Mare stood at the entrance to the living room of Mad’s home, leaning his shoulder against the wall and watching as the Human, his Human, sat on the floor with a collection of papers and books surrounding him. Mad’s cat, Albert, or Al as Mad called him, was curled up into a tight ball in his lap, and Mare could hear the slight vibrations of him purring.
“How long have you been down there?” Mare’s voice showed that Mad had no idea he was there with the way he flinched.
“Oh! Hi, Mare.” Mad greeted him with his big smile. A smile that Mare was adoring more and more each day.
“How long have you been down there?” Mare repeated the question, knowing Mad hadn’t heard him since he always answered questions, even ones that weren’t actually meant to be answered.
“Well-uh-it’s…” Mad pushed some papers aside until he found his phone. “Been three hours.” His smile turned smaller and shyer.
“Three hours of being hunched over like a turtle,” Mare stated as he walked into the room.
“I wouldn’t say I’ve been hunched like a turtle.” Mad protested with a bit of a playful pout.
“How about a rock? Maybe a tree? If the house caught on fire, you wouldn’t notice until you were a pile of ash.” Mare stood behind Mad, slipping his hands under his arms.
“And then I would rise from the ashes like a phoenix.” Mad had the cheekiest grin, making sure to say those words as Mare lifted him up to his feet. Al meowed in protest at losing his napping spot.
“I don’t think it would work out that way, starlight.” Mare chuckled, pressing a quick kiss to Mad’s temple.
“Won’t know until we try.” Mad tried to keep his cheeky energy, but it was hard considering the pink that was dusted across his face.
“You can barely handle a small kiss, let alone coming back from ash.” Mare teased, arms wrapping around Mad’s waist.
“I survive your kisses all the time.” Mad huffed, turning his body as he was guided to. Mare kept one hand on Mad’s waist as the other went to his cheek.
“Won’t know until we try.” Mare echoed Mad’s words before pulling him into a kiss, grinning when his plan worked and Mad was melting into his hold.
Mad didn’t have to worry about whether he could become a phoenix because Mare would never let Mad get hurt.
just a wip for a au where hiccup is a demon hunter and instead of killing the demon.. well yknow
vaguely based off of cassandra claire’s shadowhunter stuff in the idea that they kill demons and whatnot, but the universe has no correlation or anything like that; just the concept.
basically i thought it would be cool to have hiccup hide a demon (and a significant one at that) from both the “demon hunter” and the human world itself. basically, its the same idea as the original movie, but scaled into the human world as well; and one where hiccup has to try to hide this demon from both worlds and eventually wants to convince the world that humans, demon hunters and demons themselves can live in correlation
~but it all goes to shit somehow :’)
(this has been on my computer for like a year and a half now and i really want to finish it im just to sopped up in other stuff and its a crap ton of shading and blending i dont exactly want to spend my time on welp)
He let out an audible groan. There were things Angelo didn't mind, being hired to kill a demon was one of them, but the way his employer had been vage about the monster he was supposed to bring down certainly got under his skin. But as long as he had gold in his pockets and he wasn't slaughtering any actual humans, he was ok with the job.
His eyes narrowed when he arrived at the building named The Hoard. Strange place for a demon to hide but who cared, he wasn't going to spend too much time thinking on that one. He checked if his crossbow and sword were in place before heading in.
How about a Valentine's Day surprise for Host when he comes home to find a trail of roses leading to the kitchen and then eventually to the bed where Night is waiting for him ❤️
Ended up putting this into the Demon Hunter!AU cause I couldn’t resist XD
----------
Host softly chuckled to himself as he could feel Mad looking at the clock over and over again to check the time, to see if their day was over. He was certain he hadn’t gotten any work done in the past hour, with how all he heard was the pen clicking and nothing more.
Valentine’s Day was tomorrow, and it sounded like Mare might have arranged plans for tonight as well since Mad tended to be one of the last people to leave Headquarters. It took a lot to get him to want to leave early.
“I’m going to call it a day, Madrick.” Host said as he stood, stretching with a bit of an exaggerated grunt and rubbing his back to help make it more clear this was his idea, so Mad didn’t second-guess himself. Mad perked up and didn’t even bother trying to hide his excitement.
