Ok, Ok. Jus’ Thought About This For A Bit And Came To The Conclusion That It’s Basically Another

“Eager” FTM!Rain/Aether

Kinktober day 2: tit-fucking

This was kinda hard for my sleep deprived brain so write, sorry it’s short 🙏

“Let-Let me fuck ‘em- Please, Droplet?”

Aether couldn’t lie, he’d been hard since he watched Rain delicately slide on his stage wear, but what made it all worse was his tits. The way they were barely noticeable when he wore his uniform, the only way you’d ever know they were there is if you grabbed them. It drove him insane.

On stage, he couldn’t help but be all over Rain. Tucking his face into Rain’s neck, feeling him up whenever he could- grazing his hands over his chest, trying to grab and feel. He earned a few hums and soft moans, only fueling his arousal.

As soon as the final bows ended, he drug Rain off stage and into one of the empty dressing rooms. He slammed the door shut, pinning Rain against it. “Aeth- What are you-“ He was quickly cut off by Aether’s lips smashing into his, their masks bumping together. Aether pulled back, ripping his mask off with Rain following in suit.

Aether’s hands immediately found the buttons of the water ghouls shirt, ripping it open and attaching onto his neck. “Fuck- Aeth, why so eager?” Rain questioned, threading his clawed fingers into Aether’s dark hair. “Let- Let me fuck ‘em- Please, Raincloud?” He was confused until the quint groped at his chest, selfish hands squeezing and twisting.

He let out a shaky breath and nodded, slowly sliding down onto his knees. “Shit, yeah-“ Rain quickly undid Aether’s zipper, pulling out his steadily leaking cock and giving him a few strokes. He brought his hand back and pushed his arms together, accentuating his little tits.

Aether Immediately got to work, fitting his cock between them and greedily rolling his hips. His head rolled back as he groaned through gritted teeth. “Must’ve needed it, huh? Needed to fuck my tits?” Rain teased, cold fingers going up to massage at Aether’s balls. He knew he wasn’t going to last long.

“Yeah, needed it- fuck- bad.” His pace faltered, coming dangerously close to the edge. “Cum on ‘em, make ‘em all pretty.” And that he did. Painting Rain’s chest with hot, white ropes. Panting, he admired his work, running two fingers through the mess and around a perky nipple. Rain gasped, pushing up into Aether’s touch.

He chuckled, kneeling down and buttoning the water ghouls shirt back up. “Why are you.. What are you..” He cringed at the feeling of the fabric clinging to his overly sensitive skin.

“Everyone will know that you’re mine. You’re gonna smell like me for weeks.”

Those words kept replaying in his head, and he was sure he was soaking through his pants.

I love them and I love you

Part 4 of my Impera ghoul designs: Swiss and Mountain. These two were the hardest for me to figure out but hopefully, they turned out alright Previous designs: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 Headcanons under the cut:

Mountain

During the Prequelle era he had long hair and it was occasionally braided by the ghoulettes. Once Impera came, he decided to cut it so it wouldn't get in the way while he worked (Swiss held a funeral for the loss)

Flowers grow on his horns during the spring

He wears different pants to accommodate his hooves and help him move easily while drumming, it's tailored to look like the regular ghoul uniform

His biggest weakness: Freshly waxed floors

Swiss

His eyes are hidden most of the time but the Siblings are advised not to look directly at his eyes specifically

Styles his hair in multiple ways after finding a fashion magazine

Very silent when he moves, Copia got so sick of getting jumpscared by the ghoul that he placed bells by the end of his tail. Swiss thinks it's funny and uses the bells to annoy him instead by constantly jingling them

Thank you for the food 🙏

I found this Swiss picture completely by accident and I thought y'all deserve to see it too because c'mon look at him.

Credit : Ryan Chang

FUCK. HYPNONE I LOVE YOU.

Why Have You Waited So Long? - You have come far, chapter 2

Come by, chapter 1

WC: 2380

Tags: Suicidal Thoughts, Near Death Experience, Hurt/Comfort

Summary: He wasn’t an attention whore, he really wasn’t, he was just- he was just so broken. It hurt so much. “It’ll get better, after the tour,” Phantom was telling himself, “they’ll warm up to me, it’ll get better. They’ll notice.”

