[open] Owl Who Flew the Coop

[systemofadowny]

Sender: Octavia of the Ars Goetia
To: Everyone
Subject: Missing persons

Has anyone seen prince Stolas? He was here last night, safe and sound, but when I woke up, he was just gone, no note or anything. I know people usually disappear or wake up or whatever at the start of the month, but during? Dad would tell me if he was going anywhere. I'm scared.

Please let me know if you see him. I need to try and not freak out.

Comments

[systemofadowny]

"He did a lot of that. Being there for me, almost every time I needed it. He'd apologize for the rare instance where he couldn't - it'd genuinely upset him - but we'd hug out and it made things better."

But on the note of hugs, she glances towards Akechi.

"Which, uhh...sorry. If all the hugs are too much. It's a learned habit from dad. Being honest about how we feel and being comfortable enough to express it like that. Your honesty reminds me of that. The words might come from jaded perspectives or harsh criticisms, but even anger lets you speak from the heart."

[herewardbound]

He inhaled slightly, staring at the floor. "My mother... used to sing a little, too. Not well, just. Stuff she'd hear at the club she worked at. There was this one song she liked, because it was popular at the time. She used to... sing it, when I was small enough I needed to be put to bed. A lot of the stuff that was popular, I don't remember at all, but that one... It just makes me think of her, mostly."

A soft sigh. "She wasn't perfect. I know she didn't want me. But she still tried anyway, just... because. She made time. She cared, in spite of everything. Those little moments stay with you. You're- you're really lucky... to have someone like Stolas, for a parent. Even if he isn't perfect... he really cares."

[systemofadowny]

"He does. It's...always those little moments that mean so much, isn't it? Making time for you, caring for you in spite of everything...your mum really tried, regardless of the circumstances that made you. Since learning the truth about mine, I sometimes wondered if he saw her through me. And if that ever made it difficult...a pointless question by now, if I'm honest. Because he loves me anyway."

She can't help her eyes watering again, but she is wearing a smile. A genuine one.

"And he loves you, too. So much, Akechi. I think he sees so much of himself in you. And wants so much to be there for you. I think...I think the only thing stopping him from calling you his son is not knowing if you'd be okay with that."

[herewardbound]

"Fuck," Come on, Octavia, don't- that wasn't fair. "Believe me. I get it. She. Hid who my father was. For years. I only found out years after she... died. In a letter telling me who he was and warning me to stay away. Should've listened." He sniffed. "I don't fucking know, it's all bullshit up here. I- there's a lot. Of shit I need to work through and I have no idea if I'd ever be comfortable with that."

Not that it mattered. Stolas was gone. Not that he could bring himself to say that.

[systemofadowny]

"It's okay if you're not. You don't have to be. I think you both prefer Little Raven, anyway."

Octavia can't help herself, sobbing and resting her head on Akechi's shoulder. Sure, she needs the comforting, but...so does he. It's fine if he doesn't want to show it; the owl just can't help being honest about her emotions.

"I kinda like it, too."