#barbie wire

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            Barbie Wire sat on the couch staring at the blank TV. It had been a few days since the incident at LooLoo Land. Striker had given her the days off to collect herself. She had seen Stella a couple of times, but had otherwise spent her days disassociating in the long moments she was alone. She did what she could to keep busy, but nothing lasted and she slipped from reality to a distant past.

            Barbie Wire startled when she heard the door open. She shook her head and chased away the memories before she glanced back. Fizzarolli appeared and plopped down beside her.

            “Hey, Fizzy. How was work?” Barbie Wire asked.

            “Oh, you know. Everyone wants to touch, but no one wants to pay,” Fizzarolli remarked.

            “Don’t remind me,” Sallie May said.

            Barbie Wire glanced over at Sallie May to see a black eye and several cuts on her. Barbie Wire frowned and turned to Fizzarolli.

            “What happened?” Barbie Wire demanded.

            “Oh, well, uh, it’s no big deal. Just, uh, some people tried to, y’know,” Fizzarolli stumbled.

            “Who?” Barbie Wire roared.

            “Relax, Barb. I took care of them. No point letting their kind go on breathing,” Sallie May commented.

            “Then why’d you let one of them live?” Fizzarolli asked.

            “Because you leave just one alive. Dead men can’t share their stories. And I want those bastards to remember me.”

            “Will you accompany him for his next few shifts? Just to be safe?” Barbie Wire asked.

            “I planned on it,” Sallie May said.

            Barbie Wire sighed in relief.

            “So, now that’s all swept under the rug, how are you, Barb?” Fizzarolli asked.

            “Huh? Oh. I’m here. I guess,” Barbie Wire said.

            “Oh, well, uh, I heard of something fun we can do. And it’s free.”

            “What’s that?”

            “Some of my coworkers were gossiping about this party a pop star is throwing in Envy. All are welcome. It could be a nice distraction. We could go dancing, take in the views, things like that.”

            “Really? You won’t let me have a damn deer in the apartment, but you want Barb to come with you to a night club with alcohol and possibly drugs?” Sallie May interrupted.

            “Look, she does really good at the clubs down in Lust. Granted there isn’t always drugs, but there’s always alcohol. I just thought maybe it could be fun to, well, have fun. We still have some of that money the vagrant gave us. So, why not use some of it to head to Envy and just let loose a little?” Fizzarolli explained.

            “It’s on you, Barb. What do you want?” Sallie May asked.

            Barbie Wire considered. “I suppose it wouldn’t be so bad to head out and party… a little.”

            Fizzarolli’s face lit up. “Really?”

            “Really. Let’s all get changed. Sal, you need help with your wounds?” Barbie Wire asked.

            “Nah, I’m good. Let’s get ready.”

~~

            Barbie Wire, Fizzarolli, and Sallie May arrived at the VIP lounge that party was hosted at. They stood at the entrance as they stared out at the crowd that danced, drank, and were having a good time. Sallie May slipped into the crowd towards the bar. Barbie Wire hesitated until Fizzarolli wrapped his tail around her arm. Barbie Wire yelped as she was dragged into the crowd with Fizzarolli.

            Fizzarolli let go of her arm and started to dance. Barbie Wire moved back and forth when Fizzarolli bumped her. She bumped him back as he returned the gesture. She smiled and laughed as she cut loose and danced beside him. They twirled, shimmied, and bounced around when someone grabbed her hand. She sucked in a breath as she was pulled close to someone. Her eyes widened when she saw a shark demon ex-lover of hers, Chaz McThurman.

            “What a lovely sight seeing you here, Barb,” Chaz cooed.

            “What are you doing here?” Barbie Wire demanded.

            “Aww, do you not know? I’m the popstar hosting this party.”

            “How are you the popstar hosting a party like this? Last time I saw you, you were too busy scamming and playing people for fools.”

            “I know, but I’ve grown. Matured. And recently came out with a hit single! But mostly the maturing.”

            “Hit single? You! What’s it about? Your dicks?”

            “Hey, sex sells. And look what its gotten me. You could take some notes.”

            “Keep your shit. I have more than I need.”

            “Right. And how’s the cripple these days?”

            Barbie Wire snarled and pushed Chaz away. She slipped out of the crowd to a balcony overlooking the beachfront. She buried her face in her hands when she felt a tail tap her shoulder. She looked over as Fizzarolli sat on the railing.

            “You ok?” Fizzarolli asked.

            “Chaz is here. He’s the popstar throwing this party,” Barbie Wire said.

            “Who exactly is that?”

            “I… might have fucked him at one point or another.”

            “You fucked a popstar?”

            “He wasn’t-! He wasn’t a popstar at the time. Just some tramp using his good looks and charisma to get what he wanted.”

            “Oh. Well, do you want to leave?”

            “Yes,” Sallie May said.

            Barbie Wire and Fizzarolli turned to see Sallie May join them.

            “You don’t like it here either?” Fizzarolli asked.

            “It’d be fine if I could have a beer in peace, but no. Some fancy-haired, dick-swinging shark demon tries to make several passes at me. It wasn’t until I threatened his precious dicks that he backed off.”

            “Oh. Well, uh, I suppose we could go somewhere else?” Fizzarolli said.

            “How about Wrath? Y’all can meet the family and we can hit an ol’-fashioned tavern,” Sallie May suggested.

            “I would prefer not. Wrath kinda makes me nervous. No offense, but you all are a bunch of backwater brutes.”

            “I mean, you ain’t wrong, but where else can we go? Ain’t no way we’re going back down to Lust tonight.”

            “What about Gluttony? Beelzebub usually throws hound parties that imps can go to.”

            “Doesn’t that also have a lot of alcohol and drugs?”

            “Well, what do you think, Barb? Think you’d be ok with it?”

            “I mean, I hear the Queen has other things, so it’s not just drugs and alcohol. And it’s on the way up back to Pride. We can see if there’s a party,” Barbie Wire said.

            “Fine. Let’s get out of here before that shark boy shows up.”

            Barbie Wire, Sallie May, and Fizzarolli left the balcony and navigated the crowd towards the exit. Barbie Wire noticed the music rose to a deafening level and the strobing of the lights intensified. She turned back to check on Sallie May and Fizzarolli, but she had lost them. She turned back to look for them when she was bumped around by the dancers. She cried out as she was pushed off the dance floor into a room.

            Barbie Wire looked to see a lavish set up of fancy seats, a table of luxury treats and drinks, and low light. She turned to leave when the door shut behind her and Chaz stood between her and the exit.

            “Like what I’ve done with the place?” Chaz asked.

            “Let me out. Now,” Barbie Wire demanded.

