#and right around the corner Hunter is doing the same to Luz like

[its-rat-time-babey]

Grimwalkers can easily be identified by their reddish-magenta coloured eyes

Hmmm…

Ok here me out-

[writing-fanics]

⁂ starry eyed ⁂

✦ Hunter X Collector!Reader ✦

[Chapter One: It Takes Time]

next chapter

[a/n: reader is the older sister to the collector, hunter maybe out of character but even if he is it makes for great moments here]

Everyone is seated at the dining room table, and Camila looks at everyone as she takes in everything she's just heard. "Okay, so in the Demon Realm, you fought the evil Emperor Belos who turned into a monster..." She says, looking at everyone.

"Well, he started out human." Gus added, "Right, but he was defeated by a newer, smaller bad guy?" She asked, still taking it all in. She never expected such a world and things to actually exist.

"The Collector." Willow said, and [Y/n] could feel everyone looking at her when she said that, so she brought her knees to her chest. Placing the hood on her robe over her head, hiding her face from everyone.

"We don't know what he is or how Belos found him," Willow added, looking over at Camila. Luz looked up panicked, "Who knows if we'll ever figure that out?! But they're creating a lot of chaos." Luz says, panicked. "We have to do whatever it takes to get back," Amity says, placing her hand on Luz's shoulder.

Camila looks at them, "And you will. But for now, you should all rest. You're all safe here." She says, to them and [Y/n] just keeps her head down. She felt unease in the house as if she didn't belong like no one wanted her here knowing she too is a collector.

It was while everyone was settling down, she went outside and to the side of the house. She sniffled, as hugged her knees to her chest. She didn’t blame them for not trusting her. Why should they? She’s a collector they’ve seen firsthand what her younger sibling is capable of, what they’re capable of being collectors, yet, why does it hurt so much? Is she trying too hard? Not trying hard enough? What is she doing wrong? Is she the problem?

Tears brimmed her eyes, as she stared at the ground. Hugging her knees tighter as her mind wandered. “Maybe, I don’t deserve their trust.” She mumbled, sniffling as she stared at the ground. Watching, as a single butterfly landed on the grass in front of her.

“You okay?” A voice asked, from around the corner of the house. She quickly, wiped away her tears and turned towards the voice, Hunter. She stayed silent, hugging her knees to her chest and turning her head away from him.

He sat down next to her, “Having, trouble making friends Huh?” He asked, and stayed quiet but he could hear her faintly mumble something into her knees.

“I had trouble too.” He said, looking at the ground he could’ve sworn he noticed her looking at him then, looking back towards the ground.

“At the time I never interacted with anyone the same age as me.” He said, and she slowly turned to look at him. “Making, I struggled a lot it took time for me to let them in and open up.” He said, just as a little cardinal landed on his lap.

She turned to look towards the bird, “But, if it wasn’t for Flapjack here.” He said, gently petting the bird. “I wouldn’t have the friends I have now.” He said, and she looked at him slowly lifting her head.

“Even with Flapjack, it still took time and even still I messed up sometimes. But eventually,” He said, as Flapjack flew towards her and landed on her lap.

Chirping at her she smiled, and gently petted the small bird. “You’ll have friends that’ll stick with you forever.” He said, and she turned towards him smiling softly.

“So, it just takes time?” She asked, and he nodded she smiled softly looking at him.

“Time..” She whispered, she’s been around for centuries probably even longer. Leaning her head against the side of the house, “I’ve been around for centuries, and yet not once, has anyone wanted to be my friend.” She said, looking at him and he looks at her sadly.

She turned her head towards him and smiled, "Thanks, Hunter." She said, and he smiled back at her. She watched as he got onto his feet and reached out his hand for her to take. She bit the corner of her lip and took his hand. Standing to her feet, tripping slightly but being caught by Hunter. Her heart skipped, a beat as she looked up at him her cheeks turning a slight tint of red. Before standing back up and smiling, he leads her back inside the Noceda household.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

For [Y/n], it took her a while to finally befriend everyone. But eventually, they trusted her and realized she was different than her younger sibling. When that day came [Y/n] smiled.

[Y/n]'s eyes widened as she stared at herself in the mirror. Her hands gripped the new clothes on her body, every bit of it an extension of herself and a hint towards her title as a collector. the mixture of light and dark purples, with hints of white, and black.

She opened the door, smiling cheerfully, with a toothy grin. Camila smiled softly, seeing everyone in clothes that suited them. [Y/n] noticed, Hunter wearing a costume matching Flapjack and she couldn't help but smile. Seeing how adorable he looked in the costume.

wait? did she just call Hunter adorable?! her cheeks turned a slight tint of red.

[Y/n] was walking down the hallway toward Luz's bedroom, when she walked passed the bathroom. Looked down, and noticed strands of blonde hair on the ground. Curious she opened the door, wondering what was going on. She froze for a moment seeing a flustered Hunter, struggling to cut his hair.

Sweat ran down his cheeks as he turned to look at her. His eyes widened when seeing her standing in the doorframe. She smiled, at him and told him to sit on the toilet so she could help him. She picked up the scissors and took a few strands of hair, and started cutting. Hunter, had a blush on his face the entire time as she helped him cut his hair.

Hunter placed the jumper cable onto the door knob of the abandoned house. He turned back towards his friends, giving them the thumbs up. While, Gus, Amity, Willow, and Hunter's palismen. Where hamster wheels help charge, and hopefully create a portal to get back home.

Once, the signal was given they started running except Gus' palisman. Everyone watched as a portal began to form at the door but eventually exploded and turned into fire completely disintegrating the door. Everyone stared at it in shock and sadness. Gus ran over waving a fire extinguisher but Vee came up behind him. Taking it out of his hand, squeezing the nozzle aiming it at the fire, and extinguishing it. Luz looked down devastated that it didn't work.

[Y/n] eyes sparkled with wonder as she stared at the rain. Reaching her hand out to touch the droplets that fell from the sky, she chuckled softly, feeling one land in the palm of her hand. She had seen rain before but it was always deadly kind. Just as she was about to step outside. Hunter appeared beside her shaking his head, as he looked outside at the rain curiously.

Until Gus appeared behind knocking him down into the mud. [Y/n] had fallen as well landing on Hunter's waist, her cheeks turned red. As she looked towards him, but snickered seeing his entire head covered in mud the snail added an extra touch.

Willow smiled, seeing her friends having fun for once finally able to have a breather, despite the situation they were in. Camila stood beside her and handed her a Polaroid camera to take a picture of the moment, and she did.

. °•★|•°∵ ∵°•|☆•° .* Next Night . °•★|•°∵ ∵°•|☆•° .*

[Y/n] brought her knees to her chest, as she looked up at the stars in the sky. She missed, her home among the stars. She couldn't stand her younger sibling and what he was doing to the Boiling Isle. All because he wanted to play a game? But she'll never forgive their older siblings the archivists for what they did to her.

"I'll never forgive them for what they did?" She mumbled, into her knees. "Aren't you cold?" a voice asked, and she turned around and noticed, Hunter, walking out with a blanket and holding two cups of hot chocolate.

"Camila, saw you sitting outside and wondered if you were cold." He said, and she smiled softly as he walked over towards her. Handing her the mug, and her eyes sparkled looking at the warm contents in the mug. Seeing, the white marshmallows floating at the top.

"Thanks," She said, and he looked away slightly his cheeks turning red. He then placed, the blanket down beside her and was about to walk back inside, before she stopped him. "Hey, wanna stargaze with me?" She asked, sheepishly she could've sworn her voice cracked slightly. Why is her heart racing all of a sudden? Why did it feel like butterflies were in her stomach?

"U-um, sure." He said, cheeks bright red as he turned and walked back towards her, sitting down beside her. Taking a sip of the hot chocolate. "Surprisingly, your constellations in the Boiling Isles, are quite the same as the ones in the human realm." She said, smiling looking at him. Despite the fact that her heart was pounding against her chest rapidly.

She brought the mug to her lips, took a sip and her eyes sparkled. At how delicious it tasted, Hunter couldn't help but smile seeing this. "Oh, see that one ursa major and ursa minor?" she asked, looking at him as she pointed up at the night sky. "That's in the boiling isles as well," she said, smiling.

Her cheeks, went red revealing she accidentally placed her hand over his hand. She wanted to disappear back into the stars at this moment, both hunter and her locked eyes for a moment. Before looking away from each other embarrassed. "Um, so ah, whats It like being a collector?" He asked, and she looked at him and shrugged her shoulders.

"It's ah, okay, i guess. If you like being alone forever not having any friends and if you do, watchingthemdiecauseyourbasicallyan immortalbeing." She rambled, and he looked at her and she stopped for a moment and looked at him. "Sorry, that's the one thing I know I'll have to live with." She said, looking down.

"Watching the ones you love fade away with time?" He asked, and she nodded sadly. "Well, that's a long way away so you don't have to worry about that." He said, and she shook her head, "100 years is a blink in an eye for me." She said, looking into the cup of hot chocolate.

"I don't wanna be alone again," She said, tears brimming her eyes, and he knew that one day she'd still be alive and he, Luz, Willow, will all be gone. She wouldn't have anyone else to call her friend. Hunter placed the mug onto the grass and held up his pinkie finger. "What're you doing?" She asked, and he smiled looking at her, "I promise, that I'll stay with you for as long as I can." He said, blushing as he looked at her and she stared at him in shock.

"You making a promise with a collector huh?" She said, smiling mischievously, "I accept," She said, blushing as she wrapped her pinkie around his. Pulling away, she wrapped the blanket around them both blushing profusely, as they looked up at the stars. Hunter hesitantly leans his head onto her shoulder and her heart skips a beat. She smiles, and continues to tell him about the stars, and what it was like for her living amongst them.

End Chapter [Part One]

taglist

@supernerdycookietrashblr

[avatarmerida]

Mistletoe Kisses

You know I had to write something for huntlow week! This started as a little Drabble inspired by this art by @dazeddoodles and I didn’t think it fit a prompt but I think it could fit Nerds/Nature if you don’t mind it being a day late lol anyway!!! Here!!! It’s holiday fluff!!

———

“Hey Willow!” Hunter called out as the plant witch entered his sight, as she was completing setting up a small wooden booth. She waved back and her wide smile made Hunter instinctively teleport over to her, eager to see her sooner. He knew that he needed to try better to hide his magic while they were on the human realm side, but happiness seemed to be the one emotional trigger that leapt beyond his control. Willow said nothing, secretly delighted in the gesture, and besides no one was around to see him anyway.

“Hey yourself!” She replied with a giggle as she quickly applied a piece of tape to a piece of pine bough. The tape was just for show as she had summoned the pine and was certain it was secure, but she liked the homemade human charm it added. Camila had helped her dig up Luz’s old lemonade stand and Willow had spruced it up with festive decorations of green and red, lining the corners with tinsel and small twinkle lights. She gladly took a break from her decorating to properly greet him with a tight hug.

“Camila said you might need this,” he said when she set him down and reached into his backpack to hand her a large black magic marker.

“Oh, perfect!” Willow said in delight as she took it from him. “You’re the best!”

“Yeah, you are I mean yeah, I-I mean heh, what?”

“Thanks!” Willow giggled again and went to work. Hunter watched as she carefully mapped out where to place her letters, making them bold and gentle, spacing and curling them as though her words themselves were vines.

He especially loved the way she scrunched her nose when she focused, trying to keep her glasses from sliding down the bridge of her nose.

“So what do you think?” She asked, gesturing to the booth as she went back to outline her words again to ensure they could be read from a distance.

“Impressive,” he mused, admiring her attention to detail. “So what’s all this for, anyway?” Hunter asked, only knowing Willow had a secret project that had kept her busy the last week after practice. She was obviously excited about it, which he was happy to see, but it meant he saw less of her which he was less happy about.

“I’m doing a little fundraiser for the Entrails, to help us get the new uniforms sooner!” She said as she successfully completed her last letter with a flourish.

“Excellent initiative captain, but why here and not in the demon realm?” Hunter asked as he helped her pick up the sign steady it as she hammered in the nail. Magic would be faster, but there was too high a chance they’d be spotted. Willow held back a smile when she observed he didn’t even have to ask if she needed help (it was more a benefit of his height than her need for extra strength), he was just a natural team player.

“This time of year people pay alot of snai- dollars? for seasonal themed items. Plus the conversation rate favors human realm money right now so I can make double!”

As the sign was hung, Willow noticed he was wearing the mittens she had made for him. She was not a gifted knitter but Luz had shown her a video of a girl teaching how to make mittens that looked like cardinals and Willow knew there was no one more deserving. Her creation was lopsided and the mittens were not the same sizes but Hunter wore them with care (he had to, they were at constant risk for unraveling) and pride. She knew he wasn’t wearing them for her sake to try and spare her feelings, but he considered them treasures. So often he’d forget to put on his coat or other appropriate weather attire but the mittens were never forgotten.

“Very smart,” said Hunter, impressed. “So what are you selling? I’m assuming the current temperature isn’t ideal for lemonade.”

“Yeah, it’s not ideal,” she giggled. “No, I’m selling mistletoe kisses.”

“I see, so do you need any- wait…” her words finally caught up with him, and his ears visibly perked as they did. “D-did you say mistletoe… kisses?”

“Uh-huh,” said Willow with a nod as she organized things behind her little counter. “They’re very popular this time of year.”

Hunter cleared his throat as he read the sign and confirmed he had not misheard her. “A-and you’re only charging $10 for them?”

“Yeah, but I only have 30 so it’s first come, first serve.” She replied, as she casually applied lip balm to her chapped lips, the cold beginning to make her whole face feel dry. Hunter couldn’t help but notice the subtle gloss it added to her lips which she had decorated with a seasonally appropriate red pigment that seemed to momentarily hypnotize the poor boy beside her.

“Right, right,” said Hunter, trying to hide the lump in his throat. “I uh I-I have to grab something from Camila’s and I’ll be right back to help you finish setting up okay?”

“Sounds good!” She said. “But if you-.”

But before she could finish, he had already teleported away. Whatever he needed was clearly urgent.

-

“Hey Willow!” She heard Hunter grunt from behind her as she cleaned her glasses, she could tell by the strain he was carrying something. She wasn’t surprised; Hunter loved a good project. Clover nudged her, teasing her about the small blush that hearing him say her name inspired, and she shooed the pesty paliman away before greeting her friend’s return.

“Welcome back!” She called as she removed the final smudge.

“Sold any yet?”

“Not yet, but I just opened!” She said as she placed her golden frames back on her face.

“Well then, let me be your first customer!”

“Awh Hunter that’s so sweet of you, but you’re on the team too so the money-.”

But as Willow turned to see him, she was cut off by Hunter placing a comically huge sack of coins on the table that rang with an equally large clunk. She looked down at it for a moment and then back up at the boy who had brought them, whose face did not signify it was part of a joke or anything out of the ordinary. She removed her glasses and wiped them once more just to be sure she wasn’t seeing things.

But it was no illusion or trick of the light.

“Uh, Hunter,” she started gently. “Where exactly did you get all this money?”

“Uh, ya know�� places.” He cleared his throat, the adrenaline and confusion began to fade as he realIzed how not completely sane he appeared. “I just thought, well, it’s uh kind of cold out here so I worried about you being outside too long just in case the foot traffic was slow and uh… ya know, heh.”

