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]

That statement, the permission and even the promise that followed, were enough to have a bolt of desire rocketing down Charles' spine, coiling in the pit of his stomach. Not enough to need to do anything about it so soon after his recent climax, but certainly enough that he noticed.

It was also what had him surging forward again, clasping Edwin's face between his hands and kissing him deep and hungry all over again, finally drawing away with a soft whine, pressing his fingers to Edwin's lips as if that might actually stop him from trying again, "This party's not going to be easy." Edwin dressed up in something fancy -or whatever the assumption of a ghost detective turned out to be- keeping him on the leash even if it was the predominantly decorative one, "Might have to pounce as soon as we get home."

[uptightboy]

With a whimper, Edwin kissed back, just as hungry. He wondered if he just brought some disaster upon them by allowing this. But he wanted it. He wanted Charles beyond logic, beyond common sense and when he had him it was incredible. Charles was incredible, and Edwin wanted more.

"Indeed, not easy, no," Edwin smiled against Charles's fingers. "But maybe, dare I say, fun?" And inspired by whatever remaining madness he still had from their activities before, he kissed Charles' fingertips gently, before taking one lick at them. "Now there is a whole new reason to attend." It was a drag, a boring, annoying event to go before. But now, with a sweet reward at the end of it? Edwin can almost say he is excited.

[just_aces]

Charles couldn't help the soft laugh at that kiss and the teasing press of Edwin's tongue against his fingers, shaking his head, smile very much in evidence, "Might be. And we'll have Crystal there to keep us in line, too, that might help keep us out of trouble." By 'us' he definitely meant himself, because he knew that of the two of them he was likely to do something that would be disapproved of far sooner and more easily than Edwin would.

His brow creased then, head tilting, "Going to have to work out something for me to wear, too, you know they'll want me to show off before it's all over." He only sort-of understood the politics of the whole thing, and just because he understood them didn't mean he had to like them, but if he was going to be himself for at least part of the evening, he'd have to come up with something that matched what Edwin was wearing.

[uptightboy]

Right, Edwin hoped that Crystal and the other guests would serve their purpose: to keep him from having his hands all over Charles all night.

Edwin leaned his head back, against the desk. He was eying Charles in silence, thinking. Yes, they needed to appear a certain way, to show who they were. It was a requirement by the coven, probably the only thing Daphne was insistent to be followed. This event was important for the current status quo, which Edwin understood more of the more they were involved with the coven.

"I believe you should look exactly what they expect: dangerous."

Charles in black and red, or gold with matching makeup. A hound walking in disguise, but barely made the effort. 

"If they want a hound we shall give them a hound," Edwin decided, then looked over himself again. He felt the blush on his cheeks but thankfully it wasn't visible. "But I do think it is work for a later time, let us get sorted first."

[just_aces]

Charles had straightened a little, though he was still sitting astride Edwin's thighs, knees bracketing his hips, and his brow creased just a little at the statement, mostly because he knew that expression -flushed or not- because that was the expression Edwin wore when he had an idea about how to do something, or how to start something even if he wasn't sure of the rest.

But when paired with the blush, that was where Charles' puzzlement and even curiosity came in and he narrowed his eyes just briefly, reaching up to tap a curled knuckle against Edwin's temple, "You've got something rattling around in there, I can tell." Charles hadn't really thought about it himself until just then, because he was well aware that he'd be a hound on a leash for most of the night, putting thought into his actual appearance really had only just occurred to him.

The follow-up, however, had him laughing softly, nodding as he lifted that hand to run his fingers through Edwin's hair, mostly putting it back to rights, "You're right, really ought to get tidied up before anything else."

[uptightboy]

With a smile, Edwin nodded.

"We may need some assistance from others but we may still be able to deliver what the coven wishes us to do in style," he said. His hands settled on Charles's hips as if wanting to feel him before they needed to get up to move on with their afterlife. However difficult it may be. He adored Charles's laugh and the way he touched him, letting this moment still stretch between them. Oh dear, how was he ever going to get things done ever again?

