Feel The Dew

Mushy May Day 22: Reminiscing

Mountain wakes in the middle of the night and watches his mates sleep.

Thank you to @forlorn-crows for putting Mushy May together, and to @ghuleh-recs for making the dividers <3

Another alternate prompt for today!

Mountain can't sleep. It's strange. He's normally the first of the three of them out, snoring gently before his partners have even closed their eyes. Normally sleeps through the night without fail. But despite being awake, he cherishes it, the room dark, barring the silver moonlight that slips through their curtains, just enough to see by.

He turns in Dew's arms, slowly, carefully, not to wake him. But if Dew can sleep through Aether's snoring, rattling in his chest like a chainsaw, Dew can sleep through anything. The fire ghoul's expression is peaceful, eyes gently closed and moving under lids, dreaming. The furrow between his brows is smoothed over, and Mountain can't help himself from brushing a strand of spun gold hair back behind the point of his ear.

It moves his hair off of his neck, and it's just barely bright enough to make out the silvery, parallel scars that line the sides of Dew's throat. Mountain exhales through his nose, unable to resist bringing his fingertip down, tracing featherlight over one of the long cauterized scars.

Dew's ear twitches, piercings jingling, and Mountain pulls his hand back. He stirs, but doesn't wake, mumbling something nonsensical. Mountain's lips quirk up, just staring fondly at his smaller mate. He remembers when those scars were fluttering teal fins, when the spun gold hair was silver.

It makes something pang deep in his heart, the remembering. When things were unimaginably bad, when the three of them clung to each other like fresh, new kits too scared to leave the nest. Scents changing, sea salt to campfire.Terrified, unsafe, paranoid of every shadow.

Things are better now, the band den full of pack again, ghouls that Mountain loves with everything he has. And he has Aether and Dew, peacefully asleep in their shared nest.

He smiles, moving to settle back down. There's a hand curling around his bicep, and he jolts, Aether's eyes glowing amethyst in the dim light as they meet Mountain's.

"Everything okay, nova?" Aether whispers, voice gruff with sleep. "I knew you woke up early for the greenhouse, but I didn't think it was this early yet." The joke is light in his tone, thumb smoothing over his freckled skin, right on his farmer's tan line.

Mountain snorts quietly, kicking into a rumbling purr. "I dunno why I'm up, sorry for waking you."

Aether shrugs with one arm, the other pillowed under Dew's head. "You didn't, not really, just sort of... felt your emotions. More intense than they usually are this late."

"I was just thinking," he says, eyes drifting down to their mate between them. The grip on his arm tightens, Aether's thumb still rubbing in an arc over his bicep.

"We're okay, we made it," Aether whispers, and Mountain nods.

"I know, this is real."

"We earned it, we earned our rest," he says, eyes half-lidded with sleep but still so kind and warm, the magick swirling in his irises like galaxies.

"If we earned our rest, can we please fucking sleep?" Dew mumbles groggily, shifting between them with an adorable pout on his lips.

"Sorry, firefly," Mountain whispers, leaning down to press a kiss on his mate's forehead, letting Dew pull him closer. Their legs tangle together, and Mountain can feel Dew's pulse where their chests are pressed together, remembers how feathery and frantic it was back then, just how much terror tinged their scents. It was so bad they had to get new sheets.

Dew's expression softens, wrapping his arms around Mountain's torso, squeezing him that much tighter. "You okay, junie?" His voice is soft, sweet, the way he speaks to them versus the way he speaks to the rest of the pack.

Mountain nods, a soft keen slipping past his lips as he ducks down again and nuzzles into the crown of Dew's head, avoiding the sharp point of his little obsidian horns. "I love you two," he whispers, eyes darting from Dew's to Aether's and back. "So much. I don't know what to do with it all, I love you so much."

He can see the way Aether's cheek dimples as he smiles fondly over Dew's shoulder, can feel the way Dew's grip around his middle tightens. "Love you too, junie," Dew whispers, breath infernally hot against the shell of Mountain's ear.

Aether's hand squeezes his bicep in three quick pulses. "Love you too, sweet thing. Don't know what I'd do without the two of you."

Dew cranes his neck, peering over his shoulder at him. "You won't have to find out, swear it on our Father Below," he declares, a stubbornness set in his shoulders, and Aether leans down and kisses him. He turns, leaning over Dew's narrow shoulders to kiss Mountain too, tasting the beeswax of his lipbalm.

