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The annual celebration of New Year's Eve called for a large party to be held at the Ministry of Satan. The Clergy decided to hold a semi-formal event to set the new and surely prosperous year ahead off on its feet.
"Ghouls?" The Anti-Church's frontman called out for the chattering band's attention, "Ghouls!" he insisted when the rather excited musicians did not cease, though now muttering apologies, "Thank you. You all must listen to this, even you Dew; only human drink is served here so drink all you want, well not really, so please stay within moderation, alright?" Copia paused, addressing the ghouls individually to assure they all agreed to the statement, which all had but one. Lastly, Dew met Copia's hopeful gaze with hesitant distaste, but Aether's elbow in his side helped the fire ghoul make his decision rather fast. Historically, demonic beings made for rather rowdy and dangerous companions to humans, regardless of being under alcohol's influence, so the chance could just not be taken. And with that, the door to the party was open.
The more energetic of the bunch pushed and heaved through the doorway to Satan-knows-where, whilst the mellower few waited, Mountain and Aether being two of them, caught in a gentlemanly loop of "You first, " until one caved. Platters of food and drink served about in a flurry, flying out of the kitchen with great speed; party dresses and button ups melded in with one another in the unstoppable flow of movement; music, for once not forcefully provided from the ghouls, shook the very foundations of the building. The music choice was thankfully out of Imperator's grasp, instead left to the much more cheerful Papa.
The band were the last to attend - the Siblings of Sin held the party in a full swing by the time they were allowed in. It was only an hour and a half till the clock struck midnight when they entered, meaning there was barely enough time for classically ghoulish shenanigans - clearly learnt and planned from past experiences - however would that stop Dew? Certainly not.
Aether trundled in, having caved to Mountain, to find the lithe gremlin. The smaller had been getting drinks, now holding one out to the rhythm player in a uncharacteristic act of kindness. Hell knows what cacophony of liquids was in that mixture, but he sure felt the alcohol's burn as it slid down his throat in one swift gulp, a small trickle falling down his chin.
"What's got you feeling so kind, Dewy?" Aether giggled, teasing the hot-headed one, who now had a sour expression forming underneath the thick helmet. Ghouls were ordered to conceal facial and true name identities from Siblings, though they were plenty aware of their inhumanity as per the summonings.
"Fuck off. Y' comin' with me?" The lead guitarist spoke in his typical slur, pointing with his thumb deeper into the crowded hall nowhere in particular. Quintessence nodded and took the initiative step. He had no doubt that him and his partner would end up in some deep trouble with Sister Imperator after the night's course, but with Dew, it was bound to be worth it. The Fire ghoul gripped the other's bicep in delight of his compliance, mischievous grin planted on his face.
Mountain and Swiss found themselves pushed about by the swarm of people into somehow empty seats on the edge, a waiter instantly offering them some sort of drink - couldn't quite tell through the tinted goggles of the helmets, but the pair obliged anyways, gratuitously accepting the small glasses in large hands; as soon as a sip had passed Swiss' lips, he could tell it was some sort of liquor. A smattering of Brothers and Sisters had been sat with the duo, striking up a vibrant conversation on whatever drama had stirred around the quarters. Time soon lost them in the wild gossiping; a sort of tournament of darts to settle a bet was to take forth, even the docile Mountain had been riled up, uncommon vitality alight in his eyes.
The Ghoulettes lent themselves over to the large marbled balcony - not overly busy, but certainly not desolate - an easy compromise for the trio. Chattering amongst themselves with Champagne in clutch was more than enough to keep the three entertained. Other ministry members popped in and out of the chatter, waiting staff spinning around offering drinks of all sorts in a hurry kept them thoroughly satisfied.
"Wait wait, sorry to interrupt but how are we going to kiss after the countdown?" Sunshine chipped in but met loving looks of confusion gracing the keyboardists' faces. "You know the tradition? Kiss when it hits zero?" she reassured.
"Never heard of it, but it sounds perfect!" Cirrus bounced, "But yes good question, maybe all three of us lean in at once?" she gestured for the three to try. Though not quite succeeding as the bulky helmets got in the way.
