Ghosts & Medium Drabble - Five times plus One.
So I am back to this AU <3 I do love Medium Dust and his Harem of Ghosts + One Angel lmao
But here I am! And the 5 + 1 some of you will recognise as the 'Five times Plus one time' story trope :3
And I wanted to expand on this little prompt [Here] That was about how other people have their own opinion on Dust hanging out at home a lot.
So here it is! The five times where Dust being mistaken for a hooker is all fun and games, and one time it will hold consequences. Which means yes! Technically six Drabbles in one >:D
*------------------*
Nightmare watches as Dust's frowns into his bag. Searching the small side pockets. Nightmare can sense the others annoyance as he searches for his key.
"You know." Nightmare offers with a small wave "You could just yell loud enough and I am sure Killer will rush over to assist you." he grins.
Dust freezes before tugging his head even lower as he mutters about not wanting to deal with that.
Ngihtmare thinks it is amusing. How Dust is denying his own feelings concerning the ghost. It isn't as if Killer would reject him. In matter of fact the flirty poltergeist would be overjoyed to learn that Dust has had a msall change of heart concerning him.
Nightmare had been using it himself a lot as well. To push him down against the bed and hold him for a moment before releasing him. To casually lift stuff out of the way for him or carry Dust past obstacles. At first the left over injury and drain from the Banshee had been a perfect excuse. After that it was about effeciency.
The truth is that his embarrassment is delicious. One of the emotions he truly enjoys the taste of even if the energy he gets from that emotion is limited.
For now Nightmare will just let him search his bag and wait. He is not in a hurry either way and is honestly surprised none of the spirits demanded to go along with Dust and him doing some light shopping. Though that may have been because Dust had been getting annoyed with all their hovering, his words not Nightmare's, and he didn't want to deal with more than one person joining him!
Nightmare in the end won out for a few reasons. One, he had a physical body and was actually able to help him carry Dust back in case he fainted again. and Two Killer was in Cross's body this time and it would take a few more days before Cross would get his control back. And seeing as Ash has pretty much forbidden Killer from being alone with Dust it only made for one true option.
nightmare wonders if Ash noticed Dust's new feelings as well. The older brother had been much quicker to feel annoyed after all. Though it may also be becuase how bad the Banshee situation had gone...
Ngihtmare doubts the phantom will amuse him and sate his curiousity.
"A-ha!" Dust raises his key wiht triumph as he grins at him.
Nightmare can't help but just watch one of his mortals. It is rare for Dust to truly let anyone see what he feels or thinks but it is clear he has been getting more comfortable with all of them. He has been less guarded... more open...
It is a treat...
Another one is to see that bright magic in his sockets. Brightly coloured and vibrant with the strenght of his magic and almost shifitng slightly with his mana. Almost like a flame or moving water. nightmare hasn't quite foudn the right comparison yet.
Dust keeps grinning at him as they just stand there for a moment before he blinks and goes to turn towards the door.
"Excuse me!"
Dust blinks and looks around himself first before turning towards the person who spoke. Dust feels slightly confused but Ngihtmare can see his face turn completely neutral as he just points towards himself.
The other person, a monster by the looks of it, part dragon and rather large stops before them "Hello! I have been trying to find a way to contact you for a while! You live here right? Guy who always wears a hood? Seen with one or two guys near him?"
Dust tilts his skull slightly "Maybe... who are you?"
The other person grins adn thrusts out his hand "Drake!" Nightmare barely keeps a sigh inside, hoenstly how are parents THIS unoriginal nowadays?
Dust nods as he motions towards himself "Name is Dust." he doesn't make a move to touch the hand.
Drake slowly lowers his hand "Right right... So I was wondering if... You know.. .You could... If I could... Order your services?"
Dust tils his skull but seems much more intrigued. Well Nightmare thinks he clearly is. Nightmare suposed that to others he would still look desinterested.
Dust hums "Depends. How many?"
The guy seems shocked before grinning "I mean... It depends when you know? Soon just one but if I can call some people it could be up to like... four? Maybe five?"
