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Chapter Text

The Pride Ring had never necessarily been Fizz’s favorite. He’d performed many a show there in his lifetime, between the circus and his time with Mammon, but he’d be lying if he said he didn’t get downright giddy whenever it was time to pack up and move on. He could never get out of Pride fast enough.

He had never really been able to put his finger on exactly why he disliked the Pride Ring. Well, that was sort of a lie. Fizz imagined it probably had something to do with the sinners. Despite his fame and social status, despite the fact that he was born in Hell, he was still lesser than . Fizz had entertained and done business with some of the highest powers in Hell. Shit he’d even told a Deadly Sin to fuck off.

But sinners intimidated him.

Fizz rolled his shoulders and shook out his mechanical limbs, the familiar clunks a whirs a subconscious comfort. But not as much a comfort as the hulking blue figure sprawled in the limo seat next to him, long legs stretching down the aisle. He snuggled into Oz, burying his whole face into the crushed velvet of his suit and taking a deep, grounding inhale.

Ever since the Mammon incident, Fizz had been able to lean more into his role as the King’s consort (*cough*boyfriend*cough*). With his new and considerably less demanding schedule, he had begun to tag along with Ozzie on his outings to the other rings, acting as a sort of business partner to the Sin of Lust.

Hence why he’d spent the last half hour riding around in a limo staring out at the red-hued sky of Pride and trying not to think too hard about the sinners he would soon encounter.

The car pulled up in front of a massive skyscraper with three Vs emblazoned across the top. The driver opened the door, allowing Ozzie to unfold himself and stand to full height. He took a moment to stretch out the kinks and shake out his feathers. Oz straightened his suit jacket then held a hand out to Fizz. The imp allowed himself to be gracefully pulled free from the relative safety of their vehicle then watched as the driver sat back in his seat and careened off.

Fizz peered up at Oz, a little quirk of his brow asking a question without needing the words. Oz gave a subtle nod and the jester grinned, letting loose a raspy cackle and extending his motorized legs to bend and bounce his way up to the Sin’s shoulder where he took his perch.

“Let’s go watch some porn!” Fizz proclaimed, clapping his hands together and plastering a clownish smile on his face. He pointed onward and kicked a heel against Oz’s shoulder as if spurring on a horse. When all else failed, bravado helped. 

***

The porn studio was…nice. The set that the staff guided them to was simply furnished. A huge four poster bed made up with plush pink blankets and stacked with lavish overstuffed pillows stood on a raised platform. Lewd pictures dotted the wall, each one accentuated by strategically placed spotlights. An array of straps and cuffs dangled  from each post of the bed, ready to be used when the need arose.

But it wasn’t the bed or its adornments that caught Fizz’s attention.

It was the tuft of white hair that bobbed amongst a throng of sweating, undulating bodies. The wild dart of panicked mismatched eyes before pleasure(?) rolled them back. Four long arms pinned by hands and knees while two equally long, booted legs kicked and thrashed against the assault of a frighteningly large toy being thrust in his hole. Amid the squelching of the toy and the heavy breathing of four of the five bodies writhing on the bed, a high pitched keen wailed around a ball gag fastened tightly in a gold-toothed mouth.

“Enjoying the show?”

The sickly sweet croon startled Fizz, sending an unpleasant shiver through his body from horns to tail. A tall, red-robed figure approached them, long stemmed cigarette dangling loosely in slender fingers. Fizz felt Oz tense beside him and he couldn’t help but notice the way he subtly shifted a leg, gently nudging Fizz behind him. This guy was bad news.

“What the fuck is this Valentino? Are you shooting a porno or a fucking snuff film?”

The overlord in front of them chuckled, unfazed by Oz’s tone. His face split into a wide, pink, sharp-toothed grin, his singular golden tooth glinting in the spotlights.

“Oh come now. Angel is just fine. It’ll take much more than that to break him .”

Fizz peeked around Oz’s leg at the gang bang happening on camera. The familiar sound of climax echoed against the walls, drawing all attention to the bed as a spray of white painted the pink stripe of Angel’s stomach. One of the demons removed the ball gag and the spider grinned seductively. 

“Ohhh, fuck me harder Daddy!” He keened, spreading his legs wide as another demon took his position to replace the discarded abomination of a toy.

Valentino returned his wicked grin to Oz.

“See? He’s a good boy .” Valentino took a drag from his cigarette and exhaled a cloud of pink smoke. “Anyway, to what do I owe this pleasure Ozzie?”

“It’s Asmodeus.”

“But baby, I thought all your friends called you Ozzie,” Val pouted.

“They do,” Oz deadpanned, all three faces unamused. “You know why I’m here Val. It’s time for your yearly check-in. Or have you forgotten that this studio only operates under my jurisdiction?”

Fizz caught the twitch to Valentino’s eye and the curl of his lip into a crooked sneer that made him look downright murderous. This guy was fucking scary. Fizz thanked whatever higher power would listen that Oz was with him and he wasn’t facing this motherfucker down alone in some alley.

Valentino quickly rearranged his features, slapping on a welcoming, hospitable facade. He opened all four arms wide, gesturing around the studio. “Inspect away your highness .”

Oz’s body tightened again as he fought the urge to flare up at the blatant disrespect, but a gentle pat from Fizz cooled his head.

“Oooh. And who do we have here?” Valentino asked, gesturing to Fizz as if he’d only now noticed him. “You rarely bring company. Is this your new plaything?” Val reached out with gold-tipped fingers and traced a line from Fizz’s forehead down his cheek and under his chin. The claws tightened on his jaw. “Or have you been generous enough to bring me a new star, Ozzie ?”

White hot fire blazed from Oz’s head, his face going sharp and pink as he snatched Valentino’s arm, lifting him from the ground until they were eye to eye. He snarled into the overlord’s face. “Don’t. Fucking. Touch. Him!”

Fizz could see the temper flare in Valentino’s eyes and the fisting of his hands, but the overlord backed down. Even someone as dangerous and unhinged as him had enough survival instinct to know when to back down against a Deadly Sin.  He shrugged the incident off, feigning indifference. Oz dropped him, none too gently, and took a few cleansing breaths to smother his flames. Valentino brushed at his  cloak and smoothed the heart-flecked fluff at his neck.

“Cut! Take a break! Your asses better be back in twenty!” Valentino shouted, addressing the filming crew and actors, all of whom had frozen mid-task to watch the drama unfolding before them. He turned back to Oz. “Shall we?”

Oz gestured for Valentino to go on ahead of him, then knelt down to Fizz’s level. He put his hands on the imp’s shoulders, careful not to let the weight strain the mechanical joints.

“Fizzie, I don’t want you anywhere near Valentino. Stay here. We won’t be long.”

Fizz nodded. Quite frankly, he had no desire to be within ten feet of that psychopath any more than necessary himself. So he gladly welcomed the opportunity to hang back. He stole a glance at the spider demon currently  shrugging on a robe and striding over to his dressing room.

Besides, there was someone he wanted to talk to.

Fizz watched Oz venture out into the hallway to meet with Valentino, then made his way over to the door he’d seen Angel pass through. He rapped lightly on the wood and waited a moment.

“Come in.” The voice on the other side sounded tired.

Fizz turned the handle and let himself in. Angel was sprawled across the full length of the couch, one arm thrown over his eyes.  He looked rough. Fizz could see several bruises already beginning to purple across his chest, neck, and arms.

“What d’ya want? Can’t ya see I’m on my break ?”

“I just wanted to see if you were okay. Looks like your boss was running you pretty hard out there,” Fizz said plainly.

Angel scoffed, taking his arm from his eyes to look in the direction of the unfamiliar voice. He rolled himself off of the couch and stood at his full height, trying to hide a wince as he moved.

“Oh that?” He scoffed again, trying hard to maintain an unbothered facade. “That’s nothin’! Val’s had me doing worse just because it’s a Tuesday . I’m fine . Don’t you know who I am?”

Of course Fizz knew who Angel Dust was. There wasn’t a goddamned soul in Lust who didn’t . Angel was Hell’s prodigal son of porn. The sinner who had done things lewd enough to make Oz blush.

Fizz shrugged. “Just looked unnecessarily rough to me.”

Angel closed the space between them in only three strides and bent down, nearly to a ninety degree angle, to stare Fizz in the eyes, expression hard. He laughed coldly. “And I’m sure Lust’s resident queen would  know all about the porn industry. Look sweetheart, we’re in Hell . The people down here get off to some fucked up shit. And if it makes money, then baby I’m down for anything .” Angel rose back up and rolled his hips, flicking his pointed tongue and dragging his hands along his body. For a moment though, Angel allowed his facade to break as he wrapped his arms around himself and looked away.

“I have to be.”

Fizz felt that. All the way to his core.

Angel shooed Fizz out after that. He’d demonstrated enough weakness in front of Ozzie’s “consort” and needed a moment to collect himself before filming started up again.

Fizz’s heart ached for Angel. It was like reliving Mammon all over again. Except Angel had it decidedly worse. Mammon was a piece of shit, but at least Fizz never had to give up his body. Not his real one anyway.

***

Asmodeus and Fizz stepped through a pair of elegant doors into a warmly lit hotel foyer. It was a welcome transition from the harsh spotlights of the porn studio. Off to the side, an excited squeal pierced the air, followed by the sound of pounding feet. All Fizz caught was a streak of red and white as a girl threw herself into Oz’s open arms.

“Uncle Ozzie! I’m so glad you’re finally here!I’ve been waiting all day!”

“CharChar! My little sunshine! How are you doing girl? It’s been way too long.”

Charlie rocked on her heels in Oz’s cupped palms. She ran a hand through her hair to brush it away from her face. A coy blush pinkened her cheeks as she peeked down at a young woman that had emerged from the hallway to observe the commotion.

