#ghoul galore

[rat-butch]

i can't explain but this is prequelle dewdrop actually

[negativeyield]

runs cold, runs deep (33496 words) by negativeyield Chapters: 10/10 Fandom: Ghost (Sweden Band) Rating: Mature Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Swiss (Ghost Sweden Band)/You, Swiss (Ghost Sweden Band)/Original Female Character(s), Nameless Ghoul(s)/Original Female Character(s), Rain & Swiss (Ghost Sweden Band), Dewdrop | Sodo & Swiss, Dewdrop | Sodo & Phantom, Mountain (Ghost Sweden Band) & You, Aurora/Swiss (Ghost Sweden Band), Cirrus & Cumulus (Ghost Sweden Band), Phantom (Ghost Sweden Band) & You, Aether & Swiss (Ghost Sweden Band)

Characters: Swiss (Ghost Sweden Band), Rain (Ghost Sweden Band), Dewdrop | Sodo, Mountain (Ghost Sweden Band), Aurora (Ghost Sweden Band), Phantom (Ghost Sweden Band), Cirrus (Ghost Sweden Band), Cumulus (Ghost Sweden Band), Cardinal Copia | Papa Emeritus IV, Aether (Ghost Sweden Band)

Additional Tags: Snowed In, Huddling For Warmth, POV Second Person, Swiss (Ghost Sweden Band) Is a Little Shit, Hurt/Comfort, Hypothermia, Drinking Games, Dewdrop | Sodo is Called Dewdrop, reader character is written with she/her pronouns but no physical descriptions, Self-Indulgent, mostly ghoul shenanigans, and me wrapping my head around ghost lore, Protective swiss, a little bit of ghoul POV, Cuddling & Snuggling, Nightmares, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Mutual Pining, Slow Burn, Whump, Head Injury, Healing, Oral Sex, Consensual Sex

Summary: As the snow gave way to your weight and cut you off from the howling wind, the world grew much quieter. You took shaky breaths, trying to bring yourself back to reality. Think of a new plan. Find some help even though you drove for hours without seeing a single other soul on your route. That realization furthered the dread pooling in your belly. Maybe you were as doomed as you feel. Who in their right mind would be out traveling in this weather? __ “Maybe we should turn around?” Rain muttered, glancing out the window of the van with mild unease. “A little late for that,” Dew grunted.

[Or, the ghouls happen upon you caught in a blizzard and nurse you back to health. When the storm snows you in, shenanigans ensue and you end up finding more than some new friends]

READ ON AO3

[captain-astors]

“Despite it all, I still loved him.”

(Happy birthday you living communion wafer, the sketch was by suggestion of @elmaxlys from a WHILE ago I just only managed to kick myself into finishing it now.) 

[tisthenightofthewitch]

Bochum

Metal-Heads.de

[anonwyvern]

Three strangers convolute their lives, in what would seem to be for God's sheer enjoyment of entertainment. A contract so paper-thin it risks being torn, a bounty hunter on the run from his own well-kept secrets, and a mysterious woman who can't seem to find her way home. All convene on a case that proves sometimes letting go, is the best form of goodbye.

**Prior Readers: Please Read from Beginning**

[iamtheonelascivious]

It do be funny the way Loma Vista thinks Ghost fans are somehow ravenous for more Nihil/Sister lore. In reality they could just make a Terzo mannequin and charge $30 a pop to take a photo with it and they’d be millionaires in no time.

[nicoleiacross]

[Ghost(Band)] Defective [Links to AO3]

My internet has been out for three days but I will post a fucking fluffery damnit. ...I mean it’s sad but it’s fluffy sad? I’ve had a long three days.

♥

Fandom: Ghost (Band) Rating: General (some swearing, nothing serious) CW: nothing serious Lesser Warnings: headcanon galore, author uses sodo instead of dew, pre-Aether/Sodo? Can be read as fluffy friendship or ship-ship

Summary:  Sodo having an off day isn't rare; just a concern when they have to get Aether to handle it.

A/N: There was a post on tumblr about Sodo being self conscious about how quickly he replaced Ifrit. And I also found a Ritual recording of Devil's Church/Guitar Shenanigans/Cirice were people were boo'ing Sodo. Like I'm sure it was in good fun but it was still like bro is this necessary wtf... 

But anyways, so that happened lmao.

There are some mentions of various headcanon from Mountain regarding a much bigger thing I'm working on but if anyone has questions please never hesitate to ask ♥ Otherwise, as usual, I do not have an editor of any sort, so if you notice typos, please lemme know ♥ Enjoy and thank you for reading /)(\

Extras: Status: Complete! [< AO3 Link] Word Count: ~5.4k

It's a rare occurrence, for Sodo to be so terribly off kilter.

Aether isn't positive when it starts; but, at some point, Sodo starts sticking to the front of the stage, center and left, instead of running up to Swiss or Cirrus as much as he normally does. He's pretty sure they all just assume he's starting to run out of steam—tired, hungry, maybe a combination of both. … Probably tired, because he's not being nearly as cranky as he gets when he's hungry. It would also, for better or worse, account for why he just… freezes up in the middle of Dance Macabre.

There's a brief falter—Copia manages to catch himself before he looks back or stumbles over more than a few words. It keeps some of the attention off of Sodo, at least, and gives him a chance to recover. Rain's closer and goes over to check on him, no different than when he fell and they played it off. Aether's not close enough to join him and running across the stage would probably just make it more obvious. He still shoots a quick glance over his shoulder, just to see if Swiss or Mountain has an idea of what's going on. He can't be positive Mountain isn't trying to get Rain or Sodo's attention; and, Swiss spares them a quick glance before he offers Aether a shrug, never once losing his own beat.

Aether shakes it off and tries to keep his focus on the show before it escalates. Honestly, if it weren't the fact Copia had tripped over the lyrics, he'd assume that it was something staged, to combat the weird rumours that… kinda crop up every once in a while that the instruments aren't live.

He forgets about it fairly quickly, when Rain and Sodo come back down to the front stage and everything seems to be back on track.

He sticks around for the final bow, at least; but, that's also when Aether loses track of him. Odd, but not unusual. Sometimes he climbed up on Swiss or Mountain's back instead, tired and overstimulated already. Sometimes he and Rain snuck off to hoard snacks before Cirrus or Aether could stop them—particularly shows that ended later in the day and they had to stop Sodo from trying to go through the venue's entire stock of the little coffee pods. Sometimes he just wanted to run before they were all contained to the tour bus or hotel rooms again. He always came back in time for loading the buses, no matter what he was getting up to.

Regardless, he doesn't think anything of it until they're helping the road crew finish loading the bus. The Ghoulettes are already on the bus—claiming their corner and preparing everyone else's nightly routines. He's not sure where Papa went and it doesn't even occur to him that it might be odd Sodo isn't helping with the stage equipment, in that moment. Probably because he's focused on the way the road Ghouls fuss at him and Swiss, both, despite the fact they always offer the assurance they want to help. A lot of them are… particular about their instruments. Rain, for that matter, is still clinging to his bass, even as he nods off; he fusses—briefly—as Mountain tries to wrestle it free of his grip as gently as possible. Aether goes to help—gently prying Rain's fingers loose with soft words to distract him; reminding him his claws can pierce the guitar case, that it'll be more secure in storage. It ends in the bassist more or less melting against him and whining petulant curses about being tired and making sleepy, empty threats in Mountain's general direction about being careful with his bass.

A silly complaint, when they all know Mountain's been helping load and unload the buses since Papa II's days; but, one they never hold against Rain. They were all particular in their own ways and he, especially, got clingy with the bass every year, like clockwork. It's… a disturbingly good way to keep track of time and know when Copia needs extra comfort, as the anniversary of the brothers' deaths comes and goes.

He's only considered, in passing, as he's doing a final headcount, that maybe that's why Sodo had run out of steam so early in the show. Maybe the anniversary of death was finally starting to affect him, too.

Except, as he's turning to head into the bus—to count who's inside, just as much so he can get out of his uniform—Copia comes around the back of the bus—still in his blue jacket, more than a little frazzled—and catches his shoulder. He kind of hears Swiss mumble an under breathed exhale of, "Oh, boy…" behind him, but he doesn't get long to think on it.

"Aether, I—you know I would not ask this of you, were it not important—please get Sodo."

Aether just stares at his human and slowly turns to do another headcount, relying on feeling the others out that he can't see right away. Swiss is holding Rain up, now, one arm around his waist; Mountain… went back into the venue at some point; it takes him a few seconds to separate the Ghoulettes from each other, so he assumes they've all fallen asleep in a pile, already; the road Ghouls have all climbed into the second bus, but he still takes the time to count them out, individually, just to make sure Sodo didn't sneak into their bus for some reason… and, finally, turns his attention up, finally spotting Sodo huddled up on the roof of their bus. For a split second, he almost thinks he's seeing things; but, a nearby light catches the horns of his mask and confirms that… he is up there and Aether's not actually getting worse at keeping track of people.

Of course, now he has to actually process and acknowledge that… Sodo's on the roof of their bus and he shakes his head a few times.

