Taruchi

Rain will admit that he probably should have told Frater Imperator that he was busy when the man approached him about his contract renewal, that he had a time sensitive matter to attend to; Dew laying in his bed, naked, wanting, and desperately needing him to get back sooner rather than later, but he'd foolishly thought, "I just need to sign my name and then I can head back in no time at all!"

Wrong.

He had been incredibly wrong.

As it would turn out, with Sister Imperator gone, all of her contracts needed to be transferred to Copia, which meant he needed to redo both his ministry contract, his band contract, and go over two piles of other miscellaneous paperwork -TWICE- before he was released from the man's office.

In total, between trying to wheedle his way out of doing his contracts then and there, trying to speedrun them and then having reread and revise the errors he made whilst doing that, and then actually compiling and handing them back over to Copia, Rain had been gone...

An hour and a half.

Give or take.

An hour and a half.

Now, under normal circumstances, if he'd run into this situation, he would have messaged Dew and apologized right away, knowing that while he'd be disappointed, the other would have understood what happened and would have cursed Copia for dragging him away, but he'd left his phone behind thinking he'd only be gone a couple minutes...

As Rain enters his bedroom cautiously, expecting to be met with a very justifiably upset Dewdrop, he is instead met by a rather cozy looking ghoul watching something on his laptop, whose only acknowledgement of his existence is a cold, distant side eye followed by the telltale thwap of his tail against the mattress.

"Ohh, this is somehow worse..." Rain thinks, moving closer to the bed, "Hi, baby, so-"

Dew cuts him off by raising the volume on the video he is watching.

"-She cut his penis off and flushed it down the toilet." a voice says through the speakers, "Although a horrific crime to be sure, many have spoken out about the case saying the perpetrator was justified due to-"

"-Copia called me into his office and I-"

Dew closes his laptop, shifting in the bed to look at him, arms folded, which is when Rain noticed the strategically built wall of pillows lain on top of his side of the bed.

Yeah, he's fucked.

"I tried to tell him I had somewhere to be, but he was really insistent that we get my contracts done as soon as possible, because he's got to have everything ready for when the new Papa arrives, ya know, and..." Rain pauses, watching Dew's face go from neutral, to angry, to...

"You left me here alone for two hours...!" Dew shouts, red in the face and clearly on the verge of tears based on the sharp escalation of his voice at the end, "I waited for you, and you didn't come back, and we talked about how I don't like when the 'you don't get to cum until I'm back or tell you so' stuff goes on for longer than a couple minutes, because- And you- YOU'RE A JERK! GET OUT!"

Rain manages to dodge exactly two pillows on his way out the door before the third comes for his knees and nearly takes him out.

Dew throws a fourth, heavier sounding object -which Rain is about ninety percent sure is his weighted shark pillow- at the door, slamming it shut.

Taking a moment to steady himself, Rain reflects on the situation, sinking down onto the ground in order to think about what just happened, only to notice Cumulus sitting across the hallway doing the exact same thing.

"...Coffee and we talk about how we fucked up?" Rain suggests, and the ghoulette looks at the door behind her, and then to Rain.

It was always the smaller incidents that happened to get to him. He didn’t intend on being mean, dew acted on a whim dragging rain into their room in hopes for a quick fuck to release some stress. But rain took control anyways. He tended to end up in charge unless dew clearly stated he wanted otherwise. Even when being sweet his words tended to stray towards strict and harsh, his actions leaving marks when not thinking about it.

“Raincloud? You ok? You look like you’re about to be ill” dew slowly sat up as rain continued to examine his skin. He placed his hand under rains chin to drive his gaze upwards in hopes of breaking whatever trance he seemed to be in.

The blood had at some point ran out of his face, the blue tinge to his cheeks no longer there. His eyes looked wider than normal while he played with his lip between his teeth.

“M fine dew, let’s get you dressed yeah?” Rain said, grabbing his clothes off the ground. Dew instinctively raised his arms as rain pulled her shirt over his head, punctuated with a peck on the lips as his head popped through as he always did.

The sense of normalcy was the only thing staving off whatever feelings rain could feel lingering in the back of his mind. The knowledge that something was wrong settled in his stomach as he hoped that dew would just drop it. He could sleep off whatever it was, as long as he had dew in his arms.

However the fire ghoul had never been known to let something go.

“Rain there’s something wrong, I can tell” dew gave the water ghoul a concerned look once he was fully dressed. Rain seemed uncanny, like he was trying to mimic someone else being calm instead of actually being ok himself. His face uncharacteristically still, movements almost too careful. Rain was known to come off as cold but this didn’t feel like the rain dew knew.

“No there’s not dew. I already said I’m fine so I don’t understand why you can’t drop it” rain snapped.

Rain gave a harsh glare before his face fell. Dew looked a bit hurt, startled at his harsh tone.

“Rainy I’m sorry-“

“No dew you didn’t do anything. I shouldn’t have snapped like that” rain avoided his gaze, instead shuffling to move the comforter back into position and over dew.

“What’s wrong? Did I say something earlier?” Dews tone softened as he reached for rain again as the blanket was pulled up to his chest. He moved over, motioning for rain to join him.

“You’ve done nothing wrong droplet. It’s me”

“Talk to me rain, mountains been making me do that voicing your feelings bullshit so I might as well make you too” rain gave him a small chuckle before dragging him closer into his side.

“I just worry I’m being too mean to you. I don’t want to hurt you, at least not without your consent. And sometimes I just feel like I’m being too much”

“Id tell you if I didn’t like it, you know that” dew said, looking up at rain who was attempting to bury his head in dews hair.

“But you don’t deserve to be hurt all the time. You deserve for me to love you and sometimes I feel like I’m not giving you that” rains voice became more restricted, trying to hold himself back. He hated feeling like this. He hated being on a borderline breakdown when he’s not even the one who should be upset. This was dews aftercare. Not his.

“I know you love me more than anything. I wouldn’t trust you if I didn’t think you did. I like it when your hurt me, I like it when you’re rough.”

“But I don’t think I like it when I’m rough” rain practically whispered, his grip tightening around dews t shirt.

“Then I’ll start asking you to be soft” dew dragged rains head down to his to pull him into a chaste kiss. More to hopefully stop the tears he knew were forming in rains eyes. Rain didn’t cry often, at least on his own accord.

“You don’t have to change your preferences for me dewdrop”

“I want you to be soft with me. I want you to make love to me and act like I’ll break if you push me too hard. I want what you want. I want you to be happy. I just want you rain.”

Rain just looked at him. Stared into his fiery eyes as dew rubbed his cheek with his thumb.

“I’m sorry, this is dumb” rain force chuckled.

“It’s not dumb, I love you” dew said. Rain gave a sad smile before leaning into him, breathing in his scent as if he would open his eyes and dew would be gone.

"Someone," Aether gave a little jiggle to Orion. "Thought it'd be smart to break into daddy's peanut butter stash. So, back to brushing our teeth!"

"Noo!" Orion whined at the realization, being brought back up and pouting against Aether's hold.

Rain let out a small laugh before waving them to the bathroom, Ember still waiting patiently on his lap, pajamas still downed. He yawned, fangs poking out as he did so, rubbing his eyes with a long whine that got Rain's attention. His little one raised his hands and began to talk, just like the others had been taught since they were born.

"Mama, do I really have to go today?"

The water ghoul's hand finally found the uniform that had been pushed to the back, nodding in response. Once he sat down the outfit his hands raised as well.

"Yes, you do. But it's going to be so fun!" Rain smiled. "You're going to make soo many friends, and I know your teacher personally! Sister Oren is a lovely lady."

Ember simply whined again. "Will dad be there?"

"Yes. Your dad just needed to do his morning rounds, but he made sure to have a break in-between just to see you."

That seemed to satisfy enough for the little fire kit, snuggling back against his mama as he was carefully dressed, albeit lazy as Ember had no interest in getting up. With a little bit more hassle with shoes and placing his hair into a small ponytail, Rain grabbed his kit's hand and led them outside where breakfast waited. He took in the scene after helping Ember into his seat, sighing as Lily had kicked off her shoes again and clung to her father's back.

"If padre doesn't have to wear shoes, then I don't wanna' either!" She hissed, wiggling as her mother tried again.

"Your padre is very much wearing shoes today, just like he has multiple other times!" Cirrus replied back, managing to get only a single shoe on before she successfully kicked off the other one. "Girl! Chill out!"

Lily only laughed again, Mountain chuckling as he tried to stay still for his mate to wrangle shoes on for the fifth time that morning while still flipping grilled cheese. Once Cirrus tied Lily's shoes to the point she couldn't kick off, the multi kit simply dead weighted in her mother's arms, groaning and lightly kicking her feet.

"Shoes suck!" She whined.

Cirrus snorted, shaking her head. "There are more important things to argue about, shoes are definitely not top priority."

"Well I think shoes should be optional."

"Let me know if you still stand by that statement when you step on one of your own toys."

Immediately the small pack grimaced, too many times their poor feet received pings of pain from Legos and other sharp toys still strowed about. Rain shivered at the thought, turning as the last kit's chair was filled, Orion going straight to his peanut butter covered banana, looking at his father with a shit eating grin.

"Okay, I give up. He's just gonna smell like peanut butter today." Aether put his hands up in defeat, now going back to reassembling his backpack duty for each kit.

Rain giggled before whistling, catching the kits attentions before he signed again. "Are you guys excited for your first day?"

There was a unanimous shaking of heads, Ember just shrinking down into his chair more.

"Awh, my loves..." He pouted some. "I promise you're going to love it. But Dad is going to be there, so is your uncle Swiss and aunty Sunshine."

"Yes!!" Lily cheered, mouth still full of grilled cheese as she pumped her hand in the air. "I fucking love Aunty Sunny!"

Her parents quickly gave the hardest glare, Lily's eyes widening before covering her mouth. "Sorry..."

Mountain's eye twitched, sighing. "Swiss."

"No cussing in school." Rain quickly added, suddenly praying harder to Lucifer that his daughter didn't get detention on her very first day.

With a few minutes left to spare, bellies full and wiped mouths, Aether helped put on backpacks while Mountain crouched to adjust little hoods and masks. It was a smaller version of the Prequelle masks that didn't cover the horns, hence the hood. They honestly looked like little cultists, and Rain couldn't stop taking pictures. They looked perfect. Ember had found his way on to Aether's shoulder as he kept whining, Orion and Lily running ahead but not too far away as the pack made their way outside to the school.

Fellow children of sin and their parents joined, and every now and then another kit would be carried by with their own. The school house was in a different section of the abbey as it's own building, comfortably sat between the dining hall and hospital with the forest right behind.

But the sight of a fire ghoul with two others looking around for their pack got Lily to squeal, now completely running away from her other parents and straight to Sunshine. The three's body language shown as Sunshine picked up the little multi, bonking her helmet against Lily's hood.

"Hi there, little stinker!" She laughed, twirling them around before giving a big squeeze. "Look at you! So damn cute!"

Orion ran just as fast, hugging Swiss' waist and receiving a knuckle sandwich, the two laughing before doing their little handshake, the two kits being exchanged so Swiss could also get Lily cuddles and Orion a giant amount of forehead bonks. Dewdrop was just as excited, rubbing his helmet over both of the kits before turning, meeting Rain and Aether half way.

He opened his arms and Ember quickly lept over, little claws digging into Dew's jacket. "Daddd!" He whined again.

A questioning glance was thrown to the four, Aether sighing. "He wants nothing to do with this. Had a good few cries because you weren't there."

"Awh, Em'..." Dew leaned close, scenting his son for comfort. "I'm right here! I'm sorry I couldn't be there this morning."

Ember simply huffed, heating himself up while Dew responded in the same way. The group stayed huddled around, talking back and forth of miscellaneous things before a bell began to chime, eyes turning to the silver bell that sat outside the school house.

"That's first bell!" Mountain said, lightly bouncing his shoulders that Orion had made himself home on. "You three ready?"

"Yeah!" Lily exclaimed, ignited with a new passion as Sunshine held her hand.

