and/or 15. and Dewther for the smut prompts?
"I want to hear you beg" and 15. "You're mine" from this prompt list
I had a lot of thoughts about possessive, jealous Aether and writing this was v fun.
Could be read as dubcon but both Dew and Aether are very into it. Contains scent kink, grinding, and a late night handjob.
divider by @wrathofrats <3
He can almost taste it. It clings to the roof of his mouth, cloying and taunting. Aether's nostrils flare, unable to escape the scent that isn't quite right. It's late. Too late. The room is pitch black, and all Aether can hear is the soft breathing, gentle snuffling snores that come with each of Dew's exhales.
His mate is settled on his chest, one hand gently curled into the collar of Aether's sleep shirt, the other tucked around his shoulder. Aether holds him close, wide awake despite the hour, despite having Dew so close.
In fact, it's because Dew's so close that he can't find sleep. Aether is intimately aware of the ghoul in his arms. Knows him better than he knows himself at this point, how he takes his coffee, how he scores his picks, every superstitious ritual he's ever been privy to. How his piety looks more human than any of the other ghouls Aether's ever met.
It could be argued, then, that Aether knows what Dew smells like. But under the campfire smoke, the caramelized sugar that comes with his sleepy contentedness, and the faint, ever-present tobacco is something carbonated and sharp. Quintessence.
Normally, Aether would take no mind of Dew smelling of quintessence. But therein lies the problem: Dew doesn't smell like his quintessence.
The logical part of Aether's brain knows why. Dew's been sharing a lot of space with Aeon in rehearsals and in the commons, the younger ghoul brushing up against him in search of approval and comfort. No outright scenting or challenging. But the animal part of Aether's brain doesn't give a shit about that.
His mate smells like a different quintessence ghoul. This needs amending.
A tiny voice breaks the quiet, mumbling with sleep. "Aeth?"
Aether realizes too late that he's growling.
Dew shifts on top of him. His movements kick up another wave of his scent, and that's all the animal part of his brain can take. He surges up, flipping them until he's straddling Dew's hips, looming over and dwarfing him.
Dew's body thuds against the mattress, copper eyes fluttering open with a squeak, narrow chest heaving. Aether knows what Dew's seeing: two glowing violet eyes hanging in the pitch black of their room.
The growl still bubbling in his throat, Aether bends to rub his cheek against the line of Dew's jaw, along his throat. He can hear the way his stubble scrapes against Dew's skin, catches on what remains of his gills.
"You're mine," he rumbles, low and dangerous into Dew's ear. The sharp scent of fear and confusion fades to something almost irritated but fond, muddy with sleep. Dew tips his chin back, whining soft and placating.
"'M yours, starshine," he agrees, voice and posture softer than Dew will ever show anyone else. Aether preens, doubling down as he rubs his own ozone scent against Dew's scarred throat.
"You don't smell like mine," he says, huffing as he catches another faint whiff of Aeon's scent. His hips press down, pinning his little mate to the mattress.
Dew gasps with the sudden force of it, taking a deep, shaky breath. "I smell like yours," he mumbles, not quite awake yet even with Aether's cock hardening against the line of his hip. "Dunno what you're talking about."
Aether growls louder, pressing the flats of his fangs against the matescar in the crook of Dew's neck. "You smell like them," he says, shoving a thick thigh between Dew's, feels him start to chub up in interest. "I'm gonna fix that."
He takes both of Dew's bony wrists in one hand, pinning them above his head as he starts to rut against his hip. He mouths at Dew's jaw, kissing and licking a stripe along his scarred gills. It draws a strangled groan from his throat, breath hot against Aether's skin. "Fuck, make me, make me yours again," Dew gasps, pushing his hips up off the bed, bucking into the crease between Aether's thigh and hip.
Aether stills, something almost feral in his eye. "I want to hear you beg for it," he croons, low and dark and dangerous. He pins Dew's hips to the bed with the hand not holding his wrists, putting a stop to any and all bids for friction. "Beg me to make you mine."
He feels more than hears Dew's panting breaths, already so worked up. He always is when he leverages his size like this. Words don't come to him, whining soft and offering the line of his throat to the bigger ghoul, tilting his head to expose the matescar Aether left on him all those years ago. Dew's wrists flex in Aether's grip, but there's no real struggle.
"Give me words, darling," Aether says, settling into a slow, filthy grind. He's not cruel, even like this. He shoves his thigh back between Dew's legs, using his grip on his hip to drag him up and down the tensed muscle.
Dew keens, back arching and copper eyes fluttering shut. "Fuck!"
