Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The first few days after his banishment, Stolas stayed like a lump on the couch. The guilt of abandoning his child, the hopelessness of losing his home, and the strangeness of his lost powers overwhelmed him to a state of being catatonic. He slept a lot, finding relief in unconsciousness. 

Through all of it, Blitzo didn’t leave him alone for a moment. He fed him despite Stolas having no appetite. He forced him up to bathe once a day. He sat with Stolas’s head in his lap as he gently stroked his feathers. 

A month ago Stolas would have relished such gentle attention. Now though he just silently let the tears fall. Blitzo didn't care for him that way, and this was all in gratitude for saving the imp's life. 

He didn't regret it. Not for a moment. The very thought of Blitzo dead shattered his heart. But the high price of his actions caused him to despair. 

To make matters worse he hadn't been able to take a single thing with him. None of his clothes, plants, keepsakes. Not even his medicine which he was now a week without. It didn't matter. Stolas was sure no pills could fix this hurt and their added side benefit as birth control wasn't needed anymore. 

One night as Stolas lay in between sleep and wakefulness he heard Loona and Blitzo talking in the kitchen. 

“I tried texting her but I think Octavia blocked me,” Loona said. “I sent a message to Tex. Maybe Bee can get a hold of her somehow.” 

“Thanks,” Blitzo said. “I'll try the same thing with Fizz. Asmodeous might be able to pull some strings.”

“What if she doesn't want to see him?” Loona said. 

“She has to. He needs to see her,” Blitzo said determinedly. 

Gratitude swelled in his broken heart. They were trying to get Via to talk to him. Stolas pressed his hand to his stomach, remembering the weight of her egg inside him. His baby. A sob broke through. He missed his Baby! 

He must have made a noise because Blitzo was kneeling by the couch in moments. 

“Did we wake you? Can I get you anything?” Blitzo asked sympathetically. 

Stolas shook his head, not trusting himself to speak. He had saved Blitzo but lost his baby. How could he do such a thing? What kind of father was he? What if someone hurt her? He couldn't protect her as he was now. 

Blitzo crawled onto the couch and pulled him into a fierce embrace, shushing him while rubbing soothing circles into his back. He didn't say anything, just waiting until Stolas got his latest crying spell out. 

“I'm sorry,” Stolas told him. He was a mess. 

“Nothing to be sorry about. I'm here. You just rest Stols,” Blitzo said. 

Stolas fell back asleep in Blitzo's arms. In his mind he relived the trial over and over. Sometimes he didn't make it in time and Blitzo died. Other times Octavia was the one stripping him of his powers. Sometimes Stella beat him, or Striker finished the job and took his eyes. 

He woke later in the dark. Night had fallen and he found Blitzo curled up in a blanket on the floor. It made him feel even more wretched. Stolas had been shocked to realize that Blitzo didn't have a proper bed, and effectively gave Stolas his sleeping space. He should be the one down on the floor. 

Stolas crawled off the couch and prodded the sleeping imp. Blitzo stirred and opened his eyes tiredly. “What's it?” 

“You take the couch,” Stolas said. 

“I’m fine here,” Blitzo said with a yawn. 

“Please. It's not fair you're sleeping on the floor every day because of me,” Stolas said. 

Blitzo leveled him with a look that was hard to decipher. It was somewhere between worry and sadness overlaid with a tired smile. 

“You saved my life. Least I can do is give you the couch,” Blitzo said. 

“Then sleep with me?” Stolas asked impulsively. 

Blitzo sighed and then nodded. They got up and climbed on the couch. It was a tight fit, but with Stolas curled around Blitzo and Blitzo using Stolas’s shoulder as a pillow, they made it work. It had been months since they'd laid like this. 

“Thank you,” Stolas said. 

“That's my line,” Blitzo returned. 

“I mean for letting me stay here. For putting up with me. I'm sorry for being a burden and…” Stolas stopped when Blitzo glared at him. 

“I am not putting up with you, and you are not a burden,” Blitzo said like he was scolding Stolas for ever thinking such a thing. 

“But…” 

“Stolas, if anyone knows what it's like to suddenly lose everything, it's me. I get it,” Blitzo said. 

Stolas didn't know what to make of that statement. He had never considered Blitzo going through something similar. He always seemed so strong and vibrant. The thought of him being as low as Stolas currently was, felt unthinkable. 

“You take as long as you need to get back on your feet,” Blitzo told him firmly. “Until then you just stay here with me. Okay?”

“Okay,” Stolas said. He tried not to cry again but it was hard to stop his eyes swimming. He hugged the imp tighter, but something still nagged at him. 

“Be that as it may, It's probably not easy having me around when… ” Stolas felt his tongue tie with embarrassment. 

“When…?” Blitzo asked and poked him in the forehead. “Spit it out bird brain.” 

“When you know I have feelings for you. It's okay. I've come to accept it's not mutual. I don't blame you or anything. I'm okay with being friends. Truly,” Stolas said, hopeful that clearing the air wouldn't cause Blitzo to run. 

Blitzo moved so he was up on his elbows and could look Stolas in the face. He was blushing and his eyes furrowed in deep thought. Finally he leaned forward to bring their faces close together. Stolas’s heart pounded in the quiet of the room and dark that shrouded Blitzo's figure. 

His eyes grew wide as Blitzo gave him a chaste kiss. After, they stared at each other, both on the precipice of leaping off into something unknown. 

“What if I don't want to be friends?” Blitzo said. 

Stolas sucked in a shocked breath. 

“When you took my place in that courtroom, I thought I'd never see you again.” Blitzo's voice grew tight and Stolas was in awe at the tears that now pooled in the imp’s eyes. “Promise me you'll never do anything so stupid again. I'm not worth it.” 

“Blitzo I couldn't let you die. Saving you was the right thing to do,” Stolas argued.

“I was okay with it,” Blitzo admitted apathetically. He gave a shrug. “I thought I would be scared, but honestly I was kind of relieved. It was me or them. It was an easy choice.” 

Stolas thought about the portraits he'd seen on Blitzo's wall where the imp marked himself out. The more time he spent with Blitzo, the more Stolas realized how alike they were. Even with the dark things. 

He gave Blitzo a kiss in return. “A hell without you isn't worth living in,” Stolas said. 

They were both crying at this point and it was natural to seek out comfort in each other. Bodies that had been separated for months, slotted together like puzzle pieces, and their mouths connected in a slow languid way. 

It wasn't a kiss. That was such a simple word for what was happening. It was longing and grief and solace all rolled in shared breath. 

Stolas’s hands habitually trailed familiar paths as Blitzo slipped out of his T-shirt. Fingers massaged hard muscle to leave goosebumps in their wake.

“Stolas,” Blitzo whined when a tongue licked his nipple. They hadn't been like this in months, and it was too raw. 

“I want you,” Stolas pleaded like a starving man. He needed reassurance that this was real. “Please.” 

It was too fast. Stolas was mourning and depressed and a hot fucking mess. But it was hard to say no when a part of him yearned for the comfort and release being with Blitzo brought. 

“Yeah okay,” Blitzo relented and helped Stolas peel away his clothes. 

The soft glow of streetlights through the windows was the only light, but they didn't need to see. They could map each other's bodies as well as their own. 

Stolas shivered, not from cold, but from the weight of Blitzo pressing down on him. 

“I got you,” Blitzo whispered, his voice steady and soothing. His fingers traced reassuring patterns down Stolas’s back to his cloaca before pressing in. It was tight and he was gentle, each movement trying to mend the broken pieces of Stolas. 

It didn't take long for Stolas to arch in pleasure. Blitzo knew every pressure point and erogenous zone from a year of full moons. The imp touched each one now reverently. 

Stolas knew what they were doing was more than sex, but he couldn't help it. The last time Blitzo was the rough demanding dom he often craved. Back then they'd fucked for the book, but what about now? 

“I'm ready,” Stolas said. He really wasn't. He had enough experience to know Blitzo hadn't stretched him enough but he was wet. He needed a little pain anyway. 

“You sure?” 

“Please, Blitzo.” Stolas said, clinging to Blitzo like he was afraid the imp would disappear. 

“Relax. You don't have to beg tonight. I'm here,” Blitzo reassured, peppering kisses to Stolas’s trembling forehead. 

With one last kiss, he slipped down Stolas’s body to kneel between his legs. The couch wasn't the most comfortable place to do this, but Blitzo made it work by letting Stolas’s legs drape off the end. 

He pressed in, the heat of Stolas’s body welcoming him back. Stolas let out a gasp from the stretch. It was grounding. 

“Fuck, you're beautiful like this,” Blitzo said like he was praying and Stolas was worth worshiping. 

The rhythm Blitzo set was steady. Stolas’s eyes slid closed to focus on the feeling. It was wonderful and easily pushed the negative thoughts to the back of his head. At this moment, nothing else mattered. They held onto each other as the rest of the world melted away. 

“I'm close,” Stolas warned, opening his eyes. He looked down to see Blitzo nuzzling into his feathers, brow pinched in pleasure as he panted. Blitzo called Stolas beautiful, but the imp was stunning. Stolas felt the body above him tense before finally releasing into an orgasim that was mesmerizing to behold. 

Warmth spread inside him and Stolas relished it as he tipped over the edge. His tail twitched from how hard he came, and he wrapped his arms around Blitzo. 

They lay together for a bit, catching their breath. Blitzo went to pull away and Stolas clung to him. 

“Not yet,” he whispered. 

Blitzo settled back down against him as they cooled down. Stolas knew they should get up. There was a wet spot on the couch that needed scrubbing. They should get dressed before Loona walked out and found them naked. 

Instead Stolas lingered in the afterglow and listened to Blitzo purr. 

*** 

Blitzo awoke the next morning on the couch, warm and content from them sleeping together. Last night had been a lot. Stolas and him were actually talking. They had sex after a four month dry spell. Slept together like a real couple. 

He looked up to see the circles under Stolas's puffy eyes. Despite sleeping so much the owl looked exhausted. 

Getting up, Blitzo tucked the blanket around Stolas and padded to the kitchen to start breakfast. 

Loona came out of her room as he was setting out beans on toast. She sniffed and made a gagging noise. “Did you two…?” 

“Yes,” Blitzo said, feeling a little guilty. Stolas was a wreck, and the last thing they needed was complicating an already complicated relationship with sex. 

It was hard to say no though. When they fought after Blitzo received the crystal, he was certain that was the end of their relationship. Now the possibility of it starting again had him scared. What if he fucked it up for good this time? 

Loona grabbed her breakfast and retreated to her room, grumbling about the smell. Blitzo would have to make sure he left the window cracked to air out today.

Sitting down to eat, Blitzo heard Stolas stirring on the couch. The ex-prince dragged himself to standing and went into the bathroom. Blitzo smiled when he heard the shower start. It was the first time Stolas had initiated bathing himself since he got here. 

When Stolas came out, he was checking his phone for texts or calls from his daughter. He sent a message, let out a long sigh, and then sat down to eat. 

“Still nothing?” Blitzo asked. 

“Nothing,” Stolas said despondently. 

The ex-prince took a bite and grimaced, his palette used to homemade beans and fresh baked bread. Blitzo tried not to take it personally. Stolas was out of his element and it would take time to adjust. 

“About last night,” Blitzo said, sliding into the chair across from him. “I don't think we should do that again for a while.”

Stolas set down his toast and chewed slowly as he digested that information. “Did you not like it?” he asked, sounding insecure. 

“No. Of course I liked it. I've always liked it but… Stolas when I fucked up my life I used sex, a lot of sex, to feel better, and I ended up up hurting a lot of people,” Blitzo explained as he thought of all the people at Verosika's party. “I don't want to screw this up. You need time, so maybe we take things slow.” 

Stolas nodded thoughtfully, picking at the crust of his toast. “I suppose I do need time to adjust… to everything.” 

Blitzo scratched the back of his neck, suddenly feeling a little awkward. “Yeah, well, don’t get too used to me being all mature and responsible. It’s weird.”

Stolas chuckled. “I rather like this side of you.”

“Just don't tell Moxxie. I have a reputation as a reckless asshole to uphold,” Blitzo huffed.

Stolas took another bite of his breakfast and his face twisted in disgust. “Ugh, this is just dreadful,” he groaned.

“It's canned beans and potato bread,” Blitzo protested, taking an extra large bite just to prove his point. 

Stolas gave him a flat look. “Blitzo, this isn’t food. This is an insult to the concept of nourishment.”

“Hey, I grew up on this stuff. It builds character,” Blitzo said. 

“Yes, well, I think my character is quite developed enough,” Stolas said and finished his bread in a few quick bites like he was forcing down something unpleasant. 

“How about after work we can go hunting for some more alley rats,” Blitzo suggested as he collected the dishes. 

Stolas drummed his talons on the table nervously. “Oooor…I could cook for us.” 

Blitzo turned his head sharply to look at him. “Do you even know how?” It was encouraging that Stolas wanted to do more than rot on the couch. 

“I could learn,” Stolas said, sounding unsure of himself. 

“Alright, but if you burn down the house, you're explaining to the landlord,” Blitzo teased. “And no weird rich people food. I better not find you making snails with gold leaf.” 

“Even I wouldn't eat that,” Stolas said, chuckling more genuinely. “I'll make something simple like…” 

“Mac and Cheese?” Blitzo suggested. 

“Perfect. I'll look up some recipes and send you a list of ingredients to purchase,” Stolas said. 

Blitzo nodded in agreement. “Good. Then it’s a date.”

Stolas blinked in surprise, and Blitzo froze for half a second before clearing his throat. “I mean not a date-date. Just, y’know dinner… with Looney here with us. ”

“Right. Just food,” Stolas agreed, and they looked at each other with awkward blushes. Loona opened the door to her room, and they quickly looked away from each other. The hellhound could feel the sexual tension and rolled her eyes. 

Chapter Text

It had been a few months now, and Stolas was not improving mentally. After his fight with Octavia on Sinsmas, Blitzo had been adamant about him restarting his medication. Stolas meant to, he really had, but every time he opened the cabinet the sight of that pill bottle made him feel sick.

“And you needed these. Was it my fault you needed these?”

His Starfire had thrust those pills out and stated with such conviction that he never loved her.

So he flushed them away. Every morning, bit by bit, so Blitzo wouldn't be suspicious.

But this morning it wasn't just the pills that he flushed away.

Stolas had gotten up and started breakfast. Since he was still learning to cook, he took care of the morning meal. Today he opened a package of bacon and put bread in the toaster.

Everything was fine at first, then the sizzling smell of bacon sent him bolting to empty the bile in his stomach.

“Stolas?” Blitzo said, getting up from the couch to check on him. “You sick?”

“I don't know?” Stolas said as he bent his head over the porcelain bowl. His magic had kept his body safe from most illnesses. Now that he was cut off, it made sense he might have caught something.

“Why don't you stay home today? Get some rest,” Blitzo insisted, voice filled with concern.

Stolas sat on the edge of the bathtub, wiping his mouth with a towel Blitzo handed him.

“I’m fine,” Stolas said, knowing full well he wasn’t.

Blitzo lingered for a moment before returning to the kitchen. The scent of cooking meat still made Stolas nauseous, and he breathed through his mouth to keep from heaving again.

He should stay home, but comforting himself felt wrong.

Why should he rest? Why should he try to feel better? He’d ruined his marriage, broken his daughter’s heart, and now burdened Blitzo. His stomach rolled again, but it felt almost righteous. Maybe if he suffered enough, it would balance out the damage he’d caused.

Stolas stood slowly. The nausea lingered, but underneath it, something strange had taken root. A craving. He realized, distantly, that he was thinking about yogurt. It was odd to want food after purging his stomach.

Stolas made his way to the kitchen, where Blitzo was plating the bacon. He purposely looked away and went to the fridge.

“Do we have any yogurt?” Stolas asked.

“Uh... no. Why?”

Stolas hesitated, embarrassed by how intense the desire had become. “I just thought it might settle my stomach,” he lied.

“I can run to the store, if you want.”

