#ler!blitz

[Sound Effects: Walking outdoors]

Blitzo: [grumbling] Alright, Blitz, another Grimoire night. Just get in, get out, same routine, no weird feelings, no mushy talk, just…ugh… Why does he always have to make this complicated? Stupid sexy ass bird.

[Sound Effects: Knock, opening door]

[Visual Note: Stolas lounging elegantly in a massive bed. Flickering light from the television illuminates the room casting a warm glow throughout it.

Stolas: [bright] Ah, Blitzy! Right on time, as always! Come in, darling.

Blitzo: [grumbling] Yeah, yeah. Let’s just get this over with so I can head outta here before midnight.

Stolas: [ignoring comment] Why don’t you come in bed and join me? I picked out a movie I think you’d enjoy.

Blitzo: [pause] A movie? What? No freaky bird stuff tonight?

Stolas: [soft/sincere]: Not tonight, Blitzy. I thought that tonight we could perhaps just…relax? No strings attached. [stammering] Because I am sure you’ve had quite the exhausting journey over here and today has been quite busy for me personally and I’m not sure if I’m in the mood-

Blitzo: [grumbling to mask surprise] Okay. Fine. This better not be one of those stupid fucking chick flicks you’re always watching.

Stolas: [awkward laugh] No! No. This is an old film I’ve located within the castle for you, I believe it was some earthly animated series. It has something to do with horses-

Blitzo: [hidden excitement] I said I’d watch it.

[Sound effect: Bed movement, mumbling]

[Visual Note: Solas pats the bed with a gentle smile. Blitzo reluctantly climbs up to nestle himself against the plush pillows.]

Stolas: There we are. You look quite comfortable. I promise I wish for nothing other than to spend time with you tonight. I could fetch us some popcorn if you’re feeling peckish.

Blitzo [satisfied hum] Peckish? You and your fancy ass words. I’m not hungry, maybe later.

Stolas: [soft chuckle] Alright. I do hope I selected the proper genre. Horses seem to be something you appreciate, aren’t they?

Blitzo: [masking eagerness] Yeah, well, don’t read into it.

[A few moments of silence. The movie begins, a soft movie playing in the background.]

Stolas: [enthusiastically] The craftsmanship is quite remarkable, isn’t it?

Blitzo: [gruffly, leaning closer to the screen] Yeah, yeah, whatever. I mean, it’s alright, I guess. For something old.

Stolas: [with a knowing smile] Ah, but look a t you, already leaning in. I’d say you’re quite captivated.

Blitzo: [snorting] Pfft. Don’t flatter yourself. I just think the animation’s… decent. That’s all.

[Visual note: Stolas moves to wrap his arm around Blitz causing feathers to brush against his neck.]

Blitzo: [flinches slightly, growling under his breath] Hey! Watch it with the feathers near the neck, bird brain.

Stolas: [chuckling softly] Oh, does it now? I had no idea you were so... sensitive there.

Blitzo: [defensively] I’m not sensitive! You’re just... annoying. Now shut up and watch the stupid movie.

Stolas: [playful tone] As you wish, darling. Though, I must say, you’re rather cute when you’re flustered.

Blitzo: [grumbling] I’m not flustered. You’re flustered. Just keep your fancy feathers to yourself.

[Visual note: Stolas repeats his actions, however, continues moving his feathers purposely]

[Sound effect: Movie fade]

Blitzo: [snapping quietly] H-Hey! Will you quit it? You trying to start something, or what?

Stolas: [grinning mischievously] Oh, Blitzy, I wouldn’t dream of it. It’s just... you make the most delightful sounds when you’re caught off guard.

Blitzo: [deadpan] You’re seriously testing my patience tonight.

Stolas: [teasingly] Testing? Oh, Blitzy, I’m merely... observing. It’s fascinating, really. I never knew you could be so—[pauses dramatically]—ticklish.

Blitzo: [growling through clenched teeth] I’m not ticklish! You’re just being a pain in the ass, as usual!

[Visual Note: Stolas leans in slightly, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, as he subtly shifts closer to Blitzo.]

