Work Text:
Blitz and Stolas are sitting on the couch. For the fourth time this week, Blitz has rewatched his favorite show, My Little Pony of Hell. Stolas enjoys spending time with the imp, but watching the exact same episodes of the exact same show every single night is getting exhausting. Especially since, Blitz never stops talking, explaining for the thousandth time the relationships between the characters and why Twilight Spells is the best.
The owl remains silent and expressionless, wondering if this is going to be his life for the next hundred years. Sitting every night next to the imp and watching the same episodes over and over again, listening to Blitz talk like a running faucet without ever seemingly catching his breath.
On one hand, he is happy to get to know Blitz better, on the other, he misses their old relationship in a way. The imp supports him and provides everything he needs as best as he can, that is clearly not the problem.
But it seems their relationship went from a flesh connection filled with burning passion to the life of an old married couple whose flame died out long ago, just spending time together out of habit. Sure, there was that kiss and that dance on the balcony, but then, nothing after that. Stolas was already disappointed that their dance ended in a simple hug, things just haven’t evolved since. And now, he is sitting next to the imp, wearing Loona’s old shorts and T-shirt as pajamas and Blitz also in a simple shirt and shorts, straddling the seat next to him, watching a show he now knows by heart while listening to Blitz ramble about fictional horses. They couldn't be further from a passionate and glamorous relationship, so far from what Stolas imagined and still writes about in his journal. But is this what the owl wants? After all, he's the one who pushed Blitz away several times.
The last episode of the season is finally over and Stolas tells himself he can finally go to sleep, which will be way more exciting than this evening.
"Okay, what'd you think? Rewatching the season from this perspective with that theory changes everything, don't you think? I feel like it gives it a whole different story. Even the relationship between the characters is completely different then and what happens in episode two actually makes sense this time, you get why Poisonjack does what she does. It's interesting, right? But you know what's even crazier? If you assume this theory is right and you mix it with Tuesday's, not on every single point, of course, I'm talking about that completely batshit scene in episodes 6 and 7, then you realize that what we thought from the start isn't it at all! And also, if we talk about episode 12 again, I'm telling you..." Blitz monologues on and on.
Stolas loves hearing Blitz talk, but everything has its limits and he discovered that when Blitz gets going on this kind of discussion, nothing can stop him, to the owl's great despair. He tried to interrupt him, to cut him off, but it had no effect. He even dared to tell Blitz he wasn't interested, but Blitz just kept going even harder, explaining that he must have explained the situation poorly to Stolas and that he was going to take it all from the top. He tried simply leaving the room to take refuge in the bathroom, but that only put Blitz on pause, so he could start right back up when the owl returned, with even more things to say now because he had time to think in between. The only thing the owl found to "cut it short" was to let Blitz talk until he was done without saying a word, but unfortunately, that can sometimes take hours.
The owl tells himself this must be a form of torture. After all, weren't imps created by Satan to serve demons, to help them torture sinners in the first place? They must still have that instinct subconsciously in them and Blitz very clearly excels at the art of mental torture… Who would have thought.
« Okay okay, I know, said like that it's not clear and you're thinking, "no, that's not possible". But look, I'm going back fifteen minutes before the final scene and look closely at the left corner of the screen, trying not to look at the characters in the foreground, then you're gonna understand what I mean! » Blitz continues tirelessly talking and rewinds the episode they just watched. Stolas's left eye starts to twitch.
Stolas sighs, yes, he is being tortured. In his desperation to shut Blitz up, an idea comes to him. After all, what does he have to lose?
« Look right there, you see in the corner, and wait a second right there! You're not gonna tell me that's a coincidence, it's not possible and you... » Then Blitz is cut off by a beak coming to rest on his lips. The imp freezes, not expecting a kiss from the owl at all.
Stolas breaks his kiss, not giving Blitz time to process what just happened to return it, and stands up. The imp remains speechless and stares at the owl. The latter finally savors the silence.
« I'm going to wash my beak before going to bed, it's already late, don't you think? » Stolas throws out before Blitz's brain restarts and he continues or asks questions.
« Uh yeah, okay », the imp manages to get out, climbing down from the couch and putting the cushions and blanket back in place for the owl. Then he turns off the TV and walks, still in shock, toward his beanbag.
Stolas is in the bathroom, finally realizing what he just did. Did he really just kiss Blitz and walk away like it was nothing? He touches his beak, he still has the taste of the imp in his mouth. He almost forgot how good it feels and how much the imp's lips could inflame him with a single touch. His heart races and he tries to calm it down, turning on the faucet to let the water run, making Blitz believe he is washing his beak like every night, but obviously he isn't going to do it. Not tonight.
