#Aether is mentioned

[marsspeedway]

COME ON CAROLINA- I mean, Sodo

Where Phantom tries to get close to Sodo and where Sodo must give the young Quintessence ghoul a chance. The question is… Could Sodo really give Phantom a chance?

There were many things that Phantom couldn't quite understand.

Complex things like his powers, how he can hear thoughts that aren't his own, how he can make pains go away or even how he can make someone's body just stop reacting... It's terrifying.

And then there's that innocent side of the ghoul who asked how there were little people inside the box in the living room... The TV.

Of course, Rain just smiled and explained to him that there were no people trapped in the box while Swiss mentioned it every chance he got.

«Hey Bug, wanna watch some little people fighting?»

He was referring to watching the boxing match.

To Swiss's luck Phantom doesn't mind what he does, in fact he thinks it's funny enough to let out a chuckle here and there with him.

Phantom had the opportunity to learn a lot about the human world during the last tour and adapted really well to crowds of people surprisingly quickly. Of course, considering he was summoned shortly before starting out and barely giving him time to adjust to life in the Ministry around more ghouls who didn't want to rip his head off.

His ability to socialize wasn't bad either, much better than others to tell the truth. He had come out of the pit together with a ghoulette and although they didn't know each other they had been each other's main point of support: sleeping nearby, eating together, talking together until they felt comfortable enough to start forming small conversations with their bandmates.

Aurora, the multi-ghoulette, had gotten very close to the band's keyboardists although her relationship with her multi-ghoul partner and the bassist wasn't at all bad either. Mountain had let her get close too, pleased with the girl's taste in flowers and surprisingly Sodo had gotten along well with her, even giving her one of the bouquets of flowers that had once been thrown at him on stage.

Meanwhile Phantom was not left behind, the ghoulettes also welcomed him with open arms, excited for a new companion; Mountain silently accepted him and let him loiter around him in the garden or wherever he was; Rain found his curiosity charming and in no time he found himself answering all the young Quintessence ghoul's questions and Swiss wasted no time in starting to learn from him, finding out everything he could to make him feel more comfortable and integrated and knowing how Swiss is also to annoy him.

But there was one, just one, that Phantom couldn't win over... Sodo.

The guy seemed to avoid him whenever he could, answer everything as simply and concretely as possible and Phantom hadn't been able to get any closer to him even if he had wanted to.

Which he really really wanted.

A lot.

Everything seemed fine on stage, he had even been able to kneel in front of him once and in response had received an approving nod of his head. Phantom swears he'd seen a hint of a smile when the man pulled down his mask to drink water but as quickly as they'd left the stage it had all vanished. There was no compliment from him, no smile, no pat on the back, no sign... Nothing.

«Give him a bit of time... He's not ready yet.»

Rain had told him once when Phantom asked how he could possibly try to get close to the Fire ghoul.

In Phantom's head the same question was going around and around: ready for what?

There was something clear that no one wanted to tell him, he could feel it and he knew it but no one would tell him anything.

He knows very well that he is the successor of someone, there was someone before him and someone before that someone just like he knew that Copia was not the first vocalist of the band and much less the first Papa Emeritus... Well, he was Papa Emeritus IV for a reason, wasn't he?

Why can't ghouls have a number too? Why does it have to be just "Quintessence ghoul"? Why does it have to be just "Phantom"?

Phantom found really difficult the amount of different names to remember... An Omega, someone who used to be called Delta and an Aether were the names he had been given when he asked Copia who his predecessors were... Well, at least they were few. He doesn't even want to ask Rain again the name of his own or even how many there were.

Everything seemed fine if he asked about Omega, or Delta, but if he asked about Aether... Oh if he asked about Aether.

He had been told that he had been transferred for major situations along with Sunshine, one of the previous Ghoulettes, and that they hadn't heard much from them since. It was clear that it hurt, Phantom knew it well because he could feel it.

After that he didn't ask again, not after seeing their reactions and sensing everyone's suffering, loss and longing... Not after feeling a particular pain in his chest that after trying to recognize he could only attribute to the Fire ghoul.

If the name hurt them so much then he would never utter it again.

When Phantom says he has a good relationship with everyone he's not lying. He spends hours around Mountain, cuddles with Rain and Swiss, lets his hair be styled by the Ghoulettes. He is close to everyone and is definitely already part of the pack, he is already affectionate with them and they are affectionate with him. Again, except for one of them.

Phantom is determined to try to get closer to Sodo, to find out what it is about him that he dislikes so much.

His first idea is to go to the cinema because a movie and some popcorn sure sounds like a great idea; at least to him.

Phantom is sure he has never begged so hard in his life.

"Please please pleeeease with a cherry on top!!"

Phantom had whined, clinging to Copia's calf as he tried to walk across the kitchen causing Phantom to drag himself across the tile floor and cling tighter and tighter to the poor man with legs, arms and tail.

"Phantom, I'm not going to let you go out alone."

The man had sighed, leaning against the edge of the bar as he felt the circulation in his leg might be starting to cut off.

"I told you I'm not going alone! Come on, please, pleeeease pleeeeeease-"

The younger man continued with his cheek pressed against Copia's thigh.

Swiss watched from his place on the other side of the bar, his tail wagging curiously.

"What with the little guy?"

The Multi-ghoul raised an eyebrow, admiring the way Phantom looked like some sort of overgrown baby koala.

"Phantom wants to go to the cinema." Copia ran a hand through his hair "And he won't tell me who he plans to go with."

"Is it one of the girls?"

Swiss asked tilting his head slightly; Phantom could feel both of his golden pupils glued on him. In response Rain only nudged the Multi-ghoul slightly and Mountain watched silently.

"No!"

Phantom simply replied.

