Valse Royale
WC: 2431
TW/CW: Polyghouls, mentions of marijuana use (brief), dancing, throw-up (just mentions in the last few sentences), Phantom in a ballgown, fun times dancing
A/N: Projecting on the hottest new it couple, Phountain. Shoutout to @gottagho-st because without her, this wouldn’t exist. I almost scrapped it all last night, but she saved it.
@rainsbasspick @obsidianghoul my hype people <3
Playlist: Songs 1-3 are mentioned in the story, but they danced to these songs and more :)
Read below or on AO3
“Mountain, I swear, if you keep bouncing your leg, I'll chop it off. What’s up? What’s bugging you?”
Swiss says, lifting his head from Mountain's lap, pausing the movie they were watching.
“I just… I can’t think of what to do with Bug for Valentine’s day. I also really want to ask him to officially be my mate, so, y’know, it’s gotta be something special,” Mountain explains, wringing his hands.
Taking Mountain's hands into his own, Swiss chuckles at him. “Oh big man, you're such a romantic. Remember our first dates? They were the cheesiest things known to man AND ghoul. Now look at us, getting high and watching rom-coms for Valentine's day. The perfect date in my books.” He shrugs nonchalantly, but the look of defeat Mountain presented him with was enough for Swiss to cave in and help him. “Fine, I’ll help you plan something…” Mountain’s face lights up at this, “BUT, only 'cause I wanna enjoy the rest of this movie without you bouncing my head up and down. Have you thought of anything you’d like to do yet?”
“I thought about taking him to visit a museum, but I think one of the girls has already planned that. I also thought stargazing, but I’m taking Lus to do that and I don’t want to do something twice. I gotta be creative, but I’m fresh out of ideas.”
“Babe, that was literally two ideas…. There’s gotta be more in that noggin’,” Swiss chuckles tapping a finger against his mate's head for emphasis. He shakes his head at the obliviousness of the smartest ghoul he’s ever come across, “Alright, what does he like? What’s his latest hyperfixation?”
Mountain pauses his fidgeting as he considers Swiss’ question, answering after a moment of silence, “Mmmm, we’ve recently been watching a lot of princess movies? I blame Rory for that, but he seems to really enjoy the big dancing scenes with all the twirling and stuff, I guess.”
“Bingo, take him dancing!” Swiss’ face splits with one of his signature grins, looking as though he’s cracked the hardest investigation.
“Where?”
“The ballroom’s… ‘open’ on Valentines Day!”
Mountain looks at him confused.
“Well, okay, not open to the public, but I have the key”
“Huh?”
“Mount, how much did you smoke? Let me remind you, I'm on the decorating committee for the abbey's Valentine’s Day ball this weekend.”
“Ooohhh yeah!”
“Mhmm, yes, glad we’re on the same page now,” Swiss laughs at his mate, “That’s why we're having our date today because I’m busy the next time you're free.” Mountain nods in understanding, “Here’s what I’ll do; I’ll make sure it’s decorated by your date, and I'll give you the key the morning of.”
“Yes! Thank you,” Mountain says, pulling Swiss into a deep kiss.
“Anytime big man, now let's finish the movie, I think she realized she left something behind in Ireland” Swiss settles back into the comfort of the earth ghouls lap as he presses play.
“‘Bout fucking time.” Mountain grumbles with a small smile on his face.
–
Feb 14. The Big Day
Mountain woke up extra early to get his chores done and prepare last minute date items. He assembled a bouquet of fresh flowers for Phantom, as well as some food trays for the ballroom. Swiss dropped off the key earlier in the day and gave him a list of instructions for when they’re done with the date.
At 6pm sharp, he knocks on Phantom’s door. Flattening his vest, wiping the sweat off his hands in the process, he stands a little taller, and waits for the door to open.
Phantom opens the door, wearing gray fitted pants, and a black button up with the sleeves rolled up. “Hi, Mountain!” He beams up at the other ghoul, before eyeing him up and down, “You look good. Like, really good.”
“So do you Phantom. I got you some flowers,” Mountain says all shyly.
Phantom takes them and places them in an empty vase, still on his desk from the last time he was given flowers.
“So, what are we doing today?” Phantom is practically bouncing in excitement as he turns his attention back to the giant on his threshold.
