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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[just_aces]

"I know." He replied to that complaint, fingers lifting to press gently against the back of Edwin's hand for a moment before lifting away again so as not to tangle the spell or accidentally over-charge it. They were getting better at regulating the flow of energy when Edwin did any kind of casting, but it was sometimes still unpredictable and harder to determine how something might take a turn.

Charles took a slow, even breath at the way the air around them started to charge, it was normally where he'd suggest walking things back a little, but he knew this spell was likely to take a little more power and a little more concentration than the normal day to day casting Edwin did.

Which was why he was going to keep still and calm and only draw attention to it if he felt Edwin actually pulling at his energy instead of just using what was there at the surface.

[uptightboy]

The little touch on his hand did calm Edwin. Charles told him many times it would be fine yet he still couldn't accept it. It was a sign that the supernatural community still didn't think of Charles as someone with his own agency and freedom but a mutt on a rope. If they knew he was far more and far greater than that...

Edwin pursed his lips as the spell continued. It required him to build the leash from his own magic, and he did feel the pull. A shaky, empty breath left his lips. He still remembered vividly the tragedy when he hurt Charles almost beyond repair. He was slowly getting better but he still had a long way to go. Magic was a lifetime to master, good thing he only had the whole afterlife for it. Yet, it was still a slow process.

Concentrating heavily he started to build the leash upon the existing spell. An extension of the bond. A little annoyed sound left him when he realized that it may be just as difficult as putting the bond on. But he didn't want to stop. His gaze flickered to Charles to check in, his fingers trembling around the glowing, forming leash.

[just_aces]

There was concern in Charles' expression, but for Edwin's state rather than his own.

He could feel the added weight, certainly, which in and of itself wasn't concerning, but there was still something about it that was bordering on uncomfortable in a way he couldn't quite place.

His fingers brushed the back of Edwin's hand again, brow creasing, "Maybe..." His brow furrowed, trying to work out how to explain what he meant, "You're still thinking about this as caving to an unfair ruling, yeah?" He wasn't entirely sure if Edwin was thinking of it that way, but given his complaints on the mater it seemed like a reasonable guess.

A careful shrug, not dislodging Edwin's hold or shaking him off, "Maybe think about it as protecting me, instead?" He didn't know if it would help, or if it was even how the magic really worked, but he figured it was worth a try if nothing else.

[uptightboy]

"I..." Edwin started but he closed his mouth. He held the spell but didn't stop it. Was that it? Him still thinking about the injustice rather than the possibilities? His gaze turned away from Charles's face to his hand on his hand, as he was holding the crest. Charles told him he was proud carrying that collar, and that crest. So what was a leash attached anyway? Protection, as Charles said. And another sign of devotion. Just another sign that Charles belonged to Edwin and now all of London's best would be able to see it.

They will see that Charles was his. Devoted to him. And Edwin was ready to fight anyone who would think about taking him away.

"Right," Edwin whispered, licking his lips. The magic flew easier through his fingers now. The charge was still in the air but it wasn't as dense. "I love you, I could never..." he said as he felt it, the leash forming. He grabbed it and pulled his hand slowly away as the leash slowly built itself up until Edwin was holding the full length of it. It changed shapes a few times, going from a simple, golden glowing string to a fine chain leash, until Edwin chose to settle for a simple leather leash, not unlike the one their family dog had.

"There," Edwin sighed, holding the leash in his hand as he let go of the magic. This spell was not unlike the collar, however, it was only he who could control if it appeared or what kind of shape it took when it was 'summoned'. Edwin pulled it gently. "Is that alright?" he asked, wondering how Charles was doing now that he is leashed.

[just_aces]

"I know you wouldn't." He replied to that unfinished statement, fingers curling lightly around Edwin's wrist instead once he was more sure that he wasn't going to accidentally overload the spell or distract Edwin from the casting, "Just one of the things I love about you, too." Edwin would never hurt him or take advantage of him on purpose, nor would he allow Charles to be put in a situation where someone else could do either of those things, not without making sure the two of them were on the same page about the risks and the rewards.

