Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Knock knock.

Lovely peeks around the door, “Hi, is this the-” they look down at a scribble on their hand, “Society of Humanborn Integration and Teaching?” 

Damien looks up slightly frazzled from his laptop. “Hm? Ah yes, yes it is. Sorry let me just…” he clicks a few things before pushing the screen aside, giving them his full attention. “Please sit, how can I help?”

They shuffle into the seat, scratching awkwardly at two small scars on the right side of their neck. “I’m sorry it’s so late, but I saw you were looking for volunteers. I wouldn’t call myself an expert, but I’ve got experience and I want to help.”

“Oh well the later hours were for accessibility reasons, it’s easier as we get into winter because it’s dark earlier.” He waves off the apology already reaching for a particularly heavy binder. It’s held in a crudely built side table that has been handpainted a deep, pleasant red with ivy patterns across it, a warm contrast to the rather sterile office and the meticulously filed papers within. “What role in particular were you hoping to get into?”

“Mentor.” Lovely nods decisively, remembering Vincent’s words of encouragement earlier that evening.

“Mentor, got it.” He pulls out a selection of forms, mumbling as he goes. He lays them neatly out in front of Lovely and gestures to each one in turn. “So, we offer a few basic courses for support volunteers focusing on core information, emotional connectivity, and communication. And this form registers your interest and covers a very basic magical history that I assure you is entirely confidential.”

“Wow this seems so well organised.” Lovely looks at the various papers with S.H.I.T emblazoned across them.

The fire elemental puffs up at the compliment, “I always think it's worth it to be properly organised, especially if you’re providing physical copies.”

Lovely just can’t look away from the logo, nodding along as he talks through some of the paperwork. Until they can’t hold back anymore and blurt out, “is it meant to say SHIT all over the document?”

Damien freezes and looks mortified, slowly droping his head into his hands. “I should never have trusted Hux to tell me if it was okay or not; he’s too nice. I can never tell Gavin either, he warned me about this.” He scribbles another note below it that looks vaguely like ‘murder Gavin ASAP’ before exhaling slowly and looking back up at Lovely.

“We… I, had hoped it wouldn’t need to be abbreviated too much or the symbols would, I don’t know-” he gestures defeatedly to the logo on the paper. “- but here we are.”

They stifle a small laugh at how pitiful he looks. “It’s eyecatching! I think a lot of students will be intrigued. And I mean, our school is literally called DAMN and our government is called DUMP, so I think you’re fine.” They reassure him.

He doesn’t look convinced but begrudgingly allows their attempt to pass. “Well it’s all been officialised now anyway. Did you have any other questions? I’m happy to organise a follow up meeting that works around your schedule?”

“I don’t think so, I’ll fill these out as soon as possible. Thank you so much.” Lovely smiles gathering their things with a smile.

“It’s my job, no need to thank me.”

“No I mean, for starting this.” They say, quieter now, more sincere. “I wish I’d had this when I first arrived, so I’m glad someone stood up and got something done.”

Damien blinks a couple of times and the room heats up a few degrees. “I… It needed to be done. It’s got a long way to go.”

“But it’s a good start. And I’m pretty sure my healer friend would love to join too.” Lovely smiles, turning to the door. “I’ll be in contact soon, uh…?”

“Ah! Damien, Damien Rhone.” He hurriedly rises to shake their hand.

They nod, taking his hand, careful not to use too much of their strength. “See you Damien.” With that they exit, shutting the door carefully behind them.

The office is quiet for a good while after they leave. Damien, stock still behind his desk, smiles to himself. “I’m doing it.” His gaze catches on the desk of him and Huxley, surrounded by Gavin, Dear, Freelancer, and Lasko all piling on top of them. “And I’m not alone.”

He brushes the tears from his cheeks, picking up the phone to call Huxley. “Hey Babe. Yeah I just got my first volunteer mentor.” The encouragement pours through the phone from his boyfriend, and he laughs as he hears Freelancer drop their controller to grab the phone cheering in excitement too. “Thank you both. Yeah babe I’m just finishing up here, I’ll see you later. I love you Hux.”

Chapter Text

“Pleaseeeee David! Where’s your whimsy and childlike wonder? We haven’t done anything like this since we were kids.” Asher pleads, hanging off his alpha’s sleeve.

“I’m an adult man, Asher. I’m not sitting on the ground surrounded by your sheets.” David is undeterred as he heads for the front door.

“And yet you still insist on camping, are you aware of the contradiction of this?” Asher huffs, running around to put himself between David and the door.

“Ash, you've already had this conversation once with Tank, I don’t wanna have to hear it again. So David just fucking get in to save us all.” Milo calls out grumpily from the assortment of blankets David had just fled from.

A snort is heard as Darlin chimes in. “Yeah come on old man, even I got roped into this. Let your beta have his whimsy.”

A grumble escapes David’s throat, “If you think you can goad me into this when I have invoices to do, you’re sorely mistaken.”

“Jesus David you’re worse than my mate, take a day off why don’t you?” Milo sticks his head out the entrance.

“Come onnnnnnn, please? For me? You’re bestest buddy and beta whom you love ever so much?” Asher turns on the puppy eyes, “I set up the switch and we can play games. It’s October, a time for family!”

“How is October specifically a time for family?” David deadpans, years of living with Asher had made him somewhat resistant to the Beta’s wheedling.

Darlin’s face appears over Milo’s head, poking out the fabric. “Just say you’re too scared to lose to me at Mario Kart old man.” They snicker as they watch the conflict in his eyes.

David looks between the door, Asher, Milo, and Darlin, before letting out a long suffering sigh. “Fine. And we’re the same age Tank, so shut up.”

“YESSSS!” Asher cheers, immediately leaping into action pushing him towards the pillow fort. “You are now also roped into helping me tidy up when my mate gets home.”

“You’re insufferable.” Darlin and David deadpan at the same time causing Milo to fall into hysterics.

“This is why the two of you are always bickering, you’re too similar.”

Darlin bares their teeth in a sickly sweet grin, “Sorry I didn’t hear that from down there, wanna try again?”

Milo bristles, there’s no venom in his words but there is plenty of fight. “You wanna come up with something more original than a short joke asshole?” 

“No time for arguing when we have video games to play!” Asher tactfully interrupts, wiggling in between the two to reach for the console. 

The fort is surprisingly well crafted, David notes, as he shuffles awkwardly onto a beanbag near the back of the small area. There are fairy lights strung haphazardly across the back of the sofa giving it a soft and cozy feel. Milo is sat cross legged on a wolf print cushion and Darlin is sprawled across a crocheted blanket at his feet, while Asher gathers up an eclectic mix of controllers.

“Oooooookay! Bowser handheld for David. Blue and red classic joycons for Milo. Gamecube style controller for you Tank, you freak. Aaaaand Kirby for me.” Asher hands each one out, and crawls over to use David’s legs as a backrest.

“You insult my superior controller all you want Ash, I’ll kick your ass regardless.” Tank teases as the game boots up.

They’re just about to start when there’s a knock at the door. Immediately all eyes turn to Milo, who instantly knows what it means. 

“Oh no you don’t, I just got comfy, one of you three clowns can go.”

“You’re closer to the door, oh sweet Milo.” Darlin calls from where they’ve rolled away to hide behind David.

Milo turns to appeal to Asher, only to be face to face with a huge wolf snout. Who half sneezes in his face, earning himself a shove back into Darlin who immediately takes the bait to start wrestling Asher, not even bothering to shift.

“I am your alpha, and I’m telling you to get the pizza.” David grins wolfishly while Darlin and Asher tumble in the background.

Throwing up his hands Milo crawls out and heads to the door, grumbling the whole way about “fucking idiots making me do all their work”.

“Hi! How’s it going?” The pizza guy holds out several boxes to Milo who takes them politely. He seems to be trying to look for something in the apartment and Milo picks up on it immediately.

“Yeah, thanks. Everything okay?” He asks as he sorts through his wallet, handing over a tip.

Slightly flustered at being caught, Guy snaps back to attention, tucking the bills away into his pocket. “Oh, yes! Sorry, I just thought there was a dog in this apartment. He’s very cute, I was just seeing if he was around.”

Milo’s face splits instantly into a wicked grin. “Why as a matter of fact, he’s in the fort right now. Oh come here boy~”

The sound of play fighting stops and there’s a brief moment of hushed bickering and the whines of a very resistant wolf, before a very bashful Asher is unceremoniously shoved out of the fort in his wolf form, wearing only his shorts. 

Stifling a laugh, Milo pats his leg. “Come and say hi to the nice pizza man.”

Very slowly, and with the most humiliated expression a wolf has ever had - Asher shuffles over to Milo’s side. He does perk up a little at the sight of the pizza, his tail beginning to wag at the smell.

“Wow!” Guy hesitates, but remembering Honey’s disbelief he swallows his nerves, internally praying this doesn’t get back to Rosa. “Can I take a photo of him? My partner loves dogs and I've never seen one that looks like him.”

“Oh absolutely.” Milo agrees enthusiastically while Asher shoots him a look. He sneezes intentionally right on Milo’s free hand who just looks him dead in the eyes and wipes the snot back onto his fur. “You know what, he loves to wear hats, let’s put one of the pumpkins on his head.”

Milo grabs the nearest jack o lantern, internally thanking Asher’s preemptive decorating for halloween and gently places it on the wolf’s head. Guy snaps the picture before shooting his best customer service grin. “Thank you so much, have a lovely evening!”

“You too!” Milo shuts the door and turns back to a very whiny Asher standing before him, holding a pumpkin.

“You are all the worst.” He pouts as David and Darlin cackle from inside the fort. “I give you fort, I give you food, and what do I get in return? Humiliation.”

“Next time we should get him a little hat.” Darlin crows, “or a little dog shirt.”

“Jokes on you, I'd rock that shit.” Asher sticks out his tongue.

David chuckles, tossing Asher’s shirt at him. “Get dressed moron, you’ve got a game to lose.”

Chapter Text

Dear looks doubtfully from the towering manor screaming bloody murder in front of them, to their very determined boyfriend. “We don’t have to go in if you don’t want to, honey. Even I’ve never been the biggest fan of haunted houses, especially not empowered ones.”

They were both wearing costumes, this year they had decided to style themselves after Sherlock Holmes and John Watson. Dear was equipped with a long trenchcoat with a fake pipe and a hunting cap, and Lasko had selected a very smart bowtie with a magnifying glass, clutched in the hand not holding onto Dear. Freelancer, upon seeing the costumes, had insisted the whole group do the Mystery Gang next year; an offer Gavin readily agreed to on the condition that he could call dibs on Daphne. 

