Mushy May Day 14 - Silly Baby Talk (Aether/Dew)

If you're comfortable doing so, maybe something that delves into Phantom/Aeons time in the pit and how his bad experiences there impact him now that he's topside

hey? hey anon? how did you know I've been wanting to talk about Aeon's parents for six months?

Contains child abuse and discussion of child abandonment, eye injury, and nightmares. Aeon uses they/them for themself, but their parents don't know that and use he/him for them.

(this does expand on lore I wrote for Eternal Heatstroke, but you don't need to read that to read this)

divider by @wrathofrats

"The kit's not getting any bigger, Oasis."

Aeon's left ear twitches at the sound of Caldera's voice, rough and crackling like her fire. They come to awareness, but don't dare open their eyes. They don't want their guardians to know they're awake yet, the sinking feeling in their gut telling them that they are not supposed to be witnessing this conversation. The ground is rough underneath their side, and the campfire crackles in flashes of orange even through their eyelids. The three of them have been settled here for a little over a week, about time to pack up and move through the older ghouls' territory, finding somewhere else to bed down.

"How many times have I told you that quint kits are called pups, Cal," Oasis sighs. There's the sound of a hand running over a face. Both of them have been doing that a lot more recently, and Aeon can't tell who it is without opening their eyes. The air is thick with sulfur and smoke, and it stings at their nose.

"Frankly, I don't fucking care what they're called," she says. "We've been raising him for Lucifer knows how long because we thought he'd be strong enough to help us defend our territory. And he's at the point he should have grown. He's still so small."

There's disdain in her voice, one of her paws tapping at the ground in irritation. Aeon's brow furrows. They're not small. They might be skinny, but they're a full head taller than Caldera is, just above eye level with Oasis. They do know that Cal's small for a fire ghoulette, has encountered other fire ghouls who've tried to claim what their guardians have staked as their own.

"Cal, you've gotta have patience-" Oasis tries to reason, but he's never been able to stop her. When Caldera sets her mind to something, Aeon knows she stops at nothing to get her way.

"How long have we been going hungry to keep him around?" she growls, and Aeon can almost hear the sparks from her tongue. "Years and years of our lives, I'm so fucking tired of waiting. The kit can hardly even use his magick and he's practically an adult."

"What do we even know about quintessence ghouls, Cal?" Oasis keeps trying to reason. "We can't teach him magick we don't even understand."

"I don't fucking care," Caldera snarls at her mate. "I'm done. Keeping him was your idea in the first place. You want to keep the kit around? That'll be on you then. But then I'm out."

There's a commotion, someone getting to their feet rapidly. "That's just fucking like you, Cal. You'd really give up on how long we've been mated over our son?"

Caldera laughs, loud enough that Aeon thinks they have a solid excuse to wake up. They keep feigning sleep though. "Our son? Oasis, are you insane? You were the one who thought a quintessence ghoul be a good investment for the pack."

Aeon's heart falls through their stomach, trying desperately to process what they're hearing. Investment. Oasis had always told them that he'd found them, small and abandoned, so young that their eyes hadn't even opened yet. That the two of them wanted a kit to take care of. They feel like the rug's been yanked out from under them.

They don't have much time to process it though, because Oasis sighs, tossing something back and forth between his hands. Aeon doesn't need to open their eyes to know it's a pebble, something that had caught his eye at some point. "Fine, Cal. But you tell him."

Aeon tenses as rapid footsteps approach their sleeping form, trying hard to not curl up into a ball preemptively. A hot hand grabs their shoulder, the threatening bite of sharp claws even through their threadbare shirt.

"Wake up," Caldera says, low and dangerous as she shakes their shoulder. Even though they had some warning, they still yelp, tail tucked between their legs. Their eyes go wide at the fury in Caldera's expression, her growl as she hauls them to their feet.

"Cal-" Aeon stammers, trying not to struggle against her grip. Knows it's easier to let her put them where she wants than to fight it.

"None of that, runt," she snaps, and both of their violet eyes go wide. She's never- They've never- "You're grown, now. It's time for you to find your own place."

"Right now?" Aeon says, tipping their head back and baring their throat, trying to appease her. All the while, Oasis stands by the fire, watching distantly. "Oasis, please tell her I can't."

"He's not going to help you, runt. We're both ready for you to go," Cal says. There's a fire in her yellow eyes, red and orange flickering in her irises.

They stammer, glancing back and forth between their guardians. "That's not true, I heard you talking-" Aeon freezes and cuts themself off as Caldera's expression morphs, grip curling tighter into the collar of Aeon's shirt, claws punching through the threadbare fabric. They can feel the keratin against their skin, and they swallow hard.

