Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Moxxie and Stolas were relaxing in the back garden of the palace enjoying afternoon tea. Following Stolas's harrowing rescue from Striker by Millie and Moxxie, he had approached the couple to offer a repayment. They had declined money, so Stolas took them out to the fanciest restaurant in Pride. While he liked Millie’s company, Stolas found he had a lot of common interests with Moxxie. They had started texting each other, and over time formed a friendship.

Today they were discussing the upcoming imp holiday Fertilia.

“Impcity completely shuts down for the day, and there's a big parade, rides, bonfires, and food vendors,” Moxxie explained.

“I've read about it,” Stolas said. “It's a very old holiday predating Lucifer’s Fall. I understand it originally aligned with the imp mating season and winter solstice.”

“Now it's more like a romantic holiday. People decorate with lights and give gifts. Millie and I go every year,” Moxxie said as he dipped a biscuit into his tea. His eyes became a little bit mischievous. “You should come.”

Stolas smiled sheepishly. “Wouldn't it be strange for me to appear at an imp festival?”

“Other demons always show up. I believe Sin Asmodeus goes too, so you wouldn't be the only royal. As long as you’re with imps who invite you, no one cares,” Moxxie said with a shrug.

“I don't want to cause any problems,” Stolas said, well aware a goetian prince mingling could cause a commotion. If he went he would want to enjoy himself, not dodge the media and draw attention.

“What if you went in disguise?” Moxxie said, pressuring Stolas.

Stolas considered it. A day where he didn't have to be a prince sounded wonderful. He'd been secluded in the palace, not having the heart to go anywhere.

A month ago he had ended his deal with Blitzo, and given him the Asmodean Crystal. The imp had been surprised, and asked if he had done something. Stolas assured him repeatedly that the reasoning was himself, not Blitzo. It took all Stolas’s will power to keep the smile on his face as he escorted Blitzo out with a reminder to call whenever he wanted.

Blitzo hadn't called or texted or contacted Stolas once. The hurt expanded like the void every day, but he kept his tears private. No one else should be burdened with his feelings. Perhaps a day out was exactly what he needed.

“What if I transform into an imp,” Stolas said, liking the idea more and more.

“That would be perfect!” Moxxie said, sounding relieved. “We can meet you outside of IMP.”

“I'll need to purchase some imp clothing,” Stolas said, sounding excited. “I'll make sure to wear something purple so you can find me. Oh this is going to be so much fun.”

The prince happily sipped his tea while Moxxie covertly sent Millie a text under the table.

Moxxie: The owl has landed.
Millie: ???
Moxxie: It means Stolas agreed to go.
Millie: So just say that.
Moxxie: I was trying to be more espionage
Millie: OK. I’m with Blitzo now so gtg.

***

Millie shook her head at her husband's adorable antics. She pocketed her phone, and glanced over at her boss. Blitzo's horns were dull and his tail hung limply behind him. She had dragged him shopping today, and Blitzo was listlessly looking through a rack of t-shirts.

Since Stolas had ended their deal, Blitzo spent most of his time hiding in his office. He would emerge with puffy eyes and smelling of liquor to go on jobs before retreating again. Loona said it was the same at home. Blitzo disappeared to a bar for most of the night, and got home at 2am to catch a few hours of sleep before work. Blitzo acted as though everything was fine, but it was obvious he was suffering.

Millie walked over to him.

“So it's Fertilia next weekend,” Millie said brightly. “Did you wanna come with us this year?”

“Not really,” Blitzo said, not looking over at her. Going to an event filled with couples being lovey dovey would only twist the knife further.

“I know you're upset about Prince Stolas,” Millie said as her smile became serious.

Blitzo flinched when he heard the name, but doubled down. “Don't know what you're talking about,” he grit out, getting defensive. “I'm glad that feathered prick cut me off. Who needs him?”

“I'm worried about you. We all are,” Millie said. “Just come to the festival and get your mind off things.”

“I said no,” Blitzo said, angry that she wouldn't drop the matter. He stalked off and she followed behind him. Millie wavered on what to do until an idea came to her. Moxxie wouldn't be thrilled, but desperate times called for desperate measures.

“What if we got tickets to the evening orgy?” Millie asked.

Blitzo spun to look at her in shock. “Are you seriously suggesting what I think you are?”

Blitzo didn't know what to make of this current development. He often joked about a threesome, but Millie and Moxxie said they were fine being monogamous. It was almost bittersweet that it took losing Stolas for her to offer this. He squinted his eyes in suspicion.

“What's the catch?”

“No catch. Just friendly bonding time. You ain't touching my man. But if you're a good boy, I'll letcha watch and give you a treat.” Millie winked and jutted out her hip. The gobsmacked blush on Blitzo's face deepened.

“Fucking hell,” Blitzo stammered. “Uh… okay. I'll come to the festival.”

***

Twinkling lights were strung around lamp posts and on buildings. Vendors lined the closed off road, selling food and gifts. Imp children ran by with their horns painted in a variety of festive colors and designs.

Stolas was enjoying the merriment. He had shrunk down to appear as an imp. His heart shaped face was topped with fluffy gray hair, and he had two small horns that twisted behind him. He was wearing a purple vest on top of a white peasant blouse, and wondered if he had overdressed.

Many of the imps were wearing short colored togas. Women had elaborate hairstyles and metal tail jewelry. Some men went for a more daring skirt-like loincloth, and black paint decorated their nude chests. Stolas recognized the outfits as traditional imp clothing. He had spotted some vendors selling them and wondered if he should purchase something.

“Your Highness.”

He turned to find Millie and Moxxie both wearing togas, and behind them was…

“Oh… hello Blitzo,” Stolas said, feeling his stomach drop. They hadn't seen each other since Stolas had given him the asmodean crystal. Blitzo was wearing his typical clothes, and stared at him a moment.

“Stolas?” Blitzo said, recognizing the prince under the imp disguise.

“It's me,” Stolas confirmed.

“What are you doing here?” Blitzo asked, almost accusatory. He swung to look at Millie and Moxxie who were looking guilty. Suddenly Moxxie insisting Stolas come made more sense.

“I should go,” Stolas said, already starting to step away.

“No,” Blitzo said angrily as he came to the same conclusion that Millie and Moxxie had purposefully invited them separately. “If anyone is leaving it's me.”

“You should stay. I'm not even an imp. It was inappropriate for me to come,” Stolas said weakly as he tried to bow out.

Blitzo crossed his arms. “I'm not…”

Their arguing was cut off when Millie grabbed them both by the horn. Despite being the smallest, she had no trouble dragging them bodily together.

“Now you two listen to me!” Millie demanded and shook them. Blitzo hissed at her. “I am tired of seein’ ya both mope around. You two don't need to talk but ya need a day out. So you are gonna go buy some togas, and have a nice Fertilia. Got it!”

“Ugh fine!” Blitzo said and pushed her off. Feeling like he'd just been scolded by his old nanny, Stolas nodded as well. Millie let them go and Stolas rubbed the horn she had grabbed.

Stolas left the couple and walked over to one of the toga booths demurely. Blitzo followed, tail twitching angrily. When they were out of earshot Stolas turned to him.

“I'm sorry. I had no idea you would be here when Moxxie invited me,” Stolas said. “I can still leave if you want.”

“Do whatever you want,” Blitzo said as he yanked a black loincloth off a vendor's table. “So how long have you been able to do that?”

