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]

What Charles sorely wanted to do was to change back to the Hound once more, now that they were somewhere familiar and safe, and to lay Edwin flat and stretch out across him, to press that worry and anxiety out of him like the starch press at the old-fashioned laundry, but while that might help, it wasn't the kind of help Edwin actually needed at the moment, so he just caught Edwin's hands, folding them easily between his own, "Edwin. Nice deep breath for me, yeah?"

He even took one himself as an indicator, the way he usually did, and just waited until Edwin had done so, giving him another few moments to settle afterward before he continued, "You've still got the binding spell written down somewhere I know you do." He knew because that wasn't the kind of thing Edwin would trust to memory, or to not being able to find again if he needed it, "Worst case we'll just have to wait a week or two to recover and collect supplies and wait for the right phase of the moon." He didn't think that last one was important to the spell in question, but it bore mentioning anyway.

He mustered a smile, giving Edwin's hands a squeeze, "Look, we went thirty-some-odd years without it, we just got used to it in the past few months is all. We'll survive until we can put it back, right?"

[uptightboy]

Edwin's breath was heavy and stuttering even if no air was involved. And yet he felt like he was going to choke. He shook his head, his attention didn't leave Charles' neck. It was bare. Without a collar, and without his crest.

He opened his mouth to say something but he couldn't. Edwin knew the binding spell by heart at this point, and he had multiple copies of it too. Not that he had ever expected it to break, not like this. But it calmed him when he was nervous to recite it under his breath and go through the steps of it. All the supplies it needed were their own magic.

"She will... She will come back if we don't hurry..." Edwin said, shaking his head. They needed to hurry. Because of Despair, right? Yes. That was it. That was why Edwin could not bear the thought of getting up from here and going on without feeling those bonds. There was no way he could go on without them. Not for a week. Not for a day. "I can- I can make it again, Charles, I shall..." Tears were flowing down his cheek as he tried to remember the spell, and tapping into his barely empty supply of strength to gather his magic. And he could feel it; that there was no Charles to help. Edwin gave a frustrated sound.

[just_aces]

"Mirror's broken, Edwin, she can't follow us through a broken mirror." He didn't know that for sure, but it seemed logical enough, and what he needed most at the moment was to pull Edwin back from the edge of panic he was still teetering on, which was why he kept his hold of Edwin's hands, pressing the palms to his own chest, his own hands flat against them, just trapping Edwin's hands right there, able to feel the warmth of Charles' skin from both sides.

"Edwin, love, look at me, I'm right here. I'm right here. I need for you to take a deep breath, nice and slow. You can do that for me, yeah?" Charles didn't know much about magic, but he knew enough not to let Edwin try casting anything, and especially something as important as that binding spell, in the state he was in and doubly so when he was already depleted from the earlier fight.

[uptightboy]

Despair didn't need mirrors. She needed something shiny, reflective, anything. Because that was where Edwin could see her when things got tense. And if she came and took him... Charles wouldn't be able to find him without the bond.

Edwin shook his head, not entirely sure why. If he wanted to deny Charles, if he wanted to get rid of the ugly thoughts in his head, he wasn't sure. The breath he took was ragged, and heavy, despite no air being involved. He grabbed Charles' hands when he felt like he was going to lose it more. But he knew that tone of Charles, he knew that he needed to calm down. But with the case, and then Despair, and the sensation of the bond snapping... it was too much.

"It was my fault, I should have been more prepared," Edwin cried. Finally his body wasn't as tense, he finally had the strength to cry instead of that panicked gagging.

[just_aces]

"Hey, no, none of that." It was as easy as anything to snake one hand free to slide it through Edwin's hair, cradling the back of his head, sliding down to the nape of his neck to give a full-handed squeeze, finally just gathering Edwin close against his chest, that arm curled tight and close across his shoulders, not minding how it pinned the other hand -the one Edwin was still holding onto- between them, because that was good too.

He pressed a kiss to the top of Edwin's head, "Can't prepare for something you have no way of knowing about. Not even you, the most prepared person in the universe." It was an attempt at levity, but at the same time he meant it, in a way. Edwin was prepared for situations Charles wouldn't even dream of, and it was preparation that had come in useful on more than one occasion, "And look at it this way, now we know the bond works as a failsafe like we thought it would." Not what it was designed for, which was likely what had overloaded it to the point of breaking, but it worked and that was what mattered.

"So here's what we're going to do. We're going to stay here, right here, as long as we need to do until we've both settled." Something that Edwin definitely needed and Charles would need before long, once the situation caught up with him, "And then we're going to rest, recoup some energy, and then we can put the bond back in place."

