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It took Hunter two weeks to decide where he wanted to live.
In those two weeks, he stayed with Camila. Spending most of his time in thought and recovery while he rotted in her basement. He didn’t do much besides lie awake and do his best to eat the food Camila begged him too. His friends were with their families, of course. Luz couldn't tear herself from Eda and King, but she found time to come and sit with him. A few hours at a time in the basement. Hunter had the couch now, but he preferred the mattress on the floor. Luz would squish herself on and sit with him in silence. They hardly spoke.
The possession left growing pain along with new scars. The worst of the pain was the first week. It was a kind of soreness that made it impossible to move. Crying out when he did something as simple as changing his clothes. Itchiness that covered his scars to the point he had to shove socks in his mouth to keep himself from gnawing on the tender zzz zzz skin.
Throbbing and burning at night after he had used his body throughout the day. Leathery feeling skin that only didn't hurt when Camila rubbed some kind of ointment on it. He was sore, his body ached and creaked with movement.
The pain and discomfort faded, though never went away.
Camila had shaved his hair, when Hunter found the physical strength to get himself to hte bathroom and saw the mirror.
It took those full two weeks for Hunter’s head to clear. His mind was always busy. Thoughts of Flapjack, possession, Belos- always plaguing him. Those were the kind of thoughts he didn't dare entertain for too long. The risk of hurting himself or anyone else in the room was too high of risk. If not, he would sob to the point he’d tore his throat open and taste blood. Most of the time though, the thoughts would render him catatonic. Unmoving, unfeeling, nothing in him but Halloween night.
The only thought that didn’t send him spiraling, was where he wanted to live.
He didn’t really think about it before. Following Camila around and going back to the human realm. But within days of the dust settling, there was a list of people offering to take him in.
The first and most obvious was Camila, despite the fact he was sitting on her couch when she started the conversation. She told him that no matter how long or short, he could stay there. She had space for him, she cared about him. Hunter didn't know if he could do that to her, give her a third kid to take care of; but it was enough to ease his mind for now.
Eda went to shake his hand with an arm that wasn't there and laughed about it for three minutes before sobering up. Apparently, both of Luz’s mothers had a thing for strays. She apologized for them ‘not getting along before’ and ‘his bad memories of the Owl House from that one time he was pulled out of Belos’s brain and had a panic attack in her living room’. Despite that, she said he was more than welcome, and Raine was moving in too. Someone Hunter knew, and so that he didn't feel alone in being a newcomer.
The Parks only had to hear a bit about Hunter to offer him a room too. Gilbert made an off hand joke about him and Willow sleeping in the same room that made Willow’s face go red.
Perry listened to how Camila described Hunter's protection over Gus. How the little one was never out of Hunter's sight for long. How Hunter checked for every meal and injury so that Gus would be as safe as possible. Even without that, Perry smiled, he would take Hunter in if needed.
And… Darius.
Hunter had looked up to Darius his entire life. Finding his cool, alloff, and comedic personality to be charming. He saw himself growing up to be like that. Darius’s assumed hatred for him, though, kept Hunter from ever trying to get too close. Hunter had not known why at the time, but he knew Darius didn't like him. For the same reason the rest of the Covenheads didnt like him. He was annoying, a brat. And Darius was easily annoyed.
Hunter was- fine, with that being how their relationship panned out. The childlike wonder never went away, he still perked up when Darius spoke and took his word to heart; he never sought anything more.
Then Darius taught him how to sew.
It was only a handful of lessons, starting with the disaster of meeting Willow and Gus. Those few weeks were some of the best in Hunter's life. Darius was surprisingly gentle and patient. He laughed at Hunter's jokes and corrected his mistakes with softness. It was Hunter's first glimpse at the world outside of Belos. Even just an hour or so a day, and Hunter was being eased into a person that wasn’t the Golden Guard.
