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monstergoblin · 1 year

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The Owl Pirates Chapter Two

First Chapter Tumblr Link HERE

Posted First On A03 Here

It’ll be updated on A03 first and might take me a bit to get to updating it here as I always seem to forget about my tumblr. <3 At this point in time the A03 has 5 chapters posted

Summary:

First days are hard

Trigger Warnings Always read safe: Depression, Suicidal thoughts, Pushing down feelings, Overworking self to ignore feelings, Child Abuse (Belos is a bitch okay), Gaslighting, Self Gaslighting, Manipulation, Injuries

Notes: I want to say one more time Hunter is going to have thoughts of killing himself these first few chapters. He is very expresso depresso

Chapter 2: The Empty Shell of an Ex-Navy Boy

He was awfully quiet. Luz had been expecting him to fight, yell and possibly cause problems. Liliith had said he would, had called him a spoiled brat who would obey Belos’ orders to death. So why was this boy so ghost-like?

She was told to stay by his side, to be his welcoming of sorts. Luz of course jumped at the chance. She wasn’t going to miss the opportunity to learn about the mysterious stranger who had been found in the water. Even if he was rude she was so ready to break open that shell and learn about his past.

Yet, he didn’t talk. At least not yet. They only sat in the medbay for what felt like hours before Luz asked him if he wanted to walk around. He acted like he couldn’t even hear her, so she finally dragged him to his feet. Some fresh air always helped her.

Even walking around the deck as Luz introduced him to some of the crew, Hunter just quietly followed. As if on instinct.

“So mysterious navy boy, “ A nickname Luz had started about twenty minutes ago, “You met Eda, Steve, Gus and Matt.” She listed on her fingers. “Did anyone catch your eye to talk to? I can introduce you to Willow, Or King or Amity- “

“What about me!” A loud annoying voice came from above from Hooty who was perching on the ropes. He was watching them with big eager eyes.

“Of course I wouldn’t forget you Hooty.” Luz put her hands on her hips looking up at the brown owl. “This is our cursed owl Hooty!”

“I’m actually a cursed human!” Hooty remarked in a playful joking voice.

“Oh right of course you are Hooty.” Luz waved her hand dismissing it. “It's fun to scare people with him, but he doesn’t really do much around the ship.”

“I do lots around the ship!” The owl screeched.

Luz had stopped looking at Hooty to check on the blonde boy. Hunter was just blankly staring at Hooty. He didn’t care- of course he didn't care- but Luz was hoping someone would get Hunter's attention. Possibly get him to open up, but it only seemed to make him look more tired.

Maybe she needed a different approach.

“Hey” She reached out to put her hand on Hunters shoulder but he flinched slightly making her pause. The only reaction he had, and it was fear. Of course it was fear. He was a navy boy on a pirate ship.

“Why don’t we do something fun instead?” Luz offered putting her hand on her hip instead of his shoulder. “I can show you the crows nest, it’s where I usually hang out.”

She led him to the ladder even though Hunter didn’t respond. She didn’t know if he was going to follow her up the ladder, but he did. It wasn’t as high as the ropes led but Luz loved the feeling of the pure air up here. She scooched and helped Hunter up out of the Ladder before both resting at the top.

It was refreshing to be up here. She enjoyed it. Though that wasn’t important right now. Hunter was only sitting next to her, he had taken to huddling his legs close to him while leaning against the mast. Only staring down at the ship below.

He seemed miserable. No matter what Luz did.

“It’s nice up here, quiet.” Luz commented letting her legs dangle through the railings openings. “It's one of my favorite places to escape to. If you ever need to hide from the others this is a nice place to do it. “

Hunter didn’t react to anything she said.

“Hey,” Luz went to pat him on the shoulder again, this time slowly so as to not alarm him. Which seemed to be better, he still tensed under her touch. “Whatever happened to you, we just want to help.”

He was stiff now under Luzs hand, so she decided to take it away, but he didn’t relax. It was like Luz wasn’t even talking to him- because he probably didn’t want to hear it.

“I can leave you up here alone for a bit if you need.” Luz suggested. “I’ll wait at the bottom so you don't get in trouble. If you want?”

No reaction.

“Did you lose your whole ship?” Luz pried. “Was it a storm? That happens on the sea. It's not good to bottle those feelings up and I heard it's easier to talk to strangers about your problems anyway.”

Still nothing, Luz was giving up bringing one of her own legs up as to rest her arms and chin on it. Maybe he just needed some silence. Comforting someone who didn’t seem to want comfort was hard.

“Lilith.” It was almost a whisper how quiet it was.

Luz snapped her head back to Hunter who now seemed more- awake. He was sitting more upright and his eyes were wide in shock as his gaze was locked on Lilith who was leaning against the side of the ship talking to someone out of Luz’s view.

“Oh yeah, I forgot she was in the navy once.” Luz said. “Do you know her?”

Maybe that was the key to having Hunter open up better.

“What's she doing here?” Hunter's voice was higher pitched than Luz had imagined. “Are the rumors true? Did she betray Belos for her sister?”

