Chapter 44

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

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"How are they? Your plants?"

Puppets and Stolas were just relaxing as of now. Stolas blew out some smoke while he was reading their book. Mention something about how he finished his duties and just want a breather. Puppet was using their time to fix up a few stars they were able to catch. Now just sitting close by as they work on the stars with small talk.

Last year Puppet did show another trait of their ability. That Stolas was excited to see as he has shown a few of his magical skills with the book. Not counting when they turn into their demonic form. Stolas almost wanted to slap himself as they mention sewing. So, when he saw just small traces of the strings he shocks. Along with how they were using them to heal a string.

The look on Stolas face was pure fascination, along with flooded with so many questions they just couldn't answer. Or wouldn't answer. Octavia was the same when she was shown. Just the same with her tell her too many things.

"Faring well. One of them being feisty about their meal. Like I don't mind giving it to you. But at a certain time, a certain way for the meat to be handled. Even the right amount of blood! They seriously watch me soak that meat exactly in the blood. The time they like it. I understand there certain needs to follow but it's crazy."

"You spoiled them."

"No, I don't. I treat all of them equally. That one just wants extra attention. Nothing wrong with that."

"If it was a different breed because it another kind that's one thing. But to give it extra. Spoil."

Let out a huffy hoot to look away. "I will not listen to such vile words."

"Frogmouth."

"There! That's what I mean!"  Points at them.

Many years later and still won't accept the nickname. Of, course Moxxie could point out how they responded to it. But that would be too easy.

"Don't know what you talking about."

"Sure, you don't." Roll their eyes at them. "I bet your smirking under that mask."

"I could be."

Silence falls over the pair now. Not that they minded. Either back to focusing on their book. Or taking care of the star.

"Is it the same when you sew?" Look over at them. Can recall a few times I was able to see them sew out here. Was it rare to watch them, do it? Made them very curious. In reality never really saw how one makes one's own outfits. It was just shopping at specific stores catered to a Goetia needs. Then there will be a situation where clothes will be cent over at the mansion. To be look over if it's for big events or just want it. Stella does that a lot.

"It's different." Little twitch as the bluish-white sting traces around the edges. "You sound like your daughter."

"Well, she had to get her curiosity from someone." Stolas let out a hoot. While they lean over to watch.

"Both your curiosities are your own." Lift the star up. A little hum twirls the light around. Look over the star one extra time and let it float away.  Work on the next one. Didn't bother moving as Stolas lean closer.

"You're really delicate with those stars."

Puppet says nothing as they were focusing on the star that was torn up. 

"You would be a good surgeon. Just delicate, focus. Probably could pass with flying colors."  Stolas smiles then slowly frowns at the lack of a response. Well, yes, they are used to them barely talking over the years. Unless in a good mood, or talkative. Look down at the cigar they were holding as if it was at its limit. Put it away with magic.

"Delicate?"

Let loose a chuckle. It was a bit cold. A sour taste in their mouth.

"Um Puppet?"

"Delicate and I. Shouldn't be in a same sentence." The word irked them. Many words can get at them. Some just don't care. Others will be annoyances. But then there were words that just irked them.

Delicate was now one of them.

Moxxie has gotten better. There are good days. Then there were terribly bad days that they hated. Then were the days he wanted to be alone.

Right now, a good day until this word seeping through their mind. It's stupid. It foolish.

"Well, I know with my spells got to focus on the magic with the book. You have to focus on the magic with your hands. So, you're being careful, watchful and delicate so that star would survive." Stolas smiles down at them. "I'm delicate with my plants to make sure they're taken care of."

He wishes Stolas didn't say that. It makes them think. The kind of thinking they don't like that'll come to mess with their head.

"Puppet?"

"How are you and your family back home?"

Just change this topic. Doesn't want to think about that stupid word.

"Via doing quite well! My little starlight is getting so tall. Along with um getting interested with certain hobbies." The last word sounded questionable.

"Like?"

"She asked for a taxidermy kit."

"At least she asked."

"Yes, and I don't mind if she looks into it. Just much unexpected is all. Along with music she started to listen too. It's not my taste but she really enjoys it."

"I think we all make unexpected discoveries when were in our teens."

"True. Heck, I was considered what that term was. Right! Gothic like I was from the Victorian era."