“Welllll…I have a girlfriend now!” She tapped at Oz excitedly, gesturing for him to let her down. She ran to the young woman, clinging to her arm with one hand and slipping the other around her waist. “This is Vaggie,” she said, presenting the young woman to her uncle. “She’s my girlfriend.”

Oz grinned and gave Vaggie a wave while simultaneously flashing a thumbs up to Charlie. Vaggie raised her hand in her own greeting, a blush rising up on her own grey-hued cheeks.

Brief embarrassing moment over, Charlie switched gears, her boundless energy returning. She threw her arms wide and spun around, gesturing to the foyer around them. “Anyway, this is my hotel! And this-“ she started to dart away to show off something else, but Vaggie caught her by the elbow and gave a soft nudge to her ribs.

“Sweetie…” she gestured to Fizz who had taken up a place behind Oz so as not to interfere with their wholesome family reunion.

“Of course!” Charlie chirped, bounding over to take Fizz’s hands in her own. “You must be Fizzarolli! Uncle Ozzie’s told me so much about you!”

Fizz pitched a questioning eyebrow over Charlie’s shoulder at Oz. He got an unashamed shrug in return. Fizz had known already that Charlie knew of him and he had know that Oz confided in the princess that they were an item. In fact, Charlie was the first to know the true extent of their relationship. Oz trusted her, so he did too.  But what else did she know? He felt the bridge of his nose go warm.

“Oh, he has huh? Only good things I hope,” he quipped good-naturedly.

Oz approached the two of them, draping an arm over each of their shoulders. He leaned in close to Fizz, giving a little nuzzle into his cheek. “Only the best Froggie.”

This space was safe. Charlie was safe. So Fizz allowed himself a moment of affection and extended his arms to wrap around Oz’s neck so he could press their foreheads together. From the corner of his eye, Fizz caught a glimpse of Charlie, hands pressed tight against her mouth, an emphatic squeal squeaking through. Their moment passed and Fizz returned his attention to Charlie. As if she couldn’t contain herself any longer, she sprang forward and squeezed Fizz into a hug so tight he wheezed.

“It’s so nice to finally meet you!” She practically shouted into his ear. “Anyways…” Another sweeping gesture to the foyer around them.

“Welcome to my Hazbin Hotel!”

***

Warm welcome and introductions aside, Fizz and Oz spent the night socializing with the hotel residents and staff. Husk was a damn good bartender who could make the best cosmo Fizz had ever tasted. Cherri Bomb was a spitfire who offered her pyrotechnic expertise as a suggestion to give the shows at Ozzie’s club a little more razzle dazzle , though for obvious reasons, Fizz drew the line at actual explosives. Even Lucifer made an appearance, venturing out of his tower to have a drink and reminisce with his old friend.

Fizz enjoyed this atmosphere. He felt at ease. He felt comfortable. Here in the hotel, he could be himself and be in love with Oz without having to worry about prying eyes or paparazzi. He could be a fucking hypocrite and no one here would give a shit. It was actually quite liberating and Fizz allowed himself to let his walls down. If only just for a night.

Fizz was sitting at the bar, animatedly chatting with Niffty and Husk, regaling them with tales from his life as a performer and as Oz’s boyfriend while the hotel staff told him all about life in the hotel and what it was like to fight the latest extermination. As they sat laughing and sharing stories, the front doors swung inward.

Angel slumped in the doorway looking worse for wear. His hair was disheveled, frizzed and sticking out in different places. New bruises mingled with the ones Fizz saw in the studio, now extending down to his belly and thighs. Angel’s eyes drifted first to Ozzie off in the lobby, then to Fizz sitting at the bar. He pressed his head to the doorframe and let loose a long, aggravated groan.

Well, shit.

Chapter Text

Fuuuuuuck. 

Val had been in a foul mood after Asmodeus and his imp left. Naturally, Angel had been the target chosen to face the repercussions. Val had ordered him to do some fucked up shit (well, more fucked up shit) on camera, then whisked him away for a “private session” where he decided to try out some new bloodletting kink. 

The last thing Angel expected was to come home to find the goddamn devil chicken himself and his little concubine (or whatever the fuck he was) lounging around in his living room. 

Angel knocked his forehead against the doorframe. Maybe if he could bash his brains enough, he’d find it was just a fucked up nightmare. Unfortunately, they were still there after a few good whacks. 

Fuck his life. 

Faced with the reality that the reason for Val’s mood and the subsequent abuse wasn’t going anywhere, Angel collected himself. He fluffed up his bust and ran a hand through his hair to smooth it back into place. Then he sauntered through the doors, doing his best to hide a limp. 

Making a point to outright ignore Fizz sitting at the bar, Angel lifted Niffty off his barstool, depositing her gently on the floor (much to the psychotic little gremlin’s dismay), and plunked himself down. He folded himself forward, letting his bruised cheek rest gingerly against the cool surface of the bar top. Fuck that felt nice. 

He raised a finger into the air without looking up. “Make me somethin’ strong Babe. I need to get Valentino out of my mouth.”

Angel was more than pleasantly surprised when Husk placed something much bigger and considerably heavier than a standard cocktail in his hand. He sat himself up to find a whole bottle of his favorite whipped cream flavored vodka. 

God, he fucking loved that man!

With a few swigs from his bottle, Angel felt some of the tension leave his body. He was still sore and wound tight after the shit Val had put him through earlier, but the cream-flavored burn helped to dull the pain, if only just a little. The vodka clouded his mind too, allowing him a much needed escape. 

Angel waved off the concerned looks and repeated ‘Are you okay?’s. He appreciated the support and it did make him feel all warm and fuzzy to know that someone out there cared. But all he wanted to do now was drown in his delicious alcohol daze. 

He swayed on the barstool, conjuring up the coordination to swing his legs to the side and “gracefully” dismount his perch. What he accomplished was an awkward drop to the floor and a stagger over legs turned to jelly. Angel didn’t know if it was from the vodka or Valentino. 

Fortunately, there was a wall to catch him. And his boyfriend. Angel leaned into Husk, grateful to not have to rely solely upon his unsteady legs to keep himself upright. Just that simple feat took way more out of him than it should have. He was fucking drained. 

Husk slid an arm around Angel’s waist, holding him tightly. He eased the bottle out of Angel’s hand and set it on the bar with a murmured “Come on.” Angel didn’t argue. He just allowed Husk to lead him away, offering up a lazy wave to the onlookers behind him. A halfhearted attempt at assuring them that he'd be okay. 

Once they made it into Angel’s room, Husk sat him on the bed and went to work unbuttoning Angel’s jacket and easing it off him. He bared his teeth, a low, menacing growl emanating from deep in the back of his throat when he discovered the patchwork of bruises and a bloodied bandage wound tightly around one of Angel’s wrists. Angel jerked that arm away as Husk reached out, cradling it to his chest. 

“Angel-“

“It’s okay Husk! It’s fine . Val just wanted to try out a new kink tonight. That’s all.” Angel leaned forward, reaching out to cup a hand to the back of Husk’s head and pressing their foreheads together. “I’m fine . I promise.”

Husk’s tail thumped heavily on the floor. He was angry. Annoyed. Utterly helpless. Husk took Angel’s face gently in his hands, allowing his claws to brush lightly over the bruise on one cheek, and he pressed a kiss to the spider’s forehead. 

“You’re lying,” he said. 

Angel leaned into Husk, letting his head dip down to rest against the pale fur of his boyfriend’s chest. The steady thump of Husk’s heart soothed him and Angel allowed himself to just exist right there in that moment. The thoughts of Asmodeus and Fizz, of the studio, of Valentino all slowly faded from his mind, carried away with the steady thump-thump, thump-thump, thump-thump of Husk’s heartbeat. 

“I know,” he murmured. 

***

It took some convincing, well a lot of convincing, before Husk finally agreed to leave Angel alone in his room. Angel loved him dearly and he had clung to Husk’s soothing like a lifeline, but all he wanted to do now that he was in his room was take a bath and forget . 

Angel drew himself a bath, turning the water as hot it would go. It was never hot enough. He could never scrub hard enough. On the nights Val wanted him, Angel could never rid himself of the overlord’s touch. His scent. His taste. No matter how hard he tried. 

Angel sank low into the tub, his long legs dangling over the edge. The water burned and he felt like he might boil alive. He welcomed it. The thick scent of lavender from the bath bomb he’d thrown in flooded his nose. He held a cigarette just above the water’s surface, a parting gift from Husk. Angel took a long drag, savoring the acrid burn of nicotine mingling with the lingering sweetness of the vodka. 

Charlie was sure to scold him later for breaking one of the hotel’s cardinal rules: NO SMOKING. He’d deal with that later. For now, the last few fucks Angel had to give were drowning in a bucket three Rings down. He took another drag of the offending contraband, allowing the smoke to coil in his chest before exhaling through his nose and tapping the ash onto the floor. 

Knock knock knock . 

Christ on a fucking stick! Angel sank down deeper into the boiling water. It was probably Charlie coming to admonish him already. Maybe she’d go away if he didn’t answer. Maybe she’d think he was sleeping. 

Knock knock knock . 

“Go away!” He shouted, his frustration bubbling to the surface. 

Knock knock knock . 

Fuck. Angel groaned as he lifted himself out of the tub. He knew when he was fighting a losing battle. 

“Okay okay! Just give me a fuckin’ minute!”

Angel swiped a towel across himself, drying off just enough to shrug into his robe without it sticking to him. He stomped out his cigarette and stalked to the doorway, ready to cuss the fucker who just needed to interrupt his brooding so badly. Angel opened the door and had to look down to see Fizz staring timidly up at him. 

Here we go . 

“The fuck do you want? If you’re lookin’ for a free show you’re shit out of luck. Betta’ luck next time sweetheart.”

