Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Sorry, what was that?” Blitz asked, walking back into the living room with a fresh bowl of popcorn under one arm and a pop in each hand.

It was one of those rare nights—the girls were out with their friends, and their little 4-year-old was at Fizz’s for a sleepover. With their night of freedom, the guys had decided it was the perfect time to binge their current TV show.

“I said ‘the remote’s gone?’” came the confused reply as Stolas leaned down to look under the couch, then moved around to the coffee table to check there.

Raising an eyebrow, Blitz walked over to place the snacks on the table before glancing at the paused episode of Firefly and then back at the frustrated-looking owl. He smirked. “Only you could lose the remote one second after pausing the TV, Birdie,” he teased lightly, but began scanning the room for the missing remote. He chuckled. “At this rate, we should just put a tracker on the damn thing.”

Stolas let out a huff and straightened up, his feathers slightly ruffled. “It’s not like I lost it on purpose Blitzy!” he finally said, exasperated. “I just… didn’t notice setting it down.” He looked down at his hands, his face flushing slightly.

Setting the snacks down, Blitz chuckled softly. “Of course not. Here, let me help.”

After close to ten minutes of searching, both men grew more and more frustrated. Blitz finally threw up his hands. “Fuck it, this isn’t worth it,” he muttered. He walked over to the DVD player, hit the play button, picked up the bowl of popcorn, and sat back down on the couch as the episode started playing again.

After a few moments, with the TV playing, Stolas still hadn’t stopped looking around the small room. Sighing dramatically, Blitz reached over and tugged on the sleeve of Stolas’ fuzzy robe. “Come siiit,” he whined, causing Stolas to hoot with laughter.

“Okay, okay,” Stolas relented, still chuckling, and leaned into Blitz’s side. “But I’ll help you find it later.”

“Relax, Stols. It’ll show up eventually.”

“But I’m the one—”

“Hey,” Blitz cut him off gently, tossing a piece of popcorn that bounced off Stolas’ beak. “It’s okay, really.”

The words hung in the air for a moment as Stolas fidgeted, looking like he still wanted to protest. Finally, he sighed and grabbed a handful of popcorn.

The two sat in comfortable silence for a while as the episode continued to play. Stolas seemed to relax against Blitz, the tension in his feathers easing. Blitz couldn’t help but smile at how easy it was to have moments like this. Despite all the chaos that usually affected their lives, it was nice to just relax together.

As the night grew longer and the popcorn was finished, Stolas eventually sprawled out across the length of the couch, perfectly content, his head tucked comfortably in Blitz’s lap and his legs curled up to fit.

Blitz let out a chuckle, carding his claws through the longer feathers on the side of Stolas’ head. “That can’t be comfortable, Feathers,” he teased, glancing at the cramped position Stolas was in.

Stolas shook his head, somehow burrowing closer to the imp and pulling his robe tighter around him. “It’s cozy and warm.”

“Of course it’s warm, birdbrain. You’re literally covered in feathers, and then you’ve got this fuzzy—what even is this? It’s like a blanket with arms,” Blitz countered lightheartedly, running his other hand down the length of the robe.

“It is. Starfire  made it into a robe from a blanket because she knows I like wearing it while I walk around,” Stolas replied, his voice slightly muffled.

“Oh, that was nice of her. But seriously, Stol, how do you not suffocate in—” Blitz had been poking and playing with the side of the robe teasingly when he paused and burst out laughing.

Jostled by the sudden movement, Stolas turned to look up at Blitz, confused. “What is it?”

Still chuckling, Blitz ran his hand down Stolas’ side as he spoke. “So, Octagon made this?” At Stolas’ confirming nod, he smirked. “Looks like she didn’t just add sleeves to this thing.” Reaching Stolas’ hip, where it was bunched up slightly, Blitz moved his hand around before bringing it back up and holding up the missing remote with a triumphant “Aha!”

Stolas sat up so fast he nearly fell off the couch. “How? Where? What?”

“It—it was right in your pocket, Feathers,” Blitz finally got out, laughing.

Stolas froze, his cheeks burning as he processed the situation. “I… I can’t believe it was in there the whole time,” he muttered, unsure whether to feel embarrassed or impressed.

Blitz, still grinning, dropped the remote into Stolas’ hands. “You really do love getting lost in your own fluff, huh?” he teased, leaning back into the couch.

Stolas rolled his eyes but couldn’t suppress a smile. “I blame you, Blitz. You were distracting me with your… antics,” he said, still holding the remote like it was a fragile artifact.

Blitz raised an eyebrow, his expression turning more mischievous. “My antics? I did nothing! You were the one who couldn’t keep track of a little thing like the remote!” he replied, nudging Stolas’ leg with his own. “Not my fault if you’re too comfortable to think straight.”

Stolas puffed out his chest slightly, trying to muster some dignity despite the situation. “I’ll have you know, Blitz, that I am very capable of thinking straight. It’s just…” His voice trailed off as he glanced at Blitz, who was lounging with an amused grin. “got a bit distracted.”

Blitz leaned in, lowering his voice to a teasing whisper. “By me? I’m flattered.”

Stolas looked away, a faint blush creeping up his neck as he cleared his throat. “Well, it has been a while since we had a quiet night like this,” he admitted, shifting uncomfortably as the sudden warmth between them grew.

Blitz took the hint, his teasing softening into something more sincere. “Yeah,” he said, his voice quieter now. “I kinda like it too. No chaos, no kids. Just us. Kinda rare, huh?”

Stolas nodded, his earlier frustration melting away as he leaned back into the couch. The tension between them was replaced with a comfortable silence. “I kind of miss this,” he murmured, settling against Blitz’s side again, his eyes closing in contentment.

Blitz didn’t respond right away. He just let the moment linger, taking in the rare stillness. After a few beats, he turned his head to look down at Stolas, feeling a swell of warmth in his chest. “Me too, Stols.”

The two sat there for a while, the hum of the TV in the background almost like a distant noise as the world outside seemed to fade away. Stolas was warm against him, the soft rustle of feathers the only sound beside their occasional movements. Blitz couldn’t help but smile, knowing that even in their weird, chaotic lives, this moment—this quiet, unspoken understanding—was something truly special.

“Hey, Blitz,” Stolas said after a long pause, his voice almost shy.

“Yeah Stol?” Blitz responded, keeping his voice light.

Stolas looked up at Blitz with a small but sincere smile. “I love you.”

Blitz’s heart skipped a beat, and he couldn’t keep the silly grin off his face, no matter how many times he's heard those words. “I love you too, Pretty Bird.”

Chapter Text

There was rattling at the front door of the apartment, then a few curses before a diamond shaped portal appeared just on the inside of the door. Blitz rushed through it, arms full of bags. He quickly set them on the counter before flopping down on the couch, grabbing the blanket that was draped over the top, and cocooning himself in it. 

“Darling? Is everything ok?” Stolas asked curiously from the other couch, using a bookmark to make his place before walking over and sitting beside the ball of blankets.

“Just peachy” came the muffled reply.

“Then…why are you buried in a blanket?” Stolas pressed, moving the edge so that he could look into his partner’s face. “And did you teleport from outside the door to inside? You know you could have knocked, I would have let you in”

“Couldn’t wait for you to put your book down” Blitz smirked, “ts too cold outside, and I had to go shopping . All by myself” he pouted before pulling the blanket back over his head.

Letting out a hoot of laughter, Stolas poked where he was sure Blitz’s shoulder was, and teased. “I seem to remember a very handsome imp banning me from doing the shopping anymore because, and I quote: ‘Only you can manage to buy out the entire fucking store and miss every item actually on the list’”

Blitz groaned from beneath the blanket, "That may be true," he muttered, “But that doesn’t mean I can’t still complain about freezing my tail off all for some eggs”

Shaking his head in amusement, Stolas leaned forward to kiss the blanket over one of Blitz’s horns. “I was just outside with Octavia, we went on a walk in the park, it isn’t that could out”

“Of course you don’t think it’s cold Feathers.” Blitz scoffed goodnaturdly “You literally have a built in coat”

Stolas chuckled “Yes I guess that is true. You know Darling, if the change in weather is getting to you, we are overdue for a trip down to Sloth” He leaned into Blitz and pressed a soft kiss to one of his blanket covered horns.

