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nicoleiacross · 1 year

Text

[Ghost(Band)] Defective [Links to AO3]

My internet has been out for three days but I will post a fucking fluffery damnit. ...I mean it’s sad but it’s fluffy sad? I’ve had a long three days.

♥

Fandom: Ghost (Band) Rating: General (some swearing, nothing serious) CW: nothing serious Lesser Warnings: headcanon galore, author uses sodo instead of dew, pre-Aether/Sodo? Can be read as fluffy friendship or ship-ship

Summary: Sodo having an off day isn't rare; just a concern when they have to get Aether to handle it.

A/N: There was a post on tumblr about Sodo being self conscious about how quickly he replaced Ifrit. And I also found a Ritual recording of Devil's Church/Guitar Shenanigans/Cirice were people were boo'ing Sodo. Like I'm sure it was in good fun but it was still like bro is this necessary wtf...

But anyways, so that happened lmao.

There are some mentions of various headcanon from Mountain regarding a much bigger thing I'm working on but if anyone has questions please never hesitate to ask ♥ Otherwise, as usual, I do not have an editor of any sort, so if you notice typos, please lemme know ♥ Enjoy and thank you for reading /)(\

Extras: Status: Complete! [< AO3 Link] Word Count: ~5.4k

It's a rare occurrence, for Sodo to be so terribly off kilter.

Aether isn't positive when it starts; but, at some point, Sodo starts sticking to the front of the stage, center and left, instead of running up to Swiss or Cirrus as much as he normally does. He's pretty sure they all just assume he's starting to run out of steam—tired, hungry, maybe a combination of both. … Probably tired, because he's not being nearly as cranky as he gets when he's hungry. It would also, for better or worse, account for why he just… freezes up in the middle of Dance Macabre.

There's a brief falter—Copia manages to catch himself before he looks back or stumbles over more than a few words. It keeps some of the attention off of Sodo, at least, and gives him a chance to recover. Rain's closer and goes over to check on him, no different than when he fell and they played it off. Aether's not close enough to join him and running across the stage would probably just make it more obvious. He still shoots a quick glance over his shoulder, just to see if Swiss or Mountain has an idea of what's going on. He can't be positive Mountain isn't trying to get Rain or Sodo's attention; and, Swiss spares them a quick glance before he offers Aether a shrug, never once losing his own beat.

Aether shakes it off and tries to keep his focus on the show before it escalates. Honestly, if it weren't the fact Copia had tripped over the lyrics, he'd assume that it was something staged, to combat the weird rumours that… kinda crop up every once in a while that the instruments aren't live.

He forgets about it fairly quickly, when Rain and Sodo come back down to the front stage and everything seems to be back on track.

He sticks around for the final bow, at least; but, that's also when Aether loses track of him. Odd, but not unusual. Sometimes he climbed up on Swiss or Mountain's back instead, tired and overstimulated already. Sometimes he and Rain snuck off to hoard snacks before Cirrus or Aether could stop them—particularly shows that ended later in the day and they had to stop Sodo from trying to go through the venue's entire stock of the little coffee pods. Sometimes he just wanted to run before they were all contained to the tour bus or hotel rooms again. He always came back in time for loading the buses, no matter what he was getting up to.

Regardless, he doesn't think anything of it until they're helping the road crew finish loading the bus. The Ghoulettes are already on the bus—claiming their corner and preparing everyone else's nightly routines. He's not sure where Papa went and it doesn't even occur to him that it might be odd Sodo isn't helping with the stage equipment, in that moment. Probably because he's focused on the way the road Ghouls fuss at him and Swiss, both, despite the fact they always offer the assurance they want to help. A lot of them are… particular about their instruments. Rain, for that matter, is still clinging to his bass, even as he nods off; he fusses—briefly—as Mountain tries to wrestle it free of his grip as gently as possible. Aether goes to help—gently prying Rain's fingers loose with soft words to distract him; reminding him his claws can pierce the guitar case, that it'll be more secure in storage. It ends in the bassist more or less melting against him and whining petulant curses about being tired and making sleepy, empty threats in Mountain's general direction about being careful with his bass.

A silly complaint, when they all know Mountain's been helping load and unload the buses since Papa II's days; but, one they never hold against Rain. They were all particular in their own ways and he, especially, got clingy with the bass every year, like clockwork. It's… a disturbingly good way to keep track of time and know when Copia needs extra comfort, as the anniversary of the brothers' deaths comes and goes.

