Notes: This AU took inspiration from Moringmark on Tumblr/Instagram's 'Witches Among Humans', where Luz is a witch trapped on Earth. Hunter is a superhero known as 'The Golden Guard', a full witch this time that is mysterious but gets his work done. Thanks to Kittynomore again for helping me with this! We spam each other a lot with AU stuff. I aged up the characters a few years in this. Having them older feels like it fits better.
The Golden Guard was in the middle of a nightly patrol, his usual route that he found himself on as he teleported from roof to roof through the bustling city of Gravesfield. Tonight, however, it was unusually quiet. He found himself in the inner suburbs, where the skyscrapers had given away to smaller towers of buildings. He sighed through his nose as he paused on one roof, taking a glance at the nearby downtown area. The tallest tower of Titan's Enterprises could still be seen from where he was, a reminder to the world of the power and prestige that the company possessed. Not to mention its CEO; his uncle, the only other witch on Earth.
The Guard deliberately turned his head away from the skyscraper; he shouldn't let the argument between him and his uncle fog his mind. Tonight was a full moon, and that meant there would be a demon outbreak. Luckily not only had most civilians already sheltered in place, but the only breakthroughs from the Demon Realm so far had been easy to handle. The biped demon he'd encountered earlier was already at Titan's Enterprise being informed of the situation they were in, the small group of demon rats were easy to capture and teleport away, and the moon was almost out of its position that caused outbreaks like this.
But it would be foolish to let his guard down. He needed to stay vigilant until the very last second! The city depended on him, after all!
"Hunter!" Kikimora's voice broke through his communication headset inside his mask. "We've picked up on rift activity near Hexside! Get ready, this appears to be a beast demon!"
"On my way!" Hunter turned, lifting his staff and channeling magic around him. Soon he was trailing across the sky as a crimson comet. He only hoped he could get to Hexside soon enough!
"LUZ!" Willow cried out, watching as the witch was batted away from the beast.
"Gah! I'm fine, you two get out of here!" Luz called out to her and Gus. Willow took a step back, she didn't want to leave Luz to fend for herself against a demon beast! But what choice did she have? She was just a regular human, after all, and only had a switchblade in her pocket! The demon beast, a creature covered in thick, white fur roared, starting a charge at the downed witchling who quickly drew a finger in the air to blast a fireball into the monster's face. Willow bit her lower lip before turning to grab Gus, scooping him over her shoulder and running for a nearby half wall.
"Aw! Come on, Willow! I'm getting this on camera!" Gus complained, unaware or unconcerned of the danger as always. Willow made a note to scold him later, even more so since his sneaking out of the dorms was the reason she was out here, too! What was he even thinking of going out on a full moon?! She dove behind the half wall, setting Gus down before pressing her back against the brick. Gus shifted, lifting his phone over the lip of the wall to continue to record the fight.
"Gus!" Willow hissed, about to reach over to pull him down before Luz's scream cut through the air… and was growing louder? The witch landed and rolled just in front of Willow, who froze in shock… Uh oh. The half wall cracked as a large claw crushed down on it; the monster was upon them. Luz let out a cry of defiance, lifting her hand in an attempt to stop the creature. Willow pondered what flowers her fathers would bring to her grave…
Then the area flashed with crimson red light and the creature let out a wail of pain as it wheeled to the side. Willow lowered her gaze to street-level, relief flowing over her as she saw who she'd been praying for. The Golden Guard swung his staff around and pointed at the beast, walking to the side to better draw its attention away from them.
"Here, doggy doggy," The Guard taunted, the beast growling at his tone of voice and turning to face him. It let out another roar before charging forward at the vigilante. The Golden Guard disappeared in a flash of red, reappearing above the creature and swinging his staff down. The red magic collided with the beast, forming into chains that wrapped around the creature. It let out another roar, trying to fight the chains without success. This was too easy.
"A-a-another witch?!" A voice cut through the air, making the Golden Guard pause and turn his head. A girl with a palisman staff and pointed ears was standing with the humans he'd just saved- wait, what? It was a mistake to look at her, the distraction allowing the beast to reach out and slam its claws into him.
"GAH!" The Guard was sent flying, but quickly recovered to at least land on his feet. He skidded to a stop, his hand clutching at the bleeding wound in his side.
"Hunter! Are you okay?!" Kikimora's voice cut through the comm.
