Teenage Copia growing it out, long enough to reach past his shoulders. Sister teaching him how to braid his own hair so it stays out of his face.
Young adult Copia cutting it to shoulder length, too busy to deal with the maintenance. He always has it pulled back in a low, short ponytail. It has such pretty waves when he does let it down. Him growing out his sideburns to match.
Cardinal Copia, cutting it short because keeping it tied back was giving him headaches, and occasionally migraines. He misses it though, eventually growing it out just a little when he becomes Papa. Still short enough to slick it back for rituals, but just a little longer.
Cirrus opening his eyes up to clips. Big chunky ones that holds her hair back without pulling at her scalp. Dewdrop and Phantom showing him different hair ties that won’t damage his hair when he does pull it back. He becomes overly fond of scrunchies.
Copia growing it long again, to just barely past his shoulders. Copia wearing it half up half down, the top tied back in a little ponytail he can hide under his mitre. Copia with little French braids that start at his temple and connect in the back. Copia with bed head so outrageous you wouldn’t believe it was real. (The ghouls all have a contest going on to see who can get the best picture of it.) Copia enjoying having his hair played with, by anyone. He’ll let Aurora just try new hairstyles on him all the time, just for the fun of it. Cirrus teaching him different kinds of braids and hairstyles until he finds his favorites.
Copia hunched over his desk, hair pulled back in a clip, strands falling out at his temples where his fingers had run through it, reading glasses still perched on his nose as he works.
Copia and the girls going out shopping for hair stuff, Dew tags along just because. Copia coming back with all kinds of bits and bobs.
Copia having all kinds of scrunchies with all kinds of patterns and colors, he loves matching them to his outfit for the day, loves adding a little personal touch.
Copia getting a rat shaped claw clip for his birthday, and he wears it everyday for like a month. It’s silly looking, googly looking eyes and cartoonish shapes, but he absolutely adores it. It’s his favorite clip.
Copia getting dressed up for one thing or another, doing his hair for it. He is partial to French braids, and he adds little hair pins that sparkle in the light, little crystals and gems inlaid in gold that pop against the color of his hair. His ghouls love helping him take it down at the end of the night, like a little scavenger hunt for sparkly things. He hems and haws but he adores it, loves that he doesn’t have to do it himself, and they always get everything too, never missing a single pin.
Nsfw Thoughts Below
Copia’s hair pulling kink coming up with a vengeance. Dew and Swiss absolutely love taking advantage of it, tugging out whatever it is holding it back and tangling their hands in it. Dew will gather it back in his fist and use it for leverage as he fucks him from behind. Swiss just tangling his fingers in it right at the base of Copia’s neck, tugging to make his head tip back and expose his throat so he can nip at it. Copia lets loose the prettiest sounds every single time.
Rain likes leaving it tied back, likes watching as copper strands fall out, as pieces stick to his temples and forehead. He likes seeing how messy he can get it, making Copia ride him until he falls apart. Mountain just loves seeing it fanned out on the pillow, strands of grey sparkling in low light. He’ll just run his hands through it, murmuring in Copia’s ear how pretty he is, such a pretty Papa, all soft words and gentle touches.
Cirrus getting him all dolled up, curling his hair, pinning it back, shiny little hair clips littered all over his head. Sometimes she does his face too, mascara darkening his lashes and rosy blush on his cheeks. She calls him her good girl and he melts, all wound up even though she technically hasn’t even done a thing yet.
Aether gently running a hand through it to hold it out of Copia’s face, his nose pressed to the curls at the base of Aether’s cock. Copia leaning into the touch, eyes fluttering shut as Aether holds him there. Him losing track of time, until at long last Aether pulls him off, pausing for a moment before pulling him back down. Copia letting him use him, those big hands tangled in his hair making his mind melt.
Aurora grabbing it in both hands as she rides his face, every little tug making Copia’s hips jerk. He loves when she gets rough with him, loves when she just yanks him where she wants him. His eyes roll back as she grinds against his mouth, barely able to breathe but neither of them caring. He nearly cums untouched just from that, and when he says so she gets this little glint in her eye. A shiver runs down his spine when she tugs his hair again, and he knows it’s going to be a long night.