Blitz peeked his head out from under the blanket, his mismatched eyes narrowing with skepticism. "Sloth? You mean to that boring place?" He raised an eyebrow as he sat up slightly, pulling the blanket tighter around his shoulders.

Stolas smiled softly, his feathers ruffling gently as he leaned back into the couch. "Not boring, quiet. But yes, we could relax for a few days. Just the two of us. Or maybe go down to Envy and rent a cabin by the lake." His eyes twinkled with a mixture of mischief and fondness. "I hear it’s perfect this time of year—cool enough to enjoy the scenery, but not too cold for comfort."

Blitz considered the offer, his eyes flickering with interest despite his typical skepticism. He rubbed his hands together, the idea of a little getaway appealing, especially if it meant escaping the cold for a while.

“Envy, huh?” Blitz grinned, his mood lightening. “You know, I do love a good bit of luxury. I could get used to the whole ‘cabin by a lake’ thing. Plus, I’m sure there’s a nice little... spa we could visit while we’re there.” He winked, his usual mischievous energy creeping back.

Stolas leaned in closer, brushing the blanket away just enough to catch Blitz’s gaze. “The idea was to get away from all the extra stuff, darling. To relax. Just you, me, and a few days of peace.”

Blitz smirked, half-noding, though a glimmer of excitement lingered in his eyes. "Sure, sure. Peace sounds nice... but I’m not gonna lie, the idea of you getting all cozy in a cabin with no one around to distract you sounds pretty tempting.” He waggled his eyebrows teasingly.

Stolas chuckled softly, his feathers fluffing as he playfully with the spade of Blitz’s tail. “It could be our peace, darling,” he teased back, leaning in to nuzzle Blitz’s cheek gently, his voice dropping in tone. “Just you, me, and no interruptions. No work, no chaos... just us.”

Blitz’s teasing grin softened, cheeks flushing slightlyl, his usual bravado quieting in the face of Stolas’s affectionate words. “Yeah... I could get behind that,” he admitted quietly. "Alright, let’s do it. A little cabin getaway sounds... real nice."

Stolas’s eye’s lit up, his lips curling into a fond smile. He leaned in closer, brushing a kiss to Blitz’s forehead, his voice gentle but filled with warmth. “It’s settled then. I’ll make the arrangements. No stress, just us, and a whole lot of nothing to worry about.”

Blitz let out a contented sigh, sinking further into the blankets. “Maybe I’ll survive this cold if I’ve got you and a cabin to look forward to.” He grinned to himself, before pulling out his phone, texting their chat with the girls and then M&M to make sure everything got squared away.

Stolas watched him for a moment, a soft smile on his lips, the warmth of the moment sinking in. “You know, darling, I’m looking forward to it too. Just us, no distractions. I think we both deserve a little peace.”

Blitz shot him a sideways glance, a playful smirk on his face. “Oh, I’m sure we’ll find our own kind of chaos in that cabin. Just you wait.”

Stolas chuckled, his feathers fluffing slightly. "I wouldn’t have it any other way."

Chapter Text

Blitz heard panicked chittering and a string of curses from the kitchen. Curiosity piqued, he pushed open the door and stepped inside. Cabinets were thrown open, and Stolas was frantically chasing a very miffed black cat in his arms.

Blitz leaned against the doorframe, smirking at the scene. "What’s this? Trying to start an impromptu pet grooming business? Or finally had enough of the chaos floofs and decided to see how they taste" Eyes sparkling as he watched Stolas, who was frantically pawing at Daffy’s sticky fur.

“I-I don’t know what to do!” Stolas lamented, looking at Blitz pleadingly. “This damn syrup, it’s everywhere! And Daffy won’t stop squirming.” as if to emphasis his point, a very annoyed hiss came from the cat in question, doing everything in it’s power to get out of the owl's hold.

Walking fully into the kitchen, making sure to firmly close the door behind him, Blitz hopped up to the counter and grabbed the olive oil from the cabinet, before making his way back to Stolas with a raised eyebrow. “You’re telling me that Octagon never got anything sticky stuck in her feathers when she was little?” It was meant to be teasing, but his genuine curiosity was clear.

Stolas’ hooting laughter filled the room and he smiled, looking deep in thought, before shaking his head. “Oh she definitely did, many times. But you see Darling, feathers are designed to either fall out or be preened out when they become damaged, fur seems to be a different beast altogether.”

Blitz snickered, unscrewing the cap. "So you’ve figured out how big a pain in the ass fur is, huh? No wonder Daffy looks so pissed. He knows he could be stuck with that sticky nonsense for days ." Blitz smirked, moving closer to Stolas, who was still holding Daffy like an unwilling bundle of fury.

“Ugh, I just don’t understand how it got everywhere ,” Stolas muttered, eyes darting nervously from Daffy to the cabinets. “I only wanted a quick snack. How did it even—”

Blitz raised a hand, cutting him off. “You can tell me later. Right now, I’m here to help. Who else would you call for a syrup cat astrophe?”

Stolas shot him an exasperated look but couldn’t help the smallest hint of a smile from tugging at his beak. “I never said I needed rescuing ,” he muttered, but his voice wavered as he tried, again, to contain Daffy. The cat, covered in what looked like a whole serving of syrup, hissed again, clawing at Stolas’ feathers in protest.

Blitz took pity on the poor cat for all of half a second, before his grin returned. “Well, you are gonna need some help. Lucky for you, I’m well-versed in this sort of thing.” He casually waved the oil bottle like it was a trophy.

Daffy, however, was less than impressed with Blitz's nonchalant attitude. The cat gave a particularly furious hiss, followed by a quick swipe with his claws aimed directly at Blitz’s face.

Blitz dodged it easily, grinning wider. “See? This little guy gets it. He’s got spirit .” He took a step toward Stolas, who was looking more flustered by the second.

“Please just—”

“Yeah, yeah. I’ll stop teasing. Lemme help, alright?” Blitz brushed his tail soothingly over STolas’ forearm, feeling the tension in the owl’s body ease slightly.

Blitz reached out for Daffy, who was squirming less by the second. The syrupy mess made the cat's fur stick in odd, uncomfortable clumps, and the way he kept darting his eyes from Stolas to Blitz made it clear he didn’t trust either of them.

“Alright, look, you little fuzzball. You’re gonna hate this, but we’re gonna get you cleaned up. After that, I’ll get you a nice snack to distract you from the trauma. How's that sound, hmm?” Blitz cooed to the cat, voice full of mock-petty as he scooped Daffy out of Stolas' arms. He turned the black cat toward the sink, ignoring the frantic swats at his hands.

Stolas blinked at Blitz, an eyebrow quirking as the imp skillfully handled the cat. “Well, this is… unexpected. I thought you were more of the 'leave it to the chaos' type."

Blitz smirked as he turned the water on. "Oh believe me Pretty Bird, I am , but I also know how to clean up when things get too messy. And you , my friend, are very messy ." He leaned in to inspect Daffy’s syrup-covered fur, making a face. “This is almost as bad as when Loona managed to get caramel everywhere. Now that was chaos.”

Stolas stood there, blinking. “You’ve… helped Loona with situations like this before?”

Blitz grinned wickedly. "Yeah of course. A couple of times, when she let’s me. She can be a disaster, but she’s my disaster. So when things get sticky, I help clean it up. Same goes for you, Birdie." He gave Stolas a wink.

Stolas' face flushed slightly, a tiny laugh escaping him before he covered his mouth. "Well, if you’re offering, I suppose I should be grateful. Though, I’m still not sure how syrup got everywhere in the first place." He stepped closer, watching Blitz with mild curiosity. "What happens when the cat decides he’s had enough? Do you have a plan for that?"

Blitz’s grin widened at the question, his eyes gleaming with a mischievous spark. He gave Daffy another firm but gentle tug, making sure the squirming cat stayed put. "Oh, don’t worry. I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve for when furry little tyrants decide they’ve had enough," he said smoothly, his voice dripping with confidence.

As if on cue, Daffy’s claws swiped at Blitz’s wrist again, this time a little harder. The cat hissed, baring its teeth as it wriggled in Blitz’s grasp, clearly displeased with being held in place. Stolas winced, instinctively taking a step forward as though to help, but Blitz just waved him off, undeterred.