Angel perched himself at the foot of his bed, one long leg crossed over the other. He fixed Fizz with a glare, hoping to get the ‘go the fuck away’ message across to the clownish imp. But good God, that little shit was stubborn. 

“I wanna help you.”

Angel couldn’t contain the sharp bark of a laugh that bubbled up from his chest. 

“You wanna help me? What d’ya think I am? I ain’t no dame in need of saving .”

Fizz entered Angel’s room uninvited, clicking the door shut behind him and fixing the sinner with a serious look, mouth fixed in a stubborn line. 

“Look, I know what you’re going through. I was there ! Ozzie can help. I don’t really know how yet…” Fizz paused and rubbed nervously up and down his arm, “but we can find a way!” The imp peeked up at Angel shyly. “You just have let us.”

Angel leapt from his place on his bed and bore down on Fizz, poking a finger into his chest. 

“Look, I don’t know what kind of self-righteous bullshit you’re on, but I don’t want your help. I don’t need you or your fucking sex chicken to rescue me. I don’t need anyone to save me. I signed a contract! Valentino is my problem. Nobody else’s.”

Angel slumped back down to the bed and dropped his head in his hands. Fizz stepped forward, undeterred by the outburst and placed a gentle hand on his knee. 

“Bravado only gets you so far,” he said quietly, offering a gentle smile. “Look, I only got out of that shit with Mammon because I had help. I had Ozzie. He helped me see that I was my own person and I had my own worth. You have your own worth too, Angel.” Fizz looked thoughtful for a moment. “There has to be a way Ozzie can help. Contracts can be broken.”

Angel peeked a dark eye at Fizz. He patted the space beside him, inviting the imp to sit. 

“It’s not as easy as you think,” Angel started. “Yeah, you told a Sin to go fuck himself, but Val…You don’t understand. He’s a whole different beast.” Angel drew his legs up, hugging his knees tight to his chest with all four arms. “I won’t let anyone else get hurt for my sake.”

Angel buried his face in his hands, body heaving with silent sobs he was trying so hard to contain. 

“Please just go now.”

Fizz stood up and patted Angel on the shoulder, heart breaking for the broken sinner before him. He wanted so desperately to help. To free Angel just like Ozzie had freed him. But Fizz couldn’t do that if Angel wouldn’t let him in. He slowly made his way to the door, stopping with his hand on the handle. 

“Ozzie and I are here for a couple more days. If you change your mind, you know where to find me.”

***

Two days came and went and Angel had made every attempt possible to avoid Fizz and Oz. The imp had good intentions, but he was downright delusional if he thought there was anything they could do to convince Val to…

To convince him to what exactly? To tear up his contract? To give him up? To set him free ? HA! 

What a fucking joke. And not the funny kind. 

Angel sat in his dressing room scrolling through social media. It was one of the very rare days that Val wasn’t in the studio and Angel was grateful for the reprieve. He could actually go home as soon as filming was done for the day. His phone vibrated and a picture of Husk flashed across the screen. 

Husky: They’re gone. Left about 15 minutes ago. 

Halle-fucking-lujah!

First, Val was out of his hair for the day, and now the hypocrites were gone! What a fucking happy day in Hell for Angel. He threw himself backward onto his couch in excitement, letting loose an exuberant “HA!” He sank into the plush throw pillow and allowed himself to bask in this blissful moment. At least until the director called him back on set. 

When Angel got back to the hotel, he headed straight for his room. Cherri had texted him an invite to go clubbing that night, and fuck if he didn’t need a good time. He just wanted to change into something a little more…appropriate (i.e. sluttier). 

When he got to his room, Angel noticed a sticky note with a goofy drawing of a jester’s head and a phone number scribbled across it pinned up amongst the Polaroids he had posted on the door. 

Text me when you change your mind. 

The little shit didn’t give up, did he?

Still, Angel unpinned the note and tucked it away in his pocket for safekeeping. Not that he had any intention of ever sending that text. But the sentiment was nice. 

***

“ANGEL! WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING?!” Valentino roared, throwing aside one of the sound guys to get to Angel. Angel hunkered down under the blanket as if that would protect him. He trembled as the menacing figure loomed over him, razor-sharp pink teeth clenched together in murderous snarl. 

“W-what do you mean Val? I-I’m reading the script. I can’t help that the script’s trashy.”

Valentino’s eyes narrowed, flashing bright as he growled. Shit. What the actual fuck was he thinking? That was the WRONG thing to say. 

“You think my scripts are trashy ?! You think YOU could do better?!”

Before he had a chance to react, Val’s gold clawed hand was wrapped tightly around his neck, squeezing tightly. Angel felt himself being lifted from the bed. He kicked feebly, grabbing at Val’s hand to try and loosen his grip. Black spots bloomed across his vision as he struggled to breathe. 

“N-No!” he choked out. 

Valentino threw him down hard enough that he fell off the opposite side of the bed. Angel lay on the floor curled into himself and trembling, wide terrified eyes fixated on Val. He shrank further into himself as Valentino stood over him, hand extended to snatch him up again. 

“You think you could do anything without ME?!” He roared, yanking Angel up by an arm. “Are you trying to make a mockery of me ?!” Pink spittle sprayed Angel’s face as Val berated him. He stammered out a string of apologies but Val wasn’t listening. 

Valentino wheeled around to address the crew and actors standing around in silence. He unfurled his wings, stretching them wide and giving a singular flap that created a gust strong enough to knock several of the demons off their feet. 

“GET OUT!!!” He bellowed. 

Angel seized his opportunity and used the cover of whirling chaos to run to his dressing room. Fat lot of shit it would do, but at least for a minute he could feel something resembling safety. Angel crouched down low in a corner of the room behind a clothing rack, hugging his knees to his chest and taking deep gulps of air. He was hyperventilating, panicking, jerking at every minute sound, wondering if it was Valentino coming to make him pay for his lack of judgment. 

The door slammed open. 

“Angel baby. Mi amor. Where did you go?” Valentino purred. Through the lingerie strung up in front of him, Angel could see Val stalking through the dressing room. He hugged himself tighter, willing himself to just shrink away into nothing. “Come out baby. Let’s talk about this.” 

The sickly sweet crooning turned Angel’s stomach. Just another one of Val’s tactics to try to lull him into a false sense of security. A tactic that had fooled him so many times in the past. But Angel was better than that now. Smarter. But still no less scared. 

The clothing rack rattled as Valentino pushed it aside, a predatory grin snaking its way onto his lips. He pulled Angel up, gently this time, and drew him into an embrace. Claws raked down the back of his head in a sick satire of comfort and caring. 

“I’m sorry for the outburst, my angel. Come now. Let’s kiss and make up.”

Val traced a finger down and under Angel’s chin, guiding him to meet his own waiting mouth. Angel jerked back, wrenching himself from the moth’s grip.

Valentino roared, rearing his hand back and slapping Angel so hard he saw stars. 

“YOU UNGRATEFUL LITTLE BITCH!” 

He picked  Angel up just to throw him again. This time, he crashed into an end table, toppling it. Angel scrambled to get his legs underneath him, but he was shaking so hard they wouldn’t obey. 

Angel put his hands up, as if trying to calm the infuriated beast before him. 

“Val please. I won’t-“

Valentino yanked him up by the arm and snarled in his face. “You are NOTHING without me! Without ME you would just be a washed up crack whore alone in the gutters! I MADE you and you would be wise to NEVER forget that!”

Angel slumped forward, defeated. 

“Yes Valentino.”

Valentino brought his thumb up to Angel’s chin, hooking it on his bottom lip and prying his jaw open. He thrust his tongue deep down Angel’s throat until he nearly choked. But Angel let him. He complied. He had little choice. If he wanted to live. 

Satisfied, or perhaps bored, with the tongue fucking, Valentino shifted gears. He pointed Angel to the couch, a demand he quickly obeyed. Angel arranged himself on the furniture, back arched, knees bent, toes pointed, upper arms posed above his head while his lower arms traversed the length of his body. A masterful art piece designed just for his master. 

Valentino grinned, a malicious predatory smile. Using one gold-tipped claw he ripped through what little clothing Angel had on, throwing the offending items over the back of the couch. He licked a hot wet stripe along Angel’s neck, stopping periodically to drag pointed teeth along skin. Angel tried hard to mask his disgust and instead turn it into something that, at least outwardly, resembled desire. 

Once upon a time, Val really had been everything to Angel. Val had picked him up off the streets and given him a home, a career, love and affection, and, of course, all the drugs he could ever dream of. He was a different person back then. 

Except, as Angel had come to understand, he wasn’t. Val had been just as coldhearted and ruthless back then as he was now. Angel had just been too blind, too fucking stupid to see it. 

And now he was left to live with his consequences. 

A searing pain burned its way into the line of Angel’s jaw. At first he thought Val had bitten him again, staking yet another claim on his territory. But the vile stench of burning hair suggested something else. The tip of Valentino’s long-stemmed cigarette glowed hotly while he grinned in satisfaction. 

“What the fuck, Val?” Angel blurted out as he brought a hand up to cradle the burn. 

Another wicked grin.  

“Mi amor, it just seems like you needed a reminder of just who it is you’re fucking with. You appear to have forgotten that I own you.” Valentino traced a sharpened claw along Angel’s collar, a thin line of blood rising in his wake. “Your blood, your sweat, your tears, your body . Everything you are and everything you have belongs to ME.”

To emphasize his point, Valentino bit down hard on Angel’s collar bone. Another mark. Another claim . Angel tried to wriggle himself away but it was a futile attempt. Val had him pinned too tight. He wanted Angel to suffer. 

And Angel would. 

