#jacksondavis

For the official baby shower Glenn and Silver attempted to host the whole coven. Glenn was a bit worried about what so many people in once place might do to Silver but the werewolf assured him it was best they host. That way he could always duck into the bedroom for a minute of peace and any grumpiness would just be seen as him having high standards as a host.

Elise: Glenn! You look great. You're glowing like one of my moonlight charged gems

Glenn: Oh thanks I-

Jackson: Marisol is angry she couldn't bring Sandy

Marisol: Hush Jackson, I didn't say that

Jackson: She said she misses her dog so it's basically the same

Elise: Do you not miss Throttle

Jackson: Not right this second, my dog can take care of himself. Plus he has Thrash for company

Elise: Luckily BooBoo doesn't need company, he's a very self confident cat

Koko: Glenn, I have a baby shower gift for you

Glenn: You do? You really like gift wrapping huh

Koko: It gives me something to do. Will you open it now?

Henri: What are we talking about all the way out here? The dangers of crowds?

Howard: *laughing* Oh I think we all know the dangers of crowds

Silver: I mean... I'm doing better with them than I was a year ago right?

Henri: Oui, indeed

Silver: Thank you for bringing the snacks Henri. They're not uh... you know?

Henri: Laced with pleasure? Everything I bake is, but just low doses for everyday bakes

Silver: But... could that hurt the kid

Henri: Kids are stronger than you think Silver. Surely you saw your fair share of werewolf cub fights, no?

Silver: Oh the battles between the young ones were ferocious but they couldn't get seriously hurt, werewolves can't

Howard: I do find it fascinating how impervious your kind is to damage

Henri: Your kid is bound to be just the same, even if they're a spellcaster

Silver: I hope so. Losing parents was hard enough, I can't imagine losing a kid- sorry Howard

Howard: *soft smile* I'll see my boy again when my time is through

Glenn was doing the rounds when he noticed Ophelia standing in the corner, staring at the treefish in the tank.

Glenn: You alright there Ophelia

Ophelia: Me? Yes. I was just wondering what it must be like for Oakley

Glenn: What do you mean

Ophelia: He's a proud only child. How can he comprehend a new sibling coming in to his world?

Glenn: Uhhhh, you think he has that much awareness?

Ophelia: Oh I've no idea. But I think he looks like he's getting ready

Glenn: Right... why don't we sit down for a bit Ophelia

Ophelia: Of course. I was just waiting for you to suggest that

So the pair sat down at the table beside Gillian and began to snack.

Glenn: I don't suppose you can tell me if I'm growing a baby boy or baby girl

Ophelia: I can't. They haven't decided yet

Glenn: They haven't decided yet?

Ophelia: Gender is a social construct anyway but their body hasn't decided which sex they most want to be like. It's as if their inner boy and girl are playing tic tac toe for it, like their inner spellcaster and werewolf are

Glenn: Wait, are you saying they'll be both genders and both occults

Ophelia: I can't give you hints about the future Glenn, you know this

Phoebus: How are you coping Silver

Silver: Better. I wanted to apologise for my behaviour in your house right after we learned Glenn was pregnant

Phoebus: Silver, I may not know what it's like to have been alone as long as you were but I can understand that unlearning behaviour takes time. Now here, I got Drusilla to help me with this

Silver: What is it? Is it- wait... how?

Phoebus: Drusilla does blood magic. From the blood sample of your child she was able to work backwards along the family lines. Does it look right?

Silver: *happily* The sketch looks exactly like my mom looked. Thank you. Thank you so much

Phoebus: You're very welcome. Oh no need to hide your tears from me Silver, they're a sign of love

The baby shower was winding down and Glenn felt like it had been moderately successful. Everyone had been kind to Silver who hadn't needed to tap out at any point. For the most part the talk was good. For the most part.

Jackson: Oh Elise, you are looking gorgeous today

Elise: I know, I look this good everyday

Howard: Help me with the dishes boys

Jackson: Her eyes are so beautiful, like pools of lavender

Coleman: This whole place is beautiful. Like all the green is singing

Koko: The green is... singing?

Coleman: And the flower pot, it's so cute

Silver: Are the two of you... okay

Jackson: Never better Silver my friend. Oh you look so handsome in that jacket

Coleman: It shows off your muscles

Jackson: You're so right

Glenn: Can you not hit on my partner in my house?