"Oh? So you were eavesdropping?"

"No- I couldn't help it!"

She growls, pulling hard and shoving them towards the campfire. They stumble, paw catching on the brimstone, and they fall hard, twisting onto their back to look up at her. "I'm not going to say it again," she snarls, looming above them. The firelight makes her features sharper, fangs shining. "Get the fuck out."

They slowly push themself up to standing. Aeon finds the courage in their gut to growl back at her, ears pinned back against their head, tail lashing behind them as they bare their fangs and get in her face. "I'm not fucking going anywhere, this is my pack too!"

Aeon knows it's a mistake the moment the words leave their mouth.

Caldera screams in frustration and rage. The last thing Aeon sees out of their left eye is her claws glinting dark in the firelight.

There's a shriek. Aeon wonders why their throat hurts until they realize it's them shrieking. The world spins, blinding hot pain radiating from their face and scalp, and they can feel their heartbeat in the marrow of their left horn. They can't see.

They can't see.

There's something hot and sticky running down their face, and they cup their hand over their eye, cringing at the wetness.

Caldera doesn't even flinch as Aeon's blood drips in rivulets from her claws. "You fucking heard me, you ungrateful brat. We've fed and taken care of you your entire life. You can pay us back by fucking leaving."

She lunges, and Aeon's feet act on instinct, scrambling away from her. They clutch their face, hearing the blood spatter, their shirt sticking to their chest, heavy and wet. Aeon's head spins, and Caldera's behind them, chasing, and Aeon's seen her hunt.

There's no chance of outrunning her, even as their legs scramble underneath them. They run, lungs aching and head spinning, and there's two pounding sets of footfalls behind them.

Aeon sobs, chest heaving with exertion. Their ankle twists in the brimstone, and they stumble into the ground. Blood and tears stream down their cheeks in equal measure. It's over. They're de-

There's a hand on their shoulder.

Aeon jolts awake with a yelp, scrambling backwards into the corner of the couch out from under a big piece of white fabric that was covering them. It takes a moment to recognize their surroundings, fluorescent lights, a big desk in the opposite corner, an empty office chair, slightly rotating like someone stood up in a hurry. A large shape backlit looms over them, making a strange, familiar sound.

Aeon snarls before the sound registers, their entire body slumping as Aether chuffs at them. "Hey, you're alright, pup, you're safe," he breathes, his big hand hovering over their shoulder, his silver bracelet glinting in the light. "You were dreaming."

They nod, reaching up to touch at the scars running through though their left eye and biting back a sob. Aether nods back, cautiously sitting next to the younger quintessence ghoul and pulling them close, chuffing all the while.

"My shift just ended," Aether whispers, shifting them until Aeon's practically in his lap. "Do you want to go back to the den?"

Aeon nods quietly. Aether gently wipes away a tear from the silvery track across their cheek with a big thumb. They've been shadowing him to learn about infirmary work, a few months away from actually working on their own. "You want a hug, pup?"

"Please," they whisper, shoving Aether's white coat off of their legs. They'd been using it as a blanket while they napped on the couch in his office. The bigger ghoul draws them in, chuffing and nosing at their hair.

Aeon settles, eventually, and they stand hand in hand. "Can we go home?" Aeon asks, and Aether smiles, flashing a gold capped fang at them.

"Of course, pup, let's go home to our pack."

Mushy May, Day 5 (Animals) - Menagerie of the Damned

Inspired by Mushy May prompts by the fab @forlorn-crows. I'm a day late with this one but I'm a good Satanist and never follow the rules anyway...Also on my Ao3!

If you've ever been told it's "just a pet", Papa Primo has your back!

***

He had been sitting forlornly on the hard, wooden bench since the meeting ended. He should move really. His ass had gone distinctly numb and such a public display of weakness wasn’t fitting for someone who was about to become the figurehead of the global Satanic Clergy. He knew he must look a sight, his face blotchy and as red as his scarlet cassock. And yet his grief kept him here, weighed down like a stone in the stream of busy people moving along the corridor.

“We must say goodbye and I do not think I know how to, little one,” Copiah sniffed, wiping away a stray tear with the end of his fascia and absently scratching between the ears of the nut-brown rat in his lap.

He knew Sister Imperator was right of course. The logistics of the tour would be complicated enough without having to factor in transporting Eliza with them; the hotels and tour buses they must use would see her as vermin, not as the beloved pet she was. And she was getting old, it wouldn’t really be fair on her.