"Wait—when did he—wait, why me?" His tail flickers down from his waist without him realising it, lashing about anxiously a few times before he notices and hastily pulls it back under his jacket, wrapped firmly around him like a belt. He knows humans have a hard time seeing their features, but he really doesn't want to deal with being the one that happens to get caught. "Rain's much better at handling Sodo—"

"We already tried, Aeth." Swiss sighs and, when Aether finally turns to look back at the pair, he's rubbing the back of his neck with his free hand. "Well. Rain tried first…"

"He told me to piss off." Rain adds, his voice slurring a little as he yawns, wide enough his fangs are on display for a moment before he puts his head back against Swiss' shoulder, struggling to stay awake and probably just to stay standing. "Second time I tried, he climbed up the bus… and, when I tried to follow he threatened to eat my face. Helmet included."

Aether wants to point out that he can't… but, they also thought Sodo couldn't bite through an amp. They probably shouldn't make that mistake again.

Instead of focusing on that, he tries to point out that Swiss has better luck with Sodo, too, just to get cut off again.

"I tried giving him his vape, already." Swiss shrugs, shifting to where he can kneel and Rain lets out a relieved sigh as he slumps over the other Ghoul's back. Swiss adjusts his hold so he can stand and still carry Rain without too much issue. "Thought he went for a run after final bow, but he was just out here, so… made sense, yeah? He threw it in my face and told me to go back inside. So… we totally believe in you. Have fun."

Swiss is inside the bus before Aether can protest that that hardly constitutes trying! The only reason he doesn't try to yank on Swiss' tail is because he doesn't want to risk hurting Rain.

Copia doesn't… look like he's going to make Aether do it. Copia's still an option himself and Mountain was… well, he could handle the biting and thrashing when Sodo was in a bad mood. Arguably better than Aether could. But, Mountain finally comes out of the venue and up on his side with only a gentle tap on the shoulder as a warning.

"Sodo left his guitar inside." When Aether turns to him, sure enough, the case strap is over Mountain's shoulder and he holds out his free hand, dropping… a substantial number of guitar picks into Aether's hand. "He didn't throw any, except what was on stage from the early ammunition, so far as I can tell. Those are all from his pick guard and strap."

Aether looks down at the pile in his hand and lets out a slow breath through his nose to try mentally preparing himself. If Sodo's already chased everyone else off… and Copia did come from around the bus, which means he probably tried already… Aether's absolutely going to get mauled. But, of the lot, he can probably reduce the damages the easiest without hurting Sodo.

"I'll… try. Can you make sure his guitar gets put up properly?"

Mountain gives a dismissive salute with two fingers before he takes the picks back and heads onto the bus. Sodo's… less possessive of his guitar, but it's still nice seeing the others taking care of instruments that aren't theirs. Aether gives Copia a gentle push towards the bus, "Please, go inside, Papa. I'll take care of Sodo."

Copia still looks worried; but, he nods and—after looking up, one more time, like he's considering calling Sodo down—he heads inside. Mountain comes back out, briefly, to load the guitar into the storage compartment.

"Rain's out cold, so if he bites or starts a fire…" He shrugs one shoulder and gestures, vague and a bit uncertain, towards where Sodo's hiding. "I'll help how I can, if he does, but… there's security cameras everywhere. And we don't have anyone to cover for property damage, anymore…"

Special would definitely make things a lot easier. Not necessarily because he was good at dealing with other Ghouls—honestly, the few times Aether interacted with him, he was probably the most confrontational of the third era. But he was good at containing issues and sweet talking humans into being slightly less worried about any property damage they may have accidentally caused. Omega would've been ideal. Hell, even Alpha or Cowbell—literally any other Fire Ghoul or anyone not Aether. Hes still not sure where he stands with the Fire Ghoul.

Still, it does make him curious and he manages to stop Mountain before he heads back into the bus. "Mountain? How did… you deal with Special? Papa and his predecessor always… mentioned you two used to fight a lot. A lot worse than Sodo and… basically anybody."

He knows Mountain hates talking about it. His tail actually slides down from around his waist, going limp before it curls once around his leg for security. "We… didn't really fight. I mean—yeah, I guess it looked like fighting, but we… were just messing around. We were the youngest by a few decades, compared to everyone else; and, the first two, in a long time, that could actually talk. Earth had his hands full with his band mates and Papa Emeritus' health—the. Primo, I mean—Emeritus I." He flusters for a few seconds and, for the first time, Aether realises how weird everything probably is for Mountain. Having to constantly change how he addressed the humans around him.

He recovers and shrugs again, picking listlessly at his claws. "None of Emeritus I's other Ghouls wanted to deal with Special. That's why I was summoned—because Earth was busy and no one really knew what else they could do about him. My purpose was collateral control, not…" He tails off, attention fixed on the ground for those few seconds too long. Those few seconds it takes Aether to realise that… Mountain didn't really know what he was supposed to do. He wasn't summoned to be part of band, even if he did soak up what he could.

He tries to make a note to talk to him about it, later. Or get Copia involved… or would that be out of line? He's never sure how to handle the older Ghoul.

Mountain shaking his head gets Aether's attention back to the present, "My point was, what worked for our situation… isn't what you need for Sodo. … Also, that you're worrying way too much. You already know how to handle Sodo, Aeth. Just… y'know. Do that thing you do. I promise—despite how much Sodo bitches, it really does work."

He doesn't have a reason to doubt the words; but, he was still maybe hoping for something a little more concrete. How to deal with spontaneous fires or the aggressive biting that could end in one or both of them getting sick. It's not until Mountain closes the door into the bus that he really stops to think about the fact Sodo… probably could hear them. If he was paying attention, he could have, anyways. Which means there's a really good chance he's going to be in a worse mood than Aether was anticipating.

Still, he pulls one more deep breath to prepare himself and rounds to the back of the bus so he can scale the ladder. He knows Mountain mentioned security cameras, but he's really hoping they're closer to the venue and don't have a great view of the bus, because the first thing he notices—after the fact that Sodo hadn't bothered getting out of his uniform and the tight ball he's sitting in does not look comfortable—is that his tail is out and curled around his body, with the spade tucked over his shoulder and against his neck, like a small source of comfort.

Aether's careful as he moves across the bus—careful to keep his footing, just as much as he's keeping an eye on Sodo. Appropriately, because the moment he gets too close, he sees the tips of Sodo's horn starting to glow a faint orange and emit a warning of smoke. Even so, his voice is… quiet.

"I'm not in the mood, Aether. Go away."

"I just want to talk, Sodo—or… or not." He's really glad he's still far enough back that Sodo's tail doesn't reach him, even when it uncoils from his body in a single, sharp motion, like he's trying to lash out. A warning, more than a threat; but, one Aether takes to heart and carefully sits down just out of range of the tail. "I'm fine just sitting here, if you don't want to talk."

There's a small stretch of silence before his tail slowly coils back around his body, tighter if possible, and Aether almost hears him grumble out a dismissive whatever. His horns slowly cool off until they're the ashen white again and Aether ends up wandering, in passing, just how many times Sodo's set them on fire for them to be that colour. He has… some vague memory of the horns being grey at some point… or maybe that was just a temporary mask while they tried to figure out how to get his to fit properly on the broken horn.

He knows the thoughts are just a desperate distraction from how much potential danger he's in… and maybe to distract him from how… absolutely miserable Sodo feels. He really wishes he'd asked Omega more about how to differentiate between intiution for the others' state of being and his own perceptions, because he's… really not positive he isn't just projecting the emotion, based on how non-responsive Sodo's been most of the evening.

The silence—and, in some capacity, the patience and perseverence to not leave Sodo to his own devices, finally makes the smaller Ghoul raises his head from where it's been pushed against his knees. He's still quiet for a spell longer; but, he's at least turned so he can face Aether and scooted forward a little bit. Aether's still out of range of his tail—he thinks—but it's… progress. It's also making him realise that he's not projecting and, even if he is, Sodo actually does look as miserable as he feels.

Before Aether can try to bridge the silence, Sodo finally speaks up, his attention off to the side so he doesn't have to make direct eye contact.

"Papa needs to replace me."

Aether just stares at him, trying desperately to actually process the words. They… the words themselves make sense. He understands what Sodo's telling him. But he also has absolutely no idea what the Hell he's on about.

He must be quiet for too long because Sodo raises his head, briefly, before quickly ducking it once more, his tongue darting out in a nervous gesture to wet his lip. Something he picked up around the Ministry, no doubt, but still a sign he's a lot worse off than he's letting on. "He does. He should have when Al—" He freezes up before the name fully forms and a shudder makes it look like he's trying to shake off. "When… when my horn was damaged." His left hand goes up, finger tips hovering near the left horn, just shy of touching it. He never really recovered from the trauma of his horn being clipped, even when the masks give the illusion of a full horn. "I'm defective—he doesn't need a deffective Ghoul, especially as Papa, he—"

"--Sodo—wait, what the fuck, Sodo, slow down." Sodo's mouth snaps shut and his hands go back to his lap, fingers curled tight in his pants. His tail's wound around his neck, tight enough that Aether almost worries he's going to hurt himself before he remembers they don't… actually need to breathe. He takes a slow breath, trying to get back on track and figure out where the idea even came from. "Who the fuck called you defective?"

