Work Text:
“God fucking damn it.” Blitz curses under his breath as he checks the time on his phone again. Imp city had a nightlife, but even the damned need to sleep early tonight apparently. The frigid drizzle that rained down from the dark sky did nothing to help the issue. He steps into an alley to get some shelter from the weather while he keeps an eye out for his ex.
He really didn’t want to be here, but sometimes when you got that itch you can’t scratch you just gotta do what you gotta do. This was usually the area she worked on nights like this. He had enough money in his pocket to buy her silence at least for a few hours, now he just needed to find her. Or maybe anyone at this point. Blitz’s stress level had been off the charts the last few weeks. When it was discovered that their portal to the human realm was found and sealed everything started spiraling. His business was on the rocks, his livelihood was in danger and he was struggling to just tread water.
Blitz gives his head a shake, drops of water fling off his horns. He just needed a good lay to relax and he would hopefully be able to figure out a plan. He hoped.
Blitz looks up and down the dark street again. It was surprisingly empty. Usually there were at least a half dozen succubi hanging around looking for work, but tonight he couldn't spot one.
“Must be the weather,” he grumbles, pulling the edge of his jacket up against the worsening weather. The drizzle was turning to rain quickly. Deciding to cut his losses Blitz steps out from the alley to head home wishing he had brought a jacket with a hood. He’s not even ten feet when he stops. There, walking towards him in the dark is a figure. Its frame is tall, towering over Blitz even from half a block away. Four dim glowing red eyes fixed on the ground in front of their feet, not watching where they are going. Finally the flickering light from a store front illuminated the figure enough for Blitz to identify.
It's a royal! Not just any royal, but a prince at that!
What the fuck was a royal prince doing wandering the streets at this hour alone in the rain?
And what benefit could it offer Blitz?
He was in the redlight district, so maybe the prince was looking for some action? Looks like rumors are true his marriage is only for show. But the owl doesn’t appear to be looking for anything, simply walking. The rain soaking his clothes, his cape draggin in the mud behind his feet.
Blitz wiped the rain from his eyes. Stolas was still walking towards him, seemingly on auto pilot. Blitz takes one step to the right and stands there, directly in his path.
Stolas stops and blinks, finding himself looking down into golden eyes looking up at him. He had been walking so aimlessly the eyes startled him slightly back to reality.
“Hi,” Blitz offers, holding his ground against the seemingly confused owl.
“Hello?” Stolas says back, more a question than a greeting.
“You... okay there buddy?” Blitz asks.
“It’s none of your concern imp.” Stolas says. But it's quiet and has no bite to it.
“Are you sure?” Blitz asks, tilting his head to try and catch the others line of vision again.
“Yes, leave me alone.” Stolas says looking to the side avoiding the others eyes. He was not used to eye contact with anyone who wasn’t family or royal themselves. The servants at the palace never looked him in the face.
“Whatever!” Blitz says, stepping aside to let the owl pass. Stolas is a few feet away when Blitz speaks again.
“There’s no one out working tonight. The rain made them go home.”
Stolas pauses and looks up, seemingly noticing the rain for the first time. He tilts his head looking Blitz up and down.
“You're here,” Stolas says.
“Fuck You! I am a client! Not a hooker!” Blitz barks angrily. The smile that stretches across the owl's face kinda takes Blitz by surprise. He expected the royal to be angry with his outburst, but the other was simply amused.
“My apologies. I should not have assumed.” Stolas says, looking around at his location trying to get his bearings. This was an area of the city he had never seen before.
“Whatever,” Blitz grumbles, turning to leave. He shouldn’t have interfered with him. He didn’t have the mindset to play games tonight.
“Before you go, could I ask a favor?” Stolas’ voice breaks into his thoughts.
“What?” Blitz asks, looking over his shoulder .
“It appears I have walked a little farther than intended. Do you think you might be able to direct me to the palace?” Stolas asks, stepping towards Blitz attempting to shield his four eyes from the rain with his hands. It was coming down heavier by the minute it seemed.
Blitz throws his head back and laughs, “You’re fucked bird brain! That’s about an hour walk if you don’t get lost. And the cabs are done for the night.” he informs Stolas.
“Oh.. I see.” Stolas says sadly.