"Yeah, darling?" He tightens his grip, hoping that it'll bruise by morning. Dew pants under him, pinned and unable to move. Aether can feel his body heat radiating, burning hotter and hotter with each grind of his hips.
"Kiss me?" he asks, and Aether's blindsided for just a moment. Aether's never been able to deny Dew anything.
He dips down, catching his mate's lips with his own. It's surprisingly tender, despite the thick scent of sex that's starting to fill the room, of their combined scents. Dew melts into it, back arching as he tries to get more contact with his mate, straining against Aether's grip.
Aether only breaks the kiss to press his face against Dew's sharp collarbones, rubbing Dew with his scent. He presses a kiss to Dew's matescar just to feel him shudder beneath him. He mouths lower, playing with the silver barbell through one pink nipple. Dew gasps, rutting his hips against Aether's stomach.
"Please, Aeth, starshine, please make me yours again," he whines, doing his best to rub his own cheek against him.
Aether grins, his gold fang glinting in the dark. He ruts against him, groaning in Dew's ear as his cock throbs against his hip, leaking pre until he's just as wet as Dew. "Yeah, darling boy?" He croons, almost growling as the pleasure and possession swirl inside him, coiling in his gut. "You want me to make you mine?"
Dew nods, bucking his hips up jerkily to meet his thrusts. "Please," he breathes, desperately hooking his leg around the back of Aether's thigh, trying to get a better angle.
"I will, baby, I will," Aether promises, pushing him into the mattress with the force of his thrusts. "Make sure they all can smell it, you're mine, darling."
Aether's so worked up that it only takes a few more thrusts before he's keeping his promise. He cums between their stomachs, grunting with each pulse of his cock. He digs his teeth gently into Dew's matescar, groaning loudly into his too-warm skin. He lets go of Dew's wrists to prop himself up, not trusting himself from just crushing his mate
"Fuck," Dew pants, carding through Aether's mohawk. "I smell right now, huh, starshine?"
Aether nods, gently as to not irritate the matescar too much, his teeth still clamped down. He feels it calming, panting into Dew's shoulder as the aftershocks fade.
As his mind clears, Aether's suddenly much more aware of the hot line of Dew's cock pressed into his cock. He releases his bite, kissing apologetically up his throat until he takes his lips again. "'m sorry for waking you, darling. Let me make it better?" he asks, curling a big hand around his length.
Dew's breath hitches, and he keens into Aether's mouth as he sets a merciful pace, twisting his wrist at the tip just the way he knows Dew likes. His hips buck, and Aether lets him chase his pleasure. It doesn't take long before Dew's spilling over his knuckles.
Aether swallows every one of Dew's cries, whispers praise and thanks against his lips. When Dew slumps back down against the mattress, both of their messes smeared on their stomachs and scents strong with each other, Aether wipes his hand on the sheets and pulls Dew close.
They're both too exhausted to care about the mess, though that will not be the case when morning comes. Aether, ever the good mate, will clean him up almost sheepishly, though proud that Dew is his by scent and scar.
have some copia face studies!!
Hihi! I was wondering of you could write something about the ghouls (big or small) trying new foods? i think it could be really cute.
This idea just wouldn't leave my head after I saw this! Hope it's ok!
Cw: food, and not a warning but Dews words for things
It's a joy they never thought they'd have, something so small and simple was hugely important and brought more happiness than they could ever put to words.
They never thought that beyond a bottle and occasional oatmeal that the baby would ever really eat, it wasn't something they gave much thought to. But he'd made leaps and bounds in his healing and now...
"Dat?"
Rain blinks away his thoughts and looks over to what Dew is pointing at on Rain's plate.
"That is a shrimp." He holds it up for Dew to look at closer. "Do you want to try?"
He looks like he'd rather go eat dirt. "No. Ew bug!"
"It does kind of look like a bug." He kisses the top of Dew's little head. "You don't have to try it. Would you like more green beans?"
"Bean beans p'ease!"
Rain happily goes to grab him more and watches how he studies them, playing with them before he finally starts chomping away. He never knew something so simple would make him so proud.
He's not the only one. Every single one of them is happy to be a part of his journey, showing him new things to try.
He's perched on Mountain's knee one day out in the sun while the giant eats some grapes and Rain watches him bite them in half, being sure to pull the skin off before offering the baby little pieces.
He doesn't seem to like the purple ones, blowing raspberries and shaking his head, but green seem to be fine. Rain smiles at Mountain's unending patience, how he just let's Dew squish and explore without a care in the world simply because Dew is happy and bright.
