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fallen-gravity · 1 year

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you, wonderful you

"Hey," Willow whispers, cutting through all of the noise of Hunter's thoughts. "Can we talk? You know, away from the others?"

A conversation that could've been, had there been more time. Takes place immediately following the events of "For the Future"

Notes:

Let's just pretend for a moment that the Collector isn't spying on them, and they all have a little bit more time to decompress.

Let's pretend that words left unsaid get to be let out in the open.

huntlow nation, this one’s for you

AO3

Hunter is no stranger to physical contact.

When he was still in the Emperor’s Coven, the strict training schedule was all about hands-on combat training. You were to learn how to get back up every time you were knocked down no matter how hard a hit you were blown, which often meant round after round of continuous fighting with the other Scouts. In fact, having the Golden Guard status only seemed to make matters worse, because potential recruits always saved their most powerful attacks for him under the belief that beating him in a fight meant a guaranteed spot for them in the Coven.

He’s no stranger to literal, physical closeness with someone, either. It was his job to stand beside and protect his uncle all day. For as long as he could remember he was surrounded by authority figures significantly older than him, so he learned from a very young age never to lose eye contact, never to stutter, never to show even a moment of weakness, lest they see that as an opening to attack.

But…

Gentler expressions of contact?

Expressions of friendship? Of love?

Hunter doesn’t have experience with those at all.

Darius was never all that harsh with him, but the first time he patted him on the shoulder to praise him, Hunter flinched. The first time the Emerald Entrails playfully punched him in the shoulder after a team victory, he almost instinctively fought back. When Luz pulled him into a side-hug and called him her family, he burst into tears.

He doesn’t even want to think about how the first time that Willow pulled him into a hug, he felt as though his face burst into flames.

Though, to be honest, everything that Willow does makes him feel as though his face is bursting into flames, so he’s not really sure if that counts. She’s so…fierce, so passionate, so protective, so…beautiful, that he honestly wonders why she’s even friends with a mess-up like him. She’s seen him at his very worst, at his most self-deprecating, even his most brainwashed when he was still obsessed with finding recruits for the Emperor’s Coven, and time and time again she’s forgiven him, been there to comfort him, to include him with her little inside jokes with Gus or Luz, even when she didn’t have to.

It’s almost unfair to her, how much he loves her. How much he wants to hold her and kiss her and be the one to protect her. And okay, sure, he caught her when she was knocked from her staff mid-air and he saved her from the tangled thorns of her own self-hatred and he was the one who was there beside her when she needed to cry things out, but it’s unfair because he wants to be that person for her every day. He never wants to see her hurting like that ever again, but he wants to be there for her, through thick and thin, and he wants to be her shoulder to cry on whenever she needs him.

He loves her so much that it’s eating him up inside.

“Hey,” Willow’s voice suddenly cuts through his thoughts, and the sound of it makes his heart skip in his chest.

Oh Titan, he hadn’t said any of that out loud, did he? He hadn’t just spilled his heart out over Willow to Willow, right? The look on her face doesn’t make it seem like she had heard that embarrassing spiel, but-

A quick glance downward brings that train of thought to a sharp halt, and his face burns redder than apple blood as another realization hits him. She’s holding his hand.

Wait, no, she’s got her pinky wrapped around his.

Wait, no. She’s making a promise.

She’s making a promise? What could she be making a promise about?

A thousand different thoughts race to his head at once, a thousand different possibilities and a thousand different ways he could possibly respond. Whatever it is, he wants to be there for her, and if he has to bite his tongue and try even harder to bury his feelings for her to be the friend and support that she needs right now, then so be it.

“Can we talk? You know, away from the others?” she whispers, taking a small step to stand even closer to him, and every prepared response in his head falls right out of it and crashes to the ground. His blush only seems to worsen at the question, but Hunter manages to steel himself just enough to prevent his voice from squeaking when he replies.

“Yeah, sure” he tries to sound cool and collected, and gestures with his head off in a direction away from the others. There isn’t really much space for them to go without risking falling off of the Titan’s skull or catching the attention of the others, but they do their best to make it work. To make matters worse, Hunter’s mind is still racing at hundreds of miles per hour, because even as they walk, Willow does not unlink her hand from his. He tries to steady his breathing to make sure it’s not too obvious how nervous he is, but he’s almost certain that trying to control his breathing is only making it even more erratic. Though he doubts they walk for even two minutes to step out of earshot of the rest of the group, it feels as though hours pass before they finally stop and Willow turns to look at him.