“N-No no I got this.” Lasko shakes his head, bouncing as he psychs himself up. 

The rest of the DAMN crew had already wandered off; Gavin dragging Freelancer towards the various sweet treat stalls, proclaiming something about caramel, and Damien chasing after Huxley, who had already bounded excitedly towards the giant plushies.

Not wanting to knock Lasko’s confidence, Dear gives his hand three short squeezes, I love you. “Let's do this then.”

The entryway is corny - a broken door with ‘GET OUT’ and ‘DANGER’ in faded red paint across the wood. There were fake cobwebs far too liberally applied in every corner and most of the decorations had a thick layer of dust, that Lasko wasn’t sure if it was for added effect or that it had just been that long since somebody had cleaned.

Even just a few steps in, Dear has a tight grip on his hand, and Lasko is chuffed to realise he doesn’t feel too nervous. If he didn’t know any better, he’d say Dear was frightened, but he shook that thought off quickly-

“RAAAGAGGGH!” A woman who had enchanted her clothes to make her look like a skeleton jumps out at the pair.

Before Lasko can even think to react, Dear grabs the nearest item, a plastic pumpkin with hilariously large, angry eyebrows, and tosses it at her head. The woman ducks thankfully but he catches, “every year man, I keep telling them to bolt shit down.” as she stalks away.

“Sorry.” Dear calls after her, cringing slightly.

“Are you doing okay my Dear?” Lasko asks softly, giving their hand a squeeze. “That was uh quite, quite something.”

“I’m fine.” Dear blurts out, maintaining an iron grip on his hand. “She just caught me off guard is all. More importantly, how are you feeling?”

Lasko shrugs, “not too bad actually! I thought it would be a lot worse, b-but it’s like with the um the cooking shows! I know it’s fake so it doesn’t feel like there’s any actual danger, you know?”

Dear nods and forces their shoulders to relax as much as they can. “Y-yeah, good I’m glad.” They give him a quick kiss on the cheek. Lasko was enjoying it, so they could push through. No matter how loud and horrible and creepy and-

“Hello.” The new voice comes from behind them this time.

“AAAH FUCK. Nope!” Dear startles, making sure to position themselves between Lasko and the threat, and quickly pulls him in close. He looks down at them confused as they hide their face against him. 

Corvus blinks owlishly as he observes the pair. “Sorry, I am not intended to be part of the scaring in this attraction. You may proceed, you’re meant to go that way.” He points helpfully to an ominously lit hallway with more fake blood dripping down the walls.

When Dear doesn’t answer, Lasko gives the demon a shy smile. “Ah, well th-thank you! Come on Dear, shall we keep going?”

He gently tugs on their hand but they refuse to move, face buried in his shoulder.

Silence follows as Lasko and the demon look at each other, tinny fake screams and bat noises play over crackling speakers.

“Did you know that the American film The Cat and the Canary (1927) is said to be what pushed the haunted house into early popular culture?”

“O-Oh… I didn’t?” Lasko nods, stroking Dear’s shoulder, a little non-plussed on how to respond.

“I'm so sorry about the screaming b-by the way, you just appeared so suddenly.” Lasko adjusts his glasses “uh, this is a DAMN event and I don't think I've s-seen you before, are you a, um, new member of the s-school or faculty?”

“Oh no.” Corvus says simply. “I don't go here, I was just hungry.”

Awkwardness fills the room again. In the distance another pair who went in before them screams and Dear clings to him tighter.

“Could we have a moment?” He asks, social anxiety cast aside in his determination to protect Dear.

“To do what?” 

“Could I have time alone with my partner? Please?” Lasko clarifies, keeping Dear close.

Corvus nods. “I see, I shall have to take note of this phrase to ask my friend about. But I can go, yes. I hope you feel less frightened soon.” His last sentence is addressed to the back of Dear’s head.

They don’t respond but he feels the wave of embarrassment and guilt rise off of them. “It’s okay, this place is designed to scare humans. Your shock has worn off anyway, so I have no need to be here. Goodbye.”

With that he fades away into the wall, and Lasko decides that he was much creepier than anything this house could possibly have to offer.

“Maybe I’m not as good at this as I’d thought.” Dear whispers into Lasko’s coat, once Corvus has gone. “I was supposed to protect you, you were so nervous and instead I screamed and nearly hurt an underpaid worker! I’m sorry I’ve messed this all up already.”

“Hey, look at me.” Lasko cups their face with both hands, running a thumb over their bashful cheeks. “You haven’t messed up a thing. And I don’t consider this ruined at all; we can leave now if you want or we can finish it. But I came to this fair to spend time with you baby. Even if you punch a million fake skeletons. I’ll always be the last one to ever judge your fear.” 

“You promise?” Dear struggles to meet his gaze. “Even if I may have flooded the room next to us when that demon showed up?”

“I promise.” Lasko smiles.

“BOO!” Another skeleton jumps out at this time and Lasko screeches a little bit.

“Not the fucking time!! Go away!” He glares, holding Dear close. 

The skeleton looks awkwardly at the two of them before backing away, both his hands held up. “Sorry man, my bad.”

His glaring after them is broken by Dear’s giggles, and Lasko lights up at the sound.

“Can we go and eat too much candy with the others now please?” They ask through shaky laughter.

“Absolutely.” He chuckles, kissing their cheek and leading them back out the front door - Corvus giving them a small wave from a window as they follow their friends’ earlier path.

Chapter Text

“Treasure, you know I adore you, but that hardly counts as either a halloween or a scary movie.” Porter murmurs into Treasure’s hair with a smile. 

They turn back to look at him, offended, awkwardly straining their neck to glare at him. “You refused all my terrible movie suggestions.”

“Because they were terrible. I deal enough with stupid vampires day to day, I don’t need to watch other people deal with them.”

They hum in affirmation. “Which is fair. But you can’t then debate my non vampire choice.”

“Treasure, we’re watching The Truman Show.”

“It’s scary! It may not be a conventional ‘horror’ or halloween-y but it’s existential.” Treasure defends. “Scary doesn’t have to mean evil ghosts and other creatures.”

“What about me?” Porter grins, baring his teeth.

Treasure snorts unintimidated, “we've already established vampires are hot. Besides, I'm not scared of you.”

They say it so casually, nestled in his arms on the couch, that Porter is rendered temporarily speechless. He can hear their heartbeat, feel the honesty in their words. He doesn't respond, pressing gentle kisses down their jaw, nestling his face in the crook of their neck.

“You never should be.” He murmurs against them and they giggle, squirming a little in his arms.

“Ticklish!” They laugh lightly, pushing his face away, “Don't you want to watch the movie?”

“You are far more entertaining my darling.” He chuckles, wrapping his arms around their waist. “But I am enjoying this time with you. And your not scary movie.”

“It would be scarier if you paid attention to the plot!” They insist, turning around to face him, resting their chin on his chest. “We can watch something else if you’re going to complain.”

“I like looking at you, is that anything?” 

Treasure hides their face exasperatedly. “Shush, you absolute flirt.”

“I wouldn’t mind something more lighthearted for the film tonight if that’s alright with you, Treasure?” His voice softens, a little more unsure, as he gently strokes the back of their head.

“Of course, any preference hun?” They lean into his petting happily, and he chuckles at the contented expression melting onto their face.

He considers for a moment “How about a murder mystery? Not too off the vibe as it were, but a little more… lighthearted. I don’t feel like getting too existential tonight.”

“You got it.” They chirp, stretching lazily towards the remote.

Before they can get to it, Porter snatches it off the table and hands it to them with a cheesy wink, pulling another laugh from them. “I could have gotten it, I was about to get up.”

“Mm, but then you’d leave my arms, and I can’t have that Treasure.”

They intertwine their fingers with his, leaving one hand free for the remote. “I shouldn’t complain when you’re spoiling me.”

“Darling this isn’t even close to me spoiling you. I dare say not even the bare minimum.” Porter says offended, nudging against their ear with a huff. 

Treasure tactically ignores this instead focusing on scrolling through various murder mysteries. “Choose your detective: Poirot, Sherlock, Benoit Blanc, Tim Curry-”

“Tim Curry?” He asks amused. He allows them the distraction, knowing that he will prove their worth a hundred times over as long as he has breath in his lungs.

“Yeah, kind of, he plays the butler in Clue.”

“I'm intrigued, I confess I've not seen a board game turned film since that Robin Williams film.”

Treasure perks up. “Clue it is! I love this film so much I can't believe I've not forced you to watch it before.”

Before they can press play, Porter turns their chin so they're facing him and catches their lips in a sweet kiss. “I'll watch anything you ask… unless it's terrible.” He teases.

The opening music plays as laughter fills Treasure’s apartment, a much deserved calm evening, well spent.

Chapter Text

“We are gathered here today, in the holy place of Milo and Sweetheart’s house,” Angel declares, miming banging a gavel of the arm of the chair they are dramatically draped across. “For our bimonthly mates meeting, to debrief on the insanity of being hopelessly in love with our wolf partners.”

“Hear hear!” Baaabe cheers, holding up their ghost mug full of cocoa that Milo had just given them.

“Remind me again why you're dressed up Milo?” Sam remarks, as he is handed another of Sweetheart's eclectic mug collection.

Milo grins, straightening his casual suit jacket. “I'm the assigned the pack butler for this evening since I have the weekend off. I’ve been helping Sweetheart prepare the snacks.”

“And we are all very grateful, hot stuff.” Sweetheart swings by planting a kiss on his cheek as they swoop by and grab a mug from his tray.

“Yesh we awr!” Angel calls out through a mouthful of brownies.

“Thank you.” Baaabe nods to Milo, as he manoeuvres a cocoa into their pile of blankets. “Nice mugs Sweetheart. I like the pumpkin one especially.”

The living room has been done up with leaf shaped fairy lights strung across the walls. A couple of lamps wash the room with a warm and cozy glow, as the rain pours down outside. Aggro sits on the back of the sofa eying up Baaabe’s blanket palace.

“Alright lil man, watch over them while I pick up dinner.” Milo presses kisses all over Aggro’s face, scratching under his chin as he purrs happily. “I’ll see you later Sweetheart, have fun.” He passes their armchair and bends down, kissing them deeply.

Sam wolfwhistles and Angel calls out “Get a room!” Sweetheart and Milo simultaneously flip them off, much to Baaabe’s amusement, who cackles over their cocoa. 

The door shuts behind Milo, and Angel sits up like an evil squirrel. “Alright, now we’re finally alone, we can begin.” 

“What exactly is your plan for this one Angel?” Sam asks, sitting back next to Baaabe.

“Anything will be better than the first one we ever had.” Baaabe snorts.

