Finding Family (Fizz's Found Family)-Chapter 6
The first time Fizzarolli started dreaming about his mother, talking about it had helped. Finding her had helped. This time there was nothing to find and all of Ozzieâs attempts to get Fizz to talk only seemed to make things worse. Fizzarolli remained animated and hilarious when working at Ozzieâs, but had grown increasingly more quiet at home. The dreams had become somewhat less frequent since speaking about them aloud, but Fizzarolli had been spending more and more of his days in his head.
Fizzarolli had a tendency to sign to himself sometimes when he was thinking something through or worried. Heâd started again after heâd started dreaming about his mother the first time, though it was a much older habit than that. It wasnât predominant, a little quirk that felt more like a secret than a fact. It wasnât something he did often until recently. Now, itâs a daily occurrence.
If it wasnât for the fact that Fizzarolli always responded to Asmodeus eventually, he might think Fizz had gone deaf himself. Whenever he got that glazed over, somewhat exhausted look in his eyes, his hands would bloom. Asmodeus felt like an absolute fool for not being able to understand. Heâd been around since the start of Hell, he knew several languages, he knew ancient languages. He didnât know sign language.
He wondered if this was some sort of processing for Fizzarolli, if his hands would stay feverish for a few weeks, and die down when his brain did. He wondered if this was some sort of regression, if it was even conscious. Heâd considered looking at the wiring in Fizzâs sensors to make sure they werenât overpowering or something. But mostly, he worried. There was only so much he could deduce from Fizzâs behavior, and he couldnât understand most of that recently. He could listen, but not in Fizzâs native language. How helpful could he really be?
Breakfast had been quiet today. It was often quiet these days. Fizzarolli sat opposite Asmodeus at the island in their kitchen, both eating their breakfasts in silence. Fizz had gotten up last night and gone to the guest room. Neither of them had slept. Ozzie had cleared both of their schedules in hopes they could find time in their day to catch up on some sleep.
Fizzarolli was sipping on his third espresso, his gaze was hollow, eyes bloodshot. What had he been up to all night? Asmodeus hated feeling so helpless. He had to call Fizzâs name four times and tapped his finger against the table heavily before his partnerâs gaze turned upwards towards him.
âCan I ask you a question?â Asmodeus waited for Fizzâs favorite comeback, you just did. Instead, Asmodeus got a nod in reply. So he wasnât talking today, alright. Asmodeus took a deep breath. He could try and delay the question, part of him wants to. Heâs not sure if Fizzarolli will understand why heâs asking, or if heâll be receptive. That will only delay the inevitable, though. Best to just be direct. âWill you teach me sign language?â
Asmodeus studied Fizzarolliâs face following his question. He watched a few microexpressions cross his face, but it was difficult to read. He never quite knew where Fizzâs mind was these days. Lust was patient with his love, but there was only so long he could wait before giving into the compulsion to explain himself.
âIâve just noticed that youâve been signing to yourself more recently. Sometimes it looks like youâre having a whole conversations with yourself.â Asmodeus scratched the back of his head, feeling a little embarrassed. âIâm ashamed that I donât know what youâre saying, Froggy. Iâd like to, if youâd like me toâŚ...and I donât want you to feel responsible for teaching me everything. Iâd be happy to get a tutor-â
Fizzarolliâs eyes hadnât left Asmodeus.
âI guess what Iâm really asking is, can I learn it? Would you be comfortable with that?â
Slowly, a smile spread across Fizzarolliâs face. The slippery little imp disappeared under the table and popped up into Ozzieâs lap a second later. He looked more present than he had in days. Asmodeus happily cuddled his jester.
Fizzarolli held his hand up in a fist next to his head. Both of them nodded at Asmodeus. Ozzie held his free hand up and mirrored Fizzarolli.
Asmodeus, King of Lust, the 5th Ring of Hell learned his first word in sign language.
The next three words he learned were âI love you.â
