CoD Hybrid AU | Navigation
Note: Happy Holidays y’all, I could help but imagine Kit having their first Christmas. Their age is not gonna be the most accurate, but I figured it was pretty cute. Spirit had a good Christmas herself so it felt only fair Kit have one as well.
You don’t really know much about Christmas or the holidays but it’s a chance for Johnny to go home and introduce you to his family, or rather the rest of the family. You’d heard about it and your were curious, picking up on it faster than most kids your age.
Spirit came to base, getting some leave for the holidays. There were some gold trimmings on her antlers as she stepped into the room where Johnny was helping you get dressed.
“Very festive.” Johnny commented. Spirit was confused, until Johnny gestured to her antlers. She patted at her antlers and then rolled her eyes. Very funny. Your team likely did that when she was asleep at her desk. Johnny got your shirt on, and you padded over to your auntie who picked you up with joy.
“How is the little minx?” She asked, giving you a boop.
“Very excited. Been telling her about the holidays coming up.”
“You told Ma about her? Right?” Your aunt asked. Johnny confirmed it.
“Told her I was adopting… didn’t tell her it was a kitsune.” Johnny admitted. Your ears twitched as you looked to the door, as did Spirit. Simon knocked before stepping in, his balaclava over her face.
“Boo!” You shouted to him. Simon had gotten used it by now.
“Johnny? Did you tell your mother about me?” He asked. Spirit cleared her throat but didn’t say anything. Johnny admittedly hadn’t told his mother about Simon, well he had but not that part. The important part. The fact that they were together. His Ma knew her son’s preferences, just not that he was in a relationship.
“So that’s a no.” Simon commented on Johnny’s stunned silence and red face.
“Not yet.” He admitted. Then Simon noticed your Aunt was avoiding eye contact. Simon folded his arms, looking your direction. You looked at your aunt, tilting your head. Johnny noticed the attention on Spirit and joined in.
“I… mentioned you two were spending some time together… that was it!” Spirit said.
“So she knows.” Johnny concluded.
“I didn’t tell her out right.” Spirit said defnsivelh.
“Bad.” You said. Johnny snickered while his adopted sister looked at you offended.
You’d never been to Scotland. But it was a new world and your curiosity kept Johnny on his toes. Actually it kept all three of them on their toes. Spirit watched over you as much as she could, wanting to give your parents a chance to be together when they could. Simon was hardly bothered by your presence, if anything he was fine being your escape.
As soon as the door to Johnny’s home opened you hid behind Spirit, as Johnny hugged his mother. When Spirit moved in to hug her mmother you then hid behind Simon. Simon received a handshake at his request.
“I understand da mask stays on?” Ma asked politely.
“Yes.” Simon confirmed. “While I sleep as well.”
“I’m sure that’s not the only other time.” She said, making Johnny blush, and Spirit snort. Simon just chuckled while you shuffled further behind his leg. The new lady noticed one of your tails peeking out and ushered Simon in to close the door from the cold. You kept hold as Simon stepped carefully inside. The woman knelt down in front of Simon, and gave a warm smile.
“Hello dear. Ya must be Kit.” She said.
You gave a little nod. The woman held out her hand for you to shake. “That makes mae your gran.”
“Why donnae we get you and your da settled in?” She said. Johnny offered his hand and you hurried over to it, still shy. Johnny led you down the hall with Simon close behind, while your Gran and Aunt caught up.
“She’s very adorable.” Gran said. Spirit couldn’t deny that. “I’ll put the kettle on.”
“I’ll go put my stuff away. And come back out.” Spirit said.
Johnny showed you what to do to unpack, and had you try to take a nap. Jet lag was a bitch, and he insisted you rest instead of following him out. Would he stay with you? Sure. He could use a nap himself, as could Simon. Spirit had been fortunate to sleep on the ride over, but would need some sleep herself.
You fell asleep easily. When you awoke Johnny wasn’t there anymore but you didn’t mind. You took your patchwork toy with you out with you, and found Johnny relaxing with a drink in the living room. You shifted and leapt over to him curling up in his lap.
“Steamin’ blood Jesus!” A Scottish voice said in surprise. Wait, he didn’t have a Mohawk. That’s not Johnny! You looked around for someone familiar and panicked, scurrying over to the most familiar smell in the room, tried to hide in the cushions next to them. Thankfully it was Johnny’s scent as he set down his drink to dig you out of the cushions.
