Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Stolas is running down the hall. His silent sobs are perfectly audible in the long palace corridor. He reaches his chamber door, opening it harshly and running into the room. With the door closed, Stolas slides down the wall. His knees to his chest, head in his palms. The sobs continue as his body shakes. "Fuck, fuck, fuck..." Stolas mummers under his breath. He's hyperventilating. Stella keeps picking up fights, calling him a shit of a husband all that in front of his Starfire. He cannot do that anymore.

  Someone knocks on the door. "Your highness? Your wife is looking for you." an older butler says from behind the door. Stolas takes a few deep breaths. He needs to calm down, no way he's this weak.

"I'll be there soon...thank you" the prince says with a slightly shaky voice. Even though he cannot see the servant, Stolas knows that he nodded. The sound of hooves hitting the floor covered with a long rug says everything. A few more deep breaths and Stolas stands up. His legs feel like they're made out of rubber. Leaving his chambers, going down the hall, he mentally prepares himself for whatever is yet to come.

In the dining hall, Stella is sitting at the table, drinking some overpriced tea. The door opens and Stolas steps through. "Did you need me?" he says, trying to sound as composed as possible.

"Could you please stop running away? You cannot even stay at a party for ten minutes. What do you think that other people will think? Just stop." The woman says in a really strong British accent, placing the tea cup on a saucer.

"It's hard when all I hear is you talking shit about me. The looks they cast at me, the small silent giggles after every sentence you say. I have enough of that, Stella." Stolas argued. 

"Ugh, I'm just being honest Stolass," Stella scoffs, rolling her eyes. "You really cannot handle the truth. Whatever, just stop doing that next time. I'm going back to the party." By that, she strolls out of the room.

Not that nickname again. Stolas is getting sick of that. The first time she ever used it was a week after their wedding. Since that day she keeps repeating it, especially when she's mad at him. And she isn't the only one using that. Her brother, Andrealphus, he maybe even came up with it.

Since they've been kids, there was always a beef between them. Either about toys or powers. Andre always needed to show he's stronger and more powerful. Simply better than anyone else.

Both siblings were spoiled, narcissistic, high and mighty, let's not forget how cruel both of them have been since being born.

The owl took a big breath and also left the room, returning to his chambers. Laying in bed, reading a book he isn't supposed to, he kept thinking about what Stella said. Can he really not handle the truth? Is he too sensitive?

His thoughts get interrupted when a sound of notification breaks the silence. With a move of a hand, the phone from the bedside table floats to Stolas. It's a reminder from the calendar. A new servant is supposed to come tomorrow. After one left because of health conditions, the palace needed a replacement. Wow, he completely forgot about that. Stolas should get ready for bed to be ready for tomorrow. Let's just hope Stella won't wake him up again.

Waking up is one of Stolas's least favorite things. Getting ready, styling his hair, taking antidepressants and then putting on a fake smile to look more serene. Walking down to the dining hall for breakfast, he stops by Via's door. Peeking into the dim light room, his fake smile immediately turns genuine. His Starfire is softly snoozing, surrounded by plushies and pillows. Gently closing the door, and proceeding to go down the hall. The smile remains.

Greeting servants he meets, sitting down and drinking tea. Every morning is the same. Let's hope it will change after the new servant comes. Stella comes into the room, not even taking a glance at him. Stolas checks his phone. The new servant should be there in twenty minutes. Enough time to collect himself. He doesn't know why he is so nervous about this whole thing. Maybe because it's his father who's picking up.

His father always needs to have the last word, even when he knows he's wrong. Every single employee he picked is too professional, too serious and even evil, always making gossips. But it's true that there are some good ones. Like Pringles, or Charles, who has been taking care of Stolas since childhood. Perhaps this one wouldn't be that bad. 

Why is he so goddamn nervous? It's just a new staff member. Stolas even tried to ask the stars, but nothing. The standing owl starts to fidget with his hands, looking down at the floor. Stolas is waiting in front of the palace, two hellhound bodyguards standing nearby the Prince. Another two hellhounds go towards Stolas, and a small imp is behind them, its tail stirring behind it nervously. The two hellhounds bow, revealing the imp. By the horns Stolas can tell it's a man. He's taller than average, and also seems pretty young. An awkward smile creeps onto the imps face.