“See, Stols, that’s where my expertise comes in,” Blitz said, slowly and carefully turning the water temperature to lukewarm, not too hot for the cat but not cold enough to make it an unpleasant experience. Using his tail he brought the oil closer again.  He poured a small amount into his hands and rubbed his fingers together, before carefully lathering it into Daffy’s sticky fur.

“Olive oil works wonders,” Blitz explained off handedly, giving a satisfied nod as the syrup began to loosen. “Gets rid of all the gunk without hurting the fur. Plus, it's not as offensive to their senses as soap can be”

Stolas watched in awe, leaning slightly closer. “I’ve never seen anyone deal with an angry cat so… casually,” he said, his voice filled with surprise. "You really know what you’re doing."

Blitz’s scared cheek flushed slightly, pleased by the compliment. “It’s all in the wrist, baby,” he said, letting the oil work its magic. Daffy was still glaring at him, but the cat’s squirming had begun to subside as the sticky mess started to come off.

“Now, the trick is not to make him feel cornered. He needs to trust me to fix this disaster, even if he thinks I’m the one who caused it in the first place,” Blitz explained, his voice light as he continued to rub the oil into Daffy’s fur. "Once he realizes I'm actually making it better, not worse, we’re golden."

Stolas chuckled quietly, clearly impressed. “I can see why you’re the one who gets called for ‘cleanup duty.’” he teased lightly

Blitz huffed out a laugh, turning Daffy back around, giving the cat a reassuring scratch under the chin. "There we go, much better. You feel better now, huh, you little furball?"

Daffy’s hissing had stopped a while ago, and the cat gave a small, reluctant meow. Blitz set him on the counter, giving him a playful push as Daffy began grooming himself, the syrup mostly gone.

Stolas’ eyes softened. “Thank you… for not making me suffer through this alone.” He paused, thinking, then added with a smirk, “I’ll be sure to return the favour next time you find yourself sticky .”

Blitz winked as Daffy hopped off the counter and sat by the door, clearly expecting to be let out. “Deal. Now let’s go get you cleaned up and we can pretend this never happened.”

Chapter Text

The night sky stretched out above them, an endless sea of glimmering diamonds scattered across the velvet blackness. The air was cool and crisp, carrying with it the faint scent of fresh rain. Blitz sat on the edge of the hill, legs crossed, his eyes lazily tracing constellations he couldn't quite name. Beside him, Stolas lay back on the grass, his arms behind his head, his eyes wide with fascination as he gazed upwards, pointing as he excitedly talked and explained things. “~it’s the most common Asterism, although personally I~”

“Asterism?” Blitz cut him off, tilting his head away from the twinkling lights above them and looked down at the owl, confused for a second before smirking. “I know what a constilaiton is Birdie, you don’t have to give it some hoity toity name” he teased lightly.

Stolas chuckled, a soft and melodic sound, his gaze never leaving the stars above. He reached over to gently run his talons over Blitz’s spines. “No Darling, Asterisms are different. They are a recognizable pattern of stars, but are not officially a constellation. Like how the Big Dipper is part of the constellation Ursa Major, but the Dipper itself is just an asterism.”

Blitz raised an eyebrow, his expression half-mocking, half-curious. “Oh, so you’re saying the Big Dipper’s just some... fancy group of stars and not even a real constellation? That’s kinda... underwhelming.” He shrugged and rolled over, resting his chin on Stolas’ thigh, trying to appear uninterested, but his curiosity peaked through.

Stolas smiled softly, feeling the weight of Blitz's head on his leg, the small gesture speaking volumes despite Blitz's attempts to mask it. He let out a gentle sigh and adjusted slightly, looking down at Blitz with a twinkle in his eye.

"Well, underwhelming as it might seem, the beauty of it lies in how these patterns are recognized by demons and humans alike across time and space," Stolas explained, his voice filled with a soft reverence as he looked back up at the expanse above them. "They’ve been used by ancient civilizations to navigate, to tell stories. Even if it’s not a ‘real’ constellation, it still has meaning."

Blitz lifted his head slightly, squinting up at Stolas with a mixture of skepticism and intrigue. "Meaning, huh? So, like... are we talkin that astrology horoscope bullshit or actually important stuff?" He smirked, a playful glint in his eye, but there was something about the way Stolas spoke that had him leaning in.

Letting out a hoot of laughter, Stolas narrowed his eye’s playfully at his companion. “Need I remind you dear that one of my primary duties as Prince and Guardian of the Stars consisted of looking at them and answering questions demons had about thie past, present, and future?” poking lightly at Blitz’s shoulder. 

Blitz raised his hands in mock surrender, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Alright, alright, you win your featherness," he drawled, then in a more serious tone then even he was expecting, “So they hold some deep meaning? Ok cool, but I know for a fact you like them more than just for your job, so now I’m curious. Why?”

Stolas paused, expression softening, eyes lingering on the stars for a moment longer before turning back to Blitz. There was a moment of stillness, stretching a bit longer than necessary, before he spoke again, his voice quieter now, more thoughtful.

"You see, Blitz," Stolas began, voice full of wonder, "The stars have always been there, long before either of us were born. Before anything was born. They’re timeless. There’s a certain… comfort in knowing that these ancient lights, these asterisms, have seen it all. Wars, kingdoms, lovers… they watch over everything, and yet, they remain unchanged."

Blitz watched Stolas intently, his usual smirk gone, replaced with a subtle curiosity. His eyes flickered between the stars and Stolas, the owl’s words pulling him in deeper than he cared to admit.

"So... what, they just watch everything, huh?" Blitz muttered, rolling onto his back beside Stolas, tail wrapping lazily around his knee. He gazed up at the night sky, though the beauty of it felt distant to him. "I mean, I guess it’s kinda comforting... knowing something’s been around forever. Not a lot of things last that long, y’know?"

Stolas turned his head slowly, catching Blitz’s gaze with his sharp eyes, his expression soft yet knowing. "No, they don’t," he said quietly, the weight of his words hanging between them. "But that’s the thing. They watch everything, but they never judge. They’re distant, but ever-present. You can always look up, and they’re there, no matter where you are, no matter what happens in your life. They remain constant."

Blitz fell silent, the weight of Stolas’s words sinking in. The stars above seemed even more vast now, and for a brief moment, he could almost feel the weight of their gaze, as though they too were watching him—just like Stolas. It wasn’t often that Blitz let himself think about things this way, but the quiet night and Stolas’ voice had a way of pulling it out of him.

"Yeah," Blitz murmured, his voice softer than usual. "I get it. That constant stuff... seems nice. But I dunno, Stols, I think... I think things don’t stay the same forever. People change, situations change. Even the stars, if you think about it, they’re burning up, right? They’re not gonna last forever either." He glanced sideways at Stolas, his usual cocky grin replaced with something more vulnerable. "Nothing’s forever, not really."

Stolas didn’t respond right away. He just looked at Blitz, eyes filled with understanding. He reached over, gently placing his hand over Blitz’s, talons warm despite the cool air around them.

"You are right," Stolas said quietly, voice thick with emotion. "Nothing lasts forever. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t cherish the moments we do have, and the people we share them with." His eyes softened even more, and there was a tenderness in his gaze that Blitz had never seen before.

Blitz looked down at their hands, the touch small but grounding. His tail flicked uneasily, but he didn’t pull away. Instead, he gave a quiet sigh, a chuckle escaping his lips as he shook his head.

"Well, heaven, guess you’re right again." Blitz looked up at the stars, then back to Stolas. "Not everything lasts forever. But maybe... maybe some things are worth holding onto, while they’re here."

Stolas’s smile was gentle, a flicker of something tender passing between them, as if the stars themselves had woven a subtle connection between them.

Blitz let out a soft huff, trying to make light of the moment, but there was a warmth in his chest that wasn’t there before. He gave Stolas’s hand a small squeeze, unsure of how to put into words the things he was starting to feel, things that… didn’t come easy to him.

"Yeah, alright, let’s just enjoy the stars while we can then, hmm?" Blitz said with a half-smirk, his voice still rough but with an undeniable softness underneath.

Stolas’s chuckle was warm as he shuffled closer to Blitz until their shoulders were pressed to each other, never releasing his hand. "I think that sounds perfect, darling."