The bench shifting next to him roused him from his musings, making him startle until he looked, bleary-eyed, into the kind face of his oldest brother, Primo.

“I never did care much for this hallway,” the retired Papa groaned as he stretched out his legs in front of him. “Too drafty. Which is probably not good for the little one, eh?” He held his hand out towards the rat, who cautiously climbed into his and regarded him with twitching whiskers.

“I don’t know that there is any place good for her anymore. I must find her a new home but…who will want her? She is not so young anymore…Who can I trust to take care of her?” Copia replied, attempting to disguise the way his voice cracked by clearing his throat. “Sorry, I…I am being silly.”

Primo nodded thoughtfully as he stroked the rat with a single finger. Eventually, he placed the creature on Copia’s shoulder and heaved himself to his feet with a huff. “I may have a solution. Come.”

The older man had started to head off down the corridor before Copia had a chance to ask a question or compose his tear-stained state. Sure, now he can be sprightly he grumbled to himself, struggling to catch him up down the corridor.

They walked through the endless, labyrinthine corridors until Primo led them out into the gardens, past the greenhouses where Copia assumed the man spent most of his retirement. He hadn’t seen this dark, tucked-away section of the grounds before though. When they reached a gate set into some tall hedges, he gave Eliza a fond pat to soothe himself as much as to reassure her, and finally interrupted his brother’s contented humming. It sounded suspiciously like All Things Bright and Beautiful. “Where are we going?”

Primo beamed as he opened the gate and waved for Copia to enter.

His eyes widened as he gazed at the scene before him. A huge circular space; a stunning meadow flower bed at the centre and outlined by ornate aviaries filled with plants and shrubs. The roof of each structure was the green hue of oxidised copper and reminded Copia of the gothic bandstands he’d seen in older parks. They even had the pre-requisite spooky ravens and crows scattered around their wrought gables. Some had open mesh walls while others were enclosed by glass or blacked out entirely.

“I do not know when this structure was first built. Probably back when collecting animals was fashionable. Humans have always sought animals – especially birds – a symbol of status. Of power,” Primo hummed as he started to walk a lazy circuit, stopping to peer in at the two barn owls perched in a distant corner of the first aviary. Copia placed a protective hand over Eliza, but the birds merely ruffled their feathers sleepily and resumed their daytime slumber. “I restored this place, but like our Abbey, I aimed to offer sanctuary to all who needed it. Especially those who’ve been harmed by our ridiculous superstitions.”  

“So, it’s like a menagerie of the damned?” Copia murmured, walking further along and taking in more owls, ravens and a raptor didn’t recognise. As his eyes adjusted to the gloom, he caught the amber gaze of a fox before it darted into the greenery.

His older brother chuckled. “You could say that I suppose. We leave the hatches open to allow the birds and bats to fly free. I think you’ll be more interested in what’s at the other end though,” he nodded for him to follow towards the enclosed area on the other side of the circle.

The balmy warmth hit them the moment the door opened. A Sister of Sin looked up and smiled, apparently in the middle of cleaning out a huge stack of cages where a dozen or so mice happily scampered about. “Sister Frances,” he nodded kindly.

After sitting subdued on his shoulder, Eliza suddenly perked up and began chittering loudly in Copia’s ear. He soon saw why. At the other side of the former aviary was a huge enclosure, filled with toys, scattered bedding and the curious faces of three other rats. “Oh!” he gasped, unable to resist moving towards them.

Sister Frances followed, opening the front and allowing the three of them to skitter up her arm, where they peered curiously at newcomers. “Cannoli, Cornetto and Confetti. Papa always did have a sweet tooth,” she grinned up at Primo before returning her attention to the rat on Copia’s shoulder. “And who is this?”

“A new resident, perhaps,” Primo said placing a hand on Copia’s other shoulder. “If you are happy for Eliza to come here, it would be our privilege to care for her. And you’re welcome to come and see her at any time.”

Copia’s momentary delight in the rats evaporated into the muggy heat of the small building and he felt his expression pinch again. His treacherous tears spilled down his cheeks before he could stop them. “Sorry,” he mumbled, averting his gaze away from Primo and the Sister. “You must think I’m a pathetic fool.”

“Of course not,” Sister Frances murmured kindly, holding out her arm for Eliza to climb up so she could sniff at the other rats. “It’s always hard to say goodbye.”

“Indeed, fratellino,” Primo sighed. “You think you are being silly but let me tell you…not so far away we have a space where we lay departed souls to rest and there are plenty of our animal friends there. Terzo’s cat, Morpheus for one. Even Secondo’s snake. He dug the grave himself. We are not Catholics; we do not deny our animal friends a soul. If you love another living being there is nothing trivial about that love, si?”