Blitz rubs the bridge of his nose, the hell's rain starting to irritate his eyes. He could/should just leave him here. He’s a royal. They are pretty tough. But then again, nothing is perfect. And Stolas wasn’t exactly on a lot of demons’ favorites list. And with his luck he’s probably on someone’s security camera, and if anything happens to the royal it will be his ass on the line.
“Just… just come with me.” Blitz says turning and waving the other to follow.
“Where are we headed?” Stolas asks, falling in step with the imp.
“My place. You can get out of the rain there and get a ride in the morning.” Blitz says turning down a side street.
“You have my thanks,” Stolas says.
“I would prefer your money, but something tells me you don’t actually have any on you right now do you?”
“You would be correct in that assumption.” Stolas says feeling guilty. Even he knows cash makes the realms turn. But what need does a Royal have to actually carry money? He simply takes what he wants and the servant who usually follows him around pays for it.
“So why the fuck you all the way out here?” Blitz asks, turning down another street. This street provides a little shelter from the rain as they walk. Wind picks up garbage flinging it around their feet.
“To be quite honest. I had a dreadful day, and thought a walk would help. I never intended to walk so far from the palace however.” Stolas says looking around at the unfamiliar buildings.
Their dark windows illuminate suddenly with a flash of light and a crash of thunder. Blitz breaks into a sprint, Stolas easily keeps pace with his long strides. Another half block and his apartment building comes into view. Up the front steps, two at a time, he unlocks the door and enters, closing the door after Stolas as another crash of thunder makes the building shiver.
Blitz shakes like a dog, water flying everywhere before he continues down the hall. He listens as Stolas follows his lead, shaking himself off from the rain and following.
“It’s on the 3rd floor, watch your head. Damn elevator’s been broken since before I moved in.” Blitz explains pulling open the broken stairwell door. Stolas has to duck to avoid hitting his head on the door frame.
“Charming.” he hears Stolas says.
“You could go try your luck with the storm,” Blitz offers.
“My apologies.”
Their footsteps echo up and down the empty staircase as they climb.
“Finally!” Blitz says unlocking his door and holding it wide for Stolas to enter a moment before the power goes out.
“God fucking damn it.” Blitz curses using the light on his phone. “Wait here,” he says, vanishing into a room slightly down the hall and to the left.
Stolas just stands there cold and dripping in the hallway. There is some noise and soon Blitz is back, handing him some clothes and a towel.
“These might fit you. You can change in the bathroom. Bring your clothes out when you're done.” Blitz says going back into the other room.
Stolas does as he’s told. Leaving the bathroom door open as he changes for what little light there is. He towel dries his feathers with the provided towel. The ‘pants’ end just below his knees but the sweater is something else. Even on his long frame it's huge! The sleeves are past his fingertips and the bottom hits him mid thigh. Stolas’s clothes have always been well fitted to him, but he can’t help but grin at the feeling the sweater is giving him. Exiting the room he finds Blitz changed into sweatpants. Shirtless and barefoot in the living room fighting with something in the middle of the room.
Stolas lets his eyes wander over the other. Their skin is decorated with white splotches. A few dip below the band of his pants and Stolas finds himself grinning wondering what color the others dic-
“Work damn you!” Blitz barks, giving the box a wack. It blinks and buzzes and comes to life at last. A red glow from somewhere inside as coils and wires start to heat up.
“It’s going to be a bit to get going.” Blitz explains pulling a line from the wall and hooking it to another line on the other side of the room. Or at last trying to.
“Hook that up there.” Blitz says, looking at Stolas and then the hook on the wall.
“Yes! Of course!” Stolas says, stepping forward and taking the string and hooking it up. The little action provides a feeling of accomplishment more than it really should have.
“Hang your clothes on it. They will dry faster.” Blitz explains hanging his own clothes on a lower string he hooks up next. When he’s done Blitz picks up a hoodie from the couch and pulls it over his head. Stolas has to stop himself from letting out a disappointed whine. Was he really so lonely that he would ogle the first person to show him kindness in years?
Apparently!
“Thank you again.” Stolas says. Blitz just shrugs. Filling a pot with water, and mint leaves from the potted plant on the window sill. The only plant in the room as far as Stolas can see. It’s set on top of the room heater to warm. The rain fills the apartment with white noise as it lashes against the windows. Thunder rumbles and the apartment lights up with every flash.