Notes: due to a popular demand I present part two including some comfort. just a bit though because I do love angst, OKAY???

Read chapter 2 under the cut or on AO3.

Phantom was getting worse.

The solitude had made him sick, he knew it would happen. It wasn’t in ghoul’s nature to be alone, his system was protesting, begging Phantom to get help.

It wasn’t only his quintessence sounding alarms, trying to hold his small body from breaking with all its might. He saw himself rotting, he was getting paler and paler every day, skinnier too, his eyes were dull, barely any colour left in them, the tips of his horns were cracking and breaking off, crumbling into dust. Every day he woke up with more of it on his pillows.

He couldn’t look at himself in the mirror, so he broke it, pieces of shattering glass assaulting his fist only adding to the sick satisfaction.

He had been barely leaving his room the whole break between European and American tours, only when absolutely needed. To get some food, once every two weeks or so. To sulk through additional rehearsals, pretending he was alive and well.

He wasn’t neither alive nor well.

Phantom felt bad about getting sick, at the beginning, thinking about how his sickness could ruin the rest of the tour. But then he thought Aether could get back, it would be an emergency. Did any of the people that would be met with problems after Phantom’s death deserve him feeling bad about it?

He wanted to say no, but he could never really hate anyone, so he told himself yes. Yes, he was awful for getting sick and yes, he’d be awful for dying, only causing problems.

But Phantom did survive the break. Somehow.

That was even worse than if he wouldn't, now he had to go and act like he was fine not only in front of himself or a few ghouls and Papa, no, now he had to fool thousands.

He didn’t think he’d manage.

He‘d been quiet during their journey, on the bus, in the hotel. He was too tired to speak and no one would listen to him anyway.

The day before the first show Phantom slept as much as possible, forcing his own quintessence to all but knock himself unconscious. He stumbled through preparations for the Ritual, through the soundcheck.

He squeezed out some quintessence that was not concentrated on keeping him alive to give himself somewhat of an energy boost, just before they stepped on stage. He never had any issues with handling the Fantomen, but that night it weighed him down impossibly more.

He just needed to get through the show, he could do that. He’d certainly try.

The lights were so bright. Too bright, even with the darkened lenses of their helmets.

It was too loud, the crowd, the music. 

Phantom’s clothes, even being looser than originally because of how much weight he had lost, were somehow too tight, too constricting.

He couldn’t breathe, he felt impossible weight crushing his chest. 

It hurt so much.

His head was pounding, vision blurry, the sound of blood pumping in his ears nauseating.

Phantom was sure that was it.

He felt awful for it. He couldn’t possibly be such an attention whore to drop dead in the middle of a performance, could he? He had to hold on, he didn’t want to ruin anyone’s night.

The show seemed to last forever, he thought it’d never end. That it’d be his punishment for being such a failure - being stuck in an endless loop of misery and agonising pain.

But it did end, finally.

Phantom doesn’t really remember chucking a bunch of picks at the audience, getting gifts from the fans, the bows. It was easier to zone out, not remember.

Because he’d have to remember the burning of a hand gripping his own, too.

He remembers getting off stage, tumbling down a few small steps and the thud his helmet made as it collided with the floor.

He made it through that one show… but no more.

***

“Lus, I- I can’t b- believe, how did we-” Phantom heard someone sobbing. Aurora, he thought, but he couldn’t make a sense out of her choked out words.

Wait.

Where was he?

“I know, sweetheart,” it had to be Cumulus now. Her voice also sounded… wet. “We failed, all of us, but don’t take it out on yourself.”

Phantom was… he was warm? Why was he warm, it was always so cold, what-

“Shhh, don’t freak out,” someone whispered, right into his ear. He panicked, suddenly too warm, too hot, melting. His only instinct was to run away, clawing at what tried to hold him in place. Or who.

Phantom scrambled away and bumped into something that was probably a corner of... wherever he was. He curled into a tight ball, tail wrapped around his body protectively and hissed. He didn’t want to look up, look around. He didn’t want to know where he was, who he was with. 

He just wanted to be gone. He didn’t want to hurt anymore.

“Phantom, hey, hey. It’s okay, you’re safe,” was it Swiss? It sounded like Swiss. 

Why was saying that, why was he lying?

Phantom lifted his head, just a bit, just enough to peek from behind his arms. It was Swiss. 