His little hand touches Mountain's lips and he holds up one of his grapes. "Dis?"
"Grapes. Weintrauben."
He's not interested in repeating either word but he continues snacking and Mountain smiles down at him, nothing but peace in his eyes.
Swiss wasn't sure if Dew would be willing to try any of his food, tending to make his pretty spicy but he beamed when Dew eyeballed his plate one night and pointed at his rice, something more mild than usual.
"Dat?"
"Arroz Al la Mexicana." He offers a little bit on his finger and Dew stares at it for a while. Swiss almost pulls his hand back but Dew chomps down before he can. "Eat the rice but leave my finger you little devil!"
Dew giggles and Swiss watches his face as he decides if he likes it or not and he nearly jumps up with an excited cheer when he asks for more.
It doesn't always go well, sometimes he's just not in the mood, cranky or tired, or just simply more in the mood to play with it instead.
Aether has him in his highchair one morning while he sips his coffee and makes Dew a plate of fruits that he knows he likes. He keeps a mental note of Dews favorites but apparently he has other plans.
He growls at the plate when Aether sets it down and he watches him squish each strawberry.
"No tall babies!"
Aether can't help but laugh. "You like strawberries!"
He flings a chunk at Aether, clearly unamused by such an accusation.
"No tall babies!" He settles once he's got them all off his plate and is left with his watermelon and blueberries, eating happily and babbling away.
He catches Mountain later to ask if he knows what suddenly changed Dews mind about the strawberries.
"Oh, there were a bunch of wasps near the bushes the other day when I took him down to pick some. He was pretty unhappy about it, guess he holds a grudge."
Aether shakes his head and updates his mental list that "tall babies" are now a no.
Phantom is on the couch with their snack bowl while they watch tv and have an afternoon snack, even the other littles aren't spared from Dew's curiosity and are happy to share.
Dew pulls himself to stand in front of the couch, pointing at the puffy Cheetos Phantom is currently eating.
"Me p'ease!"
Phantom giggles and climbs off the couch. "H-hold on!" They run to the kitchen where Swiss is getting dinner prepped. "C-can Dew have s-some of my Cheetos?"
Swiss laughs when the baby crawls in behind Phantom, eyebrows pinched as he looks up at the bowl.
"Yeah, just keep him in here with them ok?"
Phantom sits on the floor and hands Dew one of the puffy, cheesy snacks. They giggle when Dew blows a raspberry at it at first but eventually he decides he likes it enough to ask for another one.
"G-good?"
"Teese toes!"
Phantom laughs so hard Swiss almost worries they'll run out of air but Dew claps and Phantom hands him another one.
There are still things he refuses to eat. He hates peas and carrots, he doesn't like things that are too sweet like cakes or cookies, he hates eggs and won't even look at them if they are offered.
His favorite is still broccoli and if he had it his way he'd have it morning, noon, and night.
It quickly becomes their favorite part of dinner when Dew is dropped and in a good mood, trying out new recipes to see if he will try it and even better, if he'll like it.
They don't take it for granted no matter how small it may seem because it shows his healing and how far he'd come and they will happily cheer on every single step out of the dark that he takes.
Some sad kinda fucked Ifrit thoughts because I woke up and they came
Cw; Substance Abuse, Sex as a coping mechanism, and just kinda general sads.
Nothing graphic said but still putting those ^
Ifrit
Big, Strong, oh so stupid Ifrit.
That's what was thought of him. A muscle head who fucked hard, partied hard, and got fucked up without a care.
An easy fuck and go without connections, without having to stick around after sorta thing
That isn't who he was though.
This was all learned behavior because it's what got him the attention he craved, any sense of being useful, cared about even if it was only because his body was useful
He loved and hated every single second of every single hookup, high, and any other thing that got him out of his head
If he wasn't happy he wasn't useful, if he didn't stay the persona they all knew he wouldn't be liked, if she showed just how broken inside he truly was he'd lose everything and everyone he had, no matter how superficial he needed the attention
It didn't matter if it was a vicious cycle of regrets, and horrible sleepless night, bad highs and.. thoughts he shouldn't have. Couldn't have
It was all he had now
His pack was broken.
His pack hated him after he left.
He never bothered to try and reconnect, why would he.
Aether, Mountain, and Dew stayed with the band, Zephyr never spoke to him, Mist was long gone to be with the lake.
He couldn't bother any of them with this.
With him.
He left the pack, he left the band, that was his choice. He left the only people who cared about him and for what? To go and be whatever he was now?
Yes.
Even when he knew he could possibly rekindle something he didn't. Shoved those feelings down and shoved more substance down his throat.
