#Happy Lupercalia!

[copiousloverofcopia]

💖💗 Happy Valentine's Day!!!💗💖

Here is my FINAL Lupercalia/Valentine’s Day fic for 2023!

Don't worry I still have some letters to post!

Hope everyone is indulging in lust and love today! I know I will be 😏

Without further ado here is my Valentine's commission from the wonderful @kawaiic featuring her OC Saccharine and Copia!

This Night Was Made For Us

Some NSFW below the cut!

Also available HERE on AO3!

Commissions are still open! Please see pinned post for carrd info with heart mug site.

art of Sister of Sin Saccharine by @kawaiic

The sun was shining brightly in from the window of the sisters’ dormitory and the sound of Primo’s song birds twittering away, trickled in from just outside. Saccharine stretched out in bed, waking up with a huge smile on her face and a warmth inside her heart that was unmatched. The sister always had a sweet disposition, but today was a special day. It was the first day of Lupercalia.   

Tonight was the beginning festival dinner and everyone would be there for the celebrations including Papa Emeritus the Fourth. Since their confession of love for one another had been spoken, it made this year’s Lupercalia more special than ever before. It was always a magical time, one that Saccharine held the most dear to her heart. This year, she had decided to go all out. Her plans and preparations would include a fantastical display, one she was sure would wow them all. Especially one very timid and sweet Papa. 

She got dressed in an adorable deep red pinafore dress and corset. Straightening out the line of red lace along the bottom, before pulling the corset laces to perfection over her white puff sleeve blouse. A beautiful bow—adorned at its center with a golden grucifix brooch, was perfect to finish off the look. Saccharine gathered her long brunette hair into a delicate braid. Crimson red bows the base of her neck and at the tail. Adding a bit of flare to her hair, before reaching for just a small touch of blush and a bit of gloss on her lips as she smiled in the reflection in the mirror. 

“I got this!” she reminded herself, taking a deep breath. She slipped on her red pumps and grabbed her wicker basket before heading out the door. Bounding out to the hall, minding her step, she was ready. Keep close watch over her basket so as to not lose a single Valentine. 

She had spent weeks making them. Each one, cut from layers of cardstock by hand, decorated in lace, topped with small crystals, and sprinkled with just a touch of glitter. No two were alike and each made with love for everyone who resided within the Abbey—ghouls and siblings alike. Saccharine wanted to let everyone know how much she cared for them, and as she made her way toward the kitchen she handed them out to everyone she saw. The recipients’ faces, lighting up at her generosity and being touched by her joyous spirit as she passed them by. 

When finally she arrived, Saccharine burst through the kitchen doors. Immediately grabbing her apron and gathering up all her memorized ingredients. The sister was intent on making enough pies to feed the entire Ministry for the night's celebrations. She promised to single-handedly bake them all–plenty of cherry, strawberry, and even raspberry ones for Primo, for all to indulge. 

Before she knew it, a cloud of flour, sugar, and determination was thick in the air. Suddenly Saccharine could hear the scurrying above on the overhang of the oven. "Ah! Buongiorno Gnocchi, Rigatoni. I hope you both are well this morning. Although I must say you best not let Sister Imperator catch you in the kitchen." She giggled. The little rats, watching her intently as she worked on her pies. "Oh before I forget these are for you." 

Saccharine reached into her pocket and grabbed two tiny cubes of cheese, each carved into the sweetest little hearts, and handed them to the rats. "Surely I couldn't forget you guys today. After all Lupercalia is for everyone." She smiled. Gnocchi and Rigatoni, more than happy to nipple away at her gifts. Saccharine took a moment to wipe some flour from her cheek, taking a quick glance at the clock before panic set in.

“Oh no!” she said, scrambling to get on her oven mitts on before pulling a pie from the oven. The sweet smell of strawberries, and pastry crust, hitting her nose with exuberance. “Oh thank Lucifer it’s alright.” she sighed, relieved, exhaling through pursed lips. 

“What are you doing all alone in here sorella?” said a voice from behind her. It was Terzo preparing to stick a finger into one of the settling pies. “Whatever it is, it smells delicious.” he purred until Saccharine gave his hand a friendly swat. He quickly pulled his hand back shaking off the pain a moment when she spoke. 

“Papa, you no better than to sneak a taste. The pies are for dessert tonight.” Saccharine chided. Terzo sucked in his lower lip, a wicked smile pulling at the sides of his mouth as he continued. 

“But sorella, surely just one taste won’t hurt?” he hummed.

“Uh…” Saccharine began before catching sight of Nova appearing in the doorway. She was a new ghoulette in the Abbey, bound by Terzo, and already so in love. She was extremely sweet and already such a good friend to her. The sister couldn't help but think the ghoulette had the most beautiful wavy hair. She had even loved to brush it, as the two of them spent time together in the sibling common room. 

Now that normally sweet face was scrunched into a scowl as she approached them. “Papa! So this is where you’ve run off to!” the ghoulette hissed, realizing that of course he had been flirting—an Emeritus speciality.  

“Ah si amore, you see the smell called to me.” Terzo laughed nervously as Nova furrowed her brow, her tail whipping back and forth so hard it cracked the wind against it. “She loves me, I swear.” he laughed once more as Nova rolled her eyes. 

“The pies smell delicious Saccharine, I can’t wait to see you tonight for the big reveal.” Nova wiggled, sending a smile and booming with excited energy.

“Big reveal?” Terzo asked, looking back and forth between them, completely confused and covered in flour from a bag he managed to spill over. 

“Oh no worries Papa, it's just something I have planned for Copia. A surprise so no telling ok?” the sister explained, hoping that she would not have to explain more. Nova shook her head letting Saccharine know there was nothing to worry about. 

“Ah well that makes two of you. I hear mio fratello has a surprise planned too.” Terzo explained.  

“Oh?” the sister exclaimed, her heart immediately beginning to pound inside her chest. What could it be, she asked herself. Her fingers tracing over the hem of her apron. Nova broke the silence between them.

“Well I guess we will find it all out tonight, see you later sister.” she said, sending a wink to her as she yanked on Terzo to come with.

“Oh no wait! I have these for you!” Saccharine called as they went to leave the kitchen. She handed them both their Valentine’s from the basket, a big smile spreading across her face as they took them. 

“You are simply too kind, sorella, I don’t know what mio fratello did to win the affections of such a charming sister, but he is a lucky man indeed.” Terzo admitted as Nova nodded, pulling him out of the kitchen, leaving Saccharine to finish tending to her pies. 

Copia was pacing in his office. A well worn spot in his expensive antique Serapi rug, picked out by Sister Imperator. He wondered if she would notice. One of a million thoughts flying through his mind as he palmed the square box inside the pocket of his crimson red swallowtail jacket. 

He adjusted his black Victorian-style shirt, pulling down on his ruffled sleeves to even them out before looking at his paint, for the tenth time, in the mirror. Everything tonight must be perfect, he told himself. His nerves set on edge as a knock came at the door. It was Primo. 

“Ah fratellino! I knew I would find you here.” the eldest Emeritus brother applauded. He brought himself over to the black wingback chair in the corner of the office and made himself comfortable as he spoke, “Still nervous I see?” 

“Wouldn’t you be?” Copia admitted, the look of concern ever present on his face. Unable to be completely hidden by his Papal paints. 

“No and If you think about it I don't think you would be either…well maybe not as much.” Primo chuckled. Copia sat opposite him on the lounge, tapping his gloved fingers and bouncing his leg. Primo reached out to place his hand on Copia’s knee, halting his movements and bringing his attention back to him. 

“Listen you, have the ring I gave you, si? It was my mothers fratellino so I should hope you still—” Primo began barking at his younger sibling. 

“Si, of course of course.” Copia said, giving his pocket another pat. Primo’s face once again relaxed with reassurance.  

“Then you are set.” Primo shrugged. Copia became quiet for a moment. His brother made everything sound so simple. Could things really be that easy? Nothing else in Copia’s life had ever come to him as easily as his feelings for Saccharine. His whole life, he had struggled to prove himself. Even his ascension within the Ministry had been fraught with trials and tribulations, never knowing he was an Emeritus until after the miter had already been placed on his head.

“But what if she says no. I mean we haven’t exactly known each other long but I just…”

“Just what?” Primo remarked, convinced that Copia was overthinking as he always did. 

“...can’t live without her.” he confessed, the words hurting his heart as they left his lips. A truth he could no longer deny.

“Then that is all that matters. You will see. I think the sister will surprise you.” Primo said, standing up from the chair. His old bones cracking and popping as he made his way back to the door. 

“Maybe you’re right…” the reigning Papa hummed under his breath. Primo smiling and shaking his head. 

“I am always right. I will see you tonight for the festival dinner.”

“Ok.” Copia replied, his gaze falling back to the floor at that damned rug. 

“Oh and fratellino…do NOT lose the ring.” Primo groaned as he left his brother to his thoughts.  

The smell was intoxicating as Saccharine made her way through the labyrinth of rose bushes that lined Primo’s garden. The beautiful shades of red, pink, and white—a testament all on their own to the celebrations that were to take place this night. The garden was a magical place and one that held the most precious of memories. As Saccharine made her way deeper inside, she stumbled upon the just person she was searching for—Sister Rosemary. 

The sister, who also went by Rose, was a convert that had arrived at the Abbey a few years before Saccharine. Her forehead was adorned in a brand, she herself made, after averting from the Catholic church. She had to be one of the most friendly siblings within the Abbey and was the go to person within the infirmary. Always mixing and concocting new salves and potions to help others with their ailments. Tonight however, she would help Saccharine with a different request. 

“Ah Sister! Give me just a moment.” Rosemary said as she set down her mortar and pestle before disappearing into the greenhouse. She reemerged only a few minutes later with a large sack that held out for Saccharine to take.

“Oof, is this all of them?” Saccharine asked, amazed at how heavy the bag was. Sister Rosemary began nodding her head. 

“Well actually I sent another bag off with Cumulus earlier. But hey, they are all freshly plucked and none of them wilted as requested.” she assured her. “Do you need any help carrying that back Saccharine?”

“Oh…no thank you. I think I will be just fine, but I have something for you too.”she told her as she handed Rose her Valentine. 

“This is very kind of you sister. I am sorry I dont have one to give you in return.” Rose sighed. 

“Oh! It’s no worries. You have done so much for me already. They were a perfect idea, I can’t thank you enough.” 

“You’re welcome, but I should tell you the roses were Primo’s idea. He said he wanted things tonight to be special for you.” Sister Rosemary admitted. Saccharine did a double take, did Primo know about her surprise? 

“Well thanks again I must get ready, I will see you inside?” Saccharine asked, lifting up the heavy bag and gently tossing it over her shoulder. 

“Of course.” Rose nodded, sending the sister a smile as she headed back through the garden maze. 

All of her preparations had been made. The valentines all handed out with the exception of one–Copia's. Saccharine wanted to save his for after the surprise. Her beloved Papa had been detained for most of the day, caught up in his own preparations and obligations to the Ministry.

It was almost time. She touched up her makeup in the first floor restroom, hearing the hum of the ghouls tuning their instruments in the Great Hall. A smile spread wide across her face–dinner was starting. She walked quietly down the hall through the crowd of ghouls and siblings. 

