Chapter Text
Extra Chapter: A Supernatural Invitation
Time passed almost imperceptibly for Oscar and Lando. What had once been furtive visits in the middle of the night, encounters shrouded in mystery and timid smiles, had now become a shared routine. Oscar no longer sneaked through the shadows to meet Lando—he was simply there, from the moment the sun set until the first rays of morning.
Living together had been an unexpectedly easy adjustment. Lando was messy, but Oscar liked tidying up after him. Oscar forgot to eat when he was distracted, and Lando always showed up with something ready, forcing him to take a break. The bed was never occupied by just one of them anymore. And every night, before falling asleep, Oscar knew he would have warm arms around him and a soft kiss before drifting off.
But there was something Oscar still hadn’t done. Something that, despite all the confidence Lando gave him, still made him uneasy.
Meeting his family.
The idea had been hammering at his mind for weeks, maybe months. But every time he thought about bringing it up, a pang of nervousness tightened his chest. Because, despite everything, Lando was human. And his family… well, they weren’t.
That particular night, Oscar couldn’t sleep. He shifted slightly in bed, staring at the ceiling with tired eyes. The room was engulfed in darkness, but beside him, Lando slept peacefully, his breathing slow and steady, one arm lazily draped over Oscar’s waist.
Oscar turned onto his side, watching Lando’s relaxed face, the serene expression he only had when he was deeply asleep. The sight made him smile, and something inside him settled.
He took a deep breath, gathering courage before murmuring:
— Lando…?
The Brit let out a sleepy grunt, nuzzling closer.
— Hm…?
Oscar hesitated. Maybe this was a conversation better had in the morning. Maybe he should wait a little longer. Maybe—
— What is it, love? — Lando mumbled, opening his eyes just enough to meet Oscar’s.
And then, Oscar knew he didn’t want to postpone it anymore.
— I… I wanted to ask you something — he said softly.
Lando blinked slowly, waking up little by little.
— Ask.
Oscar licked his lips, feeling the anxiety creep back in. But he didn’t look away.
— Would you… like to meet my family?
The silence that followed was heavy. Not because Lando was hesitating, but because Oscar realized the real weight of what he was asking.
Now fully awake, Lando raised an eyebrow.
— You mean… your actual family?
Oscar nodded, uncertain.
— Yes. My parents. My siblings. The others.
Lando blinked again, processing the information. Then, suddenly, a playful smile spread across his lips.
— The Boogeyman has a family?
Oscar rolled his eyes but chuckled softly.
— Of course I do. Did you think I just appeared out of nowhere?
— Kind of.
Oscar gave him a weak shove on the shoulder, and Lando laughed, catching his hand before he could pull away.
— I’m serious — Oscar said. — I know it might seem strange… and I understand if you don’t want to.
Lando studied him for a moment, then intertwined their fingers, giving them a gentle squeeze.
— Why did it take you so long to ask me?
Oscar averted his gaze.
— Because I… I didn’t know if you’d want to. My family isn’t exactly… normal.
Lando chuckled.
— Oscar, you’re not exactly normal.
— Hey!
— And yet, here I am, aren’t I?
Oscar opened his mouth to reply, but Lando interrupted him, cupping his face in both hands, his thumbs brushing over his skin affectionately.
— I want to know all of you — Lando said, his voice soft but firm. — That includes your family.
Oscar felt warmth bloom in his chest, and his apprehension gave way to something sweeter, calmer.
— Are you sure?
Lando smiled, leaning in to brush his lips against Oscar’s in a brief, reassuring kiss.
— Absolutely.
Oscar closed his eyes for a moment, soaking in those words. Then, when he looked at Lando again, his expression held a mix of relief and excitement.
— Alright… then get ready. Because they’re going to love meeting you.
Lando laughed.
— I hope so.
Oscar smiled. And for the first time, he felt like he could finally bring together the two worlds he belonged to.
⋆ ✦ ⋆
Heathrow Airport was bustling, as always, with people rushing back and forth, luggage being dragged along, and voices blending in different languages. Oscar felt his anxiety grow with each step toward the boarding gate.
Melbourne felt so far away. Not just geographically, but in the sense of standing there, facing his family, with Lando by his side. He didn’t know how it would go, how his parents and siblings would react to seeing him arrive accompanied by a human.
And, beyond that...