“Well yeah who doesn’t want to betray Belos?” Luz let out a chuckle

-----------------------------------------------

She wasn’t supposed to be here. She died four months ago according to the records. Her crew saw her die. The reports say that they had gone out to scout and island. Her and two others were on the dandy that had gone down. A misjudgment of tides, -no it wasn’t a mistake. It was a set up. She never died- she left on purpose.

She’s a traitor- a monster- a pirate. Hunter had been right when they captured Eda so long ago and she just escaped without reason. Lilith had been behind it. It wasn’t Hunters fault alone. There was a traitor as he suspected.

He should capture her- take her to Belos-

“He was the one who ordered your death.” Terras words haunt his head.

Maybe he was wrong. Maybe Terra was also a traitor- but she was so loyal to Belos. She always was.

That familiar burn in the back of his throat was back. He’d managed to get it to disappear for a bit. He tensed, unsure what to do now.

“Hunter?” The girl’s voice was soft.

“What” Hunter snapped his voice cracking. He had meant to sound more intimidating than that.

“Do you want to meet Lilith?” Luz asked.

Hunter didn’t want to face Luz. If he looked at the girl now he wasn’t sure he could keep the composer. He was tired of this, he didn’t know what to do. He was supposed to be dead.

Belos wanted him dead.

“No” Talking was harder than he anticipated. His eyes were starting to leak again, he thought he had it under control.

“It might be nice to talk to a familiar face-” Luz tried.

“No” Hunter stated again, curling back in on himself. He didn’t want to talk to her- He didn’t know what to think of her. She was a traitor but Hunter wasn’t sure bringing her back would be enough for Belos to accept him again. What had he even done wrong?

“Okay.” Luz accepted defeat. “I’m just going to wait at the bottom of the ladder then. Whenever you’re ready you can come down and I’ll introduce you to the rest of the crew.”

Then he was alone, up above the rest of the ship. Nothing but harsh wind beating against him. Reminding him, he was indeed human and it was getting awfully cold. He didn’t know how long he could stay up here, but he didn’t want to move.

He was supposed to be dead.

Belos wanted him dead.

So why wasn’t he dead?

“He was the one who ordered your death.” Terras voice was haunting. He knew Belos got mad at him, but would he really want him dead. Hunter had been on his best behavior, and sure he screwed up, but he was always rightfully punished and he thought he had made it up to Belos. He thought Belos was becoming proud of him. That’s why he put him on Terras ship wasn’t it? Or was it really to have him executed outside the public eye.

It wasn’t unusual. Belos had two types of executions, One to make an example of and the ones done out in sea, where no one witnessed as to not cause more chaos. As to not cause terror. Did Hunter do something to betray Belos? He hadn’t meant to.

Terra wasn’t a traitor though. If she said Belos ordered it, Belos ordered it. She was alot of things but a liar wasn’t one of them.

Belos wanted his own nephew dead.

---------------------

While she stood at the bottom waiting for Hunter several crewmates asked her about Hunter. It was only natural they were curious. She is too, but he didn't want to talk and it could be overwhelming to meet everyone right away.

He’s been crying up there for hours now. It was an eerie quiet cry, only shakey inhales, and occasionally wiping his nose. She told him she was going to give him space but she didn’t realize it was going to be so long. She didn’t want to bug him but he didn’t have a coat on and the clouds were hinting at rain.

Luz was going to have to go back up there and fetch him, or at the very least lend him something warm. She didn’t think the storm would be bad, but it would be better safe than sorry. Even if she wanted to allow Hunter his peace for a bit.

Afterall he seemed to be dealing with a lot. Maybe he was upset about being on a pirate ship, or maybe being the nephew of an evil man was just exhausting. Whatever it was Luz had a feeling she shouldn’t bug Hunter on it too much. She was only making it worse it seemed.

“Hey.” She called as she reached the top of the crows nest again. Hunter didn’t bother turning to her. “Hey,” She repeated pulling herself up off the ladder to sit besides him. “Storms coming shouldn't be scary but you need to get down now.”

Hunter took a shaky breath not daring to face her.

“Look, I know you’re not done.” Luz sighed out. “I’m not going to pretend I know how to fix whatever you’re dealing with, nor do I even know what you’re upset about.” She shrugged. “don’t know if you even want my help right now, but I’m not letting you get sick and die up here.” She declared offering her hand to him.

He didn’t instantly take it, even avoided looking at her, but Luz kept it out patiently. It was when the boy realized Luz was going to be stubborn that he took her hand and let her pull him gently towards the ladder.

Hunter reached the bottom first because Luz wasn’t about to chance him, waiting for her to leave but staying up top. He held himself in a stiff posture as he waited. Luz couldn’t help but pity him as he still was avoiding eye contact and the tears were still slowly leaking.

He’s been crying off and on nearly the whole day- how did he still have tears.

“You might get talked to.” Luz warned. “But I bet Steve will let you hide in medbay for a bit again.” She offered.

Hunter didn’t seem to care.

“Matt might get annoying, but he shouldn’t bug you until you calm down. Don’t take anything he says to heart, he wants to be cool but he’s still learning who he is. Besides, if he does get too annoying you can just tell Steve. Matt wont admit it but he admires his brother very much.” Luz kinda felt like she was talking too much but it was better than the silence. “I was told to watch you, so I have to stick around.” She gave a smile to Hunter who looked far more interested in the floor.

