Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"You've thrown yourself in with them, those wastes of demonic flesh. You are not one of us, Stolas." Satan's booming voice rattled in the courtroom, silencing the chattering demons around him. 

Andrealphus snickered, failing to hide his pleased smirk behind his smugness. Finally his plotting and hoping had come to fruition. He looked down from where he stood on his ice platform, smirk raising as he took in Stolas' form. 

Stolas, cuffs and neck bound in obsidan chains engraved with the burning runes of Satan, looked up at the Sins, face glowing with determination. He had not regretted his decision to intervene. 

"Yet... this is highly unusual for a Goetia." Satan gripped his chin, pondering. Steam blew though his bovine nostrils as he tapped the claws from his other hand along the arm of the throne he was residing inside of. 

Andrealphus' feathers ruffled at the hesitation but he knew his place, unlike some. He turned his head to the side, looking the Sin of Wrath up and down. 

The majority of the other Sins were also curious to hear what Satan was thinking. Ozzie and Bee worriedly looked between eachother, Levithan's heads looking at each other whilst Mammon fiddled with his fidget spinner and Belpheghor was fast asleep. Pretty apt for the Sin of Sloth.

Satan cleared his throat, "Take Stolas to the cells under the courtroom, my fellow Sins and I should discuss this in depth... over lunch."

Mammon cackled, snapping his fingers to make nuggets and thick cut fries appear in front of him. True to his nature, he greedily stuff his mouth with as much food as he could fit in, oil dribbling down the sides of his mouth. 

Ozzie couldn't help but feel tremendously guilty about the situation, he could have spoken up like Bee but he hadn't. He felt her hand on his arm, both of then watching whilst two of the hooded guards lead Stolas away, the heavy chains rattling with every one of Stolas' graceful steps. 

The irony that he was a bird demon locked inside a cage didn't fail Stolas as the guards binded the chains to a ring against the stone wall of the cell. He wasn't sure how long he was going to be in here for, it could be a while. 

As Stolas stared our of the thin barred window, he sighed. He didn't regret the decision to save Blitzø, he'd do it a thousand times but he had hope their reunion was sweeter. The last time he had seen Blitzø was when he was drunk out of his mind. 

Stolas, his arms at weird angles but at his sides due to the way the chains were displayed, sniffled as he pondered his fate. 

[Stolas]

Step into the corners of my mind, I'll feel you

Funny how you think your victory's in chains

I've survived a thousand nightmares with no rescue

Someday the sun will rise alone, but today is not that day

Cause you didn't believe me when I told you I was strong

Resilience knows my name

It's where I belong

You didn't believe me

Now you'll see how you were wrong

Start praying for a hero, they won't come

Broken dreams have never really been my thing

Start listening

Blood and tears applaud for I am the fire who's got me this far

Take your seat

For this is my symphony

I'm reveling

Storms and scars in awe for I am the master and I am the star of my symphony, my symphony

Run away, evade the traps you've set, I'll find you

Disavow your threats consumed by emerald flame

Praise me for the gift my mercy gives, thank me

Someday the vile will find their rest, but today is not that day

Cause you didn't believe me when i told you i was strong

Resilience knows my name

I've been here all along

You didn't believe me now you'll see how you were wrong

Start praying for a savior who won't come

Broken dreams have never really been my thing

Start listening

Blood and tears applaud for I am the fire who's got me this far

Take your seat

For this is my symphony

I'm reveling

Storms and scars in awe for I am the master and I am the star of my symphony, my symphony

You didn't believe me

I told you I was strong

Resilience is my name

I've always belonged

You didn't believe me

Now see how you were wrong

I am the hero I prayed for all along

Broken dreams have never really been my thing

Start listening

Blood and tears applaud for I am the fire who's got me this far

Take your seat

For this is my symphony

I'm reveling

Storms and scars in awe for I am the master and I am the star of my symphony, my symphony

"It's a shame that my darling sister isn't here." Andrealphus' voice came from the shadows, Stolas saw his icy blue eyes before his face. "I know she would have adored seeing you like this." 

Stolas kept his mouth shut, his face lowered as he slowly closed his eyes. 

Andrealphus ran his fingers along the bars, sending sprites of ice towards the chains bound around Stolas. "I will say that this... isn't personal, Stolas."

Stolas didn't believe him. 

"I'd be doing this to whoever my sister married." Andrealphus laughed to himself. "You see, Stolas, I was born with the power not her but you know that.  Alas, I was not born a Prince unlike yourself. I had heard that your mother was... truly beautiful, Queen Octavia..." Andrealphus tutted, "and you named your daughter after her."

Stolas slowly raised his head upwards but didn't look at Andrealphus, that was all his brother-in-law desired. Attention. Stolas wasn't inclined to give it to him.