            “C’mon, Barb. Don’t you remember all the fun we used to have. You were one of my favorites after all.”

            “I was strung out on drugs and alcohol. Most which you supplied me with just to get your rocks off.”

            “I’m hurt, Barb. I brought those to you because I know you needed them. To help with that burden you carry. All I ever did was want to help you. Is that so wrong?”

            “Yes. I needed help, not drugs.”

            “And how much has that help really helped? Has it gotten rid of the guilt? Has it gotten rid of the memories? The drugs did. Especially you favorite.”

            Barbie Wire’s eyes widened as Chaz dangled a small bag of H8 in front of her. She tensed up as she stared at it.

            “I can see you’re tired, Barb. So, why not get an escape?” Chaz asked.

            “N-no. I… I can’t. I-!” Barbie Wire started.

            Chaz placed the bag in Barbie Wire’s hands and stood behind her.

            “It’s ok, Barb. You can let yourself feel other things. I know you want to.”

            “What… what do you even know?”

            “More than you’d ever let anyone else know. The guilt, the remorse, the regrets. All of it. You once shared all that with me because I understood, and I helped. That’s all I’m doing now.”

            Barbie Wire hesitated as the memories flooded back. Her many nights strung out in endless stupors. Either in sluggish hazes, or high adrenaline rages. All to forget her pain. To feel anything else, just like Chaz said. But she nearly died from all the drugs and alcohol. She nearly left Fizzarolli alone.

            Barbie Wire couldn’t leave Fizzarolli, but there was the nagging voice deep within her. She longed for a release from the pain, even now. The therapy and rehab had helped clean her up, set her as straight as it could, but it couldn’t erase the memories. It couldn’t erase how she felt. Maybe, maybe just for one night, she could find reprise. Maybe she could feel something else.

            Barbie Wire opened the bag when Fizzarolli came into her view and bit her hand. Barbie Wire yelled out as she was jostled back to her senses. Barbie Wire looked up as Sallie May took the bag and threw it in Chaz’s face. Barbie Wire flinched seeing Chaz’s pupils dilate and his face twisted in rage. Sallie May picked him up and threw him into the crowd, then shut and locked the door.

            Barbie Wire listened to the sounds of Chaz starting fights while Sallie May and Fizzarolli sat her down. She could hear them, but their words didn’t fully register. A chill ran up her spine at what she almost did. Voices she repressed came to the forefront and mocked her. They called her weak, pathetic, and a coward. She caved when she should have been strong. She wanted a break when she needed to fight. But amidst the voices, something darker lurked.

            Barbie Wire froze as the world faded away. She felt the cold embrace of her darkest thoughts as they whispered into her ear. They told her that nothing had changed. She fought and fought, but she was running in circles. All the year of therapy and rehab meant nothing, and she was in the same place she had always been. And they were right.

            Tears sprung from Barbie Wire’s eyes. Five years she had been out of rehab and lived clean. But in those five years, she fought against everything, including her past. The very thing that had destroyed her and she wanted to leave behind, hadn’t left her. Instead she told herself she fought for others in her life when she’s been distracting herself as she ran away. Just as she did with the drugs and alcohol.

            Barbie Wire spiraled further as she questioned what she could do anymore. Chaz was right. She was tired and needed a break, but what break was there? She wanted to let go, but how could she? She ruined so many lives and continued to every day of her life. She had too much to leave behind, but too heavy a weight to carry, even with help. What could she do anymore?

            Barbie Wire was snapped from her thoughts when her phone rang. It was Stella’s screech she had recorded. She took out her phone to see a text from Stella, demanding her immediately.

            “Uh, Barb? Why is a Goetia texting you? And why do they want to see you?” Fizzarolli asked.

            Barbie Wire didn’t answer Fizzarolli. She texted Stella and told her she’d be coming up from Envy, but would be there as soon as she could. She stood and walked out as Fizzarolli called out for her. She didn’t look back as she left the club and headed for the elevator. Time blurred as she arrived at Stolas’ palace.

            Barbie Wire entered from the front and navigated the halls towards Stella’s bedroom. She stopped when she saw Octavia step out from a nearby room. She tried to dart into a different room when Octavia saw her.

            “You’re… the woman that helped me. What are you doing here? Did Dad summon you?” Octavia asked.

            Barbie Wire considered her words. She could lie and spare Octavia’s feelings, but what did it matter? She ruins everything, so why prolong it?”

            “Your bitch of a mother summoned me, kid,” Barbie Wire said.

            “Why would she do that?” Octavia asked.

            “To do what your father won’t.”

            Babrie Wire pushed past Octavia and continued to Stella’s chambers. She didn’t knock as she barged into the room. Stella held a lamp at the ready, but stopped when she didn’t see Stolas. Stella looked down at Barbie Wire, then threw the lamp away.

            “About time. What were you even doing in Envy?” Stella demanded.

            Barbie Wire kicked the door shut before she swooped Stella off her feet. Stella’s eyes widened as Barbie Wire carried Stella to the bed. Barbie Wire jumped onto the bed before she threw Stella down. Stella started to sit up when Barbie Wire held her down. Stella’s breath caught and heart raced with excitement.

            “You don’t care and I don’t want to talk about it,” Barbie Wire hissed.

            Stella blinked and composed herself. “Then don’t keep me waiting a moment longer, imp.”

~~

            Barbie Wire returned to a dark apartment. She shuffled towards the couch when a light flicked on. She shielded her eyes and turned towards the source to see Fizzarolli’s tail slither down from the chain. She rounded the corner and saw him on the couch.

            “Please, sit,” Fizzarolli said.

            Barbie Wire didn’t protest and plopped down beside Fizzarolli.

            “Barb, I… are you ok?”

            “Why would I be?”

            “I just… I was worried. You were separated from us. Sal saw you pushed into a room and before I knew it, there was blood and carnage as she tore through everyone to get to you. And… and I saw you with… the drug.”

            Tears sprung from Barbie Wire’s eyes. “I don’t know what to do anymore, Fizz. Chaz was right. I’m so tired.”

            “You got this, Barb. You’ve been so strong and, and-.”

            “Don’t you get it? I’m tired of being strong. I’m tired of fighting every waking moment of my life. Nothing has changed. Rehab may have cleaned me up, but the therapy couldn’t fix my problems. It couldn’t chase away the guilt and regret.”

            “Barb, that was an accident. It’s ok.”

            “No, it’s not! I ruined your life! You had promise and potential and I stole that away! I killed my mother and twin brother. My father abandoned us. Our home was destroyed. I almost killed myself and left you alone without anyone. And now all I can do to survive is ruining more lives. It doesn’t matter how monstruous or innocent they were, their blood is on my hands along with those from that day. And now I’m helping ruin a family by sleeping with the wife of a cheating husband.”

