November

Danny sat cross-legged on the couch in Stolas' Earth home. They had just wrapped up another one of Stolas's lessons. He glanced at Octavia and Stolas. He figured now was as good a time as any.

"So, uh," Danny began, shifting a bit and trying to sound casual. "Would you guys want to come over for Thanksgiving? It'd be nice to have you there. My parents said they'd love to have you?"

Stolas tilted his head slightly, his feathers fluffing out in surprise. "Thanksgiving?" he repeated with a curious tone. "Forgive me, Daniel, but that's not exactly a custom we observe in Hell. Giving thanks isn't... particularly prevalent down there."

Octavia tilted her head, intrigued. "I've heard about it on the TV, but my dad's right. The royal families don't really do that. Also, I highly doubt the sinners are thankful after being sent to a literal hell hole."

Danny waved a hand dismissively. "Okay, yeah, I get it—maybe it doesn't sound like your kind of thing. But I think you'd actually like it. Trust me, my family's Thanksgiving is more about stuffing yourself with food and some awkward conversations than anything else. It's nothing formal."

"Wouldn't it be better if your parent invited some of the other neighbors?" asked Stolas.

Danny's mouth thinned. "My dad basically scared the entire block. You remember?"

"Oh, right... He was very adamant that Octavia and I came over for dinner."

Danny gestured to both of them. "Now would be a good a time as any for the first dinner together.

Octavia gave Danny a curious look. "From what I saw on TV, Thanksgiving had something to do with pilgrims."

Danny cringed. "Yeah. This girl in my class, Sam, complained about it to our teacher when we had a Thanksgiving project. It was this whole thing..."

Stolas raised a brow. "What did she say?"

"That Thanksgiving is a glorified holiday celebrating the pilgrim's eventual takeover of the Native Americans.

Stolas frowned. "A rather morbid opinion for a child your age."

Danny shrugged. "It's whatever... Never really talked to her all that much before."

Octavia hummed. "I could see the dark joke about it."

Danny rolled his eyes. "Eh. Works for me. Still, my Thanksgiving is less stressful than Christmas."

Octavia raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong with Christmas? Aside from the whole religious thing, I thought you humans were all into that for the most part."

Danny's shoulders sagged. "I just don't like Christmas, okay."

Octavia and Stolas shared a look and decided not to press.

Danny leaned forward, his tone hopeful. "So, what do you say? You guys should come over. It'd be awesome to have you there."

Stolas smiled. "Well, I suppose it would be untoward to decline every invitation up till now. I think I can make an excuse to Stella about us being out."

Danny pumped his fist. "Yes! You're gonna love it. Just bring your appetites."

Octavia sighed but still had a small smile. "Alright, fine. I'll go. But if it's boring, I'm blaming you."

Danny laughed. "Deal."

Octavia smirked. "It better be worth it."

Danny grinned. "You're gonna love it."

For beings who had spent their lives in the royal side of Hell, the idea of a casual and peaceful dinner was a little enticing.

Thanksgiving Day

Back in the mansion, Stolas straightened out his clothes in front of a large mirror while Octavia lounged on a nearby couch, watching TV. "Remember to be on your best behavior, Octavia."

Octavia rolled her eyes. "Dad, you're making it sound like we're going to a banquet. It's just dinner with Danny's family. Besides, it would be nice to talk to Jazz again."

Stolas sighed. With a wave of his hand, he cast a glamour spell. He wore a fitted suit and tie. "Now, your turn."

Octavia now wore a stylish yet simple sweater and jeans.

Stolas clapped his hands together. "Splendid!"

#

Maddie and Jack worked hard in the kitchen at the Fenton household as they prepared the traditional Fenton feast. The table was already set with autumn-themed decorations, complete with a centerpiece of pumpkins and candles.

In contrast, Jazz was upstairs, reviewing notes for a project even on holiday.

Danny, meanwhile, helped his parents where he could and cleaned himself up early, awaiting the arrival of their special guests.

When the doorbell rang, Danny sprang up to open it. Stolas and Octavia stood on the porch.

Stolas held a bottle of wine, and Octavia clutched a small bouquet of flowers.

"Hey, you guys made it!" Danny welcomed them with a grin. "Mom! Stolas and Octavia are here!"

"Thanks, hun." Maddie came to greet them, warmly thanking them for coming. "Stolas! Octavia! Welcome!" Maddie said, stepping aside to usher them in. "Come on in. You're just in time—we're putting the finishing touches on dinner."

"Thank you, Mrs. Fenton," Stolas replied smoothly, handing her the flowers and wine. "I hope this modest contribution finds its place among the holiday festivities."

Stolas and Octavia presented their gifts. "Apologies. It's our first Thanksgiving at another family's home. We weren't sure what to bring."

Maddie waved it off. "You didn't have to bring anything, but thank you! Don't think anything of it. It was us who invited you over. We're the hosts. Just make yourselves comfortable in the living room while Jack and I finish setting up everything. These flowers are lovely. Jack will love the wine, too—he's always looking for something new to try. Let me put these in water."

The smell of roasted turkey and spiced cider filled the air. Upon hearing visitors downstairs, Jazz quickly came down and started chatting with Octavia, catching her up on things in her life.

Danny was more than happy to continue their conversations together. "Just wait till my dad starts telling his stories. You guys are in for a show compared to the first time you visited."

Maddie returned with a vase of flowers and a smile. "Dinner will be ready soon. Feel free to chat or help yourselves to some appetizers in the meantime."

Stolas nodded as he settled on the couch and watched the kids have their fun. "Thank you."