Copia all alone in his room, hair pulled back in a normal braid. Copia sliding a hand into his sweatpants and stroking himself to hardness. Copia brushing the loose bits at his hairline out of his face, lower lip caught between his teeth as his pulse jumps. Copia wrapping a hand around the braid and tugging, letting out a squeak as his hips jerk, the spark of pain melting into pleasure. Copia panting as he loses himself in his own touch, chest heaving and back arching as he tugs over and over and over until his head tips back and he spills into his hand with a cry.
For @wrathofrats I’m sorry I blacked out and made this, Dew being a little creep
Dewdrop doesn’t know how it came to this. Another deep breath in through his nose tears a high pitched moan from his throat.
That’s a lie. He knows exactly how it started. But he can’t be blamed for it! No, this is Cirrus’ fault, not his! She just had to drop herself down on his face, grind against his nose and tongue before he could even reach to tug her panties off. All he could do was hang on for the ride, those lacy black panties getting soaked with slick and spit. She’d grabbed his horns and purred about what a good boy he was, getting her all nice and wet. His eyes had rolled back, moaning against the fabric as her taste and smell consumed his senses.
So yeah, totally her fault. Absolutely her fault that he had to sneak into her room when she was out and rummage around in her laundry bin like some kind of raccoon in a dumpster, and the moment he got his little claws on his prize he bolted. It was just one pair after all. Just one. And really, how could he hold himself back when he felt how soft they were, silky smooth and still covered in Cirrus’ scent? How could he stop himself from wrapping the pretty little thing around his cock and stroking until he saw stars, until the fabric was ruined?
So of course he had to steal another pair. He had to. The pair he had smelled like him now, and that wasn’t Dewdrop’s goal, not what he craved. The new pair was a lovely teal, with a row of ties on the hips holding the front and the back together. Dewdrop pressed them to his nose, eyes fluttering shut as Cirrus filled his head. He could get dizzy on it, she smelled so sweet, and almost minty, and Satan below he couldn’t help himself. A shaking hand reaching down to squeeze himself through his pants, a shaky moan spilling from his mouth. He ended up cumming in his pants, chest heaving.
And then it just…spiraled from there. It became a habit he just couldn’t seem to stop, no matter how hard he tried. So here he is, kneeling on his bed with another pair held against his face. His hips jerk into his hand, quick and a bit uncoordinated, pre dribbling over his fingers as his tail lashes. These panties were ruined before he got them, they still smell like slick from whatever Cirrus had been doing in them. Before he can even think to stop himself his tongue darts out to lick the inside of the crotch, and oh.
They still taste like her.
Dewdrop’s voice echoes around his room, hands shaking as his eyes roll back. It’s easy to imagine Cirrus here, easy to imagine her tangling those dangerous claws into his hair and yanking his mouth against her. That purring voice talking about how good he drinks her up and how cute he gets when he’s pussy drunk. He’s so close, shoving the soaked panties into his mouth so he can tangle a hand in his own hair and tug hard. His cock twitches in his hand, flushed and leaking and it’ll only take one, two, three more thrusts-
“Well, what do we have here?~”
Dewdrop’s eyes snap open, freezing in place. Cirrus leans against his doorway, a knowing little smirk on her face that makes his stomach clench.
“So this is where my panties have been disappearing off to.” The ghoulette casually saunters into the room, arms folded across her chest. She must’ve just gotten back from work, vest already shed and the top several buttons of her shirt undone. Dewdrop shudders, wide eyes darting around her face. He pants through his nose, trying to even out his breathing as if he wasn’t just seconds from cumming before she walked in. Cirrus stops at the end of his bed, head tilted and tail lazily swishing behind her.
“Don’t stop on my account, go on.”
Dewdrop shivers, hand falling from his hair to grip his thigh. His face burns, the desperate need to defend himself bubbling in his throat. And yet…opening his mouth would force him to drop the panties, and he just can’t make himself do it.
“Aw, did you need me to tell you how? So caught up in a pair of fucking panties you’ve gone all dumb?” Cirrus’ voice is smooth as honey, but he knows that tone. That tone means he’s royally fucked. A whine spills from his throat and Cirrus laughs. “Go on, Dew. Stroke yourself, and go nice and slow for me~”
And really, it isn’t his fault, head dipping down and cheeks flushing. It’s not his fault he can’t say no.
