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Being pulled from the Pit is a relieving thing. It's hot and stuffed, like being back-to-back with one hundred people. There are constant, indistinct whispers, never stopping or getting any louder. There is no peace, only constant paranoia and discomfort. At least that’s how it was for Phantom. Some ghouls love it and crave to be back in that infernal heat. You either love it or you hate it; there's no in between. Phantom is happy to be out of it. He didn't realize how much he hated it until his head was finally in the mortal world. Until his Papa pulled him from the Pit.
He decides very quickly that he loves the Abbey. He loves touring. He loves the fans, loves playing, and loves being on stage. He loves the lights and the way the music ripples in his ears. Loves traveling and seeing the world beyond the Abbey. He also loves playing with the other ghouls; they all flow together. It’s easy to get lost in the feeling and just do. He is also quite fond of the other ghouls outside of playing together. It took a few weeks before any of them really talked to him outside of pleasantries. They are warming to him, especially on tour, some faster than others. He understands that losing the previous two is hard and tries to give them space for mourning. He feels uninvited and like he was summoned at the worst possible time. It feels very much like a replacement, which Phantom resents. He doesn’t want to replace Aether. Aurora doesn’t want to replace Sunshine. He understands why they didn’t have a warm welcome; he wouldn’t have welcomed them warmly either. He does think the others are finally coming to the conclusion that they have no desire to replace them. Even Papa has expressed his guilt about the timing; he just didn’t have a choice. Phantom understands, and Aurora does as well. It’s just a difficult feat to give them space when they are trapped in a small tour bus or assigned to hotel rooms together. Phantom and Aurora have found comfort in each other, though. It’s slow going, but a few of the ghouls have already come around to him. Rain, Mountain, and Swiss have come around the most. They actively prove they like him and are interested in him. They do things that make Phantom’s stomach churn and cheeks flush, and suspect they are slowly trying to introduce him into the pack.
Phantom suspects what started it for Mountain was the time he simply brought him a plant. He had found it in a convenience store, wilting and obviously dying. It hadn't been for sale, but he had somehow convinced the employee who was working to sell it to him. He brought it back to Mountain and sheepishly explained that he felt bad for it and was hoping there was something Mountain could do for it. Mountain had looked at him for a moment, something unreadable on his face, but ultimately took the plant. It had sprung to life immediately in his hands, even through the pot. He had quietly thanked Phantom. Phantom had suspected it meant more to Mountain than what he let on, but he kept that to himself. Mountain is quiet enough; Phantom doesn't want to add to that with his questions and suspicions. Ever since then, Mountain has been a lot more open with Phantom. He will actively seek him out to talk or just be around. Most notably, Mountain will let Phantom sit next to him, then wrap an arm around him and tuck Phantom into his side. He has seen him do it with Rain and Dew before. It makes him woozy and feel a little special. And also tired; more often than not, he ends up falling asleep. Warm, comfortable, and smelling Mountains scent.
He isn't exactly sure what started it for Rain—maybe a multitude of things. Phantom remembers sitting outside in the rain with him. He felt like Rain had been lonely, so he made his way outside and sat next to him on the curb. Rain had asked him what the hell he was doing out there. Phantom hadn't had an answer. It was an impromptu decision, he hadn't thought much about it. So he had simply said, "I didn't want you to be lonely." Something in Rain's face softened immediately. He laughed and called Phantom a dork. They sat for a while longer before Rain decided it was time to go in. They had toweled off, and while doing so, Rain quietly thanked him and told him goodnight.