"We have a situation. Code Circle!" Hunter quickly alerted the one on the other end of the comms, who gasped. "I'm taking the Slitherbeast down first, then I'll deal with the witch."
"Do it! The police are almost at your location!"
"Watch out!" the human in the yellow coat screamed out before throwing her switchblade into the side of the beast. The Guard blinked a few times, surprised at the girl's boldness. He quickly swung his staff out, chains once more shooting out of the red gem to start wrapping the beast.
"Kill it! Kill it!" the other witch called out, starting to draw a circle.
"NO!" The Guard cried out, turning his head to the witch. "It's just as scared as you are!" Even in the shock and adrenaline of the situation, he still had his morals. He drew a large circle with his staff, sending more chains out to wrap the still-struggling creature. "Put it to sleep!" he ordered the other witch, who paused as she looked between him and the creature.
"Just do it!" Willow cried out, stepping back as she looked at Luz. At the encouragement of her friend, the witchling drew a large circle and blasted it at the Slitherbeast. The creature let out one final roar before falling still and snoring. The Guard rushed forward, lifting his hand to draw a final circle. The chains of magic glowed purple before sinking with the beast into the ground.
"Teleportation?!" The witchling exclaimed in surprise. "What?! How?!" She looked up at the Golden Guard. The adrenaline was starting to fade and he clenched his side with a groan, looking down at the blood that had stained the side of his twisted armor. Shit. That teleportation spell took a lot of magic, too… he wouldn't be able to cast a healing spell on himself until later.
"Don't worry about it," the Guard growled, turning to face the witch and the two humans. His eyes flicked to the boy, who had his phone up and was obviously recording… double shit. He faced the witch, who hesitated for a second before moving over to him and drawing a blue spell circle.
"Hold still," she said, letting the magic loose. He felt his side closing and removed his hand to see even most of the blood that had stained his side was gone. He immediately started to feel better… triple shit, now he owed her one.
"Thanks, really. But you need to come with me," the Guard said to the witch, his voice stern and serious. He could hear police sirens in the distance, a time limit on how fast they needed to get out of here before the chief showed up and tried to arrest them. He twisted his staff slightly in his hand, his eyes darting to the phone of the boy behind his mask as he focused his discrete spell on it.
"Look, we need to get out of here. But find me tomorrow at the- Ow-!" Luz was cut short as the Guard threw his hand out, a chain wrapping around her torso, which then grew to bond her fingers.
"I'm sorry, but you don't have a choice in this matter! You're coming with me-EEE!" The Guard had forgotten about the girl in the yellow coat, who was… a lot faster and stronger than he'd assumed. One moment he was standing, the next he had been picked up and thrown. The shock of what happened made him lose focus, the chains around the other witch falling off her.
"Run!" Willow cried, turning to grab Gus by the shirt and then take Luz by the hand, who promptly scooped them up on her staff to flee. The Guard quickly took to his feet, about to chase after before the first cop car rounded the corner. Damn it! He turned on his heel and teleported to a nearby roof before teleporting again and turning to look around. He saw the flash of a yellow coat dart behind Hexside. He sat there for a moment, dumbfounded. Not only where humans not usually that bold, but… How did she throw him when he was in his full armor?!
"Hunter? Is everything alright?" Kikimora's voice broke through.
"Y-yeah… the Slitherbeast has been captured and teleported to the cages." The Guard turned, walking to the other end of the roof.
"What of the witch?"
"She… got away…"
"She got away?" Kikimora sounded a bit shocked, even worried.
" I'll… I'll explain it to Belos myself. I'll be home soon." Hunter lifted his staff, thinning his lips as he turned to look at Titan's Enterprise still looming over him as a reminder of his uncle's power. He swallowed, unsure how he was about to explain what happened…
" Damn it! The file is corrupted?!" Gus exclaimed as he paced back and forth in Eda's living room, the woman herself looking less than amused. "I knew it! I knew he had that power!"
"Who was that guy?!" Luz asked, having pulled her mask off. Bitesifer, her bat-themed palisman, hung from the wall and gave a few screeches at his witch in support.
"The Golden Guard is the superhero I was telling you about!" Gus explained, turning to his backpack and pulling out a notebook, showing the cover of which had a sticker of his mask on it. "He's a mysterious force that protects the city, but never kills any of the creatures he fights!"
