Hey! Love your tkc/Anubis HCs. Do you have any more recent thoughts?
Ahhhhhh glad you like them!!! To be honest I haven't really been thinking about TKC for a while but for you, I will try to throw out some more random hcs for Anubis <333
Some notes: most of these things are purely based on what I personally would enjoy in his character right now (10+ years since I last read the books and 1 year since I last read the wiki), and some of these things I've seen other people discuss as well, so I don't claim any of these hcs as my own or that they are canon compliant!
The biggest thing everyone needs to realize about him is that he is a big softie. He is a wild dog yes but still a dog. Walt and Sadie would have him wrapped around their fingers. He is SOOOO loyal and literally Made To ServeTM. His favourite thing is Doing Things For Others. This man was not made for being assertive. He was made to listen and look to others for orders. He needs Walt to tell him to do things otherwise he will literally do nothing like a robot in stand-by all day.
Massive biology nerd, finds the gross stuff most interesting (he already KNOWS all about decomposition but it is still his favourite part of Walt's biology lectures. Walt as to damn near wrestle control over the body to keep him from raising his hand to answer everything. He gets weirdly excited learning about body farms).
His second favourite subject is history. Just learning (only slightly melancholically) about all the things that happened during the 2000+ years he was in the Duat and all the shit humans got up to. The subject that is his... I wouldn't say favourite, and I wouldn't say most hated, but the subject he is Most Aware Of is 100% the usage of mummy in pre-raphaelite paints. He fumes and sulks for an entire day when Walt's history teacher brought that up.
Easily excitable. Almost to the point where he perks up the moment someone mentions something he likes. Practically vibrates when that happens (Walt once mused the vibrating came from his human form not having a tail to wag. Anubis was not amused).
To be honest, whether gods can actually be considered neurodivergent is a can of worms I won't open but frankly, in my heart Anubis has autistic tendencies. Funerary rites as a special interest, horrid social battery, gets really upset and struggles to adjust to sudden change, struggles to read peoples emotions/intentions/social cues, etc. Him seeming Cool and Mysterious is literally him not understanding what would be the socially acceptable way to react to something and therefore just seeming aloof. And also being hot and having that Cool BoyTM aesthetic going on. Walt is surprisingly understanding about his quirks I bet. One could think he would be getting annoyed with those tendencies but no! Because Anubis is his friend (and/or bf)!
On that note I've always been a Waltubis stan. Frankly I feel like Sadie/Anubis and Sadie/Walt is more compelling if it isn't a love corner but an actual connected love triangle yknow. Also I find it interesting to try to figure out how one would navigate a relationship with a guy you share body with.
(I will be honest. I don't like Sadie involved with them at all bc of their age but I cannot change canon. So I will simply not talk much about that <3)
Very OOC most likely but I honestly like to think he had flings with some of the greek gods that, at the time, were similar to his age before the death of Cleopatra and all that (so, like, the god equivalent of teens). The greek and egyptian pantheons were intermixed into what essentially became a new one in certain areas and I like having Hermes as like, his ex bf to explain the Hermanubis thing. That or they are just like, besties. Or were...? Either way I bet he gets flustered if someone asked about his past relationships. He is inexperienced in all regards and it shows.
He tries to act aloof but he is such a motherhen. Constantly worrying about everything and everyone. He would be the kind of person who decided you hadn't eaten enough and would just cook something extra just for you to make sure you ate enough (you have, but are too polite to tell him that). He has vast anatomical knowledge but no idea how much food would be considered a normal amount of food for a teen to eat.
Such a clean freak. HE cannot get infected with bacteria and all that gross stuff but Walt, Sadie and the rest of the Brooklyn House can... Even if I'm certain the place cleans itself. Can't fault him for wiping the counters one extra time.
Does he wear jewellery in canon? He does in my mind. Probably covered in gold and Walt adopts some of those style elements when he begins hosting. The secret neither of them will tell you is that Anubis wears so many rings because he constantly needs something to fidget with.
Anubis insists on teaching Walt the art of mummification. Walt knows he can't really escape that but keeps trying to put it up. And where would Anubis even find a corpse of someone that has consented to mummification in the modern world? Anubis says he has his ways and that does not calm Walt at all.
Anubis' ears are kinda twitchy. Like he hasn't fully grasped the whole human vs animal-headed thing yet so almost by instinct his ear twitches to turn towards a sound like a canine's ear could, but one cant really do that with human ears. One of many things that make people a bit weirded out by him.
He has the world record in holding grudges. Brought to you by that one mission in AC Origins. He does NOT tolerate people touching his stuff ("his stuff" includes Walt, and Sadie, and probably the rest of the Brooklyn House) and WILL be throwing curses left and right to punish whoever thought they could touch HIS stuff. Walt really has to convince him to not throw curses on some random high school jock that kinda picked a fight with Walt one time, or some random guy that vandalised Walt's or Sadie's lockers.
On that topic, I bet he is SOOOO possessive. Not even like, in the sense of "NO ONE is allowed to look at my lover ever". Its more like. He has his corner of Walt's room with his stuff that NO ONE is allowed to touch without permission. If something is his its HIS and he will bite about it. Walt is literally the only exception to most of those rules but he will even growl at him sometimes about it if Walt as much as tries to dust the shelf where His Stuff is. He is so normal and well adjusted in every other sense so he has to be a bit weird about something. With a lover he probably still is possessive but more in like... A huffy way. Like he tries to puff up and seem intimidating to scare "the threat" off but he is way more bark than bite. Walt and Sadie probably finds it more cute than problematic (because they know if they told him off he would deflate like a punctured balloon).
I kinda... I wanna hc or au things about his appearance... What if he had really dry hands and forearms from all the natron. Not because natron actually affected him but kinda like how Tawaret is described to look pregnant but not actually being pregnant bc thats her domain. Anubis who isn't affected by natron but still has dry skin bc of it.
Anubis with really dark skin bc of the mummy treatment... Like believe it or not mummies were that dark even when they were fresh, its because of the various ointments used. Anubis with his entire forearms stained darker colours bc of all the ointments.... Now THATS something. He probably smells really strongly of incense too.
Honestly I will just take anything that isn't white-pale-as-snow Anubis.
I'm between if he would have Cant Sit Still disorder or Regularly Mistaken For Being Dead disorder. I'm leaning towards the latter. He is so used to just sitting still and rigid like a damn statue he is often mistaken for A) a corpse or B) an actual statue depending on his form.
I am still a firm believer in the hc that Anubis and Nico know each other from lurking in graveyards and stumbling upon each other. I bet they are buddies. Nico probably taught him mythomagic. I think Anubis sees him a lot as an actual (not annoying) little brother-type but I also bet he gets kinda... I wouldn't say icked but I bet he does occasionally see too much of himself in Nico if that makes sense. Absolutely not helped with how much they look like each other in canon. It's kinda like looking in a warped mirror for too long.
In the canon where they look like each other, I think Walt/Sadie would meet Nico and immediately assume Anubis shrunk in the wash somehow.
Horus 100% bullies Anubis over the fact that he has a chicken in his hieroglyphic name. Horus is the only god Anubis has wanted to murder (as legally required of all older brothers). Anubis is, however, reasonable and would never ACTUALLY consider murdering Horus. Especially not considering the entire story with their fathers.
