Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Blitz never thought he'd fall for someone on the first meeting.

Well, not technically the first meeting. He had seen Vassago before, heard his voice before.

The first time Blitz saw him, it was at the trial. He was the first one to stick up for him, though he was sure at the time he was just sticking up for Stolas. At the time, Blitz wasn't paying the red parrot any attention. He had been far too focused on himself and his employees, of what he had been accused of doing.

He noticed his passion, his hatred for that bitch Andrealphus, His fiery attitude, but really, why would Blitz care too much when his life was on the line? When he thought he was going to die.

When he thought Stolas was going to die.

At the time, he couldn't think of anything else.

After the trial, Blitz had completely forgotten about him. What reason did he have to remember him? Sure, he'd been the only of the goetia to want Stolas to be there and for the trial to be fair, but he was still one of them. He was still some rich prick who probably thought he was above Blitz and his gaggle of assassins.

Blitz didn't think he would ever see him again.

Months after the trial, after Sinsmas and past the new year, IMP buisiness had picked up quite a bit. Blitz was keeping himself and his employees busy, taking on hit after hit. While before, they were able to do hits same day, they were not able to do that anymore. There were just too many hits to do, too many clients, which was a pretty damn good problem to have. A good problem didn't mean it was any more of a problem.

It was still stressful.

On a particularly busy day, after a particularly gruesome hit, the team had returned to the office to find the office empty of clients. The only people there were Stolas, and a familiar red Goetia, talking and laughing over warm mugs full of tea.

The first thought Blitz had about the red Goetia was that he was stunning. He had such a bright smile, and such a beautiful laugh. His head feathers were such a vibrant selection of red, yellow and purple, his clothes matching him perfectly. Reds and golds, and the most beautiful star pendant on the front of his suit. He was tall, taller than Stolas, and he wore the highest heels Blitz had ever seen outside of succubus, and had these almost golden yellow glasses in the shape of a crown. Everything about him was stunning, even down to his stunning purple and orange tail. He was just so… Bright. So hard to look away from.

He'd turned to look at Blitz and his crew, his bright smile still in place, and greeted them. Blitz rarely felt nervous when meeting someone new. He'd always defaulted to bitchy or flirty, and he was sure that neither would go very well. So he let his employees do the talking, he'd just listened, observed the goetia. He was suspicious, of course, that maybe he was here to cause trouble. From what Stolas had said, the majority of the goetia he either did not get along with or he was on very neutral ground with. But he had very quickly charmed all of his employees. Blitz let his guard down, took a step forwards to introduce himself.

His nerves were present, in the presence of such a beautiful and regal man who seemed to treat his kind fairly. But as always, Blitz kept his nerves hidden and stuck his hand out, a grin spreading wide across his face. "The name's Blitz, the 'O' is silent! You're the guy from the trial," Blitz said with confidence. His eyes light up, reaching out to shake Blitz' hand.

"un gusto, Blitz! I am Vassago. I am glad to see that you are all doing well," The bird greeted with a joyful smile. He didn't even seem bothered by the gore they were all covered in, not that Blitz could see where the pretty bird was looking if he wanted to, he had no pupils. Still, Blitz felt like he was getting lost in his eyes. They are similar to Stolas' before he lost his status and his magic. Deep red, full of knowledge Blitz could never hope to grasp, and ultimately kind. Blitz let go of his hand, but he didn't want to. He wanted to hold him. Talk to him. But Vassago was out of his league anyways, another prince he doesn't want to risk catching feelings for. Even if the feelings have already been caught.

After that, Blitz had started seeing Vassago more and more.

First it was only at the office, to see Stolas. He would always chat with anyone else who wanted to talk, Blitz included, but he seemed more nervous around Blitz. And Blitz didn't even know why. He acted how he always does around everyone else, crass, rude, and overly sexual, but Vassago never complained. And he had laughed at plenty of Blitz' jokes, even got visibly annoyed at a few of them. Blitz liked the little bit of interaction they had, even if he wouldn't act on his ever-growing feelings.

Then Stolas started inviting him over.

Not that Blitz was really complaining. Vassago was good company at the office, and it gave him a good excuse to cook for more than just Loona and Stolas. Sure, it was a little more expensive to go for something that wasn't cheap and easy, but fuck if Blitz was going to give their guest something shitty when he's gonna be in their shitty apartment on their shitty couch already. Maybe if Vassago tried Blitz' cooking, it would give Blitz an opening to at least get Vassago to warm up to him a little bit and be less nervous.

When Vassago did come over, he seemed nervous as he always did around Blitz. Blitz was too busy cooking to say anything other than hello, or pay him much attention at all. Him and Stolas were on the couch, talking and watching a movie. Some movie about pirates, apparently Vassago really liked pirates. Which was cool, because Blitz liked pirates too, if only there were more horses in pirate movies. Another thing he could maybe talk to Vassago about, even if he did normally feel like he didn't know as much about any given subject than any goetia he's ever met aside from horses or killing things.

Once Blitz was done with cooking, he brought the plates over to the couch and handed them to Stolas and Vassago, and sat down to watch with them at the only available space next to Vassago. It's his home, if they didn't want him there they could just tell him. But they didn't. Vassago did get quiet, though, while Stolas kept talking about the most random pirate facts Blitz has ever heard. Blitz gave responses, talking about whatever came to his mind about them. He even ended up bringing one of his horse ocs into it.

Blitz couldn't help but wonder if Vassago was kind to him out of politeness. If he didn't like blitz, but he was just too nice to say anything.

He sure acted weird around Blitz. Always nervous, always quiet, but he still talked to Blitz and laughed at his jokes. It was strange, and Blitz didn't know what to make of it.

His own self hatred told him that yes, Vassago just didn't like him. Maybe he only put up with Blitz because he didn't want Stolas to feel uncomfortable, which was fine, but Blitz wanted Vassago to at least tell him. He'd be fine leaving them alone.

