Oncemore, A Regular Darkstache Week

The main event is finally here! What Wilford has been waiting for, and Dark? Well... He's there too.

@projectdarkstache

Words: 446

Wilford finished putting on his best suspenders, loaded up his gun, and ran out into the kitchen. He grabbed the plastic pumpkin by the handle and spun around to face Dark.

“What are you supposed to be?” Dark said through his hooded cloak. Wilford had insisted that Dark dressed up and made him into the Grim Reaper. Secretly though, Dark enjoyed it, and was happy the comically oversized hood hid his smile. That is until Wilford came out after hours of getting ready, looking just like himself.

“I’m scary!”

“So am I, but you made me wear this!” Dark said, rolling his eyes, and pushed Wilford back into the room full of costumes. “Put on something good! Or we’re gonna miss all the candy!” Dark couldn’t care less about the candy. Although he had grown fond of Hallowe’en, sweets were simply not his thing. Wilford though…

Wilford shouted out strange noises in dismay and hurried back into the room. He rummaged around and pulled out a pumpkin costume and poured totally fake blood all over it. He jumped back out of the room and spun around for Dark’s approval. “Tada!” Wilford exclaimed; his hands outstretched presenting himself.

“Well, it’s certainly a costume,” Dark said, thoughtfully, even though pumpkins don’t bleed. “Why does your candy carrying pumpkin have a pink moustache now?”

“Well, because it’s me of course!” Wilford said, “We swapped places! Now, let’s go trick or treating.”

“Okay, okay,” Dark said, as Wilford dragged him forcefully out of the manor.

Dark was extremely hesitant in going trick or treating around the neighborhood. The manor was pretty far away from the common houses, but he didn’t want to cause any trouble. Wilford eventually persuaded him to stop worrying, so they walked up and down the streets collecting candy.

The wind was cold, and it made the autumn leaves skuttle across the ground. As they walked along the final street, the sun started to set. They had certainly got some strange looks, being unfamiliar grown men asking for candy and trick or treating, but everyone was overall very pleasant. No tricks necessary, much to Wilford’s disappointment and Dark’s relief. Some of Wilford’s trick ideas were a little bit… too unpleasant.

As they’re pumpkin baskets started to overflow with candy, they finished up the last street, and began the walk back up the path to their home. Wilford was excited to examine the bounty he had gotten, and Dark was excited to have a moment to think. It had been a fun week with all the Hallowe’en stuff, but it had also been very intense at some points.

Day 7: Halloween

“If you don’t hurry up we’re playing it without you!” Anti shouted from the couch armrest that he was perched on. Marvin, Bing, and Google were all on the couch as well with a small spot next to Marvin where Chase had been. 

“You wouldn’t dare!” Chase called from the other room, running for the bathroom. 

“Piss quick, boy!” 

“You are the definition of impatience.” Mare huffed from the ground, he and Mare sat right in front of the couch, leaning against the bottom of it with Bing’s legs between them.

“He’s the one that picked the first movie,” Henrik said from the couch on the other side of the large living room, sharing it with Edward, Host, JJ, and Jackie. 

“Then he needs to pee fast,” Phantom said from his spot on the ground, sitting between Jackie’s legs.

“Host would like to request that everyone stops discussing Chase’s bathroom trip.” Host said. 

“He’s gotta pee!” Robbie sang loudly, getting Blank to laugh. The two of them were right in the center of the room on the floor. 

“We’ll send Marvin if he takes too long.” Wilford chuckled. 

“Like hell, I’m getting him from the bathroom.” Marvin stuck his tongue out. 

“I mean, I could go-”

“Absolutely not!” Marvin’s shout got the others to break out in laughter and soon they were all talking over each other. 

Dark sat on the center couch with Wilford, calm in the chaos that was tame for what they usually had. It was the beginning of the end of the year and it’s been a rough one for all of them. It was Halloween, one of their favorite holidays and they had all agreed to a ‘family movie day’ where they just watched a bunch of films together. They’d have a real party later, but it was nice to just have them all sitting around, together, and with no threats around. Dark was drinking in the feeling on Wilford’s arm across his shoulders, Yandere and Bim sitting on the ground him in front of them, and CJ and RJ sitting on the armrests. 

