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marsspeedway · 4 months ago

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COME ON CAROLINA- I mean, Sodo

Where Phantom tries to get close to Sodo and where Sodo must give the young Quintessence ghoul a chance. The question is… Could Sodo really give Phantom a chance?

There were many things that Phantom couldn't quite understand.

Complex things like his powers, how he can hear thoughts that aren't his own, how he can make pains go away or even how he can make someone's body just stop reacting... It's terrifying.

And then there's that innocent side of the ghoul who asked how there were little people inside the box in the living room... The TV.

Of course, Rain just smiled and explained to him that there were no people trapped in the box while Swiss mentioned it every chance he got.

«Hey Bug, wanna watch some little people fighting?»

He was referring to watching the boxing match.

To Swiss's luck Phantom doesn't mind what he does, in fact he thinks it's funny enough to let out a chuckle here and there with him.

Phantom had the opportunity to learn a lot about the human world during the last tour and adapted really well to crowds of people surprisingly quickly. Of course, considering he was summoned shortly before starting out and barely giving him time to adjust to life in the Ministry around more ghouls who didn't want to rip his head off.

His ability to socialize wasn't bad either, much better than others to tell the truth. He had come out of the pit together with a ghoulette and although they didn't know each other they had been each other's main point of support: sleeping nearby, eating together, talking together until they felt comfortable enough to start forming small conversations with their bandmates.

Aurora, the multi-ghoulette, had gotten very close to the band's keyboardists although her relationship with her multi-ghoul partner and the bassist wasn't at all bad either. Mountain had let her get close too, pleased with the girl's taste in flowers and surprisingly Sodo had gotten along well with her, even giving her one of the bouquets of flowers that had once been thrown at him on stage.

Meanwhile Phantom was not left behind, the ghoulettes also welcomed him with open arms, excited for a new companion; Mountain silently accepted him and let him loiter around him in the garden or wherever he was; Rain found his curiosity charming and in no time he found himself answering all the young Quintessence ghoul's questions and Swiss wasted no time in starting to learn from him, finding out everything he could to make him feel more comfortable and integrated and knowing how Swiss is also to annoy him.

But there was one, just one, that Phantom couldn't win over... Sodo.

The guy seemed to avoid him whenever he could, answer everything as simply and concretely as possible and Phantom hadn't been able to get any closer to him even if he had wanted to.

Which he really really wanted.

A lot.

Everything seemed fine on stage, he had even been able to kneel in front of him once and in response had received an approving nod of his head. Phantom swears he'd seen a hint of a smile when the man pulled down his mask to drink water but as quickly as they'd left the stage it had all vanished. There was no compliment from him, no smile, no pat on the back, no sign... Nothing.

«Give him a bit of time... He's not ready yet.»

Rain had told him once when Phantom asked how he could possibly try to get close to the Fire ghoul.

In Phantom's head the same question was going around and around: ready for what?

There was something clear that no one wanted to tell him, he could feel it and he knew it but no one would tell him anything.

He knows very well that he is the successor of someone, there was someone before him and someone before that someone just like he knew that Copia was not the first vocalist of the band and much less the first Papa Emeritus... Well, he was Papa Emeritus IV for a reason, wasn't he?

Why can't ghouls have a number too? Why does it have to be just "Quintessence ghoul"? Why does it have to be just "Phantom"?

Phantom found really difficult the amount of different names to remember... An Omega, someone who used to be called Delta and an Aether were the names he had been given when he asked Copia who his predecessors were... Well, at least they were few. He doesn't even want to ask Rain again the name of his own or even how many there were.

Everything seemed fine if he asked about Omega, or Delta, but if he asked about Aether... Oh if he asked about Aether.

He had been told that he had been transferred for major situations along with Sunshine, one of the previous Ghoulettes, and that they hadn't heard much from them since. It was clear that it hurt, Phantom knew it well because he could feel it.

After that he didn't ask again, not after seeing their reactions and sensing everyone's suffering, loss and longing... Not after feeling a particular pain in his chest that after trying to recognize he could only attribute to the Fire ghoul.

If the name hurt them so much then he would never utter it again.

When Phantom says he has a good relationship with everyone he's not lying. He spends hours around Mountain, cuddles with Rain and Swiss, lets his hair be styled by the Ghoulettes. He is close to everyone and is definitely already part of the pack, he is already affectionate with them and they are affectionate with him. Again, except for one of them.

Phantom is determined to try to get closer to Sodo, to find out what it is about him that he dislikes so much.

His first idea is to go to the cinema because a movie and some popcorn sure sounds like a great idea; at least to him.