He didn't deserve it.
Didn't deserve to have that happiness.
That comfort.
Ifrit used to be the most caring, lovable golden retriever there was.
Always following someone's trail, loving on them, and doing every favor he could
His pack loved him
He loved his pack
Now a days he's nothing more then an old dog owned by a family long since grown.
One that's waiting for the first excuse to be put down despite all the love it has left to give.
He thinks it's what he deserves.
A life of misery, and pain without comfort.
He watches his old pack in longing, the only happiness coming from seeing how happy and healthy they are
He'd do anything for them even now
He's so happy to see them thrive and love each other
Even if it also breaks his heart.
hello !! i tried to send a request on my fic blog but it wouldn’t let me LOL
ANYWAYS, i read ur Phantom angst w his past and starting from square 1 again and it was so heart breaking, as someone who’s had setbacks like that - i just love how you wrote everyone in that fic so much
i was wondering, and you can totally ignore this if it’s stupid, if you could write about Phantom finally coming out of that and getting better ? i’m a sucker for hurt comfort and wanna see Phantom happy and comfortable with his pack again :)
have a wonderful day/night !! 🦇
Fore sure!
CW - Implications of past abuse, sa (but this is a fluff fic!)
Characters: Aether, Dewdrop, Phantom
Divider by @ wrathofrats
The quiet sound of talking bustled in the kitchen and dining room, the pack in their daily routine of getting things started. Mountain stayed at the helm directing Rain and Cirrus for what he needed to cook, Swiss helping to plate each item that was finished, Aether double checking each eating restriction and preference was correct, Dew starting the fixing of the table while just as equally quiet making sure the others made their beds and got the common room cleaned.
It was important to them that they kept their routine, not only setting the pace for that day but feeding ten ghouls was insanity and could quickly become exhausting if not separated equally. Usually, there'd be music playing and humming—but not as of recent. Their little bat who they purposely excluded from working in the mornings to sleep in was still too startled at loud noises.
It had been exactly two months since the 'reign of terror' Aurora called it, Phantom coming face-to-face with his tormentor for the last time. While it had a happy ending, the epilogue didn't. Countless nightmares, regression back to an old headspace, and just an empty look that showed of not only suffering but exhaustion. Phantom had given up completely, relying on his pack to take care of them since they no longer had the desire for anything—even living.
Of course they'd take care of him, they were their mate, their little bug they adored more than anything in this world. When Phantom first became Topside, it was always rocky for a good while, unsure how to approach this scared ghoul that cried and backed away if you dared to get near. Dew knew he didn't make it any better, but they had moved past that. It took so long for their bat to come around, showing their smile and personality, even making friendships with eventual relationships. The pack had worked so hard to influence it, once again with taking care of him.
Just because Phantom lost his progress, didn't mean they'd stop trying again. It was just a set back that with time and patience would be alright again. They'd all been there in some form of way with their own issues and addictions. So, it was important to continue on, show Phantom some normality of routine like before the reign; so that's what they did.
Sunshine had finished first, helping Aether grab each plate and set them down at respective seats. Her smile was contagious, joking under whispers which always got Aether to grab his chest as he laughed, fangs curling past his lips with joy. Aether grabbed a plate that held the design of 'Scream' and a small tumbler with 'Dracula', rolling his eyes at another terrible joke Sunshine made before he walked to a specific door. He used his foot to knock before adjusting the items and letting himself in.
Curled in the corner of his bed, Phantom stayed under the covers but his eyes open to follow Aether's movements. "Good morning cutie!" He had whispered to his successor.
Phantom stayed silent, chewing on his finger but eyes never once leaving Aether as he sat down the items and picked up the barely touched remains of dinner from last night and placed them in a container to the side.
"For your wonderfulness, you have a chicken biscuit with a jelly doughnut. Honestly, bug, I'm jealous of what you got!" Aether teased, sending a wink to the smaller quintessence. "Gonna have to tell our tree out there to make me one too."
The elder showed his palms before getting closer to Phantom, lightly running his magick through his frame, closing his eyes as he searched and felt around. "Your fever dropped, that's good... You hurting anywhere?"
He could feel Phantom rustle, shaking his head no in response. "Good, good."
As he went to move away, Phantom's hand quickly darted out to grab Aether's wrist, the two holding eye contact. "Yes, bug? What's the matter?"
It was silence, Phantom slowly closing his eyes again but his grip on Aether never faltered which made the older quint move to his knees on the floor, letting Phantom do whatever he needed to. He sent a smell of comforting pheromones and his purrs began, equally making Phantom purr in response. It was another minute before Aether felt his ear twitch, their mental link slowly connecting.
