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]

"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.

[uptightboy]

What was it about teeth and lips against vulnerable areas of the body? Even spectral ones? If Edwin thought deeper about it he may have found his answer but right now, all it did was send a shiver down his spine. He stuttered an empty breath when Charles's tongue appeared. He barely noted that there was a question from him. To continue.

"You may," Edwin nodded, slightly alarmed at how deep his voice sounded from arousal.

Charles was gorgeous, yes. But he was also strong. And a powerful being. He was quick to think and act, he was the brawn! And seeing him on his knees, held on a leash, waiting for Edwin's instructions, no, orders, was something Edwin had never thought he would enjoy in such a way.

[just_aces]

Considering Charles' own reluctance to follow most any order given to him, and his habit of verifying most requests, he wouldn't have thought he'd like something like this, either, but if he was actually capable of thinking about it, instead of just responding, he probably would have come to the conclusion that it was -much the same as with the bonds in the first place- because it was Edwin, who wouldn't use any of this to hurt him, or even really control him.

It was just a way of making things easier for them both.

For the moment, however, Charles took a slow, steadying breath, straightening a little so that he could lift his hands, working buttons free one at a time, brow creased just a little so that he could focus on what he was doing, and only that.

[uptightboy]

Charles slowly started to work and Edwin's eyes widened in awe. There was something about that intense focus on Charles's face directed at him, a very particular part of him even, and it made Edwin feel things. Charles was rarely concentrating on something so much, but there were examples. That music device not far from them was one, and now Edwin. And to have that focus from him, to have all of Charles's attention... it was, oh it was delightful.

As Charles was getting all the buttons right, Edwin wondered if they should move to the couch but there was something about him standing and Charles kneeling. It was probably the fault of the leash. Not that Edwin was complaining. He was discovering new things about himself, and about Charles too and he wasn't about to stop.

"Well done," Edwin said when Charles managed to undo his trousers.

[just_aces]

Charles would never not melt a little at praise like that, eyes dipping closed, another slow breath hitching in his chest before he exhaled, smile melting into place, blinking slow and pleased up at Edwin again.

He was also considering what would happen if Edwin's knees gave way, which was why he pressed forward, hands steady on Edwin's hips, steering him backward so that he could lean against the edge of the desk, a movement that meant Charles had to shuffle forward a little, still on his knees, but he tilted a smile up at Edwin once he'd settled again, hands smoothing down his thighs and then back up, considering for a moment again.

Mostly he was debating whether or not to ask further permission, but Edwin hadn't specified anything other than wanting to know what Charles could do with his mouth, and they hadn't gotten there yet, which was why Charles' focus then turned to the ties and buttons of Edwin's undergarments in turn, breathing still slow and steady and focused, grinning outright once he got those open, hands finally sliding past fabric and out over Edwin's hips so that he could get both trousers and fundamentals fully open without actually pushing them down.

[uptightboy]

Edwin let out a tense breath as his hips leaned against the desk.

"You are confident," he remarked with a raised eyebrow. And why wouldn't Charles be? Edwin is already feeling like losing his mind, just at the sight of him kneeling. Then Charles goes further opening his clothes more. It starts to become clear that he is already half-hard and that should be embarrassing but Edwin is too busy staring at Charles. The touch on his skin makes him whimper.

"Charles," Edwin starts suddenly. "Do- do start with your hands."

[just_aces]

The fact that Edwin was just a little off-balance, and delightfully so as far as Charles was concerned, was part of why he was feeling so confident, because he was the one causing that even though Edwin was the one holding onto the lead, the one theoretically in control here.

He just nodded at the request, settling himself comfortably again and working Edwin free of his layers, giving an easy, loose-handed stroke from root to tip, thumb nudging up against the underside and over the tip when he reached it. He was giving the new task his full focus as well, the corner of his lip caught between his teeth, brow creased just a little as he did so, very much the same expression he gave fiddly bits of rune-work or tinkering.

[uptightboy]

The moment Charles touched him Edwin let out a shaky, useless breath. Yes, it was a good call to start with hands because if he had to feel Charles's lips or tongue on him this play may have ended too soon. Once again, Edwin turned to adore the boy's expression and the sight of his fingers against himself. He always loved to steal looks at Charles, and his hands were no exception. Whenever he was tinkering on something, Edwin found himself looking all too often at those crafty fingers. And now having them on him, pleasuring him was almost too much.

Talking about too much, Edwin felt himself getting harder with each movement, each little nudge at just the right spots. Charles handled him so expertly and so well that Edwin couldn't help feeling so enamored.

"Stop," Edwin ordered then, his voice was trembling, similarly to his hand around the leash he was holding. "Pull back and..." he licked his lips. "... open your mouth."

[just_aces]

Charles clocked that tremor, both in Edwin's voice and in his hand, and it was enough to have him arching a brow, but he didn't say anything, just straightened again, lowering his hands to where they'd been before, just loosely on his own thighs.

He regarded Edwin for a moment before pressing the tip of his tongue to the edge of his teeth, as if debating whether or not to actually follow that order, but he did, working his jaw just a little before opening his mouth, tongue extending out over his lower lip in some kind of invitation.

[uptightboy]

Edwin did not think this through, he had to admit the moment he watched Charles open his mouth. The small pause before he obeyed, then the tongue slipping past his lower lip, Edwin was not ready. He wasn't ready but it was too late to backtrack. He had never felt such an intense wave of need in his life or afterlife for that matter than what he felt the moment Charles waited on his knees, with his mouth wide open.

"Goodness," Edwin swallowed. He circled the leash once again around his hand. It wouldn't pull Charles closer but it made the leather more tense, just like how Edwin was. His other hand went to take himself, stuttering a breath when his cold fingers touched hot skin. He moved closer just a bit, and put the tip of his cock on the tip of Charles's tongue but did nothing else. He was trembling as he savored the sensation and the sight. It was one of the most erotic things he had experienced. If he wanted, he could just tilt his hips forward and take what was offered, and goodness if that wasn't tempting.

"Lick m- lick it," Edwin stuttered, feeling the hottest burn on his cheeks at the order.

[just_aces]

Charles swallowed hard as the leash went taut, the thought that Edwin might use it to pull him closer, or might keep him in place while Edwin himself moved forward was enough to send a thrill down his spine in the best way and he didn't take his eyes off of Edwin's face as he dragged the flat of his tongue up across the tip of Edwin's cock, just one slow pass up and back down to where it had been resting in the first place.

That was apparently all he was going to do at the moment, and the fact that he was still cheeky enough to follow Edwin's requests to the letter and no further was a good indication that even with his own undeniable interest, he wasn't yet overwhelmed enough to lose himself to what was going on.

It might happen soon enough, but for the time being he was going to tease as much as he was allowed.