Another instance that Phantom can think of is the pool incident. Rain's skin had been paler than normal, dry, and flakey. An obvious sign of dehydration. It made everyone worried sick. Every chance they got, they had Rain drink water or take a shower. They hadn't been in a hotel in a while; the Clergy hadn’t booked one, so it hadn't given Rain ample chance to have a lot of moisture. Showers only did so much. The minute Copia got the call that they were scheduled to stay in a hotel, Phantom had looked the place up. It was a huge, fancy, luxury hotel. The kind that rich people stayed in. He was more focused on one fact: it had a huge indoor pool. It didn’t specify if it was Olympic-sized, but it was pretty damn big. Saltwater too. Phantom thanked Satan for rich people and the Clergy. When they finally arrived at the hotel, Phantom immediately scanned the lobby for a sign leading to the pool. When he found it, he grabbed Rain's hand and practically ran towards the pool. Rain had followed easily; they both ignored the protests and questions from the other ghouls. Phantom led him down a few hallways, eventually shouldering open a door that led to the pool. The humidity and wetness in the air had hit them instantly, and Phantom could see how quickly it had relieved Rain. He had been thankful that the pool was empty, so Phantom didn’t even really have to think about it before he was pulling off his helmet and boots, shrugging off his jacket, and undoing his vest. Didn’t have to think about it before running and jumping into the pool. He hadn’t even resurfaced before there was another splash as Rain joined him. They had swam together for a little while before the other ghouls started to pour in. They had all come quickly to the unanimous conclusion of joining them. Swiss even managed to convince Copia to get into the pool. It had been a really good night—one of the best in his memories. Not that he has too many memories yet, but this seems like a standout one. At the end of the night, when everyone was getting out and drying off, Phantom had caught Rain looking at him. He had given him such a soft and meaningful smile that made butterflies flutter in Phantom's stomach. Ever since these moments—probably more that Phantom can’t remember—it isn’t uncommon for Rain to slide an arm around his waist or press a soft kiss on his jawline. It makes Phantom's cheeks flush, but he always leans into it.
Swiss is a whole different story.
Phantom has no idea what he did to make Swiss so fond of him. If anything, he didn’t really do anything. Swiss intimidates Phantom. He’s beautiful and silver-tongued, and Phantom feels like he could get lost in that. Or at least say some stupid shit and make Swiss laugh at him. It’s not like he avoids Swiss; quite the opposite, actually. They sit together on the tour bus, and Phantom's bunk is underneath Swiss’s. Plus, no one avoids Swiss, not really. They’re all just drawn to him; avoiding him is pretty much out of the question unless you have a set goal to avoid him.
Phantom tries very hard to remember a notable moment when he was particularly charming to Swiss or did anything to help him. Moments with the other ghouls, he feels like he earned their affection, but with Swiss, he feels like he was just a bonehead or awkward the entire time. One of their first interactions was outside of a venue; Phantom can’t remember which one exactly, but it was sunset and just starting to get dark. Phantom had just needed a moment; the noise and heat were starting to get to him. He knew Swiss had stepped out but didn’t know exactly where he was. He’d been leaning against the wall, joint between his fingers. Glamored and helmet off. Phantom had wrinkled his nose at the smell. He knew what weed was and knew everyone else regularly smoked it. He’d been wanting to but couldn't find the opportunity. He’d wordlessly shuffled over to Swiss and leaned against the wall next to him. He couldn’t find anything to say. Swiss hadn’t said anything for the next few moments either; he preferred to take a drag from his joint again. When Swiss did finally speak, it had been a question.
"You want a hit?"
Phantom had hesitated. He did; he would’ve probably done a backflip if Swiss had asked him to, but he had never smoked and was terribly afraid of looking like an idiot in front of Swiss. He knew that Swiss probably knew he hadn't smoked before; he most likely wouldn’t have laughed, but it embarrassed Phantom at the very idea of him laughing.
"Um, maybe? I mean, yes, I want to, but I just haven’t smoked before, and I-"
He’d been cut off by Swiss laughing, which made Phantom’s cheeks light up. He’d been very thankful he had his helmet on. Swiss had bumped their shoulders together, still chuckling slightly.
"Dude, it’s okay. You want to shotgun instead? Could be easier."
Phantom knows what shotgunning is. Believe it or not, the Pit is pretty well informed about mortal world happenings. Ghouls who have been summoned and then returned to the pit will give updates. Tell everyone what year it is, who is Papa, and the more modern doings. It’s certainly helpful. So Phantom had heard about shotgunning before and seen the other ghouls do it as well. He never would have thought Swiss would offer that to him, of all people. There’d been a big grin on Swiss’s face; his teeth caught on his lower lip. Phantom had been suddenly breathless, reminded again how beautiful Swiss is. But he nods and says,
"Yeah okay. That sounds.. good."
Phantom had pulled off his helmet, set it down by his boots, and then turned to face Swiss. Swiss had mirrored his movements, faced Phantom, and then stepped closer to him. He’d flicked the ashes from the joint, and Phantom had watched as little ash flakes fluttered down to land on their boots. He’d finally looked back up to see Swiss looking at him, eyes crinkled and grin still wide.
"Ready?"
"Uh-huh."