[just_aces]

They'd both continue to get things done because Charles was there to keep them on track. Of course, Charles was also the one being the distraction as often as not, so that might not work out in the long run, but it was going to work out fine short term, because he clasped both of Edwin's shoulders, giving a gentle squeeze and a gentle shake before unfolding to his feet, just putting himself away again, willing away the mess as he did before offering Edwin a hand up, "C'mon then. Don't have anything else planned for tonight, do we?"

He didn't think they did, they usually carved out a block of time when Edwin was doing any casting, just to make sure he had recovery time whether or not he strictly needed it.

[uptightboy]

Edwin took Charles's hand and by the time he was on his feet he was back to his proper and prim self. He still ran a hand down the front of his shirt as if it wasn't  neat already.

"We have time, indeed," he nodded.

With the leash in place, their next task was to prepare for the theatrics of it all. Something Edwin started to dread and look forward to. Both emotions got more intensive as their plans for outfits started to become more solid (pun not intended).

And then the night of the event came. Edwin had to play the ghost detective, spellcaster, and alchemist, and Charles the hellhound for the crowds at the coven's event, however ridiculous that sounded. But together with Crystal, Charles, and a few other magic shop owners, their outfit was put together in a way that translated all Edwin's annoyance about this event into a silent 'kindly fuck you' statement.

He was wearing a high-collared, slightly puffy-sleeved shirt, that had an open back. His trousers were high-waisted and tight, accompanying his knee-high boots. A simple pearl necklace adorned his neck, and he was also wearing his alchemist glasses for show, though he figured he wasn't going to do any alchemy during the night. On his thigh, there was a holster for his notebook, with his family crest on it in it courtesy of Charles. One of his finest works, if Edwin had to say so. When Charles presented it to him Edwin got a little emotional too. 

As they were waiting to be let in, Edwin let out a sigh he didn't need. He looked over Charles at the end of the leash, and Crystal looking like a medium out of a TV show.

"Do try to behave," Edwin warned both. And himself too.

[just_aces]

Of the three of them, Crystal had the most experience with attending hostile environments presented as industry parties, and once she'd gotten over the 'come as the you they expect' aspect of getting an outfit together, she'd also helped the boys with theirs, mostly Charles, as Edwin had his well in hand. She'd also helped Charles practice a couple of other aspects of his appearance that he hadn't initially noticed or thought he could control.

Crystal had also approved of the massive 'fuck you' that the open back of Edwin's outfit provided, the surety that Charles would be there to protect him from any and all comers if it came to that, it was exactly the kind of passive-aggressive thing people like this understood.

Charles, for his part, had drilled himself changing from the hound to his own party outfit until it was as easy as his usual clothes, though for the time being he was the larger -but not largest- version of the Hound, head at about Edwin's shoulder height when he was sitting, and level with Edwin's -if not a bit taller- when standing. He had made adjustments to the collar, the usual teardrop scales along the bottom gone to something more like spikes, though still wholly decorative, chiming faintly with every move. The bangles likewise were thicker, broader, more like some kind of bracers, though not hindering his movement and with no risk of sliding off over his paws.

The leash was almost comically delicate in comparison, but they'd also drilled responding to even the slightest tug, there was no way they were going to risk anyone thinking Edwin couldn't control him, as that was one of the reasons they were here.

The most important factor of it all, at least as far as Charles was concerned, was one of those things that Crystal had helped him practice, which was the banked-ember glow to his eyes, something he hadn't even fully realized happened in larger iterations of the hound-shape, but was definitely present now.

He snorted softly at Edwin's admonishment, though did lean to nudge his brow against his partner's shoulder before trundling to his feet again as the doors to the manor swung open, more guests appearing as if they'd been summoned by that one simple act, everyone making their way inside in pairs and groups.