At that point Ophelia burst out laughing and the spellcasters that hadn't yet headed home stared at her in confusion.

Jackson: You're pretty when you laugh

Glenn: Did you see something Ophelia?

Ophelia: *through giggling* I can't say

Coleman: I'm pretty when I laugh

Koko: Ophelia?

Ophelia: Maybe if I don't say what happens but why? They accidentally increased the amount of pleasure in Henri's fudge... then ate the whole plate themselves

Elise: *laughing* They used Henri's ingredients to get a magical high? Oh he is going to be so mad

Jackson: Henri is pretty when he's mad

Koko: We should get them home before they embarrass themselves any more

Coleman: Are you going to tuck us in to bed Koko? I'll go if you're there

With a mixture of sighing and giggling Ophelia, Koko and Elise pulled the twins up and set about figuring out the best way home. When everyone had gone Glenn felt himself hit by a wave of fatigue and was desperate for a nap. Unwilling to drag himself up the stairs he settled himself on the couch while Silver took care of the last of the dishes. When the werewolf was finished he went over and snuggled up by the sleepy spellcaster.

Silver: Did you notice how I survived that latest trial

Glenn:*smiling* I did. Did you have a good time

Silver: I don't think I'd call it good

Glenn: *sadly* Oh, I'm sorry

Silver: Oh you did nothing wrong. I think it'll just take more time to shake the feeling of unease when I'm around so many people

Glenn: You were doing so good. You haven't needed to leave for a trip since we moved here

Silver: I was talking to Ophelia for a bit and she told me, healing happens in stages

Glenn: How is it she simultaneously the most clueless person and the smartest person in the room

Silver: I don't know but I think I love it

Glenn: Me to. Do you think we could ask her to be godmother

Silver: I mean... would we even trust her to look after Oakley

Glenn: She was talking about Oakley during the party so I would

Silver: If you want her to be godmother then I have no issue with it

Glenn: You seemed a little calmer after Phoebus talked to you.What happened?

Silver: Oh. Well you know how Drusilla does blood magic? When they were checking stuff on your bun in the oven they were able to trace the bloodlines back and they saw what my mom looked like. I guess they made me a sketch of her from what she saw

Glenn: Really?

Silver: I know, seems out of character for them but it's nice. I've only seen her in my head for decades and now I have a picture I can look at whenever I want

Glenn: Can I see her

Silver: Sure. But the box is upstairs

Glenn: Don't move then. I'm very comfy with you right here

Silver: I won't Babycakes. You have a nap and I'll get it for you after alright

So Glenn napped and this time there were no bad dreams. Just him, Silver and their child hiking through various forests and meadows. When he woke up and Silver left to get the picture Glenn ran his hands over his stomach. Whoever was in there was definitely growing.

One morning Glenn found a most unexpected set of visitors at his door. Not caring to find out how easily they could smash his door down he went outside to greet the twins.

Glenn: Now to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit

Jackson: *snickering* Coleman needs tips on doggy style

Coleman: Shut up! You're just mad I scored that hot blonde last night

Jackson: I don't care. I got the-

Glenn: Newsflash! I don't care either

Jackson grunted angrily while Coleman snickered.

Glenn: Why are you here

Jackson: *sighs* Henri is going on a trip

Glenn: A trip?

Coleman: Over to Europe to see all his old pals

Jackson: And probably fuck his way into not paying for accommodation

Glenn: Wait, is this about the baking festival he mentioned?

Coleman: Well he said baking but we all know that's code for getting laid

Glenn: Pretty sure it isn't. He does genuinely love his baking

Jackson: Maybe. Anyway we're here to...

Glenn: Yes?

Coleman: That is we need to...

Glenn: Yes?

Jackson: Well, Phoebus has said-

Coleman: Yes Phoebus said-

Glenn: Just spit it out

Jackson: *snickering* Oh no man, I swallow

Glenn: *sighs* If you two are done wasting my time-

Coleman: No Glenn, wait. We need a favour

Jackson: And we're not great at asking for help

Glenn: No shit

Coleman: Phoebus doesn't want us by ourselves for a fortnight

Jackson: He doesn't trust us to not blow shit up

Coleman: Or muck with Henri's potion cupboard

Glenn: So you need... a babysitter?

