Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

He couldn’t fucking do it. 

Blitzø just couldn’t do it. He loved his Looney-tooney to bits, but this was getting out of hand. Loona felt like a lost cause. Sure, he had hope in her—all the hope, even. But Loona was just so much to handle. She was a menace and she was only nine. Nine fucking years old! Imagine how bad she’d get the moment she entered puberty? How could he raise her for seven more years? 

He wasn’t cut out for this. He didn’t want to be a parent; at least not at his age. He was only twenty-five and he was already raising a kid. It was insane! He wanted to be one when he was at least twenty-eight or some shit. Twenty-five was way too early. 

But he had no choice. He loved the kid with all his heart. She lost her mother and needed him to help her. She needed him to be with her and love her. She needed someone to raise her. He was the only one she had left because her father was a deadbeat and he had battled his own father in court just to get custody of her.

Also the fact that his father fucking beat his fucking niece just like when he was a kid.

“I want my mommy!” Loona yelled, throwing her food all over the place with Blitzø beside her, trying to get her to calm down. 

Blitzø Buckzo was forced to raise Loona Buckzo, the late Barbie Buckzo’s daughter. But he honestly saw this coming. It was a miracle that CPS wasn’t called on Barbie with the way she was raising her kid.

He didn’t know until she died that Loona was barely even fed on a daily basis and that their living conditions were poor. No wonder she always wanted to drop Loona off whenever she needed him to babysit the kid. Their fucking trailer was a mess because she was a lazy woman who never took out the trash and used the entire house as their garbage disposal. 

“Loona sweetie, please, ” Blitzø pleaded, wincing when Loona decided that she wanted to start hurling the food at him. “Please, can you calm down? We’re at a public place and you need to behave.” 

“I. WANT. MOMMY!” 

It’s only been a month. How on Earth was he going to do this? The dirty stares they were getting from the other people in the burger place weren't helping, either. 

“Sir, we’re going to have to ask you to leave,” One of the staff said, his face sympathetic. “She’s causing a public disturbance.” 

“Right, yeah. I’m so sorry,” Blitzø apologized, his head hanging low. “Loons, we gotta go. Okay? We’re goin’ home.” 

“Your apartment is not my home! My home is with my mommy!” Loona yelled at the top of her lungs, pounding her fists on the table of the booth. 

Blitzø could feel his blood boil. His skin began to crawl from all the humiliation he was facing and the anger that was creeping up inside. He wanted Loona to stop screaming; to stop being like this. He wanted to tell her that the trailer she lived in with her mom was filthy and that he was feeding her three to four times a day. He understood that she lost her mother, but he also lost his sister who he also was so frustrated at for raising a child in horrible conditions. It was so unfair that he had to walk this child through grief and through life when he, himself, was nowhere near stable and was confused about how he should feel towards his late twin. He didn’t want this for himself in the first place. She needed him, but he also needed someone. He couldn’t keep living like this. 

“Loo-” 

“If I may.” 

The pair whipped their heads towards the voice. Behind them stood a lanky man with blue eyes and brown hair. He was at least six foot one and had so much poise in his step, making him look like an actual fucking prince. Not to mention the fact that he also had a posh accent and really pale skin.

“Loona, yes?” The man asked with a kind smile, leaning down at Loona whose eyes were blown wide. 

“Woah, woah!” Blitzø exclaimed, alerting Loona who was now back to her aggressive demeanor. “Get the fuck away from her, buddy. Are you a fucking creep or some shit?” 

The man chuckled and gestured to his smiling daughter who was seated in the booth across theirs. “I have a daughter. I am simply trying to help.” 

Blitzø raised an eyebrow at the man. “Good luck fucking helping her, then. She’s gonna laugh at you and spit in your fucking face.” 

“You aren’t going to do that, are you, Loona?” 

The man spoke with a tone similar to the woman with the overalls on YouTube that Loona liked to watch when she was a bit younger. Blitzø paused and watched as Loona’s raised shoulders began to relax. 

To say Blitzø was stunned would be an understatement when Loona shook her head. 

“Good girl! I know you are Loona, so it is only fair that you know my name,” The man continued with a kind smile. “I am Stolas Goetia. You can call me Mister Stolas.” 

“M-Mister Stolas.” Loona whispered, her eyes meeting Stolas’s.

“Yes, that is right! Great job, Loona,” Stolas praised. “Can I be your friend?” 

Loona paused. “U-Uncle Blitzø said I’m not allowed to be friends with strangers.” 

Stolas nodded in agreement. “That is correct. I am very proud of you for remembering that! Would you like to know something about me? Then you can tell me something about you so that we are no longer strangers!”  

By then, everyone had gone back to enjoying their time in the establishment as Loona had finally piped down. Blitzø watched intently as the man spoke to his… His daughter. 

The label made him shudder. He still couldn’t believe it. His niece became his daughter overnight. 

Loona nodded at Stolas’ suggestion, so the man spoke. “As you know, I am Stolas Goetia. I am twenty-six years old and I have a daughter named Octavia! She is seven years old.” 

The guy was twenty-six? That means he had his kid when he was only nineteen. Why’d he look so fucking put-together if he had a kid when he was a kid? 

With a timid look on her face, Loona turned towards Blitzø as if silently asking him if it was okay. Blitzø nodded. “I-I’m Loona Buckzo. I’m n-nine years old. I live with my uncle.” 

Stolas smiled and nodded. “Very good! We are no longer strangers, yes? Can we be friends?” 

“I guess…” 

“Splendid. Since friends tell each other things, would you like to tell me something?” 

Blitzø looked at Stolas’s kid who showed him a bright smile and a thumbs up as if telling him that her dad had it covered. Stolas was good at this. 

“I… My mommy…” 

This prompted Blitzø to become alert again. Loona hated talking about Barbie and she usually cried a lot whenever she remembered her. This led Blitzø to buy her stuff she wanted so she would stop crying. Blitzø hated seeing her cry. 

“She hates-” 

“Please let her speak.” Stolas said, his tone still as gentle as it was before but it was slightly more stern. 

Blitzø pressed his lips into a thin line as he watched Loona speak. “She… She’s not here anymore.” 

The distress on Loona’s face made Blitzø want to take her away. She was clearly close to crying, so why was Stolas letting her talk about it? She didn’t want to talk about it!

“Would you like to tell me what happened?” 

“I-I-” Loona’s lip quivered, making Blitzø scramble to his feet. 

“That’s enough! Loona, sweetie, what do you want? You want ice cream? I’ll get you ice cream. Don’t cry, honey. I’m here.” 

Loona began to show signs of frustration as her legs started to kick and her sobs were beginning to grow louder. 

Blitzø was about to go to the counter to get her some ice cream when Stolas stopped her. “Hold on. Blitzø, right?” 

“What’s it to you? You made her cry and I’m fixing your shit!” 

“Listen to-”

“No, you listen to me! I-”

“Pipe down.” 

The authority in Stolas’s voice was enough to make Blitzø freeze.

Stolas sighed. “She is acting out because she is not allowed to cry. Crying is a healthy way of expelling her of negative emotions and you are stripping her of that tool, so she turns to other ways to help her cope. It is why she acts out and screams when she wants her mother or is frustrated. Instead of embracing her emotions and being in touch with them, you are teaching her to bottle them up. And when she doesn’t get her way, she may also turn to crying because you appease her every desire when she cries.” 

Blitzø was stunned. Not only was this something that he did, but this was standard practice in Barbie’s household. Whenever Loona acted out, she would get her shit and it would make her shut up. No wonder Loona bursted out a lot: she was never taught how to handle her emotions. 

“Shit… I-” 

“It is not your fault. I can tell that this is not something you enforced upon her consciously. You are not her father, which means you are new to the parenting set-up. Correct?” 

The younger nodded, prompting Stolas to pat his back. “I got this, Uncle Blitzø. You can sit back.” 

And Blitzø did.

“Loona, Uncle Blitzø says it’s okay to talk about it. Would you like to?” 

Loona looked at her uncle who nodded at her. “O-okay.” 

Stolas smiled at her. “Whenever you are ready, Sweetheart.” 

The small girl took a deep breath and began to talk, her grey eyes teary. “She… She died because the plane she was in crashed. She left me with… With Uncle Blitzø for a week because she went on a vacation. Then when she didn’t come home for more than a week and Uncle Blitzø was starting to look tired, I got worried and asked Auntie Verosika about it. Auntie Verosika is Mommy’s best friend. She told me Mommy went to heaven.” 

“I see. And how did this make you feel, Sweetie?” 

“I-it made me sad. I didn’t believe it a-at first, but I asked Uncle Blitzø about it. He whispered ‘Effing Verosika’ and told me the whole thing. I knew it was the truth because Uncle Blitzø never lies to me.” Loona said, tears now streaming down her face.

Stolas glanced at Blitzø who liked he was about to take a massive shit and looked back at Loona. “And you have been living with him since?” 

Loona shook her head. “I stayed with Grandpa for a while. B-but he was bad and Uncle Blitzø rescued me from there.” 

Stolas nodded and offered her a tissue, to which she accepted and wiped the snot off her nose. “How long have you been staying with Uncle Blitzø?” 

“F-for a month. He told me that I’m going to stay with him forever now and I-I’m fine with that b-but… But I-I want my m-mommy!” 

It took everything in Blitzø not to console his crying niece. He watched as she bawled loudly, and then started to quietly sob after a few minutes. She began to hug herself, crying into the sleeves of her sweatshirt as she did so. Blitzø glanced at Stolas who only gave him a reassuring smile that said she would be okay. 

A few more minutes of crying later, Loona began to wipe her tears away and settle down. She made grabby hands for her soda—the one thing she didn’t throw—looking at her uncle as she did so. Blitzø turned to Stolas who nodded, making him push the soda towards her. 

“I’m sorry, Uncle Blitzø. I’ll be a good girl now.” Loona said quietly. 

Stolas smiled at Blitzø. “You’re welcome, Uncle Blitzø.”

“Daddy? I am sorry to interrupt but Dinkee’s camera alerted me that she knocked it over and the microphone picked up her crying.” Octavia spoke as she pointed to the phone in her hand. 

“Thank you, Starfire,” Stolas said, taking the phone from Octavia who skipped back to the booth to get her things. “This is where I shall take my leave. You were such a treat to be around, Loona! Shall I see you around?”

Loona nodded. “See you around, Mister Stolas.” 

“Wait.” Blitzø said, grabbing Stolas’s wrist before the other could leave. “How will I find you the next time I need help?” 

Stolas smiled. “You’ll see me again soon.” 

And with that, Stolas walked out of the establishment, leaving a calm Loona and a flabbergasted Blitzø behind.

Chapter Text

Blitzø had two weeks before Loona’s school starts. She’s been enrolled and the only thing they had to do was to buy all the shit in the list of requirements the school provided. Blitzø grimaced upon seeing the uniform because he couldn’t believe that Loona had to be forced into wearing a fucking set of clothes she’d most probably hate. 

“Can I have Cinnamon Toast Crunch for breakfast?” Loona asked.

With much enthusiasm, Blitzø nodded and began to make her a bowl. “You don’t have to ask if you can have any food, Sweetie. You can just take some or ask me to make you something if you need me to.” 

Ever since that encounter with Stolas two weeks ago, Blitzø adjusted his parenting style based on what he was told and it was doing wonders. Loona was fairly tame and easier to manage than she usually was. He was happy that he could actually talk to her like a normal human without her screaming and crying. 

She still did cry for Barbie sometimes, but she was a kid who lost her mom. He’s just glad that she seemed to still be doing alright. 

