The atmosphere around the table was tinged with a hint of awkwardness, as everyone sat in silence for the initial few minutes. Stolas positioned himself between Blitz and Millie on one side of the office table, while you and Striker occupied the other side. Luna sat to your left, with Striker on your right.
Breaking the silence, you couldn't help but express your frustration. "Seriously, guys, this doesn't have to be such a big deal. Let's just act normal," you muttered, prompting Blitz to playfully stick his tongue out at you.
Stolas maintained a cautious gaze, his red eyes revealing his white pupils. "Y/N... why are you involved with Striker? Has it always been this way?" he asked softly, implying something that you quickly dismissed. Shaking your head, you clarified, "No, Stolas. Well, not with the whole assassination attempt thing, at least." You scratched your cheek nervously. "And it's not personal towards you. But I can help you deal with whoever wants you dead," you added, referring to the goetia's wife who had ordered the hit on him.
Stolas waved his hand dismissively. "No, no," he said, his tone indicating a slight dismissal. "Even if it may seem beneficial for you to take action, it would only worsen the situation. Especially with Via..." His voice trailed off softly, knowing that his daughter would be devastated by her mother's demise. While the same could be said if he were to be killed, Stella would likely take pride in being the cause of his death rather than feeling sorrow.
You let out an irritated sigh, tilting your head back and closing your eyes, your tail flicking under the table.
"Uhm... Striker," Stolas began cautiously, trying not to flinch under the intense gaze of the snakelike imp. "I understand that we will never be on friendly terms, but... has Stella said anything else?" Stolas inquired, referring to the moment when Stella had intervened over the phone to prevent Striker from killing him.
Striker snorted, his arms crossed defiantly. "I'm not one to discuss my clients. The fact that you're still breathing should be enough for you to be satisfied," he retorted.
"Alright, that's it bucko!" Blitz exclaimed, rising from his seat and pointing accusingly at Striker. "If you even think about harming Stolas, we'll all fucking take you down before you can utter some backwoods saying. The only reason you're still around is because Y/N can't live without your big fucking dick."
You growled, turning your head sharply towards Blitz. "Fuck you. The only reason I'm here is because you don't want me to quit working for IMP," you retorted, feeling Striker's hand resting on your thigh to help calm you down, although his tail betrayed his agitation with a faint rattle beneath the table.
Then, you shifted your gaze to Stolas. "And I don't want you to die, but this is literally our job. Especially for us," you emphasized, gesturing towards yourself and Striker. "Our clients aren't residing in the waking world."
Stolas stared at you for a moment, rubbing his chin thoughtfully before looking down. "Well, what if I offer to pay you more than what Stella has proposed? I understand your disdain for royalty, but perhaps this could be a way for us to set aside our differences?" he suggested, seeking a potential resolution.
The proposal brought a momentary pause to the conversation. It was true that accepting Stolas' offer could potentially be the best option available. If Striker agreed, he could sever ties with Stella and have more than enough financial security, at least until Stella decided to increase her own payment.
Striker's gaze flickered briefly towards you, his thoughts drifting to the idea of taking you out on a proper date.
"What's the catch if I agree, Goetia?" Striker inquired calmly, his voice laced with caution.

YOU ARE READING
Hell is Home (Helluva Boss) Various x fem!Reader x Striker
FanfictionBorn and raised in the Wrath Ring of Hell, your life was as normal as could be: Death, Destruction, Crackhead Chaos, all of that. You honestly couldn't ask for more, because you knew that you'd just be living your life to the fullest. But what happ...