Oscar tightened his grip around the strap of the backpack slung over his shoulder. He knew long flights left him exhausted, and fatigue always made his supernatural traits more apparent. At night, when he was more vulnerable to his true nature, his skin darkened at the extremities, shadows spreading across his fingers. His eyes turned gold without him even realizing it.
And a flight of over twenty hours? He wasn’t sure how his body would handle it.
— Oscar, you’re literally grinding your teeth.
He blinked, snapping out of his thoughts, and looked to the side, finding Lando smiling at him with that easy, relaxed expression he always carried.
— What? — Oscar asked, frowning.
— Your shoulders are tense, you’re holding your backpack like your life depends on it, and I’m pretty sure I just heard your teeth grinding.
Oscar looked away, uncomfortable at being caught.
— I just... I’m worried.
Lando sighed and, without caring about the curious glances around them, stopped in the middle of the airport corridor and gently pulled Oscar closer.
— Love — he began, and Oscar shivered slightly at the affectionate tone. — Everything’s going to be fine.
Oscar looked at him, eyebrows slightly furrowed.
— What if… what if I can’t control it? What if someone notices?
Lando took both of Oscar’s hands in his, bringing them close to his face.
— If someone notices, we’ll deal with it. But you know what I think? — He kissed the tip of one of Oscar’s fingers, then another, and another, making Oscar shrink slightly at the delicate touch. — I think no one will notice a thing. Because they’ll be too busy wondering how you can be this cute.
Oscar felt heat rush to his face.
— Lando…
— What? It’s true — Lando said, laughing softly before kissing the back of one of Oscar’s hands. — Look at these little hands. How can a Boogeyman have such small, adorable hands?
Oscar tried to pull his hands back, but Lando didn’t let him. Instead, he kissed his knuckles, then the tip of his thumb, and then moved up to his face, leaving small kisses along his flushed cheek.
— You’re ridiculous — Oscar grumbled, but there was no real irritation in his voice.
— I’m amazing — Lando corrected, smiling. — And you’re going to survive this flight.
Oscar sighed, letting Lando tug him along toward the boarding gate.
— I trust you — he admitted softly.
Lando squeezed his hand, intertwining their fingers.
— And I’ll always be here, no matter what happens.
Oscar felt warmth bloom in his chest. The trip still worried him, but with Lando by his side, he knew he could face anything.
Boarding went smoothly. Oscar remained quiet most of the time, observing the movement around him while Lando, always more relaxed, made random comments about the people in line or how excited he was to meet his boyfriend’s family.
When they finally settled into their first-class seats—courtesy of Lando, who insisted that a flight this long deserved comfort—Oscar fastened his seatbelt and rested his hands on his lap, trying to calm his nerves.
Lando noticed his restlessness even before takeoff.
— You don’t like flying, do you?
Oscar shrugged.
— It’s not that… — he hesitated, biting his lower lip. — I’m just worried about the length of the trip.
— Twenty-three hours with layovers — Lando mused, stretching in his seat before grinning. — A whole day stuck with me. Sounds perfect if you ask me.
Oscar rolled his eyes, but the corner of his mouth lifted in a small smile.
— You say that because you don’t have to worry about hiding your supernatural traits the entire time.
Lando tilted his head to the side, eyes gleaming with amusement.
— You know, I think you’re being overly dramatic.
— I am not being dramatic!
— Oh, you totally are — Lando laughed and turned more toward Oscar, taking his hand and bringing it close to his face again. — Have I mentioned that these tiny hands don’t scare anyone?
Oscar sighed.
— Lando, please…
— Shhh, relax — Lando murmured before kissing the tip of each of Oscar’s fingers, just like he had done earlier at the airport. — Trust me.
A shiver ran down Oscar’s spine, and he wasn’t sure if it was because of the soft kisses or the calm way Lando spoke those words.
The plane began to move, and Oscar felt his heart race.
Lando noticed and pulled his hands into his lap, holding them firmly between his own.
— You know what helps? — Lando asked, his voice quieter now, as if sharing a secret.
Oscar glanced at him, curious.
— What?
— Kisses.
Before Oscar could respond, Lando leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek.
— One here.
Then, on the other side of his face.
— And another here.
One on the tip of his nose.
— This one’s essential.
And finally, a long one on his forehead.
Oscar blinked a few times, his entire face burning with warmth.
