#phanter cuddle buddies

[ashthewaterghoul]

Don’t imagine Phantom being terrified after being summoned, for all they went through in the pit and after. They sleep in Copia’s room, on the floor next to his bed because they don’t want to wake him but they want to feel safe just like he promised them.

Don’t imagine Copia finding them, picking them up and cuddling them in his bed.

Don’t imagine Phantom finally realising it’s okay to ask for help and spends many nights sleeping cuddled up with their Papa because it’s the only place they feel safe from their past. Copia giving Phantom a spare key to his room so his piccolo pipistrello can come in anytime they need to.

Don’t imagine Copia becoming Frater and moving to a new room. Phantom has to give their key back because the new guy doesn’t want to extend the same curtesy.

Don’t imagine Phantom being denied entry to Copia’s new quarters bc he’s Frater now, he has nothing to do with the Ghouls anymore. Phantom, again, doesn’t ask for help.

Don’t imagine Phantom just curling up on the floor, as close as they can get to Copia’s front door, and hoping that when they wake up they’ll be in his bed.

Got a couple asks about this so if you want more angst on this then it’s tagged as #phanter cuddle buddies

[the-ghoul-roadie]

@ashthewaterghoul I’m not sorry for the reblogging I’m about to do to your blog and phanter cuddle buddies stuff I just discovered, so just giving you a heads up, duck and cover!! And Tumblr? LEAVE ME ALONE!!

[ashthewaterghoul]

Thinking about post-reunion Phanter (Phantom & Frater) where Phantom’s on tour…

They’ll message back and forth constantly but because of the time differences, they plan when they call so no one’s being woken up in the middle of the night or interrupted while doing something.

So when Copia’s in his office one day, looking through papers and reports and his phone starts buzzing, the screen lighting up with Phantom’s face, he’s curious but obviously answers it in an instant.

There’s already a small smile growing on his face at the prospect of talking to his bambino, but it drops immediately seeing the state Phantom’s in - tears streaming, eyes bloodshot and puffy and their breath way too shallow to actually be doing anything but the bare minimum.

Copia’s heart shatters realising that Phantom was having a panic attack, and they were hundreds, if not thousands, of miles away from his loving embrace.

Copia’s immediately trying to get Phantom to breath, coaching them through inhaling, holding it and exhaling. His heart in agony that he can’t be there at their side.

Eventually Phantom’s breathing evens to something more normal. They manage to whisper out they had a nightmare and didn’t know if anyone was awake so called their Papa.

Copia’s assuring them that it’s okay, that they did the right thing. Phantom doesn’t even remember their nightmare, just that it was horrible and it involved Copia in some way.

Frater’s in his office, desperately trying to make sure that Phantom knows it wasn’t real. They nod to their Papa’s words, their bat plushie clutched tight to their chest.

Phantom’s so tired but can’t go back to sleep, and so Copia sings softly over the phone until he can hear their breathing even out and deepen, doing his best not to laugh as he hears the snores of someone else.

He hangs up the call when he knows Phantom’s well away once more and does his best not to cry himself as he tries to get back to work.

[ashthewaterghoul]

https://www.tumblr.com/ashthewaterghoul/766771422142038016/httpswwwtumblrcomashthewaterghoul76675997042

Pleasure knowing you all 😔

I'm going to say the same, because I have a feeling my flat is about to surrounded by an angry mob...

Pro Memoria - #phanter cuddle buddies

    After however many years it had been since that glorious reunion, Copia and Phantom didn’t spend too many nights apart. Sure, there were tours and Copia would have to leave on business trips sometimes. But, more likely than not, they were together. Their bond closer than anyone had ever seen or would see again.

    No one even questioned it anymore, and everyone quite easily recognised the two as father and child despite the species barrier. Even they didn’t really acknowledge it anymore. For all intents and purposes Phantom was Copia’s child, and Copia was Phantom’s father, their Papa. It didn’t matter that Copia was actually Frater and had been for some time now, Phantom only ever called him Papa. It was what they called Copia when they were first summoned and he held that title, and plenty of humans called their dads Papa so it just made sense to them.

    But there was one thing that came with Copia being human that both of them never really acknowledged. And all things must end one day…

Read below the cut or on ao3!

    Phantom had been glued to their Papa’s side as of late. He got very achy and tired easier and so Phantom would always help, giving little zaps of Quintessence and providing comfort in the way they both loved. Their nightly cuddles. Tonight was no different, Phantom in some fluffy pyjamas that Copia had bought for them, and Copia in some that Phantom had gifted.

    Copia got under the covers with a bit of a wheeze as his hips seized up, and Phantom gave some Quintessence so it would be easier for him to get comfy. He looked a couple years younger as he smiled at Phantom. They could almost ignore all the grey and silver hairs and the wrinkles with the youthful glow of Copia’s beam.

    Phantom then climbed in, and wrapped their arms around Copia’s abdomen, their head on his chest to listen to his heartbeat. They nuzzled their nose into Copia’s top, inhaling their favourite smell of old tobacco settled into woollen sweaters and aged parchment. They truly would never ever get enough of it. It was the smell of love and safety and home to them.

    Copia wrapped his arms around Phantom too. One around their back, rubbing up and down gently, the other in their hair as his bony and rigid fingers massaged a little. Phantom smiled and purred at the sensations, wrapping their tail around one of Copia’s legs, and Copia smiled too.

    “Buona notte, sogni d’oro.” Copia said.

    “G’night, Papa. I love you.” Phantom returned, yawning and stretching at the same time.

    “I love you too, il mio piccolo pipistrello.” Copia said, putting a kiss between Phantom’s horns.

    And like every night they had spent in each other’s arms, they fell asleep easily and completely content. A smile on both of their faces as the dreamworld whisked them away into its imaginative embrace.

    Phantom woke up first, judging by Copia’s stillness next to them. They sleepily managed a corner smile at that, been as it had only ever happened a handful of times over the years. But as Phantom came around more, they noticed something was off.

    Copia smelt different. Faded, and musty and…

    His chest wasn’t moving. Phantom’s head was still on there, and they couldn’t feel it moving up and down with his breathing. Time seemed to freeze as Phantom also realised they couldn’t feel his heart beating either…

    Phantom sat bolt upright and looked at Copia, their breaths quickening and too shallow. He was still smiling and looked so peaceful.

    “Papa?” Phantom whispered, reaching a hand to his face and finding him cold. Way too cold.

