Chapter 19

Here you go!

Warning: OOC, random craziness, Error past dark abuse, many other troubles if mention, cursing, killing, dark themes, racism mention profanity, suicidal moments, sexual moments mentioned, violence, smoking, drugs, alcohol, guns mention, animal death, cringe, bullying, yandere, possible musical/singing moments and bad flirts.

Error/Moxxie speaking/thoughts

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"-And that is why I'll never do cocaine again." Stolas huffed and taking a sip of his drink. "Besides my meds."

"...."

"What? You asked how my day was."

Yeah but not your whole life story.

The disguised imp shrugged and floating around Stolas. While Stolas casually drinking and sitting down. Just talking, relaxing and enjoying space.

Now Moxxie has calm down after that event of the football game. Now and then his mind will wander back. So, he been getting a bit distracted with the thoughts. Almost got bullied and prank during those moments. But the rats would randomly appeared and stop it.

They don't like anyone else taking their kill.

So, he just occupied himself with the magic, sewing, music and cooking. It been a bit helpful on certain days.

Oh right and he won the bet against Striker. He was so glad he recognized the numbers of the players who scored the points. So, that day coming up soon to go shooting. A bit excited to show Striker what he will wear. That kept his mind occupied. Along with today when he float into Stolas.

"Puppet is everything alright? You seem extra silent?" Stolas looked them.

"Lost in my mind."

"Oh? Anything I can help with it."

"Unless you know how to erase emotions that won't crushed you."

"Um, no?"

"I was joking."

"Well, it was a bad joke." Stolas huffed and look away.

"I'm good at that."

"Anyways besides your questionable taste of humor. Do you want to talk about it?"

"No."

"Are you really sure?"

"I'm sure."  Glance down and see Stolas head down a bit. "I'll be fine, so you don't need to worry. Doesn't affect you."

"But it is with you?"

"You don't need worry to Frogmouth Prince."

"Puppet I'm not a Frogmouth!"

"Would have fooled me." Look back out at the stars and let out a quite breath. Hand unconditionally reaches out wanting to go and touch them again.

Stolas sees what he was doing, and idea formed. He hums and waves of his magic he brought a few stars down closer to the pair. "Much better wouldn't you say? I do enjoy this part of space- "

Stolas watch to see him fly to stars. He circled around them. Then touch them carefully. Only way Stolas can even tell they were happy was seeing the tail hidden and wagging happily. He chuckles and blushes a bit. They were just so cute like this. Too see the smallest reactions like that and able to catch it in time.

Wait? Did he just call them cute?

"Frogmouth there some fire in your juice."

"My wine!"

Apparently, there are only certain stars that were edible to be used for drinks and food. Stolas just pulled down certain ones ready to be well shooting stars on fire. Pretty but not tasty for certain beings. Or too hot.

They both stared at the cup of wine.

"Drink it."

"Are you mad? What if it destroy my mouth! What if my insides get melted? What if I lose my taste buds?" Now Stolas has tried space food that was edible. So, many years or knowledge and being taught. Well, self-taught. It was always a no to fire stars unless you want burning sensation.

"Will you blow out fire?"

"No!"

"Are you sure?"

"..."

Five minutes later.

"Just a droplet that is it."

"You already told me that ten times now." Moxxie says as he watches Stolas eye the drink unsure. "You don't have to do it."

"No, no! I can do this!" He is Stolas! Prince of the Goetia Family! A proud father! A decent husband. The Avian of space himself! He fears nothing! Just think of it like one of those Flambé desserts. He took a deep breath and dip the tip of claw in the drink. Brings it over his mouth and gulp seeing the liquid of his wine about to come down. Close his eyes and open his mouth.

The droplet of wine with fire star touches his tongue.

Stolas swallows and waits. Twenty seconds passed. Huh that wasn't so bad. The moment that thought ended his mouth open up. Red and black fire shoot out his mouth in the sky like a flamethrower.

Okay that was actually cool.

Stop in ten seconds and Stolas drinking the extra bottle he brought to get the taste down. His poor tongue! Yet, he like the slight burned taste with the flavor still in his drink. Okay wasn't bad but nothing he will not do again.

"How was it Frogmouth?" Pick the cup back up.

"You give it a shot and try!" Stolas yelled and quickly drank from the bottle again.

"Okay."

It didn't click till Stolas look over immediately. Wait? Will they take their mask off?

Nope. Their back was turn around.

Stolas pouts at that but scramble to try and stop him. Look he still doesn't know where they are from or not. But even they wouldn't be able to handle that! Look what happen with him from one droplet! "You drank it all!"