Copia nodded with a hiccup, watching as the Sister placed the rats in the enclosure. He managed a watery smile as the three of them showed Eliza around the toys and feeding stations, like little realtors bragging about a property’s granite countertops and fitted wardrobes. “She looks like she fits right in,” he mused.

“She does. She’s very welcome. And we will take excellent care of here, fratellino, I promise you.”

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!

You Came Back To Us. (CW) Phantom/Everyone

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.

Two Benadryl, two melatonin and a half a bottle of wine will also do the trick Dewrop.

Dew, brewing a pot of sleepytime tea: "Double, double toil and trouble, fire burn and cauldron bubble... With this magic potion-" -popping open a bottle of benadryl and taking two out- "-and these magic beans, this bitch is gonna sleep tonight or I'm personally gonna strangle the sandman."

Reblog this for the science

GUYS WHAT THE FUCK

????????

Mushy May Day 17: Funny T-shirts

Sunny likes to poke fun at Swiss with custom t-shirts, much to his chagrin.

Thank you to @forlorn-crows for putting Mushy May together, and @ghuleh-recs for making the dividers! <3

The note for this in my outline was "a la mercer and riegel" if that makes sense to anyone lol.

Swiss looks up from his breakfast, a bowl of granola and berries and yogurt, as Sunny bounds into the kitchen, her copper curls bouncing as she enters with a suspicious spring in her step. "Hiya, spark!" She greets him, settling into one of the chairs across from him. Rain and Aurora look up as well, wishing the other multi-ghoulette a good morning.

His eyes settle on the collar of her oversized button up, clearly one of Aether's. "Morning, ember," he says, trying to copy her enthusiasm and not quite making it. "You go clothes raiding again?" He takes another bite of his breakfast, watching her expectantly. Something's not quite right here, button ups not usually Sunny's style.

She shrugs, still grinning, snatching the carafe of orange juice and pouring herself a glass. As Sunny leans to reach, the collar of the button up droops, revealing the hem of a bright orange t-shirt. Nothing more than that, but it's enough for Swiss's spoon to clink against his bowl as he buries his face in his hands.

"Another one, Sunny?" he groans. "How many shirts. Please."

Rain and Aurora turn, eyes brightening in intrigued laughter as Sunny takes a drink, smugly settling back in her chair.

"Now, Swissy, I have no idea what you could be talking about," she says, batting her eyelashes at him.

It's her favorite way to poke fun at him. Awful candid photos of him, blown up and custom printed somewhere online, hidden under zip up hoodies and button ups that she takes off to reveal like the world's most embarrassing strip tease. There have been ones taken while he's sleeping, mouth open, snoring and drooling, and ones that were the unfortunate results of a mistimed blink while taking pictures with the pack. Fortunately, or unfortunately for Sunny, there are no kit pictures, no way to bring them after being summoned Up Top.

He hates the way it makes his face burn, but it makes the pack laugh, and makes Sunny's cheeks dimple with her grin in a way that makes Swiss feels crazy. So he endures it. (He'll never admit that he thinks it's funny too.)

"Noooooo," he groans, peeking through his fingers as Sunny stands, unbuttoning her top button.

"How many of those do you have, sunbeam?" Rain asks, staring smugly at Swiss's over the top distress. "Ten? Twenty?"

"This one makes fourteen," Sunny says, undoing another two buttons.

Swiss rubs his temples, pretending a headache's coming on. "Emberrrrrrrr," he drags out in a groan. "Come on, get it over with."

"As you wish." Sunny copies his signature grin, all of her teeth on display, hands moving down farther and farther, each button slipping through the button hole. Finally, Aether's shirt falls open, revealing a Ritual picture of him.

It's the lowest quality picture of him Swiss has ever seen, only thing distinct about his features are the bug like lenses and the bright white of his teeth against the black helmet. He had been grinning menacingly at that Ritual, but the grainy picture makes him look dorky. There's words across the top and bottom, all caps in Impact font, declares "Swiss Shirt Bottom Text"

"I made a shirt for you, sparky!" Sunny beams, watching Swiss groan. "You like it?"

Swiss growls, silverware clattering as he shoots to his feet, Rain and Aurora's laughter echoing around the kitchen. Sunny squeaks, eyes wide as she darts off, Swiss in close pursuit.