Luz held the door of the medbay open for Hunter who immediately went to the bed without so much as a glance to Steve who was sitting at the desk reading a book.

“Care if he stays in here a bit?” Luz asked, though she knew the answer and was already walking out as Stever gave a shrug of his shoulders in his casual carefree way.

When the boy first woke up this morning Luz had been excited, ready to meet him, ready to help, but she still didn’t really get to meet Hunter. He wasn’t really here, he was lost in his own head. It wasn’t something Luz knew how to fix.

She stayed outside the medbay in case Hunter did decide he wanted to walk around, but she didn’t think he would. Even if that was the case Steve knew better than to leave a newcomer alone anyway. So, she didn’t really know why she stayed outside.

“Luz?” A familiar sweet voice came.

“Amity!” Luz jumped, turning to the purple haired girl. She wore her usual pretty gems around her neck and small hoop earrings. “What- What are you doing out here? Do you need Steve? I can get Steve.”

“Luz calm down.” Amity chuckled. “I came from below deck.” Amity pointed to the door of the stairs across the way of the medbay. Of course, Luz must’ve not been paying much attention. The pretty ex-merchant daughter always seemed to catch her off guard.

“Oh.” Luz replied stupidly, feeling the heat building around her cheeks.

“I heard Eda put you in charge of him.” Amity leaned on the opposite wall Luz was sitting against. “Seems to be a theme.” Amity was referring to when she and her family first joined the crew. Her mother was in charge of a big ship that she used to sell to everyone, pirates, navy or anyone else with coin. Eda had stolen something from Odalia, which is how Amity and Luz first met. Now they were possibly friends.

“Better to introduce the newcomers to the loud one first right. I overwhelm them then the rest of the crew seems like a cakewalk.” Luz joked back.

Amity let out a small chuckle “I think she knows how friendly and accepting you are.”

Luz's face was feeling hot, hopefully that wasn’t visible. “Or I’m just Edas favorite.” She gave a cheesy smile.

�� Amity smiled and copied Luz’s pose of criss cross on the floor. “Is he still crying?” She whispered, eyeing the door to medbay.

“Yeah off and on. I kinda wish he just wanted to kill me like you did.” Luz smiled.

“I thought we were past that.”

“What was it you called me? Sea rat?” Luz teased and Amity rolled her eyes. It was nice to remember how much Amity has changed already. Remembering those rough beginnings made it easier to have faith that Hunter would get adjusted to. He didn’t seem like a bad guy, just a kid like her. “Who told you he wouldn’t stop crying?”

“ I overheard Gus talking to Perry. ” Amity shrugged. “Not like it would’ve stayed a secret long anyway, word travels fast on this ship.”

“I don’t know how to help him.” Luz looked at the medbay door.

“Hey he’s only been awake a day, don’t worry too much. He’ll get better.”

“Yeah, it's just different from everyone else. You fought me- alot. Lillith, Steve and Matt all joined willingly, but he is just here. “ Luz pointed out. “I’ve never met someone so upset.”

Amity kept smiling at Luz, meeting her eyes. “You don’t even know him and you’re so worried. Eda’s right to have you watch him. “

“Mama said I’d do great too.” Luz sighed, taking off her bandana to ruffle through her hair. “I kinda wish she was against it like when you joined and I insisted on talking to you. Now it feels like there’s pressure.”

“You’re only the welcoming party. You’re not to fix him, you’re just here to make sure if he does plan anything, someone sees.” Amity pointed out, she paused for a second before reaching her hand out to grab Luzs. “No one expects you to do anything. Just watch him.”

Amity was holding her hand. Sure, it wasn’t a romantic way- it was a reassuring friendship way. Luz did that to Amity before when they stood against Odalia. So why did this feel different? Was it because of her silly crush- or?

The medbay door swung open causing Luz to jump away from Amity and turn to the door. Steve came out, closing the door quickly behind him.

“He’s still in there.” Steve commented. “I’m going to grab him some food.”

Right Hunter hadn’t eaten for a while. Luz didn’t consider that.

“Ah- Okay.” Luz responded by jumping to her feet. “I’ll go in there.”

Steve gave a shrug, “Doesn’t matter, he’s not doing anything. Keep talking to your girlfriend.”

Luz’s face was burning before now she felt on fire.

“We’re not- She’s not-” Luz stuttered.

“Whatever.” Steve smirked walking away.

There was an awkward silence as Steve left the two girls alone. Why did he have to tease? He made it weird.

“Well- I gotta go, dad wanted me to fetch something for him.” Amity nervously held her arm as she got up.

“Yeah- no - I need to watch Hunter- so you know.” Luz smiled sheepishly before retreating into the medbay.

She held herself against the closed door for a few seconds regretting everything that just happened. Amity was so cool and she was lucky to be her friend. Why was she so painfully obvious with her crush that even Steve knew to tease her. She needed to get over this- If Amity found out- it would make things weird- it would be weird- right?

Her thoughts stopped when she finally registered the room before her. The medbay was cleaner now. Steve had organized and put things away, he wasn’t particularly the most tidy person but when it came to important things he stepped up.

