Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“I love you guys.”  

Blitzø closed his eyes, bracing for the inevitable pain that would proceed the eternal darkness as his head separated from his shoulders. He waited for the end.  

It didn’t come, the room instead erupted with gasps. Hesitantly the imp cracked open his eyes, only to have them widen at the sight before him. Stolas was here. He had saved him.  

He looked regal as always. Beautiful. Yet something seemed... off. However, in the ensuing chaos, Blitzø didn’t have time to dwell on what was itching his brain. It couldn’t be that serious compared to current circumstances.  

“Ack! Stolas, get your ass outta my face!” He grumbled when the force of the blow pushed the prince backward.  

As Stolas explained, or rather “explained”, everything to the court, Blitzø stared in horror and awe. This bird brain, what was he doing? Blitzø didn’t deserve this. He didn’t deserve any of it. “Don’t throw your life away to clean my slate.” He begged.  

Stolas did it anyway, and it broke him. “Stolas! Stolas no you can’t. He begged, gripping the prince’s cape. Stolas looked down at him and then turned away. Blitzø could feel hands pulling him back and he fought them with all his might. “Stolas! Get the fuck off me! Use your powers, do something!” The door slammed in his face. “Let me back in!”  

When it was clear the door wasn’t going to budge, Blitzø broke down. He held his friends, his daughter, and sobbed.  

***  

“Stolas of the Ars Goetia, for your crimes I hereby strip you of your title, powers, and all else. You will be forced to live among the lower denizens of hell, for the next hundred years.” Satan’s voice boomed throughout the courtroom; a deep rumbling Stolas felt in his bones.  

His power was drained from him, bleeding out like a deep wound, and he fell limp to the ground. “But... what about my daughter?” Stolas cried, looking up with fear, pleading with his eyes, now full of permanent emotion.  

“She’ll be safe with her mother.” Andrealphus drawled. “The wholesome parent.”  

No. Stolas felt like someone had stolen his breath. Like the world was crashing down around him.  

It was, wasn’t it? Everything he had ever known was gone.  

Everything but...  

Oh no. His weakened state wouldn’t affect... oh Lucifer please no.  

Hesitantly he ran a hand over the swell of his abdomen. Nothing felt off, and he experienced no pain. It was likely fine. It had to be fine.  

Being thrown from the courtroom didn’t help his fears.  

“Stolas!” Blitzø rushed to his side, and Stolas cursed the part of his mind that was still thrilled by the imp’s presence, even now. “What happened in there? Are you okay?”  

“I... I have been banished.” The owl said, still disbelieving of the circumstance. He stared forward, about to become lost in his head when something hit him.  

“You suck, Stolas!” The janitor imp yelled at him.  

“Hey, watch it fuck-o!” Blitzø growled, flipping the other imp off.  

“No, it’s fine, Blitzø.” Stolas forced himself to stand. “I’m fine.”  

“Do you need a ride home?” Blitzø asked him.  

“I...” Stolas’ breath hitched as the pure gravity of his situation crashed down on him at once. “I have no home now. Everything I have is gone.”  

“Well, come on. Let’s get you out of here.” Blitzø said, putting an arm around his waist and leading him to the door. Subconsciously, Stolas set his arm over his abdomen. He caught Mildred in the corner of his eye, eyeing him suspiciously. She said nothing though, and so he ignored it.  

Grateful would never begin to describe Stolas’ feelings toward Blitzø for letting him stay at his home. The imp wouldn’t stop apologizing about the couch, but Stolas could care less. It beat any of the alternatives.  

He let the imp help him get the gunk out of his feathers, taking the clothing offered by his daughter graciously.  

Eventually, he exited the bathroom and was led to the couch by Blitzø.  

“Thank you, Blitzø.” He said tiredly. He was exhausted to his core, and he had quite briefly considered drowning himself in the bath, but Blitzø wouldn’t have deserved that. The egg didn’t deserve that.  

“No, thank you, Stolas. For saving my life.” The imp said softly.  

Stolas didn’t even need to think of a response. “Always.” He loved Blitzø. That remained true. He couldn’t live in a world without him.  

Finally, his exhaustion took hold completely, and he let sleep take him.  

***  

Blitzø smiled to himself, looking out at the fireworks that exploded across the city. “Hey, Stolas. I...” He trailed off when he looked at the avian, realizing he had fallen asleep. He huffed a fond laugh, then kissed Stolas’ cheek, pushing feathers from his face.  