Stolas: [innocently] Oh, really? Not ticklish, you say? Then surely you wouldn’t mind if I... tested that theory.

Blitzo: [struggling to maintain composure, voice rising slightly] S-Stolas, knock it off! I’m warning you!

Stolas: [grinning slyly, his voice dripping with amusement] Warning me, darling? Oh, but I thought you weren’t ticklish. I’m simply... proving a point.

[Sound effect: Bed movement]

[Visual Note: More rustling as Stolas reaches out, gently brushing his feathers consistently against Blitzo’s ribs, earning a sharp, involuntary yelp.]

Blitzo: [bursting out] Stolas, I swear to—! [cuts off with a surprised laugh as he squirms] You little—! Stop it!

Stolas: [laughing melodiously himself, clearly enjoying the moment] Oh, Blitzy, your laugh is simply enchanting! I must admit, I’ve never seen you quite like this.

Blitzo: [gasping between laughs, struggling to grab Stolas’s wrists] Y-you’re insane! I mean it! I’ll—I’ll kill you if you don’t quit!

Stolas: [mock gasp, clearly unfazed] Oh, dear! Such violent threats! But I think you’re having far too much fun to follow through. Now, let’s see. If your neck happens to be sensitive, there must be other spots on your body. Let’s experiment shall we? Starting with your…ribs!

Blitzo: [gasping] S-Stolas, I swear to—oh, fuck! You big beaked bitch! [giggling]

[Visual note: Blitzo squirms, trying to move out of range, but Stolas’ claws expertly follow him, holding him in place as he moves to put his face near his stomach.]

Stolas: [amused] Oh, quite the attempt at an insult, Blitzy. However, you’ve given me a fantastic idea. Let’s see how you react when I utilize this ‘big beak’ against your little stomach.

Blitzo: [sputtering and laughing harder] S-Stolas—oh, shit! I’m gonna—I’m gonna die!

Slotas: [chuckling] Always one for the dramatics. You must be enjoying this, look at your tail! It’s practically wagging. I wonder…

[Visual note: Stolas begins to hold his tail in place carefully while purposely trailing his feathers along his tail.]

Blitzo: [desperately, voice tinged with helplessness] Noooo, not the tail! Anywhere but there! I can’t—

Stolas: [laughing lightly] Oh, I do believe I found the spot! Right here, isn’t it? My feathers along your tail is something you simply cannot stand!

Blitzo: [laughing, struggling to hold his ground] N-no! S-stop! Fuck you—ah! You dick!

Stolas: [laughing melodiously, leaning in closer] Oh, Blitzy, this is far too entertaining. I can’t possibly stop now. Look at you squirming—positively adorable!

Blitzo: [giggling helplessly] Shut up! You’re such a damn—tease! Just— stop! I can’t take anymore!

Stolas: [soft, gentle] Alright, fine, Blitzy. I’m done for tonight. But you have to admit... I was right, wasn’t I? You’re positively ticklish.

Blitzo: [glaring, still breathless] Fine. I’ll admit it, but you’re gonna pay for that, feather brain.

[Visual Note: Blitzo suddenly lunges, catching Stolas off guard and flipping the tables. He digs his fingers into Stolas’s sides with a devilish grin, eliciting a surprised shriek.]

[Sound effect: Continued bed movement]

Stolas: [laughing uncontrollably, wings flapping wildly] B-Blitzy! H-how dare you! This is—highly inappropriate behavior for a royal guest!

Blitzo: [smirking, thoroughly enjoying himself now] Oh, what’s the matter, your highness? You’re just as ticklish as I am!

Stolas: [gasping between laughs] B-Blitzy, stop this instant! I—I demand it as your prince! [bursts into uncontrollable giggles as Blitzo finds a particularly sensitive spot near his ribs] N-Not there, you little fiend!

Blitzo: [grinning mischievously, thoroughly enjoying the reversal of roles] Oh, you can’t make any demands like this, Stols. Keep trying though.