Jackson: No!

Coleman: Shut up dude we do

Glenn: And if I say no?

Jackson: Then we have to ask one of the girls

Coleman: And we don't want to do that

Glenn: Not even Miranda?

Jackson: She had to look after us enough growing up

Coleman: She's done her time

Glenn: But I haven't?

Jackson: Oh come on Glenn. Please don't let us get saddled with Drusilla as a house guest for a fortnight

Coleman: You know what they're like

Jackson: They'll turn us into toads or something claiming it's the easiest way of looking after us

Glenn: I mean I can see how they would come to that opinion

Coleman: Oh come on man, are you going to make us beg

Glenn: No but I would have some conditions

Jackson: We're not sleeping with you

Glenn: *ignoring him* No more picking on Silver

Coleman: We don't pick on him

Glenn: You make fake howling noises when you spot him to see if he howls back

Jackson: That's just us helping him keep his skills sharp

Glenn: You asked him if he dances naked under the full moon

Coleman: Well humans didn't get that myth from spellcasters so they had to get it from somewhere

Glenn: You asked him if we woohoo when he's in wolf form

Jackson: Now that was a genuine question

Coleman: We are actually curious if werewolves do that

Glenn: Gentlemen, you want my help? You respect my boyfriend

Jackson: Can't we just respect you

Coleman: It would be much easier

Glenn: Nope. No more comments about doggy style. Treat him properly

Jackson: But we don't even treat you properly

Glenn: By all means, say no. I'm sure you'll enjoy your fortnight as toads

Coleman: Fine. We'll behave

Jackson: Yeah, total angels

Some days Glenn would go to the magic realm. He hadn't been much when he was growing up and was always flummoxed by the doors. Doors that should lead nowhere actually moving you? Weird. He wasn't the only member of the coven to enjoy some time there though.

The main building had been magically fortified. It was one of the few places Jackson and Coleman could test the limits of their magic without risking detection or uncontrolled destruction. Sometimes Glenn would watch them practice. Jackson doing his best to set everything aflame while Coleman worked on starving each flame of oxygen, fascinating and usually got the attraction of other young spellcasters. Koko had an astronomy group she would meet with while Ophelia searched for valerian root for Glenn to grow.

Vendor: Hello, how may I help you today?

Glenn: Woah, I forgot they had ghosts here

Vendor: Not ghost sir. I am an astral projection

Glenn: A what now

Vendor: I'm not really here, just my spirit. Actual me is sleeping in my cottage right now

Glenn: In a cottage? That sounds like the life

Jackson: Stop holding up the line certified loser, some of us actually want to buy stuff

Glenn: I want to buy stuff

Jackson: Sure you do. Excuse me sir, do you have any bone wands in stock yet

Vendor: Not today. They are hard to make

Glenn: Jackson I thought you had a wand

Jackson: I do but I'm trying to collect some. They have different vibes, inspiring you know. Gets the creativity going

Glenn: I always forget you write poetry. How'd someone like you even get in to that

Jackson: Who's being rude now? Words are like flames to me, they just make sense. And I do have a talent for pushing buttons

Glenn: No kidding. So you're collecting? Plan on getting shoes like Carmine?

Jackson: Ruby slippers? Nah. There's only one pair of them in existence. And I'm plenty tall already, no heels required. You coming? Some of the others were talking about dueling. Coleman and I were going to take some wagers from the apprentices that don't know better

Glenn: I'll be along. I need to see what seeds they've got

Koko: Don't be trying to hit me with any water spouts

Marisol: And don't be trying to blind me with light

Koko: Deal. You ready?

Marisol: Ready

By the time Glenn got there they were near the end. Koko won which wasn't a large surprise, she was far more curious with her magic study and Marisol was still adjusting to the move. Jackson and Coleman collected their winnings from disappointed apprentices and the group headed home together.

Time passed and Glenn got better. He got to the point where Grayson wasn't the first thing he thought about in the mornings. He changed his lockscreen, and got back in to a routine. Some nights he would go over to Henri's or Miranda's and watch a film. Miranda had the best set up in her room, but Henri had the best snacks. The twins did tease him for his celebrity crush on Devin York but a man could dream.