“No, no, it’s fine,” Stolas murmured, though the thought of a cold, thick, creamy spoonful made his mouth water.

Blitzo watched him with narrowed eyes as Stolas pulled out a brick of sharp cheddar and took a bite out of it. He let out a little groan as the taste helped curb his strange craving.

He noticed the noise made Blitzo's tail twitch and cheeks pink. The imp turned and raised an eyebrow at him. Stolas blushed in response.

They hadn't done anything sexual since that time on the couch, and been taking things slow. Coffee dates, eating lunch together in the office, and cuddles on the couch. It was one of the few things that brought Stolas joy, even if sometimes he wondered if he deserved the comfort.

“Maybe take it easy there. Don't want to be throwing up cheese too,” Blitzo said, and finished off the bacon on his plate.

“I'm fine,” Stolas repeated. The food had actually settled his stomach, and he set about making himself a cup of earl grey tea.

“Well if you throw up again, you're going straight home. Boss's orders,” Blitzo said.

“Alright.” Stolas set the tea to steep, and went about getting himself ready for work.

An hour later, they arrived at IMP in the van with Millie, Moxxie, and Loona. Soon the office was abuzz with the usual morning chaos as they organized jobs and took in clients.

Stolas tried to focus on the new budget plan he was implementing, but could hardly focus. He sat at his desk, staring blankly at the open file in front of him, his mind drifting back to the thought of yogurt again.

What the hell was wrong with him? The only time he ever ate dairy was when he had ice cream or a little milk in his cereal.

He shook his head, forcing himself to read the reports Moxxie had prepared for him. The words blurred together as his stomach twisted. It wasn’t in nausea now, but in longing. The cheddar had helped, but the craving had returned with a vengeance, gnawing at him relentlessly. He tapped his pen against the desk, glancing toward the door, wondering if it would seem strange to make a grocery run in the middle of the workday.

“You okay?” Blitzo asked, checking on him with a raised eyebrow. He, Millie, Moxxie, and Loona were preparing to leave for their first job of the day.

“Hm? Oh, yes, just… distracted,” Stolas lied, offering a weak smile.

Blitzo gave him a long, suspicious look before rubbing the crystal and opening a portal. “Text me if you feel sick again,” he ordered.

“Will do,” Stolas said. The moment they were gone, he groaned softly and rested his forehead on the surface of the desk.

Why was this so intense?

He needed yogurt. Immediately. The more he tried to ignore it, the worse it became, clouding his thoughts.

Finally, he couldn't take it anymore. Standing up, Stolas grabbed the office key and his wallet. Just a quick trip to the store. There was a small market just down the road. He'd be back before anyone knew he was gone.

The moment he stepped outside, the imps loitering on the street corners sneered at him.

“Look at the prissy bird,” one muttered loudly, just enough for Stolas to hear.

“Slumming it today, your highness?” another jeered, their laughter sharp and cutting.

He kept his gaze forward, shoulders tense, trying to ignore the barbs. It wasn’t the first time, but today, in his craving-addled state, the disdain seemed sharper, more unbearable. He felt the sudden need to shriek at them, but he shook his head at the impulse.

A wad of spit landed too close to him and Stolas flinched, biting his tongue to keep from snapping. Even as humiliation crawled up his neck, he pressed on. Just a quick trip. Get the yogurt. Get back.

He managed to get to the store, quickly shuffling through the aisles. They had a generic yogurt he had never heard of before, and he grabbed a large 32oz container before going to the register.

Of course there was a line, and he had learned through trial-and-error that it was socially acceptable to wait. Stolas checked his watch as the line slowly moved forward.

But the craving was unbearable now that he held the cold container in his hands. It urged him to open it. His mouth watered, and his resolve crumbled.

Carefully, he peeled back the plastic lid of the tub, the foil giving way with a satisfying pop. The creamy surface looked like salvation. Just one taste. He scooped a dollop with his finger and brought it to his mouth.

The yogurt was heavenly—thick, tangy, and soothing in a way that made him close his eyes. Before he knew it, he took another fingerful, then another.

“Hey! You can’t eat that without paying!” a sharp voice barked.

Stolas’s eyes snapped open to find a glaring imp cashier, their arms crossed, the entire line of customers now staring at him.

“I… I was just…”

“Put the yogurt down or pay for it now,” the employee snapped.

His cheeks burned, and Stolas slowly lowered the tub. He muttered an apology, and pulled out his wallet to pass a few bills to the cashier. Feeling ridiculous, Stolas quickly made his way back to the IMP office.

Sitting down with a spoon, he started eating the yogurt straight out of the container. He let out a content hum as he finally felt satisfied. Stolas got back to work as he ate, and within an hour a portal opened.

“Damn! That was a good one. Nice shootin’ Mox,” Blitzo said as he stepped through with Loona.

“Thank you, sir,” Moxxie said, holding out his hand to help Millie through.

Blitzo noticed the empty yogurt tub next to Stolas. “Feeling better?” he said.

“Yes,” Stolas said, sheepish at having inhaled 32 ounces of yogurt like a glutton.

“You still want lunch?” Blitzo asked.

The truth was the yogurt had just whetted his appetite, and Stolas was starving. “I could eat.”

“Great. How about sushi?” Blitzo said, turning to everyone else.

Millie and Moxxie exchanged a quick glance, silent communication passing between them. Moxxie cleared his throat, forcing a smile. “Uh, actually, maybe we could do something else?”

Blitzo raised a brow. “What, you got a problem with sushi all of a sudden?”

Millie hesitated before jumping in. “It just doesn’t sound great right now,” she said, a little too quickly. “Maybe burgers?”

Blitzo gave her a suspicious look. “Millie, you love sushi.”

“Yeah, well, not today,” she said, folding her arms.

Moxxie stepped in, shifting nervously. “We just had sushi the other day for dinner! Maybe something different would be nice.”

Blitzo squinted at them and then at Stolas. “Y’all are acting real weird.”

Millie forced a grin. “Just craving somethin’ else, is all!”

Stolas perked up at that remark. Millie was craving something as well? How odd.

Loona scrolled through her phone and muttered, “Tacos sound good.”

“Fine. Tacos it is,” Blitzo said.

Millie relaxed slightly, letting out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. Moxxie gave her a small reassuring squeeze on the hand.

Blitzo rubbed the crystal on his arm. “Come on Stols.” It was common for the two of them to go out and bring back take out for everyone to share.

Stolas stole a glance at Millie as he stepped into the portal with Blitzo. She was still holding her stomach slightly, almost unconsciously. The sight sent a strange prickle down his spine.

Cravings. Sudden aversions. Something about that stirred his memory but he couldn't figure out why.

A hand went down unconsciously to rub his own middle, but he shook it off.

After an uneventful lunch, the team separated to hit two jobs at once. Loona and Blitzo went on one, and Millie and Moxxie hit another. Stolas worked on the budget while they were out, making calls to sinners who owed them. His past as a prince made it easy to diplomatically squeeze payment out of them.

When he was done, Stolas felt oddly... heavy. His eyelids drooped, and a yawn crept up on him before he could stifle it. He stretched and tried to shake off the feeling with a cup of tea.

However as the afternoon crawled on, he became more and more sluggish. He felt an odd impulse, like something deep inside him was demanding he burrow away. The office was too open. He needed somewhere smaller.

Stolas tried to fight the feeling, but as before with the yogurt, it was insistent. Eventually he crawled under the desk, bracketing in the space with the chair. The enclosed dark space immediately made him feel more at ease, and he closed his eyes. He just needed a little rest. No more than a few minutes.

***

Blitzo stepped through the portal. He checked his phone but Millie or Moxxie hadn't asked for a return portal. Guess they were still on the job.

Loona glanced around the office. “Where's Stolas?” she asked.

Blitzo gaze landed on Stolas’s desk, where his tea sat untouched, long since gone cold. It was quiet. Too quiet.

“Hey, Stols?” he called out.

Silence.

Blitzo stepped, senses on high alert for any danger. He noticed the chair was oddly positioned, and then he saw the faintest glimpse of feathers beneath the desk.

Blitzo crouched down, and pulled away the chair. “Stolas?”

Stolas was curled up under the desk, his long frame awkwardly folded in the cramped space. His breathing was slow, steady, but he didn’t stir even as Blitzo reached out and gave his shoulder a shake.

“Hey, wake up,” Blitzo said, voice sharper than he meant. His chest tightened. Had Stolas passed out? Did something happen? “Stolas!”

Stolas blinked blearily up at him, his pupils slow to focus. “Mmm… Blitzo?”

“What the hell are you doin’ under there?” Blitzo demanded.

Stolas frowned as he looked at his surroundings. “I was… just resting.”

The owl crawled out from under the desk and Blitzo helped him stand. The imp pressed a hand to his forehead to check for fever, but Stolas felt normal.

“Okay, that’s it. You’re going home. Now.”

Stolas blinked. “But…”

“No buts. You’re acting weird as hell, and clearly need to go home.” Blitzo said and rubbed the crystal to open a portal back to his apartment.

“I still need to finish the…” Stolas started to protest.

“I just found you passed out under your desk, and you threw up this morning. Now go, please. For me?” Blitzo said and pointed to the portal

Stolas hesitated, looking between Blitzo and the portal. Blitzo’s tail flicked, his arms crossed tight over his chest, and though his tone was gruff, his eyes were concerned.

With a sigh, Stolas gave in. “Very well, if it will ease your worry.”

“Damn right it will.” Blitzo gestured impatiently. “Now plant your feathery ass on the couch and rest.”

Stolas stepped through the portal. The moment it closed behind him, he let out a breath and rubbed his temples. Maybe Blitzo was right. Maybe he did need to rest.

Yet, as he moved toward the couch, that strange, nagging feeling returned—that deep, instinctual urge to hide away.

And he still wanted yogurt.

Chapter Text

They had finished the afternoon work with Blitzo anxious to get home and check on Stolas. Something was definitely up with the owl, but he couldn't figure out what. Millie and Moxxie were acting weird too. Blitzo wondered if they were all in on it and keeping some secret from him.

He opened the door and stopped dead. His living room was ransacked. Couch cushions were stacked in a haphazard circle, blankets draped over them to create a makeshift tent. The floor was covered in feathers and pillows. Blitzo's first thought was someone broke in. Then he spotted Stolas sitting in the middle of the blanket fort carefully fluffing a pillow with an unsettling amount of focus.

“What. The. Fuck.” Blitzo said.

Loona inspected the trashed apartment with a raised eyebrow. “Your boyfriend’s lost his damn mind.”

Stolas perked up at the sound of Blitzo’s voice. “Welcome back.”

Blitzo shut the door as he stepped toward him. “What the hell is this? You're supposed to be resting.” He gestured wildly at what used to be the couch.

Stolas blinked. “My nest.”

“Your what?”

“My nest,” Stolas repeated, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. “I felt the need to construct a comfortable, enclosed space to rest in. It’s quite cozy, actually. Would you like to join me?”

Blitzo turned to Loona. “Please tell me I’m hallucinating.”

Loona had a suppressed smirk. “Nope,” she said and pulled out her phone to take a picture.

Blitzo watched with some horror as Stolas pulled out some more feathers from his arms and added them to the blankets. The bird winced as each quill left his skin.

“Stop!” Blitzo said, somewhat frantically as he came over and stilled Stolas’s hands. “Did you yank out your feathers for this?”

Stolas glanced around at the fluffy carnage. “Ah. Quite a few, yes. But it felt necessary.”

Blitzo groaned and ran a hand down his face. “Okay. I’ve had enough. You’re sick, or cursed, or I don't know, but something is wrong with you”

Stolas pouted. “I assure you, I feel much better now. By the way, can you go get me some more yogurt?”

Loona snorted. “Yeah. Totally normal.”

Blitzo ignored her, still trying to process the absolute insanity in front of him. He squeezed the bridge of his nose. “Stolas. Buddy. How the hell is any of this normal?”

Stolas tilted his head. “It does seem rather odd. But truly, I feel fine.”

Loona kicked a stray feather with her boot. “Except for the part where you’re molting all over our apartment,” she said and picked her way through the chaos to her bedroom door.

Blitzo crossed his arms, fixing Stolas with a firm glare. “You’re going to the doctor.”

Stolas let out a soft trill of discontent and fluffed his remaining feathers. “Blitzo, that’s really not necessary.”

Blitzo gestured wildly at the mess of blankets and feathers. “Not necessary? You built a nest in the damn living room. I get you're, like, a bird or whatever, but what the hell?”

Stolas hummed, glancing around at his handiwork. “I’ll admit it’s unconventional, but what will a doctor do? Prescribe me rest? I am resting. I am comfortable.”

Blitzo made a noise of protest but hesitated. That did sound like the bullshit a doctor would say.

Stolas had been through a lot recently, Blitzo reasoned. He’d lost his crown, alienated his daughter, moved into a tiny imp apartment, and had a major downgrade in his finances.

Blitzo recalled that after the fire, he had slept in a closet for a few months. He had needed the security of a tiny dark space to feel secure. Maybe that’s what this was? Some kind of mental break and Stolas was doing his best to cope.

Stolas reached out and took Blitzo's hand to pull him closer. He squeezed it comfortingly. “And doesn’t an urgent care visit require money? They'll say to drink more fluids and then I’ll have a bill. I've been learning that not having a lot of money means I have to be careful how I spend it. And I don’t feel that expense is necessary.”

Blitzo opened his mouth, closed it, then groaned, “Alright, fine.” He jabbed a finger at Stolas’s chest. “But I am making you an appointment. Even if we have to wait for it. We can save in the meantime.” He was not going to jeopardize Stolas’s health, mental or physical, over money. He could afford to take care of his bird.

Stolas smiled warmly. “That sounds reasonable.”

“Now help me clean this up,” Blitzo said and started picking up a blanket.

Stolas suddenly lunged and snatched it out of his hands with a strange owl shriek. Blitzo jumped back, shocked as Stolas glared at him, tail flared, and talons poised.

“We keep the nest,” Stolas said in a tone that broached no arguments.

“Alright. Nest stays,” Blitzo said with his hands up in surrender.

Stolas instantly went docile and put the blanket back where it had been.

Loona snorted from her bedroom. “Wow. You’re so whipped,” she said with a note of fondness before shutting the door.

Blitzo glowered at her door before turning back to Stolas. “If the couch is now a nest, am I allowed to sleep here?” he asked.

“Of course,” Stolas said and patted a cushion. “This is your pillow.”

***

Blitzo and Stolas slept together in the nest that night. It was surprisingly comfortable and allowed them both to stretch out and sleep in a way they never could on the couch.

When Blitzo woke the next day feeling refreshed, he wondered why they hadn't slept like this sooner.

As the days continued, Stolas craved yogurt and started taking little naps under his desk when the office was quiet.

Millie and Moxxie were acting odd too. Moxxie panicked more than usual about protecting his wife, and Millie started getting winded on the job.

But as things went, Blitzo adjusted to the new normal.

Until Millie dropped the bomb.

“Hey guys. Can we have a meeting before we leave for the day?” Moxxie said, holding Millie's hand by the conference room.

Blitzo groaned, rubbing the back of his neck. “Ugh, fine, but if this is another one of your team bonding speeches, Mox, I swear…”

“It’s not,” Millie said quickly, squeezing Moxxie’s hand. Her usual fiery energy was subdued, but there was an undeniable glow about her. “It’s, uh… kinda important.”

That got Blitzo’s attention. He exchanged a glance with Stolas, who tilted his head curiously, before sighing and stomping into the conference room. Loona followed, still glued to her phone.

“Alright, what’s so damn important?” Blitzo plopped into a chair, kicking his boots onto the table. “Someone die? We getting sued? Moxxie finally grow a pair?”

Moxxie scowled.

“Okay, okay, let’s not drag this out,” Millie interrupted, practically bouncing on her heels. She took a deep breath, beaming. “I’m pregnant!”

Silence.

Loona slowly lowered her phone. “Wait. Seriously? I knew you smelled weird lately.”