[Visual Note: Blitzo straddles Stolas’s lap to keep him pinned, his fingers darting with surprising precision up to his underarms. Stolas writhes beneath him, his feathers flaring and fluffing up.]

Stolas: [laughing breathlessly] Blitzy! P-Please, I can’t—! Have mercy, darling!

Blitzo: [mocking in a sing-song tone] Oh, mercy, is it? Where was your mercy when you had me in stitches, huh? Let’s see just how ticklish a royal pain in the ass can be! [his hands move to scribble along his underarms]

Stolas: [flailing weakly, feathers ruffling everywhere] I’ll—I’ll do anything! Just stop! Blitzy, you—you devilish imp!

Blitzo: [chuckling wickedly] Damn right, I’m a devil. And you’re getting exactly what you deserve, feather butt! And I know exactly where to go to get you to surrender-

[Visual Note: Blitzo leans closer, his devilish grin widening as he moves his hands lower, inching toward Stolas's hips. Stolas’s eyes widen in panic as he realizes where Blitzo is heading.]

Stolas: [voice pitching higher, laughing nervously] N-no, Blitzy, not there! I-I mean it! That’s—that’s absolutely off-limits!

Blitzo: [mocking] Oh, off-limits? You mean right here? [His digs and circles his thumbs into his hips earning an immediate burst of uncontrollable laughter.]

Stolas: [screaming through laughter, writhing wildly] B-Blitzy! I c-can’t—! I’ll—I’ll fall apart at this rate!

Blitzo: [laughing along with him, his hands darting playfully along Stolas’s sensitive hips] Fall apart? Good! Maybe then you’ll think twice before tickling me to death! This is justice, bird brain!

Stolas: [still laughing, his voice hoarse] Blitzy, I—I beg you! Please, spare me! I’ll do anything you want—just stop tickling me, you ruthless imp!

[Visual Note: Blitzo finally relents, sitting back with a triumphant smirk as Stolas collapses onto the bed, a panting, disheveled mess. His feathers are ruffled beyond recognition.]

Blitzo: [grinning, arms crossed] Now that’s more like it. See, Stolas? That’s what happens when you mess with me.

Stolas: [gasping for air, still snickering weakly] Oh, Blitzy… You’re insufferable…But I must admit, that was… quite a turn of events.

Blitzo: [smirking, thoroughly enjoying the moment] Yeah, yeah. I told you I’d get you back. You think you can just tickle me like that and get away with it?

Stolas: [pushing himself up slightly] Well, I… I certainly didn’t expect you to be so… ruthless. You’re a force to be reckoned with, Blitzy.

Blitzo: [shrugging nonchalantly] I’m full of surprises. You should’ve known better than to mess with me. Anyway, we gonna actually finish that movie or what?

Stolas: [grinning, though still catching his breath] Of course, of course. But I think I’ll need a moment to recover from…from that ‘justice’ you administered.

Blitzo: [settling back down on the bed, crossing his arms] Take all the time you need. But I’m not gonna let you forget this anytime soon.

Stolas: [teasingly] Oh, I’m sure you won’t.

[Visual Note: They both settle back into the bed, the playful tension easing into a rare moment of comfort. The movie continues, unnoticed for a moment as they exchange small, knowing smiles.]

Stolas: [softly, after a pause] Thank you, Blitzy. For indulging me tonight.

Blitzo: [trying to hide his previous vulnerability] Yeah, yeah. Don’t get all mushy on me, alright? Let’s just watch the damn horses.

Henrik walked out of his bedroom and widened his eyes. They had gotten so big! Where did the time go?!

“Oh good lord...You’re getting very big!” Henrik reacted.

The puppies turned right around and howled towards Henrik. Henrik laughed and knelt down, looking at the puppies. “Hello babies! More like teenagers now.” Henrik joked.

“Good morning Henrik!” Jackie greeted.

“Guten morgen!” Henrik greeted back. “Zhey’re huge now!” Henrik reacted.

“I know and SO FLUFFYYY!” Jackie was fluffing up their fur.

