AN: Surprise @fictitious-fluff , I’m getting a bit of deja vu here!! Apologies, I had to sub in since your original Squealing Santa had to drop out, so I’m sorry this is later than normal! The prompts you left behind were super cute and I hope you enjoy this fic!!
Characters: Lee! Hunter, Ler! Willow.
Summary: After hallucinating in the Noceda family bathroom, Hunter ends up in a bit of a panicking tiff. Luckily, Willow is there to help him.
He was there. Hunter had seen him, saw them actually, two people. Awoken by some branches scraping at the walls of the Noceda residence, Hunter was already on edge as he creaked his way upstairs to investigate the low, scratching noise. Every step he took felt like he was about to trod on a rattlesnake, the house felt like one big bear trap like this, alone and isolated in the cover of night. It reminded him of how he used to sneak out of the castle with Flapjack; he found it difficult to get out of the mindset that one wrong step, incorrect turn or loud noise would result in the loss of his best friend. Hunter took in a deep breath as he scoured through the house, occasionally lingering in the doorway of his friend’s bedrooms just to make sure they were okay. He considered checking on Miss Camila too, but something about bothering her rubbed him the wrong way, nerves clamming up as he reached towards her door handle.
He shook his head. He shouldn’t bother her. Though, his nerves were still jittery, like there was some monster under her skin waiting to burst out at any second. Water. He needed some water. Flicking on the light to the bathroom, Hunter immediately made his way over the sink, spinning the faucet until a geyser of cool water began spilling out. He wetted his hands before leaning down and splashing them against his face. Then, Hunter barely opened his eyes and looked in the mirror, as if to check that he was was still here. And that’s when he saw him. Them, in fact, two of them.
Belos came first, not the horrific monster that resembled something of a Lovecraft book, but the kind, gentle uncle he had once knew. The one with an injured streak of green magic scarring his face, and silver hair that had been aged with wisdom and a necessity to survive. Hunter barely recalled Belos talking about his injury, the one supposedly caused by wild magic, though Hunter had no way of deciphering truth and deceit from his mouth anymore.
“We are kin, Hunter, our scars are a permanent reminder of our failures. They’ll remind us to keep pushing forward, but also that we will always be united.”
What was once a comforting speech about how Hunter could always rely on his uncle now just served to remind him that his blood was running through his veins. If that even was how Grimwalkers worked, who knew what other vile things Belos had to do to make his body. The memory flashed through his mind like an icicle had crashed through his spine, just the thought of how willingly and stupidly he helped his uncle in the past was enough to send him stumbling away from Belos’ cold, sadistic gaze. His hand struck upwards to his face as his fingers involuntarily traced the scar on his chin, the fingerprint of Belos.
The next face was his own, the mask that had been sewn onto him since birth. A man who he never knew existed until just a month or so ago, yet had dictated his entire life. Caleb. He seemed tired, exhausted and if Hunter squinted, he could’ve sworn that Caleb looked disappointed in him. How could he not be? The last of the Grimwalkers, all of those people, all of those murdered and it all lead up to just him. Sure, Belos was dead but it wasn’t like Hunter believed that, that monster would find a way to cling to life for even a few more seconds no matter the depraved cost. He hadn’t won or defeated Belos, he was trapped in another world, although the human world somehow felt comfortable. Maybe he just didn’t have anything for him back in the Isles, except for Darius, or maybe it was the Caleb in him talking, happy to finally be back home.
Hunter yelped pathetically, barely finding his voice as he tucked his head to the side, staring away from the mirror. Clutching the sides of his hair while his torso shook and jittered slightly, Hunter took in deep breaths as well as he could, trying to copy it how Luz taught him. They were far from perfect but they calmed him down just enough to barely able to just barely open one of his eyes and look back in the mirror.