"The new servant, your highness." one of the hellhounds says after they rise from the bow.

"Thank you," Stolas says, dismissing the hounds.

"Nice to meet you, your highness," the imp says nervously, bowing carefully. "My name is Blitz, the 'O' is silent," the imp stutters.

Blitzø? That sounds familiar. "Hi. Uh, I'm Blitzo." memories start flooding his mind. The small imp, he had a play date with when he was small. The only day he felt true happiness, where he wasn't alone, but had an actual friend. His First ever friend.

"Uh, hello. Welcome here," he doesn't know why, but he bows. "Let me show you the place a little. Follow me," the owl says when he straightens up from the bow.

The imp, Blitzø, looks slightly confused but follows Stolas anyway. Does he not remember him? It was such a wonderful day full of fun. The little talk about future, jobs and grimoire. And let's not forget about how Blitzø said he would hire Stolas.

Blitzø was never with good memory, but this palace? He definitely must have been there. Walking all those stairs is tiring as fuck, how is he supposed to walk all those every single day? Well, he needs to figure that out later, 'cause the prince keeps yapping about something.

"And that room is my chamber. And I think that's it. Any questions?" The owl finally stops in his way and turns around, looking down at Blitzø with those four, red, piercing eyes. The pointy beak forming a soft smile. 

"Is there an elevator?" Blitzø says out of the blue.

The Prince chuckles at that, covering his mouth with his hand. "Well, no, but don't worry, you'll get used to it." The owl explains.

"Okay...and your name?...your highness."

"Name...oh. I'm sorry I haven't introduced myself yet. I'm Prince Stolas of the Ars Goetia." Stolas says proudly.

"Thank you, your highness."

"Of course. Now, when you know it around here, I think that you can start your duties."

Yeah, work, Blitzø kind of forgot about that part. But he just politely bows and when Stolas leaves, Blitzø lets out a breath, he didn't know he was holding.

He had a lot of jobs in his life, but this is maybe taking the lead with being the hardest. And he also never had a job where he needed to wear a whole ass suit. The whole day just running around the palace, cleaning, preparing and Satan knows what. It's finally 9 p.m. and he can go to bed. Wait. He lost his apartment. Perfect, it's time for another talk with princey. 

Walking down the halls, he's trying to find someone who could tell him where Stolas is. No one knows it. Even his fucking personal assistant! He already checked the library, his chambers, the living room, but nothing. Leaving the living room, he stumbles upon Charles. He could know where Stolas is.

"Charles! Do you know where his highness is?"

"I think his highness is in his study."

"And that's where?"

"The last floor"

The last floor? Does he really need to walk all those stairs again? "Thanks," Blitzø says anyway and goes towards the staircase.

Those stairs are becoming Blitzø's worst enemy. At least he finally reaches the study. He knocks on the door three times. The Prince behind the door answers immediately.

"Come in"

Blitzø slowly opens the door. "Your highness, I came into a bit of a stitch."

"Oh, what is it?"

"I kind of have no place to stay. The apartment I used to live in...simply I lost it and I..."

"I can give you a room in the servant quarters if you want," Stolas interrupts him.

"The servant quarters? Well, I guess that sounds well."

"Perfect. There are two free rooms if I remember correctly. One close to the door of the quarters and one somewhere in the middle." the owl says, clearly having everything in his mind. Almost like he studies it for fun.

"I think the one on the start sounds good."

The Prince smiles softly. "Perfect! The room should be clean and ready, so you can go right ahead."

"Thank you, your highness."

"Of course, here are your keys," he says and with a small move of his hand, keys appear on the desk. For a while, they're surrounded by blue and purple star dust? Magic? "If anything, you can always come here, I'm here like all the time."

"Thank you, your highness."

"Of course. Goodnight." Stolas says softly, still smiling. The 'Goodnight' feels so...real?

"Night." Blitzø says and quickly leaves the room, going down the stairs.