“I’ll help you lock up.” Mad scrambled to his feet and took off, getting Host to chuckle at his enthusiasm. It was sweet seeing how happy he’d been with Mare in his life, and Host had to admit, he found himself becoming eager to get to Night.
With Mad’s extra speed, the two of them got everything set for overnight faster than they had in a long time. Host swore Mad was practically skipping out of the building and heard him laughing as he locked the door.
“Bye, Host~” Mare’s voice sang behind Host, and Mad’s laughs got softer and softer, meaning they had left while Host pocketed the keys.
Host couldn’t help his smile as he turned and started making his way home. He was a bit surprised that Night didn’t arrive during his walk; the man had a habit of doing so. It was almost as if he could sense when Host was done for the day, despite him not always being consistent with his timing. Host had gotten used to his solo strolls home, but had also gotten used to having Night by his side. Even if they didn’t talk, just having him there had become a routine comfort.
“Night? Moonflower? Are you here?” Host called out as he opened his door; it being unlocked was his clue that he wasn’t alone. “Night?” He called again as he slipped off his jacket and removed his shoes. Host wondered if maybe Night was out. Perhaps he had some business to attend to. That thought changed when he stepped on something, and he finally noticed there was a different scent in the air.
Rose.
Host bent over and picked up what he had stepped on, finding that it was a petal, and he hummed in confusion as he rubbed his fingers against it. He took another step and felt what he assumed was another petal under his foot. And then another. And another. There was a placed trail of rose petals, and Host followed each one, taking time to crouch and gather every one of them.
“My owl, you were just supposed to follow the roses, not collect them.” Night’s tease greeted Host when he ended up walking into his bedroom.
“Why wouldn’t I want to make sure I got every part of my Valentine’s gift?” Host said with a bit of a smirk.
“You catch on very quickly.” Night went to Host and gave him a quick kiss.
“The room smells of chocolate. It gave the surprise away.” Host commented with a soft chuckle.
“I can return them.” Night playfully 'threatened'.
Summary: Host and Night have their routine, and one day, they have that changed while some work happens behind the scenes.
Demonic Distraction
Host usually wasn’t one to look forward to the end of what was technically the work day. Still, ever since he found himself in a relationship with Night, he’s been more willing to finish working for the day at a fairly decent hour.
As he walked down the Demon Hunter’s Headquarters halls, Host had an internal debate about how he wished to spend the evening. The only thing he knew for sure was that Night would be there. Maybe they’d just stay in and enjoy each other’s company.
Night may have an idea. Usually, at least one of them will come up with something by the time they arrive at their usual spot; if not, they brainstorm together. It was nice having someone who matched his energy perfectly and made everything feel so smooth and simple. While their lives were beyond simple, having moments of ease was welcome.
“Hi, Host!” Mad greeted him as he looped an arm through Host’s.
“Hello, Madrick.” Host greeted back. Mad was one of the few people in his life who had permission to hold his arm like that. He also was one of the few who was allowed to guide him away from his original path.
“Good afternoon, Host.” Dark added in his own greeting so Host knew he was behind him.
“Our bakery got a new strawberry-chocolate croissant, and I want to try it with you,” Mad explained as he continued walking.
“I’m here as a favor to Mare to make sure Mad doesn’t go too overboard.” Dark had a chuckle with his own explanation.
“That’s not too surprising, but where is Mare? Usually, he’s one to be doing that himself.” Host continued walking with Mad, not protesting the plan but his curiosity needed satisfied.
“Mare’s off doing some Demon stuff with Anti and Night,” Mad said.
“Anti wanted to ask Night questions in regards to the little ones.” Dark expanded the answer. “Anti also wanted Mare to stick around to get more comfortable with them as well, being a godparent and all that.”
“Sounds like Mad is using that as an excuse to eat some extra treats.” Host said with a tease in his voice. “I am more than willing to participate.”
x~x~x
Night’s internal clock was right on cue, having him head for where he and Host started meeting nearly every day. He was still out of the habit of looking at the time, never needing it before, and was learning how Humans structured their days based on what hour it was. Mortality had some strange quirks.
Night stopped walking when Anti suddenly popped up in front of him, a large smile on the other Demon’s face.
“Hey, Gramps!” Anti giggled with his greeting.
“I liked it better when you feared me.” Night stated and took a step to the side to go around Anti but was cut off again by him. “I have a meeting with Host.”
