Timeline: The 45th denial. Sister had told Earth if he asked for their kit one more time, he’d regret it. He just didn’t think Air would be his punishment.
(I’ll be honest: I’m going through some Things. I had some unfortunate Ghost news, which shook me and resulted in me not being able to draw for a few days because my heart hurt too much. Usually, when I lose the ability to draw it lasts for a while — the last one being almost five years — but with support I’ve managed to be able to do a little bit. But I apologize in advance if I post a lot less than I used to while I keep trying to heal with this; hopefully I’ll be back on my artistic feet soon)
Summary: Air and Earth petitioned the clergy for a kit and have been denied forty seven times. This time, their wish is granted. Features some abbey life, and a lot of tears.
Warnings: kit adoption; mean guy Alpha; Dewdrop is the inter-era bridge; pack feels; angsty/sad with a happy ending; fade to black ending
Author’s Note: from @anotherbananasong storyline about Earth and Air wanting to adopt a kit and being denied by the ministry. Everything changes when the fire nation attacks when Copia becomes Frater
Read on Ao3
"You need to be fully committed to the Project. No distractions."
"You just retired, you should take some time to enjoy it."
"Things are too busy at the moment."
"Everything just calmed down, we can't summon a ghoul right now. Imagine the chaos."
"The ministry's resources are stretched too thin."
"A child, in the catacombs? Absolutely not."
"We don't have space right now, we have to summon new ghouls for the Project."
"We just summoned four new ghouls."
"No."
"No."
"No."
"No."
Air's empty arms ache. The repeated denials feel like a lost dream, a lost future. Grief like that that runs deep. He had clung tightly to the hope that someday Sister would change her mind, but now that she's gone, he can't help but feel like the last shreds of that hope died with her.
Earth is wrapped around him, a low, protective growl rumbling deep in his chest. He holds Air tightly, fighting back his own tears. They'll find a way.
He keeps Air pressed to his chest, reminiscing about when they first mated. When they first decided they wanted a kit. The first time they asked, and the first time they were told no.
Earth's growl grows louder as he thinks of the excuses and yes he knows it's more difficult to summon a kit than an adult. He knows that raising a kit won't be easy. But he wants it, oh does he want it, with Air by his side.
"It will be okay, sweet skybird."
He presses a kiss to Air's forehead, rubs their noses together. Air chokes on a hiccup, let's himself be crushed against Earth. He feels bad, that Earth seems to always be comforting him when he knows he hurts just as deeply. But for now, Air lets himself be held, and lets his emotions run free.
In the room next door, Dew is reclined on Alpha's bed, heart breaking at the sound of Air's muffled sobs mixed with Earth's growling.
"D'ya think Copia knows? That they've been asking to summon a kit?"
Alpha shrugs.
Dew hums, picking at the hem of his shirt.
"Do you... want kits some day?"
"With you?"
It came out colder than intended, and Dew barely has time to mask the hurt that flickers on his face.
"Rainy and I were talking the other day and -"
"Oh, you and Rainy were talking about kits, were you?"
This time, he meant to sound cruel.
Dew scoffs and jumps out of the bed, crossing Alpha's room in six steps this time. He has the mind to pause and do up his fly, throwing a face over his shoulder that makes Alpha thankful looks can't kill.
"Why were you and Rain even -"
"Save it," Dew bites back.
"Where are you going Dew, the whole abbey is asleep already. We'll talk about this is in the morning."
Dew throws open the door and stomps into the hall.
"Maybe try getting your shit together instead."
He doesn't look back when the door slams behind him, pretends not to hear Alpha's frustrated roar. Just marches towards the library, ignoring the unwelcome tears gathering in the corners of his eyes.
Dew's footsteps get lighter the further he travels from the catacombs, pausing every now and then to take in the moonlight streaming in through the stained glass windows. Rests at the chapel for a quick prayer for Earth and Air, and to check on Sister's memorial flame.
It's strange, her absence. They had been through a lot together and he, in some ways, misses her. Maybe things could change now that Copia, Frater, runs the clergy.
He doesn't dwell on it too long, opts to leave the chapel as quick as he entered and veers right down a long hallway. The paintings here are poorly lit, making the hair on the back of his neck stand up. He’s never liked this corridor with all its knowing eyes.
