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hunterxreaderoneshots · 1 year

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A Small, Frail, Thread - Hunter x Non-binary/GN! Reader (Soulmate AU - Red Thread) - Part 2

Requested by Grape67 (AO3)

Word Count: 9.7 K (9,734)

Request: i keep asking people for soulmate aus but they never finish them red string of fate perhaps??? angst?????????

TW: Angst, crying, shouting

Spoilers for Hollow Mind and kinda Labyrinth Runners

Part 1 Here

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

Hunter awoke each morning anxious to see the small thread around his finger. He was curious to where it led, to what it connected him. He’d play with it, and watching it stretch and loom over his hand and tangle between his fingers.

It was the morning of his next mission. He felt his heart beat nervously as he planned how to manage his time. In his last few missions, he hadn’t had the chance to leave and follow the thread as he had hoped, and when he had, he never found where the other end was. The male scanned through the day in his mind, wondering what task he would be given. Hunter knew he would have to go see Belos in the throne room for his mission first. His heart skipped a beat as he remembered the blue glow that had drowned him when he mentioned the thread. Belos had seemed so bothered by it, and then his mood shifted to violently that Hunter couldn’t help but wonder why.

The young male laid in his bed as the rising sun came over him once more. Every morning his first thought was the thread; he had become obsessed with it. In the weeks that passed, he attempted to research it, to discover more of what it was and what it meant. He had very little luck, however. He knew everything within the castle was limited and heavily filtered. Everything Hunter read reflected the Emperor’s goals, his train of thought, or his disgust of wild magic. He began to wonder if the thread had something to do with the forbidden magic after all.

The small palisman bounced onto his chest and chirped lightly. Hunter shifted to look at the little bird and smiled. “Flapjack! I didn’t think you be up, too,” He said surprised. The small bird chirped and bounced closer. He cuddled his owner sweetly, and Hunter couldn’t help but laugh lightly. “I love you too, Flap,” He whispered to him. Hunter knew he was made of wild magic, but he couldn’t make himself believe that something so small and sweet was evil and dangerous.

Hunter sighed, remembering what waited for him. “C’mon, I need to go to Belos. You can stop hiding once I’ve gone outside the castle,” He explained to the small bird. Flapjack replied happily and sang to him. Hunter smiled and pet the bird gently. “Yeah! I’m gonna find out where this thread leads- it’ll be fun!” Flapjack chirped excitedly and flapped his wings. Hunter laughed again as he watched his palisman burst to life.

“Okay, let’s go.”

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

“And, Hunter,” The Emperor turned to him once more, his blue pupils drowning Hunter. “I’m beginning to suspect that you…hmm…” The Emperor turned away thoughtfully, lulling the Golden Guard into the quiet that followed. “I’m beginning to suspect you are not following the Titan’s wish, Hunter. Your last missions have been followed lousily, especially with your new interest in this… thread…”

The Golden Guard resisted flinching in utter fear that any movement would provoke his curse. “Emperor Belos, I apologize. I was only curious about the thread and what it led to. If you would just explain it to me a bit more-”

The male flinched as the Emperor snapped to face him. It had been one of the few times he only turned rather than attacked. And if he did attack, Hunter would be lucky to miss it.

“Hunter, I already told you enough,” The Emperor muttered. “The Titan’s will is not so easy to decipher. If you keep this up, he might even consider replacing you.” A trembling breath escaped Hunter. “Isn’t it enough to know he sees you are valuable enough to connect to him?”

Hunter froze, for a moment, fearing what “replacing” meant. The Golden Guard suddenly jolted as he realized he’d upset the Emperor with his silence. “Yes!” He bowed his head down, “You are right, Emperor Belos.” He didn’t know if he really believed him or himself. “I apologize. I should know better than to doubt you or the Titan and his will.”

The Emperor turned back to him, smiling behind the horned mask. “Your obedience makes the Titan very happy, Hunter,” The Emperor stepped down from his throne and stood infront of the Golden Guard. “Remember, please the Titan and you will have his approval.” The young male infront of him smiled, “Now, for your mission.” The Emperor turned back around. “I have heard rumors of an attempt to invade my mind with wild magic…”

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

“If you happen to find the witch that is on the other end of that thread…” Belos looked up at the shadow, examining the childish figure carefully. “I want to know who they are and where they are. We won’t have much of a choice except to kill them to keep them out of our way and Hunter in line.”

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

The young witch wandered around the Night Market carefully. They were aware that being out at such an hour was risky, especially with the sketchy trades and witches. They walked through the path of the market, passing stall after stall, shop after shop.

(Y/N) circled around several of the stands. They admired some of the products they had found. They were examining some clothing when their eyes were drawn to the small, red thread tied to their pinky.

Their heart melted into a million anxieties as they realized the thread had shrunken drastically. They backed away hastily from the stand of clothes. What? Are they here? They began to look around the market desperately. There was a small crowd of people in all directions. They examined a few witches back away from Eda the Owl Lady. They smiled to themselves, admiring the woman for a moment. (Y/N) was a wild witch themself; they refused to be bound by the sigils of the Emperor. They laughed lightly at the other witches backing away.

After a moment they looked back to the thread. It seemed rather taught, unlike the other weeks they had seen it. They took in a deep breath, anxious for what awaited them, and made their way through the marketplace, following the thead.

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

The Golden Guard marched through the night market. He had been approached by a demon attempting to trade his teeth. Gross… no wonder that’s illegal…

The masked male continued down the market, looking around carefully for any sign of suspicious activity. Hah… everyone here is suspicious. I’m saying that as if someone didn’t just try to take my teeth… ewwww… He shivered for a moment, groaning before continuing through his mission.

As the Golden Guard made his way, he passed a witch that seemed… familiar. He glanced at them for a moment. They were too distracted to notice him, it was almost as if they were looking for someone. The Golden Guard laughed lightly seeing how tense the witch was. He continued on his way and approached a stand of clothing. Before he could even look at the clothing, Hunter froze. The thread.

The thread.

They’re here! They’re here!