            Fizzarolli sighed. “Barb, I don’t know what else to say that I haven’t already. And, risking sounding like a broken record, I don’t blame you. I was upset at first, but you’ve done everything you could in the aftermath. Is this life perfect? Well, it might be without the vagrant, but I’m happy with this life.”

            “How? How could you be happy with this life? We struggle to live. We can barely pay the bills, rent, or even food. We could have more if it weren’t for what I did!”

            “Maybe, maybe not. Sure, I could be a star, but what about you? What about Sal? What about the little moments we’ve had? Could we had more? Maybe, but for what we have, I’m happy.”

            Barbie Wire didn’t answer.

            “Besides, I don’t think you can talk about money problems with a sugar momma.”

            Barbie Wire blushed. “It’s-.”

            “Ah! You don’t get to say it’s not like that. She calls you away to her side for whatever reason. You mentioned something about ruining a family sleeping with the wife of a cheating man. It’s not hard to put two and two together.”

            “Are you… disappointed in me?”

            “Why? It’s not like I haven’t engaged in some form of prostitution.”

            “Wait. What?”

            “You didn’t really think all I did was dance, did you?”

            “I just… I thought… when do you do this?”

            “Mostly when Sal or Striker takes me. Mostly Striker. It’s quite fun to see the looks on his face.”

            “Why don’t you trust me with this?”

            “Let’s see. There’s your guilt and the fact you infantilize me.”

            “I do not!”

            “Yes, you do. I’m a grown man, Barb. I know I act silly and like a child sometimes, but that doesn’t make me one. I’m also not that kid you pulled out of the fire.”

            “Why bring this up?”

            “Because I want you to see how much you’re inflicting wounds on yourself. I can’t help how you feel about Blitzo and your mom, or everything else, but stop using me as a reason for your guilt. My life isn’t ruined. I’m alive and living. Most of all, I’m happy with where I am.”

            Barbie Wire didn’t answer and looked away.

            Fizzarolli opened his mouth when Sallie May touched his shoulder.

            “Go on and get some rest, sugar. I got it from here,” Sallie May said.

            Fizzarolli sighed and gave Barbie Wire one last look before he headed to his room. Sallie May’s smile faded as she sat beside Barbie Wire.

            “He really put you through the wringer, didn’t he?” Sallie May remarked.

            “He doesn’t understand,” Barbie Wire muttered.

            “Or you’re refusing to understand.”

            Barbie Wire opened her mouth but shut it. “How does this change anything?”

            “It could change by stop living in the past. There ain’t no time to be living there. Not when there’s so much going on here and now.”

            “How could I even begin to let go?”

            “Start with Fizz. You heard him. He’s moved on. He’s living his life, Barb. All he wants is the same for you.”

            Barbie Wire didn’t respond.

            “Look, just start small. Watch him. See how he interacts with the world. Learn how you can forgive yourself from him.”

            Barbie Wire remained silent.

            Sallie May sighed and pulled Barbie Wire into a hug. “Whatever happens, we’re here for you, Barb. And I ain’t gonna let anything happen to either of you. Like it or not, y’all are family now.”

            Tears fell from Barbie Wire as she hugged Sallie May back. She buried her face into Sallie May’s shoulder and sobbed silently.

Moxxie yelling at the twins

transcript Moxxie: ok you fuckers. You guys are adults!

This is your brother. This is your family.

I can't believe we're all here - you know [Richard messes up the line] -shitting.

[everyone laughing. Viv laughing hard.]

Video tagged: "I love you SO much @richardhorvitz 😂♥️ big Moxxie moment"

Edit:

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            Stella fell back onto her bed with a blissful sigh. Barbie Wire leaned back on the bed and wiped her hand on the sheets. She was beginning to feel like she lived here in the few days since she agreed to this arrangement. She didn’t complain because the pay was good and consistent, but she didn’t want this to be her life now.

            “Well done, imp. Payment is in the usual spot,” Stella remarked.

            Barbie Wire didn’t respond as she slid off the bed and approached the nightstand. She pulled out the massive stack of bills. She pocketed the money in her purse when she heard the door open. She ducked when Stella grabbed the nearest object, a lamp, and threw it at the door. A loud crash accompanied a terrified screech.

            “Stella, please! I need to get ready. I’m taking Via to LooLoo Land today,” Stolas begged from the other side of the door.

            “Teleport your cheating ass into the closet so I don’t have to see your fucking, imp-sucking face!” Stella roared.

            Silence followed Stella’s comment. She fell back onto her bed with a frustrated snort.

            “Can you believe him? Having the audacity to think he can come in here when I don’t want to see his face,” Stella remarked.

            “Uh huh. Why don’t you just leave him?” Barbie Wire retorted.

            “Because I intend to torment him. Make sure he never forgets what he did to the family name. He is a Goetia, and we Goetia are expected to act a certain way.”

            “Uh huh. Well, have fun with that.”

            “Hold, imp.”

            Barbie Wire stopped.

            “How would you like to make some extra money?”

            Barbie Wire groaned. “How horny are you, lady?”

            “What? No, no, no. Not that. I have a special request. I want you to ruin his outing with his daughter.”

            Barbie Wire hesitated. “I… I dunno if I can do that.”

            “And why not?”

            “Well, these are important moments for little kids, right?”

            “She’s seventeen. And if he really wanted to give her amazing memories, he’d take her to LuLu World here in Pride. Not the greasy, cheap knockoff that Mammon made. But if your morales are a problem, I’ll give you triple what you make with our contract.”

            “Fuck. Well, how would you even want it ruined?”

            “Doesn’t matter. Just make sure they have a miserable day. Got it?”

            “I’ll see what I can do.”

            “Good. Now, get.”

            Barbie Wire rolled her eyes as she returned to her apartment. She entered to find Striker sprawled out on the couch and Sallie May in the living chair. She took a deep breath and leaned on the couch.

            “Hey! Guess what I just learned?” Barbie Wire announced.

            Striker grunted.

            “There’s an easy, rich mark heading to LooLoo Land today.”

            Striker moved his hat from his face as Sallie May jumped to her feet.

            “LooLoo Land?” Sallie May yelled.

            A thud came from Fizzarolli’s room. They all turned as Fizzarolli stumbled out.

            “I heard LooLoo Land. Are we going? I want to come!” Fizzarolli cheered.

            “Oh, we’re going. Barb heard of an easy mark,” Sallie May said.

            “Hold on. Who or what is this mark anyway?” Striker asked.

            “Prince Stolas of the Ars Goetia,” Barbie Wire announced.

