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]

The sound of the bonds, was -as always- a calming one for Charles, knowing that as long as those were still there, Edwin hadn't given up on him and still wanted him safe, something that distress in his tone also attested to.

Even with the order to rest he hesitated, circling the desk cautiously once. Edwin wasn't sitting, which meant he couldn't flop down next to the chair to keep an eye on him, but also Edwin seemed to be a little bit in shock, which meant maybe he forgot where the chair was? But also meant that he needed time to recover, too, because even with help, big magic like that was wearing.

So he did the only logical thing, he caught Edwin's sleeve gently with his teeth to lead him to the couch, just tugging and leaning and nudging until Edwin sat, which was when Charles climbed up carefully as well -despite the couch being barely big enough for one of them to stretch out- and just heaving the world's deepest sigh before resting his head on Edwin's knee, eyes finally drifting closed, his breathing still a little rapid, but not heaving as he had been at first.

[uptightboy]

Edwin barely realized he was standing still, barely moving. Only when Charles took his sleeve pulling him.

"Charles..." Edwin was about to say no but as he saw the weak hound just insist he went with him, he couldn't deny him. He sat on the couch and watched as Charles ever so weakly found his place on top of him. With so up close his injuries are even more visible, and the weight he has on Edwin is barely there and the heaviest he had ever felt. Edwin is stiff and motionless for a few moments just staring at the angry burn on Charles's shoulder, and the scars the muzzle had left. Not his bonds. But then once again he put a gentle hand on Charles's head, only realizing his eyes were full of tears when he looked down and they overflowed.

With careful movements, as if his bare touch would still hurt Charles, Edwin slid his arms carefully around him and buried his face in his neck. The scent of Hell was terribly overwhelming this way but he didn't mind, somehow he felt it was accurate to be reminded of Hell after what he had done.

[just_aces]

Charles had already been starting to doze under the gentle hand on his head, and was stirred by the embrace, confused at first, but relaxing into that as well with another heavy sigh, shifting slowly over so that he was laying on his good side so that the one with the proximity burn -as well as the couple small contact burns- was up and not having pressure put on it, and shifted his shoulders up and back, leaning more fully into Edwin as he was held close because that was definitely nice, he could get used to that.

He stretched his legs out straight in front of him, shaking briefly from the extension and the tension before relaxing again, tail waving just once, and then a second time a little more lazily, still leaning heavily into Edwin, getting comfortable since it seemed Edwin didn't plan on actually going anywhere for a minute, either.

Chances were good, with that level of energy drain, Charles would be passed out cold for a good twelve hours at least, and that was just to recoup enough to function properly, not even doing anything more strenuous than 'being solid' and 'maybe paying attention to conversations', and he would need more time if he wanted to be able to change forms again.

[uptightboy]

Edwin felt the soft movements of Charles and he was glad he did because it meant that he was still alive. Well, obviously he couldn't entirely die. But... but there still wasn't much known about Hellhounds. Edwin wanted to know how he was but with Charles in hound form, their communication was a bit limited. All Edwin could gather was barely there impulses on Charles's mood on most days but this time he felt nothing, other than the empty energies circulating between them. And their bond. Their bond was there.

When Charles seemed to calm down, or more like, fall into some kind of sleep, only then did Edwin dare to move. Ever so slowly and carefully he lifted Charles off his lap and back on the couch. Because he just couldn't sit there and do nothing. He had to do something, anything. He had to see if he could help Charles recharge faster, or- or if he could help with those injuries. How does one heal a Hellhound? Most of the healing spells were only working on creatures from this plane and not on creatures from the land of the damned.

The only reason Edwin didn't throw half of their books in the middle of the office in a fit of frantic search and helpless anger was because he didn't want to disturb Charles. In the first few hours, he let him sleep while searching for something that would help with magical burn wounds and found a concoction to ease the pain and maybe help with recovery but Edwin couldn't have been sure if it was working on Hellhounds. Yet, he still made it because it was better than just sitting around doing nothing. He gently applied it to some of the burns he deemed severe. Then fetched a blanket to cover Charles with because yes, right he could maybe get cold too...

Most of the time Edwin sat on the floor by the couch, with his face by Charles's nose to spot any sign of distress of him in time. He sometimes checked if he was still breathing, if he was still... present. The dead postman came and went, remarking about a steady recovery, and honestly, it made Edwin feel even worse. He went through all their medical books about supernatural creatures and tried to come up with a spell or a ritual, or a medicine, anything! But in the end, all the science told him to wait and be consumed by his thoughts and guilt.