Rain suddenly got a surge of anxiety, looking at Aether with a worried expression. "Did you get their lunch boxes?"

"I did."

"What about their inside shoes?"

"Also, yes." Aether chuckled, trying to rub Rain's arm.

"Oh, oh, Ember's allergen card?!"

Dewdrop responded by showing their son's backpack with a double-sided, laminated, lanyard attached that held the big words 'Allergy Notice' with a small list underneath. Rain rubbed his face, now noticing every small detail, fixing socks, pressing down robes, and redoing Lily's shoelaces as she started rubbing at them to loosen. Cirrus kneeled down to do the other shoe, looking over at the water ghoul.

"Hey, you're freaking out more than Ember was this morning." She lightly joked, nudging Rain's shoulder as he stayed focused on his task.

He shook his head, sighing and standing back up without responding. He eyed the three in front before busting into sobs, catching the pack off guard, shuffling closer for a group hug.

"What's wrong mommy?" Orion mumbled, being taken into his mother's arms, Lily on the other side, and Ember maneuvered to be right in the middle.

He simply shook his head, clutching his kits harder and trying to push his muzzle against their cheeks, whining. If there was something all three kits shared was being an empath just like their mom, Em slowly starting to tear up before wailing, setting off his other two siblings. Little claws dug into Rain, now completely unwilling to let go and their excitement quickly gone. The pack's heart crushed at the same time, Sunshine putting her hands under her mask to wipe away her own tears, Aether just on the verge as well.

It felt like it wasn't too long ago when Rain had laid in the lake, surrounded by the entire pack after his eggs had grown, each kit had been pushed out and carefully cut out of their sacks. Their screaming wails almost making Aurora fall into the water from their little echoes, Dewdrop being the only one unbothered while others had worn different ear muffs. How did they grow up so fast? One moment they're as small as Mountain's palm, the next they're reaching Swiss' waist to hug.

Even still, their siren wails echoed, Aether getting closer just to hug the four tighter which the others followed.

"Getting so big..." Cirrus mumbled, kissing each of their heads.

Swiss chimed in, his voice gentle to try and calm down the pack. "Hey, hey! Everything's going to be alright! Where's that happy energy, huh? We can't be sad on our first day! How else are we going to possibly burn down the building?"

That got a little giggle from Lily, the ghoulette wiping her eyes but staying against Rain's shoulder.

"Your uncle's right. Everything is going to be okay. No need for tears," Dew moved, hand going under Rain's helmet to wipe his cheek. "Today's going to be so fun, you're going to meet new friends, get to run around all day, and before you know it you'll be back home!"

Rain took the hint, quickly sniffling and trying to calm himself. He linked to Aether, the quintessence humming before speaking for his mate. "Mama said your dad's right, and that he's sorry for crying. He wants all of you to have the best days ever, and he'll be waiting right here for when you get out."

Orion pushed back, chewing his finger under his mask. "Promise?"

"He said he promises."

Very carefully, Dew took Lily and Mountain plucking Orion back up by his scruff that he loved. Ember stayed latched to Rain, the two swaying back and forth while they tried to calm each other. Ember was kneading on Rain's back, mumbling "Is' okay, mama... Is' okay..." While Rain gently scratched at Ember's head.

The second bell chimed, and Rain reluctantly took a step forward, the others following with Cirrus keeping a gentle hand on his back. Lily had quickly perked back up and was passed around for forehead bumps and kisses, being stood and Swiss readjusting her backpack. Ember was surprisingly next, receiving the same treatment but his lanyard being placed around his neck. Their last kit was chewing on Mountain's arm before being suddenly moved to another set of arms and around, placed on the ground as well.

Crouching, the pack gave their own wishes of a good day and love.

"Make sure to keep your masks—and shoes," Swiss started, eyeing Lily specifically. "-On today. Don't be afraid to go say hi to the other kids, yeah?"

"And look out for each other!" Dew now chimed in.

Rain got to his knees so he was about equal level with his kits, unable to do more than hold three fingers up and shake back and forth. "I love you."

In sync, the kits replicated, Ember holding Orion's hand once they were finished.

"Alright!" Mountain's voice cracked, quickly clearing his throat. "Off you go!"

With a gentle nudge, all three waved again before falling behind the rest of the children quickly trying to get in. The pack stood up straight, waving until they were out of sight. It took only a second before Dew groaned, laying his head against Aether's chest as his shoulders bounced with his own cries.

"Who the fuck let us have kits?! This is terrible!" Dew whined.

"Six whole hours they're gonna be gone. I don't know what I'm going to do with myself." Mountain added, no longer holding back his tears.

Rain sighed, if his tail had been visible it'd be between his legs. He felt Swiss grab his hand and give a gentle squeeze. "C'mon you lot of babies, cry away from the windows."

Reluctantly, they turned, Rain throwing another glance over his shoulder at the now closed doors. Unfortunately, Mountain was right. Besides the few that had duties, it was too quiet in the den. There was no laughter and the sound of patting feet, or even the small bickering of who's toy belonged to who. The day just seemed to drag on for what felt like forever, Rain napping most of it away as he couldn't stand the silence.

He knew it was something he needed to get used to, and maybe take advantage of, but right now he couldn't. He missed the feeling of his kits snuggled in the bed, how Lily would snore just like her padre and kick out occasionally; Orion talking in his sleep about some random TV show Cumulus got him addicted to. How Ember mimicked his father and was a tiny space heater that always seemed to find his way under Rain's chin despite them tossing and turning in their sleep. He missed little hands nudging him awake so they could have a snack, or to see if they can go outside with the other children to play, sometimes even to settle their little fights.

It was misery in a box that had been graciously handed to Rain.

However, when the sound of his phone's alarm went off, he's never ran out of his room so fast before—Phantom who had just gotten back from his own duties following after. They followed the path to the school house where Cumulus stood next to other impatient parents, waving them over. The three simply fit right in, nervously bouncing on their heels before the doors opened. Instantly, waves of children ran out, and very soon after Rain's did as well.

Lily made a straight line for Phantom, the quint yelling as the kit had enough force to knock them over, rolling around on the gravel as they rough housed immediately. Ember, of course, found his way into his mother's arms, the two purring like no tomorrow; Orion already showing off one of his drawings to Cumulus who listened with every ounce of interest.

That tsunami of misery was gone in a flash, Rain squeezing Em just a bit tighter as he looked at his other two that had now tag teamed Phantom and were chewing on his arm and leg. He whistled, making them freeze and turn, Ember even pulling back to look.

Rain brought a single hand up since his other arm was occupied, signing a bit more slowly. "Ready to go home?"

They scrambled off the bat, Cumulus giggling as he rubbed his leg where Orion got a good nip in. As the group walked, each kit took turns (and sometimes overlapping) to ramble about what they did, their new friends, who they sat next to, and even the new name tags they got temporarily for their desks.

"I colored mine purple!" Lily exclaimed, skipping while holding Phantom's hand.

Orion scoffed, "You totally stole my idea! I did mine purple first!"

"Nu-uh!"

"Yeah-huh!"

"Alright you two, shh. You can both have purple name tags." Phantom butted in, watching the two stick their tongues out at one another.

Cumulus pipped up. "What about you, Em? Did you colors yours in?"

"No... Put stickers on it, though." He said softly, rubbing his tired eye underneath his mask with an accompanying yawn. "And Lily took her shoes off."

"I didn't!" She squealed.

"Yes you did!" Orion confirmed, laughing. "She did it three whole times!"

"I'm gonna eat your bananas you snitch!" Lily squealed, running ahead as their den came into sight.

A passing Sibling of Sin stops dead in his tracks, staring in surprise at the fire ghoul bursting through the door.

“Eh heh…Sorry, Brother,” Dew mutters sheepishly, pausing to straighten his clothes and sweep his long hair out of his face. He waits for the Brother to disappear around the corner before turning heel and speed walking in the other direction, breaking into a jog as soon as he’s certain that he’s alone.  

He flies through the hallways, so excited he’s practically skipping. Normally Dew wouldn’t be caught dead skipping of all things, and he’s sure he presents a funny picture in his heavy Doc Martens, ripped jeans, and leather jacket covered in patches. The corridors are clogged with people moving from one place to the next as classes and meetings are dismissed for the day.  Dew catches a sister’s eye, and she giggles behind her hand with her friend at the fire ghoul basically weaving and dancing through the bustling mass of Siblings. Warmth tinges his cheeks for a moment and he falters in his step, but he shakes it off. 

Today is a good day, nothing is going to ruin today. 

Dew crosses the courtyard and enters a walkway covered in trees and ivy growing over the worn stone walls, a quieter one than the organized chaos he had just left behind. He pauses for a moment, a slight shudder running down his back and he lets his breath out in a huff. He had scarcely noticed that he had been holding his breath during that traverse through the busy corridor he had just been in. Despite having the ability to play to crowds of thousands night after night, being in the crowd is another matter entirely. He takes another deep breath and continues on his way, this time choosing to pad more softly towards a door that is slightly ajar at the end of the hall. He stops at the threshold and opens the door quietly, peeking in through the gap.

“Do you want some help? Oh, no, you just want me to see? That’s very good! Well done.”

Dew smiles, warmth glowing in his chest at the sight in front of him. He isn’t really one for kits or children, personally. There’s nothing wrong with them, they’re great. But they are also loud, sticky, and touchy. What he is one for, however, is watching Rain with the abbey kits and children. The water ghoul loves kids and happily volunteers his time as the nursery art and music teacher for the little ones when the band is on their off season from touring.

“Rain! Rain! Lookit mine!”

“Yeah! Me too!”

Dew watches as Rain laughs and moves from one small table to the next, examining and praising each one of them excitedly as the kits and children show off their art to their teacher. Their little hands are raised high above their heads and they bounce eagerly on the balls of their feet. Tails for those that possess them swish happily when Rain smiles and coos and points out his favorite parts of each piece. 

“Okay everyone! That’s all our time for today! I’ll see you on Friday, and don’t forget to collect and bring your leaves and flowers for our next project!”

Dew jumps aside as the door flies open the rest of the way, a wave of little bodies rushing through the door and into the courtyard to play in the afternoon sun. He peeks back into the room and watches Rain pad from one table to the next, cleaning up little messes here and there,  before striding through the entry towards the water ghoul. His water ghoul. Dew’s boot squeaks on the hardwood floor, and Rain looks up at the sound. His eyes soften at the sight of the fire ghoul weaving his way towards him through the maze of tiny chairs and tables. 

Dew pauses, restrained by the tangle of miniature furniture. He resigns his efforts and opens his arms looking at Rain with big, exasperated eyes. Rain giggles and strides over to the ghoul trapped in the middle of the room, long legs easily stepping over the obstacles separating the two of them. Rain steps into Dew’s arms and Dew trills happily, relaxing in the scent of petrichor and sea salt and holding Rain tightly. Rain slips into the embrace with a sigh, burying his nose in Dew's long golden hair and inhaling deeply. Their tails unglamour and twine together as they just hold each other for a moment.

“Hello, love.”

“Hi, Rainy,” Dew replies with a crooked smile. 

“How was your day?” 

“S’okay. Worked on some new music,” Dew presses his head softly under Rain’s chin. “I missed you.”

“I missed you too,” Rain murmurs into Dew’s hair.

Dew draws back, looking into Rain’s face. His eyes draw to a smudge of paint on Rain’s cheek and he chuckles.

“What are you laughing at?”

“You’ve got remnants of kid on your face, Tadpole,” Dew smirks, “Here, let me just–”

He licks at his thumb and reaches up to wipe away the smear of purple on Rain’s face. Rain chirps and leans into the pressure, pressing his cheek into Dew’s hand and Dew shifts to cup his face in his palm. He runs his thumb over a sharp cheekbone and his eyes explore his ghoul’s face again. That dark curly hair and the strong straight nose. The cerulean blue eyes, the creamy pale skin. Those full, soft lips. 

Gods, he’s so pretty.

