awesome!"

"I love your shows!"

Excited babbling surrounded him and Fizz cursed. As much as their praise was flattering him, he was in a hurry. Then again, he didn't want to disappoint their expectations, so he played along. Casually, he raised his robotic hand and turned his wrist 180 degrees once before indicating a bow.

"Thank you, thank you! It's a pleasure~!" he purred, getting Aww! And Ohhs! from all sides and grinned widely. "As much as I'd love to have a chat with you drooling whores, I'm in a hurry. The next show is coming up and- …"

A camera flash went off in front of him, and he narrowed his eyes, raising a hand to shield himself.
"Hey! No pictures!" he growled, but the chatter of people drowned him out.

"Is it true that Asmodeus named you his favorite?"

"He had the last one over a decade ago! A mega hot sucubus chick. But you're mega hot, too!"
"Oh man, I'd let Asmodeus fuck me, too, if it made me famous!"

"Asmodeus is lucky to even find someone funny and fuckable!"

"Hey, Fizzarolli, if you're going to let Asmodeus fuck you, what about us? Come on! Let us have a go, too!"

Fizz's grin crumbled, and he took a step back. The comments turned nasty and more than one pair of eyes began to literally undress him. It was one thing if that happened at the club, where the Hellhound Security was only a step away. The situation here was getting awkward, as much as he enjoyed the attention otherwise.

"Listen, guys. I know I'm hot and funny, the perfect mix, but for that you can come into the club anytime and- ..." Again he was interrupted, this time by a hand slapping his ass firmly, before grabbing his crotch.

"I'd like to try the ass Asmodeus is fucking myself!"

Laughter erupted and Fizz wheeled around, ready to ram his robotic hand into the face of whoever dared to grope him! Only he didn't know which face the hand belonged to. There were too many of them. Too many laughing grimaces reaching out to grope him. They were glaring at him, laughing, drooling ... and began to spin. Turned into wildly rotating wheels. Lights flashed again, causing the wheels to catch fire, and Fizz broke out in a sweat. His shoulder began to throb, and he took a step back, trying to keep up his grin.

Out. He had to get out, now, or this was going to end badly! Only he couldn't make it through the crowd ... there was only one way out.

He threw his head back and hoped the damned thing was playing along. Then he stretched out his robot arm, let it shoot upwards to the next rooftop and clawed at the edge. With a leap, he pushed himself off the ground and shooting through the air, pulling himself safely towards the roof.

Astonished shouts and claps followed him and for the benefit of the fans, hanging from the rim Fizz looked down grinning at them and said goodbye by pointing at them with a loose finger gun with his good hand.

"Sorry, freaks, but I gotta go! See you at Ozzie's!" With a jerk, he pulled himself up on the roof, quickly finding his balance, and as soon as he was out of sight, he grabbed his chest and took a breath.
Shit, these people were crazy! Gulping, he peered over the rooftops of the city, spotting the roof of the club not far away, with Asmodeus' name emblazoned across the top. Time to get away ...

**

Exhausted, Fizz hurried to the staff entrance of the club and tore the door open, throwing it firmly into the lock behind him. Thank Satan, he was safe. Groaning, he slumped down and leaned his head against the door. Damn, his heart raced with tension, and he felt sick to his stomach.

Yet nothing had even happened. He really needed to grow a thicker skin, especially now that more and more demons knew who he was. And for really stupid reasons, if he thought about it more carefully. A jester as a sex symbol ... Ha! Ozzie's really had given him an interesting reputation.

But that was how it was in Lust. The people behaved entirely according to the mentality of their ring. So there was no reason to complain at all. Fizz should have known better....

Slowly, he raised his head and froze. Some members of the staff stood in the backstage’s hallway, watching him doubtfully. Fizz narrowed his eyes.

"What are you looking at? Fuck off!" he hissed venomously, at which the others winced and quickly turned back to their tasks. Good, they should mind their own damn business!

"You're in a mood. What crawled up your ass and prompted you to lash out at the others like that, huh?" the remark came from Elena, who also stood in the hallway with one hand on her hip. The woman was tough and didn't act up with anybody, but Fizz was not in the mood at all to fight with her.

Shaking his head, he pushed himself off the door and walked past her.

"None of your business," he grumbled, glancing at one of the big clocks. Shit, he was late. Which explained Elena's snippy tone.

"The boss was asking for you," her voice followed him, at which Fizz turned around to her.

"The boss keeps asking for me all the time. What is it now? Did he hit his head again and someone needs to blow the ouchy ouchy away?" he mimicked her and spread his arms, which she returned with a snort.

"Don't talk shit about him, big mouth. You're too late! Just because you're his favorite, doesn’t mean you can't get away with everything."

Yes, he could. And everyone knew. But Fizz certainly wasn't pushing his luck. He saluted and headed for the make-up room.

"Excuse me, ma'am. I'll be ready in five!"

"You better be!"

Annoyed, Fizz clicked his tongue and walked on, hurried into the make-up room and slamming the door shut. They could all kiss his ass!

Annoyed, he walked over to the large dressing table and set the bags down next to it before bracing himself against the tabletop with both hands.

His skull throbbed, and he could still feel the hand that had grabbed him.

Shit. This had been a close call ... But now enough with the whining! He had to pull himself together. Time was running out and in ten minutes he was expected upstairs in the upper machinery.

Hopefully Elena hadn't noticed anything ... Fizz didn't want her to spread the word over the club’s grapevine that he had staggered into the club completely beside himself. In the end, the others believed he was a prudish weakling. If he sold himself as a sexy jester, he had to live up to the image when he showed himself in public. Otherwise, his resentments would affect business.

And Asmodeus.... Ozzie.

There was a knock at the door and Fizz jumped. Shit, the time!

"I'll be ready in a minute!" he shouted, grabbing his costume.

Another knock sounded and annoyed, Fizz wheeled around.

"What! I said in a minutes, by Lucifer!"

No third knock followed. Instead, the door handle was pushed down - and to Fizz's surprise, Asmodeus walked in.

"If I might interrupt for a moment?" the Prince of Lust asked, closing the door behind him.

Fizz rolled his eyes. Ah, yes ... Elena had said Ozzie wanted to see him. Too bad Fizz hadn't looked at his phone in the past fifteen minutes. Probably at world had ended for the blue cotton candy mountain in that time.

"What do you want?" Fizz grumbled, cocking his head to the side, causing the little bells on his cap to jingle softly. "Shouldn't you be upstairs in the VIP lounge? The show's about to start."

Instead of answering, Ozzie eyed him insistently from top to bottom and crossed his arms.

"I could ask you the same thing. Everybody's been looking for you. You're late," the prince pointed out, and Fizz cursed inwardly. Shrugging, he turned his back on Asmodeus and placed his costume on the couch in the corner.

"Yeah, I know. Elena already kicked my ass. Won't happen again." That a horde of crazy fans had cornered him was something he preferred to keep to himself. Still, he narrowed his eyes at the thought. Not only had he been groped, now he was in trouble because of the resulting tardiness. Fucking fans ... Fizz wrapped his arms around him and shivered.

"Are you all right?"

The question caught Fizz off guard, and confused, he turned to Asmodeus. The prince leaned against the door frame and raised both brows, looking at Fizz thoughtfully. He looked devilishly handsome the way he stood there; wearing one of his best suits. Like a fancy mafia boss, the only thing missing was the gun in his belt. And yet, in this silky voice of his, he asked how Fizz was doing. HE. As if he was of any importance ...

Fizz quickly turned away. The situation was ridiculous ... They didn't have time for sentimentality now.

"Sure, why?" he replied curtly, taking off his jacket.

"You haven't responded to my messages."

"No time, sorry."

Asmodeus grimaced in dissatisfaction. Slowly, he pushed himself of the door and approached Fizz, bending down to him and scrutinizing him closely.

"And you speak in two-word sentences. That’s why I know something is wrong ..." Asmodeus took a deep breath and promptly shivered in disgust. "A sour note has crept into your aroma. I noticed it from a distance. That's why I came here."

Urg ... great. This was the downside to Asmodeus being able to read emotions. He immediately noticed every little thing and made a drama out of it every time. Embodiment of lust, my ass. Backstage, the great prince was an overreacting emotional bitch ...

Fizz waved it off.

"I was in a hurry. That's all."

"No. There's something else."

Annoyed, Fizz grunted. Before he could answer, however, the signal announcing the five-minute countdown sounded. Thank Lucifer! He quickly pushed Ozzie's face out of his view and returned his attention to his costume.

"I have to be out in five minutes. And if I'm not going to be out there hopping around naked, I need to get ready now!"

And though an ominous frown still was set on Asmodeus' forehead, the thought seemed to lift the prince’s spirits. Amused, he licked his lips with his yellowish glowing tongue.

"I would indeed enjoy that. And I'm sure the audience would, too. They love watching you swing your handsome ass across the stage." Purring, he grabbed Fizz's tail, pulling him closer, and gave him a lewd slap on the butt.

A jolt went through Fizz, and he threw himself around, snatching his tail from Ozzie and swatted at his groping hand.

"Don't touch me!" he hissed. He'd had enough of horny guests and unwanted touching for the day, dammit!

In the same moment he faltered as Asmodeus backed away and raised his hands placatingly. Shit, that had been uncalled for.

Ozzie was the physical type through and through and touched Fizz all the time. Especially since Fizz had acknowledged to be his favorite. And Fizz allowed it, even found it pleasurable. Especially when he saw the jealous glanced of the guests and his co-workers. Neither had Asmodeus ever touched him against his will, nor hurt him in any way. Snapping at the prince like that was pretty out of line.

On impulse, Fizz took a step forward, wanting to apologize, but then let go. It would only make him look like a weakling, crawling at the big man’s feet.

"Time is running out..." he said, clinging to his tail.

Instead of answering, Asmodeus eyed him blankly, something Fizz hated with passion. Ozzie was easy to figure out, unless the times he wasn’t. Then anything could happen. From an angry outburst, an overstimulation by the guests, which could end in a wild orgy, to a bout of exuberant affection and enthusiasm. Fizz usually had to deal with the latter, and he didn't have the nerve for anything like this now.

Out of the corner of his eye, Fizz saw a hand coming towards him and an old reflex rose in him. He flinched, but neither a punch, a kick, nor a grabbing hand followed. He was patted. Gently. Very gently. Close to ... comforting.

Fizz gritted his teeth and focused on Asmodeus' boot as one of the Princ’s fingers tenderly caressed his neck. Moved around Fizz's head. Grazed his cheek and finally lifted his chin.

"We're going to talk. At the after-show party," the prince commanded, but Fizz shook his head.

"No," he murmured, at which Asmodeus' cool expression hardened. Fuck, Fizz couldn't handle this right now. Nervously, he rubbed his fingers together, rather thoughtfully reaching for the hand that had caressed him, squeezing it hesitantly. "I don't feel like going to the party. I want to go after the show. Okay? Boss?"

Asmodeus narrowed his eyes suspiciously, then nodded and leaned as low as he could toward Fizz.

"I'm always near you," he breathed in a low voice, exhaling a blue flame. His warm breath brushed Fizz's cheek and he shuddered. From Ozzie's mouth it sounded almost like a threat, yet the words sent shivers down Fizz's spine. He tightened his grip around Asmodeus' hand.

"Good to know ..."

Immediately, Asmodeus' thick fur collar puffed up and began to glow treacherously, but Fizz didn't care. He had long since grown accustomed to the cotton candy mountain's response whenever an emotion stirred inside Fizz. The only thing he couldn't get used to was the expectant look the embodiment of lust gave him every time. As if he wanted to devour him alive.

A beep sounded and incomprehensible screaming came from the small micro on Fizz's costume.

Shit! The show ...

Chapter Text

Chapter 12

Around the bush

... was an absolute success. Nobody noticed that they had started fifteen minutes later, because the bar had treated all guests with drinks. Really good timing. Everything else after that was a breeze.

Getting the guests fired up and entertained was something Fizz had mastered perfectly by now, though he wasn't quite himself and was glad whenever an act interrupted his moderation. Asmodeus' eyes followed him the whole time he was on stage, however, the watchful gaze made him nervous and directed his thoughts back to the conversation they had earlier in the make-up room ... and then there was the incident on the boulevard.

It bugged him that he couldn't let go! He was a celebrity and lived in Lust. He had to get used to the fact that his image placed him in a certain light. End of story.

He was all the more relieved when the show was over and the guests left. Unmotivated, Fizz sat in the make-up room and got ready for leaving but when he put the bags from his shopping tour into his backpack, he noticed how anger grew inside him.

The day had started so well! Karma was a bitch. This was his reward for his prideful shopping tour. To heaven with those motherfuckers!

Cursing, he stomped into the backstage’s hallway. Across from him in front of the large doors leading into the already cleaned up lounge, Asmodeus and Elena stood. They looked serious and talked in a rush tone, and when Fizz approached, they stopped immediately. Elena said goodbye without further ado, gave Fizz a short look, then disappeared into the lounge.

"What's her problem?" grumbled Fizz, shouldering his backpack. "Still pissed about me messing up the beginning? I made more than up for it. Maybe she needs someone to give her a good fuck to polish her mood."

Asmodeus said nothing to that. He furrowed his brow deeply and finally sighed.

"No. That's not why," he muttered, then shook his head and the wrinkles faded. Instead, he gave Fizz a look so gentle it made him sick. "Are you ready, Fizzarolli? Can we go?"

The sun couldn't shine brighter and kinder, and this time Fizz was sure to bedazzled. All that was missing were colorful twinkling stars flying around Ozzie. Demonstratively, Fizz put a hand over his mouth and turned away.

"No ... don't do that. I'm going to puke!" he choked out exaggeratedly, at which the prince rolled his eyes - and suddenly reached for Fizz.

"Little smartass."

Startled, Fizz jumped as Asmodeus lifted him off the ground and placed him on his palm. Confused, Fizz blinked and tried to keep his balance when Asmodeus started to move. What was happening now?

"You do realize I have two healthy legs? I can walk by myself, man."

"No, you don't. You stay with me," Asmodeus countered firmly, and Fizz raised his eyebrows.

Okay. Whatever, he preferred not to talk back. Especially since it wasn't unpleasant to be carried, at all. Silently they walked to the back entrance, where the limousine was waiting already. Fizz's heart leapt every time they were picked up by that thing. Okay, it belonged to Ozzie, but he felt pretty important whenever he was allowed to get into the car. Like a real celebrity! Which he was. Crazy!

Fizz was about to get comfortable in his accustomed seat when Asmodeus' fingers tightened around his body, holding him in place, pressing him against Ozzie's chest.

"Hey, what the fuck?"

"I said you stay with me," the prince declared sternly, and a bad feeling crept over Fizz. Nervously, his tail twitched through the air and restlessly he wrangled back and forth in Asmodeus' hand. It felt shitty to be trapped like this, but as long as he didn't know what was going on, he'd better kept his head down. And something was going on. Had he fucked up? Well, maybe, but he didn't remember. But if he had, that didn't explain why the prince was hugging him to his fluffy chest.

For a while, Fizz stilled and listened to the prince's strong heartbeat. He didn't want to admit it, but it felt good to be so close to him. An amazing warmth radiated from Asmodeus and if the atmosphere wouldn't be so tense, Fizz might even get used to it. Which, of course, he would never admit. Cuddling lard was only for broads ... Not something the embodiment of lust would approve of.

The ride began to drag on and Fizz noticed the thick knot in his stomach twisting by the minute. Sometimes when they were together the sensation fluttered light as a feather, but now it became heavy as a lump of earth. Cursing, he looked down at the floor.

"It's because of the show, isn't it? It was lousy, I know. I was distracted. But it won't happen again!"

"The show was good. Don't worry about it," Asmodeus cooed softly, but Fizz wasn't buying it. Usually Asmodeus always praised him after the show; today he'd just had been standing there and talked to Elena. What had that bitch told him!? Guiltily, Fizz lowered his head and started to brood, trying to think of everything that had gone wrong and could have made Asmodeus angry - and he actually remembered something!

Purring, he tilted his head, snuggled against Asmodeus' hand, and lowered his eyelids.

"Hey, about those texts today. Sorry, big man. I wasn't paying attention to my phone. But sure you'll get the full blast of Fizzarolli- lust if you want! That's what I'm here for," he tried seductively, only it backfired. Asmodeus' fingers gripped him even tighter, completely restricting his movement, and Fizz started feeling uneasy. Unpleasantly uneasy. He began to fidget and narrowed his eyes.

"Let go of me! You're fucking crushing me!" he hissed, whereupon a merely perceptible jolt went through Asmodeus. His grip loosened, but he didn't let go of him.

"Sorry," Asmodeus muttered lost in thought, looking out the window of the limo.

They finally reached the penthouse and, as expected, Asmodeus carried Fizz from the car to the building. Fred already was waiting for them in the lobby and immediately called an elevator.

"Good evening, gentlemen. How nice to see you both again. It's an honor every time," he squeaked and Fizz rolled his eyes. Maybe it was a good thing that he was being carried. He couldn't stand the bellhop. The guy glared at him with his googly eyes every time, as if he were fair game. Just like the demons on the boulevard....

As the memory crept up in him, Fizz tensed and avoided Fred's gaze, which became even more uncomfortable when it was joined by a disgusting grin. Not a second later, a sinister growl sounded from Asmodeus' throat and the bellhop fell abruptly silent. The prince suddenly eyed the imp as if he would crush him under his boots at any moment, and Fizz wished he would do it. Then they would have their peace ...

Finally the elevator opened and they went up.

*

Once they arrived at the penthouse Asmodeus set Fizz down and locked the gate to the elevator, even checking twice that it was locked for sure.

Oh shit ... what was going on that the guy was locking them in here? Fizz quickly fumbled for his own key and found it safely stored in his pant-pocket. Good. There was one way out, should Asmodeus turn 180 degrees and try to kill him after all. He felt very uncomfortable with the whole situation and decided to lighten the mood.

"You're acting pretty mysterious, is there a surprise again?" he asked playfully, set down his backpack, and hopped after Asmodeus, who went down to the living room. Even though Fizz was living in the penthouse with him for over two months, the living room he considered his personal space. He didn't go into Ozzie's rooms. Never. He had no right to ... Which ensured that they quite often made themselves comfortable in the living room. As crazy as it sounded, the Prince of Lust was quite a softie ... However, Fizz highly doubted that Asmodeus acted like that because he was up for a cuddle.

"Sit down for a moment."

Oh double shit... so it was serious after all. Fizz stopped in his tracks, thinking about what to do. If he took it too seriously, he'd just end up making a fool of himself again. With a wave of his robotic hand, he strolled over to the sofa. He placed himself on one of the sofa’s armrests, bending over and wagging his tail.

"Oh, someone's mad. Are you spanking me now?"

Unfortunately, the joke didn't hit the mark at all. Asmodeus sat down on the sofa next to him and took out his phone.

Annoyed, Fizz threw his arms in the air before crossing them and throwing himself over onto the couch.

"Okay, fine, asshole! I'm at my wit's end. Just continue to be silent, master. Like you always do when something doesn't suit you. You're quiet and keep me in the dark. That's the way I like it!" he babbled on until he bit his tongue to silence himself.

What was he even talking about? As if he had the right to demand anything from the prince. He was already getting so much, he should shut his mouth and just accept whatever Asmodeus had in mind for him.

"I want you to watch something," Ozzie finally began, holding out his phone to Fizz. It was a video from 666 News, the news channel of the seven rings. Amused, Fizz raised a brow.

"What, a news video? You watch news?" He snorted. Until now, he had doubted that Asmodeus watched anything but porn. But one never stopped learning. He extended his robotic arm, took the phone from the prince’s hand, and wiggled his head. "And that's why you're acting all mysterious? That must be a super awesome video," Fizz sneered, to which Asmodeus pointed at the phone in detail.

"Check it out."

"Yeah, yeah. I’ll do it, okay," Fizz relented and pressed the play button - only to freeze in the next moment.

The video showed Crystal City's boulevard, a cluster of demons ... and him, while the voice of the presenter, Katie Killjoy, was heard in the background.

"Sexy commotion in Crystal City! Jester demon Fizzarolli, the new host at Prince Asmodeus' awesome nightclub Ozzie's, gave some fans a run for their money on a shopping tour today, and responded to their ... advances in public. It seems that the Prince of Lust has chosen a real whore as his new favorite. The demon became known for his provocative stand-up comedy, which attracts a great deal of audience. So watch out the next time you run into him. Maybe you'll get lucky, and he'll get you off, too?"

Stunned, Fizz listened to the presenter’s babble and noticed an angry heat creeping into his head. He curled his metal fingers around the phone and clenched his teeth so hard it hurt.

Fuck, he had been filmed. Someone had recorded him. The whole fucking mess! And this whore of a presenter talked about the whole thing as desirable! Typical hell ...

Before he knew it, he again felt the grabbing hand on his body and was about to drive up to Pride, seek out the whore and stuff the phone down her skinny throat!!! On camera! Let's see how she liked that!

At this moment he faltered.

Asmodeus ...

The prince sat silently next to him on the couch, studying him.

Fuck! Fuck, what was he going to do now? Did such a video harm the club? Did it harm Asmodeus? Or did it help his reputation? Fizz's reputation clearly was set now. Because no matter what really had happened, people believed what they wanted to believe anyways no matter what ... So what to do?

The easy thing.

Fizz quickly forced a grin on his face and looked up from the phone. He extended his arm and elegantly dropped the stupid thing into Asmodeus' lap.

"So what?" he breathed provocatively, pretending to be as unconcerned as he could be. "What about this? What is it you want to tell me?"

Asmodeus glared at the device for quite a while, then set it aside and turned to Fizz.

Anger, annoyance, jealousy ... Fizz would have expected anything. But not the worried look reflected in Asmodeus' features.

"Then you admit it's true?" he asked skeptically, and Fizz's eyes twitched. On and on he grinned.

Unimpressed, he shrugged and closed his eyes.

"And what if it is? Who cares? It's what everyone expects of me anyway. Or don't you like your precious favorite having fun with others? That I'm not allowed to do that is news to me."

"You really think I'm totally naive, don't you?" The way Asmodeus spoke caused Fizz to cringe, because yes, that was exactly the way he thought about the prince. But Asmodeus was to blame for that! Always acting like a simple-minded himbo. But nothing of such a display was seen in this moment. Asmodeus shook his head reproachfully. "I saw the video and it is obviously telling a different story... there is nothing hot to it at all. I didn't like what I saw."

The heat in Fizz head turned into a burning sensation, and he ground his jaw. So Asmodeus had seen it.... Well, great. Great. Really, really great.

Didn’t matter! A whining wretch was neither sexy, nor desirable and certainly not the kind of demon the embodiment of lust wanted at his side ...

Quickly, Fizz waved it off and shrugged.

"So what? Who cares?"

"I do fucking care!"

Fizz winced as Asmodeus raised his voice, and he clenched his fists.

What was this all about? He didn't understand. What was it that Asmodeus wanted from him? To reprimand him for what had happened? To get off on it? Restlessly, Fizz swung his tail around and turned his head to the side, staring at the window.

"You should have told me."

Annoyed, Fizz wheeled around, with his standard reply ready on the tip of his tongue. Why? Why should he have told Asmodeus about it? Shit, he couldn't run to the Prince of Lust and cry a river because ... No! He would laugh at him!

However, the words stuck in his throat when he saw Asmodeus' face. Stern, but deeply concerned. And disappointed ...

A long-drawn sigh escaped the prince, and he slumped down deeper in the couch, rubbing his eyes.

"Oh, Fizz," he murmured, and Fizz tensed. Asmodeus never called him that! Never ... Without looking at him, the prince continued to speak, and to Fizz's horror, the glow inside of him went out. No spark at all. "You don't understand the role you have by now. What the title of favorite means. What you mean ... to me."

No... No! Fizz didn't want to understand it! Not now! W-what was Asmodeus' murmuring about? He sounded like a little bitch! No one who carried the title of Prince of Lust should talk like that, dammit!

Grinning, Fizz looked out the window.

" ... And what does it mean? Am I your little boyfriend now? Huh? Aw, how cute."

Asmodeus' glance went up and Fizz regretted being born with a tongue that could never stop. Asmodeus sat up, seeming all at once even taller ... and more sinister, without the lights that usually made him shine.

"The meaning of this is: no one touches you. Except me. You're mine."

More and more, Fizz tensed. He didn't like how this was playing out. And yet, for a moment, he thought of his first night in the penthouse. At that time, Asmodeus' had said the same thing. That Fizz would be his.

But ... that meant nothing! He merely was the host of Asmodeus’ club and a tasty snack. That was what he was! Nothing else. A position with merits, that's why Fizz played along, but Asmodeus' stupid behavior was just that – stupid behavior. Because he didn’t want lose his favorite food.

"You're full of shit," Fizz heard himself say, but couldn't remember actually saying it a second later.

"By no means." With that, Asmodeus reached for him again, lifting him up like a limp cat, and placed Fizz on his lap, putting a big hand on his head.

Fuck. This was not good at all! Not at all. Fizz's chest began to hurt and the burning dared to move from his head to his eyes.

"Being touched without giving permission is not in the spirit of lust. It kills lust...No matter of the image one entertain," Asmodeus whispered, and though his voice was soft and overflowing with understanding, it was like a slap in the face. Shit. Asmodeus knew the score…

Keep smiling!

"What is this bullshit? Why are you fussing over such an unimportant thing?" he scoffed. "Look, if it doesn't hurt the club or you, why are we even talking about it? Even bad publicity is publicity. And as far as I'm concerned, I- ..."

"You're keeping things from me that I should know. If someone dares to touch you against your will, that's something I want to know. Are we clear!", Asmodeus interrupted him sharply. "It won't hurt the club. Nor me. But you!"

Fizz tightened his shoulders.

"Me?"

Slowly, Asmodeus nodded, and the worried frown deepened infinitely.

"You've been distracted all evening. I sensed the sour aroma in you ... and couldn't quite make sense of it. Only that it didn't correspond to lust. You're not being honest with me, and you don't trust me. And this worries me."

What the fuck?! Trust? Worry? Fizz's heart was hammering so hard, it threatened to burst out of his chest. A nervous laugh escaped him. This was enough now. He should stop!

"Aw, how cute! Are you worried about your little boyfriend? That's so sweet!" Sneering, Fizz reached into Asmodeus' face and pulled at his cheeks, squeezing and pinching them before snorting and jumping off his lap. "Get a grip, Asmodeus. You're the embodiment of lust! Don't panic, okay? Your lunch is fine. I will not run away."

"And what is my reward for having my lunch spoiled?"

It was ENOUGH! Fizz wheeled around. His face was starting to hurt from grinning so much, but he couldn't pull it off.

"What exactly do you want me to say!? Is this all about dirty talk? Do you want to know everything, every fucking detail? Every fucking feeling? How it had felt to be cornered and groped? Or how shitty it was? Take your pick, I'll tell you whatever you like to hear~"

For a moment, Fizz thought Asmodeus was going to yell at him, as dark as his expression became. Instead, he sighed and dropped his shoulders.

It became very quiet in the penthouse until Asmodeus stirred. He picked up the phone, looking at the screen with disdain before holding it out to Fizz.

"Do you want me to kill them?"

The question caught Fizz so off guard that he didn't know what to say. What? The prince wanted to ...? Would go that far? For him ...?

"If you want me to, I'll find them and kill them. It's that simple," Asmodeus repeated, but Fizz couldn't think straight.

"Why?"

"Guests or not, no one touches the stars of the show. And no one touches their king's favorite. It would definitely make a statement."

A statement? That's what he called it? When a royal prince went so far for a runaway jester demon, no, for an imp?

"Why ...?" he only repeated, and Asmodeus' features softened. Fizz, on the other hand, tensed even more.

"I've told you before. I have a big soft spot for you sassy little bastard. Not just as my host or favorite. That's just a convenient side effect." Chuckling, Asmodeus tapped Fizz's nose and smiled. "You awaken whole new emotions in me. When you knocked me out I started falling for you. Literally.” He chuckled. “Until then, I've never had the desire, the need, to make a favorite my own at any cost. Amusing, isn't it?"

Fizz felt a lump grow in his throat and slowly he lowered his gaze, staring at the rug at his feet. What was that cotton candy mountain bubbling about? Was he out of his mind? Asmodeus didn't even really know him ...!

Firmly, Fizz wrapped his good hand around his robot arm, pressing his claws onto the metal. What was he supposed to answer?

Asmodeus, meanwhile, rose up, standing over him like a tower. Then, slowly, a large hand slid into Fizz's view. Invitingly, Asmodeus held it out to him, but Fizz hesitated. He would have preferred to sink into the ground with all the sweet-talk whispered to him, and yet he found himself willingly climbing onto Asmodeus' hand. Holding on to his fingers.

"I hope that we understand each other better now. That you understand better now ... and learn to trust me. In every way."

Fizz pressed his lips together and scratched the back of his head.

"You ask a lot, boss ... trust isn't easy," he managed to say, already afraid of disappointing Asmodeus. For someone like the prince, those words were easily said and maybe he even meant them, but they pushed Fizz into a corner, for there were things he could not reveal to Asmodeus'. Ever. Not without bursting that ... acid little bubble the prince had placed him in. And actually ... Fizz didn't want that either. What Asmodeus was hinting at here, what he was holding out to him, was more than he deserved. But to be honest, he craved it. So much so that he slumped down and clawed at the prince’s shirt. Shit... he really was a stupid little bitch.

A crystal clear laugh rang out and Asmodeus' angelic voice filled the entire penthouse, completely destroying Fizz's self-control.

"I guess I'll have to earn it then. Which doesn't surprise me. With you, I guess I have to earn everything. Outrageous! But also highly motivating." Playfully, Asmodeus breathed a blue flame at him, causing the heat in Fizz to boil over. All at once his cheeks felt extremely hot, and he knew he looked like a fucking tomato!

Before he could tell what he was doing, he hid his face behind his hands and turned away, at which Asmodeus laughed devotedly. The stupid son of a bitch was making fun of him ...!

With that, Asmodeus headed for the stairs leading to the hallway. However, he neither headed for the huge, barely used kitchen, nor the monstrous bathroom. Asmodeus went straight for the big, blue taboo- door. Fizz froze.

"Uh, where are we going?" he babbled, but Asmodeus just grinned at him meaningfully.

"From tonight on, you're going to sleep with me," came the sudden announcement, and Fizz jerked his head around. What? Asmodeus was taking him ... to his bedroom? Into his mysterious sex dungeon?!

Wait a minute! Shouldn't have Fizz a saying in that, too?

But before he could voice anything, Asmodeus pushed the door open and the room spread out before them really did a royal demon justice.

The room completely was bathed in royal blue. Unlike the rest of the penthouse, which screamed cyberpunk, rave and modern, this room looked much more sophisticated. Hundreds of small lamps were attached to the ceiling, shining like stars; the floor was covered with a luxurious carpet and there even was another, smaller sitting area with a sofa and TV. Along the walls were several glass cabinets containing countless sex toys and there was a pole rod, but apart from that the room looked ... almost tame. A room with the goal to seduce and invite, not to scare or intimidate. The center of the room, however, was a giant heart-shaped queen-sized bed, its headboard made of a lattice and overflowing with pillows. Around it, a sheer silk curtain hung seductively.

Fizz instantly pulled a face and forgot everything they had talked about a moment ago. Any embarrassment, any cordiality crumbled ... Only one thought occupied his mind, and he grabbed one of Asmodeus’ fingers, squeezing it tightly.

"Ozzie ... stop!" he murmured, his face contorted in horror. Asmodeus paused and glanced at him in dismay, but he could cut that bullshit right away.

"What's the matter? Don't you like it?"

Fizz grabbed his chest in response and took a deep breath.

"We can't do that! Don't you see ...?"

"What don't I see?"

Dramatically, Fizz threw his head up and put a hand to his forehead as if he would faint at any moment.

"We're roommates! And there's only one bed! Don't you know where this is leading to?!"

For a moment, Asmodeus blinked at him in confusion before a smug grin flitted onto his lips.

"No. But I'm sure you'll tell me all about it~ …"

Chapter Text

Chapter 13

An undesirable Visitor

Lasciviously, Asmodeus ran his finger over his lips and watched Fizzarolli announcing the last performance of the evening.

His little jester demon behaved extremely delicate today. Light-footedly, he floated across the stage, swinging sensuously from pole to pole while telling the crowd some disreputable story about the upcoming performer. A master of the latest gossip he had become, always on the outlook to hook the audience. He enjoyed announcing the artists, but at the same time humiliating them in a humorous way. He was totally absorbed in his own performance, and the audience loved the way he roasted the artists. It was hilarious to watch!

And yet Ozzie wasn't listening to him. His attention laid on something different. Something completely different ...

Lost in thought, he sat on his V.I.P. balcony, arms propped on the railing as he bent far forward. His eyes latched on his host's slender body, and he watched Fizz’s every movement, feeling the flames inside him flare up whenever Fizzarolli shot him a glance. The whole lounge was filled with the finest aromas, but it was Fizzarolli's that floated above all others. Alike going to perfumery and being blown away by the impressions of a thousand smells, and yet there was the one scent that outshone all others.

Breathing deeply, Ozzie took in all the delicious aroma that lingered around him and closed his eyes. The flames inside him, the source of his power, pulsed fiercely, trembling, like a tiny flame, yet couldn't be stronger.

Damn it, this little bastard was his ruin - and Asmodeus didn't give a shit. He didn't give a shit that he was overflowing with affection, and was dying with desire. This feelings, that he once had put aside as a ridiculous waste of time, were torturing him now. Never would he be able to talk about them, such a thing was out of the question, but he wasn't stupid enough to deny them.

They were too interesting, too intense and too... new for that! Exciting, delightful, refreshing! A whole spectrum of fresh emotions were revealed to him, and he dived into them like a silly fool diving naked deep into an ice-cold ocean. Ready to freeze to death and be swept away by the next wave.

What was it called again? Only little bitches strum the strings of their hearts. Well, the way things were playing out, he was exactly such a little bitch. Even more so a pretty big one.... Unbelievable!

The enthusiastic clapping of the audience pulled him out of his musing and he looked up.

Fizzarolli pranced across the stage and performed a trick with his robotic arm, wrapping it around one of the poles several times to coil around it like a flexible snake. Really flexible he was ... Very flexible. And Ozzie thirsted to find out how flexible exactly.

Hell, he wanted to fuck his little jester so badly. Possess him! Make him scream! Ozzie’s mind wandered and he imagined climbing down from his balcony, grabbing Fizzarolli and giving everybody below a show they wouldn't forget for the rest of their lives. Ozzie would fuck him to the ground and enjoy every second of it. And Fizz would hate him for it.

Yes, delicate as he was, the little demon. Even in dealing with himself. A delicate little flower, with high standards, who wouldn't let Ozzie touch him, except when Ozzie wanted to feed.

Quite strange. The arousal Ozzie let him experience in return, Fizzarolli enjoyed. His little jester thirsted after every touch, no matter how hard he tried to hide it. He couldn't fool Ozzie; and the aroma and energy released by his orgasm catapulted Ozzie into delirium for hours.

However, there it stopped. Whenever Ozzie aimed for the next step and tampered with Fizzarolli's clothes, all was over. He wondered what Fizzarolli was hiding underneath. Curiosity plagued Ozzie and very very soon, he would give in. Very soon. In the near future. Tonight. Maybe he should inform Fizzarolli about it beforehand, otherwise the jester demon would feel left out in the end. But Ozzie had waited long enough. Waiting made him impatient and grumpy, and he'd had enough of that.

"And that's it for the evening! I'll say goodbye and hope the last performance heats you up one more time, if you know what I mean!" Fizzarolli's hoarse giggle immediately drew Ozzie's full attention on the stage and his eyes fixed on his host, who bowed deeply. "As always, it was a pleasure to welcome you to Ozzie's, the gin joint of Asmodeus himself. Come on, folks! Give him some love, too!" With that, Fizzarolli pointed at Ozzie's balcony, extended his arm, and formed a cheesy missformed heart with it. His tail wagged as he did so, like that of a puppy ...

The audience began to cheer, turning enthusiastically to Ozzie, but he didn't care for how much they celebrated him. He completely was focused on Fizzarolli, who winked at him meaningfully and then smiled widely.

Sincere. Not feigned or forced. Fizz was literally beaming.

Ozzie's feathers puffed up and his desire melted away, replaced by a hideously sweet groan inside him.

Oh shame, his little host was sooo cute. And so sexy! He couldn’t much longer endure this and suddenly Ozzie was absolutely sure of one thing.

He only had known Fizzarolli a few months in this long, long life of his. But if anything happened to the cheeky little shit, he would kill the one involved and then himself!

Theoretically speaking.

*

After the last of the audience had left the lounge crawling rather than walking, Ozzie headed off to the after-show party. His staff was in a good mood and laughter filled the air. Fizzarolli's stories about the artists caused the crew to giggle all evening, as it passed to him from the backstage. All hell loved scandals, but the sordid details also piqued their interest, and when Ozzie entered the lounge, he spotted Fizzarolli sitting on the edge of the stage while a few staff members had gathered around him and all were talking gossip about the artist who had performed last.

"No, seriously! I did the research, for real! Disgusting! Who messes with humans?" Meaningfully, his host shrugged his shoulders and then made an innocent gesture, placing his hands in his lap. In the wake of the story he had told, this prompted the others to laugh even more, which made the smile on Fizzarolli's face shine even brighter.

Desire blazed up in Asmodeus and it took all his willpower to stop in the doorway instead of dashing forward and throwing himself at the little demon. That smile was outright forbidden and everything in him tensed.

To his chagrin, Fizzarolli's attention was drawn to him, and he waved at him.

"Hey, boss! What are you hiding there like a tramp? Come over, you need to hear this!"
But when Ozzie stayed root in place - for the good of everyone - Fizzarolli hopped off the stage and sauntered over to him. Damn, it seemed, it was Ozzie's turn to play a role today. Only he wasn't much of an actor ...

"You're in a good mood tonight, though. You're positively glowing," Ozzie ventured, trying small talk. Small talk could make any desire go away if it was just boring enough. Unfortunately, the attempt backfired, as the little demon in front of him grinned from ear to ear, nudging his arm. The touch sent a shiver through Ozzie and his self-control cracked.

"Aw, shut up. The show went well, so I'm in a good mood!" purred Fizzarolli - and it overcame Ozzie. Not for a moment longer could he resist the urge. It'd been itching under his fingers ever since his little demon had been lolling around the poles like a snake. So he raised a hand, attempted to grab him, throw him on one of the tables and rip off his costume! Wanted to reveal what he was hiding from him and make him his own.

Instead ... he took a deep breath and ran a finger along Fizzarolli's face. Gently and tenderly. A spark ignited inside him as Fizz tilted his head slightly to the side, leaning into the touch and closing his eyes with relish.

Damn. This was a direct hit into his groin. This wasn't going to go well for long. Self-control, he told himself. Self-control.

"Yeah, it went well. More than well ... I couldn't take my eyes off you," he purred hoarsely and exhaled. Blue flames escaped him, dancing around Fizzarolli, who scratched the back of his head. Embarrassment but also pride sweot through him and on the inside Ozzie died a thousand deaths. This new note in Fizzarolli’s flavor was delicious, but more than that, it was the look on his face that fueled Ozzie. To the point of being scrumptious.

"Yeah, I noticed," his little jester chirped, hiding his embarrassment perfectly and pretending to be provocative instead. "Everyone noticed. One could see your flames flickering all over the lounge. Did the show fire you up like that? Horny cock!" He chuckled in his chainsaw voice and swung his hips once, curling his tail seductively.

So much for self-control. Ozzie thundered it into the nearest trash can, bridging any distance between them. This time his hand reached out, grabbed the jester demon and placed him on the stage where he sat high enough for Ozzie to stand between his legs. One hand he placed on Fizz's back, pushing him close, with the other hand he lifted Fizz's chin, locking their gaze together,
"I am. With every fiber of my body," he murmured, at which Fizz leaned back as far as he could, pressing his hands against Ozzie’s chest.

"Hey, whoa, whoa! Cool down, okay? You just fed a few days ago..." he stammered, trying to avoid Ozzie's gaze, but Ozzie wouldn't let him. He wanted to see his face. Every little emotion. There was a sound of giggling and excited murmuring around them, but the audience didn't bother Ozzie. On the contrary, it goaded him.

"I don't want to feed. You've kept me waiting long enough, don't you think?" he whispered to Fizzarolli, whose aroma changed within seconds. Hitting Ozzie directly. Deeply he inhaled, drowning into the delicious energy that the little demon radiated, enjoyning the arousal and embarrassment rushing through Fizzarolli.

A mixture of desire and uneasiness reflected in his jester’s features, causing Ozzie to giggle, and he closed his eyes. He would make him feel so much more ... So much more!

And then it was gone.

From one moment to the next. Ozzie opened his eyes in surprise and looked down at Fizzarolli.
His face had changed completely. No excitement, no embarrassment ... horror and fear prevailed, confusing Ozzie deeply, as nothing of this was directed at him. For heaven's sake, Fizzarolli wasn't even looking at him. His gaze went straight pass Ozzie’s, and then he heard it. The excited chatter of his staff members. The way they were pacing back and forth.

Slowly he turned - and found the source of the commotion, felt his own lust dissolve into nothingness.
As if he owned all hell, Mammon strolled through the main entrance of the lounge, spooking Ozzie's staff and gazing around in disgust. When he spotted Ozzie, a wide grin cut into his smug grimace.

"Hello, hello, hello, Asmodeus! What's up, what's up, bro? Your dick, as I see. But why am I not surprised at all, ha!" Laughing, Mammon spread his arms and came running toward him cockily.

Ozzie emitted an annoyed sound.

"Ugh. What are you doing here?" he murmured, mouth agape. Regardless of the fact that the mere sight of Mammon's visage infuriated him and his thread of patience cracked dangerously - with this unannounced appearance, Mammon spoiled his evening mightily!

What in Lucifer's name did he want here? And now of all times?

Mammon, however, showed nothing of his intentions. He stopped directly in front of Ozzie and grabbed his chest dramaticaly.

"Well, that's a joyful greeting. Yet I only wanted to come here to see how everything is playing out," he said casually, lowering his eyelids only a moment later to squint past Ozzie. "And ... to see for myself about the rumors." He grunted in amusement, at which Ozzie clenched his fists. What Mammon hinted at was obvious, but Ozzie didn't care. He would not be paraded or shamed.
"Everything is going well. Which is certainly not to your credit. And whatever rumors you're talking about, they don't interest me. So be so kind and fuck off? The club is closed and I'm busy. Contact my management for an appointment."

However, Mammon was unimpressed.

"Uh oh. Did I just rob you of your evening fuck? I'm so sorry, " he sneered, unceremoniously pulling out a calculator from his back pocket and typing away on it before sighing and pulling out a pile of cash. "Here, as compensation. Satisfied? I would have called ahead, but for some mystical reason I can't get through to your management. It's almost as if they were told not to let me pass ... funny, isn't it? So what choice do I have but to come right over? Even after closing time, so you don't lose money. You see, that's how I am treating you! I take you and your business seriously and you punish me with scornfulness. That's not a fine move on your part, brother."

Oh heavens, Mammon's babbling was torture to Ozzie's ears, and he folded his arms. He didn't touch the money, not even when Mammon put it on one of the tables and took a seat at it without further ado.

"So? Do people get a drink at your place or do they have to help themselves? Hey, you there! Bring us a drink!" he hissed at one of Ozzie's employees, who flinched in fright and looked questioningly at Ozzie.

Ozzie sighed, grinding his teeth, but then nodded. Getting rid of Mammon when he wanted something was impossible. Best to get over quickly and then rededicate himself to - …

"Speaking of rumors. Where is our dear Fizz, anyway? Mh? I could have sworn I saw him earlier," came from Mammon, who raised a brow and grinned meaningfully at Ozzie.

To think he dared to say Fizzarolli's name! Ozzie's fingers twitched, and he was about to grab Mammon by the collar and throw him out. After what Fizzarolli had gone through because of that son of a bitch, who had no right to even think about his favorite!

Still, the question was justified, because when Ozzie turned around, Fizzarolli was gone.
The place on the stage was empty and there was no sign of Fizzarolli. Whenever he had managed to slip away, Ozzie was aware of the reason. He sighed, let his gaze wander briefly around the lounge, but didn't find him. Oh well. Let him stay quietly in his hiding place. Ozzie didn't want him and Mammon to get into contact anyway.

"Fizzarolli is busy. You wanted to talk - talk to me." With that, Ozzie dropped into the other chair at the table and crossed his arms.

"Fizzarolli is busy," Mammon mimicked him, and he too began scanning the lounge. "Yes, I'm sure he is. You hear it everywhere, after all. See it everywhere. The little fucker is in hot demand and coming along great. Just like I predicted."

Indeed he had, and Ozzie snorted. Good, for once Mammon had been right. He did possess an eye for talent, only he exploited it rigorously instead of nurturing it.

"How nice for you. So, could we get this thing over with? What do you want?"

"To be honest, actually, I don't want anything from you. As you can imagine, heh ..." He chuckled inappropriately and Ozzie's face contorted in disgust. What the heck ...

Finally, his employee returned and delivered the ordered drinks. Mammon didn't wait until the glasses were set on the table, he grabbed one right off the tray and emptied it in one go, only to thunder it noisily onto the table moments later. Then he leaned casually against the back of the chair and squinted mockingly at Ozzie out of half-opened eyes.

"I'm here to talk to Fizz. If you ..." He cleared his throat and looked to the side. Though he didn't laugh, his shrugging shoulders clearly showed he was suppressing a laugh. "If you let me talk to your new favorite. Thehehe …"

Dangerously slowly, Ozzie narrowed his eyes. The contempt and mockery emanating from Mammon fueled his anger and the flames within him discolored. Took on a dark hateful tone.
"What's there to laugh about?" he rumbled in his demonic voice, whereupon it became deathly quiet in the lounge. Even Mammon's grin died. He narrowly eyed Ozzie before crossing his arms.
"So it's actually true. Unbelievable. I always knew your standards are low. But please, to each his own." He shrugged disparagingly and then looked about the lounge again, smashing his hand on the table a few times in a demanding manner. "Now, if you would be so gracious as to bring your new toy here. Time is money."

Ozzie didn't move an inch, feeling his own flames eating him up from the inside out. Growing darker and darker. A flick of the wrist would do it. One small movement and Mammon would be on fire. The idea of the flesh being burned from his bones made the corners of his mouth twitch, but he controlled himself. For the good of his employees, for the good of his lounge and his ring ... If the true fires of Asmodeus broke out, far more would be destroyed than a city block or a silly little circus.

Concentrating, Ozzie exhaled, feeling blazing heat escape with his breath. Unbelievable, he reacted like this. That his anger evolved like this. Mammon had always acted like a pasha. As if he owned the world, as if he could settle everything with money and as if no one could harm him in any way. But he was wrong, and nobody would tell Ozzie what to do in his own ring.

Especially not when he was laughed at from the front, while hidden anger raged in Mammon from behind. Anger that was directed at the one Ozzie called His.

"I will not allow you to speak to him."

Expressionless, Mammon stared at Ozzie, then grinned widely.

"You don't allow it? And where do you get the right to decide who he can talk to? Interfering with the life of your favorites, again, huh? Last time that didn’t end up well, remember?"

Ozzie's eyes twitched and he clenched his fists. The chair he was sitting in began to crunch dangerously under his weight.

"I am one of the seven princes. King of the Lust Ring. I can command my subjects to do as I please!"
"So is he your subject or your favorite now? Make up your mind. Either way, you can't make him do anything or command him to do anything. You're not the master of his soul, are you?"
A low growl escaped Ozzie. No, he wasn't, and he loathed that concept. He was the master of no one's soul, for the principle of lust was based on free will and desire. But as much as he disliked it, Mammon was right about one thing. Last time he dictated anything to his favorites, things ended not good ... But he would never do something against their will, at least. That would cross a line.

"If my favorite wanted to talk to you, he'd be here. And I don't force him to do anything. Neither to come here, nor to talk to you. So you might as well fuck off." That was his last word.

Mammon rolled his eyes and gave a stretched sigh.

"All right, if you won't tell me where he is, I guess I'll have to pull an ace out of my hat after all. Just like old times." With that, he stood up and stretched. "Let's see if I still have it," he said, getting the attention of the rest of the staff for a moment.

Astonished, Ozzie raised an eyebrow. Was he serious about this? Would he, the great Jester Mammon, actually put on a show? Now of all times?

Mammon strolled through the lounge and then stopped near the bar. Dispassionately, he took a swing, first pulling up one of his sleeves and pretending to look for something, then doing the same with the other sleeve

"Abracadabra ..." he muttered - finally pointing to the counter behind him. "He's hiding behind the bar!" With that, he reached behind the counter and actually dragged Fizzarolli out, holding him high in the air. "Found you, nimble little bugger!"

Hissing, Ozzie took a breath and jumped up from his chair when he saw the horror on Fizzarolli's face. But it lasted only for the hint of a second, then he suddenly grinned and pretended to be completely at ease, angling a glowing green cocktail with his robotic arm.

"Well, hello, if it isn't the Prince of Greed? Greedings, Your Highness! I was just about to mix you your favorite drink!" With that, he quickly held the drink out to Mammon, who frowned but accepted the glass.

"How exceedingly obliging of you. I was beginning to think you were hiding from me like a miserable coward." Abruptly, he let go of Fizz, who fell to the floor unceremoniously, slamming into the edge of the counter.

Asmodeus' alarm bells rang loud and wild. He immediately rushed behind the bar to help Fizzarolli up, resisting the urge to grab his jester and press him against his chest after he catapulted Mammon through all seven rings of hell. Without a portal or an elevator - which Fizzarolli would detest because he hated being pampered. Instead, Ozzie thundered his fist on the counter, glaring angrily at Mammon.

"Do that again and I'll send you back to Greed in pieces."

"Oh please, don't act like a mother hen. I just wanted to make sure he didn't run away from me, that's all."

A snort sounded and Ozzie looked down at Fizz - who once again proved what a gifted actor he was. Displaying nothing but a big grin when he used Ozzie to drag himself up.

"Run away from you? Me? Never, what reason would I have?" the little Jester demon said nonchalantly, but Ozzie didn't miss how tight his grip was as he held onto him. That he clawed at him for a moment longer.... Stayed close next to him.... Very close.

His posture looked casual, his expression perky like on stage, but it all couldn't be more wrong. His aroma betrayed him, for it screamed like a siren, tasting sour and shaky. Disgusted, Ozzie pursed his mouth and came to stand demonstratively behind Fizz.

Mammon eyed them with raised brows and chortled - which heated up the seething inside Ozzie even further.

"Well, good question. Why would the one and only Fizzarolli hide from me? I was just talking to Asmodeus about how successful you are. A celebrity! And now you're his favorite too ... if that's not a huge step up. You must be making more cash than you ever have before, am I right?" Mammon laughed and took a sip of his new drink - while his gaze drilled into Fizzarolli like a poisoned spear. Fizzarolli took a step back, bumping into Ozzie's leg, but held Mammon's gaze.

"Luck, nothing more. I have only you and Asmodeus to thank for that. If you hadn't given me this chance, I'd still be a nobody." Exaggeratedly, Fizzarolli bowed his head and performed a formal bow, whereupon Mammon snorted in amusement.

"You know how to do it, huh? It's never too late to kiss your superior's ass, huh?" Eventually, Mammon set the glass down on the counter and grew serious. "Enough chit-chat. Cards on the table, I'm here for our contract. Considering the latest circumstances, we should discuss individual clauses again, as said circumstances have changed completely. There is a lot to discuss and recalculate. Surely you don't mind to do so, do you?"

Fizzarolli didn't answer and his grin crumbled for a moment. All at once nervousness and fear poured out of his pores straight into Ozzie's nose, and he felt sick.

The contract, yes. Ozzie hadn't forgotten about the thing. Even though he didn't know the exact deal, he suspected there was something fishy about it. Only he wouldn't figure it out unless Fizzarolli told him. And Mammon would definitely not give him any insight into his rigged games.

His new host got a grip again and braced one hand on his hip, tapping Ozzie's leg with the other - and stepped even closer to Ozzie, putting everything into his stake-like performance.

"Oh, sorry, but I'm afraid that's not going to happen ... Asmodeus here is in desperate need for my company. I can't."

"Yes. You can," hissed Mammon so sharply that Fizzarolli winced.

That was it! In one beat, Ozzie rose above Fizz as the flames inside him burst out and danced menacingly around his body.

"No, he can't," he whispered, rearing up in front of Mammon and digging a finger into the other’s ill-dressed chest. "We are very busy tonight. So make an appointment and fuck off."

Narrowing his eyes, Mammon squinted at the finger in his chest, then looked up at Ozzie, unimpressed. A touch too unimpressed.

"You guys can fuck later. Fizz and I have a contract. And a contract is a contract is a contract and we're going to discuss it. Now." Mammon's eyes settled on Fizzarolli and he smiled almost … charmingly. "Am I right? You do agree, don't you? Don't you? Fizz? Or do you want to discuss the individual clauses here? In the middle of the lounge in front of everyone ... and your beloved pimp? Well?"

As if Mammon had said a magic word, Fizzarolli literally jumped between the two and shook his head violently.

"No! I mean, it's okay, it's okay!" he shouted, grabbing Ozzie's hand and gently pushing it away from Mammon. "He's right. We have a contract. We'll discuss the clauses and ... and then the two of us will pick up where we left off! Okay, Ozzie?" Trying with all his might to sound seductive, his little demon ran his finger over Ozzie's hand - and wouldn't he just say that to shut Ozzie up for the moment, he'd jump at it.

But none of this was real. This wasn't the Fizz Ozzie knew, and everything in him screamed no. No, he didn't want to leave the two of them alone under any circumstances. On the other hand, he knew how Fizz felt about his contract with Mammon and that he didn't want Ozzie to interfere.

Mammon finally chuckled and grabbed one of the tips on Fizzarolli's foolscap, pulling him closer with a tug.

"Yeah, Ozzie? That's okay, isn't it?" he sneered, at which Ozzie's flames blazed up furiously. Changing color and going from their bright blue to a dark screeching pink.

That fucker dared to make fun of him! Dared to touch his favorite! Again!

Grumbling, he took a step forward, exhaling hot pink flames - but faltered when Fizzarolli looked at him with panic in his gaze and backed away, trying to flee from him. He didn't get far, though. Mammon held him in an iron grip and appeared completely unimpressed. Fizzarolli, on the other hand, sprayed sparks of panic - and this time they were not directed at Mammon. But at Ozzie. At the flames...

The realization smothered his anger and as if ice-cold water had been poured over him, Ozzie's flames shrank, wandered back inside him, where they lingered, still blazing, but no longer visible. Guiltily, he sighed before giving Mammon a withering look.

"If you lay a finger on him or try to take advantage of him again, you'll regret it. Got that, clown?"

"Sure, sure. Your toy is in good hands, don't worry. You don't mind if we use your office, do you?" Before Ozzie could answer, Mammon started moving and headed for the backstage area. "See you!"

That was enough! Ozzie was about to stomp him into the ground, but stopped when Fizzarolli turned to him and shook his head. That alone stopped him from knocking the greedy bastard out cold. Ha, he could already see his other siblings getting upset. How they would mock him. Because he had strangled his own brother because of a jester demon ...

He had no choice but to wait and put out his mental antennas. As soon as he sensed even one false wave, he would storm the office and finish Mammon off. For good.

Trembling, he watched the two of them disappear into the large corridor - and as soon as they were gone, Ozzie pressed his trembling lips together, stamped his foot once, and sat down on one of the empty chairs with his arms crossed tightly over his chest. He would not leave this chair until Mammon had given him back his favorite. For Fizzarolli belonged to him! To him alone!

Chapter Text

Chapter 14

Gone

Ozzie stood conspicuously inconspicuous in the corridor of the backstage area, leaning against a wall in a decidedly nonchalant manner, studying a newspaper he'd grabbed in passing - constantly squinting at the door to his office.

It was hard to believe that he had been locked out of his own office in his own lounge! And now he stood here and spied like a third-rate spy from a fourth-rate earth movie, trying to figure out what was going on behind closed doors. He felt pretty stupid. Oh yes, extremely stupid. But the more time had passed, the more impatient he had become, and finally he had slowly maneuvered himself bit by bit closer to his office.

At least there was no one left to observe this. Surely, no one expected the ruler of the Lust Ring to hide stealthily in a corner. Yes, not even Ozzie himself would have expected that. Nevertheless, he had been magically drawn to the office, and he should be damned if he couldn't do what he wanted in his own club!

Again he squinted over the edge of his paper and narrowed his eyes.

They'd been in there for ages now. Mammon and Fizzarolli.

And like Ozzie had feared, Fizzarolli's mood was drifting further and further into the negative - making it hard for Ozzie to interpret what was going on. Positive feelings were his strength. Every nuance of them he understood and knew. But what was streaming out of his office caused the feathers of his tail to curl.

Vaguely, he saw the outlines of two people through the milky glass of the office door; one tall and one shorter, engaged in a heated discussion. Though their voices were muffled, he gathered from the pitch, that Mammon spoke for the most part. Not giving Fizzarolli a lot of opportunity to say something. But the little he added to the conversation was enough to spike the tension. Way enough to turn Ozzie's stomach at what he perceived.

What exactly were the clauses Mammon wanted to change? If he came to Lust himself for that, at such hour. Was he possibly pissed because he no longer controlled Fizz income? Ha, this would serve the clown right! On the other hand, it fueled Ozzie's concern for Fizzarolli. Ozzie had promised Fizz wouldn't get in trouble because of that matter, and from the sound of Mammon’s voice, there was a lot of trouble.

Hell, he had wanted to help! He had meant well. But the result of things meant well not always turned out to be good at all.

A loud rumble prompted Ozzie to lift his head and peak out from behind his newspaper. The tension in the office was almost unbearable, and if it would turn into water, the door would break open and the entire lounge would be swamped.

Fizzarolli's voice became audible. High and fast he spoke, followed by another rumble - then the milky glass door of the office swung open.

Immediately Ozzie took cover, wondering at the same moment why, by Satan, he was actually hiding. Before he could finish the thought, Mammon stomped out of the office. Grinning widely, he appeared more than pleased with himself. He looked around briefly, shrugged his shoulders, and then headed for the back exit. Not a second later, Fizzarolli stormed out of the office and ran after him, trying to catch up while almost tripping over his own feet.

"Wait! Mammon, Your Highness, wait! Please!" he croaked - and Ozzie's stomach turned so heavily over, he gagged, pressing a hand to his mouth.

By Lucifer! If he could name an aroma that resembled Fizz's, it was ... decay.

In a hast, the little demon followed Mammon, running about him like a frantic rabbit about to be snatched by a fox.

"Please, wait! Let's talk it over again! There must be another solution! Surely we can come to an agreement! We've always come to an agreement so far. Somehow! We'll undo the transactions, I'll give you everything I have, I'll work exclusively only for you, I'll suck your dick, I'll do anything, I- ... ", Fizzarolli babbled, trying desperately to bring up any far fetched argument, but was ignored icily. "C-come on! You can't do that-I mean, please, don't do that! I don't want to-"

"Shut up. I don't care what you want," Mammon interrupted sharply, at which Fizzarolli winced violently. "I can and I will. Now stop bugging me. I'm in a hurry. Unlike you, I don't make my living sticking my ass out for others."

"B-but!" Almost in a panic, Fizzarolli grabbed the hem of Mammon's top, shaking his head without pause, whereupon the Prince of Greed flung Fizz away with a well-aimed blow. Groaning, Fizz landed on the floor, struggled to get back up to his feet, and looked up at Mammon, who snorted.

"Your whining is disgusting. Stop wailing and grow up. You harvest what you sow, don't forget that. So don't blame me. A contract is a contract. Now get the fuck out of my way."

"B-but ...!" Slowly, Fizz extended a hand, which Mammon swatted away as well, finally pushing open the back door.

"Cut the bullshit and get your shit together. It's gonna stay that way. And don't fuck this up. You know what happens otherwise." He paused for a moment before leaning down to Fizz and grinning into his face, patting his head. "Now, now, don't pull such face. Keep smiling, Fizzi, like you should. The show must go on."

There was no response from Fizz. Staring at Mammon with eyes the size of dinner plates, he didn't say a word, began to quiver.

Concentrating, Ozzie took a breath, and as if Fizzarolli's tension would pass over, he froze, too. Was unable to move. It was the first time in decades that something horrified him that much. That the mere display of something paralyzed him. Yet he wanted to intervene! He wanted to help. For what was happening was hard to witness. It disgusted him and awakened something in him that he had not felt since his early days. An impulse, an urge, so strong that a groan settled in his chest.
He wanted to protect Fizzarolli.

But what would happen if he interfered? Would everything get worse for his little jester? Would it help? A cold laugh finally sounded in the corridor and Ozzie looked up again. It came from Mammon, who shook his head at Fizzarolli.

"Say bye to your pimp for me. As long as he's still interested in you. He gets attached soooo easily to his dear dear 'favorites' but then... Puff. Dream over. So don't get your hopes up too high, little shit," he spat at Fizz - and finally raised his head. Looked directly in Ozzie's direction. For a moment their eyes locked, and Mammon's features dripped with triumph and venom. He waved at Ozzie before disappearing through the back door with his head held high.

The door slammed shut with a heavy bang and silence spread through the hallway. An icy silence. Fizzarolli remained transfixed at the back door and the sight of him ... broke Ozzie's heart. Yes. Matter of fact. His heart was bleeding and slowly he clenched his fists, put his face in a deep frown.
What a hypocritical poser Ozzie was! Boasting about protecting all those who worked for him, and yet all this time he stood there, watching - and did nothing! Nothing! He had not intervened. Even though his favorite was involved! All thought he had once sworn never to stand by and watch again...

Asmodeus was disgusted by himself, not understanding in the least why he had done nothing. Usually he didn't let anyone treat his stars badly. So why? ... Why!?

But no matter how hard he wracked his mind, he couldn't find an answer and decided that if he hadn't done anything before, he would do something now. So he forcefully broke free from his rigidity and slowly walked towards Fizzarolli. Which proved to be difficult. Not only because of his conscience, the little demon was sending out waves that made Ozzie dizzy. When he finally stood behind him, Ozzie cleared his throat, not wanting to scare Fizzarolli even more by showing up from behind without warning.

"Fizz...?" he asked quietly, looking down at Fizzarolli, holding his breath at the same moment.

Trembling, eyes wide open, Fizz sat there staring into nothingness. He had his hands up, digging his fingers deep into his cheeks, as if he wanted to tear the flesh from his bones, and he was sweating. His breathing labored.

Asmodeus tensed at the sight - and did something he hadn't done in a long time. He tried to block out Fizzarolli's emotions. To push them away from him. They were as bitter and sour as if someone were ramming a fist into Ozzie’s body, grabbing his guts and tugged and pulled at them until they became one squishy clot of blood. It was ... disturbing. Unbearable! And yet those were second hand emotions… just second hand.

Taking a deep breath, Asmodeus placed a hand on Fizz's shoulder.

"Fizz, what happened?" he asked with concern, but received no response. Fizzarolli didn't move, didn't look at him, he just stared at the door, then slowly pressed his hands over his eyes and slumped to the front.

With a jerk, Ozzie withdrew his hand, standing there helpless. Helpless! He! A prince! He, a powerful demon lord and one of the deadly sins, didn't know what to do. All he could think of was misplaced bullshit in the face of this disaster. No flirting, no jokes, no attempts at seduction would be of any help here. And what else could he do?

Slowly, his gaze slid to the door as well - and anger sprouted in him. Crept to the surface and wrapped around him like a thorny vine.

"What has Mammon done to you?" he rumbled - which finally elicited a reaction from Fizzarolli. He twitched and finally straightened up. His features relaxed, but the blank expression on his face was not one bit better.

Then, in slow-motion, he turned his head, staring at Ozzie as if only noticing him now. His red eyes seemed horribly vacant, as if they looked to some unknown place far away, and they glistened wetly.

Mammon had to die!

The thought struck Asmodeus' head like a bolt of lightning. Oh yes, he had to die! For that expression, for those ... those excruciating feelings he had sown in Fizzarolli, he deserved nothing less!
To Ozzie's horror, it took only a moment for a grin to creep back on Fizz's lips. A grin that didn't match the rest of his face - yet there it was, sending a shiver down Ozzie's spine.

"Nothing," Fizzarolli replied eventually and chuckled, looking back at the door and standing up shakily. "Nothing he did. Nothing at all."

What? Stunned, Ozzie shoulders slumped down.

"Bullshit, I saw you two. The way he treated you was unacceptable! I need to know what he wanted. What happened? Your aroma, it ... it makes me …"

"Mammon offered me something great!" babbled Fizz all at once, jumping around so fast that Ozzie took a step back. Fizzarolli beamed at him with the sinister light of an imploding dying sun. Everything radiating from him way dead and cold. "He's planning to make me one of his main products! A top seller! Isn't that great?"

"What?" Confused, Ozzie blinked, not understanding what he was seeing and feeling, and the feathers on his head twitched uncontrollably. The gap between Fizzarolli's feelings and his behavior was astronomical. Was this acting? Or what was the point?

Fizzarolli, on the other hand, pranced around Ozzie as if nothing had happened, swinging his tail through the air and keeping that unsettling smile that Ozzie would love to smack out of his face.

"He said now that I'm so successful, it's worth making a brand out of me. Imagine that! He wants to base a whole product line on me!"

No, actually, Ozzie didn't want to imagine that in the slightest, because nothing Mammon touched really turned out great. Doubtingly, he eyed Fizz, who tripped at his side and took Ozzie's hand, spun around one time like in a dance, then gently pulled him toward the exit.

Reluctantly, Ozzie gave in and was led to the back door, where their limousine waited, as it did every day.

"Of course, this whole thing doesn't affect our contract, boss! I remain your host and your favorite ... That's what Mammon said. Yes, that he said," Fizz chirped on and they finally left the club. Fizz's hand did not let go of Ozzie’s for a second during their walk. It wasn't until they were seated in the limo and driving off that Fizz put distance between them, sat down in his seat and continued chattering. The whole time. Excited and over the top, like in one of his shows. He grinned incessantly, not holding still for a second. His tail twitched, his legs dangled back and forth. Sometimes he stood up, sometimes he sat down. And he repeated everything like a mantra. Again and again. Because everything was so great.

He lied.

Ozzie knew it from the first moment on. Whatever Mammon and Fizzarolli had agreed on, it was not what Fizz was trying to sell to him. Not at all, and with each additional lying sentence, with each additional minute Ozzie had to listen to that fake laughter, an angry thorny tendril grew thicker, engulfing him further and further

"Besides, he said I could -" Fizz started all over again and this time Ozzie couldn't help himself. An annoyed sound escaped him, and he leaned back in his seat, looking out the window.

"Fizzarolli …," it escaped him sternly, and he grounded his jaw. Hard to believe he would say that. To his new host, whose stories he always found amusing and ingenious til now. But it had to be done. "Shut up."

Then, finally, the chatter died. Fizzarolli glared at him and for a brief moment the grin disappeared. Only to reappear a heartbeat later. Exaggeratedly, Fizz nodded and Ozzie saw him clinging to the seat - grinning at the floor.

"Okay, boss."

A rusty nail dug into Ozzie's chest; and he ran his forehead.

Terrible that he had to say such a thing to his Fizz. Terrible that he hadn't disabled the conversation with Mammon completely. And terrible - that Fizzarolli did not trust him. Again ... Again!!

Squinting from between his fingers, he watched how Fizzarolli had begun swaying back and forth, rubbing his good arm.

Tse, my ass, he had a great deal going on with Mammon. By no means! Someone who had made a good deal didn't act like that. And certainly not his cheeky little host.

They spent the rest of the ride in silence, even though Ozzie could tell Fizz was having trouble suppressing the urge to talk. His conscience gnawed at Ozzie and finally he sighed, pressing his lips together.

"Forget what I said," he brought out. "I didn't mean to shut you up. But I can't listen to you praising Mammon to the heavens. Him, of all people." He crossed his arms and wrinkled his nose. Fizz nodded again, too many times, and continued to look at the car’s floor.

"Jealous?" Fizz came up with the infinitely bad joke, and even if he had meant it seriously, it rubbed Ozzie in the wrong way. And hit right off the mark at the same time.

"Of who? Mammon? Well, certainly not! Certainly not! Why should I?" Because he was keeping secrets with Fizz? Because he and Fizz had been alone in his office for hours? As if those were reasons!

Fizz snorted derisively in response, but it seemed weak and contrived. Still sitting there like before, he swayed back and forth until finally Ozzie opened his mouth. Only to close it again a moment later. If Fizz wanted to tell him something, he surely would. That was their agreement. They had talked about it at length and Ozzie had made it clear to Fizz how important trust and honesty were to him ... Lies and false games bored him. They only spoiled the good mood! He preferred the direct way, especially when it came to his favorites - in whom he had a high degree of trust. His favorites were important to him. Not only because they served him as a source of energy or because he found them likeable. They gave themselves to him willingly, shared a vulnerable moment, and still respected him. Ozzie wanted to return the same to them.

But how was that going to work with Fizz? Despite their conversation, he still didn't trust Ozzie, and it ignited a spark of anger in Ozzie that dangerously rivaled with his concern. But well, the morning was not over at all, he would get out of Fizz what really had happened. What he had seen he would not leave it like that, come what may!

When they arrived at the penthouse the ridiculous theater continued.

Fizz pranced around Ozzie, desperate to endear himself to him again, and continued to cackle and joke wildly. It was tiring, but Ozzie let him talk. Apparently it helped Fizz relieve stress, but it was hard to watch. Especially when they headed for the elevator. Like every day, Fred was already waiting for them - and Fizzarolli greeted him with enthusiasm. He joked with Fred and talked without a break - which sent the annoying imp to seventh heaven and set Ozzie's alarm bells ringing.

Fizz loathed the bellhop and now he was joking with him? No. This was all wrong and he wouldn't be able to stand it much longer. He was all the more relieved when they reached the top floor and left Fred behind. Here, Fizz usually acted like himself. Perhaps the environment calmed him down and they could talk. Yes. Ozzie would bet on that.

Lost in thought, he locked the gate to the elevator while Fizzarolli strolled toward the living room and stopped on the first step. He stretched.

"It's good to be here," Ozzie heard him murmur, and hope welled up. He bridged the distance and reached out a hand, only for Fizz to slip away at the last second. Then he spun around once to look at Ozzie with his mask-like grin and put-on enthusiasm.

"We should celebrate!"

Surprised, Ozzie dropped his shoulders.

"Celebrate?" So much for talking it all over in private. "What do you want to celebrate?"

For a moment Fizz stood rigidly before him, as if a circuit had blown inside him, then he placed one hand at his hip and tapped his chin with the other.

"The evening? Us? I don't know, it doesn't matter! But we should savor it! Make it something special! Now that so much is happening ... yes, we should! Have a good night! Okay? Yes? Let us have a nice evening. Yes? Yes? Please?"

Ozzie blinked and his throat tightened. A nice evening, then ... Was that what Fizzarolli craved for, after all that had happened? Should Ozzie go for it? Would this put Fizz at ease? Or should Ozzie insist on knowing the truth and end this fuss?

Helpless, Ozzie stared at his little demon standing expectantly before him, not knowing what to do. What did one do in such a situation? When nothing helped and everything seemed to go down the drain?

The usual.

He was the embodiment of pleasure, he liked to give pleasure to others and see them satisfied. Would a nice evening, whatever that meant, give Fizz pleasure? Should he give in? Could he even do such a thing?

Ha! What a question! What a circumstance! He, of all people, didn't know if he could bring pleasure to anyone! Whether he could block out what had happened. What, by Lucifer, was the matter with him?

He sighed.

"And how do you imagine such a celebration?" he asked uncertainly, at which Fizz shrugged. Then he hit with his fist the palm of his robotic hand.

"I know!" he gushed enthusiastically, still sounding happy and excited beyond bonds. "I'll make something to eat! I may not be able to conjure up crappy caviar, but what the hell! I'll show you something I used to eat a lot. After all, you got me something to eat often enough, too. Now it's my turn! And since you don’t know how to use a microwave, I'll cook! Instant noodles! A cheap delicacy. Real soul food! I have some here. I'll make it for us! It's pretty easy! Just like in old times! Ha!"

And though his put-upon babbling offended Ozzie's ears, he couldn't help but smile at the notion. Yes, it was true, he couldn't cook nor did he harbor any interest in learning. Even though food was something sensual and pleasurable, it could be ordered and delivered. So why waste time making it himself? There were staff for that. Like for all those other mundane boring things like ... housekeeping.

Fizz had been deeply amused when he had found out, and had swept once in a while through the penthouse to tidy up or to prepare them something to eat. Mostly small stuff, like breakfast or microwave popcorn or such.

The sight of his cheeky little favorite fiddling around in the big useless kitchen while grumbling had been amusing. Very much so. But as amusing as the notion in general was, right now it didn't excite Ozzie in the least, and he realized: he had no appetite. Not for food, or for anything else. Not when he thought of Fizzarolli's aroma. Or of how Mammon had pushed him around.

At the risk of disappointing Fizzarollis, he shook his head and walked slowly past him, heading for his bedroom.

"Sorry. I'm not hungry," he mumbled, pushing the thought of food aside. Fizzarolli followed on his heels and hopped around Ozzie, grabbed his hand, pulling. It was a request for attention but the iron grip spoke of something different.

"O-okay, something else then! Come on, help me think of something, don't leave me hanging here! There must be something we can find to pass the time, man! What about that movie you were talking about? Ah, wait! No! We'll pick the porno with the dumbest title and every time one of the actors moans unsexy into the camera, we'll get drunk!"

This ... was indeed an amusing thought, and yet Ozzie couldn't bring himself to laugh. He sighed instead and pushed open the door to his bedroom, wanting to get out of his clothes. Maybe a shower would be good, too, to clear his head. If he calmed down, Fizzarolli possibly would too. So he walked toward the opposite wall and pulled open the sliding doors to his dressing room behind, stripping off his vest.

A soft creak and the rustling of bedclothes drew his attention, and narrowly he glanced over his shoulder.

To his astonishment, Fizzarolli had jumped onto the bed and was lying prone on the mattress, his legs bobbing playfully up and down and his head propped up on his robotic hand. The other ran over the silk bedding, and he gave Ozzie a meaningful look, winking.

"I get it. I knew what your idea of a nice evening would be ... But fine. I agree~"

"What?" Stunned, Ozzie watched Fizz rolling seductively between the blankets and pillows.

"Let's do it. If not now, when else? That's what you wanted anyway, am I right? Today, after the show ... So come on. Let's fuck." Demonstratively, Fizz braced himself on his knees, wiggling his butt.

Damn! If Ozzie's mind wasn't somewhere else right now, he'd jump at him. Absolutely. The image was thoroughly inviting and his indecent groin contracted violently.

But as much as he wanted this to happen… he would not allow it. All was fake. The Fizz he knew wouldn't offer himself so easily. Not in such a way. Deep in thought, Ozzie took a breath, wishing the nonsense would end.

Fizz, meanwhile, chuckled and it shook Ozzie uncomfortably.

"What's the matter? Suddenly no more ... desire? Huh? Didn't you say the other day that you punish me when I want you to? So? Here I am, wanting it. You can do whatever you want!"

"Whatever I want?"

Fizz's grin cracked. Ozzie saw it clearly. The corners of Fizz mouth twitched, but he kept playing the game. Kept the mask on.

"Yeah, right. You've given me more than I deserve. So you deserve to take whatever you want ... I don't care, do whatever you want with me."

So he didn't care?

The spark of anger in Ozzie flickered once, and he clenched his fists. If there was one thing he detested, it was indifference! For he should care about what was done to him. No matter what the situation. But good. Ozzie would turn the tables. He might not be as good as Fizzarolli at acting, but with the poor performance the little demon was presenting right now, Ozzie could keep up with him.

He put on a wry grin and eventually started moving. Slowly, he approached the bed and bent over Fizz, bracing his hands on the mattress, encircling the little demon.

"Like this?" he breathed out darkly, and the fake grin received another crack. Very good. Ozzie would tear it down. "So I can do whatever I want to you? And you don't care?"

A third crack appeared. But Fizzarolli clung to his mask. He nodded, but it was nowhere near as seductive.

"E-exactly. Whatever you want."

"Oh yeah?" Slowly, Ozzie placed a finger under Fizzarolli's chin, then ran it over his favorite’s lips. "No more fear of me accidentally fucking you to death?"

The fourth crack, and this time the grin faltered.

" ... If not now, when else?", Fizz just repeated once more, still keeping up his acting. Fine. Ozzie would take it a step further, then. His hand traveled down Fizzarolli's body - and settled on Fizz’s knee. Gripping hard.

"Are you sure? Because if I have it my way, I can't wait to see what you're hiding from me below your clothes."

That put an end to the hideous grin. All the fake happiness and sensuality disappeared and fear returned. As if stung, Fizzarolli withdrew and pulled his legs up, wrapping his arms around them and buried his face.

Ozzie sighed in a mixture of relief and guilt. He thoughtfully settled down on the bed next to Fizz and gently stroked his back, noticing that he was trembling.

"You're a fool," he rebuked half-heartedly. "Offering yourself to me in that condition ..."

"Why didn't you just do it!?" hissed Fizz, but didn't look up. Ozzie rolled his eyes at the question, for it was absurd. Through and through, and his little demon knew it.

"I prefer my partners to want me in earnest. And not giving themselves to me in an act of desperation. Sorry, but I'm not into pity-fuck."

"But you're into my lust! So what's the problem, asshole?"

"The problem is that there's no lust that I could aim for whatsoever ..."

At that, the slender body next to him twitched and no response followed.

For a while they just sat there and Ozzie decided to carefully put out his mental antennas again. He hadn't been able to block out Fizzarolli's feelings completely, but well enough to feel the full intensity of them now. He shuddered, for the emotions still tasted as bitter and sour as before. Ozzie had been right. All nothing but false play.

Thoughtfully, he continued stroking Fizz's back and dared to speak his mind.

"Why won't you tell me what happened after all? Whatever Mammon told you, I don't think it's as great as you claim..."

At this, Fizz pulled his legs even closer and wrapped his tail around his body, shaking his head violently. Ozzie sighed in dissatisfaction.

"Won't or can't speak about it?" he grumbled, which was possibly unfair, but he spoke faster than he thought. If only Fizz would trust him. Ozzie was sure he could fix the situation. Most certainly, he could.

"I can't ..." came, to his surprise, from Fizz, who very slowly raised his head and scowled at Ozzie. His eyes were rimmed red and shone treacherously wet, melting everything in Ozzie. He was going to kick Mammon's ass. No matter what Fizzarolli had to say about it.

Slowly he sat up, eyeing the huddled bundle in front of him, and an idea popped up. A horrible idea, considering who he was and what he stood for. And yet it was the strongest desire that took hold of him in a long time.

He grinned mischievously and leaned close to Fizz, gently nudging his cheek.

"Well. I'm just afraid you've made a big mistake," he breathed promisingly, at which Fizzarolli eyed him suspiciously. "You just said to the embodiment of lust that he may do everything he likes to you. I think I will take that offer after all. Because there's something I want to do."

Fizzarolli's arms tightened around his legs and he ducked his head.

"What is it?" he murmured, which melted Ozzie's insides even more. In a groaning sweet way.

Slyly, Ozzie winked and then held out his arms. Fizzarolli flinched, but that didn't stop Ozzie from picking him up as gently as he could and hugging him to his chest. A weak giggle escaped him when he saw Fizzarolli's tail twitching back and forth in agitation, because there was no reason to worry. Not this time.

Carefully he crawled with him into the middle of the bed and pulled the blanket over their heads, making them ... comfortable. Bedded them on soft pillows.

Firmly, but gently, he pressed Fizz to him, because what his little demon craved, more than anything else, was to feel save. And Ozzie would give him exactly this. Where would he be safer than in the arms and bed of the King of Lust Ring?

Fizz's glowing eyes lit up their silly little hiding place, making it easy for Ozzie to see his expression. Amazement and disbelief displayed in them, at which Ozzie smiled and closed his eyes.

"Don't worry," he breathed, stroking Fizz’s back. "Everything will be okay."

And that was the magic word. Ozzie noticed Fizz relax. His fingers entangled in Ozzie's thick fur collar, in a resting grip, and then Fizzarolli let go. Began to shake violently and finally tears flowed.

It was disturbing, fueled Ozzie's hatred for his avoidant brother ... and yet a strange misplaced joy came up in him.

For no matter what he had shared with his previous favorites, never had any of them confided in him to the point of tearing down the wall they had built around themselves in his presence. Never had anyone allowed themselves such ... weakness in his presence. Far from any pleasure.

It filled him with joy, but also with concern. For this kind of trust was alien to him, what happened if he didn't live up to it?

*

All night long they lingered like this. Stayed well hidden in their fortress of pillows and blankets. All the rest of the night, through the morning, until at some point they fell asleep.

Restless dreams plagued Asmodeus. Dreams of bad aromas made flesh that hounded and tormented him, denying him any pleasure. Any hope for joy and pleasure. And he saw Fizz. Trapped alongside Mammon and chained to him. And he couldn't help, held back by the gruesome aroma creatures.

It was all the worse when the loud ring of the elevator echoed through the penthouse and he was suddenly jolted out of sleep.

Startled, he pulled the covers off his head and looked confused at the door. It was open and despite the advance notice from the elevator ... nothing happened. No second bell followed announcing that someone demanded entry to the penthouse, nor did any of his business partners or siblings rush in. Nothing happened, and Ozzie narrowed his eyes questioningly.

Had he possibly just been dreaming? Sighing, he ran his hand over his forehead, but froze at the same moment and looked down at himself frantically.

Fizzarolli! Oh Lucifer, hopefully he hadn't buried him in his sleep. That had happened before! He quickly pulled aside the blankets and pillows to see if the little demon was all right, but then faltered.

The bed was empty. There was no trace of Fizzarolli.

Had he already gotten up?

Concentrating, Ozzie listened into the penthouse, but couldn't detect any sound, so he stood up.

"Fizzarolli?" he called muffled, but got no answer. The bathroom, the kitchen, the living room ... all empty and deserted. There was no little demon rampaging in the kitchen or squatting on the sofa watching schmaltzy hellu-va-novellas.

There was no note, no clue.

Fizzarolli was gone.

Chapter Text

Chapter 15

Deep Cut

He would remember. Every second. Each moment….

The feel of those silky sheets, of the fluffy pillows and blankets. Of the strong arms that held him gently. Of soft feathers and ... of his scent. Ozzie’s scent ... Heavy and yet somehow floral. With a tiny hint of musk and sex. So pleasant. So comforting. So hot.

Yes. He would remember. Would cling to the memory as tightly as he could. For it was his life-line.

Slowly he opened his eyes, staring into a blinding light. The surface on which he lay was hard and icy. Exposed, he lay there for everybody to gawk at him, and even if he wanted to, he couldn't cover himself. Was unable to move. His arms and legs were strapped down. His limbs. His body. His flesh. Still there. Still in it’s place.

A white-clad figure loomed over him, the face covered by a surgical mask. A transparent mask in the person’s hand came closer and closer until it was pressed firmly over his face.

He flinched fiercely, wanting to turn his head away, but there was no escape. A sickeningly sweet taste settled on his tongue and he felt woozy.

"See you when all is over, whore", a second disgustingly familiar figure whispered coldly to him and then ....

Blackness.

Chapter Text

Chapter 16

Break down

"Sorry, the number you have dialed is not available in the moment. Please leave a message after the scream – AAAAHH!"

Asmodeus' quivering fingers clawed around his phone, and his nostrils flared.

"MAMMON!!!" he yelled, jumping up and catapulting his desk chair halfway across the room, ignoring that the windows of his office cracked. "Answer your fucking phone! This is the last time I'm calling you! Do you understand!? THE LAST FUCKING TIME! I'm warning you, do you understand!? I know you have Fizzarolli and if I don't get him back by tonight in one piece, I swear to God, do you understand? TO GOD that I will come to Greed, destroy every single one of your pathetic circles, blow up your dearly beloved bank and bust your ass! In every way that makes me the embodiment of lust! DO YOU UNDERSTAND!? I'll burn down your whole ring! Your whole ring and- ...!"

"AHHHH!"

Dead. The line was dead. Disconnected. Blocked. Out of reach.

Ozzie's eyes widened, staring at his phone as the anger inside him took over. He began to shake violently, clutching his phone so tightly that the casing cracked. The fire inside him grew boiling hot, threatening to burst out, until he lost control. He unleashed the inferno inside him, let it blaze, let it spread until the whole office was burning in screeching pink flames.

With a frustrated yell, he threw the phone across the office, lashed out - and drilled his fist into the office wall. Smashed through the concrete, leaving a gaping hole. Not a hint of pain jolted through him. There was nothing. Just the pressure and resistance, and it wasn't enough to stop the seething chaos in his stomach.

Breathing heavily, he stared at the hole where his fist stuck, watched as the plaster crumbled from the wall, and inhaled deeply.

Patience, he reminded himself. Once, this had been his most important attribute. Patience. Somewhere it must still be in him, it always had allowed him to keep a cool head. But that was a long time ago. Decades, no eons ago.

If he didn't stay calm, he would lose himself completely and that couldn't happen. None of this should happen. Not to him. Not to a demon prince. Not to a deathly sin ...

And yet ... yet he was about to lose himself. Because of someone else. Because of the emotions he felt for someone else …

Lucifer, how low he had sunk …

A knock on the door prompted him to flinch, and he raised his head, looking to the side. Before he could even give his okay, Elena entered, faltering at the sight of the hot flames, taking a step back and stared at Ozzie, blinking

"What?!" he snapped, at which his manager raised an eyebrow.

"With due respect, boss, we need to talk. But I can come back later if this isn't the right time." She cleared her throat and pointed to the wall.

Glaring at the sight with his head throbbing, Ozzie nevertheless felt an angry scream creep up his throat, but he swallowed it. Taking out his anger on his employees would only make things worse, so he yanked his fist out of the wall, and noticed that he was able to see through the hole in the backstage’s corridor. Shit… this needed to be fixed.

"So… what's the problem?" he murmured, walking over to his desk chair and picked it up as the flames surrounding them slowly subsided.

"Judging by this outburst, I'm assuming...that Fizzarolli hasn't returned yet?" With narrowed eyes Elena glanced at her notebook that she always carried around, but the very mention of that name fanned the flames in Ozzie.

With a bang, he kicked the chair behind the desk and sat down, clasping his hands before his face.

"No," he gritted out between clenched teeth, and reached for his phone, remembering that he'd taught that thing how to fly. Damn …

If she had guessed his thoughts, Elena appeared in front of his desk and handed him the demolished device. Tse, the woman was truly amazing and Ozzie remembered why he had hired her. Nerves of steel she possessed. Which was a good quality to have. Ozzie couldn’t detect any hint of fear in her. No lust either, but an appropriate amount of worry.

Sighing, he picked up the phone and glanced at it briefly. At least it still was working, but no new text message. Not a missed call, not any new email in the inbox. At least not from the two numbers he so desperately hoped to hear from.

"This is the sixth night in a row now, boss ... We'd already cut Fizzarolli’s performance to the most important nights to make him scarce, but nonetheless it's starting to show. We need a replacement."
Replacement? Ozzie snorted. Fizzarolli wasn't that easy to replace. Hie was special. His performance could be imitated, but no one would come close to the original.

"And who noticed, if I may ask?" he inquired urgently, putting the phone on the desk and leaning against the backrest of his chair with a sigh.

"Oh, nothing has gotten out to the press yet. The fact that he disappeared was supposed to stay hidden and I made sure of that... But the staff are starting to ask. They're worried. Especially after what happened on the boulevard. Fizzarolli is popular. But they're worried about you, too."
At that, Ozzie snorted. Yes, he knew that. His little jester was more than popular among his staff, and the thought of him sitting among the others at the after show party, joking for them, made his throat tighten. At the same time he was amazed by the fact that his employees ... worried. About him. Did his behavior already stand out that much? And if so, who else had noticed? The guests? Possibly an overlord or even one of his siblings? He had a reputation to lose. And his status.

Groaning, he rubbed the bridge of his nose and shook his head.

"What the hell is wrong with me? Tell me, Elena ... Am I going crazy, is it that?" he whispered, lost in thought. "In the past, I would have fired and kicked out anyone who didn't abide by the contract or simply disappeared without batting an eye. But I can't do that to Fizzarolli. The circumstances are... too special. Yet that's exactly what I should do. I should fire him and move on. It would be the best thing for the club." And for him, too, because what the little bastard did to him was dangerous. But he couldn't. In fact, HE, Asmodeus, was too attached to the little demon. So much so that it hurt.

"You care. That's what's going on," Elena replied serenely, and Ozzie's mouth twisted. Care? Oh no. That was an understatement. Not only did Ozzie care, ever since Fizzarolli disappeared, he was unable to do anything.

For days, he had been bombarding Fizzarolli with calls and messages, trying everything to reach him and find him, but nothing. It was like the little demon was swallowed by the Hellmouth!

Ozzie had searched all Nine Circles in Lust, he had searched in all Seven Rings - of course, only with the help of trustworthy people, because if it became public that his host, his favorite, had disappeared, this would have repercussions on his whole business. And maybe this would hurt Fizz, wherever he was ... And Ozzie guessed where he was. There was no doubt about it;. Mammon was to blame. Either he hid Fizzarolli or had kidnapped him! Because of that stupid contract! Ozzie just knew it. But he couldn’t even contacted Mammon, and he struggled what to do. Oh, how he struggled!

How many times Fizz had pleaded not to interfere with contract matters and Ozzie really wanted to accept that request. Storming Greed wouldn’t honor said request and Fizz would hate him for doing so .…

Moreover, leaving Lust was difficult. Only in his domain Ozzie could absorb energy constantly. Only here he could stay in his free form as long as he wanted. If he left Lust, his power was limited, he would be locked into his second shell, and Lust would be without a ruler. He doubted that turf wars would break out immediately or that another prince would raise a claim. But one never knew. Lust was a popular ring. Unlike Greed or Wrath ..

However, Ozzie wanted Fizzarolli back. He needed him back! Wanted to know that he was all right!
Since his jester was gone, Ozzie couldn't sleep, couldn't eat. He couldn't even enjoy the Lust of others anymore. Everything tasted bland and an unknown restlessness inside him grew that made him sick. He even neglected business. Ignored orders and business transactions, appointments, deadlines and the increasing number of calls from the factory.

What was this all about? He didn't understand himself anymore, couldn’t understand these feelings and he didn't want them! Yes, he had experienced something similar before. That was true and when he thought back to that time with her, his stomach still turned upside down. But with Fizz ... it was different.
And he couldn't reveal more than that to anyone. Not even to Elena. Even if he trusted his employees and even if he knew that they were one hundred percent loyal to him, he had to think of his image. What he stood for ... He could not ask anyone of the lower demon for advice when it came to emotions! Heavens, he himself was an expert for emotions. For positive emotions ... but nothing of this was positive.

Oh Satan, what was wrong with him!?

"Boss? May I speak freely?" Elena's voice called him out of his reverie and he looked up sullenly, nodding once. "The show must go on, and since we don’t know if Fizzarolli ever will return, I'll have to reschedule the show. I'm sorry. I'll make sure nothing gets out to the press, but we have to do something. For now, we'll announce that Fizz will only be performing at special events."

Again Ozzie nodded, but had to confess that he had stopped listening after Elena said she didn't know if Fizz was coming back.

Was that an option? Would he possibly never return?

The thought punched a violent hole in Ozzie's stomach, much like having the ground pulled out under him. It was as if, after centuries of waiting, he had finally been given what he had longed for and then was snatched right back from his hands. It was like ... a tearing, ripping pain? Yes. Like pain.

Lost in thought, Ozzie fumbled for the collar of his vest and reached for the fabric. Held it tightly.
"May I bring up something else?" Elena asked next, standing up. Slowly Ozzie nodded, at which his manager sighed. "You are the embodiment of lust. In every way and with everything there is on this spectrum," she began carefully, but with a firm voice. "Lust has many facets. Many layers. Many forms. But they are all part of lust, if you understand. And as an embodiment of that, there is nothing for you to worry about. Nothing that is wrong. Besides ..." With that, she walked to the door and opened it, grinning at him and winking once. "You are the ruler of this ring. A prince. You can do what you want and with whom you want ... and spend all the time in hell with that person. Do you understand? The club is taken care of. That's what I'm here for. That's what we're all here for. And honestly for everything else you don’t have to give a shit about!"

Ozzie stared at her with wide eyes, not knowing what to say. What this cheeky little she-imp was taking liberties with, what she dared to imply, was ...!!!

And yet, as silly as it sounded, her words hit the mark. Slowly, but forcefully, and their menaing elicited a sickly smile from Ozzie.

"Don't forget who you're talking to before you make any assumptions. It might cost you your head, sweetheart," he reprimaneded half-heartedly, to which Elena grinned and indicated a bow with her head. Then she disappeared, closing the door behind her, and as soon as she was was out Ozzie heard her yelling in the hallway for Wally to take care of the hole in the wall.

Ozzie chuckled, at her caustically tone, and shook his head.

For a moment he remained seated, but then reached for his phone again. Still nothing. No message, no call, no email.

Firmly he pressed his lips together and before he had finished the thought he dialed Fizzarolli's number. He knew he wouldn't get an answer, knew his little jester wouldn't pick up. But for this ...

"Hey, hey, that's Fizz's brand new phone! You know the drill, baby! Leave me a fancy, long, detailed, sexy message after the scream! Don't expect a call back though. Bye~"

Ozzie smirked, at the silly message and in the same moment regretted calling. Hearing Fizz’s voice made it worse after all, and wearily he closed his eyes. For a second he hesitated, but then opened his mouth.

"Hello, Fizzarolli. This is Asmodeus." He paused and drew his brows together. Far too formal! He cleared his throat and restarted again. "I mean ... it's me. Ozzie ... Again." He sighed soundlessly and slumped in his chair. “Call me already. If I don't hear from you soon ... I'll explode! Got it? Just disappearing like that without saying a word is mean and inconsiderate and I hate you!" With that, he hung up - and cursed at the same moment. What nonsense had he been talking about? What would his sensitive little favorite think when he heard that? What if he took the message seriously? Quickly, Ozzie dialed the number again, ignoring the sound of Fizz’s voice as best he could before it dragged his mood down even further.

