Chapter 3: Memories
Loona breathed slow and deep as she felt the hot water wash over her comfortably. She slowly ran a brush through her long hair, section by section. Occasionally, she'd hiss or growl at every knot she'd run into, but eventually, she managed to get her hair under order. The young woman sighed softly as she slowly cracked her neck with a grunt of relief as her body slowly loosened up.
"Damn… I really need this." She murmured to herself, slowly cleaning every inch of her body as the hellhound enjoyed the refuge of the upscale hotel.
She gently went through her usual routine with an emphasis on making sure she was thoroughly taken care of. Even after turning the shower off, she sat on the side of the tub to file and clean up her claws. The hound felt truly relaxed once every inch of her had been properly pampered, she stretched and put on some fresh undergarments before heading back into the room and looking over the several outfits she had bought at Jimmy's behest. Loona smiled softly, rolling her eyes as she felt her cheeks flush while slowly piecing her outfit together. A simple black shirt with a comfy champagne sweater on top to match her ripped black jeans.
The hellhound looked herself over in the mirror and felt good about her reflection. She looked… good. Sure it wasn't the style of clothes she became known for wearing, but it felt right to her which counted a lot for her. With everything happening in her life, a fashion change up wouldn't be so bad. Her ears twitched at the sounds of seagulls and the already busy marina bustling with activity, drawing the hound in as she stepped outside again to lean on the balcony and take in the morning sights. It was a rare moment of calm, and she relished the peace, her thoughts momentarily distant from the chaos of her usual life.
She reached into her back pocket, expecting her usual menthol box of cigarettes to be there only to pat herself on the butt. She sucked air sharply through her teeth, rolling her eyes at herself as she turned around to head back inside to grab her box and brew herself a pot of coffee. An unexpected sensation gripped her hands, her hands feeling clammy and her wrist sore. She looked down to see her hands afflicted by the same shakiness that had caught her off guard yesterday.
Attempting to dismiss it, Loona proceeded to the small kitchenette, reaching for the coffee maker. However, her hands refused to cooperate, the cramping and shaking intensifying. Frustration built within her as she struggled to perform a simple task she had done countless times before. Loona took a deep breath, attempting to steady herself. She could feel the unease settling in, a reminder of the vulnerability she had recently confronted. Pouring the coffee grounds into the filter proved challenging, the fine motor skills of her hands betraying her in this vulnerable moment. She hesitated, contemplating whether to ask for help. Pride warred with the acknowledgment that this was more than a passing inconvenience. As she tried to press the button to start the coffee maker, her hand shook, causing her to accidentally spill some grounds.
A sigh escaped her lips as she leaned against the counter, the weight of her addiction finally starting to hit her like a ton of bricks. There couldn't be another reason to explain the awful night she had or the trembling of her tired hands. She went back to sit on the bed, carefully pressing the dial button on Jimmy's contact and setting the phone to speaker. Every ring felt like an eternity to the anxious woman when the call clicked on and she could hear the singer's warm voice.
"Morning, Loona. Hope you had a goodnight's rest." He greeted.
Loona looked down at her hands and bit her lip. "I… I slept pretty decently. I've just been feeling really off and uncomfortable since last night."
"Oh? Mind explaining?"
She rubbed her paws gently, trying not to work herself up. "I threw up chunks last night and my hands haven't stopped shaking for the last hour. I'm really scared." She confessed.
The line was silent for a moment before Jimmy spoke up. "You're starting to go through withdrawal. All those bottles I bought were to help you in case you started feeling those symptoms."
Loona glanced at the night stand, glancing back down at her trembling hands and shaking her head. "I don't wanna drink anymore. Every time I do, I just don't know when to stop."
"I completely understand that, but you're going to need to go to one of the detox facilities up in Sloth. If this is how bad you're feeling after one day, you're going to want to have a team of professionals to help you through it."
She shook her head to herself, relaxing somewhat as her hands stopped shaking so much. "I… I can't go just yet." She mumbled.
"Why not?" He asked gently.