The next challenge was getting her settled into her new school as she had stopped going to school for an entire year. They were also currently living in Pasadena, California and Loona grew up in Texas. It was such a drastic change because a kid who grew up in such a rural part of the country suddenly had to move into the hustle and bustle of an urban city. He was worried about how she’d feel. 

Loona never acted like she was from somewhere else. She didn’t even have a Texan accent because she copied Barbie—who didn’t have an accent as she and Blitzø were born and raised in Utah—growing up. She seemed well-adjusted to the city life and Blitzø tried his best to provide for her in any way he could. 

But he just couldn’t predict her and he was terrified for that reason.

“Hey, Looney?” 

Loona looked at him, cheeks stuffed with cereal. “Yeah?” 

“How do you feel about shopping for school stuff today since it’s my day off?” 

The small girl paused and eyed him carefully before swallowing her food. “Do I have to go to school?” 

Blitzø scratched his nape. “Of course you do, Sweetie. School is important because that’s where you learn stuff.”

“But I didn’t have to do it for a year,” Loona said, her voice becoming whiny. “Why do I have to do it now?”

God, Blitzø wanted to jump off the balcony. “You took a year off school because things were getting complicated, Sweetie. But now, you need to go back to school so you can start learning again. It’ll be fun! You can pick out all your school stuff and we can go check your school out if you like.” 

Loona began playing with her food, swirling the cereal around as she contemplated. “Is the school nice?” 

“It is, Honey. I made sure to pick out a nice school for you. There’s a playground with swings and a big slide. They also have a cool library. You love to read books, right?”

Relief washed over Blitzø as he saw her eyes light up a bit. “Library?” 

“Yes. Their cafeteria is also really nice and their classrooms are colorful and clean. What do you say?” 

“...Will there be bullies?” 

Blitzø frowned. “Were you bullied back then at school?” 

Quietly, she nodded. “They said I was adopted because I have brown hair and grey eyes with white skin and mommy had black hair and brown eyes with brown skin. They also called me a nerd for reading all the time and they tried to break my headphones a lot.” 

Blitzø looked at her in disbelief. “Did you tell your mommy about all this?” 

“Yeah. She told me to suck it up because we had no other place to go and that people bully her all the time but she never complained.” 

With a sinking feeling in his chest, he sighed and pulled his niece into a hug. “I’m so sorry, Loons. But I promise, no one is going to hurt you now that I’m here. Okay? No one’s gonna bully you. The moment someone tries, tell me and I’ll kick their ass.” 

“That’s a bad word.” 

Blitzø laughed. “Oh, get off my back. Your mom said way worse in front of you.” 

Loona laughed as well after he said that, but he felt a surge of regret because no child should have had to hear the worst come out of their own mother’s mouth. 

-

Loona had a big smile on her face and Blitzø had an even bigger smile after they finished shopping. They drove all around the city in search of Loona’s school supplies. She had gotten a new purple backpack, notebooks, pens, art supplies, and other stuff she would need for school. Blitzø splurged a bit more and got her a few new clothes and two new books as well. 

While shopping though, Blitzø had noticed that Loona paid a lot of attention to the price tags. It took a lot of convincing for her to finally cave in and choose a backpack she actually liked instead of the cheaper one that she initially chose (which was an ugly shade of green). She kept choosing low-quality shit that was on the cheaper side and Blitzø just couldn’t help but feel frustrated. He was thankful that Loona knew how to be frugal at such an early age, but she shouldn’t have to pay attention to price tags at such a young age. Barbie was probably open about how they were struggling financially and Loona probably thought that that was still the case with Blitzø. The gravity of her uncle being a software engineer who makes at least $2,500 a week and was more than capable to provide her every need and more just didn’t dawn on her yet and he already wanted to spoil her. 

But he understood that this was what Loona was used to and it would take a while for her to adjust. 

“The playground here is so cool!” Loona yelled, running towards the swings. 

Blitzø smiled and whipped out his phone to take a video of her. “Want me to push you on the swing?” 

After playing, Loona asked if they could visit the library. It was just a short walk from the playground and the small girl was so excited the entire time. Her hands were clasped together and she was practically skipping towards it with so much enthusiasm. 

The look on her face was golden and Blitzø was so glad he caught it on camera when she saw the library. It was colorful and had several shelves filled with all the books she could ever want to read. She sped off into them with Blitzø trailing behind her. 

“Look at this, Uncle Blitzø! They have all the Percy Jackson books!” She quietly exclaimed, pointing at the collection. 

“I can buy you that entire collection, you know?” Blitzø said with a smile. “We can stop by the bookstore before we go home.”

Loona pressed her lips into a thin line. “You already spent a lot today.” 

Blitzø sighed and nodded before patting her head. “I’ll get that for you on another day, then. I’ll surprise you.”

This made Loona gasp with excitement. “Really? You’re really going to get it? I promise I’ll be good! I’ll be the goodest girl! I’ll clean the house and wash the dishes.” 

“Of course, Sweetie. I’ll get it for you. There’s no need to do chores.” Blitzø said as he put a reminder on his calendar to get it for her three days later. 

Loona looked at him with a confused expression. “No chores?” 

“No, Honey. No chores.” Blitzø said with a smile. 

“...But mommy only got me things I wanted if I worked hard enough. Like candy or toys or books.” 

Blitzø sighed, What did his sister do to her fucking kid? “Well, things are different now. You’re allowed to have anything you want with me, okay? You don’t have to wash dishes or clean the apartment to get what you want.” 

“Mommy said that that’s for spoiled brats. Am I going to be a spoiled brat?” Loona said, concern plastered upon her small face. She’s fucking so cute. 

“No, Honey. You deserve nice things, okay? I’m spoiling you because I can and you deserve it,” Blitzø said with a smile. “Just keep being my happy and nice girl, okay?” 

Loona nodded with much enthusiasm. “Okay!” 

She then skidded off to check out more books. Blitzø sighed as he watched her be all excited. Loona didn’t deserve to be brought up that way. No kid does.

Maybe losing Barbie was a blessing for Loona. It sounds terrible and he knows that, but she was a shitty mother and Loona is a wonderful kid who’s got a bright future ahead of her. 

“Excuse me?” 

Blitzø flinched after feeling a tug on his jacket’s sleeve, turning around to see a familiar kid who had black hair and blue eyes. She waved at him with a small smile. “Hello, Mister! Do you remember me?” 

“I’m not sure I do, kiddo,” Blitzø said, kneeling in front of her to talk to her at eye-level. “But you do seem familiar. Where have we met before?” 

“My daddy helped you get Loona to stop crying!” The small girl exclaimed with a smile. 

It clicked in Blitzø’s head. She got her eyes from her father. “Ah, you’re Stolas’s kid. Hello there! Octavia, right?” 

“Yes! What are you doing here today? Are you looking for something to read?” Octavia asked with a smile.

“Oh, I’m here with Loona. She’s looking around because she loves to read,” Blitzø said, gesturing towards Loona who was checking out books. “She’s going to start school here next week. How about you? What are you doing here?” 

“I go to school here and Daddy also works here!” She said, her smile never leaving her face. “He is the librarian.” 

Blitzø raised his eyebrows at that. “The librarian, you say?” 

“Yes. Daddy loves to read and he says he has fun at his job. But he doesn’t work here all the time.” 

“What do you mean by that?” Blitzø asked. 

“He works at another school around here as well! He does stuff about… About… I dunno, really. It’s complicated stuff!” She said, her smile now a bit more confused. 

Blitzø tilted his head at this. “He’s working on complicated stuff and is a librarian?” 

“Via!” 

In came Stolas, practically jogging towards his daughter. “What did I tell you about never leaving my sight?” 

“Sorry, Daddy,” Octavia said with a pout. “I saw Mister Blitzø and I had to say hi!” 

Blitzø cleared his throat and stood up straight so he could greet Stolas properly. “Hello.”

“Oh, hello!” Stolas greeted back. “Have you enrolled Loona here?” 

“Yeah. She’s somewhere around here hitting the books,” Blitzø said. “Octavia says you’re the librarian?” 

Stolas chuckled. “Oh, heavens no. I simply volunteer to help around here when I am free. I am an Anesthesiologist at Huntington Hospital.” 

Blitzø almost choked on his own spit. “An anesthe- my god. Via, you said your daddy works in a school.” 

“Oh, she thinks I work in one despite me telling her many times that it is a hospital. Such a darling, this one.” 

“Hospi-pit-pital is hard to say!” Octavia said with a huff. “They are basically the same thing.” 

This made Blitzø snort in amusement. “Sure they are.” 

“And what do you do, Blitzø? If you don’t mind me asking.” Stolas asked with a smile. 

“I’m a software engineer. I work from home.” Blitzø explained. 

“Ah, I see. So your time is more flexible?” Stolas inquired. 

“Yeah. I get to spend more time with Looney while I work. She likes to watch me work sometimes.” 

“Daddy,” Octavia whined while pulling on her father’s pants. “I’m hungry.” 

Stolas checked his watch. “Ah, I see it is lunch time. Let us get something to eat. Would you like to join us, Blitzø?”

“Let me ask the boss first. One sec,” Blitzø replied and walked over to Loona who was engrossed in a picture book. “Loona, I just ran into Mister Stolas and he asked if we’d like to join them for lunch.”

Loona immediately nodded. “Yes! I’d love that.” 

Chapter Text

“I want some of that yummy stuff I had last time, Daddy!” Octavia exclaimed, holding her father’s hand as she jumped up and down in excitement. 

They were approaching an all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant and Loona was ecstatic. She had never had sushi before in her life and was excited to try some. Stolas had inquired about Loona’s allergies and food that she hated prior to the trip, but Loona wasn’t really allergic to anything that they knew of and she wasn’t a picky eater either. Blitzø made a mental note to book an appointment for Loona’s general check up during the conversation just to make sure that he wasn’t missing anything. He put off so much the past month because he could barely even talk to Loona without her crying because she wanted her mother.

“Is everything in sushi raw?” Loona asked, eyes bright with curiosity. 

Blitzø chuckled and patted her head. “No, Looney. There’s some kinds of sushi with cooked stuff like shrimp tempura sushi and egg sushi.”

The small girl contemplated for a bit before speaking. “I wanna try some of the raw ones. I want to see if they taste good.” 

“Well, I’m so darn proud of you for being brave, Sweetie.” Blitzø said with a wide smile. 

“You’ll love the California rolls, Loona! They’re delicious. And what’s the yummy stuff I had last time, Dad?” 

“Dango, Starfire,” Stolas said with a smile. “It’s balls of sticky rice with sweet sauce. I’m sure you’ll find it to be delicious, Loona.” 

Loona smiled. “Sounds great!”

Stolas opened the door and allowed all of them to enter. Blitzø ushered the kids into a booth as the older followed. They sat at a window booth and Octavia happily pressed her face against the glass as she watched all the cars zoom by. A waiter approached them and gave them their plates and utensils and it was off to the buffet. 

Blitzø found the place very nice. It was cozy and warm and Loona seemed to be thoroughly enjoying herself. She picked out one of every roll she could find because she wanted to try everything out. Blitzø focused more on the uni and tobiko rolls as those were his personal favorites, as well as a few salmon rolls. He took a peek at Stolas’s plate and saw him choose a variety of rolls and side dishes, much like Octavia who was leading Loona around and telling her which ones were the best. It was nice to see Loona venturing out. She seemed relaxed around Octavia and his worries about her not being able to make friends were somewhat silenced. 

“Desserts and drinks are over there, girls,” Stolas gestured to the other side of the restaurant. “Bring your plates over to the table and go grab some for all of us.” 

The girls gasped in excitement and quickly sped over to their spot to put their plates full of sushi down. Blitzø chuckled and followed soon after, placing his own plate onto the table and taking a seat. Stolas sat across him and separated his chopsticks. Blitzø did the same with his. 