Angel groans loudly, “I’m sorry, I didn’t know that guy meant permanent tattoos-”

“Not that one.” Sweetheart shakes their head, “Baaabe’s talking about the first one, just me and them.”

Sam and Angel both light up, intrigued. “Now this I gotta hear.” Sam looks pointedly between the two.

“It was before you two had started dating your respective mates.” Sweetheart begins.

Baaabe stood nervously outside Milo and Sweetheart’s apartment, checking the address was correct just one more time. Milo had invited them over to try on clothes together ever since Milo offered to give them some fashion tips. Asher and Milo were on a job until 1 and Sweetheart had the day off, so suggested the two of them meet up beforehand and then the two wolves can join them.

Adjusting the shopping bag full of ingredients, they press the buzzer. Sweetheart bounds down the stairs with an excited grin.

“Hi! So good to see you again. Let me help you.” 

Sweetheart guides them up and holds the door open for them to enter. As the door swings shut, Aggro lets out a small mrrp and pads over to greet them. He winds happily around Sweetheart’s ankles with a chirp, and then notices Baaabe and cautiously inspects their shoe.

“Hey little guy.” They coo, holding out their hand for him to sniff. He accepts their offering and nudges their hand before pottering away back towards the bedroom. “What’s his name?”

“Aggro.” Sweetheart calls over their shoulder as they begin laying out the  ingredients. “He’s still warming up to me, so don’t be offended by his royal ginger-ness being a lil distant.”

Baaabe shakes their head, holding up their bag, “no worries, I love cats, I know what they're like. You still good to bake cookies? Sorry I came straight from work so-”

“Don't worry about it!” Sweetheart waves their concern off. “Seriously. And Milo and Asher will be thrilled, trust me.”

Some time later, Sweetheart’s phone alarm goes off just as Baaabe slides the last tray of cookies into the oven. 

“Ah I gotta do Aggro’s flea treatment.” They curse, pulling a treat from the cupboard. “Hopefully he falls for my there’s-definitely-no-medicine-in-this-treat trick.”

“Does that ever work?” Baaabe asks amused.

The stealth shakes their head “Of course not.”

“Is the interesting bit coming up or…?” Angel teases, and Sam shushes them looking intrigued.

“A cat who needs meds and cookies in the oven? This can only go poorly.” He chuckles, “Ah, no offense you two.”

“None taken.” Sweetheart laughs.

“Aggro? Aggro??” Sweetheart returns to the kitchen where Baaabe is warily sat. “I can’t find that menace anywhere.”

“What?” Baaabe’s mind goes into overdrive, having never seen Sweetheart anything other than calm and collected. “Where else could he be?”

The anxiety is contagious and Sweetheart begins pacing as if they could out run the stress. “I don’t know! Unless we left the door open…”

They both look at each other horrified and begin panicking and running around the apartment.

“Where was he in the end?” Sam asks just as Aggro sticks his head out from between the blankets where he’s nestled on Baaabe’s lap.

“Nope. The little menace was inside Milo’s closet, hiding beneath one of his shirts.” Baaabe laughs, petting his head gently. 

“He certainly is a menace.” Sweetheart grumbles.

Angel stretches across to poke Sweetheart’s face, “Aww such a grumpy stealth. You love that cat dearly and don’t you dare pretend otherwise.”

Sweetheart bats their hand away, “don’t let him hear, I’m still mad at him for peeing on the bed the other day.”

Baaabe wrinkles their nose in disgust and gives Aggro their best not mad but disappointed look and the room erupts into laughter, filling the apartment.

“Wait, what about the cookies? Won’t someone please think of the cookies!” Angel cries.

“Burnt.” Baaabe says mournfully.

“To ashes.” Sweetheart sighs. “After all that work.”

Baaabe giggles, “Ash still ate them though.”

“Of course he did,” Sam shakes his head. “Now are we doing your Halloween movie marathon or what Angel?”

“Don’t spoil the surprise old man! I told you that in confidence.”

“Because you were asking if I knew ‘any good vintage films, you know from when I was born forever ago’.” He quotes dryly.

“Not my fault you were.” Angel snickers, remorseless.

Chapter Text

“My Love?” Anton calls into the suspicious quiet of the apartment, “where are you?”

Love sticks their head round the door of the bedroom, “Anton! You're home!” They beam, making no move to greet him.

“Are you alright?” He asks, confused as to why they haven’t barrelled into him as they usually do.

They look quickly back into the bedroom and attempt to lean casually in the doorway. “I am, especially now you’re home darling. Are you going to have a shower?”

“...You are acting suspiciously.” 

“I am not.”

“That wasn’t a question, my Love.” His smile widens and he takes a step towards them. 

“Wait nonononono.” They try to block the doorway, “you can’t see yet!”

“Oh? And why is that, hmm?” He chuckles, attempting to peer into the room. “What secrets have you hidden away in our bedroom, Love?”

“No secrets! Only our usual, normal and ordinary bedroom.” They insist, blocking him as best they can.

Deciding a change of approach is needed, he begins running his fingers along their side causing them to seize up in a fit of giggles.

“Anton!” They huff breathlessly, squirming away from him. “Evil! Evil wolf - s-stop it!” Love can hardly get the words out. He knows all their weaknesses and exploits them mercilessly as they sink lower and lower against the doorframe.

While they’re fighting him off, he manages to slip past while they collapse against the door frame, winded. He quickly scans the room searching for anything out of place. Anton’s gaze catches on something moving on the bed when he senses a rush of magic that explodes in front of him as huge silver and purple leaves fan out to block his view.

He turns to see a still recovering Love on the floor, looking very smugly up at him. “You’ll have to try harder than that beloved.”

“I could simply move the leaves, you do know.” Anton helps them stand, pressing a kiss to the top of their head.

“Well yeah, but you won’t.” They tap their lips expectantly.

He chuckles and obliges happily, meeting them in the middle in a slow but passionate kiss. Pulling back he rests his forehead against theirs. “If you do not want me to look yet, I will wait pati-”

‘Meow?’ The surprise in question interrupts the couple’s moment, as a tiny face peeks out from the leaves on the bed, looking quite surprised.

“Is that what I think it is, Love?” He asks, amused.

“...I have a cold?” They offer unconvincingly. “Meow?”

‘Mrrp!’ A second kitten’s face joins the first as it falls unceremoniously through the leaves onto the other.

“Two?” Anton’s face lights up in joyous disbelief, turning back to look at Love; who sighs and bashfully pulls the leaves away.

“They’re only fosters, and I know we discussed getting them recently. But Geordi from work was just so panicked about his sister’s cat having kittens and it felt like destiny. These two are ever so sweet and no body wanted them.” They carefully pick the two cats up, one in each hand, cradling them carefully and looking up at him. “You don’t mind?”

“Of course not.” He holds out a hand to take the tabby kitten, “How could I say no to three such lovely faces?”

The couple sit down gingerly on the bed and the kittens curl up happily in their laps, purring loudly.

“What plant was that by the way?” Anton breaks the contented quiet that had fallen over the room. “It was very pretty, just like you are.”

They flush a little at the compliment. “It’s Calathea Sanderiana, cat safe too, I checked.”

“You’ve certainly done your research,” he hums. “It would go nicely in the living room.” 

Love perks up, “You think so?”

He laughs affectionately, cupping their face with his hand, “you know I love having your plants in here, you do not need to ask.”

“I know, but there’s so many…” They say bashfully.

Anton’s prepared encouragement is interrupted again by a tiny meow as the tabby cat in his lap protests his lack of petting. He is quick to remedy this, gently running a large hand over its tiny head. “I must warn you; I fear this may last longer than just fostering Love. They are far too cute.”

Chapter Text

Freelancer’s apartment has finally settled down for the night, now that Caelum has dragged them from their computer to bed. Papers are strewn across their desk full of notes from various textbooks from an exhaustion fuelled study session and energy drinks litter every surface. Despite all this, it feels calm.

The only light left in the bedroom is a collection of conjured stars on the ceiling, watching over Caelum and Freelancer as they cuddle. Freelancer watches through weary eyes as the constellations drift through nebulas across the paint, keeping an eye out for Virgo specifically.

“We can just fall asleep together, like E’laetum and Min’Ara did… way, way back then.” Caelum mumbles as he drifts off to sleep. “...Goodnight.”

Freelancer hears his breaths even out and finally feel themselves fall asleep alongside him.

~

Gavin rifts into the apartment early the next morning, gently rapping on the bedroom door before opening it.

“Morning Deviant- oh.” He stops in his tracks at the adorable scene before him. Freelancer is lying lopsided with a very comfy Caelum sprawled on top of them. The latter is snoring lightly and Freelancer has a small trail of drool on their chin.

He smiles fondly, shutting the door quietly behind him. He stares at the cluttered apartment that seems so empty without Freelancer’s presence filling the space. Suddenly all confidence is gone; he takes a step towards the desk to clean, but he doesn't want to ruin their work. The kitchen perhaps? Is it his place to change anything here? Would they be okay with it? 

Where does he fit?

“Gavin?” Caelum has somehow appeared at his elbow and he startles out of his revere. 

“Shit! Hello Caelum.” Gavin jumps, turning away as if that could hide his feelings from the small pink daemon.

“You shouldn't use that word you know.” Caelum says disapprovingly, putting his hands on his hips. 

Gavin snorts, patting his head, “Of course buddy, I’m sorry. What are you doing up?”

“I felt your knots.” Caelum says through a stretch, looking up at Gavin with big eyes. “I wanted to help!”

“I’ll be okay, you should go back to bed.” He waves him off, still stuck in his melancholy.

Caelum pouts, “I don’t wanna. I wanna spend time with you! It’s been agessssss since we did something, me, you and Freelancer. Just the three of us!”

His energy is picking up now as he fully wakes up, beginning to bounce a little in place. Gavin senses the impending we should go and wake up Freelancer and decides to give them some semblance of a lie in. 

“Why don’t we make something for Freelancer when they wake up, hmm?” He suggests, guiding Caelum towards the small kitchen. “We can do it the human way too, I’ve been practicing.”

Caelum brightens immediately, “yes!!! I love surprises, and I know they do too! And and and! We can make something super deli- deelish- uh tasty!”

“Sure, what do you wanna make Caelum?” His energy is infectious, and Gavin feels a smile creep onto his face despite himself, as he shuts the door behind them.

Caelum’s eyes light up at the idea of free reign in Freelancer’s kitchen. “Something amazing!”

Gavin nods, watching the number of sprinkles get summoned, and hoping his magic will be enough to clean up the mess that will undoubtedly arise from this.