“I leave for a day and there’s a new animal in the house.” The man commented. Johnny shot him a look before uncovering you from a cushion, seeing you gnawing anxiously on your toy.
“Aye…it’s alright. You wanna come out?” Johnny asked. You take his offer with enthusiasm and you leapt into his arms. He caught you and sat back down.
“You want to meet your new niece?” He offered his brother. Johnny’s brother came over and you sniffed his hand. Smelled like Johnny, but you were still cautious. You nibble at the man’s fingers. Johnny sighed. You were acting up, more than he’d seen before. Spirit and Simon noticed it too.
“Cute little critter aintcha?” Your uncle commented. You let out little yelping growls as you continued to gnaw on his fingers.
“I know who she be taken after.” Gran commented. “Would some critter like hot chocolate?”
You stopped biting when you heard the word chocolate, purposely emphasized. Your ears perk in curiosity. You shift back and follow both Spirit and Gran to the kitchen to try this new concoction. Spirit made sure there was a couple marshmallows.
“So… what is it like being a grandmother?” Spirit asked.
“Hardly any different than being a mother for the second time, just more tired.” Her mother joked.
Your tails swished around excitedly, smelling the sweet drink. Your gran was sure to cool it off a little, but Spirit warned you that it was still hot. It tasted so sweet and good. As you continued to drink it Spirit and Gran continued chatting.
“Very responsive critter for such a wee age.” Gran commented.
“Kitsunes are very intelligent creatures based on what I’ve found.” Spirit added.
“Talkin in front of her may not be a bright idea.” Gran said a little concerned.
“Ma, she’s been living on a military base, she’s heard plenty.” Spirit assured her.
“Yes yes I can imagine with how foul a mouth Mae boy can have. Dearie stop checking that blasted phone.”
“I’m still on call.” Spirit said.
“Put it down and quit fussin until they actually call.” Gran said, holding your aunts phone.
“Stop.” You said, with a marshmallow and chocolate moustache on your upper lip. Spirit put her phone away in her pocket, her hands going into surrender.
The next morning Johnny came in to wake you. Through tired eyes you stretched and yawned. Johnny told you what he planned on doing with you today, hoping to get the jet lag out of you. Your gran was getting some help from your uncle in the kitchen, used to feeding bottomless stomachs. You scurried over to Simon who immediately picked you up, and set you on his lap. By now Simon was just as much as your dad as Johnny was.
You were fed a forkful of scrambled eggs and allowed to chew while Simon ate his. Simon took a moment to skim over the newspaper. While you waited for your next bite. You tried to reach for his plate but he kept it away from you. So instead you looked up at him, mouth wide open, with Simon looking back down.
“Would you like some more?” Simon asked, sarcastically. You nodded, mouth still open. Simon got you another bite, and fed it to you, your ears twitching.
“More.” You asked, with food still in your mouth.
“Finish it first.” Simon told you. You gave him a pout and he just went on with his business. Spirit sat and watched her lieutenant being a good parent. You did finish your mouthful before asking again.
“More.” You said, less demanding this time.
“What’s the magic word?” Simon asked just as your Gran sat at the table, with Johnny watching the interaction continue.
“Fuck.” You answered. Spirit nearly choked on her drink. Johnny was trying not to laugh while trying to set you straight. Gran had a look of shock, flabbergasted you knew the word at a young age. Simon meanwhile was laughing so hard at your confidence with your wrong answer.
“It’s please Kit, say please.” Johnny said trying to not look like a bad parent in front of his own mother. Ma was just trying to hold back her tears from laughing after that display. Yep you were Johnny’s little one alright.
“Please.” You said and Simon gave you more food. Spirit took a moment to settle her laughter before continuing to eat while Johnny buried his face in his hands.
You found that you loved the snow and the area Johnny lived in, had plenty of open forest areas. Shifting and scampering around was your favourite past time, and Johnny wasn’t about to stifle your curiosity. Simon stood some distance, watching you play with your dad, getting dropped into snowbanks, giggling away while Johnny laughed at your giggling. You were tossed snowballs to try and catch in your fox form, only to lose track of them and look around to figure out where they had disappeared into. Of course Johnny showed you how to make snow angels. Making a snowman needed extra hands, so he called over Simon to help.