“Do you have work today, Blitzø?” Stolas asked as he dipped his sashimi in soy sauce. 

“It’s my day off. I’m off on Wednesdays and Sundays. How about you?” Blitzø replied, stuffing his mouth with an uni roll and then sighing in delight. 

Stolas tittered. “I am off on the weekends, but I may still be on-call during that time whenever we are short-staffed.” 

“Must be tiring, then,” Blitzø said. “Since hospitals are always short-staffed.” 

“Oh, Blitzø, I am alright. I’m still quite young and I’ve got much energy to exert.” 

That got Blitzø thinking. Didn’t becoming an anesthesiologist take about twelve years to complete? Why was Stolas already one when he was only twenty-six? 

“You look like you’ve got something you wish to ask me,” Stolas pointed out with a kind smile. “Go on, then.” 

Wouldn’t that be offensive? They weren’t close and this was only their second meeting. Blitzø didn’t want to pry. “I don’t think I’m in the position to ask questions yet.” 

“Well, I am putting you in that position, so you may ask.” Stolas responded. 

Blitzø contemplated for a moment before speaking. “Doesn’t it take a shi- a load of years to be an anesthesiologist? How come you already are one before thirty?” 

“Oh, Blitzø, that is a valid question. You needn’t contemplate,” Stolas assured with a smile. “And I officially became one a year ago at twenty-four turning twenty-five. I graduated high school when I was thirteen.” 

Blitzø almost spit out his food. He was in front of a fucking genius?!

Stolas laughed at Blitzø’s baffled expression. “Yes, Blitzø. I am what you would consider a ‘genius’. I come from a long line of geniuses who are all either in the scientific or medical field. I am not the first in our family to finish high school at the age of thirteen.” 

“That’s- wow. That’s brilliant, Stolas,” Blitzø said, at a loss for words. “And here I am thinking I’m all that because I’m the first in our family to actually get a Bachelor in Science degree.” 

“Getting a Bachelor in Science degree is no easy feat, Blitzø. To not be proud of that would be considered criminal.” Stolas said with a smile. 

“You’re so humble for a genius.” 

“Let’s just say that I do not take after my family.” 

Blitzø wanted to ask more, but Octavia and Loona had already made their way back to the table, so he and Stolas had to move out of their seats so the kids could sit by the window. As Stolas fussed over his daughter, Blitzø couldn’t help but wonder if his family had anything to do with Octavia and why they were in America despite obviously being very British. 

“Uncle Blitzø, these cream cheese roll things are so good,” Loona said, her mouth full of food. “You should try some!” 

Blitzø chuckled and wiped the cream cheese off the side of Loona’s mouth with a napkin. “Sure, Kiddo. I’ll try some after I finish everything on my plate.” 

- 

After their hearty meal, Octavia had asked her father if they could take Loona and Blitzø to their scheduled shopping trip in the mall. Loona grimaced at this, concerned with the amount of money Blitzø had spent for her earlier that day. Blitzø had read into her expression and smiled, saying that they didn’t need to go if she wasn’t comfortable.

“It’s not that… I just… I don’t want you to spend too much money.” Loona said quietly as Stolas brought Octavia over to the side so they could talk. 

“Honey, it’s alright. I can spend a little more extra money just for you, okay?” 

Loona hesitated. “But what if you… You run out? Like Mom did back then.” 

“Oh, Sweetie… Here, look,” Blitzø said, taking out his phone and tapping the bank app to show her the balance. “See? We won’t run out of money. You can eat all the food you like and buy all the things you want all the time!” 

The small girl looked at her uncle with sparkling eyes. “Really?” 

“Really,” Blitzø assured with a smile. “What do you say, Kiddo?” 

“But don’t… Spend your money all the time, okay?” Loona said, concern etched onto her face.

Blitzø barked out a laugh at this. “Okay. Now, c’mon. Octavia’s looking like she's been wanting to shop with you since forever.”

The pair walked over to the father-daughter duo and told them that they were coming. Fifteen minutes later, both cars were in the mall’s parking lot and the girls ran straight to the first Target they saw with their fathers trailing behind. 

“Now, now, Starfire. We are not only getting toys today. We need to shop for Dinkee as well.” Stolas said, eyeing her daughter who had a pile of toys in her cart. Blitzø had found out from Loona that Dinkee was Octavia's 4-month old golden retriever.

Blitzø chuckled. “You sure spoil her a lot.” 

“I don't do this every single day. Plus, she deserves it,” Stolas said with a smile. “She works hard in everything she does, really. And she’s such a dream as well. She never fusses and is such a caring child. I often wonder how she remains so kind in such a cruel world.” 

“Yeah? Same goes with Loona. Kids are just so full of innocence and wonder that the world doesn’t really knock ‘em down. That follows when they’re adults and realize how traumatized they actually are.” Blitzø joked which had Stolas tittering. 

“She is such a resilient girl, Octavia. I am so proud of who she is becoming. She is an electric guitar-playing prodigy and has begun to take interest in playing the bass guitar.”

Blitzø hummed and plopped a purple pillow he saw into his cart. “Takes after her daddy, then?”

“Oh, I’d rather she not,” Stolas replied. “I am all but resilient.” 

“Quit being so humble. You’re resilient as hell.” Blitzø chided as they continued to walk, looking around the shelves for anything that he thought Loona would like. 

“You quit.” Stolas replied, a smile evident on his face. 

Blitzø was glad that they were hitting it off. Stolas seemed nice and he could use the parenting advice Stolas always seemed to have up his sleeve. 

“Uncle Blitzø?” Loona called out. “Can I get this?”

In her hands was a small ball which read ‘Miniverse’. 

“It's this toy that's like a mini version of stuff. I promise I won't ask for anything else! Just this one.” 

Stolas swore he saw Blitzø’s eyes sparkle. 

“Are you sure you want just one? We can get an entire box if you like.” Blitzø offered. 

“Just one. I don't need that many.” Loona said with a smile. 

Blitzø happily nodded and placed the ball in his cart. This made Stolas laugh. What could Blitzø say, really? He loved his niece-who-is-also-his-daughter. 

After their shopping trip, the girls got frozen yogurt at a nearby store. Blitzø came to find out that Loona actually loved frozen yogurt and pretended to not really like it all that much when Barbie was still around because she would always say no everytime she asked if they could get some as a ploy to convince herself that she didn't like it as much. Blitzø almost cried and got her the biggest size available. 

“Don't spoil her too much,” Stolas chided. “Loona is a wonderful girl, but it could get to her and she might use that to her advantage.” 

Blitzø looked taken aback, but nodded nonetheless. “When do I know if enough is enough?” 

“When she starts trying to manipulate you to get what she wants. It happened to Octavia once. I put a stop to it as soon as I caught wind.”:

The shorter nodded gratefully as he ate through his frozen yogurt, making a mental note to not let Loona become a spoiled brat. 

A shrill beeping sound coming from Stolas’s watch made them all pause, an evident pout making its way onto Octavia’s face. 

“Ah, it seems we must be off, Starfire. It is twenty minutes before my shift,” Stolas said, placing his hand on his daughter’s shoulder. A ‘ping’ resonated from his phone as soon as he said that. “Ah! Cecilia is on her way to the house. We must take our leave.” 

“Bye, Loona,” Octavia said with a wave. “I have to go now. When are you available? I would love for us to hang out again sometime!” 

“Here,” Stolas said after scribbling something on a tissue paper. “It is my phone number. Contact me if Loona wishes to spend time with Via so we can make arrangements.” 

“Thanks.” Blitzø said with an appreciative smile. 

“We'll see you soon, Loona. Come now, Darling.” 

“Bye!” Octavia said with a big smile as she waved enthusiastically. 

Loona waved back with the same energy, her big smile showing her crooked teeth. 

Braces. Blitzø told himself. She definitely needs to go to a dentist. 

Chapter Text

“Do we have to go?” Loona whined, feet firmly planted on the floor beneath her. 

“Yes, Sweetie. We gotta. Okay?” Blitzø said. “This is for your own good.” 

Blitzø had scheduled her doctor and dentist appointments and Loona was not happy about it. Her dentist appointment came first and she was shaking like a leaf. They were at the lobby of the clinic and the nurse had just called Loona’s name. 

“I'm scared. Are they gonna pull my teeth out?” Loona said, 

Blitzø chuckled. “They won't, alright? I promise we'll get frozen yogurt right after.” 

The small girl’s face lit up a bit. “Promise?” 

“I promise. But only if you're good.” 

Loona hesitantly walked towards the dentist's office with Blitzø following behind her. 

He had made sure to choose a clinic that was for kids. The clinic had cartoon animal paintings all over the walls and even the dentist’s office was colorful. There was an LED screen on the ceiling that was playing the show Bluey so that when kids needed to get their teeth tended to, they could watch the show as well. 

“Hello there, Loona and Dad!” The doctor greeted. She had her PPE on and smiled behind her face mask, the nurse behind her wearing the same medical equipment. “I'm Doctor Evangeline Murphy but you can call me Doctor Evie. This is Nurse Lizzie. I heard that little Loona is here for a check up?” 

Loona hid behind her Uncle, gripping the sleeves of his shirt as she did. 

“Ah, yes. We'd like to have her teeth all checked up. Make sure they're nice and strong and a-okay.” Blitzø said with a smile. 

Doctor Evie nodded and gestured to the dental chair. “Come have a seat, Loona! We'll get those pretty teeth checked and then you can have a toy from the toy box right after!” 

Loona peered from Blitzø’s back, interested in the toy box that was sitting on a table across the room. “Will it hurt?” 

“Of course not, Sweetie! Nurse Lizzie and I will make sure that it won't hurt one bit.” 

Blitzø smiles at her and knelt down to speak. “I trust her with my life, Looney, which means I think she's safe. You can trust her. She won't hurt you.” 

Loona fiddled with her fingers before silently walking towards the dental chair and taking a seat. 

“Great job, Loona! We’ll clean up your teeth first before anything else. I'm just going to brush your teeth for you, okay? Say ah!” 

Loona did as she was told and Blitzø clasped his hands together in nervousness. It's been two weeks since she last acted out and he hoped this wouldn't be the day she decides that she's back to that again. 

A few minutes later, the Doctor informed Blitzø that they needed to take an x-ray of Loona’s teeth, so he went over to explain everything to her. She agreed because she knew about x-rays and knew what they were for, so they didn't scare her, which earned her a hug from her Uncle as he told her that he was proud of her. 

“See you in a bit, Looney!” Blitzø called out as he watched her enter the room. 

A few more minutes passed by and Blitzø was back in the office with Loona. The doctor had her x-ray up and began to explain what was going on with Loona’s teeth and jaw. 

“Her teeth are crooked. As you can see here, her bottom incisors aren't in place. Her two top ones are protruding outwards and the other two are further back. Her canines are also protruding. She has an overbite which may affect her jaw in the long run if left untreated,” Doctor Evie said, pointing to Loona’s teeth on the x-ray as she explained. “I asked Loona if she sucks her thumb or stopped using the pacifier later in life, and she told me that she was using her pacifier until age six.” 

Blitzø nodded with a small sigh as he listened to the doctor continue. 

“She also has dental caries in three of her molars which indicate poor dental hygiene. Luckily, her case isn't too serious, but we do need to have her get fillings for two. The other one can be remedied with fluoride treatment.” 

Blitzø pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed once again. Loona was obviously in need of help. Her hygiene wasn't horrible in general—she was a clean kid. This probably happened because she wasn't guided. Little kids still need to be told when to brush their teeth. 

