Work Text:
As the days passed, Stolas was adapting to work at IMP. Loona had helped him a lot, teaching him how to answer different types of clients, set appointments, and secretate. Stolas started to get used to the client files and those were better organized than before. He was starting to bond with Moxxie and Millie, and he saw how Moxxie struggled to have the paperwork for each month. Until recently, Stolas volunteered to do part of the paperwork, and this happened during one complete month. Today was the first time he was going to do the final process by himself, and Moxxie was helping him out, so eventually he would do it independently. Every time he had a chance Blitzø would look at the elegant owl work and read thoroughly the paperwork. He was a very fast reader, though he sometimes still needed help understanding Hell’s regulations for businesses. Moxxie was the one helping the former prince to learn that since he was the most experienced one with the paperwork, being helped out by Loona sometimes when she had the chance.
-Yes, your highness…. erh I mean, Stolas, Sir. These papers are needed for the renovation of the building working permits, and for that we need the rent to be paid on time. I already paid the rent, so, you just need to deliver the receipt and the papers signed by Blitzø to Pride’s main district government office, which is inside the central building on Pride First Avenue… Do you understand?
-Yes! Moxxie, thank you very much… for always being so attentive and patient with someone who is just learning these things that are probably common knowledge for all of you….
-There is NO problemo! It’s great to have someone else to help me through all of these… doing assassin jobs and this paperwork can be a lot sometimes. More now that we are having more clients.
-Yes, I can imagine… Perfect! Now I just need Blitzø’s signature, then! - Stolas said in a joyful tone. For some reason, doing paperwork could be enticing for him.
Blitzø just heard Stolas say his name and the lizard-like man immediately crowled as fast as he could and he was already on the table when Stolas was just finishing his sentence, looking at him at a very close distance.
-Do you need anything Stolas?
Moxxie face was between astonishment and awkwardness. Since Stolas joined the office Blitzø had been behaving almost like a dog going after a whistle. Probably in some time, Blitzø’s behavior was going to be even more insufferable, it had gone worse each week. Perhaps, now Moxxie understood when Blitzo felt uncomfortable with them, but, of course, Blitzø was way over the edge with everything. They hadn’t even confessed or kissed yet, after the day of the Sinsmas incident and they were already insufferable sometimes. Well, mostly Blitzø was to Moxxie.
-Oh! Blitz you are so fast! I just needed you to sign these papers before completing these permit forms.
-Okay, here it is feathers! - Blitzø said with a wide smile not missing a chance to look at his bird and wink an eye.
-Thank you, Blitz. - Stolas looked at him and couldn’t help but nervously chuckle. He felt kind of ashamed, but he couldn’t contain how happy he was. He probably looked ridiculous, like a teenager being acknowledged by his school crush. With the passing of days, Stolas felt more drawn to Blitzø than the day before. To see him in his element every day, confident and sometimes inadequate at the work meetings filled the owl’s heart with joy. Stolas didn’t know any of them well yet, but he was starting to feel comfortable in the office. Although, he couldn’t help but feel that something was missing. He didn’t notice at first how much Blitz had done for him. Gave him a house, a job, food… He thanked it since the start, of course, but until recently he noticed how much Blitz did to accommodate his home and work life to fit him in. He wanted to feel that he contributed to the company and Blitzø, so, maybe helping at something he was really good at was the best option.
Meanwhile, old Blitzø would feel insecure about being not enough for Stolas, but now he was able to forget momentarily about those feelings by making Stolas happy. Things were not perfect between them, but Blitzø was doing the best he could to keep Stolas afloat, and that distracted him from thinking about where they were going and all that he wished he could say to the bird, how he dreamed every day with kissing him and cuddle with him until they both fell asleep to wake up alone in the bean bag with the first rays of sunlight. But, he valued all the moments he made Stolas laugh, uncontrollably smile, or reassure; each of those moments felt like a small victory for Blitzø. Stolas had depression but if he was able to make it laugh, it meant that, maybe, just maybe, one day he would feel deserving of him. They of course forgot that Moxxie was still there, and this was becoming more common with the passing of the days.
-Nah, thanks to you Stols. I am so glad that you’re here to help us out.
-Really? Oh, I hope to be able to do it all by myself soon, so you all can have more time off.
-Seeing you getting better is all I want. - Blitzø said taking and caressing his hand, after looking at him in the eye… sitting above the table. - Besides, this might not appear to be much, but is a lot of help, besides answering the phone. You don’t have to do any paperwork, but I am thankful you are offering. I also know you will be amazing at it because you are such a nerd at writing, reading, and all of that shit. You will get this in a jiff. - Blitzø smiled at him back doing a silly smirk and ending with a wide smile and flags in both of his hands that said: Yass horse queen!! to lighten him up and make him feel secure.