Phantom is sure he has never begged so hard in his life.

"Please please pleeeease with a cherry on top!!"

Phantom had whined, clinging to Copia's calf as he tried to walk across the kitchen causing Phantom to drag himself across the tile floor and cling tighter and tighter to the poor man with legs, arms and tail.

"Phantom, I'm not going to let you go out alone."

The man had sighed, leaning against the edge of the bar as he felt the circulation in his leg might be starting to cut off.

"I told you I'm not going alone! Come on, please, pleeeease pleeeeeease-"

The younger man continued with his cheek pressed against Copia's thigh.

Swiss watched from his place on the other side of the bar, his tail wagging curiously.

"What with the little guy?"

The Multi-ghoul raised an eyebrow, admiring the way Phantom looked like some sort of overgrown baby koala.

"Phantom wants to go to the cinema." Copia ran a hand through his hair "And he won't tell me who he plans to go with."

"Is it one of the girls?"

Swiss asked tilting his head slightly; Phantom could feel both of his golden pupils glued on him. In response Rain only nudged the Multi-ghoul slightly and Mountain watched silently.

"No!"

Phantom simply replied.

"I can tag along him, you know" Rain quickly replied, ready to back up whatever the little Quintessence ghoul was going to do. "Actually Mountain and I wanted to go out and the cinema doesn't sound bad at all, does it?" The Water ghoul asked, shooting the taller one a complicit look.

"Sure."

The giant replied, looking really calm and in agreement with the proposal and the situation.

Swiss looked at them both, eyes narrowed and one eyebrow raised.

"We'll take care of Phantom and whoever he invites. You don't have to worry." Rain said to Copia, noting how the man seemed to hesitate before shaking his head and giving up.

"All right." Phantom smiled, his eyes lighting up visibly "But I expect him back in one piece, got it?"

All 3 nodded, Phantom doing it a couple more times than necessary but convincing Copia just the same.

"Good, now let go of me before I change my mind." Phantom quickly obeyed, untying his tail and limbs from Copia's leg with a huge grin on his face.

The man merely rolled his eyes, reached for one of the juice boxes from one of his ghouls and escaped back to his office; now with his leg free and without an extra weight to drag back.

The older ghouls watched Copia walk away down the hallway as the younger one silently celebrated by moving his arms, smiling and hopping around before doing a little dance that Rain thought was adorable.

"He sure learned that from you..."

Mountain leaned over to whisper to Swiss and Swiss just looked at him with a confused grimace.

"I expect a little more help the next time I want to go out with Aurora."

"Do I look like a babysitter?"

Mountain grinned, earning a small growl from the Multi-ghoul.

"Rain you're the best!"

They both heard Phantom exclaim and when they looked back up he had Rain hugged with arms and tail, squeezing and shaking him a little.

Rain merely petted his head, getting a quick peck on the cheek before he was released and Phantom moved on to Mountain.

"Thank you!"

Phantom repeated the action with the larger ghoul though it was obvious he couldn't shake him or lift him like he did with the Water ghoul.

"You're welcome Phantom."

Mountain replied, giving him a small gentle pat on the back before the younger one also gave him a peck on the cheek making him snort.

"Now is when you come to me and say you'll take me to the movie, right Bug?" Swiss asked smiling flirtatiously at the Quintessence ghoul. Phantom looked up at him, the small blush on his cheeks and his huge smile gave away how happy he was.

"Of course not." He said releasing the Earth ghoul, shaking his head.

"Who are you planning to take if not the girls or me?" The questioning made Phantom shrug.

"Sodo?" He whispered in a tiny voice, looking away and shrinking in place.

The other three looked at each other... would Sodo really agree to go out with him? They wanted to think yes, he wouldn't be so cruel as to break the heart of a creature as damn cute as Phantom.

Surely he wouldn't.

…

“No.”

That's what the Fire ghoul had said as soon as Phantom had told him «You want to go with me to» cutting off his words and slamming the door in the younger man's face.

"Come on Sodo, it's a horror one!" Phantom yelled from outside, not daring to open the door to a room that wasn't his, let alone Sodo's. "You like horror movies, don't you?" He asked him, his tail wagging anxiously behind him.

He didn't get an answer.

"We're not going alone." Phantom could hear movement inside the room. "Rain and Mountain are going too... If it makes you feel any better." Phantom muttered near the door, practically leaning against it.

"Stop trying, I'm not going."

Phantom let the tops of his long horns hit the wood of the door.

"Why?"

Phantom had always been too curious.

"I have better things to do."

Even if his curiosity caused him pain.

"Fine."

He sighed.

Phantom took Swiss instead of Sodo.