Her eyes naturally went to the beds first to see Hunter, but they were made and empty. The blonde boy was actually standing next to the desk eyeing the things on it. His back was facing her as he stared at the desk.

Luz was quiet as she approached, she didn’t want to startle him but she wanted to see what he was so fixated on. She peeked around him to see where his eyes were staring. They were wide like he was scared. He wasn’t shaking but he was barely breathing. Luz followed his gaze back to the table where a small knife was laying.

He was scared of the knife?

No, that wasn’t it.

Navys had rash decisions forced into them.

“Hey,” She didn’t mean to make him jump but he did, for once showing emotion. Wide eyes staring at her like she was a ghost. “The knife can’t hurt you alone.”

He paused, turning back to it.

“I think it’s time I introduced you to my mom.” Luz grabbed Hunters wrist and brought him away from the desk. “You’ll like her.”

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somethingpoetichere · 3 years

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lovebug- caliban imagine

sup. fic inspired by my favorite song in THE world. not as soft mushy as it may sound I promise caliban is a nice lil sarcastic SHIT with a big ole crush. mild sabrina bashing but its funny in context and I think it’s the way family behaves. reader is a Spellman, not a witch but DOES know about the supernatural/is part of the supernatural world. here with my once in a blue moon post lol. feedback would be appreciated!

called her for the first time yesterday

finally found the missing part of me

felt so close but you were far away

left me without anything to say

Caliban was not an idiot- he knew not to underestimate the Spellman half-witch that had gone and declared herself queen of hell. So he’d taken the liberty of learning everything he could about her, noting her habits and schedule and the people she surrounded herself with.

And then he found you.

You weren’t a witch- at least, he hadn’t found your name in his diligent searching through the Book of the Beast- but you were something. That he was sure of. There was something slightly off about your presence, tinged a little glittery, though not altogether unpleasant.

No, not unpleasant at all, he mused as he watched you make your way towards your car. Tucked into a little yellow sundress, you stood out like a ray of sunshine in the wave of doom-and-gloom that hallmarked high school. The school bell rang out behind you, and Caliban felt his knees go disgustingly weak as you smiled brilliantly at Sabrina through the crowd.

It was a stupid, stupid decision that Caliban would never have made in the right state of mind, but he reasoned that pissing off Sabrina was validation enough to get your attention. He ducked into your path on purpose, taking advantage of your momentary distraction as he gently bumped into you. oops.

You collided with a solid wall, books tumbling out of your hands as strong arms reached out to steady you. You let out a surprised yelp at the collision, peeking up curiously as the wall you’d hit laughed.

Oh, well that was a sight for sore eyes.

The golden haired stranger holding you was, well, gorgeous. Bright blue eyes peered down at you as he grinned, and you felt the whole world shutter around you. You’d definitely been watching too many soap operas with your auntie, but goddamn it if you weren't positively putty.

“Hi there, stranger.” You giggled nervously, and Caliban suddenly remembered he’d had his arms around you for far too long to be acceptable. He reluctantly retreated, feeling something claw a little uncomfortably in his chest.

“I’m sorry, I wasn’t looking where I was going.” He apologized, moving to pick up your books as you bent down to retrieve them. He ran a hand through his hair in barely concealed bashfulness, unsure of why he felt so... unsettled, all of a sudden.

“It’s alright, my head was in the clouds.” You waved off his apology, accepting the books he offered you with a grateful smile. “Are you new here? I don’t think we’ve met.”

“He’s new here!” Sabrina’s shrill voice interrupted, training her icy glare on Caliban, who fought back a smirk. “This is Caliban- he’s from... Australia! Yeah, down under!”

“Oh, I can show you around tomorrow! I know how scary it can be to be new here.” You patted his arm sympathetically, ignoring Sabrina’s stream of indignant protests. “I was with student council all day. If you’re a senior, we probably have most of the same classes.”

Caliban had shit to do. Caliban had trials to plan and souls to torture. But you were looking at him- all warmth and sunshine, and Sabrina’s look of pure horror only sweetened the deal.

“I’ll see you in class tomorrow then, sunshine.”

so worth it.

now i'm speechless, over the edge

i'm just breathless

i never thought that i'd catch this love bug again

hopeless, head over heels in the moment

i never thought that i'd get hit by this love bug again

Caliban didn't understand why the mortals all bemoaned high school as hell on earth. It certainly wasn't so bad once you got past the wave of body spray and the questionable cafeteria food. In fact, darting to class with a pretty girl beside him was pretty enjoyable, all things considered.

You’d spent the day introducing him to the other students, passing him silly notes in class, and had even tugged him from the lunch room to hang out with your friends in the library. He learned that you pretty much did it all- student council, cheerleader, top of your class- all while managing to somehow know the name of everyone you passed with a smile in the halls. You were silly and sweet— smart as all hell with a wit that certainly kept the clay prince on his toes.

and he was smitten.