Sometimes he didn’t notice how silly he looked now; he excused that to himself as doing it for Stolas's motivation. All that mattered was to make Stolas feel good. Of course, the owl was going to get it fast and, in that way, he wouldn’t get bored of waiting for calls all day; but best of all, he would feel capable and Blitzø felt that Stolas needed that. The owl couldn’t help but laugh and smile at it. He noticed that he didn’t need to hide his reactions and that Blitzø seemed to like it when he didn’t attempt to. He felt embarrassed the first time, but slowly that was starting to fade. -I am thankful for the confidence you put into me, boss. I won’t disappoint you. - Stolas said at the end, with a slightly confident but shy voice. The two of them were smitten looking at the other, they knew they didn’t have anything to hide from the other, but things were still too messy and complicated to say something. So, they were still in this stage, of playing around and feeling good with the other’s company, but not directly acting upon anything. Blitzø was ready to wait, and not doing anything until Stolas was ready.
Moxxie was just standing there, thinking why he was still there since they seemed to have forgotten he was in the conversation at first. So, he decided it was time for him to leave. He would need to talk to Blitzø about this eventually. He understood their situation, but why they needed to be like this in the office? They are not even dating yet. How is it going to be when they are? Because is obvious that at any moment they will come and kiss unstoppably at that desk. -Stolas, Blitzø, if you don’t mind and you don’t need me anymore, I will go to do some work.
-Great Mox!!! Do that while I take Stolas to the government building. He needs a guide.
-Oh Blitzø, I think that won’t be necessary. – said Stolas, worried that he was going to be a burden instead of a helper, even more so considering that participating in all this paperwork work delivery today was his idea.
-Is just better if I come, don’t worry Stolas, they can handle the business if I am gone for one or two hours. Besides I have been stressed out later so, this fits perfectly. We both need a break! – Stolas didn’t feel so confident about it and noticed that Moxxie didn’t agree. Oh crap. He was causing the boss problems… The opposite of what he intended to do in the first place.
-I need to talk to you, boss. Alone. – Moxxie said, his face was serious.
-Shit shit!!- Stolas said to himself, drowning his face in the office desk.
The two imps entered the office and Moxxie said with no introduction. -You need to stop yourself now. - Moxxie crossed his arms in front of his body.
-What are you talking about Mox? - asked Blitz, confused as hell.
-All this behavior with Stolas at the office, you go out of the office to deliver some papers with him at a nearby office that is like 6 blocks from here to go later who fucking know where in the middle of office hours? This is not appropriate at all.
-It ain’t fair Mox. You and Mills do this all the time and I have permitted you to have time for yourselves in missions or during some jobs. Besides, you kiss in the office and we... don’t do that… So why is it so bad? - Blitzø said in a resigned tone. He turned away from Moxxie, so he didn’t see how he wished the moment he could kiss Stolas came soon.
-Oh! Not yet, but you will. This is a workplace Blitzø, how many times do I have to say it? You still never act like it is, and now, you are so distracted with Stolas that you even forget about work. I have never seen you like this. - Moxxie was starting to think he might have overreacted, but he let that go. Blitzø was the boss.
-But it is not going far, or anywhere Mox! I am just helping him to feel good at the office. The same way I did with you, by the way.
-Blitzø, you are the boss. Clients sometimes just enter the office, you know that, what will they think… they won’t understand.
-Then go! - Blitzø yelled interrupting him. -You are here talking this bullshit to me, instead of waiting on the fucking client that might come at any time, you don’t even need me. -Blitzø started crying and didn’t even notice himself, he turned to face Moxxie without trying to hide how this brought things he wasn’t ready to admit to others.
Moxxie was surprised, and all his anger and annoyance completely went away. He never thought the conversation would reach a point where Blitzø would break like this. This would never happen before, Blitzø usually just brushed Moxxie off. He finally understood. Blitzø needed this, and it was not just about the unseriousness he usually handled the business, but for keeping Stolas and himself up. Maybe they still had a complicated time at home, and the only reason Stolas smiled so much was for Blitzø’s constant efforts, and maybe Blitzo also needed his smile to go on. This was something Moxxie could relate to, seeing his wife happy with him motivated him every day, despite how hard everything seemed to be sometimes.