He reaches the library and pushes inside, surprised to see a table still occupied. Less surprised when he approaches and realizes it's Copia, hunched over an old manuscript, making notes in a small leatherbound journal.
Dew rubs at his eyes as he approaches, plops himself down in the seat across from him, careful to not disturb his text.
"Hey Papa."
"My ghoul," Copia smiles gently, placing a worn bookmark into the tome before closing it and moving it to the side. "Are you well? It's very late."
Dew isn't quite sure how to answer that, quietly taps his fingers on the table with a shrug instead.
"You spend much time in the catacombs yes? With the Ancient Ones?"
Dew tries not to grimace, just nods yes with a tight lipped smile.
"How is Air doing? He seemed distraught when my mother passed, and I regretfully haven't been able to visit yet."
Dew rolls a few words around on his tongue, trying to find the best way to explain that particular situation.
"He was of course upset to hear that she passed, but, he and Earth had been waiting to hear back about their um... request."
Copia tilts his head.
"Request?"
"Yes, it was denied by the clergy. Again."
"You'll have to forgive me, my ghoul, but what was the request?"
"They would like to adopt a kit."
"Oh!" Copia smiles broadly. "They would make such wonderful parents, eh? Of course, of course. I'll mention it at tomorrow's meeting."
Dew blinks at Copia, jaw dropping towards the table.
"Papa, Frater, they denied their request forty-seven times."
It's Copia's turn to stare now, aghast, squeaking a bit like a mouse.
"F-f-forty seven denials? Why?"
Dew shrugs, picks at the skin around his claws.
"There were always excuses, but they don't like them. Even Secondo tried."
Copia sets his mouth in a tight line.
"Well that's just silly. Let's get them a kit."
"Seriously?"
"Absolutely. The cruelty ends with me. My mother may have been wise about some things, but others. Well. Not so much."
Dew is thankful for the late hour when he scrambles across the table to pull Copia into an extremely undignified hug, pushing his chair back so quickly it crashes to the floor.
"Thank you," he breathes into Copia's neck, letting his tears fall freely. He may not have been around for all forty-seven denials, but he's seen enough of them.
Copia wraps his arms around Dew, apologizing for all the things he didn't know about, but can work towards changing.
When Dew pulls away, he tilts his chin up to meet Copia's eyes.
"If the clergy tries to say no again because 'that's what Sister always said', I'll burn the room down with all of them in it."
Copia can't help but laugh, his eyes crinkling in the corners.
"No, you wouldn't." He pauses, thinking for a second. "Alpha would though."
Dew can't help but agree, wiping his eyes with the back of his hands.
"You're right. He would."
⸸⸸⸸⸸⸸
A gentle knock on the door forces Earth to peel his sticky eyes open, crusting from the tears he shared with Air.
"It's open," he grumbles, pulling Air tight to his chest and burying his face in the crook of his neck.
"Good morning!"
Dewdrop looks a little too chipper, considering they both heard him stomp out of the catacombs and slam every door in his way last night.
Air raises a sleepy brow, silently asking him why in the nine circles they are being disturbed at the unholy hour of ten AM.
"Papa, uh, Frater, would like you to meet him in your common room in twenty minutes."
He's still smiling, and Earth can't help but be a little suspicious.
Dew looks at his feet then, digging his toe into the ground.
"Could you um... could you let Alpha know? I'll go tell River. And Omega, if he's there and not. With... You know."
"Mmn."
He takes that as a verbal affirmative and quickly backs out of their room, alerting the rest of the ancients to the meeting before taking a seat near their hearth. He couldn't bear to miss Copia sharing the good news.
Dew is still smiling when the ghouls begin to file into the room, plopping themselves onto various sofas and chairs. He only scowls when Alpha looks his way, covertly flipping him off while Copia strides in.
"Good morning my lovelies," he smiles, gently clapping his hands together. He's met with a chorus of half awake greetings, missing the rude face Alpha throws at Dew while his back is turned.
"I've just come from a clergy meeting, and I would like to gather your input on what you all would like for your new den. The ceilings can't be raised here, and I want you all as comfortable as possible, so we are building a new space for you upstairs. You can still come down here if you like. I also need to know what we need for the nursery -"
Earth sits up then, launching himself off of Air's shoulder.
