Work Text:
Hunter was not usually one for self expression. It wasn't that he had disliked the idea of dressing up nice, or coloring his hair, or wearing accessories; he had just never gotten the opportunity while working under Emperor Belos. He wore a uniform every day, and hardly had any free time to himself. When he did find free time, he always put it to use by trying to prove himself as competent to his uncle.
"Stop squirming." Willow muttered, bringing Hunter out of his thoughts. She had one of his hands splayed out on a short stool while they sat on the floor together, painting his nails carefully while trying to keep him still.
"Sorry…" was all he could sheepishly offer back. Being still like this was very foreign to him, as was the cold paint on his fingers. He was always on the move, so this sort of meticulous patience-driven task proved difficult for him, and all he had to do was sit there. It would be embarrassing if he were with anyone other than Willow, but he trusted her to never judge him. In fact, it was why he approached her about this idea before anyone else.
Hunter had first noticed his peers had painted nails on Amity, and it piqued his interest. He had assumed it was an adult thing, as Lilith was the only other person he had seen with a manicure. It wasn't necessarily that he thought he wouldn't be allowed to, but he hadn't ever thought of trying it. Also, Lilith's nails looked extremely thick, and worn down from constantly working, fashioned into scary points with the paint chipping off the edges.
Amity's were manicured in a much different way. They were painted with a thin layer of polish, and they shined in the sunlight. The ends of her nails were shaped into round square-like edges, and it made her look much more inviting.
Hunter preferred this style much more, and he had been wanting to try something to show his personality for a while. His friends had colored hair, or a strong sense of fashion, and Hunter wasn't left with very much to call his own. He wanted something on his person that showed other witches, "This is who I am and what I'm about!", other than his uniform as the Golden Guard. He was excited to explore his identity outside of his uncle's gaze.
Willow let go of the vice grip she had on Hunter's hand. "Almost done." She smiled at Hunter before looking back down at her work, fanning air over his nails to help them dry faster. After a moment, she leaned back to inspect.
"Well, I think that's as good as it'll get. They're still going to be wet for about 10 minutes or so, but you can have your hands back! Try not to touch anything while they're wet." Willow explained, collecting the tools she used and putting them into a big crate full of nail paints and accessories.
Hunter held both of his hands in front of him, and he inspected Willow's work. They looked surprisingly neat for a painting on such a small surface, and the theme was executed perfectly. He had asked her to give him a style that would make him think of Flapjack, and it really did. All of the nails were painted a deep red color, which faded into a black gradient on each of the fingers.
"Thank you, Willow. I…" Hunter took a deep breath, and he smiled wide. "...I really like it. I've never done anything like this, and you made it really fun. Even if it took forever." He tried his best to show his gratitude without being over-emotional. It seemed like Willow could tell he was holding back, but she didn't push it.
"Of course. I'm glad you chose something so personal and special to you. Now, no matter where you are, you'll remember someone who loves you lots when you look at your hands. Isn't that right, Flapjack?" She looked up to the palisman, who was perched at the top of the door. "You wanna come see it?"
Flapjack chirped from above, and he fluttered down to see the craftsmanship he had inspired. He landed on Hunter's wrist, careful not to get too close to the drying paint, and he sang his praises. Hunter gave Flapjack a kiss on his head.
"I think he likes it!" Willow said, leaning toward Flapjack and Hunter to double check her work.
"I think you're right." Hunter replied back quietly, gently stroking Flapjack with the pad of his thumb. He was careful not to smear any of the nail polish, and it made him even happier to see just how well he matched with his Palisman. They felt more connected than ever, and it was all thanks to Willow.