Heya hun! So, one of my thoughts - bit angsty ish- But Dew fearing that even though he went from water to fire, they Clergy would want to switch him back to water if something happened to Rain. (Of course, it wouldn't happen - not with Copia to save the day.. But it always lingers in the back of Dew's mind. He hates that it does. He hates always fearing what Saltarian and Sister Imperator and the other high clergy members could do to him and his pack.
-đ
Okay, so the timeline for this is kind of messy but I hope you like it. Some Raindrop hurt/comfort just for you. Dew gets stuck in his feelings but his pack is there to protect him always. RHRN spoilers kind of if you squint.
(Also first time writing smut in like 8 months lol)
WC 3007
Cw: Dew trying to use sex as a way to avoid his emotions, anxiety
The doors to the bus open and Dewdrop bursts through them, eyes roving the Abbey courtyard as Siblings and Abbey ghouls file through the various archways to meet the band. People surround the bus, but the noise of cheers and welcomes do nothing to drown out the buzzing in his mind. Itâs been this way since the last show, since those last chords rang through the arena and the crowd erupted into screams.
He hasnât done a good job of hiding it, he knows that the other ghouls have sensed his restlessness since they started their journey back home. He canât help it; heâs tried to squish down that tightness in his chest, that sense of foreboding thatâs settled in the back of his mind since Papa announced in Brisbane that that show was going to be his last. Papa is retiring. He's stepping down from the papacy. Change is coming. Even though Dew knows that Copia isn't Terzo, he knows that things are different now, his mind won't stop berating him. What happened before is going to happen again. Despite Dewâs best efforts, itâs continued to linger, refusing to be ignored. One by one the pack have all tried to ask him whatâs going on, why his scent smells so weird. Each time he's just shrugged and said its nothing. Heâs just anxious to get home. He can feel his heat coming, or something like that, he hates going through heat while on the road. Yeah, just his heat. Thatâs all. One by one they all acquiesce, leaving himself to his thoughts and his pacing. Itâs just Dew being Dew. Heâs intense sometimes, itâs just how he is, his fickle fire ghoul nature and all.
âHey, you alright?â A voice behind Dew startles him, and he whirls around. Curly black hair and concerned blue eyes meet his amber ones as Rain emerges behind him, taking that last step from the bus stairs to the gravel below.
Dew huffs a breath and shakes his head, turning back to the crowd thatâs encroaching on the bus. He reaches behind him, grabbing Rainâs hand and pulling him forward, âCâmon, want some alone time.â
âHold on, we need to getââ
âWe can get our stuff later! Justâplease, need you.â Dewâs tail whips behind him and his scent flares that of campfire smoke as he looks back at Rain with exasperation in his eyes.
Rain nods, knowing better than to try and push when Dew gets this way.
Dew runs, dragging the water ghoul behind him, he makes his way up the stairs and through the grand entryway leaving the crowd behind. Doorways pass by in a blur as the two ghouls wind their way through the hallways. Dew isnât even paying attention to where they are. He could find the Ghoulsâ Wing in his sleep and right now his body is on autopilot, his brain just screaming go, go, go!
His door with the familiar elemental fire symbol carved into the frame finally comes into view around the corner. Dew grabs the handle, wrenches the door open and ushers Rain through, slamming it behind them. He whirls around, not even bothering to take in the familiarity of his room before grabbing Rain by the waist and crowding the water ghoul back against the door. He reaches up on his tiptoes, shoving his nose into Rainâs neck and inhaling deeply, letting the scent of storms and salt invade his senses. Lithe hands rest on his shoulders and he hears Rain gasp softly as Dew presses his hips into Rainâs and lets his hands travel from Rainâs waist to his chest, grabbing handfuls of fabric and fingering the buttons on his uniform vest. Dew growls low in his throat and presses his lips to Rainâs neck, feeling the water ghoulâs head fall back to thump against the door and his body respond to Dew's advances. He feels Rainâs tail wrapping tightly around his thigh and he moans when he feels the other shudder at the feeling of teeth and tongue teasing and playing with the gills on his graceful neck.
Long fingers weave their way through Dew's long golden hair and grip firmly, tipping his head back and away from the soft skin he is worrying a mark into. Rain looks down at him, eyes clouded and stormy, breaths coming in panting huffs. Dew surges up, capturing his ghoulâs lips in a kiss, urgency filling the space between them and Rain responds, their mouths open and tongues dancing.
âWant you,â Dew whispers against Rainâs lips, bringing his hips forward to grind against the taller ghoul, pressing him into the time-worn wood at his back.
âUhuh,â Rain groans, quickly giving in and falling with the fire ghoul into Dewâs intensity as the scents of smoke and thunder over the sea mingle and fill the room in an intoxicating haze.
Their lips meet again, all tongues and teeth, licking into each otherâs mouths and claiming one another. Rain captures Dewâs lower lip between his own, drawing it in and sucking on it gently, teasingly. Dew feels Rainâs cock filling out between them and he leans into the pressure, willing his own to respond in kind, to distract him from the thoughts that the promise of sex is fighting to keep at bay. Rain moans as he feels Dewâs cock begin to stir and press against his own and Dew shivers at the sound of his loverâs pleasure wrapping itself around his mind, drowning out the doubts,
âYou feel so good,â Rain murmurs. He brings his hands down and Dew whines as claws grip the small globes of his ass, trying to draw him in impossibly closer, âWhat do you want, love?â
Dewâs mind swims, trying to stay in the moment. Thereâs pressure and pheromones, wandering hands and tongues, and it feels so goodâŚ
âHavenât felt you like this since the night of that last show,â Rain brings his head down, inhaling deeply at Dewâs scent gland, now fully immersed in the moment.