Chapter Text

Everyone knew Stolas was bad with surprises. Unfortunately for him though, Blitz knew how to give just enough information so that his bird wouldn’t panic himself silly.

He knew they were going to one of Blitz’s favourite places on Earth, he knew they would be having a picnic by themselves that they had backed that morning, and he knew they were planning on staying there until midnight or it got too cold to stay out. But nothing else.

The sun was setting over the horizon, painting the sky in shades of amber and violet as they walked up a hill. Stolas couldn’t stop glancing around, clearly uneasy despite Blitz’s calm assurances. He knew Blitz well enough to realize that the imp’s idea of “surprises” rarely turned out how he imagined.

Blitz, on the other hand, was practically buzzing with excitement. His usual cocky attitude was laced with something gentler, something rare that he only showed when he was with Stolas. He glanced at his companion and smirked, the teasing glint in his eyes unmistakable.

"Relax, Stols," Blitz said, his voice softer than usual. "I promise, no crazy stuff today. Just us, a nice meal, and maybe some... quality time, y’know?”

Stolas raised an eyebrow. “Quality time?” He couldn’t quite read the tone in Blitz’s voice, and it made him feel even more apprehensive.

Blitz just chuckled, that mischievous grin tugging at the corner of his lips. “You'll see. Just trust me. It’ll be... memorable.”

Stolas sighed, trying his best to hide his anxiety. “I do trust you, Blitz. I just... I’m not good with surprises” 

Blitz grabbed his hand as their pace slowed slightly and he squeezed it gently, a softer then usual smile on his face. “I know, but we’re almost there” 

Stolas nodded slowly, allowing himself to get tugged along up the hill. As they crested the topl, the silhouette of a large, rustic barn came into view. Its red paint was worn and weathered, like it had been around for centuries.

Stolas’s pace slowed as he took in the sight. His unease deepened, but it was too late to back out now. He glanced sideways at Blitz, who was practically bouncing with anticipation.

"What is this place?" Stolas asked, his voice hesitant, a mix of curiosity and wariness.

Blitz grinned. "It's a little spot I found years ago. You mentioned a while back that you wondered what I did to relax~” he led Stolas forward, hopping over the fence and opening the doors, which creaked open, and he stood to one side, letting Stolas see inside, and gestured grandly. "Welcome to my playground."

Stolas stepped cautiously over the threshold, his eyes wide with curiosity as they adjusted to the dimmer light inside. The barn was surprisingly spacious, far larger than it had appeared from the outside. He counted eight large stalls running the length of it, with half of one side created into a room where he assumed equipment was stored.

As Stolas stood just inside the doorway, taking in his surroundings, Blitz moved past him and carefully went to each stall, unlatching it and carefully opening the doors. A few goats berroled through the door and around Stolas to get outside, a cow slowly made it’s way out of another stall and starting towards the door. Moving to let the animals pass him, the owl walked up to a stall that hadn’t been opened yet and looked over the door, and saw two small pigs happily playing around.

Stolas’ gaze softened as he watched the pigs tumble over each other, their tiny bodies wriggling in delight. The sight was undeniably cute, and it made a small smile tug at his lips. He couldn’t help but feel a bit of warmth seep into his chest despite the nervous knot that still lingered.

Blitz, noticing the way Stolas was eyeing the little pigs, smirked and casually leaned against the stall door. “You like 'em, huh?” he asked, his voice light and teasing.

Stolas blinked, quickly looking up at Blitz. “Well... I suppose they are... rather charming.” He cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure.

“You can let them out, if you want” Blitz said, walking up behind him and making him jump slightly. Chuckling goodnaturedly, the imp reached around and unlatched the door with his tail, before turning and following a small horse to the doors.

The pigs only hesitated for only a moment before they were trotting eagerly toward him. Stolas couldn't help but laugh quietly as one of them nudged his leg with a tiny snout, urging him to play along. He crouched down slowly, extending a hand toward the little creatures. The pigs, sensing his gentleness, circled around him, and one of them nuzzled its way into his embrace. Stolas felt a strange warmth spread through him as he gently scratched its head, and he found himself laughing softly, a sound that made Blitz pause and glance back toward him.

Blitz was leaning against a wooden post, watching the scene unfold with an amused grin. “I knew you'd like 'em," he said casually, but the softness in his eyes betrayed a deeper fondness, one that he didn't usually show.

Stolas looked up at Blitz, his cheeks tinged slightly. “I don’t know what I was expecting but... it wasn’t this,” he admitted, his voice quieter than usual. “You’ve surprised me more than once today.”

“If you think this is nice Pretty Bird” Blitz smirked “Come see this” and with that he turned again and walked through the open doors. 

Still doting on the piglets, but also wanting to be near Blitz, Stolas also walked back outside.

Outside, the soft golden glow of the setting sun bathed everything in a warm light, casting long shadows across the field. As Stolas looked around the fenced in paddock again, it was now full of all the animals, including a much bigger white horse that he hadn’t seen in the barn but who was now grazing peacefully, and he was not surprised at all to see that, beside the majestic creature, Blitz sat, on the spread out picnic blanket and gently running his hand up and down it’s nose.

“Oh he’s gorgeous,” Stolas said, sitting down beside Blitz. 

“‘She’ actually, but yeah, she is” Blitz smiled as he lightly ran the tip of his claw over one of the horses ears and huffed out a laugh when it twitched. “According to her halter, her owners call her ‘Shadowfax’. But I call ‘er Snowflake cause it fits a grey horse like her better than a dark name like Shadow anything”

“Grey?” Stolas tilted his head, looking from Blitz, to Snowflake, and back to his companion, confused. “Is she not white?” 

Blitz turned to flash him a fanged smile. “Actually no, there are only a few breeds of truely ‘white’ horses, most horses that look white are actually grey” Turning back to the horse and running one hand up her leg, he continued, pointing out her skin. “See how she has black skin? That’s a good way of telling if a horse with white fur is actually white or grey. White horses are white because it’s actually a mutation where they are basically spotted, but the spot covers the entire body, and their skin is normally more pinkish”

Stolas listened intently to Blitz's explanation, his brow furrowed in concentration as he absorbed the details. “So, she’s grey ,” he murmured, still slightly bewildered by the distinction. “But I suppose ‘Snowflake’ is a fitting name, after all. She does look soft like one.”

Blitz chuckled, giving the horse a gentle pat. “Yeah, she's a big softie.” Blitz leaned back on the blanket, stretching his legs out in front of him. “It’s nice, huh?” he asked quietly, his tone now softer, more relaxed.

Stolas smiled, gaze still lingering on the now-settling animals. “It’s... wonderful,” he agreed, voice almost reverent as he took in the serenity of the moment. “I didn’t expect any of this.” His eyes turned to Blitz, who was lying on his side now, propped up on one elbow, watching him with a mix of affection and pride.

Blitz’s grin softened, and for once, there was no teasing, no sarcasm—just the rare, genuine affection he reserved for moments like this. “I’m glad you like it”

“It’s... perfect,” Stolas said softly, leaning back and resting his head on Blitz’s shoulder. The warmth from his companion was reassuring, grounding him in a way he hadn’t expected.

Blitz tensed at first, clearly not used to such closeness without the usual banter, but he didn’t pull away. Instead, he gently adjusted his position so that they were more comfortable, his fingers brushing through Stolas’s feathers in a slow, calming motion.

As the night deepened, the stars above twinkled brighter, the world outside their small circle of warmth and light growing quiet and still. The only sounds were the soft rustling of the animals and the occasional whisper of wind through the trees.

Chapter Text

“Nope. Sorry, Vitamix, you can’t convince me it’s not just magick,” Blitz said, pointing a forkful of eggs at a very done-looking Octavia for emphasis.

“No, you don’t get it, Old Man!” Octavia groaned, shaking her head. “It’s not magick, it’s just a different kind of sewing thing!”

Blitz shrugged. “Exactly! A Magick Sewing Thing.”

The princess rubbed her temples, then her eyes lit up as she pointed at him, smirking. “Okay, smart guy, if it were all just magick, how do humans do it?” She leaned back and took a sip of her tea.

Blitz, taking a bite of bacon, looked thoughtful for a moment before crossing his arms and grinning way too proudly. “Simple. Sinners steal or buy it from fancy-schmancy magick users like yourself, and then give it to the still alive people they know.”

