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Stolas had kept his gaze on the Asmodeus crystal in his talons. He couldn’t stop staring at it, as if he were staring at his beloved himself. The creamy apricot color of the stone reminded him of Blitzø, which is what startled him in a way, how he couldn’t stop thinking about the little imp. How his skin felt on his skin. How his eyes lingered longer than anyone else’s when they made conversation. Stolas had come to love everything about the imp and that’s what scares him. He could only think about how Blitzø would react if he presented him with everything, the crystal, his feelings, and his relinquishment of the deal. He swallowed down his feelings and thoughts as he heard the phone ring from the other room.
As he made his way he saw the cloud forming above the phone where he saw his brother-in-law’s name appear. Odd. Andrealphus was calling him. The last time he had ever spoken to him was at that awful outing at the restaurant in which his ‘wife’ tried to get him killed. He shuddered, every moment of that day still stained in his mind. He picked up the phone, “What do I owe the pleasure to, Andrealphus?” He gritted his teeth as he spoke.
“Ah, Stolas! Finally.” Andrealphus’ voice came through, as snotty and potent as ever. “I have a favor to ask.” He paused, expecting Stolas to respond but when he got none he continued, “Stella isn’t feeling too well and I am having a party tonight that requires your side’s presence.” He dragged out the ‘s’ sound at the end.
Stolas groaned and petted his feathers down on his chest, calming himself. Stella probably wasn’t even sick, just too lazy to attend. Or better yet busy trying to find other ways to get her revenge on him.
“For what reason is my presence ever needed?” Stolas whined. He knew the answer already but tried anyway.
“Appearances, dear.” Andrealphus provided, “Honestly do you want the entire world to know about your situation already? Plus, I invited every Goetia to each class. I expect this to be a grand event with lots in attendance. After earlier events, I think it to be well to show that you’re alive and well to the Goetian civilization.” Stolas cringed as he mentioned the events with Striker. “Think of this as well as my apology.” Andrealphus attempted to sound earnest but instead came off as snobby, which was how he actually felt.
Stolas could feel the bags under his four eyes getting even heavier after every second. But he was in no way able to refuse. He never has been able to get out of the role that was assigned to him at birth. He has to keep appearances. For a while, he had believed he could just live life with Blitzø. But he can’t. They can’t. Blitzø is acutely aware of his standings in society which made Stolas reflect more on himself. He closed his eyes, willing the thoughts away again.
“Fine. You said Stella will not be in attendance?” Stolas asked, for his own sanity.
“Unfortunately not. She has been rather occupied mentally. She is rather saddened with what had happened to you as well as trying to keep herself safe, knowing there are weapons out there that can do such damage to us Goetia like that.” Andrealphus explained. He had always been the one to clean the dirt off his sister. To make her appearance seem perfect as she made mistakes along the way to her image. Which is why Stolas called bullshit on it all. “I will see you tonight then!” He said cheerfully, “Ta ta!”
The call ended and Stolas, again, rubbed his face. Tonight was going to be a long night. He never enjoyed these parties. At every event, he was made acutely aware of how different he was from his peers. But like every single time he is invited, he has to put up with it. Tonight will be no different.
***
Stolas arrived through the portal at the front steps of Andrealphus’ palace. Made entirely of ice in all its great mass. It was rather fascinating. However, the person it belonged to ruined the beauty of the place. Stolas sucked in a breath of air before heading up the steps. He should have taken more of his ‘happy pills’ before coming, he thought. At least he would be too doped up to care about the gazes of others in a state like that. Too late to go back now.
As he walked up the stairs the doors immediately opened for him by two tiny imps who dawned fuzzy coats and mittens. Stolas forgot that for a smaller being like an imp, this place could be considered cold. He walked inside and was met with many different groups of Goetias. They all were in different parts of the main ballroom, many of them looked at him and whispered. He knew they knew about what had happened to him, as Voxtech news was probably all over the story by now. He knew not all of the details were made public but his hospital records were made public. Stolas scanned the room to see if there was anyone he would be willing to mingle and chat with, however, he found none (as usual) and headed to the area of the room where it seemed like refreshments and appetizers were strewn about. He looked over the options of food but found his throat to be dry and the idea of eating anything at the moment made him sick. So he grabbed the next best thing. Alcohol. He knew he shouldn’t but at the moment, getting slightly drunk sounded great or at least an escape not only from this stupid party but his whole predicament.
