Helluva Family (18+)

Ch. 16: The Date (🍋)

Loona found herself, once again, at the front doors of the Goetia mansion. Her hand raised and knocked, feeling like this was a tradition at this point. The sound of footsteps echoed behind the doors, getting closer and closer. Stolas answered the door as if knowing who it was.

Stolas: "Good morning, Loona. Come in."

She entered and he closed the door behind her. Stolas had become accustomed to her visits by now. Loona didn't stop as she continued walking towards her destination. Stolas felt a sting of pity for her. Watching her dull eyes look upon an unwaking lover was like torture. He followed her as she arrived at the door of his office. Stolas walked in front of her and opened the door. Loona walked inside. There Jack still lay, motionless on Stolas's desk. Loona pulled up a chair next to him and sat down. She brushed his hair to the side so she could get a better look at his face.

The ugly black veins still crept in from under his shirt and up his neck. Stolas had tried his best to identify the cause, but with no leads to pursue, he had no information. Loona's hand reached into her pocket and pulled out a familiar box. It was the same box Jack had given her as a present. She placed it down on the desk next to his hand. Stolas appeared by her side and rubbed her shoulder.

Stolas: "His condition hasn't changed in the last few weeks."

Loona: "I know..."

Stolas pulled up a chair and positioned it across from Loona.

Stolas: "You've always had that look on your face ever since you brought him here a month or so ago. I know that look."

Loona: "You do?"

Stolas: "Yes. You don't have to feel guilty Loona, it's not your fault."

Loona's head lowered. It seemed Stolas hit it right on the head. She shuffled in her seat.

Loona: "You don't understand Stolas..."

Stolas: "Understand what?"

Loona: "It was me who got him in this situation! It's my fault!"

Stolas: "We've been over this. You know as well as I, Jack jumped through that portal on his own will."

Loona: "But if I never broke into that store and lost my phone, he would never have found it..."

Stolas: "And I shall remind you, Jack only entered that store because of his own curiosity."

He placed his hand on hers and rubbed gently, trying to comfort her.

Stolas: "Don't let this eat you up dear. I've watched the footage from those fights from the games. You both had each other's backs. Neither of you would be alive without the other."

Loona let out a small sniffle. She rubbed at her nose and looked at Stolas.

Loona: "He was the first... the first guy I genuinely liked and this is how he ended up."

Stolas: "I know, I know. Loona, this guilt is making you repeat your troubles, letting them dig deeper each time. If you don't let them go, it will just feel worse over time."

Loona: "I'm sorry. It must be pretty annoying listening to me then."

Stolas: "Not at all. I just want you to be ok. That's what is important."