"Is everything alright?" Stolas had asked. He was pretty good at picking up on Blitz' mannerisms now. Living togeather does a lot for communication between them. "You look upset."

"Nah," Blitz had responded. "You want me to leave you two alone?" He thought he said it in such a casual way, but Vassago went stiff next to him. Stolas had looked confused, pausing the movie for a moment.

"Why would you think that?" Stolas asks. Vassago remained quiet. Blitz sighed quietly, looked down at his food. He thought it was good. He thought it was pretty damn good. But Vassago didn't even touch it. It would be so much easier if Vassago just outright told him he didn't like being around him.

Whatever. It wasn't worth it, he'd just go to a bar or something so they could enjoy their movie in peace. He told himself after the trial, after the stupid anti-Blitzo party, that he wouldn't assume shit like that anymore, he wouldn't assume that someone doesn't like him just because they're a goetia or they're not clear enough about their feelings. But he couldn't help it. How could he not feel that way when Vassago couldn't even touch the food he made?

Chapter Text

Blitz was dealing with a lot, watching Vassago and Stolas getting along so well. Yeah, it was good that Stolas had a real friend now. He seemed pretty lonely before, but the fact that Vassago was around all the time now was starting to get on Blitz' nerves. He liked seeing him - really liked seeing him. He was adorable, and sweet to anyone who talked to him, and fuck was he really cute when he laughed - no.

no no no, he needs to stay real fuckin' far away from that like of thought. He so clearly only puts up with Blitz for Stolas' sake, he's always so nervous around Blitz. It can't just be because he's an assassin, he's fine around the others. It can't be because he's an imp for the same reasons. What is it that is making Vassago so nervous around him?

Blitz could just ask.

He could just ask, but what if that made things more awkward? He really isn't trying to assume that Vassago dislikes him. But what is he supposed to think when the last couple of days, Vassago has been actually avoiding him?

Blitz tried to say hi when he came home to Stolas and Vassago on the couch, but Vassago didn't say anything. So he left and came back a few hours later. That happened two more times, and Blitz was honestly getting fed up with it.

He isn't going to let Vassago just pretend he doesn't exist inside his own house. So, he made sure he beat Stolas home today, when he knew Vassago was going to be there. And he put on some sci-fi movie that looked like it had a lot of star stuff in it, AND he cooked a good looking meal that included alllll of the bird things. Rats, fruits which he absolutely labeled as 'fruit for the fruits', and some nuts. And of course something Blitz would eat, with a ton of spice because neither of them could taste spice anyways.

Well, he wasn't completely sure if Vassago could or not, he only knows for sure that Stolas can't taste spice. Either way, he's got the perfect bird trap!

Nothing could possibly go wrong!

Nothing at all!

Blitz sets up the table appropriately with the snacks, skewered rats with veggies, and of course a small bowl of cheese and hot sauce. He considers putting out crackers, too, but he would absolutely have to label it as 'polly want a cracker' if he did, and he isn't sure if Vassago would appreciate that joke quite yet.

Why is he putting so much thought into this?

Blitz shakes his head, pulls the table closer to the couch and sits down, trying to find that movie again. It will look more natural if he just starts the movie, but he also made so much food that it's obvious he made it for Stolas and Vassago too. So once he finds it, he waits, scrolls on his phone without really paying any attention to it.

He can hear them talking before they even open the door, Stolas saying something about - HolyShitThey'reTalkingAboutHim!

"Blitz will understand, Vassago. you should just talk to him-" Stolas cuts himself off when the door opens, eyes going wide for a second.

Are they talking about him constantly trying to insert himself in their friendship? It has to be, right? Moxxie and Millie had the same problems with him when they started dating.

Wait.

Christ on a stick.

Are Vassago and Stolas DATING?

Surely Stolas would have said something if they were, right? It's not like Blitz and Stolas are dating, they've been a little weird since sinsmas, and Blitz understands. Obviously Stolas wants to focus more on trying to get Via back, but if he's dating Vassago, and Blitz has a big-ass crush on Vassago along side his ever-present feelings for Stolas-

Fuck's sake, he's screwed.

No. He's not going to freak himself out over it. There is no proof they're dating, they're just really good friends.

Right?

"What's all this?" Stolas asks. "I thought you were going out with Fizzaroli tonight?" Blitz grins, standing up.

"Well I was, then he called and cancelled on me sooo... Birdie movie night!! I've got Ratsss," Blitz says waving one of the rat skewers around. Stolas and Vassago look at each other for a moment, and Blitz nearly deflates.

No way, he set up this trap so perfectly! He can't let them deny him now, there's no way!

"I also have this movie about stars n shit picked out, some sci fi stuff but you know, there's still stars! Or I could put on a pirate movie! I'm sure I could find something about plants, what's that one about the talking plant? uh, little shop of whores or something?"

Vassago squaks, and Stolas laughs.

"Little shop of horrors, Blitz," Stolas states walking over to the table. "A movie night sounds lovely! Right, Vassago?" Vassago is silent for a moment, staring with an expression Blitz can't quite read.

"si! yes, that sounds lovely," he says finally, fidgeting nervously. "Whatever movie you want is fine with me." Vassago moves to the couch.

Blitz tries not to let it bother him that he drags Stolas to sit right next to him so Blitz can't sit beside him. Whatever. He'll get the bird to talk to him eventually.

Blitz sits down next to Stolas and turns on the movie. It's silent for a while. Blitz tries to focus on the movie, and he mostly does.

But apparently this fuckin sci-fi movie he picked is a romance movie, and Stolas is completely invested in it. Blitz isn't, he isn't huge on romance. It's always super unrealistic, and he can almost never relate to romance protagonists.

But this gives him a chance to try and talk to Vassago. Especially when, a little bit into the movie, the protags start getting freaky with an exploding star in the distance. That sounds like the kinda shit someone who's always wearing a star emblem would be into, and a perfect opportunity to see how Vassago would react to him flirting.