[uptightboy]

Edwin closed his eyes when he felt Charles's hand in his nape, then the hug. He started to calm down slowly. But he was glad for the hold because he truly felt like he was going to fall apart.

And yes, the bond... it did its job spectacularly.

"Charles, it was you," Edwin whispered, his voice hoarse. But his form was no longer distorted. "You did it, calling back from the other end of it," he said.

Edwin was also glad that Charles wasn't in a hurry to get up. He probably couldn't get his legs moving for a while anyway.

"Thank you," Edwin added gently, settling against Charles.

[just_aces]

"There we go." It was a warm murmur as Edwin finally started to relax against him, pressing another kiss to the top of his head, sliding his hand down Edwin's spine in one slow, steady sweep, as if he might be able to just press that nervous tension out of him, though it returned to an easy loop around Edwin's waist as soon as he'd done so.

Mostly he was glad that Edwin didn't seem to be shifting out of focus as he had been before, "Do you think you need to orb out for a bit? I got out that dish you like, and I can set up something comfortable-like to do the spell again when you're done." A thoughtful hum, hand curling tighter against Edwin's fingers and arm curling tighter around his waist, keeping him pressed close, "Or we can just stay here like this until you're up to it."

[uptightboy]

"I wish to stay like this for a bit longer," Edwin whispered with closed eyes. He could feel Charles under him and it felt good. A stray, embarrassing thought also told him that if he had the strength he'd make love to Charles then and there. But all he could do was lay on top of him and hope to keep his sanity. "And then, I doubt I'll have much strength for a while." So yes, orb time. And he did like the dish, it felt safe. Something he needed to feel right now.

"And then, when I do have strength, I shall take you..." he muttered. "Bind you. Keep you..."

[just_aces]

He just nodded at the plan, and couldn't help but smile at that dozy follow-up, fingers stroking gently along Edwin's side again where that arm was still curled around him, keeping his own voice low, "Better rest up then, because you know I'll let you." Another gentle kiss to the top of Edwin's head, "Right here. And on the couch." Another kiss, amusement sneaking into his voice even as he kept it gentle and quiet, "On the desk."

He just punctuated each location with another gentle kiss to Edwin's temple or crown, "That nice corner of the wall beside the tallest bookcase. Across the top of the lowest bookcase. Against the window if we need to cool down." It was hard to say for sure if it was a list of places he'd already considered, especially since a couple of them were places they'd already had each other, or if he was making the list up as he went along.

[uptightboy]

Edwin's chuckle was weak and soft. He remembers the fun they had at some of those spots. And it was amusing to listen to Charles list them.

"Indeed, right in that order," Edwin said then finally lifted his head. He flashed a tired smile at Charles then leaned in to kiss him. "I love you, Charles. I love you so much." He didn't want to leave him but he felt his body getting weaker now that he was calmer. He knew it didn't take long to recharge for him in his orb form and still, Edwin didn't want to leave Charles 'alone'. So he tried to fight it, to get just a few more minutes with Charles before they had to 'part' for a while.

[just_aces]

"I'll make notes if I think of any others while you're out." He murmured, fully amused at that point, arm still curled securely around Edwin's waist, fingers stroking gentle figure-eights against his side, shifting his other hand to lace his fingers with Edwin's, something to make it harder for anyone or anything to pull them apart, "I could always just tell you, but I know things don't always get through during a long rest." One of many things he called the instances of orbing out.

He knew it was only a matter of time before Edwin did so, and was fully prepared to keep him close for a while once he had before settling him in the console bowl on the desk while he did exactly what he'd said he was going to in shifting things around a little to make a comfortable space to cast the binding spell again.

[uptightboy]

Before Edwin could once again remark how silly it was of Charles to call being an orb a roleplaying term he was gone. Giving out a soft, pale light on Charles' chest as a small, glowing spirit orb.

He spent a couple of hours in such a state, enjoying the bowl as always. At the beginning it was a slightly stressful experience, as Edwin felt quite vulnerable in this state. But Charles' presence and finding a fitting place solved that issue for him.

When he was ready to possess his spectral form again, he floated out with the intention to find Charles again; a barely conscious decision on his part but ever since they had become closer it happened every time. Because he wanted to be close when he popped back to his spectral existence.

[just_aces]

Charles had stayed there on the floor for a while, with Edwin cradled into the hollow of his shoulder, but once he had the energy to move himself he'd settled Edwin gently in the bowl and went about doing exactly what he'd said he was going to in tidying up the office so they had somewhere comfortable to perform the binding spell.