Millie nodded enthusiastically. “Yep! I'm three months along.”

“Fucking hell.” Blitzo sat up straighter and put his feet down. His mind scrambled to process. “I didn't know Mox had it in him.”

Millie elbowed her grinning husband. “Oh he definitely does.”

Stolas smiled warmly. “That’s wonderful news! Congratulations.”

“Thanks,” Millie said.

Blitzo stared at her, then at Moxxie, then back again. Then he threw his arms up. “Well someone get the booze…Millie gets juice, obviously. We gotta celebrate!”

After popping several bottles of wine and the desk liquor Blitzo kept in his office, they ordered pizza and settled into an impromptu party. Millie and Blitzo ended up dancing at one point, with the later teasing his friend about all the crazy things ‘Uncle Blitzo’ was going to teach her unborn child. Even Loona seemed in high spirits and asked if she could help Sallie Mae throw a baby shower.

Moxxie ended up next to Stolas, the two more subdued.

“You okay?” Stolas asked him. His own journey as a parent made him empathetic to the imp. He remembered very well how nerve wracking having a baby was.

“I'm doing better,” Moxxie said. “When Millie told me, we both did a lot of talking about if this is what we wanted. We've only been married a year. Plus my dad…” He trailed off with a bitter tone, and took a drink.

“I take it he’s not a kind man?” Stolas probed.

“He tried to force me into an arranged marriage and is a crazy narcissistic asshole,” Moxxie said. “I'm worried what might happen if he learns about the baby.”

Stolas laid a hand on his shoulder, and squeezed gently. “I understand more than you know.”

Moxxie glanced up at him, brow furrowing. “Yeah?”

Stolas let out a quiet sigh, swirling his wine. “My father arranged my marriage as well. It was a union built on power and obligation. And Octavia…” His grip on the glass tightened. “She was an expectation. My father made it very clear that an heir was required.”

Moxxie’s expression softened, and he set his drink down. “I figured your marriage wasn’t great, but I didn’t know it was like that.”

Stolas nodded. “It was… difficult. I love my daughter with all my heart, but I will always regret that her birth was not the result of true love and choice. I never wanted her to feel like she was a duty rather than a blessing, but my father's wishes overrode my own.”

Moxxie exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. “That’s what scares me.” He scowled. “If my dad finds out, he’s gonna try and sink his claws into them.”

Stolas’s expression darkened. “Then we'll ensure he never gets the chance.”

Moxxie met his gaze, searching for something in it. Finally, he nodded. “Thanks. And I'm sorry about your daughter. Blitzo thinks she'll come around eventually.”

“I hope so,” Stolas said before setting aside his own grief. This was a celebration after all. “And you will be a wonderful parent, Moxxie.”

Moxxie snorted like he didn't believe Stolas, and instead turned his attention back to where Blitzo and Millie were twirling around. Blitzo was obviously getting quite drunk and had started talking to Millie's belly like the life inside it could hear him.

“And Mox is gonna make you eat all healthy and shit, but don't worry cause when you come to my house, it's cake and ice cream time. Sugar ya up and send you home,” Blitzo slurred as Millie giggled and smacked him.

“You better not,” she joked back, good naturedly.

Stolas smirked as Blitzo came over and plopped himself on his lap. He nuzzled into his chest feathers affectionately. Blitzo reached for Stolas's wine glass, but he held it out of reach.

“I think you've had enough,” Stolas said and drained the glass. A droplet escaped his beak and Blitzo leaned up to lick it. Stolas blushed and nearly turned his head for a kiss when he remembered Moxxie watching then.

Moxxie eyed them a moment before picking up his drink and going over to his wife. They were all starting to get tired, and soon wrapped the party up.

Stolas did his best to get Loona and Blitzo home. Luckily the hellhound was not nearly as drunk as her father. After making sure Loona was safe in her bed, Stolas tucked Blitzo into the nest. The imp passed out almost instantly.

Stolas sat on the edge of the nest, watching Blitzo’s sleeping form rise and fall with each breath. His feathers were still ruffled from the night’s festivities, the warmth of alcohol humming through his veins, but his mind was elsewhere.

Millie’s joy today had been radiant, and Moxxie’s quiet nervousness was endearing in its own way. Their child was wanted, loved before they had even drawn their first breath.

It had not been that way for him.

Stolas rubbed a hand down his face and winked back tears. He could still remember the moment the test was positive. There had been no celebration or joy. Just a cold, unyielding burden to produce an heir as quickly as possible.

He had been young and terrified through the ordeal. When the egg was laid, he wanted nothing to do with it for a while. It was a symbol of his pain.

But then it hatched, and she was there.

Octavia had been placed in his arms small and warm. Suddenly everything changed, and he was no longer alone. He had sworn in that moment that no matter what, he would love her.

But now she was gone. A chasm had grown between them, and he had been the one to dig it.

He closed his eyes and swallowed the lump in his throat.

“I miss you, Starfire,” he whispered into the quiet of the night.

Chapter Text

Stolas frowned at his reflection in the bathroom mirror. Tilting his head, he prodded at his stomach.

It wasn’t much, just a slight roundness that hadn’t been there before. Maybe he had been indulging in too much yogurt lately.

Stolas sighed and put on his shirt. He knew it shouldn’t bother him, but old insecurities had a way of creeping back in when least expected.

You look like a half-plucked twig, Stolas.

Stella’s voice echoed in his mind, sharp and biting.

You’re pathetic. No wonder you’re so easy to push around.

He wasn’t vain, per se, but he had taken pride in his appearance. His feathers were always well-preened and his posture regal. Yet now his closets of tailored clothes and expensive makeup were probably rotting in a dumpster somewhere. Not that Blitzo hadn’t tried to buy him new things, but he missed the silk and magic.

He tried to button up his pants and sucked in his gut. This was pathetic. He couldn’t afford more new clothes. They had stolen the ones he was currently wearing.

“Ugh…” He ran a hand down his face before stepping back into the living room where Blitzo was sprawled out in the nest, lazily flipping through his phone.

The imp barely glanced up. “You’ve been in there forever. You checking yourself out?”

Stolas hesitated, then sat down on the edge of the nest. “I think I’m gaining weight.”

Blitzo blinked. “Uh. Okay?”

Stolas let out a soft huff, rubbing his stomach absentmindedly. “My clothes are feeling tighter.”

Blitzo scoffed. “So?”

Stolas hesitated before explaining, “It’s just… Stella used to mock me for being too thin. But when I gained even a little weight, she’d act like I was disgusting. I suppose I never really felt like I could win.”

Blitzo’s expression darkened. “Yeah, well, that cunt’s a bitch, so who cares?”

Stolas frowned. “I care. I don’t want to look…” He hesitated, suddenly feeling ridiculous.

Blitzo raised a brow. “Look what? Fat? Stolas, I don’t know if you need a damn eye exam or if rich people just have some weird-ass beauty standards, but you look fine.”

The imp put down his phone and held out his hands, motioning for Stolas to come over. He climbed into the nest and Blitzo dragged him down to lay next to him. Blitzo gave Stolas’s hips a curious squeeze. “Feels good to me.”

“Stop it,” Stolas said with a blush, but he didn’t push away Blitzo’s wandering hands.

“Seriously. You look good. Maybe even better,” Blitzo said.

Stolas blinked. “Better?”

Blitzo smiled and blushed. “Yeah. I dunno. You look kinda softer or something… comfy.”

Stolas felt heat creep up his face. “Comfy?”

“Yeah. You’re still hot.” He rolled to crawl on top of him. “And way more comfortable to lay on.”

Stolas smiled shyly and let his arms hug Blitzo closer.

“Now,” Blitzo continued, cuddling into Stolas’s chest. “Stop moping and relax. You’re my personal space heater, and I’m cold.”

He was rewarded with Stolas’s hooting chuckle. However, the moment Blitzo settled his weight down fully, Stolas winced. The imp immediately used his arms to push himself back up again. “What’s wrong?”

“Just… when you do that there’s a lot of pressure on my lower back,” Stolas explained.

Blitzo rolled them so Stolas was on top. “Better?”

Stolas wiggled until his protruding gut was comfortable. “I should go on a diet or see a doctor.”

“Oh now you wanna see a doctor,” Blitzo said sarcastically before adding more seriously, “I got you set up to see a therapist in three months. It was the best I could do.”

“A therapist?” Stolas said, surprised Blitzo hadn't gotten him an appointment with a regular physician.

“Yeah because I guarantee most of your problems are from here,” Blitzo said and tapped Stolas’s forehead.

“Back pain and weight gain are physical symptoms,” Stolas countered.

“Brought on from binge eating yogurt because you're stressed out. Plus we are sleeping on a pile of couch cushions on the floor. I'm not surprised your back hurts,” Blitzo pointed out. “Maybe we should invest in a sleeper couch or something. Even a mattress on the floor. You’re not used to not sleeping on a bed.”

Stolas nibbled his bottom lip, feeling a little guilty that his privilege was once again putting a financial burden on Blitzo. “I don’t want to impose.”

Blitzo rolled his eyes and flopped his arms out dramatically. “Stolas, if I can afford to keep Loona fed, I think I can handle getting us a damn mattress.”

Stolas frowned, a part of him still felt conflicted. He was used to extravagant wealth, and buying whatever he wanted without a second thought. But here, in Blitzo’s world, money wasn’t something to be thrown around. It was carefully managed, stretched to cover needs first and wants second. And now he was another expense in Blitzo’s already tight budget.

“You’re thinking too much again.”

Blitzo’s voice pulled him back, and before Stolas could react, Blitzo poked at his stomach, making him jolt.

“Blitzo!”

The imp snickered and his claws reached out to tickle Stolas’s side. He fluffed up and let out an undignified hoot as he squirmed. A harsh laugh ripped out of his beak and he smiled.

“There’s my pretty bird,” Blitzo said fondly, stopping his tickle attack.

They stared at each other for a moment. Stolas’s eyes flicked to Blitzo’s mouth and he leaned in. Their mouths met, and he pulled them flush together. It had been too long. He knew Blitzo had wanted to take it slow, but this was like water after days in the desert. Stolas clutched at Blitzo’s waist, holding him as if he might disappear if he let go.

Blitzo let out a surprised hum, but he didn’t pull away. Instead, he melted into the kiss, his hands moving to cradle Stolas’s face as their mouths moved together hungrily.

Stolas had respected the lines Blitzo had drawn, but now that Blitzo pressed against him, a heat pooled in his stomach. With just a kiss, he could feel himself getting wet.

Blitzo pulled back to meet his eyes, his expression softer.

“I mean it, y’know,” he murmured, running a thumb along Stolas’s cheek. “You’re still hot.” Another hand ran down his back and squeezed his ass meaningfully.

Stolas gasped. He felt very sensitive. More so than usual, and his libido made itself known. His tummy bulge pressed between them, and he ground into the hands on his ass. Maybe it was the fact they were in a nest that smelled of them that made him so horny.

“I know you wanted us to take things slow, but I…I can’t…” He bent his head to bite at Blitzo’s shoulder, laving his tongue along the rapid pulse running up his neck.

Blitzo tilted his head to give him more access, and groaned.

“I said take it slow, not that we can't do anything,” Blitzo said.

Stolas let out a pleased trill, his feathers fluffing at the consent. Blitzo guided Stolas into another kiss, slower this time, more intentional. Stolas let himself savor the taste and the warmth of his body. When they broke apart, Blitzo had that sexy smirk Stolas fell in love with.

“Sit on my face,” Blitzo said in his commanding dom voice.

“Yes, darling,” Stolas said, with a blush.

Stolas quickly shucked off his pants and crawled up to kneel over Blitzo's face. He grabbed his horns and guided the imp's face to his dripping hole.

A wet tongue slid up against it and Stolas threw his head back with a moan. Lips were next. Like long open mouth kisses complete with a tongue slipping in now and then. Stolas shuddered as claws squeezed his hips, drawing him down flush so Blitzo could start fucking him with his tongue. The sensation stirred the smoldering coals in his stomach into a blaze.

Blitzo loved being manhandled when Stolas pulled him closer. His eyes fluttered shut as he enjoyed the taste of slick and stretched his long fork tongue right up to the thick end. His teeth grazing that tender flesh on the outside with a promise that Stolas was always safe with him.

Stolas did his best to remain still. His hips twitched and Blitzo growled, sending vibrations up his cunt. But his knees were starting to hurt from kneeling so long. Stolas tried to ignore it and focus instead on the pleasure Blitzo was giving him. But soon the pain out weighed it and he felt himself slipping.

“Wait…” Stolas said.

Blitzo pulled back with surprise as Stolas climbed off him and rested on his side. He rubbed his knees. “Sorry. I was going to fall on you.”

Blitzo smiled as he licked slick from his lips. “Wouldn’t be the worst way to suffocate,” he joked. “You okay?”

“Yes,” Stolas said.

“Good. Roll over,” Blitzo said.

Stolas lay on his side, facing away from him. Blitzo slid forward and spooned him. He pushed up his leg a bit, and then Stolas felt the hard head of Blitzo’s cock nudge him.

“Hold on. Do you have a condom?” Stolas asked.

Blitzo stopped as he thought. “They're in the van.”

Stolas was loath to lose Blitzo’s touch. “Can you just pull out?”

“Yeah,” Blitzo said and then pressed inside. Stolas angled his hips to help.

The thick cock reached deep, the pressure touching that bundle of nerves he could never quite reach with his fingers. Calloused claws caressed his chest and stomach to hold him still as Blitzo started thrusting. It was barely controlled and tension began building again.

“Good. So good. Just like that,” Blitzo murmured into his back. Stolas’s hands slid to interlock with Blitzo’s. The new weight in his midsection seemed like a silly concern when his body was what drove Blitzo into this needy man that held him like he was precious.

Desperate syllables left his tongue as the head of Blitzo’s cock continued to pound into his sweet spot, catching a little so Stolas felt every inch slide inside him. He shivered and bucked down to add to the friction.

Blitzo burrowed his face deeper into feathers and nipped there, causing Stolas to see stars as his orgasim suddenly hit him. Blitzo was right behind, yanking out and using a few quick strokes to finish himself off against Stolas’s back.

Their breathing gradually calmed. Eventually the heat receded, leaving Blitzo cold.

He got up and went to retrieve a washcloth from the bathroom. They cleaned up, pulled their clothes back on and settled back into the nest.

“Feeling better?” Blitzo asked after a moment.

“Yes. You’re too good to me,” Stolas whispered.

Blitzo snorted. “Damn right, I am.”

The dim light of the apartment cast a warm glow over them, and for the first time in a long time, Blitzo saw none of the pain Stolas usually carried in his eyes. The imp felt a little proud of himself for that.

Stolas sighed, stretching his limbs before curling into the blankets. He turned his head, watching Blitzo with half-lidded eyes. “You’re staring,” he teased.

“Yeah, well, hard not to when you’re all poofy like that,” Blitzo said. He reached out to pat down Stolas's ruffled feathers. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were tryin’ to rile me up for another round. You puffing up to impress me, or is that just your version of a boner?”

“And what if it is?” Stolas jibed back playfully. He lifted his large tail and flared it out.

“Nice, but it's gonna take more than a mating display to fuck me again,” Blitzo said.

“Oh? And what if I don't want to? Maybe you should do a display for me?” Stolas teased.

Blitzo smiled “Sure, but it'll involve a lot more twerking and a lot less fluff.”

Stolas threw back his head and that glorious, hooting laugh rang out. It wasn’t restrained or polite. It was genuine and Blitzo basked in the sound.

Stolas had always been beautiful, but now he was stunning. Not just because of the way his normally neat feathers were tousled, or how his plush glowing body fit so perfectly against him. It was how that laugh imprinted on Blitzo's mind forever.

If the executioner came back for him this was the memory he would bring up before the axe fell. The sound of Stolas’s joy, the curve of his smile, and the way he looked at Blitzo like he was someone worth loving.