The Golden Guard snapped around and began to search anxiously. After a few moments, he paused and collected himself. No, Belos said it connected me to the Titan. My next mission was to stop the invasion… He went over his plan for a moment, maybe it’ll lead me to the witches attempting it! The male perked up with excitement and began to follow the thread.

As he made his way through the market, he realized how it suddenly stretched or became taught. Weird… I thought this would be easier. The male glanced down at his pinky often, following the tangled thread through the market.

He circled around the same few stands when he suddenly saw three hooded figures. Two of the figures were tall and the third was a much smaller cloaked figure. As he examined them, he searched for a thread linking them to him. After a few moments, The Golden Guard realized that the thread didn’t connect to them. His heart sank with disappointment. Oh… He watched them as they crept through the market carefully and approached an alley, scanning the area behind them, careful no one was to follow. The Golden Guard hesitated in following them. No, no, why would the thread lead me here if it’s not them? As he watched, he realized just how careful they were. No, they’re too suspicious NOT to be up to something.

As the Golden Guard juggled his options, a witch began to make their way through the market. They glanced from their pinky to an invisible trail that any other being would be unable to see. They followed it carefully, retracing their steps to a stand they had been to not long before. From the corner of their eye, they watched a white figure move further away, one that had been circling the market just as much as they had.

The witch shook off the thought, watching the thread tangle and twist before them. As they walked farther and farther from the stand, they suddenly realized that the thread looped and led a trail opposite of the direction they were going in. The witch approached the loop and froze. They’re behind me, somewhere in this market. They’re close!

The witch snapped around, desperately scanning the marketplace before them. They looked over each witch, each demon, each stand in the market, hoping to see the soft glimmer of the red thread. As they watched over the market, their eyes darted to a cloaked figure in white, his back facing the young witch. They froze, denying that it did lead to him.

“No-” They stumbled back, “No no no no,” They shook their head aggressively as they watched the cloaked figure loom over the corner of a stand and look into an alleyway. Tears began to sting their eyes like boiling rain. “The Golden Guard?! My soulmate is that stuck-up brat?!!” They exclaimed furiously. As much as they wished, they couldn’t deny it: The red thread of fate was tied around the Golden Guard’s pinky, and the other end was tied to (Y/N)’s. They turned hastily, stumbling through the marketplace, and began to run, to flee from the guard. Soulmate or not, I’m not going to be dragged away to Belos for a red thread.

The Golden Guard turned suddenly and searched behind him, weird, I thought I was called. As he examined the area behind him, he watched the thread stretch out and away from him, untangling and leading a new trail. His heart sank as he watched it.

Oh….

His grip tightened around the pole he supported himself with. Had the villains gotten away? Or had he let someone far more important leave without a trace? The young male clung to the post and watched the thread. He sighed, his head hanging down for a moment before he swiftly turned and followed the three figures into the alley.

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

They huddled in their bed furiously, tears burning their eyes. (Y/N) stared at the thread on their pinky with disgust. “You really couldn’t do any better, could you?!” They muttered through gritted teeth. “UGH! Of all things- of all the witches and demons on these damned isles- it just HAD to be THE GOLDEN GUARD?!” They collapsed onto their bed in frustration. They scoffed angrily, tears soaking their soft sheets. (Y/N) laughed half-heartedly, “Lemme guess,” they muttered to the thread, “He’s gonna ask me out to join the Emperor’s Coven- OH! OH! ‘Hey, I have FRONT ROW SEATS to a PETRIFICATION ceremony- wanna be my date?!”

Why did I even think I stood a chance with anyone?

“Augh!” (Y/N) cried out in disgust as they turned onto their stomach, hiding away their face in a drenched pillow. They looked to the thread once more, thinking back to the cloaked figure in white. The young witch collapsed deeper into their bed, “Why did it have to be you?” They murmured quietly. “Why did it have to be him?” Their arms squeezed the pillow beneath them. “Am I really this hopeless?” They fidgeted with the frail thread on their pinky and sighed. “Even if he wasn’t so snobby… he’s the Golden Guard. He wouldn’t look at me twice if I begged.”

(Y/N) sighed, “In the end, I’m just another wild witch he’d carry off to a petrification ceremony, whether he’d like it or not…” They laughed lightly. “Even if he did give me a chance, if we had a chance at all, there’s no way the Emperor would just let him walk out with me like that.” (Y/N) shuffled again, resting their face onto a pillow warm with tears. Drops of burning acid still leaked from their eyes, gently, slowly, and continuously.

They had accepted being alone, they had accepted being meant for no one but themself. Now, however, they struggled to accept that someone was out there, someone they were meant for. And that someone was the highest ranking witch in all of the isles after the Emperor. The one person that was meant for them was nearly impossible to even imagine being with. Every odd possible was against them. From the snarkiness of the Golden Guard to the forbidden wild magic (Y/N) loved and practiced. Every bit of the two conflicted drastically with the other. It was simply impossible for the two to be together.

(Y/N) glanced at the thread for a moment and smiled, “I bet he doesn’t even know what a soulmate is…”

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

Weeks had gone by since the night of (Y/N)’s discovery. They walked through Bonesburrough and began to make their way to the marketplace. They kept their head low, not caring much about what went on around them. Finding out that the Golden Guard was their soulmate had been the biggest disappointment of their life yet.

They decided to go to the market place to distract themselves rather than actually buy anything. They didn’t have the need for something and simply wished to get their mind off of their troubles.

Across the market place and awkward blonde shuffled around people and dodged incoming witches. He looked around anxiously, wondering if he had even made a good choice coming to such a crowded place. Someone might recognize me- I shouldn’t have come… He knew, however, he had the need to come to the marketplace. He was down on supplies and didn’t know how much longer he’d make it without them.

He had run away weeks ago when after he realized what the Emperor’s true intentions were. Every day he would glance back at the thread around his finger and question what it was, wondering if it possibly led a trail the Emperor would follow. He shuddered, hoping it wouldn’t connect him to Belos.

“(Y/N)! You’re under arrest for the practice of wild magic!” A sudden shouting broke through the crowd.