"I want a bath..."
"Okay, we can do a bath. Do you want me to get Swiss or Rory?" Aether simply hummed, not denying the smile that came over his face.
Phantom shook again subconsciously. "No, you."
So, with gentle hands, Aether peeled back the multitude of blankets that swallowed Phantom whole and gently went under his knees and back to lift them. Their head butted against his chest, claws slowly kneading on his shirt. They moved to the bathroom where he was carefully stripped, watching the tub get filled with bubbles. Their baby bat held deeper eye bags and his frame much smaller than they'd like, but he was alive. He leaned forwards against Aether who at first took his affection as a response to trauma, trying to move but that idea was replaced as Phantom kept purring and his hands went back to kneading.
Aether was positive Phantom fell asleep in the tub at least twice, once when his nails carefully raked through the different colored strands on Phantom's head, a second once his wash rag started moving in gentle circles. Aether kept whispering where he was moving even if Phantom was lost in their slumber to even hear it, the retired ghoul adjusting to get his lower half and underside so Phantom didn't have to move. He felt terrible waking the poor thing up to get dried off and in a new pair of clothes, heading back to his bed.
"There we go! One clean bat with yummy food waiting for his tummy, how about that!" Aether cooed, carefully laying him back down. A kiss was placed to Phantom's forehead, his purrs never stopping. "Do what you can today, alright? I may have also sneaked you chocolate milk instead of water this morning."
"Thank you."
Body language couldn't lie as the moment Phantom spoke, Aether's tail wagged like no other. He simply smiled with one more kiss before heading out, inhaling sharply and rubbing his misty eyes. The others were waiting patiently for Aether, looking at him with heightened curiosity.
"Sorry, tommy wanted a bath and... He spoke to me." Aether smiled wide again, watching his packs faces light up in return.
The sound of purrs and little chirps began to fill the room, Aether catching the sight of a few of their tails wagging just as much as his. He sat down next to Dewdrop, with once last glance towards the door, before bowing his head as it was Swiss' turn to lead them in prayer. With the pack joining together for a 'nema', only a single fork was picked up before the sound of a door opened.
Heads instantly turned with bodies, smiles returning as Phantom stood in his doorway with his plate and tumbler in hold. He eyed Aether who got the hint and walked over, crouching down to the bat's height and listening to their link. There was a moment of silence before Aether nodded and lifted Phantom with a carefulness as he held his items tightly. The pack assumed them to be returning back to the room, Phantom getting too overwhelmed—but to their surprise, Aether walked towards them. There was a quick rearrangement of Phantom's chair going between his and the pack leader's, Dew taking his items and welcoming him down.
"Hi there, itty bitty." Dew teased, offering his hand which Phantom took. "I'm happy to see your face."
Phantom's ear twitched before his own tiny smile joined, laying his head on Dew's chest. Dew opted out of breakfast to continue being a pillow for his mate, their tails interlinked but slowly helping Phantom sip his drink and even nibble the top part of his biscuit.
Dewdrop cocked his head as he noticed the straw being darker than normal. "Is this water?"
He eyed Aether who simply looked away. "Oh you're terrible!" He teased.
A giggle.
A giggle sounded and Dew looked down at Phantom, his cheeks a light purple and eyes scrunched as he smiled.
"Is that funny to you?" Dew questioned light-heartedly, scoffing as Phantom nodded with another laugh. "Oh you naughty bat, I can't believe you and Aether would conspire against me."
Swiss perked up, pointing his bacon at Dew while covering his mouth as he talked with food in. "Ohh, let the kid be! If I had to drink bathwater every day, I'd go crazy too!"
"Swiss, I'm positive if one of us offered our bathwater we just bathed in for you, you'd drink it like a dying man." Mountain snapped back, causing eruptions of laughter at the table, even Dew couldn't help himself.
"You guys are terrible to me!"
The fire ghoul warmed himself just a bit as he felt Phantom adjust closer, completely laying his body weight against Dew—closing his eyes and starting to knead once more. After the fact, they knew they'd retire Phantom back to his bed from using the bare energy they had, but for now, they enjoyed their tired company as Dew gently rubbed his back.
There was an unspoken agreement to continue talking at a lower tone, letting Phantom peacefully sleep for once but trying to continue their routine. Their bug twitched some before sighing in his sleep, hands gripping Dew's shirt so tightly while they let out a small trill. Dew moved his hand from Phantom's back to the dip behind his ear, slowly rubbing and watching as Phantom's shoulders released again and his purrs kicked up again.