Swiss had used one hand to cup his jaw, keeping his face in place. Phantom’s hands had automatically slid to Swiss’s waist. He’d used the hand that held the joint, brought it up to his mouth, took a drag, then held it for a few moments. Then he’d finally leant in. Phantom had closed his eyes and opened his mouth, slightly nervous but trying hard to stay calm. Had squeezed Swiss’s waist to reassure himself. Swiss had slotted their lips together and blew out the smoke. Phantom inhaled as best he could, tried not to overdo it so he didn’t cough. He held it in for a moment, then blew it back into Swiss’s face. Swiss had let out a soft laugh at that, prompting Phantom to open his eyes again. Oh man, this ghoul was out of his league. His hands tightened on Swiss’s waist; he had felt his cheeks color.
"Feel good?"
To be frank, Phantom hadn’t felt anything. He thinks shotgunning is a pretty unreliable way to actually get high. But he did feel good. That had felt good, being so close to Swiss. So he nodded, which Swiss had been very obviously pleased with. He had been just picture perfect: full lips stretched into a smile, eyes crinkled and full of amusement. A look that had been just for him. Phantom had melted. Not a single thought ran through his mind as he leant in and, instead of just slotting their lips together, actually kissed Swiss. Phantom had expected there to be no response and for Swiss to pull away. He had not been expecting Swiss to kiss back immediately. He’d pulled his hand away from Phantom's jaw, instead twining it in his hair, and Phantom had pulled him closer so their hips were flush with each other. Phantom had been the one to slightly tilt his head to deepen the kiss, which Swiss had eagerly rewarded by grinding against him. Phantom had gasped and groaned softly against Swiss’s lips. Swiss had slowly given up control of the kiss and let Phantom start backing him against the wall. Phantom had slowly started to trail his hands from Swiss’s waist down to his pants and-
"Stage in five!"
A young technician had burst through the door, quickly announcing but not lingering. He didn’t even think she saw them; she just shouted in case someone had been out there. Phantom had backed up from Swiss, slightly breathless, and definitely half-hard. He hadn’t known if Swiss had gotten there but his cheeks were flushed and his lips were swollen and red. Phantom hadn’t known what to say, opened his mouth, then closed it. Swiss had laughed at him, bent down and picked up their helmets, then handed Phantom his. Phantom had taken it and quickly pulled it over his head, eager to hide his flushed cheeks. Swiss had just watched him, lips tilted up.
"What?"
Swiss had laughed again, shook his head, and said, "Nothin’ man. Nothin’ at all."
Phantom hadn’t believed that for a second, but he had let it go. He’d backed away, still struggling to find something to say.
"You’re… you are something." Is what Phantom managed, which once again made Swiss bark out a laugh.
"You’re sweet. Go get 'em, tiger. I’ll catch you after the show."
It promised a lot and made Phantom’s insides squirm. He had nodded and murmured a soft good luck before turning and heading back inside the building. He’d performed well that night and felt really into it. Electric had poured through his blood, and he’d given it his all. He played like he’d never played before, and he performed like he’d never performed before. He doesn’t think he's had a performance like it since. The rest of the night had went by in a whirlwind. Song after song, more and more screaming from the audience. He had just soaked it up. After the show, Papa had praised him generously and patted his head. He had been proud of Phantom's performance and was very clear about his satisfaction. Phantom had flushed, leaned into his touch, and very quickly saved this for the spank bank. Most things related to Papa get put in his spank bank if he is honest with himself. Swiss did not end up catching him after the show. He didn’t even see Swiss and had no idea where he ended up. He felt like Swiss would’ve found him if he could’ve. Phantom knows it gets crazy after the show, and things happen. He hadn’t held it against him; he just hoped he could someday manage to get him alone and pick up where they left off.
Phantom doesn’t think he will ever understand Swiss or any of them, really. He feels lucky that he has gotten so far with any of them, and the more time he spends with them, the more they come around. Aurora has had a vaguely similar experience, just with Cumulus, Cirrus, and Swiss. The girls are very sweet; it would’ve been more of a surprise if they hadn’t come around. Aurora and he have something new to relate to: they both flush whenever they talk about Swiss. They both grow increasingly fond of him. Phantom is growing increasingly fond of all of them, if he’s honest with himself. Even little Dewdrop is starting to open up and is considerably more friendly to him. It's slow going, but the process is there. Everyday seems like just another chance to grow closer to them and strengthen their bonds. Phantom finally feels like he isn't the replacement, feels like the other ghouls are realizing that. There will always be a hole in the other ghouls hearts for the two they lost; they were finally letting Phantom and Aurora into their lives. It's a lovely feeling, a feeling that blooms warmth in his chest.
He is truly happy and truly excited for every new day.