“Host, Mad, and Dark are having one,” Mare explained, having been standing off to the side. He found himself wishing that he had been able to stay with Mad and Host, but Anti wanted him to spend more time with the little ones, and Mad agreed. Mare also wished he knew how to tell his mate no more often. Dark had added that it would be easier for Mare to get Anti out of the way if he ended up annoying Night too much. Mare didn’t like all this responsibility.
“Do you want to see Nyx and Eos while our Humans are busy?” Anti asked Night. Night raised a brow at Anti and then looked to Mare.
“Host is busy?” Night asked.
“For a few hours,” Mare confirmed.
“Alright. I’ll go see the small hybrids.”
x~x~x
Dark used his fork to get himself a bite from the chocolate mousse cake he was eating. It was his second, and likely last, slice since he also helped himself to a chocolate cookie when they first arrived. While his sweet tooth was far from where Mad and Host were, he had his weak spot when it came to chocolate.
On the other side of the table, Mad and Host had already eaten some cake and a few cookies and were now eating and discussing the chocolate-strawberry croissants Mad had mentioned. They were just now getting to them since the bakery was working on a fresh batch when they arrived.
“Mare would have stopped me two desserts ago.” Mad joked before popping a strawberry into his mouth.
“Anti would have eaten everything we all had and then some.” Dark joined in. Host chuckled at the jokes, and then his brain suddenly shifted into different thoughts. All three of them were Humans with Demon partners, but Host was the only one without a Claim Mark. That thought had him curious about something.
“What does it feel like to have a Claim Mark?” The question got Mad and Dark to pause since it was unexpected.
“It’s kind of like a hug. A warm embrace that’s always there.” Mad said.
“A reminder,” Dark added. “It’s a silent reminder that he’s always there, even when I can’t see him.”
“I see.” Host hummed, helping himself to more of the croissant as his brain started turning again.
If that was what it felt like, maybe he wouldn’t mind if Night ever asked to claim him.
x~x~x
Night had a slight tilt to his head as he watched Nyx and Eos on the ground, stacking some blocks. Anti had said they were turning two in a few months. And they were so small. He’s forgotten how little children could be. Mare was on the ground with the two, helping them expand the base of their towers so it would be easier for them to stack up higher without it falling over too many times.
Night was pulled away from his thoughts when he was handed two containers of applesauce by Anti.
“Could you open those for me?” Anti asked, placing two baby spoons in Night’s lap as well.
“Sure?” Night just went with it, peeling off the tops of the food while Anti and Mare worked together to get the children into high chairs.
“Thank you.” Anti took the cups and spoons, placing one of each in front of Nyx and Eos. As soon as the girls had their spoons, they got to work eating.
Night was back to watching the little ones again and could tell right away which parent the child took after. Nyx was slow and patient, wary of getting the applesauce on herself, and focused with an adorably stern face. Eos, on the other hand, was a mess. Just flicking away with the spoon, and it looked like more was on her face and hands than what went into her mouth. When they were beginning to finish, Mare stepped out and came back in a few moments with some wet rags in his hands.
“All done?” Anti asked when Nyx sat her spoon down and started reaching for him. “Mare’s going to help clean you up real quick, okay?” Nyx looked at Mare, back to Anti, and then huffed before holding her hands out for Mare.
“She certainly does take after Dark.” Mare joked as he cleaned off Nyx’s hands.
“She’s the biggest cuddle bug once she likes you.” Anti chuckled. “Eos will let you clean her hands.” He explained the Night as he helped clean one of Eos’ hands, gesturing for Night to do the same. “But you got about three seconds to do her face, or she’ll yell at you.” Anti took the three dirty rags, giving Night the final one as Mare removed the tray from Nyx’s high chair and unbuckled her.
Night stood there for a second before scoffing at himself for hesitating about a simple task and started cleaning off Eos’ face. He was overly cautious and took longer than needed since he was worried about accidentally hurting the small child. Anti wasn’t exaggerating when he said there were only about three seconds before the Eos started throwing a fit, crying, and jerking her face away while Night got the last bit of applesauce off her.
Anti was reminding Mare of the best way to hold Nyx when Eos started crying and came over to help. Night held his hands up in the air and took a step back while Anti got Eos out of her high chair and held her, patting her back and playing up his voice.