He wasn’t sure how to describe it. How to explain this wonderful feeling in his chest as he felt the warmth of Wilford pressing against his side, the comfort of having the twins and Yandere near and safe, and the joy he got from having his eccentric family all in the same room, being themselves and laughing almost every sentence. Although…he’d never admit out loud to seeing the others as a family he would never hear the end of it.

“I’m back!” Chase leaped over Anti and landed on the couch with his legs across Marvin, Bing, and Google’s laps. “You can press play.” Dark felt everyone’s eyes on him, all of them smiling, grinning, bouncing in their seats, excited for the movie, and waiting for Dark to let it start since he held the remote. 

“Let the marathon begin.” Dark clicked the button and felt Wilford pull him in closer and press a kiss to the top of his head. He was a part of one big happy family.

And he never wants to leave. 

Day 6: Trick or Treat/Serial Killers

“I managed to get almost everything caught up,” Dark said as he came into the room, fixing the bottom of the sweater he had slipped on. “Are they ready to…go…” Dark’s voice trailed off when he saw that CJ and RJ weren’t in their originally planned costumes. “What did I miss?” 

“We wanted to try something different,” Wilford said, adding a little drip of blood next to CJ’s mouth. 

“Who are they supposed to be?” Dark asked.

“Jeffery and Ted.” 

“Who and who?”

“Jerrery Dahmer and Ted Bundy.” 

“What!?” Dark snapped. “We went from a vampire and a mummy to real-life serial killers? Killers, might I remind you, that makes us look like angels.” 

“Exactly, nothing’s scarier than reality.” Wilford flashed a large smile.

“No, no, they’re going to change into their actual costumes and where is Yandere? She’s supposed to be coming with us.” Dark was worried about the younger Egos not being able to get the most out of the scheduled trick-or-treat time. They were already going to head back early since Dark agreed to let Yandere join the Septiceye Halloween party that night if she joined them. 

“Right here.” Yandere came into the room, in her usual clothing and eating from a box of cereal with her hand. 

“Where’s your costume?” Dark groaned, now knowing they would have little to no time. 

“I’m in it.” Yandere gestured to the box. “I’m a cereal killer like CJ an RJ.” 

“I-” Dark pinched the bridge of his nose. “I should have taken today off.” He sighed to himself. 

“You worry too much.” Wilford chuckled and pressed a kiss to Dark’s cheek.

Other Days: One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven Ao3 Link

The prompt I chose for the free space is ‘party’. After the week they’ve had getting ready, it’s time for the big day!

Word Count: 1,443

-

Day of the party!

Or, to be more precise, one hour until the guests were due to arrive. After a chat with Dark over breakfast Wilford had been out in the garden, gathering fallen leaves that were so large they looked as though they had been cut out of paper. These were being scattered around the table of treats in the living room. With how monochromatic he was, one would be forgiven for thinking the colour had been drained off him. His moustache was black as coal, which fit in nicely with the dark suit he was wearing. The crisp, white shirt was buttoned to the top so a light grey tie could take pride of place. A switch was hidden in the jacket pocket that powered blue and red LED lights trailing along the inside of his sleeves and stopping at the cuffs to give a sense of that mysterious, unearthly glow. He had even used the lightest foundation he owned to make his face look less ‘alive’ and added eyeliner and eyeshadow to really strike up a contrast.

“You aren’t eating the snacks again, are you?” Dark approached from the kitchen with a large jug of juice and themed paper cups. In contrast, Dark was alive with colour. The sunny, yellow shirt was a little too large, so the sleeves had to be rolled up. The beige pants were kept in place by rainbow suspenders with tiny black pumpkins on them. His fringe had been combed back and temporarily dyed pink, while Wilford had applied his makeup wizardry to give Dark a bit more colour to his face, complete with cartoony rosy cheeks.

“I’m bein’ good! But before I forget - selfie!” He dumped the bowl on the table so he could yank out his phone, tug Dark over, and snap some photos. Only the best photo could be shown to Dark.

“We look ridiculous,” snorted Dark.

“Only goes ta show we look good even if swapped! This was a great idea, sugar!” Wilford kissed Dark on the temple and resumed his task for a full second until-

“Wait. Where are th’ kids?” Dark rolled his eyes.

“In the kitchen. They’re minding the pumpkin carving table - Will, we don’t have time for messing around!” Dark slammed the paper cups on the table so he could chase after Wilford.