It was just him, a few feet away from the mirror from jumping back, hunched over with his hands on the sides of his head. Hunter grimaced, really missing that masked confidence right about now. He blinked a few times, making sure that it was really him and not Caleb. Satisfied that he was no longer seeing things, Hunter slowly rose back to his normal stature and got ready to le-
“Hunter?” A soft voice called from the doorway, though it felt like a shock to his heart. Hunter jumped back once more, startled like a deer, and turned to face where the voice had came from. There stood Willow, who was just rubbing her eyes groggily but had flinched back at Hunter’s reaction, a little stunned herself. A few moments passed in silence as Hunter felt like his tongue was stolen, not exactly sure what to say. Eventually though, Willow stepped into the room, a look of confused sympathy in her eyes.
“What are you doing up still? Are you alright?” She asked, her voice was quiet, not just to ensure that she wouldn’t wake the others.
“I could ask you the same thing,” Hunter decided, avoiding that last question. Willow didn’t seem to mind but she could feel more conceal bubble in her gut.
“I saw that my bedroom door was left open, and then I heard someone scream in here,” she explained, each of her words clear and slow. Hunter nodded in a grimace recollection.
“Oh, right, that was me-both of those things were..” he then turned his face away, finding the floor more interesting. Willow stepped forward with a soft smile, lightly leaning against the wall.
“It’s fine, don’t worry about it,” she then slid down the wall and repositioned herself to have her back pressed up against it, with her legs crossed. She patted the spot next to her and after a moment of thinking, Hunter steadily sat beside her, hugging her legs to his chest. He remained silent though, chin resting atop his knees as he stared idly forward, though Willow kept her attention on him.
“Did something happen?” She asked, easily slipping into the role of being a comforter. Hunter only managed a small hum of agreement to that question.
“Wanna talk about it?” Willow then followed up with, a light question, one which Hunter could easily back out of or lean into though. He choose the former though, just shaking his head. Willow felt her face soften, a strong sense of empathy running through her as she could only imagine what was going on with Hunter. Luckily, she knew a full proof fix to any emotional problem!
“Want a hug?” She offered, opening her arms just a little as she scooted a little to face him. It took a Hunter a moment of consideration, fear filling him like bile until he delicately allows himself to be taken into Willow’s arms. His arms found themselves clinging to the back of her neck, while hers secured his lower back. Hunter’s body was mostly draped over Willow’s warm legs, her whole body was warm actually, like a blanket on a winter day. Hunter breathed in, finally remembering what Luz told him, in for four seconds, out for four seconds and repeat. Willow took note of what he was doing and copied him, not wanting him to do it alone.
“Thanks, captain,” Hunter mumbled quietly once he was finally level headed again. Willow’s smile appeared a little brighter as Hunter looked up to stare at her. She began rubbing circles onto his back, and Hunter immediately returned the smile.
“Don’t thank me yet, you know, there is a price to these hugs,” Willow grinned, something sly appear in her eyes, the same look she’d house whenever she was scheming with Gus. Hunter’s brow furrowed in confusion, though he enjoyed the more playful tone the conversation was now shifting towards.
“Oh, and what would that be?” He asked, trying his best to play into whatever game Willow was playing right now. Suddenly, her grip on him tightened, practically scooping him closer to her from her hold on his back. Hunter squeaked as he stumbled over, ending up sitting on Willow’s lap, hands still messily clinging to her neck.
“Your laughter!” Willow exclaimed before her fingers greedily shot into Hunter’s sides, scraping about against his torso through the fragile fabric of his shirt. Hunter’s grip onto Willow immediately tightened, it probably wasn’t the best idea to cling onto the person tickling him, but something about it felt natural, like the right thing to do. Eyes widening, small laughter began to crackle out of his mouth, it came out in a disjointed manner, as if this was the first time he had ever laughed.
“Pffha-Wi-Wihihillow!!” He squeaked out, rooting his feet into the floor as his body became more rigid, doing her best not to make a fool of himself by squirming around. Willow grinned, spidering and skittering her nails across the lengths of his tummy, jabbing her nails into the pudgy skin every now and then.
“Aww, that is the cutest laughter I’ve ever heard!” Willow teased him, though she felt a bit of a blush form on her face, she was just glad Hunter didn’t notice as his entire face reddened at the praise, even getting a bit louder because of that.