    Phantom’s face dropped, and tears threatened to fall. Their throat was squeezed tight with emotion and their soul felt so empty. Even more than it had been for the years they had to spend apart long ago.

    “No, Papa, please!” Phantom said, shaking Copia to wake him, “Wake up, please! Don’t-, no!”

    Phantom doesn’t know how long they spent trying to wake their Papa up. But they refused to succumb to the part of their mind that dared to say it was real.

    “No. It’s just a nightmare! I can’t- I-…” Phantom lost their words as sobs took over. They laid back down, frantically placing Copia’s limp arms back around them.

    It was just a dream, right? There was nothing about this that was real. Phantom would go back to sleep and wake up and Copia would be there, and everything would be okay.

    Phantom cried harder as Copia’s arms failed to listen to their muscle memory and hold the little Bat.

   They think they may have fallen asleep at some point. But when they woke up, Copia was still… asleep, and someone else was there too.

    “Phantom?” It was Aether, but Phantom refused to open their eyes or even move, “Bat, please, you have to let him go.”

    Aether’s voice was cracked with emotion as he reached a hand to Phantom’s shoulder. But they shrugged it off and held Copia tighter, nuzzling into him in an effort to find his heartbeat. He was just wearing a thicker jumper because he’d been getting colder easier. That’s why Phantom could find it, it was just buried a little.

    “No. I need to be here when he wakes up. I’m always here when he wakes up. He panics when I leave before him.” Phantom said, their own voice strained against every emotion that wanted to burst through their chest with the fragments of their broken heart.

    “Phantom, he’s gone.” Aether said.

    They shook their head, “He’s not. He’s fine, he’s just sleeping.”

    “He’s not waking up. I’m sorry, Bug, he’s dead.” Aether said in a voice heavier than a tonne of bricks.

    Phantom’s bottom lip started wobbling as they started crying again, “No! He’s not! He can’t be!”

    At some point, Aether had climbed in behind Phantom shaking and sobbing form, his hands around their torso and one lying over their heart to give them some Quintessence.

    “No,” Phantom said as they felt the magic, moving Aether’s hand to Copia’s chest, “Give it to him. Wake him up! He has a meeting this morning, and he’s going to be late if you don’t wake him up.”

    Aether’s heart broke even more as he felt the magic wash over Copia’s still and very much unalive chest under his palm.

    “I’m so sorry, Phantom.” Aether said again, and started moving.

    Before they could register what was happening, Aether had stood up, not letting go of Phantom, they were pulled from Copia’s hold as Aether carried them away.

    They saw Copia’s body, alone in his bed, and the empty space Phantom always filled.

    “No! Aether, please!” Phantom begged, kicking and flailing as much as they could, “I need to be there when he wakes up! Please, let me go!”

    Aether pulled Phantom back out of the bedroom and into the main living area of the Imperator Suite. There he knelt on the ground with Phantom, still wrestling to keep them in his arms. Aether nodded at the mortician who went in, bowing to Copia, before moving him onto the stretcher and body bag.

    “No! That’ll hurt his back, a- and his hips! He can’t breathe in there! Stop, please!” Phantom pleaded, choking on sobs.

    Aether just kept hold of them, trying to keep his own strength no matter how much his own heart was shattering. For Copia and Phantom both.

    When Aether woke up, his Quintessence was screaming at him that something was wrong. The bond he shared with Copia had merely ceased to exist overnight, and the one with Phantom was in such pain and stress and turmoil - Aether immediately knew what had happened. He ran up to the Imperator Suite and seeing Copia’s prone form, Phantom wrapped around him and begging for him to wake up, to be okay, all but confirmed it.

    When the mortician wheeled Copia’s body out, Phantom lunged for it, and managed to break Aether’s hold on them. They stood up and unzipped the bag. Copia was still smiling, shadows of his Clergy paint still on him from where he got too tired to scrub the little remainders away the night before.

    Phantom threw their arms around him once again, “Don’t leave me, please. You promised you’d always be there for me.”

    Aether and the mortician let Phantom have their time, but everything must end at some point.

    “It would be best for me and Frater to leave now.” The mortician said, “The Siblings will be leaving the breakfast hall soon and I’d hate to have to take Frater through them all.”

    “Of course.” Aether said, his voice thick with emotion as he peeled Phantom off of Copia’s body again.

    This time, Phantom had no energy to try and fight back, and so collapsed into Aether’s arms. And they broke.

    “I can’t, Aeth. He- he s- said he’d never leave me.” Phantom sobbed, hyperventilating on the panic of the prospect of living in a world without their Papa.

    “I know, Buggy, he didn’t want to leave either.” Aether said, holding Phantom as tight as he could.

    “Why did he go? I don’t want him to go!” Phantom cried.

    “I didn’t want him to leave either.” Aether whispered.

    Phantom’s sobs overtook them as they cried themself dry, the effort twisting their stomach and making them dry heave and choke on nothing. Aether held them the entire time, and slowly gave them more Quintessence until they were passed out in his arms.

    Phantom woke up in the bottom of a Ghoul pile, and for a glorious moment, they forgot why. When they scented everyone else’s sadness and despair, it all came crashing down around them, and they started crying again. They tried getting out from everyone’s hold, saying they needed to see their Papa, but everyone kept saying he was dead. Why would they say that? It wasn’t true, he was just asleep!

    But they kept saying it. And when the Ghouls were permitted to go down to the Chapel of rest to say their goodbyes privately, Copia was still asleep. He still had a small smile on him from being with his bambino that night. He was in his sleek black suit and his ruby Grucifix. His paint was on and he looked fine, he was okay. So why was everyone crying? Why were they crying? It wasn’t real, it was just a nightmare. A nightmare they’d soon wake up from, and Copia would be there to help them get over it. To tell them it wasn’t real, just a cruel and unsettling trick from their mind like the rest of their nightmares were, and help calm them back to sleep with loving words and gentle kisses and firm hugs.

    Maybe they were crying from exhaustion? They hadn’t slept right for the last week since Aether took them from Copia’s room. It was just that. It wasn’t sadness because their Papa wasn’t dead.

    “Must be a good sleep you’re having, Papa. Why won’t you wake up?” Phantom asked.

    All the Ghouls had left something with their Papa, and Phantom left the bat plushie they had brought with them on the night they were reunited.

    “I love you, Papa. Don’t leave me. Don’t leave your piccolo pipistrello, your bambino.” Phantom pleaded again, once more throwing their arms around Copia’s body, desperately trying to lift his arms to wrap around him.

