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]

"Yeah, we both have?" He gave a little shrug, "But it wasn't under our own power doing our own errands, yeah? It's different." Another easy smile, "We can make it a quick trip, though, pick up what we need and come right back."

He pointed with his pen towards the next shelf, "And magic ingredients inventory is next, have to keep them separate from the alchemy ingredients." Even though there was some crossover, and for the most part the alchemical ingredients stayed safe in the case until they were actively being used which usually kept them from interacting with any properly stored magical ingredients.

His brow creased a little, "Going to have to get you a proper caster's satchel, aren't we? If you're going to be doing more magic."

[uptightboy]

"Quite, a quick trip shall be it," Edwin nodded. He locked the iron box and pushed it toward Charles, in a silent 'that is enough of these'.

"I suppose an item like that shall be convenient, indeed," Edwin frowned as he was thinking about it. They have seen them being sold in the market, and some shops too. But never truly felt the need to fetch one until know. "There is also the question..." Edwin started. "We are bound now, and, well, your kind is also used to aid magic. There could be... issues with that." Namely that he didn't want to use Charles's powers without the boy agreeing to it.

[just_aces]

Charles nodded at the agreement, finishing up his inventory of the paper goods -and similar- before going to snag the file box and return it to its usual place, though he didn't immediately return to his inventory at Edwin's almost-question.

Though, of course, his concern was from the other side, not so much Edwin drawing off his energy -which he was happy to give- but more the judgement from outside parties that would come whether that was happening or not, which was why his nose wrinkled just a little, "Yeah, coven already thinks you just want me as a battery because that's what I was to someone else even though that's never been the case with us."

He barely managed to refrain from rolling his eyes, "None of their business if I help with a spell or two, is it? Nothing I wasn't already doing anyway." Though his prior help was generally along the lines of measuring ingredients or drawing the spell circles, not actually powering Edwin for it, "Besides, easier for me to help now I know I can, right?"

[uptightboy]

Edwin supposed that being a battery was the only reason someone would try and shackle a Hellhound. He started to suspect that their case was quite unique and thus there will be many eyes on them.

"I truly do not care what others think," Edwin assured . "It is not my concern in this. Only if they would try to interfere," he added, looking away for a moment. "I am more concerned about my own inexperience in this. I shall try not to hurt you but... I suppose I just want to warn you that I need to relearn how to use magic with you by my side. So I won't hurt you."

[just_aces]

For as slow as Charles sometimes was to pick up on things, Edwin's statement about not caring what others thought was enough on its own for him to realize just where Edwin's actual concern lay, and he couldn't help but smile when he confirmed as much, just nodding, "Right, so..." His brow furrowed, considering, lifting one hand to trail his thumb along the lower edge of the collar, which was, he realized something he'd been doing for the past few days when it was still the simple cord, something to help quiet his mind so he could gather his thoughts, only realizing belatedly that at the moment it was probably a distraction he dropped his hand again, hoisting himself up to perch on the side of the desk where he usually did.

"So, I think, when I'm still..." A loose, one-handed gesture at himself, something that did cause the bangles to chime briefly, though he was determined to ignore that at the moment and continue on so as not to let Edwin get distracted and that was definitely something he was going to have to figure out later, "like this, it'll be easier for me to keep myself to myself? Not let you draw any off, or even if I can't, I'll at least be able to say when I feel it, right? So it's just going to take practice, for me to be able to warn you when you're doing it and for you to be able to tell the difference like."

[uptightboy]

Edwin went terribly still once again when Charles was playing with the collar in mid-thought. He wondered if he was truly getting used to it, or if he was getting worse about it. And taken Charles could manipulate the appearance of it made Edwin wonder that he might have to start again with each new design. Perfect.

"Quite," Edwin nodded. "It will take practice, and I wanted to issue a warning about it." Considering now easy it was to draw power just by touch. "It is something we need to mind from here on."

Trust was the base of their relationship, and Edwin trusted Charles with everything he was and everything he had. And if he hurt him because of a spell he could not bear it. Even if it didn't happen before, and it may never happen, but Edwin was always thinking of the worst case scenario.