Chapter Text

It was just Millie and Stolas in the IMP office. The others were on a hit, but Millie was taking it easy today. She'd had to do that often, much to her chagrin, but it couldn't be helped. The longer the pregnancy went, the harder it was for her to keep up.

Stolas didn't mind the company. When Millie took time off from the field, she helped him do long overdo decluttering, and they chatted about miscellaneous things. It was nice. Stolas had never had a female friend before.

Today they were inventorying the ammo. Half of it was for weapons they didn't even own anymore, and Stolas suggested they try to sell the excess. Millie was cataloging what they were selling while Stolas organized anything usable in clearly labeled bins.

Millie groaned as she leaned back in the office chair, rubbing slow circles over her swollen belly. “Ugh, this kid is sittin’ right on my bladder. I need to go to the bathroom again,” she grumbled and stood up.

Stolas offered Millie a sympathetic smile as she walked out.

He’d been uncomfortable all day as well, but now the sensation was intensifying. It wasn’t quite painful, but it was enough to make him squirm.

Unable to take it anymore, Stolas hoisted himself to his feet and went to lay down on the couch. He winced at a sharp pain that started in his groin and wrapped up his midsection.

Millie came back and glanced at him. “You okay?”

“I… I don’t know,” Stolas admitted. “My stomach has been feeling strange all morning.”

“Strange how?” Millie asked.

“Like cramps,” Stolas explained.

Millie frowned in concern. “Did you maybe eat something? Stomach bug?”

Stolas shook his head, uncertain. “I think I'll just lay down for a bit,” he said.

“Okay,” Millie said. “Let me know if you want me to run to the store and get some medicine.”

She went back to work and Stolas curled up into a ball on the couch. He tried to relax, but his middle throbbed with a steady tightness that came in waves. He shifted on the couch, trying to find a position that eased the growing pressure.

Minutes passed, but the discomfort only worsened. Stolas pressed a hand to his belly, rubbing slow circles in a vain attempt to soothe whatever was happening. His body felt off. His breathing hitched as another wave of tightness rolled through him, this time accompanied by a deep ache in his lower back.

He bit back a groan, not wanting to alarm Millie, but she must have caught his twitch because her head snapped up.

“What is it?” she asked, setting her work aside.

Stolas exhaled slowly. “It’s nothing, really. Just… discomfort.”

“Discomfort?” she questioned.

Stolas hesitated. “There’s this… tightening feeling. It comes and goes, but it’s getting worse.”

Millie arched her brow. “Maybe its just cause I'm pregnant, but that ‘discomfort’ sounds a hell of a lot like contractions. Can you get pregnant?”

Stolas let out a weak laugh. “Well yes. I carried Octavia. But I'm not gravid now. That would be absurd.”

Millie didn’t laugh. “How often these cramps been happenin’?”

Stolas hesitated, but before he could answer, there was another tightening around his abdomen. His fingers curled into the couch cushion, a soft grunt escaping before he could stop it.

Millie grabbed her phone and started timing. “Alright, we’re gonna see if there’s a pattern here.”

Stolas wanted to argue, but another sharp pain flared up, making him suck in a breath. She came over and he was grateful for the hand that started rubbing soothing circles into his back.

Millie’s frown deepened as she checked the timer. “That one was a minute apart.”

“That… that doesn’t mean anything,” Stolas tried.

Millie frowned. “Okay, humor me. Any pressure in your back?”

“Yes…”

“Crampin’ gettin’ worse?”

Stolas hesitated before reluctantly nodding. “But I've laid an egg before. It… It was different… I would know what it feels like.”

He'd also been under a lot of pain medication during Octavia’s laying. A whole staff of doctors who kept him comfortable during the process.

Millie folded her arms. “Then either you’re about to pass the world’s worst kidney stone, or you’re laying an egg.”

Stolas stared at her, his beak opening and closing soundlessly. “Mildred, I can't...” Another contraction rolled through him, sharper than before. His body seized, and for the first time, fear crawled up his spine. This couldn't be happening.

But it did make sense.

All the puzzle pieces slotted together in his head. Him being lax in his meds, the yogurt, nesting, and his weight gain.

“Oh Lucifer. I haven't been to a doctor or taken vitamins. I drank wine when we had that party.” Stolas started to panic.

She pulled out her phone. “I’m callin’ Blitzo. Just sit tight.”

The phone rang once and went to voicemail. Millie left a message that they were heading to the hospital and to meet them there. She also sent out a text to Moxxie and Loona. Usually Loona, Blitzo, and Moxxie put their phones on silent during a job. So hopefully they would check them soon.

Stolas barely registered any of it. His heart pounded against his ribs as his mind spiraled. He’d been so careless. How had he not realized? How had he ignored the signs?

“Millie, what if I’ve harmed them?” he whispered, clutching his stomach. “I wasn’t careful. I wasn’t prepared…”

Millie knelt beside him, placing a firm hand on his arm. “Hey, breathe,” she said gently. “Stressin’ yourself out ain’t gonna help.”

He tried, but terror clawed at his throat to cut off oxygen. “I don’t even know how far along I am! What if something’s wrong? What if it's not ready?! It's a hybrid. Who knows what's going to come out?”

Millie squeezed his arm. “That’s why we’re goin’ to the hospital. They’ll check everything out.”

Another contraction hit, cutting off any further protest. Stolas groaned, his grip tightening on the couch cushions.

“Alright, that’s it, we’re goin’ now.” Millie stood and grabbed the keys to the company van. “Think you can walk?”

Stolas nodded shakily, though when he tried to stand, his legs wobbled. Millie immediately looped an arm around his waist, letting him lean on her.

“Easy does it,” she soothed, guiding him toward the door.

Each step sent a dull ache through his lower back, but Stolas gritted his teeth and kept moving. The pain was still manageable. He just hoped Blitzo and the others got the message soon.

As Millie helped him into the passenger seat, he exhaled shakily, resting a protective hand on his belly. Please let it be okay.

***

Blitzo slunk around the back of the building the target was in. The man had been a banker and in his old age, moved to a small estate.

Moxxie was covering the front entrance and Loona was keeping watch on the guards they'd knocked out. Blitzo slipped through a cracked window and moved through the house. He spotted the target in the kitchen and after a few terrorizing moments, the job was done.

Blitzo came back out and motioned for Moxxie and Loona. They came over and he opened a portal back to the IMP office.

Blitzo stepped through the portal first, shaking blood off his gloves. “Easy job. I love it when they piss themselves,” he said with a grin.

Moxxie followed, sighing. “That’s disturbing, sir.”

Loona stepped in behind them. “Can we go home now?”

Blitzo stretched, about to answer, when he noticed something was off. The office was too quiet. “Where the fuck are Millie and Stolas?”

Loona was already scrolling through her messages when she stiffened. “Uh… guys? Millie said she's heading to the hospital with Stolas.”

Moxxie’s face drained of color. “She’s at the hospital?” He snatched his phone and read the message Millie had sent him:

Heading to the hospital. Meet us there.

Moxxie’s hands shook. “Oh my Lucifer. It's too soon! I knew she was pushing herself too hard! I told her to take it easy. Oh crumbs!”

“Would you calm down?!” Loona snapped, following at a much more measured pace. “She’s at the hospital. Stolas is with her, so she'll be fine.”

Blitzo threw open a portal straight to the hospital entrance. He stepped through “Come on! Future baby uncle comin’ through!”

Moxxie practically tripped over himself in his rush to get to his wife. Loona followed behind, already dialing Stolas’s number. Surprisingly, Millie picked up.

“Where are you guys? We're at the hospital?” Loona asked.

“We're stuck in traffic,” Millie said. “It's a stand still.”

“Are you okay? Where's Stolas?” Loona asked.

“I'm fine,” Millie said, confused. “Stolas is in the back. I don't think we're gonna make it to the hospital before he lays the egg.”

Loona nearly tripped over her own feet. “Millie, what the fuck do you mean Stolas is laying the egg?” Loona demanded, her tail bristling. She hit speaker so they could all hear Millie.

There was a pause on the other end of the line. Then, Millie cautiously explained, “Stolas was pregnant. He didn't know.”

They all froze in front of the hospital doors. Blitzo’s brain stalled. Moxxie blinked. Loona swore.

“WHAT?!” they all shrieked in unison.

Blitzo ripped the phone out of Loona’s hands. “Millie, what the actual fuck do you mean Stolas is pregnant?!”

“I mean he’s pregnant, and about to pop out an egg in the backseat of the van! Get your ass over here!” Millie barked.

Blitzo wheeled around to Moxxie. “Did you know about this?!”

“No!” Moxxie shouted. “How the fuck would I have known?! He didn’t even know!”

“Wait, if Stolas is having an egg, does that mean it's yours?” Loona looked at Blitzo wide-eyed.

Blitzo’s stomach flipped and his hands went clammy. His mouth opened, but no sound came out. Stolas was about to lay an egg, and that meant he was the dad.

Loona grabbed the phone from Blitzo, snapping him out of his shock. “Where are you?”

“Stuck on Hellstate 9 near exit 23,” Millie said. A pained hoot came through the speaker, and Blitzo's gut clenched.

"Fuck this,” he growled. “Guys new plan. Mills, we're coming to you. Hold tight.” Blitzo raced into the hospital. He went to the ER desk, cutting three people in line who loudly protested.

“I got an emergency!” he said to the triage nurse.

“Sir, get in line,” the nurse said.

“I got a bird about to lay an egg in traffic. I need an ambulance,” Blitzo said. “Now!”

The nurse raised an eyebrow slowly. Fucking sloth demons. “Sir, I can't do anything if the patient isn't here. If he needs an ambulance, call them.”

Blitzo fingers twitched with the urge to grab his gun. "Are you fucking serious?!"

Moxxie stepped in, attempting to smooth things over. "Please, we just need help. Can you have a team ready for when they arrive?"

The nurse sighed. "Fine," she huffed, grabbing a radio. "We’ll send someone from labor and delivery to meet you outside.”

Blitzo was back out the door in a minute. “Guys I'm going to get Stolas. Stay here and make sure they're ready.”

He rubbed the crystal and a moment later landed on the roof of a car. All around him was a sea of vehicles in grid lock. Blitzo looked around and spotted the van. Hopping from roof to roof, he ignored the drivers honking at him. He jumped down and knocked on the van door. Millie unlocked it from the driver’s seat, obviously frazzled.

“Took you long enough,” she said as Blitzo crawled in.

Stolas was lying on the backseat, holding his stomach with his pants off. He was flushed and looked miserable.

Blitzo gulped. Seeing Stolas laid out made the situation all that more real. He tried to quiet his own fear. Right now, Stolas needed him. "Okay," he muttered to himself "Baby first, freakout later.

“Blitzo,” Stolas said, seeing him with a look of relief. It was short lived though as another contraction hit.

“Hey Stols,” Blitzo said, voice dropping to something soft and comforting. “I'm gonna portal us to the hospital, okay?”

“Can't move,” Stolas said, his claws tearing into the car seat. “It's coming.”

Blitzo moved to peer between Stolas’s legs. His cloaca had stretched and a round object was crowning.

“Okay… Fuck… What should I do?” Blitzo said.

“Catch it,” Millie said from up front.

Stolas let out another cry and Blitzo hurried to move so his hands were positioned to grab it. He swallowed hard. Catch it. Right. Easy. Just catch the fucking egg. Except if you drop it, your entire goddamn life is over.

“Okay, Stolas, deep breaths,” he said, trying to keep his voice steady despite the fact his hands shook. “You’re doing great... just, uh, keep doing what you’re doing and… fucking hell…uh…”

“Blitzo,” Stolas snapped, angrily.

“Yeah?”

“Shut. Up.”

Blitzo nodded. “Yeah…sure. Shutting up.”

Stolas bore down with a hoarse cry, his whole body shaking from the effort. Blitzo’s eyes widened as the egg slipped free into his waiting hands.

“Oh fuck, oh fuck. I got it!” he yelped, cradling it carefully.

Stolas collapsed back against the seat, exhausted. His crimson eyes flickered to the egg. “Is it okay?”

Blitzo stared down at the egg, still in shock. It was smooth, a deep red with faint speckles, fitting perfectly in his hands. His kid. Their kid. He blinked rapidly, his throat tightening.

“Yeah, Stols,” he whispered, voice cracking. “It’s perfect.”

Stolas held out his arms and Blitzo carefully deposited the egg into them. He cradled it to his chest, still panting.

“You think you're okay to move?” Blitzo asked. Stolas nodded and Blitzo gently helped the goetia out of the van on shaky legs. He opened a new portal to the hospital where, thankfully, a nurse was waiting with a wheelchair.

“Woah. It really is an egg,” Loona said like she couldn't believe her eyes.

“I'm going to go make sure Millie is alright,” Moxxie said and stepped back through the portal to the van. Blitzo closed it and helped Stolas into the wheelchair. The goetia looked like he was about to fall asleep any minute.

They got inside and the doctors checked them both out. Stolas needed some stitching, and the egg was put under an ultrasound. It was healthy, but the shell was thick. Most likely the baby would need assistance getting out when the time came for it to hatch.

When the excitement passed, Loona, Blitzo, and Stolas were left in the hospital room. A text from Millie and Moxxie let them know the couple was heading home. Millie was feeling tired after the day and needed to rest.

Stolas was passed out in bed, utterly spent after the trial of labor. Blitzo held the egg in a blanket against his bare chest lounging in the recliner. He'd been told this was the best way to keep it warm.

“So… Now what?” Loona asked a little hesitantly. She was sitting in another chair on the other side of the room. “I mean it's gonna hatch eventually.”

Blitzo sighed, shifting the egg slightly in his arms. “Now what?” he repeated, rubbing a thumb over the shell. “Shit, I dunno, Loony. Didn't exactly plan for this.”

“Yeah, no kidding. We barely fit in the apartment before, and now we’ve got a baby coming? Where the hell is it gonna sleep? In the sink?” Loona said.

Blitzo huffed, rubbing a hand over his face. “I know, okay? It's not like I haven't been saving for a new place before this. The three of us have been crammed together for months.”

“Could you ask for a loan?” Loona said.

“From those sharks down in Greed? I'll be giving them my kidney in interest,” Blitzo said.

Loona hummed, thinking. “So, are you gonna take time off work?”

Blitzo nearly choked. “Time off? From IMP?!”

Loona deadpanned. “Yeah, because raising a baby and running a murder business go hand in hand.”

Blitzo opened his mouth, then closed it, looking down at the egg again. “Shit,” he muttered. “This kid’s gonna be here in, what? A few months? Weeks?”

“Days? Do you even know how long these things take to hatch?” Loona asked.

“Uh…”

Loona sighed. “We are so not ready for this.”

Blitzo looked down at the egg. Despite how suddenly it came, he couldn't regret it for a moment. He was gonna have a baby with Stolas and that thought filled him with so much joy. He hadn't been this happy since the day he brought Loona home. “Yeah, well… Guess I better get ready, huh?”

Chapter Text

Blitzo sat in the nest, cradling the egg against him. Millie and Moxxie had bought a sort of baby sling to help him carry it around and keep it warm. He ran his thumb over the shell absentmindedly, watching the way the dim apartment light reflected off the deep red surface. Their kid. The thought still scared the hell out of him.

Next to him, Stolas lay facing the wall. He hadn’t said much since they got back. Blitzo sighed, shifting slightly to rub his back.

Blitzo hated the hospital. Hated the way the nurses whispered when they thought he couldn’t hear, how the doctors barely looked at Stolas like he wasn’t worth their time now that he wasn’t royalty. When they'd been cleared to go home, they quickly opened a portal home to escape.

Blitzo glanced at the egg, then at Stolas. “Hey, uh… You doin’ okay? Need some of your pain medicine?” he asked, keeping his voice light.

Stolas didn’t answer.

Blitzo chewed the inside of his cheek. “I know the hospital sucked, but we’re home now, y’know? Safe.”

Still nothing.