What was that supposed to mean? Is that a normal treatment servants get? A quick goodnight from the Prince himself? On the way down, it finally hits him. Those eyes, the blue grayish feathers. Is that the same Prince he had a play date with when he was a kid? The one who used to blush almost at every little thing Blitzø said? So that's the reason he's so kind to him. Blitzø smiles to himself. Does that mean he'll get special treatment? Maybe even more money. Perhaps he could use that.

Arriving at the quarters, his room is really the first one in the hall. It's a small room, but it has everything needed. A bed (duh), desk with a chair, a wardrobe and a small window with a view into the gardens. Without changing his clothes, he flops onto the bed, which is surprisingly soft.

Not even ten minutes and he's already snoring.

In the morning, Blitzø crosses his way with Stolas during breakfast. Only as the owl spots him, the soft smile is there again.

"Morning," he says softly, taking a small sip of his tea.

Before Blitzø can even say something back, a small girl floods into the room.

"Daddy! Mommy said we can go shopping after breakfast. Will you go with us?" The little girl says, smiling from ear to ear. 

"I would love to, sweetie, but I have a lot of work." 

The little girl pouts, but that doesn't matter because Blitzø is frozen in shock.

"You have a kid?!" Blitzø blurts out.

The girl looks confused and Stolas...mad? It's hard to tell.

"Blitz, can you please come with me for a little bit?"

Blitzø tenses up. He fucked up. Is he getting fired only for this? "Of course, your highness," he says automatically, his voice shaking slightly.

Outside the dining hall, they just stand there in silence for a few seconds.

"So, dare to explain your outburst? You do realize that it was inappropriate."

"Yes and I'm really sorry, your highness. I just cannot believe you have a kid. Aren't you like in your twenties?"

"How do you..." before he can finish that sentence, he smiles. "Do you finally remember?"

"The play date? Yes. And stop saying 'finally', it makes me feel stupid."

"I'm sorry. And yes, I am in my twenties. Twenty four actually."

"That's early."

"I know...what about we talk more after breakfast, I have some time."

"Oh, okay."

Chapter Text

Just when Blitzø is mentally preparing for the stairs, Stolas opens a portal into his study.

"Is that safe?" Blitzø asks, pointing at the portal.

"Well, for me it is. I think that everything should be fine. If not, just tell me and we can use the stairs. But everything should be okay."

"Okay, I trust you."

Stolas goes through the portal first, and Blitzø goes right after him. It feels like walking through fire, but thankfully doesn't burn. Thank Satan for that. And no stairs.

"Sit down. So, when did you realize that?"

"Yesterday night. But I kinda felt like I knew you since I came here. Those eyes are unforgettable." 

"Oh really?"

"Yeah...so, you have a kid, isn't that a little bit early?"

"Maybe, but it could be worse. So, how did you come to the decision to work here? Didn't you say you wanted to own a circus?" Stolas quickly changes the subject.

"Yeah, I did...just not my thing anymore. And good money are good money."

The Prince giggles, covering his beak with his hand. "Well, that makes sense. How much do you remember of the play date?"

"It was fun. Kind of boring on start, but then it was okay when we started the treasure hunt. I also remember the tree."

"Which under you told me you'd hire me."

"Exactly. Wow, it's pretty funny how it's the other way around. And you do have a big office." Blitzø pretends to look around and then scoffs, "You literally stole my childhood dream."

That makes Stolas laugh. And is that hooting in between? "I'm sorry for that. Also, I would not call this an office. It's more like a study." Stolas stops for a little, like he's thinking. "Ah, I know! I don't have horses. See? I did not steal your childhood dream."

"Hmm, good point. But you're rich, I bet that now you'll buy a horse."

"Maybe. And you still love them as much as you did when you were a kid?"

"Yes! I have some OC's actually. And I still hope I'll get one."

"That is really interesting. Would you mind showing them to me?"

Blitzø rubs his chin with his finger, pretending to think. "Hmm, maybe one day, but you're not ready yet. And enough with talking about me. What about you? Do you still love books so much?"

"Look around, Blitz."

So he does, and now he feels stupid. How the fuck didn't he notice that this room is just one big library with a desk in the middle. Is there a second floor! "You've read all of those?"