Everyone was dressed in their best Lupercalia attire. Decked out in dresses and suits, like a sea full of black, red, and pink as far as the eye could see. It wasn’t often that the siblings were allowed out of their clerical clothes, and Saccharine couldn’t help but enjoy getting to see everyone’s personality shine through in their chosen garments. She smiled at everyone as she walked, her heart pounding in anticipation of the one person she had still yet to see. 

She looked forward to the moment they'd see each other. Her heart longing for him somehow even more today than ever before. This thing between them had only grown, multiplied, and flourished since the night of their dance under the light of the moon. Their romance, having blossomed so much that Saccharine no longer could see a future without him in it. 

She found herself drifting as she navigated the hall, her mind swept up in daydreams of the two of them together. It wasn’t long before the haze of her thoughts cleared and the vision of her Papa’s office door filled her view. Finally, she thought to herself as she knocked gently on the door. When there was no answer she carefully began to open it, “Hello?” 

“Sweetheart? Is that you?” Copia said as he locked eyes with her. His demeanor, changing from the nervous and fretful man he was moments ago, to the love sick Papa that only had eyes for her. Saccharine ran to him, arms wide open as Copia scooped her up in his. Spinning her around and planting the softest kiss to her lips.”Amore you are truly breathtaking today.” he smiled. 

Saccharine’s face flushed a delicate shade of pink. A color that only added to the beautiful features of her sweet face. “I can already hear Aether and Mountain getting the band in order for dinner. Are you ready to head over?” she asked him. Copia smiled once more, gently feeling the box inside his pocket and nodded to her. 

“Bene, mia principessa, sono pronta se lo sei.” Copia replied, holding out his arm for Saccharine to take.  

“Absolutely,” she began, “I just hope Rain remembered to bring all the pies.” she laughed, Copia joining her.  

“We can only hope.”  

The couple entered into the Great Hall, equally as embellished as the siblings. With its lavish display of romantic colors and flowers that filled the room with the most wonderful scent. The mood was definitely set for a perfect evening. Saccharine and Copia quickly made their way to the head table. The two of them, taking their seats beside Secondo and his Prime Mover Ren.  

“Oh Saccharine you look absolutely beautiful!” beamed Ren at their arrival. 

“Oh my, so do you!” Saccharine smiled back. Secondo’s Prime Mover was heavily pregnant with the fourth of their children. She glowed despite being tired, having been busy in the infirmary all day with her own responsibilities. Yet somehow found time to help with the evening’s surprise. She was so kind and Secondo, normally the hard and stoic Papa, was a huge softie in her presence. The man doted on and protected her as if she were made of glass.

“Soon, si?” Copia asked as the ghouls placed the plates of pasta in front of them. Secondo smiled, taking Ren’s hand in his before giving his reply.

“Very. We are so close, we have been trying to get things going.” he smirked, Ren turning to whisper in Saccharine’s ear just what exactly that meant. Her words, sending a flash of redness over the sister’s face. Neither Ren, nor Secondo were ever shy about their own personal enjoyment of the cardinal sin—their bountiful family proof of that. The forwardness, a bit much for Saccharine as she laughed it off and twisted up a fork up of pasta from her plate. 

Dinner was going wonderfully. The conversation between those at the table was full of energy and intrigue. The smiles and hearty meal had made the room filled with satisfaction and happiness. Saccharine finished her last bite as she caught sight of Sister Rosemary and the ghouls out from their seats. It was finally time for her to give Copia his surprise. 

“I will be back in a few, I must go powder my nose. Please excuse me Papas, Prime Mover.” she said as she stood up from her seat. 

“Okie dokie.” Copia smiled as she dismissed herself from the table, but not before Sister Ren grabbed her hand.

“You’ll do great.” she whispered, sending Saccharine a wink as she made her way to the front of the Hall. The sister nodded with determination in response. Copia tried to watch as Saccharine walked away, but Ren called his attention back to the table to help distract him from the real reasons she had taken leave.

“Papa, so when are you going to pop the question?” Ren asked, Secondo shooting her a look, “What? I want this to happen before I go into labor and miss it all.” she laughed, Copia joining her.

“Tonight is the night. I have never wanted anything more in my life.” he said. Secondo smiled over to Ren and placed his hand on the swell of her belly.

“I know the feeling.” the second Emeritus son hummed as he planted a kiss on Ren’s forehead. Before they knew it the lights began to flicker. The whole room, looking around in confusion as to what was going on when finally lights remained off, leaving them in blackness. Only the small candles adorning each table, illuminating the room. 

Copia went to stand up and see what was the matter when suddenly the band began to play once more. Prime Mover Ren, pulling him back down in his seat as his curiosity began to grow. The lights turned back on and suddenly Saccharine was front and center before the Hall. She stood, flanked by Cirrus and Cumulus on one side and Sunshine and Nova on the other. Copia was taken back and unsure of what to make of everything until she began to sing. Her voice, energetic and full of passion as she and the ghoulettes standing beside her started to recant in song the tale of the moment that changed everything.  

 🎵I was so new— unsure of what I would do–🎵she sang, spinning around. The ghoulettes, leading in to hang on every note as they left her lips. She hopped on the piano at sat in the corner normally used for practice as Cumulus sat down to play. A performance unlike anything they’d seen more in front of the whole Abbey.  

🎵To the garden I made my way, as the flowers called to me. My known destiny not far away🎵

“Destiny? In the garden?” Nova asked, giving the crowd a wink. Saccharine, singing her response. The story of her and Copia’s first encounter unfolded in melodic bliss. A group of siblings joined them. Swirling and twirling around her as she continued to sing her heart out. Copia’s own heart swelling inside. He could have never imagined something so wonderful. His beautiful sorella’s voice, filling his soul with all the love that Lupercalia could ever hope to hold.

 🎵The roses were in bloom that day🎵she continued, the words belting out of her with so much power and love. The ghoulettes, beginning to clap to the beat when suddenly a cascade of rose petals fell from the rafters like the confetti at Rituals. Copia looked up only a moment to catch Dewdrop and Rain, hanging above, waving down to him from above as the red petals shone in the lights like glitter. A brother of sin went to take Saccharine’s hand, helping her to spin. Copia could feel a bit of jealousy creeping up as the sibling went to dip her but instead she  bopped his nose. Tonight—no doubt she would truly be his in all ways. 

🎵”I never knew a Satanic Pope could be so charming.” I said as you stepped away. I knew then I would love you for all always….🎵 

She finally began to walk towards the table. Copia’s heart was pounding harder and harder as she made her way towards him. His whole body, responding to her beauty as only a lover’s could. He knew that he wanted her always and in all ways there was to want someone. Longing to make her sing more, and more in his own way. She stopped before him, finishing off her song.

🎵After all it's true— I’m in love with you.🎵she finished, tears pricking at her eyes as she pulled out her Valentine to give to Copia. Without a second passing, Copia pulled Saccharine in and kissed her. His tongue, dancing with hers as he held her so close. Their hearts, syncing in their embrace. He pulled back a moment to catch a breath, his mind already drunk in thoughts of things to come. 

“Oh sweetheart, così incredibilmente bello, Lucifero stesso è stato serenato dalla tua voce. I have something for you too.” Copia smiled, his eyes beginning to well up with tears.

“Oh.” Saccharine replied when it dawned on her that Copia had dropped to one knee. She took a deep breath. The sister, hardly able to believe what was happening right before her eyes. Copia pulled out the small box from his jacket pocket. Saccharine now unable to hold back the tears that spilled over her cheeks, knowing what was coming. 

“There is nothing I want more Saccharine than to spend the rest of my days with you as my wife. My lover, my partner, my Prime Mover. Would you do your Papa the honor of marrying me?” Copia asked. His words, filled with conviction and desire. There were never two lovers that fit as soulmates as much as Copia and Saccharine. 

“Yes! Papa—Copia!” she answered, Copia once more pulling her in to kiss him. The whole Abbey cheered and clapped around them as Copia slipped the ring onto her finger. Bringing her hand to his lips, kissing it. She would forever be his.

“You have made me the happiest man alive dolce.” 

“And you have made me the happiest woman.” Saccharine smiled through her tears. 

The rest of the night was a blur, nothing recalled but their love, the faint hum of celebration, and the lingering taste of champagne as Copia walked Saccharine back to the Papal suite. It was unspoken between them, but the desire had been building up and was on the precipice explosion, as the dewy-eyed lovers heading inside. Not moments in, Saccharine caught sight of the roses that trailed across the floor.

“Seems I’m not the only one who owes Primo some more roses.” Saccharine giggled marveling in the romantic gesture.  

“Seems not.” he responded as he watched her light up, taking in the Papal suite for the first time. 

“Oh Copia, it's beautiful here. So elegant and fancy…almost too fancy to touch.” she laughed, Copia taking her hands in his. 

“Sweetheart these rooms are just as much yours now as they are mine. We are to be wed, partners in all things. There is nothing that I have that I don't wish to share with you.” 

“My love.” the sister cried, the two of them gazing deeply into each other’s eyes. They had somehow made their way back to the bedroom. Saccharine could see the blanket of rose petals spread across Copia’s bed. Candles lit all around the room, setting a romantic atmosphere with an intent that was too obvious to deny. “Copia?” she asked him, waiting for him to tell her what he had planned. 

“Sweetheart I was hoping, you know since it's Lupercalia…and well you are to be my wife…that..ah…we could…that we could worship in lust. Becoming one in his name. Do you…do you know what I’m asking you?” Copia stuttered, the light freckles on his face brought out more with his blushing. Saccharine’s breath hitched within her chest. Her eyes shimmering in the candlelight. 

“I–I do Copia and I…I want it too.” she replied, blood swirling around in her veins and settling in her core. The heat between them, burning intensely as Copia’s eyes fell over her body. Without another word he lifted her up into his arms and carried her to the bed. Their eyes locked as the two of them carefully undressed before each other for the first time. 

“Tu sei veramente la creazione più bella di questo mondo. Sono stregato dalla tua bellezza amore mio. I thank Lucifer every waking moment for bringing you into my life.” Copia vowed. 

“As do I.” Saccharine cried, feeling her heart pounding away as Copia stripped himself of the last of his garments. Copia hovered over her in the bed, her breathing labored and skin ignited with a stroke of his fingers between her breasts. "Are you nervous?" Copia asked, noticing her trembling.

"A little." Saccharine admitted, biting her lower lip as he smiled down at her. She lay there, in their now shared bed, all the dreams and imaginings of what this moment between them would be like, flashing through her mind. 

"I am too." Copia confessed, "but there is nothing I want more amore...nothing." The waves of desire overwhelmed them both as Copia brought his mouth down onto hers. His body, warm against hers, sending a quiver down her spine. Their bare flesh pressing into one another's for the first time. 

She could feel his sex hard against her. His need for her, growing as she melted into his kiss. He gently caressed her breast, Saccharine letting out a moan against his lips. Copia, pulling back a moment, looking over Saccharine’s body. His gaze committing every curve, freckle, and mark to memory as he drank her in. 

“Can I touch you?” he asked her, his eyes trailing to the space between her thighs. She nodded yes, wanting him to touch her just as much. Copia’s mouth returned to hers before his hand sank between them, running gently over her folds. The heat inside her radiating with his touch. Copia and Saccharine, both letting out a moan as his fingers slipped inside. She was already so wet for him, so ready as he gently glided through to her core and pressing up into the spot he knew would send her hips up from the bed and a moan from her lips. A delightful sinful feeling, washing over them as he continued his ministrations. Saccharine’s body, responding to his touch as if she were an instrument played by expert, yet delicate hands. Her hips, lifting to help guide him where she needed him to touch her. Craving more and more friction between them. 

