#randomghoulwrites

Dewdrop hid at his sanctuary, the ministry's roof, where he could be alone and not be bothered by anyone. He had been going there almost every night ever since his elemental transition. Mountain and Aether had been treating him as if he were a ghost that they couldn't see haunting the halls of the place they once called home. It no longer felt like home since their packmates were banished to the pits and the loss of their Papa.

He felt like he had no other choice: either accept the transition or have his mates be banished...or worse. Dewdrop couldn't bring himself to finish that thought. Despite his sacrifice and weeks of agony, his mates treated him with such coldness. After he recovered, he went into the greenhouse to talk to Mountain and help out like he used to as a water ghoul. Mountain screamed at him to get out and that Dewdrop would set the place ablaze. Dewdrop burst into tears and quickly fled the greenhouse, seeking refuge in his room for the remainder of the day.

Aether also behaved differently; he wouldn't raise his voice at Dewdrop, but he acted as if Dewdrop had died and that Aether was in mourning despite Dewdrop standing next to him. As they did the dishes, he told Dewdrop that he wished Dewdrop hadn't made it and that the fire ghoul was just the shell of the one he used to love. It devastated Dewdrop. He was alive and right next to his mate, but his mate refused to believe that his mate was right there. Aether would watch the fire ghoul with such sadness and devastation that it would make a vengeful spirit weep.

The Cardinal showed kindness to the newly transitioned fire ghoul. He had been taking care of him like his packmates should. The Cardinal saw to it that Dewdrop was well-fed and that his room was kept at a cold temperature to prevent Dewdrop from overheating himself. He also insisted that Dewdrop called him 'Copia' and not by his title since "they are going to work together after all". After Dewdrop finally confided in Copia about the treatment he had been receiving from his mates, Copia berated Mountain and Aether for the treatment of their packmate, who went through weeks of agony for them.

Then the Summoning took place. Sister Imperator ordered the Cardinal to summon a new water ghoul and two air ghouls. Dewdrop watched as they summoned a water ghoul. When the water ghoul appeared, it made Dewdrop ache. The water ghoul was perfect, not a single imperfection on him. He introduced himself as 'Rain' to his future packmates. Dewdrop didn't hate Rain, but the ghoul before him unknowingly triggered a sadness of who he used to be. He used to be beautiful, and now everything he used to be was burned away. Then the air ghouletts were summoned. They were mated and protective of each other. The way they refused to leave each other's embrace made Dewdrop smile; it was sweet in a weird way to watch. They introduced each other as 'Cirius' and 'Cumulus'.

But then something unexpected happened. Out of nowhere, the portal opened again and revealed a multi-ghoul. He trailed not far behind the ghouletts, essentially hitching a ride. A multi-ghoul was extremely rare to encounter, and summoning one was even more so. Dewdrop froze as the multi-ghoul turned his gaze to him, his warm brown eyes reflecting what made Dewdrop feel vulnerable, but didn't feel threatened. The multi-ghoul introduced himself as 'Swiss' and was welcomed with open arms.

After the new arrivals settled in, Dewdrop observed from the sidelines as they interacted with Mountain and Aether, leaving the fire ghoul to himself. He got the hint that he wasn't welcome and left the den feeling dejected. Every day, Dewdrop saw how everyone interacted with one another as if they had been packmates for a long time. They treated Dewdrop as if he wasn't there or that they forgot about him. It caught the attention of Swiss. He saw how lonely the fire ghoul was and how the pack treated him. It made him furious, and from that point on, he swore to himself that he would protect Dewdrop and make sure that he felt loved.

It started as something small, such as helping Dewdrop when he was left to do the dishes. Dewdrop was silent as he cleaned a plate; his long hair hid his face. Swiss wordlessly grabbed a towel and started drying the dishes that Dewdrop had cleaned. Dewdrop turned and looked up at Swiss in surprise. Swiss turned and looked at Dewdrop before smiling at him and continued drying the dish. Dewdrop was silently thankful for his help, but didn't understand why Swiss bothered.

Since then, Swiss began to assist Dewdrop whenever possible. He wordlessly helped the smaller ghoul carry equipment, helped him with his daily tasks that would take the fire ghoul too long to complete, and included him with whatever leisurely thing the pack was doing after a long day of practice and chores. Mountain and Aether continued to distance themselves from Dewdrop, even going as far as protecting Rain from him, despite Dewdrop having no ill feelings towards the water ghoul. After weeks of neglect from Mountain and Aether, Dewdrop gave up and decided to protect his heart from being broken again.