Dew moves his hand to gently hold around the back of Rain’s neck and pulls the taller ghoul down. He presses his mouth softly to Rain’s, planting a chaste kiss on the water ghoul’s lips. A quiet purr builds in his chest and he goes in for seconds, his mouth moving gently against Rain’s as he wraps his other arm around Rain’s slender waist, pulling him in closer. 

Rain hums into the kisses, threading his fingers through Dew’s hair and cradling the small ghoul’s face in his hands. Dew leans into  it, feeling emboldened, lips moving more fervently now. He slips his tongue out to run along Rain’s bottom lip, tasting freshwater and the remnants of some fruity flavor. He smiles against the other ghoul’s mouth, recognizing the hard candies Rain sneaks when he thinks the kids aren’t looking. The sweet taste spurs him on and he presses closer, bidding Rain to let him slip his tongue into his mouth.

“Love, this is my classroom, we can’t do this here,” Rain giggles against Dew’s lips.

Dew glances around before shrugging and resuming his attentions, “There’s nobody around, it's fine. C’mere…” He surges back up trying to capture Rain’s lips in another exuberant kiss.

“Dew…” Rain pulls back, his eyes stormy.

“Rain…” Dew throws his arms around Rain’s neck and reaches up on tiptoes to nip at his earlobe. 

Rain reaches back to grasp Dew’s slender wrists, one in each hand, pulling them back from around his neck. He holds Dew’s hands captive between them, eyes glinting as he looks down at the fire ghoul through the dark curls framing his face.

“Dewdrop.” 

Dew’s stomach swoops at his tone.

“Rainy,” Dew murmurs.

“Don’t Rainy me, Dew,” Rain says quietly. He bends his head down and plants soft kisses around Dew’s face.

“We can't…kiss… do this here. Smooch…someone…kiss..can come in…lick…and see us.”

“Rain–” Dew whines softly. He squirms and gasps quietly when Rain grips his wrists a little more tightly. 

“Later, love,” Rain whispers in Dew’s ear, giving him a kitten lick around the shell before planting one last kiss on the tip of his nose, “Behave for me, hmm?”

Dew melts, nodding dumbly back at him. That irresistible siren nature always gets him. He’d do whatever Rain asks just for the privilege of receiving his praise. 

“That’s my good boy.”

Rain lifts Dew’s hands to his lips, giving them each a soft kiss before releasing them back to the smaller ghoul. Dew squirms again and gives a little grumble. Rain winks, turns Dew around by his shoulders and gives him a gentle swat on the ass, nudging the fire ghoul towards the open door. 

“C’mon, babe. I just need to stop by the library to return these books and then we can go home.”

“Yeah…alright,” Dew resigns, “But–here, gimme those,” he gestures to the stack of books Rain had picked up from his desk in the corner.

Rain protests, but only for a moment before handing them over with a smile, an ever-so-slight lavender blush tingeing his cheeks. Dew isn’t often soft like this, at least not around other people. This particular brand of chivalry is really only reserved for him, and he cherishes it every time Dew offers. 

The two ghouls exit the classroom, rejoining the flow of people making their way back to their respectives dorms and rooms. Dew breathes out a quiet sigh of relief at the reduced crowdedness in the hallways. This is much better than how it was earlier. He shifts Rain’s books into the crook of one arm, reaching out to take Rain's hand and threads their fingers together. It's just simple and sweet, not an over-the-top public display of affection at all but Dew's stomach still clenches when he notices people glancing at their joined hands as they stroll towards the library. He ducks his head, hiding his face behind his hair as the tips of his ears heat up. 

It’s stupid, this isn't something he should be embarrassed about. He loves Rain. It's just….feely and vulnerable. And there's people around to see it. 

He considers pulling his hand away but feels Rain squeezing his fingers reassuringly and he glances up from behind his hair.

“Hey, you're okay,” Rain whispers, not wanting to call more attention to Dew and embarrass him.

Dew nods, huffing out his held breath and adjusting the books in his arm. He squeezes Rain's hand three times. I love you.

Three squeezes back. I love you too.

***

“I’ll be quick, just give me a second to put these back and then we can head home. Just stay here,” Rain leaves Dew at the library desk and disappears into the shelves. 

Dew, of course, does not just stay here, and wanders off looking at whatever catches his eye. He meanders over to a corner where he finds Aether at a table surrounded by stacks of old tomes. He peeks at one on top: Magic and its Effects on Human Physiology. 

“Hey, I need that,” The quintessence ghoul looks up over his glasses as Dew lifts the cover with a claw, inspecting the title page before letting the cover fall closed again. 

“The fuck is all of this?” Dew eyes the stack of books closest to him, which when sitting on the table is almost as tall as he is. 

Aether leans back in his chair with a heavy sigh. He perches his reading glasses up on his head and rubs his eyes with the heels of his palms. He gestures towards the books crowding the table.

“I’m doing research on a patient case. The poor fool tried to turn himself into an earth ghoul because he thought it would make his work as a groundskeeper easier. Turns out he used the wrong ingredients and mispronounced a few words and now I have a damn dryad hybrid in my infirmary. I have a dryad hybrid and his tiny coworker who won’t leave my office because ‘his idiot bitchass needs to be fixed yesterday cuz we have sapling trees to plant this week and I’m not fucking doing it all myself just because he’s a lazy piece of shit.’” Aether air quotes the last statement, imitating a slight New Jersey accent. 

Dew’s eyebrows shoot up to his hairline and he snorts quietly in an effort to stifle his laughter, “Mhmm…and Mountain didn’t have anything to say about this? Nothing he can do to help the guy change back?”

Aether huffs, planting his palms on the table and looking at the smaller ghoul with an eyebrow cocked, exasperated, “This is beyond Earth Magic. Herbs only go so far, Dew.”

Dew chirps and puts his hands up as if to concede, “Fair enough, big guy. Have fun with your books.”

Aether acknowledges him with a grunt, nose already buried back in the medical text.

Dew leaves him to his work, wandering away to go find Rain. He finds him deep in the stacks, reaching to place his last book on a high shelf. Dew notices Rain’s shirt riding up a bit with the stretch, revealing the lean, muscled plain of the water ghoul’s stomach and that little trail of hair that disappears beneath his waistband, and Dew just can’t help himself.

He slinks up behind Rain, wrapping his arms around him and running his hands under Rain’s shirt up his stomach and chest, purring. Rain jumps at the unexpected contact, emitting a surprised squeak. Dew grins into Rain’s back and gives him a little nip on his shoulder blade. It’s rare that he’s able to fully take Rain by surprise but it’s fun to take advantage of it when it happens. 

“Are you serious, Dew? We’re in the fucking library,” Rain hisses over his shoulder.

“What? It’s not like anyone comes back here ever,” Dew whispers back, pressing in closer to roll his hips into Rain’s ass. 

His heart beats hopefully as Rain leans back into the pressure, but it’s short lived as the taller ghoul spins to face him, grabs him by the shoulders and whirls him around to push him up against the bookshelf. 

“I already told you, be good,” Rain murmurs, his face close to Dew’s as he tries to keep the huskiness from creeping into his voice.

Dew pouts and sticks his bottom lip out, “But your butt is so cute and you smell so good,” he pouts harder, taking full advantage of his big amber eyes “Can’t help myself.”

Rain chuckles, leaning in to plant a kiss on Dew’s forehead, “Patience, love.”

Dew’s eyes flutter shut and he moans quietly as Rain’s scent grows stronger with the increased proximity, his face flushing.

Gods, it’s embarrassing how easy he is for him. 

“You’re not being fair, teasing me like this,” Dew mutters. His pupils dilate as Rain raises a hand to rest gently against his throat.

“I’m not being fair? I’m not the one trying to get in my pants in public spaces,” Rain smirks, “I thought you promised to behave. I told you to wait at the front desk, but now you are the one teasing me,” He squeezes lightly, and Dew gasps.

Dew whimpers when Rain backs away and holds his hand out towards the fire ghoul.

“C’mon, let's go home before we start fucking in the dusty bookshelves.”

“Who wouldn’t want to fuck in the dusty bookshelves?” Dew mutters under his breath.

Rain snorts, squeezing Dew’s hand as he leads them towards the exit.

***

Dew sits at the kitchen island in the ghouls’ den, kicking his bare feet dangling from the barstool while he watches Rain move around the kitchen. The water ghoul is assembling the ingredients for carbonara, Dew’s favorite, and his mouth waters at the smell of guanciale sizzling in the enamel dutch oven on the stove. Rain comes to stand in front of him, concentrating on whisking a mixture of egg yolks and parmesan cheese. A small furrow appears above his brow from focus. A silky black curl falls into his eyes and Dew is tempted to reach across the counter to smooth it away from his face. He resists, choosing instead to scroll aimlessly through his phone. 

He’s trying to behave. He wants to be good.

After a short time, he peeks over his phone at Rain again. Now, the lanky ghoul is facing away from him, removing the pasta from the water and setting aside some water to add to the egg mixture later. Dew slides down from the stool, entranced by the outline of the muscles in Rain’s shoulders under his shirt, his shoulder blades prominent through the fabric. It wouldn't hurt to just…touch, right? 

He pads around the island, standing behind Rain and pressing his forehead against the water ghoul’s back.With a soft chirp, he places his hands on his back on top of Rain’s shirt and begins kneading at the muscle hiding underneath. Rain's spent all day hunching over tiny tables to help tiny children and tiny kits. Dew would be remiss to let him finish out the day with soreness and knots in his back from teaching the little ones. He works quietly, the heat from his hands coaxing a low purr from Rain while he cooks as the knots unwork themselves one by one. 

“Feels good, love,” Rain murmurs.

“Yeah?” Dew purrs, deft fingers busy pressing to the water ghoul’s muscled  lower back.

Rain hums appreciatively, busy finishing cooking the spaghetti in the dutch oven before its time to add in the egg and cheese mixture.

Dew takes a breath, “...Wanna feel even better?”

Taking a chance, he slinks around to Rain’s front, between the taller ghoul and the stove. 

He rests his palms on Rain’s chest and looks up, large eyes round and hopeful. Rain crosses one long leg over the other and leans forward casually with his hands on the counter, encasing the fire ghoul in a cage of his arms. He looks down at Dew, a smirk spreading across his handsome face and crinkling his nose. 

“What did you have in mind?”

Dew reaches up on his tiptoes, pressing his lips to Rain’s neck. He mouths the skin there softly and nuzzles his nose into the scent gland just behind his ear, happily breathing in his favorite scent in the world. Rain rumbles low in his chest, pressing closer. Dew starts moving lower, traveling down to kiss over his chest, down to his stomach, slowly sinking down until he’s on his knees in front of Rain, sitting back on his heels. He looks up at the water ghoul as he runs his hands up Rain’s legs to rest on his thighs. 

“Please?” Dew breathes.

Rain brings his tail round front between them, placing the spade under Dew’s chin and tipping his head back further to expose his throat.

“What do you want, Dew?” Rain asks quietly, eyes glinting.

Dew swallows heavily and exhales a shaky breath, “Wanna be good for you.”

Rain purrs, threads his fingers through Dew’s hair and gently pushes his head towards his hips. Dew grasps the back of Rain’s thighs and buries his face in Rain’s crotch, rubbing his cheek, nosing and licking at the fabric of his pants and breathing in deeply his concentrated scent. Dew whimpers as he mouths at the fabric and Rain’s cock semi-awake underneath. He licks along the zipper, feeling Rain’s cock stir under his tongue and he moans softly.

“Shhhh…If you want to do this then you need to be quiet while I finish making dinner,” Rain warns, pressing Dew’s face more firmly into his slowly growing bulge, gagging him.

Dew mewls quietly, now muffled, trying to reign in his noises. He wants to be a good boy, wants to be quiet like Rain told him to. He reaches towards Rain’s zipper but hesitates, looking up again.

“Can I?” He asks shyly, amber eyes peeking through his lashes.

Rain pauses what he’s doing, peering down towards Dew at his feet.

“Go ahead,” he nods casually before going back to working on the pasta.