Tonight will be my last showâŚ
Dew screws his eyes shut, a whimper escaping his throat. No no noâŚhe doesnât want to think about this right now. Rain is here, thereâs only Rain right nowâŚ
His scent sours and his hands falter, just for a moment. Dew chuffs and presses in closer, trying to shove the thoughts from his mind. His tail weaves its way between their bodies to graze against the bulge in Rainâs pants as he desperately prays to all the Lords below that the water ghoul didnât notice his split second of hesitation. Unfortunately for him in this moment, Rain knows him and his soul better than anyone, and the pause is not missed. The hands on Dew's ass still, their touch becoming less possessive and more gentle.
âHey, heyâŚwhat's up?â Rain peers down at him through the curls spilling across his face, cheeks flushed.
âNothing, I'm fine,â Dew huffs and shakes his head, trying to press back into Rainâs chest but the water ghoul isn't having it.
He releases Dew's ass and raises his hands slowly, one resting on Dew's shoulder and the other cupping his cheek, âLove.â
âI said I'm fine, Rain. I justâI need you, please,â Dew rips Rain's hands away, trying to place them back on his ass.
But it's too late. The thoughts are there and they won't leave. Dewâs heart races and his breaths come in pants as memories of the past begin to swirl through his mind. A man in black and white face paint being dragged from the stage, a woman with sharp gray eyes and a severely tight bun, a reflection of another version of himself from another life bursting into flames.
âLove? Firefly, what's wrong?â
He hears Rain's voice trying to rise above the storm, concerned for his fire ghoul. Dew whines low in his throat and claps his hands over his ears pressed low against his head. His breathing comes in rapid gasps and he shakes his head again, golden hair falling into his watering eyes and covering his face. He hides behind it, shrinking away from Rain as he tries to reach towards the shaking fire ghoul before pushing him aside and ripping the door open.
âDew, wait!â
He ignores Rainâs worried cries, stumbling through the doorway and sprinting down the hallway, disappearing around the corner and leaving only the acrid smell of char and gasoline in the air.
***
Mountain stands by his window, surveying the shelves of potted plants thriving happily in the sunlight filtering through the trees outside in the courtyard. Aether had done a good job of taking care of them while he had been away with the band on this last tour, and Mountain smiled at the memories of the weekly, sometimes daily, photos the quintessence ghoul had sent him over the last few months to prove that he was taking good, attentive care of his plant babies. He turns away from the windowsill, humming contentedly to himself as he pads back to his bed and the partially unpacked bags sitting among the various piles of clothing and personal items. Some of the ghouls often left their tour luggage sitting for days, or even weeks in Swissâs and Cirrusâs cases, before they put it away, wanting to just sleep and decompress in private after spending so much time all crammed together. Mountain, however, detested messiness and disorder and preferred to unpack his luggage first thing, finding it easier to relax once everything was put away in its rightful place.
âMountain? Can I come in please?â
His ear flicks towards the door as a quiet knock interrupts his flow of focus. He sighs, placing the shirt he was folding back onto the bed and padding towards the door. He twists the knob and opens the heavy oak door to reveal Rain standing in the hallway. To put it mildly, Rain looks like a mess. Heâs sweaty, out of breath with his curls plastered to his forehead, shifting from one foot to the other and anxiously wringing his hands as he looks tearfully up at Mountain, sniffling quietly. Mountain blinks back down at him, more surprised than anything. Rain is graceful, composed, calculated. Heâs never a mess.
âHey MountâŚcanâcan I come in?â
Mountain wraps an arm around Rainâs shoulders and brings him into his room, closing the door softly behind him, âRainy, whatâs the matter? Are you hurt?â
Rain trudges over to Mountainâs bed and plops down, a glum look on his face. Mountain kneels down in front of him, taking the water ghoulâs hands in his large paws and rubbing his thumbs soothingly over Rainâs knuckles. He waits, watching Rainâs face closely.
âItâs justâŚâ Rain sighs, âItâs Dew.â
Mountain nods, waiting patiently for Rain to continue.
âYou know how heâs been acting so weird since our last show? We were in his room, we were kissing. All of a sudden he justâŚfreaked out. He ran awayâŚIâI donât know what I did wrong,â Rain sniffs, accepting the handkerchief Mountain pulled from his pocket and wiping his nose.
âIâve been looking for him all over, and I canât find him anywhere. Heâs not in any of his usual spots.â
Mountain hums, squeezing Rainâs hand gently. Heâs known Dew a long time, longer than any of the current touring ghouls. He and the fire ghoul have been through so much together. Heâd watched Dew as the band progressed through this last tour, watched the small ghoul grow more antsy and anxious as the dates drew closer to that last Australian show. Heâd known why Dew was behaving the way he was, but also knew better in the moment than to try and confront Dew on the issue. Mountain lets go of Rainâs hands to rise and seat himself next to the water ghoul on the bed.
âThis isnât because of anything you did or could have done, Rainbow. Dew hasâŚreally complicated feelings about being home. About Papa retiring.â
Rain peers at him through wet eyes, moving his hair out of his face to see Mountain better.
âThis is aboutâŚPapa?â
Mountain nods, âDo you remember the stories me and Aeth told you, Swiss and the girls about the state of things here right before you were all summoned?â
Rain nods, sniffling again.
âWe were all kind ofâŚlost. Our previous Papa was dead, a bunch of our pack disappeared and never came back. Dew went through hisâŚhis ritual,â Mountain winced inwardly at the memories, âAll of that started because Terzo was âretiredâ by Sister and Saltarian at our final show of that tour we had been on.â
âBut Copia isnât dead. He retired of his own choice. If anything, heâs going to be around for a long time now that heâs Frater instead of Papa, and Sister is gone.â Rain says quietly, looking at his hands.