“She will need to get braces and get her caries treated, but that's basically it. We can treat her caries first and then I'll schedule her for another appointment for her braces. Does that sound alright?” 

Loona looked at her uncle nervously. “What do you think, Looney?” 

The small girl nodded. “O-okay.” 

-

Loona procured a small pink penguin after the appointment. She was in a daze from the stress, so Blitzø carried her to the car and buckled her in. He felt bad for her. She was in such a horrible state and hated that she had to go through so much neglect growing up. 

“Looney, we can't get frozen yogurt today. I'm sorry,” Blitzø said after buckling Loona into her seat. “The doctor said you have to avoid really cold food until next week when your fillings settle. We'll have your braces done tomorrow.”

Loona nodded and looked out the window. “Okay.” 

The drive home was silent. Blitzø wanted to know what was on her mind, but he chose to keep quiet. He knew that this was a shocking new change for Loona and he wasn't sure how to help her deal with it. He wished he could make it all better for her, but the damage was done and Barbie was definitely a shitty fucking mother. 

When they got to the apartment, Loona beelined for her room and stayed there the entire afternoon dragging into the evening. Blitzø sighed and went back to work, thankful that he was able to work from home and that he didn't always have to be in a time crunch.

6:30 pm. His watch indicated. It was time to make dinner. 

The doctor recommended soft food for Loona to eat, so he decided to make some mac and cheese for dinner. As he was getting to it, he heard Loona’s door creak open. The small girl made her way to the kitchen counter and perched herself up on a stool. Blitzø heard her fiddling with the things on the counter before he decided to break the silence.

“You alright there, Looney?” 

Loona sighed which prompted Blitzø to turn around. “Mom was a bad mom, wasn't she?” 

Blitzø paused, unsure of how to handle the situation. He didn't want her to hate her own mother, but he also didn't want to shield her from the truth. 

“You don't have to lie to me, Uncle Blitzø,” Loona assured. “I know she was a bad mom.” 

“What makes you say that?” Blitzø asked. 

“I kinda figured it out. Little kids shouldn't wash their own laundry or do their own dishes when they're too little to even reach the sink.” 

Blitzø pressed his lips into a thin line. “Yeah?” 

“Yeah. And little kids don't get left alone at home while their mom goes out. Little kids don't have to look under the couch in hopes of finding a bag of chips or left over food because they're hungry.” 

The man sighed and walked over to her, pulling her in an embrace. “I'm sorry, Loons. I really am. I didn't know that was happening. Thought your mom was taking good care of you.” 

“I wasn't your responsibility. You didn't know. You just wanted to get as far away as you could,” Loona spoke gently. “Mom was mean to you, right? And so was Grandpa?” 

Blitzø paused before speaking. “Yeah. They were. I don't like to talk about it.” 

“I'm happy you're my new dad, Uncle Blitzø,” She said against his chest. “You're my family.” 

Blitzø wrapped his arms tighter around her, biting back the tears that were threatening to fall. How could the world be so cruel to such a precious child? 

“And I'm sorry I was mean to you before. I don't know why I was. But I won't be mean anymore, I promise.” 

“Oh, Honey,” Blitzø said, cupping her face. “You don't have to say sorry for anything, okay? I understand. I understand that this is all so new and hard for you, so you don't have to apologize for anything. I'll always love you and you'll always be my family no matter what.”

The world was cruel to the both of them, that's for sure. And Blitzø was going to do whatever it took to make sure that Loona wasn't going to end up like him. 

-

“Show me your pretty new smile, Looney! Gotta take a picture!” 

Loona just had her braces put on and Blitzø was doting on her so much. She looked absolutely cute, especially with the purple rubber she chose that were shaped like hearts. 

“Stoooop.” Loona whined, shielding her face from her Uncle’s phone. 

Blitzø smiled and ruffled her hair. “You're so cute, Kiddo. I'm so proud of you!” 

Loona flashed him a small smile and he cooed, making her grimace. “You're so dorky, Uncle Blitzø.” 

Blitzø decided to take her to the grocery store so they could do a little shopping. He wanted to stock up on soft food so she could eat well. They were also low on groceries, so it was perfect timing. 

“You want some instant mashed potatoes?” Blitzø asked, holding up the pack to which Loona grimaced at. 

“That tastes like wet cardboard, Uncle Blitzø.” 

Blitzø laughed and put it back. “It does. I'll make you some real mashed potatoes at home.” 

He was happy to see Loona be vocal about her likes and dislikes now. Beforehand, she ate whatever was given to her and if she didn't like it, she'd suddenly throw it all up a few minutes later. 

“What do you feel about pancakes for breakfast tomorrow?” He asked, grabbing a box of pancake mix and showing it to her. 

“I feel like we should have them.” Loona replied with a small nod. 

Honestly, Blitzø never thought he'd actually have this. He never thought he'd be able to go grocery shopping with his kid and ask them if they were alright with pancakes for breakfast. He never thought he'd be able to take his kid to dentist’s appointments or get them ready for school. He thought he was never going to have kids and he'd be alone in his damn apartment until he grew old with too much money he didn't really know what to do with. 

But this? Having Loona? This changes everything. And he knew that this change made him happy.

“Can we get some fruit roll-ups?” Loona asked as she held up a box.

“That'll get stuck to your braces, Sweetie. Maybe you can go choose something else.” 

Blitzø watched as she scurried around, looking for candy that wouldn't get stuck to her new set of braces with a smile. Oh, how he loved his girl. 

Chapter Text

“Good morning, Starfire. Did you sleep well?” 

It was nine in the morning and both Stolas and Octavia were up for the day. They both usually started the day a little late because Stolas’ shifts were usually ended at nighttime. 

“Morning, Daddy,” Octavia greeted as she carried Dinkee in her arms. “Dinkee woke me up.” 

“What time did you tuck in last night, Sweetheart? Nine in the morning is a tad bit late for waking up.” 

“I couldn't sleep until like one in the morning-ish.” 

Stolas couldn't help but smile. His daughter’s accent wasn't as thick as his own because of their living situation and he found it adorable. He was a total sucker for his daughter. 

“How come?” Stolas asked, looking at the ingredients in the cupboard as he tried to decide what they would have for breakfast.

“Dinkee was having the zoomies,” Octavia said before setting her pet dog down who then bolted across the living room. “And he's having them right now.” 

The anesthesiologist chuckled. “Should we let him sleep in the living room? We could purchase those adorable little fences so he can stay in one spot. We could build him a fort and everything.” 

His daughter gasped in disbelief. “I can't believe you, Stolas Goetia! He has to be with his mother! You mustn't take that away!” 

Was his daughter ridiculous? Most of the time. But did he love her for it? Of course he did. 

“Oh, goodness me. How could I?” Stolas said with a smile. “Would you like eggos for breakfast, Dear?” 

“Sure,” Octavia responded with a shrug. “By the way, Dad, I think I'd like to try out the drums as well when I've got the basics of bass guitar down.” 

“Alright. I shall speak to your Uncle Shax about that,” He then put two eggos in the toaster and opened the fridge. “What kind of milk would you like today, Miss Via?” 

“Regular milk, please. Full cream.” Octavia answered, taking a seat on the sofa. 

Stolas and Octavia were basically runaways. Stolas was no doubt a genius who excelled in everything—although, he did not like to gloat. His father, also a genius himself who was a neurologist, had forced him to marry at age eighteen and produce a child at age nineteen. Why in God’s name did that happen, you ask? It is simple: Paimon wanted a grandchild from his only obedient and smart—by his standards—son as soon as possible. 

Out of four siblings, Stolas was the second youngest and the only one to successfully finish high school at age thirteen. His eldest brother, Aamon, finished high school at fifteen, at which point their father had long given up on him. His second older brother, Shax, finished high school at fourteen, but stopped school for a year as he went through a rebellious phase. Then there was Stolas who not only graduated high school at thirteen, but was also the only child who never caused any problems. Their youngest sister, Amy, was the worst of the worst in their father's eyes as she finished high school at the right age—eighteen. 

Stolas was the most obedient out of all of them. He made it his obligation to be a filial son so his siblings wouldn't get the bad end of the stick. And since he was on par with his father's standards, he did everything he could to maintain that just so their father wouldn't look their way. 

He went as far as taking the blame for some of the mistakes they despite knowing how much pain he'd have to face later.

Things became different when Octavia was born. Stella, his ex-wife, was also forced into the marriage. She was a genius as well and she and Stolas were in the same class in high school. Stolas’s father and Stella’s father played golf together and had long since discussed marrying their children off to one another. Stella was opposed to this as she was a lesbian and did not want to have kids. Stolas was opposed as well due to him being gay, but he valued his father's opinion of him more and his siblings’ peace of mind even more. They ended up agreeing to get their fathers off their backs, but Stella was miserable. Stolas felt bad for her and offered her an exit. 

“I can take the baby. You should run away.” Stolas said, eyes full of determination. 

“Are you sure you want to do that? I don't want to ruin your life, Stolas.” Stella replied shakily. 

“I'll handle it. Just bear the child and you can be on your way. You can run away from this. I'm giving you a chance.” 

And for the first few years of Octavia’s life, it was fine. Stolas raised her alongside going to school and his father was furious about Stella’s departure, yes, but she didn't deserve a life she didn't want. He was openly choosing to be his father's puppet, but she didn't want the same fate for herself.

But when his father showed signs of wanting Octavia to be his next puppet, something snapped within Stolas. 

He knew he didn't want the same fate for his daughter who was just beginning to love the six strings of her uncle Shax’s guitar at age three, so they devised a plan. All four of them were on a mission to get Stolas and Octavia out of London—away from Paimon. 

“Take her away from this, Stolas. She can't end up like us,” Aamon told his brother with conviction. “We'll help you.” 

It took years of planning to ensure that their father wouldn't be able to trace them, but they did it. And his three other siblings were doing everything in their power to protect both Stolas and Octavia. 

Aamon, being five years older than Stolas, was the one who provided most of the protection. He was the CEO of his own tech company and was single, so he decided to devote his life to his adorable niece and brother. Shax—who is three years older—was the fun uncle, often spoiling his niece while also paying for her music lessons. Amy was the one who kept everything under wraps, watching her father's every move as she was the only one who still lived under his roof while still completing her college education as she is four years younger than Stolas. 

Stolas owed his and Octavia's lives to them and to have them as siblings is truly a blessing. He made sure Octavia knew that. 

He never lied to her. He told her why they ran away—why they needed to move and why her uncles and aunt had to be far away. They couldn't risk being seen because he knew that their father would stop at nothing just to get them back under his thumb. 

Even as an adult, Stolas was still terrified of him. And he had the scars to justify his fear. 

Ding.

Stolas took Octavia’s blue mug full of stars and poured her some milk, placing it on the coffee table in front of her. She then placed her eggos on a plate with some cut up strawberries and honeydew. 

“Would you like anything else with that, Sweetheart?” Stolas asked. 

“All good. Thanks, Dad!” She exclaimed before beginning to eat her food. “Don't forget to feed Dinkee!” 

Most days, he is absolutely thankful that Octavia was getting to live a normal life. But some days, he lives in fear that maybe, just maybe, his father is lurking and waiting to strike. 

-

“Hello, Stolas,” Shax greeted through the screen with a smile. “How are you holding up?” 

Stolas sighed, resting his chin on his palm. “I am doing alright, Shax. And you?” 

“All's well. I am currently working on a blueprint for a new school to be built here in London. It's quite massive. Rather large campus.” Shax said. 

“A handsome paycheck shall come about then, I suppose?” Stolas joked. 

This made Shax chuckle. “Ah, yes. And it is all going to my ever wonderful niece and her ghastly father.” 