    The mortician had to intervene at that point. Something about the embalming and rigor mortis making it so that Phantom could hurt Frater if they did that. But Phantom shook their head, holding their Papa and putting their head on his chest.

    “Please wake up, Papa.” Phantom asked again. And when Copia’s content and smiling face remained still. They sobbed once more.

    They were meant to say something at the funeral. They wrote the speech, and stood at the lectern and opened their mouth. But no words came out. Because saying these words meant Copia was dead. And Phantom wouldn’t accept that, couldn’t accept that their Papa was gone forever. They descended into sobs as they held onto the coffin and Mountain stood, bringing Phantom back to the pew and sitting them with the Ghoulettes as he read Phantom’s words instead.

    Phantom’s body was there, but their mind wasn’t. Their mind was in that last night falling asleep with Copia. Their Papa’s lovely scent, his tight arms, his beating heart.

    Phantom found quite a bit of irony in Quintessence Ghouls being nicknamed ‘voidlings’ as now that’s all they felt like. Their brain was hollow and unfeeling, their heart a pit of nothingness, their soul just completely empty.

    Like his brothers and father, Copia was put in a glass coffin and laid in his own alcove in the Ministry catacombs. Phantom found themself never leaving, always spending every possible second they could there. They had to be there when he woke up. Copia always panicked when he woke up and Phantom would be gone. Even if they left a note, Papa wouldn’t always see it right away, or he’d forget to put his glasses on and he couldn’t read it. He’d been asleep for so long, Phantom had to be there when he woke up.

    One day, they went down, and they never left. They stayed curled up next to their Papa’s coffin, like a cat in a cemetery waiting for their owner to return. And Phantom, locked into their mind and their grief, withered away and slowly succumbed to the void. Maybe they’d find Copia here, and they could hold each other’s souls in their embraces forevermore.

One shot master post can be found here All posts about this universe/hc can be found here on ao3 or under the #phanter cuddle buddies tag here on tumblr

[ashthewaterghoul]

https://www.tumblr.com/ashthewaterghoul/763482572056576000/may-we-have-more-phanter-cuddle-buddies-im

HELLS YEAH LETS GOOOOOOOOO

Phanter Cuddle Buddies - The Full Story

A 3.1k ramble on the entire 'lore' of this hc of mine, and the asks I got about it after posting it. All posts relating to it can be found with the tag #phanter cuddle buddies.

Phanter = Phantom + Copia (Frater)