“Do what?” Stolas asked as he took his time selecting a toga. He picked up one that was navy blue with gold stars embroidering the collar. He was making a point of not looking at Blitzo, worried he would show too many emotions. Just being this close to the imp had all his festering pain burning in his chest.

“Become an imp,” Blitzo said.

“I learned basic transformation magic when I was a teen. I know how to turn into many types of demons, humans, and other beings,” Stolas explained. He was glad they were keeping their conversation on something safe. He didn't think he could handle it if Blitzo started talking about their past relationship.

They paid the vendor and made their way to the changing tent next store. They secluded themselves behind separate curtains, and Stolas took a moment to collect himself. He could get through this. Millie was right that he needed a day out, and Blitzo being here wouldn't change anything.

Perhaps it could be a good thing. They hadn't spoken since Stolas had given Blitzo the crystal, and this could be an opportunity. Even if it hurt, Stolas was willing to live eternally in the friend-zone if it meant keeping Blitzo in his life. He sent his clothes home with a portal and stepped out from behind his curtain. Blitzo came out too and Stolas's bravery fled.

Blitzo's chest was naked and the loincloth hung to about mid thigh. Seeing so much of his old lover on display had Stolas recalling full moons spent together. Their eyes met and Stolas lost himself in Blitzo's beautiful yellow.

"Why didn't you get a toga?" Stolas asked.

"They catch on my spines," Blitzo explained.

The imp was also studying him, and Blitzo took a step closer. Stolas realized Blitzo was taller than him now, and felt a shiver run down his spine. His mind jumped to the idea of Blitzo pushing him back behind the curtain and taking advantage of Stolas’s smaller form. It was the kind of thing they would have done in the past. Stolas would have given Blitzo a suggestive grin and touch to rile the other up, and Blitzo would have his way with him.

No.

Stolas yanked his gaze away guiltily.

He needed to stop these silly fantasies. Blitzo was a person, and didn't owe him anything.

Stolas jumped when Blitzo grabbed his tail just below the spade.

“Ya know if you're going to look like an imp you should figure out how your tail works,” he said. “I can see you're turned on.”

Stolas’s blush deepened and he yanked the tail away. “I'm sorry,” he said, embarrassed at being caught. He pushed past Blitzo and walked out of the tent.

Stolas chastised himself as he walked back toward the others. He ended the deal to give Blitzo a choice about their relationship, not allow his raging libido to make Blitzo uncomfortable. He should focus on having a nice time with Millie and Moxxie, and allow Blitzo to dictate their interactions.

***

Blitzo wasn't big into holidays. They tended to be a reminder of all the things he lost.

As a child, Blitzo, Fizz, Barbie, and some of the other younger imps spent Fertilia getting into mischief. Blitzo remembered his mother painting his horns before gorging on candy. In the evening they would sing songs until they fell asleep and woke up to presents.

When he got older, the holiday became a time to party. It was almost a right of passage to take part in the adult-only fun when you became legal. Blitzo used Fertilia to lose his virginity and get properly drunk for the first time.

His last time at a Fertilia festival had been with Verosika when their relationship was still in its honeymoon phase. The pair had done all the couples activities, and ended the day with Verosika getting a tattoo of his name. He thought it was a sign they were meant to be.

Blitzo's eyes burned holes into Stolas's back. Now Fertilia would remind him of yet another thing he had lost.

He trudged alone behind the other three not knowing which was more annoying. Millie and Moxxie holding hands and smooching, or Stolas looking back at him timidly every five minutes.

Stolas was always pretty, but seeing him as an imp was doing things to Blitzo. Stolas's tail flicked in front of him cutely, and his hands twitched with the need to grab it and drag the owl somewhere private. He didn't know if they would fuck or fight, but anything was better than this tension.

Blitzo wanted answers. He wanted Stolas to admit why he really cut Blitzo loose. Was it because Blitzo hadn't saved Stolas when he was kidnapped? Or that he refused to have sex after their date? Or did Stolas just get bored with him?

He just wanted the truth. Blitzo deserved the truth.

Stolas glanced back again, and Blitzo snarled, “What?”

“Why are you walking behind us?” Stolas asked.

The genuine question cooled his temper. He sped up until he was walking along next to Stolas. “Better?”

Stolas studied him with large pupiled eyes, and Blitzo shied from the scrutiny. As strange as it sounded, he preferred Stolas's four scarlet eyes. They were warm like the pools of lava in Wrath. Sometimes when their sex simmered to something tender, two white dots would appear and focus on Blitzo. Two tiny white stars just for him.

Blitzo knew those eyes so well.

Millie tore him from his thoughts as she pointed up at the floats making their way down the cleared road.

“The parade’s startin!”

They stopped on the sidewalk to watch, and Blitzo decided to focus his attention on the parade. There would be plenty of time to question Stolas later.

There were floats dedicated to every ring followed by some for local organizations like the Impcity fire department and marching band. Stolas clapped when the largest float came down.

It was the Wrath float decorated with a giant paper mache volcano. Since imps were originally from Wrath it received a cheer from the crowd. The imps on it were throwing candy, and children flooded the street to gather it. Caught up in the excitement, Stolas ran out with them.

Stolas's head was bent to the ground as he crouched to pick up the candy, so he didn't see the hellhorses coming up next. The children scattered back to their parents leaving Stolas alone in front of the animals. He glanced up to see the firey beasts almost upon him when a hand suddenly grabbed him.

“Careful,” Blitzo warned as he dragged him back onto the sidewalk. The majestic horses clomped by with their riders, and Blitzo took a moment to appreciate their beauty before checking on Stolas.

“You aren't a goetia right now. They won't stop for you,” Blitzo reminded him.

“Sorry,” Stolas said. He realized Blitzo's hand was still on him, and he pulled away. Stolas held out a piece of candy. “For you.”

“You almost got trampled to get me lollipops?” Blitzo said, bemused. He unwrapped the candy and popped it in his mouth.

“I got everyone some,” Stolas said, giving Millie and Moxxie their portion before eating some himself. “I've never tried parade candy before.”

“You know they sell this stuff at the grocery store. If you wanted some, I could buy you a whole bag,” Blitzo said.

“You don't have to buy me anything,” Stolas said.

Blitzo frowned at that. Was it because Stolas saw him as some poor peasant? “Why not?”

“Because I'm happy with this,” Stolas said and ate the last piece of chocolate. It had melted some and bits stuck to his fingers. Blitzo watched Stolas’s little pink tongue dart out to stroke each digit clean.

With the parade over, the crowd started to disperse. The four wandered down the streets into the vendors selling food. There were all sorts of delicious things from both hell and the human world.

Stolas paused in front of a stand selling hotdogs. They looked absolutely ridiculous with two little meatballs nestled on one end. He spun around and noticed most of the food was suggestive or lewd.

“Why is everything sexual?” Stolas asked as Blitzo got in line at a stand.

“Well Fertilia is the beginning of the imp mating season,” Moxxie said with a shrug.

“I thought modern imps didn't do mating season anymore,” Stolas said.

“Most don't, but erotic food is traditional, and it's fun,” Millie explained. She bought some hot cross buns shaped like breasts with little frosting hearts for the nipples.

“We're going to go grab a table,” Moxxie said to Stolas. “Come find us in a bit.”

Stolas perused until he came upon someone selling crudely shaped corn dogs. He bought one and bit into it, enjoying the hot meat inside. The flavor was divine and he let out a groan as he took another bite.