"I can tag along him, you know" Rain quickly replied, ready to back up whatever the little Quintessence ghoul was going to do. "Actually Mountain and I wanted to go out and the cinema doesn't sound bad at all, does it?" The Water ghoul asked, shooting the taller one a complicit look.

"Sure."

The giant replied, looking really calm and in agreement with the proposal and the situation.

Swiss looked at them both, eyes narrowed and one eyebrow raised.

"We'll take care of Phantom and whoever he invites. You don't have to worry." Rain said to Copia, noting how the man seemed to hesitate before shaking his head and giving up.

"All right." Phantom smiled, his eyes lighting up visibly "But I expect him back in one piece, got it?"

All 3 nodded, Phantom doing it a couple more times than necessary but convincing Copia just the same.

"Good, now let go of me before I change my mind." Phantom quickly obeyed, untying his tail and limbs from Copia's leg with a huge grin on his face.

The man merely rolled his eyes, reached for one of the juice boxes from one of his ghouls and escaped back to his office; now with his leg free and without an extra weight to drag back.

The older ghouls watched Copia walk away down the hallway as the younger one silently celebrated by moving his arms, smiling and hopping around before doing a little dance that Rain thought was adorable.

"He sure learned that from you..."

Mountain leaned over to whisper to Swiss and Swiss just looked at him with a confused grimace.

"I expect a little more help the next time I want to go out with Aurora."

"Do I look like a babysitter?"

Mountain grinned, earning a small growl from the Multi-ghoul.

"Rain you're the best!"

They both heard Phantom exclaim and when they looked back up he had Rain hugged with arms and tail, squeezing and shaking him a little.

Rain merely petted his head, getting a quick peck on the cheek before he was released and Phantom moved on to Mountain.

"Thank you!"

Phantom repeated the action with the larger ghoul though it was obvious he couldn't shake him or lift him like he did with the Water ghoul.

"You're welcome Phantom."

Mountain replied, giving him a small gentle pat on the back before the younger one also gave him a peck on the cheek making him snort.

"Now is when you come to me and say you'll take me to the movie, right Bug?" Swiss asked smiling flirtatiously at the Quintessence ghoul. Phantom looked up at him, the small blush on his cheeks and his huge smile gave away how happy he was.

"Of course not." He said releasing the Earth ghoul, shaking his head.

"Who are you planning to take if not the girls or me?" The questioning made Phantom shrug.

"Sodo?" He whispered in a tiny voice, looking away and shrinking in place.

The other three looked at each other... would Sodo really agree to go out with him? They wanted to think yes, he wouldn't be so cruel as to break the heart of a creature as damn cute as Phantom.

Surely he wouldn't.

…

“No.”

That's what the Fire ghoul had said as soon as Phantom had told him «You want to go with me to» cutting off his words and slamming the door in the younger man's face.

"Come on Sodo, it's a horror one!" Phantom yelled from outside, not daring to open the door to a room that wasn't his, let alone Sodo's. "You like horror movies, don't you?" He asked him, his tail wagging anxiously behind him.

He didn't get an answer.

"We're not going alone." Phantom could hear movement inside the room. "Rain and Mountain are going too... If it makes you feel any better."  Phantom muttered near the door, practically leaning against it.

"Stop trying, I'm not going."

Phantom let the tops of his long horns hit the wood of the door.

"Why?"

Phantom had always been too curious.

"I have better things to do."

Even if his curiosity caused him pain.

"Fine."

He sighed.

Phantom took Swiss instead of Sodo.

When they returned the light in the rehearsal room was on... He definitely had better things to do.

…

"I need to get new boots..." Sodo said, stretching out on the couch in the common room. His head turned to Rain who was sitting next to Phantom playing some thing that Sodo had no idea what it was. "Do you want to come over Rain? We could stop by the bookstore on the Mall... I'm sure we'll find something you like."

Rain seemed too focused on whatever he was doing with the controller in his hands but answered anyway.

" Sorry, I have plans with the girls..." The Water ghoul informed him and when Sodo was about to tell him it was no problem Rain interrupted him, "But Phantom can go with you."

Phantom turned to see Rain in alarm, causing his attention in the game to be diverted to the man and at the same time causing the Game Over screen to jump in front of his eyes, losing their game.

Rain celebrated happily, raising his arms victoriously and looking at Phantom who looked back at him between nervous and annoyed; conflicted at having lost but at the same time anxious as he had been offered for something.

"I'm sure Phantom will gladly go, Sodo."

Rain assured.

"Tsk... Whatever."

Sodo clicked his tongue, not refusing but not outright accepting either.

And Phantom?

The boy just shrunk in place.

While he longed for the opportunity to get close to the Fire ghoul the truth was that it made him a little anxious. He barely knew anything about him, though what he did know was that he could easily burn him alive or rip out his jugular... Which if he was lucky neither would happen.

If he was lucky.

After a moment of silence Sodo stood up, taking a moment to fix his shirt and walk over to Phantom to put a finger on his chest, pressing a couple of times as he spoke.

"Fifteen minutes, you hurry up or I'll leave you."

He ordered, pulling his hand away and leaving the room without another word.

Phantom held a hand to his chest, looking up at some dead spot on the wall before remembering that he was in fact supposed to breathe.

"Tick tock Phantom... You're wasting time and Sodo is unforgiving."

Rain reminded him, causing the young man to stand up immediately.

"Sure sure, right... Thanks."

Phantom smiled at him and Rain returned the gesture, giving him a "shoo shoo" gesture with his hand to which the other nodded, heading for the door.

"And stay with him, I don't want you to get lost!"

Was the last thing Phantom heard, giving the man a thumbs up before disappearing down the hallway in direction to his room.

…

Sodo was already at the door, anxiously waiting for the young ghoul to arrive or, if possible, not even bother to show up so he could leave alone.