            Striker’s face lit up as he jumped to his feet. “We’re off to LooLoo Land, gang!”

            Fizzarolli cheered and headed out after Striker when Barbie Wire pulled him back.

            “You’re going to stay with Sal while we’re out, ok?,” Barbie Wire said.

            “Yeah, yeah, I got it. But if you have time, we need to hit some rides, ok? Oh, and play some games?” Fizzarolli asked.

            “I’ll do my best. Let’s go.”

            “Now, hold up. If I’m babysitting, I need to talk to Barb. You hurry on after Striker,” Sallie May said.

            Fizzrolli shrugged and headed outside.

            “You got money for this? LooLoo Land is expensive,” Sallie May whispered.

            “Yeah, yeah. Just, here,” Barbie Wire said.

            Barbie Wire pulled a few thousand dollars in bills from the stack in her purse. She handed them to Sallie May, whose eyes widened.

            “Holy shit, Barb,” Sallie May said.

            “Yeah, yeah, I know. Let’s go,” Barbie Wire remarked.

            Barbie Wire pushed Sallie May out of the apartment as the group left for the Greed Ring. They arrived at LooLoo Land and stepped into the rundown amusement park. Barbie Wire and Striker grimaced while Fizzarolli and Sallie May grinned.

            “What should we do first?” Fizzarolli asked.

            “Let’s ride the coaster!” Sallie May cheered.

            “Yeah! Let’s go!” Fizzarolli yelled.

            Barbie Wire and Striker watched as Fizzarolli and Sallie May ran off.

            “The deadweights are gone. Let’s go find the bird,” Striker said.

            Barbie Wire followed Striker as they moved through the park. They found Prince Stolas with his daughter, Octavia, near a balloon cart.

            “Oh, this is just too easy. Alright, here’s the plan. You’ll distract him and I’ll nab whatever cash he’s got in his pocket,” Striker said.

            “Hold on. I think we should mess with him,” Barbie Wire suggested.

            “Go on.”

            “He’s out here with his kid, yeah? Let’s ruin this little outing and rob him blind.”

            “I like the way you think, little lady. Wait here.”

            Barbie Wire smiled as she watched Stolas and Octavia. They walked past with Stolas prattling nonsense while Octavia had earbuds in. She kept her eye on them when a shadow stole her attention. She scrunched up her face as it darted out of view.

            Barbie Wire frowned as a creeping familiarity made her uneasy. She could have sworn it looked like Blitzo, her twin brother that died in the circus fire she caused. Hope blazed through her that he might have survived and he was here. She started after it when Striker’s hand fell on her shoulder.

            “Alright, here’s the plan. First, we destroy the brat’s device. I snagged a cold one from some chumps. We spill it on her, ruin the phone, and she smells like piss. Second, you work that feminine charm and steal his attention away from the brat while also working your way towards his wallet,” Striker explained.

            “I don’t think it’ll work if I do that,” Barbie Wire said.

            “What? Why?”

            “I’ve heard rumors he cheated on his wife with a man. So, looks like you get to take center stage.”

            Striker’s lip curled in a snarl before he cleared his throat. “Very well. A man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do. But I get everything we rob from him.”

            “Deal.”

            “Good. Now, uh, how should we-?”

            Barbie Wire grinned and grabbed Striker. He opened his mouth when She threw him at Octavia. He collided with Octavia, spilling the contents of the container on her before he hit the ground. Octavia cried out in shock as Barbie Wire ran up and grabbed Striker’s shirt.

            “You no good, two-timing fuck face. I’ll make you regret showing your face around here!” Barbie Wire yelled.

            Striker grimaced. “M-ma’am, please. I meant no offense. We just weren’t meant to be.”

            “Fuck you!”

            Barbie Wire roared and moved to punch Striker when he disappeared. She looked around to see him beside Prince Stolas. She snarled and bared her teeth at Stolas.

            “Stay the fuck out of this, bird. This doesn’t involve you!” Barbie Wire yelled.

            “And sit back while you assault this poor man? I think not. And you best scurry along before things get messy,” Stolas warned.

            Barbie Wire looked at Striker. “This ain’t over, cheater.”

            Barbie Wire stormed off and disappeared behind a stall. She stalked around it and watched Striker and Stolas. She grinned as Striker joined Stolas and Octavia as they walked on. She left Striker to handle the rest on his own. She turned to find Fizzarolli and Sallie May when the same shadow stole her attention.

            Barbie Wire glanced around before she chased after the shadow. She followed it through the park towards the circus area. She stopped dead as she stared up at the tent. She considered going back when she saw the shadow go inside the main tent. Her curiosity and hope overpowered her fear as she headed into the tent.

            Barbie Wire stopped by the bleachers as she looked out. She paused when she saw the simple circus set up. Memories of her, Blitzo, and Fizzarolli rushed over her. She smiled as she remembered them fondly when she saw an aerial hoop. She glanced around again to ensure she was alone before she jumped the barrier and hopped onto the hop.

            Barbie Wire smiled as she moved through her old routine. A soft laugh escaped her as the nostalgia of soaring through the air in her dance engulfed her. The crowds, the rush, and the thrill overtook her completely. She enjoyed the blissful memories when everything was veiled in shadow.

            Barbie Wire snapped out of her trance as smoke filled her mouth. She turned to see sinister green flames consuming the tent. She stared in horror at the blaze as everything burned. The wire that held the hoop up snapped and she hit the ground hard. She shook her head and came back to her senses as she looked back up at the fire.

            Barbie Wire ran out of the tent and stopped. She gasped to see the entire park engulfed in flames. She ran through the park and yelled out Fizzarolli’s name as she searched for him. Her blood ran cold when she heard a small cry for help. She called out again and listened for the cry. She followed it to a fun house with the entry covered in a curtain of fire.

            Barbie Wire grabbed a large piece of fabric, shielded herself, and ran through the fire. She threw aside the cloth, covered her mouth, and stayed low as she moved through the blaze to the cries. She stopped when she saw Octavia with her hair covering her mouth, struggling to find a way out. She reached out and grabbed Octavia’s hand, startling the teen.

            “Help… please,” Octavia begged.

            Barbie Wire grunted and scooped up Octavia. She ran back out as she evaded the blaze. She navigated through the burning park to the entrance where the fire was being fought. A weight lifted when she saw Sallie May with Fizzarolli beside her. She didn’t see Striker, but she wasn’t too worried about him. Striker could handle himself.

            Barbie Wire let Octavia down before she ran up to Fizzarolli. She threw her arms around him as he wrapped his tail around her.

            “You’re alright! Oh, thank Satan. You’re alright!” Barbie Wire cried.

            “Well, I mean, I am a little shaken, but what about you? Are you alright?” Fizzarolli asked.