Valentino took a drag from the cigarette and exhaled a heavy cloud of pink smoke directly into Angel’s face. Try as he might to not breathe it in, eventually the pheromones worked their way into his nose and mouth, clouding his mind and dulling his senses. He tried to cling to lucidity, but he was too weak, too broken down to fight. 

Angel’s body went limp as he started to disassociate. Maybe it wouldn’t be too bad to just allow himself to drift away. At least then he wouldn’t have to feel Valentino use him like a toy. He wouldn’t have to feel anything . That actually seemed like a fantastic idea. 

But that wasn’t Valentino’s style. 

Valentino would drug him enough to make him compliant. But he would ensure that Angel still felt the pain. All of it. Because that was what got Val going. He slapped Angel across the face, dragging him harshly back to reality. The niceties were done. 

Time to get dirty. 

Val unbuckled the belt of his slacks and slid it through the loops. He wound the belt around Angel’s lower wrists, binding them tightly together in front of him with no regard for safety or comfort. With one hand, he pinned Angel’s upper hands in an iron grip above his head. Val unbuttoned his pants and let them slide down his slender waist, his swollen cock springing free. 

Still holding Angel in place, Valentino crawled along his supine form and straddled his heaving white chest. He clenched Angel’s cheeks together, forcing his mouth open and plunging his cock inside, nearly bottoming out in one sweep. Angel gagged and bucked, but there was nothing he could do against Val’s onslaught. 

Val fucked into his throat, hard and merciless. Tears sprang from Angel’s eyes as he choked and gasped for breath. Darkness bloomed around the edges of his vision and Angel found himself praying for the release of death. Then he could finally be free. 

But no matter how hard Valentino used him, Angel never broke. 

Val clenched either side of Angel’s face in his hands as he fucked into him one last time. He held himself in place as he came, spilling deep into the back of Angel’s throat. Angel gagged and cried, but he obediently swallowed every drop. 

“ Good boy ,” Valentino crooned as he pulled himself free. 

Angel gasped, chest heaving hard as he desperately gulped down much needed air. His throat was raw and every gulp burned. But this was only the beginning, and he knew that. Val bounced back quickly. He always did. No doubt aided by the effect of some drug cocktail roiling in his system. 

As expected, Valentino’s dick bobbed back to life after only a few moments. He positioned himself at Angel’s hole and slowly drove himself in dry. Angel whimpered as Val filled him and stretched him, friction burning as the pain tore through him. His whole body trembled as he continued to whimper and beg and cry. 

“Val, please. Please stop. It hurts. I-“

Valentino leaned in close to his face, sharpened teeth displayed in a vicious smile. “What’s that Angel baby? You want me to fuck you harder ?”

“No! Val please-“ Angel was cut off by Valentino’s hand at his throat, wrapping tightly and cutting off his air again. Angel struggled and squeaked, trying everything he could to free himself. 

There was no safe word. No escape. Just Val and the pain he got off on inflicting. 

He drove himself harder into Angel. So hard that Angel felt like he was being split open. The pain was intense and his body wouldn’t obey, leaving him unable to do anything but lay there and take it.

Valentino pulled himself out and released his grip on Angel’s throat and upper arms, leaving his lower arms still bound with the belt. Angel thanked whatever divine being would listen for the reprieve. But it was short lived as Val had only disengaged to turn Angel over and force him onto all fours. . Angel’s legs trembled so violently that Val had to maintain a steady grip on his hips to keep him from collapsing into the couch. 

Valentino drove himself deep into Angel’s hole again, bottoming himself out in one stroke. Angel wailed, eyes streaming an endless river of tears as Val abused his ass. Even if someone did hear his cries, help would never come. No one was brave enough to interfere with Valentino and his toys. Especially when that toy was Angel. And for good reason. 

Valentino wrenched Angel’s upper arms behind his back so hard he felt something dislocate. He bottomed himself out one last time, groaning deep and feral as he came a second time. Angel could feel the warmth of Val’s seed filling him with every pulse of his dick buried inside him. Valentino pulled himself out slowly, his dick slipping free with a wet pop and an overflow of cum. He released Angel’s hips and he fell forward onto the couch, unable to hold himself up. 

Valentino left him to find a towel. When he returned, Val wiped himself clean and tucked himself back into his pants. He undid the belt binding Angel’s hands and threaded it back through the belt loops, buckling it at his waist. He sneered down at Angel with a disgusted look. 

“Clean yourself up you filthy little whore.” He growled, tossing the towel carelessly over Angel’s prone form. “You’re a fucking mess.”

Val adjusted his wings, preening them back down into a robe. He took another drag of his cigarette and blew the smoke into the air as he turned and sauntered away. At the door, he stopped and peered over his shoulder. 

“I expect you back in the studio at 8am sharp.”

“Yes Valentino.”

With the sharp click of the door and the staccato clacking of Val’s heels disappearing down the hall, Angel released the shuddering breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding. His throat burned, his body ached, the cigarette burn at his jaw stung. Angel buried his face in the throw pillow and sobbed, feeling disgusting and used. How much more of this did he have to take? How much more could he take? 

Text me when you change your mind. 

Angel remembered the sticky note tucked away in his pocket. He rolled off the couch, staggering painfully to his feet. Angel’s legs had gone to jelly and refused to support him properly. With the aid of various pieces of furniture, Angel stumbled to where his jacket lay, thrown across a high-top table. 

He dug out the small piece of paper and his phone. Momentarily forgetting that his legs didn’t work, Angel let go of the table and promptly collapsed onto the floor. He didn’t care. He just remained on the floor where he fell, curling into himself. He took out his phone and opened the messaging app. 

Through vision blurred by tears and with fingers that barely worked, Angel managed to type out three simple words. A desperate plea for salvation. 

Save me. Please. 

Then, Angel’s world went dark. 

Chapter Text

“But Ozzie, you’re a Sin ! You can just make Valentino let him go!”

Fizz waved his phone in Ozzie’s face. Only minutes ago a message from an unknown number flashed across the screen. 

Save me. Please. 

He didn’t need confirmation. He didn’t need to investigate. Fizz knew who wrote that message. And he knew that Angel was desperate. 

“I wish it were that simple Froggie,” Oz said sadly, slumping down onto the plush couch in their private quarters. “You’re absolutely right, Babe. I could use force, but Valentino is…” he hesitated, “Val isn’t going to give him up easily. Besides, that crazy motherfucker is just as likely to kill Angel before he’d let him go if I force his hand.”

Fizz deflated before him, tears pricking at his eyes. He’d been so adamant that Oz could help. Clearly he’d given Angel hope. If even just a flicker. Had it really been just some romanticized fantasy that Fizz had concocted in his mind and indiscriminately spread as fact?

Ozzie held out his hand, inviting Fizz in. He obliged, stepping into the outstretched palm, tail twisting tightly around his legs as he wrapped his arms around himself. He swiped a tear from his eye. 

“I need to help him, Oz. He’s in way over his head. Even worse than me and Mammon…”

Ozzie brought him in close and nuzzled his nose. He looked the little imp in the eyes. 

“We’ll figure something out, Froggie. I promise.” He kissed Fizz’s nose. “We just need to come up with a bargaining chip. Something Valentino can’t refuse.”

Fizz sighed heavily. Ozzie was right. Deep down he knew he was right. But it didn’t stop the stab in his heart when he reread the text. Or any time he thought about what Angel must have endured to change his mind and beg for their help. 

***

Fizz barely left his room in the days following his plea to help Angel, opting instead to spend his days brooding under a squirming pile of quieves and eating his weight in handcrafted burgers and ice cream. He wasn’t particularly angry with Ozzie, more like he was frustrated over the fact that he wanted to act now, but Oz was adamant about finding the right thing to offer up. 

Perhaps he’d gotten a little too used to getting what he wanted when he wanted in his time with Ozzie. Such a spoiled little queen he had become. 

There was a soft knock at the door. 

“Froggie, can I come in?”

“Yeah, Babe. It’s fine.”

Fizz felt a little guilty that Oz had even felt the need to ask permission to enter his own room. Oh well. He’d make it up to him later. 

Ozzie entered the room, all three faces beaming. He held out an official document emblazoned with the Lust seal. 

“I figured something out, Babe! Here, read over it and tell me what you think.”

Fizz read over the document, then fixed a serious look in Ozzie’s direction. “Are you sure about this Ozzie? You’re putting a lot on the line here.” 

Of course Fizz was prepared to put everything on the line if it meant getting Angel out of that godforsaken contract, but he never expected Oz to put so much at stake. 

“It’s the best shot we’ve got, Froggie. And don’t you worry your pretty little head.” He gave Fizz’s head an affectionate pat, jingling the bells on the jester’s hat, and pecked a quick kiss to his nose. “I’ll be just fine.”

Fizz read over the contract once more. This had to be enough to give Angel his freedom. And if it wasn’t…well Fizz had one more thing he was prepared to offer up. 

On another note, Ozzie had definitely earned some ass tonight. 

***

Once again, Fizz and Ozzie were packed in the back of a limousine driving through the Pride Ring. They pulled up in front of the Vee’s tower. Fizz could feel his heart pounding, threatening to leap through his chest, whole body wound tight with anxiety. Oz put a steadying hand around his waist. Fizz leaned into the contact. 

“Are you ready?” Ozzie murmured. Fizz nodded and they disembarked together. 

Fizz looked up at the tower looming before them. Had it gotten bigger in the month since they’d last visited? Or did he just feel particularly small because he was about to take a major gamble for someone’s life ? Fizz took a deep, steadying breath and plastered a smile across his face, just like he always did before a performance, and followed Oz through the gilded double doors. 

Showtime. 

An attendant led them up an elevator and through several winding hallways until they were standing outside a different set from the one they’d visited before. This time, instead of a bed taking up the center platform, a lighted stage ringed with leather couches was set up, a currently occupied silver pole taking up the center. 