[uptightboy]

Edwin reached up to pet Charles's head as he nuzzled against him. Not because of Charles but because of him. While he may have more training in etiquette and a deeper understanding of this all, he could still get nervous. Attending an event like this somehow made him remember to the time he was alive, making him remember more of being alive. Which was new, and yet nostalgic in the strangest way. But Charles's hound form and Crystal's honestly ridiculous outfit were there to remind him that he was still pretty much dead and playing into the game of some supernatural politics.

The event took place just outside of London, where a manor like that could be located. For the ordinary human, it was just someone rich throwing a Christmas gathering. Only those who were privy to London's supernatural society knew that this was one of the events of the year.

Edwin raised his chin as they entered the doors, and provided their names to the servant at the door, along with the invitation. Then they proceeded further inside. It was clear from the very first glance that this was a party of great caliber. Edwin spotted a few people he had seen in the crowd during their trial and of course the witches too. Daphne hurried to fetch them immediately, leading them to the venue. But even at this point, Edwin noted the glances toward them. Mostly at Charles. Because he was a spectacle. And he was beautiful.

They trained hard to be able to appear as the master and their hound, to let the world see how obedient the hound was, despite the coal in his eyes and it was working so far. However, the end of the night was still far away.

[just_aces]

Any time Edwin paused to talk to someone, or take a look around, Charles settled a half-pace behind and a half-pace to his left, the same place he generally stood when he was himself, but much more obviously guarding in hound form. He was also paying close attention to who greeted them first and how they reacted to him personally, whether it was to ignore him as an accessory or to include him in the greeting as well. For the most part people would greet Edwin and Crystal, and while most of them didn't openly ignore him, there were only a few who included him in the greeting as well.

Charles recognized many of the party-goers even outside those they knew from the Coven, there were some merchants that they interacted with on the regular at the floating market, and the Cat Regent with a wholly feline entourage, winding between their ankles like a rolling fog preceding them, or perched on a shoulder, or even in some moments riding the hem of their rather impressive robe as it slid along the floor behind them.

They were one of the few who came to greet the trio personally, even whisking Crystal away gently for a turn around the dance floor, returning her before long looking somewhat less tense than she had for most of the evening.

It was shortly after he was returned that the Lady Goode emerged from the crowd with a pointedly polite suggestion that perhaps Charles would enjoy the party more in his usual form. Not his 'natural' form, because as far as the Coven was concerned, the hound was his natural form, but his usual form. While it was what they had expected -and what they'd practiced- Charles still looked to Edwin for permission first, and while it was difficult to tell as much on the canine face, he was definitely smirking his usual wryly amused smirk.

[uptightboy]

Edwin took notes of those who greeted Charles even in his hound form. Some of them they knew, and a few just introduced themselves. It made Edwin wonder just how far the news about the hellhound spread exactly. But he was glad to meet their allies, and seeing them all in one place did remind Edwin how far they'd come.

While he still didn't approve any of this, it was also a great opportunity to make acquaintances, as it would give him access to some of the private libraries, and book collections of the society.

Then, the request to include Charles in the party by letting him turn into his usual form came and Edwin could barely help his smile. He looked over to Charles, seeing him waiting for his permission. Even in this form, he could tell that Charles was also waiting for this.

"Good boy," Edwin told him, reaching to pat his head again. "Go on," he nodded, taking a step back.

[just_aces]

Charles snorted softly at the pat and the 'good boy' -as if the praise didn't make his stomach flip in the best sort of way- and gave a little roll of his shoulders, unfolding smoothly to his feet to a collective gasp and murmur of surprise and even approval, a ripple of noise that he was mostly ignoring in favor of focusing on Edwin's reaction.

Edwin had seen most of Charles' outfit, he'd seen the early stages, when Charles was working out a counterpoint, even a mirror to Edwin's own. Which was to say that while Edwin's shift was open-backed, Charles was wearing a close-fitted and high-waisted jacket without anything under it but a decorative harness of gold chains, matching the leash and spilling from the collar to circle his ribs and even his waist, giving the impression that he was harder to control in this shape than the other -or at least that was the idea- and the collar itself was still broad and ornate, looking like finely-linked mail once more, the spikes that had been mostly dangling in the hound form actually standing out in this one, though they were shorter, if only so that he could actually get close to Edwin if he wanted to without the risk of jabbing him.