This, though, this was a little different, and Charles smiled a little as Edwin changed the look of the lead a couple of times and while it was on the tip of his tongue to comment 'kinky' over the plain leather, he didn't, partly because he wasn't sure what the reception would be, but also because it really wasn't, it was utilitarian, certainly, but it was also surprisingly soft-looking, well-worn.

But then Edwin tugged at it and Charles' brain went just a little static-y, not like when his hair was pulled, but not far from it, either, swaying forward just a little before blinking slowly when he realized Edwin had asked a question, nodding a moment later, tongue darting out across suddenly dry lips before answering, "Yeah. Yeah, it's good."

[uptightboy]

Something in Charles's eyes caught Edwin's attention. He had seen that look a few times before. A fairly new look - ever since they started getting physically close, ever since Charles had reciprocated his feelings. Edwin wouldn't exactly call it animalistic per se, but there was something to it.

And because he was a detective, Edwin wondered what could have caused it. He was still learning about Charles Rowland and this was a thrilling investigation.

"Good," Edwin said slowly, drawn out. The leash wasn't glowing in his hand anymore as the spell was done but it was warm to the touch. There was just something about holding Charles close, so he could not turn away, run away, or have his attention elsewhere. The thought was almost intoxicating. Edwin, to test the working on the spell, slowly made it disappear, so it wasn't active. But then he gripped it again, letting it manifest between them in a flash of golden light. He tugged again. "Still good?"

[just_aces]

He had relaxed a little as the lead faded out of sight, only to sway forward again as Edwin re-ignited it and gave it another tug, though it wasn't just a sway forward the second time, but a little hitched half-step, catching himself short belatedly and nodding at the question, though he wasn't fully sure what Edwin had asked.

Which was why his brow creased just slightly, blinking at Edwin again and asking, "Wait, what did you just ask me?"

Truthfully he wasn't quite sure why he was having such a strong reaction to the thing, he could tell it was definitely him and not something inherent in the magic, but that really didn't clear things up even a little.

[uptightboy]

Edwin swallowed as he watched Charles move as he pulled. They weren't standing too far from each other, truly just a step away. But it was enough to send a shiver of anticipation down Edwin's spine. There was no magic or charge in the air around them, yet he felt his spectral heart beat faster.

"I asked..." he started, and pulled the leash instead of tugging this time, just to watch it tense between Charles's collar and his hand. "... if you are still alright?" His tone wasn't exactly a question but a kind of demand. For an answer? For more? Edwin figured they would find out soon enough. "Do pay attention," he added just holding the leash between them, feeling its tension and watching Charles at the end of it.

[just_aces]

Charles didn't need to breathe, not really, but even still that slow-draw of tension until the lead went fully taut was enough to have his breath quickening, and it was probably a good thing, too, since Edwin's tone was enough to have his knees going a little watery.

But he did manage another nod all the same, "Yeah." His voice was quiet, too soft by half and he knew it, which was why he cleared his throat, swallowing hard before adding, "Still good." Just a little more firmly. He forced himself to slow his breathing again, staying put for the time being before managing to dislodge his voice again with a quiet: "Should see if it holds through a shift, yeah?" He was going to wait for confirmation before changing shape, though he was likely to change right back again regardless. He wasn't sure what was happening, but knew that it would be easier to figure out as himself, once they knew the spell would stick.

[uptightboy]

"Good," Edwin nodded, still keeping his intense gaze on Charles. It was fascinating to watch him. So it was his turn to get a little distracted and in need of a few more seconds to process Charles's question.

"Ah, yes, indeed," he cleared his throat too, loosening the leash again. The spell probably held but it was a smart thing to test it. They needed this for the hound shape more anyway. "Do change, please," Edwin motioned with his free hand, holding the magical leash. "Let us see if it needs adjustments."

[just_aces]

"Right, yeah, 'course." He shook himself a little, far more like he did when he was hound-shaped than when he was human, but it was to the same point and purpose, which was to rattle himself back on track.

He took a half-step back, just to make sure he was going to have space before shaking himself again, a little more firmly, using that movement to change shape. It was something he really did have down to an art form already, and one could only imagine how much better at it he'd get given further time and practice.