“It’s a surprise, but first…” Mountain bends down to give him a kiss, before pulling away and motioning for him to follow. Making small talk, Mountain grabs his hand, and they make their way towards the maze garden.
“Have you been having fun on your dates?” Phantom’s eyes brighten at the question, energy bursting at the seams.
“Yes! Lus took me to the museum! We got to see some cool statues and sculptures. Rory and I did a movie night. Cirrus took me to the planetarium, then we stargazed. Swiss took me to the beach, and Rain and Dew took me to the aquarium, and they kept poking fun at each other saying things like ‘look Rain, it's you’ and it would be like a blobfish. It was really fun,” Phantom responds, jumping around, without letting go of Mountain's hand.
“That's good my little prince, I’m glad you’ve been having fun! Are you excited for the ball this weekend?”
“I am! Swiss was telling me about the decorations and the planning! I think I want to help next year with the setup. I dunno. I want to be more involved in the abbey life.” He ponders.
“I think that’s brilliant, my flower” Mountain smiles fondly down at the smaller ghoul.
They continue to chat, and weave through the hedges, getting lost at some points. They made it to the center of the maze where a swing hung from a tree. Phantom runs and sits on the wood plank. Coming up behind him, Mountain gives him a light push. Giggling, Phantom begins to pump with his legs, gaining some height. He feels a childlike joy coursing through his body, something he’s only experienced a few times before. Once peak height has been reached he lets Mountain know he’s going to jump off.
“No! Phantom! You’re gonna get hurt!”
“No, I won't! Catch me!” Phantom screams before jumping into Mountain's arms, laughing his head off. He’s laughing so hard he completely stops making noise. He’s just waving his arms, and his tail’s thumping against the grass underneath him. With a snort, he regains some air. Mountain breaks into laughter, and soon they’re on the ground laughing.
After some time laying in the grass, Mountain sits up. “C’mon, my prince. We have somewhere to be.”
“At this hour? Where are we meant to be?” Phantom quirks an eyebrow at the sudden movement.
“You'll see soon enough darling. Here, I need to put this on you first.”Mountain gestures to a strip of fabric he had produced from his pocket.
“Uh sure, yeah,” with that, Phantom lets himself be blindfolded. Mountain guides him through the garden, but Phantom’s too curious for his own good.
“I feel like we're doing something illegal… Mountain, I'm too young to go to jail!” He exclaims, tail twitching with the combination of nerves and excitement.
“We’re not going to jail, just shh and keep walking, just a few more steps”
“Mount…are you going to kill me?! I'm too young to die!”
“Phantom stop… you're going to be okay! No one’s getting murdered tonight!”
“Promise?”
“I promise”
After a brief intermission, Mountain continues his mission to get Phantom into the ballroom. After some more bickering, Phantom walks through the doors and to the middle of the ballroom where the blindfold is removed.
He looks around bewildered, and a little awestruck.
“Wha- What is this?”
“I- mm, well, we’re going to -uh, dance together. I notice how the little gold flecks in your eyes come alive when the waltzing scenes come on during the movies. Especially during Cinderella.” Mountain reaches up to rub a hand along the back of his neck shyly.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about…” Phantom replies with the biggest smile on his face.
“Nooo, of course not. It’s definitely not you humming those songs, nor your body moving by itself to the rhythm of the music… must have you confused with someone else,” Mount smirks.
Phantom smiles, nodding because he’s so excited he doesn’t even have the proper words to thank Mountain.
“Oh, and I got you something. It’s that box on the table,” Mountain points to the box.
Phantom goes to the box and finds a black ball down, with gold constellations. Pulling it out, he notices the gold bodice details, the constellations shimmering under the light, the slit that runs up the right side, exposing his legs. The black tulle and fabric add volume to the gown, making it lightweight and flowy.
With teary eyes, Phantom looks up to meet Mountain’s also teary eyes, “but how did you…?”
“You talk a lot when you’re exhausted. After watching Beauty and the Beast, you told me you wanted to twirl in a gown, and you’ve told me several other times, but didn’t want anybody to know… so I figured we could dance and you could twirl in a ballgown. Just here, the two of us. ”
“Mountain..” Phantom takes two steps and jumps up to hug Mountain. “Thank you”
“Get changed, I'll be waiting,” Mountain urges him.