“A wanker is what you are,” Stolas said as he laughed. “Proper idiotic.” 

“This wanker’s got a girlfriend. You, on the other hand, are still very single. Props to you, mate. You've been single your entire life. Why don't you try getting some dick sometime, yeah?" 

“Now that's just rude.”

“Is not if it's the truth.”’

Stolas snorted at his brother who stuck his tongue out at him. “Listen, Shax, Octavia's been wanting to try the drums-” 

“Tell her she can try the keyboard, too. She can start her own one-woman band.” Shax said with a hearty laugh. 

“Oh, she's gonna be delighted.” Stolas said with a smile. 

“Where is the cheeky little lass, anyway?” Shax asked, looking over Stolas' shoulder.

“She's at her bass guitar lesson. I'm waiting on her so I can go pick her up.” 

“When do you pick her up?” 

“About an hour from now,” Stolas replied. “Listen, I appreciate everything you do for her, Shax. I really do. She's staying a happy kid because of your help.” 

Shax chuckled. “I love the kid. ‘Course I'd keep her happy. Love her father, too. He took the cake for all our sakes.” 

“Shut up.” Stolas grumbled. 

Shax sighed. “I mean it, Stolas. You've sacrificed a lot for us—more than you let on. You even sacrificed your life just so Via’s mother could live hers. You're a kind person. Give yourself credit.” 

“Alright, alright. Quit patronizing me, dickhead,” The younger said with a smile. “I have to go now. I'll call you soon with Octavia.”

“Alright. Take care of yourself.” Shax said before ending the call. 

His family isn't perfect; it's far from it. But he's glad he has his siblings and Via because they make it all worth it. 

-

Blitzø never contacted Stolas. It's been a week since he gave him his number.

He was curious as to why. He thought that at some point, Loona would have asked to see Via. If not that, the younger would have contacted him for parenting advice. But it was radio silent on his end and Stolas was starting to worry.

Had he said something wrong? 

“Do you think Dinkee will like this, Daddy?” His daughter asked, holding up a chew toy that was shaped like a bone. 

“He'll love it, Starfire.” Stolas said with a smile. 

They were at the pet section of the grocery store to pick up some more dog food for Dinkee as Stolas miscalculated and bought a small bag for him which he ploughed through quite quickly. 

“Come now, Sweetheart. It's time to pay.” 

Octavia insisted to push the cart over to the cashier so Stolas allowed her, watching her walking slowly as she eyed the shelves for anything she might light. 

His mind drifted off towards Blitzø again. Why did this matter so much to him? It's not like Blitzø’s purpose of talking to him was for him. The man only ever looked his way in the first place because of Loona. If they ever do end up speaking once again, it would and should be about the kids alone. 

But he wouldn't deny it: Blitzø is attractive. He was shorter than Stolas, but he certainly looked bigger. His arms were toned and his jawline could cut paper. He had an adorable tooth gap, making his smile all the more charming. His skin was like caramel and his eyes were the same. He is hot. 

God, he is so gay.

“Loona!” 

Stolas snapped out of his thoughts and looked up to see Octavia running towards Loona before halting swiftly to make sure that she wouldn't bump against anything. She excitedly called him over as she bounced at the heels of her feet with a big smile. 

“Why did you- OH MY GOSH, YOU HAVE BRACES! AND THEY'RE SOOOO PRETTY!” 

Loona giggled, showing off her brand new smile. Blitzø observed them with a smile as his hands worked to scan the items at the self checkout. Hot dad alert. 

“Hello, Loona!” Stolas greeted. “And hello, Blitzø.” 

“Hey, Stolas,” Blitzø greeted back. “I meant to text you. I totally forgot because I was busy with Looney.” 

He meant to text. What a relief.

Why was it a relief?

“Oh, it is quite alright. Are you two restocking on groceries?” 

“Yeah. Bought Loona a bunch of soft food cause she can't eat anything too hard,” Blitzø responded with a smile. “How about you guys?” 

“We bought Dinkee some food and a toy!” Octavia exclaimed. “He ate all his food. He very hungry all the time.” 

“That's because he's a growing pup.” Blitzø told her, smile never leaving his face. 

Blitzø’s phone began to ring, so he asked Loona to continue scanning the groceries as he took the call. Once again, hot dad alert. 

In the meantime, Stolas helped the girls scan the groceries. He couldn't help but stare at Blitzø’s arms for a few seconds, taking in the curves. 

“Looney, I'm really sorry but you can't hang out with Octavia today,” Blitzø said with a sigh. “I gotta get back home. There's a problem with one of the things I was working on and I have to get to my computer to fix it. I'm sorry, Honey.” 

Loona shook her head. “That's alright! Via and I can hang out some other time. Or we can play something online. Do you play Genshin Impact?”

“Oh, I love that! Gimme your UID!” 

The two girls swapped UIDs—whatever the heck that was—bid their goodbyes after Blitzø quickly shoved their groceries into plastic bags. 

“I'll text you later tonight! We can schedule a playdate for the girls!” Blitzø called after him before ushering Loona to his car. 

He'd text later tonight. 

Stolas is, indeed, very gay. 

Chapter Text

Blitzø didn’t forget to text this time. And it made Stolas smile. 

He was laying in his bed with the lights out, his small lamp being the only source of light available as he read a romance novel on his Kindle. A sharp ping resounded throughout the bedroom, signalling him that someone had sent him a message. He glanced at the small digital clock on his nightstand which read 12:42 am before picking up his phone to check the notification. 

On his lockscreen was a message from an unknown number.

Unknown: hey, stolas. this is blitzø :) 

Unknown: was hoping we could schedule a playdate for loona and octavia. when r u free? 

This made Stolas sit upright, adjusting his glasses so he could see clearly as to make sure that he read it right. Blitzø had sent him a message, asking him if he was alright with a playdate. The notion alone made him feel giddy.

But why was he the one who was giddy? Shouldn’t it be his daughter who was the one who would be going to the said playdate? 

So gay. 

He shook his head and unlocked his phone before typing up a reply, mentally chiding himself for the way he was acting. 

stolas: Hello, Blitzø. It is wonderful to hear from you. My next day off will be this weekend, so I am available on both days.

stolas: Also, the spelling of your name is quite unique. I thought it was simply spelled “Blitz”

Unknown: great! can we do sunday morning? loona wants to start early and apparently, so does octavia haha. she showed me their conversation on this game theyre playing lol

Unknown: and yeah, the spelling is like that bc i changed it. my name used to be blitzo. dont call me that though

Stolas paused for a minute, rereading the message Blitzø sent about his name. Now he was curious. What pushed Blitzø to end up changing his name? Did he just hate the letter ‘o’? But if he did hate the letter o, it was still technically there and was just silenced. Why’d he keep it that way if he hated it? 

Deciding that that was a topic he’d dwell on at a later date, Stolas brought his focus back to their conversation. 

stolas: Of course. We can have breakfast together as well. I know a good place. How does 9:00 am sound?

stolas: And that is noted! :)

Unknown: 9 sounds great. ill tell looney

Unknown: see u then :D

stolas: See you!

After their conversation, Stolas changed Blitzø’s contact name to “Loona’s Dad” and set his phone down, taking in the conversation he just had with Blitzø.

His pure intent the day he first helped Blitzø with Loona was to simply aid a cute guy in tending to his daughter. He saw how much Blitzø was struggling and he felt obliged to lend a hand, especially because he was terrific with kids. He knew how hard it was to raise a child and yet, he did well with his own. Sharing that ability with others—especially to a cute guy—was something he wanted to do. 

Sighing, he went back to his novel for the night, his thoughts swimming with the fact that he’d get to see said cute guy again on Sunday. 

-

“Hurry up, Uncle Blitzø! We’re gonna be late!” Loona exclaimed, four days worth of excitement finally bursting out of her.

Blitzø chuckled, zipping up Loona’s bag for her before helping her put it on. “You excited for today, huh?” 

“Yeah!” She replied, jumping on the heels of her feet. “Octavia is my first friend ever, you know! I wanna be a good friend.”

The man pressed his lips into a thin line, confused about how he was supposed to feel about that. He was happy that she had a friend, but he also felt really sorry for her because having your first friend so late in life was concerning in his books. But, nevertheless, he was happy that she was happy. 

As soon as the door was unlocked, the small girl zoomed out of the apartment and went straight for the elevator. Blitzø simply chuckled and locked the door before following her as fast as he could. 

“We’ll get there, Looney. Take a chill pill,” Blitzø joked, checking his watch for the time. “It’s eight fifteen and it takes ten minutes to get there. We’ll make it on time.” 

“I just wanna be early so that we’ll be there when they arrive!” Loona exclaimed. “Now open the door, Mister Blitzø.” 

Blitzø let out a hearty laugh before opening the door. “Alright, Miss Loona. In you go.” 

He and Stolas decided on taking the girls to iHop for breakfast, mainly because the park was near. The place was also a five-minute drive from the Buckzos’ and a short walk from the Goetias’, so it was perfect. 

“You want anything to eat or drink while we wait for them, Looney?” Blitzø asked, fixing her purple hair clip that held her bangs back.

Loona shook her head. “Nope! I’m good. It would be rude to order something without them.”

Call him a sucker for his daughter, but he felt his heart swell with pride as soon as he heard that. Loona’s way of thinking was certainly mature for her age and although this mostly stemmed from her mother being horrible towards her, he was still proud of the person she was. She learned to be kind despite all the pain she was in and that was certainly something that even Blitzø struggled with. 

A heart that’s kind is a heart that’s been hurt. And his Loona was hurt enough to be as kind as this. 

He glanced at the brown-haired girl beside him who was impatiently tapping her fingers on the table, eyebrows furrowed and lips pressed into a thin line as she looked out the window for any sign of her raven-haired friend. Her cheeks were puffed out and her grey eyes were searching the area. He sighed while soaking her in, feeling rather sad that she wouldn’t be this little forever and would probably grow out of wanting to go on playdates soon. 

“They’re here!” Loona squealed, gripping the table with her small hands as her legs kicked around from underneath the table.

Blitzø turned his attention to the window and saw Octavia smile widely at Loona as she waved, rushing into the establishment with her father in tow. Stolas waved at him, to which he returned the favor with a kind smile. 

“Hello, Loona, Blitzø,” Stolas greeted as he ushered his daughter into the booth before taking a seat beside her. “You both are quite early.” 

“Looney wanted to be here when you guys arrived,” Blitzø replied. “Did you guys walk it here?” 

“Yes. It isn’t a long walk, after all,” Stolas said with a smile. “What shall we order then, girs?” 

“Pancakes!” The two kids said in unison.

Blitzø chuckled. Of course.

-

Their day had passed by quicker than anticipated. Loona and Octavia decided they were just about done playing in the park and had requested to head to the Goetia household to play with Octavia’s PS5, to which their fathers both agreed to. This resulted in both kids sprawled out on the living room floor as they both played Minecraft with the adults on the sofa, mugs of tea in their hands. 

“Loona shall be starting school in a while, yes?” Stolas started, hoping to have a conversation with the younger. 

“Yeah. In a week. Can you believe it? God. Time just passed by so fast,” Blitzø replied with a big smile on his face. “I’m so proud of her. A few months ago, she didn’t even want to go back to school. Now, she’s even asking me to let her get a headstart on her lessons.” 

Stolas smiled as well, feeling a surge of pride bloom within his chest. “That’s lovely. She seems ready to move on to the next stage of her life. That’s something you ought to encourage, Blitzø.” 

“Oh, I am. I’m also trying to get her out of her shell. Try and get her to join some contests and shi- stuff.” 

The older tittered at Blitzø feeble attempt to avoid cursing. “You do curse a lot, don’t you?” 