“Brother! I’m glad you could make it!” Stolas was startled by the piercing voice that rang suddenly. He turned to find Andrealphus who was surrounded by hellhounds as well as other Goetias who were talking amongst themselves. Andrealphus was never alone. Always had an escort or group of friends he mingled with. His hellhounds seemed to be acting as his bodyguards. The entirety of the higher-ranking demon civilizations was startled by the idea of someone like a Goetia getting injured badly, knowing anyone could be next.
“Yes… as it was a requirement for me to come here anyway,” Stolas stated, rather straight to the point. He saw little point in keeping up the facade that they were a loving family. He took a sip of his drink.
“Even if that’s the case, I hope you enjoy your stay, dear brother,” Andrealphus said, an undertone of disdain leaking through as he whipped his head around to walk in the other direction. At least he’d leave Stolas alone to wallow in his own misery.
He took more sips of his drink while gazing at the groups of socialites. His eyes locked on a few smaller creatures stuffed in the corner of the room. He made a strangled bird noise as he choked on his drink. He recognized the figures immediately. Imps. Not just any imps. His imps.
He knew Blitzø’s employees. Millie and Moxxie he remembered. They were wearing button-down suits and shades. Blitzø was no different. Wearing a long black suit coat that went down his tail length. His hands were folded in front of him while his face dawned in low-cut shades. They all leaned on the wall, but despite their lack of care for the party, Stolas could tell they were up to something. The way their eyes were trained on each crowd of people. Looking at the imp, Stolas couldn’t help but feel his heart flutter but also drop. He hadn’t seen the imp in such a long time. He hasn’t seen him since his accident. Not since he was given the Asmodeon crystal.
It seems Blitzø could tell that someone was watching him because he made eye contact immediately with the owl. Blitzø’s reaction was that of many emotions. Stolas could see his back straighten as the spikes on his back stood up. He could see a lump go down his throat as well as his eyebrows knit and he frowned. Stolas did not know what to do with that information.
Both of them seemed unable to move for a long time. The two of them just stared at each other, forgetting everyone around them. Stolas tightened his hold on his drink, as he was the one to break the contact. It felt symbolic in a way, in which Stolas was the one to initiate change. He couldn’t take this anymore. He fluttered his eyes back up just to see if the imp was still looking at him but saw Andrealphus of all people talking to the three of them.
Stolas felt the floor beneath his feet give way. This must be Andrealphus’ way to poke fun at him, to mock him. Parade his ‘little secret’ around. It made him sick. Not because Blitzø was his little secret per se, but because Andrealphus would use him in such a way. But Blitzø was his own person, and he of all people should know when someone is using him. He doesn’t need Stolas to save him. So he walked away.
Unable to contain all the feelings that came rushing through his head since he saw Blitzø there in the first place, he ran. Stolas ran away out of the ballroom. He found himself in a hallway with many different doors. Desperate for escape, any place to just be alone, he picked the first door to his left.
Inside this room were a few scattered tables, a record player in the corner, chairs sprung about, and an empty place for Stolas to wallow in. So that’s what he did. Stolas slowed his pace down as he tried to calm himself. Grounding himself by putting a hand on one of the tables and willing his body to crumble. He thought he was ready to confront his feelings. That’s why he went to Asmodeus. But seeing Blitzø there caused so much pain in his heart. The way they both didn’t know how to react. It reminded Stolas of what could be their relationship after their deal is cut. Oh dear, he so wished he could just tell Blitzø how he truly felt. He wished he could just tell him-
“Fuck!” A loud voice interrupted Stolas’ inner monologue. The door to the room was opened as Stolas recognized the voice.
There in front of them stood Blitzø, out of breath. His back turned to Stolas and faced the door, which he had closed, and kept his arms on as if to keep it closed.
Stolas shuffled off the floor. The sound of which made Blitzø yank his body around, eyes wide and targeted. After he realized it was Stolas, the imp relaxed a small bit, only for him to tense back up. The two were in the room alone together.
