#copia being on the other line would change that

[ramblingoak]

I neeeeeeed more copia x reader phone sex 😞

Mmm yes, phone sex with Copia...wouldn't that be nice? A phone call I'd actually enjoy getting!

Now I have written two of these fics: Ring Ring and Invisible Touch. Three if you count A Kiss Goodnight (even though the ghouls interrupt things before they get too exciting xD). But you know there's always room for more phone sex fics I'm sure I could sort another one out hehehe.

[sink-me-in-your-ocean]

Just a Quick(ie) Change

Papa Copia x gn!Reader smut

WC: 3100

A/N: I think I blacked out when I wrote this at 2am. This one is for @endhisbloodlineinmyesophagus - thank you for spamming me with pics of Copia’s amazing thighs.

Content warnings: oral sex m!receiving. 18+ only. Minors DNI.

NSFW below the cut.

Hired as a quick-change assistant, you didn’t expect much from the job backstage for Papa Emeritus IV.

You never expected, one, that you’d actually enjoy your job, and two, that the two other assistants would quit right before a tour. 

It was much too close to the start of the ritual tour to hire someone on the spot. Sister Imperator always had the last word, and since the clergy was thousands of miles away from her at the moment, it was an inopportune time to be short-staffed. Papa required many, many intricate costume changes during rituals. Usually, these changes required at least six additional hands, but at least for the next several shows you’d have to make do with just your two.

It was down to you and him when he’d come backstage. Sometimes another member of the crew would bring him refreshments while the nameless ghouls stalled on stage, riffing and whatnot, but mostly it was just the two of you. This led to witty banter, goofy little mishaps, and the like. Some accidents even led to flirtatious jokes between you two as you quickly warmed to each other.

Papa rushed offstage, clutching the front of his trousers. Holding back a laugh, you couldn’t resist asking, “Are your pants falling off or are you just eager to see me?”

He put his hand to his heart, exclaiming a word in Italian before inhaling in a dramatic gasp. “My button popped off.”

You knew his button came off while he was performing - you had a small live monitor in your closet - coloring you thoroughly impressed by the movements of his hips. You had the cheesy line and a needle, thread, and replacement for the offending button prepared as soon as you saw it happen. 

The laugh you shared together wasn’t the first, and certainly would not be the last of the evening. You couldn’t place why it brought you so much joy to just make him smile in between sets. It was a moment of complete and utter glee in the midst of the madness that went into each ritual.

Zippers got caught, shoes were left untied, robes were wrinkled, the whole nine. It was like Murphy’s Law backstage sometimes… anything that could go wrong, would go wrong. 

On the second night of your solo adventure, in the middle of a particularly intricate change involving his Dracopia bat wings, Papa said something to you that would keep your mind stirring the entire night. He was on a high from the opening of the show, beaming at you from the moment he saw you, but this… this was different.

“I enjoy our time together, you know.”

“What?” Your focus was on the second, most stubborn, buckle as you stood in front of him. The harness couldn’t lace itself up so you kept working, your fingers nimbly adjusting as he kept speaking.

“Well, it’s just that I’m used to so many people poking and prodding me, shoving me this way and that, just going through the motions.” He paused, tilting his head to listen for his cue coming up before he continued, “But with you this is different, I feel like I’m actually getting a break instead of just being rushed around like a…how do they say... chicken with its head cut off.”

You finished the last buckle, securing it in place and patting his arm as you were utterly lost for words. His sentiment cut through you like a blade, but was as soft as a feather pillow. 

He turned on his heel as he walked away, but paused and looked over his shoulder, winking at you before walking back on stage. The crowd of devotees screamed and you stood alone in the dark, accompanied only by the mass of butterflies in your stomach. 

The rest of the night went by as usual, but somehow smoother than expected. The stolen glances between you and Papa were more heated, and held more weight than before. Neither one of you crossed that threshold that night though; You refused to be the first one to take this - whatever this is - to the next level.

The next show you were alone, yet once more. Sister Imperator unsurprisingly didn’t like any of the candidates that had applied for the position, not deeming them ‘good enough’ to work with Copia. She never called him Papa, you noticed. 

Sister was doing her best to assuage you while simultaneously making your head hurt. She was always kind to you for some unknown reason, but tonight she was truly laying it on thick, “… but you, my dear, are a diamond in the rough. You’ll have to shine on your own just a little longer.”

The video call glitched, her word’s temporarily interrupted by a bad connection as she said something else.

“I’m sorry, would you repeat that? It sounded like you said it’s just going to be me for the rest of the week.”

“Oh no, I didn’t say that.” The video finally stabilized. You sighed in relief before she continued. “I said you’ll be on your own for the rest of the tour.”

Your face fell. It felt like a two-ton weight was placed on your chest, or that you were shoved in a truck, locked in, and the key was thrown away. 

No help? Seriously?

She noted your facial expression before you could reel yourself in. “Don’t worry my dear, we will compensate you more for the lack of help you have, but at least I know that my - cough - er, the Cardinal, will be happy in your capable hands.”

You tried to hide your dismay, “O-Kay.”

“I’ve got to run off now little one, try to make the best out of it, alright?”

“I promise, Sister, thank you.”

You sighed again, to no one this time and not out of relief. To be on your own the rest of the tour seemed, in practice, too much. You had only done two shows solo and the limited sanity you had was already wearing thin. Suddenly, you had a strange thought that warmed your body: if you’re the only one then that means more time for you and Papa to get to know each other. 

Your traitorous heart gave a squeeze. More time alone with him couldn’t possibly be a bad thing… could it?

Perhaps? Perhaps not. But you could certainly think of many, many bad things to do.

One week later 

Your heart was pounding as you did your final checks. Everything tonight was going to run perfectly. 

The first change went to plan, then the next. Every second that passed with the two of you in each other's vicinity felt like an eternity. Your own personal hell of stolen glances and small comments. Of shallow breaths and lingering touches. 

“Is this new?” He nodded to your night-black long-sleeved dress. All-black was the dress code for backstage crew so tonight you’d opted for a racy mini dress and long black stockings to cover your legs up to the thigh. Only a salacious inch of skin showed between the garments, and Papa couldn’t resist peeking. 

Flattered that he noticed, you blushed, “Yes, it is.” You straightened his robes, ensuring the easily-wrinkled fabric lay perfectly in its place. 

“I’d like to see it off you later.” He reached with one gloved hand and ran two fingers along the visible skin of your thigh, making you tremble with want. It felt like the little room turned into a furnace, just from that.

Quick as a flash he grabbed his prop from your open palm before you could react and darted back out to the stage, leaving you in shock with the realization that he wants you just as badly as you want him. 

You pace back and forth, setting everything out for the next change. At one point the stage manager pops in, asks you if you need anything and you assure them that you’re good. 

There’s only one person who can give you what you need.

As soon as the cue hits for him to exit your palms tingle in anticipation. Your eyes lit up as you saw him, stripping him out of the floor-length robe immediately to get started on the next change. But Papa had other ideas.

His gloved hands grabbed you firmly, one on your jaw and the other at your waist to pull you into a deep and sensuous kiss. You felt the electricity between you buzz from your lips down to your toes. Your body responded before you truly realized what was happening, and you kissed him back with equivalent enthusiasm. 

He growled as you parted your lips to dart your tongue out, grazing his teeth once before going back on the next kiss to taste his tongue. You moaned, greedily, taking in a deep breath through your nose to inhale his bouquet of fragrant cologne and hair products. It felt like the two of you were kissing with the need of long-lost lovers, reunited after a decade of time. He grabbed and groped at your body, pulling you closer as though he never wanted to let you go.

You did your best not to be too handsy with him in return, as you didn’t want to fuck up his costume.

Fuck! His costume!

The head-spinning thrill of the kiss made him miss his cue to go back on stage, both of you too caught up in the passion of the moment to feel the world around you. You broke the kiss and violently threw items at him to put on. Luckily this change was one of the easier ones, but it never looked good for Papa to delay his return to the stage.

The stage manager came in again, “Everything alright in there?”

“Yes! Just a stubborn zipper again!” You laughed breathily to cover up your anxious flitting about while Papa stayed silent. 

“Alright, well, hurry it along, the ghouls are going to start eating each other out there if not.” They sounded less than pleased before cutting back out of the tiny room.

“Heard.” You replied curtly, not in the mood to have your moment ruined any further. 

“I don’t know how to say this without sounding like a dickhead,” your breath caught in your chest. Did he regret the kiss? “You have a little, er, smudge.” He motioned towards his lip.

You looked in the mirror beside you, hells below, he was right! You had black makeup from him smudged all over. 

He giggled his way back out, leaving you furiously rubbing at your lips and chin, your face fully flushed with embarrassment.

By the next quick change, you two had a pattern working perfectly. 

First, change out of the previous costume.

Second, put the next one on.

Third, and most importantly, spend any and all remaining seconds kissing each other like giddy teenagers.

You both became a desperate mess of hands, lips, and teeth. You even picked up a few new tricks: one of which being that you could tie his tie exceedingly well while he had his tongue in your mouth. You got a little too handsy now, stroking him through his pants as his hands gripped your rear. Feeling him growing with every motion was spurring you on, making you almost delirious with need.

“I’ll see you shortly.” He exhaled heavily, palming the front of his pants to adjust the placement of his dick. It was adorable how he was going to go out there like this, pantomiming that nothing had transpired, but you were fine with it, it was a little game.

“I’ll be waiting.” You called after him.

The longest break in the show was up next, and you already knew what to do. You were on your knees before he finished the song, his cue to move backstage for his change came and when he saw you he stopped in his tracks. 

“Don’t just stand there now, come over here and let me taste you.” Your bold words seemed to almost miss him, as he looked to be in a trance. He soon snapped out of it, taking a few steps to you and closing the distance. 

He stroked your hair, “You don’t have to do this right now, we can wait until later.”

His suggestion was tempting but unnecessary, you were committed to this. “I gave you a problem, and I want to take care of it for you. May I?” You pleaded up at him and his mouth dropped open.

“Yes. Fuck, please.”

With his explicit permission you went to work. It was well-known that Papa went commando on stage. However, this didn’t make it any less difficult for you to peel the “rat-eaten” black pants off of him. His sweat combined with the stiff, unforgiving tightness of the trousers and made it quite difficult for you to wrench him from the tight fabric. 

You wrestled the fabric down, exposing the very tops of his delicious thighs and in the middle, his magnificent thick cock sprung forth. Your mouth watered at the sight, so long and hard, how you wanted - no - needed to taste him. 

You wet your lips, looking up at him and not wanting to waste any more time as you pressed your tongue lightly to the underside of the hot tip. You flicked your tongue to the very end, where a bead of pre-cum was leaking out. 

Tasting him stirred something within you that made your insides clench. You wanted so much more than just to give him a sloppy blow job in the stage right closet at a ritual. But this would have to do for now. 

The salt of his sweat on your tongue was like a drug to you, and you needed more of everything. You impaled yourself on his length, gagging obscenely as you took as much of him into your mouth as possible. 

He groaned as you sucked at him, your tongue working to massage the underside of his shaft. You bobbed your head back and forth, one of your hands coming up to follow the motion of your mouth. It slid back and forth easily, the copious amount of spit already coating his length made for ideal lubrication.

Your other hand steadied yourself by gripping his exposed thigh, squeezing the flesh lightly, your fingertips satisfied just by touching his bare skin. You felt your arousal again, a pulse at the apex of your legs thrumming to almost fierce levels. Fuck, you wanted to put one of your hands between your own legs, but right now, your focus was solely on Papas pleasure.

He exhaled with a ‘ha’ sound, another groan making its way out through his clenched teeth. You felt one of his hands curl itself through your hair, pulling slightly to get your attention.

You looked up at him, and you were so turned on by the sight. Papa’s face was contorted in lustful indulgence. Some of his hair plastered itself to his forehead while other pieces stuck out at the sides as though he had been running his fingers through the salt-and-pepper strands. You made a quick mental note to fix it before he went back on stage. 

He pulled again at your hair and you removed your mouth from him, although your hand continued to work, stroking up and down his entire shaft. 

“Fuck my mouth Papa.” The words in your desire-filled heart spoke themselves aloud.

He growled, “Open up.”

You did exactly as you were told, moving both hands now to his thighs as he readjusted his grip on your hair. The music was changing, the instrumental interlude was almost to an end. Your mouth opened wide and you got your wish.

Papa fucked your mouth as though the success of the ritual depended on it. He wasted no time pressing his impressive length into your mouth and throat as far as it could go. Your gag reflex was being obliterated with each thrust of his hips forwards. After several quick, punishing blows to your throat it finally relaxed. You were at his mercy, and mercy, he was not pulling any punches.

Tears stained your cheeks, an ache started in your jaw, and your facial muscles tensed. The pressure, the pain was all made worth it as you looked up through bleary eyes to see Papa. His chest shuddered with every breath. His heterochromatic eyes watched you and his eyebrows were knit together. Papa's mouth hung open and dirty remarks, expletives, and guttural sounds of pleasure sputtered out. 

“Look at you, so wanton, so needy for my cock that you’ll kneel before me.”

You hummed in response, pressing your thighs together to try to gain even a slight bit of friction between them. 

It could have been the vibrations from your hum that put him over the edge, or maybe it was that he knew he had to get back out there, but his grasp in your hair tightened. Your scalp flashed in white hot pain as he cried out in one final thrust and painted the back of your throat with hot, heavy spurts of his release.

You swallowed greedily, not wanting a single drop to be missed as he pulled out of your mouth and moved to quickly pull his pants back up. He knelt down unexpectedly, and you met his gaze. His gloved hands wiped the tears from your cheeks as he leaned forward and kissed you on your swollen lips.

“Grazie, mi amore, I shall return the favor after the show.”

With one final caress to your cheek with his hand, he stood, pulling his bright, glittering jacket on one arm at a time. You watched, rosy-cheeked and soft-eyed as he straightened his clothes, checking himself out in the mirror. Of course he looked over everything except his hair.

You snapped out of your lightheaded stupor with a second of time to remain, shooting to your feet, “Wait!”

He turned towards you and you wiped your damp hands on your thigh-highs before reaching up to smooth his soft hair back into place. You covered his eyes and with your dominant hand snagged the miniature can of hairspray out of your stash of supplies to fix everything back in place. 

You’d be damned if you didn’t do your job. 

Papa grabbed you by your collar once you dropped your hands, kissing you once more before heading back on stage. The scent of hairspray, his cologne, and sweat created a haze for you to dream in, thinking of the implications of his words from earlier.

You couldn’t wait for him to return the favor.

[she-lovesmovies]

Sodo × fem!reader

She/her reader

Words count: 2 486

Summary: You have a fight with Sodo and he gives you the silent treatment after that.

Warnings: hurt/comfort, angst/fluff. She throws up at some point but it's short and not details. She also eat less for a short time so TW for ED.

Notes: English is not my first language so some lines may be grammatically incorrect, + typos, sorry.

(Pic coming from Pinterest)

"Mountain I don't know what to do. I feel like he doesn't want to talk to me. At first I understood: he's angry, l'm not gonna talk to him, l'm gonna wait. But it's been hours and I really feel like we need to talk about it... "

"Honestly, I personally don't think what you did was that bad. He's just annoyed by anything and everything. You should try to talk to him."

"Ok..? You sighted.

Rain was looking at you, shaking his head no.

But what could you do, really?

You had walked on his guitar and broke two of the buttons. Not just broke in the he could put them back on way, but you had crushed them.

You couldn't even remember how it happened.

But you remembered how Sodo had looked at you.

How the atmosphere of the room had instantly changed. For the long time you had been with Sodo, or hang out with him, you had never felt that.

It was your fault, clearly. You knew your boyfriend was always leaving his things on the floor so you should have been careful.

After your initial shock, you had fall to your knees and tried to put the pieces back. But he had harshly told you to leave the room. You had quickly complied. And he hadn't talk to you since the incident.

You hadn't even had the chance to apologize...

You trusted Rain. But you had to talk to Sodo.

————————————————

So here you were, in front of his door.

"Sodo ?"

You knocked on the door and opened it. Discreetly walking inside.

He was sitting on the floor, his back to you. His ears and head twitching at the sound of your movements.

His tail was moving violently.

He looked like an animal.

"Sodo ? It's me….. Ijust wanted to say l'm sorry."

"Get out." He growled.

Ok.

So it was gonna be a hard one.

"Sodo, I'm really sorry, can we talk about this ?"

"What about ? You broke my guitar. I won't be able to play it. That's it. Get out.?

"I'm not getting out until you're looking at me. You're clearly not well and I'm not leaving you like this."

He angrily turned around and looked at you dead in the eyes.

He wasn't wearing his mask so you could see his eyes. And now you knew why they were ghouls. Why people thought of them as demons.

"And why would I want you being the one to help me?"

"Because I'm your girlfriend…..?" You answer quietly, forced to look at the floor under his cold scary gaze.

He laughed sadistically and you knew it had been the wrong thing to say and you were both gonna get hurt now.

" You're just a girl I fuck and hang out with. I could do it with any other siblings or sisters. Do you think you have anything special? Because right now apart from breaking my guitar, you didn't do much around here."

He doesn't mean it.

You knew he didn't mean it.

He is just angry.

He loves you.

You knew he did.

After everything you went through together.

But it still hurt.

"You don't mean it. You're just angry.."