"And Willow," Eda spoke up, smirking slightly, "threw him like a sack of potatoes?"
Willow groaned, burying her face in her hands. "I panicked, okay?!" she whined. "He had Luz in chains!" She lowered her hands. "Do you think he will hunt me down?!"
"Nah. If I know anything for sure about the guy, it's when a civilian fights against him he never seeks revenge," Gus said, turning to Willow. "There was a time a guy punched him in his mask, and when the police tried to arrest the dude he actually teleported the guy out of here!"
"Wait, so- I've been here for a month and I'm just seeing this guy?" Luz asked. "The only other witch I have seen in this realm?"
"Well, it ain't like you ever asked, Luz," Eda pointed out.
"Yeah, and he only is ever in the news after bigger fights." Gus said with a smile. "Heck, don't be surprised if you see a story in the news tomorrow about the fight at school!"
" So… what now? He's bound to hunt me down, at least!" Luz pointed out, rubbing her forehead. Bitesifer fluttered down to land haphazardly on her shoulder, squeaking up at his witch. "That's true… he is powerful, but it cost him a lot from his bile sac. It'll take him a while to rebuild his reserves…"
"Maybe it's time to do research on him to better prepare for when he does come?" Gus asked with a smile. "I happen to know a lot on the Golden Guard, so I can help you out!"
Willow sighed as the two started to talk back and forth. Eda stood and left the living room, presumably returning to bed. The girl thinned her lips in thought… She really did panic and decided it was best to throw the Golden Guard. She honestly wasn't nervous that he would come after her; she knew he probably had no interest in her. Really, she was more worried that by throwing him, she could have reopened the wound Luz had just closed…
How was that for treating the guy who had saved her more than once? Even if he didn't remember her. Sure, more than enough people in the city probably owed their lives to him by now, but she felt it was a bit more personal on her side with what had happened. It was one of the first happenings when the Golden Guard started his work as a superhero a few years ago. She was alone in the city's botanical garden when a demon-plant had appeared out of nowhere. No one was around to hear her screaming for help, she was convinced she was going to die… and then he appeared. He hit a weak point on the plant, scooped her up, and teleported her away.
Before rushing back into the fray, he took the time to make sure she was okay, his voice was so gentle and caring. He explained what the plant was, told her how he was going to deal with it, and urged her to stay put while he did so. After he had teleported the plant away, he came back and checked her over again. He stayed with her until the emergency services arrived, reassuring her the gardens would be safe and this was just a one time thing, to which he then gave his goodbye and left her in the EMT's care. It always meant so much to her that he took the time to ensure her wellbeing…
And tonight she threw him like a ball across the school yard…
"So… let me get this straight." Belos's voice was calm, but he was shaking a little… Hunter thinned his lips as he stepped back from his uncle. "You took care of the Slitherbeast, chained the witch up and were about to bring her in… then a human threw you across the schoolyard?"
"Y-yes… Uncle." Hunter swallowed, lowering his head. He had taken his mask off to address the CEO of Titan's Enterprise, who was still shaking. He knew why… he dreaded when the man finally lost control.
"And you lost your spell?" Belos asked the younger man behind him, his back still facing Hunter as he stood at the window that looked out across the city.
"…Yes…" Hunter muttered. Belos breathed in through his nose before finally turning to face his nephew. "…Uncle, please, I can-"
"I told you so!" Belos chortled, smacking his hand against his head as he cackled so loudly they might wake the neighbors in the building over.
"Uncle Belos!" Hunter whined, he felt his cheeks flushing in embarrassment and his ears wriggle. This situation proved Belos' point from their argument earlier… The Golden Guard was not taking care in keeping eyes on the unexpected human element as much as he should.
"No, no!" Belos pointed with his glass of whiskey at Hunter, "I get to laugh at this! Because I told you so!"
"It isn't my fault! I wasn't expecting to see another witch!"
"It was bound to happen at some point, Hunter," Belos smirked as he shrugged and took a sip from his drink.
"I-I just- I-" Hunter huffled, stubbornly crossing his arms over his chest. His palisman chirped from his perch on the CEO's desk. "Don't take his side on this!" Hunter frowned at the cardinal.
"Ha!" Belos went to go sit, giving Lil' Rascal a pet on the top of his head before leaning back in his chair. "So, what is your plan now? Finding the witch might prove even more difficult now that she knows who you are, but you know rather little about her in return."
