Hellhound AU

[just_aces]

Sometime round about 1900, a witch summoned a hellhound as a familiar.

He didn't mind it, hellhounds are loyal after all, and if some of her spells left him tired and drained, well, that was what he was there for, to keep her from using too much of her own energy for things. That and to eat the souls of her victims, sometimes.

But then, in the early 1970s, she ran afoul of a much stronger coven.

She was quite quickly banished to hell, but the hellhound couldn't be allowed to go with her, because, well, hellhounds are loyal and she was powerful and would have been able to use him to escape.

So the hellhound was made human, figuring that sixty, seventy, even eighty years if he was lucky would be enough time for the witch to have been consumed, so that even when the human-that-had-been-a-hellhound died, and Death herself realized that he was definitely not where, or what, he was supposed to be, she'd send him back.

But then one Charles Rowland kind of fucked up that whole plan by dying young and immediately running away from Death herself.

So the ghost-who-was-the-boy-who-was-the-hellhound has no idea what he was, or still is, under it all.

But, after a trip through hell to save his best friend (Hellhounds are loyal, after all) and time spent in a familiar position -though not a familiar kitchen- after that has been enough to knock a few things loose...

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[uptightboy]

As Charles moved closer, Edwin slid his arms around his shoulders and pulled him as close as he was able to. His body was trembling under the care and teasing Charles was putting him through. And he loved and hated it at the same time. Everything was too much and so little, and then Charles was being so cheeky again...

"Love..." Edwin whispered, barely realizing he had said it out loud. And he thought there was no way he could love Charles more. "I did not expect it to be so- so intense already," he admitted in a breathy voice, nuzzling into Charles. A small voice in the back of his mind told him he should be ashamed about all this, that this was something he should not enjoy. Charles was a boy. And he was a creature from Hell. And Edwin hated that even in a moment like this he still had these kinds of thoughts. "I- I understand why would you miss this..."

[just_aces]

He huffed a soft laugh at that response, giving an easy nod, brow still pressed to Edwin's temple as he did, "Yeah, it's intense, it's better when it's someone you like, but it's always good."

He nuzzled his nose along the arch of Edwin's cheek even as he gave another slow full-handed stroke, very nearly purring at how warm Edwin was against his palm, "Next time I think..." His voice had dipped, a conspiratorial murmur even as he gave another stroke, fingers kneading against the base before dragging to the tip once more, "I think I want to get you in my mouth. Think that might be too much for you right now." With the way Edwin was already practically shaking against him he doubted this round was going to last, and he was fine with that, it meant they could take their time later.

[uptightboy]

Edwin almost retorted that he couldn't believe it could be good at all with someone he didn't like but he did remember the way he felt about the Cat King. Not that he would ever disclose that to anybody, especially to Charles. But it was an important piece of experience for him.

With a needy moan, Edwin tilted his hips to get more of that stroke. To feel it more, to have it faster... But then Charles just had to speak again and Edwin felt like he was not in control of his body anymore.

"Your mouth?" he asked back even if he heard it crystal clear. Just imagining how that would have felt made him hang on tighter, made him almost reach between them to urge Charles's hand on. The possibilities were endless and Edwin had to swallow at the thought. He wanted to say it wouldn't be too much but just right, but the way his body was already so tense and demanding he had to give this one to Charles. "Your hand is already so..." Oh, there were no words about it. Or if there were, Edwin was too embarrassed to say them.

[just_aces]

Charles had already decided that he quite liked having Edwin at his mercy like this, more or less, if he didn't actually want to be where he was, Charles was pretty sure he'd know it, and he couldn't help but grin at the question, nodding again and lifting his head so that he could actually watch Edwin's face again, still maintaining those steady, even strokes.

Sometimes his fingers pressed against the base when he reached it, a gentle squeezing movement, and sometimes his thumb brushed up against the underside or over the tip when he reached that, those additional touches the only variation in movement.

The expression on Edwin's face, half-lost already, was enough to make his mouth go dry, taking a moment to actually find his voice again to answer, "Yeah, my mouth. Used to be right good at that. But I'm pretty sure it'd be too much to start with, at least for you, don't want to give you too much at once, yeah?"

[uptightboy]

Only when Charles's head moved did Edwin realize his eyes were closed. He opened them just to face the love of his afterlife again, smiling like that. Edwin licked his lips nervously, but he was too preoccupied to feel more embarrassed over it. His lips were parted as if he was trying to breathe, and he could swear he felt his cheeks blush.

Charles said he didn't want to give him too much but Edwin felt he could take... oh. Oh, wait.

"Charles, I'm... please, I'm..." His hands were kneading at Charles's shoulder for something that was just beyond reach. He moved his hips into the other's grip, reaching for it. One of his hands also went to put it on Charles's wrist not to stop him but to encourage him. To ask for more.

