Apologize for any spoils for the final episode. This one is a what-if parody for Sinsmas. What If Octavia willingly listened to Stolas before jumping to conclusions?

The cold air of the Goetia mansion nipped at Octavia's skin as she trudged through the quiet hallways, earbuds in, trying to drown out her thoughts with music. She wasn't in the mood for the usual chaos of her home, and the silence that surrounded her was a small mercy. Her boots crunched on something unexpectedly brittle, pulling her out of her reverie. She glanced down and saw a dried leaf crumbling beneath her foot. Strange. Pulling out one earbud, she looked around, noticing a corridor of dead potted plants. Once lush and vibrant, they were now frozen and lifeless, their leaves curled in on themselves.

A chill ran through her that wasn't just from the cold. Her father had always cared for those plants. Their decay felt like a reflection of the house itself—something beautiful turned hollow. Her thoughts were interrupted by laughter—sharp, cutting laughter that carried through the mansion like shards of glass. Octavia's brow furrowed as she followed the sound to a nearby room. Cautiously, she pressed her ear to the door. Inside, she heard her mother's familiar voice, sharp and venomous, laced with amusement. "He's been trying to call her all fucking month, and it's hilarious!" Stella's laughter rang out, unkind and mocking.

Andrealphus' smooth, icy voice joined in, his laughter blending with hers. Octavia peered through the crack in the door and felt her stomach churn. Stella and Andrealphus were lounging in a makeshift spa, their every whim catered to by a line of visibly stressed imp servants. Stella reclined lazily with a cup of tea, her phone in hand, while Andrealphus enjoyed a shoulder massage, smirking as though he owned the world.

Octavia's jaw tightened. She'd always known her mother could be cruel, but this blatant mockery of her father, her family, was too much. Without a word, she stepped back from the door and turned away, her heart pounding. The mansion felt even colder now, the air heavier.

Octavia retreated to her room, closing the door behind her with a soft click. She grabbed her guitar and flopped onto her bed, her fingers absently plucking at the strings. The familiar notes usually brought her comfort, but tonight they felt hollow. Her gaze wandered around her room, landing on the constellation mural painted on her ceiling, the books about stars lining her shelves, and the photographs pinned to her wall. One photo caught her eye—a family picture. Her father's face had been hastily scribbled over in frustration during one of her darker moments. Regret tugged at her chest.

Her father wasn't perfect, but he had always tried for her. Memories of stargazing together, of him pointing out constellations and telling her their stories, flashed through her mind. The warmth she once felt in those moments was a stark contrast to the chill now permeating her home. Unable to shake the unease settling over her, Octavia set her guitar aside and left her room. She needed to feel closer to her father, to find some reminder of the bond they used to share. Octavia slipped into her father's closet, the scent of his cologne is faint but still present.

She scanned the shelves and boxes labeled "Stolas' Stuff," her fingers grazing over the items he had packed away. It felt wrong, seeing his things shoved aside like they didn't matter anymore. As she dug deeper, she uncovered treasures from her childhood: a crayon drawing of the two of them beneath a starry sky, a handmade Father's Day card that read, "To the best dad in the universe," and a photograph of them stargazing together, "Star Observation" scrawled beneath in her messy handwriting. Tears pricked her eyes as she held the photo close. Despite everything, he had kept these mementos.

They mattered to him, just as she had once mattered. Her heart ached with longing and anger. How had their family fallen apart so completely? The picture crinkled slightly in her grip as her chest burned with a mix of sorrow and fury. She had always known her mother was cold, but this blatant disregard for her feelings for her father was unbearable. As she reached to place her guitar on the shelf, something caught her eye; a small bottle sitting conspicuously on the edge. Curious, she picked it up, turning it over to read the label. "Happy Pills" it read, the name of the medication and Stolas' own inscribed below.

Her brow furrowed as she noticed the bottle wasn't alone. Behind it, an entire box full of identical bottles sat, untouched yet clearly amassed over time. Octavia's fingers tightened around the bottle, her mind racing. Was this what her father had been reduced to? A prince of Hell, drowning in pills to mask his misery? She felt a knot tighten in her stomach. Anger and sorrow swirled together as she realized just how deeply her father's unhappiness ran. Stella and Andrealphus's mocking laughter from earlier echoed in her mind, fueling her determination. Her claws clicked against the floor as she left the closet, the bottle still in her hand.