Johnny was able to find some sticks and stones for the face. Simon held you up to put them in. Your tails swished around, pleased with your work. Then you took Simon by the hand after he set you back down. You pulled, leading him to where the snow angels were.
“Very nice.” He said. You tugged his hand before letting go and laying back down on your angel to show him how it was done. Johnny gave his partner a fond smile, while Simon decided to humour you.
“Like this?” He asked, trying to imitate you. You nodded and clapped for him.
“You’re a natural Simon.” Johnny said. Then his ears twitched. Yours did too, as you both looked in the same direction, a faint howl calling out in the woods. Johnny muttered something, but you didn’t pay attention. Instead you started to scamper off towards it.
Johnny chased after you but Simon was quicker, snatching you up with a shadow by one of your tails. You squealed as he dropped you into his arms, giving you some tickles. Johnny growled low, as his brother stepped out of the house.
“You’da think they’d fuck off for the holidays.” His brother commented.
“Just means Kit cannae go out by erself.” Johnny commented. You don’t quite make out what was said, too distracted by the spidery fingers on your stomach.
“We have our rights, they need to live with that.” Spirit argued.
“It donnae matter to those bobags.” Your gran said.
“We’ve made all the calls, and told them to fuck off in every way.” Your uncle said. As the discussion continued, your father stood off to the side, Simon next to him.
“Why didn’t you mention this?” He asked.
“I thought it had all been sorted.” Johnny said sighing. “Don’t go calling Price, I’m not draggin’ em out ‘ere.”
“…will it come to that?” Simon asked.
“Hopefully no. Right now I’m focusing on giving Kit a good Christmas.”
“You could be sitting alone in a cold shed, and it would still be a good Christmas for me.” Simon commented. Johnny gave him a smile. “We can try it.”
“Reminder to the ghost and dog I can still hear you.” Spirit said. The two men blushed but showed no shame.
“That settles it. No one, and I mean no one goes out alone. That includes you Mr. Riley.” Gran said, staring Simon down. Something about the older yet smaller woman calling him Mr. Riley had him keeping his mouth shut with no objections.
You heard everything, spying on them through the crack in your door.
The next day is much more fun, as you’re taken into town with Spirit tagging along, and pulling you on a sled. You waved and greeted everyone warmly, which was a little out of character for you. You received many smiles and adoring expressions, for your sweet and abrupt greetings. You were so freaking cute!
Johnny made sure to carry you every time you went into shops. Not wanting you to get lost in the forest of customers’ legs. You got to try a few treats from bakeries, Spirit making sure you had something more healthy in between. Nope you don’t get to say no to apple slices or carrots. The last thing anyone wanted was for you to have a belly ache from all the sweets.
Your dad seemed weary of a lot though. You noticed he was often the one holding you, and would look around first before handing you off to someone else. At one stop you remained seated on the sled reaching for him, opening and closing your hands. You wanted uppies and Johnny seemed to relax a bit. Then you put your hands on his face.
“Dada?” You asked tilting your head. Johnny smiled.
“I’m okay Kit. Just tired.” He said. You started to make funny faces at him, and he properly smiled this time. The first one didn’t feel real enough to you. This one was better. Simon called Johnny attention over to an aisle. The tree had yet to be fully decorated, and Johnny figured you should have your own ornament. One that was special to you. He asked you to pick one out, and let you reach out for one.
There was a small ornament of a curled up fax that caught your eye. You reached for it and Johnny took it off the hook for you. Of course you picked a fox. But it made you happy.
As you made your way over there was a woman with her beagle at the counter. The beagle caught sight of you and started to growl and bark. You shifted on instinct, and tried to scramble over Johnny shoulder to get away. Johnny was quick but you were quicker, spring from his shoulder as the woman lost her grip on the leash. The beagle didn’t get very far though. Sure it was able to chase you down an aisle or two, cause a commotion and what not but it didn’t account for the little fox to have back up. You found it right away jumping on to Spirit who turned at the sound of the dog approaching. Spirit caught you and held you close while the beagle growled.