“Can't stop making noises even when it's not a real dick, huh?” Blitzo said, coming over with his fish taco.

“I apologize, but I've never had a hotdog before,” Stolas explained as he finished his food greedily.

“You're kidding,” Blitzo said in astonishment.

“The palace chef would never serve something so uncouth,” Stolas explained as he curiously looked for something else to try. He spotted a stand selling cheesy fried pickles, and went over to buy some. Before long he had a haul of funnel cake, loaded fries, nachos, and hand pies. Blitzo bought two beers and helped him carry the feast to the picnic tables.

“Do you see them?” Stolas asked as they looked around for Moxxie and Millie. They wandered in search of the imps but the two had vanished into the sea of festival attendees.

They stopped at a free table and put the food down. Stolas pulled out his phone and his joy faltered when he saw a text message from Moxxie.

Moxxie: going shopping. Meet up later.

Stolas looked at Blitzo as the imp checked his phone to find a similar message from Millie.

“They ditched us,” Blitzo said and sat down across from Stolas.

Stolas realized he would have to spend the foreseeable future alone with Blitzo. Normally he would be thrilled by the prospect, but their current relationship was so uncertain.

“We can split up if you have stuff you want to go do,” Stolas said, and picked at his food. His stomach knotted, decreasing his appetite.

“Did you decide carnival food isn't that great after all?” Blitzo asked, noticing Stolas was barely eating. He took a large bite of funnel cake. Blitzo had grown up on the stuff, and it had lost its appeal a long time ago.

“Everything is delicious,” Stolas said. He felt close to tears. It was ridiculous, but the thought of navigating the crowd alone while remaining a small imp made him anxious. Blitzo had been hospitable, but it was easy to see he was irritated. Stolas didn't want to force Blitzo to accompany him.

“I think I'll go home,” Stolas said. He sniffled, feeling pathetic for letting himself get emotional. Normally such a small inconvenience wouldn't bother him, but Stolas had been on edge for weeks. The possibility of returning to his cold, empty palace had him spiraling into misery.

“I'll stay if it makes you feel better,” Blitzo said sternly.

“You don’t have to,” Stolas said.

“Well I want to, so just fucking eat,” Blitzo said and knocked back his beer with practiced ease. He felt like he could use about five more.

“I was just looking forward to today. Home has been rather lonely,” Stolas admitted. His loathsome self-hatred pressed into his chest, and he wiped his face with a napkin in frustration. “You’re under no obligation to stay. I know you don't care for my company.”

“What are you talking about?” Blitzo said, genuinely confused.

“I don't want you to feel like you have to attend to my perverted bird needs,” Stolas bit out as he sunk further into himself. It wasn't exactly a secret Blitzo was bothered by Stolas. The imp was rather vocal about it, and all the pictures on Stolas’s phone where Blitzo was scowling were proof enough.

Blitzo rolled his eyes, reached over, and grabbed Stolas’s beer. He drank half of it as they sat in silence, and Stolas kept his focus on his food.

***

“How's it going?” Moxxie asked from the booth they were hiding in. Millie had out a pair of binoculars focused on Blitzo and Stolas.

“They look like they're fightin,” Millie said and passed the binoculars to Moxxie.

He looked through them and grimaced. “What is wrong with them?” he said. “I thought for sure they would be all over each other when we left them alone.”

Millie pulled out her phone and started texting. “I'm calling in the reinforcements.”

Chapter Text

After they finished eating, Blitzo and Stolas started walking down to where the activities and rides were. Blitzo's fingers were itching for something to take out his pent up feelings.

What the hell was Stolas playing at with this hot and cold bullshit? One minute the prince was acting flirty in the changing tent, then crying for him to stay, and the next he was pissed about something Blitzo said over a year ago at Loo Loo Land.

He glanced over to see Stolas had his arms crossed, his imp features pinched in haughty indifference. Blitzo would tell him to piss off if not for the fact Stolas’s tail was drooping behind him. It indicated just how depressed Stolas was, and it worried Blitzo.

“So what did you want to do?” Blitzo said, part of him just needing to get the day over with.

Stolas shrugged. “I'm not sure what there is to…” He paused and his features grew alarmed when he spotted someone at a game booth. “Octavia?!”

The princess had a BB-gun and was shooting little balloons. Loona stood next to her, showing how to properly hold the gun and aim. Loona spotted them and waved, acting like she was genuinely happy to see them.

“Was looking for you two,” Loona said as they came over.

“Wow,” Octavia said, turning to check out Stolas’s imp disguise. “You need to teach me how to do that.”

“What are you doing here?” Blitzo asked.

“It's a holiday festival and I happen to live in Impcity,” Loona said like it was obvious.

“And why are you here?” Stolas said to his daughter. “Aren't you supposed to be with your tutors today?”

“Professor Dipwit let me come so I could do research on hell culture and traditions,” Octavia explained with a shameless smile. Stolas made a mental note to talk to Octavia's tutor about letting her go on unsupervised field trips without his knowledge.

“And where is your chaperone?” Stolas asked, uncomfortable with his underage daughter walking around a festival dedicated to sex.

“That's me,” Loona said smartly.

“Bullshit,” Blitzo said knowing full well the palace guards wouldn't let their princess go with a hellhound they didn't know. “You snuck out.”

Octavia's guilty blush was all the confirmation they needed, but Loona didn't look the least bit sorry. “Lighten up,” she said. “It's a festival. Have some fun.”

“Yeah Dad,” Octavia said, Loona's boldness giving her confidence. “Don't you always say we should treat other demons with respect regardless of where they come from. Well I'm taking time to respect imp traditions.”

Stolas faltered in his scolding. “I do say that,” he acknowledged.

Blitzo was impressed that Stolas was teaching his daughter something like that. The nobility of hell tended to look down on others, but Stolas had always been an outlier. For a demon, he had a lot of compassion and kindness towards others.

“Alright,” Stolas relented. “You can stay and have fun if you stay with us.”

Octavia smiled and gave her dad a hug. It was a little awkward with Stolas currently being an imp, but her joy was infectious. It banished his lingering anxiety and gave Stolas hope he could salvage the day.

“Great. Let’s go check out the rides,” Octavia said and the four of them headed over to the carnival rides that were set up nearby. They bought a handful of tickets for an outrageous amount of money, and then Blitzo stepped up to speak to everyone.

“So two rules when dealing with carnies. One: don't listen to them. They’ll make up any cock and bull story to get your cash. Second: no getting on any ride that if it breaks down will result in you getting maimed. Half this shit is held together with duct tape and gum,” he said

“And how do you know that?” Octavia asked.

“Cause my old man was a carnie,” Blitzo said. As if on cue, the teacups ride collapsed behind him. They watched as employees helped battered imps climb out of the rubble before slapping it back together with glue.

They followed Blitzo through the rides, the imp obviously looking for something in particular. He finally stopped in front of a giant slide that people were riding down in pairs. Unlike a typical slide, this one had several twists and turns and went up around two stories. “This should be safe,” he said to the girls.

Octavia raced forward eagerly, dragging Loona who looked at the slide with a resigned sigh. Obviously the hellhound was looking for something with more thrill, but Blitzo had a point about the rides being unsafe. Stolas heard a crash and turned around to see the tilt-a-whirl throw several of its occupants. While boring, a slide was probably the safest option.

“You guys are coming too!” Loona said leaving no room for argument.

“Come on Dad,” Octavia encouraged.