The ghoul looks up at Copia, a shaking hand coming up to run through his hair and brush it from his face. Mismatched eyes narrow in confusion. “Wh-who?” He rasps, tail curling around himself. Copia feels the blood drain from his face. The ghoul sitting in front of him is wearing the former Papa’s face, those eyes being undeniably his. Copia would recognize them anywhere. So how does he not know?
“I- Do you know where you are?” Copia whispers, clasping his hands to keep them from trembling. “Do you know who I am?” The ghoul shakes his head and Copia slumps, tears beading in his eyes. “You don’t remember me, do you?” Again the ghoul shakes his head, face turning weary. “O-okay. Do you know your name?” The entire room seems to hold its breath, waiting as the ghoul thinks for a moment.
“….Thunder.” The ghoul tilts his head as Copia stays silent, mind racing. “And you are?…”
Copia shakes himself out of his whirling thoughts, forcing a smile onto his face. “I am Papa Copia. You’ve been summoned to serve the church of Emeritus.” A choked sob comes from behind him, and Copia knows that it came from Dewdrop. He can hear Aether whispering to him, trying to give comfort, he assumes. Terzo Emeritus sits in front of him in the form of a ghoul and he remembers nothing. A few tears run down his cheeks. Copia holds out his hand to help Terzo- Thunder, to his feet. The ghoul takes it, wobbling for a moment on shaky legs. Mountain steps forward with a robe for him to wear, and Copia pretends he can’t see how the earth ghoul’s shoulders are shaking.
Once Thunder is dressed, Copia tilts his head, indicating for him to follow. “Come. I will show you to your den.”
“Papa-“
The look on Dewdrop’s face breaks Copia’s heart, doubly so when he can’t tell if he’s speaking to him or the newly summoned ghoul. “I know.” He whispers. “Just- just go to your den, I’ll meet you there after.” Dewdrop whimpers and Copia has to bite his lip. “I’ll be right there.”
The two of them leave the summoning room, Thunder crossing his arms over his chest as his tail flicks. “So…are all summonings like that?” He asks, jerking a thumb over his shoulder.
Copia chuckles tiredly. “No, P- my ghoul. Not usually.”
“Why were they so upset? Am I- is something wrong? Did you mean for someone else?”
Copia quickly shakes his head. “No- no it’s just-“ He sighs. “I’m sorry, you just look very much like someone we used to know. It took us all a bit off guard, that’s all.” They walk in mostly silence, the only sound the swish of Copia’s robes. Thunder looks around as they go, taking in the tapestries and statues and stained glass windows. He pauses for a moment in front of a specific statue, one Copia had recently put up. Terzo’s marble face looks out over the courtyard, a soft smile on his face. Thunder stops to look up at him, tail flicking again. “Who is that?”
Copia hums and stops next to him. “That is the Papa that came before me. Terzo Emeritus. He was a good man. And a very dear friend.” He folds his hands behind his back. Thunder stares at the stone face, a hand coming up to touch his own.
“Is he the person I remind you of?”
“Yes, he is.” Copia can’t find it in himself to lie, sighing. “It’s a little uncanny actually.” He tries to keeps his voice light.
Thunder hums before nodding. “He is very handsome, I suppose there are worse people to be compared to.” The crooked grin he gives the man has Copia tearing up all over again. The sharp fangs in the corners of his smile are new, but it’s still the same smile he knew by heart. It was good to see it again. Copia swallows the lump in his throat. “Come on, you must be exhausted. Let’s get you to bed, and one of my ghouls will show you around tomorrow, sì?”
Thunder nods, and the two move on. Copia isn’t looking forward to leaving Thunder at his den where he knows some of the other ghouls are waiting. Omega had already offered to help train the new ghoul, and he’s unsure of how he’ll react to this. If the ghoul beside him senses how nervous he is he doesn’t comment on it, tail flicking as he looks at Copia from the corners of his eyes. Their footsteps echo through the halls, the ministry quiet at this time of night. Eventually though, they reach the den, and Copia takes a shuddering breath before knocking on the door. A masked Omega opens it, dipping his head to the Papa in greeting. When he turns to the new multi ghoul, his shoulders stiffen. “N-now- I know what this looks like Meg. But it’s not him, it can’t be, okay? I know-“
Omega hardly hears him, a loud buzzing filling his ears. “Is this a joke?” He whispers. Although his voice is quiet, Copia flinches at the harsh buzz of quintessence behind them. “Meg, this is Thunder. Thunder, this is Omega, our senior most quintessence ghoul.” The Papa puts a hand on Omega’s shoulder and that seems to finally shake him out of his daze. “Could you show Thunder to his room? Per favore?” When Omega nods Copia turns to give Thunder a nervous smile. “Should you need anything, don’t hesitate to come find me.” And then he disappears, rushing back to the other den that his own ghouls inhabit.