[just_aces]

He reached over to press a curled knuckle to that drawn spot between Edwin's brows, just a gentle, steady pressure before lifting his hand away, "Nope, none of that. I know that look, that's the 'thinking of how things could go wrong' look. We're not going to do that today, right?" If Edwin wanted to let him know what any of those thoughts were he'd do his best to assuage them, but he also wasn't going to ask outright, because sometimes Edwin just needed to think them and let them go on his own.

He patted Edwin's shoulder then, sliding off the desk and picking up the memo pad again, "Going to go inventory the spell ingredients and then I'll bring the lists back. Maybe we can practice a couple small charms? Re-up the wards on the lintel?" The wards above the door usually worked for keeping anyone that meant harm out, any violent intentions. Of course, they didn't account for things like being followed through the mirror, or the one time a lesser imp had gotten in through the window, and the wards probably didn't need to be recharged yet, but it would be a low-power application of Edwin's skills to give them a better idea if -or how quickly- he was drawing off Charles' energy.

[uptightboy]

Edwin blinked up at Charles as he physically pointed out his stress. His frown may have lightened but his pout stayed. If anyone could read him that was definitely Charles. How could he not fall in love?

"I shall try not to think too much ahead," he agreed with a sigh.

At the mention of the charms his gaze indeed fell on the door in thought.

"That is a brilliant idea, Charles," he agreed. He opened his mouth to say they should maybe change them even, to maybe a stronger one. But in the end he quickly got rid of that thought. It would be better to start with spells that he knew how they feel. Then move on to other ones. "Very well, tell me when you are done. We shall waste no time."

[just_aces]

"Aces." He replied with another easy smile, sliding off his perch, "Won't be a mo." Mostly the magical ingredients tended to be the easiest to inventory because Edwin was meticulous about keeping them properly packaged and labeled.

It really was only a few minutes before he'd returned both with the completed lists and with the supplies they'd need to re-work the entryway wards, setting both on the desk even as he said: "Already knocked these off the inventory." He clicked his tongue against the edge of his teeth, giving an exaggerated wink and tapping a curled knuckle against his own temple, "Thinking ahead. Sometimes I manage it."

[uptightboy]

Edwin let his lips pull into a fond smile. Charles was smart and he still didn't believe it. It was a shame. Though he knew better than to mention it.

He looked over the list first, just a quick look to know what to expect. Then the ingredients they needed. Sandalwood powder, talons of birds of prey and pine resin.

"Perfect, maybe the range could also be extended if we renew it before it expires," Edwin muttered, looking over to the window for a moment. That stupid imp surprised them quite a bit... "Well then?" Edwin scooped up the ingredients and stood up to go to the door where the original ward was placed. "Fetch me the Guide of Magical Talismans and Blood Magic." One of the strangest books they had, even Edwin was amused by it.

[just_aces]

"Right, book." He replied with a wry little twist of his mouth, darting off to the bookshelf, "It's one of the little square ones with the arsenic-green covers, yeah?" He was running a finger along the edge of the shelf to track titles as he scanned them in case he was wrong about the size and the color, "And were you thinking extending into the office or out into the hall?"

Both amused him for different reasons, because the thought of someone with ill intentions being stuck at the top of the stairs, unable to advance to the door that was right there was one thing, but keeping themselves safe if someone who hadn't had ill-intentions to start with suddenly flipped when they were already in the office could only be a good thing, too.

[uptightboy]

"That book, exactly," Edwin nodded as he walked across the office, to the door. The ward was hanging on the doorframe, facing the inside of the room. Edwin remembered when they hastily put it up the very first time after some poltergeist believed it could still return to this abandoned place. Ever since then it served them good.

"I was thinking lining the walls with its protection," Edwin answered as he took the small bundle and opened it, to look inside. The ingredients were starting to turn into ash but they still looked intact. Edwin felt the warmth as the spell was still pretty much working. "Meaning, nothing should be able to come through the walls and window either," he added. Of course that still didn't protect from mirror invaders but apparently now they could find a charm that may work on mirrors too.