“Oh Copia…I need you.” she moaned, her fingers entangled in the sheets. Petals of roses, staining her skin as she pressed hard against the bed. Copia ceased all movements to listen to her. Hear her pleas before his animalistic need might cloud his judgment. 

“Are you sure amore…sweetheart if you aren’t ready, we don't have to continue.” Copia assured her, but Saccharine pulled his lips back to hers. Kissing him hard and wrapping her legs around him to pull him down close to her. 

“I am very sure.” she said with conviction. Copia didn’t need to be told twice, immediately pressing into her most intimate flesh with his own. Both of their mouths, falling open as they became one. His sex, pushing deep inside her as Saccharine held him close.  

Copia's mouth was brought down to her breast–kissing and nipping as Saccharine gasped and mewled. His mouth, quickly returning to hers once more. The two of them, dancing together, bodies wrapped together in lust. Copia filled her out inside as Saccharine conformed around him.

Their bodies, fitting together perfectly as if they were made for one another. It wasn’t long before she felt the pleasure building up inside, her body shaking and trembling with him inside her. Feeling Copia this way was unlike anything her imagination could conjure. A thrilling sensation beyond anything she ever had known before, now promised to be hers forever. 

“I love you.” Copia said as he got close. His movements, once soft and gentle, gained pace and depth. Worshiping her with every ounce of his being. Saccharine began writhing beneath him, crying out his name as she began to tumble down. 

Before she knew it, Copia had flipped her over on top, both of them giggling as she slid back down onto his length. "Ah…" she sighed as her thighs held tight around him. 

"I love you too...Oh Saccharine, you feel so good around me." Copia purred. Saccharine, herself was unable to control the moans that left her. She rolled her hips in time with his thrusts, Copia began panting and groaning. Her body pulsing and squeezing around him so deliciously. The two of them, reveling in the sensations made between them. 

Copia brought his hands up to cup and knead Saccharine's breasts, her head falling back in pleasure. There was an intense surge, a crash of lust and desire hitting them both hard until they could no longer contain it. Loving making together, wrapped up in each other's arms, two becoming one in the name of Lucifer. Copia's rhythm began to falter as he got close, grabbing tight to Saccharine's hips

She moved up and down on him, with her hands on his chest. Fingers buried deep in his nest of hair. Her body unable to hold back from her orgasm any longer, she came hard around him, crying out his name into the night.

“Sì, sto venendo per te…ah!” Copia whined as he released deep inside her. They continued to move, slowly returning from the heights of passion climbed. A consummation of their feelings for one another made complete. As the wave of their efforts dissipated and they held each other close, Copia ran his fingers through Saccharine’s long hair. Picking rose petals from it as she nuzzled her against his chest. 

“You know I have been waiting to do that with you for so long…but I am kind of glad we waited until tonight though because it was more perfect than I ever thought it could be…” Copia began.

“Me too.” Saccharine smiled up at him. Her beautiful face, glowing in the candlelight. 

“Really?” he said, a tone of disbelief in his voice. Copia, still amazed that anyone could truly love him, but more so that this gorgeous creature somehow could.

“Oh Copia I have wanted to be yours for so long too. What took you so long to ask me that?”

“I didn’t want you to think this was a passing thing. That I only wanted you for carnal conquests. I am not my fratelli. I have never wanted something that was meaningless. And while they both have that now, this has always been what this has meant to me and I wanted it to be special. For you to know, as I took you, that you were truly mine and I, yours.”

“Tonight…my love, everything was perfect. Best Lupercalia ever.” Saccharine assured him, giving out a lightheaded laugh as Copia went to kiss her forehead. His eyes filled with love and adoration as he gazed upon her in their shared post climatic bliss.  

“You know sweetheart, Lupercalia, Valentine’s Day… no matter what anyone chooses to call it…this night—-this night was made for you and I.”

Notes: 

Bene, mia principessa, sono pronta se lo sei.- Well my princess, I am ready if you are.

così incredibilmente bello, Lucifero stesso è stato serenato dalla tua voce.-so incredibly beautiful, Lucifer himself was serenaded by your voice. 

Tu sei veramente la creazione più bella di questo mondo. Sono stregato dalla tua bellezza amore mio.- You are truly the most beautiful creation in this world. I am bewitched by your beauty my love. 

Sì, sto venendo per te- yes, I'm cumming for you.

[duxfemina]

Happy Lupercalia!

May you be visited by a near nude Marcus Antonius bearing a crown and bits of goat flesh during this festive time

[paaxindigenouswitchcraft]

Christians or should I say the church (Catholic) do not celebrate Saint Valentine's Day or even acknowledge it on their calendar as they do not believe he was a saint and they call the holiday a Pagan festival (because it is actually Lupercalia.)

Alot of priests frown upon any of their members who celebrate the day.

Saint Valentine's Day gets it's name from a priest called Valentine, who was performing secret marriages so young men didn't have to go to war (married men who were drafted at that time didn't have to go to war.)

When he was found out, he was sent to prison to be beheaded by the church for his crimes.

While in prison awaiting his fate he fell in love with a girl, they passed notes to each other and on the notes they signed them anonymous to keep their love secret (because it is a sin in the eyes of the church for a priest to enter into a lustful relationship.) This is why Saint Valentine's cards are originally sent anonymously.

(These are actually only made up stories in order to take pagan holidays down. None of any of the stories of "Saint Valentine" are historically acurate.)

[lvpercalia]

Today is my birthday and also my brother's :)

[tarabyte3]

Happy Lupercalia! 💖🐺

Celebrate your bodily autonomy and sexual liberation with a NSFW text version of the Andy Serkis Valentine's Day meme! 😏

(along with some unhinged thirst posting)

That middle left image: I KNOW IT IS. YOU CAN'T CONVINCE ME OTHERWISE.

I mean LOOK AT HIM. Why are you always sitting like that, Andy? Hmm??? 🥵🫠👀😳🔎🫳

[tramaqueen]

BYMTCH we went to the medieval torture museum. my s.o. got embarrassed after taking those 2 pics & left my ass there. caught up w/ them after just to watch them get their ass beat on Hollyweird Blvd. what a vday amirite?

[gaia-lapis-77]

Happy Valentine's Day/Lupercalia day 💗

[rosalind-of-arden]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: The Great Library Series - Rachel Caine Rating: Explicit Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Niccolo Santi/Christopher Wolfe Additional Tags: Lupercalia, Flogging, Hand Jobs, Frotting, Pre-Canon, nervous inexperienced Wolfe, Santi is good at everything, Plot What Plot/Porn Without Plot, good things can happen in Rome too Summary:

Young Wolfe and Santi are in Rome for Lupercalia, and there's only one way to celebrate properly: with flogging!

[crownedinmarigolds]

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY/Lupercalia from Daimund and this wonderful asylum of Malkavians!! Please click and look at all of the amazing work, it's just SO large Tumblr cannot possibly properly show off how incredible this looks! It's - WOW. TWENTY SEVEN MALKAVIANS and one Quinn (<3) are in this picture! I did my best to height match and to make sure we could get a decent look at everyone...! Thank you to EVERYONE who participated and do not worry if you couldn't - there are tons of holidays and clans to draw for! In the best order I can manage from left to right: Monday - @zyurp Sophia - @holly-bearie Rigby - @themarginalthinker Emil - @morticrows Mir and Marie - @problemsynth Claire - @pretend-pretend-vampire Thom - @socialprawn Charlie - @osatokun Quinn and Sunspire - @tzimizce Niko - @shaydh Daimund - @thesixthplaneteer Shivers - @kmpshitposter Andrea - @bugcouncil Heleen - @m4rloe5 j and clemency - @luoniiel and @kermitted-cause Brooklyn - @svampira Wyrd - @clompe Apollo - @mountainashfae Lucas, Noelle, and Zeus - @supersquiddle Finn - @confusedwithglitter Lyla and Thirteen - @problemsynth Father Emir - @urbanknightart Monroe - @cynical-tuba

[greekmythcomix]

Happy Lupercalia!

May you have all the fertility / whips for kicks you wish for! 🩸

(Sadly, probably not the origin for Valentines -https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/secondary/SMIGRA*/Lupercalia.html#note:February_fifteenth )

[capersacer]

HAPPY LUPERCALIA ! Source: https://culters.store/es/antigua-roma/314-lupercalia-camiseta-negra.html

[jasper-the-menace]

Liberta was the daughter of two guards and trained to follow in their footsteps, specializing in a spear like her parents before her. This training put her in close contact with the young prince sons of King Lupercalia, Lagravis and Lavertus.

As they got older, Lagravis and Liberta grew closer, carrying on a secret romance until they both turned eighteen. Liberta was no longer willing to keep their relationship secret, so in keeping with Lion Tribe tradition, she challenged Lupercalia to a duel for the right to marry his son.

And then beat his ass.

Lupercalia was a good sport about all of this and impressed by Liberta's strength and cunning (which he was no slouch on, either), so he gave her his blessing to marry Lagravis. When Lupercalia stepped down as Lion King, Lagravis took on that mantle, and Liberta became the Queen.

They were married for many happy years. Lagravis and Liberta had Laval when they were in their late thirties, but Liberta never fully recovered from that and passed away shortly afterwards.

But if you think that's where the story ends, you're wrong!

Due to Lagravis's wild and crazy youth (half of which was due to Lavertus and Liberta egging him on), he's had enough near-death experiences to tap into the Bear Dream Realm. So he still goes there sometimes to speak with Liberta, give her updates about Chima and their family, and get some advice from his wife. Needless to say, this is an incredibly weird thing to try and explain, so Lagravis doesn't really talk about her, and everyone assumes that it's because he's still mourning her. Only the Bear Tribe really knows what's going on, but they aren't saying shit.

Currently, Liberta's cheering Lagravis on to make his move with the new Tiger Advisor, Tormak, because she both thinks it would be funny and also wants her husband to be happy in the Waking Realm too.

[leezlelatch]

what do u think copia would do for his prime mover on valentine’s day??

If You Had Life Eternal

Papa Emeritus IV has a surprise for you on Valentine's Day. Copia x F!Reader/Prime Mover ~1300k words.

Valentine's Day. Lupercalia. A holiday that Copia has spent many times within his chambers, or alone at the edge of the dance floor, watching the revelry of his fellow congregation. There have been moments, of course. A whispered sigh. An eye catching his. Sweat, and gasping breaths, but no "I love you." No "I like you." No waking up in the warmth of a lover's arms with warm and happy memories of the night before.

That is...until he met you.

Copia wonders sometimes if you understand the breadth of his devotion. How much he utterly adores you with the very depth of his soul. You have changed his life. You brought the Cardinal out of his hole and helped him become a Papa who can stand tall and proud. And what absolute joy he has to claim you as his Prime Mover. Sometimes Copia can't keep the giddy smile from his painted face when you're pressed to his side at a clergy function in robes that match his own. And the anticipation of what comes next...his own, sweet, perfect little family.

Oh, how much he loves you.