"Nursery?"
His eyes are wide, hand crushing Air's as he waits for Copia to explain. His looks at Dew briefly, catching his smile and tear filled eyes.
"Yes," Copia beams at him. "Your request has been approved. We're going to help you get a kit."
Air slides from the couch and to his knees, tears streaming down his face as he sobs. Earth quickly joins him, holding him tight to his chest.
"You're serious?" he chokes out, a low growl building in the back of his throat.
"If it's what you want, it's okie dokie with me."
"More than anything," Air confirms, and rests his head on Earth's. "We're going to be dads my Earth. It's finally happening."
Dew slips out before he can be pulled into the quickly growing pile, wanting the ancients to enjoy this moment of great joy.
⸸⸸⸸⸸⸸
"We need to plan a baby shower!" Cumulus beams, bouncing on her toes after Dew shared the good news.
"Yes, but the ancients need time to acclimate. Sister kept them locked away for far too long, I don't want to overwhelm them."
Cumulus nods, bouncy white curls falling in her face.
"Of course! We can make cake, does that ever get sent to the catacombs? And Cici and I can help paint, I'm sure Mountain and Swiss can help build. Speaking of I need to go let her know -"
Cumulus drifts off down the hall, chatting to herself about room designs and party plans, eager to welcome the ghouls back into the main halls of the abbey.
"You doing okay?"
Rain's smooth baritone makes Dew jump, turning to face him in surprise.
"Sorry, thought you heard me come in."
"Yeah, I'm so excited for the them -"
"I know. But you were upset last night, and I want to make sure you're actually okay, not just hiding it "
Dewdrop huffs a sigh. He can't hide anything from Rain. No one can, really. Everyone's pretty convinced that whatever ocean vent he crawled out of gave him some quint-level mind reading powers.
"It's... complicated."
Rain nods and gestures towards the couch.
"C'mon. I'll even let you turn on the Hallmark channel, I think they're playing holiday movies already."
Dew grumbles while pulling some popcorn out of a nearby cabinet, trapped between being annoyed about being known and allowing himself to be comforted, a skill matched only by Air.
⸸⸸⸸⸸⸸
"How soon can we try a summoning?"
Air is practically vibrating in his seat, Earth's hand crushed in his own.
Copia has a stack of notes and paperwork, all the necessary permits to expand the abbey and of course Earth and Air's nursery wishlist.
"I'm afraid I've never summoned a kit before, so it may take a few tries before we are successful."
"We understand."
Air and Earth share a quick glance.
"Frater, we have been begging the clergy to help us with a kit for years. Forty-seven times we were told no. We're ready, whenever you are."
Earth squeezes Air's fingers.
"You're sure, my skybird? I know what this means to you, to us, and I fear if we rush you'll be devastated."
Air turns to his partner, holds his cheek gently with his free hand.
"I will be. But then we can try again. As many times as Frater allows."
Earth's eyes brim with tears, mirroring his mate. They turn back to Copia, smiles full of cautious optimism.
"Yes," Earth agrees. "We're ready."
⸸⸸⸸⸸⸸
The addition is built rather quickly, ghouls and humans alike eager to bring the ancients out of the catacombs. News of the kit spreads like a wildfire, and soon there are more hands hoisting beams and laying walls than anyone had expected.
"Which room should face the sun," Copia questions, looking over the layout on his desk.
"Alpha," Dew answers without hesitation.
Copia briefly raises a brow before finishing the room assignments, pleased that all the ghouls can now move freely through the abbey.
"It will take time to lift all of the doorways, but we'll get there."
"Thanks, Papa. Frater."
"It's fine, my ghoul." Copia wears a gentle, genuine smile. "You know I don't care about the title. Just that you all see me as a friend."
Dew relaxes again, rests his head on the soft chair.
"As your friend, and prior Papa, I feel I must tell you that I'm a little concerned about your connection with Alpha."
Dew's eyes fly open as he scrambles to sit straight in the chair, patting his pocket for his phone.
"Would you... would you look at that? Oh, Mounty is um. He's, he's calling me so I have to uh, I have to -"
Dew keeps patting himself for his phone while making his way towards the door, forgetting it on Copia's desk.
