Chapter Text
Nightmares are a common occurrence in Stolas' life. They are especially bad after a fight with Stella, Octavia being mad at him and Blitzø being cold to him. He would wake up in his bed, too big for one, wishing he could have someone to tell him that it's okay. But all he had was the darkness as he cried silently.
The nightmares worsened after the trial. His life has been turned upside down, everything he had is gone. Stella was right, he was pathetic and now this is the price he had to pay. Still, he didn't regret anything. Being with Blitzø like this made it worth it, though he's afraid that this was just another arrangement that binded Blitzø to him. He wanted to set him free, not further burden him with his problems.
His nightmares are always about Blitzø now. That one day he would have enough of Stolas behaviour, of his privileged attitude and throw him out. It scares him. Not that he's afraid of being thrown out, he deserves it after everything he's done. No, he's afraid of Blitzø hating him.
The days after the Sinsmas incident, Octavia joins his nightmares. The two most important demons in his life, staring down at him with disdain, mocking him, showing what a failure he is. It hurts. He wants nothing more than to sink into the darkness. But all he could do in his nightmare is apologise, to beg for forgiveness, for another chance. He cries pathetically, bringing his head to the ground and reaching out for their feet, begging them not to leave him.
He wakes up to the feeling of a hand shaking his body. He feels the wetness around his eyes as he opens them slowly, Blitzø's worried face coming into view.
“B-Blitzø..?” He calls softly, as if this was just another cruel nightmare, that Blitzø would disappear and he's alone.
“It's just a nightmare, Stolas, you're okay.” Blitzø cups his face, wiping the tears away. The touch is so gentle it made more tears pool at the corner of his eyes. “There, there, let it all out, birdie, you'll be okay.” He runs his fingers through Stolas' head feather, coaxing the bird to let himself go.
It works. Stolas cries openly, reaching out to pull Blitzø down and burying his face in the crook of his neck. Never in his life could he imagine that he would have someone to comfort him after a nightmare. He is so used to waking up cold and alone that just the presence of Blitzø is enough to tip him over the edge, letting himself sink into the comfort.
Blitzø purrs, holding Stolas tightly. His heart aches to see his bird wrecked by sobs, trembling as he clutches onto Blitzø's shirt for dear life. He continues to hold Stolas, until he's calmed down, sobs turning to sniffles. He pulls back to look at Stolas' tear stained face with fondness, cupping his cheeks.
“Wanna talk about it, birdie? You can tell me anything. I'm here for you, no matter what.” He leans back on the armrest, pulling Stolas to rest on his chest as he continues to purr.
He sees how Stolas frowns, eyes darting around nervously. He strokes Stolas head slowly, straightening any crooked feathers he comes across. It's a while before Stolas finally speaks.
“Do you… Do you think I'm a failure..? I've let my daughter down, relying on you like this… I… I am unable to repay you for your hospitality…” Stolas' voice cracks, whimpering between his words.
Blitzø lifts Stolas' face by his chin, looking at him with a stern look that has Stolas' eyes looking away. “Look at me Stolas.” He says, his expression softening when Stolas meets his eyes. “You're not a failure. You are the best dad and I know Octavia will come around. She just needs time. She's confused and living with that bitch ex-wife of yours is probably not helping her situation. And I want you to rely on me. If anyone's repaying, then it should be me. You let me have your grimoire, and gave me the crystal for my business. It's because of you that I still have I.M.P. The least I could do for you now is offer my shitty apartment and a boring desk job.”
He squishes Stolas' cheeks, smiling with overflowing affection. “You're doing so well, Stolas. Whatever those fuckers in your nightmares are telling you, it's all lies. I'll punch them if I have to.” That got a soft chuckle from his bird. “You don't have to do this alone, I'm here and I'll help you with anything you need.”
“Thank you… Blitzø, that means a lot to me.” He curls around Blitzø, nuzzling against his chest. Blitzø's hand returns to his head and he is lulled to sleep by the comforting touch.