Dew undoes the button and carefully pulls the zipper down. He leans forward to mouth at Rain’s dick through the patch of boxers peeking through the denim before pulling his length out. It kicks in his hand, exposed to the cold air, and Dew struggles to hold back a whimper at the sight of the small pearl of pre already beading at the tip. He gives the slit a little kitten lick, shuddering at the salty taste of Rain’s pre. 

It coats his tongue and he whines quietly. Gods, so good. 

Dew suckles on the head, feeling fuzziness begin to creep in at the edge of his consciousness. Another whine escapes his throat and he scooches closer on his knees, moving his tongue to lick along the shaft. The fire ghoul moves his head back, teasing the underside of the head with his tongue before sinking slowly down onto Rain’s length. It sits heavy on his tongue and his eyes slip shut as he moves gently up and down Rain’s dick. 

He presses the tip of his tongue against the thick vein that runs along the underside and hollows his cheeks. He hears Rain curse quietly.

“Shit, Dewdrop…so warm,” He hisses under his breath, gripping the counter.

Dew hums, relaxing his tongue and jaw. His hands move around the backside of Rain’s thighs to grasp the taller ghoul’s round buttocks. He kneads into the flesh, moaning softly as he continues moving slowly up and down the cock in his mouth. On his knees at Rain’s feet is where he wants to be. This feels right. This is where he belongs.

Rain trills quietly above his head as he stirs the egg mix into the pasta. He places the bowl in his hand down on the counter and looks down at the little ghoul in front of him. Dew’s eyes are closed, eyebrows slightly upturned. 

Rain reaches down, scratching lightly at Dew’s scalp behind his ear and rubs the base of his horn with a thumb as he stirs the pasta with the other hand. Dew purrs, nestling in closer while he lightly suckles on the length of Rain’s cock, still kneading the meat of his ass. He squeezes the muscle three times, trilling at Rain’s reply of three gentle tugs on his hair.

I love you.

I love you too.

The fire ghoul’s mind is blissfully quiet and happily floating in a cocktail of submissiveness and pheromones from the scent gland near the base of Rain’s dick. 

“You're so pretty like this,” Rain murmurs, stroking Dew’s hair. He moves a finger and lightly traces along Dew’s lips stretched around his girth, shiny and slick with spit “Doing so well for me.”

Dew keens at the praise and he hears Rain groan low in his chest through the delicious fog in his mind as his mouth moves more exuberantly on Rain’s length, yearning badly to be deserving of his praise. He grips the taller ghoul’s ass closer with both hands, spindly fingers digging into the firmness of the muscle. More precum weeps from Rain’s dick and runs over the back of Dew’s tongue. He drinks it down, humming gratefully in his throat. Thank you.

Rain gasps at the tight, wet feeling enveloping his cock and his hips buck forward of their own accord, thrusting deeper towards the back of Dew's hot, silky mouth for a brief moment, touching his throat. Dew gags, whimpering and shifting closer once again as he straddles one of Rain's legs.

“Easy love, I’m still finishing up dinner. Don’t wanna drop something on my good boy,” Rain coos, his hand paused over the pot where he’s pouring the cooked guanciale and shredded parmesan into the carbonara, “No thoughts left in that pretty little head now, hmm? Just a nice warm, wet hole all for me,” he gives another shallow thrust into Dew's mouth.

Dew moans a sigh around the cock his mouth, trying to shake his head. He's floating, content in knowing he doesn't have to make any decisions or have any meaningful thoughts. Rain is here. Rain will take care of him. 

Slick begins to soak into his boxers and through the haze he can feel his pussy leaking, lips swollen with arousal. A hint of desperation colors his cheeks and he begins to squirm around Rain's leg, wanting to sit down onto the water ghoul's boot and rub his pussy into it but needing to wait for permission. Dew is Rain's pretty, good boy after all, and good boys need to wait to be told what to do. He pulls back from Rain’s cock, looking up with wet eyes. He whines pitifully, words having already been lost to the fog of subspace. 

Rain glances down, a thick eyebrow arched as he eyes the little ghoul squirming on his knees, “Do you need something?”

Dew whines again, gripping the fabric of Rain’s pants. His hips roll against the taller ghoul’s shin, despite his efforts to remain still.

“Dew, use your words. Ask.”

Dew shakes his head, a whimper spilling from his throat. There are no words anymore. 

Rain chuckles, “Does my pretty dumb boy need some extra attention? I thought this was supposed to be about you making me feel good.”

Dew mewls, his hands shaking on Rain’s thigh, “P-please Rainy…” He chokes out, “I–I need you–don’t…tease…” he sniffs, tears welling in his rising desperation. 

His hips roll again, a hint of embarrassment coloring his scent at the fact that he just can’t help himself. His ears redden with shame; he’s such a little slut.

Rain watches the fire ghoul affectionately. He’s trying so hard to be good and listen. Rain can smell the smoky desperation in Dew’s scent as the little ghoul at his feet tries to continue sucking on his cock like he’s supposed to; he’s trying hard to be obedient and not just hump mindlessly into Rain’s leg like he wants to so badly. He can also smell the slick leaking from Dew’s pussy, making a mess in his boxers. Combined with the rich smell of the finished pasta on the stove in front of him, it makes his mouth water. He shifts his foot to press his foot up into Dew’s cunt. Pretty boys deserve to be rewarded.

“Go ahead, love.”

Dew sobs with a garbled thankyouthankyouthankyou, practically melting down onto Rain’s foot and grinding into the leather, slick soaking through his jeans at the pressure and into the toe of the boot like some perverted kind of polish. His mouth goes straight back to Rain’s dick and he sinks all the way down to the base, licking and sucking with renewed fervor, grateful to Rain for allowing him to make the taller ghoul feel good, but also for the chance to make himself feel good as well. That wave of submissiveness, of being a good doll for Rain to use for his pleasure crashes over him and pulls him right back down to that comfortable warm space in his mind where he doesn’t think, he only feels and obeys.

He feels Rain change the angle of his foot to tilt up and Dew immediately  begins grinding his clit against the rough rubber of the sole. The sweet sounds spilling from his mouth pitch up as Rain covers the enamel pot, sets it on the back of the stove and reaches down to grip Dew's hair with both hands, groaning and doubling over slightly. It’s not like Dew’s affections throughout the afternoon haven’t had an affect on him. The fire ghoul is still capable of being a siren in his own right,  and now Rain’s cool, careful control is beginning to crumble as Dew’s enthusiastic, hot mouth and sinful noises break down his defenses.

Rain pulls Dew’s head away from his dick, and Dew whines sadly at the sudden emptiness. He looks up from between the water ghoul’s hands on his cheeks, eyes big and mournful. Despite the whimpers spilling from his throat at the lack of cock in his mouth, his hips continue rolling, the need to grind himself into Rain’s boot thoroughly out of his control.

“C’mere,” Rain growls as he bends down to scoop Dew up off the floor.

Dew just mewls, allowing Rain to manipulate his limbs and situate him on the kitchen counter. Rain steps between his legs, crowding into his space. Dew gasps as Rain reaches to undo the button of his pants and shimmies them down his hips just enough to reach into his underwear and rub at the wet little nub between his legs. Slick quickly covers Rain’s fingers and Dew cries out as his nerves light up with pleasure, rocking his hips forward into Rain’s hand.

Rain rests their foreheads together, breathing heavily. He flicks his tongue out, desperate to catch some of Dew’s taste on his breath between them. 

“You win, Dew. You have me,” Rain murmurs, reaching in to mouth at Dew’s neck, inhaling his smoky scent and licking at his scent gland. 

He pulls back, sealing his lips together with Dew’s, kissing him deeply. His tongue slips against Dew’s and the fire ghoul trills, his mind going quiet and fuzzy again, happy to have Rain’s hand on his clit and Rain’s tongue filling his mouth.

“You’re so good for me, love, so beautiful,” Rain whispers breathlessly, smiling against Dew’s lips when Dew keens at the praise, squirming in his hold and against the hand on his clit. He moves his hand lower to pet against the smaller ghoul’s folds and presses a finger against his hole. He moans at how soft and wet Dew feels against his hand. It’s so warm and silky, coating his fingers like a glove. Dew mewls into Rain’s mouth and wraps his tail around Rain’s waist, seeking grounding and subconsciously trying to pull the water ghoul closer.

Rain loves getting Dew like this: out of his head, pliant, relaxed, unburdened. His fire ghoul shoulders so many burdens from day to day, past and present. It’s good when they get a chance to be like this, together. He loves calling Dew his good, pretty boy and watching him get all soft and fall apart with his eyes glazed over. Dew might act loud and bold with everyone else, but Rain knows it’s just a front for the insecurity and anxiety that Dew knows he’s safe from with his water ghoul.

Dew whimpers as Rain takes his hand away, his hips hitching forward in an effort to try and follow the loss of pressure on his cunt. 

“Nnno–”

“Shhh love, it’s okay. I’ve got you.”

Dew watches the taller ghoul take his cock in his hand and lube himself up with the not-small amount of slick glistening on his fingers.

“You’ve been doing so well for me, listening so nicely. Do you want something better now? Do you want me to fuck you, Dew?”

Dew looks at Rain with wide eyes, then looks behind him at the open doorway to the den. Despite the fog in his mind it slowly registers to him that even though it’s just him and Rain in the kitchen, someone could still walk through the door. It was one thing when he was on his knees sucking Rain’s dick, hidden by the kitchen island. This is the ghouls’ private wing, but someone could still see.

He wants to say yes, he wants so badly for Rain to finally shove his cock into his pussy and fuck him right here on the kitchen counter. But, Rain had also said that he didn’t want to do this where other people might see. Rain said no. Dew is a good boy, he wants to listen.

Distress creeps into his delicate features and he starts breathing rapidly, his tail unwinding from Rain’s waist and curling tightly around his own leg. This is a trap, a test to see if Dew really is as good as he said he wanted to be. But he wants this so much… 

He whines, looking up at Rain with tears flooding his eyes.

“Hey–hey, what’s this? What’s wrong?” Rain cradles his face gently, pressing their horns together in comfort, “Breathe, babe. It’s okay.”

Dew chokes back a sob, tears now threatening to spill over. He tries to hide, his face burning with shame. He’s not a good boy.

“S-someone might see…y-you said in private. W-wanna be good,” he mumbles, sniffling quietly.

Rain’s eyes widen, seeing his love beginning to drop, and he crushes the little ghoul into his chest, pressing soft kisses to the top of his head.

“Oh, my love,” He whispers into Dew’s hair, “You are.” 

Rain pulls away to look Dew in the eye, “I’m so proud of you for listening and trying to be obedient. But you know what I did on the way here? I texted everyone and told them to get lost for the evening so it can just be you and me,” he smiles, winking and pressing a soft kiss to the tip of Dew’s nose.

“R-really?” Dew’s heart rate begins to level out again.

“Really.”

Dew releases a slow breath. He wasn’t bad. Rain is proud of him.

He’s okay. He’s safe.

He’s Rain’s good boy.

He relaxes in Rain’s embrace, a quiet purr kicking up in his chest at the feeling of Rain stroking a hand over his hair, scratching his scalp lightly with his claws. After a few minutes of comfortable silence, he feels the taller ghoul shift and lean back to look at him. Rain tucks a lock of golden hair behind his ear. 

“We don’t have to do this if you don’t want to, we can just eat dinner and cuddle in front of the fire. Do you want to be done or…do you want to keep going?” Rain asks, brow furrowed. His eyes search Dew’s face cautiously. 

Dew bites his lip, considering his options. 

He peers up at the water ghoul, “Rainy…am I good…for you?” he chews on his lip, amber eyes big.

Rain nods sincerely, taking Dew’s hands and pressing them to his chest to feel his heartbeat.

“You are the best for me, Dewdrop.”

Dew makes a small noise in his throat and lifts his arms to wind around Rain’s neck. He leans in, brushing the tip of his nose bashfully against Rain’s before pressing his lips to the other’s softly. He sighs as Rain returns the kiss. The water ghoul moves slowly, trying to assure Dew that he's safe by allowing him to set the pace. 