Turn to look at them. Eyes staring up and down. "Yeah, I can see it. I bet you have some gothic literature."

"Nothing wrong with good literature. Help me forget my doom to be at the day approach." Pull out another cigarette. Snap their fingers as red, white fire form. Lit the stick. He starts to take a small drag then breathes out the red smoke. "I think during that time I kind of stood up to myself. Or many like to say my 'rebellion stage'. Like back talk my brother-in-law. Even roll my eyes at my father. He didn't like it. Many didn't like it. Told me to cut that crap as I was Prince, soon to be husband, and not a Goetia like."

In the way did win. He stops being himself. It didn't feel like a phase. Yet, he pushes it all the way down.

"Should have told them to shove it. This is you and going to deal with it."

Let out a cough as they took in the smoke wrong. Look at Puppet with startled expression. "What?"

"They should have just accepted it. Maybe you would have naturally gone out of it. Or maybe not since you were still finding out another you. You just were enjoying what you like. What you felt was acceptance." Thumb traces the star. "Until they made you stomp it down to be buried. They didn't like it. Maybe even scared because you had control."

"Puppet."

Another small shrug. "I also wasn't there besides listening from your beak, along with Little Frogmouth. Change happens it how it happens that can be terrifying. Or possibly later on good. Just got to make a choice on that change."

Changes they understood. Changes that scared them. Scared so many others. Changes that they don't think were possible to alter. Changes that lead to choices, decisions they finally got to choose.

They wouldn't change the choice from jumping into the void.

"I wish I meet you around that time."

Look at Stolas. The smile shown on their face. How calm he looks. Like this was the only place to show who they really are again.

"Maybe if one demon just told me. I could of," Look down at the cigarette. "Well, I don't know what could of happen. I would have still have gotten married. Just to know someone wouldn't have forced me to change. To know someone by my side."

To not be alone.

Held back saying that. Both of them just know what the other would have said. Just didn't want to hear it out in the open.

"There was a time. I was so alone." Look down at the star. "It terrified me. It still does."

"You're not alone? You have Via, and me. I know you don't want to talk about your personal life." Will never force them to talk about it. Just know of a family and that's it. Stop a bit to touch their shoulder. Instead reach down to grab the end of their scarf. "Just like I know I have my Via, and you."

"Also, your spoiled plants."

"Right must not forget them. If you think about it. Even out here were not alone." Stolas hands sweeps around space.

"True." In so many ways. "Stolas."

"Yes."

"You don't love her. Do you."

"...No, never did. I have tried to at least make it easy for us. For Octavia."

"Why don't you just- "A hand stops to their face.

"I know what you're going to ask but I can't do that to Via. She deserved a family. Stella, she. There are moments. Plus, the family will not be thrilled."

"Many sound like hypocrites."

"There are many but I'll be fine."

"..."

"I'm slightly worried about that silence."

"It's fine." Another star.

Then another.

Another.

Another.

Another.

Another.

"I think you should go lay down?"

"Getting rid of me?"

"Your cheeks are turning red."

"No, there not!"

"I can see it unlike you."

"I'm fine! Just the smoke."

"Smoke makes an owl cheek red?"

"Of course!"

"Huh. You really are like a Frogmouth."

"I'm this close to kicking you like a football. Wait that reminds me!" Open a portal that shows their office. Rummage around then he pulled it out. "TADA!"

Confused until suddenly a phone was in their mask. "Uh What?"

"It's for you! Like I know we said we will just meet if it's random. Or magic burst. But this could help too! It would make it easy you know. I would do a mirror but they can be a bit complicated to get" Stolas laughed awkwardly as he gave them the phone and then rubbed the back of his head. "What you think?"

"Business, right?" Study the phone,

"Business. As well if we can ever hang out." Stolas smiled happily and clapped his hands together. "Don't worry it's my separate work phone. So, won't worry about anyone taking it. Do you like it?"

"How the heck we have service in space?"

"You know that's a good question. Magic?"

"Sounds too simple but I'll take it."

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Done!

Got a moment with the pair.

Stolas showed a cell phone to Puppet before. Puppet playing 'dumb' how it works. It was funny since Stolas not tech savy when it comes to explaining it.

Any questions?

Until next time.

Bye, bye