Notes: AU where Hunter somehow made it to the human realm as a baby and was raised by Camilla. Original concept from omychan2 on instagram, and I got help from kittynomore and Bogbees on tumblr!
Hunter swallowed deeply, carefully looking himself over in the mirror. He had a good-looking black suit on with a red tie. He'd slicked his hair back like Eda suggested, though his forelock refused to leave its position. He cut a rather dashing figure, he had to admit. His only real question was… how different was Grom compared to prom? His sister and him did go to prom at their highschool, but… it did not go well. Luz wore her otter onesie and Hunter… well… the chaperoning staff were convinced he was wearing a costume. It wasn't until he was able to get one of the teachers who knew him to tell them otherwise that he was allowed to stay, but by that point Luz had already been kicked out. He had no date, either, so what was the point of staying?
But this was far different from that night… Tonight, he had a date! He rubbed his cheeks with his palms as he thought about her, his ears flicking around. Hunter hadn't told Luz yet, but… he'd actually asked Willow to go to Grom with him. It just happened, really. He was so relieved to see her back to normal after the whole 'memory fire' incident, and when he was walking her home he just kinda… asked.
And she said yes!
Now he was about to go meet her, take her to dinner, and then to Grom. Hunter breathed in sharply, before picking up the flower arrangement he had for Willow and turned to leave the Owl House. As he walked over the threshold, hearing Hooty's neck extending, he paused. The Blight siblings were in the yard, the twins summoning… cats with human faces? Ohh, noooo…
"¡¿Qué haces, Luz Noceda?!" Hunter couldn't stop himself from yelling as he channeled their mother. The twins turned, dismissing the illusions of man-faced cats as they looked at Hunter.
"Heya, Bro-Bro! Looking sharp!" Luz smirked at him, "You got ready for Grom early."
"And it looks like you are getting ready," Hunter sniped. "Luz, you know what Eda said! You will just end up getting hurt!" Hunter's scolding brought a pout to Luz's face and she narrowed her eyes at him.
"I thought you were on my side with this!" Luz accused.
"I was until you apparently decided to take Amity's place!" Hunter motioned to said girl, who shrunk back slightly from the bickering siblings. "Luz…" Hunter sighed, rubbing his face, "we don't know what we're getting into, again. We have no idea what this Grometheus thing is capable of!" Hunter took another breath to further his point before his phone started to go off. He picked it out of his pocket, sighing before turning to walk around Luz. "If anything happens to her, I am blaming you, Amity!"
"Wait, you are going?" Luz asked in clear shock and just a little offense. "Just like that?"
"I don't want to be late to pick up Willow!" Hunter called back to Luz, not realizing what he said until he heard his sister's sharp inhale.
" AT?!" Luz called after him. Hunter winced, knowing later he was going to get his grief from her… but damn it he was not going to be late!
Willow's heart was fluttering in her chest as she waited in her room, per her father's instructions so that when Hunter arrived they could dramatically reveal her. She honestly loved the cliche, and half couldn't believe she was about to take part in it! With Hunter, of all people! The mysterious, handsome boy who was raised among humans. The sweetest, most tender and loving soul she had ever met. She was still trying to get over the fact that he asked her to Grom! A light knock on her door cut her from her thoughts.
"He's here, Willow!" Gilbert called out from behind the wood. Willow couldn't help but blush, the butterflies in her stomach rising as she closed her eyes and braced herself. She breathed in deeply before opening the door. Her father smiled down at her, clasping his hands together as he stepped back to allow his daughter to pass. The witchling smiled up at him, before turning to head down the stairs.
Hunter had to admit, he had more than just butterflies about officially taking Willow on a date. Was Luz really going to go through with fighting this 'face your worst fears' creature? He didn't even think to grab his notepad and pen, so if Luz got in trouble it would be up to Eda… maybe the Owl Lady had convinced Luz otherwise, though? Yeah… he'd go with that until Grom proper. Right now, he should be focused on-
"Hunter." Willow's voice rang out from behind him. Hunter felt his ears wiggle against his will before he turned around. He felt his face light up as he laid eyes upon her. She wore a green dress that complimented her natural aptitude for plant magic, while a headband kept her hair out of her face and a natural blush decorated her cheeks.