“Grew up in a horrible household. You should have expected nothing less,” Blitzø joked. “It gives my personality flavor. I’m not Blitzø Buckzo if I don’t have at least five curse words per sentence.” 

“I hope Loona does not pick that up from you.” 

Blitzø shrugged, the tea inside his mug still untouched. “I try my best not to curse in front of her.” 

Now this made Stolas burst into a full-on grin. Blitzø, despite cursing being something he integrates into his personality, does his very best to avoid doing so so that his daughter wouldn’t pick up on it. If that wasn’t attractive, then Stolas didn’t know what was. 

“....Loona is lucky to have a father like you, Blitzø.” Stolas said with a smile. 

“Thanks, Stolas. I really need to hear that sometimes,” The younger replied with a sigh. “I often feel like I’m just not doing enough for her, y’know? I want her to be happy and most of the time, I feel like I’m failing at that.” 

Stolas furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. “What makes you say that?” 

“I hear her sometimes. In her room. She has nightmares and she calls out to her mom,” Blitzø said in a hushed voice so that Loona wouldn’t hear him. “She’s still really troubled and I want to help her.” 

“You’re already doing a wonderful job by being observant and providing her with the tools she needs. You’ve been supporting her since day one. Give yourself enough credit,” Stolas said with a kind smile. “Also, have you considered therapy for her?” 

Blitzø paused before speaking. “I don’t know how to talk to her about it. I don’t want to make her feel like she’s broken or something. We were both raised in a family that thinks mental illnesses are a fantasy, after all.” 

“Break it to her gently, Blitzø,” The older replied. “There’s only so much you can do for her, after all. She clearly needs professional help.” 

“You think so?” 

“I do,” Stolas said with a nod. “There’s no harm in trying new things with her, anyways. This will be of benefit to her.” 

Stolas’s eyes moved over to the full mug in Blitzø’s hands and then to his own which was half-empty. Did Blitzø not like tea? 

Just when he was about to ask, Loona stood up and went to them to say something, but her eyes immediately landed on the mug in Blitzø’s hands. “Why are you holding that?”

Stolas saw Blitzø’s face and ears turn red. “L-Looney, stop. What do you need?” 

“For you to change your drink. You hate hot drinks because they make your body warm.” Loona said, crossing her arms across her chest.

“I’ll get ice for Mister Blitzø!” Octavia exclaimed before heading over to the fridge.

Stolas’s eyes widened in shock as he set his mug down on the coffee table. “Oh, I am so sorry, Blitzø! I didn’t know!” 

“No, no, it’s okay. I was gonna drink it. I like tea!” Blitzø replied, reaching for the mug that Stolas pulled out of his hands. 

“Don’t apologize, Mister Stolas. You didn’t know Uncle Blitzø doesn’t like hot drinks,” Loona said with a big smile. “He doesn’t mind, either! He’s too nice to say no to anything.”

“God, Loona. I love you, but shut up.” Blitzø grumbled. 

Loona simply pouted and tilted her head in confusion. “You said not to lie. I’m telling the truth!” 

“What does your Uncle Blitzø like to drink, Loona?” Stolas asked as he took the mug to the kitchen. 

“He likes iced lattes. They’re his favorite. He has a new favorite, though! I told him to add whipped cream to his coffee and he loved it!” Loona gushed. 

Blitzø sighed in defeat and slumped into the sofa, staring at the paused screen on the TV as Stolas fussed to make his coffee while the two girls helped him. Boy, did he sure feel pampered. 

Chapter Text

“I can’t, Stolas. I can’t do it.”

“Blitzø, if you jus-”

“No, okay? No. I can’t. I fucking can’t.”

“Blitzø, please-”

“Oh my god,” Loona exclaimed, forcefully taking her lunch bag from Blitzø’s hands. “You’re making me late for school.” 

It was Loona’s official first day of school and Blitzø was having the jitters. He couldn't believe his baby girl was going to school again for the first time in a while. It felt like a fever dream, if he was being completely honest with himself. 

“I’ll see you when you get home, Looney!” Blitzø yelled, calling after Loona who was dashing into the school. “Have a great day! I love you!” 

Stolas had just dropped off Octavia and was about to head to work as he was called in for a surgery that was happening later in the afternoon when he saw Blitzø’s car pull into the school’s parking lot. He watched the younger help Loona out of the car and take about a hundred pictures of her before stepping in to prevent him from turning into a puddle of mush. 

“Are you feeling okay, Blitzø?” 

“I’m just… I’m so fucking proud of her, Stols,” Blitzø said shakily. “She’s been through so much and now she’s finally going back to school. It makes me so happy to see her venture out and be a normal kid. She deserves as much as that—more, even.” 

It was so heartwarming for Stolas to see Blitzø dote on his daughter like this. Blitzø seemed so happy to see her out and about. He loved her so much and he wasn’t afraid to show it. It’s like he was born to be her father. 

“She’s going to do well, Blitzø. I’m sure of it. Especially now that she has you as a father.” Stolas said with a smile, which Blitzø returned. 

“Thanks, Stolas. I’m doing the best I can for her,” Blitzø said, looking back at the school doors that Loona disappeared into. “I just hope it’s enough.”

“It is enough, Blitzø. You’re already doing so much for her.” 

The shorter smiled before patting Stolas on the shoulder. “Thanks, Stols. I gotta get to work now. See you later!”

And with that, Blitzø had left Stolas with a tingling feeling and cheeks red. 

-

“Fuck. What do you mean they rejected the project?” Blitzø exclaimed through the phone, cigarette in between his lips as he spoke. 

“I’m sorry, Blitzø. I know you really wanted to do this. But they don’t want that feature for the app,” Moxxie, Blitzø’s workmate, spoke through the phone. “They want you to come up with something better by the end of the month.”

“God fucking hell. They’re really trying to bite my dick on this one,” He exclaimed after taking a puff of his cigarette. “Thanks for telling me, Moxx. We’ll have to hold another meeting and come up with something new next week. I can’t believe they fucking rejected adding an edit button to the captions. What are they trying to be? The twitter of video platforms? Assholes.” 

“Alright, Blitzø. Let’s schedule one in the group chat.”

After dropping the call with Moxxie, he trudged to the kitchen with a newly lit cigarette in between his fingers as he looked for some string cheese in the fridge. He was stressed out and he needed cheese to solve his problems. Sighing, he placed the cigarette in between his lips and began to search the fridge, smiling triumphantly when he saw the whole bag he got for himself at the very back. 

Cigarette still in his mouth, he took a bite of the first string cheese, chewing quietly while walking to the sofa. He plopped himself onto the soft, pillowy, black surface before sighing for the nth time. He was so happy earlier that day—why did all good things have to have something in exchange? 

Just when he was about to turn on the TV to watch a show, his phone rang. He grunted and used his feet as makeshift tongs to grab his phone. He used his free hand to retrieve is from his insteps before answering the call. 

“Hello?” 

“Hello? Is this Mr. Blitz-o Buckzo, the father of Loona Buckzo?” A woman with a refined accent spoke through the phone

Blitzø internally groaned at this. “Yes, this is Blitzø. May I ask who this is?” 

“Yes, this is Mrs. Scott, the principal of Central Orchard Elementary School. We’d like to ask you to report to the school immediately.” 

“What? Is something wrong?” Blitzø asked as he frantically began to grab his coat and keys, his almost burnt out cigarette in between his teeth. 

“We were simply hoping to discuss her behavior in the classroom. We will be awaiting your arrival.” 

That was the last thing Blitzø heard before the call was dropped, which prompted him to bolt out of the apartment and down the parking lot.

-

“Have a seat, Mr. Buckzo,” Mrs. Scott said, gesturing to the seat in front of her which was across Loona who was shamefully glaring at the floor. “We need to discuss a few things.”

Mrs. Scott looked like she was well beyond her age. She looked sixty at best and Blitzø wondered why she hadn't retired yet, seeing as she looked like she needed to retire. She had brown hair which barely even looked brown anymore because of all the grey hairs and sharp black eyes. She also sported purple, point glasses and the most ridiculous shade of red lipstick that Blitzø had ever seen in his life. Eyeing Loona carefully, he took a seat before looking back at the woman in front of him. He didn’t get the chance to meet her when they first enrolled Loona into the school because she was on sick leave and the Vice Principal—Ms. Jonesy, who was far more welcoming—was the one to tend to their needs. 

“Now, Loona, would you like to tell your father what happened?” 

Loona quietly shook her head no, sniffling as her eyes never left the floor.

Mrs. Scott hummed. “Very well. Mr. Buckzo, I am regretfully informing you that Loona attacked a classmate today.” 

“What?” Blitzø said in disbelief. “What do you mean ‘attacked a classmate’?”

“I didn’t attack him!” Loona yelled. “I defended myself!” 

“Miss Buckzo, with all due respect, it is not alright to stab your classmate with a pencil,” Mrs. Scott said sternly. “No matter what the reason is.” 

Loona’s fists began to shake. “He cut my hair and said he’d sell it on eBay because perverts ‘like mixed little girls’ junk’!” 

Blitzø could feel his blood boil. He leaned forward and asked Loona to turn around so he could see the large amount of hair she had lost. He did what?! 

“I think that warrants the pencil schtick well enough, Mrs. Scott. He hair’s below her shoulders at the back and it used to be at her waist!” Blitzø said, chin raised. 

“Excuse me?”

“My daughter defended herself. What’s the problem?” 

“She attacked-” 

“She did not attack, she defended,” Blitzø interjected. “How would you feel if your hair was cut to be sold on eBay to disgusting freaks? Because I sure as hell would be pissed.” 

Mrs. Scott looked taken aback for a minute, but cleared her throat and adjusted her collar. “Regardless, an act such as this should not go unpunished.” 

“So, you’re gonna let the guy who cut her hair run free?” Blitzø said, eyebrow raised. 

“We cannot punish a student for simply cutting a bit of-”

“A bit?!” Blitzø said. “A BIT?! ARE YOU FU- ARE YOU KIDDING ME RIGHT NOW?!” 

“Mr. Buckzo-” 

“No,” Blitzø said, slightly red in the face. “No. We’re pressing charges if you don’t settle this.” 

Loona’s eyes went wide with panic. “Uncle Blitzø- we- we don’t have to!” 

“Mr. Buckzo, please calm down.” Mrs. Scott said, her face now filled with worry. It obviously wasn’t for Blitzø or Loona, though. 

“No, Loona. They’re being ridiculous right now! They can’t just let this go!” 

“Dad!” Loona yelled. “Please. I just wanna go home.” 

Blitzø looked at Loona who was hugging herself, cheeks tear stained as she gazed up at him with pleading eyes. The fact that she called him dad wasn’t really helping, but he tried to ignore the tight feeling in his chest.

He sighed. “Fine. Let Loona off and we won’t press charges.” 

Mrs. Scott pressed her lips into a thin line, clearly not impressed with the idea. “Alright. Fine. We’ll have to move Loona to a different class as well.” 

“Do whatever you need. Just make sure my daughter doesn’t get any more hurt than she already is,” Blitzø said through his gritted teeth as he held out his hand for Loona. “C’mon, Loons.”

Loona took his hand quietly and walked out with him, wiping her cheeks with her sleeve as she did so. 

It was a silent walk to the car, with the blowing of the wind and the gravel crunching underneath their shoes as well as the sounds of children playing being the only things they could hear. WIth a sigh, Blitzø stopped in front of his car before kneeling in front of Loona. 

“I’m so proud of ya, Looney,” Blitzø said with a warm smile. “Real proud. You’re such a strong girl. Try to not stab people though, yeah? Cutting their hair right back would be way better.” 