            “We’ll find out when the adrenaline wears off.”

            “Do you know what happened?” Sallie May asked.

            “No. I was just in the circus tent on the lyra when the fire started,” Barbie Wire said.

            “A what now?” Sallie May asked.

            “It’s the hoop used for aerial performances,” Fizzarolli said.

            “Oh. Why were you on it?” Sallie May asked.

            Barbie Wire opened her mouth, then looked away. Fizzarolli nuzzled her and smiled.

            “I miss it too,” Fizzarolli said.

            Tears pooled and fell from Barbie Wire. She clung to Fizzarolli as she cried.

            “I’m sorry. I’m so, so sorry. It’s all my fault. It’s all my fault,” Barbie Wire sobbed.

            Fizzarolli didn’t say anything as he let Barbie Wire cry. Sallie May sighed and stood beside Barbie Wire, patting her back. Octavia watched the scene when Stolas appeared in the park entrance.

            “Oh, Octavia, thank Lucifer! You’re alright!” Stolas cried.

            Stolas rushed towards Octavia, but she pushed him away. He looked taken aback while she glared at him.

            “I want to go home. Now!” Octavia barked.

            “I… I’m sorry, Via. I thought it might be fun to just have a day,” Stolas said.

            “None of this was fun! Some cowboy reject spilled beer on me and my phone, then you spent more attention on him than you did me at all. And then the entire park goes up in flames, and it wasn’t even you that saved me. It was the woman you stopped from teaching that prick a lesson!”

            “Via, please, I’m sorry. You loved this place. You were always so excited to come here. I thought it would be a nice chance to just… getaway.”

            “I loved it when my parents didn’t hate each other. I loved it when you didn’t ruin our family by cheating on Mum.”

            “Via, please, you must understand. Things are… complicated… with me and your mother. We never-. She never-. I haven’t been-.”

            “Stop making excuses already and just take me home. I’m done.”

            Stolas sighed and teleported away with him and Octavia. Sallie May, Barbie Wire, and Fizzarolli stood in silence when Striker slithered out from the entrance. Striker laughed in triumph until he saw the group.

            “What’s going on? What happened?” Striker demanded.

            “Just… painful memories,” Sallie May said.

            Striker frowned as he glanced back at the burning park. “Right. Right, right, right. I didn’t think about what this all means to you.”

            “You didn’t-?” Fizzarolli started.

            “Ease up, Fizzy. It wasn’t me. I was counting the bird’s cash when I saw the blaze. I may have also noticed the commotion and may have taken to looting. So, here.”

            Sallie May took the cash Striker held out. Her eyes widened as she looked up at him.

            “Are you sure?” Sallie May asked.

            “Only if you treat them tonight. I don’t care what or how, but do something nice,” Striker said.

            “Yes, sir!”

            Striker smiled and patted Sallie May’s shoulder. “I’ll catch up with y’all later. I’m gonna check on the old girl and get her vet appointment made.”

            “Aight. See ya, boss man.”

            Sallie May watched Striker leave before she turned to Barbie Wire and Fizzarolli. “Come along, you two. Let’s do something fun.”

            “I just want to go home,” Barbie Wire muttered.

            Sallie May’s eyes widened, then she smiled. “Alright. We’ll get you home. Run you a hot bath. You can relax while Fizz and I hit the store. Right, Fizz?”

            “Yeah. And Sal can make a kick ass meal,” Fizzarolli added.

            “Now hold on. What makes you think I’m doing that?”

            “You want me to cook?”

            “No! No, no, no. No. How about takeout instead? Striker did say to treat y’all.”

            “Yes. Yes. Yes! What are we waiting for? Let’s go!”

~~

            Barbie Wire relaxed in a tub of hot water surrounded by bubbles. She stared blankly at the ceiling as she drowned in her memories. The fire that destroyed the circus, killed her mother and brother, and crippled Fizzarolli for life. All because she didn’t fully smother her cigarette and it catching the staff tent. It was her fault for the death, destruction, and devastation that followed.

            Barbie Wire frowned and sank deeper into the water so it covered her mouth. She ruined so many lives. She searched for Blitzo and their mom, but never could find them. Her dad, Cash, abandoned her and Fizzarolli. Fizzarolli lost his arms and legs, his voice damaged, and his body scarred from the burns he suffered.

            Barbie Wire raised an arm out of the water and stared at the scars. She was desperate for anything to alleviate the guilt. Pain worked, but only for a brief time. It wasn’t long before she turned to something harder, following in Cash’s footsteps. She drank, but even liquor wasn’t enough. She turned to drugs and soon mixed it with alcohol.

            Barbie Wire submerged under the water. She just wanted to forget what she did. She wanted to move on without her sins weighing her down. She didn’t want to fight. She just wanted peace. She closed her eyes and took a breath underwater when an image of Fizzarolli flashed before her. It was the day she overdosed and slipped into a comatose state. He was in tears, crying out her name, with panic and fear in his eyes.

            Barbie Wire’s eyes shot open as she pushed herself out of the water. She coughed and spat as she took deep breaths. Tears gushed from her eyes as she curled up. She was tired of fighting, but she couldn’t give up. No matter what she did, there were people that needed her. She couldn’t leave them. She had to fight, for them.

            Barbie Wire pulled the plug and drained the tub. She dried off and put on a robe. She stepped out into the living area when the doorknob turned. She glanced over, expecting to see Sallie May and Fizzarolli, but it was Striker. He glanced at her and placed the bags he had on the small dining table near the kitchen.

            “How you holding up?” Striker asked.

            “Oh, you know. We’re here,” Barbie Wire said.

            “And the others?”

            “Sal and Fizz are still out. Getting stuff.”

            “Good. Gives us time to discuss this.”

            Striker pulled out an envelope from his vest. He held it up to show Stolas’ seal pressed into the wax. On the front was Barbie Wire’s name written out in clean, cursive writing. Barbie wire’s heart dropped.

            “I… I can explain,” Barbie Wire blurted.

            “Please do. I’m eager to hear why you’re working with their kind,” Striker hissed.

            “Because it’s a lot of money, alright? It’s how I got Fizz his legs in the first fucking place.”

            “What?”

            “You heard me. I was prowling one night when a Goetia approached me. He dangled a large sum of cash in front of me to fuck his sister. It was supposed to be a one time thing, but it’s not. Not anymore.”

            “What are you talking about?”

            “I made a deal to fuck her when she demanded for, well, not as much money, but still a lot of money.”

            “Is that what this is?”

            “No. That’s for a job to ruin her husband and daughter’s outing today.”

            “She… paid you to… ruin the day of another Goetia?”