Stolas used this moment to look at the imp more closely. He looked at his face, noticing the shades he previously had on were gone. He saw the heavy bags that were under his gorgeous eyes. He looked skinnier than usual. Stolas’ heart ached at the idea of Blitzø going through the same pain as him during their times apart but also felt a sick satisfaction in knowing this could be the case, contrary to what he also believed. (That is Blitzø going about his life as normal without Stolas in his life) Stolas also took a moment to study his attire. The outfit looked like it had just been pressed and worn just for this occasion. Stolas couldn’t even name one time he had worn something so formal.
“You look nice.” Stolas finally uttered. The words came out of his mouth with no regard. It honestly was just the first thing that came to his head.
Blitzø snapped his mouth shut, as if hearing Stolas talk to him was unworldly. His eyes darted up and down Stolas before he replied, “So do you.” His voice sounded slightly raspy.
Stolas blinked and looked down at his outfit. He had entirely forgotten what he was wearing. It was similar to the outfit he had worn on his ‘date’ with Blitzø to Ozzie’s. He nodded in confirmation to Blitzø’s comment. He lifted his arms and twirled his body slightly to show off the cape that twinkled like the night sky.
“Why are you here?” Stolas croaked out. His voice cracked through the sentence as if he were to break at any moment. He stepped a little closer.
Blitzø tensed up again. “A job.” He replied shortly.
Stolas tilted his head. “A job.” He repeated. Remembering when he saw Andrealphus talking to him. “With my brother-in-law? I thought you and your company only worked with sinners. I thought that was the whole point of it.” He sounded a lot more judgemental than he intended but his point was given across regardless. Blitzø winced, his tail twitching up off the ground.
“We’ve been doing some… other kinds of work lately. Work without the use of the grimoire.” Blitzø stared at his feet, kicking them on the floor aimlessly. He was trying to avoid how close Stolas had gotten. He had always been the kind of person to avoid someone when they get too close.
Stolas on the other hand felt his whole world freeze. It seemed like Blitzø was already preparing himself for a life without Stolas.
“So that’s it?” He let slip. He could feel himself slipping. This whole night he felt like the world beneath him was crumbling.
Blitzø paused, oddly still. “What? What are you talking about?”
“This, Blitz!” Stolas raised his voice. His arms swung out, his talons waving around both of them. He took a breath, he felt around in his pockets. He kept the crystal on him, a way to ground himself to Blitzø. It hasn’t been working. “I have something for you.” He said, flatly. He pulled out the crystal and shoved it in front of Blitzø. Blitzø blinked at the item in front of him, breath hitched. “It’s an asmodean crystal.” Stolas provided, “It will help you-”
“I know what the fuck it is, Stolas.” Blitzø bit. He laughed, emotionlessly. He rubbed a hand over his face. “I fucking knew it.” His voice cracked at the end.
Stolas felt his feathers fluff up as it seemed Blitzø wasn’t taking this seriously. “What on Hell are you talking about, Blitz?” His frustration seeped through.
Blitzø tensed up again at the sentence, hand tightening its grip on his face. “Fuck!” He yelled. “I should have known you were going to throw me away when you were done with me,” Blitzø grumbled, his voice sounded shaky and distorted, as if on the verge of tears.
Stolas’ heart dropped. He could feel his pupils showing as he tried to understand what Blitzø had just cried out. “What?” He reached out to Blitzø. He grabbed his arm to remove it from his face so they could talk face-to-face. Blitzø jumped at the contact but didn’t push away. There he sees Blitzø’s red-rimmed eyes staring back at him. “Dear, why do you think I’m throwing you away?” He voiced, desperately.
Blitzø huffed as if the answer was obvious. “Because of this, idiot!” He pointed at the crystal, which was still in Stolas’ hand. “Why else would you give me this stupid thing if you didn’t want a stupid imp like me around?” He shook his arm out of Stolas’ grasp. He backed up, placing his back on the door behind him.
Stolas shook his head. A lump gathered in his throat as Blitzø described himself as a ‘stupid imp’. “You misunderstand my actions, dear. I merely wish for our deal to be over. Not because I want you gone, but because I want you too much.” He wasn’t expecting to have this conversation now but here he goes.
Blitzø looked back at him, skeptical.