Willow didn’t have to count the collection of change to know it was more than enough for her entire supply, and she knew that Hunter did not do things halfway. If he brought enough for the whole lot well then that’s what he intended to leave with.

“Well okay then,” she chuckled, happy for an excuse to close up early and spend the day with him. “Do you want them all at once?”

“I… ya know, whatever’s easiet for you,” he said, as everything in him tried to keep his voice steady. “I mean, a-all at once works fine for me? It’s great, perfect even! Heh.”

“Do you know where you wanna put them?”

“Uhh where-wherever you think best is fine,” he replied, his voice involuntarily getting higher. He could feel his palms getting sweatier, threatening to send him to the ground as he attempted to casually lean on her table. He quickly moved his hands to his coat pockets. He suddenly felt so warm the coat felt redundant. “Y-you’re the expert after all.”

“Fair enough,” she giggled again as she disappeared for a moment under her makeshift counter. Was she giggling more than usual or was he just paranoid? “Are you gonna need help carrying them?”

“Oh, ya know I… I’m not sure what you mean, actually?”

“I mean, I was keeping them in their own little bags in these boxes but if we each carry one we can get them to your house at the same time,” explained Willow as she brought out a large festive box containing her carefully crafted creations. “I just didn’t know if you were keeping them at Camila’s or Darius’.”

Hunter's eyes widened and darted from the box to her and back to the box again as his mind connected the dots he didn’t realize were there.

“Oh… yeah,” he said, trying to hide his disappointment and embarrassment. “Right, yeah putting the mistletoe I uh I was actually thinking of giving them to… Hooty! Because I mean since he likes them as snacks.”

“You were gonna spend $300 on mistletoe to give to… Hooty?”

“Yes?” Hunter replied, not even believing himself.

“Hmmm,” Willow smiled, growing suspicious. “That’s so sweet; I didn’t realize you two were so close.”

“Oh yeah uh we’re uh, we’re buds,” he said, repeating a word he had only really heard Gus use. That only deepened Willow’s suspicions. She looked at him closer, noticing how flushed he looked now. She knew this look; it was the same way he looked when he tried speaking Spanish and Camila gently corrected him to reveal what he had actually said was completely different or when they had gone ice skating and he has tried showing off and fell on his face trying to do a complex jump he had seen on Luz’s old laptop.

He was embarrassed. But if it was about what she thought it was, then he had no reason to be.

“Hunter, when I said I was selling mistletoe kisses did you think I meant actual kisses?” She asked with a delighted mischievous little smile. He knew that Willow had been elated to learn about how much this human holiday celebrated plants and then the horror that had overtaken her when she learned what mistletoe actually was. He had been her research assistant as she figured out how to cross pollinate it with holly so it was no longer poisonous and lasted longer without water.

He also only just now remembered that she had dubbed the marvel “mistletoe kisses” because that’s what she had originally thought they were called and decided the rebranding was very cute. Hunter sighed, how could he have forgotten that? He remembered thinking her nickname for them was insanely cute. But then again, everything Willow did was cute. Even now as he wished to vanish from the surface of the earth he couldn’t help but think how overwhelmingly cute she looked as she awaited his response, unfazed and unbothered by the stunned expression he surely wore.

“I mean, I guess you could say that’s where my mind went at first…” Hunter said with a nervous chuckle, not realizing he had no reason to be embarrassed as he continued to speak faster and faster. “But now that I say it aloud I know that’s probably pretty silly, huh?”

“It’s not silly,” she assured him. No, silly was not the word that she would use here. Maybe adorable or idealistic or romantic, but it certainly did not make her feel silly.

“You really thought people would pay for a kiss from me?” Willow asked with a wide smile as she leaned forward to rest her chin on her palm. She didn’t say it as though it was a ludicrous thought to have, but rather a wonderful and romantic thought like when he said he first thought snow angels were the beings who made every snowflake unique.

He shrugged as his eyes tried to decide where to land as they sought to avoid her gaze as his mind raced to find the words that would make him seem less foolish. He mumbled something, hoping he seemed nonchalant. In his attempt, he didn’t see her face grow softer and more charmed as her understanding grew.

“And you were gonna buy all of them?” She asked, her tone mystified.

“Well, I i-it’s for a good cause!” He sputtered.

Willow sucked her teeth and mischievously marveled at the dork before her. He didn’t even question they were worth it, that her kisses could fund every expense the Entrails could ever hope to have. Her smile only grew as she examined the payment he had supplied.

“Did you rob a vending machine?” She asked with a cheeky grin and she picked up the heavy bag, which jingled like the bells that adorned her hair.

Hunter had heard that many humans collected coins, so every stray coin he found he collected. It wasn’t until Luz explained that only certain versions of certain coins were sought after that he realized his hobby had secured him a rather nice sum that he decided to save for a rainy day.

“Okay ya know what?” He decided to change the subject, lest she read what was to be read in his gesture. “Why don’t you keep the money and consider it like a donation because ya know also what if you need to make change? A-and as a member of the team I should really be contributing more anyway so it’s not-.” He stopped when he felt Willow’s lips press firmly to the side of his face.

He froze. She held his collar as her soft face lingered his, like she was preserving a secret smile like a badge of honor. She giggled as she pulled back and saw the stunned look on his face as his cheeks transformed into the same color as the lipstick stain she had left.

“Um, uh… heh,” Hunter struggled to find the words. “B-but I thought you weren’t-“

“That one’s on the house.” She said with a wink.

“Yeah, right o-okay,” he muttered as he hand hovered over the spot as though hoping to secure it there safely. “Thanks.”

It was just occurring to Hunter now that he had been so driven by the opportunity that not only did he not stop to consider if it was too good to be true but there was no way he’d be able to survive 30 kisses from Willow Park. But these thoughts did not cross his mind as he was emptying his numerous banks into the pillow case, he only knew he knew a good deal when he saw it. For a moment no thoughts crossed his mind as he felt like he was floating from the contact, like he was a log resting in the fire.

Willow took immense pride in his reaction, and wanted to know how he’d handle it 29 more times, if he’d become accustomed to it or if he’d get loopier and loopier.

“Ya know if you really did buy out all my real kisses, we’d be here kissing all day.” She said sweetly, snapping him out of his daze.

“Yeah I guess I didn’t think that through,” he gulped. That wasn’t totally true, he definitely had thought about it, he had just forgotten to factor in his confidence fading the moment he looked into her bright peridot eyes. The way hearing her voice and her airy laugh made his palms sweat and his heart melt like it was the snow that crushed beneath their feet. Yet none of that stopped him from thinking that the chances of having a kiss from Willow Park was worth it’s weight in gold. “ I guess I just got excited… about supporting the team!”

“Yeah,” breathed Willow. “Me too.”

Her mind raced to find something clever to say to reward his support:

“I’m actually running a two for one special so it looks like you bought 60 kisses.”

“Well since you paid in advance I guess we can just do daily installments until you’ve gotten your money’s worth.”

“Ya know before you commit to buying something you should always ask for a free sample.”

These were all things she knew would keep that dopey, confused grin on his face but might be just enough to make him find an excuse to leave and she certainly didn’t want that. Had she only known of his misunderstanding right away, she would have gone along with it free of charge and covered his face in kiss marks. She wanted him to know so instead she said:

“Do you wanna sit with me?” Willow asked. “In case I need help making change? You’re a bit better with human money than I am.”

It wasn’t totally true, they were equally bad but at least Hunter tried to pay for things correctly whereas Willow was more inclined to “guesstimate.”

“Really?”

“Yeah,” she said, pulling out another stool. “Hooty really shouldn’t be eating so many anyway, they’re like pure sugar to him.”

“You’re probably right,” he chuckled, taking a seat. He didn’t think too much about whether or not she truly believed his intentions for the mistletoe, he was just relieved she didn’t declare him a total fool. And he wasn’t opposed to the opportunity to spend the afternoon with her. “Do you want some hot chocolate? Camila packed me a thermos before I left, it’s still warm.”

“Oh, with marshmallows? Yes please.” Willow said as Hunter carefully poured her a capful, as he set hers on the table to pour himself one, Willow couldn’t help but marvel at the adorable way he stuck his tongue to the side as he focused on not spilling a single drop. Seeing her lipstick mark still intact and on proud display made her feel warm, and from the corner of her eye she could see the packaged mistletoe expanding in her excitement as they each became adorned with a small poinsettia.

“Oh, Captain are you cold?” Said Hunter, mistaking the red across her nose as something from the elements. “Here, lemme fix your scarf.”

He reached out and tightened her striped green scarf, making a simple knot in the front, and then carefully fluffed out her ponytails so it wouldn’t be trapped inside and get frizzy. He secretly loved the way her hair held the fallen snowflakes, like a miniature night sky full of stars. He did have the opportunity to be flustered at the close proximity, having given himself a mission, so that role now fell to Willow whose face held the red hue even tighter now as her glasses fogged up for a unknown reason Hunter did not question.

He was so sweet. He was sweet and caring and dorky and cute and just so many little things that made her heart feel like it was overflowing. Willow had suspected for awhile that he felt a similar way about her but sometimes she felt like they couldn’t be direct at the same time, like they took turns being shy. But now that she knew he welcomed her kisses she wanted nothing more than to deliver them in bulk.

“Thanks,” she said as he finished, feeling more snug now. She kicked her legs as they dangled above the ground, inching her seat closer to his as he fished his hat from his jacket’s inside pocket. Willow reached over to assist with hiding his ears beneath the hand stitched red wool as an excuse to prolong their closeness. She couldn’t help but wonder if the red hat had been selected to match the mittens she had gifted him.

“You too,” he said as his own blush reappeared. The snow was falling more gently now but Willow remained close as though she was expecting a storm. They shared the same thought, that the cold would be a perfect excuse for Hunter to drape his arm around her under the guise of sharing their warmth. Willow tilted her head ever so slightly and leaned against his arm so he could do so with ease, in case he questioned if the gesture was welcomed.

“You don’t have to stay the whole time if you’re too cold,” she said softly, nuzzling into his sleeve as she happily sipped her cocoa.

He had cleared his schedule the moment he knew of Willow’s fundraising efforts, and even though this wasn’t exactly how he thought his afternoon would be filled Hunter had no complaints. His arm slowly moved behind her back and hovered over her shoulder, trying to decide if it was too soon as he knew once he accepted that comfort he would be there until the early darkness forced them to pack up. His mind once again raced, trying to decide how they’d return to their comfy pose when a customer arrived and he felt guilty for hoping they’d remain unbothered. If worse came to worse, they had his funds to rely on and despite Willow’s protest Hunter felt it was more than worth the expense.

He felt his arm safely land on her shoulder and from the corner of his eye he saw those last few inches had been closed by the assistance of a small vine. It took little wondering to know where that had come from.

“I think I’ll be okay,” he said softly, sipping his own drink as his head fell onto hers as they watched the snow fall together. “It’s pretty nice out actually. I don’t mind staying if you don’t mind the company.”

“Perfect,” she said. “But don’t think I won’t put you to work when a customer comes up.”

“Of course, Captain,” he assured her, his arm becoming less tense across her shoulders. “I wouldn’t expect anything less, I’m happy to help with whatever you need.”

“Good,” she said. “Because lll need you to help me demonstrate how they work.”

[roodles03]

I did that challenge that's been going around

Originally, this was more of an ironic idea. Like "lol my style is so similar to the TOH style the literal only difference will be the shading" but as I was drawing the show-accurate one I realized there were serveal subtle things I draw differently then the cannon style.

Most notably the mouth and the ears. I don't really know how to explain the mouth, I had more of a curve to open mouths then the show does. While the ears are pretty obvious. I draw them much more round.

I also draw the eyes differently. Most notable is the iris eyelights. Unless I'm going for emotion, I layer the white eyelight below the pupil. The show layers it above the pupil. I do this for two reasons. 1. I feel like it's easier to see the pupil this way. 2. It's just easier to draw it like this. I also ALWAYS put the white heighlight in the upper left corner, while the colored highlight is to the lower right. No matter what direction characters are facing.The show swaps the highlight's positions depending on which way the characters are facing. The eye shape is only different because I pushed Hunter's expression to be happier.

Most of the facial differences can be pointed to me pushing the emotion more. I also made Hunter lean in a little more to show he was interested to talking to Luz. (Art Tip: When drawing expressions, it's not all about the face, you have to take into account the body language, too!)

I can't mention every subtle difference, or we'll be here forever, but one last notable thing I'll mention is line variation. The lines for Hunter's mouth, ear holes, ear notch, eye/eyebag winkles, scar, hand wrinkle, strap buttons, and vest buttons are all 1 px size smaller then the rest of the lines on my piece. This is a personal stylistic choice that I've done since my SU days, and I just think looks better then if I made all the lines the same px size.

I think the main difference between my style and the TOH style is my style is rounder, more expressive and I shade differently.

Also here's the screenshot

[lampmanliveblogs]

Even when talking about the difficulties of life, this Luz still looked and sounded so positive and upbeat. A far cry from the current state our beloved protagonist girl finds herself in.

And wow, this entire episode really was a targeted attack against me specifically, huh? I mean, even Luz’ line about being able to read witch tongue reminds me how back in the days, I could read gnommish (from the Artemis Fowl books) and decode the messages along the bottom of the pages. It doesn’t hit as hard as that one previous scene, but it still hits pretty close to home.

Camila believed that if Luz applied herself more, then she could do great things. She was right about that; just look at what she’s been able to do with glyphs in such a short time. Even Philip, who’s spent the last four hundred years or so thinking he was literally the only real person in the world admitted that he was impressed by her.

The point being that ”normal” subject like math or social studies might not be able to hold Luz interest for long, but given the right subject and the right environment, she will excel.

Timeline wise, this takes place right before the disastrous book report we saw at the beginning of episode one, season one.

I believe the ”Domicile Evil 4” poster is a reference to the Resident Evil franchise.

Down in the right corner we have… ”Night of [the?] Zombie S-” Night of the Zombie S…squirrel? That doesn’t look like a squirrel on the poster though. Maybe it’s a shrew or something, I dunno.

There are also a bunch of books in the bookcase: mostly Azura books, no surprise. There are also three books that have titles. One says ”Ghosts” on it, so I think it’s the same book that Gordon Ramsay read in that one episode of Hotel Hell that was in Connecticut.

Now, despite my brand new glasses, I have a hard time making out the other two. I think one of them says ”Taxi-something” on it, and there’s a skull next to it, so it might be about taxidermy.

That one pink jacket with the golden star in the wardrobe is giving me Steven Universe vibes. I bet Steven would love it. Is it organic though?

”…I’m staying in the Human Realm. Permanently.”

Oh, so that’s what Luz was planning, that makes sense. I mean, it’s a terrible idea, but it makes sense. I’m surprised I didn’t think of that possibility.

I guess Luz though there was still a real possibility that they could create a new portal, even before Hunter told her about the hidden Titan’s Blood. And she thought the other Exiles could return back home… and that they’d be okay with leaving her behind? And I guess she was willing to send them into a world where who knows what has happened ever since they left it at the whims of a hyperactive kid with the power to move celestial bodies around.

Luz, sweetie, I know you hate yourself right now, and I know fourteen-year-olds aren’t the best at making good long-term decisions, but please think about this.

I should probably talk a little bit about Camila’s reactions as well.