Detailed descriptions and some art under the cut, mostly their young selves before the other Papas came to power. I just felt like rambling
Nihil: Air/Water Multi (until the failed transition)
Born into a higher ranking family in hell, Nihil has always been the black sheep of his family. His lineage has served Satan and the throne for eons, but he never really lived up to his father’s expectations. He’s found by Sister after being cast out, and desperate to reclaim some of his honor, begs her to take him with her to the surface. Taking pity on him, (and seeing the perfect ghoul for her to manipulate) she agrees. He, Sister, and Psaltarian form a tight knit pack.
Still a stickler for tradition! Sometimes he fears that’s all he has left. The moment Secondo was born there was no doubt in his mind who his favorite son was. His little guppy is his best friend, and the two were two peas in a pod for a very, very long time. Swimming with Secondo in the lakes of hell are some of his fondest memories.
Air is his primary element and culture, but Nihil has one hell of a siren song on him. It’s been his undoing on more than one occasion, he often doesn’t even realize he’s doing it.
Covered in short soft fur, with little bursts of fluffy feathers on his ears, elbows and shoulders. His fins were sharper. Almost everything was burned away in the failed transition ritual. His horns cracked and fell off, and his tail was so terribly mangled most of it had to be amputated. His gills charred and closed. This irreparably damaged his relationship with not only Secondo, but all of his sons. Primo angry that once again he had to step up to do what Nihil should’ve, Secondo angry because his father removed any and all commonalities they had, and Terzo would only take on his brothers’ pain and grief, and become angry that Nihil did that to them.
Sister Imperator: Fire/Quint Multi
Imp is one of the highest ranking ghouls in all of hell. She was an advisor before taking a leadership role, and was summoned by Satan himself to embark on an unholy mission on the surface. She is calculating, every step she’s ever taken has brought her here, and nothing will get in her way of spreading His message.
Or so she thought. Nihil was not her first choice, really. But it had to be someone. And he was swayed so easily, it would make her job that much easier. She and Psalitarian agreed on the end that he was perfect.
And then she realized she was falling for him. What started as manipulative seduction was quickly turning into real, true affection. It throws her for a loop at first, knocks her off kilter enough that all of a sudden they have a relationship, a real one. And one she’s fiercely possessive over.
When the events at Whisky A Go Goat happen, it takes everything in her to not burn the whole stupid bar down and spit on the ashes. She’s angry, of course she is, but as pathetic as Nihil’s groveling is she can’t help herself. Copia’s (and his twin’s) conception throws her for another loop, and both kits are sent back to hell, raised in separate families and in ignorance. Copia himself was raised by a fire pack, chosen by Imp herself, but none of them really know where he came from. It hurts her to send her sons away, and in her grief she isolates. That’s where Nihil’s failed transition comes in, and she realizes she can’t count on anyone but herself. At least Primo seems promising.
Is genuinely a good Mother Superior. She cares for mankind, in a slightly twisted way. Belief and awe give power, and as the ministry grows, so does Sister’s reputation. The humans of the abbey, her abbey, are under her protection. The outsiders…not so much. She doesn’t take kindly to disrespect, and the humans that she keeps close, (and one…special ghoul) are loyal to a fault. You make an enemy of one, you make an enemy of them all.
Has no fur. Her fingers and feet are blackened, like ash. Her horns and paw pads glow an eerie green. Fire is her primary element and culture. Can change her form to become pure light, a trait Copia inherited, often looking little a wisp of green flame. In the early days of the ministry, she and Psaltarian would hunt in the woods together, and Satan help any poor soul that was led astray by flickering colored lights after dark.