"I-" Hunter sighed, rubbing his face with his hand before groaning. "I think I recognized the girl who threw me…"
"Oooh?" Belos curled his brow at his nephew. "Do go on." He lifted his drink to his lips as he watched his nephew, who groaned and sighed.
"I think she was the girl who I saved from the gardens. It was years ago but… the one who had green eyes?" Hunter rubbed his arm.
"…The sparkling green eyes that seemed to 'reflect the beauty of nature itself'?" Belos quoted from memory. "That green eyed girl?" Belos smirked at Hunter.
"I'm- going to- lose my- GARGH!" Hunter turned. "I have a plan! I'll get the witch brought in soon! Come on, Rascal!" He stormed to the door, opening it as his palisman landed on his shoulder and nuzzled into his neck.
"Just remember not to get distracted by your apparent soul ma-!" Hunter cut Belos' voice off by slamming the door behind him. It was going to be a long week in the penthouse… that much he knew.
"Is this your villain origin story?" Kikimora asked in amusement as she passed Hunter in the hallway.
"My title will be the Crimson Commander," Hunter replied, earning a loud, amused snort from the small demon.
"Okay, here's the plan," Hunter whispered to Lil' Rascal. "I'll set up at that cafe and keep my eyes peeled. If you see them before I do, just follow and listen in on them. If they get close, land on the canopy." Lil' Rascal chirped a confirmation up at Hunter, then fluttered off. Hunter sighed, swallowing before he teleported to the alleyway below him. He had already cast an illusion over his face to disguise the scar and magenta eyes, going with an almond color that wouldn't draw too much attention. Even though he had his ears under an illusion too, he took care to keep the tips pinned back under a beanie, knowing it would help… keep them from wiggling on the chance of… seeing her… Ugh.
After going into the cafe and ordering a black coffee, he set up outside with his laptop to try to make it look like he was just a regular guy getting work done. He was thankful it was a nice day so that he could be outside and wait for his palisman to come give him news. He had to wait, something he hated but he knew it would be best to keep him from drawing attention to himself.
An hour and change had passed before he heard the familiar chirps of his palisman on the canopy. Lil' Rascal did a little jumping dance around as he sang, making it appear to the humans around them that he was just a bird doing bird things, not giving information to the disguised witch under him. Hunter took out an earbud, putting it in to make it seem he was on call with someone on his laptop.
"You found them, then?" Hunter asked.
Lil' Rascal confirmed that he'd been following them for the past hour around their school campus. The witch is posing as a new student visiting her distant aunt in the city, with only her two friends aware of her true nature.
"Did you get their names?"
He did, in fact. The witch was named Luz, her palisman was called Bitesifer, the boy was Gus, and the girl in the yellow coat was named Willow… Hunter felt his ears try to flick against his beanie. Willow was a fitting name for someone as pretty as- No… no… focus! He was on a mission! Lil' Rascal hesitated before mentioning the next bit of information… a fourth person with them.
Amity Blight.
Hunter breathed in sharply, feeling his nose scrunch slightly in distaste. "Is there any inkling that she may know?"
No, the cardinal confirmed. The Blight daughter was in the dark of Luz's true nature, or that's at least how it appeared. She did, however, seem to have developed a crush on the witch…
"This… makes things a lot more complicated…" Hunter shifted in his chair, leaning his chin on his palm in thought. Blight Industries was a leading competitor against Titan's Enterprise, run by the power couple Odalia and Alador Blight. There was a veneer of teasing friendliness between the Blights and the Wittebanes, not to mention how Odalia seemed to be trying to push her children onto Hunter as suitors. But when one looked deeper…
Lil' Rascal fluttered down to the fence that separated the outdoor cafe space from the sidewalk, facing toward the street as he chirped stating he had more information past that. Hunter waited a few moments, glancing at his palisman before answering into his earbud.
"Go on." He shifted in his seat, nerves starting to get to him.
There was a shop a few blocks away, an exotic goods store known as 'The Owl House,' run by Eda Clawthorne. This is where the witch was staying.