— You’re impossible.
— And you love it — Lando winked before leaning back in his seat, still holding Oscar’s hand. — Now relax, close your eyes for a bit. I promise everything’s going to be fine.
Oscar sighed, still feeling the ghost of those kisses tingling on his skin. The trip might be long and exhausting, but with Lando by his side, he no longer felt as afraid.
He intertwined his fingers with Lando’s and closed his eyes, taking a deep breath.
For the first time, the idea of going home felt a little less scary.
⋆ ✦ ⋆
The second flight was always the most exhausting. After hours on a plane, a rushed landing, and a layover that seemed to drag on endlessly, Oscar could already feel the first signs of fatigue taking over his body. And that meant one thing: his supernatural traits were starting to show.
He curled up in his seat as soon as the plane took off, keeping his hands clasped in his lap and his gaze fixed on the window beside him. Across the aisle, a woman was dozing with a neck pillow, and a few rows ahead, a couple watched a movie in silence. No one seemed to be paying attention to him, but Oscar knew it was only a matter of time before it became too obvious.
He felt it as it began. First, the tips of his fingers darkened, as if dipped in liquid black ink. It was subtle at first, almost imperceptible, but he knew the process well. Soon, the darkness would spread across his hands, forming shadow patterns on his skin.
He pulled his hoodie sleeves down to hide his fingers, but Lando, sitting beside him, noticed.
— Oscar.
Oscar didn’t respond immediately, keeping his eyes fixed on the dark landscape outside.
— Hey, love. — Lando’s voice was low, filled with care. — Look at me.
Oscar hesitated for a moment before slowly turning his face. Lando didn’t need more than a glance to understand.
— It’s starting, isn’t it?
Oscar gave a small nod, biting his lower lip.
Lando sighed and let his hand slide over Oscar’s thigh before gently taking his hand.
— This happens when you’re tired?
— Yeah — Oscar answered softly. — The more exhausted I get, the harder it is to control.
Lando turned Oscar’s palm upward and ran his thumb gently over the darkened skin at his fingertips.
— It’s not that bad.
Oscar let out a short, humorless laugh.
— Not yet. But by the end of the flight…
Lando tilted his head, observing him with a soft expression.
— Do you think someone will notice?
Oscar let out a long sigh.
— And if they do?
— Then I’ll make a scene and say you’re just wearing a super-exclusive black ink that only exists in Australia and that it’s the latest fashion trend.
Oscar stared at Lando for a few seconds before letting out a low chuckle.
— You have absolutely no shame, do you?
— Not a bit — Lando replied with a smug grin before leaning in to press a kiss to Oscar’s cheek.
Oscar sighed, feeling the familiar warmth rise to his face.
— You don’t have to try to distract me.
— But I want to distract you — Lando shot back, holding both of Oscar’s hands and bringing them closer. He studied the darkened fingers for a moment before kissing each one, one by one.
Oscar shivered slightly.
— Lando…
— Shhh. — Lando kissed his hands once more before intertwining their fingers. — Everything’s going to be okay, love.
Oscar looked at him, his golden eyes glimmering slightly in the dim airplane light.
— How can you be so sure?
Lando smiled.
— Because I’m here.
Oscar remained silent for a moment, watching the calm expression on his boyfriend’s face. Lando always seemed so sure, so unshakable, as if nothing could truly rattle him. And maybe that was what Oscar loved most about him—the way he always made everything feel lighter, less terrifying.
Oscar sighed and allowed himself to relax a little more in his seat, still holding Lando’s hand firmly.
Maybe he was still worried. Maybe his eyes would still glow a little brighter, and his shadows would creep a little more before the end of the flight.
But with Lando by his side, he felt like he could face anything.
The plane landed smoothly at Melbourne Airport, and Oscar let out a relieved sigh. The journey had been long and exhausting, but luckily, he had managed to go unnoticed. The supernatural signs that threatened to appear during the second flight had faded as soon as he managed to get some sleep, his head resting against Lando’s shoulder.
Now, as they walked through the nearly empty airport in the quiet early hours of the morning, Oscar kept his hoodie sleeves pulled down over his hands just in case, but it no longer felt like he needed to hide.
Lando walked beside him, his eyes scanning every sign leading to the exit.
— Welcome to Australia, baby — Lando said, throwing an arm around Oscar’s shoulders and pulling him close.