[just_aces]

He grinned outright at the fact that he'd gotten it right, and it was only a moment before he snatched the book off the shelf crossing back over to the desk, "Into the walls is probably a good idea, more of a..." He hummed, considering, head tilting from side to side for a moment, "Barricade, I guess, than just a vault door."

He mulled that over for a moment before adding, "Or would it be better to do one for the door and one for the window so they can each cover half the office?" That way they wouldn't have to overtax one and potentially need to replace it sooner, though it would mean going through the construction twice at the moment instead of once.

[uptightboy]

"A barricade, precisely," Edwin agreed. Though as he stood there by the door, looking at the opened talisman in his hand he fell silent. It was indeed logical to do one for the window too, rather than expand the one on the door. "Then, I advise we shall let this one run its course, and create a new one for the window." Edwin decided and bundled the ingredients back up again, letting them hang by the door. "Bring me a piece of string and cut a piece from the sheets for a new talisman, Charles, please," he requested and put the ingredients down the desk again. Then he reached for the book, flipping it through it for the spell.

[just_aces]

There was another small smile at that agreement, he was two for two in getting things right and that was enough to have warmth budding in his chest again and he nodded at the request, snagging the scissors from the pen cup on the desk before moving to get both string and a strip of sheeting from the supplies in the cabinet -those particular items covered magic, alchemical and general, so they were where there was the most space- humming to himself as he emerged, coiling both sheet and string in a careful, loose loop, setting them both on the desk and returning the scissors to their place.

He stretched his fingers then, "You want I should just stay out of the way like usual? Let you know if I feel anything different?"

[uptightboy]

With a quiet 'thank you' Edwin took the piece of sheeting in his hand reading through the spell. It wasn't like he hadn't done this a few times before but this is the first time with Charles's powers out in the open and their new bond. He wanted this to be perfect.

Before this Edwin didn't exactly mind if his spells weren't perfect as long as they worked. He taught himself magic on necessity and not because he wanted to be a witch or a wizard. It was for protection. But now he had someone depending on him who was sensitive to magic... it had to be perfect. For the first time Edwin was quite jealous of those young witches in the coven, receiving guidance for their magic.

"Yes, let us proceed as usual and see how it works," Edwin nodded, sending a look at Charles. "I will start in then, and let me know whatever is different," he warned. He was slow repeating the words of the spell and even slower putting the little bundle together. He felt the magic work through his fingers, trying to find leverage in his flesh but there was none. Edwin expected this, as always, and tried to stir it without losing much energy. It didn't feel all that different from the previous times he had done this.

[just_aces]

"Yeah, easy." He took a half step away from the desk, lurking just in line of sight as he usually did, not that he'd had to yank Edwin away from magic that was starting to warp probably since the first few attempts at it, but he was still always prepared to just in case.

He chewed briefly at the inside of his cheek as he felt whatever thread of power it was in him that was now tied to Edwin wanting to press forward and assist, but he was able to keep a damper on it for the time being, to keep it right where it was, and likewise he had enough sense to know that he definitely wouldn't have been able to hold it back if he was in hound form, and that was something they'd have to work out later.

Likewise he wasn't sure how long he could hold it back, or if it would be harder to do so with something that took more power than a simple warding charm that Edwin had performed a number of times at that point and had practice at.

[uptightboy]

Edwin felt the magic seeking flesh even more, as if it knew it could have more power nearby. As usual he tried to stir it, as if trying to guide smoke or water, just like he did way before they had to bond with Charles. It took him practice but by this time he was able to do it without the magic escaping or going rouge. But Edwin did feel the pull being stronger, so he needed to concentrate more.

He wasn't usually tired or lightheaded at the end of such a simple charm but this time, by the time the little bundle got hooked on the window knob, he felt his shoulders a little heavy. But he figured it could he because of the nerves too.

"There, that should do it," Edwin muttered, mostly to himself as he reached out and put the flat of his palm on the window to feel the energy he just created. It was strong, sealing the window from unwanted visitors. "I believe that was a success. How about you, Charles, do you feel anything?"

[just_aces]

He moved closer as Edwin went to hang the charm, but didn't touch just yet when he returned, remembering how easily his system had just poured energy into Edwin before. Which was probably because he'd still been in the other shape and had wanted to help.