“Yeah...Zhey kinda need a hair cut…” Henrik told him.

“Do they though?” Jackie asked.

“Ja. Zhey do.” Henrik replied. “And zhat’s vhat ve’re gonna do today. Ve’re gonna vash, cut and groom zhe puppies.” Henrik decided.

“But that’s gonna be so much wooorrrrrrrrk.” Jackie whined.

Henrik chuckled and looked at him with a side grin. “Should’ve zhought of zhat vhen you brought home 7 puppies and a mama.” Henrik told him.

Jackie sighed and nodded. “True…”

“Oh! Ound I have a collar for Angel!” Henrik declared. He picked up his little Angel, placed the puppy onto the couch, and hooked up the magenta pink collar to the puppy. “Zhere. You are mine forever!” Henrik declared.

“Yay! Another doggy’s been claimed!” Jackie declared.

“Yeah! I hope Marble is enjoying zhe new family.” Henrik said.

“The kids did seem really excited!” Jackie told him.

As soon as Chase, Jamie and Marvin were up, Henrik and Jackie explained to the boys that they were gonna get the pets groomed. And they were gonna do it themself.

Jamie widened his eyes and let out a breath. His whole face basically said ‘this is gonna take forever’.

“I know…” Henrik muttered.

“Not even magic will be able to make this go any quicker.” Marvin told him.

“I know.” Henrik told him.

“This has been a great experience so far...but I did not sign up for grooming a litter of growing dogs.” Chase reacted.

“Okay okay, ve get it! So let’s get started!”

The boys started off with cleaning the dogs first. All 5 boys got their swim trunks and bare backs on, and started cleaning the dogs outside. Each of them had a bottle of shampoo, and were getting the dogs all lathered up. Chase shrieked as his dog shook some of the soap off, while Jamie spat and made throat noises as bits of dog soap ended up in his mouth.

Marvin groaned as the dog he was bathing, winded up rubbing her body all over the grass as she was lathered with soap. Marvin put the soap bottle down and grabbed the hose. “Good enough.”

The boys each took turns to clean the soap off the dogs with the hose, and a bucket of water. Marvin picked up cups of water, and sumped it onto the dog to let it run off the body. Meanwhile Jamie was doing it the easier way with the hose against the dog’s fur. As soon as Jamie was finished, he passed the hose to Henrik.

“SCHEIßE!” Someone shouted.

Chase turned to look at the source of the sound. But he knew exactly who it was. It was kinda obvious…

It was Henrik...With his trunks down to his knees...and the dog holding onto them, pulling them aggressively…

HOLY SHIT it was the best thing Chase had seen all month! Angel was literally pulling Henrik’s shorts down in an attempt to play with him! And Henrik was basically naked right in front of them!

“Sie mich nicht an! Don’t look at me!” Henrik reacted, covering up his sensitive areas with his hand. His face was so red...he looked like a strawberry.

Jamie was the first to burst out laughing and actually snort in response. Chase bursted out laughing right after, followed by Jackie and Marvin. Everyone was laughing at Henrik while he got his swim trunks out of Angel’s mouth. “Trottel…” Henrik muttered. “Let go!” Henrik ordered. “Verschwinde!” Henrik spat.

Angel immediately listened to Henrik and let go of his trunks. With the boys still laughing at him, Henrik growled and pulled his swim trunks back up onto his bottom.

With that hilarious moment out of the way, Chase returned to cleaning the shampoo off of his chosen puppy. While a couple of the puppies proved to despise the water, Chase’s puppy seemed to like it! He was panting, running for the water, and trying to eat the water that came from the hose. Chase giggled at this and splashed a bit of water onto his face. This made the dog shove his face into the grass and rub his back all over the wet grass. Chase was laughing as he watched. But his laughter quickly turned to surprise the moment the dog jumped and tackled Chase onto his back with its wet body.

“Ahahahaw, come on man! So much for being dry…” Chase reacted.

“You’re a naughty little guy, aren’t ya?” Marvin teased Chase’s dog. “Yeah you are! Such a mischievous little nut!” Marvin teased.