"It's me ... Again. I didn't mean it, I don't hate you! But I'm seriously a little upset! So call me! Please ... Please, come back ..."

The tape kept running, but Ozzie couldn't think of anything else to say, so he let the tape run until finally the scream rang out and the busy signal sounded.

Expressionless, Ozzie stared at the screen before slumping down and letting his head fall onto the desk.

By Lucifer, hopefully Fizzarolli wasn't listening to these messages. Hopefully no one ever listened to them! What was he? A schoolboy who didn't know how to make a call? How embarrassing ...

Shaking his head, he got up and headed for the door out of his office. The evening was still young, the show would start soon, but it wasn't the same without Fizz. He was bored, and he'd be thinking about his jester all the time anyway.

There were no more appointments today, nor would he be performing, so he decided to go to the penthouse, sink into his pillows with a big pack of ice cream, watch that stupid TV show called Helluva- Novella that Fizz had infected him with and wallow in self-pity.

Yes, that's exactly what he lusted for right now.

*

The penthouse was empty and dark as the elevator doors closed behind Ozzie, and sighing, his shoulders slumped down.

Every time he rode up here alone, a small part of him hoped to find his naughty little jester on the couch, an apologetic grin on his face and an explanation in tow of where he'd been.

But nothing. It was far too quiet, and Ozzie remembered why he had rarely come here before. The silence of the place resembled a rope that wrapped itself around his neck to cut off his breath.

With his head down, he headed for his bedroom, taking off his boots on the way, leaving them in the middle of the hallway, and tossing his hat into some corner. At the latest now Fizzarolli would lecture Ozzie about being tidy and the thought elicited a weak smile from Ozzie.

Six nights he was gone now and never before had a week seemed so long to Ozzie.

He had kept his head down for the first few days. Fizzarolli wasn't his property and didn't want to be treated as such, therefore Ozzie had given him space. Believed, after the incident with Mammon and their ... very special night, Fizzarolli needed distance. Even when he hadn't shown up for the show, Ozzie hadn't ... yeah, what? Wanted to be clingy? Clinging made a lot of things worse and he had already learned that lesson in the past. 

But as more time had passed, the clearer it had become obvious that something was wrong, and that Mammon was to blame. Because this all had started with his visit!

Today. He had promised his so-called brother that he would wait until today. Tomorrow he would storm the Greed Ring. For a jester demon. For his favorite! Elena had to be wrong, Ozzie had become crazy, no doubt about it. But she was just as right, he didn’t give a shit what everyone else thought. He was craving what he was craving. And that was Fizz.

Sullenly, he trotted into the bedroom and headed for his dressing room, trying not to think about the last time he and Fizz had been here together. When his favorite had made a very pathetic attempt to seduce him. Only to end up crying himself to sleep in Ozzie's arms.

The thought prompted Ozzie to sigh longingly and his heart melted. If he spoke to one of his siblings about this, or any other demon in all of Hell, no one would believe this story. They would laugh at him! Because the lust in person simply did not do such a thing.

Lost in thought, he frowned and for the first time ... since ever, he wondered if all Hell believed that he fucked anything within a heartbeat. Truth to be told, he didn't care what Hell thought, and yet that matched the image people had of Lust. However, that wasn't true.

Briefly, Ozzie thought back to that night when he had talked to Fizz about his new image. At the time, he had told the little demon that he should be independent of what everyone else saw in him. That the public image didn't count as much as his own well-being. And that was hat Ozzie believed sincerely.

But... did that apply to him, as well? Ever since he'd fallen, he'd carried the name Deadly Sin and had done everything to live up to the image of lust. He had been too bitter, too resentful and troubled. One foolishness after another he had done, without thinking.

But was that really all there was to it? Was that all that would define him for all eternity?

The guy who fucked.

Not a very honorable title.

Shaking his head, he ran his hand over his forehead and pushed the thoughts aside. An identity crisis was the last thing he needed right now, and all because of some little demon from the Greed Ring. He had to pull himself together.

Carelessly he threw his vest into a corner with the other clothes that were supposed to be taken to the cleaners and looked for his bathrobe, then he faltered.

A whirring sound filled the air and his feathers stood up, curled.

A wave of energy was approaching! Coming straight at him. Built up high an dhigher, like a tower, until it finally discharged.

An invisible bolt of lighting flashed through Ozzie, and he hissed involuntarily. He knew that feeling all too well. Like reaching into an electrical outlet and getting a shock! A portal! Someone opened a portal to his penthouse!

Immediately he wheeled around, heard a dull bang, and winced. Dragging sounds came from the living room, he heard a soft gasp, then the energy wave dropped again. It disappeared as quickly as it had appeared, and there was nothing but silence in in the penthouse again.

Ozzie listened intently, but he did not hear any footsteps or anyone calling for him, as it was usually the case when one of his siblings gained access to his rooms via a portal without being asked. Still, he was sure. Someone had opened a portal.

Slowly he walked into the hallway, neither saw light, nor heard anything. The gate to the elevator also was locked, and finally he reached the steps leading to the living room.

The big wide room was pitch black. Only the neon lights of the city shone through the large windows, illuminating the room. Ozzie's eyes slowly gazed about the room, searching every corner - and he almost missed it. The small shadow sitting in the middle before the large window. Well hidden behind the long diner table. Ozzie held his breath and widened his eyes, taking a second look. Wanting to ensure he wasn't mistaken. Sure enough, it was him! Sitting there rigid and unmoving.

Ozzie's heart began to pound violently, and before he knew it, he was already descending the steps, approaching the shadow cautiously. He didn't believe it was a trap or an ambush, but he didn't want to make it too easy for himself either. It seemed impossible that he just appeared again ... Out of nowhere. Through a portal. It would be too easy. Much too easy ... But the hope remained and the closer Ozzie came, the stronger it became.

The shadows outlines sharpened, Ozzie recognized a fool's cap familiar to him and finally heard a low humming. A hum that was more than familiar to him! Melodic, but raspy and rough.

It was him. It was really him! Ozzie's heart took a misplaced leap.

"Fizz?" he asked, and the humming died instantly. The small figure in front of him didn't turn around, but tilted his head from side to side. No further movement happened.

"Fizz? Is that you ...?"

Silence. There was no answer. Then the figure put his head back and laughed a frighteningly hollow laugh.

"Mmmh," he hummed softly. "Is it me? Must be ... yes. Yes, it's me ... the one and only Fizzarolli."

A stone fell from Ozzie's heart and all at once his legs felt very wobbly. He squatted down next to the figure, supported his hands on his knees and took a deep breath.

Thank Lucifer, he was back. He was back! But as much as Ozzie wanted to rejoice, something about the way Fizzarolli spoke worried him.

"Fizz," Ozzie began, a multitude of emotions welling up inside him at the same moment, feelings that could break a lot. Yelling and raving, as much as he wanted to, wouldn't make it any better, so he pressed his lips together and pulled himself together. "Where have you been? I've been looking all over Hell for you ..."

Another giggle came.

"I've been dancing. Aaaaall the time. Partying with Mammon."

Firmly, Ozzie clenched his fists. He had known it! He would break Mammon's neck.

"Dancing?" he pressed out, knowing this was another lie. "And you didn't think to check in? Give any sign of life?"

"Sign of life?" Fizzarolli's head shot up and he sat up straight. A strange mechanical sound rang out and he began to nod. "Mh, yes. That's right. But I didn't know until then. Whether I was alive. Or not. Am I alive?"

Puzzled, Ozzie frowned. Was the little demon drunk or high or what was he babbling about? However, Ozzie couldn't smell any alcohol on him.

"Of course you're alive! And I want to know what happened. You were gone and I couldn't contact you. Neither you nor Mammon."

Fizzarolli came up with no answer; he just kept looking out the window before leaning forward and pressing his forehead against the glass.

"I like this view. Have I said this before? Really great ... All the colors. So colorful," he murmured, and by now, at the latest, Ozzie realized he must have taking something. Or Mammon had given him something.

"Enough! I demand an answer, and this time I'm not going to be fobbed off with a fairy tale!" With that, he grabbed Fizz's shoulder, ready to spin the other around, but a violent jolt went through Fizz and he gasped in pain.

Immediately Ozzie removed his hand, frozen.

The shoulder had felt hard. Very hard. Like metal. Yet ... that was Fizz’s good shoulder.

Ozzie grew ice-cold, and he felt an ominous lump growing inside him.

"Fizz ...?"

Slowly, Fizz pushed himself away from the window, grabbed his shoulder with his robotic hand, and clung tightly to the fabric. Chuckling softly, he finally turned to Ozzie. Their eyes met and Ozzie forgot to breathe for a moment.

No makeup adorned Fizz's face and the look he gave Ozzie was blank and absent. Like looking into two black holes. For far too long Ozzie gawked into this nothingness, afraid of falling into it, when Fizz suddenly laughed.

"I have a surprise," it escaped him and his laughter became truly diabolical. Was not inferior to one of Ozzie's siblings.

"A surprise?" Something told Ozzie he didn't want to hear it. Fizzarolli nodded in response - and crawled awkwardly towards to him.

"Yes. It's my turn this time. It's my turn to surprise you. Fair enough, it was one for me, too ... A gift! That's what Mammon said. It's a great great gift. Do you want to see it?"

Like in a trance, Ozzie shook his head.

"No. I don't think so."

"Oh?" For a moment Fizz looked seriously confused, looked down at the floor, but then raised his head again and the deviant grin returned. "Too bad. But it doesn't matter. You'll see it. Everybody's going to see it. Because everyone wants to see it. Everybody thinks it's great. That's why I got it. Look! The newest attraction!" Slowly, Fizz raised his robotic arm - and extended it. He put one of his fingers under Ozzie's chin, stroked his cheek, and chuckled.

Then he extended his other arm ... and did the same thing! Exactly the same thing!

The strange mechanical sound rang out, echoing in Ozzie's ears like a sickening tinnitus, and a second robotic arm stretched out to him! Two cool metal hands settled on his face and cupped his cheeks.

"Taadaaa," Fizz chirped uncharitably, lowering his lids. "Surprise! Now for a double!" He lowered his head, looked down at himself, and his expression got insane. "Although, no. Not true. In a four-pack! The whole package. Now I'm the longest, stretchiest demon in all hell. Yaaay."

What ... was he saying?

Ozzie's eyes slowly traveled down Fizz, settled on his legs, couldn't see it at first. But then he saw them. His feet. Or whatever it was that was peeking out of his pants.

Realization overcame Ozzie. Haunted him like a ghost, and he went ice cold inside. Every flame in him went out, every lust ebbed and the glow that always emanated from him died.

For he understood. He understood .…

Chapter Text

Chapter 17

Acid

Quietly they sat in the darkness. Silent. Unmoving.

Merely the sounds of the city filled the void between them, merging together until the turned into one ringing background noise. The tumult of the traffic, the screams of the demons, the soft music of the surrounding clubs and discos. Here and there a spotlight cut through the sky, wandering over the walls of the penthouse and bathed it in vivid colors. Moved over them; creating a flashlight on shiny robotic arms. Letting the dark metal of robotic legs glare.

Hypnotized, Ozzie stared at the prostheses attached to Fizzarolli's body, unable to take his eyes off. His eyes were glued to the metal, were sucked irrevocably at each limp.

His head was empty. Everything inside him was empty. He was frozen. But something flared up inside him. A small flame. A pink little flame. And it was waiting ...

"Hey, Ozzie...? Ozzie, hey?", Fizzarolli's voice came through from far away, but Asmodeus didn't manage to lift his eyes. Laughter rang out and the little flame inside him twitched dangerously. "Hey, hey, what's with the serious face? Why are you looking like that? Isn't this great? Isn't this what attracted everybody!? What fascinated everybody? The prosthesis! Everybody will be excited when they see all four. Isn't that great? Great, great... Like something out of a cartoon! Ha! I'm a cartoon character! Ha, ha!"

Fizzarolli laughed.

And laughed.

And laughed.

And the flame grew. Slowly, Ozzie clenched his fists.

"Stop laughing," he murmured softly, watching out of the corner of his eye as Fizzarolli tilted his head to the side. But he didn't stop. He didn't stop. He became quieter, the laughter turned into a giggle, but it just didn't disappear, and the flame blazed up.

"I SAID STOP LAUGHING, DAMN IT!" Ozzie roared, thundering his fists on the ground in front of Fizzarolli, making the little demon twitch, but he couldn't hold on any longer. He didn't understand ... He just couldn't believe what he saw ...! "I can't hear it anymore, this sleazy fake laugh! It's wrong! It disgusts me! So stop it! Stop it! There's nothing to laugh at, damn it! So shut up!"

And then, finally, the eerie sound dissolved. The laughter ceased. Not, however, the blaze inside Ozzie. His whole body tensed, and he stared down at his fists. Saw those mechanical legs resting on the floor in front of him ... and wanted to vomit. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Fizz turn his head to the side and look out the window again. Still grinning ...

"Mh, no! Not a good idea, stupid!" Fizz sneered, but then faltered and winced, gasping and grabbing his shoulder. He entangled his mechanical fingers in the fabric of his costume. There was silence for a moment, then he continued. More quiet. With less derision in his voice. "If-if I stop, I know exactly what will happen ... And that wouldn't be sexy. Nothing that would please a prince. Nothing that would please lust. What would please you... crying two times is one too many." Growing even more quiet, his voice crumbled, and slowly Ozzie raised his head, watching Fizz slump down.

And as much as pity gnawed at him, as much as horror paralyzed him, the flame inside him blazed too hot. Hissing and nagging, he inhaled with concentration.

So that's what Fizz was all about!? He wanted to please him, and that's why he was putting on this abysmally fake show!? If there was one thing Ozzie hated, were faked emotions! False feelings and lies and ... Fizz's flavor. Because it wasn't the same as before. It was completely different. Had turned one hundred and eighty degrees around.

Whenever Ozzie had absorbed Fizz’s aroma in the past he had basked in the delicious aromas of a candy store, enjoyed the passionate scent of a lush bouquet of flowers, or bathed in a hot steaming fountain of desire, but now this was ... a rancid leak in a cheap gasoline line.

"What pleases me and what not is my business. But this isn’t pleasing me, at all! You understand!?" he rumbled, at which Fizz curmbled even more. Not looking at Ozzie, his hand clawed at his top so hard like he was trying to rip the sleeve off. And he shivered. Creating a clanking sound as he did so.

"Mammon said you'd like it ..."

Mammon?

The flame continued to grow. Multiplied and filled more and more of Ozzie. Ate its way through his insides and burned him.

Mammon, huh?! He dug its claws into the ground, leaving deep furrows in the marble.

"Mammon, Mammon! If I hear that name one more time, I'll blow something up!" Before he knew it, Ozzie jumped up, started pacing. "Mammon! Pah! Back to heaven with him! What's so great about him? Huh? Tell me! Is he so great that you jump as soon as he whistles? That you dance to his tune and forget everything else around you?! That you rip your damn limbs out when he says so?! TELL ME!"

Shaking, Fizzarolli stared wide-eyed at Ozzie and pulled his head down, wrapping his tail around himself. The horror in his features caused the flame inside Ozzie to turn to acid, eating through him. He cursed, running both hands over his head before spreading his arms and pointing at the abnormalities that clung at Fizz.

"Why?!" he hissed. "Why did you ... why did he do that!? This is madness!"

Even before Fizz opened his mouth, Ozzie knew the answer, and when the words left Fizzarolli's lips, he wanted to tear himself in two.

"The contract ..." he began, but Ozzie waved it off, giving an annoyed groan.

The contract! Yes, of course. Sure.

Faster and faster Ozzie began to pace about, ignoring the fact that his footsteps echoed like thunderclaps on the floor. He had known it. All along. That damned contract. All this time it was hovering over Fizzarolli's head and Mammon was taking advantage of his favorite! Even went so far as to mutilate him!

That asshole had mutilated him!

Before Ozzie knew it, he wheeled around, lost control, and the acid flame sprouted from his body, lighting up the entire living room in a screeching pink.

"WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME!!!" he roared, throwing himself on the floor in front of Fizz. "I was standing in front of you! I was standing in front of you the whole time! I pulled you into my bed and comforted you! And you didn’t dare to say a damn word!"

In a haste, Fizzarolli backed away, pressing himself against the window. Panic rose in him, intensifying the sickening stench emanating from him, and Ozzie shivered in disgust.

Yeah. Now Fizz showed himself vulnerable and helpless again! Otherwise he had such a big mouth and now he was hiding away from a little fire! Fire that couldn't hurt him if Ozzie didn’t want to. But Fizzarolli probably hadn't listened to him then when he'd explained it to him. Just as he hadn't listened to Ozzie when he'd explained how important the truth was. How important trust was!

But Fizz didn't trust him one bit! He didn't seem to give a damn!

Growling, Ozzie grabbed Fizz's tail and pulled him closer, preventing him from crawling away.

"N-no! Stop!" the jester whimpered, trying to escape the flames and shaking his head frantically, but Ozzie remained stern. Should he just whine and cry, he wasn't going to get far with his fussing. Not today! Ozzie pulled him even closer.

"I ... I couldn't!" Fizz finally screamed, closing his eyes. The stupid smile disappeared, and Fizz would be wise not to put it on again. "I have to do what he says! I have to. As long as the contract isn’t canceled ... I-I couldn't tell you anything. Or it would have been worse. He's a prince! A prince ...Just like you. What was I supposed to do?"

His pathetic stammering didn't make it any better. Ozzie narrowed his eyes and let go of him, whereupon Fizz crawled away, seeking shelter under the table. Miserable coward.

Slowly, Ozzie rose. Snorted.

So Fizzarolli had to obey Mammon until his debts were paid off, huh? That was the big secret? Tse, typical Mammon. That explained a lot, but by no means everything, and it didn't excuse anything.

The acid flames reached Ozzie's heart. Taking a deep breath, he pursed his mouth - and turned away.

"This isn’t going to work," he muttered bitterly, wrapping his arms around himself and feeling his heart cauterize. The flames subsided, leaving behind a bland taste foreign to Ozzie. A flavor he couldn’t find words for. How could Fizzarolli and he come together, more to strike a balance, with Mammon hovering over them. With this contract standing between them. And if Fizzarolli didn't trust him ... "It doesn't work ... Not like this."

A mechanical noise sounded from somewhere behind him, and suddenly a voice rose. Foreign it sounded. Less raspy and smoky. It sounded ... faintly.

"W-what does that mean ...?" The underlying panic in that strange voice prompted Ozzie to look over his shoulder and he pressed his lips together. Awkwardly, Fizz came crawling out of his hiding place, holding onto one of the chairs but not standing up. "Does that mean you're throwing me away? That you don't want me anymore?" A horribly helpless whimper escaped the demon, and he turned his gaze to the floor, searching desperatley for words, and what was said was hard to listen to. "B-but ... I'm your favorite! You made me your favorite! You dragged me to your place and sweet coating my ears and now ...! Y-you can't just throw me away! Not now!"

Ozzie blinked in surprise. The choice of words hit him surprisingly hard. Even harder than the desperate expression on Fizzarolli's face. The acid flame completely cauterized his whole heart until nothing was left and exhaustion washed over Ozzie. Never before he had never experienced such an emotional roller coaster, and he didn't know whether he could endure it any longer.

He sighed.

"Then tell me how this is going to work," he murmured, and before he could stop himself, he voiced what had been torturing him for the past six days. "You don't trust me. You didn't tell me what Mammon was up to while you knew it. You knew what he was going to do to you and you didn't share your knowledge with me. Instead, you played me and disappeared without a message. Aside from that, you leave me starving on an arms length. I have a lot of patience, but you don't let me get close to you, keep secrets. So what do I get out of this? Was is the outcome? What happens next time Mammon whistles and holds the contract over your head like a guillotine?"

Fizz literally collapsed before his eyes, but Ozzie kept talking, regretting every word, and yet all he said was true.

He had made an effort. An extremely enormous one by his standards. And what had he received in return? That his favorite, his Fizz, disappeared ... and returned without limbs. The very thought destroyed something in Ozzie he hadn't known.

"No ... don't say that!" came as response, and slowly Ozzie raised his head, watched as Fizz tried to pull himself up at the table. But something was wrong. His new limbs were endlessly sluggish, making loud noises and offended Ozzie's ears.

Awkwardly, Fizz staggered toward Ozzie, at the same moment his face twisted horribly, moaning in pain. He lost his balance and fell, whereupon Ozzie involuntarily flinched and automatically rushed to him. As soon as he reached Fizz, however, he faltered. How exactly was he supposed to touch this body? Because there was one thing he saw. Which had slipped his attention before. Or much more he had preferred to ignore it, being too angry.

Fizzarolli was in pain. Great pain.

Still, he pushed himself up on his arms, starring at Ozzie, stretching out a hand and grabbed Ozzie’s shirt.

"Please don't," he began to babble frantically, shaking his head. "M-Mammon said you'd take me back! He said you wanted me back so badly! That you threatened him. That's why he brought me back, even though I'm not yet ...." He stopped, didn't speak further, and lowered his head. "He said you would forgive me for leaving because he took me! He said that I would become even more successful. That everyone would love it. That you would love it. That’s ... That's what he said before he... He-… !!!" Fizz's head shot up and had the acid not eaten away Ozzie's heart already, it would melt. Just melt away with pity and affection. Utter despair oozed from every one of Fizz's pores as he repeated those two little words over and over. "He t …! He tore…!"

Ozzie swallowed, because yes, he knew what Mammon had done. Fizz didn't have to say it, it was obvious. Unfortunately. All the madness was spread out before him and made Ozzie sick. As sick as he had never been before in his life.

Tighter and tighter Fizzarolli clung to him, forcing Ozzie to bend down to him, and then a soft sob sounded.

"Please," Ozzie heard him whisper. So incredibly low that he barely heard the words. "Give me another chance... Don't throw me away. Let me prove that I am worthy ... worthy of you. Please."

Throw him away. As if he could. Sighing, Ozzie slumped down. Seeing his little demon in front of him, hearing him whimper like that, he was overhelmed with remorse. He was no stranger to being pleaded with, but in this way it was anything but pleasurable or a turn-on. It just felt wrong.

He shouldn't have let himself go the way he had done it, even if he had been angry. To grasp the whole picture of this situation was incredibly difficult ... But Fizz wasn't to blame after all.

Ozzie's fingers twitched and finally he placed a hand on Fizz's back. Stroked him gently and felt under his fingertips how violently his little demon was shaking. How labored his breathing was.

"I … I don't know what to do anymore," Fizz whispered terribly helpless, clinging to Ozzie as if his life depended on it. As if Ozzie alone could save him from all the evils of hell - and with that Fizz had him. Ozzie was hooked and there was no escape.

Amusing. Ridiculous. Unbelievable for the deathly sin of lust. But an inescapable fact. He actually had found someone he wanted to call His. And whom he would protect at all costs.

Slowly, Asmodeus raised his head, stared out the window, and narrowed his eyes.

It was not the whole evil of hell that dared to haunt his favorite. It was one evil. One single one. And Asmodeus would eradicate him. Once and for all.

"But I know," he therefore murmured firmly, lifting Fizzarolli up as carefully as he could. "I know exactly what to do." He put a finger under he other’s chin and made him look up, giving him a smile. After all the brooding and anger, the smile was pure relief to his facial muscles and like a salvation to his corroded insides.

Wide eyes full of shame stared at him, trying hard to hide the tears that had once again flowed, but Ozzie would dry them. And he would do it forever.

"I've told you before. And I'll say it again. Everything's going to be okay. Don't you worry about a thing. I'll take care of you."

***

Lost in thought, Ozzie stood in front of his bed and observed the tiny figure resting between the pillows and blankets, seeming to drown in them.

Fizzarolli's chest rose and fell irregularly, sweat covered his forehead, but he was fast asleep. Thank Lucifer, he finally was asleep.

Exhausted, Ozzie ran his hands over his forehead while his eyes kept resting on the prosthesis hidden under the blankets.

He couldn't find words, just couldn't believe what had happened. And to one of his favorites. Someone who was under his protection. Someone for whom he felt such great ... affection, that it paralyzed him.

At the mere thought of what Fizz had endured the last few days, Ozzie's insides twisted and it fueled the rage inside him. Brought the pink flames to a blaze once again. However, Asmodeus faltered the moment the flames sprouted too high, and he closed his eyes, trying to concentrate and stay calm. He didn’t want to lose his composure a second time. Not a second time did he want to frighten Fizz.

Because yes, by now he knew that Fizzarolli didn't like fire. More than that, it resembled a deep-rooted fear. And yet Ozzie had knowingly exposed Fizz to his flames. Because he had been angry ...
Oh, by Satan, what a vile hypocrite he was. Whether it was during sex or in any other situation, it was a no-go to cross another's boundary when the other made it clear that he was uncomfortable, and ever since, his conscience tortured Ozzie incessantly.

He had been hard on Fizzarolli. Way too hard and even though Ozzie had apologized and assured his little demon he would fix all things... the damage was done. Not just in terms of Fizz's gruesome mutilation.

After Ozzie's loss of control, the little demon had been completely unraveled, and far too slowly Asmodeus had realized the extent of what the situation actually entailed and what the consequence was.

Mammon was torturing Fizzarolli. Physically and mentally. All thanks to this contract ...
Thinking about it, Ozzie wrinkled his nose and clenched his fists. They might be living in hell, but torture was not something that turned Ozzie on, and imagining Fizzarolli's ghastly new flavor came from just that twisted his stomach.

Once again the flames flickered, and Ozzie was glad as hell that Fizz didn't see the bright pink glow. And he wouldn't see them at all, Ozzie would make sure of that. Because even though his own feelings and thoughts were on a wild roller coaster that had more loops than he could count, he locked them away and did what he could the best - he cared. As promised.

That's why he had Fizz safely tucked into his bed and administered his medication.
There was no mistaking that Fizz still was in pain, the way he was writhing in his sleep, the medication wasn't working as it should. Maybe the medicine was wrong or the dosage wasn't right, but Ozzie would take care of that later.

What was important now was that Fizz slept. Sleep could be truly healing, as Ozzie knew - and that's why he had crossed another line. For Fizz's benefit, he had cast a spell on the little jester so that he could enjoy a peaceful dreamless sleep. It was one of the few magic tricks Ozzie had mastered without needing any aids, however, the pain negated what Ozzie had hoped for. Restless sleep would not be possible for Fizz, but perhaps he would at least get some relief. Just a little bit, at least.

But even if Ozzie had crossed a line, in this case he had had no other choice. For he had to take care of something. Something that needed to be done. That only he could do.

Once before he had gone that far and crossed a line for one of his former favorites, interfering with her life and pushing matters to the extreme. Only this time Ozzie was in a strange way much more involved. For Fizzarolli was not like his other favorites. He was different from them, even if Ozzie couldn't name the reason. Anything that happened to Fizz, concerned Asmodeus .... personally.

He looked down at Fizz one last time, then turned away and closed the bedroom door behind him. Made sure all entrances to the penthouse, visible and invisible, were sealed.

Then he marched through the living room, pulled open the huge windows and stepped out onto the large terrace. To where there was enough space. Space he would need. Darkly, he let his gaze roam over the rooftops of his city and took a deep breath. Tried to inhale as much of the lust-soaked air of his domaine as he could. Sucking in the hidden energy, perceived the most diverse aromas. But they had all lost flavor. They tasted bland, killing his appetite - and finally he did something he had never done before.

He didn't focus on the positive emotions, on the lust, pleasure or passion. He looked for negative emotions. Searched for anger, hatred and fear that were hiding in the air, and even if their share was smaller, they were strong enough to feed his flames. To fuel his anger. And oh, he was angry! Dripping with anger! And that was exactly the kind of energy he needed!
With a sharp motion, he raised a hand, extended a finger, and used his flames to draw an emblem in the air, muttering an incantation. Murmured a place, a name, and the formula to tear down the walls between the rings. For his goal was clear.

To Greed.

To Mammon.

Chapter Text

Chapter 18

dear brother mine

Even before the portal opened fully Asmodeus saw what he had expected to see.

Mammon was sitting in the huge swanky office of his Great Greed Casino, at an extravagant overly large desk, his beloved calculator in front of him, surrounded by countless stacks of paper - and caring for nothing but himself and his profit.

The entire office spoke of self-congratulatory adulation. Posters from his early days as an entertainer, when he performed in person and filled stadiums, filled the walls, while certificates, gold records and awards on various side-desks distracted from the true nature of his success. But one only had to look closely to see the ugliness that lay beneath. The selfishness ... the injustice. The greed.

To Asmodeus it perfectly was visible. Long before their fall, he had recognized the path his brother was walking on, but now he had gone too far. Even so far that Ozzie himself dared to enter Greed to kick his so-called brother's ass.

Because that's exactly what he was going to do. Literally.

Staring darkly through the fully opening portal, he snorted when Mammon didn't even raise his head, didn't seem to notice what was happening right in front of his eyes - and with a bang Ozzie punched a crack in the invisible walls between the rings, marched straight through the portal and felt the inevitable tugging that took possession of him as he did so.

The breach unleashed a violent wave of energy that swept through the office like a tornado. It whirled Mammon's piles of paper into the air, shattered windows and pushed furniture across the room - and, finally, called forth a reaction.

Horrified, Mammon threw himself on his feet, had to dodge his desk to avoid being crushed by it, and jumped onto the tabletop, trying to keep his balance, but was still thrown against the wall behind him. A crude curse echoed through the office and raging with anger, Mammon raised his head.
"What the fuck! Who dares to set foot in my of- ...!" he thundered, but Asmodeus was not interested in such pathetic cackling. Grumbling, he strode past the wave of energy, noticing how his own energy diminished as soon as he set foot in the alien ring, but that didn't stop him. With sinister determination, he marched toward Mammon, his gaze fixed on the deviant subject who had dared to touch what belonged to Ozzie!

"O-Ozzie?" Mammon asked in response, ducking his head the closer Ozzie got to him. "H-how come I deserve your visit? Don't you usually stay in Lust …?"

"You didn't expect that, did you?" Ozzie murmured mystifyingly, came to stand before Mammon before his brother could react. Ozzie's hand shot out, grabbed his brother's neck, and hauled him off the desk, holding Mammon high above his head. "You miserable son of a bitch! WHAT have you done?!"

A retch came from Mammon, who, frithtened, reached for Ozzie's hand and clawed at his fingers. He almost mustered the strength to pry Ozzie's fingers from his neck, but the more he struggled, the tighter Ozzie closed his fist around Mammon's throat. Choked the air out of him.

"What! Not a one causal quip on your lips!? Did you seriously think you'd get away with what you did that easily!? That I'd simply let it slip?!"

"What-what are you even talking about, you lunatic?" Mammon gasped, and that he dared to play dumb ignited that anger in Asmodeus that he had absorbed earlier. The flames within him blazed hot and brutal, crawling to the surface within seconds and enveloping Ozzie – glowing in a menacing pitch black.

"WHAT AM I TALKING ABOUT!?" Ozzie roared, thumping Mammon's face on the his desk. "FIZZAROLLI! You dared to lay a finger on him, scum!"

At that, Mammon pulled a face, glaring deprecatingly up to Ozzie, and braced himself against his grip. But Ozzie didn't let go. Not this time!

"What I do to that son of a bitch ... is none of your damn business," Mammon croaked, at which Ozzie growled. The glow that usually emanated from him promptly turned into a dark mass, discoloring his feathers, his fur collar, even his clothes; dipping him into the darkest black hell had to offer.

"Yes it is! HE'S MINE!" With a jerk, he thumped Mammon's head at the desk one more time, and horror blazed up inside the fucker. Horror and a spark of fear. But no matter how small it was, it’s existence ignited pure satisfaction and Ozzie inhaled the vile scent like the smoke of a fine cigar.
Oh yes! Mammon should fear him! Should look up to him! Like he had done eons ago.

To his annoyance, however, Mammon only choked out a throaty laugh.

"He's ... yours? So you're really ... raising a claim? Once Again? Cute. Really cute, King of Lust ..."

How dared he! He tried to mock him? To rub it in? Oh well, then Ozzie would do him the favor and play along.

"Shut up!" Ozzie’s free hand shot out and purposefully grabbed Mammon’s crotch, got a hold of the fucker’s balls and squeezed them. Twisted them as far as his hand would allow.

A pitiful screech escaped Mammon and a jolt went through Ozzie. Filled with pure spite, he perceived the angry shame in his brother - and twisted his hand even further.

"Let go, you perverted asshole!" clamored Mammon, beginning to struggle in earnest, and Ozzie started to have difficulty holding the other in place. Mammon, like him, remained a prince and in his ring his power was greatest. But he underestimated Asmodeus. With all his might, he pinned Mammon to the desk and exhaled pitch-black flames.

"Why are you making such a fuzz?" asked Ozzie with a voice sweet as sugar. "Didn't you check the messages I have sent you? I warned you what would happen if I didn't get him back in one piece! And that’s what I am doing now!" As hard as he could, his hand crushed the sensitive flesh, whereupon Mammon tried to elbow him in the face, but Ozzie dodged the attack, grabbing the other’s wrist instead and slammed it down on the desk. Once too often, Mammon had made fun of Ozzie's title. Once too often, he had spoken disparagingly of lust and passion. So Ozzie would teach him a sound lesson!

He slid his foot between Mammon's legs and pushed them wide apart, giving him a threatening thrust with his hip.

A dangerous rumble rose in the office and the lights on the ceiling began to flicker greenish, casting high shadows on the walls that took on a life of their own. They turned into distorted black grimaces, greedily stretching their dark fingers towards Asmodeus. Ha! The moment of truth had come. Mammon's patience ran out, and he unleashed his own powers. It didn’t matter! The souls of those Mammon had conquered could not harm Ozzie! And yet Mammon conjured up more and more, began to pulse in a greenish glow himself.

"I'm warning you, Asmodeus. Stop this shit before I rip you to shreds!" he sneered, showing his razor-sharp golden teeth, but his threat was a joke. Especially in the light of the next sentence that followed. "Or would you go so far and violate to your own brother!"

"Violate you?!" Ozzie laughed and shook his head. "Oh no, little brother. Never would I. Don't you remember? What my true duty was back then? Often enough you mocked me because of this. I wanted to give pure love to everyone on earth! And now I give it to you! In. It’s. Rawest. Form!"

A sinister growl sounded and all at once a jolt went through Mammon. Ozzie felt the other’s strength double, and cursed inwardly. The green pulse quickened and before Ozzie could react, Mammon braced himself and arched his shoulders.

Black wings shot out from his back, reaching from one wall to the next, and three long thin tails whipped Ozzie in the face. He gasped and lost his ground, had to back away, and before he knew it, Mammon was flying away.

Cursing, Ozzie placed a hand on his face, feeling a throb behind his temple, and caught the metallic scent of blood. Fair enough, that point went to the miserable son of a bitch. Apparently Ozzie had pushed the right buttons. Served him right.

Frowning, he craned his neck, searched the ceiling, and found Mammon, hovering in the farthest top corner. The black grimaces bustled around him as if he were sitting on a sinister mountain that was ready to collapse on Ozzie. Yet all this was nothing but a show! Simple souls could not harm a prince.

Snorting, Ozzie shook his head, stomped toward Mammon, unimpressed, but when if he reached out to his brother, he couldn't catch him. Too high up Mammon had taken refuge.

"Get down here in an instant, you miserable coward!"

"So you can get in my pants, pervert? My ass!" sneered Mammon, and yet the sight of the other’s face elicited a grin from Ozzie, as he recognized Mammon convinced himself that his private parts still were as good as before. Which they weren’t. For sure!

"And how long do you plan to hide up there? You can’t stay up there forever. I'll have all the time in hell. I’ll be here waiting for you! What is it you always say? Time is money!"

"Tse, if you want something from me, come up here!" Mammon taunted as unabashedly as before, flapping his demonic wings one time, hurling a strong gust of wind into Ozzie's face. "Although, I forgot! You can't even do that anymore ... Well, too bad. If you're that stupid and rip out your own body parts, it's your own fault! Seems like you and your favorite toy have something in common!"

This hit Ozzie unusually hard, and he clenched his fists, grimacing.

He was about to climb up to Mammon when he faltered. The flames that enveloped him shrank and he gritted his teeth. Damn ... his time was running out.

"Watch your mouth," he rumbled, and even if he wanted to beat the living daylights out of Mammon, he had to hurry. "I can't stand your face any longer, so let's get to the point!" he tempted instead, and of course it worked. The mere suggestion of a profitable contract was akin to a fishing rod and Mammon was the fish ready to bit.

"To the point? Oh, well, well. So the big man actually wants something from me? Suddenly isn't all-powerful anymore and wants to negotiate?" Mammon chuckled hollowly and Ozzie folded his arms.

"The contract. I want to see it," he demanded, to which Mammon raised a brow.

"Fizz's contract?"

"Indeed! I want to know what's that all about! What enabled you to do such a thing to him!"

"Oh, I didn't do anything to him. I just made suggestions. Basically. Nothing else. You know how it goes. People automatically fall for my charms. It's the greed in them that makes them say yes to every one of my proposals. And all those are very generous proposals. I always have everyone's best interest in mind, and what happened to Fizz will make him very successful."

"Cut the crap! I said I want to see the contract!"

"And I say it's none of your business! The contract is legal and binding. Sorry, Asmodeus. You can turn yourself upside down about it."

Legal. Tse. Ozzie didn't care if the contract was legal. A contract that forced someone to amputate his limbs was a shitty contract! And Ozzie was in no mood to joke. His patience was getting as thin as his strength was diminishing.. He had put too much energy into his little scuffle with Mammon. It was time to play the game by Mammon’s rules.

He glanced out the wide, cracked windows of the office, he could see across the entire first circle of the Greed Ring. The sky shone in a lucid green and many important-looking skyscrapers dominated the view. Between them various casinos and entertainment buildings could be seen. However, there was one particular building Ozzie was looking for and which easily could be found. It’s facade adorned with the same jester hat that Mammon always wore.

For a moment, Ozzie concentrated before he stretched out his arm.

Giving Mammon an ice-cold look, he clenched his hand into a fist and at the same moment that very building some distance away, imploded. Blown away. A great cloud of gray smoke spiraled into the sky and not a second later, the wave of the blast hit them, shattering more windows.

"NO!" escaped Mammon, who actually flew down from his corner at the ceiling and pressed his face against the remaining window. Within seconds, the shadowy figures disappeared, leaving behind a shattered office. "You maniac! What have you done!!! That...that was! Oh, Lucifer...!"

"One of your central banks, I know. I know the location of every single of your banks. And don't worry, I know how much you care about your employees. I teleported them out beforehand."

"My money...," Mammon just croaked, though, ignoring what Ozzie said, at which he rolled his eyes. Typical, Mammon and his stupid money. But it wasn't about that!

Again Ozzie extended a hand, whereupon Mammon wheeled around and looked at him with wide eyes.

"Next target is one of your casinos. What now? If you're not going to show me the contract, tell me how much!"

Slowly, Mammon narrowed his eyes.

"How much? How much of what!? How much more is missing before you completely loose your mind? Not much more, asshole!"

"I'm talking about the amount of money Fizzarolli owes you! That's what your stupid contract is all about, isn’t it! We'll end this now. Tell me the amount and after that you'll never bother him again!"

Stunned, Mammon gawked at him - and it was almost pathetic how quickly he jumped at the suggestion. Grinning, Mammon folded his arms and retracted his wings and tails.

"So that's what you're about? You seriously want to pay off his debt? From a low class demon?" His grin fueled Ozzie's anger and his fingers twitched dangerously. But he restrained himself. Dissipating too much energy into his anger wouldn't do him any good.

"The reason in none of your concern. Do you want the cash or not?"

Mammon hesitated, ran his fingers thoughtfully over his chin, then shrugged.

"If you say so," he chirped innocently, and as if nothing had happened, he waltzed past Ozzie to his desk. With a jerk, he moved it aside and pulled out a file of one of the myriad drawers, waving it in Ozzie's face. "Being your fuck buddy truly comes with merits. If you take on the debt of anyone who sucks your dick, it's actually worth it. So? What do you get in return?"

"None of your business." Sullenly, Ozzie snatched the file from Mammon’s hands and opened it. It consisted of bills. Of course. Piles and piles of bills. So many that Ozzie lost track and didn't even read the details. Luckily, he had a finance department that did such stuff for him.

He glanced at Mammon, who was leaning against his desk and giving him a very awkward grin. Finally, Ozzie found the most important document: a complete cost breakdown and finally the total sum of the amount Fizzarolli owed Mammon - including an estimate regarding payment duration.

Ozzie was blindsided when he saw the hundred-digit sum that covered over two pages. By Lucifer!

"What the fuck is that supposed to mean?!" he snapped. Open-mouthed, he gawked at Mammon, who shrugged innocently.

"It's the complete list of Fizz's debts. Just like requested."

"You're shitting me!" Furious, Ozzie threw the file in Mammon's face, and planted himself in front of him. "How could he possibly come up with a sum like that? Fizz is a regular demon! Expenses like that don't come out of nowhere!"

Mammon snorted at that and laughed.

"No. Of course, they don't. You've seen the list, haven't you?" With that, Mammon fished the file off the floor. "I've calculated everything to the letter. And don't think I miscounted. Arithmetic is my strength!"

"Sure, Count von Count, I've seen it and it's a disgrace! You're even making him pay for the prosthesis and surgery you forced on him!"

"Including the removal of his limbs, hospitalization and future upcoming maintenance, including possible upgrades and other medical complications. Add to everything I previously had put into him and this shithole of a circus in terms of publicity and PR. As you can see, I've thought of everything." Proudly, he smacked Ozzie's chest.

Oh yeah, the fucker had really thought of everything and gradually it clicked with Ozzie. What had Fizz said to him back then? Mammon wouldn't pay shit ... And it was true. Fizz had to paid for it. For all. Even for the first prosthesis!

That's when Ozzie faltered.

"Wait a minute. How did you get three more prostheses anyway, huh? The engineers at my factory designed them, and without my approval, they wouldn't have sold you anything."

Again Mammon shrugged and the grin on his lips became sickeningly calculating, reminding Ozzie far too much of the grin Fizz could put on. It was fake through and through, and now he knew where his jester copied it from.

"Oh, they're from your factory though. I mean, if an appointment with your management had been possible ... or if you had answered the calls from your factory, who knows?" Mammon spread his arms meaningfully and Ozzie's eyes widened, feeling the thick lump in his stomach twist wildly back and forth.

It was true. His factory had tried to contact him. Several times. Right around the time Fizz had disappeared. Had that been the reason? Could Ozzie have prevented this if he had only answered his damn phone?!

The realization hit him so hard that he involuntarily took a step back, clutching his chest and clawing his top. Shit. Shit!

"Aaww… what's with the long face, Ozzie? Things are just the way they are. Your own fault, I'd guess. I guess your lust for that little son of a bitch has dulled your senses, eh?"

Firmly grinding his jaw, Ozzie felt a whole wave of energy leave him. His body began to tingle and transparent clouds of smoke started to form around him. Until he could no longer hold his form and his body collapsed. He was pressed into his second pitiful form and cursed inwardly. He hated to show himself that way in public.

Slowly he raised his head, piercing Mammon with his gaze, who grunted and eyed him disparagingly from top to bottom. Yes, Mammon liked it, of course. Heaven cursed he did.

Stay calm, Ozzie told himself. Just a few more moments and the matter would be off the table.

"Still, that don't explain the numbers on the paper," he murmured, to which Mammon rolled his eyes.

"So much for him being your great favorite. He didn't tell you, did he? The reason he's in debt, or the reason he's in such a great shape right now, did he?"

Taking a deep breath, Ozzie spoke faster than he thought.

"No, but I know the reason. It's you. It's because of you that he doesn't trust me!"

"Awww, he doesn't trust you? Because of me? Bu - fucking -hu. Don't blame me, Asmodeus. I was merely abiding to our contract. It's not my fault that he and his stupid adjunct reduced my circus to ash and burned down three city blocks in the process. Which, by the way, you billed me for ... and thus also our dear Fizz. Because it was his fault!"

What? Ozzie blinked, completely perplexed. It was the first time he'd heard this story. He hadn't been interested in the exact circumstances of the accident at that time, but perhaps he would have done better to find out properly. Especially since it didn't make sense. Why did Mammon blame Fizz for it!

"But you were the owner. So you're responsible and you have to pay for it. Not your employees."

"We live in hell, Ozzie. There's no insurance here! It's him who's responsible for the accident. Him and that lowlife clown of an imp. The two of them screwed up some stupid stunt with fire wheels and then ..! Poof! Everything went up in smoke, and he's whining to me about his little arm being cut off. He didn't care about the hole he tore in my bag. So he gets to take the fall for it, too!"

"But why him alone? If someone else was involved?"

"Because he was the only one I found on the scene. Everyone else had long since snapped or died. Fizz survived. So he's responsible and has to pay for it! It's as simple as that. The end."

Tse, the end my ass. Mammon was making it too easy for himself. Although Ozzie had to admit that some of his stupid talk did make sense. At least by Mammon's standards. Many demons did it this way, whether lower or higher class. Everyone was out for their own advantage. Ozzie understood this in moderation, but it did not benefit him. Such a thing brought in most cases only bad mood and there remained no place for desire and pleasure.

That Fizz hadn't told him about the accident at the circus hit Ozzie hard. A mountain of debt like this, he would need his whole life to play off and demons were more than long-lived ... If he didn't get rid of his debt, he wouldn't get rid of Mammon. And with that, Ozzie wouldn't get rid of the son of a bitch either.

"That's disgusting," he murmured, but Mammon waved it off.

"That's business, brother."

Yeah, business. He couldn't hear it anymore. Deprecatingly, he narrowed his eyes, but then raised a hand and snapped his fingers. A checkbook and pen appeared, hovering in the air next to him, and Ozzie reached for them without further ado. As gravely as his second form would allow, he marched over to the desk - and wrote down the fucking amount, filling in everything necessary and splapped the check in Mammon's face.

"Here you go. Happy now?" he spat, whereupon Mammon raised his brows and pulled the check from his face, inspecting it closely. At the same moment Ozzie raised a hand and shook his head.

"Don't you dare ask if it's covered."

Soothingly, Mammon raised his hands before grinning from ear to ear and looking at the check one more time, holding it high above his head. Then he laughed out loud.

"Unbelievable! To think you're really doing this! You must be out of your mind, huh? Did that little guy twist you around his finger like that?"

Ozzie didn't respond to that, only puckered his mouth.

"I've been in business for forever, don't forget that. The amount is high, but it's nothing to me. The important thing is that we have a deal!"

"A deal?"

The mere question was enough for Ozzie to grab Mammon by the collar again. This time, he didn't have the strength to knock the bastard on the desk, but it was about the gesture alone.

"Don't act dumber than you are. Although I doubt that's even possible. Fizzarolli's debt is hereby paid, so you leave him alone from now on!"

"Depends. The contract between the two of us is still on. Same goes for Fizz's contract... I'll still get my shares, right? Contract's a contract, and with the new prosthesis, he's gonna make us a lot of money, he, he."

Disgusted, Ozzie let go of Mammon, wiped his hand on his pants, and stepped back putting distance between them. Disgusting. Just plain disgusting. But unfortunately, he was right.

"I'm sticking to the contract. You'll get your cash, don't worry. BUT you stay away from Fizzarolli! You have no leverage now, understand? So you can't make him do anything anymore!"

Snorting, Mammon straightened his collar.

"I don't force anyone to do anything. I just do what's in the spirit of my ring." Chuckling, he licked his lips, revealing his forked green tongue. "I, too, am a deathly sin. Don't forget that."

"How could I forget." With that, Ozzie turned away, headed for the portal that still gaped at the back of the ruined office. And once he was back in his Ring, he would gather enough energy to return to his released form, and then he would go to Fizzarolli and check on him. Make sure, that this prosthesis would be attached in a professional way.

But before he stepped through it, Mammon's voice sounded behind him once more. Loud, taunting, and dripping with spite.

"Amusing, isn't it?" he called after him, and Ozzie squinted over his shoulder. Smugly, Mammon sat down on his desk and crossed one leg over the other, looking at him meaningfully.

"Who'd have thought?" He batted his eyes exaggeratedly, folded his hands and rested his head on them. "Our dear sweet Asmodel gets what he always wanted. What he even fell from the heavens for! One true love~ Aaand? Are they itching already?"

...!

Within seconds, Asmodeus stood in front of Mammon and rammed his fist into his face, feeling bones crack under his fingers and teeth splinter.

He would not put up with that!

Not that ...!

________________________________

If you are bored visit me on twitter https://mobile.twitter.com/BrambleBeeRose

Chapter Text

chapter 19

teensie- weensie

Humming a nameless song, Fizz lay in the large, far too soft bed and stared at the ceiling while countless images flitted back and forth in his head, like he were zapping through a gruesome television program.

The ceiling of the bedroom - The sterile ceiling of the hospital.

The dimmed lamps in the bedroom - The cold neon lights of the operating room.

Asmodeus' vague face. His angelic voice that whispered soft soothing words to him - M-Mammon's croaking threats. The surgeon's pitiful chatter.

See you when it's all over, whore ...

Fizz's stomach cramped and he tasted something sour on his tongue, swallowed it back down and continued to stare at the ceiling. He tried to focus on the bed he lay in.

He was here. Not there. Here.

Quickly he thought of the song again, but didn't remember the lyrics. He just couldn't and the aching pain returned. It was everywhere. Everything was pain. EVERYTHING. Exhausted, Fizz exhaled and kept humming an unmelodic chant, counting the lamps mounted in the ceiling of the room. One hundred nine there were. One hundred nine lamps.

A violent twitch went through his shoulders and through the remnants of his thighs. Cursing, he squinted his eyes but didn't fight the uncontrolled movements that shook his body. He let it happen, waited for it to stop. But it did not stop. The twitching stopped after a while, but the feeling of a hundred knives digging into his body remained. It tortured him and he wanted to scream so bad that his throat tightened.

But screaming was out of the question. Whining was out of the question. He had cried enough. For the rest of his miserable life.

A particularly large blade decided to dig into his shoulder and Fizz felt his stomach turn. Shit, he felt nauseous. His stomach contracted like it wanted to turn inside out or climb up his throat to plunge out of his mouth to it’s death. And his head - it was exploding! It strained and throbbed, and he wanted to rip the stupid jester hat off his head, so he wouldn't feel the rubber band cutting into his scalp. And his joints… his joints!!!

Hang in there, he told himself. He had to endure it! From now on, the only way to cope with everything that happend was to endure the pain. Because it would never be any different. Never again ...

He took a concentrated breath at the thought and dared to move his 'good hand' – his first prosthesis. It was the only part of his body that still obeyed him. Ha! Part of his body. That was a good one. That limp thing didn't belong to his body. Whatever this body was now. Because he was nothing anymore. Nothing ... A lump of flesh into which machines had been drilled.

After what felt like an eternity, the pain subsided and he exhaled, opening his eyes. Why hadn't he just kicked the bucket in that shitty operation?                                                                      

Somewhere something shattered and Fizz threw himself up - regretting the sudden movement at the same moment as a thousand knives stabbed him, robbing him of his breath.

Don't throw up! Just don't puke! That was the last thing he needed ... because he couldn't clean up the mess himself. He would need help. And the only help was hiding behind the closed bedroom door right now.

Asmodeus.

Whatever the fuck he was doing, Fizz could hear him. He was apparently fiddling around in the kitchen, and the whole time shards of glass clanged and loud curses echoed through the penthouse.

Didn’t matter ... What Asmodeus was doing no longer mattered to Fizz. The prince had made it very clear what he thought of the situation, and that Fizz was allowed to stay, he owed solely to Asmodeus' infinite patience. That big idiot! Far too soft he was. Like his fucking bed!

Finally, footsteps sounded in the hallway outside the bedroom and Fizz tensed, hearing a knock at the door.

"Fizzarolli? Are you awake? Can I come in?"

Fizz's heart knotted and he went stiff, clutching the blanket and shaking his head violently.

"No! Fuck off!" he shouted, cursing at the same moment. He couldn't stop Asmodeus from doing whatever he wanted. They were in his penthouse after all. But for the sake of his ego, Fizz had to say something. He wouldn't, no, couldn't look Asmodeus in the eye after – In the next moment, the door swung open and Asmodeus' head popped into the bedroom. With his usual foolish far-too-smooth smile, he beamed at Fizz like nothing had ever happened.

"Ah, you're awake. That's good," he chirped, and the mere sight of him was enough to let all the memories boil up again. How Fizz squatted in the living room a few days ago and begged the Prince of Lust to let him stay with him ...!

Arg! Fizz wanted to die!

In a fit of panic, he grabbed a pillow and hurled it right into Asmodeus' face.

"I said fuck off! Leave me alone!" he shouted with his head boiling, trying to ignore the onslaught of ten thousand knives ramming into his shoulders and legs over and over again, and he pressed himself against the pillows. Asmodeus did not answer. Unmoving, he stood in the doorway while the pillow fell to the floor with a soft plop, revealing his perplexed face. Then he smirked.

"I see you're feeling better. In any case, you're fit enough to throw things at me again. I take that as a good sign!" Much too gleefully, he climbed over the pillow and marched toward the bed in his full glory. His carefree manner confused Fizz and he gulped, sliding uncomfortably on the mattress and glancing at the door. Maybe he should just run away.

No. He wasn’t a coward ... And it would be anything but graceful. Still, he purposefully avoided Asmodeus' gaze as the prince sat down next to him. Fizz stared at his mechanical fingers. Shit ... shit, shit, shit!

"I hope you're hungry, because I have a surprise for you!" came next, and a tray slid into his vision. Surprised, Fizz raised his brows, blinking in bewilderment. "You're amazed, aren't you? I made breakfasts! With my own hands. I've watched you do it so many times, I thought I'd try it myself!"

Slowly Fizz opened his mouth, but not a word passed his lips. Instead, a frown of disbelief arched his brow and doubtfully he eyed what the prince called ... breakfast.

Decorated with an artificial flower stuck in a vase in the shape of a penis, a plate with two slices of extremely burnt toast, charred bacon and a slush that was probably supposed to represent scrambled eggs stood on the tray. ... He didn't even want to start on the black broth bubbling away in the coffee mug next to it.

The corners of Fizz's mouth twitched.

"Yeah, I can see that," Fizz murmured, pushing the plate away with his index finger. By Lucifer, the smell alone could bring all sinners in Pride back to life .... Disgusting. Narrowly, he glanced at Asmodeus, whose enthusiasm abruptly turned to despair as the two faces in his neon blue mane began to howl.

Sighing, Asmodeus dropped his shoulders and then pointed down the hallway.

"I know, I know ... I already ordered a real breakfast," he admitted defeated, then thumped his chest, "but I wanted to try and show you the results! After all, you've made breakfast plenty of times, too. I wanted to return the favor. And now that I know how exhausting it is, I have to honor it all the more that you take it upon yourself to do that every morning!" he babbled to himself, at which Fizz raised a brow. That the Prince of Lust babbled nonsense was something new, and as amusing as the whole display was, Fizz already suspected the true reason behind his behavior. Asmodeus wanted to make it easy for himself, so that the next words would be no problem for him. Clinging tightly to the blanket, Fizz felt the tips of the knives prickle again.

"Is everything okay?" he heard the prince ask gently. "Are you alright?"

Fizz eyes twitched and he gritted his teeth. Are you alright, are you alright, are you alright? Pah! He couldn't hear it anymore! Yes, sleeping for almost three days somehow helped him to magically calm down, but damn it, t-they had cut off his limbs! Every movement hurt like heaven, his skull was buzzing, he- he was just a fucking stump and M-Mammon was breathing down his neck to make money while he was about to lose everything that meant anything to him. AGAIN!

Best he beat the blue bastard to it. That would make it easier for them both!

"Don't force yourself to be friendly. I know the drill," he growled, trying hard not to lose his temper. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Ozzie cock his head to the side, so he quickly continued speaking. "Listen. Give me ... give me a week, okay? Please. One week to get used to these things, and then I'm out of here."

At first there was silence. Then Asmodeus' utterly stunned voice rang out.

"What?" he asked, actually playing ignorant! Asshole! He had to be really pissed off if he was putting on a show like that to torment Fizz even more. Frowning, Fizz narrowed his eyes as his fingers clamped even tighter into the fabric.

"You ... you made it very clear what you ... think of this. And I get it. It's my own fault. I lied to you and disappointed you. But ... I need more time, damn it! I can barely move! If you throw me out now, I'm fucked! That's why I need a week. Maybe I’ll be able to walk again by then..."

"You're not going anywhere, Fizzarolli."

Fizz winced violently as Asmodeus' voice rolled through the room like a thunder storm. Startled, Fizz raised his head, realizing how his heart began to race. He had known it. The prince was still angry.
The other’s hand suddenly shot out and he grabbed Fizz's arm. A bolt sparked through Fizz's body at the touch and he tensed as Asmodeus pulled him closer with a jerk.

"You're not going anywhere, do you hear me!? I just got you back! You're staying!"

Confused, Fizz blinked. He was supposed to stay? Why? Ah, yes, of course. Asmodeus' contract with M-Mammon ... Swallowing, Fizz braced himself against Asmodeus’ firm grip and pulled a face. Shit, that hurt.

"There's no way I can perform like this, if that's what you mean. I can't control these monsters!"

"Of course you can't! It'll take time, but that doesn't mean I'm letting you go. You're my favorite, and I didn't scour all of hell for you so you could disappear right away! That's out of the question! You're staying!"

His favorite? A weak laugh escaped Fizz and he lowered his head, staring at the tray in front of him, which was swaying dangerously.

"You should overthink my favorite titel. Unless you like the taste of an oily rust bucket and are into severed torsos, I don't have much to offer. I... I can't offer you anything anymore, for fuck's sake! Nothing at all ...!" He squinted his eyes and the next moment he heard a rattle, looked down at himself. His metal fingers had torn the blanket and he bit his lips. Great, now he was demolishing Asmodeus' interior with this monsters.

"I'll decide what I'm into. And you can offer me far more than you think. You're finally home again. And that's where you're staying!" Asmodeus' grip tightened and the pressure began to hurt in earnest.
Only Fizz was too gobsmacked to say anything about it. Asmodeus' babbling was upsetting him too much.
Home? This wasn't his home. It was the home of the ruler of Lust! Fizz would never dare to call this place his home!

It was not his place! It was not ...

It became quiet in the room again, and with a hammering heart Fizz stared at Asmodeus' hand - and faltered. Only now did he notice the white banishment Asmodeus' wore and Fizz blinked in amazement.
"Are you hurt?" he asked to change the subject, already guessing what had happened. Probably Asmodeus had smashed all the dishes in the kitchen and cut himself while trying to make breakfast. What an idiot. Sounded like him.

At the question, Asmodeus' finally let go of Fizz’s Arm and looked at his bandaged hand, sighing softly.
"No," he explained, propping his other arm on the bed. "I paid Mammon a visit. I'm afraid I broke his nose and knocked out a few teeth and with luck he won’t be able to produce any demonic offspring anymore. The result was a sprained wrist. But that's all right."

"What!?" Fizz's jaw dropped and with wide eyes he gawked at Asmodeus'. He ... he had done what!? "You got Ma-Mammon ... oh fuck!" Oh, no. No, no, no. Not good, this was not good at all. Groaning, Fizz pressed his ice-cold hands to his eyes. Why? Why had Asmodeus interfered!? Didn't he understand that it was Fizz who had to take the blame? Didn't he even understand it NOW? The mere thought of Ma ....Mammon's wrath made Fizz tremble and he felt sick again. M-Mammon would kill him. For sure!

"Don't worry about him. Mammon will never bother you again from now on. I've made sure of that."

"Don't worry?!" Fizz's head shot up and he laughed out loud. "Do you have the slightest idea what you've done? He'll ...!"

"He'll stay in Greed. Once and for all. That's our deal."

"Deal? What kind of deal?" Oh please, no more contracts, no more deals. The very thought made Fizz's bile rise. To his ultimate confusion, Asmodeus' scratched his head and took a strained breath before raising his hands appeasingly.

"Listen. I know you're going to be mad, but I want you to stay calm and let me explain. Because ... I paid off your debt. You're free now."

"You- ....?"

Fizz didn’t got any further. His head was swept empty all at once and he gawked at Asmodeus like he was no longer sane. Like he was a person from the world of the living or Lucifer himself - no, GOD himself.

Paid off? He had paid off his debts? All of them? The WHOLE fucking sum?

Oh Lucifer, Fizz had to threw up, covering his mouth with a mechanical hand and fighting it with all his might, trying to understand what was happening right now.

"W-why?" he croaked, to which the prince snorted and crossed his arms.

"There's no need to ask. Look at you! I've made sure he'll never bother us again. I'm afraid your contract still exists and you'll still have to cede a share to him, but beyond that, you're rid of him."

Beyond that? Ha! If only it was! Asmodeus didn't understand the contract Fizz had with M-Mammon. The contract didn't solely centered about money... And yet, Fizz felt completely run over by a train weighing tons.

Asmodeus had paid it off?

Asmodeus had really ... paid off his debt?

That ... IDIOT! Sitting there grinning and gloating, yet he had made everything worse! No, not worse. He had broken everything!

"And this is supposed to be better?" Fizz choked out, shaking his head. "Now I owe you everything! Now the damn money stands between us!"

"Oh no, I didn't mean it like that. You don't have to pay me back anything. Nothing changes, not even our contract. I'm not like Mammon. I don't expect you to give me anything in return. But I ... um..." Asmodeus cleared his throat and tapped the index fingers of both hands against each other, looking suddenly embarrassed. The embodiment of lust looked embarrassed! The mere sight pulled the ground from under Fizz's feet. "I have a teensie- weensie condition."

Ah, yes, of course. And off they went. So Asmodeus had a condition for his well-intentioned help, huh? Couldn't he have told him about it in advance, so Fizz could decide if he wanted his help at all!? It was too late for that now, the debt had been paid and whatever was to come, Fizz had no say in it and would have to knuckle down.

HA! Probably Asmodeus would demand exactly that, ... After all, Fizz hadn't let him have a go until now. And now this was a tit for tat.

"And that would be?" Fizz replied mechanically, having to process everything. Did this mean that he had changed owners? Did he belong to Asmodeus now? No. He belonged to M-Mammon. That was what their contract said, and it still existed. Didn't it? Oh, by Satan! If he could only control those mechanical monsters properly, he'd break Asmodeus' neck! Fizz had already knocked that bid idiot out once!

Just looking at him made Fizz angry. How the all mighty prince squatted there, grinning to himself with a doting expression on his face, like Fizz was a great new toy he had just acquired! Then Asmodeus reached out a hand to him and slowly ran his fingertips up and down Fizz's arm. Again, a jolt flashed through Fizz's body and he shivered. If it weren't for the lingering pain, and if he didn't know that Asmodeus was trying to ingratiate himself with Fizz, it almost felt good …

The prince, meanwhile, cleared his throat and moved closer.

"My only condition, no, let's call it request. My request is that you stay with me ... If that's what you want."

Huh? Fizz blinked.

"What ...?"

Prompting, Asmodeus nodded.

"I want you to stay with me. For good. If you can forgive me …"

Huuuuh? Now Fizz didn't understand anything anymore. Stay with him? For good? What kind of condition was that? Their conversation still referred to the fact that Asmodeus had paid off his debts and wanted something in return, right? Or had Fizz missed something? Moreover …

"Forgive what?"

Asmodeus' face contorted at the question and he lowered his gaze. His fingertip wandered down Fizz's arm. Dignified, Asmodeus drew circles on the back of his hand. Played with Fizz's fingers. And intertwined both their fingers. Almost like ... they were holding hands. The glow that emanated from the prince dimmed and he closed his eyes sorrowfully.

"When the accident happened at the circus, I billed Mammon for the damage. I didn't know that the sum would fall back on you. I unwittingly caused you even more trouble," he began softly and sighed, ducking his head. “And … when Mammon ordered the prosthesis, the factory contacted me. But I ignored it. I was completely absorbed in my search. If I had done my job properly, I might have been able to prevent everything from happening. It's my fault."

Deep remorse reflected in Asmodeus' faces. In all three of them and it chased a needle right through Fizz's heart and suddenly there was only one thought in him. An expression like this did not suit the king of lust! The big cotton candy mountain, who usually only grinned stupidly and was so easily excited and goaded, should not have to look or feel sad! Not because of Fizz!

His body and tongue took on a life of their own, seeming to forget who they were sitting across from, and before Fizz knew it, he was standing shakily on his feet, rising up in front of Asmodeus, and reaching for his face to held it tightly in his mechanical hands.

"It's not your fault, dipshit!" he hissed. "It wasn't you who played with the fire … and it wasn’t you who cut off my limbs. I ...," he hesitated, licking his lips, "I should have trusted you. But you're not to blame, get it? None at all! So don't pout. There's no reason to. I'm alive. Somehow. And somehow... I’ll be okay. I always am! So no pity, and certainly no self-pity, big man. That’s not sexy!"

It worked.

For whatever reason, his stupid mindless babbling helped. Asmodeus’ features softened again, and shit - he looked scrumptious. The sudden thought caught Fizz off guard and in an instant the glow returned to Asmodeus' body, pulsing violently and excitement flashed in Ozzie's yellow eyes.

"So you forgive my carelessness?"

"There's nothing to forgive, boss."

"So ... you'll accept my request?" A long arm wrapped around Fizz, lifting him off the bed, and he was printed against Asmodeus' broad chest. "Will you stay by my side?"

Fizz's head grew boiling hot, but this time not because of the pain. The pain disappeared and a nervous tingling spread through Fizz’s body.

"What if you don't think I'm funny anymore one day?" he asked reserved, to which Ozzie smirked.

"That will never happen."

Fizz doubted that. Especially since there was something definitely more important.

"And if I no longer taste good...?" He looked to the side. After all, that was why Ozzie had wanted him in the first place.

A wicked grin crept onto Ozzie's face and he licked his lips.

"My tastes are consistent, and even then, I want you to stay with me."

"Even as an armless, legless cripple?"

"I don't like that word. But even then."

Fizz swallowed hard.

"Even if I'm even uglier now… not even a real demon anymore ...who can't offer you anything?"

"You're not ugly. And you remain a demon. Furthermore... I have a lot to offer you." Gently, Ozzie tapped one of the dangling leg- monsters - and for the first time, Fizz felt a stirring, made a leap as a bolt twitched through his body. He closed his eyes, inhaled intently.

This wasn't a joke, was it? His little prince was serious. Instead of asking for something in return, he wanted him to stay? There had to be a catch - and sure enough, Fizz found it. Only it wasn't with Asmodeus. Because no matter what Ozzie said now, there still was something the prince didn't know.

"And ... and what if I told you a wild story, and I'm not who you think I am, at all ?"

"Fizzarolli," Asmodeus sighed in response and he rolled his eyes. "I've made my point. I want an answer."

Swallowing, Fizz squinted to the side, struggling with himself. Weighed what he should do against what he wanted to do. What he should do was to tell Ozzie the whole truth. About himself and the real contract with Mam- ... mon. But what he wanted to do was to drop everything that had happened and rush headlong into an offer that someone like him might get once in a hundred thousand years!

And for once, for once in his life, he did what he wanted. Not what Blitzo wanted, not what M-Ma- the clown wanted. What HE wanted!

Fuck it!

Grinning, Fizz shrugged and put a finger under Ozzie's chin, stroking it seductively while his heart hammered like a steam engine.

"Well, looks like I'm irresistible even as a rusty, unfunny cyborg, huh? If you're really into it, I guess I can't very well say no."

"You can. Aaaaanyway, you don't want to," Asmodeus cooed, tapping Fizz on the nose.

Shit, if Fizz’s head were a volcano, it would erupt! Because damn, how right Ozzie was about that!

Biting his lips, Fizz nodded, clinging to the soft robe Ozzie was wearing.

Asmodeus wanted him. He still wanted him! Even as a lump of flesh! Even after everything that happened, Asmodeus wouldn’t throw him away! He really wanted Fizz by his side, for whatever reason. Maybe it was pity, born from his good nature but Fizz didn't care! His feelings overcame him and he wanted to dance and sing - if he only could and if it wouldn't be way too embarrassing. Instead, he grinned wryly.

"True!"

"Then it's decided! You stay! You stay with me!" Enthusiastically, Asmodeus threw his arms in the air - and with them Fizz. A startled cry escaped Fizz and he clung to Asmodeus' hand, who froze and immediately lowered his arms, looking apologetically at Fizz. The excitement in Asmodeus didn't subside, though; all that was missing were hearts and stars shooting out of his eyes.

Eerily, that was. Eerily silly. Eerily attractive. Eerily ... desirable.

Involuntarily, Fizz's eyes settled on Asmodeus’ lips and an unabashed thought occurred to him.

He wanted to kiss him. Kiss the prince of lust. His prince.

But that would be inappropriate. Especially since the cotton candy mountain was busy gloating like a cookie, holding Fizz up in the air in front of him like a limp cat.

"Then I have just one last request," Asmodeus sung in his angelic voice, and Fizz got goosebumps. Man, how he loved listening to him. His voice went down like butter ...

"What is it?"

"I mean it. For real this time. I want you to trust me. Unreservedly, whatever it is. No more secrets. It only hurt so far. Agreed?"

Oh. That again. Fizz hissed and his just-emerged composure shriveled.

Truth. Confidence. Guiltily, Fizz looked at his mechanical legs dangling beneath him and he took deep breaths.

"Then we have a problem," he whispered, knowing he was ruining the mood, but as usual, he was talking faster than he was thinking. Asmodeus' face promptly contorted in response and he sighed.

"What kind of problem?"

Okay. Okay. Take a breath. Slowly, Fizz opened his mouth.

"There's more ... ", Fizz began, and the excited tingling became an uncomfortable twinge. Beneath his jester hat, his abraded horns began to itch like they were waiting for him to reveal his final secret. Except it wasn’t his final one. It didn’t matter what he was, he would never fully belong to Ozzie. Not with the clown’s contract …

"I ... I ..." With his head throbbing, he looked into Ozzie's expectant face, thinking of his sweet words from earlier - and failed to say it. "I can't. Not right now. Okay? But I want you to know there's something. I'll tell you! I swear! But ... not now. Not that, too." Concentrating, he took a breath, glanced at Ozzie, who eyed him blankly - and then, thank Lucifer, nodded. Carefully, he set Fizz back down on the bed and patted his head.

"I agree. Because you're going through a lot right now. But one day I'll claim that secret and get an answer. Deal?"

"Deal."

Or they just forgot about it. Forever. And everything would finally be okay.

In the next moment, Ozzie reached for the tray, set it down on the floor, and gave Fizz a gentle push.

Gasping, Fizz landed in the pillows and frowned.

"Easy, man. You might not have noticed, but I got a little banged up," he murmured, but any further comment stuck in his throat as Ozzie scrambled across the bed to him on all fours, like a tiger hunting it’s pray, towering over him.

Gulping, Fizz pressed himself into the bed and his tail twitched excitedly through the air. Oh shit. He knew this ... Ozzie couldn't be fucking serious!

"What are you doing?" he murmured hoarsely, playing dumb, to which Ozzie only grinned. A displeased Mmmh escaped Ozzie’s throat, and without a warning he lunged at Fizz and went for his neck. A pointy mouth with sharp teeth maltreated Fizz neck, nibbling at his skin, while a large hand pushed one of Fizz's pant legs upward dangerously slowly. Exposing the mechanical leg beneath. Ozzie's fingers stroked the sensors and pain, but a far more sensual tingling ran through Fizz. He cursed, tensing. The heat in his head liquefied his brain, made it slosh from side to side.

"What are you up to?" he gasped, already knowing the answer.

Ozzie chuckled.

"These prosthesis come from my factory. They should help you and bring you pleasure, but they cause you pain, though. So there's only one logical way to find the reason behind this," he cooed and got off Fizz's neck, placing a finger promisingly on Fizz's lips. "Quality check!"

And before Fizz could protest, his shirt and pants flew across the room.

Chapter Text

Hot fluffy filler

Part 1

"Okay ... To the side, one more twist and voila!"

With a flowing movement of his whole body, Fizz wrapped himself around the pole in Ozzie's bedroom, coiling his extended arms around the slick metal like a snake and twirling around before placing his mechanical feet back on the floor after one last turn, finding his balance. A brief pain twitched through his thighs, but it was bearable. It distracted Fizz not at all, and he finally finished his little performance.

Grinning, he retracted his arms, which bent to his will and snapped back like a damn yo-yo. When they had returned to their normal seize, Fizz loosely held onto the pole and leaned back, indicating a bow.

And with that, it was over. Ha, done! The act was ready for the public! Hard to believe!

Pleased, Fizz grinned at himself and looked at his mechanical fingers, which made a soft whirring sound whenever he moved them, but he had gotten used to that by now. He didn't noticed the noises his strange body made, anymore. He had came to terms with his new attire, and he managed his body better from day to day! And he had to, because by the end of the week he would be on stage again. His tail swung wildly through the air at the thought.

Shit, should he rejoice or panic at the thought? He could manage the failure of one arm, but if all off his new limbs wouldn’t obey him, he would become the laughing stock of the entire Lust Ring and he absolutely didn’t need that! So it was all the more important that he did his damned exercises every day and stuck exactly to the therapy plan the engineers from Ozzie’s factory had given him. By Lucifer, those guys had saved his life! Ozzie had called them over to the penthouse to have them adjust the prosthesis properly since M – the clown’s engineers and doctors had done a shitty job. But Ozzie’s people made up for it and even prescribe new medication to him, and things had become better ever since. So well, in fact, that he had worked out an entirely new show and meticulously was rehearsing everything. And all worked as planed!

Finally, euphoric applause sounded and Fizz winced, raised his head - rolling his eyes at the same moment.

Ah yes. He almost forgot about his audience …

Wrapped in a bathrobe made of the finest silk in all hell, Asmodeus lay belly-down on his bed, propped up on his elbow, watching Fizz, beaming at him like sunshine.

"That was awesome!" he praised effusively, continuing to clap. "The guests are going to be thrilled! It's amazing what you can do now! Really stimulating, that show. Veeeeeery stimulating~ We'll have to double the security."

Snorting, Fizz waved it off and let go of the pole, ignoring the heat that shot into his cheeks.
Ozzie’s ongoing praise was stupid. Whenever Fizz rehearsed his show or did his exercises, his prince praised him to the heavens, showering him with compliments and stupid sweet talk. All the while, he was only flattering him to make Fizz feel better. That’s why he didn’t give a damn about Ozzie's opinion. The big guy was way much too biased and in the end the success of the show depended on what the audience would think anyway.

And yet... as much as Fizz disliked to admit, it felt good to be praised and Ozzie's dumb talk hit like a bomb every time, stroked his bruised ego and steadily rebuilt it. He quickly turned away to hide the stupid grin that crept on his lips. Ozzie really didn't need to see that now.

"Stop clapping and throw candy instead," he quickly deflected, spinning around once more. His legs behaved well and did their job and did exactly what Fizz wanted, keeping his balance almost perfectly. Controlling these two high-tech monsters was by no mean easy, but he was doing pretty well by now. There was still room to go, but at least he could finally walk again without feeling like his thighs were pressed on red-hot irons, spiked with knives ...

Or like someone was stabbing his shoulders again and again with a knife.

He shivered and tried to push the memory of his initial agony away.

It was all good now. At least okay. He could handle himself and this ... new body. All was well. He was fine. He was fine. He was fine …

"I've got a better idea~" suddenly sounded behind him, and Fizz's eyes widened in surprise as a large hand reached for him. Next thing he knew, he was sitting on the bed between Asmodeus' slender legs, warm breath being blown down his neck. He shuddered, feeling Ozzie's head nestle against his back, and he swallowed.

Aaaand it started again. Damn.

Vividly, Ozzie began to seduce him, starting to caress and stroke his prosthesis as he worked his way down Fizz's neck.

"Pretty unfair of you to dance around in front of me day in and day out, teasing me ... How am I supposed to resist?" he breathed, to which Fizz clicked his tongue.

"You don't have to watch," he countered, having to concentrate on keeping his composure. Like hell he was teasing Ozzie every day. It was the other way around!

Ever since Fizz got the new prosthesis and agreed to stay with Ozzie for good, his prince had been spoiling him.In every aspect ... He literally carried him on his hands, read his very wish from Fizz eyes, showered him with gifts and got him off several times a day. He could not keep his hands off Fizz despite him just being nothing more than a freaking stump. Ozzie acted like he didn’t care. He wasn’t afraid to touch Fizz nor did he look in disgust at the sight of his body. No. Asmodeus wanted to make sure that Fizz 'felt good' all the time at all cost. And without one single feeding season in weeks. Not once had Ozzie asked for it, and Fizz's resistance crumbled more and more. Because resisting Ozzie was pointless. If he had set his mind on something, his prince went through with it and if that included sending Fizz to the seventh heaven, then there was no escape. Just like now ...

Cooing, Asmodeus nestled his forehead against Fizz's back while his hand ran up and down on the backside of a bared robotic leg with vigor, irritating the sensors and sending bolts through Fizz's body. It wasn't the same like with his real limbs, yet he felt every touch with pinpoint accuracy, like sensual electric shocks racing straight up into his brain and dancing there wildly.

"I can't wait to see you on stage again," Ozzie breathed throatily, sighing at the same time. "Even though I hate to share you with the audience. Here I have you all to myself."

Tse. What a dumbass. A dumbass, with damn skillful fingers, working their way to Fizz's crotch. Started massaging him, Ozzie's feather collar puffed up and the prince began to glow. Firmly Fizz was pressed against Ozzie's body. He felt something gigantic and extremely hard pressing at his back and knew what was coming.

"Let me fuck you," Asmodeus begged insistently, asking him the same question every day.

Fizz shivered. His groin contracted violently and everything inside him screamed YES! He was so ready to give himself to Ozzie, however, his answer was the same every day.

"No ..."

An impatient whimper escaped the King of Lust and his touches became all the more seductive.
"Pleeease~ I’ve been good to you, haven’t I? Don't I deserve a reward for that?"

Fizz's hands clawed at Ozzie's legs at his sides, and with concentration he exhaled.

"How unselfish ..." he choked out smugly, though he would love nothing more than to spread his legs for his prince. Especially since there was nothing left there to reveal him now ... As long as his hat stayed where it was, he was save.

The problem was much simpler.

Swallowing, Fizz thought about the gigantic boner that impatiently was pressed into his back, being half the size of himself. Shit, he was never going to satisfy Ozzie in any way! He would only disappoint him ... It was better to let him squirm instead of letting him have a go, only for him to realize that Fizz couldn't offer him anything and as result change his mind and push Fizz away after all. What one couldn't have, one desired all the more ... Right? However, it was becoming increasingly difficult to refuse Asmodeus, especially when he spoiled Fizz like this.

"You'd be surprised. I can be anything you want~ One word is all it takes."

Concentrating, Fizz licked his lips, knowing all the promises and claims inside and out. And yet.

"No."
A grumpy sound escaped Ozzie, who literally collapsed on top of Fizz, burying him underneath. He did not withdraw his hand, however. On the contrary. It sought a way into Fizz's pants.
"You're making it hard for me ... really hard."

"Maybe I'm into watching you suffer?"

"Little bastard."

Ozzie's hand found its target, wrapped around Fizz's dick, eliciting a gasp from him. Fuck, Ozzie really knew what he was doing, and within seconds Fizz turned into a quivering, moaning mess. Enjoying every touch, every stroke and soon he was thrusting demandingly into Ozzie's hand, craving more. So much more.

And ...what if he did give in? If he just went along with it?

He bit his lips, slowly opened his mouth - when the elevator bell rang loud and insistent.

Fizz froze, threw his head up and looked through the open bedroom door into the hallway. Seriously!? Someone had to disturb them now? NOW?

"Ignore it," Ozzie breathed out not having given up yet, and bit into Fizz's shoulder - as the bell rang again. And again. And didn't stop... totally killing the vibe.

Annoyed, Ozzie jumped out of the bed and cursed.

"If that's Fred again, I'll kill him!" he snarled, stomping down the hallway toward the elevator.

For a moment Fizz lay motionless, gazing longingly after Ozzie before slumping down with a sigh and pressing his hands over his eyes.

Damn, that had been close. Way too close ... There wasn't much left, and he'd willingly throw himself at this huge moron and beg to get laid. Only that would most likely mean his death sentence. Shit ... how had Ozzie's other favorites been able to stand that!? Had they been as big as him? And anyway ... who were those favorites after all? Slowly, Fizz lowered his hands and looked up at the sparkling navy blue curtain that enveloped the bed.

He wondered if they had been here, too? Had lain in this bed? Had lived here? By his side? Had he spoiled them, too, begging them to stay with him ... For good.

For good. What a strange choice of words. Did he mean forever? Always and forever? Ha, that almost sounded like a proposal! Grunting, Fizz shook his head. Such nonsense! The King of Lust would never say something like that. Wouldn't he...? Forever at Ozzie's side. As his ... favorite. Forever a snack. Mm. Didn't sound too tempting. But... as his mate?

No. No way. Ozzie was still his prince, but as soon as Asmodeus would be bored by his taste, all was over. End of the dream. Whether now, in a week, a year or a hundred years, eventually he would annoy Ozzie and his prince would drop him. Wouldn't be the first time that happened.

A loud thump brought Fizz out of his absurd thoughts and surprised, he turned onto his stomach, peering down the hallway.

Visibly annoyed, Asmodeus stood in front of the elevator, talking to none other than Fred. Groaning, Fizz rolled his eyes. That guy again ... Sometimes Fizz thought the guy lived in that elevator and did nothing but stay on their floor, eavesdropping on them through closed doors. Creepy freak ...

However, now he was dealing with an angry and rather horny Asmodeus, who was staring at the imp like he would tear him to shreds at any moment - and admittedly, the sight amused Fizz. Grinning, he propped his head in one hand and watched Fred handing over a stack of letters and gift baskets to Ozzie. The imp's intimidated gaze was fixed on Ozzie's hard massive dick, the sight eliciting a giggle from Fizz.

Immediately the bellhop wheeled around, and he glanced at Fizz, with wide eyes. Usually Fizz avoided the strange demon, but today he didn't feel like it. Today he felt like something else. The little idiot's horror was just too funny - and Fizz had an idea! If Fred wanted a show that badly - and obviously the imp had wanted one since the first day he had seen Fizz, that much was certain - he would get one!
Purring, Fizz rolled back onto his back, lolling in the bed and looked upside down at the bellboy, waving his robotic hand seductively as he grabbed his crotch with the other.

"Don't keep me waiting too long, Ozzie~" he called provocatively, whereupon Asmodeus' head shot up like a bullet. His glow illuminated the entire hallway within seconds, whereupon Fizz laughed lewdly - and viewed how the pageboy's fair skin tone promptly turned three shades darker.

At the same moment, the feathers on Asmodeus' head twitched and like he was stung, he threw himself around, grabbed Fred by the collar and pushed him back into the elevator.

"Get out of here! Now! And don't you disturb us again!" he growled, pushing the elevator button before Fred even got a chance to justify himself.

"O-off cause, Your Highness. Sorry, Your Highness," Fizz heard him stammering, then the elevator doors closed and Ozzie slammed the gate so hard it clanged loudly.

"Horny little imp," his prince rumbled, and again Fizz had to laugh.

That had been funny! Very funny!

Shaking his head, he slid off the bed and marched into the hallway, adjusting what little clothing he was wearing and concentrating on not tripping over his own feet.

"Well, well, that I live to see this. The King of Lust reprimands another for his lust." Fizz smirked and raised his index finger admonishingly, brushing Ozzie's leg with his tail as he passed. Throatily, Asmodeus exhaled deep blue flames, and Fizz felt his gaze penetrating into him.

"By no means," he croaked, following Fizz on his heels like a magnet, "But I don't like him panting after my favorite." Snorting, Ozzie turned his head and gave the elevator a withering stare. "That guy's been drooling over you since forever. I ought to fire him."

"Who, Fred? Ha, he's harmless. He'll faint just by looking at your dick." Which was perfectly understandable, but Fizz kept that to himself.

Ozzie, on the other hand, gave a hearty snort before glancing unmotivated at the pack of letters in his hand - and finally giving Fizz the worst puppy eyes look imaginable.

By Lucifer! The expression was almost unbearable, and a violent shiver shook Fizz, traveling straight to his groin. Fizz's fingers twitched before he clenched them tightly into fists to keep them at his sides.

Fuck. Even though he was more than willing to let Ozzie fuck him, if his prince were a few feet shorter and less royal, Fizz would grab him and turn the tables! In fact, he would do it now. The prosthesis would make it possible for him to get to eye level with Ozzie. But that was inappropriate. Ozzie preferred it to be in charge. At least that's what Fizz assumed; after all, it was always Ozzi who made the first move, no matter what. Wether he wanted to feed or when he decided to get Fizz off.

On the other hand, Fizz never had asked him. Truth to be told, he had no idea what Ozzie was into. And Fizz never dared to do something on his own ... Because it just wasn't appropriate!

However, one thing had become clear to him over time. Fred certainly wasn't looking for an excuse to sneak into the penthouse only because of Fizz. Not when Asmodeus was standing next to him in all his glory, all dolled up like a peacock in matting season. Far too attractive, far too graceful, and yet so delightfully simple-minded and good-natured. That was what Fizz lo ... desired the most about him. Shit. He was doing it again ...

Switching from the stressful mind carousel to a rose-colored carousel... He needed to get out!

Quickly, Fizz pushed the thought aside, dodged Ozzie and headed for the living room - only to pause and sigh loudly at the display. Oh yes. He had almost forgotten about that ...

Shaking his head, he put his hands on his hips and tried to find a single free seat. But no chance, on every table, every sideboard and in every corner there were gift baskets and flower arrangements and on the couch table laid an enormous pile of letters. All letters from his fans. Fizz wanted to vomit.

Cursing, he made his way around the baskets and used his new prosthesis to climb over them. Hard to believe these things were proving themselves useful for once.

"Geez, we should finally throw all this shit in the trash," Fizz grumbled as he reached the couch and flopped down.

"Don't be like that. They're from your fans, after all," Ozzie muttered, still doddering after him like a moth to a flame. Fizz, however, only snorted.

After Ozzie had slipped some time ago that Fizz's absence from the club was due to health issues, one gift basket after another started trickling in. Wherever people got to know that Fizz lived here, they were drowning in gifts! In rather strange gifts, he might add!

Frowning, Fizz looked at one of the countless fruit baskets he had been gifted with ... all of which consisted entirely of bananas and eggplants.

"What is wrong with the demons here in Lust?" he muttered, fishing for one of the letters by extending his arm and folded a paper airplane out of it, which he tossed unceremoniously into the fireplace across from the couch, where blue flames were flickering. It wasn't a real fire, Asmodeus had assured him, and for once Fizz enjoyed watching the paper plane crumble to ash in the flames. Grinning, he made himself comfortable on the sofa while Ozzie prowled around it, tail feathers fluffed, like a tiger on the prowl.

"The question is more like, what's wrong with you?" he cooed, stopping in front of the sofa and propping himself on it with both arms, his bathrobe slipping off his shoulders. With each word, more and more blue flames escaped him and his gaze became frighteningly intense. Engaging. Demanding. "Why aren't you lying in bed anymore? I didn't say you could get up. We're not done yet."

Swallowing, Fizz slid deep into the cushions, half disappearing between the pillows in the process and glad that the treacherous part of his lower body remained hidden. Quickly shrugging, he pretended to be unconcerned and fished for the next fan letter with extended arms, sending it on the same journey into the fire, grazing Ozzie's blue mane on it’s way.

"Yeah, we are."

Ozzie bent over even further, kneeling with one leg on the couch's cushion.

"My dick says otherwise."

Fizz chuckled, then cleared his throat. Man, why was this guy giving him such a hard time? Was Fizz supposed to laugh about this now, or think it was hot? Stand firm!

"I don't care what your dick says. Fred has ruined the mood. Sorry, boss."

A surprisingly pathetic sound escaped his prince, who slumped down on the couch, sulking. Ozzie dropped the letters on the couch and grabbed a pillow, hugging it to himself, and rolled onto his back right next to Fizz.

His expression was so pitiful that it made Fizz feel guilty, and unobtrusively he glanced at the huge bulge still visible in Ozzie's shorts.

Crap ... he had to be careful. As the embodiment of lust, Asmodeus certainly didn't have a lot of patience. Who knew how long Fizz could string him along before he lost interest in him? On the other hand, the stakes were high for Fizz. It was the ultimate question: getting laid or die? Getting laid or disappoint the person who meant the most to him ...? Shit. He had to do something.

"Impatient crybaby," Fizz muttered, trying to lure Ozzie with breadcrumbs. Slowly, he got up on all fours - and dared to show initiative. A little bit, at least. What did he have to lose?

He used his prosthesis to swung himself onto Ozzie, ignored the tug in his joints and sat on Ozzie’s belly, searching his balance. He felt the feathery soft fur his prince was covered with under his mechanical fingers, and the amazingly hard muscles that hid beneath. By Satan, his prince was well-toned, like he did a hard workout every day! Which he didn't, if anyone knew that, then Fizz. Crazy! Impressed, Fizz stroke Ozzie's abs up to his chest - and a longing sigh escaped Ozzie. Little blue flames filled the air, performing a wild dance around Fizz, and he grew boiling hot. Immediately he withdrew his hands and cursed.

How many times Ozzie had massaged him, or touched him him in some other way until today, he already had lost count. But this was the first time Fizz had touched him somewhere else but on his hands or face ....

Huge yellow eyes glowed at him in anticipation, filled with underlying excitement, and in the next moment two hands grabbed Fizz's hips, starting to massage them lightly.

"Tell me what the problem is," Asmodeus breathed, at which Fizz shivered again. His angelic voice sounded extremely smoky and extremely sexy. "Don't you like me? Don't you like sex? Don't you like sex with me? Don't you like men? What is it?"

What? The sudden questions caught Fizz completely off guard, it was to absurd and a laugh escaped him.

This was what his prince was worrying about? While he was lolling on his huge sofa, stiff as a board and half naked to boot?

Chuckling, Fizz's head slumped between his shoulders and yet his heart pounded like crazy as he felt the massive body vibrate beneath him with each breath. Cursing, Fizz bit his lips and ran his fingers over his eyes. Shit ... While his princeling lay there in front of him, seriously thinking, he looked anything but royal and his delightfully naive nature seethed something inside Fizz.

He decided to ignore his own worries and dug his fingers deep into Ozzie's fur, leaning down closer.

"You want to know the truth?" he asked perkily, to which Ozzie's head snapped up. His grip on Fizz's hip became tight, but Fizz endured it. He wasn't going to let Ozzie take this moment! The opportunity was too unique - and he was dying to see Ozzie's face! Was in too good of a mood.

Shyly, he turned his head to the side and blinked at Ozzie with an exaggerated wink.

"Actually, I wasn't going to tell you. As the King of Lust, I'm sure you have standards. But the truth is ..." He took a deep breath, and enjoyed the way Ozzie gaze fixated on his lips, eager to learn the reason why Fizz wouldn't let him have a go. And the punch line was: "I'm a virgin and I want to wait for Mr. Right! I want to experience my first time on my wedding night, with my one true love, while we are lying on rainbows and very slowly ... exploring our bodies."

Perplexed, Ozzie gawked at him before his face contorted.

Within seconds, he sat up, whereupon Fizz slid into his lap, and before he knew it, Fizz was being pelted with bananas from one of the fruit baskets.

"Stop messing with me, you scamp!" Ozzie complained gruffly, to which Fizz laughed and curled his tail in a silly manner. He let the fruity assassination get the better of him, waited until Asmodeus calmed down and threw himself down on the sofa with his arms crossed. Which didn't stop Fizz from laughing, though. Or his stupid tongue from blabbering.

"Aww, you're so cute when you're mad," he purred, his gaze darting to Asmodeus' lips one more time. If he were anyone. Just anyone! Fizz would kiss him.

And as Fizz lost himself in the sight, a hesitation slid through Asmodeus' features and insistently he eyed Fizz from top to bottom.

"You ... are messing with me. Aren’t you?"

Another of those questions! Fizz quickly swallowed the laugh, but grinned in return, placing a finger under Asmodeus' chin.

"Well, you'd like to know, big man, huh?"

Indecisive, Ozzie frowned and fell back into brooding. His firm grip loosened and became tender. Brimming with affection ...

"Is that it?" his prince suddenly murmured, sounding neither impatient nor heated. His voice coated with worry all at once and his glow promptly diminished. The playful mood completely gone, and he sat up, taking Fizz's face gingerly between two fingers. "Is that your ... secret?"

Fizz widened his eyes and leaned far back. That question came unexpected, and his throat tightened. Hastily, he shook his head and the little bells on his hat jingled. He really didn't want to be reminded of that topic now.

"No. Keep guessing..."

"Are you sure? If your secret involves that someone assaulted you and that’s the reason for you not wanting to sleep with me, I need to know. Now! As well as whether you're untouched. If so, I'll have to change the way I handle you."

Perplexed, Fizz raised his brows. This was what Asmodeus was thinking? What was worrying him? He was such a little wimp, and Fizz's heart soared. Gently, he fumbled for Ozzie's hand and shook his head.

"No," he smirked. "And no. Neither of those things. Calm down."

Skeptically, he was studied. With a very long glance, which Fizz didn't blame Ozzie for, after all, he'd told him bullshit a few times now. But in this case, he was telling the truth. And when Ozzie finally realized it too, his body slumped.

"That's good." He sighed in relief, patting Fizz's head. "I couldn't have borne that thought."

"What, having a virgin for a mate?" Fizz chuckled, but bit his lips in same moment. Shit, had he said that out loud!? He wanted to play fool with Ozzie, instead he slipped out the M word ....

Ozzie shook his head, though, and continued to pet him.

"No. That someone would turn lust into something negative, and hurt you in the process." A deep frown marred his forehead - and the display cut into Fizz's heart. Melted it - and made his tail swing through the air like that of a puppy.

"Wimp," he muttered - and leaned boldly against Ozzie. Buried his face in the tickling feathers, enjoying the warmth radiating from the prince. That anyone cared so much about him was ridiculous. And, shit, it felt good. So good that his brain shut down and his arms extended like they had a life of their own. They wrapped themselves tightly around Asmodeus, because they now were long enough for that! There was a tucking in his shoulders, but Fizz endured the pain willingly in exchange for being allowed, quite exclusively, to enjoy Asmodeus' closeness.