Enjoy!

~~~~~~

    Phantom landed in a heap on the altar, a story painted across their skin in scars. There were some fresh wounds too - maybe Ghouls trying to hop a ride, maybe it was jealousy it wasn’t them. All Copia knew was that he needed to protect them.

    After Phantom had been taken to the infirmary – the usual checks to make sure a Ghoul didn’t see any damage from the summoning, along with healing the open wounds – Copia introduced himself. He hated how Phantom bristled at the word ‘Master’ and promised that Phantom would always be safe here, under his leather bat-wing.

    “Whenever you need me, and whatever for. I will help you, and protect you.” Copia promised. And he meant every word in whatever interpretation you could think of.

    He checked on Phantom often, also receiving updates from the rest of the pack and Copia could see through every façade the young Ghoul put up. Phantom was struggling with nightmares, struggling to adjust to life topside, and certainly the gawping from the Siblings and pressures from the Clergy weren’t helping matters. Copia could see the piccolo pipistrello falling apart piece-by-piece.

    So, he paid them a visit one evening. And offered something Phantom was in sore need of, a hug.

    Phantom started crying with relief as they sunk down, head on Copia’s chest and arms around his waist. Copia’s hands wrapped around Phantom’s torso and held on tight. Phantom never made any move to let go, so Copia didn’t either. And they both fell asleep together in each other’s arms.

    When Copia woke up, Phantom was still asleep. And when Aether poked his head in for some guitar lessons, he looked astounded.

    “They haven’t slept in this late at all.” He muttered. It was only 8:30am.

    They agreed to let Phantom sleep until their body woke up of its own accord, and that ending up being almost two hours later.

    Phantom looked entirely well-rested and peaceful, but was immediately guilty for Copia having been there the whole night and keeping him from his duties that morning. Satanas, they were like a kit!

    “Fantasma, one of my duties as Papa is to ensure the proper care of all my Ghouls. Being here with you, making sure you’re okay, is me attending my duties.”

    Phantom didn’t feel too much better. But it was something.

    Copia unfortunately didn’t see them again for the days following, but on a particularly restless night, he got up and immediately startled because there was a Phantom on his floor. Copia could see Aether’s keys next to them so either a borrowing or theft occurred. But Copia couldn’t quite care because Phantom was on the cold and rough floor.

    Phantom hadn’t slept well at all for the nights following the impromptu sleep over with Copia. And Aether assured them that Copia would be more than happy to do it again, even offering his spare key for the room that he never used. As Phantom walked into the bedchamber of the Papal suite, they could see Copia with his eyes shut and he look so comfortable that Phantom didn’t dare wake him. Surely that was some sort of offence here? To ruin Papa’s beauty rest? Or did Dew say that about the other guy?

    It was no matter because Phantom wouldn’t wake Copia for their silly little problem. So, just like they had down in the pits countless times, they made do with what they had and slept on the ground.

    By morning they wouldn’t know the difference and would just have to stretch their back out a bit. But something certainly felt different when they woke up. It was soft and plush and warm and Phantom was still on their side, tucked against Copia’s chest. He smelt like stale tobacco that had long settled into woollen sweaters and old parchment.

    And that became somewhat of a routine.

    Phantom would sneak up from the Ghoul den and use Aether’s key to get in. They’d snuggle on the ground, and Copia always woke up at the perfect time to lift them into his bed without waking them.

    “You know,” Copia said as he woke one morning, “you can always ask. No need for sneakiness, pipistrello.”

    “But, aren’t I just being stupid? Shouldn’t I just get on with it like everyone else does?” Phantom asked.

    “If that would make you more comfortable, then by all means. I don’t know about you, but this is quite comfortable for me.” Copia said, wrapping his arms tight around Phantom, and putting a kiss inbetween their horns.

   “This is comfy for me too.” Phantom said, snuggling in further, and kneading along Copia’s tummy. An odd habit of self-soothing they did, and Copia adored because it meant Phantom was with him.

    With the restful nights for them both, Phantom came out their shell a lot more and managed to spend a night or two away from Copia a week. Although they had become great at asking to come over, rather than sneaking in. It took some prompting from Copia for it to start, but they got there. And Copia couldn’t be prouder.

    Phantom’s sleep was often wracked with nightmares and flashbacks of all they went through in the pits. They sometimes would wake screaming and crying in a cold sweat, sometimes they would just blink awake and silently cry, horrendously uncomfortable from their what images their mind would conjure up. Whatever happened, Copia helped. Even if he himself didn’t always wake up, his scent was what Phantom used to ground themself, or sometimes trace along the tattoo on his pec. Just Copia’s presence helped Phantom. “The safest arms in the Ministry” Mountain had said as a joke, but Phantom couldn’t ever think anything else.

    As much as their nights helped Phantom rest easier, they helped Copia too. He was a world-class insomniac – a trait he learned he shared with all his brothers – but something about Phantom helped him sleep easier. It wasn’t any Quintessence; he knows what that feels like. It was just a deep-rooted contentment in his heart that warmed him up as Phantom snuggled in close.

    Copia never had any children of his own, but he felt like Phantom was the child he’d always wanted. They were just so perfect, and he cared and loved them more than he ever had for his Ghouls. It was almost primal the way he adored the Bug and wanted to protect them.

    From anyone else, Papa had felt like a title, a denote of respect.

    From Phantom? It was true, he was their Papa, in any and every way you could imagine.

    One night, when Phantom came up in their fluffy pyjamas that Cumulus had bought them, Copia handed them a gift bag.

    “I didn’t forget my birthday, did I?” Phantom asked.

    “No, no, il mio bambino.” Copia laughed, “This is for no particular reason other than I want you to have it.”

    Phantom opened the bag, and their eyes watered as they lifted their own spare key for the room from the bag. A little purple bat keyring hanging from it.

    “Even if I am not here, you can always come in. I know for Ghouls even the scent of someone, or their space in general can be a comfort.” Copia said.

    “Thank you.” Phantom whispered; their heart full of gratitude and tears running down their face.

    “You deserve it. And now you can stop stealing Aether’s keys.” Copia smiled, and they both laughed.

    Even during the nights Phantom spent away from Copia’s bed, the sheets still smelt vaguely of them. Copia’s human nose would never be as sharp as a Ghoul’s. Apparently Phantom’s scent was log fires and cocoa but Copia couldn’t quite discern those notes. All he could smell was Phantom. Hisbambino. His pipistrello.

    And for Phantom, they had stolen more than a few things from Copia’s room – shouldn’t have given me a key if he didn’t want me having access to things with his scent – and so they could always smell him too. It would never be as good as the real deal, but it was always a good make-do. And they had they key so they could have the real deal whenever they wanted or needed.

    Even on tour, they often paired up for hotel rooms, or crammed their two bodies into the small bunks. Tiny sofas in greenrooms or sprawled out in parks on adventures. Any and all struggle was worth it to have their solace in their little world.

    But then, it happened.

    Sister died, and Copia ascended to Frater Imperator.

    When they returned home from that tour, Copia was told that he had new Quarters. He wasn’t Papa now; he didn’t need the Papal suite. Okay yeah, that makes sense.