Loona sighed and pinched the bridge of her muzzle. "I need to reconnect with my mom before I can take that big step. If… If I'm gonna face this, I need my mom by my side."
"That's valid. If you want any help with the search, let me know, okay?" He asked.
She smiled softly as she picked up the phone. "Yeah… Thanks again, Jimmy. For everything."
Jimmy laughed on the other side of the line. "Anytime. Don't be a stranger and reach out to me. Later."
"I'll hit you up. I promise."
Loona held her phone, sighing softly as her hands stopped trembling as she stood up and stretched again. She knew deep down that for her to feel happy again, she needed to have her family by her side if any of what she was going to do would work out for her. The hellhound looked at the collection of bottles and shook her head as she packed her belongings into a backpack and made her way downstairs to check out. She walked outside and shielded her eyes briefly before taking in the fresh sea air. The young woman approached the sidewalk and hailed the first cab willing to stop for her.
"Where to?" The imp gruffly asked.
"Train station." She responded calmly, getting into the cab.
The car began pushing on, the grid like pattern of Gluttony giving the taxi driver plenty of challenge as she gazed absentmindedly out the window. Her paw reached up and slowly rubbed the gold locket that she usually hid under her shirt. A small smile tugged at her lips as she felt at ease before opening the locket and gazing at the photo inside of Verosika and a much younger Loona with her muzzle covered in cake. She chuckled softly to herself as the memory of her first birthday with Verosika filled her heart with a joy she hadn't felt in a long time. Eventually the driver pulled over into the drop off lane. She paid the fair and offered the imp the entire bag of liquor Jimmy had bought her much to his surprise. He tried to refuse her offer politely but she insisted.
"I really don't need anymore alcohol. I'm sure you'll find a better use for it than me. Consider it a tip." She said simply, getting out of the cab and wishing the driver a great day as she closed the door and jogged up the stairs onto the main platform.
She gripped the straps of her backpack a little tighter as she sat down on a nearby bench while waiting for the train to pull up. With a hum, she whipped out her phone and decided to call Blitzo. It rang several times before the line came alive.
"Hey…" Blitzo greeted softly, not able to think of some witty thing to say for the first time.
Loona gripped her phone a little tighter. "Hey Blitzo… Just wanted to let you know I'm taking the train back home."
Silence filled the line for several moments before he spoke up. "Do you need a ride home?"
She nodded to herself as her foot began tapping quietly against the concrete. "Yeah. I was hoping you'd have the time to pick me up. I should be back in two hours or so."
Blitzo tried to laugh, but instead found himself coughing hoarsely before audibly drinking water. "I'll be there!" He managed to say.
"Thanks. I'll see yo–"
"H-Hold up a sec. I wanted to ask you something before you go."
Loona's ears perked up in surprise at how unsure of himself he sounded. "What's up?"
"Could we talk… about everything? I meant every word in that text and I want us to get along fully, Loona." He explained softly, hoping not to upset the hellhound any further.
She thought about his request only to be interrupted by the loud whistling of the train as it pulled into the station. "Yeah. We can talk later. Gotta go. Bye." The hellhound hung up before he could say anything else, boarding the train and finding a quiet window seat as she went back to caressing her locket. Slowly but surely the train pulled out of the station, the marina and docs blurring by as the train begins to take her towards home. Her eyes slowly droop down, her paw continuing to rub the locket until her head leaned back against the plush headrest. Her eyes fluttered slowly until they stayed close, her breathing slow and deep as sleep took her.
~Break~
Everyone gathered around the simple kitchen table, Verosika putting down a strawberry shortcake ice cream cake in front of the young pup. A big number nine stuck out of the cake which Blitzo happily lit the wick. The group happily sang in celebration of the smiling hellhound as the room echoed with a chorus of "Happy Birthday," and Loona's eyes sparkled as she made a wish before blowing out the candle.
In the midst of the cheers, Loona wasted no time and took a playful chomp out of the cake. The room erupted in laughter as frosting smeared her face. Verosika, amused by Loona's antics, decided to join in on the fun. She reached over and began to tickle Loona's sides, prompting a burst of giggles from the young hellhound. Verosika's laughter blended with Loona's as the hound in turn nuzzled at Verosika's face before licking the frosting off.