Oscar rolled his eyes, but a small smile appeared on his lips.
— Thanks for the heads-up, but I already knew where we were landing.
— Ah, but I wanted to make it official. And I also wanted to be the first to welcome you.
Oscar shook his head, laughing softly.
The two made their way to the car rental area, where Lando quickly picked a comfortable model for the drive to Oscar’s family home.
While Lando handled the paperwork, Oscar pulled his phone from his pocket and quickly typed a message to his sister.
Oscar: We’ve arrived. Picking up the car now and heading straight home. Try not to scare Lando when we get there, okay?
The reply came almost instantly.
Hattie: Why are you already assuming I’m going to scare him?
Oscar: Because I know you.
Hattie: Fair.
Oscar chuckled and put his phone away just as Lando returned, swinging the car keys in the air.
— All set. Ready for the last leg of the journey?
Oscar sighed, feeling a flutter of nerves in his stomach.
— Ready.
Lando smiled before leaning in to press a soft kiss to his temple.
— Then let’s go home.
They left the airport and got into the rental car, ready for the final stretch of their trip. The sky was still dark, the road empty and quiet, and Oscar felt his heart beating faster. He was going home, and this time, he wasn’t alone.
The drive to Oscar’s family home was peaceful, the night sky still blanketing everything in darkness. The silence between them wasn’t uncomfortable; in fact, it was comforting, filled with anticipation and a slight nervousness Oscar tried to ignore. When they finally arrived, Oscar felt his heart race at the sight of the familiar house.
Lando pulled into the driveway and stretched, letting out a lazy yawn before turning to Oscar.
— We made it, babe. We survived.
Oscar rolled his eyes, but his expression softened when Lando gave him that easygoing smile. He took a deep breath and nodded, unlocking his seatbelt before stepping out of the car.
They both grabbed their backpacks from the back seat, and just as Oscar shut the car door, Lando held out his hand.
Oscar hesitated for a moment, glancing at his own fingers. His supernatural traits were in full display now—the inky black staining his hands like liquid shadows, his eyes glowing a deep golden hue under the dim light, his presence more imposing.
He felt exposed for a second, but then he looked at Lando, who was just smiling at him—soft, goofy, and utterly in love.
— Come on, give me your hand.
Oscar let out a quiet laugh before lacing their fingers together. The Brit gently pulled him closer, pressing a light, quick kiss to his lips—just enough to make Oscar relax a little.
— Perfect — Lando murmured against his mouth before pulling back. — Now you can knock on the door.
Oscar took a deep breath and climbed the porch steps, knocking twice on the wooden door. He barely had time to prepare before it swung open abruptly.
— BOO!
Hattie stood in the doorway with a mischievous grin, eyes sparkling with amusement as she tried to scare Lando.
But to her frustration, Lando just laughed.
— Oh my God — he said, crossing his arms as he studied her. — You’re basically the pocket version of Oscar.
Oscar huffed.
— Pocket?
Hattie made a face.
— I was hoping he’d jump back or at least let out a little scream.
— Sweetheart, I live with this big guy every night. — Lando gestured to Oscar, who just shook his head in exasperation. — You’re gonna have to try harder if you wanna scare me.
Hattie narrowed her eyes, sizing Lando up for a moment before shrugging and extending her hand.
— Well, either way, welcome to the family, Lando.
Lando took her hand and gave it a light shake, grinning.
— Thanks. I hope you guys are as cool as he made me believe you are.
— That depends — Hattie said with a mischievous smirk. — Do you like jump scares?
Oscar groaned.
— Oh my God, I already regret this.
Lando just laughed, taking Oscar’s hand again and intertwining their fingers. He looked at Hattie and smiled.
— I think I’m gonna like you guys.
Hattie shrugged and stepped back, pushing the door open wider.
— Well, get inside before Mom wakes up and thinks we’ve got burglars at the door.
Oscar and Lando exchanged a glance before laughing and stepping into the house together.
⋆ ✦ ⋆
The sun was already peeking through the gaps in the curtains when Oscar blinked his eyes slowly, waking up little by little. The room was the same as always—his comfortable bed, the familiar furniture, the well-known scent of home. But this time, something was different.
Lando.