The shift was smooth, a ripple from his head downward, and it was quick, tail already swaying readily even as his front paws hit the floor again. He sat, then, tail still swaying briefly as he did, craning his head a little to inspect the lead, nosing at it as if to determine that it hadn't changed and wasn't going to cause him any damage the way the Duchess' muzzle had, though he lifted his head, grinning a bright grin that suited this shape just as well as it did the other one, tongue lolling happily once that brief inspection was finished.

[uptightboy]

Charles's transformation was getting smoother and better. It always put a smile on Edwin's face, mostly because it also meant that he was finding his own balance in his existence. He was a hellhound but he was a ghost boy, he was special. And the scent of Hell started to slowly fade too.

At the hound's grin, Edwin smiled back.

"Good boy," he said, reaching out to scratch at the base of his ear. "Let us try something, shall we?" There was something he needed to try out too. Namely, if it was safe to change the shape of the leash while Charles was in his hound shape. Especially if it resembled chains. "I will change it, just to test if it holds," he warned Charles. "Do tell me if there is any discomfort."

It may be useless but Edwin learned early that it is better to be prepared for everything. So he pet Charles's head one more time before he took the leash and slowly changed it from the leather to a more jewel-like, fine chain leash. Edwin never planned to tie Charles with actual chains but he did see the point in using something that is less vulgar than leather.

[just_aces]

He leaned his head up into that touch, still grinning widely, tail giving another excited thump as he did, because that was just brilliant and Edwin knew it, or at least seemed to, and that was even better.

He straightened at the question and the explanation that followed, dipping his head once in a quick nod. He waited, watching as the shape of the thing changed, and he shook himself again, mostly just to see if he could make it jingle, front feet tapping excitedly for a moment when it did -the enjoyment that came from the bangles and the collar chiming faintly with movement apparently carried over regardless of shape- before settling sitting upright again, ears perked as if waiting for a command.

[uptightboy]

Edwin smiled at the reaction, feeling pretty relieved too. Right, he should have known and not thought of the worst. It was also good to know that the spell held up properly and did its job. The coven should be happy.

"Alright, that was that," Edwin nodded, reaching out again to pet Charles. "Good work, Charles," he smiled at him, as the leash returned to his preferred leather. "You may turn back now. Unless you wish to take a walk," he chuckled.

[just_aces]

He did seem to consider that suggestion for a moment, but unfolded smoothly to his own two feet again a moment later, "Nah, don't need to get outside that badly." His smile returned, "And if I do, not like I don't know where the door is, yeah?"

He paused then, regarding Edwin for a moment before lifting a hand to run his fingers along the lead himself the same way he often toyed with the collar or the bangles, voice just a little hesitant as he asked, "Not quite ready to put this away yet, you?"

[uptightboy]

Once again, Edwin just smiled as Charles turned back. He knew how to tease him from here on for sure, with walkies.

But he freezes as Charles turns their attention to the leash again, which Edwin somehow didn't dispel just yet. Its end was still in his hand. He swallowed, looking at it.

"No," Edwin frowned as he realized that yes, there was still something that was there about the leash. Something they barely scratched. "I... noticed you seem to be quite fond of it," he added. "Holding it is a rather unusual sensation on my part too."

[just_aces]

He made a noise of agreement at that, still leaning forward just slightly, chewing at the corner of his lip again just briefly, "Yeah, it's..." His brow creased, "It feels..." He'd been getting better at putting things into words, if only to make sure things were clear between them, but they all seemed to have fled at the moment.

He shook his head, "I dunno, nice isn't enough? But I don't know how else to explain it, it's like the binding but just... more, yeah?" He was mostly hoping Edwin had a better idea, because he didn't know how to put that comfort and security and something else into words.

[uptightboy]

"Yes," Edwin agreed, gathering the leather in his hand to pull Charles closer again. "It is all of you, in my hand," he mused out loud. "At my mercy," he added and his gaze turned to look into Charles's face. "And I shall not hurt you as you are mine."