Her facial journey throughout this playlist fairly subtle, and I am not the best at reading faces, but here goes:

When the videos first start playing, she looks a little unsure. Probably because she shouldn’t be watching her daughter’s video diary.

Then Luz talks about Manny’s death. And while that is undoubtedly still a great source of sadness for her, Camila’s first instinct is to reach out towards the image of her grieving daughter.

We then move on to the videos showing off Luz’ antics, her trying to cut her hair with the sword, and Camila’s expression becomes fond. She’s missed this side of her daughter, her silly ideas, wonderful creativity, and endless optimism… even if her ideas don’t always work out.

Her smile fades as in the next video, Luz talks about the conversation she had with Camila about school. I get the sense that Camila feels guilty that she didn’t appreciate her daughter for the things she was good at or passionate about, trying instead to get her to fit into a box. 

Finally, we arrives at the last entry, where Luz says she’s going to stay in the Human Realm forever. Camila looks shocked and then… this expression. I believe she’s reached the same conclusion as me, that it is a bad idea. Even without bringing Luz’ extended family in the form of Eda & King (and also Hooty and Cool Aunt Lilith) into the equation, all of Luz’ best friends, and her awesome girlfriend are from that other world. I think Camila on some level knows that Luz will never truly be happy in this ordinary human world.

This is why we wash our wounds and make sure to change our bandaids regularly, Hunter.

Also, nononononono, it’s happening, it’s happening, oh no-

Also, also, eeeeeeww!

Turns out I was right!

To be more precise, my third proposed theory of why Luz’ burnt her hand on the glyph back at the vet clinic was right. It was because of the hidden Titan’s Blood, which makes glyph magic work… at least to some extent, those light orbs look a bit wobbly.

Not only does this give Luz a way to find the blood, but it also gives her some way to defend herself against the monster waiting in the woods.

Hey, let’s think positively! Maybe Hunter isn’t possessed by his creepy uncle, but is actually just turning into a werewolf! Yeah, that’s what’s happening. And Luz is exactly the kind of nerd who knows how to deal with a werewolf.

[doodle-nerd]

Hey, buddy!

Have you seen the TOH finale?

What are your thoughts on it?

Hi!

Yes, I watched it yesterday and I totally love it. It was an emotional rollercoaster, I cried a few times and then smiled wide to the screen-

I totally LOVE all of the future designs DAMN LOOK AT RAINE THEY LOOK SO AWESOME (also can we talk about them and Eda switching earrings? I love that little thing). LOOK AT HUNTER AND WILLOW TOO, matching Flapjack tattoos!? I'm not crying you are-

I'll miss TOH a lot, I hope we will get some more content because it was AMAZING - story, characters and how they showed it - all of it 💜

And I could honestly go on and on for HOURS about it because there's so many little details that should be mentioned:

I loved the final fight with green and red fighting for place on the screen - these are opposing colours, which is already cool, plus, their meaning is different than usually! Green is life, peace, safety. Red is alarming, dangerous, unsafe. But here? Green is gooey evil and red is lively red grass and YOU FEEL IT INSTANTLY. Despite the usual connotations with these colours you see what's good and what's bad and I LOVE IT. Also, we have two types of light in here - glowing, cold, blue Belos' eyes and Luz's warm, yellowish light. THESE ARE OPPOSING COLOURS TOO. And forms - crystallized goo forms the sharp-edged web, triangle-based forms. Grass is soft, it doesn't have sharp edges. Same with eyes and lights - eyes have corners, somehow squeeze into the whole picture and lights just fly around freely so you can see their perfectly round shape everywhere. Awesome usage of colour theory and shapes <3 And of course I can't skip the thing that light was needed to release someone from the puppet form, right? Luz is the light. It's literally her name. Something that looked like an aesthetic thingy and the least useful spell in combat (after all, fire, ice, plants were used more often) turned out to be THE MOST IMPORTANT THING. I literally have a temptation to rewatch the whole show just to analyze the lighting in different scenes, damn.

I love how the Collector is designed, too. If it was any other villain in the world, their sudden change would feel weird and meh, but they are a KID. And they're created and presented like one. They do not understand things, they just want to play and do not get why others don't wanna. As a bullied child, who had no friends for a while, damn I understood them so well in that moment. They changed as soon as people started treating them like a child and not like an enemy. Isn't it lovely? Also, the change was SO WELL MOTIVATED. Collector didn't decide to help them because Luz died. Damn, for how long did they know each other? Probably not more than an hour, children get attached easier, but I doubt it'd be that easy. Collector just UNDERSTOOD WHAT DEATH IS IN THAT MOMENT and realized that their actions had, have and will have consequences. Again, I LOVE it.

Final scene with Belos is awesome, too. He is himself to the very end. Tries manipulating Luz after all of the stuff that already happened - showing himself in his "original" human form, pleading, making himself a victim... And then it starts raining. He is dissolved by the acid which made me literally gasp. I mean, damn, you could put it in a Disney series!? TOTALLY AWESOME. There was something sometime about witches dying from water, dissolving in it, so... This scene hit hard, had its meaning and was totally amazing and well planned.

And the final final scene in the future. I rewatched it SO. MANY. TIMES. There's so much to look at, so many actions going on in the background, daaaaamn <3 It makes me go "why couldn't we see more, stupid Disney" EVEN HARDER!!! World building is so well done and you can see it even in a little scenes like that,,, All of the characters grew and glow brightly. About glowing - THERE'S LIGHT EVERYWHERE. These scenes have lots of soft glows and lights around that are not only making the atmosphere, they have a meaning, because light, Luz, was what saved the demon realm.

I adore Hunter being a palisman maker. Literally no better job for this lovely boy. And I love that he has people that love him - Willow and Dadrius (I literally screamed when I saw Darius next to Hunter when everyone else had their reunion [and I also loved Amity-Alador reunion. With loser Odalia standing right next to them, all grumpy]). I love love loooooveeee working on a taking off sigils feat. Darius, Raine and Alador. Two ex-coven heads, who started rebellion, and amazing scientist, inventor, who learned how to choose his own way (isn't his history similar to the Amity's? Escaping Odalia's influence and getting to start new, better life...). And the best part - they finally succeeded, mixing healing magic with technology. SUPER COOL (Little Darius-Alador interaction was super cool, too, of course. Alador has NO CLUE so much- And Darius with this little chest touch and sliding away... Please we all know they're fruity don't we?). I'd love to hear more about all of the things that happened in between, when Luz was finishing school, because there's still so much possible content!

Also I cannot skip the masterpiece "they're almost gone! Say BYE!", obviously targeted to us, fans, not to Collector. But... It made me thinking. Aren't we like Collector, too? Taking the characters, placing them in the fanfics, fanarts, fancomics, aus, PLAYING WITH THEM? It probably wasn't supposed to be that deep but... In my head it became that deep LOL. So... Are we Collectors?

Okay, okay, I could analyze every single one of future designs, too, because I adore them, I could analyze Amity's designs change, gradually switching from Odalia-like to Alador-like, but I wanted to answer short and made quite an essay here already- So maybe, to summarize: I loved the finale. It was well planned and well done. It's amazing that they managed to fit it all in with limited time, without it feeling overly rushed and/or unsatisfying. I feel satisfied with the ending we got.

🍪 <- reward for reading all of this, enjoy 💜

[dinuxia-bhm]

Hi, it's me again... Back from the dead...

Listen I know Christmas is over, and we're halfway into the first month of the New Year, but I still want to finish this Christmas fic. Better late than never I guess... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I'm really sorry about the delay. I've been suffering from a serious writer's block. That's when I realized I suck at writing romance. I've done my best thoughts. Hope you'll like it And thank to @sharksinflowercrowns again for inspiring this fic and everything else...

Deck the Halls of Wittebane Manor...

CHAPTER FIVE…

"LUZ!" A purple haired girl came running towards Luz as soon as she entered the market with her brother, on the next day.

"Sweet potato!" Luz immediately held out her arms as her girlfriend practically launched herself into them. "Oh I'm so happy to see you!"

Hunter stood there nearby, watching the romantic reunion of the two girlfriends. Luz and her girlfriend, Amity, were always like this. It was a little too romantic for his liking. He rolled his eyes seeing them being so mushy but a hint of an affectionate smile remained on his face.

"Alright girls, this is where I take your leave." He cleared his throat, partly to remind them that he was still standing there. "You can go wherever you want and do whatever you like as long as you don't cause any trouble. I'm heading off to get some supplies for the renovation. Good bye." He waved slightly and started walking away in the opposite direction.

Amity sighed, rolling her eyes. "Good to see you too, Hunter." She said sarcastically, still holding onto her girlfriend.

"Don't mind him… You know how he is." Luz shrugged watching her brother disappear into the crowd. "Now come on, we have so much to do!" She dragged a giggling Amity into the Bonesborough marketplace.

Hunter continued to walk ahead with his hands in his pockets. He casually looked around to see if he could find anything for the house. The entire marketplace was quite overwhelming.

Today the market was even more crowded than the last time he was here. Shopkeepers trying to sell their special Christmas merchandise, people rushing to buy last minute Christmas presents, a choir singing in the corner of the street, together with the endless chattering of people gave him a bit of a headache. The sooner he finishes today's work the better. He didn't want to be here for too long.

Once again he happened to walk past the town Christmas tree. This time he didn't stop to get a peek of the top. Instead, he stopped to look around in hopes of finding an adorable little bespectacled figure carrying a small Christmas tree. Unfortunately, she was nowhere to be seen. He had no idea why he felt kinda sad or even why he thought she would be here another day. But most of all, he was confused why he wanted to see her again.

Of course she offered her help to decorate the house. But the house wouldn't be ready for decorating for at least two more days. He kept telling himself that it was only because his sense of gratitude encouraged him to return her favor. Yes, even before she actually did him a favor. Yes, that was definitely it. Everyone does that. Right?

He shook his head to clear thoughts and proceeded on his quest for seasonal decorations. Admittedly, Hunter had never ever done this before, but how hard can it be? He was there when his mom and sisters decorated the house back in Gravesfield, and he also helped a bit. Now he just had to do the same thing but without guidance. That's not a big deal at all. He huffed in determination.

'Ok, let's see. What do we need for Christmas?' He questioned himself in his mind. As if the universe heard his thoughts, he came across a huge Christmas tree sale, before he finished his thought. "Yup. A Christmas tree."

He checked out the trees for a couple of moments before heading inside the store which seemed to have put up the sale. Sure enough, it was a flower shop. He heard the bells chiming as he opened the door and came to stand near the front desk.

"Just a minute!” An all too familiar voice came from the inside of the shop and for some reason, a stupid grin spread across Hunter's face as he recognized it.

"Seasonal greetings! Welcome to Parks' Gardens. How may I help y- Oh my gosh, Hunter!" It was Willow who came to the front desk from the back of the shop. She seemed so excited to see him. That just made him smile even more.

"I can't believe you're here. I mean, of course you're here. You're staying here for Christmas after all." She chuckled lightheartedly. "But you're here. In my shop. I certainly wasn't expecting… Hunter, are you ok?" Her happy and bubbly tone changed into a concerned one when she noticed that Hunter wasn't responding to anything. He seemed to have frozen on the spot. And it was certainly not because of the cold weather outside.

"Oh, uhhh- yeah! Yeah…" Hunter broke out of his trance when he recognized the concern in her voice. He saw that her head was tilted in confusion. That's when he remembered he had been wordlessly staring at her. "I wasn't expecting to see you either." He nervously added. Why on earth was he feeling nervous?

She giggled softly covering her mouth with her hand. Her laugh sounded like music to his ears. She was so freaking adorable. He was very proud of the fact that he had been the one to cause such a reaction in her. He wished nothing more in his life than to hear her laugh again.

"Ok…" She said between giggles. "So as I was saying… What brings you here?"

"Oh yeah…" Hunter remembered why he actually came there in the first place. "I was looking for Christmas decorations… you know, for my house. Yeah… for the house."

"Oh right… You saw the Christmas trees, of course." She shook her head as if she was expecting something else as an answer, but she had to be satisfied with this one. "So, did you pick one?"

"Wait. We're supposed to pick one?" Hunter was genuinely confused. To him, all the trees looked the same. Why would he have to pick one?

"Well yeah… Of course you pick a tree." Willow shrugged as if that was the most obvious thing in the world. "I mean you don't necessarily have to do that… If you don't have things like height or space to consider. But selecting a Christmas tree can also be like selecting a pet, you know." She walked ahead, opening the door, heading outside to the Christmas tree sale. "Well, at least to me." She shrugged standing in front of a huge tree.

Hunter did not understand a word she said. Partly because she wasn't quite making sense and partly because he was distracted looking at her inspect her Christmas trees.

She continued to explain as Hunter came closer to her. "A Christmas tree symbolizes life and immortality. When you put up a Christmas tree in your house, it brings joy and a sort of lively vibe to your house. It's a very important duty for the tree to make sure it brings that feel to wherever it's kept. So it's sort of like you're bestowing it the responsibility of bringing the Christmas spirit to your house. You should trust the tree for that."

"Are you saying that Christmas trees are like people? Like a soldier with a duty to fulfill?" Hunter looked up at a tree and a weirdly graphic image of a walking talking tree crossed his mind.

"No silly…” Willow giggled. "It's not exactly like that. But I do like to think that all plants are like people. I've always felt this weird connection with plants. Like, I would talk to them. I would take care of them and they're kinda like my friends." She said looking around and absentmindedly twirling in the middle of the field full of Christmas trees.

Hunter was flabbergasted at the sight in front of him. The falling snow, the green trees, the faint glow of Christmas lights and in the middle of all this, Willow. She looked so at peace within the trees. Truly in her element. Heat rose to his face and his ears and cheeks became red. Yet, he couldn't help but smile looking at the beauty in front of him.

"So…" Willow approached him again, making him realize what he was doing. "Have you picked a tree yet?" She asked eagerly.

"Oh yeah… Of course, I was picking trees. Normal Christmas shopping stuff." He smiled a bit before pointing at a random tree. "That one right there."

Willow looked over to where he was pointing and to his surprise, she giggled again. Goodness she had to stop doing that around him. At this pace he was pretty sure he's gonna die of cardiac arrest or something. "Are you sure? Because that's not a Christmas tree."

"What! Really?” He turned around a bit to look at the tree he chose. Sure enough, it was not a tree at all. He pointed at the cut out sign shaped like a tree which was kept outside the shop in order to advertise the sale. Hunter mentally facepalmed. He definitely looked so stupid right now. He didn't know why it was happening. But when he's with Willow, he can't really seem to pay attention to anything else but her and only her.

"Is this your first time getting a tree?" She asked, interrupting his train of thoughts.

"Yeah… I've never really done this before." He scratched the back of his neck nervously. It was not entirely untrue, but something told him that even if he had done Christmas shopping before, with Willow around he wouldn't have been able to choose a tree.

"Alright then, can I pick a tree for you?” She asked, looking up at him with a gentle smile.

Hunter nodded and she proceeded to look around to find the perfect tree for him. He watched her fondly, as if she was the most precious thing in the world, not understanding why he was feeling that way. After a couple of minutes she waved at Hunter to come over to where she was standing.

"So, what do you think?” She asked, pointing at a tree she picked out for him.

"I think it's perfect." He automatically replied, even before looking at it. "I mean, you're the expert. So if you think it's good, then it's perfect." He added thoughtfully.

