Work Text:
"I'm cold!"
Phantom's melodramatic tone rang through the ministry's common room. he was, as declared, very cold, and he did not like being cold. With an irked huff, he crossed his arms and kicked his legs off the couch, hunching over and pouting like a small child that didn't get its way.
Sodo barely picked his head up from the armrest on the opposite couch. he himself was very greatly displeased over the cold weather. As a fire ghoul, he greatly preferred when it was warmer, as opposed to water ghouls who could manage through the frigid temperatures, like the one curled against his body.
"So are we dumbass, you want a sticker and compensation?"
Rain, who looked abnormally sulky, was embraced in Sodo's arms, seeking warmth from his fiery mate. He was used to colder temperatures when he would swim in lakes, but now he was shaking like a leaf.
"It is very cold"
He agreed and burrowed his head in the crook of Sodo's neck, chasing more warmth.
Phantom frowned, a small shiver running through his body. He wrapped his tail in between his legs, a source of comfort he and the other ghouls were accustomed to doing during times like these.
"Why don't we all huddle by the fireplace?"
Sodo and Rain picked their heads up and looked at each other before nodding, accepting Phantom's offering.
"Smartest thing you've said in years, Phant"
Sodo retorted sarcastically as he got up from the couch, with Rain following suit.
"Be nice, firefly"
Rain said, giving a nuzzle to Sodo's head, earning a defeated huff from his snarky mate, and a burst of giggles from Phantom.
"You're soft for him"
Phantom teased, just because he couldn't help himself.
Sodo shot him a half-hearted glare, one that really wasn't threatening. How could he be taken seriously when his mate was loving on him?
"Alright you two, enough bickering. Let's go by the fireplace now, it's cold"
Rain chuckled, reminding the other two of how cold it was.
The trio made their way to the fireplace and plopped right on the floor, cuddling and nuzzling each other. Since Sodo was noticeably smaller than the other two, he was enveloped in the middle, while Rain and Phantom settled for being on the opposite sides.
"Warm.."
Rain murmured against Sodo's long blonde hair, content with the warmth.
Just then, a pair of footsteps followed through the hallway and into the common room.
"We're cuddling now?"
Swiss asked in his usual teasing tone, cocking an eyebrow with a smug grin.
Mountain didn't bother to announce himself, just simply joining the pile and maneuvering his way against Rain, who didn't seem to react much, and just leaned into the touch.
Swiss chuckled and laid himself on top of everyone, with only a mild complaint from Sodo.
"you're crushing me.."
He mumbled, though he made no effort to push the multi ghoul off of him, because maybe, just maybe, he enjoyed being cuddled like this.
"You're fine."
Swiss replied as he waved his hand dismissively, further nuzzling into the pile. A lazy smirk tugged at the corners of his lips, flashing a toothy grin at the shorter ghoul's mild annoyance.
Another pair of footsteps echoed in the common room and added into the pile.
"It's much warmer here than it is in our rooms!"
Aurora chirped, nuzzling against Phantom.
"It is"
Cumulus agreed, joining Aurora and wrapping her arms around the smaller girl.
Cirrus giggled and curled her body against Cumulus, her cheek pressing against her back.
Now, this was a real pile. a warm, cuddly, pile. purrs and soft hums filled the peaceful silence.
Until Swiss had to break it.
"Sodo's like a tiny marshmallow being crushed by us"
That earned Swiss a bite on the arm.
"Firefly..what did I say about being nice?"
Rain interjected, nuzzling Sodo, who nuzzled back and immediately started purring.
Everyone had their fair share of 'aws' and coos at the gentle moment, making Sodo's cheeks tint a bright pink.
"All of you shut up.."
He muttered through a clenched jaw.
And just like that, the ghouls remained contented in each other's embrace, and only mild bickering between Sodo and Swiss.