[just_aces]

"Yeah, thought you might be close." His voice was a warm murmur, free hand sliding around to press against the small of Edwin's back as he pressed forward, keeping him close, "It's alright, love, you don't have to hold back, just relax, yeah? M'right here."

He did uncurl his fingers from Edwin's cock so that he could lace them with Edwin's, taking his cock in hand again, giving another slow stroke to give Edwin a better feel for the movement, let him feel a little bit more in control of what was going on. He wasn't sure if it would actually help the state Edwin was in, but he figured it was worth a try if nothing else.

[uptightboy]

"I'm close..." Edwin repeated a little out of it. The low voice of Charles echoed in his chest, as if it was a caress. And he just wanted to get lost in it more. He whimpered at the momentary loss as Charles put both of their hands on him. It helped. "Charles," Edwin moaned, his eyes fluttering shut. He didn't need much more, only a few more strokes of joined effort to feel it. His peak. It surprised him just how quickly it crept up on him, shaking his body and hand as he gave into it. Oh, and it was so good it would have choked him if he was alive. He had no breath but moans and stutters of Charles's name as he came.

[just_aces]

Charles continued the gentle, steady stroking to ease Edwin through his orgasm, knowing the frustration of touch being taken away once that peak was reached, it was always better to be carried all the way through, and he didn't want Edwin to ever feel bereft. The only words he could actually manage, pressing a string of kisses along the line of Edwin's jaw, were: "Bloody hell that was gorgeous, Edwin."

Just the fact of Edwin feeling comfortable and open enough to actually let himself go that way was amazing in and of itself, but that he'd been the cause, that was even better, in ways he didn't even have words for.

[uptightboy]

Edwin leaned into the small kisses, barely noticing he was doing it. He was just seeking more contact and more... softness? And pleasure. Only when he heard Charles talk he found some of his wits. Because what happened was amazing. All he knew in his life and most of his afterlife was pain and more pain. And experiencing something like this, something so good, so pleasurable that all his thoughts stopped? If he had a life he would have found its meaning right here, probably.

"Charles," Edwin let out a breathy laugh, still trying to put himself back together. Then he tilted his head to nuzzle at Charles's cheek. "Oh, Charles..." he repeated, loss for words. If he had it bad for Charles in a collar, now he was going to think about what his hands could do. And then his mouth... Edwin had an alarming thought that he was not going to have enough of Charles. "That was, goodness," he swallowed, looking down between them. "Probably the most erotic experience of my..." he muttered, trailing off.

[just_aces]

"Of your ever?" He replied, smiling again, finally just looping both arms around Edwin's middle, keeping himself pressed close, chin against Edwin's chest, head tilted back to look up at him, knowing full well that meant Edwin would feel his voice as much as hear it in that position.

His brow creased a little then shoulders rolling forward slightly but not dislodging himself from where he was, "Funny, innit? Thinking the worst somehow went and led to getting the best." He did lower his head then, forehead pressed to Edwin's chest where his chin had just been, which muffled his voice a little, but he knew he wouldn't be able to meet Edwin's eyes at the moment, "Went from thinking I wasn't ever going to see you again to this. To knowing I need you so much it hurts." He shook his head a little, sniffling just once and curling his arms just a fraction more tightly around Edwin's ribs, "Love you so much."

[uptightboy]

Funny, right. Edwin did laugh softly as he squeezed Charles's shoulders. But truly, to know that all that panic and despair would lead to this? To him experiencing such a pleasure with Charles? That was... funny, yes. In lack of a more coherent thought.

Then Charles looked away but held him tighter. And Edwin's chest tightened too for another reason. He slid his hand into Charles's hair, holding him, while his other arm held him tight around his shoulders. The tone of Charles's voice, the way he said those words, put tears in his eyes too. He loved this boy so terribly so, it was unbelievable.

"I love you too, Charles," Edwin whispered in a heavy voice, his head tilting to nuzzle into Charles's hair. "And I will make sure we are never separated again." He had made that promise many times before. But it was a promise he over and over made. Not because he wanted to prove a point but to remind both of them. Especially after what happened and how they came out of it.

[just_aces]

He shivered a little at the hand in his hair, the tension that had started creeping up his spine again unraveling almost instantly, leaving him pressed forward against Edwin again. He relaxed there for a few long moments, letting himself bask in that comfort, reminding himself that the worst hadn't happened, and he was right where he belonged again and not about to leave unless forced.

He did straighten again after another long moment, unfolding again in such a way as to leave Edwin's arms draped over his shoulders, his own arms uncurling from the veritable bear-hug around Edwin's chest to just bracket the other boy's ribs, one hand on each side, "Should probably get on with tidying up." He finally said, though was quick to add: "Don't really want to move just yet, though."

