One Helluva Ride

Chapter 9: Confessions

          Splice returned home after the mission, collapsing onto their bed. The comforting, intoxicating lull of sleep began to ebb away at their consciousness. As they were moments away from rest, a voice rang out. "What 'cha dreaming about?" Splice's eyes snapped open, looking for the source of the sound. On the ceiling, clinging for dear life, was Blitzø. Splice rolled their eyes.

          "Fucking hell- again?" Splice asked. Blitzø fell from the ceiling, landing on the bed beside Splice. ".. I got bored." He said with a shrug. Splice let out a chuckle. "At least warn me next time. Jeez." They replied, trying to get comfortable again. Blitzø sat up. "Boredom doesn't have a warning, dipshit." He said. Splice broke into a fit of laughter. "Yeah.. I guess you're right." They said as they got up. They began to dig through a few drawers.

          Blitzø followed, attempting to peek over Splice's shoulder at the contents of the drawers. Splice turned around after a moment, startling him. "Here. Have a house key. It'll be easier than breaking in." They said, offering a small key to Blitzø. He eyed the key suspiciously before taking it in his hand. ".. thanks." He muttered, pocketing the key. Splice nodded, crawling back into bed. "Don't worry about it. Now, if you don't mind, I'm going the fuck to sleep."

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          The next morning, Splice woke up to the sound of their phone ringing. They reached sleepily for their phone and answered. "This is Splice." They greeted. Their voice was groggy and deep. "Oh, hello! This is Stolas. I was wondering if you'd be interested in coming over today. So you and I could.. catch up?" Stolas sounded both nervous and excited–almost sounding like something of a little kid.

          Splice found themself unable to say no to the avian prince. ".. yeah, sure. When do you want me to be there?" They asked. They could hear Stolas' excitement. "Any time works! I'm not picky. You're free to show up whenever you like" He replied. Splice could practically hear the smile on his face. They got out of bed, and began to look through their closet. "I'll be there as soon as I can, then." They said. They could vaguely hear Stolas looking through his closet as well.

          "Wonderful! I'll see you soon, then." Stolas said happily. Splice let out a soft chuckle. "See you soon." They replied, before ending the call. Blitzø appeared in the doorway, looking groggy and exhausted. "Who was that..?" His voice was slurred; almost as if he was hungover. Splice looked over. "Just an old friend. I'm gonna meet up with them later." They explained. Blitzø stumbled, grasping onto the doorframe. "Oh shit-" He managed. Splice walked over. "Here- let me help you." They said, taking Blitzø's arm and wrapping it over their shoulder.

          Splice helped Blitzø stumble toward the bed, laying him down gently. "You can spend the day here if you need to." They muttered, not wanting to worsen Blitzø's headache. They retreated into the kitchen, grabbing a bottle of water and bringing it into the bedroom. "Drink this. It'll make you feel better." Splice instructed, placing the bottle on the nightstand. They pulled a light blanket over the mostly unconscious Blitzø, continuing to get ready for their meet-up with Stolas.

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          Splice made their way to the Goetia estate. Nervousness bunched up in their stomach as they neared the door. They hesitated as they reached toward the knocker, before swallowing their anxiety and knocking. There was silence for a few moments, before the door finally swung open. Stolas stood on the other side, with an imp butler beside him.

          "Splice! I'm delighted you could make it." Stolas said with a smile, stepping out of the way and gesturing for the imp to enter. Splice stepped inside, surprised to find that the place hadn't changed much since their last visit. "I was figuring we could have tea in the garden, if that's alright with you..?" Stolas offered. He seemed nervous, too. His gaze didn't stay fixated in one spot. "Ah- yes. That sounds great." Splice replied, offering an encouraging smile towards Stolas.

          The avian prince seemed relieved by Splice's willingness. "Fair warning, look out for-" He started. Before he could finish, a harsh, harpy-like shout sounded through the manor. "STOLAS!" Stolas cringed, seeming somewhat annoyed. ".. my wife." His voice sounded somewhat defeated.