Hunter turned in panic, feeling the name was slightly familiar, but knowing for certain that it was the voice of the Captain. He scanned the marketplace in the direction he heard the shouting from, stumbling back.

(Y/N) turned to see a swarm of scouts led by their Captain. “Oh, nooooo,” They groaned. They made a large circle and pushed it forward, casting a quick but powerful spell. They watched the scouts topple back, covering themselves with their arms for protection.

The young witch scoffed at them, turning around swiftly and running down the marketplace. Witches jumped back at the sight of the fleeing witch, hurling themselves back against the stands. (Y/N) charged down the street, seeing a blonde male frozen in place, in utter terror. He wasn’t staring at them, but at what was chasing them. They turned for a moment to see the scouts gaining on them, casting different spells attempting to halt (Y/N).

“Stop! I command you to stop! You are under arrest!” The Captain shouted desperately.

(Y/N) turned back and kept running. The blonde stepped back slightly but he couldn’t seem to move as (Y/N) approached him.

In a split second, they grabbed his arm and tugged him with them, “C’mon! We need to get out of here!” They shouted, running towards the woods. (Y/N) turned again for a moment and cast an illusion with their free hand, causing the scouts to turn and follow the illusion away. (Y/N) turned to face forward again as they dragged the male with them.

“Where are we going?!” He cried out in panic, barely keeping up with the witch.

“We’ll be okay! Just hold on!” They gripped his hand as they trampled red grass and jumped over fallen trees.

They slowed as they approached a small clearing. The witch stopped at a tree and let go of the male, peaking back at the direction they had come from.

“Okay, I think we lost them,” They breathed heavily for a moment, trying to catch their breath. “Sorry to drag you with me, I thought you wanted to get away from them, too,” They explained.

The blonde had collapsed on the ground, panting as he tried to catch his breath. “No- no… it’s….” He wheezed slightly, closing his eyes as he tried to breathe. “It’s cool…” His chest rose heavily as he inhaled. “Thanks for getting me out of there…”

(Y/N) panted as they leaned against a tree, “Yeah… of course… no problem…” They began to breathe steadily, “They should be gone in a while… we’ll be fine.”

The young witch slumped against the tree and slid down to the ground, crossing their legs as they sat. They watched the male splayed out before them and laughed lightly.

(Y/N) smiled to themselves for a moment and began to play with their hands. They watched a small thread loom across their fingers and over their lap, seeming slightly tighter than usual. They furrowed their brow thoughtfully, wondering why it had shrunken. That doesn’t make any sense, he’s the only one with me right now…

They looked over at the male.

They froze.

“Wait-” They took his hand and stared at the thread tied to his finger, “You- You have the thread!”

“Huh?” He replied, opening his eyes and looking at them.

(Y/N) stared at the male in shock. They had seen him. No- they had met him. He was the Golden Guard, Belos’ right hand, the teen prodigy. The thread had tied them to the highest ranking scout, to the Golden Guard they detested so much.

Yet they met him as a scruffy boy on the streets. Exhausted, hungry, afraid, and alone. They had offered him everything he lacked and his eyes had gleamed with tears at their offer. They never saw him after that night, yet the next morning a red thread was wrapped around their finger like a present.

Their heart melted as they stared at the male before them. This wasn’t the same stuck-up brat they thought he was. This was a sweet and starved boy. (Y/N) continued to examine his hand and the male, looking over and realizing they remembered each detail. His hair was as golden as the sun and his mask. He was covered in nicks and scars from head to toe. One scar from his cheek was rather larger. A piece from his left ear almost seemed to have chipped off. (Y/N) watched him and blushed lightly realizing he had a rather handsome face. His eyes were a deep magenta, the same magenta they had fallen for the night they met.

“Hunter-” They called his name.

The male rose up in surprise, ignoring his name. His eyes were fixed on the thread around his finger that looped around the witch. “Finally! Someone who can see it!” He exclaimed excitedly, “Y’know, I was starting to think I was crazy! No one could see the thread- and I couldn’t even find a book about it, or a scroll or anything really-” He went on, waving his hands excitedly.

“Hunter-”

“And every time I asked someone they looked at me funny. No one seemed to know what I was talking about. And Belos just said ‘The Titan has BIG plans for you!’ OoOooOh” He mimicked mockingly, wiggling his fingers exaggeratedly.

“Hunter-”

“And you know what? I went around and around the isles chasing this thread! I had no idea what it would even lead to- I still haven’t figured out what it is, or what it’s for-”

“Hunter! Look!” They held out their hand to the male, their palm open. He looked at them with slight confusion before looking down. As he examined it, he realized that the thread was tying him to the witch. Both of their pinkies were connected by the red thread.

Hunter stared at the thread and flinched back hastily, “W-wait! I…” He huddled away from (Y/N). He stared at them with confusion and tears began to gleam in his eyes. “I want to know what this is- what this… really is…” He looked back to the thread unsure of everything. “I want to know the truth.”

Hunter looked back to the thread worriedly, “I heard…” He sighed, “I was told by Belos that this thread didn’t lead anywhere. He said it connected me to The Titan and that it was just a reminder… my connection to him and his plans for me…” He set his head on his knees and looked over to them. “I don’t know what it is… what it… really is. All I know is that it’s here now and it’s connecting me to you,” He murmured softly. Hunter sighed and looked up at them, “I want to know what this is and why it’s connecting us.”

(Y/N) looked at him awkwardly. They were confused but as they kept examining him, they began to realize what was wrong, why he was confused. They had met him both in and out of uniform. This was the same male they had met and the same Golden Guard they had fled from. (Y/N) began to piece together his understanding as they watched him. Hunter had been lied to and manipulated his entire life: he didn’t know what a life was, what life was at all, and what laws the world was bound by. All he had ever learned were Belos commands and expectations, and the punishments that followed if they weren’t obeyed.

(Y/N) blushed awkwardly as they watched him, feeling a sudden nervousness overcome them. “S-sure…. Sure, yeah…” Should I even tell him? He doesn’t even remember me…

They hesitated, unsure of how or what to say. What if Hunter took it badly and believed he was really bound to an unchangeable fate, that he could never choose the life he wanted? And what if he decided that he didn’t want to be with (Y/N)? What would happen then?