If you’ve made it this far, my ask box is open! I have so many thoughts about this concept that I can’t wait to talk about!
The ghoulish Cardinal Copia meets his new band of humans, hired to help him spread his message through music.
Words: 1,345
Read on Ao3 Here
Copia shakes as he stands in Sister Imperator’s office. His tail hasn’t stopped flicking nervously, throwing off little sparks that disappear as quickly as they appear. The creak of his gloves as he wrings his hands sounds loud to his own ears. Sister herself stands at his side, hands folded neatly in front of her as her tail moves in a relaxed sway. “You’re going to be fine.” She sighs. “They’re just humans, you can handle a few humans yes?”
Copia shrugs his shoulders and bites back a whine. “This is different.” He whispers. “I’ll be in charge of them.” It’s a pathetic excuse, he’s a Cardinal for Satan’s sake. Copia has had the title long enough to know how to take charge, to lead. And usually he does just fine, but usually he has Sister at his side.
This time he’ll have to do it on his own. Mostly anyway.
A knock on the door makes him jump, and Copia quickly straightens his spine. Two seconds later a masked face pokes through the door. He recognizes his scent, this was one of Terzo’s old band mates, Aether. He shuffles in, the two others following just behind. And then, after Mountain, four more humans enter the room. None of them have masks, and they have no uniforms yet. Sister clears her throat.
“Right on time. Aether, Mountain, Dewdrop, I’m sure you’ve met the Cardinal before.” Dewdrop silently nods. “And he has met you as well.” Copia gives them a shaky wave. The four new humans are staring at him strangely. Awe? Fear? Surprise? He isn’t sure yet. “Now then. Let’s get the newbies introduced yes? Cardinal, this is Swiss, Cumulus, Cirrus, and Rain. Backing vocals and guitar, backing vocals and keyboard, backing vocals and keyboard, and bass.” Sister points to each human as she names them and their roles. “And this is your Cardinal Copia. He will be leading the Ghost project, and you will be working under him from here on out.”
Copia finds himself pulled in by Cirrus’ eyes, a stormy grey blue that almost reminds him of an air ghoul. He tears his eyes away to meet Swiss’ and the taller man gives him this roguish smile that makes something in his belly flutter. He forces his mouth to work. “Ah, eh, hello? N-nice to meet you all.” Cirrus seems to be staring at his tail, and Cumulus seems to be staring at his horns. Swiss hasn’t broken eye contact. Rain hasn’t even looked up from the floor, arms crossed protectively over his chest. Copia gulps and then squeaks when Sister puts a hand on his shoulder.
“Why don’t you help the others show them around, hm? I’m sure they’re all dying for a proper tour!” Sister’s eyes flash, the tips of her horns sparking for just a split second. Copia nods. “Good, good, now off you go.” With that she ushers them all out, office door closing behind them with a click. There’s a silence for a moment and Copia can feel how clammy his hands are. Swiss is the first person to break it.
“You know I really thought that online flyer was joking about the whole demon thing. I mean, you could be wearin’ a headband, makeup, but that tail is pretty damn convincing.” Said tail quickly curls around Copia’s leg. Aether huffs out a laugh and pats Swiss on the shoulder.
“I did try warning you. Nothing like seeing it for the first time, but I tried.”
Copia shakes his head, ignoring the heat on his face. “Y-yes, well. It’s all real. I tried telling them the ads would work. Have had more than a few prank calls, but they did work.” Cirrus lets out a huff of a laugh.
“Can’t believe I’m actually going to be playing keys for a demon. They called me crazy back home. Thought this was gonna be like…a theater band.”
“Same.” Cumulus lets out a soft laugh of her own. “Granted I didn’t care as long as I could sing and play.”
“Well…you all were hand picked. Not by me! Eh, but yes! You all showed a lot of promise, so here’s hoping you stick with us!” Copia titters, squeaking nervously as he tugs at his collar. “Anyway! You all want a tour! Yes! I should, uh, show you around, no? We should probably start with the dorms!!” Without looking back, the Cardinal marches off down the hall, leaving the humans to rush to keep up.
Swiss ends up falling into step next to Aether, hazel eyes tracking the way Copia’s tail flicks as he walks. “So, we gonna be getting masks like that, too?”