Blitzo, always ready to capture memorable moments, whipped out his camera and snapped a photo of the mother-daughter duo in the middle of their playful exchange. The flash illuminated their joy, freezing the genuine happiness shared in that moment.
"Smile, you two!" Blitzo exclaimed with a mischievous grin as he captured the essence of the celebration.
As the party unfolded, each member of the group presented Loona with a thoughtful gift. Blitzo gave her a collection of vintage comic books, knowing her love for the quirky and unusual. She looked over each pristinely preserved comic book in awe, thumbing through one of them quickly before hugging imp affectionately and thanking him for the gifts.
"Thank you dad!" She gushed, smiling as Blitzo nuzzled her gently.
The imp smiled in return and tucked a loose strand of her long hair. "Anything for you, sweetie."
Millie and Moxxie handed her a set of art supplies, recognizing her talent for drawing and painting. Loona's eyes sparkled in delight as she hugged each of them tightly, her tail beginning to wag about like a fan.
"You're the best Aunt Millie and Uncle Moxx~" She squeaked out happily, her leg thumping adorably as Millie scratched behind her left ear lovingly.
Moxxie playfully pinched her cheeks before pulling back from the hellhounds hug. "And you're the best niece an imp could ask for." He said warmly, prying Millie off the hellhound to give Verosika space to approach the birthday girl.
She approached Loona with a mysterious glint in her eye, holding a wrapped package. "Happy birthday, Loona," she said with a warm smile.
Loona's eyes widened with excitement as she unwrapped the gift. To her surprise, inside the box was a custom acoustic guitar, beautifully crafted with intricate details. Paw prints were drawn on the inlets of the fretboard with an engraved rose in the shape of a heart on the front of the body. She carefully held the guitar in her hands and smiled at how much of a perfect fit for her it seemed.
"Oh wow, this is amazing!" Loona exclaimed, running her fingers over the smooth surface of the guitar. "Thank you, Verosika!"
Verosika chuckled, pleased with Loona's reaction. "I thought you might like it. But here's the best part." She handed Loona a small note that read, "IOU: Guitar lessons with Verosika Mayday."
Loona's eyes lit up even more as she read the note. "Really? You'll teach me how to play?"
Verosika nodded, her expression filled with genuine warmth. "Absolutely. I think you have the potential to be an incredible musician, Loona. We'll start whenever you're ready."
After the lively celebration, the adults gathered to clean up the remnants of the party while Loona enjoyed a relaxing bath. Verosika, Blitzo, Millie, and Moxxie worked together, sharing laughs and stories as they tidied up the living room. As the hours passed, the scent of soap and warmth filled the air as Loona emerged from her bath, freshly scrubbed and in her pajamas. She joined the adults just in time for Millie and Moxxie to shower her with affection.
"Happy birthday again, Loona!" Millie exclaimed, ruffling her hair. "I hope you had a wonderful day."
Moxxie chimed in, "You deserve all the happiness in the world, kiddo."
Loona beamed at the attention, grateful for the love surrounding her. Blitzo, finishing the last of the cleaning, noticing Loona's tired eyes.
"Alright, it's getting late. Time for bed, Loona," Blitzo announced, looking at her with a playful smile.
Loona nodded, but before Blitzo could offer to tuck her in, she shyly approached Verosika, taking her hand. "Is it okay if you tuck me in, Mom?"
Verosika's eyes softened, and she gave Loona's hand a reassuring squeeze. "Of course, sweetie. I'd be honored."
Blitzo couldn't help but smile at the genuine connection between mother and daughter. He walked over, hugging Loona gently. "Goodnight, kiddo. Sweet dreams."
With a hug and a quick peck on the cheek, Blitzo walked Millie and Moxxie to the door, wishing them a good night and thanking them for making the time for his little girl while Loona and Verosika disappeared off into Loona's room. The dark blue walls and red trim felt comforting for the hellhound as she slowly climbed into her bed with a soft yawn.