[uptightboy]

For a long time, Edwin had thought that comforting someone was difficult. Charles was always better than him. But as he held on, as he laid soft little kisses in Charles's hair he had to realize... that it all came a little easier if that person had his heart. His lips pulled into a shy smile as he could look into Charles's gorgeous eyes again. Tidying up was still the last thing on his mind.

"Charles, do you remember what I said?" he asked. "I wish to... welcome you back the same way." As Edwin said it out loud he was suddenly afraid what he wanted to say was too vague. "Now that I know how to touch you," he added. "We may have to move a little for that."

[just_aces]

He hadn't realized that Edwin wanting to know how to touch him in return was something that would be put into use immediately, in his experience that wasn't how things usually went, and as such he just blinked in puzzlement at the statement, but his expression softened into a broad smile once more, giving a gentle squeeze with both hands before taking a half-step away from the desk, but not letting go of Edwin just yet, "Yeah, you did say that, didn't you?"

Just the fact that Edwin wanted him to have his turn was enough to have nonexistent blood moving south. He'd already been aroused just from watching and hearing and touching Edwin, he'd just been prepared to let that arousal fade or deal with it himself the way he usually did, or usually had when he was still alive.

He did nod, however, hands sliding from Edwin's ribs to his hips again as he took another little half-step back from the edge of the desk again, still settled easily between Edwin's knees, but leaving some space between their bodies once more, "Where d'you think we should move to?"

[uptightboy]

Now that Edwin felt a little braver, he was itching to show Charles just how absolutely mindblowing this had felt. Maybe there was a little bit of mischief in it too, to show Charles that even in death they can have such experiences... so he wouldn't miss his life so much.

"Couch," Edwin whispered, leaning in to peck Charles's lips for a second. And marveling about the fact that he was allowed, and maybe even encouraged to do that from here on. The giddiness made his fingers tremble as he reached down to tuck himself back in. His hands were back on Charles the next moment, however, as if unable to let go, unable to separate for now. He grabbed his sides and slid off the desk, gasping as his knees buckled. He was still feeling the after-effects of the orgasm Charles gave him and it made him feel more determined. "The couch," Edwin repeated, as he pushed Charles back toward it.

[just_aces]

"Hey, easy." He laughed softly, arm snaking around Edwin's waist again as he staggered, keeping him held close and lending support in a way he so often had, though not under such pleasant circumstances. He nodded at the response, and the more firm repetition of it, "Yeah, alright, couch."

He couldn't help but smile at the way Edwin was steering him backwards to the couch, moving carefully himself so as not to trip on anything, just lifting a brow once the edge of the couch bumped his shins, dropping back to sit on it and practically dragging Edwin into his lap as he did so, "You were saying?"

[uptightboy]

Before Edwin knew it, he found himself on Charles's lap. He felt his cheeks burn from embarrassment but they were too far gone now. And Charles being cheeky did not help. Yet, Edwin was terribly charmed. That was how he knew he had it bad. But for Charles it was alright. Because it was Charles.

"I..." Edwin swallowed. Then moved so he straddled Charles's thighs. If they were doing this, they should do this properly he thought. His body still remembered Charles's touches and he hoped he could give at least a little back to him. He leaned in, before anything, to kiss Charles again mostly for courage. Then Edwin reached down and felt Charles through his trousers just to have an idea, and a point to start without getting too overwhelmed.

[just_aces]

He leaned up into that kiss easily, half-using it to muffle the soft growl that rose in his chest and against the back of his throat at the way Edwin situated himself. It was what Charles had been aiming for, but actually having it was something else again, and something he apparently liked quite a bit.

That growl, pleased as it was, broke through all the same once he felt Edwin's hand on him, even through his clothes, because he was obviously more than half-hard, and that gentle, testing pressure was the best kind of maddening. He did manage to follow that sound with actual words, however, voice rough-edged thanks to that growl still lurking there, "Yeah, s'good." Another quick kiss to Edwin's mouth in turn, "Going the right direction."

[uptightboy]

They had known each other for thirty years, they never left each other's sides, and yet Edwin was awed that he still could learn more about Charles. That he could still hear him make noises he had never before. It was exciting.

His fingers were feeling Charles up, his hardness, his shape as much as he could. And Edwin was glad Charles showed it all to him before so his nerves were calmed by the thought that this was right, that this was good. It was a way to show Charles that he belonged, and what a delicious way it was. His eyes fluttered at the kiss, feeling a new wave of boldness to go on.