"Are we getting clingy?" Ozzie chortled in response, but Fizz wasn't about to let the moment be ruined.

"Shut up. It's your own fault for spoiling your little boyfriend too much ..."

"Smartass."

"Crybaby."

*

They stayed like that and after a while a lovely relaxed easiness filled the air.

Ozzie had finally cooled down and even though it was not what he had asked for, he seemed okay with Fizz continuing to play spider monkey. Humming, he ran a finger up and down Fizz's aching back as he read through the letters Fred had given him earlier.

Just as Fizz was about to doze off and sink into Ozzie's feathers, a jolt went through his prince, who sat up straight.

"Oh! Oh!" escaped him euphorically and immediately Fizz was wide awake, pushing himself off Ozzie and looked up at him.

"What's wrong?"

"Oh, most of it is boring stuff. There are a lot of meetings coming up in the near future. Lots of royal shit," Ozzie said with disinterest at first, then waved one of the letters in front of Fizz's face, beaming at him. "But this is the appointment confirmation for a photo shoot!"

"For what?" Confused, Fizz frowned and reached for the letter, having to squint his eyes and hold the sheet close to his face. Shit, where had he put his glasses again?

"Well, a photo shoot. You should learn to listen to me." With that, Ozzie nudged Fizz's nose and stood up. Startled, Fizz clung to him - wrapping his legs around Ozzie's body in a fit of terror. Which didn't seem to bother Ozzie much, though. He gleefully walked through the penthouse, knocking over a gift basket or two on the way.

"I organized the shoot to promote the new show and to calm down the media." Sighing, Ozzie waved his hand. "Ozzie's is running with low energy lately. I haven't been there, you haven't been there, then the rumors about your health ... This magazine has sent in quite a few requests for exclusive interviews and now they're getting what they want. Both of us. In a double pack."

Both of them? In … a double pack.

A fierce spark ignited in Fizz and at the same time he went ice-cold. A shoot. For both of them. He would get to see Ozzie on a shoot! More even. Show up next to him. At his side. Which he had done many times at the club and basically all hell already knew he was Ozzies’ favorite, but appearing together at a shoot? Wasn't that going too far?

And what was about Fizz's prosthesis? Would they be liked? Or hated? Or to be laughed at? Would he need to put different clothes on? Remove his jester's cap? His make-up?

"Fizzarolli!", Ozzie's voice pulled him from his thoughts, and he looked at his prince. "Stop brooding and help me!"

"Help? Help you with what?"

Annoyed, Ozzie rolled his eyes and stalked across the bedroom toward the dressing room.

"The shoot is tomorrow and if we're giving in this silly fuss, I want us to make an appropriate impression. The motto is dress to impress! But I don't have anything suitable to wear."

Anything suitable ...?

Shaking his head, Fizz rolled his eyes and glanced at the dressing room - which was overflowing with clothes and heels. He whined and placed a hand to his chest dramatically.

"Oh, by Lucifer! You're so right! Your closet is completely empty! You'll never find anything suitable in time in this nothingness of clothes. What are we going to do? We’re going to die!"

"Ugh. You're not helping here." Sulking, Ozzie reached under Fizz's arms and tried to pull him off of him - which didn't work.

Silently, they looked at each other and Fizz clicked his tongue. Having all four prosthesis stretched out at the same time and controlling them was extremely difficult, and he needed a moment to loosen them. It took some effort to pull them back and a nasty sting ran through Fizz joints and head as he did so. But he managed to do it. Somehow.

As soon as they had their normal seize, Ozzie set him down and turned to his closet and began sifting through the vast number of clothes, muttering to himself.

Fizz, on the other hand, was busy massaging his shoulders and hissing softly, stretching uncomfortably. Best to take a double dose of his meds tomorrow. He couldn't afford such a mishap in public. Especially not when they were working at the magazine. Swallowing, he bit his lips.

"Hey, Ozzie," he muttered, plodding into the dressing room. "Did you announce that I am ... That I don’t have any..... That I ..." Shit, how did he say it best? A knot formed in his chest, and he narrowed his eyes. Breathing deeply. The easiest thing was, he called it by its name. End of story. "Do they know I'm a cyborg now and have no limbs? Do they expect me to show them tricks tomorrow?"

Asmodeus' head showed up from the depths of his wardrobe and with a wildly disheveled mane, he frowned.

"No. I didn't mention anything about that. You wanted to tie it into your new show, so I'll leave it up to you how you want to make it public. Don't worry. They know what they can and can't ask. And what photos can and can't be taken. I have very strict guidelines on that. But still we have to make a good impression. Pissing off the owner of that magazine isn’t good for business."

Okay, fine. Taking a deep breath, a ton of rocks rolled off Fizz chest. There was no reason to worry. He would be on stage in five days anyway, and everything was supposed to work properly by then. Perhaps a small test wouldn’t be so bad ...

Lost in thought, he looked at his left robotic hand and clenched it into a fist. He had to rock this! Anything else was out of the question. If he could do that, he could do anything!

Sighing, he lowered his hand and looked at Asmodeus, who had pulled some outfit out of the closet. Humming, the big man placed himself in front of the massive mirror that stood in the room. At least he was enjoying himself and the sight of him made Fizz grin. With his arms crossed, he leaned against the doorframe and watched the big idiot held out one set of clothes after another in front of him.

In the end, it didn't matter what the guy was wearing. Asmodeus ALWAYS looked good. Always. Even if he was only wearing a simple bathrobe, like now. However, the fabric had completely slipped and exposed Ozzie's broad shoulders, revealing a suggestive view of his back. Ha, if he went to the shoot like that, all hell would break loose!

With his bright luminous mane, that caressed his narrow head like blazing fire and stretched down his entire back in a narrow strip, disappearing under the robe to end in short, equally bright feathers that enveloped his long colorful tail feathers.

With his slender bare legs that revealed his powerful - neon painted - claws.

With the brief shorts that pretty much showed off everything there was to see ....

He was fucking handsome. Scrumptious - and Fizz forcefully held back a whistle. As well as the urge to give his prince a salacious slap on his narrow butt, which was hiding somewhere under the bathrobe. But he didn't want to give Ozzie the wrong idea again, so he settled for the view, and it wasn't easy to hold back while watching him being … amazing.

Finally, Ozzie hung out the two outfits he had picked out before, dissatisfied, and bent down to a dresser. His neck muscles and shoulders tensed as he did, and he reached behind him, scratched his back - and Fizz paused.

Just now, well hidden under the fur that covered Ozzie's body, he discovered two long wide stripes at the level of the other’s shoulders. No fur grew in those places, and if Fizz didn't know better, he'd say what he saw were scars.

When Ozzie straightened up, they disappeared again, barely visible, and in amazement Fizz tilted his head to the side. Why hadn't he noticed this before?

Because he had never looked at Ozzie so intense before. That's why, idiot ...

"That's it! That’s it going to be! Flashy, but not too bold. Sexy, but not sloppy," Ozzie finally chirped, holding up a third outfit, beaming at Fizz’s refection in the mirror - and noticing his gaze.

The smile disappeared.

So did Ozzie’s enthusiasm.

He purposefully grabbed his bathrobe, pulled it back over his shoulders and knotted it tightly.

Then he took the outfit, whirled around, and the next moment his glow was back. As if nothing had happened.

"So? What do you say? Yes or no?" he asked bluntly, to which Fizz blinked and opened his mouth, but closed it again. Better to keep his naughty tongue in check this time. Something warned him not to ask about what he just had noticed. Instead, he nodded and casually raised one arm, letting it draw two long circles in the air, and dug a finger into Ozzie's cheek.

"No matter what you wear, you're going to look stunning, babe," he joked disreputably, to which Ozzie blinked at first - and jumped at the act. He hugged the clothes tightly and smiled broadly, wiggling his shoulders, looking even more stunning.

"Surely you say that to everyone~" he purred, placing a hand on his cheek sheepishly. Finally, he laughed and leaned down to Fizz. "All right, then. Since this is setteled faster than I thought, there's only one question left."

"You pick out the shoes yourself," Fizz waved him off, to which Ozzie cackled.

"Oh no!" An anticipatory glow flared in Ozzie's yellow eyes, and he rubbed his hands together. "The question is, what, my dear Fizzarolli, are you wearing?"

Oh Shit! In a haste, Fizz backed away. If he was fast enough, he might escape the monster's claws, but he reacted too slowly, and got caught before he could escape. Which meant only one thing ... he was at the mercy of his fashion-affine prince.

Chapter Text

Chapter 21

Hot Envy Filler

Part 2

"Oh my …. look at you! You look gorgeous!" Fully excited, Asmodeus buzzed around Fizz, showering him with compliments, while Fizz eyed himself skeptically in the mirror, tugging at the collar that wrapped tightly around his neck.

"Gorgeous isn’t the word I would choose..." he grumbled, but when he saw an alarming wrinkle creased Asmodeus’ eyebrows and the way his prince pursed his mouth, Fizz fell silent and waved it off. "I mean, of course you're right! Really stunning. I'm just a stunning guy. However, you outshine everything!"
And even though they both knew Fizz was telling Ozzie bullshit, Ozzie nodded sympathetically. He patted Fizz's head like he was a well-behaved little puppy.

"There you go! There you go!" he chirped, and continued to adore Fizz.

Fizz rolled his eyes and looked at himself in the mirror again, sighing. Stunning, his ass. But well, not a second time would he get into a discussion with the spoiled smart-ass of a prince. It had took them forever to agree on an outfit and Fizz didn't have the nerve to argue with Ozzie again. Because didn't Ozzie get his way ... oh Lucifer, you'd think hell was like a sweet vacation considered to his wrath! Never had he talked so loudly or heatedly to Fizz, not even when Fizz had run off to be torn to pieces by the clown ... and before Ozzie would exploded and his fucking flames would set the penthouse on fire, Fizz had given in and resigned himself to play dress-up doll for his prince all day. Until Asmodeus had found the right outfit for their photo shoot - in his opinion, at least.

Wherever Ozzie had conjured up the sudden amount of clothes that were tailored to Fizz's body to the last inch, he didn't question. Ozzie's joyfully expression, when he had shown Fizz his very own closet in the huge dressing room, had been answer enough.

The filthy rich bastard had planned it all! From the very beginning! He wanted to be Fizz’s sugar daddy so badly, but Ozzie could pin that on his fancy, feathered hat! Fizz wouldn’t allow himself to be manipulated and brain-washed by compliments, gifts, sexual favors or tenderly touches. Or attention. A great deal of attention…

Another sigh escaped him, and he pulled on the extremely tight-fitting tailcoat Asmodeus had picked out for him. The thing was relatively plain, but matched the colors of Fizz's jester's cap. Still, he felt completely overdressed and didn't know what to do with these garments. The fabric felt soft, if he wanted to trust his new sensors, and it looked extremely expensive. More expensive than the fabric his jester outfit was made of. Never in his life had Fizz worn such clothes and thinking back to his days in the circus, he almost felt like he was wearing a clown costume now.

Dissatisfied, he slumped his shoulders, which were beginning to hurt from his slouched posture, and sighed again.

"Now will you stop grumbling? When I say you look stunning, you do. Trust me. I know what I'm talking about," Ozzie purred in response, and as much as his compliments flattered Fizz, he was unsure if they were meant seriously or if Ozzie was just saying that to make Fizz 'feel good' at any cost. But maybe there was one last way to escape this nonsense.

"Yeah, yeah, it's fine," Fizz muttered, tugging here and there at the coat, whereupon a cheeky button came off in front of his chest. "This just somehow doesn't feel like ... me? Can't I just go in my jester-outfit? Please?" He batted his eyes exaggeratedly and clasped his hands, playing cute. "Please, please? Pretty please?"

"No," Ozzie ended the discussion before it began and braced one hand at his hip, raising the index finger of the other hand admonishingly. "On occasions like this, you have to show what you've got. See it as part of your act and wear it with pride and dignity. Wear the tailcoat and don't let it wear you!" he babbled some bullshit and then leaned down to Fizz. "With your permission?" Humming, he reached for the button and closed it for Fizz, eyeing him once more from top to bottom until he nodded in satisfaction. "Very well. We're good to go! Come on, hurry. We're late!" With that, Ozzie waltzed out of the dressing room and headed for the elevator.

Fizz followed him unmotivated, clicking his tongue.

"It's not my fault," he pushed the underlying accusation aside. It wasn't him who had spent three hours in the bathroom, having a nervous breakdown because his mane didn't want to go the way he wanted. However, this was also exactly where the difference was between them. Next to Asmodeus, Fizz was extremely ... under-dressed. In every way.

His prince on the other hand had dressed up like he was going to meet Lucifer in person. He wore an extremely fine dark suit with small gems set into the fabric that caused it to sparkle non-stop. A little bit he reminded Fizz of a disco ball. An extremely attractive disco ball and if he would perform in the club in that outfit, the whole first row of guests would be pregnant just from looking at Asmodeus entering the stage, and swinging his hips one time. Including Fizz... For sure.

He got goosebumps at the notion and promptly bumbed into Ozzie's leg, which was stuck in a black lace-up boot. Rubbing his forehead, Fizz raised his head, wanting to whine at Ozzie not to just stand there in the middle of in the hallway, but then faltered as his prince engulfed him with wide-open eyes - enveloped in that telltale glow that shone every time Asmodeus felt arousal in the air. Smugly, he grinned at Fizz and raised an eyebrow.

"At least I know you like what I'm wearing, he he," he cooed insinuatingly, at which Fizz gulped. He closed his eyes and marched past him with his head held high, ignoring the fact that his cheeks were burning hot.

"Ugh, shut it, self-absorbed idiot."

"You like the way I look~ You like the way I look~ And you get horny while looking at me~" Ozzie cheekily sung to tease Fizz and finally called the elevator, making even more fun of Fizz.

Great. If Ozzie kept up this over-the-top good humor the entire shoot, it was going to be extremely awkward. The question remained, for whom?

While they waited, Ozzie hummed to himself and checked his business phone a few times. Carefully, Fizz watched him out of the corner of his eye while his tail twitched treacherously in the air. Oh yeah, he was so underdressed. Next to Ozzie, he was ... nothing.

He swallowed and a strange restlessness spread through him, turning into a nagging nervousness that he couldn't turn off. Hopefully the stupid elevator would come soon. Standing next to Ozzie like this made him all fuzzy.

And when the elevator's ring finally rang and the doors opened, he exhaled in relief and hopped in without a second thought. Asmodeus followed him, grinning, and stood remarkably close to him. So close that his thigh kept brushing Fizz's shoulder, sending violent shivers through Fizz. Surely this shithead was doing this on purpose!

"Good afternoon, gentlemen." They were greeted by Fred, who had regained his composure since his visit to the penthouse yesterday. He behaived less intrusive about it, which Fizz welcomed.
Still, the trip downstairs was a struggle. They crawled along at a snail's pace, and Ozzie just wouldn't stop brushing his leg quite randomly every now and then against him. Fizz would love to jump around and sink his teeth into that stupid leg. Then they'd have chicken legs for lunch!
But he held back, counting the seconds until they finally reached the bottom. Humming, Asmodeus stepped into the lobby while Fizz took a breath and dropped his shoulders. This would become a really really great day… yay.

He was about to follow Ozzie when behind him Fred cleared his throat.

"Um ... Mr. Fizzarolli? Sir?" he began quietly, whereupon Fizz turned around and raised an eyebrow questioningly. With a confidentially expression Fred leaned forward, gazed at him with his round googly eyes, and covered his mouth with his hand. All the while, he kept squinting back at Asmodeus.

"You have my full respect! And ... my condolences!"

Confused, Fizz blinked. Then something clicked. The corners of his mouth twitched, but he kept his composure perfectly.

"Um ... thank you very much," he replied, then followed Ozzie.

"What happened?" the latter asked when they left the building and headed for their limousine, which parked in front of the skyscraper, waiting for them

Obligingly, Ozzie opened the door for Fizz, and he hopped smoothly in. It wasn't until Ozzie sat next to him and pulled the door shut that Fizz started laughing out loud. Giggling, he kicked his legs and fell backwards onto the seat.

Surprised, Ozzie tilted his head to the side, briefly signaled Wally that they should get going, and then moved closer.

"What's so funny?"

"Fred!" Fizz snorted, rubbing tears from the corners of his eyes. Luckily he had waterproof makeup on, or he'd look like a panda bear. "Apparently your dick has made a lasting impression! Do you know what he just said to me?" Still chuckling, he shook his head and repeated Fred's words - which also elicited a laugh from Ozzie.

"Well, if it helps keep him away from you, maybe I should just ride the elevator in my underwear. Or completely naked, for that matter. I find that far more comfortable anyway!"

This caused Fizz to laugh even harder.

"Just watch out. Somebody will take a snapshot of it and it will be said that the great King of the Lust Ring is sleeping with an imp and seducing him in the elevator!" No sooner had he said this than his giggles subsided as he realized the significance of his own words.

The King and an imp ... sounded like a silly ham-fisted comedy. Ghastly.

His giggle died down, but he covered it perfectly, pretending to calm down.

"Don't worry about such trifles. I have a good legal department and if someone spreads crap, I sue the one. Or kill the one," Ozzie stated nonchalantly and Fizz shuddered. How casually Ozzie talked about just being able to sue or kill anything and everyone if he liked to. And admitting, the idea that Ozzie had that much power was pretty hot .... and knowing that Ozzie would use that power whenever Fizz demanded it made him shudder violently.

At the same time, the stupid carousel of thoughts in his head decided to start again and run in circles. Yes, Ozzie could indeed kill an imp with ease if one angered him .... But no matter what he could do, once a photo was published, it stayed that way. Once an interview was printed, it was printed... and nothing and no one would be able to undo it.

Lost in thought, Fizz scratched his head as the reminder of his horns began to itch treacherously, then looked down at his hand. Hopefully everything worked as planned. Hopefully this wasn't going to be a total failure where he embarrassed Ozzie. Hopefully! He couldn't let his guard down! He needed to keep his true self hidden. And not reveal what he was.... But he would get it right. All was well. He was okay. He was okay ... He was a lump of meat, with mechanical parts drilled into him, meant to pose for a magazine alongside a prince of hell, but everything was okay … Okay. Okay...

"Mmmmh," Ozzie's deep voice filled the limo's cabin all at once, and Fizz lifted his head - saw Ozzie's face floating right before him. Resting his head in his hands, he lay prone on the seats and grinned meaningfully at Fizz. His feather collar was puffed up extensively, and he was pulsing from the inside out.

Oh shit! Fizz knew this expression, and taking a deep breath, he looked out the window, conspicuously unconcerned. About time, huh ...

"What are you looking at?" he muttered, to which Ozzie chuckled.

"Well, you," he confessed, breathing a blue flame toward Fizz, which floated up and fizzed into the air once it touched his cheek. Leaving a hot tingle on his skin. "I must confess, my choice regarding your outfit was not altruistic. I'm a sucker for any kind of uniform and formal cloth," Ozzie purred, running his index and middle fingers up Fizz's leg. "And they really do look superb on you. Very very sexy indeed. Fizzarolli~"

Swallowing, Fizz pressed himself against his seat. Oh dear .... He once again loosened the collar of the shirt he was wearing.

"Oh really? Hard to believe," he purred innocently. Like it hadn't been obvious from the start! Ozzie chuckled in response and shrugged apologetically.

"Forgive me. But you just look too good in it ... scrumptious!" Desperately, his prince bit his lips as his fingers marched on and finally got a hold of Fizz's tail. With a gentle tug, he was pulled to Ozzie’s side, and landed on his back, panting, while Ozzie bent over him. Curling Fizz's tail around his finger more and more, he pushed Fizz's legs apart with his head and nuzzled against the inside of his thigh, cooing loudly.

Shit. The mere touch caused Fizz’s new sensors to send violent jolts of electricity through his body and his insides melted away, becoming glowing lava that gathered deep in his groin. A whimper escaped him. Or was it a curse? Ah, fuck it, both! To heaven with Asmodeus and his shitty timing!

"I know I look hot and that you’re … uhm hungry? But the shoot… ," Fizz croaked, jumping as Ozzie fumbled for the zipper off his pants, twisting the small metal handle back and forth between his fingertips.

"I know, I just got you freshly wrapped up for the event, and it was fun! But do you know what's even more fun?" With that, his fingers pulled the zipper down way too slowly. "Unwrapping pretty looking presents again!"

Concentrating, Fizz took a breath and the corners of his mouth twitched in a mixture of excitement and damn nervousness.

"Are you serious?" he murmured with a steaming hot head, squinting to the windows, which were darkened - thanks hell, and fervently hoping that Wally wasn't eavesdropping. But all he recieved in reply was a broad grin, which Fizz nervously returned. Shit, shit, shit. "This is going to mess up the whole suit. Wouldn't that be a shame?"

"It's a tailcoat," Ozzie breathed out without any sign of concern, giving Fizz a look that went straight to his groin. "Don't worry about it. I'll make sure your fancy coat remain wholly unstained."

Hissing, Fizz inhaled; impatience and resentment fighting a tempting battle inside him. What Ozzie was offering made him explode at the very idea. But not now!

Unfortunately, in this matter it was the same as with the clothes. If Ozzie did not get his way, his poor little prince became grumpy. Very grumpy ... and Fizz really didn't want that. So how could he say no?

***

When they arraived at the magazine's photo studio, Fizz staggered out of the limo with his head all red and messy, struggling to keep his composure, while Ozzie followed, grinning broadly.
This son of a bitch really had done it ... and at a pace slow as hell! Like he was trying to stretch it and drag it out, just to torture Fizz the whole fucking ride! And it had been torture. A sweet torture ... Shit, the idiot had thrown himself into the task like he truly wanted to suck the soul out of Fizz, and fuck, he had succeeded.

More or less …

His new legs still felt all soft and he tripped over his own sluggish feet. Just in time Ozzie caught him and grinned mischievously.

"My, my ... look at you. Are you still worn out? Your body really is delightfully sensitive," Ozzie chirped gleefully, which Fizz dismissed with a snort. He quickly regained his posture and adjusted his clothes, shrugging.

"Bullshit. It's all because of those stupid high-tech monsters," he grumbled, trying to ignore his embarrassment. There was no more room for embarrassment at the side of the embodiment of lust, he should finally get used to that. He quickly shifted the attention from himself to the prostheses and disapprovingly eyed his new feet, which ran together pointedly and shone nobly. Decorated with neon-colored hearts on top. "No normal demon can walk properly on those! Only a supermodel can do that! Why did you have to design them in the shape of high heels after all, huh?"

Innocently, Ozzie shrugged and then lifted one of his feet, which was also in a lace-up boot with deathly high heels.

"Because heels are sexy!" was the explanation, of course, to which Fizz rolled his eyes. Too obvious. But whether it was practical or not, Ozzie hadn't given a thought. He certainly never had considered any original design at all. After all, there never had been a plan that Fizz ever would need... prosthetic legs.

His plan to blame everything on the new prosthesis worked. At least Ozzie wasn't making any more ambiguous comments, but was walking beside him, smiling, with his hands clasped behind his back. Unbelievable how much fun his prince had by satisfying Fizz. Especially since Ozzie had come out empty- handed. Again …

He hadn't fed, and admittedly, that's exactly what Fizz had expected when Ozzie had pounced on him in the limo. But no. Nothing. Asmodeus hadn't fed in weeks now, and slowly Fizz wondered ... why. Could he live on his accumulated energy for so long? After all, he was not only taking in Fizz's lust, but also the constant buzzing in the air around him. But was that enough? Was it appropriate to bring this matter up? Or was Ozzie possibly waiting for Fizz to offer it to him? Was this some kink of his? Or had Fizz lost his good taste, now that he was a fucking cyborg? Damn, he still couldn't wrap his head around the whole thing. Pathetic, considering how long he'd been Ozzie's favorite now.

Finally they arrived at the building, that looked like some pimped-out factory building made of old brick. On the roof MJ's was mounted in huge letters and the truth dawned on Fizz.

Abruptly he stopped, while his tail danced wildly through the air.
"You're shitting me, right?" he snapped, to which Ozzie blinked at him in surprise. "Miss Jocelyn is organizing this shoot? The Miss Jocelyn?!"

"That's right, but don't worry. She's as tame as a sheep when I'm around." Grinning widly, Ozzie patted his head while Fizz squinted up at the glowing lettering in awe.

Miss Jocelyn. Holy crap ... So this photo studio belonged to the hellish famous photographer and fashion designer MJ. Of course, he should have known! After all, they were in Lust and Lust was the ring in which she was most successful with her - relatively salacious - shoots, interviews and fashion shows. Not only did she collaborate with many well-known demons, she also owned quite a few delicate magazines. All hell wanted to work with her, but at the same time it was said that she run her business with an ice-cold demeanor, always out for her advantage. And she wanted to work with Fizz and Ozzie? While Fizz had not mastered his new body parts yet? Shit. Now he needed to double his guard! She could ruin his reputation.

Excited, he followed Ozzie through a heavy metal double door, where security was waiting for them. However, one look at Asmodeus did the trick and they got in immediately, while a security guy announced their arrival over a by walkie-talkie. But Ozzie did not wait for the greeting committee to meet with them. Purposefully, his prince headed for the high double sided door at the end of the corridor and pushed it open noisily, obviously bursting into the middle of another shoot and all the demons in the big hall- like studio turned to them, startled.

"Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen! I hope I'm not interrupting. But it has come to my attention that my presence was requested urgently. So? You called, here I am," he announced with surprising pomposity, to which Fizz blinked in surprise. It was all the more amusing when panic took over the studio and everyone ran about frantically, chattering wildly. Apparently Asmodeus had crashed their schedule, which made Fizz grin. That explained why it had taken them so darn long to make the trip! Ha!

"That was on purpose, wasn't it?", Fizz whispered to him without taking his eyes off the panic stricken demons, to which Ozzie shrugged unconcernedly.

"They requested the full show, so that’s what they getting," Ozzie hummed, rocking back and forth on the soles of his boots like a playful toddler who knew full well he'd just fucked up and who also was fully aware he wouldn't get in trouble for doing so. Genius! Fizz loved it!

Finally, from the back of the studio, a huge four-armed demoness rushed toward them. She held a camera in each hand, was dolled up and styled to no end, and as soon as she was in front of them, she threw herself into a pose and beamed at Ozzie.

"Your Highness! Asmodeus! Ozzie! It's an honor! How long has it been now?" she purred in an amazingly high-pitched squeaky voice that didn't match her dolled-up high- fashion exterior - and to Fizz's horror, she stepped up to Ozzie, being lucky enough to be tall enough to reach him, and cheekily planted a kiss on Ozzie - and on his two extra faces! Making it three kisses! Just like that! And Ozzie laughed in response and waved it off.

"Too long, Jocy. But you understand, I don't give myself up for everything."

Jocy? He called her by a fucking nickname!?

Fizz's eyes twitched dangerously and something inside him knotted violently. What the fuck were they thinking, being so familiar with each other!?

The next moment, the chick threw her head to the side and fixed her gaze on Fizz, who tensed unintentionally.
"Ah! And, of course, Mr. Fizzarolli! The stunning jester demon from Ozzie's! The great entertainer and favorite of our King! Greetings to you. Welcome, welcome! How wonderful to be able to welcome you both to my studio!"

Urg, what a chatterbox, but that was part of the business, as Fizz knew. Lots of chatter, nothing behind it. Taking a deep breath, he decided to follow Ozzie's advice. This was a business meeting. Work. And even if he looked like a complete idiot in the wrong costume and this bitch was a higher class demon, it was part of the show. All right. If the bitch who dared to slobber all over his prince wanted a show, she would get one!

Grinning, he pulled out his long-lost stage persona, prayed to Lucifer that his prosthetics would cooperate, and finally executed a far-too-deep bow.

"No, no. We have to thank you! A shoot with the honorable Miss Jocelyn? What more could you ask for?" He chuckled in his chainsaw voice and stepped closer to the demoness. She was taller than him and on impulse, he bridged that height, relying on what he had, as Ozzie so nicely put it, and using his new legs to get to eye level with her. "Who doesn't know the reputation of the great MJ? Asmodeus and I - we can't think of anything more exciting than having a photo shoot somewhere in the sticks of the third circle this afternoon. I mean, we could sit in our penthouse and screw, but hey, you do anything to satisfy the greed of all Hell for rumors and photos, right? We. Are. Delighted." With that, he extended his good arm, angling for one of her long thin hands and lifting it to his mouth, hinting a kiss on the hand, only to bare his razor-sharp piranha teeth the next moment and turn the implied hand kiss into a hand bite.

Before his teeth could snap shut, the chick pulled her hand back. Startled, she backed away and gawked at Fizz in bewilderment, pressing her hand to her chest as she gave his legs a bewildered stare.

The stare cut into Fizz, catching him on the wrong foot; he stuck his chest out and crossed his arms. Yeah, should the bitch just stare. She had never seen anyone like him before, and she would never again! He was one of a kind. The one and only! Just like he always proclaimed on stage!

Finally, an unpleasant grin crept back on Miss Jocelyn's lips and she giggled nervously.
"Ha, ha ... You really are as amusing as they say you are," she muttered, giving Ozzie a help-seeking look, but he just stood there watching the spectacle. Fizz, on the other hand, was enjoying the fact that the bitch couldn't handle his irony, and if she dared to get too close to Ozzie again, he'd fuck up the whole fucking shoot! Even more! He'd wreck that stupid studio and- ...!

Fizz faltered and widened his eyes, took a pause.

Wait a minute. What was this all about?

"I see, you and my dear Fizzarolli are getting along splendidly!" Ozzie sung, finally speaking up. "You'll have to excuse him. He is hot-tempered by nature, but he's hilarious at that."

"Of cause," the bitch tried to regain her composure and finally nodded, taking a breath. "Alright, follow me. I’ll show you anything and explain the process of the shoot. We have a lot to do, so let's not waste any more time."

Nodding, Ozzie followed her, giving Fizz a quick sign to do the same, and while Miss Jocelyn explained that they would do the photos first and then the interview, Ozzie leaned down to Fizz for a moment.

"Pretty sassy, that little outburst of yours. Say, don't you like her?" he asked the trick question, to which Fizz wrinkled his nose.

"No. It's all good. I just don't like bitches who can't keep their fingers to themselves," he rumbled, viciously staring at the hag's bony back.

Ozzie chuckled in response and ran a finger down Fizz's chin.

"Awww. How sweet. Is someone ... jealous?"

Stopping dead in his tracks, Fizz's heart hammered against his ribcage. For some reason, the word hit Fizz surprisingly hard, and even though it wasn't an accusation, it sounded like one to him. He ground his jaw.

"No," he lied pathetically, knowing Ozzie would see right through him and probably find it disgusting, but it pissed him off that this chick just took the liberty of kissing Asmodeus! Even if it had only been a kiss on the cheek, it was more than what Fizz had gotten. Yes, Ozzie jerked him off and blew him regularly, but kisses weren't part of the whole repertoire of satisfactions his prince had mastered.
But if some stupid chick was allowed to dare to kiss him, then so was Fizzarolli – as Asmodeu's fucking favorite! And that's exactly what he would do! At the next opportunity ...
Next to him Ozzie started cooing and a finger dug into Fizz's cheek.

"Don't worry, there's enough Ozzie for everyone," he tried to placate Fizz, but then focused again on the chick's yapping. Fizz, on the other hand, just snorted.

"Yeah. Sure."

Of course. And therein the problem was located. Ozzie was there for everyone and everyone was there for Ozzie.

Fizz's chest tightened violently and slowly his gaze settled on Asmodeus. Who walked beside him in all his glory, as being nothing less than a supermodel. Who was adored by everyone wherever he sat his foot.

Only Fizz didn't want Asmodeus to give himself to all these peeping freaks. To gift them with whatever they lusted after.

He should be reserved for one person.

Only for one.

For Fizz.

Alone.

The end.

And that was pathetic. And impossible on top of that.

Shit, he was really doing it. Again. The rose-colored candy carousel spun around and around.

He was such an idiot…

Chapter Text

Chapter 2 2

Hot Angsty filler

Part 3

MJ's was exactly like Fizz had always imagined a professional fashion and photo studio, only it was much bigger in general and with a lot of different spaces.

He could make out quite a few make-up rooms, some dressing rooms, several racks full of clothes standing around, special seating areas for the interviews and of course hollow throats: white screens as neutral background for the shoots. Everyone was busy, because Ozzie and Fizz were not the only ones who had an appointment today. Many other celebrities were around, some Fizz knew from TV shows, others had already been to the club. Either way, a lot of sets were occupied and each was swarmed by a crew of photographers, make-up artists and more. Everyone busy to maintain the illusion of a glamorous rampant lustful place. Typical for the world of entertainment. And all of them came running as soon as they saw Asmodeus, ending up circling and adoring their king. Asking questions, and making suggestive offers. The same happened to Fizz, who loved the praise and attention. Loved the questions if he was okay again, loved the lewd glances and the amazed looks his limps received. However soon it got crowded. Too crowded and to Fizz’s relief his prince shooed quickly their curious audience away.

After things settled down Asmodeus and Fizz were led to the largest white screen without any other decoration. For once, Ozzie wanted no frills, and that the focus stayed exclusively on them. Self-absorbed ass. But please, that would speed the shooting up.

After Ozzie and he were familiarizing with the planned schedule, and some make-up had been applied in a hast - which was completely unnecessary since Fizz insisted on taking care of his own make-up – things became serious.

"Okay. We'll start with the as- ... I mean, with Fizzarolli," Miss Jocelyn started, and Fizz's mouth twitched at her slip of tongue. At least they agreed on one thing: they couldn't stand each other. With his head held high, he marched past her, placed himself at the designated spot and spread his arms.

"Alright, slut. I'm ready~ What's it going to be? The sexy jester, the businessman, the innocent country girl?" With each enumeration, Fizz threw himself into an exaggerated pose, first showing himself lasciviously, then giving the thinker, ending it all with a flip of his leg while dutifully bedding his hands in his lap. He received some laughs from the crew - and also saw Asmodeus chuckling, who stood next to MJ behind the camera. The look on his face alone made Fizz feel more confident than ever, and he braced his hand on his hip expectantly.

"Everything. Just go with the flow," MJ stated and Fizz nodded.

Good. He could handle that.

Being in front of a camera was nothing new to him. Back when Fizz had freshly started at Ozzie's, they'd put on something similar to drive PR for the club. But not at such a scale. All the requested poses, the appropriate look into the camera, turn here, turn there and all that bullshit turned out to be child’s play to him, and soon he noticed that the whole thing wasn't as exciting as he initially had hoped for. By the minute he lost interest in this stupid shoot. The main reason for his failing mood was his growing urge to strangle that stupid bitch behind the camera who flirted with Ozzie on every possible occasion!

Unfortunately, that's exactly what caused him to be reminded to keep his face in check time and again, because his facial expressions failed him far too often. In fact, every time his gaze met the bitch’s one when he looked past the light reflectors and crew members. But well, Fizz was a master at one thing: smiling. That's what the clown had taught him since he was a little kid, and by now he was a master of art. He knew when to smile; knew when it was desired to look seductively into the camera.

However as much as this whole thing bugged him, he truly enjoyed the way the crew danced around one certain subject, like they walked on thin ice.

His prosthetics.

By now everyone on the set had noticed that he didn't just own one, and though Fizz caught the whispers, no one dared to ask him if he would show them off, or if they could take pictures of them. Cowards!

Finally, his pictures were done and gladly he sat down on a chair at the edge of the set. His joints felt strangely stiff, but he didn't let it show. Especially since there was no time for that, because now it was Asmodeus' turn and enthusiasm spread through Fizz.

He wasn't interested in his own pictures one bit, but watching Ozzie was insane. As soon as he stood at his designated spot, he threw himself in a pose and acted in front of the camera like he was doing nothing else all day. He owned the spotlight and looked insanely sexy in his glittering suit. The sight of him shook Fizz violently, awakening deep longing. Longing combined with pride, because as stunning as Ozzie was pretending to be now, Fizz knew the real Asmodeus. The Asmodeus who shuffled through the penthouse in his bathrobe, who became delighted like a child by everything that pleased him. Who could get so horny that anything turned him on for hours. Who was into cuddling. Who couldn't cook or clean. Who loved sweets and collected heels and was just … lovable. That was his Ozzie. His prince. His! His alone! Not some fashionista's who had a crush on him! She didn't deserve him! No one did! He was too good for them! For all of them! King of Lust, Prince of Hell, his ass! Ozzie wasn't like a real demon lord at all! He was like an ang-...

Ozzie's head feathers suddenly twitched violently and again he reached for his back, scratching it. His head wheeled around, and he leaped out of his pose, looking at Fizz. Briefly, Ozzie blinked at him in wonder, which gave Fizz a heart attack.

Shit. He couldn't read minds, either, could he? Only feelings, right? That made it only slightly better ...

Quickly, Fizz squinted to the side and continued sucking on the drink he'd been given. Shit, he had to pull himself together and not let Ozzie get off track by his dorky feelings. It wasn't good for business, and that was why they were here, after all.

"Is everything all right, Asmodeus?"

Fizz heard MJ's voice and squinted back at the set. The interruption didn't sit well with the photographer. She stepped up to Ozzie and discussed a few things with him, commenting on some requested poses until she caught his full attention once more. All the while, touched his arm, joked around with him casually, threw in suggestions. Well, she had acted the same with Fizz earlier, but the sight of the two of them rammed a red-hot iron into Fizz's chest. He should have bitten the bitch's finger off!

Before he knew it, he was on his feet and stepping up to the two, daring to do something he had never dared to do before.

In one leap, he jumped onto Ozzie's shoulder, leaning casually forward and propped his head in one hand.

"What's the matter? Are things not going as planned?" he asked perkily, looking down appraisingly at the bitch, who blinked annoyed. Even through Ozzie went a subtile jolt and Fizz squinted at him. Nervousness twitched through him for a second, since he didn't know how Ozzie would react. Fortunately for him, his prince began to grin enthusiastically in the next moment.

"Your timing is perfect!" he chirped. "I was just suggesting that we take pictures together."

Together? That drilled a hole in Fizz grin and his tail curled heavily. With both arms, he braced himself and stared blatantly at Ozzie.

"You mean ... a picture of us together?"

"Of course. After all, it's my club and you're my host."

"I can agree on that," the bitch interjected, and Fizz rolled his eyes when she dared to interrupt them. "People love that kind of thing. The king and his favorite! They'll want to know all the dirty details, and if we can get the article and interviews with the right pictures, it'll be a sensation! Ah, I need another camera for this!" Before they had agreed on anything, she hurried away, leaving them behind. Fizz blinked in perplexity. A photo together with Ozzie.

He should bite himself in the ass, but part of him was happy about the prospect like a little kid. There was still a problem, though, and he cleared his throat.

"So ...? How do we go about this? I've never posed with anyone else before." He was no stranger to partner gigs, he knew his way around that. But this was different.

"Trust your instincts. That worked really well earlier, too. Your shots turned out great! You're a natural! So photogenic and handsome," Ozzie purred wistfully, at which Fizz rolled his eyes. Ozzie was exaggerating again ... "Besides," his prince continued, lifting Fizz from his shoulder, placing him in his hands - carrying him like a damn bride, "I'd have an idea or two for some good poses."

Fizz's face promptly went boiling hot, and he opened his mouth, about to retort something when -...

"Well, here we are! I brought the good cameras with the bigger resolution for different angles. That'll make it easier!" The bitch interrupted them when she returned with a huge thing of camera that she attached to a tripod. "We'll do some test shots first, then see what works best. We may even move to one of the other sets for that. A colored background would be more appropriate to capture the atmosphere better. The light here doesn't suit me," she babbled some nonsense that didn't interest Fizz.

It was the loud click of the camera that caught his attention. And made him wince. The shutter of this camera was much louder than from the camera MJ had used for the shots with him earlier. Roughly, she fiddled with the device, clicking the shutter several times. And with each successive click, Fizz winced again. And again. And again. An icy shiver rolled down his spine - and suddenly a bright light flashed before his eyes. The light of the camera.

"Ah, no. That doesn't work at all ..." Miss Jocelyn muttered in response, and another flash followed. And another. And all at once Fizz was standing in the middle of the boulevard, feeling a strange hand grabbing his crotch. Gasping, he exhaled - and extended his leg. With full force, he rammed the heel of his foot into the lens of the camera, shattering it into a thousand pieces.

Immediately, everyone went quiet as a mouse and a horrified exclamation sounded from MJ, who stared at her camera with huge eyes - and then looked at Fizz. So did everyone else. All eyes settled on him. Staring. Gwaking. Murmurs rose up and Fizz cursed. Damn, how could this have happened!?

"Fizz? Are you all right?" he heard Ozzie ask worriedly, but didn't look at him. Shit, he needed something to hang on before all turned into a disaster! But what was he supposed to do? What ...

Ah, of course ...!

He quickly put on a grin, chasing all inappropriate angsty thoughts away, and stretched his leg out even further, lowering his lids lasciviously and giggled once.

"My sincere apologies," he sung, running the tip of his foot along MJ's jaw. Seductively. But also with a warning. "Snapshots cost extra. So watch who you take pictures of. Next time those sleek mechanical noodles might hit your eyeball. " He couldn't think of anything better and hardly anyone swallowed the joke, but Fizz didn't care. She was welcome to take it as a threat, as well.

No response came until Asmodeus cleared his throat.

"I think we should take a short break," he suggested, setting Fizz down and giving MJ an apologetic look. "I was planning on changing anyway."

"Yeah ... good idea. Then maybe everyone will calm down. A shoot like this is exhausting, after all," the fashion demon huffed, boring her yellow eyes into Fizz before turning to her camera again and starting to whine.

"Agreed. Fifteen minutes then? Fizzarolli, will you accompany me?" Though he phrased it as a question, it was clearly a command, and Fizz nodded nonchalantly, pretending to be as uninvolved as possible, and shrugged, extending his arms and folding his hands behind his head.

"Sure, boss."

With that, Ozzie headed for one of the locker rooms, and Fizz casually followed him while a whirlpool of angsty emotions spun inside him. Crap, he'd fucked that up big time.

*

Once they had entered the locker room, which was merely big enough for the two of them, Ozzie wheeled around and a displeased wrinkle appeared on his forehead.

"Can you tell me what this was all about? Why are you acting like this?" he bawled in a hushed voice, at which Fizz jumped. Rebuked, he rubbed one arm and squinted to the side, immediately seeing the dumb chick in front of him kissing Ozzie and he bit his lips. The second thing on his mind was the boulevard, but he pushed that one away with all his might.

"I'm paying for the fucking camera," Fizz grumbled disinterestedly, to which Ozzie sighed and crossed his arms.

"I don’t give a damn about the camera," huffed his prince, hesitating for a moment. The wrinkle on his forehead disappeared and concern took its place. "Is it the prosthetic? Are they not working properly? If that’s the case, we need to reconcider. As sexy as they are, the last thing we need is for the latest headline that the great Fizzarolli has impaled the greatest fashion photographer in Hell..."

In fact, to entertain such an article sounded amusing, in Fizz opinion, Ozzie didn't find it funny at all though and Fizz eyes twitched. Slowly he raised his head, clutching his sleeve.

"Why? Is she that important to you?" he asked challengingly, but Ozzie just sighted.

"By no means. She's a blabbering money obeying demoness who reminds me of my dear brother …. but it's handy to know her and so stay in her good grace. She's good for business, good for us. Good for you! After all, this shoot is to boost your new show and move the club forward."

The club, the business. Sure. Fizz snorted, twisting his mouth, not answering. To which Ozzie grew indignant. He bent down to Fizz, examining him, and before he knew it, his prince grabbed Fizz’ leg, pulled it up and inspected it. Startled, Fizz staggered backward against the wall and the leg of his pants slid treacherously far back.

Insistently, Ozzie checked the prosthesis, twisting the leg back and forth, inspecting each stretchy connector, each joint ... had to finger on every sensor in the process, and one jolt after another shot through Fizz's body. And through his loins.

"Aah! Cou- ... could you ... not?! The leg's fine, damn it!" Fizz hissed breathlessly, jerked the leg back, retracting it while bracing himself against the wall. Fuck, his head was boiling hot!

Ozzie, on the other hand, just blinked at him in wonder, like he didn't have the slightest idea what his touch triggered. However his head feathers were twitching like heaven. Big idiot!

"Sorry. I just wanted to make sure everything is okay. I don't want anything to happen that hurt your reputation," his prince mumbled a half-hearted apology, to which Fizz laughed once, regaining his composure.

"Don't you worry about that, asshole! That stupid bitch shouldn't have used her stupid flashlights, that’s all!" he babbled, cursing in the same moment. Wow! Couldn't someone just rip his tongue out? Then he couldn't talk any more bullshit either!

Ozzie frowned at that.

"The flashes? You don't like them?"

Gritting his teeth, Fizz looked down at his feet, wishing he had a good joke at hand. But the whole situation sucked. He didn't feel like doing this shoot anymore, and he didn't feel like being questioned by Ozzie. But the big jerk always wanted the truth. So there they went ...

"Yeah. Damn right."

There was silence for a moment, then realization crept into Ozzie's gaze, and he widened his eyes.

"Oooh...!" escaped him in a mixture of understanding and pity, and Fizz slapped his hand over his face. Great! Where could he find some scissors? Away with his stupid tongue! Before he knew it, he was lifted up again and looked at three distorted faces. "Please forgive me, I wasn't thinking. The situation must be awkward for you after ..." Ozzie interrupted himself and squinted at the door, narrowing his gaze. "We're canceling the shoot. We're going back home. Forgive my thoughtlessness."

"What?" Caught off guard Fizz narrowed his eyes and quickly shook his head and jumped up. "No, bullshit. There's no need for that! If we leave now, the article will be a bust! You say the shoot is important, so let's finish it!"

"But you- ..."

"I'm pulling myself together. I'm a professional, remember? From now on, I'm holding back." There was no way Fizz wanted Ozzie to pamper him because of that shit back then at the boulevard, or to have an appointment canceled because of him! The thought of already having disappointed Ozzie by his behavior tugged at Fizz's nerves, and he sighed in exhaustion.

With a scrutinizing stare, Ozzie eyed him, then his shoulders slumped and finally he nodded.

"All right, have it your way then. But all it takes is one word, and we go!" Gently, Fizz was set back down on the ground.

"And how are you going to explain this? That your sweet boyfriend isn’t feeling well? Fuck that! You better not worry too much about me. In the end, all Hell thinks you're getting soft," Fizz teased to put an end to their discussion, however Ozzie quirked his mouth in response.

"I don't give a damn what Hell thinks about me. I don't have to explain anything. I am the ruler of this ring," he declared seriously, which caused Fizz to gulp. Yes. Sometimes he even forgot that....

"I know, Your Highness." With that, Fizz stood well-behaving against the wall and lowered his gaze, eliciting another annoyed sigh from Ozzie.

"You little smartass. But fine, we'll stay." With that, his prince turned around - and actually stepped up to a rack of quite a few clothes that stood ready in the locker room. Astonished, Fizz tilted his head.

"What, you were serious about changing?"

"Of course. One outfit is not enough for such an event. I asked for a different selection ahead of time as a precaution. Alternatives are always good!" Ozzie’s good mood returned as he ran a hand over the fabrics. Fizz, however, quirked his mouth and took a step back, eliciting a soft laugh from Ozzie.

"Don't worry. You may keep those clothes on. I didn't want to torture you any further. Even though..." Briefly, Ozzie hesitated, but then winked at Fizz. "Even though I'd like to undress you again."

Fizz rolled his eyes and clicked his tongue.

"I'll take your word for that."

A gentle, yet cocky look was placed at him, before Ozzie finally turned to the clothes, tapped his chin once and then pulled out a new outfit relatively quickly by his standards.

However, his choice made Fizz falter, and he widened his eyes.

"What!? You're going to wear that?" he asked in amazement, to which Ozzie nodded and pulled his fancy hat off, tossing it provocatively at Fizz.

"That's right! Don't you like it?" Without waiting for Fizz's response, Ozzie began to undress - which distracted Fizz for a moment. Then he composed himself and frowned, clearing his throat. It wasn't his place to judge in any way, shape or form, and somehow he wasn't surprised. Still, he hadn't expected it.

"Well, this is a cocktail dress and you're ...," Fizz began, but was interrupted when a finger settled on his lips. Clicking his tongue, Ozzie shook his head admonishingly before raising his brows meaningfully.

"I am the embodiment of lust in all its facets! I've told you that often enough. So I wear what I want, when I want. And I want to wear this dress!" With that said, Ozzie proceeded to change.

Fizz bit his tongue, but nodded. Why not. Ozzie did what he wanted anyway, and strictly speaking, Fizz was just his accessory.

Eventually Ozzie's clothes landed on the floor, causing Fizz to roll his eyes. How unlovely the guy handled his ass-expensive garments was unacceptable! Annoyed, Fizz took a step forward, about to kick Asmodeus’ ass and pick up the fancy suit, fold it and carefully put it in the designated rack - when he faltered.

Any snappy comment caught in his throat as his gaze settled on Ozzie and his heart began to pound violently.

Engulfed in a dark red strapless cocktail dress, studded with shimmering gems, Ozzie looked at himself contentedly in the mirror, turning back and forth scrutinizingly while tugging here and there at the tight-fitting flawless fabric. The color contrasted perfectly with his blue fur tone, stressing his body in all the right places.

Stunned, Fizz dropped his arms, which literally hit the ground, and widened his eyes, noticing that he was getting extremely hot.

Shit, Asmodeus looked ... amazing in that dress! What the fuck ...?! How did this guy do it? How?

Fizz's gaze sucked in Ozzie's bare, broad shoulders, his narrow waist, his taut legs that stretched the dress seductively over his thighs, and his round butt that was prominent in the dress. His tail feathers cheekily peeked out from under the dress, but did not reveal what was underneath.

Concentrating, Fizz took a breath and his pants suddenly felt quite tight. This time he didn't manage to hold back and an appreciative whistle escaped him.

"Wow. Now you are dressed to impress," he breathed raspily and clenching his hands into fists to keep them to himself, pulling himself together. If Ozzie would be anyone, Fizz knew exactly what he'd do right now! The same thing he would normally do when he was attracted to someone. What he had done with Mr. O-At-the-End ...

His prince looked across the mirror at him, and Fizz saw that his head feathers quivering expectantly and that a soft glow emanated from him. He grinned smugly at Fizz and wiggled his head, running his fingers through his neon-colored mane.

"I know. And I knew you'd ... like it."

"Understatement," Fizz admitted, feeling torn. After all, this dress practically screamed: touch me! And for a moment, Fizz imagined rising to Ozzie's eye level, grabbing him with his long arms and pulling him close. Pressing him against the wall and getting more than a kiss on the cheek!

Shit, Fizz wanted to fuck him. Wanted it for a long time, if he was honest. Only there was just too much crap that was standing between them! If it weren't for their size and class difference, Fizz would have spread his legs for Ozzie long ago, to be fucked into a coma. He would do anything for the blue bastard. Anything! For him, with him, on top of him, under him, whatever Ozzie desired! But right now, a new desire stirred in him though, and he had to admit that he wanted it the other way around. He wanted to be the one who fucked this bastard into a coma! The one who seduced him and gave him what Ozzie had been giving to Fizz since they knew each other!

However Fizz was just a shitty tiny cyborg imp in jester-disguise who could never satisfy Asmodeus. But he wanted it. Wanted it so much that frustration got the better of him, and he wanted to shred something to pieces!

Frowning, he stared at Ozzie, inwardly consumed by desire and hatred for himself, while his prince looked at himself in the mirror, primping himself like a young girl ready to go on her first date, winking disreputably at Fizz time and again.

Fuck. The guy probably knew exactly what was going on inside of Fizz. Only he probably didn't understand it and focused on what he liked best. The lust. He didn't notice anything else. Typical for him. Typical.

Longingly, Fizz let his gaze slide over Ozzie's oncovered back, following the round cut of the dress with his eyes, that's when they entered his field of vision one more time. The scars on Ozzie's back. Barely visible, only to those who knew where to look.

Fizz pressed his lips together and narrowed his eyes - and before he knew it, he stretched out his arm, far enough to place his hand at Ozzie's back.

Where had he received those scars? Who had dared to hurt him? Had it been Lucifer? The fucking clown? Whoever, hopefully Ozzie had ripped the one apart! Gently, Fizz ran his finger over the uneven skin beneath the blue fur and tenderly caressed the healed wounds, seeking Ozzie's gaze.

As if stung, Asmodeus wheeled around and every light in him died. Every flicker and every glow. His mane and fur turned pitch black, his two other faces glowed pink, and a huge claw whizzed toward Fizz.

He was grabbed and yanked off his feet, thundered against the nearest wall, and all air was squeezed from his lungs. Asmodeus' mouth, open and filled with needle like teeth, appeared in front of Fizz's face and a hot black flame was breathed towards him.

Instantly, Fizz shrank and curled his tail around one of his robot legs, avoiding Asmodeus' gaze, and staring at the ground.

"I'm sorry," he choked out, clutching at the claw-like hand that was chockinhg him more and more.

"Don't do that ever again," rasped Asmodeus' demonic voice, and immediately Fizz nodded wildly.

The next moment he was released and fell to the ground, gasping at the hard impact that sent a twinge through the contacts at his hip.

"Wait outside," was the next command, and Fizz didn't think twice. Again he nodded, jumped to his feet and disappeared from the room as fast as he could, not daring to look at Asmodeus again.

Shit. Shit, why hadn't he been able to keep his fingers to himself!?

Chapter Text

Chapter 23

Hot Kinky Filler

Part 4

Fortunately, no one had noticed what had happened in the locker room and Fizz used the moment to sneak away.

With his heart pounding, he slumped in a quiet corner and took a deep breath, still seeing the scary black flames and the angry faces of his prince before his mind’s eye.

He never had seen Asmodeus like this before ... and Asmodeus had never treated him like this before. Yes, he had screamed and raged before, but this? This was a whole new level!

Lost in thought, Fizz stared at his hand and cursed. Shit, if he only never had touched Asmodeus! At least not in that place. Fizz knew exactly how sensitive scars could be. Even when they had healed long ago, there was still a pain inside that never went away. It could get better, but if some idiot came along and reopened old wounds without rhyme or reason, Fizz would have gotten angry, too. Very much so ...

Crap. He had made a mistake. A big mistake ... He wondered if Asmodeus would accept an apology? Would he find it pathetic? Because, strictly speaking, it was pathetic! Because, strictly speaking, Fizz had done nothing wrong! He only wanted to show Asmodeus that he appreciated him! That the sight of his wounds made Fizz angry! Even hurt him.

Oh Satan, what sentimental bullshit, what had gotten into him?

A twinge of pain shot through his hip and Fizz hissed, touched the connection ports in his thighs, remembering the death grip Asmodeus had held him in. That really had hurt ... tremendously.

Finally, the surrounding voices grew louder, and cautiously Fizz glanced around the corner toward the set. He had to swallow hard.

Asmodeus had come out of the dressing room, still wearing his seductive red dress. The other demons bustled around him, adoring him, showering him with compliments, and Fizz's mouth twitched. Asmodeus really did look forbiddingly handsome. If it weren't for the parasites surrounding him; right up front stood the stupid bitch. She especially liked the outfit - she smiled at Asmodeus, and he smiled back. Like nothing had happened.

Sure.

She was allowed to slobber all over him, but Fizz wasn't allowed to show his disgusting affection ... fucking hypocrisy.

Judging by the snippets of conversation that echoed to him, the shoot would soon continue and a thick knot clenched his stomach. After what had just happened, he didn't think he'd be able to pull off a good shoot... But thinking about the pitch black figure from the locker room and his black flames, he'd better not push his luck. Best, from now on he just did what Asmodeus wanted and suck it up. Disgusting, but better than his prince getting even angrier with him.

Sighing, he stood up and braced himself before emerging from his hiding place and slowly limping back to the set. The closer he got, however, the heavier his legs felt and eventually he did stop, happily lost in a cluster of crew members standing together. Maybe Asmodeus had already canceled the shoot on his own accord. What meant, Fizz would receive some kind of a nasty surprise in the penthouse …

"Oh Lucifer, look at that bitch. All dolled up like he can't wait to get fucked by one of us," a voice reached his ear, and Fizz looked up. Next to him two demons were whispering to each other, without taking any notice if him.

Narrowly, he looked past them, wondering who they were talking about, seeing no one but Asmodeus. And the longer he listened, the clearer it became who the two were talking about.

"Watch out! Don't say that too loud! What if he hears you?"

"Then what? Have you ever heard the great Asmodeus has killed anyone because of some... offers?? Bullshit. He's way too good-natured. Way too stupid."

Fizz pursed his mouth. Unfortunately such a statement was not entirely wrong. However, there was something in their tone that prompted Fizz to prick his ears.

"I'd fuck that guy if I could. Right here, right now! In front of everyone! And if I had to tie him up. With that outfit, he's just begging to be jumped."

"Ha! Go ask him. He's the embodiment of lust. He fucks everything and everyone anyway."

"Shut up. Who says I'd let him fuck me? No, man, I want to fuck him myself."

"Urg, who knows how many dicks have been inside him already?"

The two laughed dirty and Fizz narrowed his eyes, clenching his fists.

What the FUCK were they thinking, talking about their King like that!? Not an ounce of respect was displayed by these assholes, and it sickened Fizz. Quickly he squinted at Asmodeus, expecting that the prince would notice those demons at any moment, as good as his sense for the lust of others was. However... nothing happened. His prince talked to the MJ-whore without even lifting his head. No twitching feathers, no pulsating. Like he was blind towards the lust if those two. A deep shadows settled into Fizz’s face. Did this mean the two weren’t radiating lust at all, but something ... sinister?

"If I could, I'd tie that guy to the bed and fuck him raw and bloody until he screams for mercy. Then we'll see if he's really as powerful as everyone says."

"True. I mean, look at him. And he's really supposed to be one of the seven princes? He’s a joke. Look the way he's always grinning. Like an idiot."

"But they say dumb fucks best, don't they?"

They laughed again and everything in Fizz went ice-cold. He knew those words, had said them himself a hundred times. But hearing them coming from the mouths of these two assholes twisted his stomach. Yes, Fizz talked a lot of shit, but when he said something like that, it was because he was an idiot, a clown, and because he wanted to tease Asmodeus! He didn't mean it in a backhanded or reproachful way. Unlike those two assholes. ... Fizz clenched his fists and peered at Asmodeus.

Who smiled, and the sight of him caused Fizz's heart to throb longingly.

No one should talk about his prince like that! No one!

Dangerously slow, Fizz approached the two demons, but they took no notice of him. Just kept on babbling their disgusting crap.

"Do you really think he and that Fizzarolli are banging?"

Oh, they dared to make fun of him as well, now. Fizz pulled his face in a dark grimace.

"Tse, the robo-freak? That tiny guy can't do it to anyone. Did you see the way he treated MJ? He's crazy. Asmodeus never will fuck him. Who wants a cripple without arms and legs? I might as well fuck a rubber doll."

"Maybe Asmodeus is into that stuff and takes the prothetics off? At least the freak can't fight back."

The other demon laughed dirty and nudged his buddy with his elbow.

"No fun if they don't fight back."

"True!"

"Ha, that gives me an idea! Imagine the great Asmodeus without limbs. Trying to fight back but not being able to... I'd sell my soul for that! Where's Mammon when you need him, ha, ha!"

"Big mouth, like you'd summon Mammon for a deal like that!"

"Don't need to do so either. I'm sure there are one or two angelic weapons on the black market that are able to bring down a royal demon and cut off some of his body parts. I'm sure you can get some serious cash for such parts on the black market. Double jackpot!"

That was enough! More than enough!

With a jerk, Fizz extended his arm and threw it like a lasso around the neck of one asshole, yanking him off his feet and cutting off his air, simultaneously drilling his foot into the second demon's back and sending him flying to the ground. Their screams filled the whole studio with gruesome echo, but to Fizz their shouts sounded like music.

Firmly, he pulled the guy in his arms closer, and batted his eyelids.

"Oh, I beg your pardon! I didn't mean to interrupt your banter," he chattered innocently and grinned when the guy looked at him in panic, clawing at his arm. It hurt, but didn't hold Fizz back in any way. Putting more force in his grip, he wrapped more of his arm around the demon's face and cutting off his airways. The demon’s eyes grew huge, turning red, but Fizz didn't care, fixing his gaze on the second guy on the ground. The guy who had voiced all those perverted suggestions.

Panting, the demon tried to pull himself to his feet and fingered his back, where a nice, bloody hole appeared in his shirt. And it wouldn't be the last one.

Dangerously slow, Fizz stalked over to him, dragging the guy’s buddy with him. Voices and faces full of horror filled the studio, but no one dared to intervene. Cowards! Disgusting cowards! And Asmodeus and he allowed those unworthy creatures to take photos of them! Fizz even made a fool of himself for their entertainment! And his prince fed on such assholes and their abnormal tendencies! Disgusting!

Fizz let out a rasping laugh and then looked at the guy in his arm, pulled him higher and snuggled against the other’s head.

"Too bad you swallowed your tongue. It was just getting so interesting. Maybe your friend here wants to repeat what great ideas you guys had, huh?" Meaningfully, Fizz spread his free arm, like in one of his shows, turned to the surrounding audience and gave them a dazzling show. One they deserved.

The demon in his grip muttered something in panic and yanked unsuccessfully at Fizz's arm, while the guy on the ground looked Fizz in the face.

"You're crazy! Leave us alone, freak!" he shouted, whereupon Fizz narrowed his eyes - and walked towards him.

"That's right. I guess I am crazy~," he reflected, playing dumb before leaning down to the guy. "But no less crazy than some random asshole who thinks he can talk shit about Asmodeus and get away with it. So let me think. What was it you said again?" Thoughtfully, Fizz put a hand to his chin, then pretended to have an epiphany. "Ah, yes! I remember! You were going to fuck Asmodeus. Tie him up. Cut off his limps. Like it was done to me!" Fizz eyes twitched and briefly he saw Asmodeus in his place. Being tied down, while the clown tore his limps off! To save time! Hatred and anger shoot through Fizz like poison. Never! NEVER should his prince have to endure this! But for the good of his performance, Fizz continued to laugh. "Ha! Ozzie wished to be that cool! But as for you ... Let's see what we can do. Well, yeah! I have an idea!" At that, Fizz lifted his foot and rammed it into the asshole's crotch. Heel first.

A high-pitched shrieking scream rang out, to which Fizz laughed. Loudly and heartily. Again he stomped his foot down. And again. And again, grinning to himself until the bastard's pants were painted all red between his legs. When Fizz pulled his foot back, the guy lay motionless on the ground, breathing heavily, twitching. Frowning, Fizz looked at his handiwork, then squinted at the guy in his arm, who showed no resistance any more. Fizz released him and let him fell to the ground without ceremony, while the guy’s now dickless buddy crawled whimpering in the dust.

Yes. It really did suit them perfectly!

"Fizzarolli."

Fizz's head shot up, and he looked to the side, gazing into quite a few aghast faces. Among them was Asmodeus'.

"Yeah?" Fizz asked innocently, leaving the two assholes behind, strolling towards the prince. As soon as he passed the crew and stood right before Ozzie, people started to move and ran over to the two fuckers to see if there was anything left to save. They weren't dead, but they soon would wish they were.

"What- ...?" Asmodeus began, but Fizz waved him off.

"Oh, don't worry, boss! The legs and arms are fine. No malfunction. Everything is just as it should be!" Demonstratively Fizz raised one arm and pretended to tense his muscles, all the while smiling widely at Asmodeus - but avoided direct eye contact. As a precaution. It was a different story with the bitch, who looked wide-eyed first at the two assholes then to Fizz before she threw her many arms in the air and stomped toward Fizz.

"What the fuck was that! Why did you attack them, you crazy little -!"

"Ah, ah!" Reprovingly, Fizz raised a finger and wagged it under the stupid bitch’s nose. "No insults, if you please. Those two just received what they deserved."

"And what, by Lucifer, did they do?!"

At this, Fizz narrowed his eyes and defying their sinister argument in the locker room, he snuggled up to Asmodeus’ side, casting withering glances at the demons lying on the floor.

"They were talking shit about Ozzie. Huge shit. That’s why." Reluctantly, he glanced up at Asmodeus, fervently hoping not to see the black grimace again.

Absolutely confused, Asmodeus blinked at him and opened his mouth - only to disappear a second later in a blue glittering cloud.

Surprised, Fizz jumped back, as did everyone else in the studio.

Murmurs rose and after the glittering cloud settled, Asmodeus reappeared. In his second form ... an admittedly hilarious picture, since he still wore the red dress. Asmodeus looked down at himself with wide eyes, then groaned in annoyance.

Fizz, on the other hand, almost laughed, but he pulled himself together. For as silly as the display was, it raised questions. If Asmodeus slipped into his second form, it meant only one thing ... loss of energy. Too little desire. Fizz crossed his arms. If Asmodeus' energy level was already so low, why by Lucifer had he not fed on him?

"And what is the meaning of this" he heard MJ moan and looked up.

Frowning, the fashion chick crossed her four arms, shaking her head disapprovingly. And she wasn't the only one. The whole crew looked at Fizz in confusion.

"Huh? I don't understand," whispers reached his ear, and the more voices could be haered, the more Fizz stiffened.

"Why is Asmodeus in this form? Shouldn't he be overflowing with energy? After all, his favorite is here ..."

"Fizzarolli is still his favorite, isn't he?"

"Maybe they haven't done it in a long time?"

"How selfish! A favorite should always provide our King with energy and lust."

"Well, maybe it won't work out with him because ... you know. Those cybernetic limps?"

"How embarrassing for Asmodeus."

"I think it's outrageous!"

"Hey! What are you standing there, go on, serve him! Or do you want your King to have to walk around like that, huh?"

The last accusation caused Fizz to wince and unintentionally he took a step back, bumping into Asmodeus. Swallowing, he put his head back and looked up while everything inside him twisted.

Shit, he had not been aware of Asmodeus’ state after all!

"Shut the fuck up! None of your fucking business!" he retorted darkly, but the snide looks on the faces of the surrounding demons stayed. Their priorities now obvious to him. Beating one of their colleagues half to death was okay, leaving their King hanging was a no-go.

Before anyone could say anything else, however, a loud sigh sounded and Fizz's arm was grabbed. Asmodeus started moving, leaving the photo set behind and dragging Fizz with him to the exit.

"We're leaving." Was all he said, giving no further explanation, not showing at what or whom his foul mood was directed. But Asmodeus didn't have to say something, it was too obvious.

Gulping, Fizz let Asmodeus drag him down the hall until they reached the exit.

"You better feed him properly! Otherwise, I hope he kicks your ass, freak!" an angry voice shouted after them and Fizz was about to turn back to let his prosthetics speak a third time, but a firm grip on his arm prevented him from doing so.

They left the studio and headed for the waiting limousine. Awkwardly, Asmodeus pushed Fizz into the car before he entered himself, and slumped down on the seats with a groan. Which made for an extremely strange picture.

The car hummed for a moment, then they started moving, leaving the studio behind.

**

Silence hovered in the car and uncomfortably Fizz stood in front of Asmodeus. Briefly, he considered just taking his standard seat, but hesitated. Finally, he sighed and slumped his shoulders. Well, there was nothing to sugarcoat.

"I fucked up ..." he mumbled without looking at his prince. Asmodeus didn't move at first, but then nodded sullenly.

"Indeed."

Silence again.

Fizz shifted his weight, scratching his head. Again he thought of the black figure in the locker room, but decided to push the memory aside and concentrate on something less disturbing. Taking a deep breath, he finally dared to jump on the seat next to Asmodeus. Avoiding to look him in the eye, he rubbed his hands together and then stretched them out hesitantly. While hopping not to be pressed against the nearest wall again. Bluntly, he dug his fingers into Asmodeus' exposed and thin as a matchstick leg, clearing his throat.

"Uhm... do you want to...? So, are you...? Do you need...?" He was pathetic! And Asmodeus' answer didn't make it any better.

"No."

No? NO? The Prince of Lust was sitting there in his second form like a limp dishrag and still denied feeding? Even though Fizz offered it?! Flustered, Fizz's tail swished through the air, and he gritted his teeth.

"But you ...!"

"I said no, Fizzarolli!"

Fizz withdrew his hands, placed them on his bent knees, and clutched at the fabric of his stupid pants. Which were splattered all over with blood. Fuck.

"It's my fault, isn't it. You don’t like my taste anymore ... right?"

"No. Let's not talk about it."

FUCK!

There was no joy, no enthusiasm, no chirp in Asmodeus’ voice. Not even this mysterious aura of his surrounded him. He just sat there, like a torn rug, and a distance swelled between them as deep as the canyons in Wrath. And it was Fizz's fault. All of it!

Lucifer fucking Magne! He just couldn't handle this! Not after all the crap of the past few weeks! He- he needed Ozzie! Ozzie, like he usually was! Not like this! Arguing with him didn't sit well with Fizz and turned him into a wreck way too fast. Better he got over with it quickly! Therefor he threw his principles and pride overboard, scrambled to Asmodeus’ side and snuggled up to him engagingly, taking a deep breath.

"I'msorryIdidn'twantittogooutlikethisbutthisstupidcowjustslobberedonyouandthenIsawredandthentheseidiotsweretalkingcrapandtheyweredisgustingandIcouldn'tdoanythingelsesoItaughtthemalessonandI’msorryIttouchyouunasked,butI'msorry,I'msorry,pleasedon’tbemadanymoreshit,Ican’thandlethat!", he babbled wildly and squinted his eyes, holding a hand over his mouth.

That's when Asmodeus reacted. He sat up straight and looked down at Fizz, who raised a finger and signaled Asmodeus to wait. Sure enough, Fizz calmed down again, swallowed whatever was trying to climb up his throat, and took a deep breath.

He slumped his shoulders and sighed in exhaustion, and when a skeptical Mmmmh sounded next to him, he wanted to tear a hole in the fabric of the seat and bury himself in it. How embarrassing!

A blue hand came into his field of vision and suddenly his face was grabbed and turned around. Asmodeus bent down to him, his face unreadable, and uneasily Fizz tickled his tail, trying to withstand his prince's gaze at least this time. Asmodeus eyed him for a very long time and Fizz half expected him to explode again. To be yelled at again, and this time he deserved it.

But Asmodeus sighed and shook his head.

"My my. Half a year you've been with me… and you're still a nervous little wreck," he muttered, at which Fizz suddenly felt very hot. "Jealousy doesn't suit you. It's an annoying feeling. Just like my brother Levi, and he is a pain in the ass. Jealousy is like a splinter in your neck," his prince muttered and frowned, pulling Fizz's face closer. "What did those two demons say about me that was so offensive that you went feral and almost killed them during an official shoot? Which will probably catapult our PR into the mud, hurt business and our reputation! I know MJ. She's a vindictive bitch. It is only a matter of time before we face a lawsuit!"

Fizz gulped, glancing to the side when his heart began to pound violently.

"It was disgusting shit," he dismissed it quickly, basically not wanting to talk about it. But he couldn't get around it, Asmodeus wouldn't let him.

"I'm a royal demon. A prince of hell, a deathly sin. I know what is said about me. I'm not as naive as some people think I am, Fizzarolli. I know this shit. And if it had been worrisome, I would have acted. Don't you think?"

"Not with that shit ..."

"And what exactly was it?"

Fizz hesitated, and his mouth felt like it was sewn shut. His fingers clamped down on Asmodeus' hand, but not to push him away.

"They fantasized about hurting you..." he murmured darkly, to which only a tired laugh escaped Asmodeus, and he threw his head back.

"How disgustingly thoughtful of you, but we live in hell, sweetheart. It's standard. Especially here in Lust, where any kind of dirty fantasy is welcome."

Fizz ground his jaw.

"Not this dirty fantasy! Not when they talk about cu-cu-cutting off your limbs with angelic weapons! And raping you! That's not funny! Not at all! Not to me! I should have torn them to shreds! Bitten off their dicks and stuffed them down their throats! Then they'd see how it feels!"

Asmodeus grew silent and Fizz felt his gaze linger on him. For a long time. Until it became uncomfortable and his tail kept drumming restlessly against the seat.

Again the typical Mmmmh sounded, and the fingers encircling his face loosened. Ran along his chin. Hesitantly, Fizz lifted his eyes. To his astonishment, there was a wicked grin on Asmodeus' lips, and slowly he shook his head, fumbled for one of the tips of Fizz's foolscap - and then gripped it.

"Well, well. Should you have done that? To defend my honor? I think I should be flattered. But in the end, what you did will cause a lot of problems. I can’t just let this slip," Asmodeus murmured slyly, sending a shiver down Fizz's spine. Somehow he had liked the angry Ozzie better, and an uneasy foreboding spread through him. Coupled with a sick spark of excitement. He crossed his arms and snorted.

"I don’t care," he grumbled. "In any case, they deserved it! And I'd do it again! Fuck those motherfuckers! And fuck your awesome MJ! Fuck the shoot! Fuck everything!" Fizz had enough! If Asmodeus was about to kick his ass for this shitty day then be it!

Asmodeus, on the other hand, raised an eyebrow, not seeming convinced. And yet the strange grin remained. Got wider and wider. Then he sighed meaningfully, acting chagrined and exhausted at the same time - all for show. His head snapped up, caused Fizz to wince, and Ozzie chuckled slyly.

"I must say, you were pretty naughty today. You should be ashamed of yourself," his prince reprimanded sternly, and Fizz would almost believe his anger if it weren't for that grin. "Maybe I should teach you a little lesson. To get this matter out of the way."

Dumbfounded, Fizz stared at Asmodeus. How ... was he supposed to understand that?

Just as it sounded, of course, for before him sat the damn embodiment of lust - and before Fizz could react, he was jerked forward and landed belly-down on Asmodeus' lap. And that's when it dawned on him.

Lucifer fucking Magne, Asmodeus couldn't be serious!

That ... No way! That was out of the question, they weren't there yet! Yet, at least ...

With one leap, Fizz jumped back on his feet, escaped Asmodeus' grabbing fingers and dodged to the seat next to him. A nervous giggle escaped him, and he tilted his head far to the side, pretending to be as cute as possible - knowing full well that Asmodeus was into that.

"What? Was I really that bad?" he asked half-jokingly, wagging his tail and folding his arms behind his back. "I'm sorry, Ozzie. I really am. I promise I've learned my lesson. Okay?"

Only this time, his plan didn't work out. Reprovingly, Asmodeus waved his finger back and forth in front of Fizz's nose.

"If you don't behave, you'll be punished. Who would I be if I let such behavior slip? My reputation would be ruined and the upcoming lawsuit would take on astronomical proportions," he declared, his dopey grin chasing a tremor through Fizz's body. An excited rattled tremor. "Besides," Asmodeus whispered to him and winked. "Won't be your loss, I'll make sure of that. But we'll keep that between us."

Shit, he actually was serious!

Fizz tensed, took cover, and watched every move Asmodeus made, who leered at him like a cat on the prowl. Then Asmodeus shot forward, trying to grab him, but was too slow in that form. Hastily, Fizz jumped to the side and escaped the prince’s hands. He heard Asmodeus chuckle audaciously - and he too had to grin. Wherever it came from, he couldn't stop it. His heart began to pound violently and a strange excitement spread through him.

They played a cat-and-mouse game inside the car - which Fizz lost. Asmodeus was too big to elude him for too long, and finally he found himself lying across Asmodeus' knee again, a hand on his back holding him gingerly in place. Fizz's heart raced, and he felt a strange jumble of emotions rising inside him. He was confused, disturbed and at the same time ... aroused? Fuck! His head felt so hot that his there was a rush in his ears . Propping himself up with one hand, he turned to face Asmodeus.

"N-now come on! I defend your honor and this is the reward I get? That's not fair!"

"Stop complaining. There was more at stake than my honor and naughty children will be punished, it's as simple as that."

"Oh yeah, you want to hit me, and it's okay that you almost knock my hip out and try to strangle me because I touched some scars on your back! I should spank you for that, asshole!"

At that, Asmodeus' eyes twitched and immediately Fizz regretted his brash accusation, cursing his cheeky tongue. Shit, he sure wasn't getting out of this now. The next moment Asmodeus leaned down to him. Came close to his face. Very very close ...

"I don't want to hit you, I'll teach you a lesson, Fizz. If you don't want us to handle this my way, that’s fine. I'll leave it up to you, of course, to deal with MJ's legal department if that's what you want. But if I say the matter is settled, everything is settled. My word is law and my word is trusted."

Legal department. Lawsuit... Shit! Fizz bit his tongue. It should have been obvious. In hell, no one missed an opportunity to sue, and the court cases resembled gladiator fights, as he knew from the clown. Making one last attempt, Fizz curled his tail and pretended to be extra cute, snuggling Asmodeus' leg.

"Can't you just say we settled the matter? I'll return the favor! I'll be good from now on, okay?"

A dark chuckle rang out, already telling Fizz, there was no way out.

"Tempting. But I'd rather have you naughty. Especially since I keep my word. That's one of my basic principles. That’s why I am trusted."

Great ...

Giving in, Fizz hung his boiling hot head down and sighed tensely, trying to shift his weight in this awkward pose. To his astonishment, he suddenly felt a large hand run over his back, resting on his hips. Caressing him gently. Before Fizz could react, Asmodeus came even closer to him, insistently nestling his forehead against Fizz's and it turned him into a boiling pan. What the ...?

"About what happened before," the prince whispered hoarsely, massaging Fizz’s hips. "You're right. That was uncalled for ... You gave me a fright. Very much. Forgive me. It will never happen again. I promise."

A shiver haunted Fizz, and if he really were a pan, he'd probably be whistling and hissing with overpressure right now! Damn... Asmodeus was apologizing? Did that mean he wasn't angry anymore?

"As for your little stunt, it's not out of the world yet. So what do you say? After this, all is forgiven and forgotten. Agreed?"

Forgiven and forgotten? Fizz bit his lips, not knowing how to put two and two together. Was Asmodeus mad or not? Was this one of his kinks? Just a bit of fun? Or actually a way for Asmodeus to show that he was 'punishing' offenses? Was everything really okay after this ordeal? Heck, why was Fizz even considering to allow this to happen?

Because it was the simple, direct way. And because his head was boiling hot and his lower body was contracting treacherously at the mere thought of what was to come. Shit, he really was a whore to find something like this exciting. What was this guy doing to him! Put him in such a tricky position... But at least he gave him a choice.

Reluctantly, Fizz agreed, whereupon Asmodeus purred contentedly.

"All right, then be good and stay put. I think fifteen will be enough. And that you don’t forget to counting dutifully!" Instructively his prince raised a finger and poked Fizz's nose, pretending to be playful again as before, whereupon Fizz rolled his eyes. This was like being on a fucking roller coaster! Finally, Asmodeus reached disturbingly slow for Fizz's pants and pulled them down over his hips, lowering his voice thoughtfully. "If it becomes unbearable, use the word chocolate pudding and I'll stop immediately."

"Chocolate-what? You've got to be kiddi- ...!" Before Fizz could end that sentence, the first slap landed on his butt, sending a spark through his body. A startled curse escaped him and everything inside him tensed.

Oh, the blue cotton candy mountain would get a pay back on day! A hard one!

"What did I say regarding counting?" Asmodeus sneered, at which Fizz growled.

"Fuck you!" he snapped, and immediately regretted it as a surprisingly strong smack hit him. His heartbeat thudded in his head like the damn thing had gone straight to his skull, and he cursed. Son of a bitch.

"T-two..." he murmured, wanting to sink into the ground, but shuddering at the same moment when Asmodeus' hand began to draw circles on his buttocks with his fingertip, then slid between Fizz's legs, and ran teasingly over his crotch. Hissing, Fizz took a breath.

"Good boy," Asmodeus praised, and slowly Fizz realized the direction this was going.

And he was right about that. Asmodeus, who was taking far too much pleasure from the damned ordeal, was indeed making sure that Fizz took no harm. On the contrary. He turned this shameful game into an exciting mix of "punishment" and "reward" as long as Fizz behaved well, and after the fifth stroke, Fizz was so hard he wished Ozzie would finally get over with and just jerk him off.

Only he didn't. As threatened, Ozzie went through with the punishment, going harder on Fizz every time. Both with his seductively touches, and with the slaps, but when they passed ten, it just hurt. On the other hand ... Fizz didn't want him to stop. His groin was on fire, for several reasons, and the sensation was thrilling. Being at the mercy of Asmodeus sent jolts through his body every time. Just like now and Fizz would for sure not end the whole thing using that stupid safeword. He found the ordeal too ... exciting.

There was only one thing that distracted him. One thing that was taking up more and more space in his mind, besides wanting Ozzie's hand to move to his crotch again. On the twelfth slap he gasped.

"Ozzie ..." he brought out, squinting his eyes, at which Asmodeus stopped.

"Yes?" he asked expectantly, and Fizz sighed, relieved at the brief pause, but equally annoyed by it. Firmly, he clenched his teeth. If he didn't say anything now, it was over and the chance was gone.

"Feed," he croaked. "Feed on me ... please."

There was silence for a moment, then Ozzie chuckled.

"You're getting greedy." He saw right through Fizz's request, and out of the corner of his eye, Fizz noticed him shake his head. "Tempting. But no. Not yet."

Again. Again Ozzie refused the offer, the request, the wish, denying Fizz the incredible feeling that took hold of him every time Ozzie fed. It was driving Fizz crazy. Especially since everyone would think he was the one who kept Ozzie on arms length. Fizz bet Ozzie only refused, so Fizz’s lust would pile up and Ozzie could jump him in front of the whole staff at the end of the week after the show....

"Your concern is appreciated, but I think you should focus more on yourself right now," Asmodeus breathed upon him blowing warm air down his neck.

"Stupid son of a bitch ..." Fizz hissed, but regretted it, when the next slap nearly knocked him out of Ozzie's lap.

"Now, now, watch your manners! If there is any more backtalk, I'll add five slaps each time. Understood, Fizzi?"

Violent goosebumps shook Fizz as Ozzie called him by his very own nickname, went straight to his groin, and he moaned softly. Grumbling, he buried his face in Ozzie's leg, torn between testing out if his prince was serious. But he couldn't hold on much longer.

" ... Yes, sir," he replied meekly which more than satisfied Ozzie. His usual Mmmmh echoed inside the limo and it shook Fizz to the core. Maybe he should talk back after all ...

*

When the car came to a stop in front of the penthouse, Fizz could no longer feel his legs. His butt was burning like fire and much to his regret, they could throw the tailcoat in the trash can by now. There were just too many body fluids stucking to it ... How sad.

Luckily for him, Ozzie showed mercy and carried Fizz out of the car and into the skyscraper. Meanwhile Fizz preferred to hide his face in Ozzie's fluffy feather collar, so he didn’t have to see anything or anyone. His head felt all woozy, like he had been on a trip, and desperately needed to calm down.

He subconsciously heard Ozzie walking through the lobby and into the elevator, he even heard Fred's surprised welcome in the distance, but he didn't react to it. He focused entirely on Ozzie's warmth, his soft feathers, and his contented low humming. Miserable son of a bitch. What was he doing to him ...

It wasn't until they got into the penthouse that he dared to peek out from under the feathery fur and realized Ozzie was carrying him into their bedroom, where he set him down on the bed as carefully as he could - which made Fizz hiss. By the lack of closeness to his prince he grumbled and swallowed noticeable.

"Are you okay?" his prince asked gently, to which Fizz scratched his head. He nodded, but frowned.

"I think so …"

Ozzie smiled at that.

"Very good. You did really well. For a first time?" The question was sly, and Fizz pursed his mouth, not answering. Ozzie, on the other hand, leaned down, propping himself up on the bed with one hand. "So?" he asked playfully, and indeed acted like the disaster in the photo studio had never happened. "Tolerable or no-go?"

Indecisively, Fizz frowned, wanting to preserve at least a little pride.

"Or," he said casually, to which Ozzie grinned broadly.

"That sounds promising! Let's wait and see how it turns out next time."

Next time... Fizz shivered at the thought of a next time and bit his tongue, but couldn't stop the cheeky thing from talking.

"Maybe I'd better get my shit together in the future, or I won't be able to sit down anymore.... But maybe I won’t."

Anyway, the remark ensured that the enthusiasm returned to Ozzie, and he cooed contentedly, nestling his forehead against Fizz's and closing his eyes with relish - a gesture that gave Fizz goosebumps, and the urge overcame him to wrap his long arms around Ozzie like a rope and tie himself to his prince. No matter how, the most important thing was it lasted ... forever.

"Very well. If you're all right so far, please undress," followed, and Fizz's eyes widened.

"What?" Amazed, he watched as Ozzie went to one of his showcases and pulled out a small tube of ointment. Smiling, he held it out to Fizz and stroked his cheek with his other hand.

"We don't want to risk you getting more damage from this than necessary. Don't we?"

Ohh. Fizz understood. He cleared his throat, slid around on the mattress, and finally nodded. Of course... Asmodeus really thought of everything.

Chapter Text

Chapter 24

Predecessor

It was Royal Night and excited Fizz stood in front of his mirror at the club, swinging his tail through the air as he checked his makeup for the hundredth time.

Finally, the time had come! Finally! After what felt like a thousand years, he would finally be back on stage in front of a selected audience! He could hardly wait and at the same time his metal knees were shaking. The Royal Night was a rare event at Ozzie's, where only demons of the higher classes and celebrities were allowed - and by Satan, he was so ready to smack all those noble snobs! He would give them a show they wouldn't forget in a long time, and the thought hyped him with more each passing second. His first show after the surgery and an event as such ...!!! Oh Lucifer! Ozzie pressed every button to put his comeback in the spotlight and shame on Fizz if he would screwed up. He didn't want to imagine what his prince would do to him. If he blew the show once again, he wouldn't get away with a sore butt and a bruised ego – even though very satisfied – that much was certain.

There was no question about it. Tonight would be a success. Had to be a success. Especially after the article that had been published in MJ's magazine two days earlier, which shred Fizz to pieces.

Asmodeus and the club had been highly praised, of course, and thankfully there had been no complaints or cancellations for this night. Fizz, on the other hand, had been criticized to the hilt in the article and ... he had laughed his ass off. Even though Ozzie hadn’t considered it hilarious, Fizz didn't care. He had pretty much become indifferent. Because for him only one thing mattered. His prince! Asmodeus. Ozzie~ ...
He didn't give a damn about anything else.

And that's why this night was especially important, because most likely it would be Fizz's last night in Hell. For that reason, the show had to be a success, because if he would leave, he would leave with a bang! Because tonight he would hop into bed with Ozzie! That was a fact! He would let Ozzie take him, make sure his prince would feed on him one last time and that was as far as he allowed his thoughts to go. No more tomorrow for him! Only today counted! Ha! Pretty embarrassing, he was passing for suicidal because he planed to sleep with his b ... his prince. Wonderfully stupid, but the whole thing suited him. Like everything, it was twisted, messed up and broken, just perfect!

Though he wasn't yet sure how to do it, he would think of something and if he had to jump Asmodeus naked, he would do so! He just couldn't resist him any longer. It was crazy! Completely crazy! Like Ozzie had slapped the last spark of sanity out of him with this little spanking session. Because if Fizz allowed something like that to be done to him, voluntarily, and if he trusted Ozzie more than ever afterwards, craving his closeness non-stop, wanting to touch him and only thinking about how to fuck him without looking pathetic or dying in the process ... all was said . He was strapped on the rose-colored sugar carousel and want to stay on it forever.

Even if Ozzie never spoke of it, which wasn’t proper for the embodiment of lust, Fizz was absolutely sure his prince felt the same way. How else should he read Ozzie's behavior? Who acted even more charming than usual, treated Fizz like he was a special porcelain doll - which he admittedly hated, but which also flattered the hell out of him. And which was typical for his prince. Asmodeus just let actions speak instead of words and there was no doubt anymore. Fizz knew the signs, had experienced and observed them often enough to be sure.

They sat in the carousel together and it spun around and around!

Eventuelly, even the last red spot on his face was covered by white make-up, and Fizz turned around one time before winking at his own reflection, and throwing the make-up sponge onto the table in front of him.
"Sexy!" he complimented himself, thoroughly satisfied. Finally being back in his jester-outfit felt right, and Fizz had spruced it up properly during his time off, which had been good practice for his motoric skills. He had put his blood, sweat and tears into his costume! However, the result was something to behold. He playfully flipped one of the little bells on his hat, whereupon a soft chime sounded, and he chuckled.
Done! His outfit fit, his prostheses worked, he had taken his medication, he was ready!

And right in time, a knock on his door appeared.

"Fizzi? Are you ready?" Ozzie called, and everything inside Fizz whisked up right into a single pink-red fluffy ball. One last time he looked at himself in the mirror, then leaned far over and blew his reflection a kiss.
"You're amazing! Don't forget that! Amazing!" he praised himself before he hurried to the door and yanked it open with a playful move.

And there he stood. Asmodeus. Still in his second form, but just as magnificent and attractive as ever. Grinning, Fizz slid to his side and winked.

"Hey, hot stuff. You’re all right? Ready for a stunning night?"

Asmodeus nodded, and somewhere beneath his enormous fur collar - smiled.

"Absolutely! I've just settled the last arrangements for tonight! Which means the pesky paperwork is done for the day, and we can focus entirely on this evening," he chirped gleefully and knowing how much Ozzie hated paperwork, Fizz had to grin at his excitement at not having to work.

"Sounds excellent. Let’s throw ourselves into the fray!" Fizz indicated a bow, stretched out his legs to reach Ozzie's height, and then offered him his arm in a polite manner. Ozzie chuckled in response, but accepted the offer. When he hooked up with him, goosebumps crawled down Fizz's spine, and he licked his lips, watching Ozzie out of the corner of his eye. He had gotten used to Ozzie's second form, even if it was nowhere near as stunning as his true form. He seemed almost tame that way, and it made Fizz rather bold.

"Too bad you don't have that red dress anymore. I'm sure you'd cause quite a uproar in it!" he teased, at which a frown appeared on Asmodeus' forehead - and Fizz immediately regretted the teasing.

"I don't think so. Not in this form. Especially since Jocy wanted it back so badly …"

The mere mention of that name promped Fizz to wrinkle his nose, while he noticed an offended undertone in Ozzie's voice. His prince had liked that dress and was mourning it, and the fact that the stupid slut was responsible for Ozzie looking sad stirred a dangerous fire in Fizz.

"Tse, that dumb bitch! If you want, I'll go over there and kick her ass! Worked out for her shitty scumbag of employees, after all!" he hissed, absolutely ready to do as he said. However, he only earned a laugh in return.

"And you got a sweet spanking out of it. Just in case you're not up for it again, you better back off, Fizzi," Ozzie joked, winking at him, and Fizz felt heat spreading over his cheeks. He still wasn't sure whether to approve or disapprove the kind of punishment he had received for his oh-so-bad offense, so he'd rather keep his head down. At least it saved him from a lawsuit, Ozzie had been true to his word. When the letter came, only a single phone call was needed to settle the matter.

Even though … Fizz couldn't stop the memory of that particular car ride from sending a shiver through his loins. The feathers on Ozzie's head twitched briefly and his laugh turned salacious. Then he waved it off.

"Let it go. Fashion designers are particular when it comes to their clothes. So let it be, so let it be …"

Snorting, Fizz shrugged. Please, if that’s what he wanted. Fizz still didn't like the idea. No one should be responsible for Ozzie looking sad. No one.

Silently, they continued their walk through the backstage corridor and headed for the lounge.
As usual, there was a lot going on backstage and Fizz's colleagues were scurrying around, organizing things and preparing food. Somewhere in between, he heard Elena grumbling, while the stars for tonight were bustling about in the dressing rooms, already gotten drunk or screwing each other.

Briefly Fizz closed his eyes and inhaled the wild aroma of expensive perfume, alcohol and sex with relish. Man, had he missed that! So much! And what he liked even better - everyone was super nice to him! Exceptionally nice, in fact. Which was probably due to the fact that Ozzie had told them all bullshit about the amputation of his limbs....

The whole staff thought it had been a necessary procedure, and they treated Fizz like a raw egg, took all the work off his hands, acted over-friendly without trying to lick his boots. They were seriously happy to have him back and Fizz was also happy to finally see something else than the penthouse and Fred. Everything was almost perfect and Fizz was enjoying this all to the fullest.

Eventually they reached the lounge and Fizz looked around with curiosity.

The greeting was in full swing. Something that was as rare as this event, and was only for the noble and famous. Usually there was no greeting at all at Ozzie's. People came, took their seats at the reserved table and waited for the show to begin. But this was out of the question for Hell’s High Society, hence all the fuss. But it looked quite good. The tables had been moved closer to the stage to create more space in the entrance area, and scantily clad waitresses were busily running about with drinks while questionable music played in the background.

For a moment, Fizz's mood took a bump, and he tensely scanned the rows, at which Ozzie cleared his throat.

"He's not here." He assured him so firmly that Fizz automatically sucked in a breath and nodded.

Yes, he knew he wasn't coming. Still ... Royal Night remained Royal Night and the clown would not let Ozzie's ban from the club stop him. But for now, Ozzie's word was enough and Fizz relaxed, watching the other guests instead.

There were quite a few celebrities, demons from all seven rings, and even some of the Ars Goetia. Many faces looked familiar to Fizz, but there were also many newcomers. Still, all of them basically were of the same ilk. One like the other.

And as soon as Ozzie and he entered the lounge, they came running and gathered around them. Greetings, thank-yous, compliments, disreputable inquiries, all was voiced when the blue-blooded snobs almost threw themselves at Ozzie, and admittedly, it was quite amusing. Those snobs were just as simple-minded as any other demon, for the same comments were directed at Fizz.

Under other circumstances he would have fled the thong immediately that gathered around them, but with Ozzie at his side he felt safe. More than that. He felt important. Like he belonged to them.

All right, let's do this!

"Shall we get going?" he breathed to Ozzie with a grin as he tried to get his excited tail under control.

However, Asmodeus didn't respond, didn't even look at him. With wide eyes he stared into the crowd - and the next moment he stormed off. Without warning. He just left Fizz behind and stormed with outstretched arms towards the bar - where a picture-perfect demoness was standing.