The performer on stage, a purple fox demon with wide hips and an ample bust dressed only in a black g-string and black heart-shaped pasties, paid them no notice as she continued to dance for the rolling camera. Fizz took a moment to appreciate the performance, making a couple mental notes that he filed away for later. Valentino peered around from his chair, sensing he had company,  and signaled to the director and cameraman to continue shooting. 

He stood up, robe billowing out behind him as he greeted them. He led them off set and down the hall to a much more familiar set. This time the bed sat empty. An ideal, quiet place for them to talk. 

“So, I hear you’ve come with some type of proposal for me,” Val said, getting straight down to business. He openly eyed Fizz up and down, gaze predatory and hungry. Oz quickly stepped in front of him, cutting off Val’s view. He scowled, but quickly rearranged his features into something like boredom. Like they were simply wasting his time. 

“You heard right Val. We’re here to negotiate Angel Dust’s contract,” Oz said professionally. He held out the proposal. “If you release Angel from his current contract, your studio will no longer operate under Lust’s jurisdiction. Moving forward, you will operate as an independent studio with the freedom to act any way you see fit. In addition, all studio expenses will be funded by me, personally.”

Valentino snatched the document, bringing it within inches of his face and squinting to read it over. Fizz successfully stifled a snicker at the spectacle. As Valentino read, Fizz heard the soft click of a doorknob. He peered over his shoulder in the direction of Angel’s dressing room. He caught a brief glimpse of white hair and a yellowed eye peeking through a crack in the doorway.  

Val finished reading and a wicked grin nearly split his face in two. 

“Oh Ozzie baby ,” he crooned, laughing crudely. “How sweet. You actually believed that this little proposal of yours would be enough for me to give up my Angel? He’s special to me, you know. You’re gonna have to do better than this.” Valentino balled up the document and tossed it at Oz’s feet. Fizz felt himself deflate a little. But he had been expecting this. Valentino wasn’t going to give in without a fight. 

Valentino stepped forward, pressing himself chest to chest with Oz, and peering upwards. Valentino was tall, but Oz stood taller. He reached around and toyed with one of Oz’s tail feathers. “I might be willing to reconsider if you throw something else in to sweeten the deal a little bit,” he purred. 

“What else do you want, Val?” Ozzie asked through gritted teeth. 

Fizz stepped forward, staring boldly up at Valentino. 

“What about me?”

Valentino’s eyes lit up. He slinked away from Oz and circled Fizz, sizing him up like a predator going in for the kill. “Hmm, do tell.”

“Absolutely not! Fizzarolli is not a part of this deal!” Oz bellowed, flames threatening to ignite. Fizz put a hand on his thigh, the highest he could reach without extending his arm. He cast a glance upwards, eyes determined. Mind made up.

“Ozzie, please. Let me do this. It’ll be okay.”

“Yes Ozzie , let your little pet speak.” Valentino licked his lips, menacing grin plastered back in place. 

“ One shoot. I’ll do one shoot for you. Anything you want. And you get everything else in Oz’s contract too.” Fizz held a hand out to Valentino, stare unwavering and resolute. “Complete freedom to do as you please with the studio. Full funding at our expense. And one shoot of your choice starring Me . Do we have a deal, Valentino?”

“Deal,” he purred. 

Valentino grinned, razor-pointed teeth dripping pink. He clasped Fizz’s hand in his own, squeezing far harder than necessary. Fizz remained unflinching, staring resolutely into glowing red eyes. A whirl of pink smoke erupted around them, knocking Oz back a couple steps. A smoky pink shackle locked tight around Fizz’s neck, chain extending out and into one of Valentino’s hands as the spoken contract bound them together. 

The smoke dissipated and the chain dissolved, leaving Valentino staring evilly up at Oz whose flames were blazing white-hot around his head. He had won. The deal was struck and there was nothing Oz could do. The overlord flicked a condescending finger wave in the Sin’s direction. As he sauntered away, Valentino brushed a finger under Fizz’s chin. 

“I’ll see you in one week.”

Chapter Text

“What in the ever-loving FUCK were you thinking, Fizzarolli?!” Asmodeus roared, flames rearing to life and threatening to catch the draping on the walls. 

Fizz stood unflinching, staring down the enraged Sin with arms crossed and tail flicking in agitation. 

“I had to, Oz. It was the only thing we had left to offer. It was the only other thing he’d accept. You know that.” He uncrossed his arms and slumped down into an armchair. His expression shifted from defiance and confident determination to one of uncertainty. Now that the adrenaline was starting to wear off, he was starting to wonder. Had he made the right choice?

Oz cooled his flames, mane darkening from white to blue. He knelt down in front of Fizz, taking hold of his mechanical hands. 

“We would have figured something else out, Froggie.” Oz sighed heavily. “But there’s nothing we can do about it now. I just hope you realize what you’ve gotten yourself into.”

Fizz glanced over at Angel who sat with his head cradled in his hands, staring at the floor. He’d been like that since inviting them into his dressing room. He crossed the room and knelt in front of him. 

“Hey, you okay?”

Angel had witnessed the entire exchange with Valentino. Asmodeus had just granted a ruthless overlord the power to ruin countless other lives. And Fizz had essentially just led himself to the guillotine. And for what ? To save him? Angel had a hard time finding a reason that he was worth it. 

Yes, freedom was now openly staring Angel in the face. But at what cost?

What have you done?  

***

Angel ushered them out of the studio shortly after their argument. Val would be calling on him soon to return to set and he didn’t want Oz and Fizz anywhere near the place when he came back. Favorable deal or not, Val had still been overstepped. And he wouldn’t be happy about it. 

When Angel got back to the hotel that night, he found Oz and Fizz sitting around in the lobby socializing with the others. When Fizz approached him, Angel waved him off with a promise of talk after he had a shower. Val had finished out the day with bukkake and, despite showering at the studio TWICE, Angel swore he could still feel the sperm squirming over his face. 

By the time Angel was done scrubbing himself raw, the pair from Lust had retired to their room. He stood outside their door, one hand poised to knock, the other three clenching and unclenching nervously. What was he going to say?

Thanks for trying to save me from a shitty situation, but now you’ve gone and royally fucked an assload of people. Now kindly take it back and let me suffer in peace. 

Angel steeled himself and knocked. 

Fizz answered the door. He’d changed into a pale blue oversized t-shirt that drooped off one shoulder and replaced his hat with a new, color-coordinated one. Angel momentarily wondered what he was hiding under there. Fizz welcomed him in with a smile that quickly disintegrated when Angel fixed him with a serious stare. 

“Do you know what you dumbasses have done?”

Angel wasted no time, diving straight to his point. He was too agitated to sit in the chair that Oz offered to him, instead choosing to pace back and forth in front of the bed. He pointed a finger in Oz’s face. 

“You offered Valentino complete freedom to do whatever the fuck he wants, because now he won’t have anyone to answer to. Do you know what’s he capable of?! Look at the shit he’s done to me! You really think he’s not going to pull that bullshit again? Only now he’s-“

Ozzie held up a hand, cutting him off with a sly little smirk. 

“Don’t you worry your pretty little head about that, Angel. I’ve already thought about that. I’ve known Valentino way longer than you have.” He preened, looking every bit the proud rooster that he was. 

“I only said the studio would no longer act under Lust’s jurisdiction. It’s out of my domain if Pride steps in.”

Angel froze as Ozzie’s words sank in. Well, hot fuckin’ damn, he’d never been happier to have friends in high places. The devil chicken wasn’t such a dumbass after all. He could’ve kissed him. He probably would have too if not for the other glaring elephant in the room. Angel wheeled around to where Fizz stood nervously fiddling with his mechanical claws. 

“And you! You got some sort of sick fantasy where you get off on sacrificing yaself for others? Do you have any idea what you signed up for? Val will fucking destroy you!”

Fizz stumbled back, legs hitting the foot of the bed and falling backwards onto it, the unshakeable confidence he’d felt when facing down Valentino melting away. But he set his mouth in a straight, stubborn line and stood up, extending his legs to stand level with Angel. 

“Hey, you’re the one who asked for help! And we’re giving it.”

“I-I…you…it wasn’t-“ When the words wouldn’t come, Angel let out something between a scoff and a snarl and wheeled around punching the first thing he saw. The ceramic lamp shattered on impact, slicing his hand and littering the floor with shrapnel. Angel looked at the blood welling up across his knuckles and clutched his hand to his chest, sinking down to his knees. He wrapped his lower arms around himself and tried desperately to fight back the tears threatening to spill over. 

“If I had known what you two were going to put at stake, I never would have asked. Fizz, you don’t know what Valentino’s capable of. You have no idea what you’ve gotten yourself into. I’m not worth this!”

Fizz knelt down, unfolding Angel’s hands from his waist to hold them out between them, giving a gentle reassuring squeeze. Off to the side, Oz had dug some bandages out of a first aid kit. He sat on the floor and took Angel’s bleeding hand, getting to work on cleaning and dressing the wound. Still holding Angel’s hands tightly in his own, Fizz offered a gentle reassuring smile. 

“Don’t worry about us, Angel. I guarantee we’re a lot smarter than you think. And I think you forget where we’re from. They do a lot of kinky shit back home in Lust. I can handle myself in the bedroom. And as far as Valentino goes,” Fizz gave a light cackle and removed his hat, showing off cracked and broken horns. “I survived being blown up. Twice . It’s gonna take a lot more than some fucked up kinks to break me.”

Angel swiped his free hand across his eyes. His heart still sat somewhere deep in his gut, but it felt lighter now. He would never be able to fully accept just how much Oz and Fizz were doing for him, but he appreciated them nonetheless. Angel had been under Valentino’s thumb for so long that he didn’t even remember what freedom looked like. 

Just one more week.  

And Valentino was determined to get his money’s worth. 