He was so tired of being ignored and sometimes being yelled at by those who used to love him, which is why he took refuge at his sanctuary, a place where no one could hurt him. Feeling utterly defeated, Dewdrop lowered his head and hugged his knees to his chest. The ghosts of his pack plagued his broken mind and heart. He longed for Ifrit's fearless nature and tender heart, yearned for Zephyr's gentle voice and embraces, and most of all, he missed the love Mountain and Aether used to have for him. What he did for them, he did out of love, but they were too overwhelmed by grief and anger to see that.

Dewdrop was about to allow himself to cry when he felt someone behind him, causing him to gasp and turn his head to the presence. He turned and saw Swiss standing hesitantly in front of the window Dewdrop climbed through.

Swiss smiled as he spoke apologetically, "I apologize for disturbing you. I had no idea you were here. I heard that we can see the stars more clearly this time of the year, and I wanted to see them for myself." He hesitated before speaking up again. "Would it be alright if I joined you?"

Dewdrop smiled half-heartedly and patted at a spot next to him. "I wouldn't mind at all."

Swiss grinned and sat down next to the fire ghoul, barely touching him. Dewdrop avoided the multi-ghoul's gaze by looking down at the weather-worn tiles. He didn't want to be rude, but he didn't want to be close to Swiss.

Swiss must've felt Dewdrop's uneasiness, because he politely looked away to look up at the stars. He spoke in wonder, "It's so beautiful up here. You could get lost just by trying to find a single constellation." He turned to look at Dewdrop who refused to look up. "I could get lost finding you."

Dewdrop turned to look at Swiss. His expression betrayed the confusion and vulnerability he felt.

Swiss looked back at Dewdrop before continuing, "You're as bright and beautiful as the North Star."

Dewdrop blushed and looked away. "You have no idea what you're talking about." He insisted.

Swiss dared himself before moving a bit closer to him without touching him. He smiled as he spoke, "I may be new, but I've been around and I know beauty when I see it."

Dewdrop felt tempted to stand up and leave, but couldn't bring himself to, as he felt the multi-ghoul's genuineness and decided to hear him out. He barely spoke above a whisper as he spoke, "If you saw who I used to be, you wouldn't be saying that."

Swiss frowned in confusion. "What do you mean?"

Dewdrop couldn't meet his gaze and decided to look at Swiss's shoes to avoid his eyes as he spoke. "I'm not who I used to be. I used to be beautiful...like Rain." He shakily took a deep breath before continuing. "I'm not a fire-born. I used to be a water ghoul. I used to be beautiful. They decided that I wasn't good enough and that I had to meet their expectations. They took away our pack and I sacrificed myself to keep Mountain and Aether safe."

He wiped a tear away before continuing, "I gave up myself to save them and in return, they act like I died...they act like I'm not here." He sounded defeated. "They would rather mourn who I used to be rather than to accept what I've become."

Swiss hesitated before gently placing his hand on top of the smaller ghoul's. Dewdrop couldn't bring himself to pull away; he missed the gentle comfort. When Swiss saw that Dewdrop didn't reject him, he gently ran his thumb across Dewdrop's knuckles to comfort him. "You changed elements? I-I didn't think that was possible. How...did it..."

Dewdrop sounded pained as he spoke. "It was painful. I felt like I was dying and I guess a part of me did. I had no choice, I had to do it to save them. We had already lost so much and I couldn't bear to lose anyone else. I did what I had to do...and I guess they resent me for it."

Swiss was too horrified to say anything. He had a feeling that something happened that caused a shift in the pack dynamic, but he had no idea of the pain the fire ghoul went through to protect the pack. He wanted to throw punches at Mountain and Aether. How dare they treat their pack member like that after all he did for them to keep them safe? How dare they add more pain? Swiss anchored himself to not lose himself in his anger.

Dewdrop touched his neck where his gills used to be. The black lines that now adorn his neck. Swiss's eyes watered as he saw the scars he never noticed before. He wanted to kiss them away. Dewdrop saw that Swiss was looking at the scars. He shrugged nonchalantly.

