Helluva Deal

73. The Song Of A Deer Gone Wrong

„...We ended up not only watching the finale of my horse series...during which I definitely NOT cried..." Blitz grins about Stolas' low chuckle and the kiss on his shoulder from the owl-demon, who's snuggling up against his back for quite a while now already, „...but we also watched some episodes of Sto's Helluva Novella series..."

„...during which I definitely NOT cried either. And Blitz also definitely DIDN'T become worried for me over that again," adds Stolas in another chuckle.

„Of COURSE not," Blitz laughs softly and tenderly kisses one of the feathered arms, his husband has wrapped around him, before focusing back on Alastor, still lying on his side in front of him, and caresses his hands again, „After eating, we ended up falling asleep on the couch together at some point. We woke up pretty late and I ended up staying the next night...well, actually almost the whole weekend here. It was..." even now the imp can't help a light blush and lightly pushes back against his husband's warm, soft body, „...a wonderful experience..."

Stolas smiles softly, caresses his imp and kisses his neck once more, murmuring, „It was, my Star."

Blitz purrs softly, but then his focus is back on Alastor and he cups the deer-demon's cheek, „How are you, Sweetie? I was actually hoping, you'd fall asleep at some point while I tell the story..."

The radio demon's half lidded eyes are still fixed on Blitz and he now nuzzles into the touch, smiling softly, „How could I? Would've missed the story then... But...I'm honestly feeling much better already..."

„Hm... Then you should drink something. And THEN...maybe Stolas can sing something after all? That...helped me once or twice in the past already..." Blitz tenderly runs his fingers over the radio demon's forehead and is relieved to find no cold sweat or heat there anymore.

Alastor looks between his friends back and forth, „I don't...want to be an even greater burden than I already am..."

„Nonsense. Al, you are no burden, Silly," Stolas carefully boops his nose now, „Besides, I wanted Blitz to sleep, too. And look at him. So this might finally put HIM to sleep as well."

„Yeah... Sorry, Sto. Storytime isn't ideal for everybody to fall asleep, I'm afraid..." Blitz laughs and shrugs, „But at least for Astry...and Husk, apparently."

„I think that's probably been the alcohol rather than your story, Dearest," Stolas' smile turns a little sad when he now glances at the cat-demon, sleeping curled up on the bed, close to them truly passed out.

„What the fuck did you give him?" Blitz follows his gaze and isn't sure whether to smirk in amusement or frown in mild worry.

„Just some absinthe... But I guess, he's been really exhausted as well..." murmurs Stolas and soothingly kisses the imp's neck again, „Don't worry."

„Hm," Blitz sits up now, along with Stolas, both careful not to wake the sleeping Astrea, who's still nestled on a pillow between them.

Alastor starts to shuffle, attempting to sit up now as well and once he managed with Blitz' help, he turns his head to look at Husk as well, his body language displaying his concern.

„Al," Stolas gently touches his arm, holding him the cup of water.

„Thanks..." Alastor takes it and drinks slowly, still looking at the cat-demon, before suddenly turning back to his other friends, asking lowly, „Is that why he thinks he's not...good enough for me to...stay?"

Blitz and Stolas exchange another short glance, then the owl-demon answers softly, „Yes. He fears that you would spend all your energy on helping him, instead of on yourself. And that you need someone more stable than him to help you heal more. And I..." Stolas rubs his own arm in slight discomfort, „I think...he may be right about that, Alastor. You'd exhaust yourself over your attempt to help him. But...I just saw that he was right. Unlike with Blitz or me, he won't be able to fight off his addiction as 'easily'. It runs deeper and different than ours did. In body as well as in mind. I'm sorry, Al. But...you're in no condition to handle this yourself on your own."