            “Yes. And, since you helped, and now you know, I think it’s fair you get half of it.”

            Striker snorted as he opened the envelope. “And just what is half? A hundred? Five hundred? Maybe even… oh, shit.”

            Barbie Wire moved beside Striker and glanced at the envelope contents. Her eyes widened seeing a check for half a million.

            “That’s way more than triple,” Barbie Wire said.

            Striker blinked a few times before he grinned. “Well, well. I think I may have been a little too harsh on those blue bloods. I suppose they are good for something.”

            “Are you… gonna drop me?”

            “What? Nah. Well, maybe I was gonna, but you’ve opened my eyes.”

            “So… we’re good?”

            “Oh, we’re more than good. Better if you give me your Goetia contacts.”

            Barbie Wire handed Striker her phone. He took it and scribbled down Andrealphus and Stella’s contact information. He snickered as he handed her phone back.

            “Thank ya very much, little lady. Now, why don’t I slip out and cash this check for us. Lucky for us, I know some guys that can pay out a check this large,” Striker cooed.

            “Just don’t come back if you don’t have the money. Got it?” Barbie Wire warned.

            “Of course. I wouldn’t do you like that. Not after everything you’ve already done. Besides, I don’t want to miss dinner.”

            Barbie Wire rolled her eyes as Striker left. She sighed and slumped onto the couch. She laid down and stared at the blank TV. She closed her eyes and dozed off. She was woken up by a small weight being pressed into her. She looked up to see Fizzarolli laying on top of her. She snorted and pushed him off.

            “She’s alive!” Fizzarolli teased.

            Barbie Wire shot Fizzarolli a look as he pranced off. She sat up as a foot long, wrapped sandwich fell onto her lap. She looked up as Sallie May handed her a fountain drink.

            “Sorry it took so long. Fizz insisted we go to Greed to get your favorite sandwich. Oh, and you’re allowed to go back to that sandwich shop again,” Sallie May said.

            Barbie Wire grinned and opened her mouth when Fizzarolli plopped down beside her.

            “And take a look at the spread I got us,” Fizzarolli said.

            Barbie Wire looked down at the coffee table to see luxurious chocolates, pastries, and other sweet treats.

            “Oh, wow. How much did you spend on all of this?” Barbie Wire asked.

            “About three quarters-ish of what Striker gave us. We also fully stocked the fridge and got Fizz a lot of his juice,” Sallie May said.

            “Did you get Striker some too?”

            “I did, much to Fizz’s dismay.”

            “He doesn’t deserve it,” Fizzarolli remarked.

            “Not even after all this?” Sallie May challenged.

            “I refuse to answer that.”

            Sallie May smiled and rolled her eyes. “Alright, enough of all this. Let’s dig in!”

Next

            Barbie Wire snuck around to the back of the staff circus tent. Everyone was gathered inside to prepare for the show and for a quick celebration of their star, Fizzarolli’s, birthday. She would celebrate with Fizzarolli later after the show with her twin brother, Blitzo. She needed a pick me up before the start of the show to get through another performance.

            Barbie Wire took out a cigarette and lit it. She took long drags from it before she discarded it. She headed back around towards the main tent when screams tore through the air. She turned as a green light filled the evening. She gasped as the staff tent was alit in sinister green flames. She ran to grab water to contain the flames when an explosion rippled through the air.

            Barbie Wire hit the ground and shielded herself as she glanced back. Her jaw dropped in horror as a plume of smoke towered from the destroyed tent. The tents around her ablaze with the same green flames. She gawked at the flames as she heard her name called. She tried to respond, but all words died in her throat. All she could focus on was the fire destroying her entire world.

            Barbie Wire shut her eyes and opened them again. She stared at a metal drum with green flames keeping the homeless warm. The warmth of it had left her as she was left in the cold wake of her memories.

            “Fuck this shit,” Barbie Wire muttered.

            Barbie Wire turned out of the alley she was waiting in and headed for the elevator. She tossed over excuses in her head to tell her boss about why she abandoned the hit. She bit her nail as each felt doomed to fail. She stopped at a crosswalk with a hand slid around her waist. She sneered and turned to see tall, male, shark demon that matched the description of the hit.

            “I must be the luckiest demon in all of Hell. And you’re the luckiest bitch,” the man remarked.

            Barbie Wire stifled a sneer and smiled. “You will be… for the right price. So, what’ll be, Handsome?”

            “Come back to my motel room and we’ll discuss things there.”

            Barbie Wire smirked and allowed the man to lead her to a cheap, one-story motel on the oceanfront. They stepped inside as he immediately shut the door and pushed her onto the bed. He held her hands down and loomed over her. She feigned panic as he pressed closer to her.

            “Hey, hey, hey! We haven’t discussed my payment yet,” Barbie Wire barked.

            “Oh, we will. After I have my piece,” the man said.

            The man craned his neck down to kiss Barbie Wire. She frowned as her panic faded and replaced with indifference. He paused in confusion at her reaction. He opened his mouth to remark as she used her tail to pull a dagger and stabbed him in the back of the neck. She closed her eyes as his black blood spurted out of the wound and onto her. She pushed him off and got off the bed.  She took a breath before she removed the dagger and moved the body into the center of the bed.

            Barbie Wire stripped down the body as she searched the pockets and carried out the rest of the contractor’s request. She swiped a fancy-looking watch, some rings, and ten dollars. She sighed and pocketed the items before setting up the scene. She displayed the body in a provocative position before she mutilated the body. She sliced off the man’s dicks and hung them up just above him.

            Barbie Wire turned away and headed to the bathroom. She slowly cleaned the visible blood off her as she stared at the running water. Her mouth twisted in a snarl as voices echoed in her head about ruining another life. She shook her head and splashed water on her face. She sighed and looked in the mirror.

            “He ruined lots of lives too. He was no better than me,” Barbie Wire muttered.

            Barbie Wire left the motel room, locking it behind her. She tossed the key in a trashcan before she headed to the elevator station. She paid her fare and headed from the Greed Ring up to the Pride Ring. She left the station and made her way through Imp City to a pawn shop. She stepped up to the counter where an older imp man, Scruffy, sat.

            “Barb! What ill-gotten goods do you have for me this time?” Scruffy asked.

            Barbie Wire placed the rings and watch on the countertop. She waited with bated breath as Scruffy looked over each item.

            “Sad looking pile, but lucky for you, it has potential. Rings won’t get you much, but the watch-,” Scruffy started.

            “Is it worth a lot?” Barbie Wire asked.

            Scruffy laughed. “Oh, no. It’s a knockoff, but a good one. Only a professional could tell the difference. Probably can sell it to a sucker for a hefty price.”

            “Ok. Nice. But how much would you pay for it?”