“I did not realize the weather was going to be this bad.” Stolas says walking over to the window to look out. The view is simple streaks of colors from the rain. Mostly reds and blacks. Across the street there are a small number of windows with dim lights he assumes are candles. It's only then he notices a glow in the room. Turning around Blitz has turned off his phone light and set two lit candles on the kitchen counters. The plates they sit on are covered in multi-colored wax from years of use. Apparently power going out is a common thing in the city.
“Me either,” Blitz says, flopping down on the worn sofa and checking his phone. It's then he notices the only other piece of furniture in the room is a rickety table with 2 chairs. Stolas stands there watching him till Blitz notices.
“You can sit your Highness”. The imp says nodding to the other end of the sofa. Stolas isn’t used to being treated like an equal by someone who isn’t another royal. Or not having servants throw themselves at his feet to make him comfortable. He feels out of place and unsure of what he should say or do.
“Stolas is fine.” he says sitting down on the other end of the couch. He sighs, relaxing into the fabric and finally feeling how tired his body actually is. When he opens his eyes again the imp is handing him a glass of what looks like water.
“It’s nothing like your fancy shit, but should help take the edge off.” he says, holding another glass for himself. Stolas takes it with thanks and gives it a sniff. It's strong and sweet and he tries not to sneeze. He takes a sip and feels it burn all the way down. Glancing over at the imp he sees him sip his own drink without so much as a flinch.
“This is not something I have tasted before.” he says trying to make small talk.
“Probably not, I made it myself.” Blitz says. Nodding over to the bottles on a rack against the far wall by what appears to be his bedroom. There are more bottles and containers connected with hoses next to them. Above that hangs an impressive display of weapons. From guns to knives and a few things in between. They look used, but well taken care of.
“Moonshine?” Stolas asks racking his brain for the name of the drink. He’s heard of it, but never had any before. He takes another sip. It’s not too bad. Different from the wine and whisky he’s used too.
“Yep.”
“Ahh...” he says, pulling his feet up on the couch next to him. His long legs bump into Blitz’s on the other end of the couch and he apologizes putting them back on the floor.
“It’s fine. I don’t bite.” Blitz says, his face lit up by the phone.
“Yes, but it would be impolite to put my feet on my host’s lap.”
“You're already in my apartment in my clothes.” Blitz reminds him. Stolas chuckles, taking another sip of his moonshine and brings his feet back on the couch. Blitz removed the couch cushion from the back of the couch next to him creating more room and tucks Stolas’ feet between him and the couch out of the way.
“It appears you've done this before.” Stolas says watching the imp get comfortable instantly. He doesn’t seem bothered being in close proximity to sharp talons.
“My daughter does the same,” Blitz explains, typing away at his phone. Stolas can feel the warmth from the imp seeping into his feet and legs warming him. He gives a little involuntary shiver. His feathers fluff. Blitz notices.
“With your feathers I thought you would be warmer than me.” Blitz says reaching a claw under the couch and pulling out a quilt and tossing it over the owl's legs.
“Without feathers I thought you would be colder than me,” Stolas says, arranging the blanket and finishing off his drink and setting the glass on the end table behind him. His insides starting to warm from the alcohol.
“Imps have a natural body temp higher than most in hell.” he says finishing off his own drink. The scent of mint and apples catches Stolas nose as the pot finally warms up enough to release the leaves' aroma. It’s a calm, clean scent Stolas has never smelled before. Maybe applemint might be a good addition to his garden.
“My apologies, I am quite ignorant when it comes to imps and the lower classes of hell.” he admits.
“Of course you are, none of us matter to you guys so why would you bother knowing any fucking thing about us.” Blitz says and almost regrets it seeing the royal’s face fall. It wasn’t a lie so Blitz bites back the apology.
“Will you tell me?” Stolas asks.
“Tell you what?”
“About yourself? You have a daughter, correct? What is she like?” Stolas asks. The imp is interesting to him. Finding him on the street and taking him home knowing who he is. Clothing him and offering him drink. A place to put his tired feet up for a rest, and conversation.
Were all imps so generous? Or just this one? Or was this a one time kind of deal because of his name? Would he have offered assistance to anyone else the same way? Stolas honestly has no idea what the answer to any of these questions should be.