He's only considered, in passing, as he's doing a final headcount, that maybe that's why Sodo had run out of steam so early in the show. Maybe the anniversary of death was finally starting to affect him, too.

Except, as he's turning to head into the bus—to count who's inside, just as much so he can get out of his uniform—Copia comes around the back of the bus—still in his blue jacket, more than a little frazzled—and catches his shoulder. He kind of hears Swiss mumble an under breathed exhale of, "Oh, boy…" behind him, but he doesn't get long to think on it.

"Aether, I—you know I would not ask this of you, were it not important—please get Sodo."

Aether just stares at his human and slowly turns to do another headcount, relying on feeling the others out that he can't see right away. Swiss is holding Rain up, now, one arm around his waist; Mountain… went back into the venue at some point; it takes him a few seconds to separate the Ghoulettes from each other, so he assumes they've all fallen asleep in a pile, already; the road Ghouls have all climbed into the second bus, but he still takes the time to count them out, individually, just to make sure Sodo didn't sneak into their bus for some reason… and, finally, turns his attention up, finally spotting Sodo huddled up on the roof of their bus. For a split second, he almost thinks he's seeing things; but, a nearby light catches the horns of his mask and confirms that… he is up there and Aether's not actually getting worse at keeping track of people.

Of course, now he has to actually process and acknowledge that… Sodo's on the roof of their bus and he shakes his head a few times.

"Wait—when did he—wait, why me?" His tail flickers down from his waist without him realising it, lashing about anxiously a few times before he notices and hastily pulls it back under his jacket, wrapped firmly around him like a belt. He knows humans have a hard time seeing their features, but he really doesn't want to deal with being the one that happens to get caught. "Rain's much better at handling Sodo—"

"We already tried, Aeth." Swiss sighs and, when Aether finally turns to look back at the pair, he's rubbing the back of his neck with his free hand. "Well. Rain tried first…"

"He told me to piss off." Rain adds, his voice slurring a little as he yawns, wide enough his fangs are on display for a moment before he puts his head back against Swiss' shoulder, struggling to stay awake and probably just to stay standing. "Second time I tried, he climbed up the bus… and, when I tried to follow he threatened to eat my face. Helmet included."

Aether wants to point out that he can't… but, they also thought Sodo couldn't bite through an amp. They probably shouldn't make that mistake again.

Instead of focusing on that, he tries to point out that Swiss has better luck with Sodo, too, just to get cut off again.

"I tried giving him his vape, already." Swiss shrugs, shifting to where he can kneel and Rain lets out a relieved sigh as he slumps over the other Ghoul's back. Swiss adjusts his hold so he can stand and still carry Rain without too much issue. "Thought he went for a run after final bow, but he was just out here, so… made sense, yeah? He threw it in my face and told me to go back inside. So… we totally believe in you. Have fun."

Swiss is inside the bus before Aether can protest that that hardly constitutes trying! The only reason he doesn't try to yank on Swiss' tail is because he doesn't want to risk hurting Rain.

Copia doesn't… look like he's going to make Aether do it. Copia's still an option himself and Mountain was… well, he could handle the biting and thrashing when Sodo was in a bad mood. Arguably better than Aether could. But, Mountain finally comes out of the venue and up on his side with only a gentle tap on the shoulder as a warning.

"Sodo left his guitar inside." When Aether turns to him, sure enough, the case strap is over Mountain's shoulder and he holds out his free hand, dropping… a substantial number of guitar picks into Aether's hand. "He didn't throw any, except what was on stage from the early ammunition, so far as I can tell. Those are all from his pick guard and strap."

Aether looks down at the pile in his hand and lets out a slow breath through his nose to try mentally preparing himself. If Sodo's already chased everyone else off… and Copia did come from around the bus, which means he probably tried already… Aether's absolutely going to get mauled. But, of the lot, he can probably reduce the damages the easiest without hurting Sodo.

"I'll… try. Can you make sure his guitar gets put up properly?"

Mountain gives a dismissive salute with two fingers before he takes the picks back and heads onto the bus. Sodo's… less possessive of his guitar, but it's still nice seeing the others taking care of instruments that aren't theirs. Aether gives Copia a gentle push towards the bus, "Please, go inside, Papa. I'll take care of Sodo."

Copia still looks worried; but, he nods and—after looking up, one more time, like he's considering calling Sodo down—he heads inside. Mountain comes back out, briefly, to load the guitar into the storage compartment.