“Here, give me your hand…” They held out their hand and invited Hunter to place his over theirs. He stared at the witch before him and skeptically placed his hand on theirs. Hunter gasped as he watched the thread glow slightly and shrink.

“What- what is this?” He asked in bewilderment.

(Y/N) sighed, “This… is the red thread of fate. This thread is meant to unite soulmates to each other. The thread links to both beings, tying around the pinky of each person. The thread is meant to be a sort of… path so that you can… always find your partner…”

Hunter stared at them. “And… what exactly is a soulmate?” He asked, looking back up to them. “If heard of it be described but… vaguely.”

(Y/N) felt even more worry wash over them. He doesn’t even know… He doesn’t understand any of it.

“It’s…” They sighed nervously. “It’s… soulmates are two people who are meant for each other. They’re meant to be each other’s life partners. They…” (Y/N) tried to think of a way to explain it to him. “Soulmates are kinda just two people who are meant to be together- it’s kinda complicated-”.

Hunter’s eyes began to tear up with the relief of knowing Belos had lied. “I… I would have never expected to…” Hunter’s voice cracked as he tried to explain. He laughed half-heartedly. “I had heard of so many different things… Someone mentioned the soulmate thing but- I didn’t think it was true!” He took his hand away from (Y/N)’s and placed it on his lap.

“Well, why not?” (Y/N) asked nervously, watching the red glow fade away.

Hunter thought for a moment, “I was made by Belos. I was forced to be here. I’m not a witch and I’m not a human. I’m a Grimwalker,” He admitted quietly. “I’m just… here.” Hunter looked back to his hand and then to (Y/N)’s. “I would have never expected that fate would have let me have a soulmate…” He glanced over at the thread tied to (Y/N)’s pinky.

They felt their heartbreak at Hunter’s words. They didn’t know how he felt about the truth, or if he was okay with being (Y/N)’s soulmate.

(Y/N) reached for Hunter’s hand and placed theirs over his gently. “Hunter… look. It doesn’t matter how you came to be. We’re… we’re all here and we’re all alive.” Hunter looked back up at them as tears trickled down his cheek.

“How can you be so sure? How- how do you know we’re really leading to each other for… this?” He blushed fiercely as he motioned to (Y/N)’s hand. Hunter slumped back onto the ground, confusion and frustration muddling in his mind. He placed his hands over his eyes as he thought. “Why… why are you so sure? Why…” He opened his eyes as doubt suddenly flooded him, doubt he would have never dared to expressed in the castle. “…Why are you fighting for me?” He asked, looking back at (Y/N) with pleading eyes.

(Y/N) blushed again at Hunter’s question. They hadn’t even realized how hard they were pushing to keep him, to make him understand what the thread was, to make him see past it.

“I-I…” They searched for an answer in their mind but couldn’t find one. If they said they loved him, would he believe it? He didn’t even recognize them. If they said it was for the string, would he become frustrated by fate's boundaries? That even outside of the castle life was limited? If they said they didn’t know…would he give up on himself completely?

“Tell me,” Hunter said, getting onto his elbows and looking at them. “I want to know: Why are you fighting for me? You don’t even know me and you’re already trying to keep me with you!” (Y/N) was petrified. Their hands trembled violently as their mind flooded. Hunter was unsure of how they had gotten his name, but he recalled the witch’s name from the market. “(Y/N), tell me.” The young male was becoming desperate for an answer. His eyes began to well up with tears again. “(Y/N)!” Hunter demanded as he sat up, frustration overwhelming him completely.

“I-...” They remained silent, unsure of what to say.

“(Y/N)!! TELL ME!!” Hunter barked his demand as his tears spilled. He gritted his teeth furiously at himself. (Y/N) closed their eyes and covered their mouth with their hand. How could they lie to him after everything he had gone through? Another lie and Hunter could possibly waste away.

Hunter began to whimper lightly, seeing that they wouldn’t answer. “(Y/N)-....” He cried, looking away briefly. “(Y/N), please, it’s killing me- please…” Hunter gripped the red grass below his hand. “Why are you fighting for me, (Y/N)? Hunter begged them for an answer. He could feel his heart tearing apart with each moment of silence. “If anything you should be trying to get away from me! Don’t you know I’m the Golden Guard?! I’ve worked with Belos my whole life- doesn’t that upset you?!” He shouted, flicking his hand at them. “Why would you even WANT To be with ME?!”

This wasn’t supposed to happen.

“I-I-...” (Y/N) mumbled behind their hands but they couldn’t form a true answer. What could they possibly say when they knew they had nothing to tell him? And even if they did have something to tell him, he didn’t recognize them. He didn’t remember (Y/N).

Heartbreak escaped Hunter with a light, pathetic sob. His brows furrowed as he watched (Y/N) curl into an empty ball. “(Y-)... (Y/n)...” Tears burned his face like boiling rain. His eyes widened in despair. “You don’t know, do you?” He muttered lightly.

(Y/N) snapped around to look at Hunter, “NO! NO- I- I- of course I know!” They protested desperately. (Y/N) looked to their hands and then at Hunter’s. “Of course I know! I just- I- I don’t know how to tell you!” Tears trickled down their face.

“(Y/N), THEN TELL ME!” Hunter pleaded again, the pain of his voice flooding the entire forest.

The witch grunted with frustration and pulled their hands from their face. “BECAUSE I’VE BEEN SEARCHING FOR YOU!” (Y/N) yelled at him. The male flinched back at their response, tears trickling down his cheek and falling on the ground below. “B-because-.... Because-” (Y/N) clawed at their face again before tearing their hands away. “Because I’ve been searching for you!” They cried helplessly. They turned away hastily as Hunter watched with wide eyes. “I-I…” (Y/N) aggressively rubbed their tears from their face. “I didn’t even know if you were out there…” The witch hugged themself as they confessed years of pain. “I didn’t even know if you were really out there. I had gone all over these Isles and not once did I ever see a damn thread leading me to anyone!" They cried in disgust.