He was there, nestled against his chest, breathing peacefully, as if he had always belonged in that place. A pleasant warmth spread through Oscar’s chest as he observed Lando’s messy hair, his long eyelashes resting against his skin, and the little pout he unconsciously made while sleeping.
Unable to resist, Oscar ran his fingers through Lando’s soft hair, feeling him stir slightly before snuggling even closer.
— Hmm… five more minutes — Lando murmured, his voice husky with sleep.
Oscar chuckled softly.
— We don’t even have to get out of bed yet.
Lando smiled without opening his eyes.
— Then I can stay like this forever.
Oscar didn’t respond right away, just gently traced his fingers along Lando’s nape, feeling his steady breathing against his chest. If it were up to him, they really could stay like this forever.
The peaceful moment, however, was interrupted by firm knocks on the door.
— You two, get up already! — Hattie’s excited voice called out. — Mom made one of those breakfasts, and you don’t want to miss it!
Lando mumbled something unintelligible, and Oscar laughed, rubbing his back lightly.
— Come on, sleepyhead, my family is waiting.
— Fine… — Lando finally opened his eyes, gazing at Oscar with a lazy smile. — But only because I want to make a good impression.
Oscar rolled his eyes, but his smile remained.
A short while later, they walked downstairs together, and even before reaching the kitchen, the rich aroma of fresh coffee and warm bread filled Lando’s senses. As they stepped inside, they were greeted by warm smiles.
Oscar’s mother, a woman with kind eyes and a welcoming expression, was the first to approach.
— So, you’re the famous Lando! — she said, beaming.
— In the flesh! — Lando replied playfully.
— We finally get to meet the guy who made Oscar brave enough to introduce someone to us. — Oscar’s father commented from the other side of the table, studying Lando with curiosity.
Oscar groaned.
— You guys make it sound like I’ve never brought anyone home before.
Hattie crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow.
— But you haven’t.
Oscar huffed while Lando simply laughed, clearly enjoying himself.
— Well, I hope I live up to the expectations — Lando said, grabbing a piece of bread from the basket on the table. — Because I’m sure Oscar exaggerated in his stories about me.
— Oh, absolutely! — Hattie teased. — He says you’re the most annoyingly charming person he’s ever met.
Oscar felt his ears heat up as Lando grinned in satisfaction.
— I like the sound of that.
Oscar’s mother smiled, motioning for everyone to take a seat.
— Come on, eat before everything gets cold. We have plenty of time to talk later.
Oscar sighed but couldn’t help the small smile that formed as he watched Lando interacting with his family as if he had always belonged there.
Maybe he really did.
⋆ ✦ ⋆
Night fell over Melbourne, and Oscar’s family home was wrapped in a cozy atmosphere. In the living room, the television cast flickering lights from some random movie while everyone lounged across the couch and armchairs, enjoying the quiet comfort of family time.
As the hours passed, the family’s supernatural traits began to emerge, as they always did at night. Oscar’s eyes gleamed a deep golden hue, his fingers darkened with shadowy stains, and his features sharpened slightly—but none of it seemed to faze Lando. Quite the opposite.
Oscar was curled up against him, resting comfortably against his chest, enveloped in the soothing warmth of his boyfriend. Lando absentmindedly ran his fingers through Oscar’s hair, and sleepiness began to creep in.
He sighed softly, lifting his head to look at Lando. To his surprise, Lando was already gazing at him, a fond smile on his lips.
— What? — Oscar asked, his voice slightly rough from exhaustion.
Lando chuckled softly before pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead.
— You are definitely the cutest Boogeyman in history.
Oscar groaned, but his face warmed at the compliment.
— I’ve told you, the Boogeyman isn’t supposed to be cute…
Lando only smiled wider, brushing his fingers over Oscar’s cheek with affection.
— But you are. And you’re all mine.
Oscar felt a sweet warmth spread through his chest at those words. He leaned in slightly, whispering against Lando’s lips:
— I love you.
Lando blinked a few times, surprised, before breaking into a wide, sincere smile. He cupped Oscar’s face in both hands and brushed their lips together.
— I love you too. So much.
They shared a slow, tender kiss, savoring the closeness. When they pulled away, Oscar rested his forehead against Lando’s, closing his eyes with a contented sigh.
— I’m happy you’re here. That you’ve met my family.
Lando pulled him tighter into his embrace, pressing one last kiss to his hair.
— Me too, love. Me too.