Dust frowns and Nightmare understands why. It is rare for anytype of spirit to stay in large groups. Their little group is very much a rarity and is only possible as Dust makes enough dorment energy to feed the spirits passively without anyone being bothered. Is this somekind of nest? A mass murder with newly shaped spirits? Is that why it would be at a later date? As it would mean the murder still has to take place? interesting that they would try to get secure a way to get rit of the spirits.
Dust shoots him a look and Dust must be able to read on his face that Nightmare also finds it curious. Nightmare still nods a tiny bit. To show he agrees with it being curious.
Dust still takes out a small notebook. He opens it to a page and starts writing "And if the finishing of the first is done would that lead to a slower number for the next apointment?" he taps the page as he waits.
Drake laughs as he rubs his neck, strange he feels slightly flustered, "hah! Depends on how good your work is!"
Dust pauses for a moment too long. Nightmare can feel how displeased Dust feels. He does not enjoy people doubting his work or abilities.
Dust huffs and mutters "My work is perfect."
Ngihtmare chuckles and nods "Indeed. From what I have heard all his clients were very satisfied with his work." Dust shoots him a look, clearly unamused with his assistance. Ngihtmare just smiles back.
Drake looks curiously between them for a moment before speaking "So... it is possible?"
Dust nods and speaks "When?"
Drake grins as he gives some dates and Dust checks notes down the times and dates. He asks the where next and the man speaks about an apartment in the city.
Dust frowns again and clearly thinks for a moment before asking if they need specific protection. Drake blinks and says that depends on if Dust wants those.
nightmare is still stuck up about the location... strange. because from what he learned of this city and the maps that area is all newly build. At most ten years old. In the upstart part of the area. Meaning people move there as a first home situation or an inbetween one before they invest in a bigger forever home. It is a rather strange place to have a group of spirits wandering about.
Dust and Drake are talking about the prices and Dsut says it depends on what is required to deal with the situation and marks.
Darka laughs as he rubs his name "Dude. don't call it a situation. You make it seem so serious."
Dust is clearly unamused "It is work."
Nightmare nods "He does take his work very seriously." Dust shoots him another glare and Nightmare can't help but tease "am I wrong dear?"
Dust looks slightly embarrassed as he tugs his hood tighter around his face.
Drake nods "Okay. Well. Glad we managed to make an appointment at least. We will discuss stuff when we are at my place price wise. Euh. Befroe I go. Who brings the condoms?"
Silence as Dust freezes.
Nightmare blinks as well. Condoms? He knows what they are of course, Nightmare makes a point of being informed on basic things, especailly with Killer being very interested in sex with dust, Ngihtamre decided to educate himself on the subject.
Why would they need condoms?
Dust asks the same "What would we need condoms for?" the shock is clear on his face. He is just as, if not even more, surprsied than Nightmare.
Drake frowns "You mentioned we needing protection? I just kinda ssumed... Oh wait! Are you on like any pregnancy medicine? I know that is a thing but I figured it would be too expensive?"
Dust acutally sputters as his face lgiths up purple "No?! Why would you?! Why even ask that?! What does that have to do wiht anything we just spoke about?!"
Drake looks insulted "Of course I ask?! I am trying to book you to fuck after all?!"
Dust actually freezes. Pure shock.
Nightmare is shocked himself. He had thought.
Dust manages to shake himself out of it "what?! No?! Why?! Why woud you even think I do that?!"
Drake looks confused and angry "BEcause everyone knows?! You walk in with him and that guy in white very often! People hear like moaning sounds from your area and shit!! It is very obvious!"
nightamre blinks.. He suposes that... the air and magic of spirits from a distance and through a wall or three could sound like moaning in that sense... or maybe someone called it spirit moaning and people assumed it was the different type?
Dust sputters "No?! I am not a hooker!"
Drake glares at him "Then who is that guy?!"