“Aw, did Grampy take too long? He’s getting slow in his old age.” Anti grinned at Night while getting glared at by him. But Night stopped himself from giving Anti a verbal lashing when he saw the way Eos stopped crying as soon as she heard Anti’s light purr. Anti also seemed to calm as well, smiling as his body bounced and swayed.
Night knew of Anti’s reputation, of the chaos he’s caused, the things he’s done to earn his title, and yet here he was, purring and cuddling with one of the small hybrids he gave birth to. It was a curious change. It had him glancing over at Mare, who was chuckling as Nyx studied his fingers, bending them and poking at his nails. Mare also got his title from chaotic means. Would having a child have the same effect on him?
“Mare. Have you and Madrick ever considered having children?” Night’s sudden question had Mare choking on his breath, and Nyx giggled as Mare’s face went red, and held her up in the air to make sure he didn’t cough on her. “I’ll take that as a no.”
“I am more than happy with just having Mad as my mate.” Mare spoke after finally getting air back into his lungs. Nyx was now whining and reaching over for Anti. “And his cat is more than enough for me to deal with.” He added while he helped Nyx get into Anti’s other arm. Anti’s purrs got even louder as he held both of his daughters. “He loves that damn thing so much.” Mare scoffed with a smile he couldn’t hide. “But, I have to confess, even if Albert annoys the hell out of me, it’s cute seeing those two napping on the couch together when waiting for me to come home.”
“Dark definitely looks cuter when he sleeps.” Anti chuckled.
Night was once again watching, this time focusing on the adults, watching how they talked about their Humans, about their mates, and his mind went to his mate. To Host. He found himself itching to see him again. To talk with him, and he also wondered how Host would react if Night asked to claim him. Did Night want to claim him? That thought made his canines ache, and there was no denying what that meant.
Maybe he’ll ask Host about that tonight. He really wanted to know now.
x~x~x
“Why are we heading to the bar?” Host asked as he walked with Mad and Dark, assuming they had reached the front when they suddenly stopped.
“You’ll get your answer soon,” Mad said with a chuckle.
“Wait and see is not an answer to my question.” Night said with a huff as he neared the front with Mare and Anti. His annoyance faded instantly as soon as he saw Host, even forgetting about the others as he went right up to him. “How has your afternoon been?”
“Let’s just say you wouldn’t approve of what all I ate at the bakery.” Host joked with a grin.
“Why am I not shocked that was the meeting you attended with Madrick?” Night joked back, his ears twitched as he could hear that Mare was saying something similar to Mad.
“The girls are asleep in their crib.” Anti filled Dark in. “Marvin’s watching them.”
“Marvin?” Dark stiffened a bit.
“Chase is with him too, don’t worry. Marvin would lose his head if I left him alone with two toddlers.”
“I don’t know who would cry more, the children or Marvin.”
“Probably Marvin.” Anti giggled before remembering his cue and knocked on the bar’s doors. It was only a few moments after the knock that the doors flew open. Night and Host got hit with the sight and smell of what the others had been planning.
“Hello, you two!” Wilford greeted them with the biggest grin. JJ stood next to him with a matching grin.
“What is all of this about?” Night asked. “The bar is practically empty except for a table. I will admit the added decor is nice.”
“We wanted to set something nice up for you. A little dinner date where we take care of everything.” Wilford explained.
“Really?”
“Really!”
“Isn’t that kind.” Host hummed with a smile, and that got Night to smile as well, taking hold of Host’s hand and pressing a kiss to his knuckles.
“Would you like to join me for dinner?” Night asked.
For @ariesshower824
Here's some Host working way too late, and Night deciding it's time to head home
Carried Away
Night knew that his mate had the habit of working late enough that it would technically be the next day, and tonight was one of those times. The Demon creator strolled through the nearly empty halls, hearing the last remaining Humans cursing at themselves for losing track of time or having their own Demon partners trying to get them to leave. It was a bit funny hearing his own kind being so attached to their Humans, much like how he was to his own.
Night paused and watched one of The Twins carrying the head Researcher out of his office, giving him an idea of how to handle his workaholic.
"Have a good evening, Mare." Night nodded a bit with his parting words. "And good luck with your pouting Human."