[just_aces]

Once Charles was actually out, he was out sleeping deeply enough that he didn't even dream, likely, if he'd been fully and actually a ghost, he would have retreated to orb form, it was anyone's guess as to whether he still could as he tended to revert to the Hound, and usually the smaller version, when he was tired.

While he didn't even move position at the application of salve or blanket, the stuff did seem to be working, the two deeper burns at shoulder and hip healed over to glossy scabbing, and even some of heat of the proximity burn along his side calmed apparently just because his whole system was calming again.

He did, finally stir some hours later, blinking slowly, eyes actually live-ember bright again and it took him a moment to actually bring Edwin into focus just because of how close he was, but he took the chance and leaned forward to press warm, damp nose against his ear before actually taking stock of himself, brow creasing at the blanket but tugging it close as he shifted back to himself, flickering just briefly at the edges before solidifying again with a quiet: "Ow."

Most of the damage did seem to not be as bad on the human shape, though the faint marks from the iron nails still ran tidy lines across his face like some kind of decorative tribal scarring, and the burned side was still tender, but didn't actually hurt, "What happened?" He sounded groggy more than actually confused, as if still sorting out what had actually happened and what had just been a dream.

[uptightboy]

Edwin turned his head the moment he felt Charles's nose against it, ready to fire a healing spell, or bring more of the concoction, anything. But as he watched Charles shift back to his ghost form he felt relief but only for a moment. The marks of the nuzzle were still visible, along with some of the angrier burns. And somehow, with Charles looking more... Charles, they hit more.

'I did that,' Edwin thought, as all he could do was stare at Charles for a few long seconds. Then he put his book down and reached for Charles's face, cupping his face gently.

"Are you in pain, Charles?" Edwin asked instead of answering the question. He was still working up the courage to explain what actually happened. And the last thing he wanted was Charles in pain for it.

[just_aces]

His brow furrowed slightly at the touch, though he wasn't about to shake it off, either, because it was nice, soothed an ache that he hadn't quite realized was there.

Though he did give a little shake of his head at the question, movement barely there, "No? Not really? Just tired is all." A quiet, half-thoughtful noise, "Going to have to work on the dampener, I guess." It was the first time it had failed, it kind of made sense that it had done so spectacularly in that case. More than that, they hadn't even been sure that it would work in the first place, which was also part of the problem, that much magic putting pressure on an untested buffer was probably a recipe for disaster in the first place.

[uptightboy]

"Good," Edwin sighed, reaching to gently pet Charles's hair. He winced at the mention of the dampener. It wasn't like it didn't work, it had no chance. Edwin was convinced that this would still happen with every safety protocol in place. Because of the spell. Because he wasn't thinking. Because he was greedy.

"It... No, Charles, I apologize," Edwin continued, shaking his head. "It was my fault, you had no chance and I- I was not thinking clearly. In fact, I doubt I was thinking a single thought," he said, his voice breaking on the last word. If he wanted to humor Charles he would have said he did it in pure Charles fashion but Edwin wasn't in a joking mood. "I am no different than her."

[just_aces]

There had been a twitch of a smile at the mention that Edwin doubted he'd been fully thinking things through, and Charles had been about to comment that Edwin was acting like he usually did, but the rest had that expression dissolving.

One hand darted up to catch at Edwin's wrist, curling tight there to give Edwin an anchor and a touchstone even as he shook his head, one tight, sharp movement, "No. Edwin, you aren't her. You aren't like her, not even a little. Don't even think it." He leaned forward into Edwin's touch a little more firmly, free hand pressing lightly against Edwin's chest, "We knew this was a possibility, yeah? Can only take so many precautions without preventing ourselves from doing things, right?"

[uptightboy]

"We knew that I could drain you," Edwin hissed. "But not completely wipe you with one spell. There was a point where I had no idea you would ever--" Even the bare thought of that makes Edwin choke up. It is probably the touches, and the hold Charles had on him that prevented him to spiral further. Even if he did that quite a bit the past half a day.

"Charles, I've felt it. I have felt the spell wanting power and all I could think about was that I can give it," Edwin shook his head. He was not thinking about Charles at all and that was scary. That was so scary he couldn't even say it out loud.

[just_aces]

"You aren't her, Edwin. You didn't do this on purpose and you wouldn't, I know you better than that." Another little shake of his head, "I don't know what I can do to convince you of that except just keep saying it until you believe me, and don't think I won't. You remember the great couch debate of '91."