Hunter enamoration for the man grew tenfold, he wasn't able to hide it any longer. Darius managed to be everything Hunter wanted himself. Threatening to those who opposed him and kind to those who were close. He was a far calmer and more lenient teacher than Belos ever was. Hunter found hismelf getting close to giddy when he had a lesson later in the day. It kept him going. A time for quiet and learning while getting to know someone he had wanted to know for years. Darius seemed to like him well enough too, starting to smile at Hunter in the hallway and ask how his missions were.
Before the Day of Unity, Darius even seemed… shockingly worried about Hunter and his well being. Giving him clean clothes and a job that took him far away from the Titans head. That, with the scroll form before, made Hunter realize he and Darius might have been closer than he thought. Maybe Darius really cared about him.
Hunter didn't have time to think about that though. Outside of a few heartfelt feelings and bittersweet memories, Hunter didnt think of Darius much in the human realm. There was never time for it.
Darius had talked to Hunter for quite some time when they first saw each other again. And not about a single important thing. Hunter spent most of it rambling about wolves, unable to stop himself once they were mentioned. He only got a quick explanation that Darius and Eberwolf were safe before Willow had asked him to meet her dads.
Hunter wasn't expecting to hear from Darius again, not so soon at least. But within the day, he got a message sent through Luz’s scroll to check up on him. Hunter had left his own scroll in the castle, a time that felt like years ago. It was nice of Darius to ask how he was, and Hunter thought that would be that.
Then it happened the next day.
And the next.
The messages to Luz were the same:
‘Luz, if you could, please pass along this message to your friend Hunter. Thank you.
Little prince, I hope you are having a fine day. I also hope this message does not take up too much of your time and energy. I would like to remind you that I am here for you. If you are looking for a place to stay, or need any resources, I am more than willing to provide. I’d like to catch up soon.’
Hunter typed up a message for Luz the first three times until Alador had thrown together a barely working scroll for Hunter to use himself.
Hunter and Darius talked every day for those first two weeks, something Hunter found comfort in. The more familiar, the better. Hunter had never done well with change. Darius mentioned wanting to meet up, something Hunter wanted to do too. At the very least, to fill in the events of everything that happened. Darius also mentioned that if Hunter needed a place to say, he was more than welcome.
That was what hung up Hunter the most.
Move in with Darius? What did that even mean?
Hunter didn't have much to move, but that also meant he didn't have much to offer. Why would Darius even want him? They were friends, sure, but providing for another person was busy work. And with how Hunter spent most of his time in a state one step away from a vegetable, it would be much harder.
Yet, out of his options. Hunter liked that one the best. He loved Camila, honest, but being in her home only reminded him of losing Flapjack. Of those terrifying months where nothing felt normal and Luz spiraled into a depression of her own. He felt guilty following through with any of the other options, living with people who didn't know him. Darius knew him. Darius knew him and liked him enough to offer Hunter a room.
Two weeks, Hunter spent in and out of thought, his body numb after the dust had settled.
Two weeks, and Hunter made his decision.
It was rare for him to leave the basement. The sunlight felt blinding and burning on him from how little he had seen it. Camila had managed to drag him up for a handful of meals, the rest spoon fed to him while he rotted.
Camila perked up, at the sound of footsteps on the stairs. Her confusion turned to concern when she saw Hunter's face. “Carino? Are you alright?” She met him half way through the kitchen, her hands up and her brows furrowed. She looked more tired recently. Everyone did.
“Can we talk?” Hunter couldn't recall the last time his throat didn't hurt, the last time it did not scratch or break while he spoke.
Camila nodded, herding him to a chair at the dinner table and sitting next to him. Hunter closed his eyes, digging his nails into his knees. She dropped everything for him, and he was leaving. “I don't want you to think I'm not grateful,” he began in a whisper.
“Believe me, I don't.” Camila sounded exasperated.
Hunter kept his head hung, unable to look at her. The pinching pain in his legs was the only thing keeping him grounded. “I’m sorry,” he said despite knowing Camila always got sad when he did. “It's been a really long few weeks and- i've had a lot of time to think about everything.”