***

Angel had given and received handjobs, blow jobs, and rim jobs. He had participated in twosomes, threesomes, gang bangs, and orgies. He’d been hogtied and gagged. And he had become way more familiar with the female anatomy than he would have liked. And it was only day TWO. 

By the end of the third night, Angel found himself seeking refuge in Husk’s bed. Valentino had kept him late that night for personal use, leaving Angel sore and bruised. After tossing and turning for over an hour with no signs of sleep in sight, he ventured out of his room and wandered through the hotel until he was knocking on Husk’s door. 

The bartender opened the door, bleary-eyed and yawning. Angel stood awkwardly, shifting his weight from leg to leg and running an arm nervously up and down the other. 

“Hey Husk,” Angel said shyly. “Mind if I come in?”

Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, Husk stepped aside and motioned him in, closing the door behind them. 

“You okay Angel?”

Angel didn’t think he could lie, even if he wanted to. As much as he wanted to play it off and act like he was just shooting his shot for a late-night booty call, Husk would see straight through his bullshit. He always did. So Angel told him the truth. 

“No. I’m not.”

Husk laid on his bed, holding the covers up and waving Angel in. He climbed in, basking in the warmth and the softness, sliding in close to nestle himself into Husk’s open arm. Angel threw two arms over him and just hugged him. 

Despite his icy front, Husk was always so gentle and caring and kind . Angel clung to him like a drowning man clung to a lifeline. He fisted his hands in Husk’s fur, openly weeping now into the white of his chest, feeling sorry and guilty and broken. All the while, Husk just held him, gently stroking his hair and murmuring an endless string of reassurances. 

A steady, soothing rumble vibrated Angel’s cheek and, for a second, he forgot his misery. He propped himself up, swiping the wetness from his eyes and looked down at Husk in disbelief. 

“Are you purring ?”

Husk’s ears drooped, eyes shifting away and cheeks going red. 

“I uh…I heard that a cat’s purr has some, like, healing qualities. Or some shit like that.” He shrugged his shoulders, trying to return to his usual, unbothered self. “I can stop if you-“

“No!” Angel blurted. “Please…don’t stop.” He crossed his upper arms across Husk’s chest and pillowed his cheek. He tilted his head so he could look appreciatively up at the bartender. “It’s nice.”

Angel closed his eyes, reveling in the comfortable vibrations rumbling through Husk’s chest. They said nothing, just allowed themselves to exist together like that. And for a moment, he was able to forget. 

As the purring lulled him deeper and deeper toward sleep, Angel murmured, “Can I come back tomorrow?”

Husk smiled lovingly and ran a hand through Angel’s hair, dipping further down to scratch gently between his shoulder blades. Angel hummed his approval, wrapping his lower arms around Husk’s waist and squeezing. 

“Baby, that’s fine by me.”

***

One more day.  

One more day spent on Valentino’s leash, bending and bowing to the bastard that had made his life a living nightmare. One more day and Angel would be free. 

But there was still the matter of Fizz’s shoot. 

And Angel had just heard something that was equal parts reassuring as it was concerning. 

Angel burst through the doors of the hotel, making a beeline for Fizz who was juggling on a makeshift stage for the entertainment of the hotel residents. Angel snagged him by the arm, abandoning the juggling pins where they fell. Oz followed behind as Angel dragged Fizz to their hotel room.

Once inside, Angel shut the door behind him and looked apologetically at the two standing before him. 

“Val wants me to film with you, Fizz.” He said it plainly, though an undertone of unease slipped through in his voice. 

Fizz looked confused, picking up on the fact that something seemed wrong. 

“That’s a good thing though. Right?” He asked. Another apologetic look as Angel hugged himself. 

“Look, I know Val way too fucking well. He’s gonna make me hurt you Fizz. And he’s gonna make you hurt me.” Angel gave Fizz a moment to process this information, shooting a guilty glance over to Oz. He shook his head and scoffed. “I shoulda known the fuckin’ psychopath would pull some shit like this. I’m so sorry.”

“There’s nothing to apologize for,” Fizz said, placing a reassuring hand on Angel’s arm. “You didn’t ask for this. I volunteered . And in the end it’s gonna be fucking worth it. Just remember that, ‘kay?”

Angel sighed, weighted and heavy. He put his hands on Fizz’s arms and looked him dead in the eyes. 

“Don’t worry about me. It’ll be in your best interest to do whatever Valentino tells you to do. There’s nothing you can do that’ll break me. Trust me.” Angel looked over to Oz before addressing Fizz again. “And I promise I’ll look out for you.”

Fizz patted Angel’s hand. 

“I know.” He grinned wide and jostled Angel. “But just think, after tomorrow, you’re done! That cocksucker is out of your life for good!” Then, with a mischievous grin, he added, “And we’ll give him a show he’ll never forget.”

***

The confidence Fizz had felt the previous day was slowly starting to fade the closer they got to the Vee’s tower. His whole body trembled and every now and then he seemed to forget how to breathe. Fizz had spent a significant portion of his life hiding away, ashamed of his broken body. Now, he was about to put himself on display, scars laid out for all of Hell to see. He felt like he was going to puke. 

But he had signed up for this. And he wasn’t going to back down now. Even if he could. 

Oz put a reassuring hand on his knee. Fizz knew the Sin was just as rattled as he was, though he was doing a far better job at bottling it up and powering through. He smiled back up at Ozzie in what he hoped could be perceived as confidence. 

The attendant led them up to the now all-too-familiar film set. Angel was already there, wrapped in his luxurious feather-lined robe. He offered a nervous smile and a small wave as one of the crew members patted powder onto a freshly blackened eye. 

Valentino sauntered into the room, arms held wide in greeting. “ Ozzie , good to see you again my dear old friend . It’s an honor to have you back in my studio.” Val gave an exaggerated bow, cocky grin plastered wide on his face. He stood tall again, eyes catching on Fizz now. 

“And there’s our star for the day. Welcome little imp. You, my dear, are in for a real treat today.” 

Val snapped his neck in Angel’s direction. “Angel! Get your ass over here!” Angel obeyed, hurrying over to stand at Val’s side. Val returned his burning gaze back to Fizz. “You get to work with Hell’s most famous pornstar. Treat him well .”

Valentino shoved Angel to the side as he bore down on Fizz. He circled the imp, observing him and sizing him up, occasionally murmuring a small hm or ah . Once he had circled around to Fizz’s front once more, he reached out and fiddled with a button on his shirt. 

“You’re a little overdressed.” He popped the button free. “We should take care of that.”

“DON’T YOU FUCKING TOUCH HIM,” Oz roared, mane crackling and glowing in his anger. 

Val balled his fist and curled his lip at the admonishment. Then he waved dismissively and gestured Angel forward. “Fine,” he said airily. “Angel, undress him.”

“Yes Valentino.”

As Angel went to work undoing Fizz’s buttons and easing off his clothing, he could feel the tremors quaking through the imp’s body. Fizz just seemed so…small. So intimidated and scared. Angel whispered reassurances as he dragged Fizz’s clothes down and let them pool around his feet. 

Fizz stood there, naked and shivering. Exposed and vulnerable. He coiled his tail tight around his legs, a subconscious comfort he’d adopted as a child. Yet when Valentino approached him with more predatory observations, Fizz stood tall and stared defiantly into his pink shaded eyes. 

Try as hard as you want. You won’t break me. 

Valentino reached for Fizz’s jester hat. Fizz smacked his hand away and glared, a protective hand holding the hat in place. 

“The hat stays,” he said through gritted teeth. 

Instinctively Val reared back, hand raised for a punishing backhand. But a glance in Oz’s direction and his better judgment redirected two hands to his hips. He crossed the other two across his chest. 

“I thought the deal was that I could do anything I wanted with him,” he pouted. “And that hat is a fucking eyesore. It’s really not cute.”

“Val,” Oz growled. A warning. 

Valentino cocked his hip like a slighted teenage skank. “Fine,” he scoffed. “Look like a fucking dumbass on screen. See if I care.” He whirled around and clapped his hands.

“Places everyone! Let’s get this shit started. NOW!”

Val clapped his hands again and an intern came rushing over with an imp-sized chair. The demon situated it next to Val’s seat and gestured to Oz. Oz picked up Fizz’s clothing and dropped down into the (intentionally) too-small chair, knees folding up to his chest. He chose to ignore the shit-eating grin Val shot him from the side. 

“Enjoy the show, Ozzie .”

Another clap, commanding the attention of everyone on set. Lights were adjusted, microphones rearranged, and the cameras whirred to life. Valentino gestured Angel and Fizz to the bed. 

“Angel,” Val called into his bullhorn, “No script. But I want you to fuck that little imp straight through the motherfucking mattress. You understand?”

Angel glanced nervously at Oz, then over at Fizz who gave a small nod. 

“Yes, Val.”

Valentino grinned, leaning back and casually looking over to Oz. He took a long drag off his cigarette. 

“I hope that’s okay, Ozzie .” He flicked a pointed glance down to Oz’s lap. “Though, with the dicking that little plaything of yours takes on a daily basis, I’m sure Angel will be a breeze.”

Oz’s grip tightened around Fizz’s clothes as he resisted the urge to take a shot at Val. He knew he was only trying to get under his skin. And the more Oz gave in, the more shots Val would take. And that could only end poorly for Fizz. 

Angel shucked his robe and took Fizz by the hand, helping him up the platform and onto the bed. He sat with his back to the camera, pulling Fizz up to straddle him. Angel leaned in close and under the pretense of a heated kiss, he whispered. 

“I’m a shit top. Sorry. But I’ll try to make it worth your while.” Angel sighed and gave an apologetic look. “Things are going to get kinda rough though. Valentino’s gonna be lookin’ for that. Tap three times if you need me to stop. ‘Kay?”

