The morning started with Stolas receiving the unexpected news that his half-brother Vassago would be visiting. As soon as he read the message, panic set in."Oh no!" Stolas cried, his wings flaring out and nearly knocking over a lamp in his frantic movements. "Why didn't he warn me?! I wasn't ready for this!"

Blitz was lounging on the couch, glancing up at Stolas's frantic movements. "Babe, relax," he said, though his tone was more amused than concerned.

Stolas, on the other hand, was already pacing back and forth. "I know! But Vassago, he's so unpredictable! He always shows up when I least expect it, and then he starts poking into everything I do, and..." Stolas threw his hands up dramatically. "I can't, what if the house isn't clean enough? Or what if the twins start crying the moment he walks in?"

Blitz smirked, pushing himself up from the couch and walking over to Stolas, putting a calming hand on his shoulder. "Hey, you're gonna be fine. Vassago's your brother, not some... pompous royal guest. And you're a good dad, let the chaos happen. Besides, it'll be fun. Maybe he'll lighten the mood around here." Blitz gave him a playful wink.

Stolas let out a frustrated sigh, clearly still on edge, but Blitz's steady presence managed to ease some of the tension. "I just want everything to be perfect for him," Stolas admitted quietly. "It's been so long since we've spent time together."

Blitz chuckled softly. "Well, I'll help you make sure it's as perfect as possible. You've got this."

As Blitz helped tidy up, Stolas muttered to himself, still anxious. "I just wasn't prepared for this at all..."

The doorbell rang. "That's him!" Stolas gasped, eyes wide. "I, I'm not ready!"

Blitz rolled his eyes, grinning. "You're always gonna be 'not ready.' You're Stolas, after all."

With a calming pat on Stolas's back, Blitz opened the door, and there stood Vassago, with his usual confident, flamboyant flair. His red and orange feathers shimmered in the light, his sharp, dramatic attire standing out. "Vassago!" Stolas rushed forward, trying to keep his composure. "You came at such short notice! I wasn't prepared!"

Vassago merely smirked, completely unfazed. "¡Ah, Stolas, I do love a little surprise! Besides, I knew you'd panic. It's a tradition, isn't it?"

Blitz gave a teasing grin to Vassago. "I think it's more of a family trait than a tradition."

Vassago raised an eyebrow, looking at Blitz with interest. "Ah, so this is the infamous Blitz. The one my hermano can't stop talking about."

Blitz raised his eyebrows in mock offense. "Is that so? Well, he talks about me all the time, huh?"

Vassago's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Oh, all the time. But enough of that. It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Blitz. I must say, you and Stolas make quite the pair." His grin turned slightly devilish. "I'm curious to see if you'll live up to his stories."

Blitz smirked, unfazed. "I'm full of surprises, but I guess you'll have to find out for yourself."

Stolas, still feeling a little overwhelmed, stepped in between them. "Okay, okay, let's all calm down. Come inside, Vassago. I've got Loona and the twins to introduce you to."

As Vassago entered the house, he looked around with a mix of amusement and curiosity. "Much better than I expected, hermano. Your taste in decor hasn't changed one bit."

Loona, hearing the commotion, entered the room, looking a little grumpy but curious. "Who's this?"

"Ah, this is Vassago," Stolas explained, gesturing to his half-brother. "My brother from another mother."

Vassago gave her a playful bow. "Mucho gusto, mija. Your father speaks highly of you."

Loona blinked, clearly not used to compliments. "Uh, thanks?"

Vassago chuckled. "You don't have to thank me, mija. I know you've got your tough exterior, but I see through it."

Loona rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a small grin. "I'm not that tough," she said, her voice softer than usual. "I'm Loona. Nice to meet you."

As Vassago continued to engage with Loona, Stolas took him into the nursery where the twins, Spiroz and Helia, were napping. "This is Spiroz," Stolas said, carefully picking up the baby boy. He was a tiny bundle of red and white feathers, with little nubbed horns and imp-like eyes, his gray tail feathers poking out cutely. "And this is Helia," Stolas continued, showing off the baby girl, who had red skin, an imp tail, talons for feet, and owl-like eyes. "My beautiful little ones."

Vassago crouched down to get a closer look at the babies. He smiled softly, clearly taken aback by their cuteness. "Stolas, hermano, they're perfect."

Stolas smiled proudly. "I couldn't be happier. I'm so thankful for them."

Blitz, standing in the doorway, gave his partner a tender smile, clearly proud as well. "Yeah, they're a handful, but they're worth it."

Vassago carefully reached out to touch Spiroz's tiny head, his fingers gentle. "I've missed so much. I can't believe how quickly you've grown, hermano. And these little ones... they'll be a force to reckon with one day."

Stolas beamed at the compliment. "I hope so. But for now, they're still learning."

Vassago laughed softly. "I see, I see. But they've got so much potential."

As Vassago was marveling at the babies, Octavia walked in, her eyes lighting up when she saw her uncle. "Vassago!" she cried, rushing over to him with a huge smile. "I've missed you!"

Vassago bent down to scoop her up in his arms, twirling her around. "¡Mi sobrina! You've gotten so big, Octavia. I almost didn't recognize you!"

Octavia laughed, clearly thrilled to see him. "It's been too long! I'm so glad you're here!"

They spent a few moments catching up, with Octavia eagerly asking about Vassago's travels. "You've been all over, haven't you?" she asked. "What's it like in those other parts of Hell?"

Vassago grinned, "It's full of interesting characters, let me tell you. You'd love it there, Octavia. I'll take you one day. But for now, tell me everything about your adventures."

They continued their conversation, with Vassago sharing a few amusing stories about his travels and Octavia responding with her usual sharp wit. She was delighted to have her uncle back in her life. Meanwhile, Loona had been sitting on the couch with Vassago, subtly warming up to him as he continued to crack jokes and share stories. Slowly but surely, her tough exterior began to melt. She even allowed herself to laugh, which was rare for her. "So, you don't get fazed by anything, huh?" Loona remarked.

Vassago chuckled. "Mija, I've seen everything Hell has to offer. But nothing's more interesting than family."

Loona tilted her head, clearly processing this. "That's... nice to hear."

Just then, Helia began to stir in her crib, and Vassago leaned over to softly touch her tiny hand. "And this little one. What a handful she's going to be."

Stolas laughed, a warm feeling filling his chest. "She's already quite the character. Just like her sister."

The bonding between them continued throughout the day, with Vassago spending time with Loona, Octavia, and the twins. He held Spiroz gently, marveling at the baby boy's little beak and sharp teeth, and even played with Helia, making her giggle as he tickled her tiny feet. He gave Octavia advice about her future, talking to her like an older sibling, and even managed to get Loona to talk about her interests, though she remained slightly guarded. As the evening drew to a close, Vassago rose from the couch and gave Stolas a tight hug. "You've come a long way, hermano. I'm proud of you."

"Thanks, Vassago," Stolas replied, his voice thick with emotion. "It means a lot to hear that."

With that, Vassago left, but not without leaving behind a promise to return. As Stolas stood in the doorway, watching his brother disappear into the night, he felt a wave of relief wash over him. Family may be complicated, but the love they shared was unwavering.