"Alright," Dew huffs, pulling the two of them back down to the mattress. "I love you two dearly, but can we please sleep?"

"Anything for my darlings," Aether hums, wrapping his arms around the two of them, hauling them closer to him. "Good night."

Dew hums, satisfied, copper eyes shutting as he snuggles between them. Very quickly, Mountain's the only one still awake. He looks at his mates, feels their body heat burning warm. He settles into the nest, breathing in their oh-so familiar scents, and lets that carry him back to sleep.

Reblog this for the science

GUYS WHAT THE FUCK

????????

The Ghildo is trending on X. Why do I find this so funny?

Seriously. Why do they think all women want a short ass tee? I went to 4 different stores (I'm not counting TJ Maxx as their selection is hideous) before I found 2 tops. I've lost 50 pounds at this point. It. Shouldn't. Be. This. Hard. To. Find. Something. That. Fits.

Reverie's Ghoul Kit Masterlist

Ghoul Kits:

Calida (Dewdrop/Step-Dad Aether): (CW) Basic Stuff. , More Step-Dad! , Over the Phone. , (CW) On DVD. , (CW) Daughter? , Gender Reveal. , Sister Imperator , Learning About Her Real Father. , On a Plane.

Starshine (Dewdrop/Aether): Another Baby.

Ember, Orion, Lily (Rain/Everyone): First Day of School. , General Pregnancy Talk.

Comet (Aether/Phantom): Finding Out. , On Tour. , First Steps.

Venus (Terzo/Omega): In a Perfect World.

Age Reg: Phantom - Baby's Day Out.

Kit Dewdrop: Little Fishy Writing.

Ghoul Kit Upbringing.

Sister & Mist.

Would you expand on this? Pretty please 🥵🥺

Of course 👀 Sorry it took a bit to respond. Thoughts were thoughting and it kinda ran away with me into a slightly different direction and then I forgot to post before I fell asleep 😂

Context: This video.

Anyway, …incoherent spiciness of the cum play variety under the cut. 

Swiss knows the moment Aether looms over him on stage, jerking the fretboard of his guitar over him, what he really needs. What he has been missing. Why he’s lying here on the stage floor, letting himself writhe under the fleeting burn of the sparks hitting his body. The thought alone has him press the tail end of his Hagstrom into his hardening cock for a moment longer, imagination running wild, before he pulls himself to his feet like nothing happened, turning on his heels to see which side of the stage Aether went to.

 Mind made up. Plan already forming, knowing he has to act fast. Or Dewdrop gets him first.

He can’t let him have it. It’s his. 

He follows Aether with quick steps once he spots him, cuts into his path, and ushers him into the nearest empty room with a determined look that betrays his true intentions. Muttering under his breath that it wasn’t fair to tease him like this and then just walk away. That Aether should know. Ignoring the questioning noises Aether makes in response.

Swiss wastes no time to get on his knees and cup Aether’s full, heavy balls through the sweat-wet fabric of his stage pants, massaging them roughly. His mouth already dropping open at the feeling, a pleased shudder going through him. Anticipating the taste. The smell. How he’ll positively reek of Aether. He whines. 

„Aeth….“

A low, breathy chuckle comes from above him, Aether’s words reaching his ears in the same quality. “That’s how it is? Need me to match your outside with your filthy inside so bad?”

Swiss blinks, slow. His way of stopping himself from looking away. He won‘t get it if he looks away. He has to follow the rules. Then he nods.

“Please” he chokes out, unable to keep the desperation cursing through him out of his tone.  

Aether moves to brush a loc out of Swiss face, thinks about making him wait until they’re back at the hotel when Swiss turns his head just slightly and kisses Aether‘s palm so hopeful, so desperate, eyelashes already uncharacteristically damp and….He just widens his stance. He can’t. Not tonight. 

 „Take what you need, sweetheart”

And Swiss does. His hands fly to the fastenings of Aether’s pants, yanking him closer as he still holds Aether’s heated gaze. Doesn't even look away once when he finally gets them open and drags them down around his thighs, stretching his lips over the tip of that thick cock, tonguing the fat veins at the sides as he feels it fills out in his mouth. Encouraged by Aether’s groans, the hand cupping his cheek

Swiss whimpers when the taste hits, gets stronger with every drop of pre leaking steadily into his mouth. He holds him there, relishes in it, in the stretch, before he fumbles with the golden hooks of his vest,  lets it fall open, and haphazardly rips at the button tab of his dress shirt right after when it takes him too long to get them undone. Impatient and already too single-minded to care. 