N-not that he’s complaining, or anything, of course, he’d love if he could hold hands with Willow for hours, but-

“Hunter,” she says in a firm but soft tone, and Hunter can feel his ears begin to burn as he meets her eyes.

“Y-yeah?”

For a brief moment she cracks a smile at the crack in his voice, but does her best to visibly collect herself. She reaches to take his hand in her own, and if she were doing that to help calm his nerves, Hunter doesn’t have the heart to tell her it’s having the exact opposite effect.

“I really appreciate what you said to me back there,” she finally says, taking a moment to direct her gaze down towards their interlocked hands. “You mean a lot to me, too. I know it was really tough for you to be open like that, so…” she returns her gaze to meet his eyes with a smile, and if their interlocked hands weren’t already enough to take his breath away then her smile would do it for sure. “Thank you. But you know you don’t have to pretend to be okay for my sake, right? If I really did say or do something that upset you, I want you to tell me, because…I really care about you, Hunter”

“What?” Hunter blinks in surprise, and shakes his head. “Willow, no. I already told you that you didn’t make anything worse. What you said was really sweet, honest.” He blushes, and shakes his head again. “And I thought I told you not to worry about this kind of stuff!” He squints playfully, hoping it’ll be enough to lighten her mood even a little.

“I know, I know, I’m sorry. Old habits” She snickers, but the smile on her face is gone just as quickly as it had arrived. “But I just can’t help but worry, you know?”

“About…me?” Hunter asks, and at this point his entire being feels like it’s on the verge of bursting into flames.

Willow nods, taking a step closer. Hunter tries with every fiber of his being to ignore the fact that she’s standing close enough that he can smell her floral perfume. “It’s just that you’ve been so distant lately, and I know you’ve already said that it doesn’t have to do with me, but, really, Hunter, if I’ve done anything wrong…I want you to tell me”.

Distant? Has he been acting distant?

He knows he’s been a little snappish since he lost Flapjack, and that he’s been a little more mission-oriented since arriving back home on the Isles, but he wouldn’t necessarily call that distant. Old habits die hard, after all.

But hey, what does he know, right? Maybe he was being distant. “I know,” he replies, even though he isn’t all that sure. “I’m sorry. Losing Flap was just…really tough on me, you know? Like losing a piece of me. And I know that’s not really an excuse, not really, but…I hope you can forgive me. I’m sorry.”

Willow smiles sadly, and places a hand on his chest the same way she’d done earlier, and a quiet gasp escapes him at the sensation. “I know,” she replies, and hesitates for a moment before pulling her hand away. “But…it’s not just that. I dunno, maybe I’m just overthinking a little bit because I’m still a bit upset from earlier, but I feel like, you know…even back in the human realm, when you still had him, I just felt like there was this…barrier between us, you know? Like there was always something you wanted to tell me, but you never did. A-and I always did want to ask, you know? But I never wanted to push you before you were ready, and then I was gonna try and ask you what was going on after the hayride, but then you ran off, and…” she trails off, turning her gaze towards the ground and retracting her hand from his, and it kills him inside how much he’s already missing her warmth.

He tries to rack his brain, because he can’t imagine when he could’ve possibly been acting cold and distant over in the human realm. It could be the whole Grimwalker thing, but Gus said he already knew about that, and it’s not like Hunter was doing his hardest to hide that sort of information from them all summer. It can’t possibly be about Belos, either, because none of them even knew he was still alive until he presented himself moments before they all returned home.

Matter of fact, he’d even go as far to say he was…happy over there in the human realm, because he got to spend even more time with Willow. He had even more opportunities to see her smile and hear her laugh and hear her coo at all the different types of human flowers, and he got to see her dance in the rain and the sunlight, which is quite honestly the happiest he’s ever been, knowing that it was probably the happiest she’s ever been, so he’s really not sure where she could be getting the idea that he was acting--

But then it hits him, all at once.

She meant he’s been distant with her.

He’s been distant with her, and she noticed.

Oh no. Oh no. So she has caught on. She has caught on and she does know something’s up with him and that it has to do with her, and all this time he thought he was doing such a good time at hiding his feelings for her Willow thought he hated her.

Willow Park, the strongest, most beautiful, most elegant, most wonderful girl he’s ever met, the very girl who turns him to mush and makes him feel warmer than the sun and happier than he ever thought possible…thought he hated her.

“W-Willow, that’s…that’s n-not…” he stutters, everything about him feeling as though it’s coming undone. “That’s not what it is. I…” he swallows. “I could never hate you.”