"I'm not pouting!" Mad protested through his pout, arms crossed as he was held over Mare's shoulder.
"Try to get some sleep, Madrick. Work cannot be done if you're too tired." Night advised, chuckling when Mad just continued his pout with a huff.
"See you tomorrow." Mare gave a little salute before walking off. Night just gave another nod and resumed his journey to Host's office. "Owl? It's time to head home." Night said as he stepped into the room, not bothering with knocking.
"Let me finish these last few pages, and we can go." Host ran his fingers over the page he was on.
"Those pages will still be here tomorrow," Night stated, going to Host's desk.
"I'm already in the middle of them, might as well finish before I lose my motivation." Host stated back, pausing when he felt Night's hands on his shoulders.
"You never lose motivation, owl. You're always ready to work." Night hummed and began working on the knots in Host's shoulders, grinning when he saw his mate melting a little.
"I'll only need five minutes." Host was still trying to fight against calling it a day.
"Five minutes turn into twenty, and twenty turns into an hour. I know how this goes."
"I am not that bad."
"You can be." Night leaned over and whispered into Host's ear, deciding to go with the idea he had earlier. "And I am three seconds away from just carrying you home."
"You would never." Host scoffed.
"One." Night nearly purred his count.
"You're being ridiculous."
"Two."
"You're not actually going to do that."
"Three."
"Night!" Host yelped in shock when Night turned his chair and pulled him out of it. "Put me down this instant!" He demanded as he found himself up in Night's arms.
"Nope. I warned you that I would carry you. And I always follow through." Night began heading out of the office. "And everyone else has already gone, so there is no worry about being seen like this."
"That is not my concern."
"Tell that to your blush."
"I am not-!"
"Perhaps we could help ourselves to some of those chocolates I bought this morning. A sweet treat before bed." Night grinned when that offer got Host to stop.
"You're not playing fair." Host huffed, resting his head on Night's shoulder and allowing himself to be carried out of the building with no more resistance.
Summary: The creator of Demons, Night, has used everyone's favorite Researcher, Mad to request a meeting with the leader of the Hunters. Host agrees to this meeting and goes alone but is not expecting the outcome that occurs.
Meeting Chaos
While the Demon Hunter’s Headquarters wasn’t known for silence nor complete peace, it also wasn’t known for endless calls and Hunters rushing about.
Something was wrong.
Call after call about Demon activity had everyone trying to put their heads on straight and figure out how to handle everything. Demons have never gone about like this. Sometimes groups would cause chaos together but several groups causing chaos in several locations? That was unheard of.
The only place that wasn’t filled with noise was Host’s office, but the tension was still thick in the air. Host sat in his chair, elbows on his desk with his hands together and held up to his face. Dark sat on the corner of the desk while Mad stood in front of it. Mare was in the office as well, refusing to leave Mad’s side. He glared and nearly hissed at anyone who got anywhere close to the Human.
“So, what happened?” Dark asked Mad.
“Before all of…this happened. I was making my way to the library. I heard that a new series of books came in and I wanted-”
“Main points, please. We can discuss little details later.”
“Sorry,” Mad said softly, hugging himself a bit. He gave Mare a quick smile when he felt his hand on his back. Mare stepped a little closer to Mad and that helped him continue his story. “I got separated from Mare when other Demons started trashing the streets and that was when I ran into a different Demon. He was very…different.”
“Different how?” Host asked.
“I don’t know. He felt like a Demon beyond the rankings like his entire being was-it-I-I can’t think of any other word but different.” Mad was hugging himself again, clearly not liking that he couldn’t explain anything beyond that.
“It’s okay, Madrick. What happened after you ran into this Demon?” Host spoke calmly.
“He stared at me for a bit, almost like he was reading me. Mare showed up not too long after that and…” Mad’s voice trailed off. “He told me to send the leader of the Hunters to The Twins’ spot.” Host could tell that Mad was leaving parts of the story out. Likely, as Dark had put it ‘little details’.
It wasn’t hard to get those details from Mad and he could ask about them later if anything seemed wrong. Host didn’t have too many worries about Mad’s safety with Mare being his partner but he still had some. He had his worries for everyone who worked for him, regardless of their rank.
“Why would he want that? What would he gain from that?” Dark asked.
“He’s Night,” Mare answered.
