#i get the shivers | hyram x alice

[palisraven]

@ethereallyloved said: Alice essentially ran at top speed towards her boyfriend, suddenly just jumping at him! She has caught him!

He grunted quietly at the impact but his arms immediately wrapped around her, holding Alice close. A smile curled Hyram's lips and her tilted his head to press a kiss to her jaw. "Ah, the mighty dragon has captured me. Whatever shall my fate be?" he joked.

[palisraven]

Hyram pressed a kiss to Alice's temple softly, holding her close. "Of course," he whispered, his tone gentle.

"What a dreadful sister I am," Sekai sighed dramatically, leaning against the doorframe. "How dare I," she added. Seeing Hyram smirk a bit, she giggled and reached out to gently grab her brother's arm. "Ok, c'mon. Let's get some tea and popcorn going."

While Saleth and Sekai were in the kitchen, Hyram started to stroke Alice's hair, running his fingers through the strands. "You're starting to look a little better," he said encouragingly.

Alice began to relax once they were at home, letting out a soft sigh as she sat down onto the couch, still remaining close to him. At least they were safe and sound now!

" I'm...thankful for your help. For all of you. "

She spoke, color returning to her face. At the very least it seemed that she was starting to feel better now. Her tail swaying from side to side.

" The popcorn should be in the cupboard next to the fridge by the way! "

She added, already noticing that Saleth was slowly making his way through their home. He vaguely knew where everything was but he still tended to walk into things at times.

" Sister....I am lost and you are abandoning me~ "

He joked, obviously being overly dramatic there. Although he was kind of bothered by Alice's Palisman poking him.

[palisraven]

When Alice started to make small adjustments, Hyram smiled brightly and instinctively reached up to rest his hands on her hips. It was just incredibly nice; it felt so domestic and he hadn't realized he'd wanted something like this until he'd met Alice.

"Thank you!" He excitedly pointed to his tie. "I'm wearing the one you gave me." While he wasn't dressed up overly formal, he was still wearing something nice.

@nxtleftbehxnd | X

[palisraven]

Her reaction almost made him laugh; she seemed so indignant and all on his behalf. "I'm glad you have faith in me. Sometimes the worries just...won't go away. But I know that as long as I've got you, I'll be ok."

Hyram kissed her softly. "Thank you. For always believing the best in me."

Her eyes widened at that. Just the concept of him fearing that was wild to her! Alice immediately held him more tightly, almost wanting to bonk him with her head!

" You will never be like him! You're the sweetest person I know...and you'd be a great dad! I can already imagine it! "

Just the mental image of their child spending time with him made her smile. She was convinced that he'd be a great dad!

[palisraven]

"We'll do more than throw them in the Boiling Sea," Sekai chimed. "I'll find something more humiliating," she added under her breath. She reached over and gently squeezed Alice's arm. "It'll be ok, sweetie. I'll talk to Astrid and see what we can do to help protect you in the future."

Hyram glanced at Sekai. "Will Astrid know what to do?"

"Of course she will," she answered easily. As they continued to walk, she could see Hyram seemingly get more comfortable as they drew closer to his and Alice's place. Her heart clenched a little at the sight; his confidence had been rattled badly enough that going home was all that comforted him, it seemed.

Once they were inside, Hyram hugged Alice close before he guided her to the couch. "Sekai, do you need help with finding-"

"I've got it. I see the kettle. And I can find the tea on my own, don't worry," she soothed.

Saleth smiled, making sure that no one would follow them. One creep was enough for tonight! He was still worried about the both of them. They were like family to him!

" Don't worry about it...if anyone tries something creepy again we will throw them into the boiling sea! "

Alice was smiling a little but still kept close to Hyram. She didn't want him to blame himself. What hurt her the most was her own weakness. She should have known better.

"....What if...there are more you know about my weakness to Oracle magic? "

[palisraven]

"No, babe, no, it's ok. I'm sorry I let this happen," Hyram soothed. He blinked when Sekai touched his shoulder; Sekai's other hand rested on Alice's arm.