He slowly lets Aether’s cock slip from his mouth, keeps jacking him, messy fingers rubbing and pressing into that sweet spot behind his balls while he inches forward until his knees find their place between Aether’s feet, close enough that any pre drips messily onto his belly. His thighs. Nothing shall be wasted.

And Swiss gets lost in the feeling, in the way Aether matches his hand’s rhythm, how he rocks forcefully down against his fingers. Intense. Generous. Giving him what he needs. What he craves. 

Feeling Aether’s balls draw up, he tips his head back and has Aether’s release spill over his chest. His hips jerk forward in abortive little thrusts as white ribbons decorate his warm brown skin. Instantly he frees one hand to smear it around, up to his collarbones and his throat. Gets it pooling on his fingertips to rub it behind his ears. Shiny stray droplets run down his belly, catching in his hair there before he reaches down to spread them with a happy sigh as well.

Aether can only watch as Swiss’ hands roam over his glistening body, eyes closed and mouth gaping, saliva spilling over the corners. Face blissfully slack, with sweet high-pitched sounds accompanying every move as he coats his skin with Aether, a sense of calm washing over him. 

Aether finally lowers himself down in front of Swiss with an elated laugh, his hand coming up to thumb a drop Swiss somehow missed over his nipple, dragging it all the way down until he reaches the waistband of Swiss pants and pops the button out of the hole.

 „Think I missed a spot.“

I had this idea the other day of Ifrit and Alpha and Baby Dew spending some quality fire ghoul time, either doing some fire ghoul traditions or just the three of them hanging out in general!

-🌺

Just a quick little thing! I hope this is ok 🩷🩷🩷

Cw: alcohol is mentioned a couple times in passing, just sipping it

If anyone were to ask Alpha what his favorite part of summer was, he'd grumble and say nothing, it's too hot and too sticky and the bugs are annoying.

But it's this.

He smiles to himself as he carries back an armful of fire wood to the spot that has long since been designated the bonfire spot. He can hear Ifrit and shortly after his voice he hears Dew's happy giggle.

He loves it, getting a fire set up for his pack, just him and the other fire ghouls getting it ready. It's somehow more special to him when Dew's little and excited, clapping and tossing little sticks into the circle happily babbling about fire, at least they assume that's what he's talking about.

When he breaks out of the trees he watches Dew's chubby little dirt covered hands point in his direction, alerting Ifrit that Alpha was back.

"I see him." He smiles and kneels to kiss the baby's head.

"Alf! Sticks!" He points at the circle, showing off his little twigs strewn about.

"Doing all the hard work for me?" He kneels beside the baby, stacking the wood the way he wants it while Dew continues to toss things.

"Fuoco!" (Fire)

Alpha wipes his hands on his pants and picks the baby up. "Faremo un grande e bellissimo fuoco." (We will make a big beautiful fire)

Ifrit smiles and wanders closer, taking Dew's little hand and pressing a kiss to it despite the dirt clinging to his skin.

"Are you excited for the fire? Sunteți entuziasmați de foc?" (It's the same question asked)

Dew wiggles to be set down and points at the fire pit again. Alpha glances around, the sun is finally starting to set and he's pretty sure he can hear a giggling gaggle of ghoulettes getting closer.

"Will you help me light it, Piccola fiamma?" (Little flame)

Dew's eyes are bright when Alpha takes his hand and a little flame flickers between his fingers. He guides their hands down to the kindling and Dew giggles with the flames catch. Ifrit cheers, telling Dew what a good job he'd done.

Cirrus and Cumulus are the first to arrive, wrapped together in a blanket with wine flushed cheeks and a basket of snacks Cumulus had been busy baking all day.

"Mamma!" Dew crawls as fast as he can over to Cumulus and she beams as she picks him up.

"Hi baby!"

His chubby little hand points at the fire. "Me!"

She gasps. "Did you make it all by yourself? You're so talented!"

"Alf me!"

"Oh, you let him help you? That's very kind, I'm sure Alpha was happy to help."