I think Carter and Anubis could be friends, ngl. Only after Anubis puts his pride aside over the fact that Carter (mostly unwillingly) hosted Horus once. I think they are both nerds in their own senses and at first HATED that the other is ALSO a nerd but eventually they kinda bonded over it (Sadie forced them to, she can't deal with either of them when they are Like ThatTM so they may as well deal with each other).
Zia... I don't remember her much. I think they could have some mutual respect, all things considered. Maybe she asks him about her parents since they must have passed the hall of judgement at some point. Maybe Anubis respectfully and empathetically answers. Maybe they both sit on the sidelines watching the Kanes get into weird chaos until they both decide to step in because they both consider themselves (and each other) to be the only truly reasonable people in the entire House.
I think he is oddly fascinated with Felix's penguins. He just stares at them for a while with his head tilted. Probably lets Felix ramble about them and listens 100% actually interested.
On that thought. He is always interested in what everyone has to say. Like probably a great listener. The only one he would never listen to in general is Horus (or Set) but basically anyone else? He will let them ramble or rant or vent and absorb it all and then ask appropriate questions.
He probably has the world's most intense stare. He doesn't even mean to he is just so unused to like. Moving. Seeming Alive. You'd think he has zoned out but that's how he gets you.
Now, Amos... I think he avoids him, probably. Because of Amos (unwillingly) being hosted by Set and all. I also dont think in general that Anubis has a very great relationship with any generally older men (Osiris is... Such a can of worms) so I bet he just kinda avoids interacting with him at all.
On that thought; you cannot tell me he is not a mamma's boy. Not in an obnoxious "letting his mother(s) get in the way of literally everything" way, it's mostly in a "older women kinda feel bad for him and wants to adopt him" way. They see his scraggly looks and fatherless demeanour and automatically wants to invite him into their homes for soup. It's like seeing a stray puppy all soaked in the rain. Which is basically how Isis and Osiris ended up taking him in anyways.
To me it feels like Horus is closer to Osiris and Anubis is closer to Isis. You get me.
Okay I kinda have to bring it up. I think Anubis... I wouldn't say he is /scared/ of Osiris per se but I think there is too much of that formality between them. Like Isis welcomed Anubis with open arms and Osiris did too but Osiris is more his boss than his father. Maybe Anubis keeps Osiris at a distance because of the fact that (as far as Anubis is aware, altho the canon seemingly says two different things) Set is his father and Set is Osiris' betrayer. I think Anubis is a bit tense about all of it because he doesn't want Osiris to see Set's sins in him, you know. I don't think Osiris actually blames Anubis for what Set has done (or what Nephthys might have done, for that matter) but I also think he is like. He is more awkward with him. So there is just this weird barrier between them that has stayed there and will stay there for millennia. Isis is so much more open with him so she is kinda the only person Anubis truly feels a familial bond with. I think he loves Nephthys but doesn't know her very well either.
Anyways. On a completely different topic. I just know that once for halloween one of the initiates suggested Anubis and Walt get matching costumes as Scooby Doo and Shaggy. Walt was willing. Anubis was not.
I think Sadie showed him the show "House of Anubis" once and all he took from that was... A great deal of confusion.
He tries to act aloof but I bet he is clingy... They gather in the great room or whatever living room equivelent they have to watch a movie on the couch and Anubis is already resting his head on Walt's or Sadie's shoulders. Probably Walt. I think bc Walt hosts him he is REALLY clingy with Walt. Walt either likes it or is entirely neutral to it. Probably more than once has Anubis been in his jackal form on the couch while they watch a movie, Walt absentmindedly scratches him behind his ear and Anubis' leg kicks whoever was closest by when his leg jumps.
Sadie once joked about entering Anubis into a dog show. Anubis was not amused by that either (but secretly thought he would win, anyways...)
More self-indulgantly I like to consider Anubis to be kinda genderfluid. Mostly in the sense of "gender is beneath the gods" but also he just seems like that kind of alt "gender is a social construct" teen. Could also be a neat way to explain the existence of Anupet; maybe someone mistook a fem!Anubis for an entirely different goddess (who ofc had to be his wife) and he just never noticed or felt the need to correct that.
I actually think he overheats kinda easily. Lets put aside the god thing for a moment and just imagine being a black dog in a desert. He probably lays down on the stone tiles in the Brooklyn House and sighs the way dogs that don't even pay bills do.
More likely however I bet he is constantly freezing. The Duat is probably cold but I'd like to think he uses being cold as his excuse to steal Walt's hoodies. They are twice his size and thick as fuck. Literally how could he NOT steal them. Also Walt is his host so he sees that as fair game.
Walt gets used to having a second voice in his head, a new reflection in the mirror, black fur on all his clothes, and a blanket hog in his bed surprisingly quickly. Anubis could do basically anything and instead of really questioning it Walt would just shrug and roll with it.
Best Walt/Anubis dynamic, whether or not it is platonic or romantic, is when they both think they are in a lord/knight relationship but both think the other is the lord. do you get me.
Like they do have a very like. normal friendship and see each other as Normal FriendsTM but also Walt is constantly aware that he has A God that Saw Him and Decided He Should LiveTM and for that he is grateful and a part of him wanna prove that you did a good choice in helping me survive and so I will be the best to you and Anubis is the ever loyal dog who is very infatuated with his master, equally able to place his head in his lap and look up at him with eyes full of worship while also using his teeth to tear apart those that wish to harm Walt with zero hesitation. You get me. They both see themselves as Nothing Much but the other is the reason they live. yknow.
A/N: This is the last oneshot in my backlog of stuff I have written and then couldn't be bothered to edit. I am not sure how Walt and Anubis managed to manifest into my brain so heavily but god damn.
This can be read both as a platonic and romantic fic!
Summary: Walt is chronically ill, and life is agonizing, but Anubis is more than happy to help him pull through.
CW: Mentions and descriptions of chronic illness but nothing outside of what is standard for Walt.
Wordcount: 3184
Occasionally, life was agonizing.
Walt had not been naive enough to think that his prolonged life would actively stop the curse which had burrowed into his soul. The damage was already done, to such an extent where he would live with the consequences for the rest of his life, even if it would not be the reason for his death... Hopefully.
During his “good” days, his biggest struggle may be his joints. His muscles were weak and his joints ached with every movement, his spine creaked and the tension in his neck never seemed to disappear. On a “bad” day, it could manifest more mentally, a constant overwhelm caused by noise and light which made migraines flare up to the point where it felt like someone was taking an icepick to his head over and over. On an admittedly horrible day, the feeling of mostly imagined organ failure followed by stabbing pains left him able to do little else than curl up in bed, try not to vomit, and attempt to breathe. But he had lived most of his life like this, and he was used to it, and he was used to getting through it alone.
Well... He wasn’t alone, now. Not anymore.