Copia stands in the center of one of the rooms in the abbey which the band uses to practice in. There isn't much to it - a wooden floor, a few cases here and there of equipment, a drum set. It's dark, the only light source coming from the open door which illuminates his figure dressed in a frilled, black blouse, cravat loosely around his neck, and tight pants that could even rival the suit pants from his Cardinal days. His hands are clasped in front of him politely, and the only indication of his nerves is the subtle tick of his jaw, and the circular motion he makes between forefinger and thumb.

"Copia?" Your voice echoes gently through the room as you peek through the doorway, an eyebrow raised as you take in his somewhat awkward stance.

A smile instantly stretches across his face and he holds his arms out to you, "Amore."

You laugh a little and move further into the room, your figure shadowed by the light in the door as you make your way to him.

"Whatever are you doing in here?" You smile at him, his arms coming to wrap securely around you. Two puzzle pieces fitting together perfectly.

"It's Valentine's Day," he hums. He leans down to press a light kiss to your lips, mindful of his make-up. There will be time, later, to cover you in black kisses. He will ensure it.

"It is. And my husband is being very sneaky," you tease. "I got your note."

"Good, good, and eh...what do you think?"

You look around the darkened room and then back to him, an amused, yet mildly confused, expression coloring your features.

"What do I think of an empty room...," you smirk.

Copia's brow furrows, his eyes locked on yours, and then a jolt seems to go through him as he remembers.

"Ah shit, shit, I was supposed to do it when you walked in," he holds up a finger, and steps back.

You put your hands on your hips and watch him, biting your lip as he motions dramatically as if he were on stage, his arms in the air. A smile only for your Papa graces your lips as you gaze upon your silly, sweet Copia. He hasn't even done anything yet and your heart is racing. Just from him. Just from...who he is. The love of your life.

Copia, arms raised high, claps them once, the sound slightly muffled by the soft gloves on his hands, but enough for what he wants. The entire room suddenly lights up in a soft glow. All along the walls connecting the entire circumference of the room are string lights, their Edison bulbs twinkling merrily down at the both of you. Your eyes light up at the sight, smiling gloriously as you spin on your heels to take in the entire sight.

Copia giggles softly at your reaction, his cheeks pink under the paint, butterflies bouncing around in his stomach as he watches you. He can hear movement behind him, and surreptitiously gives the ghouls a thumbs up who are getting into position for the real surprise.

As you turn back around to your Papa, you freeze as your eyes sweep over Aether, Sodo, and Swiss who stand behind Copia, their guitars swung over their shoulders as if they are preparing for a concert.

You laugh in confusion, tilting your head to the side. Copia smiles and steps forward to take your hands, his eyes reflecting every pure inch of love he feels for you. His thumbs smooth over the tops of your hands, and a sweet smile rests on his lips.

"Amore. Do you remember, a few years ago, when I asked you what song you would have liked to see live at a show?"

You nod, your lips parted as you look at him, struck by his gaze.

"And that was?" He prompts.

"....Life Eternal," your voice is quiet, and you clear your throat to speak a little louder. "I always wanted to hear Life Eternal."

Copia lets go of your hands and stands back, reaching out as Swiss hands him a microphone.

"I'm sorry it took so long, la mia vita eterna."

The ghouls begin to strum, their strings sweetly curling around your heart, an acoustic performance just for you. You are blinking away tears, a hand on your chest as the first notes of Life Eternal bless your ears, and Copia's attention is only on you as his voice croons out,

Can you hear me say your name forever?

Can you see me longing for you, forever?

Would you let me touch your soul forever?

Can you feel me longing for you, forever? Forever.

Ever since that first moment you heard his voice in your ear, you knew this man would change your life. The first time you saw him, his figure moving about the stage, wobbling his butt to the audience, you knew he would always make you laugh. The first time he smiled at you, you knew you were in love.

There is nothing like Copia's love. All-consuming and passionate, a fire lit in your bones, and the coolest, most gentle balm over every wound within your soul. His affection, his unending thoughtfulness, the most ridiculous lewd jokes, allow you to be entirely and authentically yourself because if there is one person in the world that thinks you are perfect, it is him, and he will remind you of that every single day. He's told you before that you saved him, but he's got it all backwards. He saved you.

Copia moves close to you again, his fingers brushing away the stream of tears falling down your cheeks as he sings. You cling to him, holding fast in case he were to disappear at any moment. This is everything you have ever wanted.

As the ghouls' voices pick up, a haunting chorus of "forever," Copia cradles your face in his hands and kisses you fiercely. His lips take you with abandon, his tongue curling around yours, claiming you, and you entirely allow him. Your fingers cling at his shirt, and you can feel wetness hit your cheeks. Copia pulls from you with a gasp, his own tears carving tracks through his paint as he sings the final verse, his lip trembling as his eyes desperately try to convey that yes! Yes if he had life eternal, he would long for you, forever.

The moment the song has ended, you launch yourself back into his arms, both of you falling to the floor.

The ghouls see themselves out. They know what's coming next.

Happy Valentine's Day.

[captaingrebelguf]

Dark Baptism

Okey dokey! We're here again. Back to fuel the two-person fandom-beast created by the incredible: @copiousloverofcopia. <3

Ren, you deserve this because of doing that thing that you did for me. Thank you, my sweet. xoxoxo

Mrs. Prime Mover Sister Alessandra borrowed from Prime Mover Ren and her series, Tied as One Eternally. Please read. It's life changing. And Ren is the best. Anything you click on written by her will instantly make your day better and leave you beyond flustered.

Oh yeah, some minor NSFW themes below. And a happy Imbolc to those who celly. Onwards!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Okay, so awhile, awhile back……

“Come on, hustle, hustle!” Liz encouraged Alé as they squeezed through groups of excited, chattering siblings.

“Liz, we don’t need to be weird about it! It’s okay if I miss out on this sign up!” Alessandra griped as her wrist was limply strung along by her dearest friend. 

After being at the Ministry for almost a year, Alessandra had admitted she was ready to have her previous faith washed away and be born again as a Child of Lucifer. Unfortunately, these types of baptisms were held quite irregularly (as it depended on the interest from the novices). So when Alessandra had overheard Sibling Margeaux mentioning a few other newcomers gaining interest, she knew she had to jump on it. She was ready to commit her life to the Ministry, her new chosen family, and The Dark One.

Elizabet continued to drag Alé along to their destination: Primo coming hot off the pulpit. The oldest of the Emeritus brothers was coming down the steps to greet a few siblings vying for his attention after his sermon today. 

Today, Primo had preached about the upcoming Imbolc holiday; he spoke about how the weeks ahead would be addressing the proper ways to prepare, purify, and heal in this life as the first of February drew near. He closed with reminding the masses before him in the pews that the more popular holiday, Lupercalia, followed closely behind and as always the Clergy would be putting on the regular shenanigans. 

“Papa!” Liz called out, waving down Primo.

Primo gave the young women a soft smile as he motioned them in, “Sister Elizabet, Sister Alessandra, unblessed be.”

“Beautiful sermon today, Papa,” Liz beamed, Alessandra agreeing beside her. Liz grabbed Alé’s arm and nudged her to Primo, “Papa, we were hoping to catch you in regards to the upcoming unbaptisms; Alé wants in! So how does she sign up? “

“Thanks, mom,” Alé gave an unamused glare to her friend, being perfectly able to speak for herself as needed.

“Is this right, Sister Alessandra? You’re wanting to cast off your former affiliations and join us for good, eh?” Primo gave her a wink as he held out his gloved hand for her. Primo had taken a shine to this girl; he had been complimenting her addition to their sect for months now. 

Alé clung to his hand, nodding and looking deep into his mismatched eyes, “It is, Papa. I’ve already dedicated my life to Satan, but this feels right. It’s what I need to do. I’d be honored to have you absolve me of my past indoctrinations-- if there’s still room...” 

“Nonsense, Sorella, it would be my onore,” Primo beamed, his old eyes shining, “I will remember to add you to my list and Brother Garrett, who is coordinating this for us, will reach out to you with further instructions next week.”

“Thank you so much, Papa, this truly means everything to me,” Alé expressed her gratitude. Out of the corner of her eye, she finally caught sight of him: Primo’s terror of a brother. Alé could see the younger of Primo’s two attending cardinals sitting in the center pew with his legs obnoxiously stretched out and arms casually draped over the back of the bench.

Terzo was turned from her slightly, coolly chatting up a Brother of Sin he caught the attention of behind him. Terzo’s gloved fingers toyed with one of the gold buttons on his stark, black cassock laying everything he had on this poor soul. Alessandra couldn’t hear their conversation, but the playboy must have said something ridiculous because the blonde man he spoke to was doubled over, waving him off. Terzo looked beyond amused; a large cheeky grin took over his expression as he tucked a stray piece of hair back into its place. Alé couldn’t help but frown watching the disgusting display.

Alessandra quickly averted her eyes back to Primo, “Papa, it feels silly to ask, but can you promise it’ll be you performing my unbaptism? I really feel… the most comfortable with you.”

“My child, I may be getting a little aged, and I may not have many more February dips in my near future, but I can promise you unless our Dark Lord Satanas speaks against it, I shall be there to welcome you back into our arms from their lies.”

“And your cardinals can't do baptisms, is that right?" Alé pressed, looking for a little more solid confirmation. From her peripheral, she could see Cardinal Terzo motioning out the doors as he proceeded to stand and shake out his cassock. He gave a wink to the enamored Brother of Sin as he began to make his leave from the chapel. The Brother followed closely behind him. 

Primo placed his hands on Alé’s shoulders, speaking directly to her while regaining her attention, “Dolcezza, sÌ, my fratellinos are able to absolve a being from their previous religions as matured cardinals now. But, nothing would happen to make me miss out on your liberation." 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A few weeks later…

Terzo closed his eyes as he listened to the thrum of his lover’s heart. Omega’s tail still wrapped around Terzo’s thigh, the smell of their sweat still heavy in the air. The large ghoul tipped Terzo’s chin up to gently nip at the Cardinal’s jawline, teasing his claws down Terzo's chest earning a small moan from his lover.

“Amore,” Terzo sighed breathlessly, rubbing his hands through his hair in his post-orgasmic haze, “Don't think this means I want anything to change, but I have to tell you: I probably won't be able to sit on my ass for the rest of the week… “

Omega snorted against Terzo’s hair, “Didn't hear you complaining just a little bit ago."

“No, and you won't! I'm happy, I'm just a little red. And sore. Bruised..." the smaller man lamented, arms and legs still tangled around the ashen-colored, muscled limbs of his partner. 

The ghoul continued to breath softly, a subdued purr coming from deep in his chest. He took the hand of his human lover and brushed his calloused fingers over the future Papa’s deep maroon nail polish. The Quintessential ghoul nuzzled his face against Terzo’s palm.  

Terzo closed his eyes, biting his lip as he wiggled up to lock lips with Omega. Terzo felt his skin flush as his cock weakly kicked back to life; Omega could smell the instant change as he licked his own lips. 

“On your knees, Cardinal," Omega grunted out as he began to rise above the clergyman. He felt his heavy cock start to twitch again as the animalistic urge to breed his partner rose from deep down in his gut. 

"Anything for you, caro mio,” Terzo purred, rolling himself onto his stomach and pressing up to position himself on his hands and knees before the large ghoul; his reddened ass presented to the ghoul on full display. Omega smirked at the large hand-sized welts left all over his lover. Terzo loved walking around with hickeys, bruises, marks, anything souvenirs to remind him of his lovers; Omega was always more than happy to oblige and frequently went above and beyond. Terzo dipped down to encourage Omega to grab at his hips, when he caught a fleeting glance of the alarm clock on the side table. Terzo felt a boulder drop to the pit of his stomach as all the color drained from his face. 