Stolas and Blitzo glanced at each other before shrugging and following their daughters up the stairs to the top. The carnie swiped their tickets for burlap sacks. “You gotta go down in twos,” he explained.

“Well then we can go in father and daughter pairs,” Stolas said, glancing at Blitzo that this was acceptable. However the girls quickly sat down at the top of the slide with Octavia in front and Loona holding her shoulders.

“See you at the bottom,” Loona said and pushed them off before Stolas or Blitzo could protest. Stolas heard Octavia give a delighted shriek as they raced away.

Stolas paused as he realized he would now have to go down with Blitzo. He gazed at the imp apologetically, and asked the carnie. “We can just get our tickets back.”

“No refunds and hurry up. You’re starting a line,” the carnie said and shoved Stolas towards the slide.

“Watch it asshole,” Blitzo said, getting into the carnie’s face before setting the sack at the top of the slide.

Feeling self-conscious, Stolas sat down on it. He nearly yelped when Blitzo sat behind him. Blitzo wrapped his arms around his middle, hugging Stolas close. The contact felt so natural. They pushed off and slid down. The arms tightened and Stolas felt himself flush. Blitzo’s breath was on the back of his neck and caused Stolas’s tail to unconsciously wrap around them. How long had it been since Blitzo held him like this?

They reached the bottom too soon, and Stolas held in a whine as the arms let go. He glanced back to see Blitzo’s blush trailing from his checks down into his nude chest. The imp’s face was almost in pain and his eyes fell to stare at Stolas’s lips.

“Have fun?” Loona said and they both jumped as if caught doing something intimate.

Stolas got up quickly, only to stop when his tail stayed wound around Blitzo. He gave an apologetic smile as be untangled them. “Yes. What would you like to do next?”

“Let’s do that one,” Octavia said, pointing to another ride.

It went like that for a while. Loona or Octavia directing them to rides that forced Blitzo and Stolas to do them together. It was driving Blitzo crazy, having Stolas pressed so close while squeezed into ferris wheels and coaster cars. Stolas’s scent was bringing up old memories and more than once he had to readjust his loincloth and calm his dick.

The prince looked embarrassed and kept apologizing every time they were in compromising positions. Stolas's blush and tail kept giving away just how much it was affecting him as well.

“How about the haunted house!” Octavia said finally and pointed to the large scary looking building dripping in (hopefully) fake blood. Blitzo paled. It was a little known fact that spooky shit freaked him out. He had experienced enough real horror in his own life without also engaging in fake horror.

“Oh uh…I might skip that one,” Blitzo said, but Loona was already dragging him along with the group. She hustled him in, and handed off his last ticket as he protested. Blitzo didn’t know what his daughter’s deal was, but he was getting tired of it.

Stolas looked around in interest at the dark and gloomy atmosphere. Something bumped his arm and he glanced over to find Blitzo hanging close to him. They started down the decrepit passageway slowly. An actor suddenly jumped out in a monster costume, and caused them all to jump. The girls gave a shout and laughed good-naturedly, but Blitzo let out a high-pitched shriek and clung to Stolas’s arm.

Stolas raised his eye-brow at the deadly assassin cowering against him. “Do you need to leave?” he asked.

“No,” Blitzo said unconvincingly as they continued through the haunted house.

More ghouls jumped out and eerie music played. Their daughters were enjoying themselves, pulling out their phones to get a few selfies with the actors. Blitzo ended up climbing into Stolas’s arms at one point, swearing and cursing under his breath that this was all stupid.

Stolas spotted an exit halfway in and silently redirected Blitzo towards it. The imp blinked when they exited the dark haunted house back into daylight. They walked around to the exit where the girls would eventually emerge to wait. Blitzo climbed out of Stolas’s arms, ashamed at his behavior.

“You know it's okay to opt out of things that make you uncomfortable,” Stolas said to him kindly.

Perhaps it was frazzled nerves that caused Blitzo to say honestly, “Is that why you broke off our deal? You were uncomfortable?”

Stolas was startled by the sudden question. “As I explained when I gave you the crystal, I felt the deal was no longer benefiting us mutually. I’ve taken enough, and it wasn't fair to you. It wasn’t right for me to use the grimoire as a means to see you.”

Blitzo stood a little straighter. “You could have still seen me,” he argued.

“I did say to call me whenever you wanted,” Stolas reminded him.

“Yeah but…wait, you meant that literally?” Blitzo said with a dawning realization.

“Why else would I have said it?”

“I thought…”

Blitzo was cut off when the girls suddenly burst from the exit. Loona’s hair was on end and Octavia was giggling at her. Her laughter was so hysterical, she grabbed her stomach and wheezed.

“You missed it,” Octavia said to them. “They got her good at the end. She almost bit the poor actor in half.”

“Oh shut up,” Loona said with no real venom and smoothed out her fur. She gave Blitzo a smug grin. “At least I made it to the end.”

“Well I’ve had enough rides for today,” Stolas said, his mind still on their interrupted conversation.

It was starting to get dark and the families with children were thinning as they headed home. Soon it would be all adults for the evening festivities.

“Are you leaving?” Blitzo asked Stolas, sounding distressed. He had been so close to getting some answers.

“I really should get Via home, and I don’t want her to be alone,” Stolas said, also wishing he could stay.

“I’ll take Octavia home, and hang with her,” Loona said.

“We can have a sleepover,” Octavia added. “Plus with the guards and servants, it's not like I’m ever really alone in the palace.”

“Well…” Stolas said uncertainly.

“Please Dad,” Octavia said, giving him puppy dog eyes. Stolas could never say no to that face.

“Alright, Starfire,” he relented. Wanting everyone to get home safely, he opened a portal for the girls to climb through.

“Text me if you need an overnight bag Sweetie,” Blitzo called after Loona.

“Okay. Make sure you guys check out the bonfires,” Loona said, and the portal closed.

The moment Blitzo and Stolas were out of sight, Loona pulled out her phone and started typing.

Millie: How’s it going?
Loona: I think a little better, but they’re both still up their own asses.
Millie: Did you send them towards the bonfires?
Loona: Yeah.
Millie: I’ll let the others know to look for them
Loona: good luck

Chapter Text

Blitzo and Stolas followed the crowd to the bonfires down at the park. Stolas was lost in thought and Blitzo considered what to say. He wasn't great with talking about his feelings. Blitzo had experienced too many times when he opened his heart only to have it stabbed.

Finally he said, “Why did you want me to call? I thought you were done with me.”

Stolas jerked his head to look at Blitzo in shock. “I could never be done with you.”

“Okay,” Blitzo said, feeling marginally better. “Then was it the fucking? Was it not good anymore? You could have told me if…”

Stolas gave a weak smile. “Your performance in bed has always been exemplary. It was more that you didn't seem to enjoy being around me unless we were having sex.”

Blitzo frowned. “You were the one who made everything about sex,” he accused. “You only wanted me there on the full moon so you could play pretend. Excuse me for not enjoying being your personal whore.”

Stolas recoiled from the onslaught. He had never ever thought of Blitzo like that. He thought they were having fun together, but once again he realized how wrong he was.

“I was never pretending. What we did meant everything to me,” Stolas said.

“If it meant everything then why stop?!” Blitzo yelled.

“Because you obviously weren't happy!” Stolas snapped, losing composure. “I know I was your meal ticket. I gave you the bloody crystal and hoped you would call because you wanted to, not because I was making you. But it's so obvious now that you don’t give a shit about me, so why should I?”