Sekai smiled gently. "Let's bounce and relax. And yes, we can have popcorn. That would be lovely."

Hyram kept his arm wrapped around Alice tightly as he walked towards the exit. "I appreciate you guys," he said to Sekai and Saleth.

Alice not only felt grossed out but guilty. This was supposed to be a nice evening for her and Hyram and now it was ruined. She knew it wasn't her fault per se but still!

" Sure...that sounds nice. I'm sorry...I should have been more careful. "

She answered, trying to regain some form or composure there as she took in a deep breath.

The blind witch felt slightly awkward, wanting to ease this tension a little.

" And once we're at your place...I could make us some of that strange human popcorn thing too! "

[palisraven]

His arms were wrapped around Alice protectively and, honestly, he appreciated Saleth's wings giving them an extra layer of separation. A quiet sigh left Hyram's lips as he let his head rest atop Alice's head, just taking in the feeling of her body against his. He was useless in that kind of situation...but at least he could comfort Alice now that it was over. "I've got you...I'll always have you," he whispered softly.

Sekai made a mental note of the demon's appearance. She'd let Astrid see that memory for tracking purposes. But after the demon had departed, she headed back over to Saleth, Alice and Hyram. Her brow furrowed with concern and she gently reached out to touch Alice's shoulder. "Maybe we should cut out early," she suggested. "We could go back to you guys' place and I could make some tea and we can chill out there. This party sucks anyway."

Alice immediately melted into the touch, staying close and not wanting to be anywhere else now. She felt disgusted as if something malicious had passed through her body to infect her.

Sure the demon had no control over her now but that still didn't stop her mind from worrying that something could have remained within her to paralize her once more.

Saleth may not have picked up on what was happening right away, the noise around him just being too distracting but as soon as he saw Hyram and Alice he also drapped her wings around them. It was actually an effective way to give them some distance from the event.

Naturally the demon wasn't happy about this at all, swallowing at Sekai's words. Far too exhausted to try and take over her instead. Instead they snarled back and left, hopefully not returning for a good while!

[palisraven]

"Well, it's not like we're being pressured into it, so we can take our time," he answered gently. "I'm not too worried about it." Which wasn't quite true- he was worried but not because he wasn't comfortable with Alice as a partner. He just worried because the only parental figure he'd ever had was Belos...and everyone knew how that went.

After a moment of silence, Hyram whispered, "You don't think I'd be like him, do you? Do you think I'll know what to do?"

Alice smiled softly, nuzzling his face gently as she listened to him. It was comforting to see how far they both had come. Things were indeed better now!

" I'm glad you think so...I don't know if I'm quiet ready yet but....if we do have a child I'm sure they'll be amazing! "

[palisraven]

As soon as he noticed the difference in Alice, Hyram squeezed her hand and tenderly cupped her cheek. "I've got you, Ali, don't worry." He shot a vitriolic glare at the demon and snarled, "I should murder you."

Sekai gently nudged Hyram and Alice away, keeping her steely eyes on the demon in question. "You two go meet up with Saleth. I'll deal with the trash." She hissed, "Listen here, fuckwit. If you ever pull shit like that again, I can guarantee you'll die. Because I know that Astrid has a better chance and finding you and ripping you apart. And trust me. Because this amulet came in contact with your magic...Astrid can trace you." After a pause without breaking eye contact, she snarled, "Get out of my sight before I kill you myself."

The amulet filled her with warmth, regaining control over her own body again. She felt weak, as if her limbs had been strung up by strings.

Her breath slightly labored as if she had been close to drowning. Despite reclaiming control over her own body, she couldn't help it but to tremble. Just having enough strength to get out a few words.

"....I'm scared..."

The demon in question wasn't dumb and was immediately alarmed as the amulet made them recoil in disgust, stepping away as they realized that they probably should look for a quick get away.

"...Ah...I shall take my leave..."