"H-hey, Willow." Hunter waved, before realizing how foolish that was and forced his hand down. He cleared his throat before stepping over to her to offer the bouquet out to her. Willow felt her smile widen as she took the flowers, recognizing that Hunter must have picked the red, blue, and purple orchids for her in particular. She lifted them to her nose to smell the floral arrangement before turning her smile up to him.
"Thank you so much, Hunter! They're beautiful!" Willow hugged the bouquet gently to her chest, watching the boy's ears flick around as he rubbed his neck.
"Y-yeah, no problem," Hunter muttered dazedly.
"Okay, you two, you know the deal!" Mr. Park held up his camera, motioning the teens to a far wall to pose against. "It's time to get pictures taken!" After many photos, the 'You better have her home by nine' talk, and a final goodbye, Hunter and Willow were finally able to leave her home and head to the restaurant they'd agreed upon.
" Hey, um… just so you know," Hunter spoke up, looking at Willow who turned her eyes up to him. He had to pause, caught off guard again by how beautiful she was. He really was taking her to prom-er… Grom… right?
"Yes, Hunter?" Willow smiled up at him, her gaze so gentle that it could melt him into butter. What was he going to say again? He couldn't remember. His brain felt like it was malfunctioning.
"Y-you look extravagant," Hunter said softly. He knew that wasn't what he wanted to tell her, but it's what came out. Willow smiled, looking away from him bashfully as she brushed a few strands of hair from her face, her cheeks turning dark with blush. Wowza… is this what being head over heels feels like?
Hours later, they were now in the school's gym while the band was on stage playing a very upbeat song. Hunter had half a mind to go ahead and ask Willow to dance, but was unsure if this was the song he wanted to ask her to. Besides, looking at his date she was already having so much fun! He had to admit he felt kind of proud seeing her use her magic in confidence to create little flower accessories for their classmates.
"Why so twitchy, Witchy?" Hunter flicked his ears at the familiar voice of King, forcing his eyes off Willow long enough to see him and Eda. "I'm trying to remember if I've ever seen you this worried before…"
"Well of course I'm worried! I'm gunna have to save Luz from a nightmare monster!" Eda exclaimed before crossing her arms and leaning back against the flower arch with a groan. "So much for Mama's fun night out."
"I-I'll be right back, Willow," Hunter said over to his date, who smiled back at him before watching him head over to Eda. "Please tell me I heard that wrong," he hissed at Eda.
"Afraid not, kid," Eda sighed, "Luz is, indeed, doing this."
"Oh, por el amor de Dios, Luz…" Hunter smacked his head with his hand, before feeling a hand on his arm.
"Is everything okay, Hunter?" Willow asked up at him, tilting her head. Hunter frowned, lowering his hand as he was about to explain, before the lights went out.
"Ladies, gentlemen, and assorted demons!" Gus' voice boomed over the speakers. "It's almost time for our main grom event!"
"I left my notepad at home," Hunter groaned. "How the heck am I supposed to help Luz?" Hunter continued to mutter to himself as he patted himself down.
"Help Luz?" Willow asked before her eyes widened in realization. "Oh, no… please don't tell me that she traded places with Amity." Willow frowned. "I know I shouldn't be surprised." She gently took Hunter's arm, pulling him to the bleachers.
"H-how, uh… nightmarish are we talking about?" Hunter asked, turning to better follow Willow and sitting down with her as he turned his eyes to Gus on the stage.
"Well…" Willow's voice squeaked a bit, normally something that Hunter found himself going crazy for but in this instant it was not comforting. "Grometheus takes the form of deep fears… there have been times in the past that the person who fought against it was caught off-guard by the form it took. It can be really anything."
