25 Days of Christmas (2024)

Day Two: Ugly Sweater

Blitzø entered Stolas's mansion, brushing a layer of soot off his shoulders. "Alright, Feathers, I got your stupid starry tea blend or whatever. Hope you appreciate me braving Satan's version of Black Friday for this."

Stolas glided into the room, a delighted grin on his face, though his hands were suspiciously tucked behind his back. "Oh, Blitzy! You're such a dear. I knew you'd come through!"

"Yeah, yeah, you're welcome," Blitzø muttered, tossing the small parcel onto the table. "So what's with the sneaky owl act? You plotting something?"

"Me? Plotting? Never!" Stolas said, clearly lying. "Though, if you must know, I may have been working on a little... project."

Blitzø raised a brow. "Uh-huh. What kinda 'project'? And should I be worried?"

Stolas produced a lumpy, colorful knit object from behind his back, his eyes gleaming with pride. "Tada! I made this for you, my darling Blitzy!"

Blitzø squinted at the item. It was a sweater—a hideously bright one, adorned with uneven stars, crooked reindeer, and what appeared to be a poorly stitched imp riding a flaming sleigh. "Uh... wow. That's... something," Blitzø said, unable to hide his grimace. "You made this yourself?"

"Yes! Isn't it wonderful?" Stolas beamed, holding it up to Blitzø. "I wanted to give you something heartfelt for the season, and what better way than to craft a sweater with my own two hands?"

Blitzø blinked, then smirked. "You seriously made this? Like, no magic shortcuts?"

"No shortcuts at all!" Stolas puffed up proudly. "I spent hours learning to knit, watching tutorials, and even pricked myself a few times! But it was all worth it, don't you think?"

Blitzø took the sweater, holding it up as if inspecting alien life. "It's, uh... definitely unique." He smirked mischievously. "But hey, who am I to turn down a gift? Lemme try this masterpiece on."

Stolas clapped his hands excitedly as Blitzø slipped the sweater over his head. It fit surprisingly well, though the bright colors and chaotic design made him look like a walking holiday explosion. "Well?" Stolas asked eagerly.

Blitzø struck a dramatic pose. "How do I look? Like the hottest imp on the block or what?"

Stolas giggled, his cheeks flushing. "Absolutely ravishing, my love! Oh, I knew it would suit you perfectly."

Blitzø snorted, adjusting the sweater. "Yeah, I bet everyone at the office will be so jealous. This thing screams class."

"Blitzy," Stolas said softly, stepping closer. "I just wanted you to have something special. Something that shows how much you mean to me."

For a moment, Blitzø faltered, the teasing grin fading as he met Stolas's earnest gaze. "Yeah, well..." He tugged at the sweater awkwardly. "Guess it's not the worst thing anyone's ever given me."

Stolas's smile widened. "So you like it?"

"I didn't say that," Blitzø muttered, though his tail wagged just a little.

The two stood in comfortable silence, the garish sweater now a shared joke—and maybe something more.

Blitzø strutted into the I.M.P. office the next morning, proudly sporting the monstrosity Stolas had knitted for him. He stopped in the doorway, struck a dramatic pose, and announced, "Feast your eyes, peasants, on the pinnacle of holiday fashion!"

Millie looked up from her desk, blinked twice, and then burst out laughing so hard she nearly fell out of her chair. "Oh, my Lucifer! Blitz, what the hell are you wearing?"