Blitz puts his phone down and looks at Stolas. It had been a long time since someone honestly wanted to get to know him. Or maybe it was just the home brew alcohol in his system. He decides to humor the owl.
“She’s 20. Adopted her a few years ago. She’s a hellhound.”
“I didn’t know your kind adopted outside of your own.” Stolas says.
“She was going to age out of the system and be homeless. Couldn't just sit there and watch it happen. And I had a spare room.” Blitz shrugs trying not to make a big deal out of it. Normally he loved the praise for a job well done, but when it came to just ‘being nice’ and ‘doing the right thing’ it always made him feel awkward to brag.
“Is that her?” Stolas asks, pointing to a picture on the wall of him and Luna. The pic had been taken 2 years ago on her birthday. She looked grumpy holding a slice of cake, while the imp was throwing confetti in the air.
“Ya, she’s a little spitfire. Makes me so proud!” Blitz can’t help but coo when he looks at the picture.
“What about you?” Stolas asks.
“What about me?”
“Well… to be quite honest. I don’t even know your name.” Stolas says, leaning his head against the back of the couch watching Blitz.
The imp laughs out loud. A full bodied laugh right from his toes. Stolas can feel the other's legs brush alongside his as he does. “The name’s Blitz, the O is silent.” he says leaning forward and offering a hand shake.
“What o?” Stolas asks, shaking the offered hand. It's strong and firm and for a moment all he can think about is how it would feel around his wrists. Damn it! He was as lonely as a horny teenager!
“Exactly! I run my own business and… well I did…” he said thinking about getting another glass of moonshine. If he can’t get laid he might as well try and get wasted. He lets go of Stolas hand, but he doesn’t miss the lingering touch he got when those long fingers let go.
“What happened?”
“Well, we do assassinations, and our specialty WAS the human world. But the portal we were using got closed up last week… so that’s a thing.” Blitz explains. Stolas feels a twinge of guilt at the realization that he was the one who sealed the portal they had been using. It was part of his job as a royal to fix tears in space and reality, but realizing it had caused this person and their family such grief made his stomach turn.
“That can’t be good for business.” Stolas says instead.
“No, and at this rate we’ll be out on the street by next month.”
“I am sorry to hear that.” he says sincerely.
“It just fucking sucks! I worked so goddamn HARD to get this business up and running and it was all for dicks!” Blitz growls frustrated.
Stolas is silent. He has had struggles before but they seem pale in comparison to the imps. The rain keeps lashing against the windows as thunder rumbles. The room is starting to warm up now from the space heater. His clothes drying on the clothes lines across the room. The entire apartment is the size of one of the spare bedrooms in the guest wing. The thought of someone living in such a small space seems hard to believe, but here it is. The imp and his adopted daughter in an apartment smaller than his closet.
How many could he take off the streets and house in his palace and still not even notice they were there because it's so big? Blitz and his daughter. Every servant who works at the palace and their family as well. And probably more than a few extra.
“Where is your daughter?”
“She’s out with my other two coworkers.”
“How many people do you employ?”
“4 including myself and my Loonie. Moxxie and Millie are the other two. Mox is the gun specialist, Millie is the muscle.” Blitz says proudly.
“They sound interesting.” Stolas says.
“They're my family. I'll do anything to keep them happy.”
“I do the same for my daughter.”
“Then why are you out wandering the redlight district mindlessly in the middle of a storm? You might be tough to kill but it's not impossible. And you're not exactly high on the list of favorite people around here.” Blitz informs him bluntly.
Stolas averts his eyes to the window again. The edge of his beak turned down in a frown. Blitz doesn’t think he’s going to speak again until-
“You are aware that my wife and I are not on the best of terms?” Stolas starts.
“Ya, your drama is usually all over the tabloids.” Blitz tells him.
Stolas lets out a sigh. “Yesterday was a very long day… I do not like to fight, but that seems all we do. Yes our marriage was arranged but had I known it would be like this I would have insisted on someone else. At this point I would rather be alone.” Stolas says, rubbing his face with his hands. He lets out a yawn.
“Was there someone?” Blitz asks.
Stolas looks at him questioningly.
“Was there anyone you wanted to marry?” Blitz clarifies. Stolas doesn’t have to struggle to find an answer to that question. But to be expected, the memory is painful.