"Ok then… Can you take it with you or should I deliver it to your place later today?"

"Oh yeah, I didn't drive here today. I just came for a walk with my sister who wanted to meet her girlfriend." He rolled his eyes at himself for not bringing his car today. "Sorry… if it trouble-"

"You apologize too much." She shook her head and she giggled again. She was in a roll. She couldn't remember the last time she smiled much around someone. "You don't have to worry. It's standard procedure. We deliver it to your doorstep." She said playfully in a generic advertising tone.

"Oh that's great. Thank you so much." He said pulling out his wallet and taking out his business card. Before handing it over to her he took out a pen from inside his jacket and scribbled something in the back of it. "So uhhh, here's my card. It has my number if you want to contact me." He gave her his card and she silently pocketed it. "It also has my address written in the back of it. And also my personal phone number, in case the one in the front was busy." He added sheepishly and as if on cue his phone started ringing. "That's the one ringing right now. Excuse me for a minute." He answered the call as she waited for him to finish it.

After a while he put his phone back in his pocket and turned to face her. "Sorry, that was my sister. She said she was going home after shopping and she wanted my help to carry bags." He rolled his eyes. "I wish I could stick around but I kinda have to go now." He said apologetically.

"That's alright. I'll make sure to have this tree delivered in no time." She reassured him walking back to the entrance of the shop with him. "By the way, are you still up for decorating the town?"

"Of course!" He answered immediately, regretting how loud his voice sounded. "Sorry, I mean, yes… Yes I am." He cleared his throat to seem nonchalant. "Just give me a call when you need me." He said walking to the streets into the market. "See you soon. Byeeeee" He waved as he disappeared into the crowded marketplace.

Willow smiled as she walked into her shop, closing the door behind her. She reached into her pocket and took out the card he gave her. Her smile disappeared as her jaw dropped in shock as she recognized the name on the card.

[branmuffins22]

Thanks for the tag! Sorry about the absence these last few weeks (and all those unanswered asks 😬). Health has been a smidge sketchy, spoons and sleep in short supply. But I've been a bit better lately, I think!

Filenames (all are fanfics of The Owl House):

Masha and the Very Normal Nocedas; a post-finale, pre-epilogue, Veesha-centric longfic about Masha's increasingly crazed attempts to figure out the whole Deal™ with Luz, Vee, and Hunter. Meanwhile, the Nocedas are trying as hard as possible to be normal and inconspicuous, made difficult by their various traumas, talents, and a certain purple palisman's refusal to leave her witch's side. It's a light-hearted mess. I've still got some edits to do to the chapters I've already written (mostly for flavor), and I'm still trying to draft the second half-ish of chapter 3 (it's already been outlined), but once all that's done, I should be able to start posting with a comfortable buffer.

Something Like a Bible; a test document of sorts for my canon rewrite, tentatively either the "Artificer AU" or "Overthinker AU", going over the broad-strokes plot and its divergences from canon via a series of short scenes and vignettes. The characters and motivations remain almost entirely unchanged, but I'm lengthening and rearranging the timeline to explore new plots and leave more space for supplemental adventures in the season 2 equivalent, as well as doing perhaps a bit too much worldbuilding, headcanon dumping, and so on. I think I need to go back and flesh out the second half of the season 1 equivalent, but then I can pick up with the meat and potatoes of the magic system exploration.

Small Town Paranormal Investigations; an episode from the aforementioned AU, in which the Hexsquad and Cabin 7 team up to, as the name suggests, investigate some paranormal activity in the small town of Gravesfield. It's mostly about the ghost hunt, but it'll also include Vee coming out to her friends from camp. I'm writing this one in something as close as I can manage to the style and pacing of the show, and I only just finished the opener, with small blurbs written of later scenes, so there's still a lot to do. Thankfully, the brainrot has been very kind to this fic lately.

Snippet is the tail end of the opening scene from Small Town Paranormal Investigations:

The temperature suddenly did a nosedive, as something like a breath of icy wind blew past, the faraway echo of a sharp woosh trailing behind it a full second later. Goosebumps sprouted along their arms and legs, and the hairs on the back of their neck stood straight up. They felt as though they'd stepped into an industrial freezer, all warmth blasted away in an instant, still gone long after the culprit gust had passed. The others must've noticed it too, as all four of them went tense and still. "Brr," they shivered, "The heck was that?" "Beats me!" said Baker. "A cold front?" Lance offered. "Oh, looks like a whirlwind," said "Luz", nervously pointing just off to the side of the sidewalk. Sure enough, a tiny scattering of schoolday detritus, from gum wrappers to flashcards, twisted and danced away at astonishing speed. It slid straight under a tree, incidentally gathering a few leaves, and then bent around the corner of the school building, the warmth of the spring afternoon returning at the very instant it passed from sight. "…Weird," Masha remarked. "Yeah…" "Luz" sniffed once, twice, before making a rather intense face. "Very weird." Masha raised an eyebrow at her. They opened their mouth to ask something, but before they could find their words, she turned back to keep walking, prompting the others to do the same. "Wanna do that hangout today? Right now?" she urged, pulling out her phone. Lance responded first, "Hm? Sure." Baker followed, "I'm down." Masha, though, merely stared at her for a bit. She was clearly deflecting, trying to change the subject. But why? "…Yeah," they relented. "Cool. Just gotta let my mom know where I'm at," she muttered. Scanning over her shoulder, she was already at least three messages deep into a conversation, though they didn't spot Mrs. Noceda's usual contact photo. With some hesitation, they decided to drop it, for now. It was probably nothing, anyways; just some weird wind putting them all on edge. Though their own brain was trying to tamp down ideas about the strange and supernatural, hers was probably just stuck on the fear of the unexplained. Besides, she'd always been kinda jumpy. It'd make sense for it to bug her the most. Oh well. If she ever wanted to talk it out, they'd listen.

WIP Wednesday Game

It’s WIP Wednesday, time for a little accountability, sharing your work, and getting a kick in the pants.

Here’s how it works:

In a reblog of this post (so people can find you in the notes) or new thread (w/ rules attached) if you want to play on your own, post up to five (5) filenames of your WIPs; not titles, file names.

Post a snippet from one of them. Snippet must be words you wrote in the last 7 days. We’re posting progress here. If you haven’t made any, go make some and come back to play!

After you’ve posted, people can send you an ask with one of your file names. You must then write 3 sentences in that file. If the filename is one you can't share from (for example, an event or gift fic), write 3 sentences on it anyway, and then 3 more on another to share.

That’s it! You can invite others to join in, or just post. I’ll be searching the reblogs to find people to send asks to!

If you’re reading this, you’re invited!

If you see someone posting a WIP Wednesday Game snippet, send them an ask! Make them write.

Requested/Friend event mentions under the cut! If you'd like to be pinged next week, let me know!

Friends @fiore-della-valle @redbirdblogs @greenbergsays @idkfandomwhatever @luckyspike

@obaewankenope @mad-madam-m @anonymousdandelion @geometricfractal @prettybirdy979

@eriquin | Requests @aparticularbandit @madnessfromthemountains @makeroftherunes @1attheedge

@whimsicalmeerkat @kidsomeday @lizhly-writes @skyderman @adhdavinci

@owlbearwrites @anachronismstellar @anyctibius @rilannon @lazinesswrites

@zyrafowe-sny @dreaminghour @blue-eyedbeta @candyskiez @dreamerking27

@kalira @virgulesmith @i-want-delfeur @selkies-world @exceedinglygayotter

[dysaniadisorder]

Okay okay I know I'm gonna sound insane but trust me, hunter as a trans he/him lesbian.

[ID: 1. A drawing of Hunter from the Owl House, with curlier hair and freckles. She's wearing a loose black t shirt, a large purple skirt, and a studded belt with a belt chain, and black boots with spikes. She's walking hunched over with her hands in her pockets, with a neutral expression and long strides. There's a scribbled, dark colored trans flag in front of her, a pattern of golden flowers behind her, and an an arrow pointing to her that says "This boy - is a very tired girl". Theres a small three panel comic off to the side where Amity is talking to Hunter, Amity says; "You wouldn't get it, Hunter. You're not a lesbian." The next panel cuts to Hunter staring at her with an intimidating smile, and the third is Hunter comedically looming over Amity and saying; "I am. - Tell me." Theres a purple doodle in the corner of Hunter in her newest outfit, she's eating a sandwich and thinking to herself; "Hmm... gender."

2. A small doodle comic of Willow and Hunter. Willow is blushing and excitedly yelling; "My girlfriend is so pretty!" Hunter, looking tired and normal replies; "Sal, I'm wearing my normal outfit." and Willow replies; "Right!?" It shows Hunter smiling and blushing to herself a bit as she looks away. Theres a note at the bottom of the page; "Salix is the scientific name for a Willow tree".

3. On the side there's a doodle comic of Hunter and Luz. They both look tired and are wearing large hoodies. Hunter walks up to them and says; "Luz, I have something to tell you." Luz half turns around and says; "Yah?" Hunter holds out her hands, showing a trans flag in one and a lesbian flag in the other. It cuts to Luz staring, mouth agape, and the text says; "*anime gasp*". The last shows Hunter holding her pride flags as Luz holds his, a trans and nonbinary flag. Luz says; "Same!" And Hunter replies; "Swag".

On the other side is a full drawing of Hunter and Luz, almost like they're posing for a picture. Hunter is smiling wide and has one hand gently out for Flapjack to perch on. Luz is also smiling wide and is giving two peace signs, one doing bunny ears behind Hunters head. Hunter has slightly longer hair, and it wearing a patched up green hoodie, a choker and bead necklace, a checkered crop tip, and a white belt with a long black skirt, speckled with stars. She also has a nose piercing and fangs. Luz is wearing Eda's grudgby varsity jacket, a pair of light overalls, pink and yellow worm on a string earrings, a tie-dye shirt that says "be fucking nice" with an upside down smiley face, and a couple bracelets with a trans ring. behind them is the same pattern of gold flower silhouettes, a doodle of the sun and the moon, and next to Luz is some swirls in the nonbinary flag, while next to Hunter are some lightning bolts in the trans flag. end ID]

Amity and Hunter: I can't believe we're both goth and trans!

Vee: I'm a communist

[fandom-monium]

BFB AU - Willow

BFB AU | BFB!Hunter

Yall thought I was done with this au?? Not even close :D so heres more headcanons, this time of BFB!Willow:

You probably think Willow has more things on her mind than boys. 

And you’d be right. Boys are the last thing on her mind.

It’s the start of her first year of high school and already she’s dreading it, having been registered for a track she couldn’t care less about. And as days turn to weeks, she feels like she’s suffocating, watching her peers in the same track excel while she struggles to even meet the standards. It hurts, and her self-confidence withers. 

She’s really just Half-Wit Willow, isn’t she.

But then the science fair is announced, and that’s when she panics.

Everyone in Hexside’s STEM magnets is participating, probably doing detailed presentations on the latest technological advances, demonstrating their knowledge with beakers and flasks, or showcasing their senior projects to their professors. And what does she have to show for her first semester?? Nothing. 

There’s the familiar steady clack of boots coming up behind her, and she refuses to meet her eyes as Amity strides past her like she doesn’t exist. The only indication she notices her: a scoff at Willow’s empty, project-less hands. She can practically hear Amity’s snide comment, Seriously? Not even a a half-assed trifold display board with googled information??

She wants to cry. She’s going to cry. Tears build at the corner of her eyes, but she purses her lips and restrains herself, pink cheeks puffing up from the effort. No crying. No Weeping Willow today.

Then she feels a hand on her shoulder, gentle and kind, and Willow tenses, whirling around, and for a second she thinks Amity turned back to comfort her.

Of course not. 

It’s the new girl. 

Luz, she recalls. They’ve haven’t talked yet; she transferred late into the semester, something about moving complications, and by then everyone had already formed their cliques, old and new. 

But after she calms down, Luz asks if they can partner up for the science fair, brightly yet meekly offering her assistance, and she’s desperate, tired of being Half-Wit Willow or Weeping Willow. Tired of coming in dead last to her classmates. And here’s this stranger offering their help, and the only way to get into Hexside is you have to be good, may it be at everything or one thing. 

So she accepts, needing the extra mind and hands. Hunkered down in the school library, the next two weeks are filled with stress and anxiety and the most fun she’s ever had at school. Willow was terrified that this cheery, optimistic girl was too good to be true. That Luz would realize that Willow is the worst of her class and abandon her for another group. Luz is so friendly, she could if she wanted. Yet she doesn’t, supporting Willow as they bounce off ideas and bring Willow’s vision to life. At some point, she introduces Gus to Luz, and he’ll drop by as they work for moral support.

On the day of the fair, they get a ribbon on their project on self-sustaining ecosystems, complete with a beautiful glass terrarium brought to you by Willow, and it’s so impressive Principal Bump offers her to immediately switch tracks.

Though their deal was a matter of convenience, it’s the start of a beautiful, life-long friendship.

Willow is so excited to switch tracks she starts wearing green leggings to match the uniform green neck tie for the rest of the semester.

Having come to her senses, she drops the leggings and opts for high sock or tights by the next semester.

Now, she knows Luz has a brother. She knows, but it’s not something that just comes up in conversation. All she does know is that he’s a grade above them and he’s super smart, according to Luz.

Unknowingly, she’s caught glimpses of him out in the halls, and Willow immediately sours, seeing Hunter amicably chatting with the Blight twins. Oh. He’s friends with Amity’s siblings. Any chance of befriending the new kid (her best friend’s brother) flies out the window.

Until that day, the first time she went to Luz and Hunter’s house. 

Now she wants to talk to her new friend!! To the boy who doesn’t belong to one track because he loves knowledge too much to specialize in one thing. To the boy who will listen to her babble about her plants like they’re people without complaint. To the boy with the slightly hooked nose, tooth gap, cool piercings, and dark circles under his eyes. To Hunter. Even if they don’t have a lot in common.

Like her dads, Willow is also a fan of roller derby, and while it’s not as popular as rugby in Bonesborough, she decides she start her own team second semester.

Soft and round as she looks, she’s a lot stronger than most of her classmates, a result of her training to be a competent roller derby captain. A combination of weightlifting and running, she’s got the strength and stamina to lead her team! 

(Hunter runs the same trails as her. Coincidence??)

But on the day of their first game, which will determine if the school will fund their team or not, her team is down one player.

Luz, who came to support her and Hexside, shoves Hunter (who came after hearing Willow is going to be there) towards her and volunteers him, to his mortification.

Well, at least they have more to talk about.

[sergeantsporks]

writing request!!! :D:D:D

I think you've talked about the location of the rips on hunter's shirt in king's tide vs everyone else's scratches? well i am here to propose . . . what if belos slashed just a tad bit farther through the shirt. what if.

make it fluffy with cam + owl house crew + vee or make it angsty, i dont mind either way

i love your writing btw it's amazing and the perfect mix of heartbreaking angst and im-gonna-cry-its-so-sweet found family happiness

I actually started writing something along these lines right after the episode aired, but this gave me the motivation/reason to finish it, thank you :)

xxx

“It’s okay, mi carina. You and your friends are safe here.”

For some reason, those words made Hunter’s knees buckle, and suddenly, Gus was supporting Hunter more than Hunter was supporting Gus. The adrenaline that had pushed him all the way here faded, and he was suddenly very aware of how tired and achy he was, and of all the little stings of the cuts and scrapes the fight had given him.