Dew chirps, scooching forward to hook his legs over Rain’s hips, wanting him closer. He grabs Rain’s hands and places them on his thighs, squirming and attempting to hook the water ghoul’s fingers into the waistband of his pants. 

Rain gets the message, hurrying to slip Dew’s pants the rest of the way off his body and flinging them off to the side. He quickly shoves his pants down to his ankles, grabs Dew’s legs, and pulls the smaller ghoul in to wrap them around his waist. 

Their lips collide and they melt into each other’s mouths, gasping and moaning, tongues dancing and sliding over each other. Dew mewls, eyes closed and eyebrows upturned, as Rain presses his hips into his and begins slowly sliding his cock through his slick, warm folds. The tip kisses his clit with every gentle thrust and Dew cants his hips forward, seeking more pressure and friction. They move together, hands exploring and removing any remaining articles of clothing.

“F-fuck, love, you feel so good,” Rain runs his hands up Dew’s back, holding him between his shoulder blades, pressing their chests close together. Skin to skin. He trembles with the effort to not just slide right into Dew’s warm wet pussy and take his pretty boy the way he so desperately wants to. He buries his face in Dew’s neck, licking and biting under his ear and along his throat, whining into Dew’s hot, smoky skin. 

Dew shudders, feeling so small enveloped in Rain’s arms with the taller ghoul’s wide hands spanning almost the entirety of his back. His mind is blank save for his awareness of the fire and need burning in his gut. 

“Please, Rainy,” he pleads, voice cracking with need as Rain thrusts his cock with more fervor against his cunt. It’s so messy, the wet sounds coming from between their bodies, sweaty from the heat of the kitchen, are borderline obscene with how slick they both are.

“Tell me,” Rain gasps, holding back with all the restraint he has. His hands grip Dew’s shoulder blades, hips bucking forward and causing his cock to catch on Dew’s hole before sliding up and nailing his clit. 

Dew’s body jolts at the sudden zing of arousal. Overwhelmed, the tears finally spill over, “Need it, pleaseRainyIneed–Ohhh, '' he moans high in his throat as Rain finally pushes in, sliding all the way home in one go. Finally.

He throws his arms around Rain’s neck, fingers weaving through the water ghoul’s curly black hair as Rain cries out at how tight and warm feeling Dew’s pussy is clenching around his cock. He starts thrusting, eyes screwed shut, and Dew clings to him for dear life as his hips pick up speed. The water ghoul grasps Dew’s hips and moves him against the motion of his thrusts. He pushes Dew away and then pulls him back as he snaps his hips forward, groaning and whimpering with each impact. Dew lets him, his breaths coming in punched out gasps and moans as each thrust hits that spot that lights up his nerves and leaves his gut tight and hot. He can feel how tight his cunt is and it makes Rain’s already impressive cock feel huge.

The knot in his stomach begins to tighten, and he rolls his hips forward to grind his clit on Rain’s little trail of hair. The muscles in his gut tense, Dew moans and squeezes the back of Rain’s neck to get his attention. Rain pulls his face from the crook of Dew’s neck, breathes coming in pants. His hair is sweat soaked and messy, his cerulean eyes blown out and wild with lust. 

“Nnneed to cum,” Dew’s gasp cuts off with a whine at a particularly deep thrust, “C-can I cum? Been goo–ahhhh!” He cries out when Rain wholly picks him up, supporting the little ghoul’s body as he bounces Dew on his cock, reaching a new level of depth.

“Fuck, you’re so tight. So good for me. M’so close, Dew. Come with me,” Rain’s hips begin to falter in their rhythm as his balls draw up against his body and he fucks into Dew’s cunt harder, chasing his end.

Rain lunges forward and crushes their lips together, whining and trembling against Dew’s mouth as he grips his claws into Dew’s waist and slams home one last time, grinding his hips hard into Dew’s clit and triggering the fire ghoul’s own release as his cock pulses and fills Dew’s cunt fluttering and clenching around him, squeezing him impossibly tight, milking him for everything he has to give. Dew comes undone with a gasp and a gush of slick, his body seizing and legs shaking around Rain’s waist. His eyes roll back in his head and he’s pulled under by the weight of his orgasm, his vision growing dark and his hearing muted. 

***

Rain comes down first, supporting Dew and petting over his sides as the little ghoul whimpers and shudders in his hold. He winces with how tight Dew still is as he slides out slowly, heart clenching at the sad sounds that fall from Dew’s lips at the loss. Dew’s tail comes to wrap around his arm and Rain kisses him in between his horns as he scoops Dew up behind his back and under his knees and sinks slowly to the floor, leaning back against the kitchen cabinets and cradling Dew in his lap. He holds him close and murmurs quiet praises into the fire ghoul’s golden hair, telling him how beautiful he is, how good he is. He purrs as Dew stirs and nuzzles into his chest, enjoying the warmth and the closeness as he comes back to consciousness. Dew peers up at him, blinking the oncoming drowsiness from his amber eyes. He trills softly, reaching up to cup Rain’s face before closing his eyes and nestling back down in the larger ghoul’s chest, not quite ready for real words just yet. 

Rain chirps in reply and bends his head down closer to his ghoul’s face. He plants gentle kisses on the tip of Dew’s nose, followed by his forehead, and lastly, his lips. He smiles when he feels a small, warm hand squeeze three times into the muscle of his chest right over his heart. He puts his hand over the fingers splayed on his chest, squeezing three times in return.

I love you.

"Careful now," The shorter said. "That lass doesn't like you touching her own."

"Can't help myself. Never seen something so shiny..." It mumbled, carefully laying Rain back down.

Dew squirmed, huffing as his energy was already so depleted, watching with demonic eyes as the two crowded him. He watched the shorter crouch down, grabbing his hair with a particularly hard grasp.

"Gonna cut you and your lady a deal. You haven't eaten anything since two days ago. You can be nice and not bite us again, and we can feed ya'. How's' about that?"

The blonde siren only attempted to screech, cut off as the hand tightened, yanking him up to look at Rain. "You think she'll last another day with your attitude? I really suggest you think nice, long, and hard about it, lass."

The pale form of Rain sunk into Dew's chest, the two humans quietly noticing the tone change and the siren's eyes filling back in.

"There we go! See, ain't bad is it?" The taller smiled, moving away as the smaller let go.

Dew laid still, eyes never leaving Rain's face. He was still so new, didn't even understand the concept of humans. No matter how hard his mate tried to explain how vicious they were, just meals, Rain stayed curious. Dew never wanted him to break his fantasy this way—stuck gagged, and bound to a barrel while he slowly starved to death. How could the younger even know? Rain was so sheltered by not just him but the rest of their school for his lack of voice, unable to lure or defend himself should the situation arise. He didn't even know how to change his tail to legs.

The humans returned to break Dew out of his own mind, watching as they moved to Rain first; holding up a catch from earlier this morning. They undid his gag, holding the fish by its tail and dangling it in front of the siren. It took a moment before Rain's eyes quickly came to life, jaw opening and snatching the carp away. His fangs dug into the scales and dried skin, pulling meat like it was nothing. The two humans laughed as it was some kind of show to them, having taken a step out of reach so Rain didn't get the chance to snatch at them next. The water siren slammed the spine at their feet, sobbing quietly as he slunk back into his barrel, still looking at the taller human with such sad eyes.

"You want another?" It asked, watching Rain nod with shaking hands.

The taller held up another before dropping it into the barrel, once again watching as Rain became animalistic, blood now flowing in his once clear water. While occupied, the smaller human turned to Dew.

It tilted it's head. "You gonna behave like your lady, or do you need to starve a little more?"

Dewdrop wouldn't lie. The scent made his stomach curl on itself, only running on what he had so long ago. He simply huffed, finally closing his eyes in defeat. A silent thing of compliance. He felt his gag be removed, exhaling and being sat up. The smaller human grabbed a smaller fish while being sturdy with its placement as he pushed it towards the siren's mouth—hands still tied behind his back unlike Rain.

"Well? Go ahead. Watch those pretty teeth, lady." He chuckled, his spare hand never leaving the pistol on his hip.

Slowly, Dew unhinged his jaw just for the fuck of it, leaning forwards and snapping right near the humans fingers. His tongue shuffled through the meat, pushing the skeletal remains to the side and spitting it at the human's feet. It only caused a laugh, a sly smirk on the top side's face as he readjusted his grip to throw the rest directly into Dewdrop's mouth. The process repeated, and now they just stared at one another, hatred once again boiling to the surface as Dew let out a low hiss.

"I don't suggest doing that, love. Won't end up well for you." He hummed back, patting Dewdrop's cheek.

"Do you take me for a fool?"

The taller one whipped around, the smaller's eyes widening as the siren talked.

"Huh... Ain't that something." The taller mumbled, looking between the dark haired siren that was now sunken completely at the barrel. "What about this one? Does it talk?"

Dewdrop glanced over, huffing. "No. He doesn't. He means no harm to anything."

"He?" The smaller took mental note. "Yourself?"

"Of the same."

"Noted."

The two humans now sat next to the siren, their curiosity piqued. "What's your name?" The smaller asked.

The one of water simply stared, lip curling back. "Dewdrop. That's Rain. And you two are simple idiots who don't understand just what you've done."

Leaning up with an elbow on its knee, hand holding his chin. "And how's that, Dewdrop?"

"Your ship enters Siren territory no matter which way you go ahead. From what I understand, that's the way you need to go... Our kind will smell us. Alive. You'll have no choice but to release us or face your death."

He could see the two exchange glances, trying to determine if what Dew was saying was true or not. Their facial expression held a simple word of "talk about this later."

Turning their attention back to the siren, the smaller hummed. "We'll just have to see then, won't we?"

Dew could only laugh back at them. Idiots. "Guess we will, human."

"Aether," He corrected. "My name is Aether. This is Mountain."

"Shame." Dewdrop laughed again. "Such pretty names for dead men."

In an instant, Mountain had lifted Dew's gag, grimacing and standing. Aether followed suit, watching as Dew continued laughing beneath the rag and staring directly at them. With a scoff, Aether shook his head, crouching a bit just so he and Dew's noses were almost touching.

"A bit of advice... I wouldn't threaten the people keeping you and your fish stick over there alive. I also wouldn't recommend pissing off the man with a flask."

The comment caught the siren off guard, watching as Aether stood fully up and pulled out a silver container from his leather jacket. He brought the top to his lips, swishing the unknown liquid in his cheeks before bending down and spitting it on Dew's thigh that still held a giant gash. In an instant, the Siren folded over, thrashing and giving muffled screams. His leg burned like it was caught on fire, skin bubbling as blood now joined the ooze down his pale skin. Aether just watched with a somewhat laugh, taking another drink before handing the silver flask to Mountain.

A boot poked at Dew's ribs as he stayed bent over. "I'll see you later, fishy!"

An angry heave left the siren, thanking his hair for covering his face as tears of pain began to fall into the wooden deck below. Slowly, he lifted his head to peek through the curtains of his own strands. So fucking be it. Let the fools stay head on. Dew couldn't wait to rip their fucking throats out as his sisters and brothers would rock the ship into death. He and Rain would escape, and feast on these mere sources of food—Dew filled with determination he'd get Aether all to his own.

Dew took a deep breath and raised his hand to the bell pull. As his fingers hung poised to curl around it, the large doors suddenly swung inwards.

“Dewdrop!” Shrieked a high voice, echoing Dew’s arrival the week before. “I saw you coming, I’m so happy you came back!”

She threw her arms around him in a hug, almost suffocating him with her mass of white hair. Looking up, she spotted the four ghouls stood awkwardly behind Dew watching the reunion.

“This must be your pack!” She exclaimed in delight, releasing him. “I hope you’ve been taking care of our Dewy.”

Dewy hid his head in his hands in exaggerated embarrassment.

“Everyone, this is Cumulus. She's more like a hurricane than a ghoul, but don't let her scare you.”