When they first met, and first started talking, Walt had assumed that Anubis’ worries were merely caused by a need to keep him alive for long enough to get him through the battle with Apep, as they needed as many magicians as possible on their side. Or perhaps he had assumed that the god’s worry came from the obvious advantage he had in the situation, as he might not have felt particularly keen on the idea of accepting a host who could keel over and die at any moment, but even after the serpent was defeated, and even after the curse got properly stabilized, it didn’t seem like the god really... Calmed. He still fretted, nagged at Walt to sit down, rest, drink water, eat- whatever it was that the god seemed convinced would help him in the moment. On rare occasions, Anubis would hold him and attempt to soothe his pains when it became too much for Walt to bear. He always seemed to be right by his side, always willing to do what he could to help. The more Walt thought about it, the more… Perhaps not weird, but unusual, it felt. After all, Anubis was a god, his god. It felt like the power dynamic should have been completely different, perhaps the god should be annoyed and indifferent to the weaknesses of his host, perhaps he should be regretting his offer to be hosted, and instead wish to have chosen a stronger, more capable vessel, but no. Anubis cared, and he cared a lot, always worried and doing his very best to make sure that Walt remained safe and healthy and taken care of, like a mother constantly worried for a sick child. Walt, to say the least, felt quite pampered.
Today, however, was one of those admittedly horrible days.
He had felt it when he woke up. It was a few hours before his alarm would ring for him to get up and ready for school, but the aching in his joints pulled him out of his sleep. Nothing new, perhaps he simply slept in a bad position, he could pull through.
He got up and groaned. The window, which he always closed before turning in for the night, remained almost wide open. Cold, moist air always seemed to make his sickness flare up more, and so he made sure to close it properly before he trudged towards the bathroom, so as to not worsen how horrible he already felt. Perhaps he had been lucky that he had woken up a few hours early, perhaps he had time to take a nice, long bath and hope that it would soothe his joints. He turned the faucet on and let the tub fill while he brushed his teeth. The water felt scalding, but as he settled in the tub, he didn’t feel as swollen, a sigh of relief escaped his lips as he leaned his head back.
He remained as such for an hour. He had almost fallen asleep, but had caught himself and hurried to get out of the water before his body could sink or the water could overflow. He knew he had death on his side, but he was not going to tempt fate by accidentally drowning himself, not today, at least. But the water had been marvelous and his body felt quite a lot better than before. Perhaps today wouldn’t be so bad, after all.
Once he was wrapped snug in a towel or two, he returned to the bedroom, where his godly companion had appeared. Anubis sat on his bed, seemingly having waited for him. The way he perked up with such an obvious expression made Walt smile. It was like seeing a happy dog, minus the wagging tail.
“Good morning, bud.” Walt greeted, stretching slightly. Anubis merely looked at him for a moment, before he remembered that, in a conversation, it was polite to reply when spoken to.
“Good morning.” He continued to eye him, “how are you feeling?”
Walt moved towards the dresser, where he had folded and prepared some clothes for the day. At the question, he hummed slightly.
“Better now, I think.”
It was true, and he didn’t really have to say much more. However, he warned the god that he would be getting dressed, and so Anubis politely averted his gaze.
“Do you think you will be able to go on with today, then?” Anubis asked, Walt could hear him fiddling with a bit of jewelry from behind him. “I do not wish for you to overexert yourself.”
Walt, with only his boxers and a t-shirt on, moved towards the bed where Anubis sat. The weight-shift made the god look up as Walt began to fiddle with his knee braces.
“I’ll be fine,” He hummed, “I just have to be a bit careful.”
His fingers felt heavy and clumsy as he attempted to separate the velcro on the first brace, but he only had to struggle for a few seconds before Anubis reached his hand out. Walt looked up, Anubis seemed to be silently asking for permission, to which the mortal nodded.
The god grabbed both braces and moved off of the bed, instead placing himself upon his knees in front of his host. Had it been a little later in the day, and had Walt’s energy been better, he might have made a joke about the position, what else the god had been on his knees for, or if he shouldn’t be the one kneeling for the god, but he decided to not bother the caretaker. Slender fingers easily separated the velcro, gentle hands moved his leg to position it against the god’s own knees, careful movements encased the aching knee within the brace. The movements repeated on the other leg, until both knees were braced and protected.
Anubis got up, ignored Walt’s ‘thank you’, and grabbed the elbow braces which were a bit further away from the two of them. Walt laughed slightly.
“Now you’re overdoing it,” Walt couldn’t help but smile at his friend’s worry, “my arms are fine.”
Anubis stopped, and squinted.
“They will not be if you do not protect them.”
Walt should know better, but he knew that there was no use trying to argue with a god like Anubis, as it seemed that he had said his final word on the matter. The god separated the velcro on the braces like before, and equally gentle hands grabbed Walt’s arm and positioned them, before he began to properly put them on. Walt merely sighed dramatically and gave up, letting the god have his way. He was done in only a few moments, repeating the same movements on the other arm until all limbs were protected, but then moved from Walt’s side until he was standing in front of him again, gently cupping the back of the mortal’s head and pushing him forward. The top of his head rested against Anubis’ torso, much to Walt’s confusion.
“What are you-”
His question was cut off as the long fingers pushed into the muscles on his neck and shoulders, making him wince and breathe in sharply. Anubis, aware that the pain would make him feel better, simply continued. His anatomical skills and time spent in Walt’s body meant he knew almost exactly where it would or could hurt later, and so he spent especially long time getting those muscles warmed up and tender to remove the tension, ignoring Walt’s warm breath against his stomach and the noises he let out. By the time that Anubis was done, Walt’s brain was little less than scrambled eggs, his vision was foggy, and the room felt like it would begin to spin. Anubis simply let the mortal’s head move up into the correct position before he came closer, standing between Walt’s legs so that his torso once more became the perfect resting place for the other’s head, as he attempted to breathe through the disorientation. Thin fingers moved over his scalp, through his short hair, grounding him further. It took merely a few moments before Walt had pulled himself together.
“...Thank you.”
Walt’s breathless gratitude got Anubis to smile gently, even if the magician could not see it from this position.
“Of course.”
Once the room stopped spinning and his vision became clear, Walt straightened his back and the god moved away from him. The magician took a deep breath before he stood properly, although Anubis was quick to be back by his side when his legs began to wobble. An apologetic smile, and a reassuring one from the god, as Walt resumed getting properly dressed. He opted for a pair of sweatpants today, which wasn’t really his style, but the best option for a day such as today.
His alarm rang, startling both of them. The realization of the cause got them both to sigh with near-relief, before Walt turned it off.
“What do you say about some breakfast, bud?”
Anubis wanted to roll his eyes, even though he had gotten quite used to that nickname. It was endearing, at the very least. But he- of course, already prepared for the day- nodded. Walt’s backpack was packed and placed by his bedroom door, next to his shoes. As the teen bent down to put them on, the god had to bite his tongue to not be overbearing and attempt to help, always worried for his host. But Walt managed fine, and with his bag over his shoulders, opened the bedroom door.
They ventured down into the Great Room, where a few of the school-goers were already gathering. It was a mere hour or two before they had to leave, and so they had time. They moved towards the kitchen area, which was currently empty, and Walt quickly scanned the fridge for one of his already-prepared sandwiches while Anubis put on the kettle to prepare tea for the two of them. Something herbal, probably.
The mortal, not knowing for how long his body would work and allow him to eat, sat down by the small, round table in the kitchen and began to eat immediately, soon joined by Anubis as the water had boiled and tea was prepared in two cups. Walt wasn’t really a tea-drinker, but he was not going to deny that teas and other warm liquids helped when his body was at its worst. He guessed that it was only a matter of time before Anubis would get properly mom-y and attempt to make soup for him, too. That thought was quite endearing.