Blitzø could talk to him tomorrow, so he made his way to the beanbag that was now acting as his bed. He watched the fireworks for a while more, occasionally turning to look at the sleeping owl.  

Something really did seem different, off. He couldn’t put his finger on it, not fully. It’s just that Stolas looked different.  

Oh well, he was sure it would come to him eventually.  

After some time sleep finally took him as well. Despite the unconventional sleeping area, Blitzø found it was some of the most peaceful he’d had in a long while.  

***  

Morning came and the light of the pentagram woke Blitzø bright and early. He groaned to himself, wondering why his back hurt so much when he realized he was on the beanbag. Quickly he spun his head to look at the couch, sighing in relief at the still-sleeping Stolas. As silently as possible he rose, sneaking into the kitchen to start breakfast.  

Loona woke next, taking his finger to his lips seriously as she softly padded from her room. He handed her a plate that she muttered a quick “thanks” for, then quickly retreated back, closing the door behind her. Blitzø made two more plates before finally going to wake the ex-prince from his slumber.  

“Stolas?” He said gently. No response. “Hey, Stols.” Blitzø nudged him gently, watching the Owl’s face scrunch up before his eyes blinked open. “There you are. Are you hungry?” Blitzø knew better than to ask if he was okay. It would be a stupid question.  

Stolas sat up, looked at Blitzø, then the food. He groaned. “To be honest, no, but I know I need to eat.”  

Blitzø held out the plate, letting Stolas take it before going to the beanbag with his own food.  

They ate slowly and in silence. The silence wasn’t quite relaxed, but it was a step above awkward at least. When they were done Blitzø took the dishes to the sink, then came back to the living room. He sat down and looked at Stolas. The avian had laid back down with a hand on his stomach, absently moving his thumb back and forth.  

Odd.  

“You feeling okay, Stols? Like, I know you’re not okay because everything just went to shit, but like... physically?” Blitzø stumbled over his words, internally cursing himself. Why did he feel so awkward all of a sudden? It’s Stolas. The man whose body he’s been all over. Who he spent countless nights with, even when he didn’t have to.  

The past few months had sucked, sure, but he still knew him. Thought he did, anyway.  

To his horror, Stolas’ eyes teared up.  

“Oh, shit, shit, hey! I’m sorry, we don’t have to talk about...”  

“I need to tell you something, Blitzø.” Stolas cut him off with choked words.  

Blitzø blinked. “Well, whatever it is can’t be worse than yesterday.” He tried to lighten the situation.  

Stolas’ sob said he failed miserably.  

Blitzø crawled to the edge of the couch, taking one of Stolas’ talons in his claw. “Hey, it’s okay, pretty bird.” The pet name came without thought. “What’s wrong?”  

“It’s... I’m... this.” Stolas used his free talon to pull up the sweater Loona loaned him. For a long moment, Blitzø just stared at his feathery abdomen confused. Stolas sighed then took his free claw and set it on top of the feathers, pressing in lightly.  

It felt off from usual, rounder, harder.  

Why would it...?  

Oh.  

Oh no.  

The thing that seemed off about Stolas. His stomach stuck out more than usual.  

Blitzø’s heart dropped into his stomach. “Stolas, are you...?”  

“Gravid.” The owl whispered. “Yes.”  

Blitzø wanted to cry. He was no expert on Goetia breeding practices, but Stolas had once mentioned Stella carried Octavia for thirty days. Which meant it wasn’t...  

“So, who’s the other parent?” Blitzø asked, looking away.  

The grip on his claw tightened as Stolas used his other talon to make Blitzø look at him. “It’s a hybrid, Blitzø. The carrying time is longer.”  

Blitzø’s eyes widened with understanding. “It’s... I’m...” He choked on his words.  

Stolas only nodded.  

“Oh, Satan... wait no fuck that guy. Oh fuck, this is... shit Stolas, how long?” He asked.  

“I knew when I gave you the crystal.” The owl closed his eyes. “It has to be close to time now. I just...”  

“Stolas... Verosika’s party... you were drinking!”  

The owl flinched. “I know.” He choked. “I... it was just that night, I swear. It was so new and raw and I just... I thought you hated me.”  

Blitzø was silent for a long moment. “I could never hate you, Stols. I was mad sure, but I didn’t hate you.”  

“I know that now.”  