Dust looks at him and seems to be unsure how to answer it. Nightmare blinks and asnwers the question "Dust and I work together. We have an agreed upon contract where I pay for services that Dust provides." Dust looks even more horrified and Nightmare realises what it sounded like.
Oh... Oops.
Drake seems to look up "Wait like a fucking sugar daddy- Oh! It is like a pimp situation? In that case... Like when can I hire him?" Drake points at Dust over his shoulder and Dsut looks beyond furious.
Nightmare doens't like this mortal. This mortal implies he will just take one of Nightmare's mortals? WIhtout their say so? No. Absolutely not.
Nightmare makes sure to keep his voice cold "You ahve already proven yourself unrespectful and unworthy. Leave before I make you leave."
Drake sputters but Nightmare can dealw ith that easily. He focusses on the other and makes him experience fear. Deep rooted fear. The other monster stops and shudders before making some excuses and running off. Muttering about not wanting to deal with a possessive pimp and a probably much too high price rating.
They are left standing awkwardly by the enterance to the apartment complex.
Dust is blushing and looks down at the ground.
nightmare coughs to clear his throat before he speaks "I supose... We will have to tell the others about this... in case they are asked."
Dust groans loudly as he just leans with his head against the door.
Ngihtmare watches him froa moment beofre joining his side and leaning a bit closer "And if I may ask... What is a sugar daddy?"
Dust just groans much louder.
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Cross stands by Dust's van as he searches it. Nightmare is by his side as the spirits float around. They just finished a mission and are on their way back to Dust's.... home.
Cross is happy to be in his own body again! It has beena week since he last had the chance nad it feels great to stretch his body!
Nightmare chuckles "Excited to move your bdoy again?"
Cross shoots the fallen angel a look "You don't need to be so smug about it."
Nightmare chuckles "Oh it is alright. isn't there a whole chapter of learning in your church about patience? And how one must learn to wait to be able to truly appreciate things?"
Cross huffs as he crosses his arms "Well!! Yeah!! But it shouldn't have to be focussed on something that is mine!" like his own fucking bdoy!
Nightmare nods "At least you will be able to exercise again."
Cross sighs "yes finally!" He groans slightly at the idea of a good working. Some strength trianing and track to get energy out and train his body "It will feel so good to be able to-"
"I am sorry... I don't mean to interrupt."
Cross stops midsentence to see a rather posh man standing by them. Human by the looks of it. Holding a briefcase and everything.
Nightmare raises a brow "And yet you did interrupt us."
The man looks at Nightmare and nods "I am here for business. I have heard I need to speak to you?"
Nightmare looks intrigued before a small knowing look appears on his face "I suppose I could humour you."
The man nods as he starts to list times and places and people and numbers and how much he calculate that would be worth it and how much the payment would be.
That is when Cross remembers. This man!! This fucker!!
Nightmare however is calm and hums "I see what you are offering but sadly that will not work. You see, the schedule is already full."
The man glances at Cross and hums "Oh I see. You booked every slot didn't you? Rich boy born wiht a silver spoon in his mouth thanks to XGaster and using church money for your own needs."
Cross sputters and feels his whole face warm up "I didn't!! I wouldn't!! I would never!!" He would never! "I would never!! Pay someont to have sex with me?!" Especially not with XGaster's blood money- Wait!! No!! "I mean!!"
Nightmare sighs and looks annoyed at the human in the suite "You broke him. Now I will have to deal with that. Leave." the human mutters some curses but leaves.
Cross is hiding his face as Nightmare hums.
Horror speaks from behind them "that was a dumpster fire."
Cross turns around to see Dust look horrified and the spirits all looking shocked or mad themselves. Cross catches Dust's face and now he can't help but thinking about Dust like that and oh no he is still staring and just end him now!!
Nightmare looks rather amused "Curious how bold they are."
Dust sputters "Stop encouraging them!!"
Nightmare chuckles "I am actually sending them away each time." and he smiles.
Dust sputters and waves his hands "Tehy think you are acutally my pimp!! that isn't helping!!"
Nightmare tilts his skull still looking amused "Would you prefer they keep botherng you with these questions?"