"Yes and I have another bookcase in my chambers," the owl says proudly.

"Yeah, I've seen that one. And you've read that too?"

"Yes."  

"Wow, I would die of boredom. What are the books even about?"

"Astrology, astronomy, herbs, flowers and plants, crystals and healing stones. And then I have a few about animals. But here I also have a lot of important books for my prophecy."

"That's kind of interesting to be honest."

"I could read something for you if you want."

"I think I'm fine. Talking about you reading books to me, it reminded me of our play date. And now I have a question. What were you doing after I left? Reading, going to sleep or something cool?"

Stolas tenses up. He seems pretty uncomfortable?  "Well...I felt a little alone. You know, I wanted you to stay for the night. Would be fun," the prince says while fidgeting with his hands.

"But I almost stayed, remember?"

"Maybe one day, you will,"

"It would be really cool," the small imp boy says as he's crawling back onto the tree. "But don't you think I would be easy on you" he warns, looking at the owl who cannot stop laughing. Blitzo can't do anything else than smile. Making him laugh is such a good feeling. Finally someone who understands a good joke.

"Boys! Do you want a snack? I have some fruit here!" Charles calls out from the open doors to the garden.

"Yes!" both boys say in union. Blitzo gets off the tree and with Stolas, they run back to the palace.

After their snack, the boys return to Stolas's room. The room is filled with sounds of pencils moving against paper. Stolas and Blitzo are laying on the ground, drawing and scribbling. The owl starts humming to himself. It's kind of a sad melody, but it sounds pretty. So Blitzo decides to join in, quickly matching with Stolas. After a few minutes, Blitzo stops. "Do you know what time it is?" he asks. Stolas looks at the clock on the bedside table.

"Six p.m. Dinner is soon. Will you be staying?" the prince asks, tilting his head to the side.

"I don't know. My dad should be there soon."

"Okay...maybe he'll be there. But if not, I think you could eat with us."

"Okay."

While Stolas is eating dinner, Blitzo is waiting in the hallway. Sadly he wasn't allowed to join them. Stolas tried his best to persuade his father, but no. At least he's not that hungry, so it's fine. After a few more minutes of waiting, Charles comes to Blitzo.

"Blitzo, your father is here."

"Thanks," the imp says and then goes towards the main entrance. Stolas runs to him and stops him. "I heard you're going...so I came to say bye," the owl says as he's panting. Before Blitzo can say anything, Stolas hugs him tightly. "Thank you so much. These were the best birthday ever" he says. They pull apart from the hug. The prince's face feathers are slightly pink, which makes Blitzo smile. "Of course. I need to go. Bye Stolas,"  the imp says awkwardly.

"Bye Blitzo. And really thank you."

Blitzo nods and turns to leave. Maybe it's just stress or the heat from the hug, but he can feel that his cheeks are slightly warm.

Outside the palace, Cash is already waiting there.

"Yeah, still sad you didn't. Anyway, thank you for this talk, Blitz. It was nice remind us of our past. But I need to go, a lot of work.

"Same here. Okay, see you later, your highness," Blitzø bows and leaves the study.

On the way down the stairs, he keeps thinking about the play date. Would things be different if he stayed for the night?

The study has been pretty quiet since Blitzø left. Only the sound of Stolas's writing and distant palace noises can be heard. A portal leading to outer space opens above him. Some sparks of stardust fall on his desk. Stolas stands up and flies up into the portal which closes into itself behind him. Finally calm. The silence is so loud that it makes Stolas feel like he's the only living being. Like the world only spins for him. A star passes by him, reminding him he needs to work.

Not only ten minutes pass and Stolas thinks about Blitzø. His cheeks start warming up at the memories. The special memories they share. And he still cannot believe that Blitzø works for him. Stolas must admit, Blitzø had a really big glow up. He looks so charming. Not like that he wasn't charming before, but it's different now. He actually looks kind of...hot?

Dear Lucifer, what are those thoughts doing in his head? Blitzø is his servant. And only because they have some past doesn't mean they can date. Stolas has a wife and a kid. His sweet Via. He would never do such a betrayal to his owlet.