Anubis’ ears flickered, alerting them both of the arrival of someone new in the kitchen space. Walt smiled gently as he watched Carter Kane, seemingly still half-asleep, trudge into the room with dragging feet.
“Morn.” The pharaoh yawned, although he, like Walt, quickly moved towards the fridge.
After he had found an item of interest, he moved towards their table and took the third chair in between the other two, Anubis unconsciously scooted further away from the former host of Horus. Carter, however, didn’t notice, and simply uncapped his yogurt and swirled it with the plastic spoon as he focused on Walt, noticing the elbow braces.
“Oh, bad day?”
Walt shook his head.
“No, not really.” He gestured towards Anubis, who observed them intently. “But he insisted.”
Carter grimaced.
“Well, take it easy, then.” The pharaoh said, although he couldn’t help but mumble ‘I don’t like when he gets gut feelings like that...’
Anubis gave the Kane an unreadable expression, but Walt smiled reassuringly at his friend.
“Don’t worry, I will.”
Carter nodded, and the remainder of the breakfast was eaten in silence.
Time passed quickly, and before they knew it, it was time to leave. Once Carter had left the room and the two of them were alone, Anubis let his form shift into Walt’s, until they were reunited in body and soul once more. The magician let out a sigh of relief, like a burden had been lifted off of his shoulders, before he left with the rest.
...
Safe to say, by the time the last bell had rung and Walt had been on his way back to the Brooklyn House, he felt absolutely miserable.
Despite the braces, his joints ached, his muscles tensed and pulled and felt like they tore for every movement he made, his migraine had flared up, and he knew that the stabbing pains would soon return if he didn’t hurry to bed. The journey home had been agonizing, but he was back at the Brooklyn House, moments away from salvation.
He found his way back to his room eventually, where he immediately turned off the lights, kicked off his shoes, and practically fell into the bed, braces and clothes and all still on. He attempted to steady his breathing, but every inhale sent another stab throughout his already abused muscles, he could do little else but to curl up and attempt to get through the pain.
He felt Anubis’ form leave his, but he was thankful that it didn’t seem to worsen the pain. He heard the god’s footsteps going through the room, the blinds were shut and he heard various appliances being unplugged, even the electronic static could occasionally worsen his overwhelm and migraines. Finally, the room got even darker, but Walt didn’t open his eyes, not even as Anubis carefully sat down next to him on his bed.
The god continued to stay silent, not wishing to worsen his host’s headache. During the time they had known each other, they had gone through situations like these more than once, enough times that Anubis knew almost exactly what to do to make Walt feel better, even if it was not much, even if he wished he could do more. Pale hands moved over Walt’s form, not daring to touch, but gentle energy seeped through the palms and into the other, like balm massaged into his body. For a moment, it was like the easiest knots in his muscles were untied and untangled, leaving him with momentary relief and deep breaths of ease, as Anubis moved his hands over his shoulders, down his torso, his arms, his stomach, hips, and down his legs. Finally, the god moved back up towards Walt’s head, letting the soft chill ease the headache which tormented him.
The hardest pains still remained, those no healer could ever heal or ever remove, but the smaller torments were eased and didn’t feel as catastrophic or overwhelming as before. Anubis went off of the bed and observed his host for a moment. This is where his help would normally end, where Walt would feel that this was enough and request to be left alone, and where Anubis would disappear somewhere else, but he couldn’t help but worry. Walt, eased of pain and alone in the bed, allowed himself to uncurl, and lay on his back instead. His body felt heavy, and he did not want to risk the feeling of being crushed by his own bodyweight. Yet, as Anubis prepared to leave, he couldn’t help but wish to not be… Alone.
“... Anubis?”
The soft voice of the other immediately pulled Anubis’ attention back to him, who looked at him intently. Walt did what he could to look at the other, and made sure he was still there with him.
“Yes?”
“Could you… Stay, a bit?”
His ears flickered, eyes widened. For a moment he couldn’t process his host’s request, yet he soon realized what he was being asked.
“Oh. Oh, of course.” He hesitated again, “where… Where would you want me?”
Walt considered it for a moment, but the words became hard to say, and so he simply patted the spot next to him on the bed. Anubis, however, seemed to understand his request. He let his form shift into that of his canine counterpart, the black jackal, before his soft paws climbed onto the bed, and he settled next to Walt. More hesitance, before he carefully placed his head against Walt’s chest, so that he could hear his gentle heartbeat. Walt did not seem pained by the weight, instead another soft sigh escaped as his fingers moved towards Anubis’ head, settling between his ears, letting the thick fur move between them. The jackal could not help but to let out a soft whimper, a gentle sound of worry, of helplessness.
It was devotion, no doubt about it. Walt Stone had the god of death wrapped around his finger through nothing but devotion and loyalty. At the end of the day, Anubis was little more than a forever grieving dog. Neither were sure how they had ended up like this, but neither could remember a time before; a time where they both were alone and plagued by themselves, in their own ways. Anubis would stay by Walt’s side until the day he died, and perhaps longer.
“I can practically feel the cogs in your head, bud.” Walt’s thick finger pressed between the dog’s eyes, bringing the pathetic thing out of his thoughts. “I am not going anywhere.”
The canine’s tail flickered, but the soft laugh in Walt’s voice calmed him, soothed him. He lowered his head against his host’s body once more, golden eyes peering at the other. Walt looked back at him, small smile still upon his lips.
“You’re a good friend, y’know?” Walt ruffled Anubis’ fur, “Thank you.”
It would have been hard to tell if the canine was listening, eyes large and glistening, had it not been for the thumpthumpthump of his tail against the mattress. That was enough for Walt, honestly. He needed little else as they both settled, as the canine calmed and as Walt managed to distract himself from the pain, just enough to rest.
Yes, life is agonizing, cruel, unjust, unfair... But at least Walt could be happy, knowing he had Anubis by his side.
A/N: I have not read the books since I was genuine child and I am absolutely refusing to read anything other than the wikis. I do not go here BUT I keep having reoccurring dreams about waltxanubis and I finally gave in. Here yall have the most ooc fic for the BEST ship in tkc <3 Also my first ever fic that isn't tgs!
Summary: Anubis contemplates his godly existence and Walt offers comfort.
Or; in which Walt tries to be a gentleman, and Anubis slowly realizes that his heart is craving /more/.
CW: None! They are hypothetical 18-20+ year olds in this tho, and also probably very ooc
Wordcount: 6,374
Perhaps Walt Stone could finally learn to get used to his existence.
He hadn’t really had any time to get used to life, or enjoy it, as he spent many of his waking moments wondering when the curse would strike. The curse, which had taken his father, his father, and every ancestor before him, a result of the greed of his pharaonic ancestor. The curse, which had waited to take him since the day he was born. The curse, which had made him unable to use magic, resided him to a life of amulet-making. The curse, which had made him live on the brink of death. The curse, which was now dormant. Now he could safely enjoy his life, nuzzled within the palms of death himself.