“I…” Stolas attempted. He swallowed. “I like you, Blitz.” He watched as Blitzø’s eyes widened, but he didn't say anything so Stolas continued, “I can’t keep up our deal because I want you to have your own choice in this.” He took the crystal and put the necklace over Blitzø’s head, careful of his horns. He aligned it underneath his skull pin (which was kept on even in this new outfit) and smiled sadly. Then with his free hands, he grabbed both of Blitzø’s hands. He intertwined their fingers and he gazed at the hold. “I want you to be your own person. Regardless of our social standings.” He thought about Andrealphus and the way he recoiled at the idea of Blitzø being used by him. “Of course, I want to be more with you, but I want to know what you want.” He urged, pulling Blitzø’s hands closer to him.
Blitzø shook his head, “You don’t like me. Don’t say that.” A tear streamed down his face. He averted his gaze, but he could still feel all four of Stolas’ eyes on him.
Stolas hooted sadly as he wiped away the tear on Blitzø’s face, “You’re right I don’t like you.” Before Blitzø could reply, Stolas continued, “I love you, Blitz.” Blitzø closed his eyes, fearing the tears would flow more. “I love how you care for your employees. I love how you make me feel when you climb up my balcony. I love that you always make sure I’m feeling okay after we have sex. I love the way your eyes twinkle and glow when you talk about something you enjoy.” He pulled the hands in his grasp up to his face so he could caress them with his cheek. “You make me feel like I’m more than Prince Stolas of the Ars Goetia when I’m with you. I would love nothing more to make you feel like you’re more than just an imp to me, dear.”
“Fuck, Stols,” Blitzø finally said. “I’m not sure if I can be that person for you.” His hands shook as they were still on Stolas’ cheek, who shook his head.
“You already are.” He concluded. There was no room for debate in the way he said that.
Blitzø wetly chuckled. A slight smile appeared on his face as he looked at Stolas like he had hung the moon and stars. “I… It might take me a while to get used to it. I’m just a big fuckin’ pile of baggage, Stolas. But… If you’re willing to go the whole nine yards with me… I’m willing to try.” One could tell how hard it was for Blitzø to communicate honestly but with how honest Stolas was and how genuine the atmosphere felt, it just felt right.
Stolas felt the air leave his lungs. He let go of Blitzø’s hands to grab his shoulders, manhandling him almost. “You are?” He squawked. “And you promise this isn’t because you feel obligated to, correct? You want this of your own accord?”
Blitzø nodded quickly in response, he couldn’t take his eyes off Stolas. Stolas blushed as little hearts formed in his eyes. “Oh, Blitzy~!” He wrapped his arms around the small creature and pulled him up into a breath-taking hug. He spun around with him until Blitzø cried that he couldn’t breathe. Which left them huddled on the floor. They had each other’s heads on their shoulders Enjoying each other’s silence for a long time.
“I think I realized after Striker had hurt you.” Blitzø interrupted the silence. He found it easier to spill his guts like this, on the ground and holding Stolas in his arms. “I realized how close we were and it scared me. When he hurt you it reminded me of how I hurt everyone who gets too close to me.” He tightened his hold on Stolas. “I also just thought that my emotions would get in the way of what he had going.” He pushed his head into Stolas’ shoulder to mumble his speech.
“Never, dear.” Stolas places a hand on Blitzø’s back, stroking it slightly. “I understand you weren’t there for me but that is not your fault. I should have voiced more concern when I called for help. I… didn’t realize the extent of what was going to happen.” He remembered every moment vividly.
“I should have been there anyway.” Blitzø huffed. He took his hand off Stolas’ back to wipe his own face. They took another moment of silence before Blitzø interrupted it again with a slight chuckle. “You know what else has been on my mind?” He pried himself off Stolas and got up. “How I treated you like shit at Ozzie’s”
Stolas scoffed at the memory, “I feel like we both weren’t in the right headspace that night.” Seeing as Blitzø got up, Stolas did the same, dusting off his clothes.
“I just think I owe you an ‘apology’... in a way.” Blitzø’s tail swished behind him as he headed toward the corner of the room, where the record player was sitting, gathering dust. He fiddled with the thing for a little bit, creating a scratchy noise which Stolas winced at. Slowly it became coherent. A soft jazz song filled the room. Blitzø wiped his hands, pleased with his work, and looked back at Stolas.
Stolas walked closer to the imp, towering over him in a sense even if he wasn’t directly in front of him.