It had been so long since the table was full and the last time anyone heard his mewl-purrs. Oh, how they all missed it so much. Dewdrop couldn't help himself as he gave Phantom's body a light squeeze, his own eyes becoming misty as he held his bat in his arms again like he had prayed and craved for.
Their collective wish had been granted.
Mushy May Day 31: Looking at/Taking Pictures
The fridge in the den kitchen tells a lot of stories.
Thank you so so so much to @forlorn-crows for putting Mushy May together again this year, and to @ghuleh-recs for making us the dividers. Love you guys, cannot thank you enough. I had so much fun doing this again <3
Arguably, the kitchen is the central point in the entire ghoul den. It seems like someone's always there, cooking or cleaning or making a snack, coming in from the gardens or slipping out to have a smoke.
So naturally, it makes sense that the fridge is the pack corkboard. Magnets from just every stop the band's ever made cover the stainless steel, holding up shopping lists, reminders on bright colored sticky notes, a calendar, but most frequently, photos. Polaroids and glossy film and printed out on paper, the kitchen fridge is an amalgamation of the big moments and the little ones.
There's one right next to the freezer handle, a little blurry, out of focus. It shows the inside of the band tourbus, a soft purple blanket covering two sleeping forms. It's dark, but if you look close enough, you can make out Dew's spindly fingers, arm wrapped tight around Aeon's waist as he big spoons them. Rain had taken it, the first night they had shared a bunk, early into Aeon's first tour. It makes the little quint blush every time they see it, but the way their tail wags betrays any semblance of embarrassment.
There's one in the center of the fridge, a polaroid film, the flash bright and a little over exposed, two ghouls with their backs to the camera. Aurora is easily recognizable, her hot pink hair covering the bottom quarter of the image. Dew's in the background, sitting in Mountain's lap, a little out of focus as he throws up an As Above gesture. Rain's the star of the show though, his blue black waves pulled back into two French braids, decorated with clips and baubles and ribbons. Dew's hair is in a similar state. There's a caption written in Aether's blocky handwriting below it that reads "Playing Barbies."
A glossy 4 by 6 print is stuck to the fridge with a magnet shaped like a palm tree, from Cirrus's disposable camera. It's summertime at the Abbey, taken from the edge of the dock. Mist's perched on Alpha's shoulders, successfully shoving Dew from Swiss's shoulders in a game of chicken fight. She'd taken it at the perfect moment of realization, Dew's eyes wide in panic just as he tips backwards. They had all laughed when she had gotten the print developed, even as Dew grumbled. He couldn't hide the fond look on his face when it had been pinned up, though.
On the side of the fridge is a picture of Omega and Terzo, the big ghoul sprawled out in an armchair during one of the pack's frequent movie nights, Terzo practically in his lap, smudging paint against the side of Omega's neck. They both had passed out within the first half hour of a particularly loud action movie, much to the snickers of the pack.
There are several from the road, new scenery and places and tourist stops, a polaroid of Aurora proudly holding up a soft drink that's almost the size of her torso captioned "Baby's First Big Gulp." One of Aeon sticking their face through a cut out that makes them look like a video game character in some mall. Swiss giving Dew bunny ears while the fire ghoul takes a picture with Rain and Mountain. Cumulus floating on a blow up raft smuggled into a hotel pool. All three of the ghoulettes squeezed onto a greenroom couch in a way that cannot possibly be comfortable but they had sworn up and down that it was.
There are close to two dozen pictures with a similar set up, the entire band and crew all lined up on stage after the last show of a tour. The lineup changes and shifts, familiar faces running through several photographs, looking bone-deep exhausted but with grins on their faces, satisfied with a job well-done.
Aether approaches the fridge, a photo in hand, searching for an empty magnet. He finds one, chuckling as he grabs one shaped like a bat but in a hot pink plastic, pinning the picture front and center. It shows Aeon and Aurora, both ghouls grinning, wearing cheap plastic party hats, the elastic hooked under their chins. There's a cake on the table in front of them, a sparkler candle lit in the middle. There's words frosted on it, in red frosting in Mountain's loopy handwriting that proudly display "Happy First Summoning Day."
He sighs, smiling at the picture of his newest packmates, before his eyes drift up to a picture pinned to the top corner of the fridge. Aether always looks to it when he's in here, feels a warmth settle in his heart as he takes in the picture. He's memorized it, it will be seared into the back of his eyelids for the rest of his time Up Top and long after that.