Fizz nodded his understanding and Angel closed the space between them with a real kiss, angling their bodies to give the camera a better shot. He tongued his way into Fizz’s mouth, nipping at his lip in the process. Cold mechanical claws drew up along Angel’s body, scraping up his sides until they locked at the middle of his back. Angel did the same, smoothing his hands up and down Fizz’s waist. The soft breaths huffing into his mouth and the subtle buck of hips into his navel told Angel it was okay to proceed. 

Angel rose up onto his knees, dumping Fizz onto the mattress. Fizz knelt before him looking dazed and disheveled. Angel arched his hips forward, semi-hard dick bobbing inches from the imp’s nose. 

“Suck it,” he said, voice low and commanding. 

Fizz complied, putting his hands down to the mattress between his knees so he could lean in and swipe his forked tongue along the underside of Angel’s cock. The lusty yellow eyes staring up at him as Fizz licked another warm, wet stripe along his cock sent a shiver straight up Angel’s spine. He went momentarily lightheaded as all his blood rushed south. Fuck, that mouth was dangerous . 

Fizz teased at his cock some more, dipping his tongue into the slit and wrapping it around the length. Angel groaned long and low, fighting the urge to buck his hips up and force his way in. Instead, he pressed down on Fizz’s head, hand between his horns and guided him to take his now aching cock fully into his mouth. 

Fizz obliged, taking Angel’s dick in hand and obediently sucking it in. He pulled back, laving his tongue against the head, swirling it around and lapping at the precum beading at his slit. Then, without warning, he plunged down again, taking Angel all the way to the back of his throat. Fizz found a steady, comfortable rhythm, making use of skills he’d acquired through his relationship with the King of Lust. 

Fuuuuck. When was the last time a blowjob had felt this fucking good? Angel was barely more than a stranger, but damn if Fizz didn’t blow him like he fucking wanted to. That thought alone was enough to drum up the familiar full-body vibration of an impending orgasm. 

That wouldn’t do. 

Angel snapped his hips back, cock dragging along Fizz’s teeth. A delicious pain that only served to work him up even more. He scruffed the back of Fizz’s neck, forcing his upper half into the plush blanket, leaving his ass in the air. He positioned himself behind the imp, taking a moment to appreciate the patchwork of red and white of Fizz’s scarred and beautiful back. 

Angel took Fizz’s tail in hand, coiling it once then twice around his hand. Fizz shuddered, letting loose a broken, breathy moan that Angel easily recognized. The tail was a turn on. Duly noted. He leaned forward, folding himself over Fizz’s body to whisper in his ear. 

“You okay?”

As he asked this, he leaned forward, allowing his cock to brush against Fizz’s. Fuck, he was achingly hard too. And with the way he was eagerly rocking his hips backwards, Angel knew he was ready, even wanting, for what was to come next. Still, he refused to press on until Fizz gave the word. 

Fizz fisted his metal hands into the blanket beneath his cheek and uttered a muffled “yeah.”

“Good.”

Now, with consent granted, it was time to put on a show. Angel pulled back and took an ass cheek in each hand, spreading Fizz open for him. He pulled at Fizz’s tail, still coiled around one hand, as he dipped down and lapped at his hole. Fizz’s body snapped rigid as if he’d just been electrocuted and he whined into the blanket. 

Angel lapped at him again, this time teasing the tip of his tongue past the tense ring of muscle. Fizz’s hips bucked back, begging for more. Angel dipped his tongue deeper and Fizz keened, a rasping cry dripping with need. He pulled out, reaching for a small bottle of lube kept handily close to the bed. He poured a generous amount over Fizz, letting it drip down between his spread ass. The sudden shock of cold in such a sensitive place made the imp jump, but he fell back into the mattress begging Angel to just put something in him already. 

Angel started with a single finger, pressing gentle and slow until Fizz relaxed around him. He pressed further, skilled fingers finding the sweet spot that made Fizz moan and rock into his hand, wanting more. Needing more. Angel slipped in another finger, scissoring him wide, taking care to stretch him comfortably. 

When Fizz reached between his legs to touch himself, Angel yanked on his tail, eliciting an ecstatic moan and admonished him for daring to seek his own release. Angel pulled mechanical arms behind the imp and marveled at the stark contrast between supple flesh and cold metal. He secured Fizz’s wrists with one hand, long fingers wrapping tight but strategically placed so that Fizz could signal him if need be. Another whispered “Are you okay?” followed by another reassurance to continue. 

Angel scruffed Fizz again, forcing his cheek into the blanket. He held him there as he took his cock in his hand and slowly, slowly eased himself inside. Fizz was tight and warm and welcoming . A loud moan emanated deep from within Angel’s chest as he bottomed out. And he didn’t even have to fake it for the camera. This was genuine and raw . Angel hadn’t topped anyone in decades and even then, he couldn’t remember it ever feeling like this . He drew himself out then slammed back in, free hand now clinging to Fizz’s hip as he pistoned himself in and out. 

Fizz whimpered and groaned beneath him, eyes rolling back with the pleasure of something filling him. Of course, Angel wasn’t Ozzie, but the things he made him feel drummed up memories of their first time. And the second. And the third. And every time after that really. Fizz peeked up, making out Oz in the too-small chair through pleasure hazed eyes. And what he saw in Ozzie’s expression wasn’t anger or jealousy. It was pain .

Ozzie knew Fizz’s reasons and why they were there. Hell, he had supported him through it all. But to see it written painfully across his beloved’s face left Fizz feeling dirty and guilty and questioning his choices. He buried his face in the blanket and cried, tears leaking through clenched eyes and darkening the fabric. Suddenly the lights were too bright. His chest was too tight and he couldn’t breathe. And Fuck, when did the room start spinning?

Tap tap tap . 

Angel stopped mid-stroke, immediately releasing Fizz’s wrists and tail. He loosened his grip at the back of Fizz’s neck, but maintained a gentle pressure as he slowly eased himself out of him. Once they were separated, Fizz rocked up onto his knees and wrapped his arms around himself, breathing hard and heavy. Angel picked up his robe and draped it over Fizz’s shoulders.  

Valentino yelled to cut the cameras. He rose up from his seat. “Angel, what the FUCK do you think you’re doing? You’re supposed to be fucking him, not pampering him like he’s some spoiled little princess bitch!” 

Angel stood to his full height, still dwarfed by Valentino. He stared up, mismatched eyes blazing and defiant. 

“He needs a fucking break, Val.”

“Who the fuck do you think you are?!” Valentino reared his hand back, preparing to punish Angel for his defiance, but Oz seized his wrist in an unrelenting grip. Valentino growled his frustration, and wrenched himself from Oz’s grasp, rubbing at his wrist once he was free. 

Oz rushed to the bed, gathering Fizz in his arms and holding the little imp to his chest. Valentino fixed Fizz with a menacing glare. 

“I expect your ass back here in fifteen fucking minutes. Ready to shoot!”

Angel threw on a pair of shorts and pointed Oz over to the dressing room, following behind them and closing the door with a snap. Once inside, Fizz squirmed his way out of Ozzie’s arms, taking up a spot on the couch. Angel’s robe swallowed him, making him look even smaller than he already was. 

“Fizz, are you okay? Did I hurt you? Was it too much? I’m sorry! I-“

Fizz held up a hand to silence him, eyes rolling away to stare up at the ceiling. Anywhere but at Ozzie and Angel. 

“No Angel. You didn’t hurt me. It felt good actually. Really good. But-“ Tears welled up in Fizz’s eyes as he finally looked up at Oz. The imp jumped up, stumbling on the excess fabric pooled around him, and threw himself into Oz’s arms. “I’m so sorry Ozzie!” 

Fizz let himself come undone as Oz picked him up and embraced him. He wept into Oz’s mane, rasping out a continuous string of apologies. Oz soothed him, running a hand along the imp’s back. 

“Froggie, what’s gotten into you? What happened?”

Fizz unburied his face and swiped at the tears he couldn’t seem to stop. He took a deep, shaking breath to calm himself enough to speak. 

“I just…I don’t know if I made the right choice, Ozzie.” He glanced over at Angel who had busied himself with getting some bottles of water from the mini fridge. “I didn’t know it would hurt you so much…”

Oz took Fizz from his shoulder to cradle him in his arms. He nuzzled into his cheek. “Look, I don’t enjoy watching you with someone else. But I’ll be damned if I leave you alone anywhere near a psychopath like Valentino. I’m okay Babe. I promise.” Fizz looked away. He didn’t believe him. Ozzie lifted his chin with a finger and gently guided Fizz’s gaze to Angel. “Tell me. Do you regret giving your all to save Angel?”

Fizz looked hard at the sinner who had taken so much in his life. Who had been beaten and abused worse than Fizz ever had. No. He didn’t regret saving Angel. 

“No.”

Ozzie grinned, hugging Fizz tight. “That’s my Fizzie-Frog! That resolve is just one of the things I love so much about you.” He leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to Fizz’s mouth. Angel approached them, holding out a bottle of water. 

“They’re ready for us. You gonna be alright?” 

Fizz nodded, jumping down from Oz’s arms to stand beside Angel. He gathered Angel’s robe up so he could walk. Oz gave a playful slap to his ass. 

“Get out there and give them the best fucking performance of your life, Froggie.”

Fizz managed to tune out Val’s griping about his break, reassuring himself that it was almost over. One more scene and the deal was done. Angel would be free and he could go back home and bury himself in the familiar comfort of his quieves and Ozzie’s bed. 

“Alright Fizzle Dick, it’s your turn now,” Val spat. He pointed at Angel who had already taken up his spot on the bed. “You’re going to fuck that filthy little whore until he cries. I want it rough and dirty. You got me?” 