"I like th' idea, p'rhaps we kiss the one on the left? or right o'course," Cumulus chimed, wide smile of adoration sat upon her cheeks. This time the kiss almost worked, just not quite.
"Well we'll figure something out, leave it 'til the moment comes, maybe?" Sunshine looked up at her lovers, beaming.
"Or we can keep practicing, " the curvy keyboardist suggested, having checked the monochrome watch on her wrist, "It's not like there's long left to the the countdown." The other ghoulettes nodded rapidly, blush dusting their cheeks under the masks. Whether it be the alcohol, the December-January air or pure hellic love, they did not care. To bring the offer to light, the trio sauntered through the wide panelled doors into the busy privacy of the hall, just now realising how chilly it had been outside.
Rain, lastly, preferred the laid-back atmosphere of the temporary outer lounge, just below the first-floor balcony. Comfortable seating that had probably been left to rot in some dusty coffee room were dragged out to balance the intricately carved, uncushioned marble benches lining the outer wall into a much less linear and much more sociable space. The introverted, quieter or perhaps more drunk party-goers sprawled out across the stained sofas, leaving little room for anyone else to sit. So the Water ghoul parked himself alongside a Brother. A moment of silence wedged between the two as they each nursed the drink in hand.
"Rain, yes? It's an honour to meet you one-on-one, " The man beside him spoke up in an accent indistinguishable to the bassist, extending a hand out to shake.
"Yes, that would be me! Nice to meet you, you alright?" Rain shyly smiled, returning the gesture. Light, surface level conversation gradually became more natural and friend-like through the hour, until one question came up.
"Sorry if this is a little personal, but what's the whole thing between you and Swiss?" Rain felt his face fluster with that, thankful for the cover and dimness. "I've heard a rumour or two circling, besides," The human patted his shoulder assuringly, "There is no denying the way you look at each other."
The bassist stuttered, blood rushed to his face as he tried to form a cohesive response. He felt like a deer in headlights, a rabbit staring down the barrel. As his brain processed what the Brother said, he could not help the way his stomach twisted, delighted at the thought that Swiss maybe returned his feelings. His heart thrummed in his chest as he traced where the Multi ghoul had held his arm just earlier. The previously shed anxiety reared it's ugly head again; after what felt like minutes (however just barely a second), he spluttered out, "I-its a long story," the same tremble curling through as he had when he was fresh summoned.
But all of that in and of itself was enough of an answer for the Sibling. A knowing, tight-lipped smile drew itself on the rounded cheeks of the man; leaving that topic behind as he had all he needed to know. Rain felt his heartbeat fall back down to it's resting pace in relief that the subject change. Though he wasn't paying 100% attention to the man, rather listening out at the conversation taking place above. He immediately recognised the voices of his fellow bandmates - Cirrus, Sunshine and Cumulus - only half-paying attention, he picked out something about kissing as the clock marks the New Year.
The two conversing separated as talk circles merged and split, moving off to interact with other party attendees - of which the outdoor lounge became packed full of - and many of which were certainly in for quite the hangover the next day. Rain however, even after many human drinks, barely felt a touch tipsy, but alcohol is called 'Liquid courage' for a reason - previous worries having been flushed away with the courses of drinks.
"Hey, how long 'til the countdown? " Rain grabbed the nearest unoccupied Sibling by the shoulder harshly.
"Eughh, four minutes I think? " The clearly intoxicated Sister slurred out, squinting at the time on her phone through bleary eyes.
The ghoul muttered out a thank to the woman, making haste towards the nearest entrance to the hall, clock ticking in his head. Shoes tapped on the solid ground, though silent to the incomprehensible mass of sounds that echoed of the hall's enormously high arched ceiling; his head peeked over the crowd on his toes, probably creasing the rather nice shoes he wore, in an attempt to find any other hellspawn, but specifically one. Using sight proved futile; the dimly lit hall combined with Rain being too short to see far over the crowd meaning it would be hard to see and navigate. Instead, he picked through the amalgamation of sounds - chatter, breaking glass, shouting, someone throwing up the night's contents - until his pointed ears caught a drift of a certain Multi ghoul's holler of joy; muffled by the padded mask lining, he desperately hoped he had not heard someone else.