The rest of the pack trickles in slowly, Swiss has Phantom on his back even though the Quint isn't dropped and Aurora beside him holding his hand. Mountain and Aether follow behind with arms full of blankets for everyone to sit on. Rain and Omega are a bit behind them with another basket of snacks. Omega has his arm around Rain's shoulders, steadying him up the bumpy path so he doesn't trip.

Dew's the first to excitedly greet everyone and Ifrit moves closer to Alpha, the way he always does on nights like this. He doesn't say anything but he drapes his arm across ifrits shoulders and let's him scoot closer to his side.

He takes a quiet moment to just appreciate it, having them all here,scattered around the fire, talking and laughing, watching Dew play and babble to himself.

It's not something he talks about often, how deeply he loves them, words aren't always easy for him, but there's nothing he wouldn't do for them. He tightens his arm around Ifrits shoulder, drawing a content purr out of the younger fire ghoul.

This is his peace.

Alpha watches Swiss help Phantom and Aurora make smores, watches Aether lift Dew up onto his lap so the baby can gnaw on a marshmallow that Mountain is holding for him, unbothered by the copious amounts of drool. He watches the way Rain kicks his legs up over Omega's lap so the Quint and help keep him comfortable as they talk to Cumulus and Cirrus, sipping wine and giggling about their conversation.

"This is nice." Ifrits voice is soft, almost sleepy.

"It is." He takes a minute, glancing down at Ifrits head against his shoulder before he starts purring, rolling his eyes fondly at the happy chirp and Ifrit shuffling himself around until hes all but wrapped around the bigger fire ghoul. "Clingy."

"Yeah, I am."

He doesn't say anything but he ducks his head to press a kiss between ifrits horns.

"You-"

"Shush or I'll push you down the hill."

Ifrit snorts and shakes his head but keeps quiet about it. Alpha watches across the fire as Dew's eyes start to get heavy, the excitement starting to catch up to him. He shoves Mountain's hand away and squirms until Aether let's him slip to the ground, the Quint keeping a close eye on him.

He crawls over to Alpha, pausing and holding his little arms up.

"Alf up p'ease."

Ifrit moves just enough for him to bend to scoop the tiny ghoul up into his arms, the baby snuggling into his warmth immediately, his rumbly little purr joining Alpha and Ifrits.

Cirrus tosses a blanket to him and he drapes it over Dew's back as he starts to drift off.

"Alf mine."

He smiles a bit and glances around, taking in the easy contentment filling the space, the warm sense of belonging.

He is Dew's, he's all of theirs. Forever.

I really wanted to do something involving all the papas and on a whim decided it was scenery painting time featuring their respective color themes! This was really fun to work on but a LOT of work, I hope you guys all enjoy them! :)

ID in ALT text; Photo ref credits under the cut!

Photos Referenced:

"The Devil's Eclipse right above a church" by Peter Wienerroither

"Iceland Church" by Remo Daut

"Val Gardena Dolomites, Italy" via anonymous uploader to Peakpx (unfortunately, the uploader seems to have sold rights to a domain and I could not find their name)

"Villa Monastero, Italy" by sae_snaps on instagram

So disappointed because I didn't have the chance to see this at the theater. I'd pay $20 to own this but not to rent for 48 hours. And let's not forget that $11.99 subscription fee to VEEPS. Come on guys.

Idea: the ghouls all collectively deciding that Copia is too stressed and has been overworking himself, so they clear his schedule behind his back and force him to relax and take time for himself. Maybe with a cuddle pile at the end. :)

This is a perfect idea! Copia deserves some time off with his beloved ghouls and they will pamper the fuck out of him! He just needs a lot of convincing

Content: Weed use and some slightly spicy stuff in the end, but nothing too explicit :3 Also, some spoilers for Rite Here Rite Now

Word Count: 1856 (it turned out a lot longer than it should lol)

“Hey, Papa. Wake up. I need to show you something,” Mountain said, walking into Copia’s bedroom early one morning. 

Copia was barely awake, groaning as the ghoul opened the curtains, letting in the morning light. It was way too early.

“It’s so early, Mountain. Also, it’s Frater now. No need to call me…Papa. Let me sleep…,” he groaned, burying his face in the pillows. He didn’t want to be up. He had so much to do with his new role as head of the clergy and he wasn’t ready to face the day yet.