    Copia was handed the key, and so he asked if there were any spares. He was told no.

    “Well, I should like a few made, per favore.” Copia said.

    “Why?” The bishop who had arranged the room change asked.

    “Do I need a reason? I am often forgetful; I should like spares.” He had more authority, they should listen to him now, right?

    “We can get more made or find a locksmith if you forget your key, Papa.”

    “It is Frater now, and I should like a spare. At least one.”

    “Well, it can be considered. But as Frater your safety is of utmost priority. Why should we consider it?”

    Copia exhaled, “It is for my Ghoul. We both enjoy the other’s company, get our own benefits from it.” They were a Church of Sin, if he made it sound like it was something sinful then they would agree, right? “They had a key to my old rooms. I should like to keep that curtesy going as my successor has refused them.”

    A deafening second of silence. Then a deafening crack of laughter.

    Copia locked himself in and cried in his new room. He didn’t realise how much the old place smelled of Phantom until he realised their scent would never grace the new Quarters.

    He tried to go without Phantom, as painful as it was. Maybe it was just a habit he could break even though he didn’t want to break it. The little he now saw Phantom, he knew they were struggling too. Neither of them had been sleeping right, and Copia was very thankful for his Clergy paint hiding his dark purple under-eyes. Phantom was praying that the new masks may still have the googles to hide their own exhaustion.

    Phantom had tried to come up to Copia’s new room on the second night, having not slept a wink on the first. They got up to the stairs that led way to the High Clergy wing, and there was Clergy guarding the stairs. That was new. Phantom just tried to offer them a polite smile and continue on, but a hand pushed into their abdomen to stop them moving.

    “What do you want, Ghoul?” One man asked them.

    “T- to see Copia.” Phantom said.

    “It is late. Frater needs his rest before his first day on the job tomorrow.” The other said.

    “But I always come and see him. I had a key to his old room.” Phantom said.

    “Yes, when he was Papa. He is not Papa anymore. He has no responsibility to Ghouls.”

    Phantom felt like crying or shouting or ripping them to shreds. So, they turned on their heel until they were out of sight, and collapsed to the floor. They stuffed their fleece sleeve into their mouth to stop their sobs echoing and managed to cry themselves dry on the ground. When they woke up, they were in a bed. But any and all hope was quickly ripped away when they realised that it wasn’t Copia’s bed.

    Aether’s Quintessence had known something was wrong, and with a bit of searching, he found Phantom asleep in the corridor. Eyes swollen from crying and absolutely reeking of despair. He picked them up, and brought them back to his own nest, holding them for every second until they woke up.

    A few nights later, Copia tried to go down to the den instead, just like that first time.

    “Where are you going, Frater?” One Clergy guard asked.

    “A walk, I am restless.” He said simply.

    “If his Dark Excellency wants to take a walk that is fine, but one of us must accompany you until you return safely to your room.”

    “It is unneeded.” He assured.

    “It is needed. A rule from the new Papa. To ensure the safety of all.”

    “Well, an old rule from Sister Imperator means that I hold absolute power here. I do not need an escort.”

    “It is certainly something you can bring up in the next Clergy meeting, but for now…”

    Copia gritted his teeth, “You know, gentlemen, this talk has been exactly what I needed to wear myself out.” He turned and left. And it certainly didn’t wear him out because he couldn’t sleep for the life of him.

    It’s not right for an Imperator to be so close with the Ghouls.

    They’re a Papa’s responsibility, not yours.

    It’s just not proper.

    Don’t you sleep easier with room in your bed for those who want to satisfy your sinful urges?

    It isn’t safe.

    It’s not your duty anymore.

    The Ghoul is fully grown and has a whole pack, they will be fine by themself.

    No.

    It’s all Copia heard on repeat for the next… how long has it been? Days? Weeks? Months? It couldn’t possibly have been years, could it?

    It actually had been nearly two years.

    Two years of not a single night slept well for Phantom or Copia. Neither were permitted to keep anything that smelled of the other and what they did manage to keep quickly lost the scent of its original owner. Whenever Copia was allowed to take a Ghoul on business trips for security, his requests for Phantom were rejected for someone bigger and stronger who would protect him. Texting and video calling didn’t have the same effect when all they wanted were each other’s scents and warmth. They had odd moments they could be together – Clergy get-togethers and the like – but it wasn’t what they craved.

    “One day” had become their mantra, no matter how much it felt it would never happen.

    Phantom was whisked away on tours with the new guy and the distance from Copia only made things worse. Aether had been an okay substitute but even he wasn’t here either. Swiss had been the one to deal with Phantom mainly, others taking over when they allowed. Returning home, all Phantom wanted was to run to Copia’s arms, but he was never allowed anything more than a handshake.

    If Phantom though they knew Hell, this was so much worse.

    Copia still saw Phantom as his child. And to have his child in the same building, the same roof, only a few minutes’ walk away and to not be able to help them or comfort them through the long nights? He was in agony.

    Copia thought Hell would be kinder than this torture.

    But, as always, the Ghouls had a plan.

    Some Clergy had announced retirements, location changes, even a disappearance from one stubborn Archbishop.  To anyone else, if was just unfortunate, but Copia saw a certain pattern to each Clerical change. He knew his Ghouls and it started to feel suspicious to Copia. Swiss’ smirk when he asked all but confirmed it.

    “We’re natural born predators, Frater. You always encouraged us to be ourselves. We’re pack. And we hunt those who hurt our pack.” Swiss explained as if it was the simplest thing in the world.

    Aether and Mountain had been spearheading their silent insurrection to ensure that no one actually got murdered, no matter how much they may want it, well… apart from the Archbishop but the Ghoulettes were hunting and he was just in the way. Copia got clued into everything, and managed to make some of his own methodical staff changes. But eventually, enough Clergy had been replaced with younger, open ears. The next time Copia proposed a change to the limits placed on what relationship he could have with his Ghouls, the odds finally tipped in their favours.

    When Phantom got that text, they didn’t believe it. They asked just about every Ghoul they could find to speak it to back to them so they knew they were reading it correctly.

    *Get your comfiest pyjamas on. Get the blanket and stuffie of yours I love. And get up here. I have something for you, pipistrello.*

    Well, they have never moved faster in their entire life, and they’d been hunted what-must-be some world record number of times. Their chest was burning by the time they were at the staircase to the High Clergy wing. They half expected it to be a trick - one of those prank apps that make it look like calls and texts are coming from people you know and it was actually bored Siblings or Clergy playing games with them.

    But no one stopped them. No one stopped them from going up the stairs, from finding the nameplate that said “Frater Imperator”. No one stopped them from knocking. And no one stopped them from jumping into Copia’s arms as he opened the door.

    “Oh, mio bambino.” Copia cried too, kissing everything he could reach on Phantom without breaking the anxiety-relieving, bone-crushing, soul-melding hug they had wanted for so so long.

    “Papa.” Phantom cried, they only ever said Frater when they had to because for all intents and purposes, Copia was their Papa.