But the way Blitzø looks at him, the way his attire wraps around his body. He is so polite, but also so honest. Almost rebellious. Stolas's cheeks get even hotter. He knows he should stop thinking about Blitzø in this way, but how? 

Star falling by takes Stolas out of his spiral again. Maybe it's the universe itself giving him a sign that he should stop. But he can't. The image of Blitzø won't leave his mind. All those thoughts are distracting him from doing his work properly. Stolas takes a few deep breaths, trying to clear his mind. He can do it. He can work for a few hours without thinking about Blitzø. He. Can. Do. It.

Because of his distractions, Stolas works till lunch. Opening the door to the dining hall, Via runs to him and hugs his legs. "Daddy! You really should have come with us. It was so much fun!"

"I believe that sweetie, but I was really busy. Maybe next time."

"Okay!"

"Now let's go eat. You must be hungry after all this fun."

Lunch mostly continues in silence. Occasionally Via says or asks something. Stella eats her food quickly and leaves as soon as she can. And thank Lucifer for that. After food, Stolas goes into the bed, deciding to read. He knows he's not supposed to read that, but it's the only way to escape reality.

That was a bad idea. The book gets heated and thoughts about Blitzø return. Now even worse ones than before. Instead of the characters, he imagines Blitzø and himself. What is wrong with him? Blitzø has been here since yesterday and he has those thoughts? He unconsciously closes his main set of eyes, keeping the top ones open. This is so wrong but he cannot stop himself. Stolas's hand slides down his body, reaching for his groin. His thoughts are running wild. He's imagining Blitzø touching him, his face buried in Stolas's chest feathers.

This is so wrong. This is everything but appropriate. Can he stop thinking about Blitzø like this? No, he can't. Blitzø is just so pretty. His red skin looks so warm and soft. And when he's standing, height-wise he's perfectly reaching Stolas's crotch. 

Stolas moved his hand even more down. "Fucking hell..."

Washing his hands, his cheeks are still on fire. He cannot believe what he just did. What kind of a mess he made. If someone finds out about this, he's going to be in big trouble.

Two hours left until dinner. What is he supposed to do? He cannot read anymore that would make everything worse. Maybe just going to his study? Extra work could get his mind going. 

"Papa? Will I ever see Blitzo again?" the owl asks his father, which is showing only through a hand mirror.

"Maybe. Now, goodnight son and happy birthday."

"Thank you father. Goodnight."

Charles leaves with the mirror, leaving the prince alone. Stolas smiles to himself, pulling the duvets up to his chin. He cannot wait to see the imp boy, Blitzo, again. The jokes he said made Stolas laugh so much he couldn't breathe and his dreams about having a circus are so cute.

Let's hope that they'll see each other again and that today won't become a part of forgotten childhood memories.

Chapter Text

It has been a month since Blitzø started to work here. And he's doing pretty well. The schedule is still tiring, at least he got used to the stairs. He even remembers where each room is located. He should get a reward for that. It's not common for him to remember so many things. Especially every single room in a palace, with Satan knows how many floors.

Right now he's preparing the table for lunch. It actually became his hobby to prepare things. Mostly just the table, but occasionally he prepares the ball room for parties or even food for picnics Stolas sometimes has with his daughter.

The Prince suddenly appears behind him. "Ah, there you are. Blitzø, can we talk in private?

"Of course, your highness...Should I be afraid?"

"No, no need to worry," Stolas says as he opens a portal into his study.

Ugh, Blitzø hates portals. Like, yes, it gets you to your destination faster, but it's not so comfortable. Not only does it feel like going through fire, but also makes you quite dizzy.

In the study, Stolas sits at the desk and gestures to Blitzø to sit in front of him. The chair is less comfy than Blitzø remembered, but that's maybe because it's not his first time sitting there. The imp looks at the owl sitting in front of him. He looks serious and deter-minded. 

"So, Blitzø, I've made a decision. It's just an offer so you don't need to accept. I just want you to think about it. It's been a month since you started working here and you've been doing pretty well. You're always on time, you do your job pretty well, are pretty polite and respectful. And I've come to the decision if you wouldn't like to be my personal assistant."  