Cooking comforted him, not as much as gardening but close. Glenn loved food and felt a freedom when playing chef. He slowly started to dream of what his future might look like, or who would be in it. It wouldn't be Grayson, but he thought about what he'd like in a partner. Someone to share life with, someone who wouldn't mind him cleaning dirt from under his nails every time he came back in the house. Someone who liked abs, and told him he looked nice.

Humans were nice but humans were... tricky. They didn't understand what the occults had been through. But maybe that could be good? Once he finished his breakfast he always took a tray up to his grandfather who liked to read in bed in the mornings, and got on to the rest of his routine.

Each day his affirmations became easier to say. With time he got back to believing he was a catch, he just had to find someone who was fishing... and didn't have anything against the colour green. He flowed through his exercise routine most mornings. Push ups and sit ups until he hurt, but a good hurt. Then if it was sunny he'd go for a run, if it was raining he stayed inside and did a dance workout.

Little did he know someone had no choice but to stay in the rain.

Reminder that Glenn and Silver are moving to my weekends rather than every second day, but they meet in the next part I promise!

Coleman: Was he making fun of my name or was that an old person joke

Jackson: Fucked if I know. Hey Glenn, Glenn, did you get a prize for second place

Coleman: Don't worry if you didn't because we know just what to get you

Glenn: And what would that be...

Jackson: We'll... throw you a pity party!

The twins burst out laughing but Glenn finds it easier to shrug off than he thought he would. Hey if their taunting was going to help him move on, bring it!

Glenn: Wow, did it take you all day to think of that? Or did you need to workshop it the entire time I was busy

Jackson: *laughing* A pity party! Watcher I'm hilarious

Coleman: I'll play you a moving ballad on my violin so everyone can cry as much as you

Jackson: And I can write a special poem on the death of your relationship, it'll be all poignant and stuff

Glenn: Because you know all about relationship death right

Coleman: Oh, want some ice for that burn bro

Jackson: At least I get laid. You went for how long and didn't get any tail? Embarrassing

Glenn: Not really. Some of us are looking for more than just physical connection

Coleman: Unlike those guys that got it on in Grayson's bed

Jackson: *chuckling* Dude that was so funny

Glenn: Actually that was beyond a violation of privacy and trust

Coleman: What do you think? Glenn's mad because he wasn't invited to join them for a threesome

Jackson: Like he'd even know what to do with a dick other than faint. First or second loser probably still has his cherry

Coleman: If you're nice to us Glenn maybe we'll let you practice on us. But one at a time because we're queer not incesty

Glenn: Thanks but infant is not my type. Neither are people who make up words like incesty. A real vocabulary is attractive, you should think about investing in one sometime

Jackson: You're just mad we're young and fresh faced

Coleman: And depressed you're going to be single forever

Glenn: I survived far worse than your taunting when I was growing up you know

The twins smirked and stood up. For a moment Glenn thought through what shielding spells he knew but it turned out that they were just refilling the food bowls for their dogs who were coming in. Thrash was white with a blue harness, and Throttle was black with a red collar.

Jackson: Thrash! Throttle! Food!

Coleman: Oh hey Glenn, why didn't you pet Olive? The challenge for that day was literally interact with Olive. Did the producers not tell you

Jackson: Are you like anti dog or something

Coleman: Even idiots know if you want in with the owners you spoil the pets

Jackson: But not so much that you're stealing their affections. One time I tried befriending this girls cat and she said she'd rather I sleep with her sister so I did

Glenn: Look, I'm not actually here to talk to you two

Coleman: Oh no, we've been slighted. I'm gonna die from that blow

Jackson: How will my social life ever recover if Glenn the first or second loser won't talk to me

Glenn: Phoebus said Henri would be here

Coleman: He'll get back from the bakery in a bit unless he's shagging another customer

Jackson: He can't stand to be without us for long

Coleman: We're his favourite people

Glenn rather doubted it but it seemed in poor taste to criticize legal orphans for claiming to be beloved so he let them carry on.

Phoebus: Gillian can you ask Pockets to not eat the pie

Gillian: But why shouldn't he eat pie

Miranda: Because we want to eat it

Glenn: Um, what were you doing earlier with a barrier?