“Night?”
“The creator of Demons.”
“What!?” Mad’s anxiety was gone and he looked at Mare. “Why didn’t you tell me!? I have so many questions.”
“That is exactly why I didn’t tell you. Our creator is unpredictable. We don’t even know what he wants. He’s been gone for so long and none of us know why he’s back. Chaos literally follows him wherever he goes.”
“Why is that?”
“We don’t know.”
“I can find out.”
“No, you are not.”
“But-”
“I’ll meet with him.” Host cut the argument short.
“I think myself and the other high-ranking Hunters should handle this,” Dark said. “It sounds dangerous to see him alone. If chaos follows him, then he should be dealt with.”
“I will meet him.” Host repeated and stood up. “I will take care of this. If this ‘creator’ wishes to call me out. Then he will not make me look like a coward and I will face him.”
x~x~x
Dark parked the car under a streetlight a block away from the spot. He chewed on his lip as he listened to Host unbuckle his seat belt.
“I still think I should go with you. Facing the creator of Demons on your own does not sound safe.” Dark said.
“I know what I’m doing.” Host opened the car door before pulling out a bat from under his seat. His bat. “Wait here. That is an order.”
“Yes, sir.” Dark gritted his teeth and had a firm grip on the steering wheel, hating all of this but knowing it was best to do as Host said.
“I will come back. Don’t worry.” Host patted Dark’s shoulder, feeling him relax slightly but was still fairly tense. “I will come back.” He repeated and after a quick reassuring squeeze, he got out of the car.
Host took a moment to take in a deep breath of fresh air, he wasn’t outside as much as he wanted, always busy with answering questions, organizing patrols, and ensuring the safety of others that the most time he gets outdoors is walking across the street from his office to his home. If only his time outside wasn’t for a meeting with the most powerful Demon of them all.
Using his bat as a cane of sorts, Host walked. He knew there wouldn’t be other Humans or Demons around, something telling him it would just be only himself and Night. Soon there was the echoing thud of metal against his bat. The park bench Mad described. Metal structure with wooden seating.
Host stood behind the bench, waiting for company to arrive, trying to see if he could hear or feel Night or if he was going to be different with that as well.
“Hello.” A voice spoke next to Host, showing that his thought of Night being different was true. But now that he knew where he was, he could work with that.
“Night.” Host greeted flatly.
“I have to admit, you’re not what I was expecting for the mythic leader of the Hunters.”
“And I was expecting the creator of Demons to have a more intimidating aura.”
“Oh? I retract my previous statement. I now really understand how you’re the leader.” Night softly chuckled.
“What do you want?” Host got to the point. The longer he was here, the more Dark would worry and when he worried, he got impatient and when he got impatient, he made rash decisions. Dark’s rash decisions always ended with blood.
“I just have some questions is all.” Night’s voice was laced with fake innocence. “For starters, what’s your name?”
“You don’t need to know my name.” Host stated.
“I mean, you have a fair point that it’s not a ‘need’ but it is a want and I always get what I want. If you’re unwilling to share your name with me, I’m sure that curious one of yours would be willing to share. Mad, correct? I bet it would be so easy to get answers from him. Plenty of methods would work on such a small fellow.” Night’s grin could be heard. Host stepped aside and aimed the tip of his bat toward the Demon.
“Leave. Mad. Alone.” Host spoke harshly, his threat filled with a promise of violence.
“Understood.” Night said. “It’s good to see a leader that cares about his people. I can tell it’s not just Mad you worry about. You left your other Hunter behind, insisted he stayed, and came to meet me alone despite there being no requirement for that. Care like that is a rarity amongst the other Humans I’ve met, especially from other leaders.”
“If you’re waiting for a thank you to the praise, you’ll be waiting for the rest of eternity.” Host said.
“I’m simply just studying you, making sure to get a good look.” Night had a playful hum this time.
“Don’t get comfortable doing that.” Host said, lowering his bat. There wasn’t any dangerous energy coming from him. No anger, no malice, nothing that would set off alarms. The more he tried to read into it, the more the energy reminded him of when Mad would rattle off question after question when he was excited about something new. When his curiosity was peaked.
“May I know your name now?”
“Host.”
“Host?” Night echoed and he walked around him, staying close, fingers just barely brushing past Host’s shirt as he went to the front of the bench and sat himself down. “Unique name, I like it.”