Aether shrugs. “Masks yes. Like this? Probably not. From what I’m told they change with every front man. Which means you all will have to get fitted.”
“Can you take them off?” Swiss grins now and winks. “Bet you’ve got a handsome mug.” Dewdrop snorts behind him before pinching his hip.
“Don’t flirt with my boyfriend.” He grumbles, pleased when Swiss yipes. “You just fucking met. And no, outside of the dorms you’re not supposed to take them off.”
“Bummer.” Swiss rubs where he was pinched as Aether laughs. “Ah well. Suppose I can suffer through it, if I must.” They fall into an easy conversation, Aether is easy to talk to, and Dewdrop jumps in every once in a while. Behind them Cirrus and Cumulus are getting along just as well, although they got a head start by taking the same bus to the ministry. Rain just follows silently, pleased with the way Mountain doesn’t seem to mind.
Up ahead, Copia does his best to settle his heartbeat. His band seems to be getting along! That’s good! Considering how Terzo’s band fell apart, they need camaraderie moving forward. At long last he spins around with a chirp, hands folding behind his back to hide their fidgeting. “Okie dokie! These are the dorms! You all will be sharing this space, thankfully with no one else!” With flourish, Copia pushes the door open to show them the commons. “You have a full kitchen and dining room, and a full living area! There’s WiFi as well, I believe Aether can give you the password. And down the hall are your rooms! They should already have your names on the doors, and your luggage should still be inside. I will let Aether, Dewdrop, and Mountain be the ones to go into further details about how they do things later, but for now why don’t we explore the grounds, yes?”
And just like that Copia is off again. He chatters the entire time they walk, desperately trying to fill in the gaps. Rain seems to perk up at the sight of the lake, something that makes Copia’s heart warm. A hand on his shoulder makes him jump, twisting to meet Swiss’ gaze. The man asks him something about the gardens, and genuinely seems to listen when Copia does his best to answer it. Before long the two of them walk side by side, Swiss asking question after question and Copia answering. He almost feels disappointed when they all end back at Sister’s office. “Well then. I suppose that’s everything. I’m sure you all want to go get settled in, yes? You all have the rest of today and tomorrow to rest up, and you should be getting an email soon detailing what your schedules will be like.” Copia smiles and claps his hands. “That’s all! Enjoy the rest of your day!”
And then, to everyone’s surprise, Copia bursts into flames before disappearing, Cumulus letting out a shriek. “Oh don’t worry about that.” Dewdrop just waves a hand. “He just does that sometimes. The freak.” Aether whaps the back of Dewdrop’s head.
“Oi! Don’t be rude to the Cardinal! …..you’ve gotta wait a few minutes to make sure he’s actually gone.”
They all pause as the brief scent of smoke dissipates. There’s a silence, and they all turn in surprise when Rain lets out a snort. “This should be interesting…”
It should’ve been a summoning just like any other. Just another ghoul to help around the ministry as it continues to grow. It’s routine for Copia now, the incense, the chants, the glittering robes. The summoning circle glows brightly, the scent of sulphur permeating into the room. A blackened clawed hand appears to scrabble at the edge of the circle, a demon attempting to claw its way back to the surface. Aether gasps behind him, eyes glowing brighter through the goggles of his mask. A quintessence then. Good, that is what the Papa had been aiming for. And then Cumulus gasps too, glowing bright like Aether. Copia cocks his head as he watches. A multi, quint and air. Interesting.
A pair of tall golden tipped horns emerges, followed by pitch black hair streaked with stark white. Copia can’t help the slight smile his lips shift into. Phantom had emerged in much of the same way. The ghoul cries out, more dark grey skin revealing itself as the creature pulls itself from the pit. At long last, and with one final cry, they slump to the floor, chest heaving as they try to catch their breath. Copia simply waits, not wanting to rush them. The heart-shaped tip of their tail thrashes, long ears pinned back against their head. The tips of their ears appear to be feathery, as is their tail, and the long claws digging into the floor are gold.
The Papa steps forward, robes swishing as he moves to stand in front of them. He’s already opened his mouth, preparing to launch into the long standard speech he usually gives. The words die in Copia’s throat when the ghoul looks up, mismatched green and white eyes meeting his own. Finally he’s able to rasp out a single word, heart jumping into his throat and mind going blank.