Blitzø sighed heavily. “It’s okay though, right? The baby?”  

“Yes. After my foolishness, I have watched it closely. All seems well.” Stolas sighed. “I apologize for springing this on you, especially now. I am not looking for pity or trying use you more than I have, you just deserved to know.”  

“Stolas, you haven’t used me.” Blitzø said gently. “Never.”  

“I did for the book.” Stolas argued.  

Blitzø shook his head. “I wouldn’t have agreed if I wasn’t okay with it.”  

“I’m doing it now.”  

“I offered.”  

Stolas scoffed. “You should have left me to the streets. After all I’ve done, I’d have deserved no less.”  

“No.” Blitzø hissed. “You wouldn’t have. And neither would our kid so knock that shit off.”  

Stolas snapped his beak shut.  

“You want to know something, Stolas? I’m a selfish piece of shit. I don’t do anything I don’t want to do. I agreed to your deal because I liked fucking you. I offered to let you stay here because I didn’t want you alone. And I’m going to insist you stay now because I want you Stolas. And I want our baby. And I want you both fucking safe.”  

Stolas stared at him, silent tears staining his cheeks. “What about Octavia? I can’t just leave her to Stella.”  

“We’ll figure it out.” Blitzø squeezed his talon. “Together.”  

Stolas stared wide-eyed, and then his expression softened. “Thank you, Blitzø.”  

Blitzø just nuzzled Stolas’ stomach. “We’ll figure it out.” He repeated.  

It would be a long and hard journey, but at least they weren’t alone.  

Chapter Text

Blitzø woke with a horrid twinge in his back. Groaning he blinked his eyes open, only to realize why. He had fallen asleep sitting up against the couch, head settled on Stolas' stomach. Stolas’ talon rested gently over one of his horns, and Blitzø could feel the warmth and hardness under his cheek.  

Oh, right. The egg.  

The reason he had fallen asleep here in the first place.  

Blitzø inhaled shakily, then slowly lifted his head, trying not to disturb the sleeping avian. Gently he raised a hand, setting it over the bump.  

Stolas was carrying an egg.  

Stolas was carrying his egg. It felt like a dream. It couldn’t possibly be real, yet here they were.  

Blitzø sighed heavily, thinking of everything that had gone wrong over the past few weeks. Stolas had no obligation to keep this, and had no reason to think Blitzø would be involved, but he did. And he had thrown himself headfirst into danger to save Blitzø despite his current state.  

Blitzø wondered how he had deluded himself from the truth for so long. Stolas meant it when he said he cared for Blitzø, and Blitzø himself, well...  

“Mmm, Blitzø?”  

Shit.  

“Hey, pretty bird. Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you.” Blitzø began to draw his hand back but Stolas caught it, holding it in place. Their fingers intertwined over the proof of their closeness. The consequence of their past passion.  

Silence fell between the two as they just sat there, Stolas staring at the ceiling while Blitzø stared at their entwined hands. “You’re certain it’s mine.” Blitzø couldn’t stop the words.  

“Yes.” Stolas whispered. “There’s been no one else.”  

Blitzø’s free claw clenched. “I saw you with that guy at the party, Stols. You don’t need to lie to me.”  

“I’m not.” Stolas’ hand tightened over his. “I didn’t go home with him.”  

Tension drained from Blitzø. “Oh.”  

For months he had tormented himself, imagining someone else touching Stolas as he had. To know he worried for nothing...  

Well, to be honest, it was a relief.  

“I’m sorry. It’s not my business anyway.” Blitzø whispered.  

Silence. “I suppose not.” Stolas finally agreed.  

A tightness formed in Blitzø’s chest. “Stolas I...”  

Loona’s door swinging open cut him off. She paused in the doorway, staring at the scene in front of her. Blitzø saw her gaze linger on his face, Stolas’ miserable expression, and their entwined hands over Stolas’ abdomen. “What am I looking at?”  

“Loona, it’s not...”  

“Please tell me my nose was fucking with me.” Loona cut off what Blitzø was about to say.  

The imp blinked. “What?”  

Loona pointed at Stolas. “He smells pregnant.”  

Stolas squeezed his eyes shut, the hand over Blitzø’s tightening further. “I’m sorry.” The owl whispered.  

“Hey, no. Don’t do that.” Blitzø said frantically.  

“Blitzø,” Loona hissed. “Where are we supposed to keep a baby?”  