And a tearing, aching rawness across his stomach. Hunter pressed his good arm to his stomach, his vision going spotty with pain.

Gus nudged him. “Hey—Hey, are you okay, man?” he whispered

Hunter blinked back the fuzziness pressing at the corners of his eyes, shaking his head wordlessly.

Ms. Noceda ushered them all inside, fussing over the cuts and bruises that marked all of their faces. Hunter sank down to the ground, leaning his back against the couch. He closed his eyes, waiting for her to finish hovering over Luz so that he could get at the first aid kit.

“And you, hey, are you okay?”

He opened his eyes again to see her bending over him, alcohol swab in hand. Without waiting for an answer, she knelt down next to him, dabbing at the cuts on his face. Hunter flinched away with a hiss at the sting of the alcohol.

“Oof, I know, I’m sorry, it stings, but you need to get that cleaned up, okay? Would you prefer to do it yourself instead?”

Hunter nodded. He held out his hand for the swab, but the fingers of his right hand weren’t responding, still numb from the draining spell—and yet somehow, at the same time, burning and aching like hell itself, all the way up his shoulder and neck. He tried to grip the swab, but it just tumbled from his trembling glove. Ms. Noceda caught it, then gently took his arm, wiggling his fingers.

“Can you move your arm at all? Is it broken? Does it hurt?”

“It was magic,” Luz explained, her voice tired. She was curled up on the couch with Amity, her eyes bleak and red, “It’s not injured, right, Hunter? Just… the spell?”

Hunter nodded, trying and failing again to make his fingers move. “Sorry,” he croaked. The single word took almost all of his energy, and he went silent again.

Camila shook her head. “What for?” Her hand gently tilted his face up towards the light, and she dabbed again at the cuts. This time, Hunter didn’t flinch away from the expected sting, but his heart pounded in his chest at the contact. She plastered bandages on the cuts. “Any other injuries?”

 Hunter shook his head at the question on instinct, closing his eyes again. His arm dropped away from his stomach, and he leaned his head against the couch.

“Madre de Dios,” he heard Camila gasp, and she took his good arm. “Hey, where’s the injury?! Hunter, wake up!”

Hunter forced his eyes back open, blinking blearily at the source of the panic while the others crowded around. Red was staining his good arm, and he blinked at it for a couple of moments.

Stomach, he said, or tried to, but he couldn’t make his mouth move, like someone had just hit the “mute” button. His head swam, and he started to close his eyes again.

“His shirt’s ripped—look, there, I think Belos clawed him! I thought he missed, but…”

Someone looped their arms under Hunter’s, dragging him away from the couch and laying him flat on the floor. Cold air brushed up against his torso as the bottom of his shirt was rolled up, and then he heard an angry hiss from Camila.

Sorry, he wanted to say, sorry I said no, I don’t know why.

The cold sting of the cleaning alcohol against his stomach made him tense, his reflexes kicking in, and his good hand swatting Camila’s hand away. A wave of fear washed over him, making his stomach writhe as she reached out. I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to—

But she just took his good hand, holding it in hers. “There’s something in the wound,” she said gently, “Some kind of mud or slime or something. I need to get it out.”

Gus took his hand from her, and Willow took his other (as if he could move it anyway, but the gesture was appreciated), and Camila turned back to the injury. Silent tears of pain rolled down Hunter’s face as she cleaned out the wound, and he squeezed Gus’s hand.

Camila set the cleaner down, and Hunter went limp again, his hand almost sliding out of Gus’ grip.

Sorry, he wished he could say, but he still couldn’t talk, still couldn’t make his mouth move to say the words. He saw Camila pick up a needle and thread, and he gripped Gus’s hand again as the needle pierced his skin. She was quick, efficient, but it still seemed to take an eternity. The moment she dressed the wound and stepped back, he curled up on his side, ignoring how it made the wounds twinge and burn.

Sorry. I’m sorry. Sorry I made you worry.

I don’t know why you’d worry about me.

But I’m sorry I made you…

His whole body was shaking, from cold, exhaustion, pain, blood loss, he didn’t know, all he knew was that he couldn’t stop.

An arm slid under his knees, and tilted him back onto his back, another arm sliding around his mid back, and scooping him up.

“I’m going to find you some dry clothes,” Ms. Noceda murmured, “will you be able to change, or do you need Gus to help?”

I can do it

The words still weren’t coming. So Gus followed, and Ms. Noceda left the two of them alone in a bedroom with a fresh shirt and pair of shorts for both of them, one a size too big, and the other clearly Luz’s.

“Can you move your arm?” Gus asked softly.

Hunter tried to move his fingers, but found he still couldn’t and shook his head. He flushed as Gus helped him change into the dry clothes, furious at himself for being so helpless, but all he could do was sit there, and he could barely even do that.

I’m sorry.

I’m sorry you have to take care of me, I’m sorry…

Hunter slumped forward, his head falling onto Gus’s shoulder. He heard Gus calling for Ms. Noceda.

No, I’m just tired, he wanted to say, don’t bother her, don’t worry her for me.

I’m sorry, I’m supposed to be taking care of you.

The words still wouldn’t leave his mouth.

And Ms. Noceda was there again, and she checked the stitches, and touched his forehead with the back of her hand and declared that he had a slight fever, but it wasn’t anything to worry about. And she scooped him up again, putting him in the bed and pulling the blanket over him.

“Rest. It’s the best thing you can do for yourself right now.”

Hunter was shaking again, and she brushed his hair out of his forehead.

“I’ll come check on you again in a bit, okay? Try to get some sleep.”

You don’t have to do that.

I’m sorry, you don’t have to check, I’ll be okay.

But she came back.

He still wasn’t asleep, even though he couldn’t move from the exhaustion. Everything hurt too much.

He didn’t have to say it.

She just brought him a couple of red pills and some water and helped him sit up long enough to swallow the medicine.

And then he was falling again, this time onto her shoulder, and her hand touched his back, rubbing gentle circles, and he thought there might be tears leaking from his eyes, because she was making gentle shushing noises and telling him he would be okay, and that he was brave to have come all this way injured like that.

Brave…?

Sorry, sorry, sorry to cry on you like this

But her touch was warm and soft and comfortable, and the red pills must be doing something (or maybe it was the soothing voice telling him he’d be okay), because his eyes were closing without replaying his uncle’s death in his head.

Thank you, he wished he could say.

But he fell asleep silently.

[theprinceandthewitch]

I still think it's interesting that Thanks to Them doesn't go out of it's way to include any imagery that indicates Amity and Hunter are on good terms with each other.

They could have squeezed a picture of them talking together about their family issues during the closing credits. Or have a photo/some photos in Willow's photobook of them hanging out or a photo of Hunter apologizing to Amity for his behavior in Eclipse Lake. Or really... any kind of dialogue that implies that Hunter apologized to her for his actions at Eclipse Lake. That's what anyone would do if the characters were intended to be on good terms with each other but didn't have enough screen-time to give them more in depth interactions. But they don't do that... so I'm inclined to believe that the writers want me to think Amity tolerates him because her friends and Luz like him and trust him.

I can see Amity's dislike of him coming up later because they haven't actually TALKED about what happened at Eclipse Lake. Hunter doesn't offer her an on screen apology for taking advantage of and stoking the flames of her insecurities surrounding her relationship with Luz. Or for knocking her off her feet after she lets him go

By the way he was PLEADING for Amity to let take him with her or at LEAST untie him so he can escape because Kikimora was literally seconds behind them. And then when she does untie him, he knocks her to the ground - knowing Kikimora is literally right around the corner - to give himself a head start. He also doesn't apologize for fighting her after she basically offers him sanctuary with her and her friend group at TOH. Again, she didn't need to do that because he was a huge asshole to her up until their fight.

And her dislike of him is only going to be stoked when she puts two and two together that Hunter is a clone of Belos' witch-hunting brother.

So, you have Amity already disliking him for what he did at Eclipse Lake... the way she talks to Hunter about his outfit is weirdly dismissive since she doesn't talk like that to Willow, Gus, or Vee. I am not counting Amity's comment about being top student when Vee get's called top student as Amity being dismissive of Vee. Because she's not directing that comment at Vee - she doesn't even look at her - she's not directing that comment at anyone in particular. She's just expressing a bit of jealousy over not being the top student of her class anymore.

But yeah, on top of that, Hunter steals the rebus from Amity knowing she wanted to surprise her girlfriend with it and that no one would be able to follow them because they've never ya know, actually been to the location shown on the rebus.

We know Hunter wasn't exactly in the right headspace when he took the rebus, he was freaking the fuck out over his murderous abuser being nearby. But AMITY doesn't know that - she doesn't have the same awareness the audience has. To her, it looks like Hunter wants to take all the credit for finding the Titan Blood even though he did jack shit to help Amity and his friends figure out what the rebus was leading to - or that the rebus was actually a rebus to begin with.

And on top of THIS Amity is going to find out Hunter knew Luz's secret before she did. A clone of the dictator's witch-hunting brother knew Luz's secret before she ever did... even though she is Luz's literal girlfriend... This is really going to make her dislike Hunter. There is no way that this wouldn't set off Amity's UNRESOLVED insecurity issues around inadequacy.

She has been insecure about her relationship with Luz since Eclipse Lake. Luz has always kept an emotional upset from Amity until it was forced to the surface by herself [Luz] or by someone else... but for some reason she feels comfortable enough to tell Hunter of all people?

Naaaaah, Luz is going to get into sooooo much trouble - there's no way she wouldn't lmao. Even if Amity and Hunter were on good terms before Thanks to Them - he would have soured their relationship because he made an ass of himself by stealing the rebus from her and running off with her girlfriend. He ruins the surprise Amity had planned for Luz and runs off with her to an UNKNOWN LOCATION - nobody knows where the fuck the Titan Blood is because they haven't actually been there before. He also doesn't show the fuck up AT ALL during Amity and company's little field trip around town even though he says he's going to catch the next bus. The last time she sees him he's walking through the door with Luz.

Liiiike.... Amity's going to be Big Mad at the both of them... and i have to wait literal months to see her blow up at them... this universe really IS unfair >:T

[avatarmerida]

A Sleeve of Flowers

This is my attempt at a Huntlow Flower Shop x Tattoo Shop AU. There’s no real plot just like a fluff meet cute I guess? It kind of got away from me. it’s also very long for something with no plot lol but oh well If you see any spelling errors no you didn’t

---

Willow looked around the shop in wonder. Every inch of the walls were covered in something; art, pictures of past intricate tattoos, vintage posters of a books series she remembered Gus loved to read, clever memes Luz had clearly made. It was a vast collection of seemingly random things that came together to create the feeling of being inside a collage. She was so distracted by admiring the walls she didn’t notice the boy had entered until she heard him hit the ground. 

“Can I- woah!”

Willow looked up to the sound and  quickly looked down to see the source, a blonde boy in a jean jacket laying on the floor clearly embarrassed. What she didn’t know was that he had fallen because he was too busy staring at her to watch where he was going.

“Are you Caleb?” she asked with a smile as she offered him her hand. He looked at the girl before him utterly bewildered, she just looked so… classic. Her long black hair pulled into two perfect braids, her rounded golden glasses complimented the light green of her eyes and the matching color in her dress lined with small white flowers which she paired with an emerald sweater. She was a bright spot in the usual dark location Hunter could blame his distraction on how she managed to fit right in and stand out at the same time.

“Caleb? Oh! Because of the name! Of the shop!” he muttered as took her hand and rose to his feet, answering after what felt like hours. “No, no I-I’m Hunter.”

“Oh, Luz’s brother,” said Willow, recalling the hundreds of photos Luz had shown her. They didn’t do him justice, he was much taller in person and less blurry. And kinda cute. She shook that last thought from her mind and shook her his hand, maybe a little too enthusiastically. “I’m Willow Park.”

“Willow?” repeated Hunter, as her strong grip shook his whole body. 

“That’s me.”

“Like, Luz’s Willow?”

“Well, that’s not exactly what it says on my birth certificate but I’ll take it,” laughed Willow. “I guess  you're the Hunter she’s always trying to set me up with then?”

“S-set you up with?”

“Yeah, I told her I wanted to do a sleeve of flowers and she said that’s your specialty so she’s been trying to line up our schedules for weeks now.”

“Oh! Like, set up an appointment,” said Hunter. “Duh, obviously.”

“I keep putting it off and with Valentine’s Day around the corner, my shop’s only gonna get busier so when she said you had an opening I thought it must be fate!”

“Your shop?”

“Oh yeah, I work across the street actually,” she said. “Willow’s Wallflowers.”

“That… makes alot of sense actually,” said Hunter, embarrassed to not have made the connection sooner. “That’s why Luz goes there so much on her lunch break.”

“You’re welcome to join us for lunch if you want,” said Willow, looking down and realizing they were still holding hands  though the hand shake had already ended. Hunter pulled his hand back,embarrassed, and cleared his throat as he led her to his chair.

“Well we usually take separate lunch breaks so there’s always someone in the shop,” said Hunter as motioned for her to sit as he prepped the needles.

“Well, I can take a long lunch if you ever want some company,” said Willow, removing her cardigan and making herself comfortable. “I'm sure my boss won’t mind.” 

“Well I would hate for you… I mean if you’re sure…” Hunter stammered to respond before the dots finally connected. “Oh, it’s you. Y-you’re your own boss.”

“Bingo.” she said with a wink. “I’m actually celebrating one year of being my own boss, so I’m getting the tattoo as kind of a present to myself.”

“Oh, well congrats.” said Hunter. “I’m honored to be a part of the celebration. So Luz showed me the sun-.” he stopped, noticing her bare arms. She was more muscular than he had anticipated and that had never been an issue for him before, but something about seeing this muscle paired with her smile and overall nature like demeanor made his stomach spin. He had a feeling this girl could easily hoist him over her shoulder and for some reason he was very into the idea. But that was not a professional thought. “... flower. The sunflower you wanted. A sunflower. This one.”

 He held up the drawing he had made earlier that day, wondering if he had known who it was for if he would’ve spent more time on it. It was perfect, he was confident of that, but somehow he felt she deserved more than perfect. 

“Yup”  she confirmed with a wide smile. “On my shoulder.”

“Perfect, great choice,” he said as he placed the stencil over the spot and began tracing, trying to be toilet normal about how close he had to be to her. “Is this your first tattoo?”

She nodded. “Maybe it’s a cliche, I’m sure you do alot of flower tattoos right?”

“Well, mostly roses if I'm being honest,” he said. 

“Ugh, roses,” groaned Willow. ‘Don’t get me wrong, they’re great, but Valentine's Day is nonstop roses, as though people don’t think other flowers can be romantic. My backroom is nothing but roses right now.  And for what? They sit in a vase until they- sorry, I’m rambling.”

“No, no it’s fine, we have a similar stance on roses.” he chuckled as he removed the stencil to make sure she was pleased with the placement. She gave her approval and Hunter began the actual tattooing process. She winced slightly when the needle touched her skin, but nothing like his usual clientele reacted, Hunter was impressed, They sat in silence for awhile before Willow spoke again.

“So, are you busy on Valentine’s Day?” she asked.

“Uh… no I’m single,” he said, wiping off some excess ink. “I’ve got a perfect record of 25 Valentine-less  Valentines days.”