"Personal assistant? And what would I do?"

"Well, you would mostly spend the whole day with me, going to meetings, managing my time schedule and all that. And if you want, I can also arrange your timetable so you would be with me, but you could also keep working around the palace."

"And what is it like with a paycheck? Will it be more?"

"Yes, about fifteen percent. And do you only care about that?" Stolas...teased? His eyes slightly lidded and his voice so soft, kind of flirty.

"No...but it's better to know if it will do any better. Are you sure you want to promote me to such a level?"

"Of course. As I already said, you've been doing your work perfectly and I think you deserve it."

"Okay...I need to think about it."

"Perfect. You have time until dinner or do you need more?"

"I think that's plenty of time. Thank you, your highness."

"No problem. You may go. Do you want me to open a portal?"

"No, thank you." With that, Blitzø bows and leaves the room. On the way down the stairs, Blitzø keeps thinking about the offer. It sounds good, also already a good paycheck now being fifteen percent bigger? Who wouldn't accept that? Plus he could be around Stolas every day. Maybe he should accept it.

During lunch, Blitzø knocks on the door and enters the dining hall. Stolas is mostly pushing food around his plate, Via is already gone and Stella is almost done eating. When Stolas notices his presence, he lifts up his head. "Can we talk, your highness?" It's not the most perfect timing, but he doesn't have time after lunch so what. 

"Of course," the Prince says. This is maybe the most British way he could've said that. Stolas excuses himself and leaves the room with Blitzø. Outside the dining hall, the owl looks down at Blitzø. "Everything okay?" Stolas asks worriedly.

"Yes, everything is okay. It's just that I've made my decision. I’m accepting the position."

"Oh really? That's excellent. And you were so excited that you needed to tell me immediately?"

"Kind of, but mostly because I don't have time after lunch."

"All right, you can work normally now, after lunch we'll talk more about your schedule. Sounds good?"

"Yes, your highness."

Stolas nods approvingly. "See you soon, Blitz," he says and returns to the dining hall.

Blitzø is folding the laundry when Stolas appears behind him again. "We can go," he says as he opens a portal once again. Now Blitzø literally jumps through it, hoping that the effect wouldn't be so strong. It actually helped.

In the study, they sit at the desk again. "I'm really glad you accepted. So, how do you wish for your schedule to be built? Only personal or mixing it with your classic?"

"What would you recommend?"

"Mixing it."

"Why? Isn't gonna make everything harder?"

"I don't think so. Being a personal assistant isn't that hard, especially if you work for me. It can be pretty boring."

"Boring? With you?"

The owl blushes a little at that, his gaze drifting away from Blitzø. "Ahem...well, I mostly just sit here in the study alone, writing or just reading."

"At least I would be spending time with you," Blitzø says with a wink, trying to cheer up the owl even more. And it worked because his face feathers are turning from pink to red."

"It's on you," Stolas says, trying to act nonchalantly. 

"Would it be possible that if something like that happens, I can just help around?"

"Of course, that's possible." The blush is starting to leave his face.

"Then I think that's it. So, when can I start?"

"Now if you want or tomorrow so you would get more used to it."

"Can I now?"

"Of course. Well, right now I have a break and was planning to visit the gardens. Would you like to go with me?"

"Yes, your highness."

The Prince smiles softly, the blush that has already left returns. It looks so good on him. What? What has gotten into him? Like yes, Stolas is pretty, but that doesn't mean he needs to imagine how it would be like to kiss those white feathers, or that pointy beak. Would it feel weird? Christ on a stick, he needs to stop.

Thankfully Stolas starts moving and gets Blitzø out of his weird thoughts. And surprisingly, they go by stairs instead of a portal. "Why not a portal?" Blitzø cannot help but ask.

"I noticed you seem pretty uncomfortable going through."

"Well, yes, feels weird, but I will get used to it, like those stairs, I have no more problems with them anymore."

"I know, but this is different. Plus, walking is healthy."

He was never in the gardens and Satan, they look beautiful. So many flowers and plants he's never seen. But also ones that look out of place. Not hellish? "What are those? They look really out of place."