"…This is becoming more and more complicated by the minute," Hunter groused, sighing through his nose. He knew of the Clawthorne, or should he say Clawthornes. Lilith was one of Belos' best agents, and Eda used to actually be an acquaintance of his uncle. They had long drifted apart, but Belos often asks Lilith how her sister was doing. Hunter had been keeping tabs on Eda in particular because she was housing a demon, King. He was a child, still, and often was forced to act as a 'dog', but otherwise it appeared he was content with his life. Would it be a problem to go there? Hunter rubbed his face, letting out a sigh.
Lil' Rascal jumped onto a nearby empty table, looking around for crumbs before hesitating. He asked if his witch wanted another piece of news.
"Sure… why not?" Hunter sighed again through his nose.
Lil' Rascal jumped over to an abandoned chunk of croissant, before speaking again. The girl, Willow, had most definitely noticed him following them, which is why he left them so soon. Hunter groaned, rubbing his face.
"I'll be home soon, then," Hunter said into his earbuds, the phrase he used to alert Rascal they were heading out. The cardinal picked up the abandoned croissant bit, then turned and fluttered off with it. The disguised witch quickly collected his things, and went to hail a taxi to the Owl House.
Willow leaned against the counter of the register while Luz stood behind her, typing at a computer that she made sure to face to the door so no potential customers came in and saw her googling the Golden Guard. The Owl House tended to lean toward quiet days, the exotic goods store getting a slow but steady trickle of customers throughout open hours and the occasional bus of tourists coming in to gander at their goods. Willow had been working at the imported goods store for a few months now, and was the second human Luz had come in contact with, after Eda who had found her.
"So… you're saying that he saved you from a horrifying plant monster?" Luz asked, her eyes darting around the laptop screen at an article she found on the Golden Guard.
"Yeah… it was a while ago, though." Willow shrugged, rubbing her arm. She stood up, turning away from Luz to busy herself with straightening up a shelf of brochures that displayed local attractions such as the theme park, the docks, and nature walks outside the city. "Like I said, I doubt he would remember who I am."
"D'aww, a cute face like yours? He is bound to remember you!" Luz smiled at her friend. Willow gave a half-smile back, turning her attention back to fliers. She made a mental note that she would need to print out more for Cave of Shadows and, as always, Titan's Enterprise. "So… did you get your grade back from chemistry yet?"
"Well, yes… but…" Willow frowned to herself.
"But?" Luz inquired, looking over to the dark-haired girl.
"I'm… too afraid to look at it," Willow admitted quietly.
"Too afraid? Didn't you spend your last weekend doing nothing but studying for it? To the point you only worked, studied, and slept?" Luz turned to face Willow a bit more, a frown on her face. Willow sighed, about to argue before the chime of the bell alerted the two that a customer had arrived.
"Hi! Welcome to the Owl House!" Willow turned to look back to the door before freezing… No way.
"U-uh… hi…" The blond boy offered a small wave of his hand, looking awkward and out of place. Willow blinked a few times, making the boy shift uncomfortably as he realized the girl had recognized him.
'Crap.' Hunter thought to himself. 'I knew I should have come in disguised as someone else!' He was a minor celebrity at best, not very well known… but still a celebrity. How could he be so foolish as to not think that he wouldn't be recognized as the nephew of one of the most rich and powerful men in the realm?!
"Can we help you find anything today, sir? Or are you just browsing?" Luz asked, obvious to who the human who entered was.
"A-ahh… J-just browsing," Hunter replied, before turning to look at a nearby bookshelf and heading over to look over the items resting on it. 'What is Willow doing here? She doesn't work here, right?' Hunter grabbed a random book, pulling it off the shelf to look it over as he tried to think of a better plan, and to force himself not to stare at the dark-haired beauty who had moved to stand next to his target. She wasn't wearing the yellow coat anymore, but instead a blue overall skirt with a white blouse. It fit her well… a bit too well. No, Hunter! Focus!
Willow reached over to the laptop, typing 'Hunter Wittebane' into the search bar as she looked to Luz through the side of her eye. The witch quirked her brow, before turning to look over the page that popped up… slowly realizing why Willow's demeanor changed.
"Mind if I ask where most of these products came from?" Hunter turned to ask the two ladies behind the desk, still holding the book he'd picked up on samurai history and armor.
"They come from all around the world," Willow spoke up, rehearsing her usual lines. "We specialize in imports from the farthest regions of the globe. If you're looking for a particular culture, I'd be happy to point you in the right direction." She watched as the Wittebane looked around the store, seemingly making a point not to actually look directly at her or in her direction.