He's… different and erratic, sure; but, he's not defective. "Why would you think Papa needs to replace you? He doesn't and we both know he isn't going to."

"He needs to." Sodo insists and, for a long stretch of uncomfortable silence, that's the only argument he makes. One Aether can't—and doesn't try to—counter, if only because he's still… really confused.

He's pretty sure it wasn't Imperator. As harsh as she was with most Ghouls, she… tolerated them, specifically, more than she did any of the others. Because they were there to make Copia shine and she wanted him to succeed. So long as they helped with that, she… tolerated them, and that should have included Sodo. So he's fairly positive it wasn't her and, by extension, he's pretty sure it wasn't Nihil, either. He never interacted with the Ghouls, so long as he could avoid it.

He's certain the man—ghost? … Whatever he constituted as, now, Aether's positive he doesn't hate the Ghouls or even dislike them, really… they're just a reminder of what happened to his sons. The band, in general, is a glaring reminder of what he's lost.

None of the other Ghouls would've said anything that negative. Even when they bullied each other, they made sure to keep it light hearted and apologise when a line was crossed.

He can't think of anyone else that would've planted the idea—even Alpha, in the short time Sodo had warmed up to being around him, had ever spoken badly of him. Sodo may have annoyed him, it was just that. Eager and annoying, but always in an… endearing and weirdly affectionate way.

So, Aether finally bites the bullet and tries to get more information. "Sodo… you know Papa isn't going to replace you without a good reason. And there isn't one, so why do you think he needs to?"

"There's plenty of good reasons." For how vague he's being, he's still quick to argue. "I messed up—I keep messing up. Papa doesn't need that, he needs things to be perfect, it has to be perfect—"

Maybe it is Imperator. But that still doesn't feel right, despite the fact it sounds right.

"Nothing needs to be perfect. We all make mistakes and, frankly, you don't make that many."

Sodo's tail finally unwinds from his neck and for a split second, Aether's almost worried he's about to get struck by it; but, it just starts flickering about anxiously and he's again reminded to be extremely worried about the potential security cameras. Hopefully it just looks like a malfunction or trick of light and shadow. Unfortunately—or, maybe fortunately, because he immediately pulls his tail back to his body, wrapping it in his hands tight enough that it has to hurt—Sodo seems to realise he's made a mistake and makes a distressed noise in his throat.

"See."

"That was an accident and you know our void forms are… weird."

None of them really understand it. Mountain tried to explain what he'd learned from older Ghouls about how humans perceive them—about how it was really only the upper clergy or people with the Papal Eye that could see them properly. But none of them understand why or how. Regardless, Sodo specifically knows that there's always… some convenience that keeps them hidden, even if they are all waiting for the day that isn't true. Which is apparently what Sodo's focusing on.

"I missed my cue."

Okay, yes, that was still weird. But, not the weirdest thing that's ever happened.

"Ifrit's missed his cue, before."

For some reason that makes him go tense and Aether… might be figuring out where some of the need for perfection is coming from. Even as a temporary stand-in, he remembers Sodo fretting about the missed cue. Bothering Ifrit incessantly to make sure that wasn't why he was replaced, when they all knew Ifrit was temporary. He'd taken it in stride and tried to assure Sodo as much, Aether just… thought that was the end of it. He amends the statement, quickly.

"We all missed our cue for Hunter's Moon a while ago. Papa wasn't mad at us." Exasperated, maybe, and the audience had seemed amused. He relaxes. A little. … Enough he's stopped pulling his tail tighter than it already is wrapped around his hands.

"I fell on stage."

That was… years ago. But, he doesn't bring attention to that.

"Rain has. So has Swiss. Emeritus III did. A lot. According to Papa and Omega."

That actually gives Sodo pause, before he grumbles out an agreement. "Okay, yeah, that's a good point…"

Aether actually smiles a little and carefully scoots forward until he's close enough he can reach over and start to gently unwind Sodo's tail from the death grip he has on it. Sodo doesn't bother resisting or even hissing and Aether is remotely worried about his tail suddenly lashing out, anymore. Once he's succeeded in freeing it from Sodo, he keeps the spade in his hand, gently rubbing his thumb over the curved bit to try calming him down a little more.

He knows there's more and being patient has worked so far.

"... I—" He finally seems to have run out of other excuses to hide behind and Aether gives an encouraging hum for him to continue. "I'm… … it's really stupid, just—why can't I just be replaced with someone better?"

Aether releases his tail before it pulls too hard. It writhes about before finding its way back into Sodo's grip, his hands gripping the length and pulling and twisting it again.

"Sodo… no one wants to replace you, why would you want that? Do you think we do?" He shakes his head, sharply. There's no hesitation, so it's… no one in the immediate grouping. Which he was pretty certain of before, but it's nice to have confirmation. "Do… you want to be replaced? Ignoring whoever you think wants you replaced… do you want to be replaced?"

The pause is concerning, but Sodo still shakes his head, again, after a stretch of contemplation. "No—I… I don't, but… defective equipment should be replaced. Shouldn’t it?"

"Equipment, yes. You are not equipment, though." It still doesn't sound like Imperator. Maybe someone else around the Ministry? But not… necessarily her.

"But, they—I don't… care if they like you more, but I—but if they don't like me, then… then what if that's stopping people from coming to Rituals, I don't want to be responsible for that, people are supposed to enjoy what we do, if they don't—if I'm why they don't, I—"

Aether doesn't stop him. The circles are making less and less sense, the more he frets and his horns are starting to glow again as he works himself up. All Aether can do is grab his hands to get him to stop for a minute. It works, thankfully; Sodo freezes up immediately and his mouth snaps shut. It gives Aether a chance to try processing.

Someone… didn't like him… and that was enough to be considered a defect? If "they" like Aether more and it's in regards to the Rituals, he… has to be talking about the attendees. But that's never stopped him before. Not like this.

"Sodo, I—what even are you talking about? They love you. I mean—yeah, things get chaotic sometimes, but it works for you. For us—th-the band! Us as in the band!" He shakes his head, sharply, to get back on track. "My point was, people love that energy and you—"

It's probably pretty damn obvious when it finally hits him. He thinks Sodo whines and is trying to get his hands free of Aether's grip; but, Aether's mind is an hour in the past as it finally hits him why the Ritual was so… odd in the second half.

It started during the guitar battle. It always starts during the guitar battle—what began as Sodo tuning his guitar for Cirice to give Papa a chance to change his outfit, it's… them, now. It let Sodo get some of the overstimulated energy out when things were otherwise slow; it let Aether be that little bit more aggressive, even if they did blow it out of proportions sometimes; and, most importantly, it was just… fun. A small bit they got to share, instead of sharing the whole stage.

Getting the audience involved was a fun bonus. Dragging Rain in on occasions was a fun bonus. Dragging anyone else in was a fun bonus, but it was mostly for them.

There were… instances, of course. One of the unfortunate parts of being Ghouls, was they were… very attuned to things around them. For their own safety. For their summoner's safety. Even with the foam ear plugs and specially designed pieces to feed them their cues and protect their hearing weren't… always as efficient as they could be. They could still hear things from the outside. Useful to listen for threats.

Less useful when the crowds were… negative. He's heard stories from older Rituals. When Primo had been Papa. He remembers Earth telling them about it, at Mountain's insistance. He's heard it a few times at their own Rituals, but usually in… good fun. At least, he interpreted it as good fun and… Sodo usually did.

But, with the anniversary of the deaths coming up, it… makes sense he wouldn't have today. Not if he was already anxious about being replaced.

Aether… might feel a little bad that Sodo immediately flinches and backs up when he stands. But, he waits for him to still again and makes sure Sodo can see his hands when he moves this time. As much as Aether—and most of them, really—have filled out in the new uniforms, it just makes Sodo look even smaller than before. Especially when he tries to curl in on himself; but, it also just makes it easier for Aether to pick him up, sit back down without hurting either of them, and situate Sodo in his lap so his back is flush to Aether's chest. The comfort of a full body hug without the anxiety that came with people seeing him vulnerable.

As expected, Sodo goes rigid immediately and Aether's full expecting to get elbowed or headbutted. But, he also isn't surprised when Sodo just curls tighter into himself, wrapping around Aether's arms. He still doesn't have a full grasp on how hugs work, but it's his version and that's what matters. Aether doesn't bring attention to the stuttered attempts to regulate his breathing and just nuzzles gently at the back of his neck.

"There's always going to be someone who doesn't like us. But that does not make you defective and you do not need to be replaced. The only thing you need to do is the best you can. And when you can't just let us—… let… me know. Let me help. I don't want you replaced. No one wants you replaced."

It takes a while longer for them to move. It's mostly just getting Sodo calm enough that he won't be anxious going into the bus if anyone's still awake. Most of it, admittedly, is Aether being extra snuggly; nuzzling at his neck and mumbling affirmations and praise for all of the things he's amazing at. At least five for every perceived flaw, even when Sodo flusters and mumbles that he's being ridiculous, his tail is still betraying how pleased he is. Things that can be revisited and reaffirmed when he's in a better headspace, when they can… maybe have a full conversation about them, that isn't just Aether trying to figure out where they stand.