"Rain's out cold, so if he bites or starts a fire…" He shrugs one shoulder and gestures, vague and a bit uncertain, towards where Sodo's hiding. "I'll help how I can, if he does, but… there's security cameras everywhere. And we don't have anyone to cover for property damage, anymore…"

Special would definitely make things a lot easier. Not necessarily because he was good at dealing with other Ghouls—honestly, the few times Aether interacted with him, he was probably the most confrontational of the third era. But he was good at containing issues and sweet talking humans into being slightly less worried about any property damage they may have accidentally caused. Omega would've been ideal. Hell, even Alpha or Cowbell—literally any other Fire Ghoul or anyone not Aether. Hes still not sure where he stands with the Fire Ghoul.

Still, it does make him curious and he manages to stop Mountain before he heads back into the bus. "Mountain? How did… you deal with Special? Papa and his predecessor always… mentioned you two used to fight a lot. A lot worse than Sodo and… basically anybody."

He knows Mountain hates talking about it. His tail actually slides down from around his waist, going limp before it curls once around his leg for security. "We… didn't really fight. I mean—yeah, I guess it looked like fighting, but we… were just messing around. We were the youngest by a few decades, compared to everyone else; and, the first two, in a long time, that could actually talk. Earth had his hands full with his band mates and Papa Emeritus' health—the. Primo, I mean—Emeritus I." He flusters for a few seconds and, for the first time, Aether realises how weird everything probably is for Mountain. Having to constantly change how he addressed the humans around him.

He recovers and shrugs again, picking listlessly at his claws. "None of Emeritus I's other Ghouls wanted to deal with Special. That's why I was summoned—because Earth was busy and no one really knew what else they could do about him. My purpose was collateral control, not…" He tails off, attention fixed on the ground for those few seconds too long. Those few seconds it takes Aether to realise that… Mountain didn't really know what he was supposed to do. He wasn't summoned to be part of band, even if he did soak up what he could.

He tries to make a note to talk to him about it, later. Or get Copia involved… or would that be out of line? He's never sure how to handle the older Ghoul.

Mountain shaking his head gets Aether's attention back to the present, "My point was, what worked for our situation… isn't what you need for Sodo. … Also, that you're worrying way too much. You already know how to handle Sodo, Aeth. Just… y'know. Do that thing you do. I promise—despite how much Sodo bitches, it really does work."

He doesn't have a reason to doubt the words; but, he was still maybe hoping for something a little more concrete. How to deal with spontaneous fires or the aggressive biting that could end in one or both of them getting sick. It's not until Mountain closes the door into the bus that he really stops to think about the fact Sodo… probably could hear them. If he was paying attention, he could have, anyways. Which means there's a really good chance he's going to be in a worse mood than Aether was anticipating.

Still, he pulls one more deep breath to prepare himself and rounds to the back of the bus so he can scale the ladder. He knows Mountain mentioned security cameras, but he's really hoping they're closer to the venue and don't have a great view of the bus, because the first thing he notices—after the fact that Sodo hadn't bothered getting out of his uniform and the tight ball he's sitting in does not look comfortable—is that his tail is out and curled around his body, with the spade tucked over his shoulder and against his neck, like a small source of comfort.

Aether's careful as he moves across the bus—careful to keep his footing, just as much as he's keeping an eye on Sodo. Appropriately, because the moment he gets too close, he sees the tips of Sodo's horn starting to glow a faint orange and emit a warning of smoke. Even so, his voice is… quiet.

"I'm not in the mood, Aether. Go away."

"I just want to talk, Sodo—or… or not." He's really glad he's still far enough back that Sodo's tail doesn't reach him, even when it uncoils from his body in a single, sharp motion, like he's trying to lash out. A warning, more than a threat; but, one Aether takes to heart and carefully sits down just out of range of the tail. "I'm fine just sitting here, if you don't want to talk."

There's a small stretch of silence before his tail slowly coils back around his body, tighter if possible, and Aether almost hears him grumble out a dismissive whatever. His horns slowly cool off until they're the ashen white again and Aether ends up wandering, in passing, just how many times Sodo's set them on fire for them to be that colour. He has… some vague memory of the horns being grey at some point… or maybe that was just a temporary mask while they tried to figure out how to get his to fit properly on the broken horn.

He knows the thoughts are just a desperate distraction from how much potential danger he's in… and maybe to distract him from how… absolutely miserable Sodo feels. He really wishes he'd asked Omega more about how to differentiate between intiution for the others' state of being and his own perceptions, because he's… really not positive he isn't just projecting the emotion, based on how non-responsive Sodo's been most of the evening.