Sure enough, the kitchen table was covered in an old tablecloth and newspaper, ready for carving. The tools were nearly laid out beside some large scooping bowls. And at the top of the table sat a carved pumpkin and a carved turnip. Interestingly, they were both adorned with knitted hats. The pumpkin had a turnip hat, and the turnip had a pumpkin hat.

“Trucy!” Wilford scooped up the turnip and kissed the side of it. “Yer way too young ta be near all these knives! Yer big brother Percy can handle supervision!”

“You just want to carry it around with you, don’t you?”

“… Yes.” Wilford held the costumed turnip close to him while giving Dark the best pleading eyes he could muster.

“Alright, alright. You’re going to be an awful parent when we decide to expand our family if you’re going to have such obvious favouritism.”

“Huuusssh.” A pause. “Wait, what was that 'bout wanting ta -”

A loud, ear piercing shriek boomed through the house.

“Ah, this must be our trick-or-treaters. Will, be a dear and open the door for them.”

“Wait, but I wanna check what -” It was too late as Dark pushed Wilford out of the kitchen, grateful that all the colourful makeup hid the blush that he could feel warming his face.

Summary: Dark and Wil wander the tank at night.

A/N: WARNING for injured character who is dealing with culture shock and slightly forced captivity. This is a continuation from Day Four of Darkstache Week.

Prompt: Halloween (free space)

AU: mermaid

Days: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Other Days: One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven Ao3 Link

With one day to go until the party, it might be a good time to stop and think about why Dark has a soft spot for Hallowe’en despite having no genuine experience with it.

A warning for mentions of overbearing parents.

Word count: 1,803

-

One day until the party.

The large, old-fashioned manor was beautiful in the autumn evening. The warm glow from the lights dotting the driveway gave the building a haunting, eerie presence, like there was more to see than what was in front of you. There were no outdoor decorations, but it didn’t stop three children from speeding up the steps to knock on the grand front door.

“Good evening, welcome to -”

“Excuse me, Arthur?” The butler was cut off by the smallest child in the group. They were dressed like a scarecrow, complete with an old sack with cut-out eyeholes covering their head.

“Yes? How might I help you?“

“Could you… Close the door? I want Damien to answer it.” Arthur squinted at the odd request. Three children stood before him: one dressed in white, one dressed in black, and the little scarecrow. He couldn’t gauge their ages with masks on, but they could only be around eight years old. If they tried to do anything to harm the master’s son, he would be able to intercept. That was enough to have him nod his head and shut the door.

The butler returned to the drawing room. Damien sat at the table, surrounded by books. The child had just turned eight, yet he was in the middle completing a series of fairly complicated history questions as assigned by his tutor. He looked exhausted, as he wasn’t allowed to take a break until he finished all his work. Arthur had thought it unfair to force the boy to work this hard and for this long, but he was in no position to question his master.

"Who was that?” Damien wearily lifted his head from the biography chapter he was trying to decipher.

“I have no idea, sire. It might have been those teenagers again. Terribly disruptive when I’m waiting for my wife to arrive.” He returned to his original task of tidying the books with the work that Damien had already completed throughout the day. Books covering geography, literature, music theory, French vocabulary, mathematics and grammar - along with their respective notebooks - were all sorted into one large bundle. Arthur barely had a moment to hoist the pile into his arms before there was another loud knock on the door.

“I’m terribly sorry to interrupt your studying, but could you get that?”

“What if it’s those teenagers again?”

“Being victim to a door prank is less embarrassing than leaving someone out in the cold.”

“Oh, you’re right! Mrs O’Hare doesn’t deserve that after her busy day!” Damien slid off the wooden chair that was too large for him and hurried to the foyer. It took two hands to pull the heavy door open, but he managed. He would be ready for the correct visitor, or to see no one at all.

Prompts by @projectdarkstache

Day 6 - Serial Killers

Among Us!AU with Imposter!Dark and Third Imposter!Wilford

Trigger warnings for death, gore, blood

—

“I knew it was you!”

    Above them, the red lights flashed. The alarm shook the floor. Behind them, the console showed no tasks; instead, red numbers counted down steadily from sixty. When it reached zero, they’d all be dead.