"Dewdrop, you need to talk about this at some point."
"Dewdrop!"
⸸⸸⸸⸸⸸
While Dew fails at making a smooth exit from Copia's office, Earth and Air are curled up in their nest, the last day they'll spend in the catacombs.
"I'm a bit nervous to go up there," Air mumbles, fingers playing with Earth's shirt.
"I know, skybird. But this will be better for your lungs. And even better for our kit."
"Yes, yes. It will be. What do you think they'll be like?"
"I think, no matter what, she'll be absolutely perfect."
Air scrunches his eyebrows. "She? We told Frater we'd be happy to raise any kit that needed a family."
"I know," Earth smiles, taking Air's hand in his own. "Call it a hunch."
They share a few kisses before cuddling back into each other, trading guesses on what they think their kit will be like. Their personality, their element. If they'll choose to veil when they get older. What their family will be like, and how it will grow in love.
So much love.
So much love, that when the time comes for the summoning, more ghouls are gathered than have ever gathered at a summoning before.
Dew stands between Alpha and Rain, arms wrapped around himself as Alpha stares into the side of Rain's head.
"Will you stop," Dew hisses, glaring at his mate.
"Will you stop?"
"Me? Stop what, having friends? What is wrong with you -"
Rain slowly sneaks away from the pair to stand with Mountain and Swiss, letting them bicker until Copia walks into the room.
His vestments are glittering even in the candlelight, casting shadows onto the stone walls as he checks the candles and offerings.
"My lovelies," he smiles, gesturing to Earth and Air. "We are gathered this evening to summon a kit for mates Earth and Air, so that may raise them in the ministry family."
"Do you accept the roles of parents, to guide this young one with love in your hearts?"
"We do," they say in unison.
"And do you promise to always be there for them and each other, in good and bad times, to offer your full support and encouragement?"
"We do."
"And do you promise to always love this child, no matter who they are now, and who they may find themselves to be in the future?"
"We do."
"Then let it be done."
Copia picks up a black candle and lights it in the north of the room before kneeling in front of Earth and Air. Earth has a small pile of dirt that Air then lifts with his own element, gently swirling the granules around the candle as Copia stands it before them.
"We open this portal to any kit in search of a loving home, eager to accept them into our arms."
The portal fizzles to life, and Air's breath hitches. Earth squeezes his hand and Dew reaches towards Alpha, who tightens his own into a fist. Rain glares while Dew frowns, before all eyes return to the swirling portal before them.
It spins.
And it spins.
And it spins.
Ghouls less close to Earth and Air respectfully begin to shuffle out of the room, and Copia closes the portal by extinguishing the flame while Air's broken whine echoes against the walls.
"I'm so sorry," he offers with a gentle hand to his shoulder. "But next week is a full moon, eh? We will try again."
"Thank you Frater," Earth manages, lip trembling.
They knew. They understood. They talked and talked and talked and openly acknowledged that it might not happen the first time, but all the preparations in the world couldn't have possibly protected their gentle hearts when they were so ready to love whoever came through.
"It's not a no," Air whispers against Earth's shoulder. "Just a not yet."
Earth swallows his tears down and wraps himself against Air, his shuddering breath making the ground tremble.
"If you need anything, my lovelies, I'll be in my office preparing for our next attempt. You are loved."
Alpha opens his mouth and Dew immediately grabs at his shoulder, reaching for his ear.
“For the love of Satan's taint, if you say anything to either of them right now I will send you back to the pits myself.”
“When did you grow a backbone,” Alpha scoffs, throwing his hands up in surrender.
“Shouldn't you know,” Aether starts, “you’re the one always blowing it out.”
Dew's already pale skin gets paler, wiping his hands down his face.
“You are all ridiculous and I hate you.”
He steps away from the others to approach Earth and Air, sitting down in front of them.
“I'm so sorry.”
Air looks at him with shining blue eyes, Earth opens his free arm, not lifting his face from his mate's shoulder.
“Can I hug you?”
Dew asks so quietly, but Air has always been there for him. He wants to do the same.
Air nods and lifts an arm as well, and Dew quickly climbs between them, wrapping himself around the ancients as best he can. He kicks up his heat and his rusty pur, acting like a living weighted blanket.