Dust groans and just throws his hands up before thrusting a bag into Cross's arms- oh huh?
Dust walks by "Ritual stuff. Take it inside." and he walks back into his van to grab anything else.
At least Dust doesn't blame cross for this mess... He likes that Dsut never judged him...
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Kiler glares at another person shooting them a look. They are walking down the street now. Trying to get some info from other wandering shades and phantoms. They don't actually dare come close to them.
Whihc Killer thinks is just insulting?! Dusty is the best!!
Though it does mean Killer doens't have to share him with even more people!!
Killer hangs over his shoulder "Dusty!! I am bored!! I wanne go back and have some fun!"
Dust shrugs him off and mutters about needing intell. Killer however is still grinning! Dust didn't hit him or anything to get him off!! clearly he didn't actually minded the close contact!
This is great!
He grins as he skips after Dust, ignoring Cross begging him to act dignified with his body.
Killer snorts "How can i be focused and serious after we slept togehter?" they had cuddled into the night! Look the fact that dust had already been asleep doesn't discount the fact tehy cuddled!
Dust sputters and looks at him with his beautiful blush on his face as he hisses "Don't say that so loudly! people will start even more rumours!" he glances around anxiously and tugs the hood closer around his skull. Killer glances around himself and glares at the people staring. He flips them off.
Dust groans as he tugs his hood even closer and Killer can't help but coo "Oh you are so cute! i can just eat you up!" and he can't help but pick Dust up and spin him around. The small yelp is adorable and the blush just makes his freckles stand out even more and he looks so cute!!
Three people walk over and Killer glares at them "Don't fucking start. The answer is no. You all are idiots for thinking my mate will be disloyal to amuse simple fucks like you lot!"
Dust makes a nervous little noise as Killer pulls him closer. Nightmare looks amused from where he has been walking and just letting them do their thing.
Ngihtmare turns towards the three and smiles "See? I have told many people before that Dust is busy and not open for these type of appointments."
Killer sees them pull out more bills of money and other things but Nightmar ejust shakes his head and shoos them away. Killer huffs as he checks in with his dear mate and sees Dust hiding his face. Mutteing about this being a fucking disaster.
Killer thinks it went rather well actually!!
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They are outside a building. Almost a month after the first idiot tried to suggest that his brother would amuse them like!! Like!! THAT!!
Ash is honestly insulted!
How dare they to think they are worthy of his brother like that?! His brother is too perfect and pure for heathens like THOSE to dirty his dear brother!
Ash is this close to snapping.
Dust is studying the marks left behind on the side of the building. marks of the cult they had been tracking. Dust thinks they are using grafiti and other marks to communicate. A way to not leave an actual paper trail or a trace on the internet.
One person walks over and ash does not like it. People ahve been approaching his poor brother for a full month now!! Yes! Ash knows his brother is cute and perfect and of coruse people would desire him but don't look at him!! Stay away from him!
As always Nightmare speaks with the person but it isn't fast enough.
Ash notices the weakend link of Cross to his body.. he is at his time limit.
Ash doens't think. He uses his limited energy to push Cross out. Cross's spirit leave shis bdoy with a yelp and Ash is in it instantly.
"-Look. I am just saying that I got the gold and the time! just a quicky-"
Ash growls "Stop trying to fuck my brother!"
Ash glares and huffs as the other looks shocked. a woman this time. looking strong. Then the woman looks considered "brothers? like... step brothers?"
Ash pauses and realises what he jsut did... He glances at Dust and sees his horrified look. Oh no.
Oh no oh no!
Dust sputters "We!! I am NOT Cross's brohter!!"
The woman fucking lights up "Oh you do roleplay!!" she smirks and twirls her hair "I can be a very good mommy for a good boy-"
Ash doens't think and punches her in the face. It feels good. It feels amazing to be able to get one off those fuckers to back the fuck away from his brother. He does make sure to keep his mouth shut.