“Do you want me to get someone else? One of the girls? Rain?” he felt himself shaking his head. It looked like they were in the back lounge of their tour bus, it was turned into a big nest. The multi ghoul was crouching by one end of it, Phantom curled in the corner furthest away from him.

That warmth… was he-  was Swiss touching him?

“Breathe, bug, deep breaths,” he said and Phantom was so tired, so weak, he couldn’t not obey. He tried to breathe, sharp inhales followed by shaky exhales, over and over again.

Swiss was watching him like a hawk, barely even blinking. Phantom tried to curl into himself more, to hide from that intense stare, the attention he was not used to.

It seemed like ages had passed before the quintessence ghoul could be considered even relatively calm. Swiss didn’t move, only offered soothing words from time to time.

Phantom wanted to hate him, hate them all, but he was so exhausted and so lonely, he clinged to every single sound that escaped Swiss’ mouth like a lifeline. He was finally getting something, he finally got noticed. He had to treasure what he was getting now, it’d be over too quickly.

“There you go,” Swiss sighed, all sad. Why was he so sad? Did Phantom ruin the show after all? “Are you back with me?”

Phantom nodded. Was he, really?

“Okay, good. Can I come closer?” He thought about it for a moment? Did he want Swiss to get closer? To touch him? He thought he wanted nothing more in the world but what if it… what if it hurt? “I’ll be gentle, I promise, bug. I need you to trust me.”

Phantom nodded.

Swiss smiled softly, even though his eyes were betraying his sadness. He slowly crawled over to the quintessence ghoul, one hand carefully reaching out. It hovered over Phantom’s knee, Swiss searching for any signs of hesitation on the other’s side. He let it gently fall when he found none.

Phantom flinched, there was no way to prevent that, but soon sobbed in something like… relief.

“Good?” Swiss asked and received a nod in return. “More? Would you like a hug?”

“P- please,” he choked out, his throat tight, eyes burning with tears.

The multi ghoul slowly but surely wrapped his strong arms around Phantom’s shaking form, covering him whole with his body. He immediately went limp, wails tearing out of his throat as Swiss held him. “That’s it, let it out. I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, bug. I’ve got you now, I won’t leave.”

Phantom could barely breathe, he was choking on tears, body convulsing in Swiss’ grip as he clinged to the multi ghoul like he’d turn to dust and disappear and Phantom would never be held again.

“Everything will be okay, I won’t leave you. I won’t let it get bad again, I’ve got you,” Swiss whispered, rocking them back and forth, doing his best to release some of his own quintessence into the room, even if now crying himself. 

How could he, all of them, be so blind, ignorant, awful? How did they miss all the signs, how did they let it get so bad? Why didn’t they take care of him from the beginning? What the fuck was wrong with them?

“N- no, you- you can’t give me h- hope, I can’t hope anymore,” Phantom cried and despite his words clutched Swiss tighter.

“I’m so sorry, I’m so fucking sorry, I-” Swiss sniffled, “there’s nothing I can do to fix it but-”

“Y- you can’t just- just decide to fix it n- now," the quintessence ghoul’s wails only increased in volume. How did they miss how broken he was? “It doesn’t work like that.”

“I know, fuck, I’m so sorry, lemme- please let me try to make it up to you, let me try to make it better, please, Phantom, I’m begging you, let me try.”

“You j- just feel bad I nearly flipped, it- it’s not real,” his words felt like a punch in the guts but Swiss knew how justified it was. He failed so fucking bad.

“No, it’s not- I mean, of course I feel fucking bad, you have no idea how bad. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want you to feel loved, it’s not- fuck, I don’t know what to say,” Swiss’ voice cracked. He thought that if Phantom really did die, he’d go right after him. How did they fail so badly?

“Just… just try, but I-” Phantom was hyperventilating, there was no breath left in his lungs. He hoped it wouldn’t get wasted by the things he wanted to say. “‘M not gonna survive another one, I’m fuckin’ stupid but I- it needs to be real, Swiss. I can’t take any more.”

“Baby… oh, sweetheart,” the multi ghoul sobbed, “I promise you, I’ve got you, ‘m not gonna let anything happen to you, you won’t be alone ever again, fuck, I’m so, so, sorry.”