“Oh fuck! Cazzo, merde, ass, shit!" Terzo exclaimed as he threw himself from the bed. His leg got caught up in the expensive woven sheets as he tumbled face first into the ground, "Shitty, ass, shit! Cazzo!“

“Where in the hell do you think you're going!?" Omega growled, his nose wrinkling back as he snarled at his partner. He crawled toward the smaller man, watching as Terzo agonizingly tore through the heap of clothes they made on the floor as he tried to smooth down his tangled mess of hair. 

“Primo was feeling unwell last night and was debating if he should proceed with the ehh…  dunking activities today," Terzo quickly attempted to mime as he tried to shake the debris off his wrinkled, black slacks, "Secondo and I agreed to pick up his duties today if he was still sickly. And I was supposed to meet with them roughly 45 minutes ago to discuss who is doing what.”

Omega’s frown melted into a soft smirk, man would absolutely lose his head if it wasn't already attached. Terzo whipped on the pair of dressy, violet socks with a secret message on the bottoms that suggested the reader to go give themselves a happy ending. Terzo threw his cassock over his head and finished redoing the buttons on his chest, promising he'd make this and more up to his beloved ghoul a little later. The two shared one more passionate kiss before Terzo ran out of the bedroom, barely closing the door to Omega’s room, as he began to sprint down the hall.

“Stronzino!" A deep voice shouted from his left..

Terzo stopped dead in his tracks, spinning in his heel to face his older-ish brother, he gave Secondo a grimace and a small guilty wave, “Hi." 

“Don't you fucking ‘hi’ me. Do you know how long we foolishly waited thinking you would actually show up?"

Terzo pinched the bridge of his nose and tilted his head down to receive his verbal punishment; audibly sighing as Cardinal Secondo continued to berate him. 

"And now we're already late,” Secondo turned and began storming away from his younger brother, "I'll just do everything myself. Primo will deal with you later.”

"Don't be that way,” Terzo begged, trailing closely behind the balding cardinal, grabbing at his brother’s sleeve. Secondo slapped away his younger brother’s hands.

"What were you doing? Or dare I ask who?” he glowered at his brother from the corner of his eye as the two descended down the Ministry's main stairwell. 

Terzo gave his brother a guilty grin and shrugged it off, waving his delicate, gloved hand at him, "Non importa.”

“Coglione, I'm becoming awfully tired of your bullshit. You better not still be pulling this when you're acting as my Cardinal, or I swear to Lucifer-"

“Yes, yes, yes," the shorter ministry official agreed, cutting him off, “I know your feelings. I'm aware! You’ve made yourself very clear. Don't get off track. Come sta Primo?"

“Potrebbe essere morto, per quanto ti importa!"

Terzo rolled his eyes as he tried to not let his brother's crotchety mood damper his spirits. The two continued out the doors and down the path to the ministry’s private access to a body of water. Terzo patted his pockets down, lifting up his cassock to access his cognac-brown, cigarette case in his pants. He quickly opened the pouch and nudged at his brother again. Secondo whipped around to glare down at his brother, hovering nearly an entire foot over him.

“Peace offering," Terzo explained, motioning at the new import of Sicilian cigarillos he had pulled a few strings for. He wasn't above getting on his knees to get what he really wanted. 

Secondo stopped in his tracks to gently pluck a cigarette. He tossed it between his lips and cocked an eyebrow at his brother as he sarcastically mimicked a lighter. Terzo sighed as he stashed away the leather case and returned with a novelty lighter adorned with breasts. 

“In Satanas’ name… " Second began to chide, not sure whether to be proud or disappointed in his brother's taste in torches. Terzo held the open flame up for his brother to light up; he tutted his tongue as he removed the lighter and tossed it back into his pocket. 

“Don't judge how I do shit and I won't judge the piss poor life choices you make, cocca di papà," Terzo teased, before Secondo began the descent again.

Secondo stared vacantly ahead, choosing to focus on the calm water instead of the overwhelming urge to slap the shit out of his incompetent younger brother. Secondo aggressively motioned towards the water, before passing the cigarillo to Terzo, “You want to do this shit or do I have to?"

The two stood side by side in front of the small man-made lake (really a pond) made years ago; it was there before Terzo and Secondo had been relocated to this sect. Many rituals had been performed on these shores, the magickal aspects of the water used in many many spells in their youth. Many warm, summer nights had also been spent disrobed with their own respective partners in the lake. Terzo inhaled the smoke before pushing it out of his nostrils, “I don't do cold."

“As future Papa-'' Secondo began lecturing, pointing a finger between Terzo’s eyes. 

Terzo uncrossed his eyes as he batted away the finger, “Fine! Sasso, carta, forbici?"

Secondo grabbed the cigarillo back taking a few seconds to inhale, before casually flicking ash at his brother. He tossed the cigarette back between his lips as he held his hands out at the ready to win, “Bene." 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Brother Garrett hurriedly made his way down to where the two brothers were seated side-by-side on a log near the shore. Terzo and Secondo seemed engrossed in their own discussions as they passed the small remainder of a cigarillo back and forth, murmuring to each other. 

“Cardinals?” Garrett called out, alerting them of his presence. Terzo turned over his shoulder and gave the sibling a wave, before turning back to his “older” brother and finishing his train of thought.

"I do think it would be a brilliant idea. You're just jealous you don't have the charisma to pull it off.”

“I'm warning you: neither Imperator or Nihil would find the charm in a kazoo," Secondo waved his brother off, chuckling as he rose to his feet before changing the topic, “Good morning, Brother Garrett.”

“Good morning, Cardinal Secondo, Cardinal Terzo. I was just finishing meeting with Papa to go over the last minute additions to today. It appears we have seven siblings all looking to be unbaptized today. Did we decide who will be performing their ceremonies?” Garrett cheerfully smiled at the two dark-haired men.

“Secondo lost fair and square,” Terzo teased, pleased he wouldn’t have to go into the pond. He still couldn’t help but be nosy, as he held out his hand for the clipboard nestled in Garret’s arm, “Per favore, may I see the list?”

Garrett turned to Secondo, preparing him for how the morning would pan out and going over other small, last minute details. Terzo skimmed the names of siblings, making mental ‘tick’ marks behind the ones who had accompanied him back to his quarters at one point or another. He couldn’t help but feel a tasteless sense of pride, thinking he was the reason all these siblings would want to convert to their side.

Terzo’s breath hitched as he looked at the final name written in Primo’s beautiful calligraphy, before speaking up, “Garrett, is this the final list?”

Garrett quickly nodded to Terzo before focusing back to debriefing Secondo.

Terzo continued to stare at the name before interrupting again, “Secondo, you need to trade me.”

“Sei un rompicoglioni. Stronzo, what are you going on about now? Quit interrupting!” Secondo hissed, squeezing his eyes shut asking himself silently, how they were related.

“I need you to trade me spots. I’ll do the baptisms and you can do confessional later,” Terzo hurriedly explained, excessively flailing his hands around to emphasize his point.

“I thought fair is fair?” Secondo evilly smiled at him, crossing his arms.

Terzo sighed exasperatedly, “I don’t have to explain myself to you. Just switch with me.”

Secondo glared at Terzo, not quite sure what he was up to.

“Secondo, per favore.”

“Qualsiasi,” Secondo gave in, rolling his eyes, confused, but nonetheless thrilled he wouldn’t have to go into the water.

“Oh! Fantastico!” Terzo exclaimed, throwing his arms around his stoic brother, who stiffened at his touch, “Grazie mille! Sono elettrizzato!”

Terzo couldn’t contain his enthusiasm as he planted a loud kiss on his brother’s cheek. Secondo indignantly tossed off his brother before wiping away Terzo’s black lipstick

“I’m going to go change!” Terzo yelled over his shoulder as he sprinted back towards the ministry’s ground.

“He’s going to be late…” Garrett whispered, begging Secondo to do something.

Secondo defeatedly shook his head, watching his brother fade out of view, “There’s no reasoning with that one.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The two brothers politely greeted the siblings on Primo’s list as they approached them at the shore. Terzo seemed to grow antsier with each sibling he welcomed, continuously searching. Terzo, the Leo he was, had changed into a stark white vest and slacks with a pale lilac, twill dress shirt underneath. His look was completed with dark Ray Bans tucked behind his ears and bare feet with his manicured toenails painted fuschia.

“What are you looking for?” Secondo grumbled, annoyed with his brother’s lack of attention span.

“No one, I’m just eager to get this over with,” Terzo lied, shutting out his brother’s nagging. He began to check his pockets, removing his sunglasses, lighter, and smokes for safekeeping with Secondo.

Ten minutes into the allotted start time, she appeared to him. She was a vision in her white, lace-trimmed gown and her dark curls bouncing wildly. Her friend was close on her trail as the two women continued at break-neck speed to the meeting spot.

Terzo felt the world slow down and the only soundtrack was his heartbeat pounding in his ears. Sister Alessandra was without a doubt one of the most beautiful women he’d ever seen in his life. Her strong, well-vocalized disdain for Terzo only made him want her more.

“Oh, ho, ho! Look who showed up!” Terzo gave her a disgustingly excited smile as he opened his arms for her. He could see her winded expression drop flat off her face as she stared at him in shock.

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me,” Alé hissed quietly to Liz as they slowly walked to Secondo’s side, away from Terzo. Alé brushed her fingers through her hair as she began to weave her locks into a braid, so it’d be a little more manageable in the water.

As Brother Garrett began to welcome the group and explain how the morning was going to go, Terzo, not one to shy away from awkward situations (or at least giving an attempt to make them even more uncomfortable for the other party), casually walked to the other side of his brother to stand by Alé. He gave her another warm smile and a wink as he nodded his head to her, “Sister Alessandra.”

“Cardinal.”

“How are yo--”

“Where is Primo?” Alé cut him off, not wanting to waste any energy on this trash.

“He’s fallen sick,” Terzo answered her, trying not to dwell on his own hurt feelings, “He’s starting to feel better, but there’s no way we will allow him to do anything outside; especially in this swamp. So Cardinal Secondo and I were called in as replacements to basically Ghostbust the Christ out of you all.”

Alessandra turned her back to Terzo and dug her nails into Liz’s arm, she lowered her voice so Terzo wouldn’t eavesdrop, “I’m not doing this.”

“Oh come on!” Liz groaned, “Just get it over with! You said something in your gut told you to do this, so what does it matter who does it?!”

“I know, but I already feel off about this and I’m not letting him touch me.”

Terzo leaned over to the two ladies angrily whispering at each other and also added in a hushed tone, “I think you’re making a bigger deal out of this than you think.”

“I do not need your input; also quit spying on me!” Alé hissed back at him, “How do I request Cardinal Secondo to perform my unbaptism?”

“You don’t,” Terzo sneered at her, “We already rock, paper, scissored it. Decision is final, Sorella. And clearly I came out on top.”

He gave her another toothy smile as his eyes took her in from head to toe. Alessandra wanted to puke in her mouth. This man was such a waste of her time. The more she learned about him, the more confident she was in her analysis: he was a slut and a moron.

“You’re not as funny as you think you are,” Alé glared at him, crossing her arms, and attempting to shut him out.