The dog started barking and wagging his tail faster than the wind. He looked ready to sprint a marathon.

“What? You wanna run? Or jump around?” Marvin asked.

Suddenly, the dog pounced onto Marvin next and knocked him right down to the ground! “Ohoho man! You’re stronger than I thought!” Marvin reacted.

“He’s like a quarterback!” Jackie reacted.

Hey, that’s not a bad idea” Chase reacted. “There just might be a name idea for you!” Chase reacted. “Maybe Rebel? For Dublin Rebels?” He asked. “Or...” Chase added.

Jamie ran to Chase and fingerspelled a word for him:

‘B-L-I-T-Z’

Chase looked at the dog and smiled. “That’s perfect! Couldn’t have come up with anything better.”

Jamis smiled proudly.

“Blitz. His name is Blitz.” Chase decided.

Marvin smiled and knelt down to pet Chase’s dog. “Blitz...It suits him!” Marvin told him.

“Never heard of a dog being named something from football before!” Jackie reacted.

“Well, Air Bud is already taken.” Chase mentioned. “And I wasn’t gonna steal their name for the heck of it.” Chase added.

“True…” Jackie mentioned. “Alright! So we have Matilda, Angel, Marble and Blitz!” Jackie declared. “Well, kinda Marble...He’s off living with a new family.” Jackie added.

“Now: Let’s get these guys cut.” Marvin declared.

Boy oh boy, was that a process! Most of the boys only used scissors, while Henrik went for the full shaving to tackle all the hair. “If I shave it, I will not need cut it for a vhile.”

“But she’s gonna look ugly if you do that.” Chase warned. “You don’t want people cringing at your dog, do you?” Chase asked.

A couple seconds later, Henrik grabbed the scissors. “Zhey’re better anyvay.” Henrik told them.

“I wonder who told you that…” Chase muttered with a smirk on his face.

The dog hair that came off the dogs was overwhelming. Chase considered grabbing a vacuum cleaner to use on his clothes, while Jameson was fluffing his choice dog every 5 minutes to get all the hair out. Both cut and uncut hair would fly out of the dog’s coat and into his face.

“I wonder if paying for a groomer would be cheaper and less messy than cutting them ourselves.” Jackie asked.

“Cheaper? Nein. Less messy? Ja.” Henrik replied.

“I didn’t ask you.” Jackie told him. “I asked everyone but you, because we all know what your answer would’ve been.” Jackie explained.

“Youch…My feelings…” Henrik muttered.

Soon, the cutting was finished and the dogs were done. Jackie used a bag of treats to get the dogs to follow him, while Chase and Henrik gathered a majority of the dog hair with the vacuum cleaner. “Who knew we’d be vacuuming grass?” Chase mentioned.

“Not me.” Henrik replied.

“It’s not far off from a carpet, actually. It just breaks a little easier.” Chase admitted.

“Ja.” Henrik replied.

Chase smiled as the dawn looked cleaner. “All done!” Chase declared.

“Now to-” Henrik had turned around and stared with wide eyes at the new mess that had been made.

“Uuuugh...Jackie! Vhy?!” Henrik asked.

“Because they need it!” Jackie reacted.

It turns out that Jackie had taken the time to brush the dog's fur. This created a brand new gigantic pile of dog hair.

Henrik growled while Chase sighed. “I don’t even know if the vacuum can handle much more dog hair…” Chase muttered.

“Ve could make anozher dog vizh all zhis dog hair.” Henrik told him.

“Maybe even summon a new golden retriever with this much hair.” Chase joked.

“Ja, basically.” Henrik replied.

Henrik and Chase took the time to further clean up the lawn with the dog hair. “I wonder...does dog hair turn into a type of fertilizer? Or does it just turn to dead skin that looks like ash?” Chase asked.

“How about ve DON’T zhink of zhat?” Henrik suggested.

“What’s wrong Henrik? Don’t like the idea of dust mites taking over the lawn?” Chase teased.

“Nein! Nein nein nein! Deesgusting!” Henrik reacted.