All things for later.

Everyone's asleep when they do get down into the bus. He gives Sodo a gentle push and quiet direction to go change out of his uniform, he'll take care of setting up a nest. Copia's passed out at one of the tables, with Swiss draped over him. Aether shuffles over, hoping that putting a blanket over them won't actually wake either—especially Copia—and nearly swears when Swiss sits up.

"Mmm… Aeth? Oh… cool, you survived. Great job. … He okay?"

Okay seems like a stretch. Still, Aether offers a smile and tips his head towards the closed off portion fo the bus they keep clothes in. "Maybe not right now, but… he will be. Just needs some rest."

"Knew you could do it. Told Papa not to worry…" He cuts off with a wide yawn and just snuggles back up to the human. It is really impressive Copia doesn't wake up once… and maybe a little concerning. But, something to focus on later. "You get some sleep, too. You're gonna have your hands full later."

Swiss is out cold again before Aether can ask for any sort of explanation. He just goes back to dropping a bunch of blankets and pillows in a corner that's out of the way from everyone and starts pulling his own uniform off with the intent to just change into something quick once Sodo comes back out… except when he does shuffle out—in a sweater he probably stole out of Aether's stash, given his inability to keep the shirt on both shoulders—he holds out Aether's normal sleep wear on tour and disappears back with his uniform. Aether's… not sure when Sodo learned what he sleeps in. But, he doesn't question it and just pulls the shirt and shorts on and lays out on the edge of the pile of blankets and pillows.

When Sodo finally joins him, he spends probably five minutes wriggling around to find a comfortable spot to sleep and figure out how many blankets he wants to be wrapped up in. Once he finally stills, facing Aether, he just stares, quietly, until Aether finally moves close enough he doesn't have to move Sodo too much to be flush against him.

Sodo immediately relaxes and buries himself further in the coccoon he's made himself, until only his right horn is peeking out. The left one does, a little bit, and Aether gives the jagged edge a gentle kiss before he settles. It gets a small wriggle, but nothing more.

They can deal with the rest in the morning or… whenever it comes.

[littleghoulghost]

Trying to get the writer's block to fuck off long enough to get the last two requests done for Little Ghoul. After that I have an idea for Fallout 3, it's one I've seen done a few times before, but I honestly love it so much. It's the forced marriage trope AU where Lone Wanderer doesn't leave the vault and the Overseer implements a program to ensure a next generation. Of course the Lone Wanderer HAS to be paired with Butch DeLoria. I honestly love him so much, he's such a trash panda.

[seeminglydark]

👻 IT'S HERE! PRESENTING CARO GREENE'S MIL-LIMINAL-THE PODCAST! 👻

Consider this a soft launch cuz i know it's not live on ALL services yet, but you can now listen to the introduction episode of Caro's podcast, Mil-Liminal on Youtube, Podcast Addict, Podbean, and Spotify, and probably more cuz idk how distribution works.

There will be a full length episode soon, but for now, take a listen to the intro, and if you like it, share it to your friends to help people find it! Its written in a way anyone can jump in, even if they aren't familiar with the comics or characters. Thank you SO MUCH for all the support getting here, I'm so happy to finally be able to do this!

Mil-Liminal is a cozy horror podcast featuring the charming and slightly unhinged Caro Greene, an employee working the counter during the night shift at a tiny gas station in the middle of the woods. Join their journey of witnessing the unexplainable! Liminal spaces, ghosts and ghouls galore, there won't be any jump-scares or hopelessness, just unsettling vibes with moments of comedy to lighten the mood. The podcast is in canonical order, meaning the first episode is Caro's first 'episode' as well, learning as they go to create their podcast. 

[rat-butch]

tips | commissions | pillowfort

happy pride everyone!! it's finally our month, meaning you have to like my silly little lesbian doodle or else :)

[reverieblondie]

Costume Party

Pairing: Peter B. Parker X Fem!reader

Warnings: 18+, NSFW, Smut with some Plot, Exhibitionism, Praise, Mask-Kink, Protected Penetrative Sex (wrap it before you tap it), Fingering, Pining.

Summary: At a costume party you run into a guy with a very impressive Spider-Man costume....He seems familiar...

A/N: So, I am not ashamed to admit it! I think Peter B is hot and needs more fics about him. For this story MJ and Peter are divorced. If you enjoyed this Halloween themed Fic, please checkout my Halloween Fic with Miguel here.

Word Count: 6,245 (Not edited very well, sorry)

“I can't believe how crowded this place is, it’s not even Halloween yet?” 

You shout in the crowded bar filled with an array of costume-clad people. It was a week before Halloween and people were already out and about getting the Halloween festivities into full swing. Your friend Bea laughs at your remark.

“Well some people are trying to get the most out of their costumes, it's no fun you only get one night to enjoy it.”

“Like Mallory?” pointing your finger to the dance floor you see your friend Mallory dressed as an amazing Jason Voorhees tearing it up on the dance floor drawing in a crowd. Let's just say Mallory takes Halloween very seriously. 

Taking a moment just to appreciate your friend Bea breaks the silence, “Never thought I would see Jason twerking…” 

“You have to love her enthusiasm” you respond hypnotized by the slight. 

“Well Kitty Cat, I think Jason could use a dancing partner and Barbie is just the right person. Are you going to join us?” Bea dressed as cowgirl Barbie begins to dance over to Mallory as she keeps her eyes on you for your answer. 

“You two go for it, I'm going to walk around, maybe get some fresh air..” 

With that Bea gives you a nod and starts dancing with Mallory, rewarding you with the image of Barbie dancing with Jason Voorhees. Not being much for dancing you start walking around the party and watching the different costume-clad people having fun and interacting. There are Vampires, Werewolves, Nurses, disgraced celebrities, and ghouls galore! Costumes ranged from professional cosplayer level to a dude in a Spider-Man tee shirt and a plastic mask. No judgment though you went the basic route with your costume going as a sexy kitty, a costume that Mallory had loaned you from her vast collection. 

Mallory being the Halloween fanatic had invited you and Bea to this costume party at a popular club and with it being October, of course, it was a costume party. Not minding too much you had Mallory pick out a costume for you and off to the club you went. 

In all honesty, you needed a party to attend, work was starting to stress you out due to your boss being well a dick. Now three hours in the club is in full swing, the crowded floor and booming music all though enjoyable was starting to give you a slight headache. So needing to find a way to soothe your headache you decide to go outside to get some first air. 

Pushing your way through the club you find a backside door. Perfect! Haphazardly swinging it open, you hear a smack followed by a low groan. Quickly stepping out in the cool night air you see a guy in a very impressive Spider-Man costume rubbing his hand over his nose. Shit- 

Feeling guilty you rush over apologizing profusely, “Oh, I am so sorry! Are you okay?”

“Why are you swinging doors open so-” The masked man quickly stops mid-sentence looking at you in what seems to be a surprise, you can only assume due to the mask covering his face, but the white lenses grow wide looking at you so it tipped you off. Clearing his throat he finally looks away before speaking, “I’m fine don’t worry about it”

“Well I feel bad I smacked you pretty hard, is it broken?” You try reaching for the mask to lift it but he quickly holds his hands up moving away and stopping you. 

“I’ve taken worse hits, it’s no big deal really” He lifts his mask and reveals his lips and the tip of his nose. “See, not even bleeding,” he says with a slight smile. 

Woah, diggin the scruff there my guy, plus that cute smile? You couldn’t help yourself from blushing slightly. He lowers his mask again, seeming to be leaving but you interject. “Um Wait, I still feel bad! Maybe I can buy you a drink? To make up for my reckless door opening?” 

He seems to think for a moment, rubbing his hand on his chin. Watching as he eyes you for a moment, you can't see his eyes but you have a feeling he is talking to you all in. Adjusting your skirt you give a sweet smile trying to persuade him. 

“You're not going to hit me again, are you? kitty?”

The playful pet name has you biting your bottom lip quickly. Okay, flirt. Not knowing the way that costume is showing off his arms, the playful teasing, or maybe it's the mask but you're intrigued by him.  

 “Not unless you give me a reason too” you playfully say, opening the door and turning back for him to follow you in.  

“Well I will tread carefully then,” he follows closely behind you. 

Making your way with Spider-Man in tow, you push past all the different ghouls. Finally making your way to the bar you hand him a menu looking through one yourself. “Just try to steer away from the top shelf please.” 

This gets a laugh out of him as he leans against the bar, something about his laugh seemed familiar in a way but you couldn't place it. “I thought you were making up for hitting me with a door?” 

“I am, but you didn't bleed, if you had bled you could have gotten top shelf.” You tease and it causes him to laugh more, you're kinda surprised by yourself flirting with a random stranger but there is something about him that you just can't help it. The bartender finally makes their way over to you two, inquiring about your orders. Spidy orders an Old-fashioned while you order a Sbagliato, you can’t let him drink alone now, could you? 

Receiving your drinks you two sip and start chatting, common small talk, but both of you dance around the obvious question ‘What's your name’. Lost in the conversation you're just drinking the tall man in. Two things circle your mind as he talks; One you're really into the way his lips curl against the glasses rim and two his costume is really impressive now that you look at it closer. 