"I really hope Luz at least has some idea on what that could be…" Hunter frowned, swallowing thickly. He knew his sister's basic fears… Human souls trapped in cats, a fear she developed when she watched a 'body swap' movie when she was younger. Jerks online who want to debate, a fear stemming from how much she hates having to defend her interests. Milk… she loves milk products but has fear of the pain her insides go through when she has it. But those were just surface level… He had no idea what lingered under all of that.
"Hey." Willow's voice cut through his dread, Hunter blinked then looked over at the witch by his side. She smiled in turn, "I'm sure everything will be okay. Luz is always full of surprises!"
"Right… yeah." Hunter smiled, nodding to the witch next to him. "She's definitely gotten a lot more… battle-ready these past few weeks."
"Now introducing our Grom Royalty!" Gus' voice cut through the air again. Hunter looked back up to the kid, swallowing his nerves as he felt them rise. He didn't notice his own actions as he grabbed Willow's hand. Willow lifted her brows, her cheeks flushing as she looked down at her taken hand, then up to the boy who held it with a small smile.
The Grom fight, for the most part, was going swimmingly. Hunter had to admit, he might have been worrying too much about Luz. As the fight went on, he slowly started to realize the warm touch he held in his hand. He felt his cheeks flush, glancing over at Willow who was also red-faced, but had her eyes on the battle. His eyes moved to their hands, their fingers interlaced. H-how did this happen?
"Did Grom just take the form of Eda?" Willow whispered her question over to Hunter, turning her eyes to him. The two froze, the girl realizing the boy had noticed their hands. Hunter knew he should tear his eyes off of Willow, to keep an eye on Luz, but he couldn't. He oddly felt like something was pulling him to the plant witch… should he really try to kiss her while his sister was currently fighting a nightmare monster? Well… who would notice?
"Mija?" The voice of his mother cut through him like a blade. Hunter froze, watching as Willow saw his change in demeanor. The blonde stood, turning his head back to the battle to see… oh no…
"M-Mom? What are you doing here?!" Luz exclaimed, stepping back.
"Luz? What is this terrible place? Where is your brother?" The fake image of Camilla looked around. Hunter felt himself take a step back, almost falling over the bleachers. Willow had stood up as well, holding him steady as she looked between him, Luz, and the fake image of their mother. "Espérate un momento, this isn't camp. Have you and Hunter been here, all these weeks? And is that a weapon?"
"I can explain!" Luz dropped her flail.
"Luz!" Hunter called out to his sister, finding enough strength to step forward, but feeling Willow's hand holding him back.
"Mija!" The form of their mother started to shift. "Have you been lying to me?!"
"Luz! It isn't her!" Hunter cried out to his sibling, watching as Luz took a step back, then another… before she turned and started to run.
Hunter had to admit, there was something oddly satisfying about running through the woods and chasing after a nightmare monster with the girl of his dreams running right beside him. If it wasn't for the fact he was following Luz's cries, he might have tried to make some flirty comment.
"Come back, Luz!" the monster cried out. Hunter's eyes darted to a rock they were about to pass, and swiftly grabbed it.
"I don't want to be Grom queen anymore! I give up the throne!" Luz cried out. Hunter threw his hand back, then let the rock fly. He skidded to a halt, Willow stopping just in front of him as the two watched the rock find its way to its intended target. The monster let out a pained roar as stone bounced off its back, turning to where it was thrown.
"Over here, you pedazo de mierda!" Hunter called out, taking the monster turn more to face its new target.
"H-Hunter? Willow?" Luz had turned as well, realizing her brother had put himself in harm's way. Willow drew a spell circle, about to unleash the power of the forest upon Grom for her friends, but before she could finish the monster leapt, one of its tendrils reaching out to stop her.
"No!" Hunter turned, shoving Willow with his shoulder to send her staggering and falling into the dirt. She turned just in time to see Hunter getting grabbed, his head turning to face the creature as it picked him up and then slammed one of its tendrils against his forehead. Flashes of memories, feelings of basic fears, they all passed through him in the second it took Grom to reach into his mind and grab at one particular point. It let out a small laugh, letting go of Hunter.