"Hey Vassago, you ever think about getting kinky near an exploding star?" Blitz asks. Vassago gets very visibly flustered, shrinking slightly behind Stolas.

"I can't say that I have," Vassago says in a high-pitched tone. He's quiet for a long moment. "Have you?" perfect opening. He can play it off as a joke if Vassago doesn't take it well.

Blitz leans forwards so he has a clear view of Vassago. Stolas is still too engrossed in the movie to notice. Blitz very visibly looks Vassago up and down.

"yeah, I'm imagining it," Blitz says. Vassago's eyes go wide, and he very visibly flushes.

wait.

Is he into that?

There's no way Blitz is reading that wrong. Unless he's just embarrassed, but why would he be? If he wasn't into it, his reaction would be anger right? surely it would be anger. Blitz isn't sure what to do with that information.

But then, Vassago stands up quickly. "I should go home," he says with a nervous laugh. "It's getting pretty late."

Oh.

Okay.

So he was just embarrassed. Blitz frowns. "The fuck? Seriously? You just got here," he asks. Now Stolas is paying attention, tilting his head slightly.

"It's not even late," Stolas says. "At least stay for the end of the movie?" Vassago's pupils appear in his eyes, small and looking between Blitz and Stolas. Blitz sighs. He's probably just trying to spare Blitz' stupid feelings, because he's a nice person or whatever.

"You know you can tell me to fuck off, right?" Blitz asks. "I get it, you two are friends, if you don't want me intruding just say so," Blitz says standing up. "I gotta piss." He leaves quickly to the bathroom.

What if he was right about them dating? What if Stolas just didn't want to be with him? Fuck. What if he was right? Stolas and Vassago would make a lot more sense than Blitz and Vassago. Blitz is just an imp, and Vassago is a fucking attractive prince who probably has plenty of demons swooning all over him.

Why does he keep catching feelings for people who don't want him? He fucked things up with Stolas, and now Stolas is with Vassago. He has to be.

No. Nope, he said he wasn't going to assume shit like that. Blitz takes a deep breath, stares into the bathroom mirror. His reflection stares back, taunting him with his own scarred face. His own unlovable face.

He's being unreasonable. He's misread situations so many times, he just needs to take a deep breath and apologize.

He's terrible at apologies.

But he wants to try.

He's trying to be better, he doesn't want what happened with Stolas happening again. It's not like he has any kind of functional relationship, platonic or otherwise, with Vassago, so he shouldn't ruin a potential friendship before it even starts.

But Vassago is still way out of his league. Too nice for someone like him. Blitz does his damn best to clear his mind of his self-doubt before he even thinks about going back out there.

Stolas would have told him if they were dating. He would have. And if Vassago hated him, he'd probably see more of that fiery anger he saw towards Andrealphus at the trial.

So everything is fine, and he is just overreacting.

Nothing else will go wrong tonight.

He is Getting angry over something that's probably just as simple as Vassago not knowing him very well. He knows his personality can be off-putting, and normally he doesn’t care.

But Vassago is beautiful. And so sweet. And funny, and mostly seems like such a genuine guy. And Stolas has a friend, and that's good! That's really good! Blitz doesn't want to drive Stolas' friends away.

He opens the door, walks back out. And any sensible thought he had in the past five minutes go out the balcony doors. He can almost hear something shattering, looking to the couch and seeing the two of them so close to each other. Seeing Stolas with his arms wrapped around Vassago absolutely being all touchy and shit, beak practically buried in Vassago's neck, brushing through feathers.

Okay. Yeah, there's no platonic explanation for that.

To think they'd be doing freaky shit on his fuckin' couch, fuck this.

"Fuck's sake, can you not just go to his place or something?" Blitz asks, anger clear in his tone. Stolas and Vassago both look towards him, and both look confused - the fuck do they have to be confused about?

"I thought you wanted Vassago to stay," Stolas says tilting his head.

"I did," Blitz says, trying to keep from raising his voice, "But clearly you two want some privacy getting all fucky on my couch!"

"Blitz, I apologize if I came across as not wanting you around," Vassago says, "we were not doing anything remotely sexual! Stolas and I are just close friends!" Vassago stands up. "It's called preening, its something Avian demons do-"

"Okay I don't need to know about your weird bird kinks, kay?" Blitz says with irritation. "Fuck's sake, can you two just hang out somewhere else more often? I don't care if you're dating, or fucking, or whatever you two have going on, you don't have to hide it but I'm getting real tired of being a third wheel in my own home."

Blitz really tries to keep his tail from giving away how upset he is, and fails miserably. His tone isn't helping, either, because fuck if he isn't on the edge of tears right now.

"We aren't," Stolas says. "Blitz, you know I'm not wanting anything like that right now. Preening truly isn't sexual, it is something friends and family as well as partners." Blitz wants to believe him. What reason would he have to lie?

But blitz is upset, and he's never reasonable when he is upset.

At least he's self-aware about it. "Yeah, okay. Whatever the fuck you say, Stolas," Blitz says. "So tell me what you two were talking about earlier, huh? 'Oh Vassago darling, Blitzy will understand'," Blitz mocks Stolas' voice, making dramatic hand motions. "Come on, Vassy, I'll understand. The fuck do you want to tell me?" Blitz asks in an accusatory tone.

Vassago squawks, eyes wide at the attention suddenly on him. "Blitz, it really isn't what you're thinking," Stolas sighs.

"Great, so tell me what it was. You said I'd understand, so come on Vassago, tell me," Blitz says taking a small step towards the tall red goetia. Blitz can already feel the guilt creeping in. He should just let it go. He is making things worse, like always. Vassago hesitates.

"I really don't think it's a good idea to tell you when you are upset," Vassago says after a moment. "Perhaps we can talk later?"

Blitz laughs.