“You’re still Papa to us. Please, it’s important,” Mountain said, standing at the side of his bed and looming over him. Copia opened one eye, looking up at his ghoul before letting out a tired sigh.

“Just…un momento. Five minutes please,” he said, holding up four fingers. 

“Okay, Papa. I’ll wake you up soon,” Mountain said, stepping away from the bed with a knowing smile on his lips. Copia didn’t question it as he went back to sleep. 

Whatever the ghoul had planned could wait until later. He was going to have a long morning of paperwork once he had breakfast. No, he could just skip breakfast and get the work done early so he could make time for the many meetings in his schedule. 

Copia drifted in and out of consciousness until he was certain he had slept more than five minutes. He was getting a suspicious amount of sleep, but he was just so comfy and relaxed and he didn’t want to move. Too relaxed and comfortable…

“Cazzo! Mountain! How long has it been?” He exclaimed, opening his eyes and sitting upright in bed. 

The ghoul sat near the bed, scrolling away on his phone when Copia woke up. He simply smiled back at him, not looking concerned in the slightest.

“It’s been two hours, Papa. You needed the rest. Now, you get dressed in something comfortable and you can come with me,” the earth ghoul said, gesturing to his sweats that were laid out neatly next to him. 

Copia felt like his heart was going to burst out of his chest with how fast it was beating. He had too many things to do and his ghoul let him sleep in of all days? This was outrageous.

“What’s the meaning of this, Mountain? Why haven't any clergy members come in asking for me?” He questioned, still not moving from the bed.

“Because you need a day off, Papa,” a voice said from next to him. 

Copia turned his head and let out an unmanly scream when he saw Swiss sitting next to him on the bed, grinning like an idiot. 

“Santa merda! When did you get here, Swiss?” He cried out, his hand going to his chest. The multi ghoul always had a habit of scaring him like that.

“I’ve been here this whole time, Papa. Gotta make sure you get some good sleep,” Swiss chimed, holding up two fingers. His eyes glowed a dark purple and Copia felt his comforting quintessence fill his mind.

He shook his head, his thoughts going to all the work he had to do now. His ghouls usually never were like this. What was going on?

“I gotta get to work,” he grumbled, getting up from the bed.

“No you’re not. We cleared your whole schedule for the day, Papa. You’re going to relax with all of us,” Swiss crowed.

Copia froze, looking from Swiss and then to Mountain who gave him a simple nod. This couldn’t be. He didn’t have time for a day off now. There was much to be done and so little time to do it. Was the rest of the ministry notified? That was all he really needed to know before accepting such an outrageous offer from his ghouls.

“Does…the rest of the clergy know that I will be taking the day off?” He asked.

“Of course! It took a lot of talking and some help from us quint users, but we managed to clear your schedule. Mountain also took care of your rats while you were asleep,” Swiss said.

Copia raised a brow at the mention of the quintessence being used on the clergy, but if they agreed to it, then it couldn’t be that bad. He sighed, looking over at his comfortable sweats. It had felt like an eternity since he last relaxed in those clothes. 

“I…guess…I will allow this once. What do you ghouls have planned?” He asked.

“Just get dressed and come with us, Papa,” Mountain said, his smile beaming.

Once Copia was dressed, his ghouls led him out of his room, through the church, and to the bath house. Copia had nearly forgotten the last time he went to the bathhouse. Most of the time, it was used by the siblings and the ghouls. 

Upon opening the bathhouse doors, excited voices filled the air when he saw his ghouls running to and fro with blankets and a huge assortment of sweet-smelling soaps and bath salts. The main bath was already ready, lavender steam rising into the air. 

The ghouls all froze when Copia stepped in, staring at him with wide eyes before they all smiled. Aurora was the first one to rush forward, giggling while holding a flower crown made from honeysuckle and lilies.

“You finally made it. Mountain said you slept in, but that gave us plenty of time to get everything ready. I made this for you, Papa,” the ghoulette chimed, standing on her tiptoes to place the flower crown on Copia’s head. He smiled and bowed his head for her, letting her place the sweet smelling crown on him.

“Thank you, mia cara. I appreciate it,” he said, turning his attention to the others who now surrounded him. Aurora chittered and rushed over to Swiss’s side who nodded at her before tousling her hair. 