"Zarah! Darling! You're here! You actually came!"

In the next moment, Asmodeus threw himself at the demoness, pulled her into his arms, almost hugged her to death before lifting her up, like he normally did only with Fizz.

Fizz stood rooted in place, gawking like a squirrel. What the fuck!? Had he missed something?!

Surprised murmurs arose around him, followed by small giggles - but then died down just as quickly and the curious eyes that had been glued to Asmodeus before, turned to Fizz. None of the bystanders commented on the spectacle at the bar. No one. And the longer Fizz watched Asmodeus, the tighter he clenched his fists, feeling a knot forming in his chest. A huge, tight knot.

Like she was a small child, Asmodeus threw the demoness into the air and caught her again, holding her in his slender arms and smiling happily at her. No. Adored her. Was blown away by her.

And she ... she laughed. Heartily and honestly. Said something to him, but her words were not carried through to Fizz. He was standing too far away. The stupid comments from their guests were too loud. Luckily for him, he saw Elena scurrying by, and he took advantage of the moment. He extended his arm, whereupon enthusiastic ahs and ohs were mouthed beside him, angling for the manager and pulling her to him.

"Hey, what the heck? Fizzarolli, what’s that supposed to mean, I'm busy!" she hissed behind her hand, as soon as she stood before him, throwing the surrounding guests a wry smile. Then she looked back at Fizz with wide glaring eyes, but he didn't care about the venom she was spraying.

"Who is that?" he murmured, pointing at the demoness dangling in his prince's arms!

Questioningly, Elena squinted past the crowed, raised her brows briefly in surprise, then sighed.

"Great …," she muttered dissatisfied and crossed her arms. Then she squinted at Fizz, eyed him closely, and shrugged. "I didn't even know she was coming.... Don't worry about her any further. This happens every time she shows up."

Oh no, no cryptic remarks from the sidelines, something Fizz couldn’t stand at all right now, and he hissed angrily.

"I want to know who the fuck she is!" And why she stuck to Asmodeus like gum to a shoe! Elena snorted at that and raised a brow.

"You don't know anything at all about the Lust Ring or our history, right?" She shook her head dismissively and Fizz slowly lost patience.

"Tell me who she is!"

"That's Zarah Ti. You've never heard of her? She's pretty well known."

Gritting his teeth, Fizz shook his head. Granted, the name rang a bell somehow, but where to put her, he had no idea. She definitely had to be someone famous if she was invited tonight. Possibly he knew her name from a magazine or TV show.

"No. Don't know her. So? Who is she?"

Elena sighed and dropped her shoulders.

"Zarah is a well-known model who performs in the living world. She's one of the highest ranking succubi and popular as heaven. Not hard when you look like that," Elena explained, finally pausing for a moment before continuing with a surprising amount of compassion in her voice. "She's your predecessor, honey. A good ten years ago she was Asmodeus' favorite and let's say ... things were intense. Even before she became Asmodeus' favorite, she was known for her affairs. Presumably that attracted the boss. But well ... it didn’t turn out well. There was a lot of fuss at the time. Unpleasant things happened. But you'd better take that up with the boss. I've got to get going. Some of us have more to do than others."

Briefly, Fizz's eyes twitched, and he dug his finger into Elena's chest.

"Don't get snarky. Showing presence at the greeting is my job. Other than that, I wrote the program. During my therapy! So shut up!"

Wincing, Elena rolled her eyes and disappeared back into the fray, while Fizz turned back to the bar. His eyes bored into the demoness.

The knot inside him grew and Fizz swallowed hard.

His predecessor ...

Zarah ...

Fuck …

He took a deep breath, and before he knew what he was doing, took a big step and was at the bar within a second. Asmodeus and the demoness were sitting on two stools, talking animatedly. His prince buzzed around the chick like a bee around honey and had leaned toward her while she replied in an equally engaged manner. When Fizz joined them, Ozzie raised his head and beamed at him.

"Ah, there you are!" he began, and Fizz faltered. Ozzie got a hold of his arm and pulled him to his side, placing him directly in front of the demoness. "Very good, very good, your timing is perfect. I want you to meet someone!" Ozzie chirped more excitedly than he had been in a long time. "Fizzarolli. This is Zarah! She's one of my former favorites and a real sweetheart! And a real sex bomb, too, he he!" Enthusiastically, Asmodeus looked from one to the other, and all that was missing was him wagging his tail feathers like a little dog. Stupid idiot. Fizz snorted.

"Yeah... right," he muttered, wiping Ozzie's hand off his shoulder and then squinting at... her.

Shit, the bitch was stunning. Fizz hadn't seen such a pretty demoness in ages and even he had to swallow hard. She had extremely long straight black hair that was coated in a purple sheen, matching her pale lilac exquisite skin tone. The locks framed her perfectly symmetrical face with large green eyes bordered with long lashes and a fully heart-shaped mouth. Even her figure was awesome. She was a tall succubus, with the perfect 90-60-90 figure and on top of that - long slender legs. She wore a sexy little black dress, with subtle neon heels in turquoise. Her wings, with the black speckled pattern and her long tail with the heart shaped tip, completed the picture.

Perfect.

Everything about this woman screamed perfect and Fizz's throat tightened. Gulping, he clasped his hands at his jester-top and the urge came over him to run away and hide somewhere.

She had been Asmodeus’ favorite? She? Next to her Fizz was ...

Fuck!

Slowly, her eyes gazed over Fizz - then she smiled.

"Hi!" she beamed, and before Fizz knew it, she was pulling him close, pressing kisses right and left. "It’s a pleasure to meet you! You must be Fizzarolli. I've heard a lot about you. And Ozzie here has spoken highly of you, too. I'm Zarah!"

Urg. Fizz wanted to throw up, as soft and melodic as her voice sounded. But he had to give her credit. She was a good actress, for only the trained eye could tell she was playing him. For whatever reason. Concentrating, Fizz took a breath and then returned her smile. Grinned broadly, he showed her his razor sharp teeth.

Okay. Back to this stage-persona. He could NOT afford to make a mistake.

"Hi~," he mimicked her and batted his eyes, angling for one of the remaining bar stools with an outstretched arm and pulled it closer. Placing it demonstratively between Ozzie and the chick. "I'm the one and only Fizzarolli, Asmodeus' current favorite, and I have no fucking idea who you are. I've never heard of you before! But nice to meet you!"

That one hit the mark, and her smile cracked for the blink of an eye. Then she smirked and turned to Asmodeus.

"You're right! He is sassy and funny!" she giggled, "But it doesn't matter. I didn't know about you being a favorit until recently, either. But Ozzie's right. You really are cute."

Cute!?

Fizz eyes twitched dangerously, but he remained professional. In Character. Cute. Tse. His ass.

"I'm afraid I can't give that one back. Cute doesn't describe it..."

"Oh, that's just wonderful!", Ozzie interrupted their conversation and enthusiastically jumped up, clapping his hands a few times. "My favorite two people in one place! We should toast. But not with this stuff here. I'll get us a bottle of my best champagne! Wait here, I'll be right back!" And with that, Asmodeus floated off, humming - and just left Fizz behind. Again.

Oh, Fizz would love to break the guy's neck. What was he thinking!? What exactly was wonderful about this encounter? And since when was some chick who had been his favorite a thousand years ago suddenly still one of his favorite people!? That was news to him!

Growling, he squinted again at the demoness - who cast a surprisingly gently smile after Ozzie. Urg, he would love to smack that smile right off her face! Nobody should look at Ozzie like that! Especially no one who had actually been written off a long time ago!

But he had to stay calm. Restrain himself. Those assholes from the press were hanging around everywhere, and he didn't want to read another lousy headline. Before the silence between them got any more awkward, he propped one hand on the bar and directed an exaggeratedly friendly grin at Zarah. Even if Fizz didn't feel like talking to the chick, he would show his best behavior. After all, they had something in common ... Ozzie.

"So," Fizz therefore began as charmingly as possible. "You're one of Asmodeus' former f -..." That's as far as he got. As soon as her eyes settled on him, she lost all grace and annoyance entered her features. With a leap she bent to him and pulled a face.

"What the fuck is wrong with you?" she murmured reproachfully, and Fizz's eyes widened in surprise. What? What was that all about!?

"What are you talking about, hu?"

"What am I talking about? About Ozzie, of course!" Meaningfully, she stretched out an arm and pointed in the direction Asmodeus had disappeared. "You claim you're his new favorite, then why, by Lucifer, is he in this form? I don't know how long you've been his favorite by now, but for your information, he hates being stuck in that form. Abysmally! Why didn't you feed him?"

The accusation hit Fizz hard, and he sat back, speechless for a moment, but quickly regained his composure. He wasn't going to let that one stand! She had no right to tell him anything just because she once had been Ozzies’s favorite!

"I know that myself and it's not my fault, bitch! I offered it to him, but he refused!"

"Not your fault, refused? Sure ... You are his favorite. The main source of his power. You have to make sure that he is fed and that he is satisfied. That alone is your job! How do you think he must feel? Locked up in a form that feels like a straitjacket to him; at a big event where everyone can gawk at him while his favorite jokes around. He doesn't deserve that."

"What the ...!? I'm not joking around! How dare you! I can't very well force him!"

She snorted and crossed her arms, then leaned back and eyed Fizz again. Insistently this time. From top to bottom. Then she eyed his arms ... his legs ... and Fizz's head threatened to explode.

"Mmm. You don't look promising, but I'm not judging. But whatever drove Ozzie to pick you, so far he doesn't seem to be getting much out of it.... apparently MJ was right. Too bad."

MJ? Was that why she was here for? Because of that stupid article? Did she believe all that crap in there?! Taking a deep breath, Fizz opened his mouth, but Zarah beat him to it.

"When I read the article, I didn't believe it at first. That's why I came here, to see who the big fool has gotten into now. He's just too good-natured and there are enough assholes who would take advantage of him. I wanted to make sure you weren't one of them." Briefly, she glanced to the side, and part of Fizz actually agreed with her, as much as he hated to admit it. Ozzie was just too lightheaded sometimes ... But she was deadly wrong. As much as Fizz appreciated her concern for Asmodeus, she was wrong! So wrong! Never would Fizz take advantage of Asmodeus, but before he could even say a single word, she continued, "I hope for your sake that my first impression is not true. Because it doesn't look like you're bringing it up ... How long has it been since you two have done it? From the looks of him, it must have been a while. Are you not letting him fuck you, or what's the problem?"

Heat poured into Fizz's skull, and he clenched his fists, not knowing what to say in response at first. Should he justify himself? No, then he subliminally agreed with her! But he had to say something! Absolutely! He wouldn't let this chick waltz in here, act like the favorite police, act as if she knew everything and insult him! She didn't know what she was talking about at all or what was going on between Ozzie and him!

"None of your damn business," he murmured and showed his fangs warningly, hissing softly. Zarah quirked her mouth in response and shook her head. Then she leaned in even further and sniffed him, at which Fizz blinked in surprise.

"I can smell him on you, but not very strongly," she murmured, frowning. "Are you one of those? A Pillow Princess who let him care for you, let him satisfy you, while keeping him at arms length? How selfish."

Okay, now it was enough! Fizz did not let himself being insulted like that! But he also didn't want to show how angry this whore made him with her babbling! As if she knew anything!

Frowning, he narrowed his eyes - and did what he did best: Grin. Innocently, he tilted his head to the side.

"Someone sounds salty," he joked, jumping up from his chair. Snidely, he waved his arms and shrugged. "What's the problem, sweetie? Jealous that I am getting all the attention now? Well, something had to be the reason he dropped you back then. Pretty embarrassing when a hazbin comes crawling back holding claims. Like the annoying ex one can't get rid of."

Zarah raised a brow and a knowing grin flitted onto her full lips. She stood up, too, and braced a hand at her hip.

"And what makes you think he dropped me?" she asked perkily, and the point went to her. Fizz swallowed and the knot in his chest was about to burst.

Did that mean it hadn't been Ozzie who had sent her away? Had she left him? Why? Who, for all the seven rings of hell, would want voluntarily leave Asmodeus' side? That was bullshit! The chick was talking bullshit!

Before he could answer, Zarah started moving and walked past him.

"Whatever. Take it any way you want. I’m sorry, it's just a well-intentioned advice, from favorite to favorite. I mean it. Asmodeus is something special. Everyone should be happy to enjoy his presence ..." Again, she paused for a moment, looked to the side, and a needle bored into Fizz's heart. Shit, something wasn't right after all. The way she looked, she knew what she was talking about and Fizz realized ... they sat in the same boat. Only her boat had sunk, while his was still floating safely on the surface. The question remained, what had caused her boat to go under? Finally, Zarah sighed and glanced at Fizz in surprising accusation.

"Asmodeus deserves better than a selfish jester-demon who won't give him what he needs. So don't be surprised if this time it will be him who drops his favorite. ... And move on elsewhere for what he craves..." Her voice overflowed with protectiveness and the needle bored in deeper.

Disgusted, Fizz pursed his mouth, and as much as he hated it, the chick was right. She didn't say that because she didn't like Fizz, shit, they didn't even know each other. But one thing was for sure, Ozzie was close to her heart. Still. One could see this right away and her concern and accusations were sincere. They hit Fizz all the harder, and he bit his lips, and looked to the ground.

He didn't understand.

If what she said was really true, and she cared enough to show up here specifically to check out Fizz, why had she left Ozzie ...?

Finally, Asmodeus returned from backstage holding a large bottle. With his naive grin, he floated toward them and held up the bottle triumphantly.

"We're lucky! I got this from in my secret stash. Now then ... Wally, three glasses!"

"No," Fizz muttered in response, turning away. "No time, boss. We're starting in fifteen minutes. I've got to get ready."

Disappointed, Ozzie blinked at him, an expression that melted Fizz's heart. At the same time, Zarah's accusations ate him away, and he avoided Ozzie's gaze.

"Oh. Oh well ... what a shame. After the show then, okay?"

Fizz nodded quickly, and without looking up he knew that Asmodeus immediately turned his attention to Zarah. Gritting his teeth, he started moving, darting through the crowd and heading for the backstage area.

Son of a bitch. This chick totally had spoiled his mood.

This perfect chick who had known Ozzie for much longer and knew exactly what she was talking about ...

But she was wrong! Ozzie would not drop him. Never! After all, he sat in the carousel with him. That was a fact!

Chapter Text

Chapter 2 5

Mic-Drop

"Okay, is everyone in position?"

Elena's instructions echoed through the small micro attached to Fizz's costume, and he rolled his eyes. Such questions were going on for quite a while, and what he wanted most was to turn the micro off. Elena was overdoing it, because she wanted to make sure everything was set up and ready properly.

"Fizzarolli? How about you?" came next and Fizz frowned, looking down at the stage.

As usual, he stood in the upper machinery, ready to lower himself down the pole to fire up the audience with his moderation. However, the question pissed him off and with narrowed eyes he squinted over his shoulder, looking at the stairs. A couple of hellhounds were preparing the light, but nobody else was in sight. Ozzie was not there... Fizz snorted.

"Everything is all right. Just like the past fifty times you asked," he grumbled, to which Elena groaned in annoyance.

"I just want to make sure! After all, this the first time you’ll be on stage in weeks. Are you doing good? Do you need anything beforehand? Is everything okay with your prostheses?"

Fizz's head turned hot at the question. He grabbed the micro and tugged it close to his mouth.

"Shut up already! I'm fine!" That stupid slut! The whole team was wired together and whatever was said heard by everyone! Especially since it wasn't Elena he wanted to hear these questions from. Impatiently, he gazed at the stairs one more time. Ozzie had not come to wish him luck. Which, in essence, was not a problem. Ozzie, after all, hadn’t come to see him before each performance to make sure he was all right.

Although he had been doing that non-stop for the past few weeks ... Quickly, Fizz shook his head and tried to focus. To prepare himself for the show. If Ozzie wouldn’t come to check on him, then so it be. Although it was Fizz's first performance with all four prosthetics ... For sure the perfect chick had distracted him, but now he was sitting on his balcony to watch Fizz from there. For sure. Taking a deep breath, Fizz closed his eyes. Enough of this. He needed to focus.

"Alright, we'll start in a minute! Do your best, guys, there's a big crowd today. Just try to do what they want and fulfill their wishes ... So! Countdown starts at 5.... 4 ... 3 ... 2 ...1 ....! Go!"

The lights dimmed, smoke flooded the lounge and the music began to boom.

Firmly gripping the pole, Fizz's heart started to race as he was lowered down, a familiar excitement coursing through his veins.

Finally! He was finally back where he belonged, and he vowed to give his best performance this evening! He knew the routine inside and out, had done nothing but rehearse it for the past few days, and this time none of his prostheses would fail. People would celebrate his return, love his new limbs, laugh at him and with him, drooled after him, and it would be great!

That! And nothing else!

Finally, the spotlights settled on him, the pole almost reached the stage, and a soft hiss in his ear told him his mic was activated.

He took one last deep breath - and was ready to start the show!

As rehearsed, he wriggled around the pole, taking full advantage of the stretchiness of his new prostheses and coiling around the metal like a snake. Only to land on the stage a second later with a sweeping turn. The eyes of the audience grew wide with amazement and excitement as Fizz retracted his mechanical limbs to their normal length and pranced across the stage as if nothing had happened in the past few weeks.

"Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to Ozzie's! The Lust Ring’s number one place for all kinds of sick twisted fantasies, put on display for you smeary guys to enjoy! Although, looking around ... my audience doesn't look that smeary today! Ha!" He chuckled, threw himself into a pose - and spread his arms. Flared them out as far as the stage was long and pointed them at the audience - got enthusiastic applause. "Tonight is Royal Night at Ozzie's, a special event where, for once, the royals have to let their hair down! Or their dicks. As you wish! Either way, we'll see a lot of blue blood and other bodily fluids welling up tonight. But if you didn't know that, you wouldn't be here! And since you're here, you know who I am! Your host for this evening! The one and only Fizzarolli! Long gone, now reappeared! Well, did you freaks miss me?"

Again enthusiastic applause rose and whistles filled the air. And the noise didn’t die. Especially those who came to the club more often celebrated Fizz's return and here and there an annoying camera flash lit up, but Fizz purposefully ignored those. Especially since the slightly piqued faces of the demons who visited for the first time and who didn't know whether to find Fizz funny, offensive or annoying were much more amusing - and it was them at whom Fizz particularly directed his attention. Winking and blowing kisses at them, then snatched the kisses in the air, caught them playfully with his long arms and stretched his limbs to their tables to slap them on the idiots' cheeks.

The audience laughed at the play, and grinning, Fizz squinted to the VIP balcony - which was empty.

Ozzie wasn't there.

Briefly, Fizz frowned, but continued when shouts from the audience about where he had been for so long drew his attention.

"Yeah, yeah, I know. I've been gone a long time and you want to know why? I said to myself, what do I want in Lust when I can be a star in Greed? So I went there to make it big, telling myself I will never return once I succeed - and well, what do I have to say? Tonight I'm back here!" He made the joke at his own expense, but realized that people died to know more. Hearing their soft whispers and how they talked about his limbs. Fizz swallowed and grinned. All right. They wanted to know, so he would give them what they wanted ...

What everyone was waiting for.

What had been announced.

The reason, for Fizzarolli's drop out ...

He walked to the edge of the stage and leaned down to the audience, clasping his hands behind his back.

"Don't panic, I'm not coming empty-handed! I got all dressed up, got a new style and a few new gadgets to fire you guys up !" With that, he provocatively took a step forward, lasciviously grabbed his pant and slowly pulled the cloth inch by inch up until his mechanical leg was revealed fully, hearing more astonished and insinuating exclamations ring out with each additional inch. Grinning, he lowered his lids, snorting under his breath. So simple-minded ...

"Like what you see? I was ripped for your pleasure tonight ...." For a moment he paused, and a strange tugging spread in his chest. Even though he had gone over his text so many times with Ozzie ... it felt strange to say it out loud in front of an audience. To see all those gawking eyes linger at his prostheses. The onlookers now being aware that he really was noting more but a stump. If they thought that far. Probably they were only thinking about what these prostheses could do and where they could stick them in. He quickly regained his composure and followed the program, letting go of his pant and the cloth slid down, covering his leg again, much to the guests' regret.

"But enough about me. I don't want to steal anyone's thunder, because you're here for a great interactive program tonight! My highborn dignities, stars and celebrities, whores and hustlers! Sit back, enjoy the show, your drinks, the blowjobs ... and get ready for our first act!"

And as he introduced the first act, his eyes moved about the lounge and - spotted Ozzie! At the bar! So there he was. And he wasn't alone ...

Still hanging there with this chick, he had turned his back to the stage - had turned his back on HIM - and was fully engrossed in the conversation with Zarah.

Ozzie ... had not watched him. Not for a moment.

***

And so it remained for the rest of the evening. Whenever Fizz was on stage, Asmodeus sat at the bar, chatting with his much-loved Zarah - not paying him any attention.

But that was ... okay. Ozzie wasn't obligated to watch him, nor was Fizz making any demands. He got enough applause without Asmodeus. People were going wild at the performances, and Fizz's hosting formed the icing on the cake. He didn't need any encouragement from the big jerk to perform well. Everything worked like a clockwork. As planned. Smoothly. People loved him! And the lewd tricks he could do with his long limbs. Oh yes. He didn't need Asmodeus as a spectator ... There were enough others cheering him on.

But when Fizz entered the stage for the fourth time, he couldn't spot the two anywhere in the crowd, and a big fat lump formed in his chest.

Gone. They had disappeared. Together ...

The lump began to burn like acid.

Didn’t matter! He couldn't afford to fail, so he went through with the cue as planned. Staying professional was the name of the game!

And yet, little by little, the lump grew more and more, filled itself with impatience and anger. Inappropriately, because something like this was out of place! However, Fizz could not fight against this feelings and like a sponge they sucked every motivation slowly but surely out of him.

What he didn't let show …

He grinned for his audience, cracked jokes and told gossip about the next act and announced their performance cockily, spontaneously deciding to do a little unplanned stunt for which he threw his arms high into the air, grabbed the hole to the upper machinery through which he was usually lowered to the stage at the beginning of the show and pulled himself back up. For a moment he stretched his legs out as far as the stage would allow, then retracted them and pulled himself back up through the hole with a final flourish gesture.

Once at the top, he landed safely on his knees and remained there for a moment. Below him, the audience clapped enthusiastically and some comments about his prosthetics sounded up to him. What a freaky thing those parts were. Or how he could put on such performances with completely artificial limbs and still look sexy ... and how extraordinary he was.

Tse. Extraordinary.

Apparently not extraordinary enough for the King of Lust.

Snorting, Fizz stood up, stumbling for a second when a jolt penetrated the remains of his thighs, but he regained his composure soon. A side-effect from the effort. Fizz was accustomed to that by now. The more crazy things he did, the more he moved, the more exhausted his body became afterwards.

Anyway...
Grumbling, he ran across the upper machinery , receiving compliments from the hellhounds on passing, which he nodded off with a grin, and then headed to the staircase.

"Fizzarolli!! Where's Fizzarolli!!" he heard through his headset as he walked the steps down and rolled his eyes. Great. Something didn’t suit Elena.

"Here," he grumbled as he fished for the micro - and immediately regretted it.

"Moron! You better not pull a stunt like that again! That wasn't the plan! What if you crashed!!! Putting on something like that on the very first night without informing us is irresponsible!" she complained heatedly, but Fizz wasn't in the mood for her nagging on him. He needed a drink. Now!

"Yeah, yeah, mom. It all worked out, didn't it?"

"Don't give me that shit! No more solo’s! The current act still has fifteen minutes to go. After that, it's your turn again. You and your limps better get some rest before -"

Lucifer Fucking Magne! That was enough! Elena was acting like a mother hen. What bullshit!

Groaning, Fizz let the mic disappear back into his collar and finally arrived down at the main corridor. As expected, the waiters were running back and forth and the next act was already waiting for his go. As was the cleaning crew, who first had to clean the stage after the current act … Urgently.
Dissatisfied, he looked around, but there was no trace of Ozzie or his stupid chick. Where had those two disappeared to!? The impatience in Fizz took over, and he crossed his arms.

Yeah, okay, sure, the big jerk was happy to meet his old flame again, yet Fizz admitted that he hated it. Ozzie had been looking forward to this evening as much as Fizz. Had talked big, how he was dying to see the guest’s reaction to Fizz's prostheses. With his dorky kink when it came to emotions and facial expressions. Ozzie always wanted to see or have everything described ...

Well, his fucking loss! Then Ozzie wouldn’t see the guests going wild and would receive nothing of their desire! Then all the emotions would slip through his fingers, although Fizz had heated up the audience properly! Especially for him!

AND ... he would not notice, should Elena's bad foreboding became true. If Fizz would crash or prostheses would fail, Ozzie wouldn't notice either. Because he probably didn't care ...
Great. Great! Asshole!

Cursing, Fizz leaned against a wall, tapping his foot up and down a few times - and finally exploding.

FINE! If the mountain didn't come to the prophet, the prophet will come to the mountain! The club was big, but there weren't many places Ozzie could be, and if Fizz found him, he'd break his thin neck! Fizz hadn't been working his ass off in the past few weeks, practicing his performance until he was gasping for air, only to be ignored by Asmodeus today! Especially since this evening should have been something special! In several ways!

Heated, he stomped through the corridor, shoving anyone out of the way who dared to annoy him, and systematically searching the rooms until only one place remained. The place Ozzie usually avoided because it meant work. His stupid office at the other end of the club. Growling, Fizz set off, leaving deep furrows in the floor with his metal heels. However, when the office eventually came in sight, he faltered and slowed down.

The lump in his chest began to squirm and twist ... and tremble. For the closer he came, the more clearly he saw a bluish glow shining from inside the office. Faintly at first, but while he walked on, the stronger the glow became.

Instantly he stopped and a piece of the lump moved up his throat. Tightened it. For the glow was not a glow. It shimmered rhythmically. Pulsed .…

Fizz went ice-cold. He knew this glow. Very well …

No...
No, Ozzie wouldn't do that! Not at all!

What the hell Fizz was doing here anyway? Why did he act in such a way? It was unbearable! Hopefully no one had noticed. Quickly he turned around again, wanted to return to the main corridor, but his legs felt infinitely heavy. Then he heard a rumble and low voices filled his ears. Voices familiar to him ... Especially one of them. Especially that one angelic voice ....

Thick thorny tendrils sprouted from the lump in his chest, wrapped around his entire body, boring their sharp thorns into him and very slowly he turned around, glancing over his shoulder back at the office. His heart began to race. In a horrible way. Not like when he was performing. Not when Asmodeus was near him ... this time it hurt.

What if Asmodeus did it though?

What was holding him back? He was the embodiment of lust ... trapped in his hated second form.

Fizz's heart crumbled and before he knew what he was doing, he turned and walked toward the office like captured in a trance. Slowly, he reached out for the doorknob, but then paused. No. This was not a good idea. Either way, he shouldn't enter Ozzie's office without an invitation. And yet ... Yet he wanted to know what was going on in there! He had to know! Wanted to see it with his own eyes. However, the door’s milky glass window made it impossible to look inside.

He thought about it for a moment, then a small light blinded him, and he looked to the side, discovering a hole in the wall next to the door. Wherever it came from, it was almost as big as his head - and it attracted Fizz magically. Like his body was made of stone, he took two heavy steps towards the hole, squinted through it like a curious perverted peeper - and held his breath.

Facing him, Zarah bent over the desk, her head low and her face hidden behind her long hair. Behind her stood Asmodeus. In his freed form. Firmly he clawed his hands to her waist and pressed his hips against her rear. His eyes were closed in concentration, and he was breathing heavily. So was she …

Blue mist enveloped them both, glittering like stardust, and a barely noticeable suction hovered in the air, flowing from Zarah to Asmodeus, whose insides pulsed strongly.

A moan escaped Zarah, and she arched her back, throwing her head far back as one of her hands shot up, gripping Asmodeus' top.

"Ozzie..." she gasped, and Asmodeus shivered, slumping over and propping himself up on the desk with one hand, nearly burying the demoness under him. Pressed himself even tighter against her .…

Slowly, Fizz backed away, his eyes wide.

This ... this was a joke. A bad joke! They were playing a joke on him ... though, no. It was revenge! Asmodeus was taking revenge on him! For ... for everything! Because Fizz had lied to him. Because he'd kept secrets with the clown. Because he had acted like a crybaby the past weeks. Because he didn't let Asmodeus feed on him. Because he wouldn't let him fuck him. Because ... because ...

B-but Asmodeus had been so charming! Had only had eyes for him! Had begged that he and Fizz ...

All at once his head was swept blank and gasping for breath, he backed away further and the lump inside him began to grow until it filled him completely. Eyes wide, he stared through the hole and clenched his fists. So hard that the metal began to shriek and a sharp pain jerked through his shoulders. Gnawing at him and biting him.

So that's how it was, huh!? So that's what happened? As soon as he had the opportunity, Asmodeus would drop him and snatch someone else!? The first one he saw?! Some run-of-the-mill chick who had long since been written off? Although, no. No. That wasn’t true, at all. She was Asmodeus’ fucking ex! She was his great, dear Zarah. His favorite person! His darling! His sweetheart! His sex bomb! And he fed on her! Not on Fizz on her! Fucked her right in front of him!

Shit, did Ozzie needed it so badly?!

Fizz faltered and a realization hit him as hard as a punch. No, like a clawed hand that shot out to rip more parts of his body out of him. Namely his fucking heart!

Ha. Ha, ha! Of course... Of course Asmodeus needed it!

He. Was. The. Embodiment. Of. Fucking. Lust!

And Fizz had given him nothing. Nothing at all. For months he'd kept Asmodeus at arm's length, and now, now that Fizz had decided to give in to his own desire and give himself to Asmodeus on a silver plate it was too late. That was ... Ha! The best joke he had heard in a long time!

A grin crept on his lips. Forced itself onto his face, as much as he fought it. Slowly, he turned his gaze to the floor, listening to the overly distinct sounds coming from the office that rang in his ears like an annoying bell.

Great. Just great. Everything was perfect ...

Like in a trance, he turned around and marched down the corridor, eyes wide open and grinning.

In five minutes he had to be back on stage. Better, he was getting ready.

HA! HA! HA!

**

Trembling Fizz stood backstage while the cleaning crew was still busy cleaning the stage of blood and - Lucifer knew - what other body fluids. His jaw hurt so much from grinning, and grinding his teeth while he stared at the curtain in front of him. He ignored how his team members tiptoed around him and whispered fearfully. Ignored Elena's fucking chatter and her stupid countdown.

Surely they knew. All of them! Elena certainly did. She'd said it always was like this when Zarah was around! She had known and hadn’t warned him!!! Probably she laughed her ass off right now, the conniving bitch!

"Okay, the cleaners are ready! Fizzarolli, three minutes!" her voice croaked from the little mic, but Fizz didn't answer. Kept gawking at the curtain. Saw Zarah in front of him. How she bent over the desk. Saw her hair disheveled, her cheeks flushed... Heard her moan. And heard Asmodeus moan. Saw in his mind’s eye how Ozzie pressed himself against the bitch, bend over her. Heard his strained panting ... and could feel his breath on his skin. How it crept down his neck and shook him.

All of that had belonged to him. To HIM alone! Only with him Asmodeus had made such sounds! Only Fizz was touched by him like this! Only from him Ozzie had feed til now...!!

Harder and harder Fizz gritted his teeth, got a headache and his tail rushed through the air like a whip.

"Okay, Fizzarolli! Your cue!"

His cue ...

Fizz eyes twitched and he took a deep breath. On the stage.

Go! Move, you fucking high-tech monsters of legs!

Fizz forced himself to walk - and stalked stiffly on the stage. Didn't do a trick. Didn't do a spin around the poles as he had planned. He stared gloomily at the green-lit floor in front of him, listening to the clapping and cheers that rose. Like always when he entered the stage. Yes. For them he was good enough. For those freaks out there. Always good for a laugh. Always good for a quick fuck. In their dreams, at least ... But their voices were far away. Grew distant more and more. He stopped in front of the mic, mechanically raised a hand and reached for it. Took it out of the holder. Held it in front of his mouth - and suddenly heard the clown in his head. Heard Zarah.

"Say hello to your pimp for me. While he's still interested in you. He gets attached sooo fast when it comes to his favorites, but then.... Poof. Dream over. So don't get your hopes up high, asshole!"

"Asmodeus deserves better than a selfish jester-demon who denied him what he needs. So don't be surprised if it's him who drops his favorite this time ... And looks elsewhere for what he craves ..."

"Fizzarolli! Your cue!" Fizz's head went up and he blinked. Fuck, Elena!

Taking a deep breath, he tried to compose himself. Crap! Crap, crap, crap! He was on stage! Right in the middle of a performance! A failure could not happen! He quickly opened his mouth - and faltered. Shit. Which act had just performed again? ... He had lost the thread. Confused glances from the audience hit him and the first murmur arose. Didn’t matter! Then he would improvise. He was good at that. So he chuckled, shrugged his shoulders and let his free arm do a few loops in the air - as they slipped through the staff entrance into the lounge. Stealthily. Where no one noticed them.

Zarah. And Asmodeus - in his freed form. Tall, resplendent, and smiling contentedly.

The tendrils inside Fizz wrapped around his heart so tightly they crushed it, and he took a hissing breath, pressing his lips together.

Now don't pull a face like that. Smile, Fizz, like you're supposed to. The show must go on.

Yes. The show must go on.

Fizz cleared his throat and raised the mic - and his though returned to the office again. Pulled up the picture of the chick and HIS prince. He bit his lips so hard they bled - and laughed out loud. Unkind, false, and unmotivated. And the confused glances remained.

"That was ... really a show! Gotta say," he began, fixating on some point in the audience. Looked at no one. "I confess, I've never seen anything like this ... no one has ever given me a show like that. Until today. And yes, I didn't see it coming," he made the worst joke ever and didn't care. Just continued babbling. Started stalking about the stage.

"You know what?!" he snapped, stopping abruptly. "The next act is still in preparation ... or somewhere else, I don't care. But I'll use the time to tell you something funny! That's what I'm here for. The funny clown with the sexy moves who talks shit, right? That's what I'm good for!" He wheeled around and addressed the audience, stretching his arm wide all the while the remnants of his squished heart thundered in his ears like a steam engine. "Ozzie's is unique. You get a whole amusement park of dark fantasies, perversions and desires! It's all the funnier when someone comes along and thinks this place has something else to offer! Something else than lust or sex. Isn't that stupid?" That's when the laughs came. As expected. No matter how the club appeared on the outside, people knew what was going on inside. Of course, they laughed at touchy-feely idiots .... Shaking, Fizz stomped over to the stand and thundered the mic into the holder, leaning against it with one arm - and looking over the audience’s heads. At the couple that had sneaked in. And who finally, finally, finally returned his gaze. Now that he stopped being funny and was talking shit. After he crossed a line, he finally got their attention. Now Asmodeus looked at him. Surprised and confused ....

Fizz snorted snidely and fixed his gaze on Asmodeus' greenish glowing eyes.

"I'll tell you a little story, okay!? Taken straight from life and I call it: A Loser's Story! And it goes like this: One day our loser arrives here in Lust and walks into Ozzie's unsuspecting. He is dazzled by the fancy glamour and is blown away! Logical, isn't it? Who wouldn't be tempted? And then he finds his very own sugar daddy among all the scum here! Now it's getting exciting! Buckle your seat belts! He is spoiled and seduced and lifted to the fucking heavens! And he thinks he's a big shot. This loser really thinks his daddy wants more than sex. Here! At Ozzie's! In Lust! Aaaaww, isn't that lovely?" Batting his eyes, he folded his hands and nuzzled them against his cheek as the audience continued to laugh. Of course, they laughed. At such a loser, everyone would laugh ... everyone ...

And Fizz laughed with them.

Laughed louder than them.

Crazier than them.

Until his chainsaw voice sounded even raspier, and he drowned them all out.

Promptly, the confused looks returned. Uncomfortable murmurs came from the rows of spectators, but the horny sods had to put up with that. This was what they had paid for, so they received the show that Fizz lukewarmly slapped them in their faces! Bon appetit! The fly in the ointment was free on top!

"What's the matter, what's wrong? Don't you think the story is funny anymore? It's not over yet, so listen up! I mean, how stupid do one have to be to think some pimp wants more? Should I tell you? Because the pimp is lying! He's lying through his teeth to that loser! Purrs into his ears and pleads the loser should stay with him. For good...." Fizz gritted his teeth and the last remnants of his heart crumbled into dust. "For good he said ... Tse. No wonder our loser falls for all that shit, because, you know, pimps lie as soon as they open their fucking mouths! And naive as he is, the loser plays the monkey, plays dress-up doll, lets himself be humiliated, gets involved in kinky shit and feels safe and secure! Well! Imagine his stupid expression when he comes home one day and sees his daddy making out with his ex-whore! HA! And why? WHY? I'm telling you, watch this!" Confidentially, he leaned forward and spoke behind his hand, pretending to be quite horrified. "Because he didn't let the pimp fuck him. Unbelievable, isn't it? Here, in Lust, someone denies the only commodity that matters. He has to blame himself, I say! Hey, hey, in front of this guy, I should probably pull my fool's cap - and lend it to him! As the king of fools! Just like he deserves it! And THAT - that's the punch line for tonight!" He yanked the mic back out of its holder, held it out to the audience - held it out to Asmodeus. Asmodeus, who stared at him in horror. As he should! He received what he had called for. Ice-cold, Fizz dropped the mic. "Fuck you guys! I'm out!" With that, he turned on his heel and stomped off the stage. They could all kiss his ass! He'd had enough!

"Fizzarolli! What are you doing! That's not in the script! The program! Get back on stage now!", Elena screamed in his ear and cursed, Fizz grabbed the small mic and ripped it of his costume.
"Wally, I need that fucking limousine! NOW!" he roared before crushing the mic with his metal fingers, letting the remains crumble to the floor. Fuck this shithole! Fuck Asmodeus!

***


As soon as Fizz was seated in the limo, he pitched over the barely filled fridge in the corner, fully intending to get drunk. Good for him, Asmodeus had acknowledged that Fizz could use the car whenever he wanted, and the big bastard didn't need it anyway tonight! The King of Lust would certainly not come home. Ha, why should he?! With his shitty chick at his side! The great pretty gorgeous Zarah ...!
Uhrg, just the thought of the demoness caused Fizz' blood to boil and in one go he emptied the only champagne bottle Asmodeus had stashed in the fridge. A pitiful yield, but better than nothing and Fizz needed something to drink! Urgently! Needed a distraction! An outlet! Had to drown that fucking tugging in his chest! Had to somehow get rid of the image of Asmodeus and that chick ... how they … !!! FUCK!!!

With a jerk, he rammed the bottle against the door, where it shattered. Shards fell to the floor and Fizz cursed, staring at the broken bottle in his hand, narrowing his eyes. Surely those two were celebrating the next act, even joining in! After all, the program was interactive tonight. Probably they just rolled over the stage and tomorrow it would appear in all newspapers!

King of Lust Drops New Favorite and Grabs Supermodel!

Favorite Fizzarolli a Major Disappointment - King of Lust Fucks Ex- Favorite!

Fizzarolli Unfuckable!?

Cyborg Discarded and Recycled!

The Idiot Who Fell For the Prince of Lust ...

FUCK!

Fizz lashed out and rammed the broken bottle into the seat. Again and again until it pierced the seat cloth and the silky fabric hung in shreds. Damn, that felt good! Only it wasn't enough! It wasn't enough to extinguish the bubbling! To silence the groaning.

He was an idiot! An idiot, an idiot, an idiot! Asmodeus had made out with others before. Especially in the beginning, when Fizz was new at the club, at least one demon had thrown himself at the big idiot every night. But ... that had been before! Before Fizz had moved in with him and before they had become closer. They were closer, weren’t they? Or was Fizz's perception so fucked up? ... Shit!

He should have stayed in Greed! From the very beginning! But no, the demonic royalty had to deal with him and make up contracts and make him their plaything! Turned him into a wreck! They had turned him into a limbless wreck! Both of them! The clown and Ass-modeus! And Fizz hated them for it! He hated them!

Finally they reached the penthouse and the limo stopped. With his head burning, Fizz jumped out and staggered into the skyscraper with his skull throbbing.

He would pack his things and fuck off! End of story! Then Ass-modeus had his shitty penthouse to himself again and could fuck his chick in peace!

Furious, he pushed open the door to the lobby, which crashed against the wall, shattering the expensive stained-glass. Didn’t matter. The blue bastard had to pay for it, it was on him!
Grumbling, Fizz headed for the elevator and when he saw Fred's deviant face from a distance, his bile came up.

"Oh, good evening, sir. All alone tonight?" The crappy bellhop asked in his usual slimy tone and Fizz clenched his fists.

"Up!" he snarled, at which Fred winced and blinked at him astonished.

"A-are you all right, sir? Shall I contact Lord Asmodeus ...?" he ventured to ask, and Fizz's fuses blew. Literally. He extended his arms, grabbed Fred's collar and dragged him close.

"Didn't you hear what I said, asshole!? I want to go upstairs! So stop asking stupid questions and do your fucking job, you obnoxious, useless wretch of an imp!" With full force, he threw Fred away, who stumbled and fell face forward out of the elevator. Groaning, Fizz rolled his eyes. "You're good for nothing! That Asmodeus hasn't killed you yet is all! But he'll get rid of you too, believe me! He's getting rid of everything he thinks is worthless! So fuck off and die!"

With that, Fizz pushed the stupid elevator button himself and looked down at Fred icily as the elevator doors closed. Ignoring his horrified look the imp gave him. But he didn't give a shit. He didn't give a shit about anything!

Once upstairs, he grabbed the gates and ripped them aside, breaking their hinges as he did so, and with a clang they fell to the floor. Even that didn't matter. With one big step, Fizz stepped over them and entered the living room. And it looked horrible. Asmodeus’ stuff lay all over the place, because the stupid shithead couldn't manage to keep his things in order! Cursing, Fizz gathered what belonged to him and then headed for the bedroom. A gift was a gift, so he would take everything the fucker had forced on him.

However, Fizz couldn’t see where he was going, his hands were way too loaded with stuff. Chaos reigned in his head and finally he stumbled - fell forward. When he picked himself up again, he saw the big mirror in front of him. And himself.

No. The symbol that had been made of him. Fizzarolli, the jester demon. The sexy cyborg with the loose mouth. Asmodeus' favorite. Only he wasn't! He was Fizz, he was an imp, and he was a monster with metal noodles on his joints who cried constantly and had managed to make Asmodeus drop him!

Asmodeus ... had dropped him.

He had been dropped … again.

Had been left ...

For this woman. Asmodeus didn't want him anymore. He wanted her. Not him. Of course. Next to her, he was ...just a clown.

Hissing, he clenched his fists. It was his own fault! He had put himself in this position! He had given himself unrequested hopes for something that was impossible! Again the image of Asmodeus flashed before him. How he pressed himself against this chick. Feeding on her. Fucking her. And at the same moment he thought of all the times Asmodeus had held him in his arms. Whispering sweet nonsense to him. Giving him satisfaction without ever asking for anything in return.

Lies! Nothing but lies! Asmodeus always wanted the truth, yet he was a damned liar himself! Because if he really wanted to fuck Fizz that badly … he could have said so! Instead he jumped the first willing chick.

With a scream, Fizz lashed out and thundered his fist into the mirror, leaping to his feet and stepping on every single shard that had fallen. Destroyed every one of them. Crushed them.
But it wasn't enough! It wasn't enough!

The carousel crashed!

Chapter Text

Chapter 2 6

The Office

Filled with euphoria, Ozzie floated back into the lounge, clutching the champagne bottle tightly in his hand and humming softly to himself, barely able to believe his luck.

Zarah was here! His Zarah! It had been ages since he had heard anything from her, which had been good for them both after they had parted so unpleasantly. However, that had happened a long time ago, and that she was here now, visiting him, made him infinitely happy. Because it meant that at long last, the dust had settled, and they could talk normally again. They could finally move on and be friends. Special friends. Like with his former favorites and like it always had been. Moreover, her visit was not inconvenient ... In the past, they had been able to tell each other everything, and maybe he could talk to her about things he couldn't talk to anyone else about. Because there was one thing Zarah and Fizzarolli had in common. Not only they both were his favorites, they both didn't mince words. The two of them would surely get along very well!

Oh, how exciting! This evening couldn't get any more perfect. The idea of Fizzarolli AND Zarah being together at one place set off a strange tingling inside Ozzie. He was dying to know what Zarah thought of his Fizz!

Grinning, he squinted toward the bar, where the two pretties ones were standing and talking intently. Their fired-up mood reached him even at the other end of the lounge, and even more intense than the other aromas and emotions of the guest surrounding him. He wondered what the two of them had to tell each other? Possibly they were swapping stories? From ... favorite to favorite?

Uuuh~ the thought chased a violent shiver through Ozzie and his feather collar puffed up. All at once, a glorious image took shape in his mind and he sighed with desire. For a second he saw the two of them before him. Together. Naked. In his bed. Waiting for him. Courting him. As a succubus, Zarah would give them a truly good time and then, finally, finally, finally, Ozzie would get what he craved most in all of hell: Fizzarolli!

Goosebumps rolled down his spine, making his shoulders itch, and lost in thought he reached back to scratch himself.

Too bad his imagination would never come true, because neither Fizz nor Zarah would play along. Fizzarolli had yet to recover and was particular about sex, and with Zarah it was over. For good. Ozzie had had to accept that a long time ago ...

Still, the thought was extraordinarily stimulating and accompanied Ozzie when he sauntered through the lounge. As soon as he was close enough, he held up the bottle triumphantly.

"We're lucky! I got this one from my secret stash. Now then ... Wally, three glasses!" he announced gleefully, placing the champagne bottle on the bar counter.

"No," Fizzarolli muttered in response and turned away. "No time, boss. The show is going to start in fifteen minutes. I've got to get ready."

Disappointed, Ozzie blinked. Was it really that late? Shit, he hadn't been paying attention to the time and his initial enthusiasm dwindled. A sudden uncertainty emanated from Fizz, not as beguiling as usually. More swayed and trembled, and confused. Ozzie tilted his head.
"Oh. Well ... what a shame. After the show, then, yes?"

Quickly, Fizzarolli nodded, without even looking at Ozzie, and then started moving, darting through the crowd and disappearing into the backstage area. Looking longingly after him, Ozzie sighed and joined Zarah at the bar.

"I guess it's just the two of us then." He tried to hide his disappointment and turned all his attention to Zarah. She looked after Fizzarolli, frowning for a moment, then she sighed.

"What a cheeky little gremlin."

At that, Ozzie had to laugh, quickly putting a hand over his mouth. She wasn't wrong, but Fizz would freak out if he would’ve heard her.

"Indeed! But he's great~" purred Ozzie, propping his head up in one hand, running the finger of his other hand over the rim of the glass Wally had placed in front of him. However, he faltered when he noticed the displeased frown between Zarah's brows, and even though they hadn't seen each other in a long time, he still knew exactly what this meant. Her sour aroma gave it away as well. "You don't like him...." Saddened, he dropped his shoulders, to which Zarah promptly widened her eyes and raised her hands placatingly.

"N-no! I didn't say that, Oz! It's not like I know him. But he's kinda weird, don't you think? I mean. A cyborg? As your favorite?" With that, she sat back down on the stool and moved over to him. "Is he any good? Because I don't get that impression. And when I look at you ..." She inclined her head meaningfully and Ozzie knew exactly what she addressed. By now, everyone in the club should have noticed his current form, even though Fizzarolli was around. But that was something between him and his jester.

"It's all right. This has nothing to do with Fizz. Not directly at least. It's my decision." He waved it off quickly and reached for the bottle, uncorking it. "Fizzarolli is unique! You'll see. His performances are hilarious! And his dances are hot! His performance has turned the whole program upside down and driven the business properly. It's not for nothing that he's now known all over hell. And in hot demand ..." Licking his lips, he thought of the performance Fizz would put on today, how elegantly the jester could wrap himself around the pool poles by now, thought of the looks Fizz usually threw him over the audience. The way he swung his hips. His smoky voice, telling those horribly stupid lewd jokes ...

Probably Fizz would overdo it. Like always, when he wanted to please and with luck, he needed a massage after the show. Which Ozzie would be more than willing to give him. In the bathtub! Where the hot water soaked them and the steam made their heads dizzy. He shuddered at the thought and his feather collar puffed up so violently that the feathers obscured his vision.

Beside him, Zarah laughed and finally sighed.

"I can tell you've obviously fallen for him~"

"Don't laugh at me. I'm serious! He's really talented and I- ...!" Ozzie began, but stopped mid-sentence when he saw a meaningful grin adoring Zarah's lips. A grin he remembered intimately from the past, and he widened his eyes. An inexplicable heat crept into his head and clearing his throat, he waved it off. "Enough about me and my jester. What about you, darling? We haven't seen each other in years! I have lost track! How are you doing? How's your career going? How is it in the world of the living? And how .... how is ... Tobias?" He asked the latter out of pure politeness. Only reluctantly did he think of Zarah's husband and the trouble this guy had caused him. But for Zarah's sake, he grinned and beard to evil play - with success. She smiled and a delightful blush lit up her heart-shaped face. It stung Ozzie to see her so happy. So ... in love. Still.

"Everything is going great! Thank you for asking. You know how humans are. They're so easy to wrap around the finger. But Tobi and I are having a lot of fun up in the human world. He ... um ... sends his greetings." Almost apologetically, she shrugged, and Ozzie knew what that meant.
Probably good old Tobias was sitting somewhere armed with a spear, counting every second until Zarah was safely back at his side and dramatically vowing to Lucifer that he would commit bloody murder if his wife would be back home by midnight. Tse... Still Ozzie couldn't believe he'd lost to an incubus, but he wasn't complaining. Didn't have the right anymore. And yet he couldn't help and nudged Zarah with his elbow.

"I’m surprised he let you come here. That he'd even let you out of sight."

"Oh, don't worry about it. We've talked about it at length. That being said, I don't have to ask for his permission if I want to go somewhere to visit a friend. He does not lock me up either." Meaningfully, she gave him a curt sideway glance, which Ozzie commented with a sigh. Yes, he took the hint without further words, and certainly he wouldn’t get worked up about it. Instead, he nodded in surrender and smiled gently.

"I'm glad you're still .... so happy. I mean that sincerely! No matter what happened back then. And I'm glad you're here. It's good to have a familiar face around."

She returned his smile and for a moment an amicable silence settled between them. A silence that needed no explanation. Then she reached for his hand and squeezed his fingers, grinning cheekily in his face and fluttered her wings, shooting a volley of her incredible charisma his way that gave Ozzie goosebumps. Succubi pheromones really were something special.

"Of course! I can't sit around idly while you fish for a new favorite without checking him out first, can I? Especially when it's a little spitfire like that!"

Ozzie snorted and rolled his eyes.

"Really? That's what you came all the way down here for? Because you care about me? How heartfelt!" he quipped, thinking she was joking, however she nodded seriously and amazed, Ozzie blinked.

"Yes. I read MJ's article. I know she exaggerates a lot, but he's your first favorite after ... me. And that was a long time ago. I wanted to make sure he wasn't taking advantage of you. Especially after I read that he is denying you. I've been worried. About everything. What happened back then - sucked. For everyone involved." Apologetically, she tilted her head and sighed, then waved lightly. "I just wanted to make sure you didn't throw yourself at the first demon with a reasonable taste after a decade-long depressive dry spell. You tend to do stupid things like that when you're upset, and that's why I couldn't help it." Knowingly, she nodded and crossed her arms when Ozzie winced.

Ouch. That had hit home. Of course, Zarah was exaggerating with these blatant accusations, and yet they hit the mark. Nevertheless, Ozzie had to grin. Except for his siblings, no one had dared to make such claims about him, whether they were true or not. No one except Zarah dared ... and Fizz. Still, it was nonsense! Like he would go into a depression and wallow in self-pity over a favorite who was looking for someone who could give her "more"! That was utter nonsense.

Dignified, he cleared his throat and pursed his mouth, looking sulkily into his champagne glass.
Mpf. Zarah and Fizz really were alike. They both apparently thought he was a giant baby who only made bad decisions. He snorted and drained his glass, immediately pouring himself another.
"Still as blunt as ever, eh?" he muttered, snorting. "Your concern is honorable, but you exaggerate beyond measure. I didn't choose Fizz on a whim, nor did I do anything stupid. What happened back then is long forgotten. Believe me! I am in excellent health. Especially since Fizz is here. He is ... something special. That's why I picked him." At the thought of the cheeky grin Fizz had given Ozzie when they had strolled arm in arm through the club, Ozzie smiled. It had been a long time since he had seen Fizzarolli in such a good mood and his heart leapt.

Had to be the champagne …

Before Zarah could say anything else, however, the lights went out and the smoke machines were activated, bathing the lounge in a glorious ambience of neon lights. The music began to play and immediately he sat up straight.

"Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to Ozzie's!", Fizzarolli's voice rang out from the speakers and all at once Ozzie's heart started pumping. Anticipation flooded him and excitedly he squinted at Zarah, quickly bending down to eye-level.

"Look out, here we go! Fizz's performance is about to begin! You've got to see it! Absolutely! You'll be thrilled!"

Wide-eyed, Zarah looked at him, then nodded and squinted sideways for a moment, taking a big gulp from her glass.

"Okay, if you say so, big man ..."

**


"Oh, by Lucifer, this champagne really packs a punch ... But no wonder. Beelze gave it to me, and if there's one thing my little sis knows about, it's alcohol!" Grinning, Ozzie shook his head and drained the next glass, then placed it on his desk with a chuckle, leaning back in his chair.
He really wanted to pull himself together, but after Fizzarolli had taken the stage, he had started waxing lyrical about his sexy jester, unable to stop himself, even though he knew he was talking bullshit. But his head had felt as light as a feather and neither could nor wanted he to stop raving about Fizz. Because after Zarah had seen him live now, she had certainly had changed her mind - and if she didn’t, Ozzie would make sure she would!

Sighing longingly, he propped his hands on the table, rested his head on them, and grinned. Certainly he looked like an idiot, but he didn’t care …

Fizz's performance had been incredible and throughout the show Ozzie had commented on every step his little demon made. He had told Zarah about the prostheses and how Fizz had practiced with them. How he had outgrown himself and had regained control of his body in no time.

How he had come up with a new idea for the show, how they had picked out the jokes together and researched stories about their star acts ... Ozzie explained how the stage worked, where Fizz would lower himself. What moves Fizz would use ... And of course Zarah had to learn that Fizz had sewn his costume all by himself! She, as a model, would be especially interested in that sort of thing! The crazy little guy had cut up the most expensive fabrics for it, but the result was something to behold! The way the fabric clung to his slender body was infinitely sexy, as it emphasized all the right parts of his body. And then there were those little bells on Fizz costume, always tinkling softly as if they were playing music. Being unspeakably cute, Ozzie thought. In general, the jester's hat framed Fizzarolli's attractive face perfectly ...

At some point during his eulogy, however, they'd run out of champagne, and went to his office for a refill, and somehow they'd gotten bogged in here. Which was bad. They should go back to the lounge. It was rude to his high guests, and they would miss Fizz's performances.

Again Ozzie sighed and glanced at the door of his office.

Had he actually told Zarah about how attractive the little bugger was? And how good he tasted? If not, he urgently had to do so ...!

Finally, loud laughter rose in the office and his head shot up at the amount of merriment that filled the room. Its source was clear, though Ozzie couldn't figure out whether it was serious glee or spiteful cackle. For Zarah sat right on his desk, unable to regain her composure.

"What exactly is so funny?" he grumbled as she almost doubled over, and he crossed his arms.

"Well..." she began as she caught her breath and ran a hand through her long hair. "Aside from blaming the alcohol-free champagne for your talkativeness, I now know more about your new favorite than I do know about my husband! All that's missing is you telling me what he had for breakfast!" She snorted again, while Ozzie frowned.

"His favorite is classic breakfast with eggs, bacon and some nasty greasy toast ... and coffee. But I don't think too much caffeine agrees with him. He gets so jittery and fidgety after that. I've tried to talk him into tea. However, I caught him pouring whiskey into the cup. Impossible little prick! Especially since it doesn't mix well with his medication. But then, he doesn't believe me."

The laughter stopped abruptly, and he received a doubtful glance while Zarah’s face darkened dangerously.

"What is it?"

Instead of answering, she pressed a hand over her mouth and turned away. Tears gathered in the corners of her eyes and Ozzie cocked his head to the side.

"Nothing, nothing, nothing! It's all good! Except I don't think my ears are working right, because I could swear the King of Lust just gave a caring househusband sermon! You almost sound like Tobi!"

What? Ozzie blinked in amazement. He hadn't noticed and thoughtfully he looked down at his desk, biting his lips. Did he really sound like Zarah's stuffy, emotional, overprotective husband? The lightness that had filled him faded and, lost in thought, he gazed into nothingness. Until a cough interrupted his reverie.

"Sorry, Oz. I didn't mean it, really! I'm just not used to you talking like that. It doesn't sound like you." Slowly, Zarah moved to the edge of the desk right in front of him. For a moment Ozzie hesitated, then lifted his head and eyed his former favorite intently.

They had known each other for so long and had once trusted each other intimately. Even if bad blood had been shed, maybe she would still help him, for Ozzie sensed no resentment in her. She held no grudges ... And that suited him just fine. Even though Ozzie could read emotions to a certain extent, there were those emotions that he tended to avoid. Which had driven a wedge between him and Zarah back then.

"Say, is it wrong for me to know all this about him?" he murmured darkly, not looking her in the eye. "Is it wrong to talk about my favorite like that? Does it sound strange for the Embodiment of Lust to talk and think like that? Admitting to... being happy?" Slowly he raised his head, where an astonished look awaited him. Then Zarah shook her head and to Ozzie's relief she smiled, closing her eyes.

"No. It's not wrong, and it's not strange. Unusual perhaps, but you are our King, Asmodeus. Your word is law. Whatever you want, you get. But..." She hesitated and moved even closer, stretching out a hand. Gently, she stroked his cheek, and Ozzie felt doubt rising in her. "Are you really happy, Oz? Honestly?"

Her doubt unsettled Ozzie and he frowned.

"That's what I just said, you'd better listen to me, sweetheart."

However, that didn't convince her, and she sighed.

"So you're telling me you're happy with a favorite who won't let you bed him and who keeps you trapped in this form?" she continued, shaking her head. "I don't believe that. I know you hate that form. It constricts you. Choking you ... And I can see that you're uncomfortable. How can you be happy?"

Concentrating, Ozzie exhaled and looked to the side. So straight forward. What was it with his favorites that they all had to share this character trait …?

"One has nothing to do with the other," he muttered, at which Zarah raised an eyebrow.

"No? And how long are you going to stay happy like that? Then you might as well have no favorite at all. No matter how great you think he is, he doesn’t treat you fair."

"I told you before, it's me who turns his offers down. He has requested me to feed off him. Many times."

"Oh yeah, and why didn't you?"

"Because he ...!" Ozzie hesitated, thinking of what Zarah had said earlier. That he was acting like her husband. What that meant in reality, he preferred not to imagine. Sternly, he remained silent while Zarah's hand continued to caress his cheek. The touch sent little flashes through his body, and he narrowed his eyes. Damn Succubi and their pheromones... He cleared his throat.

"I was going to wait. Until after the show. When he's fully excited. That's when he tastes best. That's when his energy level is at its highest." He pulled up excuses, but that was only half the truth.

"And what if he does turn you down again?"

Ozzie swallowed, and all at once this conversation became very difficult for him. He felt ... sounded out. Backed into a corner! Like he had to justify his decision. A king never justified himself! However, her slow blink with her long eyelashes loosened his tongue, released his tension and finally she elicited the truth out of him.

"He was not well. For a very long time. I wanted to spare him. If I feed on him, I would rob him of all his strength, and he needs his strength. And … he hates fire. Hates my flames. They scare him and I don’t want to stress him further," he murmured, his face twisted when he realized the meaning of his words and truth behind them – the warmth of shame crept into his cheeks. Shame. It had been ages since he had felt shame. And for that alone, he was far more ashamed... dammit.

"He looks more than fit to me, the way he's prancing around out there. What's to stop you from claiming what's rightfully yours, my king?" Zarah interjected, and Ozzie shivered when she called him by his rightful title.

Yes, of course he could do that. He could take whatever he wanted right here and now and escape this horrible body and if he asked, Fizz would certainly say yes. However, his little jester demon had been through so much in the past few weeks that Ozzie didn't want to make any more mistakes and if he crossed any line again, or said anything wrong, he wouldn't forgive himself...

That alone was his prevailing thought and it was pathetic. Not worthy of a prince of hell, the King of Lust. And yet this ... urge tormented him. So much had happened, this last weeks, that Ozzie himself was terribly confused, but one thing was certain. At all costs, he wanted Fizz to like him! Which he did, Ozzie knew, but he wanted Fizz to like him in a different way. Like him in a special way. That Fizz felt comfortable around him. That Fizz trusted him unconditionally. Only thought about him. No longer harbored secrets and finally accepted that his place was by Ozzie's side! For- … For good!

However he only would achieve this goal with oodles of patience. He wanted to show Fizzarolli that he was considerate, in control and respectful! Unlike other princes, whose names Fizz did not even voice anymore ... So he kept his head down. Went without feeding himself and went without sex. As hard as it was. And it was hard. Infinitely hard. And it got harder every day.

Zarah's fingers, meanwhile, slid under his chin, where she gently tickled him. She moved closer to the edge of the desk and her next words made him tremble violently.

"If you can't do it with him, use me. Feed off me."

Oh, shame! Concentrating, Ozzie inhaled as Zarah released more of her pheromones.

"How unfair to use your powers," Ozzie murmured, even though her power did not have their full effect on him. But he was well aware of her aroma, which slowly but surely saturated the air and shook him properly. Feeding... He shuddered as the suggestion, no, the mere idea of finally being able to take in pleasurable energy again took up more and more room in his mind. "Is that such a good idea? After everything that happened?"

"You are the embodiment of lust. Everyone here knows what that means. Everyone knows where this is going. And as far as I know, the dishes you haven't eaten in a long time taste especially good~"

As soon as she said that, the memory of Zarah's taste boiled up inside him. Heat spread through him, and he realized how weak this body felt. How much he craved energy. How much he loathed the limitlessness and slowness. How he thirsted for desire and passion ... For a real aroma. Not the swift kind that drifted in the air.

He licked his lips, closed his eyes and leaned into her seductive touch.

"What if your husband comes after me again?"

Zarah laughed.

"You know very well that wasn't why he went after you. It is known that every former favorite agrees that you're entitled to make demands at any time ... And Tobias knows that, too. Let me help you."

Ozzie swallowed, and the heat inside him grew. The flames, that usually burned within him and that were now nothing more than glowing sparks, hissed in anticipation and desire awoke within him. Desire that turned his body into a magnet. In a pull that was enlarged by every promising aroma.

Get out of this body!

Growling, Ozzie rose, placed his hands next to Zarah on the desk and bent over her. He inhaled deeply. Searched for all the particles in the air, for the bright, tasty specks that formed her aroma.

His feathers ruffled, his fur bristled, and he closed his eyes. Blindly, he reached out and pulled her close. Focused entirely on her taste. On the lustful energy that surrounded her. The energy of a succubus was more tangy than that of normal demons, and so inviting~

"I'm feeding," Ozzie finally croaked, feeling an expectant shudder slide through Zarah's body. "But no more ... no more."

"Anything you want, Oz. Take what you need," she whispered to him, meaning it sincerely, and couldn't sound more seductive in the process. Her slender legs wrapped around his hips, and she snuggled against him. Her warmth caused Ozzie to quiver, her aroma bloomed, swirling around them ... and he lost his temper.

With a jerk, he spun her around, propelling her onto the desk and pressing himself against her back. He opened his mouth, used his power, and aspirated his blue breath at her - all that was left of his flames. The remaining sparks turned his breath into a glittering mist and immediately the effect showed. Like the pheromones of a succubus, his misty breath ignited lust in anyone who inhaled it, eliciting every last ounce of sexual energy from them. Increased it, shaped it, until they reached their climax.

Beneath him, Zarah writhed and her moans filled the room, sounding like a sensual symphony to Ozzie's ears. Longingly she pressed herself against him and delightful little sounds escaped her. Like sweet drops that were harbingers of a rainstorm. Deeply Ozzie inhaled.

Heavens, how she tasted! How she tasted! He had almost forgotten! She was hot! So infinitely hot and spicy, with a hint of bitter-sweetness. Hot and fiery! Full of self-confidence. Without any doubt. Full of pride and satisfaction. Her taste was well balanced, it was glorious, and it goaded Ozzie. He soaked up her lust like a sponge, devouring every bit of it, and the more he took, the more of her lust - her power - rushed violently through his body. Filled him up, strengthened his shallow limbs, filled him with energy and little by little he left the bonds of his second form behind. Her energy exploded inside him, freeing him, and finally his true self returned to the surface. Burning with flickering blue fire.

His groin contracted and moaning he pressed himself against Zarah, having become rock hard and craving satisfaction.

Zarah arched her back in response and reached out a hand to him.

"Ozzie ..." she gasped in her honey- sweet voice. Ozzie shivered and melted, the sound driving right into his loins. He slumped forward, buried Zarah under him in the process, and pressed his forehead against his desk.

His breathing became heavy and instinctively he thrust his hips against her rear, shuddering at the movement and his desire became unbearable.

"Do it if you want," Zarah gasped beneath him, and the temptation was great. Infinitely great. But ...

"I can't ..." he croaked, having trouble even forming words, hardly believing what he, Prince of Lust, was saying. A pitiful whimper came in response from Zarah, who pressed impatiently against him.

"Why not ...?"

A good question. Oh, such a good question! Why not? What was stopping him? Nothing. Nothing at all. There was a willing partner in front of him, he was aroused, had endured months without satisfaction. So why not?

For a moment he swayed back and forth, pressing himself against Zarah, torn inside and out - before he pulled his hands from her body and dropped limply on the desk beside her, rolling onto his back. Breathing heavily, he lay there staring at the ceiling. He. Was. An. Idiot!

"Because of Fizz. I want Fizz," he murmured, to which an annoyed sound rang out. Zarah's head popped up somewhere above him and the sight of her was exquisite. With tousled hair and a flushed face. So seductive. So picture perfect. So tasty. But not as tasty as Fizzarolli.

"Are you serious?" she rumbled breathlessly. "Since when ... do you live monogamously? You of all people?"

Her indignation prompted Ozzie to chuckle faintly, but it suited him. Anything suited him that distracted him from the enormous boner that tormented him.

"For seven months ...?"

Zarah rolled her eyes and slumped down beside him, burying her face in Ozzie's feathery chest.

"You're kidding me ..."

Slowly, Ozzie shook his head.

"No. ‘Cause I only want him. I want Fizz… I want Fizz!!!" The thought of his jester sent another jolt through his groin and frustration grew in Ozzie. Growling, he pressed his hands in front of his eyes and then rolled over on his stomach, burying his face in his arms. An annoying itch appeared on his back, but he ignored it. "Sorry ... For turning you on ... But thanks."

Nothing came at first. Zarah's heavy breathing filled the air for quite some time, then she calmed down and the sound of rustling clothes filled the room.

"First, you’re welcome. Second, don't apologize, it's doesn’t suit the King of Lust. I'm okay. Unsatisfied and extremely horny, but okay."

Annoyed, Ozzie bit his lips and narrowed his eyes. Unbelievable. Unbelievable. He was leaving a willing partner unsatisfied. HE! What a shame.

"Oz, are you all right?" came the question eventually, and slowly Ozzie shook his head.

"No!" he complained loudly and sat up. "I'm not all right! Nothing is all right at all! Everything is going wrong. It's not natural!"

"What, that you lust after just one person?"

"Just that!"

Surprised, Zarah raised a brow, then grinned wryly and gave a stretched sigh; closed her eyes.

"Is he indeed that great, your Fizz? If you want him so badly?"

Firmly Ozzie pressed his lips together and his first thought was to shout no. For right now he wanted to twist the little bastard's neck for what he was doing to him! But the mere thought of the little guy's smug grin made him soft, and he slumped down.

"He is. And the truth is, I'm not happy! Yes, I am. But ... I don't know what else to do. He ... doesn't want me. I've tried everything to seduce him! I've tried the vanilla way, I jerk him off regularly, I suck him off regularly, I've tried spanking ... Anything to get a reaction. But he just doesn't want me! He worries about our size difference, and there is his deep routed fear for fire because of his accident. The mere thought he could fear me disgusts me... I already crossed a line, but I can't even get as far as explaining to him how my body works!"

"Sounds like he's playing hard to get."

"No, he isn't. It's more like he's built a huge wall around himself that's going to throw a wrench in my plans, and yes, not let me find my way to him. Yet he likes my touch, I'm sure of it. Everyone likes my touches! I am lust in person!"

Again, no reply followed for a long time, then Zarah thoughtfully pulled a face, insistently examining Ozzie from top to bottom. A strange twinkle settled into her eyes, followed by a sickly, though overall mischievous grin.

"Then tell me, why does it have to be him? What's so special about him? Aside from his taste. Why are you taking all this on yourself?"

Ozzie hesitated and narrowed his eyes. Basically, it was none of her business. That was a question that no one had to ask him, because his motives were no one's business! And he knew the answer. For a very long time. Only it was difficult to put into words and to be honest with himself was much more difficult than to demand honesty from others.

Sighing, he let himself fall back on the desk and closed his eyes. Whispering into the darkness while a satisfied smile sneaked on his lips.

The reason he was taking all this on himself for a cocky little demon who just had strolled along was ...

"He needs me. And he trusts me. Not in the horny way ... He's confided in me and opened up like no favorite has before. He treats me like I'm not one of the Seven Princes. Which is brazen and bold, but also so unspeakably attractive." He had to pause, for his heart rolled over as he breathed out the last sentence, and the sickening itch on his back became unbearable. "No one has ever needed me ... or dared to show weakness in front of me. Cried in front of me or clung to me. Not for me to give pleasure or satisfaction. Not because of my money, power or influence. But because of me. Because I was there. No one had ever made me experience these emotions. No one ..." More and more quietly he became, not wanting to risk that unwelcome ears listened while he confessed these monstrosities and thoughtfully he opened his eyes. In front of him a stunned Zarah sat upright.

Then she suddenly slapped her hands over her mouth and a wide grin appeared on her face.

"Ozzie~ ..." She dragged out his name suspiciously and bending down to him, began to poke him in the side. "Oh, Ozzie! Oz! Oz-man! You know how that sounds? Aww... !!!"

Momentarily Ozzie threw himself up, stared at her witheringly, and raised a finger admonishingly, positioning it right before her.

"I'm warning you, Zarah! Don't get the wrong idea. You may be my former favorite, but that won't stop me from crushing you if you gossip bullshit! Got it?!" He threatened all the while his head got surprisingly hot, however it had no effect. None at all. She pushed his finger away from her face and shook her head.

"Just because you won't say it doesn't mean I can't say it! And I know what's going on. I could have figured it out sooner. Because the way you look at that gremlin, you never looked at me! You never raved about me for hours at a time! And it's great. Finally! I'm so happy for you!" Laughing, she grabbed his hand and squeezed it, only Ozzie didn't share her joy. As if stung, he pulled his hand back and pressed it to his chest as if he'd been burned.

"Impossible ... it can't be," he murmured when Zarah stood up and strutted around the desk.

"And why not? Lust has many facets. And love is one of them!"

Love ...

Just the sound of that word was like a slap in the face and Ozzie pressed his lips together. Yes. Love was part of lust. But to him it only had caused trouble. Only sorrow and anger and bitterness and sadness ... and pain! He straightened his shoulders and reached behind him, finally scratching himself and arching his back uncomfortably.

"It can't be," he repeated absently, tensing. No way. Never could this be! Damn, the itching on his back was slowly driving him crazy ... and an uneasy foreboding welled up within him, deep from the roots of its heritage.

He swallowed hard and promptly stood up.

"We should get back to the lounge," he said quickly, adjusting his clothes and turning away from Zarah. She scampered to his side, grabbing his hand and leaning back.

"Oh, don't be scared, big man! Even though I know how you feel right now. After all ... I wasn't good enough for you." For a split second, Ozzie sensed bitterness rising in her and ruefully he squinted to her, seeing her sincere, though disappointed, smile.

He sighed heavily, for it reminded him of how much he had taken on for that little demoness back then. How much she had meant to him. How much he had wanted to protect her. From the rumors, the published gossip and especially ... from the many lovers she had had beside Ozzie. Zarah had tended to pick the wrong ones, and each time this ridiculous protective instinct had grown in him. This ... possessiveness. As soon as the slightest little thing had seemed suspicious to him, he had crushed those guys, filled with hatred and anger.

He had become all the more alert when Tobias had shown up next. He had feared that everything would start all over again, and he … overreacted. Did something horrible. Fortunately Tobias wasn’t like her other lovers, and it had ended with Zarah leaving him behind. For an incubus. An incubus who really loved her. Because that was what Zarah had told him back then. She would not feel it. His love. And she would need to feel that. His affection, devotion and passion weren't enough to convince her, and she had decided that Ozzie couldn’t love her. That she wasn't good enough. That was the reason why she had been in so many relationships time and again. And that Tobias could give her what Ozzie supposedly lacked.

That was what she had said ...

He sighed and shook his head, looking sternly at the door in front of him.

"I'm not scared," he murmured bitterly, closing his eyes. "I know love. I WAS love. But I've seen what it can do. And it's not worth it. It ... destroys. Lust is simpler. More straightforward. Less complicated. More pleasurable."

"But short-lived."

Ozzie faltered and looked down at her. Still holding his hand, she shook her head with a sigh.
"Won't you get tired of it? Of spending eternity alone? Bouncing from adventure to adventure and from bed to bed?"

For some unknown reason, Ozzie had to swallow hard at the question and his eyes twitched. Then he sighed and smiled sickly, reaching for the door handle and pulling the door open. Gestured to the corridor of the backstage area, where his loyal employees were bustling about.

"Alone? Look around! My club is packed every night and people are going crazy to see me. I'm not alone."

With a doubtful expression on her face, Zarah tilted her head to the side, then shrugged.

"Is that so?"

"Yes! Especially since Fizz is there now! And he is staying by my side. He promised me that- ...." Ozzie stopped mid-sentence and widened his eyes, while Zarah raised a brow and grinned wryly.
"I'd forgotten how dense you can be," she cackled and waved it off, heading into the corridor. "But I must say, that was the most creative confession I've ever heard! Completely without using that little unimportant word. But it should be heard by the one for whom it is intended."

Concentrating, Asmodeus took a breath and followed her, clenching his fists. She was really challenging him tonight! Tugged at his good will and patience!

"Be quite," he rumbled, to which Zarah turned around to him, then saluted artfully.

"Yes, sir, Your Highness, sir!" she announced militarily and decidedly silly – something that could easily have come from Fizz. He laughed automatically at the thought, but then faltered and suppressed any laughter or smile. Damn, that little son of a bitch had gotten so stuck in his head that every time someone made even the slightest comment, Ozzie immediately thought of him.

"Fuck!" he spat, stomping his foot once - and eliciting a bell-like laugh from Zarah. In far too good a mood for what had just happened, she sauntered down the corridor and began humming to herself, swaying her hips back and forth to a pop tune.

"The king of lust is in love. Oh yeah! The king, of lust ...!"

"Shut up!"

"Then shut me up!"

This little ....!

Ozzie cursed and shook his head, then slumped his shoulders, realizing how much he had missed her. Which didn't simplify his problem, though.

In love?

Him?

By Lucifer, if anyone found out, he could get in big trouble …

***

As stealthy as possible, they slipped back into the lounge. They didn't want to interrupt the act, nor the show, and it would be noticed soon enough that Asmodeus had taken on his true form again.
They were just sitting down at the bar when Fizzarolli came back on stage.

At the sight of him, Ozzie had to swallow hard, thinking of what he had just discussed with Zarah, and his head grew hot. So did the inside of his chest. A deep frown split his forehead almost in half when Fizzarolli finally began his moderation. Squinting at him only out of the corner of his eye, Ozzie desperately needed to figure out how to proceed now. How to deal with these ... emotions that plagued him. The best thing he could do right now was to just ignore them. Things were going well between him and Fizz. Except for their downright annoying sexual abstinence, Fizz's company was the best thing that had happened to Ozzie in decades. So why destroy something good with a stupid dangerous thing like love? Yes, he would just ignore the revelation and carry on like before. In difficult situations, the known was the best, and he hung on to that!

At some point it occurred to him that Fizzarolli was silent and hesitantly he looked up.

His jester was standing on the stage, not moving - but Ozzie noticed that a strange aura emanated from him and the waves he sent were ...messy. Chaotic. Far from pleasurable. Ozzie perceived anger and disappointment and immediately he sat up straight. Had something happened? Had he missed something!?

By Satan, if only he and Zarah hadn't wasted so much time and- ....

Finally, Fizz opened his mouth.

"That was ... really a show! I must say. I confess, I've never seen anything like it. No one has ever given me a show like that. Until today. And yes, I didn't see it coming ..." he began, surprisingly hesitant. There was no sign of his stage persona, and as he continued, Ozzie realized he was off the program!

What the ...? His alarm bells sounded, and he tilted his head to the side, narrowing his eyes.

"Is something wrong?" Zarah asked , but Ozzie didn't respond to her, listening as Fizz began to babble. Right in the middle of the stage. Lost into a verbal tantrum, suddenly spouting nonsense.

Wrapped in rage, he stalked about the stage and finally their eyes met. Fizz's eyes bored into his like spears, and Ozzie raised his brows in amazement. Fizz had never given him such a withering look ... ever.

"I'll tell you a little story, okay!? Taken straight from life and I'll call it: A Loser's Story! And it goes like this...!"

Asmodeus tensed when Fizz recited his little story and with each word, an uneasy foreboding grew in Ozzie. Talking faster and faster, his jester became more and more snide, lost his stage charm, bleated at the guests and pretended to be anything but sexy, stomping around like an elephant in a porcelain store. Not a spark of wit emanated from him anymore. He talked and talked ... about the loser and his sugar daddy meeting at Ozzie's .... and finally Ozzie understood. Stunned, he gasped, clenched his fists.

Fizz - he was telling his own story! At least the version he believed was the right one and who played what role in it was more than obvious.

Ozzie squinted tensely through the rows of spectators and swallowed, hoping fervently that no one noticed what the little bastard was doing. That no one noticed who he was talking about, because what he was talking about could ruin Ozzie's reputation!

But the more Fizzarolli talked, the less Ozzie cared about the guests. He only heard the accusations. The anger in Fizz’s words. The disappointment and, somewhere underneath, the pain.

How stupid can one be to think a sugar daddy would want more...?

He's lying!

Purrs in his ears to stay with him. For good....

Loser mimes the monkey, plays dress-up doll, gets humiliated, gets involved in all kinds of kinky shit

Imagine the stupid look on his face when he comes home one day and sees his daddy fucking his ex-whore

Because he didn't let him fuck him.

The only commodity that matters.

The king of fools! THAT - that's tonight's punch line

Every single accusation was a violent punch in the gut, and Ozzie realized what had happened. Why Fizzarolli was so angry about what he had witnessed or rather, what he believed he had witnessed. But it hadn't been like that at all, and that Fizz thought of Ozzie in such a way, talked so badly about himself and portrayed their relationship so negatively, ... hurt. It hurt terribly.

He should have known better. Fizzarolli was sensitive. Especially at the moment.

But how was Ozzie supposed to make him realize that he was wrong? Because he was! Ozzie had neither lied to him, nor wanted to take advantage of him, nor was Fizz a fool and Ozzie hadn't cheated on him either...!

Wait, what? Cheated? In what dimensions did he suddenly start considering something like that at all? Like he could cheat on anyone. He was the king of lust, dammit!

And yet ...

On stage, Fizzarolli finally ripped the mic out of its holder and held it out to the audience. Held it out to Ozzie. Once again their eyes met and Ozzie was sure, if they weren't standing so far apart, Fizz would jump at his throat.

"Fuck you guys! I'm out!" he spat over everyone's heads at Ozzie instead, dropping the mic dramatically - and left. He just walked off the stage.

For a moment, the lounge was quiet. Unpleasantly quiet. Then the guests’s, startled murmuring began. Rightly so ... for such a show was not expected to be seen at Ozzie's. Damn! Next to him, Zarah sighed loudly and propped her head up in her hand.

"Oh boy, two idiots with one braincell," she muttered, but Ozzie didn't reply, just quickly grabbed her arm instead and before everyone would turn to him asking to straighten out this horrible faux pas, he pulled her back into the staff area.

"Zarah!" it escaped him breathlessly and quickly he squinted over his shoulder, making sure there were no prying eyes or ears buzzing around him. "Zarah, have you heard what he said?"

"Yeah, was hard to miss," she muttered, rolling her eyes. "Seems like his hat's off. You were right about that. He must have seen us. But at least you know how he feels about you now."

What? He couldn’t do without any cryptic remarks right now, and he waved her off.

"Zarah, I'm afraid ... I think, no, I know he was talking about us up there. About me and him!"

Wide-eyed, he was looked at, then Zarah sighed and kneaded the bridge of her nose.

"Yes, I am aware of that."

"Really?" That was anything but advantageous. If Zarah had noticed, other demons had possibly noticed as well. Which meant they had achieved their goal. Tonight’s show would make headlines, just not the kind of headline Ozzie had hoped for.

"Yeah. After what you told me, it was bound to happen. I just didn't expect him to explode like that right away but you already said he had a temper."

Temper, ha! That was by far an understatement. Swallowing, Ozzie looked to the stage and narrowed his brows. Fizz's story just wouldn't get out of his head, and everything inside him knotted up.

"That he thinks like that ...! He's wrong! About everything! He acts like I took advantage of him. But I haven't. He just doesn't understand how complicated this matter has become!"

"And why are you telling me this?"

What? Ozzie blinked in confusion and Zarah pulled a face, folding her arms.

"I love you Ozzie, I really do, but you're an airhead, Prince of Hell or not, King of Lust or not. Go tell him. Because if I'm reading this right, he is a ticking time bomb on the lose, and you should defuse it before it goes off. Deceived lovers often do stupid things. I know that all too well."

Deceived- ...?! Fizz wasn't his lover, for Hell’s sake! Or maybe … a little?

That was irrelevant right now. Ozzie couldn't bear the thought of Fizz thinking of himself the way he had portrayed it in his story, and he wanted even less for his little demon to walk around filled with anger, disappointment and self loath. Lust could be a dangerous ring if one acted mindlessly!

Lost in thought, Ozzie nodded and started moving, but faltered after two steps and turned around.

"So what exactly do I have to say?" Shit, it had been too long since he had dealt with this sort of thing, and indeed, just as everyone always claimed, he felt like a bumbling idiot. If any of his siblings would see him now, they would laugh their asses off.

"It's simple. Tell him you're sorry, you're a jerk, and you love him."

Ozzie cringed and looked quickly from right to left, hoping no one had heard her exclamation. Because he sure as hell wasn't going to say that. No way.

But he would look for Fizz. He had experience in that by now ... So he marched off. With a boiling head and a lump in his chest that cut off his air.

Would Fizz believe him when he told him what had really happened between him and Zarah?

Would he believe him when he ... confessed his feelings to him?

Heavens, would he, Asmodeus himself, after eons of ignorance, confess to somebody that one feeling he had once had loved so much himself?

Ridiculous. All of this was truly ridiculous.

Chapter Text

Chapter 27

Make it graphic and tactfully long ...

Stunned, Asmodeus stood at the back-entrance of his club, gawking at the empty parking lot where his limousine usually waited. Rain poured down on him mercilessly, soaking his clothes, but he didn't notice the dampness, nor the cold that gnawed at him. He just stood there, staring at the shimmering asphalt, putting one and one together. No limousine in the yard, no Wally at the bar ... Fizz had to have left with the car. Only where to? The more time passed while he didn't know what his upset little demon was planing, the heavier the knot in his stomach became and Ozzie felt ... nauseous?
Whatever it was, it was an increasingly strange sickening feeling. He was hot, but not from excitement; he was sweating, but not from physical exertion. A form of restlessness plagued him that was entirely strange to him. Not to be compared with what he had felt when Mammon had kidnapped Fizzarolli or when he had seen Fizz sitting mutilated before him. He could not grasp this new feeling. It was eating him up. And while he stood in the backyard, lost in thought, he finally found the name of this feeling.

Uncertainty.
HE, prince of lust, master of seduction, brimming with confidence, was insecure. Because he didn't know what was coming. Because he didn't know what was going on inside Fizz ... and because he didn't know what was going on inside him either. Or if he was ready for such a cut.

Finally, the limo returned and Ozzie's heart leapt. Even before Wally could get out, Ozzie rushed to the driver's door and bombarded his chauffeur with questions. And when he finally learned where Fizzarolli had gone, relief flooded Ozzie. Neither had Fizz left the ring, nor had he gone to the bar district for a bender, or to any of the myriad whorehouses that were nearby.

He ... was at home. In the penthouse. Safe and sound. Fortunate.

As soon as Ozzie heard that, he jumped into the limo and told Wally to drive him home as fast as he could. The whole ride Ozzie mulled over what he was going to say, bobbing one leg up and down impatiently and kneading his fingers. Zarah's pathetic suggestion was out of the question, but he should probably explain why he had fed on her … He would have had to do that anyway, as Fizz would notice anyway that he was in his freed form by now. However, the situation was somewhat different … But he would make sure that Fizz's misconceive of their relationship ...

Wait.
Hold on.

No.
No! T-their condition!!. That Fizz's misconceive of their condition changed. Neither was Ozzie taking advantage of him, nor was Fizz a loser. Or naive. Never. He was great, funny, cheeky, and extremely handsome to boot. Sexy. Attractive. Desirable. Tantalizing. Delicious. Hot. Tasty.

Urgh, damn. Running his fingers through his mane - which had been flickering suspiciously since he'd gotten into the car, bathing the limo's interior in a rich turquoise - Ozzie shook his head and reprimanded himself. Why did he associate his jester exclusively with such descriptions? Because he was the Embodiment of Lust and only thought of sex? Pathetic.

Yet it wasn't even words that came to his mind when he thought of Fizzarolli. What came to his mind first was his horribly brazen grin and his horribly entertaining chainsaw voice. The way his tail curled when he was excited and the deep frown that occurred on his forehead when he was upset or worried about something …

A horrible itch plagued Ozzie's shoulders, and he narrowed his eyes, pursed his mouth.
Not now! He couldn't have that now!

When he reached the penthouse, he almost ripped the car door off its hinges and stood in front of the skyscraper's doors after two long steps, but faltered before pushing them open. The window glass was shattered and quite a few shards covered the ground before his feet. Scarcely frowning, he finally entered the lobby. And like the place was under a spell, his legs grew heavier the closer he came to the elevator. The knot in his stomach began to maltreat him in earnest, which was most unpleasant, for he was usually above such mundane aches and pains. When had this matter become so complicated? On the one hand, he wanted to storm the penthouse and confront Fizz! On the other hand ... he didn't know what he wanted. Turning back time to the beginning of the evening seemed appropriate. Before Zarah had shown up. For as much as he had been happy to see her again, everything had been fine before her visit. Just everything. Maybe he should have held back more and not let himself be wrapped around her finger so easily ... On the other hand, even though she had let her pheromones play, and had certainly not acted as unselfishly as she claimed, it had been his decision in the end. Because just as Zarah knew about the limited effect of her pheromones on his, Ozzie knew what effect his feeding had on others ... Oh, what a tricky situation.

At the elevator, Fred was waiting for him, and to Ozzie's astonishment, the usually annoying little bellhop barely uttered a word.

"Sir," he said, at which Ozzie frowned. And that's when he noticed a black eye adorning the other’s face.

"Good evening," he returned, lost in thought, but when he got in, Fred didn't move. "Upstairs, please" Ozzie added, but Fred still didn't move. He narrowed his eyes and slowly turned to Ozzie. Deep doubt and a spark of annoyance visible in his features, and instead of the waves of deviant desire he usually emitted, this time Ozzie received only deep disturbance.

"Are you sure you want to go up there, Your Highness?" he asked darkly, to which Ozzie folded his arms.
"Indeed I am. So if you don't mind?"

" ... As you wish. But don't say I didn't warn you," Fred muttered ominously, finally pressing the control panel. The elevator promptly started moving, and unobtrusively Ozzie peered up at the elevator ceiling. The knot inside him tightened and intently he inhaled.

Up there was Fizz. Why wouldn't he want to go there? The imp was talking nonsense. As usual. But if Ozzie interpreted one thing correctly, Fred's black eye was coming from somewhere ... Not a good sign. They moved up and a tense silence spread through the elevator. However, it didn't stay quiet. The higher they went, the more indefinable sounds reached Ozzie's ears. With each floor they got louder and louder, and next to him Fred ducked his head the closer they got to the penthouse.
An extremely loud clang caused Ozzie to wince, he clenched his fists and narrowed his eyes.
"By Satan, what is he doing?" he muttered, to which Fred snorted. Though, the imp did not say a word, his aura spoke for itself.

The strange restlessness began to waver dangerously in Ozzie, spreading through every fiber of his body, and when they finally reached the top floor, he held his breath.

"Good luck ..." Fred muttered, took a leap and crouched down beside the elevator doors. Ozzie replied nothing, merely frowned, and when the doors finally opened, he remembered to take a breath. When he entered the penthouse, he immediately sensed a worrisome aroma - and at the same moment, a huge vase came flying straight at him, smashing against the wall close to him. Instinctively, Ozzie had jumped to the side just in time before being hit, and widened his eyes. What the ...!

Again something crashed. It rumbled and banged and splintered and in between angry screams rang out. They filled the whole penthouse, soaking the air, making it heavy and sour, like entering a foul perfumery! And their origin was right in front of him - in the living room of his penthouse. Or what had once been his penthouse.…

Ozzie's heart sank as he took in the chaos that spread out before him. Destroyed. His penthouse was completely destroyed! There was only rubble and ashes in front of him, everything was ruined, had been literally processed to small wood!

The huge panorama window was shattered, the furniture turned over. His table laid sideways in the room, the chairs in pieces around it. Feathers flew all around, telling the sad story of torn pillows. Alike the remains of his blankets, reduced to shreds covering the floor. The shelves were overturned, the books burning in the fireplace, the TV at the wall was... broken!!! Just everything ... everything was broken!

By Lucifer ... WHY!!!

Stunned, Ozzie took a step forward, tripping over the entrance gate lying on the floor, tiptoed around shards and climbed over overturned sideboards, finally reaching the steps to the living room. Again a scream filled his ears, and he threw his head around. Billiard balls came hurtling around the corner, flying through the window. One after the other ... and finally he rushed around the corner, holding a cue in one hand, a white billiard ball in the other. He took a long swing, thundered the last ball through the window, before taking the cue, breaking it over his knee and hurling the pieces across the room with momentum.

Ozzie quickly ducked, dodging the flying sticks and shaking his head in horror.

"Fizzarolli!" he called out, and immediately his jester's head shot up. For a moment he faltered, and just glared at Ozzie, then he contorted his face beyond recognition, while unbridled rage burned in his eyes.

"Oh!" he spat at Ozzie and crossed his arms, throwing his torso back in a snide manner. "Look who's crawling along! What is it? Finished with the whore already? That was pretty fast! Was she only good for a quickie? Or is it you? Is the King of Lust a fast shooter, huh?" He grunted, but it wasn't enough to make him laugh at his own joke. And Ozzie didn't feel like laughing either. Not when he looked around. Not when he saw Fizzarolli standing in front of him like that. Like an erupting volcano, spewing embers and lava, destroying everything in its path as it spilled all over.
Ozzie swallowed and pressed his lips together, trying to block out the violent waves Fizz was sending out. He was used to worse. Especially when he met all his siblings. With Fizz, however, he found it especially difficult to accept these feelings. Because they affected him personally ... He clenched his fists, reminding himself not to lose control again, like he had the last time they had argued. But it was difficult. Very difficult.

"What the fuck are you doing?" he asked instead, spreading his arms, pointing at the surrounding chaos. Fizz just snorted in response, and in the next moment he extended his mechanical legs, coming toward Ozzie and stopped in mid-air right in front of his face.

"I'm a demon!" he rumbled, like it were the most obvious thing in hell. "And I haunt you! That's what I do!" Was his reply, and instantly he moved back, giving Ozzie the cold shoulder and giving one of the chairs lying around a telling kick.

"By destroying my home?!"

"Your home?" Fizz's head snapped around. "Oh, now it's your home again? Didn't you say it was just as much my home the other day? But no problem, I get it!" With that, Fizzarolli rummaged in his pant’s pocket, pulled out his key, and flung it in Ozzie's direction. "Here! You can have it back! I know I'm not wanted here! Give it to your bitch and she can move back in! You don't need me anymore!!!"
Surprised, Ozzie caught the key before it hit his head. Amazed, he squinted down at the key in his hands, from which hung a small pendant in the shape of a rooster ... Almost, the sight caused Ozzie to grin. Almost. He sighed in concentration, lowered his hand, and shook his head.
"So that's it? That's why you're destroying our home?" he quickly corrected himself, because Fizz was right. The penthouse belonged to Fizz as well, those had been Ozzie's own words, and he was sticking to them. "Just because of Zarah?"

"JUST because of Zarah? Just?!" Fizz took a breath as deep and loud as if he were a balloon about to burst. "You ... ASSHOLE!" This time Fizz extended his arms, grabbed the couch in all seriousness, and with the enormous strength in his prosthetics, he yanked it off the floor and up into the air. Horrified, Ozzie took a step forward.

"Stop, wait!" But too late. Before Ozzie was about to intervene, Fizz wheeled around, holding the couch over his head and with a bloodcurdling scream, he taught the couch to fly! He hurled it through the window and out into the open, where it disappeared between the skyscrapers and fell down onto the city. A dull bang sounded, alarms rose and somewhere in the distance the sirens of an ambulance appeared.

Stunned, Ozzie gasped, mouth agape.

Oh heavens ... Fizz was insane! His favorite had gone insane. Slowly Ozzie opened his mouth, but his tongue felt heavy like a stone, and he clenched his fists. Hard.