"Alright, yes," Edwin whispered back and licked his lips. He looked down to see the buttons he was addressing next. He opened Charles's trousers and pulled his shirt up to have more space. The small patch of skin revealed to him made him release a trembling breath. His fingers slid on Charles's stomach with newfound adoration. Oh, they barely scratched the surface, Edwin thought, before he forced himself to pull Charles's underwear lower. At one point it awed him how many fewer layers people were wearing but on the other hand, it was easier to access certain... parts. So Edwin didn't complain when he could finally take Charles into his hand, just holding, feeling...

[just_aces]

It was possible, even probable, that Charles wouldn't have growled like that without knowing his true nature, or if he had it would have been a surprise to him as well, as it was he managed to sit back just a little to give Edwin more room to work, letting out a shuddering breath of his own at the warmth of Edwin's hand against his skin, just sliding down the flat of his belly.

He'd said he liked a little teasing, but he hadn't taken into account just how different deliberate teasing was from the unconscious, almost accidental kind that came of Edwin still sorting things out for himself.

A soft whine followed as Edwin shifted his underwear aside and Charles dipped a hand between them himself to hitch it lower on his hips so it would stay out of the way even with the elastic trying to slide back up. He gave a little shift of his hips a moment later as Edwin finally took him in hand, eyes dipping closed for a moment and giving a quiet, "Hang on, just lemme..." It was the work of a moment and another wriggle of his hips to tuck the elastic waistband of his shorts down under his sac to keep it out of the way and give Edwin better access, especially when they were still pressed so close together.

His hands moved to Edwin's thighs then, giving another squeeze, "Okay. Alright. That's it."

[uptightboy]

Edwin had no breath, yet it hitched when Charles pushed his underwear lower to help him get himself out. There was something so familiar and intimate about the movement, about the trust Charles gave him to shed some of his layers in front of him. And the sight did not disappoint Edwin either. He once again had to swallow. Charles's hands on his thighs snapped him out of his daze.

"Let's see then... what's what," he muttered, looking back up at Charles. At first, he just held him, just getting used to him at all. He was heavy, warm, and getting warmer. Edwin experimentally moved his fingers low then up, as if he wanted to commit Charles to memory, all the little details. He squeezed the base, just like Charles showed him, then moved up to tease the head. Only then he was ready to use a tighter hold. "You are so warm," Edwin mused out loud.

[just_aces]

Charles was practically shaking at those careful, exploratory touches, gaze dipping downward because he knew if he had to watch the fascination in Edwin's expression it was all going to be over too soon.

Of course watching those elegant fingers in their explorations didn't help, and that initial squeeze at the base caused his cock to twitch upwards heavily, eliciting another soft growl from Charles, head rolling back against the back of the couch so that he was looking at the ceiling instead of Edwin at all because it was just too much.

Too much and not enough all at the same time, and that firmer hold finally had him lifting his head, brow creasing a little at the statement, taking a moment to parse it even as he slid his hands up from Edwin's thighs to his hips, "So're you."

[uptightboy]

Edwin's lips pulled into a momentary shy smile. He leaned in, kissing Charles's lips, as he slowly started stroking him.

"You are... You are gorgeous too, Charles," he whispered, his cheeks burning. Edwin also realized that the only reason he was not reacting to Charles's touch, or what he was doing was because he just had his own pleasure not so long ago. But how good it would be to feel it together with Charles. To feel such desire at the same time. "So handsome, and so... you are so good to me," Edwin whispered, tilting his head to kiss a trail down Charles's neck. He swiped his thumb over the tip of the boy's cock, coating him before going back to a slow, steady rhythm.

[just_aces]

He practically dove into that kiss, whimpering softly when Edwin withdrew again, taking a moment to parse what his partner was saying, blushing brightly across the bridge of his nose and high on his cheeks when he did, practically all the way to his temples but he wasn't going to object, even though he almost felt like he should, if only because at the moment Edwin was the one being good to him.

There was another hitched little noise in the back of his throat at the sweep of Edwin's thumb, the touch enough to make him drip further, and having Edwin's mouth at his throat at the same time was enough to make him stop breathing completely. He didn't actually need to breathe, but he was overwhelmed enough that even those habitual reflexes had fallen to the wayside. He wasn't on edge just yet, but if Edwin kept up the same way it wouldn't take long at all to get him there.

[uptightboy]

Something about having Charles at his mercy... besides the collar felt thrilling. To think that only with a few touches Charles can whimper like that? For Edwin? It was new. It was... heady. And he was getting warmer under his touch and his lips.

Edwin parted his lips to make his kisses more open-mouthed, getting braver. His pace got steady as his grip got more wet, shivering at the memory of how it felt for him when he was in this state. He smiled, then tilted his head to kiss at Charles's collar again. Now that it was out in the open that he liked it, he felt no shame in adoring it in this way too. But as he figured to raise his head again, Edwin did something that surprised him too. He parted his lips again, baring his teeth, and playfully scraped over Charles's neck as lightly as he could.