Blitzo let out a slow breath and moved to crouch in front of Stolas’s face. “Hey, babe. You wanna hold ‘em?” he asked and saw Stolas’s pupils flick up

Stolas finally moved, but only to tuck his arms tighter around himself. “No,” he mumbled. His voice was barely audible.

Blitzo frowned. “C’mon, Stols, you haven’t held ‘em since we left the hospital.”

Stolas squeezed his eyes shut. “I can’t,” he whispered. “I’m a terrible father. I'll ruin it like I ruined Via.”

Blitzo’s heart clenched. “Hey, that's not…Stolas, you are a good dad. ” He reached out, brushing a few stray feathers from Stolas’s face. “You love Octavia.”

Stolas’s lip trembled, but he still wouldn’t look at him.

“I know this is a lot, and I know shit’s been rough lately, but you're not alone in this,” Blitzo said.

Stolas swallowed thickly and finally turned his head to look at the egg. His claws twitched, like he wanted to reach out but was too afraid.

Blitzo took his hand and placed it gently on the shell. “See? They’re right here. They need you.”

Stolas shuddered, a tear slipping down his cheek. “…I don’t know if I can do this.”

Blitzo squeezed his hand. “Me too.”

Stolas reached out his other hand and Blitzo pulled the egg out of its sling. Stolas immediately brought it to his chest fluff.

Blitzo nudged his shoulder. “See? You’re doin’ fine already.”

Stolas let out a shaky breath. “…Thank you, Blitzo.” Stolas scooted over so Blitzo could lay down next to him.

“I'm still trying to figure out how this happened. I mean I know how but you said you use birth control,” Blitzo said.

Stolas shrunk a little at that. “Um… they're my happy pills.”

“But you've been taking those,” Blitzo said, and Stolas looked away guiltily. “Haven't you?”

“Not entirely,” Stolas admitted quietly.

Blitzo’s smile faded as he watched the way Stolas hesitated, the way his feathers ruffled like he was bracing for something.

“…Stols,” he said slowly, “why’d you stop takin’ ‘em?”

Stolas swallowed hard, still cradling the egg. “It doesn’t matter.”

Blitzo sat up, crossing his arms. “Like hell it doesn’t.”

“Octavia,” he finally admitted, voice barely above a whisper.

Blitzo frowned. “What about her?”

Stolas shut his eyes. “She asked if it was her fault that I needed them, but it wasn't. It never was, and the thought of taking them again and her thinking it's because she did something wrong. That I don't love her.” He tightened his hold on the egg. “I just can't take them if that's what she believes.”

Blitzo was quiet for a moment, staring at him. Then he sighed. “Shit, Stolas.”

Stolas turned away, ashamed, and cuddled the egg.

Blitzo shifted closer, pressing a hand against Stolas’s shoulder. “Look, I get it. You love her, you don’t wanna let her down. But this?” He gestured at Stolas’s hunched form, the dark circles under his eyes, the way he was practically vibrating with exhaustion. “This is not healthy.”

Stolas let out a shaky breath but didn’t respond.

Blitzo got up and grabbed the pill bottle from the bathroom. He shook one out, and brought it to the nest. He took Stolas's hand and pressed it into his palm.

“Take it,” he said firmly.

Stolas stared down at the pill, his claws trembling.

Blitzo nudged him. “Take it, Stolas. You need to be okay. For Via and for this little guy.” He nodded toward the egg. And for Blitzo, although he didn't say that outloud.

Stolas swallowed hard. Then, slowly, he popped the pill into his mouth and swallowed it dry. He wiped at his eyes, voice raw. “…Thank you.”

Blitzo exhaled, relieved. “Hold tight and I'll get you some water.” He went to the kitchen and brought back a glass which Stolas drank gratefully. “Just don’t make me babysit you and the egg, got it?” he said

A soft chuckle escaped Stolas, barely there but real. “I’ll try.”

Blitzo smirked and pulled him closer, wrapping an arm around his waist. “Good. Now go to sleep before I shove another one of those down your throat.”

For the first time in weeks, Stolas let himself relax fully as they fell asleep.

Their snores could be heard through the thin apartment wall. Loona lay in her room, listening to it. She hadn’t meant to eavesdrop, but it wasn’t like she could help it in this cramped space with her above-average hearing.

She had been trying to sleep, but the conversation outside kept her awake. And the more she listened, the angrier she got.

Octavia thought Stolas taking his meds was her fault?

What a load of shit.

Did that kid even know what it was like to have nobody give a damn whether you lived or died? To have to fight and claw for even a scrap of attention?

Because Loona did.

She still remembered what it felt like to sit alone in those shitty group homes, surrounded by kids who had already given up. She remembered looking at adults and knowing they’d never want her.

She remembered the first time Blitzo had looked at her like she was his. The imp was a pain in the ass, but he saved her. He was the first person who ever stuck around, who ever fought for her.

If that axe had fallen and Blitzo died…

She tried not to think about it.

And Stolas saved him. He was important to Blitzo, and had been kind to her in the time he was here. He wasn't a bad guy. Maybe a bit misguided and prideful, but it was hell. No one was perfect.

Plus there was a baby on the way who, for all intents and purposes, would be her and Octavia’s sibling.

Loona shoved her blanket off and threw on her clothes. She didn’t know exactly what she was gonna say, but she knew one thing for damn sure. Octavia needed to get her shit together before she lost the one parent who actually wanted to be there.

***

Loona stood outside the ice palace, shivering despite her thick fur. Getting in was easy when you didn't walk through the front gate like Stolas had.

Security was more for show than actual enforcement, and Loona had been breaking in and out of places since she was a pup. A quick hop over a wall, some sneaky shadow work, and she was padding through the halls undetected.

She found Octavia’s room at the end of a long corridor. Loona slipped inside, closing the door behind her without a sound. The room was lit only by a night light. Octavia sprawled in bed making soft hooting noises.

Loona crept over and nudged Octavia’s shoulder. “Wake up.”

Octavia wiggled and Loona shook her harder. The young owl opened her eyes and lurched in surprise at having someone leaning over her bed in the dark. Before she could scream, Loona covered her mouth.

“It's me,” Loona said and reached over to turn on the bedside lamp. She took her hand away.

“Loona?” Octavia mumbled sleepily. “What the hell…?”

“We gotta talk,” Loona hissed.

“Why are you in my room?” Octavia asked.

Loona scowled. “Because your dad is losing his goddamn mind, and has been moping around my house for months.”

That woke her up. Octavia sat up, rubbing her eyes. “What?”

Loona crossed her arms. “You told him you were the reason he got depressed enough to need meds? Seriously?”

Octavia stared at her, still sluggish after just waking up. Eventually her face twisted in anger. “He pretended for years that we were some happy family and it was all a lie. He never loved mother, and he didn't even want me. He…”

“I'm gonna stop you right there, because that is a load of shit. Why was he pretending if it wasn't to make you happy? People who don't want you, wouldn't do that.”

“He left!” Octavia snapped. “He promised he wouldn't and then he got himself exiled saving that…”

“He saved my dad,” Loona finished. “And now your dad is so worried about you and he hasn't been taking his pills. People take antidepressants for all sorts of reasons, dumbass. Do you have any idea what it's like to be depressed? Cause I do. It sucks.”

Octavia’s anger faded some. “I… I didn’t think…”

“Yeah, no shit,” Loona said. “You’ve got a dad who actually wants to be in your life, and instead of letting him take care of himself so he can be there for you, you guilted him into making himself miserable.”

Octavia’s beak clenched. “I didn’t guilt him…”

“You did, whether you meant to or not,” Loona cut in. “You think people stop needing meds just because they love someone enough? That’s not how it works.”

Octavia stared down at her blankets. “Then why did he choose your dad over me?” She asked.

Loona exhaled sharply and ran a hand through her hair. “Look, I get it, okay? Your dad hurt you. Maybe not on purpose, but he did. So you pushed him away. You make it his fault, so you don’t have to deal with it.”

Octavia’s breath hitched. She clenched the blankets in her fists, her entire body tense.

“I didn’t have a parents, Octavia,” Loona said. “I got Blitzo now, and yeah, he’s... Blitzo, but he gives a shit. And I do love him. And Stolas? He loves you. So maybe you could cut him some slack and call him.”

Octavia swallowed, eyes shining. “...I can't talk to dad even if I wanted to,” she admitted, voice small. “My mum took away my phone. I'm pretty much trapped here doing nothing but being scolded by the governess uncle hired. She's horrible. I just want to go home, but I don't know where that is anymore.”

Loona crossed her arms. “Then maybe it’s time to figure that out.”

Octavia sniffed, hugging her knees to her chest. “How?”

“For starters? Stop letting your uncle and mom tell you what to do. You're supposed to be a rebellious teenager. Act like it,” she said

Octavia let out a bitter laugh. “And what, just walk out? The guards always stop me”

Loona snorted. “I just broke in here. If I can get in, I can get you out.”

Octavia hesitated, looking toward the window. For the first time in months, the idea of leaving felt possible. She wasn’t a prisoner, but every day in this palace felt like being in a cage.

Octavia took a deep breath, then nodded. “Okay,” she said and got out of bed. “I don’t know if home is with Dad, but I know it isn’t here.” She glanced at Loona. “And I think I need to talk to him. About everything.”

“Good. Now let’s pack your shit, we don’t have all night,” Loona said.

Octavia grabbed a bag and started throwing clothes into it while Loona went around grabbing anything valuable. Octavia was gonna need cash if she was running away.

After everything was ready, Octavia left a hastily scrawled note for her mum. She wasn't saying where she was headed, just that she was leaving with a friend and wouldn't be back.

Her hands were shaking as she closed her bedroom door for the last time. It felt good though to be taking control of her life. Loona led the way and with Octavia’s magic they were able to easily get back outside the palace walls.

They walked down the road towards Impcity, keeping to the shadows.

“Oh. By the way, there's another reason I came to see you. And try not to freak out. It was an accident,” Loona said.

“Okay?” Octavia said.

“Your dad laid an egg. He didn't even know he was pregnant till he laid it,” Loona said.

Octavia stopped in her tracks. “...What?” She blinked rapidly, trying to process. “Seriously?”

Loona nodded, shoving her hands in her pockets. “Mhm.”

Octavia's mouth hung open and her eyes bugged out. “But wait. Does that mean it's also your dad's egg?”

“Yeah. That's about the reaction I had,” Loona said.

Octavia made a strangled sound. “Oh Lucifer,” she swore. “Please tell me you're joking.”

“Nope,” Loona said.

“I knew this could happen. I mean, I knew Goetia males could get pregnant, but I just… I never thought he would,” she said.

“Yup.”

“This is insane.”

“Uh huh.”

Octavia let out a breathy laugh, somewhere between hysteria and disbelief. “I just ran away thinking my life was already a mess, and now I find out my dad’s literally brooding an imp's egg. What the hell.”

“Told ya they're idiots,” Loona said like it was common knowledge and started walking again. Octavia jogged to catch up, staying silent as she contemplated the news.

“You gonna be okay? Loona asked after a little while.

“I don’t know. Are you?” she asked.

Loona shrugged. “I mean, what else am I supposed to do? Your dad’s been crashing at my place for weeks, crying on my couch. And now, surprise, he and Blitzo have an egg together. Shit happens.”

Octavia groaned. “I really wish shit would stop happening.”

Loona smirked. “Look on the bright side. At least you’re not an only child anymore.”

Octavia shot her a flat look. “Yeah. Thrilled.”

They walked in silence for a moment before Loona nudged her. “Seriously, though. You gonna be okay?”

Octavia hesitated, then sighed. “I don’t know. But I guess I’ll find out.”

Loona nodded. “Good enough. Now let’s get moving before someone realizes you’re gone.”

Chapter Text

Octavia hesitated outside the apartment door, her bag slung over her shoulder. The walk through ImpCity had been long, cold, and surreal. Now that she was actually here, her stomach twisted with nerves.

Loona, however, didn’t hesitate. She pulled out her keys and unlocked the door, stepping inside without ceremony. “Come on,” she muttered, leaving Octavia to follow.

The apartment was dark and Loona turned on a small lamp by the door to illuminate the space. It was a mess. There were empty takeout containers stacked on the counter, clothes draped over furniture, and an open book facedown on the kitchen table. Very much the abode of three people crammed in a two tiny space.

Octavia’s eye immediately spotted the nest in the living room where Stolas and Blitzo were sound asleep.

Octavia froze, barely breathing as she took in the sight. Stolas was lying on his side with his arms loosely cradling a large, red egg. Blitzo was sprawled next to him, one arm draped over Stolas’s waist, mouth slightly open as he snored. The egg sat snug between them, wrapped in a thick, fluffy blanket.

Loona rolled her eyes at the sight, and went to the kitchen to get some food.

Octavia swallowed hard. She wasn’t sure what she expected, but it wasn’t this. Her father looked exhausted and his feathers were a mess, but he seemed peaceful. The sight of Blitzo curled up like he belonged next to Stolas sent a weird tangle of emotions through her chest.

She stepped forward slowly, her fingers gripping the strap of her bag. Stolas shifted slightly in his sleep, his grip tightening protectively around the egg. It was such an unguarded moment that Octavia felt like an intruder.

She turned to Loona. “What do I even say?”

Loona shrugged. “Hell if I know. I just got you here.” She opened the fridge and pulled out some leftovers.

Taking a shaky breath, Octavia knelt down and reached out. She hesitated, then gently touched her father’s shoulder.

His eyes fluttered open, groggy and unfocused. “Octavia?” he mumbled, voice thick with sleep.

Octavia swallowed. “Hey, Dad.”

Her father blinked and then jolted upright, suddenly awake. “Octavia. You’re here… you're…” He reached out on instinct but stopped at the last second, unsure if she wanted him to touch her. “Why are you here? What happened? Are you alright?”

Blitzo grumbled in his sleep. “Five more minutes.”

“Darling. It's Octavia. She's here,” Stolas said and the imp opened his eyes.

He spotted Octavia and sat up, surprised. “Uh… Hi?”

Octavia shifted on her feet, suddenly feeling awkward. She had prepared herself to face Stolas, but seeing him like this, curled up beside Blitzo in a nest, was so far removed from the image she had of him growing up that it completely threw her off balance.

“Yeah, uh, hi,” she said. “I, um… I left. The palace, I mean. Loona helped me.”

Stolas’ eyes softened, relief and concern warring on his face. “Oh, my precious girl… You left?”

“She ran away,” Loona corrected, plopping onto a couch cushion like she hadn’t just smuggled a princess out of a guarded palace. “Figured she’d be better off here than locked up with that governess her uncle stuck her with.”

Blitzo rubbed his face. “No shit? That's my girl,” he said, giving his daughter a proud grin. “Breaking into palaces runs in the family.”

Octavia let out a breathy laugh, tension breaking just a little. “You haven’t changed.”

Blitzo shot her a lopsided grin. “What, you thought I would?”

Her gaze flickered back to Stolas, who was still watching her like he was afraid she’d disappear if he looked away.

“I shouldn’t have said what I did before,” she admitted. “About… your meds. About everything.”

Stolas’ expression crumbled, and he reached for her again, hesitant but hopeful. This time, she didn’t pull away.

“My Starfire, I'm so very sorry. I never wanted to hurt you,” he said. “I only ever wanted you to be happy.”

“I know,” she whispered. “I just… I was mad. And confused. And I didn’t know how to deal with it.”

He cupped her face gently, like she was something fragile. “You are here now. That’s all that matters.”

Octavia’s eyes burned, but she held it together. Barely. Then she glanced at the egg and let out a shaky laugh. “So… you really laid an egg?”

“I helped,” Blitzo said proudly, and Loona chucked a pillow at him. It smacked him in the face.

Stolas sighed, exasperated but fond. “Blitzo, please.”

“What? I did! I'm the one who caught it,” Blitzo shot back, before he tossed the pillow back at Loona. She dodged effortlessly.

Octavia blinked, looking between them, then back at the egg nestled in the blankets. “It's kind of different seeing it in person.” She knelt down and ran her fingers over the shell. It was warm, and it hit her that through that shell was her baby sibling.