#

It didn't take too long for everyone to gather around the dinner table. For the occasion, Jack brought up the second table in storage so everyone and the food had enough room.

The Thanksgiving table had many dishes, each one looking delicious. A golden-brown turkey sat at the center, surrounded by bowls of mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and freshly baked rolls.

To be frank, the food was rather enticing to the disguised demons. Even Hell had its limitations on what produce and meats were available. Was it wrong for an Owl Demon to eat Turkey? Not really. It was taboo for some, but it's not like they were on the same level of sentience. Besides, Barn Owls occasionally ate birds such as starlings, blackbirds, and meadowlarks.

Maddie finished passing plates of mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables before taking her seat. Before anyone could dig in, Maddie clinked her glass lightly, drawing everyone's attention. "Before we start, I think it's only right that we all say something we're thankful for."

"Absolutely!" Jack put down the turkey leg upon realization.

They all went around the table, sharing their thoughts. When it was Stolas's turn, he hesitated. His eyes turned to Octavia and Danny. "I must admit, I've never really reflected on something like this before. Growing up, my family didn't consider such things important, but I suppose things are different now. Overall, I would say that I'm thankful for my new family. My father was rather distant, and I hope to be different. Octavia has been my guiding light for many years. And now, with Danny as my student, I feel I've gained something quite special. So, yes, I am thankful for family—old and new. Blood and not."

Danny appreciated Stolas's words. Octavia fiddled with her fork as she thought of what to say. "I... I guess I've always been thankful for my mom and dad. My dad's always tried his best, even when things were hard. But this year..." Her gaze shifted to Danny and then to the rest of the Fentons. "I'm thankful for Danny—for having a best friend. You've all been so kind. It's... nice to feel like I have a second family."

Her words drew smiles from Maddie and Jazz, and a tearful sniffle from Jack, who quickly dabbed his eyes with a napkin.

Danny scratched the back of his neck. "Well, I guess it's my turn. I'm thankful for a lot of things. My family, of course. And this year, I'm really thankful for meeting Stolas and Octavia. Octavia's one of the best friends I could've asked for. And Stolas... you've been an awesome teacher. So, thanks for putting up with me."

Stolas chuckled softly. "It's my pleasure, Daniel."

Jack broke the emotional tension by raising his glass. "Well, I'm thankful for all of you. Fentons stick together no matter what."

She glanced over at Stolas and set down her glass of cider. "Stolas, I was wondering—why couldn't your wife join us tonight? We'd love to meet her sometime."

Stolas froze. "Ah, yes, Stella sends her regards. Unfortunately, her work often takes her out of the country. She's been managing some... rather demanding ventures abroad."

Jack was piling turkey onto his plate as he nodded sympathetically. "Work can be a real pain sometimes, huh? I get it! Back in my college days, Maddie and I were constantly tied up in projects. She's probably swamped with all that business stuff."

"Yes, precisely. Her schedule is... relentless, but she's quite passionate about her work. I'm unsure when we can all get together."

Maddie seemed a little disappointed. "That's too bad, but I understand. You'll have to tell her she's welcome to join us anytime. I'd love to get to know her."

"I'll be sure to pass along the invitation. She can be a bit distant at times, not liking to meet people outside of our circles."

Octavia gave her father a subtle side-eye. She supposed it was better than telling them the real reason.

Danny decided to steer the conversation in another direction. "Yeah, maybe you can talk to her about it in the future. Dad, pass the cranberry sauce!"

Jack handed the dish over. "Time to dig in and forget about work for a while."

Jack carved the turkey while Maddie served side dishes.

"Don't be shy, Stolas!" Jack placed a large slice on Stolas's plate. "You're family tonight, so you've gotta eat like one!"

Stolas smiled. "Thank you, Jack. This all looks... quite marvelous."

"Yup. Thanksgiving is all about eating and appreciating the little things—like this stuffing!" He shoveled a forkful into his mouth with enthusiasm.

Maddie shook her head fondly. "What he means is it's a time to come together and share a meal with the people you care about."

Jazz chimed in, passing the rolls. "And debate about whether pumpkin pie or pecan pie is better."

"Pumpkin pie, hands down," Danny said.

"Pecan pie is way better," Jazz countered.

"Why not both?" Octavia asked innocently.

Jack raised his glass. "Here's to new friends and family! And to a great meal! Cheers!"

The group clinked their glasses together, the warmth of the moment spreading across the table as they enjoyed the rest of their meal.

By the time dessert rolled around, Stolas and Octavia had tried just about everything, finding themselves surprisingly fond of the pumpkin pie.

After dinner, everyone moved to the living room. Jazz and Octavia bonded further about clothes. Danny managed to get Stolas to try playing a video game with him. Overall, Stolas found the idea of racing karts amusing. Jack, full from the meal, nodded off on the couch.

As the evening wound down, Stolas and Octavia expressed their gratitude again for being included in the celebration. "This has been truly wonderful. Thank you for welcoming us into your home."

Maddie smiled warmly. "You're always welcome here."

For the next few years, the "Asters" would always come over for holidays and calibrations. It wasn't until Danny's thirteenth birthday, that the student would take his apprenticeship to the next level.

#

AN: Special thanks to Seana, Jebest4781, Mecha Destroyer98, vividlearner744, OmegaDelta, Henry Stickman, fearmegu, Kitsune Robyn, Dragon lord, Shooter1344, Ajax Roranson, trey, Asaf, DJC, Alex, nighnight, decimator, Roswell, SpeX, Giorgie Baramidze, Professor Xivass, jorge, Adam, yosief, Primordial!

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