Death, or Anubis, his new companion, lounged in a more corporeal form upon Walt’s bed- although he supposed it was Anubis’ too, as they shared body and possessions. Their two souls still resided inside the mortal’s body, but Anubis occasionally enjoyed taking shape outside of their shared form, something not entirely solid but not transparent, either. The jackal-headed god enjoyed lounging around in Walt’s bedroom when they were alone. He had no problem to do as such in front of people, either, but -while he, of course, would never admit it- often felt safer when put away into the depths of Walt’s own body, as he very rarely wanted to deal with other people.
Walt sat upon the floor, back against a wall, facing the bed upon which his companion laid. Anubis was casually dressed; a simple black t-shirt which hung loosely around his meager frame, with a pair of comfortable pants that, for once, wasn’t denim. He had decided to skip the jewelry which often adorned him and between his lips laid an unlit cigarette, which he had the decency to not smoke in the room, but still seemed to enjoy having in his mouth. The god’s hair had grown longer, and was slicked back until it curled around his neck and pointed ears, and his skin had gone from a corpse-pale white to a pale tan, a testament to his time out of the Duat, a healthier image than the one Walt had first gotten to know. Walt himself was dressed similarly. While the sun was setting into evening, it was summer, and the dry heat was hard to beat, and so his usual outfit of a tanktop and shorts were a perfect match.
Something felt different today, neither were sure why, but they felt like they had tip-toed around the other. Like something delicate within them, between them, was about to be ripped apart; something unsaid which was threatening to reach the surface, something which could potentially destroy the bond they had built, the life they had built. At the very least, that is what Walt felt. Anubis had been quiet for most of the day, laying dormant within their soul, seemingly deep in thought. He had not commented any snide remarks or questioned the intricacies of the modern world, nor had he responded when Sadie made a jab at him. He was simply quiet, and now, he laid upon Walt’s bed. Walt couldn’t help but to stare at him, as if trying to solve a puzzle. He occasionally let his gaze wander to the textbook within his lap; a manuscript falling apart at the seams, a study of Egyptian funerary rites, assigned by Anubis himself. Yet, as the minutes passed, he found it harder and harder to remove his focus from the figure on his bed, as Anubis let his gaze travel around the room. They were eyeing each other, while simultaneously acting like they weren’t.
There was no special occasion, no real reason for Anubis to take form outside of Walt’s own body, but he seemed to have gotten bold lately. He enjoyed feeling like another person in Walt’s company, rather than a part of him, a voice in the back of his head, an occasional remark or question. Anubis seemed content with merely basking and lounging whenever he had the opportunity, and Walt was not one to force his friend to be productive. He would be taking every moment to rest too, had he resided so long in the underworld.
Still, as Anubis did not speak, neither did Walt, not wanting to intrude on the god currently intruding on him. Despite their history, Anubis was rarely social, almost shy, never conversing more or in further depths than necessary, although he was often more sociable with Walt himself. Walt knew better than to coax him out of his shell, and yet, Anubis held his emotions upon his sleeve- or perhaps he felt so strongly that Walt could practically feel it in the air, or perhaps it was simply the part of him, deep within his chest, that made him understand. Carter often remarked that Anubis seemed emotionless, apathetic, unreadable, but Walt felt that he couldn’t be further from the truth.
Anubis was in thought, perhaps uncertain. He was not looking at Walt anymore, instead he glanced off into the distance while chewing on the end of his cigarette, which Walt couldn’t imagine to be appetizing. Perhaps it was his position, the way he laid, or perhaps it was the expression upon his face, which read as something more than mere zoning-out. He felt- or looked- awfully human.
Finally, the jackal-god sighed, removing the cigarette from his lips and letting it vanish in thin air. His head fell back into the pillows of the bed. A sign of giving up. The first emotional movement he had done all day.
Walt looked up, and Anubis made no attempt to move. He could see every movement from where he currently sat, every rise and fall of his torso as he breathed, from his covered chest and down to his abdomen, where the shirt hiked up ever so slightly. It made the rest of the lean body move with it, exaggerated with the soft pillows which followed his every move. It looked almost sensual- a thought he just a year ago would never have thought he would ever think, especially not now, as the uncertainty settled between them.
He hesitated, but cleared his throat. As Anubis didn’t react, he asked;
“What are you thinking about?”
Anubis didn’t respond for quite a while. The uncertainty still hung in the air, perhaps clearer, as the god weighed his options. Perhaps attempting to find a way to explain, or to come up with an excuse. Walt watched as another sigh accentuated the movement of the god’s body. Finally, the god spoke.
“I am not sure.”
There was no stutter, no hesitance as the words were said, yet it was still felt as Walt considered the words for a moment.
“Would you like to talk about it?”.
Once more, silence. Walt realized that he was quite captivated with the rise and fall of Anubis’ chest, while Anubis wondered if this -whatever thoughts that swirled in his head, his worries, his feelings- is what had caused their tension.
“I am not sure you would like to listen.”
Walt adjusted his position slightly, straightening his back, despite Anubis not being able to see him; like he was trying to prove that of course he would listen, of course he could be trusted with whatever it was that bothered the other. A challenge, or a test, a way for Walt to prove that he was someone to confide in. It had been years, and sometimes it felt like Anubis still struggled to trust Walt, to confide in him, to remember that he was his Eye and his closest friend. For Walt, it did not feel like it was his god laying upon his bed, nor the sole reason for his current survival. He was just a friend. Someone closer, something deeper. Something intimate but unsaid, unknown between them.
“Of course I'll listen”, for you.
Walt debated moving closer, perhaps it would make Anubis feel... Calmer, or safer. He wasn't sure, nor was he sure why Anubis wouldn’t feel safe, why he thought he wouldn’t. His wish to ease his worries only felt... Natural.
Anubis, as usual, seemed to consider his words. He shifted, as if he wanted to move, but was unsure if it would be a smart choice; like he wanted to be seen, but didn’t dare to be seen. Walt could not see much more than the god’s torso, but saw how his arm shifted to push his hair from his face. Unnaturally human.
“I am debating,” the god finally spoke, “how human it is to be... A god.”
Walt perked up slightly. He considered the sentence, tasting the words on his tongue for a moment. He had not expected something so philosophical, or perhaps he had, something deep only a god of mortality could think up.
“Oh?”
He saw how the other hesitated. The tan body was tense, and he could almost see the translucent veins pop against the god’s skin all the way from where he was sitting. Finally, Anubis moved, sitting up and leaning against the wall to which the bed was pushed against. His eyes were closed, and his head tilted slightly upward. A sign of acceptance. Walt waited with bated breath, eager to hear the thoughts and feelings his god would spill for him.
“I do not feel like a god.” Anubis started, his voice was quiet. “I do not feel divine or holy or powerful. I do not feel like I behave like the other gods, or that I properly fit in with them. It feels unnatural to feel and yet I feel. And….”
He trailed off. His face scrunched and he closed his eyes, frustrated with himself, moving his hand as to wave himself off, as if to make Walt forget that he ever spoke, having committed the grievous sin of sharing his feelings, with a mortal no less. Embarrassed, perhaps humiliated, mortified that he revealed his own feelings to his own host. Or perhaps relieved to get the thoughts that were harbored within his soul put into words. Walt finally stood up, placing the book he had in his lap aside, and took a seat next to the god, mirroring his position as their backs rested against the cold wall. Anubis opened his eyes once more. As they looked at each other, Walt attempted to smile comfortingly. Anubis’ face twisted into more uncertainty.
