Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Bloodhound glanced at themselves in the mirror as they awaited the arrival of Loba. Merely focused on their hair as their face was mostly covered by their raspatory.

Taking in how long their has grown long over time, remembering the times they had cut it short for easier maintenance. But having decided to give longer hair a try in order to combat boredom, Loba has offered to teach them braids after occasionally seeing Bloodhound's hair being braided the same style every time. It has, of sorts, become their tradition for Loba to do their hair before a match.

Knocks at their door drove Bloodhound's attention away from the mirror as they made their way to answer it.

"Greetings Loba, although you are quite early-" Bloodhound stops their greeting when they see who was actually at the door. "Walter? Why are you here."

"Well, I...uh...just wanted to see me favorite mate and...maybe have time together before we head off." Walter stutters as a hint of red coloured his cheeks.

"Elskan, are you alright?"

"Umm Hounds, your...uh...hair...it's..."

"What is...wrong with my hair?" Bloodhound asked, as they remember Walter has rarely seen their hair out. Only on occasions of a few strands escaping their helmet.

"It's...well it's just...bloody looks beautiful. I just...didn't think you were the type to have long locks. But it really suits ya." Walter manages to say as the colour to his cheeks continues to stay.

Now it was Bloodhounds turn to blush under their "Oh mitt apologies, Elskan, for the sudden reveal. I'm awaiting for Loba to assist me with braiding my hair." Bloodhound explains, still flustered.

"So Loba does ya hair, aye?" Walter was silent a moment till his eyebrows quirked up as a signal he has an idea. "Well, why don't I do ya hair. Would save the time and we'd be spendin' time together, if you want."

Bloodhound's eyebrow quirked up, "You would know...how to do mitt hair?" They innocently doubted Walter as he didn't seem to be the type to style hairs. Yet know how to do their hair. Walter Fitzroy's own only consisted of gel to keep it in its spiked up style.

"Well...nah. Tried to on Mags long ago as a joke, but she twisted me arm before I could even try." Walter winces at the memory, "So only ever got to see her occasionally doing her hair from then on. But it can't be that hard, can it?" Walter shrugged innocently.

Bloodhound took a moment to consider their lover's offer. It would allow us to have more time together before the "I suppose...I can allow you to try." Bloodhound answered as they allowed Walter to enter their room.

As Walter entered, he went past Bloodhound and pulled out a chair and placed it by their bed. Walter took a seat on the bed and motioned for Bloodhound to take a seat in the chair.

Bloodhound was beginning to take off their respiratory mask to make it easier for their Walter to do their hair till they felt his hand stop him. "You can keep it on, mate. It'll be fine." Walter says in his comforting tone of voice. It made Bloodhound blush to hear their lover's tone of comfort.

"I, uhh, thank you Walter."

"Yeah, no worries Houndy. Uhh...got a brush, love?"

"In the trunk by the bed, mitt love" Bloodhound points to the trunk.

"þakka þér kæri" Walter said as he got up to collect the item. Allowing Bloodhound a moment to calm their racing heart and heat cheeks. Walter is well aware of the effects of him speaking in Bloodhounds language, often doing it to tease and flirt with them. Always working in the end.

Walter returns with the brush and began brushing their hair carefully as Bloodhound tried to relax and take in touches.

"Is this alright for ya love?"

"Já Walter. Það er fínt." Bloodhound answers. Knowing that their Walter has mainly learnt certain phrases to impress them, and won't know what they had just said. Perfect moment to get their revenge from Walter purposely making them flustered before.

"Umm..." Bloodhound could sense Walter becoming nervous at comment and continues to speak with a smile to their face (although not seen, Walter can still tell), "Yes, it is fine mitt Walter."

"Phew. Got me nervous there Hounds."

-

"Ahh...alright then. Think that should do it." Walter ties off the end of their hair and lets it drop against Bloodhounds back.

Looking in their mirror, they...commemorated their lovers' effort to themselves. However, the braids were very loose, causing parts of their hair to slip out and if they were to be in battle, it would cause problems. 

"So...how'd I do?" Walter inquired as he looked over to Bloodhound looking into the mirror, inspecting his work.

Bloodhound wanted to tell them it was loose, but didn't want to hurt their Walters pride. Especially since he took the time and did his best. "It is...sufficient, mitt love. Thank you." Bloodhound replies as they leave the braid as it is and begin collecting their gear.