He could have left already even if the 15 minutes hadn't passed, he would have if it was someone else he didn't like... He could have simply not invited him, but certain words echoed in his head.

"I can't believe you didn't accept just to stay and practice." Rain had said, running a hand over his face. "I understand that you miss him, we all do... But could you give him a chance?"

Sodo was folding his arms, giving little importance to what the Water ghoul was telling him.

"It's not him..."

Rain frowned as he heard his words, bringing his hand to the bridge of his nose to squeeze it before sighing; his tail wagging annoyingly behind him.

"I know Sodo, I know... But you can't keep getting stuck on it." The man told him, understanding his point but not agreeing with it. "Phantom will never be Aether and I know it... We know it."

Sodo growled.

"I'm not asking you to replace him... I'm asking you to give him a chance."

His small moment of reflection was interrupted when he heard footsteps approaching.

When he turned his head he found the ghoul running in his direction until he was in front of him.

"I'm... I'm here. Do you want to go?"

Phantom asked between gasps, looking up at him with glittering eyes.

"Shouldn't you get some breath...?" Sodo murmured worriedly, looking at the watch on his wrist... The boy still had 5 minutes to spare.

He really didn't want Sodo to leave him and go without him.

He felt a little bad but he pushed the thought out of his head quickly, putting his serious facade back on.

"Whatever... Your Glamour before you leave, I don't want to hear people screaming or anything."

And with that Sodo opened the door and stepped out, waiting for Phantom outside.

Phantom was quick to obey, running a hand through his hair to fix it a bit and stepping out behind the older man.

When Sodo turned around he found the same shirt and black jeans but this time the long dark horns and long tail of the ghoul were gone, his long hair combed to one side while his skin was no longer a violet gray and his eyes no longer had that characteristic purple color, only brown.

He inspected the boy for a moment, from head to toe, before turning around again disinterested and starting to walk being followed by Phantom without saying a single word.

…

"Look, these are pretty too."

Sodo doesn't know if bringing Phantom along was his best idea or his worst.

The boy was clearly enthusiastic about helping him look for whatever he wanted to find or basically anything he wanted to do, even agreeing to be the one to ask for directions or directions from employees at establishments.

"Not my style."

Sodo had replied, averting his gaze to another pair of boots that caught his attention.

"Right." The boy muttered, looking around for another option for Sodo. "Take your time, we still have a few more stores left to look in." Phantom reminded him.

"Mhm." Was what Sodo hummed before picking up one of the boots amples in display and inspecting it.

Phantom was content to watch Sodo looking for whatever it was he wanted to find, content when he seemed to find it and content when he tried it on and liked it.

"Are those the ones?"

"These are the ones."

Sodo stated

It wasn't long before the two found themselves walking out of the store with Phantom carrying the bag with the shoebox. Sodo seemed pleased with his purchase and Phantom now felt happy that at least the main purpose of the visit had been successfully completed.

"Any place you want to go?"

The Fire ghoul had asked after a moment of silence, not sounding interested but not eager to leave either. Phantom thought for a moment, now that Sodo mentioned it maybe he could buy a few things.

"I thought about stop by the bookstore to get Rain something... Is there a candle store around here? I'm sure Aurora would like a new one for her collection." Phantom replied, looking at the shorter man. " And now that I think about it I could get some incense for Mountain. They are usually sell together, right?"

Sodo had to admit that it's cute how the boy is interested in getting some of his mates something, he also had to admit that maybe he was a little jealous of the attention.

He wondered if Phantom would do that if they were close.

"Isn't there something you want?" Sodo asked, earning Phantom's head tilted slightly to the side; he looked like a confused puppy. "I mean something you want to get for yourself, isn't there anything?"

Phantom let out a small «Oh» before shaking his head.

"Not really."

Sodo sighed, rolling his eyes.

"I know where the bookstore is, if you get to ask for that candle place I'll go with you."

Phantom perked up and Sodo could have sworn that if he didn't have the Glamour on him he'd be sure his tail would be wagging from side to side happily.

"Sure!"

And Sodo could see the boy looking for someone to ask.

Sodo doesn't know if it was worse to see Rain decide for which book to choose or to see Phantom do the exact same thing only to end up buying 3 different ones after all... Same with the candles and incense: 2 candles for Aurora and 2 incense for Mountain, just because he couldn't decide for which scents to choose.

Sodo would help Phantom with the bags, he would if the guy would at least let him.

"I can do it, I'm fine." It was what Phantom had been repeating since they'd left their last stop, carrying Sodo's bag of boots, Rain's bag of books, and Aurora and Mountain's candles and incense. "Do you want to go inside?" was the other thing Phantom had been repeating every time he saw Sodo looking in some shop window.

"No, I'm good."

That's what Sodo had replied each and every time.

He was sure that if he said he liked something Phantom would insist on coming in and getting the garment for him to try on and if he bought it he was sure the ghoul would carry the bag without letting him even say no. Well, he's sure Swiss and Mountain will be happy not to carry everything the next time they go out together.

Yeah, maybe next time.

Next time.

Sodo doesn't know when he started contemplating a next outing, much less accompanied by the young Quintessence ghoul.

He feels something stirring in his chest, he wants to think it's annoyance.

But no... It's not annoyance.

…

He's glad Phantom didn't question anything when he told him he wanted to leave, he's also grateful that Phantom is silent on the way to the Abbey.

When he parks in the driveway Sodo has his hands firmly gripping the steering wheel, his knuckles white from the strength. The car is still on, but they're no longer moving, they're home but none of them get out.

"What the hell are you doing?"

Phantom flinches at the tone of voice being used, turning his head to look at him.

"Excuse me?"

The rhythm guitarist questions, eyeing his major.

"Don't play dumb." Sodo spits still looking straight ahead. "All nice and obliging."

"I don't play dumb-"

"Yeah sure, and I was born yesterday Phantom."