"Just angry? Just angry? I could fucking kill you right now! don't know why i'm not doing it. Probably because my brothers would murder me after that. But trust me I would fucking rip you apart if I could. You're fucking useless in the clergy. Copia is being nice to you because that's who he is. He doesn't care about you. I don't care about it."

"No, you don't mean it..." your lips started shaking.

"I- mean- every-words- I- said." He articulated.

At this point your whole body was trembling.

"Stop fucking trembling. It's pissing me off!" He harshly said before turning back to his broken guitar.

"Sorry." you muttered.

He doesn’t mean it.

He doesn't mean it.

He doesn't mean it.

He doesn't mean it.

Both of you didn't say anything for the next two minutes.

It can't end on this.

This conversation can't end like that.

How can I arrange it ?

How can I fix his guitar?

"Sodo, tell me what should I do...?"

You could hear the tears in your own voice.

You knew his guitar was the thing he loved the most in this whole world.

He always had play with this guitar since he stopped being a bassist.

"Fucking leave me alone and don't talk to me again. I don't want to see your face."

You couldn't just stop talking to him.

Or hang out with him.

Did that mean you both were nothing now.

"Are you breaking up with me ?" You ask with a quiet voice.

He didn't answer.

You were in the wrong.

He had every right to not talk. He had asked you to leave him be and you were in the wrong.

So you turned around, defeated, and walked out of the door.

You were in the wrong.

He didn't answer...

——————————————-

4 days had passed since your fight with Sodo.

You both hadn't talk to each other.

You were trying to reach him but he just kept avoiding and ignoring you.

You had heard from Aether that he was in the studio, talking with Copia.

So you ran to them, knowing he couldn't avoid you if he was talking with Copia.

You entered the studio.

Copia glanced at you but Sodo kept talking not acknowledging you or the sound you made.

He probably heard or smell you coming.

"Sodo...”

The ghoul kept on going on.

Copia looked at you, then Sodo.

"Sodo. Please can we talk ?"

No answer.

“Sodo answer me !” You yelled.

Copia looked at you and opened his mouth to say something to Sodo but the ghoul was faster.

"We can keep this conversation elsewhere if you're distracted Papa."

Copia looked like he didn't know what to do.

The silence grounded itself in the room.

“Please talk to me." You whispered, your voice shaking.

Silence again.

Then Sodo started talking with Copia again, who clearly wasn't listening but just looking at you with pity, extending his hand toward you to reach you.

“My dear maybe if...”

Tears rolled down your face and you whimpered just before running out of the room.

You were embarrassed.

Being treated like that in front of Papa.

Being treated like you were nothing.

Like you were useless and didn't exist.

You arrived to your bedroom and locked yourself into your bedroom.

You ran to your bathroom and toilet.

You started throwing up.

Your mouth and throat were sour because of the vomit.

But the way Sodo treated you had triggered some background traumas you had.

You've been through similar things in middle school.

You had to endure those type of behaviors from people you loved.

And it had leave the child you were, traumatized by some specific things.

You couldn't help the way your body was reacting.

And for the next 3 weeks, you had been throwing up every night.

After your duties. After all the pressure was gone. Your body was letting it all go.

But it hurt you.

Your stomach, your throat, your head was hurting you.

Your whole body was exhausted by throwing up for hours. So after the first week you started eating less to vomit a little less food.

Your body kept trying to vomit something and it hurt, but it wasn't as painful as when you were eating.

You also had sleeping problems because of that. It was not often that you were throwing up in the middle of the night and apart from thinking too hard about everything that was going on, you frequently were woke up by nightmares.

You had learned from Rain that Sodo's guitar had been fixed a week ago. You were glad. But the silent treatment kept going on. And honestly it was almost like you had accept it, it pained you everytime you saw him, but you were getting use to it. It didn't mean you were more happy. Getting use to it didn't arrange anything. You still felt miserable. Wandering in the corridors, doing your tasks like a ghost, you still felt useless.

Right now, you were trying to eat your breakfast. The only meal you had everyday.

Thinking about what you could do today.

You knew how it was gonna go: you were gonna go to your bedroom, lay in your bed, start thinking about Sodo, about your relationship, about everything you did, about how you did the same as when you were young, about your last relationships, about how in the wrong you were. About how apart from the guitar you were just a pain in the ass and uninteresting.

About how you knew Sodo was stubborn but if he really loved you he couldn't avoid you for that long.

About how he had always been right: he was saying the truth and didn't want you.

And you would throw up, and cry. And wish someone was there, but at the same time wished no one would see you like that, and wished to only disappear and die.

"Y/n. I know you want and need some time alone, but we're really worried about you.."

You didn't dare to look at Mountain while eating your cereals.

"Hm."

"He's right, you don't look good." Agreed Swiss.

"So that's why you all decided to sit with me this morning? Then that's really kind of you, for once, to sit with me. But don't worry I'II be able to achieve my duties. So you can tell Copia to stop sending his ghouls because whatever my mood and state I'll do my job. I don't want to get thrown out of the clergy."

You stood up from your chair and took your bowl.

But before you had the chance to walk away, Mountain's tail grabbed your forearm.

"Y/n, you need to talk to him.” Mountain muttered.

You started laughing hysterically.

"He's been giving me the silent treatment for 5 weeks. At this point he just doesn't want me in his life. Plus, last time you told me talk to him and look how greatly it went. It's okay. I fucked up. It was stupid of me to think he cared and loved me. You all don't have to pretend. I’ll just stop annoying everyone."

Cumulus tried to speak:

"Y/n it's not what we-“

You didn't let her finished as you took your forearm back and quickly walked out of the cafeteria.

"We need to do something. Sodo is fucking up all the rehearsals and she clearly is not doing well?”

"I don't care about the fucking rehearsals Aether. She's gonna kill herself if she keeps going on like this." Said Mountain.

"We need to talk some fucking sense in Sodo's ego and brain." Agreed Cirrus.

——————————————-

You were in your room.

In your bed.

Under your white sheets.

Your head below your pillow.

Your head was hurting you so bad.

You didn't know if the pillow was suppose to take the pain away, to cut yourself from the outside world, or just suffocate yourself to die instantly.

The tinnitus in your ears was so loud you didn't hear your door opening.

"Y/n.."

You groaned. Still deaf from the person entering.

"Y/n, it's me, Sodo."

You were on the verge of passing out.

The bucket for throwing up next to your bed was almost full.

You didn't know why tonight was that bad.

"Talk to me, please?

Sodo thought it was only fair that you were giving him the silent treatment back, after what he did to you. But he couldn't stop himself from getting worried at the sounds leavingg your body.

He rushed to your bed when he clearly heard cries.

He pulled the sheets and you shriek.

You curled on yourself even more than before, as if trying to protect you.

Sodo took in the sigh of you.

You were pale.

Really pale.

It looked like you hadn't eat for days.

He kneeled next to the bed, where your face was now resting and caressed it.

"Y/n open your eyes."

You shook your head and he stood up, just to sit on your bed and tried to pull you up so you were sitting.

You were just limbs and as you sat up, your head fell past his shoulder. Your chin resting on it as your chest was laying on his.

"Sodo." you finally whimpered.

You had recognized him.

"Yeah, it's me darling."

"You're talking to me." She sobs.

And Sodo’s heart couldn’t hold it anymore.

It broke on itself and tears started to well up in his eyes.

And a sudden wave of immense sadness and pain washed over him.

He was overwhelmed by sorrow.

It took him a second to realize it was your pain he was feeling.

His arms encircled you and he hugged you like he had never hug anyone.

"I'm so sorry. l'm so sorry. I was being immature. It was never your fault. For anything. I let my guitar lay around. I was an asshole to get angry at something so stupid. It was just buttons. I didn't mean anything I say. Please believe me. I love you. I love you so much. Please."

You closed your eyes from relief.

Your head was still hurting you like hell therefore the need to vomit was starting to vanish.

But then your mind reminded you of those past 3 weeks.

"Why? Why did you do that to me? For 3 weeks. You're lying. You don't love me.."

You tried to get out of his embrace but you were just too weak.

"I'm sorry. I was angry at myself. And then I thought you would never forgive me. That you were just better without someone so immature. I'm so sorry. I don't want our relationship to get toxic. l'll never do that to you again. I'm so sorry. l've never been more miserable. Please come back."

You cried even harder as you heard Sodo's own cries.

"I don't know. I don't know. I'm so tired Sodo. I love you so much. But right now I'm too tired to think."

"Okay, okay don't worry darling. I brought you some biscuits so you can eat and then we'll just lay down and talk about all this tomorrow. Do you want me to go ?”

"Please. Stay. I need you to hold me."

Sodo nodded. He didn't loose his grip on you as you both laid down on the bed.

He hugged you from behind.

"I love you so much. I'm so sorry. So sorry." He sobs quietly.

"I know Sodo." whispered as your mind drifted into unconsciousness.

The ringing in your ears had stopped.

[themratts]

A Surprise For Papa

[ A mysterious 'gift' arrives at the ministry, addressed to Copia, and he's not quite sure what to make of it ]

Rating: Teens and Up (May be subject to change)

Chapter One • Delivery (word count : 2.3K)

—— 🍼

It was easy enough for Papa to get into the zone when it came to his ministry work. Despite how tedious and time consuming it could often be, by now, at his age, he was more than familiar with the grind and it came simply enough to him every day.

He’d sit, at his usual deskspace with his usual documents and reports and church budgets and he’d scribble away at them for as long as he had to. The trick was not to get knocked out of his focus once he was already in. That in itself, was the hard part. As he set his coffee mug down, three sturdy knocks met the door of his study, and when the Ghoul’s voice followed, Papa knew he was in for a long day.

“Hey,” Before Copia could even respond, the door was being opened and his eyes were greeted by the sleek and feisty figure of the fire ghoul. Dewdrop leaned against the doorframe, he told him, “Something’s here for you,”

“What?” That was odd. Not that things - fanmail, letters, whatever else - never came for him, but they were commonly delivered to his personal chambers. The odd part was the way Dew had shown up just to tell him about it, “Here for me?”

“Yeah.”

“What is it?” He asked but the ghoul only shrugged.

“Haven’t opened it. But it’s weird.”

Copia wasn’t sure if he was more curious, or worried. He turned in his chair now, papers forgotten for the moment. “Weird how?”

“Come and see for yourself,” As he left, Dewdrop flicked his tail and then it disappeared into the hallway. Papa knew he shouldn’t. He needed to stay, to get things done. Yet, he couldn’t help the urge to follow him. As if something was pulling him from his chair. Copia rose to his feet, and made his way after the ghoul in the distance.

He led him through the hall and down the main staircase. Before turning, and gearing them into the ghoul livingspace. A widened room with separate halls that would lead to ghoul dormitories, but the open area served as a nice space for them to hang out. Ahead, Papa could see two ghouls crowded around a small table. And when he got closer, he recognized them to be Aether and Swiss. Aether was especially close to whatever was on the table, nose twitching when he sniffed so curiously. Dew stepped to the side, hands on his hips.

“Guys, move.”

The other ghouls looked up, and backed away when Copia approached. Now that he could see what they were looking at, he was even more weirded out. A basket, it looked like, covered by a lumpy, stuffed-in sheet with a single folded piece of paper sat atop. A note, it looked like. It simply read “Papa” on the front. Copia’s brows furrowed, creasing the paint on his forehead. He looked at the mysterious package, to his ghouls, and then back down.

“Where did you get this?”

“It was left at the gate this morning,” Swiss answered, crossing his legs where he sat on the other side of the table.

“The gate?” Copia almost laughed, “This isn’t a prank, is it?”

“Nope,” and Dew shoved his clawed hands into his pockets, “Although that’d be hilarious.”

On the other side of Papa, Aether was taking another step back. He shook his head and crossed his arms, “It smells so strange,” He noted, tilting his head, “You should open it.”

“It smells strange? What does it smell like?”

All three ghouls exchanged a look. A hard to read expression, but it was enough to creep Copia out. He shivered, and when none of them answered, he reached instead for the note that was laid atop the blanket. It was written in unfamiliar handwriting, on thin, ordinary lined paper. He scanned the front and the back, before flipping it open. In big letters on the inside, the words read,

“Your problem now.”

Disturbing. A deeper confusion coursed through him and Papa turned back to his ghouls, “you are sure this isn’t a prank?”

“Not a chance,” Dew raised his hands innocently. Feeling defeated , Copia once again forced his attention back to the basket. He was almost scared to open it. He felt a pressure in his chest, an uneasiness. The circumstances were just so weird. But what choice did he really have?

“Alright,” He sighed. And Copia let his gloved fingers grace the edge of the basket. He hovered there for a second, before moving again. And when he did, he jumped backwards. Something inside the basket had moved, too. “Wh-what the hell!?”

“Dude,” Dew pushed him forward, “Open it!”

“What is it!?”

“We don’t know any more than you do.” A blatant lie.

Papa grumbled. He went to push and rub at his temples but halted when he remembered his face paint. He had to resort to a groan instead.

The thought that whatever was in the basket was alive was both alarming and very concerning. His hand crept forward to the blanket again, as he decided not to waste anymore time in getting to the bottom of it. Carefully, he removed the sides from their tucked position, and lifted the blanket from the basket.

It was barely in his hand for a second before he’d dropped it in shock. Papa gasped, stumbling backward and letting his mouth drop open. He wasn’t sure what he’d expected to be inside- but it definitely wasn’t that. A tiny, wrapped up, sleeping little baby.

“What-what the fuck!?” He yelled , slapping his hand to his head. Way, way too startled to care about his paint anymore, “what.. what!!?”

The ghouls were looking at each other, but none of them seemed as surprised. They’d known, of course, what was in there the whole time- from the moment they’d picked it up, the sound of the infant’s heartbeat had been a giveaway.

Copia spun around to them, “what is the goddamn meaning of this!?”

But Dew shrugged, “I feel like we should be asking you that,”

“che cazzo vuoi dire!?”

“I mean, it’s pretty obvious,”

“No it isn’t!?”

“Well,” Swiss leaned forward on the table, “it must be yours.”

“My…..” Copia felt like he’d just hit a brick wall. His stomach absolutely dropped, and he stared blankly at the small baby in confusion and disbelief. “..it… n-no, it can’t be. It can’t be,”

“Why the hell else would it be here?”

“It-It’s not mine.”

“Dude-“

“It isn’t!” Stressed, Copia’s fingers raked through his hair, “It-It just can’t be!”

“Hey, Relax,” Aether placed a hand, soothingly to Copia’s back. Well, about as soothingly as pointed claws can manage, “we’ll figure this out,”

Inside the basket, all the commotion had begun to rouse the sleeping infant. Its hands grabbed weakly at the sheet it was swaddled in , eyes barely opening. Copia just watched. He could hardly breathe.

It… it couldn’t be….

..Could it?

Dew’s tail thumped against Copia’s leg, “why the fuck would someone leave you with their baby if it’s not yours?”

“Can you, please…” Papa groaned. He pulled a chair out from the table and slumped himself into it. “I need… to think for a minute. I just… oh my god…”

Swiss leaned a little closer. Nose angled toward the baby’s hair, “little thing’s super fresh too,” he said, then looked up, “what were you doing nine months ago? Or. I guess. Who?”

Copia remained slumped against the table. He shook his head, “how-how should I know..”

“Nine months ago… nine…” Aeth suddenly snapped his fingers, “We were still out on tour nine months ago,”

The realization settled in on all of them, and all three ghouls slowly turned their heads toward Papa. He was staring blankly at the table, unmoving, stiff as a board but the piercing red that painted his ears was a clear indication that he was in fact, still listening.

“..So, did you..?”

“-on tour?”

“I mean, that’s about right, but-”

“Please.” Copia groaned and leaned back in his chair. His head was pounding, even as he tried to think back to however many months ago, just entertaining the idea that this baby was somehow his had him shaken. What were the chances of this!? He felt… extremely unprepared. “Just… just let me breathe for one moment..”

The ghouls managed to silence themselves, and exchanged looks instead. They weren’t entirely sure how to feel, either. As humorous as it partially was, this was also a very, very serious deal. If this was, in fact, the child of an Emeritus.

The baby made a small, fussy noise and flexed its little hand again. Aether reached forward, allowing it to grab hold of his claw. He smiled, “Cute,”

“Do you think it came from on tour?” Dew asked, and leaned forward on the table beside Papa. The man was quiet for a second, mind running a mile a minute. It was moments until he answered. Quietly, palm against his forehead.

“It’s… it’s not impossible,” he groaned, “but-but unlikely, no? This wasn’t.. I mean, I..”

“I guess you’re a father now,” Dewdrop suddenly slapped him on the back, “Congratulations,”

“Fermare, we don’t know that,”

“There is literally no other reason this baby would be here right now,”

“You know, it’s addressed to ‘Papa’ and not to ‘Copia’, notice?” Aether pointed out, then. He picked the card up, and flipped it around on all sides, as if in search of a clue, “Maybe it came from someone inside the ministry? You know, a congregational member?”

Swiss shrugged, “Yeah, but on tour?”

“Those Sisters who come along and help out backstage?”

“Ohhhh,”

They both looked to Copia, awaiting an answer or reply but he just sat there, blank look on his face. His eyes descended toward the baby in the basket, who was looking at him now, too, and smiling. His heart felt a million things at once, “I can’t believe this..”

“What about a DNA test?” Aether suggested with a shrug, “You know, just to make sure.”

“Yes,” Papa swallowed. It was almost like the reality had started to settle in, and the longer he gazed upon the infant the realer it started to feel. Was it true? Was he really a father now? And if that were the case… who the hell was this baby’s mother?