Mountain hums in agreement, âYeah, but Dew has always held on to this fear that because he is the smallest, the weakest, of all of us, he is the most likely to be targeted for rituals such as the one that made him a fire ghoul. Rituals that in the past only happen during times of great change.â
Rainâs head snaps back up, âDew isnât weak!â he cries fiercely, tail snapping behind him.
âNo, of course heâs not. But he sacrificed a lot before in order to help keep me and Aeth safe, and heâs terrified that failing those expectations that were placed on him after he changed will cause history to repeat itself. Except now itâs not just me and Aether. Itâs Swiss and Phantom and the girlsâŚand especially you.â
Mountain stands, pulling Rain up with him. He bends down and places a gentle kiss on the smaller ghoulâs forehead, âI think I know where he might be, go find him and talk to him about it. You can help him.â
***
Dew curls into himself on the mossy ground, drawing his knees against his chest and wrapping his tail around his arm as he hugs himself tightly. Heâs so fucking stupid, freaking out in front of Rain like that. Nothing is gonna happen with the band being home. Everything isâŚfine. He groans in frustration, the doubt eclipsing his attempts at reasoning with himself. He canât go through this again. If anything happened to any of his family, if anything happened to RainâŚ
He bangs his forehead softly against his knees. Stupid.
The sound of rustling leaves brings Dewâs head whipping up, nerves on high alert. He breathes out a sigh of relief when he sees Rain emerging from the tree branches draping the ground. That relief is quickly replaced by embarrassment and shame at the fact that he had run away from the most important ghoul of his life, that Rain is now seeing him like this. Small, vulnerable, weak.
Rain steps around the slippery, moss-covered stones on the ground, slowly approaching Dew. The cove where the fire ghoul has been hiding is just a small inlet of the Abbey lake protected and covered by a great Weeping Willow tree, acting as a curtain around the inlet and creating a quiet little cave of muted light and green foliage, the water gently lapping the lakeâs edge from under the boundary of the treeâs graceful, drooping branches.
Dew scooches over to make room as Rain sinks to the ground next to him and crosses his long legs, leaning back on his hands. He waits for the water ghoul to speak, not trusting himself or his own voice at this particular moment. He places his forehead back to his knees and closes his eyes, listening to Rainâs slow intake of breath.
âYou know, Iâve explored every inch of this lake, and I never knew that this was here,â Rain says musingly above Dewâs head.
âYeahâŚI found this placeâŚwellâŚbefore.â Dew mutters into his knees.
Rain hums in acknowledgment, quietly taking in his surroundings.
Dew lifts his head, turning his face to the side to face Rain and resting his cheek on his kneecap, âMâsorry, RainyâŚâ he mumbles, miserably.
Rain scooches closer and lays his head gently on top of Dewâs. Dew breathes in the scent of petrichor and sea salt, his heart rate slowing with the comforting smell and the warm proximity of his ghoul.
âOh, my loveâŚitâs okay, thereâs nothing to be sorry about.â
Dew sniffles, wiping his nose on his sleeve. The two ghouls sit in silence, watching the willow branches over the water sway with the breeze blowing in from the lake. Rain breaks the silence first.
âI couldnât find you after you left, so I tried asking Mountain for help. He told me aboutâŚabout what youâve been going through with the end of tour.â
Dew stays silent. He hears Rain sigh, pressing in closer.
âDewâŚIâm sorry. Iâm so sorry, I had no idea that this has been bothering you. Why didnât you say anything?
âDidnâtâŚsniffâŚdidnât wanna worry anyone. I know sânot realâŚâ
He feels Rain lift his head and shift away. His heart drops for a moment, but breathes a small sigh as Rain wraps an arm around his thin shoulders and draws him in close. His throat aches with unshed tears and he shakes his head, unable to offer any more words.
âDew, weâre going to be okay. This isnât like last time. Even though Copia isnât our Papa anymore, he would never let anything happen to us.â
âYou were placed in an impossible position before I came here, before I knew you. You are the strongest, bravest ghoul I know, having gone through what you did, so willingly and selflessly, no less. You are valid for feeling afraid, I know that the past can be so hard to escape sometimes.â
Rain lifts Dewâs head up with a hand under his chin and gives him a soft peck on the nose.
âNothing is going to happen to me, or any of the others. Weâre going to be together for a long, long time. We are safe, and so are you.â
Easter egg for office workers: if you go onto Excel and press ctrl+left, then ctrl+down, you will reach cell XFD1048576. If you put a dot in there, then ctrl+A and fill every cell in black, you can then print 34 million black pages from your office printer and get fired
Dew has a hard day
Cw: long day, Dew's tired and a little stuck, Rain washes his hair, not fully regressed dew
He's struggling. The day is dragging and his eyes feel sandy and heavy and he just wants to sleep. He knew he should have said no to Swiss the night before but he got a new video game they'd both been excited forâŚso he'd invited him into his room and sure enough they'd stayed up into the early hours of the morning playing it.
It had been fun but he was hurting for it now. He had to get up early to get ready for long, boring meetings with Copia and he could barely keep his eyes open. His uniform feels heavy on his body, the mask too tight, his shoes too cumbersomeâŚbut he stands diligently behind Copia, still as a statue as the meetings tick by.
He wants a big comfy bed, he wants out of this uniform, he wants Rain. He clenches his jaw and grits his teethâŚjust a few more hours.
Papa checks on him a handful of times, peeking over his shoulder, carefully reaching back and squeezing his hand. Dew offers a smile and a nod, silently letting him know he's ok.
But he wants out of this room, he wants away from all the eyes and the painfully boring conversations. He wants comfort.