Blitzø looked up and blushed, “Uh…” His eyes scanned the surroundings. They landed on the table next to him and he hopped on top of it, satisfied with the fact he was now taller than Stolas. “What I’m tryna say is uh…” He slapped his hand on his face, covering his eyes but peaking slightly to see Stolas’ reaction. He held out his other hand to Stolas.
Stolas looked back and forth between the extended hand and Blitzø. He didn’t understand why exactly Blitzø had to ‘prove’ he was sorry but he’d play along anyway. He reached out to hold the hand extended out to him but didn’t expect Blitzø to pull him in so quickly. He placed his hand on Stolas’ back and they began to dance. Stolas’ heart thumped as Blitzø twirled him around the table. His coat and Stolas’ cloak trailed behind them like they were fluttering in the wind. They enjoyed the music while staring into each other’s eyes.
“Why’d you stop calling me pet names?” Blitzø muttered. He felt that while staring at Stolas’ eyes, he could say anything that was on his mind.
Stolas frowned, “I thought it wasn’t right of me to call you my plaything, darling.” He felt Blitzø’s hand tighten in his hold and saw his tail twitch behind him. “Oh!... Was that also a pet name just now? Darling?” Stolas felt his body deflate a little but he was pulled in another direction when Blitzø ran off the table, running on some chairs to make his way to another table. All while still holding onto Stolas.
“N-no! I mean… yes! No I mean that’s not what I’m talking about.” Blitzø said, frantically. He shut his mouth after seemingly getting too embarrassed to continue, so he focused instead on continuing to hold onto and dance with the avian.
Stolas opened his mouth slightly and cocked his head. Unsure what the imp was illuding to until he remembered. “Blitzy?...” He leaned in slightly, their faces inches apart.
“Yea… that.”
“I just didn’t wish to berate you anymore. But-”
“I thought it was cute. Endearing in a way. Hearing you say my name normally makes me feel weird. I’m fine with you using it.”
Stolas shuffled his arms to go on Blitzø’s shoulders. He hooked them around his neck which brought the imp even closer, their chests touching in the process.
“That’s all I needed to hear, Blitzy.” Stolas moved one of his arms to press his hand onto Blitzø’s chest and with his other arm he caressed underneath his chin and twirled around to entice him.
Blitzø laughed as he pulled Stolas in again, but pushed him in a way that made him lean down where Blitzø caught him, giving him a full view of his beloved above him. A dip. Stolas blushed. They collectively moved back up together and smiled at each other. An earnest smile they two haven’t seen on each other in a long time. The two continued to dance together, lost in the music and each other’s eyes until the door was slammed open.
Blitzø immediately shoved Stolas behind the table (behind him) and grabbed for his weapon. But he didn’t see an intruder or someone that wanted to harm them.
“Moxxie?” Blitzø sputtered. He fidgeted with his pistol before putting it back in its holster underneath his coat. He fixed a quick glance at Stolas before hopping off the table to engage in conversation with Moxxie, who was standing in front of the door, breathing heavily. Just as Blitzø was when he entered the room.
Stolas just watched the two, fearing his legs would give out if he attempted to walk so soon. His face was still flushed and his heart was racing.
“Why is there music playing in here? What is this room?” Moxie glanced around the place.
“Nevermind that, now what the fuck is the problem?”
“After you stormed out when our client was talking to us, he kinda just walked off and talked with some hellhounds and imps. I think they’re looking for you. I-I think this might be a trap or something. I don’t trust it.”
Stolas took the smaller imp’s words into thought. Andrealphus must be their client, then. He knew they were being used. Andrealphus worked in mysterious ways, but it was easy to tell if his brother-in-law had nefarious plans. He could only imagine what he had said to Blitzø to make him run off.
“If I may…” Stolas stepped out to join the two imps. They both looked back at him. Moxie gapped as if just realizing he was there. He muttered a quick ‘Your Highness!’ before Blitzø nudged him to shut up. “I believe this may have something to do with me… Or us in a way.” Stolas gestured between Blitzø and himself. “My brother-in-law may be trying to find ways for me to be considered ‘unfit to rule’ and what better than to prove that I was involved sexually with an imp.” He rolled his eyes and watched Blitzø visibly deflate. He quickly corrected himself. “It’s not that I care if Hell finds out, it’s more about him being the one to do it. I’d rather he mind his damn business about my affairs.” Stolas grumbled.