For the anon who requested something with Swiss and loss. I'm not sure this is exactly what you were hoping for but it's what decided to happen. I hope it's ok 🩷

Cw: newly summoned Swiss, mentions of him being alone, scared Swiss, mentions of Cirrus not being sure about him at first, Rain hurting, but comfort I promise!

When Swiss was first summoned, he was a force to be reckoned with. He was loud, over the top, brash. He only let the pack close on his terms and he never let them stay long.

Mountain noticed, the grounded earth ghoul quickly learning what it meant because he'd been afraid too. He remembered how unsure he'd been when he was summoned, how letting anyone close felt dangerous. He felt Swiss’ fear quickly because it mirrored his own.

The others didn't push, his anger was too similar to Rain's so they butt heads too often, Dew was good under pressure but it was still so close to his transition that he wasn't always up for trying to crack through the rock hard layers the multi ghoul had put up around himself. Cirrus didn't trust him right away, keeping her guard up, keeping Lus away from the short fused new ghoul. Aether was a gentle guide, he was the one who got Mountain to trust them but he was busy more often than not…

So Mountain stepped in.

He was met with resistance at first, a new summon still used to baring his teeth and snapping his jaws, but a little posturing didn't bother the giant, though he was a gentle soul he'd never been one to shy from a fight. He stood his ground with patience, speaking softly until he was sure Swiss actually heard him. He kept it simple at first, no commands, no questions.

“My rooms at the end of the hall. Sleep well.” And he left it at that, left the multi alone with his words and left his door unlocked.

He wasn't surprised when the new ghoul stayed away but he could feel him watching from a distance. He doesn't change his routine, he does his job, he engages with the pack, the only time he hides away from Swiss is when he has Dew, the baby shaking from nightmares and lost to his memories.

He knows Swiss had to have seen regression in the pits, at least to some extent, but he's protective of the baby and he doesn't like how quick to anger Swiss still is. But he finds him later when Dew is back to himself or sleeping soundly in Aether's arms. He knows he has questions but the multi won't ask, still keeping himself to himself.

“Did you eat dinner?”

“I'll eat when I want.”

Mountain bites his tongue at the petulant response, how he sounds like the moody teens he's heard through the Abbey and simply shrugs. “Ok.”

It doesn't take Swiss long to peek into the kitchen while Mountain grabs out the leftovers from the fridge, smiling at the little note Cumulus left on top.

He doesn't look up at the other ghoul, just moving as casually as he can. “Want me to heat some up for you? I'm already over here.”

“It's…” Swiss carefully moves closer to Mountain, eyes still nervously dancing around the kitchen. “It's not mine. Didn't do anything to earn it.”

Mountain turns to face him. “You're here. That's all you have to do.” He remembers when Aether had shown him the kitchen the first time and how overwhelming it had been. “Everything here is for all of us, you're included in that. Whatever you want, Swiss.”

“But…” His stomach growls and he glares down at his own body for snitching on his hunger.

Mountain laughs quietly. “Let me heat up some of you. You can eat here with me or you can go wherever you feel comfortable. Up to you.”

Swiss doesn't answer and mountain doesn't make him, he just heats the food up until both plates are ready. He hands one to Swiss and heads to the table to eat, not paying attention until the other ghoul finally sits beside him. He's tense as he eats but it's a start and Mountain smiles.

He starts getting closer to the earth ghoul, letting his walls down just a bit, seeking him out when something is clearly bothering him.

Something shifts after he sees Rain little, the little water ghoul peeking around Cirrus to look at Swiss. The multi ghoul smiles and waves, wiggling his fingers until the little ghoul steps out from behind Cirrus and wanders over to his art table.

He draws Swiss a picture, one with the pack excitedly welcoming the new summon, but later that night Rain cries in pain, tears seemingly endless as Aether soothes the ache as best as he can. Mountain sees the second something snaps and Swiss sprints away, slamming the door to his room hard enough that Dew jumps and has to take a few deep breaths to stay present for Rain.

Mountain follows after a few minutes, knocking gently and fully expecting Swiss to scream at him to leave. But he's greeted with silence and that's worse. He opens the door a crack and peeks in, finding the multi ghoul curled on his side on the bed, pulling his knees up as tight as he can, his hands pressed tight over his ears.

He quietly shuts the door and moves to the side that Swiss is facing, sighing at the pinched expression on his face.

“Swiss?”

He flinches and Mountain kneels, trying not to loom over him. He sets his hand on the bed but he doesn't touch him, just leaves it as an offering.

“What's wrong with him?” He doesn't say it like an accusation, Mountain can hear the genuine panic and the way his tone has shifted.