“There was this one person… They had a smile that could light up a room. And had the funniest jokes. We spent a lot of time together in our youth, and not for a moment did I imagine my life without him… we even talked about running away together at one point. Silly isn’t it? But looking back now. I should have at least tried. Even though it would have failed, I would not have regretted trying.” Stolas says with a smile.
“Where is he now?” Blitz asks, watching the other fall into memories. But at the question, Stolas’ smile slides from his face and he looks all the part of loss he knows too well himself.
“He was killed... Long ago… memories fade with time, but I doubt I will ever forget him.” Stolas says, trying to force a smile for his friend's memory. Red feathers, white talons, gold eyes. He was every bit the phoenix he was named after. Sadly the only thing he couldn't do was return to him. Stolas looks at Blitz and finds himself comparing their color pallets. Maybe that is why he felt he could trust the imp the first time he saw him.
“How about yourself? Any significant others?” Stolas asks.
“Ex Girlfriend. Was actually out looking for her tonight when I found you.” Blitz explains.
“Oh?”
“Ya, she’s a succubus. With work the shit it's been, I was looking for a quick lay. Probably good I didn’t find her.” Blitz says. He had tried calling, but it seems she changed her number without telling him. He shouldn't be surprised.
“Well at least you know the quality of your encounter beforehand. So she must have been fairly good.” Stolas says with a chuckle.
“Oh ya! She had tricks I could never imagine!” they might not have broken up on best of terms, but he wasn’t about to knock her for her talent.
“Why are you no longer together?” Stolas asks with a yawn. The attitude of the imp changes instantly.
“I… don’t want to talk about it.” Blitz says looking away.
“That’s fine.” Stolas says with a nod.
“No, you answered my questions.” Blitz says.
“It would be more accurate to say I am .. venting? I believe. Thank you for listening.” Stolas says happily.
“Nothing else to do tonight till the power comes back on.” Blitz says looking back to the window.
“Is it usually out this long?” Stolas asks. The power goes out at the palace from time to time, but it was usually on in minutes thanks to the power generator.
“Four days was the longest. Had to throw out everything in the fridge. Hopefully they can get it back when the storm is over.” Blitz says unable to stop the yawn he caught from Stolas.
“You alright sleeping on the couch? I’d offer you my bed, but it's shorter than this.” Blitz asks. He could put him on the floor, but he had yet to catch the mouse he saw last week run off with a slice of pepperoni from his take out pizza box.
“This will be fine, thank you.” Stolas says.
“Okay, night.” Blitz says standing to leave.
“Blitz?”
“Ya?”
“I.. never mind.” Stolas says with a wave of his hand.
“Spit it out feathers.” Blitz says and Stolas seems to blush at the nickname. Did the bird have a degradation kink or something?
“This might be rude, but.. Would you stay here with me tonight? It has been a long time since I slept beside another. Well one that isn’t screaming at me.” Stolas says quietly.
Blitz shrugs, fetching 2 pillows and another blanket. Soon they are both tucked in comfortably on the sofa. Blitz on one end, Stolas on the other.
Their tails and legs tangled under the sheets and Stolas can’t imagine a time when he’s been more comfortable. Not even with his wife. He makes a mental note to not kick in his sleep. It would be rude to gut his host.
He watches the rain against the glass. The rumble of thunder, and the flashes of light. The slow and steady breathing of imp next to him. The smell of applemint and a belly full of moonshine. The fizzle as the last candle on the counter burns itself out and the room goes dark save for the windows.
Stolas pulls the blanket up over his beak to keep it warm. The warmth from Blitz warms the rest of him under the blanket. He really should have remembered to bring his phone to message Octavia that he was safe. Hopefully she hasn’t noticed him gone yet.
Stolas drifts off to sleep.
…...
Beeping. Many things are beeping and it takes him a moment to remember where he is. The fridge starts to humm, the lights come on, and a few other things blink to life. He snuggles deeper into the blanket. He has been so comfortable.
“Blitz! Your hooker’s awake!” a female voice says next to him.
“Damn it Loonie! Keep your voice down!” Blitz hisses back. Stolas stretches feeling his bones pop.
“Great! You woke him up!”