As Blitzo closed the door behind him, he couldn't help but feel a warmth in his chest. Watching Loona find happiness and comfort in her new family brought a sense of fulfillment he hadn't known before.
The hellhound quietly climbed into her bed with a tired yawn, happily letting the succubus tuck her under her comforter before sitting down next to her. She gently ran her hand through Loona's silky hair with a soft smile as she looked down at the pup.
"Are we... family?" She whispered, gazing into Verosika's eyes nervously as she tentatively held her heart on her sleeve.
Verosika's eyes softened as she pulled Loona into a tight hug. "Of course, sweetheart. We're family."
Loona looked up at her vulnably, her big red eyes brimming with tears as she shakily hugged the succubus. "R-Really? Do you really mean it?" She asked softly, hiccuping lightly as she tried to keep it together.
The succubus smiled, gently running her hand through Loona's thick locks of hair as she did everything to help the young girl relax. "I mean it with all my heart. You became my family the day I first laid eyes on you."
Her tears flowed freely down her cheeks and muzzle, relieved that her worst fear was just a silly thought in her head. She held onto Verosika tightly, her voice breaking as she opened up to her. "Sometimes, the kids in the orphanage would tell me that no one would love a broken stray like me."
Verosika tightened her embrace, offering comfort. "Oh, sweetheart, you are not broken, and you are not a stray. You are my daughter, and I love you just the way you are. Family means loving and accepting each other, flaws and all." She murmured lovingly, holding the hellhound as she let her cry and work through her feelings before gently laying her back down on her bed.
"C-Can you stay the night with me..? Like my mama used to?" She asked softly, holding onto her hand with a tired yawn.
Her heart melted at the request. She kissed Loona's forehead, whispering, "Of course, sweetheart. All you have to do is ask.'' Climbing into bed, Verosika pulled the blankets over them both. Loona snuggled against her, resting her head in the crook of Verosika's neck as she found comfort in inhaling the scent of the only mother she had.
Verosika began to softly hum a lullaby, the same one her own mother used to sing to her when she struggled to sleep as a child. The soothing melody filled the room, creating a comforting atmosphere. Verosika's hand rubbed Loona's back gently, providing a sense of security and warmth. As the lullaby continued, Loona's breathing gradually slowed, and the tension in her body eased. She watched over her, feeling the weight of the day lift as she embraced the role of motherhood once again. The succubus would move heaven and earth if it meant making the young pup happy.
~Break~
A robotic voice spoke loudly throughout the train, easily waking up the napping hellhound. She yawned and stretched as her ears perked up at the message.
"We are now arriving at the Imp City downtown station. Please make sure to gather your belongings and exit in a single file line through whichever exit is closest to you. Thank you."
She carefully stood up from her seat, slinging her backpack on again and walking up to the nearby exit while waiting on the train to roll into the station. The moment the doors hissed and opened, she stepped outside and made her way downstairs. As soon as she stepped foot into the pickup zone, her eyes scanned through the ocean of vehicles before instantly recognizing Blitzo's van. She jogged up to the van, opening the passenger seat and sliding in. The hound looked at Blitzo quietly, the two gazing at one another until the imp broke the silence.
"Loona, I... I'm sorry." He apologized sincerely, looking into her eyes lovingly.
Loona looked at him, her expression softening. Before she could respond, Blitzo explained, "I want you to know, I'd never fire or replace you. I just want you to do a good job, and sometimes, I might push a bit too hard."
She nodded, understanding the sentiment. "Yeah, I get it. Sorry for walking out like that and pretty much ignoring everyone."
Blitzo focused on the road, pulling out and going at pace with the traffic. "I'm guessing you had a lot on your mind?" He asked gently, giving the hellhound a neutral smile.
The hellhound in question looked out the window, sighing softly as she ran a hand through her hair. "Yeah… Took some time to think about everything." She looked down at her hands, rubbing her paw pads on her legs. "I'm sorry for drinking on the job, Blitzo. I know I said some dumb shit to you… but I don't mean it. I don't wanna stop working with you."
