You love the other ghouls, you really do. But Satan below, they were loud.

You had spent all day out with them, shopping and stopping at bakeries and coffee shops to get snacks and drinks, and while it had been fun, you had quickly grown overwhelmed. Loud ghouls and a crowded city did nothing but terrible things for your senses.

You were silently grateful when the car had pulled back into the ministry. Your tail was clinging to your leg and your ears were lowered, overstimulation itching at your spine and brain. Entering the den, your first instinct was to lock yourself in your room, but you paused in the hall, right in front of Ifrit's room.

The ghoul could be loud and rowdy, yes, but he could also be soothing, calming. His warm body wrapped tightly around you was always comfortable, and you found yourself knocking on the door and pushing it open.

"Oh, firebug." Ifrit perked up when he saw you, his ears twitching. His expression faltered when he saw your visible discomfort and he scooted over on his bed, making room for you. "Damn, darling, what happened? You okay?"