    They waddled backwards together into Copia’s suite, Phantom closing the door with their tail. After some inordinate amount of time, they broke apart, and Phantom had a good idea what was in the gift bag this time.

    They pulled out a spare key for the new room, their bat keyring hanging off it, and started crying again. They were soothed by that scent of old tobacco settled into woolled sweaters and old parchment that was much more easily described as safety and home.

    Phantom’s own unique scent, the feel of their heartbeat and their little hands kneading along his tummy made Copia’s heart swell. His cucciolo di pipistrello in his arms again, where they should’ve been the whole time. Right where they belong.

    It may have been years, but Phantom and Copia’s bodies easily remembering the dance of snuggling into each other and burrowing down for a bit of rest. For the first time since they got home from that last tour, they both found themselves easily drifting away to the dreamworld. Although when they woke up, they would remember that their dreams from the last couple years had finally come true. But for now, they slept.

    And by Satan that night of sleep was the safest, deepest and just the best in either of their Hellbound existences.

One shot master post can be found here!

[ashthewaterghoul]

https://www.tumblr.com/ashthewaterghoul/765956386286878720/i-say-this-then-i-immediately-think-of-something

NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!

STOP IT!! NO!!! Let them be happy!! Give me Frater going into dad mode on Phantom!! I don’t know like, he hears that the band had a little bit of a crazy fan incident at a ritual, and he makes sure everyone is okay but worries a little more for Phantom! GIVE ME THAT!!

I can do that…

But I can also do this idea as well.

I’ve just told the Angst Machine herself @anotherbananasong what I’m thinking about, and I think she’ll agree when I say that this is going to be amazingly heartbreaking >:D

[ashthewaterghoul]

I call this, “Cold Walls” Enjoy!! (Note at the bottom)

A year had passed since Copia, or as the clergy now addressed him as, Frater Imperator, had been separated from his beloved ghouls, especially Phantom, his beloved child; not by blood, but still his. The days stretched out, with each one heavier than the last. The weight of being Frater, without his child, gnawed at his soul. But it was Phantom, his once-adored quintessence ghoul, who had suffered the most.

It wasn’t long and a no brainer that the clergy realized that Phantom had a bond with Copia, something that went beyond the professional duties of a ghoul. It wasn’t unusual for the ghouls to show affection for their Papas, but with Copia, it was different. They were more than a master and his servants. They were family.

The clergy, of course, didn’t see it that way. To them, the ghouls were nothing more than tools to uphold the ministry’s mission to spread the word of the dark lord. They were to perform, not to bond. And so, the order came down hard. Phantom was ordered to sever the connection, the ties, with Copia. They were told that their place was to serve, not to feel. They were to be silent, invisible, cold.

They were threatened: if Phantom continued to try and reach out to Copia, if they tried to maintain any sense of familial bond, the consequences would be dire. Not only for Phantom but for the Frater as well. The ghoul, terrified of what might happen to the one person they cared about most, withdrew. They hid behind a wall of icy indifference. The warmth they once shared with Copia was now a memory, a feeling they locked away deep inside, smothered by fear.

For the next year, Phantom kept their distance, avoiding Copia whenever they could. They ignored the Papa’s discreet attempts to reach out, their heart breaking with each cold word and stony silence. Copia, in turn, had no idea what was happening. He couldn't understand why his once-adoring ghoul, the one he had seen as his child, now seemed so distant and unapproachable, despite that even before it was difficult to even catch a glimpse at them. It was already bad enough they both could only greet each other with nods and a formal handshake, but now even THAT was gone.

The coldness was excruciating for both of them. More for Copia, who was being kept in the dark…

One day, when the clergy was busy with their own matters, turning their attention away from Copia for just a brief moment, he saw an opportunity. His heart raced with excitement and yearning, with the thought of seeing his beloved ghouls, especially Phantom. He missed them all terribly, but there was something about the quintessence ghoul—a bond so strong it almost felt like a pull. He couldn’t stay away any longer.

Quietly, Copia snuck over to the Ghoul’s den. The familiar scent of the ghouls’ quarters hit him immediately, but it felt so different now—empty, silent, as though the warmth had been drained from it. He crept inside, heart pounding with anticipation, and there, sitting on the sofa, was Phantom.

They sat with their back to him, eyes staring into the fire pit the den had, lost in thought.

Copia smiled, feeling the spark of hope light up inside of him. This was his moment. He walked toward Phantom, arms outstretched, ready to embrace them.

The quintessence ghoul turned just as Copia reached them, holding them tightly for the first time in a year. They’d both locked eyes as the Frater pulled away.

Copia’s voice was soft, “il mio pipistrello, I missed you.”

But instead of the warmth he had hoped for, Phantom's expression hardened. A flicker of panic flashed across their face before they quickly masked it, shoving Copia away harshly. “What are you doing here?” Their voice was cold, sharp, like a blade cutting through the air. “You shouldn’t be here.”

Copia’s heart sank. “I—Phantom, it’s okay…“

Phantom shook their head, their face unreadable. “No. You need to leave.”

Copia froze, confusion clouding his expression. “What? I-I don’t understand. I thought we… we were—”

“Family? No.” Phantom cut him off, their tone harsh. “You’re not my Papa anymore. The clergy made that clear. You’re Frater now. You’re not the frontman. We already have one, and it’s not you anymore!”

The words hit Copia like a slap to the face. His eyes widened in disbelief, but Phantom’s face remained stoic. They could hardly meet his gaze, the words choking in their throat.

“Phantom, please,” Copia pleaded, his voice cracking slightly. “What are you saying? You’re my ghoul… you’re my child. Why are you—”

“I’m not your child,” Phantom spat, the venom in their words biting deeper than any physical wound. “You just said it yourself, I’m a ghoul. That’s all I am. And you need to accept that! You’re not my Papa anymore! You need to understand and move on!…You’re nothing but a memory to me now.”

Copia’s heart shattered as those words echoed in his mind. The room felt suffocating, as if the walls were closing in on him. The coldness in Phantom’s eyes was like a distant echo of the warmth they once shared. He didn’t know what had happened, what had changed, but it didn’t matter. Phantom had made it clear.

“I… I-I understand,” Copia whispered, his voice barely audible. The tears stung at the back of his eyes, but he refused to let them fall. “I’ll leave, Phantom. I’m sorry, I eh, didn’t mean to make things worse…I’ll go.”

He stood up but before turning, he spoke, “But know this…” His voice cracked. “You’ll always be in my heart…il mío pipistrello…”

With that, Copia turned away, trying to hold himself together as he walked out of the den. The door shut softly behind him, and the silence that followed was deafening. Phantom sat there, their heart pounding in their chest, fighting back the tears they so desperately wanted to shed. They had pushed Copia away, pushed away the one person who had cared for them more than even the other ghouls and ghoulettes have, and now, they felt emptier than ever.

Outside the den, Copia leaned against the door, his hand trembling as he wiped away the silent tears that had betrayed him. He had tried to reach Phantom, to bring back the connection they once had, even if it was only for a brief moment, but the walls that Phantom had built were impenetrable.

Inside the den, Phantom let the tears fall freely. They had done what they thought was necessary, what they thought would protect Copia. But deep down, they knew they had only hurt him. And now, they were left with nothing but the hollow ache of regret.