Camila hummed, ever patient with him.
“You took me in and-and you didn't have to. I will always be appreciative of you and the things you have done for me. I will never be able to make it up to you and-”
“Hey,” Camila shushed, “I know. It's okay, you don't have to thank me.” Hunter didn't know how to explain to her that he absolutely did have to thank her. He could make the next years of his life dedicated to thanking her. Though she did have a point, Hunter needed to spit it out.
“You have offered me more than enough,” he opened his eyes and eased the grip on his legs. “I’ve been thinking about where I want to live, long term…” Hunter took a chance to glance up at Camila's reaction. She was resting her side against hte table, looking at him with intent and kindness. Not a hint of insult in her face.
“Do you remember Darius?”
Camila's lips twitched upwards, “I remember you talking about him, yes. We’ve only met a few times though.”
“He-” Hunter chose to fidget with his own fingers, twisting a pull instead of piercing his skin. “He offered to take me in. For- as long as I want. And I think- I think that might be nice?” If Hunter had any more energy in him, any more life, it wouldn't be a question. He learned the hard way that he had to make his own decisions. He didn't have to get anyone to approve of his choices before he made them.
In the moment though, her permission seemed vital. If she said no, it would be out of the question.
Camila nodded, like he hadn't said anything life changing, still listening like normal. “Is that what you want?”
Hunter blanked, he was looking for her permission, what she thought was best. “I-” his mouth was dry, smacking as he spoke. “I think so.”
She smiled, warm and soft. She sat up, placing her hands on her knees, palm up. “Hunter, all I want is for you to be safe and happy, do you think Darius can give you that?”
Hunter didn't know. He didn't know how he and Darius worked well enough to know what Darius would do at all. It was so messy, confusing. Darius could end up being a lot of things. Hunter couldn't insure anything. “If he doesnt… Can I come back?” He looked down at her open hands, her silent offer to comfort him. He hadn't made up his mind about that either.
“Whenever you’d like.”
That was all he needed.
Hunter told all of friends about his decision before he told Darius. Asking for their opinions and advice before he contacted DArius himself. Most of them, unfortunately, didn't know DArius well enough to have an opinion at all. Hunter probably didn't know Darius well enough to have one himself.
Luz commented on his constant concern over Hunter and his safety. Gus mentioned how Hunter lit up when he talked about Darius and everything the man knew. Willow said Darius was the first person to offer up Hunter a connection to the world outside of hte castle. Amity shrugged and said Darius had one of the only not destroyed houses on the isles currently.
Hunter thought long and hard about most of the decisions he made in his life. This one though, wasn't half as thought out. Hunter wouldn't call it spontaneous, it was just- quick. With some help, he managed to call Darius on his scroll. His voice is weak and cracking from underuse.
“I’m sorry if this is random. And you can change your mind.”
“What is it, little prince?”
“Is the offer still available? To-to move in with you?”
Darius was quiet for long enough that Hunter had formed an apology and excuse to hang up. Right as he started to back track, Darius cut him off. “Of course it is. I-I’ll have to get a room ready for you but- yes. Of course.”
Hunter didn't have much. Everything he owned fit into a bag that wasn't his. Some sewing supplies, a few shirts he made, a jacket, Camila's yellow sweater, and a copy of the first two books of Cosmic frontier. Packing it though, was the most Hunter had moved in one sitting for days. He thought about everything he had left behind at the castle, both anger and sadness filling him as he thought about how it would really only take one more bag to fit all of that too.
Hunter went alone, at his own request. He left on a Saturday, when the weather wasn’t too cold and Camila had the day off incase he panicked and ran. Darius’s house, was very Darius. Hunter could tell he had the right place without double checking the address. It was significantly bigger than any house Hunter had been too. Though HUnter one wit was just Darius living there with the occinall visit from Eber. Hunter swallowed, hoping that it wasn't too empty. He didn't want it to feel like the castle, he liked how full Camilas home was, he liked the warmth.