He feels like he could drop but it's like there's a block. Obviously he can't really while he's here but it's more than that. He feels uncomfortable and stuck and it makes his stomach knot. He wipes his sweaty palms on his pants and rolls his shoulders, trying to steady his breathing so he doesn't draw any unneeded attention to himself.
Copia gives his hand a quick, subtle squeeze halfway through the meeting and part of him just wants to cry and climb into his lap and ask for help. But he can't, he's got a job to do and he will do it to the very best of his ability.
It still feels off though, like something is wrong. It's happened before and he knows once he gets to Rain it'll be fine, they'll figure it out but here and now, he feels sick and all wrong. He bites the inside of his cheek as the meeting drags on and on.
Once it finally ends, he's ready to run from the room but he's frozen in place. He can't quite catch his breath but he's steadied and comforted when Copia gently grabs his shoulders.
âPrenditi un momento, mio sole.â (Take a moment my sun)
They breathe together for a moment until he feels ok enough to make it up to Rain's room. He hopes he's there, he's not sure he's up for looking for him right now.
His hands shake as he raises it to knock and he's not sure it's even loud enough to hear, but he's on the edge of panic and can't bring himself to knock again.
Thankfully Rain is there and he hears. The door opening is a relief and he immediately sags into Rain's arms.
âDew? Are you ok?â
He just shakes his head, the words slipping away from him. He eventually moves just enough to sign âstuckâ.
Rain pulls him gently into the room, shutting the door and locking it behind them, not wanting anyone barging in while Dew is in such a vulnerable space. He kisses his forehead and smiles.
âWell let's get you un-stuck.â
He signs again. â*Don't know how.â*
âShh, I've got you. You just relax.â
He already feels the tension leaving his body while he's hugged up against Rain. He feels safer now that he's here in the room he knows so well.
âHow about I wash your hair before you drop? Its helped before.â
And he's right, the warm water and Rain's gentle fingers always lull him into a soft space even without fully dropping. He nods and let's Rain guide him into the bathroom. He sits on the floor and leans his head back with his hair dipping into the tub and Rain washes his hair slowly and carefully.
It feels good and his eyes start to get heavy as he sits there just focusing on the way Rain's fingers feel in his hair.
âGood amour?â
Rain's voice is soft, taking on the tone he uses for the littles and Dew feels himself relaxing a little more. He nods and reaches over to hold onto the bottom of Rain's shirt while he continues with Dew's hair.
By the time he's done, Dew has started to feel hazy and heavy in a comfortable, sleepy way. Rain rubs the towel through his hair and gently gets him up to his feet, guiding him back into the room.
He raises his hands and signs with shaky fingers. *âI don't know if I can go all the way downâŚâ*
âThat's ok, I'll take care of you no matter what. You just need to rest and relax.â He smiles and boops the tip of his nose. âStop all that worrying, I'm here.â
Dew smiles and nods and holds the towel around himself as Rain goes to find him something comfortable to wear. He gets him dressed in fleece pants and an old t-shirt and Dew sighs, almost fully at ease.
âHop in bed and grab Basil, I'm going to go get you a warm drink. Get cozy ok?â
He nods again and reaches for the dino sitting against Rain's pillow, pulling its plush body up to his face and shutting his eyes. He's already feeling better, his mind drifting into that hazy space. Not quite dropped but not quite completely big either.
His thumb makes its way to to his mouth and he snuggles down deeper into the bed while he waits for Rain to come back. When he returns, Dew's almost asleep, humming contently when Raib slides up beside him, wrapping him up in his arms.
Rain pulls Dew's thumb from his mouth, offering a soother instead and he takes it without complaint. He set the bottle beside him in case dew wants it later but for now he just holds him, tucking the blanket up around him as he gently rocks and hums, running his fingers through Dew's hair.
He smiles as Dew falls asleep, the worry easing off of his face as he drifts off into relaxing sweet dreams there in Rain's arms.
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 đЎ
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 Swissâ 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 notâŚ
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.
âMy rooms at the end of the hall. Sleep well.â 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.
âDid you eat dinner?â
âI'll eat when I want.â
Mountain bites his tongue at the petulant response, how he sounds like the moody teens he's heard through the Abbey and simply shrugs. âOk.â
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. âWant me to heat some up for you? I'm already over here.â
âIt'sâŚâ Swiss carefully moves closer to Mountain, eyes still nervously dancing around the kitchen. âIt's not mine. Didn't do anything to earn it.â
Mountain turns to face him. âYou're here. That's all you have to do.â He remembers when Aether had shown him the kitchen the first time and how overwhelming it had been. âEverything here is for all of us, you're included in that. Whatever you want, Swiss.â
âButâŚâ His stomach growls and he glares down at his own body for snitching on his hunger.
Mountain laughs quietly. âLet me heat up some of you. You can eat here with me or you can go wherever you feel comfortable. Up to you.â
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.
âSwiss?â
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.
âWhat's wrong with him?â He doesn't say it like an accusation, Mountain can hear the genuine panic and the way his tone has shifted.
âIt'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.â
âIs-is he dying?â
âNo! No of course he's notâŚwhy-â He swallows the rest of his words and moves to take his hand. âHe's not going anywhere. None of us are.â
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.
âYou don't have to hide, Spark.â He glances around, searching for any comfort item Swiss might have, frowning when he seesâŚnothing. Nothing that even speaks of the ghoul living in this room. âI'm just going to go grab something really quick, I'll be right back.â
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.
âThis is JĂźrgen, Dew got him for me. He's pretty good at making me feel better.â He sets the bunny against the blanket, watching Swiss slowly pull him under the blanket to hold onto. âDo you want to talk about what you're thinking?â
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.