"Yeah, sure. Whatever. Enjoy the fuckin' snacks." It's either they're dating and just don't want to tell Blitz, or it's going to be Vassago telling him he doesn't like being around him. "Can't fuckin' believe I was crushing on you, you're an asshole." Blitz grabs his van keys, and promptly marches out the door of the apartment, tuning out whatever reaction either of the birds had.

Every. Fucking. Time. He should just stop trying, stop letting himself get feelings for people who will never want him back. Blitz wipes the tears from his eyes, slamming the door behind him.

Chapter Text

Blitz spent the night with Fizz and Ozzie. Fizz was a voice of reason for him just as much as Blitz was a voice of reason when Fizz did something completely stupid, and when Blitz told him everything that's happened, and about his stupid feelings for the stupid parrot, Fizz was very, annoyingly, correct.

Blitz didn't listen. He didn't let them explain anything, and he was being unreasonable. Vassago not wanting to say something that might have upset Blitz when he was already clearly upset was perfectly reasonable. Blitz needs to apologize, like he had already wanted to do before he even went back in the room. So what if Stolas and Vassago have this stupid secret relationship thing going on? He can hide his feelings away, he's done that plenty of times.

He can't take back what he said, but he can make it better. Maybe.

The one he really needs to apologize to is Vassago. he can talk to Stolas literally whenever, and he does! Stolas didn't seem upset, he was pretty understanding about it.

Stolas knows him well enough to know where he's coming from, at least. Enough to know that he reacts with anger when he doesn't want anyone to know he's upset. Vassago doesn't know that.

So he plans something much more simple than the elaborate plan he'd originally had when he woke up. Instead of another potentially disastrous plan, he's simply asking vassago to hang out with him alone. By text, because he honestly didn't want to be rejected face-to-face for something as simple as meeting up, even if he wasn't technically asking him out on a date. If they're alone, than Blitz can't get jealous or worry about him not wanting to be around him.

If Vassago says yes, that is. To his absolute astonishment, Vassago sees the text almost immediately. It's probably one of the longest texts Blitz has sent in a while, but he used speech to text so he didn't have to struggle through typing out 'Hey Vassago, would you want to meet up with me for some coffee so we can talk because I feel awful for making you feel awful' and regretting it later.

Blitz watches anxiously as the three dots appear, disappear, appear, disappear. For a second, he thinks Vassago isn't going to respond at all.

It's very last minute, because Blitz did ask him to hang out in like an hour, and he's got princely stuff he's sure. He's almost certain he's going to at the very least say no. But to his astonishment, Vassago says yes! And that he wanted to talk to Blitz about what he said right before he left anyways.

That immediately makes Blitz' stomach drop. He did kind of drop a confession on Vassago last second in probably the worst way he's ever done that. It was terrible timing, and that is probably exactly what Vassago wants to talk about. So, Blitz tries not to freak out about it.

He fails.

He considers just not showing up to the not-the-shittiest coffee shop he asked Vassago to meet him at, because people like coffee! He doesn't know for sure if Vassago does, but most coffee shops have tea. Either way, he is already freaking out about it.

What if Vassago is just wanting to meet to let him down gently?

What if Vassago doesn't show up?

No, he's not that kinda guy. At least, according to Stolas he's not that kind of guy. Blitz paces around nervously, trying to think over his options. He should still apologize. He should still show up, at the very least, and buy whatever Vassago decides to drink even though he absolutely doesn't need anyone else buying anything else for him.

Ugh. Why did he decide to do this? He should just let Vassago hate him, or think he hates him, or whatever is actually going on. He doesn't like being rejected, and he has a feeling that's exactly what's going to happen.

Vassago is just so sweet. And kind, and funny, and he doesn't care about social class and he seems so passionate about anything he's talking about. Blitz doesn't want to lose that.

He doesn't want to lose anyone.

Eventually he does convince himself to go, cursing his nerves for trying to convince him not to. So he makes his way to the shop, sits down with a iced coffee that has enough sugar to give a horse laid-man-ice-tits or whatever Stolas called it.

He waits.

And waits.

Checks the time.

Waits more.

Vassago isn't late. He's not. That doesn't stop Blitz from anxiously checking his phone every thirty seconds to see if he texted to cancel, and downing his sugary iced coffee super quickly to get another one immediately after.

Three iced coffees later, Vassago walks through the door. He looks stunning, and he always does but he seems to be a little bit more dressed up than normal. He has a ruffled cream shirt and high-waisted black shorts, along with quite a bit of gold rings and necklaces.

He looks so good in gold. It shines and sparkles on him in a way that just seems right, like gold is meant for him and only him. That is the first thought Blitz has.

The second thought Blitz has is that Vassago doesn't look upset. In fact, he doesn't look as nervous as Blitz is used to seeing him. Okay. That does make his anxiety a little bit less present, at least.

"Hola, Blitz," Vassago greets with a smile, sitting down across from Blitz. The chairs at the table Blitz chose are more for Vassago's height than his own. Why does it feel like Blitz is more nervous than he is? He isn't used to being the nervous one between the two of them.

He gives Vassago a smile in return, taking a deep breath. "Hey," Blitz says. His tone betrays his nerves. "So. Uh, about last night." Vassago leans forwards slightly.

"yes?" Nope. Nope, he's staring at him so intensely, and He sounds.. Blitz doesn't know. He doesn't want to read him wrong, because apparently he's done that a lot int he past. Blitz thinks that Vassago sounds hopeful, maybe even expectant. But he is trying his best not to assume things like that right now, that could just be what he wants to see.

"I didn't mean to be all weird about your strange, totally not sexual even if it looked like a bird kink bird stuff," Blitz says quickly before he has time to think or before he can change his mind. "And I didn't mean to assume you didn't want me there. Even though it totally seemed to me like you really didn't want me there, I mean what am I supposed to think when you can barely even look at me?" Vassago's mouth turns down slightly. "And I didn't mean what I said before I left."