It was a good effort, Bloodhound expecting something messier. But before they were to meet up with the other legends, they'll find a place to quickly fix their braids to be more secure.

Walter comes by Bloodhound's side and leaned in to give a kiss on their cheek, "The pleasure's mine, love."

"Now, let us go and prepare to slátra!." Bloodhound cheerfully stated as they walked out of their room with Walter wrapping an arm around their hip. 

The taps of heels pulled their attention from each to see a familiar acquaintance approaching.

"Oh gods save me," Loba groaned as she walked up to the pair, "What, in heavens, is this!?" She scoffed as she gestured to Bloodhound. Her nails clearly indicating the issue was Bloodhound's hair.

"What? I did Houndys hair before heading out and ya didn't have to come. A thanks would be nice mate."

"Aye Blóðhundur, sweetheart, you should have said something to man. I know you know." Loba sighed as she rubbed her temple.

"Told me what? Did I do it too tight?"

"No, mitt love...it's....uhh..." Bloodhound was reluctant to telling the truth, however Loba wasn't.

"Tight? Darling, you did quiet the opposite. The braids are loose and just a mess!" Loba cuts in. "As soon as they place their helmet on and begin battle, the hairs will get loose and block their view. And I think we all know there's no time for hair adjustments in battle." Loba quipped, flicking back one of her long braids behind her.

"I am able to quickly adjust before the battle-"

"Not a chance sweetheart. We still have time before we go, so let me fix it up. And give the opportunity for your lover here to learn. Come on." Loba glides past the two to enter Bloodhound's room.

Walter looks back at Bloodhound "Love, you could have told me I was doing your hair terribly."

Bloodhound signed, "I was afraid of hurting your feelings."

"Houndy," Fuse places his hand gently hand on top of their shoulder and held them close, "it's alright. Criticism from you ain't gonna hurt me. If it's one thing we learnt so far is to be truthful and trying to be at least a bit open to each other. You and me. Right?"

Bloodhound place their hand atop of Walter's, "You are right, mitt Walter. I will be more honest in our future to come."

At their answer, Walter smiles and gives a kiss on the cheek, "Now let's go and get that busy mess I made fixed up, hm?"

Bloodhound chuckled under their respirator at their lover's funny words, "Yes, let's." Bloodhound responds as they re-enter their room and sees Loba already set up a seat for Bloodhound.

"Come on darling, let's fix you up."

-

"...and here, you just got to basically let it all come together and tie it off. Securely, of course." Loba finished demonstrating and explaining to Walter the process. "And there we go. Done."

"Well, that was certainly...a process." Walter speculated as he took in Loba's work. Bloodhound's dark red hair was definitely more secure and less like the mess he had made before. Bloodhound's hair consisted of a long braid in the center with other braids from the side of their head being intertwined in the long main braid. Shorter strands of hair were braided and were tucked behind Bloodhounds ears to be kept out of their face.

"Don't worry darling, with practice this will become a smooth and easy process. And if you wish, I can come by after the match and teach you a more basic braid." Loba says as she lays Bloodhound's braided hair along their shoulder and makes her way to leave.

"Thank you my friend, but I'll manage from here." Bloodhound replies as they begin twisting their braid into a bun.

"Of course dear, happy to be of help. Now, time to break some hearts." Loba winks as she leaves the room.

"Feeling better love?" Walter asks as Bloodhound tucks their hair to put their head gear on.

"Yes. But...I do apologize for lying to you Walter. I wish to not hurt your feelings after doing your best."

"It's alright Hounds. But some disapproval is what shapes the dog and gets them improving. If...well...you want me to do ya' hair again."

Bloodhound was silent before they unclasped their mask then pulled Walter close to land a gentle kiss to his lips. As they parted, Bloodhound spoke, "I enjoy your presence as you attempt to tame my hair. I would like a repeat of that soon."

"Oh, and a repeat you shall get." Walter teases as he pecks Bloodhound's lips before they placed the mask back on.

"Do not fret love, I will teach you the basic braiding that can be done when we are alone." Bloodhound ensures Walter as they left.

"takk elskan" Walter says, but this time is not to tease but as a genuine sign of thanks.

Bloodhound took his hand and intertwined their fingers, both of them looking forward for trying new things within their blossoming

Chapter Text

It was a quiet evening in their cabin. No need for worry or panic. It was their time to enjoy some rest and quiet.