"I know, it's not a pretty sight to see."

Swiss slowly raised his hand, checking to see if Dewdrop would pull away. When Dewdrop gave no indication that he objected to his touch, Swiss gently tucked Dewdrop's hair away from his face behind his ear and caressed his cheek, feeling the warmth radiating from the ghoul. He couldn't bring himself to speak above a whisper, as if he feared that if he spoke any louder, Dewdrop would vanish. "You're beautiful."

Dewdrop's expression turned into shock. He couldn't bring himself to speak.

Swiss took his silence as permission to continue. "You're as beautiful as the morning sun."

He couldn't bring himself to speak above a whisper. "Like the sun, I burn everything around me."

Swiss slowly leaned closer. "Like the sun, you shine."

Dewdrop slowly leaned in, mirroring Swiss. "Like the sun, I'm painful to look at."

Swiss leaned closer, their lips barely touching. "Like the sun, I embrace your warmth."

Dewdrop closed the remaining distance between them. A soft gasp escaped from his lips as they kissed. Swiss wrapped his arms protectively around Dewdrop, wanting nothing more than to protect his sun. Dewdrop gently cupped Swiss's face in his hands. The gentle touches felt like small suns. After a few heartbeats, they gently pulled away from their kiss to look into each other's eyes. Swiss's brown eyes started adoringly into Dewdrop's ruby reds.

Ever since Rain was summoned, he kept to himself, keeping everyone at a safe distance. He wasn’t sure what to make of the world around him. Aether was welcoming and understanding with the new water ghoul. He made it clear that Rain was part of the pack. The pack he used to be a part of in the pit disregarded him, saying that he was useless and not worth keeping around, causing the new ghoul to keep himself at a distance, not wanting history to repeat itself.

Mountain wanted to get to know the new ghoul, but was hesitant to talk to him since Rain backed away from him when he offered his hand to shake. He thought that the water ghoul was so stunning, and he couldn’t believe that the stunning water ghoul was part of the pack. Mountain wanted Rain to feel welcomed, and he tried doing so, but each attempt ended with Rain being silent and backing away from the earth ghoul as if he was afraid that he would strike him. Mountain had no idea about the abuse that the water ghoul went through at the hands of his old pack. Rain had no idea why the earth ghoul was even trying when he made his intentions pretty clear. He thought that if he continued to keep himself at a distance, they would give up and send him back to the pit.

Rain sat on the water fountain late at night, staring at the moonlight glistening on the water. He wished he was back in the pit with his old pack and would welcome him with open arms. Bruises fade, wounds heal, but he still had the scars from it all. Mountain noticed them and tried to figure out how the scars came to be, but thought not to ask the shy ghoul. He didn’t want to scare Rain even more since he was already scared enough. Mountain finally decided to try to talk to the water ghoul, bringing a bouquet of white roses to give to the water ghoul.

Rain paid no mind to the gentle giant that was behind him.

Mountain hesitated when approaching the water ghoul and softly spoke his name.

“Rain?”

Rain jumped and turned around in fright, hyperventilating. Mountain wanted to whimper. He didn’t mean to scare him. Why must he look intimidating? Why is he struggling to comfort the newest pack member? What was his life back in the pit? Mountain lowered his head and took a step back, shyly holding out the flowers to the water ghoul.

“These are for you,” Mountain hesitated. “I don’t know what your favorite flower is, but I assumed that you would take a liking to these. You don’t have to take them if you don’t want them.”

He paused before continuing.

“I don’t know what your life was like back in the pit, but I can tell that it wasn’t pleasant, and I’m so sorry that you went through that. I wanted to let you know that we aren’t like that at all. We love and care about every single member of the pack. I want you to feel that way as well.”

Rain hesitated before gently taking the offered flowers out of Mountain’s grasp, studying them. They were pure and beautiful. It was very thoughtful of Mountain to give him something as such. He looked up and saw that Mountain was fidgeting with his hands nervously. He didn’t expect this giant to be so hesitant and nervous. Rain saw how lively this earth ghoul was and how kindly he treated the pack.

“Thank you, Mountain,” he softly spoke. “These are beautiful.”

Mountain looked at him and smiled.

“Of course. I’m glad that you like them.”

Mountain turned his gaze to the moon.