The groan that escaped your painted lips was delightfully sinful as you slumped in the seat beside him in english class. “I hate Romeo and Juliet. How do two people fall in love in a few days anyhow? And Mrs. Willows always makes us reenact the scenes, and it’s so corny.” The blush that colored your cheeks as he looked at you in concern was something he did his best to commit to memory- cheesiness be damned, Caliban was enjoying himself far too much.

Caliban smirked, skimming through the booklet he’d been passed as the teacher droned. The prince of hell had a certain flare for the dramatics, and Sabrina’s glare burning into the back of his head only fueled his antics. He had one scene in mind, and it was the scene that was certain to kill four birds with one stone- totally make you fall in love with him, he would somehow manage to kiss you (that part was a work in progress), piss off Sabrina, and also- piss off Sabrina.

And kiss you. So maybe five parts. Damn it, Caliban was going to have to make a list.

“Partners?” He whispered softly, gently tugging at your hand as the teacher sat back down. Caliban’s eyes were alight with a tinge of mischief that you either failed to notice or were simply amused by- and your answering nod was more than a little bashful. “We can do my favorite scene.”

“If you say the first kiss scene, I’m punching the daylights out of you.” You warned, playfully nudging his knee with your own. “It will be unkind and I will not feel bad.”

“My lady wounds me.” He dramatically rested his hand above his heart. “And we absolutely have to do this scene-” He raised his hand to silence your half-hearted protests- “because Billy told the guys in calculus that he was specifically going to be pissed if we did this scene.”

Okay, so maybe he’d stretched the truth a little bit. But Caliban knew that the mention of your seedy ex-boyfriend (who you’d enlightened him about during lunch) would absolutely get you to agree to the scene. And it wasn't like he’d lied— Billy Marlin’s glare was nearly as icy as Sabrina’s. And, it wasn't like the way Billy looked at you- with something akin to possession in his eyes- totally made Caliban want to fast track the kid to damnation right then and there. Nope.

“We can meet up later today to practice? I have cheerleading practice after school, but I’m free after that!” You grinned at him, and he felt the tension ease out of his shoulders as you rested your hand on his arm. The gesture was so effortless- but to Caliban, who’d never really experienced connection like this- you reduced him to all but clay again.

“I can drive you home after practice?” Caliban offered, enjoying the yelp that Sabrina let out from the back of the classroom. He shouldered your bag as the bell sounded, noting the way your eyes softened even further at the gesture. “We don't really have cheerleaders down under, you know.”

“You’re welcome to stay and watch.” You shrugged, ignoring the way your heart thudded erratically as he walked you to the locker room. “It won’t be too long today, and Sabrina has a date with Nick after, anyways.”

it was really just too easy.

i can't get your smile out of my mind

i think about your eyes all the time

you're beautiful but you don't even try

(you don't even, don't even try)

modesty is just so hard to find

Caliban wasn’t sure if he regretted his earlier offer. Sure, the sight of you tucked into the tight cheerleading uniform (did they make them that short on purpose?) was pretty much the pinnacle of male fantasy, and the smiles and winks you’d thrown his way whenever he caught your eye during your routines were something else altogether.

But getting the sight out of his brain as you rambled aimlessly in the car about today’s chapters of Dante’s Inferno, while he simultaneously tried to focus on the road and definitely not the way your skirt hitched on the leather seat...

Yeah, Caliban was pretty sure he was in love.

You weren’t too far off, in all honesty. Caliban’s large hands had a firm grip on the steering wheel, and you took the time to admire further up his toned arms as he drove. His hair fell in loose, windswept waves, and his side profile looked like it was sculpted by the freaking gods. Every so often he would glance your way, his perfect lips parting to reveal his perfect teeth and perfect smile and gods-

Yeah, you had the lovebug bad.

“So how did you meet Sabrina?” You questioned innocently enough, and Caliban had to restrain the urge to spill all of the hell-related gossip to you. How Sabrina had managed to keep all of her throne-seeking from you was beyond him, but it certainly added a thrill to his pursuit of you.

“I had some administrative issues the other day and ran into her. She doesn’t like me too much, I’ve gathered.” Caliban was careful not to lie- his entanglement with you had the added perk of pissing off your dearest cousin, but it was genuine on Caliban’s end. He found he didn’t really want to lie about things.

“Sabrina is... touchy.” You offered carefully, shifting in your seat as you pointed out directions to your home. “I don’t really understand why she doesn't like you, to be honest. I was actually going to have a word with her about being nice- you’ve been so sweet, and I was the new kid too a few years back. It's hard to find your place in the established dynamic of a small town.”

Caliban doubted you’d had too much of an issue, with the way the halls seemed to light up around you, but the accompanying smile you gave him was bright enough to soothe his imagined woes. “It’s alright, I reckon she’ll get used to having me around.”

“Used to you?” You mused with a giggle, leaning on the console in a gesture that brought your face much, much closer to his own. He was overwhelmed with your floral scent- something soft and summery and altogether you.

“I plan on being around you a lot, sunshine. If you don’t mind.” He grinned, turning to face you momentarily at the stop sign. Your eyes were wide with hardly concealed surprise at his words, and he watched the realization of the close proximity of his face flicker through them.