Hunter watched them as tears dripped away from his own face. His lips had parted slightly but just enough to where the small gap between his teeth was visible.

“I didn’t even care anymore! This damn thing was there for everyone except me- so I gave up and I moved on…” They hunched over their knees, more tears trickling down their face.

“But then,” Their tone shifted, becoming slightly lighter, “But then I saw you at the market,” (Y/N) turned to look at Hunter and laughed lightly. “You looked so helpless, how I could I have possibly refused to help you?” A visible confusion spread across Hunter’s face as he processed what they said.

He blushed suddenly, remembering the night of a mission gone wrong.

…

Hunter walked through the streets of Bonesburrough, hoping to waste enough time to where he wouldn’t have to see the Emperor until morning. Unless he’s eager to see me, then I’m screwed. Hunter swallowed hard, already imagining the furious blue light emitting from the Emperor's eyes. He picked up his pace and began marching his way into the Night Market, hoping he could set his mind to some ease.

Hunter wasn’t wearing his uniform. His mask was off and he could feel the gentle breeze against his face. Flapjack popped onto his shoulder and chirped to him. “Flapjack! Hey buddy,” He reached for his shoulder and pet the bird gently on the head. “I’m just… walking around. I’m not ready to go back… not empty-handed.” The red cardinal chirped worriedly. “I know. I WILL go back but… not yet,” He replied quietly. The palisman chirped again, hoping to make him feel better.

The young witch had become so distracted by his palisman, he didn’t even realize where he was going. As Hunter continued to speak to Flapjack, he rammed into a witch walking past.

“Oof!” He cried as he fell back. Flapjack cried out for his companion and glided down to his side.

“Oh! I’m so sorry! Are you alright?!” A young witch kneeled to his side, scanning over the blonde male.

“I’m so sorry!” Hunter cried out. “I didn’t see where I was going! I-” Hunter stopped as he looked to the witch before him. He sat up slowly without looking away from them. They had bright (e/c) eyes that stood out on their (s/c) face. A few strands of (h/c) hair decorated their face and swayed gently with the breeze of the night.

“I umm…” Hunter hesitated for a moment as he watched them hold out their hand. He glanced down at it with disbelief, tears beginning to prickle his eyes. Very rarely someone offered to help him. He took the witch’s hand and they helped him up. “Thank you,” He murmured gently.

(Y/N) stared at the male before them. He was about their age but seemed… somehow older or more mature. As they examined him, they realized why: he was exhausted and overworked. The male had dark bags under his eyes, his face was covered in small scratches and nicks, and there was a large scar that started at his cheek and ended at his chin. (Y/N) stared in disbelief at the child soldier before them. His hair was a beautiful golden color that faded into a murky grey as it neared his ears and neck. Although beautiful, his hair was horribly messy. (Y/N) continued to look at him, realizing just how hurt he was.

“Hey, are you okay? You look exhausted!” They looked over the male before them.

A small, red, bird palisman hopped onto his shoulder and began to chirp. He glanced at the bird, “Huh?” He murmured, incredibly disoriented. “Oh! Uh… yes, I’m fine, it’s just been a long day and I thought I would spend some time in the…” He looked around for the banner and squinted, “Niiiight Maarkeet…?”

(Y/N) glanced at the banner and then back to him. “You’re sure you should be out here? Look, you don’t look well enough to even be standing- and someone might try to hurt you.”

He blushed in embarrassment, flinching back slightly at their words. “Yes, I just… wanted to get some fresh air,” He turned around and crossed his arms. The exhaustion in his body seeped out in his words.

The young witch sighed, “Well, at least lemme help you. You look like you could use someone’s help.” The male snapped around and stared at the witch. If he were to walk through the castle in the state he was in, all he would get would be a handful of snickers and comments. No one would bat an eye or offer to help him.

But they were… trying to help him.

“What?” He asked in confusion.

“Here, just,” They took his hand and began to lead him through the market. Their first stop was at a food stand where he excitedly picked out a meal he recognized, knowing exactly how he wanted it prepared. (Y/N) laughed and continued by ordering their own food, and paying for both. The duo ate and chatted for a while, passing by stands and snickering about sketchy products. They walked down the streets, looping around a few times while (Y/N) finished their food. As they barely finished with their tray, (Y/N) noticed just how quickly the male had finished his meal. They thought for a moment and assumed he must have been really hungry to order so eagerly and finish so quickly.

(Y/N) then led the male to another food stand that they liked. The male glanced at it and realized with much embarrassment just how famished he was. The young witched urged for him to get another meal, to which he bashfully accepted.

“Oh, I’ll get something, too, don’t worry about it,” (Y/N) insisted. The male blushed lightly and nodded, proceeding to follow them into the line. Once their turn came, (Y/N) watched the male order another whole tray of food, while they grabbed a light snack. After they waited for a bit, the two received their food and went off to a corner where they ate together.

They sat at the edge of the street and watched the crowd of witches and demons. They were surprised to see him dig in just as eagerly while they thoughtfully ate their food. (Y/N) studied the male as he watched the crowd… cautiously. He almost seemed to flinch at each stranger that passed, and then he’d bend his ears back as if in shame.

“Hey, man, are you… alright? You look… uneasy.”

“Yes! I’m fine I just…”

He dropped his food back onto the tray as he stared forward in utter terror, his ears bending back like a cowarding dog. (Y/N) watched him for a moment before turning and scanning the direction he was looking at.

“Oh- noooo!” They groaned, their shoulder’s slumping in annoyance. They stood up quickly, “C’mon, get your food- we need to hide for a bit.” The male continued staring forward until he snapped back to look at them. He grabbed his tray and (Y/N) helped him up.

The scouts from the Emperor’s coven began to make their way through the night market, identifying random witches and scanning over stands. (Y/N) carefully led the male through a small walkway behind stands and toward an alley. “Stay, quiet, and don’t draw any attention to yourself,” They murmured quietly, leading him through the dimly lit streets. They finally arrived at the alley they were heading to. (Y/N) gently pushed the male further into the alley and out of sight. The young witch then peaked out of the corner and watched the scouts. “Oh, damnit… They brought the warden this time…” They grumbled.