[palisraven]

Something was most certainly off. Hyram scowled at the shade and took Alice's hand. "Alice, let's go. Sekai and Saleth are waiting on us." He started to gently tug her when Sekai made her way over.

Around Sekai's neck was a beautiful red gem, surrounded by elaborately crafted gold. As soon as she got close to Alice, the gem flashed once and then started to glow as she got closer to Alice. She slipped an arm around her for a quick hug, just enough that the amulet came into contact with Alice's skin. "Oh, Alice, I forgot to tell you something important. But, uh, we need to step away for a minute."

As soon as the amulet came into contact with Alice's skin, it started to glow brighter and felt warm to the touch, actively working as it sensed Oracle magic.

Despite his protection and care, it would not spare Alice from the loss of control and the horrific potential of Oracle magic. She wanted to answer, she definitely did but her body would not listen!

" Of course I'm fine! Just talking to a fan. "

That wasn't her voice! Well it sounded like hers though. Was this demon mimicking her? Just using her voice for trickery?

Her body still felt stiff and cold, unable to move on her own. Although...it did move, giving a dismissive wave. It dawned upon her...this stranger was partially possessing her! She really hoped he would catch onto this, frustrated over her own lack of power against oracle magic. Seeing how she was never good at it, it seemed to have grown into a weakness.

[palisraven]

The instant that Alice left his side, Hyram watched her like a hawk- again, after all the years he'd spent as the Golden Guard, he'd had trouble breaking all the habits he'd picked up. But he wasn't sure he wanted to break the habit of watching Alice whenever she'd leave him to go do something else.

But when he saw the shade approach, he could immediately feel something was off. Hyram started to remove his blazer so he could roll up his sleeves when Sekai reached out and grabbed him. "Don't get into a fight." "But-"

"But nothing. You don't want to get locked up because then who will watch out for Alice like you do?" Sekai pointed out. Hyram frowned but grunted his understanding, instead using his magic to teleport behind Alice. "Babe? Is everything ok?" he asked.

Alice had approached the buffet again but this time for something to drink. She wasn't even that far away from the others just a little off to the side.

However, that didn't stop a shade like demon to appear next to her. Solidifying in a more humanoid shape, smiling at her and being a little too close for comfort.

" Hello...you're looking pretty~ "

Nope! Not having that! Alice didn't even respond and just wanted to walk back to the others! But she felt as if she couldn't move, her feel feeling as if they have been nailed to the ground. The fact that this stranger managed to cast a trap spell like that without her noticing was a huge red flag to her!

" Hey! How- "

Her voice died, glaring a the other. The shade was emiting a strange aura. Fume like and having a bitter sensation to it. Definitely Oracle magic! She barely could hear what this one was talking about or if they were talking at all. Their words and whispers incoherent, a tongue unknown to her. Whatever it was, it kept her from visibly freaking out and moving away.

[palisraven]

He looked at her, tilting his head so their eyes met. Hyram nodded and replied, "I'm sure. And I think you'd be a great mom." His hand moved up and down her back, trying to be soothing. "Besides...no one is perfect. We'll probably make some mistakes but all we can do is our best. We've got time to think it over," he added.

A soft smile curled his lips. "When you're ready, I'm ready."

Alice's eyes widened as well, actually clinging onto him at that point! She may have thought about it once or twice before! They were well off and she didn't had to go on tours that much anymore so...maybe it could work?

" Really? I-I mean...are you sure? You'd be a great dad but...what if I'd be a bad mom..."

[palisraven]

Sekai reached over and playfully nudged her brother's shoulder. "You have a point but still- I can only imagine what you two would do if there wasn't the threat of causing a big scene."

Hyram snickered, "Oh, get us at a more casual party and you'll find out." Though, years and years of being trained to be on the lookout for anything and everything still had an effect on Hyram and his head was on a swivel, still looking at their surroundings. It had helped him several times in the past and a few times when keeping Alice safe at meet and greets.