Terzo chuckled, clasping his hands behind his back, “Denial is not just a river in--”

“--and Cardinal Terzo, with that, we’re ready when you are,” Brother Garrett interrupted the future Papa with an oblivious smile.

Terzo masked his annoyance and gave Alessandra another wink, “We shall continue this. See you in a minute, dolce.”

Alé felt her stomach churn as she watched the walking headache give the rest of the group a big smile as he took the hand of the first sibling and escorted them out into the chilly water. 

She should have run.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

All the other six siblings that had chosen to be religiously freed today had beautiful, private unbaptisms with the future Papa. One-by-one, Terzo had taken them out into the frigid pond and released them from their prior torment in such an intimate ceremony. No one could hear his words from the shores; odd for the usually boisterous man. 

From watching his face, you could tell he was taking this very seriously. Alessandra had thought a few times she saw him tear up as the sibling thanked him profusely after he had drenched them. Maybe she had judged him too harshly at their first encounter. He may have a few general character flaws, but seeing him like this had Alé reconsidering a lot. Plus he did look even more handsome in white. The classic dark eye makeup around his eyes, his upper lip crispy painted black, framed by his shaggy locks, Alé’s eyes darted to the floor as she noticed Terzo watching her and giving her a mischievous smile. 

“Pronta, Sorella?” Cardinal Terzo held out his hand for her, still grinning. His crisp white slacks were beyond waterlogged and his purple boxers could be seen from miles away. He might as well not even be wearing pants. Alé’s eyes dropped to his chest; a delicate golden Grucifix peered out from his unbuttoned cotton shirt. She felt her breath hitch as she finally took in his chest hair; her eyes began to wander again along his exposed arms, swearing she could see tattoo ink coming from under the cuffs of his shirt. As outgoing as Terzo was, he did keep his own life rather private. Other than the ongoing rumors of how well-endowed he was and his unmatchable stamina, Alé realized she hadn’t heard much else about this mysterious, cocky bastard. As far as she was concerned, his only hobbies were cream pies and sucking dick in the confession booths. 

Alé frowned and hesitated before going against her gut and taking the man’s hand. He was surprisingly warm, despite his damp hand. She almost considered moving closer to steal more of his body heat. Terzo gave her a gentle, comforting squeeze as they began to head deeper into the water. 

“It’s actually quite cold… I’m surprised you’ve lasted this long,” Alé spoke softly, making nervous, but polite conversation with the religious figure head.

“Eh. Cold yes; only thing I have to gripe about right now is the fantastic shrinkage I’m experiencing right now. Just don’t look down too long for it, I promise I do have a lot more going on than what you can see,” Terzo rambled on, trying not to chuckle at the horrified look on Alé’s face.

“You’re a pig,” Alé gasped, halting in her steps, stopping Terzo with her. She shook her hand to free herself from his touch, as if he were a disease, “I don't think I want to do this anymore." 

“Oh, come now,” Terzo chided, trying to gently encourage her onwards, “I was merely teasing, Sorella! I’ll tone it down.”

“I cannot believe that out of all the Ministry officials who could be doing this, I’m stuck here with you!” Alessandra glared at him, starting to lose her patience. The freezing water was doing no favors.

“Stuck with me?!” Terzo feigned horror, “You should be so lucky, Sorella!”

“Can we just get this over with?” Alé crossed her arms. She shouldn’t have let Liz talk her into doing this with the younger cardinal. She should have waited for Primo. She should have ran screaming as soon as she saw Terzo’s devilish smirk, “I thought this day was going to be a lot more meaningful, but this is clearly just a joke to you. I bet you’re going to dazzle them as Papa.”

“Huh.. I apologize, I took this maybe too far; we can fix this,” Terzo spoke a little more seriously than what Alessandra was expecting from him, “Pronta?”

“Yes, Cardinal,” Alé affirmatively nodded her head, glad he seemed to have moved onto business, still weary he might pull something again. She couldn't let her guard down around him. 

Terzo gently cleared his throat before speaking so only the two of them could hear, “Welcome, Sister Alessandra. Today, you and I gather to embark on a journey of healing from the wounds of a religious trauma. The undoing of a dedication to a religion you did not consent to. A reversal of spiritual decisions you made without clarity, reclaiming your personal power and finding solace within. Are you ready to proceed? “Yes,” Alé whispered in a hushed tone, finding herself unable to look away from his gaze; she let her arms uncross and fall to her sides.

“This act represents the release of the harmful teachings and reclamation of your own truth. Release the pain and wounds caused by religious trauma. Reclaim your power and define your own path. You are no longer bound by the chains of religious trauma. Embrace your strength, reliance, and the beauty of your unique journey,” Terzo prayed over her.

The butterflies in Alessandra’s stomach were out of control. Her heart was racing. She wanted to get closer to him. She could hear each purposeful breath he took between sentences. She could see his pupils dilate wide as he made unwavering eye contact with her; unable to look away from his Satan-given eye. She could smell his cologne overwhelming her senses. She felt her heart skip a few beats as she reached out for the dark clergyman and he firmly grasped her hand in return. With the warmth and energy that surged between them as they entwined their fingers, she could have sworn there were electrical currents in the tiny pond.

“Sister Alessandra, take a moment to reflect on your newfound freedom and the inner strength that resides within you. Today, we have taken a significant step towards healing from your religious trauma. As you move forward, remember,” Terzo paused for a second, finding himself unable to look anywhere but into her hazel eyes. He tried to shake himself from his trance as he continued, softening his tone, taking time to enunciate his words, “You are deserving of love, acceptance, and the freedom to shape your own path. May this ritual serve as a reminder of your own resilience and the power of reclaiming your own truth!” 

Alessandra looked deeply into his eyes as they shared a soft smile. It was only them in the world at that moment. A shepherd and his newly found lamb. Alé leaned into Terzo as he respectfully wrapped his arm around her waist, she felt at ease letting him handle her so intimately. 

“All bonds of servitude have been broken. Power and agency have been restored. Thyself is thy master. Hail Satan!” Terzo grinned as he felt Alé’s suddenly shoulders sag and a heavy, invisible burden seemed to remove itself from her. She stared at him wordlessly, seemingly hypnotized. Terzo cleared his throat, “You ready for a dip, sis?”

“No funny business,” Alessandra whispered, eyes pleading to him. She couldn’t help but look at his soft lips, failing to use every ounce of strength inside her to avoid thinking about kissing him.

“None,” Terzo crossed his heart, “Unless you have also felt the encouragement from The Dark One here with us and are also so inclined for another kiss…”

Alessandra stiffened against his touch, shaking herself out of this trance. What the actual hell was wrong with this man? And how was he also feeling this!? Did this lech hex her!? Alessandra shoved his arm off from around her waist as she stabbed a threatening finger into his chest, “I promise, I will drown you here in front of your family and followers. Don’t tempt me. Keep your hands off me.”

“You keep saying that, but how am I supposed to complete your upbaptism if I can’t touch you?” Terzo grinned cheekily, cocking his weight to one hip, as he laughed at her.

Alé huffed and rubbed her face in annoyance, “You are so unbelievably annoying.”

“Signora, I am a man of the cloth, I have a little more restraint than you seem to give me credit for!”

“Oh because the bullshit you pulled at Yule was you showing restraint?!” she scoffed, hesitant to go back to the dark-haired man.

Ave Satanas. What a spitfire, he thought to himself. Terzo itched at his chin before offering Alé his hand again, losing patience, freezing to the bone, and wishing to just get this over with. Alessandra took his hand and walked into his embrace again as she let him begin to gently lower her backwards into the water. One arm still around her waist and the other firmly clasped to hers, with her hands clinging to him for dear life. 

Terzo paused as he looked down at the beautiful woman in front of him. Her full lips and dark, feathered eyelashes. Her gorgeous raven hair tied off to the side in an extravagant braid as the February sun bounced off the gold flecks in her eyes. He should have stopped there, but his eyes couldn’t stop wandering as he craned to peer through the white cotton gown at her ample bosom.

Alessandra had been transfixed in his green and white gaze; she found herself lost, yet so comforted. Something about him seemed to call to her. As she blinked, she noticed he had broken eye contact and was obviously staring at her breasts.

“So tell me, Cardinal,” Alé interrupted his x-ray advances before continuing her wicked thought, “That night I rejected you… did you have to go home empty handed? Or did Omega take pity on you as he always does and take you to bed like the whore you are?”

Terzo’s eyes widened, not believing what he just heard. I think I might be in love with this woman. He had been halfway to dipping her in the water, the ends of her hair barely submerged, when he quickly released his grasp on her. Alessandra crashed back into the icy water with a shriek. She gasped for air as she tried to find her balance, stumbling again over a sunken log and falling into the water again.

Terzo’s mind buzzed with white static as couldn’t help but feel slightly childish for what he had done. He pushed air out of his mouth before working up the courage to hold out his hand to her, “Sorella, I’m so sorry. My hands slipped!”

Alé’s assessment was confirmed: he was a slut, a moron, and a liar. She hesitated before taking his hand, second guessing her actions. Terzo gave her one quick apologetic smile before she yanked his arm past her, causing Terzo to lose his balance and also fall face-first into the lake.

Terzo pulled his head up from under the water, sputtering and shaking his hair like a dog. He blew a string of snot out of his nose before looking back at the fiery woman, he absentmindedly checked his ear piercings and fixed the chained Grucifix that hung from his left lobe. He sighed and found himself drawn to the damp, furious goddess next to him. 

“Alright. Fair is fair, sister. I apologize for accidentally dropping you,” Terzo managed to pull himself back up, laughing as he held out his palms to her in an effort for peace, “No funny business. Serio.”

“I cannot believe this," Alé murmured to herself as she saw Cardinal Secondo angrily waving them down from the shore with a furious expression on his face.

“Cardinal!" Secondo shouted in a very stormy tone, “Have you lost your mind!?"

Terzo began to scoff before being cut off by his brother again.

“Quit flirting with each other. It's freezing, everyone else is trying to go inside, you've prolonged this enough," Secondo seethed. 

“We are not flirting!” Terzo and Alé balked, loudly talking over each other to try and explain their actions.

“I don't care! Terzo, help the sister up and finish your job."

Terzo noisily sighed as he turned to Alessandra, “At least we knocked the Jesus out of you, eh, Sorella? “

He bowed forward to take her hand to help her out of the lake. Alé slapped his outstretched palm away, “I am perfectly capable of managing myself. Now did you successfully unbaptize me or are you still just fucking around?”

As Terzo opened his mouth armed with a sarcastic comment, his eyes drifted to her heaving chest as she lifted herself back upright from the water. Her large breasts were drenched, white gown clinging to them leaving very little to the imagination. Terzo felt his jaw slacken a little wider. 

Cazzo. I think I am in love, echoing in his brain. He suddenly became hyper aware of his erection pressing through his wet bottoms. He slowly began to wade backwards into deeper water, waving Alessandra towards the shore, “Eh, go on ahead, Sister. We’re all good here.”

Alessandra’s jaw dropped, did he have a boner!? This couldn’t have gone any worse. Her gown dragged against her in the water as she tried to jog back onto land. Liz had a towel opened wide and quickly embraced Alé in a bear hug.