When they returned the light in the rehearsal room was on... He definitely had better things to do.

…

"I need to get new boots..." Sodo said, stretching out on the couch in the common room. His head turned to Rain who was sitting next to Phantom playing some thing that Sodo had no idea what it was. "Do you want to come over Rain? We could stop by the bookstore on the Mall... I'm sure we'll find something you like."

Rain seemed too focused on whatever he was doing with the controller in his hands but answered anyway.

" Sorry, I have plans with the girls..." The Water ghoul informed him and when Sodo was about to tell him it was no problem Rain interrupted him, "But Phantom can go with you."

Phantom turned to see Rain in alarm, causing his attention in the game to be diverted to the man and at the same time causing the Game Over screen to jump in front of his eyes, losing their game.

Rain celebrated happily, raising his arms victoriously and looking at Phantom who looked back at him between nervous and annoyed; conflicted at having lost but at the same time anxious as he had been offered for something.

"I'm sure Phantom will gladly go, Sodo."

Rain assured.

"Tsk... Whatever."

Sodo clicked his tongue, not refusing but not outright accepting either.

And Phantom?

The boy just shrunk in place.

While he longed for the opportunity to get close to the Fire ghoul the truth was that it made him a little anxious. He barely knew anything about him, though what he did know was that he could easily burn him alive or rip out his jugular... Which if he was lucky neither would happen.

If he was lucky.

After a moment of silence Sodo stood up, taking a moment to fix his shirt and walk over to Phantom to put a finger on his chest, pressing a couple of times as he spoke.

"Fifteen minutes, you hurry up or I'll leave you."

He ordered, pulling his hand away and leaving the room without another word.

Phantom held a hand to his chest, looking up at some dead spot on the wall before remembering that he was in fact supposed to breathe.

"Tick tock Phantom... You're wasting time and Sodo is unforgiving."

Rain reminded him, causing the young man to stand up immediately.

"Sure sure, right... Thanks."

Phantom smiled at him and Rain returned the gesture, giving him a "shoo shoo" gesture with his hand to which the other nodded, heading for the door.

"And stay with him, I don't want you to get lost!"

Was the last thing Phantom heard, giving the man a thumbs up before disappearing down the hallway in direction to his room.

…

Sodo was already at the door, anxiously waiting for the young ghoul to arrive or, if possible, not even bother to show up so he could leave alone.

He could have left already even if the 15 minutes hadn't passed, he would have if it was someone else he didn't like... He could have simply not invited him, but certain words echoed in his head.

"I can't believe you didn't accept just to stay and practice." Rain had said, running a hand over his face. "I understand that you miss him, we all do... But could you give him a chance?"

Sodo was folding his arms, giving little importance to what the Water ghoul was telling him.

"It's not him..."

Rain frowned as he heard his words, bringing his hand to the bridge of his nose to squeeze it before sighing; his tail wagging annoyingly behind him.

"I know Sodo, I know... But you can't keep getting stuck on it." The man told him, understanding his point but not agreeing with it. "Phantom will never be Aether and I know it... We know it."

Sodo growled.

"I'm not asking you to replace him... I'm asking you to give him a chance."

His small moment of reflection was interrupted when he heard footsteps approaching.

When he turned his head he found the ghoul running in his direction until he was in front of him.

"I'm... I'm here. Do you want to go?"

Phantom asked between gasps, looking up at him with glittering eyes.

"Shouldn't you get some breath...?" Sodo murmured worriedly, looking at the watch on his wrist... The boy still had 5 minutes to spare.

He really didn't want Sodo to leave him and go without him.

He felt a little bad but he pushed the thought out of his head quickly, putting his serious facade back on.

"Whatever... Your Glamour before you leave, I don't want to hear people screaming or anything."

And with that Sodo opened the door and stepped out, waiting for Phantom outside.

Phantom was quick to obey, running a hand through his hair to fix it a bit and stepping out behind the older man.

When Sodo turned around he found the same shirt and black jeans but this time the long dark horns and long tail of the ghoul were gone, his long hair combed to one side while his skin was no longer a violet gray and his eyes no longer had that characteristic purple color, only brown.

He inspected the boy for a moment, from head to toe, before turning around again disinterested and starting to walk being followed by Phantom without saying a single word.

…

"Look, these are pretty too."

Sodo doesn't know if bringing Phantom along was his best idea or his worst.

The boy was clearly enthusiastic about helping him look for whatever he wanted to find or basically anything he wanted to do, even agreeing to be the one to ask for directions or directions from employees at establishments.

"Not my style."

Sodo had replied, averting his gaze to another pair of boots that caught his attention.