He felt regret, fear and uncertainty. Guilt. Copia leaned forward, exhaling deeply and covering the upper part of his face with his already paint-stained gloves. He shook his head, mumbling something not quite audible. The ghouls looked at each other. And Dew took a step back, “I’m gonna go get Sister,”

“No,” Copia lifted his head, “Please, per favore, she cannot know about this!”

“What?” The ghoul let out an amused hiss, one of laughter, “You expect to hide an entire baby from her?” He could practically see Papa sweating.

“we-well… eh…”

“They’re gonna know about this one way or another.”

He knew they were right. Groaning again, Copia just shook his head and slumped back in the chair. He didn’t notice when Dewdrop turned and left the room, but even then, he didn’t care. His body felt numb, and he stared and stared at that little bundle on the table. How could something so small carry such a heavy weight of responsibility? He couldn’t even imagine what this would do to his schedule. To his… everything. Copia trembled.

“I.. I-I don’t know the first thing about taking care of a baby,” And Aether placed a hand on his shoulder, patting it there.

“It’s alright,” He did his best to comfort, “You’ll figure it out,”

“How could this have happened…” Papa shook his head, slowly. And when he turned, and looked up at the ghoul beside him, his eyes appeared damp, “How could I be such an idiot?”

“You aren’t an idiot,”

“The thought of..” He paused, and his lip quivered. Copia turned his head away, emotions hitting him somewhat suddenly. He told him, “...the thought of someone, someone carrying my child, while I am far away, with no idea, no way to care for her, to be there or to help… that breaks my heart,”

“Hey,” Aether continued to pat his shoulder, “Hey, It’s alright. And… besides. She seemed to know where you are, yeah? She left the baby here. So.. if she’d wanted you for anything, don’t you think she’d have reached out?”

Papa hung his head, low. The words weren’t nearly as comforting as they might’ve sounded. Whoever this woman was, she likely wanted nothing to do with him. Nor with the baby, apparently. The longer he thought about it, the sadder he became.

Copia rose from his seat. The baby gazed up at him, eyes wide and curious, and made a small babbling sound. The man sighed, “I don’t know. I don’t know.. where this came from, or what’s going on here, but. We certainly aren’t going to leave it here, and certainly not without a home.”

From the basket, he lifted the little baby, still wrapped and swaddled in its blankets. It was warm, precious, and when its little head lay against him he felt himself melt. He mumbled quietly, “You are certainly adorable..” And brought one finger up to let it grab. The baby giggled, gently when it did and Copia couldn’t fight his smile. “I wonder if you have a name,”

“I guess you’ll pick the name,”

“I guess…” Papa sighed. He only watched, still and mesmerized by the tiny being in his arms, how sweet and sound, and resting on the possibility that this baby was his own. He just couldn’t believe it. He couldn’t. It had been so quick, so sudden. And yet.. after only ten seconds in his arms, Copia knew. If this baby was his… if it was really true. He wouldn’t stop at anything to be the best, the best Papa that he could possibly be.

[emeritus-fuckers]

“The red means I love you” ⸸ Yandere!Swiss Army Ghoul x gn!Reader

CW: he/xey/it pronouns used for swiss. reader pronouns and genitals unspecified. cannibalism. blood. descriptions of slight gore. imprisonment. brief descriptions of violence.

i. unusual they say strange fascination, infatuation

People would often say Swiss was... odd. Specific. Unique. Some called him just straight up weird. And none of those were wrong, of course. The ghoul was truly one of a kind, in both the best and the worst way, as you got to find out.

You've notived xem staring at you with that uncanny, wide grin. It would walk around and scare people often, though it was always just some lighthearted fun. It's how it started with you, until you approached him and got hit with a pick-up line so cheesy you couldn't help but laugh.

That one interaction seemed to be enough for the two of you to eventually start dating. And it was perfectly fine! Swiss was a goofy guy who always made you laugh. An oddball, yes, but it was never too weird or concerning.

At least, until that one day you accidentally cut yourself.

It wasn't even a big or deep cut, your just grazed one of your fingertips had had a few drops of blood fall while you and Swiss were making dinner. You didn't even register the cut at first, since xey were next to you and putting your finger in its mouth, sucking on the small wound.

And that was the day he changed.

ii. a lunatic call me what suits your taste, i just wanna taste

After tasting your blood, Swiss... changed. A lot.

It was a weird change, one that you couldn't quite put your finger on.

He was always clingy, so him not leaving your side wasn't it.

He was always touchy, so him being all over you was also pretty normal with him.

All the kissing, hugging, laying on top of each other with that toothy grin he was known for... Everything seemed to be the same way as it was before, and yet you could feel it in your bones. Something changed. You just had to figure out what it was and why you felt so uneasy about him now.

You hated the feeling, honestly. Despised it, even. It made no sense, for you to feel uncomfortable with the same arms that always held you and the same lips that always kissed you. He didn't xey didn't do anything wrong, and yet you started to drift apart, seemingly for no reason, just because you felt off.

And Swiss didn't like that one bit.

iii. and goodness, you're bleeding what a wonderful feeling

He just wouldn't stop. Your cries didn't matter to him. No matter how much you'd try to kick him off, he wouldn't leave. His teeth would still pierce your skin, biting off pieces of you one by one, only to then obssessively suck and lick at the wound, trying to get as much as he possibly could from you. Blood, flesh... it didn't matter, he wanted to taste you. You tasted so damn good, just a few drops of your blood could make xem cum on the spot.

Swiss would never be satisfied. It would give you just enough time to heal, feeding on you from somewhere else. If your thigh needed time to heal, xey'd switch to your arm, ripping the flesh off.

He was smart. He made everyone believe you ran away from the Ministry. And then it kept you trapped in some long forgotten corner of the catacombs, visiting you every day to bring you food and drinks. And, of course, to eat you and then nuzzle against your lower stomach in the same affectionate way xey would before all this happened.

After all, Swiss loved you very much. It wasn't his fault that the love was unhealthy. Xey just liked to feel you bleed.

It was such a wonderful feeling, after all.

~

Written by Nosferatu.

Taglist: @charlie-is-a-menace @copias-fluffy-asscheeks @randodummy @tuttifuckinfruttifriday @calliedion-dungeon @randominstake @callmeicaro @thecuriouss @dio-niisio @ethereal-maniac @mybotanicaldemise @igodownjustlikeholymary @natoncesaid @bloodmoon-bites

[puuuders]

I'm With You Always - DeCopia drabble thing

~

A/N - I HAVE FALLEN INTO DECOPIA HOLE AND CAN'T GET UP. @frjimdefroque THIS IS FOR YOU

~

Jim spends a sacred moment with his beloved.

570 words

~

The fog was always thick on cool October dusks, the birth of the night always seeming a bit brighter with the reflection of the moon bouncing off the miniscule water droplets that hung in the air. Though, on certain nights, the fog would grow in thickness as a presence would wander around the church borders, as Jim would watch the fluctuation move about from a second story window with a glass of His blood planted softly in his hand. By now, he had already changed into a comfortable pair of gray sweats and a black cardigan, a small portion of his chest visible from the V line. He took a sip of his wine, eyes half lidded and glued to a distinct shadow surrounded by the thickening fog. It was not until his glass was empty that he realized he had been trying too hard to search for that glimmer of white he longed to see. Looking down at the empty cup, he pulled the deep red curtains shut.

They always had an agreed upon time that one party could never seem to respect. 3:00 AM, deep into typical sleeping hours. Though Jim knew the significance of the number, and that it was not just to ensure privacy and lessened risk of being caught. But he never seemed to care. How could he claim to care when he was stepping through the yard, wet leaves and twigs crunching beneath his feet as he moved to their frequent meeting spot?

“You smell nice.” The familiar Italian voice squeaked from behind the chain link fence, black gloves fingers curling around the wires. Jim rubbed his arms with his own gloved hands, not having prepared for the cold. 

“I can't smell you.” Jim murmured, almost aggressively. Met with silence, he sighed. 

“Can I?”

“Sí… That's what I wait for.” 

The being leaned forward, his infernal eye piercing through the fog, illuminating each of their faces. His own was painted neatly of an abstract skull, loose strands of his graying hair falling perfectly before his eyes. 

Jim met Copia, pressing his chest against the fence as he closed his eyes. He listened as Copia began to pry apart the wires, creating just enough space to press even further forward. The head priest had noticed these damages before, and Jim blamed their rivalry ministry. Which, technically, was no sin and no lie. 

But there was no point. There was no point to defend his holiness against such sins. And Jim knew that. For now he was pressing his lips against another man, and that of a man of the beast of many names. He drew a deep breath against their connection, inhaling Copia's scent, relishing their brief moment of intimacy. It was a moment they only risked sharing twice a week, apart from their occasional meeting amongst one another's ministry, though it was difficult to get any moment alone with the breathing of each other's leaders over their shoulders. 

Jim had melted. Clinging to the fence, he took in as much taste and smell, eyebrows pinched up and tongue threatening to dive in as he struggled to contain himself. Until eventually, the pressure fell against no presence. He stumbled as his eyes fluttered open, saddened pupils peering into nothing but the darkness of night. He pressed his forehead against the cold metal, his eyes falling shut once more. It would be another week before he would see his lover again. 

[copiousloverofcopia]

Hey there ghesties!!!

Here is a new fic commission, for the awesome @dantesunbreaker featuing Copia and an AFAB Reader!

Thank you so much again ghestie for commissioning me! It was a pleasure to write for you again!!!

Hope you all enjoy!

Commissions are OPEN, please see pinned post for Carrd info!

Unwind

Being a sibling of sin is hard...especially when dealing with the wrath of Sister Imperator. Copia helps you find a way to relax.

Also available HERE on AO3!

Definitely NSFW below the cut!

“Oh Lucifer, she is the most miserable and contemptuous woman I have ever met” you hissed as you stormed down the hall. Your voice, thankfully, echoing just out of earshot from Sister Imperator’s office. You had had enough after spending two hours getting drilled, along with a few other siblings, and all over a little indiscretion involving some ghouls and sacramental wine. If it weren’t for the woman being Papa’s mother, and the matriarch of the Ministry, you would have given the old woman something to really rant about. 

Alas, she is a member of the high clergy, and you—only a mere sibling. Instead, you allowed your better sensibility to guide you. Deciding that a walk around out in the courtyard, allowing your boiling blood to come down to a simmer, was a much better choice. Though you wondered if the fresh air and the change of scenery would be enough to shrug off the stress of the day. Still you continued on, walking down the stairs and through the main hall until you reached the exit into the courtyard.

The minute you stepped outside you were met by the beauty of the day. A bright blue sky and the warmth of the late summer sun beating down on you. Any other time you would have thoroughly enjoyed it, but now all you felt was the tension. Upset that even the simple pleasures of a nice day had been ruined by Sister’s raving. 

You made your way around the path that lined the cloister, kicking around a few stones at your feet. Your eyes held down to the ground as you rubbed at the knots in your neck. Kinked up and pained by the heavy mental weight you’d been carrying. Committed to walk off your fury before returning to your duties within the Abbey.

On your third trip around the year you were hit suddenly by the light scent of cologne in the air. The bitter citrus notes, mingling with bergamot and rosemary, quickly followed by a pair of arms around your waist. Arms that were all too familiar and comforting. A smile pulled at the sides of your mouth as you put it all together.

“Amore?” Copia cooed into your ear. A gentle nudge of his head into yours as he hugged you. 

“Oh Papa.” you sighed, turning around to face him. Feeling a bit of relief from only having been pulled into his arms. Copia held you close for a moment, rubbing your back and allowing you to rest on him before he pulled you up to face him.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, his concern showing through his paints. Worry written in the lines of his face. You dreaded telling him, though you both shared everything together. Even when it may cause a disagreement, the truth was always spoken between you. One thing you both could always count on.

“It’s…It’s…” you stammered, trying to get out the complaint. Your resolve, dampened by the fact that she was his mother. You began chewing your lip, your eyes falling back to the ground and settling on the tops of Copia’s shoes.

“Amore—just tell me.” he begged you, his face stricken with a disheartened frown. His concern, growing with each second of silence that passed between you.

“It’s your mother!” you shouted, bringing your hand quickly to your mouth. Ashamed for having blurted it out like that at him. Copia smiled, looking around the courtyard to be sure it was just the two of you. 

“Tesoro, come with me.” Copia insisted as he practically dragged you off to the storage shield that rested near the far end of the yard. You were skeptical, it wasn’t like him to rush you off in such a way. Deep down you wondered if he was upset with you and wanted to address things in private. Finding the closest place of refuge to scold you.

When you stepped inside, you began to rub at your aching head. Your eyes, crawling over the old planks of wood, bags of mulch, and discarded garden tools that had managed to escape Primo’s attention. Now more worried that you had upset him, than anything else. 

“Papa I am sorry…I wasn’t trying to offend you or Sister…” You began.

“Agh.” Copia scoffed in disagreement.

“...it’s just she drives me crazy with her nitpicking and…” you continued, watching as Copia slowly closed the door up behind you. His eyes fixed on you as he allowed you to vent your pent-up frustration. Then without warning he grabbed you, his lips pressing tightly against yours. Silencing your anger with his affection. Your eyes, unable to help but close as you melted into him. Feeling the bitterness of the day begin to shed from your shoulders.

“You, mio dolce amante, need to relax.” Copia smiled, his lips still held against yours. Kissing you again with tenderness and love. You lost yourself in it, so much so that when he pulled away you became somewhat confused. “You know I’m right.”

“I—I know.” you agreed, leaning back against the old wood shelf near the back of the shed. Copia approached you, his fingers tracing up along the buttons on the front of your shirt. Undoing them one by one until it hung open. 

“She is quite the shrew I must admit.” Copia chuckled to himself, his eyes quickly filling with desire as he began to remove your belt from its loops. The zipper of your slacks, slowly pulled down before your pants fell to your ankles as your body began succumbing to his will. The heat felt as it swirled within your gut. The sense of need, traveling into your core and leaving you wet before you could exhale your next breath.

“Oh Copia.” you purred as he brought his fingers down beneath your underwear and effortlessly found your clit. 

“You see, I can’t help the fact that my mother is…well, how she is amore…but I can do this.” Copia grinned, delighted as you squirmed beneath his touch. Always knowing exactly how you liked to be touched and teased. 

“I was afraid you were mad.” you told him, your voice breathy and low. 

“Afraid?” he asked, baffled at the thought.

“That you’d be mad at me…for being angry with her. I just…just can’t ever seem to stay in her good graces. There is always something keeping me in her sights and not for anything good.” you explained. You made a sharp inhale as Copia dipped his fingers inside you, bringing his mouth to your neck. Nipping and sucking, leaving marks of ownership into your skin. 

“I could never be angry with you…especially not over her…” he promised you, working his fingers deeper and deeper until he reached the spot, he knew would send you on edge. Letting out a satisfied groan as you began to shake inside. “That’s right, cum for me…” 

“Mmm…” You moaned as he worked you. Your insides squeezing tightly against his fingers. Fluids flowing over with your need for him. Hoping that soon he would be inside you—filling you. Copia brought his other hand down between you. Unzipping his own pants and freeing his already leaking cock. 

It was oh so hard, and throbbing, as it bounded out from the confines of his pants. The thick vein that ran its length, pulsing as he stroked himself. The sight of it, only making you more aroused as you replaced his hand with your own. Copia couldn’t help moaning as you touched him.  

“Ah…mmm…” he purred with your touch. His hips, rutting him harder into your hand.

“Are you sure?” you hummed, as you glided over his shaft with ease. 

“Assolutamente, you needn’t pay any attention to her tesoro…you belong to me. She—and everything else are nothing but background noise.” he assured as he pulled you back into a kiss. Tongue conquering yours swiftly as he made you cum again over his hand.    

“Oh C!” you cried as he spun you around. Facing you away from him, your head falling back against his shoulder. You were already so much more relaxed than you’d felt all day. He kissed along your jaw, his hands traveling to the roundness of your ass. Copia, unsatisfied until he’d made you a boneless, limp, and fleshy puddle.

He bent you over the empty shelf. Taking a tight grip on your ass as he ran his cock through your messy folds. You could feel the heat of him against you. Your body, craving for more of him. Desperate for the friction between you and the way he felt inside. It wasn’t long before he indulged you—plunging himself into you. 

“Ah! Cazzo, you feel so good!” he growled as he bottomed out. All you could do was moan and whine. Unable to gather enough brain power to focus on anything other than how tightly he was filling your pussy. You body clinging on to him as he slowly thrusted through you. Tugging against your walls with each pump of his hips.

“Mmm…” you mewled as Copia brought his fingers to your lips. Tracing the line of your mouth until you opened it for him. Allowing his thumb inside and sucking gently on the tip as he has he fucked you from behind. 

“That’s mio topolino…you’re so good for me.” Copia groaned, excited more as you continued to suck and lick his thumb. When he was satisfied, he popped it from your mouth. Using his other hand to guide you further down against the shelf. Angling your body just how he wanted it.

The sounds he was making only served to excite you even more. Washed over in pleasure while he buried his cock over and over into your pussy. It was only moments later when you felt him tease at your ass. Rubbing his thumb against your hole. Allowing you to get used to the stimulation before inserting his thumb inside. 

“Ah!” you called out as he entered you, the fingers of his hand anchored onto your ass. Helping him to hold onto you, as he slipped around his thumb inside you.