He sped up, leaving Blitzo behind him. Stolas hurried through the crowd to the park, shoulders slumped and hugging himself. After a moment, Blitzo jogged to catch up.

“Who said I wasn’t happy?” Blitzo demanded Stolas's retreating form.

“You did. Many times I might add,” Stolas said, not bothering to look back. Getting annoyed that Stolas wouldn't face him, Blitzo grabbed his shoulder and spun him around.

“Don’t touch me,” Stolas said angrily and jerked away. A few onlookers were giving them side-eyes, and Blitzo held up his hands.

“Sorry… just don't run off,” Blitzo said, feeling like maybe he had been a little harsh. “I won't touch you, but can't we talk? I do give a shit about you.”

“Oh now you want to talk. How many times did I ask if we could talk? How many texts have been sent just to get barely a one word answer?” Stolas said smugly. “You want to talk? Too bad. I’m not in the mood.”

Stolas turned on his heel and stomped off, not bothering to check if Blitzo was following him.

The bonfires were already burning brightly, and the park trees had been decorated with lights. A stage was set up with a band, and an area had been cleared for dancing. Now that the children were gone, the adults were starting to get wild.

Demons were excitedly swarming around the tables selling drinks. Stolas went over and bought an almost comically large glass of beezeljuice. He stood there in front of a stunned Blitzo and chugged the whole thing, allowing rivulets to escape his mouth and wet his chin. When he was done, Stolas slammed down the glass and wiped his mouth with the back of his arm.

“Uh… wow,” Blitzo said. He'd never seen the prince let loose like this. It was sort of eye opening to watch Stolas drink several more glasses with practiced ease.

Stolas allowed the alcohol to numb the burn of anger and betrayal. He was usually more embarrassed about his consumption, but being in disguise pulled down some of his barriers. Let Blitzo see the ugly truth of who Stolas was when no one was watching.

When Stolas grabbed his fourth glass, Blitzo finally intervened.

“That's enough,” he said, worried Stolas was trying to drink himself into a stupor. He tried to grab the glass and Stolas moved out of arm reach.

“Don’t act like you care,” Stolas said, drinking as fast as he could before Blitzo could take it from him.

“I do care,” Blitzo said impulsively. The admission made Stolas stop, and Blitzo finally got the drink away from him. The imp was blushing and glared at Stolas as though challenging him.

“You do?” Stolas said, sounding very small as his broken heart thudded back to life.

Blitzo drank what was left of the glass, needing the liquid courage for what he was going to admit. He set it down and looked Stolas in the eyes.

“I fuck who I want, when I want. If I really didn't care about you, I would have told you to piss off a long time ago,” Blitzo explained. “And most of the time I liked coming over. I even looked forward to it. I just thought you only saw me as something to play with. You're a prince, Stolas, and I'm just…me. No one wants me.”

“I want you,” Stolas said.

“Why?” Blitzo asked, dumbfounded. He didn't understand how someone as beautiful and smart as Stolas would want an asshole like himself.

“You're my best friend,” Stolas said like it was obvious.

Blitzo let out a long tired sigh. “That's just because you don't have many friends, Stolas,” he argued weakly.

“So what,” Stolas said. “How many friends I have doesn't change the fact that I like you the most.”

Their argument was interrupted as the music suddenly crescendoed and stopped. They both looked over at the stage when a large burst of confetti exploded from it. The crowd clapped as Fizzarolli stepped out. He was wearing the typical toga, but Blitzo noticed it decorated in pride flag colors.

“Who's ready to party!?” the clown asked and the crowd cheered. “First we’re going to set up for the anticipated Fire Dance, then it's drinking games, the kissing competition, and don’t forget to stick around for the evening orgy.” He riled the crowd up with a few well timed backflips.

Festival organizers were handing out free glow stick necklaces while several others began raking red hot coals out into a long line about four feet wide on the ground. Stolas noted the bonfires and the coals weren’t hellfire, but a safer orange fire that most demons were immune to. Blitzo and Stolas were handed necklaces.

“Dance with me,” Stolas challenged, lighting his necklace and putting it on.

Blitzo wrung his hands uncomfortably as he looked around at the other festival goers pairing up. “The Fire Dance is a couples dance,” he said.

“You said you care about me. Prove it. Dance with me,” Stolas held out his hand for Blitzo to take.

“You wouldn’t be saying this if you were yourself,” Blitzo tried to dismiss as his heartbeat quickened.

“I am myself,” Stolas argued.

“You're drunk and in disguise,” Blitzo reminded him. He looked over to where Asmodeous was helping Fizzarolli off the stage. The two were canoodling and giggling. He pointed them out. “You couldn’t be like that with me.”

Stolas glanced at the other couple. A look of determination showed on his face and Blitzo felt the familiar feeling of Stolas’s magic prick the air.

“Wait…” he said but it was too late. The tiny imp he had escorted all day was suddenly a lanky bird. Some of the imps around them jumped in surprise as an Ars Goetia appeared in their midst. Stolas looked a little silly in his toga. It barely covered his rear end and a quick glance up revealed he was only wearing a thong underneath.

“I’m not ashamed to be seen with you, if that’s what you’re worried about,” Stolas said.

“You shouldn’t have done that. Do you know how many of these imps work for tabloids?” Blitzo said worriedly. He spotted a few onlookers pulling out their phones to click pictures, and growled at them to beat it.

“Stolas! Blitzo!” Asmodeus called, spotting them now that Stolas was the second tallest demon in the crowd. (The first was Asmodeus himself).

“Oh christ on a stick,” Blitzo cursed as Asmodeous came over to them, Fizzaroli hanging on his shoulders. Blitzo did not need an audience for their fighting.

“It’s good to see you two made it. Ready for the dance. Me and Ozzie are going to do it this year too," Fizz said. The little imp looked excited to finally be able to share something romantic in public with his boyfriend.

He climbed off Ozzie’s shoulders and came over and grabbed Blitzo’s hand. Before he could protest, Blitzo was being dragged towards the dancers. “Let’s go find our place in line. See you on the other side babe!”

Ozzie waved him off and then steered Stolas in the direction of the other line. “Let’s go.”

The Fire Dance was a line dance. Dancers got into two lines, one on either side of the trail of coals. The band started playing again but the music wasn’t anything modern. It was old and primal, the drum beats producing a thumping rhythm like a heartbeat. The demons began stomping their feet as the two lines worked to meet at the top. In pairs they danced down the coals to the bottom while those not participating hollered their approval.

Asmodeus and Fizzarolli met at the top, and smiled at each other. Fizz used his extendable legs to make himself tall enough to grind suggestively on the King of Lust. The two worked their way down the coals as they continued dancing to the end.

Then it was Stolas’s and Blitzo’s turn. Stolas held out his arms hopefully and Blitzo looked away.

“Blitzo…” He looked up to meet Stolas’s gaze. “Please dance with me.”

Blitzo went to turn away but stopped when Stolas’s face fell. The goetia looked absolutely crushed at the prospect that Blitzo would refuse. He knew Stolas wouldn’t make him do the dance, but is that really what he wanted? To hurt Stolas over and over again when they both claimed to care about each other.

Stolas’s earlier words echoed in his mind.

“You’re under no obligation to stay. I know you don't care for my company.”
“I’ve taken enough, and it wasn't fair to you.”
“It's so obvious now that you don’t give a shit about me.”
“I want you.”
“You're my best friend.”