It happened so fast that Caliban was almost certain he imagined it- but your eyes had definitely glanced at his lips. The blush that tinged your cheeks as you pulled back confirmed it, and in a moment of calculated risk, Caliban moved to rest his hand on your exposed thigh.

“No, I wouldn’t mind at all.”

If Caliban squinted, he could almost picture that he was a normal teenage boy, driving a beautiful, normal girl home from school. The sinking sun was peeking through the windows, bathing you in an ethereal glow, and - at least for right now- everything was perfect.

you were perfect.

now i'm speechless, over the edge

i'm just breathless

i never thought that i'd catch this love bug again

hopeless, head over heels in the moment

i never thought that i'd get hit by this love bug again

Caliban draped himself across your bed, a languid smirk on his lips as you kicked haphazardly placed piles of clothes into your closet.

“I promise I’m not usually this messy,” you apologized with a sheepish smile, shoving a mass of shoes under your bed, “okay, that's a lie. I’m always this messy, I just didn’t expect company.”

Caliban hardly minded. It was adorable how embarrassed you were, and he took the time to take in your bedroom (drawn from his reverie only by the occasional delighted shout when you found a shirt you’d thought had been sacrificed to the laundry gods, or worse, Sabrina’s room).

The first thing Caliban noticed was the books. While your clothes lay in scattered piles, all of your books were meticulously organized and lovingly tucked into shelves that took up an entire wall of the room. Sabrina may have answered that Caliban’s only hobby was torturing babies (or her, which was the same thing, really— and also, what the hell? Caliban may have enjoyed the occasional soul flaying, but only when it was well deserved!)— but Caliban loved to read.

What was one lifetime in one world, when he could learn of a thousand others in just as many universes? Immortality could grow dull, and eternity had to be spent somehow. Caliban tried not to smile as you precariously placed the book that had found its way onto your nightstand back into its place, and supposed that it might be far more enjoyable with someone else.

You seemed satisfied with your damage control, and slumped onto the bed dramatically with a groan. It was then that Caliban’s hand found a stray victim of your clothing massacre.

“Nice.” He grinned, and you peeked up from your playbook to find him dangling a pink lace bra.

Shit.

“Give me that!” You lunged, but Caliban was too fast. He quickly moved them from your reach, laughing wildly as you wrestled him desperately for the bra.

“You are the worst.” A groan escaped you, and you huffed in fake-defeat as Caliban smirked victoriously at your retreat. You leaped at the chance, tackling Caliban with all your might. While momentarily surprised, he reacted quickly and shifted so that he was now pinning you to the bed, his hair dangling wildly in your face as you both laughed.

Caliban’s face was so close that you could see the flecks of green in his eyes. For a moment, his eyes seemed to flicker to your lips, but in the seconds it took for you to find your voice again, you’d lost your nerve.

“We should get back to the scene.”

The moment was broken, and Caliban retreated with a bashful look on his face. He ran a hand through his hair and moved to sit across from you, his cheeks tinted a little red as he politely handed you back your intimates and pretended to shield his eyes when you tossed it somewhere. You’d never been so freaking embarrassed in your life, but Caliban was smiling so softly at you, like you were—

“If I profane with my unworthiest hand this holy shrine, the gentle sin is this: my lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand to smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss.” He motioned around with his hands dramatically, tone playful and light.

You were so dead. Caliban was freaking made for this romantic swooning nonsense that you’d tried to protest nearly the whole ride home, Billy Marlin be damned.

Giggling nervously in what you hoped seemed scene-appropriate, you tried your best to forget being a horny teenager to instead play a horny teenager. “Good pilgrim, you do wrong your hand too much, which mannerly devotion shows in this, for saints have hands that pilgrims' hands do touch, and palm to palm is holy palmers' kiss.”

Caliban’s voice lowered, a smile still tugging at his lips as he took your hands in his own. “Have not saints lips, and holy palmers too?”

“Ay, pilgrim.” Your own voice softened in turn as Caliban began to trace mindless patterns on the backs of your hands with his thumbs, “lips that they must use in prayer.”

“O, then, dear saint, let lips do what hands do. They pray; grant thou, lest faith turn to despair.” Caliban’s eyes were soft, and you imagined that Shakespeare had pictured the man in front of you when putting the words to paper. The words fell so naturally from his lips and he seemed engrossed in the scene— he was, for lack of a better word, enchanting.

“Saints do not move, though grant for prayers' sake.” Your voice was hardly more than a breathless whisper, the proximity of your faces and the intimacy (however imagined) stealing the air from your lungs.

Caliban paused, his eyes meeting yours intently as if searching for something. Whatever it was, he seemed to find it as he took your face in both of his hands.

“Then move not, while my prayer’s effect I take.”

It was all too much. You could hardly be blamed for kissing him as fiercely as you did.

It was like fireworks, like every cheesy romance novel and play (cough, Romeo and Juliet) claimed it would be. You’d had plenty of kisses before, but never one that melted your brain like this. You forgot all about the scene, about how not real this was supposed to be as your hands tangled in his windswept hair and he pulled you onto his lap.