She had seen enough. This wasn't just about her anymore. It was about her father and the toxic environment they were all trapped in. Something needed to be done. As she made her way through the halls of the mansion, Octavia's steps grew heavier with each passing moment. The laughter from earlier still echoed in her mind, and her hands curled into fists at her sides. She reached the spa room, where Stella and Andrealphus were still lounging without a care in the world. The sight of them sipping tea and barking orders at the imp servants ignited a fire within her.

Octavia burst into the room, startling both Stella and Andrealphus. The imp servants quickly scattered, sensing the brewing storm. "What is wrong with you?" Octavia's voice cracked with anger as she glared at her mother. "Do you even care about anyone but yourself?"

Stella arched an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Oh, what now, Octavia? Another one of your dramatic tantrums?"

"This isn't a tantrum!" Octavia shot back, her voice rising. She stepped closer, her hands trembling. "I heard you laughing earlier. About Dad! He's trying so hard, and you—you think it's funny to watch him suffer?"

Andrealphus smirked but stayed silent, letting Stella handle the confrontation. Stella, on the other hand, rolled her eyes and leaned back in her chair. "Your father is a pathetic excuse for a Goetia. He deserves every ounce of misery he's getting," Stella said coldly.

Octavia's voice wavered, but she didn't back down. "He doesn't deserve this. And neither do I. You've turned this house into a prison. I'd rather be broke and homeless than stay here with you."

Stella's expression darkened, but before she could respond, Octavia turned on her heel and stormed out of the room. Her heart pounded as she made her way to her room, grabbing her guitar and a small bag of essentials. She glanced at the constellation mural on her ceiling one last time before heading out of the mansion. The cold night air hit Octavia's face as she stepped outside. For the first time in a long while, she felt a sense of freedom. She pulled out her phone and hesitated for a moment before dialing her father's number.

Meanwhile, in an opulent yet sterile office, Stolas sat in a plush chair, his posture hunched and his eyes glued to Blitzo's phone. He tapped the screen repeatedly, refreshing the page in vain hope of a response. The lack of new messages had left him despondent, his usual flamboyant demeanor dulled. On the opposite side of the room, a Karen Client—a demon with a nasal voice and a perpetual air of dissatisfaction—stood tapping her foot impatiently. She huffed and gestured dramatically at the empty space around her.

"Ugh! Don't you have any reading material anywhere? Are we just supposed to sit here and wait?" she complained, her voice grating on Stolas' nerves.

He didn't even look up, his focus still on the phone. "They take their time," he said flatly, his usual charm absent. "It's a difficult business, I imagine."

"'You imagine,' huh?" she said, mockingly mimicking his tone. "Well, they should hurry up if they expect people to just stick around without anything to do. What a shoddy business operation!"

Stolas' eye twitched. The relentless complaints were pushing him closer to his breaking point. Finally, he snapped. "Ooh! Here's an idea: You could shut the fuck up!" he barked, rising from his seat with an uncharacteristic edge to his voice.

The Karen Client gasped dramatically before responding flatly, "Rude."

Before Stolas could retort, the phone in his hand rang. His heart leaped, and he answered eagerly. "Hello?" he said, his voice a mix of hope and desperation.

The voice on the other end made him freeze. "Dad?" Octavia's voice came through, steady yet tinged with an unusual intensity.

"Via!" Stolas exclaimed, his tone shifting instantly to one of relief. "Oh, darling, are you okay? Is something wrong?"

There was a pause, and then Octavia spoke again, her voice firmer this time. "We need to talk. Now."

The line went dead before Stolas could respond. He stared at the phone, confusion, and concern etched across his face. Whatever this was about, it was serious.