"I liked that couch ..." was the only thing Ozzie could think of, though, at which Fizzarolli glared at him witheringly, clenching his fists so hard that his mechanical limps began to clink.

"The couch?! That's what you're thinking about now? The fucking COUCH? You're the worst! Just like everyone else! Ha, of course, you're a powerful demon lord! You can do anything! There are no rules for you!” he shouted and a heartbreaking undertone coating his voice. "Lying to me, telling only shit, day in, day out! How great I am, how special, how sexy, how important I am to you! That I should stay with you, as your nice little toy that entertains you! As your snack! While you feed off that whore behind my back and fuck her!"

Ozzie gulped, not knowing how to respond at first. He had never been subjected to such accusations before, and he frowned in confusion.

"Zarah and I didn't- …"

"Oh no!" Before Ozzie could speak out, Fizz took a leap, reared up in front of him that they met on eye level, and held a warning finger in front of Ozzie’s face. "Don't you dare! I saw you guys! Through the hole in your office wall! So don't talk shit! I saw you guys right there! I saw the whole fucking show!"

"Not the whole show, or you'd know that Zarah and I didn't hook up."

"Liar!! You fed off of her! Of HER! I saw it!"

Ozzie cleared his throat uncomfortably, but didn't know where this feeling suddenly came from. Many times before he had been watched having sex. There had also been bystanders during his feeding. But to feed was something different for him than sex. Even if arousal played a role in both, those were two completely different things. While having sex, he gave others what they craved. While feeding, he needed something. Asked for something. Fizz couldn’t understand that… Maybe if Ozzie had been more disciplined, he could have avoided this argument, but on the other hand, he had meant well with his restraint towards Fizz, damn it. How could he make Fizz understand? It was so tricky!

Sighing, he closed his eyes, kneading his forehead, and tried to stay calm.

"That's correct ..."

"HA!" escaped Fizz, and upset, he threw his hands up in the air, waving them wildly. "I knew it! Sure that’s the one who you're feeding off! Of the badass sex bomb. The sexy girl, the supermodel. Your gorgeous Zarah you ran amok over. I knew I was a goner as soon as Madame walked in! Elena told me."

"Elena?" Ozzie pursed his mouth. He would urgently need to have a word with his manager.

"Yes, bitch! She told me what had happened between the two of you! How-how ... damn important she was to you! And you pounce on her, making me look like an idiot and seriously expecting me to be happy to meet the whore! Because she's so special. Your favorite person! Pah!"

Ozzie's eyes twitched dangerously and with concentration he exhaled.

"Fizz, if you could please calm down? I'll explain everything to you. But I have something important to tell you ... It's just hard to put into words," Ozzie tried soothingly, concentrating on staying calm. These accusations really were starting to gnaw at him, and he felt a spark stirring inside him that he didn’t need right now. It only would make things worse.

However, Fizzarolli didn't listen to him, but kept screaming, not giving Ozzie a chance to explain himself or make the jester to understand what was going on inside him.

Fizzarolli yelled more and more accusations that hit Ozzie surprisingly hard. He felt like a youngster again, who was reprimanded for any misstep, no matter how minor.

"I don't want anymore lies! I understand what's going on, I'm not as dumb as you think. I know what that means! You feed off her, but not on me! You don't care that everyone's blaming me for your condition! The main thing is that you get laid! You didn't even watch my show ... even though I worked my ass off to master these stupid tech-monsters as quickly as possible! For you! For your fucking club! So you-you'd be proud of me and … even like me! Tse, I'm such an idiot!" Staring angrily at his hands, Fizz clenched his fingers, then pushed them in front of his angrily torn face. "I should have stayed in Greed! Then all this crap would never have happened! These fucking mechanical things would have never happened to me and YOU would have never happened to me! I wish I'd never taken up your stupid offer! But no, I let myself be lulled into a frenzy! Why does this keep happening to me!? First the clown, then Blitzo, now you! And for what? FOR WHAT? For making me like a prince of hell ...! So much that I ... Arg! But no, as soon as someone better comes along, everything is over! I'm written off and dropped ... Again! Because I'm not good enough for anyone! It's not fair! It's not fair, asshole!"

"It's you who's not fair!", Ozzie shouted back, unable to hold back any longer. His voice echoed like thunder through the penthouse, making Fizz wince ... which was not what Ozzie had intended. But he could not listen to all of this anymore! What Fizz claimed, did not correspond to the truth! Not in the least! And that Fizz regretted having met him left a gaping wound in Ozzie's chest. And ... he didn't understand. Part of him didn't understand that sour, disgusting jealousy that oozed from every pore of Fizz's body. Zarah didn't matter to him anymore, so why be jealous because of her? He didn't understand this accusations.

Wasn't he Asmodeus? A king? A prince? So why did this little demon dare to cause such remorse in him again and again? Why did he awaken the urge in Ozzie to justify himself and even apologize for what he was ...! Yet Ozzie had had something completely different in mind when he had come here to talk to his Fizz!

"Yes, I've been feeding off of Zarah! But not because I want to replace you! That was for ... other reasons. But I haven't had sex with her, and even if I did, I don’t have to justify myself to you about it. You said it yourself, I am the King of Lust! So why should I give up what makes me me!?" He let his thoughts run free, whereupon Fizz gave him a scathing glare. He didn't say a word, and shouldn’t do, for he had talked enough. Now it was Ozzie's turn. "I've given you everything the last few months! Invested more in you than I usually do in a favorite. Attention, time, feelings ... Even more than in Zarah. Yes, there were special circumstances concerning her and me, but that's over. She is the past. You're by my side now, and when I told you then that I wanted you to stay with me, I meant it!"

A snide snort came from Fizz, irritating Ozzie unspeakably.

"Why? Because she had the audacity to leave you and you're scared shitless that another one will run off? Because you treated her like shit, too? Like you treat me?"

That was enough!! Ozzie wasn't going to let himself being called out, not even by his cheeky jester. He took a heavy step forward, whereupon Fizz stepped back.

"So I treat you like shit!? And in what way?! Tell me, I'm curious! Come on, I want to hear it!"

Fizz eyes twitched, but his glare was as snarky as before.

"Why? To satisfy your kink?!"

"Answer me, Jester!" Fizz quivered and pressed his lips together, narrowing his eyes. Ozzie waved it off. "See, you don't have an answe!. Because it's not true! So don't talk so callous. I took you in! I gave you new limbs! I paid your debts! I adjusted my daily life to your daily needs when you were miserable! I have given you satisfaction and put my needs behind! I take your feelings into consideration, I don't probe after your secrets and all that without asking anything in return!! Is that what you call treating someone like shit? Why do you think I’m doing all this, anyway?!"

Ozzie saw Fizz clench his fists, yet he didn't back down, shaking his head without stopping.

"Yet you rubbed youself against that whore like a cat in heat! Moaned to yourself and made whatever other noises you could. Fed off her ... You gave everything that was due to me to her!"

Annoyed, Ozzie cursed and threw himself around, feeling the spark inside him grow. It became a burning flame and began to glow on his inside.

"Why do you think I did this!? Why would I fed of someone who no longer wants to be my favorite in the first place?!" he confessed exasperatedly, still not knowing how to categorize Fizz's strange jealousy ... no, his possessiveness towards him, and the anger and frustration inside him took over. This was not how he had imagined their meeting! Standing in ruins while accusations were hurled at him!

He wanted to tell Fizz something … different! He didn’t want to argue about something stupid like a former favorite!! He wanted … He wanted …! Urg!

He stamped his foot in frustration and at the same moment his flames burst out of him, enveloping his body in a screaming pink.

"I don't understand!" he hissed. "All of this! I don't understand it myself! I'm doing what I do best. I give! I give lust! I give pleasure! I give and give and it's not enough! It's not good enough for you! Just because I fed on a former favorite to escape this tiny, powerless body, you go crazy!"

It tore him apart! But Ozzie couldn't bring himself to say it out loud. Why was it possible for a simple jester-demon to turn his whole world upside down! He felt so stupid. So silly, and after everything he had talked about with Zarah, he felt the helplessness growing inside him - and with it anger. This evening should have been different. Completely different!

His flames flared brightly, and he cursed - whereupon an agonized groan sounded.

Fizz wrapped his arms around his body and clawed at his clothes.

"Because you are supposed to feed off ME! That's why! I am your favorite! I am! Not her! It was my night! My show, with my new protheses, and she ... she comes in and ruins everything! You ruin everything because you chose her to give you your body back instead of me! You made a fool out me! You have made sure that the press will tear me even more to pieces! You have put yourself in her hands instead of mine! But I … I would have given you everything! More than just a stupid feeding session! I was ready to do it with you! That was the plan! But you're cheating on me, you stupid motherfucker!"

Ozzie inhaled sharply and wheeled around. Fizz's words bored into his chest like a sword. He-he didn't understand. Cheating … on Fizz? Just because he had been feeding? But feeding wasn't sex! It wasn't the same thing!

Yes, it was true, he should have paid more attention to Fizz tonight.

And shouldn't have been feeding in public on a former favorite, while Fizzarolli was being criticized for that very thing ...

B-but that didn't mean he was cheating on Fizzarolli! Because to cheat on someone, you had to be- ...!

Ozzie faltered, gasping for air, and it was like a fist was digging into his stomach. A fist covered with spikes. Wait a minute. When Fizz spoke like that. Used those words ... did that mean what Ozzie thought it meant? No. No, it was nonsense! Wishful thinking! Panic! Trouble! Anything but that! All this was nonsense! HE was the Embodiment of Lust and thus he had the right to do whatever he wanted -...! Hadn’t he? Yes. Yes! Of course, because that's how it had always been! Always! And nobody had complained or reproached him or made demands! Because, because ...HE was a King! He was Lust! He was always in the right! OR NOT?

"I DON'T CHEAT ON ANYONE!" it burst out of him. "I am the King of Lust! Prince of Hell! I can do what I want, with whom I want, when I want! And I can't remember that we made any agreements! That you can make any claim valid! On the contrary, I have said from the beginning that I have nothing against it, should you want to have partners next to me! It is the same the other way around and if you don't like it, you should have opened your filthy mouth, jester! But you have not! So watch your tongue and shut the fuck up!" His inner fire flared up. Blazed furiously, enveloping his entire body, dancing wildly and uncontrollably - at which Fizz backed away and shook his head. However, Ozzie did not perceive any fear in him.

"Oh no! Forget it! I won't let you intimidate me this time!" he spat and before Ozzie realized it, Fizz extended his arms, sending them whizzing across the penthouse and when they came back - Fizz was holding a fire extinguisher. Ozzie faltered, threw his hands up, but too late. Fizz pulled the lever and white foam shot toward Ozzie.

A startled scream escaped him as the foam settled on his faces, and he backed away, stumbling into a wall and clenching his hands over his eyes, coughing.

"Arg!! Shit! Fucking shit!" he screamed, trying to rub the foam out of his eyes but only making it worse. His vision blurred and his eyes burned like they were going to dissolve! What had that lunatic little bastard done!? Enraged, Ozzie wheeled around, screaming into the void.

"Have you gone insane! My eyes ...!" Tightly pressing his eyes shut, Ozzie pushed himself off the wall, reaching out and looking for the way to the bathroom. This stuff had to be washed out of his eyes! Only he couldn't find his way, tripped over overturned furniture and fell against the nearest wall, bracing himself against it. By Satan, what a pathetic picture he made. It just couldn't be true what a fool he had been making out of himself this whole evening!

"Aww! What's the matter, Asmodeus? Is that little chill getting to you? You're in your great big freed form now, aren't you! Shouldn't you have been quick enough to avoid me, huh?!" The gloating in Fizz's words trailed Ozzie all the way down the hallway, and he pulled a face, swallowing down the flames that blazed within him before exploding. For a simple fire extinguisher did not smother his flames. But for this attack, it was nevertheless successful, because the foam made him ... blind!

Again he cursed, feeling his eyes begin to water. Or were they dissolving already and flowing down his face? Who knew, because there was this disgusting foam everywhere. Sticking to his clothes and body, like a weighted blanket, cutting off his air.

"Stupid asshole..." he growled, sounding weaker and more vulnerable than he wanted to be. He pushed himself off the wall, blindly searching for the bathroom door. He wouldn’t bother himself with the little bastard!

"Asmodeus?"

There was a bang somewhere, and Ozzie guessed Fizz had gotten rid of his weapon. Where had he gotten that stupid thing anyway!? Irrelevant.

"Ozzie ...?"

"Stay away!", Ozzie snapped, stumbling against something again and pausing, clenching his fists. Oh, how he'd love to thrust his fists into the nearest wall, but knew for sure the force would blow a hole into it, no, he would probably tear the whole wall down! Which would intimidate the little idiot again. The question was, why did he still show consideration at all, while the lunatic jester was willing to attack him with a damn fire extinguisher! All that was missing was for Fizz to attack him from behind and pull the thing over his head.

"By Lucifer, this is pathetic. I can't watch this," he heard Fizz's voice surprisingly close to him and raised his head, wanting to open his eyes, but the burning didn't stop. He hissed.

"And whose fault is that?!"

"Your own! If you mutate into a living torch every time you're angry, I'll put you out every time from now on. Got that? I'll never burn my fingers again. Now come on, you stupid fuck ..."

To Ozzie's amazement, the anger slowly faded from Fizzarolli and instead he perceived something like remorse. Before he knew it, he felt a metallic hand on his fingers, pulling gruffly. Grumbling, Fizz maneuvered him into the bathroom, where he shifted Ozzie onto the edge of the tub.

"Sit," he ordered coolly, and under other circumstances Ozzie would have commented on his dominant tone with a lewd quip. But he didn't feel like it. Angrily, he rubbed his eyes again - and actually got a slap on the wrist in response.

"Don't do that! You'll only make it worse," Fizz hissed, who stood somewhere in front of him, and the next moment something cool and damp settled on Ozzie's face. Instinctively he turned his head away, at which Fizz cursed. "Hold still, damn it, or I'll never get this out."

"It hurts, damn it!"

"And how was I supposed to know that this stuff could hurt you!? You're an overpowered demon lord! If I had known that, then ..." Fizz bit his tongue and the remorse in him prompted Ozzie's anger to falter, but still, that excused nothing.

"If you hadn't attacked me with that thing, it wouldn't have come to this in the first place!"

Growling, Ozzie grabbed the rag or whatever it was, Fizz was pressing to his face and cleaned himself of the foam. The burning continued, but gradually his vision improved. Until he saw his jester standing in front of him with his arms crossed and his face still displaying annoyance.

However, there was another nuance about him, and he couldn't hide the guilty look as he probably wanted to. It made Ozzie feel a touch more conciliatory. Frowning, he looked down at the rag in his hands and sighed.

"Thank you," he choked out of pure politeness. The other only snorted, saying nothing, which immediately reawakened Ozzie's anger. "You better not pull a stunt like that again. Do we understand each other?"

"Tse. If this is the only way that you watch me and don't fuck some bitches, I guess I have no other choice."

"Uurgh! By Lucifer, you're such an idiot!" Immediately Ozzie was on his feet again, pushing Fizz aside and stomping out of the bathroom toward the bedroom, ripping his foam-covered jacket off his shoulders. "The only reason I fed on Zarah was to go easy on you! That's why I used her. That may not have been a fine move on my part, I admit. Congratulations, you were right! I was weak ... and she was damn appealing with her offer and her pheromones. I'm sorry... I’M SORRY, okay? But I didn't want to burden you with my selfish demands!" So, there he said it. That was the truth, and saying it out loud made that awful feeling of shame rise up again in Ozzie and his heart pounded violently.

"What ...?" he heard Fizzarolli behind him and rolled his eyes. Of course, now the jester was playing dumb. Meaningfully, Ozzie spread his arms and turned around. Confused, Fizzarolli stood in the doorway, staring at him with an incredulous look. Which was perfectly understandable, Ozzie hardly believed it himself. But since he had said what he had said and already thrown his dignity out the window anyway, he might as well continue. If he insisted that he wanted the truth, he had to follow his own principles, too.

"Yes, that's right! That's the reason, you got it right. I can go weeks without feeding, and if it hadn't been for the incident at MJ's, my energy might have lasted even longer. But all the negative energy at the studio drained me ... and when Zarah showed up, I jumped at the chance. Because I didn't want to burden you with it, after everything you'd been through. You were too weak, and every time you saw my flames you got scared! It didn't feel right to me to ask. But now that I think about it, I probably shouldn’t have shown consideration… Because no matter what I do, it's wrong and I only made it worse." Exhausted, Ozzie dropped himself on the edge of the bed and kicked his boots off while Fizzarolli dodged them, when he came closer looking lost in thoughts.

"You didn’t want to feed because ...?" he began, but then hastily shook his head. "No, bullshit! Thinking I was too weak for that, but going to a shoot and writing a new program was okay? Because it's good for business, isn't it? But asking me to do the most important thing for you ...? Even though I offered it! I wanted to feed you!"

Slowly Ozzie shook his head. For him, the one had nothing to do with the other.

"The purpose of the photo-shoot and the new program was to give you something to do. To show you that you can still do something and are good for something! Because your doubts were poisoning the air and turned your flavor so sour it made me sick."

"So it was about my taste after all!"

"No! You just don't understand!" Angrily, Ozzie clenched his fists, then rubbed his face. Fizzarolli was desperate to misunderstand everything Ozzie was telling him. Concentrating, Ozzie exhaled small angry flames and closed his eyes. Stay calm, he reminded himself. Slowly he raised his head and looked at Fizz seriously, thinking back to that time, when Fizz finally had returned home. "You haven’t seen yourself, laying in bed for days, exhausted; writhing in pain. Having nightmares ... How you fought for control over your body while all I could do was standing by. It didn't help that I was a prince or a deathly sin or anything ... I didn't want to put you through having to feed me, even though you were scared shitless, and stealing your remaining energy in the process."

"But playing sex games with me was okay again, or what? Then you might as well have fed, you idiot! You're the Embodiment of Lust, like you don’t know that I- ..." He paused, and Ozzie's head feathers twitched. His annoyance shrank as he perceived a tiny spark of the embarrassment in Fizzarolli that he found so delicious. Cursing, his little demon continued. "Oh, fuck it! You know I've the hots for you! You can perceive it. Taste it! And you knew I wanted you to feed! I wanted to give you my energy and lust! Despite your stupid fire! I was ready to ignore it! I-I certainly don’t want to be the reason you are trapped in that other form! T-that's what Zarah said! That I'm to blame and only take from you and that you..." His voice faltered, and he broke off, looking to the side and cursing crudely. "I wanted to be the one. I! And you took that away from me…"

Ozzie frowned. Apparently he needed to have a serious word with Zarah if she was telling Fizzarolli such nonsense. Apparently, he would have to make many things clear. For many people. No. For the entire ring! And for himself. Because the longer he listened to Fizzarolli, the more he realized that for the little demon, feeding, sex and their relati- condition were connected – and that he, HE, Asmodeus, somehow made a mistake.

He sighed, and sure enough, his anger faded completely.

"I know you wanted to. But you would have done that for me only. Not because you enjoy it or want it yourself. I wanted you to see first that your new body can bring you joy, too. That you can feel good about yourself. I couldn't stand the horror in your eyes whenever you looked at yourself in the mirror. That's why whenever you felt bad, I gave you pleasure. That's why the sex games, if you want to call it that." Lost in thought, he ran his hand over his burning eyes and hung his head. That hadn't gone the way he hoped. Not at all. He hesitated, but gave in to the urge to speak his thoughts. No matter in what light it put him. "I really did have only the best in mind when I turned down your offers. However, it's only now that I realize how differently we see things, and I confess.... I didn't think about it. I ruined the evening with my recklessness. Forgive me..."

Fizzarolli gave no answer, staring at him with gigantic eyes, standing right in front of Ozzie, slowly shaking his head.

"You're full of shit ..." he breathed, without blinking once, his gaze fixed downright on Ozzie. His aroma changed and to Ozzie's relief, any hostility or bitter note disappeared. It was replaced by something else and Ozzie frowned. It wasn't Fizzarolli's usual aroma that spread about the room and slowly began to engulf Ozzie. Instead of the glorious mixture that had everything Ozzie craved, Fizzarollis's new aroma tasted light. It fluttered, was fresh yet filled with a raw passionate flavor. And it grew stronger. Awakened that strange uncertainty in Ozzie again, and he swallowed, straightening his shoulders. They'd better not start itching now. They weren't allowed to! That would be a more than bad sign!

The next moment Fizz's hands settled on Ozzie's leg and metallic fingers gripped his pants.

"Now I know you're fucking with me. That you're lying to me. Because no demon talks like that. No demon would think like that or act like that ... so selflessly. Thoughtfully. This is wrong. And sick! You're not a real demon, am I right?" Fizzarolli's voice began to quiver, and Ozzie grew uneasy as well. A sickly grin crept onto his lips, and he shook his head.

"Yes. I'm not like other demons. Just like my siblings. We are different from you hellborn. But now we are who we are, and you're right. My behavior makes me a lousy deathly sin." Ozzie laughed once, but then shook his head and ran a finger along Fizzarolli's chin, but then avoided his gaze. "I've always been lousy at my job, so who knows? Maybe I'll get kicked out of hell, too, if the word spread that I'm completely crazy about a low class jester demon. Ha! Maybe you should use that joke in your show."

Tighter and tighter Fizz's hands held on the fabric of his pants and Ozzie frowned, concentrating entirely on the metal fingers that clung to him. He avoided Fizz's gaze as best he could, while his head seemed to burst with heat. Maybe the foam had crawled through his skin and was now cauterizing his insides. Melting him until he was a single boiling slush. Extraordinary! Eerie ...

"I knew it," he heard Fizzarolli's smoky voice, getting goosebumps from how horrified and determined he sounded at the same time. Then a whirring sounded and the next moment Fizzarolli was hovering right in front of his face, using his protheses to lift himself up to eye-level. Like seeing him for the first time, he eyed Ozzie', clasping his face with his hands. Only the grip was neither gentle, nor tender. It was determined. Fizz held him and pulled him close with a jerk; glared until Ozzie became uncomfortable.

"Fuck it," Fizz murmured, shaking his head. "It doesn’t matter anymore!"

And before Ozzie knew it, Fizz pulled him even closer, bridging the final distance - and kissed him! Took Ozzie completely by surprise. Dumbfounded, he widened his eyes, not knowing what happened, and the much-too-familiar knot inside him twisted and turned, like a kneaded dough!

Kissing was a concept he was familiar with, and he had been kissed before, but he himself never kissed anyone! Never! Because the meaning of a kiss was too ... dangerous.

And yet he couldn't bring himself to push Fizz away. Heat rose within him, spreading inexorably through him, and his whole body began to tingle. Fizz's long arms wrapped tightly around him, pressing Ozzie against the other’s slender body, and the heat radiating from his jester sent a shiver down Ozzie's spine. Lured out the ominous itch again. Closer and closer Fizz pulled him, claiming his mouth time and again, biting and nibbling greedily at his lips, stealing his breath until Ozzie was all woozy, and he slumped down noticeably.

Forbidden. What they were doing felt forbidden. And it was the first time in eons that something forbidden excited him so much.

Finally, Fizz released him, detached himself from Ozzie, and breathing heavily, they stared at each other. There was a passionate fire in Fizz's eyes that made Ozzie shiver and expectantly he leaned forward, his gaze fixed on Fizz's lips, ready to repeat the forbidden crime they just had committed.

However, Fizz put a finger to his lips, and shaking his head he began to chuckle. With the widest grin Ozzie had ever seen, he leaned forward and whispered a monstrosity in Ozzie's ear that ripped the ground from under his feet and stopped time.

"I love you, asshole!"

Every hair on Ozzie's body, every feather, stood up and the itch turned into a sting, making him whimper, at which Fizzarolli grinned even more, misinterpreting the sound. With an astonishingly powerful shove, Ozzie was pushed backwards onto the bed, gasping in amazement when Fizzarolli rolled over him with the help of his prosheses, his hands jamming into the mattress, encircling Ozzie's head. There was a bewitching glint in Fizzarolli’s eyes and his aroma became so strong that it drenched the entire air, turning the bedroom into a sauna and mercilessly fogging Ozzie. His fur collar puffed up violently and without being able to stop it, he began to glow like a light bulb.

"I love you and I want you to be mine! Got that!?" Fizz rumbled, not giving Ozzie a chance to respond. To say anything at all in response. It was outrageous ... it was ... impossible! Because that was the tragedy of it! It was his curse! His punishment!

Another assassination attempt was made on him and once again Fizz lusted for his lips, once again entangling him in a kiss, wrapping his arms around Ozzie and pressing their bodies together. The surrounding heat became unbearable and Ozzie gasped into the kiss, demanding.

This was exactly what he had wanted! What he'd been craving for weeks! But ... not in this way. Not when those three terrifying words hung in the air between them, knocking Ozzie over like a train!

"I want you!" he heard Fizz's voice somewhere above him, but was too busy trying to wrap his head around what was happening. Fizz's arms held him tighter and tighter, like a strangling snake that had him completely at it’s mercy. "I want you! Do you hear me? I want you to belong to me alone! I want you to be mine! MINE!"

Ozzie shuddered, got violent goosebumps and a groan escaped him. Some suction appeared, suddenly reaching for him. A familiar jolt ran through his body, and a cloud of blue mist enveloped him.

Tightly he squeezed his eyes shut, knowing what that meant. He knew this reaction of his body and yet the feeling was different than usual. Stronger. More definite ... More constricting?

When the mist cleared again, he was still in his bed and Fizzarolli was still kneeling over him. Only ... he seemed much taller all of a sudden. Ozzie blinked in surprise and sat up, whereupon Fizz flinched back, looking him over dumbfounded. And Ozzie did the same, looked down at himself - and faltered. All around laid his clothes. Were many times too big for him. What the ...?

"What ... happened?" Fizz asked, but Ozzie didn’t know how to answer to that. Confused, he looked down at his hands. He was still in his freed form, that much was certain. But he felt surprisingly small. Weak. Without access to his natural power.

Questioning, he raised his head again, looking into Fizzarolli's face - who was now of the same size as Ozzie. Although. No. No! It was he who was as tall as Fizz was.

Ozzie ... had shrunk!

Chapter Text

Chapter 28

Show me some lust

"I don't understand ...."

Stunned, they sat on the bed, which suddenly seemed overly large to Ozzie, and breathlessly he gasped for air. What had happened? Confused, he looked down at his arms, grabbed his chest, ran his hands through his mane, made sure his other two faces were still in place - which they were, otherwise he wouldn't be able to perceive nearly as much. Everything else still seemed to be in place, too. The only thing missing was his power. More or less. The fire in him was still present, pulsing faintly on his inside, and he also could perceive Fizzarolli's feelings subliminally.

Fizzarolli!
Outraged, Ozzie threw his head up and clenched his fists, pointing accusingly at his jester.

"You! What have you done to me!?" He complained reproachfully, to which Fizzarolli widened his eyes and raised his hands in defense.

"Me, why me? I have nothing to do with that! You suddenly started glowing and then - poof! You shrank."

"Yes, of course you have something to do with it! You're the one who said all those insane things and threw yourself at me!"

Very slowly, Fizz lowered his hands and pursed his mouth, raising an eyebrow meaningfully.

"What the fuck do you even want from me? I've been doing exactly what you've wanted me to do for months! And now you're using this against me, complaining for making a move on you?!"

Rolling his eyes, Ozzie waved it off.

"No, I don't want that! But this doesn't make any sense!" At that moment, Ozzie faltered and widened his eyes. Oh ... OH! Wait a minute! Yes, it did, it all made sense. With an appraising Mmmmh, Ozzie leaned forward, eyed Fizz penetratingly from top to bottom, and raised an eyebrow, stroking his chin. "Tell me, when you so engagingly announced earlier that you wanted me, did you mean it?"

Like Ozzie were the dumbest demon of all the seven rings, Fizz gawked at him before slapping a hand to his face, and Ozzie became aware of the glorious embarrassment within him. Garnished with some glorious thirst for action. Delicious! Fizz, on the other hand, growled in annoyance.

"No, I was joking. I was just fucking around .... Of course I meant it, you idiot!"

Ah well, they were getting closer and as hard as it was for Ozzie, he pushed the tastes of Fizz's new flavor aside and tried to focus.

"And what did you wish for in the process?"

"What?" Confused, Fizz blinked at him and Ozzie exhaled noisily. Fizzarolli called him naive, but he himself wasn't the brightest candle on the cake either.

"What did you wish for? What did you want!? How did you want me!?"

Again, Fizz blinked. Granted, his jester looked scrumptious, the way he sat there confused in front of him, only Ozzie wasn't sure whether to enjoy the sight or be annoyed by it.

"How? Well ...." Shrugging, Fizz scratched the back of his head. Then he looked Ozzie straight in the eye. His glorious embarrassment was still lingering, but he no longer hid it. Likewise, the passion in him burned like fire and remained. Very slowly Fizz leaned in, came closer again. "I wanted us to be ... the same. Equals. You not being a royal giant demon lord. And you to be more like me ... more or less."

And there they had the solution to the riddle. Groaning, Ozzie dropped backwards onto the bed, pressing his hands to his eyes.

"Then we have the explanation. That's why this happened."

"Could you please explain what the fuck is actually going on!?"

Grumbling, Ozzie squinted at Fizz and pursed his mouth. Why did that douchebag never listen to him?

"I explained it before, but you didn't believe me. I told you I can be anything you want me to be. That wasn't a phrase, my dear Fizzarolli. I am the Embodiment of Lust, so whatever my partner wants me to be, I am! My body adapts to your wishes." But nothing like this had ever happened before! Never had a partner wished for him to be ... smaller! Or weaker! So far, they all had always wanted Ozzie to stay like he was and fuck them in his huge freed form with his massive cock. They had all been very clear about that. Well, maybe some wished for Ozzie to be in his second form, but that was the utmost of feelings. For most demons it was the turn-on par excellence to get fucked by the King of Lust. Plus the usual kinky shit, a fetish here and there, possibly something graphic once in a while. But this? Seriously ... What the fuck!?

But why was he surprised? Of course, his jester had to have desires that were different from the norm! Just like all the time so far!

The rustling of bedclothes drew his attention and in the next moment Fizz's face hovered above him. With plate-sized eyes, he stared at him and Ozzie's head feathers began to tremble and twitch promisingly. He tensed, pressing himself against the mattress. Now that they were the same size, Fizzarolli's wide, razor-sharp grin seemed much more impressive to him; and more intimidating. His jester eyed him with a look Ozzie had never seen on him before, and he shivered.

"You mean all your sweet talk and promises weren't bullshit? You adapt to your partner?" Fizzarolli murmured raspy and Ozzie nodded. Excitement awoke in him, being gazed at like that, and at the same time he felt misplaced nervousness rising within him. This evening truly was unusual ...

"Yes, that's right."

"Meaning that if I had given in before and would have let you fuck me, your monster cock wouldn't have impaled me or split me in two in the first place?"

Surprised, Ozzie blinked and shook his head.

"No, of course it wouldn't. That's part of my magic. My power. Anything else would not be in the spirit of lust. And that's what I'm here for. I can give you whatever you want and be whatever you want. Literally."

Fizz’s eyes widened and shakily he exhaled.

In the next instant, his robotic arms shot forward, grabbed Ozzie's wrists, and pushed him down on the bed while he bent over him. Fizz eyes glowed mercilessly and his grin grew wide and lewd. His desire, his aroma, surged and Ozzie's feather collar puffed up violently as lust filled the air. Wild, untamed lust and it hit Ozzie like a sledgehammer. Surprised, he inhaled, quivering. Heavens ... he hadn't expected this!

"That's perfect! You are perfect! Just the way I want it!" Fizz growled, pushing Ozzie’s legs apart, and pressing himself against him. Ozzie gasped, clearly feeling how aroused Fizz was already. "I'm going to fuck you so hard you'll forget that fucking chick's name! And you forget your own name, too! Got that!?"

Giggling playfully, Ozzie shuddered at this promise. No, at this threat, and he tried to free himself from the tight grip.

But ... it didn't work.

Not in the least! His grin died, and he realized what Fizz's wish actually meant: he was at the jester’s mercy. Was inferior to him. Was ... small and feeble and it turned him on as much as it worried him. The nervousness returned and all at once he wasn't so sure he liked the outcome of Fizzarolli's 'wish'. Giving up control was one thing, but not having power? Not being able to oppose Fizz and his mechanical prostheses? Not that he was afraid, but the very thought was ... disturbing.

Even if it wasn't what he preferred, better they took it easy.

"A little patience, Fizzi~," he therefore chirped charmingly and gave him a beguiling look. "Give me a moment to get used to this..."

"My ass! We've waited long enough!"

Regardless of any consequences, Fizzarolli pounced on him, eliciting a surprised cry from Ozzie.

"Wai-... Ah!"

Fizz didn't wait. With a low growl, he attacked Ozzie's neck, licking it with his long thin tongue and biting into Ozzie's shoulder, causing him to moan in pleasure. Out of habit, he wanted to sit up, roll Fizzarolli around, and switch places with him. This form was maybe small, but Ozzie knew what was expected of him. The only thing he was really good at!

But ... that didn't work either.

Fizz's hands held his wrists like chains weighing tons, preventing him from moving, and resentment spread through him. Great resentment.

For the first time in ages it was not him who had the upper hand. That it was not him who set the course. That someone was... towering over him. And the more Fizz pushed against him, pinning him tightly beneath him, the more uncomfortable the iron grip of the metal hands became. The more painful. And Ozzie couldn't fight back, that tiny body constricting him, and his Fizz, transfigured by lust, misjudged the strength of his new limbs, paid no attention to what he was doing - and to Ozzie's horror, insecurity took over, pushing back his emerging lust.

How ... was he supposed to give satisfaction in this small powerless form? What could this form even offer? What could he offer without his erotic powers? Were his eons of experience enough? Or did Fizz want a purely passive partner? Was that what he wanted? That Ozzie, tiny and without any power, be at his disposal like a doll? If he liked it that way, fine .... but ... Fizzarolli had given them no time to prepare. No lustful sweet words were whispered to Ozzie that told him exactly what Fizz wanted - and Ozzie didn't like it.

He didn't like it at all!

Pathetic. Yet he had to put a stop to it. That was the number one rule he adamantly stuck to. Consent and desire on both sides! And he could only think of one thing to say to save face without looking like a prudish hypocrite, so he opened his mouth and used the rules of the game.

"Chocolate pudding," he said breathlessly, and thank Lucifer, Fizz remembered the meaning of the word and stopped. Staring down at him in disbelief, he raised an eyebrow.

"You're kidding me, right?" he grumbled hoarsely while his tail swished impatiently through the air. Ozzie sighed, tried to pull himself together, and closed his eyes. How did he wrap it up properly without killing the mood entirely?

"I appreciate your eagerness and passion, but ...." Instead of speaking out, he looked at his wrists, which were caught firmly in Fizz's grip. "Could you dial down a notch, please? For me?"

At first Fizzarolli didn't understand and made an annoyed sound, but then it seemed to dawn on him. Widening his eyes, he blinked at Ozzie in pure horror and instantly loosened his grip. He sat up, looking discontentedly at his metal fingers before he crossed his arms and glanced to the side.

"Sorry..." he muttered, and as much as Ozzie enjoyed the embarrassment and worry in Fizz's aroma, he took the opportunity to take a breath. Which was difficult, between all the impressions that usually sent him into seventh heaven. Because basically all was perfect! They laid in his bed, Fizzarolli was above him and more than willing. The only thing that wasn't perfect was him ... and it was a damn shame!

In front of him, Fizzarolli began to bob his leg restlessly and ran his hand over his forehead.

"Do you want me to stop?" he asked, unable to hide his unhappiness from Ozzie and the unsatisfied sound in his voice, no, the question, no, everything about this scenario, horrified Ozzie! Stop it!? No one has to ask the King of Lust this question! Especially not to consider his own stupid sensitivities! Pathetic! Ozzie had to do something about it.

He, too, sat up, eyed his sweet Fizz who wavered between desire and embarrassment with growing devotion, and finally dropped forward for Fizzarolli to caught him with a surprised gasp.

"Forgive me~ It was a bit too much. I must confess, this is new to me. You're so tall all of a sudden. And strong. This makes me ... weak." He chuckled at the stupid joke and wrapped his arms around Fizz.

"I'm not tall. You're just small. But now you see what it's like," Fizz murmured, wrapping his arms around Ozzie. Embraced him with his warmth. How strange it was to be able to do such a thing. To be eye-to-eye with someone and before he knew what he was doing, Ozzie snuggled up as close as possible against Fizzarolli. How amazingly good that felt. Tame and prudish, but good. "Mpf. I didn't know there was such a thing like too much for the Embodiment of Lust," Fizz said quirky, teasing him with the remark, but Ozzie snorted with dignity.

"That makes two of us."

"Tse, King of Lust my ass. A big softie you are." Fizz's hands found their way into Ozzie's mane, teasing his other two faces with naughty caresses that gave Ozzie goosebumps, playing with his feathers, tugging and pulling at them as he moved unobtrusively closer. Ozzie gave in. Allowed Fizz to caress every inch of his body. Fizzarolli’s hands quivered with underlying impatience, but were much more cautious than before, and yet they ensnared Ozzie. Asked tenderly for permission to continue where he had left off - but Ozzie decided to let Fizzarolli squirm a little longer. Just as the jester had let him squirm for months! And Fizz tried everything to seduce him. Showed himself amazingly ... endearingly.

And yet Ozzie enjoyed the engaging caresses and kisses Fizz left on his neck. Enjoyed the way Fizz’s hands roamed up and down his body, the way his eyes devoured him. Looking at him alone. Desirous. Reverently. Impatiently.

It was unusual to be treated like this, but it sent shiver after shiver down Ozzie's back - which was on fire. It stung and itched and yet Asmodeus couldn't care less at that moment.

Fizzarolli ignited a tender flame of lust in him and elicited one pleasurable Mmmmh after the next from Ozzie. Gasping, he stretched his head back and bit his lips when Fizz's fingers ran over his thighs. Coming way too close to his most sensitive spot and yet missing their target. Tse ... What a tease he was!

The next moment he was grabbed and pulled on Fizz's lap. Eagerly Fizz stared at him, leaned forward, going for his mouth, but Ozzie turned his head, giving Fizz free space to attack, which his jester coldly took advantage of, going again for his neck; blowing hot breath against his skin. His hands moved around Ozzie’s body, finding the narrow strip of feathers that trailed down his back, dared to go across the grain. Ozzie shuddered violently and a surprisingly high-pitched sound escaped him.

How unusual it was to see his reserved Fizz like this! So delightfully unfamiliar, so new, so exciting. Then, something elongated curled around his leg, causing Ozzie to gasp in surprise. Outrageous! And a ll the more amusing!

Restlessly, Fizz slid about the bed, pressing himself against Ozzie, not saying a word. A sight that suited him quite well. With a smug grin, Ozzie squinted down at him, discovering Fizz's hard member clearly showing in his pants and pressing against Ozzie's thigh. Heat spread through Ozzie, capturing him and traveled deep into his groin. Greedily licking his lips, he gave the tip of Fizz's member a playful push. A violent shock went through the slender body before of him, and whimpering Fizz wrapped his arms around Ozzie's body, hugging him even tighter.

"My my ... so impatient," Ozzie chuckled, at which Fizz pulled a face.

"You done teasing me already??"

"Don't know? I'm just starting to have fun with this."

"Then let's have fun! I'll be careful not to crush you with those monsters, promised!" Briefly, Fizz paused and Ozzie raised his eyebrows as well. Silently they gawked at each other, realizing how absurd it was that Fizz was the one saying that - and they both giggled. Because yes! It was absurd! And somehow Ozzie liked it that way!

Seductively, he put his hands around Fizz's neck and leaned back, setting up his tail feathers, presenting himself to Fizz as best as this form would allow.

"Do you think you will do me justice? For I have a feeling where your wish is leading to, my naughty little Jester~"

Perkily, Fizz' grinned, licked his lips promisingly – and without a further warning, he jumped at Ozzie, and once again they landed on the mattress. Fizz's teeth maltreated his jaw, nibbling at him while his tail wrapped tighter and tighter around Ozzie's leg.

"Figure it out, little man~"

And with that Ozzie lost the rest of his concerns about his form. Fizz was suddenly acting so playful! So cheeky! Everything he'd never displayed before when they'd gotten intimate was showing now, and delighted, Ozzie decided to let Fizzarolli take control. He would wait and see, let him do what he wanted, and adapt. Like he always did.

Moaning, he lolled on the mattress, wrapping a leg around Fizz's waist. Did what his partners usually did with him, rubbing himself against Fizz.

"Mmmh, promising!" he purred, feeling another jolt go through Fizz's body. Once again his aroma bloomed in the air and Ozzie inhaled deeply, tasting the delightful flavor, only to exhale little blue flames a moment later, which danced wildly around them. And an idea came to him. Usually, it was Fizzarolli who would spill out silly sayings, but Ozzie had picked up a few things from the jester, and since the tables were turned today, he allowed himself to joke.

"I have a request," he breathed, feigning innocence and glancing sheepishly to the side, putting a hand over his mouth. Skeptically, Fizz raised a brow, but nodded. Jumped right at the little play.

"What?"

Ozzie batted his eyelashes exaggeratedly.

"Please be gentle with me, dear sir, I'm still a bit sensitive in this form~" he whispered shyly, at which Fizz widened his eyes and began to laugh.

"Well, certainly not, dumbass!" he cackled, giving Ozzie a quick blow to the head. Only to nuzzle his forehead against Ozzie's a moment later. "But don't worry, the dear sir knows exactly what he's doing. He, he!"

"Prove it. Didn't you just say that you'd fuck me so hard that I'd forget my name? Then keep your promise!"

"With pleasure!"

With that, Fizz sat up, stripped off the top of his costume and threw it across the room, not taking his eyes off Ozzie for a moment. Fixed his gaze on Ozzie's like he feared he'd slip away. It sent a promising shiver through Ozzie, and his groin tightened violently. He put his hands on Fizz's thighs, felt the hard mechanical limps under the fabric, and slowly ran his hands up and down while his eyes locked on Fizz's exposed torso. The sight was nothing new to him and yet the matter-of-factness with which Fizz presented himself caused Ozzie's heart to pound violently. A smug grin was thrown at him as Fizz reached for the waistband of his pants. Way too slowly, he undid the button.

"What's with the look? You knew what you were signing up to." He grinned, at which Ozzie just shook his head.

"Just enjoying the show~" he murmured hoarsely, swallowing as the button was opened, followed by the zipper.

"Your welcome. But no singing today."

"Aww, what an extraordinary shame ... Will the hat stay on anyway?"

Determined, Fizz nodded, removed his pants and shorts, which, too, flew off the bed.

"The hat always stays on!"

The corners of Ozzie's mouth twitched, only he couldn't focus on their teasing banter for a second longer. Fizz's impatience got the better of him, causing him to slide back and forth on the mattress like a cat in heat. His gaze settled on Fizz's lower body and the fire still left inside him flickered violently. Made his mane glow even brighter. Concentrating, he exhaled and created more dancing blue flames, at which Fizz chuckled. Purposefully, he peeled Ozzie out of the rest of his oversized clothes, and as soon as the last scrap of fabric was out of the way, Fizz leaned back and eyed Ozzie. Insistently. Lasciviously. Far too long. And yet there was something in his gaze that shook Ozzie to the core.

Another wave of the sweetly coarse aroma flooded the air, landing a direct hit. Groaning, Ozzie slumped into the pillows, reaching out to Fizz, resisting the urge to grab him, ignore the other’s wishes, and fuck him into the mattress. Here and now!

"Tse ... you sure are pretty," Fizz finally whispered, and grinning broadly, he put his hands on Ozzie's waist and moved them up and down before his gaze settled on Ozzie's crotch, where Ozzie’s hard dick stood tall and full of expectation. He snorted. "And I thought it'd be bigger."

Cheeky little bastard!

"Still big enough to fuck you silly if you don't hurry up."

"Aww .... My my, so impatient?", Fizz mimicked him, but Ozzie didn't need to ask twice.

Hot kisses were breathed on his belly, on his narrow hips. Trailed lower and lower down his body. With relish, Ozzie arched his back, closed his eyes, but faltered when a thoroughly strange question was whispered to him.

"Tell me what you want~," Fizz murmured, wrapping one of his arms around Ozzie's leg and lifting it, biting the inside. The fires in Ozzie ignited fiercely, began to pulse and build up, but the question still confused him. Breathless, he sat up, exhaling blue flames with each breath.

"What?"

"Tell me how you like it. What makes you hot. I don't know shit about what turns you on. So tell me ... If I'm going to fuck you, I'm doing it right!" Another bite followed, firmer this time, reminding Ozzie that his first impression was true. Fizzarolli was a biter ... dangerously, when he thought of the other’s piranha-like fangs.

"I like to give satisfaction ... to perceive feelings, to see faces filled with pleasure," Ozzie replied hoarsely, at which Fizz snorted.

"Got it. But what do you like?"

He? The question was absurd and far too complicated for the moment. Yet it was simple.

"Whatever my partners want, I want. I'm here to fulfill cravings. I like that."

But Fizz didn't seem to like the answer.

"So you don't have any preferences of your own? What the fuck ... just giving and not getting anything sucks."

Puzzled, Ozzie opened his mouth, but closed it again, not knowing how to response. He'd never thought that way before. He liked sex, so he did it. No matter in what way. He was open to everything, tried everything, and the main thing was that he brought pleasure. His wishes were not of importance. Not really, at least, because he was directed by his partners and was satisfied with this. It had been a long time since he had thought about what he liked ... And yet there was something that came to his mind when he looked at Fizz. To be ensnared. To be embraced. To be held. Tight, skin to skin. He liked that. But that was too modest to say. Too innocent …

So Ozzie grinned and pushed his legs further apart, making more room for Fizz, who kneeled expectantly in front of him.

"For starters, I'd appreciate it if you suck my cock."

At that, Fizz snorted and rolled his eyes.

"That's all? Undemanding for the King of Lust …"

"As long as you're enjoying yourself~"

Frowning skeptically, Fizz sat up and wrapped his other arm around Ozzie's other leg, pulling him close with a tug.

"No," he whispered, coming very close to Ozzie's face and shaking his head. "As long as we are enjoying ourselves." This time Ozzie couldn’t get away, and was caught off guard by a hungry kiss once more. On a first impulse he wanted to escape Fizz’s demanding lips, but his petty resistance melted more by the second and finally he surrendered. Resisting something that felt good was not in line with his principles. He'd rather admit it and enjoy it - and he did. Every touch. Every ... kiss. All of it. Finally, he felt Fizz's hand reaching for his crotch, and the metal fingers closed around his rock hard dick. Skillfully moving up and down before gripping tighter, then moving faster without a moments hesitation.

Desperately, Ozzie pressed himself toward the brash hand, wrapped his arms around Fizz, and struck with his hands down Fizz’s back. Let his fingers crawl over reddish skin that had become so familiar to him. Over the white scars that he knew, Fizz reacted sensitively when he caressed them. He let his fingers crawl down until they reached the base of Fizz's tail, tickling the spot.

Promptly, Fizz's eyes snapped open. He whimpered into the kiss, which made Ozzie giggle. Of course. That spot was sensitive for everyone~ Too many delightful nerves to tease. Fizzarolli quivered violently, cursing, and the longer Ozzie tickled that spot, the further he lifted his rear, twisting his face in desire.

"That look suits you .... You enjoying this?" he murmured to his jester, who gave him a playful look in response - and the grip of his metal fingers tightened. Became strong! Became rough!
Startled, Ozzie groaned and jumped, staring at Fizz in indignation and bewilderment.

It ... hurt!

In the good way.

A shiver chased over Ozzie's entire body. Every hair, every feather on his body, stood up. He began to glow and without being able to stop it, he turned into a writhing fluffy wreck.

"Ah! So that's what my little prince is into~", Fizz half-jokingly mocked, at which Ozzie pursed his lips in a pout, but still pressed closer to Fizz. He wanted more! And more he got.

Fizz's grip tightened, grew coarser. Wandering that fine line between pain and pleasure, and before Ozzie knew it, he laid under his jester, moaning, bracing his legs into the mattress, reaching out to Fizz. His jester giggled hoarsely, enjoyed teasing him. Slowed down his touches; became much too gentle. Slid his fingers over Ozzie's shaft like feathers, pressed his thumb to the sensitive tip, whereupon Ozzie arched his back, clutching at the sheets. His head got foggy and breathing heavily, he squinted down at himself, watched Fizz wandering lower. Still not taking the eyes off him. Not one wish Fizz voiced, demanded nothing, concentrated only on Ozzie. On him alone. Took Ozzie's usual part ... and it felt strange and delightful at the same time. And so unfamiliar. Just being allowed to enjoy. Just being spoiled was ... pleasant. Strange. But pleasant.

A flash shot through his body when he felt hot breath on his groin. A wet tongue worked its way down on him, finally passing over his member. A guttural moan escaped Ozzie and his hands twitched, wanting to grab Fizz and ram his cock into the other’s mouth! But he held back, knowing he couldn't do that. But his fidgeting didn't go unnoticed, and the tongue disappeared all to fast. A quick kiss was breathed on the tip of his dick before Fizz looked up at him, grinning.

"Looks like you're enjoying this, huh? Been waiting a long time for it …"

Oh, Fizzarolli and his cheeky tongue. Ozzie snorted, searching for a glib reply, and just barely managed to formulate something.

"Not afraid of it anymore?"

"I think I can handle it. With this size, no problem."

"Does size matter so much to you that you ride about it all the time ...?" Too late Ozzie realized the ambiguity of his words and Fizz laughed, pressing a finger to his lips.

"We're not there yet. But we'll see who takes a ride tonight, he, he!"

Ozzie's body lit up brightly, and he exhaled in concentration, needing to get rid of the fiery heat accumulating inside him, increasingly fed by Fizz's lust. Seductively, he breathed a large flame towards Fizzarolli, who whimpered softly in response, but allowed himself to be completely enveloped by the tempting heat. Uncertainly he eyed the hot tongues of fire, but the lust in him was stronger than the fear and finally he slumped down, causing Ozzie to grin. Apparently, his powers were not completely suppressed.

At the same time, Fizz's words shook Ozzie mightily, told him what his jester wanted after all. And he would get it. Especially since this was going to be ... interesting. A sly grin crept on his lips as Fizz turned his attention back to his dick, and expectantly Ozzie spread his legs even wider, closing his eyes when he felt Fizz's long thin tongue again. Fizz extend it like his prostheses, and wrapped it around his dick until he finally took Ozzie's length in his mouth.

A jolt of electricity rushed up Ozzie's spine, and he winced, fighting the urge to grab Fizz and fuck his warm exquisite mouth sore. Wouldn't mind, though, if it came to be the other way around. Absolutely not ... He liked any of Fizzarolli's flavors. Every one of his tastes. Was willing to give whatever Fizz wanted.

His abdomen contracted at the thought, began to throb and tingle violently, and he gasped longingly, pulling his legs up to his body, enjoying the way Fizz was pleasuring him. Who knew exactly what he was doing; had definitely done this before ... several times. With whom, Ozzie wondered. With whom?

Fizzarolli's hands slid down as well, stroking the insides of Ozzie’s thighs, feeling for his balls, massaging them. Ozzie spread his legs even more, leaning his head back.

"Go further ..." he murmured, trying to make clear what he wanted, and Fizz fingers responded immediately. Moving further between his legs. Ozzie shuddered violently, biting his lips with a grin as Fizzarolli's fingers finally probed what else was hiding between his legs.

A jolt went through his jester and, to Ozzie's chagrin, Fizz withdrew like he was stung, letting go of him completely and throwing his head up, giving a deliciously lewd smacking sound.

"What the fuck ...?" he gasped, and before Ozzie could answer, Fizz grabbed his legs and lifted him up, staring bluntly at Ozzie's crotch. Fizz eyes got so big they looked like they were going to pop out of their sockets at any moment, which made Ozzie chuckle pitifully.

"Why do you stop?" he breathed innocently, lolling on the mattress and enjoying the confusion rising in Fizz. The excitement added to his aroma. The delightful nervousness and embarrassment that overshadowed his lust.

"You-you are ... you have ... both!?"

Ozzie chuckled and nudged Fizz's nose.

"Embodiment of lust in all facets." And an unearthly celestial being to boot ... Only Ozzie preferred to keep that to himself, gloating over Fizzarolli's delicious expression instead. His naughty little jester probably hadn't expected that.

"I warned you," Ozzie whispered, bending over to Fizzarolli and lasciviously placing a finger under the other’s chin. Came very close and breathed a hot blue flame directly on Fizz’s lips. The lips that had given him so much pleasure so far. So much pleasure. "So, do you still think you can do me justice? Or are you going to puss out? Fizzi?"

Chapter Text

Chapter 29

Give me a thrust

Stunned, Fizz gawked between Asmodeus' legs, not listening to him, while everything in his head spun around.

After he had learned from Asmodeus what really happened this night and on top of that had boldly slapped his feelings in the other’s face, his mind had shut down and he had let himself go. Had thrown all misgivings or any possible consequence overboard and stopped holding back; had pounced on his prince like there was no tomorrow. No more hide-and-seek, no more bowing to the great king! Just him, Fizz, and Ozzie. Ozzie, in a shape that suited Fizz!

For him, he had changed his form!

For him, he renounced his powers!

It pushed Fizz's ego immeasurably, made him cocky and foolhardy, and made him surrender to his own desire. It no longer mattered what Ozzie's rank was. It didn't matter that he'd had a sexbomb as a favorite in the past, and it didn't matter whether he returned Fizz's feelings. Asmodeus was all he could think about. All he wanted. Ambitious, some would say, but he didn't give a shit about that either. They were in the Lust Ring, where desire was everything. And he craved Ozzie!

But the more he learned about his prince, the more his initial boldness crumbled and all that remained was confusion. Just like now.

Swallowing, Fizz tried to concentrate and not be distracted by his throbbing cock that was just waiting to ram itself into Ozzie. Because things weren't that simple any more. Fuck ... What a shitty timing.

" ... Don't you think you should have told me sooner?" he finally croaked, struggling to take his eyes off Ozzie's lower body, where a hard cock and a wet, glossy pussy stretched out before him.
Visibly amused, Ozzie shrugged his shoulders, not minding Fizz's gaze, and lolled smugly around on the mattress. Briefly, Fizz got lost in the sight of him. He looked scrumptious! Damn provocative ... and beautiful. Since they were getting down to business, Asmodeus' body shone non-stop like a light bulb, and the fact that they were the same size made it hard for Fizz to keep his hands off him for even a second. As long as he could, he had to take advantage of the situation, not wasting time.

"You never asked me," Ozzie replied, at which Fizz's eyes widened.

"I can shit myself."

"Why? Does it bother you?"

At that, Fizz faltered, blinking before he shook his head. No. In fact, it didn't bother him, not at all, but he just would have liked to know before he pounced on Ozzie like a horny rabbit! That had been their deal. No more secrets.

"No, it doesn't. But why didn't you ever tell me that you were ... are you ... uhm ... a ... or a...? ?"

"I'm still the Ozzie you know. Just with a nice little extra~," his prince chirped, running a hand between his legs and stroking himself. The sight took Fizz's breath away, and he licked his lips, shifting his weight restlessly from one side to the other.

"Is that part of ... you're adapting to people?" he murmured, unable to remember imagining THAT in any way. And sure enough, Ozzie shook his head.

"No. I was created as a hermaphrodite. It's a part of me. But," Ozzie continued, reaching for Fizz's face with the other hand, and caressed with one finger his lips before he slid his thumb into Fizz's mouth. "If you don't like it, you don't have to use it. It's that simple."

Simple? Ha! As usual, Ozzie was making it too easy. Or ... was Fizz making it too hard? If it wasn't a problem for Ozzie and it was a part of him, was there a problem at all? Yes and No. Because aside from the fact that Fizz would have liked to have had that info beforehand, the real problem was in how Ozzie talked about himself. Growling, Fizz snapped his teeth shut; took Ozzie's fingers hostage, and making his prince hiss before letting go of him. He licked his fingers, while loosening his grip around Ozzie's legs, and began to stroke his thighs gently, shaking his head.

"I don’t use anything ... Don't talk like that. Like you're a sex toy that exists only to satisfy others. It drives me crazy." Fizz received a confused look and he sighed. His prince and he apparently saw many things differently. But tonight was Fizz’ turn, so the big jerk had to come to terms with the fact that Fizz didn't just satisfy his own desires, use Ozzie, and then throw him away! That would not work for him at all!

Finally, he let go of Ozzie's legs, wrapped his arms around Ozzie's waist, and pulled him back onto his lap. He buried his face in Ozzie's thick fur with relish and then grinned up at him, sinuously flicking his tail through the air.

"All I need to know is, which hole do you want me to fill?"

Sparing him a feverish sparkling glance, Ozzie began to pulse violently, all at once radiating an incredible heat. Unlike the heat of a fire that only hurt, Ozzie emitted the most sensual heat imaginable! Ignited more desire in Fizz. Shit, he was having trouble to hold back.

That ... attractive glow! The blue flames Ozzie was bursting with, glowing behind his eyes, escaping him with every breath ... his ruffled fur, the fluffed feathers. That flushed face, with that furtive grin. Ozzie was incredible! And for a second, the King of Lust looked embarrassed. Speechless, even. Like Fizz's question was an absurdity, that shouldn't be asked. Which was answer enough, and made sense. After all, Asmodeus had intimidated everyone with his giant cock so far ...

Giggling, Fizz blew a kiss on Ozzie’s slender neck. Even though Fizz didn't know everything about him, he at least slowly figured out what Ozzie was into. Little by little, he solved the puzzle.

"Got it," he whispered, whereupon a jolt went through Ozzie, and he arched his back, gasping softly and straightening his shoulders. "At least that explains your round ass." Playfully, Fizz put his hands on Ozzie's butt, grabbed it before giving him a slap that made a loud clap.

Briefly, Ozzie winced and gave Fizz a piqued look, but then smirked.

"Don't get cocky ..." he warned half-heartedly, which Fizz shrugged off.

"Too late."

With that, he tossed Ozzie back onto the mattress, pushing his legs wide apart with a playful growl, which Ozzie met with an expectant Mmmmh! Purposefully, Fizz let his fingers slide between Ozzie's thighs, until he found what he was looking for, and chuckled when Ozzie stretched to him demandingly, letting out a barely audible sound. He nimbly stroked Ozzie, watching his every movement, before penetrating him with two fingers. Immediately, Ozzie writhed beneath him, emitting a surprisingly high-pitched sound that drove deep into Fizz's loins. Breathing heavily, Ozzie looked at him, licked his lips, and below his glare his cheeks turned a shade darker.

Shit! No wonder all of Hell threw themselves at him when he pulled a face like that. It must have been a really long time since anyone had touched Ozzie there.

Slowly, Fizz began to move his fingers, slid in and out, spreading them and massaging Ozzie's insides, shuddering at the sensation as the warm damp walls tightened.

Heat rose between them, became unbearable, and after a moment Ozzie growled, pushing against Fizz, demanding more. Tse, impatient guy ... But he would get what he was asking for. Tonight, Fizz would return the favor for everything Ozzie had given him! Even if that meant being on tenterhooks, because his dick was about to explode. However, Ozzie was more important. Much more important and every little moan, every twitch, was worth the wait!

Eagerly licking his lips, Fizz wandered back down, nibbled at Ozzie's thigh again, and withdrew his fingers, eliciting a displeased whimper. Fizz chuckled at the reaction, nestling apologetically against Ozzie's leg before his hand gripped Ozzie's dick. Promisingly, he ran it up and down, pushing it slightly to the side and making use of his long thin tongue. Slid it into Ozzie's tight hot slit.

A violent jolt went through Ozzie's body, and he gave a throaty moan. Hearing his usually melodic voice like that sent a shiver down Fizz's spine, and he pushed his tongue deeper, hearing one seductive gasp after another - but faltered when the sweetly aced taste of a cocktail spread across his tongue. Surprised, he pulled back and pressed a hand over his mouth.

What the ...!?

"Why do you stop?" Ozzie complained impatiently, and Fizz cleared his throat, trying to get a clear thought, searching for words.

"Um ... let's say you ... don't taste as expected?" he brought out, realizing how dorky that sounded. But he could swear, maybe he was imagining it, but he was sure the taste of his favorite cocktail had been on his tongue! Ozzie blinked at that, transfigured, before laughing and putting his head back, snuggling against the pillows.

"My body gives pleasure, so it adapts to every preference," he merely repeated once more. Perplexed, Fizz blinked and nodded, dumbfounded. Okay ... so that was really ... He laughed.

"You really have some interesting body functions..." he voiced business-like. Unbelievable! His prince was incredible! A living dream who granted one's every wish. Crazy! And at the same time so damn beguiling ...

"Don't you like that?" asked Ozzie, sounding a little unsure, but Fizz shook his head.

"Don't you like this?" he retorted, letting his forked tongue flick out. The fire behind Ozzie's eyes glowed fiercely, which was answer enough. So Fizz picked up where he left off.

He turned back to Ozzie's female part, savoring the unfamiliar taste that went to his head like a real drink. He made an effort and took care of Ozzie's hot dick, too; concentrated fully on the reactions of his prince, who squirmed back and forth under his touch. Enjoyed every move, pushed himself against Fizz, moaned his name and began to thrust his hips into Fizz’s hand without restraint. At which Fizz stopped. Hastily he wrapped his long arms around Ozzie's thighs and held him tight, but his self-discipline began to crack dangerously. His own groin was on fire, craving attention, but he would ask for nothing. Ozzie was allowed to enjoy tonight, so Fizz let his tail slide between his legs and wrapped it around his own member for relief.

The farther Fizz went, the brighter Ozzie began to glow, the louder he became, and more blue flames danced around them, enveloping them, and when Ozzie wrapped a leg around Fizz's body and his hot walls tightened around his tongue, Fizz self-control was gone for good. He pulled back, ignoring Ozzie's discontented whimpers, and sat up. Placed himself between the thin legs and pulled him close, sliding his legs under Ozzie's. For a moment they remained like that; rubbed against each other. Their hands wandered, nestled together when their lips met time and again.

The room was filled with hot air, with lurid fire and their moans, and finally, with a quick glance, Fizz received Ozzie's consent, and pushed his hard dick inside. The hot tightness that awaited him brought him to his knees, and he extended an arm, bracing himself against the grate at the headboard, bending the bars.

Perfect! That was the only thing he could think of. Ozzie was perfect!

"Fizz!" he heard Ozzie's voice, felt the other’s arms wrap around him. Pulling him down, hugging him tightly. Soft, sweaty feathers nestled against him. Tickling him.

Breathing heavily, Fizz squinted down at his prince and his heart pounded heavily. Everything inside him was spinning, urging him to keep going, but the sight of Asmodeus was too unique. The way he lay beneath him, nestled against him, absorbed in his lust, his eyes half open. Burning.

And he was his. Had become his. His! A royal demon was his!

Fizz lost his temper, began to move, used the stamina given by his prostheses, and attacked the neck of his prince, leaving as many bite marks as he could. Marked what belonged to him. Faster and harder he thrust, at which Ozzie answered with a satisfied gasp, moving with him. They found a rhythm and eventually Fizz didn't know where he started and where Ozzie ended.

One long leg wrapped around Fizz's hips, urging him further forward, whereupon he pushed even deeper, responding to the silent demand. His free hand turned back to Ozzie's dick, whereupon his prince leaped, briefly upsetting them both and causing the bed to shake. Apologetically, Ozzie chuckled, putting his arms around Fizz again. Pressed them together, greedy for closeness, as if he was starving. Erratically, his hands ran over Fizz's back, leaving scratch marks before becoming gentler. Finger crawled up and down his back, touching the base of his tail again and again, sending endless lightning bolts through Fizz’ body. Caressing the scarred areas and the contact points of his prostheses; then stroke along the metal limbs. It stirred Fizz to be touched like that. It was strange. This weren’t his real limbs Ozzie was stroking, and yet it felt good. He enjoyed the sensitivity of his new body and gasped whenever Ozzie touched the spots on his remaining joints. Carefully. Like he was made of glass, but the trembling of Ozzie’s fingers betrayed him. Still his prince held back. For him ....

Growling, Fizz leaned forward and his mouth found Ozzie's. He engaged him in a kiss. Hotter than the last time, more intimate, longer, while his arms wrapped around Ozzie's waist like snakes. Never wanting to let go again.

"I love you," it escaped him hoarsely, and as crazy as it was, he wasn't ashamed of it; had to let Ozzie know!

Like the words had stung, Ozzie suddenly pushed himself against the bed, restlessly moving his shoulders and pulled away from their kiss, shaking his head.

"Don't say that ..." he murmured, challenging Fizz. He slowed down, became more tender, saw that his action was getting on Ozzie's nerves – and he kept provoking him.

"But I love you~"

Growling, Ozzie narrowed his eyes and turned aside, wanting to move away from him - and Fizz took the opportunity. If he wanted to get away, what was to come was his own fault... For a split second, Fizz pulled away, and with the help of his prostheses, he grabbed Ozzie and spun him around, threw the other on his stomach, whereupon Ozzie gasped in amazement.

"Forget it. You're not going anywhere!" Fizz got himself into position and thrust into the other again. Cursing, Ozzie buried his face in the pillows as Fizz's hands roamed over his sides, settling on his butt and gripping tightly. Ozzie’s feathers puffed up violently and the glow emanating from his prince began to pulse, as small flames sprang up from his body; began to encircle him. Showed that Ozzie liked this position. A lot, even. If he liked being fucked from behind, he could have said so sooner~

Slowly, though firmly, Fizz started thrusting again, nuzzling Ozzie's back and continuing to whisper the three little words that visibly upset the prince. Then, however, he faltered. Before him, among fluffed feathers, Ozzie's scars appeared.

Darkly Fizz remembered the last time he had touched them and narrowed his eyes. Fuck it!

With a snarl, he leaned down - and kissed the boiling hot spots. Ran his tongue over the scarred skin.

Immediately Ozzie threw himself up, reared back and tried to spin around. His flames darkened, but Fizz would not let him withdraw. With a jerk, he threw Ozzie back into the pillows.

"No," Fizz roared, remembering how Ozzie had pushed him around the last time he had touched the scars. He increased the pace, thrusting harder, and pulled on long tail feathers, causing his prince to whimper and slump down into the cushions. His arms wrapped around Ozzie's shoulders in a merciless grip, restraining him like a rope and holding him in place before he turned his attention back to the scars. Insistently he eyed them. Contemplated their length and size ... as if claws had traveled down Ozzie’s entire back. The sight disgusted Fizz, and he bent down, nibbled, whereupon Ozzie struggled fiercely against his hard grip. With no success.

"Don't! Stop that ...!" he gasped, and a pleading undertone mixed into his voice that sent a jolt through Fizz. Ozzie's whole body began to vibrate and tremble, but Fizz shook his head and continued. Became more gentle. Knowing that if it became too much for Ozzie, he would use his safeword .... And the longer he tended to the scars, the more Ozzie went limp, whimpering to himself and slumped into the covers, turning into a moaning wreck. Surrendered completely.

It drove Fizz crazy to see the King of Lust like this. Squirming and groaning. At his mercy. Vulnerable. It goaded Fizz and stirred an unruly feeling inside him.

"I won't let it happen!" he murmured. "For ... anyone to hurt you again ... I won't let them!"

With that, he increased his pace, lost himself, and everything inside him contracted. The tightness was driving him crazy, and he pressed himself fiercely against Ozzie, bending over and pressing his mouth against Ozzie's shoulders.

“Mine!” With a hiss he bit into Ozzie's inviting neck until he tasted blood, whereupon Ozzie threw his head back and let out a screech. He tightened around Fizz's dick, taking his breath away - and suddenly flames sprouted from Ozzie's insides.

Climbed up to the ceiling, enveloped everything and like he was a smoke bomb, blue mist shot out of him, fogging the whole room and Ozzie’s glow became brighter. Dazzled Fizz! With a lustful scream, the light burst out of Ozzie, flooding the entire room - sending Fizz into delirium. He succumbed to his climax, shook violently, and one wave of heat followed the next, rolling down his back. He came inside of Ozzie, who contacted wildly around him, coming at the same moment. Both his male and female parts ...

Panting, Fizz slumped, pressing his forehead against Ozzie's back, barely able to keep his hips in check, still thrusting gently. Ozzie's sensual cries leveled down, grew quieter, until he slumped beneath Fizz.

Breathing heavily, they lay there in silence, gasping for breath. Minutes. Hours. What felt like an eternity. Just the two of them. Intertwined.

At some point Fizz dared to open his eyes, able to see something again. The glow had fade out, but glittering wisps of mist still floated in the air. Told the story of Ozzie's ... outburst ... Like a beacon. At the thought, Fizz grinned wanly and tightened his clinging grip around Ozzie's body, pressing him to his chest, not wanting to let go of him. Never again!

No objection came from his prince, only a deep, pleased sigh. So Fizz stayed where he was, enjoying the moment, listening to his pulse pounding wildly in his ears. Making his head dim. Deep satisfaction filled him. Satisfaction, possessiveness, too many things at once!

Asmodeus was his, fully his!

And he was Asmodeus’.

For good.

Chapter Text

in desire, we trust

"YOU IDIOT! I can't believe it! You are insane!"

Exhausted, Asmodel raised his tired eyes, glaring at his brother, who angrily was stomping back and forth in front of him. He had changed since they had last seen each other, but Asmodel wasn’t surprised ... After all that had happened, he didn't recognize himself anymore.

"WHY?!!! Tell me why!!! Of all our siblings, you're the last one I would have thought would revolt. But no, what did you do?! You are disobedient! As always! You damned fool!" Enraged, Sachiel rammed his fist into the nearest wall, whereupon cracks appeared and the rock began to fall apart. His anger caused Asmodel to flinch, and he sighed, sitting up slowly. Ash and dirt fell from his form and he staggered, seeking his balance. He was not used to … so much pain.

"I don't understand your anger, brother ... shouldn't you of all people be happy that I'm here now?"

"And why should I be happy about this ?!" Sachiel spread his arms meaningfully, pointing at the bloody mess at their feet, consisting of bones and feathers.

Asmodel snorted contemptuously at the sight and shook his head, ignoring the pain the movement brought.

"Neither do I deserve them, nor do I want them!" He narrowed his eyes and the bitterness inside him took over. He clenched his fists before ramming his blood-stained angelic spear into the ground. "If what I did constitutes an offense and justifies overthrowing me and my legions, why would I still want them!? I am no longer one of the ruling cherubim! So I don't need them!"

"And that's why you ripped your wings out? Urh, you always tended to exaggerate!"

"No. I follow my principles. And for that I was overthrown ..."

"No, brother. You were overthrown because you messed with Father for a completely ridiculous reason! Instead of obeying nicely, you had to exaggerate. And see to where it has brought you!"

"Didn't you preach to me how wrong Father's views are? How unjustified?"

"Yes, but not to make you rush to your doom! Because of something as silly as love! Oh brother. Asmodel ... you should have stayed out of Eden and away from Father’s humans. Your place is in heaven. Up there, blissful and gullible. That's where you belong!"

Frowning, Asmodel narrowed his eyes, shook his head, and looked down at his bloody broken self. Oh, how naive his brother was. Sachiel did not understand the implications of the argument he had fought with their Father, for Sachiel had been fallen long before. None of his brothers and sisters down here knew how things had been going in the heavenly spheres since their rebellion. Which anger their Father carried in himself. How he meticulously searched for missteps. Until he had found one in Asmodel.

Asmodel shuddered at his Father's outburst, having seen him so angry only once - back then when all his siblings had come before him to vent their displeasure. Their resentment toward ... mankind. While all Asmodel had wanted was that his Father's new creations experienced love. Starting way back then when the first woman had denied submitting to her man. Love should have changed her point of view. Only the outcome of his intention had been different than expected and it had not been the man to whom the woman had given her love ... and that had been the beginning of his end.

"Not anymore," Asmodel finally murmured, looking meaningfully at his brother. "Now this is where I belong. For I have been damned. Just like the rest of you. Like Lucifer. Like Beelzebub ... like you."

Sachiel's eyes widened and he shook his head.

"Are you trying to fool me!? Damned? YOU?"

"That's right. Then for he who craves love, misses its true meaning. He who wants to carry it to the world does not see its value. He who wants to share it does not care for his own chastity. He lusts not for true devotion, but for the flesh and what it triggers within him. An unfaithful harlot, damned to never find true love, that’s what you will be. That's what Father said ..."

Silently, they stared at each other and slowly Sachiel shook his head again, running a hand over his forehead.

"Nonsense!" he hissed. "What an utter nonsense! There you see it! Father's views are glorified and outdated and ... far too fixated on his stupid little creation! So much so that he doesn't notice his own faults! Like overthrowing and damning you! YOU! The golden child! Ridiculous!"

A strange feeling spread through Asmodel and the burning pain on his back was joined by an unpleasant throbbing in his head. A throbbing that told him ... Sachiel 's anger was not directed at him. His words sprang from concern. Wherever the certainty came from, it was true.

A tired smile slipped onto Asmodel's lips, and he sighed.

"So I take it you're not completely indifferent to me, as you claimed?"

With a scowl, Sachiel ground his teeth, boring his poison-green gaze into Asmodel before shaking his head.

"I wouldn't be here if I wasn’t!" he snapped before marching up to Asmodel, taking him by the hand and pulling him along. "Follow me. You can't stay here. This place is cursed."

"So are we. Then it truly suits us. Just as everyone says ..."

"Oh, shut up. They don't have a clue up there!"

Enraged, Sachiel dragged him past the strange landscape of the place now known as Hell. The place where their Father sent the corrupted souls of his beloved human children when they were far from any rehabilitation. It was a gloomy place, bathed in blood-red colors, inhabited by strange creatures born of darkness. Lost in thought, Asmodel lifted his head, seeing far away and unreachable, their home above. Only visible to mock them ... Their Father truly possessed a dark humor. To have them see what they had lost.

"Lucifer will be thrilled when he finds out ..." Sachiel murmured, and slowly Asmodel looked down at his brother, who was leading him in the direction of a large tall structure. A fortress, perhaps? A refuge for their siblings?

"So it is true that Lucifer rules here now? As Father ordered?"

"Tse, nonsense. Lucifer rules here not because Father wanted it that way, but because he was the first to lay claim."

"That sounds like you wanted to rule this place?"

Sachiel looked over his shoulder.

"Why not? It didn't belong to anyone, so whoever sees it first can take it. Only Lucifer beat me to it ..."

Sighing, Asmodel shook his head. There it was again. That biting greed that had spread through Sachiel. The longing for more. The reason he had been one of the last to join Lucifer's rebellion. He had been captivated by the wealth and treasures of heaven - which he should have watched over. Until nothing else had interested him.

"I see the greed is still strong in you, Sachiel ..."

Again Sachiel snorted, but did not turn around.

"Tse. That name is long out of place."

Asmodel frowned.

"But it's your name."

"I have a new name now. Henceforth, I am known as Mammon. So call me by that."

"Mammon? Do you really want to boast about the one reason you fell for, little brother?"

"Even that title is no longer appropriate! But you've always thought a lot of it. This few moments Father created you before he created me."

"And yet it was the same breath of life he created the both of us with. Other than our siblings, we are two sides of the same coin. One and the same. Only different."

"Yes, yes. Be quiet already. We must tend to your wounds before they attract the beasts. You are weakened, and I am not eager to throw myself into battle for you against the creatures of this place."

Yes, this truly fit his newfound character traits. Sachiel … Mammon had been selfish for a long time, and Ozzie could do without his help. He didn't want to be taken care of. Not to be healed. He wanted to feel the pain. The stinging and the burning, so that it reminded him that there was no justice in the universe. When the desire for love was enough to be damned. From his own Father ...

The notion pierced Asmodel's heart like an arrow, and he clutched his chest, narrowing his eyes.

Love... Tse. What had he gained from it!? Nothing! Except to have lost what had meant the most to him. His home! His creator! His purpose in life!

If his Father so detested the world and his new creation experiencing love, why had he created Asmodel with that quality, that virture, that feeling, in the first place!?

Never again! Never again would he waste even a thought to love! If the plain desire for love implied he would be an unfaithful harlot, he would rather keep to lust. If this was the quality that the Almighty attributed to him, then so it be it!

_______________***_________________

Slowly, Asmodeus opened his eyes and blinked at the silken curtain enveloping the bed. Tiny points of light floated in the air, belonging to the remnants of his fiery mist, and sleepily he frowned.

How strange that they had not faded yet. Had to be because of last night. And the lust that flowed through him. That fed the little dots ... amusing.

Satisfied, he stretched and snuggled into the soft blankets and pillows of his bed. A pleasant warmth enveloped him and his body felt light and relaxed. Exhausted, with his back on fire, but thoroughly satisfied. Filled with the most glorious lust!

A feast had been prepared for him! A feast he had not been able to enjoy for a long time and oh, he would return the favor! In every conceivable way!

He smiled to himself, enjoying the violent beating of his heart and sighed blissfully. He hadn't felt this good in a long time. So comfortable and secure. Which possibly was due to the long limbs that had wrapped themselves around him like ropes.

Fizzarolli ... Ozzie felt him close, heard his deep, relaxed breathing and felt his warmth. Slowly opening his eyes, he searched for his jester in the dim light and found the other laying right beside him. Goosebumps crawled over Ozzie's body and a treacherous heat shot into his cheeks.

That little bastard had actually managed to bring him to his knees. Literally, as Ozzie's legs and his lower body felt unaccustomedly heavy and... sore! Ha! What a thought! The King of Lust fucked sore by a jester demon! A feast for the media and all the high ranking demons! However, Ozzie did not regret what had happened. Not in the least~

It was his own fault. It had just been too long since he had used that part of his body. In fact, he couldn't remember when he had allowed someone to take him, and he almost forgot how good it felt. Either way, last night had been quite an interesting experience. Being embraced and cared for without anything being expected from him, had felt surprisingly good. Though it had been silly of Fizzarolli to care so much about Ozzie's desires. He was satisfied by what satisfied his partners, and it was good that way. Still ... Fizz's eagerness was truly remarkable and the mere thought of what his jester had whispered to him at the end caused Ozzie's fur to puff up.

'I won't let anyone hurt you'.... ‘ Mine’

Tse. How disgustingly selfless~

His heart started racing, and cooing, he stretched his arms out, pulled Fizzarolli closer, and gently pressed him against his chest. Fizz's desire had lessened and eventually Ozzie had regained his normal size. That he hadn't crushed Fizz was pure luck and probably due to his prosthetic limbs, which Fizz had used to bind them tightly together. A growl came from his jester when Ozzie snuggled up to him, but he didn't wake up. Slept on. The sight of him melted Ozzie's heart, made him grin like an idiot, and for once he was glad no one observed that moment.

How peaceful Fizz seemed. Even asleep, he looked scrumptiously handsome. Ozzie's eyes settled on Fizzarolli’s lips and the memories of the many kisses he had received by this mouth caused him to shiver. As well as the words that had passed those lips ....

Love.

The thought of Fizz's confession knotted Ozzie's stomach and promptly his feathers ruffled without him being able to stop it. Embarrassed - yes, embarrassed indeed - he closed his eyes and tried to ignore the persistent itching of his shoulders.

Had Fizzarolli been serious? Or had this confession slipped out in the heat of the moment? Did this even matter? The answer was simple. No. Because whether these words were spoken or not, the die was cast. At least for Asmodeus. He didn't have to name his feelings to know what they meant. Fizz had made his point as well, and their night had sealed it.

Triumph, satisfaction, and pride flooded Ozzie and his grin widened. Ha! Back to heaven with all the gloaters who had been taunting him for millennia! They had been wrong! Despite his curse, Asmodeus had found what he always had craved for and if that meant he would become the laughingstock of all Hell, fine! He didn't care, because from now on he had someone at his side! Someone who would not run away from him. Someone who belonged to him alone! Who loved him. Not his lust, not his body, not his rank... Fizzarolli belonged to him. Trusted him, needed him. And Asmodeus would never let him go! Never again!

Lovingly, Ozzie looked down at his little demon, gently running his fingers over Fizzarolli's bare back, who let out a contented sigh. Tightly he snuggled against Ozzie's side, twisting completely. Giving a silly picture. Silly, but all the more heartfelt. And the more he twisted, the more ... seductively he looked.

Taking a deep breath, Ozzie inhaled the remnants of Fizzarolli's aroma still floating in the air and licked his lips. Delightful! A shiver went deep into his loins at the thought of what this impertinent guy had done to him once again stirred desire in Ozzie.

It was time for a second round, and he thought of a most creative way to wake Fizz up. If he was laying there exposed like that, with everything dangling freely, it was Fizz’ fault all alone ~

Playfully, Ozzie sat up and bent over his jester, tugging at the tip of Fizzarolli's foolscap and giggling. The little bells on Fizz's hat jingled once, and grumbling, Fizz turned his head to the side, slid closer to where Ozzie had rested before, and the tips of his jester's cap limply fell back, dragging the hat with them - and all at once it slid away, falling half off Fizzarolli's head.

Horrified, Asmodeus jerked away, gasping for breath.

W-what the ...?!

Confused, he squinted his eyes and rubbed his face. Wanted to make sure he wasn't seeing any ghosts. But even when he opened his eyes again, the sight hadn’t changed. And it threw Ozzie completely off. Half hidden under the fabric of the jesters cap, a black and white striped horn peeked out. The horn of an imp ...

Stunned, Ozzie opened his mouth, then narrowed his eyes and looked closer. No, no doubt about it. This was the horn of an imp! A broken one ... But non the less! To be quite sure, he would have to take the cap off completely, but that would wake Fizz, but Ozzie was quite sure that his demon knowledge was sufficient to recognize the horn of an imp. Those stripes were unique in all of Hell!

But that ... no. No, that couldn't be! Fizz was a jester demon!

On the other hand, his hat had slipped, which argued against it. With jester demons, one never knew exactly what was part of their body or part of their costume, and since Fizz had always worn his hat, Ozzie had assumed the thing was part of his body ...!

But that made no sense! Stunned, Ozzie sat staring at the little demon, undecided what to do, while glaring flames ignited inside him.

An imp.

Not a jester demon.

That meant ... Fizz had been lying to him? From ... the start !?

The lightness that had filled Ozzie took a hard blow, and he narrowed his eyes, clutching at the bed sheet as his freshly charged flames began to seethe. He didn't understand, couldn't grasp it, and a strange lump formed inside him.

An imp. So all this time he had been courting an imp!? Oh Lucifer, if this got out to the public, ....!

A guttural sound suddenly rose in the room, jolting Ozzie out of his thoughts, and he jumped, staring down at Fizzarolli in fright. Moving closer to Ozzie, he snuggled into his fur and the mechanical hands gripped Ozzie's feathers. Held on to them tightly. Deep contentment was on his face and the sound grew louder, breaking through the silence of the room. Continued. Sounded deep and rhythmic. And wonderfully soothing.

A purr. Fizzarolli purred. Like a cat. No. Like ... an imp. Because as far as Ozzie knew, only imps could purr. In that particular way, at least. Which confirmed Ozzie's suspicions. Like in a trance, he sat there, struggling against the lump when his flames began to flicker.

He had been lied to. Fizz had lied to him again. Hiding something so essential from him and Ozzie thought back at all the times he had called Fizz a jester. The times Fizz hadn't denied it! When he had trampled on other imps! On his own kind!

Why ...? Why hadn't Fizz confid ed in him That had been their deal! No more secrets! No more lies! Only the truth!

Ozzie faltered.

No. No, his accusations were false. Fizz had told him.

There was one secret left ... that's what he had said, and the scales fell from Ozzie's eyes.

How Fizz had insisted on keeping his clothes on when attaching his first prostheses.

His horrified face when Ozzie had surprised him in the bathroom that time.

His constant nervousness.

His self-doubt.

The fear of being turned down and not being good enough.

All the times he had rejected Ozzie.

How he had always wrapped his body in long clothes. Especially before the surgery ...

Yes, of course. It all made sense.

The realization slowly sank into Ozzie's head, and he ran his fingers over his eyes. That was what Fizz had been hiding from him all this time. His true self. His horns. His legs. The legs of an imp. So that was it. That was Fizz great dark secret.

But why!? Why the heck had he lied? Why was he pretending to be a jester demon!? Not only had Fizz told him nothing about his past, but not telling him what he really was, made no sense. WHY? WHY?

Ozzie paused. Slowly he lowered his hand and he started to understand. Oh Lucifer, why was he such a jerk sometimes. Wasn't the memory of Fizz's expression enough? His panic? His fear? Because the answer was obvious.

He was an imp.

That's why.

Imps were not held in high esteem in Hell. They were considered scum, the rats of this realm, spread over all seven rings, with no great talents or supernatural abilities. Even Ozzie had thought that way for a long time. Too long. He swallowed and shame rose inside him, knotting his chest.

Lost in thought, he looked down at Fizz again - and his flames died. His gaze softened and sighing, he shook his head.

Maybe Ozzie wasn't the brightest candle on the cake among all his siblings, but he wasn't completely simple-minded. For a few moments he just sat there, gazing into nothingness, then he made a decision.

A wry smile crept onto his face and carefully he reached out. Reached for the jesters cap. And pulled it back over Fizzarolli's head. Hiding what had cheekily cheated its way to the surface. Carefully, he slid back into the pillows, lay down next to Fizz, and wrapped his arms around him. Intimately. Protective. Pushing aside his anger and disappointment, he tickled that small spot at the base of Fizz's tail, whereupon the purring grew louder. It elicited a sickly smile from Ozzie, which very soon became gentle.

Fuck it, like Fizz would say.

Then he was an imp. Why should Ozzie care? He was the embodiment of lust. The king of this ring. He could do whatever he wanted - and he wanted this imp! Because no matter what he was, he was still Fizz. The same cocky, cheeky, sexy Fizz. The nervous, insecure, way-too-emotional Fizz. Jester demon or not, that's what made him him, and Ozzie knew THAT wasn't just a show Fizz had put on.

Intimately, he nestled his forehead against Fizzarolli's head, hugging him, and decided to trust Fizz's promise. When he was ready, he would confide in Ozzie. Which hopefully would happen soon. Very soon. Stupid little idiot ...

"I'm sorry," Ozzie finally whispered, knowing Fizz couldn't hear him. "You must have been so afraid I'd find out ..." But that fear was unfounded. Now that Ozzie was by his side, there was nothing for Fizzarolli to fear.

Instead, there was something Ozzie feared, and he hugged Fizz tightly to his chest, narrowing his eyes. Now that he knew about this fragile secret, he had to watch over Fizzarolli all the more. Not just because he was an imp and that made him vulnerable. If word got out about what he really meant to Ozzie, there would be plenty of demons out there trying to take Fizzarolli away from him. One way or another.

And he wouldn't let that happen. He would protect him at any cost. Would watch over him, be by his side, made the penthouse their safe place by installing surveillance systems and magic sigils. Never would he let anyone hurt Fizz ever again. That was a promise!

Come what may!

Chapter Text

Chapter 31

Singing Love Songs

A melodic hum filled the air and slowly Fizz opened his eyes, blinking sleepily. A glittering blue curtain spread above him, and he smiled wryly.

Asmodeus' bed. The most wonderful place in all hell! Here he could die in peace. Sighing, he turned to his side and winced at the same moment as a twinge ran through his thighs and shoulders. Fuck, did that hurt! And yet he had to grin, clicking his tongue. Apparently he had overexerted himself last night. Which brought back memories. Last night~

His grin widened and slowly he sat up, looking around - and found what he had looking for. Instantly, his heart began to beat like crazy.

With his back turned to him and returned to full size, Ozzie lay prone on the bed, resting his head in his hand while he casually bobbed his legs up and down. His heavenly voice filled the room as he flipped through a newspaper and helped himself from a large bowl of chocolate-covered strawberries. Around him laid quite a few feathers that he must have lost last night, giving the sight something ... a bit of a savage appearance; hidden somewhere below the contentment, that radiated from him.

The display made Fizz's heart feel strangely light, and he bit his lips, thinking of how that dopey giant had clung to him yesterday; moaning his name, blushing and laying disheveled under him. And even now he showed no inhibitions, laying there in his full glory, stretching his round bare ass out. If that was not an invitation?

Filled with cockiness, Fizz straightened up, ignoring the pain in his limbs - before he lunged and slapped his hand disreputably on Ozzie's butt. Startled, Ozzie took a leap and threw his head around, glaring wide-eyed at Fizz, at which Fizz laughed.

"Morning, handsome," he purred, crawling across the bed to Ozzie's side. "Up already?"

Pouting, Ozzie pursed his mouth before he grinned, too, and closed his eyes in a noble manner.

"Indeed. Someone woke me up unpleasantly by nearly pushing me out of bed with his meter-long limbs."

Surprised, Fizz blinked, but had to laugh at the notion.

"Well. That's the only reason I'm here in the first place. To push you out of bed in the morning."

Asmodeus' snorted and shook his head.

"Meany," he murmured, blowing a small blue flame at Fizz. Then his face changed to a surprisingly gently expression, and he smiled. "I'm glad you're awake, Fizzi. I was getting bored."

At the sound of his nickname, Fizz's tail curled and again the images of their night flashed up in his mind, knotting everything inside him. Like Ozzie were a magnet he just had to touch, Fizz clasped the blue face with his hands and reached for Ozzie's mouth; took a well-deserved kiss, which Ozzie returned fervently. Playfully, Fizz wrapped his long arms around Ozzie's neck and stayed that way, snuggling up to him and sighing.

"Mpf ... Looks like you got your true size back. Damn shame ... Being small suited you. Don't you think? Mini Ozzie?" he mocked, at which Ozzie took an indignant breath.

"Sorry you have to deal with this form. I know I just can't do you justice. You're just too awesome." Dismayed, Ozzie closed his eyes and put a hand on his chest, causing Fizz to chuckle. Silly cock.

It was true that he had liked Ozzie's smaller form, after all, they had been on eye-level ! In more ways than one. But admittedly ... he liked Ozzie's true form as well. Very much so. Along with size. Especially now that he knew so much more about Asmodeus', there was no reason to hold back or panic. Not after last night anyway.

"I don't care. I like the big Ozzie, too. Very much~" he whispered bluntly into the feathery chest and sighed contentedly, giving himself over completely to his newfound and abysmally stupid sentimentality. His prince raised a brow in response and a smug grin settled on his lips.

"It's good to know you still like big Ozzie, because next time he'll give little Fizz a lot of pleasure. Count on it~" Meaningfully, Ozzie winked at him and gave Fizz's member a promising nudge. Fizz shuddered and rolled his eyes. Oh no, the blue cotton candy mountain had miscalculated! Fizz couldn’t be fooled! Because he could be silly, too.

"How is your pussy, princess? Still sore from yesterday? Can you even walk?" Exaggeratedly, he tilted his head to the side and patted Ozzie's cheek comfortingly. At first Ozzie blinked in bewilderment before throwing his head back and laughing out loud. Like a heavenly symphony.

"Thanks for asking, but she's fine!"

"She?"

Again Ozzie winked, then shrugged nonchalantly.

"Yes, and she can take a lot. She's a predator."

"Predator?! Ha! That sure looked different yesterday, if I remember correctly." Grinning broadly, Fizz licked his lips, but Ozzie appeared composed. Took it with dignity.

"And I enjoyed it very much, my dear sir~" With that, Ozzie fished for a strawberry and held it out to Fizz invitingly. Slowly, Fizz opened his mouth and let his tongue slide out. Wrapped it around the strawberry before he with drew it from Ozzie's fingers and let it disappear beguilingly slowly into his mouth, enjoying the way Ozzie's eyes tightened on him as he did so.

"How did you get those things, anyway? Did Fred have to get them for you since you can’t walk, huh? Poor thing." Fizz continued to tease, at which Ozzie leaned back and squinted sideways for a moment. A sly grin crept onto his face, and he shrugged innocently.

"I'm afraid Fred's going to have a little trouble walking himself. But don't worry about it. I'm perfectly happy. Very much so, in fact. Thanks to you, my little ... Jester." Cooing, Ozzie leaned toward him and nuzzled his forehead against Fizz's, giving him a startling glare before he hugged Fizz tightly to his chest. "To experience you so unselfconsciously was glorious! Sensual! Hot! Like what you did to me. You must be crazy to put your life on the line, treating a prince of hell like that. But your lust was breathtaking. We'll do it again~" Another flame was breathed upon him, fluttered towards him and took the cheesy shape of a small heart. Fizz raised a brow and shook his head at how clingy Ozzie was acting. He really wasn't living up to his title …

"Wow. That's the nicest thank you for fucking me I've ever heard. Ozzie, you can't say things like that. I'm blushing!" With that, Fizz stole another kiss before finally letting go of Asmodeus after all and plopped down on the bed. Grumbling, he reached for his shoulder and massaged it. He should take his meds. Urgently. On the other hand, he didn't feel like getting up.

Behind him the bed juddered and the next moment he felt a big hands on his shoulders. Gentle fingers began to massage him and Fizz sighed in relief.

"Shit, that feels good ..." he breathed out, melting into the deft hands and leaning back.

"You all right?"

"Yeah, yeah ... just a little stiff." He put his head back and glanced up at Ozzie. "Looks like of the two of us, I'm the whining bitch, huh?"

"Possibly you just overstrained yourself yesterday. First your smashing entrance at the club, then our very sensual fuck. Your new limbs aren't used to it."

At Ozzie's choice of words, Fizz snorted and shook his head. How his prince always managed to find the right words. However, it was something else that caught his attention, and he reached for Ozzie's hands, stopping his massage and turned to face him.

"Wait a minute. Does that mean you were watching after all?"

"Of course I was watching."

"Huh? But you were flirting with your whore the whole time at the bar! I was watching you!"

"Her name is Zarah and yes, we were talking. But I have three sets of eyes. And one is always watching you. Always .…"

Fizz widened his eyes, looking up at the two faces in Ozzie's mane. The sheep was gazing dreamily at him, while the bull was staring at him like he wanted to eat him alive. Fizz's head turned hot. He swallowed and lowered his gaze, biting his lips. Embarrassed, he plucked at the bedding while Ozzie continued to massage him. So he had been watching after all ...

For a moment they sat in silence and Fizz fumbled for one of the little feathers, twisting it around between his fingers before he groaned in annoyance and slumped down.