Blitzø huffed, “Well-”
He was interrupted by a cry outside of the room, “Guys!”
“Millie!” Moxxie yelped as he opened the door to find Millie running down the hall, she threw a smoke bomb into the main room behind her.
She noticed the three watching her and called out, “C'mon guys! I knew something was off about that rich snooty fucker! Let’s go!”
Moxxie ran after her, followed by Blitzø. Stolas stood still, unsure what to do until Blitzø came back and grabbed him by the arm, dragging the large burd along with them.
“C’mon Stols! Open up a portal or something.” Blitzø yelled as he tried to keep up with Millie and Moxxie in front of him.
Stolas blinked, finally realizing what he had been asked to do after fixating on the way Blitzø grabbed his arm. “Oh! I can’t exactly open portals inside other Goetian palaces…” He recalled why he had to open a portal outside of the residence instead of just portalling straight inside.
“You’ve got to be fucking joking!” Blitzø squawked, “What a stupid fucking rule!” He was still holding onto Stolas.
All of a sudden pillars of ice were forming all over the hall, erupting gasps and swears from the imps. Stolas recognized this as Andrealphus’ doing. He was trying to stop them from leaving.
“Hold on, Stols!” Blitzø yanked Stolas closer, grabbing him by the waist, and with his other hand he grabbed his pistol and started shooting at the pillars in front of them. They exploded into millions of shards, leaving them room to leave without obstacles.
Finally, they pushed through the front gate and tried to catch their breath.
“Okay, now can you portal??” Blitzø breathed out, clearly still gasping for air.
“Yes of course!” Stolas cleared his mind as he ripped through reality and out came the I.M.P. headquarters. He looked back at the three imps, “I believe we should scatter for now. We should not give Andrealphus a reason to seek us out any longer.” Millie and Moxxie hopped through the portal but not before thanking the prince.
Blitzø lingered, staring at Stolas before slowly making his way to the portal.
Stolas grabbed his arm before he made it too far in, “Wait!... Call me when it’s clear you are safe… Okay?”
Blitzø paused before nodding. “Okay. I will.”
Stolas breathed a sigh of relief, “Thank you.” Blitzø gave him one last small, but sincere, smile before heading into the portal. Stolas closed it and stared at the emptiness where his portal just was.
“What!?” Stolas heard a squawk behind him. He turned around to see Andrealphus followed behind a crowd of Goetias, hellhounds, and imp servants.
Stolas huffed and tightened his talons into fists. He walked up to Andrealphus and said, “Brother, I do not wish any harm upon you. So do not do the same for me, or anyone else I care about. I have enough to deal with when it comes to your sister. So do not fuck with me, I swear.” He pointed an accusatory finger at Andrealphus, who just stared at him with an open mouth. He continued, “I’m going to go back to my manor and this better not be a recurring thing.” Stolas turned away, not spearing another glance at his brother-in-law and any bystanders. He opened a portal to his bedroom and put his whole body weight onto his bed. Groaning in exhaustion.
He closed his eyes for a moment. Before he was interrupted by his phone buzzing in his pocket. He quickly answered after seeing who was on the line.
“Hello? Are you safe?”
“Yeah, we should be good now. Me and Loona are going to stay with Millie and Moxxie for the night just in case.”
Stolas smiled slightly at the sound of his dearest’s voice. He nodded before realizing Blitzø couldn’t see him. “Good. That’s good.”
There was a moment of silence before some shuffling on the other end.
“You’re gonna have to show me how to use this thing.”
Stolas was about to ask ‘What thing?’ before realizing the item that he had in his pocket for weeks wasn’t there anymore. And that everything that happened today actually happened.
“Yes, of course. It can be difficult to get it started. I can provide you with books and advice. I can also ask Asmodeus if he has any time to teach you-”
“Stolas, no. I was asking you.” Blitzø interrupted. Stolas snapped his beak shut. “When are you free, feathers?”
Stolas gripped the phone tighter, “How does the day after tomorrow sound? 3 o’clock?”
“Sounds perfect. I’ll pay for lunch though!”
Stolas smiled.
“Perfect.”