The one mentioned shrugs looking away, wondering what to do in this situation. Was this a confrontation? A fight? An argument? Phantom is not a fan of any of those.

"I don't know what got you like this... I thought we were fine." He muttered, resting his eyes on Sodo's darkened figure. "We weren't fine?" Phantom's voice was small.

Sodo's chest contracted.

"Don't try to give me pity."

"I'm not trying to give you pity- it's a genuine question!" Phantom squeaked, his voice cracking for a moment as he tried to raise his voice a little. "I seriously don't know what you mean!"

"Stop using your damn Quintessence on me!"

"I'm not!"

"Then why do I feel this way!?

"Have you ever thought that maybe it's just you!?"

Phantom wasn't even angry like Sodo, which he could sense, but he had instinctively yelled out of reflex; a sort of thing that comes from his days in the pit, something about dominating the situation by raising his voice.

He honestly hated that instinct.

Silence settled between the two, the air heavy as Phantom felt Sodo's anger swirl in his own chest and as soon as it rose it fall, filling the burning void with a deafening pain that Phantom recognized as familiar.

Sodo's head hit the top of the steering wheel.

"Do you hate me?"

Phantom asked in a tiny voice, as innocent as a child who doesn't know that the word hate is too strong.

Sodo felt the air leaving his lungs, his stomach dropping as he realized what he had made the young ghoul believe.

"I don't hate you..." His voice sounded soft, much softer than Phantom had heard in the time he had been with them. "I see you and I can't stop thinking about him."

Sodo admitted with pain and some anger, not at Phantom but at himself.

"Is it because I look so much like him?"

"It's because you don't look anything like him!"

"Oh..."

Sodo sighed, lifting his head to look at Phantom.

"You're not him and I know it." His eyes locked onto Phantom's, narrowed and threatening to water. "I can't replace him, I don't want to replace him... But I can give you a chance." The Fire ghoul muttered, soon shaking his head.

"No..."

Phantom felt his own stomach drop, twist with anxiety at his words, what did that mean, that he wouldn't give him a chance?

Phantom felt himself breathing again when he realized something was holding his hand, a rough touch against his skin. His gaze lowered to his hand where he found a slightly smaller one holding his own.

"With everything I've done... I think you should be the one to choose to give me a chance."

Sodo murmured, the lights from the car's headlights illuminating them slightly from outside and Phantom thought Sodo's face being illuminated by the yellowish light was one of the most beautiful things in this world.

Sodo's hand was still on his, gently holding him to let him know that he could pull away if he wished. To Sodo's little surprise, and which he would have liked to have been greater, Phantom moved closer to him and made his fingers intertwine with the elder's.

"Take it." Phantom stated breathlessly, his eyes never leaving the other's. "Let me get to know you, please. Let me be one of your mates." Phantom practically begged, his cheeks tinted a soft reddish hue. "I could never replace him and I can't heal your pain but I can keep you company."

Sodo watched him, sensing Phantom's intentions for miles.

"Keep me company... Know me."

Sodo whispered, watching as in his companion's eyes a violet glint shone for a mere millisecond before he had the younger man pressing his lips to his. The ghoul's soft lips sent a faint static across Sodo's chapped lips, only increasing as Phantom leaned closer and caught his other hand to intertwine their fingers.

The kiss was soft, cute and innocent; something Sodo already saw coming. When they parted Sodo let out a chuckle at Phantom trying to scratch the underside of his nose with his shoulder in an attempt not to let go of the man; consequently he made his arm rise and thus his hand next to Sodo's, who didn't even bother trying to stop him.

"Your mustache itches..."

Phantom said almost pouting.

"Ya, and Swiss's doesn't."

"Hey!"

Phantom protested, his cheeks a little redder this time and his eyes extremely bright with that purple tinge that escaped the illusion of his Glamour.

"Come on, let go of me and let's go inside already."

Sodo ordered, trying to disengage his hand from Phantom's grip who seemed a bit reluctant at the idea.

"You can hold my hand when we go down..."

Sodo offered and Phantom didn't hesitate for a second to get out, with Sodo turning off the engine and lights before opening the door.

When Sodo rounded the car Phantom already had the bags in one hand and the remaining one was offered in his direction. Without the possibility of refusing, and without wanting to, Sodo took his hand and allowed himself to be guided to the doors of the Abbey.

…

"Phantom you didn't have to!" Rain had raised his voice, seeing the three books wrapped in protective plastic that the young man had handed him. "What am I going to do with you?" The Water ghoul muttered, pulling Phantom into a tight embrace as he laughed softly.

"Thanks for the candles Ant!"

Aurora had told him later after giving her the pair of candles, also giving him a tight hug.

Mountain approached from behind, leaning forward and placing his chin on the Quintessence ghoul's fluffy hair to rub it against him, making the boy smell a little more like him; his silent token of thanks.

"You know it's nothing," Phantom sighed happily, stroking the Earth ghoul's cheek softly "I like to see you happy."

Sodo, sitting on one of the bar stools, couldn't help but smile goofily... At last he could see his pack happy again; at last he could feel happy again.

Without him noticing Phantom slid in beside him, hugging him and wrapping his tail around him as he now knew he liked to do.

Sodo could feel the static the ghoul exuded and Phantom could feel the heat the other radiated.

"I can see you two seem to have talked a thing or two."

Rain said smiling, noting the joy evident in both of them.

"Yeah... We talked a few."

Sodo answered.

"His mustache itches."

Phantom muttered.

"You'll get used to it."

Mountain replied.

[aellesira]

Sometimes, I like to think that Aether considers most of the people he's 'friends with' or, rather, the 'key' people he's met on his journey (ie. vision holders and playable characters, and even npc's) as people he divides into groups, as opposed to calling them friends from our journey, as Paimon puts it.