"Hunter!" Luz had cried out to her brother again, watching as Willow scrambled to her feet and flung her hand out, a bush appearing to catch the boy. Grom shifted, its form shrinking. Hunter rubbed his head before staring, eyes wide, at what the nightmare was revealing. A dark figure with large antlers rose up, its glowing blue eyes staring holes into the teen.
"A̸n̶d̶ ̷w̷h̴e̴r̷e̸ ̷a̷r̴e̵ ̵y̷o̶u̵ ̶t̵o̶ ̷h̸i̸d̵e̶ ̶n̴o̷w̷,̸ ̶l̶i̵t̴t̵l̷e̸ ̶s̴h̴e̷e̵p̴?̷" the creature asked. Hunter frowned deeply and his face turned white as a sheet, swallowing as he watched the creature from his nightmares lurch over him, fear rising in his chest. "H̶u̴s̷h̵ ̶n̴o̸w̸,̷ ̴m̴y̷ ̴l̴i̶t̴t̸l̶e̷ ̸b̶i̴r̴d̷.̶ ̶Y̴o̵u̴ ̴h̵a̸v̵e̸ ̴g̵o̴o̷d̴ ̴t̷h̷i̸n̴g̵s̶ ̸c̷o̶m̵i̷n̴g̷ ̴t̶o̶ ̶y̵o̶u̵.̶.."
"Y-you…" Hunter tensed his shoulders, glaring up at the creature. "You can't hurt me. You're nothing more than a bad dream." Grom let out a cruel laugh as it stepped forward, the form shifting once again as the dark goo started to evaporate from its body, shrinking it down. This wasn't the final form it was going to take with Hunter…
"Hijo?" A familiar, masculine voice asked, a sickly man standing before the blonde finally coming to form. Hunter felt his heart stop, his eyes widening in terror as tears started to prick his eyes.
"D-D-Dad?!" Hunter lifted his arm in defence. He wanted to look away, but couldn't as the sickly form of his and Luz's father rose his hand to his chest and let out a series of coughs. "Did you not keep your promise to me? You didn't keep… your hermana… safe?"
"D-Dad, I-I-!" He knew this wasn't real… but it felt real. He knew he was crying. "I-I couldn't! I never could keep Luz safe from the bullies, from the torment! It wasn't my fault, or hers, though! I swear!"
"H-Hunter!" Luz sobbed out, her hands over her mouth. She felt like vomiting, unable to handle seeing their father, how sick he was before his illness took him, unable to fight against her brother's fear, unable to comprehend the admission Hunter just spoke.
"You really are a disappointment." The words cut through Hunter like a sword, and he couldn't do anything as he watched his father raise a now clawed hand.
"Leave him alone!" Willow's cry cut through the air, and the woods around them flexed with her power as the trees bent slam down into the creature. Hunter blinked, the fear in his chest starting to fade as he looked over to Willow. Her eyes were fully green, glowing with the raw magic energy she was using. Grom let out a roar of pain, about to turn its attention to her before a fireball hit its side.
"It is me you want, Grom!" Amity shouted, her arms out.
"A-amity?!" Luz asked, watching as Grom turned to grab Amity. Hunter barely had time to register what was happening as he felt Willow grab the back of his suit and pull him to his feet, dragging him behind her away from the battle. A little ways away Willow stopped, turning back to Hunter who shook, then fell to his knees. Willow knelt in front of him, putting her hands on his shoulders as she stared up at him with concern. He was definitely in shock, trying to process what Grom just put him through and the fact his sister and Amity were now facing down the same creature.
"Hunter?" Willow reached up, brushing his hair gently with her fingers. Hunter blinked a few times, tears finally streaming down his face. He started shaking again as his eyes focused on Willow.
"W-W-W-Willow?" He stuttered, reaching his hand up to hers, making sure she was there. He blinked a few more times before screwing his eyes shut, letting out a shaking breath.
"Hey, hey. It's okay," Willow whispered to him. "It can't hurt you. I promise."