“The egg wasn't planned,” Stolas said quickly. “I wasn't being careful.”

“Hey it's not all your fault,” Blitzo said, as he stood up. “Takes two to tango, and I helped with that too.”

Both Loona and Octavia gave twin groans, neither wanting the reminder the egg was there because their parents were having sex. The two girls looked at each other and giggled.

“Well if you're here to stay we'll need to figure out accommodations,” Stolas said.

“And we definitely need to get going on finding a bigger place,” Blitzo added. “Just gotta to figure out where to get the money.”

“Got it covered,” Loona said and grabbed a bag she'd brought full of valuables from the palace. She dumped the loot on the ground.

Blitzo let out a low whistle, eyes glinting. “Damn, Looney. Have I told you I love you today?”

Stolas, on the other hand, sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Loona, my dear, while I appreciate the… resourcefulness, stealing from the palace is…”

“...the least they deserve for what they put her and you through,” Loona interrupted, nodding toward Octavia. “Besides, it’s not like they’re hurting for cash.”

Octavia hesitated, glancing at the pile of stolen goods. “I mean it was technically ours in the first place.”

Stolas opened his mouth to argue but stopped, looking at her carefully. After a pause, he sighed. “Very well. But I would prefer we didn’t make a habit of this.”

Blitzo was already sifting through the pile of gold and jewelry. “Oh, hell yeah! Fuck an apartment. We’ve got more than enough to put a down payment on a house.”

“Could we do a mortgage?” Loona asked.

“I think so. The payments wouldn't be much more than what we're already paying in rent,” Blitzo said. “Gonna need to start buying baby stuff too. Have we figured out how long until it hatches?”

“Octavia’s egg incubated for a month,” Stolas said.

“So we got three and a half weeks. Possibly less since it's half imp,” Blitzo said rubbing his chin as he started separating the loot into piles. Stolas could practically see the strategic wheels turning in Blitzo’s head.

Octavia took a deep breath, still overwhelmed. “So, in less than a month, I’ll have a sibling.”

“Yup,” Blitzo said. “Which means we need to move fast. After work, we can go to several pawn shops to get cash. Spread the stolen goods out in case someone comes looking for it and Octavia.”

Loona stretched out and snagged a blanket. “I’ll look up listings in a few hours. I need a nap.”

“Well then, I better start breakfast,” Stolas said and got up. He put on the sling and put the egg into it against his chest feathers to keep it warm.

Octavia got up and drifted into the kitchen to watch Stolas pull out pancake mix and a pan. He began the task of whipping up a batter and ladling spoonfuls to sizzle in hot butter. “You cook now?” she said in surprise.

“Not really. Blitzo has been teaching me the basics,” Stolas said.

“Can I try?” Octavia said, carefully.

“Of course!” Stolas enthusiastically showed her how to watch for bubbles before flipping it. Within a few minutes the two ex-royals had a warm stack of pancakes to set on the kitchen table. At the smell of food, everyone crowded around to fill their stomachs.

Blitzo popped a pancake into his mouth before giving a sticky maple syrup kiss to the egg and then Stolas’s cheek. “Thanks for the food, babe.”

Octavia watched with some amazement at the warm smile Stolas gave Blitzo before he bent down and gave the imp a kiss back. She'd never seen him like this. Her father was in love, she realized.

She had never seen her parents like that. They’d never been in love. They hadn't even been friends.

Loona sat down with a huge cup of coffee and pushed one to Octavia. She accepted it gratefully, taking in the mess and the bustling energy of the room. Despite the chaos, there was a sense of belonging she hadn’t realized she’d been missing.

***

It was a small townhouse. Three bedrooms, two baths, and a fenced in yard. The new house wasn’t as grand as the palace, but it was theirs, and Stolas fully intended to make it a proper home.

He stood in the middle of their new living room as he surveyed the towering stacks of boxes. Some were from the apartment, and some were freshly delivered from Mammazon.

Blitzo dropped a heavy box labeled Bathroom Shit onto the floor with a grunt. “Alright, new rule. Anything still in a box after a month gets tossed. I ain’t spending another weekend digging through junk we don’t use.”

Loona snorted. “So basically, you're saying I should toss all your horses next week?”

Blitzo grabbed his chest in horror. “Those are collectables,” he said with a scowl before popping open the box to pull out its contents.

Octavia, on the other hand, was wandering through the house, peeking into rooms. It smelled like fresh paint and mothballs, not centuries of suffocating history. No towering statues of ancestors, no eyes watching her from portraits. Just walls that belonged to them.

She paused in the baby’s room. A new crib had been set up and a, currently empty, dresser. Her gaze landed on the nest.

Stolas had remade it immediately after they moved in, his instincts needing to ensure his unborn child had a safe place. The egg currently sat under a heating lamp in the center, its shell decorated with permanent marker horses.

Octavia walked over and knelt down to sit with it for a bit. “Never guessed this is where I would end up,” she said to the egg, laying a hand on the shell. “It’s just… different. Kinda weird. But not bad. I think you'll like it. Dad and Blitzo are alright, and me and Loona will help you.”

Stolas poked his head in, and his heart swelled at the sight of Octavia sitting with the egg. He had worried that this change would be too much, but seeing her there, speaking softly to her unhatched sibling, eased some of that fear.

He stepped forward, careful not to disturb the moment. “You know, they say it's good to talk to an egg. It helps the baby learn the voices of their family.”

Octavia looked up at him, then down at the egg, tracing the little painted horses. “Yeah?”

He settled beside her. “Yes. I used to talk to you all the time,” Stolas said.

Octavia was silent for a moment before tentatively adding, “Did Mum?” Stolas's smile darkened and she regretted her question immediately. “I'm sorry.”

“No,” Stolas said quickly. “Don't ever be sorry. Me and your mother…” His face pained and he paused, falling into the habit of holding back to spare her feelings. This time though Octavia pushed.

“Tell me the truth,” she said, fingers tugging at loose thread in the blankets to hide her nerves.

Stolas let out a long sigh. “I never really had a choice in how my life turned out. Neither did your mother. Our paths were decided as children by our parents. We got married. We did our duty. But we were never in love. Then you were born…” He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “and you made it all worth it. Even though your mother never wanted children. Even though I was gay and was never attracted to her. Even now that I ruined everything. You will always be my Starfire, and I never want you trapped like we were. I want you and them…” He picked up the egg gently “...to have a choice.”

Octavia swallowed, staring at the egg for a long moment before leaning against Stolas just slightly. “I think for now, I choose this,” she said.

“Me too,” Stolas said, getting teary. They hugged, both overcome with emotion.

However the moment was broken by a knock on the front door. They heard Blitzo grumbling in the living room as he went to it.

“Who is it?” Stolas called.

“Some fish asshole,” Blitzo yelled back.

That was strange. Stolas stood up, cradling the egg. He and Octavia walked out to see Blitzo looking through the peep hole.

The imp opened the door a crack, leaving on the chain lock so the demon couldn't just shoulder his way in. “Yeah?” he said to the stranger.

“Blitzo Buckzo, you and Stolas Goetia are being served for the kidnapping of Princess Octavia,” the man said and slid a manilla envelope through the crack at Blitzo.

Stolas went rigid, his feathers puffing out as his breath caught. Octavia’s eyes widened, and Loona growled low in her throat.

Blitzo yanked the envelope and squinted at the official seal. “Fucking seriously?”

The demon on the other side of the door remained impassive. “You have been summoned to court. Failure to comply will result in immediate legal action.”

Stolas quickly gathered himself, stepping forward. “This is absurd. Octavia was not kidnapped. she left of her own volition.”

“Doesn’t matter what she says,” the demon replied smoothly. “According to Lord Andrealphus, she’s a minor under Goetia law, which means her guardianship falls to her next of kin while you’re deemed ‘unfit.’”

“I ran away. I left mum a note,” Octavia protested.

Blitzo glared through the door. “You tell that peacock bastard that he can shove this lawsuit right up his frosty ass!”

The demon barely reacted. “You can contest it in court.” And with that, he turned and strode away.

Blitzo slammed the door shut, fuming. “Un-fucking-believable.”

Stolas took a deep breath, steadying himself. “We’ll fight this. I won’t let him take you, Octavia.”

Octavia exhaled sharply. “Good. Because I’m not going back.”

Chapter Text

Stolas sat stiffly on the couch. It seemed silly to come to a therapist's office with everything happening - the egg due to hatch soon, the lawsuit, their new house. But Blitzo was insistent. He hoped that in addition to helping Stolas, a therapist could write a letter deeming him mentally fit in Octavia’s custody case.

Dr. Rey sat across from him with an expression that wasn’t cruel or indifferent. Just patient. She was a very tall bephemot demon holding an ipad, and tapped on it with a stylus.

“So, Stolas,” she said, crossing one leg over the other. “What brings you here today?”

Stolas hesitated, glancing down at his hands. He had imagined this conversation a dozen times, rehearsed explanations in his head, but now that he was here… everything felt harder to say.

“I’ve been told I’m unstable,” he finally said, his voice quieter than usual. “That I am reckless, irresponsible. That I make poor decisions. And… I fear they may be right.”

Dr. Rey nodded but didn’t interrupt.

Stolas sighed, shifting uncomfortably. “I left my arranged marriage, and now have a relationship that is seen as inappropriate by my family. My daughter distanced herself from me because of my mistakes, but recently we reconciled. And now, my ex-brother-in-law is trying to take her from me entirely. He believes me to be an unfit father.”

Dr. Rey studied him for a moment before setting her notes aside. “Let me ask you something, Stolas. Do you believe you’re unfit?”

“…I don’t know,” he admitted, honestly. “I love my daughter, and the baby me and my partner are having. I've even come to care a great deal about my partner's adult daughter.”

Dr. Rey nodded. “It sounds like you’re not here because you think you’re beyond help. You’re here because others have made you doubt yourself. It’s important to confront mistakes, but believing bullies isn’t self-reflection. I understand you’ve been struggling with depression.”

Stolas exhaled, some tension easing from his shoulders. “Yes.”

“This won’t be fixed in one session,” Dr. Rey said. “But we can work through your choices, emotions, and fears. We’ll discuss coping mechanisms and, if needed, adjust your medication. The fact that you came here on your own shows responsibility, and that sounds like a fit parent to me.”

Stolas nodded, a flicker of hope in his chest. “I’m afraid I won’t have everything figured out before my daughter’s custody hearing.”

“You don’t have to be perfect as long as you're willing to change,” Dr. Rey reassured him, spinning her stylus between her fingers. “Now, why don’t we start with your ex-wife?”

An hour later, Stolas walked out into the waiting room. Blitzo had come to be with him for his first visit, and the imp sat in a chair playing on his phone. The egg was stuck in a sling under his shirt which made him look pregnant.

He stood when Stolas came over. “How'd it go?”

“Good… I feel lighter,” Stolas said, taking his hand.

“That's great, babe,” Blitzo said.

“I did ask about her writing a letter, and she said she wanted to fully evaluate me first,” Stolas said.

Blitzo snorted. “She can’t just rubber-stamp you as ‘Best Dad Ever’ after one session?”

Stolas chuckled softly. “Apparently, professional integrity is a thing.”

Blitzo rolled his eyes but squeezed Stolas’ hand. “Well, whatever. You’re doin’ the work, that’s what matters.” He patted the egg under his shirt, grinning. “And if icicle prick tries anything before you get your doctor's note, we’ll just remind him he’s messing with a guy whose boyfriend kills people for a living.”

Stolas smiled, warmth filling his chest. As Dr. Rey said it wasn't going to be fixed overnight, but he wasn’t alone anymore.

They arrived home to find Loona, Moxxie, Sallie Mae and Octavia hanging the last of the decorations while Millie rested on the couch. On the new kitchen table was an array of cheeses, chips, dips, and a cake decorated with fondant baby booties.

With both babies on the way, Millie had suggested they do a joint baby shower.

“How'd it go?” Millie asked, her middle now looking like she swallowed a watermelon. She hauled herself to her feet with some difficulty.

“Good,” Blitzo said and bumped the egg against her belly. With it under his shirt, they both looked pregnant.

Millie laughed, playfully bumping her belly back against the egg. “Look at us.”

Blitzo smirked. “Yeah, yeah, but my kid’s gonna hatch first. Betcha ten bucks.”

“Oh, you’re on,” Millie said, shaking his hand.

Stolas turned as Octavia approached him. “Hey, Dad.”

“Hello, Starfire,” he said, smoothing a hand over her head feathers. “The balloons look nice.”

She shrugged. “Loona did most of the work. I just supervised.”

Loona snorted from where she was setting out plates. “Supervised my ass. You nitpicked everything.”

“And it looks great, doesn’t it?” Octavia said. Loona rolled her eyes but didn’t argue more.

Lin, Millie's mother, arrived soon after and the party got underway. They played party games as they ate and took pictures. It was a bit jumbled with figuring out which presents went to whom, but soon both sets of parents were tearing into baby clothes and diapers.

Millie kept her smile through the party but you could see she was tired. Pregnancy had taken a toll on her just as being gravid had done to Stolas.

Everyone was chatting in the living room over cake when a sudden sharp crack cut through the air.

Everyone froze.

Blitzo’s eyes went wide as he yanked the egg out of the sling. He'd been so focused on the party, the light tapping inside the shell had gone totally unnoticed. Another crack splintered across the shell from a particularly strong thump, but something was wrong. The cracks weren’t spreading as much as they should. The shell was thick, too thick, and the tiny creature inside was struggling.

“Oh no,” Stolas murmured, stepping forward. “It's not breaking.”

“What do we do?” Moxxie said, as everyone crowded around.

Blitzo didn’t wait for a lecture. He grabbed a cake fork still covered in frosting and started chipping at the shell. It didn't do much.

“Blitzo!” Stolas scolded. “That is not how we assist!”

“I got this,” Blitzo said, dropping the fork and pulling out a wicked looking knife. Where he'd been hiding it was a mystery, but Stolas snatched the egg away from Blitzo.

“We do this carefully,” Stolas said, though his own nerves were fraying. “We just have to remove a bit of the shell, enough to help them push through.”

They all exchanged a look, then nodded.

Octavia was the first to move. She reached out and carefully peeled away a small piece of shell, revealing a patch of soft, downy feathers. The creature inside chirped weakly.

Loona crouched beside her, using her claws to break away another section. “C’mon, little dude, you got this.”

Blitzo and Stolas worked together, breaking off a few more pieces.

Slowly the shell fell away until with an almighty shove, the hatchling pushed itself free. A tiny, damp chick landed in Stolas’s hands, its feathers still curled from being in the egg.

The room was silent as everyone watched it pant from the trial of hatching.

Then a warbling cry pierced the air. There was a collective sigh of relief as Stolas and Blitzo took a minute to marvel at their child. They were definitely a bird. Their feathers were a deep red and they had the beginnings of horns. Blitzo checked the baby's tail to find several spikes and feathers trailing down it to a heart shaped spade. They had a cloaca like Stolas so it was difficult to name the sex.

After a moment the baby peeled open its eyes and squinted around. Blitzo let out a gasp. They were his mom's eyes.

The baby let out another small chirp, wiggling their tiny claws, and Blitzo swore he felt his heart burst.

“They’re beautiful,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

Octavia, who had been watching with cautious awe, reached out a hesitant hand. The hatchling instinctively curled its little talons around her finger, nuzzling against her warmth. A soft smile broke across her face.

“They’re cute,” Loona said, her usual dry tone melting into something softer. She handed Blitzo a warm towel, and he carefully took the baby from Stolas. He wrapped it up and tucked them against his chest.

"I didn't think I could love anything this fast,” Blitzo said as he sniffled back tears of joy. Stolas pressed a kiss to his temple.

“I can't wait until their feathers dry out,” Octavia said.

“Oh yeah,” Loona said. “They're gonna be a tiny puffball.”

But just as the warmth of the moment settled over them, Moxxie frowned and glanced around.