    “I knew it was you!” Bim repeated, jabbing a shaking finger at him, his face deathly pale in the dim lighting. Sweat beaded his brow. His eyes– jittery, to Wilford they seemed to jump out of their sockets– darted from the console to the imposter. “Y-you killed Dr. Iplier! No one believed me!”

    “Oh, that wasn’t me.” Wilford stepped forward, leered when Bim stumbled back. “I’m just Santa’s little helper.”

    “Whose little hel-helper?” The console, the imposter, now to the door. If he could make it past Wilford, he could make it to the emergency meeting button. Above him, the alarms continued to blare. He faintly heard something rattling.

    Then the vent in one corner of the room popped open.

    “Me.” A disembodied voice boomed, and black began to seep out of the vent, engulfing the floor and the console.

    Bim froze, unable to move, unable to do anything but watch as the black pooled into a man. Into Dark.

    He didn’t even have time to scream as the mouth in Dark’s middle opened, revealing row upon row of needle-sharp teeth, glistening under the dull, flashing lights.

    He tried to run too late. Darted toward the door just as Dark lunged. Ran face-first into Wilford, who didn’t even flinch at the impact, merely flipped him around and shoved him back to the center of the room, right into Dark’s gaping maw.

    His blood splattered the walls, matching the crimson tint near-perfectly.

Summary: Being new parents is always tricky, especially to a pair of rambunctious boys who know there’s free candy to be had.

Prompt: trick or treat/serial killers

AU: human

Days: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Day 5: Candy Making

Wilford hummed to himself as he used the spatula to make a thin layer of chocolate on the counter before pooling it back up, watching for the perfect consistency. 

“Make chocolate treats again?” Dark asked, walking over to stand next to Wilford.

“You know it. They don’t call me ‘candy-man’ for nothing.” Wilford chuckled. 

“Now who actually calls you that?” Dark dipped his finger into the melted chocolate, finding it fairly warm but cooling fast when away from the large amount. 

“I’m sure if we asked about we-” Wilford stopped when Dark poked the tip of his nose with the chocolate. “Did you just…” Wilford felt his face flush at the smile Dark gave him. 

“Maybe.” Dark popped the finger into his mouth to clean the rest of the chocolate off. 

“You are adorable.” Wilford wiped the chocolate off of his nose 

“I wouldn’t quite say that.” Dark started to head off but Wilford caught him from behind, hugging him and nuzzling his face into Dark’s hair.

“You are just the sweetest thing.” Wilford started to rock. 

“Wil, let go.” Dark’s laugh made it hard for him to be taken seriously. 

“Just a little cutie-pie~” Wilford sang and Dark could only keep laughing. 

“Say cheese.” A voice said before a flash. “Perfect.” Bing was typing away in his phone. “And posted.” 

“Bing,” Dark said through gritted teeth. 

“It was a perfect candid moment, how could I resist.” Bing looked at Wilford for help. 

“You’re not wrong and you should also run cause Darkling has a different opinion.” Wilford stepped away and waved. 

“Googs!” Bing cried out and ran off. 

“Bingiplier, get back here!” Dark shouted and ran after him. 

“I love him more every day.” Wilford chuckled to himself. “And my chocolate’s probably ruined.” He added with a click of his tongue. “Oh well.” 

Candy making in the manor gets a little out of hand.

@projectdarkstache

Words: 603

Two days away from Halloween, it was time to get down to business. It was candy making time. Wilford loved candy. He loved everything about candy. So today, Wilford shot out of bed and ran down into the kitchen to get stuff ready. They were making taffy, they were making peanut brittle, they were making MARSHMALLOWS, they were making rock candy, they were making anything that Wilford could think of that was sweet.

Dark woke up with a groan. He turned over to his alarm clock, and noticed the date. It was candy making day. He walked down the stairs, and could already hear the absolute mess that Wilford was making in the kitchen. The clanging of pots and pans, liquids sizzling over and spilling out of containers, and… was that a chainsaw? Dark picked up the pace a bit, starting to sweat.

Just the usual fluff. Enjoy.

@projectdarkstache

Words: 556

Wilford opened his eyes slowly from his afternoon nap, with Dark standing over him expectantly.

“Wilford, the movies is in a couple of hours, come on,” Dark nudged him.