“Beautiful night, isn’t it? Never get a view like this back in the pit. I remember seeing the moon for the first time and waking up Papa frantically asking him what the fuck that big shiny thing was.”

He chuckled and looked back at Rain before continuing.

“You'll never get sick of a view like this.”

He never noticed before, but the water ghoul’s eyes had a shine to them like when the moonlight shines on the ocean. Mountain found Rain to be beautiful. He was too beautiful to be a demon. He was captivating. Rain moved over and patted on the spot next to him. Mountain smiled and graciously sat down, his eyes never leaving Rain’s.

Rain looked deeper into Mountain’s eyes.

“Your eyes have gold in them,” he almost whispered to himself in awe. “Still green, but they have rivers of gold in them.”

Mountain smiled and blushed.

“Yours remind me of the ocean when the moonlight shines on it. They’re beautiful, Rain.”

Rain blushed and looked down at the roses.

“You think so?” He asked shyly.

Mountain nodded.

“The most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”

Rain hesitated before speaking up.

“I owe you an apology. I did not have the best experience being in a pack before I was summoned here. I assumed that it would be the same as it was, and even though you all have been treating me with kindness, I still avoided everyone like the plague. I rejected you before you rejected me and that was cruel of me. For that, I am sorry, and I hope you forgive me.”

Mountain gently took Rain’s hand in his and looked at him mournfully.

“There’s nothing to forgive," Mountain reassured him. "I’m so sorry that you went through that. You didn’t deserve to be treated that way. If I was part of your past pack, I would’ve ripped them to shreds and treated you like royalty.”

Rain’s eyes shone with tears and looked down at their intertwined fingers.

He whispered, “I am not worthy of being treated like royalty or being part of your pack. I do not wish for you to see the ugly side of me.”

Mountain gently cupped Rain’s chin and gently tilted his head to look at him.

“There’s nothing ugly about you,” Mountain spoke with conviction. “You’re beautiful and you proved how strong you are by surviving that hellhole. We want you to be part of this pack.”

Rain shook his head. Tears running down his face.

“You are wrong,” he countered. “I have the scars to prove it.”

Mountain gently brought Rain’s hand to his lips and kissed it.

Mountain spoke with kindness that Rain had never heard before.

“You’re still beautiful.”

Rain hesitated before taking a deep breath.

“Do you want to know about the pack I was a part of?”

Mountain gently held Rain’s delicate hands in his own to comfort the ghoul in front of him.

“Only if you want to talk about it. I understand if you don’t want to.”

The water ghoul looked away as tears ran rapidly down his cheeks.

“It is not a pleasant story," Rain started.

He took another deep breath before continuing.

“Back in the pit, I was part of a pack for a long time. I was often picked on or left to fend for myself. When it came to hunting or defending the pack from other ghouls they would use me as a decoy since I could not defend myself. Every day I tried so hard to prove my worth to them. I wanted to mate with one of them, and this was the result.”

He let go of one of Mountain’s hands and pushed up one of his sleeves, revealing multiple scars on his arm.

“He made his answer loud and clear. Told me that he would rather have Lucifer himself smite him than be with an ugly creature like me.“

Mountain was speechless as he stared at the scars. How dare some lowlife treat this beautiful water ghoul like that? He was tempted to be sent back to the pit to find this asshole and rip him to shreds. Rain was beautiful and amazing. Stunning as blue stained glass. How dare his past pack not see that?

Rain shrugged and continued.

“I should have known better than to irk him, and I paid the price for it,” he spoke so casually as if he was talking about the weather.

Mountain shook his head as tears clouded his vision.

“No,” he stuttered. “No, Rain. You didn’t deserve that. That lowlife is an asshole who should be tortured for the rest of his pathetic life for hurting you.”

He took a deep breath before continuing.

“He’s a fucking idiot who doesn’t see how amazing and beautiful you are. I would never, ever hurt you. I would rather be sent back to the fiery pit of hell.”

Rain gently rested his hand on Mountain’s cheek. He saw the raw emotion in the earth ghoul’s eyes. The honesty and promise.

“There is no need to do such a thing,” he almost whispered. “I believe you would not harm me. I am sorry that it took me this long to realize that. Please do not go back there.”

Mountain gently rested his hand on top of Rain’s that was cupping his cheek.