The broken mirror had been removed, shuffled off to the storage room so it could be properly disposed of later, and while he hadn't yet replaced it with the spare from his bag -wanting to make sure he and Edwin were bound again, just in case- he was ready to, and had even added 'new spare mirror' to the list for the next time they went to the Floating Market.

He'd even made sure they had clear floor space in front of the couch. Not that they needed it for the spell itself, but just in case they wanted it for extracurriculars after the spell was finished.

By the time Edwin was rousing himself from the dish, Charles had dropped himself into Edwin's usual seat at the desk, just canted forward across the top, head cushioned on a half-folded arm, fingers resting against the edge of Edwin's bowl. He wasn't asleep, at least not fully, but he was dozing. The fight hadn't been as exhausting for him as it had been for Edwin, but the trek to find him afterwards had been more tiring than he'd let himself feel, and without the bond still there he'd wanted to keep close for his own peace of mind.

[uptightboy]

Edwin popped back into his body in a soundless flash, standing by Charles as he was half lying on the desk. Something warm bloomed in Edwin's chest as he was just regarding him for a bit. Then he reached to put a hand in Charles' shoulder to warn him of his presence then leaned in to kiss his ear.

Edwin noted the tidiness of the office, and the space Charles created for them. The lack of mirror was a good touch.

"Thank you, Charles," Edwin whispered into his ear. "For taking care of us," he said, his hand involuntarily sliding to the boy's nape. Edwin did feel a moment of alarm at the lack of collar again but it helped that he had the strength and the wits to start creating it again. "Let me know when you are ready and I shall get started," he said, leaning to kiss Charles' ear again. "I love you."

[just_aces]

The weight of Edwin's presence beside him had been enough to stir him, but he couldn't help but smile at the warmth of the hand on his shoulder, smile all but melting into place at the initial whisper, just humming an acknowledgement.

The slide of Edwin's fingers against his nape sent warmth skittering down his spine in the best way, shifting himself up into the touch just a little, the same way he had a tendency to press his head up under Edwin's hand when he was in hound form.

He drew the arm he'd been cushioning himself on in so that he could press himself upright, just a little, just far enough to turn his head and catch an actual kiss before Edwin could fully move away, voice a warm murmur when he replied: "Love you, too." Another contented hum, rolling his shoulders as he levered himself fully upright in the chair, stretching, "And I'm ready whenever you are."

[uptightboy]

Edwin smiled, burying his fingers in Charles' hair for a moment before brushing down his face. What would he do without him, he wondered? Probably wouldn't fight if Hell had taken him again. Then he took Charles' hand and pulled him up from the chair to lead him to the space for them.

"Do follow me then," he smiled. He was still eager to redo the bond. For them, for the rush it gave him and for lessening the curiosity of any witches who would come sniffing around.

Edwin was still feeling soft but not lacking magic. If they are careful, they can do this right. He also didn't want to wait any longer to have Charles. It felt almost more urging than the bonding.

"I apologize for how I behaved, Charles. I do admit it was not my best moment," Edwin said softly as he stopped in front of Charles.

[just_aces]

Charles couldn't help the smile that bloomed into place, tilting his head into Edwin's touch, fingers curling easily against Edwin's hand as Edwin tugged him to his feet, and it was as easy as anything to follow him back around the desk and across the room.

He just shook his head a little at the apology, hands settling easily at Edwin's hips, both to keep him close and to keep them out of the way, "You haven't got to apologize for that, Edwin. You'd just gotten snatched away by one of the bloody Endless, after an hours-long wizard's duel. I'd hardly expect anyone to be at their best after that." Another little head-shake, "And on top of that, the one thing that'd been keeping us safe, or the main one, the thing we've come to rely on the past few months was just gone, and not just gone, broken, we both felt it go."

He leaned in, brushing a kiss to the corner of Edwin's mouth, nudging his brow against Edwin's once he had, "So neither of us was at our best right then." Though, Charles 'not at his best' meant seeking comfort as the Hound, and it was probably a good thing that Despair had gotten frustrated and sent them back before he'd been able to do something that would have definitely gotten them in trouble.

[uptightboy]

"It has been a nightmare," Edwin whispered, leaning his forehead against Charles'. He pressed their bodies together, loving Charles' hands on him He slid his hands to the boy's shoulders, kneading gently. "I daresay almost similar as a day in Hell," he added in a small smile.

Edwin leaned in to seal their lips in a kiss before he continued.