The silence—and, in some capacity, the patience and perseverence to not leave Sodo to his own devices, finally makes the smaller Ghoul raises his head from where it's been pushed against his knees. He's still quiet for a spell longer; but, he's at least turned so he can face Aether and scooted forward a little bit. Aether's still out of range of his tail—he thinks—but it's… progress. It's also making him realise that he's not projecting and, even if he is, Sodo actually does look as miserable as he feels.

Before Aether can try to bridge the silence, Sodo finally speaks up, his attention off to the side so he doesn't have to make direct eye contact.

"Papa needs to replace me."

Aether just stares at him, trying desperately to actually process the words. They… the words themselves make sense. He understands what Sodo's telling him. But he also has absolutely no idea what the Hell he's on about.

He must be quiet for too long because Sodo raises his head, briefly, before quickly ducking it once more, his tongue darting out in a nervous gesture to wet his lip. Something he picked up around the Ministry, no doubt, but still a sign he's a lot worse off than he's letting on. "He does. He should have when Al—" He freezes up before the name fully forms and a shudder makes it look like he's trying to shake off. "When… when my horn was damaged." His left hand goes up, finger tips hovering near the left horn, just shy of touching it. He never really recovered from the trauma of his horn being clipped, even when the masks give the illusion of a full horn. "I'm defective—he doesn't need a deffective Ghoul, especially as Papa, he—"

"--Sodo—wait, what the fuck, Sodo, slow down." Sodo's mouth snaps shut and his hands go back to his lap, fingers curled tight in his pants. His tail's wound around his neck, tight enough that Aether almost worries he's going to hurt himself before he remembers they don't… actually need to breathe. He takes a slow breath, trying to get back on track and figure out where the idea even came from. "Who the fuck called you defective?"

He's… different and erratic, sure; but, he's not defective. "Why would you think Papa needs to replace you? He doesn't and we both know he isn't going to."

"He needs to." Sodo insists and, for a long stretch of uncomfortable silence, that's the only argument he makes. One Aether can't—and doesn't try to—counter, if only because he's still… really confused.

He's pretty sure it wasn't Imperator. As harsh as she was with most Ghouls, she… tolerated them, specifically, more than she did any of the others. Because they were there to make Copia shine and she wanted him to succeed. So long as they helped with that, she… tolerated them, and that should have included Sodo. So he's fairly positive it wasn't her and, by extension, he's pretty sure it wasn't Nihil, either. He never interacted with the Ghouls, so long as he could avoid it.

He's certain the man—ghost? … Whatever he constituted as, now, Aether's positive he doesn't hate the Ghouls or even dislike them, really… they're just a reminder of what happened to his sons. The band, in general, is a glaring reminder of what he's lost.

None of the other Ghouls would've said anything that negative. Even when they bullied each other, they made sure to keep it light hearted and apologise when a line was crossed.

He can't think of anyone else that would've planted the idea—even Alpha, in the short time Sodo had warmed up to being around him, had ever spoken badly of him. Sodo may have annoyed him, it was just that. Eager and annoying, but always in an… endearing and weirdly affectionate way.

So, Aether finally bites the bullet and tries to get more information. "Sodo… you know Papa isn't going to replace you without a good reason. And there isn't one, so why do you think he needs to?"

"There's plenty of good reasons." For how vague he's being, he's still quick to argue. "I messed up—I keep messing up. Papa doesn't need that, he needs things to be perfect, it has to be perfect—"

Maybe it is Imperator. But that still doesn't feel right, despite the fact it sounds right.

"Nothing needs to be perfect. We all make mistakes and, frankly, you don't make that many."

Sodo's tail finally unwinds from his neck and for a split second, Aether's almost worried he's about to get struck by it; but, it just starts flickering about anxiously and he's again reminded to be extremely worried about the potential security cameras. Hopefully it just looks like a malfunction or trick of light and shadow. Unfortunately—or, maybe fortunately, because he immediately pulls his tail back to his body, wrapping it in his hands tight enough that it has to hurt—Sodo seems to realise he's made a mistake and makes a distressed noise in his throat.

"See."

"That was an accident and you know our void forms are… weird."

None of them really understand it. Mountain tried to explain what he'd learned from older Ghouls about how humans perceive them—about how it was really only the upper clergy or people with the Papal Eye that could see them properly. But none of them understand why or how. Regardless, Sodo specifically knows that there's always… some convenience that keeps them hidden, even if they are all waiting for the day that isn't true. Which is apparently what Sodo's focusing on.