"Just some from the human world," Stolas says, like it's the most common thing.

"The human world? How did you get them to hell?"

"Do you remember that book I was showing you under the tree?"

"Ah, now I know. How was it called again?"

"A grimoire."

"A what?"

"A grimoire."

"Cool."

For another hour, they spend time in the gardens. Stolas talks about every single flower or plant or herb they see. What they are called, their purposes, what you can make with them and all that which Blitzø already forgot. But he remembers something. Stolas loves to experiment with them. He said that he makes some creams, perfumes and even preening oils for his feathers. And he doesn't need to ask Stolas to show him some of the perfumes, because when he wanted to show something to Blitzø, he leaned a little too close and he smelled like heaven. Like lavender, something sweet which Blitzø couldn't recognize and something minty.

Returning into the palace, Blitzø needs to stop Stolas in his way because some leaves got stuck on his royal robe. "Thank you, Blitz. And this is also part of being a personal assistant. Need to make sure that I look presentable all the time." 

"That cannot be that hard. So, what's on our plan now?"

"I need to study the skies. If you want you can return to your duties you had for today. I'm now mostly going to sit in my study or spend time in outer space."

"That sounds cool. Can I go with you?"

"Of course, as I said, it's your choice."

When Blitzø arrives to the study, Stolas is already there which makes sense because Blitzø went by stairs. And the Prince was right. He was just sitting at the desk writing something. There's a paper on the desk which reads: 'Personal assistants stand behind me on my right.' So Blitzø does exactly that. In his position, he straightens up his back. Of course he cannot help, but to take a peek at what Stolas is doing. And lovely Satan, his handwriting is so pretty. He's writing in cursive with a bunch of pretty loops and extra lines. "Who taught you how to write? It's so fancy."

"My teacher. It's not that hard actually."

"Easy for you to say. Did you go to school or you were homeschooled?"

"Homeschooled, I could choose if I wanted to go to school, but I chose not to. I thought it would feel overwhelming."

"Sometimes it was, but when you found a good group of friends, it can actually be a good escape from home."

"A good escape from home?"

Shit, how did he let that slip out? "Well...you know...some people can have problems at home so school is a good way how to clear your mind from that." Blitzø stutters. The owl just nods and continues in his work. The room falls into a comfortable silence. Until Stolas asks Blitzø to bring him a calendar from his chambers. So Blitzø goes down the hall and into the room.

It's not his first time being here, but it never fails to amaze him. It does feel too rich, but also really comfy at the same time. The bed is high as fuck, but must be so goddamn comfortable. The duvets look like they are made of silk, so soft and shiny. They must feel so good, especially with that pretty bird next to him. Ugh, enough with distractions, he's here for one thing and that's a calendar. Thank Satan he doesn't need to look for it, because it's on Stolas's bedtime table. He quickly grabs it and leaves the room before he starts having even weirder thoughts.

Back in the study, Blitzø brings the calendar to Stolas. "Thank you, Blitz," the Prince says politely. "Ah, I knew it. Stella should be gone this weekend, leaving Via here."

"And that's a good thing? No, wait, let me guess. It is."

"Correct. Finally there will be peace. Me and Via are going to have a picnic, would you like to go with us?"

"Why not. And may I know where she is going?"

"Just visiting her brother. I bet they will just gossip," the Prince says, rolling his eyes.

After dinner, Stolas comes to Blitzø with a special request. "Blitz, can you please run me a bath?"

Wow, he knows he's now a PERSONAL assistant, but running a bath for his highness wasn't on his list. Why can Blitzø feel his cheeks warming up? Christ on a stick, it's just a normal request. It's not like he's asking Blitzø to sleep with him. FUCK! What are those thoughts?! "Of course, your highness. Anything special you want to add into it?" he says, trying to sound really professional. 

"Just some bubbles, it doesn't matter which ones."

"I'm going right ahead."

"Thank you, Blitz."

In the bathroom, he makes sure to make the water have the perfect temperature. Adding some really good smelling bubbles and lighting up some candles which is the only lighting in the room. It feels weirdly too romantic.