"I'm sorry about yesterday. For exploding like that," he pressed out silently, running his metal hand over his eyes. "But seeing you with that chick ...! I was just- ... ! I ... fuck!" Oh embarrassing, how he was beating around the bush. After what he had revealed to Ozzie, it didn't matter now. Ozzie always wanted the truth anyway, so there you go. "I was so fucking jealous! Nobody can compete with her! I mean, have you seen her fucking face? Her tits? Her ass?! ... Ah, of course. After all, you've been fucking her for years. Your favorite person ... Tse. I can see how you'd find her hotter than a walking pile of tin." Grumbling, Fizz propped his head in one hand and closed his eyes, ignoring the hot jealousy throbbing in his cheeks.

"I have unfortunately also contributed my part ... but if I didn't know better, I'd say it was you who had the hots for her. The way you talk, you've got her all checked out, eh?" Ozzie muttered mockingly, poking him in the cheek with a finger, whereupon Fizz's eyes snapped open, and he wheeled around.

"What the...! No! No, definitely not!" The heat in his cheeks spread and without him wanting it, an image flashed in his mind's eye. Of him. Of Zarah. And Asmodeus. Together. Here. In this bed. How Asmodeus took Zarah. And Fizz took Asmodeus.

Horrified, Fizz gasped and shook his head violently, pressing his hands to his eyes. Shit! No, he didn't want to imagine that, damn it!!! Barely half a year in Lust and already he was starting to think only about obscene bullshit! Like he would share his boyfriend ...! That wasn't why he had checked her out! Ozzie just wanted to make fun of him but it was a very bad joke!

"Oh, Fizzi! I underestimated you!" Ozzie cheered enthusiastically, leaning down to stare at him, winking. And this made it clear he was joking. Still his feather collar puffed up and a soft glow pulsed within him. "You're blossoming! Did you really hold back like that all the time ? I'm delighted!"

"No. Stop, stop imagining!"

"Imagine? Imagine what? Tell me. I'm listening~" Biting his lips, Ozzie propped his head in his hand and stared at Fizz, still trying to be funny but Fizz only crossed his arms, clicking his tongue.

"Certainly not. Forget it."

"Aww why not? If you have certain preferences, I'm all too willing to try them out!"

Yes, Fizz believed him immediately, and he narrowed his eyes, thinking about what Ozzie had told him yesterday. How he had talked about himself and how Ozzie just did what ever his partners wanted. Urg. The idea was so contradictory and wrong. No matter what Fizz's preferences were, he didn't want Ozzie to rubber stamp everything. Suddenly he disliked the image that had brazenly wormed its way into his head even more. Because there was one thing he was absolutly clear about!

Firmly he grabbed Ozzie's face and pinched his prince's cheeks, shaking his head determinedly.

"Because you are mine! That's why!" At the same moment he faltered and cursed inwardly. Oh great. Now he was spilling out more bullshit... Asking Asmodeus to have no other partners besides him was impossible, yet Fizz wanted him for himself. Didn't want him to submit to the desires of others. And that's exactly what Ozzie should know! Concentrating, Fizz breathed in, braced himself against any possible reaction, and finally spat out what was on his mind. "Listen, son of a bitch! Even though you don't want to hear it and you're probably going to beat me into mush, I meant what I said yesterday, got it? So watch out, now it's going to get nasty and gooey ..." He swallowed, licking his lips. "I love you," he murmured earnestly, bravely ignoring the hum of his heart. Was sure it could be heard throughout the bedroom, as loud as it was. Swallowing, he looked down at the bed, glancing at all the little feathers. "I know this is stupid and dumb and ridiculous. You're the fucking embodiment of lust and I'm just a ... a clown! You probably can't even understand that. Maybe you can't even love, but I want you to know! I love you and want you for myself alone. And ... and if you throw me out because I feel this way, I'll cry and make a scene, understood?!" The last sentence was a pathetic attempt to lighten the mood before it became too tense, but it didn't work.

Ozzie didn't answer, staring at him in horror - until he suddenly exhaled deeply, blowing so many flames into the air that Fizz looked around nervously. The things couldn't burn, he knew, but still, the amount was alarming. Finally, the tinkle of a bell sounded and Fizz looked up. Ozzie held one of the tips of his jester's cap between two fingers and turned the attached bell back and forth.

"That was really frighteningly nasty," he muttered, aghast, and Fizz gulped.

"I know, right?"

Ozzie nodded and continued to do so for an astonishingly long time; was completely lost in thought. Then he grew serious.

"You're not a clown, Fizzarolli. And we both know that." With raised eyebrows, he looked at Fizz, lowering his head expectantly, as if he was just waiting for Fizz to say something. Something specific.

Oh ... OH, shit. Shit! Fizz's heart sank to the back of his knees and his throat tightened. They-they were still talking about the same thing, weren't they? Still about their stupid feelings, right? Nervously, Fizz squinted to the side, forcing himself to smile.

"Oh yeah, do we know?" Oh Lucifer, please! One disaster at a time! Not all at once. Not now! If it became known that he was ... Ozzie would never return his feelings! Which would turn Fizz into a fraud. A shammer who lured Asmodeus' using false facts ... but if he didn't keep up this little lie, he would lose the best thing ever happened in his fucking life!

Meanwhile, his prince nodded, kept looking at the bell. Turned it. Let it jingle.

"Yes. We do."

There was a pause before Ozzie frowned deeply and finally let go of Fizz's hat.

"You're much more than that." He took an upright seat in front of Fizz, kneeling almost formally in front of him, hands on his knees, a thoughtful look on the face. And then ... suddenly a deliciously embarrassed glow lit up his cheeks, throwing Fizz off guard. "Of course I know what love is. And I think it's outrageous that everyone insinuates that I don't understand it or can't feel it," he replied gruffly, pouting even. Then he sighed, letting his fingers drum on his knees, then ran his hand through his mane. Seemed ... insecure ? His prince and insecure? And even though he was in full possession of his size and powers? How could this happen?

Asmodeus continued to fidget and finally lifted his arms.

"You have to understand... No. Let’s put it this way … love is part of lust. Often without love there is no lust... Sometimes love begins as lust. Sometimes... you are love, but then something bad happens, everyone hates you, you're cast out, and all you want is lust and you commit a lot of stupid things that stick with you forever - until your mind changes because something good happens!" He finished his most peculiar monologue, placing the fingertips of both hands together and nodding encouragingly to Fizz.

Fizz, however, only blinked.

"Ooookay? And that means ...?"

Ozzie pulled a face, and he rolled his eyes, taking a deep breath. He opened his mouth like he wanted to say something but not a word passed his lips. He started a second time, nodding confidently this time ... but again. Nothing. The expression on his face changed, literally crumbling in on itself, until Ozzie’s shoulders slumped.

"It means that when everyone tells you that you'll never get what you long for, and everyone tells you this is how things are, you feel cursed, and when you do get it nonetheless ... the danger of naming it is great. Because what if it vanishes when you name it ?"

Speechless, Fizz gawked at Ozzie and opened his mouth. And shut it again. Tried to make sense of the strange chatter. Which was difficult. Actually, Fizz only understood half of it, but he understood this much: Ozzie was talking about himself. And about how he was scared. But what he was implying, hidden and convoluted as it was, catapulted Fizz off the field.

For quite a long time they sat facing each other, until Fizz woke up from his stupor and clapped his hands on his cheeks a few times. No more sentimental bullshit! Straight talk! He had started this conversation, now he had to finish it! After raising such a delicate question, it was his own fault if he didn't get the answer he wanted to hear. That wasn’t what counted in the end, though. Taking a deep breath - he finally said the first thing that came to his mind.

"Of all the demons in Hell, you are the stupidest. Asstupidus "

Ozzie's head snapped up.

"Excuse me?"

Oh, yes. Absolutely stupid! Fizz snorted and braced himself with the help of his prostheses, but again took Ozzie's face in his hands.

"I said you're stupid, asshole. But you're cute when you're stupid," he murmured serenely, pressing his forehead against Ozzie's and narrowed his eyes. "I love you," he growled, watching how Ozzie's face flushed. "And if you don't love me, okay. You ... you don't even have to say it if you do. Which would be very crazy. Very crazy! But you asked me to stay with you. For good. That was your condition for helping me with the clown. That's our deal. And I'll take you by your word that you'll stick to it." He swallowed and curled his metal fingers into Ozzie's fur, clinging to him. "I know it's disgustingly corny, but... I want to stay with you. In this stupid junk place of a penthouse, as your host at Ozzie's and as your favorite. Your only partner. As your exclusive mate. I don't wanna lose that. I don't wanna lose you, got it? So. Those are the facts. Deal with it." And if Fizz had a mic, he'd drop it again to make his point. Seriously, he looked at Asmodeus', putting on a poker face, while inside he was yelling bloody murder. Sure, he could grandly slam these facts at Ozzie's head. But if the King of Lust didn't want to do that, he could just as easily grab Fizz any time and stomp him into the ground for that audacity.

He stared expectantly into Ozzie's green eyes. Waited for an answer, for a reaction, for something! Wanted to hear nothing at the same moment and just pick up where they left off last night. Without complicating matters any further ...

Again a pause arose, then Ozzie closed his eyes. Instead of answering, he reached for Fizz's hands, stroked them and snuggled against them. Intimately. A helpless Mmmmh escaped him, caused Fizz's heart to leap, then Ozzie lifted his lids; looked at Fizz with an expression that belonged forbidden! An expression that hit his heart like an arrow. Did that mean ...!?

"For good… ," Ozzie whispered, again pouring out a vast amount of flames that trickled down onto the bed, yet extinguished. "For good.”

Fizz swallowed, leaned forward as far as he could, his gazed fix ed on his Prince. On his King.

"For good?" he repeated, and Asmodeus nodded, looking at him urgently. Conjuring. Pleading - and something clicked in Fizz's mind. He widened his eyes, took a hissing breath. "W-Wait. With for good you mean ... for good?" He raised his brows meaningfully, at which Ozzie nodded with vigor, tilting his head apologetically to the side. One of his arms wrapped around Fizz, pulling him close to the big body.

"Yeah ... If it's enough to say for now ? You understand? For good. "

Excitedly, Fizz's tail danced through the air, and he snuggled into Ozzie's fur.

"No shit? You're not fucking with me either? King of Lust, Embodiment of Lust? This isn't a trick?"

"No. No trick." With concentration, Asmodeus exhaled, his voice sounded shaky, and the words pulled the rug from under Fizz’ feet.

hOLy CrAp!

Fizz lost it, and he threw himself at Ozzie, whereupon his prince landed on the bed, gasping, pulling Fizz with him. Enthusiastically, he showered his prince with kisses, drowning him in his disgusting affection and wrapped his arms around Ozzie's narrow waist as many times as he could extend them.

He wanted him! Asmodeus wanted him! Indeed he did! He-he... for-good-ed him!

With that, everything was said. Everything was set. He was his now! His alone! This guy was his! A deathly sin... a prince of Hell! Ha, ha!!

Damn, it was disgustingly sentimental, but he was so happy, he couldn't contain himself. Buried his face in Ozzie's feathery fur and flipped his legs up and down like stupid.

Only when an exhausted moan filled his ears, he manage to look up, and was sure he was grinning like a complete maniac, but he didn't give a shit. Ozzie, on the other hand, looked like he had run a marathon and placed a hand over his face. Oh, poor little prince! Grinning broadly, Fizz sat up, and he let his naughty tongue run free.

"You love me!" he proclaimed, speaking for Ozzie and throwing himself into a pose, pulling back an arm to dramatically place a hand on his chest. "The King of Lust is in love! With me! The one and only Fizzarolli! Aww!"

Horrified, Ozzie gazed at him from behind his fingers, hissed, and dropped back into the pillows.

"I can't believe it … how did this happen to me? It's all your fault!" he murmured, at which Fizz just laughed.

"Aw, is someone ashamed? You should be. You really should be. Don't blame me, those are your feelings. And I have to say, I think it's really disgusting, my prince. Feelings and all... Nah. Disgusting. Ugh!"

The response was a shallow smack to the back of the head before Asmodeus pushed him away and grabbed a pillow. Grumbling, he pressed it to his chest, turned onto his stomach, and put on his glorious pouty look.

"I wouldn't make fun of a prince of Hell if I were you. You'll end up over my knee once more."

" We’ll see about that."

"I mean it! It's not fair for you to mock me. In these matters you know better ... Especially since it can be dangerous if someone finds out. For you and for me. For the whole Lust Ring! My reputation is important for the stability of Hell. If others start making claims because they think I'm soft, there will be war!"

"You are most certainly not soft. So much I can confirm," Fizz muttered suggestively before he snorted and finally leaned against Ozzie's side, shrugging. "Don't give me that bullshit. War? Because you're falling for ... a low-level demon? It would be a pretty fragile world if everything stands or falls with that." He smirked and stretched, extending an arm and drawing exaggeratedly large letters in the air. "But I'd love the headline! I can see it now! Fizzarolli brings Hell down! After me, the Flood!"

"The Flood wasn't funny, believe me."

Astonished, Fizz blinked. Ah. Yes. Of course. Asmodeus', as one of the s even Princes of Hell, was an ancient being. He had certainly experienced a lot, if Fizz thought about it carefully. However, only one thing came to mind, and he pursed his mouth, slowly turning to his prince.

"Don't bring up old war stories now, Grandpa... Tse, Basically, it’s really gross, now that I think about it. To hook up with such an old geezer is disgusting. Admit it, you like the young crunchy things, don't you? Poor little me!" Sighing, Fizz put a hand to his cheek, hearing Asmodeus grunt. The next moment a big hand reached for him, Ozzie turned on his back and placed Fizz on his belly.

"You've got me all figured out. I'm a dirty old perverted man. How could I ever think anyone would want me? The relationship-virgin?"

Fizz grinned, enjoying the silly chatter with Ozzie. He could go on for hours! Playfully, he tapped Ozzie's cheek.

"You found one," Fizz murmured softly, receiving a dazzling smile and his heart fluttered. Man, had it been a long time since he'd felt this good. Really long. An eternity!

"Better one than none," Ozzie murmured, stroking Fizz's cheek before putting his hands on Fizz's thighs and massaging them. Fizz jumped at the touch, especially since he still was naked. So was Ozzie.

"How about you? Have you been in many ... love affairs?", Ozzie asked next, pronouncing the last word in a muffled manner, like it was a swear word and like someone would be around the corner to wash his mouth out with soap at any moment. However, the question awakened unpleasant memories in Fizz, and he swallowed. Then shook his head.

"One. Sucked. The end."

"That Blitzo?"

When the name came up, Fizz promptly lost his balance and slid off Ozzie, landing next to him on the mattress. Shit, how did Ozzie know about that fucker?

"How ...!?"

"You mentioned him a couple of times. And the name was on your petty cash collection back than."

Fizz tensed, feeling the cold rage rise inside him the longer he thought about the fucking bastard.

"Who is he?" Ozzie probed further, at which Fizz focused on the blue fur in front of him.

"Nobody."

"He doesn't seem like nobody."

Urg ... that was a topic he was not at all ready to discuss!? Fizz squinted his eyes, shaking his head.

"And what about Zarah!" he hissed, at which Ozzie raised his eyebrows.

"What do you mean?"

"You and her. I heard you freaked out over her, and she ended up leaving you. Why don't we talk about that instead!"

Slowly, Ozzie withdrew his hands and sat up, causing Fizz to gulp. Shit, he'd talked faster than he thought again. But Mr. O- at-the -end was not a subject he could talk about easily. Let alone with Asmodeus! It was all in the past and should stay there!

His prince cleared his throat and all at once his expression turned somber. Even... sad?

"I felt a lot for Zarah, a lot, that’s true. More than I should have felt. Which still wasn't enough for her. Seven of her unspeakable lovers I killed because she hooked up with one asshole after another. Which was fine at first. I never put any restrictions on my favorites, but I couldn't stand by and watch her plunge to her doom. So I killed anyone who hurt her or wasn't good for her. Devoured them to make an example. To which she ... left me. Especially after I had messed with her eighth lover. Tobias." He sighed and his voice became surprisingly quiet. Talking about it made him uncomfortable, Fizz could tell, but he was too captivated to interrupt. "I seriously thought he was going to hurt her, too. I thought I was doing the right thing. I thought if I kept them away from each other, Tobias couldn't hurt her. So I locked her up. For weeks … Until Tobias stormed my apartment and attacked me ... He was just an incubus. No danger to me. But he had gotten hold of an angelic weapon from the black market. The spear of the angel Raphael ... I was so angry that it came to a fight which the whole city witnessed. If Zarah hadn't intervened, I would have killed him too."

That was ... wow ... Concentrating, Fizz took a breath, hadn't expected their silly playful banter to suddenly become so serious. So that's what it had been like? Out of affection for this Zarah, he had simply killed everyone who didn't suit him? D-devoured them? And locked Zarah up!? Fucking creepy... But it didn't surprise Fizz. When Ozzie got angry, he tended to crack up. Fizz felt respect for this Tobias, that he had dared to take on a deathly sin.

That's when Fizz faltered.

At the risk of kissing a wall again, he extended an arm, wrapped it around Ozzie, and felt for the wounds on his back. The subject was touchy, but since they were about to break every taboo anyway, why not this one as well ? Immediately Asmodeus flinched and contorted his face, straightening his shoulders and clenching his fists. Fizz swallowed, but did not withdraw his hand.

"Was that him? Did he hurt you?"

Astonished, Ozzie blinked, as if surprised that Fizz drew such a connection. At first, it looked like Ozzie was going to drop the subject, then he sighed and dropped his shoulders.

"No. It's nobody's fault. I did this to myself."

HE had done this? Horrified, Fizz sat back, tensed as the flames inside Ozzie grew darker. But they didn't turn black. Why? Why the heck had he done this to himself? A wound took forever to heal, didn't it? In more than one way.

"Do they hurt? If I went too far yesterday, then.... "

"No. You didn't do anything. But they ... have been itching for some time. It's exhausting for me. And stressful. Just like now. " With that, Ozzie reached behind him, scratching the scares.

Slowly, Fizz nodded and withdrew his arm. It was his good arm. His first prostheses, and he swallowed, looked at his mechanical fingers and clenched them into a fist. Took a deep breath.

"Blitzo .... I owe this to him," he explained gravely. If Ozzie confided in him, he deserved the same. "We grew up together in the circus, back in Greed. We were friends first and it eventually turned into something more. I ... loved the fucker. I really did! But he begrudged me for my success and that the clown had an eye on me. It became an eternal argument and then ..." He broke off as memories of the day of the fire welled up, and he swallowed, clinging to Ozzie's feathers. Heat rose inside him, crawling up, and the stench of smoke crept into his nose. The smell of burning flesh ...

"Was he the one involved in the accident that time?"

Firmly, Fizz clenched his teeth, ground his jaw, and nodded.

"That stupid stunt was his idea! I wanted things to get better between us and impress the clown, so I went along. Even though I knew it wasn't safe ... The tent was too small, the fire wheels too big, the equipment outdated. I was an acrobat and supposed to do the big jumps ... And he ... he dropped me!" Tightly, Fizz wrapped his arms around himself. "I fell. Into the wheels ... they tipped over, on top of me. Set the mast on fire and ... When he saw I was stuck ... he ran away! He left me behind! If it hadn't been for the clown to pull me out, then ...!" Fizz broke off, squinting his eyes as a sudden pain jolted through his body. Boiling hot tongues of fire licked at his arms and legs! Burning them, corroding them ... only they weren't real at all. Confused, he stared at his mechanical hands - felt fingers that were no longer there. Smelled burned flesh that was no longer there. He felt nauseous and violently shook his head, letting the tips of his foolscap fly. "N-no! You know what. No! I don't want to talk about our ex-lovers! Not about Blitzo, not about Zarah ... not now! Fuck those two! Fuck the past!" His breath quickened and with full force he tried to push the images from his mind. Together with all the bad stuff that followed the accident.

"It’s okay, Fizzi. You're safe here with me."

A big hand patted his head, stroking it affectionately, but Fizz had a hard time getting his grip on reality back. Shit. Now Blitzo was ruining this moment for him, too! The morning had been great so far! More than great. WHY!!!

"It looks like neither of us have had particularly good luck with our previous ... relationships," Ozzie's finally murmured, whispering the last word so softly that Fizz barely heard it. Concentrating, he inhaled, focusing entirely on the soft feathers he was sitting on. And nodded.

"Understatement."

"But we. We could have something good. We have something good."

Something good. Yes. That's what Fizz craved more than anything else.

"Given that we're honest with each other from now on. As exclusive mates," Ozzie continued.

Fizz shuddered. Mates ... Hearing that out of Ozzie's mouth sounded too good to be true, and his tail curled wildly.

"Can you even do that? Have only one partner for sex? And feeding?" he asked gloatingly, at which Ozzie frowned thoughtfully.

"I have to confess it won't be easy. Maybe there will be lapses but I will try! For you. I've managed to go the last few months without sex, and now I've got you! And who knows what else we might like doing? It doesn't always have to be just the two of us. As long as it is just ... about the two of us ?"

That was a really bad pun and Fizz snorted, rolling his eyes. Ozzie better leave the jokes to him.

"I am honored but don't judge others by your standards! Sure, one never know what's to come, and I am eager to try out a lot, but I certainly won't commit any lapses. How do you say ... I'm too awesome!" Fizz tried to lighten the mood again. It worked. Ozzie smirked before extending a finger and played with one of the bells on his hat.

"Well, then, there's only one thing that keeps us away from our perfect pink unicorns and rainbow happiness."

"Gross!"

"Absolutely!"

"What is it?"

"Your secret."

That was a punch in the face.

Fizz swallowed and squinted unobtrusively at Ozzie's finger, with which he jingled the little bell slowly.

"Don't you think it's time or a reveal ? There's nothing you can't tell me ... I won't get angry either. I promise."

Cursing, Fizz bit his lips, feeling torn, clinging even tighter to Ozzie's feathers. His fragile happiness was in reach, everything was perfect at this moment; as long as he remained a jester demon. As long as Ozzie believed he wasn't the lowest scum. But there was a way out of this. One last loophole. And he would use it.

"What about those scars? What did you do to yourself ? Where did they come from?" he asked challengingly, knowing there was a 50:50 chance Ozzie would jump at the question. An eye for an eye!

His prince's eyes widened in surprise, gawking at him, and Fizz held his gaze. Then Ozzie sighed and slumped into the pillows.

"Very well, then. As it is, each of us has a secret to keep ... for now," he relented, to which Fizz slumped in relief. Thank Lucifer. Even if he really wanted to know what those scars were all about, he could wait. A very long time. Especially since he was sure this didn't change how he felt about Ozzie.

Sighing, he let himself fall over deeper into the feathers, made himself comfortable on Ozzie's broad chest, and closed his eyes.

"Thank you …," he murmured softly. It was basically just a reprieve , the guillotine hanging just above his neck, swinging incessantly lower and lower. But for now, nothing could hurt him and he needed to stretch that moment. Which relied on Ozzie's patience. His prince chuckled at that and his whole body vibrated. Beguilingly slow, he let his fingers crawl over Fizz's back and sighed.

"Look at us. Laying here, rambling on about such insufferable emotional nonsense. The king and his ... jester. All that's missing is someone crying. Disgusting."

Fizz snorted once and grinned.

"My words, my words! Disgusting."

"We should stop doing that. And never do it again."

"I like that."

"Especially now that the lines have been drawn."

"That's right! Lucky for us, unlucky for everyone else!"

"Imagine if someone had heard us!"

"Urgs. Embarrassing!"

"From now on, let's focus on the most important thing!"

"Sex?"

"Sex!"

Fizz had to laugh, relieved that they left all the complicated stuff behind, and Ozzie joined in. His fingers began massaging Fizz's back even more insistently, sliding over the base of his tail more than once, and Fizz shuddered each time, having to pull himself together not to lift his ass up like a cat in heat. The feeling was incredible! Like a hundred bolts of lightning were going straight up his spine. However, at that moment a loud grumble sounded .

Fizz tried to ignore the call of his stomach, Ozzie's caresses just felt too good, but the grumbling only grew louder and annoyed, he sighed, hanging his head before grinning apologetically at Ozzie.

"Before we go any further at this point ... and we will! What about breakfast? I'm starving." Yesterday he hadn't been able to get a bite down all day, he'd been too excited about the show. Now that silliness caught up to him, depriving him of a sensual massage. Ozzie pursed his lips, but relented, placing a finger under Fizz's chin and grinned smugly.

"But of course, sweetheart~ What do you think of strawberries? Too extravagant for your sensitive taste?" he asked sickeningly sweet, at which Fizz snorted but jumped at it. He shyly wiggled his shoulders and averted his eyes.

"I'd love to, sweetie~ But only if you feed me."

"I'd love to, darling~ But only if you lend me a hand."

Lazy as his prince was, he stretched out an arm, demonstratively waving a hand to show Fizz that unfortunately he couldn't reach the bowl - without moving. But thanks to his prostheses, no one has to face the dilemma to move at all.

"Of course, tootsie~ If you don't mind?" Hinting a bow, he extended his arm, grabbed the bowl, and pulled it toward them. As he did so, he noticed the newspaper still laid on the edge of the bed.

"What have you read, anyway? Something interesting?" he asked casually as he placed the bowl on Ozzie's chest. Humming, his prince already was occupied with the bowl, letting his hand circle over the strawberries like searching for just the right one, when he threw up his head and blinked in surprise. The next moment he waved it off, but pretended to be a little too indifferent.

"No! I mean ... Nothing interesting. Nothing important. Nothing at all. Really. Strawberry?" With that, Ozzie lifted one of the fruits and held it out to Fizz. He frowned, however, and tapped his chin a few times. Nothing interesting, then?

"Mh, for something so uninteresting, you were reading the news animatedly earlier, though." Curious, Fizz reached for the paper with long fingers, but Ozzie beat him to it. To Fizz's amazement, he bent down, grabbed the paper, and held it high above their heads.

"I don't think it's such a good idea for you to read this. Let's leave it at that."

"Now I want to read it even more! Let me see!" Fizz let his arm shoot up, grabbing at the paper, but Ozzie kept up with him, moving his arm in a different direction.

"I really think you should let it go. For your own good."

"Let me see, damn it! I'm used to bad headlines. What is it this time? Are they tearing yesterday's show apart ? Are they writing about you and Zarah? Let me see!"

With a leap, Fizz braced himself to his feet, now using both arms to grab, at which Ozzie gasped slightly. Ozzie tried badly to avoid him, but their position didn't leave him much room to maneuver. But fine, if he wanted to haul out the big guns, there you go. Fizz let one of his hands wander away, reaching behind him and then he pinched Ozzie's dick.

A startled sound escaped the prince and a violent jolt went through his body, whereupon the bowl of strawberries tipped over and scattered across the bed. Taking advantage of the moment, Fizz grabbed the newspaper, pressing it to his chest.

"Won!"

"That wasn’t fair play ! Such bottomless impudence! My poor sweet cock!"

"Can take a lot of punishment. Now stop whining or I'll pinch you again!" With that, Fizz turned and grabbed his glasses from the nightstand while Ozzie cursed and tried to clean up the strawberry mess.

"Impossible little ... ignorant idiot!" he murmured, grabbing a strawberry and stuffing it into Fizz's mouth. Fizz rolled his eyes dismissively and took a bite of the strawberry.

"It's your own fault. Don't try to hide anything from me. Or at least don't be so conspicuous about it." He smacked his lips smugly and began to turn the pages, but it didn't take him long to find the article Ozzie - with no doubt- was concerned about. Because it was right at front, on the first page. Impossible to be missed. Wide-eyed, Fizz stared at the headline as his fingers clawed harder and harder into the paper.

What ... the ... ?!

Beacon of Hope! - read the headline in huge bold letters, so that no one could miss it. Below a colorful photo of Ozzie's skyscraper was printed. Their skyscraper and from the top floor, from the penthouse, a fierce blue light burst out in all directions. It was so bright that the rest of the picture was overexposed. Like... a lighthouse. Only stronger. Much, much stronger. Trembling, Fizz stuck his nose deep into the pages as his eyes closed in on the article. And with each word he read, his heart hammered harder and the blood rushed straight to his head.

Last night, an unexpectedly hot wave of lust surprised the entire ring and sent all (adult) inhabitants in all nine circles into delirium! The reason for this was none other than our ruler, Prince Asmodeus - who seems to have finally gotten laid. According to witnesses, yesterday, a powerful wave of energy erupted from Prince Asmodeus' penthouse around midnight, spreading like a tsunami across the entire ring and giving every (adult) inhabitant in Lust the orgasm of their lives! A rare but not unheard of occurrence - and a positive sign, as our King only shares his lust with his subjects on particularly hot nights. Lately, worrying voices were raised criticizing our King for the lack of presence - and when he was seen in public then too often in his energy-saving form. Unsexy, in our opinion. According to rumors, this was due to Prince Asmodeus' new favorite, demon Fizzarolli, who allegedly would not provide our King with enough lustful energy. These concerns now have been put out of the way!

A glorious night for all of Lust! But especially for our Prince.

We say: Thank you, Fizzarolli! Keep it up! More, please!

In a high arc, Fizz spit out the strawberry and began to cough, running his hand over his mouth.

"WHAT THE FUCK!!!" he shouted and wheeled around, glaring at Ozzie with gigantic eyes and banging on the paper a few times. "What the fuck does that mean?!"

Innocently, Ozzie shrugged and folded his hands meaningfully, squinting to the side and pressing his lips together.

"That's why I said you'd better not read it."

"WHAT, wait, wait! They write bullshit, don't they Ozzie? It's bullshit, right!"

No response. Ozzie continued to look to the side and began plucking loose feathers from his fur. Played with his mane - and grinned way too boldly.

Oh shame! Fizz's jaw dropped, and he slumped, slowly turning back to the newspaper. A lump formed in his throat, and he swallowed while his head got so hot blood rushing in his ears.

"You're shitting me!" he croaked in a shaky voice, tensing more and more. "M-meaning ... the whole ring noticed that we ...!"

With a surprisingly casual nod, Ozzie turned to him, propped one hand on the mattress, and raised a brow meaningfully.

"I'm afraid that's exactly the way it is."

Fizz's eyes grew wider and wider, and he didn't know whether to scream or laugh. In a fit of anger and embarrassment, he ripped the glasses off his nose, threw them on the bed, and threw his arms in the air, gesticulating wildly. A few times he opened his mouth, but not a word passed his lips. Instead, he placed a hand over his eyes and groaned. Fell over backwards onto the mattress.

"This just can't be true ...!"

"Oh, don't take it too hard, Fizzi. No need to be embarrassed. As much as I enjoy your embarrassment~" Ozzie pursed his lips smugly and his head feathers twitched, causing Fizz's cheeks to glow. "There's nothing wrong about this. Really. It's happened to me before.... Look at it this way. Now all the stupid rumors are brushed off and everyone knows you can bring it up."

Ha! And that was supposed to calm him down or what? Groaning, Fizz pressed the newspaper to his face, kept shaking his head.

"This has happened to you before!? And what exactly is that supposed to mean? Does this happen every time we fuck now or what? Does the whole ring notice it every time?! As some kind of mega-orgy?!" Which, strictly speaking, couldn't be true. Back when Fizz had started at Ozzie's, Asmodeus had ended up in bed with someone each night, and there had been no magical orgasmic waves back then! To his relief, Ozzie shook his head and laughed. How nonchalant he was about the whole situation was incredible. Frowning, Fizz squinted from behind the newspaper, tapping the tip of his tail impatiently on the mattress.

"No. It doesn't happen every time. If it did, the Lust Ring might dispose itself because no one would get done anything anymore. It only happens to me on ... special occasions."

Special occasions? Fizz frowned before it dawned on him. He took the paper from his face and gawked at Ozzie, stunned.

"Because I fucked your 'predator' ?" he asked wryly, wishing in an instant that he hadn't said anything. Ozzie's grin turned into a mischievous visage. Again he shrugged before sliding into the pillows with Fizz in one fluid motion. Propping his head up on one hand. And. Continued. Grinning.

Fizz's eyes nearly popped out off their sockets and his mouth twitched in disbelief.

"You're serious?!"

"No. And yes. Among other things? Who knows?"

That was ... no answer at all, and grumbling, Fizz pulled a face. Ozzie chuckled and began stroking Fizz's metal arm with his free hand, letting his middle and index fingers slowly stroll up to Fizz's shoulder. His green eyes focused on Fizz’s face and as he spoke, countless blue flames escaped. They seeped down on Fizz and as they touched his skin, he shuddered. He loathed fire ever since the accident. But the feeling of Ozzie's flames touch ing his skin was incredible. Like a sensual tingle. Like bathing in bubbling champagne!

"Just figure it out~," Ozzie cooed, and the suggestion caused Fizz's groin to ignite a fire all of its own. Of course ... Of course! T he whole ring had just witnessed Fizz fucking their King and the only thing said K ing was thinking about was doing it again! Damn repeat offender!

Again, Fizz shook his head, noticed the corners of his mouth twitching more and more - and finally, he slapped the paper in Ozzie's face without further ado. He started laughing out loud, unable to suppress it any longer.

"This is nuts!" he shouted, rolling back and forth. Of all the crazy things that had happened to him, this was the craziest! "Everybody warned me and now it happened ... I have fucked with all Hell!" Well, at least all of Lust Ring! Oh Lucifer! Helplessly, Fizz snorted into his hands, unable to regain his composure as his tail twisted and turned and writhed like a snake gone wild.

Before he could calm himself, a considerable weight pressed down on his belly, and he gasped for air, peering out from between his fingers to discover Ozzie's head on his belly, or rather, his entire torso - a sly grin on his lips. His hands had wrapped around Fizz's legs, slowly pushing them apart so he could settle between them. He stretched his butt playfully in the air, his colorful tail feathers set high to impress Fizz. The pose made a rather silly picture and yet Fizz shuddered. Now that Ozzie was back to his normal size, he looked a lot more imposing and a familiar tingle spread through him.

"Not enough yet, huh?" he brought out, at which Ozzie shook his head, wiggling his butt provocatively.

"Oh, no! One round isn't enough, sorry. Take this as a warning. I'm insatiable!"

"Is that so? Sounds dangerous to me. Maybe I should watch my back." Lasciviously, Fizz ran his fingers over Ozzie's lips before they moved to his chin, tickl ing him. Satisfied, Ozzie sighed, made a guttural sound, and let more flames dance, beginning to glow from within.

"The Lust Ring better watch their back. They've got a busy day ahead of them," he purred seductively, but then faltered and raised his head slightly, looking thoughtfully at the door. "They should be careful indeed. Do you think we should put out a press release? As a warning? Accidents occur every time this happens."

A ... press release!?

Oh, wouldn't Fizz' know Ozzie better ... But he knew him, and knew the big dummy was seriously thinking about it! Laughing, Fizz threw his head back, kicking his legs, which were still in Ozzie's grip.

"Oh by Satan, please! Please, do this! I want to see the faces of all those idiots out there when they read this! Wait, wait ... we need the right words! Let's try it on a person al level! Dear inhabitants of Lust, your King is freshly in love and extremely horny and has decided to fuck his lover all day long and spread waves of lustful energy all over his territory, simply because he can. So beware, spontaneous violent orgasms must be expected! Sorry for the inconvenience. Have a great day! LYL Smiley face Asmodeus!" Overly dramatic, Fizz threw one hand to his chest and the other to his forehead like he would faint at any moment, whereupon Ozzie began to cackle loudly - making Fizz's whole body vibrate.

"Sounds scandalous!" Licking his lips, Ozzie rested his head back on Fizz's torso, running his thumbs up and down Fizz's legs, sending little lightning bolts through his body and making him quiver. "So, are you going for it anyway?"

"If you're so keen on not being able to walk at all ... why not?"

A giggle sounded and hot breath rushed over Fizz's chest. He swallowed hard.

"Even if I don't adapt like yesterday this time? Remember, it depends on your desires," Ozzie mumbled into Fizz's belly, sinking his green tongue into his belly button, whereupon Fizz arched his back, grabbing Ozzie's mane and holding onto it.

Ah, right. Fizz's desires had implications for the way they would do it, and briefly he hesitated. Admittedly, it was a challenge when he looked at the big body bending over him expectantly. On the other hand… Curiosity and a spark of joyful excitement took possession of him.

"Why not, actually? What could possibly happen?"

The glow in Ozzie increased, enveloping him in a shallow frame of fire, and enthusiastically he beamed at him, wiggling his butt even more. Fizz snorted.

"Oh boy, are you keen to be stuffed. Like a holiday chicken."

At that, Asmodeus froze. Perplexed, he gawked at Fizz and then pursed his mouth, rolling his eyes. But it wasn't long before his dazzling smile returned.

"Cheeky bastard ... calling me that! Very sexy. Really. Thank you, Fizz," he complained pompously, but then snuggled against Fizz's chest and began to nibble on him, eliciting a gasp from Fizz. "But I confess. It had been a long time ... far too long. I liked the feeling of your thick hard cock inside me. The way you came inside me~ So exciting!"

Powerful goosebumps haunted Fizz, landing a direct hit. Shit, the guy knew just what to say to get him turned on.

"Always at your service," Fizz murmured. If the horny cock needed it that bad, there was nothing standing in their way, and Fizz was all too willing to give him whatever he wanted. Until he suddenly faltered. A nonsensical thought came to him as he remembered Asmodeus' words. Really completely nonsensical. After all, he was talking about a deathly sin here. And yet ... Fizz cleared his throat.

"Question," he muttered, trying to concentrate for a brief moment.

"Mmm?" W as all that came from Ozzie, who was too busy maltreating Fizz's chest. Licking over the sensitive white scars.

"Sounds stupid ... but, um ... can you get pregnant? Then maybe we should ... play safe ?"

Ozzie faltered. Raised his head slowly. Glared at Fizz.

He fell silent. Fizz as well.

Then Ozzie laughed and waved it off.

"No, no. That's impossible."

There was a pause in which Ozzie nodded to himself. Bared his teeth. Then his smile crumbled. His gaze met Fizz's. And they understood each other.

Fuck!

They threw themselves up, jumped out of bed at the same time, and hurried off. Because, by Lucifer, there was one or two things they urgently needed to sort out! And they had to do it IMMEDIATELY!

Chapter Text

Chapter 32

Sentimental Sounds

"Okay. Wow. That's really sad."

Shaking his head, Fizz put his hands on his hips and eyed the battlefield called the living room. By day, the mess he'd made looked even worse than it had last night, and though part of him found the whole thing relatively funny, an old habit kicked in, and he tensed. This was going to be expensive ... extremely expensive. Not just the repairs, but various new purchases would have to be made. After all, the sofa had learned to fly and the rest of Ozzie's belongings didn't exactly look like they were cheap either. The best thing he could do was to calculate the damage as quickly as possible - which would probably kill his savings. Like before, he spent little, especially since Ozzie paid for almost everything but Asmodeus certainly wouldn't let him get away with that …
Instead of getting a response, a heavy curse came from the bedroom and loud displeased footsteps sounded in the penthouse. Slowly, Fizz lend back, glanced down the hallway and raised a brow. Like a startled chicken, Ozzie paced up and down the bedroom, holding the phone tightly in his hand and cursing impatiently.

"What's taking her so long! This is serious!" Ozzie hissed, at which Fizz swallowed. If the matter were not indeed serious, he would find the picture hilarious. He had never seen his prince so agitated, and nervously he bit his lips.

Well, they had brought this on themselves, so they had somehow to get out of it, and after their first initial panic attack - which had lasted for about an hour - all they could do now was wait. If only Fizz had not said anything ... It was his fault that Ozzie was so worried; after all, he had brought up the issue. And had squirted into Ozzie …

That Ozzie's whore Zarah, of all people, was helping them out turned his stomach, though, and with two big steps he reached the bedroom.

"We've got to keep a cool head. Everything going to be okay." He tried to convince the both of them and extended his arms, wrapping them around Ozzie's neck and pulling himself up, leaning over his shoulder and snuggling against him.

"How can you stay so calm!?" his prince hissed in response, while Fizz shrugged.

Stay calm. Ha. He was just a good actor, that was all.

"Denial. Very simple. I'm pretty good at that. Just try not to think about it."

"That's easy for you to say! It's not you who is facing a possible ... pregnancy! Just imagine ... The King of Lust and a brat! Oh God!"

Fizz snorted. Ozzie mouthing that word said a lot. Still, Ozzie was very troubled and Fizz decided to distract them with what he could do best: joking around. Emphasizing nonchalance, he slid over Ozzie's shoulder and dangled around his neck like a necklace, winking up at him.

"Then it would be a changeling ... wicked!!!"

"Stop making fun!"

"I'm not. Whatever happens, I'm here for you. Just let me know the cost every month and I'll send you money." Chuckling, he waved it off as Ozzie's green eyes pierced him like arrows ... the corners of his mouth twitched, however.

"Ah, so that's how it looks. You'd just bail out and leave me stranded?"

Displaying aloofness, Fizz shrugged.

"Sorry. I'm just trying to equal my father. And I think I'd do pretty well at not being there."

Disapproving Ozzie narrowed his eyes before he sighted dramatically and plopped backwards on the bed, pulling Fizz with him.

"And I thought you loved me!" he wailed exaggeratedly, and when the words left his lips, silly as they were meant to be, Fizz froze. His heart leaped, and he cleared his throat, hesitating for a moment. Slowly, he braced himself up and looked down at Ozzie.

"I do," he declared as less concerned as possible, even though his insides twisted at this renewed confession. His hands entangled in Ozzie's feathers, and he dropped down, snuggling against Ozzie's broad chest. "And I said I don't share. Applies to a brat as well." Which, of course, was complete bullshit. Who would be jealous of their child? On the other hand ... he and Ozzie just got together, and he wanted to enjoy the time with him. Focus on him. Just on him.

He sighed, listening to Ozzie's fierce heartbeat and enjoying the warmth he radiated. Felt it spill over to him, and he shuddered, licking his lips. Shit... If they wouldn’t have to deal with this nonsense, Fizz would love to fuck the big blue douchebag right again. All the excitement was absurd anyway. Fizz was an imp. Ozzie was a high class demon. A sin! Maybe even a completely different being... Never could Fizz impregnate him. He couldn’t reveal that to Ozzie, though, but neither would a jester demon be able to impregnate him! Maybe he could try to lighten the mood and distract them with a little action. Seeing him so upset didn't sit well with Fizz. Slowly he loosened one of his arms around Ozzie's neck and traveled down his side. Let it rest on Ozzie’s hip. No matter how upset he was, still Ozzie hadn't bothered to get dressed. Which made it even harder for Fizz to resist him …

Immediately Ozzie's head feathers twitched and to Fizz's amazement Ozzie gawked speechlessly

"To think I would even say that. But … are you serious?" Surprised, he blinked at Fizz, whereupon he bit his lips.

"You talked about round two earlier. Lets finish it~"

"But not now. Not until we have certainty. And take precautions!"

Precautions? Urg, annoying. Fizz sighed, but left his hand where it was. Hopefully the great Zarah would stick to Ozzie's ‘shopping list’ ... or Fizz would march off and shop in person no matter what Ozzie would say about it! Nothing could stop him, because he still had a few things in mind for the big cotton candy mountain. A lot in fact! That it had to be her, of all people, still gnawed at Fizz. Nothing to do about it... Too bad that Ozzie's sister Beelzebub was just as much of an ass as the clown.

Ozzie had contacted her first, hoping to learn more from a princess of hell about how royal demons and lower scum reproduce. Instead of answering, she had laughed. Fizz had been able to hear it through the phone in the penthouse. Then she had hung up and when Fizz had seen the flames that had surrounded Ozzie afterwards, he had started looking for the fire extinguisher.
Zarah had been second on Ozzie’s list ... dear, great, helpful Zarah, whom the big dork had taken completely confided in. On the PHONE! What an idiot … but at least she was helping them. At least she was good enough to do that.

Grumbling, Fizz drew circles on Ozzie's hip and sighed longingly.

"Well. Since Zarah sweetie is about to come with our anti-pregnancy survival pack anyway," he reasoned aloud, letting his hand wander lower. "There is nothing wrong with round two, right?"

For a long moment, Ozzie looked at him, not even a twinkle in his eye. But the two other faces in his mane betrayed him. The sheep languished longingly at Fizz, while the bull grinned insinuatingly at him and let his eyebrows dance. He was so easy to see through. But Ozzie stood his ground. Stroked Fizz's chin instead.

"There's nothing I'd rather like to do. Believe me. But ... let me have certainty. I can't let myself go, and it wouldn't be in the spirit of lust."

"Is it then in the spirit of lust to leave his lover hanging in the air like that?"

Again Ozzie's feathers twitched, but this time not because he perceived Fizz lust. A telltale dark shade spread across Ozzie's face as well and pouting, he looked to the side. A glorious sight, and grinning broadly, Fizz leaned down to Ozzie while his tail swung wildly through the air.

Ozzie opened his mouth when the elevator bell sounded and threw himself up – and let go of Fizz. Surprised, Fizz cried out, but found his balance before he would slam to the floor. Careless idiot!

"That must be Zarah!"

Before Fizz could even blink, Ozzie hurried down the hall, leaving him in the bedroom. Displeased, Fizz stood himself up and shook his head. He hadn't even gotten dressed ... as far as that was concerned, his prince truly knew no inhibitions.

But then Fizz faltered and widened his eyes. Unlike Ozzie, he didn't want the stupid whore to stare at his screwed-together, scarred body. Especially since she had eyed his prostheses so skeptically before.
Before the elevator doors opened, Fizz jumped into the dressing room and pulled out shorts, a shirt, and a bathrobe from his closet. Covering as much of himself as he could, he checked his foolscap and pulled it even tighter.

Voices rang out in the hallway and finally Fizz trotted from the dressing room to the bedroom, where he stood in the doorway and crossed his arms.

As expected, it was Zarah who nonchalantly entered the penthouse. Ozzie ran around her like a startled rabbit, at which Fizz sighed. His gaze wandered to the elevator, where he spotted Fred. The bellhop didn't look that good. Fizz's little push yesterday had probably been stronger than he thought, because a black eye adorned his face. Briefly Fred looked over at Fizz, but instead of his usual effusive greeting, he just stared at him, narrowed his eyes - and finally disappeared behind the elevator doors. Ouch. Somebody was pissed ... Never mind, he could deal with that later. Now he had to take care of Ozzie and his appendage.

He marched casually toward the two standing by the stairs leading to the living room. Restlessly, Ozzie shifted his weight while Zarah eyed the battlefield wide-eyed.

"Holy shit, what happened here?" she asked, stunned, at which Fizz snorted.

" I happened here," he replied coolly, at which she turned her head to look at him. For a brief moment, heat flared in Fizz's cheeks, knowing she knew. But in an instant, pride overtook, and he grinned broadly at the bitch. Well. Ozzie hadn’t drop him. She had been wrong!

"Hi, bitch," he fluted in a melodic singsong, at which she raised her brows and then returned his grin.
"Hi, booth blower. It seems you've put our dear Ozzie in a tricky position. But you're lucky. Your trusted gynecologist, Dr. Zarah, is stepping up and always ready to help!" With that, she held up a pharmacy bag, which Ozzie snatched from her hand.

"Give me that!"

The next moment, a huge blue whirlwind rushed past them toward the bathroom, nearly knocking them off their feet. Dumbfounded, Fizz blinked and took a moment to compose himself. What had just happened?

"Oh dear, the poor guy's pretty rattled," Zarah muttered, shaking her head. "Hey Oz-man. I hope you realize those tests aren't going to kick in just yet. Just swallow the pill and be done! That stuff is the best you can get in Hell. Works a hundred percent!" she shouted down the hallway, at which a demonic "Shut the fuck up!" rang out from the depths of the bathroom.

Fizz couldn't help it, a laugh crawling up his throat that he had to forcefully hold back because it truly was a laugh of despair. Shit. They were so screwed!

"Leave him be. I told him the same thing. But he won’t listen," Fizz stated, twisting his wrist around itself a few times. Instead of answering, Zarah eyed him insistently, then tapped her finger against her cheek.

"And you? Ozzie panicking doesn't surprise me. But what about you?"

Grinning, Fizz swallowed the big lump in his throat, playing poker as perfectly as he could.

"Somebody's got to keep a clear head. Calming a raging deathly sin is not easy."

No answer. Zarah just gawked, then suddenly grinned and winked at him.

"Come on. We'll get you a drink." With that, she stepped over the overturned bookshelves and stalked across the living room toward the bar. Perplexed, Fizz watched her go, squinting once more to the bathroom before carefully following suit.

"Forget it. The bar was my first victim."

However, Zarah didn't respond, disappearing into the remains of what had once been the bar, and not a second later, a triumphant exclamation rang out.

"HA! We're saved! The vodka survived!" Her hand shot up, holding a vodka bottle. It clinked and splintered a bit, then the rest of her reappeared. Along with three shot glasses. With the help of her wings, she fluttered around the overturned counter before spotting the coffee table and setting it up again.

"There we are," she murmured and began to fill the glasses. "Like a wise woman once said? Two shots of vodka~" She chuckled - and filled the glasses to the brim. Two shots were an understatement, but when she held the glass out to Fizz, he accepted it and drank it in one go without hesitation.

"Good boy. Here." She refilled a glass for him before emptying her own as well. Then she suddenly faltered and covered her mouth to prevent spitting the drink all out again. Wide-eyed, she looked at Fizz, who blinked in confusion. "Oh shit. I forgot, you're on medication, right? ... is this even okay?"

Fizz's confusion grew and he frowned.

"What does it matter to you?"

"Oz told me about it. That you need meds all the time because of those robot things. It really sucks, I'm sorry." Friendly, she leaned toward him and gestured with one hand toward the bathroom. "If Oz finds out I'm getting you drunk when you're on meds, he'll snap my neck. He's strict about that sort of thing. So let's just keep this between us, okay?"

Ooookay. This morning was getting more and more weird and Fizz opened his mouth, then ran his hand over his eyes. Great! Great! Was the big idiot now spreading Fizz's tale of woe to all of Hell or what!?

"And what else did he tell you?" Fizz murmured and immediately regretted the question. Grinning, Zarah licked her lips before she turned and marched off with a lascivious sway of her hips.

"I know everything, baby~" she sang in amusement, but then faltered and stopped at the empty space where the couch had been. "Where's the couch?"

Clearing his throat, Fizz pointed to the large hole in the window behind him, not commenting further. Zarah formed a big O with her mouth before nodding.

"I see. So the bomb did go off. I warned Ozzie, after all."

"Warned? Tse. You threw yourself at him, used your damn pheromones and fed him! Don't you dare do that again. He's mine, understood!? I'm the only one who feeds him! If you touch him again, I'll shred you to pieces!"

The smirk that flitted across Zarah's face hit Fizz surprisingly hard and his head went boiling hot. Shit, had he just said that out loud? Was that okay? How much did she even know? But Zarah waved it off and took another sip.

"Sorry, but I gave you the same warning. I just wanted Ozzie to be happy. I would have been up for more, too, you know. As a former favorite it’s our duty. I don't know if you already know, but Ozzie has a deal with all his former favorites to feed again sometime when he feels like it. Think of the matter this way: even if you're totally into pineapple pizza with fruit loops topping, would you stay away from ever eating anything else again?” She sighed and Fizz raised his eyebrows. No! He didn't know anything about that matter and he would talk with Ozzie about it! Then again, it made sense in a messed up way, even if it didn't suit him. Zarah, meanwhile, continued. "Other than that, it’s true, the feeling during his feeding is thrilling … but all he wanted was his beloved Fizz." Zarah giggled and unceremoniously settled down on the carpet. Pulled up the remaining pillows and built a huge mountain of cushions, on which she made herself comfortable. "But that's the way it is with the big man. He always takes so long for everything. I hope he found the right words. He has a hard time with this kind of thing. But you have to understand that. Embodiment of Lust, a lot going on in his pants, little in the head. It's the first time he's really seriously in love, so you have to meet some expecta- mpf!"

Before the bitch could finish speaking, Fizz extended his arm and pressed a hand over her mouth. Pressing tightly, with the best fake smile he could master, he stared at her, literally piercing his gaze into her.

"Shut up~" he purred sugary sweet, realizing that she really meant EVERYTHING literally the way she had said it. Batting his eyelashes, he gave her his widest grin, showing his razor sharp teeth. Let them speak for themselves. "You better not tell anyone, sweetie~ It would ruin Ozzie."

Annoyed, Zarah pulled his hand from her mouth and shook her head.

"Don't panic. Oz didn't just call me because I used to be his favorite. He can trust me and so can you, freak. I know where you guys stand. And I'm happy for Oz. Believe it or not."

Fizz resisted believing this with all his might. He had been ready to hate this whore right from the start, and he hated her all the more now. Because he knew she was telling the truth, he could see it in her face. As casually as the words came across her lips, without any filter, she could only telling the truth.

Grumbling, he trotted over to her and dropped unceremoniously into the mountain of pillows beside her. Silently, he held his glass out to her - and she filled it up.

"I hate you," he announced, thinking it only fair to let her know, as bad as that lie might have come across. She laughed in response, which oddly relaxed Fizz.

"Oh, don't worry. I hate you too!" she chirped. "If you break Oz's heart, I'll find you wherever you're hiding and bite your dick off. Got that, Fizzarolli?"

Again a lump formed in his throat and again Fizz swallowed it down, then nodded and raised his glass to toast.

"Understood ... I won't." He certainly won't. It was probably more the other way around, but Fizz didn't want to think about that right now. Especially after they had just freshly - urg, how embarrassing - confessed their love to each other last night. The next moment, he got a hard smack to the back of his head, and shaking her head, Zarah slid into the pillows.

"And use a condom next time you want to fuck him, damn it," she reprimanded inappropriately, to which Fizz pursed his lips.

"How was I supposed to know, he was going to drop a bomb like that? I didn't know he was a hermaphrodite! It was all a bit much. I couldn't think straight."

"You mean your dick couldn't think straight. Typical male."

"Unfair! Especially since Ozzie is male, too! At least … part of him?"

"And he never thought about it, either. That's why. Typical! Safety first!"

"We're in Hell, bitch..."

"Yeah, great. And does that make it any better?" Meaningfully, Zarah pointed towards the bathroom and no sooner she had spoken a loud shout rang out.

Fizz jumped when, not a second later, Asmodeus rushed to them across the hallway.

Completely disheveled, he looked up and his expression couldn't be more dopey.

"Not pregnant!" he burst out and quickly Fizz pressed a hand over his mouth, fighting a fit of laughter, while at the same time relief flooded him. Like his entire body was one big noodle, he slid into the pillows and spread his limbs.

"Hallelujah!" he shouted, and with that he emptied his glass.

"Did you take the pill I got you, too?" Zarah asked, turning to Ozzie, who nodded, beaming. Light as a feather, he pranced over to them and threw himself into the pillows as well. Sighing, he made himself comfortable next to Fizz, pushing a floppy arm aside to take Fizz's hand in his and played with Fizz’s fingers. He seemed almost childlike, the way he gloated. Humming, even. Absolutely whimsical, considering the reason for his good mood. It made Fizz smile, and he was sure he looked like an idiot. An idiot in love ... Oh, Lucifer.

"Well then. One problem solved." With that, Zarah filled the third glass and handed it to Ozzie, who accepted it enthusiastically and emptied it in one gulp.

"What a decidedly crazy morning!" he proclaimed, shaking his head. "Horrible! Let’s hope it will never happen to us again!"

"There are plenty of condoms in the bag," Zarah explained casual, simply tossing the empty vodka bottle behind her. It clinked loudly, but the few more shards didn't make the disaster any worse. "Or else, you turn the tables and just fuck him, Oz. Then you won't have the problem."

"Oh, don't worry. I plan to!" Ozzie chirped, continuing to play with Fizz's hands and back to his old self, winking promisingly at Fizz. "But for now, I'd like to enjoy some more of his exquisite dick."

"I can understand that. Nothing beats a decent dick."

Lucifer Fucking Magne! Groaning, Fizz threw his head back. These two ... No wonder Zarah had been Ozzie's favorite. It was a match made in heaven!

"I need another drink. Urgently."

"No. What you guys need is a new couch."

At that, Fizz and Ozzie nodded simultaneously.

"True." Ozzie nuzzled his cheek against Fizz's hand before provocatively turning to his side, pulling a seductive pout and lifting his tail feathers up with some define intent. There was no longer any sign of his worry, instead he began to glow treacherously. Beside them, Zarah groaned and shook her head.

"Oh man. I can take a lot, but if you guys need privacy, I'll go. I won't torture myself."

"You could join us~ Fizzarolli had an interesting idea or two."

"Ozzie!" Fizz scathingly glared at his prince before his gaze bored into Zarah. Without taking his eyes off her for even a moment, he extended his arms, wrapped them around Ozzie's neck and pulled them flush together " No ." That was all he needed to say. With that, the matter was settled.

By Lucifer, where was the vodka when you needed it?

That started really well ...

Chapter Text

Chapter 33

Gentle Love

With a swollen chest and a wide grin on his face, Fizz strutted down the corridor of the club and headed for the back entrance, humming excitedly to himself.

By Lucifer, what a night! True, the show was already over and the after-show party was also drawing to a close, but hell, the star acts had rocked the stage today and in more than one way! Even Fizz had been turned on by their performance and that meant something. But why was he surprised? Asmodeus had a magic touche for hiring good acts besides the usual celebrities and after the last performance there had even been standing ovations, whereupon all the acts had returned to the stage to bask in the glorious applause.

But not only the acts. Fizz also had been called on stage once again. The audience had literally screamed for him and it had sent him into a frenzy of superlatives! All the praise, the clapping, the whistling and the shouts pushed his ego immensely and turned him into an over-excited, far too good-humored Cheshire cat. Which wasn't just due to his success.

It wasn't just the work that was going well. Everything else was going well, too! More than well. Everything was perfect! Simply perfect! He could hardly believe his luck! It was too absurd, too crazy, that the stupid deal between Ozzie and the clown had turned his life upside down AND ... that he had found in Lust of all places, what was frowned upon and hated here. Love.

He was madly in love - and was loved back! By the King of Lust himself! CRAZY! And he was enjoying it. Enjoyed every second, every minute that this high was rushing through his veins and made his heart skip. He clung to it, would love to rip the feeling out of himself and lock it up in a maximum security unit where it was safe. Where nobody could see it or break it …

Because no matter what Asmodeus said, what he and his prince had was a fragile thing. New and fresh and insane! But one mistake and he would loose both Ozzie and his new established image. Especially since his increasing popularity was not all his doing. If you fucked the King of the Lust and caused the entire ring to have an orgasm, you automatically become the most desirable person in the ring ... and ever since the club was booming like crazy, booked out for months. More and more, Fizz moved into the spotlight, was the number one topic, was mentioned in the same breath with all the big fish. With celebrities, with demon lords and overlords ... and of course with Asmodeus. If one spoke of the King, one spoke of Fizzarolli. And if one spoke of Fizzarolli, one spoke of the King.

The people were completely out of their minds and it didn't stop.

Finally, Fizz reached the back entrance, where he was expected, and his heart did a violent leap. Arms crossed behind his back and bobbing up and down on the soles of his feet, Ozzie stood there waiting for him. A satisfied expression was on his face and even from a distance Fizz heard the deep melodic hum of his angelic voice. Everything in him flipped over at the sight of the big cotton candy mountain, his brain shut down and without thinking any further, Fizz jumped, using his prosthesis like a springboard and threw himself at Ozzie, wrapping his arms around the feathery neck. Ozzie flinched briefly at the unexpected assault before laughing.

"Careful, careful! Don't get cocky!" his prince chirped gleefully, then shook his head. "There you are at last, what took you so long? I must have been waiting here for almost two minutes."

Oh, so that's what Ozzie was up for today? Well, goofy was what Fizz could best, and in playful dismay he clutched his chest.

"WHAT, two minutes!? Oh Lucifer, I totally lost track of time! But it was Elena's fault! Debriefing the evening and all ... she just wouldn't let me go. I'm deeply devastated! How can I ever repay that debt?"

Ozzie's laugh turned into a disreputable giggle and he put a finger under his chin, raising his brows meaningfully.
"By sexual favors, of course~"

Relieved, Fizz took a breath and wiped his forehead.

"Then I'm reassured. I was beginning to think something fancy was coming... Like fighting a hundred demons to gain your favor or shit like that. But I can live with that!"

Satisfied, Ozzie nodded, beaming at him enthusiastically, like a little kid who couldn't wait to get his lollipop. Delightfully naive and deviantly charming. Giggling, Fizz let his tail dance through the air and snuggled against Ozzie's soft chest, breathing in his pleasant scent.

HIS. This thought circled non-stop around in his head and that tingling high spread through him once more. Oh man, how he loved this silly banter with his prince. Knew that only he was allowed to do that. Nothing was too silly or too much for him and since they had spoken freely about everything, it felt like even the final wall Fizz had built around himself had collapsed. Finally he could let himself go. His prince went along with any bullshit, responded to him, endured his whims and drowned him in attention. Not to mention his unbridled lust. A fiery smile from him was enough and Fizz was head over heels.

Just like now. Instinctively, Fizz leaned forward, staring at Ozzie's lips. They hadn't seen each other since the begin of the show. Let alone touched ... But as Fizz went to touch Ozzie's lips, a finger slid in front of his mouth and Ozzie shook his head.

"Not here," he admonished quietly, peering down the corridor. Sullenly, Fizz grumbled and rolled his eyes. Though the club was deserted and only a handful of employees still roamed the halls, Ozzie remained overly cautious about intimate gestures. Fizz sometimes didn't understand where his delicate prince drew the line. Climbing on him was okay, so was touching him. Anything involving sex Ozzie welcomed enthusiastically, whether there were spectators or not. But kissing was a no-no at the club. So was saying those three little magic words. Ozzie had been more than clear about that. More than clear ... Especially after Fizz had kissed him anyway - in front of the staff, during one of the after-show parties. Oh man, thinking about Ozzie's subtle tantrum still made his ass hurt, but by now he could sit again and nothing stopped him from trying again and again. Especially since it was pretty shitty to be constantly being turned down, and pouting, Fizz pursed his lips.

"Yeah, yeah, I know ... but there's no one here anyway and resisting you is hard~"

A smug snort sounded in response and slowly Ozzie ran his finger over Fizz's lips, biting his own.

The next moment he wheeled around, pressing Fizz against the back door, shielding him with his broad shoulders from any possible eyes in the corridor. Their lips touched and he breathed a gentle kiss at Fizz. Way too fast, way too sweet, and yet addictive. When they moved away from each other, little blue flames remained on Fizz's lips, tingling, like freshly poured champagne, and a violent tremor rushed through Fizz's body. Shit ... Was that all? That was not enough! And his prince seemed to think exactly the same.

Growling, he trapped Fizz between the door and his body, and hot breath brushed Fizz's skin. Hot as fire, yet harmless. Lasciviously, Ozzie let the bells on Fizz's hat circle between his fingers - then he jerked back and shook his head.

"That will have to do ... As a foretaste," his prince voiced with high concentration, giving Fizz goosebumps. He knew what that meant and excitement spread through him. Whereupon Ozzie's feathers puffed up and his eyes glowed ominously. More flames danced through the air and elicited a laugh from Fizz.

It was he who set this off in Asmodeus. He made the King of Lust tremble with desire and it gave him a rush of a very different kind. Gave him a special form of power, which he had never possessed before and for which he yearned. For only he made Asmodeus feel this way. Only he.

"Then we should hurry home," he murmured, at which Ozzie nodded and opened the door.

The moment they entered the backyard, however, they were met with a storm of flashlights and Fizz froze, widening his eyes.

"Fizzarolli! Fizzarolli, here! Look here!"

"Asmodeus! Please, a photo! A photo!"

In a hast, Fizz raised a hand, shielding himself from the irritating flashes and pulled a face at the volume of the shouts. As much as those flattered him, the attention was getting more and more annoying and they were forced to endure the same shit every night!

Every night since the night of the orgy, fans were waiting for them outside the club. Even until after the after-show party. At first this had been fun and Fizz had been endlessly flattered; had given autographs and exchanged one or two memorized sentences with the waiting fans. Slowly, though, the situation became more and more obtrusive, especially since the freaks had figured out where the limo waited to take them to the penthouse in the evening ... where yet another crowd was waiting for them.
Asmodeus was used to such attention and found the behavior of the people highly amusing. Fizz always tried to keep his smile up, but it was late, he badly wanted to go home and was also extremely horny. Today he could do without fans and their stupid flashlights!

"Great ...", he groaned and took out his brand new heart-shaped sunglasses, putting them on. On the outside, they glowed in pink neon colors, but they shielded him well from the bright flashes.

"Don't worry. I'll watch over you," Ozzie whispered and squeezed him gently, maneuvering them past the screaming fans who were either enthusiastically shouting Awww and Ohh and celebrating the King and his favorite, or shouting obscene things at them about what they'd like to do to them or what they wished the two of them would do together. Preferably live and in color, here, in the middle of the street. Fizz rolled his eyes and snorted, showing the gawkers the middle finger as Ozzie opened the door of the limo.

"Sorry, no private shows, but thanks for being there! If you guys need it so badly, visit the club. There's all the kinky shit you can buy for cash! Toodeldoo, bitches!" he playfully hollered at the idiots, which was answered by more enthusiastic shouts.

"Fizzarolli, I want a child from you!" some demoness roared, to which Fizz blinked briefly behind his glasses before laughing out loud.

"Sure! As soon as hell freezes over!" With that, they entered the limo and Ozzie pulled the door shut surprisingly loud behind them, signaling Wally to drive off. Still laughing, Fizz plopped down in the seat next to Ozzie and continued to shake his head.

"Oh, Lucifer. These people are so stupid," he cackled as Ozzie raised a brow and looked through the mirrored windows at the crowd passing them. He crossed his arms and snorted snidely.

"It's really amazing how popular you've become. I'm thrilled."

Fizz furrowed his brows in surprise before he grinned broadly and settled down cross-legged next to Ozzie, resting his hand on his knees.

"Oho! What do my sensitive ears catch here? A hint of jealousy, perhaps?"

The feathers on Ozzie's head twitched suspiciously, and this time it wasn't because he felt arousal. He didn't answer, crossed one leg and started bobbing it, his face a pouting mess. Fizz grunted. So much for Ozzie abhorring jealousy, yet he wasn't much better himself. On the contrary. The King of Lust was extremely jealous and possessive. Only he didn't tend to smash everything around him in a fit of rage ... No. He became a flaming torch that set everything on fire.

"Aww. What's with the face? And I thought you liked it when these freaks cheer and celebrate me," Fizz continued to tease, extended his arm, digging a finger into Ozzie's thigh. Who growled in response, exhaling surprisingly dark flames.

"I do. And I don't begrudge you your success. Still, I loathe the way they drool over you." To Fizz's astonishment, the other two faces in Ozzie's mane displayed exactly the same expression, and he blinked in perplexity.
Should he be flattered now or ... rather worried? Because usually Asmodeus' other faces betrayed him and showed how he really felt, and if they were all three pouting with jealousy, the matter was serious.
Scarcely biting his lips, Fizz finally moved closer, propping his hands on Ozzie’s leg and looked up.

"That doesn't make sense, big man. Everybody's drooling over me at the club. And over you, too, for that matter. It's all part of the show."

"I know that myself!" his prince snapped, at which Fizz's giggles died and he faltered. Okay. Being bitched at wasn’t sexy at all, and Fizz narrowed his eyes, whereupon Ozzie groaned and ran with his fingers over his forehead. "Sorry," he muttered, and Fizz raised an eyebrow, getting an idea of what was going on.

Asmodeus was having an incredibly hard time with his newfound feelings. Especially since the night of the orgy... Before, he had been completely at ease with Fizz and had made no secret of his desires. Now, on the other hand, he seemed to put every emotion and any utterance on the gold scale - which, admittedly, amused Fizz extremely. And he had thought he was acting like a fool. But tonight he wanted no arguments and no serious topics, so he decided to tease Ozzie a little.
Perkily, he shrugged his shoulders.

"What's the matter? Are you scared I'm going to give in to them? I mean, these daily offers are really tempting~" he pushed his luck, because in addition to the bobbing leg, Ozzie's fingers were now also drumming dangerously slowly on his am.

"You wouldn't. You're not that easy. I've experienced that firsthand."

Fizz clicked his tongue and looked at Ozzie from over the rims of his sunglasses.

"Who knows? Unlike various other people, at least the chick wanted my kid. Is there any greater compliment than wanting to deal with my demon spawn for life?" The sideswipe was nasty, Fizz knew, and yet he played it off, watching with a grin as Ozzie slowly narrowed his eyes and leaned down toward him.

"You're walking on thin ice, Mr. Fizzarolli. Very thin ice," he murmured, and for the a split second uncertainty flickered up in Fizz. Had he perhaps gone too far after all? Was Ozzie seriously pissed off about these demons or was it just a whim? If so, Fizz knew all too well where it came from. From the very same place that had made Fizz demolish the penthouse ...

Appeasingly, he nestled his cheek against Ozzie's leg and sighed in surrender. He didn't want to mess with the big goof completely; the evening had been too good for that so far. Better to lock his tongue back in its cage before he talked his head off.

"And I thought you knew by now that you can’t take me seriously," he muttered, at which the pouting got worse at first, but then Asmodeus sighed and dropped his shoulders. Placing a hand on Fizz's back, he slowly ran it up and down.

"I thought the same of myself. But I confess, I can't always tell when you're serious about something or not. Because even if it would be hot and absolutely in the spirit of lust ... I increasingly dislike the idea of having to share you with these gawkers. I finally understand why you were so upset with me about Zarah … You belong to me and me alone."

Fizz didn't answer that, but quickly turned his head to the side, getting violent goosebumps. His prince didn't want to share him ... At the words, a glorious warmth spread through him and his tail curled like crazy. Luckily he was still wearing the sunglasses, otherwise Ozzie would realize how stupid he looked....

"Mmmh," chimed in the next moment, and like guessing his thoughts, Ozzie leaned down to him. "Why are you still wearing those, anyway? There aren't any more flashlights" Slowly, he put his index finger on the bridge, let it slip underneath, and pulled the glasses forward a bit. "Take them off. I want to see your pretty face."

Aaaand caught. Ozzie was just too good at reading emotions. Briefly, Fizz hesitated before taking the sunglasses off and squinting to the side, realizing out of the corner of his eye how Ozzie was biting his lips enthusiastically. A finger tucked under his chin, made him look up. Asmodeus glowered from within, and Fizz shuddered.

"That expression suits you. Don’t hide it behind that tacky thing," his prince breathed, at which Fizz snorted. Unconcerned, he shrugged and looked down at the sunglasses in his hands, smiling briefly.

"They're hideously tacky, I know, but I like them." He carefully ran his fingers over the heart-shaped glasses and sighed sheepishly. "I never had enough money to just buy bullshit because I thought it was cool. I think these things are cool! Horrible and screechy pink, but that's the point. Everything about them screams too much. They’re garish and crazy! And uber sexy! It suits me." Grinning, he stowed the sunglasses back in his pocket - and froze.

A knife bored into his shoulder, violently stabbing; piercing his flesh, only to be pulled out the next moment and stabbed again! Groaning, Fizz bent over and grabbed his shoulder, clawing into the fabric of his top and cursing. Damn it, it was starting again!

"Fizzi? Are you okay?" Before Fizz knew what was going on, he was lifted up like a limp cat and placed on Ozzie's lap, who eyed him anxiously. "Is it the shoulder again?"

Reluctantly, Fizz nodded, but swallowed the pain and grinned quickly, circling his arm and massaging the remaining joint, waving it off.

"It's all good! Just my old war wound. Will pass in a minute." Hopefully. It had hurt all night last time. Despite medication. Which he hadn't told Ozzie, though. He didn't want the big dork to worry. Or end up believing Fizz needed to be replaced like a broken toy ...

Eyeing him skeptically, Ozzie gingerly reached out and felt the sensitive sensors on his arm, making Fizz shudder.

"Mm, you've been wearing them for a long time now. Maybe it's time we do some maintenance. You're putting an extreme amount of stress on them, we should have them checked out."

Maintenance?

Fizz stomach turned at the meaning of those words and he quickly shook his head.

"No, no! No need for that! I'm fine! Really! It's not worth mentioning!"

"Fizz ..."

"I said I'm fine, damn it! Let's just go home, I'll pop some pills and be fine!"

"The meds can't cure everything. Especially since you take them way too irregularly. Or with alcohol ... You need to take care of the rest of your body, too, or you'll get sores on your joints. You should take them off."

Fizz's eyes twitched and without him being able to stop it, images flashed before his eyes. Of the hospital in Greed. Of the doctor. The impatient clown with the saw ... the sterile room he'd woken up in, with concrete-heavy machines on his body. The pain.

No! No maintenance!

With a leap, he fled to his seat, ducking his head and eyeing Ozzie with bared teeth, ready to lunge out of the car at any moment should Ozzie dare to grab him and do Lucifer knows what!

"I'll take care of my body myself! Because, well spotted, it's mine! Nothing is going to be taken off here, got it!? Conversation over!"

"But you- "

"Shut the fuck up!" he spat at Ozzie, waiting tensely and boring his eyes into Ozzie. The other returned his gaze expressionlessly. For a long time. Then he sighed - and gave in, looking out the window.

"Very well. Whatever you say ... But when you get home, you're going to take a long bath and I'm going to give you a massage. No arguments."

Relieved, Fizz exhaled, pretending to be as unimpressed as possible. Good. The subject was off the table.

Saying nothing they sat in the car. The silence spread, displaced the air and threatened to choke them whole. Ozzie gazed out the darkened windows at the city. There was neither euphoria nor concern in his features. Only that ghastly thoughtfulness that still made Fizz uneasy. That and a deep frown on the prince’s forehead. A very deep frown.

Shit. This just couldn't be true, now Fizz was feeling guilty and restlessness spread through him! This damned restlessness, which he had thought he had gotten rid of. But he had done nothing wrong! Nothing! Or ...?

For a while he stood stiffly on the seat, kneading his mechanical fingers, which made soft whirring noises whenever he stretched them and he swallowed. His shoulder began to throb and his head joined in. Maybe he shouldn't have screamed?

Cursing, he lowered his head before stepping back to Ozzie’s side. A few times he opened his mouth, unsure if he should actually say something. In the past, he wouldn't have, no way. His fear had been too great that Ozzie would throw him out, but that wasn't how he wanted the evening to end. No way. The idiot just didn't understand what he was talking about! What having his mechanical limps taken away really meant!

"Are you mad at me?" he finally grumbled awkwardly, his head felt very hot all of a sudden.

At first there was no answer. Only the hum of the car could be heard. Then a sigh sounded and all at once a big arm was placed around Fizz, pulled him back onto Ozzie's lap.

"Yes," came the bitter confession, and Fizz froze. His chest tightened and he squinted up at Ozzie. The other’s face was shrouded in dark shadow and he pursed his lips. "Because I care! But even more, because I don't want you to think I'm patronizing you. Which I don't. And I know you know that as well. So I'm all the more annoyed that you're accusing me of this! I'm just trying to help."

Fizz bit his lips.

"I know," he gritted out, noticing the uneasiness rising within him. Again he opened his mouth to curse, just couldn't get out what he actually wanted to say. Of course Ozzie wanted to help. He always did. He had already done so much for Fizz, more than he deserved, and it made Fizz sick. Swallowing, he rested his forehead against Ozzie's stomach and buried his face in the jacket, wrapping his arms around his waist. Several times.

"No maintenance. Please. Not yet. I-I'm not a machine you can take apart and put back together. I'm not one of your toys. I ... am not ready for this. Okay?" he mumbled into the soft fabric, glad to be able to hide his face. Tense, he listened to the silence of the car, waiting. Until, once again, a hand settled on his back, gently caressing him.

"I understand," Asmodeus whispered so terribly softly that Fizz almost felt sick. Urg, so much understanding. Far too much ... thank Lucifer. A certain other prince of Hell would have laughed in his face and just ripped them out of his body ... as he had done once before. He shuddered, whereupon the hand caressed him more intimately. Then a most dramatic sigh sounded.

"That you always have to make a drama out of everything right away. Why do I do this to myself anyway?" his prince announced exaggeratedly, and the playful tone in his voice relieved Fizz. He wrapped his tail around Ozzie's wrist and peeked out from his hiding place. Grinned lopsidedly.

"Because you love me?" he whispered innocently, batting his eyelashes a few times, to which Ozzie chuckled softly.

"That'll be it."

That shooed the restlessness out of his head and he slumped completely against Ozzie, enjoying his caresses and deciding to pay better attention in the future before attacking the big guy. His prince didn't deserve that and it only caused unnecessary tension. Fizz couldn't handle that.

"Do I still get a bath and a massage? Or was I too naughty for that?" he tried to lighten the mood, to which Ozzie immediately responded. Making a thoughtful sound, Ozzie slid down in his seat a bit and nodded.

"Yes. You've been naughty, but I'll show mercy. Because you're cute." With that, he pinched Fizz's cheek.

"And what about some food?"

Ozzie's giggle grew lighter and more sincere, making Fizz's heart leap. Meaningfully, his prince raised his brows, continuing to maltreat Fizz's face. Which Fizz reluctantly allowed. But better he let Ozzie have his way. That way they both got what they wanted.

"And what does your exquisite palate crave?"

The question was a valid one, and for a moment Fizz pondered.

"WackDonald's!"

"What?" Ozzie blinked in surprise, not seeming to understand at first, and Fizz tilted his head to the side. Could it be that Ozzie really had never heard of the store? Ha! Typical prince.

"WackDonalds. You know! That disgusting, greasy, unsatisfying burger joint. Or is that not appropriate enough for a Prince of Hell?"

"Appropriate or not is not up for debate. I'll go where I want. But if it's gross, greasy, and not filling ... why would you want to eat there?"

"For that very reason! Just to say afterwards how disgusting it actually is."

"That doesn't make sense, Fizzi."

"Please~ I'll suck your dick while you order. What do you think? Does that maybe make it more ... palatable?" Insinuatingly, Fizz winked at Ozzie, could hardly believe that actually an offer like this came across his lips. The Lust Ring, no, Asmodeus had corrupted him – and as expected, the big guy jumped at the stunt, starting to glow expectantly.

"Are you just offering me this because I was pissed and you want to appease me? Or because you want it?" he murmured hoarsely - which was another perfectly valid question. Guiltily, Fizz blinked, then nodded.

"Both," he confessed, "So, does it work?"

Ozzie hesitated for a moment, but the thought of what Fizz had in store for him made him seem to quickly forget his misgivings.

"Absolutely!"

Snorting, Fizz shook his head. It was so easy to wrap the big guy around his finger. But that Fizz loved about him. Everything about him. Which would probably be his downfall at some point. But hopefully there was plenty of time before that and he would have plenty to do til then... like getting Ozzie's huge dick in his mouth. That was an impossibility in his current form. But there were ways and means for everything and maybe he could even handle the size...

Chapter Text

Chapter 34

Gettin' it on

"Oh, Lucifer, that feels good ..." Groaning, Fizz arched his back and closed his eyes, enjoying Ozzie's dedicated massage. With each successive movement of his deft fingers, Fizz turned more and more into butter and the pain in his shoulder gradually eased. Sighing, he slid deeper, closed his eyes and bubbled into the water.

Shit, this was overdue! Especially after today's performance. But it had been worth it! By now he could spin so fast that any ballerina would tip her hat to him, and even his little acrobatic tricks were coming off better and better at the club. It was almost like in the old days. All the way back at the time where he just wanted to be on stage because he enjoyed it; because he enjoyed the cheering and the laughter. Because he loved bringing the characters and acts to life and because it sent him into a frenzy. Not because of money, because it was expected or he was forced to perform. Everything had become so simple and easy, so normal and practiced, yet every day offered an exciting new surprise.

Unpleasant, on the other hand, were the surprises his cybernetic prostheses gave him when he overdid it. Fortunately that Ozzie hadn't backed out because of their stupid argument - and he hadn't exaggerated, Ozzie was an incredible masseur. Not just when it came to erotic massages. Over all, Ozzie was very ... caring. As promised, he had ordered Fizz the disgusting slop from WackDonalds - and as promised, had received a blowjob. More or less. Fizz had made the best out of the situation, and once again he was glad he could stretch his robotic arms so much, because unlike their first night, Ozzie's body hadn't changed this time. Which had presented Fizz with quite a big challenge. But somehow it had worked out, and he could be glad that his prince had been prepared for anything and that they had been able to clean up the mess that had been made.

Cotton candy ... today he had tasted like cotton candy. Oh Lucifer, the guy was just beyond belief! Had turned into a limpet afterwards and had held Fizz close and caressed him and showered him with kisses and praised him ... Silly. And so flattering that Fizz wanted to sink into the ground with shame. Why was it that he was happy as a lark every time Ozzie praised him? Especially when it came to things like this!?

Either way, his prince hadn't been able to keep his hands off him after that and had carried him up to the penthouse on his hands - past all the gawkers who were laying in wait for them there, too - where, as promised, he had prepared a bath.

A wonderful, hot bubble bath, of which hot steam even now floated in the air and made Fizz's head all woozy. Ozzie's massage added the finishing touch and one sigh after another escaped Fizz. More and more he relaxed and let the wonderful water soften him up as if he were a sponge. He was so lucky that his prostheses were waterproof. Such infinite luck. Whereby Ozzie had certainly not thought unselfishly in that regard. Baths together were something the big guy liked a lot, and now that Fizz no longer shied away from Ozzie's presence, they did it regularly.
He had even found a solution to his horn-under-the-hood problem. As silly as it may have looked, he had simply twisted the tips of his hat into a braid and pinned it up. Asmodeus' completely perplexed face, when he had come into the bathroom with it for the first time, had been worth the effort, but otherwise he had said nothing. Only gawked. Ozzie eyed him a little too closely lately when it came to Fizz's foolscap, but Fizz pushed those thoughts of his mind with all his might.

At the moment he wanted to think about something nice ... and conveniently, that was sitting right behind him. Or rather, he was sitting on Ozzie's lap so he wouldn’t drown in the huge bathtub. With one hand, Ozzie massaged him, while in the other he held a tablet and looked at different couches. After Fizz's outburst, they already had purchased a lot of new stuff, but they hadn't decided on a new couch yet.

"What do you think of this one?" Ozzie asked at one point, holding the tablet out to him. It showed a big black leather couch, and Fizz frowned.

"Leather sticks to your skin when it gets warm," he mused aloud, even though his prostheses probably wouldn't have much of a problem with it. Ozzie laughed in response and nodded.

"Touché, there I agree with you. And it can certainly get ... hot up here." Meaningfully, he winked at Fizz, who at first blinked in confusion until he understood the innuendo. Snorting, he rolled his eyes. He really hadn't meant it that way, but it was obvious what Ozzie immediately thought of again.

"What about this one?" Fizz asked after looking at a few other models. The one he showed to Ozzie matched much better color-wise, the fabric looked softer, it was washable, and the U-shape appealed to Fizz. The reclining area was even large enough for Ozzie to get comfortable on either side. Thoughtfully, Ozzie picked up the tablet again, eyeing Fizz's selection and reading through the descriptions before tapping his chin and finally nodding.

"Oh yes, an excellent choice! You have a good eye for it. I'll order it right away!"

Surprised, Fizz moved his head back and looked up at Ozzie.

"What? Just order it? Shouldn't we kind of ... well, look at it first?"

Laughing, Ozzie waved it off and tapped away on the tablet.

"Nonsense Fizzi. I order it, they deliver it, and when it's in the living room and we're laying on it and we don't like it, they pick it back up. It's that simple!"

Tse, only a spoiled, filthy rich demon prince could say that. Shaking his head, Fizz peered at the tablet again, then faltered. Ozzie was already completing the ordering process when the price came into Fizz's field of vision. Surprised, he extended an arm, pulled the tablet back toward him - without Ozzie letting go of it, and held it right in front of his nose. Wanted to make sure his lousy eyes were reading correctly.

"WHAT, THAT'S the prize?!"

Reluctantly, Ozzie nodded, stroking his back placatingly.

"Yes. Quality comes with a price. But please don't worry about it at all. I'll take care of it, of course."

"Ha! My ass! We said we'd furnish the penthouse together, and since it was me who trashed the old couch, I'll pay for the new one. But ... that's not the point."

"Then what is it?"

Embarrassed, Fizz scratched the back of his head as a grin crept onto his lips. It was true. So far they had picked out much of what Fizz had broken together, slowly making the penthouse truly their home. That it wasn't only Ozzie who was stuck with the cost and paid for everything had been very important to Fizz ... Which made him all the more surprised when he saw the price of the couch, because all at once he realized something.

"I ... I can pay for that! Ha!" it escaped him and gleefully he let his legs splash through the water. "Easily, in fact! I've got enough money to buy us this fucking expensive luxury couch! Even though that dumb clown is still getting cash from me." His grin grew wider and wider, and he began rocking back and forth on Ozzie's lap. So much money ... and he could afford it. Wouldn't even be broke afterwards! Oh man, if Blitzo could see him now! The fucker's jaw would drop.

Behind him, Asmodeus chuckled and cooed, snuggling up to Fizz.

"It's always a pleasure to see you so exuberant. Let's order that couch now, then.”

"No! I want to order it! Gimme, gimme!" With that, Fizz grabbed the tablet, pulled it toward him, and bit his lips. His heart made a nervous jump, but then he hit the order button - and the order was completed!

"HA!" it escaped him and he jumped. Oh, by Satan! He had really done it! Not only could he spend that amount of cash and could just send the couch back if it didn't fit him, thanks to the Asmodeus bonus, it would be their couch. In their shared penthouse. It was his contribution to it! Besides the regular groceries, since Ozzie was a complete dork who had everything delivered and a few other things of course they had replaced. But these things meant so much to him. Made him feel like he was on equal terms with his prince. Truly his mate.

Satisfied, he cackled to himself, curled his tail and leaned back against Ozzie's hand, making himself comfortable.

Ozzie eventually continued his delightful massage, but didn't put the tablet down. He seemed to be reading something, which was basically no problem. But the more intensely he read, the less he concentrated on the massage, whereupon Fizz pulled a face.

"Hey, don't just stop. That kind of behavior scares customers off," he grumbled after a few minutes of Ozzie's big hand holding him like a stuffed animal. Asmodeus, however, didn't react, didn't take his eyes off the tablet, and grinned to himself. Displeased, Fizz frowned and let his tail whip through the water.

"What are you reading?"

"Oh, nothing in particular. Just the latest reviews of the show."

Show reviews? Fizz swallowed and looked out at the water with a grin, watching the mounds of foam that floated dignified across the surface.

"So, what's wrong with the freaks now? Are my performances too lame? Am I not funny enough? Am I not sexy enough? Is it the acts? The music? The food?" Whatever it was, people always find something to complain about. That was just the way Hell was.

Ozzie just chuckled in response, though, winking at him mysteriously.

"Here. Look for yourself." With that, he held the tablet in front of Fizz nose. Fizz squinted his eyes to be able to read anything at all, and finally he recognized the club’s freshly revamped homepage - and the review section exploded! Hundreds of positive ratings, five-star reviews and comments were placed there - and the more Fizz read of them, the harder his heart began to pump.

People were ... raving about the club! About the ambience, the performances, the variety in the program, the exclusivity, the decency, despite the blatant erotic numbers and of course about Asmodeus. They were praising him to the heavens, longing to get a glimpse of him, since his performances were rare.

But above all, they raved ... about him. About Fizzarolli! Of his wit, his charm, his ribaldry. They all loved this combination and one comment after the other talked about their experiences at Ozzie's. That the club had become much more charming since Fizz was the host. That he was the best thing that could happen to the club, how wacky the performances were with his prostheses, and that they wanted to see him and Ozzie doing stuff together ...

But what they talked about especially often, worryingly often, was that they all wanted to get him laid. So many praised him and in the same breath described how they wanted to fuck him. Or that they wanted Fizz to fuck them. How horny and sexy he would be. They all drooled over the orgasm he had given Asmodeus and hoped that it would happen to them ... And it just didn't stop there, became even more explicit. Disgusting, even, to Fizz's taste. So when the comments started about how he could shoot the perfect tentacle porn with his prosthesis and they came around the corner with amputation fetishes, he was fed up and didn't know whether to be concerned or flattered.

Still... the praise made his inside burn. When had this happened? When had he become such a celebrity?

"Oh look! I like that one best~" Ozzie cooed, pressing Fizz to him, and a warm breath brushed Fizz's damp neck. "I don't know what's going on with Fizzarolli, but he's really going off! He's flying over the stage like an exotic bird at mating season! Whoever he's trying to attract with this courtship dance, shit, it's working for me!" Ozzie chuckled slyly and his grip on Fizz tightened. Purring, he nuzzled him close and exhaled many many little blue flames that rained down to the water and died down there. "Such a good question. What in all hell might be going on with Fizzarolli? Hmm?" The comments obviously turned him on, and Fizz gulped. His eyes were still fixed on the tablet and his chest was seething with joy, pride, but also embarrassment.

Grinning, he pressed his forehead against the tablet before he let his arm lunge forward and propelled the thing onto a shelf. Just far away! If he read any more, he'd roll over in glee. Or he'd hide before one of those crazy demons crawled out of the screen with some spell to pounce on him in the tub ...

"Drugs," he replied casually, shrugging his shoulders. "He must be on a trip. No other explanation for it. Way too good-humored, way too entertaining. He is definitively high!"

"High? So? And what drug exactly makes him 'go off' like that?" Ozzie nestled his forehead against the back of Fizz's head and pulled him close, placing his hands on Fizz's legs and stroke his fingers up and down. Underwater, the transmission of the sensors was somewhat delayed, and yet Fizz shuddered as he perceived the touch, closed his eyes, and bit his lips with a grin.

"Blue Fire," he replied matter of factly, at which Ozzie laughed softly. Despite the humidity and steam, Fizz felt feathers rise and Ozzie growled hoarsely.

"Sounds dangerous!"

"It is ... But it is irresistible."

Another laugh. That damned heavenly laugh. Fizz melted away and pressed against the feathers in his back, put his hands on Ozzie's that were still running up and down his thighs. His legs finally being pushed apart.

"And you wonder, about my jealousy… hell loves you~," Ozzie finally breathed to him, at which Fizz shuddered and closed his eyes.

"They love the one and only Fizzarolli. They would hate Fizz..." he murmured, and a pleasurable moan escaped him as Ozzie's fingers began drawing circles on the insides of his thighs.

"I don't hate Fizz," Ozzie whispered, running his long neon tongue along Fizz's neck. "And I'm glad they don't know the real Fizz. Because he’s mine."

"Well, you're a freak for whining cripples."

"Naughty. I don't want you calling yourself that."

"It’s the truth."

"Not for me. I ...," he paused for a moment before he continued, lowering his voice so only Fizz could hear him, "... like you as you are. With or without prostheses."

At that, Fizz quirked his mouth, thinking of their argument in the limo, and his tongue got the better of him again.

"More likely without, if you have your way ... just like the freaks in the reviews. I guess you're into amputated limbs now. Pervert!"

Ozzie snorted, though, nibbling Fizz's neck unimpressed as circling fingers finally settled on his crotch, making Fizz twitch.

"Even though I'm fascinated by every kind of kink and fetish, I must confess that acrotomophilia is not one of my personal preferences. Forgive me if I disappoint you."

"There's a fucking name for it?!"

"There is a name for everything, Fizzi. More importantly, though, it doesn't bother me in the least." Ozzie's hand began to move, dignifiedly stroking Fizz's member, and greedily he pressed himself against the hand, getting rock hard. "As you are, you're perfect. And that's the way I want you. With prostheses. Without prostheses ... whatever you want. I'll take you the way you are. Literally."

No sooner had the last word left Ozzie's lips than the seductive hand withdrew and moved around Fizz, coming to rest on his butt. Pinched it firmly and played with Fizz's tail, before the fingers slid between Fizz‘s legs again. However, with a completely different goal.

Startled, Fizz gasped and jumped when he felt Ozzie's fingers at his entrance. But he did not get to say anything. With a jerk, he was whirled around and pressed against the wall of the bathtub, a blue giant behind him. Gasping, he held onto the edge of the tub, noticing Ozzie's hard cock pressing against his back.

Shit, this guy never had enough, and even though Fizz knew by now that Ozzie wasn't going to hurt him, he was getting antsy, squinting nervously over his shoulder. Did that mean Ozzie was going to set the tone today? Not Fizz? Oooh shit ...! The thought sent a heavy shiver straight to Fizz's groin, whereupon the bathroom was covered in a blue glow. Ozzie began to pulse and licked his lips, leaning down to Fizz.

"Don't worry, I'm going to be gentle with you," he breathed out almost mockingly, exhaling glistening wisps of mist, whereupon Fizz suddenly went woozy. Arousal flooded his body, making him slump, whimpering - and only at the last moment did he notice a finger entering him.

Cursing, he clung to the edge of the bathtub, leaving deep furrows in the marble as heat built up in his head. Instinctively, he wheeled around, in the attempt to ram his elbow into Ozzie's face, but lacking an elbow, he slapped his arm full broadside against his temple in return.

"Son of a bitch!" he spat breathlessly, tensing. "You can't just -!" He broke off, and faltered when he saw Ozzie's smug expression.

"Can't what?" his prince cooed perkily, reaching for Fizz's arm and holding it to his mouth. Leaving many kisses on the sensors. A tremor slid through Fizz and with focus he exhaled, fighting the confusion that spread through him. He had expected pain when Ozzie's finger had entered him unprepared. Only ... was there no pain?

Laughing, Ozzie bend down, nestled against his cheek and caressed him soothingly.

"Trust me. You know how it works," he whispered, whereupon Fizz closed his eyes, his forehead pressed to the edge of the tub, breathing heavily.

"Yeah, yeah ... Embodiment of Lust in all its facets..." How many times had he heard that before? Heard it anew every time Ozzie's body took him by surprise, but he couldn't get used to it. Wasn't his prince a deathly sin? Wasn't he supposed to bring ruin, pain and suffering instead of endless desire and pleasure?

"Relax. Let me pleasure you this time~", Ozzie breathed, penetrating him deeper with his finger, and started to move it, whereupon Fizz arched his back.