“I think that is perfectly normal,” Walt replied, taking a chance as he gently placed his hand upon Anubis’ lower arm, which was currently resting against the latter’s lap. “Just because you are a deity, doesn’t mean you are simply an unconscious force. You have a soul too, you know. Souls feel. ”
Anubis looked between Walt and the place of physical touch, slightly bewildered. He was right, of course, he knew that he had a soul, yet it was hard for him to grasp the mortal’s words. He had a soul. And with a soul came personality, and feelings. With a soul comes differences.
“I... I feel left behind.” Anubis confessed, quietly, barely above a whisper, looking straight ahead. “Like the others- like they understand more. I should have grown up by now, and yet I am a mere child.”
Walt continued to look at him, let him speak in peace, until silence settled. His gaze softened, and he gave the other’s wrist a comforting squeeze.
“Well, that is not odd. You were left behind. But it doesn’t have to mean that you are alone anymore. We will grow, together.”
Of course he was not alone now. He had Walt, and the thought of growing together with him, spiritually and physically, felt comforting. In some capacity, he even had the rest of the House of Life. Until the day of Walt’s natural death, or his chosen separation, Anubis would be a part of him, something buried within his very soul, his very person. And as Walt’s soul left their constructed body, Anubis would return to the Underworld, for another four thousand years to pass as he resided barely any time at all in the Duat. It had taken him four thousand years of his existence to find his first host, he doubted he would find another one anytime soon. But until then, he had Walt, perhaps Sadie and Carter as well, perhaps the rest of the House, even if not all of them seemed to particularly trust him. Even if he did not seem to particularly trust them.
“... Yes, you may be right.”
Anubis didn’t sound entirely convinced, and Walt understood that he may not feel like talking about it further, yet he did not want to leave the other feeling uncertain, or misplaced.
“I do not think that you are questioning things unnecessarily,” Walt continued, although his gaze left the god. “After all, while I know it is a part of your problem, you are a teenager. I doubt gods miss out on puberties and phases and all those hormone imbalances- It is when you are a teenager that you start feeling properly, start to question properly. It is only natural. I know it hurts, but it will get better.”
Anubis snorted, but stayed silent.
“I understand that you are struggling with placing yourself, but I also do not want you to think that that is unnatural. You are right, it is very human to feel, but you may not be a thing in between, you may just be any teenager trying to make sense of the world they find themselves in. Regardless of what you feel, or think, about yourself and others- I am here, and we will get through that together, yeah?”
It seemed to calm him. Anubis’ shoulders lowered slightly, and he took a deep breath. It was shaky, but a new air of peace came upon them. He did not yet reply, seemingly thinking over Walt’s words, tested them, probed them, questioned how much he believed them- yet his body remained slack, like he felt comforted, or perhaps even believed him. Once he finally spoke, it was barely above a whisper.
“...Walt?”
Walt turned and gave Anubis his full attention.
“Yeah?”
“...Thank you.”
Walt couldn’t help but smile, a bright smile which could light up the whole room. Anubis actually looked at him, and his gaze was soft, an equally gentle smile upon his lips. For a moment, Walt felt the air in his lungs, warm and thick, breath hitched as he fully took in the god’s face, like he was seeing it for the first time, for a new time. The beautiful skin, noticeably pale and yet not chalky white anymore. A sharp, androgynous jaw and beautiful black hair, slicked back, accumulated into soft locks at the back of his head, the urge to run his fingers through the soft mass was overwhelming. Perhaps likening his image to a ‘Greek god’ would be a bit too ironic, but there were few words to describe Anubis’ beauty. The pantheon was filled with beautiful gods and beautiful magicians, none could compare to him, the Egyptian Aphrodite.
“Of course,” Walt finally said, breathless, “any time.”
His gaze had stayed a bit too long, the god’s expression was questioning, yet Walt simply looked away once more.
As they settled into silence, the mortal let his thoughts wander. It was a bit funny to think about the situation they were in, as they sat upon Walt’s bed, practically holding hands. It had been years since they first met, since he became the god’s host. Their bond, their relationship, which had started as pure distrust from Walt’s side, a misunderstanding, disproving of Anubis’ relationship with Sadie, to relief to hear that the god had no intentions of such a relationship with her. As the distrust settled, it became transactional, or perhaps mutually beneficial; as Anubis’ host, Walt could live, and Anubis could have his own life. By now, Walt saw a side of the god that he now wasn’t even sure Anubis had seen himself; something... Perhaps not self conscious but certainly not confident, more awkward, shy, but curious, willing to learn and listen to adapt to the world around him. Something passionate, something willing. His reputation for a constant, horrid mood was something Walt rarely saw, perhaps it was the fact that the god finally got to breathe fresh air and feel the warm sun on his skin. He had survived to be a young adult, thanks to him, and Anubis got his own life too. They had survived, together.
For a moment, Walt wondered what the Kanes would have thought, if they had entered the bedroom this very moment. At the same time, he couldn't care less. This had nothing to do with them, and all to do with the bond between a host and his god.
He was brought out of his thoughts as he felt a pressure against his shoulder, weighing him down ever so slightly. As he looked to his side, he saw Anubis’ head rested against him. It was rare for the god to initiate physical contact, and yet now he let his host become his personal pillow. His eyes were closed, had Walt not known better he would have thought he was asleep. To think that a god with a reputation of being cold, cruel, fiery, was now happily cuddled up against his arm, peaceful, quite intimate- Walt could not help but to smile, and press his own head against Anubis’.
...
They stayed like that for quite a while, he wasn’t sure how much time had passed, but it was getting late. What was previously a beautiful afternoon had quickly turned into a painted sunset, and now the darkness gave way for the stars and the moon, the cycle of night. It pained him to move and disturb the delicate moment they now were in- he knew that Anubis didn’t need to rest, but Walt was merely human, and knew his lack of sleep would affect Anubis as well.
“Hey, buddy?”
Anubis cranked open a lazy eye, which turned to look at the mortal, unimpressed.
“It is getting late, perhaps we should tuck in.”
Anubis furrowed his eyebrows, yet moved away from the other. His disappointment was clear on his face, yet neither said anything. Walt got up, stretched for a few moments, and moved towards his dresser on the other side of the room. He rummaged for a suitable sleeping shirt, and began to strip down into his underwear. It did not matter that Anubis was behind him- at least he did not care- after all, they shared a body, and what the god now saw was nothing new. Yet, Anubis blushed and looked away. It was one thing to be in the body while clothing was removed, but to be a spectator and watch made his heart beat faster, an overwhelming feeling he wasn’t sure how to handle.
Once Walt was in nothing but his sleeping-shirt and his underwear, he turned back towards Anubis. The god remained seated, perhaps not yet having processed that he was being kicked out, but hurriedly went off of the bed. Walt gave him a look he couldn’t read, but went past and laid down upon the mattress. Anubis stood by the side, weighing his options; he could take his animalistic form and reside by the bed, or he could move back into Walt’s body, or he could-
“You coming?”
Anubis blinked, and looked at his host. Walt held his arms open expectantly, invitingly, like what he was suggesting was obvious.
“...What?”
“It is either my arms or the floor, y'know. And I do not particularly feel like kicking you out of my bed, when you were so comfortable before.”
Oh.