“We’ll figure it out.” Blitzø snapped, trying to comfort Stolas. “Hey, it’s okay. It will be okay, Stols. We said we’d figure it out.”  

Realization spread across Loona’s face. “Oh shit, it’s yours.” She whispered, sounding far away, lost in her own mind. The tone made Blitzø freeze.  

“Loonie?” He asked, looking over at her.  

The hellhound whined. “Are you gonna replace me then?”  

“What? No!” Blitzø shot to his feet, letting Stolas go. “Of course not!”  

“Really? Cause we only have one room in this shithole apartment and sounds like you might need it back soon!” Loona growled.  

“Loona, I’m not kicking you out or replacing you! We’ll make it work!” Blitzø insisted.  

“Whatever.” She turned around and slammed her door behind her.  

Blitzø sighed heavily, face in his hands. A quiet sob drew his attention.  

Stolas had a hand over his mouth, trying to muffle his crying while the other held his abdomen. “I’m so sorry, Blitzø.”  

“Hey, hey, no.” Blitzø shushed softly. “She’ll get over it. This is just how Loona is.”  

“I shouldn’t even be here. I’m taking up your space and soon it won’t just be me intruding.”  

“Hey, stop that. I asked you to come home with me, and I meant everything I said last night. We will figure this out.” Blitzø knelt to cradle Stolas’ face, brushing tears away. “It’ll be okay. Loona will come around. I promise.”  

Stolas just choked on another sob, throwing his arms around Blitzø and crying into the imp’s shoulder. “I’m still sorry.”  

“Pretty sure you didn’t ask to be knocked up, Stols. We did a lot of kinky roleplay but don’t recall that one.” Blitzø held him close.  

That earned a watery laugh. “No, I suppose not. I didn’t even think such a thing was possible.”  

“Yeah, how did this even happen?” Blitzø asked him.  

Stolas fell quiet. “It’s incredibly rare.” He finally said. “It has been known for... for heightened emotions to set off a spell in male Goetia. Something long dormant, that allows us to carry an egg.”  

Heightened emotions. Blitzø may not be as smart as Stolas, but he could read between the lines.  

“Oh.” Was all he managed to get out.  

“I’m so sorry, Blitzø. You didn’t ask for this.” Stolas whispered.  

“Neither did you.” Blitzø shot back, pulling away. “Not... not really. It was just your crazy magic doing its... wait shit, your magic being gone isn’t going to hurt it, will it?!” Blitzø stared at him wide-eyed, heart suddenly pounding.  

“Nothing has felt off. I think it should be okay. We’re very close to the laying day so even if something changed it shouldn’t be enough to hurt it.” Stolas assured. “You... you seem very worried.”  

“Of course I am! That’s my baby in there too!” Blitzø pointed at the bump. “I want them and you safe and healthy, damn it!”  

Stolas had gone quiet, watching Blitzø with wide, watery eyes.  

“How close is the laying?” Blitzø sighed, forcing himself to calm down.  

“It’s... I’m... It could be any day.” Stolas stuttered out.  

Blitzø froze. “Well, fuck. Guess we better figure this out sooner rather than later.” He muttered.  

“We’ll have some time still. It should stay in the egg for at least thirty days. Being a hybrid it could honestly be longer.”  

“Okay.” Blitzø breathed. “Okay. Do we need anything immediately? I can go to the store and...”  

“A heated blanket.” Stolas cut him off. “That should be enough until it hatches.”  

Blitzø blinked at him. “That’s it?”  

“Yes. And that’s only if I need to leave it for any amount of time. My body heat should be enough.” Stolas explained. “If... if you need me to find somewhere else before they hatch...”  

“Quit that.” Blitzø told him. “You’re not going anywhere, Stols. I want you right here. I want to help you.”  

“Okay...” Stolas whispered.  

Blitzø set his head on Stolas’ chest, listening to his heartbeat. “Just work with me, okay?” Blitzø asked. “I know I’m going to fuck up, but I never want you to leave.”  

A talon stroked over one of Blitzø’s horns. “Okay.” The owl repeated.  

They stayed like that, Blitzø purring softly until Stolas fell back asleep.  

An hour later Loona re-emerged, pausing at the sight. Blitzø gave her a look that said “be quiet” and she nodded. “I’m sorry” she mouthed back.  

Blitzø just smiled at her.  

They would be okay.