Spider-Man, New York's favorite hero, has become one of the most popular costumes. They ranged from kids' costumes to adults and even offered a sexy Lady Spider costume that you have seen a few times tonight. But this guy's costume was impressive. Not only did it look high quality, but it was like it was designed just for him to show off his assets. Was he completely jacked? No, but those strong arms and solid chest still had you blushing.

“I like your costume, Spider-Man he's a good one” This catches his attention and he looks towards you before responding. “You don’t think it's a bit…Overdone?” 

You chuckle “Maybe, But I'm dressed as a sexy kitty. I can't exactly judge someone on having an overdone costume.” This causes him to laugh sliding closer to you. “Plus, your costume is really impressive, looks professional quality.” reaching over lightly brush your fingertips across the web pattern.

“Well, I like your costume, I think you pull it off well, the ears are a nice touch” he turns to look at you and you can feel your face blush from the compliment. For a moment you feel his hand slightly graze your lower back, but it's only for a second before he moves away taking a long sip of his drink. Poor thing wants to flirt but doesn't want to seem like a creep. Giving him some reassurance to the flirting you squeeze his forearm feeling his muscle. 

“So, is the mysterious guy thing a technique of yours?”

He looks at you with a crooked smirk “What do you mean?” 

“You know, the whole masked man thing? Flirting with girls but never revealing who you really are, keeping us as strangers.” 

“Are you sure we are strangers?” he quickly interjects. oh? 

“Are we not?” you inquire with a smirk, something about him is familiar but you still can't place it.  

“Well, we have been talking for a while now, I think we have at least turned to acquaintances by now.” ah, that's what he means. “Well, I usually know my acquaintances' faces.” 

He leans in more, his mask still lifted showing off his grin “Well, what's the excitement in that?” 

-----

Now you're not exactly sure how you ended up in a dark booth but here you are still talking to your mystery man, he was right about the excitement, it made the flirting and slight touches just a little bit better.  

“I swear if my boss wasn't riding someone's ass he would die!” throw your head in your hands, somewhere in between small talk and flirting work was mentioned and you took the chance to vent. As you are ranting you feel a finger brush against your cheek then tucking a strain of hair behind your ear. You stop talking and feel all your breath escape you, his soft touch has your heart racing. 

Sliding closer to you he's whispering in your ear “You know kitty cat, it sounds like you need some stress relief…” -oh, word? 

“Is that so? And how are you going to relieve my stress?” I ask arching my back to lean in closer

Leaning in, he plays with a strain of your hair, he's so close to you know you feel his warm breath tickling your ear. The warmth radiating off him just causes you to shudder in excitement. “I figured I could fuck you so good you forget about your job…” 

The bluntness of his comment has your skin tingling with a sudden rush. With a shaky breath you respond, “T-that's big talk For s-someone who hasn’t even kissed me yet…” 

“Well then, let me kiss you,” he gently grabs your chin and brings you closer to his lips. Feeling the heat of your body rising to a fever you lean in with half-lidded eyes lips in a slight pout waiting for him to kiss your flushed face. Even though you can't see his eyes you can see the smile stretching to his lips and the blush starting to creep across what you can see of his face. 

“Please” is all you can whimper before he gently leads his lips to yours, the kiss is slow but intense. It made your body feel like you were on fire only to be cooled by his hands sliding up your thighs to then grip your hips bringing you closer. 

One of his hands plays with the hem of your skirt before slipping under to brush gently against your ruined panties, causing a quick gasp to escape your lips. Taking his opportunity he slips his tongue past your lips allowing him to taste you, while his finger pushes harder against your clothed folds pushing the ruined fabric further against your clit. 

Breaking away from the kiss you whine breathlessly as he continues to brush against your wet cunt. “We’re in public…” 

He just smirks as he slips his finger under your underwear running his long finger over your dripping slit, this causes a sudden moan to rip through you,  “shh, I know, your going to have to be quiet, there are other people around kid..” his honeyed voice teases as he continues to slowly push his finger in to curl into you. 

Shaking your head no you can't help but tighten and squirm as he touches you. Unable to contain yourself by letting out quiet moans as your wetness starts dripping down his fingers. Wanting to push you over the edge he starts rubbing tight circles at your clit with his thumb, which has your head being thrown back with a gasp. 

Ever the opportunist you're figuring out he kisses and licks your neck up to your ear. “Shh, We could go somewhere more private if you want?” 

Breathless trying to keep your cool you can only release a ‘mhmm’ before he's pulling his finger out of your weeping slit. Before you can complain you see him take his coated finger in his mouth, shutting you up. Surviving around he sees an empty-looking bathroom and nods his head towards it. Eyes completely blown, face fulling red you can only nod in agreement. 

Chuckling at your lustful expression he adjusts your cat ears on your head. Downing his drink he takes your hand and leads you out of the booth, he walks behind you and whispers in your ear, “I’m going to take such good care of you, such a good girl, you deserve to be taken care of” his soft phrases have you melting and eager to get him alone. 

 Before you can get to the bathroom, you quickly stop remembering something important, pulling him closer to whisper in his ear. 

“I will meet you over there. I have to get something from my friend really quickly.”

He pulls you for a kiss and bites your bottom lip when he pulls away. “Hurry, I need to make you feel good.” 

Nodding quickly you run off to go find your friend. Looking like a mad woman you're scanning all over the club for your friends till you see a shoulder-shimming Jason and you quickly make your way over. 

“Mallory, I need to get something from you!”  you say desperately as she continues to dance.

“Nuh uh call me by my name please” she teases as he swings her hips around.

“Uhhg, Jason I need a condom” 

Mallory suddenly stops dancing and slowly turns to you. “Excuse me-“

“Just give me the fucking condom!” You say you are fully frustrated, you have a sexy man wanting to ravish you, you don't have time for any teasing, you're hot and horny and need to go!

Mallory looks at you confused before reaching into her wallet and giving you the contraceptive. Before you can rush off she grabs your arm. “Just know you wouldn’t survive a horror movie.” 

Giving a quick ‘Thank you’ you run off to Spider-Man.

———

Rushing back you see him leaning against the wall near the bathroom. As you approach he is quick to grab your hand and lead you in. As soon as you're through the door he's locking it and pressing burning kisses to your lips backing you up to the cold wall. Gasping at the feeling of his hands slowly rubbing all over your curves he makes you wetter. 

“So pretty,” he mumbles as he brings you away from the wall, bending you over on the sink's counter in front of the mirror. Quickly peeling away your shirt he kisses up your spine and massages your breast. You can't help but push your ass into his strained cock feeling him twitch as you rub against him. placing his hand on your jaw he lifts your head to face the mirror. Kissing along your neck, Confused you go to make a snarky remark “What am I ah-”

A moan rips through you as two fingers are slipped through your puffy folds into your slit stretching you open instantly. He can only chuckle and he moves his lips to your shoulder, kissing you as he sinks knuckle-deep into your tight cunt. Moans slip from your lips as the stretch he's causing you, and this is only his fingers.

 After a single moment for you to adjust to his fingers, he curls them into you looking into the mirror watching as your face contours in ecstasy. “Nuh uh, Kitty, keep those eyes open, look at how gorgeous you are….” 

Shooting your eyes open you see his mask eyes on you with his lips cooing sweet words while he pushes faster into you curling slow and deliberate. Mouth hanging open you start to push your hips into his hand more.

“Oh, that feels good huh kid? You work so hard, like a good girl…”

.

All you can do is nod as you approach your high, feeling yourself clench around him approaching your orgasm. 

“Feels so good, I do work hard…” you moan out watching him through the mirror. He smiles and hums pushing you down further spreading your legs out further, now hitting your sweet spot. You can't help how you're moaning, and he just smiles like your moans are music to his ears. 

“A good girl like you, I can tell you do, ride my fingers till you cum, you deserve it….” Being supported by the squelching sound of your wet cunt and his sweet phrase you start rocking yourself back and forth faster and faster, slamming his long fingers into your dripping wet cunt. Chasing your high the orgasm rips from you and you cream all over his digits. It drips down his fingers falling to the floor. 

“Cumming so pretty for me,” he coos and he takes your costume off, you're still coming down from your high so you lazily watch through lidded eyes as he strips your skirt and panties off. Then swiftly peels down his suit and pulls his cock out and it's already pebbling with pre cum. Pumping his cock he watches your aroused clit swell and your spend slit clench around nothing. While rolling on the condom he coos at you. 

“You want to cum again?”

Watching him pump himself you let out a whine of yes arching your back to entice him to put it in. Chuckling he gathers your arousal around his cock teasing you further. 

 “Please! I need it!” 

“Oh? You need it alright, going to make it where you won’t forget about this cock kitty cat. Now look forward, I want those pretty eyes watching me.” 

Sliding into you smoothly his cock stretches you deliciously making you moan as he pushes further, filling you up. Your hands splay out over the sink counter, it's pure bliss that makes your mind clear of all the bullshit you have had to endure till this moment. Forget him fucking you so good you forget your job you're forgetting everything. He slowly starts his positioning into you, you can feel him resisting the urge to slam into you from the tight grip on your hips.  