"Oh," Vassago says. He sounds disappointed. "I see." No no no, hang on. Did he say something wrong? Why does he look upset? What part of that made Vassago upset? Did that come across rude? it probably did. It totally did. He's putting the blame on Vassago, and he knows he shouldn't do that. Blitz' emotions are his own fault.

"I mean, it was stupid, and I just wanted you to feel bad." Just say sorry. Fuck, why is it so hard to say 'i'm sorry'? apparently Blitz can't fucking do it.

He sounds like an asshole. He knows he does. Fuck's sake. "Hang on, that didn't come out right let me try again," Blitz says shaking his head. He looks down at the table, both to concentrate and so he can pretend he's just talking to himself, and takes a few deep breaths before continuing. "I shouldn't have assumed you and Stolas were dating. I wasn't willing to listen to what you had to say when you were... Uh, doing the bird thing."

"Preening," Vassago says helpfully. He still sounds slightly disappointed, and Blitz is too afraid to look up, but his tone is patient, at least. He is being patient. Hearing Blitz out.

"Yeah, that. I shouldn't have reacted like that. I shouldn't have gotten upset, especially after you said it wasn't anything sexual. not that it should have mattered to me if it was, it's none of my buisiness." It's so tempting to make excuses for himself right now. It's so temping to say that he's just not trusting, that he has a reason he's like this. He wants To blame it on anyone but himself, that Stolas needing space just seemed odd if he was willing to get that close to someone else, or that Vassago always being anxious aroud him made him feel like he was getting between them. But it is on him. He stares at his own fidgeting hands. "I'm... sorry. If I made you uncomfortable with all the flirting and the insulting things I said. I really didn't mean what I said before I left." He doesn't think Vassago is an asshole. He thinks Vassago is so sweet. Blitz can only imagine how that made him feel. It would have made Blitz upset, angry. Defensive. But Vassago isn't like that, he doesn't think so at least.

"You didn't mean it?" Vassago asks softly. Blitz shakes his head.

"No. I didn't. I'm sorry." It's silent for a long moment. Vassago is probably the furthest thing from an asshole.

"Apology accepted," Vassago says. "Thank you, Blitz. Stolas mentioned that apologies are very hard for you." Why does he still sound disappointed? Is he just accepting the apology because he's nice? Does he not actually want Blitz' apology? Is he just doing this as a curtesy?

Blitz needs a distraction. He can't keep letting his thoughts spiral like this, it's not good for him or anyone around him. When he spirals like this, it just ends up with someone getting hurt, emotionally or physically.

"If you don't mind telling me. What was it that you and Stolas were talking about before you walked in yesterday? You were right not to tell me when I was already upset. But I'm better today," Blitz says, risking a look up. Vassago is staring at his own hands, frustration written on his face. He's still silent for a few long moments.

"It isn't important," Vassago says. "I'm sorry that I have been so nervous around you, Blitz. I will try to be better about it." He looks up finally, and reaches out towards Blitz. Blitz lets Vassago grab onto his hands, of course he does, he's been wanting the bird to give him something other than nervous glances for so long now, he wasn't going to pull away from an excuse to hold his hands. Vassago smiles.

Vassago's smile is so bright. Radiant. Warm. "You don't have to apologize, I was the one being shitty," Blitz says. Vassago laughs quietly, amusement on his face.

"Thank you. I appreciate it regardless. Friends?" Vassago asks. Friends. Blitz can handle that. He can. He's handling it with Stolas. He handled it with Fizz. He can handle being friends with Vassago too.

"Soooo it's not weird that I have a big fat crush on you?" Blitz asks with a grin, trying to lighten the mood further. Vassago's pupils appear, shock clear on his face.

"You. You said that you didn't mean that," Vassago says, the shock just as evident in his quiet voice as it is in his eyes. He blinks a few times.

"Uh. No. I meant I didn't mean that I thought you were an asshole," Blitz says. "I absolutely want you. I mean. More than just in the fucky kind of way. Apparently I'm into cute relationship shit now," Blitz says with just the slightest bit of annoyance. "But uh. Yeah. Friends sounds nice." He looks down at where Vassago is holding his hands.

He's warm. Getting warmer. Like, actually hot. Physically hot. Vassago pulls his hands back suddenly, saying something under his breath, Blitz absolutely doesn't catch any of it. Then in a very normal tone, he starts speaking spanish. Blitz has nooo idea what he is saying, but he is gradually sounding more and more pissed off.

Blitz looks up, and yeah, he looks pretty pissed, and his face is just slightly red. His tone is raised just slightly now, and he's standing practically glaring at Blitz. Blitz knows a few of the words he's saying, but he's saying them so fast he can only catch the swears. "What? did I do something wrong?" Blitz asks.

"Blitz," Vassago says slowly leaning forwards, "You are an idiot. A complete idiot."

what? "What?"

"I thought you only said that to make me feel bad! I thought you were messing with my feelings! You need to be more clear about what you are talking about," Vassago says. His face is darkening slightly, blushing almost. Is he blushing? Surely he's not blushing. And what does he mean messing with his feelings?

"Huh? Was that not clear?" Blitz asks.

"No!" Vassago says in an upset tone, leaning down in front of Blitz. "Next time, say 'I said you were an asshole to hurt your feelings' not 'I didn't mean what I said before I left' I thought you didn't mean any of it!"

"What does it matter?" Blitz asks. "I mean, you were pretty clearly uncomfortable with me flirting with you." Vassago says something else under his breath. Blitz should really learn Spanish if he's gonna be around this guy. Vassago leans in further, inches from Blitz' face. Blitz does his best to keep heat from rising to his face, Vassago being so close doesn't make him any less pretty.

"It matters because I like you, Blitz," he says. "I was not uncomfortable with your flirting. I was flustered, and I was not sure if that was just how you were with everyone you were friends with." huh?

"Really?" Blitz asks.