“I want you so full of me.” he purred, making small circular motions with it in your ass. “Touch yourself tesoro.” 

“Yes Papa.” you replied, happy to relinquish the control to him, bringing your fingers to your clit as he fucked you. His cock pounding away in your pussy as his thumb worked the sensitive nerves of your ass. Before long, he had you ready to cum again. Your walls, squeezing and pulling, against the rhythm of his cock. 

“Cum for me.” Copia commanded, his voice shaky and breathless. 

“Ah!” you moaned, your fluids leaking out from all around him as you came, hard and fast. The insides of your legs—covered in your satisfaction. He removed himself from you. Still gloriously hard and needing more. 

“I still think you’re a bit tense…let me help fix that.” he told you as he used his cock to gather up some generous amount of juices from your folds. Sliding up through the crack of your ass and pressing the head of his cock, heavy against your hole. Allowing you to adjust before he pushed himself inside.   

"C! Fuck!" You mewled, reaching back to grab at his wrist. Copia, gripping hold to your hips and pounding into you with the full force of his thrust. Leaving well earned bruises on the meat of your ass. 

"Let go amore! Ah! You. Are. So. Fucking. Tight." Copia grunted as he continued. Cock, running through you as your fingers found their way back to your clit. The flesh of your backside gloriously spread out by his hands. Your lover memorized as he watched the space between you, disappearing over and over into your ass. 

The sweat began to pool in the small of your back. Your fingers gripped tight to the old wooden shelf as your lover took you. Copia too was dripping from his brow. Relishing each and every pump of his pelvis into you. 

"Yes! C! Please, I'm cumming!" You cried out as you felt his cock begin to swell. His rhythm, more erratic and desperate as he got close to his own release. 

"Ah! Lucifer tesoro…I'm going to cum for you!" Copia groaned just as he painted your insides in hot, sticky cum. Spilling every last drop from his sack deep in your ass. The force of his climax, and your own diligent rubbing, sending you over. Your fingers slick with cum just as he had just begun to slow his stride.  

"That was exactly what I needed." You exhaled, your body loose and completely free of tension. The stress of the day fading as you melted with your lover's touch. "You always know how to make me feel better and help me unwind." You laughed, as Copia slipped out. Lifting you up into his arms to hold you against him.

"Believe me amore…the pleasure was all mine." He grinned, his paints a bit rougher looking than before. The sweat, blurring the once crisp edges. Smearing the black into the white. 

Notes: 

mio dolce amante- my sweet lover

Assolutamente- absolutely 

Cazzo- fuck

mio topolino- my little mouse

[simplydozing]

¡𝐕𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐬 𝐚 𝐁𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐫!

Cardinal Copia x Hispanic!Reader You teach Copia Some new moves. Word Count: 763 || Blurb/Ficlet

A/N: This Was Self-Indulgent As Hell. I Took Heavy Inspiration From Teaching My Friend The Same Dance (Half Hispanic Gang Rise Up!). Love Her, But She's Got Two Left Feet 😭 Plus, I Know For A Fact Copia/Papa/Frater Would Without A Doubt Kill This Dace, Hands Down. ⋆.˚✮🎧✮˚.⋆

“Try not to think about it too hard, Cope.”

You were shifting from side to side, matching the rhythm of the current song that played. Copia was trying to bounce on his feet like the way you showed him, but it looked like he was just changing which leg to stand on.

 He had heard you from a few rooms over and wanted to see what the commotion was, only to find you twirling and bouncing around with your arms out pretending to have a partner. He watched you with eyes the size of dinner plates. You moved kind of like he does on stage, but there was more to it than that.

 It looked quite fun, and you were shocked when he decided to ask you to teach him to dance.

 Yet for him to pirouette and leap like a ballerina, he was surprisingly stiff.

“Here, mira,” you walk to the other side of the room.

“Walk to me, but stay on beat,” you hold your arms out.

 He hesitates, taking a second to feel the music. His feet match up perfectly to the music when he walks.

“Good! Now backwards, bend your knees and shift your hips.”

You take him by the hands and lead him back to the other side, demonstrating what he’s supposed to be doing.

 He mirrors you, albeit a little more awkward looking. He is starting to loosen up, though.

“Now, put it all together with a few small jumps and spins in between,” you hold him by his waist and his other outstretched hand.

 You take it slow, going back and forth in a line until he copies you entirely.

 You speed it up little by little. He finds it unbelievable how quick he’s learning this, and gives a small laugh.

“I’m doing it!”

“You’re doing it!” You repeat.

 Seeing him finally get the basics of it makes you excited. You pull him closer, now being chest-to-chest. Your knee finds a spot between his legs. You can feel him tense under your touch. He swallows nervously.

“Now, ready for the fun part?”

He shakes his head but you shrug it off.

  “Just follow my lead. We’re going to go fast, okay? It’s much easier with a partner, for me anyway,” you prepare him for what’s about to go down. You decide to be generous and wait for the next song, currently tapping your foot and nodding your head to the beat of the finishing one.

 You start dancing when the next one plays. And lucky you! It’s your favorite song to dance to.

 The beat is easy to follow, but it’s still fast-paced. You both twirl around the room. He actually adjusts to it pretty well and goes along with you and the rhythm! His body meshes with yours almost flawlessly.

 Your favorite part is coming up. You slow everything down and dance in place, bracing Copia for what comes next.

“Here comes the best part!”

 You spin one more time, stopping afterward to dig your knee further between his legs when the climax of the song rises.

“Shake it, Copia!”

 You rock your leg to set the pace for him to roll his hips.

 He’ll do anything involving him swinging them. He lights up as he does so, once again to the rhythm of the song. He looks in your eyes with pride when it’s over. You beam up at him.

 You end the dance by dipping him.

 You’re both breathless.

 There’s a sense of fulfillment overfilling you. You’ve never been able to dance with someone the way you danced with Copia just now. You’ve never had a dance partner unlike him, and he’s just learning.

 In the moment, you forget all about how you’re holding him.

 He gives your arm a squeeze, bringing you back to reality.

 You clear your throat and lift him up.

 He brushes himself off and you turn the music off.

“That was…marvelous!” He wraps an arm around your shoulders.

“Can I use this at my next show?”

“Ha! You can if you redo what you did but with better footwork,” you smirk and jokingly slap his chest.

 You both share a laughing fit before leaving the space.

“By the way, what do you call that?”

“Huapango!”

He started using it on stage after the encores when everything was done and the audience was clearing out. He’d even rope his ghouls into it, mainly Sodo or Phantom. They were understandably lost but somehow managed to keep up with him.

 And you better believe he asked you to teach them too.

[zombiequeenblog]

When the Cardinal got the call about the attack on Mouse and the sibling, do you think he reacted sharply over the phone to whomever he spoke with, or cooly responded and waited until he hung up to go ballistic? I’m curious about his initial reaction to the news. 🫢

The Cardinal sat there, alone in an unfamiliar office, and thought about the changes so close at hand. It had been a long time coming, he supposed; the steadily ticking clock on the wall kept his toiling years in the forefront of his mind. All the bustle and the striving, the whole dogged pursuit of his own dark papacy, might actually be soon behind him. Copia relaxed back in his chair for a moment, admittedly irritated at the gentle ticking, but grateful nonetheless for this brief respite. The Ministry could be a tumultuous place, but for now, all was quiet, and he was ready. 

His door was open, and an assistant poked her head in. “My apologies, Your Eminence.. you have a phone call,” she said, gesturing towards the phone upon his current desk. He noticed a light blinking there. “Sister Imperator.”

Giving the girl a nod before she left, shutting the door behind her, he reached out for the receiver. “Pronto, eh… Hello?”

Sister’s voice a bit tinny over the antiquated line. “Cardinal. I trust you’re well?”

“Yes, Your Dark Excellency.” Imperator wouldn’t have called without a reason. “What’s this about?”

“I’m calling about the girl you’ve been tutoring.��� The leather of his glove tightened more firmly around the receiver with an audible sound.

“What about her?” Imperator didn’t answer right away, and Copia felt a surge of something like a panic forming deep in his chest. “Sister—”

“Oh, she’s quite all right, Cardinal. Don’t worry, honestly.” Don’t worry…

“What—”

“She…” Her voice sounded pained, and he heard her take a little breath. “There was a fair bit of trouble up in the old cemetery today. Some kind of a transient was… bothering her and another girl. They’re a bit rattled, naturally… fought him off and ran. Nothing beyond a mere scuffle happened, they assured me, but…”

“I’ll be there shortly.” He could feel the blood rushing in his head, and he fought to remain calm.

“Your Eminence, you do understand what you’re meant to accomplish over there?”

“I do, Sister.” He let the weight of his decision hang for a moment. “I should be able to manage arriving back at the abbey… tomorrow at the latest.”

“The girl is perfectly fine here; a few abrasions… I only thought you’d like to know as a courtesy. Considering the time you’ve spent together.”

A few… abrasions. “Please expect me tomorrow, Sister. Thank you.”

“Cardinal.”

“Yes?” The word came out heavy with concealed rage.

“She is perhaps not perfectly fine. If I’m being honest with you.”

He hung up the receiver without another word, and he watched his hand shake, threatening to splinter the plastic. Taking a steely breath, he extricated his fingers from the thing, and then he methodically began to pack up his desk. As he worked, measured and silent beneath it, the soft and steady ticking of the clock on the wall threatened to drive him insane; a horrible reminder of how far he was from her. This was hell, truly; right here in the passionlessly beating heart of the Satanic Ministry. Copia gulped, fighting the hot fury rising inside him, the urge to retch out the pit of ice settling in his stomach. He wouldn't waste any time; he would not give in to his inner torment here. How was she faring with her own?

When he was done, he reached out for the phone again, his hand now steady.

“I want a car waiting for me downstairs. Ten minutes.”

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

On his way down the hall to her room he bumped into Terzo, exiting his papal chambers.

“How is Mouse?” Copia queried, without thinking.

“Who?”

“The girl!” he snapped, ready to lose it.

“Shhh…” Terzo was carefully shutting his door, “Sophie’s still sleeping…”

“The other girl! I hear she’s injured? Why aren’t you with her?”

“I only have one dick, Cardinal.”

Copia pondered on how exactly his life would change if he snapped Terzo’s neck right there in the hall. 

Terzo chuckled for a second at his seething expression, before getting serious again. “She’s got a nasty scrape on her head, poor thing. I tucked her in earlier, no fucking involved, Cardinal… She’s resting, says she’s fine, but…” Terzo frowned further. “She’s quite shaken up, I believe, contrary to what she’ll tell you.”

Not bothering to converse any further, Copia continued on down the hall. When he finally reached the door to her dear little room he paused for a second, gathering his scattered thoughts. 

It was darkening inside, and he let his eyes adjust for a moment, though it was hardly needed. He knew the room well; how many times had he let himself in here, just to look upon her? How many times had he done much more than look? 

She lay on the bed, curled up in a fretful slumber, and the icy rage he had carried all the way here to lay at her feet began to melt at the piteous sight of her. His poor sweet Mouse! 

Reaching out, he arranged her blanket a bit more snugly around her, and he noticed then what she was clutching in her fingers; a swathe of red that left his swelling heart bleeding. He lay down beside her. 

He wanted to hold her close, desperately, but he would not yet allow himself that gift. She needed to sleep; she needed to be safe. She needed to be loved. And for all the ways he had failed her, he could at least do that, effortlessly and beyond severe. He would love her beyond his last breath, he thought, watching over her precious ones, her fragile chest rising and falling softly.

After some time, he noticed her begin to stir, and eventually she reached out for her light. 

“Dolce,” he said, gently. She whirled around, and the look in her dewy eyes at the sight of him made him want to weep. 

Finally, he held her. 

link to ao3

[portaltothevoid]

you're losing me part iii -- copia x reader

A/N: alright, this has officially turned into a mini-series (yes there'll be at least a part four!). dedicating this to @ivycasket @fishwithtitz @da-rulah and @water-ghoulette for your kind words and excitement over this little story of mine. it encouraged me to just keep writing, so please enjoy part iii!

songs: you're losing me and would've, could've, should've

word count: 2.8k

warnings: another breakdown, gossip, bullying if you squint?, a fleeting moment of spice

The days after you left Papa Emeritus III made you feel as if you walked through a forest of thorns then waded into the ocean. You couldn’t hide away and wait to be forgotten. There was no forgetting you. You were the one who had gotten the illustrious Terzo to commit to one person, something that shocked the whole Ministry given his reputation. It was only a matter of time before the nature of your separation became murmurs of “told you so” and “should’ve seen that coming.”

Your relationship had advanced your sisterly duties, which you were still expected to fulfill. Burying your eyes into texts of Latin and Italian served to be a good enough distraction for the most part. Your job allowed you to be secluded. The few who you did interact with were respectful enough, but no one could take their eyes off the elephant in the room. When they did, their looks of pity sparked scorned chagrin. 

The first week after was the hardest. Truthfully, you could have been a contender for an Oscar with how you presented yourself. By the middle of the week, it was common knowledge that you weren’t at Papa’s side like you once had been. No one knew exactly what had happened, but they all knew something had changed. You held your high as you saw Brothers, Sisters, and Ghouls alike turn to each other and whisper or stop mid sentence to stare at you. Those that had the decency to treat you normally, you acted as if nothing was wrong, as if your former life with their Papa had never existed. 

Copia kept an eye on you from a distance. He was always watching out for you, ready to put everything on the line if someone took something one step too far. Both of you knew you had to keep your alliance, your relationship, a secret still. It would only create more of a scandal and you were already pushing your limit with just how much you could handle. On the rare occasion where another Cardinal would catch on, when questioned, he simply dismissed it as being entertained by this week’s gossip. If they suspected it was something more, they never let on. 

Luckily you had managed to avoid seeing Terzo throughout the week, the perks of his schedule still being lodged in your memory.  If only your luck had run out earlier. It would have saved you the near panic attack that the first Black Mass had brought you. That was the number one rule: Black Mass was mandatory. Very few exceptions were accepted for missing it. Wanting to avoid your ex? Absolutely not on the list of valid excuses. 

Your compromise was being fashionably late, arriving only moments before it started. This allowed for you to slip in and find an open seat on the end of the last pew. The Sister next to you shifted awkwardly, not knowing what to do with herself in your presence. You pretended you didn’t notice, but you did. You always did. 

Foolishly, you hoped your late entrance and being hidden in the back would shield you from his gaze. Focused on the prayer book in front of you, you didn’t even need to look up to know when his eyes landed on you. Against your own judgement, you looked up. You caught his eye just long enough to see his painted eyebrows pull together. A flash of pain, maybe even regret. But as he began the next verse, he looked away from you and carried on with Mass. If you ever looked away from the book in front of you, you found Copia. His eyes always found yours, but his expression stayed unreadable.

To everyone around you, you looked stoic and devoid of any real expression on your face. As the time for communion neared, your insides felt like they were in a blender. You balled your fists at your sides so tightly, your knuckles were white. Seeing the mischief dance in his eyes, you knew he was going to pull something. 

The closer you got to him, the more your skin crawled. Whatever he was planning, you were hellbent on getting the last word, the last laugh. Your life was a living-hell because of him. Right there, right then you vowed to make his just as miserable.

You could feel every eye on you the moment you kneeled in front of him. Everyone waited with baited breath as they waited on the edge of their seats for whatever was about to unfold. Will they? Won’t they? Civil? Uncivil?

He pressed the wafer roughly into your tongue, slowly dragging his finger away so it hit your bottom lip. Your apathetic expression vanished. Your eyes grew wide before a catastrophic storm blew over your face. He knew you well enough to know what you hated to be the center of attention, for every single person in the room to be solely focused on you. But you left him. You left him for someone else. He hadn’t heard a word from you or even caught a glimpse of you since you left and he tried. He desperately tried. 

The tension was radiating off the two of you in palpable waves. For you, this was a whole new level of fury. Depending on whatever he would do next, you prayed to Satan for forgiveness for however you would react, especially when you saw the smirk on his face deepen as he grabbed the chalice of wine from an alter Ghoul. Your breathing became hard and shallow as your rage continued to erupt.  

“Hmm,” he hummed seductively as he poured the wine into your mouth. “How I’ve missed seeing you like this, sorella…” He spoke loud enough that the handful of people who overheard let out an audible gasp. You were never a Sorella to him. His sarcastic tone poured into your open wounds like salt. This wasn’t a game anymore. This was war. 

You pursed your lips as you stood, not having swallowed the wine. In a fluid motion, you grabbed him by his papal robes, spitting the wine in his face. As the whole room gasped, they held their breaths. It was so quiet, you could’ve heard a hairpin drop. “Vaffanculo, bastardo,” you growled as you let him go with a shove. (Go fuck yourself, bastard.)

Everyone still lingering in the aisle parted as you stormed out, pushing open one set of the double doors so hard that it slammed behind you. It wasn’t until then that you let the tears cascade down your face.

Back inside, Primo had to cover his mouth to hide his laughter, Secondo let his head fall into his palm as he shook it in tired disapproval, Sister Imperator’s eye twitched, and Nihil held his oxygen mask to his face for several breaths. The whole congregation began to stir as Terzo walked off to the Cardinal’s table to get something to wipe the wine off his face. Copia stood so fast his chair almost fell over. When he turned to leave, “Ah, ah, ah, Cardinale,” Terzo tutted. “You were selected to lead the closing prayer tonight. Ricordi, sì?” (You remember, yes?) 