“Awww, the poor doctor is a germaphobe! He’d better watch out! Cause there’s one evil germ he CAN’T wash off with water~” Chase teased.

“Vell, zhere’s technically-” Henrik’s words were quickly interrupted by a squeal of his own. Chase had squeezed his sides, causing Henrik’s knees to buckle. “VAHAHAIT! NEIN! NOT KITZELN! NAAAH!”

Chase sat right down onto Henrik’s hips and skittered his fingers all over Henrik’s belly. “kitzeln kitzeln kitzeln kitzeln kitzeln kitzeln!” Chase said in almost perfect german.

Henrik shrieked at that and giggled like a little toddler. Chase’s german voice sounded a little too much like his Dad’s teases from when he was a kid. “bihihihitte hör ahahauf damihihihit aaaHAHAHAHAHA!” Henrik’s laughter doubled in severity the moment his armpits were attacked.

“Oooooh! Ticklish in the pitsies, huh?” Chase teased.

“NIHIHICHE MEINE FÜHÜHÜHÜßE!” Henrik begged. “BAHAHAHAHAHAHA! ES KITZELT SO SEHEHEHEHR!” Henrik laughed.

“Damn! I can’t even understand you right now! All I know in German are the words ‘Nein’, ‘Ja’, ‘halt’, and now ‘kitzelt’!” Chase reacted. “And those all mean ‘No’, ‘Ya’, ‘Stop’, and ‘Tickle’!” Chase reacted.

“Teheheheuflisch! TEUFLIHIHISCH!” Henrik yelled back.

“I wonder what that means...Maybe ‘bastard’? Or ‘enough’?” Chase asked.

“IHIHIT MEHEHEANS EHEHEVIHIL, YOHOHOU IHIHIDIOHOHOT!” Henrik yelled back.

“Ooooh! You called me evil in German?! How dare you!” Chase reacted.

“Evil?! Well if THAT’S the case:” Jackie got into his superhero costume in a snap, and quickly started tickling Chase.

“Wait WHAHAHAHAT?! OHOHO NOHOHOHO!” Chase laughed.

“Jackieboy Man to the rescue!” Jackie declared.

Marvin ran to Blitz and put a treat into Chase’s pocket. “Hey blitz! Sick ‘em!” Marvin encouraged.

Blitz jumped at Chase and tackled the man down to the ground. “OHOHOHOW! Ohoho geheheez! OHOHO NOHOHO BAHAHAHAHAHA!” Chase bursted out laughing as Blitz started digging his snout into Chase’s hip. “BLIHIHITZ OHOHOFF!” Chase tried to tell him.

But the dog didn’t listen and just kept tickling as he dug for the treat. The dog made borking noises and dug its paws in to get the treat as well. But it was proving to be harder than he expected to get it out.

“HEHEHENRIHIHIK HEHEHELP!” Chase begged.

“Naaaaah! You’re fiiiiine! You’re getting zhe kitzeln! Kitzeln kitzeln kitzeln!” Henrik teased. “Ist Rache nicht süß?” Henrik joked.

“YOHOHOU BAHAHASTAHAHAHARD!” Chase yelled as he shoved his face into the grass. “IHIHIT TIHIHICKLEHEHES!”

“Entschuldigung, my irisch friend. I don’t quite understand you very vell.” Henrik complained teasingly. “Vhat does ‘tickle’ mean again?” Henrik joked.

“SHUHUT UHUHUP! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!” Chase laughed and squealed.

“Rude! So rude!” Henrik reacted. Henrik walked up to the dog, and removed the treat from Chase’s pocket for him. “Zhere you go Blitz.” Henrik replied. “Poor Blitz, being deprived of zhe treats. Especially for being a good boy!” Henrik said in a baby voice. “Good doggy! Zhat’s a good doggy!” Henrik started petting Blitz more and fluffing his fur around.

The dog woofed proudly and tackled Henrik to the ground to give him endless licks on the chin. Henrik giggled at the ticklish kisses and took them. “Zhahahank yohohou Blihihitz!” Henrik said to him.