Carrying his ball gown, he rushes to the bathroom.
While he changes, Mountain brings out the finger food and wine glasses. Setting up the tables, just like the movies. He was determined to make this night feel like a fairy-tale for Phantom. He deserves the best.
He was pulled out of his thoughts, when he heard a small voice call for him.
“Hey Mount, can you help me?”
Without looking up, Mountain responds, “Yeah Bug, what's up?”
“I- uh, need help with the zipper.”
Mountain turns around and his jaw drops to the floor. Phantom was gorgeous on a regular basis, but this is something else entirely. He’s absolutely breathtaking . The gown fits him perfectly, hugging his shape perfectly. Remembering that he asked for help, Mountain pulls himself together and walks over to Phantom.
He helps Phantom with the zipper and kisses his shoulder tenderly, whispering You look stunning into his ear. A visible shiver runs through Phantom’s body. A shy thank you leaves his lips.
“May I have this dance, my Prince?” Mountain bends and extends his hand to Phantom.
“Why, yes, of course,” Phantom giggles as he places his hand in Mountain’s offered one.
He guides Phantom to the center of the dance floor. They stand facing each other ready to begin dancing when Phantom realizes he doesn’t know how to dance.
“Wait, I don't know how to dance!” His eyes fly to Mountains, widening in panic.
“Shh, it’s okay, just follow my lead. Feel it in your heart, don't look at your feet. Keep your eyes up. It's only you and me remember, no one's going to know if you mess up. I’ve got you, Bug, always.”
The reassurance is all he needed.
La Valse de L’amour begins to play over the speakers. Phantom's eyes light up even more, and somehow manage to widen even more. Mountain grabs Phantom's lower back and tightens his grip on it, bringing him closer. They begin to sway side to side as the music begins to build. Mountain guides Phantom through their first dance. Spinning him just like Kit spun Cinderella, twirling him, giving him the most perfect first dance. Mountain made sure to include the lift which has him laughing and demanding for more. As the song ended, Mountain crossed his arm over his chest, and Phantom curtsied. It was like a fairytale.
Phantom is breathless, amazed and oh so in love. “Mountain! Mountain! Please tell me there's more songs!” He gasps through his giggles.
Mountain can't contain his laughter, “yes, Bug there are so many songs.”
The hours pass, and the two lovebirds enjoy every minute they’re together.
Mountain guides Phantom through several more dances, and after each one, Phantom’s only response is “More!” through a fit of giggles. He’s never had this much fun.
Mountain forces the smaller ghoul to take breaks. Take a breather, and eat some food, drink some water and some wine.
I Want to Know What Love Is playing softly in the background as Mountain pulls Phantom into his chest, his hands finding the small of his waist. Phantom wraps his arms around Mount’s neck, and they softly sway side to side, exhaustion catching up to them.
“Can we dance together on Saturday night? At the gala? Please.” Mountain looks down and is met with big ol’ puppy dog eyes from Phantom.
“Of course bug” Mountain smiles down at him fondly.
“But I'm not wearing the dress… is that okay? Will you be mad?” Phantom furrows his brow in concern.
“You could wear sweats and I'll dance with you, the dress is yours to do whatever you want with. I knew this was something you wanted to experience, so I wanted to be the one to help you. I did get you a bow tie that matches the dress, though.”
“Did you really? Thank you! Thank you for understanding.”
They just keep swaying into the next song.
“There’s something I want to ask you”
“Mmm”
“Well…uhm… from the moment I met you, my life has been brighter and filled with a sweet melody that my heart dances to. Your laughter is enchanting, and I want to be the reason you laugh everyday. I look forward to seeing you everyday. Being around you brings a serenity to the chaos that is life in the abbey. When I’m with you, my world brightens. I’ve come to realize that I love you beyond all things. I love you, Phantom Aeon Ghoul. I love you with all my heart. Will you do me the honor of accepting me as your mate? I mean, officially, if you’ll have me? Will you be the harmony to my melody and dance through life with me? ”
“I thought you'd never ask! Yes Mountain, I would love nothing more!” Phantom grins cheekily, wiping tears running down his face, “Buuuut, only if I get to bite you first and if you twirl me until I throw up”
“I'll twirl you, but there will be no throwing up. One more song to dance to, your favorite.”