Two hearts, broken and separated by invisible walls, stood in silence. Neither knowing the pain the other was enduring, both holding onto the memory of a bond that seemed lost forever.

And so, the coldness lingered, heavy and suffocating.

The walls were up, but they both felt the distance, and it hurt more than they could ever explain.

{I hope you liked the angst!! Was inspired by you! Obviously this is not accurate to your PCB universe but I had this idea in my head and wanted to make it real and for you to read. The angst was delicious to make 😈🖤 Feel free to switch this ask into a post if it’s easier for you!! Or keep it for yourself, whatever you want!}

Anon, my heart is in pieces. I am wide eyed. I am mouth-agape. OW.

I. Fucking. Love. This.

*scream*

This so so deliciously painful, I love it so much!!!!!

[ashthewaterghoul]

Oh fuck I’m afraid to ask this but yolo

During close to the end of the reimperatour, we all theorize or know that Copia was fearing for his life, thinking he was going to die or something bad was going to happen to him…so let’s say a week before the LA ritual, did he spend extra time and affection with Phantom, wanting to have them close to feel the comfort and wanting to spend what little time he thought he had left with his pipistrello? Meanwhile the ghoul had no idea what the extra affection was for but hey, who were they to complain?

There definitely was a lot of that. A lot of saying the things he’s always wanted and making sure Phantom had lots of nice memories.

But let’s remember that Copia was also dissociating and derealising over the whole situation (Yes that’s what so many of the “creepy” things backstage in the Ghovie are about including the balloon sequence)

Copia would be hit with blasts of reality, via Sister’s weakening state, and dissociate away. The panic arisen from that would be enough to trigger the dissociation again.

Phantom didn’t know why Copia would be so confused and zoning out at random things. Why it would take so long to get his attention sometimes.

They only way they would know how to help is to curl up close to Copia, purr as strong as they could, and make biscuits against their Papa’s tummy.

I would do a full ramble about this, but I am so fckn tired rn lol.

[ashthewaterghoul]

Ooh I wanna know, did Copia- now Frater miss his ghoulettes and girls night he’d have with them? Did they also miss him just as much?

In the #phanter cuddle buddies universe? Oh he missed each and every one of them.

The last nail design Aurora did on him? He wore it until the last little fleck of polish fell off and he cried when he realised he wouldn’t get another “Rory-cure” again.

When he wanted nothing more than to be able to just rant and let loose, he tried to imagine Cirrus in front of him and spill his troubles to thin air.

Cumulus’s facials helped him feel loved and cared for and without them, he struggled to love himself. They helped with how irritated his skin would get from the skull paint and now his eyes and upper lip are ridiculously dried out and cracked.

After a stressful day, he’d love for Sunny to come and work the tension away but know his shoulders hurt more than ever.

He wants his bat, and his lionesses back.

[ashthewaterghoul]

While Phantom and Copia are indeed the cuddle buddies, nothing can take that away, I feel like other ghouls and ghoulettes also probably have had a hard time dealing and processing with with their Papa no longer being their frontman…or papa in general

Oh absolutely.

Dew, Mountain and Aether especially. They remember what happened to Terzo and they couldn’t help but feel like it was all a trap to get Copia away from his Ghouls for their own nefarious purposes.

To be rather macabre, they were expecting their own deaths. Ifrit and Zephyr died last time, there’s no way they’re surviving again. Dew was also mourning for whichever Ghoul met the same fiery fate as him.

Despite the years following Copia’s ascent, they still have that niggle in the back of their minds.

(Below the cut bc surprise surprise I yapped✌🏻)

Ghoulettes are insanely loyal, and their emotions are 1 or 100 with very little in-between. They’ve only ever known Copia as their leader and they struggled to recognise the authority of the new guy. They kept calling Copia “Papa” which he didn’t mind but the rest of the Clergy did. The four ended up having a lot of detentions because the Clergy thought they needed “correcting” with their behaviour and dedication to Copia.

Small-but-mighty Aurora was in a constant state of anxiety, less used to the Clergy’s bs, and thought she’d be sent back when she adores her family so much. Cirrus and Cumulus got very good at using their air to calm her down from a panic attack, and Sunny’s Fire made her very cosy and relaxing to snuggle with.

There was absolutely some misogyny as well from some. Comments along the lines of “This is why we shouldn’t have summoned the females. They’re too emotional” and shit like that.

Rain was also terrified of the pack being taken out because he had himself convinced that he would be made into a Fire Ghoul just like Dew was. The Clergy don’t like summoning Fire Ghouls but Water Ghouls are easy to summon, eager to get to the 75%-water-covered surface. His element would be easily replaced, as would he.

Swiss had jumped through a summoning portal not meant for him and he certainly faced the wrath of the Clergy after the portal shut behind him (it was Rain’s portal in my hc). The new Water Ghoul was flocked with affection and instantly taken in. Swiss though was isolated from everyone but a few Clergy who were to “teach him some lessons”…

It was Copia who heard him singing to himself in his cell one day, and managed to persuade the Clergy to let him be in the Ghost project. Well, he needs to come from his cell to rehearse and meet everyone doesn’t he? The cells are so far and the den’s so close to the rehearsal space so we should move him right? Without Copia there, now more detached from the Ministry thanks to his new role, he feels like he’s going to be marched back down there any day now.

And we all know how poor Phantom’s taking it… (the ramble is coming soon!!)

For them all, it feels like Copia is gone forever. It doesn’t help that they rarely see him and he’s not allowed to come to the den nor them to his quarters. Swiss, Mountain or Aether sometimes get called on for security when he has business trips, but other than that, it’s only Clergy get-togethers where they can’t shower their Copia in love and affection because they have to keep it professional.

The new guy is… the new guy. He’s not Copia and they all struggled to accept him. Copia was the hand that summoned them (excluding Aether, Dew and Mountain ofc). He had earned their loyalty and respect on Earth. This guy was brand new and they tried their best, but nearly every night for the first few months was spent in a large and teary cuddle pile…

[ashthewaterghoul]

Ash’s Ghost One Shot Master Post

His Dark Work - A Copia One Shot, ao3

The Purple Haze - An Aether Ghoul One Shot, ao3

The Runt - A Dewdrop Ghoul One Shot, ao3

If Home Is Where The Heart Is, Then Why Can’t I Feel Mine Beating? - An Ifrit Ghoul One Shot, ao3

Everything’s Fine - A Copia One Shot, ao3 | Tumblr

Fall For Them - A Rain Ghoul One Shot, ao3 | Tumblr

I’m Still Your Favourite Regret, You’re Still My Weapon Of Choosing - A DewdropxAlpha One Shot, ao3 | Tumblr

Body & Mind - A Phantom Ghoul One Shot, ao3 | Tumblr

Important To You, Important To Me - A Rulti One Shot, ao3 | Tumblr

Are You Really Okay? - A DewTom One Shot, ao3 | Tumblr

All Of My Fears Combined, Walking The Thinnest Of Lines - A DewTher One Shot, ao3 | Tumblr

Perfect - A Swiss Ghoul One Shot, ao3 | Tumblr

Phanter Cuddle Buddies - The Full Story, ao3 | Tumblr (technically a ramble more than a one shot but oh well I’m putting it here anyway)

You Guide Me In To Safety And Silence - A DewTom One Shot, ao3 | Tumblr

Phanter Cuddle Buddies - Copia’s Mental State, Tumblr (yes more so a ramble again shhhh)

I Know For The Last Time You Will Not Be Mine So Give Me The Night - An Alternative Ending, ao3 | Tumblr

You Gave Me Nothing Whatsoever But A Reason To Leave - A Dewdrop Ghoul One Shot, ao3 | Tumblr

'Cause It Still Makes My Blood Run Cold, To Remember What I Did Before - An AlphaxDew One Shot, ao3 | Tumblr