The cold air was unforgiving as Blitzo ran across the snow-covered yard, his breath visible in the frosty air. He slid to a stop just outside the window, gun drawn instinctively, but paused as his eyes took in the scene before him. Inside, the family was laughing and exchanging gifts, their warmth almost palpable even through the cold glass. One of the daughters placed a Santa hat on her father's head, and the other handed the other dad a gift. Their smiles were genuine, and the simple gesture of a kiss shared between them spoke volumes of the love they had. It was a perfect family moment, the kind that Blitzo could never have imagined for himself.

A shiver ran down his spine. It wasn't cold from the weather, but something else. Something far too familiar. Moxxie appeared beside him, leaning in to peer through the window. His eyes softened as he watched the family, a moment of hesitation passing between them.

"This may be out of turn, sir..." Moxxie began, his voice cautious. "But I feel like this one isn't worth the money."

Blitzo didn't respond, his gaze still fixed on the family. He didn't know what he was expecting. Maybe something that justified all the pain, the bloodshed, the chaos. But all he could see was what he would never have. Loona and Millie walked up behind them, the silence hanging thick in the air. Loona, sensing the tension, casually tossed the Santa decoration she was holding into the snow. Millie shivered beside them, trying to shake off the chill, while Blitzo was caught in his thoughts. Moxxie spoke again. "Sir, I don't think I wanna be part of this one."

Blitzo didn't even acknowledge him at first. His mind was elsewhere, still caught in the dream of what could have been. Then Loona spoke, snapping him back to reality. "You okay, Dad?" Her voice was soft, but there was a hint of concern in her tone.

Blitzo turned to her, searching her face for any signs of doubt. Loona smiled at him, her expression full of understanding. "I can handle this one. You know, if you're not up for it."

Blitzo hesitated, still staring at the happy family in the window. It was like looking at a reflection of everything he had ever wanted—everything he had lost. But he saw it, all the same, and for the first time, it didn't feel like something worth chasing. He gave her a small nod. "Really?"

Loona nodded back, her smile never faltering. Blitzo turned his attention back to the family in the window, imagining a different scene; a version of this reality where he wasn't alone. He saw himself, Loona, Stolas, and Octavia gathered around, exchanging gifts. Blitzo was holding a big present, a horse, his eyes wide with joy as Stolas and Octavia smiled warmly at him. It was everything he had ever dreamed of, everything he had never thought possible. But then it hit him. A wave of cold realization, and with a deep sigh, he muttered, "Nah, fuck this. We're going home."

Without another word, Blitzo stood up, turning his back on the house. Loona followed him, her footsteps steady, while Millie remained behind, still looking toward the house with a longing expression. Millie was the one to break the silence. "What? Didn't he cheat or s-s-something? Come on, this is fun! We've done this kind of t-t-thing before."

Blitzo paused, his voice tight as he answered, "Just... not this one, Mils. Not today."

His hand brushed against the Asmodean Crystal in his pocket, the familiar warmth of it activating the portal. As Loona and Moxxie walked toward him, ready to head back to the office, Millie lingered, still staring at the house. "I can do this one, I can do this!" Millie protested, determined despite the chill.

Blitzo stopped, his expression unreadable. "No, Millie. Let's go."

Reluctantly, she stepped away from the house, and the portal sealed shut behind them. Blitzo, Loona, and Moxxie stepped back into the office, the warmth of the space almost too much after the cold outside. Blitzo was still shivering, the weight of his thoughts heavy on his shoulders. Millie, however, seemed undeterred by the decision. "Well, that's that," Blitzo muttered as he flopped down in his chair, rubbing his arms. "I never wanna go anywhere cold again."

Back at the office, Blitzo had just finished shaking off the weight of the cold encounter. He slumped in his chair, trying to shake off the tension. But before he could fully unwind, the door swung open, and Stolas entered, his face practically glowing with excitement.

"Blitzo! I have the best news!" Stolas exclaimed, his voice light and full of enthusiasm.

Blitzo looked up, a weary smile tugging at his lips despite himself. "What's the good news this time, Stolas?" He was still reeling from the cold mission and the frustration of the Karen Client.

Stolas grinned, stepping into the room with a sense of triumph. "Octavia... she finally answered me!" Stolas's eyes sparkled. "She's coming over to the office today! We're going to have a proper family day.

Blitzo's face softened. "That's great, Stolas. Really great." He could hear the happiness in Stolas's voice, but his own exhaustion still weighed on him.