" Well… uh…" Hunter could feel his bilesac was pulling magic from something. He closed the book, taking care to put it right where it was before turning. The pull was coming from a crystal ball that was sitting on a table… an oracle sphere? He furrowed his brow before stepping up to it. "Where, uh… did this come from?"
"Maaan, we honestly have no idea!" Luz cut in before Willow could try to give an answer. Willow looked over at the witch, half to furrow her brow and half to make sure her ears were properly covered. "We just stock the shelves, dude."
"I… see…" Hunter felt his eye twitching in annoyance at the witch. This might be harder than he'd expected. He really did think he could come in, grab Luz, and flee… but with Willow here, he was not about to risk something. His hand reached over to take another item, a locket he felt magic coming off, to look it over. He could tell by just holding it, his bilesac was starting to get a better charge. "What exactly is the system, then? I mean, I'm seeing items from Africa mixed with stuff from India, here."
"I just throw stuff wherever I can find room," Luz smiled… At least she was honest.
"Luz…" Willow sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. Hunter couldn't help but glance at her, he felt his ears flick before he forced his eyes back on the locket. He prayed Luz didn't notice his ears shifting; the illusion could only do so much, after all.
"Right…" Hunter muttered, half tempted to open the locket but knowing that would be a dangerous gambit.
"Well, take your time to browse! But remember if you break it you buy it." Luz gave him a finger gun before turning to face the human. "Why do you need to take this class, anyway?"
"…It's required to be an engineer," Willow sighed, crossing her arms and leaning back on the counter. She made a point to keep part of her focus on Hunter through the corner of her eye, half wishing Luz would stop the conversation so she could try to pander off some of Eda's more expensive goods onto the Wittebane… But she knew deep down that she would be way too nervous to even attempt it.
"But you don't even want to be an engineer!" Luz said with clear frustration. "Ugh! Why are your parents like this?" Luz rubbed her face. Hunter couldn't help but focus on the conversation… He remembered Willow telling him how she loved plants and nature, and wanted to be a botanist when he found her at the gardens all those years ago… She left out the details of her parents forcing her into a different field.
"They just want what is best for me…" Willow said. "I just can't get the elements memorized." Willow sighed, rubbing her arm as she looked away from Luz.
"Have you tried to put your own color coding on it?" Hunter asked before he thought, then froze as he realized he'd run his mouth. Slowly looking over to the other two, they stared at him with raised brows. "…I-I mean, uh… The periodic table is color coded, but if that doesn't work it helped me to make up sentences like 'Happy Hector Likes Beer But Could Not Obtain Food' for elements."
"Happy Hector likes-" Willow blinked a few times before moving to the laptop, quickly pulling up a periodic table on the screen. "…Huh…" She rubbed the back of her neck.
"WILL YOU TUTOR MY FRIEND?!" Luz exclaimed, whipping her hand up to point at Hunter who jumped in alarm.
"What?" Hunter flicked his ears, praying that they didn't notice.
"Luz!" Willow stomped her foot, a light blush on her cheeks as she stared at the girl.
"What? He's good at this!" She whipped back around at him. "I'm sorry, what's your name?"
"H-Hunter? Uh-"
"Hunter, please tutor my friend!" Luz repeated, clasping her hands as if begging. "I'll give you that locket you have been holding for free if you do!" Hunter hesitated before looking at Willow, who had her face in her hands. This… could work out for him. He could get close to them and get Luz to trust him this way. But… Willow knew who he was… wouldn't that make her uncomfortable?
"Uhh… okay?" Hunter shrugged, "If she's okay with it, then sure. I don't have a lot going on at the moment so I'm pretty open scheduled most of the time."
"Yes!" Luz crowed, turning back to her friend who still had her face in her hands. "Hear that, Willow? I am sure in no time you'll be getting good grades!"
"Luz, this is so inappropriate!" Willow opened her hands, looking to the witch beside her. "You can't just ask people to tutor-"
"Hey, he said yes!" Luz pointed out. "And you need to get out of that school more! I'll even cover your shifts!" She pointed her thumb at herself to emphasize her words.
"Luz, was it?" Hunter stepped forward, raising his hand slightly. "I think you're making uh… Willow uncomfortable?" Luz looked back to Hunter, then to Willow who rested her hands on the table. The human was biting her lower lip, avoiding the eyes of the other two.