"I missed my cue."

Okay, yes, that was still weird. But, not the weirdest thing that's ever happened.

"Ifrit's missed his cue, before."

For some reason that makes him go tense and Aether… might be figuring out where some of the need for perfection is coming from. Even as a temporary stand-in, he remembers Sodo fretting about the missed cue. Bothering Ifrit incessantly to make sure that wasn't why he was replaced, when they all knew Ifrit was temporary. He'd taken it in stride and tried to assure Sodo as much, Aether just… thought that was the end of it. He amends the statement, quickly.

"We all missed our cue for Hunter's Moon a while ago. Papa wasn't mad at us." Exasperated, maybe, and the audience had seemed amused. He relaxes. A little. … Enough he's stopped pulling his tail tighter than it already is wrapped around his hands.

"I fell on stage."

That was… years ago. But, he doesn't bring attention to that.

"Rain has. So has Swiss. Emeritus III did. A lot. According to Papa and Omega."

That actually gives Sodo pause, before he grumbles out an agreement. "Okay, yeah, that's a good point…"

Aether actually smiles a little and carefully scoots forward until he's close enough he can reach over and start to gently unwind Sodo's tail from the death grip he has on it. Sodo doesn't bother resisting or even hissing and Aether is remotely worried about his tail suddenly lashing out, anymore. Once he's succeeded in freeing it from Sodo, he keeps the spade in his hand, gently rubbing his thumb over the curved bit to try calming him down a little more.

He knows there's more and being patient has worked so far.

"... I—" He finally seems to have run out of other excuses to hide behind and Aether gives an encouraging hum for him to continue. "I'm… … it's really stupid, just—why can't I just be replaced with someone better?"

Aether releases his tail before it pulls too hard. It writhes about before finding its way back into Sodo's grip, his hands gripping the length and pulling and twisting it again.

"Sodo… no one wants to replace you, why would you want that? Do you think we do?" He shakes his head, sharply. There's no hesitation, so it's… no one in the immediate grouping. Which he was pretty certain of before, but it's nice to have confirmation. "Do… you want to be replaced? Ignoring whoever you think wants you replaced… do you want to be replaced?"

The pause is concerning, but Sodo still shakes his head, again, after a stretch of contemplation. "No—I… I don't, but… defective equipment should be replaced. Shouldn’t it?"

"Equipment, yes. You are not equipment, though." It still doesn't sound like Imperator. Maybe someone else around the Ministry? But not… necessarily her.

"But, they—I don't… care if they like you more, but I—but if they don't like me, then… then what if that's stopping people from coming to Rituals, I don't want to be responsible for that, people are supposed to enjoy what we do, if they don't—if I'm why they don't, I—"

Aether doesn't stop him. The circles are making less and less sense, the more he frets and his horns are starting to glow again as he works himself up. All Aether can do is grab his hands to get him to stop for a minute. It works, thankfully; Sodo freezes up immediately and his mouth snaps shut. It gives Aether a chance to try processing.

Someone… didn't like him… and that was enough to be considered a defect? If "they" like Aether more and it's in regards to the Rituals, he… has to be talking about the attendees. But that's never stopped him before. Not like this.

"Sodo, I—what even are you talking about? They love you. I mean—yeah, things get chaotic sometimes, but it works for you. For us—th-the band! Us as in the band!" He shakes his head, sharply, to get back on track. "My point was, people love that energy and you—"

It's probably pretty damn obvious when it finally hits him. He thinks Sodo whines and is trying to get his hands free of Aether's grip; but, Aether's mind is an hour in the past as it finally hits him why the Ritual was so… odd in the second half.

It started during the guitar battle. It always starts during the guitar battle—what began as Sodo tuning his guitar for Cirice to give Papa a chance to change his outfit, it's… them, now. It let Sodo get some of the overstimulated energy out when things were otherwise slow; it let Aether be that little bit more aggressive, even if they did blow it out of proportions sometimes; and, most importantly, it was just… fun. A small bit they got to share, instead of sharing the whole stage.

Getting the audience involved was a fun bonus. Dragging Rain in on occasions was a fun bonus. Dragging anyone else in was a fun bonus, but it was mostly for them.

There were… instances, of course. One of the unfortunate parts of being Ghouls, was they were… very attuned to things around them. For their own safety. For their summoner's safety. Even with the foam ear plugs and specially designed pieces to feed them their cues and protect their hearing weren't… always as efficient as they could be. They could still hear things from the outside. Useful to listen for threats.