Before Stolas could continue, the door swung open, and the Karen Client stormed in, her voice loud and grating as usual. "Can you believe this trash?" she said, holding up Stolas' journal with an exaggerated grimace. "Didn't make me wet at all." She tossed the journal aside as if it was the most disgusting thing she'd ever seen.

Blitzo's frown deepened. The nerve of this woman. He could feel his patience thinning. Before Stolas could even react, Blitz was already on his feet. "Wow, you're really something," he muttered, his voice dangerously calm.

Without another word, Blitz grabbed the Karen Client by the arm, marched to the window, and tossed her out, her screams trailing off as she fell. Blitzo turned back with a satisfied grin. "Wow, I feel lighter!" he called, his tone almost too casual, though the adrenaline buzzed in his veins.

Just then, Octavia stepped into the office, her eyes scanning the room. "Dad?" she called softly, her voice hesitant as she looked between Stolas and Blitzo.

Stolas's eyes lit up as he spotted his daughter. His heart swelled with pride and relief. Without thinking, he rushed toward her and pulled her into a tight embrace. "Via! My brave, powerful girl! I'm so happy to see you!" Stolas exclaimed, his voice full of emotion.

But Octavia stiffened in his arms, not returning the gesture. She stepped back abruptly, breaking free of his hold. Her magic flickered around her, and with a sharp gesture, she shattered a nearby window that had been reflecting the two of them. The glass splintered with a loud crack, mirroring the tension between them. "You lied to me," Octavia said, her voice low, but filled with a heavy hurt.

Stolas froze, his eyes widening in confusion. "What?"

Octavia's voice grew louder, the pain and anger clearer in her words. "You lied to me! You said you would never leave me! You promised!"

Stolas's heart dropped as he tried to approach her, but she held up her hand, stopping him in his tracks. "Via, I-I didn't leave you," he stammered, his voice shaking. "I-I would never, it wasn't my choice..."

Octavia's gaze hardened. "It was your choice," she shot back, her voice laced with bitterness. "You chose HIM!" She pointed an accusing finger at Blitzo, who stood in stunned silence, guilt washing over him as the entire crew watched the fallout unfold.

Blitzo shifted uncomfortably under her gaze, but Octavia wasn't done. Stolas tried to move closer, but Octavia stepped back, her anger escalating with each passing moment. "No, Via, please," Stolas pleaded, desperation creeping into his voice. "I didn't— I didn't mean for it to be like this. You don't understand—"

"I understand!" Octavia snapped, her voice rising with the intensity of her emotions. "I understand that we were never enough for you! You never loved Mother, and you don't love me, you love him!" She reached into her pocket and pulled out the small vial of happy pills, shaking it in front of him. "And you needed THESE!" she shouted. "Was this my fault? Was I the reason you needed these to escape your own pain?"

"No! No, never, Via!" Stolas cried out, his hands shaking as he reached for hers, trying to hold on. "Sweetie, please. You've always been the only good thing in my life!"

Octavia's face twisted with frustration and sorrow. She pulled her hands away, fists clenched as her magic crackled around her. "So does that mean you just stayed miserable because of me?" Her voice trembled with emotion as tears welled up in her eyes. "Was I some fucking obligation? Is that why you didn't even hesitate when you got a chance to leave?"

The words stung Stolas like a thousand knives. His heart shattered as he watched Octavia turn to walk away, her body language closed off and hurt. He couldn't let her go like this. "Via, please!" Stolas cried, his voice cracking. He moved to grab her arm, falling to his knees in desperation. "I love you, Via. So, so much. Please, sweetie, let me explain."

Stolas remained on his knees, his grip tight on Octavia's arm as he looked up at her, pleading. His eyes glistened with desperation and love, his voice trembling.

"Please, Via, I never wanted to hurt you. I never wanted you to feel like this. I—"

Octavia stood still, her back to him, fists still clenched at her sides. The weight of her anger seemed to suffocate the air around them, and for a moment, it felt like she was going to walk away again. Stolas's heart sank, and he almost thought he had lost her completely.