~

Freelancer wakes to an empty room. Mourning the loss of company they sit up, trying to force themselves to get up. They pause mid yawn as they register the very sweet smell coming from their apartment.

Padding out the bedroom they catch a brief glimpse of a mess that they think is their kitchen - when a very colourful, flour and sugar covered, blur darts towards them.

“SURPRISE!” Caelum launches himself at Freelancer, who catches him with a small oof. “We made you a really nice surprise that is not only a really yummy treat but also getting to spend time with us today because you have nothing to do today, right?”

Freelancer looks down at the starry eyed boy, arms wrapped around their middle, and feels their heart melt. “Woah hey! Of course Caelum, here let me just write an email really quick.” They ease an arm free from his grasp and send off a half baked lie about feeling sick to their professor.

“YAY!” Caelum cheers and runs back into the kitchen to grab the aforementioned treat.

Nerves sink in as they spot the papers on their desk and remember the impending deadlines. Biting their lip they consider maybe rescheduling to this afternoon or using the time off to study some more-

“It’ll be fine, Deviant.” Gavin sways over to press a soft kiss to their lips, pulling their attention onto him for a moment.

Bzzt! Their phone vibrates with a reply from their professor consisting of one thumbs up emoji and ‘sent from my iphone.’ at the bottom.

“See?” Gavin smirks, lifting the phone out of their hand and placing it on the counter.

They laugh, pulling him closer and resting their head on his chest. “You’re right I should never have doubted you.”

“You’re right, I am infinite in wisdom as well as all my other wonderful traits.” He teases and relishes the snort that pulls out of them. “Good morning, Freelancer.” He can’t fight the smile spreading across his face as he feels the steadily rising joy at the two daemons’ presence, their shoulders beginning to relax.

“Good morning Gavin.” They kiss his cheek delicately, just as Caelum returns with an absolute monstrosity of a decorated biscuit-cake hybrid.

“And good morning Caelum!” He chimes in, beaming ear to ear.

Chapter Text

“Honeyyyyyyyyyyyyyy- blegh ugh ack.” Guy’s plaintive cries are interrupted by another bout of coughing. “Help meeeeeee.”

“I'm right here, I'm getting you a blanket.” Honey deadpans from literally right next to where he's sat in the bed, digging through a box of spare bedding.

“Yeah but it feels like you’re miles away!” Guy says looking pitifully over at his partner, “emotionally from this wall you’ve put between us. And I hope you know that I would walk five hundred miles, and I would walk five hundred more just to be the ma-” 

Honey decides that there were many things they would much prefer than listening to Guy’s dramatic reading of ‘I'm Gonna Be’. And their best solution happens to be a pumpkin blanket being tossed over his head.

He gasps dramatically, making absolutely no move to help himself, turning to face them from under the blanket. “Honey, I don't mean to alarm you, but an endless night has fallen upon Dahlia. Humanity may be doomed, and we're the only ones who can save it! We should hold hands and kiss just in case of - OOH we can be like the dinosaur fossil thing where they're holding each other and it's really sweet. What was that? I should look it up.”

“No phones, you're sick and need to sleep.” Honey lectures, pulling the blanket off his head and laying it over him. They feel their heart flutter as the moment he sees them he breaks out into a grin; hair messy and looking much brighter than he had the past few days. “And they probably weren't lovers, the Triassic ‘Cuddle’ was likely just a prey animal searching for shelter and getting trapped.”

“You're such a cute, if cynical, nerd sometimes, you know.” He says lovingly as he leans forwards to rest his chin on his hands, “where's your whimsy Honey? Where's your romantic side baby? Where's your sense of wonder oh darling of mine? Where's you suspension of disbelie-”

A pillow this time is Honey’s weapon of choice, thrown expertly at his head to cut off his sentence.

“Oof! Projectiles! Honey we're under attack, you should come into my burrow to cuddle and we can become fossils together quick!!” He cries, grabbing their arm and pulling them in close theatrically.

They roll their eyes, allowing him to pull them in closer. “How am I the Broomistega?”

“Ahh big words, I'm afraid I'm a little out of practice on my Latin since I have so many different linguistic capabilities.” He says drowsily and with far too much confidence.

“The prey animal in the fossil you were referencing.” Honey snorts, sitting next to him on the bed, gently petting his hair.

“Last I checked we could both be Broomistega, as we all have our moments where I have brought you prey (pizza, delicious, crafted from my hands, definitely counts as prey) and where you have spared me from your predator’s wrath and allowed me to bitch and complain that I'm sick for hours on end, despite it being insufferable.” He winks before falling into coughs once more. “Ugh why do I have to be sick during the best season ever, don't fight me on that.”

Honey snorts, "I won't fight you on that, too much temperature in other seasons.  Besides, you're not insufferable.”

“Aww you do care!” Guy says sinking further down under the sheets.

“Do you want a warm drink?” Honey offers, noticing how he keeps clearing his throat. “Or I can make some tea while you sleep?”

Guy cracks one eye open, sitting up, interested. “I tell you what Honey, that sounds delightful. And I'm sure the secret ingredient is love and that shall cure all my ailments and I shall never see a doctor again.”

Sighing loudly but fondly, Honey heads towards the kitchen. “The secret ingredient is honey to soothe your throat.”

“Honey? You say honey is the secret ingredient?” His eyes light up at the opportunity. “You can't put your sweet self in the drink and then tell me it's not full of love because everyone here knows you love me! Don't they folks? (Ahhh yeahh we do woo go Honey!)” 

Honey rolls their eyes as they start preparing the tea, humming to themselves as they work. Guy is uncharacteristically quiet in their absence, relishing the peaceful image of his partner at work.

“Here.” They murmur, breaking his reverie, handing him his mug. “Now careful it’s-”

“Ouch!” Guy pulls back with a grimace. 

“-hot.” Honey finishes wearily. “Slow down, don't be an idiot.”

“What can I say? I'm a fool in love.” Guy grins at them, blowing a kiss.

“I love you too Guy.” They say quietly, tucking him in, and definitely not flustered at all.

Chapter Text

“Are you alright Gavin?” Dear murmurs to the incubus beside them.

He pauses his bouncing leg momentarily, forcing a neutral look on his face, “hmm? Oh perfectly okay my Dear, no need to worry.”

“Well I’ll always worry after you, I’m quite fond of you, you know.” They smile softly, intertwining their hand with his and giving it a soft squeeze. “How can I help?”

“I’m not sure.” He flexes his hands, “I want to do something practical and mindless but there’s nothing here in this office and don’t know what to do specifically anyway.”

They nod thoughtfully, before an idea strikes them and they reach into their bag to pull out a couple of markers, holding them out to Gavin. “Here, give me a tattoo.”

A small smile breaks through the anxiety as Gavin takes the pens, amused. “Why do you have these?”

“Perks of dating a teacher.” They chuckle, rolling up a sleeve to offer him their arm. “Whatever you want, no need to worry what I want, I’ll just be your canvas.”

Tentatively he begins a smooth whirlpool pattern on their wrist and gradually winds his way up their forearm. His lack of innuendo is proof of his anxiety, but Dear takes great joy in watching his shoulders slowly relax as he turns his focus to their arm.

After a good few minutes of quiet, their name is called and they stand up with Gavin who suddenly looks stressed again. Dear looks down at their arm and gapes in awe. “Oh Gavin, it’s beautiful.”

“You think so?” Gavin sounds so hopeful at the compliment.

“Absolutely,” they nod profusely. “Do you mind if I keep it?”

He shakes his head, “not at all.”

They take his hand again, “ready now?”

He squeezes their hand three times, “yes.”

₊˚ʕ •ᴥ•ʔ˚₊

“Are you alright Freelancer?” Huxley stops, holding out a hand for his partner. 

“‘M fine.” They brush him off unconvincingly as they bite back another wince. “No need to stop on my account.”

“Are you sure? You seem really sore today.” He asks frowning.

Shaking their head, they try to take a half step forwards. “I’m okay, it’s been so long since we were able to do hikes like we used to. I can do this!”

Huxley’s heart breaks a little watching them push themselves and catches their hands, taking some of their weight. “Don’t push yourself too far for my sake.” He rubs his thumb over their knuckles. “I like hiking, sure but I like you much more, dude.”

“I just didn’t…” They swallow, “didn’t want to let you down.”

“Oh baby.” He gathers them up in a hug, careful not to squeeze too tight. “You could never, especially not for this. You’re in pain! Please let me take you home.”

Freelancer blinks heavily, fighting back the tears, “okay. I would like that Hux.” They answer thickly.

~

Arriving back to the house - Damien was already in the doorway. Freelancer had fallen asleep on Huxley’s back and Damien ushers the two inside. 

“I’ve already run a bath, are they okay?” He hovers uncertainly, eyeing the exhausted looking Freelancer and a worried Huxley.

“Yeah just over did it, I’ll get their meds.” Huxley murmurs, kissing Damien’s cheek. “They’re feeling a lil low tonight, so maybe we could do something nice for them?”

Damien smiles, always touched by how kind and loving his boyfriend could be. “Definietly, I’ll text Lasko to bring some snacks.”

₊˚ʕ •ᴥ•ʔ˚₊

“Lasko, what's wrong?” Damien eventually sighs, pausing the game he and Gavin were playing. 

“W-what? Nothing's wrong.” Lasko insists quickly, tucking away the notebook into his cardigan. 

“Mm, maybe try again Lasko.” Gavin hums, amused already by the interaction.

Lasko flushes, flustered by all the attention being suddenly turned on him. “It's silly-”

“Nope.” Damien stops him in his tracks, “we wanna hear it no matter what it is.”

“Don't discount yourself before you even start, baby.” Gavin adds, “besides, you've been practically shaking with how much you want to share with us over there.”

“I was just thinking about dnd again…” Lasko mumbles awkwardly.

“What about?” Gavin prompts when he isn’t more forthcoming.

Lasko squirms, torn between wanting to spill it all and hide under the gaze of his boyfriends. “It’s a new, well kind of new, character idea.”

Damien perks up curiously, “What class?”

That’s all the invitation the air elemental needs to take off into a full ramble. He spends at least 20 minutes detailing his illusions wizard, Pepper, who works as a conman with his cursed crow companion, Salt. Gavin and Damien are a wonderful audience, and at one point Lasko jumps up excitedly to grab his laptop and start modelling. 

As Lasko returns, Damien grabs his hand and pulls him to sit with him and Gavin on the sofa.

“D-Damien? Are you okay?” Lasko asks with big eyes.

“Do I need an excuse to want you near me?” Damien huffs as he pulls a blanket over the three’s legs. “And you can always talk to us about stuff.”