Loona bursted into tears and Blitzø pulled her into a hug, letting her cry into his shoulder. 

“I-I- thought you’d be mad at me!” Loona said in between sobs.

“Never Looney,” Blitzø said as he stroked her back comfortingly. “I’ll never get mad at you for defending yourself. You did a great thing. Fuck him for cutting off your pretty hair.” 

Loona pulled away and examined her uncle’s face while she sniffled. “I-I’m sorry I hurt him, Uncle Blitzø.” 

“Don’t be sorry, okay? Never apologize for hurting people who hurt you first. You can’t be nice all the time, Loona. I’m not raising a pushover. It isn’t okay to be violent, but it also isn’t okay to let people walk all over you. I wouldn’t have just stood by and let him cut my hair, so I don’t expect you to, either.” 

“I just got angry. I liked my hair,” Loona said softly. “I didn’t want him to cut it. I’ll look ugly now.” 

Blitzø sighed. “You’re the prettiest girl in the world, Loona. How could you ever be ugly? You look just like your dad which means you look good.” 

Loona giggled at this. “Not like you and Mom?” 

“Eugh. Definitely not like me and your Mom,” Blitzø joked. “C’mon, I’ll take you to a salon. We can get your hair fixed then you can have as much ice cream as you want.” 

The sparkle in her eyes told Blitzø that everything was going to be okay. He had Loona—they had each other. It was a rough day, but they’d be fine in the end. 

Chapter Text

Blitzø barely got any sleep before he woke up to the sound of his alarm blaring, signalling that he had to get Loona ready for school and drop her off for the day. He had been up all night, coming up with new proposal ideas to supplement the old one that had been rejected. He felt shitty because he had to get up early despite it being his day off. His head was pounding and he felt a lot of pressure behind his eyes. Groaning, he stretched his limbs before getting out of bed, leaving the task of making it for later. 

He lazily trudged to the bathroom and began to brush his teeth, tiredly looking at his own reflection as he did so. His eyes were sunken and his face was pale, but he didn’t have the time to worry about his appearance so he just let it go. After brushing his teeth, he washed his face haphazardly before walking out of his room, heading straight to Loona’s. He opened the door quietly, knocking in the morning long forgotten as Loona was a heavy sleeper who wouldn’t even hear his knocks if he tried. 

“Loons? It’s time to get up, honey.” Blitzø said quietly. 

“Mmmh. I don’t wanna.” Loona whined, hiding under the covers. 

Blitzø sighed, not having the energy to coax her. “Loona, c’mon. We don’t have time for this.”

“I said I don’t wanna go!” Loona exclaimed angrily, kicking Blitzø away in such a manner that wasn’t hard enough to actually knock him off the bed. But nevertheless, it still hurt and Blitzø wasn’t having it. 

“I’m serious, Loona. You have to go to school so get up.” Blitzø warned, trying his hardest not to raise his voice or yell. He was on the edge and he could feel it. 

Loona let out a frustrated sob, arms flailing in annoyance. “I don’t want to go to school! Why can’t you understand that?!” 

He could feel his blood boil. He knew that Loona was just a kid and that most kids—especially Loona—had days like this, but he couldn’t help but feel annoyed. School was an essential part of growing up and if Loona was going to be this way and have this attitude towards school, then how the hell was he supposed to deal with her for the next nine years? 

“Loona, I am putting my foot down. Get out of bed and start getting ready.” Blitzø warned, trying his hardest to sound as stern as possible. 

It took everything in Blitzø not to lose his shit when Loona started crying. Normally, he’d feel bad and try to console Loona. But at that moment, he wasn’t in the best headspace and felt angry. He wanted to scream, to tell her to shut up, but he couldn’t do that. Instead, he got up and pushed her bed in anger before getting out of the room and slamming the door. His chest was tightening and his head was pounding. He had to get the fuck out of the apartment. 

Stumbling into his room, he took his phone from his nightstand and dialled the number of someone he knew would answer at seven in the morning. 

“Hello?” The cheery voice of Fizzarolli echoed through the speaker. Fizzarolli was Blitzø’s high school friend and, by all means, his best friend. 

“Hey, Fizz… I… uh… I know this is like too early in the morning for this shit but I really need you to watch Loona for me today. I gotta get out the fucking house.” 

Blitzø could hear some shuffling and the sound of Fizz talking to his boyfriend, Ozzie, before he replied. “I’ll be there in five.”

So, he waited it out in the living room. There was no chance that Loona was gonna come out of her room and he was half glad at that so she wouldn’t have to see him seething with anger. His wallet, phone, and keys were in the pockets of his hoodie at the ready. He could care less that he was going to go out of the house in his pyjamas (a pair of black sweatpants and a navy blue hoodie), he just wanted out. Not as Loona’s parent, but just out of the situation at hand. He loved his Looney, but he needed to be away from her. Maybe that’s why he needs to take a step back: because he loved her so much and didn’t want her to think that he loves her any less because she was being a proper pain in the ass. 

Once Fizz arrived with a sleepy Ozzie in tow, Blitzø thanked them both for coming over. Fizz simply smiled and told him to come back tomorrow so he could take a proper day off. Blitzø protested because he was worried about both Loona and his shift the next day, but ended up agreeing because Ozzie said he’d talk to his boss about giving him another day off but with pay. Why not use a little nepotism from time to time, eh?

Asmodeus, or Ozzie for short, was the CEO of a company he inherited from his father and he was stacked. He also happened to be the cousin of the CEO of the company Blitzø was under, which was really convenient. Fizz was basically his sugar baby, but he liked it that way. He didn’t want Fizz to continue going to work, but Fizz loved being in the fashion business so much that Ozzie couldn’t do much about it. Sometimes, Blitzø would find himself envying them. He wished he had a wealthy CEO to sweep him off his feet or some shit. 

“You guys gonna take care of my little girl?” Blitzø asked, eyebrow raised. 

“Of course we will! Why’d you call me if you don’t trust us with her?” Fizz retaliated. 

Blitzø shrugged. “Fair enough. But no fucking on my couch.” 

“Ew. No. Not when there’s a kid around who might walk in on us at any moment,” Ozzie said with a grimace. “We’ll explain everything to her. You go on ahead.” 

And go on ahead did Blitzø do. He trudged to the parking lot, unlocking his car with a frustrated expression before slipping into it quietly. He let the AC engulf the inside as he leaned back into his seat, eyes closed. He felt his muscles relax, unaware that he was tense beforehand. He sighed before connecting his phone to the speaker to play some music. He then pulled out of the parking lot and into the road, driving to the nearest Raising Cane’s to get himself a highly unhealthy breakfast. 

-

Blitzø decided that he would book a hotel room for the night. He also decided that he’d make Loona a little gift basket as an apology, so he would need to go shopping for that. With a quiet sigh, he walked around Target, trying to figure out what to get Loona. She loved the color purple, so he was trying to stick to the theme of getting purple items. So far, he had a purple basket to put the items in, a purple hair brush, a bunch of purple hair ties and scrunchies, purple socks, purple pens, and a purple pouch. He knew he had to add more, so he tried his best to look around. With his mind preoccupied, he had failed to look where he was going and his cart ended up bumping into another person’s cart. 

“Oh, shit. So- Stolas?” 

Stolas looked at him in surprise. “Why, Blitzø! Hello there.” 

“Sorry, I, uh, didn’t see you there. Why do we always run into each other at Target?” 

The lanky man chuckled at this. “I do not know, either. But it is rather nice to see you. Where is your little one?” 

“At home,” Blitzø said, unsure if he should tell him about the time out he gave himself. “She’s with my friends. They’re babysitting for today.” 

“I see,” Stolas said with a kind smile. “Do you have important matters to attend to which require them to babysit?” 

“It’s not a big deal. Just got some errands to run.” Blitzø answered curtly. He was sure that Stolas knew that something was up but was too nice to ask. Thank fuck for that. 

Stolas nodded with a smile. “The contents of your cart are purple. I take it that you are planning something for Loona?” 

Blitzø swore up and down that Stolas was a fucking saint. “Yeah. I’m making a gift basket for her as a surprise.” 

“That is lovely! You should get her a galaxy lamp as well. Octavia begged for one. It’s the rage with the kids these days.” 

Blitzø tilted his head to the side in confusion. “A… what?” 

“A galaxy lamp! Do you not know what that is?” Stolas asked in surprise. 

“I’m afraid I don’t.” Blitzø responded shyly. 

“Well, then I must intervene. Come. Let me help you fill Loona’s basket.” 

By the time they had finished, Blitzø’s cart contained two times more things than it had before. Stolas had picked out a purple galaxy lamp, a purple fuzzy blanket, a purple unicorn squishmallow, a purple bathbomb, lavender scented perfume, and a purple hoodie. Needless to say, Blitzø was happy that he had run into Stolas because he would have never been able to complete the basket if not for him. Feeling happy and thankful, he had decided that he would treat Stolas to a meal. 

“C’mon, Stols. I’ll buy you some steak later this evening. Octavia, too.” Blitzø said, trying his best to convince Stolas. 

“Octavia is with her uncle for the week and again, it is alright, Blitzø. You do not need to thank me. I have a shift at around dinnertime as well so it is really alright.”

“What time does your shift start?” Blitzø asked. 

“...At seven pm. Why?” 

“Then you have time to get lunch.” Blitzø said with a smile. 

Stolas snorted. “I thought you were supposed to take me out this evening?” 

“Schedule’s changed, Darlin’. Now get in the car or I’ll make you.” 

“Blitzø, I bought Octavia a box of popsicles. These will melt.” 

“Then get in the car so I can drive you to your house and you can put them in the freezer so we can go have lunch? God, what is with you Brits and making things complicated.” 

Stolas snorted once again. “There is no winning with you. Alright, let us go.”

And so they went. Blitzø stopped in front of Stolas’s house so he could drop his things off and asked Stolas if he could use the bathroom to change real quick. He had bought a change of clothes for himself at Target since he didn’t bring any with him, as well as a pair of shoes because why the fuck not? He put on cream colored cargo pants, a plaid blue and white button up long-sleeved shirt, and a pair of white Adidas Nizza knock offs that he thought looked cool. He then ruffled his hair a few times, trying to get it to look nice before heading out. His hair was getting a bit long and he couldn’t get it out of his eyes unless he gelled it up, so he may have to get another haircut. Stuffing his dirty clothes into the paper bag of the new ones as he walked, he followed the sound of Stolas rummaging around in the kitchen. He watched as the older arranged all the food items he had bought into the shelves and into the fridge, quietly humming to himself because he felt pleased at how meticulous Stolas was. 

He walked to the counter and placed his paper bag on top before sitting on the stool. Stolas took a pack of chicken nuggets out of the paper bag and looked up, seeing Blitzø smile at him with a small wave. He dropped the pack on the floor, sputtering as he quickly went to pick it up. Blitzø laughed. 

“Did I scare you?” 

“You didn’t!” Stolas exclaimed. “I was simply… surprised.” 

Blitzø nodded with a coy expression before he took the time to look around the place. He had been here before, but never really got the chance to check everything out. The apartment in itself was huge—too big for just a father and his daughter alone. It had four rooms in total, with the rooms at the bottom having a shared bathroom and the rooms at the top having their own. Stolas’s room was at the bottom and the room beside it was his office (as he had told Blitzø the first time he had come over). There was a staircase which led straight up to the two rooms. The first room to the right was Octavia’s room and the room beside it was usually the guest room, but it was also the room that Octavia considered her own ‘office’ seeing as it contained most of her musical instruments and a desk for her to do schoolwork in. 