So, he kept looking around, trying to spot any strange behavior or familiar faces.

Having him hide his face in her hair made her giggle, it tickled! Alice watched the former snacks jump around and cause quite a fuss.

The musician had to focus to keep their cover, not wanting to get all of them in trouble.

" Pfff...you're right Sekai...but you gotta admit...that's the only way these snacks could ever have disappeared. "

It was a miracle that there wasn't an uproar, the security staff still trying to mantain their composure while awkwardly bringing the critters outside.

Saleth already managed to get back to the buffet, obviously delighted that there was more space now!

" Oh hey more food for us! "

Despite everyone being happy, a stranger was already having his eyes on them. Mostly on Alice though.

[palisraven]

"Oooh, we get to watch Reina? Cool!" Hyram thought Reina was adorable and loved being able to help out with Alice's family. Besides, anytime he was around Reina, he always found himself wondering what it would be like to have a child...

He giggled as he saw people start to back away from the table. A couple of the eyeball tarts started to jump at people and he had to turn his head away, burying his face in Alice's hair to hide his laughter. "The snacks are jumping at people!"

Sekai's lips quivered- she was trying so hard not to outright laugh as she didn't want to draw too much attention. Though, she did have to admit it was pretty funny. "No more play dates for the boys, they're causing trouble," Sekai teased.

Alice couldn't help herself but to giggle as well, immediately wrapping her arms around his to pull him closer. Honestly, she didn't mind him causing mischief! It made this evening more fun!

" Guess what Hyram? We're gonna watch over Reina at some point! "

Babysitting with Hyram would definitely be lovely! Also it was a good way to help out her family.

Saleth chuckled as his sensitive ears perked up at the sound of the snacks scuttling about and some guests already backing away. No one wanted to cause a scene so the awkwardness of it all made it even funnier to him!

" Finally some excitement! "

[palisraven]

Hyram's eyes widened in slight surprise at that, the wheels in his head immediately starting to turn. "She's been talking about babies a lot? And that made you start nesti- oh."

Realization dawned on him and he stared straight up at the ceiling. He had thought, in passing, about becoming a father, even if the idea intimidated him a bit. "Does that...mean that maybe you're starting to want a baby too?" he inquired. "Because I...wouldn't mind..."

Alice could feel her cheeks heat up, a sense of embarrassment overcoming her. It was silly and probably just a phase perhaps? Maybe a trick of the moon cycles? Or Astrid. Just her being contagious in certain matters.

"...O-oh...Well...it's nothing serious...Astrid just has been talking about babies a lot so I guess a part of me just started nesting because of it..."

Alice rested her face against his neck, embarrassed and perhaps a tad bit ashamed. It just felt so silly.

[palisraven]

"Oh, Reina loves it when you come over. She'd love to see you guys," Sekai responded with a fond smile. Her head tilted a bit and she hummed, "Well, I'm sure we could use a couple babysitters every now and then. I'll definitely let Luna and Astrid know when I go home."

Hyram was giggling to himself as he saw the eyeballs start to move from their resting places. He hurried away from the table, trying not to draw too much attention. When they made their way back over to Alice and Sekai, he was giggling still, watching the table to see the fallout when other partygoers went to get snacks. "This is gonna be great," he snickered.

Alice adored Reina! She was so cute and so full of energy! It almost saddened her a little to know that she wasn't here right now! Though this place probably would be too boring for her anyway. Even with Saleth and Hyram causing mischief. Yep! Saleth was sure casting his spell there. Nope! Not gonna stop them.

" I definitely should visit you guys again! Maybe bring some gifts too! In fact, if you guys ever need help...me and Hyram could babysit too! "

Not only that but Alice was kind of growing fond of the idea of having a child around. She wasn't sure when she would mention that or if she could truly commit to the idea at one point but it was a possibility!

Right now though, Saleth just ended up snickering and quickly moved away from the table as the first eyeballs began to move.

" Go, go go! Before anyone sees us Hyram! "