“The warden?” Hunter squeaked nervously. His palisman flew onto his shoulder and chirped nervously. The male looked at him, “Shh! Please! If I get caught, I at least want you to stay safe! Don’t let them see you!” He cried out to his companion.

The young witch turned and laughed lightly. “Ah! A wild witch too, eh? No wonder you freaked out when you saw them…” They smiled at him. They turned back around to set their hands onto the wall and watch from the safety of the corner.

The Golden Guard blushed madly… Wait… too??

“Wait! You’re a-” He stared at them in shock and terror. He had let a wild witch lead him to safety.

“What?” They asked, “I thought surely you’d be a wild witch. I mean, you have a palisman- do you even know how hard it is to get one of those these days?” They walked back toward him and motioned to the cardinal on his shoulder. “Besides, you were just as scared of those scouts as I was.”

“I… I was…” He admitted nervously, crumpling the paper tray in his hand.

“Hey,” They put a hand on his shoulder, “They should be gone in about fifteen minutes, we’ll be okay.”

The male attempted to smile but an awkward, “Eeee…” was all he managed to reply with. The young witched laughed again as they passed him and sat in the corner of the alley. The male stood in place for a moment before proceeding to follow them.

He approached the young witch nervously, unsure whether he was safer out there or with them.

Do I really have much of a choice?

He reluctantly sat beside them: not too close and not too far. The young witch watched him, noticing his discomfort, and sighed. “Listen, for whatever reason you have to wanna hide from them- don’t worry about it. You’ll be safe with me… even in this… gross… dingy alley…” They murmured, motioning to their surroundings. The male watched them for a moment and laughed, relaxing again.

He glanced back at his food, feeling his appetite return. He picked up what he had dropped and proceeded to eat. “Thank you, ummm…”

“Oh, me? I’m (Y/N),” they replied. He watched them for a moment. Of course they seemed familiar, they were one of the wild witches on the posters.

“Oh, well… thank you, (Y/N),” He said softly, continuing to finish his second meal of the night. He didn’t realize how hungry he had been. The male hesitated for a moment, wondering if what he wanted to do was right. “My name… is Hunter…” He murmured softly, continuing to eat.

“Well, Hunter, it was a pleasure to spend the night with you- and run away from those scouts.” Hunter laughed lightly at their reply. He looked at (Y/N)’s wrists and then at his. The leather gloves on his hands were the only thing keeping his sigil out of sight.

“Well, thank you, (Y/N)... for everything…” He set his empty tray to the side and rested his hands on his crossed lap.

(Y/N) looked back at the anxious male. “Hey, don’t worry about it,” They assured. He looked back to the young witch, “You still look really tired though- if you need a place to stay… you can come with me,” They offered. “You can rest for a while and get away from those jerks,” The two looked back at the scouts who seemed to be leaving. “You can crash my place for as long as you’d like, I wouldn’t mind the extra company.”

He stared at the witch in disbelief, tears beginning to prick his eyes. “I-... Thank you, but, I have a home to return to.” If he spent any more time out, he was sure Belos would become furious. But it was late enough to where he could go straight to his room. “Thank you, really,” He felt his heart break slightly as he thought of the offer. No one ever offered to help him, not even the scouts would offer to let him spend time with them. Not even his Uncle would dare to let him spend so much time with him. “Thank you, but I need to go, really.”

(Y/N) watched as he rose and they stood up with him. “You’re welcome, Hunter,” The male looked at them at the sound of his name. “I’m happy we met.”

The male blushed slightly. Usually when people met him, it seemed to be the pinnacle of their misery. But… they were happy?

“Oh… well…” He fidgeted for a moment, “I’m… glad, too.” He began to step away from them and toward the edge of the alley. (Y/N) followed Hunter as they crept out into the open.

The two watched the crowd, making sure no scouts remained in the market. Hunter hesitated for a moment again and sighed. “Thank you, (Y/N),” He murmured.

“Hey, I already said: don’t worry about it,” It was strange how much he had thanked them. “I’m sure I’ll see you here again someday. I’m usually here, causing trouble.” Hunter smiled and laughed again.

“Then, I guess I will see you again.” He smiled to them one more before backing out into the open. “Goodbye, (Y/N),” He murmured softly.

They smiled and waved gently, “Goodbye, Hunter.”

And with that, the male disappeared back into the market, back into the swarm of customers and out of sight.

…

Hunter blushed and his ears bent back again. He looked away uneasily, unsure of what to do or what to say.

“I didn’t know it was you then,” (Y/N) murmured as they collected themself. “I just saw you and… I wanted to help you… I didn’t even think this would happen,” They motioned to the thread tying the two together.

“You…” He whispered. “(Y/N) it was… it was you that night…”

They sighed and looked over at him. He had finally remembered. They played with their fingers again, “And then I saw you with the thread for the first time- I ran away.” (Y/N) fidgeted awkwardly, “You were in uniform and I-... I was angry it was you. I didn’t know it was you, Hunter. I just- I saw the Golden Guard and… I ran…” They rubbed a few more tears away from their face.

Hunter scoffed, “Hey, I would have run from the Golden Guard, too, if I were you.” (Y/N) looked over at him and laughed lightly. He smiled and looked into their eyes, “I mean, we ran from the Warden and his scouts, why not the Golden Guard too?” He slumped back against the tree as he motioned with his hands.

(Y/N) sighed and looked away again. “And I didn’t know it was you either, now, when we were running from the scouts… again… You were in my way and you looked scared so… I dragged you down with me.” They plucked some of the blades of red grass from the ground.

(Y/N) sniffled, “Hunter, I… I didn’t… I didn’t know it was you- I didn’t even see the thread then- I didn’t see it until after that night!” They exclaimed worriedly.

