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Buckzo had to admit he was surprised when King Paimon had invited him exclusively over for a chat at the palace. Normally they would talk over the phone or briefly chat whenever he was dropping off Blitzo or picking him up. He didn’t sound pissed off so that was a good sign at least…but he couldn’t help feeling a bit uneasy. What would some uppity fuck want with him? Trying to put it out of his mind, the ringmaster imp drove up to the Goetia family home one evening.
“Hey birdbrain! I’m here!” Buckzo called, pounding on the door.
The door opened and Mr. Butler soon guided the other imp inside. He was a little surprised that he wasn’t being guided to the throne room or Paimon’s private office. Rather, he was guided to the indoor home bar where Paimon was already waiting for him.
“Ah good. You’ve made it.” Paimon greeted, gesturing to a nearby bar stool. “Have a seat.”
“Damn! Look at all this liquor!” Buckzo gushed as he clambered onto the stool.
The personal bar that Paimon had was surprisingly cozy compared to the more stuffy parts of the palace. He had an extensive collection of alcohol from various parts of Hell that dated back several centuries. The lighting was dim but not oppressive with the bar itself giving off a soft glow. The older imp had to admit, for a snotty royal, he did have pretty good tastes.
“So what do you prefer to drink? I have wine, rum, gin, whisky, sake, hard cider–” Paimon listed off.
“Ya got any brandy?” Buckzo interrupted.
“Ah an excellent choice.” He nodded in approval, pulling out an aged bottle. “This particular bottle came from Gluttony so the quality is excellent.”
Buckzo blinked in surprise when Paimon handed him a glass but quickly downed it. “Fuckin’ hell that is good!” Buckzo grinned.
“You’re supposed to let it sit for a bit and be warmed by your hands, you plebeian.” Paimon snarked.
“Meh I don’t follow those hoity-toity rules,” the imp shrugged before giving the owl king a look. “You didn’t just ask me here tonight to just sample your shit, did ya.” he guessed.
“You are correct.” Paimon sighed as he poured himself a glass of brandy. “I’ve been thinking quite a lot recently about my son…and your son’s influence on him.”
“If my kid’s bein’ a little shit, I’ll take care of it.” Buckzo promised.
“No no. You misunderstand.” Paimon corrected. “I’ve seen how happy your boy makes my son. I am grateful that this little…arrangement has benefitted us both.”
“Uh…thanks?” the older imp replied.
“But I must confess, I’ve been feeling…inadequate as a parental figure in Stolas’ life.” the king went on.
“No parent’s perfect. I’ve got three kids and I can barely keep up with the little goons sometimes.” Buckzo told him, taking another swig of brandy.
“In my position, in order for the Goetia lineage to remain strong, I have needed to sire several heirs. Seven are from my direct line.” Paimon explained, wincing when Buckzo spit out his drink in shock.
“SEVEN?! Fuck me! I thought twins were a pain in the ass!” Buckzo gasped.
“Well that’s part of being a royal. Spreading your seed to keep your line going.” Paimon replied, his shoulders drooping a bit. “But with that responsibility comes sacrifices. I haven’t been able to truly bond with my children. Stolas has been the only one lately I’ve been able to make an attempt to bond with but…it’s not easy.”
“What do you mean?” Buckzo wondered.
Paimon took a long drink of brandy before shutting his eyes. “He reminds me so much of his mother…a truly kind woman with a big heart. He’s getting older and no doubt will have questions…how can I explain that someone that loved him so dearly had to leave?” he questioned, desperation in his voice.
Buckzo blinked in shock before taking the brandy bottle from Paimon. “First of all, I am way too sober for this.” the imp told him, pouring a very full glass before downing it. “Second, give yourself some credit. Stolas is a good kid so you gotta be doin’ somethin’ right.”
“I know I’m hard on him but in Hell, you should never have to take shit from other demons.” Paimon reasoned.
“Now that I can agree with.” Buckzo nodded. “And I can understand not feelin’ like the best dad all the time.” He went on, swirling the little brandy that was left in the glass. “It’s scary enough bringing one kid into the world. When I learned Tilla was having twins? I damn near fainted.”
“It seems from what I’ve seen, you care deeply for your son and daughter.” Paimon noted.
“You’re damn right I do.” Buckzo grinned. “They might be complete goons and troublemakers sometimes and I’ll need to be tough on ‘em but they really are my pride and joy. Same goes for Fizzy. No one messes with my kids but me. I might not be able to give 'em everything but I can damn well make sure they're safe.”
“I suppose that’s one aspect of parenting that can be applied to anyone.” Paimon nodded, pouring himself another glass.
“I dunno what your other kids are like or the women you fucked to have ‘em but maybe take Stolas to meet them. Might do the kid good to get to know his family.” Buckzo advised.
Paimon took another sip from his glass before smiling. “Perhaps I’ll take you up on that.” he nodded.
“Great. Ya got any more booze?” Buckzo wondered.
The owl king laughed as he slowly ushered the tipsy imp back up the stairs. “I think you’ve had enough alcohol tonight. I will have your car sent to you in the morning.” Paimon told him, opening a portal to the circus grounds.
“Thanks for the brandy, birdbrain.” Buckzo waved as he stumbled through the portal.
“You’re welcome, plebeian.” Paimon smirked, shutting the portal as he took one more drink from his glass. He looked up towards the family portraits on the walls, his mind drifting to his various children he hadn’t seen in years.
Perhaps it would be best to arrange a meeting with his other children.
[END]