Stolas comes back out after a moment, acts like nothing happened and goes to bed. Blitz looks at him, not knowing if he should say something or what that gesture was supposed to mean.
« Good night, Blitz », the owl simply says, trying to sound as normal as possible.
« Good night, Stols. »
Neither the next day nor the day after is the kiss brought up, to the great relief of Stolas, who wouldn't have known how to explain his gesture to the imp. The next two evenings were more normal and quiet, Loona being around and refusing to watch her dad's TV show, to the owl's greatest happiness.
But tonight, once again, Blitz found a new theory on Hellnet, this time about his favorite movie Spirit and they are watching it for the second time in a row tonight. Just like the previous night, Stolas remains silent and expressionless, Blitz rambling next to him.
Should he do it again? After all, it worked well the first night, didn't it? Is Blitz not going to react this time and demand answers? If so, what will he say? What exactly does he want from the imp? The owl doesn't really know either. The only thing he knows is that his patience is being pushed to the limit… again.
"I don't know, Stols, I'm not convinced it's really that. I mean, we're talking about Spirit here, the coolest horse that ever existed! In my opinion, it's complete bullshit. What do you think? I think whoever came up with this theory was smoking crack, it's not possible. Look, according to him, this right here is a hallucination! Bullshit, he's the one hallucinating. You can't tell me..."
And once again, Stolas snaps and shuts Blitz up with the only method he found that works for now. Once again, the imp freezes and Stolas breaks their kiss before Blitz can react and return it. He stands up, just like the first time.
"I'm going to get ready for bed," the owl announces before closing the bathroom door behind him, his heart once again beating a thousand miles an hour.
Blitz is lost once again. Why did Stolas kiss him again? Why does he break his kiss so quickly without leaving him time to react? Is he gonna act like nothing happened again? Should Blitz say something? The imp licks his lips slightly. His heart races too at the taste of Stolas.
The owl comes back out and goes to bed, indeed acting like nothing happened.
"Stols?" Blitz starts cautiously.
"Good night, Blitz," the owl simply answers, turning over and showing his back to the imp now.
Blitz doesn't push it and goes to sleep, even more perplexed than the first time.
The following days, by luck, Stolas got to choose what to watch and he didn't need to reuse his new secret weapon to shut the imp up. Well, until today.
Stolas is in Blitz's office at I.M.P. Moxxie, Millie, and Loona are out on a mission. The imp just had an appointment with a particularly annoying sinner, but one who might pay well and Stolas did everything to try and calm Blitz down so they wouldn't lose this client. Now that the client is gone, Stolas is standing in Blitz's office and watches the imp rant and complain about this sinner and every sinner in Hell, pacing around his office while waving his arms in all directions. Stolas stays quiet, because every time the owl chimed in, it only seemed to add fuel to the fire and he kept going harder. Stolas looks at his watch and the time ticking away. If Blitz doesn't wrap it up soon, he'll never have time to finish his work on time and he hates falling behind on writing reports. Maybe...
"No, but you don't realize, Stols, if sinners start asking us for stupid shit like that! They're all brainless jackasses who..."
As soon as the imp passes near the owl, the latter seizes his chance, leans down and kisses him, catching Blitz completely off guard yet again. Then he straightens up and heads for the door.
"I still have to finish a few reports before the team gets back," the owl simply says and goes to sit at his desk, leaving a slack-jawed imp staring right at him.
Stolas sits on his chair, his heart racing like every time he kisses the imp. A mix of excitement from having the taste of Blitz on his beak and also anxiety that the imp might come and demand answers.
And indeed, this time, it seems his luck runs out. He hears Blitz's footsteps approaching his direction. Stolas picks up a report and forces himself to stay focused on his work, trying to ignore the imp who just stopped right next to his desk.
"Stols?" Blitz asks, uncertain.
"Yes, Blitz?" the owl answers, trying to sound as normal as possible despite his rising anxiety and his heart racing all over again.
"Do you wanna tell me what that was?" Blitz questions with a perplexed voice.
This question gives the owl a cold sweat. After all, he had to expect it, he couldn't play this game for so long without Blitz reacting. But he still doesn't know what to tell him. He thinks it over and takes a gamble.
"Like I told you, I have work I absolutely want to finish before the end of the day," Stolas answers as if this explanation makes perfect sense.
Blitz stares at him, while the owl doesn't look up from his papers. Then the imp walks away without a word. Once alone, Stolas sighs, releasing the air he didn't realize he was holding after answering.
Blitz, on his side, sits in his chair, a thousand questions turning in his head. Trying to crack the owl's behavior. Then a realization comes to him. Is it... He'll have to test his theory.
