Nameless Ghoul

Pancakes

Another day, another nightmare. Itzal woke up with that suffocating tightness in his chest. The same one the bad dreams always left behind. He was sweating, disoriented for a few moments, until sunlight filtered through the window and he remembered where he was.

The ghoul lair.

Once his heart slowed and he was fully awake, he headed to the bathroom for a shower. He carefully removed the dressing from his back and stepped into the stall. The water was hot, just how he liked it, and whatever soap the Abbey provided smelled good. Subtly spicy, but not overpowering. When he finished, he rubbed himself dry, wrapped a towel around his waist, and wandered back to the bedroom.

He jumped when he saw Sunshine there, placing a laundry basket of neatly folded clothes on the coffee table.

She startled too, but her eyes lingered on his half-naked form just a moment too long. She bit her bottom lip, a fang peeking out, and Itzal felt his cheeks flush. She caught herself, her face tinged pink.

“Sorry!” she said, looking away. “I knocked, but you were in the bathroom and didn’t hear. I was just going to drop off the basket and leave you be. I brought a few things that looked like they’d fit you. You’re built similar to Swiss. They might be a bit big, but at least they’re the right length.”

“It’s okay,” he said. “Thanks. Give me a sec to get dressed, and I’m all yours.”

Her cheeks deepened in colour at that, but he shrugged it off, grabbed the basket, and headed back to the bathroom. He picked out a pair of faded jeans and a t-shirt with a band logo on it. He thought it said ‘Repugnant,’ but the font was so messed up he wasn’t sure.

When he came back out, Sunshine was perched on the edge of the sofa. She stood when she saw him, eyes flicking to his neck.

“How are you feeling today? Hope you got enough sleep after last night’s adventure."

He smiled and nodded.

“Yeah, I think so. My neck feels better, at least. I can’t believe I pissed Dew off before I’d even met him properly, though. Told you that would happen.”

She laughed, shaking her head.

“Believe me, it’s not hard to piss Dew off. It’s his default setting. You’re lucky you didn’t end up with more burns. He’s very protective of his chocolate milk! You’re privileged he didn’t make you put it back. Did you enjoy it?”

“It was the best chocolate milk I’ve ever had.”

She tilted her head, looking sceptical.

“That the first time you’ve ever had it?”

He chuckled.

“Second, actually.”

Sunshine laughed, shaking her head again.

“Well, come on then, these pancakes won’t make themselves.”

Itzal was confused for a moment before remembering her offer to show him how to make pancakes the day before. So much had happened since then it felt like a week, not a mere twenty-four hours.

He was a little nervous someone else might be around, but when they got to the kitchen, it was empty. Sunshine quickly gave him a tour, showing him where everything was, then they gathered the ingredients and equipment.

“I’m sorry about the ritual yesterday,” Itzal said. Sunshine glanced over, puzzled. “When I freaked out. I didn’t want you to see that. I don’t have the best history with rituals.”

She stopped what she was doing, leaning against the counter with a sad look.

“You have nothing to apologize for. Nothing at all. Don’t worry about looking like a big, scary ghoul in front of me. I already know you are,” she teased. “You don’t need to prove it.”

Trust Sunshine to lighten the mood, Itzal thought, smiling again.

“Well, I was worried about it. I’ve never gone willingly to a ritual before. It was overwhelming. I thought I could handle it.”

She walked over slowly, holding his gaze as she reached out and touched his arm. This time he didn’t flinch as her hand stroked his biceps. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath to let the tension go.

“Okay, so what do we do?” he asked, nodding toward the pile of ingredients.

She spent the next few minutes showing him how to measure and mix. Soon, a pan was on the stove and a growing stack of pancakes sat on a plate. The cooking smells must have drawn the ghouls home, because gradually they started appearing in the kitchen. Sunshine began dishing out pancakes. Aether, Swiss, Cumulus, and Cirrus all thanked her and dug in.

“These are great!” Aether said, mouth full.

Others made approving noises.

Itzal and Sunshine sat down to eat. As Itzal looked around at the ghouls and ghulehs, he found himself appreciating a rare moment of peace. Usually, he was on high alert around others, overwhelmed by social situations. But here, among his kind, he felt a calm he hadn’t known in years. He’d spent two decades alone, just surviving and waiting for his time to die. Now, surrounded by others who shared his world, it felt kike a balm for his battered soul. They were relaxed, joking, teasing each other. He wanted that too.

His face must have betrayed his mood, because Sunshine gently touched his hand and pulled him back.

“What’s wrong?” she asked quietly, so the others wouldn’t hear.

“I’m fine,” he said just as Omega walked in.

He greeted everyone, then turned to Itzal.

“Shay needs to speak with you. He told me to come get you. Sorry to interrupt.”

Itzal sighed. The most peaceful day he’d had in a long time looked like it was about to be ruined.