“How long have you guys been planning this?” Copia questioned.

“I think it’s been over two weeks now. It was kinda hard with you being in charge and all, but we’ve seen how much you’ve been working and we wanted you to have a nice day off,” Cirrus explained, gesturing to the giant pool of water behind her. 

“So, you want me to bathe all day?” Copia chuckled. 

“Of course not, Papa. We have more planned for you once you’re done here,” Cumulus giggled.

“And are you going to tell me what you have planned?”

The ghouls chittered amongst themselves briefly before shaking their heads. Copia sighed, turning his attention to the bath. It looked incredibly inviting. It had felt like years since he took a relaxing bath like this. 

An idea soon came to him and he turned back to his ghouls who all stood at attention, eager to do whatever he pleased.

“Care to join your Papa?” He asked, taking his red hoodie off. 

“Of course! How else are we going to wash you, massage you, and take care of you?” Cirrus crowed as the rest of the pack began stripping off. 

Copia couldn’t help but stare at his magnificent ghouls, his cheeks growing warm. He grunted and tried to focus on undressing himself and once he had stripped, he stepped into the wonderfully warm bath. 

“Oh, that’s nice,” he murmured, easing into the bath and sitting down. His ghouls soon joined them. Rain was the first to get into the bath, the water ghoul completely submerging himself in a deeper part of the bath before swimming over to cuddle into his right side. 

“I picked out the best soaps just for you,” the water ghoul purred.

“And you made an excellent choice,” Copia cooed, brushing a thumb along the ghoul’s neck and lightly touching his gills. The water ghoul shivered under his touch and wrapped his cool arms around his middle. 

“And I picked out the bath salts, Papa,” Aurora chimed, sitting by his left and clinging to his arm. Copia turned his attention to the ghoulette who looked absolutely adorable holding his arm to her chest. 

“I have some snacks here for you. I’m sorry you missed out on breakfast, but we’ll be fixing something real good for you soon,” Cumulus cooed, bringing over a plate of pastries and fruits to him. Copia’s stomach grumbled at the sight of such a delicious treat.

“And I made sure the water was hot enough for all of us,” Dewdrop said, sitting by the edge of the pool and dipping his glowing hands into the water and making more steam. Copia sighed in content, relaxing into the bath more and thinking of how nice the fire ghoul’s hands would feel on his back. 

“You wanna get high now or later, Papa?” Swiss asked, wading over to sit next to Cumulus. Phantom was by his side, already taking a long drag off of a joint and looking like he was already on another planet. Copia sniffed the air and caught a whiff of the weed mixed in with the sweet smelling soaps. 

“Now,” he said.

Phantom nodded and lit the joint before handing it over to him.

“Grazie,” he said before taking a long drag of the joint. Copia’s eyes nearly rolled back in his head when the drug quickly took a hold of him. He hadn’t felt this good in such a long time. He leaned his head back and breathed out the smoke through his nose, watching it float around him before disappearing into the steam. 

“How do you feel, Papa? Good right?” Phantom asked.

“Amazing. Thank you all for…letting me have a day off,” he sighed, looking at each of his ghouls with a drunken smile. He was incredibly lucky to have such loyal ghouls there for him. 

“You know, since you’re in charge, you can take days off whenever you want and the ministry will listen. Just remember that, Papa. No one is gonna be mad at you,” Aurora said, pecking him on the cheek. She was right, but it was going to take a while to adjust to his new role. 

“And if anyone gives you shit, then we can eat them. Just give us the command,” Swiss purred, plucking a purple grape from Cumulus’s plate of snacks and squishing it between his claws before popping it into his mouth. 

“You’re absolutely right. I’m the big man now,” Copia said, spotting an apple slice and taking it.

“You sure are,” Rain crowed, his gaze going from the apple slice and then down. Copia noticed where he was looking and smirked as he took a bit of the apple. Knowing his ghouls, they wouldn’t be leaving him alone all day and night. He looked forward to all the attention they would be giving him. 

“Is there anything else you need, Papa?” Aurora asked, wrapping her tail around his soft thigh, a playful smile on her pretty lips as she leaned in and nuzzled his chest. Rain did the same, purring loudly. Copia swallowed the rest of his apple, suddenly aware of how close his ghouls were to him.

“Ehh, I can think of a few things,” he said with a nervous chuckle.