Coming home in the evening, the owl seems nervous, fearing Blitz will bring the topic back up, but nothing happens. On the contrary, the imp behaves normally and they spend a pretty quiet evening.
The next morning, however, as soon as the owl wakes up, Blitz is a total chatterbox. He talks during breakfast, on the way to the laundromat, at the laundromat, while grocery shopping and on the way back. Stolas can't take it anymore. Does the imp never need to breathe or take a break? How can someone so small, charming and with so much sex appeal talk this much without getting tired or slowing down the pace? Then, once again, while Blitz is putting the groceries in the fridge while explaining the difference between an Icelandic horse and a pony, Stolas snaps and kisses the imp to shut him up. Then, like every time, he pulls away almost instantly and looks for an excuse to flee.
"You don't need me anymore, I'm going to put the fertilizer on the balcony flowers," the owl lets out, then takes the small bag and hurries to head out to the balcony, fleeing Blitz's reaction. The latter says nothing and follows the owl with his eyes, but a smirk starts to form on his lips.
Gotcha.
To Stolas's surprise, Blitz doesn't bring the topic back up. Has the imp already given up on getting an answer? Does the fact that Stolas kisses him not bother him that much?
The day goes by without another incident and without needing to shut Blitz up again. But something seems different. Stolas can't say what exactly, but he feels like the imp's expression changed. Tonight, they are watching Stolas's telenovela and Blitz is surprisingly quiet. At one point, out of the corner of his eye, Stolas feels like Blitz is staring at him with a mischievous look and a smirk. But maybe it's just his imagination...
The next morning, everything seems forgotten and the morning goes by normally, until during the afternoon, during cleaning and organizing chores, Blitz starts blasting Stolas with info about his plushie collection and his O.C. Stolas tries to resist, otherwise Blitz is gonna suspect something or he's really gonna start pushing to know what the owl is playing at. But the imp keeps going insatiably, pushing Stolas to the edge of his patience once again. And what had to happen happens: Stolas shuts Blitz up once more with a kiss, before fleeing to the kitchen.
The following days at the office are identical. As soon as Blitz finds himself alone with the owl, he starts talking his ear off with mission anecdotes or whatever comes to his mind, and it must be said that the imp doesn't lack topics and ideas to make the owl crack. And despite the latter's efforts to resist, Blitz always manages to push him to the limit.
The imp takes a wicked pleasure in seeing how long the owl takes before cracking and if some topics are more likely than others to make him break. Even though he now sees his owl coming and isn't frozen in surprise like at the beginning, Blitz doesn't return the kisses. Stolas pulling away just as quickly as he came to place his beak lets Blitz understand that the owl doesn't want the imp to return them. And Blitz sticks to it, not wanting to scare the owl away and have to give up these kisses, even if they are brief.
Then comes the end of the month. Blitz is sitting on the kitchen table and looks at the dozens of letters he ignored for a good while. Plenty of bills long overdue. This month, missions were scarcer and expenses a bit higher than usual. Blitz sighs, not knowing how to handle the situation in the long run. He doesn't want to worry Stolas and waited for the owl to go take a bath to spread everything out on the kitchen table. Normally, he doesn't give a shit about bills, Moxxie's the one who always panics, Blitz just lets it slide. But knowing Stolas could stumble upon them and freak out, he has no choice but to deal with it.
But what Blitz didn't think about is that following the fifth warning, his water got cut off, so Stolas can't fill his bathtub. The owl comes back out of the bathroom pretty quickly to explain the problem to the imp and finds him at the kitchen table with all the unpaid bills in front of him.
« Blitz, what's all this? » Stolas worries.
« What, these papers right here? Nothing important. Why aren't you in your bath instead? » Blitz tries to downplay it.
« There is no water coming out of the faucet, Blitz, so I cannot draw a bath », Stolas simply answers, his eyes fixed on the letters. Then he sits across from Blitz on the other chair and starts picking up the papers to read them.
« These are unpaid bills, some date back several months. So this is not a plumbing problem, they simply cut your water off », Stolas analyzes while reading the papers.
« It is my fault Blitz, I am so sorry to put you in such a situation », the owl begins with a voice full of shame.
« I know your ends of the month have always been tight, but since my arrival here, it is even worse. I am causing you extra expenses, nothing else. Even if I gave you back the salary you pay me, it would not be enough to compensate for what you spend on me. I am terribly sorry Blitz, you have no idea. Perhaps I should look into finding another job, or even just a second employment I could do after my day at I.M.P. to start paying you back. And I should look into finding another place to live so I do not cause you more expenses », the owl continues with a voice growing lower and broken, seeing the problems he causes Blitz.