“A couple hours, oh no, we have to rush so much now,” Wilford said, rolling his eyes.

Dark pulled Wilford up to standing. “We have to go shopping, because you insisted.”

Wilford perked up at that, and ran wildly out the door. Dark rolled his eyes, and walked after him. Wilford struggled to catch his breath as he ran for the shops, but he didn’t want to stop because he was just so excited to grab all the sweets and then eat them all at the drive in movie. To Wilford’s dismay, when he ran through the shops wildly and grabbed everything, Dark was there at the checkout.

“Damn it,” Wilford said, his arms filled with bags upon bags of candy, “I thought I could beat you.”

Dark pulled out Wilford’s wallet from his suit jacket pocket. “You left this at home,” Dark said, stifling a laugh, “You have to put at least half of that back.”

Other Days: One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven Ao3 Link

Wilford gets the top prize for nearly forgetting to organise the couples’ costume with Dark!

Word Count: 987

-

Two days until the party.

Wilford was standing in his dressing room-office with a hand on his hip and a marker perched on the back of his ear. The stolen whiteboard took pride of place in the middle of the room. Notes were sprawled all over with all the relevant facts and topics about Hallowe'en. He had been crossing them off as they were covered, but there was something missing.

“You’re looking a little perplexed there, sir,” Bim remarked as he entered the room with New Jim right on his heels. “Still getting your party ready?”

“Yeah… I’ve covered everythin’ I’ve written. Forgot somethin’, I think.” The pen was swiftly pulled from its resting place so Wilford could tap it against his chin thoughtfully. “An’ anywho, it’s been nice ta have an excuse ta spend time with Dark -”

“Aside from the fact you two live together?”

“… Shaddap, Bim. Hey, yer still able ta come on Sunday, right?”

While the pair talked about the party plans, New Jim slowly approached the whiteboard. Wilford’s writing was messy, and it was a challenge deciphering the categories when they had a line through them. He tilted his head left, then right.

“Costumes?”

“Hm? Ya say somethin’, kid?” Wilford turned his attention to the youth, who nodded.

“You don’t have ‘costumes’ on the board.” New Jim tried to step aside, but a firm grip from the head reporter kept him in place. Wilford used the pen as a guide to point him through each of the topics, muttering under his breath. Sure enough, 'costumes’ was missing. He slapped his forehead.

“How did I forget - Kid, yer a genius. Y’ve got that good observational-whatchamacallit that this team really needs. Now if ya both excuse me, I gotta get this matter addressed!”

-

The door to Dark’s office was closed, complete with a 'Do Not Disturb’ sign on it. To anyone else, that would have been enough to deter them from entering - even Wilford hesitated when he saw the sign. He pressed an ear to the door. Silence. It wasn’t a meeting. That meant it ought to be safe to enter.

“Darkling?” He knocked on the door. No answer. That wasn’t right. He tried again. Nothing. “Sweetie Pie? Night Blossom? Shadowkins?”

“Yes?”

“GAH!” Wilford jumped and spun around. Dark stood in the corridor with a bottle of water in his hand.

“You look as though you’ve seen a ghost. Is something the matter?” Dark chuckled. Wilford’s choice of movie had worked a treat in helping lighten Dark’s mood after yesterday.

“I, uh, yeah! We got a problem - we don’t, y'know - we’ve no costumes for the party!” Words briefly failed him, but Wilford got the point out. “We can’t be Hallowe'en Party hosts without bein’ all dressed up!” Dark hummed, giving a feigned thoughtful expression to Wilford’s plight.

“That is a serious matter. Step into the office. We must find a solution before we lose the chance.” Dark unlocked the door and gestured for Wilford to enter first.

Incredible

@projectdarkstache

Darkstache Week: Day 4 - Cryptids and creatures/Drive-in movies

𝕯𝖆𝖙𝖊 𝖎𝖓 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝕹𝖎𝖌𝖍𝖙

Unlike the rest of the cars at the drive-in movie theater, Wil's popped out more than any other in the parking lot. It was mainly cause it was a 1959 Cadillac Convertible; the only pink and classic car there. It wasn't an issue though. Aside from a few impressed whistles, stares and compliments, everyone was more captivated by the horror movie than his baby.