âMânot like RainâŚâ
âThat's ok. You don't have to be.â
Rain wails again down the hall and Swiss whimpers. âIâŚI've never had anything to loseâŚI didn't have anyoneâŚâ
It's like ice being poured over him and Mountain holds Swiss tighter. âYou have us.â
âWhat if mânot good enough orâŚor I'm mean! I don'tâŚ.â He peeks up at Mountain, big gold eyes full of tears. âI don't wanna be by myself again.â
âYou won't be. That's not how it is with packs. We are with you, always. No matter what.â
âI wasn't nice when I got here!â
âYou 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.â
âReally?â
âMhm. 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.â
He watches Swiss' fingers play with the bunny's ears under the blanket while he thinks about everything. âRain's really going to be ok?â
âYes.â His phone bings and he reads the text, smiling a bit. âRain is requesting a movie nightâŚwhich really just means he wants a ghoul pile.â
âWhat's that?â
âWe all go into the den and justâŚcuddle really. It's just a way to be close to everyone. We don't have to if you're not ready.â
âBut I'mâŚâ
âYou're you.â
âYou'll stay with me?â
âI can carry you like this if you want.â
Swiss snorts a little, smiling despite himself. âI can walkâŚbutâŚjustâŚâ
âI'll be right beside you, and you can hold onto JĂźrgen.â
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.
âAre you a lizard now?â
Swiss laughs as he watches, not noticing the way the others smile at his unguarded happiness.
Rain giggles again. âSwiss try! It sticks to your tongue!â
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 aboutâŚto have people that care about him in return.
âOk spark?â 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.
âYeahâŚmâok.â
This is totally me
Be proud of the dumb, little thing you wrote, just because you wanted to write a dumb, little thing. Your writing doesn't need to be serious and award-winning for you to be proud of it.
MUSHY MAY 2024
Prompts from the awesome @forlorn-crows
I'm really late to the party for day 13 (see my name for reasons đ¤ˇââď¸), but I've repurposed a oneshot I wrote for the 'Just Wanted to Hear Your Voice' prompt.
Dew and Aether
Phone sex
NSFW 18+
Around 2k words
Aether's phone vibrated in the pocket of his uniform jacket and he studiously ignored it. He knew who it would be.
Swiss glanced over at him and smirked. The two of them were out in the city on business with Papa who was currently in an important meeting. Aether and Swiss were acting as his bodyguard bookends.
Throughout the day, Dew had been sending Aether pictures. Theyâd started off innocently enough. Dew and Mountain were accompanying Terzo on a trip to conduct some Clergy business in Greenland. The messages had kicked off with scenic selfies or interesting things that theyâd seen on their travels. As the day had gone on though, the selfies had become a little bit more... intimate.
Swiss had figured out something was up and heâd been studying Aether's reactions every time the phone vibrated. He could tell that the multi ghoul was itching to say something about it. Papa was too engrossed in his meeting to notice, thankfully.
It was almost dinnertime and the meeting finally began to wrap up. Aether was glad they would be heading home soon because his head was starting to throb with the energy heâd used being in the human world. Humans in larger numbers were extremely draining to his quintessential self.
They got settled in the car and Swiss began the drive back to the Abbey. Aether was in the back with Papa.
âAre you going to check your messages, Aether?â Swiss said with a shit eating grin. Aether glanced up and met his eyes in the rear-view mirror. He scowled and just about managed to stop the growl that rose up. âIt might be something important,â the multi ghoul said with a glint of mischief in his eyes.
âIt can wait,â Aether snarled.
He felt Papaâs eyes on him.
âHe is right. It could be important,â Papa said, oblivious to the situation.
"It's fine, Papa," he said, feeling his annoyance rising.
Aether sank down into his seat, muttering under his breath. He turned towards the window and tried to think of something other than the bathroom mirror selfie that Dew had sent him just after lunch. Heâd had his shirt pulled up, holding it between his fangs to show off his lean stomach. The hand not holding his phone had been inside his pants. The caption had read:
Prepping for later...
Viewing that picture was the moment that Aether had realised he was going to have to ignore his mateâs messages for the rest of his shift because he would have been next to useless to Papa otherwise.
He and Dew had scheduled a video call for later once Terzo and the ghouls had settled at the small abbey they were staying at.
Aether went through the motions once he was dismissed for the evening, getting changed out of his uniform and into a pair of loose blue pyjama pants. It was warm in the lair so he left his shirt off. He ate dinner with the others and then they went their separate ways.
He settled down on his bed, leaning on the pillows propped up against the wooden headboard, legs stretched out and ankles crossed.
Aether grabbed his phone and finally opened the messenger app, smirking as he scrolled through the chat. The further down he went, the more risquĂŠ the pictures became. There were a couple from the bathroom of the plane, teasing shots of bare flesh. A few more from the room heâd been allocated, the room that for some reason seemed to have an abundance of mirrors which Dew had taken full advantage of.
Another message flashed up on the screen, swiftly followed by a short video and Aether barked out a laugh.
Been too busy to play today? Pity. I see you watching me. Have had to take matters into my own hands...
The video panned over a series of polaroids that had been laid out on top of the covers of the bed in Dew's temporary room. All of them were of Aether and every single one of them was absolutely obscene.
Aether fired off his own message.
Some late night art? A little too crude for my tastes, but the subject is pretty.
The green camera icon lit up and Aether answered the call. He grinned when Dewâs face appeared, a mock frown creasing his brow.
âWell I didnât know you were so highbrow, Aeth. I would have chosen something more classy for my travel wank bank if Iâd realised. I thought you were into smut. And keep your hands off that pretty ghoul. He is mine,â he growled. "Actually, second thoughts, maybe you should use your hands on him."
Aether laughed and Dew grinned back at him.
âItâs nice to see your face, Dew. I was getting a little bored of looking at your abs.â
Dew snorted and he shifted position.