Spirit tried to soothe you but you were scared and squirmy. Then Spirit turned her attention to the beagle, that was snarling and wanting a fox snack. One thing about your auntie, is that she is very nice and very sweet, but she can be very scary. As she’snsoothing you stares down the beagle with an intense look in her eyes. The dog tries to hold it’s ground until Spirit show her own snarl.
You’re looking away but you can hear the beagle go from Hunter to submissive house pet in a second, whimpering and whining. It soon scampers off to its owner who is trying to argue that a fox shouldn’t be in the store to begin with. Your aunty is focused on you, cradling you as you shift back to your human state, sniffling. It’s then your aunt gets a look of realization which she masks quickly.
The ornament is paid for, and you’re loaded on to the sled to be taken home.
It isn’t long that you’re taken out on the sled again, down hill. The night was closing in, the sun going down every trek back up the hill. Johnny eventually passed the top of the slope, and continued walking to take you home. Your tails continued to swish around, still happy and giggling after all the joy of the day. You noticed your dad kept looking around as he pulled you along. Simon and Spirit were still at home, but your uncle had joined in, taking Johnny’s place going down the hill with you. The two were both keeping watch around. You started doing it too, your ears turning to pick up on any noise.
“Awoo!” You howled and both your dad and uncle stopped looking back at you. Your uncle held his chest, relieved it was only you. Johnny sighed.
“No howls Kit. Not tonight.” Johnny said before continuing on. You overheard the brothers conversation.
“Wee risk taker ya got ‘ere.” Your uncle said.
“We haven’t told her anythin.” Johnny pointed out. “Hope we won’t have too.”
Spirit showed you how to make snowflakes out of paper, while your Gran was working in the kitchen. The guys were out, leaving you at home with the girls and more cocoa. It took a bit to figure out how to make the snowflake without separating it.
Spirit helped you put them on the tree before turning on a Christmas movie, tucking you in on the couch, to help Gran in the kitchen.
As you watched the stop motion figures gesture about the screen, your eyes grew tired. As always you had your plushie, clutched in your arms. The soft faux fur of the blanket, reminding you of Johnny when he was shifted. Your ears twitched from time to time, when there was a sharp or odd sound from the tv. It was enough to drown out the conversation in the kitchen. Johnny told you that it was a happy time of year. Yet there were so many hushed concerns and softly spoken worries. The smiles didn’t feel quite right, like there was something wrong but they wanted to keep you from it.
“Should we tell her?” Spirit asked.
“Absolutely not.” Gran said. “What she donnae know wonnae ‘urt her.”
“But she does. Kitsune’s are highly intelligent, I wouldn’t be surprised if she knew what goes on with Johnny when he’s working.”
“I’m not sayin’ she’s stupid, that wee bugger is trickier than her father.” Gran said. Spirit chuckled, imagining how her brother might have been in his youth. “I’m sayin, it’s er first Christmas and even though she’s family, it donnae mean she need be in our drama. Too young to bae out on er own, and my boys wonnae be letting er run into the road.”
Spirit continued to peel potatoes, sitting in a chair over a bucket to collect the peels. Then she felt a warm hand on the side of her face, and Gran giving her a kiss. “Nor will my daughter.”
Spirit smiled, leaning into her mother. “Perhaps Johnny will have some luck.
“So yer not doing anything?” Johnny asked, frustrated.
“M’sorry mate, not much we can do.” The cop said. “Unless they come in your property.”
“We have a kid, what if she goes into their property?” Simon asked, his mask only covering the lower half of his face, no skull on it. The officer did seem unsure at the point.
“Look, all I can do is tell ya to keep an eye on her. I cannae go bargin’ down the door over a possibility.” The officer reasoned. Johnny had to admit, he had a point. They’d come to see if more could be done through safer means. If a cop knocked on the door a message could be made but if one of them knocked on the door, it could just cause more problems.
“Thank you for your time.” Simon said, giving the officer a respectful nod before escorting Johnny out.
Outside Johnny’s brother was waiting. The expression on Johnny’s face told him the answer they’d gotten.
In the car, Johnny was staring out the window.
“You said it was bad.” Simon said. “Didn’t specify.”