"An imp though?" Andrealphus gagged. "Never did understand your tastes, no." 

"Why are you here?" Asked Stolas, voice tired and defeated. 

"Wanted one last look at you before... well, I won't say what they were planning. Your reaction will be far more entertaining." Andrealphus began to walk away, turning to go back to the courtroom. Before he disappeared into the shadows however, he looked over his shoulder to look at Stolas one last time, "Don't worry, Stolas. Your palace and daughter will be safe with  me." 

Chapter Text

Stolas shivered as he sat in the bathtub, not due to the water although it wasn't as warm as he was used to. He wasn't about to complain though. Blitzø had been so kind, hadn't complained once. 

No, he shivered due to the emptiness inside his tired body. He wasn't sure how to feel. Being onslaughted by an array of liquids, some cold, some scalding,.but all staining his feathers and making him feel worse than he was already feeling. He wondered if it would have been better to die. Yes, he didn't desire that either but now he had nothing. Not his home, his possessions and power, not even his daughter. He couldn't stop thinking about her. 

Staring at the tiled wall, Stolas let out a quiet sob, curling his legs to his chest, wrapping his arms around his knees, and burying his face into his body to muffle the already soft cries emitting from his chest. It was strange, how much things could change in a matter of moments. 

Slowly and shakily, Stolas stood from the bath with the water soaking down his feathers and running down his weary legs. The water splashed around his feet as he pulled his legs over the rim of the tub. He stood naked for a moment, shoulders shaking as he grabbed the towel Blitzø had put on the radiator to keep warm. He fluffed it over his head and body then placed it back before putting on the shorts and jumper he had been so kindly gifted. He wasn't used to the fabric but he couldn't deny that it's softness felt nice on his exhausted body. Having his powers so forcefully and cruelly taken had put a toll on his body and soul. He felt like he could sleep for the whole century he had been banished for. 

He opened the door that separated him from the living room where Blitzø's head shot up from the sofa upon hearing the door creak open. Blitzø shoved his phone back into the inside pocket of his jacket and raced to Stolas, taking hold of his hands. He lead him to the sofa and Stolas couldn't help but drop onto it, leaning against the comforting arm, bags under his eyes. He did manage a small smile as he watched Blitzø pull a blanket over his form, tucking him in. Stolas' long legs peered over the other side even after curling them into himself. 

"Thank you, Blitzø." Stolas said softly, clearly exhausted from the day's endeavours. 

"No, thank you, Stolas." Blitzø was very gentle in how he was touching and speaking to Stolas, which warmed the owl's heart immensely. "For saving my life." 

Stolas, feeling so very tired, leaned his head into the pillow behind him, but managed a quiet response. 

"Always." 

His eyes grew heavy, sleep snatching him from the painful existence of reality. He didn't hear Blitzø begin to say something but his heart swelled even more upon feeling the gentle touch of Blitzø's fingers brushing the feathers out of his eyes, stroking his cheek then kissing him sweetly. 

Despite the agony of the situation, not his titles or home, but Via, Stolas would find that he didn't have a nightmare that night but a wonderful dream about this being a life he could have. Being in that small apartment with Blitzø and their daughters expect the impending horrible thought that would taint his mind that Via wouldn't be there. He may never see her again, not for a hundred years, and that broke his heart. He had no idea what Stella, and her wretch of a brother, would do. He hoped Stella loved her more than she hated him but how was he supposed to know? 

*

Stolas bleakly opened his eyes to the quiet dim living room. He was in no way rested but he found himself awake and unable to fall back to sleep. He wasn't sure how long he had been asleep for but as he looked over to the window, he spotted Blitzø fast asleep on a beanbag and he had realised that although their was the possibility that Blitzø had simply fallen asleep keeping vigil over him, he may have been sleeping in Blitzø's bed.

Needing to stretch his legs, Stolas quietly rose from the sofa and proceeded to pace the small stretch behind the sofa to the kitchen then along the wall where there were an abundance of photographs. What pained Stolas however was realising that in every single photo, Blitzø had scribbled himself out. If he had his powers, he'd be able to make the ink transparent so he could see what lay underneath but all he had left was his imagination. 

A hand clamped his chest as a couple tears stung his eyes. A breath hitching in his throat. 