Willow blushes in response to that, and Hunter feels as though he’s about to faint. Surely that was his eyes playing tricks on him. She’d just called him her friend a few moments prior. There’s no way that Willow likes him back.

…Right?

No.

No, he won’t let himself entertain the thought. Of course she doesn’t.

But…what if she does? What if, by Titan’s miracle, she likes him too, and he’ll never know if he doesn’t say anything before it’s too late?

Hunter sighs, and with very shaky hands, he reaches forward and takes both of her hands in his own. Willow gasps at the sensation, but she doesn’t pull away, which is a good sign. When he finally has the courage to meet her eyes again, her entire face is flushed an adorable shade of pink.

Okay.

Here goes nothing.

“Willow, I…” he squeezes her hands for comfort, and closes his eyes as he finally speaks. “I…I like you. I really like you. I don’t even know how long I’ve liked you, but all I know is that I think you’re the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen, and you’re strong, and you’re so cute when you talk to Clover, or to flowers, or to Gus and the others, a-and your smile is the prettiest thing I’ve ever seen, and I want to make you happy, because you make me happy, a-and you’re so passionate, and protective, but you’re also so delicate, and gentle, and…” he trails off when he realizes he’s rambling, but when he finally opens his eyes again Willow’s eyes are shining like the stars, and she’s beaming so much that she’s practically glowing.

“Hunter, is that all?” she squeaks, and clears her throat to compose herself. “I’m sorry, that came out sounding meaner than I meant for it too, but I mean…was all this because you were afraid that I wouldn’t like you back?” she asks, and the blush on her cheeks begin to worsen. “Of course I like you back! I’ve liked you for so long! Hunter, you’re so sweet, and kind, and caring, and you have so much passion for the things and the people that you care about, and your hair is cute and soft and so is your face,” she giggles, covering her mouth with the side of her hand. “I don’t know how you could’ve gotten the idea that I thought otherwise.” She smiles, and takes his hands in her own once more. “You inspire me, Hunter. Despite everything you’ve been through, you’re still this incredibly kind, caring person, where so many others would harden up and shut others out. You’ve shown all us half-witches out that we’re, well…worthy of love”

Hunter frowns. “I thought I told you not to call yourself that anymore”

Willow smiles. “See? It’s stuff like that that makes you so lovable, Hunter. You have so much love to give that it spills into everything that you do. I’m standing here telling you that I love you and you’re still finding ways to turn it around and express your love for me.” She looks towards their interlocked hands, and rubs gentle circles into his scars. “I’m so sorry if the world made you feel as though you weren’t worthy of being loved, but I promise that I do.”

She gently raises his hand and places a gentle kiss upon it, and he comes completely undone. He crumbles into her arms, winding his own around her waist and holding her close. He buries his face in her hair, inhaling her sweet floral scent as he just allows himself to feel loved. She meets him half-way, winding her own arms around him and burying her face into his shoulder. She sighs contently, which only makes him crumble further, and she laughs softly as she rubs circles into his lower back. For a few moments neither of them say a word, and Hunter doesn’t miss that Willow’s waiting for him to choose to pull away first.

He’s about to apologize for being such a mess of a boyfriend, if he’s even allowed to use that term yet, but Willow beats him to speaking before he can even open his mouth.

“May I?” she asks, hesitantly reaching a hand towards his face. It takes him a moment to realize what she’s asking, but doesn’t miss that she’s looking towards his freshly lengthened scars. Still a bit too overwhelmed to respond with words, he simply nods his head, and Willow reaches forward and gently cups a hand to his scarred cheek.

Her touch is…indescribable. Despite the scratches and bruises from earlier still present on her hand, her touch is soft, warm, and delicate. She’s rubbing tiny, gentle circles into his scars, like she’s determined to melt them away with the power of her love. It’s delicate, yet protective, like he’s the most important person in her life and that there’s nothing she wants more than to keep him safe and by her side.

It’s an overwhelming thought to be sure, and unlike anything he’s ever experienced. It’s new territory he’s never explored before, and he’s not even sure where he could possibly begin.

But…

With Willow by his side, he’ll be sure he can conquer anything. Be it Belos, the Collector, or their own general anxieties and trauma. Whatever it is, he wants to conquer it with her, and he’s going to do everything he can to make sure she comes out of it all safe and happy.

“I love you, Hunter” she whispers, as she tiptoes slightly upwards to touch her forehead to his.