Pro Memoria - #phanter cuddle buddies, ao3 | Tumblr

A Monster Made Human - A Copia One Shot, ao3 | Tumblr

Girl's Night With Copia, ao3 | Tumblr

Will be updated every time I post! Last updated 10th Jan 2025.

[ashthewaterghoul]

Art anon strikes again!!!!

This was a lovely surprise in my dms this evening so thank you very very much :D

Inspired by this hc post and this anon who asked for it

[ashthewaterghoul]

Going off of the shape shifting phantom au

Everyone just always sees copia walking around with the cat but then never see the cat anywhere else cuz itz phantom

Yesssss

Everyone’s just like “Oh Copia has a pet cat now, it must stay in his room or wander the vast grounds” bc they only ever see it with Copia.

Phantom gets asked about it and they just have a ball being like “A cat? That’s so cool! I’ll have to ask Copia next time I see him!”

[ashthewaterghoul]

I’m new to indulging your wonderful Phanter content, whether it’s from the cuddle buddies universe, or just in general, so sorry if you’ve answered this question before: What was Copia’s reaction to Phantom kneading/ making biscuits on him the first time? 🥰

Welcome to the clerb! >~<

Copia was definitely shocked. He’d never had any of the other Ghouls do this so kinda jumped and yipped as Phantom started kneading into him. But he didn’t complain too much and just left Phantom be.

He mentioned it to Aether a few days later and he explained how it’s a safety thing for Phantom, meaning they only do it with those the feel safest around. They don’t have to keep their guard up, and can just be happy and stim away.

Plus, whenever Copia feels bad about his body, Phantom reminds him to love it because his tummy is so so perfect for making biscuits.

[ashthewaterghoul]

https://www.tumblr.com/ashthewaterghoul/763263167582322688/dont-imagine-phantom-being-terrified-after-being

And imagine Copia being told it is not proper of a frater to have a ghoul in his quarters and are strict with him about it, so he’s just as much suffering not being able to comfort his baby bat! 😭

Ooooo, Anon, this is a whole can of very painful worms and I love it!

Really, Copia knows as Imperator, he outranks everyone. Sister had ultimate power here, he should too, right?

He asked for a spare key for his new room, and when asked for why, he was laughed at.

He tries to go down to Phantom instead but he’s told that it’s not safe for the Imperator to be away from his designated quarters. Also that it’s not right for Frater to be with the Ghouls. The Ghouls are the responsibility of the Papa, and he is not Papa anymore.

He wants to scream that he can change the rules and what’s “proper” but he also knows much better than to tempt the Clergy to anger.

He remembers what happened to his brothers, he knows what they’re capable of. He spent the months of his last tour terrified about it.

Not to mention that he’s not sleeping right because he so worried about Phantom. He sees them in the halls and knows they are not doing well either. What little he does get to interact with his Ghouls now, he finds out that Phantom’s not even asking for help within the pack.

He just hopes that one day, he can once again fight for the respect his station deserves and have his baby bat back where they belong.

But until then…

[ashthewaterghoul]

I have a genuine “need to know in full detail, spare nothing, give me all the good stuff” question in your Phanter Cuddle Buddies fic

So everything is happy again! Father and child reunited, can get good night sleep now, woohoo! Now the thing is, Copia is still Frater, and Phantom is still part of the band. So when it’s time for Ghost to tour again, how do they both take it? Are they anxious? Is Phantom anxious? Is Copia even more anxious because his kid is leaving home, getting back on the road, and he can’t go with them? Is it like when a child is heading back to university because vacation is over, and parent is sad they have to leave home again? Answers I NEED ANSWERS!

HI SORRY THIS TOOK A WHILE I HAVE ANSWERS!!!

It’s so weird writing about future eras when they haven’t started yet and we don’t know the line-up, especially with how things are going atm💀

So!

Phantom leaving again was definitely a point of stress for them both. They had the solace of knowing that they’d be together again afterwards but the meantime was rough.

After the tour was set in stone and the reality of them being apart was drawing nearer, Phantom spiraled, terrified that all the nightmares and exhaustion from the first tour without Copia would come back, and terrified that they'd come back and it would be a repeat of that first tour or something worse would happen. As much as they Ghouls tried, they didn't quite uproot all the corrupt Clergy members.

Phantom tried to hand in their resignation from the band so they didn't have to leave but Copia refused to process it. Phantom loved the band and loved touring, Copia was not about to take that away from them or let them give it away themself.

There was also a lot of therapy to had for the both of them. They tried to not be so dependent on each other but it was difficult when you live in the same building and (now) work together on the regular.

It was very bittersweet for Copia to say goodbye, and he actually got to say goodbye this time and not just text them from his office window. He was proud of himself for not crumbling until the bus was out of sight, wanting to be strong for his pipistrello.

Phantom had taken a lot of Copia’s jumpers and T-shirts and blankets and froze them so the smell would stay for a bit longer. They also FaceTimed practically every night, even if it was just to say ‘Good night, I love you.’

Copia, now allowed more freedom, often went down to the Ghoul den at night to be with the Ghouls that stayed behind or retired. Being in his room alone didn’t feel right, even though him and Phantom didn’t spend every night together.

Phantom would buy things they saw for Copia, even if it was absolutely something they could’ve bought at home or online. Their entire carry-on, near enough, was filled with said-gifts on the way home.

There was also a few nights too where Copia was able to drive or fly out to watch the shows, and while he was happy to see all his Ghouls, still see his songs being enjoyed by the crowds, his eyes were always glued to Phantom.

Phantom would be a lot more confident on those nights. And the effect would stay for a few nights after as well.

Although, they both still struggled. Phantom still got a lot of nightmares, and waking up to a tiny bunk on the bus or an unfamiliar hotel room didn't help. The other Ghouls knew they weren't Copia but helped where they could, and Phantom was more willing to let them all help now as well.

Copia was often too anxious to sleep and needed a Quint to knock him out. It wasn't always the most restful nights - his mind and body wanting to be awake but being blocked from doing so. But it worked when it needed to, and it was more than he was allowed the last time Phantom went away, so he didn’t take anything for granted, and appreciated it all immensely.

They were both counting down the days until they got home, and they were more okay as time went on. Still missing each other terribly but managing and coping better, which they were both grateful for.

Copia was tracking Phantom on the way home and was the first one outside in the welcoming committee. He's Frater so that's just standard practice anyway. But he could have been demoted to cleaning the toilets in the dungeons and he still would have been the first one out there.

Inside the bus, Phantom’s tail was thumping rapidly against the seat in excitement to see Copia. Mountain recorded an audio-note of it, joking that he would use it instead of his double kick drum.

Phantom pretty much had to be held down to stop them running off the bus before it had fully stopped or the doors were fully open.

But as soon as the driver switches the engine off, they were up and they pounced into Copia’s waiting arms. Their bond had been more accepted by the new Clergy and so no one dared call it “unprofessional” or “not proper”. It was just a father hugging the child he hasn’t seen for months.

The two nearly cried in relief and happiness to be with each other again, but they just geared up instead. Something about absence making the heart grow fonder…