It hadn't been a 'debate' really, just Charles continuing to insist that they needed a couch for the office, because the two chairs on the opposite side of the desk for clients, or potential clients, was all well and good, but if someone was upset, they probably needed a couch, and besides that they could use it themselves, too, Edwin could actually be comfortable to read, instead of just starting reading standing in front of one of the shelves and then just continuing reading because he forgot he was still just standing there and Charles could enjoy the occasional nap.

The fact that there was a couch in the office, that Charles was currently sitting on, was all the proof he needed of how effective his dubious debate skills had been.

[uptightboy]

"But this is not about a couch, Charles," was all Edwin could say. He cannot believe Charles is using the couch debate for this argument! Yes, the couch was nice but it was mostly there because Charles did not shut up about it. It was psychological warfare as long as Edwin was concerned.

But it did rattle his thoughts enough to start and calm down.

"It was not on purpose," Edwin repeated, as if to himself too. As if to convince himself and not Charles. "But it should not have happened. I apologize."

[just_aces]

"Nah, it isn't, but if hearing it three hundred and fifty-seven times in a row is what it takes for you to believe you aren't like the Duchess, I'll happily keep saying it that many times."

Had he actually counted the number of times in a row he'd suggested a couch? Maybe. But it was beside the point.

But the fact that Edwin wasn't just calming again, but also repeating that it hadn't been intentional, that was the best he could ask for a the moment, exhaustion still tugging at him. He leaned into Edwin's hands again, fingers curling more snugly against his wrist again, just briefly, "It shouldn't have done, you're right, and apology accepted." He turned his head to press a kiss to the center of Edwin's palm, "If you needed more proof you ain't her, that's it. You feel bad about it, genuinely, she'd just have punished me for not being strong enough to take it."

[uptightboy]

Suspecting that Charles actually counted it makes Edwin just a little bit impressed. Just a bit.

"Please don't," Edwin pleaded before Charles could indeed do it. He didn't need a reminder... But everything in Edwin's mind suddenly blanks when he watched Charles turn his head and kiss his palm. It was time for his heart to attempt and flutter out of his chest, and he wasn't sure it was appropriate to feel such a way. He tightened his lips, curling his fingered gently against Charles's cheek.

"I was so utterly worried, Charles," Edwin whispered. "I still am."

[just_aces]

"M'alright, Edwin, promise. Just tired is all." Tired enough not to realize that the hand-kiss was more than a little bit out of line, even for him, but it had felt like the right thing to do, which was why he'd just done it instead of thinking about why he shouldn't.

Likewise he either hadn't noticed the reappearance of old injuries or was deliberately ignoring them for the time being and knowing Charles it could be either one.

A small smile did inch into place then, "So maybe next time don't be me, remember to think twice about what you're doing and trust I can handle whatever kind of creature it is so it doesn't interrupt you, yeah?"

[uptightboy]

Are you sure, Edwin wanted to ask but he decided against it. He wanted to let Charles rest and not repeat that he was fine over and over just for the sake of Edwin's broken heart. The kiss also confused him just a little.

"I shall, indeed," Edwin nodded, brushing his thumb over Charles's cheek. "I will make sure this never happens again," he promised, partly to himself too. He hesitates then, wondering if he should mention or ask about the burns. "Go back to rest, Charles, I will be here too." On the silly couch that Charles bullied out of him. "And do know that I love you."

[just_aces]

That parting statement had his smile emerging full-force once more, slow-spreading, but nearly incandescent, just nodding even as he settled again, hesitating before tugging the blanket closer around himself even as he settled in, because even if he couldn't really feel it, he knew Edwin had laid it over him for a reason even if it was just the ambient comfort of knowing he was being cared for, and that was good enough.

There was another brief hesitation before he asked: "Read me something? Just whatever you've been studying is fine, doesn't have to be anything special." Partly because he didn't want to make Edwin move to get something else, but also a little because he was pretty sure that reading aloud would help the information stick better for Edwin as well, the same way he sometimes needed to hear something for information to actually click in his mind.

[uptightboy]

As Edwin watched that smile spread on Charles's face he realized that he wanted him to believe him. He wanted Charles to know that whatever happened, whatever he had done... he still loved him, and he was trying to be better. As he always did, and even more lately. With a fond smile, Edwin reached for him again, just brushing his hair, almost in disbelief at how he could still do it, that Charles still allowed him to love him.