“It's just something that happens with him unfortunately. Some days he's ok, others aren't so great. Aether helps a lot, Dew does too.”

“Is-is he dying?”

“No! No of course he's not…why-” He swallows the rest of his words and moves to take his hand. “He's not going anywhere. None of us are.”

Swiss grabs his blanket and pulls it up over himself, hiding so Mountain can't see him. It doesn't take him long to put the pieces together.

“You don't have to hide, Spark.” He glances around, searching for any comfort item Swiss might have, frowning when he sees…nothing. Nothing that even speaks of the ghoul living in this room. “I'm just going to go grab something really quick, I'll be right back.”

Swiss doesn't respond and Mountain goes as fast as he can, returning to Swiss as quick as possible. He sits back on the floor beside the bed.

He sees two gold eyes peek out of the blanket and he smiles, turning the bunny in his hands for the little ghoul to see.

“This is Jürgen, Dew got him for me. He's pretty good at making me feel better.” He sets the bunny against the blanket, watching Swiss slowly pull him under the blanket to hold onto. “Do you want to talk about what you're thinking?”

He can hear him sniffle under the blanket and he moves carefully, sitting on the edge of the bed. Eventually Swiss' need for contact wins and he wiggles over, still fully under his blanket, and flops into Mountain's arms. The earth ghoul holds him, rocking just a bit.

“M’not like Rain…”

“That's ok. You don't have to be.”

Rain wails again down the hall and Swiss whimpers. “I…I've never had anything to lose…I didn't have anyone…”

It's like ice being poured over him and Mountain holds Swiss tighter. “You have us.”

“What if m’not good enough or…or I'm mean! I don't….” He peeks up at Mountain, big gold eyes full of tears. “I don't wanna be by myself again.”

“You won't be. That's not how it is with packs. We are with you, always. No matter what.”

“I wasn't nice when I got here!”

“You were scared. We get it, Spark. It takes time and everyone wanted to give you space to adjust. I wasn't very nice right away.”

“Really?”

“Mhm. Took Aether a while to get me to even come inside. But they did it, they took the time to do it because that's what packs do.”

He watches Swiss' fingers play with the bunny's ears under the blanket while he thinks about everything. “Rain's really going to be ok?”

“Yes.” His phone bings and he reads the text, smiling a bit. “Rain is requesting a movie night…which really just means he wants a ghoul pile.”

“What's that?”

“We all go into the den and just…cuddle really. It's just a way to be close to everyone. We don't have to if you're not ready.”

“But I'm…”

“You're you.”

“You'll stay with me?”

“I can carry you like this if you want.”

Swiss snorts a little, smiling despite himself. “I can walk…but…just…”

“I'll be right beside you, and you can hold onto Jürgen.”

He stands up from Mountain's lap, letting the blanket fall but he pulls his hoodie on and keeps the hood up. He takes Mountain's hand and hesitantly follows down to the den.

Mountain sits beside Dew who has Rain on his lap, helping keep him comfortable. Dew smiles over when he sees Swiss holding the bunny.

Swiss watches as everyone finds a spot, watches how they all manage to find a way to be in contact with everyone else. Aether delivers big bowls of popcorn and Swiss is hesitant to try it until Rain does, giggling when he takes a piece from Dew's hand with his tongue.

“Are you a lizard now?”

Swiss laughs as he watches, not noticing the way the others smile at his unguarded happiness.

Rain giggles again. “Swiss try! It sticks to your tongue!”

He glances at Mountain, waiting for him to nod, confirmation that it's ok and he does it. Rain beams at him, sticking another piece to his tongue again.

They settle as the movie plays and Rain falls asleep quickly. Swiss looks around again, he's still unsure, still scared of what it means to have people to care about…to have people that care about him in return.

“Ok spark?” Mountain whispers, squeezing his hand.

He catches Aether's eyes, relaxing a little as a warm feeling settles over him. He smiles and leans against Mountain's chest.

“Yeah…m’ok.”

Just the fact Swiss has a cowbell this tour cycle and it's a no phone concert is killing me. I need to see how freaky that ghoul gets when he's playing it.

Im struggling so I projected onto Mountain (promise I'll give him a break soon)

Cw: this one is heavier than usual, major depressive disorder diagnosis, he feels like a burden, negative self talk, he mentions wanting to be gone, brief vomit mention, Dew gives him a bath, I promise he gets comfort, he's not alone, cg Dew, cg Rain

Mountain had yet to come to terms with the diagnosis, another heavy weight tied to his ankles that he has to drag around for the rest of his days. He already felt like a burden with his anxiety and now this.