Most importantly Edwin's family crest was front and center, settled between his collarbones in the hollow of his throat right where it belonged.

Crystal had helped with his makeup, instead of just the usual smudge of khol his eyes were lined first with thick black and then with thin angles of gold on top of that, along with a smudge of red-orange shadow in the corners, something to accentuate the fact that they were still glowing like banked coals.

The leash was also still very much in evidence, fastened somewhere in the middle of that chain harness instead of at the collar as it had been, and without even hesitating, Charles offered Edwin a hand, one brow lifting, "May I have this dance?"

[uptightboy]

At the sounds of awe and fear and curiosity, Edwin didn't look away either. His attention was on Charles and only on him. He had seen parts of his get-up, yes, he needed to approve some of it but he also witnessed the whole thing now, along with everyone. And as Charles took more of his form, it got more difficult to keep his expression neutral. Charles was beautiful. And looked just like Edwin wished him to look: dangerous. With the spikes and the harness. Matching Edwin's style... And those eyes that changed nothing, still burning with Hell's fire. Edwin made a note to express his gratitude to Crystal once they were in private again. But otherwise, his attention was on Charles. On the hound that these people wished to see.

At Charles's question, Edwin could see the horror creeping into Lady Goode's expression but he didn't care. They wanted Charles's usual form to have fun, so they will have fun.

"You may," Edwin smiled at Charles and took his hand. His gaze dropped to the crest on his neck with pride. He had other emotions swirling around his chest at the sight of his love but he was trying to behave. He was trying to behave so much. "Aren't you a spectacle, Charles?" Edwin asked, his voice trembling only a little as they got to the dancefloor. "I can barely believe you belong to me," Edwin added quieter, catching a few gazes toward them.

[just_aces]

He just made a quiet noise of agreement at the question of his being a spectacle, a question he knew was mostly rhetorical, "That was the idea, wasn't it?" He kept his voice low, for Edwin only, smile spreading as he stepped close, just looping the leash around Edwin's hand again before settling his own into place, one brow lifting a little to let Edwin lead -something else they'd practiced, at least a little- amusement and pride warring across his face, "And I always have been, haven't I? It's just other people know it now, too."

Charles would argue that he was, and had always been, Edwin's, it had just taken him a while to realize it.

Despite the confidence in his expression and his stance, he was fully aware of just how many eyes were on them and how quickly this could get ugly, but he was doing his best not to think about that and instead keep his focus on Edwin. He doubted that the Coven would risk the additional spectacle of asking them to leave, especially when this was to the spirit of what the Lady Goode had just suggested herself, but it was entirely possible, and even probable, that Charles would be asked to change back due to safety concerns, or something like that. Which was why he was going to enjoy himself while he could.

[uptightboy]

Yes, it was the 'other people know it now too' part that thrilled Edwin. Charles was handsome and attractive; Edwin didn't miss the looks he had gotten. And knowing that others knew who Charles belonged and if they wanted to get to him they needed to go through Edwin? There was power in that thought, there was love in it too. Edwin still felt a little guilty about it yet it was also a guilty pleasure as far as he was concerned.

Originally he didn't look forward to this event. To parade around and lead Charles on a leash. Edwin was still angry about that. But they rarely, or more like never, attended anything like this before. And Edwin had to find he liked to lead Charles on the dancefloor. Right, they practiced it in the office and played around during it, but this was different.

"I'm afraid I may have trouble paying attention to anything from here on, Charles," Edwin huffed, still quietly but there was a playful hint in his tone. "You seemingly did not hold back when choosing to dress up." It wasn't an accusation. It was a compliment.