Shit! Until today, Ozzie had always wanted Fizz to take the active role, hadn't gotten enough of it. This sudden change of roles surprised Fizz, even though he had expected it to happen eventually. It made him nervous, but damn, what Ozzie was doing felt good! Damn good! The guy was an expert, teasing Fizz in just the right places, finding the perfect rhythm and fogging Fizz's head.

"Mmmh!" Behind him, Ozzie rumbled promisingly, attacking Fizz's neck the next moment and biting him, could bite his head off with ease; the thought eliciting a groan from Fizz. "Your aroma ... so exquisite. I could devour you ..."

A violent shudder shook Fizz, at the threat. No, the promise. For Ozzie could do that indeed, and the notion sparked a tingling fire inside Fizz. A second finger joined the first and Fizz's eyes snapped open.

"Holy Shit!" he cursed crudely, to which Ozzie immediately stopped.

"What is it? Does it hurt? It shouldn't hurt!" he asked, infinitely concerned, and for a moment the seductive rough tone disappeared from his voice. Taking a deep breath, Fizz shook his head, tensing. It didn't hurt, but damn, Ozzie's fingers were filling him up! Already!

"N-no ... just a little much ..."

At that, Ozzie giggled in relief and continued to snuggle up to him as his fingers moved increasingly faster.

"And it's going to be a lot more ~"

"I feared that ..."

Another giggle. He moved his fingers faster, circling and stretching them, setting Fizz's groin on fire, slowly but surely driving him crazy. His moans filled the bathroom, along with Ozzie's contented cooing and the slippery rhythmic splashing of the water.

Firmly, Fizz pressed his head against the edge of the tub while Ozzie leaned over him, lurking, like a looming shadow. He had his member pressed between Fizz's legs, rubbing against him ever so lightly, not letting Fizz forget for a second the enormous size he was about to ram into him. His free hand had begun to ensnare Fizz's body, making circular motions on his back. Wandered up it to his shoulder blades. Ran over the interfaces of the prostheses, stroked the remaining joint. Slid over the metal. Squeezed lightly. Fizz's eyes twitched and he gave Ozzie a warning look over his shoulder.

"Don't you dare..." he hissed darkly, gasping at the same moment as Ozzie pushed his fingers even deeper. Shit, any further and he'd rip him apart from the inside! For sure! Magical pleasure demon or not! Still, it felt incredible.

Ozzie continued to tease him. Did the same with the other prosthetic arm. Then with the legs, making Fizz get more and more restless, at the same time he increased his movements and breathed countless blue flames on Fizz's skin. Made him twitch until he gasped and squeezed against Ozzie's fingers, moving with him.

"Does it make you that uncomfortable?" his prince breathed hoarsely, stroking the sensors on Fizz's arm. "I would like to try it. Just say so." More blue flames danced; colored the bathwater, it glowed , like a sea of flames.

"No ..."

"Are you sure? Wouldn't it be exciting? To give yourself to me completely? To entrust yourself to me? To give your body a break?"

Fizz cursed. Was that what Ozzie wanted after all ? Was he only seducing him to get him to take off his prostheses? Was that why he was using all his bullshit tricks? Pervert bastard...! And it worked. It worked so well, and yet Fizz tried to remain adamant.

"If you want this so badly ... buy a rubber doll ..."

"No way!" With a jerk, Fizz was pressed against the marble, moaning in surprise. Ozzie bent low over him, burying him beneath him, could drown him with his weight, and Fizz bit his lips, fighting the thrilling anticipation that boiled up inside him. If he wanted to, Ozzie could do anything to him without Fizz being able to stop him ... Just anything. And fuck, yes, it was exciting! But this one thing was out of the question.

"Such a shame ... curiosity plagues me. I wonder what it would be like. You. Stripped bare. Without prostheses. Without... everything else. Completely at my mercy." With a sly chuckle, he placed his thumb on the back of Fizz's neck. Let it travel up Fizz's neck until his fingertip found the edge of his jester's cap. Ran over the damp fabric. Sneaked under it. "So curious ..."

Fizz's eyes snapped open and he threw his head to the side, trying to free himself from Ozzie's grip.

"Don't! Stop it!"

Ozzie’s hand wrapped around his body, holding him gently in place.

"Hush, hush. It’s okay. I know you're sensitive with your head. Always overreacting. It’s one of your sweet spots? Hmm?"

Fizz's heart rolled over and he cursed, biting his lips as Ozzie continued to move his damned fingers.

"Maybe you should take off more than your prostheses..." Ozzie whispered wickedly, running his tongue along just below the band of his jester's cap. Panic bubbled up inside Fizz and franticly he shook his head. Shit! Shit, Ozzie needed to stop! Had to stop! But how did Fizz make him? The-the safeword! What was the name of this stupid safeword? Damn, he couldn't remember, could only hear the hammering of his heart in his ears. Could only feel the heat turning him into a living torch.

"Stop it! Please!"

"Stop what? Tell me~ Stop ... this?", Ozzie whispered innocently and with a strong push, he rammed his fingers into Fizz, grazing that special sensitive spot inside him and making him see stars. Whimpering, Fizz slumped, not knowing what to focus on. On the urgent heat between his legs or the rumbling fear in his chest. If Ozzie really did this ... if he took his cap off, Fizz would die here and now! Or no, Ozzie would take what he craved first and fuck him to death in a fit of rage!

The back and forth became an agony, Ozzie's teasing of his cap unbearable, and as he slipped his tongue under the fabric, a pitiful pleading sound escaped Fizz, followed by a moan as Ozzie found the sweet spot inside him once again.

His prince chuckled in response and then, finally, finally, he let go.

"Very well ... I'll show mercy," he whispered smugly and Fizz pressed his lips together, clenching his fists.

That motherfucker! Fizz would pay him back! He could count on that! He would do the exact same thing to him! He'd tie the big bastard up with his arms and legs in a nice bondage pattern, shove his dick inside him and play with his fucking scars until he ....!!!

A strangled sound escaped Ozzie and with a loud hissing sound, a blue cloud exploded behind Fizz, spreading throughout the bathroom. The hands on and inside him disappeared, leaving a sudden, unpleasant void, and a muffled splash sounded.

Startled, Fizz clung to the edge of the tub and looked around, breathing heavily, blinking in confusion. W-what ...?

When the fog lifted, Fizz was alone in the huge tub, no sign of Ozzie. Until, from the shallows of the tub, a figure suddenly burst through the surface, coughing loudly and rowing with his arms - Ozzie. No. Mini Ozzie! And he was visibly overwhelmed. As graceful as an albatross, he paddled to the edge of the pool, where he held on, breathing frantically. The sight was hilarious! His feathery fur was completely soaked and he looked like a drenched poodle.

Breathless, he stared at Fizz, then looked down at himself before a frustrated groan escaped him.

"Oh, for heavenly Hell!" Angrily, he punched the water, which elicited a spiteful laugh from Fizz. His tension faded, and in the next moment he threw himself at the tiny rooster - pushing him under water. Startled bubbling sounded and frantically Ozzie flailed, shaking off Fizz and gasped again, clinging to the edge of the tub like his life depended on it.

"Are you insane, why are you doing this!?"

"That was for trying to mess with my prostheses and for using your size against me!"

Ozzie's eyes twitched and he pursed his lips.

"I didn't. It was part of the game!"

"Not if I said No!"

"But you didn't. You were aroused, I could taste that, and you didn't use the safe- ..."

"I forgot it," Fizz interrupted him casually, whereupon it was Ozzie's turn to splash Fizz with water. Annoyance smoldered in his green eyes and he shook his soaking wet head.

"Dumbass! You mustn't forget! It's important. How else am I supposed to know what's off limits and what's not?"

"Well… listen to No or Stop?"

As if Fizz were amply dense , Ozzie pulled a face and folded his arms - only to nearly drown a second later, clutching the edge of the tub again.

"I don't think you understood the deeper meaning of a safe word," he grumbled, to which Fizz snorted.

"I do, but remembering any stupid words while a blue giant is messing with ... very sensitive spots is still hard for me. My head and my prostheses are a no-go from now on, got it? You do that again, there will be no more sex. Ever again!" he grumbled, looking to the side, knowing that was a weak threat. However, Ozzie gasped in shock and began biting his nails. Then he nodded in surrender.

"Understood. But I'm serious, too. The safe word is chocolate pudding. Don't forget it again. I'm the Embodiment of Lust, I need this. I get carried away quickly... and I don't want to cross any lines and possibly hurt you."

Fizz swallowed and nodded. Basically, Ozzie was right, but he stuck to his guns.

"Got it."

At that, Ozzie, too, nodded in agreement, and Fizz noticed his gaze tighten on Fizz's head. Shit. The fact that he was suddenly so fixated on his foolscap deeply disturbed him, but other than his threat, he couldn't think of anything else to stop Ozzie from touching him there altogether. Under no circumstances was Asmodeus allowed to find out what was underneath ... Under no circumstances! But maybe a more drastic solution could be found? Fizz still had the remains of his horns. But if he had them completely removed, every indication of his true identity would be destroyed. Then imp Fizz would be dead and only jester demon Fizzarolli would live on. Fizz gulped at the thought. Wiping out the last vestige of his true self was... a hard step. Very hard. But he would be able to live at Asmodeus' side without fear, and that was worth it. Right ...?

It was quiet for a moment, then Ozzie finally sighed and hung his head, admitting defeat.

"Sometimes I forget what it must be like to be so small," he muttered sincerely, at which Fizz grunted. All at once his prince seemed so serious, putting his arms over the edge of the tub and resting his head on them. "Is that why you were lusting for me to take this form again?"

Fizz frowned. He shrugged, because strictly speaking, he hadn't even thought about what he wanted. How Ozzie's powers worked was really a mystery to him, and he sighed. In fact, it wasn't often that Ozzie shrank when they fucked. His body adapted to Fizz in more ways than one, and screwing big Ozzie was such a beguiling feeling that Fizz couldn't put into words. Mini Ozzie, on the other hand. Mmmh~.... He awakened something completely different in Fizz.

"It didn't lust for you to become small, if that's what you mean... not like last time at least."

"The trigger for my body to adapt is strong emotions during arousal... It's very abstract. You said my size made you still uncomfortable, which probably led to this." Snorting, Ozzie pursed his mouth before making an annoyed sound and hiding his face in his arms. "Urg, how unfair this is! I wanted to finally possess you! To take you in my true form! I wanted to see you quivering beneath me and show you what an excellent lover I can be. DESPITE my seize. To finally relieve you of the worry of my magnificent pleasure-giving dick ... I was so close! So close, damn it!"

That had been his plan? Fizz blinked in surprise as a warm feeling spread through his chest. The way Ozzie floated in the water sulking beside him, he looked almost cute. He had been so eager to fuck him.

Fizz giggled and finally wrapped his long arms around his prince, pulled them together and cuddled him. For whatever reason Ozzie's body had adapted, it suited Fizz perfectly and his giggle became devious. Grinning, he slid one of his legs between Ozzie's, could feel that he was still hot and bothered. So was Fizz.

"Well, guess that's not going to happen. But if you ask nicely, I could still lie beneath you. While you ride my magnificent pleasure-giving dick. Well?" Seductively, he placed a finger under Ozzie’s small chin, coming seductively close to the other’s lips. Somewhere underneath the blue fur, Fizz detected a glorious dark tinge before a cheeky grin settled on Ozzie's face. A promising glow emanated from him and he leaned forward, engaging Fizz in a brief, hot kiss that gave his dick a fiery thrill.

"How bold… Outrageous!" Ozzie whispered before wrapping his legs around Fizz's hips. "We only have one problem. We'd have to get out of this tub, and in this form I'm so terribly weak and helpless. If only someone could be found to carry me to the bed.... Hot and wet as I am~"

Fizz eyes twitched expectantly and he licked his lips.

"Can be arranged," he murmured, taking it upon himself to make good use of his prostheses tonight. For he stuck to what he had planed to do. It was time for his cheeky little prince to learn a lesson or two…

Chapter Text

Chapter 35

ditch the lovey-dovey

Fizzarolli chewed his lip excitedly and squinted impatiently at the trailer where he lived with his mom.
Hopefully it hadn't been noticed yet that he had sneaked away from school, but today it just had to work out! Today he would see the big boss! With his own eyes! Not only on television or on the posters. No, in reality! The demon that everyone was talking about! The owner of the fair and the whole ring! King Mammon!

Once a month he came to the fair and did many important things - and every time he visited Fizz' mom. Unfortunately, Fizz was never allowed to be there when his mommy and Mammon talked about adult stuff, as his mommy always said - which he thought was extremely unfair! He was smart, he understood a lot of things. At least that's what his teacher always said. And he could behave! Unlike the other implings at school, who always were messing around, Fizz paid attention. It was important to learn a lot! That's what his mom said. That's why Fizz tried to stick to it. Because whenever he told her something new and funny, she paid attention to him. Looked at him. Only him! Not the walls or the table or the bottles. Him! And then she smiled. That was the most important thing. To see her laugh. Because she cried way too often ... so often that it was scary sometimes.
But the other implings just didn't understand and laughed at him because he always knew everything and was good at everything. Their bad luck, they all were stupid anyway. And they would be flabbergasted when Fizz would tell them that he had met Mammon! Fizz was already looking forward to it and chuckled to himself, ducking deep behind a log pile he had chosen as his hiding place. They were close by the trailer and made a great hideout. Now all he had to do was wait and - a rough tug on his tail made him wince, and he jumped up.

"Ouch! Why are you doing this!?" he cried, eyes wide. It was Blitzo. His best friend. Giggling, he pulled at Fizz's tail and shook his head.

"This is where you're hiding! Everyone's already looking for you. Mrs. Badweather is really mad, you're going to get in so much trouble!"

Annoyed, Fizz grabbed his tail and pulled it toward him, sticking his tongue out at Blitzo.

"I don't care! And don't be so loud, or they'll find me!"

"Yeah, yeah, I get it." With that, Blitzo crawled into the hiding place and sat down next to him. "What are you doing here anyway, huh?"

For a moment, Fizz wondered if he should tell Blitzo for real. He didn't deserve to, but Fizz was too excited to keep it to himself for too long.

"Mammon's in there! He's visiting my mom again today!"

Blitzo's eyes got big then, and he quickly peeked out from hiding.

"What really! Again? Really?!"

"Yeah, that's what I said!”

"Wooow! Maybe he likes your mom, as often as he visits her. Do you think he wants her to be his wife? Oh, how cool would that be? Then Mammon would be your step-dad! How awesome!"
Fizz's tail curled, and he bit his lips again. Mammon as his step-dad, oh, Lucifer! That would be so cool! So much! The demon king was really scary, and gigantic in size to boot, but he also was nice. He smiled when Fizz and the other implings tried to do little tricks, and sometimes he even gave them candy. And he had a great voice. Fizz liked his rock song, even though his mom got upset every time he played them. The same went for Mammon's funny stage shows, which were supposedly 'not for implings' and he shouldn't watch.

But maybe Blitzo was right. After all, Mammon really did visit his mom a lot. On the other hand, he also made his mom sad. As soon as he was gone, she was sadder than usual for days. Even more ... absent minded. Most of the time Fizz stayed with Blitzo, his sister Barbi and their mommy when that happened. With them it was nice and so tidy. Small, but cozy.

Finally the door of the trailer opened - and indeed Mammon walked out. Followed by Fizz’s mom.
"Hide!" Quickly, he and Blitzo ducked to not attract attention, peering between the logs. His mom and Mammon talked briefly, then he lit a cigarette and left. His mom watched for a moment before pulling the door firmly shut behind her.

Tense, Fizz ducked even lower, holding his breath. The demon king walked casually across the space between the trailers and towards them. Fizz's heart began to pound hard. Mammon just had reached their hiding place - when he suddenly stopped, turned his head and looked straight down at them. A hand shot out, grabbed Fizz by the horns and he was pulled out of his hiding place.

"Who do we have here? Two spies?"

Startled, Fizz widened his eyes and slowly put his head back. It was him! It was really him! Mammon! And he was ... huge! Even bigger than Fizz had believed, and he swallowed hard, shaking his head quickly.

"We weren't spying! I swear! We were just checking out the situation!"

Mammon laughed in response and let go of Fizz, whereupon he stumbled back and bumped into Blitzo. His friend had his head pulled between his shoulders and was staring at Mammon in horror.

"Checking the situation? Ha! You better watch it, kid. If you're too nosy, you'll get your nose cut off. Don't you know that?"

Fizz's knees trembled at the sound of the deep voice, but he didn't want to show that he was excited. So he shook his head.

"You have to catch me first to do that. And I run faster than any nose!"

Mammon frowned, shook his head, and snorted. But he didn't seem angry.

"Pretty brave to hide here and spy on me. Tip. If you're going to hide, make sure your hiding place is big enough." With that, he gave Fizz big curved horns another nudge and Fizz bit his lips. Crap, he hadn't thought about that.

Nervously, he squinted up at Mammon, too excited to say anything. Which annoyed him. He had intended to ask the demon prince so much! To tell him so much! But he couldn't get his mouth open. On the other side, Mammon looked at him for quite a long time and finally frowned.

"You look familiar," he muttered, pointing at the trailer. "You're her boy, huh?"

Reluctantly, Fizz nodded, squinting over at the trailer as well. His mom didn't like to see Fizz talking to Mammon alone. Had even forbidden it. But strictly speaking, he wasn't alone. Blitzo was with him, after all, so that was certainly okay.

"Name?" Mammon asked suddenly, and Fizz blinked, took a breath, and stuck out his chest, showing himself in the best way possible.

"Fizzarolli, sir! But you can call me Fizz. Almost everyone calls me that."

The big demon grunted in response, seeming to find him funny, and blew green smoke into the air.

"Age?"

"Six, sir! But I'll be seven soon!"

"Seven, huh? Then you'll soon be old enough to perform with the other child artists."

Enthusiastically, Fizz nodded. He had been waiting for this all along! The implings who grew up in the circus and went to school here all worked for Mammon, and the ones who were especially skilled got to help out behind the stage, and sometimes even perform! Fizz had dreamed of this for so long. For a long time he hadn’t shown much interest in circus life, even though he had been born here. But after Blitzo and he had seen Mammon's performances on TV, he wanted to be on stage himself. Wanted to make others laugh and inspire them like the King did! Then his mom would surely be happy again!

To his surprise, Mammon reached out and grabbed his face, turning it back and forth before grinning broadly at him.

"You're a handsome boy. Taking after your ma. Who knows, if you work hard enough, you could become someone. With that face and a few more years under your belt. Would you like that? Working for me?"

Fizz's eyes widened. Mammon's gaze took on something sinister, seemed to glow greenish somehow, but Fizz was far too happy to care. He nodded quickly, clenched his fists, and jumped up and down a few times with excitement.

"Yes! I'd love to, absolutely!"

"No!"

Fizz winced and tossed his head, retracting his tail when he saw his mother standing in the door of the trailer. Wasting no time, she ran to them, grabbed Fizz and pulled him behind her as if to hide him.

"Stay away from him! You will not touch my son! And he will not work for you. I won't allow it!"

Mammon grinned in response and blew the stinking smoke of his cigarette at her.

"We'll see about that. Til next month, sweetie," he breathed out before turning away and patting Fizz's head as he passed. "See you around, kiddo."

"Y-yes!" Fizz exclaimed, staring after him.

Wow! Surely no one would believed him. Mammon would let him work for him! Just like the older talented implings!

"Fizzarolli!" His mother's voice caused him to flinch and the next moment she knelt in front of him, grabbed him by the shoulders and shook him violently. "What are you doing here!? Aren't you supposed to be at school!? Didn't I tell you to stay away until I would pick you up!"

Fizz opened his mouth, wanted to defend himself and tell her that she wouldn't have come anyway. But that wasn't fair, since Mammon's visits always made her so sad, and so he looked down angrily. His mom didn't stop shaking him though, really clawed at his shoulders and it started to hurt. "Fizz?! FIZZ?! Are you even listening to me when I'm talking to you!? I told you not to come here. I told you not to talk to him! Don't you understand! He's dangerous! He's ...!"

Fizz squinted his eyes tightly and took a step back.

"If he's so dangerous, why are you meeting him?" At the question, his mother's eyes became sad again and Fizz tensed as he saw her fists shaking. "I'm sorry …"

"It was my fault!" Blitzo exclaimed suddenly, standing in front of him. He took Fizz's hand and shook his head. "It was my idea! I really wanted to see Mammon, so I dragged Fizz along. It's not his fault, really!"

Skeptically, his mother gazed at Blitzo, then slowly stood up. Looked down at them with strange glazed eyes.

"I really should talk to Tilla ... if she's going to let you get away with something like that. You're not a good influence. No. Not a good influence." For a moment she just stared down at them, then turned away and walked back into the trailer. Almost like Fizz and Blitzo weren't even there.
Fizz gulped, knowing exactly what that meant. He dropped his head and clutched at his pants. Now his mother was not only sad, now she was angry ...

"Hey. You want to stay with Barb and me tonight? I got this new game, we could try it out," came suddenly from Blitzo, who punched his shoulder and grinned broadly at him. Fizz smiled sadly and rubbed his shoulder, feeling exactly where his mother's claws had dug into his skin. Sometimes she didn't know how strong she was. Adults were like that sometimes. Slowly, he nodded. The way his mom was now, he'd rather not go home.

"Thanks," he finally mumbled, but Blitzo just shrugged. Then he took him by the hand and led him back to the classroom. Where Mrs. Badweather's angry sermon awaited them.

But at least they had seen Mammon. And that had been worth it. A little bit, at least.

_______________***_________________

"And you're sure you can handle everything?" Concerned, Ozzie eyed Fizzarolli, who lay casually on the couch in his office, rolling his eyes.

"Yea-ha! If you ask again, I'm going to get seriously pissed off. And you don't want me to get seriously pissed," Fizzarolli countered sharply, shaking his head, letting his long arm slide through the air and patting Ozzie's cheek. "I’ll make it on my own for a few days. Especially since Elena single-handed is running the place anyway."

At that, Ozzie had to smile, reached for the hand on his cheek and pressed it to his mouth. Blew a kiss on the palm.

It was true. When he had announced he would have to travel to Pride for a few days, Elena had practically a whole plan worked out to run the club without Ozzie. In fact, it didn't involve very much, since Ozzie planned months in advance so that in exceptional cases like this, everything would stay on track. Moreover, besides Elena, Fizzarolli was also there. His lover - oh, the word still shook him violently - knew exactly how to handle everything. He had watched Ozzie often enough, and he had a knack for business. Sometimes the realization was still a problem, but his ideas and suggestions were excellent. Fizz was a very quick learner.

Still, Ozzie found it hard to leave him behind. Even though Elena would support him, Fizz still had to perform and Ozzie didn't want him to overwork himself. It wasn't doing his joints any good, but as usual, Fizz didn't listen and ignored Ozzie's concerns.

Sighing, Ozzie looked at his desk and frowned, wondering if he had forgotten something, before his gaze wandered to Fizz again. His jester rolled over the couch like a playful cat and grinned provocatively at Ozzie. It was a sight that shot a thousand arrows into Ozzie's body. As Fizzarolli lay there, he looked unspeakably seductive and Ozzie had to restrain himself from pouncing on him. He was enjoying Fizz's newfound naturalness. It was glorious, drenched the air with a refreshing lightness, laced with just the right amount of desire. For that always surrounded Fizz as of late, and it drove Ozzie crazy! Getting away from him at all had been a mammoth task, but somehow he'd managed. After several attempts. Which was why he was going to be late, but he didn't care. Not until he had said his proper goodbyes.

Finally he stood up, stalked really slowly to the couch, and braced himself with one hand at the wall. Low, he leaned over Fizz, placing a finger under his chin.

"Come with me~," he breathed out, asking for the hundredth time, pretending to be as seductive as possible. Put up his feathers and breathed a good amount of blue flames towards Fizz. Fizzarolli chuckled at this, sat up and ran the tip of his foot over Ozzie's feathery fur.

"Me, at a royal meeting of the seven princes? Why? Do you need some entertainment? Or do you want to put on a show? Make out with me in front of your siblings, eh?"

At the thought, Ozzie gulped and growled with relish. A tantalizing notion. So tempting. For a moment, he surrendered to his fantasies, imagining sneaking Fizz into the conference room. Hiding him in his lush mane. How he slipped under the table to do wicked things there~ Promptly, Ozzie' fur puffed up, and he ruffled his feathers even more, giving everything to make Fizz change his mind.

"What's wrong with that? Why don't you come along?"

Fizz's grin widened, but then he shook his head and leaned back.

"Sorry, boss. Out of the question. Just at the idea of it I'll drop dead. Business meetings are all the same. Boring and dull. Thanks, but no thanks." Fizz waved it off meaningfully, at which Ozzie raised a brow. Boring and dull, huh?

They both knew that wasn't the reason why Fizzarolli didn't want to accompany him. When Ozzie had asked him the first time, he'd been bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Until he'd learned what kind of meeting it was and who else would be there ... And Ozzie understood him. He really did, but Fizz wouldn't be able to avoid Mammon forever. There was no way he could.

Dissatisfied, he slumped to his knees and pulled a face.

This stupid meeting really was ruining his day. It had been on the table for weeks, even though Ozzie had no idea why it was suddenly so important for them to meet. The timing was more than inappropriate!

He was ... occupied otherwise and had not the slightest ambition to open a portal, only to endure the next three days in complete agony. Especially since these meetings always went the same way. Satan would mess with Luci and yell the whole time. Beelze would only be interested in the food, Belphegor would sleep through the whole meeting if he showed up at all, while Levi would complain about everything and everyone, and Mammon. Mammon would try to make his profit out of everything and only further heat the debates. No wonder they were stuck in fucking Hell together! If Asmodeus would have seven kids who were just yelling at each other and fucking up all the time, he'd kick them out too. All except the seventh child. That one was good and well-behaved, and all he wanted was having a little fun with his ... Lover .

Urg! That word! Embarrassing!

Ozzie shook himself and the hellish itch on his back became unbearable. With all his might he fought the urge to scratch himself, for it was beginning to be noticed by others, and he wanted at all costs to avoid anyone calling him out again. Still, it was driving him crazy, because there was nothing he could do about it ...

He gave a stretched sigh and glanced at Fizz.

"I don't want to go without you!" he finally wailed, resting his head on Fizz's lap. "Come with me! Please~ We could pay Pentagram City a visit. I'll take you out for a fancy diner, and then we'll find a nice hotel room just for the two of us!"

Fizzarolli's croaking laugh rang out. Playfully, his metal fingers ran through Ozzie's mane, making those delightfully soothing buzzing noises.

"So that's what you're after. Tsk, tsk. You should be ashamed of yourself, my horny little prince."

Ozzie shivered when Fizz called him that and rubbed his head against a robotic leg, glancing to the locked door, before stealthy pushing Fizz's top up with one hand.

"I can't stand three days with these maniacs," Ozzie confessed, turning to the inviting chest in front of him. He breathed a kiss on Fizz's lower belly, tugged at the hem of the pants and pulled them down a bit. Fizz quivered and his grip on Ozzie's mane tightened.

"Then ... you'd better come back quick," Fizz muttered suddenly, and Ozzie squinted up at him. Everything inside him contracted and an urgent throb spread between his legs. At the heated longing look Fizz gave him, the flames inside him rumbled and screamed.

Not a day went by since Royal Night that they didn't fuck. Strictly speaking, there were only these two extremes. Working at the club and the rest of the day in bed. Ozzie was bursting with energy and yet he couldn't get enough. Fizz just knew how to take him ... literally, and it sent Ozzie to heavens! Never would he have believed the little guy would be able doing this, but Ozzie yearned after him. After his touches. His boldness. His willingness to give Ozzie anything he wanted. How exceedingly twisted, because that was actually his job. Ozzie brought lust and pleasure, but not if Fizz had his way, and with his cocky, razor-sharp grin, he brought Ozzie down completely. Truly, a shame, but hallelujah, did Ozzie go for it!

But it wasn't just that. Fizzarolli's company meant all the more to him, as ridiculous as it sounded when the Embodiment of Lust said it. Spending time with him, watching stupid Helluva Novelas and eating noodle soups and disgusting burgers while listening to Fizz's silly salacious stories became his second favorite pastime. Having Fizz at his side, and knowing he wouldn't disappear made Ozzie's heart leap like it hadn't in decades. He had someone who belonged to him. Someone he belonged to and it was glorious!

Concentrating, Ozzie exhaled, shedding endless flames into the air that completely enveloped Fizz. Making him moan. What an exquisite sound!

"Didn't you just say you could do without me?" Ozzie smirked, at which Fizz avoided his gaze and shrugged, lolling on the couch.

"Maybe I was lying." The next moment, Fizz's long arms wrapped around Ozzie's neck, pulling him down in an iron grip, and his little demon snuggled against him engagingly. "The bed will feel empty without you. Much too big for me alone..."

The itch on his back grew worse, began to ache, and Ozzie swallowed hard.

"If you come with me, you wouldn't be alone."

Again Fizz shook his head, buried his face in Ozzie's chest, and moved closer. Snaked a leg around Ozzie's waist. Several times. Oh Lucifer.

"Nope. If any of these highborn assholes want something, let them come to me." One of his arms extended even further, crawling down Ozzie's back and resting on Ozzie's butt. Gripping it. "Just make sure your horniness doesn't go to your head."

"Jealous?"

" ... Three days is a long time. And you can't even keep your pants on for two hours lately." As if making a point, he patted Ozzie's butt and smacked it once, at which Ozzie laughed. Usually he abhorred jealousy. But the jealousy Fizz exuded did something strange to Ozzie. It fed the fire inside him, filled him with pride and passion, because he knew where that feeling came from. Felt it himself by now. So strong, it was embarrassing.

"Then give me a goodbye kiss that makes me want to come back here as soon as possible!"

Somewhere hidden in his fur, he felt Fizz laugh and his subtle aroma flooded the office like a shock wave. The hand on Ozzie's butt shoved cheekily into his pants, sliding between his wet legs, making Ozzie quiver. The throbbing got worse, turning into a needy urge while his member grew rock hard, too.

"With pleasure~ Where do you want it?" Fizzarolli breathed, emerging from his fluffy hiding place, and shakily Ozzie exhaled. The answer was easy! Before he could reply, however, a loud ringing appeared and Ozzie wheeled around. On his desk, his phone danced back and forth and annoyed, he sighed. Damn it. This was his third reminder. The alarm clock that told him he was way too late. Way too late ...

Licking his lips, he glanced again at his jester, who blinked innocently at him and bend his head to the side - stomping Ozzie self-discipline into the ground. From seductive to cute in two seconds! Damn.

"I … gotta go," Ozzie croaked, even as he made no move to get up. Nor did Fizzarolli make any move to withdraw his limbs. On the contrary. He began to nibble at Ozzie's neck and bit him. Firmly.

"What if I don't let you go?"

Ozzie rolled his eyes at the thought, at the same time it reminded him why he should better be on his way.

"Then Lucifer will come down here and spank my ass."

Fizzarolli's croaking laughter filled the room, and he threw himself backwards onto the couch.

"Oh, I want to see that! Do you think he'll let me watch if I ask nicely?"

"I don't think so. But if I tell him who stopped me, he'll be after you next."

"And you'd let that happen?" Dismayed, Fizz clutched his chest and for a split second Ozzie didn't know if he was acting or serious. That's why he quickly shook his head.

"No way. I'm the only one who gets to put you over my knee."

The moment he said that Fizz grinned again and Ozzie realized - it had all been for show after all. Cheeky little bastard.

"Good to know, big man."

Meanwhile, the phone kept ringing, getting louder and even more annoying, turning the table into it’s personal dance floor. Shit. Ozzie didn't want to get snapped at by everyone again because everything had to be delayed because of him. But Fizz ... More important sex with Fizz ...

Urgh, what a horrible decision he had to make! It tore him apart, caused him physical pain, and yet, he had to let got. It took all his self-discipline to ignore the throbbing between his legs and his boner and to straighten up. Taking a deep breath, he concentrated and shook his head.

"I really have to go." Gently, he grabbed Fizzarolli and pulled him away, using a little more force when the little demon wouldn't loosen his prostheses. After a few minutes, however, Fizz gave in, and with a huff, pursed his mouth.

"Unfair! To turn me on and then drop me. Then I guess I have no choice but to play with myself tonight ... And with the toys from your show cases." Dramatically, Fizz threw himself on the couch and sobbed loudly to himself, whereupon Ozzie's feathers fluffed up violently, like he'd been run through a dryer. No. He couldn't even let that image take shape in his mind, or he would be guaranteed not to leave at all ...

Highly concentrating, he stomped to the desk and turned off the phone.

"I'll be back soon!" And if he had to snatch the list from Lucifer's hands himself and went through each topic one by one. Then everything would go faster anyway. Most of it could be answered with yes or no, and if he could get back faster and throw himself into the pillows with Fizz, he was happy to take on such a chore!

Grumbling, he pocketed his cell phone, looked around and faltered at the same moment. Where was his suitcase?

Confused, he blinked and froze, running his hand over his face. Oh great. He had packed the suitcase in the bedroom and ... then stopped because Fizz had distracted him. Which meant the suitcase was not only not here, it was unpacked upstairs in the penthouse!

"Looking for this?" With a smug grin, Fizzarolli slowly reached behind the couch with one arm and pulled out Ozzie's suitcase.

"What the ...? Where did you get that?" Surprised, Ozzie accepted the suitcase and looked to Fizz, who scratched the back of his head. His delicious embarrassment made itself known and he shrugged.

"Finished packing it for you while you were showering. The way it is supposed to be packed! Didn't anyone teach you how to pack a suitcase? If you stuff everything in without sense, only half of the things that could fit will fit." Shaking his head, Fizz rolled his eyes and jumped off the couch. "Dopey as you are, you forgot the suitcase anyway, so I sent Wally to get it since you can't talk to Fred anymore without getting a nasty comment slapped in your face." Standing next to Ozzie, he weakly kicked him in the leg and wrinkled his nose. However, Ozzie was far too surprised at the matter, not knowing what to say. Which was partly because his itchy shoulders wanted to kill him.

"You did that for me? Aww, how thoughtful of you. Disgusting. Thank you so much..." he finally brought out, helping himself to his weak acting skills and overplaying how happy that little gesture made him. Fizzarolli just waved it off.

" You are disgusting. You’re welcome ..."

For a moment they just stood there, gawking awkwardly at each other, then Ozzie nodded quickly and turned away.

"All right, I've got to go then!"

"All right. Have a good trip."

"I'm traveling by portal."

"I know. Still."

Nodding, Ozzie stood in front of the large blank wall across from his desk and raised a hand, thinking of the incantation to open the portal to Pride.

"Um ... Asmodeus!"

Ozzie faltered and looked around again, blinking at Fizz who stood next to him. Embarrassed, his little demon fussed before he wrapped an arm around himself and rubbed his shoulder.

"Come ... come back in one piece, understood? Otherwise, I find myself someone else to have fun with!"

A soft smile slid onto Ozzie's face and he nodded, knowing why Fizz said that.

"I know to take care of myself, darling, thanks for your concern. In return, remember to take it easy and take your meds. WITHOUT alcohol!"

"Yeah, yeah. Got it. It's on my list." Rolling his eyes, Fizz waved it off, fussed again, and bit his lips. Ozzie knew that expression by now. It meant Fizz had something else on the tip of his tongue and for once he managed to hold back. Mostly because it was something personal. Or something so simple that it wasn't worth the fuss anyway.

"Yes?" he therefore asked with foresight, at which Fizz's embarrassment spread even more, melting Ozzie's heart. He wondered what was coming next. Even under his makeup, Ozzie could tell Fizzarolli was blushing and looking grumpily to the side.

"W-will-you-calling-between-meetings-or-texting-or-is-there-no-time-for-this-is-that-even-appropriate-or-is-this-getting-too-cheesy-already-does-that-sound-like-I'm-clinging-ugh,-gross-because,-no,-I'm-not,-but-I-know-who-you're-meeting-with-and-I-thought...-Especially-since-it's-going-to-be-pretty-boring-around-here-without-you…-You-know-what,-forget-what-I-said-It's-not-important!" he finally babbled, catching Ozzie off guard. Surprised, he blinked before starting to laugh out loud. Oh, how typical this was for his little demon and before he knew what he was doing, Ozzie grabbed Fizz and hugged him tightly.

"Oh, Fizzi! Of course I'll call you and I fully expected you to call me, too! Otherwise, I wouldn't survive this meeting!"

For a moment, Fizz just gawked at him and his tail began to swing wildly through the air.

"That means I can text you!? And it's not too ... 'dangerous'?"

"Oh no. No one dares to read my private messages. I expect messages! In any form!" Meaningfully, he winked at Fizz, breathed a flame at him, and a sparkle settled into Fizz's eyes. It brought Ozzie to his knees again, and mentally he threw himself against the wall where he was going to open the portal. Way too ... cute! At least for a split second, then the sparkle turned salacious and Fizz licked his lips.

"If that's the case, I'll get in touch. Count on it!"

Sighing, Ozzie shook his head, smirking to himself. If only Fizz would come along. However, nothing could be done about it. Gently, Ozzie set him back down and caressed Fizz's head one last time, enjoying the way Fizz gently nuzzled his hand and sighed. Lost in thought, Ozzie took one of the tips of his jester's cap between his fingers and then narrowed his eyes. He knew very well what Fizzarolli was hiding under his cap, and it worried Ozzie all the more to leave him all alone.

"Take care of yourself. I'm always available if something happens. NO MATTER what it is," he therefore commanded sternly and then turned away, no longer responding to Fizz's surprised look.

"Okay," was all he said in response, and finally Ozzie prepared to open the portal.

Off to three horrible days in the most horrible company he could imagine. Hooray!

**

Pride was by far the biggest ring in all of Hell, and by far the worst shithole Ozzie could imagine. Which was mainly because, in addition to the hell-born, all sinners also were living here - souls who weren't good enough for heaven and had screwed up most of their time in life. Pride was the only ring they could enter and the population was correspondingly high. That's why there was the annual extermination. A messy business, but as long as the sinners were trapped up in Pride, there was probably no other solution.

Sighing, Ozzie marched through the large lobby of the council building where they met each time and which, as always, had been shielded by great effort. There was virtually no entry from the outside, as many guards as Lucifer had lined up including all his magical seals and spells. The only way in was through a portal. But not just any portal. It was a special spell that had to be used and that only the seven princes knew.

Nevertheless, quite a few imps were already waiting for Ozzie when he stepped out of the portal, running towards him and begging to be of use.

"Lord Asmodeus! Your Highness! It is our honor to welcome you! Please, if we may take your luggage? We'll bring it to your suite right away!"

Disinterested, Ozzie sighed, was about to shoo the imps away, but faltered at the sight of their striped horns. Imps. He had never bothered to pay much attention to them unless they worked for him. But now that he knew his lover - even in his mind he whispered the word - was also one of them, his certainty began to gnaw at him. He put on a smile and held out his suitcase to one of the little creatures.

"If you may? Thank you."

The imp blinked in surprise before hurrying forward, accepting the suitcase, and dutifully he disappeared.

"Please, Your Highness, if I may, we will escort you to the conference room," another imp continued, to which Ozzie nodded.

"Go ahead. Lead the way," he muttered, frowning, actually noticing a hint of nervousness growing inside him. Like every time they met. It was tiring. "Have the other princes gathered yet?"

"Oh, yes, Your Highness. Everyone except His Royal Highness Prince Mammon."

What? Ozzie raised a brow and snorted. He wasn't the last one? Mammon hadn't moved his ass up here either yet? That was something new. On the other hand, Ozzie’s spirits lifted because it meant he wasn't the last one, and it wasn't going to be him who would be scolded. Thanks Mammon!

Satisfied with this outcome, Ozzie folded the arms behind his back and followed the imp down the long, white, red-carpeted hallway that led to the conference room. As always, huge pictures framed in gold adored the walls, showing Lucifer with all his accomplishments. Among them, of course, his family. The lovely Lilith and Lucifer's little girl, Charlotte. Whereby little not hit the mark. Judging from the portraits, she had grown into a pretty young woman and was no longer a little girl. She took after her mother, but she had her father's face.

Lucifer and a child. Ozzie shook his head, remembering exactly how proudly Lucifer had announced back then that he was going to be a father. He had called them all together for that, too. Briefly, Ozzie narrowed his eyes and snorted. He'd better not have rounded them up this time just because he was going to be a father again! Then Ozzie would snap the dwarf's skinny neck!

Sighing, he eyed one portrait after the other, his mind wandering. A child ... Lucky Fizzarolli and he had made sure this wouldn't happen to them anytime soon. Even though he preferred not to think back to the day they had ensured that. If someone had seen them, they would have become the laughing stock of all Hell. Had launched frantic hellnet searches and made panicked calls to people Ozzie had thought could be trusted. Call number one had gone neatly awry. His sister had laughed at him and hung up. How lucky Zarah had been willing to help. Without her, Fizz and he would have been screwed. After all, they couldn't just walk into a pharmacy to ask for various items for women. That would attract too much attention, and Ozzie really didn't want to read that kind of news. What a day that had been! What a day.

Finally, they reached the end of the corridor and before him appeared an ancient, tall double door, made of wood with thick metal shutters. Torches burned to the right and left and Ozzie frowned at the sight. This thing did not fit in here at all, but no matter how many times he told Lucifer, he was ignored.

The imps who had accompanied him rushed to the door, grabbed the two heavy rings that had been installed in place of latches, and slowly pulled the the sides of the door open, revealing what waited inside.

Unconsciously, Ozzie tensed, clenched his fists and tightened his shoulders. For once, he put on his holiday face. Family reunions were the best! Head held high, he entered the conference room and braced himself for what was to come.

Just like the door, the conference hall didn't fit in with the Ring's rather modern council building. It resembled the great hall of an old castle. The floor was made of large uneven stones, the walls were covered with heavy red curtains, and a three-story chandelier with countless burning candles hung from the ceiling. Directly below stood four tables, facing each other in a square. At one sat only one person, at the others sat each two and one table was still completely unoccupied.

Whoever Lucifer was trying to impress or fool with this room, the mere sight of it shook Ozzie uncomfortably every time. Terrible, this ambience! All that was missing was that their tables were made of wood, with a hell pig sizzling over a fire in the middle of them.

"Ah! Asmodeus! How nice that you could finally join us! Welcome. Take a seat," Lucifer's melodic voice finally rang out, and Ozzie sighed. Silently, he walked over to the empty table and took a seat, greeting his siblings with a curt nod of his head.

"Greetings. I apologize for being late, but here I am."

Lucifer didn't answer, he just grinned at Ozzie while bobbing his crossed over leg under the table. Next to their other siblings, Lucifer looked even smaller than usual, but what he lacked in size he made up for in charisma. And charisma he had. It rushed out of him and enveloped him, was so dense that Ozzie could sense it even without his mental antennae. Lucifer. Once their father's favorite. Now ruler of hell. And he was pissed. He hid it behind a deadly handsome smile, which he saved especially for Ozzie. Usually Lucifer was quite silly and overly cheerful, a strange trait for the ruler of Hell. But Ozzie knew Lucifer's very special attitude toward him. That was the everlasting receipt for sleeping with the devil's wife. No matter how many eons ago it happened ...

"Where's your brother?"

"Our brother. I don't know. We don't talk much."

"So? That's not what I heard. I heard there was a fight between the both of you."

Calling it a fight was an understatement, but Ozzie didn't feel like revealing the reason for their argument in front of the whole family. They'd just laugh at him.

"The matter is settled. But thanks for asking. Everything is fine."

A chuckle rang out and with narrowed eyes Ozzie squinted to the side where he spotted Beelezbub. His sister's big faceted eyes pierced him, and she chuckled behind raised hands, lifting a brow meaningfully.

"Yes, Ozzie ? Is your other little problem fine too ... or can we expect lots of little Ozzie's soon?" she asked boldly, wanting to taunt him, and immediately Ozzie regretted taking her into confidence. But he wasn't going to let her make fun of him. He sure as hell would not.

Grinning broadly, he leaned back and, too, raised his brows meaningfully.

"That matter is settled, too."

"Oh, what am I hearing? Did I miss something? Does that mean we're getting an addition to the family?" Lucifer asked in response, blinking in surprise, to which came an annoyed groan from the other side of their angular round. Satan shook his head and gave Ozzie a scathing glare.

"Are you fucking serious?! Did you really impregnated some bitch? Isn't it enough that you've fucked all of Hell!? It's a miracle we don't have a whole army of half-assed douchebags descended from you yet. Can't you keep your dick in your pants for just one second?! I hope for you it isn’t a she-imp, for fucks sake!" his brother snorted and smashed his muscular arm on the table, whereupon Belphegor, who was sleeping next to him, grunted briefly, but otherwise didn't move at all.

"Oh no, you misunderstand. This time Asmodeus didn't think with his dick. Or rather, he wasn't thinking at all, but was on the verge of getting knocked up himself," Beelze chirped, winking provocatively at Ozzie. Satan, meanwhile, wiped his brow.

"Can't believe it. Now we have too worry about two things! Damn hermaphrodite. Keep your legs closed and tie a knot in your dick, damn it! Take Mammon as an example. He does it right!"

Ozzie's patience was getting dangerously thin. Unbelievable. Barely five minutes in, and he was on the line again. Forcing himself to smile, he leaned over to Satan and gave him a suggestive grin.

"Well, are you jealous, Satan? If you want, you're welcome to pay me a visit when you're in Lust. I'll find someone to please you~" Ozzie countered nonchalantly, watching Satan's face turn red with anger. Next to Beeleze, on the other hand, a longing sigh sounded and a faint wave of suppressed bitter desire wafted over to Ozzie. Leviathan slid down in his chair, biting his nails and peering over to Ozzie out of narrowed eyes.

"Man, I'd like to have as much sex as you. That's not fair."

That made Ozzie snort and laugh.

"You're all welcome to visit my club. I have a new show you won't forget for the rest of your lives," he offered most unselfishly, to which Beelze chuckled again.

"New show? You mean with that jester demon you fought with Mammon over? He's the one who got you into this predicament, isn't he? Aw, Ozzie, are you getting sentimental and trying to introduce us to your boyfriend? Ha, ha, ha!"

Ozzie's heart sank and he gritted his teeth. There was no way his family should know about the true nature of his and Fizz's relationship. They would tear them apart. Literally, when he thought of Fizz. Shame on him, why hadn't he just kept his mouth shut?

"Pathetic."

Ozzie faltered when another voice rose in the hall and slowly he turned.

Mammon had appeared in the doorway and was walking slowly down the hall. He stopped beside Ozzie, looked down at him condescendingly, and his mouth twisted into a sickening grin.

"That you would fall so low and let a jester demon fuck you. Ozzie, Ozzie, what are we going to do with you?"

Ozzie's eyes twitched and immediately he realized, Mammon knew. He knew what Fizz was. Of course, he did! Fizz had told him himself. Mammon had known him since he was a child. All at once this meeting turned into a gauntlet and Ozzie tensed.

Shit. Until now, he'd thought of Mammon as of nothing more than an annoying inconvenience, but now, he was turning into a danger. A serious danger. However, Ozzie couldn’t let this shine through!

Disparagingly, he waved him off, choosing to ignore Mammon, whereupon the latter narrowed his eyes and finally sat down beside him.

"How nice. Now that the twins are both here, we are complete and can finally begin," Lucifer announced, clapping his hands once, whereupon countless torches ignited in the room, offering them more light. Meaningfully, Lucifer pulled out a stack of papers and handed them to an imp who was standing nearby waiting for his turn.

"Today's schedule. Let's get started .…"

Chapter Text

Chapter 36

before we knock you around

Slowly Asmodeus’s form vanished from his view and sighing Fizz looked after him. Stared at the wall for a long time even after the portal had closed. Silence filled the large office and only softly the hum of the music from the club came through to him.

Gone. So he was gone. Gone … for three days.

A whine of despair escaped Fizz longingly, and he threw his arms up in the air, only to press them to his eyes a second later. Putting his head far back, he shook it violently, and the tips of his cap flew wildly about. Crazy, crazy, crazy! All of this was crazy! A disturbing heat fried his brain, his heart was pounding, his groin was still on fire ... and all because of this huge idiot and by Lucifer, Fizz missed him already! Everything inside him longed for Asmodeus, yearning for his smug grin and engaging touches.

Three days without him seemed like an eternity to Fizz, and he leaned against the desk, pressing his hands even tighter to his eyes. Heavens, when had this happened? When had he become such a pathetic smitten weakling? He hadn't even run after Blitzo like he did with Ozzie ...

However. Tse, ridiculous. As if the stupid idiot with the O at the end could be compared to Asmodeus! Never! Asmodeus had much more class, was more attentive, charming, hotter ... more lovable and sometimes even cuter. FUCK!

Fizz sank to his knees - and started to giggle like crazy. Sighing, he took his hands from his eyes and squinted at the wall where the portal had been. Hopefully the big idiot was taking care of himself. Fizz had met only one of the other seven princes, and that was enough for him to know that this family reunion would certainly not be a bed of roses. But Asmodeus was a deathly sin. A prince. A king! Nothing would happen to him. The worst that could happen was that he would slip into a coma from boredom or dry up from the lack of sex.

The same applied to Fizz, and dissatisfied, he looked down at himself. Fucking cruel to turn him on like that and then get the hell out of there! Asshole!

On the other hand, his hips would thank Fizz. When Ozzie had warned him he would be insatiable, he hadn't been exaggerating, and Fizz was beginning to realize what Ozzie’s 'predator' was all about. Satisfying the King of Lust was no easy task, but Fizz did his best. Which was basically pretty easy. Ozzie was practically Viagra on legs, and sometimes all it took was Ozzie to give him a wink and Fizz war ready to pounce him. He had never had as much sex in the last couple of weeks as he had in his entire life. Still, the side effects were starting to show. He hadn't told Ozzie, but he felt strangely weak, and for the past few days his prosthetic legs had been giving him trouble. They seemed stiff to him, had slight malfunctions and his hips felt like his discs had been blown out! But he couldn't tell the Embodiment of Lust something like that... His meds would do their work. Even if Fizz tried to reduce the dose on his own to get used to the pain. Ozzie didn't found that funny at all, but he didn't understand. If Fizz learned to tolerate the pain, he would eventually not feel it at all, he was sure about that.

Snorting, Fizz shook his head, bit his lips and pulled his phone out of his pocket, grinning at the sight of the screen. It showed Ozzie. Ozzie, in a deep sleep, after a hot night. Fizz had taken the photo secretly. One had to look very closely to recognize the King of Lust. Exhausted, though satisfied, his prince lay on the bed, a pillow in his arms, drooling - and completely fluffed up. His fur and feathers stood out in all directions, turning him into a giant ball of fluff. Glorious! Stupid cock ...

Fizz scrolled through his four contacts, tapped Horny 24/7, but then stopped. His fingers hovered over the keyboard, but he held back. Ozzie had only been gone five minutes. And what was he supposed to text him, anyway? That he was sitting in his office, alone and with longing, mourning his departure and being still pretty hot? Tse, ridiculous!

Hmm. On the other hand …

Maybe he didn't have to write him anything. There were other ways to send such a message, and Fizz had an idea. A crazy, totally inappropriate idea, causing heat to shoot into his cheeks and which could probably get him into a lot of trouble, but shit, why not? Basically, it didn't matter... Apart from that, it really hadn't been a fine move to turn him on and then drop him, and with a wide grin Fizz reached for the waistband of his pants, letting his hand slide inside. Panting, he licked his lips before searching for the record button on his phone.

The message would surely please Ozzie~

*

More than pleased with himself, Fizz left the office, adjusted his clothes, and dropped the phone into his pocket. Well, if that message and the picture wouldn't cause Ozzie to be done as soon as possible with this crappy meeting, he didn't know what else to do. However he had an idea how his prince would react, and the possibility of Ozzie looking at the picture in the middle of the meeting made him laugh. Not just because of Ozzie's expression, oh no! The thought of the other princes and their silly faces also filled him with deep profound satisfaction. Though not as far as a certain clown was concerned, but Fizz wasn't about to let him ruin more than he had already taken from him anyway.

Giggling, he strutted down the corridor, filled with the glorious glow that flooded his body after a climax, and glanced at the clock. The show would start soon, and he had a few things to prepare. Now that Ozzie had let him take the lead, he'd best get to work with Elena- ...

"Fizzarolli!"

Speak of the devil. Before Fizz could even think about where to find her, Elena walked up to him, clipboard in hand as always. Grinning, Fizz reached out and grabbed her, pulling her close and hugging her.

"Aaah, there she is! Just the woman I was looking for!" he announced good humored, at which Elena gave him a skeptical look and raised a brow. Then she wriggled herself free and pointed to her clipboard.

"No time for games. Has Asmodeus left yet?" she asked, squinting past him toward the office. Half-heartlessly, Fizz shrugged.

"Just missed him. But as agreed, I'm now the contact person for important things. That's why I was looking for you."

Elena frowned doubtfully.

"Oh really? All right. I'm glad you're taking things seriously. There are still some issues to be discussed and decided. Especially after our first act just drank himself into a coma."

Snorting, Fizz glanced at tonight's schedule.

"Yeah, hiring him was a 50-50 chance. Told Ozzie, but he was anxious to try it out. Take him off the payroll and throw him out. Put your money where your mouth is. There are no second chances at Ozzie's. The club's reputation is too important!"

"I'm glad we agree on that! My suggestion would be to bring act three forward. Can you extend your opening moderation by 10 minutes? Then the gap between acts would be smaller, and we-…"

She began to babble, and Fizz commented on each of her remarks with an exaggerated "Ah-ha!" and "Mm-mh!" and after awhile she punched him in the stomach, expressionless.

"Stop that."

Panting, he doubled over and cursed, but nodded. He guessed he deserved that. Wow, that woman could deliver a punch!

"So. Do we agree on the planning for today?" she finally asked and Fizz nodded.

"Yes, ma'am! I told Ozzie not to worry about it. You could even run the place without one of us."

Snorting, Elena rolled her eyes.

"Shut up," she grumbled, but Fizz noticed that the corners of her mouth twitched. Then she reached for her walkie, passed the new schedule to the staff, and arranged for the rest of the acts to get the new schedule, too. She was about to leave, and Fizz had to get ready too, when she paused and looked over her shoulder once more.

"Hey, Fizzarolli. Do you want to come to the after-show party tonight?" she asked, at which Fizz blinked. "Now that Asmodeus is not here, this would be the opportunity. Since you two are together, we hardly see you. I mean, sure, you guys are in the middle of your 'honeymoon phase', but it's been a while since you sat down with us. What do you think?"

Fizz froze, and he went ice cold. W-what was she saying ...? A fat lump formed in his throat and frantically he looked around, made a big leap and grabbed her by the collar.

"What the fuck are you talking about!? We're not -!"

Annoyed, Elena rolled her eyes, pretending to be completely unimpressed.

"Please. There's no need to get upset. The fact that you two are fucking non-stop is one thing ... even that we've had to delay the show three times because of it.... But the way you two are throwing googly-eyes and drooling over each other all the time, by now the whole crew should have noticed what's going on."

Fizz grew cold, and he forgot to breathe, tightening his grip around Elena's collar. Every stupid line stuck in his throat, while he desperately searched for a good casual answer that would dispel Elena's suspicions. But he couldn't think of anything. Slowly, he shook his head, opened his mouth.

"We're not ...! We're business partners. Nothing more! Business partners who fuck each other, but that's strictly transactional. After all I am his favorite!"

Elena grunted in response, grabbing Fizz's wrist and resolutely disengaging his hand from her blouse.

"Of course." Meaningfully, she shook her head and patted his cheek. "Don't worry about it. We all owe Asmodeus a lot. No one would want to get him in deep shit by spreading rumors. And neither you. We like you asshole too much for that. What happens at Ozzie's, stays at Ozzie's. It's a matter of honor."

Fizz didn’t know what to respond, yet he had the pressing feeling he should have a list with thousand reasons at hand that negated their acceptance. One hundred percent! Or would he give their secret away by doing just that? Should he confirm it, cheekily and brazenly and exaggeratedly, to play it down? If he ridiculed it, nobody could use it against them, could they?
On the other hand, Elena didn't seem like she was trying to play dirty with him, and his colleagues hadn't made any stupid remarks or given them spiteful looks, either. He ground his jaw, unsure whether he should trust Elena's words. She smiled wryly, then patted his shoulder.

"Take it easy, Fizzarolli. Come to the after-show party tonight - And relax. Your prosthetic arm is twitching suspiciously, don't you think I didn't notice! Ozzie told me to remind you to take your meds and don't stress yourself. So be a good boy and listen. I'll see you later." With that, she waked away, leaving Fizz behind. After she had dropped that bomb.

That was ... oh shit! Shit, shit! In a hast, Fizz dug out his hellphone and started typing; but then stopped. Sending Ozzie juicy voicemails and pictures was one thing, but was it wise to text him that everyone in the club knew about the true nature of their relationship? Even though they had done anything to keep it secret?! They had been careful. Even more than usual. Or was his silly confession from back then to blame? When he'd was joking around in front of the whole staff during the after-show party and claimed that he would love Ozzie ...! Oh fuck, fuck!

What if the rumor already had spread? What if Ozzie had been called to Pride because of this? Would he get in trouble? Would they do something to him? Hurt him?? Or would they come to tear Fizzarolli, the cocky jester demon - no- the imp who dared to mess with a prince to pieces in front of everyone as a statement? As an example!?

Panic flared up in him and with concentration he inhaled, squinting at the clock. Fifteen minutes. By then he had to calm down ... urgently! B-best, he repressed the whole matter and stopped thinking about it. Later at the after-show party, he'd tell everyone what really was going on: nothing!!! Ozzie couldn't get in trouble because of Fizz's cheeky tongue!

Yes. Yes, that's exactly what he would do. And until then. Smile and carry on. The way he knew best.

Aaaaaaahhhh!

**

Everyone knew.

When Fizz arrived at the after-show party, his appearances was joyfully awaited by everyone and when the topic Asmodeus came up, his plan to make it absolutely clear that there was nothing between them except sex and Fizz being his favorite snuffed out like a candle in the wind. Everyone knew it and Fizz was tormented by endless nervousness, because all of a sudden everyone became curious and wanted to know how their relationship was progressing. But Fizz did not respond. Unlike with in his meeting with Elena, this time he showed casual indifference and remained more than vague in all conversations.

"Ozzie is the best lover in all seven rings - and according to all of Hell, I must know best," he joked, not knowing if he might be going too far while sucking on his drink uneasily.

Embarrassment plagued him, anger at their carelessness, but also a bit of pride gnawed at him. The way they all adored him just because he and Asmodeus were a couple – in theory, Fizz confirmed nothing - Was extremely flattering and confusing, because everybody wished them well. Were happy for Ozzie. Like Zarah was ... strange. Ozzie's absolutely undemonic qualities seemed to spill over to those he hung out with. Hopefully Elena was right, and they kept this unofficial secret, otherwise there would be a thunderstorm of apocalyptic dimension as soon as Ozzie returned from Pride. If he came back, that was. Hopefully unharmed…

The thought made him sick to his stomach, and he regretted having drunk so much. On the other hand, it was quite nice to spent time with the others. When he had started here and still had lived in the basement, he had not missed any of the after-show parties. This seemed an eternity in the past. Since he'd moved in with Ozzie, he'd spent every free minute with the big cotton candy mountain, and he enjoyed it. But he hardly knew anyone else in Lust except from his coworkers, and all his other friends and acquaintances had died or disappeared in the accident back then ... or had just dumped him because they were fucking cowards and preferred to let him rot in the fire. Assholes!

The thought soured his mood and all of a sudden the party became too loud for him. His coworkers were too cheerful, their chatter was getting on his nerves, and all he wanted to do was go home. Though this meant ruining Wally's evening, he gave him a sign that he wanted to leave.

"Oh, are you sure you want to go already?" Lavender, one of the dancers, giving him an encouraging wink. "We want to hit a few more bars before the sun rises. Why don't you join us?"

Expectant faces stared at him and admittedly, it was a tempting thought, yet he declined. The party here at Ozzie's was fine because he was with his coworkers. But in other bars, he'd be the one and only Fizzarolli, and would only draw unnecessary attention to himself - and without Ozzie to shield him from the others, he didn't feel comfortable in such large crowds.

"I'm sorry. I know my company is stunning, but now that the boss is gone, I've got paperwork to do, show prep, phone calls to make, and I need at least two hours of sleep. Another time, bitches!" He winked at them and deep disappointment spread. Fizz was almost sorry, but before he had to keep smiling and dodging question after question for the rest of the night, he preferred to pull the trigger and be the party pooper. He jumped from his stool and threw handfuls of air kisses to everyone and strolled through the lounge swinging his hips; knowing their gazes were glued to him until he reached the backstage area and was out of sight. Once there, he sighed and slumped his shoulders.

As much as he had enjoyed talking, they were all a bit too much. Since when had it become so exhausting to talk to people...?

Tired, annoyed, and most of all, worried, he took out his phone, checked to see if there had been a response from Ozzie to his messages, and narrowed his eyes when there was nothing in his inbox. Well, so much for the big idiot wanting messages so badly. Anyway. Hopefully Ozzie was okay and it was just the usual business chatter that kept him from texting ...

Grumpily, he gathered his stuff from the locker room before trudging to the back entrance, sighing as he heard the roar of fans from the other side. All waiting and hoping to catch a glimpse of Asmodeus and Fizzarolli.

As a matter of prudence, he took his sunglasses out, hid his tired, annoyed look behind heart-shaped lenses, and pulled his smile back on. This would do for the short walk to the car. He took a deep breath before opening the door and facing the fans alone.

*

The same was about to happen at the penthouse, and Fizz quickly made his way through the cluster of demons that had gathered in front of the skyscraper, shouting all sorts of things at him. But Fizz played his role perfectly. He grinned at them, waved idly, posed here and there before finding shelter inside the skyscraper. As soon as the big door closed behind him, he sighed loudly and rolled his eyes, taking off his sunglasses.

At least none of them dared to go inside the building. No one would go that far, because not only Asmodeus, but also other important high class demons lived on the other floors, and located inside were lounges, bars, and even a kind of wellness area - all exclusive for the building's residents, as Fizz knew by now. He usually went straight up with Ozzie, but at some point curiosity had gotten the better of him, and he had explored the building. Tonight, however, he didn't feel like going to any of the other areas, and trotted to the elevator - where, like every morning and every evening horror awaited him. In the form of Fred.

With his arms folded, the bellhop stood next to the elevator and gave Fizz a disdainful look as he approached.

"What’s up," Fizz merely mumbled, trying to keep the conversation short. He had tried to apologize to Fred somehow, for his outburst the night of the orgy, however Fred hadn't been willing to listen at all, so Fizz had given up. "You know how it goes," was all he said to the bellhop once he was inside the elevator. Fred snorted, eyed him up and down, and stood in front of the elevator for quite a while.

Just glared at Fizz.

Until it became uncomfortable. Extremely uncomfortable and an uneasy shiver ran down Fizz's spine.

Then Fred shrugged and actually did his job, stepping into the elevator right next to Fizz and pressed a button on the control panel. Tse, huffy son of a bitch.

The ride up was the most uncomfortable event of the evening by far. The silence bored into Fizz like a rusty nail, sucking the air out of the tiny room and making it hard to breathe. Maybe Ozzie should fire the guy after all. This daily tense atmosphere was getting burdensome ...

"So Ozzie is gone?" Fred asked finally, and surprised, Fizz jumped, blinking. Oho, it spoke? But since when did he spoke about his highborn Lord Asmodeus in that way? Calling him Ozzie ...?

Clearing his throat, Fizz nodded.

"Yes. Left today," Fizz answered curtly. Somehow the behavior of the bellhob seemed strange to him. Eerie. But Fizz tried not to sound rude. He wasn't surprised that Fred knew. Ozzie had talked about the trip often enough while they'd been in the elevator.

Tersely, Fred looked to him and raised a brow.

"Are there still three days planned? For the royal meeting in Pride?"

"Yup, that's what it looks like. Busy he is, the big man. Always busy."

"Yes, indeed. It's not the first time he's had to go to a meeting, after all. Sometimes he's even gone longer than planned..."

Well, hopefully not! Actually, Fizz hoped Ozzie would come back even sooner. On the other hand, Fred wasn't wrong. It was, after all, a meeting of the rulers of all Hell. Who knew what topics would be discussed there and how much time this would take?

He hummed a reply and nodded, staring at the gilded elevator doors. Longer than three days was long. Way too long! Not that Fizz couldn't run the club on his own, but he had to tell Ozzie about this thing with the others ... and he missed him.

What if the big dork wouldn’t show up after three days? What if he had gotten into an argument? A fight? W-with the clown ...!!! Fizz would never find out! Not be able to help him! Yet he had promised he would! He couldn't truly fight one of the high princes, but he could at least try!

He gulped at the thought and clenched his fists. Hopefully the bastard would message him soon. Ozzie was gone only since a few hours and this restlessness already was a torture!

"Occurs we have a lot of time....," Fred suddenly muttered and Fizz blinked, raising his head. He was about to retort something then he faltered.

A grin spread across the bellhop's face - and the next moment he leapt forward, caught Fizz off guard, and smacked him against the back of the neck. Startled, Fizz groaned and backed away, reaching for his neck, which all at once began to burn.

"Yo, what the fuck! What was that about!?" he shouted, showing his razor-sharp fangs to the bellhop, but Fred just grinned and lifted the hand with which he had hit Fizz. Something small and pointy flashed between his fingers. A needle?!

Horrified, Fizz widened his eyes, gasping for air. Shit! Had he injected him with something???

"Don't panic, Fizz. It won't hurt," Fred chuckled, and before Fizz could reply anything, his vision began to blurr. One Fred became two, no, three, and the ground beneath his feet turned into uneven slush. His body became heavy as lead, everything around him turned black and he slumped to his knees, but did not slam to the ground. He was caught at the last moment, felt a firm grip around his body, and a dirty laugh reached his ears.

"That was easier than I thought~"

Shit! Shit, shit, shit!

In a last spark of strength, he tried to fight, tried to free himself from the grip, but his body was no longer his. Was limp and heavy. Like a stone. Darkness took hold and he grew tired. So fucking tired ...

Fucking shit .…

Chapter Text

Chapter 37

proprietor like us

"I don't understand why we're still keeping this stupid pact!" Satan roared for the hundredth time and Ozzie rolled his eyes.

They were running in circles for hours. Over the same topic. Like every time they had a meeting - and like every time they couldn't find a solution to the problem.

The others also began to groan in annoyance and even Lucifer, who had infinite patience and rarely lost his good humor, rubbed his forehead in exasperation.

"We have already discussed this in detail. My opinion remains set, Satan! Extermination is a necessary evil. Pride is overrun with souls and our weapons are ineffective for wiping out sinners for good. That is why we must maintain the pact with Heaven, and believe me, that commitment to take is hard enough" Lucifer explained, speaking as slowly and clearly as if he were talking to a child. Satan, however, snorted and folded his arms.

"Tse. You're way too lax and still fawning on them! Pathetic! If I were in charge here, then- ....!" Before Satan could even finish the sentence, a rumble rose and the air began to crackle. Ozzie's mental antennae twitched and he tensed, feeling a pressure building that rattled his sensitive senses. Like a too high frequency, which only he could hear. And it rumbled hideously, giving him a headache.

With an amused smile, Lucifer bedded his face on his folded hands and the snake, wrapped around his cylinder like an assessor, came to life. Sliding menacingly slowly onto his shoulder, its long forked tongues darting out with a hiss.

"Well, you're not. I'm in charge. I make the decisions. And the decision has been made. Things remain as they are. Just as they have for thousands of years. Pride is my ring. I am just kindly informing you of how I deal with the inhabitants of my ring. Any questions?"

The air grew even thinner, and like the walls were slowly closing in, a pressure built in the room that gave Ozzie a shiver. Sometimes he forgot what power his eldest brother possessed, as rarely as he showed it. Even his simple appearance did not reflect this in the least...

The tension shut Satan up, and he said nothing more, piercing Lucifer with his gaze like he wanted to tear him apart.

A spark of relief flooded Ozzie and as discreet as possible, he slumped in his chair.
Urg, so exhausting! This meeting was unspeakably nerve-wracking and so far they had not come to a single agreement. Ozzie had hoped they would make quick progress with the day's planning. In fact, there wasn't much on the schedule, but every little thing opened a can of worms because one of his siblings always felt left out. The hours of shouting and arguing only gave him a headache and an unpleasant twinge tormented him, throbbing violently behind his forehead.

Yet all he wanted was to leave again. He wanted to go home. Back to his lustful ring, where everyone was merry and happy and indulging their desires. Back to Fizzarolli ... He wondered what his jester was doing now? The show should still be running and for sure he was swinging his handsome butt across the stage. The thought elicited a grin from Ozzie and longing awoke in him. If only he could just get up and leave. The others didn't care about his opinion anyway and unlike them, he didn't stubbornly insist on his opinion or necessarily need to make himself heard. He left that to certain other people. People like .…

"If someone would ask me which of course nobody does, I would say we break the banishing circle!", Mammon threw into the room and significantly slowly Ozzie turned his head, eyed Mammon doubtfully. "If we can get the sinners access to the other rings, we could make a lot of profit! It would be a benefit for all our businesses! And, of course, it would take the pressure from you and Pride, my dear brother."

The last sentence made Ozzie grunt, and he shook his head.

"It was so obvious you were going to say that," he grumbled, at which Mammon hissed, but didn't spare him a glance, focusing entirely on Lucifer.

"Ignore him. Asmodeus has no idea about these things. All that matters to him is when and where he can cum next," Mammon snorted, and the others snickered slyly, giving Ozzie leery looks which he skillfully ignored. Silently, he sighed and shook his head when Mammon continued. "I say we break the spell, let the sinners spread over all Hell, and thus solve our problem with Heaven - and in addition the reoccurring problem with the increase of angelic weapons on the black market. After exterminations, there are always some left behind to fall into the wrong hands..."

"Ha! What a joke!" Beelzebub laughed and looked up from her well filled plate. Instead of the day's schedule, a small buffet was placed on her table, because she claimed only to survive the meeting by constantly consuming food. Tse ... and the others had reprimanded him when he had indulged in a little flirt with the servants during a meeting. Of course, when his siblings pursued their sins unrestrained, no one said anything. Hypocrites. Beelze, meanwhile, put on a dramatic pose and swung her fork through the air wildly, pointing at Mammon. "You're just trying to get your hands on the weapons for leverage! Like you greedy dick wouldn't profit from black market deals."

"Like you greedy dick wouldn't control half the black market ... and give me competition. Totally unnecessary. That's my line of work. Not yours," Leviathan added, grimacing. Growing impatient, Mammon shrugged his shoulders.

"Why are you all getting so mean? No need to come at me from all sides! First come, first served. Having an overview of the machinations is an advantage. That includes knowing what weapons are circulating there. Nothing more."

Ozzie sighed, and even though the whole discussion of Pride, the sinners, and the angelic weapons was ticking him off, he still hold back to voice his thoughts.

"That those weapons are a problem for the noble royals, you haven't considered, have you?" he grumbled, but before Mammon had a chance to answer, a hiss sounded from one of the other tables.

"You are the one who know best," Satan sneered, pulling a face as Belphegor leaned against him, half asleep, and nodding sleepily. Snorting, Satan shoved him back to his other side of the table before he pieced Ozzie with his gaze like with a spear. "Last time we had serious trouble with these weapons was when that incubus attacked you and you had to make a complete show of it! All Hell caught up in that embarrassment!"

Concentrating, Ozzie took a breath and narrowed his eyes, clenching his fists under the table. He realized that his siblings would never let him forget that incidence, but as much as Ozzie hated to admit it, Satan was pouring salt into an open wound. For what had been nothing more than an embarrassment to his other siblings had meant much more to him. Which he would not let show, however. He couldn't allow himself any embarrassment, especially since his siblings didn't take him seriously anyway. For them, he was the guy who fucked... The fact that he was one of the kings among the nobles and not just a prince of hell, they were only too happy to forget and it began to get under his skin.

He snorted and the flames inside him changed color; became dark and blazed up dangerously. Demonstratively, he exhaled, whereupon the whole room lit up.

"Indeed," he rumbled and stuck out his chest, putting on a smug grin. "Thanks to me, all Hell knows that no deathly sins can be killed by these weapons. And THAT is an advantage. Unlike for the nobility, these weapons are only deadly to us when wielded by one of our heavenly siblings."

A heavy silence spread and Ozzie tensed, biting his tongue. Damn it, he had done it again! Again and again that title slipped out of his mouth, even though he knew exactly how his 'real' siblings felt about it. Scathing looks were thrown at him - even Belphegor raised his head, although he had listened silently until now - and finally Beelze clicked her tongue.

"Tse, you're so sentimental, Ozzie," she grumbled, shaking her head, poking at her food with her fork. "The fact that you still call those traitors that way shows you still don't have your priorities straight, little brother. But then, you've always been like that. Mourning our old home and longing for ... old virtues. You really never change." Her gaze flitted to Mammon, who grinned broadly - which she returned.

Ozzie's eyes twitched and he swallowed hard. Mammon! The fucker had probably been blabbing and spouting nonsense behind his back again. Uncomfortable, Ozzie slid around in his chair, scratched his back, and pretended to be as matter-of-fact as possible.

"What I call them is of no importance. What is important is that we should pay attention to what is in circulation. What do you think will happen if the higher ranking demons are actually wiped out by angelic weapons just because we don't control the black market properly or let sinners run amok throughout Hell. I don’t lust after another civil war spreading over all seven rings."

Mammon laughed and waved it off, pretending Ozzie had talked complete bullshit.

"War is good for business! I'm merely thinking economically!"

"ENOUGH~"

Lucifer's cheerful singsong voice blared through the room like a freshly plugged in and incorrectly polarized amplifier, making them all wince and Ozzie's headache worsen. Having to perceive so many strong feelings from so many powerful beings at once was akin to torture.

"Economically, Mammon, the idea is modest. Asmodeus is absolutely right," Lucifer interrupted the conversation and Ozzie frowned in surprise. What was that? His brother actually agreed with him? Signs and wonders still happend, because usually Lucifer disagreed with Ozzie just for the sake of it. It had always been that way. Injured pride just hurt... But it apparently didn't go beyond ensuring their hierarchy. "Bringing these weapons into market could throw the rings into chaos and create a significant imbalance. So could lifting the spell that bans the sinners to Pride - which, by the way, we don't even know how to lift. Sinners are hard to kill and less sensitive than hellborn. They could quickly overrun the original natives. Consequently, the annual extermination and the banning spell remain in place. Especially since we don’t need another Radio Demon or an overlord strong enough to trump the Ars Goetia. Or one of us sin.... We just need to keep an eye on the black market and that, Leviathan, belongs, as you said, in your métier. Mammon, stop sticking your greedy nose in other people businesses."

A dissatisfied grumbling rose, spreading through the air like the scent of a rotten apple, and Ozzie pursed his mouth in disgust. So everything back to where it started...

Narrowly squinting at Satan, he raised a brow and the corners of his mouth twitched. His brother looked like he was going to blow up at any moment - and Ozzie knew what was coming.

5

4

3

2

1

"BUT ....!!!" Satan began and with that Ozzie dropped out. He wasn't going to go through all that crap again, dammit!

Disinterested, he looked down at the table and sighed. If only this meeting would finally be over!

His mind wandered and landed in his lounge. Where quite a few guests would be relaxing by now and indulging in their glorious lust. Oh, how Ozzie missed the delicious aromas. Their spice, their bite, their heat. How they adored and celebrated and craved him.

Unlike that sour disaffected snivel in this room, filled with pitiful mourners who didn't take him seriously.

Ozzie missed one aroma in particular. One figure who smiled honestly at him and put him on a special pedestal. He sighed longingly....

He wondered if Fizzarolli's show was already over? For sure, after all, they had been sitting here for what felt like an eternity. Hesitantly, Ozzie bit his lips. What if he ...? Mmmh....

He glanced around briefly before finally pulling out his cell phone and squinting stealthy at the screen. He could dare a quick glance, especially since he had promised Fizzarolli to text him, and he desperately needed a distraction!

However, when he looked at the screen, he faltered. His heart gave a joyful leap and at the same moment his back began to burn as if a red-hot poker was scraped across it.

There were two messages in his inbox, and they were from Fizzarolli!

Without being able to stop, a wide, goofy grin slid onto Ozzie's face and hastily he tapped the messages - made such a violent leap at the same moment that Mammon gave him an annoyed look. Which Ozzie couldn't be more indifferent about at that moment, because the message contained a picture!!! A more than exquisite picture that lit a fire in Ozzie's groin and all at once his pants felt uncomfortably tight. His flames flared high and he gulped, wishing he could crawl through the phone back to his office and help Fizz with what he so obviously had to work out there alone with himself and his dick ... his poor, lonely, horny jester~.

The second message was a voicemail, but before Ozzie could even consider listening to it, a loud, conspicuous throat clearing sounded.

"Asmodeus. If you would be so kind to keep your thoughts inside your head again, you would do us all a favor. I told you before to restrain you sexual desires during our meetings," Lucifer quipped smugly, but there was no amusement in his voice. His brother was annoyed. So was everyone else, who eyed him and his flickering flames askance. Ozzie shrugged unconcernedly in response, not caring that his siblings knew what the blue fire surrounding him meant. These buzzkills just didn't know how to have fun. On the other hand, Ozzie didn't want any of them to see Fizz like that. This was exclusively his, so he quickly put his phone away - his finger slipping and landing unplanned on the voicemail.

"Oooooh Ozzie~~ Aahhhh~~"

Ozzie winced violently and heat crept into his head, spreading through his body as Fizzarolli's moans echoed throughout the room. The sound of his smoky chainsaw voice, his excited moans so close to climax, sent Ozzie to cloud nine and the longing inside him became unbearable. Like the boner that was clearly visible in his pants. Oh, if only he hadn't left undone, unsatisfied and impatient! Because he wanted to be the one to make Fizzarolli moan. Wanted to be made to moan by Fizzarolli at the same time ...

"ASMODEUS!" Lucifer roared, snapping Ozzie out of his thoughts, and startled, Ozzie blinked. All playfulness had drained from Lucifer's features and an angry frown curved his forehead. His thread of patience was broken. Like that of his siblings.

"You can't even pull together yourself for once," Satan murmured, at which Ozzie raised a brow. He was about to point at Beelzebub, who had been indulging in her sin since the beginning of their meeting, but she came up to him, pulling her fork out of her mouth with relish before smacking her lips.

"Aww, is that him? Your little boyfriend? How cute that he sends you messages like that. But I have to say, what a voice. He really sounds ... delicious. I could just eat him alive, hi, hi."

Ozzie narrowed his eyes, tensed and opened his mouth, but was already interrupted again.

"Forget it, Beelze." Mammon chuckled filthily and eyed Ozzie from top to bottom. "You'll cut your teeth on that little shit. The guy's a cyborg. No arms, no legs, no dick. But at least he brings in lots and lots of cash."

"Excuse me? You've been making a fool of yourself for months over a fucking cyborg??? That's all anyone reads about you in the media all the time! Don't you have any pride at all?" Satan pounded the table again, whereupon Belphegor grunted.

"So much .... effort .... for a bunch of tin .... isn't worth the effort..." Belphegor commented stretched, while Leviathan sighed, the only one whose emotional waves didn't whip down on Ozzie like a scourge: "Wow... Well, if someone sent me messages like that, I'd call myself a lucky man."

Alternately, Ozzie looked from one to the other, not knowing who to shut the fuck up first! What shit they talked about him, we couldn't care less. He was used to that, but that they dared to insult HIS Jester! His precious Fizz! That was going too far! But he didn't get to respond at all. Lucifer's unnerved rumble rose above them, like an approaching thunderstorm, and he massaged his temples.

"I think this is the perfect moment to address the next topic on our list!" he sneered, tapping quite a few times on the stack of papers lying on the table in front of him. "So. What the fuck is going on in Lust? What the fuck is wrong with you, Asmodeus?!"

A lump formed in Ozzie's throat and his flames died. Extinguished altogether and he ground his jaw. Like always in the past, they trampled on him. Had never taken him seriously, because of his virtue, because of his sin. And because of his age. But the times that he had dutifully bowed to their orders and been obedient had been long gone.

Snorting, he crossed his arms and put on a broad grin.

"What's supposed to be going on in Lust? Everything is going like a clockwork. The inhabitants of my ring are thoroughly satisfied. With everything ~"

"Oh yeah?" Lucifer raised a brow and something about his gaze bored deep into Ozzie's chest. But he tried not to let it show. Not even when his brother bent forward, practically leaning all over the table while his aura spread about the room. Like invisible hands, it reached out and wrapped itself around his neck, squeezing, and Ozzie stiffened. Could no longer move. Lucifer's eyes seemed to grow larger and larger, hypnotizing him, putting him into a trance that robbed him of his breath. As if he had been locked in a straitjacket.

"Nothing is going like a clockwork, Asmodeus, and we're all tired of hearing about your escapades. First you run around in your energy-saving form, let the assumption circulate that you are weakened, then you disappear completely from the public for weeks, neglect your duties, run after this low class jester demon who allows himself one faux pas after the next - and then this story with the mass orgy! How low to you plan to sink?" the Lord of Hell hissed icily. Ozzie tried to fight Lucifer’s suffocating power, to free himself, but he failed and had to withstand the verbal attack. Had to endure being cut down in more and more. To be made small. "How can you be so careless and naive as a king? Have you thought even for a second about the light this casts on us princes? How we will look if one of us steps out of line? Then and only then will these weapons possibly become a problem! So pull yourself together. Isn't it enough that you already had a total failure with this sucubus ten years ago? Just because of your favorite complex? What's next? An imp? If you keep this up, I'll forbid you to pick a favorite in the future. Also I'll take your new toy, break it, and you'll draw your power only from the energy that surrounds you. Like the rest of us. Got it!? Just because of your selfish behavior, I will not allow our authority to be ridiculed or questioned. You are one of the strongest of us, so behave accordingly instead of letting your sin rule over you like this! Do you understand me, Asmodeus?"

The invisible grip around his throat loosened, giving him the opportunity to speak up. But Ozzie remained silent. Returned Lucifer's gaze reproachfully.

"Like father, like son. Hmm? Lucy?" he murmured, at which Lucifer's eyes twitched.

"I said, do you understand? Or do you want me to go to your ring right now and destroy your favorite?"

The threats went on drilling into Ozzie's throbbing skull like a screwdriver, but he wasn't going to be subjugated that easily. For Lucifer was right about one thing. In terms of strength, he was one of the strongest among them, regardless of whether Lucifer's foul magic could bring him to his knees. It didn't change the fact that he, Asmodeus could turn any ring into a flaming fire roll if he wanted to. Grumbling, he exhaled black flames that danced around the room - turning everything they touched to ash.

"If you lay a finger on him I'll fuck your whole family and put them in purgatory for all eternity. Do you understand me? Samael?" he roared to his brother. Left no doubt about his words. Made this promise matter-of-factly.

Silently they stared at each other, while the tension in the room build up to the ceiling, threatening to overflow. But Asmodeus did not even think of giving in. Not if someone dared to threaten his jester! The person who belonged to him. Who meant EVERYTHING to him!

But also Lucifer remained stubborn, and so they stared at each other - until a dignified sigh arose. Belphegor rose from his chair with difficulty, looking from one to the other before raising his hands and shaking his head.

"Boys. Boys ... calm down. Nothing's worth the effort of getting ... at each other's throats. We who are .... the first and last of our kin."

And as if Belphegor's voice wasn't soporific enough, it tugged at Ozzie, and with each following word his brother uttered, his motivation to rebel against Lucifer dwindled. Just as Lucifer's invisible grip loosened.

Finally, Lucifer sighed, and all at once the tension in the room dissolved. Like flipping a switch.

"Good. We've settled that," he stated businesslike, adjusting his clothes and sitting down again. "I think I've made my point more than clear. So let's proceed ..."

Taking a deep breath, Ozzie slumped in his chair but did not reply. His eyes lingered on Lucifer and he snorted disdainfully.

This was why he hated these meetings. Like poison.

And indeed, like nothing had happened, Lucifer resumed the meeting. Belphegor took his seat again and the others relaxed as well. Until a giggle sounded next to Ozzie.

Grinning, Mammon bared his teeth and looked at Ozzie askance.

"Well, well, well. To think you'd go that far to threat him with purgatory. Just because of ‘your’... jester," he whispered, pretending to be unconcerned, although his voice dripped with spite. Ozzie wanted to ignore him, he really did, but more and more anger grew inside him and against his intentions he let himself be provoked.

"What!?" he hissed, at which Mammon raised a brow and suddenly leaned far back. Quite like he wanted to look at the space behind Ozzie. Instead, he gazed at Ozzie’s back, then looked him far too aware in the eye.

"Aaaand? Do you feel them yet? Can that rooster flutter again? Aww... I'm sure if you just wish really hard, you will be a real boy again, Asmodel."

That was enough!

Ozzie wheeled around, slamming his fist full force into the back of Mammon's head - throwing him forward. His brother’s face crashed on the tabletop and a scream echoed through the room. Mammon threw himself up and held his face. Horrified looks were thrown their way, but Ozzie ignored them. Fixated on his twin.

"Shut your mouth, you fucking crybaby," he rumbled, regretted ever having taken Mammon into his confidence, and the mere fact that they were twins and Ozzie, unlike the other deathly sins, still possessed a shred of honor, prevented him from setting the fucker on fire so that he would be reduced to ashes.

He had had enough of this meeting! More than enough!!

Chapter Text

Chapter 38

savagery

"Uhrg …"

Slowly Fizz regained consciousness, feeling a hideous throbbing behind his temples and moaning in agony. His skull felt like someone had pulled an iron bar over his head, and his whole body felt tired and exhausted. But also... light. Far too light, in fact. What had happened ...?

Fred!!!

Fizz’ eyes flew open and he threw himself up - only to fall to the side like a wet lump a moment later. Plump. Limp. Unable to move...!? Panic-stricken, he looked down at himself and gasped for air, faltered right away and had to retch. A gag was stuck in his mouth, a large ring attached, forcing him to keep his mouth open, but it wasn't the gag that caused him to gasp in panic.
He was naked and his prostheses ... they were gone!!! His arms, his leg ... there was nothing! Nothing at all! Only useless ugly stumps ...!

His heart skipped a beat, and he frantically looked around; trying to get his bearings, to get a grip, wanting to understand what the fuck was going on! And to his horror he realized ... he was at home! Yes, quite clearly. He was laying in his penthouse on their new couch. All around him, the new furnishings gleamed ominously in the dim glow of the neon overhead lighting. Shit ... was this a joke? A role play Ozzie had set up? Was he trying to act out some new kink? Trying out some erotic game he hadn't told him about?? If so, the surprise backfired totally and Fizz swallowed hard, which wasn't easy with that damn gag.

"O-ozzie ...?!" he cried indistinctly, sitting up with difficulty and leaning against the couch’s backrest. "Ozzie!"
A laugh rang out and Fizz took a leap, throwing himself around and losing his balance, falling flat on his face on the couch and cursing.

"Sorry to disappoint you, but no. Like you said, Ozzie's not here."

Struggling to push himself up again, Fizz used his tail for support and threw himself against the back of the couch as a figure appeared in front of him. A familiar figure that he recognized all too well, despite the dim light. He growled menacingly, pressing himself against the couch, at which the figure only laughed.

Fred.
Almost formally, he stood before Fizz, hands clasped artfully behind his back. On the contrary, the expression on his face was anything but friendly. Condescendingly and deprecatingly, he eyed Fizz with his huge round googly eyes before sliding onto the couch next to him.

Shit!!! Immediately, Fizz pressed himself against the couch, trying to put distance between them and looking around frantically. Out! He had to get out of here! Immediately! Only how ...?? His breath quickened and his heart hammered against his chest violently like it wanted to leap out.

"Oh please. Get a grip. The more you get upset, the messier it gets. For you."

Frowning, Fizz narrowed his eyes, biting down on the metal ring in his mouth.

"What the fuck!!!" he tried to phrase, not knowing if Fred understood him, because he didn't respond to the slurred mumbling. His gaze was fixed on Fizz's exposed body and finally he reached out. Placed a hand on Fizz's thigh. Or rather the part that was still left of it. Cold fingers slid over his skin and Fizz tensed, trying to block out the touch. As well as the sight of his stumps ... He turned his head away, wanting to clench his fists - but there were no hands linked to his body and a fierce twinge spread through his shoulder, driving into the remnant of his arm. Where he was tormented by the sight of another stump ... Shit! How humiliating this was. A pathetic sight to behold.
"Excuse my brashness," Fred muttered casually, letting his nasty fingers dance over Fizz's skin. "I had to remove your prostheses. Otherwise you would have fought back, and nobody stands a chance against those things. I'm sure you understand that. I know it makes you uncomfortable, but it's better this way. It might remind you where your place is."

Swallowing again, Fizz took a concentrated breath, trying to ignore the fingers that had now arrived at his hip. Sliding over the scars that marred him.

Fuck. Fuck, this didn't look good. Not good at all. Ozzie had been right! They should have fired the motherfucker! Should've thrown him out! But he had always seemed so harmless! Pushy and horny ... but that he would put on a show like that, Fizz would never have expected! Never!

Damn it!!!

Think, Fizz! You have to think, or you won't get out of here in one piece. In more ways than one!

He had to get the son of a bitch to give him back his prostheses, and he used his tail to pull on the gag's strap. But before he could loosen the damn thing, a hand shot out, grabbed his tail and tugged violently. Fizz groaned, was pulled forward and landed on his back. With a scowl on his face, Fred bent over him, still had Fizz’s tail in his grip, and continued to pull on it, squeezing the sensitive limb and shaking his head admonishingly.

"Oh, no. Don't play games. You try that again and I'll cut it off right now. Understood?"

Cut it off ...right now?! He was going to ... cut off parts of his body?!

Fizz froze, staring wide-eyed at Fred's face. What by Lucifer was going on with this fucker?! He wanted to rip Fizz apart even more?! He was already nothing more but a fucking ragdoll, made of nothing but pieces! Wasn't that enough? Wasn't it enough once for all? Panic washed over him as memories flashed before his eyes. He heard voices in his head that were not there, saw the clown in front of him.

"This is taking too long and costing too much! Let's just saw the stupid things off!"

Firmly, Fizz squinted his eyes close, tried to free his tail from Fred's grip with a jerk, tossed back and forth. Wanted to sit up, moving out of the bastard's reach. But he didn’t get far. Not without arms! Not without legs! He couldn't even scream at all... and who would hear him anyway?! No one. NO ONE! He was alone! Asmodeus far away in Pride!

Asmodeus … Asmodeus!!

His heart exploded, pumping so much blood in his head it made him dizzy.

"Now, now, take it easy! Calm down!" The hand let go of his tail and grabbed Fizz's shoulders instead, pushing him down on the couch. "Until now, I've refrained from tying you up. If you're not going to play along, I'm going to have to after all! You hear me?!"

"Fuck you!" Fizz spat at him slurry, and with all his might he threw himself up, thundering his forehead against Fred's.

Cursing, the bellhop let go and Fizz fell back on the couch, trying to block out the pain in his head. But he didn't get the chance. A fist was rammed into his face, tripling the pain, and groaning he slumped. Everything around him roared and he cursed. Shit, this guy could deliver a punch ...

"That's enough!", Fred yelled, making the headache that was coming worse and Fizz pressed his eyes shut. Miserable motherfucker! The next moment his face was grabbed, sharp claws dug into his cheeks and his head was jerked upward. Fred's eyes hovered right in front of him, his gaze digging into Fizz. "I've waited long enough for an opportunity like this, and we're not going to waste it on such unnecessary shenanigans! Or do I have to get rough first!?"

Scathing, Fizz returned the other’s gaze, trying to fight the overwhelming panic inside him. His gaze darted about the room, looking for a weapon, for a way to defend himself, to take this bastard out. But there was nothing that would help. Nothing at all!

To his horror, Fred finally loosened his grip and sighed. In a sickeningly tender way, he stroked Fizz's face and a craving look entered his gaze. Fizz felt sick and without being able to stop it, he wrapped his tail tightly around his body.

"You're still as pretty as you used to be ...," Fred finally murmured, stroking Fizz's cheek with his thumb. W-what? What was this guy even talking about? And like guessing his thoughts, Fred laughed. "Oh, you probably don't remember me. But I knew who you are from the start. On the very first day the big man showed up with you, I recognized you. Even though your disguise is truly good." Chuckling, he reached for the tips of Fizz's jester's cap, which, thank Lucifer, still was on his head. "I used to visit every one of your shows. Watched all your performances. First in Greed, and then when you moved to Lust, here too. You were by far the most attractive, the funniest entertainer Mammon's establishments had to offer. The most flexible of all acrobats! That's why I moved here, too. I didn't want to be robbed of your performances. Getting this job, however, was pure luck ... Man, was I happy when I met you here, of all places! And although I was always so nice to you, you treated me so badly. Try to put yourself in my place! How disappointed I was. After all, I thought you were dead. Died in the fire ... oh, what a show! I was there too, you know. Reckless of you, really reckless, to jump through such small wheels of fire. In a tent in such a bad shape. Tsk, tsk. And where did it get you? You became a cripple." Reprimanding, Fred shook his head and patted the disgusting stump of Fizz's right leg, making him shudder.

No! No, he didn't want to hear that! Didn't want to know that Fred was a damn stalker who had followed him even to Lust! Who ... had been there when... No!

He felt his stomach turn upside down as Fred snuggled against his face. Patting the back of his head.

"But don't worry. It doesn't bother me. I like you just the way you are. I always have. You don't have to pretend to be a jester demon for my sake. You don't have to impress me with some fancy prostheses. I'm not like Asmodeus, who only sees you as a toy. He doesn't deserve you. I've known you much longer than he has! I know the real Fizzarolli!"

The real Fizzarolli?? He knew …??

Concentrating, Fizz took a breath, fighting against throwing up. Crazy! The bastard was out of his mind and again Fizz looked around. Surely there had to be some way to escape the bastard!? Any!!!

But his mind went blank the tighter Fred squeezed him. Forced him into a hug. Caressed him all over. Not just his head. His back, too. His scars. A hand lay on his thigh. Ran along the inside ... The cold foreign fingers felt like rough icicles and the penetrating smell of a cheap aftershave crept into Fizz's nose.