“I promise, but if you change your mind, I would do it.”

The water ghoul chuckled.

“I believe you would.”

Dewdrop doesn’t mean to act the way he does. He has no idea why he does. Dewdrop suggested to Mountain how something should be organized in his greenhouse and did it anyway without Mountain’s permission since he thought it would be more convenient for the other ghoul. He was proven wrong about how he thought the other ghoul would react. Mountain snapped at him and asked if he was trying to get in the way. Dewdrop fell silent as if he was thinking. He wasn’t trying to get in the way. He was only trying to help.

Dewdrop looked at the ground, rubbing his arm up and down. “I-I didn’t think…,” he said quietly, close to a whisper.

Mountain screamed, “Of course, you didn’t think! Fucking hell! You never do! You’re so fucking inconsiderate, you know that?!”

Dewdrop flinched. He overthought everything. He was afraid that if he didn’t overthink everything, something bad would happen, but if he overthought everything, the outcome wouldn’t be as bad. Either way, he gets yelled at. Being the smallest of the pack had its disadvantages. Silent tears ran down his face and he hoped that Mountain couldn’t see them. Dewdrop turned and walked away.

Dewdrop sobbed the moment he was out of the greenhouse. He didn’t mean to anger Mountain or get in the way. He was only trying to help. He thought to himself, Maybe I should’ve asked before I did that or had Mountain work on it on his own?

He walked to his room, closed the door behind him, and curled up underneath his desk. He hugged his knees to his chest and sobbed. He hated being yelled at. Everyone in his pack knew that. It always causes him to shut down or yell back, depending on who was yelling at him or the pitch. He sobbed harder and hugged his knees to his chest to appear smaller. He thought to himself, I didn’t mean to anger Mountain. I have to do better next time. I have to be more convenient. I have to stop being a burden.

He silenced his sobs and curled up in himself more when he heard someone knock on his door.

It was Mountain.

“Dewdrop?” He knocked on the door again. He didn’t sound angry, but Dewdrop didn’t want to take any chances. “I’m so sorry for yelling at you. I know that you were only trying to help. I yelled at you and said horrible things to you. I want to apologize. Can I come in?”

Dewdrop stayed silent and hidden. Mountain walked in and looked around trying to find him. He gasped when he saw Dewdrop curled up underneath his desk. Mountain slowly walked to the desk and kneeled down to look at the small ghoul. He looked so small and fragile. Not at all like the ghoul who performs with him on stage.

“Dewdrop?” He reached a hand out towards the ghoul.

Dewdrop flinched and moved away, backing into the wall. He knew that Mountain wouldn’t hurt him, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t afraid of him at that moment. He hugged himself tighter and whimpered.

“Please, fire lily?”

Dewdrop finally looked at him and saw how broken Mountain looked. I did this to him, Dewdrop thought to himself and uncurled himself. I should apologize. Mountain stood up and gave Dewdrop space as he crawled out. Dewdrop slowly stood up. He wanted to crawl back underneath the desk and stay there. Without warning or indication, Mountain hugged him. Dewdrop froze. Why was he hugging him?

Dewdrop looked down and muttered, “I’m sorry, Mount. I didn’t mean to-.”

Mountain cut him off, “No. You have nothing to apologize for. I’m so sorry. I know you were trying to help, and instead of thanking you, I yelled at you and said horrible things. You shut down and hid because of me. I’m never going to forgive myself for that.”

Dewdrop felt cold at that moment. He couldn’t stand the thought of Mountain never forgiving himself because of Dewdrop’s actions. What if Mountain never wanted to be near him again? He tightly hugged Mountain back as if he was afraid that Mountain would vanish if he didn’t.

“Please don’t leave me,” he sobbed. “It was my fault. Please don’t blame yourself. I don’t want to lose you. It was my fault anyway.”

Dewdrop’s body shook as he sobbed. He was so scared of losing Mountain and that he damaged his relationship with him. He had abandonment issues and was afraid that Mountain would leave him. Mountain gently rubbed Dewdrop’s back reassuringly and kissed his forehead. He would never leave the small ghoul. You would have to pry him from his dead body. He gently scooped Dewdrop into his arms and laid down on the bed with the fire ghoul curled up in his chest.