[Stolas]

I try

To live in black and white but I'm so blue

I'd like

To mean it when I say I'm over you

But that's still not true

Blue

And I'm still so blue

I thought we were the same

Birds of a feather

Now I'm ashamed

I told you a lie, désolée, mon amour

I'm trying my best

Don't know what's in store

Open up the door

(Blue)

In the back of my mind

I'm still overseas

A bird in a cage

Thought you were made for me

I try

(I'm not what)

To live in black and white but I'm so blue (but I'm not what you need)

I'd like (not what you need)

To mean it when I say I'm over you

But that's still not true, true

And I'm still so blue (And it's not true)

I'm true blue, true blue

I'm true blue

Blue

You were born bluer than a butterfly

Beautiful and so deprived

Of oxygen

Colder than your father's eyes

He never learned to sympathize

With anyone

I don't blame you

But I can't change you

Don't hate you (Don't hate you)

But we can't save you (But we can't save you)

You were born reaching for your mother's hands

Victim of your father's plans to rule the world

Too afraid to step outside

Paranoid and petrified of what you've heard

But they could say the same 'bout me

I sleep 'bout three hours each night

Means only twenty-one a week now, now

And I could say the same 'bout you

Born blameless

Grew up famous

Too

Just a baby born blue now, now

I don't blame you

But I can't change you

Don't hate you

But we can't save you

Blitzø rubbed at his eyes as he woke up, yawning as he did. He looked over to the sofa and almost panicked when he saw that Stolas wasn't there. The panic came and left as quick as each other as he spotted Stolas looking at the photographs on the wall. Blitzø pushed himself up, taking off his jacket as he did. He left that on the beanbag then slowly approached Stolas.

"Hey, you need anything?" He asked quietly, hesitating to put a hand on him in case that wasn't what Stolas wanted.

"No, darl- Blitzø, thank you, I'm alright, really." Stolas replied with a sad smile. "You've done so much for me already." 

Blitzø sucked his teeth as he looked at the photos with Stolas, even picking one up, one that had been at the back of a collection on the cupboard. He smiled a small smile as he looked at it. Stolas looked down, letting his heart skip a beat. It was of the two of them, the day they met all that time ago. Stolas hadn't even realised there had even been a photograph to commemorate the occasion. For over two decades all he had of that lovely day was his memories. So precious and always in his heart. 

"I found this, in a box of some old things I kept in storage." Blitzø scratched the back of his neck. "After Halloween I... found it and I kept thinking about that day. Don't know if you know that I was rented out to play with you-"

"No," Stolas gasped, a hand covering his mouth. "Blitzø, i-" 

"You haven't got to apologise." Blitzø reached out for Stolas' hand, heart blooming as he felt Stolas take it. "We were both kids. Despite that, I actually... enjoyed that day. More than you know."

"This might sound silly and a little sad, I suppose, but I really don't have friends, Blitzø. This life I've had, it's been... so lonely. You might think you don't deserve to have been saved but you do, and I do not regret what I did. Blitzø... it's-" Stolas' voice cracked, tears gathering into his eyes but he didn't look away from Blitzø. It was just the two of them, no one else. 

Blitzø gently squeezed Stolas' hand. 

"It's always been you, Blitzø." 

Blitzø, purely acting on instinct, wrapped his arms around Stolas and while they didn't kiss, the embrace was enough. Stolas found himself dropping to his knees and wrapping his arms around Blitzø. 

"I don't know what-" Stolas sobbed, "I don't know what I would have done if I lost you." 

"Me neither." Blitzø teared up, arms tight around Stolas. "And I promise, we will get Via back. Then... we can run away. The four of us, somewhere no one will ever find us." 

Stolas, even though he knew that dream was simple just a dream,  adored every syllable coming out of Blitzø's mouth. 

Blitzø gently led Stolas back to the sofa helping him climb on but what he didn't expect was Stolas to pull him up to his chest. Blitzø yelped in surprise but laughed softly, leaning his head against the soft feathers of Stolas' chest. 

"Good night, Stols." Blitzø whispered, smiling as his eyes closed and the two began to drift off to sleep. 

"Sweet dreams, Blitzø." 

Chapter Text

Blitzø took a moment in the bathroom whilst everyone else was playing board games. He had been doing a rather impressive job at hiding the fact he was okay when, well if he was being honest, he wasn't. It had span from his childhood, being good at lying, pretending that he was absolutely fine when he was anything but. He had indirectly and directly ruined so many lives and now Stolas had become the most recent in a very long line. 

Splashing some water over his face, Blitzø looked at his reflection. It was funny that all he wanted was someone to love and look after but it had come about in not the best way. Stolas loved his daughter more than anything and now, because of him, there was a high chance that he'd never see her again. 

Heading back into the front room, he smiled as he watched Loona enjoy some Gluttony Sinsmas traditions with her friends whilst Millie and Moxxie sat beside each other on the sofa with heartfelt expressions. He looked around and spotted Stolas on the balcony, cigarette smoke pilfering around his head. 

Blitzø didn't get nervous an awful lot and maybe he didn't realise it until now but he only really got like this when it came to Stolas. But, he had also been really good at hiding the fact he was so nervous. 

He was seeing Stolas in a new light, and he didn't mean the twinkling lights he got for Sinsmas. The lack of a crown changed Stolas, somehow without taking him down a level of beauty and grace but something else that Blitzø couldn't quite put a finger on. 