Phantom didn’t have any more words, neither did Swiss. He could apologise over and over again but it made no sense. He cradled the quintessence ghoul in his arms, tears and snot soaking into each other’s clothes, held him for what seemed like hours. It probably was.

Swiss didn’t know when Phantom blacked out, he thought he did too. He remembers Rain staring down at them from the bus’ corridor with tears flowing down his own cheeks. The multi ghoul nodded at them with a pleading look, silently asking him to join. 

Rain got down on his knees and crawled over to Phantom and Swiss, helping the latter to rearrange them to somewhat of a more comfortable position. They then glued themself to Phantom’s back, squeezing the ghoul between him and Swiss.

Some time later they heard socked feet shuffling in their direction. Dewdrop.

Even before he fully laid down behind Rain, Mountain appeared in the doorway, and it didn’t take much for the three ghoulettes to make their way over to the nest too.

They should all fall onto their knees before Phantom and beg him for forgiveness, but he didn’t want that. He may be stupid for still allowing himself that tiny droplet of hope but all he wanted now was love. He wanted, needed, to be loved.

He truly wouldn’t survive more heartbreak.

***

Fans seemed to enjoy Phantom getting more lively, more confident on stage, finally allowing himself some more… intimate interactions with his bandmates. Finally being allowed touch.

But he couldn’t not feel like all the attention he was now getting was just a way for the ghouls to not feel bad about nearly letting him die. He was fine if he didn’t think about it, but at the end of the day he was just a stray animal that had stumbled into their home and they took him in out of pity, to not feel like they were awful people, to not feel guilty.

It would surely end when they got back to the Abbey, he had to soak all the comfort on the road if he wanted to have any chances at living on.

Phantom couldn’t believe it was real when they did return and he was still being seen. He was being invited for cuddles, for movie nights, game nights.

Never left behind, anymore. Never being forgotten.

Touch didn’t burn anymore, it warmed him both outside and inside in the best possible way.

He was… happier. Way happier, even though he felt like a fraud, like a mismatched puzzle piece forcefully shoved among the others. He caught himself thinking about it all ending, a lot. It was a reasonable fear with how it used to be.

Months later, years, when he’d be alone, he’d be vulnerable to the words the vile voice in the back of his head would throw at him. And he would believe them. 

He’d remember his first year on earth and realise his pack had never actually cared for him, they were still pretending, still feeling guilty about his past loneliness, the sickness they missed until it was nearly too late.

But now every time Phantom cries someone hears him. 

They don’t let him feel alone, don’t let him be cold.

“What’s on your mind, bug?” Swiss stopped his racing train of thoughts. Phantom burrowed further into his side. Rain, glued to his back, mumbled something incoherent into his neck.

“Nothing,” the quintessence ghoul sighed.

“You sure? Everything okay?” It was no wonder Swiss worried, they all did now. They were all afraid of doing something wrong, of breaking Phantom again.

“Would you mind shutting up? Tryin’ to sleep here,” Dew snarled with no real venom from Swiss’ other side.

“Let them be,” Mountain scolded him, tightening his hold on the fire ghoul.

“I’m sure,” Phantom whispered into Swiss’ chest and let his eyes slip shut again.

His pack would never forgive themselves for neglecting him like they did, they’d keep doing everything in their power to make him feel loved, cared for, cared about.

And maybe in some time Phantom would stop doubting it was real.

UUGHRJFJ IM SO NORMAL I SWEAR-

(any position.)

Swiss is literally huge omg I promise I’m normal about him

yes.

What if Rain trips over himself and falls on stage because he just cannot see shit. Like, fish boy is damn near blind without some thick-ass glasses. He, of course, refuses to wear them because they don't fit ~his vibe~ and he would rather look hot than be able to see.

Swiss/Multi Ghoul Headcannons?! 😱

Warnings: both sfw and nsfw, talks of weed, breeding/knotting, oral receiving/giving, switch Swiss, praise and degradation, hint of polyghouls(?)

SFW

- The first time he sees you, he just stares at you in awe. He’s taken aback by how amazing you look and the way your voice is like warm honey to his ears.

- Gives you all kinds of nicknames, cute and funny ones.

- When he asks you out for the first time, he didn’t even mean to. It just kinda, came out? He was just talking and outta nowhere he’s jus’ like; “Yeah, would you go out with me?”