Slowly Copia turned to him. The fury in his eyes rivaled yours. He grabbed his prayer book and stiffly walked to the center podium. Terzo had gotten under his skin and he knew it too. He refused to wipe the conniving look from his face. Copia caught Sister Imperator’s eyes as he passed by. She looked away, but gave him a curt nod. She knew he was right. She knew what had to be done.

~~~

As soon as you slammed the door to Copia’s you sank down to your knees and let out a blood-curdling scream. You banged your fists into the floor, not caring about the pain. “Please, Satanas. Belial. Lucifer, please, please, forgive me. Please, forgive me. Ambo te ignosce me. Please. Please,” you sobbed over and over again in English and Latin. You were in a relationship with the current Papa, but you weren’t his spouse. In the technical eyes of the church, you really were just a Sister, even if you were high up in the ranks. What you did to him… during Black Mass of all times… You defiled Papa in front of the whole congregation. It was grounds for expulsion from the Abbey. It was grounds for excommunication. “Please forgive me…” you cried softly into the ground as your arms curled around your head.  

When you finally ran out of energy and were just laying on the floor catching your breath, you forced yourself to get up. Your limbs felt like they were weighed down with cement. Your voice you knew was hoarse. You could feell how puffy your eyes were and your sinuses felt like balloons.

You made your way over to the couch, grabbing the tissues that were still on the coffee table. On autopilot, you blew your nose a few times before you leaned back and stared at nothing. You sat there in the dark constantly replaying every single moment that made you want to cry and scream all over again. But you couldn’t. You simply couldn’t move. The only thing you could do was wait for Copia. You didn’t know if he would be more mad at you or Terzo for the spectacle. You didn’t know if he could do any damage control for you. So there you stayed, staring off into the void. Too numb to continue worrying. Too numb to care.

Copia burst through the door like a bat out of hell when he was finally able to return home. “Where are you?!” he demanded. 

You only winced at the sound. “In here…” was all you managed to croak. 

He went right for you, grabbing your shoulders and shaking you. “Do you have any idea what you’ve done?” You avoided eye contact. He reached over and turned the lamp beside the couch on. You shut your eyes tightly as they adjusted to the light. He shook you again. “Look at me.”

You dragged your eyes to his face. Tears started to well up again when you saw the pained look on his face and the sheer panic in his eyes. For him to look that fearful… no, this couldn’t be good. You looked away from him again when tears started to fall. “What did he say to you?” he murmured, wiping your tears away.

“He said he missed seeing me like that,” you said through gritted teeth. Copia’s face darkened. It was worse than he thought. “And then he called me sorella. In front of everyone,” you added.

“But bambina,” he sighed, “you are just a sorella now. You aren’t together. He is still… our Papa.” He could barely say the last sentence.

“He is not my Papa! He will never be my Papa! Do you have any idea what this week has been like for me? Do you?” you yelled.

“No, I don’t because you’ve done nothing but shut me out!” he yelled back. Your face dropped when he raised his voice at you. You knew he was right. Old habits die hard. He took a deep breath to calm himself. When he looked back at you, his face had softened considerably. He brushed the hair out of your eyes. “You have to let me in, amore mio,” he whispered. “I can’t help you if I don’t know…”

“I-I’m sorry. It’s just… it’s all been too much,” you squeaked. “I-I don’t know how much more I can take.”

He reached to take your hands in his, but that wasn’t enough. You needed more than solace, more than comfort. You needed him. So you grabbed his pellegrina and pulled him to you. Your sudden show of force took him off balance. His arm shot out to grab the back of the couch to brace himself so he didn’t fall on top of you. He scrambled so that he was straddling you. His other hand grabbed the side of your neck. He used his thumb to caress your face. The weight of him on you was like being thrown a life vest as you were drowning.

“I’m working on… I’m trying to…” he sighed, unable to express what he wanted to tell you. “There are some things going on that not many know about, okay? The less you know… The less you know the better. It’s safer for you that way, hm?” 

You nodded. You trusted Copia. You trusted him more than you ever trusted anyone in your whole life. But so many worries and fears burdened your cluttered mind. “How can I even show my face again?” you whispered, barely audible.

“With your head held high, amore. You made it through this week, eh? You can make it through the next.” He leaned down to kiss your forehead, but you rolled your eyes.

“Unless they kick me out for what I did.”

“They wouldn’t dare. You have powerful allies, cara. You might get a, eh, slap on the wrist,” he chuckled lightly before he turned serious again. “We can go to war with him, but it is to be a silent war, hm? No more public displays of battle at mass.”

“He started it,” you pouted. 

“For what it’s worth, topolina, he deserved it,” he said with a smirk bordering on seeming prideful.

You couldn’t help but smile. “Are you… proud of me?” you asked slyly.

“No, no. I don’t condone those acts of… defiance, but… I’m not upset about it either…” he said, playfully which made you let out a small giggle. His heart swelled seeing you smile. He brushed his knuckles against your cheek. “I will always fight for you. Remember that, okay? Sempre. Ora sei mio.” (Always. You’re mine now.)

Your eyes darted from his eyes to his lips before you nodded. “Sì. Sono tua. Sono tua,” you said breathlessly as you stared deeply into his mismatched eyes. He leaned down to kiss you, softly at first, but the hunger you had for each other caused flames to erupt. His tongue caressed your bottom lip and you opened your mouth eagerly for him. Naturally, that was when there was a soft knock at the door.

“Cazzo,” he breathed. He went to get up, but you pulled him back, still having his pellegrina in your iron grip. You shook your head no with a pout. He didn’t need much convincing to return his lips to yours, but then there was another, louder knock. This time it was much more urgent. You sighed as you let go of him. 

You peaked around, able to see the small entryway from your spot on the couch. It was a ghoul, handing something over to Copia. “Grazie. Th-thank you,” he said to the ghoul before they turned and marched away. The door shut and he walked back over to you in a daze. “I-it’s for you…” he said as he handed you a black envelope. You turned it over to see the wax seal of Papa Emeritus III. 

Worriedly, your eyes flashed up at Copia. You opened it with trembling fingers. Before you could pull out the contents of the envelope, you shoved it into Copia’s chest. “I can’t,” you told him. He dutifully continued to open it, eyes scanning over the letter. When his brow furrowed, you couldn’t take the suspense anymore. “What? What is it?”

“It’s a summons. For tomorrow morning.”

part ii | part iv

[angellayercake]

Save a cowboy, ride a cardinal

Cardinal Copia x @ramblingoak happy birthday to yooooou 🎂🎂🎂

Copia attempts some roleplay fun for his favourite lady's birthday

‘Can I have this blind fold off yet?’ The ghoul didn’t answer, leading you down the gravel path only telling you just in time about the steps in your way so they have to catch you when you stumble. When Copia had mentioned blindfolds, surprises and your birthday this was not what you had imagined. You can hear buzzing voices ahead of you and the distinct sound of ragtime piano. ‘Where the hell are we?’ The ghoul ignored you again, continuing to lead you forward, the distinctive sound of doors being opened and then swinging shut behind you. There was only one place where all those things would be all together that's the new western themed bar that had opened in town. You loved westerns, LOVED them and had even been considering coming already. Unfortunately your friends at the Abbey had turned up their noses at a themed bar so you had given up any hopes of going, but it seemed Copia had been doing some snooping. 

You reached what you assumed was the bar, the ghoul helping you get sat on a high stool and then finally they removed your blindfold. There was almost too much to take in at first. Every table was full, being served by wait staff all dressed up in old west themed costumes. The walls were covered with vintage photographs, American flags, taxidermied cows and a hundred other themed trinkets, not quite authentic but the amount of history crammed into this place made you feel a bit giddy. In one corner a piano sat on a small stage, the source of the chipper ragtime you had heard on your way in. But dominating the middle of the room was a large empty space surrounded by a barrier, lined with padding and in the centre the unmistakable shape of a mechanical bull. It was still at the moment but you imagined things got a lot more rowdy when it was up and running. 

‘Well howdy there little lady,’ you hear behind you and a smile is spreading across your face before you even turn on your stool. You are about to reply when you register what he is wearing. Gone are his cassock and his perfectly tailored suit and in its place he is wearing jeans, you didn’t even know he owned a pair of jeans, but the dark blue denim clings to his thighs. Or at least what you can see underneath the black suede tassled chaps. You manage to tear your eyes away from his thighs, to his black shirt, the sharp piping his signature shade of red and then there was the hat. He had gone all out with what looked like a custom stetson. His put on smirk falters when all you can do is stare at him and he starts to fidget with his outfit nervously.

‘Did I not do it right? Aw shit,’ but before you can reassure him the barmaid interrupts. 

‘And what can I be getting you tonight?’ You switch your attention to the bar taking in the rows of bottles. Glancing at Copia you see him still fussing over his clothes so it looks like it's up to you to make a decision. 

‘Two beers please.’ She nods, quickly setting out two tankards and filling them at the vintage looking beer pump. This place was everything you had hoped, you only wished you were dressed for the occasion. If only he had given you some notice you could have pulled together a great bar wench outfit. When the full tankards were slid on the bar in front of you he snapped from his anxious haze and began fumbling for his wallet, struggling to get to it under the chaps. Just before you took pity on him he squeezed it from under the waistband with an adorable ‘ah ha’.  He hands over some notes, refusing the change with an awkward wave of his hand, as she turns away happy. 

‘I’m sorry,’ he says with a sigh slouching down against the bar. ‘I tried to find the outfit like ‘The Cardinal’ but I couldn't find the jacket and then I wasn’t sure what the hat looked like and.’ You rub his shoulders where he is slumped over on the bar.

‘Copia,’ he raises his head from the bar, his hat knocked askew so you straighten it as you look into his disappointed eyes. ‘Your outfit is great! The best dressed cowboy in the joint.’ He perks up after that explaining to you how he had noticed you reading your cowboy romances, how he had heard your friends talking about the new place opening in town and how he knew this would be the perfect place to celebrate your special day. 

‘Calling all cowboys and girls,’ The loud speaker crackles interrupting your conversation. ‘In just a while we will be unleashing the bull into this here restaurant. So we are calling on some brave folks to try and tame this beast! Come on down to the ring to volunteer andsignawaiver.’ You see the idea form in his mind and before you can vocalise all the reasons this is a terrible idea he is up. 

‘You will see now amore, I will be the best cowboy si?’ He practically jumps off his stool, his eyes shining.

‘Wait, Copia, you already are the best cowboy.’ But he is already halfway across the bar. You watch him waiting bouncing on his heels at the front of the queue. You soak up the atmosphere while you wait for him to read through the probably substantial terms and conditions and when he hands over the clipboard and enters the ring you wander over with your beer. You edge your way to the front of the small crowd just as he is getting seated on the bull. He spots you giving you a nervous grin, the expression on his face screaming what have I got myself into.

‘All set?’ The assistant checks in with him and he gives them a slightly frantic nod and then he is alone in the padded ring. ‘Our next challenger is Copia, a first timer, so let's see what he can do in three, tw, one,’ he calls over the loudspeaker and then it is set in motion. It starts slowly rocking forwards, then backwards, side to side. You admire his strong thighs tense as they grip to keep him seated. When it spins him back to face you, you can see his grin has lightened up and he mouths, ‘this isn’t so bad’ at you before he is whipped around. The bull picks up pace jolting back and forth and this time when he is brought back around all you can see is his wide round panicked eyes. You cover your mouth with your hand to stifle your laugh but it quickly becomes a gasp when with a sudden jolt forward and to the left he goes flying face first onto the mat.  

You shove your beer into the hand of the person standing next to you and rush around the barrier as he is sitting himself up. He groans as you help him to his feet, red faced and rubbing at his back. You pick up his hat where it had fallen next to him and dust it off before placing it back on his head. 

‘Amore, why didn’t you stop me?’ He moans as you support him across the bar back to your seats. ‘I am too old for this nonsense.’ Between you you hobble back over to the bar only to find your stools had been taken. He sighs, wrapping his arm around your shoulders more firmly. ‘I’m sorry, I had a whole plan and now it's ruined and.’ You squeeze his waist and turn him towards the exit.   

‘Nothing has been ruined silly.’ You push open the swinging doors and help him out into the cool evening air. Stretching his arms over his head he groans again and even though he is aching and slightly covered in dust you can’t help admiring the view. ‘And anyway you looked damn good up there on the bull, very powerful.’ He looks at you in disbelief but let’s you wipe some of the dust from his shoulders. ‘You even looked good all laid out on the floor.’ 

‘Oh you think you could have done better?’ He tickles at your side until you fall against his chest. ‘Shall we go back in? Do you want to have a ride?’

‘I have been thinking about riding tonight. Not the bull though’ You toy with the collar of his shirt, sliding open the top few buttons, if he was wearing jeans he may as well be even more casually dressed. 

‘Is that so amore?’ He backs you up against the wall, leaning on his forearm and boxing you in. ‘Perhaps we should start this evening again?’

‘Ok,’ You take a second to neutralise his expression so you can play along. ‘Hi.’

‘Howdy,’ He pulls his cowboy smirk off perfectly this time and it makes your knees weak. ‘What’s a pretty lady like you doing in a dive like this?’

‘I was looking for a handsome cowboy but I think I might have just found one.’ He closes the distance between you but doesn’t go straight for your lips. He kisses your temple, your cheek, the corner of your mouth. Slow soft presses of his lips that have your breath catching in your throat in anticipation. Finally he kisses you, and all his reservation dissolves as your lips finally touch, his full body pressing against you as his tongue slips past your lips to tangle with yours. The sudden swinging of the saloon doors snaps you both back to reality. You break apart but only just, partially hidden in the shadows of the porch.

‘Take me home Cardinal,’ you whispered against his swollen lips. He growls diving back in for one last aggressive kiss that had your stomach flipping and almost made you reconsider letting him have you there and then. But you manage to pry yourselves apart for long enough to get back to the car, where the ghoul was waiting to drive you both back to the Abbey. You can’t keep apart for long however and you end up wrapped up in his arms. 

‘I think this has been one of my best birthdays ever,’ you sigh contentedly. You run your fingers over his chest, following the lines of red piping until you can reach into the unbuttoned neckline of his shirt.

‘Only one of the best?’ He glares down at you,some of the strict Cardinal you had first met coming out. In the past that look would have cowed you but now you just smile up at him fluttering your lashes.

‘Well if it’s the top spot you are after, I have some ideas.’ He raises his eyebrows at you but starts running his fingers from the small of your back up to the nape of your neck. 

‘Ok let's hear it then,’ He tips your chin up, ghosting his lips over yours. You try to resist, well aware of the game he is playing. You close the distance this time, it’s your birthday you can take all the kisses that you want. Only when you are both breathless do you pull back. 

‘Tonight the chaps stay on,’ and after a moment's thought. ‘And the hat.’ 

‘That I can do. Anything for my Principessa.’ And he pulls you into another searing kiss.

[cheerycherrycandy-resurrected]

Jealousy

Inspired by this gifset from @cardi-c.

Jealousy is an unfamiliar emotion to Cirrus, and she isn't adjusting well to having to share Cumulus's affections with the new ghoulette.

Cirrus x Cumulus Hurt/Comfort Rating: teen, slight sexual references words: 2148 cw: possessive/jealous behavior, on-stage kiss without prior discussion

I love the ghoulettes, and what better way to show it than putting them through some emotional pain.

Read below the cut or on AO3:

Jealousy: it was a new emotion for Cirrus. Summoned alongside Cumulus, they had been inseparable both on and off stage. Bonded. A package deal. “The Lionesses”. Sure, it might have annoyed them at first when Copia would treat them as a single entity, but now Cirrus would give anything to have that closeness back.

Nothing had changed between them when Sunshine was summoned. They had welcomed her into the pack with open arms, and eventually their bed on occasion. She had slotted naturally into their lives, they both adored her, but she had never gotten between them. Not like the newest ghoulette.

Things had started off so well. Aurora was playful and fun, and everyone had taken an instant shine to her. From frolicking on stage with Swiss to her hours spent in the greenhouse with Mountain, it was clear that the new ghoulette had taken to her packmates like a duck to water. She had also latched on to Cumulus almost immediately which, given the current situation, Cirrus was rather less pleased about.

At first, the pair had seemed to have an almost sisterly dynamic, Cumulus teaching Aurora the intricacies of life topside, the pair of them matching each other’s energy perfectly. The trio – and Sunshine when she had time off from her new duties – had spent many hours in the commons together before the tour. Cirrus had been delighted by how quickly she had assimilated into their little family. But since tour had started something had changed, and Cirrus had never felt so alone.

From her podium stage right, she felt the distance between her and Cumulus more than ever. A literal Mountain between them Cumulus had joked at the start of the tour. How right she was. Glancing to her left, she saw Aurora twirling up to Cumulus on her platform. As they continued to dance around each other, Cirrus felt the green-eyed monster deep in her gut rear its ugly head once more. She forced herself to look away, to concentrate on the rack of keyboards in front of her as the thundery smell of ozone began to waft around her. She saw Swiss look her way, concern and confusion visible even behind his mask. Cirrus chose to ignore him.

Unable to stop herself looking back at her mate and the new ghoulette, Cirrus wished she hadn’t. They were closer together than ever now, and Cirrus watched on in horror as Aurora reached out to cup Cumulus’s face in both hands and draw her in for a kiss. Exaggerated, as if she wanted Cirrus to see.