Stolas doesn't know why, but he feels like this was a stupid thing to ask. Like, isn't that a little too intimate? It's his first day as a personal assistant and...isn't this a little too much? Maybe he should apologize to Blitzø when he sees him. That's a good idea.

Opening a portal into his bathroom, he sees Blitzø lighting up some candles. "Thank you, Blitz...and I'm sorry for asking you. I could have told Charles, but you were close and it just got into my head and..."

"It's okay, your highness. I am your personal assistant after all, so these things are normal."

"I know, it's just that it's your first day."

"It's okay, really. Now, enjoy your bath, your highness." Blitzø says with a wink and then leaves the room. That was surprisingly easy.

The other day flew by. Having Blitzø as his personal assistant was the best decision he ever had. He does have a little problem with standing straight for hours, but he said he'll get used to it. Having Blitzø by his side the whole day is so calming and reassuring. But there was one time where Blitzø wasn't by his side.

"I think that you have enough things, Stella. You're only going there for two days." Stolas said to his wife, which is packing her third suitcase. 

"You really don't know what all a woman needs. When I'm gonna be gone, just don't stay around that new assistant of yours. You look weird at him."

"What do you mean?" the Prince says as he looks away, trying to hide the blush that’s creeping onto his face.

"Oh come on Stolas, you know what I'm talking about. Just stop it, it makes you look gay."

Shit. "Stella, you cannot think such a thing. I'm your husband."

"Yes, and you don't act like one. Cannot even have normal sex with me without thousands of excuses."

She's right. He cannot have a normal intimacy with her. But, how is he supposed to? Only thinking about it makes Stolas nauseous. He's really a terrible husband. "You're right. I'm sorry. But I cannot avoid him, he works for me."

"You can. In your free time."

"You're right. I will not see him during my free time."

Thank Lucifer that the conversation ends. Stella leaves with her three suitcases and heads downstairs into the living room. Stolas stays in the bedroom, thinking. As if Blitzø was reading Stolas's mind, he knocks on the door. "May I come in, your highness?" the imp says from behind the door.

"Come in...Blitz, I know this may be inappropriate, but do you think you can run me a bath again?"

"Of course...and dinner? I was actually here to announce that dinner's ready."

"I'm not hungry, but thank you."

"You sure? You didn't eat much for lunch."

"I had a snack a few minutes ago." He did not.

"Oh, okay. The bath will be ready soon." The imp goes into the bathroom and Stolas follows after him, closing the curtains that are there instead of a door. Blitzø doesn't seem to mind. He starts the faucet and then reaches for the lighter, but so does Stolas. They accidentally brush hands. Both men look up and their gaze meets. Stolas can feel his cheeks warming up again. "Oh, I'm sorry...I just thought I could do that part," he blustered out.

"Hey, it's okay...I just" the imp looks away, his face looks redder than normally. "You can light them up, I'll add the bubbles." Blitzø says as he gives the lighter to Stolas. The Prince nods and does as Blitzø told him. When the bath starts being full, Blitzø turns off the water. Muscle memory causes Stolas to start undressing. Before he even realizes what he just did, Blitzø turns around to see Stolas with his romper, unbuttoned. "Shit! I'm so sorry. It's just you know, I'm used to that when the faucet is not running anymore I..." Stolas tries to explain with his face completely red.

"I get...I get it. I'll...I'll just go," Blitzø says, his own face covered in dark blush. It could be embarrassment. But Blitzø once, maybe more than once, flirted with Stolas. When Blitzø turns to leave the room, the Prince catches him by his arm. Stolas kneels down so they would be on the same eye level. He cannot help himself anymore. Stolas leans closer to Blitzø and closes the distance between them. Just a quick kiss, nothing more. Well, that's at least what he thought. Blitzø kissed him back, pulling Stolas closer, wrapping his hands around Stolas's bust. Their chests touch and he can feel the other man's heart beat. They pull apart. Blitzø's pupils are dilated, looking into the Prince's eyes. His face is on fire, so is Stolas's. Blitzø let's go off Stolas. "Wow, is this also a part of being a personal assistant?"