“Aha-hahaha, I-I dohohohn’t-!!” Hunter couldn’t even got a full sentence out before squealing, his legs bucking as their placement became more wobbly. He fell forward, leaning against Willow with his cheek pressed against her chest. Seizing the opportunity, Willow reached both of her hands over to Hunter’s exposed right side before squeezing them playfully, prompting a few yelps from Hunter as he flailed about against her.
“Careful, Hunter,” Willow spoke in a chastising tone, “you don’t wanna wake up anyone else by being too loud, do you?” Somehow, Hunter’s face felt even more hot as he his heart thumped out of his chest. Taking her advice, he buried his face in her shoulder, trying to stifle all his squeals and laughter. Willow then crawled her fingers down to his hips, lightly tapping and pinching against them, causing Hunter to buck about in her arms.
“Thihihis is-cruhuhuel!” Hunter called out playfully, jerking about from side to side at the touch of Willow’s hands. The poor boy couldn’t even show his scarlet face, all he could really do was keep on laughing away in Willow’s arms. Willow just stared down at him adoringly, watching Hunter just melt away into giggles as he clung onto her. She began pressing her thumbs into his hips with more force, squishing her fingers down against her body, earning a few loud shrieks and cackles into her shoulder.
“Oh come on, you know you love it!” Willow smirked down at him, to which Hunter was only, barely able to meet her gaze, losing the will to speak. His eyes appeared weakly opened, sparkling with joy normally only seen in childhood, as if all of his problems were forced out with his laughter. Hunter could barely keep a hold on Willow, though he wasn’t squirming that much now, half because he didn’t want to get away and half because the poor boy was just too tired for it. As much as Willow adored this side of Hunter, one of the rare, fleeting moments that he wasn’t troubled by a need to survive, she could also recognise just how winded he was getting already. Rasping and gasping for breath, going red in the face, laying against her like a rock ready to sink down in a river, that was all it took for Willow’s fingers to begin lightening their assault, delivering a few more pinches to his sides to keep him all giggly.
Willow held Hunter as he remained in her arms, lightly rocking with each deep inhale he took. When his face returned to a lighter shade, he managed to face Willow, a little unsure of himself. Willow noticed and figured to lead.
“You feeling okay? Want some water?” She offered, to which he shook his head, already feeling more than satisfied.
“No-no, it’s okay-thanks Captain…for all of that,” Hunter added that last bit in an embarrassed mumble, barely able to believe the words that were coming out of his mouth. Willow just giggled adoringly at his behaviour.
“You wanna go back to bed?” Willow prompted him, but surprisingly, his grip on her didn’t loosen. He shook his head against her shoulder.
“Actually…would you mind if we-stayed like this..for a bit?” Hunter asked, though his tone wasn’t dripping with sadness, Willow had done a thorough job at tickling that out of him. He sounded more…comfortable, a similar feeling as to earning the trust of a stray cat. Willow’s smile remained bright on her first as she kept a tight hold on Hunter, like a teddy.
Merry Christmas @lopsicle! I was your secret santa :D
Gotta say, I'm actually quite happy how this fic turned out, and it's one of my first times writing for the owl house XD (also I was looking through ur blog and love ur writing) With that, I hope that you enjoy the little fic!
Tysm to @cantsaythetword for hosting this year's @squealing-santa! I rly enjoyed it ^^
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You're never alone
Fandom: The Owl House
Pairings: Huntlow
Summary: Willow offers to provide a little assistance so Hunter can sleep. It reminds him of his old companion Flapjack.
Word count: 1.1k
Masterpost
"The titan has big plans for you..."
"NO!" Hunter jolted upright, drenched in cold sweat. The memories of his past coming to haunt him in his slumber. His eyes darted around the room, taking everything in. It was 2am in the morning, his shark plushie was sitting on his left, the bed was soft and comfortable. Slowly, he began to relax and ground himself.
He was safe. At home. With Willow.