- An absolute gentleman. Opens doors for you, smothers you with cheesy compliments, and makes sure you’re always happy.

- If you’re sad or just generally upset, he will pull you into his arms and hug you tight. He knows you can’t resist one of his comforting hugs, so he uses it to his advantage.

- As a multi ghoul he can possess a few different elements. Fire and Quintessence being the main two. So if you’re feeling down or just need to relax, go to his room. He’ll immediately be able to tell something if off with you. He’ll pull you in and rub warm circles into your back, using small doses of quintessence to help you relax fully.

- He loves when you’re vulnerable. He’s come up behind you and tickle you, and will not stop until you say you love him.

- If you’re sick, this man will in fact be up your ass until you feel better. Always checking in on you, making sure you’re well rested, fed, and hydrated.

- If you have longer hair, he’ll play with it for hours. Just fidgeting or actually doing your hair for an event. He loves it, and he loves that you trust him enough for him to be able to do that.

- Best smoke seshes with him. Even if others are there, his attention is mainly on you. Making sure you’re not gonna green out on him.

NSFW

- SPEAKING OF SMOKE SESHESSS- this man loves having sex high. He loves the way drool runs down your chin when you’re latched onto his cock. The way your eyes are fighting to stay open while looking up at him through those glassy eyes of yours. Just absolutely adores it.

- Definitely talks dirty in different languages. Some Jamaican and slurred Spanish is definitely said while he’s balls deep in you. You can’t say I’m wrong, end of discussion 🤷

- Big breeding kink. When it’s your first time with him, you’ll discover you can bend in ways you never thought you could bend before. He will continue ramming into you until his cum is spilling out whatever hole he’s fucking. Goes absolutely feral if you ask him to knot you, like foaming out the mouth.

- He could stay between your legs for hours. The way your thighs squeeze the sides of his head every time you reach your high has him leaking though his pants. Will edge you just to see you squirm and whimper, wether it’s for more or not. Man is addicted to the way you taste.

- He is a Switch, but is mostly dominant. All though if you ask to fuck him, he’d be all on board. On his knees, ready to take whatever you give him. Would praise you and tell you how good you make him feel, just to get you riled up. Oh, and if you degrade him he will be a puddle in your hands. Wrapped around your finger like a puppy, following every command you give him.

- If you guys end up having a threesome with one of the other ghouls it will most likely be Aether or Dew. If it were a ghoulette, it will ALWAYS be Cirrus. He loves the way Aether’s quintessence seeps into his brain, making him melt down to the floor for the two of you to use him however you please. Dew being possessive and bossy towards him, but oh so sweet to you. The way Cirrus’s fingers wrap around his throbbing cock, while your own hands roam his body. Just all too much for him.

- If you’re a ghoul preforming with them, he will tease and prod at you the entire time. Coming off of his platform to whisper into your ear, wrap his hand around your neck, “accidentally” running his hands over that sweet ass of yours which he adores so much. He can smell the arousal that seeps from you from his stage. He loves seeing you flustered in front of thousands of people.

- One of the kings of aftercare. Makes sure you’re alright and back down to the surface. Carries you to the bathroom to soak in a bath with him, gently rubbing warm circles into your lower back. Whispering sweet nothings into your ear, telling you how good you did. If you’re both too tired to get up, he’ll cuddle up to you letting you know that he’s there. Just so sweet compared to how he was destroying you moments before.

- If he sees you wearing his clothes, he will lunge onto you like an animal in heat. It’s turns him on to the max to see how you look in his clothes, covered in his scent mixed with your own.

I definitely have a bit of a obsession… anyways love y’all and stay safe <3

I CANNOT BREATHE.

Tonight You’re Mine

From the kissy prompts: almost kisses interrupted by a third party (don’t forget to send me any ideas - happy to give it a try!)