Though, as good as the movie was, neither Dark or him were scared by it. There were no flinches or screams of fright whenever a jumpscare happened. They were kind of predictable, to be frank. Yet the classic knew how to build suspense and the acting was acceptable. So even if the two weren't afraid, and didn't scare easily in general, the couple still enjoyed themselves. And how could they not?

Dark had an arm wrapped around his shoulders, while his own held his lover's waist as his head rested upon their shoulder. His partner's head gently leaned against his as they quietly spoke amongst themselves. Either commenting on the movie projected on the big scene, or talking about their plans for the next few days. The conversations occasionally ventured away from the horror, opening up to lighter subjects. They usually returned to topics centered around Halloween, however. It wasn't bad though. In fact, it led to an interesting question.

Other Days: One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven Ao3 Link

Next Lesson in Hallowe’en - the monsters! But before the lesson can start, Dark overhears something that hits a little too close to home for him.

Word Count: 1,537

-

Three days until the party.

For Dark, today was dedicated to working in the studio. He was overseeing the youngest Jim to join the family business - that every Jim called ‘New Jim’ - as he and Bim practiced reading lines for his big debut in November. The youth was bright-eyed and smart, which was a change of pace from most other Jims. Only a fool would miss how he had potential to be something great. His only problem was nervousness, but Bim was sure it would fade with time and practice. While not needed, Dark was trying to make a better effort to be present beyond ‘brooding scary guy who scolds people when they mess up’. It meant he was able to see life for most of the Egos in a more ‘natural environment’, even if one line of conversation was rather distracting.

“I’m telling youse, if Bigfoot an’ the Lagoon Monster had a fight, Bigfoot would kick ass. An’ not just because of them big feet.” Yancy - who helped with lights and general mechanical reparations - scoffed. He had returned to a broken down camera buggy with a toolbox and a clipboard. He was accompanied by Illinois - who was the overseer of cinematography. The adventurer shook his head as he placed a heavy-looking box down beside Yancy. 

“You’re being ridiculous. With all that hair, the Lagoon Monster would have no trouble dragging Bigfoot underwater to his demise. Trust me, I’ve seen the Lagoon Monster’s strength first hand.”

“But that’s assuming the match is in a lake or something! Why the fuck would Bigfoot be swimming in a lake?” Yancy waved a spanner in protest. “How’s that fair? It’d be on land!”

“Which would only serve to put the Lagoon Monster at a disadvantage?” Illinois leaned to his left, lowering his head to watch as Yancy disappeared under the broken vehicle. 

“Okay! Fine! Shoreline! Whatever! Point is, youse’s little Lagoon Monster don’t hold shit against Bigfoot. That monster can strike fear in the hearts of anyone, and throw big logs like it ain’t no one’s business!”

“Hardly important when the Lagoon Monster can simply knock Bigfoot’s feet out from under them.”

“Are you two still arguing about this?” Bim, who had stepped away from the rehearsal to fetch a pen, rolled his eyes at the bickering pair. “You two really need better topics than ‘which monster can win in a fight’.”

“But that’s the best thing ‘bout Hallowe’en, Suits! Any other day of the year has peoples throwing hands at the sight of monsters. But October’s the only time they can take centre stage and no one don’t bat an eyelid!“

“I do have to agree with Yancy on that one. Besides, most of these scenarios won’t happen. These creatures are incredibly cautious for precisely that reason.” Illinois spun on the ball of his foot to face Bim, while Yancy pulled himself back out to rejoin the conversation. “Monsters and cryptids are a subject of fascination for humans. The mysterious, the unknown, the ‘clearly unhuman’. There’s an air that lingers around them that truly can’t be described. It’s a version of the uncanny valley that draws people in while also repelling them. They stay hidden because, well, what do you think would happen if they encountered the people that want to hurt or use them for their own benefit?” Silence fell in the backstage areas for a moment as Illinois’ words sunk in. Then, he shrugged and threw Bim a coy grin.

“Anyway, These ‘fights’ are merely scenarios based on the elusive ‘what-if’, just like how you would talk about which of your co-workers you would rather sleep-”

“Fine, fine! Just keep it down.” 

Bim stormed off in an embarrassed flurry. Yancy high-fived Illinois for a smooth counter. All were unaware of Dark rising to his feet and stepping into one of the nearby rooms.