Moxxie felt nothing when he drank the whole thing. Wine not his favorite. He would have thought maybe something. He wonders what would of happen if he mixed it with chocolate. Mouth on instinct open up as blue, yellow and purple fire came out towards the sky. It was bigger since he drank it all compared to Stolas.

Stolas gapped at the sight.

Moxxie smack his mouth for a bit and lower his mask back down. Look at Stolas and tilt their head. "I guess it was spicy."

"You guess!"

"I just know the taste of sweets."

Stolas stared at him and laughed. They were crazy! Puppet was such a wild interesting being! But he like it a lot. Like hanging with someone. Plus, he now has an interesting story to tell his little Via. Along with to never drink or eat anything if a fire star touches it in the future.

~ ~ ~

"Alright critter were here." Striker huffed and leaning against the seat. He was in town with his Ma. Able to use the truck from Maria since it was easier for them to bring the weapons and ammunition to the range. Moxxie doesn't have a 'permit' yet to drive. Neither did Striker, kind of, and allowed to drive. But Striker preferred his horse or one of those motorcycles he saw before.

He actually preferred he didn't lose the bet!

"Rattles pouting." Moxxie smirked as he held the box in his lap. It helps whatever doomed Striker would wear. Striker tried to get a sneak peek or anything. Fail since Moxxie kept it on him till today.

"Shut it." Striker snarled and got out the truck. Goes to the back and began to unload the stuff. But Moxxie stop him. Thrust the box in his hands,

"Come on open it."

"If it's a skirt in going to choke you with it."

"Rude."

Striker rolled his eyes and took the box. Ready to get this over with now. He opens it. His ringed eyes widen in surprise. Place the box down and pulled the item out.

It was a large grey sun hat.

He looks it over and sees the holes that look the size for his horns to fit through. His fingers trace the material of the hat. Soft but still felt a resilient to the material that it would be tough to destroy. This was really a good hat.

"It's an early gift for your Birthday. Took a while to get it right when you mom sent me the measurements." Moxxie tells him. He is enjoying the shock expression. Doesn't even care if he'll like it or not. It was different too since never made a hat before. His Madre and Susie says Striker will love it. But just have to see what the answer will be.

Well, that explained that weird hat shopping moment that day with Ma. He wasn't pleased to not get one that day. Now he knew why. This was one was even better in the appearance, and touch. Now let's see it fits.

Moxxie watches Striker put the hat on. It looks really catching on him. Also, familiar as well. But the feeling left fast. Striker didn't give him an answered as he was checking through side view mirror of the truck. "So, going to keep it or will I give it to one of the hogs?"

Striker looks over at Moxxie and walk up to him. Pull him over and ruffle his hair. "Got to say critter this is your best work yet."

"Is that you saying you'll keep it?'' Shove his hand away and refix his head.

"No, kidding." He grinned and tipped the brim up. "I like it a lot. Fit me very well don't you think?"

"No, comment."

"Come on say it I look good."

"You already hear it enough flattery from your fan club."

Striker laughed and pat Moxxie shoulder. "I mean it. I really like it a lot."

"You're not pulling my tail?"

"I'm not pulling your tail." Pulls him over. "Come on we got some shooting to do. Got to keep my title."

"You're not the only best shot in the whole damn Ring."

"Better than you."

"I beat you with a pistol."

"I was sick that day and if I remember correctly, I beat you with the rifle."

"By one point. "

"One point ahead of you."

"Not for long."

Moxxie and Striker had a good time at the shooting range. They were being competitive, shoot for fun, smack jokes and occasionally help the other out.

  Moxxie will admit Striker really is good with his own set of skill sets. He seen this guy do things that shock many others and showing he can do it. Didn't know how make rope. The guy sat for hours to watch. Even as he messed up and got frustrated, he still didn't stop till he made rope. Never learn how to fish. He became average fisherman and learned how to clean, cut fish. He didn't like poetry but was able out poetry another imp since they pissed him off.  The list would go long and probably get longer as time passed. He was just very confident and ambitious even as a kid back then to show he can do better than others.

Now and then Moxxie pulls a surprise weapon stunt or trick against the taller imp. His reaction was worth it!

The two in the truck after a long day of shooting as Striker drives them back home. Striker glance over seeing Moxxie stare out the window. Well really his eyes closed and were relaxed look.

He like the look on Moxxie. But also, the fierce fieriness when it comes out.

He wants to always see it.

Two months later.

Striker stared at the tombstone.

