Per Aspera Ad Inferi - Ghost x fem reader

I. The Phantom

"Hey, Michael! I need some help over here!" I said, wiping the sweat off my forehead as Michael rushed over to help stabilise the pole. "Alright! That's the final pole. Guys, you can put the cover over now!" Three more men came over, carrying the tent itself. As Michael went to help, they all grabbed a corner each and draped the tent over the poles I had set up.

"Great work guys, take five." Michael said, raising his arm sloppily. "You did great, y/n." He smiled. "Thank you, Michael." I smiled back. Michael's my older brother by seven years, and I became his apprentice when he offered me a job at Inferium Rock, an annual music festival. He quit his teaching job to work at festivals and small gigs full time. Michael has been sort of a mentor to me while I've worked at Inferium, as well as my big brother.

"Any bands you're excited for, y/n?" Michael said after a moment of silence. "All of them, to be honest. I have my tastes, but I love discovering something new now and then." He didn't seem satisfied with my answer. "Come on now, there must be something that you enjoy more than others." He teased. We have always enjoyed the same type of music, but we didn't go into detail much. "Okay, fine. I like Ghost the most. There." I said, jokingly annoyed. "Oh! Why didn't you tell me sooner! I'm rigging for Ghost tonight, I could get you a 'gig' as well." He usually refers to his rigging jobs 'gigs'. I always found it amusing.

"Are you kidding?!" I was practically bursting at the seems with joy. "That would be my absolute dream, but are you sure I'm qualified?" I wanted to let all my excitement show, but the responsibility felt too much not to be anxious about. "Y/n, I know what you are capable of. Don't worry, I will handle all of the heavy lifting, you just watch, help when I ask, and you might catch a glimpse of your favourite band." He said, winking.

The time after our conversation was spent selling gyros and hot dogs to festival-goers and jamming to the different bands performing. It was now nearing 8 pm, which meant that it was almost time to rig for Ghost! I zoned out thinking about it, but I was swiftly interrupted by a drunk man complaining that his hot dog was upside down. After five minutes passed and the drunkard had left, Michael informed me it was time to go. I had to control myself so I wouldn't flail my arms around in excitement.

The leader of the rigging crew directed us to our section of the stage after Michael informed her I was his assistant and not a fangirl. The next hour, we moved platforms, Mountain's drum set, micstands, and keyboards for the ghoulettes to their designated places. After inflating the backdrop, which I didn't even know was inflatable, I made my way backstage to go pee. As soon as I went behind the stage, I saw the back of a masked figure. I stood there, wondering if this was real. Keeping it professional, I just ignored him and walked to the toilet. I obviously didn't want to freak the poor guy out, but damn it, I really wanted to talk to him.

"Hey! Wait!" Masking my excitement, I turned around and replied; "Yes?" He looked relieved as I walked back over to him. "I hate to ask, this isn't your job." He said, fidgeting. "Could you please give me a hand with my buttons? I think one's broken." He pointed to the front of his jacket, where the faulty button was. The jacket was halfway open, showing a part of his toned chest. "Yes, of course! I don't mind at all." As put my hands on the jacket seem, I felt my cheeks heat up. I was hoping intensely he wouldn't notice. His skin showing made me feel some type of way. I knew this was not how I should be feeling, but there was no stopping it.

I finally got the button - which wasn't broken - to work and buttoned him up. I stood back, admiring my work, and/or him. "Thank you so much." He said. Judging by the way he said it, he was smiling underneath his mask. "Oh, it was my pleasure." I said with a smile. Before I had the chance to turn, he spoke again. "What is your name, miss?" I felt weirdy calm now compared to earlier. And not to mention flattered. "Y/n." I said, with a small smile. "I'm Phantom. Pleasure to meet you, y/n." We both turned to go our separate ways.