“Is it… is it what I think it is?”
Merry-Go-Round of Life begins playing. They dance their hearts out as they don’t know when the next time they’ll get this opportunity.
Much to Mountain's dismay, Phantom indeed throws up after changing and twirling his way out of the ballroom.
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Ghouls & Space
I have this theory/idea that all ghouls were created in the cosmos somewhere, but they don’t know where they came from. I’ve tasked myself to match the current ghouls with a nebula. Some with explanation, some without. This ties into an idea that I have that Phantom can project images with his magic.
So, I’ve combined a story and my headcanons into the thing below.
and this little story goes like this
A/N: shoutout to @swissndewdrop for listening to me talk about this and to @orcaog who heard about this idea first. @callmeghoulshit thanks for beta-ing and hyping me up to post.
—
It’s a stormy day and the ghouls are stuck inside. It’s a heavy downpour so they’re not allowed to go outside as to not track mud in. They spent the whole day cleaning so all of their efforts would go to waste. Everyone was bored and the power kept flickering on and off, so video games were out of the question. Eventually the power went out from the heavy winds, and they all lounged together in the living room wondering what to do.
“Have I ever told you guys I can project?” Phantom softly spoke. All heads turn to him. “What?!” Dewdrop shouts.
“It’s something Aether helped me figure out, but, here, let me show you” Phantom focuses on his power and his palms start to glow blue, and wisps of power head to the ceiling. A 3D imagine on the ceiling forms from the wisps. Everyone stares in amazement. There were colors, dark spots, glittery spots, and… eyes?
Cirrus broke the silence first, “What are you showing us, honey?”
“Home.”
“Home?” someone questioned
“Well, it’s where I was created…”
“What do you mean?” another asked, getting comfortable on the floor to look up at the ceiling.
Phantom sat on on the recliner and spoke,
“We’re all born from the cosmos. No one remembers as our path from the cosmos, to the pit, to topside is too traumatic … but I remember. I know where you were born too. The Lord below gave me his favor. I was the runt in the pit: small, unprotected, casted out from all packs. He picked me up one day and said ‘Perfect, a little crybaby. I’ll take you home.’” Phantom chuckled remembering the interaction, “He spoke of the big sky above the world, the galaxies, the different worlds, and nebulas, our place of creation. Before sending me up, He spoke of my new pack. He showed me where you were created.”
“Can..” Swiss takes a deep shaky breath, still shocked at the words spoken by Phantom, “can you show us?”
“Of course!” Phantom summons more magic to blow up the projection so that they’re inside the projection, while also projecting in the center an image of the nebula. “This is my home, as I previously mentioned.”
Phantom: Cosmic Bat Nebula (LDN 43)
LDN 43 is about 1400 light years away in the constellation Ophinuchis. LDN43 is a stellar nursery indicated by the dark clouds and gases. Phantom was born from inside this Cosmic Bat. He is one of the bright stars shining through the dark clouds.
“haha it looks like a bat! is that why you like bats so much?”
“yeah… it reminds me of this” He takes a sip of water and continues “Aurora this is your creation place. Orion Nebula.”
Aurora- Orion Nebula
Orion Nebula (Messier 42) is a nebula situated in the Milky Way in the Orion constellation. It is the middle star of the sword. This nebula is one the brightest and visible to the naked eye. This is one of the most scrutinized and photographed objects in the night sky. It is one of the most studied celestial body. Much like Aurora was scrutinized and studied closely when she first joined the band, but she keeps on shinning. The Great Nebula is a host to many wonders and many young stars.
“Explains the pink,” Rain chuckled.
“Yes it does, Rain. Cumulus this is you, the Omega Nebula”
“This is my creation nebula? it’s gorgeous”
“yes, just like you, Lus. Omega Nebula is one of my favorites, it has so many fun features."
Cumulus- The Omega Nebula
Omega Nebula (Messier 17) is part of the Sagittarius constellation. It is one of the richest starfields in the Milky Way. It is also one of the brightest and most massive star-forming regions in the galaxy. It also goes by many names: Swan Nebula, Checkmark Nebula, Lobster Nebula and the Horseshoe Nebula. Cumulus is often seen as the “mom” of the pack, but she’s so much more.