“Hey… where’s Millie?” he said.

Everyone paused, looking around the room, but she was nowhere to be seen. Moxxie’s expression twisted with concern before he took off down the hall, calling her name.

He found the bathroom door slightly ajar, and when he pushed it open, his breath caught. Millie was gripping the sink, contorted in pain.

“Millie!” Moxxie rushed to her side, his voice full of alarm. Lin was right behind him, looking over her daughter in concern.

Millie let out a pained breathless laugh. “So funny story, I started having contractions earlier. Figured they might be the practice ones, but they've been getting worse.” She winced as another contraction hit. “But, uh… I don't think they're practicing anymore. My water just broke.”

Moxxie and Lin supported Millie as they came out of the bathroom. “Guess all the excitement sped things up,” she said. “I really thought I was gonna win that bet.”

Blitzo handed their newborn to Stolas and ran to the bedroom. He came back with the crystal and opened a portal to the hospital. “You got this Mills,” Blitzo encouraged, torn by the need to be here with his new baby and wanting to go with his friend.

“Good luck,” Stolas called as Sallie Mae jumped through the portal. Moxxie held onto Millie tightly as they stepped through.

“You should’ve said something sooner, honey,” Moxxie scolded, though his voice wavered with fear more than frustration.

Millie gave him a weak but reassuring smile. “Didn’t wanna ruin the party,” she murmured, leaning into his grip as another contraction rocked through her.

Sallie Mae snorted. “Havin’ a baby ain’t exactly a party foul.”

“We'll call ya later. Congratulations,” Lin said to Stolas and Blitzo. She gave a little wave before the portal closed.

As the portal disappeared, Blitzo let out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding. He glanced over at Stolas, the tiny chick snuggling deeper into the warmth of their father’s feathers. It was suckling on its claws, big eyes looking around.”

“Damn, they’re already clingin’ to you,” Blitzo muttered, a lopsided grin tugging at his lips. He reached out and ran a careful finger over the baby’s head. The feathers were already turning incredibly soft. “Guess you’re gonna be a daddy’s bird, huh?” he said to the baby.

Stolas chuckled, adjusting his hold so Blitzo could get a better look. “I don’t know, Darling. I think they’ll be quite attached to you too.”

“Feels kinda unreal,” Blitzo said. “We actually have a baby.”

“Let's get them a bath,” Stolas said. “Girls, can you start cleaning up?”

“Yeah,” Loona grumbled, and started stacking plates. “Next time we’re having a party somewhere that ain’t our place.”

Octavia smirked as she wiped down the table. “Can't say it wasn't exciting,” she said.

Loona scoffed, dumping some leftover food into the trash. “Yeah. We literally helped hatch an egg. If Millie has her kid soon, they'll have the same birthday.”

Meanwhile Blitzo and Stolas took the baby down to the bathroom. Blitzo filled a small basin with warm water. "Alright, little guy…uh, or gal, or… y'know what, we’ll figure that out later," Blitzo murmured. "Time to getcha cleaned up.”

“We'll take them to the doctors soon. They will sex them,” Stolas said, dipping his hand into the water to test the temperature.

Blitzo watched as Stolas lowered the tiny bundle into the water. The hatchling squawked in surprise at first, fluffing up as much as their damp feathers allowed, but quickly settled once Stolas began to gently rinse them.

"There we go, love," Stolas cooed, using his claws to carefully clean between their delicate feathers. "Not so bad, is it?"

When he was done he handed the baby to Blitzo, who carefully rubbed them with a soft towel. Their down was fluffier now, and their tiny horns more noticeable.

“Alright, now let’s getcha dressed.” Blitzo pulled out the clothes they’d been gifted earlier, rummaging through them with an amused scoff. “Wow, everyone really went nuts on the horse onesies.”

Stolas chuckled. “Well, they do know your preferences,” he said. “I believe Moxxie gave us some clothes with stars, too.”

They finally settled on soft, loose pajamas that would give the baby's feathers plenty of breathing room. Once dressed and diapered, the hatchling yawned widely.

Blitzo smiled, rocking them slightly. “Okay, they’re clean, warm, and dressed… now what?”

Stolas hummed, stroking his chin. “Well, newborns usually eat after hatching, but…” He trailed off, glancing at the baby.

Blitzo frowned and said to the baby, “But what do you eat?”

“Well we've got mashed mice and formula,” Stolas suggested. “Let's see what they like and then we can head to the pediatrician.”

“Great. Let’s hope they don’t want the mashed mice,” Blitzo said.

“They are part owl,” Stolas said.

“And imp,” Blitzo pointed out.

A mix that had probably never been seen in hell. Unique. Special. That's what their baby was. A little bit of both of them, but also something wholly themselves.

“Are you still okay with the name we picked?” Stolas asked.

“Yeah. I think Avery suits them,” Blitzo said before they went to the kitchen.

Chapter Text

Blitzo pushed open the hospital room door, holding their hatchling securely against his chest. Stolas followed close behind, carrying a small gift bag. They were both tired after the first few nights taking care of a new baby.

Millie and Moxxie didn't look much better. Millie was propped up in bed, looking exhausted but beaming as she cradled a tiny bundle nursing at her chest. Moxxie sat beside her, his eyes red-rimmed but filled with joy.

“Hey, look who finally decided to show up,” Millie teased.

Blitzo let out a laugh. “Yeah, yeah, we had to make sure this little gremlin was fed before we came or she'd be crying.”

“She?” Millie said.

“It's a girl. Her name is Avery,” Stolas said.

“This is our son Colton,” Millie introduced, pulling back the blanket to show the impling suckling her tit.

Blitzo leaned in, his expression softening as he took in the tiny imp’s face. “Damn, he’s got your face, Mox.”

“All that work and he looks like his daddy,” Millie joked, making Moxxie roll his eyes.

Stolas set the gift bag down on the bedside table. “We thought we’d bring a few things you might need. How are you feeling?”

“Tired,” Millie admitted, “but happy. Everything went okay, but I'm sore as hell.”

“I know the feeling,” Stolas said sympathetically.

Moxxie glanced at Blitzo and Stolas’ hatchling, who was nestled comfortably in Blitzo’s arms. “Looks like our kids are gonna grow up together.”

Blitzo grinned. “Yeah. Just means double the trouble at IMP.”

“Speaking of which,” Stolas said. “I've currently reworked schedules. Loona and Blitzo will be doing what jobs they can, and Octavia has agreed to step in and do my job while I take care of Avery”

“And you just rest,” Blitzo said to Millie. “I saved some of that cash from the pawn shops so I can still pay ya something while you’re on maternity leave. Money might be tight until we get the team back together, but we'll figure it out”

“You mean I saved money,” Stolas said.

“Same thing.” Blitzo shrugged.

Millie and Moxxie looked at each other. “Actually sir, we've been chatting, and when Millie is back on her feet, I might not come back,” Moxxie said.

“What da ya mean Mox?” Blitzo said, frowning.

“I'm gonna be a stay at home dad until Colton gets old enough for school,” Moxxie said. “Then I just might work part-time.”

“But I'll be back,” Millie said enthusiastically.

Blitzo felt his heart sink. Moxxie had been IMP's first employee, and he'd watched the youngman grow over the last few years. The thought of running the business without him left a sour taste in his mouth. But it was hard to argue when he had his own baby and knew where Moxxie was coming from.

Blitzo swallowed the lump in his throat, forcing a grin. “Never thought you'd become a househusband.”

Moxxie chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. “It just makes the most sense for us right now. We want at least one of us home with Colton, and, well, I think I’d be good at it.”

Millie beamed at him. “You will be.”

Blitzo exhaled, nodding. “Yeah. You’re gonna be great, Mox.” He shifted Avery in his arms, his fingers gently stroking her soft feathers. “Just gonna feel weird not having you around.”

Moxxie smiled, a little sad but certain. “I know. But I’ll still be around, just not in the office.”

Stolas placed a reassuring hand on Blitzo’s back. “Of course. We'll be arranging playdates, and maybe we can have a bring-your-child-to-work day when they're old enough.”

Millie grinned. “Yeah. For now, we’re all running on no sleep.”

Blitzo snorted. “Don't I know it.”

As if in response, Avery let out a tiny chirp. The sound caught Colton’s attention, and the newborn broke away from Millie's breast. He blinked up at Avery, letting out a soft coo in return.

“Looks like we’re already making friends,” Millie said.

Blitzo smirked. “Great. That means they’ll gang up on us in a few years.” He lowered Avery so she and Colton could get a better look at each other. They both blinked, big eyes quietly assessing one another.

Blitzo’s expression softened. It reminded him of himself and Fizzarolli back when they were kids, before everything got so complicated. He was glad his kid would have someone to grow up with.

Speaking of the jester, he was their next visit. Fizz had been adamant about getting baby time since he hadn’t been able to make the baby shower.

With a round of well wishes and goodbyes, Blitzo adjusted Avery in his arms and stepped toward the door. But the second he turned, Avery let out a distressed chirp as she reached toward Colton. A beat later, Colton’s face scrunched up, and he let out a whimper in response.

“It’s okay,” Millie soothed, gently rocking him, but Colton wasn’t having it. His whimpers grew into full-fledged cries.

Avery, not to be outdone, squawked loudly and started crying as well.

Blitzo rubbed her back with a tired groan. “Aw, come on.”

Millie chuckled, though she looked just as torn watching their son cry. “Guess they really are besties already.”

Stolas hummed, smiling as he brushed a gentle hand down Avery’s back. “Perhaps we should schedule that playdate sooner rather than later.”

Moxxie nodded. “We can set something up after we're back home.” He leaned over the bed and gently kissed Colton’s forehead. “You’ll see your little friend again soon, okay?” he told his son.

“Alright, kiddo, we gotta go. Uncle Fizz is waiting for us,” Blitzo said.

Avery quieted slightly, though she still shot a longing glance at Colton over Blitzo's shoulder. Colton, meanwhile, sniffled but finally settled on Millie.

“We are screwed when they get older,” Blitzo said after they left the room and walked down the hospital hallway.

“Absolutely,” Stolas chuckled.

***

“Baby Time!!!” Fizzarolli crowed as he opened the door and a confetti cannon rained down on them. Blitzo and Stolas stared at him wide eyed while Avery squealed at the display.

“Hey Fizz,” Blitzo said, stepping in and flicking a streamer off his horn.

Quieves surrounded them, barking and wagging their tails. At this point, the pets knew who they were and that they usually brought treats.

“Yeah, yeah,” Blitzo said and reached into the diaper bag he carried. He pulled out a box of treats and scattered them on the floor.

Fizzarolli clapped his hands excitedly as the Quieves dove for the treats, their tails wagging furiously. “That’s what I’m talkin’ about! Bribery and baby time. Best day ever!”

Avery let out a curious chirp, reaching for the floating bits of glitter still drifting through the air. Stolas sighed, plucking a piece from her feathers. “Fizz, must you always use glitter?”

Fizz gasped dramatically, placing a hand over his chest. “Must I? Always? A party without glitter is like a joke without a punchline.”

Blitzo rolled his eyes, shifting Avery in his arms. “You wanna hold her or just keep running your mouth?”

Fizz practically vibrated with excitement. “Gimme, gimme, gimme!” He reached out, and Blitzo carefully passed Avery over. The second she was in Fizz’s arms, she blinked up at him, tilting her head.

Fizz grinned, wiggling his fingers. “Well, aren’t you just the cutest little featherball? You got your daddy’s good looks and my impeccable sense of style.”

Avery gurgled, seemingly pleased with the attention, and reached for one of the bells on Fizz’s hat. He let her grab at it, shaking his head slightly to make them jingle.

Blitzo crossed his arms with a smile. “Careful, she might steal one. She’s got grabby little hands.”

Fizz smirked back. “Takes after you in that department, huh? Gonna be stealing shit in no time”

“I should hope not,” Stolas said, shutting the door and following Fizzarolli into the living room.

“I'm sorry I missed your baby shower,” Fizz said to Avery. “I heard you made quite an impression. You want your present?” His robotic arm stretched out of the room and returned with a brightly wrapped gift box.

Blitzo raised a brow. “If it’s somethin’ loud, I’m throwin’ it out.”

“Would I do that to you?” Fizz said in mock offense.

Stolas, Blitzo, and even Avery all stared at him blankly.

Fizz cackled. “Okay, fair, but this is different. Open it!”

Blitzo took the gift, unwrapping it while Avery kicked her legs excitedly in Fizz’s hold. He lifted the lid, only to blink in surprise. Inside was a soft, handmade little jester with floppy arms and embroidered details that suspiciously resembled Fizz himself.

“See?” Fizz said smugly. “A totally non-annoying, non-loud, absolutely adorable first stuffy for my favorite little niece.”

Blitzo’s expression softened despite himself. “That’s actually kinda sweet.”

Stolas leaned in to inspect it, smiling. “It’s very well made.”

Fizz puffed out his chest. “Of course it is. Only the best.”

Blitzo handed it to Avery who examined it for a moment before dropping it on the ground. Fizz picked it up and she dropped it again. This repeated several times, Avery being amused by the ‘game.’ Luckily Fizzarolli didn't have to bend down. He just used his robo arms to extend to the toy each time it was thrown.

“So what's the news on the princess? Ozzie says you have court in two weeks,” Fizz said as they settled on the furniture.

“Well I am seeing a therapist and she's writing me a letter,” Stolas said. “And I'm getting evidence that Andrealphus will move to take Octavia's inheritance.”

“How are you getting evidence? Aren't you exiled?” Fizzarolli asked.

Stolas sighed. “I am, but I still have connections. Someone's been keeping an eye on Andrealphus, and agreed to help us. We just need enough proof to show the court that his intentions aren’t in Octavia’s best interest.”

Fizz frowned, tapping his fingers against his knee. “Yeah, but will they even care? The courts up there are all about power plays.”

“That’s why we’re stacking the deck,” Blitzo said. “Stolas has the therapist backing him up, and if we can catch Elsa with his hands down his pants, it’s gonna be a lot harder for him to argue he’s some noble, caring uncle.”

Stolas nodded. “Precisely.”

Fizz hummed, drumming his fingers. “Well, if you need more dirt on the Marquis, I know people who know people. Just say the word.”

Stolas blinked, touched by the offer. “That’s… very kind of you, Fizzarolli.”

Fizz waved him off. “I don’t like that guy after he put Blitzo on the chopping block. I hate fuckers who just throw people under the bus to get what they want. Reminds me too much of Mammon.”

Avery let out a happy babble, smacking Fizz’s face with her tiny hands, and he laughed, catching her little fingers in his own. “Are you wanting attention? Yes you do. Yes you do.”

Fizz using his baby-voice caught the quieves attention and suddenly all the animals were yapping and crawling onto the couch. Avery chirped as some of the animals hopped up beside her, their tails wagging and little paws scrambling for space.

“You woke up the whole damn zoo,” Blitzo said as one of Fizz’s pets stuck its wet nose on his arm.

Stolas pet a quieve nestled against his side, purring contentedly. “It seems Avery has quite the admirers.”

Fizz scratched behind one of the creatures’ ears. “Well, if you ever want a puppy, we've been talking about breeding them.”

Blitzo snorted. “I don't know if we need more ankle-biters running around.”

“Once this little girl gets big enough to talk, I'll convince her she wants a pet,” Fizz said with a grin. He gave the creature one last scratch before turning to Stolas. “Anyway, who is it that's helping you with the court case?”

Stolas’s expression darkened, though there was a hint of amusement in his eyes. “An old friend,” he said. “Someone Andrealphus made an enemy of a long time ago.”

***

The grand courtroom of Hell’s aristocracy was a cold, towering chamber filled with noble demons. Asmodeous, Beelzabub, and Belphegor had shown up but the other sins were absent. Apparently they had better things to do.

Stolas stood tall beside Octavia, his hand resting on his daughter’s shoulder. Blitzo stood protectively her other side. It was unnerving to be back in this room, but at least none of them were in chains this time.