Blitzø approached Stolas' side, frowning slightly at the absent glare in Stolas' eyes as the owl demon gazed forward. He waited a couple moments before he spoke, a pang stabbing his heart as Stolas' head whipped to the side, completely unaware that Blitzø had been there for several moments. 

"Sorry, I thought you were with the others inside." Stolas offered Blitzø the cigarette. 

Blitzø thanked him and took a drag before handing it back, "I wanted to check on you. It hasn't been the easiest day."

"Indeed." Stolas tried to hide his pain but the pain  he was feeling was so wrong. A parent shouldn't say goodbye to their child, and it wasn't as though he even got that chance. "Sorry, I don't mean to make a fool of myself." Stolas wiped away his tears with his free hand whilst the other trembled with the cigarette between two fingers. 

"You're allowed to be upset," Blitzø's voice softened. "She's your daughter. She just needs time."

"Blitzø," Stolas stifled a whimpering sob, looking to the side to meet Blitzø's eyes, "She's gone. She's gone for a hundred years and when they pass, I'll be a stranger, and she wouldn't have forgiven me. I don't blame her. I've been so fucking selfish." 

"How-?"

"I've put myself before Via, and before you." Stolas looked ashamed. "Blitzø, I am truly sorry for all the pain I've put you through. You've been... so kind to me, allowing me to stay here. You've done so much for me, more than I deserve."

Blitzø took the cigarette, flicking it over the side of the railing before taking a hold of Stolas' hand, holding it with both of his. He smiled up at him, eyes softening. "Stolas, I've always done what I want - at least as an adult I've done that - so trust me, I would not have continued to sleep with you if I didn't want to." 

Stolas shuddered, he had come to the conclusion that he had been forcing Blitzø into a cruel position. Oh it would have been so much simpler if the two of them were better at communicating. 

"I... wanted to ask you something." Blitzø frowned. "Now if I'm overstepping tell me to shut up or fuck off and I can do it. Just... Stolas, those pills... what were they?"

Stolas, eyes flicking to the side in shame, sighed sadly. "They're... They helped me to feel less... miserable. Blitzø,.Via was the only good thing I had until you came back into my life. You've got no idea how fucking lonely my existence has been. Everything... it was all too much and the piles helped. I think I was getting too used to them."

"That's what you were going to ask me to get. That morning after you came here." Blitzø recalled. 

Stolas had to let go of Blitzø for a moment, walking up to the railing and gripping it to hopefully stop his hands from trembling. 

"I never wanted Via to find them." Stolas was barely audible. "She's better off without me."

"No." Blitzø shook his head. "Fuck that. You love her too much and she loves you. That bitch ex of yours doesn't deserve her."

"Stella wouldn't hurt her." Stolas said, it was more like he was trying to convince himself. Via had never been a top priority of Stella's. Hell, she had shoved the egg in Stolas' face and left to go partying. From the day she was laid,.Via had been the most important thing in Stolas' life and she would always be, even if he wasn't allowed to see her. 

Blitzø had no desire to upset Stolas further. "We can figure it out, Stols. I promise. There is no way that you're never seeing her again. Not because of me." 

Stolas watched Blitzø climb up onto the railing so they were at an equal height and once Blitzø was up, Stolas couldn't help but cup Blitzø's cheek which made Blitzø's heart skip a beat. Stolas didn't utter a word as he kissed Blitzø's cheek, blood rushing to his cheeks. Blitzø looked into Stolas' eyes and smiled in equal warmth.

"Your eyes... are really beautiful in this light." Blitzø said softly, moving to wrap his arms around Stolas' shoulders, a light purr radiating out of him whilst Stolas put his own arms around Blitzø. 

They stayed like that for a while, muffled music coming from the apartment the entire time. 

***

Blitzø couldn't sleep despite the feeling of happiness in his heart, a bittersweet kind of happiness. He felt guilty about being happy when Stolas' life had changed so drastically. He lost his home, his wealthy, and his daughter all in one day. Well, sort of one day. The month at least. It was a short amount of time either way. 

Blitzø kept his arms around Stolas whilst Stolas gently hooted in his sleep. Blitzø couldn't help but stare at Stolas' bare shoulder, where his sleeve had fallen down. The scar left behind from his abduction and torturous deal, the scar left from a failure on Blitzø's behalf, stared at Blitzø because it was just so prominent. It was like the line was glowing, glaring at Blitzø as Stolas slept. 

Blitzø couldn't help but whimper before holding onto Stolas a little tighter. Like he was afraid that if he let him go just slightly he would wake up and find him gone. 

"I promise I will fix this." Blitzø whispered before leaning his head against Stolas and closing his eyes to try and lose himself to sleep.