Chapter 77
Another!
Warning: OOC, random craziness, Error past dark abuse, many other troubles if mention, cursing, killing, dark themes, racism mention, stuff children/teen shouldn't do, profanity, self-harm, suicidal moments, cheating, sexual moments mentioned, violence, smoking, drugs, alcohol, guns mention, animal death, cringe, bullying, yandere, possible musical/singing moments and bad flirts.
Error/Moxxie speaking
Voices/flashback/Text
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"You actually made them!" Stolas was so in shock as he held up the clothing.
The pair relaxing in the living room. It's been three days since the whole breakup and mask revealed. The pair texted each other a lot over the phone. Unless they get distracted, another duty, or texting someone else.
Moxxie gave Maria an update about what happened. She had mixed thoughts about it. But will be careful what to say. Along with told Moxxie to be careful. Would tell Doc for them just in case Stolas wants a word to them. After all Doc was the one covering for Moxxie, Puppet situation when they hit by the bug. So, Stolas possibly will figure out Doc might know who they really are. With Maria who knows.
Blitz been tight lipped about what been happening. Try to change or avoid the subject of Stolas as much as he can if they are brought up. The group in IMP is not sure what to fully do. Even Loona just out of loop what to truly do with her adoptive father. Besides just staying close of sorts. Striker offers Blitz to go shooting. He declines but would think about it another day. Millie showed him some funny horse memes. Little half jokes. Moxxie just stayed close to him. Show Blitz he is not being tossed aside. A little relieved to not mention the kiss even if there been weird look.
Plus, ignoring the media post of the mess that happen at Ozzies of the pair.
Yeah, Blitz had to get another phone when he tossed it out the window.
Feels really odd hiding this behind Blitz back. But Stolas was another topic. Stolas is now careful as well when asking about Blitz.
Moxxie tilt their heads as they sat on the couch. "I remember you mention like wearing them, the pictures. Then stop because others telling to dress in the 'correct' way."
"Oh?"
"It still noble like. At least to me with stuff I watch and seen. Just a different style. One or two are a little casual." Waves it off. "But hey it doesn't matter now. It's what you want, right? Like you said, the separation is happening. Now onward to the divorce. So, might as well get back to doing things you like and wear."
Stolas stare a long time at Moxxie with a warm smile. "You really are a good friend."
"Felt like I could have done better. Does Octavia know?"
"Yes." He sighs. "She doesn't like the situation."
"I meant you dressing up like from the gothic Victorian times. But sure, that too."
Stolas flushed a bit embarrassed. "Well, the portrait of me before I got married. She recently found pictures of me. She like my style of clothing and wonder how I turn so uncool."
"Because her egg carrier goal to make your life miserable."
"Puppet!"
Moxxie shrugged and did not take it back. Still slightly peeved at their own self not seeing it or pushing details. But Stolas was good at hiding the abuse. The act of pretending, changing the subject or the excuses. How it sounds like once you read the lines deeper. Stella never cared. Doesn't even really think Stella cares for Octavia besides an heir or public image.
Just so Octavia can have a family.
Stolas stared at them for a while and sighed. "They're going to be a lot of backlashes on both sides of the family. Even if my rank is higher than her own family. Still be issues. Stella is going to do everything she can to have sole custody over Octavia. Along with possibly my property and everything else to spite me. Will do everything to use against me from the cheating. The book. Probably throw in insult if she heard what happen at Ozzies."
"She is seventeen and will be eighteen soon. It would be ridiculous at this point to fight sole custody. Should just let her pick."
"If divorce that easy with nobles."
"Well, always the other option that isn't death related."
"What that?"
"She runaways."
"What?!
"Just a thought. I can't see it happen." Glance at their phone. "Why would the book matter at this point if it got mention in the divorce court?"
"Remember I did let Blitz use the book for like half a year. A book you really not allowed to keep, along with going to the human world."
"You mean the same book you got back. "
"She'll still going to find a way to bring it back on IMP. On how they can now get through after your little book gift exchange feeling guilty. Might pay a previous client of yours to talk about it. Or hire assassin for all of us."
"I was trying to fix the problem."
Stolas signs at the imp and smiles a little. "But I don't want that to get involved. It would mean you would be involved as Puppet. As of right now Octavia and I know you on a certain personal level. Then that small meet at Wrath. Along with my suspicion who the other might be. It does seem Satan has kept their word, this far, about the whole space bug situation."
"Yippie. Would that fool try to take your book too?" A lot of strings pulled on the background to not let that Intel get spread.
"Probably make some comment how it'll be Octavia in the future. But it still my duties not hers." Then their head went down a little. "Unless Paimon comes in. Then that another argument."
"The butler owl?"
"Yes him."
"Why is it his business? Not like doing anything besides not wanting to be around you. Just gave you the book to learn, remind you of your work and that's it."
"Your blunt honesty can really, really hurt." Stolas mentally cried at the truth. Lot of father issues.
"You're not trying to make a weak attempt to cover for them. Right?"
"I- "Mouth closed and sighs. "I don't know what to really feel about him anymore. Besides be an embarrassing disappointment to him and others because of my lack of reports of my duties. Now this divorce. Andrealphus must be having a field of rumors and stories to gossip about with the others."
"Still for the best."
"What would you have said if your father was like Paimon?"
"Anyone can be like this demon. But if you're saying like family. Disown myself. Or him if I could. Yes, I like that one."
"Disown?!"
"Why not? I didn't ask to be a Noble. I didn't ask to be in this kind of family. I didn't ask to be told like to do my entire life by someone who only sees me as some pawn for power and rank." Eyes darken a little and shake their head. "Can only take so much until you snap or break."
"I was fine with the role till I was told about the marriage." Stolas grumble and look at another set of clothing that Moxxie made. "I wouldn't know what else to do".
"Gardner? Write a book? Teach Astrology? Gemstone collecting?"
"Travel the stars and space since you been doing that better than me." Stolas chuckles weakly and smiles. "Would like that. I study it but still surprises as I only can study those for prophecies."
"Space explores."
"So, much adventuring and mapping the whole galaxy. Heal the stars."
"Free service just like phones out there."
"You got your work of Flaw. Such a challenge."
"Space delivery."
"So, were mail service now?"
"Nothing stopping us from that."
"Well, we better start think of name for the business to team with Flaw!"
The pair of them chuckled together. Just having a good time and throwing out random ideas.
"It's all nice dreams and ideas." Stolas smiled a bit. "But then I remember I have my Starfire."
"Little Frogmouth could join."
"Probably would like that. She never showed care about being a royal. But I can't just let her walk away like that." Head down. "I can't let her get hurt till I know she is safe."
"Kids really do make it a difference for a parent."
"Indeed." Then scratch the back of their head
"I think you should go try those on."
"Oh, um right." Stood up and gathered the clothes. Took a few steps but stop. "Puppet."
Glance over to see Stolas head turn, a tired smile on their face.
"I know your private about many things. Even with the short visits I knew you as Moxxie. You are filled with surprises yet still holding many things back. Yet, you still go out to help me. I bet your helping out Blitz the best way you can. Not wanting to choose. I am very, very grateful of what we have."
Moxxie open their mouths, not sure what would come out, but Stolas was already far away. Stare at the spot there once were at as they slowly fall against the couch. Rub their face and let out a sigh. Pulls the mask off. That was resting on the side of their head, and look at it. Their fingers trace the design.
"Grateful?"
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Done!
Any surprises?
Any questions?
Until next time.
Bye, bye!