He can still hear Omega in his head, his voice soft and professional but warm, talking to a pack mate not just some random person. He'd held Mountain's hand as they discussed it and treatments for it but Mountain hadn't been able to listen, Omega's voice fading into some distant whisper.

"We can talk when you're ready, ok? You can find me anytime, Mountain. I'm always here."

He had just nodded, tried to force a smile that looked at least a little convincing and thanked him. But his head was fuzzy and he moved on muscle memory alone to make it back to his room. He slept the rest of the day, vaguely remembering Dew gently shaking him awake to tell him dinner was ready but telling him he wasn't hungry, he just needed to sleep.

Dew had worried, sitting beside him for a bit with his fingers carding through his hair but sometimes Mountain really did just need sleep, it wasn't too far out of the ordinary. He kissed his cheek and left quietly, telling himself he'd talk to him in the morning before anyone else woke up.

Mountain had crept outside as soon as he woke up, immediately getting himself busy so no one would bother him. He didn't want to talk about it, he just wanted it to go away. If he didn't say the words then maybe it wouldn't be real, maybe if he didn't say it, it wouldn't have power...

Dew finds him but Mountain keeps it to himself, smiles and nods and tries to keep himself as normal as possible. He laughs even if he doesn't really want to, he lets Dew hold his hand, he lets him talk as much as he wants because at least then he can be quiet, he can bite his tongue to keep from spilling his secrets.

"I have to go help Rain, but I wanted to see you." He squeezes Mountains hand. "I love you. You know that right? Always."

He manages to nod. "Yeah. Love you too."

The problem is...it never goes away. It's a heavy hand pressing down on his chest until he feels like he's breathing under water and he's not sure he knows how to fight it, at least not alone but he's not going to talk about it, he's not going to add yet another issue that they have to deal with. He'll be fine.

It's a lie and he knows it, he feels it getting worse, feels the angry dark thoughts slipping in, the ones that make him scared to be alone because right now he's his own biggest enemy. But he still feels himself pulling away, finding more and more reasons to be alone.

He can see the concern and he swears he's alright, just tired, and he walks away and draws the curtains tight and curls in on himself as much as he can and cries until he falls asleep where even his dreams don't offer respite.

He dodges Omega, refuses to talk to him. He doesn't want to hear it anymore, he doesn't want to talk because it's not going to help, he doesn't want to need medication to function like he should be able to.

He has to wonder if he's being punished for something he can't remember doing, some horrible atrocity he's now got to pay for.

Dew watches him at dinner, eyes like a hawk as Mountain just flicks his food around, his fork barely making the journey up to his mouth.

"Mount?"

"Hm?"

"You can talk to me. About anything, no matter what."

It feels like a punch right to his chest because he's not so sure anymore. But he nods because it feels like that's what he's supposed to do.

"I know."

Rain touches his hand from his other side and just offers a smile and he wants to give one back, wants to maybe ask if they mean it. But he doesn't. He just stands and walks away, back to his room to hide in the dark where he belongs.

He loses interest, his plants wilting from his absence in the greenhouse, he has no energy for anything, no desire to talk or eat or see anything beyond the four walls of his room.

The first time he drops after, he's terrified. Big it's scary but he at least understands but little it just feels like an endless churning ocean and he doesn't stand a chance.

He bites his tail as hard as he can, sobbing and all alone in a bed that feels too big in a room that's way too dark. He can't even find his bunny and he just feels like maybe if he just vanished everything would be better.

If he wasn't here they wouldn't have to worry about him, they wouldn't be excused by his constant need to reassurance, they wouldn't get tired of him always being sad or scared...he'd just be gone and there'd be peace and quiet in his place.

Dew races into the room just as Mountain gets sick all over the bed, crying and shaking and trying to apologize through shallow breaths but everything hurts. His body and his brain...it just hurts.

Dew doesn't say anything but he's warm and safe and he carries Mountain to the bathroom, quickly getting a bath started while the little ghoul cries against his shoulder.

He eases him into the water and keeps one hand wrapped around Mountain's, silently letting him know he's there. The little ghoul jumps and turns his face toward the wall when he hears the bedroom door open.

"It's just Rain. He's not coming in right now, I promise."

Mountain whimpers, pulling his knees under his chin, still kind of wishing that the Earth would take him back. He's once again making them do too much, once again making them worry.

"Pebble." Dew touches his cheek gently. "Sie müssen mit mir reden. Was ist hier los?" (You need to talk to me. What's going on?)