"Y-y-you s-s-shouldn't have s-seen that," Hunter whispered, clutching her hand in his. He turned his face into her palm, needing as much comfort he could get from the girl. " I-I-I'm s-sorry. I-I s-shouldn't h-have followed L-Luz out he-here."
"You were trying to protect your sister… You were so brave to do that, Hunter." Willow's voice was so incredibly soft and warm. If Hunter hadn't known better, she might have cast a spell. "Not only that, but you saved me from having to face my fear… I'm so thankful, Hunter. I'm so sorry you had to face-" Willow was cut off by the sudden pressure of arms wrapping around her. Hunter buried face in her neck, unsure of any action to take other than the need to just hold her and be held. Willow blinked a few times, frowning before she wrapped her arms around him and gave him a firm squeeze.
Hunter felt the pressure in his eyes starting to release, the need to let his tears go for the frankly traumatizing situation he was just forced to go through. He didn't even notice the crowd of cheering people who passed, or how his sister tried to smile as she saw her best friend and brother in such a hold from her vantage point from being carried past.
His ears had not stopped wiggling around since he realized what he'd done. Now as he walked Willow home, arm in arm at a slow pace, he felt himself panicking. He was in a vulnerable state brought on from the stress of what happened. He wasn't sure if hugging her like that was a moment of weakness or one of strength. Willow didn't seem to mind it, though. She had a smile on her lips, even in spite of how when they returned to the Hexside gym she decided to poke a piece of Grom to have it show a ladybug. But Hunter could feel the worry practically radiating off of her.
"S-So…" Hunter swallowed, trying to force the bravery he had to come back. "I-I uh… I'm sorry if I put you in an awkward, uh… position, by the way."
"What do you mean?" Willow looked up at him, still holding that smile. Hunter could swear he felt cupid's arrows shooting through his heart again.
"I-I mean-I-'' Hunter cleared his throat, turning his eyes away from her. "I-I uh… T-the Grom and- I d-don't want you to feel pressured that you have to comfort me or play therapist-" He was interrupted by a finger pressing against his lips.
"It's alright, Hunter," Willow assured. "I'm happy to have provided comfort for you. And talking about how you feel with me isn't really playing therapist, you know." Willow took her finger back, a smile still on her face as she snuggled more into his arm. "Venting can just be venting, but only if you want to talk about it." Hunter swallowed, smiling as he looked over her face. He felt a… twinge of something moving within him. There was something he wanted… needed to talk about with her. But was this really the right time?
"H-hey, uh… Willow, if you do not mind um… I'd actually like to… talk about something?" Hunter rubbed his neck, watching as Willow looked back up to him.
"I'm all ears," Willow said softly.
"I-I… I really really like you, Willow." Hunter felt his face flush deeper as he stared at her. She grinned up at him, her cheeks red as her own blush rose up to reflect his. Hunter couldn't help but pull her in closer, chuckling as his ears flicked around at the sweet melody of her giggles. He felt… better? Admitting his feelings to her helped lift something off his shoulders, at least.
"I really, really like you, too, Hunter!" Willow finally said to him. Hunter moved to stop them both, facing toward Willow with a growing smile.
"I-I know that… there are a lot of complicated things that need to happen in the future. Grom kind of pulled that all to the front," Hunter admitted. "But I want to be here with you, Willow. I honestly can't force myself to imagine life without you, now…" Hunter felt his ears still flicking around, watching Willow's smile growing as her ears also flicked. She grew bold, moving to cup his cheek with her hand. The night of bravery was setting in on the two of them, and Willow gently moved Hunter down toward her.
'Holy crap, is this happening?' Hunter thought, the answer coming as Willow closed her eyes and pressed her lips gently against his. Hunter closed his eyes, wrapping his arms around her waist, his heart feeling like it was about to burst.
He didn't even care about how he was going to explain this all to Luz.
AN: That is the first one down for Huntlow week! Come back tomorrow and read some more! As always thanks to Mr. Spinner for beta reading!
In Yesterday's Lie we saw a photo of who presumably is Luz's father standing with her and Camila. I wanted to use such for Hunter's greatest fear.