“Another pack.” Johnny replied, as if that was the only answer needed. Ghost waited and Johnny continued. “They have older ways of thinking, but came to ma, inviting her to join them. Turned them down we thought that was that, but then we came home one break and things got ugly. They didn’t like we had Spirit cause she was a fae and they had bad experiences. They could pick up on other scents from the team on me and thought it was sketchy. They’ve made some threats, nothing but we came to a mutual agreement to stay within our territories. I think Kit’s scent might have set them off.”
“Me as well probably.” Simon commented. Johnny reassured him that it was okay, but Simon was still concerned.
You were still awake as they talked about it. You heard an address, and you knew what you wanted to do next. Tomorrow you were baking cookies. Perfect for your plan.
“They haven’t touched us yet.” Spirit pointed out. “I get it, you’re a dad and protective, but so far nothing has happened.”
“Donnae mean nothin.” Johnny said.
“…If it escalates then we’ll deal with it.” Simon assured him. “Your pack is not at risk, they are capable of fighting it.”
“I know… I know. Just with the blood that got spilled last year, I want to avoid any problems.” Johnny sighed.
Ma showed you how to make cookies, and you got very messy. She didn’t seem to mind, but had to keep you from eating the dough. Once you cut them all out you’re sat in front of the tv again, while she puts them in the oven to bake. A blanket was wrapped around you while Simon decided to sit down with you.
“Lap?” You asked. “Please?”
Simon appreciated your manners and sat you in his lap. A happy little bundle of fluff. Simon leaned back, taking a few breaths. The holidays weren’t very fun for him, but he had a support system. A good one. Johnny was close by, and you seemed to pick up on how he was feeling. As the movie played you realized your plan would be difficult without help.
“Help?” You asked Simon, looking up at him.
“You need the bathroom?” He asked. You shook your head then looked around before getting off his lap and running off to your room. You came back with paper and crayons and got to work showing your plan to Simon. He sat patiently, enjoying a bit of the movie himself while you scribbled frantically. Once you finished, you practically smacked him on the face with the drawing. Simon looked at the drawing, doing his best to decipher it. You stood waiting patiently for him to finish.
“Kit? Come to da kitchen.” You heard Gran call. You scampered off, excited to decorate your cookies with sprinkles and icing.
Meanwhile Simon was examining your drawing still. You drew Christmas shapes like trees, candy canes, and stars. There was what he is pretty sure are wolves. An arrow pointed from the shapes to the wolves, with what looked like you and him nearby as well. The last part of the drawing was a happy dog face. Simon raised an eyebrow. Okay… you wanted to give your cookies to… Johnny? No it was a pack. The neighbour pack? You wanted to do it with Simon. Uh…
Simon got up from the couch and went to the kitchen. “Ms. MacTavish? May I have word?”
Gran nodded and you saw your drawing in his hand. Simon took Gran aside, down the hall. To talk to her. The way Johnny had talked about it, approaching them might be dangerous, but maybe bringing Gran would make things a little easier. Right now he was an outsider to the whole thing, with only the context he’d gotten from Johnny. Simon explained the picture you’d drawn as best as he could.
“You’ve raised a lovely girl Mr. Riley.” Gran told him, with a warm smile.
“I… thank you. More I’m concerned that if I go with her it might seem like a threat.” Simon explained.
“Bringin’ yer little one with cookies is a threat to ya?” Gran asked, almost in shock.
“No no.” Simon said quickly. “Just… he’s been on edge, and been helping me with my own problems. Wouldn’t be far to make his life harder.”
Gran was pleased with Simon’s concern. Your kindness was touching as well. Her son knew how to pick them.
“Don’t you fret.” She said kindly. “I had been meaning to visit them to talk, just aven’t ad anyone to come with mae.”
When they came out, they found you weren’t in the kitchen, but there were a few cookies missing. They had been in the hall for a while, but long enough for you to eat that many cookies? Simon went to the living room while Gran puzzled over the cookies.
“Found her.” Simon called. You were on the couch curled up in front of the tv…asleep? Were you that tired? Maybe you didn’t want to get in trouble for eating too many cookies. Wait… your plushie was missing. Simon’s eyes widened. He went to the front door and found your boots and jacket missing.