It wasn't exactly the magical bond but a bond nonetheless. The one that existed before any collar or magic between them. Even when Charles was technically someone else's.

"Come here," Edwin smiles gently, pulling Charles into a kiss.

[just_aces]

The statement of being at Edwin's mercy was enough to have the rushing in his ears returning, almost drowning out the rest of what he'd said, especially when combined with the mental static from the gentle, inexorable pull that had come first.

Which was to say he was powerless to resist that request even if he'd wanted to, and he definitely didn't, not even a little. He swayed forward first before actually closing the space between them, leaning easily into that kiss, one hand settled on Edwin's hip, the other cradling his elbow of the hand still holding the lead.

[uptightboy]

As Charles moved in, Edwin slipped his hand around his torso to pull him even closer. As if the hand with the leash didn't already do it. He parted his lips to kiss Charles more, and deeper, taking in all that warmth and taste the other boy had.

Every time Edwin kissed Charles he marveled how he was allowed and even encouraged to do it. It felt like a dream he still hadn't woken up from.

"Charles," Edwin breathed against the other's lips.

It was thrilling. Having Charles with him and in his hand. At his disposal. Edwin had no idea why it felt so safe, too. But he let himself feel it. He let himself feel the leash, and the body against him. And know that he would do anything for Charles. And the other way around too.

"Charles, would you kneel for me?"

[just_aces]

The sound of his name that close, the feel of it was enough to have Charles' breath catching in his chest and the request that followed just punched it right out of him again with something that was almost a whimper.

He couldn't actually make himself form words, just swallowing hard and nodding once, even as he sank to his knees with another shaky little breath, hands resting loosely palms-up on his thighs, not entirely sure what else to do with them, some kind of anticipation winding up his spine, setting him straighter in a way that had everything to do with wanting to do well at whatever was unfolding here rather than fear of failing.

[uptightboy]

"Well done," Edwin frowned as he watched Charles. Then he reached for him, patting his hair. "You would do anything I tell you now, is that right?" He asked, part pleased and part surprised. He had seen Charles eager before but this was different. This was... exciting him in different ways. And Edwin suddenly had horrible, terrible, no good, filthy thoughts. It wasn't like he didn't think them before but the intensity of the urge to act on them was something he didn't expect.

It scared him for a moment but the expression on Charles actually calmed him a little. He brushed Charles's cheek with his knuckles as he took his time, contemplating.

"You look so beautiful like this, Charles," Edwin muttered. "It makes me want to ask quite improper things of you."

[just_aces]

He tilted his head up into the hand in his hair, eyes dipping partway closed again and taking a moment to actually process what Edwin was saying, though he turned his head to press a soft kiss, followed by a quick, teasing nip, to the inside of Edwin's wrist as he brushed those knuckles against his cheek.

He finally managed to find his voice again, just blinking slowly up at Edwin, some kind of mischief sparking in his eyes, but otherwise pliant and still, "I might, if you ask nicely." The smile twitched up at the rest of Edwin's statement, tilting his head into the other ghost's hand again, teeth scraping against his lower lip briefly before replying, "So ask."

[uptightboy]

Edwin's lips parted as Charles kissed his wrist. He was not religious but as he watched Charles kneeling in front of him, looking up at him with his lips at his wrist, he wondered if this was close to what someone would call a 'religious experience'. Edwin felt his knees go weak.

"I wish to know how you use your mouth, Charles," Edwin said, his hand moving. He brushed Charles's lower lip, just where his teeth were scraping a moment before. "Do show me."

[just_aces]

One brow lifted a little as he turned his head more fully into Edwin's hand, pressing a firmer, open-mouthed kiss against that pulse point at his wrist, where something vital hummed beneath the skin even though they didn't have an actual pulse to speak of, turning his head into that thumb at his lower lip, the tip of his tongue prodding at the digit, lips brushing Edwin's skin as he asked: "May I?"

The question was asked with a pointed glance towards Edwin's trousers, practically eye-level thanks to his current position. Charles' own hands were still right where they'd been, palms-up on his thighs because Edwin had specified his mouth for the time being.