The imp, on the other hand, doesn't see it that way. There is no way the owl is getting a second job or leaving the apartment just because he thinks he costs too much to Blitz. The imp climbs down, then pulls his chair until it's right next to the owl's. The latter doesn't seem to react, lost in his spiral of self-deprecation.
« I am nothing but a burden to you, Blitz. You should simply leave me and take back your couch that I took from you. You should not be sleeping on a mere beanbag. My presence brings you nothing of… »
Then, this time, it's Stolas's turn to freeze as he feels Blitz's lips on his beak. And just like the owl usually does, Blitz breaks his kiss before Stolas can react. The imp is standing on the chair and faces the owl
« Blitz, what on… »
« Two can play at this game, you know. And clearly, I needed to shut you up listening to all the bullshit you were spouting! »
The owl blushes. « You understood? »
« You really think I'm a retard or something? After the first time at the office, I figured it out. »
« But why, then... »
« Well, I wanted to know how long it'd take me to make you crack, or if there were things that worked faster and sometimes I just wanted to feel your beak against my lips. And mostly, it was hilarious watching you find excuses to run away. »
Stolas blushes even harder. Obviously Blitz had understood and that explains why the imp was talking even more than usual. The owl sighs.
« I am sorry Blitz, it was a foolish idea on my part to want to manipulate you like that and think you wouldn't notice. I am truly an idiot to have… »
Blitz cuts Stolas off with his lips once again.
« Listen, you can kiss me when I jaspine too much, but you, clearly, I'm gonna shut your beak every time you spout some bullshit. And right now, looks like I'm gonna spend the whole day doing it! You really think I'd have let you do that and that I'd amuse myself pushing you to the edge like this, if it actually bothered me? No, so don't start looking for excuses to put yourself down, got it? »
Stolas turns his head away, embarrassed: « But Blitz, you cannot say it is normal what I did, kissing you to make you quiet. Even in my telenovela shows they haven't fallen this low and... »
And once again, Blitz's lips cut Stolas off. Only this time, Blitz doesn't pull away. He keeps his face a few centimeters away from the owl's, one hand holding his chin.
« I told you to stop spouting bullshit. »
« But I am… »
« I said stop. »
« I hadn't even said anything yet! »
« No, but you were gonna spout some bullshit. »
« Blitz, this whole situation is ridic… »
Stolas's heart races faster and faster with every kiss from the imp, having him so close to his face, to the point of feeling his breath on his feathers. And he must admit it is extremely frustrating to feel the imp's lips and not have time to return the kiss. It was already frustrating when he did it himself, but that was so he wouldn't give the imp ideas and so these kisses wouldn't turn into something else. But... But he wants more. He must admit to himself that he thought a lot about what kind of relationship he wanted with Blitz, weighing the pros and cons. But now, having the imp this close to him... Maybe he can try to...
« I said stop, » Blitz says, keeping his face right next to the owl's, locking his gaze into his. A warmth rushes through Stolas's entire body.
« It was a foolish id… »
Missed.
« I do not des… »
Too late again.
« I am an id… »
Almost.
« I do not des… »
Missed again.
« I am just a… »
Unbelievable, missed yet again!
Blitz is still holding Stolas's chin with one hand, but has now placed the other behind the owl's back, pulling him in to bring him even closer. Stolas feels a shiver run through him at this gesture. His heart beats so loudly that even the neighbors must hear it and he guesses his face must be the exact same color as his eyes, given how much heat he feels in his cheeks.
« Say, Stols, are you trying to flip the game around on me again? You think I don't notice anything? What are you trying to do, Birdy? »
Stolas widens his eyes at the nickname, then his gaze leaves the imp's to rest for a second on his lips before coming back. Blitz is so happy the owl has pupils now, because the owl seems to forget about them sometimes. Blitz brings back his smirk.
« You want me to try and give you more time? » Blitz throws out in his charming voice.
« I do not know what you are… »
This time, Blitz doesn't immediately pull his lips away, which finally gives Stolas the chance to return his kiss properly. He takes the imp's face between his hands at the same time, preventing the imp from pulling away, Stolas holding him firmly against his beak. Blitz, on his side, lets his hand move from the owl's chin to the back of his head, firmly gripping his feathers to hold him place, preventing the owl from pulling away too.
This time, their kiss isn't just reciprocal, it is far deeper than a simple game to shut the other up or tease. It is sincere and intense, reflecting the love and passion that both have for each other but can't seem to say with words. Holding Blitz like this, feeling his warmth, his breath, everything... It reminds Stolas just how much he loves his imp and makes him forget why he was trying to keep a distance when it's clear he still has feelings for him. It only took one real kiss to remind him. Maybe it was his subconscious that whispered this absurd idea to push him to remember, who knows? Now he holds his imp, and he isn't about to let go.