He scratched at his horns, his left foot tapping along to the music playing quietly in the van. "Honestly… I'm fucking relieved you don't mean it. I know I deserve it, but I want to make things right with you."
She rubbed her arm and gazed out the window to try to keep her resolve. "I know… I want to talk to you about everything. Just… Just meet me in the middle and be honest with me when we have this conversation, okay?" She explained, biting her bottom lip as the stress was very much evident in her frustrated tone.
Blitzo turned his blinker on, getting the familiar Route 666NE back to Imp City. He patiently worked his way onto the highway and got in the passing lane. "I'll be honest with you every step of the way. I mean it this time." He said seriously, taking a drink of his water as he steeled his nerves.
"Thanks. It's all I ask for." She said lightly, burying her head against the headrest as she once again began to doze off to the familiar opening chords to that old love song.
~Break~
Loona stretched and yawned as she finally entered the door to their humble abode. Her toes curled and wiggled against the comfortable carpeting all over the living room. Her nose sniffed as a familiar scent wafted throughout the house. She went into her room, dropping her backpack off and heading back as she took note of the delicious food on the stove.
"Are you mak-"
Blitzo laughed and opened the top of the crockpot. "Mama's spaghetti recipe!" He beamed. "You know there wasn't a chance I'd pass on making some of our favorite food.
Loona walked over to the crockpot and licked her lips as she inhaled the sweet and smoky scent of the meatballs and sauce. "Cover it up before I start digging in." She warned playfully, eyes glued to the crockpot before shaking her head.
The imp walked around her and checked everything over with a soft smile. "Go freshen up and I'll plate the food." He offered, the hellhound nodding wordlessly as she passed by him and went right for the bathroom.
She did her business and washed her hands, eyes closing momentarily as her head throbbed with the beginning of a migraine. With a soft grunt, she opened the medicine cabinet and dug around before finding the Ibuprofen bottle and kicking several capsules back as she tried to keep it together. Her mouth began feeling rather dry, but she thought nothing of it as she turned on the faucet and scooped several handfuls of water before turning it off and drying her hands off. The hellhound looked at herself one last time and gave her reflection a soft smile and went back to the kitchen to join the imp.
Loona sat down across from Blitzo, thanking him for the meal and digging right in. Blitzo rolled his eyes at her playfully and eagerly dug into their dinner. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the clinking of utensils against plates provided a soothing background soundtrack.
Blitzo couldn't help but notice Loona's tail wagging gently behind her as she listened to him talk about his recent activities. The genuine interest in her eyes brought back memories of the old days when they used to share stories and experiences over meals.
"So, the other day, I was working on this hilarious new contract, right?" Blitzo said, a mischievous twinkle in his eye.
Loona chuckled, sipping from her drink. "Yeah? Tell me about it."
He excitedly launched into the details, regaling Loona with the humorous twists and turns of his recent job. He couldn't help but smile as he noticed her tail wagging more enthusiastically. She nearly choked on her food from how sideways the job had almost gone.
"Good grief, Blitzo! You'd think only going after genuinely bad people would be easier. I know I don't bring this ups much, but I hope you let me join you guys more often. You can't tell me Moxxie couldn't handle doing the office work for a day here and there, no?" She asked, hoping to make a case for extra field work.
Blitzo rubbed the back of his neck as he gave her words some thought. "Hmm… I don't see why not. I'll put a pen on it so we can have a more in depth talk about it later on yeah?" He offered, digging into his food with gusto as the sounds of forks and plates fill the kitchen once more.
Eventually the Hellhound and imp finish off their plates, setting everything in the sink before the hound lazily makes her way over to the couch. "Wanna watch something while we talk?" She queried, thumbing through several channels without much care.
Blitzo grabs some empty bowls from the cabinet as he hummed. "Put whatever you want on!" He called back to Loona, preparing desert as she used the channel guide and put on one of her favorite guilty pleasures, Cold Case. She tucked her leg under her knee as she made herself comfortable.