It's him and Dew, standing at the front of the chapel, grasping each other's forearms as Copia wraps a multi colored cord around their wrists, the fondest smiles on each of their faces. The cord was a four stranded braid of ribbon, he remembers, purple and black and blue and orange. He remembers the warmth of Dew's hand on his arm, the glint of the gold jewelry in his ears, hair soft and falling over his shoulders, every inch the ghoul he had fallen in love with the moment he had arrived Up Top.
Aether smiles, running a finger along the edge of the photograph reverently, reaching up for the bunch of bananas on the top of the fridge, breaking one off and going to rejoin the pack with his snack.
Mushy may prompt list by the wonderful @forlorn-crows
Day 20: gardening
I was sad and this image came to me so here we are. Also the last prompt I'm doing for this one, it was fun 🖤
Mountain/Dew a touch of angst from Dew but he's ok
Dew nervously twists the toe of his shoe in the loose little pebbles of the path just outside of the greenhouse. It feels weird, like standing in front of a shell of a home he used to live in, like a ghost keeping to the shadows, hoping to not be caught so it's allowed to stay.
This used to be his favorite place, one of the first he got comfortable in after he was summoned. He couldn't count the hours he spent down here with Mountain, smiling, laughter dissolving into make outs and rosy cheeks. They are memories he doesn't think about often, his shadow in the images bleeding into Rain's shape, seeing him fit so perfectly where Dew once had.
He doesn't regret his transition but there were losses all the same. This one stings though, a nagging little papercut that persists no matter how much time passes.
He loved this place. He loved Mountain in this place, he loved how he had Mountain in this place, just the two of them.
Nothing was stopping him from going down, not really. Nothing apart from his own mind, how it flashed with flames when he thought of going in, how he worried to touch the plants he used to help nourish, terrified he'd burn their little leaves to ash. Afraid he'd do the same to Mountain.
He knew it was stupid. He'd been with Mountain countless times since the transition but there is something about the greenhouse that feels like he just....can't cross that line he drew in the sand.
"Dew?"
He jumps at Mountain's voice, so lost in his own thoughts he hadn't heard him opening the door and wandering out partially. His hands are dirty and Dew misses the grit against his skin when Mount would guide him through repotting a little sprout.
"Sorry...shit sorry I just I'm...I'm-"
"Coming in this time?" He sounds hopeful, painfully so and when Dew risks it all and meets his eyes they're bright, almost begging without words.
He glances between the giant and the glass structure behind him, the warm air inside and the dim little fairy lights inviting...
"I..."
"S'ok." Mountain smiles, just a little thing, reaching his hand out as he backs into the greenhouse.
He takes a hesitant step forward, like maybe the earth outside the entrance is boobie trapped for him. He grabs Mountain's hand with his breath and heartbeat both trapped in his throat when Mountain tugs him softly over the threshold.
It all floods back to him. The smells, the humid air, the way Mountain feels different here.
"Take your time." Mountain doesn't drop his hand but he doesn't pin him with his eyes either, focusing instead on some little bunch of flowers that still have little drops of water clinging to their delicate petals.
He thinks of Rain, thinks of his gentle touch, thinks of his own hands and how much he loved this, how Mountain would smile just for him and he would turn to face him like a little bloom chasing the sun.
"I shouldn't...I shouldn't be in here."
"Why?"
"It's just not mine anymore. I can't give them anything." He clears his throat hoping his words don't shake. "It's Rain's now."
Mountain tilts his head, his ears drooping a bit. "Do you know the very first thing Rain does every single time he's in here?"
And obviously he doesn't! He shakes his head and Mountain grabs his hand, pulling him off to plants that are thriving along one of the walls.
"He comes to these because you planted them. Out of everything in here, these are his favorite because you took care of them."
"But-"
"No but. You've never not belonged here. I understand why you stopped, why maybe it felt different but different doesn't mean wrong, it certainly never meant unwelcome."
Dew wants to turn into Mountain's chest but he doesn't, his hands shake as he lets the words sink in as his eyes stay glued to the plants he had loved so much because Mount had taught him how.
"I know the things you think about yourself Dew." He squeezes his fingers, pulls his knuckles up to kiss them. "I know what you're afraid these hands will do, but I know them. I know you."
Dew let's himself look at his hands and he knows he knows how to be gentle, how to touch with softness and care. He loves more often than he bruises but the fear still simmers just under his skin that one day he will lose control of what he is and he will be helpless to stop it.
"Come here, I want to show you something."
Dew let's Mountain lead him off, cocking his head when the giant stops in front of a bed of succulents.