Hunter wasn’t sure what to expect. The house was dark, but not uninvited. The door was white and a bench was on the porch. The front garden was full, flowers grew in the red grass.
Hunter was too nervous to knock on the door. His arms trembled at his sides and his throat was drying up, the only thing he could do was hit his elbow against the doorbell. Hunter stepped back, he held one of the straps of his bag in a weak grip. His hands are not strong enough to curl into a fist.
It didn’t take long for Darius to open the door, as if he was waiting for Hunter. He looked a little different. More cozy, and more tired. He had eye bags similar to Hunter's own, his wrinkles were more prominent, like he had aged five years in the past few months. He had purple braids that fell just past his collarbone, ones Hunter had never seen before.
Hunter straightens his back, “Hi.”
Darius blinked once, then twice. “Is this all you have?” Darius gestured to the bag with his brow furrowed.
Hunter frowned, not understanding why that particularly hurt him. Yes, it was all he had. That was just a fact.
“Sorry,” Darius huffed, “Bad start, hi little prince.”
It was strange, hearing Darius’s voice again. He spoke heavy yet gentle, like the rumble of a distant storm. The comment didn’t exactly hurt Hunter's feelings, it was more a quick sting, and something he recovered from quickly. “Hi,” Hunter said again.
Darius stepped aside, “Come in, I’ll give you the tour.”
Hunter held his breath, stepping in and not letting it go until he crossed the threshold. The house opened to a walkway that led to a distant kitchen and living room. The whole place was decorated in a deep kind of warmth. Dark and detailed decor with splashes of color. It had the elegance and lavishness of the castle but that was where the similarities ended. The castle was empty, cold. Each corner had a pattern or decoration to fill in the space. A warm flowery scent wafted in the air. Open windows and candles made it bright, taking away any cold that would have settled from outside.
“It’s nice,” Hunter said immediately. He was comforted by how similar it was to Camila’s home, despite the fact it was much darker and fancier.
“Thank you,” Darius closed the door and stepped ahead of Hunter. “Now, I inherited this house from my parents. It’s always been too big for my needs, so you have some options when it comes to picking a room. Would you like to do that now? Or tour first?”
Out of all the things, Hunter was not expecting an option. He was never good at making decisions. He never had to. What he ate, wore, said, thought, was all predetermined for him. The choices he did make were tests, lightly veiled threats. Hunter short lifted, not sure which answer Darius would want.
Darius seemed to sense Hunter's uncomfort, and backtracked. He let out a kind of awkward laugh, “My apologies, I know this is all new. Let me show you around.” Hunter eased at that, he hadn't noticed how stiff his shoulders were.
The ground level of the house was a kitchen, living room, dining room, Darius’s study, and apparently one of many bathrooms. The basement was a work in progress. Mostly junk and a space Darius said he hasn't yet chosen what to do with. He said he could make it a large bedroom, if Hunter wanted. Hunter shook his head, that was far too much work for someone who was already taking him in.
The upstairs was where most of the bedrooms, and Hunter's options were. Darius had the master bedroom, a huge space covered in so much purple it made Hunter's eyes hurt. There was a bathroom, adn something called a ‘walk in closet’ that was roughly the size of Hunter's room in the castle. There were three more bedrooms upstairs. One was already a designated guest room for Eberwolf. Hunter could tell from the makeshift nest in the corner of hte room, the mud and sticks covered the rest of it.
The other two, were the ones that were officially available for Hunter to choose from. The first room was only a bit smaller than Darius’s bedroom. It too, had a ‘walk in closet’. It wasn't half as decorated as the rest of the house, though none of hte warmth was gone. It was fully furnished, a bed, dresser, nightstand, and rug on the floor. Hunter didn't mind the idea of a big room, the Noceda basement was huge.
The other spare room was significantly smaller. It was still bigger than his room at the castle, but it had to be the smallest room in the house. It was a perfectly normal sized closet, it was furnished the same as the other room, though the bed was a size smaller.