“Pshhh, come in, come in,” grabbing Dew by the hand she pulled him through the open doors, beckoning the others to follow, “Riri’s rounding up the others, we can do introductions then!”

“Lus wait,” Dew pulled back, hesitant, “we’ve had a hard journey, and I think half my pack are about to fall asleep standing up. Could it wait until the morning?”

She stopped in her tracks, looking back at them all.

“Why didn’t I see that?” She looked appalled that she had overlooked this. “Of course you’re tired after that long journey.”

Dew didn’t like to see her look so crestfallen, but with his packmates already being anxious about the new environment, he couldn’t foist several exuberant ghoulettes on them all at once.

“Give your horse to Bell, then let’s get you some supper.”

Dew looked behind him to check the pack were following and led them behind Cumulus into the courtyard. Sidling up on unnaturally silent hooved feet, Cowbell materialised next to them to take her reins.

Turning to look at Rain, Dew reached up a hand to help him down. He seemed to struggle to swing his leg over the saddle, and as his feet eventually landed on the ground, his knees buckled beneath him.

"Rain!” he gasped, struggling to support him as he went limp in a dead faint. Swiss was beside him in a second, helping take the weight of his tall body before he could collapse to the ground.

“What's wrong with him?” Fretted Aether, also swooping in to press his fingers to his temples and bring him round with his quintessence.

“I don't know, he's in a bad way again like before!” Dew cried in a panic. “We need to get him to the infirmary; they'll know what to do.”

“He was fine this morning, better than he's been all week, how has he gone downhill so fast?” said Mountain worriedly, taking Rain's weight from Dew and Swiss and scooping him up in his arms as though he weighed little more than the rucksack still on his back. Rain's eyelids flickered open as the quintessence took hold, but his eyes remained unfocussed and glassy.

Watching in alarm, Cumulus quickly ushered the ghouls into the building and towards the infirmary wing. Dew chased alongside Mountain as he strode down the corridor, his eyes never leaving Rain for a second. They burst through the doors, alarming a young quintessence ghoul stood on the other side of them. He swiftly regained his composure and directed Mountain to an empty bed he could lay Rain on, calling out for backup from the other ghouls stood around.

“What happened to him?” he asked, leaping into action without even questioning who this gaggle of unfamiliar ghouls were.

“We don't know, he was sleepy this afternoon and then fainted out of nowhere!” Dew said, frantic. “He's been weak, but he seemed to be getting better!”

“He looks like he's taken quite a beating,” hummed an older ghoulette, “but these are healing bruises not fresh.”

“Two weeks ago,” interjected Swiss, “he was attacked two weeks ago, then locked in a human jail for a week and beaten again. He's been on the mend but started getting tired again in the last few hours.”

The ghouls nodded, looking confused as they pressed fingers to him checking his vitals, both those of his vessel and his soul.

“His heart rate is slow, but not especially slow for a water ghoul.”

“His energy feels very weak, like it's been strained.”

“He'd dreadfully malnourished,” the ghoulette looked up at the panicked travellers, “you said he was locked up for a week?” She was answered by an assortment of nods. “If you hadn't said, I'd have thought it was closer to a month. One week of imprisonment, no matter how poor the conditions, shouldn't have sapped him of this much strength.”

“Will he be okay?” Dew could hear his voice come out uncomfortably high, a note of hysteria modulating his words.

“He should be, but I’d like to keep a close eye on him,” The senior ghoulette looked at them sagely, “we need to make sure there's no underlying problem making him weaker.”

She turned to look at Aether, “You’re quintessence.”

He bowed his head slightly in acknowledgement. “Aether.”

“Astra. Have you noticed any change in his energy over the last few weeks? Anything that could indicate this was brewing?”

“His elemental connection only fully clicked two weeks ago,” Aether explained, “he could wield water powers before but never that strongly. They came in rather unexpectedly and a bit too strong, that’s what landed him in trouble with the humans we lived alongside.”

Well that was putting it mildly, thought Dew.

“Is there anything else that could have affected him?”

They all thought for a moment. In the lead-up to Rain’s catastrophic actions, everything had seemed normal.

“Your Calamus leaf potions couldn’t have done this?” Asked Swiss, clutching at straws.

“They should have strengthened his magic, not weakened it,” Aether mused, “they’ve never had any adverse effects before.”

“Oh!” Burst out a much younger ghoulette with cropped, indigo hair. “Are you the ghouls who wrote that incredible book Copia keeps raving about? I'd never heard of Calamus until I read that!”

Aether and Mountain stared at her, open mouthed, before turning their gaze on Dew.

“Would you happen to know anything about that, Dewdrop?” growled Mountain. Dew had the grace to look sheepish at that, but tried to defend himself regardless,

“I had to! You don’t understand how it works here, I had to bring something with a large value of knowledge so they’d help us!”

“I don’t care; you should’ve asked us, and explained yourself! You don’t just steal.”

“If I’d asked,” snarled Dew, “you wouldn’t have let me come here and then Rain would be–”

“Enough,” Aether bellowed directly into their minds. The pair clutched at their heads in pain. “We will talk about this later,” he continued, out loud now, “Dew, you will explain yourself. For now though, Rain is our priority.”

“Yes Aether.” Dew muttered, chastised. “I am sorry, I shouldn’t have stolen it without asking, but I promise I had a reason. You’ll get it back, I swear.”

With a harumph, Aether turned back to the quintessence ghouls as though nothing had happened.

“Rain’s recovery hasn’t been linear. From what I understand, after his power came in he was beaten unconscious. A few hours later he was conscious but unresponsive, but by the next day with some food and medicinal herbs he seemed to be doing better?”

Swiss nodded in assent.

“He wasn’t talking but he was communicating,” the multi ghoul added, “he had his magic still then, I saw it.”

Astra nodded, frantically scribbling notes.

“Then he was attacked again, and totally unresponsive for days. He only started reacting and talking again a few days after we pulled him out of there.”

“He was doing so well this morning though,” said Dew, stood clutching Rain's hand after grabbing it instinctively once he was on the bed, “his magic was the strongest it's ever been!”

“He was exhausted by midday though,” pointed out Aether, “I thought he was just sleepy.”

Dew shook his head thoughtfully. “He's been sleeping really well, since that awful nightmare a few days ago.” Leaning over the water ghoul, he saw his eyes flicker sightly in recognition, but remain unfocused and unseeing. His normally bright blue irises were so pale they were almost grey.

“What's wrong, Rainy?” He whispered, so low only Rain could have heard him. “How do I help you get better?”

The four ghouls continued watching their sick packmate in concern as the quintessence ghouls began bustling around, making sure he was comfortable and making various notes on him.

“You should get some rest,” Astra advised them, laying a reassuring hand on Dew's shoulder, “we can take care of your mate from here. You all look exhausted yourselves, and you'll be no help if you pass out on my floor. I'm sure we'll have him right-as-rain in no time!”

Dew was too stunned by her assumption that they were mates to notice her terrible joke.

“We're not– I'm not –” by the time he had finished spluttering indignantly, face cherry-red, she had already walked off with a serene smile.

Cumulus materialised next to them.

“I can take you to our wing, where Dew's old room is, for tonight? There're some spare rooms made up already in case you came. I can bring you some food and make sure you're not overwhelmed with new faces if you'd like?”

Dew was so relieved by the suggestion of quiet that he could have hugged her, regardless of the suffocation risk her hair posed. He looked at his pack for confirmation, getting a mixture of nods and shrugs, before accepting her offer.

“Thanks Lus, that sounds perfect.”

With a final concerned look back at Rain's prone form on the bed, they solemnly followed Cumulus down the corridor and up a small flight of stone stairs.

“We're very close to the infirmary here,” she remarked, leading them through a large door into a corridor unlike the rest of the building so far. The walls were covered with small pictures and decorations, the doors each engraved with elemental symbols, names, and more. It felt homely.

“The room at the end is our common room, there's snacks and water in there so feel free to explore, but I can't promise it will be empty. This is mine and Cirrus’ room if you need me,” she gestured to a door, painted sky-blue with small engravings of clouds lining the panelling, “and this is Dew's room.” The door was plainer, impersonal, with no real sign that Dew had ever lived behind it.

Entering, they found their saddlebags in a neat pile in the corner of the room. The bag containing Swiss’ beat-up guitar was carefully laid on its side next to them, presumably by a careful Cowbell. No one had been in the mood for it during their trip, and none of them felt so now either. They were all still wearing their own knapsacks, Dew realised as he suddenly felt the weight of the straps pressing heavily on his shoulders. He tossed his into a corner, the others following suit. In the centre of the room was Dew's large bed, a towering pile of blankets for a proper nest stacked high on top. A fire roared in the grate, making the room pleasantly warm.

“I can show you to the spare rooms?” Cumulus hovered in the doorway. That was a force of habit, Dew thought: he had always been wary of others entering his space uninvited. The other ghouls looked uneasy at the suggestion, and Swiss spoke for them all,

“I think we'd prefer to stay together for now, with one of our own sick.”

His competing visions all agreed on one thing: regardless of where they started the night, their sleeping positions would all converge into one pile. Camping together over the last week they had gotten used to each other's proximity and being apart right now, especially with Rain being unwell, felt scary. Besides, the bed was easily bigger than the combined bedrolls they had been sleeping on for the past two weeks.

Cumulus nodded. “I'll run to the kitchens and find you some supper.” Spinning on her heel, she darted away. She was an enthusiastic host, Dew thought, and clearly felt awkward given the strange situation they had found themselves in.

The pack kicked off their shoes and silently slumped to the floor, loath to make the clean bed dirty with their dusty traveling clothes.

“He'll be alright,” Swiss said after a while, “with all those quintessence ghouls looking after him, they're bound to work out what's wrong.”

The mood was sober, all of them trying not to think about what could happen if they didn't figure it out.

“Right Dew, tell us what the situation is with the book,” sighed Aether, “then we can put it behind us.”

Dew looked guiltily into his lap where he was sat with his legs crossed as he explained the situation.

“I mentioned it before, but the way things work here help isn't completely free. They don't ask for payment in gold though, it's in knowledge or time.” The others nodded, remembering vaguely.

“Well, when I was leaving to come and ask if they had any ideas about rescuing Rain, I wasn't sure they'd help for free. It's been a long time since I left, and I did so without telling anyone. I wasn't even here that long, but I got close with the ghoulettes very fast, only to abandon everyone.”

The similarity to his flight northward a few weeks prior wasn't lost on any of them.

“So I grabbed your encyclopaedia before I left, thinking that if they demanded payment, I would have something to give them and could get back to Rain sooner. Then I left it here for them to transcribe, because I figured we were likely to all come back here, but I knew you might not want to stay for long enough to pay it back. Now our debts are cleared, and they can help Rain and we're free to leave as soon as he's better and I'm sorry I didn't ask first but I didn't have time to explain all this, I'm sorry!”

Dew was rambling now; he could tell as he caught his breath. He looked imploringly at his packmates, hoping they would at least understand, if not forgive him. Aether's face softened.

“Oh Dew,” he gave him a small and encouraging smile, “I'm not mad at you, I can see why you took it. You should have told us though! If not at the time, you could have mentioned it sooner, okay?”

Hanging his head, Dew nodded.

“We forgive you, right Mount?”

“Yeah, I get it,” he grumbled, “we'll get it back soon, right?”

“I’ll ask Mist when we see her, she's the head ghoul in the library here, she'll know.” promised Dew.

“Great!” Swiss chirped with forced cheerfulness, glad that conversation was over. The alternative of worrying about Rain was still worse though. “We're all good now, right? No more secrets?”

Dew thought for a second. His whole life was full of secrets, but he thought that was the last of the ones he owed his pack.

“That's everything.” he confirmed.

With that, there was a knock on the door,

“Room service!” came the musical voice from the other side.

“Come in!” Answered Dew, scrambling to his feet.

Cumulus opened the door, and pushed a small cart laden with trays of food through.

“I didn’t know what you wanted, so I grabbed a bit of everything!”