“I need a drink,” Alé uttered from inside the towel, begging to forget this entire experience.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Shortly after, the crowd had begun to disperse leaving the Cardinals by themselves. Secondo stared wordlessly at his younger brother as Terzo trudged up from the lake, readjusting his cock in his trousers. His eye paint was smeared down his cheeks and soaked from head to toe, but he sported the biggest shit eating grin on his messy face.

“Primo is going to rip you apart for this one, fratellino,” Secondo shook his head, arms still crossed over his chest, “Is that why you chose to punish her? Because Primo has taken to her and she wants absolutely nothing to do with you? Are you are feeling jealous?”

Terzo shrugged noncommittally, still smiling as he threw a towel over his head, “I did what I had to.”

“I hope it was worth it.”

Terzo nodded, drying off his face, “Absolutamente. Now, if you don’t mind, I left a rather large ghoul alone in a bed and I think it’s high time I go see to him.”

“I’m keeping these as emotional reimbursement for you making me hear that,” Secondo crossly replied, wagging the case of cigars and busty lighter at him.

Terzo chuckled as he walked past his brother, “Fair is fair, fratello.”

Translations: 

Onore -- Honor

Non importa -- It does not matter.

Come sta Primo? -- How is Primo?

Potrebbe essere morto, per quanto ti importa! -- He could be dead for all you care!

Cocca di papà -- Apple of Father's eye, Daddy’s girl

Sasso, carta, forbici? -- Rock, paper, scissors?

Sei un rompicoglioni -- You're a pain in the ass

Qualsiasi -- Whatever

Grazie mille! Sono elettrizzato! -- Thank you so much! I’m delighted/thrilled!

[bearbluebooks]

prompt! gwyn was excited about a new training technique and bursts into azriel’s room only to see him…

My FIRST PROMPT!! First of all thank you so much for this. I was struggling with writers block and this made me so excited to start writing again. I truly hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it <3

The Shadowsinger’s Secret(s) - Day 7 @sjmromanceweek

Rating: Explicit

Word Count: 4044

Read on AO3 or under the cut.

Snow slowly drifted from the night sky.

The icy cold created treacherous layers of ice on the stone floor of the training ring. Despite Cassian’s incessant pleas to “Respect the sacredness of the training ring”, several weapons were still scattered throughout the wide expanse. Before Gwyn picked up one of the discarded daggers, she rubbed her hands together in a desperate attempt to create warmth. Tonight’s temperatures were so low, that small white clouds escaped her already numb lips with every exhale.

Afternoon slowly made way for the darker colors of night. Gwyn always believed there was something calming about the obsidian cover of night. As if magic became more palpable when stars brightened the sky. Constellations, falling stars, and infinite mystery left unexplored- what could be more magical than that? Gwyn still pondered the question when a demanding voice pierced through the quarry, “Don’t stay out too late, and don’t you dare become better at dagger throwing than me.”

Nesta and Cassian had even more pressing plans. Tonight was Lupercalia, a human holiday that celebrated love. As soon as Elain casually dropped its existence during dinner last night, Cassian’s excitement was palpable, “Nes, I will finally take you to my favorite restaurant,” his puppy dog eyes the perfect show of his elation. Nesta’s gaze showed less excitement and more indifference, “Buy me a present and I’ll come.”

“Oh, come you will. I’ve been reading, too,” he countered, “And tonight, I will be your present, when I feast on you like Sherman Steelborn in a Dragon’s Tale.” Gwyn’s stomach churned at the vivid imagery Cassian’s statement evoked. They had just read that book in their weekly Smut Sisters book club. “Leave some mystery for the rest of us, Cas,” Gwyn begged before she rolled her eyes at the smug look on Cassian’s face. The whole scene made her almost happy she didn’t have a Lupercalia of her own tonight. Almost.

Gwyn shook the memory off when she averted her gaze from the sky to her friend, “We both know that ship has already sailed.”

“You should be the one to stay longer,” Gwyn challenged over her shoulder.

Her friend paused in the door with a hand on her hip, “Or maybe I should be getting private lessons from the Shadowsinger too,” Nesta exclaimed before the door closed with a heavy thud.

All smart retorts left her brain, only her mouth remained open.

Shit.

Gwyn’s cheeks flushed red. And this time it was not because of the icy cold.

Training sessions had become more frequent in the last couple of months. And she did find herself counting down the minutes until she could see those hazel eyes assessing her every move. Or when she could feel those strong hands demonstrate how to position her hands for the best trajectory- during which she (allegedly) feigned inexperience once or twice, just to feel those calloused hands on her bare skin. To feel those sparks of electricity erupt over her entire body.

One of those nights Gwyn fell into his strong arms after a particularly difficult combination of movements. When they were so close they shared a breath. The longing and vulnerability in his eyes was something Gwyn couldn’t stop thinking about.

At night, under the safety of her blankets, she replayed that moment often- the way his hand felt on her waist, or how his eyes darted between her eyes and her lips, when his mouth curved up slightly, and how his cedar smell ingrained itself in all of her senses.

All of which happened under the cover of night. When everybody was long gone- or so she thought.

Gwyn forced herself to move on. She could think about all of that later.

She would undoubtedly hear about it later too.

Busybodies.

Tonight was for training.

Tonight she would finally learn how to beat the Shadowsinger.

Tonight she would win the bet and rub that arrogant smile off his face.

Every training session ended in Azriel either hovering over her, strapping her hands to her back, or pinning her body beneath his. It had its advantages. Heat still rushed to her core at the memories. But Gwyn was nothing if not determined. And tonight she was determined to win.

Every trick he taught her, he could anticipate.

What he didn’t anticipate was her discovery of an ancient book with knowledge not even the Shadowsinger was privy to. Knowledge so secret not even Merril knew about it.

Earlier that day, Gwyn had ventured to the fifth floor in search of one of Merril’s books ‘The Multiverse and its Animals’, when Gwyn’s eye caught something even more interesting, ’50 ways to slay your opponent’. The urgency in Merril’s voice made Gwyn pause for a second before she reminded herself I only know 15 ways to slay an opponent and grabbed the book.

As soon as she finished her work for the day, curious eyes studied the book until she reached the page titled ‘Paranza Corta’. The section stated a fighting technique that focused on short thrusts. The trick was to let your opponent get close enough to let them think they had the upper hand before you would hit them from below with a multitude of targeted strikes.

She knew in her bones it would finally allow her to beat the Shadowsinger.

She could see the surprise in his beautiful hazel eyes become replaced by awe.

She could already see him become speechless- not because of his usual preference for silence, but because he couldn’t find the words to speak.

She could already taste the victory.

Those thoughts fueled her.

They set her body aflame despite the icy cold threatening to numb her fingers.

Still, all evening this particular technique proved difficult to master.

Impossible even.

She couldn’t figure out how to get close enough without getting killed in the process.

Every practice run stopped before she could even reach the target.

Irritation seeped into her bones. She couldn’t figure out why it wasn’t working. It made her wonder if Azriel would have been able to figure it out. Of course he would have, she thought to herself with an eye roll and a smile.

He had centuries of knowledge and experience on her.

But she had determination.

Hours passed without any improvement.

Cold snowflakes slowly turned liquid on her overheated skin. Frustration threatened to burn all rationality until nothing but ashes of failed determination remained.

With one steady breath in, one pause and one exhale, she turned the anger into fuel when she focused on her strengths.

Before she started again, investigative eyes took in the scene unfolding in front of her. Muscle wasn’t the problem. Nor was speed.

Suddenly it clicked.

Without wasting time she took up her starting stance a few feet away from the target. Quick and careful steps brought her closer and closer to the wooden puppet taunting her. Just before she got close, she dropped low, putting all her weight on one foot as she slid towards the wooden monstrosity. Then she channeled all her weight into both legs, as she pulled herself upwards, and stabbed, stabbed, stabbed the puppet.

A laugh so maniacal any sane person would call question her sanity resounded in the wide open space.

Then the steadying pull of reality replaced the overwhelming sense of euphoria.

Azriel didn’t see it- he wasn’t there and neither were his shadows.

Suddenly it didn’t feel like a victory anymore.

The clunk on the floor signaled her exit before her mind clued her into her movements.

Gwyn still couldn’t completely wrap her mind around an omniscient house, yet she was very grateful for it now.

“Where is Azriel’s room?” she asked as she turned her gaze towards the ceiling, then the walls, and the empty space around her, before she accepted that omniscient probably meant omnipresent too and steadied her gaze in front of her.

A familiar miniature Pegasus suddenly appeared in front of her. A loud squeal was the only welcome she could muster before the little creature started walking into the corridor. Soft clicks of hooves filled the silence in the hallway, then down a pair of steps, until it finally stopped in front of a huge door.

When it reached its destination it disappeared into a pink cloud of smoke.

Gwyn was sad for its quick exit before she remembered her mission.

Without knocking she stormed into the room where she exclaimed “I DID IT” with her arms raised high into the air.

Shadows swarmed her vision in seconds.

A desperate plea in a familiar deep tone resounded “Gwyn what are you-“

When the shadows slowly cleared, no awe was to be seen in those hazel eyes she so longed to see. Instead, she saw shock, shame, and confusion staring back at her.

“I’m sorry!” Her hands mirrored the statement as she placed them in front of her eyes to offer him belated privacy.

She clearly interrupted some kind of private moment.

She was ready to turn around and leave as fast as she came, but curiosity was a hard trait to ignore. Especially when one found themselves in the same room as an enigmatic Spymaster with an apparent secret.

Slowly, she lowered her hands to reveal the dark-haired male who was lying in bed with his wings splayed widely on both sides. Soft candlelight made it difficult to see, but not impossible. The walls were as black as night, and the multiple knives covering the walls gleamed like silver stars. The bed was huge. Big enough to fit three Azriel’s and maybe one Gwyn.

 “A Pirates’ Search for Love?” She tried to say in her most serious voice. Despite her best efforts, she couldn’t help the laugh that erupted from her small frame. The feeling was so unbridled and intense that she couldn’t remember the last time she laughed like that.

“I thought you didn’t like smutty novels?”

He implied as much every time he intruded on their sleepovers, with his arms crossed in front of him as he leaned against the doorframe in such a way he could be the main character in one of their novels.

“I don’t like Selyn Drake, I never said I didn’t like the genre,” he countered. “Males read them too. They can be useful,” he challenged with a smirk that confirmed every word of his previous statement. Cassian had proved as much yesterday, she had just never expected Azriel to be one of those males too.

When her eyes drifted lower to look at the author who apparently doubled as an instructor, her eyes caught the large hand covering an even larger body part.

Her eyes grew as wide as the hazel ones looking back at her.

 “Shit. Shit shit shit I didn’t mean to-“ Azriel stammered as he jumped out of the bed with hurried movements, unsuccessfully trying to close his pants in the process.

Suddenly, another melodic laugh just as heartfelt filled the room. “Were you practicing immediately?” she asked in between laughs.

Azriel’s eyes looked equally hesitant and intrigued.

“I was,” he answered honestly. His eyes remained determinately focused on hers. As if her next words would decide his actions- not his own desire, not his own hopes and expectations, but her.

Life was dynamic. Gwyn knew growth was equal parts bravery and devotion. Just like her time spent in the training ring, learning the Paranza Corta. Where one day frustration fueled her veins at her inability to wield a seemingly straightforward concept. When- even though she felt the desire to succeed in the deepest part of her soul- she failed. So she tried again. And failed, again. When doubt started to creep in and threatened to affect her self-worth. When she could see herself succeed, but something prevented her at every turn.