It was Caliban who first pulled away, only just so that your noses were touching. He was breathing heavily, eyes blown wide— and you felt your whole face turn red as reality consumed you again. “I am so sorry, I’ll just—”

“Where do you think you’re going, Juliet?” Caliban’s hands firmly gripped your hips, preventing you from moving away. His fingers thumbed the band of your skirt, and his next words were a whisper against your lips.

“Thus from my lips, by thine, my sin is purged.”

kissed her for the first time yesterday

everything i wished that it would be

suddenly i forgot how to speak

hopeless, breathless, baby can't you see?

Caliban was in love. He’d spent the next three weeks with you reciting Romeo and Juliet, sharing shakes at Dr. Cerberus, and tugging you into empty classroom and closets at every opportunity to kiss you senseless. Every moment not spent with you was at least somewhat occupied by the thought of you, and Caliban found he wasn’t the least bit upset about it.

And Sabrina was pissed.

If she’d hated him before, she positively loathed him now. It was the latest point of contention between yourself and your darling cousin, who’d you taken to threatening with various kitchen utensils and promises to tell the aunties she’d been sneaking out to make her behave. And Caliban, for his part, was perfectly polite— even though he still had every intention of taking the throne from the inexperienced witch who promised to destroy the balance of heaven and hell.

Which presented Caliban’s own latest dilemma. He was going to have to tell you eventually— and in a way that didn't make you totally hate him. He had a plan. Okay, maybe a skeletal plan. Or no plan. Yeah, Caliban was going to wing it.

After today. He just had to make it through your reenactment of Romeo and Juliet with no demonic catastrophes or maiming Blly, and then he would tell you everything.

But even that was too much to ask.

Sabrina burst through the english classroom doors, yelling in barely concealed panic that there was a BIG problem and the principal needed Caliban now.

Caliban moved to leave with an apologetic smile in your direction, which you were absolutely not having. Despite your current frustration with Sabrina, she looked downright terrified, and you were both concerned for your cousin and overwhelmed with a gut feeling that something was up.

After a few moments, you excused yourself to use the restroom.

You hauled ass to the gym, where the screaming sounded to be coming from. When you entered, you were met with the strangest sight.

The gym was filled with winged... rats? And at the center of the chaos was Sabrina and Caliban, back to back and armed with what appeared to be lacrosse sticks. Caliban’s shirt was tattered from the rats, and you took a fraction of a second to banish the completely innappropriate and untimely thoughts from your head.

“And no one thought to call me?” You shouted angrily through the swarm, snagging a baseball bat from the rack and smacking it around with reckless abandon. Caliban hooted, laughing loudly as you took your place beside them. Rats tore at your clothes, but you were more frustrated that Sabrina had called your boyfriend (or whatever he was) over you.

“Why did you get Caliban! I was right there! Is there something wrong with you? Were you dropped on the head as a child? He’s not even from here Sabrina, he has no idea what-”

“For hell’s sake, he’s not the new kid! He’s not even from Australia! He’s a stupid clay prince from hell who is trying to take my throne and raze humanity, and his stupid plague king sent these after me, and now he’s dating you!” Sabrina spat out the word dating as if it was even more disgusting than the winged vermin tearing at your clothes.

“Will someone please explain what the hell is going on here?”

You were no less frustrated when Sabrina revealed her trek to hell and the all ensuing madness she’d partaken in, but you remained calm enough to not turn the bat on her clearly empty skull.

“And you’re the clay prince of hell... challenging her throne?” You questioned with a sharp glance at Caliban, who nodded reluctantly as he swatted a rat hurtling towards you.

“Do you even have a driver’s license!” You screamed, waving your baseball bat around wildly.

“I’m a demon prince of hell made out of clay, and you’re worried about if I can legally drive?” Caliban shouted back in astonishment through the wave of shrieking rats. The lacrosse stick he’d snagged was surprisingly effective.

“I was getting to that part, thank you for reminding me!” You hissed, debating whether to smash his face in with the bat. “How about we start with how you completely lied to me, and how our whole relationship or whatever it is a lie! Were you ever going to tell me? Or was this all part of some throne grab?”

“It wasn’t a lie!” Caliban demanded hotly. “You were not a lie!”

“Really!” You whirled on him, eyes alight with anger. “Because I sure feel like one!”

The rats numbers were dwindling rapidly, and you smacked the last one heading towards you directly at Caliban’s face. It collided with a satisfying shriek, and you threw your bat down as you stormed out of the gym.

Sabrina and Caliban rushed after you, but you’d disappeared in the hall.

now i'm, yeah, oh!

now i'm speechless, over the edge

i'm just breathless

i never thought that i'd catch this love bug again

now i'm hopeless, head over heels in the moment

i never thought that i'd get hit by this love bug again, (oh)

love bug again

You’d remained collected until you’d transported into the middle of the living room, collapsing into auntie Hilda’s arms in a puddle of tears as you told her everything. She’d muttered a stream of ancient curses about Sabrina, but beyond that merely smoothed your hair and told you that all boys were awful— especially demonic princes of hell.

“I hate him.” You glared half-heartedly into your cup of steaming peppermint tea. You couldn’t believe you’d been so stupid. Falling blindly in love with a stranger who had only sought you out for some elaborate game with Sabrina. Screw Caliban and his perfect hair, his perfect smile, his perfect— “I want to bash his face in.”