Jerking her head back to face forward, Cirrus felt a rumbling in her chest. As both Swiss and Mountain turned to glance at her, anxiety and unease rolling off them in waves, she realised she was growling. She tried to take deep breaths, to control herself, but only succeeded in choking on her own polluted aura. Was this how Dewdrop felt every time he snarled at any roadie or venue staff who looked at Rain for a fraction too long?

Cirrus drifted through the rest of the ritual in a daze, and soon she found herself being pulled forward by Swiss’ warm hand to interact with the crowd. She did her best not to look at the pair of giggling ghoulettes playing up to the crowd on the other side of the stage, and threw her setlist aeroplane with as much enthusiasm as she could muster. She was glad she had a balaclava to hide behind, sure she would be unable to force a genuine-looking smile even at a distance. As the ghouls and Papa gathered in a line for their bows, Cirrus found herself pressed between Swiss and Mountain, each grabbing a hand and squeezing tightly as she desperately tried to hold herself together.

Breaking formation to leave the stage while Papa took his final bows, Mountain pulled Cirrus close to his side.

“C'mon Anemone, let's get out of here.”

The taxi ride back to the hotel was similarly torture. Still curled into Mountain, Cirrus was sat opposite Cumulus and Aurora who seemingly hadn’t stopped their conversation since they left the stage. She had figured it was probably better than sharing the other taxi with either of the two loved-up couples, but with the way the pair of ghoulettes were giggling like they were in a teen movie, she wasn’t so sure. Cirrus tried to focus on Mountain’s warm presence next to her, and he gave her another comforting squeeze, feeling her discomfort.

Arriving at the hotel, the room pairings were the same as they had been since the start of the tour; both pairs of mated ghouls together, and the two new ghouls sharing. Rain and Dewdrop had scuttled off to their room almost immediately, barely pausing to wish the others good night. Cirrus hoped she’d get a chance to talk with Cumulus tonight, she was desperate to find out what the kiss had meant – was it just on-stage acting or was it something more?

As the group went to part ways in the corridor, Aurora caught hold of Cumulus’s sleeve,

“Hey Lulu, it’s not that late and we have tomorrow off, we should go out dancing!”

Cirrus blanched at the use of her nickname for Cumulus, but tried to keep her face neutral as she dove towards her hotel room,

“I think I’m going to turn in early, goodnight everyone.”

“Riri, wait-” said Cumulus, but it was too late, as the door fell shut. Cirrus threw her bags into the corner of the room, kicked off her shoes, and curled up in the middle of the king-size bed. Every fibre of her being ached for Cumulus to follow her into her room, but equally she wasn’t in the mood to host a ghoulette slumber party in their room tonight if Aurora followed.

She sat there silently, hugging her knees to her chest as if she could hold all her emotions in that way, until the corridor went silent, voices disappearing behind closed doors.

Robotically she went about changing out of her travel clothes into pyjamas, pulling one of Cumulus’s old and worn band shirts over her head and breathing her lingering scent in deeply. She crawled into the too-large, too-cold bed and wondered how she was ever meant to get any sleep.

A short while later, she heard doors opening and closing, as the ghouls who weren’t totally wiped out from the ritual headed out to a nearby bar. Normally Cirrus would’ve jumped at the chance of a night of human fun in a new city.

Nothing brought her more joy than seeing her mate being truly carefree, dancing under a rainbow of lights, her porcelain skin glowing like opal. Always the most beautiful creature to have ever set foot in whichever dingy venue they ended up in, her breezy laugh more melodious than any music playing. Her tongue loosened by alcohol, she would coo sweet – and increasingly salacious – thoughts in Cirrus’ ear until the pair would stumble back to their hotel room. All soft words and softer hands, Cirrus would make a point of showing Cumulus exactly how beautiful she was, wringing sweet sounds from her until the sun rose outside their curtains.

But tonight, as Cirrus’ shoulders shook with silent tears, she couldn’t help but wonder if Aurora would be the one to worship at the altar of her exquisite mate.

An indeterminate number of sleepless hours later, she heard the voices of her packmates again. She waited hopefully for any sign of Cumulus coming to her room, until the corridor was quiet once more. A gentle knock on the door had her falling out of bed in her haste to rip it open, only to be faced with the hulking shadow of a recently-awakened Mountain with a blanket pulled up over his head. Cirrus tried to hide how her shoulders sank, her hopes of seeing her mate dashed.

“Sorry Cir, Swiss brought Phantom back to our room, and they’re doing loud and unspeakable things I want no part in.” he apologised sheepishly. Cirrus motioned silently towards the bed. At least she might get some sleep now, she never slept well alone.

“Thanks.” He muttered, shuffling in. “Lus gone back to Rory’s?”

“I guess so…” Cirrus shrugged, climbing back into the bed and curling up in Mountain’s offered arms. “Night Mounty.”

“Goodnight, Windflower.”

The next morning at breakfast, Cumulus plopped herself down next to Cirrus, herself and Mountain the only ones to have emerged so far, and leaned in to press a chaste kiss to her cheek. Cirrus gave her a wan smile, staying sat stiffly upright in her chair before looking back down at her plate of food.

As they ate, Cirrus could see Cumulus shooting her worried glances out the corner of her eye. She did her best to ignore them, trying to keep her emotions in check. Nibbling on some fruit she had no appetite for, Cirrus did her best to block out Cumulus’ citrus and lavender scent washing over her, it tasted acrid and burnt in her mouth. She heard Aurora continuing to chatter away, her normally bell-like voice grating on Cirrus’ sensitive ears.

Abruptly, she stood up, her chair screeching on the cheap hotel flooring. Cirrus made a break back to her room, already feeling tears pricking at her eyes again. In the back of her mind, she heard Cumulus’ concerned voice over the ringing in her ears.

She slammed the hotel door behind her with too much force, before collapsing face forward into the tangle of sheets. Not even a minute later, she heard gentle knocking, and Cumulus calling her name from the other side of the door.

“Ciri? What's wrong sweetheart?”

Cirrus pressed a pillow over her head, hoping to drown out her voice.

“Will you let me in Stormcloud? Please talk to me, love!”

Throwing herself to her feet and stumbling back to the door, Cirrus wrenched it open with an anguished howl,

“How can you call me that! Aurora's clearly your love now!”

"Whatever do you mean?”

Cirrus drew a ragged breath, sure every emotion she’d felt over the past few days was painted on her tearstained face,

“You've been spending all your time with her, you've ignored me since the last ritual, and you kissed her, it's like you've forgotten all about me! We're meant to be bonded!”

“Oh sweetheart...” Cumulus reached out her arms to Cirrus, who fell into them as sobs wracked her body, letting Cumulus guide her back into her room and into an armchair. “I'm so sorry I made you feel that way, I just wanted Aurora to feel included, I never meant to make you feel like I'd replaced you!” Cumulus rocked them together gently in the chair, barely big enough for the two of them, her hair falling around them in a fluffy silver cloud. Cirrus held her tightly as her shoulders continued to shake, as if she could be ripped away at a moment’s notice.

“And you're right, I shouldn't have kissed her without talking to you first. I got carried away by the energy on-stage, but that's no excuse.”

“I- I just want to feel like I'm your mate again, I feel like I'm losing you...” Cirrus gazed up at Cumulus with a heart-broken expression.

“You'll never lose me, and I'm so sorry for not treating you like the most beautiful person in every room, and most important person in my life, because you are! I'm so in love with you, I'll spend eternity making sure you know that.” Cumulus was on the verge of crying herself, how could she have ever made her mate feel anything less than perfect?

“I should never have got so caught up that I ignored you, and I should've discussed doing anything on-stage with Aurora with you before.”

Cirrus sniffed, determined not to make a mess of Cumulus' shirt. “I'm happy you get along so well, I just don't want to feel second-best anymore. Not when you are my whole world, the air in my lungs.”

Cumulus stroked her hair, her fingernails gently scratching soothing patterns into the short hairs of the undercut at the nape of her neck as she spoke gently,

“You know she loves you too right?”

“How could she now? After I’ve acted so rudely to her?”

“She’ll forgive you. She’ll understand if we explain.”

Cirrus looked up at Cumulus with hopeful eyes, the longing for harmony with her mate, her pack, her family clear in the teal depths still shimmering with unshed tears.

“You always take such good care of us all, let me take care of you for once.” Cumulus clutched her tighter to her chest, the final remnants of Cirrus’ tears choking off as a shaky purr started deep in her chest.

“Sleep my darling, I've got you. Now and always."

[multi-fandom-of-madness]

Darkness At The Heart Of My Love

Pairings: Papa Emeritus IV/Copia X GN!Reader

Type: Fluff that turns to angst w/ no comfort

Summary: Copia had just begun his reign as Papa, and was overworked. He needed to get away from the ministry and all of it. He found someone along the way. Someone who showed him love and happiness. It was perfect, until things changed, and then things descended into chaos.

Warnings: Mentions of character death, heartbreak, use of Y/N, google translated Italian

Word Count: 3,619

Notes: I’m debating on whether I want to make this into a short series. I already have the second part written, but I don’t know how I feel about the plot I previously had for the third part. I originally did this as a self insert, so if there are pronouns that don't correlate with a gender neutral reader, please let me know I will fix it asap. Also I'm sorry for the way the song lyrics copied over, you're just gonna have to deal with it (unfortunately).

Read on AO3

~

When the summer dies

Severing the ties

I'm with you always, always

Will you walk the line?

My path serpentine

Remember always

That love is all you need

Tell me who you wanna be

And I will set you free

There's a darkness at the heart of my love

That runs cold, runs deep

The darkness at the heart of my love

For you

It was a September afternoon. The leaves were just starting to change and the air had just started to relieve itself of its hellish temperatures. Summer finally started saying its goodbye.

The Clergy had been on Copia’s back recently due to his most recent accomplishment of being in talks to become the new Papa. He knew that they just wanted everything perfect, but he was struggling to believe he could live up to their practically impossible standards. It had been an impossibly long day, and he knew that he needed a break before he snapped, inflicting the wrath of Sister Imperator.

He drove around, just trying to clear his head until he found a café. A small little thing that looked very simple. He didn’t bother to check the name or the reviews before walking inside.

“Good afternoon! How can I help you today?” A chipper voice called out to him. His head snapped up from his phone as he set his eyes on them.

“Oh, hello. I-I’m good. How are you today?” He responded, his cheeks reddening slightly as he stumbled over his words.

“Well, it would be better if it were time to go home, but honestly I can’t complain too much,” the cashier responded. “What can I get for you today?”

Copia looked over the menu for just a moment. “Could I just get a black coffee and a blueberry scone?”

“Sure thing!” They smiled as they told him the total and grabbed his scone. They handed him the bag, and his hand lingered for a moment. He held his breath once he realized what he was doing, and grabbed the bag.

“Grazie,” he mumbled as he walked over to the other end of the counter to wait on his coffee. He watched as they poured the coffee, entranced by their every move.

“Here’s your coffee, sir,” they called as if he wasn’t jumping at the chance to talk to them again.

“Thank you,” he said, taking it and finding a seat. He was the only person actually sitting down, everyone else who came in got their orders and left. Copia knew that wouldn’t do for him. If he left, he didn’t know what would have happened.

He sat for a while, eating his scone and sipping his coffee. It was peaceful in the little café. Soft music played over the speakers, and the scent of freshly baked treats filled the air. It was nice.

“I’m heading out now! I’ll see you guys later!” He heard them call, apron off and bag in their hand. He watched them walk towards the door, and jumped up, not really knowing what he was doing.

“Excuse me, but I was just wondering if you-if you had any plans today. It’s been a long day, and you seem like you would be nice to talk to. Only, if you want to of course! I just thought you were gorgeous-I mean you seemed nice. Not that you aren’t gorgeous of course! I’m sorry, I don’t really talk to people outside of my work,” he rushed his words. He was slightly shaking, scared of what they would say.

“I don’t have any plans,” they smiled. “There’s a park right down the road, I could take you if you wanted.”

A look of relief washed over his tired face. “Really? I-well, I would like that actually.”

“My name is Y/N,” they said, holding out their arm.

He looped his arm in theirs, internally smacking himself for not asking their name earlier. “Copia.”

“Well, Copia, it’s nice to meet you.” They squeezed his arm lightly as they left the café. He smiled and looked at the ground.

The park wasn’t far at all, just about a ten minute walk. It was pretty, especially now that the leaves were changing their colors, shedding their summertime glow. There was a winding path that had trees scattered along with a few bushes surrounding them. The flowers on the ground were already wilting, but the scene was still beautiful nonetheless.

“So, Copia, what brought you to my little café?” They asked, their head tilting as they continued to walk arm in arm. Copia found it refreshing to not have his title used to address him for once. It seemed to be all he heard now.

“Well, work has been getting to me. Sis-My boss likes everything to be perfect. It’s just the way that the company is run. I’m beginning to take on a new…new mantle, and in order to properly take it on, I have to be perfect. It is a lot of stress for one man.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. I’m sure it is stressful. May I ask where you work? I might be able to help, or at least provide some comfort with a little more context.”

He was hoping they wouldn’t ask that question, terrified of scaring them off. “Well, it’s a, uh, ministry of sorts.”

“Oh, so you’re going to become a priest. I guess that could be difficult. Not living a life of sin and being perfect for God and all of his followers.”

“Well, not exactly,” he admitted to them. “Are you religious?”

“I’m not entirely religious. I’m sure there’s a source of something out there, but if it is, I haven’t found it. I don’t judge religions though.”

“Well, that’s comforting,” he sighed. They gave him an odd look. “Our ministry isn’t exactly…Christian.”

“Now I'm a little bit confused.”

He laughed lightly at their response. “It’s a Satanic church. We preach about the word of Satan, and it’s a fun little gig we have going. We use a band to spread the word. Maybe you have heard of it?”

“That's interesting. What is your band called? I’m not sure whether I would have heard of it or not.”

“It’s called Ghost, we are pretty popular,” he teased. He wouldn’t be sure whether they’d heard of it or not, and was surprised by their reaction to saying he was with a satanic church.

“No, I don’t think I have heard of it actually.”

“Well, what kind of music do you like? I can help be a good judge of whether it would provide entertainment. It’s, eh, not really your basic music.”

“I’ll listen to almost anything, honestly. I’m always down for a good tune.”

Copia was taken aback by this a bit, a pleasantly shocked look on his face. “Well, it’s a rock band. A pretty good one if I do say so myself.”

“Maybe I’ll give it a listen later.” 

They continued to walk for a minute in silence before Copia piped up. “So, what do you do for fun?”

“I don’t really know. I like to read, watch TV, listen to music, and all the basic things.”

“What about video games? Any of that interest you?”

“Not really. I never got into gaming.”

“Interesting.”

“What about you, Copia?”

“I play a game or two here and there, but with the Ministry, I don’t get much time to myself.”

“Oh, I’m sorry that sucks. You can always call me up, if you want some company. I don’t really do much other than work. Here,” they said, sticking their phone out to him, “put your number in, and then you can text me whenever you get too stressed and need an outside source for comfort.” Copia took the phone, put his number in, and sent himself a message to make sure he didn’t put it in wrong, then they continued on their first walk of many.

And that is what they did for months.

They texted back and forth often, called, and even went on quite a few dates. Copia had yet another long day, and knew that he could trust the person he now proudly called his partner. He called, asking if he could spend the night at their apartment, and of course they said yes.

Copia made his way to their apartment, using his key to get inside. “Dolcezza? I’m here, amore.”

“I’m in the bathroom! Just got out of the shower!” They called, and he walked that way. He still had on his paints, which still shocked them sometimes, but they were beginning to grow used to it. “Well don’t you look handsome?” They teased, noting that he was in a hoodie and sweatpants.

“What? Oh, heh, yeah I guess I am a beauty. But you, amore mio, look stunning.” He grabbed their hips, pulling them into a kiss. They had on a plain black t-shirt and a pair of black shorts to match. Their hair was wet, and before the kiss they were drying it with a towel. As they kissed, they dropped the towel in favor of wrapping their arms around his shoulders while his arms crossed around their back to pull them in.

“Well, someone missed me,” they said as they pulled away, leaving their arms around him.

“I always miss you,” he said, pressing a lighter kiss to their forehead.

“You’re so sweet, Copia,” they hummed, staring up into his mismatched eyes, nothing else but adoration showing.

“I love you, tesoro.”

“I love you too. What brings you tonight? Anything special?”

“No, just a long day. Needed a way to relax,” he hummed, looking at them.

“What do you want to do?” They asked, leaning up to press a kiss to his cheek.

“What do you say I treat you to a dance?”

“What do yo-” before they finished, Copia removed them from where they leaned on the counter, dancing with them out to the living room. They laughed as he spun the both of them around, one hand holding theirs while the other rested on their waist, kissing them while he dipped them.

They were absolutely in love, and that was easy to see. They had only been to the Abbey a few times, but any sibling of sin, ghoul, or anyone who crossed their paths could see the love on their faces.

Soon, the rings on their left ring fingers became evidence enough. Copia, being the romantic he was, proposed to them about a year and a half later.

The air was warm, spring just beginning to settle in, as they walked through the park they first walked at. They walked there often now, finding comfort in the atmosphere. Little did Y/N know that Copia had a surprise waiting for them. It wasn’t uncommon for them to go on picnics, especially not if they were sunrise or sunset picnics.

They walked the winding trail, arms linked together, as Copia nervously led them to their destination. In the other hand, Y/N held a picnic basket that had all of their favorite things, as Copia’s hand nervously fiddled with the small box containing the second most precious gem. The first being his beloved.