The dog did one last bark of a reply before licking his face again.

Chase smiled as he watched. Perhaps the crazy grooming idea was worth the precious time with the puppies.

The dark room was filled with the flickering glow of the TV as a cheesy soap opera played quietly. Stolas sat curled on the couch, feathers drooping and eyes looking dull. Honestly, he looked like a shadow of his usually flamboyant self. Beside him, Blitz was unusually quiet and awkwardly rested his hands in his lap.

It had been almost an entire day now, and Stolas had barely moved off of the couch. He looked miserable, with reason. And Blitz had no clue what to do. He wasn’t good at comforting people, in his professional opinion. He never had been, and the idea of comforting someone like Stolas was an even more foreign feeling. Still, the sight of the once proud and eccentric demon prince being reduced to this empty shell gnawed at something deep in his chest.

“Hey,” Blitz broke the silence, voice low and rough. “Uh, so…I put on that stupid soap opera you like. Thought it might… help, or whatever.”

Stolas didn’t even glance at the screen. Rather, he mumbled something under his breath and shifted his body further into the couch, head inches away from resting on Blitz’s lap. Blitz scratched the back of his neck as his eyes darted around the room, trying to think of something to say or do to make Stolas feel…anything, really. Nothing seemed to be working, and it was driving him nuts.

Then, an idea flashed in his mind. He vividly remembered one time during more intimate activities when he learned that Stolas was ticklish. It was an accident, and he quickly used it to his advantage. The last thing he expected at the time was for Stolas to admit that he enjoyed it, that it made him feel all that warm and mushy shit. He honestly wasn’t sure how it would fly given the circumstances, but Hell, what else did he have to lose?

He lifted Stolas’ head as gently as possible, sliding himself so that Stolas had his head in his lap. He leaned down, careful to try to act as casual as possible as he reached to bring both of his arms above his head, pining his wrists above him with a hand. Stolas was far too out of it to even really notice. That was, until Blitz’s voice broke through the silence. He smirked and spoke in a slightly cocky manner to mask his uncertainty. "Y'know, you told me once you like being tickled. Didn't really peg you for the type, but—"

Stolas stirred, looking up to lock eyes with him. "Blitzø," he murmured, voice weary but with the faintest hint of warning, "Not now..."

"Yeah, yeah, 'not now.' But you also said 'stop' that one time and didn't mean it, so..." Blitz grinned mischievously, reaching out before Stolas could fully react. His fingers brushed over the soft feathers along one of Stolas's arms, eliciting a surprised squawk from the prince.

Blitz’s smirk grew as he noticed the flicker of life in Stolas’s expression. A faint, reluctant response to the unexpected touch. For someone who had spent the entire day moping like a soggy rag, the prince was already proving more reactive than he’d anticipated.

“Oh, what’s this?” Blitz teased, his voice light with mock surprise. “You can still make noise? Thought you’d gone mute or something.”

Stolas squirmed faintly, a faint blush creeping into his cheeks as his feathers puffed up in reflex. "Blitzø...this is hardly the time for—” he tried to protest weakly, but he was cut off by his own soft giggling as Blitz’s claws moved up and down, inching closer to his underarm.

Blitz grinned, his earlier uncertainty melting into the comfort of this familiar dynamic. “Oh, I knew it wasn’t just a fluke,” he spoke, chuckling as he adjusted his grip to keep Stolas’s wrists pinned. “You’re still ticklish, aren’t you, Feathers? And I bet you love it.”

Stolas bit his lip, trying to suppress his laughter, but it was clear his attempts were futile. His arms tugged, though with minimum effort, to escape his grasp. “Blitzy, seriously…” More giggles began to fall from his beak as moved to bury his face into Blitz’s stomach.

“Aww, come on, Feathers, you can’t say you’re not enjoying this,” Blitz teased, his voice low and mischievous as he nudged Stolas's face away from his stomach to look him in the eyes. “You’ve got that smile on your face, and I know what that means. Relax, I’m not judging you.” He finally strikes, albeit uncharacteristically gently as he targets his underarm.