“You’re under no pressure to pick right away. Whatever you choose we can make a trip to get it more properly decorated. I don’t know what you like, so I picked out some basic things for you. Nothing you can't get rid of if you hate.” It was a joke, paired with a teasing small smile.
Hunter smiled back, but he had to admit, he was somewhat overwhelmed.
The bigger room was closer to Darius’s room. There was no reason, but the thought of that made Hunter anxious. It wasn't fair, he hadn't even given Darius the chance to rebuild their relationship. The other problem though, was Hunter was- embarrassingly intimidated by such a large space.
What was he supposed to do with that big of a room? A walk in the closet? Even though the smaller room was still considerably bigger than what he was used to, it was better. It didn't feel so threatening. Hunter liked the small space. He looked down and fiddled with his hands.
“Is- is it okay if- That one?” He pointed down the hall to the smaller room.
Darius’s face faltered for a half a moment before he put his soft smile back on. “Of course it is, let me get some of the things I got you. Go settle.”
Settling wasnt hard when he could carry everything he owned in one hand. He set the bag down on the dress and went to test out the bed. It was soft, too much so. The ground was closer to what he was used to. In the basement, Camila only had a foam mattress to keep him off the floor. Hunter oculdnt spend too much time deciding how he felt about hte bed when Darius came in.
“I know it's not much, but again, I didn't want to over step.”
Darius’s version of ‘not much’ was very different to Hunters. The bed already had sheets, but Darius had gotten another very fuzzy blanket to throw on it. He pulled out clear organizers that were apparently used in drawers. Darius mentioned getting him a desk too, which Hunter had no idea what to do with. That was nice. All of this was too nice. Darius got a lamp for the bedside table and a mirror to put on the wall. Hunter did not mention that he was currently refusing to look at his own reflection.
The last two things Darius pulled out were a night light and a stuffed wolf.
“I don’t know how you feel about the dark, you don't need to use it. But, until you get used to the layout of the house, some light might be nice.”
Hunter stared at it, he never thought about a night light before. “Thank you,” he looked up just in time for Darius to pull out hte wolf. Hunter's heart jumped up into his throat. It wasn't like him too much to move without asking, so he shocked himself when he ripped it out of Darius’s hand. He looked down at the little thing. It was weighted, a gray wolf with blue eyes.
Hunter hadn’t had it in himself to cry since Willow linked his pinky a lifetime ago.
His eyes filled with tears, he stroked the wolf's head, staring directly at it.
“Are you okay?” Darius’s voice was soft, sounding genuinely worried he had done something wrong.
Hunter nodded, he sniffed and wiped his nose with the back of his hand. He couldn't speak, he was sure he would burst into tears if he did. The small weight, the size, the soft fur, it reminded him of Flapjack. It was childish, the way Hunter wrapped both his arms around the toy and squeezed it to his chest.
“Thank you,” Hunter whispered, his eyes closed and still terrified of crying.
“Little prince,” Darisu began. He sat down next to Hunter on the bed, just out of reach to touch.
Hunter looked up, Darius was fuzzy through the tears. He should be showing more gratitude to try and express how much all of this meant. Darius was smiling at him, a gesture that kept him quiet.
“I am very glad you’re safe,” Darius’s own voice cracked, “And I'm thankful you've chosen to move in. Don’t feel scared to ask if you need anything, I want to make this as easy as possible for you. If you need something, if you want to leave, just let me know. I-” He turned away, Hunter had no idea what to do if Darius was also crying. Darius took a deep breath, and looked back. “There's plenty to talk about, it can wait though. It's been a long day.”
It had only been a few hours, a few hours that felt like weeks out of Hunter's life. He nodded along to Darius’s words, “Thank you,” he said again. It didn't feel like nearly enough.
“Of course,” There wasn't much hair for Darius to ruffle, so he ran his hand across Hunter's scalp. Soft yet firm, enough to shake Hunter's neck. Hunter couldn’t help the little laugh that escaped him, wet with tears.