On AO3 or below:

~~~

Cirrus had the new ghoul cornered, hemmed in by Cumulus and herself, blocking his exit from the too-small dressing room he’d found himself in accidentally after the show, mistaking the door for the ghoul’s room, he’s inadvertently walked into a lion(ess)‘s den.

“Oh, look what we have here, Cir.” Cumulus laughs, bubbly but dripping with sarcastic edge.

“I see that…. It seems there’s a cock in the henhouse!” She flashes her fangs at Phantom as he blushes seven shades of lavender, hands up protectively, apologetic.

“M’sorry… couldn’t see… with… helmet. All the doors look the same.” He mutters, tripping over his words.

“I don’t know, Cumulus, I think he just wanted to catch us changing..” Cirrus coos.

“Awh, is that what you wanted, baby? You wanted to see what we got going on in here? We can help with that, of course… why don’t you come over here and I’ll show you something…” Cumulus purrs.

Phantom’s hair stands on end as his skin tingles, his brain warning him of the danger he is in. A fly in the spider’s web. The girls reeling him in as he tries to make his escape, finding himself caught in their grasp.

Before he can think, the girls have him pinned on the couch, mask off, Cumulus sitting on his lap, holding his vest by the arm holes and pulling him to her chest, pushing his face into her cleavage, shimmying to really bury him in between her breasts…

Cirrus laughs as Phantom emerges breathless and nearly purple at the points of his ears, sitting behind him holding him as he squirms, clearly embarrassed and unsure of the next move from the girls. His black hair mussed and his eyes wide, pupils blown.

Cirrus cards her claws through his wavy hair and pulls his head back leaning forward to run her fangs along his neck, up to his mouth, ready to press a hard kiss to his soft lips as he whines.

Just as she leans in, the dressing room door slams open and Swiss sticks his head in, a hand covering his eyes, but openly peeking between his fingers, “Heyyy ladies - have you seen our newbie?? I lost him somewhere…”

A pillow from the filthy couch comes sailing at Swiss as a muffled yelp echoes around the small room.

Phantom emerges from the ghoul pile on the sofa, looking extremely ruffled, shirt undone and hair sticking up everywhere.

“Ah, you found him! Great! Do you mind if I borrow him back?” Swiss teases, stepping into the room to escort Phantom out, looking him up and down, admiring the red lipstick on his throat from Cirrus.

“Ah, spoiled all our fun, Swissy.. come see us later - we’ll let you finish what he started..” Cirrus teases, snapping her teeth at Swiss.

“Wouldn’t miss it, ladies - it’s always a good time.” He says as he shuts the door.

Once back in the hall, Swiss grabs Phantom by the vest and pushes him up against the wall, nosing into his neck, scenting him… Warm golden eyes meeting lavender, Swiss leans in, whispering in Phantom’s ear…

“Couldn’t let them kiss you before I do…. Tonight, you’re mine.”

In case anyone (me) needed the video of Swiss spitting on his rainshaker zoomed in and in slow motion...

“Unravel.” - Aether/Dew/Rain

Kinktober day 4/5: rimming and sweat

Again- AHHH! Late! I combined ‘em to make it a bit easier. COMPLETE SHOCK FOR @finch-does-stuff BTW 🤞

Dew loved it when it was like this.

Leaned against Aether’s front with Rain between his legs, licking him out like a starved man. His blood ran like magma, thick and hot. The contrast of Rain’s cold, wet tongue, drove him crazy. Aether wasn’t any help, either; Kissing, licking, and grabbing at the fire ghoul’s soft flesh. He makes sure to praise Rain for his tongue, praises him so he knows how good he did. The two made his brain melt out of his ears, completely overwhelming him.

Rain loved it when it was like this.

His tongue buried in Dew, pressing into the deepest parts of him. He could get off just by the sounds he and the quint were constantly pulling from the ghoul. His claws digging into Dew’s crème colored thighs, promising barely noticeable scars and deep bruises. This place is one of the only places he can be reminded of the past water ghoul, as wet as can be no matter how hot he ran. The sweet satisfaction of Dew’s thighs trapping his head as he came, shaking and twitching as he slowly pulls away. He wipes the mixture of slick and drool from his chin, drinking down the praise falling from both Dew and Aether’s lips.

Aether loved it when it was like this.

He loved the sweet smell of cinnamon and caramel that surrounded the ghoul, he loved how drunk he would get off of it. He loves being able to watch and feel Dew shake under his hands as he gets dangerously close to the edge. He loved tasting the sugary, sweet sweat that drips down onto Dew’s neck. He licks it up greedily, adoring the way the spice of him burns his throat. The was Rain groans when Dew locks his head in place as he cums, coating his chest, sends him into a frenzy of praise to the two of them.

They all loved it when it was like this, and they all loved each other. Sickeningly so.