âYou missed me really. How was your day?â
The screen pixelated and then froze. Aether thought the call would drop but it came back to life again.
âBad signal?â Aether asked. Dew rolled his eyes and nodded. âIt would have been okay if I hadnât been distracted all day. But I just wanted to hear your voice.â
âPoor baby,â Dew said, mischief sparking in his eyes. âDid my holiday snaps make you lose your concentration?â
Aether sighed.
âMaybe.â
Dew frowned when he heard the weariness in Aetherâs voice.
âWhat time is it there?â he asked.
âJust after nine.â
âItâs after midnight here. The others are asleep.â
The screen froze again and the call finally dropped. Aether cursed but almost immediately got an incoming call from a foreign number. He answered.
âRelying on the old fashioned technology, huh?â
Dew laughed down the line, husky and quiet.
âApparently so.â He sighed and Aether heard him shifting position. He must have been sitting on his bed too. âAnyway, what are you wearing?â
Aether snorted.
âNot much.â
âSend me a pic.â
âMore fuel for your wank bank?â he said dryly.
âHumour me.â Aether stretched out his arm and took a selfie, sending it to Dee's phone. The other ghoul chuckled after a moment when it finally came through. "Ugh the internet is so slow here. Oh, I like those pants. Do you know what would make them better though?â
Aether heard the sounds of fabric rustling and Dew hissed. He smirked, knowing exactly what Dew was doing and the semi that heâd had since heâd opened up their chat turned to a raging hard on when he pictured it.
âNo, Dew, what would make them better?â
âIf you came in them like a horny little teenager.â
âAnd how exactly am I going to accomplish that, Dew?â Aether said, voice barely above a whisper.
âIâm sure I can guide you through it. Maybe if you do exactly as I say, the next picture I get will be messier.â
Aether huffed a breath and Dew took in a shaky one.
âWhat are you doing, Dewdrop? It sounds like youâre struggling a bit with something there.â
âThat would be telling,â he said. âPut the phone on speaker.â Aether did as he was told and put it down on the bedside table. âNow, those hands? Put them to good use. I want you to trail them over your skin. One of them is going to touch your body the way I touch it. Youâre going to imagine thatâs my hand and my claws raking along your torso. Youâre going to be gentle and youâre going to be slow.â
Aether put his right hand on his neck, tilting his head to the side and stroking the skin reverently, fingers trailing along his jaw and down the column of his throat.
âWhat about my other hand, Dew?â he asked hoarsely.
Dewdrop chuckled down the phone.
âI want that other hand inside those pants and wrapped around that fat cock of yours.â
âSo demanding,â Aether said as he trailed his left hand down over his scarred pectoral.
He skimmed over his abs and his hip, sliding his fingers under the waistband of the loose pyjama pants.
He closed his eyes and sighed when his hand closed around his cock. It was throbbing in time to his heart by now and he gripped it, giving it a long, lazy stroke.
âTell me what it feels like,â Dew said.
Aether concentrated on the feel of his calloused palm against his velvety flesh. He groaned as he twisted his fist around the head and then moved it back down again to the base a few times.
âSo fucking good,â he breathed out.
âWhereâs that other hand?â Dew said shortly.
Aether was circling his nipple with his claws right then and he moved his hand to stroke along the skin of his stomach.
âOn my stomach, stroking. Feels nice.â
Dew hummed his approval, breath coming out heavier now, pants and groans coming through the phone.
âI canât wait too much longer. You need to hurry up. Grip yourself tighter. Imagine itâs me, imagine my fangs on your skin as Iâm stroking you.â Aether took a shuddering breath and it hitched as he pictured Dew doing just that. He bit his bottom lip and a little snarl escaped him. âOh yeah, like that. Make yourself feel good, so fucking good.â Dew gasped and made the whining sound that he often did when he was about to lose it. Aether could feel himself getting closer to the edge by now too, sweat had broken out on his skin and his heels dug into the covers below him. He groaned again. âPut that other hand to better use.â Dewâs voice was strained now, barely above a whisper. âUse it on your balls. Squeeze them, do it the way I do.â
Aether did as Dew said and reached inside the pants, left hand working himself faster. He was almost there, but when he grabbed his balls with his right hand and squeezed, hard, the effect was instant. It tipped him right over. He gritted his teeth in a snarl and arched his back, ropes of cum pulsing out of him as he worked himself through it.
Through the pounding of blood in his ears he heard Dewdrop snarl as he finished himself off also. He heard his name on the other ghoulâs lips and he huffed out a breath as he came back down to earth.
âFuck,â he gasped, chuckling when he glanced down at himself and saw the wet patch at the front of the flannel.
He really did feel like a horny teenager.
Aether shifted back onto his elbows, tipping his head back and looking up at the ceiling.
âI need that picture now,â Dew's voice cut through his post orgasmic haze.
He sounded wrecked.
Aether grabbed his phone and took another selfie, the same position as the one before.
He hit send and sighed.
âHappy?â
It took a moment but Dew groaned.
âLook at that. Dirty boy. I love it.â
Dew cursed under his breath and the sound of a door opening drifted out of the phone.
âFucking hell, Dew, can you keep it down?â Mountain's gruff, sleep addled voice cut through. âOh my fucking Satan! What the fuck, Dew? I need to bleach my fucking eyeballs!â
Dewdrop was cackling and Aether could only imagine the scene that Mountain had just walked into. Dew, naked on his bed, cock probably still in his hand and surrounded by his private collection of pictures of Aether. He snorted a laugh and heard the door slamming.
âMaybe you should fucking knock first, Mountain!â Dew yelled after him. He sighed heavily and Aether yawned. âI should let you rest. I could hear how tired you were just before. Has Papa given you the day off tomorrow?â he asked.