At Charles's request, he blinked down at the medical volume he put on the side. It is truly boring, even by his standards. But it still could contain some information about treating supernatural burn wounds. He opened his mouth to tell Charles he was going to fetch something more interesting but the way the boy specifically said anything would do... it meant it wasn't about the material.

"Gladly, Charles," Edwin smiled a little, taking the book back. He looked over Charles for a second then started to read about the way energy flows in a different way in supernatural entities, and how that affected their healing if there was to be any in the first place. It wasn't like Edwin hadn't read this book before but a reminder was always helpful. Maybe he would have an epiphany about how to treat Charles before they had to visit the coven again in a couple of days.

[just_aces]

It didn't take more than a couple pages of that before Charles had nodded off again, head lolled against Edwin's shoulder, even snoring softly after a time. It definitely wasn't as deep a sleep as it had been before, but he also maintained the correct shape, which probably meant he was on the mend.

Of course, despite multiple applications of various healing tinctures, and even one attempted healing spell over the next few days, the deeper burn marks at his shoulder and his hip never fully healed, remaining the same hard-shiny scabs that burns generally did when they were healing properly, they just never moved past that point. Likewise the remembered iron burn at his throat and wrists remained, though it was in a perpetual flaking state as if it should be healing and fading but wasn't.

The only parts that had fully faded were the proximity burn all down his side -faded to just a dullness to the Hound's fur and a faint ashiness to Charles' skin- and the marks from the muzzle, save for one just over his brow and one at the crest of his ear, which were the two places he'd nicked himself with the thing taking it off at the trial. There was also the exhaustion, daily naps instead of his usual occasional ones, and sometimes needing Edwin to repeat something to make sure he'd actually absorbed the information and heard it correctly.

The morning of their meeting with the Coven he seemed better, or at least seemed as awake as he usually did, because he was figuring that some time away from the office -even if it was just going to the Coven manor, would be good for them both. He hummed as he shuffled the bonds around once more, trying for something that didn't aggravate the flaking burns, even though they didn't hurt there was no reason to leave ash-flakes all through the neighborhood and the manor once they arrived.

His grin was wide-open and fully dog-like once he shifted shape, bouncing a quick circle in glee when the bonds did exactly what he'd wanted in being a sort of service-dog harness instead of the usual collar and cuffs. It kept the pressure off of both of the deeper burn marks and didn't rub against any of the flaking parts, and after the initial excited bouncing, he dropped down to sit, waiting for Edwin to finish gathering his notes and whatever else he was going to need for the meeting.

[uptightboy]

Edwin may or may not have sneaked a kiss on Charles's head when he fell asleep on him.

Edwin also watched the healing of Charles's scars, writing down everything he noticed. He kept the notes in his personal notebook, hoping that one day he will be able to help Charles get rid of them for good. And also to still try and be a hellhound specialist.

On the day of their coven meeting, Edwin was in a terrible sour mood. Partly because he wasn't entirely fond of these meetings, and partly because while Charles healed a bit he still needed rest. This meeting was terribly inconvenient for the both of them. And because Charles needed to be in his hound form, and the bag of tricks was not allowed inside, they needed to bring their stuff in proper bags. So they had to acquire a messenger bag suited for ghosts.

When Edwin was ready and joined Charles by the mirror, he couldn't help but smile at him.

"Well, aren't you a clever boy?" He told him, reaching out to gently scratch behind his ear. His gaze dropped on the bonds, cleverly transformed, still bearing the crest of his family. "Looking quite handsome too," he added, setting his bag. "Now then, are you ready?"

[just_aces]

There was another happy-dog smile at the praise, lifting his head into the touch, and he nodded, huffing once at the actual question, standing close at Edwin's hip as he usually did. The manor, being as how it couldn't be found unless one already knew where it was and was looking for it, the nearest mirror was a garden mirror globe at one of the houses down the street, but it worked just as well and they didn't have to walk the whole way.

He shook himself when they emerged, harness jingling faintly as would be expected of it were it a regular one, and he kept close on the walk up to the porch, nose wrinkling a little at the feel of the binding spell under the front mat. He was glad they no longer required him to be in a binding circle during these meetings, as long as the marks of his bond to Edwin were obvious,

Mostly he was just thankful that it was Daphne who answered, smiling easily and giving them as friendly a greeting as she was able, and really it was only the fact that it was her that kept Charles from inching his size up a little as they were led to the meeting parlor. Even still, he was big enough that he could just rest his chin on the arm of Edwin's chair once he settled, taking stock of who was there.