"Charles, I will bind us together, do you feel strong enough for that?" he asked, even if the other had confirmed before. But Edwin wanted to make sure, he wanted Charles to bear it, to bear them for a bit. Or maybe he was just afraid, due to everything that happened. 

[just_aces]

His arms slid around Edwin's waist as he pressed closer, just making a quiet, hungry sound into the kiss, swaying forward slightly to chase it as Edwin drew away.

He nodded at the question, however, "Yeah. I'm not the one who's been doing all the heavy lifting today." Edwin had done most of the work with the wizard, and even though Charles had used more energy than he usually did with that many mirror portals in a row, the bond had done most of the work there, too. Which was why a half-cheeky smile followed, "And I've had a rest."

His hands slid back to Edwin's hips, giving a gentle, encouraging squeeze, "I'm up to it, love."

[uptightboy]

Edwin smiled softly at the answer, taking a soft breath as he felt those hands again. He slid his arms around Charles' shoulder, leaning in again.

"Do not let me go, then," he asked quietly as he kissed him. "You do not need to shift either," he added. He had felt the hound's form and essence enough to be able to feel it out for the spell. While Charles had to be a dog at the first time, now Edwin can feel his form beyond his current one, even without the bond. That was what all that practice gave him.

Edwin kissed down Charles' chin to his neck, brushing his skin with his lips. The spell required contact after all, and it didn't need to be his hands. He started to concentrate and mutter the words of the binding spell that he knew by heart at this point. For exactly these occasions.

[just_aces]

"I won't, don't think I could even if I wanted to." He replied to the order of not letting Edwin go. It was easy as anything to just slide one hand around to the middle of Edwin's back, keeping him close.

Not needing to shift was something of a surprise, but it probably had to do with the fact that Edwin was more secure in his casting ability the same way that Charles was more secure in both of his forms, and being able to change between the two more easily than ever.

He hummed at the feeling of Edwin's mouth at his throat, angling his chin up a little the way he usually did when Edwin toyed with the collar, a shiver sliding down his spine at the movement of Edwin's lips, the shape of the words against his skin.

[uptightboy]

Edwin wasn't exactly sure if the rush he felt was because of Charles' hold, or because he could feel the spell slowly activate. He laid a kiss on Charles' neck between words, continuing to chant the words of the spell. Soon, the collar was slowly forming, taking out of Edwin's magic just like the first time.

Edwin grabbed onto Charles' shoulder when he felt the metal under his lips, still forming, still taking magic to bond around the hound's neck and tie them together.

"You are doing so well," Edwin whispered when the words were said and now he just had to concentrate. Let the magic flow between them. To the point where he could feel Charles at the end of it again.

[just_aces]

Charles whined, he knew he did, because Edwin's praise always made his stomach flip a little, but the warmth of it against his skin along with the returned weight of the now-familiar collar was almost too much and sent a shiver skidding down his spine.

He was doing his best to keep still, not wanting to disrupt what Edwin was doing, or accidentally overload the spell, though he was still feeding into it just a little, threads of his own power spooling off into Edwin's as it always did for strong magic like the binding spell. It was only when he felt the bangles curl into place again along with the collar that he relaxed again, which was apparently all it took to have the actual magical bond -as opposed to just the signifiers of it- flaring to life between them again, and that sensation had him swaying closer to Edwin again, breath hitching in his chest.

[uptightboy]

The bonds were in place and Edwin felt like he could breathe again, which was a lot to think for a ghost. He stood still for a moment, just enjoying the familiar sensation of their magic intervening. Yes, they were home again. They were bonded and together again, and yes they could do without it for thirty years but now that Edwin could experience his afterlife with and without it, he knew he never wanted it to go.

Edwin pressed closer to Charles and slid a hand between them. He moved his head to kiss into the boy's ear before he spoke.

"Let me help you relax now, Charles, you deserve it," he whispered, pressing his hand between Charles' legs. He could feel the pull of magic, as the binding wasn't an easy spell but he tried to make sure to have it slow. He wasn't going to exhaust either himself or Charles. Not just yet, not like this, but in a much sweeter way.

[just_aces]

That kiss was enough to have another shiver sliding down his spine, head tilting in to brush a kiss of his own against the base of Edwin's throat, since it was right there where he could without disrupting what Edwin was doing, and the proposal -as well as the press of Edwin's hand- had his breath catching again.

He did smile, nuzzling up along Edwin's neck to the hollow behind his ear before lifting his head fully, squeezing at Edwin's hip, "Alright. But you deserve something too." As if either of them were able to just lay back and accept without reciprocating, somehow.