The woman glares "Possessive little fucker aren't you?" she looks at Nightmare "May want to teach that little priest a lesson soon. He seems rather possessive of your little bitch."
Nightmare stops him from hitting the woman again as he speaks calmly "If you hold no respect for us it is best you leave. We have no interest in doing business with those who hold no resepct."
The woman huffs as she walks away "You don't work with anyone. But i am sure someone will be able to outbid you priest boy! And then you will see that this love and fucking you get? It is just about the money!" and she is gone.
Ash immediantly leaves the body, causing Cross's body to crumble. Cross yelps and rushes back in before looking up horrified "You told them we were brothers?!"
Ash sputters "I was mad!! I am used to people just knowing!!"
Dsut whines as he hides his face "This just makes things worse!!"
----------------
Horror calmly fills the basket wiht fresh fruit. Dust is still at home. sTressed after his reputation took a nose dive and he had to do damage control with his fellow mediums.
horror asked Cross to leave his bdoy for a moment so Horror could do some grocery shopping for Dust and make him a good meal. Cross had been unsure but Horror swore that after that he would return his body to Cross.
Cross agreed on that promise.
Talking about Cross...
Cross frowns at the different fruits "So... what are you going to make?"
Horror hums as he checks the potatoes and decides to grab sweet potatoes to go with the bell peppers he already picked out "A roast." he also grabs some fresh citrus and lemon. He gets to the herbs and gets some basics. Just to bring out the roast taste even better.
They walk by the tomatoes and Horror grabs some of the small ones that pack a nice flavour. He wants to roast those with the potatoes to get them nice and crunchy. Horror has noticed that Dust adores a good crunch even if he never asks for it. He also much prefers fresh flavours whihc is why he is doubling on the citrus.
Cross stops floating by the lemongrass "Oh can you grab this as well? I can use any spice really for the warmth tea and I think Dust will prefer this taste over the cinnamon!"
Horror walks over and grabs some of it. As well as a bit of a dried version to store for later cups. Tonight it is time for Dust to just relax.
Horror gets to the butcher area of the store and studies the differnet pieces of meat. mmmh... red meat would be best for the recipe he had planned and there seems some options. He could also go towards teh actual butcher two streets over.
He makes sure no one is around before he asks Cross "Would you mind us going towards the butcher as well? The cuts are decent but not the best."
Cross blinks and looks shcoked before laughing "Thanks for asking. and sure! LEts get Dust a good meal!! he deserves it with all the extra stress."
Horror nods and walks towards the check out. He wants to make sure to get to the butchers before it gets around four. that is when those stores tend to get busy from his memory and he wants to take his time to pick out the prefect cut.
Some man waves at him but at Cross's confused look it is clear Cross doesn't know him. Which means Horror jsut ignores him.
He gets to the check out and pays for the groceries. He nods and wishes them a good day before walking towards the exit. Bag in his arms with their first part of the groceries.
Running steps and someone rushes in front of him "Hey! I was trying to get your attention!"
Horror blinks as he stares at the man. Cross still looks confused and so horror asks one question "Do I know you?"
The other laughs and shakes his head "Nah. But!! I know about you! Adn well! You know. the hooker you fuck? We were wondering what prices and rates and- hey! hey!! where are you going! you can'tjust walk-" and horror lets the door fall shut behind him.
Cross floats next to him dumbfounded "You just... walked away?!"
Horror nods "correct." and he keeps walking.
He turns the corner and goes towards teh butcher. He thinks a good piece of beef would be nice. It is rich and it will go nicely wiht the things he got. It is also not too adventures for Dust. Who most likely never had the chance to taste many different dishes.
With time Horror can maybe try some more dishes later. When Dust is more comfortable again.
Thoguths for later. Now he has a roast to prepare.
-----------
Dust glances around the corner and checks both sides of the street. Okay. No one nearby. He doens't think anyone saw him go inside here... Maybe he can do this?
Nightmare chuckles "Interested in meeting new friends?"
Dsut glares "You know damn well i am not!" but it seems fine... He slowly goes towards the corner and crawls into the warehouse he had been scouting out for days now. He searches the basement and grins when he finds the ring.