“Aww thank you hun.” Lasko squeezes Damien’s bicep and the man flushes. Gavin exchanges a look with him over the fire elemental’s flustered form and smirks.

“Damien~” Gavin starts, but Damien is having none of it, recognising the mischief in his tone.

“Don’t.” He warns, slight pout on his face.

“Can I hold your hand?”

Damien softens, pleasantly surprised, turning away and holding his other hand out wordlessly to the incubus, who takes it gladly and relishes the slight rise in temperature as he does. 

“Guess we’re watching a show now instead.” Damien grumbles as Gavin and Lasko laugh affectionately.

Chapter Text

The ticking of the antique grandfather clock in the living room of William’s estate is the only thing keeping the silence at bay. It settles thickly on everyone's shoulders with three conspicuously empty spaces. 

Alexis is lounging across an armchair, uncaring of her boots scuffing the uncomfortable velvet, the clench in Porter’s jaw ticks in time with the clock. All while William sits behind an ornate desk, writing notes in his accounts book.

Tick tock… tick tock…

William begins, seemingly undeterred by the energy in the room, moving a couple of beads on an abacus next to him. “Alexis-” 

“Nope! Absolutely not.”

“You don't get much say-”

“I do because there is no way in hell I'm taking over that little twerp’s duties.”

William’s fist twitches but he straightens his shirt instead. Porter didn't think it was possible but his King had become more uptight and straight edged ever since the last summit. He's all hard lines and tension now where before he would catch glimpses of the softness Vincent so adored, of the man that he thought had saved his life. 

“Do not talk about Vincent like that, he made his choice and we are to respect it.” William doesn't look up from his desk, flicking through various copies of contracts without reading anything on them.

“You know you can take what you want sometimes? Instead of letting a boy and his blood bag drag you along, you could invoke him or just order him to.” 

At the insult to Lovely, Porter sees red. Since he met the sparky vampire he’d grown fond of them, he's still working on his relationship with their boyfriend, but he concedes that'll take some time to repair.

“Could you learn to shut your incessant bullshit for five minutes Alexis, or does King Solaire need to invoke you to do that as well.” Porter regrets the snarky comment the second he feels two sets of very powerful vampiric eyes on him. The absence of his more easy going clan members is noticeable, despite how little time he'd spent in official meetings like this with them “...My apologies.” 

Alexis narrowed her eyes “you've been spending too much time with those traitors I see Porter. Are you planning to jump ship like an ungrateful coward too?”

“Alexis, enough.” William’s tone is icy and a shudder goes down Alexis’ spine. Porter recognises the flash of fear in her eyes and any residual smugness at baiting her is quashed.

The meeting concludes shortly after and Porter is quick to dash far away from the estate as possible. He pulls out his phone and texts Lovely.

‘Would love to have dinner again, perhaps I could host this time?’

They're quick to respond ‘Would love that, we can bring that garlic pasta I told you about :P’

Porter smiles as he knocks on Treasure’s door; bouquet of flowers in his hand that he picked up on his way over. He's come a long way from where he once was, it's a good start.

Chapter Text

“Hey I’m home!” James calls out to the apartment. Shrugging off his department jacket and loosening his tie, he scans lightly around the apartment with his magic to feel where they are. He senses them barrelling towards him seconds before they make impact, clinging to him tightly. James melts into them instantly, wrapping his arms around their waist and breathing them in.

“Welcome home.” They whisper against him.

“Mmm,” he hums, pressing sweet kisses down their face, before taking their hand in his and kissing over their wedding ring. “I missed you so much.”

“Come sit down.” His spouse immediately starts fussing, hanging up his jacket and pulling him towards the kitchen, where a delicious smell was emanating.

James is ushered to a seat while his spouse retook their place at the stove. “It smells so good baby, thank you for cooking.”

They wave him off as they stir the sauce. “Don’t be ridiculous, you’ve been out working for the past month.”

“Let me at least help,” he protests and they shoot him a look that keeps him in his seat.

“I can manage the meal you workaholic - sit.”

The next few minutes while they finish cooking and serving up are quiet but for their humming, and James takes in the scene blissfully.

As they sit opposite him, his gaze is caught on a ghastly orange face in the corner and he nearly chokes on his food. “Uh baby, what is that?”

“Jeremy.” They say matter of factly.

“Why is he so…” James can’t look away from the horrifically carved pumpkin. “Unique.”

‘Jeremy’ has multiple eyes carved into him with a gaping maw spewing pumpkin seeds onto the fake blood splatter plate it’s sat on. 

“I was practicing for a new prop they need for a show.” They beam proudly, “just wanted to give it a go. Is he scary enough?”

He nods, "Definitely. Though I bet I could scare you more.”

“No you couldn’t.” They immediately rise to the bait, smirking.

“Yes I could.”

“Nuh uh.”

“Yuh huh.”

“How?” They ask smugly.

‘Boo!’ 

The word echoes in their head, sounding almost like it was coming behind them. They bang their knees on the table as they half jump out of their chair with a shriek. “You bitch!” They cry out as James laughs across the table, holding out a hand to them with tears in his eyes.

“S-sorry.” He splutters out through laughter, standing up and moving over to hold them. “Are you- are you okay?”

“Yes.” They slap his arm lightly, resting against his side with a huff. “But you’re a dick.”

“A winner though.” He chuckles, kissing the top of their head apologetically. “I’m sorry baby. How can I make it up to you?”

They pretend to consider for a moment, wrapping their arms around his legs and pulling him close, resting their head on his stomach. “More kisses?” They gasp as the idea strikes them, “And white chocolate hot chocolate? Please?”

“Of course sweetheart.” He leans down and kisses them deeply, cupping their face. “Marshmallows?”

They light up immediately, “Absolutely.”

He moves to the cupboard to grab the mix he always had on hand for their sweet tooth. And as he passes Jeremy, he carefully turns the plate to have him facing the wall.

Chapter Text

Smartass watches the passing trees suspiciously. Their office building was closed for a few weeks due to a very unfortunate infestation, so they were enjoying some time to work from home. But this weekend, Aaron had insisted they take the weekend off and was taking them on a mysterious road trip.

“Can you please tell me where we're going?” Smartass pleads from the passenger seat.

“Nope.” Aaron is unwavering, “the whole point of it being a surprise baby, is that it's unexpected.”

“Ugh you're the worst.” They sigh melodramatically, sinking into their seat.

Rolling his eyes, Aaron pulls up into a driveway leading up to a small reception with a sign outside reading ‘Luxury Treehouses’. Smartass bolts up in their seat to look at him, massive grin splitting their face. “You didn’t!”

“I did. I’ve booked this for the next three days. And… I’ve taken two weeks off work, so you have me all to yourself and it lines up with some of your work from home time. I know you didn’t have plans and still have work to do but I hope you don’t mi-”

He’s cut off by Smartass grabbing his collar and pulling him in for a searing kiss. “It’s perfect Aaron, thank you!”

His shoulders finally drop a little and he smiles against their lips. “Come on, let’s check in.”

~

Dropping their bags inside the door of the Rosewood cabin, Smartass and Aaron look around in awe. The tree house has floor to ceiling glass windows, filling the room with the rosy light of the setting sun. In the middle of the room is a 70’s style conversation pit with a fake fireplace set up in the middle. There’s a plastic wrapped basket on the dining table full of hot chocolate mix, sprinkles, marshmallows and two mugs.

Smartass turns to Aaron mouth agape, “baby this is crazy!”

“You like it?” He wraps his arms around their waist.

“Mhm!” They nod emphatically, eyes glinting. “It’s the coolest thing we’ve ever done and I can’t wait to have way too much hot chocolate and cuddle by the fire.”

He snorts affectionately, “you’ve got it all planned out.” 

“Yup, now come on hot stuff, I want to get changed into my comfiest pyjamas.” They tease, kissing the palm of his hand.

“Oh god yes please, I’m so sleepy, it’s so cozy in here.” Aaron kisses their forehead. “Let’s nap for a day.”

Chapter Text

“Remind me again how you roped me into this?” Lincoln rumbles, half smile on his face as he steadies the ladder under Dreamer.

Pinning some cartoon ghost bunting up, they answer through a mouthful of pins that Lincoln had strongly protested against. “I was on my way here to help out because I have literally nothing to do at the minute and am a super fan of both decorating and spooky month; you bumped into me on your way to do nothing and took up my offer to accompany me.” Finally happy with the positioning they pin the current section of bunting decisively. “I told you you didn’t have to help if you didn’t want to!”

“Well I wasn’t going to abandon you to your questionable choices in safety.” He chuckles, watching the pins in their mouth carefully. “Again I can just hold those for you."

“No need! It’s easier for me as well to not keep reaching down.”

“I’d rather have just one threat to focus on if I’m honest.” He huffs.

They wave him off, “you worry too much. Besides, anything goes wrong you can just catch me!”

“You’re putting a lot of faith in me.” He mumbles, adjusting his grip on the ladder.

“Of course, I trust you.” They say sincerely, looking puzzled as to why he even doubted that.

He flounders at the sincerity, something he finds himself doing more and more with Dreamer, and just allows the comfortable silence he can so often find with them to settle into the room.

Lincoln was relieved when they’d suggested turning off the speakers when they first entered the student union; the repeating tracks, while entertaining at first, had a tendency to induce a headache when repeated more than three times.

They cut off his musings by waving their hand at a table piled with boxes stuffed full of various decorations. “Pass me the fake cobwebs would you? I wanna put some more in this corner.”

“Alright, don’t move.” He gathers up a selection of cobwebs, pulled from the very bottom of the pile, and offers them up to Dreamer.

They reach down for it, straining their arm. He realises their terrible idea seconds before they execute it. Dreamer lets go of the ladder, using just their legs to hold on and their eyes widen as their foot wobbles and they start falling backwards.

Instinctively Lincoln grabs them out of the air, stumbling back a little at the impact. Frantically searching them for injuries he stops as he hears their breathless laughter.

“I was right, you would just catch me.” They giggle, heart pounding from adrenaline.

He looks down at their practically glowing form and sighs. “Are you okay?” 

“Yeah. You caught me. I didn’t hurt you or anything did I?” It’s their turn to be worried, but those fears are soon put to bed as he shakes his head.

“I’m all good, don’t worry.”

“Wait… Couldn’t you have used magic to catch me?” Dreamer realises, nudging him teasingly.

“Well, I mean yeah. I just forgot in the moment.” He scratches his cheek, avoiding eye contact bashfully. 

They wrap their arms around his neck. “Well you sure are strong.” 

“I don’t think either of us are complaining about that right now.” He snorts with a blush on his cheeks.

“Definitely not.”