"Is this your way of calling me a prick?" His lips twitch with the possibility of a smile.
Mountain laughs and shakes his head, the tension easing off his face. "No you ding dong!"
Dews glad for the distraction, the laughter between them standing here feels so familiar and he hadn't fully realized just how much he actually missed it.
"I started growing them after your transition. I...I needed something that felt like you in here, I needed something to show you..."
"Show me what?"
"That you don't need your water to be beautiful." His eyes drift from one of the little cactus flowers just starting to bloom among the spikes it sits on to Dew's eyes.
Dew lifts up onto his toes and kisses him. Mountain's big dirty hands slot against his back perfectly, fitting just right the way they always did. Hes dizzy with the memories, a welcome sort of deja vu as he melts against Mountain.
Mountain smiles when they break apart, fingers brushing Dew's hair back, cheeks pink.
"Welcome back, droplet."
boyfriends
I'd definitely read the shit out of this
would you ever be open to reader x dew having a ghoul kit?
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I was waiting for someone to ask this because I clearly could not leave the ghoul kits/Dew being good with kids alone in my last fic lol but this is the million-dollar question!!
TL;DR—hard maybe! I personally love the idea of it but my interest kind of ends when the kid is actually born haha I feel it'd be a pretty hard pivot for the series if they had to raise a kid. But maybe a while down the road, if it seems like it makes sense for the story and people would be on board to read about it!
BUT now I've been spending all morning thinking HARD about this, so have some little drabbles/headcanons about what would happen if you got knocked up by Dew:
First off, how would you know it's even Dew's if you're sucking and fucking your way across the abbey? Easy—this can be explained away with my new best friend, GHOUL CREAMPIE LORE. I am unable to elaborate further at this time.
Dew would obviously be on board with doing whatever you want to do, but would also be unable to hide the fact that there's nothing in the world he wants more than having this baby. He'd have absolutely no chill.
Like, as soon as the doctor confirms that you're pregnant this mf would be decorating the nursery in his head. Everyone's already caught onto the fact that he secretly loves kids but this would just blow the hatch off him pretending like he doesn't.
This absolutely terrifies all of the ghouls and Copia.
Speaking of which—the ghouls would crack a few jokes about how nobody needs another Dew but they would all also be thrilled!! Who doesn't love a ghoul kit?! They all especially love that you'll be raising it somewhere that isn't the ghoul den, though! Aether and Cumulus have already offered to babysit as much as needed.
Dew's clinginess and possessiveness is now ramped up to eleven. Eleven million. You literally can't go anywhere without him hovering an inch away from you. Always has a hand or tail on you, glaring at anybody who looks at you, constantly rubbing your stomach even when you don't have anything to show for it yet. It's annoying af honestly. He follows you to the bathroom and sits on the floor to stare at you like a cat.
Copia is somehow worse! This man is losing his mind! Mostly with happiness, but everyone's favorite anxious little man of the cloth does not do well with change! He's constantly checking in on you, asking intrusive questions, asking if he can touch your stomach, giving you random little gifts for the baby. He and Dew will definitely butt heads over this and have a few little spats.
You know how cats can sense when you're not feeling well and will drape themselves over your body and purr? Yeah. You're just constantly in a big purring ghoul pile now, this is your life.
Turns out quintessence magic is great for morning sickness. Aether and Phantom are your new best friends. But don't worry, nothing weird is going on—Dew makes sure of that, as he sits with his face practically pressing against theirs, scowling, as they work their magic on you.
To that end, sexy times with the other ghouls came to an abrupt halt as soon as that pregnancy test came back, for both you and Dew. He's only got eyes for you and god help them if anyone else tries to have eyes for you too.
Mountain is extremely enthusiastic about giving you foot rubs. You love it. Dew regards him with extreme suspicion. You don't tell Dew that you can definitely feel his boner when your foot's in his lap, because getting good foot rubs is more important to you than not titillating Mountain's fetishes.
The kid would just be a carbon copy of Dew, except with more human eyes/features/skintone. Everyone will be visibly apprehensive when they see that you literally brought another Dew into the world.
Dew is gonna shock the shit out of everyone by being dad of the year. He won't get everything right and his approach will still be very Dew-like, but he clearly loves it. He's thriving. He's never seemed more in his element than when he's stalking around the abbey with the kit strapped to his chest. He LOVES the attention it gets him from the siblings.
When the kit gets a bit older Dew will become partial to walking them around on a leash. The kit will definitely be taller than Dew by like age 10. It will become unclear who exactly is walking who on the leash.
I'm gonna need some dollar bills.
ghost stripper au when