"Yes! I thought I was being pretty obvious about how I felt for you, Stolas had me figured out the second the feelings started developing." He looks very annoyed. Blitz hasn't seen him look this annoyed since the trial, but Blitz is pretty damn used to not understanding what people mean when they aren't direct about it. And he knows he isn't the most clear person in hell when it comes to his feelings.

"Well, I'm sorry you misunderstood me," Blitz says somewhat teasingly. "I'll make it more clear. I think you're hot as fuck, and you're really sweet, and I'm absolutely into you." Blitz grabs his hand. Brings it up to his mouth, and kisses the back of Vassago's hand. He is absolutely blushing now, but he doesn't really care. "Go on a date with me?" Blitz asks hopefully.

"I'd love to," Vassago says. "I'm going to kiss you now." He waits a few seconds. Probably to see if Blitz would back off or say that wasn't okay. Blitz takes the chance to kiss him instead, pulling him forwards by his ridiculously soft, silky shirt collar.

The kiss is a little awkward, Blitz isn't quite used to a beak as big as Vassago's, but the awkwardness doesn't last very long at all. It's nice.

And it earns them a complaint from a nearby table, because Blitz can't just kiss someone without it being at least a little bit steamy, but hey. Who gives a shit, it's hell and he's been imagining kissing this bird for a while now!

Vassago is the one to break away from the kiss before Blitz can have any real fun with it, though. He's blushing heavily, and all puffed up. He won't meet Blitz' eyes now, and it's fucking adorable now that Blitz knows he's just flustered. "so," Blitz purrs, "Did you get all dressed up for this, or did you have another reason to look so enchanting today?" Vassago's blush deepens.

"It wasn't for you," Vassago says, lightly hitting Blitz' shoulder. "I just wanted to wear something more comfortable."

"mhm," Blitz purrs. "Whatever you say, princey."

He can't fucking believe his feelings were mutual. He really convinced himself that this guy was either dating Stolas or hated Blitz.

Chapter Text

Blitz woke up in a very mixed mood. He was nervous, excited, and a little bit scared. There wasn't a lot he could do about the nerves, they've been growing day by day. The last time he dated someone, it ended in disaster the moment she said 'Love'.

Dating a prince. Actually, really dating and not just being some fucked up Friends with Benefits kind of deal to keep his buisiness running. It is a weird experience for Blitz. Public dates, being called his boyfriend, suddenly having eyes on him.

And, of course, there's Andrealphus. Vassago's ex, apparently, who now had even MORE reasons to look down on and hate Blitz. He imagines it's only a matter of time before he starts making claims that Blitz is forcing himself on Vassago like he said about Stolas at the trial.

Stolas still doesn't know about that bit, and it's going to stay that way for now. Even the thought of being accused of something like that again makes Blitz' stomach churn.

At the very least, his relationship with Vassago is a lot different than his exchange with Stolas was. They didn't start on bad terms, not really. A few misunderstandings, most of which were on Blitz' part, and some high nerves. And a kiss before they even went on their first date, which wasn't a problem at ALL. Even if Blitz won't admit it out loud, he really does like soft, intimate coupley stuff. Kissing, cuddling, spending time togeather, going out on dates.

Vassago eats that stuff up too. It startled Blitz a little bit at first, how quick he was to offer things like cuddling, having dinner, going on dates. Today, Blitz didn't have anything to do, so Vassago suggested they go to his place.

That was nerve-wracking for Blitz. Getting invited into Vassago's home very much made Blitz imagine some very interesting scenarios, but he promised himself that he would try to take it as slow as he could with Vassago, let him make the first move in terms of sex.

He came across as pretty shy in the beginning, which is what led to Blitz misunderstanding and thinking Vassago didn't like Blitz. Even though Vassago doesn't seem shy anymore in the slightest, especially with how often he casually kisses Blitz, he doesn't want Vassago to feel like sex was something Blitz needed from him immediately.

No matter how many times he is thinking about it.

Seeing all of him laid out on a bed naked in front of him. Hearing what he would sound like moaning under him, seeing him blissed out, whimpering, begging.

Fuck. Okay, he REALLY needs to stop thinking about that. He doesn't need to get a hard-on before he even steps foot in Vassago's home, christ on a stick.

Blitz makes it through most of the day without his nerves or his horny thoughts getting the better of him. Cooking breakfast for Loona and Stolas, catching up on hella novella and my little hellpony, buying some groceries.

When Blitz finally leaves his apartment to go to Vassago's fancy as fuck palace, his nerves DO get the better of him and he forgets to tell Vassago he's on the way. When he approaches the gate, though, the servant there doesn't seem phased and just leads Blitz towards wherever the fuck Vassago is.

His palace is just as big, if not bigger, than Stolas' was. It's also brighter, more colorful. Yellows, reds, oranges and purples, similar to his own feather colors. It also has a completely different vibe. There are some plants scattered around, and some star motifs as well, but not nearly as much as Stolas'.

Blitz is led to Vassago's study, where Vassago is apparently in the middle of some kind of spell as he's told to 'wait quietly' when the door is opened.

Blitz watches in curiosity, seeing his partner standing in the middle of the room. He's standing, faced away from Blitz, with a dark red book floating in front of him, sparking gold enveloping the pages. Despite there being no clear open windows or fans, there's a breeze around him and a golden glow surrounding him.

He looks ethereal. Stunning. Strong and powerful, but elegant. Blitz can't help but walk the perimeter of the room, trying to get a better view of him without distracting him. From the side, Blitz can see that his eyes are open wide, his yellow glasses missing. His normally red eyes are glowing the same gold as his magic, bright and not really looking anywhere.

His eyes look unfocused, like he isn't all there, but at the same time Blitz feels like he is looking at something. Maybe he's looking into the future or something, that's apparently something he can do when he takes his visors off.

Blitz can feel his magic, it's warm and tingling, but safe. He can't help but be curious about exactly what he's doing, what kind of spell he is preforming. Some kind of spell, for sure, but is it related to his studies he's mentioned? The past, present and future?