"Right." The boy muttered, looking around for another option for Sodo. "Take your time, we still have a few more stores left to look in." Phantom reminded him.

"Mhm." Was what Sodo hummed before picking up one of the boots amples in display and inspecting it.

Phantom was content to watch Sodo looking for whatever it was he wanted to find, content when he seemed to find it and content when he tried it on and liked it.

"Are those the ones?"

"These are the ones."

Sodo stated

It wasn't long before the two found themselves walking out of the store with Phantom carrying the bag with the shoebox. Sodo seemed pleased with his purchase and Phantom now felt happy that at least the main purpose of the visit had been successfully completed.

"Any place you want to go?"

The Fire ghoul had asked after a moment of silence, not sounding interested but not eager to leave either. Phantom thought for a moment, now that Sodo mentioned it maybe he could buy a few things.

"I thought about stop by the bookstore to get Rain something... Is there a candle store around here? I'm sure Aurora would like a new one for her collection." Phantom replied, looking at the shorter man. " And now that I think about it I could get some incense for Mountain. They are usually sell together, right?"

Sodo had to admit that it's cute how the boy is interested in getting some of his mates something, he also had to admit that maybe he was a little jealous of the attention.

He wondered if Phantom would do that if they were close.

"Isn't there something you want?" Sodo asked, earning Phantom's head tilted slightly to the side; he looked like a confused puppy. "I mean something you want to get for yourself, isn't there anything?"

Phantom let out a small «Oh» before shaking his head.

"Not really."

Sodo sighed, rolling his eyes.

"I know where the bookstore is, if you get to ask for that candle place I'll go with you."

Phantom perked up and Sodo could have sworn that if he didn't have the Glamour on him he'd be sure his tail would be wagging from side to side happily.

"Sure!"

And Sodo could see the boy looking for someone to ask.

Sodo doesn't know if it was worse to see Rain decide for which book to choose or to see Phantom do the exact same thing only to end up buying 3 different ones after all... Same with the candles and incense: 2 candles for Aurora and 2 incense for Mountain, just because he couldn't decide for which scents to choose.

Sodo would help Phantom with the bags, he would if the guy would at least let him.

"I can do it, I'm fine." It was what Phantom had been repeating since they'd left their last stop, carrying Sodo's bag of boots, Rain's bag of books, and Aurora and Mountain's candles and incense. "Do you want to go inside?" was the other thing Phantom had been repeating every time he saw Sodo looking in some shop window.

"No, I'm good."

That's what Sodo had replied each and every time.

He was sure that if he said he liked something Phantom would insist on coming in and getting the garment for him to try on and if he bought it he was sure the ghoul would carry the bag without letting him even say no. Well, he's sure Swiss and Mountain will be happy not to carry everything the next time they go out together.

Yeah, maybe next time.

Next time.

Sodo doesn't know when he started contemplating a next outing, much less accompanied by the young Quintessence ghoul.

He feels something stirring in his chest, he wants to think it's annoyance.

But no... It's not annoyance.

…

He's glad Phantom didn't question anything when he told him he wanted to leave, he's also grateful that Phantom is silent on the way to the Abbey.

When he parks in the driveway Sodo has his hands firmly gripping the steering wheel, his knuckles white from the strength. The car is still on, but they're no longer moving, they're home but none of them get out.

"What the hell are you doing?"

Phantom flinches at the tone of voice being used, turning his head to look at him.

"Excuse me?"

The rhythm guitarist questions, eyeing his major.

"Don't play dumb." Sodo spits still looking straight ahead. "All nice and obliging."

"I don't play dumb-"

"Yeah sure, and I was born yesterday Phantom."

The one mentioned shrugs looking away, wondering what to do in this situation. Was this a confrontation? A fight? An argument? Phantom is not a fan of any of those.

"I don't know what got you like this... I thought we were fine." He muttered, resting his eyes on Sodo's darkened figure. "We weren't fine?" Phantom's voice was small.

Sodo's chest contracted.

"Don't try to give me pity."

"I'm not trying to give you pity- it's a genuine question!" Phantom squeaked, his voice cracking for a moment as he tried to raise his voice a little. "I seriously don't know what you mean!"

"Stop using your damn Quintessence on me!"

"I'm not!"

"Then why do I feel this way!?

"Have you ever thought that maybe it's just you!?"

Phantom wasn't even angry like Sodo, which he could sense, but he had instinctively yelled out of reflex; a sort of thing that comes from his days in the pit, something about dominating the situation by raising his voice.

He honestly hated that instinct.