It is a small artifact. Weak compared to others but it is an artifact! One meant to strenghten holy bonds and divine energy! It isn't one of the large relics Ngihtmare needs but this should count right? Something to at least tie a bit of the depbt he still owned over.
He crawls back out through the window and yelps as Ngihtmare just pulls him out easily. Holding him up wiht one arm.
His soul is acting stupid again as it pulses so fast.
Ngihtmare has that stupid, charming, smug, stupid- wait he siad that already?, knowing grin on his face. He holds him fro a moment before putting him down at a cuddle. Nightmare leans closer to the side of his skull "That is a lovely colour on you."
Dust feels the warmth on his face gets worse even as Killer yells at nightmare fro daring to flirt with his mate. Celarly killer doesn't realise yet that nihgmtare truly only does it to get a raise out of both of them...
Dust tries to calm his stupid soul... it is nothing. he means nothing wiht it... jsut wants you to feel embarrassed and flustered as he straight up admitted that is tasty to him.
Dust just thrusts his arm out "Here."
Ngihtmare takes the ring and chuckles "Oh my how forwards of you..." he puts it on his left ring finger-NO!
Dust sputters "No! It is to repay my debt! or part of it! Nothing else!"
"I could help with that."
Ngihtamre and Dust both blink and turn. there is a man there.. dUst knows right away who it is. It is one of the people in the council who control this province. Rich guy who throws money away as if he has a secret stash.
Dust blinks "Waht?"
the man smiles "I have a deal for you."
Dust knows where ti is going and feels annoyed "No i am not open to be hired to fuck anyone. leave me alone." he goes to turn towards the exit but the man is in the way. At least Nightamre joins his side.
The man laughs and holds up his hands "Hold on hold on. I am aware some people have been rather... disrespectful and pushy. But! I can assure you! My deal is well worth to be considered."
Dust doens't want to consider anything. He is already sick of this man. Nightmare puts his hand on his shoulder "Lets just hear him out and we will go about our day as planned alright?"
Dust shoots him a glance. Nightmare is smiling but he looks calm. He must know that Dust is beyond done with this. Nightmare will probably just fancy talk their way out of this conversation again...
Dust huffs "fine." and he crosses his arms.
The man smiles "Perfect! Now. I am holding a party in three weeks. And for that party we are in desperate need of entertainment. Now. Do not worry. It is all rather tasteful. We need pleasant people to serve drinks and snacks. Some pretty people to act interested in those speaking. A few to share the night with and one or two for a very special honour." he grins "I think your little treasure there fits the bail for all of them." He holds up a cheque "I will write you whatever amount you want. What does the little pretty own you? I will triple it."
Dust feels himself choke. Triple it?! Who the hell triples a debt that he doesn't even know the price of?!
Nightmare keeps smiling charming "As tempting as that offer is. It is much more worthwhile to keep him by my side." and he grins.
The man frowns. athoughtful look "One night... is already too much... curious..." He rubs his ring.
Dust traces his sight downwards and feels himself freeze. That is the cult symbol...
What... oh no...
The man glances around "A medium and a priest... interesting company you keep... interesting people you have a debt of..."
Nightmare smiles "What can I say. I like being a mystery. Now. If that was all." Ngihtmar epulls lightly on his arm and steers Dust out... Dust can'thelp but notices that Nightmare keeps himself between dust and the cultist. his invissible tendrils are lashing... almost making defensive manouvers.
Dust goes to glance back but a tendril keeps his face aimed forwards. Nightmare whispers just under his breath "Don't... he has dark magic active. keep. moving."
Cross rushes after them as well but doesn't ask questions. No doubt also noticed something.
The cult knows about him.
It doens't matter they know about him for the wrong reasons.
Tehy know he is in this city. It will be a matter of time before they realise he is the same medium that survived the Banshee.
Shit...
He fucking knew this mess was going to come back to bite him.
Seems like it is sooner rather than later.