“No you don't, love.” Hilda smiled knowingly. “You’re angry, yes— and hurt. But you care for the boy. I’ve never seen you so happy as you’ve been these last few days. I think you ought to cool down and hear what he has to say.”

“I never want to talk to him again.” You groaned, burying your face in a pillow. “I’d rather die.”

And because the universe was truly conspiring against you, a knock sounded at the door.

“Well, best get over that quick.” Hilda warned, ignoring your stream of indignant protests as she hustled to the door.

“Caliban! Yes, do come in love. Oh, yes, we will be having a little chat later, but for now I think it’s my niece you must be speaking to.” Hilda’s cheerful voice trailed in from the foyer, and you jumped up to make a break for it.

You were halted by a familiar pair of strong arms tugging you back by the waist.

“Get off of me!” You shouted, pushing Caliban away harshly and ignoring the warmth that lingered where he’d touched you. “I want my baseball bat. Somebody get me my baseball bat! I’m going to bash your stupid pretty face in you asshole—”

“Five minutes.” Caliban pleaded desperately, “just give me a five minutes to explain, and then I’ll give you back the baseball bat to bash my face in, okay?”

You considered his offer for a moment, swallowing the sob crawling its way up your throat as you nodded reluctantly. If it made him leave faster, you’d do anything.

His shoulder sagged in barely concealed relief. “Okay. I am Caliban, Prince of Hell. I am not from Australia, clearly, and am not a transfer student. I am trying to take your cousin’s throne. She does not understand the realm of the damned— she thinks it needs to be generous, rather than a fair judgment of life. I am not her father, and I do not believe in reckless or cruel damnation. I do not wish any harm on Sabrina, and I’ve managed to keep the worst of the plague kings from her. Even if you were to reject me now, I would continue to try to protect her— you have my word.” Caliban paused as you released a breath you did not know you were holding. Your eyes finally dared to meet his, and you nodded for him to continue.

“I agreed to attend Greendale because yes, it did piss off Sabrina, but you were there.” He raised his hand to halt your protest. “You intrigued me, and I wanted to know you better. I will be fully honest that it had the added bonus of irritating your cousin, who I so delight in irritating, but my primary focus was you. You... enchanted me. I had never found myself so invested in anything before as I was in spending mundane days at high school— of all things— with you. Truthfully, it confused even me at first. And while the past you knew is false, I am real— and my feelings for you are true.”

“That is such bullshit, and you know it!” You exploded furiously, smacking his chest with untamed rage. “You knew exactly what you were doing. Who agrees to go to high school because they like a girl? Are you unhinged? Who doesn't just ask someone out if they were so interested, huh? No, you came here with your stupidly perfect little ‘oh I’m Caliban, and I’m so dreamy’ act, knowing full well that it would make me completely abandon all rationality. Well guess what, I did! I fell stupid head over heels for you, and it was all one big lie.”

Your voice broke on the last few words, anger shifting to broken sadness as you continued to pound relentlessly on his chest. “I was a lie.”

He caught your hands, holding them against his chest as he pressed you against the wall. “You weren't a lie, Spellman.”

His words were breathless whisper, his beautiful eyes pained and desperate as he gripped your hands harder. “I fell for you the moment I saw you. I enrolled in high school because you smiled at me. I learned every line of Romeo and Juliet to recite them to you. When we first met, you wondered how Romeo and Juliet could possibly fall in love after a mere few days, but I understand it now. I have never been driven so completely insane by anything or anyone like this before. The power you have over me is unmatched. I am completely and wholly yours. If you were to ask me right now to leave, to never bother you again, I would leave my heart with you and spend my eternity in endless sorrow. I would think forever of the way you smiled at me, the way you kissed me, how soft your hair felt in my hands, and how my heart raced every time you laughed. I would never forgive myself for the pain I had caused you, and you would haunt me every day, every waking moment, every dream.”

Caliban moved your hands to his lips, nearly kissing them as he pleaded to you with tears in his beautiful eyes. You were motionless, turned to stone by his heavy gaze.

“So please, don’t become my specter. If I am a stranger to you now, let me make you fall for me all over again. I would do it a thousand times, if you'd let me. I could think of no sweeter way to spend my eternity.”

When you’d thought that Shakespeare had been imagining Caliban when he wrote, you’d been wrong. There was no poetry, no book, no lyric that could possibly compare to the way he spoke to you— the way his eyes so desperately tried to convey his anguish.

You removed your hands from his, and his whole face seemed to shatter.

“You’re not a stranger,” you muttered softly, moving to take his face your hands. His face remained guarded, but he leaned instinctively into your touch. “You’re Caliban.”

When you kissed him, it was like falling in love all over again.

And you supposed you did.

“But we are having a long, long talk about everything.” You warned as you pulled back, poking his chest sharply as he nodded profusely. “And if you ever, ever lie to me again, I’ll set something worse than flying rats on you. I’ll let Sabrina have you.”

Caliban laughed wildly, picking you up and spinning you around as he kissed you over and over again in sheer relief and joy. “I love you, Spellman. Anything you want, it’s yours.”

“I just want you, clay boy.”

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