He turned to them, tears in his eyes. “It was you… all this time…” Hunter stared at them with wide eyes, slowly processing everything. He looked away with sudden disgust, “He lied to me-” He muttered through gritted teeth, “All this time… he was lying…” His eyes shifted wildly as he stared off in thought. “He was… trying to keep me away from you…”

“Hunter, I don’t care that this… thread is what’s tying us together. I… I know it’s confusing but… I’m… I’m just glad I found you again,” (Y/N) hesitated for a moment before slowly reaching out to Hunter, holding their arms out for him. The young male shifted slowly and looked over at the witch before him. His eyes continued to gleam with tears, glimmering in the soft rays of the setting sun. He looked from (Y/N)’s arms to their eyes. (Y/N) flexed their fingers slightly, inviting him into the safety of their embrace.

A cry of helplessness broke out deep within the male and his shoulders jerked. He reached slowly for them, creeping slowly, closer to the warmth he never knew. He coiled back suddenly, wondering if any of it was right, if it was true at all.

He didn’t know how many paths he could take, he was unsure of everything, and from the look of (Y/N)’s eyes, he could tell they were just as unsure. He understood if he went back to the castle, whether by choice or by force, the only thing waiting for him was an empty portrait in Belos' mind waiting for him to fill it: a tangle of roots dragging his mask into the ground and his last moments of life forever engraved into the Emperor’s mind. If he ran from (Y/N), then what waited for him? A thread calling to him evermore, begging for him to return? The constant reminder he had a chance, a true purpose with someone? And what if he chose to follow the thread?

It’s not a choice, is it? I’ve never had a choice, have I?

The boy coiled back further, his arms pulling into his chest.

I’ll never get to choose who I am, will I?

The witch coiled back.

No, what am I?

It coiled back. A million unknown emotions running over it. It wasn’t a witch, and it wasn’t human. It wasn’t even a demon. It was a creation of unknown origin, an inexplicable abomination. It had been used for years to carry out a job that had come to it as the false promise of purpose, of true meaning. It knew now that none of that was true.

Then what was it before him? The illusion of free will and choice?

No.

“How are you so sure you want this? To be with me? Not even I understand what I am.” The Grimwalker muttered gently.

The witch rested their arms on their knees. They had become sore from the offer of their embrace.

“I… told you already…” They murmured, looking away from the male. “I don’t care what you are or how you got here. Hunter, please, listen.” They held their hand out but the male refused and look away. (Y/N) sighed, “Look, I know this is difficult for you to take in. It is for me, too. I don’t know what you’ve gone through, and I can’t even imagine how much pain you must be in right now.”

It flinched with the burning memories of failure and endless punishments; Of demands upon demands with no gratitude or acknowledgment to follow; Of the discovery that its life was not more than the greed and need of a wicked being.

“Hunter?” It perked slightly.

No. I am someone.

He turned to the sound of the name he had been given. The name he carried as a burden for the entirety of his life. In that moment it was no longer a burden or a harsh reprimanding but an invitation. A warm, kind invitation to a life he had always longed for.

“Hunter I know this must be difficult to take in. I-...” (Y/N) trailed off again. “It’s been hard for me, too. I mean, I didn’t even know I would have a soulmate and you didn’t even know what a soulmate would be. You didn’t know this was how… fate…” They fidgeted with their hands, watching the male.

“Look what I just want to say- what I want you to understand is…” They breathed out anxiously again, wondering if he would accept them. “You don’t have to be with me. But if you want, we can start a new life, together.”

Hunter’s eyes widened as he turned to (Y/N). He relived the moment they had offered their help to him in that instant.

“What?” He asked gently, tears beginning to stream steadily.

“Hunter, you don’t have to do any of this if you don’t want to. I know this whole ‘soulmate’ concept must be new to you, but you don’t have to abide by it.”

I do have a choice.

His whole life he had been lied to. He had lived a lie full of suffering and neglect. He didn’t have a choice in that life, and he knew that far too well. But if this was the life that really waited for him, one of truth and kindness, shouldn’t he accept it?

If this is what I was meant for, shouldn’t I be happy?

The male leaned back, “I… I don’t know… I want to do what I’m supposed to do-” He thought for a moment. “I just want to know who I should be…” Tears flowed gently from his face to the red grass below him. His only wish, his only dream fluttered back into his mind.

(Y/N) watched the male for a moment. “We can find out- together…?” Hunter looked up and into (Y/N)’s warm pools of (e/c). Tears of their own trickled down their face as they held their arms out to him again.

The male hesitated again, unsure of what path to choose, unsure if he had any at all. He stared at the witch before him.

No- they’re not doing this for the thread…

(Y/N)’s doing this for me- even from that first night at the market… They did it… for me.

In a moment of desperation Hunter launched himself into their arms, weeping as he felt kindness for the first time. The two awkwardly reached around the other, shuffling their hands around each other. Tears of joy burst from (Y/N)’s eyes as Hunter dug himself deeper into them. They pulled him in close, lulling him into the warmth and safety he never knew he longed for.

(Y/N) pulled him in closer, pulling his head into them as he cried. A smile began to creep along Hunter’s face. His sobs began to mix with half-hearted laughter of relief.

“It’s okay now, I swear. You’ll be safe with me Hunter, I promise you.” They nuzzled his neck lightly, their fingers wrapping around the crying male. They kissed his head sweetly, cupping his cheeks as they did so.

“I just can’t believe it’s really you-” He cried, digging his fingers into them. “I can’t believe fate really let me have a soulmate- to let me have you-” Hunter choked on his words as he cried.

“I know! I know…” They squeezed Hunter in their arms. “I’m so happy I found you again…”

The two cried in each other’s arms for a while. Hunter forgot about everything while he was in (Y/N)’s arms. He didn’t care about the castle or his position or even bout Belos. He didn’t mind anymore that the thread was gift of fate.

Hunter finally pulled away and laughed lightly. “All right, tell me again. What does this thread do?” He sniffled quietly as he wiped some tears away.

“Well,” They pulled him in again. “If you want to ignore the soulmate half for a bit, it’ll always lead back to one another. No matter where we are, we’ll always be able to find each other.”

“And tell me again, what does it mean to be soulmates?” He laughed lightly, letting the warmth of his tears trickle down his face.

“It means we’ll always have each other, Hunter. I guess it technically means we were made for each other, we were destined to be together. It’s complicated but… it kinda just…” They paused, realizing how much trouble they could have saved.