"Hunter?" Naturally, Willow had been startled awake. Propping herself up, she stared sympathetically, knowingly. "...another nightmare?"
He slumped down. Curling on himself. He turned his head right to face Willow. "Yeah. It was...pretty bad today"
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"Not really."
Silence hung around the room. The whirling of the fan more notable now. The subtle shifting of the blankets. Their own breathing. It stayed that way for a couple of minutes before Willow finally spoke up.
"Would you be able to sleep?"
Hunter shrugged.
Willow's gaze lingered, unsure of what to do. After another moment of silence, a memory started to surface.
"Quihit ihittt. You're gohonna wake up Guhuhus!"
Willow had been woken up by the clicking sounds of the basement door, and what seemed to be the lights of the nearby bathroom. Unluckily, or in this case luckily, she had slept with her room door open. Willow preferred to have natural ventilation instead of aircon. And if not for that, she wouldn't have seen this adorable sight. Admittedly, she probably shouldn't have lingered at the door. Or open it in the first place. However, she just couldn't stop looking once she had overheard some noise and peaked into the basement.
A quiet little chirp could be heard. And Hunter immedietly shushed them, semi-whispering to his fellow companion.
"Shh shhhhhh. What do you mean it's my fault if he wakes up? You're the one- don't you dare start that agai- no. You're the one tIHICkling mehee. Stahaahap nooohoo!"
There was Flapjack, flapping his small red wings next to Hunter's ears and neck. While Hunter trying, and failing, to catch them. When Gus started tossing a bit in his sleep, Hunter slapped his hands across his mouth instead. Thankfully, Flapjack soon let up.
"Ihi swehear... Nehever do this again while my friends are asleep."
A chirp.
"Well-! Yeah I know I said it helped when you did it last time I couldn't sleep, but I'm literally sharing a room with someone else!"
Another chirp.
"What do you mean you don't see a problem???"
"Uh... Willow? You alright there?" Hunter waved his hands in front of Willow.
"Oh! Sorry. I was just...deep in thought." Willow replied. "If you still can't sleep, I think I could help you. Only if you're alright with it."
Tilting his head slightly, he questioned, "Okay... What do you mean?"
"Would it help if I tickled you? Gently, of course."
Hunter spluttered, eyes widened. A faint blush sprouting near his cheeks. "That's a bit out of nowhere isn't it?" He laughed awkwardly, voice cracking. Starting to fidget with his fingers.
Willow hastily clarified, "If you'd rather not we can just-"
"No! No it- it's alright. I...didn't say no... I mean, I did just say no, but- I was referring to... What I meant to say is that I didn't mean to imply a no to... what you asked." He paused. The very prominent heat in his cheeks were making themselves at home by this point. Breathe in, breathe out. Calm down. "I've just never really had anyone, um, do it to me before. And my own laugh is, weird. But... Flapjack used to do it when I couldn't sleep too. In the past."
"I know. That's why I offered." Willow responded instinctively, smiling softly. "And you're laugh is not 'weird'."
"Yes it- Wait. You kne-? What- How?"
That's when she realised she probably shouldn't have mentioned that first part. "Uh- I may have accidentally stumbled across it before." Now it was her turn to laugh awkwardly.
Before Hunter could question further, Willow continued. "Well it's getting late and we should get back to sleeping soon so... My offer still stands."
The third moment of silence for the night filled the room. Hunter shifted for a bit. His eyes flickered to Willow, her hand and the floor. The still atmosphere was eventually broken when Hunter wordlessly leaned against Willow. Crossing his arms and averting his gaze to the side.
She looked down at him in adoration before beginning. Her hand fluttered next to his left ear, earning a small gasp and a stifled laugh. She continued by tracing around the rims and the back of his ear. He leaned further onto Willow as the gentle sensations continued.
"Did I ever mention how cute you are?"
"Oho tihitahn." Hunter's blush deepened. He was now perpetually grinning. And, it didn't seem all that forced.