You had to hurry, hoping your illusion would hold up. You found a small gift bag and put your favourite cookies in, and rushed to the different wolf scent. The plushie was tucked into your coat pocket as you went as fast as your little legs could take you. It was very cold but you could handle it. Except you didn’t bring your mittens, they were stored in a cubby that was too high for you, and you wouldn’t be able to hold the bag very easily with them on. You didn’t have a hat either. The wind had picked up just before you left. You told yourself it would be fine. You had a mission, and you would complete it.
You were shivering by the time you reached the home and noticed a large man with a tail like Johnny’s.
“Hello!” You called. The man straightened and looked up, confused. Then he caught your scent.
Johnny was restless the whole way home. Simon was already on his way to the other pack, Gran staying home just in case. Every worst case scenario ran through his head while Spirit tried to comfort him. This was horrible. The only really relief he had was that there wasn’t a ransom request.
Johnny got out of the vehicle, and hurried up to the door. Spirit had to hold him back from breaking it down, calling after him. If Simon was right and Kit was trying to make peace, property damage wouldn’t help anyone. Simon was behind Johnny when he pounded the door.
No response, he tried again. There was a loud but muffled bark from inside. Simon caught Johnny’s arm before he could try to break in. Then there was a grumpy voice calling from inside. “I’m fuckin comin!”
Johnny lowered his arm and the door opened, revealing an older man. Another werewolf hybrid, this one much more experienced. His brow raised seeing a very tense and ready Johnny. Then the man glanced at Simon, who had some dark wisps coming off of him. Up the man’s walk was Spirit who stayed back. The man’s attention returned to Johnny.
“Yer a long way from home.” He grumbled.
“Where’s my daughter?” Johnny demanded. The man stared at Johnny, calmly. Johnny could pick up your scent in the house.
“You ‘ave a daughter?” He asked. His voice was genuine.
“A kitsune, about two years old.” Simon clarified, the wisps receding. All three men relaxed a little.
“Nine tails.” Simon said. The man gave a single nod in realization.
“Ah. About that.” He said. Johnny panicked, but sensing his worry the man held up a hand. “She’s fine. ‘Owever she was nearly frostbitten when she got ‘ere.”
“She fled without us knowing.” Simon admitted. “Illusion magic.”
The man nodded, in understanding. The man looked back inside, past where Johnny and Simon could see. “I take it you’ll be wantin er back. I just hate to pull them apart.”
Johnny and Simon shared a look, just as Spirit came up behind them. The man looked at Spirit’s antlers and ears for a moment. Spirit cleared her throat, rubbing her neck.
“Would you three like to come in?” The man offered. “Your little one is sitting with my niblings in front of a movie. Got her a blanket and some cider to warm her up.”
The man explained everything. When you arrived you held up the cookies to him, and said, “peace”. Seeing you were cold, he couldn’t in good conscience turn you away. Didn’t know where you’d come from either until he recalled the night his nephew thought he had a chance to catch a fox. Honestly he wanted to show peace as well, but didn’t upon smelling other hybrids, he was concerned about the reception he would get.
“I would like to apologize on behalf of my family for any trouble we might’ve caused.” The man said.
“Thank you.” Johnny said. He looked over hearing giggles, smiling to see how well you were getting along with the other kids. Spirit was sitting with them, letting some of them inspect her features, chatting with some of the other parents and aunts. Simon was sitting with Johnny, sipping his mug.
“You’ve raised a good one.” He told the two men.
“You’re raising some good ones yourself.” Johnny returned. They continued to watch the kid’s play, Kit shifting from fox to human to scurry around.
“There’s a full moon comin’.” The leader said, not taking his eyes off the kids. “Should ya need or want, you’re welcome to join us. First step to makin’ amends.”
“I’ll be alright. But thank you.” Johnny assured him. Spirit checked her phone before looking up at Johnny. Phone call. Shit, he was supposed to tell Ma about what happened.
“We best be off.” Simon commented. The man gave a respectful nod standing up with them, and escorting all of four of you out. You had to say good bye, and gave hugs to your new friends, plenty of tails wagging, and pleas for five more minutes.
“Come on Kit.” Spirit said, picking you up, and getting your winter gear on.
“Thank you little one, for the cookies.” The man said. You held out your hand to shake and he smiled, shaking it. You all walked out but just before Simon stepped out the man stopped him.
“You’re doing a good job.” He told Simon. “Happy Holidays.”
“Happy Holidays.” Simon said.