He wants to ask, but he was told not to interrupt him when he is in the middle of a spell. This does give Blitz a good chance to just stare at him, observe his features. Appreciate how handsome he is, how out of his league he is. Blitz remains quiet, just leans against the wall and watches.

In leaning against the wall though, something falls off of the shelf above him and clatters to the floor. Vassago gasps, his expression twisting to something that looks like pain, and he blinks. Vassago's magic flairs outwards, and Blitz feels it pass through him like getting hit by a brick.

It literally knocks the breath out of him, his entire body tingling. His stomach churns, for a moment he thinks he is going to throw up but he doesn’t. Blitz falls to the ground, taking a few deep breaths, trying to stop his vision from spinning around.

"Blitz!" Vassago calls out. His voice sounds weird, distant. Blitz blinks a few times, the nausea fading.

"Oh. Wow," Blitz says looking up. Everything looks sharper, more clear. He feels like he can see more around him, and his body feels… weird. He can't quite place it. Lighter? There's a hand on his back, but not a feathered hand like he expected. His own skin feels weird, like his entire body is covered in something other than his normal rough, lizard-like skin.

"Are you alright?" Vassago asks. Blitz looks over his shoulder, and is immediately surprised by what he sees. An imp.

An imp, with Vassago's voice. He looks similar enough, white hair neat and slicked back mimicking his feathers. His horns are short and curved backwards and up , following a similar shape to the purple feathers he normally has at the back of his head. "Uh. Vassago?" Blitz asks. Vassago nods, smiles.

"Si, Blitz. You startled me, I was unaware you were here already." Blitz stands up, and his legs just. Don't work like they're supposed to. He loses balance quickly, feeling an extra joint that was not there before. He falls down, cursing under his breath. He's taller, and he doesn't miss that he's now covered in feathers. Blitz stares down at his hands, taking a deep breath.

"Damn. Okay," Blitz says. So he's a goetia. Not exactly what he expected to happen when Vassago invited him over today. He tries to steady himself, standing up once again. He tries to use his tail for balance, but it's a completely different kind of tail and it's not quite as easy to maneuver.

"Ah, here, hold still for a moment. " Vassago grabs onto his hand, and Blitz feels that same magic he felt run into him moments ago.

The main difference is he can REALLY feel the magic now. The magic coming from Vassago, the magic in the air. It's a strange feeling, like nothing Blitz has ever felt before. "This should keep you steady," Vassago says. And it does, Blitz just is suddenly able to balance himself. "I'm sorry about this, I didn't expect you to be here. The spell should wear off in a few hours, I was testing this out for one of my brothers."

"Your brother wants to be an imp?" Blitz asks raising an eyebrow. "What even is the point? Why am I a birdie?" Blitz asks. Vassago sighs quietly, walks over to his desk. Blitz watches him.

He looks good as an imp. Really good.

Does he have a dick now?

Does Blitz have a birdpuss now?

"Well, it was only supposed to effect myself first of all," Vassago places the book down on the desk and pulls himself on top of it to sit on the desk, "and second, the point of it is to blend in. Goetia draw quite a bit of attention. If a goetia were to be out for any local festivals, theme parks, things like that, there would be a lot of attention on them. Not that most goetia couldn't handle themselves, but Stolas did tell me about that cowboy assassin that nearly killed him." That makes a lot of sense actually. But still.

Blitz can't help but think of the privilege that Stolas had when he first lost his magic and status. He was no longer a prince, nobody was treating him like one anymore. He never complained about it, but he still had no real idea why he was being treated different. "Is your brother aware people aren't gonna give him jack shit if he's an imp?" Blitz asks raising an eyebrow. Vassago smiles.

"He will find out, I'm sure," he says. He very visibly looks Blitz up and down. His expression remains in a soft smile, but his eyes are looking anywhere but soft places, wandering all over Blitz. His tail is swaying behind him excitedly, too. Blitz grins, narrows his eyes and leans down to Vassago's height.

As strange as it is to be this tall compared to Vassago, it feels powerful as fuck to have Vassago so far below him. Blitz puts his hands on either side of Vassago, leaning close. "You like this body that much?" Blitz asks in a low voice. Vassago leans back slightly, blushing heavily. Blitz has no shame looking over Vassago. He's got a bulge. That confirms the dick thing.

"How did you know?" Vassago asks steadily. Blitz chuckles quietly.

"You've got pupils in those pretty imp eyes of yours," Blitz purrs, grabbing under Vassago's chin. "Your tail is showing your excitement, and uh. You're hard too." Vassago swallows.

"I see," Vassago says. "I forgot about the pupils. Yes, you look very good as a goetia Blitz." His eyes flick from Blitz' eyes to his mouth, then back up. He can't help but wonder if Vassago finds him more attractive as a Goetia. Blitz can't tell anything about himself other than the fact that he's a bird, and he has red and white feathers following the patterns of his burn scars. Maybe he can get Vassago to tell him exactly what he means by that, if he finds Blitz more attractive as an imp than as a goetia. But that is probably just his self-loathing talking.

Blitz does prefer his partner as a Goetia, he is such a fucking pretty bird. He's also pretty as an imp. It's almost not fair how pretty he is in both forms. Blitz feels warmth shoot downwards the longer he's looking at Vassago's slightly dilated, lust-filled eyes.

"I prefer bird you, but imp Vassago's pretty damn hot too," Blitz says. Vassago says something under his breath that Blitz can't quite catch, but Blitz is very quickly distracted by Vassago grabbing the back of Blitz' head and pulling him into a kiss.

Blitz isn't used to having a beak, but having a more flexible mouth doesn't seem to bother Vassago in the slightest. He takes full advantage of Blitz' feathers, pulling at the ones he's holding at the back of Blitz' head. Blitz makes a sound he's absolutely not used to making, a chirping sound, and opens his mouth further.