Silence settled between the two, the air heavy as Phantom felt Sodo's anger swirl in his own chest and as soon as it rose it fall, filling the burning void with a deafening pain that Phantom recognized as familiar.

Sodo's head hit the top of the steering wheel.

"Do you hate me?"

Phantom asked in a tiny voice, as innocent as a child who doesn't know that the word hate is too strong.

Sodo felt the air leaving his lungs, his stomach dropping as he realized what he had made the young ghoul believe.

"I don't hate you..." His voice sounded soft, much softer than Phantom had heard in the time he had been with them. "I see you and I can't stop thinking about him."

Sodo admitted with pain and some anger, not at Phantom but at himself.

"Is it because I look so much like him?"

"It's because you don't look anything like him!"

"Oh..."

Sodo sighed, lifting his head to look at Phantom.

"You're not him and I know it." His eyes locked onto Phantom's, narrowed and threatening to water. "I can't replace him, I don't want to replace him... But I can give you a chance." The Fire ghoul muttered, soon shaking his head.

"No..."

Phantom felt his own stomach drop, twist with anxiety at his words, what did that mean, that he wouldn't give him a chance?

Phantom felt himself breathing again when he realized something was holding his hand, a rough touch against his skin. His gaze lowered to his hand where he found a slightly smaller one holding his own.

"With everything I've done... I think you should be the one to choose to give me a chance."

Sodo murmured, the lights from the car's headlights illuminating them slightly from outside and Phantom thought Sodo's face being illuminated by the yellowish light was one of the most beautiful things in this world.

Sodo's hand was still on his, gently holding him to let him know that he could pull away if he wished. To Sodo's little surprise, and which he would have liked to have been greater, Phantom moved closer to him and made his fingers intertwine with the elder's.

"Take it." Phantom stated breathlessly, his eyes never leaving the other's. "Let me get to know you, please. Let me be one of your mates." Phantom practically begged, his cheeks tinted a soft reddish hue. "I could never replace him and I can't heal your pain but I can keep you company."

Sodo watched him, sensing Phantom's intentions for miles.

"Keep me company... Know me."

Sodo whispered, watching as in his companion's eyes a violet glint shone for a mere millisecond before he had the younger man pressing his lips to his. The ghoul's soft lips sent a faint static across Sodo's chapped lips, only increasing as Phantom leaned closer and caught his other hand to intertwine their fingers.

The kiss was soft, cute and innocent; something Sodo already saw coming. When they parted Sodo let out a chuckle at Phantom trying to scratch the underside of his nose with his shoulder in an attempt not to let go of the man; consequently he made his arm rise and thus his hand next to Sodo's, who didn't even bother trying to stop him.

"Your mustache itches..."

Phantom said almost pouting.

"Ya, and Swiss's doesn't."

"Hey!"

Phantom protested, his cheeks a little redder this time and his eyes extremely bright with that purple tinge that escaped the illusion of his Glamour.

"Come on, let go of me and let's go inside already."

Sodo ordered, trying to disengage his hand from Phantom's grip who seemed a bit reluctant at the idea.

"You can hold my hand when we go down..."

Sodo offered and Phantom didn't hesitate for a second to get out, with Sodo turning off the engine and lights before opening the door.

When Sodo rounded the car Phantom already had the bags in one hand and the remaining one was offered in his direction. Without the possibility of refusing, and without wanting to, Sodo took his hand and allowed himself to be guided to the doors of the Abbey.

…

"Phantom you didn't have to!" Rain had raised his voice, seeing the three books wrapped in protective plastic that the young man had handed him. "What am I going to do with you?" The Water ghoul muttered, pulling Phantom into a tight embrace as he laughed softly.

"Thanks for the candles Ant!"

Aurora had told him later after giving her the pair of candles, also giving him a tight hug.

Mountain approached from behind, leaning forward and placing his chin on the Quintessence ghoul's fluffy hair to rub it against him, making the boy smell a little more like him; his silent token of thanks.

"You know it's nothing," Phantom sighed happily, stroking the Earth ghoul's cheek softly "I like to see you happy."

Sodo, sitting on one of the bar stools, couldn't help but smile goofily... At last he could see his pack happy again; at last he could feel happy again.

Without him noticing Phantom slid in beside him, hugging him and wrapping his tail around him as he now knew he liked to do.

Sodo could feel the static the ghoul exuded and Phantom could feel the heat the other radiated.

"I can see you two seem to have talked a thing or two."

Rain said smiling, noting the joy evident in both of them.

"Yeah... We talked a few."

Sodo answered.

"His mustache itches."

Phantom muttered.

"You'll get used to it."

Mountain replied.

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