He shakes his head and bites his lip, squeezing his eyes as hard as he can. He could just run away, run and run and run until he doesn't know where he is and no one knows where to look...

His tummy sinks and his heart races, scared to be out all by himself, all alone in a world he doesn't think he really belongs in.

Dew sighs and squeezes his hand before washing Mountain's hair. He gets him out and dressed in warm jammies and Dew smiles when he sees the nest Rain had made on the bed for him when he stripped off the dirty sheets, replacing them with soft ones from Dew and Rain, offering comfort to the little ghoul while still respecting his space.

Dew helps him up into the bed, smiling when Mountain immediately grabs his bunny and brings it up to his face.

The fire ghoul climbs up beside him and pulls him close to his chest, running his hands in soothing motions over Mountain's back.

"Ich bin hier. Egal, was dein Verstand dir sagt. Ich bin da." (I'm here. No matter what your mind is telling you. I'm here.)

He pulls one of the blankets up over Mountain's shoulders, pausing to brush away the slowly falling tears.

"Can Rain come say goodnight to you?"

He shuts his eyes and squeezes his bunny to keep from biting his hand. "Why?"

Dew winces at his rough little voice and holds him tighter. "Because he loves you."

His mind, the scary monster in the corners of his brain, yells for him to say no, screams at him to not bother. But he finds himself nodding anyway.

Rain is in the room and climbing up behind Mountain before he can even really process it. He kisses the top of the little ghouls head and runs his fingers through his hair.

"Tout va bien se passer, petite fleur." He whispers to him. "No matter what it is, we'll figure it out. We'll be here." (It's going to be ok, little flower.)

He doesn't dream when he finally falls asleep between them and he wakes big and still exhausted. He tries to shuffle out from between them but Dew grabs his wrist.

"We're talking."

"But-"

"No. We are talking, Mountain."

His breath shakes when he breathes out and the walls feel like they're going to close in.

"Doesn't matter..."

"It does. You matter."

The words trigger the tears and he hangs his head.

"Why do you care so much? I could just....I could just go and it'd be fine."

Dew has his arms around him before he even finishes speaking and Rain is slowly sitting up wiping the sleep from his eyes.

"Nothing would be fine if you weren't here."

He can't get himself to believe that. Rain moves closer, taking one of Mountain's hands.

"Have you talked to Omega?"

He nods, chewing his lip and fighting the drop, he doesn't want to feel more helpless right now.

"Gave me a diagnosis. Said it's major depressive disorder..." He hates the way it sounds and he waits for them to get annoyed, to roll their eyes because he's got more issues for them to deal with.

"Ok. Did you guys set up a plan?" Rain looks focused and Mountain can imagine him with a notebook listening to everything Omega had said about it.

"I...I didn't want to talk about it...I just..."

Dew nods and squeezes his hand. "It's ok."

It's not, not really but at least now he's said it, at least now people know.

"Do you think you can go talk to him? You don't have to decide anything but maybe talking through the thoughts might help." Rain tilts his head to the side. "We're with you no matter what."

It takes a while but he finally agrees and makes his way to the infirmary. Omega smiles when he sees him.

"Can...can we talk?"

His eyes go soft and he seems to understand. "Of course. We'll go to my office. Aeth, I'm stepping out for a few."

Aether just gives a thumbs up and Omega leads the giant down to his office, shutting the door softly behind them.

Once he starts talking it all just tumbles out and Omega listens patiently, holding Mountain's hands when the tears start, when he starts talking about the fears and how he wishes sometimes that he just wasn't here.

"Can I tell you something? Only Aether and Terzo know this." He waits for Mountain to nod. "I have it too. I know that feeling and how horrible it is but I promise you, we can make it easier. You're not alone, Mountain. You don't have to deal with it by yourself. I'm not going to let that happen."

He lets the big Quint wrap him in a tight hug and he listens to his options, deciding with a sigh that he'll try medication. He feels himself dropping and asks for Dew and Rain to be brought in, giving Omega permission to tell them everything.

He's bundled in a blanket on Omega's lap when they finally make it down and Dew pulls him onto his arms, offering a soother while he listens to every single word Omega says. He was right, Rain is taking notes and he smiles a little behind his soother.

Dew carries him to his room once all their questions have been answered and Mountain grabs for Rain so he'll stay too.

"I'm so proud of you, pebble." He kisses his forehead.

"You were so brave." Rain adds, smiling and handing Mountain his bunny.

He's still tired and he's still scared and his mind is still so loud and dark but he thinks maybe, just maybe things won't be so hard with Dew and Rain behind him.