Moxxie was about to apologize when Blitzø started talking again. - In a lot of years I haven’t felt like this, and every moment that passes feels like an enchantment that will end at any moment. I even forgot how all of this feels, you don’t understand how happy I am with him at my side. I am trying to figure out how to be the person you all need me to be, while I navigate this new thing and Stolas’s depression, besides... our economic situation. I am so sorry if this affects the business Mox, and I know that I screwed up so fucking much in the past and that you all stood by me even at my worst… But is it to let me have this that much to ask?
Millie entered quickly the room when she saw Stolas's concerned face outside, and she heard some loud voices earlier- Mox, Blitzø, what’s happening? … Oh, Blitzø, are you ok? - Millie showed earlier signs of her pregnancy. She still could perform well in missions but, was starting to feel tired and less capable which affected her a lot. Blitzø supported her in everything and told her how there was always going to be a space for her at IMP, and that she had nothing to worry about.
-Yes, I am Mills, we just were having a discussion. Everything’s good. Please don’t worry about it. - Millie saw that Blitzø didn’t want to worry her, but it seems also that things were worked through at the moment so she listened.
-Of course, I am worried about it. But I won’t stress over it, don’t worry Boss. - She said gently reassuring him by touching his shoulder. - Mox, what did you do? - She said in a serious but also concerned tone. She grabbed his hands, and Moxxie looked at her.
-Honey, it’s just that I was freaking out about the clients and how Blitzø behaves with Stolas in the office now… But I think I overreacted because I am so worried about you, the baby, and the company.
-Mox, let him have this. You know how much they have gone through too. I can also help out with clients, I am not incapable just because I’m pregnant now. - Millie wanted to say it loud as as she could. She didn’t want to deny that they were having a son any longer.
-Yes. Millie, Blitzø, I am sorry. I didn’t know you were also struggling so much. You look like you are having fun, but sometimes things are not as simple as they look like, right?
-We are all in this together, I am worried too, but we can’t let this separate us. Come here! - She said while they were all hugging themselves together. They separated and they saw a figure peeping through the door.
-Blitzø, sorry to interrupt at such an inconvenient moment, but I am afraid we are going to be late to deliver the papers, I guess you are still joining? - Stolas said after entering the room.
-Is Stolas gonna help with the paperwork? That’s amazing, Blitzø!!! - she whispered to Blitzø to the ear -If everything is going rough and you need someone to talk to, please tell me when you have the time.
-Thanks Mills.- said Blitzø with a tender half smile, the tears were already gone. It was still hard for him to accept support, but, he was slowly opening himself to receive it.
They let go of Blitzø, and he started to get ready to go out. Stolas was all worried, feeling guilty he wasn’t learning the office work fast enough and that he had interrupted a moment and caused a fight between Blitzø and his family. But he was trying, and he needed to make everything go well and help out as much as he could. For Blitzø.
-Ready, big-owl?
-Umm! Yes, yes, just let me grab my stuff. Sorry, I was spacing out.
-Are you ok? I can tell Loona to do it, if you don’t feel like it today.
-Oh no, Blitzø. Imagine that, after everything it caused.
-Stols. I am serious, darling. Please don’t force yourself. I know it’s been hard. - he said pulling him into a hug. Stolas lowered himself down to accept it. -I can give you a day off if you are feeling bad, or we can take it slow. We can go for an ice cream instead and Loonie can take the papers, it doesn’t matter what happened, it’s fixed now.
-You are always so kind. It’s impossible for me not to feel… good about being in the company and all, I wanted to contribute to it more, besides causing you trouble with Moxxie.- said while hugging Blitzø. -So, no. We are doing this Blitzø, I am fine. If something happens… I know you will be there, with me.
-Mox just… he gets too stressed about things sometimes, he wants everything to go smoothly and in plan. I am more like a reckless bitch. - Said Blitzø pulling out the hug, to see Stolas laughing at his silly jokes.
-Hoo hooo yes, I guess you are. But I think is good, how you are. Is nice to have you as a boss and I can see how you created this company, and the possibilities for all of us. I am sure he appreciates that. Otherwise, a demon like him wouldn’t follow you, and stay here with you. - Said Stolas looking straight directly at him, it was becoming natural for him to do it, and he was smiling like anything was happening.
Blitzø was the same and he just said without thinking- So, are you saying that you like how I am? - Blitzø surprised that he said that, but, he was also, not regretting it, deep down.
-I mean, yes yes, of course. -Stolas said nervously. - So, what about we leave?