A Kiss Goodbye: Copia and Dewdrop say goodbye as they step in the tour bus, this time leaving Aether behind
Copia watches as his ghouls load their things onto the bus. There’s a tension in the air you could cut through with a knife, an aura of agitation and expectation hovering like smoke. He sighs as he watches Aether putter all over the place, carrying bags and loading equipment. The Papa allows himself to enjoy the way his arms flex for just a moment as he lifts a large amp like it’s nothing and hoists it over his shoulder. But before long there’s nothing left to do. Dewdrop had slunk up to hover at Copia’s side, and Copia silently takes his hand. He knows the two of them will likely end up pressed together in the bus, the tiny ghoul is shaking even as he tries not to.
Aether gets swept up in a group hug, each of them taking the chance to press a kiss to Aether’s cheek before climbing on board. Copia feels a lump form in his throat, his own hands beginning to shake. He was never good at this part, never good at leaving. Mountain is the last to throw his arms around Aether’s neck, and Copia hates how he can see the earth ghoul’s shoulders shaking. Aether comfortingly rubs his back, whispering into Mountain’s ear. And then the two of them part and Aether is turning to them. Copia’s lower lip wobbles. He isn’t ready for this, when they had first made the decision together it had seemed logical, Aether was tired and struggling to keep up with things on stage, and really tour had been so far away then. But now that it’s here Copia desperately wishes he had more time.
Dewdrop throws himself at Aether first, and Copia lets him. Aether is his mate after all, and the human can’t even begin to imagine what it’s like being so far away. The two of them whisper to each other and Copia’s heart breaks when he hears Dewdrop choking back sobs. Aether just runs a hand through Dewdrop’s hair, kissing the top of his head between his horns. When they pull apart Aether’s eyes are watery, smile pained. One last kiss is pressed to his lips, and Copia’s vision blurs as those violet eyes finally meet his.
Copia falls into his arms the second they’re offered to him, tucking his face in Aether’s neck. He wants to memorize his scent, patchouli and chamomile, memorize the feeling of his arms around him, sturdy and safe. He’s crying before he can even try to stop himself. Aether’s comforting purrs rumble in his ears, and all Copia can do is cry harder. “It’s okay, Papa. You won’t be gone forever.” Aether rumbles. “I’ll be right here when you get back. You’ll have so much fun you’ll forget to even miss me.”
Copia chokes out a laugh. How could I ever forget about you? He wants to scream. Not a day will go by that I won’t miss you. Instead what comes out is a pathetic “I don’t wanna.”
Aether laughs and Copia’s heart soars before dropping back into his boots. He hates that he won’t get to hear it every day, that he won’t get to cause it every day. “I know you don’t, moonbeam. But you can call me after every ritual if you want, tell me about your day. I’ll be with you, Copia.”
The Papa pulls back to look Aether in the face, tears streaming down his cheeks and lips pinched as he attempts to keep himself together. Aether reaches up to cup his face and Copia leans into it, a gloved hand reaching up hold it close as he presses a kiss to the palm. “I know you will, I just-“ He sighs. “It just won’t be the same.” Aether opens his mouth to answer, interrupted by one of the stage managers calling them to get on the bus. “I love you.” Copia whispers, a million words still left unsaid swirling around in his mind.
Just before Dewdrop takes his hand to pull him away, Aether leans down to kiss him, long and slow and sweet. “I know, I love you too, Copia.” The words are whispered against his lips, and the man tangles a hand in Aether’s hair to pull him back into another one. Dewdrop pulls him away and Copia touches him for as long as he can before their fingers slip away from one another, those few seconds feeling like an eternity. Copia boards the bus in a daze and drops into a seat, Dewdrop instantly curling against his side. He catches Aether’s gaze through the window, watches as he waves them goodbye. He watches until the bus pulls out of the drive and Aether disappears, and he can’t help but feel like a piece of him disappears with him.
Not warnings, just some fluff with a hint of angst
“Come on, Papa! Come on!”
“I’m coming! I’m coming!” Nihil laughs, jogging after the little kit who’s making a break for the water line. His thick little tail bobs back and forth, and the loud peals of laughter ringing through the air are contagious. “Secondo! Slow down!” He laughs, watching with pride as his son turns, blows a raspberry, and then takes a running dive into the water. “Little shit.”