It was hard for anyone to see as his eyes were covered by the hat. He only took off when the coffin was lowered to the ground. Even then he you couldn't read his eyes. He was left alone by the tombstone as the rare friends and coworkers leave the area. Two were a bit farther away but wait for him.

Ringed eyes stared at the name on the dark stone. One he didn't want to see for a very long time. Hopefully never even in this world they live in.

Susie.

Striker kneeled down and touch the stone with his fingertips.

He wanted to tell her everything was fine now. He found the one who killed her when she was just doing her job. She didn't have to protect her co-workers from the prick. But they were the type of people she never did like. Always prepared and on guard. But not that night as the guy had a holy blade that went to her neck.

Ran away like a coward when they realize this was a close knitted group and would been after them.

Striker didn't know how long he cried. He didn't even want to think about that he cried. Didn't want to show weakness or emotions but anger for the one who took her away. Took his Ma away from him.

He didn't know what to afterwards. Didn't even want to think about funeral arrangements. He wanted to hug his mother who life was gone from her body. He wanted to interrogate everyone around and hunt the son of a bitch down. He wanted to make them suffer!

He doesn't even remember who made the call or brought the message out of his Ma death. Soon Maria and Moxxie was with him not long after.

He didn't want to show his emotions around them. Especially Moxxie. He can't let him see how lost he was as his emotions were through the roof. He can't let anyone see.

He didn't realize or remember Moxxie saw him breakdown. Maria was gone that day to take care of the arrangements. He was drinking very hard to the point he blackout.  Didn't remember the yelling and shouting at the smaller imp. Or how he smacks Moxxie. Then cried against his body till the smaller companion brought him to bed passed out, Moxxie never bringing it back up for Striker sake.

Then the funeral arrived and hear he was now at this cemetery.

Striker stared at the name for a long time as he silently thinks. Then he stands up and tipping his hat down. Turns around goes to Maria and Moxxie. He places his arm around Moxxie and pulled him with him. Maria following along and watches closely.

The three in the truck silently.

Striker staring out the window and holding Moxxie hand. His tail also wrapped around his own tail. Moxxie able to deal with the amount of touching today. But debating on saying something on how tight he was holding his hand. Maria concentrating on the road while deep in thought.

It was close to nighttime when they arrived Susie home. Well now its Striker and Bombproof home since his name in the deed. Striker got out the car and let go of Moxxie. "I need to feed Bombproof."

"Okay." Moxxie got out the truk and watch him goes straight towards the small barn. He glances at the and still felt the pressure.

"Mox."

"Yeah Madre." He looked at her as she got out the truck.

"I'm going to take the couch tonight you stay in the guest room." Maria tells him. These past few days hit her hard as she took care of what she needed to do. It was very rough and will need some alone time as well. Still processing that her closest friend actually gone.

"You sure?" Moxxie asked her. He would think she would want the room for privacy and need some tile for herself. He too was upset. A lot of What if in his head if he was here. If he can do anything. How to help Striker. Just to do something! He been holding back crying, beside the one tear that slip at the funeral, till he has time to be alone.

"Yes."

"Madre."

"Hmm?"

"I'm really sorry you lost her."

Maria looked at her boy and hugged him close. They stayed like this for a bit till she pulled herself away. "It'll be tough, but I don't want you to worry about me. Okay?"

Moxxie frown when she said that. "No, promises Madre but I will give you space...What will happen now? "

"I'm going to take care of it and talk with Striker what he wants too." But not today. "Now you go and rest up. I'm going to make me a small snack."

Moxxie nods a bit and goes inside. He wanted to see Striker but let him have his time on in the barn. Goes to the guest room and close to the door. Didn't bother changing but lay down in the bed and curled up. First, Whistler and now Susie. He closes his eyes as today event got him and actually fell asleep since it was emotional.

Maria finally sat down at the table and rub her eyes. A small sandwich along with bottle of whiskey. Took another gulp of the bottle and place it down. Hears the door open and see Striker return. "Hey."

"Hey." Striker goes to grab another bottle of Whiskey and sat down across from her. He places some paper down. Then took a huge gulp of his drink. "Where Moxxie?"

"Sleeping." Maria answered and glace at the papers as she took a bite of her sandwich.

The two were silent at the table.

Striker pushes the papers over to her.

She looks at them as she had the bottle at her lips and almost choke on her drink.

Marriage Contract.

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Done!

Yes, death again! Wholesome at the beginning then got you again. Rest in Peace Susie with Whisper! Good luck to your son.

Yes, Marriage Contract! Bet you already know who with who. Let's see how this conversation will turn out.

I got nothing else to put down.

Until next time!

Bye, bye!