Their mouths watered at the smell; a jumbled mix of cooked meats, melted cheese, a thousand competing spices, and “fresh bread!” Swiss cried in delight.

“I won’t keep you waiting,” laughed Cumulus, seeing the wide eyes of the hungry ghouls, “Riri sends her love, she was wondering if you’d be up for some introductions tomorrow?”

Dew glanced back at the others and saw no objections.

“That sounds good, I’d like to visit Rain first though. See how he’s doing.”

“Of course!” She smiled, her warm breezy smile bringing Dew the same comfort it had all those years ago. “Good night, boys!”

A chorus of “g’night” came from the others, and Cumulus fluttered her perfectly manicured claws in a wave before disappearing back down the hall to the common room.

Dew pushed the cart to the middle of the room, and began unloading covered trays onto the floor between them. They could eat one more meal like this, before returning to the land of tables and chairs. No one spoke as they filled their plates, the only sounds for a while were the quiet moas of appreciation they made, sinking their fangs into proper, varied food. By coincidence, there was not a fish in sight, and none of them were able to feel too sorry about that.

Once they had taken the edge of their hunger, conversation began to flow again. Chiefly of interest were the myriad new faces they had either met, or were soon to meet.

“Cumulus seems nice,” started Swiss, ripping the meat of a steak from the bone as juices ran down his chin, “a lot, but nice.”

“She is,” Dew smiled, “she’s a total sweetheart, but I’m certain she’d delight in tearing any of us limb from limb if we hurt her, or her mate Cirrus.”

“Another air ghoulette?” asked Aether through a mouthful of potato.

“Same clan even. They arrived here together, apparently. Cirrus was the first ghoulette I met, she took me in when I was starving on their doorstep.” Dew paused to shovel more bread into his mouth. “I’m sure you can trade stories of my general incompetence at looking after myself.”

That got a snicker from Aether and Mountain, to Dew’s delight.

“We’re you really that bad?” Swiss asked incredulously.

“Rain with almost no magic was better at surviving in the woods than me,” Dew rolled his eyes good-humouredly at his ineptitude, “at least he could catch his own food. I could start a fire and make myself sick by eating the wrong plants.”

There was another lull while Dew set about stripping every morsel of flesh from a chicken leg; the warm spices nourishing his soul as much as his stomach.

“The ghoul we briefly met earlier, who took our horse to the stables, was Cowbell. No one really knows what element they are, and they don’t talk much, but they've been here forever and they’re loyal to a fault. I like them.”

“You mentioned another multi ghoul before?” Swiss had never met any ghouls of his kind before. Multi ghouls were rare and unique, born only a few times in a generation, and no one truly understood their origin. The thought of meeting another filled him with excitement.

“Yeah, she’s joined since I left,” Dew smiled at the brief memory of her, a whirlwind of positive energy, “you’ll like her, I’m sure. She’s probably going to become Mist’s mate sooner or later.”

“The librarian?” asked Mountain.

Dew nodded. “You can ask her how the transcription is going tomorrow.”

“And the human?” Aether was curious to meet the mysterious man, who seemed vastly outnumbered in this house of ghouls.

“Papa Emeritus the Fourth, Copia, he’s in charge officially,” Dew confirmed, “he mostly leaves the ghouls to their own devices providing they pull their weight, and he manages the few humans who work and worship here. He’s a busy man, but he’ll want to see you, he always makes time for us ghouls.”

“It’s going to be a busy day for us too,” Aether yawned widely. The food was almost gone, and their exhaustion was starting to hit, “time for bed soon?”

A rumble of harmonising purrs declared that a good idea.

With the plates and trays stashed on the trolley and rolled back into the corridor, the ghouls took turns washing the grime of the road from their bodies. The magically heated water was blissful, but none of them wanted to waste too much time in the bathroom when a plush nest awaited them. There would be ample time to bathe properly tomorrow. Drying off with cloud-soft towels, they grabbed – rather tight for most of them – shirts and underwear from the pile Dew had found still in the dresser and crawled onto the soft mattress. It seemed his room had remained untouched since he left. That was strange given the short time he had lived here; had Cumulus always seen him returning one day?

Dew was the last to leave the bathroom, having changed inside into a shirt and a pair of sleep trousers that could only fit him. He emerged to find Aether and Swiss beckoning him to squeeze in-between them, trapping him in the centre of his old nest. Mountain was behind Swiss, the multi ghoul wearing him like a backpack as they pretended they weren’t clearly cuddling in the flickering firelight.

Before long, he could hear their relaxed snores echoing around the room. Despite his own tiredness, Dew could not sleep. He was worried about Rain: worried about the sudden deterioration of his health; worried that the quintessence ghouls might not work out what had caused it; worried that he may have another nightmare all alone in the infirmary. Aether’s arms felt too firm around his shoulders; Swiss’ too warm. Rain should be here, Rain should be the one he was cuddled with. Even after only a few nights in each other’s arms, Dew felt addicted. What if Rain felt the same? What if he wasn’t able to sleep – he needed to sleep to get better! What if he had another nightmare and Dew wasn’t there to comfort him.

Mind made up, Dew wriggled free of the heavy arms around him and padded for the door. He opened it as quietly as he could, ears pricked for any stray ghoulettes wandering the halls. Judging from the quiet murmur of noise and the light coming from under the common room door, they were still up and talking. On socked feet, he tiptoed out of the dormitory wing and down to the infirmary.

‘I’m coming, Rain.’

Dew rounded the final corner of the stone corridor, slinking into the welcoming, dim glow of the infirmary. Almost everyone was asleep, but the large ghoul stationed at the desk on night duty shot him a smile. Dew thought he recognised him from his time before. He tried to return the greeting, but feared it came out as more of a grimace.

Sneaking behind the curtain around Rain’s bed, Dew was at first hopeful that he was sleeping. He was lying quiet and still, but on closer inspection Dew saw that his eyes were open, staring at the ceiling. Only his extra set of cat-like inner eyelids were closed, keeping his eyes moist but giving him a creepy blank gaze.

The curtain drew back again.

“He’s tired, but not sleeping.” Said the ghoul, entering and pressing two fingers to Rain’s forehead to check on him. He made a note on a chart at the foot of Rain’s bed. “We still don’t know what’s wrong, if anything he seems to be getting less and less responsive.”

Omega, that was his name remembered Dew, pressed a damp flannel to Rain’s dry and chapped lips. He returned it to a bowl on the table beside the bed.

“He shouldn’t get too dehydrated, it’s not good for water ghouls, but he isn’t lucid enough to drink.” Omega explained. “I’ll be popping in periodically to check on him, but feel free to stay as long as you want.”

Dew nodded, hovering awkwardly with the tall ghoul still watching him. Once the curtain closed and he drifted off to his next patient, Dew was able to take a proper look at Rain. His normally pale skin was translucent, almost waxy, and his usually shiny hair fell in limp tendrils around his face. He picked up the flannel, wringing out the excess water and did as Omega had done, carefully wetting Rain’s lips. They twitched slightly, grateful for the hydration, but still Rain made no move to either respond, or drift any closer towards sleep.

With no one around to see, Dew did what his instincts had been screaming at him to do since he was in the ghoul pile in his bedroom: he carefully scrambled up into Rain’s bed, slotting himself behind the icy water ghoul and propping him up against his chest. Dew wrapped his arms around him to begin warming him up, combing his fingers through the ends of Rain’s hair and teasing out the tangles. The water ghoul stirred, leaning softly into his touch, and Dew took that as a signal to continue. He glamoured his claws away and reached up to rake his blunt nails across his scalp and through his hair. Rain's eyes slipped closed and he sank further into his embrace, until Dew had to shift his position to keep supporting the weight of him.

Once his hair was smooth again, although still dry and dull, Dew began braiding it with nimble fingers as Cirrus had once done for him. He revelled in the silky feel of the dark strands passing through his hands; Rain's hair was so pretty, even in its current state. Dew hoped Rain would let him play with it again when he was better, so he could experience the ebony waves in their full beauty. All too soon, Dew had finished weaving Rain's dark strands into two perfect braids that curled from his temples to behind his ears. He hoped it would be enough to protect it from tangling further against the cotton of the infirmary pillowcases.

Dew helped Rain settle back down into the bed, manoeuvring his long limbs into a comfortable sleeping position. He was no quintessence ghoul, but he seemed calmer now and Dew hoped that he would be able to get some much-needed rest. With Rain back under the blankets, Dew wriggled down until he could press his warm nose in-between Rain's shoulder blades and hold him tightly. He waited until Rain's breathing slowed as he fell soundly asleep, before allowing himself to follow.

That was where the others found him the next morning. Swiss had woken first, the sunlight streaming through a crack in the curtains hitting him square in the face. He twisted his head away from it, and let himself luxuriate in the warmth he had awoken to a little longer. Ghoul piles like this were sacred affairs; shared between only the closest of packs. He could probably count on one hand the number he’d had with his pack, never the most affectionate ghouls even at the best of times. They had mostly been on cold winter nights, when no amount of coaxing could make the fire burn hot enough and Dew’s intrinsic warmth was their only respite.

Their piles had never been this close before, however. Swiss found himself almost entirely trapped in the cage of Mountain’s arms, the earth ghoul clinging to him like a lifeline. They were so close, Swiss could feel his heartbeat thudding against his back.  It had been so long since he’d woken up like this; so long since he’d been held. He wished he could freeze the moment and stay here forever, safe in Mountain’s arms, in this limbo where he could dream that the giant ghoul was his.

Dew had seemed so certain Mountain felt the same way about him, yet Swiss couldn’t help but think that was too good to be true. He’d never heard Mountain express any desire to find a mate, but then again, Swiss hadn’t exactly talked about such things either. It wasn’t until the traumatic events of the last few weeks that he’d realised his own feelings even. Lying here feeling loved and wanted, Swiss was scared that by voicing his desires, they could risk losing what friendship they did have.

After his conversation with Dew, Swiss had given in to the temptation to see if any of his visions would outline a change in their relationship: be it good or bad. He hadn’t seen anything however; the Void stubbornly refusing to offer him even a hint. Swiss had wondered if he was subconsciously blocking it out again like he had done with Dew during the week he was away, too afraid of a negative outcome. Maybe he’d skirt around the topic and see what Mountain’s reaction was, rather than jumping straight into the big question? This was all a matter for later-Swiss however. For now, he was content to lay where he was and simply imagine.

Eventually, Swiss had to come back to reality. The warm breath on the back of his neck stuttered as Mountain woke, releasing him to stretch strong arms above his head, warm and bare legs pressing against his own. Swiss tried to avoid thinking about that, given their proximity. He feigned sleep for a bit longer, to see what Mountain’s reaction to him world be. To his delight, the earth ghoul recaptured him and snuffled his face into the back of Swiss’ hair.

“You awake, Snapdragon?” he murmured quietly. Swiss pretended to wake, stretching out before pressing back against Mountain’s chest.

“Mm-hmm,” he hummed back, as nonchalantly as he could manage, “g’ mornin’.”

Swiss grinned to himself as Mountain showed no signs of releasing him. Even when Aether yawned and muttered his own sleepy good mornings, the earth ghoul kept him in his grip. He was so comfy, and the bed was warm but not too warm… wait.

“Where’s Dew?” asked Swiss, opening his eyes fully to check for signs of the fire ghoul. He made no move to leave the nest however.

“Wha–” Aether struggled upright, looking around, “he was here last night?”

“He’ll be with Rain,” Mountain spoke as thought it was obvious, his voice muffled by Swiss’s pile of dreadlocks that he refused to move his face from, “they’ll be fine.”

“Should we go and find him?” Aether stumbled out of bed, bare legs almost buckling as he stood up too fast.

The answering groans from the comfortable ghouls still under the blankets rumbled in perfect harmony.

Eventually, the fully-dressed ghouls slumped sleepily into the infirmary, once Aether had successfully guilt-tripped Swiss and Mountain into getting out of bed. They found Dew as he had fallen asleep last night; curled protectively around Rain. A tall quintessence ghoul, clearly on his way out after a shift, nodded at them in greeting as he passed.