[just_aces]

His smile just spread, though it did soften at the edges, letting himself fall easily into the steps they'd practiced, "Of course I didn't," his tone was amused and easy, and still just meant for Edwin alone, "supposed to be a spectacle and all." And on top of that he'd wanted to see if he could get Edwin's self-control to waver even just a little bit, and despite Edwin being very much in control of himself, he was still pleased with the results.

He swayed closer, voice dipping just a little further as he added, "And isn't it a good thing that there's not much more after this to go?" There weren't likely to be any further surprises that evening, the Lady Goode was strategically minded and had requested Charles' transformation after all the guests had arrived but before anyone had begun to filter away again or become bored otherwise, it was the kind of thing that even Charles, impulsive as he was, could appreciate.

But it was also clearly meant as the apex of the evening, and unless some of the other guests were going to pull some kind of Maleficent At The Christening shenanigans, there weren't likely to be any other surprises in store.

[uptightboy]

His self-control wavering was quite an understatement. Edwin was still close to ending this attendance early and dragging Charles back to the office.

"You did well," Edwin assured in a hoarse voice. And then Charles confirmed his thoughts too. That there wasn't much to go. They did their part of the deal, nobody would blame them when they told the coven they were working on an urgent case and needed to leave.

So, probably at the end of their well-practiced dance, they were allowed to go and leave this circus behind them, for much better entertainment.

"Not much to go, indeed," Edwin agreed a little preoccupied. Because the more they danced, the more he spent close to Charles, even if all the steps were already rehearsed, Edwin felt it. The excitement. He hadn't been drinking, ghosts couldn't after all, but he felt lightheaded just like after a glass of wine. So when the music ended to start on the next score, and Edwin ended their dance, he also didn't just lead Charles off the dancefloor. But pulled him closer and leaned in to lay a chaste kiss on his lips.

[just_aces]

Charles was absolutely surprised by that kiss, swaying easily into it for a moment before drawing away before he could get carried away, though keeping close to Edwin all the same, considering for a moment, debating just changing back immediately, but deciding against it, especially as Crystal and Daphne approached, Crystal smiling even as she jostled her phone at them a moment before pocketing it, "You two need to get back to the office, that case from the archives is coming due, needs attention ASAP."

Daphne nodded, and while there was a very good chance she knew it was a ruse, she clasped Crystal's elbow gently, "Crystal has graciously offered to stay for the duration as the representative of the Agency, and our mutual acquaintance the Cat Regent has promised to get her home in one piece."

Charles' eyes narrowed just briefly at that, but as he was dubiously friends with the local cat royal himself, he actually trusted that they would, and more than that, trusted that Daphne wouldn't let anything happen to Crystal at the party -as unlikely as that was- in their absence and he nodded, catching Edwin's wrist gently, "We'd best get to it, then."

[uptightboy]

Even Edwin himself was surprised at the bold move. He didn't even want to think what kind of consequences there may be but right now all his priorities were above that. It was a good thing that Crystal and Daphne walked up to them because Edwin was terribly preoccupied with Charles.

"Ah, yes, quite," he cleared his throat, looking at Charles. Though when Crystal was mentioned as the representative of the agency his dreamy eyes snapped back at her. While he truly was done with politics and work for this night, he apparently... wasn't entirely. "I... believe Crystal is indeed a great choice, that is exactly why we appointed her as such." A slight warning, that if anything happened... Though Edwin did catch the hypocrisy, he just kissed a hellhound after all. But with Daphne and the Cat regent around, there shouldn't have been any scandals. Oh dear. "Well then, have a great continuation of the party," he nodded at Crystal and Daphne, taking Charles's hand. "Shall we, then?" he looked at Charles, lightly tugging at his leash.