“You say that as if your opinion on my name matters.” Host scoffed, remaining where he was. He wasn’t expecting the kind of laugh Night made, soft and…joyful?
“So, Mr. Host, how long have you been in the Hunting business?” Night got comfortable on the bench, crossing his legs and lounging.
“I don’t know.” Host shrugged.
“You don’t know or you don’t want to tell me?”
“I don’t know. I’ve never kept track, after the first year, I just did my job. Who cares how long you’re doing something if you’re not focused on it.”
“Poetic.” Night commented. “What got you started into this? You don’t just become the leader of the Demon Hunters without some story.”
“Doesn’t matter. I am who I am now and the past affects nothing.” Host heard Night sigh.
“Give me something to work with here. I’m trying to get to know you. Come, come, sit with me, and gossip a bit. Complain about ex-partners or a current one.”
“There is no current partner.”
“Oh? That’s interesting. Why’s that?” Night patted at the spot on the bench beside him, making sure to do it hard enough that the sound could be heard clearly but still holding back to make it not sound aggressive.
Host decided to let Night have some control and he sat on the bench as well, trying to keep as much distance between them as possible. Apparently, Night had the opposite in mind as Host felt the bench shift and soon something was pressing against his leg. He assumed that it was Night’s own leg, it made the most sense and it told him that they were now sitting next to each other with no space between them.
“Just don’t have one.” Host stated.
“Such a shame. You are a fairly attractive man.” Night nearly purred his compliment.
“Well, for a reason that should be obvious, physical appearance isn’t really a factor I worry about.” Host gestured toward his blindfold. There was a pause for a breath before Night started laughing.
“That is more than a fair point in that regard.” Night said between his laughs. He had an oddly kinder laugh than Host expected. Not that Host was planning for a cartoon-witch laugh, but not something he’d hear from someone at the Hunter’s Headquarters. A laugh one could even mistake for Jackie’s or Wilford’s, strong and boisterous.
“Is this all you wanted? To ask me questions about myself?” Host pulled himself out of that thought, getting back to business.
“To be honest with you, my original plan was to kill the Hunter’s leader. Make a point, show everyone what I can do, but it would be a shame to let someone as fun as you go.” That hint of a purr in Night’s voice came back and Host could tell that he was closer to him than before. Host stood back up and pressed the head of his bat on the ground between them, creating a wall of sorts with it.
“What do you want now? Since you no longer wish to kill me, what are your plans?”
“I’ll figure it out with time.” Night shrugged, not moving from his own spot yet. “My main goal with the chaos was to let everyone know that I have returned and now I just don’t want to be bored. Boredom causes messes, I’m sure you understand that. Although, I’m sure I can find something or someone to keep me entertained to prevent more of that previously mentioned chaos.”
“Will you stop the chaos that’s happening now? The abundance of attacks that are causing endless stress for my people?” Host asked.
“I can and I will if you agree to see me again. See me again without that bat of yours. I don’t feel safe with it in your hands.” Night exaggerated a ‘fearful tone’ with his last part.
Host chewed the inside of his lower lip as he thought. The idea of having to be around the creator of Demons even more didn’t sound the most pleasant, but at the same time, he could use it to his advantage to get information about Demons from him. He seemed to not mind speaking openly with Host, maybe after some time, he’ll become more open and give away hints and clues about how to beat him if the need arises. Madrick had been sent on a similar task when it came to The Twins and it worked out very well for himself and others with their quest of learning anything and everything about Demons. But with The Twins, they’ve had years worth of research into their psychology, more sure than anything no harm would come to Mad. With Night, they knew nothing. If anyone was going to work with him, Host would rather it be himself than risk one of his people doing it.
“I’ll meet you again, but I want my bat. I don’t feel safe without it in my hands.” Host used that same ‘fearful tone’ as Night and that got some more laughs from the Demon.
“Alright, I’ll agree to your terms. I’ll use our good pal Mad to let you know when it’s time to meet again.”
“Don’t-” Host didn’t bother finishing when he felt the shift in the air and a light swing of his bat proved that Night was gone.
“Shit.” Host cursed to the empty air. “Well…it seems like I have a ‘date’ and Mare is going to be beyond pissed at me.”