âYes. Iâm going to sleep in. I think I feel the need to take some arty photographs during the day though,â he said with a grin.
Dewdrop laughed and the sound gave Aether peace.
âWell, I look forward to seeing your creative side. Iâve got a busy day tomorrow so Iâll be sure to sneak a peek when I can.â
âGood night, Dewdrop,â Aether said sleepily.
âNight, sweet. Love you,â Dew said. âOh, by the way, leave those pants on to sleep in. I want you reminded of me as soon as you wake up. Make sure you mess them up again in the morning.â
Aether chuckled.
âYouâre such a filthy little shit, Dew.â
âI know," he said unashamedly. "You love it.â
He hung up and Aether grinned. He couldnât wait until Dew was back. He had some things in mind to repay the favour already.
Does baby Dew ever get his languages mixed up at all? I love that he knows them all but I just wonder if when he's little he can't really get them out right?
Very quick short little thing!
Cw: sick baby Dew
Dew had fussed all night, warm with a fever and uncomfy. Mountain had stayed up with him, pacing the halls or rocking in a rocking chair, swaddling him or leaving him in just his thin jammiesâŚ
But nothing worked.
His little cheeks were red and he was obviously exhausted but he couldn't sleep.
He kisses the top of his head as the sun rises, waiting for anyone to come take the baby so he can shut his eyes for a little while. Swiss answers the group chat first, letting Mountain know he's on his way.
âSwiss is coming, honeybee.â
âDueleâŚâ More tears gather in his eyes. (Hurts)
Mountain cocks his head. âI don't know what that means, I'm sorry.â
Dew sniffles, rubbing his eyes and pressing his ear closer to Mountain's chest, whimpering and sniffling.
Swiss knocks once before quietly entering the room, eyes soft when he spots Mountain still standing and swaying with the baby.
Dew reaches his arms out and snuggles up under his neck as soon as Swiss takes him.
âHe's still warm and hasn't slept.â Mountain squeezes the back of his neck, groaning at the tension.
Swiss kisses him quickly. âGet some sleep, Mount.â
Swiss carries Dew down the hall to his room, humming as he walks. Dew squirms against him, clearly uncomfortable and Swiss wishes he could read his mind.
He gets his record player going, hoping the music will help him settle a bit but his little face is still twisted and red, dry tears on his cheeks.
âFa male. BruttoâŚâ His voice is weak, exhausted and the words are jumbled and slurred, still mostly babbling but Swiss knows he's trying to say something. (Hurts bad)
âWhat was that, amor?â
But he doesn't repeat it, his lower lip wobbles and he cries again, twisting his head and pressing tight against Swiss' chest. He sighs and bounces him gently, hating that he can't just help him.
He keeps him close, singing and bouncing him until Phantom runs into his room with their jacket on.
âAre y-you ready?â
âOh bug I'm sorry, I forgot!â He had promised the little quint they'd go on a walk on a rainy day so they could splash in puddles.
âOhâŚsâokâŚâ
âNo, give me just a second. I promised I just forgot. Dew doesn't feel well so I was just a little distracted. Let me text Rain real quick ok?â
Swiss lays the baby on the bed, keeping his hand pressed against his little chest. Phantom climbs up beside him, frowning at Dew's sad eyes.
âD-donât be s-sad Dew!â
Dew sniffles. âAntâŚâ
The little quint cocks their head, trying to focus on why Dew's upset but it's hard to control their magic when their little.
âOk mi amor, Rain's going to look after you for a bit.â
âMor.â
âYeah, he's on his way.â He smiles and kisses his forehead.
Phantom manages to pull a tiny smile from the baby before Rain shows up. Dew's little fingers are curled around two of Phantom's, holding onto them while they talk just to distract him from his discomfort.
He turns as soon as he realizes Rain is there, sleepily reaching out. His eyes are red and puffy and Rain scoops him up quickly, holding him close and rubbing his back.
âHe's still fussy.â Swiss lets him know as he adjusts the baby in his arms.
He presses his warm little face against Rain's cool neck. âMorâŚtut weh.â (Hurts)
Rain glances at Swiss who just shrugs. âHe's been saying stuff but it's nothing I can recognize.â
He nods and kisses the top of Dew's head, saying goodbye to Swiss and Phantom. He shushes the baby softly when he whimpers as they are walking, humming until he settles a bit.
Rain rocks him in the chair for a while, hoping the gentle motions will ease him into sleep. He's quiet for a bit before he cries again, big tears rolling down his cheeks as he presses his ear tight against Rain's chest, his little fingers clawing at Rain's shirt.
He pulls out his phone and texts Aether, getting an almost immediate response to bring Dew down to him.
âWe are going to go see Aether, amour.â
Dew sniffles, blinking his big sad eyes up at Rain. âDaidĂâŚâ
âYeah baby, we're going to go see him.â He promises as he stands from the chair, patting Dew's back as they leave the room to go to the infirmary.
Aether is waiting by the door when they make it down and Dew reaches for him as soon as he sees him.
âDaidĂ.â
Aether holds him tight. âDia duit mo ghrĂĄ.â (Hi my love)
Dew fusses again. âGortaĂtearâŚâ (hurts)
âWhat hurts?â
Rain flinches just slightly. âHe was trying to tell us thatâŚâ He shakes his head and rests his hand on the baby's back. âI'm so sorry, Mon amour, I didn't know what you were saying.â
Aether touches his shoulder. âIt's ok, Rain.â
They get Dew in one of the rooms and Aether lets his magic work, seeking out the pain to soothe it, finding an ear infection. He keeps the pain down and eases back the fever.
His eyes brighten as soon as the pain fades. Rain relaxes when Dew claps his hands.