At that, Octavia slammed her hands on the table and stood up, grabbing the rest of her breakfast. “You are infuriating ! I don’t know how you deal with him,” she added, throwing the last part at her father, who gave a hoot of laughter. She walked around the table and hugged him. “I’m off.”
Kissing her lightly on the head, Stolas smiled at her. “Have a good day, Starfire.” With that, she turned and started heading out, completely ignoring Blitz.

“Fine, fine, run away!” Blitz called after her, snorting when she flipped him off without even looking back.

As she reached the door, she paused, turned her head in that unnerving way that still made Blitz stiffen. “Don’t be late tonight. I’m not saving you a seat.” Then she walked out, closing the door behind her.

A quiet settled over the kitchen as both men continued eating. Then Stolas set down his mug and tilted his head. “How do you do that?”

“Do what?” Blitz muttered around his food.

“You two bicker constantly, and yet it’s clear you’re... bonding.”
Blitz snorted into his coffee, rolling his eyes good-naturedly. “Welcome to bonding with a teenager.”

“But she’s not just inviting you—she’s reminding you about going to that... convention. On, uh... I can’t even remember when.”

“It’s some art gallery thing,” Blitz said, scratching the base of one horn. “...I think?”

“But you don’t care about art?”

Blitz laughed, shaking his head. “Again, welcome to bonding with a teenager. You just connect with the stuff they like.”

Stolas sat back, swirling the last of his tea in his mug, "But… but I don't understand, Blitz," he said slowly. "How do you really connect with her? I’ve been trying so hard with your Loona and it doesn't seem like she wants to bond at all with me."

Blitz raised an eyebrow, getting up to put both their dishes in the sink before walking back over and hopping up to sit at the table, so they’re more eye level. “Loonie is a completely different story than Octagon Stols,” Blitz’s voice softened slightly “and for what it’s worth babe, I don’t think she dislikes you. She’s just... complicated. She doesn’t show affection the way you’d like her to, but that doesn't mean she doesn’t care. Heaven, I barely get any affection from her” He snorted, shaking his head. "Young adults, man. It's like they're allergic to emotions or something."

Stolas looked at Blitz, his eyes softening with curiosity. "You really think that?"

Blitz shrugged, scratching behind one of his horns. “Yeah, I do. I mean, I’m no expert on... parenting or anything, but I think Loonie just needs time. And a little more space to open up. She’s got a lot of walls up, but I can tell she cares about you.” He snorted, a smirk tugging at his lips. “I’d say she’s more like me than you think. And, honestly, I don’t know if that’s a curse or a blessing.”

Stolas chuckled softly, though there was a touch of melancholy in his smile. “I see. She does make it difficult to tell where I stand with her sometimes. But I’m... I’m trying, Blitz. I don’t want to push her away, but I fear I might be doing just that.”

Blitz’s expression softened, leaning forward a little on the table. “Hey, you’re doing better than most. Trust me, it’s not easy dealing with a kid who’s got their own... baggage. Especially one who’s a little... stubborner than most.” He glanced at Stolas, his tone turning a little gentler. “It’s like trying to break through a brick wall with a toothpick. But you’re getting there. Just don’t give up on her, alright?”

Stolas stared at him for a long moment, as if processing the words, before he nodded slowly.
“Thank you, Blitz. That... means more than I can say.”

Blitz grinned, hopping off his seat with a stretch. “Eh, don’t go getting all sappy on me, Pretty Bird. I’m just telling it like it is.” He paused for a second, then grinned even wider, eyes twinkling. “But, hey, maybe if you want some advice on how to connect with Loona, I can help with that too.”

Stolas raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. “Oh? Do tell.”

Blitz shot him a side-eye, winking. “Well, the first thing is, try not to be so... 'Dad' about it. Loona’s not a kid anymore. She’s an adult, and I’m guessing she doesn't want you treating her like some delicate little flower. Let her come to you. Stop being the 'I want to fix everything' guy. Be there when she needs you, not the other way around.”

Stolas leaned back, his expression thoughtful as he processed Blitz's advice. A soft chuckle escaped him, but there was a sense of relief in his voice. "I suppose that's why I’m so lucky to have you around, Blitz. You make all of this… seem less impossible."

Blitz gave him a casual shrug, looking anywhere but directly at Stolas. "Eh, I may have experience suddenly acquiring a teenage daughter, but I’m still just winging it Birdie. But trust me, it’s a whole lot easier when you stop pretending to have all the answers. None of us do."

Stolas grinned, shaking his head. "I’ll try to remember that next time I’m about to do something... 'Dad-ish.'"

Blitz let out a laugh, “I’ll take it”

Chapter Text

Stolas opened his eyes, bleary and unfocused, glancing at the clock beside him. 1:00 a.m. —just like clockwork. A quiet chuckle escaped him as he rolled onto his back, debating whether to wake up his husband. They had decided to take turns with the overnight feedings, even though both of them woke the moment the other left the bed. Still, it was technically the imp’s turn.

The owl froze, a sudden realization striking him. He hadn’t been woken by crying—he’d been woken by the eerie stillness of an empty bed. Blinking, he turned toward the vacant spot beside him, his gaze shifting slowly to the bathroom. No sign of Blitz at all.

Confused, Stolas slipped out of bed, pulling on his robe as he crossed to the nursery door. He pushed it open quietly, his heart lightening at the sight of Blitz, already awake and pacing the room calmly, bottle in hand, a tiny bundle of purple limbs cradled gently in his other arm.

"I didn’t even hear him wake up," Stolas said, his voice soft as he leaned against the doorframe. He knew Blitz had heard him enter, but his husband didn’t acknowledge him immediately, eyes fixed on the baby in his arms.

Blitz glanced up, offering a small, sheepish grin. "He’s been up every few hours since we got him from the hospital. I guess I might’ve preempted him a little."

"That’s understandable." Stolas nodded, walking over. He stole a quick kiss from Blitz before running a hand gently over the baby’s arm. The soft purring that followed made him smile.

Blitz glanced down at the little bundle, his eyes flickering with a mix of pride and worry. "He’s so small Birdie, so fragile. The doc was super clear about schedules and all that, but what if I miss something? I mean, that’s the shit I mess up the most"

Stolas made a sympathetic chitter, moving to stand beside him. He placed a warm hand on Blitz’s shoulder, his touch grounding. "Blitz..." His voice was low and comforting. "It’s okay. You’re not supposed to have everything figured out. Babies don’t need perfection. They need love. Not every moment needs to be perfect."

Blitz’s eyes flickered with doubt as he glanced again at the baby. "But what if I get it wrong?" His voice dropped, raw and uncertain. "I’m great at handling chaos... but this little guy? I don’t know what I’m doing with him."

Stolas crouched down beside Blitz, leaning in closer, his voice softening. "When Octavia was younger, I worried endlessly. I thought I had to be the perfect father. I kept thinking every moment had to go exactly as planned, but... eventually, I realized she didn’t need perfection. She needed me. Just me. And that was enough. Everything else fell into place."

Blitz’s jaw tightened, but he nodded slowly, eyes still focused on the baby. "I guess... I just want to do this right. I don’t want to let him down. I can handle teens... but this is all new territory."

Stolas reached out, wrapping his arm around Blitz’s waist and pulling him into a brief, grounding hug. "You won’t let him down, love. I promise. You’re already doing better than you think."

Blitz let out a small, shaky laugh, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "I guess... I’m just… not good at feeling like I don’t have all the answers."

"Who is?" Stolas smiled, squeezing Blitz’s side lightly before gently taking the baby from his arms and carefully settling the little bundle in his own embrace, the baby purring softly. "But you’re here. And that’s what matters. We’re in this together."

Blitz raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint flickering in his eyes as his tail curled around Stolas’s leg. "Oh yeah? Well, what about when he’s teething and keeping us both up at 3 a.m. for the next... how many months?"

Stolas made an exaggerated face, rolling his eyes as he rocked the baby gently. "I see you’ve already skipped the blissful ignorance and gone straight to ‘every problem under the sun.’”

Blitz laughed, the tension finally easing from his shoulders. He leaned against the crib. "What can I say? It’s kind of my thing."