A loud burst of giggling shot from Stolas’s beak as he jerked, the ticklish sensation electrifying his body in a way he hadn’t expected. His face flushed, and his laughter filled the once-silent room. “Bl-Blitzy!” Stolas gasped between fits of giggles, his arms still weakly tugging against Blitz’s hold.

Blitz’s grin widened as Stolas’ laughter rang out, the sound like music to his ears. It was clear that Stolas was still struggling to get control of himself, but there was a genuine warmth in his laughter that had been absent all day. For a brief moment, Blitz let himself fully enjoy the sound, watching as Stolas’ feathers ruffled and his whole body twitched with each touch.

"What's that, bird brain? Can't hear you over all that laughter," Blitz teased, his fingers lightly skimming across Stolas's ribcage now, moving in a deliberate rhythm to keep the prince laughing.

Stolas’ face was redder than ever, his body squirming as he let out another high-pitched squeak. “Blitzy… p-please, I—" He broke off into more laughter now, unable to keep up the protest as Blitz continued his gentle assault. Despite his best efforts to sound serious, it was clear that he was thoroughly enjoying this.

Blitz’s grin softened into something gentler, almost affectionate, as he watched Stolas lose himself in his laughter. The way Stolas’ body jerked and shook, the giggles that spilled from him—Blitz felt a twinge of pride. He knew that this wasn’t about just the tickling. It was about breaking through that shell, pulling Stolas out of the dark place he’d been stuck in after the slew of events that had occurred.

“You know, you’re a lot cuter when you’re laughing,” Blitz teased softly, his voice low and playful, but there was a tenderness to it that wasn’t typical for him. He trailed his fingers back up to Stolas neck, gently tracing little shapes into it.

Stolas’ laughter softened into breathless giggles as Blitz’s touch became more delicate, trailing along his neck in a way that made him shiver. His flushed face turned slightly, burying into Blitz’s stomach once again in an almost instinctive gesture of seeking comfort. The laughter still lingered on his beak, but it had shifted into something softer, more content.

“Blitzø,” Stolas murmured, his voice muffled but carrying a note of vulnerability. He didn’t pull away, even as Blitz’s fingers continued their light movements, tracing lazy circles over his feathers.

Blitz’s grin softened further, his usual brashness giving way to something uncharacteristically warm. “Yeah, I know,” he said, his tone quieter now, less teasing and more genuine. “You’ve had a rough one, huh?” He continued his movements but ensured they were only enough to draw one or two giggles out of him every once in a while.

Stolas nodded faintly against him, his breathing still uneven from laughing but slowing as he calmed. “It’s been...unbearable,” he admitted softly, his voice trembling slightly. “I—” He hesitated, his words catching in his throat as he struggled to even put his thoughts into words.

Blitz raised a brow, his hand pausing momentarily before resuming its gentle movements. “Hey, it’s okay,” he spoke, surprising even himself with the sincerity in his voice. “You don’t have to talk about it right now if you don’t wanna. I’m not exactly the best at this comforting shit, but, uh...I’m here.”

Stolas shifted slightly, his head tilting up to meet Blitz’s eyes. There was a flicker of gratitude mixed in with the sadness he’d been feeling since everything went down. “You’re better at it than you think,” he said softly, a small, genuine smile tugging at the corners of his beak as another giggle slipped through.

Blitz blinked, caught off guard by the sincerity in Stolas’s tone. He rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand, looking away for a moment. “Yeah, well,” he muttered, trying to play it off, “don’t go expecting me to be all mushy or whatever. This is a one-time deal.”

Stolas chuckled faintly, his smile growing just a little brighter. He hesitated before letting out a sigh mixed with a giggle as he leaned into the embrace. "Thank you," he murmured, almost inaudibly.

Blitz said nothing and instead tightened his hold, continuing the tracing along his neck. For all his faults, he understood when words weren't needed. They sat there together, the soap opera still softly playing in the background, as the heaviness in the room lifted just a little.

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