It wasn't always the same group, they only needed six aside from Lady Goode, so it was invariably just who wasn't otherwise occupied for the time. He was pleased to note that only one of the ones who seemed intent on needling Edwin on purpose was there as opposed to all three of them, but given recent events, it was possible that just that one would be enough, depending on how cutting she got.

[uptightboy]

Edwin was glad it was Daphne who welcomed them. It eased his nerves even if he had nothing to fear. They had done this many times now, and Edwin always knew what to expect. The coven was actually interested in the work they were doing, partly to know that Charles's powers were not used for malicious purposes. This time, however here was a case that may not show them in a good light. Charles was still carrying the scars for it even.

But Edwin was raised as a cold, Edwardian gentleman, he knew when to strike a pokerface when needed. He was sitting in his seat with a perfect posture, sometimes reaching out to brush his knuckles over Charles's ear for comfort. Though, he didn't miss the way all the present witches were eying Charles the moment he walked into the parlor.

"Well then," Edwin started, and took his notes to start the briefing but he was immediately interrupted.

"There it is," Astra, the one that just loved dancing on Edwin's nerves, sneered. She also had no other names, just Astra, which was so pretentious as far as Edwin was concerned. "Ladies, I don't see why would we want to listen to anything this ghost is about to say today."

"And why is that?" Lady Goode asked with a roll of her eyes, and reaching for her pack of cigarettes.

"Because the sight speaks for itself," Astra motioned toward Charles, her numerous dark bangles clicking in the strangest way. As if they were underwater. "The hound was used, exhausted even."

[just_aces]

Charles' lip curled just briefly, not an actual growl and definitely not a threat, just letting his gaze slide over her, exposing one fang for a bare moment before settling again, mostly because he knew they weren't going to let him speak for himself, this wasn't like the trial, despite that they knew he could, Coven rules were far different than those of the Lower Parliament, and far stricter in many ways.

"Use alone doesn't necessarily indicate malicious intent, Astra, as you well know." That was one of the ones Charles didn't mind, though he wasn't sure he'd ever actually caught her name, Daphne and the obviously younger members sometimes referred to her as 'auntie', and he knew those visibly her age or older must have said her name at some point, he just couldn't remember having heard it. All he knew was that she was one of the older members, but still one of the lower ranks because it suited her, it left her to run her greenhouse and plant stall at the occasional Floating Market in peace.

Charles didn't think he'd ever seen her snipe at anyone, and even though the statement alone could have been biting, it was more exasperated than anything, like she was dealing with a petulant child, and that was one of the other reasons Charles liked her, she always seemed like she was just humoring a bunch of kids playing house. He also made a mental note to remind Edwin to look for her the next time they needed organic supplies so that he could thank her.

[uptightboy]

"Oh, I do know. But wasn't it said at this very meeting that the hound was not a pet but a friend? Hm?" Astra countered, clearly annoyed at the lack of drama in the room and turned to Edwin. "So ghosts use friends like that?"

"If I may, I did not even state anything yet, why would you assume it was my doing?" Edwin retorted, crossing his legs.

"So are you saying you two encountered something that could hurt a Hellhound? If that's so it is a high priority case-"

"And I believe that is why you should have let me speak first and not waste time on accusations."

Lady Goode lit her cigarette, while there was a low murmur coming from the others. When nobody wanted to pick up from there, Edwin nodded. He pat Charles's head and continued with the case that indeed made Charles this way. When he finished and turned in his notes, Astra was buzzing.

"That spell should've been banner decades ago," Lady Goode remarked, reading the transcript of the spell. "Along with the banishment version."

"So it was you," Astra smirked. The auntie shook her head though not at Edwin.

"It was," Edwin admitted. "But..."

"Oh, I can't wait to hear what lie you're about to utter, Mr. Payne."

[just_aces]

Charles kept still throughout Edwin's report, because that was how he remembered things going as well, mostly because he'd gone over Edwin's notes the night before just to make sure, as they'd known he wouldn't be able to say anything for himself at the actual meeting.

He'd even gone so far as to add a written affidavit to the file himself stating that he and Edwin had already hashed things out between them and it was a mistake that wouldn't be repeated now that they knew it could happen in the first place. He doubted any of the witches would actually read it, let alone believe it hadn't been written under duress, but it was the best they could do, under the circumstances.

He pressed his head up under Edwin's hand at Astra's demand of a nearly-neutral statement, narrowing his eyes at her again but not moving otherwise because he knew better than to do anything that could be taken as a threat at a time like this.