“Oh your such a good girl for me, taking me so well”

He thrust into you faster into your messily wet cunt, His increased pace making your second high come all too quickly. Looking up you see him biting his lip as your pussy tightens around him, feeling him leaning over you, feeling sloppy kisses and nipping at your shoulders and neck as he rails into you deeper. Feeling his tip kiss your spot that has you seeing stars. 

“Don’t cum yet kitty, I want to feel you clench down on me more” his heavy breathing fans over your ear before he's kissing your earlobe. 

All you can do is whine as he keeps throbbing and pushing you. The shooting pleasure has your knees buckling and your body shaking. Moaning from you and him bouncing off the wall you feel him grab a handful of your hair and bring your eyes to the mirror. 

“Taking me so good, so good… ”  He thrust harder, losing all the remaining restraint he once had. Looking forward in the mirror your face is flushed, hair completely ruined, biting your lip hard. The knot in your stomach feels like it's about to burst. 

“Ah, I need to cum!” 

“Ah, cum on me baby,” 

Feeling your pussy clench tighter on him, his words make your knot snap as his cock throbs within you. Vision blurring your orgasm washes over you dramatically causing you to scream out and you make a mess all over his cock. Helping you ride your orgasm he reaches his fingers to your cunt he plays with it sending you further over the edge. 

Finally, with your cunt fluttering over him, you feel his cock throb and spurt while inside you reaching his high. Panting, he holds himself up on the contour, arms keeping you caged underneath him. It's quiet for a moment before he gently pulls out of you. Rubbing your back he carefully leans you up supporting you as you finally stand straight, your legs feel like jelly. 

As you catch your breath, he seems to have recovered mostly. Helping you get cleaned up, fixing your hair, and handing you your costume. As you get dressed you feel like you should say something to him, ask his name, ask for his number maybe? You want to see him again. 

“So um…” As you start to speak up he sees your nervousness. Quickly getting his costume back on he leans over and presses a kiss to your lips, then to your neck, moving to your ear lightly nipping at it to make you laugh. 

“I will see you next weekend on Halloween, here, okay?”

“Okay” 

With that, he puts his mask down helps you readjust your costume and walks you out of the bathroom. Before he leaves he whispers to you,” I can’t wait to see you again kid.” Kid…He keeps calling you that, it's familiar…

when you turn around to look back at him he’s gone.

——-

Typing away you are trying to get all of the meetings with the chief organized, you also have to organize all his paperwork, take all his calls, Go in and scribe for all his meetings or whatever rants he is making that you want you to write down. Then order him lunch, get his dry cleaning sent and delivered, and make sure he has dinner reservations to whatever place he's craving that night. All this while he is yelling at you to bring him coffee or whatever else he needs from around the newsroom. Working for J. Jonah Jameson was rough, especially as his assistant. 

While you are trying to get your work done you also have Bea in your ear, she was a copy editor at the Daily Bugle, however today she was ignoring her work, and all she could talk about was…

“I can’t believe it! I’m still in shock! You had sex with some random guy at the club!” 

People around your desk look at you two with puzzled expressions. Lowering your head you grimace “Yeah, why don’t you say it a little louder I don’t think the marketing department heard you.” 

Lowering her voice she continues to say “I’m sorry Y/N, I just can’t believe you hooked up with a random stranger at a club, that's pretty spontaneous…and you didn't see his face at all?” 

“Well, not fully I saw his lips and the tip of his nose…” 

“Kinky…so when you see him again are you going to wear a mask too?” rolling your eyes you look at her unamused “Are you done?” She laughs and hugs you as you continue to type. “For now until I think of more jokes or come to ask for more details.” 

During the hug, Jameson calls for you. Bea lets go of you and starts heading back to her department giving you a sad wave as she goes. Quickly rising from your desk grabbing your notepad just in case you hurry to your boss's office to see what he wants. Pacing in his office he is yelling at someone over the phone, a common tone for him. Jameson darts his scowl towards you and snaps at you, you quickly get ready to write something down but he shakes his hand and mouths the word ‘Coffee’ pointing to his empty mug. Ah, of course, go fetch him coffee. 

Backing away from the doorframe you suddenly feel that you are pressed against someone. Quickly turning your head to apologize, your breath catches in your throat. Smiling down at you, you're met with a familiar set of brown eyes that always makes you feel giddy, Peter B Parker. Carefully he places a hand on your waist gently moving you through the doorway. 

“Sorry kid, I have to squeeze past you,” he keeps his smile on you as he slips past. Once inside he takes his seat in front of Jameson's desk waiting for him to finish his call.

 As you're walking out you can't help but look over your shoulder to steal a glance of Peter, but when you do you catch Peter doing the same to you. Shooting you another smile you feel your face warm and quickly go to make your boss's coffee. 

Making your way back to Jameson's office, coffee made just how he likes you see that Peter is showing him his latest photos of Spider-Man. Glancing at the photos you are reminded of how talented Peter is, definitely one of the best freelance photographers that works for the paper. 

Honestly looking at some of the pictures you have to question how he was getting such incredible shots, he would never reveal his secret though. Peter had been gone for a couple of months, a nasty divorce apparently which made you rather sad. Peter was one of the nicest guys at the paper, he always talked and joked with you, treating you like an actual person, not everyone is always so nice. 

Now he was back you were excited that the Bugle would have some quality pictures and you got to see more of Peter again. Being honest with yourself you have a bit of a thing for him. Kind, super smart, incredibly funny plus not bad to look at either, how could you not end up with a crush? Though when you two first met he was married so that meant off limits, then the divorce happened and he did not take it well. Now that he's finally back he seems okay, you notice that he talks to you more and you two share more stolen glances but that could just be wishful thinking on your part. 

“Y/N!” Suddenly snapped from your thoughts you see your boss and Peter staring at you. 

“Yes sir?”

 Jameson rolls his eyes “I said quit your daydreaming and hand me my coffee!” Nodding you quickly hand him his coffee and decide that it’s time you took a break. 

--------

Plopping down in the breakroom you lazily look down at your coffee sighing. If only your masked stranger was here to relieve your stress again. Mind wandering back to that night you feel your face heat from what he said to you, how he touched you, his lips…lips…reminiscing back you think of that smile and the conversations, he seemed familiar? Especially that smile…and what did he mean when he said we might not be strangers? 

Face contorted in thought you fail to notice that Peter has walked into the breakroom. Reaching the top shelf Peter pulls down a mug and pours himself some coffee looking over at you he must see you lost in thought, “Penny for your thoughts?”

His voice startles you for a moment breaking your trance, Peter looks at you expectantly waiting for you to speak, You couldn’t repress the words flying from your mouth as you stared at Peter, “Would you fuck a stranger?”

“Uh, I mean I think I could manage it for sure. But I would hardly call us strangers?” He says with a smirk. Huh? -Deja vu

You roll your eyes you brush off the words with a laugh “It’s not a proposition it was just a question” 

“That’s a pretty specific question?” 

“Well, this weekend I was at a party and I met this guy…and he was so funny and charming that we, you know…” 

“Had sex” Peter says frankly finishing your sentence for you. 

“Yeah had sex” 

“Well sounds like your not strangers” 

“That’s the thing though, he kept his mask on…” 

Peter gives a long whistle “y/n? You are a freaky little thing aren't you?” 

Something about how he says that makes your body rush with excitement, it feels…familiar…shaking the feeling away you continue. 

“Do you think that's weird though? Like I didn’t see his full face at all.” 

Peter smirks to himself as he pours sugar and cream into his coffee. As he sits down he stirs his coffee listening to you ramble, “Well, I think it's up to you. Did you like it?” 

“I mean yeah, but it's still weird…but like a good weird, you know? It's exciting.” As you look up you see him listening intently to you, his eyes bright and smile soft, it makes your heart skip for a moment. 

“I probably shouldn’t be talking to you about this, I'm sorry..”

“Doesn't bother me, I'm the one who asked '' He playfully nudges your arm and you can't help but giggle. “Are you going to see him again?” 

“Yeah, same place Halloween night…kinda nervous about it” 

“Why, I mean you two already had sex at the club?” 

“Yeah, wait…how did you know we had sex at the club?” you look towards him with furrowed brows. Peter looks surprised for a moment but quickly responds “I heard your friend talking about it.” -of course he did…

Sighing you put your head in your hands. Peter pats your back “It’s not that bad I don't think everyone knows…yet..”

With a pout you place your chin in your hand leaning on the table, “It's not that, it's the mystery guy.” 

“What, you don't want to see him again?” 

“I do, just…what if he doesn't want to see me again?” 

Looking down at your coffee you're kinda in shock that you're confessing all this to your office crush, who does that? But suddenly you feel a familiar gesture, a finger sliding across your cheek tucking a strain of hair behind your ear. Looking over to Peter you see that same smile, it's just like...You feel your face heat up. Peter's face looks equally flustered, quickly he moves his hand and grabs his coffee. Standing quickly he mutters how he has to go, before he's out the door he turns around, “he would be crazy not to want to see you again y/n” 

With that, he leaves you a blushing mess. 

--------

“I’ve seen several Spider-man, are you sure none of them are your guy?” Bea says, taking a sip of your drink and adjusting her large hat for her ‘sexy witch’ costume. 

