[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

[helluvaboss]

"Yeah... I mean, still fucking worst case scenario shit can happen, but dumb luck is a thing and it's saved my ass," Blitzø refutes, somewhat just... coping. "We're still here. We've got plenty of things to keep fucking trying and we've got time right now. Anyway, where's that takeout? Let's chow."

He wrapped an arm around Via's shoulders in a hug, and held out his hand to Akechi as an invitation rather than pressing him again.

[herewardbound]

There was a slightly-shocked and furtive glance in Octavia's direction- how, after all, could she just. Say something like that? Casually? Like it was true? Like it was obvious.

Dimly, he leaned a touch closer to the imp, voice quiet as he spoke. "You- you really... mean that. That's how you think of me?"

[systemofadowny]

"Of course. You've seen a lot more, you're protective...I'd make a joke, but you literally came here, brought me food and listened to me cry for twenty minutes. That says it a lot better than I could."

And it leads to a gentle little forehead bump against Akechi's shoulder, and a warm, reciprocated hug for Blitzø.

"And that goes for you, too, dad. You came running, and that means just as much to me. Takeout's on the coffee table, by the way; it'll need some reheating, but I can take care of that. Maybe some coffee, too?"

[helluvaboss]

Blitzø almost got offended, almost gawked 'what and you didn't believe me?', but is quickly soothed and distracted by Via's thanks instead. Aww...

"Yeah, coffee sounds great, I do not need to be sleeping more after being passed out for way too fucking long," he agreed, walking his kids into the house so they could flop down and be miserable together instead of alone.

[herewardbound]

He didn't quite meet Blitz's eyes, on that one. There hadn't been a good reason for it, just his usual bullshit, expecting the rug to be pulled out at any moment, the other shoe to drop, the inevitable betrayal... but it'd never come, had it.

They were just... there. Unquestioningly. Even when he was being shitty, even when they felt like shit. "I just... know what it's like. Not having anyone, when you're... grieving. It doesn't lead anywhere good."

[systemofadowny]

"It's...terrifying to think about. Especially since dad was always there to comfort me. He comforted all of us, I think. He gave us someone to love."

Via shares, returning inside with the others. She's the first to fetch the leftovers, more than half of the serving remaining, and channels her magic over the dish. A simple spell, to reheat it without a lack of a microwave. Perfect for letting the aroma fill the air and offering the spare forks to Blitzø and Akechi.

"You two can have at it first; I'll get the coffee started. I remember how you like yours, dad. How about you, Akechi?"

[helluvaboss]

"I'll do tea first, sweetie," he replied, taking the dish and flopping onto the couch. He sinks a bit heavier into it than usual, shaking himself back awake before taking a huge bite and holding the plate out for Akechi to grab some too.

It felt... weird... to be sitting right on the couch that he'd been flopped on Stolas on.

No, Blitzø, don't think about it. Kids are here. Stay focused.

"Yeah. At least we've got each other right now."

[herewardbound]

"Black, two sugars." Yes, heaping portion of rice, bad fried chicken, thank you. "... I can't say I'm used to it. But thank you."

[systemofadowny]

One tea, one black coffee with two sugars and...yeah, she'll go with tea first, as well. Via's in the kitchen for a few minutes getting it all together, thankfully simple processes for her current emotional state, and returns to the couch with the three drinks in tow. The young owl snuggles herself between Blitz and Akechi, the warm mug in her talons.

"I'm...really glad you're both here. Chances are, I'm gonna repeat myself a lot, but...I really do love the both of you."

[helluvaboss]

"...I love you kids too," Blitzø answered, passing Akechi the plate so he could sink into the couch cushions. God, fuck... he was fucking tired. He wore it too obviously, he knew that, but ugh...

[herewardbound]

"I-" why was that so hard to hear. Why did it hurt to hear it, steal the words from his mouth so he couldn't speak-

So he opted to fill the awkward, terrible silence with food, and tried to pretend that his eyes weren't watering.

[systemofadowny]

Via couldn't think of anything more to add after that. Her piece was added and...there's a soft smile sent Akechi's way. She nudges Blitz a little and gestures towards him, hugging her mug and leaning against Akechi.

Octavia has decided he's gonna be the center of the cuddle pile.

[helluvaboss]

Yeah, that felt right... Blitzø leaned on Akechi's other side, nuzzling his face into the teen's shoulder like an overgrown cat as his tail wrapped around both kids and squeezed in a gentle hug.