They left the office, Stolas willingly grabbed Blitzø’s hand and he took him for all main pride avenue 1. All the government buildings were there, and they finally reached the main government building for that pride district. Inside that building, they entered a tunnel where it was a business regulation office. Stolas saw how a lot of sinners and hellborns were in line; and also, some hellhounds that were probably sent by other hellborn business´s owners. Stolas felt uneasy there, but, Blitzø was next to him, so there was no way he could screw up. He went alone to deliver the papers while Blitzø watched from far away. He was already famous and his business was well known from all hell, but, at first, sometimes the clerk didn’t believe he was the owner of the company, so usually he preferred to send someone else. Today, the clerk was surprised to see Stolas, and she would have asked if all that happened with them wasn’t transmitted by Hell’s TV.
-Oh!! Well, that office place was not charming at all! But I think I will be able to do it by myself next time!! It’s just boring, thanks for coming with me this time.
-No problem. Of course, you will!! Now, do you want us to do something fun after surviving boringness and bureaucracy? We have plenty of time to get to the office before lunch.
-I don’t know… It’s just that …Is it my fault that Moxxie was upset with you? Do we need to talk less at the office..? I see that maybe you didn´t need to come, although it was actually helpful to find the right office. -Blitzø looked at him, he was looking down and serious. Just when he was submerged thinking.
-No, Stolas, it is not that. It’s just that it’s been a lot lately. Mills is going to have a baby, Mox is trying to keep it together but, eventually could collapse and I don’t want Millie to suffer with that. Loona is going more to missions, which scares me out, but I want to trust her. You… you are so sad that Octavia doesn’t want to be with you, and I can’t do anything to solve it. I needed this, ok? It´s not your fault.
-Blitzø, tell me what can I do to help. I don’t want you to carry this alone. - Stolas put a hand on Blitzø’s cheek caressing the scar on his face and with his other hand he grabbed Blitzø’s palm.
Blitzø was astonished, he tensed at first, but then he relaxed. Neither of them had spoken yet, and Stolas felt that maybe they weren’t ready, but that didn’t mean he would not do anything he could to help and support the love of his life. Everything was still complicated and neither of them said anything but, Stolas knew that he understood. Blitzø wanted nothing back for helping Stolas, but he also had the same need to help him and make him feel loved. -Stols… I… You don’t need to do anything more. It’s fine.
-Blitzø, please, let me. I am getting better, all thanks to you. I want to do the same for you. - They looked at each other’s eyes, neither of them made the initiative to stop, and they started to pull their faces closer.
-Let’s have a nice morning today, Stols. We will figure it out. - Stolas put his head in front of his and agreed, and he kissed the imp’s forehead with tender care leaving him speechless, so Stolas broke their silence. -Okay, we should get ice cream and take some silly pictures, then. Guide me.
They were walking in all pride on the way to the office. Blitzø bought an ice cream for both of them, and they found a photo machine where they could take photos. They walked together through the street. For the first time, Stolas noticed the smile on Blitzø’s face when they were talking in the street and doing things like this together. At first, he thought that this was Blitz being himself. But he couldn’t help to notice how he looked at him in one of the pictures they took at the photobooth. Could it be possible that he was that happy just to hang around him? He started to believe that was the case, and that the imp was looking forward to going out of the office and working, at least for a while. They didn’t have time lately for this sort of thing. He also, listened a bit of the arguing of earlier. He could’t make much of it, but he heard something about Blitz wanting to have this. Whatever this meant, but it was clearly referring to Blitzø and him going out with him
Stolas saw a store, where they had a lot of horse cups. He thought about going there and getting one for Blitzø, eventually, and putting it on his desk as a surprise. Or maybe he could buy him horse chocolates, or maybe even a letter and a drawing. There were so many possibilities. It just felt so natural and correct to think about it. Maybe by making Blitzø smile more, he could thank him for everything. Yes, exactly, the same way Blitzø made so much effort to make him feel better and solve everything even if he could not do it, if he loved so much to make Stolas happy the best thing he could do was doing the same for him. He just needed to find the best ways to make it. So, from now on, Stolas was going to look for any way to make Blitzø the most relieved and happy he could. Maybe this was the best he could do for him, and the answer he had been looking for.
The bird found himself observing him more, touching him more, and letting himself go more despite how much he felt he shouldn’t. The shadow of his past mistakes and Octavia was there, but Blitzø gave him hope. He against all odds has made this company, and he is there with him, working for his family business. A year ago, he would have never imagined how much his life would change after an encounter in a “Not Divorced Party” of Stella. So, maybe, just maybe, there was hope and things might change, for the better. After all, it seems that he can do a lot of things he thought he never would with Blitzø by his side.