Chapter Text

It was the perfect night for stargazing. Lovely had been so busy after starting their work with S.H.I.T at DAMN, that Vincent had made sure to schedule some time for the two of them; and force them to slow down a little. His idea of a date night in the fields by the woods just past Sam’s old house was well received, and the pair finally pulled up under a clear sky. The stars watched over the two fondly as they set up for the night.

“I’m so glad Sam let us borrow his truck.” Lovely whispers as they unfurl the stash of blankets they’d stashed away before they’d headed off. “I’ve always wanted to do this.”

“Why are you whispering?” Vincent whispers back conspiratorily, biting back his laughter.

“I don’t know, it’s just so peaceful it feels like I should.” They smile, leaning closer, holding up a finger to their lips. “Like this is our little secret.”

He takes their finger, pulling their hand away from their face to peck their lips quickly. He watches with great satisfaction as they blink twice in shock, still able to be flustered even now. 

“Not fair, I wasn’t prepared.” They pout playfully. 

“Oh I’m so sorry - would you like to try again?” Vincent muses, wrapping his other arm around their waist. 

“Mhm, definitely.” They let out a pleased hum as he meets their lips again, much slower this time. “...Can we please get in the blankets though because the breeze just hit me and it’s so cold.”

He chuckles, immediately tossing them onto the mattress in the back of the truck. They shriek a curse as they land, glaring at him while he laughs. “You ass!” 

“I’m your ass though, that’s the key distinction.” He clambers to sit by them, it takes longer than it normally would because he can’t stop laughing at their attempts to keep up the grumpy expression.

“You’re ridiculous and I love you.” Lovely snickers, grabbing his wrist to pull him to fall on top of them. 

He lands with a soft oof, looking up at them reverently the whole time as he rests his chin on their chest. They pet his head as the two look at each other. He feels a small pang in his chest at the now silver colour of their eyes that is quickly soothed away by the love he can also see there.

“You’re supposed to be watching the stars.” They murmur with a knowing smile.

“If I say that you’re brighter and more beautiful than any star will I get in trouble?” He teases, kissing over their heart, softly, always so softly.

“Only the kind of trouble you like.” They can’t tear their eyes from his face watching his love struck expression that never seems to go away. “You’re never really in trouble from me.”

“Even when I do silly pickup lines?” He intertwines their fingers again.

“Especially when you do silly pickup lines.” Lovely squeezes his hand gently, “Can I have a kiss?”

And how could he do anything but oblige his Lovely?

Chapter Text

“Sunshineeee.” Elliott gently pokes their cheek, trying to focus on his psychokinetic energy on holding up the very precariously balanced cake he’d managed to sneak into their bedroom. “Wake upppppp.”

Opening one eye blearily, Sunshine squints through the darkness to focus on their boyfriend. “Elliott? What, and I mean this kindly, the fresh fuck are you doing?”

He lowers the cake, the flickering candles on top illuminating his beaming smile. “Happy birthday to youuu~” He begins to sing softly, prompting a laugh from Sunshine.

“You’re such a dork.” They say affectionately, sitting up, unable to fight the dumb grin on their face. “You didn’t have to do all this!”

“Actually I did. And it’s pronounced ‘your dork’ I’ll have you know.” He shrugs, careful of the cake. “And you always do so much for others on your birthday, I wanted to make sure you got the same.”

Sunshine blinks a couple of times, feeling tears prick at the corner of their eyes at his honesty. “You’re too sweet to me baby.”

“You deserve sweet.” He smiles, cupping their face with one hand, kissing their forehead fondly. “Now blow out your candles and make a wish before I drop this cake and set your bedroom on fire.”

They snort, wiping away a single tear that had escaped. They take a deep breath and blow out the candles as Elliott cheers in hushed tones so as not to disturb the rest of their house.

There’s a pause as they watch the smoke curl up and dissipate into the night air. And Elliott, whose gaze never left their face, admires the moonlight draping itself across their form.

“What do we do now?” Sunshine whispers to him after a minute and he grins, reaching into his pocket and pulling out two forks.

“Now, Sunshine, we feast.” He dramatically hands them their fork in a weird half bow and they have to stifle their laugh from being too loud. 

“Thank you my loyal knight, this feast looks so delectable.” They take a big bite and are delighted to find their favourite flavour. The cake is delicious and they groan happily. “Where did you find this? I need to buy all of them.”

Elliott, who had been watching their reaction nervously, rubs the back of his neck. “I actually made it myself.”

“For me?” They ask again, disbelieving.

“No for your roommates - of course for you silly.”

Pushing the cake to the side they tackle him in a tight hug. “Thank you Elliott. I truly couldn’t ask for better than you.”

Softening and wrapping his arms around them in turn. “You’re welcome Sunshine. And hey I’m the lucky one here.”

“Let’s compromise and say we’re both lucky.” They chuckle, kissing his cheek. “And that maybe we should have the rest of the cake during normal waking hours.”

“Alright, I can allow that. Now we should probably go back to sleep.” Elliott begins peppering their face with kisses, “And then once we’ve had some more sleep, the day is yours to do as you please.”

“Mm yes sleep sounds good.” They nod through a yawn, adrenaline of being woken wearing off. “Wait, I thought you had work?” 

“I rescheduled.” He picks the cake back up, placing it carefully on their desk before flopping onto the bed next to them. “You’re far more important. Plus I have very special dream plans for us too, and didn’t want to use up too much of my magic~.”

Sunshine lights up at the mention of dreams. “Well now I’m intrigued as well as honoured.”

He grins at their excitement, tapping his side as he lays out on the bed. “Come here baby, and I can show you.”

They don’t need telling twice as they dive under the covers to snuggle close to his side. His body heat is a pleasant contrast to the cool temperament of their bedroom. The quiet settles around them, and Sunshine already feels themselves drifting off. Whether it was Elliott’s magic or not they didn’t care, relishing his company and feeling their heart swell almost overwhelmingly with love.

“Thank you Elliott. I love you.” They murmur against him.

“I love you too.” He whispers back, kissing their forehead. “Now try and go back to sleep, I’ve disturbed you enough.”

‘I didn’t need a wish.’ They think to themselves as they cuddle closer to him, burying their face in his chest. ‘I’ve got everything I want right here.’

Chapter Text

“Do it again.” Sweetheart insists, staring intensely at the pack of cards in Angel’s hands, transfixed.

“You know it's not real magic right?” Angel snorts, shuffling the cards again. 

“Yes.” Sweetheart side eyes them, for their sass, “but I want to know how you did it.”

Angel snorts at their focused expression. “Again, I can just tell you. When I told you I wanted to practice my magic for my cousin’s party, I didn't think you'd get so invested.”

“If you tell me, then the cards win.” Sweetheart says, completely seriously. “Now do it again, I can do this.”

“Alright, prepare to be amazed yet again!” Angel pulls out two decks of cards proudly and hands them both to Sweetheart. “As before, take a good look, they're both normal decks.”

Sweetheart examines the decks thoroughly, much to Angel’s amusement. They hand them back with a reluctant nod to continue.

“Okay now follow my lead, just shuffle as I do.”

Two minutes later Sweetheart is staring at two identical cards, one they had selected and memorised and one that Angel had somehow perfectly predicted yet again.

“I give up!” Sweetheart throws up their hands exasperated. “Just tell me.”

“Nope.” Angel grins wickedly at them, popping the p with a nefarious expression.

Sweethearts eyes narrow, “oh no, what do you mean nope?”

“I mean you'll have to think about it. I gave you your chance, investigator.” Angel snickers, relishing the betrayal on their face. 

Just then, Milo comes back in with David; the two dressed up and ready for the double date. 

“...What the fuck did you do to my stealth, mini alpha?” Milo asks bemused, looking over at his very stressed mate staring holes into two playing cards before them on the table.

“I showed them magic and it broke their mind!” Angel beams proudly.

David nods sagely to Sweetheart, “the copy along trick?”

Sweetheart whips around, “do you know what it is? How do they do it? Tell me all their secrets.”

“I don't need to.” He scoffs, “I'm the alpha of the Shaw Pack, one of, if not the most influential shifter packs in Dahlia. Some unempowered ‘magic’ tricks are unnecessary for my skill set-”

“You couldn't figure it out and they wouldn't tell you either.” Sweetheart clocks instantly.

“It just doesn't make sense.” He curses, rubbing his forehead while Angel cackles maniacally in the background. “I checked the decks myself.”

“Never question me! The mighty wizard of the Shaw Pack! One of- nay the most powerful pack in all of Dahlia that has fallen to it's knees before m-” they're cut off when they turn around dramatically mid mock and slam into a wall.

Milo quickly moves to check they're okay, and they wave him off - not hurt, aside from a small ego bruising. “I am fine! The great wizard still wins.”

“Sure whatever you say oh great wizard.” Milo rolls his eyes. “Come on you lot we've gotta go. You can cry over some card tricks later.”

“He'll soon see.” David whispers to Sweetheart, “those tricks are not natural, we'll figure it out.”

“Yes we will.” Sweetheart nods, “or we'll google it.”

Chapter Text

Hush watches from Doc’s window onto the streets below, utterly enthralled by the flocks of people in costume parading the streets. He tilts his head as he examines each one. Sometimes there were themes in groups, but other than that there seemed to be very little semblance of cohesion. Not even those in the most basic of costumes shared very few common similarities. His tail swishes curiously behind him as he people watches, a habit Doc has taken great amusement in watching.

“Do you not partake in halloween celebrations Doc?” Hush asks, interrupting their reverie.

“Mm not anymore, I don't really have anyone to celebrate with and it was never something I did much growing up.” Doc admits.

Hush considers this, tilting his head. “You have me now though. Maybe we could celebrate - just me and you. Is that common for the holiday?”

“It's not unheard of.” Doc shrugs, “but not so common. I don't know anywhere we'll be able to costumes this late though.”

“Do you remember we can both use magic?” Hush asks, looking slightly concerned. “Your core is a freelancer one, it is capable of conjuring matter. I can heal you if you need me to?” He holds up his hands, golden energy beginning to fill his palms.

Doc has to stifle a laugh at his worried expression, he looks so sincere and distressed that they can't help but cup his face, pressing a kiss to his forehead. He makes a happy chirping sound as they do, leaning into their touch. “I remember Hush, don't worry. I um…” they pause, a little embarrassed. “I'm not very good at it though.”

“That's okay, I'm more than able to assist.” Hush looks relieved and moves and sits cross legged on the floor. “But I cannot cast magic as you are able to, I will merely have to do it for you. Do you have a preference?”

"Not really?" Doc scratches the back of their neck as they think. “What about you? Do you have one you’ve seen today that you'd like?” Doc settles on the sofa opposite him.