            Scruffy hummed as he looked at Barbie Wire’s desperate face and sighed. “Tell you what. I’m feeling generous today. Take this as my final offer.”

            Scruffy reached into the register and pulled out a hundred dollars. Barbie Wire gasped and took the money.

            “Grocery money!” Barbie Wire cheered.

            Scruffy chuckled. “Alright, get out. And tell Fizz I said ‘hi.’”

            “I will. Thank you, sir!” Barbie Wire called.

            Barbie Wire ran out and grabbed groceries before she returned to her apartment. She unlocked the door and opened it to find it blocked by something. She peered inside to see Fizzarolli sprawled out on the floor.

            “Food. Hungry,” Fizzarolli cried.

            Barbie Wire rolled her eyes. “Move! I have groceries!”

            Fizzarolli sat up and moved, letting Barbie Wire in. He followed her to the kitchen where she put the groceries away. He stepped in the way and searched the bags with his tail. She sighed and pulled out a jug of brightly colored juice with a silly label on it. He gasped and took it with his tail.

            “Oh, sweet, silly juice, how I’ve missed you,” Fizzarolli said.

            “Missed it? Didn’t you have another bottle?” Barbie Wire asked.

            “I did until the vagrant found it. He drank all of it and left only a sliver in the fucking fridge. Who fucking does that? Oh, wait. Him!”

            “Well, good thing I picked up an extra one for him then.”

            “What? He doesn’t deserve it!”

            “I know he oversteps boundaries, but I promise when he pays me, I’ll grab you more. As many as I can buy and we’ll have Sal hide them this time.”

            “But only she can find what she hides. What if I run out while she’s out on a job? What then?”

            “I guess you’ll have to wait until she gets back.”

            Fizzarolli growled but didn’t respond. He poured himself a glass of his juice. He put the jug in the fridge as Barbie Wire put a silly straw in his glass. He grinned and nuzzled her before he took the glass with his tail and moved to the couch. He took a sip and placed the glass on the table stand before he saw the door was unlocked. He hurried over to lock it when the doorknob turned. He stepped back as the door opened and Striker stood in the door frame.

            “Well, ain’t this quite the welcome. How ya doing, Fizzy?” Striker asked.

            Fizzarolli scoffed. “Barb! The vagrant’s back!”

            Barbie Wire stepped out from the kitchen as Fizzarolli sat on the couch. Striker closed the door and leaned over the half wall that divided the kitchen and the apartment.

            “Howdy, little lady. How’d the hit go?” Striker asked.

            “It got done. And how the client wanted,” Barbie Wire said.

            “That’s what I like to hear. Here’s your cut.”

            Striker pulled out a rolled up wad of bills and tossed them at Barbie Wire. She caught them and counted it, then sighed.

            “That’s rent covered,” Barbie Wire remarked.

            “That much to kill an ex-lover?” Fizzarolli asked.

            “And sever his dicks and hang them up on display. I made sure to charge extra for that,” Striker commented.

            “So, you are good for something,” Fizzarolli retorted.

            “Oh, come now, Fizzy. No need for these hostilities. What’d I even do?”

            “You drank his favorite drink and left only a sip in the fridge,” Barbie Wire answered.

            “Oh? Oh! That was yours? My sincerest apologies, Fizzy. Though, might I say, you have the finest taste in sugary drinks. Almost rotted teeth with that one. Even the false one,” Striker teased.

            Fizzarolli opened his mouth when Barbie wire placed a bottle on the half wall next to Striker.

            “And that’s why this one is yours. Please don’t touch his,” Barbie Wire said.

            Striker’s eyes widened as his tail snaked up and grabbed the bottle. “But of course! Again, my deepest apologies to you again, Fizzy. And my gratitude to you, Barb.”

            “Alright. Great. You dropped off the payment and have your ill-gotten goods. Go back to your man cave,” Fizzarolli barked.

            “I will, after I rest up a little.”

            Fizzarolli’s jaw dropped as Striker sat on the couch and put his feet up on the coffee table. Striker moved his cowboy hat down over his face and snored softly. Fizzarolli got up, opened the door to his room, grabbed his drink, and went into his room.

            Barbie Wire sighed and finished putting groceries away except for a box of pasta. She grabbed a pot and started to fill it with water when her phone rang. She looked at the caller ID and her blood ran cold when she saw the name “Marquis Andrealphus of the Ars Goetia,” and a photo of a white peacock man with a smug look.

            Barbie Wire hit ignore and sent Andrealphus to voicemail. She turned back to the pot when her phone rang again. She looked again to see Andrealphus calling. She ignored it and sent him to voicemail again, but he called her back immediately. She grimaced as she answered the call.

            “Such a bold little imp you are. Ignoring someone such as myself,” Andrealphus remarked.

            “What is your contact doing in my phone? And why are you calling me? The business you had me do was done,” Barbie Wire hissed.

            “There’s been a development. Meet at my palace in the hour. Don’t keep me waiting.”

            Barbie Wire stared ahead as the call ended. She sighed and placed the pot on the counter before she slipped out of the apartment. She hurried through the city where Andrealphus’ icy palace sat. She crossed the grounds up to the door and knocked. It opened as an imp in a butler uniform greeted her.

            “Follow me,” the imp instructed.

            Barbie Wire followed the imp to a sitting room where Andrealphus sat, sharing a cup of tea with his sister, Stella Goetia. She looked away when the butler announced them.

            “The cretin you requested has arrived,” the butler said.

            “Cretin? Fuck you, you posh ass sellout!” Barbie Wire roared.

            “Don’t be so quick to judge. Not until you hear our proposition,” Andrealphus remarked.

            Barbie Wire opened her mouth as Andrealphus created another chair at the table. Stella snapped her fingers and pointed at the seat. Barbie Wire grumbled and climbed onto the chair and stood, matching the Goetic demons in height while they sat.

            “What’s all this about? I was told I’d never see either of you again, only to see your info in my phone,” Barbie Wire snapped.

            “Come now, my dear. You imps are quite useful. Especially for doing what we don’t want to. And that’s why you’re here again,” Andrealphus said.

            “And what would that be?”

            “My darling sister, Stella, has taken quite a liking to you after your encounter. I admit I don’t agree with such acts, poor Stella needs something. She’s been neglected by her perverted husband for so long. Their entire marriage. It’s only by a miracle she was able to have even one child.”

            “Oh. Oh, no. I’m no day hooker. And if he’s a pervert, then how is she neglected? They like to fuck the brains out of hot bitches.”

            “Not like that. He’s committed such heinous treachery by sleeping with another man. Stella even tells me she finds signs of that same man that tempted her husband.”