Willow continued. Her hands wandering down to his neck. Brushing teasing strokes at the back and occasionally using her nails. Not letting Hunter's body get used to the same sensation for too long.
Hunter scrunched his shoulders involuntarily. His body contradicting his heart. Remaining still proved to be impossible for him. As laughter threatened to spill out of his mouth, he tried biting down on his lips. Using his hands to cover his face too. Though this was shown to be difficult when Willow suddenly switched to his sides. Spidering up and down, as well as tracing small shapes.
Willow would have commented more on his adorable behaviours, but decided to stay content in the silence. Bathing in the little slips of laughter from Hunter instead.
In the end, he resorted to burying his head into Willow's shoulders. Muffled giggles could be heard. Everytime he tried to squirm away, he was just met with Willow's body blocking him from moving further. When he started sliding down, Willow would just hoist him back up into her arms. Her fingers continuing to skitter around his sides.
As she went back to a spot behind his ears, Hunter slowly melted into a puddle. Eyes heavy. Heart happy. While easing up, Willow lifted up her free hand and began to run it through his soft hair. Just a heartwarming sight.
It had been a while since he felt this at peace. It always helped not being able to process anything else, other than how much it tickled. Now with the added factor that he felt loved by someone else. It was funny how before all of this his mind was clouded and full of anxiety.
But at least he didn't have to deal with it alone.
It was a good day for almost everyone in the owl house except Hunter.He just felt down for no reason no one knew not even daruis.Later Luz knocked on the door "hey hunt can I come in" she asked as soon as he heard this he wiped away his tears and told her she could she did,but was met with a very sad looking Hunter. She sat on the bed next to him and started to rub his back he hugged her this surprised her, but she still hugged back."What's wrong Hunter what happened" she asked he want to say something, but didn't know what she waited for him to say something then realized he didn't know what she told him "it's okay hunt you don't have to say anything" Luz always understood Hunter this made him happy, however she couldn't just leave him like this...
She had to cheer him up of course and what better way than tickles.She ask him to lay on his back and keep his arms up and he did wasting no time she dig her fingers in his ribs he tried to keep in the giggles,but after about a minute of this he couldn't hold it "Luahahaz stoahahap" he giggled "fineee"she said in sarcasm.She stopped letting he breathe,but five seconds later she started again this time tickling his armpit he immediately started screaming "LUAHAHAZ" he screamed. "Yesss silly what is is" she said as if she wasn't wreaking him "LUZ PLZ" he said now trying to move her hands she thought this was cute. Nonetheless, she stopped he was already tied out and she knew it she put him to bed to let him sleep he was definitely going to get her back,but later.Now it was a good day for everyone in the owl house.
*The second most ticklish player on the team. More on who’s the most ticklish later.
*Very new to tickling because of how he was raised. He’s gotten tickled by Darius a couple times over the years but nothing that regarded friends his own age or actual playful tickle fights.
*Willow was the first to find out. She used a vine to get his attention, the vine poking his side multiple times while Hunter giggled and swatted at the plant.
*Since then she’s never let him live it down.
*He gets ganged up on a lot. It’s all in good fun and he enjoys the playful teasing, even if it makes him blush.
*Hunter struggled with smiling and laughing without covering his mouth for a long time. He eventually stopped because everyone on the team commented on how cute it is. He’s still a little insecure about it, but then he gets poked in the side and reminded how adorable and unique it is.
*He’s most ticklish on his ears, stomach, hips, and has a sweet spot on his lower ribs that only Willow knows about.
*He also has really ticklish knees. Especially if you do the exploding spider. Something his teammates do to him a lot when they get the chance.
*Has never tickled anyone before joining the team. Unless you count tickling Flapjack a little.
*Wasn’t the best at it at first. Skara and Gus were the main two who showed him how to tickle others.
*Willow helped him too. Mostly by tickling him and saying stuff like, “Now if you do this riiiight here, it’ll make anyone laugh.”
*This leaves Hunter laughing his heart out as Willow “teaches him” her ler skills.
*With the help of the team, he’s gotten Willow back.