Hooting softly in laughter, Stolas grinned, gently placing the now-sleeping baby back in his crib. "And here I thought I was the one with anxiety," he teased, his voice a low whisper as he followed Blitz back toward their bed.

Snorting loudly, Blitz quickly covered his mouth with a hand to muffle his laughter, poking Stolas in the hip. "Who says we can’t both be messed up?" he teased back.

Stolas yawned, chuckling lightly as they crawled back into bed. "No one, because we most certainly are, in our own ways."

"Pretty bird."

In response, Stolas buried himself deeper into the bed, snuggling into Blitz’s shoulder, savoring the warmth.

Blitz chuckled softly, lightly carding his claws through his husband’s feathers. "Come on, Stols," he whispered again, this time with a slight pleading edge in his voice. "It’s your turn."

Stolas cracked one eye open, the other three remaining firmly shut. He glanced at Blitz, confused. "Ravi isn’t crying," he said matter-of-factly, then closed his eye again. He was about to drift back into sleep when Blitz poked his shoulder.

"I know, but it’s 3..." Blitz’s voice wavered slightly with a note of worry. He shuffled to sit up, trying not to disturb Stolas. "It’s okay, you sleep. I’ll check on him."

Before Blitz could rise, Stolas rolled completely on top of him, effectively pinning him to the mattress.

"I know you don’t want to wake up, but the doc said—" Blitz paused mid-sentence as Stolas’s warm hand gently settled on his arm. The owl’s touch was soft but firm, sending a wave of calm through him.

"Blitz," Stolas murmured, his voice soft and soothing. He leaned in closer, his face inches from Blitz’s, ruby eyes reflecting an intensity that cut through Blitz’s swirling doubts. "The baby doesn’t need to be so tightly held to a schedule. If he’s not crying, if he’s content, that’s just as important as if he were demanding food every two hours on the dot. It’s okay . Trust me."

Blitz’s chest tightened, and his voice cracked slightly. "But... what if something goes wrong? What if he’s hungry or upset and we miss it because we’re not sticking to the schedule? What if... what if I screw this up?" His voice grew smaller with each word, like he was speaking to himself.

Stolas let out a soothing trill, shifting so that he was cradling Blitz’s face in his hands, looking into his eyes. His thumb brushed over Blitz’s cheek, gentle and grounding. "Blitzy, love... babies aren’t machines. They’re not clocks that need to be wound just so in order to work. Sometimes they’ll sleep through feedings. Sometimes they’ll fuss even though they have everything they need. The point is, you’re here for him. You’re present. And that’s what matters most. The rest will come in time."

Blitz swallowed, the knot in his throat loosening just slightly. Stolas’s words easing some of his doubt, but it still lingered. "I don’t know what I’m doing, Stols. This is... different. I know how to handle chaos, but I~I just don’t want to mess this up."

Stolas’s smile deepened, filled with tenderness. "You won’t. You’re worried about this, which shows how much you care, and that’s what’s important." His hand brushed over the curve of one of Blitz’s horns, a touch gentle but grounding. "And if you ever feel unsure, if you ever feel lost, you know I’m right there. I’m not going anywhere. We’ll figure this out together ."

Blitz let out a long, shaky breath, his shoulders finally relaxing. He looked up at Stolas, a small but genuine smile pulling at the corners of his lips. "You always know just what to say."

"That’s because I’ve had practice," Stolas teased, his voice warm with affection. "And I’ve had a lot of time to think about how lucky I am to have you by my side."

Blitz rolled his eyes playfully but sighed, sinking deeper into the mattress beneath him. "Fine. You win. I won’t check on him yet. But only because you make me feel less like a screw-up. And less like I have to figure all this out on my own."

Stolas nudged him lightly, his tone serious. "You are’t alone. I’ll be right here with you the entire time, my love." He winked as his smile turned teasing. "Even if it’s just to watch you pace like a madman while you check and recheck the temperature of the milk."

Blitz snorted, rolling his eyes again, but there was no mistaking the gratitude in the small smile that tugged at his lips. "You’re lucky I love you."

"Mm, I am," Stolas replied, relaxing further into the pillows, the soft rustle of his feathers the only sound in the room. "Now, sleep, darling," he urged gently, tugging his arm lightly.

"’k," Blitz mumbled sleepily, rolling over to bury his face in Stolas’s soft chest feathers. A gentle purr rumbled in his chest as they both began to drift off... until—

The unmistakable grumbling and whining came through the baby monitor, causing both men to groan loudly.

"I got ‘em," Blitz muttered, his voice muffled by feathers. Then, as Stolas started to protest, Blitz silenced him with a quick kiss. "I woke you up before. I’ll check on him." With that, he rolled off the bed and padded toward the nursery door, leaving a smiling Stolas watching his back.

Chapter Text

"Blitz, you cheating son of a—!" Fizz snarled, his metallic hands slamming down onto the table with a loud clatter. His tiny frame trembled with fury as he glared across the game board at Blitz.

Blitz, tapping the side of his glass with a claw, smirked back at him. "Oh, come on, Fizzy! It’s just a game. You can’t be this upset over a little tie."

"A tie?! A TIE?!" Fizz screeched, his voice rising an octave higher. "This isn’t a tie, you—" He was cut off by a rumbling hum from the couch.

"Gentlemen, please," Ozzie drawled from his lounging position, martini in hand. His expression was one of calm amusement, unshaken by the chaos around him. "It’s just a game. No one won. No one lost."

Blitz shot Ozzie a quick glance before turning back to Fizz, shrugging. "See? Oz gets it. Tie’s are great! Everyone’s a winner in the end."

Fizz’s eyes narrowed, and his fists clenched at his sides. He was about to lash out again when Stolas' smooth, measured voice broke through the tension.

"Darling, really," Stolas said, sitting up from his spot on the arm of the couch. His posture was regal, but his eyes glinted with playful amusement. "You know very well that Fizzarolli isn’t angry about the tie. He’s upset because you’ve been playing creatively from the start."

Blitz blinked, widening his eyes in mock betrayal. "Oh, c'mon , babe. I’m just messing around. Why does everything have to be so dramatic about this?"

Fizz’s eyes twitched. "Dramatic?!" His voice squeaked higher again, his frustration bubbling over. "You’ve been cheating the whole time, and you think I’m being dramatic ?!"

Blitz raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening as he leaned back in his chair, sipping his drink. "Maybe you just suck at this game, Fizz. Ever think about that?"

Ozzie let out a slow, amused chuckle, voice dripping with sarcasm. "I can’t believe it. The two of you at each other’s throats over a board game. What a shocking turn of events." He sighed dramatically, sipping his drink. "Though, B," he added with a pointed glance at the imp, "I don’t think Fizz is entirely wrong. I saw you slip a few cards under the table earlier."

Blitz shot him a glare. "You saw nothing, you big chicken. You’re just as bad as Stols, making things more complicated than they need to be."

Stolas raised an eyebrow, his smile soft but knowing. "I only speak the truth, Blitzy. You’ve been bending the rules in ways that would make even the most seasoned con artist cringe." He turned to Fizz, his tone more genuine. "You have every right to be upset, Fizz. No one likes being played with."

Fizz crossed his arms tightly over his chest, his lips curling into a snarl. "See? Finally, someone gets it!" he snapped, glaring at Blitz as if he’d just won the argument. "You’ve been pulling these shit all night, and now you think you can just brush it off like it’s nothing?"

Blitz’s grin faded slightly, but he remained unfazed. "I’m not brushing anything off, Fizz," he said, lazily spinning the game board with a flick of a claw. "I’m just playing the game. You’re the one making it personal."

"Personal?" Fizz’s voice rose again, his mechanical hands twitching as if they wanted to strangle something, or someone. "You know damn well it’s personal when I’m the one getting screwed over every time we play!"

The room had started to feel a little too suffocating, the air thick with escalating tension. Ozzie, who had been lounging lazily on the couch, subtly shifted. His eyes gleamed with mischief as he took a slow sip of his drink, letting the silence stretch before leaning forward slightly, clearly savoring the drama.

"Alright, alright," Ozzie drawled, voice smooth and teasing. "How about a little... tie-breaker, hmm?" His wickedly charming smile flickered at the two of them. "Just to keep the peace, and before Blitz talks himself into a hole he can’t get out of."