Loona's nose twitched as the sweet scent of peanut butter began to waft into the living room. She licked her lips and watched Blitzo walk around behind the tv and hand her a pretty hefty bowl of ice cream with whip cream on top.
"Here you go, Loona. Peanut butter crunch, just like you love," Blitzo grinned, handing her a spoon.
"Thanks, Blitzo. You know me so well." She replied, taking a grateful spoonful.
As they savored the dessert, a moment of quiet settled between them. Loona contemplated her thoughts before finally breaking the silence.
"Hey, Blitzo," she began, her tone gentle. "Can we talk about something?"
Blitzo looked at her, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "Sure, what's on your mind?"
Loona took a deep breath before asking, "Why did you max out Verosika's credit cards, run off to Wrath for horse riding lessons with her car, and leave her stranded?"
Blitzo's expression shifted, and a more serious tone crept into the air. He sighed, running a hand through his smooth forehead before scratching at it gently. "Loona, I... I felt insecure. I felt like I didn't really matter that much, like I was just here to contribute to the bills. Everyone kinda just spoke about you and Verosika like a dynamic duo like I just didn't exist. At first, I didn't let it get to me until I found myself feeling more and more distant from both of you. A really… really dumb part of me thought I somehow deserved to feel just as important as you and Verosika… Look where it left me.`` He mumbled softly.
He looked down, the weight of his confession hanging in the air. "I selfishly fucked everything up, Loona… none of what I was feeling could ever excuse my behavior in anyway, shape or form." The imp admitted honestly, too scared to look his daughter in the eyes.
Loona briefly suckled on her spoon, pulling every little bit of ice cream off before setting her spoon in the bowl. "I… Blitzo… I don't even know where to start." She sighed softly, hands trembling as her spoon shakily clattered against the inside of the bowl.
"Loona, your hands are shaking. Are you alright?" Blitzo asked, genuine worry in his eyes.
Loona looked down, realizing the telltale signs of her current struggle. She took a deep breath, her hands slowly steadying as she thought about what she wanted to say with a slow shake of her head.
"Blitzo," she began, her voice soft, "why didn't you send Verosika my letters? The ones I asked you to send to her."
Blitzo's gaze fell, a moment of guilt flashing across his face. He hesitated before setting his bowl down on the coffee table, "I… I thought that if I kept you two apart, you wouldn't leave me for her. I didn't want to lose you, Loona.I-I know it's my fault she left, but I was so… so terrified of you leaving me too. You're the only f-family I have left. " He confessed, biting his lip as the guilt ate at him.
Loona looked at Blitzo, a mix of emotions crossing her face—understanding, sadness, and a hint of disappointment. A tiny part wanted to lash out and scream at him, break his heart the same way he did hers when he took away the only mother she ever had. The Hellhound set the spoon aside and clasped her hands together to fully still their trembling. Her eyes twitched as tears began to fill the brim of her red orbs.
"Blitzo, I get it. I do," she said, her tone even softer as she pushed against the painful lump in her throat. "But keeping us apart didn't solve anything. It just hurt all of us more in the end."
Blitzo nodded, remorse evident in his eyes. "I wish I knew then what I've learned now, because I wouldn't have let that hot tempered asshole I once was blow everything up." He said gently, hands rubbing at his knees quietly.
Loona felt the subtle pulsing at her temples, signaling the beginnings of a migraine. Her hands trembled a bit more, but she was determined to address the lingering questions in her heart. She took a moment to compose herself before continuing the conversation.
"Blitzo," she began, her voice sincere, "Do you understand how much Verosika means to me? She's the only mom I remember, and yeah, I wish Selene had lived to be my mother, but I'd never trade the love of the only woman I've only ever known as my mother for anything." She reached into her hoodie and pulled out a small locket, delicate and full of sentiment. The hound carefully unclasped the chain, handing it to Blitzo.
"Open it."