He couldn’t say that he had ever been offered to share a bed with someone before, not even with Walt, as he often simply returned into his host’s body or changed into his canine form to reside close by. And yet now, here they were, with Walt’s arms stretched open, waiting expectantly. For Walt, it felt natural, like it was obvious, like this was how they normally slept. For Anubis, it was a shock which threatened to make his delicate heart burst within his palms.
As Anubis stared, his cheeks flared up in a violent display of red. He hesitated, but as Walt did not move, Anubis took a deep breath, climbing into bed with him and obediently laying down where Walt motioned for him to be. Once he was still, he had his head upon the mortal’s shoulder, near his breast, facing the other as Walt’s arms snaked around him, holding him close. He could feel the gentle pounding of the other’s heart, a steady thump which practically made him melt, comforted him, a little lullaby.
It was almost laughable. Over five thousand years old, and now he was cuddling with his first ever host, and blushing like a mortal teenager at that. He should be properly embarrassed of himself, and yet the warmth of the body cradling his, the smell of the clay and glazes and salts from the amulets and natron, it was all too intoxicating. It filled his senses until all logic disappeared, and all he could properly think about was Walt. Walt, who gave him a new life, Walt, who cradled him. Walt, who listened. Walt, who was his friend. Walt, who had already closed his eyes, and waited for sleep to take him. The soft beating of his heart and the warm scent made it impossible to resist, it did not take long for the god’s eyelids to flutter shut, properly content, properly calm.
...
Morning came all too soon as the sun once more rose upon the sky, warm rays filtering through the window where neither blinds or curtains were shut, casting its embrace upon the room of Walt Stone, who was quick to wake by the new light. It was a pleasant warmth, a start to an equally pleasant morning, and he enjoyed every last second of waking up. He had no urgency, no duties to attend so early, he could merely bask in the sun and let his body wake up by itself. Yet, as he slowly returned to his conscious state, he started to process the situation he was currently in.
In his arms lay Anubis, still. His back was turned towards him this time, yet Walt’s arms still held him, spooning and holding him close. He laid still, like a corpse, and yet he could feel the other’s chest rise and fall within his arms. He could almost not remember how they ended up like this, yet he had no complaints for the consequence. A soft sigh of content escaped his lips, as he squeezed Anubis closer, burying his nose into the thick, fur-like locks at the base of his neck. It felt heavenly, to lay against the warm body of the other, feel his frame against his, hear his slow breaths as he dreamed. Yesterday’s worries and tension was all but forgotten, replaced with the intimacy they shared.
The god seemed to be far away, in a deep sleep, but shifted ever so slightly, moving closer. Walt could hear low, rumbling sounds emitting from the jackal-god, almost as if he was purring. Walt Stone felt his heart squeeze within his very chest. He could not help himself, he let his lips brush against the bare neck, and felt how the god- or perhaps simply ‘man’- in his arms shifted even more. Seemingly ticklish, even while asleep, as his leg kicked against Walt’s automatically. He held him closer, tighter, as if to bury him within his very soul, and let his lips travel over the small part of bare shoulder revealed by the dark shirt the god wore.
Anubis awoke gently, but quite reluctantly. He rarely rested, rarely slept, and to be lulled into such a state was enticing. Yet, he could not help but to be pulled back to the realm of the awake as he felt something soft press against his neck and shoulders, soon he processed the pressure against his back and his side. He opened his eyes, and tried to figure it out.
He was in Walt’s room, so much he understood. He was not in Walt’s body; his corporeal form was too familiar, too light and airy compared to the robust form of his host, and yet he quickly spotted Walt’s own outstretched arm in line with his own line of sight, protruding from under his own body. He squinted, realizing his head was resting on said arm. Walt seemed to have noticed that he woke up, as the movements behind him stopped. Anubis tensed.
“Good morning”, came from behind him, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you.”
He should turn around, yet the fear, panic, embarrassment, or whatever it was kept him from it. He felt his own blood creeping up from the rest of his body, accumulating by his cheeks, turning his face red.
“You’re quite cute, y’know. Did you know that you purr in your sleep?” Walt yawned, his voice was still thick with exhaustion.
Oh, dear Ra.
Anubis had never wished to be able to escape his host more than now.
He barely dared to move, as if any further movements would break the delicate balance of the situation. They still did not face each other, and yet Walt, of course, noticed the other’s embarrassment as he watched the red creep up Anubis’ face.
“Hey, hey-” Walt shifted, urging the other, “no need to be embarrassed.”
Before Anubis knew what was happening, Walt moved, and he was suddenly under the host, eyes wide. Walt could not help but to think that he looked beautiful still; laid beneath the mass of the other, face flushed, golden eyes glistening in the morning sun, hair tousled and shirt skewed, revealing his delicate skin, entirely intoxicating. He practically forgot his own intentions, the position they now where in, as he took a deep breath and tried to get himself out of the spell. His brain grasped for anything to say, anything at all.
“...Did you sleep well?”
He asked it so casually, as if he was unaware. Anubis’ looked at him almost innocently, confused, with eyes that had never gazed upon a lover or another’s body in such a manner. Like a lamb eagerly looking at its shepherd, pure devotion. All he could do was nod, speechless.
Walt wasn’t sure what really came over him, perhaps he had forgotten that Anubis was merely his god, his friend, not a lover. Not someone which he should have such intimate contact with, not someone he should have invited to his bed, into his heart, into his very soul. And yet the feelings overcame him, the instincts took over. Walt shifted his bodyweight slightly, to free one of his hands. He knew Anubis was capable, yet he did not wish to crush him with his entire weight- yet. He let his thick fingers caress the god’s gentle face, watched as the other’s eyes fluttered shut and he instinctively leaned in against the touch.
He doubted that this was... Common. Such intimate gestures and displays of affection between a god and their host, with intentions neither fully dared to speak out loud. Walt’s thumb continued to move over Anubis’ cheek, watching the gentle sighs of contentment escape the other’s lips. Walt logically knew better, but his instincts didn’t care, and it did not seem like Anubis had enough of his own logic to be able to reason against this.
As Walt’s thumb stopped, Anubis’ eyes started to flutter open, gently, still half-lidded. He looked at Walt with such a darling expression, simply waiting for what else Walt would do. He never imagined a god would be so submissive, although that thought got his own cheeks to burn. He was not sure whether it was his own or Anubis’ heart he felt pounding against his chest, but as he felt the gentle thumpthumpthump between their shared bodies, something came over him, a deep sensation of intimacy, of want, of need- a pleasant and unbearable warmth which grew within his chest and spread throughout his very body. Before he knew what he was doing, he leaned in, placing his lips against Anubis’. The god let out a sound of surprise, his eyes widened, and yet he soon melted in. He moved his arms around Walt’s neck, pulling him closer, as the mortal deepened the kiss.
It was slow, soft, and yet the pressure got harder, their movements quickening. Walt let his body move closer, let his knees move him upwards to press the other down into the pillows. His hand stayed against Anubis’ cheek, and his other, newly freed hand began to move towards his waist. He had no plans to go any further, yet he felt like the fabrics between them were unbearable, and he craved to feel the other’s skin. His fingers snaked under the other’s shirt, gracing his delicate skin.
The god felt a jolt move through his body, like being struck by lightning. Anubis gasped against his lips, scrunched his face ever so slightly, and moved one of his own hands towards Walt’s shoulder, pushing him away.