The walls were decorated in what Stolas explained to be Octavia’s original paintings, as well as some of his own. The father and daughter duo were very talented, indeed. There were also a bunch of pictures and certificates frames, mostly from contests Octavia partook in. 

One photo in particular which was on top of the kitchen counter had caught Blitzø’s eye. It was a photo of a younger Stolas with baby Octavia in his arms. To an onlooker, it would seem as if a father was simply smiling down at his newborn. But all Blitzø could see was a child holding an even smaller child and it broke his heart. He could see how round Stolas’s cheeks used to be and how he looked like he wasn’t ready to be a father just yet. Stolas seemed happy and content with his life right now, yes, but Blitzø couldn’t shake the feeling that maybe Octavia wasn’t really a child that he planned on having by his own free will. This is especially evident in the fact that Octavia’s mother is out of the picture. 

“I am all done,” Stolas said with a small smile, causing Blitzø to look up from the photo. “Oh, I see you’ve spotted the photo that was taken when Octavia was born. She looks rather… wrinkly in that photo. She hates it very much, but I think that she looks adorable in that photo.”

“The babiest baby who ever babied,” Blitzø said in an amused tone. “This picture is of a kid holding another kid.” 

Stolas sighed. “Mmm, yes. I was rather young when Via was born. Not that it is something I regret. I love her dearly.”

Blitzø nodded in understanding. “When I was nineteen, I was busy getting high in my college dorm. I can’t imagine how hard it must’ve been. And to be a dad while going to school to be a doctor, too? You’ve got some balls, Goetia.” 

Stolas chuckled. “Yes, indeed I do.”

“Let’s go?” Blitzø asked, getting off the stool, to which Stolas nodded. 

-

“Oh, this is divine, Blitzø!” Stolas exclaimed after taking a bite of the ribeye steak on his plate. 

“Try the lobster. It’s to die for.” Blitzø said, pushing the plate of lobster towards Stolas who happily accepted. 

Lunch was a blast. Blitzø was more than glad that Stolas was enjoying the meal. Stolas looked quite happy, smile never leaving his face. 

“How did you find out about this place?” Stolas asked curiously. 

“My friend and I used to go here when we were in college. He and I went to different schools so we’d spend our time here every weekend to catch up.” Blitzø said, recalling all the time he and Fizz spent in the steakhouse a few years ago. 

“How adorable!” Stolas exclaimed. “He introduced you to this place?” 

“Yeah. He and his boyfriend went on a date here once and he fell in love with it.” 

Stolas nodded. “Well, tell him that I am very grateful that he took you here. If not, I would have never tasted something as wonderful as this.” 

Blitzø snorted in response. “He’s gonna laugh his ass off if I tell him that. He’s got a weird sense of humor.” 

The atmosphere inside the steakhouse was very homey. The walls were mostly the color red and had a bunch of pictures explaining the history of the steakhouse to the customers. The waiters and waitresses were very nice and the customers seemed good-spirited. Everyone was either with family, friends, or with their lovers and they all seemed like they were having a good time. 

“Do you and Loona ever come here?” Stolas asked out of the blue. 

“I’ve never actually brought her here. It didn’t really cross my mind.” 

Stolas nodded in understanding. “I see. How has she been? How did yesterday go?”

Right. Yesterday was her first day of school. “It honestly wasn’t that great. I almost chewed out the principal.” 

Stolas’s eyes went wide. “Chewed… chewed out the principal? But why?” 

“Her classmate cut most of her hair off and said he’d sell it on eBay to creeps who liked sniffing mixed little girls’ hair,” Blitzø said with a grimace. “And the principal was doing fuck all so I got a bit mad. Loona told me she wanted to leave, so we did. We got her hair done and I got her a tub of ice cream then we watched a movie at home.” 

“That is horrible, Blitzø! I am so sorry that happened. How is she doing right now? Is she alright?” 

“Yeah, no. She’s not doing so good,” Blitzø said with a frustrated sigh. “I actually left the house because of that. She didn’t wanna go to school and I was stressed out because of work and I almost blew up on her so I chose to take a step back. I feel horrible, honestly. I feel like I’m an unfit parent.” 

Stolas gazed at him with a sympathetic look. “You’re not a bad parent, Blitzø. You just got overstimulated because of everything that’s been happening. You were right to take a step back—it’s what’s best for both you and her.” 

“You think so?” Blitzø asked with a sigh.

“I know so,” Stolas replied with a reassuring smile. “I, too, sometimes take a step back whenever my responsibilities towards Octavia get too overwhelming. You can only ever take so much, Blitzø.” 

“You? Dad of the year? You take a step back?” Blitzø asked in surprise. “I didn’t even think that you’re capable of getting angry at your daughter.”

Stolas laughed. “Oh, I am. I just handle things very differently. I do not yell or get violent. I simply change my tone of voice or tell her that I am getting angry and she usually understands. Via is one perceptive child as well so she knows whenever something is already too much.” 

“You guys really get each other, huh? That’s actually so amazing, considering that Octavia is also very young.” 

“I raised her to be perceptive, independent, and compassionate. She’s been doing very well in all three departments.” 

Blitzø simply smiled at this, cutting into his food as he did so. Stolas made him realize that it was okay to have off days and that it was completely normal for him to feel the way he did. He was thankful for that, honestly, because Blitzø needed validation more than he let on. 

“Thanks, Stolas,” Blitzø said with a smile. “Thanks for validating my feelings.” 

“But of course, Blitzø. Your feelings are valid. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.” 

If there was one thing he had to say, it was ‘thank fuck for Stolas Goetia’.

Chapter Text

By the time Blitzø had come home to the apartment, Loona was off to school and Ozzie was in the kitchen cleaning up. The older greeted him with a smile which he returned. He then trudged into the living room and collapsed onto the couch, humming contentedly to himself at the feeling of the familiar softness of the furniture. 

“God, I missed this fucking couch.” He said with a groan, burying his face into the cushions. 

“You okay? Ozzie asked. 

“No,” Blitzø said into the couch, voice muffled. “How’d Looney do?” 

The older smiled as he placed the dishes on the rack. “She did amazing, Blitzø. She cried when she realized that you were gone, but she listened very well and understood when we explained everything to her. She asked for you earlier, though. She wanted you to drive her to school.” 

Blitzø let out a sniffle. “I miss her. Gonna take her out on a daddy-daughter date later.” 

“She’s gonna love that,” Ozzie said with an even wider smile. “Did you have breakfast yet?”

“Yeah. Had an iced latte and half a pack of Marlboro reds.” 

This made Ozzie grimace, but he chose not to reply. 

“I’m back!” Fizzarolli announced as he entered the apartment. “Oh hi, Blitzø! You’re back, too?” 

“Yeah. Just got here,” Blitzø replied. “How’d Loona do at school?” 

Fizzarolli settled on the space beside Blitzø before speaking. “She did fine. She was really cooperative the whole morning and went to class without hesitation.” 

Blitzø let out a sigh of relief. “That’s great to hear. Thank fuck she’s finally doing alright.” 

“Do you usually make her lunch?” Fizz asked as he scrolled through his phone.

“I do. She likes the lunches I make her.” 

“I figured. She asked Ozzie and I if we’d be making her lunch,” Fizz said before holding out his phone to show Blitzø the lunch set he had already bought. “I got this for her earlier. It’s got a lunch bag, a lunch box, and a food jar in case you decide to pack her some soup. It’s all insulated. Ozzie and I have the same ones.” 

Blitzø looked back at his friend with wide eyes. “Gee… Thanks, Fizz. You even got it in purple. She’ll love it.” 

“Anything for my favorite honorary niece,” Fizz said with a smile. “You can throw out that ridiculous looking bento box you got her.”

“Nah. She loves it. She’s the one who picked that out.” Blitzø said, chuckling as he shook his head. 

The bento box did look ridiculous. It was purple and had neon pink and green leopard prints all over it. But Loona fell in love with it the moment she laid eyes on it and who was he to say no to her, really? 

“Would you like us to stay for longer, Blitzø?” Ozzie asked. 

“You guys are good. I can take it from here. Go enjoy your day,” Blitzø responded. “I’ll buy you guys food next time as a thank you.”

Fizz smiled at his friend before taking the bag that Ozzie had packed for him beforehand from the stool. “We’re counting on it, Blitzø. And give us a call if you need anything else, okay?”

Blitzø waved to his friends who made their way out of the door before collapsing into the couch once more. The entire apartment looked like it underwent deep-cleaning and he felt so grateful for that. Fizz and Ozzie were always so thorough. 

His thoughts were cut short when a notification popped up on his phone. He shimmied a little bit to get closer to the coffee table before picking up the device and bringing it closer to his face. It was a message from Stolas. 

stolas: Hello, Blitzø! I just got out of my shift. Are you home yet?

Right. He had texted Stolas earlier in the morning while he was in an operation that he would be coming home. Stolas must have just seen the message. 

Loona’s Dad: heya stols. yea i gh like 20 mins ago

stolas: That is lovely. Did you see Loona this morning?

Loona’s Dad: nah. fizz dropped her off before i got home

Loona’s Dad: ur shift ended late though?

stolas: Yes. There was an unexpected brain surgery which lasted for about seven hours. I was four hours in my shift when it happened. 

Loona’s Dad: geez. do they pay you for overtime?

stolas: Of course they do :) 

stolas: There aren’t that many anesthesiologists so they best pay me well if they expect me to continue working. Lol. 

This made Blitzø snort. 

Loona’s Dad: haha they better lmao

Loona’s Dad: gnna let u rest, stols. have an amazing sleep :) 

stolas: Thank you, Blitzø. Enjoy the rest of your day!

Blitzø sighed before getting up from the sofa and trudging towards his office, ready to get back to work on the project he left hanging for a day.

-

“Heya, Looney!” Blitzø yelled with a warm smile as he waved his arms at the small girl. 

Loona’s head whipped towards her uncle who she bolted towards with tears running down her face. “Uncle Blitzø!” 

“What’s wrong?” Blitzø asked, engulfing the girl in a hug. “Why are you crying?” 

“I missed you!” Loona sobbed. “I-I’m sorry I was bad! I promise I’ll be good. I won’t scream in the morning anymore. I promise!” 

“Looney,” Blitzø said, pulling away from the hug. “It’s okay to lash out sometimes. You can be angry and upset. I know that it’s hard to express your big feelings, so you can express them in ways you need to. Just don’t kick me, though. It hurts like hell.” 

Loona giggled. “I’m still so sorry. It’s not okay to throw tantrums like that.” 

Blitzø sighed and patted her on the head. “How about a daddy-daughter date, yeah? Let’s go get some ice cream and watch a movie in a theater.” 

“Really?!” Loona exclaimed with sparkling eyes.

“Really. C’mon!” 

Excitedly, Loona scrambled to get into the passenger seat as quickly as she could with Blitzø quietly chuckling behind her. She was more than ecstatic to be able to spend the day with her beloved uncle after spending some time apart. 

By the time they arrived home, it was already dinnertime. Blitzø took it upon himself to make dinner while Loona watched a show on the TV. He decided to make lobster mac and cheese. After dinner, they watched a movie until Loona fell asleep on the couch which prompted him to carry her to her room. 

Just as he was about to exit the room after tucking her in, Loona spoke. “Uncle Blitzø?” 

“Yeah, Sweetie?” Blitzø asked, turning around to face her. 

“I love you. Thanks for everything.” She said with a smile before burying herself deeper into the covers.

“I love you too, Sweetie. So much.” Blitzø croaked out before quickly closing the door and rushing to his room to completely bawl his eyes out. 

Loona was the greatest thing in his life and he knew then and there that no matter how hard it would get, he would never give her up for anything. He was Loona’s dad/uncle and he would forever be that for her—no matter what.