Blitzo took the locket, noticing the fine craftsmanship. His fingers deftly traced over the intricate patterns woven into the gold on both sides as if it was meant to be gently rubbed. He carefully opened it, and his eyes welled up with tears as he saw the photo inside – a picture of a younger Loona, her face covered in ice cream cake as she nuzzled and covered Verosika's beaming face with it.
Loona's words resonated with Blitzo, the weight of her emotions hitting him like a ton of bricks. He stared at the photo, feeling the depth of her love for the woman who had stepped into the role of a mother when he couldn't be there.
"Loona," Blitzo whispered, his voice choking with emotion, "I... I-I never realized..." He started silently sobbing, eyes locked on that picture as his mind thought back to his daughter's ninth birthday party as if it had only been the other day.
She shyly placed her hand over his, tears streaming down her face fully as the two gazed at each silently. "S-She gave it to me the day she left. Told me that I'd always be a part of her life…"
He turned his hand around and gently squeezed Loona's hand as the weight of his actions truly hit him then. The imp had to do something, anything that could begin to right how badly he let Loona down. Blitzo slowly looks up at Loona, gazing into her eyes silently as he waited for her to speak first. "Blitzo.. All I have ever wanted from you is to just take accountability for your actions. Actually own the things you say and do without the excuses… I don't even care if it hurts my feelings because I'd rather you look me straight in the eye than pull my tail like I'm stupid."
The imp nodded silently, turning to face her fully as he shyly reached over to hug Loona who equally leaned in to wrap the imp in a tight, firm embrace. Blitzo tightened his grip as he buried his face against her shoulder. "I'm sorry, Loona…" He whispered, his voice worn out and filled with regret. "I am so sorry for how I h-hurt you. I miss you… I've missed how you and I used to be over seven years ago. I haven't stopped thinking how much I fucked up. A-All I ask is for another chance to show you I-I can change. I can be better, Loona. I swear I can." He promised, shaking as he waited for her firm rejection only to feel his heart thunder in his chest when the Hellhound hugged him even tighter.
Loona leaned in and nuzzled their noses together, their tears mingling together as she held onto the imp like a life raft. "I… I-I miss you too… dad…" She murmured, smiling softly through her tears as she dabbed at her eyes with her sleeves. "I want my family back… but no more lies, no more half-truths, and no more hiding our pain. D-Deal?" She asked as she held up her pinkie.
Blitzo wrapped his pinkie around hers and hugged her again. "You have my word, Loona." He murmured.
Loona pulled back slightly, her gaze shyly meeting Blitzo's as she summoned the courage to open up to him. Her voice trembled as she spoke, "D-Dad, I... I need to apologize to you. Years ago… When we had that big blow out at the office and I-I…" Her ears flattened against her head as her tail limply laid on the floor out of shame. "W-When i said you would never be a father to m-me again… I'm sorry I ever said that!" She cried, grabbing onto Blitzo tightly as she gazed into his eyes the same way she did the first day he met her back in the orphanage. He rubbed her back and leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to her muzzle.
"Loona.. You never stopped being my daughter." He murmured, caressing her face much to her shock as he gave her a soft smile. "I knew I loved you from the first moment we made eye contact. I knew from that moment that I would love you and treasure you for the amazing pup you are. I wouldn't deserve to be your father if I just gave up on you the moment you rightfully so lashed out at me."
She shook her head and squeezed at his jacket just a little more. "B-But… But I should ha–" He placed a finger over her lips and hugged her tightly.
"But nothing. I forgive you and you're not allowed to beat yourself up over that." He chastised softly, the two laughing as they embraced again.
Loona wordlessly curled up on the couch, laying her head down on Blitzo's lap like she used to when she was but a young pup. He shifted further along the couch to give her the room she needed to lie down with him. Blitzo gently ran his hands through Loona's thick, silky hair, a soothing gesture that seemed to transcend time. The tension that had built up over the years melted away as they relaxed against each other. He watched the gentle rise and fall of Loona's breathing, relaxing against the couch as a deep sense of serene filled the room. As the minutes passed, the weariness of the day had finally worn the hound and imp down into a deep and restful sleep as the father and daughter found solace in one another.