What I mean by this is that Aether doesn't think he's besties with everyone, and he certainly doesn't. He's sweet, gentle, caring, but that doesn't mean he can't harbour dislike towards anyone; it doesn't mean he doesn't see us all differently.

I think a lot of the time people think Aether is a kind individual, because he's always so willing to help. He's saved all these nations; who in Teyvat doesn't know who he is? But he only helps so that he can find his sister.

And for all the nations he's saved, the amount of help he's gotten is laughable.

Then there's these three people, three people he thinks of as 'friends' more than he thinks of anyone. Three people, who've gotten him, so close to finding his sister, and while not having done much for them. Paimon, who's guided him from the beginning, helping him in return for saving her life — and now she has a purpose. Dainsleif, who always drops a bomb on us that same time each year with a Traveler Archon Quest, having helped us as much as he did, all for a drink and a few questions to answer.

Then there's you, who's also been there from the start, and not only did he gain a friend, but also someone who helped him and accompanied his travels thus far just as repayment for his help. You're special, y'know?

Even if he is loved by all, other than his sister, the main people he loves is you three.

And perhaps, his love for you goes more than just a simple friendship, although as things stand he'll keep his feelings hidden for as long as he is able to, until he can find his sister. Perhaps they'll stay here. Perhaps they'll take you with them. And Paimon.

Nonetheless, his dreams for the future include you in every way possible.

[shining-latios]

neck hugsssss 💖🦋🧡

[palesweetsdeer]

I just had to pop in and say that your art style is incredible and I would love to see two of anyone’s Ghouls fighting over a Papa’s slipper via tug of war like doggos 🤭💜

This was such a funny thing to ask and I hope the outcome fits?? So here are Aether and Dew, fighting over Copia’s slipper like dogs

[smoke-and-silver]

I just love the thought of Aether having some kits out there. Ghoul culture is way more casual about it and certain ghouls consider it a public service to help others conceive. Aether is known as a beautiful and healthy man and in a culture that's very casual about breeding there's no way he's not a daddy.

[lopsidedtreetrunks]

Ok i finished the first page of that disney thing and I'm gonna post it here bc i want feedback (also it's literally fanart of this fanfic, i did not come up with this dialogue lmao)

first off i know this is formatted terribly lol, i have always drawn my self indulgent comics like this bc i normally draw on paper and it saves space, and since I'm not posting them, I'm never worried about readability, so i do apologise for how tiny the top row is (that's why i replaced my handwriting with text)

what i want to know is, are the pictures too small? is it annoying having to zoom in to read each panel? I'll change how i format the rest of the pages so they're easier to read and understand, but should i retroactively change this first page, too? Or is this format completely fine, and im overthinking things as per usual? any other feedback is welcome, too ;^^

[fruit-of-the-kaisarion]

"... excuse me??" (screenie taken from here)

[coffeeghoulie]

Mushy May Day 2: Morning Routines

Mushy May put together by the wonderful @forlorn-crows

A typical morning on the Skeleta tour for Dew and Cirrus. The teeniest, tiniest bit of angst and suggestiveness, but mostly 1k of Dew being soft to his ghirls.

divider by @ghuleh-recs <3

Dew’s eyes flick open. He stares up at a nondescript hotel ceiling. He doesn’t need to check the time to know there are five more minutes until the alarm on his phone goes off.

He doesn’t move. Takes a deep breath and prays silently, thanking the Prince for the sin of sloth before doing anything else.

Dew’s not alone in this bed, a weight resting against his side and at the very center of his chest. He cranes his neck to watch Cirrus sleep where she’s tucked into the crook of his arm, her breath coming in little cool puffs against Dew’s sternum. He doesn’t want to wake her, but they have places to be soon. And besides, it’ll be a nicer wake up call than a blaring alarm.

He cards spindly fingers through Cirrus’s pin straight hair, marveling at how the navy strands catch the sunlight leaking in and cast iridescent. “Mornin’, pretty bird,” he whispers, kicking up into a low purr. He reaches over with his free arm and shuts off his alarm.

Cirrus shifts, groaning as she stretches her legs. “Don’t wanna get up,” she mumbles, eyes not yet open.

“I know,” he purrs. Dew never once stops the motion of his hand in her hair. “But Papa’s going to have our heads if we’re not on time.”

“Five more minutes?” she pleads. Dew cranes his neck again to kiss right between her horns.

“I’d let you, but last time I did, it turned into twenty and we almost missed the bus, pretty raven,” he says. He yawns, pearly fangs on full display. He wouldn’t mind the extra sleep in an actual bed, but he’s promised himself that he’d be the responsible one. “Come on, baby, up and at ‘em. The sooner you get showered, the sooner we can go have breakfast and call Cue and Aeth.”

The promise of talking to her mate does the trick, and Cirrus stretches out fully before sitting up with a groan. Dew hates pulling that card, but he knows how each member of his pack ticks and will use every trick in the book. Dew follows her up, kicking the scratchy bedding down to the foot of the bed as he stretches and licks his lips. He opens the blackout curtains, casting the room in brilliant bright light.

Cirrus rummages through her bags, the hem of one of Mountain’s shirts riding up to show the edge of her boxers and the smooth, soft skin of her inner thighs as she leans over the second, untouched bed. Dew watches unashamedly as he undoes the braid he’d put in his hair in after showering backstage last night. They’re both creatures of lust, he cannot be blamed. And the wink Cirrus throws him as she heads to the bathroom is the cherry on top.

Despite the obvious interest, there’s no time for anything remotely close to fun. They’d both been too exhausted to even consider going at it last night. Dew dresses in a band shirt he thinks originally belonged to Rain, hops and jumps and pulls at his too-skinny skinny jeans as Cirrus showers in the other room. He prays that the room below him has no occupants.