“I kn-know it might not have worked but,” Air hiccups, “but I really hoped it would.”
“I know,” Dew sighs. “It's okay to mourn the loss of this moment.”
Rain and Mountain appear with a pile of blankets, and Swiss follows shortly with a large stack of pillows.
“Figured you might not want to go back to your den or the catacombs right now,” Rain offers, wrapping the three ghouls in a large soft blanket.
The thought of the empty nursery weighs heavy on all of them.
“Would you like us to go?”
Mountain gestures at his pack and rest of the Ancient Ones, all standing with clasped hands and solemn expressions. Even Alpha has the sense to look disappointed, though it may have been at the prospect of sleeping on the floor and not in his nest.
Air and Earth exchange a quick glance at each other.
“Get in here,” Earth grumbles, and he lets himself and Air be pulled down into a loudly purring pile.
⸸⸸⸸⸸⸸
They try the next summoning at the peak of the full moon.
“I'm scared,” Air admits while he wrings his hands together nervously.
“Me too,” says Earth before taking Air's face in his hands. “But no matter what, we're both here. Together. And nothing can change that.”
This time, the room is empty, except for them. They appreciated the outpouring of love the last time, but now they want to face the portal by themselves.
Dew understands, though he can't help pace the hall outside nervously.
“Would you stop it, the echo is giving me a headache,” Alpha grumbles, crossing his arms as he leans on the wall.
Dew pauses in front of him, hands on his hips.
“Why did you come with me if you were just going to be a dick?”
“I… don't know.”
Dew narrows his eyes at his mate before sitting on the ground across from him, wrapping his arms around his knees. He looks up for a moment when Copia walks by, offering a quiet wish for good luck.
Copia bids his thanks and quietly enters the room. He finds Air and Earth hand in hand at the center, the room laid out exactly as before, except -
“The candles,” he starts, seeing Earth nod.
“We hope it's okay but we changed out the ceremonial candles for a few that were more personal.”
He explains, pointing to each candle as he goes.
“The red fire candle is from our mating ceremony. The blue water candle was a gift from River when we announced that we were becoming exclusive, to certify our mating bond. The white air candle and green earth candles were from our summonings. And the purple quintessence candle is the same candle that has always been used, as it never burns out.”
Air takes a small step forward then, offering a black candle to Copia.
“I think you'll recognize this one.”
His voice is much tighter than Earth's, his emotions at risk of bubbling to the surface at any moment. Copia nods, takes it with a gentle smile.
“I think this is a beautiful tribute. We are ready to begin, then?”
Air and Earth say that they are in unison, sharing a quick smile before Copia begins the ceremony.
The portal opens, a swirling mix of elemental colors. The three men hold their breath as they watch it spin.
And spin.
And spin.
And just as Air and Earth drop their heads in defeat, Copia's gasp fills them with hope.
“Look, my lovelies, something is coming through!”
Earth and Air scramble closer, seeing horns flicker in and out of the portal. They quickly take shape and soon they see the tip of a tail, a leg, an arm. A few more seconds pass and Earth feels the urge to open his arms, to step forward and catch the sweet kit as the portal closes.
They land in his arms softly and a hundred things flash before his eyes, dreams and possibilities and a future he had been so afraid to want, yet wanted like nothing else. He finally lets the tears fall, hitting the ground in big fat drops.
“Earth?”
Air has a gentle hand on his elbow, and he sniffles before turning around with a smile that could illuminate even the darkest corners of the catacombs. He feels their little heart breathing, the rapid rise and fall of their little chest. He holds up their kit, voice thick with emotion.
Reread this delectable piece by @bloodfin and since I had to work a night shift (been up for 25 hours and still have three hours to go for this shift, whoop) I decided to draw. Those 47 denials and tears were all worth it in the end.
Aether read a ton of human baby books in preparation; unfortunately, there’s not much out there about kits. Not even in the deepest section of the library. This check-up is when they learn her vocal cords are too damaged for speech. She’s still perfect, though. And perfectly loved.
The results are in. Time for Frater to hold a closed door hearing.
It’ll take some time, though; summoning a kit is a complicated process. And part of why Seestor always said “no”. Aside from the fact she don’t like the Ancients, the ministry has never summoned a kit before.