Phoebus: Oh it's a pretty basic spell really, similar to the big one on the property. In essence it's a smaller bubble that will keep sound in and stop and spells or potions traveling outside it

Gillian: He worries I'll run in to more potions and throw off his research

Miranda: Finding a cure for you is serious business Gillian

Gillian: Seriously boring

Phoebus: Would you like me to teach you how to make one Glenn?

Glenn: Yes please. I don't really know what I'd use it for but it could be useful

Miranda: I mostly cast them so my music doesn't travel upstairs in the middle of the night

Gillian: I don't mind hearing it

Phoebus: Maybe but sleep is important at your age

Gillian: *sighs* It's boring being my age

Miranda: That your new favourite word is it

Phoebus got up and motioned for Glenn to do the same.

Phoebus: The important thing is to picture the bubble small first. Specifically focus on what you want to be able to go in and what you want to be able to go out

Glenn listened as Phoebus explained the various things to consider. Sound, light, spells, people. Then he showed how to throw the bubble up and out.

Glenn: Is it okay for me to use a wand

Phoebus: If you find it helps you focus, of course

Glenn gave it a shot. He hadn't done much magic that wasn't nature based, but perhaps it was time to learn. Eventually he was able to cast a bubble that kept sound in or out, but he'd need to practice more before he'd be capable of stopping much else with it.

Phoebus: That's good progress Glenn

Glenn: *smiles* Thanks

Phoebus: Keep working on it though, it's pretty useful to be able to cast a barrier

Glenn went to head home but before he could Phoebus reminded him to check in on some of the other coven members, pointing out their houses through the windows. Glenn did pop home to grab his cardigan before he went to the house that was closest to his own. Trying to grow a thicker skin, he knocked.

Jackson: Come on in unless you're a doofus

Coleman: Or a perv

Jackson: But definitely come in if you're a stripper

Sighing to himself, Glenn opened the door. The twins were relaxing on the couch in front of the TV but sat up when he came in.

Jackson: Oh my gosh is it Glenn?

Coleman: The Glenn?

Jackson: The first loser

Coleman: No man, he could be the second loser because that other one lost to

Glenn: *scoffs* I forgot your names but I guess one of you is Charlie and the other is Chaplin. Or was it Larry and Moe?

The twins stared at him, not getting the joke.

Henri: Now if I take the barrier down will you behave

Glenn: I never behave

Henri: That's my line. Show them you're unbothered and they'll fall back. You're just a shiny new toy for them to play with. Don't tell them but they were totally swooning over you on the TV

Glenn: I do not believe that for a single second

Henri: They appreciate nice abs

Glenn: *to the watcher* I knew everyone liked abs

Henri waved his hand and the twins bickering could be heard again.

Glenn: You don't use a wand

Jackson: Oh he uses his wand for plenty when he's driving the ladies wild

Coleman: Why won't you just give us a bit of a love potion

Henri: You're not responsible enough for it

Glenn: I thought you said you don't make love potions

Henri: I dabble as you say in attraction potions, but I don't use them myself

Glenn: Can you two not manage to attract people with your sparkling personalities alone? Colour me shocked

Jackson: *scoffs* He uses the pleasure though

Coleman: In his baking, we've seen it

Glenn: Do you?

Henri: My baking is a delicate process. I'll make various perfect pastries, then I can use magic to copy them in small batches

Glenn: But do you add pleasure

Henri: A dash. It helps the customers be happy

Jackson: And makes them more likely to come back

Coleman: Especially the hot ones

Glenn: Is that not like cheating

Henri: It doesn't make them attracted to me, or addicted to the food. It's just an ingredient like spice that makes the baking memorable. It gives the coven a source of income. I've never found that I needed to dose anyone to have them attracted to me

Glenn: *winks* I believe you

Jackson: Oh don't say that

Coleman: You'll give him a bigger head

Glenn: I could get behind making his head bigger

Jackson: Keep your innuendo to yourself, I don't want to think about Henri's dick

Glenn: Oh am I making you uncomfortable? How sad

Coleman: We get you need a new guy but don't steal ours

Jackson: While we're on the subject the hot ladies in the local nightclub are ours to

Glenn: Believe me, nightclubs are not my scene

Henri: I think the most helpful thing would be for you to learn how to make a potion of plentiful needs. It won't boost your magic up but it can take care of most other needs

Glenn: Do I need pleasure for that

Henri: A bit but mainly you'll need apples

Glenn: Oh I can grow those, easy

Henri: Well when you have plenty come back and I'll show you how to mix it

Jackson: And don't worry about the pleasure Glenn

Coleman: Solo woohoo can still generate it

Jackson: So being single won't be a problem for that

Glenn: *sighs* Maybe I won't be single long

Coleman: Oh sure, you're going to run into your perfect person out in the wilderness then?