Next, he peers at himself in the mirror by the door. With hair as straight as Cirrus’s normally, sleeping with it damp and braided tight leaves it a frizzy mess. He brushes it out as thoroughly as he can before tying it up in a neat bun at the nape of his neck.

The shower shuts off, and Dew rolls his shoulders, wincing as one protests a little at the motion. He makes a note to talk to Aeon later and stretch more often to avoid aggravating the old injury.

Cirrus steps out of the bathroom, hair wrung out and hanging down her back over her shirt, leaving a large splotch of damp fabric. Her brow furrows when she sees the look on Dew’s face.

“You good, firecracker?” She asks, tossing her pajamas back into her bag to deal with later.

“Nothing worse than normal,” Dew replies easily, smoothing a hand back over his hair. “You ready?”

Cirrus pulls out the desk chair and sits down with her back to Dew. He smiles, walks to her and sets his warm hands on her shoulders; she visibly relaxes under the heat. “Thank you, Dew,” she says, and Dew does not like hearing the note of sorrow in her tone. He knows who usually does this for her. He leans over and kisses her temple.

“Don’t thank me,” he whispers, carding his fingers through her hair. The heat starts to dry the damp strands. “You’re my pack, I will happily do this for you.”

Cirrus nods slightly, not enough to tug at Dew’s grip on her hair. Those deft, thin fingers start to braid, gathering all of her blue black hair into one braid. His element leaves each strand completely dry.

Dew prays again, silently as he works. Thanks the Prince for his pride. When he reaches the end of her hair, tying it off with a black elastic he’s kept around his wrist, does he speak aloud. “Nema,” he breathes.

Cirrus echoes. He doesn’t need to ask for what she’d been praying for.

She stands and takes a deep breath. Her glamour slips over her like the shimmer of air in summer heat. Dew is quick to copy her. “Is it breakfast time, raven?” he asks, offering her his elbow like an old fashioned gentleman.

It makes her laugh as she slips her arm into his, which is all Dew can hope for.

“Let’s go get breakfast. And coffee,” she says, smiling brightly and nudging his temple with hers.

“And coffee,” Dew agrees with a yawn. They unlock the hotel door. Dew makes sure he has his wallet in his pocket before it latches behind them on their search for food and caffeine and, most importantly, the rest of their pack.

[ghostisun]

no because idek who to focus on. theyre all so silly <3

[bloodfin]

Phantom slides down the cold tile wall, forehead pressed into his palms. The scrub cap is barely holding in his unruly curls; a few flecks of blood stain his sleeves.

Rain pauses in front of him, clip board in hand, on his way to check a burn patient down the hall.

"You okay, bug?"

Phantom glances up, takes in a shaky breath and lets it out slowly. His nod is barely noticeable.

"Where's Aether?"

"Closing."

Rain hums, glances at the clock ticking too loudly above the door.

"It's your first day in there, right?"

Another nod.

"My hands... they were... they were inside them and it -"

"It's intimate," Rain supplies helpfully.

"Yeah."

Phantom blinks hard, looks at his carefully glamoured claws, and turns his gaze back to Rain.

"Does it get easier?"

He watches Rain worry at his bottom lip, looking for the right thing to say.

"In some ways."

It was Phantom's turn to chew his lip, nodding in agreement.

"Bug, if it doesn't feel right, we can -"

"No, " he interrupts, something that looks like determination flickering in his eyes. "I want to be here, be as good as Aether and Omega some day, but I'm scared."

Rain cocks his head, encouraging him to continue.

"I'm scared that one day it won't feel so intimate, and maybe that's the day I don't care so much. Maybe that's the day someone gets hurt."

Rain nods in understanding, drops to kneel in front of Phantom and places a cool, calming hand on his knee.

"You're afraid of the right things. Sometimes fear holds us back, other times it holds up."

Phantom sniffles.

Rain stands, offers him a smile, and carries on down the hall. His smile grows when he hears the swish of a heavy door, not having to look over his shoulder to know that Phantom chose to scrub back in.

He tugs on the purple and gold thread of the pack link.

"He'll be just fine."

[dewphomet]

I know I promised Soft Dewther ages ago and I'm working on it! Been fighting art block but they're coming I swear 🙌

In the meantime, here's some Aether and nosey lil Dew ⛧

[palesweetsdeer]

may i request the quints hanging out together?? idk, maybe omega, aether and phantom are playing cards or relaxing together, yapping about their relationships or something

They’re stargazing and Aether is telling Phantom all about constellations and suns and sun systems. Omega is looking for the star he and Terzo used to look at every night before bed

[fried-rice372]

Blood tw??

In stead of doing anything productive I decided to draw albedo

I drew albedo a lot…

Ignore how bad my handwriting is I drew all this with my fingers 💔

[kilgarraghforever]

"If there's one person Lyney can't say no to, it's you, Traveller." - Lynette, Whirling Waltz event

[thelampisaflashlight]

Dress Down

[Based on this ask I sent @iamthecomet , Rain is more than a little obsessed with the way Dew is dressed for their ghouls night out at the bar.] Below the cut.

If there's one thing Aether's good at, it's finding a decent bar in the middle of nowhere; He's like a bloodhound for booze, if such a thing could exist, and, while any place would do given how long it has been since the pack has gotten to go out in full force like this, he doesn't settle for anything less than the best.

"Best" being pretty much anywhere that can tolerate their loud, obnoxious asses for more than an hour before trying to kick them out.

Admittedly, though, this outing isn't exactly a celebratory one -some of them might be celebrating, but if they are, they won't dare to say it out loud- really, it's more of a means of destressing and perhaps unpacking a bit of the events that unfolded while they were on tour.

Sister Imperator's death, Copia stepping down from the title of Papa and stepping up to take his mother's place as Frater Imperator... Really, it's a mixed bag of emotions all around, and none of them are quite sure how to feel about, well... everything.