Granted, he still wanted to now, because he knew he could and because he hated seeing Edwin looking even a little peaky.

He nodded at the question, "I did, I could tell that..." A little head-shake because he didn't really have words for it, "Whatever it is that's got all the energy, was trying to reach out, I guess? Best way to explain it, but I could keep it from doing so." Another little gnaw at the inside of his cheek, making a considering noise, "But don't know if it's something I'd be able to keep hold of, like if you were using more power or even just keeping at a low level but for a long time?" A little head-shake, "And definitely wouldn't be able to do it in the other shape, but I think we already knew that one."

[uptightboy]

Edwin's attention was on Charles, intense and seeking. He wanted to see if Charles was downplaying what he'd felt or not.

"I see," he nodded, his gaze dropping on Charles's collar, not because he was distracted, but more like as he was thinking. "I did feel it being harder to wield but nothing I cannot manage. I suppose we must work up to stronger spells at this rate." A pause. "Until we aren't confident in using magic, I shall not use spells while you are in your true form."

[just_aces]

He nodded, "Probably for the best." His nose wrinkled a moment later, "Hate taking out your two best defenses at once, though." Apparently Charles already considered the Hound-form a better defense than himself, which was probably true, at least in some areas, but wasn't going to be a be-all/end-all for every situation.

He shrugged, dropping to perch on the desk again as he usually did, the urgency of the power trying to bridge the gap between them had subsided, at least for the time being, "But practice is probably our best chance for now, yeah. get you back up to what you're used to, be like working out a muscle after an injury, yeah? Have to bring it back up to regular strength."

[uptightboy]

"Hmm?" Edwin frowned, looking up at Charles again. But after the initial remark, he continued with something else related. Edwin pursed his lips as he listened, nodding. "Yes," he said a little preoccupied.

Then, Edwin slowly turned away from the window to face Charles properly.

"Charles," he started in his lecture voice. "For the past thirty years I had you, and you alone, and I have never felt safer," he assured, stepping closer. "It shall be alright as long as you and your cricket bat are there for us in dangerous situations. Magic has always been an afterthought after all."

[just_aces]

Oh that response was enough to have the warmth in his chest from having gotten two things right already, and in quick succession, just grow further, he wasn't blushing, not that he could tell, but felt like he should be.

Mostly it was because that simple statement 'I have never felt safer', in Edwin's usual matter-of-fact tone, that assuaged a fear he didn't realize he'd still been holding onto and he almost didn't hear the rest of what Edwin said over the rushing in his ears, barely managing not to surge forward off the edge of the desk, mostly thanks to the fact that he'd only just sat down again.

What he managed, trying for playful and sort-of managing it except that the earnestness was there as well, not about to be pushed down completely, "Pretty sure that's the nicest thing you've ever said about me."

[uptightboy]

"Goodness me, I must be losing my wits. Do not tell anyone," Edwin remarked with a playful raise of his eyebrow. The earnestness wasn't lost on him, however. He sent a small smile at Charles before hesitantly continuing. "That said, Charles, if you feel bad about my initial fear about the hound... Please cease it. It has nothing to do with you. It is... different."

During all this misery, while they were figuring Charles out, Edwin had never lost faith in him. His fears were not about if Charles was able to or willing to protect him. It was more about being in close proximity to something from Hell. Those fears were apparently still all deeply rooted in Edwin's very being to shake them off too easily.

[just_aces]

His smile tilted at that, recognizing the tease for what it was, "Yeah, well, nobody's going to hear it from me, got to protect you after all."

He did let the rest sink in, or at least did his best to, nodding even as he reached over to nudge his fingers against Edwin's elbow, not drawing him close just yet, partly to make sure his energy wasn't going to surge in to refill Edwin's just via the contact, but also to make sure Edwin actually wanted to move closer, "Nah, s'alright."

It was alright, now that they'd settled things a little better, "Like, look, we spent all this time avoiding anything to do with Hell, when we could, and then all of a sudden there's a real big piece of it right in the office. Fact of it being so close was more important than fact of it being me, yeah?" It wasn't self-deprecation, for once, it was his skill at reading Edwin leaving him to make an educated guess.