          Just then, Stella stormed into the room. Her large skirt trailed behind her. Everything about her vibe screamed pretentious bitch and fake royalty. "Are you going to fuck this one too, Stol-ass?" She asked, glaring up at Stolas judgementally. Stolas sighed softly. "No, Stella. This is an old friend of mine." He explained annoyedly. Stella scoffed as her steely gaze landed on Splice.

          "You're so insufferable that you have to hang out with the lower class? Why am I not surprised." Stella insulted, not even seeming to care that she was mocking her own husband. Splice's tail twitched annoyedly. "... would you care to join me in the garden, Stolas?" They offered, struggling to keep a friendly smile on their features. Their grin twitched in annoyance. Stolas faltered. "Uh- Yes, of course." He replied, gesturing grandly toward the garden.

          Stella was infuriated by the fact that she was being ignored. Her clenched fists trembled in anger. Stolas began to walk toward the garden as Splice trailed behind him. Splice turned around to look at Stella, giving her a threatening glare–almost as if daring her to interrupt. "Try me, you harpy bitch." Splice warned in a whisper, slightly unsheathing their dagger. 

          Thankfully, both Stolas and Splice made it to the garden without any further problems. In the garden sat a white table with a chair on either side. On one of the chairs, Stolas had stacked several books. Stolas pulled out Splice's chair for them. It took them a minute, but Splice managed to pull themself up. Stolas took a seat across from them.

          "Thank you for coming to see me," Stolas said, smiling sheepishly. He almost even seemed embarrassed. "Thank you for inviting me. It's been a while since I've been somewhere this.. nice" Splice replied, leaning onto one of their hands. It was silent for a few moments. It seemed like neither of them knew what to say.

          Stolas cleared his throat. "Uhm- tea?" He offered, gesturing toward the teapot at the center of the table. "Oh- yes, please," Splice answered, watching as Stolas poured two cups of tea. The teapot was adorned with golden constellations. It matched Stolas' personality quite well.

          Stolas offered one of the cups toward Splice. "Do you need anything? Cream? Sugar?" He offered, wanting to make sure he accommodated his guest. Splice shook their head, not wanting to ask too much of their host. "No, I like it like this." They answered, lifting the teacup gingerly and taking a sip. The bitter taste flooded over Splice's tongue.

          There was another awkward silence. Stolas rubbed his finger along the side of his teacup. "... Can I be honest with you?" He suddenly spoke up. Splice was surprised by the sudden question, but nodded. "Of course." They replied, wanting to seem polite. Stolas took a moment to collect himself. "That night. .. the one we spent together. It means a lot to me. I-I know you were only doing your job, but- it.. made me feel loved. For the first time.. ever." Stolas explained, unable to bring himself to look at Splice. He seemed embarrassed.

          "After you left, I found myself craving that feeling again. I wanted to feel.. desired." Stolas said. "Blitzø broke into my home a little while after. He.. gave me that feeling again." He had a faraway, almost mournful look in his eyes. Splice was quiet for a moment. "That's.. a lot." They muttered, unsure of what to say.

          Stolas suddenly tensed. "Oh, goodness! That was too much, wasn't it? I'm terribly sorry." He said, worried that he had creeped out his guest. Realizing the problem they had just caused, Splice gently placed their hand over Stolas'. "It's alright, I promise. I'm glad you feel comfortable enough around me to tell me those things." They said comfortingly. Stolas let out a soft breath of relief.

          "Thank goodness.. I was worried that I had scared you away." Stolas said with a small chuckle. Eager to change the subject, Splice looked around the garden. "So, uh- how do you take care of all of these plants? They look wonderful! I can barely get a succulent to survive." They mentioned, hoping that their self-deprecation would lead the conversation elsewhere. Stolas lit up at the mention of his plants. "Oh! Well, you see, it's quite simple..."