Fizz blinked, incredulous. "A tie-breaker?" he repeated, voice tinged with disbelief. "You’re really taking his side here? You’re just gonna let him off the hook?"

Ozzie’s smirk grew wider, and he lifted a hand in mock surender. "Oh, I’m not letting anyone off the hook, Froggy. I’m simply suggesting a solution before this little spat ruins the rest of our evening." His gaze flicked between them, a gleam of wicked amusement in his eyes.

Blitz narrowed his eyes, his grin returning, though more calculated now. "What kind of tie-breaker are you thinking, Oz?"

Ozzie leaned back on the couch. "Simple. A one-on-one competition. No tricks. No cheating." He gave Blitz a pointed look. "Just pure, unadulterated skill."

Fizz’s frown faltered, replaced by curiosity. "And what exactly are we playing?" he asked, his voice a mix of skepticism and intrigue.

Ozzie tapped his chin thoughtfully, savoring the moment. "How about something more suited to both of your... talents?" His eyes gleamed with delight. "A battle of wits, perhaps? We’ll see who’s the most clever, who can truly outsmart the other. And just to keep it interesting," he added with a sly grin, "let’s make it a game of charisma as well. We all know how much you two, do love to show off with these kinds of things."

Blitz’s grin returned, almost too eagerly. "Charisma, huh? Alright, Fizzy. Get ready to lose. I’ve got this in the bag."

Fizz hesitated for a moment, then snapped, "Fine." He jabbed a finger at Blitz. "But if I win, you owe me something big ."

Blitz scoffed, though his eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint. "Deal. But you’re gonna regret it."

Ozzie leaned back further into his couch, eyes gleaming as he glanced at Stolas. "What do you think, birdie babe? Would you be willing to referee this little... challenge?"

Stolas, who had been content to simply sit and enjoy the bickering around him, gave a thoughtful hum before responding. His voice was light, but there was a hint of genuine intrigue beneath the playful tone. "Hmm... I suppose it would give them both a chance to prove themselves without resorting to dishonesty." He nodded, his gaze flicking between them. "Very well, I shall officiate. But there will be no bending the rules this time."

Blitz raised his hands innocently, still grinning. "No problems here, Pretty Bird. I’ll be on my best behavior." His eyes never left Fizz’s glare. "Let’s get this show on the road."

Stolas hummed, as if he didn’t entirely believe him, but nodded anyway.

As Blitz and Fizz began to prepare for the challenge, the atmosphere in the room shifted. The board game, now forgotten, seemed trivial. The stakes were higher now, and the real battle was about to unfold.

Chapter Text

Following the bustling sound of movement and quiet music, Blitz made his way towards the kitchen, pushing the door open slowly. He had to stifle an affectionate laugh, seeing Stolas bustling around the room, humming and singing to himself as he worked. 

Blitz leaned against the doorframe, watching Stolas with a small, fond smile tugging at his lips. He was moving around the kitchen with surprising grace, his long, elegant fingers expertly chopping some green thing and stirring a pot, the soft glow of the kitchen lights casting a warm, golden hue on his feathers. His voice carried a charm and calming as he hummed along to the slow, jazzy tune playing in the background.

Stolas didn't notice him at first, clearly lost in his own little world. Blitz couldn't help but admire the way Stolas seemed so... comfortable, so free in a space that wasn't usually his. It was rare to see him in such an intimate, domestic moment—he usually wore the weight of his responsibilities, his title, and all the chaos that came with it like a heavy cloak. But here, in the kitchen, Stolas was just... Stolas.

Blitz cleared his throat, his voice casual but tinged with something soft. "You know, for a demon prince, you're not half bad at this whole cooking thing."

Stolas jumped slightly, feathers fluffing in surprise before he turned around, a bright smile spreading across his face. "Darling! You startled me! I didn't realize you were there."

"Yeah, well, I didn't want to interrupt the performance ." Blitz grinned, stepping further into the room. "What's the occasion? Tryin to impress me with your culinary skills?"

Stolas chuckled, wiping his hands on a dish towel before grabbing a small plate and offering it to Blitz. "It's just something simple. Nothing too fancy, I assure you. I thought we could have a quiet evening together."

Blitz's eyes softened as he took the plate. "Sounds nice." He paused, glancing at Stolas. "Don’t think I've ever seen you in a kitchen, to be honest. Kind of... suits you though."

Stolas tilted his head, eyes twinkling with amusement. "I may be a prince, Blitzy, but I have my moments." He turned back to the stove, his hands gently stirring the pot. "Besides, cooking relaxes me. I find it peaceful. And it gives me a chance to make something nice for someone... special."

Blitz felt a warmth spread across his chest at the words, but he quickly masked it with his usual smirk. "Well, beats ordering in like usual. This is nice."

Stolas turned back to Blitz, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "Are you trying to compliment me, Dear? How unexpected."

Blitz rolled his eyes, but his grin never faltered. "Don’t get used to it, Birdie. I’m just saying, you're a surprising guy."

Stolas laughed, a light, melodic sound that seemed to fill the space around them. He carefully set the spoon down and turned to Blitz, his gaze softening. "Surprising, hmm? I suppose I do have my... layers," he teased, winking.

Blitz, unable to resist, leaned casually against the kitchen counter, arms crossed. "Yeah, I guess you do. I mean, who would've thought that under all that royal crap, you're actually kind of... normal?"

Stolas raised an eyebrow, giving Blitz a sidelong glance. "Normal? Is that your way of saying that I'm not completely stuck up?"

Blitz chuckled, the sound rough but warm, like he was trying to deflect the sudden intimacy of the moment. "Hey, never said that," he teased, his voice dropping into a mock-serious tone. "You're still a pompous, overdramatic bird with a huge tendency to flirt way too much."

Stolas let out a playful, exaggerated gasp, clutching a hand to his chest as if deeply offended. "Me? Flirt too much ? I must be misinterpreting your reactions, then, because you seem to enjoy it." He added a teasing wink, his tone light and laced with an unmistakable affection.

Blitz’s grin widened, but there was a flicker of something else in his eyes, something quieter, something that he couldn’t quite put into words. "Yeah, well… You’re not the worst at it," Blitz muttered, scratching one of his horns. He quickly moved, grabbing the glasses off the counter and putting them on the table, pointedly ignoring Stolas’ gaze.

Stolas watched, his gaze softening as he noticed the slight shift in his posture—the way Blitz seemed to close himself off, just a little, as if unsure whether to lean into the warmth or keep his distance. It was a familiar pattern, one that Stolas had come to recognize over the course of their unusual and complicated relationship.

Taking a breath, Stolas decided to ease the tension before it grew too thick. He returned to the stove, plating the food carefully with a practiced touch. He then set it on the counter, taking his time as he wiped his hands again. Finally, he turned to Blitz with a small, almost hesitant smile.

"Well, I do hope you’ll enjoy this," Stolas said, his voice softer now, carrying that undertone of sincerity Blitz didn’t always want to acknowledge. "It’s a simple dish, but it is a good one."

Blitz glanced up at him, his smile faltering for just a second before he masked it with a more familiar smirk. "It's food, yeah? I'll eat anything. As long as it doesn’t come with your weird idea of 'dessert.'"

Stolas let out a quiet laugh, shaking his head. "You wound me, Blitzy. My dessert is masterful , and you know it." He motioned to the plate in front of Blitz, the soft warmth from the meal mingling with the quiet evening around them. "But let’s leave that for later, shall we?"

Blitz chuckled, though there was something more tender in his tone now. "Yeah, yeah. We’ll see about that." He sat down at the table, glancing up as Stolas finally joined him, sitting across with a small plate of his own. Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, the usual teasing banter slipped away, replaced by an unspoken understanding.

They began to eat in silence, the soft clinking of silverware against porcelain filling the space between them. It wasn’t uncomfortable, though. It was the kind of silence that felt like both of them were soaking in the rare peace they had together.

Eventually, Blitz broke it, his voice quieter than usual. "So, this is your idea of a quiet night, huh?"

Stolas looked up, his gaze warm. "It's one of my favourites," he replied simply. "It’s nice to be able to just…be. Without the pressure of my responsibilities hanging over me. Or… anything else." He trailed off, his eyes searching Blitz’s face, looking for something—some sign that Blitz might understand, even if he didn’t say the words aloud.