The sky was a gorgeous pale blue, the clouds outlined with pink and orange as the sun began to sink past the horizon. Their normal picnic spot had been set up to look very different.

Copia had to pull a few strings, but the trees were decorated with lights, and all of their favorite flowers formed to make a walkway that led to a small platform that was covered in more flowers.

He walked them towards the destination while one sibling of sin hid in the bushes to capture it on video and get the most perfect photos.

Y/N was in absolute awe. It looked like something out of a movie. “Is that for me, Copia?” They asked innocently, unsure of whether this was just for them or someone else.

“Yes, carissima. This is all for you.” He walked up to the platform, letting them take the first step. He steps up next, bending down on one knee. “I knew from the moment I laid my eyes on you that I wanted to be the one you loved. I have cherished every moment, every laugh, even the fights, all because I got to spend that time with you. You are the love and the light of my life. I love you beyond words, Y/N. So please, will you marry me?”

Crying, Y/N lowers themself to be level with him. “Yes,” they cry, holding his face in their hands and kissing him. “A thousand times, yes.”

Copia’s face lights up as he takes their left hand off his face, slipping the ring on, then pulling them into the closest hug they will ever feel in their lives.

Will you spill the wine

To summon the divine?

I'm with you always, always

Now paint a pair of eyes

And let's watch as it dries

Remember always, that love is all you need

Tell me who you wanna be

And I will set you free

There's a darkness at the heart of my love

That runs cold, runs deep

The darkness at the heart of my love

So bold, so sweet

The big day was here. The day where Y/N and Copia would pledge their love in front of everyone.

Marrying a Papa was a big deal. Everyone in the Clergy would gather to watch the occasion. The reception, however, was for close friends and family members only.

“Are you ready?” A voice called from behind Y/N . It was their father. He wasn’t entirely on board with the concept of marrying a satanic pope, but once he realized just how wonderful Copia made them feel, he accepted the relationship, and welcomed Copia with open arms.

“I believe so,” they said, using one hand to hold the bouquet of flowers, the other smoothing down their outfit.

“Then I believe it’s time,” he said, taking their arm in his as the doors opened. They looked up to where Copia was standing in awe. He had on a gorgeous suit and his paints were on. Tradition is that they wear full regalia, but he didn’t want to remember this moment as Papa, just as Copia. He finally was able to compromise with just using his paints, so he took what he could get.

They could tell that there were tears in his eyes. He was always the sentimental type. They smiled as tears welled in their eyes as well.

As they reached the altar, their father smiled at them and kissed their cheek before sitting down. Copia reached a hand out to them as they walked up the stairs, handing a bridesmaid the bouquet of flowers.

“Hi, you look gorgeous,” he whispered excitedly.

“You don’t look too bad yourself,” they said, giving him a wink. The officiant began speaking, signaling the ceremony had begun. There was a bottle of wine, two chalices, and their rings on a small table next to the officiant.

A little while into the wedding, both of them poured wine into the other’s chalice, crossing their arms as they sip. It wasn’t the most necessary part of the ceremony, but it was something that they decided to do. A symbol of their joining together.

They slipped their rings on after, officially combined as one.

They walked back down the aisle, arm in arm, smiling like children, so happy that they found their perfect match. Neither of them wanted to get their outfits messed up, so as their chosen guests filed into the reception room, they changed into simpler, yet still formal, outfits.

“I am so happy that I have you now,” Copia said, coming behind Y/N to wrap them in a hug and leaned his head on their shoulders.

“Until death do us part,” Y/N responded in a joking tone.

“Not even death could keep us from each other,” he said, kissing their neck. Y/N turned around, wrapping their arms around his shoulders, kissing him.

“I would never let that happen,” they smiled.

There's a darkness at the heart of my love

That runs cold, runs deep

The darkness at the heart of my love

For you

“Are you excited? It’s your last concert of this tour. I’m so proud of you,” Y/N said, kissing his cheek as they helped fix his robes.

“It has been a blast. I’m sad to see it come to an end, but that just means we can start new journeys now,” he smiled.

“You’re going to do amazing.” They both walked to the side of the stage, waiting for the cue that they were good to go. “Do you hear that? Copia, they love you.” A smile rested on their face, their head leaning on their husband's shoulder.

“No one could love me the way you do, dolcezza. They may love me, and I may entice them, but my eyes are only for you. I am only for you. I will be with you always,” he said, listening to the crowd’s chanting.

“It’s time. I’ll see you after the show, my love.”

“I love you,” Copia said, kissing them lovingly before walking on stage, the crowd screaming their heads off.

Y/N made their way to their designated spot above the crowd. There was always one section where they would stand and watch, no one else to bother them. The crowd was extremely reactive tonight, everyone having the best time. Even the ghouls looked to be having the greatest night of their lives. 

They smiled, singing along to every song. Occasionally, Copia would look up to where they stood, and they waved each time.

He bounced around the stage, everyone enchanted by his every move, but now the concert was coming to an end. He looked so content and happy performing that neither of them wanted this to end.

“Now this song is very special to me. I used to sing this song, worried about the pain another would cause me, or a pain that I would cause another if I let anyone near me, close to my heart. I said no! No relationships!” He paused, looking around the crowd then looking up to them. “Now, I know that I was wrong. I wish I could have figured this out sooner, but when I stepped into that little coffee shop, I’m glad it took all the time that it did. For the past few years, my love, my beautiful, my angel, my partner has been by my side. So now, I sing a new song of love. Love for the one I am so glad to be able to call my partner. For my Y/N.” He pointed at them as the crowd cheered at the mention of their name, causing them to grin and blush. "This is Darkness At The Heart of My Love!” The crowd cheered some more as the opening notes played.

He sang beautifully. His voice was perfect, and his movements bewitching. Everything about this performance proved Copia was a masterpiece. Y/N leaned onto the railing, singing and watching as their lover made his way through the song.

“Remember always that love is all you need. Tell me who you wanna be, and I will set you free,” he sang as the song drew near its end, looking up to Y/N as he did.

There's a darkness at the heart of my love

That runs cold, runs deep

The darkness at the heart of my love

So bold, so sweet

There's a darkness at the heart of my love (my love)

That runs cold (runs cold), runs deep (runs deep)

The darkness at the heart of my love (my love)

So bold (so bold), so sweet (so sweet)

Y/N didn’t notice the security coming behind them, but they recognized similar strange figures standing on either side of the stage, stalking towards Copia.

Panic flooded them as they turned to run to try and save him, though it was a waste of effort. The security guards behind them grabbed them, forcing them to watch the events unfold.

“And all this time you knew that I would put you through the darkness at the heart of my love for you!” Copia sang, unaware of the men behind him while Y/N struggled.

When the summer dies

Severing the ties

I'm with you always, always

The men came behind Copia, grabbing his arms and legs, pulling him away from the microphone. A look of fear filled his face.

Paint a pair of eyes

Let's watch as it dries

I'm with you always, always

“No!” They screamed out, watching him get dragged off stage, struggling in the same way they were. “Copia! Please! No!” People in the few rows below them turned, watching the tears streaming down their face as they continued to scream.

Sister Imperator walked out on stage, beginning to say some words, but Y/N couldn’t make it out. The guards let them go, and they crumpled to the ground, shaking and sobbing, feeling utterly broken. “No,” they cried quieter. The crowd was painfully silent as they watched Sister. “This can’t be happening. No. Please.” A few siblings of sin walked toward them, lifting them off the ground, walking them back to a car.

They took them back to the ministry, and they cried the whole way there. They brought them to bed, changing their clothes and making them comfortable. They listened to their cries, sad looks on their faces.

They said nothing now, laying in the bed them and Copia would never share again. They held his pillow close, crying into it.

He was gone, and they wouldn’t get him back.

[ghoulangerlee]

rain and aether thing somewhat takes place after the other one I posted. this one is just biting? a lot of biting and hints that rain ghoul is making his rounds among the others and partaking in freaky sex as well

i will eventually get to writing the actual sex between these two and not just rain being a smug asshole and flashing his bitey teeth at aether

im not too happy with it and it was going to be something totally different but it grew into aether thirsting after rain's freaky teeth

minor cw for the end where it's alluded to that rain's drinking blood

its not been read over im yeeting this to to public bc if i have it in my drafts any longer im gonna be even more discouraged

-

Rain's teeth are, arguably the most terrifying part of him—next to his eyes and the strange mimic voice he projects into Aether's mind when he wants to be heard.

Two rows of sharp, serrated teeth, the inner row situated just behind the first—even more terrifying when Rain chooses not to glamour (which is all the time usually, unless he's out with the band, and then he uses the barest minimum of glamour—his claws, skin color, his strange inhuman eyes, all hidden; he doesn't dull his senses, he doesn't hide his aura, just physical changes to fit in), he hasn't properly bedded Rain just yet, but he does wonder about the teeth, if Rain's careful with them.

He's of course seen the mouth shaped marks on the others, half formed teeth marks across Dew's throat, or the neat double row on Mountain's inner thigh, bruised and scabbed over—even Copia carried a mark, one that Aether had accidentally seen on his side while he'd been changing.

Each one, similar in a way but also different—two rows of teeth, four neat lines of marks showing that something, or someone had been there.

(Aether tries not to think too hard about teeth catching on too sensitive skin, painful and not at all arousing.)

Not that bedding Rain was the only thing on his mind of course, helping the water ghoul acclimate to life on the surface, giving him a crash course in human ways so Copia didn't inexplicably insult Rain without knowing—etiquette and language (though Rain didn't vocalize), teaching him how to build and hold a proper glamour that couldn't be seen through by just anyone, even pop culture and human food, those were the things that Aether had mostly been concerned about.

The tour was coming up fast and Copia would be summoning another ghoul sooner than later—the faster he had Rain acclimated meant that when the new ghoul was on the surface, Aether wouldn't be in charge of two otherworldly beings.

Rain, by himself, was a handful.

He was absolutely perfect during band practice, sticking by Dew's side and learning the cues from both Copia and Mountain, studious and eager to play. He used his voice more during these moments, his mimicry of a vocalization projected into all of their minds at once so they could all discuss as one.

It was when it was just the two of them that things were...different.

He was intense, always watching Aether with his dark eyes, so dark that he couldn't tell where the pupil ended and the iris began—the dark maybe blue almost black blending into one color.

Of course, Aether knew that from the set of his eyes, the sharpness of his teeth and claws, Rain was a predator, through and through. It wasn't that difficult to figure out, how he'd track movement and his affinity to blood—the one time Copia had accidentally cut himself on the edge of a small stack of paperwork, Aether had seen the way Rain's nostrils flared, his gaze snapping from the book he'd been reading to Copia across the room, muttering to himself as he shoved his sluggishly bleeding finger into his mouth.

The control he held, the way he'd kept his eyes on Copia the whole time until the man had left the room, carrying the stack of papers now safely on a clipboard.

When Aether finally managed to catch Rain's gaze, he had noticed the glazed look in his eyes, the impatience radiating off of him as the book in his lap had been forgotten.

If he had to place a name to the expression on Rain's face, it'd probably be something like ravenous, hungry, a caged animal waiting to pounce.

And when Rain had stood up, closing his book with a firmness, he'd briefly caught Aether's eyes again, a sharp grin on his lips before he'd left the room as well.

While alone, he pondered what it'd be like to be on the receiving end of Rain's gaze—to be the one who caused that reaction in him, to be the one who'd be at Rain's mercy...

He quickly banished the thought and quietly thanked every prince of hell that today had been the one day he'd decided to go without genitalia—the only clue to his tumultuous thoughts being a quick spike in his scent and an uptick in his pulse that he could easily explain away.

And then one day, one day, Rain had cornered him, they weren't much different in height, with Aether being slightly taller than the water ghoul, but something about the squareness of his shoulders, the way he carried himself, the confidence in which he'd rested his hands on Aether's hips, guiding him back against the wall had Aether feeling small.

He shivered, heat immediately pooling between his legs as Rain pressed against him, his body warm and firm as he hooks his fingers into the hem of Rain's shirt, keeping him close.

Aether.

The vocalization is warm and amused, and when Aether glances down at Rain, he's smiling, somewhat fond.

You're the only one who hasn't come to bed with me.

Aether snorts softly, feeling the tension bleed out of him at Rain's words—the phrase so reminiscent of something that Copia would say, "I didn't know you were trying to collect us," he says, feeling Rain shake against him with laughter as the water ghoul noses along his jaw.

I like a full set

Aether feels teeth graze lightly against his skin, the sharp points drawing a full body shudder from him as he grips Rain's shirt tighter.

You think so loudly about me, Rain's voice cuts through his frenzied thoughts, When you look at me, you look like you're contemplating jumping me.

A flush spreads across Aether's cheeks, the pink of it so obvious on his pale, human skin and he's glad that Rain's more occupied with mouthing at his jaw and throat, not focused on his face.

"S'why you have me here now, right?" he asks, tipping his head back against the wall as Rain's mouth continues its way across his throat, "Because I keep lookin' at you."

Rain laughs again and it's very odd, to not hear the laughter, to only feel it where Rain's shaking against him, usually, there's a projection even if the laughter sometimes doesn't come out right.

You're always looking at my mouth, figured it was time I finally took a bite and let you see what all of this is about.

As the words echo in Aether's mind, Rain's teeth bite down, not hard enough to maim but definitely hard enough that Aether feels them sink into his skin, sharp and painful in a way that has Aether pushing up onto his toes as if he's trying to get away from Rain.

He vocalizes something, the pain shooting through his body as hot as molten lava—a hand, Rain's hand, pets against his side, now under his shirt and warm against his skin, petting claw tipped fingers gently over him.

Too much?

Aether goes to respond, to tell him yes, let me go and no please don't stop but before he can, the words die in his throat as Rain pulls his mouth away, soothing his tongue over the bite marks.

Now you match with your pretty fire ghoul

Aether shivers, remembering the teeth marks across Dew's throat, the dopey look on his face whenever he'd leave Rain's room and he feels Rain smile against his skin as if he also knows what Aether's thinking about.

Prey are usually scared of the teeth, not aroused by them.

There's an amused tone to Rain's words and the barest hint of sharp teeth against Aether's earlobe, making the quintessence ghoul shiver again, pulling at Rain's shirt, his hands fisted tightly in the material.

Too much?

It's an out, an offer to step back and regroup, try something else, try again at a later time and if Aether were smart, he'd do that, he'd let them regroup, talk about it with Rain first to make sure no boundaries were being crossed—but Hell below, Aether is tired of thinking things through rationally, of talking things out before diving head first into something.

The others have had a chance with Rain, have tumbled into bed with him multiple times, have the marks to show for it and Aether's just feeling a bit like he can be selfish this once.

"No," he says, untangling his fingers from Rain's shirt, feeling the water ghoul perk up a bit at his words, "Not enough," he offers, sliding his fingers into Rain's hair, guiding him easily to the other side of his neck, "I heal pretty fast," he says, "Within a few hours the mark'll be gone if you're not fastidious enough about it," he tilts his head back against the wall, guiding Rain up into the perfect spot; the stretch of skin just below his ear, something that'll be hard to cover up when he's not wearing his full uniform.

He feels Rain's fingers flex slightly, his nails catching against his skin briefly before he seems to settle down.

There's a pause, a moment where Aether worries he's read the whole situation wrong, but then there's a piercing pain that melts into something that sends molten heat to his core, warming him up from the inside out as his fingers hold a bit too tight in Rain's hair, keeping him exactly where he needs him.

He feels Rain's jaw work against his skin, the loud exhale of air from his nose as he presses Aether harder against the wall, shoving his leg between Aether's, hot and hard and perfect.

[emeritus-fuckers]

repugnant realising they’ve caught feelings for their FWB or Best friend?

Repugnant catching feelings for their FWB

Mary Goore (they/them)

Mary's the kind of person to not be big on playing around with stuff.

Or, in a less diplomatic way of saying it, they're a no-bullshit type of person.

So once they think there might be something more going on, they first wait a few days to see if it's just a crush or something serious.

If it passes, they just shrug it off an don't bring it up to you, since there's really no point.

You don't ever really notice, since they don't change the way they act around you while figuring out their feelings.

If they realize it's not a crush and they're actually into you, they just randomly bring it up one day and give it to you straight that they're into you romantically. They don't have time for bullshit like circling around and they can take a rejection if you're not into them. There's no point in being all weird about their feelings.

DD Sars (he/him)

If by some miracle he gets a crush, he just... lets it fade eventually.

He's just not interested in dating anyone.

He's gonna be extremely mean until his feelings go back to normal.

DD has a lot of issues with the vulnerability and possible dependency that comes with a possible relationship. It's a step too far for him.

And also he just... doesn't like all the things a relationship is associated with. All the mushiness and stuff.

He doesn't ever tell you he had feelings for you. You don't need to know.

G. Grotesque (he/him)

G. is an incredibly positive and affectionate person.

This has lead the others to just say he's in love with everyone and everything. And honestly, he is.