When Mountain yelled at Dewdrop, he saw how quiet the fire ghoul got and that he was rubbing his arm to keep himself grounded. He yelled horrible things at the fire ghoul. He knew that Dewdrop overthought everything and that his yelling would cause him to shut down. When he saw Dewdrop hiding underneath the desk, Mountain’s world collapsed. He scared Dewdrop that much.

He gently stroked the side of Dewdrop’s face, rubbing the tears away as he did so. Mountain knew that Dewdrop would forgive, but never forget. He had known about Dewdrop’s abandonment issues and self-deprecating thoughts. If Dewdrop did something wrong by accident, he would never forgive himself, no matter how many times he was told he was forgiven. If someone did the same thing to Dewdrop, he would forgive them immediately and act as if nothing happened. It felt like only the others were allowed to fuck up, except for Dewdrop.

One time Dewdrop accidentally ran into Aether and elbowed him in the ribs, which left a massive bruise. He felt awful about it for days, even after Aether accepted his apology and told him that he knew it was an accident. Dewdrop avoided Aether since he hurt him and he couldn't forgive himself for that despite it being a mere accident. Rain managed to get through to him and told him that Aether was missing him. After talking it out, Aether and Dewdrop embraced and hung out for the rest of the day to make up for lost time.

There was an incident when Swiss accidentally ran into Dewdrop, causing the fire ghoul to fall and sprain his wrist. Swiss immediately apologized and wrapped his wrist up. Dewdrop accepted the apology wholeheartedly and told him it was no big deal since it was only an accident. Dewdrop hung out with Swiss that day and helped him organize the paperwork he was struggling with to prove that he was forgiven.

However, Dewdrop’s past mistakes always haunted him, no matter how significant or insignificant. He would randomly remember something he did years ago, causing him to hyperventilate and try to break free from the flashback. When that would happen, Dewdrop would repeatedly tell himself in a mantra that it was over until he managed to pull himself free from the flashback. The flashbacks would happen randomly or if he saw something that reminded him of the incidents. It helped more when there was someone there to help him get grounded. Being held by any of his pack mates helped a ton.

Omega wandered down the hallway without looking and nearly collided with Alpha. He looked down and meekly apologized. Alpha's gaze at the ghoul before him looked calculating. It was as though he was trying to figure Omega out. Omega fidgeted nervously under his stare and dared himself to look back up.

“Um…Is something wrong?” Omega asked nervously.

Alpha tilted his head and tenderly placed his hand on Omega’s cheek as if he came across something he has never seen before and must study it. Omega prayed that Alpha couldn't notice that he yearned for his touch, that he yearned for him.

“Your eyes are beautiful,” Alpha softly marveled. “They remind me of the ocean. I always drown in them when I steal a glimpse.”

Omega looked down and blushed at the words spoken to him.

“T-thanks,” Omega stammered, not knowing what to say. He willed himself to back up at Alpha. “Your eyes are beautiful, too.”

Alpha grinned and pulled Omega closer.

Alpha leaned in and whispered sweetly into Omega's ear, "I just want to focus on you, our beautiful Omega."

Alpha gently kissed and nibbled his neck, compelling Omega to shutter and gasp in ecstasy. Alpha had the reputation of being forward, but at that moment, Omega somehow forgot how forward he could be. Omega has always been infatuated with Alpha, but he wouldn't dream of telling Alpha as he feared rejection.

Alpha growled and pulled Omega closer, nuzzling him. Omega closed his eyes and purred at the sensation.

Alpha confessed as though he was speaking to a noble maiden, "I've always wanted you like this. I've always wanted to see you in your glory and see me worthy enough to bed you."

Omega gently pulled away from Alpha to look him in the eye and confessed, "I've always wanted you as well. I just thought that you wouldn't want me."

Alpha removed his hand from Omega's face and tenderly grasped his neck, feeling a quickened pulse underneath the grasp. Omega gasped at the sensation, wanting to lean more into the touch.

Alpha leaned and growled under his breath into Omega's ear before revealing, "If you allow me, I want to show you how much I want you."

Omega swallowed and nodded, not trusting his voice. He couldn't believe that Alpha wanted him. Alpha wanted Omega how Omega wanted Alpha. Alpha grinned and removed his hand. Omega whined at the loss and gasped as Alpha lifted him into his arms as if he was carrying a princess, and in a way, he was.