            “Wait. Wait, wait, wait! Is the whole reason you picked me was some sort of revenge sex?”

            “You could say that. Poor Stella was so pent up, and Lucifer knows we couldn’t ask another Goetia to sleep with her. Could you imagine the scandal she’d have to suffer?”

            “Not my problem. And that was a one-time thing. Never again!”

            “I’ll be sure to pay you handsomely for each encounter. Well, enough to afford a life no imp could,” Stella interjected.

            “Stella, what did I tell you?” Andrealphus hissed.

            “I tire of watching you run in circles with an imp, brother. Do we have a deal? You lay with me with I demand it and you’ll be paid for it,” Stella said.

            “Uh-huh. And what is ‘handsomely’ for scum bags for you lot?” Barbie Wire demanded.

            Stella wrote out a number on a napkin. She held it up for Barbie Wire, whose eyes widened and jaw dropped.

            “This is the bare minimum you will earn. I may be inclined to be more generous if you perform an above average job,” Stella stated.

            “Screw my morales. Deal!” Barbie Wire yelled.

            Barbie Wire shook Stella’s hand, sealing their deal. Stella smirked and shot Andrealphus a smug look.

            “See, Brother? It’s that simple,” Stella mused.

            “I was working an angle, Stella,” Andrealphus hissed.

            “Play your games with nobility, Brother. Not the wretched scum. What do you have to even gain from this creature?”

            “Yeah, yeah, yeah. Great stuff. So, should we head somewhere else?” Barbie Wire interrupted as she sprawled out on the table.

            “Not tonight, but you’ll hear from me soon,” Stella said.

            Barbie Wire shrugged. “Fine. Are we done here then?”

            “Yes. Leave.”

            Barbie Wire jumped down and left Andrealphus’ palace. She returned to the apartment as the smell of dinner hit her. She turned to the kitchen to find Sallie May, their other roommate, finishing dinner.

            “There you are. I was wondering where you ran off to,” Sallie May said.

            “Oh, uh, about that. Are the boys here?” Barbie Wire asked.

            “Nah. Fizz had his shift and Striker volunteered to escort and safeguard him. Much to Fizz’s dismay.”

            “Striker does know Fizz works in the Lust, right?”

            “He does now. The look on Striker’s face was priceless, but he insisted. Can’t blame him. Those fuckers down there are rife with cash.”

            “Right, right. So, uh, could we talk?”

            “Oh. Oh, no. I knew this day would come. I’m sorry, Barb, but I just don’t feel that way about you,” Sallie May teased.

            Barbie Wire snorted and feigned rejection. “Oh, my wounded heart. How will I ever recover from this?”

            “It’ll be hard, but you will endure.”

            “Yeah, yeah. But in all seriousness, I need to tell you something. And you can’t tell the boys. At all.”

            Sallie May groaned. “Not again. What’d you do this time?”

            “Remember when I told you about ice queen that propositioned me to have sex with his hot sister?”

            “Yes?”

            “Well, I might have agreed to sleep with her again. Whenever she wants it.”

            “How much you getting paid for it?”

            “Five figures after each session. With more if I put on a stellar performance.”

            Sallie May whistled. “Hot damn. The boys will be impressed.”

            “No. No, no. You can’t tell them, remember?”

            “Why? Isn’t this good? Sure, it’s a blue blood, but this would solve so many problems. Rent, groceries, you and Fizz’s debt, all that.”

            “I… I know. It’s just….”

            “You’re worried about Fizz, aren’t ya? You know he won’t mind you doing sex work. He does it himself.”

            “He dances. He doesn’t engage in prostitution. And with Striker, you know how he is about blue bloods.”

            “That can’t be all. What’s really going on, Barb?”

            “I guess I just… never thought I’d have to fall so far. I always thought I would be better. That maybe thieving and killing would be the only way I’d ruin more lives. I mean, this bitch is married. Sure, she claims her husband cheated on her, but is this really right? And am I making things worse for them and their family agreeing to this?”

            Sallie May frowned and leaned on the counter. She reached out and cupped Barbie Wire’s face.

            “Barb, the world’s a messed up place. Be it Wrath, Greed, Pride, it don’t matter. Sure, we don’t have the cleanest of hands, but who really does? And, look, sure not everything is an accident like what happened long ago. And, sure, some things are done with intention, but you can’t just blame yourself for every little thing.”

            “But-!”

            Sallie May stood up. “That hit you had today. The scumbag was a player and no count tramp. Who knows how many lives he ruined on his own. You may have killed him, but can you really say you ruined his life?”

            Barbie Wire didn’t respond.

            “Point being, as always, you aren’t responsible for every little thing, Barb. Especially when it comes to survival. Or even fulfilling your own goals. When it comes down to it, a choice needs to be made. Us, or them. You gotta protect what matters most. No matter the cost.”

            “I know. Just… for now. Please. Don’t tell them.”

            “Oh, I wasn’t going to. You’re doing that on your own. Take all the time you need, but don’t take too long. Those boys ain’t stupid. They’ll catch on sooner than you think.”

            “I know, I know. I just… need some time to figure out how to tell them. Alright?”

            “How hard can it be? ‘Hey, boys! I was able to afford Fizz’s first cybernetics because I fucked a blue blood. Oh, and that same blue blood wants me to keep fucking her for a large sum of money.’”

            “It’s not that simple.”

            “You’re kidding me, right?”

            “I… fine! Alright, but can you be there as support when I tell Fizz first?”

            “Oh, I’ll be there so you don’t chicken out.”

            “Whatever. I’m going to shower.”

            Barbie Wire headed for the bathroom when her phone rang. She looked down at it to see a message from Stella, demanding her company, but to show first because she smelled like fish.

            “I do not smell like fish! Do I?” Barbie Wire asked.

            “Don’t look at me. All the years of smelling hog ass has ruined my nose,” Sallie May remarked.

            “Right. Well, I’m going to shower and then head out. The bitch calls.”

            “Fuck her good.”

            Barbie Wire forced a smile as she closed the bathroom door behind her. She leaned on the sink and looked at her reflection in the mirror.

Don’t mind me, just having some feelings about these two pictures side by side 😭

The twins with Tilla: Safe, happy, warm, loving

My preferred ship is YES!!! And okay--with the caveat that these rankings could change at a moment's notice:

Barbie/Sallie - look I'm a SUCKER for my two favorite sisters and a sucker for how happy it would make Blitz (even if that would end up WEIRD for Barbie but that's part of why it's so delicious) and just. I THINK THEY'D BE GOOD FOR EACH OTHER!!!

Barbie/Verosika - YES PLEASE would also be so many levels of weird for Blitz and for all involved honestly but as covered before that's part of the appeal