But then, after a long, heavy silence, Octavia's shoulders sagged. She let out a shaky breath and slowly turned back to face him. The fire in her eyes was still there, but now, it was mixed with something else—hurt, confusion, and a deep sadness.

"I don't know if I can forgive you for all of this," she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. "But... I'm willing to hear you out."

Stolas blinked in surprise, his heart racing with a mixture of relief and guilt. He stood up slowly, taking her hands in his again, his fingers trembling.

"Thank you, sweetie," he whispered, his voice raw with emotion. "I know I've failed you. I've made so many mistakes, but I want to make things right. I want to be the father you deserve."

Octavia's eyes softened just slightly, but her voice was still strained with the weight of everything she had carried for so long. "I don't know if you can fix everything, Dad," she said, her tone laced with uncertainty. "But I want to understand why you did what you did. I want to know why you chose him over me... over us."

Stolas nodded, his heart aching at the pain in her voice. "It wasn't about choosing him over you, Via. It was never about that. I've... I've been lost, and I didn't know how to handle everything. I thought... I thought if I pushed everything away, if I buried my feelings, maybe it would make things easier. But it didn't. I hurt you, and I hurt myself."

Octavia's gaze softened for just a moment, but her words were still sharp, full of the hurt that had built up inside her. "I get that, but I need to know that you care. That you care about me, about us. I'm tired of feeling like I'm just something you keep on the sidelines when it's convenient."

Stolas squeezed her hands gently, his eyes filled with regret. "I care, Via. More than anything in this world. And I am so sorry for making you feel like you weren't enough. You have always been my reason for everything. You are the best part of me."

There was a long pause, and Octavia stood there, her expression unreadable. Her heart was a tangle of emotions, and she could feel the anger she had been holding onto slowly begin to fade. It was replaced by something more fragile—hope, but also confusion. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she spoke, her voice quieter than before, laced with the weight of everything she had been holding back. "Then why the pills? And why did you and Mom hate each other?"

Stolas took a deep breath, his heart aching at the pain in her voice. He knew this moment had come—the truth he had been hiding for so long. He hesitated for a moment, collecting his thoughts, before speaking, his voice tinged with sorrow. "My father arranged my marriage to Stella when I was just ten. I had no say in the matter. I endured her cruelty and abuse because of you, Via. I had to put up with it for you. I was in such a deep depression for years... I turned to those pills to feel something, anything. But when you were born... something changed. I knew I had to be better for you than my father ever was to me."

Octavia's heart ached at the weight of his words. She had never fully understood the depth of her father's pain. Stolas continued, his eyes softening as he spoke. "I even knew who Blitz was when we were children. Via, I know you're angry, but when I'm with him, I feel something I've missed for so many years, romantic love. It's not just about us, it's about me finally feeling seen. But I would give up all of it. My wealth, my power for you. Always."

For a moment, Octavia stood in stunned silence, the pieces of her childhood slowly falling into place. She started to see everything in a new light. Memories she had buried deep began to surface—her father always being the one who took care of her, her mother doing nothing but complaining and throwing money around. She remembered the fights—her mother's screaming and the sound of a slap. Stolas had told her it was just him hitting his head on the wall. But now, everything felt like it was clicking together, and the realization hit her hard.

She broke down in tears, her emotions flooding over her, and without thinking, she rushed to embrace her father tightly. "I'm so sorry, Dad," she whispered through her sobs. "I thought you just... left us for no reason. I thought you just chose him over Mom and me." She could barely get the words out, but the weight of her guilt and confusion made it impossible to stop.

Stolas, still on the floor with her, held her close, rubbing her back gently. "It's okay, sweetie. It's alright. I'm so sorry for making you feel like that. I never wanted you to think that."

The sound of footsteps broke the moment, and Blitz stepped forward. His expression softened as he wiped the tears from Octavia's cheeks, his voice tender. "Hey, kid... Your dad loves you more than you know. Hell, he talks about you for hours when we're alone, just how proud he is of you."

Octavia's eyes widened in surprise. She had always seen Blitz as a loud, obnoxious jerk, but now... now she saw something different. Blitz wasn't just some random guy her dad had chosen; he was someone who genuinely cared about her father and their family.