âThat's better, hm?â Aether smiles, wiping Dews face with his sleeve, brushing the remaining tears away.
He points at his ear. âOwâŚbad ow!â
âI know, I'm sorry. But it'll be better now.â
Rain sits beside them in the bed, shaking his head fondly. âYou've got too many languages in that little head of yours.â
Dew just giggles, clapping his hands again. They chat for a while, letting Dew relax with Aether until sleep finally starts to catch up to him. He rubs his eyes, snuggling closer into Aether.
âI've got to get back to work, firefly.â He kisses his forehead. âIf he starts fussing again, text me, I'll come up to see him.â
âThanks Aeth.â Rain leans against him for a moment before picking Dew up carefully, smiling when his sleepy eyes find his for a second before closing again.
He carries him back to his room and settles on the bed with Dew up on his chest now soundly sleeping. He texts the group to let them know, sending a picture of the sleeping baby along with it before he lays his hands on Dew's back and shuts his eyes, focusing on the rumbly little purr in Dew's chest.
Rating: E
Pairing: Ifrit/Dewdrop
Words: 865
Summary: Dew knows true warmth for the first time, and he can't get enough. Neither can Ifrit. Or, Ifrit and Dew fuck for the first time post Dew's transition.
Thank you @forlorn-crows (the beloved) for doing this as always :)
Head dropping into the pillow, Ifrit knew he was inches away from unraveling and no amount of measured breathing would save him from that fact.Â
He could have laughed at himself, should have cursed at himself, but all he managed was a shuddered sigh as the freshly made fire ghoul sank down the length of his cock. Slowly, with his skinny thighs trembling where they bracketed his hips. Dew was struggling just as much as he was. It was a familiar but impossible stretch, always was, but it was different this time. He was carving out a spot for Ifrit and Ifrit alone, giving himself and this elementally changed body to Ifrit. Dew had been set on it, on Ifrit being the first - on Ifrit always being his first. Having barged into his room, skin still steaming, smelling of incense and salt, he wasted no time.Â
Ash certainly dirtied his sheets, still smeared on Dew's body and now on his own, but Ifrit couldnât find the concern for linens within himself. Not when the embrace of Dew's walls were both molten and velvet, too snug around his poor cock to leave room for anything in his head. All he could focus on were the multiple, searing points of contact between them and the heat.Â
He was used to the heat. A fire ghoul forged from an eternal flame within the endless pits of sulfur, Ifrit found home within hellfire but Dew was beyond it. Well past burning and Ifrit wanted to bear the scars of the blaze he was becoming.Â
Literal sparks crackled around Dew's head like some strange halo when he abruptly forced himself down those last few torturous inches. Impatient as ever, a changing of element would never take that from him. It knocked the wind from both of them.Â
His eyes nearly rolled up into his skull but he did all he could not to fold and admit to the coiling sensation in his belly. If he ignored the way his balls ached maybe he could hold out.Â
Dew wasn't fairing much better, clearly. His mouth had fallen open in a silent cry, chin tucked to his chest, steadying himself against Ifrit's broad chest. The red in his cheeks practically glowed, a striking hue against pale cool-toned skin. He was burning up from the inside out, a flame trapped and flickering under his skin, and Ifrit didn't want to blink lest he miss a second of his lover or the fruit of this long awaited rebirth. The head of his cock was just as flushed. Angry and leaking profusely against Ifrit's stomach, a water ghoul trait his vessel stubbornly clung onto much to Dew's apparent chagrin.
Palms sliding up Dew's thighs, feeling the twitching muscle beneath the weight of his hands, it all felt too real. A day he'd been waiting for. Suspended in anticipation, counting down the seconds until Dew and him were alike at the deepest parts of their being. Made kindred flames at the behest of the morning star himself.Â
Ifrit squeezed at his hips to bring Dew back to earth with him. They both deserved to exist wholly in this moment. His fingers nearly touched around his waist.Â
âI'm hereâ Dew rasps. The first words he'd spoken since before he was whisked away by clergy members to a place Ifrit could not follow. The first words since he'd punctuated their temporary goodbye with a kiss too chaste to savor the meaning of. His voice was deeper or perhaps his vocal chords were stripped raw.Â
âYou're here.â Ifrit whispered, smile crinkling the corners of his eyes. It's big and a bit too goofy for the position they found themselves in but it makes Dew's heart flutter and his cock jump. They both notice the latter. âHow does it feel?âÂ
Dew lifted his head, soot stained hair curtaining his face. Carefully placed shadows on his sharp features. His tongue darted out to wet his lips, not yet bruised but pinker than they'd ever been. Everything was new down to the very sensations. He struggled to find the words, clearly. Ifrit could see the tangled threads of thought behind those copper tinged eyes.Â
âHot.â The word practically dripped off his tongue, sighing out wisps of smoke as Ifrit tucked his hair behind his ear. He wanted to bottle it and save it. âNever felt this warm before,â his shoulders shook with a breathless laugh. âS'weird.âÂ
âBad?âÂ
âGood, real goodâŚIs it always like this?âÂ
âOh firefly,â the pet name somehow makes Dew feel tighter around him and Ifrit was forced to admit defeat. He couldn't last like this. âYou'll never feel cold again. Don't even need me to keep you warm anymore.âÂ
Something a little like panic, or even disappointment flickered in his eyes. âBut - But you still will, right?âÂ
Ifrit pulled him down. Chest to chest where they could both feel the steady beating of their hearts falling in sync. The short lived tension in his body melts away. Evaporates like steam, unseen and forgotten immediately. He thinks Dew might have finally found a way to crawl under his skin and stay there with how he clung to him.Â
âAlways, droplet.âÂ
minding my own businessâŚ
*opening a word doc*