“Up next, Cirrus. Every queen deserves a crown”
Cirrus- Cassiopeia A
Also known as Cassiopeia’s crown. Brightest extrasolar radio source in the sky. It is remnants of a supernova. Cirrus is a queen, and this is her crown.
“Swiss, the most chaotic and intricate of them all”
Swiss- Eskimo Nebula
Eskimo Nebula (NGC 2592) is also known as the Clown-faced Nebula, Lion Nebula, or Caldwell 39. Swiss is a silly ghoul that brings joy into all of our lives. He’s also fierce like a lion.
“You mean to tell me that this is where I was created?” Swiss wonders
“Yes. So special and intricate. There’s nothing else quite like it. You’re one of a kind.”
After a few more moments, Phantom continues
“Mountain, you were born in the Eagle Nebula. You were created in the Pillars of Creation. All earth ghouls are created here. You hold the power to create life with touch.”
Mountain- Eagle Nebula. Pillars of Creation.
Eagle Nebula, Pillars of Creation. These pillars of gas and dust are creators of life. New stars are born here. Pillars are designed to hold and sustain houses, monuments, etc. Mountain is the pillar of the pack. He is adored and loved by all. His work doesn’t go unnoticed.
“The lagoon nebula is our next stop, any guesses as to who was created here?”
“Me?”
“Yes Rain, this is you. The edges of the nebula look like sandbanks surrounding a lagoon”
Rain- Lagoon Nebula (Messier 8)
Lagoon Nebula (Messier 8). In long exposure, the nebula appears pink but to the human eye, it is grey as humans have poor lowlight sensitivity. Rain appears normal at a glance, but after examining him for a while you can see the patterns on his skin, the bioluminescent glow of those patterns in the dark. He is so much more than what meets the eye.
“Dew, I saved the best for last. You were once created here...”
Dewdrop (water)- Jellyfish Nebula
Jellyfish Nebula (IC 443)- It’s a supernova remnant in the constellation Gemini. Jellyfish quite literally go with the flow of the sea. Dew goes with the flow, he can’t really do anything to fight the changes that are and have occurred.
“...but during your transition, while you were unconscious for a few days, a little bit of the material in you that make you a pure water ghoul returned to the cosmos, and this nebulas material entered you...”
Dewdrop (fire)- The Heart Nebula
Heart Nebula- Also in the Cassiopeia Constellation. The heart shape was formed by stellar winds from the hot stars at its core. Dew has the biggest heart of them all. He loves intensely. The love he has for his pack and previous ghouls is immense. His love was formed from his rough life in the pit. He found a loving home after being summoned and decided to turn his hatred towards lifeinto love.
“...both of these nebulas live inside you. Neither fight for dominance, neither sway you one way or the other. You’re still water and you’re also fire. Opposites living in harmony. I know sometimes you struggle having once been water and now you’re fire, and you question who you are, but rest assured, you are both equally. Fire is a little more awake than water given your role to the pack, but she’s there if you ever need her. You see her awaken when you lay next to Rain. Fire ignites the passion. Water keeps out from burning yourself out. They’re balanced. Working in your favor.”
Dewdrop barely gets out a “Phant….” before being cut off.
“it’s okay Dew.” Phantom extends his hand to cover Dews. “It’s a lot. Not just for you, but for all. The Lord Below asked me to show you all. I didn’t know when, or how, but He said there would be one that would help. And it was Aether. He helped me bring this to you all. Once I mastered this, I knew I had to do my one task.”
Phantom recalled his power, pulling his hand away from Dew’s, and the projection ended. Wisps of blue and purple circled his pack’s heads in a playful manner before returning into his body. He looked around the room: Cirrus and Cumulus cuddling with teary eyes, Aurora snuggling between Dew and Rain with tails intertwined, Swiss wiping tears away from Mountain’s face.
“Phantom… thank you” came mountains soft voice
“My pleasure”
Later that night, once they’ve all gone to bed in pairs, or throuples, Phantom was alone in his room, staring at the ceiling, feeling the exhaustion of using his power for that long. He smelled something burning, and that’s when He appeared. “You did amazing little one, now sleep. You must be exhausted.”
“Hold me?”
Without hesitation, He slid into Phantom’s bed and cuddled him until he was fast asleep. “I’m with you always, little one”
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