“No, his costume is high quality like a professional,” you say with a slight lisp, feeling irritated that the fangs for your ‘sexy vampire’ costume are making you talk weirdly. You go to take them out but Mallory quickly stops you.

“Hey don’t take them out, it breaks the illusion!” you sigh and stare disheartened at your friend Mallory in her idea of a sexy costume ‘sexy Mothman’. 

Bea had begged us all to dress sexy this go round and you and Mallory begrudgingly agreed so Mallory helped you get your vampire costume and even decorated you up with some blood, while she did her twist to a sexy mothman. 

“Maybe he's not here? Running late?” Mallory questions

“The party is in full swing, maybe he's in the bathroom waiting for you,” Bea nudges playfully. 

Sudden realization hits you and you quickly chug your drink down. Bea and Mallory look at each other and then back to you once you're done. Finishing the drink you slam the glass on the contour, “I think I know where he is” 

At a hurried pace, you make your way from the bar in the back of the club to the back door where it all started. Nerves swirled around in your gut, you hoped he was here, you wanted to see him, feel him, talk to him. You didn't want this to be another one-night thing, you wanted to know who he was and you had an idea or well maybe it was just wishful thinking. Having a week to agonize about who he was you had a pricking thought of who you imagined him to be. 

Making it to the door that started it all, you take a deep breath, take out the fake fangs, and open the door carefully this time making sure it doesn't fly open to hit any unsuspecting Spider-Men. Making your way out the door you don't see anyone and it causes your heart to sink. He's not coming.  

Suddenly you feel a hand on your hip, while the other brushes your hair back to expose your neck. You are scared at first till you hear that same honeyed voice “Glad you learned to open doors carefully kitty.” 

Surrendering to his touch you let his lips caress your neck, “I'm not a cat anymore, I'm a vampire.” turning you see that half up spiderman mask with that same sly smirk, you wrap your arms around his neck “I see you're still Spider-Man” 

He laughs and backs you deeper into the alley pressing you against the wall “Well, I wanted you to be about to recognize me” 

His lips quickly find yours kissing you passionately. Feeling his hands on your ass he swiftly lifts you making, you instantly wrap your legs around him. Looking around you're a little surprised “Really? In the alley? You're kinda the expansionist huh?”

He quickly catches your lips in another searing kiss then you feel his hand eagerly pawing underneath your dress, and then he stops suddenly. “Oh, you're a dirty girl. No panties tonight?”  

“I figured they would get in the way,” you say with a playful shrug.

He quickly lifts your dress more and starts to finger your already wet cunt. Moaning and squeezing your legs tighter around him you give into the familiar stretch. 

“Already so wet for me, pretty girl you're just perfect for me.” 

Kissing on your neck he's already rutting into you, it seems like he's as eager as you are. Your soaked cunt was getting his suit's crouch wet as he continued to rub into you, maybe it was him or the fact that you two could easily get caught by a wandering pedestrian, but you were burning with need. 

“Please...I need you…” you beg breathlessly

He kisses your lips quickly putting his suit pants down. Looking at him confused he just smiles, “What? I made adjustments for easy access, just for you kid.” 

Finally freeing his cock he has you hold on tightly to him as he swiftly rolls a condom on. Safe sex is hot sex, right? While sucking and kissing your neck to your collarbones he rubs his cock in between your folds making sure you're wet and shaking with need. 

“Come on spidy, I need you…”

With the last bit of begging leaving your trembling lips, he pushes in between your folds into your soaked heat with a loud groan. Thrusting in and out of you you can't help but moan and clench down on his length.  

“Ah, y/n…you feel so good…” 

As soon as your name slips from his lips he stops his thrusting and stills. Looking down with wide eyes your mouth is agape, “did…Did you just say my name?” 

Hesitating for a moment he tries to find the words but suddenly he's met with your lips crashing down to his eagerly devouring him. With the passionate kiss, he fucks into you faster than before breaking the kiss and grabbing your ass hard to thrust into you harder. Getting all your breath thrust out, you can hardly speak as you approach your high.  

“So you know, ah, my name?” 

He nods breathlessly continuing his rutting, cock throbbing. “Yeah, your costume, doesn’t hide your identity, Fuck!” 

Throwing your head back from the feeling of how deep he is, your moaning and confessing your own secrets as he fucks your roughly. Your Orgasm is about to rip through you, stars blur your vision. 

“I know who, ah…who you are” 

Kissing along your neck he faces you and whispers to your lips, “Yeah? Say my name then..” 

Feeling the knot in your stomach about to snap it's now or never. Holding onto him tightly he's pushing his tip right into your sweet spot, bringing your moaning lips to his ear and whispering the name you're hoping to be him. 

“Peter, Peter B Parker '' While you say his name you grab the rest of his mask and reveal the rest of his face, you are met with those heart-melting brown eyes. And that sexy smirk. There he was in all his glory, your mystery man- Peter B 

“Well you're quite the little detective, you should get a reward kid…”  You smirk and give him a kiss rocking your hips into him as he thrust harder. Breaking the kiss you moan, “Just make me cum Peter!”

“Anything you want, pretty girl,” Rutting deeper and grunting heavily in your ear, your knot is snapped and you're creaming all over Peter's cock. Fucking you through your high he finally cums from your tight cunt clenching around him trying to milk him dry. 

Carefully he stands back up both of you staring and panting at each other. Peter quickly pulls your dress back down, then tucks his length away. His hands cup your face and he litters your face and neck with kisses, seems happy you figured his secret out. 

“Have any more secrets for me, Peter?” You say smugly holding up his mask. 

Peter smiles at you and takes the mask from you. Grabbing a hold of your hips once more he pulls you close to press against his chest. “I could tell you, or I could show you?” 

-This should be good…

[monstersmashorpass]

SMASH OR PASS: Venom

Please reblog for greater sample size, as per usual!

Propaganda from Mod Ghoul: do you really need me to say it. (deep inhale, yells) Hey Venom what that tongue do- (gunshot noise) "Sir, I took the shot. Target confirmed dead."

Okay but seriously. Venom can eat people's brains if you wanna go that route OR he can eat chocolate galore. Also! no need to see a Doctor!?! u got Venom!! he'll fix ur body. A+ healthcare its in-house. Snuggly. Plus cmon he's adorable. Give Venom some tater tots. And bad guy brains.

[sitp-recs]

AO3 Wrapped - 15 rare pair recs

God bless the rare pairs! I haven’t read much in 2023 but what I’ve read definitely left a lasting impression on me. The @dronarryfest stole the show alongside some delicious Kinkuary treats, but I’m happy that I found time to explore wlw and one or two new ships. A massive shoutout to these incredible creators for sharing brilliant works with us. Please give them some love! Here's to a wonderful 2024 with more rare pair galore 🥂

💍 Something Old, Something New by @indigo-scarf (T, 3k) - Draco/Goyle

queerplatonic relationship | weddings | fluff

Draco said he would marry Goyle if they ended up single.

⚖️ One or the Other by @sleepstxtic (E, 3k) - Dorcas/Narcissa, Dorcas/Marlene

war fic | spy Dorcas | infidelity

Dorcas becomes a murderer at eight o’clock on a Friday night.

🛏️ The Roommates by @citrusses (E, 3.6k) - Sirius/Draco, endgame Drarry

rough sex | voyeurism | light D/s

Harry would later wonder if, that first time it happened, he hadn’t been meant to find out all along.

📷 collarbones like a bow, skin an arrow to the heart by @lqtraintracks (E, 4k) - Ginsy

non-binary Ginny | UST | Daddy kink

Gin’s adjusting the lighting for their next shoot when in walks the new model Luna was so enthusiastic about, and that’s when they know they’re in deep shit.

🪢 As We Tremble and We Bleed by @lqtraintracks (E, 6k) - Harry/Teddy

angst with a happy ending | infidelity (Hinny) | family dynamics

Or: Everybody commits angsty-hot adultery, is mostly miserable, and then finds happiness.

💧Boy Wonder by @maesterchill (E, 6k) - Dronarry

getting together | threesome | dacryphilia

Ron Weasley is a people guy. Gets on well with others, loves to socialise. Despite that, he can never figure people out. When Hermione reveals a very intimate secret about Harry, Ron begins to wonder about a few things.

♟️ Can't Start a Fire Without a Spark by @writcraft (E, 8k) - Ron/Harry

friends to lovers | jealousy | first time (Ron)

It’s getting harder to hear about Harry’s casual one-night stands, but Ron can’t work out why. He meets plenty of women, he wants his friend to be happy and it can’t be jealousy, because Ron is straight. Isn’t he?

🪶 Let Be, Let Be by @tackytigerfic (M, 10k) - Dronarry

established Drarry | Veela!Ron | jealousy | magical theory

Ron's never had a place to really call his own, so when the deeds to an ancient magical house in Bulgaria appear in his Gringotts vault, he ropes in his Curse-Breaker best friend (and his Curse-Breaker best friend's Field Healer boyfriend) to come and check the place out with him.

