Per Aspera Ad Inferi - Ghost x fem reader

II. Settling in

"What do you mean you're going to be touring with them!?" My brother half-screamed at me. "I mean that a Ghost band member came up to me and asked me. Simple as that. I'm meeting them later today." I said nonchalantly. "Aren't you excited?" Michael was jumping up and down in excitement at this point. "Y/n, this is a big opportunity. No, not big, huge." He said as he put a hand on my shoulder. Michael was super invested now. "Of course I'm excited! I've just had a bit more time to process it. Not to mention having to act cool in front of one of the ghouls!" He moved his hand off my shoulder. "Y/n, good fucking luck." Was the last thing he said before tackling me into a bear hug that could crush bones.

"Michael, let go!!" I jokingly screamed. He stopped squeezing me so hard and we just sat in silence on the couch for a bit. "Isn't it weird that mom or dad aren't here to tell us to 'Stop fighting'?" I reminisced. "Yeah, I guess it does feel weird, but in a good way." Michael replied, still holding me in his grip. I had been living with Michael for three months now since I moved out of our family home. We figured this arrangement was best because neither of us wanted to live alone.

"Michael, wouldn't it be cool if you came with me on the tour?" I asked, knowing what the answer would be. "Yes, it would, but I can't. I already have gigs lined up, I can't just bail on those. Also, my passport is expired, so I wouldn't have time to get a new one as such short notice anyway." He leaned down in front of my face. "But you. You go have the best time you could possibly have. You've earned this." I started tearing up at his kind words, and I hugged him one more time.

*

A few hours later, I was packed and ready to go. Michael drove me to where Ghost was staying, which was just a few minutes out of the festival grounds. It was bittersweet saying goodbye to him, but I wished him good luck with his gigs, and he sent me on my way. With one last bonecrushing hug, of course.

As the trailers came into view, I saw a familiar face approaching me. "Greetings, young miss." Papa Emiritus IV said as he stood in front of me. Off stage, he seemed shorter, but the difference was minimal. Being in his presence made me feel safe and comfortable. "I'm Papa Emiritus IV, but you probably know that by now. It's a pleasure meeting you." He said, taking my hand and kissing the back of it. "No, it's my pleasure, really. Thank you so much for this opportunity, Papa Emiritus." He seemed taken aback by my remark. "Please, just call me Papa. There is no need for such formalities." He had this twinkle of mischief in his eyes. His smile was bright, even when his mouth was closed.

"Phantom told me your name. Y/n, is that right?" I nodded. "That is a gorgeous name, y/n." He took my hand in his and squeezed slightly. "Thank you so much, Papa. For the compliment and for this oppurtunity."
He smiled even wider now. "No problem, cara mia." I blushed at his little nickname. He stared into my eyes for a second before he spoke again. "Anyhow, I'll get my ghouls to help you with your things. I suppose you'll need it." He said, looking me up and down, studying the pile of bags surrounding me. "It's okay, I'll handle it." I said, not wanting to be a bother. "Please miss, let us do this for you." Two ghouls swiftly appeared at his side. Aurora and Swiss.

"Hello!" Aurora piped up. "You must be the new recruit, Papa already told us." Swiss stood next to her, eyeing me through his mask. "My ghouls, could you please help y/n here with her bags?" Aurora nodded with enthusiasm and took a bag off my shoulder. Swiss turned to me and did the same, I caught him winking at me before turning around. I was now left with only my small handbag.

It only took a minute before the four of us stopped in front of a trailer. "This is where you will be staying, so get comfortable." Papa said and opened the door to show the inside, which had a vanity, closet, pullout couch, and a decent sized TV. I poked my head in and spotted a small kitchen area as well. "Thank you, I really appreciate it." I said, as Aurora and Swiss loaded my bags into the trailer. "It's really no trouble at all." Papa smiled down at me. "Just call on me if you need anything. My trailer has my name above the door." I looked at the trailers behind me, and sure enough, "Papa Emiritus IV" was plastered above the doorframe of a slightly fancier trailer. I nodded and smiled in appreciation.