*He fell in love with her laugh. Hunter honestly couldn’t get enough of it.
*Became kind of obsessed with laughter after learning how to tickle his friends and hearing Willow laugh.
*It makes him so happy when he can make his friends/teammates genuinely laugh as they’ve done with him.
~
Willow Park
*Ler for days.
*Likes to tickle her bee palisman because it makes little buzzing noises. 😭💖
*Will make vines to sneak pokes and tickles to her teammates. Especially Gus and Hunter.
*Starts most of the gang tickle Hunter tickle fights.
“Don’t worry he loves it. Right, Caleb?” *wink*
*Cue Hunter blushing and the rest of the team cooing at how cute he is.
*Such a cute and adorable lee.
*Let’s out precious laughter and giggles that everyone on the team says is heavenly.
*She’s most ticklish on her palms, hips, thighs, and sides.
*The team will tickle her to make her feel better when she’s questioning her position as coach.
*Reassuring tickles and compliments!! ✨
*Gus likes making her yelp by coming up behind her and squeezing her sides.
*She goes red and uses her plants to tickle him in return.
*Gus told Hunter to go for it once and he immediately regretted his decision. Gus tried walking away casually until Willow made him “join the fun since it was his idea.”
~
Gus Porter
*He’s the most ticklish on the team. Just look at him-
*His underarms, knees, and tummy are really bad. He also has a really sensitive back especially along his spine.
*Is very quick on his feet so he’s both a hard lee to catch and a great ler when it comes to chases.
*When he is caught though, he’s putty in their hands.
*So giggly and squeaky before the tickling even starts.
*Uses air tickles as a ler but is embarrassed at how good they work on him.
*Uses his illusions to help tickle his teammates.
*He’s able to make enough illusions to tickle everyone at once.
*Gus gets tickled afterwards of course.
*Hunter and Gus have tickle battles to see who will laugh first or who will give up first.
*Most of the time Gus loses because he’s just too ticklish for his own good. But if Gus tickles Hunter on a really bad spot he can claim victory.
*And if he uses his illusions to help Hunter is definitely losing.
*Tickles Willow a lot too. Always makes sure his best friend/captain is in high spirits.
~
Viney
*Says she’s no ticklish. She’s wrong
*She’s good at hiding her ticklishness because she’s only ticklish in a couple places.
*Those palaces being her hips/thighs and neck.
*She has a really ticklish spot under her chin. The only reason everyone on the team found out about it was because one of her mythical creatures rubbed against her there and she couldn’t stop giggling.
*Will punch and kick when tickled so whoever’s tickling her has to watch out.
*She is one for getting revenge and tenfold at that.
*So even if Skara or Gus lightly poke her side, they’re getting tickled till they’re tearing up from laughter.
*She never goes past limits though. Always making sure whoever she’s tickling is okay with it.
*She’s trained some of her mythical creatures to tickle the other teammates.
*Puddles, the griffin from this episode, warms up to Hunter with Viney’s help. Hunter gets a lot of Puddle nuzzles now because of it.
~
Skara
*First off- the height difference is adorable.
*She’s a skilled and quick tickler.
*Actually enjoys tickle fights and will outright talk about how much fun they are.
*She was one of the reasons everyone on the team got so comfortable when it came to tickling.
*Connected with Hunter pretty quickly after Willow and showed him there’s no need to be embarrassed about physical affection.
*She was also one of the main teammates to help with his confidence about his tooth gap.
*She herself is pretty ticklish. Her main spots being her sides, feet, and lower back.
*The Queen of teasing. 👑
*Baby talk, compliments, repeating tickle, you name it. I like to think she’s part of the community so she knows lots of ways to tease.
*She knows exactly what to say too and seems to know what teases work best on who.
*Speaking of her being in the community, Willow is the only one on the team who knows. Everyone knows she enjoys tickling as a fun activity, but Willow is the only one that knows about her love for it.
*Her boyfriend knows about it too and gladly gives her all the tickles she wants. And will happily be on the receiving end because he enjoys it too when it’s with her.