But when he realizes he's actually in love? Oh, he's in it deep.

He confesses after two, maybe three days.

He's in touch with his feelings, he's not gonna be weird about it, he's an honest guy!

Though he totally takes you off guard with just how honest he is. You guys just hang out like you normally would, everything is as it always is...

And he just suddenly, not changing his tone or anything, asks if you'd like to start dating. Without missing a beat, like this was just the most regular thing you guys talked about.

It probably doesn't even fully register at first.

E. Forcas (he/him)

This. Awkward. Motherfucker.

He's completely lost on what to do about his feelings.

On one hand, he'd love to date you. He would be delighted to be with you.

But on the other hand, he's terrified at the idea of ruining everything.

He's not scared of a break-up or a rejection, mind you. He's scared of his feelings ruining your friendship.

This results in him getting even more awkward than he already is in general.

He ends up staring at you more often than before. You can even see a slight blush on his face.

In the end, he confides in G., who ends up discreetly telling you about E.'s feelings so you can help the poor man by bringing some closure.

Tom Bones (he/him)

Just like E., this dumbass (lovingly) cannot handle it, but for a completely different reason and in a completely different way.

It's not that he doesn't know how to handle it, it's that... he handles it in a truly brilliant way... by flirting with you.

Normally, it would be a somewhat decent idea, right? Well, there's one issue. Tom is already a natural, casual flirt. He just speaks in a somewhat flirty manner and never passes an opportunity to throw in a pick-up line.

So him trying to flirt with you to get you to understand his emotions is just... taken as him being the way he always is.

It gets so frustrating to him... and very funny for others. Mary does not live it down. Neither does DD.

Eventually he just sighs heavily and grumbles out the actual confession because he finally realizes his original plan doesn't work.

It takes weeks, though.

~

Written by Nosferatu.

Taglist: @copias-fluffy-asscheeks @tuttifuckinfruttifriday @calliedion-dungeon @callmeicaro @thecuriouss @nuntia @thermodynamic-comedian @vampyrolesbos

[copiousloverofcopia]

UNHOLY FUCK Ghesties!

THIS IS IT! The final chapter of Death and Flowers is coming at you!!!

I hope you all enjoy it!!!! Our poor Copia and Ollie have been through so much. Will they have a happily ever after?

Commissions are OPEN, please see pinned post for Carrd info!

*Special thank you to @gothdaddyissues for the banners*-hit me up ghestie I owe you a fic or something for using these.

Death & Flowers

It hadn’t been serious, it never was with him. While Papa was suave and Ollie enjoyed their time together it wasn’t meant to be. She knew it wasn’t something meant to last…something permanent but—here she was. It was only one missed pill and life forever changed.

Chapter 14: Long May He Reign

Also available HERE on AO3! Haven’t started yet? Start from the beginning HERE!

Definitely NSFW below the cut!

They didn't bother to wait for the rest of the ghouls. Copia, along with Alpha, Omega, and Aether began working their way to Saltarian’s office. The Cardinal, having finally put all the pieces together. He was angry at himself for being so blind—the answers were right there in front of him the whole time. 

“Tell us Cardinal, who is responsible for this?” Aether asked, watching as the anger inside both Omega and Alpha grew. Threatening to billow out of them like Hell fire—consuming anything and everything in their path. 

“It is those men–the League. Maybe Saltarian, I think he has been assembling them to overthrow the Ministry. The Emeritus family and the ghouls are just casualties in their pursuit of it. 

“Then… then why weren't they after you?” Aether asked, knowing the truth of Copia’s parentage. It would have puzzled Copia too, had he not overheard the conversation between Sister and Saltarian from before. Now he knew exactly why he was overlooked, despite his heritage.  

“The man has a soft spot for Sister… I am her son and from what I have learned, I was never supposed to know Nihil was my father. Blissful ignorance meant to keep me safe in favor of her. But now that has all changed.”

“This is fucking insane; how did they think they were going to keep everything in line without the support of the ghouls. Like it or not, we are essential for the connection and power from the Dark One himself.” Alpha snarled, as they walked, trying his best not to go running off on his own to fight them. The ghouls, confused and betrayed by all they thought they knew.  

“I am sure the plan was to have some of you become fodder for those hungry to condemn someone for the Emeritus family deaths, but I can only assume they never meant to imply that all of you were involved. I am certain now that this is why you were framed. Blamed for Primo, Secondo, and Terzo’s deaths.”

“How do you know?” Omega asked.

“The scent. I don’t have senses the way you do, but I have recently come into contact with the same smell Aether described. It was overwhelming on Bishop Martin… it has to be them. 

A few hours before…

Saltarian sat at his desk, head in his hands as he waited for the California Ministry to contact him. Hoping to have Copia set up to stay there for the majority of his time of touring. He wondered if he would be able to continue on as planned. His love for Elizabeth had already cost him so much and now with her carelessness, she threatened to undo everything he had worked so hard to orchestrate. 

He could hear it from down the hall as they approached. The sounds of footfalls on the tile, made with a sense of haste. Then as expected and without a knock, Bishops Mauro, Henry, and Martin came charging into his office. The looks on their faces telling him this was no casual visit. 

“What is it?” he asked them.

“We have a problem.” Bishop Mauro began, looking at the other two to see who might be next to speak.

“What problem?” he asked, rubbing his eyes. Allowing his pen to fall to his desk, and the room to grow quiet before he looked up at them. 

“We have learned some very disturbing news, your excellency.” Martin continued. 

“Seems our dear sweet Cardinal is not the father of Sister Olive’s child.” Henry smirked, a glint of evil in his eye. One that had far surpassed anything Saltarian had ever seen. The news was powerful, yet not a complete surprise to him. The most interesting part was the thought that Copia knew and still claimed the child as his own. Saltarian, now wondering if the Cardinal and Sister Imperator had conspired against him this whole time.

“He’s also Nihil’s son… a fact you seemed to be aware of, yet we are just now hearing of it. Is this true Mr. Saltarian?” Bishop Mauro asked, watching for a crack in Saltarian’s resolve. He was angered to the core—maddened. He had tried to do right by Sister Imperator. Hiding her bastard son from the eyes of those he answered to—those who also wanted the end of the Emeritus family. Only to have the bloodline kept alive and well in his child. Sure, that it was Sister Imperator who outed him as knowing the secret. 

“I see... that conniving bitch. That is preposterous.” he hissed under his breath. “You know what you need to do.” he nodded to the bishops. The men, acknowledging him as they set course to eliminate them all—Nihil, Copia, Olive and the child.

Present time

Copia rounded the corner and ran straight into Bishop Martin, he was covered in blood. Unabashed by walking around in broad daylight. His smug smile, sending a chill down Copia’s spine. 

“What have you done!” Copia yelled, the crest of his knuckles bashing into the bishop’s jawline as he threw the first punch. Sending a cascade of blood from Martin’s mouth to the floor. The ghouls standing behind them, growling and tails snapping in the air like whips. 

“You really are a fool.” Martin laughed, his face already beginning to swell from Copia’s right hook. 

“Whose blood is this? If you don't tell me what is going on, I will let them devour you whole, you figlio di puttana!” 

“All this energy over your dead brother's whore?” Martin chuckled. Leaving bloody fingerprints behind on Copia’s cassock as he tried to hold him back from another hit. 

“I’ll fucking kill you.” Omega roared, Aether and Alpha holding him down so that Copia may get answers before Omega went and tore him to shreds. 

“Oh Satanas Ollie.” Copia choked, his stomach sinking as the words left him. Scared that the blood may be hers.

“Relax Cardinal, you precious whore is fine. Though not for long. This blood… belongs to your old man.” he grinned, as Copia dropped his body to the ground. Running behind him into Nihil’s office. Only to find the old man dead in his chair–throat slit and blood decorating the walls. 

“Oh fuck.” Aether said, as he and Alpha followed him into the room. Omega, still in the hall. Sinking his teeth into the bishop's carotid before his body went completely limp in the ghoul's arms. 

“He’s gone.” was all Copia could say, quickly setting course back into the hall where he found Omega hovering over the bishop. Barely clutching onto his mortal coil.  

“She’s next.” he said, choking on his own blood. The ghouls and Copia, realizing instantly what he meant.

“We need to get to Ollie and Luss now!” Alpha growled, taking off full force alongside Copia and Aether as Omega finished off Martin. 

As they made it back to Copia’s Papal suites, there was an eerie quiet. The door cracked open and no sign of Ollie or Cumulus to be seen. Copia and the ghouls carefully crept inside. Searching for them, until finally they could hear the sound of glass breaking from within the bedroom. 

As they ran inside, they saw them. Two men, in shining silver ghouls' masks, holding Ollie and Cumulus captive. Knives to their throats and the two of them struggling against their captor’s grips. Cumulus, doing her best to try and bite them, while Ollie cried. Her hands, never leaving her belly.  

“Ollie! Cumulus!” Copia cried, attempting to run for them before watching the men adjust their blades. Stopping the Cardinal in his tracks as the ghouls continued forward. 

“Take those off! You can’t fool us you motherfuckers.” Alpha hissed, watching as the men removed the masks. Revealing themselves to be Bishop Mauro and Henry. Copia’s suspicions had been confirmed. It was the League who was responsible for the deaths of his brothers—and his father. 

“Step any closer and we will slit their throats.” Bishop Henry told them. Pressing the blade against Ollie’s neck. A string of blood, beading up along the cut as she cried out. 

“Copia!” 

“It’s alright amore.” Copia called out, the bishops laughing at his weak promises. Amused with his idea he had any control, knowing they held Ollie and Cumulus within millimeters of death.  

“We will tear you apart before you do anything to them!” Omega roared, looking into Cumulus’s eyes. Doing her best to remain calm as her life lay in the balance. Never showing her fear to them as they continued on. 

“Please you all are nothing but rabid animals. No sense or reason. You’re disposable. There are millions more like you awaiting summoning. None of them will ever know better.” Mauro smiled. The three ghouls standing their ground, teeth bared and tails swishing. Ready to pounce if they only are given the chance.

“Let Ollie and Cumulus go, take me instead. They have done nothing to you. It’s me you want. I am Nihil’s son.” Copia begged, trying his best to inch closer to them without setting them off. 

“There’s just one thing…a tiny… little… thing.” Henry said. Slowly brushing back the hair from off Ollie’s shoulder. Trembling in his grasp. “This is a problem.” he said as his free hand traveled down from her shoulder and over her chest, finally settling over the swell of her belly. 

“Don’t you fucking touch her.” Copia said, his teeth gritted and his rage boiling over. Bloodthirsty and ready to end them.  

“It’s nothing personal, Cardinal. The Ministry is just done with Emeritus. Sorry you got caught in the mix. Then again, you all are nothing but fools.” Mauro hissed. The tension was unbearable. Every second lingering as they stared each other down. Copia and the ghouls helpless but to watch until somehow, they could find a way in. 

Suddenly from the shadows, a figure appeared. Pushing past the men and bringing himself front and center. Positioning himself between them. Announcing himself as the man of the hour, the one who held all control—Mr. Saltarian.

“Not yet Henry…” he said, stopping things from moving forward until he had his final say. Wanting to draw out Copia’s torment for as long as humanly possible. Relish, in his agony as he watched his lover and child slowly be murdered in front of his eyes.  

“Ti sei rincoglionito?!” Copia growled, his white eye—blazing with fury. Chest heaving and ready to kill Saltarian where he stood.

“You know, I had a mind once to consider you a son. After all I have known you since your whore of a mother carried you.” Saltarian began, smirking at him as he crossed his arms. Lifting up a condescending brow and snickering to himself. 

“You are nothing—” Copia began before Saltarian cut him off. 

“I am everything… I have done everything. You know the whole reason this order, the League, was founded was to get rid of them. I may never have been able to become Papa myself, but I could have still had control. If your mother hadn’t been stupid enough to tell you about Nihil.”

“Don’t you dare…” Copia began. 

“I did EVERYTHING FOR HER!” Saltarian yelled back, turning around to rip away the knife from Bishop Henry. Pressing it into the side of Ollie’s belly, just hard enough to draw blood. The blood, staining her dress as she cried out. 

“Ah!”

“Please don’t hurt her!” Copia pleaded, ready to give his life for her. The ghouls snapping and snarling behind him. Waiting for an opportune moment to strike. Dying to taste the blood of the men on their tongues and pick their flesh from their teeth. 

“This is your fault Copia. Had you never been born she might have been mine. Not attached to that old bastard for so long. Even then I would have given you the Papacy to please her. Getting rid of Nihil so you could start anew with me pulling the strings—but now since she managed to ruin it all helping you and helped to protect this pathetic Emeritus whelp…” Saltarian said as he raised up the knife, “...I guess I’ll have to kill you all and take the miter myself!”

Saltarian threw Ollie to the ground and lunged towards Copia. The blade, barely missing his chest and digging into his shoulder. Copia groaned as he pulled it out, him and Saltarian struggling to take hold of it. Copia’s blood painting the floor, slick and red. 

The ghouls took their opportunity in the confusion. The bishop’s had grown comfortable, letting down their guard when Cumulus thrusted her elbow backwards into Mauro. Knocking him back onto the floor. The ghouls and ghoulette, flooding over him and ripping him apart with their bare teeth and sharp claws. Bishop Henry panting as he tried to take off. Aether, jumping over his gorging brethren to snatch him. 

The ghoul’s claws sunk deep into the flesh of the bishop’s back as he screamed. Blood curdling and powerful as he fell to the ground. Ollie, still laying on the floor, cradling her belly in her arms as she watched in horror at the scene. The ghouls devouring the Bishops and Saltarian and Copia fighting to the death. 

The ruckus in the Papal suite had alerted others, crowds of siblings and other clergy members spilling in from the halls. All too shocked and afraid to make a move. Worried that their involvement would seal the wrong person’s fate. Watching as Copia and Saltarian continued to scuffle. The knife dancing between them, always a split hair away from stabbing one or the other. 

Ollie pulled herself up, grateful to a pair of sisters who came to collect her. Surrounded by pieces of what once was the bishops. Covered in theirs and her lover’s blood. Catching Copia’s eyes for a brief moment, her tears once again began to shed. Wondering to herself if this was the last time, he would ever look at her.  

Seeing Ollie was all he needed. The thought of never seeing her again, never holding her again, gave him strength beyond measure. Toppling Saltarian to the ground and hovering over him. Knife raised high as he was ready to strike. 

“You know it's far from over. I am not the only one who wanted the power of the Ministry to be their own.” Saltarian said, spitting up at Copia.  

“Your vitriol nature has done nothing for you. How does it feel to know his son bested you after all.” Copia told him, gloating at the idea. Saltarian made one last stitch effort to get the blade. Punching Copia in the gut as he tried to take it from him. The two men, rolling on the ground over one another–until suddenly they stopped. 

The two of them, looking down to see the blade piercing into Saltarian’s heart. Immediately he began choking. Feeling his death approaching. Every beat of his heart, bringing him closer as he began to bleed out from the inside. 

“This baby will be born, and the Emeritus bloodline will continue…and one day Saltarian, he will become Papa…” Copia began, watching the light starting to fade in Saltarian’s eyes. 

“No…” Saltarian shuddered as Copia pushed the knife in deeper. Twisting it as he spoke, “And long may he reign!”

Epilogue 

A Few Years Later…

As the lights died down on the stage at the last of the Los Angeles shows, Copia remained bowed. His heart pounding in his chest and the thrill of the crowd cheering “Papa” echoing throughout the arena. Never did he imagine his life would be like this. Admired by all and revered by the Ministry. 

It had been so long since his humbler beginnings. The night of his true rise to power was long behind him. Followed swiftly by the sweet embrace of Fatherhood not long after. Becoming Papa, despite it all, in the in between.

Now that he had been in charge for some time, Copia decided that after the Imperatour he would step down. If there was one thing Saltarian got right—was that new blood was needed in the Ministry. Terzo's son—his son, would one day rise to power and until then Copia wanted the Ministry to be helmed by someone else. Copia, knowing he had done all he could there after working to reform things. 

He had worked hard to bring down all those who co-conspired in the deaths of his father and brothers. His mother was forced to step down from her position within the church. Toured for years with Ghost, and helped to foster a new wave of worthy siblings of sin and respectful members of the Clergy. Knowing that now was the time for someone else to lead.

He and Ollie had never been better, raising their little boy to the best of their ability while on the road. Never leaving each other’s side, even now. No longer haunted by the ghosts of the past as they worked to create their own family. A life, a love, something special just for them. 

As he exited the stage, he caught sight of them. The two things he cared about more than anything else, his sweet Ollie and little Giovanni were standing there waiting for him backstage. Juice boxes, held in his pair of small hands as Giovanni went running up to his daddy. Copia, hoisting him up in the air and squeezing him tight in his arms. Ollie, following right behind him, a smile spread wide across her face.

“That was incredible.” Ollie cheered, coming to plant a kiss on Copia’s smeared painted cheek. 

“I should say so, what do you think piccolo? Did daddy do a good job?” he asked Giovanni.

“I loved it!” his son cheered, throwing his arms around Copia. Juice spraying in the air and all over the back of his father’s vestments. Ollie, quickly coming to help try and help clean it up.

“Gio, you need to be more careful.” she told him. Giving him a cheeky look before dapping away at the spill.

“It’s alright cara, I won't be needing them much longer anyways. You know very soon Gio, daddy and mommy are going to take you to the country. Spend some time in the quiet… I feel it's well earned. For all of us.” Copia chuckled, sending Ollie the sincerest of smiles. Ollie was overcome with emotion. So happy to have time to enjoy just each other. The nightmares of the past behind them. She was unable to help but kiss him. Relishing the feel of his lips against hers and the sounds of their son’s giggles as she hummed in contentment. 

“That it is Papa—that it is.”

Notes: 

figlio di puttana- son of a bitch

Piccolo- Little one