The thought turned his stomach. This wasn’t what they were about in Lust, despite the misconceptions. In their world, consent was key. At all times. Still, Fizz nodded his agreement and took his place on the bed with Angel. 

ACTION.

Fizz started with a kiss, hard and intrusive, forcing his tongue into Angel’s mouth. He threw himself over Angel’s body, stretching his limbs to entwine and immobilize him as he thrust his tongue deeper. Angel took him, almost welcoming, writhing his body beneath the length of the much smaller imp dominating him and moaning loud and dramatic. All for the camera. 

Fizz drew his tail up and snapped it down with a crack on Angel’s thigh, leaving a spade-shaped welt rising on the sensitive flesh. Angel’s body went taut and his cock noticeably jumped against Fizz’s stomach. He keened a genuine moan into Fizz’s mouth. Fizz took this as a sign to continue. Again and again, he snapped his tail down, peppering Angel’s thighs with welts. Fizz retracted his limbs, bringing them back to normal so he could sit back and straddle his partner. 

Angel’s face was red, deep blush darkening his cheeks as he panted. Fizz crawled up the length of Angel, stopping when he was sitting on the spider’s chest. He leaned forward, reaching for the cuffs secured to the bedposts. Fizz gasped in surprised pleasure when Angel took it upon himself to swipe his pointed tongue along the underside of his dick, then up to lick at the head. Angel’s teasing made it considerably harder to focus and figure out how the hell those fucking cuffs worked. 

Finally, with what little blood was left in his brain, Fizz managed to get the buckle undone and successfully secured the cuffs around Angel’s upper wrists. He stayed in place, letting Angel lave his tongue all over his cock. He bucked into his mouth, taking care not to choke him. The drag of teeth along his length sent an unexpected shiver through Fizz’s body. 

After a few thrusts, Fizz chose to move on. A strategic move because that mouth was so skilled that Fizz knew he’d stand no chance if he left Angel to continue. He buried his face in Angel’s neck, finding the most sensitive spots to nip and lick at. Angel’s lower arms explored Fizz’s body, hands dragging along his back and grabbing at his ass. Fizz extended his legs down, wrapping around Angel’s and splaying the spider wide. 

“Where’s the lube?” Fizz whispered into the crook of Angel’s neck. Angel gestured to the crew and a bottle promptly appeared in Fizz’s hand. He leaned forward into Angel again and whispered, “I’m going to use my tail.”

Fizz repositioned himself so he could see to lube up Angel’s hole. After a generous squeeze, he prodded against him with the tip of his spaded tail. Slowly, gently he worked himself in, listening to the small groans and huffed breaths Angel was making, listening for signs of discomfort. Once he was satisfied that Angel was fine, he returned to straddling Angel, tail still working his hole. 

Angel moaned and cried out, most of which were exaggerated for the camera, though Fizz could hear the occasional, genuine pants and pleas for more, more . The spider was a mess, tugging hard at the restraints cuffing his upper hands and clawing along his own body with the others. Something about Angel’s state stirred something feral and wild inside Fizz. With a carnal growl, he pulled his tail out, leaving Angel whimpering at the sudden emptiness. 

Fizz scanned around, searching until he found what he was looking for. A box of toys sat to the side of the bed, just outside of the camera’s range. He reached out, stretching an arm to find something suitable. He came away with a sizable vibrating toy that would be perfect for the task he had in mind. Fizz was quick to sate Angel’s begging to “fill him up” again, easing the toy inside him and turning the vibration up high. Angel’s body snapped rigid as the toy struck his sweet spot. He struggled harder at his bindings, free hands scrabbling for purchase on anything and everything within reach. Angel wailed in sheer bliss when Fizz straddled one of his thighs and took his cock in his mouth, damn near swallowing him whole. 

A primal groan erupted from Fizz’s throat as he slicked his tongue over Angel’s slit, lapping at the beading precum. Angel’s hips bucked into his mouth, desperate for the attention and desperate for release. Fizz felt it too, rutting his swollen cock against the pale thigh he was straddling as he pumped the toy in and out of Angel’s hole. When Angel’s cock tightened in his mouth, Fizz pulled away, and stroked him over the edge, forcing him to spill over his own stomach. 

Now it was Fizz’s turn. And he was going to do exactly as Valentino asked. As Angel trembled through the aftershocks of his orgasm, Fizz removed the toy, tossing it carelessly to the side. Still straddling his thigh, Fizz twisted Angel’s hips and draped one long leg over his shoulder. He pistoned into Angel, driving himself down to the hilt in one stroke. Fucking Christ! Angel was so warm, his walls clenching tight around him. It felt so good.

Fizz had only ever experienced sex as a bottom. And only with Ozzie. There was no way in Hell he ever expected it to be this good. Angel writhed beneath him, overstimulated and overly sensitive from his orgasm. Tears welled in the corners of his eyes as Angel clutched at his hair and the blanket beneath him for dear life. Fizz chased his own orgasm, pulling out and thrusting back deep and hard and fast until he felt the familiar pressure building at the base of his cock. 

Fizz came with a shout, burying himself deep in Angel’s warmth. He rode through the waves of his orgasm, arms wrapped tight around Angel’s thigh as if it was the only thing keeping him tethered to solid ground. Angel was sobbing with relief and overstimulation. When his orgasm ebbed and his dick started to soften, Fizz let himself drop out of Angel, grimacing at the rush of his own fluids that followed along. 

Fizz collapsed on top of Angel, unbothered by the squelch of Angel’s cum on his stomach, both of them shaking and spent. It wasn’t the most intense orgasm of his life. Ozzie still held that record. But it was definitely up there. Maybe second. Definitely second. Now, all Fizz wanted to do was bury himself in the fluff of Angel’s chest and drift away. 

“CUT! PRINT!”

Valentino’s voice cut through the post coitus haze, rousing Fizz just enough for him to lift his head and peer over at the overlord and Oz. He let out a sigh of relief at the thought that he was finally done. That he could go home with Oz and sleep soundly knowing that Angel was safe. Fizz shakily raised himself off Angel, body still tingling with the rush of release. Oz was there to catch him when he tumbled off the bed, towel in hand to clean him up and help him back into his clothes. 

Valentino sauntered over to them. With his lower hands on his hips and the other two crossed, he fixed Fizz with a predatory grin. “Fizzie Baby, you sure you don’t wanna come work for me? That was hot.” He gave a chef’s kiss to Fizz’s performance. 

Oz’s hand tightened on Fizz’s shoulder as he glared at the overlord, but Fizz patted him reassuringly. He fixed Valentino with his own glare before responding. “Not a fucking chance, Valentino.” 

His gaze flicked over to Angel, who had since sat up, but he remained unmoving in the bed as he stared at them. 

“Now let Angel go.”

Valentino rested his hand on his chin, turning his eyes up in a thoughtful expression. 

“No can do, I’m afraid. Angel is booked for two more shoots today. You can have him back when I’m done with him.” A malicious smile split Valentino’s face. 

Angel quivered on the bed. Fuck . He should have known this was too good to be true. Valentino never planned to actually let him go. Contract or not. But it was Ozzie to the rescue. 

The Sin leaned in close to the overlord’s face, fiery mane licking at the moth’s body and turning the wicked grin downwards. 

“Cut the bullshit Valentino,” he growled, voice taking on a demonic echo. “Your deal is done .”

Oz turned to Angel cowering on the bed. In a gentle tone, he urged the spider to get dressed. Angel hustled off the bed and into his dressing room, emerging a few moments later.  Valentino scowled. 

When Angel joined them, he conjured up the contract in a puff of pink smoke. That same smoke twisted and snaked its way up Angel’s body, swirling around his throat until it solidified into a shackled chain. Val swooped in, seizing Angel’s jaw in an iron grip. Blood welled along his fingers, staining the golden claws red. 

“I hope you enjoy life in the gutters, you ungrateful little slut . I made you. You are nothing without me,” he growled before blowing more smoke into his face and shoving him backwards. Angel staggered back, hands going up to his bleeding jaw. 

Valentino tore into the contract, shredding it to pieces, then tossed it in Angel’s face like it was confetti. He scowled murderously and turned away, stalking off the set toward the door. He stopped in the doorway, whipping around to fix Angel with one last murderous stare. 

“You’re going to fucking regret this.”

Then he turned on his heel and disappeared down the hallway, leaving in his wake a trail of crashes and screams as he likely destroyed whatever, and whoever, happened to lay in his path. 

The shackle at Angel’s neck dissolved, wisps of smoke wafting into the air and disappearing. Angel was left standing stock-still, eyes fixed on the spot where Valentino had been standing. 

Fizz approached Angel quietly, pressing something into his hand. Angel turned his eyes down, fumbling with the memento Fizz had left him. It was a golden scrap of paper, a corner of his contract, emblazoned with a name, his name, signed with a heart. Anthony . 

Tears welled in Angel’s eyes, overflowing with no hope at stopping them. That was it. He was done. No more cowering. No more abuse. No more living a life of fear. 

No more Valentino. 

Angel was free . 

***

BONUS ENDING:

Valentino grinned wide as he made his way up to the studio. Asmodeus may have won the battle, but Val had won the war . Angel was gone, but that bag of holes was replaceable. Everyone was. But now, Valentino was facing a brand new dawn with absolute freedom to do as he pleased. Still smiling wide, Val opened the door to his office. And froze. 

Sitting in the velvet-lined chair was an immediately recognizable face. The King of Hell himself had made his way into the Vee’s tower and helped himself to Valentino’s office. But that wasn’t what had him worried. It was the tiny demon excitedly trembling at Lucifer’s feet, singular red eye wild and crazed as she stared at Valentino. She tried to dart towards him, but Lucifer yanked her backwards on a leather leash. The demon king grinned wide, matching Val’s earlier expression. 

“Hello, Valentino.”