“I meant the shop,” she said with a coy smile, not displeased with the answer. “Lot of couples getting matching tattoos I imagine.”

“Oh! Oh, yeah of course,” he chuckled nervously. Why would she ask about him? They had just met. She was his client, he needed to be professional. “Uh, yeah. This year is extra busy because Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday so that means the day before is Friday the 13th which gets us a line out the door.”

“Oh yeah, you do like $13 tattoos right?”

“Yeah, anything off my flash sheet,” he said, reaching into his pocket to pull out a copy. “This is mine for this year, it’s mostly birds and wolves and some nature stuff. Luz’s does better, she does like creepy stuff that people really like.”

“Well, thank you for not making my flower creepy.” said Willow with a smile.

“Well, no promises on the next one,” he said with a smug smile. “That’s a joke, I’d never give you a tattoo you wouldn’t like. Not on purpose. I mean, that’s why we do consultations and tracings first so you-.”

“Hey, don’t worry it looks great,” said Willow, admiring her shoulder. “When I come back to add the color, would you be able to start another flower?”

“Oh, yeah sure let’s get you booked up,” he said, practically flying from his seat to the counter. “He flipped to his calendar to find the soonest date possible. Which was his usual process, it wasn't because he wanted to see her again as soon as possible or something.

“Um, how about Tuesday? Same time?”

“Sounds good,” Willow said with a smile. Hunter jotted her name down. “Oh, and here,” she said, reaching into her purse to pull out a card and a pen and quickly jotted something on the back. “Here’s my number just in case you wanna call me outside business hours.”

“Oh, cool,” he said, taking  it from her and admiring the card. It was simple, the border a delicate vines littered with flowers and the I and o in her name were sunflowers, clearly her signature flower. As he went it tack it on the board, Willow reached back into her purse to pull out a collection of bills and handed it to him.

“Oh, Luz said you already paid,” he said, handing her back the cash.

“Well then consider it a tip,”

“That’s way too generous of a tip, it defeats the whole purpose of a friend's discount.”

“Oh please, she gave me well over the usual friend discount,” said Willow, placing the bills back in his hands. “And we went well over my allotted time, I refuse to be the reason for your small business’s demise. Take it.”

“Fine,” he said begrudgingly, taking the money. “But I’m applying it towards your next flower.”

“Fine,” she said with a dramatic sigh. “Then I guess I’ll just have to find another way to tip you for your services.”

She winked at him before walking out the door and Hunter prayed to every deity above that she didn’t see the blush he knew was covering his face.

---

“So how did your session with Willow go?” Luz asked as she strolled into the shop after dropping off Amity at the bookstore.

“Fine,” said Hunter, pretending he was too focused on finishing a sketch in his notebook to give a more detailed answer. 

“Just fine?” prompted Luz, knowing him well enough to know there was more. Hunter groaned and set his pencil down.

“Yeah, we have another appointment on Tuesday.” he replied, still not looking up.

“Yeah, she sent me a pic,” said Luz, sipping her soda. “It’s gotta be some of your best work. It’s gonna look so rad when it’s done. Looks like you two will be spending alot of time together.”

“Guess so.”

“You cool with that?”

Hunter sighed, clearly frustrated and Luz smiled; she was hoping for this reaction.

“Why didn’t you tell me your friend was so cute?” Hunter demanded as though she had omitted to tell him he was walking into a bear trap. 

“Um, I definitely did tell you that, several times.”

“Well, you call possums cute and Amity, how am I supposed to trust your judgment?”

“Rude,” said Luz, not taking it too much to heart as she sat on the chair across from him, putting up her feet and making herself comfortable. “But you like her, right?”

“She’s a great client,” Hunter said, not taking the bait. “She has a high pain tolerance.”

“You like her muscles don’t you?” Luz said with a smug grin and the scarlet color that took over his face was the only response she needed. He gathered his things in a huff and went to the back before she could lure any other embarrassing truths out of him.

---

“So how did you get into the tattooing business?” asked Willow the next week as Hunter was at work on her orchid.

“Oh, well actually it was because I wanted to get a tattoo removed,” he chuckled.

“Really?”

“Yeah,” he said, focusing on the details of the petals. “Before Camila adopted me, I lived with my uncle. And he wasn’t the best caretaker. He let me get a tattoo when I was 14, which is illegal and I would never do by the way. So after I got out of there and  realized how toxic that living situation  was it just reminded me of him so I wanted to get it removed. But the removal process is almost worse than the process of getting it, so Camila suggested we cover it. I drafted some ideas and the Owl Lady, who became Luz’s mentor actually, somehow managed to take the ugly sigil and turn it into this.” he held out his wrist and showed Willow the tiny cardinal that rested on his wrist. She never would have guessed it covered anything, it looked as though it was meant to be there. “And ya know I was really into drawing and I'm not squeamish so it worked out. Sorry it’s not the best story.”

“Are you kidding? That’s so sweet ” smiled Willow. “And then you got Luz into it too? A real family business.”

“Yeah, some distant relative left me the building in their will,” continued Hunter. “It used to be a restaurant and we turned into a parlor but we kept the name. It was a nice font.”

“It is a nice font,” Willow agreed and for some reason that made Hunter’s stomach flip. He thought he could control the feeling if he avoided asking certain questions. 

‘So what about you? H-how did you get into flowers?”

“Well, I was a flower in a past life,” said Willow simply. Hunter stopped his work and looked at her skeptically. “I’m kidding.” she said with an airy giggle that made him feel lightheaded.

“Oh, yeah of course,” he said and went back to work. 

“I just like flowers I guess, it’s not as good of a story as yours, sorry,” she said. “There’s just so many layers, ya know? There’s so many different types and they all mean different things. They’re good company I guess.”

“Just like you,” he said quietly.

“What was that?”

“Uh…  just like your tattoo! Which is done!” he said nervously, and Willow turned her arm to admire his work. 

“You’ve done it again Noceda,” she beamed, in utter awe of the latest addition. “It’s absolutely stunning.”

“Just like you,” he said, this time not quiet and he did not attempt to cover it up. Willow smiled as he carefully wrapped the new piece, able to marvel at this closeness without worry of distracting him. 

---

“You don’t have to keep giving me the discount just because I’m Luz’s friend,” said Willow as went to pay for the latest addition. “That should only apply if she’s doing it.”

“Well then how about I give it to you because you’re my friend?” he said bashfully.

“Well, I don’t want you to think I’m just your friend for the discounted tattoos,” she said sweetly, trying to hide her thrill at his suggestion.

“Well the honor is more mine, I’d say,” he said offering her crooked, toothy grin

“How many other people get the ‘Hunter’s friend’ discount?” Willow asked, leaning forward in the counter, resting her chin on her hand. 

“Well you’re actually the first,” he admitted with a nervous chuckle. 

“Do… girlfriends get a discount too?”

“Hm? Oh yeah, Luz gives Amity a discount but her tattoos are kind of boring if I’m being honest.”

“And you’d prefer a girlfriend who gets interesting tattoos?”

“I mean, she’s okay and they’re happy so I don’t think-,” he stopped himself as he looked at her flirtatious grin and felt like he had stumbled into a larger question. “Oh, you meant for me?”

She nodded.

“Well I-I don’t, ya know it doesn’t even matter,” he laughed. “I already have plans for Valentine's Day, can’t imagine any girlfriend  would like that too much.”

“Kinda nice to know we’re both in the same boat for Valentine's Day though, huh?”

---

“Welcome to Willow’s Wallflowers! How can I -oh, hi Hunter!” she beamed when she saw who had entered her doorway. She set down the pot she held and rushed over to greet him. He gave her a timid wave as he marveled at her shop. It was brighter than his shop, there were more windows which meant more sunlight which the flowers obviously loved. It smelled amazing. He recognized it, the same smell lingered in her hair when she would come by for her sessions. Not that he smelled her hair, that was unprofessional.

“Wow it’s… beautiful in here,” he said in awe.

“Thanks!” she said. She wanted to say ‘It’s more beautiful now that you’re here,’ but she was on the clock and that was unprofessional. “How can I help you?”

“Oh, no,” he said. ‘Well, maybe? But no, actually I had a last minute cancellation and I was wondering if you’d be interested in taking the slot? Do another session during your lunch? Maybe add that Chrysanthemum?”

“Oh, I’d love that,” she said. “You are so sweet to think of me; but I had to skip breakfast this morning  for an early delivery so if I skip lunch I might pass out.”

“Oh, yeah no don’t do that,” he said. “Um that’s fine, we can’t keep your regular appointment no big deal.”

“Well what about you? Have you eaten yet?”

“Uh, no I had this scheduled during my lunch so I was just gonna grab a protein shake or something between sessions.”

“Well, how about you keep that time slot open and we have a little lunch date? My treat.” said Willow with a  wink. Did she wink at everyone or just him? He never knew what to make of it.

“Oh, well don’t you usually meet with Luz? We still stagger our times so-.”

“Nah, she ditched me for a lunch date with Amity,” she said with a fake pout and Hunter couldn’t help but notice she had used the word to describe Amity and Luz, a couple, having  lunch as she did to them having lunch. Did that mean something or was it just a common turn of phrase that he was reading too much into? “So it’ll be just you and me.”

He decided to test the waters.

“I’m not really dressed for anything fancy.” he said shyly.

“I mean, I’m not really either,” she said, removing her apron to reveal a simple green dress. She always looked stunning in green. 

‘Are you kidding? You look amazing,” gasped Hunter and she smiled at his insistence. “I-i mean compared to me. Well, compared to anyone… you, uh… you always look… nice.”

“Why thank you,” she said. “But I’m kicking myself; I was in such a hurry this morning I forgot to grab a jacket and it’s actually a little chilly outside.”

“Oh well, here,” he said, quickly removing his jacket and placing it on her shoulder before she could protest. “I always wear too many layers anyway.”

“Wow, you tattoo your clothes too, huh?” she said, marveling at the patches that covered nearly every inch of the jacket.

“Oh, yeah I guess?” he smiled, holding the door open for her as she followed behind and went to lock up, flipping the sign in the window. “Camila got me into sewing, I guess I got a little carried away.”

“It’s amazing,” said Willow, twirling in it as though it was an elegant cape. “How dare you say you’re not dressed for anything fancy when you have this treasure?”

“You really like it?”

She nodded. “You better keep an eye on me or I’m gonna steal when you’re not looking.”

“Well it’s not like I don’t know where to find you,” he chuckled. “It does look nice on you.”

“Oh, can you take my picture in it?” Willow asked, handing him her phone. “I wanna send it to Luz.”

“Uh sure,” he said as she started to pose, looking over her shoulder so the whole jacket could be seen. His usual steady hand was shaky, and when he looked at the photos he was embarrassed that she was blurry and out of frame as he was looking at her and not the picture. She ran over to see the results before he could explain.

“Oh I love them,” she said, laughing.

“Sorry they’re not great I’m not much of a photographer,”

“Well luckily I am,” she said as they continued to walk. She effortlessly slipped her arm through his to guide her as she looked at her phone to edit the photos. Hunters eyes darted down to see what she was doing as she turned his blurry shoots into photos that could’ve been on a magazine.

“Wow, that’s amazing,” gasped Hunter. “How did you do that?”

“I do a lot of floral arrangements for weddings and events so I’ve gotten pretty good at photo editing,” she explained. “I usually use an actual camera, but my photoshop skills have gotten pretty good if I do say so myself.”

“Oh wow so all those photos in your store? You took those?”

She nodded.

“Wow, I should hire you to take some new photos for the front room,” he said.

“Well, here’s a free one,” she said, raising the phone up and pulling him close to her so they could take a selfie. She looked at the camera and flashed the peace sign, and Hunter was caught off guard looking at her fondly. She brought the phone close and smiled at the moment she had captured. “Oh, the lighting is so good! You look so cute!”

“Really?” He said with a blush, looking at the photos over her shoulder.

“Yeah!” She beamed. “Want me to send this to you?”

“Oh um I actually don’t have a phone,” he admitted bashfully. “I mean I have a phone at the shop just not like a phone for that.”

“A man of mystery,” Willow mused. “No worries, it’s not like I don’t know where to find you.”

“Yeah,” he chuckled. “Um, so there’s a place up here? Is that okay?”

“Sure, she said, allowing him to lead the way. “So tell me, man of mystery, why did it take so long to finally meet you? Luz introduced herself with a plate of ginger snaps before you guys were even officially open.”

“Yeah well, she was always better at making friends,” he said. “I guess I’ve always kept to myself,bit of a wallflower you know?”

“Well, luckily for you wallflowers are my favorite kind of flowers,” said Willow. “Especially such interesting., golden ones.” 

“R-right,” Hunter said, rubbing the back of his neck. “Oh hey! We’re here! Lemme run in to grab us a table?”

“Sure thing,” Willow smiled, admiring the photo. Just then, her phone began to buzz with a video call request from Luz. “Hey, what’s-.”

“Willow, how did you do it?”

“Um, hi to you too?” Willow said, confused.

“How did you do it?” Luz repeated. 

“Do what?”

“You got Hunter to smile,” came Amity’s voice. Oh right they were together. 

“Yeah, so? He’s got a nice smile.”

“Willow, he never smiles,” said Luz, seriously. “Every picture we’ve ever taken he looks miserable. Even when my mom convinced him to sit for our Christmas card he looked so uncomfortable we thought his appendix had burst, but you somehow got him to smile and show his teeth? Are you a witch, Park?”

“No, I just caught him off guard, I guess,” she said with a chuckle, feeling proud of her feat. “Also, I feel like he’s smiled at me plenty.”

“Ooh he’s probably smiling because you’re on a daaaaaate.” teased Luz.

“Oh, hush.” said Willow, not correcting her.

“Wait, are you wearing his-.” but Willow hung up before she could further interest her, seeing Hunter wave her inside having secured a table.

----

She wore his jacket to every session, waiting for him to ask for it back. He didn’t. A framed photo of them from that day mysteriously appeared on his desk. He considered it a fair trade. 

---

“Hey!” said Willow as she flew in the door, the bell announcing her presence.

‘Willow!” Hunter exclaimed, appearing from behind the counter as though surprised to see her and not like he had been watching her skip across the street. “W-we don’t have a session today do we? Not that I memorized it, I mean I do know my schedule even if you’re not on it but um that’s because I uh- what’s up?” he cut himself off, leaning over the counter as casually as he could.

“I brought you something,” she sang, bringing her surprise from behind her back to reveal a flouting plant.

“Oh wow,” Hunter's eyes widened at the sight. “This is gorgeous.”

“It’s a fern,” said Willow with a smile, delighted he liked it. “You mentioned getting a plant and I’ve been looking after this little guy for awhile and I thought he’d be the perfect fit for the shop.”

“Oh wow, yeah,” said Hunter excitedly, “Where should we put him? How much sun does he need? Does he have a name?”

“I’m glad you like it, '' she said, setting it down to the perfect spot. “They're not hard to look after and I have a list of care instructions. Plus I’m right across the street.”

“This is so nice of you,” he said, still not used to receiving presents, “Oh! I got something to show you too!” He reached into his pocket and proudly displayed what Willow assumed to be the last flip phone on the planet. “For texting!” he said, pride shining in his eyes.

“Wow, look at you,” she said. “Do you need any help setting it up?”

“Oh, Luz helped me last night.” he said, handing her the phone. “She already programmed your number in.”