Stolas’s arms started to drop when suddenly Blitzo grabbed them.

“Let’s show these assholes how it's done,” he said. Stolas’s face broke into overwhelming joy as Blitzo led him down the coals. Their dance wasn’t as sexual as the other’s but it was passionate. Blitzo dragged Stolas down, accommodating their height difference by leading the owl in a waltz. Stolas was laughing when Blitzo finally dipped the owl at the end.

The crowd was cheering for them, but Blitzo only had eyes for Stolas. Fizz and Ozzie started a chant that quickly spread to the surrounding crowd.

"Kiss! Kiss! Kiss! Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!"

Blitzo gave a cocky grin and raised an eyebrow at Stolas as if to say should we?

Stolas wrapped his arms around Blitzo’s shoulders in response and pulled him down for a kiss. It was chaste and the imp was blushing when they separated. He put Stolas back on his feet and they moved to make room for the next dancers.

Fizz watched as Blitzo dragged Stolas away into the trees nearby. “You think it worked?” he asked his boyfriend.

“I think so,” Asmodeus said. “But let's give them a minute.”

Finding a secluded spot, Blitzo shoved Stolas against a tree and dragged the goetia down to sit so he could easily pull him into another kiss. Stolas let out a whine of want when Blitzo tugged on his head feathers and invaded his space. Their tongues twisted together, Stolas succumbing instantly, and he opened his legs to pull the imp closer.

When Stolas had given Blitzo the crystal, they hadn't had a parting fuck or kiss or anything. Blitzo had trouble admitting how much that had hurt. The idea of never being intimate with Stolas again had made him completely shut down.

It hadn't been like that with other exes. Blitzo usually had a rebound fuck within a few days of a break-up, but Stolas was different.

Stolas had always been different.

The kiss lost heat and became more tender. Blitzo took his time as they explored each other, neither in a hurry to end. ‘I missed you’ the kiss said in a way words couldn't.

Blitzo suddenly tasted salt and pulled back to find Stolas had tears pooling in all four eyes. He reached up and gently wiped them away.

“What's wrong?” Blitzo asked.

“Is this only for today?” Stolas asked despondently.

“Course not,” Blitzo said and nuzzled into Stolas's chest feathers. They were always soft and plush.

At first Stolas thought nothing of it until Blitzo rubbed his palms into them like a cat kneading a blanket. A light musky smell filled the air and Blitzo lay his head in the feathers, content

“What are you doing?” Stolas asked.

“I missed my pillow,” Blitzo said, causing Stolas to laugh weakly through his tears. Blitzo smiled back, but it faded quickly as his brows knitted in thought.

“I still want us to see each other,” Blitzo explained. “But what are we? A situation-ship? Am I your friend? Or mistress? Or… boyfriend? I don't know how I'm supposed to act around you. What do you want?"

Stolas cupped his cheek, bringing him in for another kiss. “I just want to be in your life. I'll let you dictate how much or how little.” he said.

"But why leave everything up to me?" Blitzo said. "What about you?"

Stolas looked away nervously, not sure if he was ready to tell Blitzo the full extent of his feelings. He worried he would scare the imp off, and they had just begun mending the rift between them. But if there was ever a time to be honest, now was it.

“I want…” Stolas began, hands shaking. Blitzo reached out to hold them, stilling the movement reassuringly. Stolas took a deep breath and focused on their hands. They were easier to look at then Blitzo's face.

“I want to text you stupid things I find on the internet during the day that make me laugh because I hope they'll make you laugh too. I want to go horseback riding with you, and take you to see the cosmos. I want to take our daughters on vacation. Seeing them today made me realize they could be good friends,” Stolas stated to say.

Blitzo was listening intently, and Stolas traced his ring finger.

“I want to come home after working all day and have you waiting for me so we can have dinner together. I want to fall asleep next to you and wake-up next to you. I want us to feel comfortable sharing everything. Even the bad things we don't tell anyone else about,” Stolas continued, a hitch in his voice. It all sounded like an impossible dream, and Stolas pulled his hands away gently.

“As I said before, I want you, but I know that's a lot to ask for,” Stolas finished. “So I'll take whatever you give me.” He finally looked up to find Blitzo watching him wide eyed with his mouth hanging open. It would have looked comical if not for the seriousness of the situation.

Finally Blitzo seemed to snap out of it, and said, “Fuck Stolas. Why didn't you tell me?”

“Tell you what?” Stolas asked.

“That you're in love with me,” Blitzo said, still looking like his entire world was just uprooted and shaken.

Stolas thought about it, and realized Blitzo was right. These feelings were love. He hadn't meant to confess something so important, but it felt good to finally have Blitzo know.

“I'm sorry,” Stolas said, feeling conflicted for putting Blitzo in this position. He knew now that the ball was in Blitzo's court. Whatever happened would be up to him.

“Why are you sorry?” Blitzo asked, even more confused.

“Because I know you don't love me back,” Stolas said, sadly.

Blitzo didn't deny it, but he also felt conflicted. He didn't know if he even could love anymore, but that didn't mean he felt nothing for Stolas. It was just complicated.

“But if you love me then why give me the crystal? With the deal you could have me as much as you wanted,” Blitzo said like it was obvious.

Stolas let his love bleed into his voice. “There is a saying. If you love something, set it free. If it comes back, it's yours. If not, it was never meant to be.”

He stood up slowly, feeling emotionally exhausted. Blitzo's feet were rooted to the spot as Stolas adjusted his toga tiredly.

“I think I need a moment alone,” Stolas said, and Blitzo nodded.

“Yeah,” Blitzo agreed. Stolas went to walk away and Blitzo grabbed his hand. “Don't leave the festival without letting me know. Okay?” A part of him was frightened of Stolas disappearing again, this time for good.

“Of course, Blitzo,” Stolas said with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. He gave Blitzo a solemn parting kiss on the forehead before leaving their secluded corner of the park to return to the bonfires.

Chapter Text

“I just don't get it,” Millie said. “I knew theys was bad at talkin’ but this is ridiculous.”

Millie, Moxxie, Fizz, and Asmodeus were sitting on the now empty stage watching Stolas and Blitzo from afar. The prince had found a bonfire to sit in front of, and Blitzo had parked himself at the other side of the crowd drinking at a makeshift bar.

“We’ve tried everything,” Moxxie said, throwing up his hands in defeat. “We left them alone so they could have lunch together. They went on rides all afternoon…”

“...and they did the Fire Dance and kissed. I thought for sure that would do it,” Fizzarolli added. He glanced up at his boyfriend who was contemplating the two demons they were currently playing matchmaker with.

“What do you think, Oz?” Fizz asked.

“I think they need a little bit of lust,” Ozzie said with a leering grin.

“Huh?” Moxxie said.

“We need to get them to the orgy,” Fizzarolli explained.

“Will that be enough?” Moxxie said skeptically.

Millie suddenly jumped off the stage and landed on her feet. “We need ta talk to them first and figure out what's goin’ on in their heads. Fizz and I got Blitzo. Moxxie and Asmodeus, you go talk to Stolas.”

“What if we can't convince them to go to the orgy? What if we did all this for nothing?” Fizzarolli asked.

“Then we jus’ support our friends,” Millie said with a sad shrug. “In the end, they gotta figure this out on their own.”