"Um… I-If it is okay, though," Hunter cleared his throat, rubbing the back of his neck. "I-I can uh… make myself more… unnoticeable in public if that is what you're worried about." Willow looked over at him in surprise, before she flushed more and hid her face in her hands again.
"Oh god, was I that obvious?!" Willow whined, her voice squeaking slightly… honestly, it made Hunter's heart melt.
"M-Maybe a little bit… I'm kinda used to it, though," Hunter said with a shrug.
"I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable!" Willow lowered her hands, fixing her eyes on Hunter, her face still red. Gods, his heart felt like it was racing. She had been cute in the garden, but in the years since she had become straight-up beautiful.
"N-no! You didn't make me uncomfortable at all. Don't worry about that!" Hunter raised his hands in surrender, he knew he was probably blushing now, as well. "U-Uh, here." Hunter reached into his pocket, taking out a business card for Titan's Enterprise that Belos forced him to carry around and looked around, taking a pen before jotting down his phone number on it and offering it to Willow. "I-If you decide that you would like a tutor, just send me a text! We can decide then on where to meet and what time!"
Willow blinked, before slowly taking the business card. Did… did Hunter Wittebane just give her his private phone number?! What was happening?!
"N-no pressure or anything! Take your time deciding, uh…" Hunter rubbed the back of his neck, before turning to set the locket down. "I-I'll just go, uh. B-byEE!" He rammed his hip into a table as he turned, stepping back a few times to make sure he didn't break anything before clearing his throat. " Bye!" He turned, slamming through the door and speed walking away.
"…Willow… is it just me… or did that guy SO have the hots for you?!" Luz smiled brightly at her friend, who groaned and smacked her forehead with the business card.
Hunter took another taxi home, clenching his phone nervously with one hand. Titan's Enterprise was about a twenty minute ride away from the Owl House, and it was the longest twenty minutes of his life. He found himself stepping out of the car, making sure to leave a good tip for the driver before heading to the private elevator.
"You look… flushed," the guard, Harvey, noted with some amusement. Harvey was one of the demons employed at Titan's Enterprise, currently disguised as a large, dark-skinned and solidly-framed human with buzzed cut hair.
"I… had a weird day," Hunter explained as Harvey turned to press the elevator button for him. Harvey laughed genially but didn't press for details before the door opened and Hunter stepped inside. He summoned his 'employee' card to his hand, pressing it against the panel before selecting the button to the first floor of the penthouse at the top of the tower where he, Belos, and Kikimora lived along with a few select others.
After the door closed, Hunter sunk back against the wall, sighing through his nose before letting his illusions fade. He'd acted like such a fool…! He'd never thought he would meet the pretty girl from the garden again, let alone offer to spend time with her! What was he thinking? As the elevator made its ascent, Hunter felt his phone ding in his palm. He quickly looked at it, seeing a number he didn't recognize…
'This is Willow… maybe sometime on Friday after 3:00? You pick the location?"
Hunter felt his heart leap and he almost dropped his phone as he fumbled to type a reply.
'Yes, absolutely! Do you drink coffee?" She replied only a few seconds later.
'I do. There is a nice cafe outside of Hexside. Meet me there?"
"I'll be there!"
Hunter smiled, his ears going wild before he slapped himself. No! This is him tutoring her! This isn't a date! This isn't a date! Right? Yeah… The elevator door opened and he stepped out quickly and started to make his way to his room.
"Soooo?" Belos' voice cut through his thoughts and made him pause. "How did it go?" His uncle looked over his newspaper to Hunter, who swallowed and very slowly looked at him.
"I'm… going to be tutoring the girl who suplexed me in chemistry…" Hunter said, feeling his ears flatten. Saying that out loud for the first time really made him pause, even more so as he heard his uncle snort and watched him lower his newspaper.
"Wait, what?!"
AN: Day 2 of Huntlow Week! I made this AU a while ago with the help of Therma, and later Bogs and Mr. Spinner. I have to admit that out of all my AU's I think this one takes the cake on being my favorite, though another AU coming up on the last day of Huntlow Week might tie with it. I hope you guys enjoy this AU as much as I do, because I have already written out 2 other chapters for 'The Edge of Rifts' that I plan on publishing outside of Huntlow Week!