“I see that… and was she the one who put five hearts after my name?”

“Gah! I don’t know how to erase them,” he said shyly, taking the phone back. “But now we can talk… outside business hours.”

“Oh, and… what should we talk about? Outside business hours?” said Willow, rocking back on her heels and batting her eyelashes at him. She thought he would match her teasing tone but instead he looked sweaty and sickly.

“Ya know, whatever friends talk about I guess,” he said nervously. “Fern care?”

---

Willow started leaving clues around Caleb’s for what her next flower would be. When Hunter was away, she’d come in under the guise of visiting Luz and hide the flower somewhere she knew he’d find it before she came in for her next appointment; in a book or on his desk. It was not at all the professional or efficient way of letting your tattoo artist know what you planned on getting, but Willow was starting to care less and less for professionalism and efficiency. 

---

“Are you Hunter?” came a voice, much younger than the voices that frequented the shop. Hunter turned around and almost didn’t see the short boy who had walked in.

“Are you… old enough to be in here?” Hunter asked, looking around to see if he had come in with anyone.

“I’m the one asking the questions here,” said the boy. “Now are you him?”

“Yes? Who’s asking?”

“Agustus Porter, student, science fiction enthusiast and president of the WIllow Park fan club,” he said very officially. “I’m here to investigate.”

“Investigate what, exactly?”

“Your intentions,” he said, trying to make his voice lower. “With Willow.”

“Intentions? L-like marriage?”

“Hmm interesting,” said Gus, jotting something down in his notebook. “No one said anything about marriage and yet…”

“I’m confused, did Willow send you? Is Willow coming? We usually-.”

“She’s running late, so I saw the opportunity and I took it,” said Gus. “You’ve been spending alot of time together lately. When she’s not with you, she’s talking about you and when she’s not talking about you, she’s texting you. You’re a very slow typer by the way.”

“Oh, are you Gus? You’re in Luz’s class at the-.”

“Now I’ll admit, being Luz’s brother does give you an advantage,” said Gus continued, consulting his notes. “But this whole ‘bad but sad boy thing?’ I always thought it was kind of beneath Willow. I always saw her with more of a stoic type, like Chief O’Bailey.”

“Chief o- wait; is that a Cosmic Frontier notebook?” Hunter asked excitedly, recognizing the symbol on the cover.

“Wait, you know Cosmic Frontier?” Gus asked with matching growing excitement.

“Know it? I have a tattoo of their ship on my shoulder blade of course I know it!” said Hunter.

“What? No way, that’s so sick!”

“It’s actually fairly healthy, I make sure to maintain-.”

“Can you give me one?”

“Can you show me some ID?”

“Do you want me to tell Willow I don’t approve of you?”

“How about a temporary one?” Hunter offered after a beat. 

“Can you make it hurt like it’s real?”

“Probably.”

“Deal,” said Gus, hopping in the chair and rolling up his sleeve and presenting his arm. “Make me cry! Make me cry!”

“Won’t making Willow’s best friend cry hurt my chances with her?” Hunter asked playfully.

“Calling me Willow’s best friend over your own sister?” said Gus. “I think you just earned the Gus Porter seal of approval.”

---

Willow sent him a bouquet of flowers for receiving the Gus seal of approval, which could mean many things. She spotted them in the vase when she walked in for her next session, but he did not mention them. She hadn’t signed them but she felt like he knew.

-

Hunter wasn’t at the next session. Luz had taken his place at the last minute, which Willow didn’t mind, but she had grown accustomed to explaining each flowers’ meaning to him and counting how many times she could get his face to turn her favorite shade of red. Luz said he was helping their sister Vee move into a new place with her partner upstate and Willow didn’t ask any follow-up questions.  

But during the next few days there were no spontaneous lunch dates, no waving at her from across the street, no popping in to observe flowers to practice sketching. Willow went as long as she could without bugging Luz about it. After the third time Hunter was not at their session, she had to say something. 

“Does Hunter not work here anymore?” she said bluntly, no beating around the bush. “Or did he change his schedule or-?”

“Oh, are my skills not good enough for you Park?” teased Luz as she swapped needles to start a new color.

“No no, of course,” Willow laughed. “He’s just been here for all my other appointments so I guess I just-.”

“He said… it was a conflict of interest.” Luz admitted, knowing her brother would kill her if he found out she told Willlow.

“Why?”

“He… was worried he wouldn’t be able to do his best work because he was getting… distracted.”

“Is it because I talk too much? Because if that’s the issue. I’m fine sitting in silence, I just didn't know if it would be awkward for him but that makes sense because of course he would need to concentrate and I-.”

“Willow, it’s totally not that I promise,” assured Luz. “Hunter is a pro at tuning people out, I mean he lives with me after all. No, he….well, remember when Amity and I got our Azura tattoos? Hunter did both of ours because he said me doing Amity’s would be a conflict of interest because…”

She trailed off, hoping Willow could finish the rest.

“Because you kept flirting with her and it was taking forever to finish,” Willow recalled. ”But how does that- wait.”

She looked at Luz with wide, distraught eyes. “No….”

Luz nodded. “Yup.”

“Oh my gosh, I’m so embarrassed,” groaned Willow, covering her face.

“Wait… what?’”

“Oh my gosh, oh my gosh I can’t believe I made him so uncomfortable I ran him out of his own shop,” she exclaimed, horrified. “Ugh, and he was such a gentleman about it, oh my,...and I sent him flowers?! What was I thinking? Luz, can you please tell him-.”

“Willow, Willow, Willow!” said Luz, reaching out to calm her friend, careful of the fresh ink. “That is… not what I was talking about.”

“Then what do you- unless…. No…”

“I’m gonna need you to say exactly what you mean because I’m afraid I'm gonna guess wrong again.”

“Was he… flirting with me too?”

“Ding ding ding, we have a winner!” exclaimed Luz happily. “And my brother prides himself in his professionalism and insisted he could not date a client, hence the conflict of interest. So the only solution would be to remove you as a client.”

“So he could ask me out?”

“Exactly!”

“So why hasn’t he?”

“Well, he can’t exactly send you flowers, can he?” smiled Luz.

“He’s tried,” laughed Willow. “He called and asked if I could deliver a bouquet to the pretty girl at the flower shop, but I thought it was just a joke. He chickened out in the middle of ordering when he felt he was wasting my time on an order that wouldn’t be going out and then offered to pay anyway.”

“Yeah, that sounds like what his idea of flirting would be,” sighed Luz. “You know him, he’s a perfectionist. He’s logical and weird. He wanted to be absolutely sure of his feelings before he acted on them.”

“And?”

“Can I show you something?” Luz said, rising from her seat to rummage through his drawer before finding a red leather notebook and handing it to Willow. “This is where Hunter works on new stuff for his flash. Before it was mostly birds and wolves, some cosmic frontier stuff. When he met you, there were maybe one or two flowers. Then suddenly-.” she opened the book to reveal pages that envied a garden. “He became obsessed with flowers. Then, soon….” She turned the page and Willow felt as though she was looking in a mirror. 

“Is that… me?”

Luz nodded. 

“He was gonna tattoo me on people?”

“What? No! I don’t think… no, but he clearly could not stop thinking about you,” said Luz. “Between you and me, he’s never really had a crush before. He’s always been so serious and studious, focusing on school or work or something. I know for a fact you’re not the first client to flirt with him, but you’re definitely the first one he’s flirted with. Or at least tried to.”

“So is he gonna ask me out or is he just gonna avoid me?”

“I think both options are equally terrifying to him,” said Luz. “But this was supposed to be your last appointment so maybe he’ll stop being such a baby. I mean, I’m pretty sure he got a phone just so he could text you, I don’t know what he’s waiting for.”

---

The session with Luz turned into a gabfest so Willow started walking home later than usual. Forgetting if she closed the window, she quickly went over to her shop to double check. To her horror, the door was unlocked and she knew she had locked it before leaving.

Someone else was here.

She grabbed a cactus from the windowsill to investigate as she followed the muffled sounds of shuffling coming from her office. She spotted a flashlight shining  from beneath the door. She took a calming breath before raising the cactus over her head and kicking the door in, screaming as loudly as she could ready to attack-

“Hunter?” she said confused, the dim light revealing the panicked boy. He smiled at her nervously, his gap tooth grin confirming his identity as she set her weapon down. “What are you doing here?”

“I used the spare key you gave me!” he exclaimed, his arms behind his back. 

‘Well, okay that’s how you got in but why-?”

“I made you a jean jacket!” he said louder than he intended to, nearly shoving the piece of clothing in her face as though it explained his presence. Willow took the jacket and examined it, like his own it was covered in patches but Willow could tell this had been carefully selected for her: flowers, bees, mushrooms. On the sleeve was an elegant W, obviously hand stitched. The whole thing was. It must’ve taken him hours to make.

“Hunter this is… it’s so…”

“It’s too much isn’t it?” he asked, his hands balled into fists at his sides. “I can take some off or rearrange them, I just kept finding ones that reminded me of you and so I-.”

She cut him off by wrapping her arms around him, trapping his arms at his sides. Hunter was used to hugs, his adopted family was extremely affectionate, but something about getting one from her… it was a whole new experience. “Hunter, I love it.”

“R-really?”

“Yes,” she said, slipping it on and delighting in its perfect fit. “But is this why you’ve been avoiding me?”

“No! I mean yes, I mean that’s what I was doing while I was avoiding you I mean… you noticed I was avoiding you?”

“Well yeah kinda,” she said, trying not to show her hurt in hearing him confirm it. “I really like talking to you and spending time with you, and just when I got used to having you around you vanished.”

“Sorry about that I just… I’m not used to being around,” he tried. “That’s not a good reason and I don’t blame you if you hate me but I didn’t know how explain why without sounding stupid.”

“Hunter, I’m sure it’s not stupid,” said Willow. “Unless you hate me, then that is stupid.”

“I don’t hate you,” laughed Hunter, her humor putting him at ease. “I kind of… the opposite of hate you. It’s just that Luz pointed out how much longer I spend on your sessions and I got worried I was taking up too much of your time just because I liked seeing you which wasn’t fair to you so I-.”

“Hunter,” she cut him off with a smile. “Do you really think I needed to spend two hours deciding what color I wanted my lily to be? I was practically holding you captive.”

“I just… words aren’t my strong suit,” he said. “I’m more of a doer, I guess? Every time I tried to say anything to you, I just… words didn’t work. So I started making this and I was gonna leave it on the back of your office chair for you to find and you’d put it on and you’d put your hand-.”

“-in the pocket?” finished Willow, pulling a small green envelope from said pocket with her name written in golden on the front. Hunter looked like he stopped breathing and Willow knew she was meant to find this in private. “What’s this?”

“It's to explain… h-how I feel… about you.”

She fiddled with it for a moment. “Well, before I read it… can I show you how I feel about you?”

“Oh, uh sure,” Hunter said anxiously. “Did you make a bouquet or-.”

No, Hunter had already misinterpreted several floral arrangements. She needed to express her feelings in a more direct and defiantly unprofessional way. She brought her hand up to cup his jaw and he leaned into the touch watching he rise to his level as she leaned up and gently pressed her lips to his, tilting her head only so slightly so there nearly bumped noses. She could tell he was holding his breath, and he truly did not exhale until she parted. He looked at her with disbelief, and she gave him her signature wink that sent a familiar warm tornado over his whole body. 

“That’s… better than floriography,”Hunter said with a lovestruck smirk.

Willow smiled, pleased with his reaction as she opened the envelope she gripped slowly and her face could not hide her confusion. “It’s a… coupon? For Caleb’s?”

“Yeah,” said Hunter. “For your next tattoo. It’s a certificate, actually.”

“You… value me as a customer?” she said reading the prewritten sentiment all their certificates came with.

“Yeah, oh no wait, flip it over.”

“'The girlfriend discount?’” she read, breathlessly before adding playfully, “You’re giving me Amity’s discount?”

“What? No! No, uh that’s your discount,” he said. “I-if you want it, that is.”

“My discount huh?”

“Yeah, I’m upgrading you,” he said, dreamily. “I-if you want it.”

“Can I redeem it right now?”

“Really?”

“Well, luckily I have space for one more flower,” she said, holding out her arm to show him the empty spot on her wrist that perfectly mirrored where his cardina was. Luz had only done a few small flowers in addition to his larger intricate ones. He was impressed with his sister’s work, but couldn’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy. “I was thinking maybe a rose?”

“A rose?” he laughed. “I thought you hated roses.”

“Roses signify love and admiration, I could never hate them,” Willow scoffed dramatically at the notion. “Especially if it’s a rose you gave me.”

[caffeinateddays]

any hunter+luz acting as siblings headcanons?

THEY'RE SIBLINGS YOUR HONOR—but seriously, from day one i have believed in this dynamic. beware of spoilers for toh season two. thanks for your support!

these two are the definition of sibling rivalry. they will bicker over the smallest things and launch insults that carry no meaning to them other than annoy.

they attempt to outdo the other for bragging rights eternal glory, only serving to fuel their next showdown. competition is a huge part of their dynamic, cockiness knowing no ends. except when one of them slips and makes a mistake.

"and how was i supposed to know that bug was going to summon a hurricane?" "maybe think about how i was trying to get us away from it in the first place, luz!" "aww, hunter, you were thinking of me? i knew that you were a softie at hear-" "me! i was getting me away from it."

chaos is inevitable when hunter and luz are together. fatality is always in their midst, but they can't imagine a time they've been together when their lives weren't at stake. to be frank, a lot of their dynamic is built upon bonding through hardship and trauma.

both are unable to use natural magic in a world that revolves around it, share an animosity for belos/phillip, not to mention the multiple occasions where he has tried to endanger and kill them.

with enough time, luz entrusts hunter with her knowledge of glyphs. she’s a patient and effective instructor; it stupefies him because he’s seen how raw and unleashed she can be. it makes him all the more keen to learn, picking up the formations with ease, even able to suggest his own combinations after a week.

hunter teaches luz about the inner workings of magic as he knows it, natural and artificial. they hit the books, visiting the library after closing time. he even tells her about wild magic when they grow closer, facts and folktales from his very own shelf of restricted knowledge. if hunter’s in a good mood, he'll lend her the old golden guard staff, practicing some of his more unique spells.

"when are you ever going to teach me that teleportation thing of yours?" "since when can i teleport?" "y’know, that thing where you go all POOF and WOOSH and you look all golden." "that’s dashing." "don’t flatter yourself. you’re like a six—maybe six and a half—on a normal day.” “no, luz. it’s called dashing." "should've just said that in the first place, then." "i did...wait, what did you just say about me—”

luz is the younger sibling in their dynamic. she can be quite reckless and carefree at times, butting her head into situations before thinking them all the way through. she doesn't carry many responsibilities as a human in the demon realm, meaning that there are always less repercussions to face when things do fall apart.

hunter teaches her to see the big picture. to just stop once in awhile and remember everything that's at play. he lets luz know that she has to stop doubting her loyalty for others when she focuses on her own needs. they can exist in a balance, because relationships are built on mutual care.

he can admit that he cares about her. he feels that he's the older sibling in their dynamic. believing that all the actions he's taken over the course of his life have been predetermined, he needs to ensure that luz will always have the freedom of choice. if this means taking the fall himself, then so be it.

luz will help hunter reaffirm that his actions have always been his own; it's only that he's been manipulated into restriction and fear of the unknown. now that he's defected from the emperor's coven, the entirety of his identity is safe for now from the clutches of belos. hunter can and will grow his interests and his personality.

of course, his brazen ways stay the same as eda eventually takes him into their family. he hides behind corners of the owl house and tries to spook luz as she walks by. given that she gets back at him with her invisibility spell, it snowballs into all-out warfare whenever they attempt to scare each other.

luz has a huge stack of glyphs at disposal in her jacket's inner pocket, reserved solely for her skirmishes with hunter. he thinks ahead and pickpockets luz of the papers while she highlights the fact that she did not pour more apple blood in her cup than in his. hunter's not convinced in the slightest.