Least of all the older, more seasoned ghouls, who had already witnessed what "retirement" had meant for the previous Papas, though they were mostly hopeful that Copia would not meet the same fate as his predecessors now that his new position was solidified.

Mountain, for example, had breathed a sigh of relief seeing the placard on his office door change from Papa IV to Frater Imperator and not "Papa V", not quite ready to accept life under new leadership just yet.

Now nursing a bottle of lager, the earth ghoul has pressed himself into the corner of the cozy, red pleather bench he's sharing with Cumulus and Cirrus, looking more flushed in the face than expected after only one drink, but, despite appearances, the man's always been a lightweight.

On the opposite side, Swiss is talking to Aeon and Aurora in an animated fashion, hands gesturing wildly as he tells some tall tale or another that's probably only a hair away from the truth, and Dew can't help but roll his eyes when he sees the younger quintessence ghoul looking at the multi ghoul all doe-eyed, thoroughly enraptured by his story.

Personally, Dew's not really in the mood to be out on the town tonight, like Mountain, he's thinking a bit too much about what's to come, too stuck in his head about the what ifs and when's of the situation to really relax and enjoy himself.

He's trying though; Holding a sweaty glass of whatever cheap piss the bar had on tap, because- "No, Aeth, I'm not doing shots with you after what happened last time!"- he'd rather drink something closer to water than relive that experience again, he takes little sips, cringing at the bitter taste.

He's never been much of a beer drinker, he used to be, kind of, he was really more of a "anything that gets me wasted" drinker, but he's toned it down over the last couple of years to the point that certain types of alcohol just don't appeal to him at all anymore, beer least of all.

He gives a bigger sip and sticks his tongue out, hearing Swiss laughing at him from the booth, flipping him off when he sees him whisper the word "princess" under his breath.

"You should get something you'll actually like instead of trying to impress literally no one by drinking shitty beer." Aether says, slipping the glass from his palm and downing it himself, "Eugh, at least something better than this swill... Try a cocktail or something."

Dew grimaces, "Fuck no, I feel sick just smelling anything sweet anymore, plus I don't want a nasty hangover tomorrow..."

"Just switch it up, yeah?" Aether suggests, then whispers, "If you just want a fancy soda, I won't tell anyone else otherwise... I know it's hard not to drink when everyone else is."

"I appreciate that..." Dew says, giving his friend a genuine smile, "I'm okay drinking tonight, since it's a special occasion, kind of, just gonna take it easy though, ya know?"

Aether nods and claps him on the shoulder once before heading off to join the others, scooting a chair over to the table so he doesn't have to take a seat away from them.

Dew considers his options.

He could just order a fancy soda or a mocktail, Hell, the bar even had that weird canned water that looks like a tallboy can of beer, but he keeps the idea in his pocket for later, and instead orders himself the sweetest looking glass of rosé he can find on the drink menu.

He sips it slowly and lets the liquid coat his tongue.

Sitting at the bar with his drink, Dew can't help but feel like a bit of wallflower; Everyone else around him seems to be having a good time, and even went through the trouble of dressing up for the occasion and he's just...

Dew looks down at his outfit, at his lightly stained hoodie, his black skinny jeans with holes in the knees -and another, smaller one near his crotch that is subtly hidden by the black of his boxers beneath- that have seen better days, and his ratty Converse sneakers with dark smudges on the white rubber tips.

He doesn't exactly scream fashion when compared to Swiss, who's wearing a borderline gaudy silk shirt and tight slacks that leave little to the imagination, or Cirrus, who is absolutely rocking a very low cut shirt, braless, and jeans that could very well just be painted on with how closely they hug her curves...

...Or Rain, who took two whole hours to get ready and now looks like the goth nightmare queen of his fucking dreams.

Rain, who has been cozying up to the bartender for the last hour or so, giggling and batting his long lashes at her in an incredibly unsubtle way that is certainly NOT making Dew jealous whatsoever and-

"Aw, fuck."

Dew curses as a bit of his wine sloshes out onto his pant leg, not enough to lose his drink entirely, but enough for him to feel the splash of it against his thigh as it all seems to hit exactly where the rip in his pants is.

Standing up almost urgently, Dew makes his way to the bathroom in hopes of blotting up the mess before it can trickle down his leg and make it look like he pissed himself, but, as soon as he manages to slip inside and shut the door... he hears it open behind him just as quickly.

"You alright?" Rain asks, looking less concerned and more... Dew isn't really sure how to place the expression on the water ghoul's face.

Between his glamour and the make-up obscuring his familiar features, Dew's a little at a loss for what the face he could be making could mean, but the tone...

"I'm fine."

"Good."

Rain closes the door behind them and locks it in one swift motion, briefly walking over to examine the stalls before returning to Dew and-

"Rainy, what are you doing-"

-dropping onto his knees in front of him.

"You've been driving me crazy all night, baby." Rain purrs, running a hand down both his legs, pressing a kiss to his knee, "Dressed up all cute..."

Dew feels a heat creeping up over his face.

"Me? Cute? What, no, I'm..." Dew flusters, "You're the one that's driving ME crazy, Rainy. Look at you."

"Yeah?" Rain coos, "You like what you see?"

He leans back for a moment, putting himself on full display; The flouncy white shirt with the ruffled sleeves, the black corset, the lacy skirt rucked up to expose the black and white socks underneath, and Satanas, the heels...

Rain looks sinfully gorgeous, and here he is, on his knees, telling Dew that HE looks cute, no, there's just no way-

"Can I taste you, Gumdrop?" he asks, leaning in to squish his face against the wet patch on his inner thigh, inhaling deeply, "Please?"

What kind of man would Dew be to deny someone as pretty as Rain what he wants?