Prompts by @projectdarkstache

Day 4 - Cryptids and creatures

—

“Do you ever sleep anymore?”

    Sunlight spilled from the wide, drapeless windows across the tile floor, illuminating the few stray dust motes floating in the air. Just beyond its reach lay Wilford, sprawled on his back. Blood coated his mouth and the elongated fangs he bared lazily at the ceiling. It also stained the front of his slightly scorched shirt, as well as his hands, which had a few minor burns. Clearly, he’d been feeding a lot. And recently.

    “Don’t need to,” he slurred, shifting his gaze to Dark, who hovered in the parlor doorway, gingerly avoiding the shafts of sunlight lapping at his feet and leaning against the rod of his umbrella. “Sleep is for the weak.”

    “That’s a human phrase.” Dark unfolded the umbrella, held it up over his head, then stepped into the parlor, safe within his own created shadow.

    “Oh! You unfolded- unfolded an umbrella inside.” Wilford lifted his head, gesturing noncommittally at the umbrella. “Bad luck. That’s bad luck.”

    Dark dropped to a crouch, propping the umbrella against his shoulder. He smiled wanly. “I think we’ve had enough bad luck, don’t you?”

    He extended a hand for Wilford to take, and helped him to his feet, supporting his weight when his knees nearly gave way. “You’re a blood-drunk idiot. And you need to stop hunting during the day. You’ve got burns everywhere.”

Day 4: Cryptids and Creatures

“I’m never trusting you to get directions again.” Dark grumbled as he and Wilford made their way through the forest. 

“It’s a party in the woods, there’s only so much they can tell.” Wilford held a branch up as Dark slipped under it. 

“Party in the woods?” Dark stopped and turned to Wilford. “You said this was supposed to be a wine tasting.” 

“There’s going to be wine there.” Wilford gave Dark a big smile. 

“Wilford. Did you get me out of the Manor, drag me to the middle of nowhere for a party?” 

“Not just any party, Darkling. A cryptid party.” 

“A what?” Dark started to follow Wilford as he continued on. 

“We’re gonna look for Goatman.” Wilford jumped over a fallen log. 

“Goatman has a bridge,” Dark stated, walking around the same log.

“Oh…maybe we’ll find Nessy.”

“Water cryptid.”

“Mothman?”

“West Virginia.” Dark slipped off his blazer and rolled up his sleeves. “The one we’d most likely find is Bigfoot.” 

“How do you know all this?” Wilford took Dark’s blazer to carry while Dark bent down to retie his shoe. 

“Have you met the Jims? It’s all they talk about and you pick up on a thing or two after so long.” 

“You do have a p-”

Baaaa

Dark froze and Wilford excitedly gasp at what sounded like a goat. 

“Don’t you dare.”

“Goatman!” Wilford shouted and ran off, quickly vanishing in the thick trees. 

“Wil! Wil, it’s not Goatman! Wil!” Dark scrambled to his feet and took off towards where he last saw Wilford. 

“Goatman! Come here Goatman! I just wanna talk!” 

“I just told you he has a bridge!” Dark snapped a branch off of a tree when it almost smacked him in the face. “Wilford! I can’t see you!” Dark called out one of their cue phrases. “Wil-” Dark was going to say it again in case Wilford could hear but his foot got caught on a root, sending him down to the muddy ground. “Fuck!” 

“Dark!?” 

“Fucking-uh!” Dark cursed more and rolled himself over to sit on the ground, suit ruined and ankle throbbing. The injury would be gone in a minute with how they healed, but it was still unpleasant. 

“Dark!” Wilford finally appeared and knelt next to Dark. “Are you okay? Is anything broken?” 

“I’m fine, did you find Goatman?” Dark asked with a little chuckle. 

“Who gives a damn about Goatman? I’m only here for you.” Wilford tucked his arms under Dark and lifted him up. 

“I’ll be able to walk in a moment,” Dark said, unconsciously wrapping his own arms around Wilford’s neck. 

“Don’t care, I’m carrying you all the way home.” 

“What about the party?”

“It’ll probably be boring anyway.” Wilford pressed a kiss to Dark’s temple. “And a night with just the two of us sounds more fun.” 

“I love you, too.” Dark rested his head against Wilford’s chest, knowing the trip would only last seconds before Wilford gave in and used his powers and decided to enjoy every breath of it.