Bloodhound is laid along their couch reading with Artur perched on their head. It's a funny sight. And a sight Walter won't get tired of. Bloodhound doesn't mind having the raven taking place on their head. It's funny when they walk around the cabin with Artur still on their head and run into him to see his reaction.

Walter pours the hot water into Bloodhounds mug and the familiar aroma of the herbs filled his nose as he took the mug to Bloodhound.

As he walked up behind the couch, Walter leaned over to see Bloodhound with a smile on their face. "What ya smiling about?"

His voice pulls Bloodhound's attention from their reading to the man leaning towards them with a mug in hand. "Reminiscing happy times mitt Walter." Bloodhound says as they pet Artur, still perched on their head.

Walter brings the mug over to Bloodhound, "Made you tea."

"Thank you." Bloodhound takes the mug and takes a sip. Walter walks around the couch and took a seat near where Bloodhound's head lay. As he sat down, Bloodhound began shuffling towards where Walter sat and moved to rest their head in his lap. All whilst still reading their book.

As Bloodhound settled their head in Walter's lap, Artur flapped from Bloodhound's head and landed on his shoulder. Walter knows that Bloodhound enjoys the sight of Artur taking a liking to him and trusting him more.

Early on in their relationship, whenever Artur saw Walter by Bloodhound's side the raven would swoop down on him till he was satisfied and parted from Bloodhound.

Walter remembering how he would ask Bloodhound, "You sure Artur is a raven and not a bloody Magpie?". Which Bloodhound would reassure him that Artur isn't and explain to him that their companion is jealous and is protective.

But when Walter found grubs for the protective raven on their hunting trips, the raven began having a change of behavior towards Walter.

Bloodhound's hair was out which allowed Walter to to brush his fingers through their hair. When Walter first felt their hair, he was surprised to find that Bloodhound's hair is pretty smooth. He would of thought for a hunter and wearing a helmet, their hair would be occasionally tangled and a mess, but Bloodhound has tamed their hair very well.

Yet what does he know, all he does is gel his hair to be the style he's known for.

Walter then divided Bloodhound's hair which then led to him beginning to mindlessly start braiding their hair.

"Are you doing my hair, elskan?' Bloodhound inquired, not looking away from their reading.

"Mmhm" Walter hummed as he continued to cross the hair sections across each other. He was gentle and careful as his hand brushed through their hair as he continued.

He had gotten better at braiding Bloodhound's hair over the time they shared together. Like this peaceful and calm moment.

As Walter continued his work, he places his hand under Bloodhound's chin to gently tilt them up and pressed a kiss atop their forehead.

A common gesture Walter does as an act of romantics and reminder of his love for Bloodhound.

After a few more loops and cross', Walter ties off Bloodhound's hair and takes in his work.

No loose loops, neat and secure. Definitely better than months ago.

"There we go Houndy. Looking falleg as always." Walter proudly says as he drapes Bloodhound's hair along their back.

Bloodhound sat up and leaned against Walter as they inspected his work. "Gott starf ástin mín."

"Pleasure's all mine love" Walter replies as he dips his head to kiss Bloodhound.

Suddenly, Walter pulls his head back at an idea, "Hold on Hounds, let me take a picture for Lob's to see my latest work." Walter says as he fiddles around, trying to grab his phone from his pocket.

"Mitt Walter, you know how I feel about pictures." Bloodhound huffs out, not in disapproval but more of a reminder to the man.

"Just your braid, love. And it's only Lob's who's gonna see it, I'll make sure of it. Promise." Walter promises as he holds up his metal arm. Bloodhound could still refuse and Walter wouldn't push on. They know Walter won't share Bloodhound's things they share in their private time with other fellow legends, as well as aware Loba won't go spreading things regarding their relationship.

Bloodhound nodded, "Alright. I'll allow you to share your achievement with Miss Andrade." They turn their back to Walter, allowing him to capture their braid and sending the picture.

Walter then wraps his arms around Bloodhound and pulls their back to his chest and falls flat onto the couch. Bloodhound managed to twist around and become face to face with each other.

"þú ert falleg ástin mín" Walter whispers gently as he brushes the loose strands of hair from Bloodhound's face.

"þú líka" Bloodhound whispers happily as they dip their head to Walters to end their evening in a loving kiss.