Blitz chuckled softly, his usual bravado replaced by sincerity. "Look, I'm not trying to steal your dad. If anything, I'd treat you like my own daughter, like I do Loona. You're family."

Octavia blinked, the weight of his words slowly sinking in. The man who had seemed like a constant source of annoyance in her life was actually the best thing that had happened to her father. It felt like a small shift in her perception, a new beginning. Loona, who had been watching the exchange quietly, now spoke up with a smile. "Hey, we're doing a Sinmas party at the apartment. You wanna join us? It'll be fun, I promise."

Octavia's eyes lit up with genuine excitement, a flicker of hope filling her chest. She hadn't realized just how much she wanted to be with her father until now. "Yeah... I'd love that," she said, her voice soft but filled with warmth. "I want to spend time with you, Dad."

Stolas smiled, relief and joy washing over him. "We'd love for you to join us, sweetie. It'll be good for us... all of us."

As the moment settled, the tension that had plagued their family for so long seemed to ease, even if just a little. Octavia, for the first time in a long while, felt like she had a place in her father's life again; a place that wasn't overshadowed by hurt or confusion. And Stolas, for the first time in ages, felt a sense of peace beginning to grow in his chest.

The Sinsmas party was in full swing at Blitzo's apartment, and the atmosphere was warm with the holiday spirit. Twinkling lights draped across the walls, fake snowflakes hung from the ceiling, and cheerful red and green garlands lined the doorways. The festive tunes of a Sinsmas song played in the background, a lively and oddly upbeat melody that had everyone in good spirits. Loona was chatting animatedly with a group of her hellhound friends, their laughter mixing with the music. Moxxie and Millie arrived shortly after, scanning the room with raised eyebrows at the sight of Loona socializing in such an enthusiastic manner.

Blitz, dressed in a ridiculously tacky holiday sweater, leaned against the wall nearby, observing everything with a sly grin on his face as he nursed a drink. The apartment was filled with energy as the party reached its peak, and in the midst of the chaos, Octavia stood quietly near the back, watching everything with curiosity. Her initial hesitation had melted away after Loona's invitation, and now, she couldn't help but smile as she saw her father laughing with the crew, the warmth of the celebration finally beginning to settle in her chest.

Moxxie, holding a plate of his famously homemade Sinsmas cookies, made his way toward Stolas. The cookies were shaped like festive items—gingerbread men, reindeer, candy canes, and a few custom ones that seemed... particularly personal. Moxxie's pride was evident as he offered the plate to Stolas with a hopeful expression. "Want to try one of my homemade Sinsmas cookies, Your Highness? Eeh? Eeeh?"

Stolas looked at the plate, his expression warm but gentle as he smiled politely. "I think I'll pass, Moxxie, but thank you. And... you don't need to address me like that."

Moxxie chuckled nervously, his face flushing slightly, but he didn't have time to respond before Blitz who had been idly watching the exchange suddenly lunged forward, snatched a cookie off the plate, and popped it into his mouth with his tongue. "Mmm, delicious! You know, I've got to say, I'm a fan of my own flavor." He winked at Moxxie, thoroughly enjoying the reaction it sparked.

Moxxie stared, his eyebrow twitching as Blitzo relished the moment, clearly proud of his own antics. "Of course, that's the one you'd go for..." Moxxie muttered.

Stolas, trying not to laugh, offered Moxxie an apologetic smile. Blitz, too busy savoring his cookie to acknowledge the comment, shot Moxxie a smug look, then swiveled to face his daughter, who had been watching the interaction with a bemused expression. "Hey, kid, you want one of these?" Blitz asked.

Octavia blinked, her gaze shifting to her father, who was now eyeing her with a mischievous glint in his eyes. She hesitated, then let out a small laugh at the absurdity of the moment. "No thanks, I think I'm good."

Blitzo chuckled and leaned in to whisper conspiratorially to her. Blitzo: grinning "I swear, you've got your old man's taste in humor."

Octavia smirked, feeling the tension from earlier in the evening dissipating. She looked around at the group, seeing how everyone was enjoying themselves, and for the first time in a while, she felt a sense of belonging.