Approaching the bed, they saw Rain looking even rougher than he had the night before. They shared a concerned glance, and as they did Dew finally noticed them.

“He’s really cold,” whispered Dew as though to explain their position, while making no move to change it, “but he’s sleeping, which is apparently a good sign.” He didn’t look so sure.

The ghouls kept their silent vigil by Rain's bedside until Cumulus came looking for them.

“I thought I’d find you here,” she smiled warmly, “we’re in the Den having breakfast, if you’d like to join us and make some introductions? Mist is already back in the library with Copia but we can go and bother them afterwards!”

The pack exchanged glances, and Aether spoke for them all,

“That sounds nice. It’s not like we can help Rain by just sitting here.”

“Great!” Cumulus chirped, bouncing on the balls of her feet. “Cirrus and Sunny can’t wait to meet you!”

Dew was reluctant to leave Rain, but knew he had to be there too. Carefully, he released Rain and wriggled free of the bed.

“I still need to get dressed.” He muttered, but followed them back to the dormitories with only one glance back to check Rain was still asleep. Dew hated the thought of leaving him alone in a strange new place; he would be terrified to wake up in such a situation and he imagined Rain would feel the same, so he hoped they could be back before Rain awoke.

Cumulus almost skipped down the hallway ahead of them, the pack travelling with more trepidation. She flung open the door to the common room in their wing, and the ghouls almost didn’t notice the two ghoulettes inside past the loud contents of the room. The walls were the same grey stone as the hallway, only it was barely visible behind the swathes of colourful fabric that had been draped across them. The furniture was a mismatch of colours and fabrics, yet all looked delightfully soft. Trinkets covered every available surface, reminding Dew of Rain’s bedroom back at their farmhouse, with all its pretty rocks and shells. The room lead towards two large windows on the back wall, inset with a myriad colours of stained glass that cast rainbows  around the room. One was half-open, leading to a balcony beyond. It screamed home, often a faraway concept to ghouls not living with their birth clans.

Swiss was immediately enraptured; a joyful energy radiated from every corner of the room, fed by the love and thought that went into every part of its contents. He dreamed of living somewhere like this, somewhere he could make his own and fill with happiness and devotion. Their attention landed finally on the two ghoulettes, half-buried in their respective seats. They waved at the newcomers; one restrained and cautious in her actions, the other fizzing with exuberance. On a coffee table in front of them rested mugs of hot tea and piles of more baked goods than they could possibly manage to eat.

Cumulus flopped down into the loveseat next to the ash blonde ghoulette, who reached an arm out around her.

“Welcome back Dew,” she smiled warmly, “and welcome to your pack, too!”

“Hi Cir.” Dew offered her a small smile, before curling into the corner of the old and battered sofa and gesturing for his pack to find seats of their own. Swiss sank into the centre of the sofa, with Mountain beside him while Aether perched on the edge of a deceptively soft armchair that threatened to swallow him whole.

“This is Cirrus,” he figured he should do the introductions, “she’s the first ghoulette I met here.”

“Sunshine,” Dew gestured to the redheaded ghoulette sat cross-legged in a hideous orange velvet rocking chair, “is who you can thank for the plan to get Rain out.”

Sunshine mimed taking a bow, setting the chair oscillating back and forth wildly.

“Everyone, these are my packmates,” Dew looked at them; the ragtag band still slightly dishevelled from their journey, and looking awkwardly out of place in the ghoulettes’ colourful sitting room. He couldn’t have been prouder to call them his pack, “Aether, Mountain and Swiss.”

Conversation flowed slowly but smoothly, as the still-ravenous ghouls devoured the mountain of food in front of them. If they had thought Cumulus was a lot to handle, Sunshine was even more outgoing. Aether found himself warming quickly to Cirrus; two kind and steady personalities drawn together. Dew watched in wonder as his packmates seamlessly interacted with the ghoulettes; even Mountain seemed interested in Sunshine and her work at the Abbey, adapting the greenhouse to grow plants from warmer climates.

“Do you want to meet Mist and Copia too?” asked Cirrus, during a lull in the conversation. After a brief pause for Swiss to snaffle the last fruit bun, they followed her and the other ghoulettes down yet more stone hallways all the way to the other end of the Abbey.

“Dew’s probably told you, but the library is one of the most important rooms here after the Chapel,” Cirrus explained as they walked, “we have the largest collection of books detailing His work here on Earth and in the pit, as well as all manner of literature on the natural world.”

“That’s why Mist is so busy right now,” Sunshine interjected, “she’s leading the transcription of that book the two of you wrote. I haven’t seen Copia so excited by anything in years!”

Aether and Mountain exchanged glances that could only be read as ‘who is this guy?’

Turning another corner, Cirrus stopped in front of a pair of ornately carved oak doors.

“The library.”

She threw open the doors, revealing a large, high-ceilinged room lined with shelves upon shelves of books. In the centre were a cluster of desks, and cosy armchairs seemed to have been dotted wherever there was space. Long and narrow windows tossed columns of morning light across the room, supplemented by many candles that burned with an enchanted, heatless flame. Sat at the desks were half a dozen ghouls, all studiously scribbling on sheets of linen paper. None of them looked up at the disturbance, too engrossed in their work.

Sunshine wriggled past the ghouls blocking the door and skipped over to a ghoulette with cropped white hair, throwing her arms around her from behind while her quill was raised in contemplation.

“Hello Baby,” she cooed in her ear, “we brought you some guests.”

Even from the door, Dew could see the indigo blush reach the tips of Mist's ears. It was funny, he thought, seeing the normally unflappable ghoulette taken down like this. When she looked to the door, Dew wiggled his fingers in a small wave.

“Dew!” she cried, leaping to her feet and accidentally dislodging Sunshine, “I heard you’d come back!”

She swept to the door and pulled Dew, not a tall ghoul by anyone's standards, down to her height in a bone-crushing hug.

“With your pack, too,” she eyed them appraisingly, “your water ghoul is in the infirmary I heard. I’m not surprised, given what those humans put him through.”

Dew nodded, and chose not to explore why hearing Rain described as his water ghoul made his stomach feel strange and fluttery.

“Now,” Mist continued, pointing an accusatory finger at the others, “which of you is responsible for this absolute monster of a text we’ve been holed up in here copying for the last week?”

Swiss immediately pointed towards Mountain and Aether, intimidated by the small but fierce ghoulette. She turned her gaze on them; having to crane her neck to properly look Mountain in the eye.

“Who did the drawings?”

Mountain raised a cautious hand.

“Beautiful,” she stated, “ours aren’t half as good.”

She swivelled to face Aether.

“You.” Narrowing her eyes, she seemed almost ready to square up for a fight. “You wrote the text.”

Aether looked like he wanted to run away. He didn’t see what he could’ve done wrong.

“Why in Satan’s name is your handwriting so damn small!” Mist practically growled at him, throwing her hands in the air in frustration. “It’s incredible work, but we can barely read it without a magnifying glass!”

Lost for words, Aether stumbled back slightly and looked to Dew for backup. Luckily, he was saved from Mist’s exaggerated wrath by Copia emerging from the far doors that led to his office.

“Good morning, dear ghouls!” he called, swishing towards them in his long cassock. “Dewdrop, I am delighted to have you back with us, I trust your young packmate is here safely too, no?”

“Hello Papa,” Dew bowed his head politely, “he is sick in the infirmary, but yes Rain is here. The plan worked perfectly.”

“Ah, I am sorry to hear he is unwell,” the warmth in his eyes was genuine, all the ghouls could see that, “but this must be the rest of your pack!”

The others watched him cautiously, wary of the human stood before them. Swiss was the first to step forward, extending a hand in the human greeting he was most familiar with. Copia clasped it graciously, shaking it twice before raising it and dipping his head to press his lips to Swiss’ dry and cracked knuckles.

“It is a pleasure to meet you…” he paused, waiting for Swiss to supply a name.

“Swiss.” If he was amused by the strange man’s behaviour, he didn’t show it. “Multi ghoul.”

“Then it is a pleasure to meet you, Swiss.” He turned to face the more wary Aether and Mountain,

“You must be the pair responsible for this incredible anthology of regional fauna we are all hard at work on!” He lifted his arms, as though praising them, like the dark Priest they figured he was. “My goodness, it has been many a moon since I saw a work this spectacular, this comprehensive.”

He looked like he was about to embrace them, before thinking better of it and instead going in for more handshakes and kisses.

 “Aether,” the quintessence ghoul spoke clearly and professionally, “we thank you for your hospitality.”

"Mountain.” Quieter, hesitant, he accepted the deferent greeting of the Abbey's leader.

“You must meet some of our Earth ghouls! Your knowledge of the southern environment especially will be of tremendous interest to them.”

“How many ghouls live here?” asked Aether, curious.

“It fluctuates, but several dozen ghouls at least call this place home. A few of my own kind too, although we are in the minority.”

“You say the number of ghouls changes,” Mountain spoke with caution in his tone, “does this mean if we chose to stay, we would be free to leave again as we choose?”

“Of course, of course! I would never want to hold any ghoul against their will.” Copia seemed appalled by the suggestion.

“And what payment would you expect if we do stay?”

“For now, nothing. The knowledge in your book that Dewdrop brought to us is more than valuable enough for you to stay here while your youngest recovers. However, if you choose to remain here long term you would be expected to help out in some small way, in the infirmary or the gardens or wherever you feel best suited.”

Dew couldn't blame them for confirming what he had told them. He hoped it would build their trust in the leader to have him acknowledge how life worked here.

“Sunshine here for example,” he patted her on her curly head as she vibrated nearby like an excited puppy, “is helping our Earth ghouls build a tropical climate greenhouse. It is a rare treat, to have a multi ghoul in our midst.” Copia looked at Swiss with a marvelling smile as he spoke.

“Also, I hear you have much experience in dealing with humankind. I understand you may not want to, given recent events,” he winced on their behalf, “but it is one of my goals to spread His message even further with the help of ghouls, His most magnificent creations. That is also a possibility for you to assist me with, if you choose.”

The ghouls shared a glance – none of them especially enamoured with humanity right now.

“Anyway! Come, come. Let me show you how our work is going. We are almost done!”

Copia bustled back over towards the cluster of desks.

“Why did he greet us like we're royalty?” muttered Swiss in Dew's ear as they followed, loud enough for Mountain and Aether to hear, but no one else.

“It's just his way,” Dew murmured back, “he thinks ghouls are the physical manifestation of His Unholiness, and it means we can get away with murder here, sometimes literally.”

They stopped behind an earth ghoul at one of the desks, carefully inking a leafy plant. It was a near-perfect copy of Mountain's own drawing but the lines lacked the organic fluidity and familiarity of the shape Mountain had so easily rendered. Two more ghouls had the book itself open between them, squinting at the tiny text, roughly scribbling it down onto separate sheets for yet other ghouls, Mist included, to write up neatly onto pages to be bound later.

“As you see, we have a very efficient system to ensure we can return original texts that fall into our hands to their rightful owners as soon as possible.” Copia explained. “I am creating the cover to bind it, imbuing it with prayers for longevity in the hope that it may last many generations beyond me.”

As Aether leaned forward over the vacant seat to see the page Mist had been working on, the library doors burst open again with a slam. The young quintessence ghoul they had seen the day before came running in, panting with exertion.

“It's Rain,” he gasped.

Dew took off running without waiting to hear more. Pushing past the quintessence ghoul, he paid no heed to if his packmates were following him or not. He tore along the corridor, the footfalls echoing in his ears blending with the pounding of his heartbeat. In front of the doors to the infirmary he skidded to a stop before throwing himself through them.

Rain was sat hunched over in bed, shaking and hyperventilating with eyes as wide as saucers. The acrid scent of panic filled the air as Dew raced to his side, recognising the signs of another nightmare instantly.

“Rain!” he cried, ignoring the hands that tried to stop him clambering onto the bed to hold the water ghoul. “Please wake up, none of it's real!”