Blitz leaned back in his chair, tapping a claw lightly on the table as he mulled over Stolas’ words. After a beat, he finally spoke, his voice soft, but still carrying the usual edge of sarcasm that was so much a part of him. 

"Yeah, I get that," he said, his eyes flicking briefly to the plate in front of him before meeting Stolas' gaze. "It's nice, isn't it? No chaos, no bullshit… just... this. The whole 'not having to worry about sinners or paperwork thing. It's... kinda peaceful."

Stolas smiled at that, a slight chuckle escaping his lips. "I had no idea you were capable of appreciating peace, Blitzy."

Blitz's grin returned, a little sheepish, but still unmistakably cocky. "Hey, even I need a break sometimes." He leaned forward slightly, his gaze fixed on Stolas. "But don’t think I’m getting all soft on you, Birdie. This is just... good food, good company, and no mess for me to clean up."

Stolas raised an eyebrow, that mischievous glint still flickering in his eyes. "No promises on the no mess part, my dear," he teased, though his tone was gentle. He set his spoon down, his gaze softening as he looked at Blitz. "But… I do enjoy these moments with you. I do wish they could happen more often."

Blitz felt a pang in his chest, that familiar mix of warmth and unease flooding him. He let out a huff, half-laughing, half-sighing. "Yeah, well… life’s complicated. You’ve got your royal duties, and I’ve got IMP." He paused, then shook his head. "Doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate it, though."

Stolas’s smile softened, a quiet understanding in his eyes. “I suppose... we can’t always have it all, can we?”

Blitz chuckled, leaning back in his chair. “Careful, Birdie. You’re starting to get sappy on me.”

Stolas laughed softly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “I can’t help it. You do have a way of making me soft, Blitzy.”

Blitz snorted, reaching for his glass. He wasn’t sure what to say to that—was it a compliment? A joke? Maybe both. He took a big gulp, the liquid burning pleasantly as he tried to distract himself from the weird flutter in his chest.

Blitz set his glass down, eyes briefly flicking toward Stolas as he mulled over the unexpected warmth in his chest. He cleared his throat, shifting in his seat to shake off the momentary discomfort.

"Well," Blitz began, his voice suddenly more gruff than usual, as if to guard against the vulnerability creeping in. "I guess I should be thanking you for this fancy dinner, huh? Don’t go thinking I’ll make a habit of it, though."

Stolas chuckled, reaching across the table to gently nudge Blitz’s hand with his own, an affectionate gesture that sent a slight jolt through Blitz’s chest. "No promises, Blitz," Stolas teased, his voice low but undeniably sincere. "I do so enjoy spending these moments with you."

Blitz stiffened for just a second, then let out a breath, rolling his shoulders like he was shaking off the weight of the sentiment. His lips quirked into a wry smile, though there was something deeper behind his eyes that he didn’t want to acknowledge. His voice came out gruff again, as he tried to deflect. “Yeah, well… I’m not exactly a ‘romantic dinner’ kinda guy. So don’t get any ideas Birdie.“

Stolas smiled, not fooled by the bravado. He could see the way Blitz’s walls were inching up, but he didn’t mind. He understood the defense mechanism—he'd worn his own his whole life. “Wouldn’t dream of it Darling,”

Chapter Text

“Are you okay there, darling?” Stolas asked, his gaze softening as he watched Blitz struggle through bath time.

Ravi, now five months old, had always loved bath time. In the early days, it had been a peaceful ritual. But as Ravi’s muscles grew stronger, he began to discover the full extent of his abilities—and that included moving his wings. Bath time quickly became more chaotic. The solution? One of them had to join him in the tub. After all, they were going to end up soaked either way.

Case in point: Blitz, with only a few inches of water in the tub, was trying to wrestle a slippery, giggling Ravi into place. The baby’s wings flapped wildly, spraying water across the bathroom. His tiny purple tail thrashed, and his giggles echoed off the walls, making it nearly impossible for Blitz to focus.

“I swear, Freckles, you’re gonna be the death of me,” Blitz muttered, shaking his head as he struggled to hold the wriggling baby still for a soapy rinse. “How the hell do you move this fast when you can’t even walk yet?”

At the hoot of laughter from the doorway, Blitz turned, exasperated, finally noticing Stolas. “Pretty Bird, any chance you could just magick this little gremlin clean?” he whined.

“I could,” Stolas said, stepping over to the tub and gently scooping Ravi out of Blitz’s arms. He slid his talons around the baby’s wings to prevent himself from being smacked in the face, holding him as still as possible so Blitz could finish washing him off. “But I was advised when Via was little that using magick for everything would mean losing precious quality time I could never get back.”

Blitz grumbled under his breath as Stolas effortlessly held the squirming Ravi, the baby wriggling like an angry fish caught on a hook. Stolas’s talons delicately held Ravi’s tiny wings in place, his grip firm enough to keep him from launching himself out of the tub.

“Great. Just great,” Blitz muttered, scrubbing at the soap on Ravi’s chubby little body.

Ravi let out a high-pitched squeal, his tiny tail thrashing against Stolas’s chest. He kicked his legs in a frantic attempt to escape, sending another splash of water onto Blitz’s face. Blitz wiped his eyes, frustration mounting. “Oh, fantastic. Now I’m gonna smell like baby shampoo for the rest of the day.”

Stolas, now holding a clean Ravi against his chest, smiled as the little one stilled, momentarily calmed by the comforting softness of feathers. But that lasted all of a second before Ravi twisted to play with Stolas’s long chest feathers.

“You can be so dramatic, Blitzy,” Stolas teased lightly, using magick to summon a towel, which Blitz grabbed out of the air, starting to dry himself off as he scrambled out of the tub. “And besides, you smell lovely when you’re all wet,” he added with a flirtatious gleam in his eye.

Blitz shot him a playful, exasperated glare, arching an eyebrow. “Yeah, well, I wasn’t planning on getting this wet today. But if you think I smell nice, I guess I can live with it… for now.” He finished drying himself off, tossing the towel aside, and glanced down at Ravi, who was still clinging to Stolas’s chest like a little burr.

Ravi’s wings fluttered, his tail flicking playfully as his giggles filled the room again. Blitz couldn’t help but smile despite himself. He wasn’t thrilled about how chaotic bath time had gotten, but seeing Ravi’s joy made it worth the hassle.

Stolas, noticing the soft spot Blitz had for their son, raised an eyebrow. “You know, you’re not half bad at this whole parenting thing, Blitz.”

Blitz smirked, wiping his face with his sleeve. “Yeah, well, someone’s gotta do it. Can’t leave all the fun for you.” He chuckled lightly, grabbing one of the smaller baby towels and starting to dry Ravi’s wings, gently holding them still.

After a moment, Blitz met Stolas’s eye, flashing a teasing smile. “Although, you know the deal: I did bath time all by myself, so that means you get to get him dressed and down for night.” He tried to sound serious, but they both knew neither would leave the other to handle the chaos alone.

Stolas chuckled softly, cradling Ravi in his arms. “Deal. But next time, darling, maybe consider keeping a little more water in the tub? Just a thought.” Tilting his head playfully as he rocked the baby gently.

Blitz smirked, wiping the last of the water from his horns. “Yeah, yeah. I’ll work on my technique next time.” He glanced at Ravi, whose tiny wings were now gently folded against Stolas’s chest, his giggles replaced with sleepy contentment. The baby’s wide blue eyes were drooping with drowsiness, and his tail swayed lazily in rhythm with Stolas’s rocking.

Blitz’s movements slowed as he approached, the chaotic energy of bath time finally wearing off. He reached for Ravi softly, a smile spreading a little wider across his face. “Come on, buddy. Let’s get you all cozy before you pass out.”

Blitz gently scooped Ravi into his arms. The baby sighed contentedly and nestled against his chest, his purrs soft and quiet. Blitz adjusted him, making sure his wings were snug. The exhaustion from all the bath-time chaos was finally catching up to the little one.

“Alright, little man, time for some peace and quiet,” Blitz murmured, brushing a hand over Ravi’s tiny head and ensuring his hair was dry. He locked eyes with Stolas, his smile softening before he turned and started walking out of the bathroom.

“Yes,” Stolas agreed, following right behind, “Peace and quiet for all of us.”