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Dancing was never really something that Hollow got the hang of, even if the majority of that experience was from Grimm himself. Their lack of grace only seemed to be amplified after their imprisonment, while it was completely out of their control they still felt apologetic every time they bumped into Grimm or to the surrounding area.
He didn’t seem to mind though, he was laughing the whole time.
It was a warm and fonding laugh, one that Hollow wished they appreciated more. It made their chest warm and made them feel relaxed to hear his raspy voice laugh. Even if it was because of them tripping over their feet or bumping into the objects that were in Grimm’s tent, they waited long enough to hear him laugh again.
In truth, they weren’t exactly sure what they felt for Grimm. Its an old feeling but it was also uncharted territory. While they wanted to protect him and take care of him, it wasn’t in the familial way as it was with his sibling or others. The feelings were even hard to describe back then, the only way of expressing even the smallest amount was by visiting and leaving the flower all those years ago.
It was a giddy feeling, something that made them warm and incredibly happy. They saw something similar with other bugs, of course, something that they actually see in Grimm now. Then of course with Sheo and the Nailsmith, Conifer and Iselda, Hornet when she talks about Lace…
…
Oh
“What’s the matter, Hollow?” Grimm tilted his head, “You looked like you’d left me for a moment.”
Again, him saying their name. They don’t think they ever get use to it. It left them flustered and for once they were thankful that they never had blood run through them, surely they would have looked as scarlet as the Troupe’s tents if they did.
Before they could answer, their horns knocked against the chandelier again. The clanking and twinkling from the crystal, Grimm’s rough and raspy laugh made the whole ordeal music. Something Hollow would appreciate if only they weren’t at the risk of breaking a delicate object.
“Hollow,” He laughed silently as he watches their poor attempt to get themself unstuck, “Hollow, dear, come here.”
Grimm wrapped his arms around Hollow’s neck, gently pushing their neck towards him so they could make themselves shorter. Soon they saw eye to eye, only Hollow’s horns skimmed the bottom of the crystals. They couldn’t help but be guided by Grimm.
With their hand now free, they signed rather sheepishly, ‘Lost time...’
“Ah.” Grimm’s grip around their shoulders loosen, “Fair to think of, you certainly are owed to pay your dues-”
‘With you.’
Grimm silenced himself, looking up at Hollow with surprise. A moment passed before he laughed, not out of malicious intent it sounded more… happy. “Ever full of surprises, dear Hollow.”
---
It was early in the morning when they finally came home, head still swimming with ideas and possibilities. They tried their best to keep their footsteps light, careful not to bump into anything that would cause noise.
Being with Grimm had caused them to have a new sort of energy, one that felt light. They thought best to use this energy while they can before the ever-present fatigue comes back into their skeleton. Maybe they can clean Hornet’s cloaks or-
YAAAA. The voice came from inside their head, not long after a tiny body crashed onto their shoulders. They caused them to stumble a bit but the tiny bug was using their regular mortal weight so Hollow didn’t stumble too far.
Did I get ya’!? Hollow glanced over their shoulder, seeing their smallest sibling hanging off of them.
I’m terrified. They responded flatly, Ghost gave them an unimpressed look.
What were you thinkin’ about anyway, Ghost poked Hollow on the face.
How Hornet would have killed us if we woke her.
Lies! Ghost poked their face again, times like these Hollow liked their long limbs. With the one arm they have, they reached over and picked up Ghost by the scruff of their collar. They turned around and placed Ghost on top of a random shelf.
She’s not here, Ghost shuffled as they sat up, completely intent on where they were placed, Went to see Lace.
...and the child?
Ghost pointed across the room and Hollow glanced at that location. The winged child was all curled up on top of many blankets and pillows, snoring as he was deep in slumber. He only murmured slightly before shuffling and disappearing under the mountain of cloth. Hollow sighed with relief.
They honestly have no idea where their siblings get so much energy, they are perfectly content to be in one place.
Then again they weren’t exactly young anymore.
What were you thinking about? Ghost was swinging their legs off the side of the shelf when Hollow finally looked back at their sibling.
They gave it some thought before answering, knowing that despite their small size that their sibling contains an all-powerful being. A being with the determination to cut through gods, break the seals, and was able to accept themself as who they are. If they truly wanted the information, simply keeping it from them is not much of an obstacle.
Especially if the only obstacle that Ghost would have to hop over is to pretend to be disappointed. Hollow has a tendency to have a soft spot for their siblings and Ghost uses that to their advantage.
Hollow sighed, I had a meeting with a… What exactly was Grimm to them? They certainly haven’t come to an agreement on where they stood, not like they had a chance in the past to discuss it . … Friend.
‘Friend’ , Ghost made quotation makes, Sounds like a crush.
Hollow tilted their head, confused as to why Ghost sang that last word out. Crush?
Mato taught me! They flapped their hands as they explained.
It sounds like a horrific thing to go through…
No it isn’t! They flapped their hands faster, It just means you really really like someone. Like you want to smooch them! Like how Tiso wants to smooch Qurriel!
Again, they were thankful they don’t have blood like normal bugs. They certainly would be blushing and they didn’t want to give Ghost more ammunition. They were only just realizing how they felt for him and he’s igniting feelings that they didn’t realize laid dormant until now. Grimm had always held their interest, one they just consider to be admiration. Such emotions were suppressed, and now being free to live their life they’re crashing into them all at once.
They felt a tug on their horn and were taken away from their thoughts, Ghost was trying to get their attention.
Who is it!? Ghost tugged on their horn again, I won’t tell. Promise.
Hollow glanced out the window, they knew that no one else can hear them. Voidspeak was only accessible to their kin born from Void. They knew that it was impossible to eavesdrop on the two of them… but almost speaking the fact to someone else just makes the reality more real. They watched the red flicking flames in the distance before taking a breath.
Grimm , they looked back towards their sibling, we knew each other prior and…
Words failed them, and a silence loomed over the siblings as Ghost processed this new information. It didn’t take long until Ghost’s eyes widen, putting their hands on where other bugs' mouths would be.
Grimm!? Their voice was loud in Hollow’s head, completely caught off guard.
...Are you mad? They didn’t want to sound sheepish, but it came out that way.
What!? No! Ghost got on their knees to lean over the ledge, My sibling having a crush on my best friend’s dad!? That’s great!! They reached out and tapped on Hollow’s horns again, We can add more to the family!
Hollow’s eyes widen at first, then they sighed. They felt the pressure and tension run off of their shoulders as they reached forward to place their hand on top of Ghost’s head. Family was something Ghost had always adored, something that all of the siblings have wanted but was robbed of. They have a lot of familial relationships, of course, but thinking about Grimm being with them in a more domestic setting brought joy to Hollow’s heart. It was something they truly want to see in their future