Less useful when the crowds were… negative. He's heard stories from older Rituals. When Primo had been Papa. He remembers Earth telling them about it, at Mountain's insistance. He's heard it a few times at their own Rituals, but usually in… good fun. At least, he interpreted it as good fun and… Sodo usually did.

But, with the anniversary of the deaths coming up, it… makes sense he wouldn't have today. Not if he was already anxious about being replaced.

Aether… might feel a little bad that Sodo immediately flinches and backs up when he stands. But, he waits for him to still again and makes sure Sodo can see his hands when he moves this time. As much as Aether—and most of them, really—have filled out in the new uniforms, it just makes Sodo look even smaller than before. Especially when he tries to curl in on himself; but, it also just makes it easier for Aether to pick him up, sit back down without hurting either of them, and situate Sodo in his lap so his back is flush to Aether's chest. The comfort of a full body hug without the anxiety that came with people seeing him vulnerable.

As expected, Sodo goes rigid immediately and Aether's full expecting to get elbowed or headbutted. But, he also isn't surprised when Sodo just curls tighter into himself, wrapping around Aether's arms. He still doesn't have a full grasp on how hugs work, but it's his version and that's what matters. Aether doesn't bring attention to the stuttered attempts to regulate his breathing and just nuzzles gently at the back of his neck.

"There's always going to be someone who doesn't like us. But that does not make you defective and you do not need to be replaced. The only thing you need to do is the best you can. And when you can't just let us—… let… me know. Let me help. I don't want you replaced. No one wants you replaced."

It takes a while longer for them to move. It's mostly just getting Sodo calm enough that he won't be anxious going into the bus if anyone's still awake. Most of it, admittedly, is Aether being extra snuggly; nuzzling at his neck and mumbling affirmations and praise for all of the things he's amazing at. At least five for every perceived flaw, even when Sodo flusters and mumbles that he's being ridiculous, his tail is still betraying how pleased he is. Things that can be revisited and reaffirmed when he's in a better headspace, when they can… maybe have a full conversation about them, that isn't just Aether trying to figure out where they stand.

All things for later.

Everyone's asleep when they do get down into the bus. He gives Sodo a gentle push and quiet direction to go change out of his uniform, he'll take care of setting up a nest. Copia's passed out at one of the tables, with Swiss draped over him. Aether shuffles over, hoping that putting a blanket over them won't actually wake either—especially Copia—and nearly swears when Swiss sits up.

"Mmm… Aeth? Oh… cool, you survived. Great job. … He okay?"

Okay seems like a stretch. Still, Aether offers a smile and tips his head towards the closed off portion fo the bus they keep clothes in. "Maybe not right now, but… he will be. Just needs some rest."

"Knew you could do it. Told Papa not to worry…" He cuts off with a wide yawn and just snuggles back up to the human. It is really impressive Copia doesn't wake up once… and maybe a little concerning. But, something to focus on later. "You get some sleep, too. You're gonna have your hands full later."

Swiss is out cold again before Aether can ask for any sort of explanation. He just goes back to dropping a bunch of blankets and pillows in a corner that's out of the way from everyone and starts pulling his own uniform off with the intent to just change into something quick once Sodo comes back out… except when he does shuffle out—in a sweater he probably stole out of Aether's stash, given his inability to keep the shirt on both shoulders—he holds out Aether's normal sleep wear on tour and disappears back with his uniform. Aether's… not sure when Sodo learned what he sleeps in. But, he doesn't question it and just pulls the shirt and shorts on and lays out on the edge of the pile of blankets and pillows.

When Sodo finally joins him, he spends probably five minutes wriggling around to find a comfortable spot to sleep and figure out how many blankets he wants to be wrapped up in. Once he finally stills, facing Aether, he just stares, quietly, until Aether finally moves close enough he doesn't have to move Sodo too much to be flush against him.

Sodo immediately relaxes and buries himself further in the coccoon he's made himself, until only his right horn is peeking out. The left one does, a little bit, and Aether gives the jagged edge a gentle kiss before he settles. It gets a small wriggle, but nothing more.

They can deal with the rest in the morning or… whenever it comes.

#text #mywords #ghost band #ghost band fanfic #ghost era 5 #aether ghoul #sodo ghoul #soulfire ghoulies #i finally thought up a ship tag for them no regrets #links to ao3 #headcanon galore #look i don't always write death

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