Hush considers for a moment; then there's a weird vacuum sensation that always accompanies his magic, and Doc blinks twice as they take in the cat ears now perched on his head.

“I like the animal ears some of them are wearing.” He muses. “Cats seemed the most common choice.”

Doc can't hold back their amusement, “just the ears? Not the whole transformation?” They tease.

“Well most people only have the ears. They seem to wear normal clothes with them so I'm not sure what you mean, but I can do this-” there’s another woosh of his magic and a small black cat looks up at Doc with huge silver eyes.

“Oh.” Doc softens at the new tiny form before them. “You look adorable.”

“Thank you.” Hush nods austerely, padding over to sit by their side, “I am not sure if this counts as a costume though.”

The image of this cat speaking with Hush’s voice was mildly disconcerting, but something that Doc is beginning to get used to. Already since they had first met Hush, his appearance had been adjusted; taking on various traits and characteristics from things he’s seen and liked. Doc was a fan of how he kept increasing the length of his hair every time he came round - they would admire it so much that they suspected it was the reason he kept adjusting it.

“People normally stick to just the ears like you said.” Doc says, gently petting his head. “And Covert means people are usually more subtle about it. I think… I hope.”

“Most cats I have spoken to have said the ears they’ve seen humans wear seem ineffective.” Hush’s eyes drift shut sleepily as they scratch the perfect spot behind his ears.

Doc pauses their petting, “...You’ve spoken to cats?” 

“You haven't?” Hush opens a sleepy eye, curious.

“Most people can't do that unless they're cat shifters who study linguistics.”

“Oh. I was wondering why what little literature humans had available on it was so fantastical.” Hush transforms back to his usual form with a slightly glum expression.

He looks up at Doc, reaching for their hand to resume the petting of his hair. “Am I still adorable?” 

“You are very cute and handsome.” Doc murmurs, kissing his forehead, allowing him to guide their hand. “I like how you look, and I like talking to you. I’m glad you’re here.”

“I like your current form and company too Doc.” Hush whispers with a small smile. “Very much.”

Chapter Text

“Fuck!” Lovely curses as the bulb flickers out yet again. “Come on, come on, come on!” 

Ever since Porter and Treasure had come for dinner and they’d been able to turn out the lights, they'd been working on being able to form an output. They have a clear goal - turn on the lightbulb and hold it. Vincent hadn't seen them turn off the lights since before the Inversion, and Lovely wanted something tangible to impress him with. 

Their electro-energy had felt like the one thing granting them agency in their life; it was theirs, it had made them special. It was something they were good at that very few people were and when it was taken away they were back to being average. And then vampirism had come with its own challenges, and they’d really struggled being surrounded by so many established vampires. They'd broken down one night in Vincent's arms confessing their insecurities to him; but this was something different, something tangible that they could connect to. It was their magic. Proof they could, just once, get something back that had been taken from them.

They focus all of their energy again, ignoring the tug of fatigue at their nerves and the fraying sensation of their magical tether. They charge up as much as they can bear to wait, firing at the bulb only for it to not even flicker this time.

“Damnit.” They sink to the ground, exhausted. Their eyes burn and they press their palms into their eyes to try and stop the flow of tears threatening to overspill. 

“...Lovely?” Vincent's voice is quiet; an edge of panic that hasn't really gone away since he’d first found them bleeding out under Wonderworld. They hadn't even heard him come in, and don't even have the energy to pretend to be okay - not that they could lie to him if they wanted to.

Wordlessly they reach for him, feeling so pathetic and small on the floor. He immediately drops the grocery bags and goes to them, wrapping them up tightly in his arms. They bury their face in his chest, finally letting the tears free, sobbing against him. 

“I was so close.” They ball their fists in his shirt, magic still crackling weakly under their skin. “I- It’s too much, and not enough. I c-can’t-”

“Hey hey.” He shushes them gently, “deep breaths for me baby. God, your core’s going crazy, what have you been doing?”

They push closer to him, reaching out for him in every aspect they can, not realising how close they’re getting.

“Lovely, your core… Do you want me in?” He asks softly, leaning back to tilt their chin up, searching their eyes for confirmation.

They pull back a little, giving him the space too and considering. After a moment they nod. “Yes please, but only if you’re okay with it. I’m a mess so it’s okay if not. Just you here is enough.”

“I can handle it, I have the space.” He reassures them, and holding their hand tightly reaches out for them again with his core, exhaling deeply.

Once the bridge is established it takes a while to sort through the cacophony inside Lovely’s head. But feeling him by their side, and breathing alongside their boyfriend does wonders, and it finally begins to clear a little. Once the pair settle into the connection, the presence of each others’ core lights up within them. 

‘I’ll never get tired of feeling your core like this Lovely. This is… amazing.’ Vincent’s voice echoes in their head; in awe as he feels up close now the electric thrum of Lovely's core, subdued though it is, beating through his veins in sync with their heartbeat. 

In turn Lovely is blown away by the strength of his vampiric core. The strength that only comes with vampiric age, brings a buzz to their muscles that makes them want to run. It’s empowering and his past words echo in their mind from when he first bit them. “This strength is yours.”

Slowly Vincent takes the steps with them, each moment and thread of magic handled with care. They feel a crackle under their fingertips, allowing it to build up gradually until finally releasing it towards the lightbulb. They open their eyes to a blindly bright bulb, shining through the darkness of their living room. 

‘You did it!’ Vincent’s voice in their head overlaps with his own in the real world and they feel the bridge between them carefully melt away.

“I did it.” They whisper in disbelief, before it becomes a shriek, “Vincent! I did it!” They tackle him in a hug laughing as he spins them around.

“You did it Lovely! Oh I'm so proud of you!” Vincent cheers, holding them tight.

They look at Vincent beaming only to burst into laughter at his hair sticking up on end from the build up of static. His questions of what was funny are cut off by them kissing him passionately.

They pull back and feel tears start to roll down their cheeks again. “I did it. I really did it. I'm not useless.”

“Oh baby you're not useless, you're never useless.” Vincent cups their face. “Powers or not, you are the most wonderful and talented person I know. You are not defined by what you can provide. And you know that’s true because I can't lie to you.” He grins.

“Thank you Vincent.” They sniffle, laughing damply as they wipe the tears away.

He replaces their hand, wiping away their tears delicately, mischievous glint in his eye. “You know I'd always felt a spark between us.”

“Oh my god Vincent.” They groan, unable to repress their smile at his pun, dropping their head onto his chest.

“It proves that our love truly is electric.” He whispers the last word in their ear and they snort.

“Shut up.” They pretend to groan, pulling him into another kiss, smiling against his lips while he chuckles and wraps his arms around their waist to pull them closer.

“You love my puns.”

“Mmm, Jury's still out.” They start covering his face in kisses. Tracing the slope of his nose up to his eyebrows, reverent even now of the man they love.

“You doooo, because you love me.”

“That I do. I love you very very much Vincent.” They beam. “And I love your ridiculous puns more than anything, please never stop.”

He flushes at the affection before literally sweeping them off their feet into his arms. “Come on, we’re getting you rest and pampering.”

“Wait Vincent the food-”

“Is not as delicious as you baby.” He winks. “And I will cook for you after a nap.”

“- will go bad if we don't put it in the fridge, you dork.”

“Oh shit yeah.” Placing them gently on the sofa he dashes through the kitchen clearing up all the bags. 

“Don’t ask me where anything is, but it is all refrigerated. Now let’s go!” He picks them up again, running up to the bedroom.

Chapter Text

The streets are pleasantly quiet as Avior and Starlight walk together in the late evening air. Their meandering path had led them to the park, where Starlight was happily naming every species of flora they’d come across. Avior listened raptly the whole time, relishing the opportunity to listen to them talk; Elegy seemed like a whole new world through their eyes, and just like in hell, he was learning to fall in love with it through Starlight’s vibrant curiosity. 

Just as Starlight is gushing over a Mentzelia lindleyi flower, Avior feels the first few drops of rain. 

“As much as I love these facts Starlight, we should head out my love.” He offers his hand to them.

“Do we have to?” Starlight pouts but gladly takes their hand. “I was hoping to find some trees to show you.”

“Next time, I promise.” He murmurs. “After all, we have all the time in the world now.” 

They smile and kiss him sweetly. The pair stare at each other for a moment before a raindrop falls onto Starlight’s eye and they recoil. “Ack no you're right let's go.”

As they reach the entrance to the park, the rain begins to worsen with the telltale signs of a thunderstorm. 

“Oh no.” Avior holds out a hand looking quite frustrated with the sudden downpour. “This was not forecasted by the human you made us look up.” He huffs, summoning an umbrella, holding it over their head without a second thought.

“Surely rain doesn't affect you that much?” They ask amused, looping their arm through his and snuggling closer under the umbrella.

“Well yes but I'm concerned for your wellbeing Starlight.” He puts a hand to their forehead. “Can't have you getting sick.” He frowns.

“Ooh look!” Starlight is distracted by a warm orange glow in the distance. “It's the cafe! The one I told you about, let’s go!”

They begin dragging him along the path, and as much as he wants to just go home, the sight of their bright face lit up by the soft light ahead is something he wouldn't trade for anything.

Stepping inside, Avior is taken off guard at how calm it is. The walls are covered in fairy lights and cat themed decor. There’s an assortment of nice smelling baked goods mixing with the bitterness of coffee creating a pleasant aroma. A rather large cat is nestled in a basket at the till, purring happily along with the rainfall.

“Huh. It is rather cozy with the rain.” He remarks to himself, peering out the tall windows.

“See? I'm often right, you should listen to me more.” They tease, elbowing his side lightly, gesturing to the grey cat. “Here, this is Captain Sparkles, he’s a little grumpy but once he warms up to you he’s the sweetest - much like someone else I know.” They wink, pressing a kiss to his cheek.

“Is there a cat that asks incessant questions?” He retorts, no venom in his voice. “Do you want a snack since we’re here?”

They nod with a beaming smile, and the joy radiating off of them could have fed him for days. The two sat for hours, holding hands in a little window seat, rain running down the window; enjoying much deserved peace.

Chapter Text

Baaabe looks proudly over Asher’s apartment kitchen, laying out all the ingredients they’d brought. “This looks great Ash! This is gonna be fun.”

“Aww I’m glad you’re excited Baaabe!” He reaches behind his back. “And I actually got you a mini gift for it.”

He pulls out two matching aprons decorated in autumn leaves. He watches their expression nervously but they light up. 

“Ash these are amazing thank you!” They tackle him in a hug, “thank you.” They pull back a little flustered. 

“No problem Baaabe.” He shoots them a crooked grin, cheeks burning brightly.