“Ah- Walt- stop-”
His voice was barely above a whisper, yet Walt did as told as soon as he processed it. He let go of the other, and moved to sit up, giving the god some space.
As he moved away, as he watched Anubis sit up and examine himself, a million worries flooded his mind- had he gone too far? Had he made him uncomfortable? Was Anubis upset? So many worries, none of which he set words to, and yet similarly, within the god’s head swirled a million different emotions- a deep sense of ecstasy, fleeting discomfort, perhaps even overwhelm. He did not dislike the action, the touch, the kiss, but he was unsure what he felt about it. At the same time, he struggled to believe that any of this had happened in the first place- that he had shared a bed with Walt, and as they woke up, they had shared a kiss, an intimate touch he had never previously experienced. He felt his cheeks flare up, he was not sure if it was embarrassment or if he was just flustered.
Their moment felt like an eternity, as mere seconds passed, until Anubis finally faced Walt. He wasn’t sure what to say, how to explain- perhaps apologize. He opened his mouth in an attempt to say something- anything- but no words came. As he stopped, Walt took the moment.
“I’m terribly sorry, I didn’t mean to take advantage.”
Walt did not regret the kiss, he did not regret the touch, but he regretted having taken liberties he wasn’t owed, for which he hadn’t asked, he regretted possibly having upset Anubis and he regretted possibly having pushed him further away. Anubis took a deep, shaky breath.
“No, do not apologize.” he said, “I just... It is not something I have... Ah, indulged in before. It was...”
He trailed off, like he wasn’t sure what it was, but Walt could still feel the mix of their emotions within the air. Hesitation, overwhelm. It made his stomach twist.
Anubis shook his head gently, mostly to himself, before he continued.
“I am just unsure why... Why me?”
Walt blinked.
“...What do you mean?”
“I mean... Why did you kiss me?”
They looked at each other for a while. Waiting for an answer, thinking of an answer.
“I... I don’t know. It felt right.”
Anubis’ eyebrows furrowed. His head tilted, and whatever upset he had seemed to turn into confusion.
“Do mortals not display- ah- ‘romantic’ attraction that way? Was that... Was that not what you meant to do?”
Walt looked into his eyes, and saw the mix of disappointment, worry, like he was afraid of the answer. Walt took a deep breath, and gently reached for Anubis’ hand. He did not grasp it, but let Anubis pull away if he so wished. Anubis remained still.
“I did. But I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable, or upset. I should have asked before, I’m sorry.”
The jackal-headed god stayed silent. He seemed to debate his words, what might be a good thing to say, perhaps debating on how to reject his host. Finally, he let his fingers grasp the offered hand.
“No, I... I liked it. I am just not... Experienced, and I think it...” He hesitated, as if afraid to admit it, “I think it intimidated me.”
Walt cradled the god’s hand within his own, and felt a sense of relief wash over him. He couldn’t help but smile, a gesture which was met by a soft twist of the other’s lips.
“That’s okay. This doesn’t have to be a big thing- we can forget about it and act like it never happened, or- if you’d like... We could try again- later. We could take it slow and I... I really like you, Anubis.”
A confession. And an offer. A proper offer, a romantic display, laid bare. It was nothing like Anubis had ever imagined, nothing like stories he had heard from Hathor, and nothing like the modern displays he encountered in the modern world. Yet it still felt just as raw to him, an offer of the heart, waiting for him to take the chance. Anubis considered it. It felt slightly ridiculous- to fall in such a way, for such bare displays. Yet his heart yearned and the longer he remained quiet, the more it gnawed upon his ribcage, threatening to break out through the violent pounding within his very chest.
His gentle smile twisted into something brighter, something happier.
“I would like that. I... I like you too.”
‘Like’. Such a juvenile way to put it. Yet they knew how deep the words, the feelings, the soul went. They shared a moment, where they gazed into each other’s eyes and let their fingers be intertwined. Walt’s smile had quickly turned brighter as well, a large grin, happy and proud. Anubis moved his free hand and placed it upon Walt’s cheeks, before drawing in closer, placing his lips against the other’s. Slow, sweet, and gentle. Walt’s arms snuck around his waist, pulling him closer, but still giving him ample space to leave if he so wished. Yet the intimidation that Anubis seemingly had felt disappeared, evaporated, as the heat began to grow within, the urge and wish and the pulling closer and the biting of lips. A neat contrast; Walt’s want to be a gentleman, to treat the god gently, to love him, and Anubis’ increasing urge to devour and be devoured, crawl within his skin, feel what no mortal could ever feel, be something someone else never could be. A heart grown violent.
The hunger grew, Anubis had practically crawled into Walt’s lap, letting instinct take over and eagerly licking the other’s lips for access, or to taste. Walt simply let it happen, let the god lead, mind far too gone to question anything just yet. At the very least until Anubis grabbed his shoulders and pushed him down into the mattress, never breaking away from the kiss. Walt did his best to pull away to finally breathe, prompting Anubis to sit up, straddling his hips. Their lips ached and bruised, thumping with the same heartbeat they both shared.
“I thought you said you- ah- wanted to take it slow,” Walt gasped, although he cracked a smile, “this doesn’t feel very slow to me.”
Walt’s knees were raised, and Anubis leaned back against them, taking a good look at Walt as he did so. The mortal almost felt honored as the god panted ever so slightly, proud that he had gotten so breathless. Anubis looked gorgeous, and Walt could feel his heart swell within his very chest.
Anubis, as usual, did not respond. Instead, he dropped down, until he was laying upon Walt’s chest. His face nuzzled against his neck, legs curled up, hands gripping Walt’s collar. He was nothing but a pressure valve finally opened, yet now the steady stream calmed. Walt Stone would be his doom and he knew it, yet the intoxicating scent made him obsessed. This was his place, upon Walt’s chest, as it always should be.
He felt the vibrations and movements as Walt laughed, amused with the god’s antics, with how clingy he already was. He kept his arms wrapped around him, let him do whatever he pleased, closed his eyes and simply indulged.
That was, at the very least, until he realized Anubis’ plan.
“....Is this just a ploy to keep me in bed for the rest of the day?”
This time, it was Anubis’ turn to laugh, a low rumble which spread through his entire body. It was as much as any admittance or confession, Walt sighed playfully.
“I have things to do, Anubis.” There was no bite at all, of course, he knew damn well Anubis could bat his pretty eyelashes at him and he would stay in bed for the next eon, but he would not admit that to the god, who definitely knew his weakness already.
Anubis nuzzled closer, he could feel the smile against his neck.
“As far as I am aware, the only thing on your schedule today was to stay with me and continue your training. And so it matters not that you stay right here, with me.”
He was right, of course. But it felt awfully tender to hear the words from the god himself. Walt sighed gently, the soft smile still upon his lips. One hand moved towards Anubis’ hair, running his fingers through it.
“You make a good case, sir,” he joked. The continual canine purr began to grow in Anubis’ chest. “I think I might stay a while.”
Anubis' smile grew wider, and he pressed a gentle kiss to Walt’s neck. Walt made himself comfortable, and as the morning sun slowly moved across the sky, he closed his eyes, and enjoyed the warm body pressed against his.
Yeah... He could get used to his new existence.
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