[just_aces]

Charles nodded, straightening a little, "Yes, we really ought, duty calls and all that." Daphne led them quietly away to a side corridor half-hidden behind some of the decor, escorting them almost all the way back to the now-empty entryway, "You may get cold-shouldered at your next meeting." She warned, though there was a warm smile to go with it, "But at least now there's no arguing that the hound," there was no small measure of amusement in her tone as she said it, which in turn made Charles smile as she continued, "is precisely where he belongs, and you certainly can't be blamed for the Lady Goode not fully thinking things through." Which was to say: deliberately forgetting that they were still sixteen at heart.

She shooed them towards the door with both hands, then, "Go on, get home, we're probably only another hour here before things start wrapping up."

Charles smile turned into an out and out beaming grin, catching one of those hands to brush a quick kiss against the back of it, giving her a wink as he did, "Thank you for being one of the few sane people in this whole place."

[uptightboy]

As Daphne confirmed that yes, now everybody knew about the hound, everybody knew who it belonged and the nature of that relationship too, Edwin realized that it was what he was trying to do. He wanted to tell the world Charles was his, and in what way, in the past this kind of expression of his deepest desires meant trouble, so he'd never done it. It meant bullying, it meant death... But now, with Charles by his side, with him, Edwin felt braver to be known. Charles was his world after all.

Charles, who was flirting with someone else. Alright, not really but Edwin was kissing those lips just a few seconds ago, and now they are gracing someone else's hand. And even if Edwin knew it was nothing, purely a courtesy, he still yanked Charles's leash a bit harder than necessary.

"Truly, Miss Daphne, we wouldn't have come so far without your generous support." Edwin's voice was soft, his smile the same. He wasn't mad at her, never at her. "Have a great night," he said then looked at Charles. "Charles, the case? We need to go."

[just_aces]

Charles was a little surprised by that flare of apparent jealousy, he was more surprised to find that he kind of liked it, the tug at the whole decorative harness was different -if similar- to when Edwin pulled the more solid leather lead tight against the collar, but it was definitely not the kind of thing to explore in the Coven's borrowed foyer. Which was why he didn't press it further, just straightened and settled closer to Edwin's side once more, giving a nod, "We really ought."

Daphne nodded once and slipped away back to the party, smiling still.

Charles smiled in turn, giving Edwin's shoulder a nudge, nodding towards a decorative panel mirror on the far wall, something that the Coven's actual headquarters didn't have, likely to prevent just this sort of thing, but he was going to take advantage of now, "C'mon."

[uptightboy]

Edwin looked at the mirror, wondering if Daphne deliberately lead them here. But he wasn't going to pass up to get back to the office faster.

"Indeed," Edwin nodded back and walked to the mirror. Opening a portal was already second natural to him, so in only a few seconds, they could walk through the mirror. It took just a second to arrive back at their empty office, though decorated for Christmas.

Once they were both back, Edwin closed the portal. Then the first thing he did was to change the decorative chain back to leather. At the beginning of the evening he purely planned to discard it the moment they got out of there but right now he didn't think it would harm anyone to keep it around just a bit longer. Was he truly going mad?

"Come here," Edwin's voice was quiet but stern. He didn't pull Charles this time but waiting for him to obey.

[just_aces]

Charles kept close, focusing on Edwin and on the destination, he knew he wasn't going to get lost again, but the memory of having done so was one of those quiet little fears that lingered at the back of his mind.

He relaxed almost as soon as they emerged into the office, even before the portal was closed behind them again and he just swallowed reflexively at the additional weight of the leash, hesitating briefly himself, considering, before he let his brow crease in concentration, doing what he could to transmute the decorative harness into something to match the heavier lead.

It wasn't his best work, but it wasn't bad, either, it was something like a shoulder-holster, or perhaps the harness for a spine sheath for a sword, but at the same time not fully like either, as it was still just wrapped across his ribs, thin strips of dark-oiled leather to frame his chest with slightly broader columns of dark elastic to keep them in place, the leash still fastened in the middle of it, just below his sternum.

That done, however, he did step closer at Edwin's command, small smile settling into place as he did, eyes having faded from that Hellfire glow back to the usual warm brown somewhere along the way.