🐺 Stopper & Reeve by @vdoshu (E, 10k) - Drarry + Teddy

established Drarry | knotting | breeding kink | sex toys

Teddy gets his very first knot stuck in his fleshlight. And somehow that’s not the worst part of his day.

🐉 The Sun, Shining Above You by @oknowkiss (E, 14k) - Dronarry

dragon tamers Drarry | hurt/comfort | D/s undertones

Since joining up with the dragontamers, Draco counts his days in nights. Nights spent drinking in the commune mess, making poor choices he doesn't regret, for once. Nights he doesn't remember, and nights he wishes he could stop remembering.

🪴 Silhouettes by @sweet-s0rr0w (E, 17k) - Dronarry

established Rarry | sentient houses | grief | gardening

Draco's trying to fix the Burrow, Ron's trying to grieve, and Harry... well, just what is Harry actually doing, anyway? A tale of grief, gardening, and ghouls, bad memories, bad puns, and bad flirting, and nudity both accidental and very, very deliberate.

🧩 Things Remembered by avioleta (E, 17k) - Harry/Snape

memory loss | murder boyfriends | first time

Harry wakes up in an unfamiliar bed, in an unfamiliar hotel room, and with absolutely no idea who he is. The man he’s in bed with has no memories either. But they think, maybe, they’re assassins, because they seem to be very good at killing people.

🌶️ 🪙 Kinkuary collection by @sorrybutblog (E, 20k) - multiple ships & kinks

A collection of smutty ficlets written for HP Kinkuary 2023. Tags will be updated as chapters are added. Pairings are in chapter headings!

📻 empire builders by shecrows (E, 25k) - James/Sirius

friends to lovers | power dynamics | coming of age

James, Sirius, and a summer in the south of Devon.

🌶️ 🐺 Kinkuary collection by @wolfpants (E, 42k) - multiple ships & kinks

A collection of 28 short fics spanning different pairings and inspired by the Kinkuary 2023 prompts! A mix of M and E ratings. Expect rare pairs, Drarry, crossgen, group sex, dirtyhotwrong... you name it!

[princess-of-the-corner]

Ended up musing on what Miraculous could work to allow for a villain to operate via proxies (Using the revised Lore we've discussed before) and had some fun realizations, did I say fun, I meant potentially nightmare fuel inducing.

Renlings: Indeterminate Powers The oddest, pick, but as there are so many spirits, and things like the Spellbook exist, I believe one could use magic to essentially bind the Renlings and force them to act on one's behalf.

Mei-Shi = Incarnation & Transmigration You want ghosts and ghouls and geists? You got-em, this power set makes the user their very own necromancer and oh boy can this create some cascading problems if it goes on too long.

Mouse - Multiplication & Duplication Pretty straight forward, just multiple one's self or duplicate someone else and then withdraw them if they get defeated.

Butterfly - Emotion & Transmission We've seen this, Akuma and Familiars galore, and potentially Imago too. Which would work really well in the "Villain with good publicity AU." IE, Gabriel using his growing fandom to select people very loyal to him to become perma monsters.

Ladybug - Creation & Purification Gone into before but the creation of Charm Constructs and potentially more esoteric magical familiars like Shikigami.

Lamb - Genesis & Preservation Clone armies, homunculus soldiers, vat grown armies, the world is our very squishy, disgusting oyster if you condition your creations right.

Fox - Mirage & Materialization Hive mind, erode the barrier between one's own perspective and that of other, place thoughts and ideas inside their heads over and over again until they are reprogrammed. Retain your mind and turn the world into a panopticon ruled by one voice, yours.

terrifying

[hustlemeanokay]

The Ghoul v. Lucy v. Maximus Fallout *TV* Fandom Discord

I put "Fallout TV Fandom" discord because well... I've been in the FO fandom for years now and this whole implied racism thing is something new, at least from what I've seen and I've seen a lot in the fandom. This is something that honestly hasn't had a place. Because, there are Ghouls for starters, Synths second, and Zealots galore third in the games. Also, also - the games are set up for the players to assume that the Chinese (the "Red Menace") are this world's punching bag. So, this whole... people shipping Lucy with the Ghoul automatically equals racism thing? Yeah, I don't buy it.

Before I go any further, I want to put a disclaimer here - I'm a huge supporter of shipping all the ships. If you ship Lucy x Max, yaaas honey, get it. If you ship the Ghoul x Lucy, right onnnn, wooo! If you ship the Ghoul x Max?! Rock on, you do you, dude! Poly ship? The more the merrier! Seriously, ship all the ships. Now... as I was saying....

I don't buy it... for one big reason and this is it:

Fallout fandom ❤s Ghouls. For years now, Ghouls with attitude or tragic backstories immediately catch the attention of the fandom and are automatically slotted into the "THIS DUDE WINS" category.

[and this got really long so more below the cut so I don't clog up the dashboard]

The moment "the Ghoul" showed up with his cowboy get up and snarky attitude, smirk, and badass strut? Poor Max didn't have a snowball's chance in hell. And it had nothing to do with Max. Nothing at all. He could be this awesome character, he could be anything and everything and it wouldn't matter. Because a smartass Ghoul with a tragic backstory and a secret heart of gold? Forget-a-bout-it. Hook line and sinker for the FO fandom.

Personally? Team Coop all the way. And I'll tell ya why. I personally cannot stand the Brotherhood of Steel. And Max is just as in it as Danse ever was, or any of the other initiates. He is in it. And I get why. I totally get it. Also, he's a coward. He knows how to manipulate people, good intentioned or not. And he uses it. But he uses it in this kind of... sneaky way. He had lots of golden opportunities to tell Lucy the truth about who he was, including when they first spoke. She would have been none the wiser on what happened to his Knight (because fuck that guy, Titus was an asshole). But he chose to keep lying. For no reason other than it made him feel important. Lying to protect someone, their feelings or literally. Lying to preserve a secret that isn't yours, etc. Yeah, shitty a little but yeah, okay. But lying to literally make yourself better? When there's no need for that shit? Na.

Now, I know the arguments in the for column for Max. I get it. I do. He's a product of his environment, as are we all. But, he's kind of a loser. In that, he gets this big bad suit of power armor because to him that represents being a hero. And he thinks he's going to like go out and stop crime with it. Sure, a little juvenile but whatevs, that's completely fine. But, he almost immediately starts showing off for a pretty girl - which admittedly, probably not something he's seen a lot of (and Lucy's no better here with her big ol' anime eyes flashing hearts at him). But the point is... there are people around and Max is just laying waste to that place just as bad as the Ghoul is, with zero regard for collateral damage. Granted, no one got hurt, but that's not the point. The point is, if he was about the whole "knight" thing? He's completely missing the mark. Yes, I believe the BoS is corrupt ten ways to Sunday but that doesn't mean Max does. He's supposed to believe in things like honor and what it means to be a knight etc. The things he's been taught on top of the whole "seek out old world tech". Now, Max is funny - I will give him that. He's hilarious but at the same time - kind of one note. And again, product of his environment. But when he comes up on Lucy and her Dad, as it's been pointed out before, he doesn't even stop to see what's going on. He just frees Henry and doesn't even think. But that's the core of who he is. He acts first, thinks later. A lot of people are like that. Lucy is like that when she first leaves the vault. Both her and Max have been sheltered, in different ways but still sheltered. Difference between them is that Lucy is adapting and growing, learning.

So, you take this naïve, kinda boring Brotherhood of Steel sorta-Knight and pitch him against the Ghoul. Two hundred year old druggie who is like this strange combo of all of the fandom's most beloved Ghouls to date. There was no contest. To see this man who's been twisted by everything this world has thrown at him, who has sunk behind a role so far that it's not even an act anymore just to protect himself from all of it take on the Wasteland with now a dog and Lucy with him. Mister travels alone now not traveling alone? Of course people are gonna eat that shit up.

Now, personally, I think a future society, especially an apocalyptical one like Fallout, it would basically have nothing but tan people, where everyone is just a mix of everything because when you're facing down something like a fifteen foot tall fucking chameleon with razors for claws (deathclaw) - suddenly, race doesn't seem like that much of a fucking issue.

BUT I digress, a lot - point is... I think if it was Cooper Howard vs. Maximus? Max would win overall. But... the Ghoul vs. Maximus? There was no way Max ever had a shot. (With regards to shipping).

Also, also... on a final note.

[nicoleiacross]

[Ghost Band] Ritual of Ascension [Mature | Links to AO3]

Fandom: Ghost (Band) Title (and AO3 link!): Ritual of Ascension Rating: Mature CW: Graphic Violence, Character Death (via Execution), Supernatural Elements Lesser Warnings: Headcanon Galore, Not Beta Read, Intentionally Traumatising Ghoul(ette)s & Copia

Summary: Anointing a new Papa is supposed to be painless.

Supposed to be.

A/N: I was given a prompt and I ran with it six ways from Tuesday and I am not sorry lmao. (I don’t have the link, but it was a tweet summarized as “ So we only saw Terzo get poisoned, what if the others had to watch as they executed/decapitated him". If anyone knows the post, lemme know! .... I don’t think this is what OP had in mind but here we are)

If you spot any typos, please let me know! 

Extras: Status: 2/2 Chapters [complete!] Word Count: 7489