(Y/N) pulled away from Hunter and looked at him dead in the eyes, “It’s like the connection between Palisman and their owners! Oh my Titan! Hunter, how did I not think of this before?!” Hunter gasped with realization as understanding flooded over him.

“OH! Oh! It’s like that unbreakable bond! The one uh… umm…” He snapped his fingers, textbooks worth of information scanning through his mind. “The connection between a palisman and their owner! The lifelong bond that can never be broken! Palisman and their owners bond through emotion- when they bond their lives and consciousness become intertwined indefinitely!”

(Y/N) nodded excitedly, “Yes! Yes! It’s similar to that…” They looked down at the thread. “Strange though. Usually, the thread would appear within a very young age and… and neither of us had it until we met…” They watched the thread loom over their hands and around Hunter’s lap.

Does that mean-

“Did I… get to choose my soulmate?” Hunter murmured. “Do you think that’s what happened? Because I’m a Grimwalker?”

(Y/N) looked up to Hunter, a light blush spreading across their face. I’ve never heard of witches being able to choose but… maybe?” They shrugged, causing Hunter to laugh. “Or maybe fate just… delayed you for a bit- for the better.”

“Well, even if I didn’t get to choose, I’m happy it’s you.” Hunter reached around them. “This has been the best thing that has happened to me since I ditched the Emperor’s Coven.”

(Y/N) smiled and pulled him back in. “Wait, hold on… you abandoned it??” They pulled away from Hunter and smiled. “Oh heck yeah! Now we’re both literally partners in crime!”

They stood up, giving Hunter their hand and helping him up. “Just imagine! We’re gonna be on wanted posters! Together- you and me! How cool is that! I have one of Eda the Owl Lady and Luz the Human-” Hunter laughed at his partner’s enthusiasm. “This is so cool! The two of us!”

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

Hunter had been welcomed into (Y/N)’s home. It was then that he realized they lived on their own in a cottage out in the woods. The two began to attend Hexside together, not long after (Y/N) found out multi-tracks were introduced. There, everyone was amazed by the story of the two witches, especially Hunter’s new friends: Gus and Willow.

Hunter rested his head on (Y/N)’s shoulder, closing his eyes.

“Tired?” (Y/N) asked gently. Hunter hummed and nodded his head gently, feeling the warmth of (Y/N)’s body.

Over a number of weeks, Hunter had slowly accepted the purpose of the red thread. To (Y/N)’s surprise, he had taken it rather well. Hunter found it incredibly comforting, with time, that the thread was what lead him to his soulmate: (Y/N). He also developed a habit of reaching for their hand or holding it simply for “the purpose of seeing the thread glow”, but (Y/N) knew he just liked holding hands.

They were also lucky enough to find an old document by a human man with the initials C.W. explaining the thread and a few theories about it. (Y/N) and Hunter was thrilled to find a concept of “delayed appearance” and “confirmed compatibility”. The theory stated that in some cases, it was possible that the thread wouldn’t appear until later in life or when “fate deemed that the couple was an absolute match for one another”. It also stated in another section the findings of the thread holding up through different dimensions, realms, and worlds, in the man’s words: “personal experiences lived by my own flesh and blood, and my soulmate’s”.

Hunter nuzzled (Y/N), feeling a warm blush grow across his face. (Y/N) laughed lightly, pulling him closer to them.

He thought for a moment, the blush growing. “Umm… (Y/N)?” He asked nervously. Hunter shut his eyes tightly as he waited for a response.

“Yeah?” (Y/N) asked as they pulled him closer. The two were sitting on (Y/N)’s bed as they were studying.

“I…” He fidgeted with his finger for a moment. “I love you, (Y/N)...” He held his breath for a moment as he waited for them to respond.

(Y/N) laughed lightly, “Hunter! You’ve said it a thousand times, there’s no need for you to be nervous!” They planted a passionate kiss on his lips, causing the male to blush and become fully awake. “I love you too, Hunter,” They rested their forehead on his and smiled sweetly.

Hunter smiled, “I love you,” He whispered back, feeling their hand hold his. He shut his eyes ad leaned on (Y/N), quietly thanking fate for giving him a chance; for letting a small, frail thread connect him to his soulmate, to (Y/N).

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

I am genuinely so sorry for having this take so long to come out. I was not expecting it to be so difficult for me to make this one lol. I feel like the story might not make sense in some parts but lemme explain. I wanted to set this in a world where Hunter has no idea what the thread is so he has to learn, adapt, and accept it. In case you didn’t get it… C.W. is our one and only Caleb lol. I’d really love to expand on his story if you’re interested.

The only reason I was able to finish today was because I had to stay home. I have covid at the moment lol.

But thank you so much for requesting! And thanks to everyone who reads these! I have a part 3 more or less planned for this (if ya’ll want it) and a new FULL story coming out. It’ll be on all my other accounts soon. It’s a Hunter x Reader ToH x Gravity Falls requested AU thing.

But thanks again to all of you who read these and enjoy them! Your support means so much! I’ll catch up with requests (slowly but surely). Requests are open as always, and thanks for reading!

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

-Deathlight Gato

Alternate Part 3 Bonus

“I believe you have been… retaining some information you promised to tell,” The gentle, mature voice filled a dark room full of wires and tubes. The figure stood before a broken door with a large eye in the center.

“Hmmmmm…” The child thought for a moment. “Ugh. I can’t do EVERYTHING as long as I’m trapped here!” The shadow chimed back. It smirked mischievously. “Although…” It thought for a moment, giggling as a plan unfoiled. “I think I know how to find where our playmates might be!”

“A witch gone wild, magic untamed!

A walker, Of grim, hidden, ashamed!

Playing together, two outlaws unite

Finding our pals, oh… what a delight!”

The Emperor smiled, “If it’s a game you’d like to play, Collector, I suppose we can find you a playmate or two to keep you company.”

Part 1 Here

#the owl house hunter #hunter #hunter x reader #toh hunter x reader #toh hunter #toh x reader #toh golden #toh golden guard #toh golden guard x reader

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