Vassago's tongue enters Blitz' mouth, tangling quickly with his, his other hand wrapping around Blitz' waist and pulling him closer. Blitz instantly gets lost in it, the feeling is strange. Blitz can feel Vassago's magic in his touch, warm and tingly as he normally is. It feels nice against his feathers.

Vassago is the one to break the kiss, pulling back with a blush on his face. "okay so you REALLY like this body," Blitz teases with a grin. Vassago looks just slightly dazed, continuing to just look at Blitz in random places, his hands not moving from where they're around his waist and in his headfeathers. Blitz almost breaks down right there and asks Vassago where his fuckin' bedroom is because he kinda really wants to see what that dazed expression looks like all blissed out.

Vassago's tongue flicks out, and his pupils dilate like crazy. Blitz himself can't taste the air like he normally would, but he imagines Vassago is tasting how absolutely horned up Blitz is.

Wet? He definitely has a bird puss. Wet for sure.

Blitz opens his mouth to ask Vassago about exactly what he's thinking about, but then Vassago's expression turns to joy and he grabs both sides of Blitz' face.

"cariño. I can taste things," he says excitedly, his tail flicking behind him. Blitz blinks a few times.

"Yeah?" he says a little confused. Vassago practically squeals.

"Let's go eat something," he says excitedly, grabbing onto one of Blitz' hands and jumping down off the desk. Blitz huffs out a laugh, a soft smile forming on his face, letting Vassago drag him out of the study.

"Yeah, sounds good Vass," Blitz says. "What do you want?" Vassago pauses for a second, looking back at Blitz with a curious expression.

"How comfortable would you be going out in public like this?" Vassago asks. "You'd mentioned that Wrathian food place you went to last week with Fizzaroli that you loved, I think we should go!" Blitz hesitates. Going out in public. Like this, to Lust where that particular restaurant is.

He knows damn well he's not going to be messed with, but Vassago might. He's still a goetia, he still has magic. Blitz can feel how strong he is. But is Vassago prepared for that kinda thing? Being looked down on because of his species, even if he isn't really an imp?

At least it's not around sinners, they're probably the worst about it. "If that's what you want," Blitz says. "But uh. You won't get the same treatment you're used to." Vassago gives Blitz a look that nearly makes him melt.

Affectionate. Soft. "I'm not worried about that, Blitz. I've gone out in disguises before, I may not know fully what it's like to be an imp but I've seen it enough. If it makes you more comfortable, we don't have to go." Fuck's sake this man is going to ruin him.

"Let's go," Blitz says. "It's in lust. You know where Ozzie's is? I can lead us from there." Vassago's face brightens, and he opens a golden, starry portal.

"Fantástico! Vamos," Vassago says excitedly, pulling Blitz through the portal with him. Blitz laughs to himself. He is adorable.

Blitz realizes this means that he's probably not going to taste all that much. But that's okay, he's curious what Vassago's thoughts are on wrathian food anyways.

At the restaurant, Vassago is practically vibrating with excitement and orders more than he could probably reasonably eat. Blitz is all too aware of the eyes on them, but Vassago doesn't seem to mind. So blitz focuses on him. Watches his reactions to wrathian foods.

Generally, he seems a little overwhelmed. Blitz kind of expected that, so he didn't order anything. He just helps Vassago eat anything that is too overwhelming. Blitz, not being able to taste jack from it, can completely understand how overwhelming it is for Vassago to suddenly be able to taste spice suddenly.

The waiter spends a lot of time at the table, especially after Vassago continues asking to order more and more. Blitz doesn't mind the waiter ignoring him, he did say he wasn't going to order anything so what reason would he have to talk to Blitz? It's not the first time he's been ignored when he's said those words.

And Blitz is enjoying watching Vassago smile. Watching his eyes light up, even if he ends up saying that he can't finish half of it.

That, and Vassago does seem to like a lot of it. The waiter seems amused by Vassago's joy at the food.

Then, he puts a hand on Vassago's shoulder.

Blitz sees red.

What the fuck.

Blitz stares at the hand, eye twitching. Why the fuck is this stupid fucking succubus touching Vassago?

"Here's your check, cutie," the waiter says winking at Vassago, placing the check down in the center of the table.

Oh FUCK no.

Blitz stands up, putting his hand down on the table with a little more force than necessary. He makes a chittering sound, which is CLEARLY anger, and both Vassago and the waiter look at him. The waiter looks terrified.

"Touch him again and see what fucking happens to you," Blitz threatens, giving the waiter a menacing grin. The succubus visibly pales.

Blitz is so used to actually getting into fights in his fits of anger, he's almost disappointed when the waiter shrinks away and apologizes at least three times.

"Damn right you're sorry," Blitz growls sitting back down, chittering again. Vassago frowns slightly. The waiter retreats, and Vassago pulls cash out.

"Blitz, that wasn't necessary," Vassago says. "You're aware how intimidating you seem right now, right?" Blitz looks away, guilt eating at him just a little bit. Yeah, right. Everyone else here thinks he's a goetia.

"What? He was coming onto you," Blitz argues. "You don't want me being protective and shit?" Blitz asks crossing his arms over his chest. Vassago sighs quietly, shaking his head.

"I appreciate it, but you know that I wouldn't want anyone but you, right?" Vassago asks. The guilt eats further.

Blitz doesn't doubt that Vassago's a loyal man.

Blitz doubts Vassago will keep wanting him, though.

He still doesn't understand why Vassago likes him in the first place.

"Fine. I'll save the threats for when I'm back to normal," Blitz says. Vassago lets out a huff. Not exactly a laugh, but something close.

"Thank you," he says standing up. "And thank you for coming out with me. The spell should be wearing off soon, is there anything you wanted to do before heading back?"

"Nah," Blitz says. "Let's just go back to your place." Blitz stands up too, walking out towards the door with him. He's ready to go back to his shorter size anyways, it feels weird to be so tall.