“I love you too,” he replies without a moment’s hesitance, and closes his eyes as he presses his forehead to hers and winds his arms around her waist. For a few moments neither of them speak nor move, aside from the gentle sway of having trouble standing still. It’s as if they’re dancing to the rhythm of their own love, and neither of them wants to be the one to pull away.

“I’m sure the others are fine without us,” Willow mumbles after a bout of silence, twirling a finger in the air to summon flowers in both of their hair.

Hunter giggles, taking one of the red carnations from her hair and moving it behind her ear. “Hmm,” he hums in agreement, and brushes more of her hair aside to plant a kiss on her forehead. “We can get back to them later.”

#my writing #huntlow #the owl house #toh #toh fic #for the future #hunter noceda #hunter wittebane #willow park #I love them your honor I am weak for them your honor

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rocksandmirrors · 1 year

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[SPOILERS FOR FOR THE FUTURE]

OH BOY DO I HAVE MANY THINGS TO TALK ABOUT.

Amity seeing the twins again. 10/10, made me tear up (where tf is Alador tho. i need to see my cringefail husband again)

Willow bottling everything up like girl same lol. i'm so happy to see more of her, but at xhat cost </3

SO MUCH MATTHOLOMULE CONTENT. so his name is Mat(t?) Tholomule?? Mattholomule Tholomule??? why does everything need to be so complicated wit this kid. i like the fact he's never corrected anyone either in the past like ajhsajhsf ALSO HE'S DOING ABOMINATION MAGIC?? I MAY BE DRUNK BUT I SWEAR I SAW HIM USE ABOMINATION MAGIC. AND GUS TEACHING HIM ILLUSIONS IS CANON. GUSTHOLOMULE NATION RISE UP, I WANT ALL YOUR BEST FANARTS ON MY DESK BY MONDAY

[edit: it was just Amity's in Matt's place. i may be dumb, but hey i could see him try abomination magic]

i'm so happy he gets so much screentime and so many interactions with Gus like!!! i've been FUCKING FED. still no palisman tho </3 (unless i've missed it?? i've blacked out a couple times i think)

also i can't believe his facial hair was actually drawn on, i guess i have to update the comic i'm working on ajhsfajsf SHIT. "Man-ttholomule" my ass. it's funny how the Matt fans instantly recognized that the weird faces the squad was pulling in one of the trailers was actually because of him, we know him so well <3

LUZ'S PALISMAN IS SO FREAKING CUTE!!!! i love how everyone thought this was gonna be a snake aaand close enough <3 lil shapeshifter friend. a lovely pal. can't wait to see more of them (i can't remember their name I'M SORRY-)

why is Kikimora always so extra. i swear this woman is going to be the death of me, like ma'am this is a school full of traumatized kids, get outta here

i actually cried at Camila talking to Luz right before her palisman hatched. i wish she was my mom and would kiss my dumb lil forehead

the Collector being manipulated by Belos ONCE AGAIN ASAJSF i swear he's going to be his therapist's most loyal patient </3 i was really expecting him to lose his powers and thus Belos being the true villain of the very last episode idk

also can you guys leave Raine alone for 2 minutes. my pal's been through enough, let them just kiss their monster wife in peace like 🙄

HUNTLOW SHIPPERS HOW ARE WE FEELING..... Hunter tackling Willow into a hug like he had 10 seconds left to live......... mgnhmmn

SPEAKING OF WHICH i knew Hunter gaining Flapjack's powers was a popula theory BUT I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS ACTUALLY HAPPENED LIKE!!!! GO WHITE BOY GO

Boscha being Amity's bitter ex is so funny to me. it shouldn't be bc hey, Amity dropped her to hang out with a stranger that has been here for just a couple months, but it's still funny to me. stop white girl stop

also hot take but i'm really not a big fan of Lilith's new haurcut I'M SORRY </3 she's prettier with long hair imo. she's very cute as a ginger tho (no comments on Eda, she's as hot as ever)

i can't wait to see what(s gonna happen in the very last episode!!! i'm still convinced the Collector will lose his powers in some way and Belos will get his ass kicked

speaking of Belos i'm relieved he didn't get to use one of Caleb's bodies, could you imagine the trauma for Hunter to see this shit?? also the weird Caleb ghost following him around like. my man's haunted by the narrative etc

last but not least: this was Odalia's most huiliating episode. would recommend watching just for that tbh

in summary: 9/10 could use more Steve content tbh

#rant #the owl house #the owl house for the future #toh for the future #sorry for the typos </3 #i did my best

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