“I was already waking up,” Stolas says with a yawn as he sits up rubbing the sleep from his eyes. The barest of lights from the drizzly window tell him it's just past sunrise. The thunder and rain have stopped, leaving only a few random drops of water to run down the glass.
“See!”
“Whatever! Did you have fun last night?” Blitz asks fiddling with something in the small kitchen area.
“It was fine till Moxxie got tanked and he threw up on me.”
Blitz roars with laughter.
“It’s not funny! Fucker ruined my shirt!” Loona says joining her father in the kitchen area. Stolas watches them interact feeling more than a little jealous. He really needs to get back to Octavia.
“You want coffee, you gotta get it yourself!” Blitz calls over to him. Stolas smiles and joins them in the kitchen.
“So who’s your floozy friend?” Loona asks looking Stolas up and down in the enormous sweater and pants that fit like shorts.
“The dime store hooker is Prince Stolas.” Blitz says pouring his coffee over some sad looking half melted ice cubes, then adds sugar and milk as the hellhound chokes on her own coffee.
“The fuck?!”
“Hello there! Pleased to meet you! Blitzy here was kind enough to let me stay for the night till the rain stopped.” Stolas explains taking a sip of his dirty bean water.
“Blitz! You have any idea how much shit you're in?! Half the fucking city is out looking for this guy?! What the hell do you think is gonna happen when he walks out the damn door?!” Loona rages.
“It’s fine Loonie.”
“Oh dear. I didn’t realize they were looking for me already.” Stolas says, stepping over to the window to look out. He spots a security car rolling by slowly before the curtain is drawn, cutting off his view.
“Get the fuck away from the window! Someone spots you, they will swat the apartment and we’ll get kicked out!” Luna roars frustrated.
“Calm down Looney toonie. Did you park the van out back?” Blitz asks, drinking his iced coffee.
“Yes. Where the hell else would it be?”
“Fine. When tall, dark, and creepy here is done, I’ll toss him in the back and drop him off at the gates. You want toast?” Blitz asks as the toaster pops.
“Yes please!” Stolas says joining them again.
“Whatever! If this shit goes sideways, leave me out of it!” Loona howls, grabbing a bottle of moonshine and going to her room, slamming the door as she does.
“Love you too sweetie!” Blitz calls and gets a howl of frustration in response. Stolas chuckles finishing off his toast.
“She is not wrong however. I really should be going before Stella has me classified as dead and starts looking for a new husband.”
“Don’t you need to be missing for a few years?” Blitz asks.
“It's a little shorter when it comes to royals. My lineage comes with a job that must continue without interruption.” Stolas explains picking his dry clothes from the line and going to change in the bathroom. When he returns he’s looking as prim and proper as ever. Save for a wrinkle here and there he tries to flatten out with his hand.
“My thanks again for last night.” Stolas says.
“Don’t mention it. Seriously, don’t mention it! I have a fucking reputation to keep! Just give me a sec to put pants on and we’ll go.” Blitz says finishing off the rest of his coffee.
“No need, I can open a portal from here!”
“A what now?!”
With a wave of his hands, there in front of Blitz opens a portal in reality. On the other side is a bedroom. Large wooden bed with silk sheets and bookcases from floor to ceiling. Clearly some place within the palace.
“Wait just a fucking second! You mean to tell me you could have just opened a god damn portal anytime?!” Blitz barks in disbelief. “Then why the fuck did you come home with me!?”
“Well… you offered.” Stolas says simply with a grin.
“Fuck me!” Blitz mumbles.
“I would have enjoyed that very much! But I do need to be on my way.” Stolas says stepping through the rip in reality.
“What?!”
“Oh! Before I go, may I have your contact information? I might have some business for you to take care of soon on earth.” Stolas says from the other side.
“I- we can’t get to the human realm remember?” Blitz reminds him, searching his jacket pocket for a business card and handing it through the portal to the tall owl.
“But I can,” Stolas says sweetly, letting his fingers slide along Blitz’s as he takes the card.
“If you are not occupied this weekend. Stop by the palace and we can discuss payment options in more… detail.” Stolas says with a chuckle. His eyes running up and down Blitz as the portal closes.
“God fucking damn it,” Blitz curses standing there alone in the living room. The only evidence of his ‘guest’ was a few blankets on the couch.