***

Stolas sat on the ground hugging his knees while he watched the fire flicker. It was soothing after all the drama of the day and reminded him of the many times he traversed the surface of the sun. Things were simpler there. Hydrogen became helium and gave life-giving heat and light to Earth. The chemistry of the universe followed rules that made it much more predictable than relationships.

He looked up when someone placed a paper and pen in his lap. Moxxie and Asmodeus settled down on either side of him to write on their own.

“What's this for?” Stolas asked.

“You write a wish and burn it,” Asmodeus explained. He neatly folded his paper and threw it into the fire to be consumed. “So what's eaten you Stolas?”

“Many things,” he answered, fingering the paper before turning to Moxxie. The imp had a strange expression on his face as he sniffed the air.

“Why did you leave earlier without telling me? I was quite put out,” Stolas said to him.

“Sorry,” Moxxie said, and rubbed his nose. He threw his own paper in the fire. “Millie wanted to do some things just the two of us. Fertilia is a couples holiday after all.”

“I understand. You're lucky to have her,” Stolas said despondently. “I wish I had someone like that.”

“What about that imp of yours?” Asmodeus asked.

“You’ll have to ask him,” Stolas said. He felt he had done all he could when it came to Blitzo. He had apologized, released him from the deal, and admitted his feelings. What else was there?

“I think he likes you,” Moxxie said confidently.

“How are you so sure,” Stolas said, too drained to hold onto hope.

“I’m certain,” Moxxie said knowingly. He stood up, brushed off his toga. Asmodeus stood too, and held out his hand to Stolas.

“Why don't you come with us and we can show you," he said.

Stolas thought about it before picking up his pen. He wrote down I wish for Blitzo to find happiness. He read it several times before throwing it into the fire. Stolas watched the wish catch and turn to cinders. No matter what Blitzo chose, Stolas would bear him no ill will. He loved him too much to do that.

Stolas took Asmodeus’s hand and let himself be led away.

***

Blitzo was hanging onto the bar with herculean strength while Millie and Fizzarolli tugged on his legs.

“Fuck off,” Blitzo said, obviously having an existential crisis and not in the mood to go to an orgy.

“I freaked out too when Oz told me he loved me, but you need talk it out,” Fizzarolli said and used his extendable arms to wrap around Blitzo’s waist. With an almighty pull, Blitzo finally let go and the three ended up in a heap on the ground.

“It's not your job to butt into my life!” Blitzo said trying to escape. They grabbed him before he could make a run for it, and Millie threw him effortlessly over her shoulder. She carried him through the park with Fizzarolli following.

“It is when you're makin’ yourself miserable,” Millie said. “I'm tired of watching you drink yourself into an early grave. And Moxxie and the princess said all Stolas does is cry. We love you both too much to watch you suffer anymore.”

“He cries?” Blitzo said, the knowledge making him even more miserable.

“Blitzo why are you fighting this?” Fizzarolli said. “You obviously love him back.”

“No I don't!” Blitzo said defiantly.

“Yes you do,” Millie and Fizz said in unison.

“I can't,” Blitzo said, trying and failing to wiggle out of Millie’s iron grip.

“Why not?” Millie said.

“Cause he's a prince.”

“I'm dating a King,” Fizz reminded him.

“His family hates me. They already sent an assassin once.”

“Moxxie's dad tried to annul my marriage,” Millie added.

She dumped him unceremoniously in front of the building they had reached. It was a community center used for various events, and demons were flooding into it. Blitzo brushed himself off, and sat on the steps to glare at them.

“We get it,” Millie said. “It's scary. What if doesn't work out? What if they die? But you can't live your life in what ifs."

“That's not the problem,” Blitzo grumbled.

“Then what is,” Millie asked at her wits end.

“I’m not allowed,” Blitzo said.

“What?” Fizzarolli shook his head at a lost.

“I’m not allowed to be happy,” Blitzo said quietly as he wrapped his tail around himself. His friends stood there in stunned silence for a moment.

“Said who? What are you talking about?” Fizz asked as he sat down next to Blitzo. Millie sat down on the other side of him.

Blitzo shook his head and bit his bottom lip before explaining. His voice was so low it was almost a whisper, and he sniffled. “Every time I've tried to be happy it blew up in my face, sometimes literally. So I figured that was just the universes way of telling me I'm not allowed. Anyone I try and be happy with gets hurt or hates me. I can't do that to Stolas.”

Blitzo blinked as Millie hugged him, and after a moment Fizz wrapped an extendable arm around his shoulders.

“Blitzo,” Millie said her voice sweet and full of kindness. “You're an idiot.”

“Thanks,” Blitzo said sarcastically. “That makes me feel so much better.”

“Of course you're allowed to be happy,” she said.

“But…” he tried to protest, but Fizz cut him off.

“Look at me. I’m a fucking torso with hearing aids, a crap voice, and a shit ton if mental health issues. If I can be happy, you can,” Fizzarolli said.

“I'm sorry,” Blitzo said, still feeling horribly responsible for Fizzarolli’s physical state.

“I know you are. I'm already starting to forgive you, and we can work on that later,” Fizz said. “Right now you need to go find your man.”

Blitzo nodded and they let go when he stood up. He took a long deep breath and steeled himself. This was a conversation that was long overdue.

He left Millie and Fizzarolli outside and stepped into the community center. The festival organizers had set up a table just inside. He handed in his ticket, was checked to make sure he wasn't carrying weapons or recording equipment, and they handed him a free condom.

“Have fun,” the imp who checked him in said with a little wave.

Blitzo hadn't been to one of these in a long time. The community center had a large main room and a hallway filled with smaller rooms. Everything had been decked out with pillows, mattresses, and was filled with demons in varying states of undress. Most were already in the process of fucking and paid him little mind. A few reached out their hands to entice him into a tangled pile, but Blitzo was on a mission. Find Stolas.

He found him sitting in one of the smaller rooms. The owl was curled up on his side in a pile of pillows with his back facing the room. Blitzo came over and Stolas heard his approach. He looked over his shoulder and spotted Blitzo standing before him.

“I'm surprised you're alone,” Blitzo said, figuring a tall, powerful demon like Stolas would get mobbed going to an orgy.

“I'm told I smell weird,” Stolas said, downcast. “Stella always said I was undesirable and I guess she was right. Not that I want to have sex with a random stranger, but still.”

“Smell weird?” Blitzo said and invaded Stolas’s space to sniff. The prince sat up and blushed when Blitzo brought his face close to his chest. He caught a familiar odor and suddenly Blitzo was the one blushing.

“Fuck,” Blitzo cursed. “I'm sorry. That's my fault.”

“Your fault?”

“Earlier I must have marked you,” Blitzo explained. Stolas tilted his head in question, so he continued. “During mating seasons imps can mark with musk pores on our wrists and neck. Sorry about that, it's not something I can help doing.”

“Why would you mark me instinctively?” Stolas asked.

“It's a way for an imp to claim a mate,” Blitzo said, feeling his body heat. He sat down in front of Stolas. “Sort of a back-off-they're-mine to any other imps.”

“Am I yours?” Stolas asked hopefully.

Blitzo pushed Stolas back into the pillows. He climbed on top so he was straddling the owl's waist. It was a position they often took when conversing and cuddling in bed.

“You told me what you want…so now it's my turn,” Blitzo said seriously. “I want to still come by your place, but I don't want to crawl up to the balcony like a secret you need to hide. I want to walk in the front door. In fact, I want a key.”

Stolas nodded in understanding. “Of course.”