"O-Okay..." he whispers, and no sooner do the words leave his mouth, than does Rain's latch onto him, nibbling at him through the whole in his jeans, "Rainy!"

"Shhh..." Rain shushes him, "You have to be quiet, okay, sweetheart? Or do you want the whole bar to hear you, hm? Make a big scene of the door being locked and have them wondering what's happening in here..."

Dew groans as Rain moves to undo his zipper.

"You're so sensitive, you know that?" he teases, "I haven't even gotten my mouth on you properly and you're already ready to give me everything, aren't you?"

"Can't help it...You're just so... so beautiful..." Dew whines as Rain eases his pants and underwear down just enough to expose his ass -and disappointingly not his cock- to the cool air of the bathroom- "Rainy-"

"Said I wanted to taste you, didn't say which part~" Rain says, standing smoothly and bullying Dew up against the counter between the sinks, he stumbles a bit as the other tugs his jeans down further and flushes when the other drags him up with an almost comical, "Upsie-daisy."

Dew feels his back press into the mirror behind him as Rain forces his legs up in the air, and has to slap his hands down on the marble to keep himself from sliding down, "Really, this is-"

He doesn't quite get to finish his sentence before Rain dives in, earning a gurgled moan from Dew as he feels Rain's clever tongue lap at his hole.

"Not fair, Rain, I should be-"

Rain pauses, breathing hot, wet air onto his skin, chuckling, "You should be what? The one fucking me?"

Dew sinks into his hood a bit, mumbling, "Y-Yeah..."

"Hm... Let me think about it..." Rain pretends to consider Dew's request, then with a happy chirp, dismisses the idea entirely, "No, sorry, don't think so, love. Maybe later, but you're not the one who paid off the bartender to make people use the other restroom for the next hour."

"You d-did that...?" if Dew wasn't blushing before, he was certainly pinker than his rosé now, "That means-"

Rain leans over top of him, coming nose to nose with the ghoul on the counter, "She knows I'm fucking you? Yeah."

"Told her you were gonna spill your drink on yourself as an excuse to sneak into the bathroom with me in case she didn't believe me, and then you just happened to pour just a liiiittle bit of wine on your pants and run off..." he says, rubbing their faces together lightly as Dew feels Rain's long fingers tickle his sides, "...Just a tiny wave of my hand and just like that, you're all mine."

"You-"

"So if you think I'm going to let you top after all the effort I went through putting together this outfit and locking this place down, you are sorely mistake, mon cheri~"

"Oh no..." is all Dew manages to say before Rain sets about taking him apart with his mouth again.

It's not long before he's moved again, pressed against the wall, legs spread with his pants pulled down awkwardly to give Rain enough access to slam inside of him as he holds onto him for fear he might tumble onto the floor, unable to bring his legs together to wrap them around Rain's lithe form thanks to his strong arms holding them apart.

Rain is relentless as he pounds into him, and Dew feels the back of his head bump into the tile with every other motion, until Rain shows mercy and hooks one of his legs over his hip and cushions the blow with his hand.

It's a difficult position to maintain, and Dew's pretty sure aside from Rain's impressive grip strength, the other thing keeping him aloft right now is his dick, and something about that has Dew's brain going more than a little screwy.

He's entirely unprepared for when Rain cums inside of him, shockingly cold and a reminder that, right, even in his glamour, Rain's still a water ghoul, and his seed is nothing if not colder than the depths of Hell's frozen lake.

Dew shivers and latches onto Rain, curling against him in a desperate search for warmth, and he finds it in the gentle kisses Rain gives the side of his face.

"Come on, baby, your turn, your turn, Dewdrop."

It's hardly the most impressive orgasm he's ever had, but it's certainly one of the gentlest, and as he dully becomes aware of how he's managed to cum so hard he's painted the front of Rain's silly, flouncy blouse, he can't help but laugh a little.

"You're going to get punished for that later..." Rain clicks his tongue, "For now... gimme your hoodie."

"Can't..."

"Oh? Why not?"

Dew looks up at him coyly, "'m not wearing anything underneath it..."

Rain makes a hurt sound in the back of his throat, "If I'd known that, I would have insisted you took it off first... Oh well, let's see..."

He slides his phone out of his shirt, checking the time, "We still have another fifteen minutes..."

"Rain?"

"How about I give you your punishment now?"

"O-Oh-"

.

.

.

"Geezus, Froggy, you doin' okay, you keep looking like you're gonna fall off the sidewalk the way you're moving..." Aether sighs, pulling Dew upright as the shorter ghoul lurches forward for the third time on their walk home -none of the local cabs would take them... shocker- "I thought you weren't going to drink that much tonight?"

"Didn't..." Dew cringes, pinching his eyes shut and stopping entirely for a moment before regaining his composure, "...Remind me to get rid of these pants..."

Aether furrows his brow, then whispers, "Did you fucking piss yourself or-"

"No!" Dew shouts, drawing the sluggish attention of their drunken friends and one all too pleased looking water ghoul, lowering his voice, "No... It's just... Rain... Inside... and it's..."

The quintessence ghoul looks between Dew's flushed face and Rain's smug grin and puts two and two together easily, "While we were at the bar-"

"No, while we were walking home just now- Yes at the fucking bar!" Dew hisses, "...Twice."

"Rain!" Aether calls over to the ghoul, earning a panicked, squeaky, "Whatareyoudoing-" from Dew before the ghoul motions for him to come over and, "Take some responsibility and carry your boy home, will ya??"

And that's how Dew finds himself hoisted up onto Rain's back -thankfully not fully up onto his shoulders- and, in a way, getting to be on "top" for the first time that evening.

Swiss, despite being piss drunk, takes time out of his busy schedule -trying to climb every light post they pass by- to walk beside them and tease him about just that, albeit none the wiser to the events that unfolded in the bathroom.