Until one day something clicked.

Her relationship with sex was much the same way. Only what clicked was reuniting with Azriel on that same roof, many years ago.

Bravery and devotion, she reminded herself once again.

“Can you show me?” Her feet already took her closer to where he was standing next to the bed. Two of her hands covered his previously occupied one, as she repeated “Show me.”

“Gwyn-“

“Show me.”

With a whisper, she added “Please.”

His eyes remained determinately focused on hers. She knew what he would find. Nothing but equal resolution and confidence, just like he saw in the training ring every night.

There was not a male in the world she trusted more. Not a male her body craved more. Not a male who made her feel as safe as the one standing right in front of her- who looked at her with the trepidation and vulnerability he expected to see reflected in her eyes.

One of her hands moved to cup his cheek, she knew it was not her who needed reassurance at that moment.

“I trust you.”

His eyes turned contemplative. As if he was finally considering her request.

“I want you.”

That last sentence seemed to thaw some of the icy walls he had built around himself. As if her words were the fire that allowed some of the coldness to disappear.

Her other hand moved to the part she knew he was trying to hide.

“Show me.”

When she slowly moved her hand up and down the bulge in his pants, his breath caught in his throat.

His gaze roved over her body- to the tightness of her Illyrian leathers, emphasizing all of her curves. To her chest, which she slightly uncovered in the training ring when heat threatened to overtake her concentration.

The intensity with which his hazel eyes observed her, made her dare to move closer to the point where they were standing so close they shared a breath. “Show me,” she whispered before she placed a soft kiss on his neck.

He tilted his head slightly to match her height. His gaze slipped to her lips.

She would only have to reach up to do what she dreamt about more times than she cared to admit- the way his lips would feel against hers (rough) the way their lips would fit together (like puzzle pieces) the way he would take her breath away (literally and metaphorically).

What she didn’t expect was the satisfied sigh that escaped her mouth when she finally returned to earth.

When she looked into his eyes to assess if she ruined the moment, she saw nothing but surprise and awe.

Before she could fill the silence he placed a large hand behind her neck and pulled her closer. Another searing kiss turned the world to black in a way his shadows never could. A world filled with wonder and perfection.

Nothing else existed except for his lips and that moment. Where eternity seemed to exist, whilst no time passed at all.

It started chaste and delicate. Before it turned more hungry and desperate. She pushed him to the bed with one determinate hand. The moment it took to land on the bed was much too long, and she already missed his lips.

When she looked into his eyes, intrigue and lust stared back. Which made a heat she’d never felt before spread through her body- like a flame and he held the match.

Nothing else existed in the world except for him and her instincts.

With confident strides she walked over to where he hungrily observed her from the bed, his eyes grew so big, that his pupils overtook the hazel she loved so much. His back was firmly pushed into the mattress. Gwyn moved to the bed where she placed two of her legs next to his hips. She felt powerful. And with the way his eyes took her in, she felt desired too.

She took one of his fingers in hers and allowed him to trace a path from the opening of her Illyrian leathers up, to her mouth. His eyes tracked every movement. When she put his thick finger in her mouth, she made sure to suck on it lightly, before she let it go with a loud pop.

Azriel was speechless, save for the heady groan that sent electricity up Gwyn’s spine.

There was something else she wanted to do tonight. Something else she wanted to see, to touch, to feel.

In one swift movement, she took up the space next to him where she sat on her knees, assessing the gorgeous male before her.

His pants were still unbuttoned. She allowed her hand to roam freely. “Gwyn.” Her name was a pledge and a prayer on his lips. “Azriel” she answered in equal devotion. She allowed her fingers to trace the patch of obsidian hair down towards the edge of his underwear.

His hands forcefully fisted the sheets next to his hips in a way that made them turn white. It was as if he didn’t allow his body to act on the same instincts that guided Gwyn in all her movements. Her hands slightly shook, as she removed the iron grip on his sheets, and took his much larger hands in hers. She could feel the grooves that graced his hands. One of her fingers softly traced them when shame colored his eyes.

It made her wonder if he was ashamed of his hands. It seemed impossible because she loved his hands.

Defiance and adoration made her lift his hands to her mouth and place soft kisses on every groove. Every mark of shame. Whilst she wished she could do the same for his heart, his soul. She wished she could soothe every horrible thing that ever happened to him, and pray to the altar of his past whilst she made a promise to always be there for him in the future by choosing him every day.

His eyes slowly shifted from shame to a calmness she rarely saw reflected in his eyes.

Before she continued she placed another kiss on his lips.

His hands moved to cup her cheeks- to keep her steady.

When his tongue darted over her lower lip, she happily complied. The kiss was deeper. More ravenous than before. As if he finally allowed himself to have her just like he wanted to.

Without breaking the kiss, she moved her hand lower. She felt his body slightly shiver with the suddenness of the touch before he leaned into it. She traced a path from his abdomen to the edge of his underwear.

“Is this okay?” she asked before she continued her path down.

“Y-es,” he stammered as his hips bucked into her touch.

Her heart leaped in her chest. She could feel her excitement resound in the increased beats of her heart. With uneven breaths, but steady hands, she moved her hand to slide into the softness of his underpants where a less soft cock greeted her.

Her eyes widened in surprise and admiration. His cock was huge. She could barely fit it in her hand.

“It must have been a good book,” she smiled as she looked up at him.

His voice was low when he finally found the words to answer her, “That’s all you.” A corner of his mouth lifted when he ended the sentence with a wink. She didn’t need a mirror to know a red flush grazed her cheeks at the way his words made her feel. Or the warmth it spread throughout her body.

“I haven’t even done anything yet,” she teased.

“My cock says otherwise.”

Intrigue and fascination made her wonder what else she could do to his cock. She tightened her grip around his cock, as she lowered her head to rest next to his ear as she whispered “What is it saying now?”

He moved his head to look into her eyes, his voice was even lower as he forced out in between hurried breaths, “That you know me well.”

Her movements were restricted by his pants.

Even though it was the last thing she wanted to do, she removed her hand from his hardening cock when something akin to a whine followed her abrupt exit.

“Was that a whine?” she said in between laughs.

With a shrug of his shoulders, he answered without any hint of shame, “Me and my cock love having you close.”

With a playful roll of her eyes, she signaled to his pants.

“Oh.” Skillful hands removed his sweatpants in less time than it took for him to utter the single syllable.

Only his underpants and t-shirt prevented her from seeing his entire naked glory. Her hands moved on their own accord when they took hold of the underside of his shirt and swiftly lifted it up.

Many nights she wondered what hid under the carefully constructed armor. Some days, when it was especially hot, hints of swirling tattoos were uncovered. Maps of obsidian art she memorized as if they were Merrill’s research. Then there were his tight Illyrian leathers which hinted at muscular arms, ones she often fantasized about.

She allowed her eyes to rove over his body- to take in every muscle. Every swirling tattoo. Every patch of obsidian hair. Wherever her eyes roamed her finger followed. His body slightly shivered under her touch. “Beautiful” she whispered.

His eyes lit up and the resulting smile made him even more beautiful. Gwyn’s heart grew to a size she didn’t hold possible. It made her want to give him every last piece of her.

There was only one last barrier between them. One she uncovered with shaky hands. Larger ones found hers in an instant. Although his hands had a slight shiver too, they provided a steadiness Gwyn hadn’t realized she needed at that moment.

Slowly, so slowly, they pulled his underpants off, and within seconds his half-hard cock sprang free.

Azriel’s gaze didn’t wander towards his large member as Gwyn’s eyes did, instead, they remained determinedly focused on her.

Words escaped her. So she took his hand in hers and guided him towards his cock too. “Show me,” she repeated her earlier words.

His grip tightened, as he moved Gwyn’s hand up and down his cock in rough strokes. His breath hitched at the movement.

When she had as good a grip on his preferences as she on his cock, she lowered down to whisper in his ear, “Let go Az.” She didn’t know if she meant his grip or his restraint either. Maybe she meant both.

His eyes remained focused on her before his hands moved to cup her ass. Her lip darted out to lick her bottom lip. His eyes tracked the movement with such hunger it made her bend down and kiss him again.

When he used his strong grip to knead her ass, and said “I have been wanting to do this for a long time”, she couldn’t help the moan that escaped her lips. He swallowed the sound with another searing kiss that sent electricity to her core.

A desire to give him equal pleasure overtook her body. In equal curiosity and wonder, she lightly used her fingernails with her next stroke up and down his shaft. “Fuck,” Azriel groaned into her shoulder. It made his cock twitch in her hand.

Interesting.

It made her wonder what else she could do.

She closed her hand around his cock fully and made sure to pump him with as much force as she thought he could handle. “Fuck, I’m close, let me-“

“Let me,” she repeated as she seductively bit her lower lip.

His eyes widened with a desire so overwhelming it made the ache between her legs grow to an almost painful degree.

He was so close too- his breaths turned panting, more desperate.

With her other hand, she slowly lowered her zipper, revealing more and more naked skin until her breasts were freed from the constraints of the Illyrian leathers. His eyes caught the movement. His gaze turned ravenous, desperate, euphoric.

His hips bucked into her hand but her movement never slowed, as his head fell into her shoulder, and his hair tickled her in the process.

“FUCK,” Azriel groaned so loudly Gwyn was sure there was no room for any secrets tonight. But that didn’t matter.

Tonight was for victories.

And this victory, Azriel did see.

[theantonian]

An Unprecedented Gift

With Valentine's Day and Lupercalia just around the corner, let me tell you of a very romantic thing that Antonius did for Cleopatra.

Some of us do not go beyond rationality, and some of us have no limits to making our loved ones happy. So, how far would you go to make the person you love happy?

Marcus Antonius had brought enough sand from Egypt to Sedir Island in modern Turkey to form a beach in order to make his beloved Cleopatra happy. Very romantic ❤️

Antonius meets Queen Cleopatra in Tarsus where his life changes drastically.

In the beginning, what is important for Antonius and Cleopatra is their common political interests. Cleopatra aims to gain the lands she lost, and Antonius desires to have a strong ally with him for his attack on Parthia. This political alliance, which will turn into an epic love in the future, is only a strategic collaboration at first. But there is love and love changes everything. They fall in love and they even face conflicts with their families denying this relationship. But you know, love is blind and it overcomes all.

The political alliance in time turns into one of the greatest love stories of all time. The moments full of love gradually turn into wonderful stories, one of which happens in Sedir Island.

One day, the couple, who goes to the island, spends a holiday that will not be erased from their memories. The island has everything: beautiful nature, a magnificent sea, gorgeous sunrises, and sunsets. Only one thing is missing: sand. Sedir Island doesn’t have a beach where golden sands meet cool waters. This shortcoming must have bothered Cleopatra so much that she pours out her heart to Antonius.

Antonius, on the other hand, cannot remain indifferent to the sadness of the woman he desperately loves and presents the legendary gift to Cleopatra. Antonius has a beach built by carrying sand to Sedir Island. However, upon the order of Antonius, a total of 60 ships of sand were transported from Egypt to Sedir Island. And the island finally gets its beach, and Cleopatra, for whom Antony has accomplished the impossible, gets her to wish.

This place is now known as Cleopatra beach and is the most well-known place on Sedir Island, which attracts visitors with its natural beauties, walls, and theater.