Sitting at a floating table, Andrealphus and his legal representatives loomed with smug confidence.

“Right. Let's see what's next on the schedule,” Satan said, reading from a piece of paper. “We have ex-prince Stolas fighting for the sole custody of Princess Octavia against Marquis Andrealphus.”

“I believe this hearing to be unnecessary,” Andrealphus said, standing up. “I mean Stolas hasn't even brought legal counsel, not that he can afford it now. As has already been established during Stolas’s banishment, I…”

“Stolas has asked me to represent him as his counsel,” Prince Vassago said, stepping from the crowd and floating down on a star. Andrealphus's mouth hung open as Vassago came level with him.

“Buenos tardes,” the prince said to the Marquis with a smug attitude that showed he was not fucking around. “Let’s not waste time, si?”

Satan checked the paper again. “Prince Vassago, you were not scheduled to speak.”

Vassago scoffed. “Ni modo, I’m speaking anyway, because this whole case is una mierda.” He turned on his heels, pointing a claw at Andrealphus. “This Marquis pulled an emergency hearing with all seven sins for Stolas's grimoire, but Octavia’s kidnapping somehow isn’t urgent? No chingues. What’s really going on here?”

Andrealphus stiffened. “This is about her welfare. We…”

“Nah, nah, don’t talk,” Vassago cut in, holding up a hand and cocking his hip. “I’m talkin’ now, pendejo.” He turned back to Satan. “Let’s start with the facts. Stolas got exiled over giving his grimoire to this imp. We are not contesting that. But! Marquis Andrealphus took Stolas’s entire estate, his finances, and most importantly, control over his only child and heir. And what did he do with that control?”

Satan and the other elite in the stands actually seemed interested now. Vassago was weaving quite a tale and had them at the edge of their seats.

“So…uh…what did he do?” Satan asked as the dramatic pause dragged on.

“Octavia was left in the hands of a governess. A woman known for her physical neglect and emotional abuse,” Vassago said. “Andrealphus didn’t vet her or check in because while Octavia was suffering, he was too busy playing King of the Castle.”

“That is absurd,” Andrealphus's lawyer said. “Just look at the girl. She needs etiquette training and a proper education.”

Octavia clenched her fists, but she lifted her chin. “So you could marry me off and take everything,” she added, her voice steady. “He forged documents to have me sign over everything before I turned eighteen.”

“That's… uh…” The lawyer looked at Andrealphus for help.

Blitzo stood protectively next to Octavia and grinned. “Yeah, we got plenty of proof. Guess you were sloppy.”

“You do not speak to me,” Andrealphus seethed at Blitzo like the imp was someone nasty.

“Stolas is mentally unfit to be a guardian,” the lawyer said like he was grasping at straws.

“Cállate,” Vassago said, waving Andrealphus and the lawyer off. He strode up and flicked his hand to materialize several documents.

“Proof of the forgeries and a letter from Stolas’s therapist,” Vassago said. He held them out and Satan took them, putting on reading glasses.

“Marquis Andrealphus, what do you say to these allegations?” Satan asked as he scanned the documents.

Andrealphus schooled his expression. “My priority has always been Octavia’s well-being. It's expected for young goetia to be married off at eighteen. I'm considering her future as a member of Hell's Nobility.”

“Qué mamadas,” Vassago muttered. “You were not married.”

“Her mother was,” the lawyer piped up again as he frantically shuffled through papers for a way to get out of this. They hadn't prepared much as the majority of their argument hinged on the fact a mentally ill exiled prince and an imp could not be proper parents for a princess. But Prince Vassago backing Stolas and Blitzo added quite a bit of credibility to their claims.

“Where is Stella? Wasn't she summoned?” Vassago smirked.

Andrealphus’s eye twitched as he glared. “She… had prior engagements.”

“Oh, wait. I know where she is,” Bee said. “She was vacationing in Gluttony this week. I got a picture of her at one of my parties.”

“Can we see the image?” Vassago asked.

“Sure,” Bee said and used her magic to project it in the air for everyone to see. Stella was wearing a very risque dress while licking chocolate off a well endowed stripper’s pecs.

Octavia shielded her eyes, not wanting to see her mother in such a state.

“And when was this taken?” Vassago asked.

"Few days ago,” Bee said and let the image dissipate. “She was so into it. And not just that guy, either. I mean, live your best life, girl, but maybe not when your kid's supposed to be kidnapped, ya know.”

“Clearly not the wholesome parent you claimed her to be,” Vassago said to Andrealphus.

The peacock seemed to have had enough. He got right in Vassago's face and hissed quietly, “What are they giving you? It's clearly not money.”

“I'm working pro-bono. Maybe if a certain ex-amante hadn't broken his promise to me, I wouldn't be helping them. Plus Stolas is a dear amigo,” Vassago said lowly.

He raised his voice to address the crowd and stepped around Andrealphus. "So, let's sum up: Octavia was left with an abusive governess, her uncle was trying to steal her inheritance, and her actual mother was out partying. Not to mention, the whole time Octavia was supposedly kidnapped, Andrealphus and Stella were fine leaving the princess in Stolas’s care. Qué conveniente, no?"

The courtroom murmured, some nobles nodding in agreement. Even Belphegor, who looked half-asleep, raised an eyebrow in mild interest.

Satan sighed and removed his reading glasses. "Alright. This is a mess." He tapped his claws on the throne arm, then looked at Octavia. “How old are you, kid?”

“Seventeen,” Octavia said.

“And when's your birthday?” Satan asked.

“Two months from now,” Octavia answered.

“And who do you want to live with?”

“My dad.”

He turned to the Sins present. “All in favor of letting princess Octavia remain with her dad until she's of age,” Satan said.

"As if we wouldn’t vote for the hot single dad," Asmodeus said, raising a hand.

Bee immediately lifted her hand as well. "Yeah, no contest."

Belphegor lazily gave a thumbs-up. "Less paperwork this way."

Satan exhaled through his nose and turned to Andrealphus. "Looks like you're outvoted, Marquis. Custody is awarded to Stolas.”

A victorious grin spread across Vassago’s face as he clapped his hands together. "Ándale pues! That’s what I like to hear!”

"These accusations are outrageous," Andrealphus snapped, his feathers ruffling. "Princess Octavia needs stability…”

Stolas, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke. "Octavia has stability, and she deserves love. I may have made mistakes, but I would never mistreat her,” he said, pointing to Andrealphus. “And I will never let you near my daughter again.”

“Case adjourned,” Satan said dismissively.

Andrealphus could do nothing but fist his claws and accept defeat for now.

The court was already moving to address the next case when Vassago threw an arm around Stolas. "Now, that’s how you win Hell’s legal system. Dios mío, I need a drink. Who's buying?”

“I wish, but we gotta get home to Loona and Avery,” Blitzo said, as they walked to the exit. “You're welcome to come back to our place. I gotta bottle of tequila we can share.”

“A man after my own heart,” Vassago said before adding to Stolas, “Me bien tu imp. I'm glad you called me. I enjoyed taking Andrealphus down a peg. The man is so arrogant.”

“We can't thank you enough,” Stolas said.

Vassago turned to Octavia. “Are you happy, señorita?”

“Yeah. I am,” she said. “Feels like I'm finally going home.”

Chapter Text

The palace had never been this lively before. What was once a lonely estate now buzzed with laughter, the ballroom filled with streamers, balloons, and the scent of frosting.

After her eighteenth birthday, Octavia had reclaimed the palace with Stolas’s help. Andrealphus had put up quite a fight to keep it, legally and physically, but the heir could not be stopped from reclaiming her birthright.

There were plenty of attempts to get it back. Stella tried to manipulate Octavia (which Stolas put a stop to), and Andrealphus hired Striker to kidnap her (which Blitzo stopped). They'd even dragged Avery into it once with claims the toddler was also Stolas’s heir, albeit a hybrid sired while he was exiled.

Thankfully each of these attempts were thwarted and the family was able to finally know peace, and today they were banding together for something far more fun than politics and family drama. It was Avery and Colton's fourth birthday, and everyone had gathered for a joint party.

The massive ballroom had been transformed into a child’s dreamland. Colton's side was decorated like a cowboy town with hay bales, stick horses, and a cardboard saloon. The other side looked like a field of flowers, filled with glowing moons, unicorns, and rainbows for Avery. At the center of it all, the two birthday kids were running around with their friends from preschool, wearing little paper crowns as if they ruled the palace.

“Daddy! Daddy!” Avery squealed racing over to where Stolas was standing at the cake table. “Can we have cake now?”

“Patience, my little star. We’ll have cake soon,” Stolas said.

“How long?” Avery whined.

Blitzo ruffled her head feathers and reached down with a napkin to wipe frosting off her cheek. “Kid, you just ate like five cupcakes.”

“That was before,” Avery argued.

“Yeah and in an hour you're gonna have a sugar crash,” Blitzo said.

“Let’s do presents,” Moxxie announced, pulling Colton away from a game of tag with the palace guards. The poor hellhounds were covered in stickers, having lost some kind of game the kids had made up.

“Thanks for puttin’ this all together, Blitzo. I don't think I've ever seen Colton this excited,” Millie said, noting the horse theme between the cowboys and unicorns.

“I do throw an awesome party,” Blitzo bragged as he grabbed some presents for the birthday kids to open.

Vassago sat nearby, and pointed to a large box. “Open mine first, por favor.”

The parrot prince snapped his fingers, and the box floated over to Avery and Colton. They tore into it to reveal an electric child's car perfectly sized for them.

“¡Mira eso! A royal ride for the prince and princess of the day,” Vassago said and clapped his hands.

Avery gasped. “I can drive in this?”

“With supervision,” Stolas quickly said before adding to Moxxie, “Since it's a joint gift, we can keep it at our home for when we watch Colton on Wednesdays.”

“Yeah. That sounds good,” Moxxie said. “We don't really have a yard to drive it in anyway.”

“Okay, that's great and all, but my gift's got it beat,” Blitzo said and gave the kids their presents. Colton unwrapped a my-first-battleaxe with rounded edges and cork bumpers for safety. Avery opened a pair of purple BB-gun pistols with glitter handles.

“Did you have to get my four year old a weapon?” Moxxie said with a grimace.

“What? Everyone needs to start somewhere. Besides we gotta get these kids in shape if they're ever gonna inherit IMP,” Blitzo said.

“It's fine, hun,” Millie said. “Don't you remember your first gun?”

The kids continued opening gifts until the floor was littered with wrapping paper. Blitzo looked back to the empty present table and frowned. “Wait… where is Fizzarolli's gift? He said he brought something special and wanted to save it for last.”

Stolas looked around to see the jester suspiciously absent. “Where did he go?”

Suddenly the door burst open and two tiny quieve puppies wearing ribbons around their necks ran into the room. Fizzarolli stood in the door way and opened his arms like he had just preformed a trick. “Happy Birthday!”

The kid's eyes went wide as they rushed forward.

“Puppies!!!” Avery squealed as she scooped one up and it began licking her cheek.

“Can we keep em, Mom? Pleeeeaaase,” Colton said.

Moxxie and Millie looked at each other, and after a moment of silent discussion shrugged their shoulders. “We'll have to give the landlord the pet deposit first but I don't see why not,” Millie said.

“A puppy… thanks Fizz. You really shouldn't have,” Blitzo said half seriously.

“I know. You’re welcome,” said Fizz smugly.

As the kids fawned over their new puppies, the party settled into a comfortable hum of laughter and chatter. The chaos of present-opening had passed, and now, parents and friends relaxed while the children played.

Blitzo sat on an ornate couch, sipping a drink as he watched Avery and Colton race their tiny car in reckless circles, narrowly avoiding crashing into Octavia who was keeping an eye on them. Stolas joined him, resting a hand on his knee as he let out a soft sigh.

“Hard to believe, isn’t it?” Stolas mused, watching his daughters with a soft smile.

“What? That it's already been four years?” Blitzo said.

Stolas chuckled. “Yes. She's growing so fast. I thought it would be easier after raising Via, but it's not.”

Blitzo’s eyes flickered to Stolas, studying him for a moment before looking back at the scene before them. “You ever think about how close we came to losing all this?” he asked, voice quieter.

Stolas nodded. “More times than I care to admit. Between the exile, not knowing I was pregnant, Andrealphus’s scheming… It felt like we were constantly fighting just to keep the people we love safe.” He glanced down at Blitzo, his expression softer now. “But we did.”

Blitzo exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah. And y’know, for all the shit we went through, I wouldn’t change a damn thing.”

Stolas raised a brow. “Oh? Not even the parts where we were in chains, or had assassins chasing us?”

“Eh,” Blitzo shrugged. “You look hot tied up in chains.”

Stolas chuckled, shaking his head. “You are impossible.”

“You love it,” Blitzo teased with a smirk.

“I love you.” Stolas's eyes lingered on Blitzo for a moment before turning back to the party.

Blitzo didn’t respond right away, but the corner of his mouth twitched up, betraying the warmth he felt. He took another sip of his drink before nudging Stolas with his elbow. “So when do ya want to tell them.”

Stolas rubbed a hand over the tiny bump on his stomach. “After cake?”

“Sounds good,” Blitzo said and got up.

The two walked back into the fray to wrangle the kids in front of their birthday cake. Octavia snapped her fingers to light the candles, and everyone started singing Happy Birthday (or in Vassago's case Feliz Cumpleaños).

Avery and Colton locked eyes, shared a grin, and blew out the candles together.

As the cheers died down and the kids dove into cake, Blitzo cleared his throat and clinked a fork against his glass. “Alright, listen up! We got one more surprise before we wrap this party.”

Avery, still licking frosting off her fingers, perked up. “More presents?”

Stolas chuckled. “Not exactly.” He glanced at Blitzo, who gave him a reassuring nod. Taking a breath, Stolas said, “Avery, love, how would you like being a big sister?”

“But Octavia and Loona are the big sisters. I'm the little sister,” she said with a child's understanding.

“Yes, but what if me and Daddy had another baby,” Stolas said.

There was a beat of silence before Avery’s eyes widened. “Then I would be a big sister too! Are you gonna have a baby?”

“Yes, in a few months we'll have an egg,” Stolas said. The room erupted into gasps and cheers.

“Another one?” Loona said with a sarcastic groan.

Blitzo grinned. “Hey. We did it on purpose this time.”

Millie clapped excitedly. “Oh my gosh, congrats! That’s amazing!”

Avery pointed at Colton. “This means I win! I get to be a big sister before you!”

Colton pouted. “That’s not fair! Dad you gotta try harder!”

Blitzo burst out laughing as Moxxie nearly dropped his drink. “Yeah Mox. Gotta stop letting Millie top and get to work,” he said, ribbing his friend.

“Alright, let’s not talk about that here,” Millie said, cheeks red. “These kids got sharp ears.”

Blitzo knelt down to Avery’s level. “So what do ya think, kid? You ready to have a baby running around?”

Avery put her hands on her hips, deep in thought. “Do I get to boss ‘em around?”

“Hey I didn't boss you around,” Loona said to Avery.

“Do I get to teach ‘em stuff?”

Blitzo grinned. “Hell yeah, you do.”

Avery’s face broke into a huge smile. “Then okay! But I get to pick their name!”

“That’s… up for discussion,” Stolas said delicately.

The celebration resumed with even more excitement, everyone toasting to the soon-to-be newest addition to the family. Blitzo slung an arm around Stolas, watching as their daughter excitedly explained big-sibling duties to Colton.

Stolas squeezed Blitzo’s hand, his expression soft as he gazed at Avery. “She’s going to be a wonderful big sister.”

“If she doesn’t scare the poor kid first,” Blitzo joked.

Stolas chuckled, pressing a kiss to Blitzo’s temple. “And you’ll be a wonderful father. As always.”

Blitzo had spent so much of his life thinking he wasn’t good enough, and he deserved loneliness. But with Stolas beside him, and Avery growing into such a fierce, loving kid, maybe he was doing something right.

The End