“Okay, where’s your whisk? The recipe says wooden spoon but I always think it tastes so much better if you whisk the butter and sugar.” Baaabe turns to focus on the baking instead, pulling on the apron.

“Uh…” Asher didn’t know how to tell his super hot, brand new partner that when they’d first proposed they bake together that he’d sprinted to David’s to beg for all the equipment mentioned in the recipe. Normally he owned his cooking struggles, but they’d looked so excited and were clearly estimating the oatmeal horror story he’d told as exaggeration, so how could he say no? He’d insisted on baking here because there was already no hope for his and David’s deposit but he senses he may have made a mistake of some kind.

“Daviiiiiiiid!” Asher bangs on David’s bedroom door at 11pm. The alpha groggily opens the door, pulling on a shirt and looking unimpressed. 

“What?” He grumbles, eyes half open.

“I need your cooking stuff.”

“No.” David starts closing his bedroom door again.

Asher grabs the door and holds it open, “Waaaait wait wait wait no David stop please. Jesus you are strong.” 

David reluctantly allows him to open his door again. “ I still need to get a new fire extinguisher after the last time I let you do anything even close to cooking in the kitchen.”

“But it’s an emergency! Look!” He shoves his phone in David’s face at full brightness who recoils, slapping his hand out the way.

“Blinding me with your phone is not helping your case.”

“Okay sorry, but my partner wants to bake cookies together as a cute date and I don’t wanna ruin their apartment on our third date!”

“And our apartment is fine to destroy?” The alpha snarks.

“David buddy, we’re not getting the deposit back regardless.” Asher says gravely before switching back to pleading. “Please! I’ll do anything!”

“Dishes, for two weeks.” David says immediately.

Asher gulps but accepts holding out his hand, “fine, deal.”

David blinks twice in shock. “That’s it? No fighting it?”

“I really like them David. They’re worth it.” He insists.

The alpha looks him up and down before shaking his hand. “Try not to burn the apartment down Ash.”

Asher desperately crawls through the cupboards searching for where David could have possibly left his whisk. He’d seen him use it the other day for some kind of fancy sauce.

“Sorry Baaabe I can't find it.” He offers sheepishly. 

“No worries!” They look a little thrown but then an idea strikes them. “Oh! We could use a fork! Which ones are yours? I don't want to steal your roommate’s stuff.”

Asher side eyes the laid out equipment that David had helped him find this morning with stern instructions to ‘Not ruin all of it, if he can help it.’

“I'm sure he won't mind even if you did.” He laughs, pulling out a fork. “Let's get baking Baaabe!”

Chapter Text

“Heya Sunshine.” Elliott’s smiling face greets them as they wake into the dream. “Fancy seeing you here.”

They snort affectionately, kissing his cheek, “yeah wild I know.”

“Don't laugh at my terrible jokes!” He laughs, catching their hand and pulling them close. “They're one of the reasons you love me, remember?”

“Yes they are, doesn't make them any less terrible.” They wrap their arms around his waist. “I thought you were meant to laugh at jokes anyway?”

“Not in a derivative way Sunshine, in a wow my boyfriend is so talented and funny way actually.” 

“Ohhh of course.” They nod with mock seriousness. “Very funny, oh talented boyfriend of mine. Ha ha ha.”

He laughs at their deadpan. “You tease but I'll take it.” He kisses them deeply and Sunshine melts into it, smiling against his lips.

“So what important business was I called here for while on my trip?” They quirk an eyebrow, sitting on the conveniently placed large armchair that materialised in the white void they're currently in. “Thank you for the seat.”

“You're welcome, it fits two.” Elliott grins and sits next to them, cuddling in close. “And I need help with music for my campaign.”

“And you missed me?”

“And I missed you. A lot.” He admits, resting his head on their shoulder. “You should be used to that by now.”

“I missed you too hun.” Sunshine breathes him in for a moment. “You know I’m always happy to see you.”

He smiles before turning to face “Okay! So imagine you’re facing off against an evil king’s army - do you prefer track one or two?”

The chair the two are sitting in is suddenly in the middle of a cobbled town square, before them is a squadron of the evil king’s guard, lining the streets and covering every exit. An intimidating general dressed in sharp, sleek armour astride a tall brown mare; red robes underneath the metal flutter in the slight breeze as she draws her greatsword and points it at the plush armchair the couple are lounging in.

In the background there’s an orchestral accompaniment swelling, whipping up adrenaline as it crescendos. Suddenly it pauses and Elliott holds up his finger.

“That was one, this song is two.”

The scene resets with the general unsheathing her sword once more, but this time as she points it at Sunshine, it’s a low percussion that slowly builds in the background, far fewer instruments and much more intimidating.

“Two definitely.” They decide and Elliott nods in agreement.

“Good choice baby. Okay! Next!”

The scene wipes away and now they’re placed in burnt and ashen fields. A figure stands before them once more but this time they’re alone. The young man before them sniffles, clutching a crumpled picture in his hand of a parent holding a baby. “Is it really you?”

“Reunited with your long lost child as an adult now after years apart!” Elliott declares far too cheerfully. “You gotta choose one or two for me Sunshine.”

“I feel like I’m getting my eyes tested.” Sunshine snorts. “Play the tracks maestro.”

The first people of music is a flute mournfully singing a melody alone but then a harp begins to mirror the melody and the two join together in harmony, and Sunshine feels themselves tear up.

“That’s a beautiful piece. I like that one.” They whisper.

He smiles softly, wiping the tear away gently. “Better than this one?”

The duet fades and is replaced by a single cello, humming the same melody as the first piece but much lower and slowed down.

“I think the first one.” They can’t take their eyes off the young man in front of them as he stares imploringly at them.

“Last one Sunshine.” Elliott murmurs, gently wiping the sad scene away and holds up his hands theatrically to present the final one. “Tavern!”

The imagery changes to the outside of a worn down old building with a large sign in front that just reads ‘Tavern’.

“What?” Sunshine giggles, turning to face him.

He smiles knowingly, gasping with mock confusion. “What? You don’t like Tavern?”

“Trust me I love it and I’m sure it’s the greatest tavern ever… But, there's no backstory or anything like that? No fancy name with puns in it?”

“Well not yet! This is a backup tavern in case my players are desperate for an extra one.”

Sunshine smirks mischievously. “I’ll allow it - only if you make it a necromancy tavern so everyone there is secretly a skeleton.”

“Oh you’ll allow me will you? Why do I sense there’s a catch?” Elliott eyes them suspiciously.

“All music has to be played on a glockenspiel.” They can hardly hold back their laughter at his resigned expression. “Or spooky scary skeletons.”

He sighs with a laugh. “You’re lucky I love you. That is unfortunately brilliant and absolutely has to go in.”

“I have another scenario suggestion if you’ll indulge me?” They stand up, holding out a hand to him. “What about a romantic slow dance between two lovers reunited from adventures far and trying?” 

He takes it, face lighting up, soft music begins to play. “This one I already know. This song always makes me think of you.” He murmurs, brushing some dust off their clothes that have magically melted away to become their mage outfit from past dnd centric dreams. “I believe the crown prince should lead.” He bows deeply, crown miraculously staying on his head.

“Very well your highne- woahh!” They’re whisked off their feet as he begins dancing right away, lifting them up in a twirl. “Oh wow, starting right away.”

“Yup, keep up Sunshine, we'll be dancing all night long.” He winks, allowing the ballroom to form around them.

Chapter Text

“Come on Blake!” Bestie pulls him by the hand through the campus. They're much more vibrant after he's stayed over at their apartment the last few nights, helping ensure they get some proper sleep. “Get out of your head and live a little!”

The theme park is crowded and noisy, but Blake can hardly focus on that as he trails after Bestie like a love struck puppy. His eyes dart around the stalls and rides, running the scenarios in his head.

“Let's get toffee apples?” He asks, pointing to a sweet smelling stall just off the entrance.

They wrinkle their nose, “no thanks, too sweet. You can if you want though.”

No. Wrong, try again.

“Wanna get pretzels?” He asks, pointing to a bright red stall a little further down from the entrance.

“Are you asking me or do you want them?” They laugh, dropping his hand and nudging his ribs teasingly. “But absolutely, I love the cinnamon sugar ones.”

Better, but not perfect. Try again.

“Come on, we're getting pretzels.” He gestures to the stand in question with a grin, pulling them behind them.

He notices them bite their lip as they follow after him, letting him take the lead for once.

Good. Keep that. What's the next step to perfection?

They reach the stall and the woman greets them both kindly with a smile. Blake pays immediately, rebuffing their attempts to smuggle the cash over first. It's all going perfectly, until just as she's handing the pretzels over, a child on a scooter barrels into the stall, knocking the food to the ground.

Blake groans internally, wrong again. That stupid boy seems like a threat to the whole right side of the wall of stalls in most scenarios, so he turns his gaze to the left instead.

“Come on, we're getting crepes .” He gestures to the stand in question with a grin, pulling them behind them.

He notices them bite their lip as they follow after him, letting him take the lead.

They reach the stall and the man greets them both politely with a smile. Blake pays immediately, rebuffing their attempts and-

“Hello? Earth to Blake? Come in Blake?” Someone's speaking. Bestie is looking at him concerned. “You spaced out on me there.”

Blake blinks focusing back on them. They’re holding two donuts: cookies and cream and a regular sugar ring one. 

He looks between them. “Did you… get us donuts?”

“You mentioned the sugar ring ones were your favourites, so I grabbed you one!” They lower the donuts, still looking worried. “Are you sure you're okay?

“Yeah, of course.” He forces his shoulders to relax, taking his donut from them. “Just lost in thought. About... life?”

“Well stay here.” They boop his nose, with a slightly shy smile. “I like you here with me, instead of all up in your head.”

Blake looks at them like they're the sun at this moment. The bright summer's day illuminating their smile sends his heart into overdrive, and he can't help but get lost in the details. He would do anything to keep them exactly like this; smiling and spending the day with only him. He could protect them, keep everything going smoothly. They'd never want the day to end, never want to leave his side.

“Let's go on the hell twister first!” Bestie points to a looping and twisting monster of a rollercoaster.

Blake is about to agree to anything they say when the vision of the pair of them being sat next to a very unwell man fills his mind. “Absolutely, but let's eat our donuts before we go on anything with too many loops.”

“Ah you're right.” Bestie nods sagely, “you're so smart Blake, this is why you're in charge of planning.”

He laughs, swelling with pride at their compliment and takes their hand - pulling them behind him towards a bench that's got just enough sun to keep warm, but enough shade to not get burnt. He can barely hide his elation as he catches them biting their lip as they follow after him.