-
"YES LET'S GOO!" Swiss howled, having just narrowly beat Mountain in darts, thus moving him into the finale against a Sibling, unscrewed goggles sat in his pocket. He readied himself for the next round, stance faltering slightly under the alcohol's gradually tightening grip on his conscience. His first shot landed on a double 18 - a strong start - but the Sister counteracted, matching his score. Again, and again and again they threw but neither took a strong lead, scores staying quite level with each other. It was his last shot; adrenaline swarmed through his veins - but in the brief moment, a far too familiar face came into view. In the shock and energy, he scuffed his throw. A single 9.
He cussed under his breath, shaking his head in disappointment. His opponent grinned cockily as she eyed his throw and hit a bullseye, just to rub salt in the wound; the guitarist sighed, going in for a civil handshake to congratulate the woman, flicking her a few coins to fulfil his hand of the bet. A grin of his own grew rapidly on his face as he turned to the Water ghoul. The bassist looked awfully relieved, as if he had been looking for Swiss. Energy still pumped through the ghoul's body as he half-swayed towards Rain, giddy smile on his face.
"Come with me, cheer you up after the oh-so-tragic loss." Rain teased, boldly grabbing the other by the forearm. Who was Swiss to deny that offer? Though he nigh shared it, being with Rain was his favourite past time, regardless of what they were doing.
"You got this buddy," Mountain appeared behind Swiss holding out his eye pieces, laughing to himself as the ghoul startled, "Satan, he's smitten, " the drummer turned, snickering, to the tournament winner. Desperately hoping Rain hadn't heard, he threw his middle finger up at the Earth ghoul. Rain practically dragged Swiss with him, shoving through the unassuming crowd towards the balcony.
Momentum of running nearly sending the pair over the outcrop's railing and cold December-January air nipping at their grey hide, the 20 second countdown had begun. The terrace had cleared, leaving just the duo alone, presumably to watch the count, allowing the duo to unmask. Seconds ticked by as they settled down, shrieks of laughter fizzling out, replacing them with soft smiles and gazes into bright eyes as they leant side by side, backs to the dark night. Inhuman hearts raced in sync, anticipating the coming.
10
"Ever heard of the New Years tradition?" Rain whispered, drawing himself closer to the Multi ghoul.
9
8
7
"I'm not sure, " the guitarist smirked devilishly, instantly catching on to the implications.
6
"But I'll tell you, I'm a practical learner." Swiss shifted , pulling Rain to himself as he stood to face the other.
5
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3
"Bastard." Rain hissed, tracing the other's face lightly.
2
1
Happy New Year!
And they came together, warm lips on cold, the wildly different tastes of wine and liquor intermingling. Broad hands roamed, unsure of just what to do with them, while slighter, string hardened fingers held the other's face as if it were made of glass. The kiss was clumsy, fangs grazing lightly, but neither gave two shits. Fireworks launched into the sky with the same intensity as the ghouls, bursting into ribbons of bright, impossibly beautiful light. Reflecting so ethereal on the lovers' skin, Hell would have thought they were angels. So tender and so full of love, neither wanted to part. But the need to breathe pulled the two apart. Panting, both gazed off at the colourful display bejewelling the dark sky. The bass player dragged the distracted Swiss by the collar back down to him, recapturing him in another kiss, gentle and genuine. They could not help but smile into the innocent intimacy. So joyous to hold each other after so long, roaring laughter reignited the air, breaking the short-lived buss.
"Swiss, look! " For the first time, Rain breathed out a cloud of condensation, heat shared from the Multi ghoul; he shrieked childishly when he noticed, but sighed when it quickly ran out.
"Aw, well since you're too cold now, how about I warm you up again?" The guitarist bared his fangs in a flashy smile, leaning towards the other.
"What you just said could mean a lot of different things, but if it's another kiss then absolutely," Rain smiled, "What a way to start the year."