"they're at the same level! what more could you possibly want from me, hunter?" "give me three more drops of yours. then we could call it even." "does that even make a difference though?" "it does in fact, make a difference."

not even a minute later, hunter will walk into a wall of plastic wrap when he goes through the kitchen doorway. the following battle is not as violent as one would think, both fighting to just antagonize the other, never to seriously hurt or maim. luz never uses more than a quarter of her glyphs, just as hunter doesn't try drawing things out by teleporting all over the place.

when things get out of hand, eda has decided to put them both into timeout after getting her hands onto one of those giant "this is my getting along" shirts. it's a tacky way to punish, but she loves watching those first seconds of dread flash across her children's faces.

while luz loses her mind over collective punishment, hunter is usually looking for ways out of the shirt™. so far, the most effective method has been turning the front yard into winter wonderland and making a double snow angel of some sort. that feat requires enough bribing cooperation in order for eda to take the shirt off.

but their favorite way by far has to be simply doing maintenance on their palismen staffs, passing the cloths, oils, and polish between their collective two hands. it serves as their moment to get what they need off their chests (singular chest in this case), a moment to do nothing but listen without judgement.

"wow." "i know, right? and now she—" "sounds like a total asshole. luz, the conditions that you gave her on your duel should've been worse. you have to consider what was really at stake there." "i— "like, i get that it's an eternal oath that's bound by your souls, but stepping on king's cupcake? outrageous. the witch needs to be punished for that unforgivable crime." "hunter. you need to—" "exactly. time is of the essence. what's her address?" "hunter, that witch is my girlfriend." "what's your girlfriend's address?"

after all, these two have been through a lot and they don't plan on separating anytime soon. literally.

[ordinaryschmuck]

Luz Appreciation Week 2022 Prompts

Told you I’d get them to you by tomorrow? Just needed time to think.

Now, here are the prompts for Luz Appreciation Week 2022. You can do whatever you want with them. Whether it’s to write a quick one shot or draw something, it doesn’t matter. I’ll still like and reblog it all just the same, just so everyone else can see the amazing work that you made.

And, as a reminder, this starts on March 12th until March 18th, all to countdown The Owl House’s return on the 19th. Are we all clear? Perfect. Now, here are the prompts:

Day 1 (March 12th)-Dominican Republic Culture: One aspect about Luz that doesn’t get touched upon much is that she has a Dominican heritage. And let’s fix that four our good friends in that corner of the world who love The Owl House. Write a story about Luz embracing her culture or draw her in an outfit that reflects it. Anything should work, and I suggest you do your research. I mean, Google is RIGHT THERE.

Day 2 (March 13th)-Fangirl: If there’s one thing we know about Luz, she’s a nerd. So let’s have her do some nerdy things, whether it’d be cosplaying or reading/writing fanfics. Because you cannot tell me that she hasn’t done that at least once.

Day 3 (March 14th)-Siblings: I think it’s safe to say that Luz has three siblings at this point. King’s like the little brother she’s never had, Hunter’s the older brother she never wanted, and Vee is all but Luz’s adopted sister. So, let’s show some of the love that Luz has for one (if not all) of her siblings!

Day 4 (March 15th)-Bad Ending: “WHY?!” Because Season 2B is apparently the more heart wrenching half of the season. Might as well ease into it. The actual question is, what counts as a bad ending? Is it Luz being stuck in the demon realm away from her mother? Is it Luz stuck in the human realm, away from her friends? Or is it that she’s stuck in neither and she’s trapped in that in-between place, never to see anyone she loves again? Anything’s possible, and I’ll leave it to you decide how to go about it.

Day 5 (March 16th)-Using the Noggin’: Want to know something? Luz is smart. Like, she finds a lot of glyphs on her own and manages to win the day by outthinking her enemies rather than outsmart them. Let’s honor that, shall we? Have Luz study a new glyph, have her outsmart an enemy. Anything works as long as it proves one thing: Luz is smart.

Day 6 (March 17th)-Awesome Girlfriend: I had to--I HAD TO! But, just like last time, I will clarify: This is the only day you’re allowed to use Amity. Or, at the very least, use her in an excessive amount. AND keep Luz as the focus. Like, show how she would prepare for a date or what she’d go through to give Amity a gift. Don’t use this excuse to use Amity out of proportion.

Day 7 (March 18th)-Help from the Helpless: The best thing about Luz is how she’s a light upon the lives of everyone she’s met. So many lives are better because of her, and she often risks a lot to make everyone happy. To capture that, show just how much she cares about the people she loves. Have her help Eda, Willow, Gus, Lilith, HER MOM. Anyone would work. Just as long as it proves how much of a shining ball of light that Luz really is.

And those are your prompts. Unfortunately, I won’t participate this time around. I just don’t have it in me to do so. But, like I said, I will share any and every thing you post so more people can see your incredible work. Just remember to type “luz appreciation week 2022″ in the tags, and I’ll find it.

I repeat: Type “luz appreciation week 2022″ exactly as it is in the quotes.

I’ll see what you’ll all make in March. Have a good day.

[dawnseternallight]

Wrapped in a Sunbeam

Please enjoy some post Thanks to Them hurt/comfort as a result of Hunter and Luz siblings living rent free in my brain. Ever since I saw the episode I haven't been able to stop thinking about Luz reacting more fully to Belos being The Worst and taunting her over Hunter. So I decided to explore that a bit.

AO3 Link

“What? Afraid you’ll hurt him?”

Blue eyes glimmered where there should be magenta and a once gentle mouth quirked up into a harsh smirk. His voice twisted, layered , Belos and Hunters. 

Luz felt heat prick at the corners of her eyes, and Flapjack’s little talons pressed into her shoulder through the layers of costume. As anxious as she was. 

Hunter’s–no Belos’ smile turned a little sharper, “You already have, you know.”

“No.” Luz’s voice was firm, grip on her glyphs tight, “You’re lying.” 

‘That’s what Belos does’ , a familiar voice whispered in her ears, ‘He tricks people.’

Belos chuckled, “Oh but I’m not. This–” he held his arms out, painted green with the same sludge that covered Belos in his monstrous form, “Is all your doing. If you’d just stayed with him a little longer, believed him when he’d said I was back well–”

Belos shrugged, smug fire lighting up his eyes, “He wouldn’t be mine.” 

“ He doesn’t belong to you.” She ground out, throwing an ice glyph towards him. 

He didn’t even have to move, because Luz’s ice was never directed at his body. He was right, of course he was right. She didn’t want to hurt him. She’d never want to hurt him. 

“Of course he does.” Belos purred, advancing on her one step at a time, “You didn’t keep your promise to keep him safe.” 

“No.” Luz’s voice wavered, and she looked down into her hands, glyphs squished between her palms, “No, I did. I tried–I tried.”  

Flapjack squawked a terrified chirp and Luz’s attention shot up as his weight was snatched from her shoulder. 

Glowing blue eyes felt an inch from her own, with panicked red struggling in her periphery. 

Her body was frozen, locked in place by that icy stare and Flapjack’s panicked chirps. She knew what was coming. She’d seen it a hundred times a hundred ways in a hundred nightmares.  

“You should have tried harder.” 

Green splashed across her vision and she screamed. 

Luz shot up from her cot, a hand flying to her mouth as her heart raced. A dream. It was all a dream. But was it really? Flapjack had died. Belos had–he’d– Hunter . 

She tugged her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them, biting her bottom lip to stop the sob that was building in her throat. The Belos in her dream wasn’t wrong. It was her fault. She’d let Hunter down. 

She squeezed her eyes shut against those five words: “What? Afraid you’ll hurt him?”

Yes. Luz’s heart said. Yes . 

Of course. Of course she was afraid to hurt him. What kind of question was that? When asked with that voice . That voice that should be gentle, and kind. That pitched high when its owner was excited, and lost all functionality when he was embarrassed. 

That voice that, just a day before everything went south, had cracked with sobs when she’d told him she’d protect him. That he was family. 

She pushed herself to her feet and crept through the abandoned house they’d picked to spend the night in. Four flimsy walls to protect them from the chaos outside. She tried not to think about how that was partially her fault too. How other friends and family were in danger because of how she’d helped Belos. 

Silently she made her way to the boys room, Hunter and Gus were in makeshift cots much like hers. Both boys were curled up, backs pressed to one another’s protectively. In case they were attacked, they could at least keep the other one safe. 

It was more effort than Luz had put into keeping Hunter safe. 

She paused at the door, unsure why she’d even had to come in here. Just to see Hunter? To make sure he was really here? And not at the bottom of a lake? Not far too still on a path of ice? 

The way he was curled kept Luz from seeing his face, or his chest. Her own heart spiked as worry flooded it. What if he wasn’t breathing again? What if whatever magic Flapjack had done had–failed?

Her feet were moving before her head had time to catch up, and soon she was crouched beside him, eyes catching on the fresh scars littering his face in the dim lighting seeping through the covered windows. Tears welled up in her eyes, as her mind echoed with my fault, my fault. I hurt him.  

But here at least she could see the gentle rise and fall of his chest. Hear the way his breath whistled ever so slightly as he inhaled and exhaled from a barely open mouth. He was safe. Breathing. This boy she had thought would always be an enemy. This boy she’d come to see as the brother she’d never imagined she could have. Sweet, gentle, Hunter. 

She fell back from her crouch to plop onto the floor proper, chest hitching, as she buried her face into her knees, tugging them close to her for the second time in as many minutes, “I’m sorry.” She whispered, “I promise , I will protect you this time. No matter what.” 

She would keep that promise. To him, and everyone else in the Boiling Isles counting on her. She had to. She couldn’t lose anyone else. Couldn’t let anyone else get hurt because of her mistakes. 

“Luz?” 

She peered up, cheeks going flush as she took in Hunter’s eyes furrowed at her. He’d sat up, and had a hand hovering just over one of her own, still tightly wrapped around her knees. 

“Hunter.” her voice was scratchy with tears, and she could do absolutely nothing to hide the fact that she’d been sitting there sobbing over him, which unfortunately only seemed to make the tears run faster.  

“Hey,” concern etched his face as his hand touched down on hers at last, slipping past her tight squeeze to hold it fast, “Just breathe for me, okay?” 

“I’m sorry.” she hiccuped, “I didn’t mean to wake you.” 

He hummed, “It’s fine, it wasn’t all that great a sleep anyway.” 

Her traitorous mind reminded her that his lack of rest was her fault too. He’d been happy just a few days ago. Gus said he’d been sleeping through the night. Even the ever present bags under his eyes had started to lighten. 

She couldn’t bring herself to check to see just how dark they were again. 

“Come on, let’s move to another room, alright?”

Hunter helped her up, and together they shuffled out of the room. Hunter gently closed the door behind them so Gus could continue to sleep uninterrupted. 

Luz let herself be led to a somewhat beaten up, but surprisingly stable, couch and settled there. A moment later a blanket was tucked over her shoulders. Hunter sat down next to her, and flopped over to lean against her shoulder. 

It was warm. Comfortable. If Luz closed her eyes she could pretend they were back home, resting while the others set up a game of Clue or worked on cookies in the kitchen with her mom. 

“Want to tell me what’s wrong?” 

Hunter’s voice was quiet and gentle.

Luz considered shaking her head and letting the two of them sit there in silence until whatever passed for dawn in The Collector’s messed up world crept up on them. But she couldn’t do that. Not to Hunter. Not to the boy who had known her darkest secret as long as she’d known his. They were knit together the two of them, with intertwining needles of trauma and love. 

“I’m sorry.” She said, “I let him hurt you.” 

The words tumbled from her mouth before he could get a breath, let alone a word, in, “I promised we’d keep you safe, and I let him hurt you. Even after you told me he was back. After you confided in me. I brushed it off and when I finally realized something was really wrong it was too late. It was too late and he took so much from you. It’s my fault. My fault you’re hurt and Flapjack is gone and he–he–he–” 

She found her breath was gone as Hunter dragged her into a hug, blanket and all. Luz curled into his chest, fist wadded in blanket and sobbed. 

It was stupid. She shouldn’t be the one crying. Hunter’s the one who had been hurt after all. He’d been the one possessed. The one who almost drowned. Who’d lost Flapjack. 

Yet it was his arms that wrapped tight around her, the all encompassing warmth that was Hunter. Belos had wanted him to be the Golden Guard, an untouchable figure clothed in white and gold. And he was still golden. But to her he’d become so much more than that. To all of them he’d become the sun. Warm and glowing with his silly smile that could light up a room, and his infectious passion for sewing and wolves. 

And his hugs, his hugs were the best. Once so foreign to him but now as comforting as being wrapped in a golden ray of sunlight.

“I’m so sorry.” she said again. 

They stayed that way, Luz sobbing into his chest while Hunter just held her, until her head hurt and her eyes were scratchy and she physically couldn’t cry another tear. 

At that point she gave in and snuggled into his chest, laying against him, still wrapped in her blanket and his arms like a miserable lump. Not that Hunter seemed to mind, he carried on rubbing her arm with one hand, and being a pillar where she couldn’t anymore. 

“You did keep me safe, you know.” Hunter’s voice was quiet in the dark room. 

“You didn’t hesitate to go looking for Belos with me the first time I told you he was back. You gave me the strength I needed to look for him.”

He squeezed her closer, “You didn’t hurt me. Even when he lashed out, you never hurt me.” 

Of course she hadn’t. How could she hurt him? He was her brother. Her sunshine in the storm that was the last six months of their lives. 

“And again in the graveyard. You don’t understand what it was like to have him in your mind. I was–he was smothering me. There was no room to breathe. To be. But I heard you. Your voice broke through the darkness and gave me an anchor to latch onto.”

He wasn’t looking at her, but a spot in the wall somewhere. Eyes distant as he recalled the events of Halloween night. 

“You and Flapjack.” now he did glance down at her, “You helped him, shielded him, and even partnered with him to help me.” he swallowed, “And you kept him safe after Belos–” 

He swallowed, “You don’t have to apologize to me, Luz. Not ever. Not for any of that. You saved me. You’ve never stopped saving me, not since we met. If anything, it should be me thanking you, and promising to keep you safe. As thanks for all you’ve done.” 

Luz wasn’t sure what to say to that. So she didn’t say anything. Instead she shifted, pulling away from him to look him in the face. His bags were darker than they’d been before, but not quite as dark as the first time she’d seen him without his mask. In a move, she tossed half the blanket over his shoulders and then flopped back against his shoulder. 

“Well I’m not going to stop trying to protect you.” She declared, “I made a promise after all.”

He chuckled, “Then, I guess we’ll just have to protect each other. That’s what family does after all.” 

She smiled at that, “Yeah, your right. That's what families are for."