alright. i'll bite. ghoul heats. spill. (pwease 🥺)
Alright so uh clearly lots of nsfw talk. Minors don't look ig
Heat cycles are pretty regular, and they last anywhere from a few days to a week and a half. They're the only time ghouls can reproduce, and to help that out ghouls get both a penis and a vagina during the duration of their heat, regardless of their normal genital configuration
U know how heats are. You Gotta Fuck, or ur suffering.
The scent of a ghoul in heat can set off ruts in other ghouls. In rut, a ghoul is also able to reproduce, but their typical genital configuration does not change, and a rut is typically satisfied quicker than a heat. They're just essentially Really Horny and fertile, but staying away from the scent of heat can dissipate a rut. A heat cannot be set off like a rut can.
For the reasons above, ghouls typically keep track of their heat cycles and will start to isolate themselves in with their pack in the days leading up to it as they prepare for their heat. Preparation includes stocking up on heat necessities (both sex stuff like lube, toys, or condoms if they're not wanting kits at the moment, as well as things like food and water), as well as building a nest, which ends up being a Fuck And Cuddle pile of blankets, pillows, clothing, anything soft
Mates get first dibs during heat, followed by the pack alpha, then followed by whoever else the ghoul in heat wants. Alphas are often involved in pack heats aside from just fucking; they're there to protect the vulnerable ghoul by keeping watch and warding off unwanted suitors, those who would wish the ghoul harm, etc. Alphas also make sure there's no real harm during the heat (aside from, you know, consensual kinky shit), making sure the ghouls involved get rest and food and water when needed, help clean up, etc
After a heat is finished, it often leaves a ghoul exhausted and unable to perform pack duties and such for the next few days. This is normal and expected, and the rest of the pack helps out for this.
In the ministry, there are heat suppressants available for those who would like them. The band ghouls always use them on tour, but between tours they'll let their heats happen naturally, as keeping them suppressed for too long is not healthy.
Aether, being the pack alpha, has everyone's heats down in the calendar on his phone. He keeps this information shared with Copia, because once Copia walked in on a pack heat and it was not fun for anyone