“And I want you to respect my personal space. No more calling while I'm at work to tell me kinky sex stuff. And we need to have a talk about how you treat imps in general. You gotta be respectful.”

Blitzo nuzzled into Stolas's chest, and their tails knotted together.

“And I want most of the sappy romance-stuff you said, but…I can't do it all right away. So I want to know if you'll be okay waiting for me?” Blitzo finished.

“I'll wait eons, Darling,” Stolas said, tears of happiness in his eyes.

"Good," Blitzo said. "I can't say I lo... that yet, but I do like you a lot."

"You don't have to say it. Just knowing you're willing to give us a chance is enough. I love you so mu...."

Whatever else Stolas was going to say was cut off as Blitzo crashed their lips together. Stolas melted into the touch. Blitzo poured the remainder of his feelings into the kiss and Stolas swallowed them with gusto.

Blitzo wanted him and that was enough to fuel Stolas’s heart. Stolas understood that he needed time. Blitzo had been through a lot, but Stolas was a patient man. Even if it took years of toil, he would chip at the walls Blitzo built.

Their fervent kissing was suddenly interrupted as another couple stumbled into the room and flopped on the pillows nearby. The woman's moans were loud to the point of comical, and the other woman was being downright ridiculous with her dirty talk.

Stolas let out a giggle as the women continued their rather obnoxious fuck-session.

“She sounds like you,” Blitzo joked quietly to Stolas. The comment was enough to break their solemn tension into something more comfortable.

“I do not,” Stolas said and smacked him on the arm.

“Bet I can make you sing louder than them,” Blitzo challenged with a cocky grin and started pushing Stolas’s toga off. He took a moment to appreciate the prince's body. Long and sexy and lethal.

Blitzo ran his claws through silky feathers, letting a growl escape him. He never truly let go unless Stolas was bound or blindfolded. Blitzo kept his feelings tucked away where the prince couldn’t see. Now he let the mask fall and it was liberating.

Stolas seemed to like the change from how he bucked up into Blitzo, already panting despite not being touched.

“I want to show you off,” Blitzo said.

Stolas reached down suddenly to grasp his groin, and Blitzo let out a choked moan. Blitzo's cock was hard and dripping and the loincloth did nothing to hide it. He bucked helplessly as Stolas gave him a few long teasing strokes.

“I should do the same to you,” Stolas said and pulled Blitzo's cock out. “But I want to taste you first.”

Blitzo let himself be pushed off and Stolas manhandled him onto some pillows. Stolas had always been cock hungry, and wasted no time in swallowing him. Blitzo fisted his head feathers and gave an appreciative groan. It had been worth it to teach Stolas how to get around his gag reflex.

Blitzo could sense the smells and sounds of other demons fucking near them, but his attention was solely on Stolas. There was something almost therapeutic about enjoying the pleasure coursing through him while watching Stolas’s smile wrap around his dick.

“It is a goetia,” Blitzo heard someone say from the doorway.

He looked up to find two imps peaking at them. Blitzo's spines and tail raised in a clear territorial display. Stolas popped off to see what was the matter, but Blitzo pulled him close.

Stolas had no issue being watched. They'd never tried exhibitionism and he found it rather exciting. He straddled Blitzo, pulled aside his underwear, and sat down on Blitzo's cock with practiced ease.

He let out a wanton moan at the stretch. Stolas had gotten tighter in Blitzo's absence and he relished the feel of riding his beloved imp again.

Blitzo seemed to know what Stolas was doing and helped bend the goetia over to give everyone a good view of the action.

“This ass is taken,” Blitzo said and gave it a smack for emphasis.

There was some grumbling from the door, but the imps left them be. You would get thrown out of an orgy if you ever tried anything without consent or started a fight.

The moment they were gone, Blitzo let some of his bravado simmer to something more emotional. He tugged Stolas close as they continued to fuck. Stolas noticed how much more open Blitzo was being, and reached out to bring the imp in for a searing kiss that made his talons curl with delight.

They were both raw with a need to be gentle. Stolas brought down his hips in a slow roll that intended to draw this sex into a long slow burn that crackled like the coals they danced on earlier. Despite Blitzo's earlier jibe about being loud, they were quiet now. Their mouths remained almost touching as they shared breaths and chaste kisses.

Blitzo shuddered under the devotion. He had meant what he said about liking Stolas. He didn't know if this would turn into love or tragedy, but Blitzo needed to at least try.

He nudged Stolas and they flipped, Blitzo managing to stay inside him. He lifted one leg over his shoulder and thrust again, getting a deeper angle. This position was one of Stolas’s favorites, and Blitzo started thrusting with earnest.

Blitzo allowed his mind to go blank in favor of focusing on the way Stolas’s body hugged him just right. He had been so terrified he had lost this, and now he never wanted to let go.

“Blitzo,” Stolas said in a husky plea that said he was getting close. Demons didn't pray, but Stolas seemed to be trying with the way he groaned Blitzo's name over and over.

“I got you babe,” Blitzo said, saying the pet name in the heat of the moment. It felt good…right.

Stolas tensed around him and let out an almighty shout that grew in intensity as his orgasim rocked through him. His whole body arched off the pillows, talons shredding them. Stolas's large feathered tail flared wide as Blitzo came as well, flooding him to the point it leaked out and made a mess.

They lay there in bliss as they came down from the high, and that's when they noticed the eyes staring at them. A small crowd was watching from the doorway, and the women who had been fucking next to them had stopped to stare as well.

“Wow,” one said. “Are you two together because if not, I want a piece of that next.”

Blitzo and Stolas glanced at each other.

“Are we together?” Stolas asked Blitzo curiously. Blitzo thought about it for a moment and then a smile spread across his face.

“Yeah. I guess we are,” he said.

There was a whoop from the back of the crowd, and Millie’s clear voice rang out, “We did it guys!”

There seemed to be more cheering from down the hall, and Stolas blushed crimson while Blitzo laughed at the absurdity of the situation.

“Millie you still owe me that treat,” he called out to the imp women good-natured. “Get that husband of yours. I wanna race who can make their man cum first.”

***

Stolas ached all over but he wouldn't have it any other way. Last night was magical. After the orgy ended, they had returned to the palace where they had the full arsenal of their toys. Blitzo had strung him up and tortured him until they both could barely move.

Blitzo was on his side, still asleep and drooling into his pillow. Stolas shuffled over and rested his head in Blitzo’s chest. He felt him stir and start to awaken. A strong pair of arms pulled Stolas into a hug

“Mine,” Blitzo said quietly and that possessiveness warmed Stolas’s heart. Blitzo roused slowly and yawned. “What time is it?”

Stolas checked the clock on the wall. “Quarter past eight,” he answered.

“Good. I can sleep more,” Blitzo said and curled his tail around them both. Stolas felt Blitzo’s morning wood bump him, but neither had the stamina to do anything about it.

“Do you have to leave?” Stolas asked.

“Should go to the office at some point, but I already texted M&M to take the day off. Besides, mornings after Fertilia are for presents,” Blitzo said and then gave a frown. “Sorry I didn't get you anything. Should have thought of that yesterday, but I'll get you something next year.”

Stolas was giddy that Blitzo was talking as though them going to the Fertilia festival in a year's time was obvious. Stolas tilted his head so they could look at each other.

“You did get me a gift,” Stolas said.

“I did?”

The man he cared for was in his arms, and that was everything he wanted.

“Yes. And I'll cherish it always.”