The big grin on his face gives him away though. The lake sparkles under the glowing ceiling of the pits, and once he reaches the edge, the multi ghoul dives after him. Nihil blinks his eyes a few times, letting his vision adjust to being underwater before looking around. “Gotcha!!” He lets out an oof as Secondo slams into his back, little arms winding around his neck. The water kit’s voice is all bubbly, laughter still loud even underwater. Nihil just laughs and spins around to wrap his arms around him. His son complains as he ruffles the little tuff of hair on his forehead, lips twitching as he fights a smile. “Papa stop!! I wanna show you something! Come on!!”
“Alright! Alright, what’d you wanna show me, pup?” Secondo takes his hand in both of his, kicking his little feet and flicking his tail to try and pull him through the water. Nihil kicks his own feet to help push them forward, and the blinding smile his gets makes affection swell in his chest.
“I found it the other day! Come on Papa!” Secondo leads them along, through the weeds and the fish that don’t pay either of them any attention. He takes them deeper, still holding tight to his father’s hand. Eventually they come to a rock outcropping, and for a moment Secondo seems to disappear between them. Nihil waits a moment until his head pokes out. “In here Papa!” The multi ghoul does his best to follow, watching as the kit swims through a little opening. Nihil takes a deep breath, and after a moment of figuring out the best way to wiggle himself inside, manages to pop his upper half through, and then the rest of him. “Look!!”
All along the walls are large clusters of shiny, colorful eggs. “Holy shit.” Nihil whispers, eyes wide.
“Can we eat ‘em?!” Secondo swims back up to him, tugging at his hand. “I wanted to try one but I thought it would be more fun to share!!”
Nihil hums, pushing up off the lake floor to get a closer look at one of the clusters. “Well, I don’t think they’re ghoul eggs, but they’re still pretty big for a fish. Whatever laid them must be massive.”
“Do you think we can hunt it?” When Nihil turns back Secondo’s eyes are glittering with excitement. He laughs. “Maybe, maybe not with our bare hands though. Could be dangerous. In the meantime…” He looks around for a moment, squinting a bit as he scans the murky water. When he sees nothing he nods. “I think these’ll taste damn good don’t think? Grab a few, guppy! Let’s bring ‘em back!” Secondo grins, sharp teeth on full display as he pulls two eggs from the wall and swims out. Nihil is able to grab a handful, pushing them through the rock opening before wriggling back out. Secondo is just about to swim back to shore when Nihil curls his tail around his. “Now wait a second, pup, don’t you want first taste? This was your find after all.” Secondo chirps and nods.
“Can- can we share one?” He asks, and Nihil grins.
“Sure, pup. Of course we can.” The two of them settle on the lake floor, sitting with the eggs in their laps. Nihil shows him how to use his claws to cut an opening in the outside and suck the insides out. Secondo purrs loudly, water rippling around him from the vibrations. He’s already starting to grow past the point where Nihil can teach him, Secondo is already swimming better than him, already more in tune with the water than he is. But unlike Primo, Secondo still wants his attention, his time. And Satan below Secondo reminds him so much of himself it’s insane. His own kit is his best friend. Not that Nihil would have it any other way.
“Here Papa, you have the rest.” Eyes soft, Nihil takes the egg from Secondo’s hands and takes a taste for himself.
“Oh shit that’s pretty good. Thank you, pup.”
Secondo trills, eyes glittering as his tail thumps a few times. “Shame you threw this all away.”
“Huh?” Nihil furrows his brow, tilting his head.
The smile suddenly drops from Secondo’s face, eyes turning glassy. “I mean, you could’ve had this forever. But no, you can’t help yourself can you? Have to ruin everything you touch? I hate you now. I hate you. I hate you-”
Nihil jerks up with a gasp, drenched in sweat with a hand clutching his chest. There are tears silently streaking down his face as he pants in the dark, limbs tangled up in his sheets. The sun hasn’t even begun to rise yet, and his back is already complaining from the sudden movement. Nihil tries to lay back down as his mind races, foggy eyes staring at the ceiling as what’s left of his tail thrashes. Memories come back to him, of the pits, of his son, of the affection they shared that no longer exists.