Shit, what was he going to do!? Maybe he'd get lucky and catch Fred in a careless moment? The way the stalker talked, he was pretty into him and not one of the violent crazy heads who had come to get revenge because Fizz had someone else now. If he .... if he played along, just a little, he could somehow overpower the fucker and maybe get out of this alive! Somehow ... Yeah. Yes. That was a good plan! And he was a good actor. He could make it work. He just had to pretend he liked what the guy was doing and saying .... didn't he? That's how you dealt with stalkers, right? You gave them what they wanted. Basically, they were just like customers, too. Nothing more. And for customers, you smiled ... didn't you?

"Lucifer fucking Magne, are you done already? Your stupid sweet talk is starting to get on my nerves."

Fizz stiffened.

There was another voice. Someone else was in the penthouse!

Footsteps sounded, echoing through the living room like a threat, and at the same moment Fred tightened his grip around Fizz, hugging him to his chest.

"Shut the fuck up, Steve! The deal was I get him first!"

"Yeah, but not for you to tell him your whole fucking life story. Hurry up or the deal is off!"

What the ...?! A deal? What kind of fucking deal did Fred have going on?! Who else was in the penthouse? Growling, Fizz tried to free himself from Fred's grip, wanting to turn around and see who else was there, but Fred wouldn't let him.

"I'm not going to let you fuck this up, got that? We'll do this like we planned, or you can get the hell out of here!"

The second person snorted snidely, was closer now. Walked around the couch. Something about his gait was strange, ringing in Fizz's ears - and then he realized. What he heard was not one pair of footsteps. There were two! Two pairs of footsteps! There-there were three of them ...!

Shakily, Fizz took a breath, closed his eyes. Fuck!!! How could he fight three demons in this state? He was fucked. So fucked ...

"Make us leave? Oh yeah, and how are you going to do that? Don’t go over your head and get down to business!"

Annoyed, Fred grumbled before looking at Fizz again, running a hand over his cheek once more.

"Yeah, yeah. It's all right. Such a rush. We should be enjoying this, dammit."

"And we will!"

There was a rustling noise somewhere, metallic sounds, and in the next moment a light was cast upon Fizz. It was so bright that he winced violently and had to close his eyes. It was blinding him! Was too brilliant and was getting hot fast.

"Aw. Look at him. What's the matter, Fizzarolli? Don't you like being in the spotlight? I thought that's what you were into?" A dirty giggle came from the second person, followed by a raspy gurgle that sent an icy chill down Fizz's spine. Straining, he opened his eyes, trying to make out something. They had placed some sort of spotlight right before him, and he recognized two outlines directly in front of him. The other two demons!

Slowly they came closer and when they stood directly in front of the couch, Fizz recognized their faces.

He felt ice cold and frantically gasped for air. The two demons from the photo studio; the incubi who Fizz had attacked for insulting and threatening Ozzie. They were still alive?! Fizz had believed them to be dead. After all, Ozzie had said the matter was settled once and for all!

"Oh yeah, you know who we are, don't you?" one of them rumbled. The one whose dick Fizz had crushed. Snorting, the incubus leaned forward, narrowed his eyes, and grabbed Fizz's chin, dragging him up. "Surprised, asshole!? Bet you thought you'd seen the last of us, but you were wrong. Our dear Fred here has a lot of contacts through his work with the big blue douchebag. Lucky for us, unlucky for you." With a jerk, the demon let go, pushing Fizz against Fred, who promptly wrapped his arms around him again. Caressing Fizz’ sides up and down as if to comfort him. Or even seduce him ... It disgusted Fizz and he pulled a face, but received nothing but a hollow laugh from the dickless incubus, while the other demon stood beside him, staring angry down at Fizz. A large scar was visible on his throat and Fizz remembered crushing his larynx. Maybe more ...

"The sight suits you, cripple, I must say," the eunuch murmured, patting Fizz's cheek. "Such a pretty face. And I can't wait to see it whimper and beg. Just like you deserve~" His grin grew wide and his gaze slid down Fizz's body. Then his hand shot out, reached towards Fizz's crotch, and grabbed his member. Brutally. Fizz groaned, tried to twist away, but no chance. Fred held him in place, breathing hot air against Fizz's neck, and he felt nauseous. "Aw, what's wrong!? Don't you like it!? Huh?? Don't you like it rough? The way you handled us, you must like it! So you'll get exactly the same! Consider it compensation! For what you did to us! Let me guess, did Asmodeus slap you on the wrist once for ruining our lives!? Fucking scumbag!" The fucker twisted his hand, squeezing Fizz's member, tugging on it like he wanted to rip it off, while cold anger flared in his gaze. "Does that hurt? Yes? YES?!" The bastard squeezed even harder and Fizz suppressed a whimper, biting down on the ring in his mouth - and slapping the fucker across the face with his tail. The only thing he could do to defend himself.

The incubus cursed and staggered back, only to pounce on him in the next moment. He shoved Fred out of the way, grabbed Fizz's tail and dragged him across the sofa.

"Stupid son of a bitch, you're gonna regret this! Marv, give me the damn saw! We'll chop this thing off before he gets any more ideas!"

At the words, a switch flipped in Fizz and his eyes twitched. This time he couldn't hold back the whimper, trying to free himself from the aching grip, tossing and turning. Growled and hissed. Unsuccessfully. Futilely.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the other incubus spread something out on the coffee table. It was a large bag, and the contents of it turned Fizz's stomach. Tools, medical instruments, sex toys ... Holy shit, they were serious! The mute incubus rummaged around in the bag and actually pulled out some kind of saw.

No! No, no, no! Gasping, Fizz took a breath, threw himself back. The throbbing in his head became unbearable and he almost blacked out, felt tears forming in his eyes. Fought against them, didn’t want to show a weakness. Not at all! Not at …!!!

"Stay away from me!" he tried to shout, which ended in a high-pitched shrill mumble, making the two incubi laugh.

"What was that? What did you say? Can you repeat that again? - Oh, sorry, I forgot! We did shut you up!" The incubus grabbed the tie of the gag and tugged Fizz up in the air, shaking him. "Serves you right. You and your big mouth! But don't worry, we'll find something productive for your filthy tongue! But first, let's take care of this." He let go of Fizz and grabbed Fizz’s tail instead, reaching out toward his comrade, who handed him the saw.

A loud growl sounded in response and before Fizz knew it, he was being jerked around and pressed against Fred's chest like he was a fucking doll.

"Knock that shit off! If you do that, you'll fuck up the recordings!"

R-recordings!? Fizz didn't understand anything anymore, couldn't concentrate on anything no matter how hard he tried. His thoughts circled in a shallow whirlpool of feelings and memories that mingled into one disgusting soup.

"He doesn't need his fucking tail to get fucked! Or do you want him to snap your neck with it, huh?!"

Fred didn't answer, just rumbled possessively, and tension built up. A lot of tension.

Good. Good!!! Should they just jump at each other's throats, Fizz was fine with that! Should they tear each other apart, and leave him alone! But he had no such luck. The next moment, a grumbling groan came from the mute incubus, who again rummaged in his pocket and pulled out something. Snorting, he threw two black pieces of cloth at Fred and the other guy, then pointed at his wrist like he was tapping a watch.

The other two hesitated a moment, then the incubus sighed and gave Fred a withering look.

"Okay, okay! Have it your way. Later, then! But trust me, this guy's going to get what he deserves. I swear!" With that, the incubus stomped over to his buddy, pushed him aside, and reached into his bag himself. He pulled something out, walked with it over to the spotlight, and fiddled with something. Fizz could not tell what he was doing, and he didn't give a shit. His eyes were fixed on the bag and everything in his head was spinning, turning into a dull, numb mush.

They were going to kill him. They would rape him, dismember him, kill him!!! And there was nothing he could do about it. Nothing!

His eyes began to twitch wildly, racing about the room, looking for a solution, a way out, and ended up at the elevator. Just this morning he had been standing here with Ozzie. Had fooled around. Had then gotten in the elevator with him. Where Fred had been waiting.

Had the fucking bellhop already planned it out by then? Could Fizz have stopped it somehow? Been able to see omens?? And even if he had, would he have noticed? He had been too focused on Ozzie.

Ozzie ...

"Enough playing around! Let's get going." The incubus' voice made Fizz look up, and again he tensed. The fucker and his buddy were standing in front of the couch, having pulled the black rags of cloth over their heads. Masks that covered their faces. Making them unrecognizable ... Only what for, Fizz had already seen their faces! ... But then he discovered what was standing next to them. It was a fucking camera and something clicked in Fizz's head. So this was what they meant by recordings. Oh, fucking hell ...!!!

Fred next to him growled in annoyance and before Fizz knew it, he stood up, causing Fizz to fall to the side.

"You two are no fun. You're totally ruining the mood," he murmured before he too pulled the rag over his face. Fizz's heart stopped beating, and his face fell.

No! No, damn it, he-he couldn't let this happen! He wouldn't give up without a fight and let these maniacs ...! He had to do something. NOW!

Growling, he threw himself around, seizing the moment and trying to roll off the couch. It wouldn't do any good, but he wouldn't lie there like a dead fish and let it all wash over him! He would make it as hard as possible for these fuckers!!!

Panting, he landed on his stomach, threw his head up, looking for a place to hide, then something came into his field of vision. Taking a deep breath, he froze. His prostheses! Like they were nothing more than cheap scrap metal, they lay in the middle of the floor in front of the large windows, stacked on top of each other, like useless metal noodles. Immediately Fizz tried to crawl towards them. Had to reach them! Had to reattach them to his body! Needed them! Once he had them, then- ...!

"Where are you going?"

Before Fizz could crawl even an inch, a foot jammed into his back, pressing him to the ground, and all air left his lungs. Croaking, he squinted his eyes. A face appeared next to him, hidden behind the damn mask, and he recognized Fred's huge googly eyes glaring at him.

"Ha! Looks like the stump still has a spark in him!” the eunuch laughed, at which Fred snorted. He grabbed Fizz's foolscap and jerked his head back, shaking his head admonishingly.

"It doesn't work that way, Fizzarolli. You've got to play along!" He forced Fizz to turn his head to the two incubi standing next to the camera. "You see that? As soon as the camera's on, we're going online. And if you don't want all hell to know what you're hiding under that hat, you better be a good boy! You've had some practice at that, haven't you? Thanks to Asmodeus." Fred growled, spitting out the name like it was poison, and everything started spinning in Fizz's head. Like he'd been strapped on a defective carousel that twisted and turned and gave him whiplash.

Online ... All hell would be able to see it ... Would see how they ...! Would see that he was just ...!

But what did it matter if they were going to kill him anyway?! That's what they wanted, wasn't it? Or did they have worse things in mind? If they didn't kill him, and Ozzie found out what he was... he'd surely think Fizz deserved this! Ozzie would maybe kill him himself. Would just forget what was between them and throw him in a gutter somewhere. Oh Ozzie...

Ozzie!

Fizz narrowed his eyes, fighting angry tears, and glanced at his prostheses. All at once they seemed so far away. So far ... But he had to do something! He just had to!

Panting, he dropped his head, pressed his forehead against the soft carpet. He felt Fred's weight crushing him, the hot light of the spots burning him …

He swallowed - and slumped, began to tremble. Couldn’t suppress it any longer. Deep fear overcame him, he was scared to death, while Fred sighed in relief and finally stood up. Satisfied, he patted Fizz's head while the fucking eunuch laughed.

"There you go, there you go! What a sight! We're going to make a fortune on this one!" Chuckling, the incubus put his hand on the camera. "Everybody ready? Camera rolling. This is going to be a show hell won't forget in a long time~"

Chapter Text

Chapter 39

Omen

Impatiently, Asmodeus drummed his fingers on the tabletop, needing all his willpower not to get up and storming off. He had long since passed the critical point and all he could focus on was staying seated with his ass on that chair and keeping his flames under control. They were too close to burst out and turn every single of his stupid siblings into a pile of ash!

They were arguing again! Wasting his precious time with bullshit – and after they all had picked on him and threatened Fizzarolli, Ozzie's normally long thread of patience had grown dangerously thin. Very thin. Accordingly, he had not spoken out on any other subject. And no one had asked for his opinion. Which was probably due to the fact that he sat there with his legs crossed and his arms folded, literally smoking like a damn chimney. But it suited him very well. He didn't want to talk to any of them anymore! Never again!!

And if any of them dared to speak to him, it wouldn’t just be Mammon who’s ass he would kick – who had taken his revenge by punching Ozzie in the face in a moment of carelessness. The consequences were clearly visible: Asmodeus now had a black eye and Mammon a broken nose. That made them even for the day.

And the only reason Asmodeus hadn't gotten up and left after that incidence ... was Fizzarolli. Or no. Actually, it was Lucifer. And his threat to kill his jester should Ozzie allow himself another misstep. He knew that his brother did not make empty promises. If Lucifer was displeased with him, he would without hesitation got to Lust and kill Fizzarolli.

Ozzie's own threats, as dangerous as they were, Lucifer did not take seriously. Lucifer didn't care if he put his family in danger. He was too arrogant. Too proud. He believed that his powers were inviolable and thought high of them. In the end he was the Embodiment of Pride and Asmodeus didn't miss that Lucifer kept scrutinizing him like he wanted to make sure that the stupid big sex-crazed jerk was behaving himself. Like he was subtly trying to show off his dominance.

Which, admittedly, put Ozzie under constant stress and triggered the urge to rush to Lust, grab his jester and take him somewhere safe. To his bed, for example ...

The internal dissatisfaction took the better of Ozzie and while Leviathan was already arguing with Mammon again about some black market affairs, he closed his eyes and exhaled in concentration.

It was the penultimate point on their list. The second to last! After that he was allowed to leave. For today, at least, and he counted the seconds, squinting at his phone, which he had demonstratively placed on the table in front of him in passive rebellion.

Only time crept by. Every minute seemed like an eternity, and contrary to his hopes, he received no further messages from Fizzarolli. The evening was already far advanced. Perhaps Fizz was awaiting an answer from him? For Ozzie had not had time to reply to his delicious picture yet and Fizz highly amusing voice message. The message had really gotten him into trouble, but that was Ozzie's own fault.

Suspiciously, he glanced at Lucifer, who had intervened in Mammon’s and Levi's argument, and weighed out whether he should write Fizz a message. The others were also constantly checking their emails in between, going about their duties this way. If no one looked over his shoulder, no one would know who he was writing to either, and Fizzarolli would not be put in danger.

He was about to reach for his phone when it began to vibrate and Ozzie raised an eyebrow in surprise. Fortunately, no one had noticed the buzzing sound, thanks to the ongoing loud argument and hastily Ozzie grabbed his phone, biting his lips. He wondered if it was another message from Fizz? Another picture? He would keep his hands off any voicemail, but if it was - ....

Ozzie froze, instantly tensing and widening his eyes.

His fingers clutched his phone and he swallowed hard.

The message that had reached him wasn't a message from Fizz or a picture. It was the intruder alert from the new surveillance system he'd had installed in addition to his magic sigils before he had left. And that, in Satan’s plain wording, meant someone had entered the penthouse!

Which basically ... could mean anything. It could be Fizz, or Fred bringing in the mail, the laundry, or the groceries. It could be an acquaintance of Fizzarolli's that he had took with him. A distant acquaintance. Certainly no one from the club. Or from a bar, with whom he ... No, Fizz wasn't like that. He was far too closed up to take anyone to the penthouse to ... Especially since he'd made a big deal about wanting to be Asmodeus's exclusive mate.

But what else had set off the alarm? Best to ask Fizz directly, and with that in mind, he scrolled through his infinite number of contacts until he saw Fizz's name. But before he started typing, he faltered, thinking of Fizzarolli's words before he left. Was it already too corny? Did this sound like he was clingy? Because he certainly wasn't! Especially since he knew Fizz wasn't seeing anyone ....

A meaningful throat clearing sounded, and Ozzie looked up. Lucifer, though turning his head toward Levi, looked in Ozzie’s direction and raised both brows. Ozzie pursed his lips, was about to pound his fist on the table, but held himself in check. He didn't want to be the cause of another argument or fight.

Concentrating, he exhaled dark flames, and put the phone back on the table. Lucifer's features relaxed and he looked at Levi. Ozzie, on the other hand, propped his head in one hand in dissatisfaction and glanced at the screen of his phone, where the little red warning triangle was still blinking. Restlessness overcame him, and he began to bob his leg, scratching his back in thought, which had began to burn again. Such a nuisance!

Nothing ... nothing had happened for sure. He was just being overcautious, which Fizz hated like the plague. Better he didn't act like the overprotective anxious jealous mother hen he was. Fizz would forever hold that against him.

And yet ... There was something. Something that did not let him rest. Like something was eating away at him from the inside. Like a soft ringing that grew steadily louder and- …

An arrow slammed into his body, slashed through his back, pierced his chest, and hooked its barbs into his flesh; tugged and pulled at him, roaring his name.

Asmodeus groaned, leaping to his feet and knocking his chair over in the process, staring wide-eyed at the table before him. His vision blurred as the flames inside him began to pulse. Bursting out of him. He ... was being summoned!!! One of his sigils had been activated and was commanding him to another place!

"What the fuck, Ozzie?" he heard Mammon beside him, who had put distance between them, but Ozzie didn't answer him, clenching his fists. The invisible arrow in his chest tugged harder and harder and he clenched his teeth. It was a weak summoning, but it was familiar to him. Familiar enough that he could decide on his own whether to follow or not. Which meant only one thing. It was the one sigil in ...!

"Asmodeus!?"

Lucifer's voice rose, and when Ozzie looked up, his brother was on his feet, eyeing him doubtfully - and angrily. Hissing, Ozzie exhaled, creating a dark stabbing flame as he did so, trying to concentrate.

Damn it! If he gave in to the summoning, he would enrage Lucifer. Which put Fizzarolli in danger.

But this summoning, this call from afar, it could mean exactly the same thing! Danger. For the sigil that called him carried a special signature: his own. Which meant he himself had affixed it to summon himself if necessary, and there weren't many of those on Earth or in Hell.

So what was he supposed to do?

Ignore the summon, satisfy the ruler of Hell and risk that the person he ... loved ... was in danger?

Or get up, storm off, incur the wrath of the ruler of Hell and risk that the person he ... LOVED .... was in danger as well?

Either way, he could only lose and the clock was ticking. Swung its hands above his head like the blades of a guillotine. Swallowing, he tensed and clenched his fists as the chair creaked under his weight. He ... had no choice.

Chapter Text

Chapter 40

irreversible

The camera was running. The spotlight burned. The cover of the couch itched on his bare skin.
Everything felt dull. Numb. Like he wasn't really there. Like he was watching from far away. And yet he could feel everything. Heard deep inside a wild monster roar, stuck behind thick bars, tugging at them. But it was trapped. Couldn’t get out. It was cornered.

Why?

Why hadn't he roamed the bars with Lavender and the others?

Why hadn't he gone to Pride with Ozzie?

Why had he let himself go like that in the photo studio back than?

It was his own fault. He had brought this on himself. Because this ... this was his reward. For being so arrogant and snappy. For believing that everything would work out for once...

He tried to swallow, but it didn't work. Saliva dripped from the corners of his mouth and a lewd giggle sounded from above. Fred.

He had thrown Fizz back on the couch. Straddling him, weighing a ton.

Grinning, he leaned down to Fizz. Licked the sluggish liquid from the corner of his mouth and put a hand on Fizz's torso. Stroked him seductively.

Fizz's stomach tightened. Disgusting! He suppressed a gag and his body began to shake. Groaned in fear. In pain. Shame ate him alive, and he turned his head to the side. But wherever he looked, hateful gazes awaited him.

From the dickless incubus in front of the couch, from Fred above him. From the silent incubus next to him. The latter did not move a muscle. He did nothing. He just stared down at Fizz icily. His eyes glowed with anger. Reminding Fizz of his night terrors.

With a killing glance, Fizz stared up at them. Imagined ramming his fangs into their visages and peeling the skin from their skulls. A spark of satisfaction he clung to ... at least a spark.

A loud laugh made him wince and he turned his head to the side.

The dickless demon stood next to the camera, grinning broadly. Staring. Watching. He maneuvered himself in front of the lens - and it began.

"Ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to ... Ozzie's. The penthouse of Asmodeus himself. Lust Rings precious King. And THIS is the one and only Fizzarolli~" he mocked Fizz's moderation. Abused his trademark and made a show of it. He extended a hand, presenting today's stage. The actors were already in position. Waiting for their cue. That's the way it was. Right? It was a show. Not real. And maybe at the very last second, Ozzie came jumping out of a corner, shouting: Surprise! Or maybe it was the clown ... and this was a warning. Either way was fine with Fizz, as long as it remained just a put-on show. A show, like any other night.

He closed his eyes, hearing the blood rushing through his ears. He was boiling hot and everything felt sticky and nasty as the damn eunuch babbled on.

"Some of you may recognize his dashing face from the numerous billboards across all rings of Hell. The favorite of our prince – ripped for your pleasure tonight. Because we have a great lineup for you tonight: The ravishing of Fizzarolli. Fucked raw and bloody by us for you, followed by a small amputation session. Arms and legs are already off. Tail, dick, tongue and eyes are next... We have a long night ahead of us. So. Enjoy the show~"

What ...?

WHAT?

Fizz's eyes snapped open once the meaning of the words sunk in and his spirits awoke. That was their plan!? They didn't want to kill him .... They were going to ... turn him into a vegetable? A demonic vegetable!? A mixture of a growl and a whimper escaped him and he threw himself up, shaking his head violently, but Fred pushed him back on the couch.

"Oh, don't worry, Fizzi. Don't worry," Fred whispered, purring reassuringly. "When it's all over, I'll take care of you. Asmodeus won't want you anymore once he sees you like that, but I'll be there to take care of you. You'll come home with me and you and I will have so much fun~ I'll always be there for you, my little sexy doll. Trust me."

Hissing, Fizz took a breath and anger mingled with his numbness, making him shake violently, and he stuck his head out towards Fred.

"Fuck you!" he tried to scream as loudly as the gag in his mouth would allow. The result was a pathetic mumble, but it didn't stop him from continuing to scream. "Fuck all of you!!! Asmodeus will kill you for this! He'll kill you!!!"

But Fred remained unimpressed.

"The King of Lust won't give a shit about a limbless, useless ragdoll. Besides ... don't forget what you are, Fizzi. Don't forget that at all." He caressed Fizz's head, running along the tips of his foolscap, painfully reminding Fizz ... that there was nothing he could do if he didn’t want Ozzie to find out. Nothing at all. He was at their mercy, for better or worse, and he hated it. HATED it.

Finally, rustling sounded, and he felt movement on the couch.

"All right, then. Here we go. Let the show begin," Fred chirped and reached for his belt. Began to unbuckle it. Freed his member. The mute incubus did the same. Fizz's heart exploded, pumping like a steam engine, and he ducked his head, looking frantic from one to the other, wanted to hold on somewhere. To cling to the couch. But there were no hands. No fingers. Just stabbing pains in the junctions of his shoulders, and he closed his eyes, letting his tail whip on the cushion.

"Ah, ah. Don't forget. You use that against us, we'll cut it off earlier than planned. But one thing at a time. Let’s have some fun first and set the mood~"

Without even noticing, Fizz curled his tail around his body, earning nothing but spiteful laughter.
The next moment, a hand grabbed between his legs. He flinched heavily, expecting more pain, but to his horror there was no tugging. Seductively and with a knowing grip, Fred began to caress and ensnare him. His groin contracted without him being able to do anything about it and he cursed. An oppressive heat crept into his cheeks. It was not pleasant. It wasn't exciting. It just burned. Shamed him. Etched itself into his head like a branding mark. Pain was better than that! A thousand times better!

Growling, he tried to free himself from Fred's grip, tried to twist his hip away from him - and failed. Instead, a hand grabbed his hat, jerked his head around, where the dick of the mute incubus hovered in front of his face. Fizz tried to back away, but again there was no escape. His head was held in place and as much as Fizz tried to fight, he had no chance. The mute demon shoved its dick down his throat past the gag ring and Fizz squinted his eyes, tensed up and had to gag.

Laughter rang out again.

"Ha! Look at that. And I would have thought the great King of Lust would have trained you out of the gag reflex long ago," the eunuch sneered, grinning, and with a scowl Fizz glanced back, freezing when he saw the camera right in front of him ... Immediately he closed his eyes.

No. No! No one should see him like that! Hell shouldn’t see him like that! Ozzie shouldn’t see him like that! OZZIE!

The mute dug his claws into Fizz's head and forced him to move. Roughly and quickly. Tears came to his eyes as he couldn't breathe, tried not to choke. Tried to block out the cock in his mouth and the hand at his crotch, the rising moans and the sticky heat – when he suddenly felt a sharp pain between his legs. He snapped his eyes open, made a violent leap and wanted to scream, but the damn thing in his mouth prevented him from doing so. His body tensed and writhed as something was pushed into him. Bit by bit. Without warning. Without preparation. And this time it hurt! Like fucking hell! It burned and tore him apart, and he broke out in a cold sweat. His vision blurred, and he whimpered unable to hold back any longer.

"So, do you like my 'cock'? Huh?! As a little preparation!?" It was the eunuch. Still holding the camera, he was now standing right next to the couch, taking part in the assault. "If you can't have the real thing, at least have this one! Right?!" He pushed his spiked tail even deeper into Fizz, began to mercilessly move it, whereupon Fizz writhed, forgot to breathe. Forgot everything. "What is it? That's what you're into, isn't it? ISN’T IT!?" With each word he rammed his tail into Fizz, laughing as he did so. Held the camera before Fizz’s face and - the spotlight in front of the couch exploded with a BANG and sparks flew through the air. Darkness enveloped the penthouse and Fizz felt his attackers freeze.

"What the fuck?" the eunuch rumbled somewhere in the dark, and no sooner had the words left his lips than the neon ceiling lights began to flare. First glowing brightly, then they darkened again and finally began to flicker, followed by a powerful gust of wind. Out of nowhere it came, sweeping through the living room and knocking Fred off balance. It brushed him off the couch, forcing him to release Fizz. The other two let go of him as well and staggered back.

"What the fuck is going on ....!?" the eunuch shouted against the wind - and the answer was a roar. Like the thunder of a distant storm, it rolled closer, turned into a dark murmur, making the neon lights flicker violently, and all at once the penthouse grew hot. The air heated up, became heavy and sluggish, and burned in Fizz’s throat. Like they were sitting in a searing sauna. A flaming bolt of lightning twitched through the air, striking the eunuch's hand in which he held the camera. Startled, he stretched his arm away from him, but too late - the camera shattered into a thousand pieces and with it his hand. Screaming, he grabbed his mangled wrist and frantically pressed the bloody stump to his chest while the other two demons backed away in panic.

Horrified, Fizz stared at his attacker and widened his eyes as a shadow loomed behind the incubus. Growing larger in the flickering blaze of the neon lights. Took shape.

The incubus froze, glanced over his shoulder, and the shadow pounced him. Grabbed him and yanked him into the air. Held him high above it’s head. The lights went crazy, began to hiss and burst. A shower of sparks pelted down on the shadowy figure, revealing its pitch-black body shrouded in smoke and feathers. Poison green eyes flared out of three heads contorted with rage. Heads that were so familiar to Fizz, and yet they could not be more alien.

A-Asmodeus …?

Was that him?

Who ever this was, he dragged the wriggling incubus closer, holding the demon directly before his faces. Growling, he exhaled black flames that singed the eunuch's hair. Torched the strands away. Then he opened his pointed mouth, revealing many sharp teeth hidden inside.

"NO! No, no, no!!!" the incubus screamed, trying to free himself from the grip, but he had no chance. Asmodeus' head shoot forward, his teeth snapping shut, and a gurgling scream echoed through the living room. But it died away as quickly as he had risen.

Bitten off.

Asmodeus had bitten off the incubus' head! Swallowed it down and with a devastating jerk he tore the rest of the body in half. Fed it to his other two heads. Devoured all parts of the incubus. The creaking sound of bones breaking and the dull tearing of flesh rang out and the mute incubus and Fred erupted in panic.

In a frenzy, they started moving, stumbling over each other. The mute gave Fred a shove, bringing him down, and tried to run past Asmodeus. Unsuccessfully. A single powerful punch was enough and the mute incubus was knocked to the ground. A dull crack revealed that countless bones broke and for a split second the incubus remained on the ground, eyes wide open. He tried to scream, but nothing but a croak sounded. It was the last sound he made before his head was crushed under a clawed hind leg. With such force that the ground cracked beneath it. Blood, bone and flesh splattered in all directions, scattering across the floor, before the smoking figure of Asmodeus turned dangerously slowly around. Facing Fred.

Gasping, the imp shook his head and tried to scramble backwards, away from the wrath before him.

"N-no! It's not what it looks like!" he stammered, pointing at the remains of the other two as Asmodeus stomped toward him, leaving bloody footprints in the process. "I-it was their idea! They goaded me to do it! P-please! I would never- ...!"

Asmodeus didn't let him finish, opened his mouth and spat out a stabbing flame. Threw a wall of fire at the imp, enveloping the demon’s body completely.

Shrieks rang out and Fred jumped to his feet, trying to put out the fire, but there was nothing that could extinguish those flames. They burned through his clothes. Ate away his skin and the pungent smell of burned flesh spread, tainting the air.

Fizz felt nauseous.

Horrified, he watched as Fred's skin melted, turned into blisters. Charred. His skin burned down to the muscles beneath. His eyes burst as the flames consumed all flesh. Everything etched away until only bones were to be seen. Bones that were still ... moving! Like he was still alive ...!!! But they too became victims of the flames. Crumbled to dust. Until there was nothing left but a strange white glow. It flickered like a firefly gone wild, but the flames pounced on it too, devouring it. And finally the final spark dissolved into nothingness, too.

Silence spread through the living room. Was oppressive. Suffocated Fizz. Shakily, he exhaled, staring transfixed at the spot where Fred had just been standing and where now only a pile of ashes could be seen on the singed floor.

The stench of blood and burnt flesh still lingered in the air, becoming more and more present as heat took over the living room. Burning heat ... like from an impending conflagration.

A hiss sounded, plumes of smoke spread, and Fizz's eyes twitched. Very slowly, without moving an inch, he squinted to the side - where the pitch-black figure of Asmodeus still stood. Dancing flames enveloped him, clouds of smoke sprouted from his back, and thick bloody rivulets ran down his faces, dripping from the corners of his three mouths. He stood motionless, also staring at the spot where Fred had crumbled to ash, and exhaled with a groan. Another black-blue stabbing flame escaped him and Fizz shuddered, pressing himself against the padding of the couch.

At that moment, Asmodeus wheeled around, glaring at him, and Fizz tensed. Glowing green eyes stared at him blankly, glowing ominously, and again panic washed over Fizz.

Was this Asmodeus at all? Was this ... his prince? This gigantic black creature with three heads, covered all in feathers, fur and flames didn't even look like Asmodeus at all...  No. No it couldn't be him ...  Ozzie would never do such a thing! Ozzie was ... friendly. Sometimes grumpy. Sometimes angry! But never cruel. Never murderous, and never …

The black figure moved, coming toward him, and hissing, Fizz took a breath, forced himself out of his stare, and threw himself against the couch. A huge hand stretched towards him, radiating an unbridled heat, surrounded by fire. Fire ... that burned!!! Like in the tent! Like that time ...!
Whimpering, Fizz squeezed his eyes shut and curled into a ball, wrapping his tail tightly around his body. Escape was impossible. Escape was hopeless. Again he was at the mercy of someone else. Without protection. Without being able to defend himself! Like he wasn't already living in Hell!
Everything in his head began to spin and his heart thumped so violently against his chest, like it wanted to burst out of him. But it didn't help. The hand was coming closer. Could grab him at any moment and crush him as well. Burn him as well. Grope him all over ... do anything to him! While he was trapped. Trapped. Alone. Helpless. Helpless!

He began to scream. Despite the gag. Knew it would do no good, and yet he screamed as loud as he could on top of his lungs. Didn't even know what he was screaming. Whether it was a cry for help, Ozzie's name, No, all at once or mingled together. He just screamed, shaking his head violently, hissing and snarling, flapping his tail blindly at the hand in a pathetic attempt to defend himself. His head threatened to exploded, so hard it pounded and finally he buried his face in the cushions. If he met the same fate as those assholes, at least he didn't want to see it coming!

But instead of grabbing fingers or all-consuming flames, he felt a gentle touch on his back. Lightly, like a feather, which gently ran up and down his back. Caressing him tenderly. As if it wanted to comfort him. A soft click reached his ears, he felt a movement at his head and all at once the gag in his mouth was loosened. Was taken away.

Breathing heavily, Fizz opened his eyes, stared at the cushion in front of him and tried to close his mouth. The corners of his mouth and jaw tightened uncomfortably and instinctively he licked his lips, immediately tasting the mute incubus's cock on his tongue and he trembled, inside out. His eyes darted to the bloody slush in front of the couch, making sure he was really dead and not coming back to ... Only there wasn't just the slushy corpse.

Standing right in front of the couch the black figure held the gag in its hand and tossed it carelessly to the floor. The flames enveloping the form dissolved, the smoke cleared, and finally Asmodeus reappeared. Asmodeus, as Fizz knew him ...

Only with an unreadable expression on his face. He just stared at Fizz, reaching out, whereupon Fizz recoiled, shaking his head. Asmodeus hesitated, but this time he did not withdraw his hand. He ran a finger over Fizz's cheek, and only then did Fizz notice that tears were streaming down his own face. In torrents. Without him noticing. Without him being able to stop them.
Shakily, Fizz exhaled and the buzzing in his head subsided.

"O...Ozzie...?" he finally brought out, not recognizing his own voice, so weak it was, and when Asmodeus nodded, relief washed over him. Only to fade away in the next moment, like the flames around them. He quickly turned his head away, curling his tail around his body somehow trying to hide what could not be hidden. What had been done to him and ... what had been taken from him.

"Don't ... don't look at me! Please!" he choked out letting his eyes dart around the room, looking for his prostheses but not seeing them anywhere. Then something soft slid over him and automatically he flinched, blinking as he realized it was just a blanket ... One of Ozzie's fluffy, soft blankets.

Like he was made of glass, Asmodeus wrapped him in the cloth, covering, thank Lucifer, his disgusting disfigured body, and finally lifted him up. Carefully. The hands that had killed before were now so terribly gentle that Fizz wanted to snuggle up and hide in them. As if he was made of porcelain, Ozzie pressed Fizz against his soft feathery chest, continued to caress his back. Shakily, Fizz exhaled, sobbing and letting the tears continue to flow as he stared at the blue feathers in front of him - and all at once he knew it was over. He was safe.

Chapter Text

Chapter 41

take you for granted

Groping hands that touched him all over. Fingers that ripped his clothes off. Vicious laughter. Drooling mouths. Slippery tongues. A giant camera hovering above him. Staring at him. Turning into an eye. An eye that burst by heat as flames spread around him. Biting, stinging flames that ate his arms. Burned his legs. He wanted to scream, but he couldn't. Wanted to call for help, but no sound passed his lips. He was gagged. Tied up. Concreted into a stone couch over which several long metal snake monsters crawled. Stretching. Wrapping themselves around the couch. He frantically tossed his head, trying to free himself, but he couldn't move, was trapped. Laughter rose. It became so loud that his eardrums burst and an infinite number of faceless figures piled up around the couch. Stared at him. Gaped at him. Drooling over him. Watched … And among them he discovered a single familiar face. Huge and glistening. Relief flooded him, for he knew that face.

Asmodeus! Ozzie!

Longing, pleading, he reached out, but the closer the figure came, the more it changed. Grew and grew. Turned pitch black. Began to smoke. To burn! Stretched flaming claws at him and grabbed his head - tore it off! Set him on fire, opened it’s mouth spiked with bloody teeth. Wanted to eat him! Devour him!

That wasn't Ozzie ...! It wasn't him! It wasn't him!!!

Again he tried to scream, looking for help between the blood-red flames in panic. But the faceless ones just laughed. They began to move and circle him as if he were sitting in the middle of a circus ring, an worn out tent above him. They cackled as the bloody teeth came closer and closer. The flames crept up the tent, eating through fabric and wood, bringing it down. Laughing, the faceless ones ran away. Left him behind! Alone with the burning monster! All but one. One remained. Huge and more sinister than all the others together, but he stood rooted in place …
Desperation washed over him and taking a deep breath, he grabbed the last thin, brittle straw, clung to it and opened his mouth in a desperate cry - …

"M-MAMMON! MAMMON!"

Fizz's eyes snapped open, awakened by his own cry, and he threw himself up, but his body wasn't playing along. He lost his balance and fell back in the same moment - slumped down like a wet sack. Could not move. Just like before! Just like ...!

He broke in a sweat, and breathing heavily, he looked around, trying to get a grip on himself, while his heart was racing. What had happened!? Where were those three bastards!? Where was the flame monster!? Where was Ma- …!?

A muffled noise sounded next to him, and he flinched violently, threw his head to the side - and saw Ozzie. Hissing, Fizz took a breath and tensed, not daring to move.

Calmly, the King of Lust sat close to him. On a chair. In front of the bed. Bed ... Fizz blinked and only now realized that he was in the bedroom. However he had gotten here, he now rested in their big soft bed. Above him, the curtain embroidered with glittering stones spread out, while soft purple lamps dully lit the room. There were no flames. No fire. No heat. Nothing. Just Ozzie. Or someone who looked a lot like Ozzie, because the longer Fizz eyed him, the less he looked like Ozzie, and he realized - something was wrong. Very wrong.

Ozzie ... had lost his color. His beautiful blue feathers looked all gray, his bright green eyes were nothing but black holes, and his face was as expressionless and flat as a rock. Not even the two little faces in his mane moved. They did nothing at all. As if they were nothing but motionless statues. As if an empty shell sat before him. There was no resemblance to the flaming smoke monster that had reduced the three bastards to ashes. Had crushed them and eaten them ...!

Oh Lucifer!

Concentrating, Fizz took a breath. His eyes darted to the door, but even if he wanted to, he couldn't escape. Couldn't run away. He still was nothing but a pathetic, useless lump of flesh. Laying in that bed like a broken doll. At the mercy of Ozzie's gaze. At the thought, Fizz squinted his eyes and a tortured sound escaped him.

"Did I scare you so much that you have to call for him of all beings ...?" Ozzie's voice cut the silence like a knife and Fizz opened his eyes, staring at the ceiling.

What?

Slowly, he turned his head toward Ozzie, swallowing hard. His mouth felt strangely dry. A deep sigh escaped the King, and he bowed his head, looking down at his lap. Fizz followed his gaze and widened his eyes. A large, dark cardboard box balanced on Ozzie's knees and in it lay his prosthetic limbs. Again, despair washed over him and Fizz leaned forward, his gaze fixed on the box.

"P... Please..." he began hoarsely, barely hearing his own voice, but Ozzie shook his head. Carefully, he ran a finger over the metal limbs and closed his eyes. Then grounded his jaw.

"I can't. They destroyed them," he rumbled, and Fizz felt himself go ice-cold.

De ... destroyed? Panting, he slumped into the pillows and a strange numbness spread through him. Along with an invisible fog that enveloped his head. Shielding him from everything that was happening around him.

"But...I need them...! I do need them...!" he began to mumble, trying to understand. "What ...What does that mean!?" He wanted to sound firm, but the numbness crept up to his throat. And when it reached his head, he noticed a twinge in his shoulders. In his thighs. The connectors felt strange, but he couldn't find the words. Couldn't describe the pain. Couldn't even grasp the feeling. Because everything hurt. Everything! His head, his tail, his … abdomen. But his joints ... His joints were the worst! "Does that mean ... they're broken? Does that mean I have to stay like this? Forever?" Fizz froze and jerked his head up as Fred whispered something in his ear.

"The King of Lust won't give a shit about a useless, limbless ragdoll ."

In panic, Fizz took a breath, lost control of his thoughts, and they began to spin. Entered the mind carousel and saying goodbye, went for a wild unstoppable ride.

"Does this mean I can't stay any longer!!? Are you throwing me away? Don't want me anymore? As a cripple? As a stump? When I can no longer perform for you ... Can no longer offer you anything? Can’t do anything on my own ...!?"

Wide-eyed, Ozzie stared at him, then rose.

"Oh Fizz ..."

He leaned over him, whereupon Fizz immediately pressed himself into the pillows, backing away, unable to prevent images from flashing before his eyes. Images of an Asmodeus, w-who burned others! Ate them! Crushed them!

But instead of pain and torment, Asmodeus merely breathed a kiss on his forehead. Terribly gentle. Hardly noticeable and yet affectionately with no bounds. Like a feather, one of his fingers caressed Fizz's cheek and then, to Fizz's infinite relief, he shook his head.

"Of course not." He rose again and walked with the box to the television corner of the bedroom "I'll inform my factory that they send a new set of prostheses. Off cause, you'll get new ones ... of course."

Really? Doubting, Fizz swallowed, staring at the box Ozzie set down on the small sofa table.

"And ... how long ...?"

"Not more than a day. I promise you that. This is top priority."

Top priority? Fizz swallowed and slowly leaned back into the pillows, staring into nothingness. His heart was still hammering so loudly, he was sure it could be heard throughout the bedroom.

One day... Okay. Okay. He could handle that. Sure. He could handle that. Even if he had no idea how he was going to manage without limbs or prostheses ... No one had shown him. Explained anything to him and it was too late for shitty rehab now.…

One day. Concentrating, he took a breath, glaring at the bed as Asmodeus' heavy footsteps echoed through the room. Came closer. He sat back down on the chair next to the bed and Fizz shuddered, not managing to look Asmodeus in the eye, as his thoughts were circling around another thing. A flame monster. So this was Asmodeus’ true nature.…

Had he seen it? What the three fuckers had done? How long had he been in the penthouse anyway? Through the whole show...?

Show..

Fizz suspired, had to remind himself to breathe, and wanted to wipe his mouth. But he had no arms and a sharp pain tortured his joints. His shoulder, his back ... He groaned and turned his head to the side like in a trance. Looked out the huge window that took up the entire west wall of the bedroom. It was bright outside, but the sky over Crystal City was not blue as usual. It, too, was gray... As gray as Asmodeus.

"They've all seen it," Fizz finally croaked. "All of Hell... Has seen it. Didn't they?" His voice failed and the numbness within him became unbearable. Turned into something biting, digging into his chest like a percussion drill. "You... saw it. Didn't you?"

There was no answer for a long time. Asmodeus sat in his chair, also gazing at the skyline of his capital. Then, after so long that Fizz could hardly remember if he had voiced the question aloud, Ozzie shook his head.

"Just ... the end," he murmured, and even though he spoke softly, a demonic rumble resonated in his voice. Fizz trembled hearing that sound. Saw it again before him. The flame monster. He was torn and tortured by an inner turmoil, which he could not fight.

Was he really safe here? Close to this deathly sin? Or should he be ashamed of these thoughts? After all, Ozzie had saved him from getting .…

"I contacted my I.T. department," Ozzie finally murmured, at which Fizz blinked in confusion. Slowly, emotion returned to Ozzie's face and Fizz saw a frown on the other’s forehead. "My people are good. Excellent at their job ... They've traced every signal sent from here. They'll erase every record. Scouring the entire Hellnet until there's nothing left."

Involuntarily, Fizz snorted and closed his eyes.

"Nice try ... but what's in the Hellnet stays in the Hellnet," he muttered, the corners of his mouth twitching. Ozzie could try as hard as he wanted. They would never be able to erase it. A record would always show up. Duplicated, copied, shared ... forever. The frown on Ozzie's forehead deepened and he pressed his lips together.

"Not if I have a say in it. And if I have to destroy every file server."

That wouldn't do any good either. Fizz was sure ... quite sure. Everyone would see it - and celebrate. Because that was Hell. That's just how things were. One man's agony was another man's joy. It was as simple as that. And they lived in Lust … the majority would absolutely celebrate this video. Probably someone would try to assault him, too. Would want to do the same to him …

Fizz's stomach twisted, and he wanted to clench his fists, to hold onto the blanket that covered his misshapen body, but he couldn’t do any of this and his reward was pain only. Running through his entire body, and he gasped, squinting his eyes. Immediately a jolt went through Ozzie, who sat up straight. His hands twitched, much as if he wanted to touch him. But nothing happened. Ozzie did not come closer. Ozzie did not touch him. Ozzie said nothing ... He merely moved restlessly about on his chair ... keeping his distance. And all at once Fizz was disturbed by the distance between them, and he longed for closeness. For comforting words. For someone to tell him everything would be okay! But Ozzie did nothing ...

Didn't Ozzie like to get closer? Did Ozzie think he was disgusting now? Once he finally had gotten what he had desired? For Fizz to take off his prostheses. Ha! Yes. That was it. For sure! Because now that Ozzie saw the result, Fizz was sure he found him disgusting. Of course! Anyone would think so! Fizz himself thought so, and he twisted his mouth, wishing he could crawl below the covers. Hide himself. But he couldn't bring himself to make any move. He was tired. So tired and exhausted ... and still the lump of flesh that was his body felt gross. Like an infinite number of hands were clinging to him. Pawing at him. Tugging at him. Stuck inside him …

"Lucifer was right," Ozzie suddenly muttered, causing Fizz to wince and squint at him. Lucifer? Oh yes ... the meeting. Ozzie had been at the meeting. Wasn't he supposed to still be there? Far away from here? Up, in Pride? A scowl settled on Ozzie's face and he snorted contemptuously, turning his head to the side. "I'm naive. I should never have left you alone. I knew there were questionable waves coming from Fred. I knew it. But I didn't act. I stood by and watched. Because nobody can't hurt ME. Tse. Me ... I didn't give a thought to what he might do to you!"

Fizz's throat tightened at the mention of the bellhop's name, and his stomach only twisted more. As controlled as possible, Fizz shook his head.

"Ozzie ..." he began, but then faltered. Shit, he had no idea what to say. That it didn't matter now anyway? That it had happened!? That they should forget the matter!? That Ozzie was full of shit! Because it wasn't true! He hadn't been watching! He had wanted to fire Fred, but Fizz had stopped him ... It was Fizz's fault. It was his fault what had happened! But he didn't make a sound while Ozzie just kept talking. Shaking his head incessantly.

"That was never about me. It wasn't from the beginning! He was panting after you! But I never thought he'd go that far. I should have fired him when I had the chance! But I did nothing and allowed him to bring that scum into our home! I allowed that he - ...!" He broke off, and Fizz was glad he didn't continue. He didn't want to hear it. It was enough that the images were stuck in his head. But not just the images of the three bastards. Also what Asmodeus had done played over and over in his mind's eye; and he swallowed, finding the rising silence unbearable. Became more restless, because the quieter it became, the louder the images in his head became and finally he could no longer hold his tongue. Just had to say something. Anything to distract himself. To give in to the questions. To push the images out of his mind.

"W-what did you do to him ...? The fire. That wasn't a normal fire," he babbled, licking his dry lips.

Ozzie's face darkened and he raised his expressionless black eyes.

"I banished him to purgatory. Where he belongs. Tortured for eternity and subjected to hellish torments and fears," Asmodeus rumbled in a demonic voice and Fizz swallowed hard, widening his eyes. Purgatory!? So this place really existed!? It was not just a rumor spread by the princes to stir up fear!? Fuck ...

Of course Fizz had heard of it, every hellborn had. Yet no one knew where this place actually was. It was said that criminals and particularly depraved souls were sent there to be punished. Which sounded ridiculous because they were already in Hell and such harsh punishments were rarely meted out in the few trials that were held anyway. And yet it hovered over the heads of many demons as the worse place ever. Like a double Hell. Just as Hell was imagined in the world of the living.
And Asmodeus had ...? Oh, shit. Damn it, that was ... great! Because as frightening as the idea was that this place actually existed, it was much more important that no one came back from Purgatory. No one. Ever.

Which meant Fizz was safe! He would never have to deal with those creeps again! Fred was stewing in Purgatory and Ozzie had wiped out the other two. Once and for all.

The corners of Fizz's mouth twitched and a distorted grin screwed his face up. Became so wide that the corners of his already sore mouth pulled painfully.

"Good." Nothing else the fuckers deserved, and if he could, Fizz would dance. Which he couldn't. Because of them. And if it weren't for the reason the fuckers had met this fate.…

Slowly, Fizz squinted back at Ozzie. Part of him wanted to say thank you. So much! But another part shuddered at the thought of the other’s power. The power of a deathly sin ... Eerie he had looked. Not at all like himself anymore. But he didn't look like himself right now, too, and again Fizz let his tongue and thoughts run wild, said the first thing that came to mind. For as scary as Ozzie had looked before, he seemed ... worrisome now. So still and motionless. Without an expression on his face. Without the bull and the ram grimacing and revealing what was going on inside the big guy .…

"What's wrong with you?" Fizz muttered, making a short head movement in Ozzie's direction. "Your feathers and fur ... they're gray."

Ozzie didn't answer. He just sat there. Then he narrowed his eyes and opened his mouth, but instead of glaring flames, only black smoke escaped, dissolving into the air and trickling to the ground like ash.

"What had happened here, in my own four walls, was not in the spirit of lust. To be touched without wanting it ...this kind of violence ... kills lust." That's all he said, and it took Fizz a moment to understand. But then the realization hit him, and he widened his eyes.

Sexual violence killed lust. And Ozzie WAS lust. That meant .… No. NO!

Fizz's insides twisted and immediately he threw himself up, looking anxiously at Ozzie. Hundreds of things were on the tip of his tongue, but the only one he could think of was, "I'm sorry." Taking a deep breath, he swallowed the lump in his throat. Ozzie lifted his head in response, and sure enough, astonishment was reflected in his features.

"What?"

"I'm sorry… If I had known they could cause you pain then...," Then what? Then he would not have been able to defend himself. He could not have prevented it. Whimpering, he dropped his head. Shit. This was awful! "This is my fault. Because I attacked them in the photo studio...I didn't want you to get involved in this shit! Fuck ... FUCK!" All the while he had sworn that no one would harm his prince again. That he would stop it! But of course he had failed! What could he do but make big speeches? He was a hypocrite and an idiot and a liar!

Gulping, he leaned forward, wanting to reach out to Ozzie - which, of course, didn't work and only increased the pain in his joints. He lost his balance and fell to the side, whereupon a gasp sounded. Asmodeus reached out and caught him, whereupon Fizz froze. Immediately he thought of what those hands were capable of. Involuntarily, he made himself small and curled his tail around his body, tensing. He instinctively expected pain. Or fire... or something! But nothing happened. Ozzie just held him. Supported him carefully and slowly Fizz opened his eyes again, blinked. Warm. Ozzie's hand was warm. And gentle. Just like it always had been. Like always ... Shit, he was an idiot. Again the lump crept up his throat and as much as Fizz fought it, he lost the battle and a sob escaped him. Longingly he pressed against the big strong hand, burying his face in it, wanting to crawl into it, and the next moment a shallow jolt ran through his body.

Gently, Ozzie lifted him up, made sure Fizz was wrapped tightly in the blanket, and sat him on his lap. Ashamed, Fizz squinted upwards, unable to look him in the eye for long. That ghastly black was eating him up. If only he could do something. Something funny or suggestive. A joke! Anything to cheer Ozzie up... But any joke stuck in his throat.

A snort sounded and before Fizz's eyes could spill over with tears, one of Ozzie's fingers passed over Fizz's cheek. Wiped unshed tears from the corners of his eyes.

"Unbelievable. You get assaulted... and you think of me." Disapprovingly, he shook his head. "Don't apologize. Never. Not for this. My well-being doesn't matter, you matter now. Only you ... That's why you have to tell me what you need." He swallowed, narrowed his eyes, and Fizz thought he actually saw shame in Ozzie’s face after all. Lost in thought, Ozzie touched his forehead, reaching for the feathers on his head. "You have to tell me. Because I can't feel it. I can't ... feel anything anymore." Helpless, he tilted his head to the side, seeking Fizz's gaze.

He couldn't feel anything anymore? Did that mean his empathic antennae were broken? Was that ambush to be blamed for that, too!?

No. Not the ambush. It was Fizz's fault.

Full of remorse, he looked to the side. If only he could undo that night. Again Ozzie's finger caressed his face. This time one of the bruises that had formed.

"They hurt you … so badly." Ozzie's usually beautiful voice crumbled dangerously, making Fizz shudder. He didn't like the sound. Not at all. And he liked what Ozzie then said even less. "I'll call one of my doctors. Someone needs to look at you …"

At the word doctors, the image of the surgeon from the hospital in Greed immediately popped into Fizz's head, and he shook his head. The idea that someone would see him like that and touch him ... No! No, he couldn't do that!

"No, no doctor! I-I'm okay! They didn't hurt me. I don't need a damn doctor. It wasn't that bad. Really. I mean, they didn't- they didn't go through with it. And anyway, I provoked them. It's okay. Let's just forget about it. Yes?" Quickly, he looked up at Ozzie and forced himself to smile - only to meet a terrifying scowl that swept the fragile smile off his face.

"Don't do that," Ozzie rumbled, itty-bitty sparks shooting out of his eyes. "Don't you dare downplay this! Don't you dare blame yourself and act like nothing happened! Just like the last time someone touched you against your will! Do they have to rape you for real before you realize that something bad happened!? Don't you dare!"

Swallowing, Fizz ducked his head and pressed his lips together. Th-that wasn't fair! Why was he being scolded? All he wanted to do was- ... The lump grew and finally the tears overflowed, couldn't be stopped. Damn, he was such a weakling.

As if stung, Ozzie winced and the sparks died instantly.

"Forgive me! I am sorry, I didn't mean it that way. I'm just - ... Urgh!" Ozzie broke off. Fell silent. Instead of saying anything, he gently hugged Fizz, and he immediately jumped at it. Pushed up against the big hand.

For a while neither of them said anything. Fizz fought the tears and sobs that were welling up over and over again, while Ozzie's thumb stroked his back. At first, it was pleasant. Comforting.
But soon it became warm, too warm, and he thought of the disgusting heat he had been exposed to all this time. About how his body was still sticky. Was covered all over with the fingerprints of those fuckers. With sweat and ... and blood. Their’s and his own … And Ozzie was touching that all the time.

"I want to take a bath… a long one. In disinfectant," he mumbled, lost in thought, then faltered. What the hell was he talking about? How was he supposed to take a bath in this state? But before he could take back this nonsense, Ozzie's spirits stirred. As if Fizz had said a magic word, he nodded eagerly, trying to smile. It looked fake, and the sight hurt Fizz.

"Of course. If that's what you want, you'll get it!" Fizz hesitated, opened his mouth, but closed it again, looking down at himself. Ozzie faltered at that, blinking, and he scratched his head. "Of course, only if you allow me to help you," he added hastily, without making the situation any better. On the contrary. There was no way Ozzie was going to see him like that again! Let alone help him! Fizz was already a helpless cripple, he didn't need to rub Ozzie's nose in it.

He shook his head and at the risk of being scolded again, he quickly smiled. Tried hard to make it look as genuine as possible.

"No. Don't bother. I can wait until tomorrow. When my prostheses are back, I can do this on my own. Without help." Without burdening Ozzie. Without showing him how ugly he was. How unsexy. Without Ozzie's hands having to touch his spoiled body. If he touched it, it would rub off on him and that couldn't happen! It was bad enough that his precious prince had been dragged into this. That he, too, had been hurt ...

"Do you want me to call Mammon over here? Is it him you want? Do you want him to comfort you ... and help you?"

Fizz froze. M-Mammon!? Why the hell would Ozzie call Mammon over!? Stunned, he opened his mouth, staring at Ozzie in horror. The other sighed soundlessly.

"You were calling for him. Earlier, in your sleep. If it's my brother you need, I'll call him. If I've scared you into preferring him over me, it’s fine...." It seemed like a big BUT was about to follow, yet Ozzie held back. Instead, his eyes narrowed, and he put on that special look that Fizz knew all to well, dripping with jealousy. Yet this was ridiculous. So ridiculous!

Mammon. Tse. Mammon! As if Mammon would care that Fizz had been assaulted. If he came here and would see Fizz like that, he would laugh. Nothing else. Laugh and say he should get his shit together and get back on stage. Make some money. Make the most of it. Smile nicely.

No! Of all the demons, Fizz wanted to see Mammon the least, and he swallowed hard. Ozzie got it wrong! All wrong! He shouldn't think he preferred Mammon to Ozzie! Never! He wasn't going to give Ozzie another reason to throw him away!

"No!" he choked out and shook his head, wishing he could hold on to Ozzie. Make him understand! "Don't call him. Don't you dare! I want him to stay away! I don't want him here ... I-I was dreaming. About the accident. About the fire and... he was the one who pulled me out. Th-that's why I was calling. I guess. It was just a memory. I don't want him to come here. I don't want anyone to come here! I want you! Only you! You didn’t scare me off! I want you to help me! Okay? I want you to help me. You ... Not him!" Fizz's stomach clenched violently, and he gagged, bend over and squeezed his mouth shut with all his might. Tried to breathe. To calm himself. There was no way he was going to throw up now! Then it was all over!

"It's all right. I’m sorry. I didn't mean to upset you." Reassuringly, Ozzie ran his hand down Fizz back, looking very thoughtful all at once. Too thoughtful. Then suddenly he stood up and started moving, taking Fizz with him.

Fizz stiffened, squinting down the hall toward the elevator, expecting the worst. But Ozzie turned and carried him to the bathroom. Where he filled water into the tub. Shit!

"I told you tomorrow would be sufficient ..." Fizz muttered hoarsely, struggling to keep his composure, staring at the slowly filling tub.

"I know. But I think this is a good thing to do right now. Trust me. Please." With that, Ozzie reached for one of the thousand bathing ingredients and poured some into the water. Foam formed and the subtle scent of roses spread. The corners of Fizz's mouth twitched and he snorted. Tse. Roses. Of all things, that scent ... Typical for Ozzie. So typical.

A pleasant warmth spread through the bathroom, inviting one to relax - and Fizz wanted to relax. Wanted to put what had happened behind him and plunge into the tub. Wash away what they had done. But instead he tensed with every inch of water that filled the tub. Still he was safely hidden in the blanket ... Still Ozzie did not see his body. Not yet. But that would change if he really had to get into that tub. But he didn't want to whine any more than he already had.

Stiffly, he watched as the mountains of foam spiraled upward, and when the tub was merely a quarter full, Ozzie turned off the water. Kneeling down in front of the tub. Examining the temperature, he held a finger in the water and finally nodded.

"Perfect," he murmured - and as feared, he fumbled at the blanket. Fizz tensed and he duck his head, instinctively hissing at Ozzie and showing his pointed fangs, whereupon Ozzie faltered.

"Don’t," Fizz whispered hoarsely, pressing his lips together. "Please. Let's wait until tomorrow."

Expressionless, Ozzie stared at him, then his eyes narrowed, at which Fizz gulped.

"So you want to stay like this for a whole day? For twenty-four hours? Smeared with their blood and bodily fluids?"

That hit Fizz unexpectedly hard, and his face fell. He duck his head even more and gazed to the water, torn. Cursing, he squinted his eyes.

"But this body is disgusting! You won't desire me anymore once you see me like this! I am sure!"

Nothing came. No response. No movement and after a few minutes, Fizz opened his eyes a crack, glancing at Ozzie.

Astonished, Ozzie stared at him, his brows raised up high. Then his scowl melted away and his expression became infinitely soft. Gently, he placed a finger under Fizz's chin, making him look at him, and before Fizz knew it, he breathed a kiss on his cheek. So tenderly that Fizz shivered. Speechless, he gasped, knowing nothing to say, and at last, the void vanished from Asmodeus's face and he smiled. Genuinely.

"Trust me," he pleaded in his angelic voice, and Fizz's resistance crumbled. Heat crept into his cheeks and he glanced to the side, finally able to nod.

Very carefully, Ozzie unwrapped him from the blanket and when the warm, humid air of the bathroom brushed his skin, Fizz shivered. Then the blanket was gone and there was nothing left for him to hide behind.

Concentrating, he looked at the tiles in front of him, avoiding Asmodeus' gaze as he carefully lifted him up and then settled him into the tub. Fizz hissed as the warm water touched the wounds on his body and the interfaces on his joints burned. Still, it was pure relief. Asmodeus set him down that he could lean upright against the edge of the tub and supported him with his hands. In that moment Fizz noticed that the water had the perfect height for him. That the foam was high enough to cover most of his body. He swallowed hard and looked at Ozzie, opening his mouth, but the huge thank you that was caught on his tongue wouldn't slip out. Instead, he curled his tail around Ozzie's wrist and looked him meaningfully in the eye, snuggling against the fingers.

"Don't let me fall... Okay?" he finally murmured, not believing he would drown if he lost his balance, but trusting that Ozzie understood him. And Ozzie did, because he smiled and nodded.

"Never."

There was silence for a while, and only the soft sound of sloshing water hung in the air. Ozzie's fingers lay slightly around Fizz's body, caressing him now and then, and finally Fizz relaxed, sighed, and slid lower in the tub. This didn't feel bad at all ... and it wasn't as bad as he had feared. It was okay. Quite okay, actually.

"Do you allow that I wash you?" Ozzie asked at one point, to which Fizz hesitantly nodded. Getting clean sounded really, really good. "All right," Ozzie continued, pausing briefly before continuing in a thoughtfully quiet voice. "Then ... let me take this one off, too. Agreed?" His free hand reached for one of the tips of his jester's cap and gave it a gentle tug.

Fizz's eyes snapped open and in a flash he wheeled around, trying to free himself from Ozzie's grip.

"No!" he hissed, shaking his head. "Out of the question! I said my head is off limits!"

Ozzie sighed, licked his lips, and started one more.

"Fizzarolli, listen to me. I think you need to know that-"

"No!!! Don't even try! I said it's off limits! The End!"

"It's all right, Fizz. Really. I know that -..."

Know? He knew?! Ha. HA! Fizz's heart stopped beating, and he began to toss wildly, swiping at the hand holding his cap with his tail.

"No! NO, damn it! You know nothing! Nothing at all! Let me go! I said let me go!"

"Fizz, please ..."

"LET ME GO!" Fizz yelled, not wanting to hear anymore, he started to scream. Ozzie was talking shit! Huge bullshit! He knew nothing! NOTHING! And when he didn't loosen his grip, Fizz panicked - and began to snap at the hands holding him down. This time, no gag was going to stop him! He didn't want to be touched! Not like that! It was enough that those bastards had held him down! Had pushed him down! Against his will!

And Ozzie did the same...! He was doing the same!

"Let... Let me- Let me... Let...!" Fizz's voice failed, and he couldn't breathe, gasped, but there was no air! Like a wire rope wrapped around his throat, constricting it further and further until his lungs burned and his chest tightened dangerously. In panic he wanted to reach for his throat, to pull the invisible rope away, but there were no arms, no hands, no fingers! He- he was suffocating while hundreds of knives were ramming into his shoulders! His vision distorted, and he felt blood rushing through his veins. Into his head. Making it throb.

Run! He wanted to run, to free himself! But he couldn't and a sudden spasm jerked through his thighs. More pain! More!

"Shit!" Ozzie's voice rang out from somewhere and then there was a splash. All at once Ozzie was sitting in front of him, had climbed into the tub. His hands let go off his foolscap and placed themselves at either side of him, keeping him from falling over. But ... he wasn’t touching him anymore. Didn't paw at him. Didn’t hold him down. "It's okay. It's okay. I'm sorry. It stays where it is, I'm not touching your cap. Do you hear me? I'm not touching it and I'm not touching you," he stated calmly but firm, but Fizz just shook his head, still not able to breathe. "You need to breathe. Okay, Fizzarolli? Take a deep breath and it'll be over soon. Can you do that? Breathe in and out with me, okay?" Wide-eyed, Fizz gawked at Ozzie, who demonstrated. Took one breath after the other together with him. Again and again. But it was hard. Fizz’s lungs didn't want to go the way he wanted, but Ozzie helped him. Stayed with him. Until Fizz got his breath under control and sucked it in greedily. Choked on it.

"Easy," Ozzie whispered, giving him a cheery nod. "That's it. It's going to be okay."

Very slowly, Fizz calmed down and slumped against Ozzie's hand, closing his eyes. His shoulders and thighs tensed eerily, but the feeling of being trapped and suffocated disappeared. What remained was exhaustion. Infinite exhaustion. Oh Lucifer ... he was such a pitiful weakling.

"Fizz?" came the question eventually, but Fizz kept his eyes closed. Sighed aloud.

"I'm fine," he mumbled. "Sorry..."

A snort sounded in response, followed by a sigh, and slowly Fizz opened his eyes, seeing Ozzie running his hand over his forehead. Somehow looking even grayer than before.

"You're sorry? Tse. I scare you and you apologize. Thereby you should feel safe with me..."

Fizz didn't answer at first, but closed his eyes, swallowing hard. He had had enough. Of everything!

"I do. I really do!! But... I don't? Shit, I don't know. I just don't know! All I know is that I want to forget everything! I want to wash it away, put on some fresh cloth, snuggle in your arms and have you tell me that you ... still love me? You still do, right? Because that’s what I want! All that lovey-dovey fuss! Without fire and flames and blood... okay!? Please?" His tongue did what it wanted again, babbling one nonsense after another, but Fizz didn't even think to hold back. He was too exhausted for that and to his relief, Ozzie nodded.

"Whatever you desire," he whispered. "Then let me do just one thing. And please don't get scared."

At first Fizz didn't understand, until he saw Ozzie reaching for his foolscap again! Surely he couldn't be bloody serious!? Was he going to put Fizz through another breathless hell!? They had just said that...!

Fizz faltered. Instead of pulling on the cap and humiliating him to no end, Ozzie very carefully took both tips of his cap... and twisted them into a braid. Pinned the cap up, as Fizz had done before. Apologetically, he smiled and nudged Fizz's nose.

"That way it won't get completely wet," he whispered, and all at once Fizz felt frighteningly stupid. All the while Ozzie was doing everything he could to help him and Fizz was acting out. At the same time Ozzie himself was not feeling well, otherwise his feathers would surely be blue again. Otherwise, his eyes would surely be shining again ...

"Am I still allowed to help you?" he asked next, sprinkling more salt on the wound. Gulping, Fizz nodded, whereupon Ozzie pulled out a washcloth from somewhere. Started to clean him. He was unspeakably careful about it, and yet his touches felt like a relaxing massage. Not at all like the touches of the three assholes. How had Fizz been able to think like that? Be able to compare Ozzie to them!?

The next moment his prince leaned in to him and to Fizz's amazement, he nestled his head against Fizz, hugged him and gave him another kiss. A real one this time. However short. They barely touched. And yet Fizz's lips tingled afterward, like he'd swallowed sherbet powder.

"I love you," the King of Lust cooed so softly that only Fizz was able to hear him – and this brought him to his knees. Everything collapsed within him and he slumped against the big fool. Whatever Asmodeus actually was, he was no demon at all. Never. He had to be an angel. A dark angel ... who else would behave like that? Tightly Fizz wrapped his tail around Ozzie's wrist and began to cry like a little impling. Couldn't keep up his facade any longer and left the tough, funny, sexy clown behind. Just for this one moment. For once. And it felt damn good.

Chapter Text

Chapter 42

a total disgrace

Ozzie stayed true to his word. All night long he held Fizz in his arms. Safe and secure and every now and then he hummed softly for him. Which made Fizz feel even more like a weak impling. On the other hand, it felt good to be cared for like that. Ozzie's melodic voice worked like a healing spell and Fizz decided to let himself go. Cried himself to sleep like a baby, with the firm intention of totally erasing the whole night from his memory and never talking about it again.

And so time passed.

The next day they stayed in bed without talking much to each other. Ozzie brought him some pain killers, and earned the privilege of caressing Fizz. His fingers went up and down of Fizz’ sides for hours, which was like a soothing massage. He showered Fizz with kisses and sickeningly sweet words and even though the reason was hideous, Fizz had to admit it was flattering. It wasn't until his stomach made itself known that Ozzie finally rose from the bed and did what he did 'best'. He flooded Fizz with all the things he liked. Ordered Fizz’s favorite food in triplicate and showered him with gifts.... Wanted desperately to cheer him up and went to endless lengths to endear himself to Fizz again. Wanted to wipe away any possible fear or doubt. And it worked. Almost ... For Ozzie's feathers remained gray. Neither did he make any lewd remarks, nor did he otherwise act provocative. Even his usual exuberant manner seemed put on and not a single flame escaped him. Instead, some increasing amount of smoke escaped from Ozzie. Especially from his back... But whenever Fizz tried to address it, Ozzie blocked. And so the first day passed. Mostly in bed. And with no news from the factory...

On the second day, Fizz felt much better. The more distance he gained from the incident, the easier it was for him to block everything out, and he became himself again, pushing the whimpering weakling back into the farthest corner of his mind. Asmodeus, meanwhile, pretended to be as charming as circumstances allowed, but eventually his play became exhausting. Fizz was not a fragile little doll, and he was not used to being treated this way. But he couldn't stop Ozzie from tripping around him like on eggshells, startled by every little sound. At one point he even began drawing strange signs on the walls of the bedroom. Magical symbols, he said, that were supposed to ward off disaster. Supposedly, just such a sign had alerted Ozzie when ... the three bastards had entered the penthouse. Fizz was more than fine with that. The safer they were, the better. However, Ozzie was overdoing it with those symbols. Even though they disappeared once the spell was completed, soon there was no place in the bedroom that wasn't covered with invisible symbols ... Ozzie exaggerated beyond measure and Fizz found fun in teasing him with his over-cautiousness. Was able to joke again. Unfortunately, the big guy found it anything but funny - and to Fizz's chagrin, his prince remained colorless. Beside that there still was no trace of Fizz's prostheses and Asmodeus didn't mention them at all ...

On the third day things became critical, because Fizz had to go to the bathroom urgently... Urg, he wanted to die of shame, and he fervently hoped that Fred suffered agony in fucking purgatory for what he did!!! But Asmodeus acted professionally, helping him without comment, like it was nothing special. Took him to the bathroom and back to the bedroom. And Fizz was really glad about that. The living room certainly still looked unchanged.... However, Ozzie didn't let him into the kitchen either. Even when Fizz asked him to, he remained strict and refused. Picking out breakfast was something Fizz could do without help. Especially since his appetite was slowly coming back. But no. Ozzie insisted he stayed in the bedroom. In bed. All the time ... Surrounded by all the things he liked, but somehow it seemed …. strange to Fizz. The doors remained firmly shut, the blinds half-closed and his phone was gone, too. And most importantly, and what permanently floated in Fizz's mind, was that three days had passed. Not one, as Ozzie had promised. Three! Three days ... and there were no news about his prostheses. But he hesitated to bring it up. Ozzie gave him so much and those things were expensive high-tech custom-made. Pushing the issue and complaining seemed wrong. But the impatience was gnawing at him, getting worse, and eventually he couldn't take it anymore.

*

Dissatisfied, Fizz sat on the big bed, hundreds of soft pillows behind him and dressed in the finest pajamas Ozzie had been able to find in all of Hell. So he claimed, at least. Actually, Fizz owned the thing for ages. Ozzie had bought the pajama when Fizz just had moved into the penthouse and it was made of pure silk, felt like a breath of nothing - and was not Fizz's thing at all. Usually a shirt and some shorts suited him just fine, but he hadn't complained when Ozzie had laid said clothes out and dressed him.

Again the big dork was busy drawing symbols on the walls, had found another free spot somewhere while he let Fizz sitting in bed. Around Fizz some snacks were placed and on the TV his favorite Helluva-Novella was playing. However, Fizz was neither hungry nor interested in the current episode. His gaze penetrated Ozzie's smoking back and his tail kept tapping impatiently on the mattress.

So? How to address the issue? Best, as directly as possible, without ado! He didn't want any fuss, he had had enough of that, so he took a deep breath and braced himself against any possible reaction.

"Hey, Ozzie ... can we talk for a minute?" he grumbled, at which Ozzie wheeled around so fast that Fizz winced.

"Of course, Fizzy. What’s the matter? Do you need something?" he chirped merrily, but his black eyes didn't laugh a bit, at which Fizz let his tail hit the mattress harder.

"No," he began, then licked his lips and narrowed his eyes. "Or rather... Yes. I need something."

Fizz might as well have whistled, because immediately Asmodeus came floating up and joined him on the bed, gazing at him expectantly.

"Why, of course! What do you need? Tell me, you'll get it!" He reached out and stroked Fizz's chin, but Fizz turned his head away.

"My prostheses?!" Fizz blurted out, and tensed, gritting his teeth. "You said ... it only takes one day! Now it's three!! How much longer does the factory need!?" He was tired of just laying around and being waited on. It was pleasant up to a point, but he wanted his independence back! And the bathroom incidence had shown that very clear ...

Embarrassed, he clicked his tongue before seeking Ozzie's gaze. The other’s fake grin was gone and expressionless he stared at Fizz - which bored a needle into Fizz's heart. Annoyed, he groaned, took momentum, and with the help of his tail, threw himself to the side.

"You know what, forget it. They're here when they're here. I get it ... patience and all." Fuck. He was such an ungrateful son of a bitch.

A sigh sounded behind him, and finally a finger ran gently down his back.

"Forgive me, Fizzarolli ..." Ozzie muttered, at which Fizz just grunted.

"Yeah, yeah. It's all right. Can't help it. Not your fault." He just had to practice patience. Lots and lots of patience.

Silence fell and only the silly exaggerated chatter from the TV could be heard. Then Ozzie cleared his throat and the stroking became more engaging.

"I ... I have them here."

Fizz's eyes twitched. Wait a minute. What?

He threw himself around, gathered enough strength to manage the movement all by himself, and glared at Ozzie.

"What do you mean by you have them here?!"

Cautiously, Ozzie withdrew his hand and lowered his eyelids. With uncertainty he eyed Fizz, then took a deep breath and stood up. Walked over to the closet. Just left him sitting here? After an announcement like that?! What the fuck?!

"Hey, I'm talking to you! What do you mean you have them here?! You're shitting me, right?!"

There was no response. Ozzie disappeared into the walk-in closet, some rumbling sounds could heard, then he returned to the bed. In his hands he held a large black box with the symbol of his factory on it: a heart surrounded by feathers ... Fizz's jaw dropped and he widened his eyes.

"You're really messing with me, aren't you? Are you telling me you've had them hidden in the closet all this time?!" he snapped, anger welling up inside him.

Ozzie didn't flinch, staring at the box and then at Fizz. Carefully he put the box on the bed and took off the lid. Sure enough! Inside was a brand new set of his stretchy prostheses. Taking a deep breath, Fizz tensed. Very slowly, he looked up at Ozzie, pursed his mouth.

"How long have they been here?" he rumbled, getting no answer, and the anger inside him spilled over. He let his tail flick out and slapped it against Ozzie's arm. "Now tell me! How long have they been here, damn it?!"

"Since the first day. As promised," Ozzie finally muttered, and Fizz was blindsided. Was too stunned to respond, too speechless to give in to the anger inside him. Since ... the first day!? How? When?

"Why didn't you give them to me!? Why did you let me be at your mercy!? For three days! Are you into that or what?! Did you enjoy watching me humiliate myself?!"

"No, Fizzarolli, you misunderstand," Ozzie actually tried to justify himself, but Fizz shook his head.

"Misunderstand? And what is there to misunderstand? You've got my prostheses and you're withholding them from me! Making sure I depend on you! There's nothing to misunderstand!"

Ozzie ground his teeth and his face settled into deeper shadows and for a moment Fizz thought the gray of Ozzie’s feathers would grow even darker.

"I wanted to wait until you’re recovered. You tend to overdo it when you're emotionally upset. That wouldn't have done you any good ... I wanted you to rest before you went wall-to-wall again."

Urg! This shit again! Just like when Ozzie wouldn't feed, he was making decisions for Fizz! Shitty decisions and this time he had gone too far! Because this time it was about Fizz and not him!

"Well, that's not for you to decide, damn it! Not in this case! Isn't it enough that these bastards have dismantled and humiliated me!! Do you have to jump on that bandwagon, too?!"

At that, a jolt went through Ozzie, and he widened his eyes, staring at Fizz in horror. Groaning, Fizz rolled his eyes, throwing himself back into the pillows. Unbelievable... This idiot had no idea what he was doing to him by withholding the prostheses! What he was turning him into ...

Concentrating, Fizz took a breath and as much as he wanted to scream and throw anything he could at Ozzie, he swallowed it down. Forcefully.

"Doesn't matter," he breathed out in concentration. "Doesn't matter now. Just remember that you can't do that! Or would you like to not be able to move and be dependent on everyone else like a fucking rubber doll?" No reply followed, which stirred up Fizz's anger, but he suppressed it as best he could. "Never mind. Doesn't matter ... They're here now. So if you could kindly mount them? Then we can finally put this behind us."

No answer.

"Ozzie?"

The frown on Asmodeus' forehead deepened.

"Ozzie!!!", Fizz tried more forcefully. But nothing. Then Ozzie finally stirred, took the lid of the box. And closed it again. Fizz's heart stopped beating.

"Ozzie ...? W-what are you doing?"

Asmodeus stood up, lifted the box, and walked away from the bed.

"You're not back in shape yet. It's better if we hold off on that. Until you've processed all of this."

"What?"

"The best thing is for you to stay in bed. Here in the penthouse. You'll be safe here, and when you're well again, we'll see. Until then, I'll keep your prostheses."

Very slowly Fizz began to realize what Ozzie was saying. What it meant and his heart started beating again. Went from zero to a hundred in a second and breathlessly he shook his head.

"You're going to lock me up in here ...? Without my prostheses?" Without the ability to make himself noticed? To take care of himself!? Like an animal in the zoo that you could visit and admire from time to time or what!? "NO! You can't do that!"

"Please calm down. There's no need to get upset. It's just for a little longer. Until you're well and recovered. And until then, I'll be by your side, taking care of you. You can trust me."

Trust? Trust?! Ha! A hollow laugh escaped Fizz, and he threw himself up, baring his teeth.

"How am I supposed to trust you when you're coldly taking advantage of the fact that I'm dependent on you?! That I can't fight back?! Since when do I have no say in the matter!? Didn't you say you wouldn't cross any more lines? That's one!!!"

"You can't compare this to the past. This is just for your own safety..." With that, Asmodeus turned and headed for the bedroom door.

Fizz's throat tightened and his gaze fixated on the box, which was moving more and more out of his reach. Desperation welled up inside him, displacing anger, and his chest tightened.

"Wait! Asmodeus, wait! Please! Please don't do this! Please!"

No answer. Instead, more smoke appeared. Enveloping Asmodeus and when he turned to face Fizz, his eyes seemed even darker than black.

"Believe me when I say it's for your own safety. Here is where I can protect you. If you start running around out there, the same thing might happen again. Or worse ... And I can't let that happen. You're too important to me."

"You don't lock up someone who is important to you! I'll stay in the penthouse, I will, but give me my arms and legs back!!"

"I will. But not today."

No... No, NO! This was a fucking joke! Was he still sleeping? Was this a nightmare or what was happening here?!,

Vigorously he shook his head and in a fit of panic he threw himself forward, landing belly-down on the bed, trying to reach the edge.

"Wait! Ozzie, please wait! Don't do this to me! Please don't!! I need them! I'll stay in the penthouse, in the bedroom, in this fucking bed, whatever you want, but give them back to me!! Please!" Everything else was beside the point. They could talk about everything else later! But THIS ... Ozzie couldn't be serious! He knew how important the prostheses were to Fizz! That he hated being stuck in that helpless ugly body! So why? Why was Ozzie doing this to him!? WHY!? Did it turn him on!? Then he wasn't one bit better than the bastards who had attacked Fizz! Not one bit!!! Gasping, Fizz pressed his forehead against the bed and clenched his teeth, began to shake all over - and a switch flipped in his head. He threw himself up and hissed scathingly at Ozzie. "You fucking arrogant asshole!!! You have no right to do that! No right! They belong to me! So give them back to me!"

At this, Ozzie's eyes narrowed as well, and he opened his mouth. Thick clouds of dark smoke came out and he snorted.

"I have every right to do that. I'm the king of this ring and strictly speaking, they don't belong to you, they belong to me. So I'm keeping them and you're staying here. End of discussion." With that, he reached for the door handle, yanked it open, and stomped into the hallway. Slammed the door behind him. Leaving Fizz behind.

More and more needles penetrated Fizz's chest and the trembling got worse. Asmodeus actually did it... he actually did it! He locked Fizz up in the bedroom. Turned Fizz into his own personal rubber doll ...

Did the same thing Fred had threatened Fizz with. It was the same thing. Exactly the same!!! Asmodeus was no different than those bastards!!!

Panic blew up inside him, took him hostage. Shook him to the core. And the source was not anger, but in fear ... rare fear. And disappointment.

In a haste, he glanced from left to right. Searching for some way out, some solution! Something to change Ozzie's mind. But there was nothing. He was alone. In this huge room. All alone. Alone. His throat tightened.

"ASMODEUS!" he yelled at the door in desperation, curling his tail around his body and glaring at the door while a steam engine raced inside him. Completely beside himself, he continued screaming. On and on until his voice failed. "Come back! Don't leave me alone in here!"

But the King of Lust didn't come back, and Fizz couldn't breathe. Again.

**

Three hours. For the total of three hours, Asmodeus left Fizz to himself. Left him to the panic that robbed him of his breath and the uncertainty that wrapped itself around him like a tightrope.

Eventually, he calmed down and managed to turn off the stupid chatter coming from the TV and crawled under the bedcovers, where he curled up and tried to understand what was going on.

And something had to be going on! This ... this wasn’t the Asmodeus he knew. Not at all. The Asmodeus he knew would never treat him in such a way, never came up with such a stupid idea! Consent was always so important to him. That everyone involved was happy! What was going on didn't make Fizz happy, why couldn’t Asmodeus see that!? Because his fucking antennas were fucked up? Was he so dependent on those things that he wasn't able to judge others properly. Did the son of a bitch have no common sense? Or any understanding at all of what he could and couldn't do! Just because he was a fucking king didn't mean he could get away with anything! Especially not if he had told Fizz the truth three days ago ... In the bathroom. If it was true that Ozzie loved him, then what he was doing now, was such a fat red flag that Fizz couldn't even put it in words.

The lack of air under the blanket made him emerge from his hiding place, and a glance through the half-opened blinds told him that it must be afternoon.

Afternoon ... In the club the preparations would slowly start by now. Did the others knew what had happened? Were they worried? Probably not, because what they knew, Ozzie had told them. And they trusted Ozzie. No one would come looking to see where Fizz was. No one … After all, he didn't know anyone here in Lust. He could count on one non-existing hand who would even care. He had no friends and in the club everyone believed they were happy lovers. Tse. This was so fucked up!

Finally, sounds appeared from the hallway on the other side of the bedroom door, and Fizz tensed. It all seemed frighteningly familiar and his stomach tightened. Tensely he stared at the door and after a few minutes he heard a soft click. Like ... a door lock? Ozzie had literally locked him up? Oh Lucifer, what was wrong with this big idiot?!

Fizz slid down the bed thoughtfully until only his eyes peeked out above the covers, and he watched as the door was awkwardly pushed open. Asmodeus stepped inside. Of course. Who else. Fizz swallowed and narrowed his eyes, boring his gaze into the big fucker, who gave Fizz an apologetic smile.

"Sorry it took so long. I thought I'd get us something you'd especially like this time!" he explained, revealing a large tray he balanced on one hand. The box of prostheses was nowhere in sight and immediately Fizz narrowed his eyes, beginning to growl menacingly. Asmodeus blinked at that, his dopey grin widening, and he came to the bed. Shoving the door shut with his foot.

"Sounds like someone's in a bad mood~" he purred, trying hard to sound like he always did, but Fizz wasn't stupid. He was well aware that Asmodeus was putting on a show. He was an actor himself, it was easy for him to see others through.

Suspiciously, he eyed Asmodeus on his way to the bed and ground his teeth, not saying a word. Bad mood. Tse. That. Was. An. Understatement!

As if nothing had happened, Asmodeus pranced over and placed the tray on the bed in front of him. On it was a large silver bowl, under which was presumably a plate.

"Tada. Here you go. Your favorite junk food!" Asmodeus announced, lifting the silver bowl unceremoniously. The familiar smell of warm noodles crept into Fizz's nose and he frowned. Placed on the noble plate, a large portion of instant noodles awaited him, and many needles pierced Fizz’s body at the sight like he was a damn pincushion.

Fizz said nothing. He stared at the noodles and then looked up at Asmodeus who blinked expectantly and when there was no response, he pointed meaningfully at the plate.

"That is your favorite food, right? At least that's what you told me. Because you couldn't afford more back then ... It has a nostalgia factor for you and became soul food. I thought that's what you could use right now."

What...

WHAT!!!

He could use that right now? HA! What he could use were his damn prostheses, and with a jerk, Fizz freed himself from his hiding place, let his tail whip through the air, and swept the tray to the floor and the noodles with it.

A loud clang echoed through the room and Asmodeus winced, staring at the overturned tray and then back at Fizz.

"Why did you do that?"

Why? Was this meant to be serious? Tensed, Fizz exhaled, ducking into the pillows. Seeking as much distance from Asmodeus as possible.

"What are you up to?" he rumbled, not even wanting to hear the answer, but better to get ahead of Asmodeus before he presented Fizz again with a fait accompli.

"What would I be up to?"

"You lock me up in here and keep my prostheses ... You must have something in mind. Don't you? What are you going to do with me? Do you want me to be your dress-up doll that you can feed and bathe when you feel doing so? Do you want to fuck me? Like some toy? Without me being able to fight back? As a new kink? Is that what you're into now? What was it called again ...? Amelo-something? Come on, say it! SAY IT!"

At this, Asmodeus voiced a stretched sigh and rolled his eyes, reaching for the tray and picking it up.

"You're making this unnecessarily complicated."

"Oh, I am making it complicated? Is that so? Wow. I'm impressed, Asmodeus. Are you the clown around here now? Are you telling the jokes now? Because this is a huge fucking joke!" Fizz sneered - and immediately regretted his outburst, as a deep rumble escaped Asmodeus. Without looking at Fizz , he got up, left the tray on the bed and the noodles on the floor, and went straight to the door.

"Very well. If you are not yet ready to talk matter-of-factly about this, I will leave again until you calm down."

Fizz's heart sank to the back of his knees, would he have any. Additionally, he turned ice-cold and opened his mouth, shaking his head. Asmodeus was leaving already?

"Wait! Don't go!"

"I'm really sorry, Fizzarolli. But I've thought the matter through in all detail. And I'm not going to sit here and let you yell at me just because you don't see the big picture. So I'm going to leave again, because I don't want to argue."

"Then explain it to me, by Lucifer, and just don't walk away!" At this, Asmodeus flinched and the gray smoke turned black. Unease spread through Fizz and he licked his lips. Shit ... The soft way then! "Please ... tell me what's going on! The Ozzie I know would never do anything like this to me, damn it! So why!!! Explain it to me and don't make ominous insinuations! Why are you doing this? And what's wrong with you? Why do you look like you've stepped out of a black and white movie?!"

But no explanation came. Nothing came at all. Ozzie turned his head away and looked at the window, shaking his head.

"I have to protect you. That's the most important thing. I've been guilty of many things, I know, but I'm not willing to pay the price ..." he finally mumbled, lost in thought, but Fizz couldn't make sense of it. Taking a deep breath and pressing his lips together, he sought shelter again in his fort of pillows and blankets.

"Protect me ... my ass," he rumbled, squinting to the side. There was silence for a moment, then he let out what stuck on his tongue like a heavy block of granite. "You know what Fred said to me? What he was going to do? He was going to take everything I still have. Tail, tongue, eyes and then lock me up in his fucking house to take care of me. Like I was his personal living sex doll. And you're just like him!"

Asmodeus' head wheeled around and as if a smoke bomb exploded, pitch black fog suddenly enveloped the whole room.

"How dare you!" Asmodeus' voice thundered, and the next moment he was back in front of the bed, grabbed Fizz and dragged him out of the covers, holding him right in front of his face. Horrified, Fizz groaned and pulled his head back, staring into the pitch black holes that had once been Ozzie's eyes. "Don't you ever dare compare me to those fiends again! Never again! I'm nothing like them! I didn’t hurt you in any way! Or is that what you're craving? Is that why you provoke me? Because if that's what you desire, I can do that!" Fizz held his breath, swallowing hard. Shit! Why hadn't he kept his mouth shut. Asmodeus' fist tightened around him, crushing him, and Fizz whimpered. "Well. I hear!? Am I supposed to do what they did!? Should I use you like a toy? Because it would be easy for me to do that! To ram you down on my cock and fuck you until you scream! SHOULD I do that!?" Demonstratively, he reached for his heart-shaped belt buckle and Fizz froze.

"N-no! Stop it!"

"Then stop saying I'm like them! I don't want to hurt you! I would never hurt you! Never! Because I am Lust! I do not do such things! I bring pleasure and desire! I don't rape anyone!"

Squeezing harder and harder, Fizz finally gathered all his strength and wrenched his mouth open, screaming as loud as he could in Asmodeus' face.

"YOU ARE HURTING ME!"

As if he were a hot potato, Ozzie let go of him. Dropped him on the bed, where Fizz slumped into the pillows, gasping. Tears gathered in his eyes, and he buried his face in the covers, not wanting to look at Ozzie. Didn't want to look at anything anyone!

Silence took over and only Fizz's sobs could be heard until an agonized moan rang out. So heartbreaking, Fizz raised his head.

Trembling, Ozzie stood there, surrounded by his smoke, hands pressed to his eyes.

"I'm just trying to protect you!" he croaked, like he was in agony, began to shake his head and turned away. No longer looking at Fizz, he literally fled the room - and as the door slammed shut, thunder began to rumble on the other side. The sky over Crystal City turned pitch black and a downpour drummed against the windows.

Agitated, Fizz stared after Ozzie before slumping down and closing his eyes. Shit, what was he going to do? Ozzie was going crazy and Fizz didn't know why or what to do about it!

Sighing, he looked up at the otherwise glittering blue curtain, letting his eyes wander.

Was this going to be it? Was this what their future looked like? He, as a useless stump with Ozzie completely out off his mind? What was to become of what had been between them before? The intimacy, the warmth, the openness. The trust ... trust. How could Fizz still trust Ozzie when the big jerk didn't seem to trust him neither? Didn't let Fizz in on whatever was going in his head!?

Swallowing, he looked at the noodles laying on the floor - and widened his eyes, gasping for air. Next to the shattered plate ... lay Ozzie's phone! It must have fallen out of his pocket when he had picked up the tray!

Momentarily, Fizz tensed, looked at the door, and acted before anything got in his way. Maybe this was the only chance he had to stop this madness before it all got worse!

Groaning, he straightened up, looked around, and came up with an emergency plan. With his tail, he pushed a couple of pillows over the edge of the bed before gaining momentum and rolling over the mattress. He was certainly not a particularly stimulating sight, but even without arms and legs he remained an acrobat. He had always been very agile and nimble, and somehow he managed to roll off the bed. Unfortunately, his aim was not the best and he landed on the floor. At least his disgusting stump of a body did. Only his head landed on the pillows, which probably saved him from a concussion, but the interfaces on his limbs twitched and he cursed softly. Again he squinted to the bedroom door, hearing heavy footsteps behind it. Asmodeus' was pacing somewhere in the depths of the apartment, but not getting any closer. So on he went!

Awkwardly he stretched his tail and fingered for the phone. Slowly but surely he pushed it closer and closer until it finally was within reach. He took a deep breath and snatched the phone with his teeth, got hold of it and held it between his pointed fangs. Somewhere it rumbled and Fizz froze, looking toward the bedroom door before starting to move again.

Challenging every remaining muscle in his body, he rolled across the floor; not giving a shit that he was probably covered in bruises afterwards, and inch by inch he got closer to his destination: the dressing room. Asmodeus had left it open when he had taken out the prostheses and at the moment it offered the best hiding place.

After what felt like a thousand years, he rolled down the single step into the room, groaning as his back hit the floor and headed for one of the nearby closets. He dove into the myriad of clothes, used his tail to close the door as far as it was possible, and finally slumped against the closet wall, breathing a sigh of relief. Part one of the plan was done. He finally let go of the phone, letting it fall to the floor in front of him. Lucky Ozzie was so lenient with his privacy. That someone would try to get his password out, he never dreamed, but Fizz had watched him do it often enough, and with the tip of his tail he unlocked the phone. Clicked awkwardly on the contacts, but needed several attempts before the list opened. Heart pounding, Fizz began to scroll, squinting over to the crack of the door time and again, listening. But nothing. Asmodeus was not around. Still, he should hurry, not wanting to tempt fate.

Several names popped up in front of him as he scrolled through the contacts, and when he reached the letter M, he paused. Yes. There he was. The damn clown. Mammon. Fizz swallowed, thinking of what Ozzie had said three days ago. Tse ... still ridiculous. Even if Fizz called and begged, Mammon wouldn't come to his rescue. Not without asking for something in return, and Fizz didn't want to raise his debt. There was nothing more he could offer the King of Greed, and so he stuck to his original plan, seeking the name of the only demoness who could help him. Because if anyone knew what was going on, it was her. If anyone could talk sense into Ozzie, it was her.

Taking a deep breath, Fizz finally reached the last letter, hesitated for a moment, but then tapped the name.

The phone icon appeared and a dial tone was heard. Fizz lay down on his stomach, brought his mouth as close as he could to the phone, and waited.

But no one picked up.

He waited and waited, already losing hope, but then, finally, it clicked and a voice sounded from the other end of the line.

"Hey, Oz-man! What a surprise! What are you calling for? Is there a problem again in terms of feminine issues?" Zarah giggled and Fizz's heart groaned at the remark. Briefly, his mind wandered back to that day when Zarah had come to help them. Everything had been fine that day. Messy and nerve-wracking. But fine ...

Concentrating, Fizz took a breath, closed his eyes, and threw the last of his ego into the trash bin.

"Zarah. It's Fizzarolli ..." he whispered, squinting over to the crack in the door.

"Fizz? What are you doing on Ozzie's phone?"

Oh, how Fizz would love to tell Zarah the whole story at length, just to get rid of it and give space to his despair and anger, but there was no time for that, so a short version was required.

"I need your help."