Jackson: Just frolicking with the trees

Glenn: You never know. I'm a catch after all, maybe a rogue hiker will need some help

Jackson: Boo, put your confidence away

Coleman: We don't want it here

Henri: Well I'm glad if you're feeling better

Jackson: I'm not

Coleman: Our specialty is making people feel worse

Glenn: Nope, I think some of it is back. Thanks you two, couldn't have been more sure of my eligibility without seeing how unattractive you two are

Henri laughed as the twins muttered angrily to themselves.

Glenn and Henri settled down at the table while the twins were engrossed in their console game.

Henri: You two want to tell Glenn why you're cranky

Jackson: Henri, I'm hurt. I would never throw your hospitality back in your face by being mean to your guests

Coleman: We've been here being cherubs because we love you

Henri: *to Glenn* They broke into my potions stash and drank the immortality potion years ago. Idiots were only 19 so there went any hope of them fully developing their pre frontal cortex

Glenn: I thought spellcasters were allowed immortality potion from 18

Henri: There's rules then there's what's practical. It's best to wait until 23 or 25 if you want to avoid problems

Coleman: *laughing* Did you hear that Jackson? Henri said you're a problem

Jackson: Fuck off, you're just mad I'm his favourite

Glenn: You can't just send them back to Phoebus?

Henri: Don't be fooled by their childlike behaviour, they can do some serious damage. Far better they make indents on my couches than-

Jackson: You make a giant indent

Coleman: Yeah? How about I make an indent in your face

Henri: Since you're so keen on interrupting me can you tell Glenn why you're so tired

Jackson: Because we've been overworked

Coleman: Seriously, we're basically slaves, we should get paid for that shit

Glenn: What

Jackson: While you were off totally not getting anyone to fall in love with you we were here working our assess off

Glenn: I did notice you lacked any kind of ass

Coleman: We're beanpoles, it's an established body type

Glenn: Sure it is

Coleman: Anyway, we were busy making a shit ton of bricks

Glenn: That the mathematical measurement is it

Jackson: Yes. How else would you measure enough bricks for six two-storey houses and a four-storey tower?

Glenn: *to Henri* Are they serious

Henri: Yep. They've been making bricks for six weeks, it's run their magic out for the moment

Glenn: How do you even make bricks

Henri: It was a process. Harmony and Elise shifted the rock we needed from excursions into the hills

Henri: Carmine transfigured it from full slabs to refined dust then Marisol added water to get paste

Coleman: Then I levitated it all and shaped brick after brick after brick after-

Jackson: We get it, my job was much harder

Coleman: Was not. I had to levitate it, shape it and monitor the moisture in it. Plus cool it down after you were finished

Jackson: My job was to harder. I had to heat them up to almost 2000 degrees so they would stabilise and could actually be used. If you don't move your fucking car out of my path I swear to the watcher-

Coleman: Shut it dick, you chose this racetrack

Glenn: And that emptied their power reserves?

Henri: Basically, they slept for two whole days after, only just woke up this morning

Glenn: Couldn't you have just like... conjured bricks? Or bought them

Jackson: Dude doesn't know how conjuring works

Coleman: And thinks we'd pay humans

Glenn: Look you two, shut up. So you worked hard for a few weeks, big deal. I went and lost my heart and would appreciate if you kept your bullshit to yourselves. Being young and dumb doesn't excuse you being vindictive shits

The twins started to snap back but Henri cast a sound barrier.

Glenn: What did you do that for

Henri: Come on, you're too good looking to stoop to their level. Plus you don't want them pissed at you, I've seen their power Glenn. If the fancy took them they could destroy this place in under a minute

Glenn: Is that why they have to be here

Henri: Yeah, unfortunately they're extremely powerful. I'm not saying their behaviour is right but they had a horrible time growing up and are mirroring what they were shown. They like testing people, seeing how much you'll take. Earn their respect and they'll likely back off